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A middle-aged man, Malam Umar, and his teenage son, Abubakar, died inside a well they were digging at Gidan-Filani village, near Wamakko in Sokoto State, on Wednesday.

A witness told the News Agency of Nigeria in Wamakko on Thursday, that the duo had dug up to nine metres when the well suddenly collapsed on Abubakar, who was inside.

The witness said that a distraught Umar jumped into the well to rescue his son, but that none of them came out alive.

Abu Maitifas, Secretary, Tipper Drivers Association, Sokoto Chapter, who visited the scene of the incident, said that their bodies were later retrieved by personnel of the Sokoto State Fire Service.

He said that the two men, who hailed from Lokobi village in Wamakko Local Government, had been buried.

The Director-General of the Fire Service, Ibrahim Dingyadi, confirmed the incident, and described it as unfortunate.

(NAN)

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Aero Contractors Airline, which is under the management of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), has sacked 60 per cent of its workforce.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that letters of redundancy were issued to the affected employees during the week.

Media Consultant to the airline, Simon Tumba, who confirmed the development in a statement issued on Thursday, said the workers would be paid their pension and gratuity.

Mr. Tumba said the airline had been grappling with huge and unrealistic personnel cost as well as other operational challenges worsened by lack of enough aircraft to keep all the workers meaningfully engaged.

The issuance of notification of redundancy is a business decision that will ensure Aeros survival.

The current situation where over a thousand people are basically not engaged due to lack of serviceable aircraft is not sustainable for the airline.

The huge monthly salary associated with a bloated workforce will eventually kill the airline, which is not the intention of the current government, he said.

According to him, Aero Contractors currently has aircraft-to-employee ratio of 1:500, which analysts believe is perhaps the worst in the history of global airline industry.

Mr. Tumba said governments intervention in Aero was to save it from total collapse therefore, all steps such as this (issuance of redundancy letters) to ensure its survival must be put into consideration to save the airline.

He said :This decision will immediately reduce the whopping operational cost, which has been stifling Aero; enable the management bring in more aircraft through savings from overheads and pay for C-checks.

It will also enable Aero have a more manageable and committed workforce in line with international best practices of 50 to 60 personnel to one aircraft unlike what obtains in Aero at the moment.

He, however, added that those in Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) and other essential staff in critical departments would not be affected.

Mr. Tumba said Ado Sanusi, the Chief Executive Officer of Aero, had also assured the workers that they stand a chance of being recalled as soon as the airline increases the number of aircraft in its fleet in the near future.

A part of the redundancy letter made available to NAN read:, Following the operational challenges of Aero culminating in loss of business opportunities that adversely affected company finances vis-a-vis operations, we are constrained to place you under redundancy pending a possible future review.

This decision was communicated to the unions where their understanding was solicited in view of prevailing operational difficulties.

Whilst Aero appreciates your contribution to the company and continues to regard you as worthy ambassadors, we solicit your understanding as we struggle to stabilise operations and rebuild the company.

However, the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) and the Air Transport Senior Staff Services Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), have kicked against the move by the airline.

Frances Akinjole, general secretary, ATSSSAN, told NAN that a notification had been sent by the unions to the affected workers not to accept the purported letter of redundancy.

We are totally against it because in the first place, our members are still being owed salaries and we have not even negotiated the redundancy package.

If they go ahead with this move then the unions are prepared to face them headlong, he said. (NAN)

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A fresh case of soldiers brutality against a female Nigerian citizen is being investigated, the Nigerian army has said.

Six soldiers, the army said, are currently in detention over the incident.

This is the third time such incident would be occurring within a month.

The victim whose name was given as Ruth Orji was said to have been beaten on Sunday by soldiers from 174 Battalion, Ikorodu, Lagos State, for daring to challenge a soldier who reportedly slapped her brother.

Graphic photos of the brutalised woman were shared on the social media, prompting Nigerians to call for immediate action against the culprits.

The army said on Thursday that the incident was highly regrettable. It thanked the press for bringing such incidences to (the) fore.

A Board of Inquiry has been constituted by the Commander 9 Brigade, Brigadier General Elias Attu to investigate the circumstances that led to the incident, determine the level of the soldiers involvement, submit its findings and recommend appropriate disciplinary measures, the army said in a statement issued by a spokesperson, O. M Daudu, a lieutenant colonel.

Ms. Orji has been taken to the hospital for treatment, the army said.

The army in February had demoted and imprisoned two soldiers for assaulting a physically challenged man in Onitsha, Anambra State. Another soldier was jailed, also in February, for 28 days for molesting a civilian in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

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Justice Muslim Hassan of the Federal High Court, Lagos, has declined further hearing of the case involving former minister of aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode.

According to the judge, this court will decline hearing this case further and refer the case to the chief judge of this honourable court.

Mr. Fani-Kayode was facing a N4.7 billion money laundering charge before Mr. Hassan.

Details later

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The Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Customs Service, Hameed Ali, has arrived the National Assembly ahead of the rescheduled hearing during which he is expected to brief the Senate on the proposed policy on vehicle duty payment.

Mr. Ali entered the National Assembly around 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, and was ushered into the office of the Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Senate Matters, Ita Enang.

Following his failure to appear before the Senate as earlier expected, the Senate had on Wednesday invoked Section 89 of the constitution to compel him to appear Thursday or risk arrest.

Although the Customs has suspended the controversial policy Wednesday morning in obedience to the Senate, the lawmakers insisted he must appear before them.

But against the demand of the lawmakers, Mr. Ali came to the National Assembly in a white mufti, not appropriate uniform as demanded by lawmakers.

The Senate is at the moment in an executive session believed to be for deliberation on how to treat Mr. Ali when he appears without uniform.

His briefing is the Senates first business of the day.

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An Ikeja Division of the Lagos High Court has convicted Rowaye Jubril and his company, Brila Energy Ltd, on 13 counts of fuel subsidy fraud.

Justice Lateefa Okunnu sentenced Mr. Jibril to 10 years in prison, and made an order of restitution for his company to refund N963.7 million to the Nigerian government.

The defendants were first arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in November 2012.

The conviction comes weeks after the judge convicted Walter Wagbatsoma, Adaoha Ugo-Ngadi, and their company, Ontario Oil and Gas, for fuel subsidy fraud.

Details later.

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The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has made good its threat to sue a serving senator, Nelson Effiong, for defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

The case, which came up Thursday for mention at the federal high court, Abuja, has the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, as a co-defendant.

Mr. Effiong, who represents Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District, was elected to the Senate on the PDP platform in 2015. He is among four senators who have so far decamped, nationwide, from the PDP to the APC.

Mr. Effiong had said he was leaving the PDP partly because of the lingering tussle over the national chairmanship position of the party which has divided it into two factions.

The Akwa Ibom State Chapter of PDP, which is the plaintiff in the case, is asking the court to declare Senator Effiongs seat in the senate vacant.

Goddy Umoh, the PDP legal adviser in the state, led other seven lawyers to appear for the plaintiff. The State Publicity Secretary of the party, Ini Emembong, who is also a lawyer, was part of the legal team.

The senator was not in court, neither was he represented by a counsel. He did not also file any response in the court as at the time of writing this story.

The court, presided over by Justice John Tsoho, adjourned the case to May 11 for hearing.

Mr. Ememobong told PREMIUM TIMES why the PDP was really concerned about Senator Effiongs defection.

It is not whether Senator Effiong represents Governor Udom Emmanuels Senatorial District or not. Anybody who takes the tickets  what was given to the party by the people via a mandate who is barred by an Act of the parliament or any existing law  we will take any legal step to recover that mandate.

You will recall that it is the party logo and the party name that goes for election. So, it is the party that determines the candidate. There is a law that does not allow Nelson Effiong to defect. We are going to the court for the interpretation of that law, Mr. Ememobong said.

Mr. Ememobong said the party has also filed a court case against Emmanuel Ukoette, a member of the House of Representatives, from the state, who also defected recently from the PDP to the APC.

PREMIUM TIMES could not reach Mr. Effiong for his response. But the APC in Akwa Ibom State, through its Secretary, Effiong Etok, said they were not aware of the case.

Mr. Etok said the APC would want to be joined as a co-defendant in the court case.

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The Borno State deputy governor, Usman Durkwa, on Thursday confirmed an attack on Magumeri, a community located 52 kilometres northeast of Maiduguri, the state capital.

The deputy governor however said the death toll was far beyond the figure given by the military.

The military had earlier announced that soldiers effectively repelled the nocturnal attack on Wednesday.

The military had also blamed residents of colluding with the Boko Haram insurgents, a claim the deputy governor said he could not confirm.

Speaking to journalists shortly after returning from Magumeri, Mr. Durkwa said the attack was targeted at various locations where security personnel were stationed in Magumeri.

He said an undisclosed number of soldiers were killed during the attack.

On Wednesday night we were agitated by scary news that all of Magumeri village was attacked and burnt down by Boko Haram insurgents, he said.

From the information we gathered, the attack started at about 5.30p.m. But luckily, none of the house of the civilians was torched during the attack. And no single civilian resident was killed.

The attack was restricted to soldiers base in Magumeri. The terrorists burnt down the military base, the radio room and an armoured vehicle. They also burnt down a water tanker.

Sadly, some soldiers were killed, though I cannot give the actual figure as a search is still on in the bushes to locate if there are more casualties. As at yesterday, we got the information that only two lives were lost. But when we got there today, we discovered the number of lives lost was far beyond what we had earlier.

They also attacked the police station and destroyed the official vehicle of the DPO. A police officer was killed as well.

He said the attackers did not loot any food items except locations where there were fuel.

They also broke into the hospital and carted away drugs. They also burnt down three commercial vehicles, he said.

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The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) says Akwa Ibom received the highest allocation of N116.6 billion from the federation account in 2016.

Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, the Director, Communications of NEITI, made this known in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

According to the latest Quarterly Review of the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) by NEITI, Lagos and Rivers followed Akwa Ibom with N109.3 billion and 103.98 billion.

The report, which is the third in the series by NEITI, examined the breakdown and analysis of disbursements from the federation account to the three tiers of government.

It also looked at the Internally Generated Revenues (IGR) of the states in 2016.

The report showed that Kwara and Ebonyi received the least federal allocations of N30.08 billion and N30.09 billion.

On allocation to local governments, the report said that Lagos topped the table with a total of N69.29 billion allocated to the 20 local governments in the state.

It showed that the 44 local governments in Kano State received a total of N56.16 billion also in 2016.

On disbursements to the Federal Government in 2016, the report disclosed the total FAAC allocation stood at N2.08 trillion as against the N6.06 trillion budgeted for that year, which represented about 34 per cent of the budget.

It noted that the implication could be linked to the noticeable challenges by the Federal Government to meet recurrent expenditure needs estimated at N2.6 trillion in 2016.

The report highlighted that payments to the three tiers of government had continued to decline by an average of 40 per cent between 2013 and 2016.

The Federal Government received N3.711 trillion in 2013 and this fell by 43.9per cent to N2.08 trillion in 2016, the report said.

Similarly, disbursements to State Governments totalled N3.095 trillion in 2013.

According to the NEITI, in 2016, States received N1.642 trillion, which represented a 46.9 per cent decline on the 2013 figures; local governments received total disbursements amounting to N1.011 trillion in 2016.

It said that this was 40.7 per cent lower than the figure of N1.708 trillion they received in 2013.

Comparing 2015 and 2016 figures, NEITIs publication disclosed that the revenues disbursed by FAAC to the three tiers of government fell by 15 per cent from N6.011 trillion in 2015 to N5.121 trillion in 2016.

Other features of the review were in the areas of IGR of the federation, the rising debt profiles and the concern of Nigerians for state governments to lessen dependence on federal allocations.

NEITI noted that Nigerians wanted the state governments to reduce their dependence on federal allocations through creative means of developing capacity to increase IGR.

IGR is very low in most states and it is only in two states of Lagos and Ogun that the IGR is higher than FAAC allocations.

Figures show that total revenue by itself cannot fund states budget, it said.

The report added that the revenues of all the states government fell drastically short of the budgets projections.

It cited some states like Lagos which had a budget of N662.60 billion, but the total revenue that accrued to it was N410.5billion leaving a shortfall of about N252 billion.

Adamawa had revenue of N41.05 billion against a budget of N130.10 billion; while Nassarawa had revenue of N32.5 billion to fund a budget of N77.30 billion.

It further stated that some states such as Cross River, Sokoto, Borno, Jigawa, Osun and Plateau had total revenues in 2016 which were below 30 per cent of their budgets.

The report noted that the debt profile of the state governments were rapidly on the increase.

The review showed that Lagos State had the highest debt of N603.25 billion as against the states revenue of N410.5billion for 2016.

It said that this was followed by Delta with N331.95 billion debt as against N142.28 of its revenue.

It said Osun and Akwa Ibom states took the third and fourth place on rising debt profile with N165.91 billion and N161.23billion.

According to the report, Yobe and Anambra stood out clearly as states with the least debt burden, while Yobe was indebted to the tune of N11.74billion.

Anambra owed N20.60billion, according to NEITI-FACC report.

On rising debt profile, it said the case of Osun, Cross River and Delta states raised major concerns giving the fact that their total borrowings were found by the NEITI to be more than double the total revenues accruing to the states.

NEITI maintained that considering that most states already have a high debt burden, the possibility of even higher debts for the states remain quite high.

The report, however, projected that government revenues would increase following upward movement in global oil prices.

Oil production which was down from January to August 2016, has started rising.

The report noted that there had been a gradual rise in oil prices from 30.70 dollars per barrel in 2016 to 54.58 dollars per barrel in January 2017.

It added that If this trend continued, government revenue would likely increase and would improve the ability of both Federal and State governments to fund their budgets. (NAN)

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The immediate past Chairman of Etsako-East Local Government Council of Edo, Suleiman Afegbua, has been killed by gunmen.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Mr. Afegbua was attacked and killed in the early hours of Thursday along the Benin-Auchi road by Ogbemudias farm.

According to a member of the deceaseds family, Malik Afegbua, the late Mr. Afegbua was on his way to Benin when the incident occurred.

Malik said that the late former council boss was in his Prado SUV with three other occupants when the hoodlums attacked him.

He said only the former chairman was killed by the attackers, while the others escaped.

He also said that he could not say if the incident was a robbery or assassination.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Moses Nkonmbe, confirmed the report.

Mr. Nkonmbe said two of the three co-travellers of the deceased who sustained injuries were already receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.

He also said that the command had deployed officers from the anti-kidnapping unit and other relevant units to comb the area for possible arrest of the culprits.

The body of the late former chairman was being prepared for burial according to Islamic rites, as at the time of filing this report.

(NAN)

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MAYS LANDING  As Barbara Gaba stood in a hallway near the Student Life Center, talking to a student, a notice flashed behind her reminding students of upcoming pizza with the president days at all three Atlantic Cape Community College campuses.

Gaba has been on the job less than two months, but she is already making an impression as the colleges ninth president. She has visited all three campuses, met with faculty and staff, taken on several speaking engagements and bought a house near the Mays Landing campus.

On day one I committed to going to each campus, she said from her office in Mays Landing. We started here, went to Atlantic City, then down to Cape May. That was my whole day.

A newcomer to the area, she is not new to higher education. She worked at Camden County College and spent the last 15 years at Union County College, where she most recently served as provost and associate vice president for Academic Affairs.

That experience made her a front-runner for the job, said board of trustees Chairman David Coskey.

She also had a desire to focus on workforce inclusion. With our evolving workforce, we need to be a leader in workforce training, Coskey said.

One of her first speaking engagements was at the Cape May County Chamber of Commerce. Chamber President Vicki Clark said she was impressed by how much Gaba already knew about the demographics of the two counties.

When people have lived in North Jersey and come south, it is like a whole new world, especially in the winter, Clark said. But (Gaba) understands the challenges in Cape May County. I was encouraged that she talked about expanding partnership opportunities with business.

A primary challenge will be growing enrollment in an area where the population is shrinking.

Up in North Jersey we dont really understand the challenges here, she said. We knew casinos had closed. But when you come here, you can see the loss up close and personal and how its affecting peoples lives.

She said her goal is to make Atlantic Cape the first choice for providing workforce training and college, and to increase the visibility of the college and what it offers.

These are challenging times, but they also give us the opportunity to rethink what we are doing.

She sees the three campuses as like having three children: You love them all equally, but they all have different personalities.

Caesar Niglio, president of the Atlantic Cape Community College Education Association, which represents faculty and staff, said they see Gaba as a strong person who is not afraid of challenges. Niglio served on the search committee and said she was a front-runner.

We want to share ideas and collaborate with her, he said. And I can see her wanting to work with teams. Because she is new to the area she has to learn the community, and she has been very visible.

He said community college faculty tend to be people who like helping others, and he gets that feeling of family and community from Gaba.

We have the same goal of helping students, he said.

A native of New York, Gaba grew up on the Lower East Side. Her father died when she was 10, and her mother raised Gaba and her two siblings alone.

We grew up in the projects, she said. But my mother put a strong premium on education, and I get my work ethic from her.

She credits her success with always being willing to work beyond her job description and taking on new challenges.

I learned more by raising my hand to volunteer, she said.

She met her husband of 45 years, a retired accountant, on a blind date, then spent 10 years in Nigeria with him and their two children when they returned to his homeland. A volunteer position at the American Embassy turned into a job as a protocol assistant to the ambassador.

I got to see another culture and how they live, she said.

On her return she began working with the Rotary International on polio eradication, which took her back to Nigeria in 2013.

I believe strongly in service, she said. To me, community college work is the work of service.

Students at the college said they would like to see even more clubs, events and activities that could encourage students to spend more time on campus.

Javier Rivera-Torres, 20, of Atlantic City, said he wanted to start a ping pong club, but it can be hard to find an adviser. He and other students said they are happy at Atlantic Cape and chose it to save money on college.

This is a successful place, said Acquinn Phillip, 25, of Pleasantville, who will graduate in May and transfer to Stockton University.

As the first woman and the first black person to serve as the colleges president, she sees opportunities to be a mentor and role model for young women.

So many women have said to me that it means a lot to them to have me here, she said. People mentored me. I never thought about being a college president until someone suggested I could be.

Gaba has a three-year contract at $180,000 per year. At first she wasnt sure if she would rent a home and keep her house in Princeton Junction, where she had just finished her dream kitchen. But after visiting the area and driving around, she and her husband made the decision to move and put their home up for sale. He is handling the sale while she settles into the new job.

We like it here, she said. I feel like I will be here for a while.
VINELAND  Vineland High School North will be named for a former school administrator who died while saving a student more than 30 years ago, the Board of Education has decided.

The school will be named for Dennis Tanner, whose death occurred while he rescued a student from a rip current during a class trip to Puerto Rico in the spring of 1980.

Tanner was one of four people considered for the honor by the Board of Education.

Also nominated were the late Philip Lipman, an attorney; Dominick Pilla, a 1990 Vineland High School graduate who was killed in action in Somalia three years later; and Vincent Martino Jr., a former educator and administrator in the district.

Tanners name was originally nominated by former Board of Education member Brian DeWinne. The board then decided to seek other nominations from the public.

It seemed for a while that Tanners would be the only one nominated, but the proposals for Lipman, Pilla and Martino were late submissions.

No date has been set for an official naming ceremony.

The district has a history of naming school buildings after its educators.

Over the years, the district received a number of nominations for names of schools the eventually became the Dane Barse Elementary School, Petway Elementary School and the Thomas Wallace Middle School.

Vineland High School North houses students in grades 9 and 10. Seniors and juniors take classes in Vineland High School South. Both buildings are on the same campus in the 3000 block of East Chestnut Avenue.

The Board of Education in 2015 voted to name the Vineland High School South foyer after Charles Chalky Ottinger. Ottinger served the school district for 23 years, including 12 years as Vineland High School Souths principal and a three-year stint as the districts superintendent.

The honor included Ottingers name over the main doors to the school and a plaque with his likeness and accomplishments in the district.

Ottinger died in May 2015, shortly after the foyers dedication.
Dutch head to the polls in key election

Polls have opened in the Netherlands, with the Prime Minister Mark Rutte's party leading the anti-immigration Party for Freedom led by Geert Wilders.Last-minute opinion polls showed Prime Minister Mark Rutte taking a small but clear lead following a campaign centred on identity and migration and perhaps the most divisive since World War II.Rutte's liberal VVD was set to take between 27 and 29 seats in the 150-member lower house, according to four separate polls.Dutch firebrand Geert Wilders Freedom Party is staunchly anti-immigration, and has labelled Islam as a religion of violence.- See more at: Dutch head to the polls in key election 'Islam is the greatest threat facing the Netherlands. This is an existential problem. The future of our country is at stake. Islam and freedom don't go together,' Wilders said on national public broadcaster just hours before voters were due to go to the polls.The Dutch were feeling themselves second-rate citizens in their own country, the populist leader said.Wilders highlighted dual loyalties as shown by Turkish protesters in Rotterdam over the weekend and pointed to high crime levels among Muslim immigrant communities.Wilders, whose Party for Freedom (PVV) has lost support in recent opinion polls, took to inflammatory language to contrast Mohammed with Jesus.'Mohammed was a warlord, a paedophile,' he said, calling for Dutch Christian culture to be safeguarded.Mr Wilders has also vowed to take to emulate the United Kingdom and exit from the European Union.Rutte used the final debate to stress the success of a deal with Turkey last year to cut the flow of migrants to Western Europe that peaked in 2015 and has since ebbed.And he warned that good intentions with respect to taking in refugees fleeing war in Syria and elsewhere would have 'unintended consequences that lead to social tension'.Given the large number of undecided voters and the margins of error, the pollsters said the election was too close to call.The Christian Democrat (CDA), a mainstay of Dutch politics that had seen support fall in recent years, has made a comeback to between 19 and 23 seats, according to the late polling.Four other parties are likely to gain more than 10 seats, according to the opinion polls - the centrist D66, Green-Left, the Socialist Party and the social democrat Labour Party (PvdA).Rutte has made clear that he will not cooperate with Wilders, whatever the outcome.'Not even in a tolerance structure - no, never, no,' he said in a head-to-head debate on Monday.Political risk consultants Eurasia Group said government formation was likely to be lengthy and could result in a weak coalition that would determine European Union policy at a critical time for the bloc.- See more at: Dutch head to the polls in key election
President Donald Trump unveiled a $1.5 trillion budget on Thursday that would eliminate the National Endowment for the Arts to help finance military increases and make a down payment on the U.S.-Mexico border wall.

The budget would also slash other domestic programs such as the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the National Endowment for Humanities. The impact of such cuts could trickle down to South Jersey arts organizations.

Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center in Millville is the fourth-highest funded organization by the NEA in New Jersey, according to Wheatons Executive Director Susan Gogan.

The organization has received $170,000 in NEA funding in the last five years, she said. The artist fellowship program and multicultural folk life projects could be cut, Gogan said.

Cuts to the NEA may also mean less funding from outside organizations that see NEA funding to a center like Wheaton as a stamp of excellence.

Gayle Stahlhuth, artistic director of the East Lynne Theater Company in Cape May, also expressed concerns about the proposed cuts.

The theater companys shows and programs are made possible through funding from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the NEA, as well as from the states Division of Travel and Tourism, season partners and patrons.

The theater may have to cut one of its seasonal shows or downsize productions if the NEA is cut from the national budget, which would mean a loss of revenue and jobs, Stahlhuth said. Across the nation, event ticket prices could spike, too, which could make affordability difficult.

Its not just impacting the theater community, but were also talking museums, opera, dance, orchestras; they will all be impacted, she said.

Stahlhuth said the NEAs inception helped regional theaters to blossom. Patrons who once had to travel to New York City to see a show or wait for the national tour to come to their town could enjoy having the arts in their own backyards. When PBS began, she said, it brought culture into everyones living room.

Regardless of funding, East Lynne will continue its regularly scheduled productions, such as the world premier of a show based on soldiers from New Jersey in World War I this fall and its Detective Holmes and Carter show this weekend.

For the Glasstown Arts District in Millville, the cuts could mean missed opportunities.

The district has a pending grant with the NEA for a total of $50,000, proposed to go toward an arts master plan to benefit the center city neighborhood surrounding High Street.

The grant hadnt been approved yet, but Glasstown Arts District Executive Director Marianne Lods said she has to make new plans.

We move forward no matter what, but we have to find a replacement. That special grant  we just wont run the project now, Lods said.

The arts district also receives direct funding from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts in the form of annual grants, Lods said. That money could decrease when the council reaches its next fiscal budget in July.

It greatly affects all of our organizations  Levoy Theater, Millville Army Air Field Museum, Wheaton Arts and even small galleries and theaters all over New Jersey, Lods said.

Nancy Messina, assistant dean of the School of Arts and Humanities at Stockton University, said some funding would be affected.

The Performing Arts Centers partnerships with the Bay-Atlantic Symphony, the Atlantic City Ballet, the South Jersey Area Wind Ensemble and the Greater Ocean City Theatre Company all play a vital role in supporting the PACs ability to continue to provide sustained quality programming, she said. PAC programming is supported by many sponsors, including the NEA.

Roy Steinberg, producing artistic director of Cape May Stage, said his stage relies mostly on donors to fund its programs, but that state funding would be affected by the cuts if Trumps plan is approved.

Some people think of arts as a frill but, it improves critical thinking and math, and we become an educated society, Steinberg said. We are dependent on an intelligent populous in this country to make educated decisions. It all trickles down.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
What schools are doing about student violence, the dangers faced by commercial fishermen, middle-aged skateboarders and a search for mini art are featured on the latest episode of -30-, The Press of Atlantic Citys television show, which airs 7:30 p.m. Thursday on Stockton Universitys channel.

Heres the lineup for this weeks show:

 Student violence is not new to our area. But what is surprising is the young age of the students who have been in the news for bringing weapons to elementary and middle schools. What are the causes of this outbreak, and what are educators doing about it? Education reporter Diane DAmico discusses the issue with Mainland Regional School District Superintendent Mark Marrone.

 Commercial scallop fishermen, like those who sail from Cape May, can make a lot of money from just one trip. But the price to the men aboard the boats can be steep physically and emotionally. Press reporter Jack Tomczuk and photographer Viviana Pernot show us what its like to have one of the most dangerous jobs.

 Avalon artist Julian Miller created Miniart, tiny, framed images of South Jersey landmarks. And while that in itself may not be too unusual, how he uses social media to get people to literally find his art is the subject of Pamela Dollaks report.

 Photographer Dale Gerhard introduces us to a group of middle-aged skateboarders who use the Ocean City skate park on their lunch hour, when the kids are in school and they have the place to themselves.

Each week, -30- explores the stories behind the regions major events and newsmakers.

The show is produced by Press staffers working with Stockton students and airs on Stocktons public access Channel 9.

Most residents of Atlantic County can watch Channel 9 through Comcast cable. Segments can be watched anytime at PressofAC.com/30.

New episodes run each Thursday and are re-aired at 10:30 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays and 5 p.m. Tuesdays.
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Its a different sort of St. Patricks Day celebration.

On Friday, more than 150 students, teachers and community members at two Cape May County middle schools and one high school will shave their heads to support funding for childhood cancer research.

Their efforts have already raised more than $35,000 for the St. Baldricks Foundation, a not-for-profit organization that has funded $200 million in research since 2005, according to its website.

Volunteers sign up to get their heads shaved, and people can donate to sponsor an event or participant.

Seventy volunteers from Middle Township Middle School are signed up to get their heads shaved during an assembly Friday morning. The school has already surpassed its initial goal, having raised more than $18,000 by Thursday afternoon  with a new goal of $20,000.

A seventh-grader at the school is undergoing treatment for cancer at Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia, according to a news release about Fridays event.

Some of the participants will be donating their hair to Pantene Beautiful Lengths, which provides wigs to women with cancer.

At Lower Cape May Regional High School, 23 participants have volunteered and more than $15,000 has been donated as of Thursday afternoon.

And at Richard M. Teitelman Middle School in Lower Township, more than $4,000 has been raised ahead of a head-shaving event Friday.

For more information on the St. Baldricks Foundation and its local events, visit stbaldricks.org.
ATLANTIC CITY  Atlantic City police and fire officials denounced a state plan to cut public safety staffing and salaries at a news conference on Friday.

Among the speakers was police officer Josh Vadell, who was shot in the head in the line of duty in September.

Vadell is still recovering from the shooting. Under cuts imposed by the state Wednesday, injured officers would receive 30 percent less in workers compensation.

"It bothered me that this was going on, not only to me but to the other employees of the city," Vadell said. "It's my time to support the city that support my family and I."

Hes certainly not happy about how this is playing out, Matthew Rogers, president of Police Benevolent Association Local 24, said of Vadell on Thursday. If something like what happened to him happened to someone else, they would be in this predicament where they would be taking severe cuts just for doing their jobs.

Asked about Vadell, a state official said he wont be affected by the cuts in recognition of his commitment to protecting and serving the Atlantic City community.

Sen. (Jeffrey) Chiesa has determined that none of the changes the state is making to the Atlantic City Police Department will affect Officer Vadell, state spokeswoman Lisa Ryan said.

On Twitter, PBA Local 24 criticized the states statement.

Oh ok so each officer that gets shot going forward will we just have to sue to get this same determination. Thanks, the tweet said.

Rogers said the cut to workers compensation was a big issue in the negotiations.

At one point that came out of their offer, Rogers said. As they continuously gave us a proposal back, it found its way back in and when we questioned it, it all kind of fell apart.

Union representatives and Mayor Don Guardian also will speak at the news conference to kick off the campaign, which will include billboards, direct mail, online advertising and other activities. After the news conference, public safety workers will hand out fliers on the Boardwalk.

State officials overseeing a takeover of the citys finances want to lay off 100 firefighters and 24 police officers to cut costs in the cash-strapped city. In addition, the state seeks to slash salaries, increase hours and eliminate some benefits.

The cuts to police would save the city $20 million, while the reductions at the fire department would save $14 million, according to the state.

The citys police and firefighters unions have sued the state to block the cuts. A Superior Court judge still hasnt issued a ruling on whether cuts can proceed while a larger legal case against the state takeover of the city advances.
For something like the US becoming Canada's 11th province would require some very extraordinary changes in the US, Canada, and the relationship between the two.Which opens the door for me to speculate about THAT! (Answer the question you want to, not the one you're asked.)Currently, the population of the US is about 9 times that of Canada.Let's assume that that this was a voluntary union. (I.e.: playing up on the whole "Canadians are very polite people" thing.) What would cause the population of the US to abandon our existing government structures (peacefully) and wish to join Canada? What would convince the Canadians that inviting the whole of the US in as an 11th province was a good idea?A massive de-population of the US is a horrible thing to contemplate - unless they (we) all went off some place else voluntarily (and where would we go? Australia?) However, a massive depopulation of the US would make it easier for Canada to bring in the US as a province. In order to do that on equitable terms with Canada's existing provinces, the US would have to loose 99% of it's population. (Let's assume the Australians don't object to a big American ghetto in the middle of the Outback - although where the water would come from is quite a puzzle.)An alternative possibility is that something caused 90% of the US population to flee to Canada - and Canada decided that the best solution was just to take over the states and put Those People (us) on a bus back south, after taking over the reins of government in the US. That's almost plausible - the Canadians have generally been welcoming of refugees, but dealing with a huge influx of people from the US would overwhelm them and simultaneously leave a large part of the US empty right on their doorstep.It's hard to imagine something that the Canadians would offer that would cause the US population to turn over the existing constitution and petition to join Canada without some kind of disaster. Canadians just aren't perverse enough to offer something that'd appeal that broadly. So far, the best they've done is Justin Beiber - and the only knowledge I have about him is second hand, so I can't attest to the true perversity there.The Mason-Dixon line would become the border of the Confederate States of America (CSA) once again, but the line would alter to include parts of the American northwest, especially Wyoming, Montana, Idaho.Washington east of the Cascades would vote to stay in the CSA, while the Washington peninsula area would join with British Columbia. Vancouver WA would have to change its name because there is already a Vancouver, BC and the Canadian Postal Service would never be able to get mail to the right Vancouver.Hawaii would go independent again, but might join Canada voluntarily if enough Canadian dollars were invested there because after all, Canadians want to have some place warm to go without paying the ghastly (to them) CDN/CSA exchange rate.Canada would put up a wall along the border to the CSA and insist on making the CSA pay for it.
SEA ISLE CITY  As a noreaster pounded the New Jersey coastline Tuesday and floodwaters rose in shore towns throughout the state, officials in Sea Isle City announced plans for a yearlong, citywide study to reduce the impact on homes and businesses.

Mayor Leonard Desiderio said addressing flooding on the barrier island is a major priority for the city government.

The flooding is mostly in the low-lying areas, Desiderio said.

He said the areas are spread out from 33rd Street to 79th Street, with the worst areas between 33rd and 35th streets on Landis Avenue, 39th Street and Central Avenue, and 42nd and 44th streets and Central Avenue.

Desiderio said higher areas of the island, such as in Townsends Inlet, are less impacted.

Weve been working on this. Its not something thats new to us, he said, noting several drainage improvement projects the city has undertaken over the years.

Weve replaced deteriorated storm drainage systems and weve also changed some tidal check valves, he said.

Desiderio said bulkhead improvements and implementing pump stations will be considered in the new study, which is expected to go out to bid in the next six weeks.

He said the city will continue to work with the Cape May County engineers office, since much of the drainage infrastructure in the city is owned by the county.

Desiderio said the study will map all of the drainage infrastructure and problem areas.

It is our goal, in regard to the study, to be able to advance some projects in 2018, and well start with our most prone flood areas, he said.
The roots within the agricultural community spread far and wide. So when wildfires consumed about 1,000 square miles last week in southwest Kansas, Bill Rhea had to do something.

Rhea, who owns Rhea Cattle Company and Dehy Alfalfa Mills outside of Arlington, said he read in a newspaper article about 4-H clubs taking in calves orphaned after the fire.

The clubs were seeking donations for milk replacer. Rhea began to think ahead.

I thought that after they get done with the milk replacer theyre going to have a need for some feed and the products that we produce would be perfect for those calves to eat, he said.

He then decided if there was a need, he would donate about 5,500 tons of alfalfa pellets. He called friend Dave Latta, the general manager of Pratt Feeders LLC.

Latta told Rhea there was most definitely a need and if he could get the load to their feedlot near Ashland, Kan., he would be able to distribute the pellets.

Rhea said he worked the phones to find a way to haul the load. While he waited for phone messages to be returned he received a call after hearing about the mission on social media.

These young kids and social media they can take something and run with it, Rhea said. I was scratching my head trying to figure out how I was going to get it down there and before I knew it there was somebody said he would do it.

Truck driver Ray Brabec of Yutan was on site with his truck to be loaded with pellets Thursday morning. Brabec said a friend notified him about it and he proposed the idea to his employer, Bergman Trucking of Ithaca.

They located a empty trailer that wasnt needed for a few days and so he signed up to deliver the first load, donated by Rhea.

Brabec said it was an easy decision.

The photos of the damage are just devastating, he said. We are all human beings and we have to help each other. People came from all over after a tornado in Pilger. Its what we dohelp out.

Soon after, Rhea received a call back from Norm Leffler of Central Valley Ag who lined up a truck and trailer. By Thursday morning, Rhea received another call from Dennis Christensen, owner of Christensen Cattle Company in Central City, who would also donate a truck and trailer.

All three of them should be commended for stepping forward and doing something like this, Rhea said.

By late Thursday morning Rhea received enough donations to fill half of a second load.

Rhea said hes never been a part of something quite like this. He and many others have donated to various causes but he said this is different.

This is product right to people who are going to use it, Rhea said. The ag community is kind of a close-knit deal.

To donate call Rhea at 402-720-7003.

According to reports by the Associated Press, wildfires burned nearly 750 square miles in the Texas Panhandle, 545 square miles in Oklahoma, 45 square miles in Colorado.
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.




On Wednesday local residents gathered at Keene Library to listen to former poultry contract grower Craig Watts talk about his experience as a grower in North Carolina for Perdue.

Watts, a well-known whistleblower against the industry, had a clear message for local farmers considering signing a contract with Costco and Lincoln Premium Poultry to raise chickens for the companys proposed processing plant in Fremont.

As that old saying goes everything that glitters isnt gold, he said in regards to contract he signed with Perdue.

One of Watts biggest contentions with contracts extended to poultry growers is the lack of control the farmers have over their own livelihood.

This is my biggest issue with the industry, and it has nothing to do with the environment, animal treatment, or anything like that. It is the absolute lack of respect that they have for the farmer and his role in his business. They dont treat the farmers as anything but an expendable resource, Watts said.

Under the contract system, farmers provide the barns and labor to raise the chickens and the company provides chicks, feed and expertise to raise birds to slaughter weight.

Watts also warned about what are often called termination for convenience clauses that allow companies like Perdue to terminate the contract at any time for nearly any reason.

It doesnt matter if the contract says 5 years, 10 years, 15 or 20 lightyears  if it has that any time, any reason clause in it they can drop you like that, Watts said.

Another issue according to Watts is the inability for contract growers to pay off loans on barns due to upgrades that are routinely demanded by companies in the industry.

They (Perdue) told me the houses were ahead of their time and that they wouldnt need upgraded for 10 years, within two years I was forced to upgrade them, he said.

I hadnt even put a dent in the principle on the note and I was already upgrading.

The meeting began with a showing of the short documentary film Sharecropper which focuses on the struggles of former contract chicken farmers for Pilgrims Pride in Texas.

Out of the farmers I have talked to it is a nip and tuck between Pilgrims Pride and Tyson as to who treats the farmers worse, Watts said.

The meeting was part of a series of talks in the area by the North Carolinian and was co-sponsored by Nebraska Communities United, Farm Aid, Socially Responsible Ag Project, and GC Resolve.

The series included a meeting Wednesday afternoon in Tekamah and two more meetings are scheduled for Thursday in West Point and Wahoo.

The goal of the series is to help provide information to local farmers regarding the possible risks associated with contract growing.
Survey challenges elite assumptions by viewing global attitudes through the lens of the "five G's": generations, gender, geography, graduation, and global cities

WASHINGTON, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Brunswick Group, an advisory firm specializing in business-critical issues, today unveiled its landmark report, Perspectives: The Five G's that Define the World - Generations, Gender, Geography, Global Cities, and Graduation. The report found that a vast majority of global citizens believe that business can provide solutions to major challenges, including quality education, economic opportunity and equality, and safety and security. Paradoxically, the report uncovered that people worldwide disagree with the priorities and reward system of and for business leaders.

The report also found that every market surveyed believes that when businesses in their country do well, everyone benefits. Additional findings include:

Is business listening? Globally, 59% of citizens believe business leaders in their country do not really understand the challenges they face in their lives

Globally, 59% of citizens believe business leaders in their country do not really understand the challenges they face in their lives Hope and fear vary widely based on geography. Among emerging markets, a majority (64%) believe they are better off than their parents; only 47% of those in developed markets agree. Among developed markets, only about 1 in 4 (28%) think today's children will be better off than they are; in emerging markets, 58% believe children will be better off.

Among emerging markets, a majority (64%) believe they are better off than their parents; only 47% of those in developed markets agree. Among developed markets, only about 1 in 4 (28%) think today's children will be better off than they are; in emerging markets, 58% believe children will be better off. Has globalization lost its popularity? While it is true that those in developed markets have a mixed view of globalization (36% positive vs. 23% negative), people in emerging markets are optimistic about globalization (60% positive vs. 10% negative).

While it is true that those in developed markets have a mixed view of globalization (36% positive vs. 23% negative), people in emerging markets are optimistic about globalization (60% positive vs. 10% negative). Rise of global mega-cities. Mega-city residents worldwide often have opinion patterns more similar to mega-city residents in other markets than they do with their fellow citizens in smaller cities and towns within the same market. Mega-cities are overall more supportive of global exchange of ideas.

Mega-city residents worldwide often have opinion patterns more similar to mega-city residents in other markets than they do with their fellow citizens in smaller cities and towns within the same market. Mega-cities are overall more supportive of global exchange of ideas. Opportunity for tech CEO leadership. Among business leaders, technology leaders have the greatest opportunity for leadership because, across the globe, technology is viewed as the only thing consistently getting better, faster. Globally, 69% believe technology is changing quickly in their country, and 88% believe it is changing for the better.

Among business leaders, technology leaders have the greatest opportunity for leadership because, across the globe, technology is viewed as the only thing consistently getting better, faster. Globally, 69% believe technology is changing quickly in their country, and 88% believe it is changing for the better. Automation concerns. Data shows that between 10% and 23% of employees in various professions are aware that their jobs will be replaced by automation or cease to exist, with employees in manufacturing and financial services most likely to anticipate technology-driven unemployment.

Perspectives is Brunswick's largest research endeavor, with 42,956 respondents across 26 markets in 25 languages. For the complete set of findings, visit perspectives.brunswickgroup.com.

About Brunswick Group

Brunswick is an advisory firm specializing in business critical issues. We help clients navigate the interconnected worlds of finance, public affairs and society to build trusted relationships with all stakeholders. For more information, visit: www.brunswickgroup.com.

For more information, contact:

Cecilia Arradaza, Head of Marketing, U.S.

Brunswick Group

carradaza@brunswickgroup.com

Phone: 202-660-3331

Related Links

http://www.brunswickgroup.com



SOURCE Brunswick Group
LUND, Sweden, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

BONESUPPORT AB, an emerging leader in innovative injectable bioceramic bone scaffolds to treat bone voids caused by trauma, infection, disease or related surgery, announces that its founder Lars Lidgren, is a member of a group of Swedish and US Knee and Hip surgeons from Lund and Gothenburg, Sweden, Boston and Rochester U.S. that has received the 2017 OREF Clinical Research Kappa Delta Award. The award was made for the group's outstanding research contribution leading to improved prosthetic survival and patient outcomes.

The OREF Clinical Research Kappa Delta recognizes outstanding clinical research related directly to musculoskeletal disease or injury. Henrik Malchau, MD, PhD, part of the Swedish and US group, will present the study "Arthroplasty Implant Registries Over The Past Five Decades: Development, Current and Future Impact" The award will be given at the AAOS meeting, San Diego, California on Thursday, March 16 at 11:00 am in the Ballroom 20.

Lars Lidgren, M.D., Ph.D. Hon. Member AAOS., founder of BONESUPPORT, said: "I'm delighted that clinical research on joint replacements, one of the most common surgical procedures today, has gained this very prestigious award. I am confident that our long term research based on arthroplasty registries will continue to help shape the development of new innovative technologies to provide patients with improved orthopaedic outcomes."

Notes to Editor

About the OREF Clinical Research Kappa Delta Award

This award recognizes outstanding clinical research related directly to musculoskeletal disease or injury. Eligible applicants must be members of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the Orthopaedic Research Society, the Canadian Orthopaedic Association, and the Canadian Orthopaedic Research Society. The winning paper is presented by the author at the Orthopaedic Research Society's annual meeting, and the award is presented to the recipient by an OREF representative at the Academy's annual meeting during the Kappa Delta Award presentations.

About BONESUPPORT

BONESUPPORT has developed CERAMENT as an innovative range of radiopaque injectable osteoconductive bioceramic products that have a proven ability to heal defects by remodeling to host bone in six to 12 months. Our products are effective in treating patients with fractures and bone voids caused by trauma, infection, disease or related surgery. Our lead product, CERAMENT BONE VOID FILLER (BVF) addresses important issues facing health care providers, such as avoiding hospital readmissions and revision surgery that result from failed bone healing and infection caused by residual bone voids. CERAMENT BVF is commercially available in the U.S., EU, SE Asia and the Middle East.

CERAMENT's distinctive properties as a drug eluting material have been validated in clinical practice by CERAMENT G and CERAMENT V, the first CE-marked injectable antibiotic eluting bone graft substitutes. These products provide local sustained delivery of gentamicin and vancomycin, respectively. The local delivery feature enables an initial high concentration of antibiotics to the bone defect and then a longer sustainable dose above the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) to protect bone healing and promote bone remodeling.

CERAMENT G and CERAMENT V have demonstrated good results in patients with problematic bone infections including osteomyelitis. They are also used prophylactically in patients who are at risk for developing infection. CERAMENT G and CERAMENT V are available in the EU.

BONESUPPORT was founded in 1999 by Prof. Lars Lidgren, an internationally respected scientist who has been the President of various musculoskeletal societies. BONESUPPORT's mission is to bring people with bone and joint diseases back to an active life. The Company is based in Lund, Sweden. www.bonesupport.com

BONESUPPORT is a registered trademark.

Contact Information



Citigate Dewe Rogerson

David Dible, Andrea Bici, Mark Swallow

+44-(0)-20-7282-2949/1050/2948

bonesupport@citigatedr.co.uk





SOURCE BONESUPPORT
PHILADELPHIA, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- To honor the legacy of Dr. Eugene Garfield, the visionary founder of the Web of Science and a pioneer of Information Science, Clarivate Analytics today announced the creation of the "Eugene Garfield Information Sciences Pioneer Award." This award will be given annually to at least one promising information scientist, selected by a board of prominent scientometricians.

Clarivate Analytics, the home of the Web of Science and Journal Impact Factor, currently supports innovative research by individuals in the scientometric community through a thought leadership program, which gives researchers access to Web of Science data, as well as to scholarships such as the American Society of Information Science & Technology's Outstanding Teacher Award and Dissertation Proposal Award. Both awards were created in the early 1980s by Dr. Garfield. This new award will enable additional researchers to advance the field and build on Dr. Garfield's legacy.

The Scientific & Academic Research business of Clarivate Analytics continues to build on the early work of Dr. Garfield who developed the Science Citation Index, Current Contents and many other indexes in the sciences. By revolutionizing data-driven science, Clarivate is the leading provider of citation and innovation data and analytics to research organizations throughout the world.

"We are delighted to announce this award to mark our appreciation for Dr. Garfield, who was a visionary leader, colleague and friend to so many," said Jessica Turner, global head of government and academia at Clarivate Analytics. "Later this year, Clarivate will bring together the scientometric community to honor Dr. Garfield's legacy and to announce the recipient of its first award."

At least one prize will be given annually for the most innovative research in scientometrics, which can be applied to the field globally. It will be awarded to an early-career researcher (i.e., no more than PhD + 10 years) and based on the application criteria and on the researcher's needs. In addition to the award, Clarivate Analytics will provide the successful applicant with in-kind support and access to Web of Science data.

The online award application will be available starting in April 2017. Until that time, anyone interested should register to be notified when it becomes available, by sending an email to danielle.connelly@clarivate.com.

Clarivate Analytics

Clarivate Analytics accelerates the pace of innovation by providing trusted insights and analytics to customers around the world, enabling them to discover, protect and commercialize new ideas faster. Formerly the Intellectual Property and Science business of Thomson Reuters, we own and operate a collection of leading subscription-based businesses focused on scientific and academic research, patent analytics and regulatory standards, pharmaceutical and biotech intelligence, trademark protection, domain brand protection and intellectual property management. Clarivate Analytics is now an independent company with over 4,000 employees, operating in more than 100 countries and owns wellknown brands that include Web of Science, Cortellis, Thomson Innovation, Derwent World Patents Index, CompuMark, MarkMonitor and Techstreet, among others. For more information, please visit clarivate.com.

Logo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/455613/clarivate_logo_for_press_release_Logo.jpg

Related Links

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SOURCE Clarivate Analytics
NORTH CANTON, Ohio and PADERBORN, Germany, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Diebold Nixdorf, Incorporated (NYSE: DBD), a world leader in enabling connected commerce for millions of consumers across the financial and retail industries, today announced that the U.K. Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has published its official findings in connection with the business combination of Diebold, Incorporated and Wincor Nixdorf AG in the U.K.

The CMA has concluded that a structural remedy is required. Diebold Nixdorf is now actively pursuing a divestiture of its legacy Diebold business in the U.K. with a potential purchaser. The company believes it can satisfy the CMA's requirements and conclude this transaction as soon as practicable.

Outside the U.K., Diebold Nixdorf continues to implement its multi-year business transformation program, DN2020, which aligns the company around executing common strategies and goals to drive innovation to meet the needs of its customers and deliver shareholder value. Diebold Nixdorf today reconfirmed the company's previously disclosed financial targets for 2020, including net cost improvement of $200 million and non-GAAP earnings per share of approximately $3.501 as the combination benefits clearly outweigh the impact of the planned divestiture of the legacy Diebold business in the U.K.

On Aug. 15, 2016, Diebold completed its acquisition of Wincor Nixdorf, achieving approval from shareholders and regulatory authorities around the world. In the U.K., the Diebold and Wincor Nixdorf brands and operations have remained separate and distinct while awaiting CMA review.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this communication regarding matters that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements (as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995). These include statements regarding management's intentions, plans, beliefs, expectations or forecasts for the future including, without limitation, the business combination with Wincor Nixdorf. Such forward-looking statements are based on the current expectations of Diebold and involve risks and uncertainties; consequently, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in the statements. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that may or may not occur in the future. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results of operations, financial condition and liquidity, and the development of the industries in which the combined company operates may differ materially from those made in or suggested by the forward-looking statements contained in this document. In addition, risks and uncertainties related to the acquisition include, but are not limited to, the ability to successfully integrate the businesses of Diebold and Wincor Nixdorf, the timing, receipt and terms and conditions of any governmental and regulatory approvals that could reduce anticipated benefits or cause the parties to abandon the business combination, risks associated with the impact of the business combination agreement, the domination and profit and loss transfer agreement and any related litigation may have on the business and operations of the combined company, risks related to disruption of management time from ongoing business operations due to the acquisition, and the risk that the acquisition could have an adverse effect on the ability of the combined company to retain and hire key personnel and maintain relationships with its suppliers, and on its operating results and businesses generally. These risks, as well as other risks are more fully discussed in Diebold's reports filed with the SEC and available at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. Any forwardlooking statements speak only as at the date of this document. Except as required by applicable law, neither Diebold nor Wincor Nixdorf undertakes any obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

About Diebold Nixdorf

Diebold Nixdorf, Incorporated (NYSE:DBD) is a world leader in enabling connected commerce for millions of consumers each day across the financial and retail industries. Its software-defined solutions bridge the physical and digital worlds of cash and consumer transactions conveniently, securely and efficiently. As an innovation partner for nearly all of the world's top 100 financial institutions and a majority of the top 25 global retailers, Diebold Nixdorf delivers unparalleled services and technology that are essential to evolve in an 'always on' and changing consumer landscape.

Diebold Nixdorf has a presence in more than 130 countries with approximately 25,000 employees worldwide. The organization maintains corporate offices in North Canton, Ohio, USA and Paderborn, Germany. Shares are traded on the New York and Frankfurt Stock Exchanges under the symbol 'DBD'. Visit www.DieboldNixdorf.com for more information.

1 - Based on 30% non-GAAP effective tax rate. With respect to the company's financial targets for 2020, the inability to predict the amount and timing of future items makes a detailed reconciliation of these projections impracticable.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20080725/DIEBOLDLOGO

Related Links

http://www.diebold.com



SOURCE Diebold Nixdorf
GUIYANG, China, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Guian New Area, China's state approved national-level economic zone in southwestern Guizhou province, is vigorously developing the big data business, which is fundamental to the new area's economic upgrade and business alliance.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/479213/_Guian_New_Area.jpg

By embracing big data, Guian is adopting a growth strategy which is key to China's economic restructuring. Driven by a mission to become China's first big data business center, an exemplary database center in southern China and a national green data center, Guian New Area has attracted major companies including China's top three telecom operators, Huawei and Foxconn to build their data centers in the zone, aiming to grow service capacity to 300,000 servers this year, laying a solid foundation for the digital economy.

Guian New Area has also partnered with U.S. chipmaker Qualcomm to establish HXT Semiconductor Technology Ltd. In Guian to develop advanced chipsets for servers and build an Integrated Circuit (IC) Park, with plans to produce the first generation of chipsets next year.

Guian's Digital Economy Industrial Park has already attracted China Big Data, Hua data Technology and other companies that specialize in the business of big data collection, cleansing, processing and application.

In addition, the Guian Cloud Village has partnered with Tus-Holdings Co. Ltd. to set up and improve a public cloud computing platform, cloud-based service applications and a system of innovation and development for the cloud industry, underscoring the core function of the digital economy.

Guian will accelerate the development of big data, and build an open incubation park that allows free communication of ideas, so as to propel innovation of big data projects. This year, over 30 incubated companies are expected to start production.

Guian's smart terminal product industrial park will focus on businesses including smart cell phones, wearable devices, automobile intelligent connection devices and robots, with plans to produce over 50 million pieces of smart terminal products this year.

Guian's big data Comprehensive Duty-Free Zone, based on a platform that integrates service trade, electronic port, application approval, warehouse & logistics and processing trade, is expected to generate import & export turnover of more than 289 million USD, helping to accelerate the development of the digital economy.

About Guian New Area

Guian New Area is the eighth national-level new area in China, shoulders three major responsibilities - key driver of economic growth in western China, breaking new ground in economic opening, and the benchmark of sound and vibrant eco-system zone.

SOURCE Guian New Area
In its recent consulting analysis, the global growth partnership and consulting firm suggests greater autonomy for DGFT. A body under the Ministry of Commerce, DGFT has up till now been assigned the role of facilitator instead of enforcer. All this is set to change with the recommendations of this report.

For more information on this strategic project, on Frost & Sullivan's Global Public Sector Practice and to connect with Frost & Sullivan's thought leaders for a Growth Strategy Dialogue - a one-hour complimentary session - please contact Chiara Carella, Corporate Communications at chiara.carella@frost.com.

In April 2015, the Narendra Modi government set the mammoth target of increasing India's exports to USD 900 billion by 2020. Today, the global market is in flux; competition with peer countries is at an all-time high as trade policies are being changed. In this context, the move to revamp export promotion assumes great significance as India seeks to increase its share of global trade.

"We have conducted an exhaustive and comprehensive analysis on the scope and nature of the functions and operational tasks undertaken by DGFT," explains Mani James, Vice President, Public Sector Practice, Frost & Sullivan. "In light of the key underlying policy objectives and regulatory concerns, we had to ascertain the relevance of these activities in terms of their content and execution modalities."

According to Frost & Sullivan, India needs a vibrant organisation to promote its trade interests. The way forward is a mix of restructuring and reform with a dose of global best practices.

Frost & Sullivan has also predicted the possible implications of bringing in the change:

A positive impact on India's 'Ease of doing business' ranking, which is at an all-time low Increased transparency, less policy paralysis Professionalism within the administration, better governance, compliance and monitoring Export promotion is essential in global trade and can help turn around the economy and provide more jobs

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. Is your organization prepared for the next profound wave of industry convergence, disruptive technologies, increasing competitive intensity, Mega Trends, breakthrough best practices, changing customer dynamics and emerging economies? Contact us: Start the discussion

Contact:

Chiara Carella

Corporate Communications

P: +44 (0) 20 8996 8585

M: +44 (0) 753 301 7689

chiara.carella@frost.com

Twitter: @Frost_Sullivan

Facebook: FrostandSullivan

Linkedin: FrostandSullivan

http://ww2.frost.com

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SOURCE Frost & Sullivan
LONDON, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

The CEO of Pernod Ricard has countered suggestions that the group remains over-reliant on its Cognac portfolio in China.

Around 80% of Pernod's Chinese sales in value terms are generated by the Martell Cognac brand. A similar level of reliance on the Remy Martin brand in China led Remy Cointreau's sales and profits to suffer in recent years, with one CEO stepping down after only three months, in 2014.

In an exclusive interview with just-drinks, Pernod chief Alex Ricard said the company's approach to the Cognac segment in China changed markedly following the introduction of anti-extravagance measures in late-2012. "Our growth between 2000 and 2010 had been driven by affluent Chinese consumers at the prestige end of the portfolio," he told just-drinks. "The new normal will be driven by middle-class Chinese consumers and premium brands.

"All the (Martell) segments are growing," Ricard added. "I'm not going to call our Chinese friends and ask them to stop selling Cognac just to balance the business. We're investing in our current growth drivers, but we're also investing in future growth relays such as Ballantine's, Absolut and The Glenlivet.

"When someone buys Pernod Ricard stock, they don't just buy Martell in China. They buy exposure to the whole world; exposure to 60% mature markets to 40% emerging markets, and basically to brown spirits and white spirits."

Also in the two-part interview, which runs on just-drinks this week, Ricard considers the role of pricing in a premiumisation strategy, the introduction of zero-based budgeting to Pernod and what keeps him awake at night.

About just-drinks.com

just-drinks.com is the online news, insight and research portal for the global drinks industry. Our editorial team includes contributors from around the world, while our commentators comprise experts in their respective fields of beer, bottled water, soft drinks, spirits (both brown and white) and wine. Under the direction of managing editor Olly Wehring, we offer an impartial voice and are driven by our passion for the drinks industry.

For further information and images please contact James Lawley, Public Relations at Aroq Limited on +44-(0)-1527-573-606, email james.lawley@aroq.com

SOURCE just-drinks
FLORENCE, Italy, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

The Menarini Group has consolidated its presence in Latin America with new affiliates in Colombia and Peru. Both countries have emerging economies which offer the company opportunities for market expansion with its high-quality, made-in-Italy pharmaceuticals.

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"We are enthusiastic about increasing our presence in Latin America with the opening of our branches in Peru and Colombia, strategic countries where Menarini has decided to strengthen its commitment to guarantee that patients have access to extremely high-quality medicinal products manufactured at our 15 Menarini sites", explained Alberto Giovanni Aleotti, Vice Chairman of the Menarini Group. "This", he added, "represents a stepping stone for international growth of the Group, which is currently present in over 130 countries, with its presence in the USA being a particularly notable success."

The Menarini Group has a global annual turnover of  3.46 billion.

2017 opens with a new challenge for the Italian company which is specialised in medicinal products for pain relief and cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive tract and urological treatment and research and development into new cancer treatments.

Colombia, a country with a population of over 47 million, is among the top 20 countries in the world in terms of the amount of direct foreign investment it receives, according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). On 9 March, Menarini inaugurated its new office in Bogota, where 40 people are now employed. The inauguration event was held at the Italian Embassy with Italian Ambassador Caterina Bertolini.

On 7 March, with an event held at the Lima Art Museum, the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Menarini in Peru with Italian Ambassador Mauro Marsili was celebrated, which currently has 30 employees.

The first Menarini branch in Latin America was opened 38 years ago in Guatemala, and in El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, and Belize. In these Central American countries and in the Caribbean, Menarini recorded an increase of 11% in the turnover for 2015, equal to  93 million for the year. The Italian company has also had a direct presence in Mexico since 2009, and through its distributors in the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Brazil, Argentina and Chile, offering work to almost 600 employees and in constant growth.

More information at http://www.menarini.com

SOURCE Menarini Press Office
GLASTONBURY, Connecticut, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- On December 13, 2016, PW Power Systems, Inc., a group company of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI), signed an agreement with Power & Water Alliance LLC (P&WA) to deliver two FT8 MOBILEPAC aero-derivative gas turbine units to the General Electricity Company of Libya (GECOL). P&WA will install the units in Tripoli as part of a turnkey agreement with Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) in support of the Qatar government's humanitarian efforts to support the people of Libya.

Qatar Fund for Development's director general, Khalifa bin Jassim Al Kuwari, signed the agreement with General Electricity Company of Libya and the director general of the U.S. company Power & Water Alliance LLC. GECOL will own and operate the gas turbines which will run on diesel fuel oil and are expected to be operational in the spring of 2017.

"PW Power Systems provided rapid support for the people of Libya by delivering the FT8 MOBILEPAC gas turbine units to Libya within six weeks of contract signing," states PWPS President Peter Christman. "These fast-track mobile units will provide fuel flexibility and high reliability providing power to thousands, as well as supporting essential infrastructure such as hospitals and community care centers."

Background

Utilizing the proven SWIFTPAC gas turbine package technology, the MOBILEPAC gas turbine package is designed to provide quick, reliable power. Benefits include its environmental compatibility, dual fuel/dual frequency, and remote operability. PWPS has provided over 550 FT8 engines to the industry with 127 packages in MOBILEPAC configurations.

About PW Power Systems, Inc.

PW Power Systems, Inc. (PWPS), headquartered in Glastonbury, Conn., is a world leader in the supply of energy solutions for the power generation industry. PWPS provides an array of products and services including gas turbine packages, industrial gas turbine aftermarket services and engineering, procurement and construction services. PWPS is a group company of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI). MHI, headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is one of the world's leading heavy machinery manufacturers with consolidated net sales of $35.9 billion for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2016. MHI's diverse lineup of products and services encompasses power plants, including distributed power and chemical plants, environmental equipment, shipbuilding, steel structures, industrial and general machinery, aircraft, space systems and air-conditioning systems. To learn more about PWPS, visit www.pwps.com.

Contact: Lucia Maffucci, 860-368-5535

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SOURCE PW Power Systems, Inc.
GREENBELT, Md. (AP)  Hours before it was to take effect, President Donald Trump's revised travel ban was put on hold Wednesday by a federal judge in Hawaii after hearing arguments that the executive order discriminates on the basis of nationality.

The ruling came as opponents renewed their legal challenges across the country, asking judges in three states to block the executive order that targets people from six predominantly Muslim countries.

More than half a dozen states are trying to stop the ban, and federal courts in Maryland, Washington state and Hawaii heard arguments about whether it should be put into practice early Thursday.

U.S. District Court Judge Derrick Watson decision prevents the executive order from going into effect, at least for now. Hawaii had requested a temporary restraining order.

Hawaii also argued that the ban would prevent residents from receiving visits from relatives in the six countries covered by the order. The state says the ban would harm its tourism industry and the ability to recruit foreign students and workers.

In Maryland, attorneys told a federal judge that the measure still discriminates against Muslims.

Government attorneys argued that the ban was revised substantially to address legal concerns, including the removal of an exemption for religious minorities from the affected countries.

"It doesn't say anything about religion. It doesn't draw any religious distinctions," said Jeffrey Wall, who argued for the Justice Department.

Attorneys for the ACLU and other groups said that Trump's statements on the campaign trail and statements from his advisers since he took office make clear that the intent of the ban is to ban Muslims. Trump policy adviser Stephen Miller has said the revised order was designed to have "the same basic policy outcome" as the first.

The new version of the ban details more of a national security rationale. It is narrower and eases some concerns about violating the due-process rights of travelers.

It applies only to new visas from Somalia, Iran, Syria, Sudan, Libya and Yemen and temporarily shuts down the U.S. refugee program. It does not apply to travelers who already have visas.

"Generally, courts defer on national security to the government," said U.S. District Judge Theodore Chuang. "Do I need to conclude that the national security purpose is a sham and false?"

In response, ACLU attorney Omar Jadwat pointed to Miller's statement and said the government had put out misleading and contradictory information about whether banning travel from six specific countries would make the nation safer.

The Maryland lawsuit also argues that it's against federal law for the Trump administration to reduce the number of refugees allowed into the United States this year by more than half, from 110,000 to 50,000. Attorneys argued that if that aspect of the ban takes effect, 60,000 people would be stranded in war-torn countries with nowhere else to go.

In the Hawaii case, the federal government said there was no need to issue an emergency restraining order because Hawaii officials offered only "generalized allegations" of harm.

Jeffrey Wall of the Office of the Solicitor General challenged Hawaii's claim that the order violates due-process rights of Ismail Elshikh as a U.S. citizen who wants his mother-in-law to visit his family from Syria. He says courts have not extended due-process rights outside of a spousal relationship.

Neal Katyal, a Washington, D.C., attorney representing Hawaii, called the story of Elshiskh, an Egyptian immigrant and naturalized U.S. citizen, "the story of America."

Wall told the judge that if he is inclined to issue an injunction, it should be tailored specifically to Hawaii and not nationwide.

In Washington state, U.S. District Judge James Robart  who halted the original ban last month  heard arguments in a lawsuit brought by the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project, which is making arguments similar to the ACLU's in the Maryland case.

Robart said he is most interested in two questions presented by the group's challenge to the ban: whether the ban violates federal immigration law, and whether the affected immigrants would be "irreparably harmed" should the ban go into effect.

He spent much of Wednesday afternoon's hearing grilling the lawyers about two seeming conflicting federal laws on immigration  one which gives the president the authority to keep "any class of aliens" out of the country, and another that forbids the government from discriminating on the basis of nationality when it comes to issuing immigrant visas.

Robart said he would issue a written order, but he did not say when. He is also overseeing the challenge brought by Washington state.

Attorney General Bob Ferguson argues that the new order harms residents, universities and businesses, especially tech companies such as Washington state-based Microsoft and Amazon, which rely on foreign workers. California, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York and Oregon have joined the claim.

Washington and Hawaii say the order also violates the First Amendment, which bars the government from favoring or disfavoring any religion. On that point, they say, the new ban is no different than the old. The states' First Amendment claim has not been resolved.

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals refused to reinstate the original ban but did not rule on the discrimination claim.
- Ensures "Life is On" across Israel with early warning notification of equipment problems to reduce unscheduled downtime

- Monitoring and Diagnostics Services Center offers best practice advice and start up services for ease of rollout

LAKE FOREST, California, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Schneider Electric, the global specialist in energy management and automation, today announced the Israel Electric Corporation (IECo) selected Schneider Electric's predictive asset analytics software, Avantis PRiSM, to improve reliability, availability and performance. Schneider Electric's predictive maintenance software will be used to monitor 4100 MW of combined-cycle natural gas generation at eleven units across seven sites.

Photo - http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/477942/SchneiderElectric_PowerPlant.jpg

IECo is the largest power provider in Israel, generating and supplying electricity to 80 percent of the country. As part of their commitment to provide reliable power to their customers, IECo is executing a predictive maintenance strategy. Avantis PRiSM will be the center of IECo's early warning system (EWS) and will be used to identify and diagnose equipment problems before they occur for proactive maintenance planning. This is the first Schneider Electric implementation on IECo's generation level and a continuation of previous initiatives to optimize IECo's power system.

"As a completely isolated national grid, supplying reliable power is critical for our customers," said Uri Levy, Project Manager at IECo. "We selected Schneider Electric's predictive asset analytics software for our EWS because of their proven technology, industry experience and customer-centric approach."

"In power generation, a single turbine failure can cost millions of dollars," said Rob McGreevy, Vice President of Information, Asset and Operations at Schneider Electric. "Predictive asset analytics enables utilities such as IECo to identify and diagnose issues before they occur for proactive maintenance planning, resulting in reduced costs and maximizing return on high dollar asset investments."

In addition to model building, implementation support and training, Schneider Electric is providing remote asset health and performance monitoring through their Monitoring and Diagnostics Services Center (MDSC), offering a bridge of expert services to supplement the IECo team prior to implementation.

Avantis PRiSM uses advanced pattern recognition and machine learning to detect equipment problems days, weeks or months before traditional alarms. As part of Schneider Electric's comprehensive Enterprise APM platform, PRiSM enables companies to reduce unscheduled downtime, increase asset utilization and maximize economic return on assets.

Learn more about Schneider Electric's Enterprise Asset Performance Management solutions, or contact your local Schneider Electric representative.

About Schneider Electric

Schneider Electric is the global specialist in energy management and automation. With revenues of ~25 billion in FY2016, our 160,000+ employees serve customers in over 100 countries, helping them to manage their energy and process in ways that are safe, reliable, efficient and sustainable. From the simplest of switches to complex operational systems, our technology, software and services improve the way our customers manage and automate their operations. Our connected technologies reshape industries, transform cities and enrich lives. At Schneider Electric, we call this Life Is On.

www.schneider-electric.com/us

www.schneider-electric.co.il/he/

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SOURCE Schneider Electric
LOVELAND, Colorado, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- VanDyne SuperTurbo Inc. announced its corporate name change to SuperTurbo Technologies Inc. The Company has also named Dan Hancock, Frans Westenbrink and Andy Savarie to the board of directors.

"This is an exciting time for our company with the change in company name and strengthening of our board of directors," said Mark Herbst, President and Chief Executive Officer. "Our board of directors has never been stronger and we value the experience and insight Dan, Frans and Andy bring to us."

Dan Hancock is President of DMH Consulting, LLC. Dan retired from General Motors after 43 years in powertrain engineering and general management. His most recent positions included Vice President-Global Strategic Product Alliances, Vice President-Global Powertrain Engineering, CEO Fiat-GM Powertrain and President, Allison Transmission. He was President of SAE International in 2014 and a member of the National Academy of Engineering.

Frans Westenbrink is Vice President and General Manager for the Aftermarket, Power, Steam and Compressor (APSCS) business unit at Woodward Inc. Frans began his career with Woodward in Europe where he was responsible for the European Sales and Engineering operations before moving to the U.S. in 1999. Before taking on his current role Frans was responsible for the development of Woodward's GT Fuel injection business with GE and Siemens. Frans has performed other commercial and technology leadership functions in Woodward's Engine Systems business.

Andy Savarie has over 25 years of investment banking and entrepreneurial business experience. Andy has lead the automotive investment banking practices at Morgan Stanley, Banc of America Securities and Bear Stearns where he advised clients on well over 100 M&A and financing transactions. Andy also spent 4 years as a co-founder and head of corporate development and strategy for Carbon Motors Corporation, an early stage automotive company.

About SuperTurbo Technologies, Inc.

SuperTurbo Technologies Inc. specializes in the design, development and commercialization of SuperTurbos for the global automotive and truck markets. Founded in 2009, the Company is headquartered in Loveland, Colorado and is a leader in the application of advanced driven-turbo technology. The Company's proprietary SuperTurbo system enables engines and vehicles to achieve important emission reduction, realize fuel savings and increase overall performance. The Company has previously announced a collaboration with Allison Transmission Inc. to co-develop a vehicle demonstrator maximizing the benefits of engine downspeeding, efficient supercharging and turbo compounding in a Class 8 tractor. For more information, visit http://vandynesuperturbo.com.

Media inquiries: Mark Herbst, mark.herbst@vandynesuperturbo.com

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SOURCE SuperTurbo Technologies, Inc.
LEUVEN, Belgium, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

- Innovative Diabetic Eye Disease Clinical and Pre-Clinical Portfolio

- Provides "Multiple Shots on Goal"

- First Patients Enrolled in Phase II Clinical Study

- Evaluating THR-317 (anti-PlGF) for Diabetic Macular Edema (DME)

- Cash Position - 80.1 Million at end of December 2016

Highlights

ThromboGenics continues to advance its attractive portfolio of innovative medicines for the treatment of diabetic eye disease: 4 novel treatments for diabetic retinopathy (DR) - non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), in the presence or absence of diabetic macular edema (DME)

Clinical Update

Phase II study: THR-409 (Ocriplasmin) for Non Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (CIRCLE)

The Phase II study (CIRCLE) is assessing the ability of multiple doses of THR-409 to induce a total PVD in patients with NPDR.

CIRCLE will also explore whether generating a total PVD in patients with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy could prevent the disease from progressing to proliferative diabetic retinopathy, a serious sight threatening condition.

In December, the CIRCLE study protocol was amended to allow inclusion of patients with less severe non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy. This change was made to broaden the patient pool for this study to recruit from.

Phase II study: THR-317 (anti-PlGF) for Diabetic Macular Edema (DME)

A phase II study evaluating the safety and efficacy of 3 intravitreal injections of 2 dose levels of THR-317 (4 mg or 8 mg) recruited its first patients in January 2017 . The trial is assessing THR-317's ability to improve best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and to reduce central retinal thickness in subjects with DME.

The study aims at enrolling a total of 50 patients (including 10 anti-VEGF treatment resistant patients) over a period of about 12 months. The first results from the study are expected in Q1 2018.

ThromboGenics believes THR-317 could be used as a stand-alone therapy or as an add-on treatment to anti-VEGF medicines, for the treatment of DME or DR.

Phase I/II clinical trials in the works: THR-687 and THR- 149

Pre-clinical development of THR-687 and THR-149 is making good progress

THR-687 is being developed to treat a broad range of patients with diabetic retinopathy, with or without DME. The Company plans to start a Phase I/II clinical trial around end of 2017

THR-149 is being developed to treat edema associated with diabetic retinopathy and a Phase I/II clinical trial is expected to start in 2018.

Oncurious NV

Oncurious and its development partner BioInvent International signed a partnership agreement with the Neuroblastoma and Medulloblastoma Translational Research Center (NMTRC) for the clinical development of TB-403 for the treatment of medulloblastoma in the US in March 2016 .

A Phase I/IIa study was initiated with TB-403 in May 2016 . The study aims to recruit 27 patients with Relapsed or Refractory Medulloblastoma.

In January 2017 , the European Commission confirmed orphan drug designation for TB-403 for medulloblastoma following a positive opinion issued by the European Medicine Agency (EMA).

Financial

ThromboGenics generated overall revenues of 7.1 million in 2016. This includes a 2.5 million in royalty income.

ThromboGenics US business achieved its goal of an operational break even at the end of 2016.

In order to align the JETREA intangibles and goodwill value with the continued lower than expected sales levels, the Company has decided to take an impairment charge of 26.6 million. This charge has no impact on the Company's cash position.

Cash and investments were 80.1 million as of the end of December 2016 , compared with 101.4 million at the end of December 2015 .

ThromboGenics NV (Euronext Brussels: THR), an integrated biopharmaceutical company, focused on developing novel medicines for diabetic eye disease, today issues a business update and its financial update for the year ending December 31, 2016.

ThromboGenics is developing novel medicines for diabetic eye disease, diabetic retinopathy (DR) with or without diabetic macular edema (DME).

ThromboGenics' innovative pipeline targeting diabetic eye disease, which is one of the strongest in the industry, includes:

THR-409 - an ongoing Phase IIa (CIRCLE) clinical study is evaluating the efficacy and safety of multiple doses of ocriplasmin in inducing total posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) in patients with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR).

THR-317 - a PLGF neutralizing monoclonal antibody is being developed for DME and/or for use in combination therapy with current anti-VEGF drugs for the treatments of DME or DR. The Company is currently enrolling patients in a Phase II clinical study.

THR-687 - a small molecule integrin antagonist being developed to treat a broad range of patients with diabetic retinopathy, with or without DME. The Company is preparing for the start of a Phase I/II clinical trial around end of 2017

THR-149 - a plasma kallikrein inhibitor is being developed to treat edema associated with diabetic retinopathy. Company is preparing for a Phase I/II clinical trial to start in 2018

In addition, ThromboGenics, through its oncology subsidiary Oncurious NV, is conducting a Phase I/IIa clinical trial in children assessing TB-403 for the treatment of medullablastoma, a pediatric brain tumor.

Dr. Patrik De Haes, ThromboGenics' CEO, said: "We are happy with the progress we are making with our pipeline of potential new disease modifying medicines for the treatment of diabetic eye disease. Diabetic Retinopathy and Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) are significant indications where there are clear unmet medical needs. THR-317 (anti-PlGF) in a Phase II study to assess its ability to improve best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and to reduce central retinal thickness in subjects with DME. We are also conducting the CIRCLE study, a Phase II clinical trial to assess THR-409 as a potential treatment to reduce the risk of patients with NPDR developing sight-threatening PDR. We are also making excellent progress with our pre-clinical pipeline, including 2 molecules which could be in the clinic by next year.

With our current cash resources of around 80 million, we can support our Company's development activities for the foreseeable future, allowing us to demonstrate the value of our exciting pipeline of innovative drug candidates."

Research & Development Activities

Diabetes, Diabetic Retinopathy and DME

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 9% of adults 18 years and older had diabetes in 2014 (WHO, 2015)[1].

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the leading cause of visual disability and blindness among professionally active adults (Cunha-Vaz, 1998; Fong et al., 1999). Worldwide, the prevalence rate of vision-threatening PDR or DME was estimated to be 11.72% of the diabetic population in 2010 (Yau et al., 2012).

DR progresses from mild, non-proliferative to more severe or even proliferative stages. As DR progresses, there is a gradual closure of retinal vessels leading to impaired perfusion and retinal ischemia. When the disease progresses beyond certain thresholds, severe non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) is diagnosed.

The more advanced stage, PDR, is characterized by the development of new blood vessels at the inner surface of the retina as a result of retinal ischemia. These new vessels are prone to bleed, resulting in vitreous hemorrhage.

PDR is considered high risk when the new vessels are accompanied by vitreous hemorrhage, or when they cover a significant area of the optic disc, even in the absence of vitreous hemorrhage, patients with high risk PDR are at high risk of severe vision loss.

The current treatment standard for PDR patients is laser photocoagulation (PRP) therapy. An increasing role for anti-VEGF treatments has also been demonstrated.

PDR patients may still progress to severe vision loss or even complete vision loss despite receiving recurrent pan-retinal photocoagulation (PRP). In addition, recurrent treatment with PRP may lead to complications such as visual field loss or worsening of macular edema.[2] [3]

THR-409 for Non Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy - CIRCLE Study

The CIRCLE study is evaluating the ability of multiple doses of THR-409 (ocriplasmin) to induce a total posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) in patients with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR). The study is also assessing the safety of multiple doses of THR-409.

ThromboGenics aims to reduce the risk of disease progression to proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) by inducing a total PVD using THR-409. PDR is the major cause of blindness in patients with diabetes. Patients who progress to PDR are at high risk of experiencing severe vision loss or complete blindness.

Research has suggested that total PVD, a complete separation of vitreous and retina, could prevent the progression of NPDR to PDR. This could be explained by total PVD leading to elimination of the scaffold needed for the development of new blood vessels and/or the improvement of oxygen supply to the retina, thereby reducing retinal ischemia, production of VEGF, vascular outgrowth and neovascularization.

The CIRCLE study is a Phase II, randomized, double-masked, sham-controlled, multi-center study that will evaluate the efficacy and safety of up to 3 intravitreal injections of either 0.125mg or 0.0625mg of THR-409 in subjects with moderate to very severe NPDR, to induce total PVD in order to reduce the risk of the patient developing sight-threatening PDR.

In December the protocol of the CIRCLE study was amended to allow the trial to recruit from a broader pool of patients. Patients are being accrued from sites across the US, Canada and EMEA.

The primary endpoint of the CIRCLE study is the percentage of patients with total PVD by the month 3 visit, confirmed by both B-scan ultrasound and SD-OCT.

Furthermore, 2 year follow up of patients may provide insights into THR-409's potential to reduce the risk of progressing from NPDR to PDR.

Developing THR-317 - a potential attractive alternative or add-on to current anti-VEGF medicines when treating DME or DR

ThromboGenics enrolled the first patients in a Phase II, single-masked, multicenter exploratory study evaluating the safety and efficacy of 2 dose levels of THR-317 for the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME) in January 2017.

THR-317 (anti-PIGF) is a recombinant human monoclonal antibody directed against the receptor-binding site of human placental growth factor (PlGF).

The Phase II study will evaluate the safety of 3 intravitreal injections of 2 dose levels of THR-317 (4 mg or 8 mg). The trial will also assess THR-317's ability to improve best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and to reduce central retinal thickness in subjects with DME.

The study plans to enroll a total of 50 patients (including 10 anti-VEGF treatment resistant patients) over a period of about 12 months. The first results from the study are expected in Q1 2018.

ThromboGenics believes that THR-317 could be used as a stand-alone therapy or as an add-on treatment to anti-VEGF medicines, for the treatment of DME or DR.

Oncurious NV - orphan drug development i n pediatric oncology

Oncurious NV is an oncology company focused on the development of innovative medicines for the treatment of pediatric cancers. Oncurious is a venture between ThromboGenics NV and VIB, a leading life science research institute in Flanders, Belgium.

Oncurious is developing TB-403 a humanized monoclonal antibody against placental growth factor (PlGF). PlGF is expressed in several types of cancer, including medulloblastoma. High expression of the PlGF receptor neuropilin 1 has been shown to correlate with poor overall survival. Medulloblastoma is the most common pediatric malignant brain tumor, accounting for 20% of all brain tumors in children. Treatment with TB-403 in relevant animal models for medulloblastoma has demonstrated beneficial effects on tumor growth and survival.

In May, a Phase I/IIa study was initiated with TB-403. The study, which is being conducted by NMTRC, aims to recruit 27 patients with Relapsed or Refractory Medulloblastoma.

Tthe European Commission confirmed the orphan drug designation for TB-403 for medulloblastoma in January 2017. The confirmation by the EC followed an earlier in-depth review and positive opinion on the drug candidate by the EMA Committee for Orphan Medicinal Products (COMP).

BioInvent International is a co-development partner for this clinical program.

JETREA US and Global Update

JETREA Commercial

In 2016, ThromboGenics generated JETREA sales of 4.4 million in the US and received 2.2 million in royalties income from Alcon's ex-US sales.

ThromboGenics reduced the size of its US commercial organization, becoming cash-neutral in 2016 as a result of lower costs.

Ocriplasmin Research Findings Presented at EURETINA, EVER and AAO

Ocriplasmin research findings were presented at:

the European Society of Retina Specialists (EURETINA) in Copenhagen in September

in September the European Association for Vision and Eye Research (EVER) 2016 in Nice in October

the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) meeting in Chicago in October.

The updated clinical data presented at these conferences confirmed the product's safety profile as described in the approved product label, with no new safety signals. Moreover, these new clinical studies and real-world data continued to confirm that appropriate patient selection leads to improved treatment outcomes in patients with sVMA/VMT.

New 'Already-Diluted' Formulation of JETREA

In June, ThromboGenics announced that the Office of Biotechnology Products of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had approved a new already-diluted formulation of JETREA (ocriplasmin).

This new formulation of JETREA offers the additional benefit of eliminating the current preparatory dilution steps prior to injection.

ThromboGenics Inc., which is commercializing JETREA in the US, plans to launch the already-diluted formulation of JETREA in 2017.

Financial review

In 2016, ThromboGenics had total revenues of  7.1 million, including  4.4 million of JETREA sales in the US,  2.2 million in royalties from Alcon based on its ex-US sales of JETREA,  0.3 million from other royalties and 0.2m from other income.

In the corresponding period in 2015, ThromboGenics had total revenues of  11.2 million, including  7.4 million of JETREA sales in the US,  3.2 million in royalties from Alcon based on its ex-US sales of JETREA, and  0.5 million from other income. In 2016, ThromboGenics' R&D expenses amounted to  17.9 million. This compares with  13.6 million of R&D expenses in the same period in 2015. These amounts exclude for both years a (annual)  6.7 million amortization of the ocriplasmin Phase III program.

The increase in R&D spending is the result of the Company's decision to re-focus its activities and resources towards drug development, and to start executing its 2016 presented development pipeline of novel disease-modifying drugs for the treatment of diabetic retinopathy, with or without diabetic macular edema.

In 2016, selling and marketing expenses amounted to 4.3 million compared with  17.6 million in 2015.

With this decrease in sales and marketing spending, the Company achieves the operational break-even target for its US commercial organization in 2016.

In order to align the JETREA intangibles and goodwill value with the continued lower than expected sales levels, the Company has decided to take an impairment charge of 26.6 million.

As a direct result of this impairment charge, the reported total net loss of the Company for 2016 amounted to 60.4 million.

Excluding this impairment charge, ThromboGenics would have reported a net loss of 33.8 million.

This compares to the reported net loss of 37.9 million in 2015.

The impairment charge has not impacted the Company's cash in 2016.

At the end of December 2016, ThromboGenics had 80.1 million in cash and investments, compared to 101.4million as of the end of December 2015.

Patrik De Haes, MD, Chief Executive Officer, and Dominique Vanfleteren, Chief Financial Officer, will host a conference call and Q&A at 18:30 CET / 17:30 GMT / 13:30 EDT to discuss the results and clinical update. The call will be conducted in English and a replay will be available via the company's website.

To access the conference call, please dial one of the appropriate numbers below quoting the conference ID:

Belgium +32-2-402-96-40

France: +33-(0)-1-72-00-15-10

Germany: +49-(0)-69-222-229-031

Netherlands: +31-10-71-38-194

UK: +44-(0)-20-3043-2440

US: +1-6467224907

Conference ID: 76917577#

To access the webcast please register here

To ensure a timely connection, it is recommended that users register at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start timing.

The presentation and transcript of the call will be made available in the investor

information section of the website.

About ThromboGenics

ThromboGenics is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative treatments for diabetic eye disease. The company's pipeline of disease modifying drug candidates is targeting the key segments of the diabetic eye disease market.

ThromboGenics is conducting the CIRCLE study, a Phase II clinical trial evaluating multiple doses of THR-409 (ocriplasmin) to induce a total Posterior Vitreous Detachment in patients with Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopath (NPDR).

Early 2017, ThromboGenics enrolled its first patient in a Phase II clinical study evaluating THR-317, a PIGF inhibitor for the treatment of diabetic macular edema, as a stand-alone or as a combination therapy with anti-VEGF treatments.

In addition, THR-149, a plasma kallikrein inhibitor, which has resulted from research collaboration with Bicycle Therapeutics, and THR-687, an integrin antagonist, which was in-licensed from Galapagos, are in late stage pre-clinical development.

ThromboGenics pioneered a new drug category of pharmacological vitreolysis with JETREA (ocriplasmin) which is now approved for the treatment of vitreomacular traction in 54 countries worldwide. ThromboGenics is commercializing JETREA via its subsidiary ThromboGenics, Inc. in the US. Novartis commercializes JETREA outside the United States.

ThromboGenics is headquartered in Leuven, Belgium, and is listed on the NYSE Euronext Brussels exchange under the symbol THR.

More information is available at www.thrombogenics.com

For further information please contact:

ThromboGenics

Wouter Piepers,

Global Head of Corporate Communications & IR

+32-16-75-13-10 / +32-478-33-56-32

wouter.piepers@thrombogenics.com

Citigate Dewe Rogerson

David Dible/Sylvie Berrebi

Tel: +44-(0)20-7282-2867

david.dible@citigatedr.co.uk

Sylvie.berrebi@citigatedr.co.uk

References:

[1]World Health Organization (WHO). (2015). Diabetes. Fact sheet N312. http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs312/en/ 21 May 2015.

[2]Bailey CC, Sparrow JM, Grey RH, Cheng H (1999). The National Diabetic Retinopathy Laser Treatment Audit. III. Clinical outcomes. Eye (Lond) 13 (Pt 2): 151-159.

[3]Fong DS, Ferris FL 3rd, Davis MD, Chew EY (1999). Causes of severe visual loss in the early treatment diabetic retinopathy study: ETDRS report no. 24. Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study Research Group. Am J Ophthalmol. 127 (2): 137-141.

Important information about forward-looking statements

Certain statements in this press release may be considered "forward-looking". Such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, and, accordingly, entail and are influenced by various risks and uncertainties. The Company therefore cannot provide any assurance that such forward-looking statements will materialize and does not assume an obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or any other reason. Additional information concerning risks and uncertainties affecting the business and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statement is contained in the Company's Annual Report.

This press release does not constitute an offer or invitation for the sale or purchase of securities or assets of ThromboGenics in any jurisdiction. No securities of ThromboGenics may be offered or sold within the United States without registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or in compliance with an exemption therefrom, and in accordance with any applicable U.S. state securities laws.

The statutory auditor, BDO Bedrijfsrevisoren represented by Gert Claes, has confirmed that the audit procedures, which have been substantially completed, have not revealed any material adjustments which would have to be made to the accounting data included in the Company's annual announcement, and intends to issue an unqualified opinion.

SOURCE ThromboGenics
LONDON, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- TradingScreen, the leader in electronic trading platforms, is pleased to announce the launch of its Turn-key SI / OTF (Organised Trading Facilities). This SaaS solution is suited to major European banks, brokers and other global financial players ready to implement new technology to fulfil MiFID II requirements.

Turn-key SI / OTF leverages the firm's extensive experience in developing EMS / OMS, multi-broker, multi-asset class trading platforms, as well as TradingScreen MTF and Fixed Income Crossing platform expertise. Turn-key SI / OTF will provide a fully-integrated trading and matching engine ecosystem, along with leading-edge pre- and post-trade reporting tools satisfying MiFID II requirements.

"The new regulatory framework for the European financial market is pushing financial actors to redefine their role, follow new rules and regulation and upgrade their infrastructure. Moreover, very few Execution Management Systems handle the Fixed income and OTC market like we do. Our 18 years of experience in the field uniquely position us to offer all of the above with our Turn-key SI / OTF solution, a full, one-touch platform for OTFs and MTFs," said Alexandre Carteau, Head of the TradeExchange business line.

Turn-key SI / OTF will support a multi-protocol environment (including discretionary tiering) and maintain an exchange-grade quality matching engine. Its state-of-the-art, HTML5 interface, connects you to nine global data centers, for maximum access to your client-base.

"TradingScreen has a history of providing customized solutions to our clients. European market participants need MiFID II-compliant services, in a very cost-efficient way. We are providing a fast and easy to implement solution reducing the need for expensive internal development. It's the ideal platform for the OTF community," said Pierre Schroeder, CEO of TradingScreen.

Contact

Ken Ruan, Marketing

TradingScreen New York

T: +1 212 359 4022

ken.ruan@tradingscreen.com

About TradingScreen

TradingScreen is the leading independent provider of liquidity, trading, and investment technology via SaaS to the financial community. TradingScreen's goal is to simplify the complexity of markets, by consolidating all investment workflows for exchange-traded and OTC instruments on a single platform. TradingScreen brings the major, global sell-side participants, leading regional brokers and the largest Buy side firms to a common environment, delivering market access, order-management, liquidity-management and investment services. The benefit to clients is an exceptional reach across counterparties, asset classes, and geography, and a full integration of services front to back. TradingScreen was named Best Sell-Side Technology: OTC Trading Initiative and Best Crossing Network Provider by WatersTechnology, in addition to winning numerous awards for best trading technology. TradingScreen provides global coverage from offices in Boston, Chicago, Frankfurt, Geneva, Hong Kong, London, New York, Paris, Singapore, Sydney and Tokyo. For more information on TradingScreen, go to www.tradingscreen.com

Related Links

http://www.tradingscreen.com



SOURCE TradingScreen
NEW YORK, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Consumers in the US are privy to the fact that drinking potable water isn't enough to safeguard one's health from viral diseases and water-borne infections. Consumption of bottled water in the States is expected to be driven by rising awareness regarding the benefits of drinking mineral water. Higher nutritional content in bottled or packaged drinking water continues to play a significant role in protecting lives of millions of US consumers. Nevertheless, a latest research report published by Persistence Market Research projects that years from now, the demand for bottled water in US will lose traction and incur growth at a sluggish pace. According to its report, Persistence Market Research predicts that by the end of 2024, the US bottled water market will have reached US$ 22.226 Bn value, registering a modest CAGR of 4%.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161114/438683LOGO )



Browse Full Report Research Methodology@ http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/market-research/us-bottled-water-market.asp

Contrary to the popular opinion, the demand for bottled water in US is likely to lose out to rising adoption of advanced water purification & distribution systems. The US$ 16 Bn market for bottled water in the US is, thus, expected to attain a restrained growth on the account of following factors:

Environmental Impact of Bottled Water : In early 2016, San Francisco's local authorities controlled the sales of plastic water bottles as an initiative to check environmental pollution. Companies producing large volumes of bottled water products will continue to adversely alter the environment through excessive water extraction techniques and extensive use of non-decomposable materials such as plastics and other polymerized materials.

: In early 2016, local authorities controlled the sales of plastic water bottles as an initiative to check environmental pollution. Companies producing large volumes of bottled water products will continue to adversely alter the environment through excessive water extraction techniques and extensive use of non-decomposable materials such as plastics and other polymerized materials. Regulations Curbing the Production of Packaged Water: Authoritative bodies in the US will continue to control the production of bottled water by imposing unfavorable regulations. These regulations are directed to reduce the carbon footprint of bottled water manufacturers on the country's environment. Steadfast implementation of such norms is expected to hinder the production of bottled water in the US.

A sample of this report is available upon request @ http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/14596

A riveting factor compiled in this report mentions the emergence of eco-friendly packaging materials in production of bottled water. The US bottled water market is slated to incur opportune growth when manufacturers will begin procurement of eco-friendly yet equally competent alternatives for plastic bottles. This will be done by rapid adoption of 100% recycled PET bottles. Nestle Waters is one such leading manufacturer of bottled water in the US that has undertaken similar measures. Other prominent manufacturers of bottled water in the US include PepsiCo, Inc., The Coca-Cola Company, Mountain Valley Spring Company, LLC., Groupe Danone, Suntory Beverage & Food Ltd., and CG Roxane, LLC.

View Report Table of Contents, Figures, and Tables@ http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/market-research/us-bottled-water-market/toc

The report further reveals that in 2016, over 10,000 million units of bottled water products were consumed in the US. The demand for 3-gallon bottled water products is projected to remain high through 2024. Almost two-third of the US bottled water market will continue to be dominated by HDPE materials as PET bottles are likely to lose out competitiveness due to strict environmental regulations. By the end of 2024, nearly three-fourth of revenues amassed in the US bottled water market are anticipated to come from sales of products with screw caps and Snap-On caps. The report also identifies supermarkets as the largest distribution channel for bottled water in the US, accounting for over 35% value share towards the end of the forecast period.

Persistence Market Research Overview

Persistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.

To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.



Contact

Persistence Market Research

U.S. Sales Office:

305 Broadway, 7th Floor

New York City, NY 10007

United States

USA - Canada Toll-Free: 800-961-0353

Email: sales@persitencemarketreserach.com



Web: http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com

SOURCE Persistence Market Research Pvt. Ltd.
DENVER, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The collective North American IPv6 Task Forces announced the 2017 North American IPv6 Summit will be held at LinkedIn headquarters in Sunnyvale, CA. The two-day event (April 25-26), designed to educate network professionals on the current state of IPv6 adoption, will feature a variety of speakers from leading organizations, including LinkedIn, ARIN, Google Fiber, Microsoft, Cisco, Comcast, and others.

Keynote speakers John Curran, President and CEO of the American Registry for Internet Numbers (ARIN) and Franck Martin, LinkedIn Senior Staff Engineer, Systems, and Chair of the LinkedIn IPv6 inside the Data Center Working Group, will address the technology leaders, system architects, technical engineers, and researchers expected to attend.

John Curran is the President and CEO of ARIN, where he leads the organization in its mission of managing the distribution of Internet number resources. His past Internet industry experience includes serving as CTO and COO for ServerVault, which provides highly secure, fully managed infrastructure solutions for sensitive federal government and commercial applications. Prior to this, he was CTO for XO Communicationswhere he was integral in leading the organization's technical initiatives, network architecture, and design of leading-edge capabilities built into the company's nationwide networkas well as CTO for BBN/GTE Internetworking, where he was responsible for the organization's strategic technology direction.

Franck Martin has been postmaster at LinkedIn from 2011 till 2017. He spent nearly 20 years in Fiji where he worked extensively with 20 or so Pacific Island countries. He was trustee at the Internet Society 2006-2009, members of the Pacific Islands and San Francisco Chapters. He has deployed a few ISPs in Tuvalu, Fiji and Samoa as well as established two ccTLDs dot KI (Kiribati) and dot NR (Nauru). He has worked on the DMARC.org specification, deployed it at LinkedIn, and he is promoting email authentication technologies and policies. He is currently working towards building an IPv6-only data center at LinkedIn. He is also active in the alternative electronic music scene in San Francisco. He has released several electronica albums under his name.

This event is being coordinated by the Rocky Mountain, California, Texas, and Mexico IPv6 Task Force groups. "We are very excited to be able to host the 2017 North American IPv6 Summit at LinkedIn's headquarters in Sunnyvale. The Summit is a great opportunity for network professionals to learn about the latest advancements and uses of IPv6. We've seen explosive growth in the adoption of IPv6 and we are going to celebrate the accomplishments of those adopting organizations and allow them to share best practices and success stories," said Scott Hogg, Chair Emeritus, RMv6TF.

The IPv6 North American Summit, first held in 2007, will cover such topics as exemplary IPv6 adoption, best practices in IPv6 deployment, methods for driving increased usage of IPv6, current IPv6 adoption trends, and future IPv6 growth projections. Awards will be presented to the top 10 North American service providers who achieved connecting over 20% of their subscribers with IPv6.

Attendees will take part in a two-day single-track session, starting each day with a 9:00 a.m. keynote address followed by presentations until 5:00p.m. Lunch is included, as is morning coffee and afternoon refreshments. Attendees also receive a custom t-shirt.

About The IPv6 Task Forces

Dedicated to the advancement and adoption of Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6), the Rocky Mountain, California, Texas and Mexico IPv6 Task Forces work to educate the community on IPv6 and its benefits. As sub-chapters of the North American IPv6 Task Force, these organizations primarily host local IPv6-focused events to promote the use of IPv6 within the North American region. These groups are non-profit/tax-exempt organizations that industry and government can look to for guidance on IPv6 transition information and advice about best practices and solutions involving IPv6. For more information, visit www.RMv6TF.org, www.CAv6TF.org, www.TXv6TF.org, and www.IPv6forum.com.mx .

About ARIN

ARIN is the nonprofit corporation that manages the distribution of Internet number resources  IPv4, IPv6, and ASNs  in its service region, which includes Canada, many Caribbean and North Atlantic islands, and the United States. With no more IPv4 addresses remaining in the free pool, ARIN encourages all organizations with a digital presence to deploy IPv6 to make sure they are reachable across the whole Internet not just the old Internet. More information on IPv6 adoption is available at http://teamarin.net/get6/ and https://www.arin.net

To attend the conference, register here: REGISTER

Contact: Scott Hogg, Chairman Emeritus, Rocky Mountain IPv6 Task Force

Phone: 303-949-4865

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 North American IPv6 Task Forces
PHILADELPHIA, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Over 600 Music Schools across 49 states will be participating in the 3rd Annual "Teach Music America" Week from March 20th to March 26th. During this week, the organization Keep Music Alive is encouraging all musicians & music schools to offer one free 30 minute lesson to new interested students (kids & adults). Anyone who is interested in learning to play an instrument is 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).

3rd Annual Teach Music America Week - March 20-26 - 600 Music Schools Offering Free Lessons to New Students 88+ Ways Music Can Change Your Life - 100+ Inspirational Music Stories from all over the world including a number of music, TV & film celebrities

Vincent James, co-founder of Keep Music Alive states: "We all know that the biggest hurdle to doing something is often just getting started. With Teach Music America, we are hoping to inspire a multitude of new musicians who will continue reaping the education, social & therapeutic 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. For more information on "Teach Music America" Week please visit www.TeachMusicAmerica.org or contact Vincent James at (610) 874-6312 or [email protected].

Keep Music Alive is an organization dedicated to promoting the value of music: educationally, therapeutically and overall making us a happier society. They have published the book " 88+ Ways Music Can Change Your Life " featuring over 100 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 musical instruments and instruction to schools & communities where arts education is lacking. Current beneficiaries include Guitars in the Classroom, Spirit of Harmony & Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation.

SOURCE Keep Music Alive
LAKEWOOD, N.J., March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Cardknox Payments is proud to partner with Applications Research Software to provide significantly discounted credit card processing rates, along with an EMV chip-card solution for JCCs, YMCAs, YWCAs and Health Clubs. The new partnership with Cardknox brings a new level of automation, security, and simplicity to the payment options of Applications Research's QuattroC and eFinesstri software.

Applications Research www.applications-research.com

Paul Lundberg, Chief Operating Officer at Applications Research, commented, "We created our system as an affordable option for JCCs and YMCAs. Recognizing that continuous product development is key to ensuring our customer's success, we partnered with Cardknox to bring our customer's the best in payments. We identified their unique needs, and worked to provide them with a solution that would integrate seamlessly with their operations."

The new partnership ensures payment security by supporting EMV chip-cards for enhanced security. Additionally, Cardknox offers a unique workaround for terminals to display custom forms and messaging while still maintaining PCI compliance, which provides a marketing advantage as well.

Mark Paley, Director of Partner Sales at Cardknox added, "Our processing rates are optimized for community centers, and our unique array of features help Organizations further reduce their expenses. Cardknox's Card Updater feature enhances recurring charges by automatically updating credit cards that have expired to decrease failed transactions."

The card-present EMV solution works with Ingenico credit card terminals on Applications Research's QuattroC and eFinesstri platforms, and secure online payments are available through Applications Research's OnlineEdge. For more information, please visit www.cardknox.com/application-research.

About CARDKNOX:

Cardknox is a technology-based payment solution that optimizes and lowers rates for each industry. Offering the lowest rates and advanced payment features, Cardknox serves thousands of customers across every major industry throughout the United States, UK and Canada. For more information, visit www.cardknox.com

About APPLICATIONS RESEARCH:

Applications Research is a leading provider of operations software to community centers, YMCAs, and YWCAs. For more Information, visit www.applications-research.com

MEDIA CONTACT:

Bruce Zlotowitz

844-227-3566 x 524

[email protected]

SOURCE Cardknox
BROOKFIELD, Wis., March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- To support the American Association of Colleges of Nursing's mission of producing a culturally diverse workforce, Nurse.com by OnCourse Learning is sponsoring the organization's Diversity, Inclusion, and Sustainability in Nursing Education Lectureship Award for the third consecutive year.

Norma Martinez Rogers, PhD, RN, FAAN

"The AACN is dedicated to ensuring our nursing workforce mirrors today's patient population," said Patrick Sheahan, president and CEO of Nurse.com and OnCourse Learning. "This award shines a light on nursing educators who are successfully carrying out that mission."

Norma Martinez Rogers, PhD, RN, FAAN, a professor at the University of Texas Health Science Center's School of Nursing in San Antonio, will be honored March 21 as the award's 2017 winner. Rogers will receive the award on the final day of the AACN's Spring Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C.

"This authenticates the work I have been doing in this area for over 20 years," Rogers said. "It is an honor because my peers and colleagues are the ones who have recognized me as a leader of cultural diversity and inclusion."

Rogers is the founder of Juntos Podemos (Together We Can), a peer-to-peer mentoring program for nursing students that assists with retention. Rogers said 98% of the students in the program are academically successful.

"My proudest moment is that once the project was initiated and implemented, it became a student-driven program," she said. "As a matter of fact, students still contact me about their accomplishments, advancement in nursing education and work in the community."

In 2013, Rogers founded the Cultural Inclusion Institute, which hosts conferences to help healthcare professionals understand how those affected by social determinants of health can be valued, respected and supported.

Thanks to Nurse.com's financial support, the AACN created the award in July 2014 and presented it for the first time in 2015.

"Nurse.com by OnCourse Learning recognized the importance of celebrating leaders who are making an impact on creating learning environments that support individuals from all racial/ethnic backgrounds as well as other groups underrepresented in nursing," said AACN President and CEO Deborah Trautman, PhD, RN, FAAN. "AACN applauds this visionary thinking and commitment to excellence, which makes this annual award possible."

The award recognizes outstanding contributions by an individual or a group that demonstrate one or more of the following traits: influencing others; role modeling; continual learning; cultivating diverse teams; risk taking; accountability for diversity; and inclusion and external leadership engagement.

To learn more about the honor or to submit a future nomination, visit the AACN's Awards page online.

Nurse.com is the largest print and digital magazine dedicated to registered nurses, providing news, employment opportunities, and continuing education programming through the publication and its complementary digital products including website, blogs, e-books and social media outlets. To learn more, visit Nurse.com or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

For media inquiries, contact:

Barry Bottino, Communications Director

847-908-8007

[email protected]

About OnCourse Learning

OnCourse Learning delivers licensure, regulatory and compliance education solutions throughout the nation's leading industries including financial services, healthcare and real estate. Through trusted industry expertise, compliance management and technology solutions, OnCourse Learning focuses on advancing the e-learning environment for individuals and businesses to help to build new careers, empower employees through knowledge and identify efficiencies in corporate training management. OnCourse Learning offers a full suite of educational products including state and federally approved prelicensing and continuing education programs, accredited course content, exam prep tools, publications, e-books, events and a sophisticated and customizable learning management system and course-authoring tool. To learn more, visit OnCourseLearning.com.

SOURCE OnCourse Learning

Related Links

http://OnCourseLearning.com


VANCOUVER, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ - This addendum (the "Addendum") to the proxy circular dated March 9, 2017 (the "Circular") and any accompanying YELLOW form of proxy or YELLOW voting instruction form (as applicable, the "Yellow Proxy") is furnished in connection with the solicitation of proxies by and on behalf of Delbrook Capital Advisors Inc. (the "Concerned Shareholder") to be used at the Annual General Meeting of holders (the "Shareholders") of the common shares (the "Shares") of Rapier Gold Inc. (the "Corporation" or "Rapier") scheduled to be held on Thursday, March 30, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. (Pacific Time) in the Boardroom of Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP, 550 Burrard Street, 29th Floor, Vancouver, BC V6C 0A3, or any postponement or adjournment thereof (the "Meeting").

This Addendum is being provided as a direct response to the attempt by management and the board of directors of Rapier (the "Entrenched Management and Board") to throw out your proxies in support of the Concerned Shareholder.

We received notice on behalf of the Corporation threatening the possibility that your Yellow Proxies may not be accepted at the Meeting based on bogus allegations that the Circular is non-compliant. We believe the self-serving Entrenched Management and Board is attempting to further entrench themselves by not permitting Shareholders their legitimate right and ability to vote and participate in the Meeting. This oppressive conduct is blatantly dismissive of Shareholder democracy and we urge the Corporation to consider whether it is in the best interest of the Corporation and its Shareholders to deny those Shareholders who oppose the Entrenched Management and Board, the ability to vote at the Meeting. The actions of the Entrenched Management and Board underscore their desperation and lack of concern for Shareholders. We will not stand for this and intend on seeking legal remedy for all valid proxies which are arbitrarily discarded by the Entrenched Management and Board.

To ensure ALL Shareholders are treated fairly, we demand that the Entrenched Management and Board of Rapier allow a qualified independent individual to chair the Meeting.

We would remind Shareholders that the Meeting is an opportunity to focus on the QUALITY of managementclearly we can do better at Rapier. The Entrenched Management and Board have no concern for Shareholders as witnessed by the willingness to continue to accrue unnecessary legal fees. Over 40% of Shareholders support our view that we should simply "Let Shareholders Vote".

While we object to the Entrenched Management and Board's allegations and disagree entirely, in order to protect the right of Shareholders to vote at the Meeting, the Concerned Shareholder is providing this Addendum.

This Addendum should be read in conjunction with and incorporates by reference and forms part of the Circular which shall remain unamended except to the extent amended and modified by this Addendum. The Circular is also available under Rapier's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com and at www.delbrookcapital/rapier-gold. All capitalized terms not otherwise defined in this Addendum have the same meanings as set forth in the Circular.

General

Through their lawyers, Rapier, in an attempt to oppress Shareholders, complains that the Circular omits and misrepresents information. The section below addresses each allegation.

"The Circular asserts that none of the Concerned Shareholder (i.e. Delbrook), the Dissident Nominees, nor any of their associates or affiliates has any material interest, direct or indirect, in any transaction or proposed transaction which has materially affected or could materially affect the Company." Through their lawyers, Rapier complains that material interest in a proposed transaction that has materially affected or could materially affect Rapier was not disclosed.

The Circular made specific reference to the information disclosed in the Circular or the Management Circular in respect of any material interest of the Concerned Shareholder, the Shareholder Nominees and their associates or affiliates. In addition, the Circular noted that information concerning: (i) any material interest, direct or indirect, of any "informed person" (as such term is defined in National Instrument 51-102 - Continuous Disclosure Obligations), or any associate or affiliate thereof in any transaction since the commencement of the Corporation's last completed financial year, or in any proposed transaction which has materially affected or could materially affect the Corporation or any of its affiliates; and (ii) any material interest, direct or indirect, by way of beneficial ownership of securities or otherwise, of any director or officer of the Corporation, or any associate or affiliate thereof, in the matters to be acted upon at the Meeting, is disclosed in the Circular and, except as disclosed in the Circular, has been omitted from the Circular because such information is contained in the Management Circular.



Again, we note that Readers are referred to the Management Circular for this information. None of the Concerned Shareholder or the Shareholder Nominees had an interest in the proposed shell company. Information was included in the Circular or the Management Circular that the Concerned Shareholder may have considered investing in a portion of the financing and that Mr. Parisotto and Mr. Blasutti were proposed nominees for the board of directors of a new, Ontario focused, exploration company for the proposed transaction, however, the proposed transaction has been rejected by Rapier.

"The Circular asserts that each Dissident Nominee is "independent", and that none of the Dissident Nominees has any direct or indirect material relationship with the Company that would be reasonably expected to interfere with the exercise of his independent judgment." Through their lawyers, Rapier complains that certain Shareholder Nominees are not independent.

None of the Shareholder Nominees has any direct or indirect material relationship with the Corporation (or any subsidiary entity or parent of the Corporation) that would be reasonably expected to interfere with the exercise of his independent judgement, nor does any Shareholder Nominee fall under any category of individual set out in Section 1.4(3) or Section 1.5(1) of NI 52-110 that would be considered to have a material relationship with the Corporation (or any subsidiary entity or parent of the Corporation). There is no current agreement between the Corporation and the previously proposed shell company and none of the Shareholder Nominees had an interest in such entity. The fact is, Mr. Parisotto and Mr. Blasutti were proposed nominees for the board of directors of a new, Ontario focused, exploration company for the proposed transaction, which has been rejected by Rapier.

"The Circular asserts that Delbrook is "unaware of any significant associated liabilities with regard to the [Shell Company Acquiror]." Through their lawyers, Rapier complains that the Concerned Shareholder was aware of the negative working capital of the shell company.

We would like to clarify to all Shareholders that the proposed transaction was contingent on an equity financing of $8-$10 million , which had significant institutional support; assuming new management was put in place for the Pen Gold Property. Based on the last financial statements filed prior to the rejection of the proposed transaction by Rapier, the shell company had a negative working capital of approximately $262,000 . Therefore, the Concerned Shareholder is of the view that there are no significant associated liabilities with regards to the shell company in view of the totality of the transaction.

We encourage Shareholders to vote the YELLOW proxy to stop this Entrenched Management and Board from inflicting any more damage on Rapier. The Company is financially distressed and management is desperate and oblivious to the views of Shareholders. Let the voice of Shareholders be heard.

PLEASE VOTE YOUR YELLOW PROXY BY 9 A.M. (PACIFIC TIME) ON MARCH 28, 2017. Vote using the following methods prior to the deadline.







Email/Internet Telephone or Fax Mail Registered Shareholders Shares held in own name and represented by a physical certificate. Scan & Email the YELLOW form of proxy to : [email protected] Fax to: 1-416-646-2415 Return the YELLOW form of proxy in the enclosed envelope. Non Registered Shareholders Shares held with a broker, bank or other intermediary. Vote online at www.proxyvote.com Vote by telephone using the number listed on your YELLOW voting instruction form. Return the YELLOW voting instruction form in the enclosed envelope.

Hard copies of the Circular and this Addendum may also be obtained on request without charge from Laurel Hill using the contact information in the Circular and this Addendum.

CERTIFICATE

The contents and the sending of this Addendum have been approved by the Concerned Shareholder.

March 16, 2017

DELBROOK CAPITAL ADVISORS INC.

Per: (signed) "Matthew Zabloski"

Matthew Zabloski

Managing Director

SOURCE Delbrook Capital Advisors Inc.
"Suicide is not just a faceless health issue for our society  it affects real people. We hope that by meeting Nebraskans who have been personally affected by suicide, state lawmakers will make suicide prevention a priority, an effort that will save lives," said Aileen Brady, board member with the Nebraska chapter of AFSP .

While they are visiting the state capitol, State Senator John McCollister will meet with volunteer advocates to stress the importance of advocacy in raising awareness and assisting senators in making improvements in policy, legislation and service improvements. The volunteer advocates are part of a larger national movement of AFSP volunteer advocates who will be visiting 35 state capitols across the United States in spring 2017 to bring best practices in suicide prevention to state legislators.

Suicide in Nebraska

Suicide is the eleventh leading cause of death overall in Nebraska. For people aged 15-34, it is the second leading cause of death in the state. For those aged 35-44, it is the fourth leading cause of death. On average, one person dies by suicide every two days in the state.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide. AFSP creates a culture that's smart about mental health through education and community programs, develops suicide prevention through research and advocacy, and provides support for those affected by suicide. Led by CEO Robert Gebbia and headquartered in New York, AFSP has local chapters in all 50 states with programs and events nationwide. AFSP celebrates 30 years of service to the suicide prevention movement. Learn more about AFSP in its latest Annual Report, and join the conversation on suicide prevention by following AFSP on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

SOURCE American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Related Links

http://www.afsp.org


VANCOUVER, March 15, 2017 /PRNewswire/ - Air Canada announced today the introduction of daily summer seasonal service between Vancouver and Boston starting June 23, 2017 until September 4, 2017. Special introductory fares start as low as $243 one-way, all in, and tickets are now available for purchase at aircanada.com or through travel agents.

"We continue to strategically expand our transborder network and we are excited to link Vancouver and Boston with daily non-stop flights this summer, complementing our existing Boston services from Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa and Halifax. These new non-stop flights will shave two hours of travel time for customers travelling between the Canadian West Coast and the U.S. northeastern seaboard. Customers travelling from the Greater Boston area, the sixth most populous area in the U.S., will also enjoy convenient connections at our YVR hub to Western Canada and to our daily flights to both Sydney and Brisbane, Australia, featuring competitive elapsed times," said Benjamin Smith, President, Passenger Airlines, at Air Canada.

The new non-stop services will be operated by Air Canada starting June 23, 2017 with 120-seat Airbus A319 aircraft offering a choice of Business and Economy Class service. All flights provide for Aeroplan accumulation and redemption, Star Alliance reciprocal benefits and, for eligible customers, priority check-in, Maple Leaf Lounge access at the Vancouver hub, priority boarding and other benefits.

Flight # Depart Time Arrive Time AC532 Vancouver (YVR) 08:55 Boston (BOS) 17:03 AC533 Boston (BOS) 17:55 Vancouver (YVR) 21:00

So far in 2017, Air Canada has launched new non-stop U.S. services from Vancouver to Dallas-Fort Worth, Denver and now Boston; Toronto to San Antonio, Memphis and Savannah; Montreal to Dallas-Fort Worth and now Washington Dulles.

About Air Canada

Air Canada is Canada's largest domestic and international airline serving more than 200 airports on six continents. Canada's flag carrier is among the 20 largest airlines in the world and in 2016 served close to 45 million customers. Air Canada provides scheduled passenger service directly to 64 airports in Canada, 57 in the United States and 91 in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Australia, the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America and South America. Air Canada is a founding member of Star Alliance, the world's most comprehensive air transportation network serving 1,330 airports in 192 countries. Air Canada is the only international network carrier in North America to receive a Four-Star ranking according to independent U.K. research firm Skytrax. For more information, please visit: www.aircanada.com, follow @AirCanada on Twitter and join Air Canada on Facebook.

SOURCE Air Canada

Related Links

www.aircanada.com


DES MOINES, Iowa, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Allstate Insurance Company is launching a recruitment campaign to bring 71 jobs to Iowa this year. For jobseekers interested in a new career, Allstate might have the right opportunity.

"We're seeking professionals with an entrepreneurial spirit, looking to own and operate their own business and those who are interested in working in the agency," said Gary Chitwood, Allstate's West Central strategic deployment leader.

The ideal agent candidate wants to build a legacy that they can pass down for generations. By protecting and serving families, agents can make a substantial impact on their local communities. And with the Allstate brand and team behind their new business venture, they have the support they need to be successful.

The opportunity also brings unique fiscal benefits to the small business owner compared to other insurers. "Allstate agents own the economic interest in their business," continued Chitwood. "Allstate agency owners can sell the economic interest in their agency. No other branded insurer has this option."

The expansion efforts to match the growth trends span across seven states, bringing a total of 468 jobs:

State Approx.

Exclusive

Agents Approx. Licensed

Sales

Professionals Colorado 32 96 Iowa 18 54 Kansas 15 45 Missouri 29 87 Montana 4 12 Nebraska 16 48 South Dakota 3 9

Interested candidates can learn more about becoming an Allstate agency owner by going to www.allstateagent.com or by calling 1-877-711-1006.

For more information about becoming an Allstate licensed sales professional, candidates can find out more at http://allstateagencycareers.recruiting.com/.

The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation's largest publicly held personal lines insurer, protecting approximately 16 million households from life's uncertainties through auto, home, life and other insurance offered through its Allstate, Esurance, Encompass and Answer Financial brand names. Now celebrating its 85th anniversary as an insurer, Allstate is widely known through the slogan "You're In Good Hands With Allstate." Allstate agencies are in virtually every local community in America. In 2015, The Allstate Foundation, Allstate, its employees and agency owners gave $36 million to support local communities.

SOURCE Allstate Insurance Company

Related Links

http://www.allstate.com


DENVER, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- ALPS, a subsidiary of DST Systems, Inc. (NYSE: DST), providing products and services to the financial services industry, in collaboration with DST kasina, today released a research paper on the fundamental changes that are driving the growth of collective investment trusts (CIT). The research concludes that CITs could become the dominant investment vehicle in the defined contribution market.

CITs are already outpacing the overall retirement market, growing at a 7-year CAGR of 14.4 percent, compared to less than 9 percent for the overall retirement market over the same time period. CITs could reach $3.1 trillion in total retirement assets by the end of 2018, up from $1.9 trillion at the end of 2015.

Key Research Findings:

CITs represent less than 14% of assets in all CIT-eligible plans in 2015, leaving ample headroom for the investment structure to grow in the years to come.

Most plan sponsors, acting as fiduciaries, are effectively considering CITs one of the investment option sleeves for their 401(k) plans as CITs have a structural cost advantage over mutual funds, costing less from both a compliance and marketing standpoint.

Relative cost savings of CITs over institutional and R6 class mutual funds were estimated to be in the 10 to 30 basis point range.

"ALPS' comprehensive CIT servicing solution seeks to deliver an efficient way for Investment Managers to launch and manage assets in a CIT structure," said Lisa Mougin, Senior Vice President and Director of Sales and Client Relationship Management at ALPS. "We believe the continued regulatory focus on fees and fiduciary oversight positions CITs for continued growth, particularly in the defined contribution space."

The full research paper is available at: https://www.dstsystems.com/insights/understanding-cits

About ALPS

Through its subsidiary companies, ALPS Holdings, Inc. is a leading provider of innovative investment products and customized servicing solutions to the financial services industry. Founded in 1985, Denver-based ALPS delivers its Asset Gathering and Asset Servicing Solutions through offices in Boston, Miami, New York, San Francisco, Seattle, Toronto. ALPS is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kansas City-based DST Systems, Inc. For more information about ALPS and its services, visit www.alpsinc.com. Information about ALPS products is available at www.alpsfunds.com.

About DST kasina

DST kasina, LLC, helps leading companies in the financial services industry manage data, gain insight, and ignite change in their business. Through effective use of advanced analytics, research, and distribution intelligence technologies, DST kasina enables businesses to better understand, predict, and optimize key business factors impacting their asset growth and profitability. For more information on how to leverage DST kasina's strategic advisory services, visit www.kasina.com.

Media Contact:

Laura M. Parsons

DST Global Public Relations

+1 816 843 9087

[email protected]

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151109/285295LOGO

SOURCE ALPS
SAN FRANCISCO, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Anticipation is building for Hub17, Anaplan's premier global user conference, where planning change agents and leaders will learn about a new age of connected planning. Industry visionaries, leaders, experts, and people looking to be inspired will gather at Hub17 from March 2729 in San Francisco to share the vision of connection.

The keynote on Tuesday, March 28, will feature big-picture thinkers like Dr. Mae Jemison, the first woman of color in space; Anaplan's new President and CEO Frank Calderoni; Constellation Research CEO R "Ray" Wang; andas stated on the Hub17 sitecustomers and partners such as American Family Insurance, Deloitte, DISH Network, Genoa, HP Enterprise, Kimberly-Clark, RSA Group, and Sonos.

"We're thrilled that customers and partners are joining us at Hub17 to share how they're embracing the vision of connected planninga re-imagination of how businesses plan and manage performance," said Anaplan Chief Marketing Officer Grant Halloran. "Hub17 attendees will have the opportunity to be inspired by leaders and visionaries, while also participating in activities that will enable them to drive impactful change at all levels of their organizations."

Hub17 attendees will also experience:

Over 120 focused breakout sessions over two days, ranging from advanced product roadmaps to nitty-gritty tips and tricks, with emphasis on real-world use cases in finance, sales, marketing, supply chain, IT, and HR, as well as sessions exploring the Anaplan platform. All breakout sessions showcase practical ideas for connecting people and plans.

Access to hundreds of Anaplan experts who can share new and better ways to tackle complex planning challenges.

Networking with more than 1,500 Anaplan users, partners, sponsors, and experts.

The Hub17 Hackathon where model builders will compete to build an amazing Anaplan app in just one day.

Anaplan's first-ever Street Party on the evening of March 29 , which will include street food, local craft brew tastings, games, and a live DJ.

Learn more and register for Hub17.

About Anaplan

Anaplan is driving a new age of connected planning. Large and fast-growing organizations use Anaplan's cloud platform in every business function to make informed decisions and drive faster, more effective planning processes. Anaplan also provides support, training, and planning transformation advisory services. Anaplan is a privately held company based in San Francisco with 16 offices and over 150 expert partners worldwide. To learn more, visit anaplan.com.

SOURCE Anaplan

Related Links

http://anaplan.com


SAN MARCOS, Calif., March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- An exciting and insightful program is planned for the 4th annual North County Economic Summit to be held on Wednesday, April 12, 2017 from 7:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. at California State University San Marcos (CSUSM).

Wells Fargo Managing Director & Senior Economist Mark Vitner will present "The Big Picture," sharing trends and an analysis of what is currently happening and what to expect in the nation, California and San Diego County.

According to Vitner, "There is a great deal of optimism surrounding possible policy changes that may improve the current business environment. Governments are increasingly looking at ways to reduce the regulatory burden on businesses, as a way to coax a little more job and income growth out of the economy."

In addition to Vitner, BW Research Partnership President Josh Williams will present an overview of the North County region's dynamic industry clusters, including the evolving innovation economy, the connections between quality of life and the business community, and an analysis of job quality, job volatility and the changing nature of employment.

This year's Summit will also include:

A 5-minute video presentation, created by the award-winning Carlsbad High School Television Network (CHSTV), on "North County's World of Work," highlighting how the region's K-12 schools are working with innovative businesses to prepare the region's students for the jobs of tomorrow.





(CHSTV), on highlighting how the region's K-12 schools are working with innovative businesses to prepare the region's students for the jobs of tomorrow. The findings and analysis from the first-ever North County Technology Study researched and designed through a collaborative effort by San Diego Regional EDC, Innovate78, BW Research and San Diego North EDC. Kirby Brady , director of research with San Diego Regional EDC , will make the presentation.





researched and designed through a collaborative effort by San Diego Regional EDC, Innovate78, BW Research and San Diego North EDC. , director of research with , will make the presentation. A short overview of the North County Business Confidence Index based on a survey conducted by CSUSM and San Diego Business Journal.

North County Economic Development Corporation (NCEDC) is hosting the Summit, in partnership with Title Sponsor, Wells Fargo. Tickets are $150 each and include breakfast, as well as printed and electronic economic reports. For information and to register: www.sdnedc.org/summitinfo.

SOURCE North County Economic Development Corporation

Related Links

https://www.sdnedc.org


NEW YORK, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- AppNexus, the world's leading independent advertising technology company, today announced the appointment of Kaylie Smith as Managing Director, JAPAC, effective Monday, March 13, 2017. Based in Sydney, Smith will oversee AppNexus' strategic partnerships and commercial strategy in Asia Pacific, Japan and Australia. A longtime executive at DoubleClick, Smith more recently managed Rubicon Project's publisher division. She brings a proven track record in building and expanding innovative advertising technology companies and broad experience across JAPAC. Her appointment signals the company's continued traction in, and commitment to expanding its commercial footprint across, the region.

"Kaylie's appointment represents our deepening investment in JAPAC," said Michael Rubenstein, President of AppNexus. "Over the past year, AppNexus has established relationships with some of the region's premier buyers and sellers of digital advertising. We're proud to offer technology that helps independent companies across the open internet preserve and grow their businesses. Kaylie's breadth of experience and industry knowledge enhance our ability to act as a strategic partner to current and future customers across JAPAC."

Prior to her appointment, Smith was Head of Seller Cloud at Rubicon Project, leading the company's publisher division. She directed publisher strategy, product and account management and global business development for Rubicon Project's core business, based both in the U.S. and JAPAC. Prior to joining Rubicon Project, Smith was a longtime executive at DoubleClick, where she served as Managing Director, JAPAC. Following Google's acquisition of DoubleClick, she transitioned into the role of Google's Head of Platforms, JAPAC.

"AppNexus is committed to deepening its investment in JAPAC, a region where it has gained significant commercial and strategic traction over the past year," said Smith. "As the world's leading independent advertising company, the company is a vital partner to both independent sellers and buyers of digital advertising. I look forward to bringing my leadership experience to the team as we expand our partnerships and champion the interests of our customers."

In her new role, Smith will oversee AppNexus' offices in Singapore, Tokyo and Sydney. Sonal Patel will continue to direct the company's operations in Singapore and will report directly into Smith.

ABOUT APPNEXUS

AppNexus is an internet technology company that enables and optimizes the real-time sale and purchase of digital advertising. Our powerful, real-time decisioning platform supports core products that enable publishers to maximize yield; and marketers and agencies to harness data and machine learning to deliver intelligent and customized campaigns. For more information, follow us at @AppNexus or visit us at appnexus.com.

SOURCE AppNexus

Related Links

http://www.appnexus.com


SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Arizona Center for Reconstructive Breast Surgery in Scottsdale announced that plastic and reconstructive surgeries may now benefit from an innovative imaging technology called the SPY Elite Fluorescence Imaging System. The use of SPY Elite may help surgeons to make critical decisions during surgery based on the quality of blood flow in vessels and micro vessels that provide oxygen to organs. Most often called tissue perfusion or simply perfusion, adequate blood flow is critical to tissue health and the ability to visualize blood flow in real-time may assist surgeons in achieving lower rates of postoperative complications and improved surgical outcomes. The Arizona Center for Reconstructive Breast Surgery is one of the first practices in the area to implement this advancement in surgery.

The ability to visualize perfusion intra-operatively may assist surgeons in many clinical decisions including where to make an incision and/ or how much tissue to remove during an operation. Today at the Arizona Center for Reconstructive Breast Surgery, surgeons will utilize SPY Elite to see beyond what the human eye can see to help optimize patient outcomes.

SPY Elite uses a near-infrared low powered laser light source to stimulate a fluorescent imaging agent that has been injected into the blood stream. The fluorescent agent binds to the proteins in blood and circulates through the body. When stimulated by light, the agent emits a fluorescence signal of blood flowing through even the tiniest vessels and into tissue. The fluorescence is captured by a special camera and displayed on a monitor for the surgeon to review. Unlike traditional X-ray, which can be cumbersome to perform in surgery, the SPY Elite technology does not involve ionizing radiation and is considered extremely safe for patients and staff.

SPY Fluorescence technology was the first fluorescence imaging system cleared by the United States Food and Drug Administration and is cleared for use in seven different applications including coronary artery bypass graft surgery, plastic, reconstructive and micro-surgery, colorectal surgery, organ transplant, cardiovascular and minimally invasive surgery.

About the Arizona Center for Reconstructive Breast Surgery

At the Arizona Center for Reconstructive Breast Surgery, Drs. Bryan Gawley and Ned Snyder IV have teamed up to combine their experience to provide patients with the best breast reconstructive procedures in the area. They specialize in flap procedures to provide patients with beautiful, natural-looking results.

Contact: Sherri Farris, 480-860-2173

SOURCE Arizona Center for Reconstructive Breast Surgery

Related Links

https://azbreastcenter.org


CHICAGO, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Artisan Talent, a leading employment agency in the digital, visual, creative and marketing staffing industry announced today they have won both of Inavero's Best of Staffing Client and Talent Awards for providing superior service to their clients and job seekers.

Presented in partnership with CareerBuilder, Inavero's Best of Staffing winners have proven to be industry leaders in service quality based on the ratings given to them by their clients and the permanent and temporary employees they've helped find jobs. Clients of winning agencies are 2.5 times more likely to be completely satisfied and talent are 3.6 times more likely to be completely satisfied with Artisan's services compared to those working with non-winning agencies. Focused on helping connect people with the right jobs, Artisan Talent received satisfaction scores of 9 or 10 out of 10 from 79 percent of their clients and 70 percent of their talent, significantly higher than the industry's average.

"Our company works hard to keep client service and talent advocacy at the top of our priorities. We are proud and honored to be recognized for the 4th year in a row for our efforts," said Artisan Talent's President Bejan Douraghy. "Digital Staffing firms are giving top companies a competitive advantage as they search for talent in North America," said Inavero's CEO Eric Gregg. "The 2017 Best of Staffing winners have achieved exceptionally high levels of satisfaction and I'm proud to feature them."

Artisan Talent is an interactive, visual, digital, marketing and creative staffing agency. Artisan advocates for the best talent, including graphic designers, web designers, web and mobile developers, UI / UX designers, interactive learning consultants, copywriters, SEO specialists, social media managers, digital strategists, presentation specialists, project managers, marketing managers, and more.

Since 1988 Artisan has nurtured relationships with the best clients, from fortune 500 industry leaders to interactive agencies and small non-profits. Inavero's Best of Staffing Award is the only award in the U.S. that recognizes staffing agencies that have proven superior service quality based completely on the ratings given to them by their clients and job candidates.

SOURCE Artisan Talent

Related Links

http://www.artisantalent.com


The session will kick off with opening remarks from Dr Gustavo Gonzalez-Canali from UN Women, followed by WHO's Dr Nata Menabde who will debunk the common myths around NCDs. That will be followed by an overview on the lifecourse approach to women's health by Dr. Heather White, PSI, co-chair Taskforce on Women & NCDs. A panel discussion, moderated by Dr Nalini Saligram, CEO and founder of Arogya World and co-chair of the Task Force on Women and NCDs, will focus on "Social Mobilization and Taking Action." Panelists include Soon-Young Yoon from International Alliance of Women, Katie Dain from NCD Alliance and Dr. Christina Stasiuk from Cigna. The event will conclude with a call-to-action from Ambassador Sally Cowal, American Cancer Society, and one of the founders of the Taskforce on Women & NCDs.

"The Taskforce on Women and NCDs believes women everywhere have a right to health throughout their lives, from early childhood and adolescence through their reproductive years and into old age. Women must step up and demand a life course approach to their health," said Dr. Heather White.

"When it comes to women and NCDs, there is much work to be done. NCDs impact women as patients, mothers and caregivers. Arogya World's global study of 10,000 women estimated that 50 percent of women provide care for someone with an NCD, and 20 percent had to quit their jobs to do so," pointed out Dr. Saligram. "The voices of all women and girls must be heard," she said, "and their contributions, paid or unpaid, must count."

In a global Call to Action (see below) Ambassador Sally Cowal said: "Women are a powerful solution to the NCD crisis. If they are educated and empowered to lead their families towards healthy living, we can win in this fight against NCDs. I would like very much to see women at the center of a global NCD prevention movement, and I invite all leaders coming to the CSW meetings this week, to collaborate with the Taskforce on this important work."

The Taskforce on Women and NCDs, in collaboration with the NCD Alliance, has developed a tool  the "Women and NCD" pocket cards (http://www.womenandncds.org/Resources_-_Internal.html) to help illustrate and communicate the impact of NCDs and the actions women can take. These and other resources (http://www.webcandyinteractive.com/Womenandncds/Briefs/10,000womenInfographic1.pdf) will be distributed at the event today.

A global Call to Action issued today by the Taskforce on Women and NCDs, to world leaders and policymakers, demands:

Recognition that the health of women and girls is a social justice issue NCDs impact women uniquely as patients, mothers and caregivers. The staggering economic impact of NCDs can push women and their families deeper into the abyss of poverty. A special economic burden is placed on families when women die or are disabled by NCDs. The burden of caregiving, often caused by NCDs, is borne mostly by women. The voices of all women and girls must be heard and their contributions, whether they work in or outside the home, should count towards their country's GDP.

A lifecourse approach to women's health in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) era Women the world over have a right to health, all through their lives. Women must demand this lifecourse approach to health, recognizing that A woman's life is worth more than her reproductive years

More in-country gender-specific prevention programs So girls and women of all ages can readily access preventive health check-ups and NCD testing for hypertension, cholesterol, diabetes, gestational diabetes, cervical cancer, breast cancer, and other medical conditions Increased emphasis on adolescent girls for NCD prevention

Empowering Women to Lead Their Families towards Healthy Living- A New Strategy to Meet SDGs  Girls and women of all ages are leaders and stewards of their own health and that of their families. Empowering women and girls with education and tools can help them steer their families towards healthy living. Indeed, women are powerful solutions to the NCD crisis. Because NCDs have deep developmental impact, preventing NCDs for women and girls can free them up to earn a living, and in turn lift up their families and their communities. Active collaboration among girl's and women's rights groups, women's health groups, NCD /global health groups, and businesses and government, to advance the health of women everywhere.



About the organizations: The Taskforce on Women and Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) brings together fourteen global health organizations from the women's health and NCD communities to respond to the unique and growing burden of non-communicable diseases on women in low- and middle-income countries by mobilizing leadership, expanding technical expertise and disseminating evidence to inform policymaking, planning and services. www.womenandncds.org.

The American Cancer Society is a global grassroots force of 2 million volunteers saving lives in every community. As the largest voluntary health organization, the Society's efforts have contributed to a 23 percent decline in cancer death rates in the U.S. since 1991, and a 50 percent drop in smoking rates. We're finding cures as the nation's largest private, not-for-profit investor in cancer research, ensuring people facing cancer have the help they need and continuing the fight for access to quality health care, lifesaving screenings and more. For more information, to get help, or to join the fight, call us anytime, day or night, at (800) 227-2345 or visit cancer.org.

SOURCE American Cancer Society

Related Links

http://www.cancer.org


CHAMPAIGN, Ill., March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Growers in Illinois and across the Midwest now have the added benefit of a state-of-the-art soybean research facility, increasing accessibility of high quality, locally adapted seeds and raising the bar for yield opportunity.

Credenz soybeans from Bayer continue to build momentum following the success of last season.

Today, Bayer is celebrating the grand opening of the Soybean Breeding and Trait Development Center at the Midwest Field Technology Station (MFTS). The new station will house research and development to identify, develop and test new varieties, using modern breeding methods, pushing the limits of yield potential for growers in the Midwest.

"We're dedicated to delivering the best genetics and technology for growers with the Credenz soybean seed," says Monty Malone, Elite Performance Trials Lead for Bayer. "With this new station, we can continue to research, develop and provide innovative products that address the growing need for smart seed traits to safeguard and strengthen a crop that is increasingly valuable to growers across the globe."

The new expansion is one of three soybean research stations Bayer will open in 2017 and part of a three-year, $1 billion commitment from Bayer to invest in new research facilities, expansions and renovations around the country. The soybean breeding program at the MFTS will develop maturity group (MG) two and three Credenz seed, covering production areas in the Eastern Corn Belt. The four-building, 28,000 square foot facility features space to accommodate a large-scale breeding program to develop top performing soybean products across Illinois and the Midwest.

"The time and resources Bayer is putting into this research not only shows our commitment to high-quality, high-yielding products, but also to our growers and the future of agriculture as a whole," says Allen Gent, Bayer Strategic Business Lead for seeds. "This station will bring together significant scientific resources to support the advancement of the agriculture industry."

The expanded presence of Bayer in central Illinois supports the livelihood and profitability of growers who depend on their products and services. While the breeding center will sustain the number one industry in Illinois, it will also benefit the number one resource: the grower.

In the coming years, Bayer plans to expand the Credenz platform by introducing new trait technologies and working collaboratively with industry partners. "Credenz offers an entirely new approach to soybean protection, focused on smart genetics and increased grower choice," Gent says.

To learn more about Credenz soybeans and other innovations from Bayer, visit https://www.cropscience.bayer.us/products/seeds/credenz.

Bayer is committed to bringing new technology and solutions for agriculture and non-agricultural uses. For questions concerning the availability and use of products, contact a local Bayer representative, or visit Crop Science, a division of Bayer, online at www.cropscience.bayer.us.

Visit the Bayer Connect - Social Hub for social media, recent news, blog posts, videos and more from Crop Science, a division of Bayer.

Bayer: Science For A Better Life

Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the Life Science fields of health care and agriculture. Its products and services are designed to benefit people and improve their quality of life. At the same time, the Group aims to create value through innovation, growth and high earning power. Bayer is committed to the principles of sustainable development and to its social and ethical responsibilities as a corporate citizen. In fiscal 2016, the Group employed around 115,200 people and had sales of EUR 46.8 billion. Capital expenditures amounted to EUR 2.6 billion, R&D expenses to EUR 4.7 billion. These figures include those for the high-tech polymers business, which was floated on the stock market as an independent company named Covestro on October 6, 2015. For more information, go to www.bayer.us.

Find more information at www.cropscience.bayer.us.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Bayer Group or subgroup management. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in Bayer's public reports which are available on the Bayer website at www.bayer.com . The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.

2017 Bayer CropScience LP, 2 T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709. Always read and follow label instructions. Bayer, the Bayer Cross and Credenz are registered trademarks of Bayer. For additional product information call toll-free 1-866-99-BAYER (1-866-992-2937) or visit our website at www.cropscience.bayer.us.

SOURCE Bayer

Related Links

http://www.bayerus.com


SAN FRANCISCO, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Blockchain Capital, the premier venture capital firm investing in blockchain technology companies, today announces its intention to raise its third fund via a combination of a traditional limited partnership called Blockchain Capital III, LP and an additional fund offered via a digital token called the BCAP.

In line with its strategy to drive innovation based on blockchain technology, the partners decided to pursue a parallel offering of Ethereum-based tokens, issued by a Singapore entity, that would represent an evergreen fractional ownership in a new fund called Blockchain Capital III Digital Liquid Venture Fund, LP.

"Blockchain Capital is the first venture fund to offer its own digital tokens and it's expected to be a major disruption to the venture capital industry," said Brock Pierce, Managing Partner of Blockchain Capital. "We're providing the investor base across the globe with the opportunity to invest into a leading venture fund via a liquid, tradable, digital token. We also believe we are democratizing access to an asset class traditionally only available to elite institutional investors."

"In this environment of minimal IPOs, giving investors a new liquidity mechanism through this innovative, smart contract-driven, token technology is a unique and important value proposition," said Brad Stephens, Managing Partner of Blockchain Capital.

The investment focus of the new fund will continue Blockchain Capital's established practice of identifying outstanding blockchain technology companies led by ambitious management teams and partnering with them to accelerate growth. As enterprise use cases for the Blockchain proliferate across industries beyond financial technology, this capital raise gives Blockchain Capital the opportunity to maintain its leadership position in supporting the broadening ecosystem.

Blockchain Capital's current portfolio comprises 43 unique companies from its prior two funds. These include BitFury, BitGo, BitPesa, BlockCypher, Blockstream, Chain, Coinbase, Gem, GoCoin, ItBit, PeerNova, Ripple, Wave, and Xapo, among other blockchain technology leaders. Recent successful exits include Twilio, where Blockchain Capital sold its shares in Authy to Twilio, which then had a successful IPO.

The offering will be bookrun by The Argon Group, via its subsidiary Argon Investment Management LLC, under Regulation D Section 506(c) and Regulation S exemptions from registration with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Full details of the offering will be disclosed in the offering memorandum, which is expected to be published on April 3, 2017 via www.vctoken.com.

About Blockchain Capital

Blockchain Capital is the premier venture capital firm investing in blockchain technology companies. Launched in 2013, Blockchain Capital's initial fund was the first venture capital fund dedicated to the Bitcoin / blockchain ecosystem, and was also the first fund to accept capital calls in Bitcoin. Blockchain Capital is a sector specific, multi-stage, venture capital firm that seeks to gain diverse exposure to the blockchain ecosystem while offering unique co-investment opportunities and proprietary deal flow to its investors. The firm was founded by Bart Stephens, Brad Stephens, and Brock Pierce. For more information, please email [email protected], follow @blockchaincap, or call 415-677-5340.

About The Argon Group

The Argon Group (the "Group") is an investment bank with a focus on digital finance - the emerging crypto-currency and token-based capital markets. The Group provides financial advisory, placement, and technology services to companies seeking to raise equity, debt, and non-dilutive capital. The Group develops technical placement solutions, including digital tokens powered by advanced smart contracts, which Argon operates through a digital asset placement platform called TokenHub.com. The Group is also developing NYCEX, a digital asset and crypto-currency exchange, which will be on the cutting edge of technology and compliance. For more information, please email [email protected], follow @theargongroup, visit the website www.argongroup.com or call 650-665-9210.

Contact:

Kira Colburn

[email protected]

SOURCE Blockchain Capital
LUND, Sweden, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

BONESUPPORT AB, an emerging leader in innovative injectable bioceramic bone scaffolds to treat bone voids caused by trauma, infection, disease or related surgery, announces that its founder Lars Lidgren, is a member of a group of Swedish and US Knee and Hip surgeons from Lund and Gothenburg, Sweden, Boston and Rochester U.S. that has received the 2017 OREF Clinical Research Kappa Delta Award. The award was made for the group's outstanding research contribution leading to improved prosthetic survival and patient outcomes.

The OREF Clinical Research Kappa Delta recognizes outstanding clinical research related directly to musculoskeletal disease or injury. Henrik Malchau, MD, PhD, part of the Swedish and US group, will present the study "Arthroplasty Implant Registries Over The Past Five Decades: Development, Current and Future Impact" The award will be given at the AAOS meeting, San Diego, California on Thursday, March 16 at 11:00 am in the Ballroom 20.

Lars Lidgren, M.D., Ph.D. Hon. Member AAOS., founder of BONESUPPORT, said: "I'm delighted that clinical research on joint replacements, one of the most common surgical procedures today, has gained this very prestigious award. I am confident that our long term research based on arthroplasty registries will continue to help shape the development of new innovative technologies to provide patients with improved orthopaedic outcomes."

Notes to Editor

About the OREF Clinical Research Kappa Delta Award

This award recognizes outstanding clinical research related directly to musculoskeletal disease or injury. Eligible applicants must be members of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the Orthopaedic Research Society, the Canadian Orthopaedic Association, and the Canadian Orthopaedic Research Society. The winning paper is presented by the author at the Orthopaedic Research Society's annual meeting, and the award is presented to the recipient by an OREF representative at the Academy's annual meeting during the Kappa Delta Award presentations.

About BONESUPPORT

BONESUPPORT has developed CERAMENT as an innovative range of radiopaque injectable osteoconductive bioceramic products that have a proven ability to heal defects by remodeling to host bone in six to 12 months. Our products are effective in treating patients with fractures and bone voids caused by trauma, infection, disease or related surgery. Our lead product, CERAMENT BONE VOID FILLER (BVF) addresses important issues facing health care providers, such as avoiding hospital readmissions and revision surgery that result from failed bone healing and infection caused by residual bone voids. CERAMENT BVF is commercially available in the U.S., EU, SE Asia and the Middle East.

CERAMENT's distinctive properties as a drug eluting material have been validated in clinical practice by CERAMENT G and CERAMENT V, the first CE-marked injectable antibiotic eluting bone graft substitutes. These products provide local sustained delivery of gentamicin and vancomycin, respectively. The local delivery feature enables an initial high concentration of antibiotics to the bone defect and then a longer sustainable dose above the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) to protect bone healing and promote bone remodeling.

CERAMENT G and CERAMENT V have demonstrated good results in patients with problematic bone infections including osteomyelitis. They are also used prophylactically in patients who are at risk for developing infection. CERAMENT G and CERAMENT V are available in the EU.

BONESUPPORT was founded in 1999 by Prof. Lars Lidgren, an internationally respected scientist who has been the President of various musculoskeletal societies. BONESUPPORT's mission is to bring people with bone and joint diseases back to an active life. The Company is based in Lund, Sweden. www.bonesupport.com

BONESUPPORT is a registered trademark.

Contact Information



Citigate Dewe Rogerson

David Dible, Andrea Bici, Mark Swallow

+44-(0)-20-7282-2949/1050/2948

[email protected]





SOURCE BONESUPPORT
MELVILLE, N.Y., March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, concluded its One Canon Event, held March 7-9 in Boca Raton, Florida. The occasion commemorated the Company's Business Imaging Solutions Group (BISG) for its steady progress since the launch of the One Canon business strategy last August. At this invite-only event, industry analysts and journalists had the opportunity to fully engage with executive leaders, customers, partners, and hear new product news as well as all the latest Canon print technology and solutions.

Over 45 esteemed industry analysts and reporters from around the country gathered for an exclusive opportunity to learn more about how the Canon family of companies is working together to ensure customers and partners have access to all of Canon's business-to-business offerings. Key executives informed guests on the impact the initiative is having on the company as a whole, as well as providing a deeper look into each of the business units represented within the company. In addition, a dynamic solutions showcase gave guests an exclusive, all-access look into the scope of print and workflow solutions that Canon has to offer.

"Last year's announcement of the One Canon strategy marked a significant turning point for the company with a promise of delivering more integrated solutions offerings based on three pillars: innovation, possibility and smart solutions," said Toyotsugu Kuwamura, executive vice president at Business Imaging Solutions Group, Canon U.S.A., Inc. "Our goal for this event was now to demonstrate our commitment to uphold this promise. I hope the event provided our guests with an update on how the One Canon approach is already providing benefits to our customers and dealer partners."

During the three-day event, guests attended a series of presentations divided into the areas of Production Print, Large Format, and Enterprise Solutions, along with dealer relations. While informing attendees about the different business units and their functions within the company, executive leaders had a chance to share their success stories through the voice of the customers and the partners they serve.

Representatives from the University of Notre Dame, Bacompt, and Bird Marella all joined the conversation by participating in a series of Q & A style interviews where they had the opportunity to share their view on the Canon approach from a customer perspective. In addition, Canon reiterated the company's commitment to establishing strong partnerships with independent dealers by inviting high-profile Canon dealer Jerry Blaine from DEX imaging and his customer Howard Zimmerman from Architects, P.C. to speak alongside BISG Senior Vice President, Mason Olds.

"We sincerely appreciate the fact that Canon chose to include us in this event and cannot wait for another year of success thanks to their continued support," said Jerry Blaine, founder, president, and CEO of LDI.

To heighten the excitement put in place by the inspiring customer testimonials and executive presentations, guests were welcomed to the highly awaited product pavilion and solutions showcase. This display generated great excitement as guests took part in educational group presentations and demonstrations from each of the business units. Canon executive leaders, expert print technicians and partners including Box and mxHERO were made available to further engage in in-depth conversations with the press and analyst community, while some of the company's most anticipated and impactful products of the year were showcased simultaneously.

While all guests were motivated to be a part of the solutions showcase interactive experience, press and analysts from the wide format sector were especially excited for the world-wide launch of the Oce Colorado 1640 build on Canon's new UVgel technology. It was a noteworthy moment when the guests gathered around the stage to learn more about the product that is poised to revolutionize the wide format arena. The new technology will be at the core of an upcoming family of roll-to-roll printers that will help print service provider's increase their print production efficiency, while lowering their operating costs, enabling them to profitably grow their business.

Also making its debut at the solutions case was the new varioPRINT 140 Series, plus new imageRUNNER ADVANCE and imageCLASS models to help meet the diverse needs of businesses.

Click to view a highlight video from the "One Canon" event. For more information on products and solutions launched at the event please visit the Canon newsroom.

About Canon U.S.A., Inc.

Canon U.S.A., Inc., is a leading provider of consumer, business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions to the United States and to Latin America and the Caribbean markets. With approximately $29 billion in global revenue, its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), ranks third overall in U.S. patents granted in 2016. Canon U.S.A. is committed to the highest level of customer satisfaction and loyalty, providing 100 percent U.S.-based consumer service and support for all of the products it distributes in the United States. Canon U.S.A. is dedicated to its Kyosei philosophy of social and environmental responsibility. In 2014, the Canon Americas Headquarters secured LEED Gold certification, a recognition for the design, construction, operations and maintenance of high-performance green buildings. To keep apprised of the latest news from Canon U.S.A., sign up for the Company's RSS news feed by visiting www.usa.canon.com/rss and follow us on Twitter @CanonUSA. For media inquiries, please contact [email protected].

Based on weekly patent counts issued by United States Patent and Trademark Office.

Availability, prices and specifications are subject to change without notice.

Canon is a registered trademark of Canon Inc. in the United States and elsewhere. Oce is a registered trademark of Oce-Technologies B.V. in the United States and elsewhere.

All other referenced product names and marks are trademarks of their respective owners and are hereby acknowledged.

 2017 Canon U.S.A., Inc. All rights reserved.

Canon U.S.A. website:

http://www.usa.canon.com

For sales information/customer support:

1-800-OK-CANON

SOURCE Canon U.S.A., Inc.

Related Links

http://www.usa.canon.com


DALLAS, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Capital One, one of the title sponsors of the 2017 DFW Auto Show, March 22-26, will provide attendees with the opportunity to meet with well-known car designer, Chip Foose, at their Capital One Auto Navigator Garage. The Garage is a specially-constructed interactive space that will also feature one of Foose's custom-designed cars throughout the duration of the show. Known for his expertise in car design and restoration, Foose will talk about the latest trends in the car industry. In addition, Adrienne Janic, TV host, model and car enthusiast, will also be available to meet with attendees.

Meet and Greet with Chip Foose : March 25-26 , 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

: , Meet and Greet with Adrienne Janic : March 22 , 6 p.m.-8 p.m. March 23 , 3 p.m.-9 p.m. March 24 , 3 p.m.-9 p.m. March 25 , 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

:

The Capital One Auto Navigator Garage will offer an immersive experience where attendees can interact with Auto Navigator, a website that simplifies the car buying process. "Consumers are looking for a more streamlined way to buy and finance a car. With Auto Navigator, we're giving them just that, so they feel confident and ready to buy when they visit a dealership," said Ian Forrester, Senior Vice President, Capital One Auto Finance. "We look forward to sharing this tool with attendees at the DFW Auto Show, and discussing the latest in car buying and financing with Chip Foose."

"I'm thrilled to be joining Capital One at this year's DFW Auto Show," said Foose. "In my more than 45 years in the auto industry, styles, models and technology have constantly evolved. So too has the way we find and finance cars  the Capital One Auto Navigator website is a great example of that."

Car buyers spend an average of nearly nine hours on different online sites shopping for cars. With Auto Navigator, consumers can pre-qualify for auto financing in minutes with no impact to their credit score. They can also search over three million cars from over 12,000 participating dealers. They can see their personalized APR and monthly payment on each car once they pre-qualify for financing, and customize their offer based on factors such as down payment amounts and different term lengths. In addition, they can get dealer ratings and car reviews, and even access car history reports. To check out Auto Navigator, and find and finance the car of your dreams, visit capitalone.com/cars.

The Capital One Auto Navigator Garage will be located in Hall F, and in addition to Foose's car, will feature an interactive photo booth, where attendees can take pictures with sketches of Foose's custom cars. The space will also feature other fun activities and swag.

For more information and for DFW Auto Show tickets, visit the DFW Auto Show website.

About Capital One

Capital One Financial Corporation (www.capitalone.com) is a financial holding company whose subsidiaries, which include Capital One, N.A., and Capital One Bank (USA), N.A., had $236.8 billion in deposits and $357.0 billion in total assets as of December 31, 2016. Headquartered in McLean, Virginia, Capital One offers a broad spectrum of financial products and services to consumers, small businesses and commercial clients through a variety of channels. Capital One, N.A. has branches located primarily in New York, Louisiana, Texas, Maryland, Virginia, New Jersey and the District of Columbia. A Fortune 500 company, Capital One trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "COF" and is included in the S&P 100 index.

SOURCE Capital One Financial Corporation

Related Links

http://www.capitalone.com


WASHINGTON, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Center for Education Reform today described the Trump administration's proposed budget for the U.S. Department of Education as a "more concerted effort to channel dollars more directly to the needs of children and families instead of to programs and to districts."

CER Founder and CEO Jeanne Allen noted that not only does the budget add $1 billion in Title I funds, but provides that the money follow students to the public schools they choose to attend rather than to the districts they left. "This puts federal policy precisely where it should be - following state efforts," she said.

"Supporting education choices for students is a natural and long overdue move by the federal government," Allen continued. "The federal government has not kept up with the dramatic changes in the education landscape occurring at the state and local levels."

Programs that CER has long worked to create and expand, such as Charter schools, private scholarship programs and other innovative programs, are rarely recognized or supported by federal funding streams.

CER also applauded the budget's support for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority-Serving Institutions.

HBCUs play an important role in providing opportunities and access to underserved communities.

"Overall, the budget is a significant step forward," Allen said. "It really shows that the administration is listening and committed to reform. And is a gratifying endorsement of our work."

In early January, CER released The First 100 Days: An Agenda for Federal Action on Education which urged the Trump Administration to launch initiatives to serve as the basis for programs that provide students with access to truly exceptional education at all levels.

"We're delighted to see some of The First 100 Days reflected in the newly-released budget proposal, but mostly we're encouraged and excited by the new thinking it represents for Washington," Allen concluded.

About the Center for Education Reform

Founded in 1993, the Center for Education Reform aims to expand educational opportunities that lead to improved economic outcomes for all Americans  particularly our youth  ensuring that the conditions are ripe for innovation, freedom and flexibility throughout U.S. education.

SOURCE Center for Education Reform
AUBURN, Ala., March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Chicken Salad Chick, the nation's only southern inspired, fast casual chicken salad restaurant concept, announced today it's opening its first Mississippi restaurant in Oxford. The new restaurant will open on Tuesday, March 28 and is located at 1305 Merchants Drive in the Galleria II Shopping Center near Marshalls and Ulta. This location is owned and operated by husband-and-wife franchisee team Robin and Will Clayton.

During grand opening week, guests will enjoy southern hospitality through giveaways and specials at the new Chicken Salad Chick restaurant:

Tuesday, March 28  Free Chicken Salad for a Year  The first guest will win one large Quick Chick of chicken salad per week for an entire year; the next 99 guests receive a large Quick Chick of chicken salad per month for a year.*

 Free Chicken Salad for a Year  The first guest will win one large Quick Chick of chicken salad per week for an entire year; the next 99 guests receive a large Quick Chick of chicken salad per month for a year.* Wednesday, March 29  The first 100 guests to purchase The Chick will receive a limited edition Chicken Salad Chick RTIC Tumbler.

 The first 100 guests to purchase The Chick will receive a limited edition Chicken Salad Chick RTIC Tumbler. Thursday, March 30  Thirsty Thursday  The first 100 guests to purchase The Chick will receive a free large drink and a Chick Coozie.

 Thirsty Thursday  The first 100 guests to purchase The Chick will receive a free large drink and a Chick Coozie. Friday, March 31  Free Scoop Friday  The first 100 guests will receive a free scoop of Classic Carol chicken salad.**

 Free Scoop Friday  The first 100 guests will receive a free scoop of Classic Carol chicken salad.** Saturday, April 1  Kids Eat Free All Day  Kids will receive one free kids meal with the purchase of The Chick.***

"As a long-time fan and frequent customer of Chicken Salad Chick, it has always been a dream of mine to own a location. After visiting friends and family in Oxford, we knew it was the perfect market for Chicken Salad Chick with its Southern small-town charm and pleasant atmosphere," said Robin Clayton, Oxford Chicken Salad Chick franchisee. "Our family is eager to get started spreading the 'chick' love with the Ole Miss community."

Robin and Will are no strangers to the Chicken Salad Chick concept. The husband-and-wife franchisee team, who now reside in Oxford, discovered the brand seven years ago, because Robin's sister started working at the Chicken Salad Chick corporate office. After becoming familiar with the brand's franchising opportunities, Robin and Will decided to partner with their families to form YESSAM, LLC and bring the first restaurant into the state of Mississippi.

The Chicken Salad Chick concept, born in Auburn, Ala., was established in 2008 in the kitchen of founder, Stacy Brown. When Stacy discovered that the local county health department would not allow her to continue making and selling her delicious recipes out of her home kitchen, she overcame that obstacle by launching her first restaurant with the business expertise of her future husband and fellow founder, Kevin Brown. Together, they opened a small takeout restaurant, which quickly grew; the company now has more than 65 restaurants across the Southeast.

Chicken Salad Chick in Oxford will be open Monday  Friday from 10:30 a.m.  8 p.m. and Saturday from 10:30 a.m.  6 p.m. For more information, visit http://www.chickensaladchick.com, or call 662-380-5582. Follow Chicken Salad Chick on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest news and trends.

*Eligible winners must be over 16 years of age and are required to download the CravingCredits app.

**No purchase necessary.

***Must be 12 years of age or under. One kids meal per adult.

About Chicken Salad Chick

Chicken Salad Chick puts an edgy twist on a Southern classic, offering guests a "custom fit" chicken salad experience, with 12 original flavors to choose from, as well as gourmet soups, flavorful side salads and freshly-baked desserts. Chicken Salad Chick serves southern style chicken salad with heart and strives to spread joy, enrich lives and serve others every day. Today, the brand has more than 65 locations across the Southeast, and has currently sold 146 franchises to be developed across the states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North and South Carolina, Tennessee, Louisiana and Texas. The brand was recently named as the top chicken salad in the country to try in the 2015 March/April issue of Cooking with Paula Deen, as well as one of FastCasual.com's top Movers and Shakers and one of NRN's 2015 Breakout Brands. Chicken Salad Chick also ranked #37 on Inc.'s annual list of the 500 fastest-growing companies in the U.S. Corporate offices are located at 724 North Dean Road in Auburn, Alabama. See www.chickensaladchick.com for additional information.

Contact:

Alexya Williams

Fish Consulting

954-893-9150

[email protected]

SOURCE Chicken Salad Chick

Related Links

http://www.chickensaladchick.com


PHILADELPHIA, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- To honor the legacy of Dr. Eugene Garfield, the visionary founder of the Web of Science and a pioneer of Information Science, Clarivate Analytics today announced the creation of the "Eugene Garfield Information Sciences Pioneer Award." This award will be given annually to at least one promising information scientist, selected by a board of prominent scientometricians.

Clarivate Analytics, the home of the Web of Science and Journal Impact Factor, currently supports innovative research by individuals in the scientometric community through a thought leadership program, which gives researchers access to Web of Science data, as well as to scholarships such as the American Society of Information Science & Technology's Outstanding Teacher Award and Dissertation Proposal Award. Both awards were created in the early 1980s by Dr. Garfield. This new award will enable additional researchers to advance the field and build on Dr. Garfield's legacy.

The Scientific & Academic Research business of Clarivate Analytics continues to build on the early work of Dr. Garfield who developed the Science Citation Index, Current Contents and many other indexes in the sciences. By revolutionizing data-driven science, Clarivate is the leading provider of citation and innovation data and analytics to research organizations throughout the world.

"We are delighted to announce this award to mark our appreciation for Dr. Garfield, who was a visionary leader, colleague and friend to so many," said Jessica Turner, global head of government and academia at Clarivate Analytics. "Later this year, Clarivate will bring together the scientometric community to honor Dr. Garfield's legacy and to announce the recipient of its first award."

At least one prize will be given annually for the most innovative research in scientometrics, which can be applied to the field globally. It will be awarded to an early-career researcher (i.e., no more than PhD + 10 years) and based on the application criteria and on the researcher's needs. In addition to the award, Clarivate Analytics will provide the successful applicant with in-kind support and access to Web of Science data.

The online award application will be available starting in April 2017. Until that time, anyone interested should register to be notified when it becomes available, by sending an email to [email protected].

Clarivate Analytics

Clarivate Analytics accelerates the pace of innovation by providing trusted insights and analytics to customers around the world, enabling them to discover, protect and commercialize new ideas faster. Formerly the Intellectual Property and Science business of Thomson Reuters, we own and operate a collection of leading subscription-based businesses focused on scientific and academic research, patent analytics and regulatory standards, pharmaceutical and biotech intelligence, trademark protection, domain brand protection and intellectual property management. Clarivate Analytics is now an independent company with over 4,000 employees, operating in more than 100 countries and owns wellknown brands that include Web of Science, Cortellis, Thomson Innovation, Derwent World Patents Index, CompuMark, MarkMonitor and Techstreet, among others. For more information, please visit clarivate.com.

SOURCE Clarivate Analytics

Related Links

http://clarivate.com


TCS will operate as a full-scale implementation and delivery partner of Configit software solutions, providing new services and tools for TCS global client base while also enabling Configit to strengthen its position in the global market place.

"This partnership will provide unique benefits to our customers, building on the combined strength of Configit and deep experience of TCS in Engineering & Product Development for Manufacturing Customers" commented Milind Lakkad, Global Head, Manufacturing Industry Solutions Unit, TCS. "Taking advantage of the rapid developments in technology innovation is complex and requires enterprises to integrate and configure multiple systems to be effective. This partnership will benefit our clients and allow them to take advantage of Configit's industry leading configuration software solutions."

A dedicated group of TCS consultants have been trained on Configit's industry leading products and the two companies will work closely to develop a go-to-market strategy designed to meet the rapidly evolving needs of customers. With ongoing digital disruption leaving no industry untouched, organizations are looking for partners that can help build the digital core from which they can reimagine their business. This partnership is another important means of supporting customers on this journey.

"The partnership with TCS is of great value to Configit," says CEO and Founder Henrik Reif Andersen. "It aids Configit in meeting the rapidly growing international demand for our configuration software solutions and exposes us to new markets."

Configit is a global leader in Configuration Lifecycle Management (CLM) solutions and a supplier of business-critical software solutions for the configuration of complex products. All Configit products are based on the patented technology Virtual Tabulation. This technology has redefined what is possible with configuration in terms of complexity and speed, and enables Configit to make software that can handle and utilize complex product configurations in a way that is both powerful to business and easy to use.

About TCS

Tata Consultancy Services is an IT services, consulting and business solutions organization that delivers real results to global business, ensuring a level of certainty no other firm can match. TCS offers a consulting-led, integrated portfolio of IT, BPS,infrastructure, engineering and assurance services. This is delivered through its unique Global Network Delivery Model, recognized as the benchmark of excellence in software development. A part of the Tata group, India's largest industrial conglomerate, TCS has over 371,000 of the world's best-trained consultants in 45 countries. The company generated consolidated revenues of US $16.5 billion for year ended March 31, 2016 and is listed on the BSE Limited and National Stock Exchange of India Limited. For more information, visit us at www.tcs.com.

SOURCE Configit

Related Links

http://www.configit.com


ROUND ROCK, Texas, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Dell Technologies (NYSE: DVMT) will host an investor meeting in New York April 5, 2017, at 1:30 p.m. EDT. Dell Technologies' Chief Financial Officer Tom Sweet, Infrastructure Solutions Group President David Goulden and Treasurer Tyler Johnson will review the company's strategy, integration efforts and capital structure.

A live webcast and a replay of the meeting will be available on the event page of Dell Technologies Investor Relations website at investors.delltechnologies.com.

About Dell Technologies

Dell Technologies is a unique family of businesses that provides the essential infrastructure for organizations to build their digital future, transform IT and protect their most important asset, information. The company services customers of all sizes across 180 countries  ranging from 98 percent of the Fortune 500 to individual consumers  with the industry's most comprehensive and innovative portfolio from the edge to the core to the cloud.

Copyright  2017 Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries. All Rights Reserved. Dell, Dell Inc. and the Dell logo are trademarks of Dell Technologies in the United States and/or other jurisdictions. All other marks and names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective companies.

SOURCE Dell Technologies

Related Links

https://www.delltechnologies.com


NORTH CANTON, Ohio, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Diebold Nixdorf, Incorporated (NYSE: DBD) today announced that it has successfully defeated three of four retaliatory patent infringement claims brought by Nautilus Hyosung and will appeal a preliminary ruling on the fourth claim, issued March 13, 2017, of an alleged technical violation of a Hyosung U.S. patent involving legacy Wincor technology. Hyosung filed the claims in response to Diebold Nixdorf's patent infringement case against the Korean company.

"Although we are petitioning the International Trade Commission (ITC) to review the March 13 initial determination, it has no bearing on existing products in the market or future products provided by Diebold Nixdorf," said Jonathan Leiken, senior vice president, chief legal officer and corporate secretary, Diebold Nixdorf. "This claim is nothing more than an attempt by Hyosung to distract from our patent infringement case against them. In that case, we are confident that the ruling in our favor against Hyosung will be upheld and that the technology infringing on our patents will be barred from entering the United States."

In November 2016, after a full evidentiary hearing, an administrative law judge in the ITC found that Hyosung infringes two Diebold patents and concluded that there is "strong circumstantial evidence that Hyosung had knowledge of Diebold's patented technology, copied it, and encouraged its customers to use it in an infringing way."

The ITC has already rejected Hyosung's appeal of the prior ruling that Hyosung infringes Diebold's patented movable MICR-head technology, and Hyosung's current deposit automation ATMs will be excluded from the market. The innovative MICR technology reads checks processed through an ATM with a high degree of accuracy and security and represents a key component of deposit automation in the United States. Once the ITC finalizes the ruling, which is expected within weeks, it would bar the import of the infringing technology by Hyosung into the United States.

Diebold Nixdorf will also continue to pursue its claim for damages against Hyosung before a jury in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, based on Hyosung's past infringement of Diebold's U.S. technology.

About Diebold Nixdorf

Diebold Nixdorf, Incorporated (NYSE:DBD) is a world leader in enabling connected commerce for millions of consumers each day across the financial and retail industries. Its software-defined solutions bridge the physical and digital worlds of cash and consumer transactions conveniently, securely and efficiently. As an innovation partner for nearly all of the world's top 100 financial institutions and a majority of the top 25 global retailers, Diebold Nixdorf delivers unparalleled services and technology that are essential to evolve in an 'always on' and changing consumer landscape.

Diebold Nixdorf has a presence in more than 130 countries with approximately 25,000 employees worldwide. The organization maintains corporate offices in North Canton, Ohio, USA and Paderborn, Germany. Shares are traded on the New York and Frankfurt Stock Exchanges under the symbol 'DBD'. Visit www.DieboldNixdorf.com for more information.

SOURCE Diebold Nixdorf

Related Links

http://www.diebold.com


JACKSON, Miss., March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- EastGroup Properties (NYSE-EGP) announced today that it will hold its First Quarter Earnings Conference Call and Webcast on Friday, April 21, 2017 at 11:00 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time. On the call, Marshall Loeb, CEO, Keith McKey, CFO, and Brent Wood, Sr. Vice President, will review the first quarter results and discuss EastGroup's current operations.

EastGroup plans to release first quarter 2017 earnings on April 20, 2017. The earnings release and supplemental information package will be posted on the Company's website, www.eastgroup.net, on April 20, 2017.

A live broadcast of the conference call is available by dialing 1-877-876-9177 (conference ID EastGroup) or by webcast through a link on the Company's website at www.eastgroup.net. If you are unable to listen to the live conference call, a telephone and web cast replay will be available on Friday, April 21, 2017. The telephone replay will be available until Friday, April 28, 2017, and can be accessed by dialing 1-800-839-2456. The replay of the webcast can be accessed through a link on the Company's website at www.eastgroup.net and will be available until Friday, April 28, 2017.

EastGroup Properties, Inc. is a self-administered equity real estate investment trust focused on the development, acquisition and operation of industrial properties in major Sunbelt markets throughout the United States with an emphasis in the states of Florida, Texas, California, Arizona and North Carolina. The Company's strategy for growth is based on ownership of premier distribution facilities generally clustered near major transportation features in supply-constrained submarkets. EastGroup's portfolio, including development projects in lease-up and under construction, currently includes 38.3 million square feet.

EastGroup Properties, Inc. press releases are available at www.eastgroup.net .

SOURCE EastGroup Properties, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.eastgroup.net


LONDON, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- End-user preferences for ergonomic, lightweight, carcinogen-blocking personal protective equipment (PPE) advances drive new growth opportunities for manufacturers in the Western Europe's Firefighter PPE market. Additionally, add-on technologies that keep firefighters secure and connected such as voice communication equipment, sensors, thermal imaging cameras and localization systems are expected to gain traction in the market. To gain a competitive advantage, manufacturers must provide innovative, smart-enabled PPE, which enables firefighters to speed up the search-and-rescue process. PPE that lends itself to easy decontamination is also likely to gain acceptance.

"Firefighters are attending to a number of calls outside of firefighting. These include medical emergencies, car accidents, collisions, and flooding incidents. This is likely to necessitate the redesign of firefighter PPE to become lightweight with a high degree of water absorption, have reduced thermal protection and be more multi-functional in purpose," said Visionary Science Research Analyst Sanjana Prabhakar.

Western European Firefighter Personal Protective Equipment Market, Forecast to 2021 is new analysis from Frost & Sullivan's Future of Personal Protective Equipment Growth Partnership Service programme. The study finds that the Western European firefighter PPE market generated revenues of 465.4 million EUR in 2016. The market is likely to grow at a steady pace in the absence of any major headwinds.

Click here for complimentary access to more information on this analysis and to register for a Growth Strategy Dialogue, a free interactive briefing with Frost & Sullivan's thought leaders.

Other developments include:

The fastest-growing markets are self-contained breathing apparatus, turnout gear and fire helmets. Growth is augmented by factors such as renewal of contracts, technology-driven upgrades, changing end-user needs and replacement cycles.

Fire departments are examining their decontamination protocols for firefighter PPE. The efforts are likely to result in changes such as the use of separate washers.

End users are receptive to the addition of add-on technologies, specifically voice communication equipment in self-contained breathing apparatus.

Demand for firefighter PPE is increasing due to longer fire seasons and extreme weather events.

Revisions to European Standards for firefighter safety drive product portfolio upgrades.

"Meanwhile, budget cuts in fire service funding and a focus on maintenance services are resulting in longer life cycles, restraining revenues and hindering growth," observed Prabhakar. "Manufacturers must encourage investment in innovative technologies and tap into Big Data solutions such as interactive maps, visualization tools and web applications.

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

The Western European Firefighter Personal Protective Equipment Market

MC7B-39

Contact:

Evgenia Oleynikova

Corporate Communications  Europe

P: +48 22 481 62 10

[email protected]

Twitter: @Frost_Sullivan

Facebook: FrostandSullivan

Linkedin: FrostandSullivan

http://ww2.frost.com

SOURCE Frost & Sullivan

Related Links

http://www.frost.com


LAKEWOOD, CO, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ - Energy Fuels Inc. (NYSE MKT: UUUU; TSX: EFR) ("Energy Fuels" or the "Company"), a leading producer of uranium in the United States, is pleased to present the following Letter to Shareholders from President and CEO, Stephen P. Antony:

Dear Fellow Shareholders:

READY TO GO FURTHER. We believe this phrase captures Energy Fuels' positioning in the global uranium sector today. As a shareholder, you already know that Energy Fuels is a proven U.S. uranium producer. But, we believe we are ready to take the next step. Our three production facilities are ready to increase production, as uranium markets improve. Our permitted and developed mines are ready to resume operations. We are ready to compete in global markets and sell more uranium at higher prices. In short, we are ready to be the "go-to" uranium producer in the U.S., as I believe our people, assets, and expertise are second-to-none in the U.S. In other words, we are READY TO GO FURTHER.

I don't have to tell you that the past several years have been extraordinarily challenging in uranium markets. But in December 2016, we just might have turned the corner. 2016 was one of the most challenging years I can remember during my nearly 40-year career, as prices fell by almost 50% amid weak and discretionary utility demand and persistent oversupply. But then in December, things began to look a little different. After hitting a multi-year low of $17.75 per pound on December 1, the spot price started showing some signs of life. Market participants began to recognize that current and future uranium supplies may not be as plentiful as they thought. Demand continues to rise, especially in the long-term where there is significant uncovered utility demand. We are starting to see some tangible production cuts, as weak prices persist and high-priced, long-term contracts expire. And I believe we will see even more production cuts while prices stay low. Indeed, Kazakhstan recently announced 10% production cuts. This is on top of the production cuts announced by Cameco in 2016. I would contend that when the World's largest and lowest-cost uranium producers are feeling the pain of today's prices, you know this current market pricing is categorically unsustainable.

We know the World is going to need a lot of uranium in the coming decades. We also know that the World will need more uranium mines. But, due to very limited investment in our industry, current levels of exploration and new project development are simply not sufficient. Bringing a large, new uranium project from exploration into production takes at least 10 years. In addition, history tells us that many of these new projects will fail to meet expectations  or fail altogether. When this pent-up demand comes to the market, I do not believe the mining industry will be able to respond adequately. All of these factors may finally be converging to create the foundation for the next significant uranium price recovery.

Against this backdrop, the nuclear industry is emerging as a key future source of clean, reliable energy because of its many benefits, including air pollution reduction, carbon emission reduction, sustainability, grid stability, safety and energy resiliency. Nations, particularly in Asia, are turning to nuclear energy to provide clean, affordable electricity to their growing populations and modernizing economies. With citizens  particularly younger generations  demanding cleaner energy solutions like never before, utilizing nuclear power to lower our reliance on fossil fuels makes a lot of sense. And thanks to advances in technology, nuclear power is proving to be a very viable option to complement the rapid growth in renewables such as solar and wind power  an integrated opportunity which can stabilize the electric grid of tomorrow  a thesis expert witnesses from the Electric Power Research Institute recently endorsed on Capitol Hill.

If the U.S. is truly focused on energy independence, as appears to be the case with the new Trump Administration, uranium projects in the U.S. should be considered premium, strategic assets, especially since the Energy Information Administration (EIA) has reported that U.S. uranium production is near historic lows, as we increasingly rely heavily on foreign uranium.

Amid the uranium supply risks I described above, the U.S. remains a global leader in nuclear energy. We have the largest nuclear fleet in the World, and our plants consume huge quantities of uranium. In addition to the four units under construction in Georgia and South Carolina, lawmakers around the country are finally beginning to take action to support our current nuclear fleet. Consider this, the Illinois Legislature passed the Future Energy Jobs Bill in late-2016 that saved three nuclear reactors owned by Exelon. And, lawmakers in Connecticut, Ohio, and Kentucky are considering legislation to support nuclear energy. We would like to see similar action at the federal level. In addition, I'm gratified that NuScale Power recently submitted the very first formal small modular reactor (SMR) design application to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). Finally, here at Energy Fuels, we are looking forward to working with the new Trump Administration on a number of other initiatives to support the domestic nuclear and uranium sectors.

At Energy Fuels, we believe these positive catalysts could energize the uranium market. While I can't say whether the recent upward price move in uranium is the beginning of the "next uranium bull market", I confidently believe there is considerable upside for proven producers of uranium with scalability and high-quality assets like Energy Fuels.

Though the historic drop in uranium prices in 2016 brought challenges for Energy Fuels, we achieved several important milestones that we believe enhance our ability to respond to rising uranium prices:

In June 2016 , we acquired the Alta Mesa Project located in Texas . This highly-coveted, low-cost ISR project is fully-permitted, fully-developed, and ready to resume production once uranium prices rise a little more. We also published a maiden resource estimate for Alta Mesa , showing significant in-ground uranium resources and exciting exploration potential on the nearly 200,000-acres of private land to which we now have access.

, we acquired the Alta Mesa Project located in . This highly-coveted, low-cost ISR project is fully-permitted, fully-developed, and ready to resume production once uranium prices rise a little more. We also published a maiden resource estimate for , showing significant in-ground uranium resources and exciting exploration potential on the nearly 200,000-acres of private land to which we now have access. We are nearly finished developing our Canyon uranium mine in Arizona , which will soon be ready to go into production once prices rise a little more. This is truly an exceptional high-grade, low-cost uranium deposit. We have also discovered very high-grade copper mineralization, and if we are able to profitably produce it, our costs will drop even further.

, which will soon be ready to go into production once prices rise a little more. This is truly an exceptional high-grade, low-cost uranium deposit. We have also discovered very high-grade copper mineralization, and if we are able to profitably produce it, our costs will drop even further. Through financings, extension of our convertible debentures, cost-cutting measures, non-core asset divestitures, and re-establishing our "at-the-market" program, we are maintaining the strength of our balance sheet, so  again  we will be ready for when prices support us increasing production.

When significant uranium demand returns to the market, Energy Fuels will not be able to supply all of it, even if we were to produce at our capacity. However, we will be happy to supply as much as we can  and at prices that recognize the strategic value of our commodity. Today, we are a leading U.S. uranium producer. But, our assets, permits, and production capabilities make us ready to take the next step toward becoming a mid-tier global producer. In short, Energy Fuels is READY TO GO FURTHER.

I'll close by noting that several members of Energy Fuels' Management Team and Board of Directors  including me  have recently purchased more shares of Energy Fuels on the open market. We believe in this Company, we believe in a uranium price recovery, and we thank you for your continued support and investment interest in Energy Fuels.

Respectfully,

Stephen P. Antony

President, CEO and Shareholder in Energy Fuels

About Energy Fuels: Energy Fuels is a leading integrated US-based uranium mining company, supplying U 3 O 8 to major nuclear utilities. Energy Fuels holds three of America's key uranium production centers, the White Mesa Mill in Utah, the Nichols Ranch Processing Facility in Wyoming, and the Alta Mesa Project in Texas. The White Mesa Mill is the only conventional uranium mill operating in the U.S. today and has a licensed capacity of over 8 million pounds of U 3 O 8 per year. The Nichols Ranch Processing Facility is an ISR production center with a licensed capacity of 2 million pounds of U 3 O 8 per year. Alta Mesa is an ISR production center currently on care and maintenance. Energy Fuels also has the largest NI 43-101 compliant uranium resource portfolio in the U.S. among producers, and uranium mining projects located in a number of Western U.S. states, including one producing ISR project, mines on standby, and mineral properties in various stages of permitting and development. The Company also produces vanadium as a co-product of its uranium production from certain of its mines on the Colorado Plateau, as market conditions warrant. The Company's common shares are listed on the NYSE MKT under the trading symbol "UUUU", and on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the trading symbol "EFR".

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: Certain information contained in this news release, including any information relating to: the Company being a leading producer of uranium in the U.S.; the Company's expectations with regard to global uranium markets, including the statement that markets may have turned a corner; production cuts, global uranium supplies, and the effects of expiring contracts; the unsustainability of today's uranium markets; the Company's expectations on the sufficiency of exploration and new project development and the inability of the uranium mining industry to adequately respond to higher prices and market demand; the benefits of nuclear energy and technology development in the nuclear sector; the Company's opinions on the readiness of its assets and production, and the ability to commence or increase production with improved uranium prices; energy independence and the impacts of the Trump Administration on uranium markets; the Company's opinion that its assets and production capabilities present upside; the effects of the Company achieving several important milestones; recent insider buying of the Company's common shares; and any other statements regarding Energy Fuels' future expectations, beliefs, goals or prospects; constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities legislation (collectively, "forward-looking statements"). All statements in this news release that are not statements of historical fact (including statements containing the words "expects", "does not expect", "plans", "anticipates", "does not anticipate", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential", "scheduled", "forecast", "budget" and similar expressions) should be considered forward-looking statements. All such forward-looking statements are subject to important risk factors and uncertainties, many of which are beyond Energy Fuels' ability to control or predict. A number of important factors could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those indicated or implied by such forward-looking statements, including without limitation factors relating to: the Company being a leading producer of uranium in the U.S.; the Company's expectations with regard to global uranium markets, including the statement that markets may have turned a corner; production cuts, global uranium supplies, and the effects of expiring contracts; the unsustainability of today's uranium markets; the Company's expectations on the sufficiency of exploration and new project development and the inability of the uranium mining industry to adequately respond to higher prices and market demand; the benefits of nuclear energy and technology development in the nuclear sector; the Company's opinions on the readiness of its assets and production, and the ability to commence or increase production with improved uranium prices; energy independence and the impacts of the Trump Administration on uranium markets; the Company's opinion that its assets and production capabilities present upside; the effects of the Company achieving several important milestones; recent insider buying of the Company's common shares; and other risk factors as described in Energy Fuels' most recent annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly financial reports. Energy Fuels assumes no obligation to update the information in this communication, except as otherwise required by law. Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties is contained in Energy Fuels' filings with the various securities commissions which are available online at www.sec.gov and www.sedar.com. Forward-looking statements are provided for the purpose of providing information about the current expectations, beliefs and plans of the management of Energy Fuels relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that such statements may not be appropriate for other purposes. Readers are also cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, that speak only as of the date hereof.

Cautionary Note to United States Investors Concerning Estimates of Measured, Indicated and Inferred Resources: This news release contains certain disclosure that has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of Canadian securities laws, which differ from the requirements of U.S. securities laws. Unless otherwise indicated, all reserve and resource estimates included in this news release have been prepared in accordance with Canadian National Instrument 43-101  Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum ("CIM") classification system. Canadian standards, including NI 43-101, differ significantly from the requirements of U.S. securities laws, and reserve and resource information contained in this news release may not be comparable to similar information disclosed by companies reporting only under U.S. standards. In particular, the term "resource" does not equate to the term "reserve" under SEC Industry Guide 7. United States investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any of Measured or Indicated Mineral Resources will ever be converted into mineral reserves. Investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of an "Inferred Mineral Resource" exists or is economically or legally minable. Energy Fuels does not hold any Reserves as that term is defined by SEC Industry Guide 7. Please refer to the section entitled "Cautionary Note to United States Investors Concerning Disclosure of Mineral Resources" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K dated March 9, 2017 for further details.

SOURCE Energy Fuels Inc.

Related Links

http://www.energyfuels.com


PLANO, Texas, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Epsilon, an Alliance Data (NYSE: ADS) company, today announced it has signed a new agreement with Harvest Hill Beverage Company to provide experiential event services for Juicy Juice Splashers and its title sponsorship of the KIDZ BOP "Best Time Ever" national tour.

The iconic Juicy Juice brand was purchased by Stamford, CT-based Harvest Hill Beverage Company, from Nestle USA, Inc. in 2014. The company's Juicy Juice Splashers pouch brand extension is a lower sugar* juice drink, containing no artificial sweeteners, colors or high fructose corn syrup, addressing parents' concerns about sugar without compromising on flavors kids love. Juicy Juice products are distributed to a blue-chip customer base that includes leading grocery retailers, wholesalers, supercenters and food service distributors.

Under the terms of the new agreement, Epsilon will lead activation of the Juicy Juice Splashers brand through the title sponsorship of KIDZ BOP's 2017 "Best Time Ever" national tour. The tour is headlined by the newest group of KIDZ BOP Kids, named Billboard Magazine's "#1 Kids' Artist" in the U.S. for the past seven consecutive years, and will feature brand-new songs and choreography. Juicy Juice Splashers will have extensive branding throughout the tour, including media, sampling, promotion and consumer activation, which Epsilon will manage. Additionally, Epsilon will oversee the amplification of the title sponsorship across channels.

"We were seeking an agile, responsive and innovative agency to partner with us on experiential marketing for the KIDZ BOP sponsorship, and we found that with Epsilon," said Ilene Bergenfeld, chief marketing officer at Harvest Hill Beverage Company. "Epsilon's experience in the event activation space will bring Juicy Juice Splashers to life for a new audience."

"The beverage category is an exciting, fast-paced and highly competitive category, where you can't rest on your laurels if you want to maintain shelf space and consumer attention," said Bryan Kennedy, chief executive officer, Epsilon/Conversant. "Juicy Juice is a tried-and-true iconic brand making significant efforts to engage consumers. We're honored that they selected Epsilon to manage experiential marketing across this nationwide activation. We are confident that our strategic approach will drive emotional, lasting connections with consumers from the concert hall to the store aisle."

*Juicy Juice Splashers contains 10 grams compared to the leading juice at 21grams of sugar.

About Harvest Hill Beverage Company

Harvest Hill Beverage Company, based in Stamford, CT, was formed by Brynwood Partners VII L.P. in June 2014 to acquire the iconic Juicy Juice brand from Nestle USA, Inc. Juicy Juice is the largest 100% juice brand in the U.S. focused on the kids segment. Harvest Hill currently markets Juicy Juice products in single-serve and multi-serve formats. In March 2015, Harvest Hill acquired American Beverage Corporation from Wessanen, a publicly-traded food and beverage company based in Holland. With the ABC acquisition, Harvest Hill added the Hug juice brand and Daily's Cocktails brand. The company's brands are distributed to a blue-chip customer base that includes leading grocery retailers, wholesalers, supercenters and foodservice distributors. Additionally, Daily's products are sold through foodservice distributors to bars and restaurants. The company continues to grow both organically and through strategic add-on acquisitions. For more information on Harvest Hill, please visit www.harvesthill.com.

About Epsilon

Epsilon is an all-encompassing global marketing innovator. We provide unrivaled data intelligence and customer insights, world-class technology including loyalty, email and CRM platforms and data-driven creative, activation and execution. Epsilon's digital media arm, Conversant, is a leader in personalized digital advertising and insights through its proprietary technology and trove of consumer marketing data, delivering digital marketing with unprecedented scale, accuracy and reach through personalized media programs and through CJ Affiliate, one of the world's largest affiliate marketing networks. Together, we bring personalized marketing to consumers across offline and online channels, at moments of interest, that help drive business growth for brands. Recognized by Ad Age as the #1 World's Largest CRM/Direct Marketing Network, #1 Largest U.S. Agency from All Disciplines and #1 Largest U.S. Mobile Marketing Agency, Epsilon employs over 8,000 associates in 70 offices worldwide. Epsilon is an Alliance Data company. For more information, visit www.epsilon.com and follow us on Twitter @EpsilonMktg.

About Alliance Data

Alliance Data (NYSE: ADS) is a leading global provider of data-driven marketing and loyalty solutions serving large, consumer-based industries. The Company creates and deploys customized solutions, enhancing the critical customer marketing experience; the result is measurably changing consumer behavior while driving business growth and profitability for some of today's most recognizable brands. Alliance Data helps its clients create and increase customer loyalty through solutions that engage millions of customers each day across multiple touch points using traditional, digital, mobile and emerging technologies. An S&P 500 and Fortune 500 company headquartered in Plano, Texas, Alliance Data consists of three businesses that together employ more than 16,000 associates at approximately 100 locations worldwide.

Alliance Data's card services business is a leading provider of marketing-driven branded credit card programs. Epsilon is a leading provider of multichannel, data-driven technologies and marketing services, and also includes Conversant, a leader in personalized digital marketing. LoyaltyOne owns and operates the AIR MILES Reward Program, Canada's premier coalition loyalty program, and Netherlands-based BrandLoyalty, a global provider of tailor-made loyalty programs for grocers.

Follow Alliance Data on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube.

Forward Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements give our expectations or forecasts of future events and can generally be identified by the use of words such as "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "intend," "project," "plan," "likely," "may," "should" or other words or phrases of similar import. Similarly, statements that describe our business strategy, outlook, objectives, plans, intentions or goals also are forward-looking statements.

We believe that our expectations are based on reasonable assumptions. Forward-looking statements, however, are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the projections, anticipated results or other expectations expressed in this release, and no assurances can be given that our expectations will prove to have been correct. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, factors set forth in the Risk Factors section in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the most recently ended fiscal year, which may be updated in Item 1A of, or elsewhere in, our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed for periods subsequent to such Form 10-K.

Our forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made, and we undertake no obligation, other than as required by applicable law, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, subsequent events, anticipated or unanticipated circumstances or otherwise.

Contact:

Alliance Data Tiffany Louder  Investor Relations

Alliance Data

214.494.3048

[email protected] Shelley Whiddon  Media

214.494.3811

[email protected] Epsilon Britta Petersen  Media

773-796-5434

[email protected]





SOURCE Alliance Data Systems Corporation

Related Links

http://www.alliancedata.com


WASHINGTON, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Expert Drones, a subsidiary of Dronepire Inc., publicly unveiled today it's highly anticipated drone franchising and partnership program, providing savvy entrepreneurs the resources and opportunity to become part of the growing multi-billion-dollar drone industry. The highly-anticipated program allows potential owners to choose from various categories of partnerships and licenses, including setting up a full-service drone sales and retail store in their local city, running an authorized drone repair facility servicing top of the line drones from manufacturers including DJI and Yuneec Aviation, or simply setting up a drop-shipping distribution sales program.

With the drone market expected to surpass $127 billion dollars by 2020, there is little question as to why all the buzz surrounds the industry. "Inquiries about partnering with us have been through the roof," said Expert Drones managing partner Richard Wicker. "Business owners are seeing the potential of the drone service industry, but simply don't know where to start."

The first brick and mortar drone store announced as part of the new partnership program is scheduled soon to open May 1st in Rochester, NY and run by owners Todd Fusilli, Eric Ellis, and Lizz Hannah. "We're excited to be working with Expert Drones to develop, support, and advance a technical infrastructure that maximizes unmanned aerial vehicle innovation, productivity, and sport within our community." The Rochester location will be tapping into the large concentration of drone owners across the state of New York. The store will not only allow owners to purchase new state of the art drones, but also provide walk-in services for crashed or damaged drones in need of quick repair.

The Rochester location joins several other Expert Drones retail locations across the U.S.

About Expert Drones

Expert Drones is an industry leader in the retail and servicing of commercial drone products, unmanned aerial vehicles, and drone kits for both the hobbyist and experienced professional. More information about the partnership programs can be found at http://www.expertdrones.com/drone-franchise-opportunities/

Media Contacts:

[email protected]

(877) 234-DRONES

www.expertdrones.com

SOURCE Expert Drones

Related Links

http://www.expertdrones.com


ST. PAUL, Minn., March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Board of Directors of Final Exit Network has authorized an appeal to the Supreme Court of the United States from the corporation's conviction in Minnesota on a charge of "assisting" in a "suicide."

On Tuesday, March 14, the Supreme Court of Minnesota declined to review the Network's 2015 conviction. The Network's petition for review by the Supreme Court of the United States is required to be filed within 90 days of the Supreme Court of Minnesota's denial of review.

In May 2015, Final Exit Network, Inc. was convicted by a jury in Hastings, Minnesota of "assisting" in a "suicide" for having provided Exit Guide services to a woman who elected to terminate her extreme suffering. The Network was fined $30,000 and required to pay an additional $3,000 in restitution to the "victims," the family of the deceased Network member, to cover her funeral expenses.

The Network appealed 2015 the conviction to the intermediate Court of Appeals of Minnesota, which affirmed the conviction last December. The Supreme Court of Minnesota denied review of the Court of Appeals' decision.

Even though it was established at the trial that the Network's Exit Guides, in accordance with the Network's practices and protocols, did not provide any physical assistance in the death, the Network was convicted merely for giving information to Doreen Dunn, 57, of Apple Valley, Minnesota.

Under the Minnesota courts' interpretation of that state's law against "assisting" in a "suicide," the Network was convicted for giving the Apple Valley member the website address where she could purchase Derek Humphrey's landmark bestseller, "Final Exit," the Network's namesake.

In all the Minnesota courts, the Network has asserted and will continue to assert in the Supreme Court of the United States that Final Exit Network's giving of information to its members is a First Amendment-protected exercise of free speech, and therefore Minnesota cannot make it a crime.

"No other state in the country makes it a crime to give information about self-deliverance," said the Network's president, Janis Landis. "We find the Minnesota law intolerable and wrong and we will not give up the fight. This will be an expensive project and I call upon supporters of death with dignity and freedom of speech to contribute to our legal defense fund."

For more information, contact Final Exit Network's general counsel, Robert Rivas of Tallahassee, Florida, at 850-591-1492 or [email protected]

SOURCE Final Exit Network
PHOENIX, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Unity Impressions (www.unityimpressions.com), the creator of The Flag for Hope (www.flagforhope.com), is donating a one-of-a-kind collection to the Celebrity Fight Night Muhammad Ali Tribute Gala Silent Auction (www.celebrityfightnight.org) on Saturday, March 18, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona.

The Flag for Hope promotes unity, honor and peace for all Americans. Muhammad Ali personally painted Star #3 and signed the back of The Flag for Hope canvas on September 1, 2015, just 9 months before his passing.

Flag for Hope Chris Cavedon, Flag for Hope CEO, stands with the shadowbox commemorating Muhammad Ali's participation at Star #3

The custom shadowbox includes a 23"x43" limited edition Flag for Hope Serigraph (number 3/2000), the paintbrush used by Ali to sign the original Flag for Hope canvas, an uncirculated photograph titled "Dedication.", two limited-edition commemorative coins (3/1000 & 265/1000), and other items related to the creation of The Flag for Hope.

"We expect that this one-of-a-kind piece will raise a great deal of money for the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center," says Christopher Cavedon, CEO of Unity Impressions. "Its value is extraordinary standing back and looking at it brought tears to my eyes. Each item in this collection is significant on its own. By putting them together, we've created a historic, deeply emotional experience that honors the greatness of Ali."

Specific Information About The Collection

The shadowbox measures 54.25"x51", and is viewable front and back. This one-of-a-kind collection features a remarkable assembly of items related to Muhammad Ali's participation in The Flag for Hope.

Flag for Hope Serigraph  3/2000 limited edition fine-art reproduction of The Flag for Hope, 2-sided, 43"x23" on Fredrix Archival Canvas, includes Certificate of Authenticity, DNA authentication

 3/2000 limited edition fine-art reproduction of The Flag for Hope, 2-sided, 43"x23" on Fredrix Archival Canvas, includes Certificate of Authenticity, DNA authentication Paintbrush  used exclusively by Muhammad Ali on September 1, 2015 to paint his signature on the Flag for Hope.

 used exclusively by on to paint his signature on the Flag for Hope. Uncirculated Photograph of Muhammad Ali  "Dedication." by Marcos Antonio , photographed on September 1, 2015 as Ali signed the Flag for Hope using the paintbrush included in this collection.

 "Dedication." by , photographed on as Ali signed the Flag for Hope using the paintbrush included in this collection. Flag for Hope Commemorative Coins  3/1000 and 256/1000 24K Gold-Plated limited edition coins, 2" diameter

 3/1000 and 256/1000 24K Gold-Plated limited edition coins, 2" diameter Flag for Hope Pledge Card  Silver-Plated 2"x3" Wallet Card features the four behaviors in the Flag for Hope Pledge : 1) To honor the service and sacrifice of active military, veterans, and first responders; 2) To seek ways to serve others in my community; 3) To resolve conflict with an open heart and a generous spirit; and 4) To treat my neighbors with courtesy, dignity, and respect.

 Silver-Plated 2"x3" Wallet Card features the four behaviors in the Flag for : 1) To honor the service and sacrifice of active military, veterans, and first responders; 2) To seek ways to serve others in my community; 3) To resolve conflict with an open heart and a generous spirit; and 4) To treat my neighbors with courtesy, dignity, and respect. Flag for Hope Star Map  Artfully presented directory of the 50 American Icons who personally painted one of the 50 stars and signed the back of the original canvas.

 Artfully presented directory of the 50 American Icons who personally painted one of the 50 stars and signed the back of the original canvas. The Flag for Hope  A brief description of the Flag for Hope's history, creation and purpose

 A brief description of the Flag for Hope's history, creation and purpose Flag for Hope Signatures  viewable on the reverse side of the serigraph, and in an included photograph.

Linda Kleineberg

Flag for Hope

401-552-FLAG (3524)

[email protected]

SOURCE Flag for Hope - Unity Impressions
SALT LAKE CITY, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- RizePoint, the leading provider of brand, quality, and safety management software, today announced that President and CEO Frank Maylett was named CEO of the Year by Utah Business Magazine.

Maylett joined the company, formerly known as Steton Technology Group, in September of 2015. By New Year's day, Maylett had developed new company values and pillars, hired an executive team of tech industry veterans, initiated a rebrand plan, and created a product road map that included two big product releases in one yeara first for the company.

"I am proud of the brand and culture that we've built," said Maylett. "It is an honor to be recognized among other business visionaries by Utah Business."

RizePoint's recent success earned the company its first-ever ranking on the Salt Lake Tribune's Top Workplaces list, recognition from the Stevie Awards and the Women Tech Council, and numerous individual awards for the new executive team.

RizePoint Chairman of the Board, Kevin McAllister, said, "RizePoint has a well-defined strategy for continued growth under Frank's direction. Frank is a skilled strategic planner and has a knack for getting the entire executive team rallied behind shared goals."

Frank brings more than 20 years of experience leading, selling, and expanding software service organizations. Prior to RizePoint he was Executive Vice President for Global Sales, Services and Alliances at Workfront/AtTask Inc. Frank has also worked for inContact, Kabira Technologies, IBM, and Novell. Frank was named CEO of the Year by the Utah Technology Council in 2016. Frank is a 2014 recipient of Selling Power Magazine 50 Best Companies in America to Sell For award, ranking at number 20, and the 2013 recipient of Utah Business Magazine Sales and Marketing Executive of the Year (SAMY Award) for excellence in sales leadership. He holds a bachelor's degree in Business from the University of Phoenix and studied Business Administration and Management, General at the University of Utah.

RizePoint At-a-Glance

RizePoint mobile and cloud-based software helps organizations improve the quality, safety, and sustainability of their products, services, and facilities.

RizePoint's software is used by 5 of the top 8 hospitality brands and 5 of the top 8 food service brands.

RizePoint serves more than 387,000 users in 120 countries and territories, speaking 40 languages: 105,000 food service restaurants 27,000 hotels and resort properties 13,000 grocery and retail stores



About RizePoint

RizePoint  formerly Steton Technology Group  is the global leader in software solutions that proactively safeguard enterprise compliancefor both internally imposed standards and externally imposed regulations. RizePoint software builds and protects brand equity by enabling a consistent customer experience. Our customers gather better data, see necessary actions earlier, and act faster to correct issues before they become costly liabilities. Considered the industry standard for food service, hospitality, and retail, RizePoint mobile and cloud-based solutions serve nearly 2 million audits with 200 million questions answered annually. RizePoint is headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah. For more information, visit RizePoint.com.

Press Inquiries:

Whitney McCarthy

801.285.9827

[email protected]

SOURCE RizePoint

Related Links

http://www.rizepoint.com


CAMBRIDGE, Mass., March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In our changing economy, there currently are not enough good jobs or affordable educational opportunities in the U.S. or globally for all who want and need to work. But what needs to happen in order for employers, workers, governments, and regulators to come together to forge new policies? And what type of skills and knowledge are crucial for personal success in the contemporary workplace?

In Shaping the Future of Work, a free MITx online business and management course, Thomas Kochan taps into 40 years of experience gained as a professor of work and employment research at the MIT Sloan School of Management to answer these and other crucial questions. Shaping the Future of Work, which kicks off on Tuesday, March 28, will run for a total of eight weeks, with an approximately three- to five-hour per week commitment.

Additional faculty contributing to the course are MIT Sloan Prof. Zeynep Ton, author of The Good Jobs Strategy: How the Smartest Companies Invest in Employees to Lower Costs and Boost Profits; MIT Sloan Senior Lecturer Barbara Dyer who serves as Executive Director of the Good Companies Good Jobs Initiative; and Lee Dyer, a professor of Human Resource Management and Chair of the Department of Human Resource Studies at the ILR School, Cornell University.

Areas Shaping the Future of Work will cover, among others, are:

A historical perspective and overview of work and employment policy in the United States and around the world





and around the world How the roles of firms, employees, and public policy have changed and created the labor market we see today





The status of the current labor market in more detail: What does it look like? What types of jobs do we have, and what skills are required? What are emerging trends in how firms organize work, and in the role of labor market institutions such as unions?





How globalization and advancing technologies will change the way we work, which jobs may be eliminated, and which jobs could be created in their place





How we might influence the way technology is designed and used to improve the quality of work





Resources and tools you can use to plan your own career paths now and in the workplaces of the future

To register for this free course, please visit: https://www.edx.org/course/shaping-future-work-mitx-15-662x-1 If they so choose, those who successfully finish Shaping the Future of Work may receive a verified certificate from MIT for a fee of $49.

About MITx on edX

MITx on edX offers free, online, high-quality courses to learners around the world. MITx course are developed and taught by MIT faculty members and certificates of completion are available for a nominal fee. MITx aims to expand access to quality educational opportunities worldwide, enhance on-campus education, and advance the understanding of eteaching and learning through research. Find MITx courses at https://www.edx.org/school/mitx or learn more about us at http://odl.mit.edu

About Prof. Thomas Kochan

Thomas A. Kochan is the George M. Bunker Professor of Work and Employment Relations at MIT's Sloan School of Management and co-director of the MIT Institute for Work and Employment Research. From 2009 to 2011, he served as Chair of the MIT Faculty. In 2010, Prof. Kochan led the formation of the Employment Policy Research Network, an online think tank on the subject of employment. In 2015, he was honored by the Aspen Institute with a Faculty Pioneer Lifetime Achievement Award for his research and teaching on business practices that contribute to an economy that works for all.

Prof. Kochan is the author of Shaping the Future of Work: What Future Worker, Business, Government, and Education Leaders Need To Do For All To Prosper (Business Expert Press, 2015) and Restoring the American Dream: A Working Families' Agenda for America (MIT Press, 2005). He is the co-author of numerous books including An Introduction to Collective Bargaining & Industrial Relations, Labor Relations in a Globalizing World, and Employment Relations in a Changing World Economy. He holds a BBA in Personnel Management and an MS and a PhD in Industrial Relations from the University of Wisconsin.

About MIT Sloan School of Management

MIT Sloan School of Management is where smart, independent leaders come together to solve problems, create new organizations, and improve the world. Learn more at mitsloan.mit.edu

For further information, contact:

Paul Denning

Director of Media Relations

617-253-0576

[email protected]

Patricia Favreau

Associate Director of Media Relations

617-253-3492

[email protected]

SOURCE MIT Sloan School of Management

Related Links

http://www.mitsloan.mit.edu


FreshDirect's focus on sourcing and curating the freshest food combined with the fastest farm-to-fridge delivery has established the company as the market leader in the Northeast, already delivering directly to customers in five states, including the New York City and Philadelphia metropolitan areas. FreshDirect sources directly from an extensive network of farms, fisheries, and suppliers, many of which are located in the Northeast.

The launch will expand service to Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C., offering more than 12,000 high-quality products and giving D.C.-area residents the chance to try unique fresh items such as jumbo blueberries, source-identified organic chicken, and over 30 premium grass-fed beef items. Additionally, FreshDirect brings to D.C. specialty items, such as Roberta's pizza from Brooklyn, Boar's Head deli meats, and wild-caught albacore tuna from the company's extensive private brand collection, JUST FreshDirect.

A wide variety of prepared meals and no-subscription meal kits will also be part of the offering, giving D.C. consumers easier options for dinner. In addition to home delivery, FreshDirect also feeds D.C.'s busy workforce with an 'At The Office' service, which includes chef-prepared breakfasts, luncheon platters perfect for business meetings, catering services for events, and popular brands of snacks, beverages, and pantry items.

"FreshDirect is a highly passionate food company that has spent the past 15 years sourcing, procuring, and making the freshest food and developing extensive relationships with our farmers, fishermen, and suppliers," said CEO and co-founder, Jason Ackerman. "D.C. cares deeply about great-tasting food, with residents that are health-conscious foodies with extremely busy schedules in need of a better, more convenient way to get food. We're confident D.C. customers will taste the difference in our food as well as love the convenience of skipping the store. We are excited to expand our geographic footprint and look forward to being part of the D.C. metropolitan area."

FreshDirect customers can order next-day delivery in the two-hour window of their choice via web or mobile app as early as 6:30 a.m. through 11:00 p.m. Customers can either pay per order for the service cost of $7.99 with a $40 minimum spend per order or pay an annual fee of $129.00 for unlimited free delivery through DeliveryPass. DeliveryPass members also enjoy exclusive special offers and savings. First-timers can get a 2-month trial for 1 cent.

FreshDirect opened its new D.C. facility in Prince George's County and will hire more than 50 local employees as part of the expansion. For more information, visit www.freshdirect.com or download the iPhone, Android, and iPad mobile apps.

About FreshDirect:

FreshDirect is a food tech company and the Northeast's leading online fresh food grocer, delivering directly to customers throughout seven states, including the New York City and Philadelphia metropolitan areas, and the District of Columbia. FreshDirect is committed to sourcing the freshest and best-tasting meat, fish, produce, and specialty items through direct relationships with suppliers, growers, and farmers. In 2016, FreshDirect expanded its portfolio with the launch of FoodKick, an on-demand business that caters to the needs of urban dwellers with a curated selection of food, alcohol, and essentialsall delivered within an hour. Launched in 2002, FreshDirect is a privately held company headquartered in Long Island City, NY. For more information, visit www.freshdirect.com or www.foodkick.com.

SOURCE FreshDirect

Related Links

http://www.freshdirect.com


SAN FRANCISCO, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Fundbox, the leading cash flow optimization platform for small businesses (SMBs), released survey findings today based on data gathered from nationwide responses across numerous SMB industries. The study was designed to better understand the microeconomic impact of unpaid invoices or late payments.

How Unpaid Invoices Affect Small Businesses

Recent Fundbox studies showed that 64 percent of SMBs get paid late and that the total amount in unpaid invoices across all U.S. SMBs is approximately $825 billion. This latest study digs deeper to find out what happens to businesses when paid late, where spending cuts are made first, how it affects employees, and what would happen if they were paid on time.

Key findings include:

79 percent of small business owners can't pay themselves

pay themselves 23 percent can't hire new employees

23 percent can't invest in new equipment

20 percent stop marketing efforts

efforts 18 percent hold back on pay increases or bonuses for employees

17 percent cannot build up inventory

build up inventory If paid on time, Fundbox estimates that these SMBs across the U.S. could hire an additional 2.1 million employees , which would reduce unemployment in the U.S. by 27 percent

The impact of these results reveal that when a small business is not paid on time they ultimately fall behind on bills and mortgage payments; they can't take on new projects to grow; they are unable to fill large orders; revenue stagnates; employees leave and they lose their competitive edge.

If paid on time, Fundbox estimates that each SMB owner could pay themselves an incremental $30,990, purchase $9,207 in new equipment, invest an incremental $8,308 in marketing, spend $7,411 in pay increases or bonuses to employees, and build up an incremental $6,737 in inventory.

"Being paid late is an unfortunate reality faced by most small businesses. This has a massive trickle down effect on the owner, the company, and the economy," said Prashant Fuloria, Chief Product Officer, Fundbox. "We have a strong pulse check on small businesses, and this study further underscores the critical need for services like Fundbox that solve small business owners' cash flow problems."

Small business owner Stephen Lockeby, who operates Blackstone Services, a construction company in Oklahoma, said: "As a small business, it seems I have two options that have any integrity to them. Those are: to not pay myself, and to reduce marketing costs. Not paying myself is first because reducing marketing cost is about equivalent to hitting a self destruct button."

"When we are not paid on time or slowly, we cannot obtain big customers because big customer accounts require more capital to service," said Jose Ramirez, who runs Supreme Maintenance Solutions in Texas.

Fundbox has developed a tech-powered tool that employs advanced underwriting algorithms and deep learning capabilities to instantly advance funds tied up in outstanding invoices, helping business owners eliminate their cash flow challenges and grow their business. To date, Fundbox has served more than 50,000 SMBs and has approximately 40 million B2B invoices on its platform.

For more information and to view the infographic, please click here.

About Fundbox:

Fundbox is the leading platform for small and medium-sized businesses to manage and optimize cash flow. Through its advanced data science and analytics capabilities, Fundbox taps into numerous data signals to assess customers for risk automatically and right away. Approved small and medium-sized business owners are able to access capital with a single click - funds show up in their bank account as soon as the next business day. Leading Silicon Valley entrepreneurs, finance veterans, and venture capitalists, including Spark Capital Growth, Bezos Expeditions (the personal investment arm of Jeff Bezos), General Catalyst Partners, Khosla Ventures, SV Angel, former CitiGroup CEO Vikram Pandit, and other prominent investors back the company. Fundbox makes capital available to businesses through business loans and lines of credit made by First Electronic Bank, member FDIC, in addition to invoice-clearing advances, business loans and lines of credit made directly by Fundbox.

Media Contact:

Tracy Rubin/ Jill Fox

JCUTLER media group

[email protected] / [email protected]

SOURCE Fundbox

Related Links

https://fundbox.com


ALBANY, New York, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

The global Southeast Asia gas detection equipment market is highly competitive. The prevailing competitive trends are likely to get fiercer in the future as players focus on innovation and product differentiation to strengthen their position. Among the leading enterprises, Honeywell International, Inc., Dragerwerk AG & Co., and KGaA, Riken Keiki Co., Ltd. held the dominant share of 83.3% in the market in 2015, finds Transparency Market Research (TMR) in a new report. These companies are majorly gaining from their strong distribution network across Southeast Asia. In addition, these companies maintain a diverse product portfolio to cater to the dynamic consumer demand. As they offer value-added services besides gas detection equipment, consumer loyalty is expected to increase in the coming years.

Besides fierce competition, the market players witness considerable threat from the entry of new players. Favorable regulations are encouraging smaller players to venture into the gas detection equipment market in Southeast Asia. They also bring advance technologies, expertise, and research and development investments. Furthermore, they adopt advance manufacturing processes thus improving the overall efficiency of gas detection equipment.

Get PDF Sample for this Research Report @ http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=21278

This, coupled with various other factors, will boost the gas detection equipment market at a CAGR of 9.0% between 2016 and 2024 in Southeast Asia. The regional market at this pace will reach US$172.4 mn by the end of 2024, from an estimated valuation of US$86.5 mn in 2016. By type, the fixed gas detection equipment segment held the dominant share of 52.2% in the overall market in 2016. However, during the course of the forecast period, the demand for portable variants will be higher. Country-wise, Singapore held dominance with a share of 50.8% in the Southeast Asia gas detection equipment market in 2015.

Favorable Government Policies Aid Market's Expansion

Government and industry associations across Southeast Asia have consciously implemented regulations to ascertain improved workplace safety. Besides this, the countries across Southeast Asia have stringent regulations in place to address occupational health and safety concerns across hazardous industries. Besides ensuring worker's health and safety, these regulations will prove chief drivers of the gas detection equipment market in Southeast Asia.

Also industries are exhibiting high demand for enhanced monitoring and reducing operational costs and safety concerns. Due to the growing emphasis on health and safety regulations, the demand for monitoring across industries is expected to rise further. This according to TMR will give significant impetus to the Southeast Asia gas detection equipment market.

Get more information from Research Report Press Release: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/pressrelease/south-east-asia-gas-detection-equipment-market.htm

Besides helping them incur lesser operational expenditure, installing gas detection equipment can also help industries reduce downtime during turnaround operations. Spurred by these factors, the Southeast Asia gas detection equipment market will exhibit higher momentum in the coming years.

Fierce Competition is Likely to Hinder Growth

On the downside, the gas detection equipment market in Southeast Asia is experiencing fierce competition due to the entry of new players. Given the scenario, market players are compelled to observe competitive pricing. Lower pricing has crunched the profit margin of leading players, thereby leading to decline in investments.

Contrary to this, foreign direct investment (FDI) in green initiatives has surged in the last few years. This is forecast to help the market continue treading a positive trajectory through the course of the forecast period. Gas detection equipment is included in Greenfield projects, which attract considerable FDI. Since these projects represent nearly two-thirds of overall projects conducted in Asia Pacific and Southeast Asia, rising investment in the same will create lucrative opportunities for the gas detection equipment market in the near future.

This review is based on a report, titled "Gas Detection Equipment Market (Product Type - Fixed and Portable; Application - Mining, Steel Mill, Petro Chemical, Construction, Automobile, Material, Food & Beverage Processing & Making, Electronics, Marine, Utility Services, Government, Security, Medical, and Environment Detection) - South East Asia Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast, 2016 - 2024."

The report segments the Southeast Asia gas detection equipment market as:

Gas Detection Equipment Market, by Product Type

Fixed

Portable

Gas Detection Equipment Market, by Application

> Mining

- Coal

- Others

> Steel Mill

> Petro Chemical

- Crude Oil

- Oil Refinery

> Construction

- Tunnel

- Subway

- Others

> Automobile

> Material

> Food & Beverage Making & Processing

> Electronics

- Semiconductor

- Consumer Electronics

> Marine

- Ship Builder

- Ship Owner

- Ship Chandler

> Utility Service

- Electricity

- Water

- Gas

- Tele-communication

> Government

- Fire Fighting

- Police

- Military

- Border Control

> Security

- Building

- Medical

- Hospital & Clinic

- Others

> Environment Detection

- Pollution

- Others

In addition, the report provides analysis of the gas detection equipment market with respect to the following country segments:

Singapore

Malaysia

Indonesia

Thailand

Vietnam

Myanmar

Brunei

Philippines

Rest of South East Asia

Top Most Research Reports by TMR:

Agriculture Robots Market: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/agriculture-robot-market.html

Internet of Things Market : http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/internet-of-things-market.html

About Us:

Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The company's exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMR's experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.

TMR's data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With extensive research and analysis capabilities, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques to develop distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.

US Office Contact:

Transparency Market Research

90 State Street, Suite 700

Albany, NY 12207

Tel: +1-518-618-1030

USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453

Email: [email protected]



Website: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com

Google+: https://plus.google.com/+Transparencymarketresearch

SOURCE Transparency Market Research
Medical Group will be first in U.S. to offer BreastSentry diagnostic test

TORONTO, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ - GeneNews Limited (TSX:GEN) ("GeneNews" or the "Company") announced today that it has signed an agreement with a large, multi-specialty physician group in the American Midwest for use of its cancer diagnostic tests. The contract represents the second partnership agreement with a U.S. healthcare services group and will mark the introduction of GeneNews' BreastSentry diagnostic test to the U.S. market.

Patients of this medical group, which prefers not to have its name published, will now have access to GeneNews' innovative screening tests  ColonSentry, earlyCDT-Lung, Prostate Health Index, and the new BreastSentry diagnostic test  which provide early risk stratification of colorectal cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer and breast cancer, respectively. All four screenings utilize a quick and convenient blood test that can be completed through designated medical clinics.

GeneNews will process the samples through its CAP and CLIA-certified Innovative Diagnostic Laboratory ("IDL") clinical reference laboratory in Richmond, Virginia, and provide individualized risk stratification reports for each patient, the supply of testing kits and ongoing consultation. JTS Health Partners, based in Atlanta, Georgia, will work with both GeneNews and the medical group within the planning and implementation phase.

"We are pleased to partner with this leading physician group, which will be the first to offer our BreastSentry diagnostic, a blood test that predicts a patient's risk of developing breast cancer in the ensuing five years, as well as estimating life time risk," commented James R Howard-Tripp. "As with most cancers, the early identification of high risk patients is critical to improved decision making and treatment. We are confident that this test will be well-received by patients and look forward to making it more widely available throughout the United States in the coming months.

About GeneNews

GeneNews is committed to becoming a leader in advanced diagnostics and personalized medicine, serving as a strong commercialization outlet for early detection of cancer and other chronic diseases. Our mission is to identify, assess and make commercially available a comprehensive menu of diagnostics that provide physicians and patients with personalized clinical intelligence and actionable information to improve health out-comes through the early diagnosis of disease. Our Richmond, Virginia-based Innovative Diagnostic Laboratory clinical reference lab specializes in traditional and advanced clinical evidence-based blood testing that helps find, understand, and address cancer risk in patient populations. Currently, IDL offers risk assessment blood tests for the four most prevalent cancer types - colon, lung and prostate. GeneNews' common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol 'GEN'. More information on GeneNews can be found at www.GeneNews.com.

About JTS Health Partners

The Company is partnered with JTS Health Partners of Atlanta, Georgia. Their healthcare management consulting and services portfolio is focused on enterprise advisory planning, health information management, information technology, financial and revenue cycle management. More information on JTS can be found at www.jtshealthpartners.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements identified by words such as "expects", "will" and similar expressions, which reflect the Company's current expectations regarding future events. The forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause the Company's actual events to differ materially from those projected herein. Investors should consult the Company's ongoing quarterly filings and annual reports for additional information on risks and uncertainties relating to these forward-looking statements. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. The Company disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

SOURCE GeneNews Limited

Related Links

http://www.genenews.com/


SACRAMENTO, Calif., March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- When internationally renowned drum video producer, Gerald Forrest introduced GospelChops to the music community back in 2004, it was an effort that was recognized as ground breaking. The web portal was a unique homage to the musical roots of the Black church as Forrest brought recognition to gospel musicians who were routinely overlooked by mainstream media outlets and music instrument manufacturers. A relentless visionary, Forrest expounded upon the concept over the years, expanding his brand with the performance/instruction "Sessionz" series, which included "Shed Sessionz" and "Bass Sessionz." Forrest now finds himself in a David vs. Goliath type biblical battle as he fights to protect his brands and the integrity of his constituents. His lawyer, Cari A. Cohorn of Cohorn Law (www.cohornlaw.com) has filed a lawsuit on his behalf for willful trademark infringement, trademark counterfeiting, and unfair and deceptive trade practices against Vic Firth Company, an industry leader in the drumstick market, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California (Case No 2:16CV02981KJMEFB). Forrest is seeking a jury trial, injunctive relief, treble damages and attorneys' fees based on infringement of his federally registered Shed Sessionz, GospelChops, and GC GospelChops trademarks.

In the complaint, Forrest alleges that use of the title, "The Shed Sessions" by Vic Firth Company for its drum video advertisements, infringes the "Shed Sessionz" trademark, which Forrest has used exclusively in commerce as a source identifier for his drum video series since at least 2006. The complaint further alleges that Vic Firth Company is unjustly benefitting from the outstanding global reputation of Shed Sessionz and GC GospelChops as sources for drum videos and drumsticks, earned from more than a decade of sales of DVD's and drumsticks prominently featuring the Shed Sessionz and GC GospelChops marks.

Forrest further alleges that Vic Firth Company uses his federally registered trademarks or confusingly similar marks as metatags on its web pages and videos hosted on the Vic Firth channel at YouTube.com to gain priority in search engine rankings and in violation of federal law.

The complaint cites a business relationship from 2008 to 2013 between Vic Firth Company and Forrest, in which Vic Firth manufactured drumsticks for Forrest printed with the GC GospelChops trademark accompanied by the  symbol. Forrest cites this as evidence that Vic Firth Company's acts were "knowing, willful, deliberate, in bad faith, and in utter disregard of Plaintiff's rights."

"The drumming industry has a long history of contempt and disrespect for Black, gospel drummers," cites Forrest. "This was the original impetus behind GospelChops as I sought to create a vehicle for an untapped and under-appreciated market. It is impossible to understand the devastating impact of this infringement unless you acknowledge all the components. There are no Black-owned entities within this realm. It is clearly no accident that after I take the initiative to create a niche market for gospel musicians, my intellectual property is stolen by one of the largest companies in this industry. I am taking a stand for gospel musicians around the world. I may appear the underdog here, but history has shown that giants do not always prevail."

"The allegations in this case paint a picture of 'reverse confusion' trademark infringement," explains attorney Cari A. Cohorn. "This occurs when a large, well-established company infringes on a mark owned by a smaller company (typically a competitor). Instances of reverse confusion infringement can be devastating to the smaller company  and to competition itself  by creating improper obstacles to the smaller company's growth. Among other things, because of the greater marketing reach of the larger company, the public is likely to assume that the smaller company is the one attempting to unfairly capitalize on the larger company's goodwill and brand recognition."

The Shed Sessionz video series is one of the most popular drumming ventures in history. The "Sessionz" series has featured performances by some of the industry's most extraordinary players, including Tony Royster Jr., Thomas Pridgen, Ronald Bruner Jr., Matt Garstka, and Grammy Award-winning drummer Peter Erskine.

After years of community building efforts and charitable work, GospelChops received 501(c)3 status in 2010. Building on his legacy in the gospel music arena, Forrest released his first documentary project in 2014 entitled "Boswell & Figg," which chronicles the church's influence in the development of two phenomenal drummers.

Forrest boldly continues the GospelChops' legacy with expansion into the music instrument market with the recent introduction of the 18-inch SHED Crash cymbal and the upcoming DVD, "Shed Sessionz VOL. 4," slated for release later this year. The SHED cymbals have received global acclaim with international sales well above Forrest's expectations. In addition, with "Shed Sessionz VOL. 4," Forrest is promising to stretch the boundaries of his directorial creativity further than ever before.

Currently in his third year at Indiana University Maurer School of Law, Forrest has concentrated his studies on intellectual property law, including copyrights, trademarks, and brand protection strategies and will graduate in 2017, earning a Juris Doctor degree.

For more information on GospelChops go to http://www.gospelchops.com/. Review the full complaint at http://www.gospelchops.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/DE-1-Complaint.pdf .

View the GospelChops' promo video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Ut_Hl-kS30

Image for Gerald Forrest: http://imageshack.com/a/img922/8103/jWai0B.jpg

jazzmyne Public Relations

323-380-8819

e-mail: [email protected]

web: www.jazzmynepr.com

SOURCE GospelChops

Related Links

http://www.gospelchops.com


The purpose of the tour is threefold. One: To celebrate and thank the American people for liberating Italy from Nazi occupation under reviled Italian dictator Benito Mussolini on April 25, 1945. Two: Raise awareness of Italian arts and culture in honor of the international release of the new, critically acclaimed Italian comedy-drama Briciole Sul Mare. The motion picture is currently under consideration as an official nominee for a prestigious David di Donatello Award. Three: To raise funds for the Italian Red Cross to help the victims of central Italy's recent earthquakes.

Briciole Sul Mare tells the story of a fisherman living in the south of Italy whose regular fishing trip takes an unexpected turn when he falls asleep. During his slumber, he drifts south to the waters of beautiful, sunny Sicily. There he meets many new people, including Salvo, a young man who finds himself in a whirlwind of romance, family drama and legal troubleall which could completely alter his future. The film is full of dramatic and comical waves that rise and fall so unexpectedly that any avid roller coaster rider would be envious.

During the tour, Ms. Zanicchi will introduce three of Italy's rising star vocalists to North AmericaBriciole film star and director, Walter Nestola, Paola Gruppuso (from Italy's RAI-TV's The Voice), both of whom are featured on the films official motion picture soundtrack, and Italy's hottest new music sensation, Amato Scarpellino.

In addition to Boston, the multicity tour, produced by the Balboni Communications Group, LLC, will visit the following cities: Providence, Rhode Island; Hartford, Connecticut; New York City; New Jersey/Philadelphia; Washington, D.C.; Chicago; Cleveland; Buffalo, New York; Toronto; and Montreal Canada.

Tickets and information for Iva Zanicchi and The Platters are available online at: www.vivaitaliano2017.com.

Frederick J. Balboni, Jr.

T: 978.535.0704 | C: 978.518.7463

[email protected]

SOURCE Balboni Communications Group, LLC

Related Links

http://www.vivaitaliano2017.com


NEW YORK, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

TransDigm Group, Incorporated (NYSE: TDG) and Citizens, Inc. (NYSE:CIA)

The investigations concern potential breach of fiduciary duty claims against the Boards of TransDigm Group, Incorporated and Citizens, Inc.

Click here for more information about our investigation of TDG: http://hkh-lawfirm.com/investigations-cases/transdigm-group-incorporated-tdg/

Click here for more information about our investigation of CIA: http://hkh-lawfirm.com/investigations-cases/citizens-inc-cia/

Stonegate Mortgage Corp. (NYSE: SGM)

The investigation concerns potential breach of fiduciary duty claims. On January 27, 2017, Stonegate announced that it had agreed to a merger transaction with Home Point Financial Corp. Pursuant to the merger agreement, Stonegate's shareholders will receive $8.00 in cash for each share of Stonegate common stock.

Click here for more information about our investigation of SGM: http://hkh-lawfirm.com/investigations-cases/stonegate-mortgage-corp-sgm/

Hynes Keller & Hernandez, LLC is a shareholder rights law firm that represents institutional and individual investors. The firm is focused on providing exemplary legal services in the area of shareholder litigation. The firm has an experienced litigation team which has achieved significant victories on behalf of the firm's clients. You can visit our website at www.hkh-lawfirm.com for more information. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

If you hold shares in TDG, CIA, and SGM and would like to obtain additional information about your legal rights and protect your investment, please visit our website or contact the attorneys below. There is no cost or obligation to you.

Contact:

Hynes Keller & Hernandez, LLC Hynes Keller & Hernandez, LLC Michael J. Hynes, Esq. Beth A. Keller, Esq. 101 Lindenwood Drive, Suite 225 118 North Bedford Road, Suite 100 Malvern, PA 19355 Mount Kisco, NY 10549 Telephone: (484) 875-3116 Telephone: (914) 752-3040 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Hynes Keller & Hernandez, LLC

Related Links

http://www.hkh-lawfirm.com


This innovative cleaning technology was developed by a company in British Columbia, Canada. Instead of using liquid water, they are using crushed ice. In doing so, a better cleaning result can be achieved with 90% less water usage. The technology is so effective that it eliminates the need for other cleaning technologies, such as dry ice and abrasive blasting.

Coulson Ice Blast has just announced the release of their IceStorm90 unit. Coulson Ice Blast is the industrial cleaning technology division of the family owned Coulson Group of companies known for their aerial firefighting operations worldwide. The IceStorm90 uses regular ice as a blast media for cleaning, made from tap water or purchased from an international network of ice cube distributors. To spearhead this revolutionary cleaning technology, Coulson Ice Blast, in partnership with their ice cube distributors, is offering 1,000,000 pounds of free ice media, delivered as needed, to their customers. [Conditions apply. Learn more at www.coulsoniceblast.com].

Coulson Ice Blast strives to achieve spotless surfaces, clear lungs and a healthy environment, at reduced cost, by making ice the blast media of choice for industrial cleaning applications.

SOURCE Coulson Ice Blast
NEW YORK, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Deutsche Bank today announced the lineup for its Depositary Receipts Virtual Investor Conference ("dbVIC") on March 22nd and 23rd, featuring live webcast presentations from international companies with American Depositary Receipt (ADR) programs in the US.

Representatives from participating companies based in Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, South Africa, Spain and the UK will respond to questions during formal presentations, and will also interact with investors via virtual trade booths. The conference is targeted to all types of investors as well as analysts interested in non-US companies.

There is no fee for participants to log in, attend live presentations or ask questions.

To register, please use the following link: http://tinyurl.com/dbVICagenda

Pre-registration is suggested to save time.

March 22nd Agenda (US Eastern Daylight Time):

EDT Company Name Country Local Ticker ADR Ticker 08:30 Alpha Bank AE Greece ALPHA OTC Pink: ALBKY 09:00 Harmony Gold Mining Company Ltd South Africa HAR NYSE: HMY 09:30 ISS A/S Denmark ISS OTC Pink: ISSDY 10:00 Telstra Corporation Ltd Australia TLS OTC Pink: TLSYY 10:30 BASF SE Germany BAS OTCQX: BASFY 11:00 Inchcape plc UK INCH OTC Pink: INCPY 11:30 Dixons Carphone plc UK DC OTC Grey: DXCPY 12:00 Greene King plc UK GNK OTC Pink: GKNGY 12:30 Rare Earth Minerals plc UK REM OTC Pink: REMMY

March 23rd Agenda (US Eastern Daylight Time):

EDT Company Name Country Local Ticker ADR Ticker 08:30 Hutchison China MediTech Ltd Hong Kong HCM NASDAQ: HCM 09:00 Tigenix NV Belgium TIG NASDAQ: TIG 09:30 Deutsche Lufthansa AG Germany LHA OTCQX: DLAKY 10:00 Vodafone Group Plc UK VOD NASDAQ: VOD 10:30 Legal & General Group plc UK LGEN OTC Pink: LGGNY 11:00 Smith & Nephew plc UK SN NYSE: SNN 11:30 Continental AG Germany CON OTC Pink: CTTAY 12:00 Localiza Rent A Car S.A. Brazil RENT3 OTCQX: LZRFY 12:30 Repsol S.A. Spain REP OTCQX: REPYY

After the Conference, presentations will be available for replay.

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Deutsche Bank is sponsoring the Deutsche Bank Depositary Receipt Investor Conference solely for informational purposes. Deutsche Bank does not prepare, review, approve or edit any presentations, statements, documents or other information or materials, whether in written, electronic or verbal form, provided by any company participating in such conference, and disclaims any responsibility for the accuracy or adequacy of any such information or materials. Deutsche Bank is not promoting, endorsing or recommending any company participating in the conference.

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SOURCE dbVIC - Deutsche Bank Virtual Investor Conference
WASHINGTON, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- International Day of Happiness, on March 20, opens the conversation to discuss alternative ways of looking at human happiness. For example, can effective animal welfare and wildlife conservation truly increase an individual's experience of joy?

Using Bhutan's measure of Gross National Happiness as a benchmark, International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) created a report, Measuring What Matters: True Wellbeing for Animals and People to challenge established assumptions that the success and health of a nation depends on consistently increasing its Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

"While writing the report, we found a growing body of research about the ties between animal welfare and human health and happiness. It's difficult to quantify these intangible elements, but it's clear they are indeed connected," said Beth Allgood, IFAW US Country Director and co-author of the report.

The 36-page report highlights case studies on alternatives to short term economic growth including Dr. Jane Goodall's community conservation work that grew from chimpanzee research in Tanzania, elephant fences and fish farms in Malawi, whale shark protection in Gujarat, India and rhino repopulation in Manas National Park.

"I believe we are in an extinction crisis because we think we must increase GDP at the expenses of animals and the planet and our own wellbeing when GDP is actually simply a measure of short-term economic activity - nothing more," said Allgood.

About IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare)

Founded in 1969, IFAW rescues and protects animals around the world. With projects in more than 40 countries, IFAW rescues individual animals, works to prevent cruelty to animals, and advocates for the protection of wildlife and habitats. For more information, visit www.ifaw.org. Follow us on social @action4ifaw and Facebook/IFAW.

SOURCE International Fund for Animal Welfare

Related Links

http://www.ifaw.org


NEW YORK, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- "Isobutyl Stearate market is projected to reach USD 182.3 million by 2026"

The global isobutyl stearate market is projected to reach USD 182.3 million by 2026, at a CAGR of 4.8% from 2016 to 2026. The increasing consumption of isobutyl stearate in the metalworking, personal care, and industrial applications is driving the growth of the global isobutyl stearate market. The future demand for isobutyl stearate is expected to be hampered due to certain regulatory challenges, concerned with the use of isobutyl stearate in some countries, for example the limitation in the use of isobutyl stearate in some countries in Europe. This is a major restraint for the global isobutyl stearate market.



"Metalworking segment to register highest growth in the isobutyl stearate market"

The metalworking industry is the largest consumer of isobutyl stearate. Owing to its growing consumption for the copper, steel and aluminum application segment, the demand for isobutyl stearate is expected to rise in this period. Apart from metalworking, the demand for isobutyl stearate in personal care and industrial applications is also expected to increase.



The isobutyl stearate market in the Asia-Pacific region is projected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period

The Asia-Pacific isobutyl stearate market is anticipated to grow at the highest CAGR from 2016 to 2026. Growth in this market is attributed to the increasing demand for isobutyl stearate applications. China and Japan in the Asia-Pacific region, are the two major countries expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period.



The growth in these two countries is mainly due to the growing demand for isobutyl stearate in personal care and metalworking products. One of the major producers of isobutyl stearate in this region is, Hangzhou DayangChem Co., Limited.



In the process of determining and verifying the market size for several segments and subsegments gathered through secondary research, extensive primary interviews were conducted with key industry personnel. The break-up of the profile of primary discussion participants is given below.



BREAKDOWN OF PROFILE OF PRIMARY PARTICIPANTS:

- By Company Type: Tier 1 - 57 %, Tier 2 - 29%, and Tier 3 - 14%

- By Designation: C Level - 55%, Director Level - 36%, and Others - 9%

- By Region: North America - 57%, Europe - 14%, Asia-Pacific - 22%, and Middle East & Africa - 7%



Major companies profiled in this report are, Emery Oleochemicals (Malaysia), Oleon NV (Belgium), Faci S.p.A. (Italy), A&A Fratelli Parodi Spa (Italy), Industrial Quimica Lasem SA (Spain), Hangzhou DayangChem Co., Limited (China), and Mosselman S.a. (Belgium).







Research Coverage:

This report offers an overview of the market trends, drivers, and restraints with respect to the global isobutyl stearate market. It also provides a detailed overview of the market across five regions, namely, Asia-Pacific, North America, Europe, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America. The report categorizes the global isobutyl stearate market on the basis of application and region. A detailed analysis of the leading players, along with the key growth strategies adopted by them is also covered in the global report.





Reasons to Buy the Report:

This report covers the following key aspects:

- The market size by 2026 and the growth rate from 2016 to 2026

- The key market trends

- The factors expected to drive the growth of the market

- The restraints that impact market growth

- The key players in this market

- The global isobutyl stearate market report covers key regions, such as North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, including major countries in these regions such as the U.S., China, Japan, India, France, and Germany



Read the full report: http://www.reportlinker.com/p04430745-summary/view-report.html



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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.



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SOURCE Reportlinker

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TEL AVIV, Israel, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Kanabo Research, a new Israeli medical Cannabis venture that develops pioneering technologies in medically validated extraction formulations and certified vaporizers, successfully closes seed round funding and debuts its initial product offerings at this year's CannaTech <http://www.canna-tech.co/> , taking place in Tel Aviv, March 20 - 21.

Kanabo develops cutting-edge solutions for the medical Cannabis industry that focus on precise formulations of medical Cannabis extracts designed to work synergistically with their VapePodTM vaporizer. CEO and founder of Kanabo, Avihu Tamir, previously founded Teva Nature, the leading vaporizer company in Israel.

Kanabo is currently developing five unique formulations of medical Cannabis extracts to treat specific Central Nervous System disorders. Two formulations are patent-pending, and several will be applicable as orphan drugs. To deliver the formulations, Kanabo identified and partnered with a US-based vaporizer company and manufacturer, and modified their standard vaporizer to be a certified medical device called the VapePodTM vaporizer.

Kanabo Research's leadership team includes experienced medical industry professionals shaping the medical Cannabis industry including biopharmaceuticals, pharmaceutical R&D, Drug Delivery Systems (DDS), clinical research, medical patents, vaporizer technology, and botanical extracts. CEO Tamir brought on David Tsur, pharmaceutical executive and former Israeli Chief Economist, as Board Chair. Doron Friedman, Ph.D., who has authored over 80 patents and is a pharmaceutical R&D specialist and biomedical executive is Kanabo's Scientific Director. Nachshon Knoller, M.D., a world-renowned neurosurgeon and clinical researcher serves as Medical Director.

"The medical Cannabis industry is very much in its infancy in many areas, including drug delivery," says Dr. Friedman. "However, a few of us with pharmaceutical backgrounds are now applying our knowledge and experience to this burgeoning sector, setting standards to create smarter, more sophisticated systems to ensure safe, measured doses, and standardized extract formulations."

Last month, the Israeli government took the first steps towards allowing the export of medical Cannabis products, aiming to encourage new investment and innovation in the field. Kanabo is positioned to leverage this opportunity and target its medically validated VapePodTM vaporizer and targeted formulations to all markets where medical Cannabis is legal, including North and South America, South Africa, Australia, and countries in European

"We are dedicated to exploring and developing new plant based therapies and improved methods of administration for unmet needs for the benefit of patient populations." stated David Tsur. "I am confident in Kanabo Research's team to develop unique solutions using medical Cannabis."

About Kanabo Research

Kanabo Research is a medical Cannabis R&D company based in Tel Aviv, Israel that innovates cutting edge solutions for the medical Cannabis industry. Kanabo develops formulations of medical Cannabis extracts for vaporization that work synergistically with their medically certified vaporizer platform. The drug device combination is designed to deliver the company's patent-pending formulations to treat specific ailments with precision and consistency.

To learn more about Kanabo Research, visit http://www.kanaboresearch.com or email [email protected].

Contact:

Laura Kam

[email protected]

+972-54-806-8613



SOURCE Kanabo Research
MILFORD, Ohio, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Global interoperability solution leader International TechneGroup Incorporated (ITI) and Anark Corporation, leading provider of visual collaboration solutions, have formed a strategic partnership to better meet manufacturers' technical document publishing and validation needs. This new partnership will enhance customer relationships and ensure the quality and success of enterprise deployments by manufacturers using Anark and ITI products and solutions.

Manufacturers, especially those transitioning to Model Based Enterprise (MBE) processes, need the ability to generate production-quality 3D PDF model-based documents and technical data packages that provide suppliers and downstream consumers with the detailed engineering and manufacturing information required for effective model-based communication and collaboration. Automated validation of this technical 3D PDF-based content is key for successful MBE implementation. Anark provides its best-in-class, recipe-driven publishing automation platform, Anark Core, for transforming source data and publishing 3D MBE documents and content, and ITI provides the industry's leading CAD validation solution, CADIQ.

3D PDF documents published by Anark Core are "100% native", ISO compliant, and can be opened by the ubiquitous and free Adobe Reader software. The documents may include 3D product visualization together with product-manufacturing-information (PMI) annotations, structured tabular and attribute data from multiple sources, and numerous related files and attachments to form comprehensive technical data packages (TDPs). CADIQ from ITI is a vendor neutral CAD model validation tool that allows users to interactively test model geometry and PMI for errors and variation.

When a precise semantic MBD model created in a design system is converted into a graphical visualization model (such as the ISO Standard PRC format contained within 3D PDF), it is more than a translation, it is a transformation. According to ITI's CAD Validation Specialist, Doug Cheney, "A validation tool that works in concert with the Anark transformation and publishing system can reveal if something unexpected has happened in a particular model during a transformation, adding tremendous value for the customer. ITI understands expected differences in the 3D PDF in advance of validation, and can provide the customer with a true, third-party pass/fail assessment if there are any unexpected differences. This partnership offers customers a valuable safety net."

Anark and ITI share customers across the aerospace & defense, energy, transportation, communication technology, and medical device manufacturing sectors. With broad, real-world knowledge and experience helping enterprise manufacturers successfully deploy production MBE processes and solutions, the companies are known to provide industry insights beyond technology, including guidance on best practices for quick and effective implementation of model based process change for enterprise manufacturers and their supply chain partners. Both companies are currently engaged in joint customer projects, with more expected in the coming months.

"With extensive PLM solutions expertise and over thirty years' experience in developing standards-based CAD interoperability solutions, we're uniquely positioned to help companies ensure the integrity and reusability of their product data," says Tom Gregory, CEO, ITI. "CAD validation is a critical component to any MBE initiative, and CADIQ is uniquely suited to complement Anark's product portfolio."

"Anark Core and MBEWeb enable global companies to transform, publish, and host technical content from multiple authoritative data sources, such as CAD, PLM, and ERP," states Stephen Collins, CEO, Anark. "When our technology is applied to engineering release, supply chain, quality, and manufacturing processes, ITI's CADIQ is the enterprise validation solution our customers rely on to validate the integrity of their MBE documents." Collins added, "This partnership, and our shared expertise, offer customers complementary best-in-class solutions that help them deploy model-based processes more efficiently and effectively."

As part of the agreement, the Anark and ITI product teams are working closely to ensure their respective products and technologies are working in harmony to serve the needs of their mutual customers. "ITI and Anark are industry leaders, with complementary technologies. So, there is strong synergy that will provide customers with the most accurate, trouble-free solutions to their downstream data sharing needs," says Asa Trainer, Vice President of Product Operations, ITI. "Tighter collaboration through this partnership will give customers higher confidence in the downstream technical content, and help ensure our joint projects become production successes."

Peter Billelo, President of analyst firm CIMdata, agrees. "PLM and product data interoperability present complex, intricate problems. The ITI and Anark partnership is both unique and refreshing as it represents two leading solution providers serving as trusted advisors and customer advocates. Customers benefit most from agreement in more seamlessly integrated delivery, a focus on geometry, and API-based, third-party validations."

ITI and Anark plan to jointly host a webinar that will provide further insights on practical application and benefits of using CADIQ to validate Anark-generated 3D PDFs.

Find more information at www.iti-global.com/anark

About ITI

International TechneGroup Inc. began in 1983 with a mission to help manufacturers drive innovation and time to market by applying computer-aided product development to engineering problems. Today, ITI is the global leader providing reliable interoperability, validation and migration solutions for product data and related systems. ITI's CADIQ is a vendor-neutral application, identifies model-based design (MBD) data quality issues that impact downstream re-use for manufacturing, simulation, data exchange and collaboration. CADIQ enables you to validate critical engineering processes including engineering change, revision control and manufacturability. For more information visit www.iti-global.com/cadiq.

About Anark

Anark helps industry leading manufacturers transform their mission critical PLM and ERP data into role-and-use-case-specific technical HTML content and 3D PDF documents, allowing knowledge workers along the Digital Thread to communicate and collaborate more effectively throughout the engineering, supply chain, manufacturing, and field service organizations. Anark Core and MBEweb enable effective and efficient MBE process change, yielding higher quality products, accelerated product release cycles, and reduced scrap and material waste, netting substantial cost savings for OEMs and their suppliers. For more information, visit www.anark.com.

Photo(s): www.prlog.org/12626955

SOURCE International TechneGroup Incorporated

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PLANO, Texas, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Fifteen new independent mortgage brokerage shops are now up and running with support from a $10,000 grant through the NAMB KickStart program. NAMB KickStart was launched in September 2016 by the National Association of Mortgage Brokers (NAMB) with initial financial support from United Wholesale Mortgage.

NAMB KickStart is designed to grow the mortgage broker channel by providing interested and qualified individual loan originators aspiring to open their own mortgage broker shops aspiring to open their own mortgage broker shops with up to $10,000 of grant funding to help with startup costs. Applicants are not required to pay back the funds.

"After mega banks pinned mortgage brokers as the scapegoats of the financial crisis in 2008, a large number of loan originators left these small shops to go work for the banks," said Mat Ishbia, President and CEO of United Wholesale Mortgage. "Now, a lot of those same loan originators want to go back to running their own broker shops, and we hope that NAMB KickStart gives them added motivation to make that jump."

In a survey that NAMB distributed to approximately 200 loan originators around the country, roughly 70% of respondents reported an interest in owning their own shop. In the same survey, 44% of respondents indicated money as their main barrier to opening their own business, but 60% said they would be more inclined to take the chance if given a grant.

Up until 2008, mortgage brokers made up nearly 33% of the mortgage market before declining drastically to around 6% following the crisis. It has since climbed past 12% and is trending upward.

"Regulations that were created following the crisis now have brokers and bankers on a level playing field. The advantages that broker shops have over bankers, with access to a wider variety of pricing and product options for their clients, is obvious," Ishbia said.

"Brokers are the channel that provides consumer education and availability to the underserved local markets that the big banks sometimes forget about, usually with better pricing and options," said NAMB immediate past president Rocke Andrews.

"KickStart gave me the opportunity to leave a megabank and be my own boss," said Dan Tran, a Massachusetts-based loan originator who left a retail bank to start his broker shop, Transcend Mortgage, Inc. after being awarded a $10,000 NAMB KickStart grant. "As a broker, I now have more control over the experience that I am able to provide to my clients. Applying for the grant was easy and it helped me to get my business up and running within just a few short months."

For more information on the NAMB KickStart program, or for loan originators interested in applying for funding, visit www.nambKickStart.com.

SOURCE National Association of Mortgage Brokers

Related Links

http://www.nambKickStart.com


NOVI, Mich., March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) today announced that associates working at 103 stores in the company's Michigan division have ratified a new labor agreement with Local 876.

"We are pleased to reach an agreement that is good for our associates. This new contract provides wage increases, affordable health care and ongoing investment in our associates' pension fund to support their retirement," said Jayne Homco, president of Kroger's Michigan division. "This agreement comes after thoughtful and productive work by both the company and the union bargaining committees. I appreciate our associates for supporting the agreement and for the excellent service they provide our customers every day."

The agreement covers over 15,000 associates working in Southeastern Michigan.

Every day, the Kroger Family of Companies makes a difference in the lives of eight and a half million customers and 443,000 associates who shop or serve in 2,796 retail food stores under a variety of local banner names in 35 states and the District of Columbia. Kroger and its subsidiaries operate an expanding ClickList offering  a personalized, order online, pick up at the store service  in addition to our 2,255 pharmacies, 784 convenience stores, 319 fine jewelry stores, 1,445 supermarket fuel centers and 38 food production plants in the United States. Kroger is recognized as one of America's most generous companies for its support of more than 100 Feeding America food bank partners, breast cancer research and awareness, the military and their families, and more than 145,000 community organizations including schools. A leader in supplier diversity, Kroger is a proud member of the Billion Dollar Roundtable.

SOURCE The Kroger Co.

Related Links

http://www.kroger.com


RESTON, Va., March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Leidos (NYSE: LDOS) Flight Service has created an unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) service that helps safeguard the airspace by sending automatic notifications of unmanned aircraft operations to relevant groups.

The Leidos UAS Notification Service is being tested as part of the Federal Aviation Administration UAS Pathfinder Program with Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) railways to explore concepts for "beyond visual line-of-sight" operations of small, unmanned aircraft. Conflicts with high-speed military aircraft can arise when UAS operations cross military training routes, or when planned commercial UAS and military operations take place simultaneously. The service facilitates the resolution of these overlapsa process referred to as deconfliction.

UAS Operators access the internet-based service to file "flight plans" for their UAS operating areas, typically a section of rail or a bridge that is being inspected. The service then automatically generates and sends all required notifications, including to applicable military personnel and a "Notice to Airmen"which alerts pilots of potential hazards that could affect flight safety. Leidos Flight Service also sends alerts to general aviation pilots that will be flying in the same area while the UAS is operating.

The service, which commenced in September 2016, is being incrementally implemented and currently being used for UAS operations over sections of railroads in New Mexico.

"In addition to the traditional methods of inspecting railways, unmanned aircraft provide an efficient, cost-effective way to maintain their tracks," said Mike Glasgow, Leidos Fellow, Notification Service Chief Architect. "This process ensures all applicable parties and aircraft in the area are informed ahead of their UAS operations for safety."

The new service is an extension of the UAS Operating Area filing capability available at Leidos' website www.1800wxbrief.com and through web services for routine commercial UAS use. The Leidos Flight Service will expand the program to support other UAS operators in the near future.

"Our Flight Service program provides a range of safety-oriented services to more than 80,000 members of the general aviation community across the country each week. This UAS notification and deconfliction service broadens that safety mission by providing pilots with the information needed to avoid conflicts as more and more unmanned aircraft take to the skies," said Paul Engola, Senior Vice President of Transportation and Financial Solutions, Leidos Civil Group. "We will continue to develop concepts and capabilities that enable safe integration of UAS into the airspace."

About Leidos

Leidos is a global science and technology solutions and services leader working to solve the world's toughest challenges in the defense, intelligence, homeland security, civil and health markets. The company's 32,000 employees support vital missions for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $7.04 billion for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2016. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

Statements in this announcement, other than historical data and information, constitute forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause our actual results, performance, achievements, or industry results to be very different from the results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Some of these factors include, but are not limited to, the risk factors set forth in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 30, 2016, and other such filings that Leidos makes with the SEC from time to time. Due to such uncertainties and risks, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof.

SOURCE Leidos

Related Links

http://www.leidos.com


hundreds of years later including the machine guns, diving suits, construction cranes, robots, flying machines, and more. Was Leonardo a genius? A prophet who anticipated the modern age by 500 years? Or was there another explanation?

Secrets of the Dead: Leonardo, The Man Who Saved Science goes in search of the answer to these questions. The program premieres Wednesday, April 5, 10-11 p.m. ET on PBS (Check local listings.), and will be available for online streaming at pbs.org/secrets at that time.

One of the many inventions attributed to Leonardo is the parachute. But did he actually invent it? In 1968, researchers discovered sketches from the studio of 15th-century Italian inventor Mariano do Jacopa, known as Taccola, which were similar to Leonardo's study for such a device.

"This drawing, the design for a parachute, is the oldest known to us and it is very similar to Leonardo's," says Andrea Bernardoni, historian at the Galileo Museum. "It was found in a manuscript conserved at the British Library in London. Leonardo knew manuscripts from the Sienese engineering tradition and he even refers to Taccola's drawings in his manuscripts."

Taccola, who was 70 years older than Leonardo and died the year before Leonardo was born, was an engineer of the early Renaissance and among the first to use drawings as a design tool. But just as Leonardo copied from him, Taccola's idea is copied from a Muslim inventor, Abbas Ibn Firnas.

Knowing the parachute was not Leonardo's original idea, why is he still considered the inventor? "The incredible thing is that Leonardo is the first to write about the material needed to make this object: cloth made of waxed flax, so that the air doesn't come through and it becomes waterproof, like the feathers of the birds," notes Mario Taddei, technical director, Leonardo3. "For the first time, he describes how this object has to be built; he's the only one to think about the dimensions."

Leonardo, The Man Who Saved Science, features drawings of his most famous ideas and inventions, some of which trace their original creation to ancient Greece while others were a product of the scientific inventions of the golden age of Islamic learning. Leonardo never affirmed that his projects came from his original ideas.

Is Leonardo just a copycat? Or, as the program suggests, did he, in reinventing ancient technology, spark a renewed interest in scientific experimentation lost in Europe during the Dark Ages until the Renaissance. "Dealing with a problem or understanding a phenomenon for him meant to see how it is related to other phenomena," says Fritjof Capra, historian of science. "In this way, I think, he generated what we now call the scientific method, and he singlehandedly created the scientific method."

Secrets of the Dead: Leonardo, The Man Who Saved Science is produced by GA&A Productions and THIRTEEN Productions LLC for WNET in coproduction with Program33 and SAS-TV Australia in association with France Televisions. Narrator is Jay O. Sanders. Writer and director is Mark Daniels. Producer is Gioia Avvantaggiato. Executive Producer for GA&A Productions is Gioia Avvantaggiato. Executive Producers for Program33 are Fabrice Coat and Michel Spavone. Executive-in-Charge for WNET is Stephen Segaller. Executive Producer for WNET is Steve Burns. Supervising Producer for WNET is Stephanie Carter.

As one of PBS's ongoing limited primetime series, Secrets of the Dead is a perennial favorite among viewers, routinely ranking among the 10 most-watched series on public television. Currently in its 16th season, Secrets of the Dead continues its unique brand of archaeological sleuthing and employing advances in investigative techniques, forensic science and historical scholarship to offer new evidence about forgotten mysteries. Secrets of the Dead has received 10 CINE Golden Eagle Awards and six Emmy nominations, among numerous other awards.

About WNET

WNET is America's flagship PBS station and parent company of THIRTEEN and WLIW21 . WNET also operates NJTV, the statewide public media network in New Jersey. Through its broadcast channels, three cable services (KidsThirteen, Create and World) and online streaming sites, WNET brings quality arts, education and public affairs programming to more than five million viewers each week. WNET produces and presents such acclaimed PBS series as Nature, Great Performances, American Masters, PBS NewsHour Weekend, Charlie Rose and a range of documentaries, children's programs, and local news and cultural offerings. WNET's groundbreaking series for children and young adults include Get the Math, Oh Noah! and Cyberchase as well as Mission US, the award-winning interactive history game. WNET highlights the tri-state's unique culture and diverse communities through NYC-ARTS, Theater Close-Up, NJTV News with Mary Alice Williams and MetroFocus, the daily multi-platform news magazine focusing on the New York region. In addition, WNET produces online-only programming including the award-winning series about gender identity, First Person, and an intergenerational look at tech and pop culture, The Chatterbox with Kevin and Grandma Lill. In 2015, THIRTEEN launched Passport, an online streaming service which allows members to see new and archival THIRTEEN and PBS programming anytime, anywhere: www.thirteen.org/passport.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/thirteenwnet

Twitter: @ThirteenNY

Secrets of the Dead episodes online at pbs.org/secrets

Facebook: SecretsOfTheDead

Twitter: @SecretsPBS

SOURCE WNET

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LINTHICUM, Md., March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE:LMT] will support the Department of Defense's efforts against cyber criminals under a new contract overseeing the world's largest accredited digital forensics lab.

Lockheed Martin will continue its role as the prime contractor for the Defense Cyber Crime Center (DC3), delivering a range of technical, functional and managerial support. Under the $347 million, five-year contract (one base year plus four one-year options), awarded by the General Services Administration (GSA) Federal Systems Integration and Management Center (FEDSIM), Lockheed Martin will provide vital assistance in the investigation of criminal and counterintelligence matters.

"The cyber threats facing the Department of Defense and our nation are growing in complexity and frequency," said Deon Viergutz, vice president, Cyber Solutions, Lockheed Martin. "Our cybersecurity threat intelligence expertise and technology speed the response needed to safeguard information in this constantly evolving environment."

Lockheed Martin has served as the DC3 prime contractor since 2012, providing digital and multimedia forensics examination, analysis, development, test and evaluation, information technology, and cyber analytical services, as well as critical cyber intelligence to Defense Industrial Base partners.

The contract includes comprehensive services for the DC3 mission including leadership and staffing for the DoD Collaborative Information Sharing Environment (DCISE), the Defense Computer Forensics Laboratory (DCFL), the Defense Cyber Crime Institute (DCCI), and the Defense Cyber Crime CenterAnalytical Group (DC3-AG). DC3 supports numerous mission partners including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), National Security Agency (NSA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Defense Security Service (DSS), and United States Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM). The effort encompasses operations, management and mission support.

For additional information, visit http://lockheedmartin.com/cyber. Read our white paper on how to defend against "Advanced Persistent Threats" (APTs)  well-resourced and trained adversaries that conduct multi-year intrusion campaigns targeting highly sensitive economic, proprietary or national security information.

About Lockheed Martin

Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 97,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.

SOURCE Lockheed Martin

Related Links

http://www.lockheedmartin.com


NEW YORK, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Accomplished professional actors looking to re-ground themselves in the fundamentals of the craft are encouraged to apply to the Master Class with Maggie Flanigan. The class will take place every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the prestigious Maggie Flanigan Studio (http://www.maggieflaniganstudio.com/acting-classes/master-class-actors-917-789-1599/) classes start on April 5 and conclude on June 7. Over the 10 class sessions students will study major parts from the world's greatest playwrights. These scenes are discussed and agreed upon by the student and Maggie before being paired with another actor.

Acting Master Class - Maggie Flanigan 917-789-1599 Master Acting Class - Maggie Flanigan 917-789-1599

The Master Class is small, intimate and collaborative. Applicants will be chosen for the class by way of a personal interview with Maggie Flanigan, the studio's artistic director and master teacher. The class has been designed with the working actor in mind: The grind of auditions, rehearsals, performances, and frequently encountering "workmanlike" scripts and characters has a way of eroding one's passion for the art form. In addition, being pigeonholed into particular kinds of roles can stifle creativity and result in actors taking short cuts or "phoning it in." As such, the overarching purpose of the Master Class with Maggie Flanigan is to provide a reset button for actors who take their art seriously yet have lost touch with their passion.

Most issues that crop up in a professional actors' career, according to Flanigan, can be traced to the fundamentals. Letting the fundamentals slide results in a generalized approach to the craft and substandard characterization. However, it's not necessarily easy to self-diagnose and correct these deep-seated problems. The Master Class is effective precisely because it focuses on essential techniques like concentration, listening, personalization, and understanding beats and line intentions.

Each Master Class session is a collaborative process in which pairs of students work to isolate and purge their tendencies to generalize, under the watchful tutelage of Maggie Flanigan. Scenes will be carefully chosen in consultation with each actor, based largely on what the actor needs to regain focus and direction. A common refrain among former students is Flanigan's knack for pushing actors well outside of their comfort zone, while still engendering a positive, collaborative environment. Students can therefore expect to be challenged week in and week out as part of the Master Class.

The Master Class admission requirements include attendance at every class, a serious approach to the craft, and the willingness to hold oneself and one's peers to the highest standards. Students should make time for at least two rehearsals outside of class every week. In addition, all students should possess a strong, well-rounded technique and thorough understanding of the craft's fundamentals and vocabulary. Moreover, students will need to show a healthy interest in exploring the human condition, in being vulnerable and empathetic, and in being mutually supportive of their fellow classmates.

"Master Class with Maggie Flanigan rejuvenated my artistry," says Irene Rivera. "It just felt so good to work with somebody who spoke the same language as me, someone who respected the work as much as I did. It just lit me back on fire. I was ready to be back into the audition room because I have worked on the sides of myself that I forgot about, honestly. When she's giving another one, I plan on being right back in there."

Maggie Flanigan's own work is based upon the Meisner Technique, and the studio that carries her name is likewise founded on that technique. Maggie Flanigan Studio alumni include respected actors like Sam Rockwell, Leslie Bibb, Jeremy Davidson, Trevor Long and KaDee Strickland.

About Maggie Flanigan Studio

We are proud to be NYC's most respected professional actor training program. We welcome aspiring actors interested in going the distance with themselves; risk-takers who want to feel safe, nurtured, and yet pushed in a way they could have never imagined in order to fulfill their fullest artistic potential. Executive Director Charlie Sandlan and all of the faculty approach every day honored to be the caretakers of Maggie Flanigan's artistic vision.

Contact:

Charlie Sandlan, Executive Director

Maggie Flanigan Studio

153 W 27th St #803

New York, New York 10001

(917) 789-1599

[email protected]

SOURCE Maggie Flanigan Studio

Related Links

http://www.maggieflaniganstudio.com


DALLAS, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Last month, the Maryland House of Representatives proposed House Bill 1213, otherwise known as the "Main Street Fairness Act of 2017," in the latest move by individual states to capture online sales made by principally out-of-state businesses. In what is beginning to look like an emerging standard (see similar proposals in Arkansas, Indiana, and South Dakota, to name a few), the Main Street Fairness Act seeks to set a 200 transaction annual minimum before remote seller nexus is established.

What sets Maryland's proposal apart from such legislation in other states is the surprisingly low threshold for annual gross receipts, which can also trigger nexus regardless of transaction frequency; while Arkansas and South Dakota propose to set their limits at $100,000, Maryland joins Nebraska in setting its threshold for nexus at $10,000 in gross receipts over the preceding four quarters. (At the federal level, the size of such a threshold and its impact on small business have been common points of disagreement in the ongoing debate over remote seller nexus.) Whether this lower threshold is part of a growing trend remains to be seen, but smaller online retailers, which some consider the "mom and pop" stores of the digital age, would do well to keep an eye on these developments.

About Ryan

Ryan is an award-winning global tax services firm, with the largest indirect and property tax practices in North America and the seventh largest corporate tax practice in the United States. With global headquarters in Dallas, Texas, the Firm provides a comprehensive range of state, local, federal, and international tax advisory and consulting services on a multi-jurisdictional basis, including audit defense, tax recovery, credits and incentives, tax process improvement and automation, tax appeals, tax compliance, and strategic planning. Ryan is a five-time recipient of the International Service Excellence Award from the Customer Service Institute of America (CSIA) for its commitment to world-class client service. Empowered by the dynamic myRyan work environment, which is widely recognized as the most innovative in the tax services industry, Ryan's multi-disciplinary team of more than 2,100 professionals and associates serves over 12,000 clients in more than 40 countries, including many of the world's most prominent Global 5000 companies. More information about Ryan can be found at ryan.com.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION CONTACTS:

Jeremiah T. Lynch

Principal

Ryan

212.871.3901

[email protected]

Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link.

Jerry Lynch

http://www.profnetconnect.com/jeremiahlynch

SOURCE Ryan

Related Links

http://www.ryan.com


STATE COLLEGE, Pa., March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Passionate about helping others feel their best? Massage Envy, the pioneer and national leader of professional, convenient massage therapy and skincare services, is actively looking for a franchise partner to expand the company's franchise network into the State College, Pennsylvania market.

With the health and wellness boom, consumer attitudes and behaviors have shifted to take a more proactive approach about their well-being, spending between $12-13 billion annually on massage therapy. In 2002, Massage Envy pioneered the membership-based, recurring-revenue massage model and has been the industry leader ever since. It is now one of the fastest growing franchises, expanding its presence across the US and internationally.

The time is ripe for an entrepreneur looking for a new business opportunity to franchise a Massage Envy location in State College. This is a first-to-market opportunity in an area where there are no direct competitors and where the wellness sector continues to grow. Built on the foundation of helping people feel their best, Massage Envy believes that massage and skincare aren't a luxury; they're a necessary part of body maintenance and an integral part of total body wellness.

"The demographic makeup of State College residents, along with the Massage Envy brand's 99 percent success rate, present a great business opportunity for someone looking to own their own business," said Sol Glastein, regional developer for Massage Envy. "Massage Envy makes massage and skincare more accessible and affordable through a membership model allowing for regular, routine body care. This accessibility paired with our sophisticated real estate analytical tool indicates that State College is a franchise location primed for success."

Massage Envy is the largest system of franchised massage locations in the nation with 1,160 locations in 49 states. The franchise brand consistently ranks high on prominent franchise rankings lists, including 17th on the 2017 Entrepreneur 500 list and 7th on Forbes' 2016 Best Franchises to Buy, and positions franchisees for success by providing the support needed to build a profitable massage and skincare business and strong brand identity.

"While the Massage Envy brand has more than a decade of success, it continues to fine-tune its strategies and processes through an industry-leading management team," said Rick Howard, director of franchise sales at Massage Envy. "Massage Envy strives to ensure the highest standard of operations to maximize sales and profitability, including building strong partnerships within the industry."

Massage Envy Franchising, LLC By the Numbers

2002  The first Massage Envy opened and launched accessible massage and skin care

 The first Massage Envy opened and launched accessible massage and skin care 25,000  Massage therapists and estheticians employed in franchised locations across the country, making Massage Envy, collectively through its franchised locations, the single largest employer in the country

 Massage therapists and estheticians employed in franchised locations across the country, making Massage Envy, collectively through its franchised locations, the single largest employer in the country 1.65 million  Members across the United States

 Members across 49  States that Massage Envy franchised locations call home

 States that Massage Envy franchised locations call home More than 100 million  Services performed

 Services performed 1,167  Number of nationwide franchised locations

 Number of nationwide franchised locations 2016  Opening of first International franchised location in Australia

 Opening of first International franchised location in #7  Ranking in Forbes' 2016 Best Franchises to Buy

 Ranking in Forbes' 2016 Best Franchises to Buy #1  Ranking in Entrepreneur's Therapeutic & Massage Services Category, #34 in the Fastest Growing Franchise Category, and #17 in the Franchise 500 category

 Ranking in Entrepreneur's Therapeutic & Massage Services Category, #34 in the Fastest Growing Franchise Category, and #17 in the Franchise 500 category $1.3 million  Average unit volume  the highest in the industry

To learn about franchising opportunities with Massage Envy, contact Sol Glastein at [email protected] or visit www.massageenvy.com/own-a-franchise.

About Massage Envy

Massage Envy, based in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a national franchisor, and through its franchise locations, is the leading provider of therapeutic massage and skincare services. With its membership model, Massage Envy believes total body care is an integral part of everyone's well-being journey. The Massage Envy franchise system is, collectively, the largest employer of massage therapists and estheticians, with more than 35,000 dedicated professionals that provide best-in-class service to over 1.65 million members. Founded in 2002, Massage Envy has more than 1,165 franchise locations in 49 states that have together delivered more than 100 million massages and facials. The company was recently ranked No. 1 Best Franchise with an initial investment of $500,001 and up by Forbes. For more information, visit www.MassageEnvy.com, or follow us on Twitter @MassageEnvy and Facebook www.facebook.com/MassageEnvy.

SOURCE Massage Envy

Related Links

https://www.massageenvy.com


NEW YORK, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Meredith Xcelerated Marketing (MXM) has been awarded the Sitecore  "Ultimate Experience Award" for North America for 2016 for its website work for Benjamin Moore.

Every year, Sitecore honors customers and their partners who thoroughly demonstrate how their Sitecore solution is delivering an outstanding experience for customers and their own organization.

For each region across the globe, Sitecore selects the winners of six specific context marketing categories and then one overall award - the Ultimate Experience Award - to the website that best demonstrates how Sitecore delivers the right content, to the right customer at the right time.

"We are thrilled to be honored as the Sitecore Ultimate Experience Award winner for North America," said Mark Bieschke, Chief Technology Officer, MXM. "Sitecore's Experience Platform offers Benjamin Moore unparalleled context marketing capabilities, while also giving our technical team the power and flexibility needed to bring MXM's creative vision to life."

"Sitecore is an ideal solution for premium brands like Benjamin Moore, where a world-class experience is essential, from interaction with content and tools on the website, through purchase and use of the product," added Kristi VandenBosch, MXM's Chief Digital Officer. "We were able to reinforce that experience, end-to-end."

About the Experience Awards

The Sitecore Experience Awards is an international competition held on an annual basis. Winners are selected in several categories within each region. The nominations list is based on input from partners, customers, the press, analysts, and colleagues. Nominees are asked to submit an application outlining how they are using Sitecore to generate amazing experiences that feel personal to every customer and create a powerful brand halo across every channel that delivers real business results. Winners demonstrate creativity in presentation, integration with rich data sources and applications, an ability to educate, inform and motivate to action, and a compelling overall user experience. Visit www.sitecore.net/Sitecore-experience-awards to learn more about the awards and how to enter.

About Meredith Xcelerated Marketing

Meredith Xcelerated Marketing (MXM) is an award-winning, content-powered digital agency with unmatched digital expertise across all channels. We provide fully integrated marketing solutions for some of the world's top brands, including Benjamin Moore, Kraft Heinz, Allergan, TGIFriday's and NBC Universal. Through its rich 46-year history, MXM has established itself as the dominant force in custom content and customer relationship marketing platforms. A pioneer in this hyper-connected world, MXM pairs insightful strategy and trailblazing-creative with world-class technical development and expert analytics to connect with consumers at every stage of their journey. MXM employs more than 500 people globally and is a part of Meredith Corporation (NYSE:MDP; www.meredith.com), a publicly owned media and marketing company. Visit www.mxm.com for more information.

CONTACT: Art Slusark, [email protected], 515-284-3404

SOURCE Meredith Corporation; Meredith Xcelerated Marketing (MXM)

Related Links

http://www.mxm.com


UNION CITY, Calif., March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Mizuho OSI, manufacturer of specialty surgical tables, pressure management solutions, and table specific patient care kits, today announced the opening of its global training facility, the Center of Excellence, at its Union City headquarters.

The new Center of Excellence is 4685 sq ft encompassing a modular training facility and a VIP conference room. A product showcase area is scheduled to open in late spring and will house the Company's portfolio of specialty surgical tables, general surgical tables, pressure management solutions, and newly acquired Trilux Medical product portfolio of surgical lights, pendants and OR integration systems.

Plans are being developed to open a mock operating room and museum in the fall of this year. The operating room will combine advanced technology and design that focuses on providing a complete operating room solution. Mizuho OSI is dedicated to understanding the needs of their global healthcare customers and wanted to provide doctors a space to experience the company's innovative tables designed for procedure-specific approaches in spine and orthopedic surgeries. With the addition of Trilux Medical products, for the first time, customers will experience the only operating room light with reLED technology combined with intelligent operating room integrated solutions.

The museum will showcase the company's history starting in 1978 when it was founded by the Moore family as Orthopedics Systems, Inc. (OSI), a medical soft goods company. Displayed will be OSI's achievements ranging from early developments in operating room products to where they are today as the market leader in the orthopedic surgery tables.

Greg Neukirch, Mizuho OSI's Vice President of Sales and Marketing, said, "Our investment in the Center of Excellence reflects the strength of our business and our dedication to providing our customers with complete operating room solutions."

Mizuho currently has three other training centers around the world located in Chiba, Japan, Arnsberg, Germany and Amman, Jordan.

"Bringing a fourth training center online is a key component of Mizuho's strategy to ensure all of our customers and employees can experience an optimal learning environment with hands-on access to our equipment," said Mr. Steve Lamb, President and Chief Operating Officer for Mizuho OSI. "This facility allows us to bring together world-class surgical and patient care experts, in a state-of-the-art facility, to ensure our products continue to result in the most favorable outcomes possible for the doctors and patients alike who rely on Mizuho OSI products in surgery," Lamb concluded.

About Mizuho OSI

Mizuho OSI is a U.S.-based company and the leader in the markets for specialty surgery and patient positioning. The company's portfolio includes specialty surgical tables for procedure-specific approaches that improve patient outcomes in spine and orthopedic surgeries and a range of general surgical tables along with disposable and reusable surgical patient care products. Through its subsidiary, Trilux Medical, the company provides and manufactures surgical lights, surgical pendants, operating room patient integration, video management systems, and turn-key operating room solutions. These advanced systems allow Mizuho OSI to provide a complete operating room solution. At this time, Mizuho OSI products are sold direct in the U.S. and Trilux Medical products and solutions are sold direct in Germany and Japan. Both companies sell their products and solutions worldwide through authorized international distributors. Mizuho OSI is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mizuho Ikakogyo Co., Ltd. located in Tokyo, Japan, and is the leading surgical table manufacturer in Asia. More information is available at www.mizuhosi.com.

SOURCE Mizuho OSI

Related Links

http://www.mizuhosi.com


"I am honored to join the NHMS Council at this time of rapid change in the healthcare landscape," said Dr. Allen. "I look forward to serving as an advocate for the physicians and patients of New Hampshire to empower the practice of high quality care throughout our state."

Dr. Allen received his medical degree from Dartmouth Medical School in Hanover, NH. He went on to graduate with his Masters of Business Administration in Healthcare at the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth, where he received the Payson-Hampers MD/MBA Outstanding Scholar's Award. Dr. Allen completed his residency in anesthesiology, perioperative and pain medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, MA. He then fulfilled a regional anesthesiology fellowship at Dartmouth-Hitchcock in Lebanon, NH. In addition, Dr. Allen sits on the American Society of Anesthesiologist's education subcommittee on regional anesthesia and acute pain.

The NHMS is a non-profit organization with over 2,200 licensed physicians, medical residents, and medical students in the state of New Hampshire. For more information, click here.

About North American Partners in Anesthesia

As a clinician-led organization, North American Partners in Anesthesia (NAPA) is redefining healthcare, delivering unsurpassed excellence to its partners and patients every day. In three decades, NAPA has grown to become the nation's leading single-specialty anesthesia and perioperative management company, serving more than one million patients annually in more than 200 healthcare facilities throughout the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest and Southeast. For more information, please visit NAPAanesthesia.com.

Media Contact

Jill Hoenigmann, Marketing Manager

North American Partners in Anesthesia

P: (516) 945-3030

E: [email protected]

SOURCE North American Partners in Anesthesia

Related Links

http://www.napaanesthesia.com


"Since our first-of-its-kind charity was founded we have provided more than 7000 free vehicles to struggling individuals and families, helping to support their journeys to self-sufficiency," said Brian Menzies, CEO of Charity Cars, Inc., which operates as The Original 1-800-Charity Cars. "We are grateful to Evan Metropoulos for this generous donation, which will help many more people realize the dream of car-ownership, while, at the same time, educating the public on automobile history and the importance of preserving our auto heritage."

Over nearly 20 years, Mr. Metropoulos has quietly amassed one of the largest collections of unrestored vintage autos in the world, a collection he plans to house in a museum planned for later this year. Among a small group of preservationist collectors, he is passionate about unearthing and preserving rare vintage autos (also known as "survivors") before a restorer's hands erase the originality and historical significance of the vehicle. A Corvette fanatic, he has among the only complete collections of 1967, 435 horsepower Corvettes in every color produced, all with factory original paint.

About Charity Cars, Inc. / The Original 1-800-Charity Cars

Established in 1996, the Original 1-800-Charity Cars operates the largest free non-profit car donation / distribution program in the nation. For more information visit www.800charitycars.org

SOURCE 1-800-Charity Cars, Inc.
While more global networks shift to ski season as colder weather approaches, FollyBeach.com continues in its effort to drive tourism to Folly Beach. "Local organizers do such a great job of putting on great events that are worth coming into town for no matter what time of year it is, and we try to put a spotlight on those where we can, on the site, social media and to our email subscribers," Hart said.

"FollyBeach.com is a great resource for our visitors. This one site offers current Folly events, where to eat and what to see," said local Architect Dennis Ashley who also owns properties on Folly and participates in the new marketplace.

And then there's the fact Folly's online presence just can't fit its personality into one of the one-size-fits-all rental networks. Ashely points out, "Folly Beach is the one place where quirky fun architecture has a home. While other beach communities may be more manicured, more subject to architectural reviews, this unique place celebrates to unusual, the colorful, the neat and cool. There is no other South Carolina place where I can freely explore my 'take' on a quintessential beach house experience." FollyBeach.com does a great job showcasing the unique vibe Folly puts off.

Beyond the cool new look, it is worth noting the need for this new marketplace comes as Folly Beach property owners become more frustrated with their ad dollars being used to drive traffic away from the island and their properties. Large networks are less concerned where the tourist stays, so they are mixing in results from other locations. Someone searching for Folly Beach for example may find suggestions for other locations.

"What a disappointment, doing a search for our properties on HomeAway.com. The filters set for ocean views, Folly Beach, sleeps five and the results showed properties on Seabrook, Edisto, boats in the harbor and apartments in downtown Charleston. Our properties couldn't be found," Ashley said.

In comparison, search results on FollyBeach.com offer only properties related to Folly. "We believe the long-term benefit of doing that means higher occupancy rates as we help close the gap on shoulder seasons, and that ultimately will attract more investment in Folly," Hart said.

So, what else is on the menu? "We work with local businesses to publish a daily events calendar; you can plan to meet dolphin on your boat ride out to Morris Island, learn to surf with some pretty cool instructors, plan your wedding or look up restaurants. You know.as much of the Folly experience you can take in on a trip," Hart said.

FollyBeach.com is a privately-run service that homeowners and businesses have a choice in joining. "That's a big distinction. this site isn't supported by tax dollars," Hart said. "We have to earn our keep and that means delivering results on a daily basis."

FollyBeach.com

[email protected]

843-212-0208

SOURCE FollyBeach.com

Related Links

http://FollyBeach.com


One of the newest New York & Company locations is centered in one of Miami's most iconic shopping centers, Dadeland Mall. The store opens today and will host Eva and some of Miami's most loyal customers at the Grand Opening tonight. Hundreds of guests are expected to arrive to meet Eva and take photos with the beloved actress. "It is such a thrill to open more stores, especially in the Miami Area," Eva says. "I was born in Miami, so this city has always been dear to me."

Eva's newest collectionand largest yetincludes over 100 pieces ranging from apparel and shoes to handbags and jewelry. "It was important to me for my spring collection to include something for everyone, which is also why we are currently offering more styles and inclusive sizing from 0 to 20," Eva expresses. "I hope that by expanding my collection to additional locations, even more women are able to find looks that fit their own personal tastes and lifestyles."

"We marked an extraordinary milestone with Eva this past year, achieving over $50 million in sales, with a goal to reach over $100 million in the near term," explains Greg Scott, CEO of New York & Company. "Eva has been a fantastic partner and I'm excited to see how this expansion will impact Eva's fans. By expanding to six new stores and by designating more space to the 50 Eva shop-in-shops, we are introducing new clientele to her amazing collection while addressing the strong demand in these markets for both, the Eva Mendes Collection and our New York & Company brands."

The new stores added to the New York & Company retail network are all stores in high-traffic shopping centers, including Dadeland Mall and Miami International Mall in the Miami-Metro area and Fashion Centre at Pentagon City in Arlington, VA. New York & Company reports high e-commerce activity in these areas and is opening these additional brick and mortar locations to enable customers to fully experience the brand.

Apparel from the Eva Mendes Collection ranges from $46.95 to $129.95. The collection launches today in all New York & Company stores nationwide and online at nyandcompany.com. To download images of the collection click here.

To download campaign images click here

New York & Company, Inc. is a specialty retailer of women's fashion apparel and accessories, and the modern wear-to-work destination for women, providing fashion that is feminine, polished, on-trend and versatile. New York & Company, Inc. helps its customers feel confident, put-together, attractive and stylish by providing affordable fashion. The Company's proprietary branded New York & Company merchandise is sold through its national network of retail stores and online at www.nyandcompany.com. The Company operates over 400 stores nationwide.

SOURCE New York & Company, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.nyandcompany.com


FREMONT, Calf. and NEW DELHI, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- NEXTracker, a Flex company, announced today it will be manufacturing additional structural components of its solar tracking systems locally in India. By augmenting its supply partners to include APL Apollo Tubes Limited along with four other local steel fabricators (already supplying foundation piers to NEXTracker and its customers in India), NEXTracker will be increasing its local steel content percentage to over 80% by volume and weight of its final product.

Localizing steel pipe manufacturing will reduce shipment time as much as 50%, reduces logistics costs, aligns closely with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's National Solar Mission and supports the Make in India program; a national campaign aimed to fuel high value manufacturing jobs, increase investment, and foster innovation

Steel tubes and piers form the backbone of any solar tracking system, accounting for a sizable portion of the system's structural cost and weight. Accordingly, NEXTracker sought a local high quality steel supplier for its torque tubes to support a rapidly growing market that seeks to have 100 GW of grid-tied solar by 2022. Most of these systems will be ground-mounted and heavily dependent on high quality steel structures. NEXTracker's demand has expanded rapidly in India with over 20 projects delivered or under fulfillment with six of India's largest developers and EPCs.

"Our India expansion reflects our strategy to regionalize manufacturing wherever possible to better serve our customers, accelerate project velocity, reduce risk and save on logistics costs. We're excited to be expanding and accelerating India's national Make in India program by way of our association with a leading value-added steel vendor," noted Dan Shugar, NEXTracker's CEO. "APL Apollo is a world class steel fabricator and their dedication to delivering the highest quality products is exceptional. We are additionally supporting our India customers through the engineering and logistics capabilities of NEXTracker's Hyderabad office, which has doubled in size over the last year, and incorporating local requirements and standards into our products."

"We are proud to be working with NEXTracker, the global leader in tracker technology, to supply our superior steel products for solar parks and power plants in India," said Mr. Sanjay Gupta, Chairman APL Apollo Tubes Limited. "Their product has transformed the single-axis tracker landscape not only in India but around the world. At APL Apollo, we constantly evaluate and select the best technologies available and are confident to meet the growing and much needed Green Energy requirement in India."

Economic growth, increasing prosperity, a growing rate of urbanization and rising per capita energy consumption has led to increased demand for energy in the country. According to the Make in India program, India's annual solar installations will grow to 10.5 gigawatts of utility-scale solar in 2017, and a growing percentage of developers now prefer single axis trackers, given their added energy yield advantage compared to fixed tilt structures. NEXTracker has been able to satisfy this growing demand as evidenced by NEXTracker's market share growth. The Company's recently commissioned projects with CleanMax Solar and Adani are milestones that demonstrate the growing adoption of solar trackers. In fact, the largest solar tracker solar plant in Punjab (100 MW) was installed by Adani, and is powered by NEXTracker.

Providing customers with strategic material solutions allows NEXTracker to further shorten project timelines, amplifying the value the company is known for: providing reliable, intelligent tracking systems that spur the mainstreaming of solar power. With a self-tracking independent row design, NEXTracker delivers trackers for projects across five continents. In thinking globally and acting locally, NEXTracker enables rapid, economic and efficient deployment of solar energy and is accelerating India's clean energy shift.

About NEXTracker

NEXTracker, a Flex company, advances the power plant of the future with solar tracker and energy storage innovations to increase performance and reduce costs for all size power plants. As the #1 tracker supplier worldwide, NEXTracker is globally recognized for delivering the most advanced photovoltaic solutions for hundreds of projects across five continents. Headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area, the Company has offices in, India, Europe, China Latin America, and Australia. For more information, visit: NEXTracker.com and follow the Company on Twitter @NEXTracker.

About APL Apollo Tubes Limited

APL Apollo Tubes Limited is the largest producer of ERW steel tubes in India with a capacity to produce more than 1.25 million TPA. The company acquires 100% tested, best quality, hot rolled coils for rolling its tubes. APL Apollo has always been a pioneer in adopting the latest technology whether it is Strip Galvanizing Lines, Cold Saws, High speed mills from Europe, or the unique Rotary Sizing Mills which help in producing the best quality rolled tubes. The company's products find their usage in myriad applications, from structural applications in metros, airports, malls to household structural applications, scaffolding systems, firefighting, gas pipelines, solar plants and windmills, irrigation systems and greenhouses. .For more information, please visit www.aplapollo.com

SOURCE NEXTracker

Related Links

http://www.nextracker.com


MILWAUKEE, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- BLACK ENTERPRISE, the leading business, investing, and wealth-building magazine for African Americans, has selected Kamilah Williams-Kemp, vice president of long-term care for Northwestern Mutual, as one of its 2017 Most Powerful Women in Business.

The list recognizes the highest-ranking and most influential African American female executives, celebrating the achievements of women of color. Williams-Kemp is being recognized for her contributions to Northwestern Mutual, her impact on the insurance industry, and for outstanding leadership in developing and encouraging women leaders.

"Kamilah is an inspiring example of a leader who is deeply committed not just to her work, but to all those she encounters each day," said Jo Eisenhart, senior vice president of human resources at Northwestern Mutual. "Through her authentic leadership style and passion for developing and mentoring others, she is a powerful role model to women at Northwestern Mutual and beyond."

The special feature appeared in the January/February issue of BLACK ENTERPRISE, as well as on BlackEnterprise.com. Those selected for the list were also honored at a Power Lunch during the annual Women of Power Summit, on March 10 in Phoenix.

Williams-Kemp is responsible for leading the long-term care product vision and strategy for Northwestern Mutual, managing product line performance and overseeing long-term care operations. She joined Northwestern Mutual in 1999 as an underwriter in the disability income department and has since held several roles throughout the company. Williams-Kemp earned a bachelor's degree from Northwestern University and an MBA with honors from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. In 2016, she was recognized as one of the Top 100 Most Influential Blacks in Corporate America by Savoy Magazine and was recently featured in the Winter 2016/Spring 2017 issue of African American Career World Magazine as a Top African American Business Leader.

About Northwestern Mutual

Northwestern Mutual has been helping families and businesses achieve financial security for 160 years. Our financial representatives build relationships with clients through a distinctive planning approach that integrates risk management with wealth accumulation, preservation and distribution. With $250.4 billion in assets, $28.2 billion in revenues, and more than $1.6 trillion worth of life insurance protection in force, Northwestern Mutual delivers financial security to more than 4.4 million people who rely on us for insurance and investment solutions, including life, disability income and long-term care insurance; annuities; trust services; mutual funds; and investment advisory products and services. Northwestern Mutual ranks 100 on the 2016 FORTUNE 500, and is recognized by FORTUNE as one of the "World's Most Admired" life insurance companies in 2016.

Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, Milwaukee, WI (life and disability insurance, annuities, and life insurance with long-term care benefits) and its subsidiaries. Northwestern Mutual and its subsidiaries offer a comprehensive approach to financial security solutions including: life insurance, long-term care insurance, disability income insurance, annuities, life insurance with long-term care benefits, investment products, and advisory products and services. Subsidiaries include Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (NMIS) (securities), broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC; the Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company (NMWMC) (fiduciary and fee-based financial planning services), federal savings bank; and Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company (NLTC) (long-term care insurance).

SOURCE Northwestern Mutual

Related Links

http://www.northwesternmutual.com


NEW YORK, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- ONEaccess, a Visible Alpha company, today announced new enhancements to its platform that will allow asset managers to comply with MiFID II requirements, including regular assessment of research quality, management of research budgets, and enforcement of stricter controls around inducements.

The ONEaccess platform enables asset management firms to monitor, aggregate and analyze all of their interactions with research providers in one place, ensuring that consumption is aligned with the firm's research budgets. Evaluating research in this way continues to be a pain point for firms according to the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority).

To facilitate the assessment of research quality, customizable research provider scorecards let firms assign weightings to valuable research services including analyst meetings and models, corporate access, and bespoke work. With this information, firms can build broker votes from the bottom-up using detailed consumption and value metrics that satisfy FCA, AMF (Autorite des Marches Financiers) and other requirements.

"MiFID II regulations will profoundly change how asset managers consume and pay for research," said Richard Johnson, Vice President of Market Structure and Technology at Greenwich Associates. "Investment firms will need to establish robust research budgeting, evaluation and payment processes."

New to the ONEaccess solution is the ability to automatically initiate payments based on research provider valuations and seamlessly integrate into any RPA (research payment account) or CSA (commission sharing agreement).

"Putting a research valuation framework in place is not only paramount to complying with MiFID II regulations in the EU, but it's also a best-practice for firms everywhere," stressed Mike Stepanovich, CEO of ONEaccess at Visible Alpha.

"By partnering with ONEaccess, we are able to help our investor clients meet MiFID II compliance requirements," said Tom Conigliaro, Managing Director of Markit Brokerage and Research Services at IHS Markit. "Through our combined offering, clients gain access to an end-to-end solution for managing, evaluating and paying for their interactions with research providers."

"Asset managers are looking for ways to simplify the way they discover, track and value research, models and corporate access," said Scott Rosen, CEO of Visible Alpha. "With the coming together of Visible Alpha and ONEaccess, our solution is the only holistic destination for investors to accomplish this."

Additionally, ONEaccess will add "reverse" entitlement capabilities that will restrict access to services at a granular user level to help eliminate the risk of inducements across all vendor platforms.

WEBINAR: How MiFID II Data Can Be a Lever in the Pursuit of ROI  Register Here

Friday, March 24 at 10:00 AM ET

ONEaccess will be hosting an exclusive webinar entitled, "How MiFID II Data Can Be a Lever in the Pursuit of ROI" on Tuesday, March 21 at 10:00 AM ET. ONEaccess gave a similar talk on March 1 to a group of more than 60 chief investment officers at Institutional Investor's "The New Marketplace for Investment Research after MiFID II" conference in Madrid.

About ONEaccess

ONEaccess, a Visible Alpha company, is a content and interactions analytics hub that is changing the way the Buy-side and the Sell-side collaborate with one another. Founded in 2014, ONEaccess improves the efficiency of discovering, analyzing and valuing events and interactions between professionals on both sides of the market. Our growing suite of intuitive productivity tools fosters trust and transparency in the broker-client relationship, and frees up time for generating alpha in the process

About Visible Alpha

Visible Alpha is transforming the way Wall Street firms collaborate on research, financial models and other services. With more than 200 employees globally, the rapidly growing company combines advanced data correction methodologies, a secure distribution network and sophisticated analytical tools on the front end to drive efficiencies and transparency into the research process and help firms generate alpha in new and differentiated ways. Visible Alpha is backed by firms including Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Citi, Jefferies, Morgan Stanley and UBS. For more information on Visible Alpha, please visit www.visiblealpha.com.

Media Contact

Eric Soderberg

Forefront Communications for Visible Alpha

914-414-2884

[email protected]

SOURCE Visible Alpha

Related Links

http://www.visiblealpha.com


Award Recognizes Onix's Commitment to Going Above and Beyond for Customers

LAKEWOOD, Ohio, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Onix today announced that it has received the Google Cloud 2016 North American Partner Award for G Suite Customer Success. This award recognizes Onix for its demonstrated sales, marketing, technical and support excellence to help customers of all sizes transform their businesses and solve a wide range of challenges using the Google Cloud product suite.

Tony Bianco, President of Onix's Cloud Computing practice commented, "We are honored to accept this award for the second straight year. The entire Onix team  from sales to deployment to change management to technical support and beyond  works incredibly hard to ensure that customers' needs are met and exceeded every step of the way. We have been fortunate to help so many organizations transform with Google; we are passionate about this transformation and excited about where we will take our customers in the future with Google Cloud."

"Partners are a vital contributor to Google Cloud's growing ecosystem, helping us meet the needs of a diverse range of customers, from up-and-coming startups to Fortune 500 companies," said Bertrand Yansouni, VP Global Partner Sales and Strategic Alliances at Google Cloud. "We are proud to provide this recognition to Onix, who has consistently demonstrated customer success across G Suite."

About Onix

Onix (Onix Networking Corp.) is a leading developer and provider of technology solutions and consulting services to a broad range of corporate and government customers. Onix partners with technology industry leaders and offers extensive expertise in the design and implementation of end-to-end comprehensive solutions. Onix has been a Google partner since 2001 and has been recognized by Google as well as customers with numerous awards for work done in North America and globally. Most recently, Onix received the Google Cloud 2016 North American Partner Award for G Suite Customer Success. For more information, visit www.onixnet.com.

Media Contact

Karen Masuga

Marketing Communications Manager

Onix Networking Corp.

216-529-3043

[email protected]

SOURCE Onix
DETROIT, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Parkopedia will continue to be used by OnStar in the U.S., Canada and Europe until end of 2019;



and until end of 2019; The Parkopedia service allows drivers to find the closest available parking to their destination;



Parkopedia offers detailed information on more than 50 million parking spaces in 75 countries globally;



OnStar handles nearly 4 million turn-by-turn requests every month and has more than 18 million mobile app interactions

Parkopedia, the world's leading parking services provider, announced today at the Geneva International Motor Show that it has been renewed as a parking services provider to OnStar.

With the support of Parkopedia, OnStar will provide active subscribers in the U.S., Canada and Europe with a premium parking service through the OnStar AtYourService offering. This service includes dynamic parking space availability for equipped vehicles and other features.

OnStar AtYourService is a service that helps customers get valuable offers for places to eat, shop and play. These offers are delivered directly through a vehicle's mobile app or through a simple press of the blue OnStar button. OnStar AtYourService is available to customers at no additional cost.

Mark Lloyd, Consumer Online Officer at OnStar, commented "Parkopedia is a key partner for providing parking data and services for OnStar. By extending our relationship with Parkopedia, we can continue to work together to expand the existing OnStar AtYourService offers and deals in a way that benefits our customers."

Commenting on the renewal, Parkopedia's CEO Eugene Tsyrklevich said "This renewal cements the successful relationship that Parkopedia and OnStar have built over the last 3 years. Parkopedia is the global leader in all matters relating to parking and managing parking will be a key component of smart urban mobility and a prerequisite for autonomous vehicles. We are extremely excited to be able to continue working with OnStar and harness their industry leading vehicle connectivity and data capabilities."

Notes to editors:

Parkopedia is the world's leading parking service provider used by millions of drivers and organizations such as Audi, Apple, BMW, Coyote, Ford, Garmin, GM, Jaguar, Land Rover, Peugeot, Sygic, TomTom, Toyota, Volvo and many others.

Parkopedia provides detailed static information on 50 million parking spaces in 6000 cities in 75 countries; including real-time parking space availability information in over 1000 cities in 30 countries.

The service allows drivers to find the closest parking to their destination, tells them how much it will cost, whether the space is available and navigates them to it. Parkopedia also allows drivers to book and pay for parking online, through a mobile app and in-car.

More Information:

Christina Onesirosan Martinez MBA MCIM

Marketing Director

Parkopedia

T: + 44(0)7980-058760

E: [email protected]

W: http://www.parkopedia.com



SOURCE Parkopedia
When fully executed, the agreement will create five new national parks  including two crown jewels of Tompkins Conservation's park creation work, Pumalin Park and Patagonia Park, and the 1 million acres and world-class infrastructure they contain  and expand three others.

The signing of this historic pledge reflects a desire to continue and deepen Chile's tradition of conservation, a sentiment which President Bachelet expressed in her speech today. "Today, alongside Kris, I am honored to see how everything has come together We are bequeathing to the country the greatest creation of protected areas in our history."

This proposal will help create the "Route of Parks," a 17-park network spanning more than 1,500 miles from Puerto Montt to Cape Horn that Chilean citizens, nature lovers, global adventurers and tourists from around the world can enjoy. The Route will safeguard Patagonia's wilderness and provide a boon to economic development in the South of Chile, with the potential to generate US $270 million in annual, ecotourism-related revenue and employ up to 43,000 people in the region.

To support the government in this ambitious endeavor, Tompkins Conservation, together with key partners, is committing to creating a Chilean-based Friends of National Parks foundation for ongoing park support.

"I wish my husband Doug, whose vision inspired today's historic pledge, were here on this memorable day. Our team and I feel his absence deeply," Kristine Tompkins said. "But I know that if Doug were here today, he would speak of national parks being one of the greatest expressions of democracy that a country can realize, preserving the masterpieces of a nation for all of its citizenry."

Kristine and Douglas (19432015) Tompkins, business leaders from iconic American clothing brands including The North Face, Esprit, and Patagonia, Inc., changed the course of their lives more than 20 years ago to devote their funds, time, and passion to fight the biggest crisis in the world: biodiversity loss. After careful analysis, Kristine and Douglas concluded that creating large national parks where evolutionary processes could take their course was the most effective way to combat this loss. National parks represent the "gold standard" of biodiversity conservation, offering a unique set of ecological attributes, cultural values, and economic benefits to local communities, while also guaranteeing long-term conservation. Tompkins Conservation is the leader in the Americas in what is known as "rewilding," restoring natural ecosystems and reintroducing wildlife that has disappeared from a region because of human pressures.

About Tompkins Conservation: Tompkins Conservation collaborates with the governments of Chile and Argentina, local organizations, and communities to create national parks places of beauty, abundant wildlife, and recreation that serve as sources of income and pride to neighboring communities and the entire nation. This work is accomplished through a group of organizations  including Conservacion Patagonica and the Conservation Land Trust  founded by Kristine and Douglas Tompkins, known collectively as Tompkins Conservation, and through agricultural businesses owned by them personally. For more information see http://www.tompkinsconservation.org/who_we_are.htm or visit us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

U.S. Media Contact: Alison Kelman  Office 415.229.9365 // Cell 339.222. 8124 // [email protected]

Chile Media Contact: Carolina Morgado - [email protected]

SOURCE Tompkins Conservation

Related Links

http://www.tompkinsconservation.org


"Provisions currently in the ACA that directly benefit emergency patients must be protected," said Rebecca Parker, MD, FACEP. "Patients can't choose where and when they will need emergency care and they shouldn't be punished financially for having emergencies."

When asked if someone visited the emergency department because they believed they were having a heart attack, but were later diagnosed with a panic attack, more than 8 in 10 (83 percent) Americans said that patient's health insurance should cover that emergency visit. The principle of covering medical care based on symptoms that most people would consider potentially life-threatening, rather than the final diagnosis, is called the "prudent layperson" standard. This was codified into federal law, including the Affordable Care Act, following years of denials of coverage for emergency care by health insurance companies.

Nine in 10 registered voters said that health insurance companies should let patients know how they calculate coverage for emergency care; with a third (36 percent) saying those payments should be determined using a transparent, independent cost database and formula. This comes at a time when insurance companies are increasingly shifting more of the costs of health care onto patients and physicians by expanding high-deductible insurance plans with ever-narrowing networks of providers.

"Emergency physicians are advocating for transparency and use of independent databases, such as Fair Health [www.fairhealth.org]," said Dr. Parker. "The growth of out-of-pocket costs and the reductions of in-network physicians and hospitals are leaving insured people barely covered in an emergency. State and federal policymakers need to ensure that health insurance plans provide adequate rosters of physicians, affordable deductibles and co-pays and fair payment for emergency services. We encourage all patients to investigate what their health insurance policy covers and demand fair and reasonable coverage for emergency care."

Health insurance companies have a long history of devaluing emergency patients who seek care in emergency departments. For many years, they routinely denied claims based on the patients' final diagnoses instead of symptoms, leaving patients stuck with bills insurance should have covered. Emergency physicians successfully fought back against those policies, arguing that patients should never self-diagnose their own medical conditions because they feared financial repercussions. A federal law (EMTALA) guarantees that no one will be turned away from an emergency department because of lack of insurance or an inability to pay. Insurance companies have exploited that law to their advantage, ratcheting down payments to emergency physicians knowing they have no choice but to treat the patients who come to them for care. Recently, insurance companies have systematically reduced the number of physicians considered "in-network" while providing inaccurate reports and lists of who exactly is in their network.[i]

ACEP recently outlined emergency medicine health care reform principles it considers indispensable to any replacement legislation for the ACA: http://newsroom.acep.org/2017-01-12-ACEP-Outlines-Legislative-Principles-for-115th-Congress

"Emergency physicians fought long and hard for the 'prudent layperson' standard on behalf of our patients," said Dr. Parker. "Patients should not be forced to diagnose their own medical conditions. It's dangerous. Most people lack the training to determine what constitutes a medical emergency  for example, the difference between the pain in the stomach that is life-threatening and the one that isn't. In fact, physicians can't tell if it's an emergency condition until completing a medical screening exam. Patients should not be put in the position of self-diagnosing at home. Their lives depend on it."

Nearly two-thirds (65 percent) opposed health insurance companies requiring patients to get pre-authorization from their insurance company before going to an emergency room. Currently, health insurance companies are not allowed to require pre-authorization from their customers.

Other findings include:

Nearly one-third (31 percent) visited an emergency department in the last year because of a medical problem they were having.

More than a third (35 percent) went to the emergency department because they were unable to get an appointment to see a physician.

Almost two-thirds (62 percent) think health insurance costs will increase in the next year.

More than a third (36 percent) believes their health insurance benefits will get worse, while 37 percent expect it to stay the same.

Emergency medicine is essential to America, providing lifesaving and critical care to millions of patients each year. Emergency physicians represent only 4 percent of all doctors, but provide care for 28 percent of all acute care visits, 50 percent of all Medicaid and CHIP visits and 67 percent of acute care given to uninsured patients.

Poll Methodology:

This survey was conducted by Morning Consult with 1,791 registered voters as a national tracking poll on February 9-10, 2017, on behalf of the American College of Emergency Physicians. There is a margin of error of  2 percent. For complete poll results, please click here or contact Mike Baldyga at [email protected].

ACEP is the national medical specialty society representing emergency medicine. ACEP is committed to advancing emergency care through continuing education, research and public education. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, ACEP has 53 chapters representing each state, as well as Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. A Government Services Chapter represents emergency physicians employed by military branches and other government agencies.

[i] https://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/03/us/inaccurate-doctor-directories-insurance-enrollment.html

Follow ACEP on Twitter @emergencydocs

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1pnrsA1gJ6g

SOURCE American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP)

Related Links

http://www.acep.org


"At Purina, we are passionate about making a big difference in the lives of pets and people," says Kaite Flamm, Manager, Purina Farms. "Purina Farms brings this dedication to life. We want guests to get active with pets, whether it's being more involved with their own pets at home, participating in competitive events with their dogs and cats, or advocating for homeless dogs and cats."

New for the 2017 season is a fresh paint job at the Visitor Center to incorporate Purina's iconic Checkerboard red, along with a new main entrance.

The Purina Farms Visitor Center is open from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday in the spring and fall (Tuesday through Sunday from Memorial Day to Labor Day) and includes the following guest offerings:

Interactive Better with Pets exhibit , where pet lovers of all ages can celebrate the powerful relationship people and pets share and learn about responsible pet care. Guests can help trigger a donation to the Petfinder Foundation in support of homeless pets* simply by turning in the pet I.D. card they receive at the beginning of the experience. The Petfinder Foundation provides grants to shelters and rescue groups around the U.S. to help them in their life-saving work to place homeless pets in loving homes. Learn more about all the exhibit has to offer here.

, where pet lovers of all ages can celebrate the powerful relationship people and pets share and learn about responsible pet care. Guests can help trigger a donation to the Petfinder Foundation in support of homeless pets* simply by turning in the pet I.D. card they receive at the beginning of the experience. The Petfinder Foundation provides grants to shelters and rescue groups around the U.S. to help them in their life-saving work to place homeless pets in loving homes. Learn more about all the exhibit has to offer here. Incredible Dog Arena , where the Purina Pro Plan Performance Team dogs demonstrate their amazing skills in flying disc, diving dog and agility during three shows daily

, where the Purina Pro Plan Performance Team dogs demonstrate their amazing skills in flying disc, diving dog and agility during three shows daily Pet Center , which features a 20-foot, multi-level home for cats and an opportunity to meet the dogs who perform in our shows

, which features a 20-foot, multi-level home for cats and an opportunity to meet the dogs who perform in our shows Barn and play area, which houses domestic farm animals and also features rope swings, tunnels and pedal tractors.

There's also a theatre, a concession area, gift shop, and information center.

In addition to daily activities at the Visitor Center, Purina Farms hosts events year-round, including the popular Springtime Village March 29-April 15. Purina Farms also hosts some of the most prestigious dog and cat shows in the country at the Purina Event Center, including national all-breed dog shows like the Dalmatian Club of America, Poodle Club of America and the German Shepherd Dog Club of America. View a full calendar of events here.

Plan Your Visit to Purina Farms

Purina Farms is located at 200 Checkerboard Loop in Gray Summit, Missouri, just off Highway 44. The Visitor Center is open seasonally, while the Purina Event Center is open year-round. Reservations are strongly encouraged in order to stagger the arrival times of guests for the best experience. Call 314-982-3232 between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday to make a reservation. Click here to learn more and plan your visit.

*Beginning on March 18, 2017 and ending on November 12, 2017, Nestle Purina PetCare Company will donate $0.01, for each pet I.D. card turned in at the Better with Pets Exhibit at Purina Farms, to Petfinder Foundation with a minimum $2,000 donation up to a maximum of $5,000. For more information about the Petfinder Foundation, please visit www.petfinderfoundation.com.

About Purina Farms

Purina Farms is a family friendly attraction that offers pet lovers of all ages an opportunity to get up close and personal with barnyard animals and amazing dogs and cats. The Visitor Center offers a variety of fun activities, including hayloft play areas, interactive educational exhibits, tractor-drawn wagon rides and exciting canine performances. Purina Farms is a must-visit destination for family outings, school field trips, community group events and individual pet lovers of all ages. More than 190,000 pet lovers visited Purina Farms in 2016. Just up the hill from the Visitor Center is the Purina Event Center, a state-of-the-art 84,000 sq ft indoor facility that is open year-round to host some of the most prestigious dog and cat shows in the country as well as special dog-friendly events open to all dogs and their owners. Visit purinafarms.com to learn more.

About Nestle Purina PetCare

Nestle Purina PetCare promotes responsible pet care, community involvement and the positive bond between people and their pets. A premiere global manufacturer of pet products, Nestle Purina PetCare is part of Swiss-based Nestle S.A., a global leader in nutrition, health and wellness.

SOURCE Nestle Purina PetCare

Related Links

http://www.purinafarms.com


GLASTONBURY, Conn., March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- On December 13, 2016, PW Power Systems, Inc., a group company of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI), signed an agreement with Power & Water Alliance LLC (P&WA) to deliver two FT8 MOBILEPAC aero-derivative gas turbine units to the General Electricity Company of Libya (GECOL). P&WA will install the units in Tripoli as part of a turnkey agreement with Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) in support of the Qatar government's humanitarian efforts to support the people of Libya.

Qatar Fund for Development's director general, Khalifa bin Jassim Al Kuwari, signed the agreement with General Electricity Company of Libya and the director general of the U.S. company Power & Water Alliance LLC. GECOL will own and operate the gas turbines which will run on diesel fuel oil and are expected to be operational in the spring of 2017.

"PW Power Systems provided rapid support for the people of Libya by delivering the FT8 MOBILEPAC gas turbine units to Libya within six weeks of contract signing," states PWPS President Peter Christman. "These fast-track mobile units will provide fuel flexibility and high reliability providing power to thousands, as well as supporting essential infrastructure such as hospitals and community care centers."

Background

Utilizing the proven SWIFTPAC gas turbine package technology, the MOBILEPAC gas turbine package is designed to provide quick, reliable power. Benefits include its environmental compatibility, dual fuel/dual frequency, and remote operability. PWPS has provided over 550 FT8 engines to the industry with 127 packages in MOBILEPAC configurations.

About PW Power Systems, Inc.

PW Power Systems, Inc. (PWPS), headquartered in Glastonbury, Conn., is a world leader in the supply of energy solutions for the power generation industry. PWPS provides an array of products and services including gas turbine packages, industrial gas turbine aftermarket services and engineering, procurement and construction services. PWPS is a group company of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI). MHI, headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is one of the world's leading heavy machinery manufacturers with consolidated net sales of $35.9 billion for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2016. MHI's diverse lineup of products and services encompasses power plants, including distributed power and chemical plants, environmental equipment, shipbuilding, steel structures, industrial and general machinery, aircraft, space systems and air-conditioning systems. To learn more about PWPS, visit www.pwps.com.

Contact: Lucia Maffucci, 860-368-5535

SOURCE PW Power Systems, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.pwps.com


PEARL RIVER, New York, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Qognify, the leader in big data solutions for physical security and operations, today announced the launch of Qblock. Qblock is a unique offering built on industry's leading technology from Dell EMC to address the growing need for securely and efficiently storing critical video data. The Qblock converged infrastructure is designed specifically for the surveillance industry, optimized with Qognify's state-of-the-art video management solution . Qblock meets the needs of clients who have expanded surveillance environments and/or critical video data with storage intense requirements. This integrated solution can scale to support thousands of video channels with easy, centralized management, avoiding complex storage migrations.

Qblock combines the power of Dell EMC PowerEdge servers, Dell EMC Isilon storage and Qognify's VisionHub Video Management Solution to create a best-of-breed, large-scale solution. As storage requirements are rapidly increasing, the need for a turnkey solution that is easy to deploy and manage has become a market necessity. VisionHub Qblock uniquely addresses this need, allowing users to scale their solution as much as required, without having to re-architect it.

Qblock is now offered to the market by Qognify to meet the needs of both Security and IT in a single solution. Support for the solution and all its components is provided from a single point of contact. "Based on the surveillance market's trajectory, the need for a reliable, scalable, and simple video storage solution was clear. Coupled with our leading video storage management capabilities and Dell EMC technology, we are delivering a truly unique solution that addresses the stringent IT requirements from a VMS solution," commented Moti Shabtai, CEO & President of Qognify. "We're proud to be the leading Video Management Solution provider offering a solution based on Isilon scale-out network attached storage (NAS) platform."

For security conscious organizations, the loss of video is unacceptable, making high availability and fault tolerance critical. Qblock responds to this need by reducing failover time and increasing fault tolerance beyond typical RAID storage configurations. "Qblock is ideal for storage-savvy organizations that understand their needs will only increase, and wish to avoid complex migrations," said Ken Mills, General Manager & Chief Technology Officer, Surveillance and Security, Dell EMC. "The powerful combination of market-leading technologies allows organizations to future-proof their surveillance storage solution. Dell EMC is proud to collaborate with Qognify to address this growing market need."

About Qognify

Qognify helps organizations mitigate risk, maintain business continuity, and optimize operations. The Qognify portfolio includes video management, video and data analytics, and PSIM/ Situation Management solutions that are deployed in financial institutions, transportation agencies, airports, seaports, utility companies, city centers, and to secure many of the world's highest-profile public events.

www.Qognify.com

Corporate Media Contact

Hagar Lev, +1-845-201-5654, [email protected]

Regional Media Contact

Graham Thatcher, +44(0)7933-673-240, [email protected]

SOURCE Qognify
COLUMBUS, Ohio, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Two facts underlie Demotech's most recent efforts to stabilize the property insurance marketplace in Florida. First, the unresolved and ongoing utilization of assignment of benefits (AOB) in Florida is unlike any other situation in the US. This unique situation has affected consumers through an increase in annual premiums due to the unusual severity of claims associated with AOB and created a small number of vendors, attorneys, and third parties that have prospered. Second, the operating environment is such that insurers cannot rely on historical operating results to the extent that they have in the past due to AOB, the impact of the Johnson and Sebo decisions, as well as the Florida Supreme Court decisions involving the reversal of claims procedures, protocols, and practices. In an industry where past is prologue of the future, this is extremely detrimental to efficiently operating an insurance company.

In response to these and other issues, Demotech withdrew its guidance on Florida's property insurance writers and undertook a comprehensive effort to review the financial statements and business models of fifty-seven carriers to determine if they continued to meet or exceed the objective financial criteria associated with the assignment of Financial Stability Ratings (FSRs). After months of discussion, data gathering, analysis, and finally a review of the published year-end 2016 financial statements, we offer the following observations and affirmation of FSRs.

In the aggregate, the carriers that we review and rate in Florida added approximately $200 million in loss and loss adjustment expense reserves as a response to our request to strengthen claims reserves in light of the deterioration in the operating environment as well as approximately $155 million to policyholders' surplus (net worth) through capital contributions or operating results. This additional $355 million to benefit policyholders or claimants indicate the insurers' recommitment to Floridians and financial stability.

In certain cases, Demotech reviewed rate level information and analyses prepared by credentialed actuaries intent on determining whether insurer rate structures were not excessive nor inadequate. In an operating environment in transition, there is no substitute for a realistic rate level. The overwhelming majority of the carriers reviewed appeared to have the situation under control. This is critical because a realistic rate structure is a necessary component of the successful implementation of a business model.

Based upon our review of information including year-end financial statements, our interpretation of the deterioration of the operating environment in Florida, and discussions with rated clients, we have affirmed the FSRs of the carriers as appropriate and updated our website. Due to recommitments and recapitalization to meet the requirements of maintaining an FSR of A or better, downgrades have been largely avoided at this time. However, in the longer run, absent meaningful improvement in the AOB situation, it is likely that insurers may face downgrades in the future, consumers may face higher and frequent rate increases, and investors who would otherwise capitalize or fund Florida-based insurance companies will deploy their capital elsewhere. Whether a property insurance carrier is privately-held or owned by a publicly traded entity, Demotech believes the primary focus of carriers should be adequate loss and loss adjustment expense reserves, realistic pricing in support of a business plan, along with a catastrophe reinsurance program whose horizontal and vertical protection addresses the needs of policyholders and investors by assuring, at a high yet reasonable level of maximum loss, the survival of the insurer.

As the companies have addressed our requests related to capitalization while simultaneously revisiting loss and loss adjustment expense reserve adequacy at year-end 2016, we look forward to completing our review of March 31, 2017, financial statements as well as our reviews of preliminary and final catastrophe reinsurance programs by June 1, 2017. Although we have affirmed the FSRs of the carriers as appropriate and updated company information on our website, the following company situations required additional discussion as detailed below.

Cypress Property & Casualty Insurance Company

In part due to the significant underwriting loss reported in 2016, the FSR assigned to Cypress Property & Casualty Insurance Company has been revised from A (A Prime) to A. Based on our interpretation of the current operating environment in Florida, FSRs above A are extremely difficult for Florida property writers to achieve and maintain.

Elements Property Insurance Company / Avatar

Although the Company met or exceeded the level of capital and surplus required under the statutes of the State of Florida and management has committed to do so into the future, the Company did not report financials acceptable to Demotech. The investors controlling the Company opted to sell the Company rather than recommit to Florida or adapt its business model to the emerging operating environment. Elements Property Insurance Company has been acquired by Avatar Partners LP, the parent company of Avatar Property & Casualty Insurance Company. Elements will maintain the FSR previously assigned as the pending transaction proceeds towards closure.

Mount Beacon Insurance Company / Florida Specialty

Although the Company met or exceeded the level of capital and surplus required under the statutes of the State of Florida and management has committed to do so into the future, the Company did not report financials acceptable to Demotech. The investors controlling the Company opted to sell the Company rather than recommit to Florida or adapt its business model to the emerging operating environment. Mount Beacon Insurance Company has been acquired by Florida Specialty Acquisition, LLC. Mount Beacon will maintain the FSR previously assigned while the remainder of its policies are moved to Florida Specialty Insurance Company by May 15, 2017.

Prepared Insurance Company / PLW Investments, LLC

Although the Company raised additional capital to meet the level requested by Demotech, the successful implementation of its business model and plan under the current operating environment would have likely required additional capitalization in the future. In response, the investors controlling the Company recommitted to Floridians by selling a majority interest to PLW Investments, LLC. The FSR assigned to Prepared Insurance Company has been affirmed based on their current situation, business plan, and management underlying future operations.

About Demotech, Inc.

Demotech, Inc. is a financial analysis firm specializing in evaluating the financial stability of regional and specialty insurers. Since 1985, Demotech has served the insurance industry by assigning accurate, reliable and proven Financial Stability Ratings (FSRs) for Property & Casualty insurers and Title underwriters. FSRs are a leading indicator of financial stability, providing an objective baseline of the future solvency of an insurer. Demotech's philosophy is to review and evaluate insurers based on their area of focus and execution of their business model rather than solely on financial size. Visit www.demotech.com for more information.

SOURCE Demotech, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.demotech.com


OMAHA, Neb., March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Right at Home, a leading international in-home care franchise system, announced today that it has been named both an Endorsed National Provider and a Best of Home Care Endorsed National Provider for 2017 by Home Care Pulse. As the leading satisfaction research and quality assurance firm specializing in private duty home care, Home Care Pulse interviews a portion of in-home care clients and caregivers monthly, providing companies with detailed, unbiased feedback. The designation recognizes leading home care companies for their commitment to provide the highest-quality care to clients.

Based on client and caregiver satisfaction scores gathered by Home Care Pulse, Right at Home is now ranked among a small handful of the top home care services across the country that have proven an ability to offer the highest-quality care to clients and an exceptional working environment to employees.

"We are excited to celebrate these accomplishments with our franchise owners," said Mike Flair, Vice President of Franchise Business Solutions for Right at Home. "Right at Home is investing significant resources into this program that we believe will provide both the corporate office and our local franchisees with actionable data to improve the quality of care for our clients and improve the working experience for our caregivers. The outcomes of this program reinforce our mission  to improve the quality of life for those we serve."

In addition to the Endorsed National Provider and Best of Home Care Endorsed National Provider accolades for the brand, several Right at Home local franchise locations were recognized with one or more of Home Care Pulse's Best of Home Care Awards. There are four Right at Home locations that received the Provider of Choice Award, 13 Right at Home locations that received the Employer of Choice Award and 11 Right at Home locations that received both Provider of Choice and Employer of Choice. Twelve locations were honored with both awards plus the Leader in Excellence Award. You can view a complete list of award winners here .

Right at Home's award-winning providers have contracted with Home Care Pulse to gather feedback from clients and caregivers via live phone interviews each month. Because Home Care Pulse is an independent third-party company, it is able to collect honest and unbiased feedback. These award-winning home care providers have received the highest satisfaction scores in areas such as professionalism, compassion of caregivers, training, and client/caregiver compatibility.

"It is with great pleasure that we name Right at Home a 2017 Home Care Pulse Endorsed National Provider as well as a Best of Home Care Endorsed National Provider," said Aaron Marcum, Founder and CEO of Home Care Pulse. "This achievement demonstrates Right at Home's long-term commitment to excellence and shows dedication to client and caregiver satisfaction throughout the entire organization. I have thoroughly been impressed with the Right at Home team through our Satisfaction Management Program. The brand has raised the bar on quality of care for the industry. I congratulate the entire Right at Home team for becoming a Best of Home Care Endorsed National Provider, further demonstrating its long-standing commitment to excellence."

To learn more about Right at Home, visit About Right at Home at http://www.rightathome.net.

To learn more about franchise opportunities with Right at Home, visit http://www.rightathomefranchise.com.

ABOUT RIGHT AT HOME:

Founded in 1995, Right at Home offers in-home companionship and personal care and assistance to seniors and disabled adults who want to continue to live independently. Local Right at Home offices are independently owned and operated and directly employ and supervise all caregiving staff, each of whom is thoroughly screened, trained, and bonded/insured prior to entering a client's home. Right at Home's global office is based in Omaha, Nebraska, with more than 500 franchise locations in the U.S. and seven other countries. For more information on Right at Home, visit About Right at Home at http://www.rightathome.net/about-us or read the Right at Home franchising blog at http://www.rightathomefranchise.com/blog/. To learn more about franchising opportunities, please visit http://www.rightathomefranchise.com/.

ABOUT HOME CARE PULSE:

Home Care Pulse is the industry's leading firm in performance benchmarking and quality satisfaction management and serves hundreds of home care businesses across North America. They are the industry's top resource for education, business development, certification, and proof of quality, including the prestigious Best of Home Care awards. Visit www.homecarepulse.com to learn more about our VANTAGE program, or visit benchmarking.homecarepulse.com to learn about the Private Duty Benchmarking Study, the home care industry's largest and most comprehensive annual study, featuring benchmarks on finance, sales, marketing, operations, and more.

Lauren Kaminski

No Limit Agency

312-526-3996

[email protected]

SOURCE Right at Home

Related Links

http://www.rightathome.net


CHICAGO, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Avocado, jalapeno, acai, ginger and miso are some of the standout dressing flavors operators are purchasing to spotlight on restaurant menus. According to data from Technomic's latest Volumix Salad Dressings Report, total volume of this category had a modest increase in 2016 from the previous year. Liquid salad dressings had stronger volume growth over dry dressings.

This information, as well as the wealth of other valuable data points featured in the Volumix Salad Dressings 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.

Other notable takeaways from the Volumix Salad Dressings Report include:

Total sales of portion-control liquid salad dressings are up 2.7% year over year

The average case price of dry mix salad dressings increased by 2.5% over the prior year

Ken's Foods Inc., Ventura Foods and Kraft Heinz are the top three manufacturers by volume in this category

Volumix generates SKU-level data from over 28,000 independents and small chain 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


KNOXVILLE, Tenn., March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Securities Service Network, Inc. ("SSN" or "the firm"), a leading independent broker-dealer that specializes in driving industry-leading operating efficiency at the home-office level, today announced the recent successful conclusion of its inaugural Top Producers' Conference, congratulating the 40 most successful advisors affiliated with SSN who attended this invitation-only event. SSN is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services (NYSE MKT: LTS).

The all-inclusive, four-day event, which wrapped up Sunday, March 5, in Miami Beach, FL, honored the attending advisors' commitment, dedication and passion for supporting their clients and helping them reach their financial goals. The conference also gave attendees the chance to participate in sessions concerning topics relevant to the independent financial services industry, as well as to network and share ideas and best practices with fellow top advisors, product sponsors and members of SSN's leadership team.

Wade Wilkinson, President and CEO of SSN, said, "It was an honor to come together with our firm's top 40 producers this past week in Miami Beach in the first of what we hope will be many future annual top advisor events. I congratulate this elite group of advisors, which continuously demonstrates their commitment to their clients in all that they do. The fruitful discussions and interactions we all experienced here not only underscored our ongoing commitment to helping advisors reach their full business potential, but also emphasized the strength of our unique value proposition to the industry."

Mr. Wilkinson concluded, "We believe that the advisors we support are among the most experienced and successful independent professionals within our industry. As such, they already know how to most effectively reinvest in their practices, and we are proud to support their expertise with a broker-dealer business model that focuses relentlessly on driving operational efficiency, in order to maximize advisors' ability to decide where and how their business revenues can be best deployed."

About Securities Service Network, Inc. (SSN)

Based in Knoxville, Tennessee, Securities Service Network, Inc. is an independent broker dealer supporting over 400 independent financial advisory practices and approximately $13 billion in advisory and brokerage client assets. SSN provides a range of back and middle office services that drive the success of independent financial advisors, balanced with a longstanding commitment to empower independent advisors to reinvest in their own businesses by maintaining industry-leading levels of operating efficiency.

Founded in 1983 as one of the nation's first fee-based, independent broker-dealers, SSN is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services Inc. (NYSE MKT: LTS). In 2016, SSN was honored for the fourth year in a row as one of the Top Independent BDs, as rated by financial advisors, on WealthManagement.com, a leading industry media outlet. For more information, please visit www.joinssn.com.

Media Contact:

Michael Dugan / Matthew Griffes

Haven Tower Group LLC

424 652 6520, ext 106 / 424 652 6520, ext 103

[email protected] or [email protected]

SOURCE Securities Service Network, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.joinssn.com


STOCKHOLM, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --Seqr announces the launch of Seqr Go!, the first of its kind prepaid mobile payment app designed mainly for teenagers. As we move gradually to a cashless society, introducing an accessible mobile payment solution for teenagers is both an innovative and logical next step. Thanks to Seqr Go!, there is no need for youths to carry cash or cards anymore: all they need is their smartphone, making it a safe and secure alternative for handling money.

"Seqr Go! represents a major leap forward for Seqr and the mobile payment market in general. For the first time someone (Seqr) has provided a safe, smart, and youth friendly mobile payment technology. The youth segment is a large group of consumers that has effectively been shut out of this market and capabilities until now.", says Peter Fredell, CEO of Seamless. "It replaces the need for a wallet or to carry pockets full of cash making it safer for teens when out and about. It also enables teenagers to send money to or receive money in real time from other Seqr users whether home or abroad, anywhere in the world, free of charge." The application is easy to manage and helps teenagers responsibly manage their finances. The in-app payments activity log gathers all purchases and receipts so Seqr Go! users (and their parents) can keep track of their spending in real time.

The application provides a secure alternative to carrying cash and/or cards and is quick and easy to get up and running with the only thing being required is a name, date of birth, email address and telephone number - in comparison to the more complicated and often lengthy process of getting a bank account. Seqr Go! also provides a smart way to help teens to manage their spending and learn more about budgets and finances.

Money can be transferred instantly to a Seqr Go! account via person-to-person transfer by another Seqr user. Seqr Go! users don't need to link a bank account because the funds are transferred to their prepaid Seqr Go! account. Thanks to the prepaid technology Seqr Go! users can only spend what is in their account, so there is no risk of teens being overdrawn.

As with the classic Seqr application, contactless is enabled for faster and more convenient payments. This is possible wherever contactless payments are accepted, currently around 30 million point-of-sales worldwide. The Seqr Go! user simply holds his or her phone up to the contactless card terminal in every shop where a contactless card terminal is installed. For low value transactions, there's no need to enter a PIN code, making it a quick and easy alternative to cash and/or cards. The smart technology of Seqr uses encrypted payments so personal details are secure at all times.

Seqr Go! will be available to download in the Google Play Store on the 16th March 2017.

Invitation to live broadcast about Seqr Go!

We are delighted to invite you to our live broadcast on the 16th March 2017 at 2 PM (CET). Our CEO, Peter Fredell, will introduce to you our new app, Seqr Go!.

Please click the here to watch the live broadcast.

We look forward to welcoming you!

About Seqr

Seqr is the standard way to pay. Developed by Seamless, Seqr is the safe, fast and easy way to pay by mobile. The only thing the user needs is the Seqr app to scan a QR code or tap on the NFC terminal. Globally, over 30 million contactless card terminals now accept Seqr. The low investment and transaction fees for merchants and among others ensure that Seqr is the most widely used mobile payment solution in Europe. www.seqr.com

About Seamless

Seamless is one of the world's largest suppliers of payment systems for mobile phones. Founded in 2001 and active in 35 countries, Seamless handles more than 5.3 billion transactions annually through 675 000 active sales outlets. Seamless has three main business areas including the transaction switch, the technology provider for the distribution of e-products and the mobile payment platform Seqr. www.seamless.se

For more information, please contact:

Dominique Tilleman - Head of Communications +32-473-27-04-90

This information is information that Seamless Distribution AB (publ) is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. This information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact person set out above, at 08.50 a.m. CET on March 16, 2017.

Seamless Distribution AB, Box 6234, 102 34 Stockholm | Visiting address: St Eriksgatan 121 D | Org. no: 556610-2660 Phone: 08-564-878-00 | Fax: 08-564-878-23 | www.seamless.se

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

http://news.cision.com/seamless-distribution-ab/r/seqr--launches-seqr-go--an-app-for-teenagers,c2215819

The following files are available for download:

http://mb.cision.com/Main/4815/2215819/643473.pdf PR Release

SOURCE Seamless Distribution AB

Related Links

http://www.seamless.se


LOS ANGELES, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Solid Commerce today announced that it had surpassed $1.5 billion in orders managed through its cloud-based platform in 2016. This milestone represents the continued movement of eCommerce businesses towards the major online marketplaces and the increased usage of the Solid Commerce platform by eCommerce retailers and online merchants across a range of industries.

The Solid Commerce platform, which provides listing, repricing, shipping, inventory and order management functionality for companies selling on Amazon, Walmart, Jet, Shopify, Magento and more than 15 other marketplaces and shopping carts, has seen increased demand for its solutions as more Brick-and-Mortar retailers shift their sales online.

"For company's seeking to sell on Amazon, Walmart and other marketplaces, our platform is unique because it's truly an all-in-one solution," said Eran Pick, CEO of Solid Commerce. "The fact that we have surpassed $1.5 billion of orders managed speaks to the speed with which retailers are rushing to sell online," said Pick.

Eran Pick said he sees an increasing demand from retailers for a single platform to manage the increasing complexity of their online sales. "Our clients are telling us that they don't want to log into 5 disconnected platforms to manage their eCommerce business."

Aaron Goldberg of Cover Shield, a Solid Commerce customer, said that "having a single platform to manage multiple functions across multiple channels is a huge multiplier for our business. When selling on multiple channels, having a single platform for listing, pricing & shipping enables us to save time & grow our sales."

More information about Solid Commerce can be found at www.SolidCommerce.com.

About Solid Commerce:

With wholesalers & retailers in the automotive, apparel, consumer electronics, fashion, home furnishings, toys and other industries, Solid Commerce is an "all-in-one" multi-function, multi-channel platform for eCommerce order management. The Solid Commerce platform includes direct integrations into every major marketplace, shopping cart and shipping carrier, as well as functionality for listing, pricing, shipping, as well as inventory & order management The Company is based in Marina Del Rey with additional offices in Hong Kong & Tel-Aviv.

SOURCE Solid Commerce

Related Links

http://www.SolidCommerce.com


"Just two years ago, we had 18 customer service representatives in Maitland to complement our existing customer service center in Sunrise," said Chris Paterson, CEO of Sunshine Health "Now we have 200 in Maitland, which is emblematic of Sunshine Health's rapid growth. More importantly, it supports our commitment to providing our members with exemplary service to help them navigate the healthcare system."

The first phase at 70 S. Keller Road opened in November and includes 53,000-square-feet of office space for Sunshine Health's clinical, network and operations teams. In total, the expansion can accommodate 550 employees.

The customer service representatives, of which half speak Spanish, assist Sunshine Health's more than 800,000 members with questions about their health plans and benefits. They help members find primary care physicians or specialists; connect them to resources to manage chronic medical conditions; even schedule appointments. They also assist Sunshine Health's physician partners with any questions or issues that arise in the coordination of members' care.

Sunshine Health offers government-sponsored managed care services through Medicaid, Long Term Care, Medicare and Florida's Health Insurance Marketplace. Additionally, the company offers a specialty Medicaid health plan for children in or adopted from Florida's Child Welfare system and a full pay Healthy Kids plan.

"We believe it's important for our employees to live in the same state as our members to facilitate the delivery of culturally competent healthcare. We keep the jobs local," said Nathan Landsbaum, Sunshine Health's Chief Operating Officer. "This perfectly aligns with our mission to provide local, personalized healthcare to help people get and stay well and to transform the communities we serve."

About Sunshine Health

Headquartered in Sunrise, Fla., Sunshine Health is among the largest healthcare plans in Florida. Offering coordinated care and a network of support for its more than 800,000 members, Sunshine Health is transforming the health of our communities, one person at a time. Sunshine Health is a wholly owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation, a diversified, multi-national healthcare enterprise focusing on under-insured and uninsured individuals. Sunshine Health offers government-sponsored managed care through Medicaid, Long Term Care, Medicare and Florida's Health Insurance Marketplace. Additionally, we offer a specialty Medicaid health plan for children in or adopted from Florida's Child Welfare system and a full pay Health Kids plan statewide. For more information about Sunshine Health, please visit www.SunshineHealth.com.

SOURCE Sunshine Health

Related Links

http://www.SunshineHealth.com


LOVELAND, Colo., March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- VanDyne SuperTurbo Inc. announced its corporate name change to SuperTurbo Technologies Inc. The Company has also named Dan Hancock, Frans Westenbrink and Andy Savarie to the board of directors.

"This is an exciting time for our company with the change in company name and strengthening of our board of directors," said Mark Herbst, President and Chief Executive Officer. "Our board of directors has never been stronger and we value the experience and insight Dan, Frans and Andy bring to us."

Dan Hancock is President of DMH Consulting, LLC. Dan retired from General Motors after 43 years in powertrain engineering and general management. His most recent positions included Vice President-Global Strategic Product Alliances, Vice President-Global Powertrain Engineering, CEO Fiat-GM Powertrain and President, Allison Transmission. He was President of SAE International in 2014 and a member of the National Academy of Engineering.

Frans Westenbrink is Vice President and General Manager for the Aftermarket, Power, Steam and Compressor (APSCS) business unit at Woodward Inc. Frans began his career with Woodward in Europe where he was responsible for the European Sales and Engineering operations before moving to the U.S. in 1999. Before taking on his current role Frans was responsible for the development of Woodward's GT Fuel injection business with GE and Siemens. Frans has performed other commercial and technology leadership functions in Woodward's Engine Systems business.

Andy Savarie has over 25 years of investment banking and entrepreneurial business experience. Andy has lead the automotive investment banking practices at Morgan Stanley, Banc of America Securities and Bear Stearns where he advised clients on well over 100 M&A and financing transactions. Andy also spent 4 years as a co-founder and head of corporate development and strategy for Carbon Motors Corporation, an early stage automotive company.

About SuperTurbo Technologies, Inc.

SuperTurbo Technologies Inc. specializes in the design, development and commercialization of SuperTurbos for the global automotive and truck markets. Founded in 2009, the Company is headquartered in Loveland, Colorado and is a leader in the application of advanced driven-turbo technology. The Company's proprietary SuperTurbo system enables engines and vehicles to achieve important emission reduction, realize fuel savings and increase overall performance. The Company has previously announced a collaboration with Allison Transmission Inc. to co-develop a vehicle demonstrator maximizing the benefits of engine downspeeding, efficient supercharging and turbo compounding in a Class 8 tractor. For more information, visit http://vandynesuperturbo.com.

Media inquiries: Mark Herbst, [email protected]

SOURCE SuperTurbo Technologies, Inc.

Related Links

http://vandynesuperturbo.com


GREENVILLE, S.C., March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- SYNNEX Corporation (NYSE: SNX), a leading Technology Solutions distributor, today announced that it has received the Google Cloud 2016 Global Partner Award for Devices Ecosystem Customer Success. The award was presented at Partner Summit, an event that brought together Google Cloud partners spanning G Suite, GCP, Maps, Devices, and Education in San Francisco.

This award recognizes SYNNEX for its demonstrated sales, marketing, technical and support excellence to help customers of all sizes transform their businesses and solve a wide range of challenges using the Google Cloud product suite.

"We are honored to receive this recognition from Google Cloud, which is the result of the energy and resources we dedicate to our Google Cloud business," said Rob Moyer, Vice President, Cloud Services and Software, SYNNEX. "Our Chrome Ecosystem provides the full spectrum of solutions, devices and licenses, delivering the results for our resellers and their customers that keep SYNNEX in a leading position."

"Partners are a vital contributor to Google Cloud's growing ecosystem, helping us meet the needs of a diverse range of customers, from up-and-coming startups to Fortune 500 companies," said Bertrand Yansouni, VP Global Partner Sales and Strategic Alliances at Google Cloud. "We are proud to provide this recognition to SYNNEX and its CLOUDSolv team, who have consistently demonstrated customer success across its Devices Ecosystem."

For more information about Google at SYNNEX, visit www.synnexcorp.com/us/google/. For more information about SYNNEX, visit www.synnex.com.

About SYNNEX

SYNNEX Corporation (NYSE: SNX), a Fortune 500 corporation and a leading business process services company, provides a comprehensive range of distribution, logistics and integration services for the technology industry, as well as outsourced services focused on customer engagement strategy to a broad range of enterprises. SYNNEX distributes a broad range of information technology systems and products and also provides systems design and integration solutions. Concentrix, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SYNNEX Corporation, offers a portfolio of strategic solutions and end-to-end business services around customer engagement strategy, process optimization, technology innovation, front and back-office automation and business transformation to clients in ten identified industry verticals. Founded in 1980, SYNNEX Corporation operates in numerous countries throughout North and South America, Asia-Pacific and Europe. Additional information about SYNNEX may be found online at www.synnex.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

Statements in this release that are forward-looking, such as service and product features and capabilities and general success of the collaboration, involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause the Company's actual results in future periods to be materially different from any future performance that may be suggested in this release. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this release.

Copyright 2017 SYNNEX Corporation. All rights reserved. SYNNEX, the SYNNEX Logo, CONCENTRIX, CLOUDSOLV, and all other SYNNEX company, product and services names and slogans are trademarks or registered trademarks of SYNNEX Corporation. SYNNEX, the SYNNEX Logo, CONCENTRIX, and CLOUDSOLV Reg. U.S. Pat. & Tm. Off. Other names and marks are the property of their respective owners.

SNX-G

SOURCE SYNNEX Corporation

Related Links

http://www.synnex.com


From March 17 through April 16, Tanger shoppers can find the best looks from top brand name and designer stores. Beginning this weekend, shoppers can pick up a free copy of the TangerSTYLE guide at Tanger Outlets or access it digitally at www.tangerstyle.com or on the Tanger mobile app.

"Tanger Outlets is the one-stop destination for fashionable savings this spring," said Steven B. Tanger, President and CEO of Tanger Outlets. "We invite our customers to shop and save this season  Tanger-style."

TangerSTYLE's curated guide brings you spring's top trends, with tips on how to wear them to suit your active lifestyle:

Not Your Basic Brunch  Yellow is perfect for a mellow Sunday brunch with the girls or the entire family. It's an event worth dressing up for in brilliant yellow. Bring in the sunshine with a pop of color with accessories, shoes and handbags.

 Yellow is perfect for a mellow Sunday brunch with the girls or the entire family. It's an event worth dressing up for in brilliant yellow. Bring in the sunshine with a pop of color with accessories, shoes and handbags. Kicking into Gear  Whether your active lifestyle include lifting weights or lifting a latte, raising the barre or chasing a toddler, athletic wear can be both comfortable and street-chic. A legging with ribbon flourishes or embossed leather slides will elevate your look for your workout or your chill-out. Paired with fashionable athletic shoes and spring sunglasses you are ready to take on that busy schedule.

 Whether your active lifestyle include lifting weights or lifting a latte, raising the barre or chasing a toddler, athletic wear can be both comfortable and street-chic. A legging with ribbon flourishes or embossed leather slides will elevate your look for your workout or your chill-out. Paired with fashionable athletic shoes and spring sunglasses you are ready to take on that busy schedule. Date Night  First date, or the first time you've snagged a sitter in months, a fringe dress will bring spring fun to your outing.

 First date, or the first time you've snagged a sitter in months, a fringe dress will bring spring fun to your outing. Afternoon Outing Heading out for a day of shopping and lunch with your gal pals? A classic chambray shirt and light cotton skirt, and on-trend shoes in your favorite spring color, will update your wardrobe with a classic springtime look.

Heading out for a day of shopping and lunch with your gal pals? A classic chambray shirt and light cotton skirt, and on-trend shoes in your favorite spring color, will update your wardrobe with a classic springtime look. Play Date Moms on the move need function and fashion. Find that perfect spring tote or oversized handbag at Tanger and take your little one out on a mommy and me adventure! Add bright colored flats, dark-rinse jeans, and a classic white shirt for effortless spring.

Moms on the move need function and fashion. Find that perfect spring tote or oversized handbag at Tanger and take your little one out on a mommy and me adventure! Add bright colored flats, dark-rinse jeans, and a classic white shirt for effortless spring. Chic at Home  "Game Night" is the time to turn your spring fashion game on with a pair of cool white jeans paired with ruffle embellished top.

For more style tips, tricks and fashionable savings, please visit www.tangerstyle.com.

About Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc.

Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc. (NYSE:SKT), is a publicly-traded REIT headquartered in Greensboro, North Carolina that presently operates and owns, or has an ownership interest in, a portfolio of 44 upscale outlet shopping centers and one additional center currently under construction. Tanger's operating properties are located in 22 states coast to coast and in Canada, totaling approximately 15.1 million square feet, leased to over 3,100 stores which are operated by more than 500 different brand name companies. The Company has more than 36 years of experience in the outlet industry. Tanger Outlet Centers continue to attract more than 188 million shoppers annually. For more information on Tanger Outlet Centers, call 1-800-4TANGER or visit the Company's website at www.tangeroutlets.com.

Contact:

Quentin Pell

336.834.6827

[email protected]

SOURCE Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.tangeroutlet.com


NEW YORK, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Since its foundation in 1906, Montblanc's pioneering spirit has pushed the Maison to explore new territories. This was true 110 years ago with the development of the Maison's iconic fountain pens, and remains true today with the recent launch of digital note taking and Montblanc's Augmented Paper, a revolution in fine writing. In 2017, Montblanc continues to innovate with the launch of its first smartwatchthe Montblanc Summitcombining fine watchmaking with Android Wear 2.0, Google's latest operating system for smartwatches, and the Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 2100 processor one of the most advanced and powerful wearables processors in the market for smartwatches.

Montblanc presents the first high-end smartwatch with a classic and vintage look, creating a digital interpretation of fine watchmaking. Providing the perfect alchemy between the design codes of traditional fine timekeeping, premium materials and state-of-the-art technology, this luxury smartwatch is a distinguished timepiece that is powered by the most advanced technologies on the market. To give the feeling of a real watch on the wrist, the timepiece's display is covered by a slightly curved sapphire glass, which is a world first in smartwatches.

"Nothing compares to the sensation of traditional fine Swiss watchmaking but, in a fast-moving world, being able to access all kinds of information digitally has become essential," explains Jerome Lambert CEO Montblanc International. "Montblanc Summit bridges these two worlds with a simple and highly functional product that gives its owners the freedom to have it all."

Montblanc teamed up with Google for the Montblanc Summit Collection to feature the new Android Wear 2.0 operating system (OS) for smartwatches, which offers the most advanced software and functionalities while delivering compatibility with Android and iOS devices. Additionally, Montblanc worked with Qualcomm Technologies and put its Snapdragon Wear 2100 processor to full use, aiming to deliver high performance while maximizing battery life. The performance of the processor makes it possible for Montblanc Summit users to experience a very responsive, fluid user interface (UI), move seamlessly from one application to the next, personalize the look-and-feel through a range of apps and watch faces, and enjoy the power of Google Assistant and Music on the move.

Running on Qualcomm Technologies' Snapdragon chipset, it guarantees the most advanced performance and optimal battery efficiency.

Montblanc's 1858 design meets digital technology

During the creation of the Montblanc Summit's design, the Maison wanted to bring a one-of-a-kind vintage design expression into this new product category. Montblanc is looking to inspire the younger audience who appreciates a vintage look, especially when it is combined with high quality steel and titanium cases and contemporary straps that give the feeling of a mechanical watch on the wrist.

As such, the award-winning 1858 collection has served as the main inspiration for the 46mm watch case design, as well as for the classic watch faces, which are a digital representation of the 1858 collection. This line of mechanical timepieces stands for vintage sophistication and is crafted to the highest standards. With the new Summit collection, Montblanc has managed to bridge a gap between analogue and digital in the most pioneering way.

Functions and Features

The high-contrast and 1.39" large AMOLED display delivers vivid and brilliant colours for the finest visual experience. The AMOLED display is covered by a curved sapphire glass, a world-first in smartwatches.

The Montblanc Summit features a full round touch-screen display. Each timepiece has a water-resistant standard of IP68, making it resilient to the splashes of everyday life. The watch features a microphone for voice commands and numerous sensors: a heart-rate monitor, and sensors for measuring steps and activities; a gyroscope and a compass to measure the orientation of your watch; a barometer that can indicate the altitude, and an ambient light sensor that automatically adapts the brightness of your screen according to the lighting conditions.

The watch can be charged via micro USB on a magnetic Montblanc dock. It connects via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth and features 4GB Flash storage that can be used to sync and play music without the need of a smartphone.

Tailored Apps for simplicity of use

Android Wear 2.0 is compatible with both iOS and Android smartphones, and is available in numerous languages, so everyone can enjoy fine timekeeping in the digital era.

Montblanc Summit can access thousands of different apps on the Google Play Store, creating a tailor-made experience for each user based on their own particular interests and preferences. App personalization makes each watch a truly unique piece of equipment designed for the life of its user. In addition to this, there are several pre-installed apps ready for immediate use.

With today's increasingly fast lifestyles, notifications are essential. The Montblanc Summit can send reminders about appointments and show messages or incoming phone calls. Notifications can be sent directly to the Montblanc Summit from the phone and a simple shake of the wrist, scrolls through them, so the watch does not need to be touched to access information, allowing each user to stay quickly and discreetly ahead of the crowd.

All included: Integrated heart-rate monitor + Runtastic

Montblanc Summit offers different fitness features, allowing each user to monitor their heart to help them keep track of their fitness goals. The mechanical protrusion at the back of the watch enables proper fit at all times, making the integrated heart-rate monitor one of the most accurate for wearable devices. The specially-conceived Montblanc sport watch face also shows daily fitness progress in the shape of a summit.

A unique collaboration with Runtastic, the leading activity tracking app with 100 million users, is also included in the form of a free three-month Premium account pre-loaded onto each Montblanc Summit watch.

Music: Freedom to move

The Google play Music app allows the synchronization of music into the Montblanc Summit's internal memory. With this feature, music plays directly into the Bluetooth headphones during exercise, without the need to take a phone along for a run.

The power of the Google Assistant

The Montblanc Summit has Google Assistant built-in. With the watch's microphone, users can ask their Google Assistant to search for all kinds of information, directions or translations, and to help perform tasks like setting reminders or dictating emails. When there isn't time to start typing a reply on a phone, the Montblanc Summit offers quick and smart replies using the keyboard, swiping, handwriting or even voice messages.

Getting around: Uber and Foursquare

The art of travelling has been redefined with the Montblanc Summit thanks to several hands-free functions. Airplane boarding pass barcodes can be scanned directly from the screen; exploring a new town couldn't be simpler with hands-free, turn-by-turn navigation; a collaboration with Uber offers quick access to cars; and a preloaded Foursquare City Guide app offers a unique search function for discovering the best restaurants and experiences in any city, immediately locating the user's position.

Voice-activated translator

Another highly practical tool when travelling is the voice-activated translator, which can tell its user things like how to order coffee in Italian or how to buy train tickets in Japan. The Montblanc Summit gives direct translations from a multitude of languages directly to the watch's display, making travelling in foreign countries simpler than ever.

Creating a personal style

The Montblanc Summit's 46mm case comes in a choice of four different materials & styles black PVD coated stainless steel, a bi-color stainless steel case with a black PVD coated stainless steel bezel, stainless steel case with satin finish, and a grade 5 titanium case also with satin finish. Each timepiece is fitted with a pusher in the design of the iconic crown from the 1858 collection.

The digital representation of the award-winning 1858 collection feature classic watch faces with complications like an Automatic with date, Small Second or Chronograph. The Small Second and Chronograph can be combined with digital complications providing useful information to the user, such as a worldtime, next meeting or fitness goals.

For those who prefer a sportier look, there is also a TimeWalker Urban Speed watch face with an Automatic date or Chronograph complication. Taken from the mechanical watch of the same name, this modern dial comes in a number of color options that can be configured directly by the user on the watch, offering each user the possibility to define their own distinctive style. A new watch face will also be unveiled regularly (available to download on the store), for those who like to switch and change dials.

The ultimate personalization

For those who like the idea of having their very own bespoke dial, everything is possible with the Montblanc Summit. Starting from 15,000 EUR, clients have the possibility of designing their very own personalized dial, working hand-in-hand with the Montblanc Creative Director, designers and engineers to create their very own unique watch face, available exclusively to them.

Straps and style

There is a choice of eight different straps offering an extensive choice of styles for every taste and occasion. A sporty, water-resistant and excellent grip Rubber NATO strap is available in black, blue, green or red; a black calfskin leather strap provides a classic look; a brown or navy blue Sfumato calfskin leather strap from the Montblanc Pelletteria in Florence, Italy brings a sophisticated, yet vintage style and there is also the option for an exclusive alligator strap. Straps can be easily exchanged via the quick-release spring bars for a multitude of looks and moods. An online configurator will be available for finding the perfect case/strap combination for every occasion.

In total Montblanc Summit offers more than 300 different Montblanc wearable combinations enabling the users to personalize their watch per their needs and style, giving every timepiece a personal touch.

A new interpretation of time  always on

Digital technology allows for a new and richer timing experience. The additional urban watch face gives all the info at a glance, including notification content for emails or messages, meetings or the weather, not to mention a Montblanc designed alarm clock and a stopwatch (to 1/100th of a second). The three complications can also be customized to feature a modern and sophisticated digital look. The unique Montblanc fitness face visualizes heart-rate measurement and four daily goals (steps, calories burnt, distance, active time) with a progress bar visualized in the shape of a mountain's summit, to inspire the user to take on new challenges and bring out the best of his or her performance. The sophisticated Worldtimer micro-app with day & night visualization shows the time in any one of the world's 24 time zones. This micro-app provides the data for the Worldtimer complication that can be enabled within the available watch faces. The always-on display allows the watch faces to be visible at all times, enabling the user to see all relevant info without the screen ever turning black while delivering a full day of battery life.

Be ahead

The Montblanc Summit is an empowering digital timepiece that better prepares users to follow their mission and enables them to advance better than ever. The luxurious nature of Summit isn't just felt on the wrist, but in every aspect of life. The Maison's first smartwatch is the ideal travel companion for users to undertake their journey quicker and smarter, so they can focus on what really matters, being ahead.

Montblanc Summit will be available from May 2017 with a starting RSP of $890.00. MR PORTER, the online retail destination for men's style, will be the exclusive global launch partner for two weeks before being widely available on the Montblanc website and through all Montblanc retail channels. For more information visit www.montblanc.com

About Montblanc

Guided by the pioneering spirit since 1906, Montblanc revolutionized the culture of writing with breakthrough innovations. Today, the Maison continues to push boundaries and evolve the expression of fine craftsmanship across each of its product categories: the pinnacle of luxury writing instruments, timepieces, leather goods, accessories, fragrances and eyewear. With every innovation, Montblanc offers new functionalities and groundbreaking designs imbued with the Maison's heritage of sophistication and crafted to the highest standards through the skills of its artisans in each of its manufactures whether Hamburg, Germany for its writing instruments, the Swiss Jura in Le Locle and Villeret for its timepieces or Florence, Italy for its leather goods. Reflecting its ongoing mission to create fine lifetime companions born from the most pioneering ideas, the iconic Montblanc Emblem has become the ultimate seal of performance, innovation, quality and expression of style. With its origins deeply rooted in the culture of handwriting, Montblanc continues to assert its cultural commitment around the world with the creation of wide-ranging initiatives to promote arts and culture in many forms, while honouring the modern day patrons who support the advancement of the arts.

Information for Press

All Information and images are available to download on the Montblanc Press Lounge:

https://press.montblanc.com/

Follow us on:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/montblanc

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/montblanc

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/montblanc_world

Snapchat: MontblancWorld

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/montblanc

Youku: http://i.youku.com/montblanc4810

Weibo: http://www.weibo.cn/montblancchina

Android, Android Wear, Google Play Store and the Google Play Store logo are a trademark of Google Inc.

Qualcomm and Snapdragon are trademarks of Qualcomm Incorporated, registered in the United States and other countries. Snapdragon Wear is a trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated. Other product and brand names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear is a product of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.

TECHNICAL GLOSSARY

OPERATING SYSTEM: Google's all-new Android Wear 2.0 and the Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 2100 processor.

DESIGN: Inspired by Montblanc's award-winning 1858 collection, the Montblanc Summit bridges the gap between analogue and digital in the most pioneering way.

CURVED CRYSTAL: A world first in smartwatches, a curved sapphire crystal adds even more classic beauty to this new digital watch.

DISPLAY: The high-contrast and 1.39" large AMOLED display delivers vivid and brilliant colours, the finest visual experience, and is always on.

HEART-RATE MONITOR: This unique feature, that cannot be found on a smartphone, tracks your fitness with the highest possible accuracy.

FITNESS AT A GLANCE: Clear visualization of heart-rate measurement and four daily goals (steps, calories burnt, distance and active time) are shown in a progress bar shaped like a mountain's summit.

PERSONALIZATION: Four different watch cases, eight easily-changeable straps, and a host of different watch faces come together to create over 300 unique looks.

TAILORED APPS: Access to thousands of different apps on the Google Play Store.

WORLDTIMER: A unique Montblanc worldtime complication allows the user to quickly and easily set and view different time zones.

PERFORMANCE: One of the best chipsets and displays on the market with ultra-fast performance.

PRE-INSTALLED APPS: A number of preloaded apps such as Runtastic, Uber and Foursquare help each user get moving from the moment they turn on their smartwatch.

GOOGLE ASSISTANT: With the watch's microphone, users can ask their Google Assistant to search for all kinds of information.

MUSIC: The Google music player stores songs in an internal memory, playing music directly into the Bluetooth headphones during exercise, without the need to take a phone along for a run.

PRICE: Utmost performance and classic watch design come together at a very competitive price.

TECHNICAL FACTSHEET

Operating system Android Wear 2.0 Display 1.39" full circle AMOLED Resolution 400x400 (286 ppi) Diameter 46 mm Thickness 12,5 mm Protection Curved Sapphire Glass Strap size 22 mm, removable Watch case Stainless Steel + Titanium Processor Snapdragon Wear 2100 Memory 512MB Storage 4GB Battery 300 mAh Water-resistant IP68 Scroll wheel No Microphone Yes Speaker No Vibration Yes Wi-Fi Yes NFC Pay No GPS No LTE No Heart-rate sensor Yes Barometer Yes Ambient light sensor Yes

SOURCE Montblanc

Related Links

http://www.montblanc.com

















BOSTON, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- RISI, the leading information provider for the global forest products industry, is preparing to provide a European perspective on global investments at the 4th Annual Forest Investment Conference May 4-5, 2017. After three years in New York City, this event is moving to London - a move reflecting the globalization of timberland investing.

Attracted to this financial hub city, already confirmed delegates include companies managing more than $1.5 trillion in assets. This year's speaker lineup includes some key European professionals from large investment companies, pension funds, TIMO's and more. Last year's conference included delegates from more than 18 countries.

RISI's team of experts will be joined by industry leaders to examine the latest investment trends and opportunities in the European region as well as Oceania, Latin America, North America, Asia and Africa. Key speakers include:

Bill Hughes , Head of Real Assets of Legal and General, United Kingdom : As one of the world's largest insurance and investment companies, managing around 940 billion in assets, Legal and General's Bill Hughes will share expertise to give delegates a perspective about asset allocation.

, Head of Real Assets of Legal and General, : As one of the world's largest insurance and investment companies, managing around 940 billion in assets, Legal and General's will share expertise to give delegates a perspective about asset allocation. Jessika Ingvarsson , External Managers of Head of Forests and Agricultural Investments Andra AP-fonden (AP2), one of northern Europe's largest pension funds, AP2 currently has about SEK300 billion under management. Jessika will discuss a pension fund's views on global investment in timberland verse other real assets.

, External Managers of Head of Forests and Agricultural Investments Andra AP-fonden (AP2), one of northern largest pension funds, AP2 currently has about under management. Jessika will discuss a pension fund's views on global investment in timberland verse other real assets. Johannes Aarila, Investment Director of Dasos Capital Oy.: This Finnish TIMO currently manages approximately 600 million in funds and assets, primarily in northern Europe . Johannes will share his expertise about managing private funds within the European region.

For more information about the Forest Investment Conference program and speakers, click here.

About RISI (www.risi.com)

RISI is the leading information provider for the global forest products industry. The company works with clients in the pulp and paper, packaging, wood products, timber, biomass, tissue and nonwovens industries to help them make better decisions.

Headquartered in Boston, MA, RISI operates additional offices throughout North and South America, Europe and Asia.

For Press Enquiries, please contact:

Kimberly Rizzitano

Events Marketing Manager

O: +781-734-8996

E: [email protected]

SOURCE RISI

Related Links

http://www.risiinfo.com


LOS ANGELES, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Honest Company, a leading healthy lifestyle brand, today announced the appointment of Nick Vlahos as Chief Executive Officer. A veteran of the consumer packaged goods industry, Vlahos has a track record of building global retail brands, including Burt's Bees, Brita and Green Works. He succeeds Brian Lee, who will remain on the board of directors and serve as an advisor to the company.

"With our strategic shift from e-commerce to omni-channel brand underway, this is the perfect time to welcome Nick Vlahos as the new CEO of The Honest Company," said Jessica Alba, Founder and Chairperson of the Board of The Honest Company. "Nick shares our mission of building a modern brand with ethical standards, trust and transparency at the forefront. The sky's the limit for what Honest can become and I look forward to working alongside Nick on the next phase of our journey."

Vlahos, who will also join The Honest Company's board of directors, will oversee Honest's continuing accelerated growth agenda with an added focus on innovation, retail distribution, digital marketing and global expansion. He comes to Honest from The Clorox Company, where he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, responsible for approximately $3B in sales for the company's Household and Lifestyle segment, as well as direct responsibility for five Global Functions: Sales, Marketing, R&D, I.T. and Product Supply.

"I am honored and energized to be joining the incredibly talented Honest family," said Vlahos. "Jessica, Brian and their team have created an amazing healthy lifestyle brand with a dynamic company culture. I look forward to building upon The Honest Company's continued success and helping to accelerate innovation and growth."

At Clorox, Vlahos was instrumental in driving domestic and international growth for major portfolio brands such as Burt's Bees, which he built into a global leader in the natural personal care industry with a presence in 40 countries. Vlahos also previously held the role of Vice President  General Manager of Laundry, Brita and Green Works. Vlahos is a member of the Board of Directors for the Grocery Manufacturers Association's Industry Affairs Council and previously served on the board of the Natural Productions Association, a leading North American industry group supporting the interests of the natural products industry and consumers.

Vlahos joins The Honest Company at a pivotal time that has been characterized by significant growth and transformation.

Honest reached the milestone of $300+ million in sales in 2016 - just five years after the company was founded.

Honest recently launched its first ever brand campaign, #HonestMoments.

Honest is expanding its national wholesale channels by introducing extensive product assortments in CVS, Babies "R" Us and several other major retailers.

"This is an exciting new chapter for Honest and I am looking forward to being a part of it," said Co-Founder and Board Member of The Honest Company, Brian Lee. "It has been our strategy to evolve the company into an omni-channel brand and Nick's tremendous background building global CPG brands makes him the ideal person to lead us there."

Regarding her co-founder, Brian Lee, Alba said, "Brian's leadership and experience as an e-commerce entrepreneur has been critical to Honest's success since we founded the company together in 2011. I've never been more excited about our future and adding Nick to a team that includes Brian's deep experience and valuable insight will be critical as Honest evolves into a multi-channel, 21st century brand."

About The Honest Company

The Honest Company is dedicated to helping people live a happy and healthy life. Founded in 2012, the mission-driven company provides 100+ safe, effective, and delightful products across a wide range of consumer categories, including baby, personal care, beauty, home care, and vitamins & supplements, to a passionate community of consumers united by values and style. Honest products are available across the U.S. via honest.com and honestbeauty.com and at more than 13,000 retail locations across North America. The Honest Company is privately held and headquartered in Los Angeles, California.

SOURCE The Honest Company
MIAMI, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- PizzaRev is heating up Coral Gables! To mark its grand opening on March 30, the new build-your-own artisanal pizza shop will host a "Pizzas for a Purpose" fundraising event at 130 Miracle Mile. Guests are invited to "pay-what-you-want" for their first custom-built, personal-sized pizza  an $8 contribution is suggested. One hundred percent of proceeds from all "pay-what-you-want" pizzas will benefit Feeding South Florida, the leading domestic hunger-relief organization in the region, serving Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade, and Monroe Counties.

"We are passionate supporters of organizations that positively impact the communities we serve and we admire the work that Feeding South Florida has done to change lives one meal at a time," said PizzaRev franchisee Chris Mellgren, CEO of Miami-based Surfside Pizza, LLC. "My team and I are excited about partnering with Feeding South Florida to support their mission of helping South Florida's hungry and look forward to supporting that mission at our grand opening and in the future."

"Feeding South Florida is thrilled to partner with an innovative company like PizzaRev," said Paco Velez, President & CEO of Feeding South Florida. "Raising awareness about the issue of hunger in South Florida is a priority for us, so we're excited for the community to extend their generosity and help feed those in need as they enjoy this new restaurant!"

The Coral Gables restaurant is the first of 45 franchise locations Surfside Pizza, LLC has planned for the South Florida market. Mellgren also operates one of the largest Dunkin' Donuts franchise networks in the state, Surfside Coffee, LLC. Mellgren brings a wealth of experience in the space having developed multiple, highly successful franchise networks across the U.S.

"Our team is fired up about our first of many PizzaRev openings and couldn't be happier with choosing Coral Gables as the launch pad for South Florida's PizzaRev-olution," said Mellgren.

PizzaRev is on a mission to change how consumers think about pizza with offerings like fresh pressed, homemade dough, locally sourced ingredients, all-natural cheeses, and vegan and gluten-free options. PizzaRev offers a fully-customized dining experience that empowers guests to craft a personal pizza, including any of the 30+ toppings, for one price. The restaurant also serves custom entree salads, a delectable Oreo dessert pizza, and a selection of beer and wine.

Most unique to PizzaRev, and what enables the restaurant's unprecedented speed of service, is the custom-built, 900-degree stone-bed oven. Guests watch the dancing flames in the background as their pizzas are fired to a perfect, Roman-style crispiness in less than three minutes. Exposed ceilings, concrete floors and natural tones will offer a minimalist yet inviting atmosphere, where the focus is on providing guests with an interactive pizza experience unlike anything they've ever had.

PizzaRev fans can join the 'Rev Rewards' program by downloading the mobile app, which features an intuitive mobile ordering experience. Rev Rewards members are empowered to earn points for their purchases, redeem points for free menu items, and gain access to exclusive deals and gifts. The first gift for new Rev Rewards members: a free pizza or entree salad on their next PizzaRev visit.

PizzaRev of Coral Gables is located in the heart of the Gables on Miracle Mile next to Barnes & Noble and will be open Sunday  Thursday from 11 a.m.  11 p.m. and Friday  Saturday from 11 a.m.  Midnight.

About PizzaRev

PizzaRev is a "build-your-own" fast-casual pizza concept that has reinvented the way America eats its favorite food. Guests are empowered to fully customize a personal-sized, 11" pizza for one price. Homemade dough options, flavorful sauces, all-natural cheeses, and more than 30+ artisanal toppings, everything is on display at PizzaRev and assembled right before your eyes. The pizzas are then fired in a 900-degree, stone-bed oven, which produces a crispy Roman-style pizza in just three minutes. Los Angeles-based PizzaRev was founded in 2012; the executive team possesses a combination of Fortune 500 operating experience and high-profile restaurant management. PizzaRev is currently franchising and currently operates 49 locations with more than 200 additional franchises under development across Mexico, Washington, D.C., and 17 states: AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, MA, MN, NE, NJ, ND, NV, NY, OH, SD, TN, TX and UT. Visit www.PizzaRev.com for the latest company news and location information. You can also find PizzaRev on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat.

About Feeding South Florida

Feeding South Florida is a member of the Feeding America network of food banks and the leading domestic hunger-relief organization serving Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade, and Monroe Counties. Our mission is to end hunger in South Florida by providing immediate access to nutritious food, leading hunger and poverty advocacy efforts, and transforming lives through innovative programming and education. Feeding South Florida rescues 44 million pounds of food annually, serving 784,110 individuals in need of food assistance - 264,280 of whom are children and 130,000 are older adults. Feeding South Florida is the largest and most efficient food bank in each county it serves, providing for 25% of the state's food insecure population, through a local network of more than 400 nonprofit partner agencies and direct service programs. For more information, visit www.feedingsouthflorida.org or call 954.518.1818.

Media Contact:

Ashley Rodriguez

Fish Consulting

305-298-8022

[email protected]

SOURCE PizzaRev
ATLANTA, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Triad Advisors, Inc., the hybrid advisor-focused independent broker-dealer, today announced that Legacy Wealth Partners ("Legacy") has transitioned to Triad's hybrid advisor broker-dealer platform. Legacy brings approximately $190 million in client assets, as of January 31, 2017.

Based in Woodland Hills, California, Legacy provides holistic financial planning to high-net-worth private clients and families in three basic groups: successful professionals and business owners, retirees and pre-retirees, and people experiencing major life transitions, primarily divorce or the death of a spouse. Legacy serves as the personal financial advocate and chief financial officer of each client, focused on creating and implementing a customized financial plan designed to meet their individual financial goals and requirements, including investment management, tax planning, estate planning and insurance. Serving a predominantly Southern California clientele, Legacy provides primarily fee-based financial advice.

Legacy Wealth Partners was founded in 2007 by Brad Levin, CFP, AIF, CDFA, and David Tracy, CFP, the firm's Chief Operating Officer. The Legacy team is aided by three support professionals, and both Mr. Levin and Mr. Tracy are industry veterans with nearly 40 years of combined advisor experience. In conjunction with his advisory work, Mr. Levin is a frequent public speaker and has been featured in the leading financial media.

Nathan Stibbs, Executive Vice President, Chief Strategy Officer at Triad Advisors, said, "We are delighted to welcome Legacy Wealth Partners to Triad's broker-dealer and hybrid registered investment advisor (RIA) platform. We are pleased to be able to offer Legacy the flexibility and freedom they were seeking, so they may manage their business as they envision and select the tools, resources and investment solutions of their choosing in order to most effectively service their clients' needs. Legacy is a young firm with tremendous growth potential, and Triad is eager to help it fulfill its ambitions and grow into a substantially larger organization."

Mr. Levin, CEO and Founder of Legacy Wealth Partners, stated, "We are excited to join Triad Advisors to facilitate the next phase of our firm's growth and evolution. Affiliation with Triad's flexible platform has enabled us to maintain our own RIA, which allows us to choose the services we prefer in order to enhance our clients' wealth management experience and continue to develop Legacy's distinct culture and identity. At the same time, in Triad we receive the support of a top-quality broker-dealer that is truly dedicated to being our entrepreneurial partner."

Levin continued, "Working with Triad also makes available to us additional resources through Triad's parent, Ladenburg Thalmann, including its extensive research capabilities, exclusive investment syndicates, and access to financing that can help us grow our business and attract additional high caliber advisors to Legacy's team-based wealth management business model. We look forward to working closely with Triad and with Ladenburg Thalmann over the coming years."

About Legacy Wealth Partners

Based in Woodland Hills, CA, Legacy Wealth Partners is an independent financial advisory firm providing comprehensive financial planning and robust portfolio management for high-net-worth individuals as well as institutions. The firm specializes in serving the financial needs of successful professionals and business owners, retirees and pre-retirees, and individuals experiencing major life transitions. For more information, please visit www.legacywp.com.

About Triad Advisors

Headquartered in Atlanta, GA, Triad Advisors, Inc. is a national, independent broker-dealer and multi-custodial SEC-Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) that is an early pioneer and continued leader in the Hybrid RIA marketplace. The company provides a comprehensive platform of products, trading and technology systems, as well as customized wealth management solutions. Recognized as one of the most successful and fastest-growing independent broker-dealers in the industry (including being named the leading broker-dealer for Hybrid RIAs seven years in a row by Investment Advisor magazine), Triad Advisors is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services Inc. (NYSE MKT: LTS). For more information, please visit www.triad-advisors.com.

Media Contact:

Matthew Griffes / Joseph Kuo

Haven Tower Group LLC

424 652 6520, ext. 103 / 424 652 6520, ext 101

[email protected] or [email protected]

SOURCE Triad Advisors, Inc.
WASHINGTON, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- American Federation of Government Employees National President J. David Cox Sr. issued the following statement on the budget blueprint released by the White House:

"This budget shirks our nation's responsibility to care for its citizens and ensure the public's health and safety, help our struggling neighbors secure better jobs and safe housing, and promote democracy around the world.

"The budget proposes to eliminate or reduce funding for hundreds of programs and entire agencies that have a very real impact on the lives of all Americans. This includes programs that help create American jobs in economically distressed communities, clean up vital waterways like the Great Lakes and Chesapeake Bay, help cities and towns prepare for potential terrorist attacks, and spur research into cures for deadly diseases.

"In many cases, the Trump administration is simply sending the bill for these vital programs to cash-strapped state and local governments or even businesses themselves  who in turn would have to pass the costs onto taxpayers to keep these programs running.

"The severity of the budget cuts proposed by President Trump could require mass layoffs of employees at federal departments and agencies, although the budget blueprint released by the White House does not detail how many federal employees could lose their jobs.

"These cuts, if implemented, would have devastating and lasting consequences on the nation. Every American should study the facts, reject the rhetoric, and decide for themselves if they share the bleak vision of America that President Trump is promoting."

The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) is the largest federal employee union, representing 700,000 workers in the federal government and the government of the District of Columbia.

For the latest AFGE news and information, visit the AFGE Media Center. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

SOURCE American Federation of Government Employees

Related Links

http://www.afge.org


MEXICO CITY, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

New Notes Offering

The United Mexican States (" Mexico ") announced today the commencement of a global offering (the " New Notes Offering ") of its global notes to be denominated in U.S. Dollars, due 2027 (the " New Notes "). The New Notes offered may include New Notes that may be issued and sold to certain tendering holders in the Tender Offer (as described below). Barclays Capital Inc., Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC will serve as Joint Lead Underwriters for the New Notes Offering.

The New Notes Offering is being made only by means of a preliminary prospectus supplement and an accompanying base prospectus. Copies of the preliminary prospectus supplement and the related prospectus for the New Notes Offering may be obtained by contacting: Barclays Capital Inc., by calling +1-800-438-3242 (U.S. toll free), Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., by calling +1-866-627-0391 (U.S. toll free), or J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, by calling +1-866-846-2874 (U.S. toll free).

Application will be made to have the New Notes listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange and admitted to trading on the Euro MTF Market of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange.

Tender Offer

Mexico also announced today that it has commenced an offer to purchase for cash (the " Tender Offer ") any and all of its outstanding notes of the series set forth in the table below (collectively, the " Old Notes " and each, a " series " of Old Notes) in an aggregate principal amount of all series of Old Notes that will not result in an aggregate Purchase Price for all such series that exceeds an amount determined by Mexico in its sole discretion (the " Old Notes Maximum Purchase Amount "). Mexico will purchase notes of each series of Old Notes in an aggregate principal amount for such series that will not result in an aggregate Purchase Price for such series that exceeds an amount determined by Mexico in its sole discretion (the " Maximum Purchase Amount "). The Tender Offer is made subject to the terms and conditions contained in the Offer to Purchase, dated March 16, 2017 (the " Offer to Purchase "), including the pricing of the issue of Mexico's New Notes in an amount and on terms and conditions acceptable to Mexico, which is expected to occur today. All capitalized terms used but not defined under the heading "Tender Offer" in this communication have the respective meanings specified in the Offer to Purchase.

The tender period (the " Tender Period ") will commence at open of market on Thursday, March 16, 2017, and, unless extended or earlier terminated by Mexico in its sole discretion, the Tender Period will expire for Non-Preferred Tenders and for 2019N Notes Preferred Tenders at 12:00 noon, New York time, and, for Preferred Tenders in respect of Old Notes other than 2019N Notes, at 4:00 p.m., New York time, on Thursday, March 16, 2017.

Mexico expects to announce the Maximum Purchase Amount, the aggregate Purchase Price of Preferred and Non-Preferred Tenders of each series of the Old Notes that have been accepted and whether any proration has occurred at or around 9:00 a.m. New York City time on Friday, March 17, 2017. The settlement of the Tender Offer is scheduled to occur on Thursday, March 23, 2017 (the " Tender Offer Settlement Date ") and is subject to change without notice.

The purchase prices to be paid for the 2019N Notes that are tendered and accepted pursuant to the Tender Offer will be the fixed price set forth in the table below. The purchase price to be paid for Old Notes other than the 2019N Notes of each series that are tendered and accepted pursuant to the Tender Offer will be determined, in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Offer to Purchase, based on (i) the U.S. Treasury Rate (as defined herein) for such series, which is a yield to maturity based on the price of the Reference U.S. Treasury Security identified for such series in the table below and (ii) the Fixed Spread for such series set forth in the table below. Mexico will announce the price to be paid for each series of Old Notes at or around 4:30 p.m., New York City time, on Thursday, March 16, 2017 or as soon as possible thereafter. Holders of the Old Notes participating in the Tender Offer will also receive any accrued and unpaid interest on their Old Notes up to (but excluding) the Settlement Date.

Table: 2019N Notes

Old Notes Outstanding Principal Amount

as of March 16, 2017(1)

ISIN

CUSIP Fixed Price(3) 5.950% Global Bonds due 2019 (the "2019N Notes") U.S. $1,643,518,000 US91086QAW87 91086QAW8 U.S. $1,080.56

Table: Old Notes (other than the 2019N Notes)













Old Notes Outstanding Principal Amount

as of March 16, 2017(1)

ISIN

CUSIP Reference U.S.

Treasury Security (2) Fixed Spread

(basis points) Hypothetical

Price (3) 8.125% Global Bonds due 2019 U.S. $1,343,671,000 US593048BN00 593048BN0 1.625% due 3/15/2020 0 U.S. $1,176.33 5.125% Global Bonds due 2020 U.S. $1,922,812,000 US91086QAY44 91086QAY4 1.625% due 3/15/2020 +60 U.S. $1,079.56 3.500% Global Bonds due 2021 U.S. $1,000,000,000 US91086QBD97 91086QBD9 1.875% due 2/28/2022 +68 U.S. $1,029.32 3.625% Global Bonds due 2022 U.S. $2,559,254,000 US91086QBA58 91086QBA5 1.875% due 2/28/2022 +119 U.S. $1,019.50 8.000% Global Bonds due 2022 U.S. $611,193,000 US91086QAJ76 91086QAJ7 1.875% due 2/28/2022 +130 U.S. $1,234.29 4.000% Global Bonds due 2023 U.S. $3,877,000,000 US91086QBC15 91086QBC1 1.875% due 2/28/2022 +163 U.S. $1,020.85 3.600% Global Bonds due 2025 U.S. $2,921,000,000 US91087BAA89 91087BAA8 2.250% due 2/15/2027 +128 U.S. $987.97 4.125% Global Bonds due 2026 U.S. $2,796,000,000 US91086QBG29 91086QBG2 2.250% due 2/15/2027 +138 U.S. $1,018.27 11.500% Global Bonds due 2026 U.S. $320,945,000 US593048AX90 593048AX9 2.250% due 2/15/2027 +157 U.S. $1,562.70

(1) The Outstanding Principal Amount for each series gives effect to the expected cancellation on March 16, 2017 of securities of such series repurchased in the open market during 2017. (2) The Dealer Managers will calculate the applicable U.S. Treasury Rate (as defined herein) using the bid-side price of the Reference U.S. Treasury Security on Bloomberg Page PX1 at or around the pricing of the New Notes, as further described below. (3) Per U.S. $1,000 principal amount of Old Notes tendered and accepted for purchase. Holders will also receive accrued and unpaid interest on Old Notes tendered and accepted for purchase. Hypothetical prices are calculated for illustration purposes, using prices for Reference U.S. Treasury Securities at 4:00 p.m. on March 15, 2017.

During the Tender Period, a holder of Old Notes may place orders to tender Old Notes (" Tender Orders ") only through any of the Dealer Managers. If a holder does not have an account with a Dealer Manager, and desires to tender its Old Notes, it may do so through a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company, other financial institution or other custodian, that has an account with a Dealer Manager. Holders will NOT be able to submit tenders through Euroclear Bank S.A./N.V., Clearstream Banking, societe anonyme or the Depository Trust Company (" DTC ") system. Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. as the billing and delivering bank for the Tender Offer (in such capacity, the " Billing and Delivering Bank ") will consolidate all Offers and accept Old Notes for purchase pursuant to the terms and conditions in the Offer to Purchase on behalf of Mexico, subject to proration as described in the Offer to Purchase, at or around 9:00 a.m., New York time, on Friday, March 17, 2017 or as soon as possible thereafter. Failure to deliver Old Notes on time may result, in Mexico's sole discretion, in any of the following: (i) the cancellation of your tender and your becoming liable for any damages resulting from that failure, and/or (ii) the delivery of a buy-in notice for the purchase of such Old Notes, executed in accordance with customary brokerage practices for corporate fixed income securities, and/or (iii) in the case of Preferred Tenders, the cancellation of your tender and in your remaining obligated to purchase your allocation of New Notes in respect of your related Indication of Interest. Mexico may subject each series of Old Notes to different amounts of proration in its sole discretion.

To the extent proration occurs, with respect to any series of Old Notes, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. will accept Old Notes of such series with appropriate adjustments to avoid purchase of Old Notes in principal amounts other than Permitted Tender Amounts. Each holder submitting an Indication of Interest and tendering Old Notes of any series shall be deemed to represent to Mexico, the Dealer Managers and the Billing and Delivering Bank that such holder held, from the time of its submission of its Tender Order through the Expiration Time, at least the amount of Old Notes of each such series as are being tendered.

All Old Notes that are tendered pursuant to Tender Orders and are accepted by Mexico will be purchased by the Billing and Delivering Bank on behalf of Mexico. There is no letter of transmittal for the Tender Offer. Old Notes held through DTC must be delivered for settlement no later than 3:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Tender Offer Settlement Date. If a holder holds Old Notes through Euroclear or Clearstream, the latest process it can use to deliver its Old Notes is the overnight process, one day prior to the Settlement Date; holders may not use the optional daylight process. Holders will not have withdrawal rights with respect to any tenders of Old Notes in the Tender Offer. Old Notes accepted for purchase will be settled on a delivery versus payment basis in accordance with customary brokerage practices for corporate fixed income securities.

Mexico may, but is not required to, issue and sell New Notes to holders who validly tender their Old Notes pursuant to the Tender Offer and place firm orders for New Notes during the Tender Period (as well as investors that are not participating in the Tender Offer). If Mexico determines to issue and sell New Notes to such holders, such issuance and sale is expected to occur on Thursday, March 23, 2017, the scheduled settlement date of the New Notes (the " Offering Settlement Date "). Any New Notes issued to tendering holders in the Tender Offer as described above will be consolidated and form a single series with, and be fully fungible with, the other New Notes of the same series, to be issued and sold pursuant to the offering of New Notes on the Offering Settlement Date.

The Tender Offer is subject to Mexico's right, at its sole discretion and subject to applicable law, to extend, terminate, withdraw, or amend the Tender Offer at any time. Each of the Dealer Managers and Mexico reserves the right, in the sole discretion of each of them, not to accept tenders for any reason.

The Offer to Purchase may be downloaded from the Information Agent's website at www.dfking.com/ums or from any of the Dealer Managers.

The Dealer Managers for the Tender Offer are:

Barclays Capital Inc. Attention: Liability Management Group 745 Seventh Avenue, 5th Floor New York, NY 10019 Collect: +1(212) 528-7581 or +1-800-438-3242 (U.S. toll free) Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. Attention: Liability Management Group 60 Wall Street, 2nd Floor New York, New York 10005 In the United States, call toll free: +1-866-627-0391 Outside the United States, call collect: +1-212-250-2955 J.P. Morgan Securities LLC Attention: Latin America Debt Capital Markets 383 Madison Avenue New York, New York 10179 In the United States: Collect: +1(212) 834-7279 or +1-866-846-2874 (U.S. toll free)

The Billing and Delivering Bank for this Tender Offer is: Deutsche Bank Securities Inc.

Questions regarding the Tender Offer may be directed to the Dealer Managers at the above contact.

* * *

Mexico has filed a registration statement (including the preliminary prospectus supplement and the prospectus) with the SEC for the New Notes Offering. Before you invest, you should read the prospectus in that registration statement and other documents Mexico has filed with the SEC for more complete information about Mexico and such New Notes Offering. You may get these documents for free by visiting EDGAR on the SEC website at http://www.sec.gov. Alternatively, the Joint Lead Underwriters, the Dealer Managers or the Information Agent, as the case may be, will arrange to send you the prospectus supplement and the prospectus if you request it by calling any one of them at the numbers specified above.

Important Notice

The distribution of materials relating to the New Notes Offering and the Tender Offer and the transactions contemplated by the New Notes Offering and the Tender Offer may be restricted by law in certain jurisdictions. Each of the New Notes Offering and the Tender Offer is void in all jurisdictions where it is prohibited. If materials relating to the New Notes Offering or the Tender Offer come into your possession, you are required by Mexico to inform yourself of and to observe all of these restrictions. The materials relating to the New Notes Offering or the Tender Offer, including this communication, do not constitute, and may not be used in connection with, an offer or solicitation in any place where offers or solicitations are not permitted by law. If a jurisdiction requires that the New Notes Offering or the Tender Offer be made by a licensed broker or dealer and a Dealer Manager or any affiliate of a Dealer Manager is a licensed broker or dealer in that jurisdiction, the New Notes Offering or the Tender Offer, as the case may be, shall be deemed to be made by the Dealer Manager or such affiliate on behalf of Mexico in that jurisdiction. Owners who may lawfully participate in the Tender Offer in accordance with the terms thereof are referred to as "holders."

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities nor will there be any sale of these securities in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or other jurisdiction. The offering of these securities will be made only by means of the preliminary prospectus and the accompanying prospectus supplement and prospectus.

Neither the Offer to Purchase nor any brochure material or document related thereto have been, or will be, submitted or notified to, or approved by, the Belgian Financial Services and Markets Authority (Autorite des services et marches financiers/Autoriteit voor Financiele Diensten en Markten). In Belgium, the Tender Offer does not constitute a public offering within the meaning of Articles 3, 1, 1 and 6, 3 of the Belgian Law of April 1, 2007 on takeover bids (loi relative aux offres publiques d'acquisition/wet op de openbare overnamebiedingen, the "Takeover Law"), as amended from time to time. Accordingly, the Tender Offer may not be, and is not being advertised and the Offer to Purchase as well as any brochure, or any other material or document relating thereto may not, have not and will not be distributed, directly or indirectly, to any person located and/or resident within Belgium. Accordingly, the information contained in the Offer to Purchase or in any brochure or any other document or materials relating thereto may not be used for any other purpose, including for any offering in Belgium, except as may otherwise be permitted by law, and shall not be disclosed or distributed to any other person in Belgium.

The New Notes and the New Notes Offering may not be, and are not being advertised, and the New Notes and the New Notes Offering as well as any brochure, or any other material or document relating thereto may not , have not and will not bedistributed , directly or indirectly, to any person located and/or resident within Belgium, other than those who qualify as "Qualified Investors" (investisseurs qualifies/qekwalificeerde beleggers), within the meaning of Article 10, 1 of the Prospectus Law, as amended from time to time. Insofar as Belgium is concerned, the New Notes and the New Notes Offering are made only to "Qualified Investors" acting on their own account.

Securities legislation in certain provinces or territories of Canada may provide a purchaser with remedies for rescission or damages if the prospectus supplement (including any amendment thereto) contains a misrepresentation, provided that the remedies for rescission or damages are exercised by the purchaser within the time limit prescribed by the securities legislation of the purchaser's province or territory. The purchaser should refer to any applicable provisions of the securities legislation of the purchaser's province or territory for particulars of these rights or consult with a legal advisor.

The New Notes and the Old Notes will not be registered under Law 18,045, as amended, of Chile with the SVS and, accordingly, the New Notes and the Old Notes cannot and will not be offered or sold to persons in Chile except in circumstances which have not resulted and will not result in a public offering under Chilean law, and in compliance with Norma de Caracter General (Rule) No. 336, dated June 27, 2012, issued by the Superintendencia de Valores y Seguros de Chile (Superintendency of Securities and Insurance of Chile.

The Old Notes have not been and will not be registered before the Colombian National Registry of Securities and Issuers or with any Colombian Securities Exchange or Treading System. The Tender Offer does not constitute and may not be used for, or in connection with, a public offering as defined under Colombian Law and shall be valid in Colombia only to the extent permitted by Colombian law. The Old Notes may only be tendered inside the Territory of the Republic of Colombia to the extent permitted by Colombian law. The Tender Offer is for the sole and exclusive use of the addressee as a designated individual/investor, and cannot be considered as being addressed to or intended for the use of any third party, including any of such party's shareholders, administrators or employees, or by any other third party resident in Colombia. The information contained in the Offer to Purchase is provided for assistance purposes only and no representation or warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein. Please note that, under Colombian Regulations, any offering addressed to 100 or more named individuals or companies shall be considered as a public offering, requiring prior approval of Colombia's Financial Superintendency and listing on the Colombian Stock Exchange.

No action has been or will be taken in the Federal Republic of Germany that would permit a public offering of the securities, or distribution of a prospectus or any other offer materials and that, in particular, no securities prospectus (Wertpapierprospekt) within the meaning of the German Securities Prospectus Act (Wertpapierprospektgesetz) of June 22, 2005, as amended (the "German Securities Prospectus Act"), has been or will be published within the Federal Republic of Germany.

In Luxembourg, this announcement has been prepared on the basis that the New Notes Offering and the Tender Offer will be made pursuant to an exemption under Article 3 of the Prospectus Directive from the requirement to produce a prospectus for offers of securities.

The New Notes have not been and will not be registered with the National Securities Registry maintained by the Mexican National Banking and Securities Commission ("CNBV") and therefore may not be offered or sold publicly in Mexico. The New Notes may be offered or sold to qualified and institutional investors in Mexico, pursuant to the private placement exemption set forth in Article 8 of the Mexican Securities Market Law. As required under the Mexican Securities Market Law, Mexico will give notice to the CNBV of the offering of the New Notes pursuant to the terms set forth herein. Such notice will be submitted to the CNBV to comply with the Mexican Securities Market Law, and for informational purposes only. The delivery to, and receipt by, the CNBV of such notice does not certify the solvency of Mexico, the investment quality of the New Notes, or that the information contained in this communication or any preliminary prospectus or in the base prospectus is accurate or complete.

The Offer to Purchase has not been approved by the CNBV and may not be publicly made in Mexico and the documentation implementing the Offer to Purchase may not be distributed publicly in Mexico. The Offer to Purchase may be made to qualified or institutional investors, pursuant to the private placement exemption set forth under Article 8 of the Mexican Securities Market Law.

The Tender Offer is not intended for any person who is not qualified as an institutional investor, in accordance with provisions set forth in Resolution SMV No. 021-2013-SMV-01 issued by Superintendencia del Mercado de Valores (Superintendency of Capital Markets) of Peru, and as subsequently amended. No legal, financial, tax or any other kind of advice is hereby being provided.

None of the offer materials related to the New Notes Offering or Tender Offer have been approved or registered in the administrative registries of the Spanish Securities Market Commission (Comision Nacional del Mercado de Valores). Consequently, the securities may not be offered, sold or distributed in Spain except in circumstances which do not constitute a public offer of securities in Spain within the meaning of Article 35 of the restated text of the Securities Markets Act approved by Royal Legislative Decree 4/2015, dated 23 October (Real Decreto Legislativo 4/2015, de 23 de octubre, por el que se aprueba el texto refundido de la Ley del Mercado de Valores), Royal Decree 1310/2005 of 4 November (Real Decreto 1310/2005 de 4 de noviembre), or otherwise in reliance on an exception from registration available thereunder.

Neither the communication of this announcement nor any other offer material relating to the New Notes Offering or Tender Offer has been approved, by an authorized person for the purposes of section 21 of the UK Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. This announcement is only being distributed to and is only directed at (i) persons who are outside the United Kingdom or (ii) to investment professionals falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (as so amended, the "Order") or (iii) high net worth entities, and other persons to whom it may lawfully be communicated, falling within Articles 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order (all such other persons together being referred to as "relevant persons"). Any investment or investment activity to which this announcement relates is available only to relevant persons and will be engaged in only with relevant persons. Any person who is not a relevant person should not act or rely on this announcement or any of its contents.

The New Notes Offering and the Tender Offer qualifies as a private placement pursuant to section 2 of Uruguayan law 18.627. The New Notes and the Old Notes are not and will not be registered with the Central Bank of Uruguay to be publicly offered in Uruguay.

Contact information:

D.F. King & Co., Inc.

48 Wall Street, 22nd Floor

New York, NY 10005

E-mail: [email protected]

Call Collect:: +1-(212)269-5550

Call Toll-Free: (877)283-0317

website: www.dfking.com/ums

ANY DISCLAIMERS OR OTHER NOTICES THAT MAY APPEAR AFTER THIS MESSAGE ARE NOT APPLICABLE TO THIS COMMUNICATION AND SHOULD BE DISREGARDED. SUCH DISCLAIMERS OR OTHER NOTICES WERE AUTOMATICALLY GENERATED AS A RESULT OF THIS COMMUNICATION BEING SENT VIA BLOOMBERG OR ANOTHER EMAIL SYSTEM.

SOURCE United Mexican States

Related Links

http://www.dfking.com/ums


COLUMBIA, Md., March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Universities Space Research Association (USRA), headquartered in Columbia, Maryland, has been awarded a contract to provide NASA with science and mission operations support for its Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) program. The contract covers a 5-year base period followed by six two year options for a total of approximately $514 million. The period of performance begins on May 1, 2017 including a 60-day phase-in.

USRA will continue to bring its recognized expertise in managing successful science and mission operations support for SOFIAthe largest airborne astronomical observatory featuring a far-infrared telescope mounted in the rear fuselage of a highly modified Boeing 747SP aircraft. It will also provide the technical and management guidance of the combined USRA and Deutsches SOFIA Institut (DSI) staff and research equipment to maximize the productivity of the observatory.

"We are honored by NASA's continued confidence in USRA's technical leadership. It's been central to everything we do for almost 50 years," said Dr. Jeffrey Isaacson, USRA President and CEO. "As we support this important program going forward, we will work with NASA and the international scientific community to provide the broadest possible access to the observatory. At the same time, we will continue to implement innovative approaches that increase science productivity and improve efficiency."

SOFIA's mission is to conduct high quality research and deliver cutting edge technology and instrumentation. It offers routine access to the infrared, far infrared, and sub-millimeter parts of the electromagnetic spectrum. Flying above 99 percent of the water vapor in the atmosphere, SOFIA facilitates observations that are unobtainable from telescopes on the ground. And because it can operate from airports around the world, exchange instruments between flights and implement new upgraded capabilities, it affords a unique adaptability.

"USRA is excited to continue its role leading the Science Mission Operations," said Dr. Nicholas White, Senior Vice President, Science at USRA. "SOFIA is now in its full stride delivering results to understand our cosmic origins. This airborne observatory provides not only access to the key far-infrared band to observe planets, stars and galaxies, but unlike most space missions, the instruments can be renewed to ensure the observatory remains at the cutting edge."

PR Contact:

Suraiya Farukhi

Universities Space Research Association

[email protected]

410-740-6224 (O); 443-812-6945 (Cell)

SOURCE Universities Space Research Association

Related Links

http://www.usra.edu


IRVINE, Calif., March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. consumers and businesses were inundated by an estimated 2.2 billion robocalls in February, just as the Federal Communications Commission announced plans to help telecom firms crack down on robocalls at its upcoming Open Meeting on March 23rd.

The robocall total for February equaled 78.9 million robocalls per day, or 914 robocalls for every second of the month across America. That amount equals an 8% daily increase from 73.0 million robocalls received per day in January, or 845 per second. These estimates are based on the YouMail Robocall Index, the nation's first comprehensive guide to compile the scope and location of the worst robocalling hotspots across the country by area code.

"We are encouraged by the FCC's increased focus on helping the industry protect consumers against the ongoing flood of fraudulent robocalls," said YouMail CEO Alex Quilici. "We support the widespread rollout of new technologies and policies that will help eliminate the spread of unlawful robocalls. In the meantime, there are immediate robocall-blocking solutions are available to consumers from companies like ours."

New FCC Chairman Ajit Pai recently signaled his intent to give telecommunications companies more power to block spoofed robocalls when callers disguise their phone numbers as coming from other lines.

"There is no reason why any legitimate caller should be spoofing an unassigned or invalid phone number," Pai wrote in his FCC blog post on March 2nd. "It's just a way for scammers to evade the law."

Inbound Robocalling "Lowlights" from February

With 96.6 million calls received in February, Atlanta topped the YouMail 50 Most Robocalled Cities list for the 15th straight month, reinforcing its notorious distinction as the country's most robocalled metro area. Atlanta area code 404 ranked as the nation's most robocalled area code by far, with 44.5 million calls received. Two other Atlanta area codes also made the list of the 20 Most Robocalled Area Codes, with area code 678 at #4 and area code 770 at #15.

Seattle, Denver and Buffalo experienced the largest monthly increases in robocall volumes. Seattle gained 8% in calls received to rank #23 on the Top 50 Cities list. Denver grew 7% in monthly calls to #37, while Buffalo rose 5% to #46.

In an ongoing trend, nearly half (42%) of all cities on the Top 50 Cities list were based in Southern states. Five of the 20 most robocalled area codes for the month were based in Texas. In fact, Texas received the most robocalls of any state for the ninth consecutive month, with 254.2 million calls received. Ohio jumped up two spots to rank #7 on the list of Most Robocalled States, with 76.7 million calls received.

Outbound Robocalling "Lowlights" from February

Eight U.S. cities increased their outbound robocall outputs by 10% or more in February. Los Angeles surpassed Dallas to reclaim the top spot as the city generating the most monthly robocalls. L.A. placed some 66.2 million robocalls, compared to 57.2 million for Dallas.

Washington, D.C. rocketed up 32% month-on-month to 25.8 million calls placed, while Miami rose 26% to 21.6 million calls placed.

Area code 614 in Columbus, Ohio, held onto its spot as the area code making the most robocalls nationwide with 25.9 million calls placed, followed closely by Washington, D.C. area code 202 (25.8 million) and Atlanta area code 404 (25.5 million).

In another ongoing trend, 16 of the top 20 robocallers by volume in February came from debt collectors. The types of companies seeking payments included credit card firms, banks, retailers, a cable company and even one of the largest telecom firms.

One national credit card company has held the single most active robocalling phone number for 18 straight months, during which time it has placed a whopping 485.1 million outbound calls.

For more information about the YouMail Robocall Index or to view the latest report, please visit: http://robocallindex.com. To join the YouMail Robocall Index mailing list, please write to: [email protected].

About YouMail, Inc.

YouMail, Inc. is the leading provider of intelligent, cloud-based telecommunication services. The company's flagship service provides an automated virtual receptionist that replaces the subscriber's voicemail on iPhone, Android, and Windows phones. This service stops robocalls, provides free conference calls, and delights callers by instantly greeting, routing, and responding to callers, personally and memorably. YouMail also provides data on problematic phone number behavior, through a reverse phone lookup service that allows anyone to identify and comment on suspicious numbers, an application program interface (API) that any telecom service provider or third-party developer can use to determine whether a number is problematic, and the YouMail Robocall Index, which since its launch in in September 2015 has emerged as the nation's definitive source on robocalling data for telecom carriers, smartphone and app companies, and public policymakers. Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., YouMail, Inc. was founded in 2007 and is privately funded.

Contact:

Matt Russell for YouMail

Lumina Communications

[email protected]

646-741-8359

SOURCE YouMail, Inc.
Governor Andrew Cuomo presented Vice President Biden with the HELP HERO Humanitarian Award. The award recognizes Vice President Biden's outstanding service to veterans and their families, and his long record of support for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, including the landmark Violence Against Women's Act of 1994 and creating the first ever White House Advisor on Violence Against Women.

"The American people will forever be indebted to Vice President Joe Biden for his decades of leadership and countless contributions to our nation," Governor Cuomo said. "Vice President Biden embodies the mission of HELP USA to empower the disadvantaged with the housing and support they need to succeed. As we celebrate 30 years of HELP USA's extraordinary work, I am proud to honor both a friend and mentor for his tremendous accomplishments which have improved the lives of so many. I congratulate Vice President Biden on this well-deserved award, and I know working together we will continue to lift up the most vulnerable among us."

"My father instilled in me and my siblings a basic value set: that the greatest sin is the abuse of power, the cardinal sin is a man raising his hand to a woman or a child, and everyone  and he meant everyone  was entitled to be treated with dignity and respect," Vice President Biden said. "We have made tremendous progress in changing the culture around domestic violence and sexual assault since I wrote the Violence Against Women Act in the 1990s, but none of it would have happened without organizations like HELP USA -- local community leaders and workers who figuratively and literally reach out and welcome abused women and their children. HELP USA is simply the best at what they do, and I am so honored and grateful to receive this award from them today."

Watch Governor Cuomo's and Vice President Biden's full remarks here.

HELP USA also recognized four civic leaders for their public service and commitment to their communities: Michael J. Dowling, President and CEO of Northwell Health; Dr. Judith Rodin, former President of The Rockefeller Foundation; Leecia Eve, Verizon's Vice President of State Government Affairs for New York, New Jersey and Connecticut; and Kevin M. O'Connor, President and Chief Executive Officer of Bridgehampton National Bank.

Each year the HELP USA Scholarship Fund, established in 2000, recognizes women and men who have overcome homelessness and domestic violence. Each recipient receives a $5,000 grant to support his or her educational and professional goals.

Domestic Violence is now the leading cause of homelessness in New York City. HELP USA, which was founded by Andrew Cuomo 30 years ago, operates a shelter for domestic violence survivors and runs the only comprehensive support program for domestic violence survivors in East New York, a neighborhood with among the highest prevalence of domestic violence in New York City. Services include case management, housing assistance, trauma-informed childcare, and an afterschool program. HELP USA also provides child counseling at the Brooklyn Family Justice Center, a program run in partnership with the Mayor's Office of Domestic Violence. HELP USA serves approximately 1,000 domestic violence survivors, including children, each year.

HELP USA would like to thank the 2017 HELP USA Scholarship Award Luncheon sponsors: Northwell Health, Verizon, Bridgehampton National Bank, Greater New York Hospital Association, The Phoebe Snow Foundation, Kenneth Cole, Maria Cuomo, Estee Lauder Companies, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Walmart, Tiger Baron Foundation, BNY Mellon, Avis Richards, Henry Schein, TD Bank, 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, Bloomingdale's, Macy's, Brightpoint Health, Gail and Scott Cannold, Citibank, Discovery ID, Hanky Panky, Joan Hornig, New York University, Henry and Peggy Schleiff, and TED Supply.

About HELP USA

HELP USA is one of the nation's largest homeless service providers and low-income housing developers, serving at-risk populations including families, veterans, and victims of domestic violence. HELP USA currently operates over 50 programs and residences across four states. Founded in 1986, HELP USA has served more than 400,000 men, women, and children and provides over 3,500 units of permanent and transitional housing. Learn more at www.helpusa.org.

SOURCE HELP USA

Related Links

http://www.helpusa.org


India is doubling-down on hydropower projects worth $15 billion in the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir despite Pakistani warnings that the new power stations will disrupt water supplies.

Three Indian federal and state officials say the swift approval of long-delayed projects came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi suggested last year that sharing the waterways could be conditional upon Islamabads crackdown on anti-India militants that New Delhi says it shelters.

Islamabad has opposed some of these projects before, saying they violate a World Bank-mediated treaty. The Indus Waters Treaty, ratified in 1960, defines Islamabads claims over the sharing of the Indus River and its tributaries upon which 80 percent of its irrigated agriculture depends.

The projects will take years to complete, but their approval could prove a flashpoint between the nuclear-armed neighbors at a time when relations have reached a low point. The largest, called the Sawalkote plant, is expected to generate 1,856 MW of power.

Pradeep Kumar Pujari, the top-ranking official at Indias Power Ministry, says the schemes could do more than generate electricity. "It is not purely a hydro project, he said. Broaden it to a strategic water management, border management problem, and then you put in money.

Pakistan has repeatedly urged India to hold talks to decide the future of Kashmir. It also denies any involvement in the 28-year armed insurgency in Indian-administered Kashmir.

Nafees Zakaria, spokesman for Pakistan's Foreign Ministry, says he would confer with the Water and Power Ministry on the proposed Indian projects. He called the issue a technical matter.

Zakaria noted, however, that India would be attending a meeting of the Indus Commission later this month in Lahore, even though a broader peace dialogue was on hold.

"It seems that finally India has realized the importance of this mechanism under the IWT (Indus Waters Treaty) for resolving water disputes related to the Indus and its tributaries."

In the past three months alone, six hydro projects in Indian Kashmir have either cleared viability tests or received the more advanced environment and forestry approval, according to officials.

Together, these projects on the Chenab River, an Indus tributary, would triple hydropower generation in Jammu and Kashmir from the current level of 3,000 MW. This would represent the biggest jump in decades, said the officials, who both declined to be named because the approvals had not yet been made public.

"We have developed barely one-sixth of the hydropower capacity potential in the state in the past 50 years," said the senior official at the Water Resources Ministry. "Then one fine morning, you see we cleared six to seven projects in three months; it definitely raises concern in Pakistan."

Because of climate change, Pakistan faces a dwindling water supply, an issue exacerbated by outdated farming techniques and a rapidly expanding population.

According to a 2011 report by the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, New Delhi could use these projects as a means to control Pakistan's supplies from the Indus, viewed in large part as its jugular vein.

"The cumulative effect of these projects could give India the ability to store enough water to limit the supply to Pakistan at crucial moments in the growing season," it said.

India has said the projects are a way to utilize the river's flow and elevation to generate electricity rather than using large reservoirs, and which therefore do not go against the treaty.

But environmental groups, however, have questioned whether the government has adhered to adequate procedures by fast-tracking projects located in a sensitive, seismic area.

At a meeting of government officials last year regarding the Indus treaty, Modi said that "blood and water cannot flow together." His comments came soon after India had blamed Pakistan-based militants for a deadly attack on its troops in Kashmir.

Modi had a twofold message, according to Indian Foreign Ministry spokesman Gopal Baglay, to bring terrorism to an end and to fully embrace the economic potential available to India within the bounds of the treaty.

The projects that have won technical approval in recent months are Sawalkote, Kwar, Pakal Dul, Bursar, and Kirthai I and II.

Most have been held up for at least a decade as they wait for various clearances. Sawalkote, which was cleared by a government-constituted environment committee in January, first received techno-economic approval in 1991.

Some projects were stuck in litigation, like Pakal Dul, which has subsequently been resolved, said Jammu and Kashmir's Power Minister Nirmal Singh. "Things are now in a position for take-off," he said.

But Himanshu Thakkar, coordinator of South Asia Network on Dams, Rivers and People, said some of the projects have been cleared without adequate studies on impact assessment studies or public consultation.

"It's on one river, the Chenab, where you are doing so many projects. This is a very vulnerable region. It's landslide-prone, it's flash flood-prone, earthquake-prone," he said.

Written by Neha Dasgupta and Sanjeev Miglani for Reuters
SAN CARLOS, Calif., March 15, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Bluescape, an innovator in visual collaboration software, and Whitlock, a video collaboration provider, today announced a new strategic partnership to bring their combined expertise and technology solutions to businesses in a variety of industries.

Bluescape's cloud-based virtual workspace provides unparalleled visual collaboration that boosts productivity, innovation, and efficiency, and empowers organizations to create better. This software, when seamlessly integrated with Whitlock's strategy, infrastructure, configuration, deployment, and service capabilities, helps reach more customers faster with an immersive place to visualize ideas and collaborate.

"We created Bluescape to provide teams with one easy-to-use, easy-to-access workspace where ideas are evolved, shared, and never lost," said Scott Poulton, CEO of Bluescape. "With Bluescape, teams can make decisions together and explore ideas in a highly-visual way that feels entirely natural. We know the people at Whitlock share our vision for the future of work and developing a channel partnership will enhance our service excellence and help us stay ahead of the competition."

Whitlock joins an expanding network of leading partners selling Bluescape to leading organizations in manufacturing, financial services, science and technology, and government.

"Our clients deserve and expect the most advanced technologies when it comes to implementing visual collaboration practices, and partnering with Bluescape, a like-minded leader in the future of work, allows us to deliver just that," said Whitlock Vice President John Bailey. "We look forward to providing solutions that bring the benefits of Bluescape to our customers."

About Bluescape

Bluescape helps companies create better. Its visual collaboration software gives teams a virtual workspace to meet, share, and develop ideas. Accessible wherever you are, Bluescape lets you see the whole picture as you ideate, design, and refine concepts. Founded in 2012, Bluescape is a wholly owned subsidiary of Haworth and headquartered in San Carlos, California. Visit bluescape.com.

About Whitlock

Whitlock is a video collaboration company that provides strategy, management, technologies and support to the world's largest and most innovative businesses. We believe face-to-face collaboration creates stronger relationships and makes way for both business and personal success. What we give to a customer is the ability to connect, work together and share ideas with each other and the world, with a reliable video experience every time. Whitlock serves customers across the U.S. and worldwide through the Global Presence Alliance.

SOURCE Bluescape

Related Links

http://www.bluescape.com


NEW YORK, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Vitech, a leading provider of insurance administration software, announced today that it is sponsoring the 2017 Life Insurance Conference, which is jointly hosted by LIMRA, LOMA, SOA and ACLI. The conference will be held April 24-26 in Orlando, Florida, and is themed "Strategic Responses to Change."

"We are excited to again sponsor this premier conference," said Jamie Vitiello, Vitech's Executive Vice President, "We look forward discussing and presenting the ways in which our V3 software empowers leading insurance organizations to effectively adapt to ever shifting market demands."

The 2017 Life Insurance Conference is an annual forum for insurance professionals and industry experts to address the key issues affecting the life insurance industry, and identify strategies to respond to changes in the industry. This conference explores topics including product innovation, distribution, markets, technology, administration and regulation.

About Vitech

Vitech Systems Group, Inc. is a leading provider of administration software to insurance, retirement and investment organizations. Vitech provides its clients with proprietary enterprise software, related implementation services and ongoing support, and offers a cloud-based application hosting option. For more information, please visit http://www.vitechinc.com.

SOURCE Vitech

Related Links

http://www.vitechinc.com


NEW YORK, March 15, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Read the full report: http://www.reportlinker.com/p04463747-summary/view-report.html





Waterproofing Chemicals are a class of fine/specialty chemicals which arrest or inhibit permeability of water or moisture to interior or exterior surfaces of wide range of materials e.g. cement/ concrete walls, fabrics, leather articles, paper, electronic goods etc. It is applied mainly in form of sheet membranes, cementitious coating, liquid coating membranes, sprays and coatings etc. The major product types include bitumen, EPDM, TPO, PVC, PTFE and silicone, while the end use applications include Construction, Infrastructure, Automotive, Textile & Leather and others.



Global Waterproofing Chemicals Market: Scope of the Report



The report estimates and forecasts the waterproofing chemicals market on the global, regional, and country levels. The study provides forecast between 2016 and 2024 based on volume (Kilo Tons) and revenue (US$ Mn) with 2015 as the base year. The report comprises an exhaustive value chain analysis for each of the product, technology and end use segments highlighting the process and the key participants involved. Value chain analysis also offers detailed information about value addition and profit margins earned at each stage. The study includes market dynamics i.e. drivers, restraints, opportunities and trends for the waterproofing chemicals market along with their impact on demand during the forecast period. The study also provides key market indicators affecting the growth of the market. The report analyzes opportunities in the waterproofing chemicals market on the global and regional level. Drivers, restraints, and opportunities mentioned in the report are justified through quantitative and qualitative data. These have been verified through primary and secondary resources. Furthermore, the report includes waterproofing chemicals global average price trend analysis and regional market trend analysis as well.



The report includes Porter's Five Forces Model to determine the degree of competition in the waterproofing chemicals market. The report comprises a qualitative write-up on market attractiveness analysis, wherein end-users and countries have been analyzed based on attractiveness for each region. Growth rate, market size, profit margin, impact strength, technology, competition, end use applications and other factors (such as environmental and legal) have been evaluated in order to derive the general attractiveness of the market. The report comprises price trend analysis for waterproofing chemicals between 2016 and 2024.



Global Waterproofing Chemicals Market: Segmentation



The study provides a comprehensive view of the waterproofing chemicals market by dividing it into product, technology, end-user and geography segments. The waterproofing chemicals market has been segmented into bitumen, TPO, EPDM, PVC, Silicone and PTFE based on product. Application segment have been analyzed based on historic, present, and future trends.



Regional segmentation includes the current and forecast demand for waterproofing chemicals in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa (MEA). Additionally, the report comprises country-level market sizing in terms of volume and revenue under each respective region. Key countries such as the U.S., Germany, the U.K., Spain, GCC, India, China, South Africa, Mexico, Brazil, etc. have been included in the study. Market segmentation includes demand for individual applications in all the regions and countries.



Global Waterproofing Chemicals Market: Competitive Dynamics



The report covers detailed competitive outlook that includes market share and profiles of key players operating in the global market. The companies included in this reports are major global/regional players which are catering to all types of end use markets such as Construction, Automotive, Leather, Textile, Electronics etc. such as Archroma Management LLC in textiles and Liquipel LLC in electronics .



Key players profiled in the report include The Dow Chemical Company, BASF SE, E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, Akzo Nobel NV, Evonik Industries, Wacker Chemie GmbH, W.R. Grace and Company and Other major market players. Prominent regional company profiles have also been mentioned such as Pidilite Industries Limited, MUHU (China) Construction Materials, RPM International Inc. etc. The Company profiles include attributes such as company overview, number of employees, brand overview, key competitors, business overview, business strategies, recent/key developments, acquisitions, and financial overview (wherever applicable). Competitive Analysis as well as SWOT analysis of top companies have been provided in this report.



Global Waterproofing Chemicals Market: Research Methodology



Secondary research sources that were typically referred to include, but were not limited to company websites, financial reports, annual reports, investor presentations, broker reports, and SEC filings. Other sources such as internal and external proprietary databases, statistical databases and market reports, news articles, national government documents, and webcasts specific to companies operating in the market have also been referred for the report.



The primary research sources consists of key officials from the companies mentioned in competition landscape, other mid-small size company representatives, industry experts, volunteers from industrial associations etc. In-depth interviews and discussions with a wide range of key opinion leaders and industry participants were conducted to compile this research report. Primary research represents the bulk of research efforts, supplemented by extensive secondary research. Key players' product literature, annual reports, press releases, and relevant documents were reviewed for competitive analysis and market understanding. This helped in validating and strengthening secondary research findings. Primary research further helped in developing the analysis team's expertise and market understanding.



The global waterproofing chemicals market has been segmented as follows:



Waterproofing chemicals Market  Product Analysis



Bitumen

TPO

EPDM

PVC

PTFE

Silicone



Waterproofing chemicals Market  Technology Analysis



Sheet Membrane

Liquid Coated Membrane

Cementitious Waterproofing

Others



Waterproofing chemicals Market  End Use Analysis



Construction

Infrastructure

Automotive

Textile and Leather

Others



Waterproofing chemicals Market  Regional Analysis



North America

U.S.

Canada

Europe

Germany

France

U.K.

Italy

Spain

Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

China

India

Japan

ASEAN

Rest of Asia Pacific

Middle East & Africa

GCC

Egypt

South Africa

Rest of Middle East & Africa

Latin America

Brazil

Mexico

Rest of Latin America

Read the full report: http://www.reportlinker.com/p04463747-summary/view-report.html



About Reportlinker

ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place.



http://www.reportlinker.com





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SOURCE Reportlinker

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HOLLAND, Mich, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Yanfeng Automotive Interiors, the world's largest supplier of automotive interiors, recognized 24 of its suppliers at the company's Americas Supplier Performance Awards ceremony on Thursday, March 9 at its technical center in Holland, Mich.

"We are honored to recognize our top suppliers in North America for their strong leadership, diligence, engagement, anticipation of requirements, and for displaying excellence during the past year," said Jim Bos, vice president, global procurement for Yanfeng Automotive Interiors. "They serve as outstanding role models for our other suppliers."

The Supplier Performance Awards celebrate the company's top suppliers for their outstanding records in the areas of quality, cost, logistics, development, technology and service.

Supplier of the Year Award recipients are:

MultiTech Industries Carol Stream, Ill. American Autocoat Inc. Hudsonville, Mich.

Distinguished Supplier Award recipients are:

Armada Rubber Manufacturing Co. Armada, Mich. Display Pack, Inc. Grand Rapids, Mich. A&K Finishing, Inc. Grand Rapids, Mich. Acoustek Nonwovens Statesville, N.C. GDC, Inc. Goshen, Ind. Haartz Corp. Acton, Mass. Burnex Corp. Ringwood, Ill. E & E Manufacturing Plymouth, Mich. JD Norman Industries Addison, Ill. Team 1 Plastics, Inc. Albion, Mich.

In addition, Supplier Excellence Awards were given in the following areas:

Quality  Everwill Industrial Ltd.  Shenzen, China

 Everwill Industrial Ltd.  Shenzen, Service  US Farathane Corp.  Auburn Hills, Mich. Grupo Logico/CMAC  Novi, Mich. HFI, LLC  Winchester, Ohio .

 US Farathane Corp.  Technology Innovation  Dai Nippon Printing, Ltd  Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan

 Dai Nippon Printing, Ltd  Shinjuku, Customer Satisfaction  Williamston Products, Inc.  Williamston, Mich. Canadian General Tower, Ltd  Cambridge, Ontario, Canada LG Hausys, Ltd  Seoul, Korea Circle Five Tool  Tecumseh, Ontario TK International  Shenzen, China Elwood Staffing Services  Columbus, In ITB Packaging LLC  Holland, Mich.

Williamston Products, Inc. 

About Yanfeng Automotive Interiors

Yanfeng Automotive Interiors (YFAI) is the global leader in automotive interiors. YFAI is redefining how people relax, work and play in their vehicle interiors today and decades from now. Headquartered in Shanghai, the company has approximately 100 manufacturing plants and technical centers in 18 countries and more than 30,000 employees globally. They design, develop and manufacture interior components for all automakers. Established in 2015, Yanfeng Automotive Interiors is a joint venture between Yanfeng Automotive Trim Systems Co., Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Huayu Automotive Systems Co., Ltd. (HASCO), the component group of SAIC Motor Corporation Limited (SAIC Motor), and Adient, the global leader in automotive seating. For more information, please visit www.YFAI.com.

SOURCE Yanfeng Automotive Interiors

Related Links

http://www.yfai.com


WASHINGTON, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A Maryland woman traveled to the Dominican Republic early in her pregnancy, spending three weeks with family. She felt dizzy and tired and, at first, attributed the lethargy to jet lag. Then, she experienced a rash that lasted about four days. She never saw a bite or slapped a mosquito while in the Dominican Republic but, having heard about the Zika virus, asked to be tested.

Her blood tested positive for Zika.

Youssef A. Kousa, D.O., Ph.D., M.S., a pediatric neurology resident, and Sarah B. Mulkey, M.D., Ph.D., a fetal-neonatal neurologist, are pursuing research projects at Children's National Health System that tackle unanswered questions about how Zika impacts pregnancies.

Why was this pregnant woman infected by Zika while others who live year-round in Zika hot zones remain free of the infectious disease? And why was she among the slim minority of Zika-positive people to show symptoms?

Youssef A. Kousa, D.O., Ph.D., M.S., a pediatric resident in the child neurology track at Children's National Health System, is working on a research study that will examine whether interplays between certain genes make some women more vulnerable to symptomatic Zika infections during pregnancy, leaving some fetuses at higher risk of developing microcephaly.

At sites in Puerto Rico, Colombia and Washington D.C., Dr. Kousa and his research collaborators are actively recruiting study participants and drawing blood from women whose Zika infections were confirmed in the first or second trimester of pregnancy. The blood is stored in test tubes with purple caps, a visual cue that the tube contains an additive that binds DNA, preventing it from being cut up.

When the blood arrives at Children's National, Dr. Kousa will use a centrifuge located in a sample preparation room to spin the samples at high speed for 11 minutes. The sample emerges from the centrifuge in three discrete layers, separated by weight. The rose-colored section that rises to the top is plasma. Plasma contains tell-tale signs of the immune system's past battles with viruses and will be analyzed by Roberta L. DeBiasi, M.D., M.S., Chief of the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at Children's National, and Dr. Kousa's mentor.

A slender line at the middle indicates white blood cells. The dark red layer is heavier red blood cells that sink to the bottom. This bottom half of the test tube, where the DNA resides, is where Dr. Kousa will perform his genetic research.

While certain poverty-stricken regions of Brazil have recorded the highest spikes in rates of microcephaly, more is at play than socioeconomics, he says. "It didn't feel like all of the answers lie in the neighborhood. One woman with a Zika-affected child can live just down the street from a child who is more or less severely affected by Zika."

While Dr. Kousa concentrates on Zika's most devastating side effects, his colleague Sarah B. Mulkey, M.D., Ph.D., is exploring more subtle damage Zika can cause to fetuses exposed in utero. In the cohort of Colombian patients that Dr. Mulkey is researching, just 8 percent had abnormal fetal brain magnetic resonance images (MRIs). At first glance, the uncomplicated MRIs appear to be reassuring news for the vast majority of pregnant women.

In the fetus, the Zika virus makes a beeline to the developing brain where it replicates with ease and can linger after birth. "We need to be cautious about saying the fetal MRI is 'normal' and the infant is going to be 'normal,' " Dr. Mulkey says. "We know with congenital cytomegalovirus that infected infants may not show symptoms at birth yet suffer long-term consequences, such as hearing deficits and vision loss."

At 6 months and 1 year of age, the infants' motor skills will be assessed, such as their ability to roll over in both directions, sit up, draw their feet toward their waist, stand, take steps independently and purposefully move their hands. Videotapes of the infants performing the motor skills will be scored by Dr. Mulkey and her mentor, Adre du Plessis, M.B.Ch.B., Chief of the Division of Fetal and Transitional Medicine at Children's National. The Thrasher Research Fund is funding the project, "Neurologic outcomes of apparently normal newborns from Zika virus-positive pregnancies," as part of its Early Career Award Program.

Drs. Kousa and Mulkey will present preliminary findings during Research and Education Week 2017 at Children's National.

Both projects are extensions of a larger multinational study co-led by Drs. du Plessis and DeBiasi that explores the impact of prolonged Zika viremia in pregnant women, fetuses and infants; the feasibility of using fetal MRI to describe the continuum of neurological impacts in Zika-affected pregnancies; and long-term developmental issues experienced by Zika-affected infants.

SOURCE Children's National Health System

Related Links

http://www.childrensnational.org


NEW YORK, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Z Capital Partners, L.L.C. ("Z Capital"), the private equity management arm of Z Capital Group, L.L.C., a leading global alternative investment manager focused on opportunistic, value-oriented private equity and credit funds, today announced an agreement to acquire Atmosphere Annealing L.L.C. ("AA") and NitroSteel L.L.C. ("NS"), collectively known as Premier Thermal Solutions, L.L.C., ("PTS") from Gerdau S.A. (NYSE: GGB), a leading producer of long steel in the Americas and one of the largest suppliers of special steel in the world. The transaction is expected to close within 30 days. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

With plants in Ohio, Michigan and Indiana, AA provides metal heat treating and related services to various end-markets, including automotive, trucking, oil and gas, agriculture, heavy construction and military. With a plant in Wisconsin, NS provides environmentally friendly, cost-effective, long-lasting and superior-performing ferritic nitrocarburized ("FNC") steel bars that are utilized primarily in fluid power applications in the agricultural, construction, mining, marine, utility and automotive end-markets.

With Z Capital's financial backing, PTS plans to expand its metal heat-treating service offering by adding capabilities organically, through strategic acquisitions and by diversifying into additional end-markets.

"PTS has substantial capacity, a strong management team and capabilities that, with increased focus and investment in sales, marketing and customer service resources, can be leveraged to attain both organic and strategic growth," said James Zenni, Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer of Z Capital Group. "We are excited to welcome PTS to the Z Capital family and look forward to utilizing our expertise to further accelerate the company's growth."

"We are thrilled to work with Z Capital as we continue to enhance and expand our product and service offerings to better serve our customers and increase our market share," said Steve Wyatt, Director of PTS. "Z Capital's financial strength, acumen and operational expertise make them the ideal partner for PTS and we are excited to work with their talented team in the years to come."

About Atmosphere Annealing

AA was started in the late 1970s with its first plant in Lansing, Michigan. Today, AA has four plants in Lansing, Michigan, Canton, Ohio and North Vernon, Indiana. AA has substantial metallurgical expertise and provides metal heat treating (including annealing, normalizing and quenching & tempering) and related services primarily to the automotive, light and heavy truck, agriculture and energy sectors. Parts processed by AA provide durability and dependability required for mechanically strenuous jobs. AA is on the approved vendor list for a vast majority of OEMs, Tier I and II suppliers.

About NitroSteel

NitroSteel is the only domestic provider of nitro-carburized bars and tubes in the 13-24' range. NitroSteel's nitro-carburizing process is a "green" alternative to chrome (i.e., no hazardous by-products) and provides improved wear resistance, better lubrication retention, dent resistance, increased service life and can last up to three times longer. Products are used in machinery and equipment in outdoor settings in the agricultural, energy, industrial, mobile equipment and military end-markets.

About Z Capital Partners

Z Capital Partners, L.L.C. is the private equity management arm of Z Capital Group, L.L.C, a leading global alternative investment manager with approximately $2.3 billion of regulatory assets under management with offices in New York, NY; Lake Forest, IL; and Zurich, Switzerland. Z Capital Group manages opportunistic, value-oriented private equity and credit funds. Its investors include prominent global sovereign wealth funds, endowments, pension funds, insurance companies, foundations, family offices, and other institutions in North America, Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. For more information, please visit www.zcapgroup.net.

About Gerdau

Gerdau is a leading producer of long steel in the Americas and one of the largest suppliers of special steel in the world. In Brazil, it also produces flat steel and iron ore, activities that are expanding its product mix and boosting its competitiveness. It is also the largest recycler in Latin America and around the world it transforms each year millions of tons of scrap into steel, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable development in the regions where it operates. Gerdau's shares are listed on the Sao Paulo, New York and Madrid stock exchanges.

Contact

Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher

Jonathan Keehner / Julie Oakes / Tim Ragones

212-355-4449

SOURCE Z Capital Partners, L.L.C.
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Kathmandu, March 8 : The Madhesi Morcha, an alliance of seven political parties from the Terai region, protesting against the Constitution of Nepal since 2015, has threatened to withdraw its support to the Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda'-led government if its demands are not addressed in the next seven days.

Top leaders of the Morcha on Wednesday called on Prime Minister Prachanda and handed over a memorandum.

During the formation of Prachanda-led government in August last year, the Morcha had extended its support after reaching a three-point agreement that mostly related to the constitutional amendment process to make the statute more inclusive and Madhes-friendly.

The ultimatum came three days after three Madhesi Morcha cadres were killed by the security men during a fierce clash in Saptari district after a mass gathering.

The Morcha and main opposition CPN-UML have been at war since the promulgation of Nepal's new Constitution, as the UML leadership accused the Morcha of being a pawn of foreign powers and has been opposing its demand for constitutional amendments.

In the ultimatum letter handed over to the Prime Minister, the Morcha leadership has demanded withdrawal of local elections proposed for May 14, assurance on the constitutional amendment process, keeping the local government within the provincial jurisdiction, and implementing the three-point agreement reached at the time of formation of the government.

Sadbhawana Party Co-Chairman Laxman Lal Karna said the demands include declaring the cadres killed during Saptari's incident as martyrs, besides payment of compensation to their kin. The Morcha has also demanded formation of a high-level commission to carry out an investigation into the incident.

The Prime Minister's Chief Political Advisor Chakrapani Khanal shared that Prachanda has received the Morcha's demands, and added that the Prime Minister assured the leaders that he would hold discussions with the ruling parties and the opposition before taking steps to address it.

(Anil Giri can be contacted at girianil@gmail.com)
Ramallah, March 12 : The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Sunday that Israel is putting obstacles on the ground, ahead of the upcoming visit to Israel by US Presidential Advisor Jason Greenblatt.

The ministry said in an emailed press statement that "the Israeli government continues to implement its settlement schemes aiming at more Palestinian land grab, unravelling preliminary measures and bulldozing operations to bailiff thousands of new settlement units in occupied Jerusalem".

The ministry denounced the settlement activity "that is aimed at destroying the two state solution", reported Xinhua news agency.

Palestinian sources said that Israeli authorities have approved construction of settlement units in Palestinian towns of East Jerusalem and open new roads connecting settlements to one another, cutting off geographical contiguity of Palestinian territories.

On Saturday, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' spokesperson Nabil Abu Rudeinah said that the resumed communique between the Palestinian leadership and the US administration "represents a clear message that the resolution (of the conflict) lies in the international, Arab and Palestinian legitimacy that are not illusions or projects irrelevant to the unravelling course of events".

World powers, including the US, have condemned the Israeli settlement activity, which is considered one of the main disputes between Palestinians and Israel.
New Delhi, March 12 : A 25-year-old youth was crushed to death and three other persons were injured when a speeding DTC bus rammed into a footpath florist shop here on Sunday, police said.

Police said the incident took place at around 9.50 a.m. when the speeding bus, plying on the Nangloi-Lajpat Nagar route, hit the shop on the footpath at West Avenue road in Nangloi area of west Delhi.

"The injured were taken to a nearby hospital where one was pronounced dead," Deputy Commissioner of Police Vijay Kumar said.

The injured, identified as Mithun, 33, resident of Paschim Puri, Shankar, 30, Rakesh Kumar, 26, and Raja, 25, from Bihar were taken to a nearby hospital where Raja was declared dead, the officer said.

Police were informed of the accident by the bus conductor and driver Sandeep Kumar, 40, was arrested from the spot, he said, adding that there were 25 passengers in the bus when the accident took place.
Shimla, March 14 : No funds have been sanctioned by the Centre to set up an international learning centre in Tabo in Himachal Pradesh, Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh told the assembly on Tuesday.

The state Language, Art and Culture Department has not received any sanction from the government of India, he said in a written reply to a question by Congress member Ravi Thakur on the allocation of Rs 40 crore for the Indian Institute of Bauddh Darshan in Tabo.

Tabo is an ancient seat of Buddhist religion and culture in the picturesque Spiti Valley.

He said the entire project was conceived and funded by the Culture Ministry.

The department has applied to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change for diversion of land under the Forest (Conservation) Act of 1980 for this institute.

"The case is under process. The construction will be started after obtaining this approval and completion of other necessary codal formalities," he added.

The state government had announced in 2014 that the proposed centre would be set up with central funding to help preserve and expand Buddhist studies.

Founded in 996 AD, Tabo, known for a more than 1,000-year-old cave Buddhist monastery, is located at an altitude of 3,050 metres and 375 km from Shimla. It is also called the 'Ajanta of the Himalayas'.

Protected by the Archaeological Survey of India, Tabo is one of the largest monastic complexes in India, with several caves and contemporary structures.

It attracts thousands of scholars and researchers from all over the world. It is the second most visited tourist place in the Buddhist circuit in India after Bodh Gaya, the birthplace of Buddhism where Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment over 2,500 years ago.
New Delhi, March 14 : The Delhi State Election Commission (SEC) on Tuesday rejected Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's demand to hold coming elections to the three municipal corporations in Delhi using ballot papers instead of EVMs.

Kejriwal had asked the commission to conduct the April 22 polls through the old system of ballot papers after allegations by certain political leaders that Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) were tampered with in the just-concluded assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh.

Delhi Congress chief Ajay Maken had also approached the commission with the same demand.

Delhi Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Manoj Tiwari said if Kejriwal and Maken do not trust the EVMs, then "Kejriwal should go for re-poll for Delhi assembly (where the AAP won 67 of the 70 seats) and Maken should ask the Congress leadership to call for re-election in Punjab through ballot papers".

Tiwari said Maken's and Kejriwal's demand for ballot papers "demonstrates their utter frustration and apprehension that they will lose the civic elections".

Announcing the dates for elections to the three municipal corporations -- north, south and east Delhi, State Election Commissioner S.K. Srivastava said polling in all 272 wards will be through EVMs.

He said if polls are to be held through ballot ppapers, certain rules will have to be amended.

Calling the EVMs "completely safe", Srivastava said the poll preparations were made keeping in mind the use of EVMs.

"The dates have been assigned accordingly."

The results will be declared on April 25, the commission said.

Filing of nominations will be held from March 27 to April 3 and withdrawals allowed till April 8.

The Model Code of Conduct has been enforced in the city with immediate effect.

Outlining the BJP's strategy, Tiwari said the party will give an opportunity to the youth and no present councillor -- or their family members -- will get BJP tickets for the civic elections.

After failures in the Punjab and Goa assembly elections, the civic polls are a crucial test for the Aam Aadmi Party's survival.

The party has already declared candidates for 248 of the 272 municipal wards.

AAP Delhi Convenor Dilip Pandey said just as the BJP and the Congress were swept away during the assembly elections in 2015, when the BJP got three seats and the Congress zero, a similar situation will be seen in the municipal polls.

"People want a clean Delhi and they want to get rid of the BJP and the Congress which have turned Delhi into a garbage dump," Pandey said.

Appealing for the use of ballot papers, Pandey said recent events have raised questions on the EVMs' credibility and till these questions are answered, the "use of EVMs is dangerous for the democracy".

After her Bahujan Samaj Party was routed in the Uttar Pradesh assembly polls, party chief Mayawati was the first to allege that Electronic Voting Machines had been "managed" to favour the Bharatiya Janata Party.

She asked the poll panel to order re-polling with ballot papers in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. The Election Commission rejected her allegations.
Kathmandu, March 15 : The agitating Madhesi Morcha, an alliance of seven political parties, on Tuesday night withdrew its support extended to the Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda'-led government on expiry of its seven-day ultimatum, a Morcha leader said on Wednesday.

The deadline of the ultimatum to government ended on Tuesday midnight.

The Madhesi Morcha has now decided to sit in the opposition and said it would be announcing a series of protests.

The Morcha leaders have already written to Parliament Speaker Onsari Gharti, saying they were no more part of the ruling coalition, so they be allowed seats in the opposition row.

"We have withdrawn our support extended to the government, so allot us chairs in the opposition row," Morcha leader Mahendra Raya Yadav said in Parliament on Wednesday.

The Madhesi parties have 39 votes in Parliament, but their withdrawal will not have any immediate bearing on the coalition, as Prachanda still enjoys comfortable majority in the House.

Ahead of the installation of the Prachanda-led government in August 2016, the Morcha had extended support to the government after reaching a three-point agreement, including amendment in the Constitution to make it Madhes friendly and compensation to the victims of the Madhes uprising.

But the government, according to the Morcha leaders, failed to address the demands and understandings reached with Madhesi parties, forcing them to roll back their support.

A formal decision to withdraw support was expected to be taken by the Morcha later in the day.

After Morcha's ultimatum, Prime Minister Prachanda inducted the fourth largest party -- Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) -- into the government to ensure the local polls slated for May 14 pass of without any hitches.

The Madhes-based parties have already announced a boycott of the local polls.

The Morcha felt betrayed by the current establishment after Prachanda proposed to amend the Constitution only after the local polls, citing the shortcoming of required two-third votes, according to the agitators.

Newly-inducted Deputy Prime Minister and RPP Chairman Kamal Thapa said on Tuesday that he joined the government after the Prime Minister assured that there would be no Constitution amendment.

Thapa is against the amendment and holds that if the amendment is put to voting in House, his party would vote against it and withdraw its ministers from the Cabinet.
The Hague, March 15 : Millions of Dutch electors were expected to vote on Wednesday in parliamentary elections overshadowed by a blazing diplomatic row with Turkey, with all eyes on the fate of far-right MP Geert Wilders.

A total of 28 parties, and 1,114 candidates were in the race for the 150 seats in the House of Representatives. Over 9,000 polling stations in the Netherlands opened their doors to the voters.

The Dutch elections could be seen as a barometer of populism for the high-stake forthcoming elections later this year in France and Germany, Efe news reported.

The race is dominated by Prime Minister Mark Rutte's centre-right People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) and Geert Wilders' Party for Freedom (PVV), running on an anti-immigration platform.

Wilders cast his ballot and vowed to take the Netherlands out of the EU if he wins the election.

He said he would try to pull the Netherlands out because it had given too much money to foreign countries, according to the report.

"Whatever the outcome of the election today, the genie will not go back into the bottle and this patriotic revolution, whether today or tomorrow, will take place," he said, adding that it was time to give the Netherlands back to the Dutch.

Wilders, who has campaigned heavily against Islam and immigration, said he intended to keep all of his electoral promises, which include the banning of the Quran and blocking entry to all refugees and migrants from Islamic countries.

Rutte said this vote was important after the results of the American elections and the Brexit referendum, which saw the United Kingdom vote to leave the EU.

"This is a chance for a big democracy like the Netherlands to make a point, to stop this toppling over of the domino stones of the wrong sort of populism," he said.

Rutte has been praised for the way he has dealt with the diplomatic spat with Turkey, after the Netherlands banned Turkish referendum campaigners from holding events on its territory.

The election, considered by many to be an indicator of the current political climate in Europe, is to run until 9 p.m. local time (GMT), with the official results scheduled to be announced on March 21.

Coalition negotiations are expected to follow, as the 28 parties that share the 150 seats in Parliament decide how to organise power.

Wilder's PVV is anticipated to win around 30 seats, which would leave it unable to lead even as part of a coalition, as most major parties have vowed to not cooperate with it.
Jaipur/Allahabad, March 15 : A Sukhoi aircraft and a Chetak helicopter of the Indian Air Force (IAF) crashed in separate incidents on Wednesday in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh respectively.

The Su-30 MKI fighter aircraft was on a routine training sortie and was to land at the Uttarlai Air Force base near Barmer when it crashed at Devaniyon ki Dhan village near Barmer, about 550 km from Jaipur.

Both pilots ejected out of the aircraft safely, however, the fuselage landed on a hut, injuring three persons.

"Three persons sustained minor injuries in the incident, which happened in the afternoon. Parts of the crashed aircraft fell on three 'kuccha' or temporary houses," a police officer told IANS.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhra Raje in a tweet said: "News of Sukhoi-30 MKI aircraft crash in Barmer is extremely unfortunate. Prayers for speedy recovery of injured. Glad the pilots are safe."

The air force has ordered an inquiry into the crash.

Also on Wednesday, a Chetak helicopter crash landed near Allahabad, after taking off from Bamrauli near the city.

The chopper toppled as the pilots tried to land it on an uneven field. Both pilots are safe, and a Court of Inquiry has been ordered.

Last May, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said since April 1, 2014, the twin-engine Sukhois have been forced to land on a single engine on 34 occasions after facing engine problems mid-air.

This is the seventh accident involving a Made in India Sukhoi fighter.

On May 19, 2015 a Su-30 MKI fighter, flying from Tezpur's Salanibari Air Force station on a routine sortie, lost contact with the radar at the air force station at around 12.30 p.m. and crashed. The aircraft had developed a technical snag and the pilot was forced to abandon the aircraft.

On October 14, 2014, a Su-30 MKI on a training mission crashed 20 km off Pune Lohegaon Air Force Station. Wing Commander Sidharth V. Munje and his co-pilot Flying Officer Anup Kumar ejected safely.

In 2013, during the rehearsals for Iron Fist, a fire power demonstration of the Indian Air Force, a Su-30 MKI crashed at the Pokhran range.

On December 13, 2011, a Su-30 MKI crashed after taking off from the Lohegaon Indian Air Force Base near Pune, crashing at Wade-Bholai village, 20 kilometres from Pune. Both pilots ejected safely.

In 2009, two Su-30 MKIs crashed. On November 30, 2009, a Su-30 MKI crashed in Jathegaon, about 40 km from Jaisalmer after a fire warning. Both pilots ejected safely.

In another crash in the same year, a Su-30 MKI crashed on April 30 in the Pokhran region of Rajasthan, at Rajmathai village, around 170 km from Jaisalmer, after departing from Pune for a routine sortie, killing one of its two pilots.
Washington, March 16 : US Department of Justice indicted two Russian FSB spies and two hackers allegedly hired by the Kremlin to steal the personal information of some 500 million Yahoo! users in 2014, media reports said.

This is the first time that the US government has presented charges regarding cyber-attacks against Russian officials.

At a press conference at the Justice Department on Wednesday, acting Assistant Attorney General Mary McCord said that the accused stole Yahoo! data to spy on Russian reporters, employees with the financial services and officials of both the US and Russian governments, Efe news reported.

McCord said that the accused also attacked the Yahoo accounts of personnel working in cyber-security, along with diplomatic and military personnel.

The Yahoo! data also helped the accused access the internet accounts of the victims on other platforms, including Google, because the victims used the same passwords for multiple accounts.

The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) agents accused are Dmitry Dokuchaev and Igor Sushchin, two officials who were tasked with investigating cyber-crimes, McCord said.

The 2 others are Alexsey Belan, one of the hackers most wanted by the FBI, and Karim Baratov, who was arrested on Tuesday in Canada.

The news about the cyber-attacks came after Yahoo! agreed in July 2016 to be bought by the communications giant Verizon, an operating totalling $4.8 billion that was called into doubt because of the attacks.
Mumbai, March 16 : Actress-turned-producer Anushka Sharma says she never faced any nepotism though she comes from a non-film background and that in Bollywood people always encourage talents.

Asked if she was also a victim of nepotism in Bollywood while talking to media on Wednesday evening with the star cast of her forthcoming film "Phillauri", Anushka said: "First of all, every actor has her own journey in Bollywood. Moreover, if you are good at your work, people will show interest to collaborate with you, irrespective of your background."

"I have huge respect for Aditya Chopra who launched me. Ranveer Singh, Parineeti Chopra and all of us were not from the film industry! So being an outsider, I never faced nepotism," the "NH10" actress added.

Earlier this month, National Award winning actress Kangana Ranaut called filmmaker Karan Johar a 'flag-bearer of nepotism', which later turned into a full-blown controversy with the two celebrities making statements against each other.

The actress is all set to release her second film as producer "Phillauri" on March 24 under her home production Clean Slate Films. Besides her the film also stars Diljit Dosanjh, Suraj Sharma and Mehreen Pirzada.
Washington, March 16 : US President Donald Trump slammed rapper Snoop Dogg over the use of a gun against a Trump look-alike in his new music video, media reports said.

In the music video for the song "Lavender", Snoop points a prop gun loaded with confetti at a clown-faced man dressed up to resemble the president, ABC news reported.

"Can you imagine what the outcry would be if SnoopDogg, failing career and all, had aimed and fired the gun at President Obama? Jail time!" Trump tweeted on Wednesday morning.

The full video features a take on the world today with everyone from the police to normal residents wearing clown paint on their faces. It also shows satire re-enactments of police shooting civilians with other prop guns firing confetti, not bullets.

Toward the end of the video, Snoop holds a gun up to the caricature of Trump's head and pulls the trigger, only to have a "bang" flag come out of the pistol.

Florida Senator Marco Rubio voiced his concern, telling TMZ that presidents "have been assassinated before in this country, so anything like that, you have to be very careful about".

Trump's personal attorney Michael Cohen, said on Tuesday that the video is "disgraceful" and that the rapper should apologize to the President, Efe news reported.

"There's absolutely nothing funny about an assassination attempt on a president, and I'm really shocked at him, because I thought he was better than that," Cohen said.

In recent months, Trump several times has created controversy by firing off vindictive Twitter salvoes at key cultural icons, including Meryl Streep, Arnold Schwarzeneggar and the hit musical "Hamilton."
Baghdad, March 16 : Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul-Gheit arrived in the here on an official visit for talks with Iraqi top officials ahead of the 28th Arab Summit, to be held in Amman on March 29.

Aboul-Gheit was received by the Iraqi Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari on Wednesday and the two officials discussed the development in the Arab arena and the agenda of the upcoming Arab summit, as well as the battles against Islamic State (IS) extremist group in Mosul, Xinhua news agency reported.

"Iraq is very keen on its presence at the Arab League in a way that gives a new strength to the league," Jaafari said at a joint news conference after the meeting with the chief.

"Iraq will participate strongly in the next summit," Jaafari added.

Aboul-Gheit said: "The Arab League entirely supports Iraq in its war against Daesh (IS terrorist group) which is about to be totally defeated."

The Arab League chief also met with Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi. The two sides discussed the situation in the Arab world, and the war against terrorism, said a statement by Abadi's office.

Aboul-Gheit also met with Iraqi President Fuad Masoum, who expressed Iraq's "interest in boosting informational cooperation so as to ensure the elimination of terrorist groups and the reasons behind their existence".

Aboul-Gheit's visit to Iraq came as the Arab summit is scheduled to address tough security issues in the Arab region, including the fight against IS group as well as the crises in Syria, Iraq, Libya and Yemen.
Washington, March 16 : A US federal judge has temporarily blocked President Donald Trump's new immigration ban, just hours before it was scheduled to be enforced on Thursday, a media report said.

In the Honolulu federal court, Judge Derrick Watson heard arguments on the state of Hawaii's request that a temporary restraining order be issued for the ban, and he ruled in favour of the motion on Wednesday afternoon.

This will prevent Trump's executive order from going into effect, Efe news reported.

Several states are making efforts to halt the immigration ban, and on Wednesday presentations were made in federal courts in Hawaii, Maryland and Washington state as to why it should not be implemented.

Hawaii said that the order discriminates on the basis of nationality and would make it impossible for state residents to be visited by relatives from the six Muslim-majority countries included in the ban.

The state also argued that the travel ban would hurt the state's big tourism industry, as well as the ability to attract foreign students and recruit foreign workers.

The new immigration ban would suspend for 120 days the US refugee acceptance program and bar for 90 days US entry to citizens from Iran, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Yemen and Libya, taking the stance that they present a terrorism risk.

In contrast to Trump's first executive order signed on January 27 but later blocked in federal court, the new measure would exempt citizens of Iraq and those enjoying permanent US residence.

It also would eliminate the ongoing prohibition on entry for Syrian refugees and the exemption of Syrian Christians from the ban.

The executive order signed by the President also reduces from 110,000 to 50,000 the number of refugees the US would take in during 2017.

Hawaii filed the first lawsuit against the new immigration ban, and attorneys for the island state, the government of which is controlled by the Democrats.

It presented the suit in a Honolulu federal court asking for a temporary suspension of the measure Trump signed on March 6, although it was not scheduled to go into effect until March 16.

"Hawaii is special in that it has always been non-discriminatory in both its history and constitution," Hawaii Attorney General Douglas Chin said.

"Twenty per cent of the people are foreign-born, 100,000 are non-citizens and 20 per cent of the labour force is foreign-born."
Washington, March 16 : A US federal judge has temporarily blocked the new travel ban raising sharp criticism from President Donald Trump. Trump has blasted the ruling blocking his order as a "judicial overreach", a media report said.

Trump on Wednesday said he will go to the Supreme Court to overturn the ruling by Honolulu federal court's Judge Derrick Watson, Efe news reported.

"We're going to fight this terrible ruling. We're going to take this as far as we need to, right up to the Supreme Court," Trump said at a rally in Nashville, Tennessee.

The court order came hours before the new travel ban was scheduled to be enforced on Thursday.

Hawaii, Maryland and Washington states have raised their opposition to the new executive order signed by Trump on March 6.

Hawaii said that the order discriminates on the basis of nationality and would make it impossible for state residents to be visited by relatives from the six Muslim-majority countries included in the ban.

The state also argued that the travel ban would hurt the state's big tourism industry, as well as the ability to attract foreign students and recruit foreign workers.

The new immigration ban would suspend for 120 days the US refugee acceptance program and bar for 90 days US entry to citizens from Iran, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Yemen and Libya, taking the stance that they present a terrorism risk.

In contrast to Trump's first executive order signed on January 27 but later blocked in federal court, the new measure would exempt citizens of Iraq and those enjoying permanent US residence.

It also would eliminate the ongoing prohibition on entry for Syrian refugees and the exemption of Syrian Christians from the ban.

The executive order signed by the President also reduces from 110,000 to 50,000 the number of refugees the US would take in during 2017.

Hawaii filed the first lawsuit against the new immigration ban, and attorneys for the island state, the government of which is controlled by the Democrats.

It presented the suit in a Honolulu federal court asking for a temporary suspension of the measure Trump signed on March 6, although it was not scheduled to go into effect until March 16.

"Hawaii is special in that it has always been non-discriminatory in both its history and constitution," Hawaii Attorney General Douglas Chin said.

"Twenty per cent of the people are foreign-born, 100,000 are non-citizens and 20 per cent of the labour force is foreign-born."
Mumbai, March 16 : When Rahul Bose set out to direct "Poorna" -- a biopic about a teenager who became the youngest girl in the world to scale Mount Everest -- he knew he wanted to shoot mostly at real locations. But shooting on the highest mountain is a wish that couldn't be fulfilled.

Rahul, who has acted in and even directed the film, shot a few scenes at the house where the real life Poorna Malavath -- a tribal girl from Telangana -- used to stay.

Talking about it, he said in a statement: "When we started filming 'Poorna', I was certain we should shoot at as many actual locations as we can.

"So, we shot at Poorna's village, Pakala, her actual hut, the actual location (Bhongir) she learnt rock climbing on, and at HMI, Darjeeling where she learnt mountaineering.

"We would have shot on Everest if we could have, but I doubt my crew from Bombay would have survived."

Produced by Rahul Bose Productions, Raay Media Pvt Ltd and co-produced by Amit Patni, the film will release on March 31.
Washington, March 16 : US President Donald Trump has said he will go to the Supreme Court to overturn a ruling by a federal judge that blocks his new immigration ban order, a media report said.

"We're going to fight this terrible ruling. We're going to take this as far as we need to, right up to the Supreme Court. We're going to win and we're going to keep our citizens safe," Trump said at a rally in Nashville, Tennessee on Wednesday.

Trump lashed out at the ruling by US District Judge Derrick Watson, based in Honolulu, Hawaii, who on Wednesday blocked Trump's revised travel ban, which bars the entry into the US of immigrants from six Muslim-majority countries and all refugees.

The President labelled Watson's ruling "an unprecedented judicial overreach" and reiterated that the constitution gives him powers to suspend immigration for national security, Efe news reported.

Trump warned that he would take this legal battle to the Supreme Court.

"I think we ought to go back to the first one and go all the way (to the Supreme Court), which is what I wanted to do in the first place," Trump said, referring to his first immigration ban order that was blocked in early February and which was followed by his brief but unsuccessful legal battle.

On March 6, Trump presented a "watered-down" version of his immigration order, which introduced changes like cutting Iraq from the list of banned countries.

The new ban suspended the refugee program for 120 days and banned citizens from Iran, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Yemen and Libya from entering the country for 90 days.

The second order also amended a provision on Syrian refugees, who will be banned from entering the country for 120 days and not indefinitely, as the original order had established.
Manila, March 16 : Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte will pay an official visit to Myanmar and Thailand next week, a government spokesman announced on Thursday.

Foreign Assistant Secretary Charles Jose said that President will visit Myanmar on March 19 to 20, and Thailand on March 20 to 22, Xinhua news agency reported.

"These visits are part of (Duterte's) introductory visits to countries in Southeast Asia," Jose said, adding that the two countries are the only remaining countries that Duterte has not visited in the region since he took office last June.

In Myanmar, Duterte will hold talks with his counterpart U Htin Kyaw and other high level government officials, including State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.

The Philippines and Myanmar established diplomatic ties in 1956. Myanmar is home to about 1,800 Filipinos working mainly in foreign firms and international organisations.

In Thailand, Duterte is scheduled to discuss issues of mutual concern with Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, including political, economic, agriculture, energy, education, and defence cooperation.

Jose said that Duterte is also expected to meet some 16,000 Filipinos living and working in Thailand.

Duterte had previously travelled to Bangkok in November last year to pay his last respects to the late Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
Chennai, March 16 : Negotiations are continuing to conclude the free trade agreement (FTA) between India and the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU), said Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister of Commerce and Industry (Independent Charge) here on Thursday.

She also said as per the quick estimates, Indian exports in February 2017 stood at $24.5 billion up from $20.8 billion during the corresponding period of 2016.

Addressing the media after the inauguration of the sixth edition of the International Engineering Sourcing Show (IESS), she said: "Negotiations are on to finalise the FTA between India and EEU."

She said the time frame for the signing of the agreement cannot be predicted. The EEU includes Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia and Kyrgyzstan.

Sitharaman said she had discussions with Denis Manturov, Minister of Trade and Industry, Russian Federation, on the need to finalise the revised bilateral investment treaty.

She said an Indian delegation will visit Moscow in April to discuss the subject.

Sitharaman said discussions were held on early operationalisation of the International North South Transport Corridor (INSTC) that would cut the time and cost for transportation of goods between India and Russia.

Queried about Russia's interest in the Indian civil aviation industry, Manturov said Russia will not only supply the Sukhoi Super Jet to India but also consider manufacturing the components for the aircraft in India.

Citing the aerospace cluster in Maharashtra, Manturov added that discussions will be held with the component makers there.

According to him Russia is looking for Indian cooperation and would discuss with Mahindra Aerospace their participation in the project.

He said Russia is ready to sign the deal for export of 16 helicopters and for manufacture of 114 units of the helicopter in India under a joint venture.

According to Manturov, India could be a market for Russia's new passenger jet Il-114 as well as a manufacturing base.

The ministers of both the countries said many of the MoUs are turning into actual projects.

Sitharaman said Russian Railways will study the possibility of speeding up the trains between Nagpur and Secunderabad.

She also invited Russia to be the 'Partner Country' for the India International Jewellery Show 2017 to be held in July 2017 in Mumbai and Advantage Healthcare India scheduled to be held in October 2017 in Delhi or Mumbai.

Sitharaman said India's engineering exports are likely to reach $60 billion this fiscal on the back of revival of demand in the US and for select products like iron.

During April-January of this fiscal, engineering exports have touched a figure of $50.87 billion, exceeding the total shipments of $49 billion in the entire financial year of 2015-16.
Washington, March 16 : Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel has announced that five Chicago-based universities will launch the Global Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) Program.

The universities -- Columbia College, DePaul University, the Illinois Institute of Technology, Loyola University and Northwestern University -- will work with the city of Chicago and sponsor between 10 to 20 visas for start-up founders in the first year of the programme, American Bazaar online reported on Thursday.

"We want entrepreneurs to see Chicago as a place where their ideas dreams their companies can happen," Mayor Emanuel said in a press conference on Wednesday. "I believe this initiative ... is saying yes to entrepreneurship, yes to diversity and most importantly, yes to the future of the city of Chicago."

The universities will sponsor entrepreneurs based on their company's growth. Early stage entrepreneurs will be employed part-time for the university and work separately on their companies, said the report.

The established start-ups will get a chance to make a home base at their sponsor university and mentor its students.

These application would likely be exempt from an annual cap on H-1B visas, which restricts spots to 65,000, with another 20,000 reserved for those with Master's degrees or higher.

The universities will independently run the admissions and reviews, although the requirements and decisions would be unique.

Indian-American Shradha Agarwal, the co-founder of Chicago-based health information provider Outcome Health, also shared her experience as an aspiring immigrant entrepreneur during the news conference.

"The first year, I didn't get the visa ... Fortunately, the second time around, I did hit the lottery ... but it shouldn't be that way. It shouldn't be held to such uncertainty," Agarwal said.

Massachusetts also launched a similar programme in 2014, first at University of Massachusetts' Boston and Lowell campuses, and more recently at Babson College.
New Delhi, March 16 : Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday assured Nepal's Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Bimalendra Nidhi that a "fair and impartial enquiry" will conducted into the alleged killing of a Nepali national at the Indo-Nepal border in a firing by security forces.

The minister also expressed grief at the death of the Nepali national who was allegedly killed in Lakhimpur Kheri district of Uttar Pradesh in firing by the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) along the border on March 9 in an incident that triggered protests in Nepal.

According to reports, the SSB personnel allegedly opened fire following a dispute over construction of a culvert on Sano Khola river along the border in Uttar Pradesh. The Indian embassy in Kathmandu has denied any firing by SSB personnel deployed on the Indian side of the border.

"India will carry out a fair and impartial enquiry into the incident (killing of Nepali national) and associate the Nepali counterparts in the effort to arrive at the truth," Rajnath Singh said.

The Home Minister also said: "Wherever strip maps have been finalised, the same should be signed by the concerned authorities at the earliest."

Mentioning India's healthy relations with Nepal, the minister further mentioned that the two countries enjoyed friendly and family-like relations with each other in all areas including security and border cooperation.

"Any incident taking place, even unknowingly, should be settled through joint inspection and investigation by the representatives of the two sides," Rajnath added.

He also asked for regular meetings between the Director General of SSB and the Nepali counterpart agency Armed Police Force.

Union Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi and Nepal's Ambassador in India Deep Kumar Upadhyaya, along with senior Home Ministry and External Affairs Ministry officials, were present during the meeting.

The SSB has initiated an enquiry into the matter and the government of Nepal has been requested through diplomatic channels to share post-mortem and forensic reports to facilitate the process, an External Affairs Ministry official had informed earlier.
New Delhi, March 16 : Communist Party of India-Marxist General Secretary Sitaram Yechury on Thursday said an alternate narrative should evolve in the country to counter the narrative being propagated by the Hindutva forces.

He called on all the secular parties to evolve this narrative and take it to the public.

"An alternative has to be evolved to counter the RSS-BJP narrative. All secular parties must come together to evolve this narrative. Such as the Mahagathbandhan (grand alliance) in Bihar had a narrative, or the Third Front in 1996 had a narrative," Yechury told media persons at a press conference here.

He said that during demonetisation while the Narendra Modi government successfully propagated its narrative of "temporary pain, long-term gain", the opposition parties failed to counter that in public.

"As many as 16 opposition parties came together in those days, perhaps for the first time. There were more than 300 MPs together. But when we called for a bandh (shutdown), only one or two parties supported us. They failed to take it to the public," Yechury said.

Yechury ruled out the possibility of the Congress leading that narrative, as he said it had its own baggage of scams etc.

He said that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is merely a political wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) that was slowly working "to change the secular socialist democratic republic of India into their version of Hindu Rashtra (Hindu nation)".

"They need two-thirds majority to amend the Constitution or to discard it at all. They are working towards it and that's a looming threat all secular parties must realise," he said.
Amaravati, March 16 : Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday thanked the central government for approving special assistance for the state.

Making a statement in the state assembly, he thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for approving the special assistance in funding externally aided projects and the irrigation component of the Polavaram project.

The Chief Minister also thanked central ministers M. Venkaiah Naidu, Arun Jaitley and Uma Bharati.

Naidu told the house that the Modi government had accepted the state government's demand to give legal sanctity to special assistance measures.

The union cabinet on Wednesday approved the special assistance announced last year in lieu of the promised special category status.

Naidu, whose Telugu Desam Party (TDP) is an ally of the Modi government, alleged that the opposition tried to provoke people in the name of special category status.

He said Finance Minister Arun Jaitely, while announcing the special assistance, had made it clear that the state would get the same benefits which it would have got with the special status.

Naidu said the Polavaram project would be the last of the biggest irrigation projects in the state and would make Andhra Pradesh green and prosperous.
Guwahati, March 16 : Police teams have been sent to West Bengal, Mumbai and Delhi to search for a person wanted in connection with an attack on an AASU office in eastern Assam's Dhemaji district, Director General of Police Mukesh Sahay said on Thursday.

Nikhil Bharat Bengali Udbastu Samannay Samiti leader Subodh Biswas, against whom police issued a wanted notice, is accused of inciting the mob on March 6 to attack and vandalise the All Assam Students' Union (AASU) office at Silapathar town.

"Our teams are working hard to trace Biswas, who escaped the state by crossing the Brahmaputra river by a boat. We have arrested some persons," Sahay said.

Tension continued in the district after the crime, forcing district administration to impose night curfew in the town for the next few days.

The Assam government has ordered a probe to be headed by Additional Chief Secretary V.B. Pyarelal and and asked him to submit his report within a month. Assam Police have set up a Special Investigation Team.

Protests have rocked the state as AASU and other student and civil society organisations are demanding a ban on the NBBUSS.
Shillong, March 16 : Anti-mining groups in Meghalaya on Thursday told Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL) officials that they would not allow the company to mine uranium in the state.

A team of UCIL officials led by their Chairman and Managing Director, C.K. Asnani held a closed-door meeting with five anti-mining groups seeking their views and opinions on Kylleng Pyndengsohiong Mawthabah (KPM) uranium mining project that has been stalled for over two decades.

"We informed the UCIL officials to scrap the proposal to mine uranium in Meghalaya and we will not allow anyone to mine this radioactive mineral in Meghalaya," the North East Students' Organisation (NESO) Chairman Samuel Jyrwa said.

"During the meeting, the UCIL officials made all attempt to convince us by promising that they would adhere to all the safety standards while mining uranium in the state," Jyrwa told journalists.

UCIL has proposed to set up an open-cast uranium mining and processing plant at Mawthabah. Meghalaya has an estimated 9.22 million tonnes of uranium ore deposits.

Meghalaya is the third uranium-rich state in the country after Jharkhand and Andhra Pradesh.

UCIL had pegged Kylleng Pyndengsohiong Mawthabah project in Meghalaya for Rs 1,100 crore. The ores are spread over a mountainous terrain in deposits varying from eight to 47 metres from the surface in and around Domiasiat, 135 km west from here.

The powerful Khasi Students' Union (KSU), which had launched several agitation forcing the government to stall the project, said the officials of the government-owned company was misleading the people in the proposed mining site to allow the project to start.

"The KSU wants to send a clear message to the Indian government and UCIL that we have been opposing uranium mining for 25 years now and will continue to do so till our last breath," KSU President Lambokstarwell Marngar said.

Meghalaya People's Human Rights Council Secretary General D.D.G. Dympep, said that the Council will continue to oppose uranium mining.

"Once uranium mining is allowed in the state, the radiation omitted from the excavated site will bring about a slow death to the people of the state. This will ultimately become genocide for our own people," he said.

B.S. Lyngdoh of the Langrin Youth Welfare Association termed the meeting as "another desperate attempt" of UCIL to forcefully convince the people of Meghalaya to allow uranium mining.

"The people in the proposed uranium mining areas have experienced the impact of exploratory drilling by the Department of Atomic Energy.

"Therefore, we will not allow UCIL to start their project as everybody knows that uranium mining will only bring death and destruction not only to the animals and aquatic lives but to the people of the state and the region as a whole," Lyngdoh said.

In fact, the Congress-led Meghalaya government had annulled the decision taken during the previous D.D. Lapang regime to lease 422 hectares of land to UCIL for pre-mining activities in South West Khasi Hill district.

The decision to annul the leasing of land to UCIL was adopted after the government-owned mining company floated the expression of interest (EOI) for a mine and processing plant of uranium ore in South West Khasi Hills without the consent of the state government.

The state accounts for 16 per cent of India's uranium reserves, with deposits estimated to be around 9,500 tonnes and 4,000 tonnes respectively at Domiasiat and Wakhaji, both in South West Khasi Hills district.

The proposed open-cast uranium mining in Meghalaya's South West Khasi Hills district has been hanging fire since 1992 after several groups expressed fears of radiation impact on human health and environmental degradation.
New Delhi, March 16 : India on Thursday said peace and stability in Nepal is in its interest and the leaders of Nepal should solve the constitutional issues through dialogue, an official said.

"Peace and stability in Nepal is of paramount interest to us. To the question on political developments in Nepal, it has been our consistent view that the political leaders in Nepal should address the constitutional issues through dialogue and consultations with participation of every section of its society," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Gopal Baglay said during the weekly media briefing.

"India will continue to support efforts for peace, progress and stability in Nepal," he added.

The Madhesi Morcha, an alliance of seven political parties, with 39 votes in Parliament, on Tuesday night withdrew its support extended to the Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda'-led government on expiry of its seven-day ultimatum.

Ahead of the installation of the Prachanda-led government in August 2016, the Morcha agreed to support the government on conditions including amendment in the Constitution to make it Madhes-friendly and compensation to the victims of the Madhes uprising.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs of Nepal, Bimalendra Nidhi, who is on a visit to India to participate in the 3rd edition of the Counter Terrorism Conference (CTC), met External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Thursday and held discussion on bilateral matters of mutual interest, including high-level exchanges between the two countries, said a release from the Ministry of External Affairs.

During the meeting, Swaraj expressed condolences on the death of a Nepali national on the India-Nepal border. "She conveyed that the inquiry into the incident will be expedited by the Indian side," the release added.

Govinda Gautam, 20, of Punarbas Municipality-8 in Kanchanpur district of Nepal, died last Thursday after he was injured when an SSB Inspector from Sampurnanagar station allegedly opened fire.
New Delhi, March 16 : The government on Thursday said that the National Health Policy, 2017, proposes free drugs, free diagnostics and free emergency care services in all public hospitals as part of financial protection at secondary and tertiary care levels.

The new health policy was approved by the Union Cabinet on Wednesday.

The policy aims at achieving the highest level of good health and well-being through a preventive and promotive healthcare orientation in all developmental policies. It also targets universal access to good quality healthcare services at affordable costs.

"This policy looks at problems and solutions holistically with private sector as strategic partner. It seeks to promote quality of care, focus is on emerging diseases and investment in promotive and preventive healthcare," said Health Minister J.P. Nadda in the Lok Sabha on Thursday.

According to the Health Minister, the policy proposes raising public health expenditure to 2.5 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product in a time-bound manner.

Stating that the policy is patient-centric and quality-driven, Nadda said: "The policy envisages strategic purchase of secondary and tertiary care services as a short-term measure to supplement and fill critical gaps in the health system," said Nadda.

"It envisages private sector collaboration for strategic purchasing, capacity building, skill development programmes, awareness generation, developing sustainable networks for community to strengthen mental health services, and disaster management. The policy also advocates financial and non-incentives for encouraging the private sector participation," he said.

The policy recommends prioritising the role of the government in shaping health systems in all its dimensions.

The proposed health policy was placed in public domain on December 30, 2014 for suggestions. Thereafter, following detailed consultations with the stakeholders and state governments, based on the suggestions received, the Draft National Health Policy was further fine-tuned.

It received the endorsement of the Central Council for Health & Family Welfare, the apex policy making body, in its Twelfth Conference held on February 27, 2016.

The last health policy was formulated in 2002. The socio economic and epidemiological changes since then necessitated the formulation of a New National Health Policy to address the current and emerging challenges.

The policy denotes important changes from very selective to comprehensive primary healthcare package which includes geriatric healthcare, palliative care and rehabilitative care services.

The policy advocates allocating major proportion (upto two-thirds or more) of resources to primary care followed by secondary and tertiary care.

The broad principles of the policy are centred on Professionalism, Integrity and Ethics, Equity, Affordability, Universality, Patient Centred and Quality of Care, Accountability and pluralism.

Under the policy, there is a commitment to pre-emptive care to achieve optimum levels of child and adolescent health. The policy envisages school health programmes as a major focus area as also health and hygiene being made a part of the school curriculum.

The policy advocates extensive deployment of digital tools for improving the efficiency and outcome of the healthcare system and proposes establishment of National Digital Health Authority (NDHA) to regulate, develop and deploy digital health across the continuum of care.
Hyderabad, March 16 : The Hyderabad police have arrested a man who purchased a car by fraudulently obtaining international credit card of a US-based NRI, police said on Thursday.

They said the accused duped the NRI to the tune of Rs 9.04 lakh by purchasing Pulse car at Renault showroom and gold jewellery at Joyalukkas here by using the Chase Bank credit card.

Police arrested K. Nageswara Rao and seized the brand new Renault Pulse car worth Rs 7.90 lakh, 14 debit /credit cards, card swipe machine and ID proofs of various persons from his possession.

Cyber crime police of Central Crime Station (CCS) are on the lookout for another accused S. Anantha Bhasker.

Bhasker brought the international Chase Bank credit card which was in the name of one Sampamgiri Chakrapani and told his friend Nageswara Rao to swipe it for 50 per cent commission.

They purchased the car from Renault showroom in Begumpet in the first week of this month. They later went to Joyalukkas Jewellers, Panjagutta, and swiped the same card for purchasing two gold chains weighing about 42 gm for an amount of Rs 1.38 lakh.

While Nageswara Rao kept the car, Bhasker took the gold.

Police launched an investigation following a complaint from the HDFC Bank, which in turn had received it from Chase Bank, US, through Visa, stating that one of their credit card customers raised a dispute for an amount of Rs 9.04 lakh.

The complainant stated that the card was misused at Joyalukkas and Renault showroom in Hyderabad.

Nageswara Rao is a native of Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh while Anand hails from Nellore district of the same state.
Aizawl, March 16 : Mizoram Finance Minister Lalsawta on Thursday presented a Rs 8,803.10-crore tax-free surplus budget for the financial year 2017-18.

The minister tabling the budget said that the surplus of Rs 331.07 crore was possible with the revenue surplus of Rs 1,787.10 crore.

Lalsawta said: "Rs 750 crore were allocated for implementation of the New Economic Development Policy (NEDP) to boost the state's agriculture-based economy."

Mizoram Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla launched the NEDP in October last year to develop private-public partnerships for adding value to various agricultural, horticultural and other produce.

The Finance Minister said that Rs 239.50 crore were allocated for maintenance of roads while Rs 657.64 crore for construction of new highways to improve the connectivity between the rural, remote and urban areas of the bordering state.

"In the coming year's (2017-18) Budget, Rs 366.77 crore was also allotted as a matching share under the Externally Aided Projects (EAP) for development of roads and other infrastructure. The World Bank and the Asian Development Bank have also given funds to Mizoram for development of the state's highways and various other infrastructures," the minister said.

The Finance Minister told the house that the state government is optimistic that after the implementation of the GST (Goods and Services Tax) from July the state's revenue would be increased with rational amount.

"I did not make any proposals in the Budget increasing the rates of taxes or also did not impose any new tax as the GST would supersede the whole tax regime," he added.

The fortnight-long Budget Session of the 40-member Mizoram assembly began on Tuesday with the customary speech of the state Governor Lt. Gen. Nirbhay Sharma (Retd).
New Delhi, March 16 : Following a brawl over parking, a 39-year-old businessman was crushed under the wheels of a car by two unidentified persons in west Delhi, police said on Thursday.

Police said the incident occurred on Wednesday evening at around 5.30 p.m when the deceased, Tarun Gupta, got into a verbal duel with two persons as they parked their car in front of his restaurant in Rohini Sector 22.

"One of the accused persons went to purchase some articles from a nearby shop, while another one was seated inside the car. When Tarun Gupta asked one of them to park the car at the next shop, where they were doing the shopping, they instead started a heated argument," a senior police officer said.

As some local shopkeepers started gathering at the spot, both the accused tried to flee. In the process, they first hit a bike from their car and then crushed Gupta under its wheels when he tried to stop the car, the officer added.

Gupta, a resident of Karala village of Rohini Sector 22 was rushed to a nearby private hospital where he was declared brought dead.

"We are examining the CCTV footage of the nearby shops to ascertain the identity of the accused persons who managed to flee the spot," the police officer added.

Gupta was running his restaurant on the ground floor of his residence.
Santa Cruz De Tenerife (Spain), March 17 : Over 200 persons were evacuated on Thursday from Mount Teide in the Canary Islands, where they spent the night after the peak's cable-car broke down, media reports said.

Another 70 were rescued throughout Wednesday afternoon after the only cable-car on the 3,718-meter (12,000-foot) volcano, the highest peak in Spain, had an electrical failure that left two cabins stuck in midair, each with 35 passengers on board.

Alongside the 70 people trapped in the cable car were 200 people, primarily tourists, who were already near or on the summit, Efe news reported.

Many on the mountain spent the night camping with some 50 emergency workers, who brought supplies, and some were able to hike down on their own throughout Wednesday and Thursday.

Others were not physically capable of walking down themselves and had to wait for helicopters to arrive.

The people stuck in the cable-car midair were helped down on Wednesday thanks to an elaborate rope system created by fire-fighters.

The company that made the cable-car said they thought a security lock had activated itself, though they were not aware of the cause.
Before having an Au Pair the Host Moms who wrote the winning nominations for this years Au Pair in Excellence Award said they were exhausted, frustrated and overwhelmed with their nannies. After getting Au Pairs these moms used terms like reliable, flexible and thankful.

This year almost 40 Host Families with Go Au Pair put in writing how they felt about their Au Pairs, and the responses were phenomenal.

Carrie Kislin of New Jersey is one of the Host Moms whose Au Pair was nominated runner up in the contest. She had five nannies in four years and the stress of keeping up with the nannies was incredibly difficult. Our Au Pair Veronica does so much more than a nanny. Carrie is a doctor and cant pick up the slack if a nanny doesnt show up. While our nannies had a schedule and a very specific arrival time in the morning, they were often late. It is also so hard to get in touch with me. Im not going to answer the phone when I am with a patient and if the nanny doesnt show up after school it is stressful. Just having the Au Pair in the home eases a lot of stress.

Another runner up was given to Stephanie Ortbals-Tibbss nomination from Virginia. She also made the switch after having trouble juggling her nannies. Between work and her husband traveling, it all got to be too much. I think the consistency and the relationship opportunity that you get from having an au pair in your home is really remarkable for you and your children, said Stephanie.

Of all the nominations that poured in from Host Families around the country, the one that stood out the most was written by a grandmother who had taken over care of her grandchildren. Because of unfortunate circumstances they were without a mom. Friends in the community raised money to get the Au Pair here and the kids' grandma, Vicki Dehaven from Pennsylvania, feels like she has her life back for the first time in two years. What my Au Pair has done for me personally, she has given me a breather. I cant say enough good things about her. Im just thankful.

This year Host Family after Host Family filled their nominations with comments about Au Pairs being more than a babysitter or a nanny. They provide a smoother transition in the work-life balance for parents and love their host children like a brother or sister would.

Go Au Pair is one of the original Au Pair Program sponsors designated by the Department of State in 1989. There are Go Au Pair representatives in over 50 countries on six different continents and in more than 100 American cities. Their company headquarters is in Salt Lake City, Utah.
CrowdCare Corporation, provider of the worlds most advanced cognitive digital care solution for the enterprise, is pleased to announce the closing of a Series A financing. The round was led by Toronto-based ScaleUP Ventures with participation from Brightspark Ventures and Mantella Venture Partners. As part of the funding, Kevin Kimsa, General Partner and co-founder at ScaleUP Ventures, and Mark Skapinker, Managing Partner and co-founder at Brightspark Ventures, will join the CrowdCare Board of Directors.

The capital infusion will be used to rapidly expand CrowdCares global sales, marketing and customer success teams as demand skyrockets for proven artificial intelligence (AI) technology from experienced vendors to revolutionize digital customer care in the telecom industry.

There is so much talk about the rise of artificial intelligence and its ability to revolutionize digital customer care is extremely exciting. Weve been watching businesses in this space but it has been difficult to find companies with real operational experience  until we found CrowdCare, said ScaleUPs Kevin Kimsa. The AI-based customer service revolution is picking up steam in the enterprise and we wanted to participate with an investment in the leading company in the space.

CrowdCare has spent four years training its Wysdom platform and gathering massive amounts of data from large enterprise customers. This has created the most advanced solution to deliver automated customer care, which is essential for organizations to engage digitally with subscribers through their preferred channels while improving overall satisfaction. After analyzing millions of customer questions over the past few years, Wysdom has continuously improved its results and will now satisfy 60% of inbound enquiries. Wysdom continues to learn by analyzing thousands of new questions every day.

ScaleUP is backed by a leadership council of the most accomplished business people in Canada, including executives in banking/finance, communications, technology and top retailers. Each member has pledged financial investment, connections into their organizations or both to the investees of ScaleUP Ventures. The firms general partners have been involved in some of the biggest exits in Canadian history.

We have seen this wave of enterprise AI buying coming for years and have positioned CrowdCare as the premier solution in the space, said Ian Collins, CEO and co-founder of CrowdCare. We are delighted that ScaleUP and Brightspark share our view of the market and that Mantella remains so excited by our vision for a multi-channel enterprise bot. The expertise, networks and strategic support of these top entrepreneurial leaders will be invaluable as we scale the business globally and across additional industry verticals.

Collins continued, Early adopters of the Wysdom technology have seen huge success in both customer satisfaction and economic benefits in this burgeoning market. CrowdCare plans to quickly double or triple in size to meet this demand. Kevin Kimsa and Mark Skapinker bring tremendous experience in building large, high-performing teams and will be invaluable in this next phase of CrowdCares growth.

About CrowdCare

CrowdCare offers the worlds most mature multi-channel enterprise digital care solution to deliver fast, effective and personalized answers to customer questions. Telecommunications companies around the world rely on CrowdCares Wysdom solution to deliver exceptional automated answers to their customers while increasing satisfaction and loyalty and reducing customer care expenses. With millions of actual customer questions analyzed over many years, Wysdom is the most effective enterprise digital care solution in the market today.
We are proud to be a part of the New Braunfels community as we continue to expand our footprint with the incredible talent we have at our fingertips

CBE Companies (CBE) announced plans to expand its presence in Texas by adding up to 200 new jobs to its existing operational facility in New Braunfels. This expansion is part of a long-term strategy for large-scale growth in New Braunfels, as originally announced in late 2014. CBE plans to add a total of 200 new jobs by the end of the year.

CBE, a longstanding global business process outsourcing provider headquartered in Cedar Falls, Iowa, has experienced extensive growth with its client base, creating the opportunity to transition more business to New Braunfels in order to house one client under one roof. In addition to its headquarters in Cedar Falls, Iowa, it also has two offices in Waterloo, Iowa, as well as an office in Manila, Philippines.

Over the next nine months, CBEs growth plans demand that approximately 200 positions be filled. We are excited to once again launch such extensive hiring efforts in the New Braunfels area, said Curt Martin, Senior Vice President of Operations. What initially attracted us to New Braunfels was the talent, incentives and culture, and that continues to hold true today. In the last three years we built a Texas team that is ready for the next wave.

The jobs that will initiate the expansion are financial customer solutions representatives that include full- and part-time positions within a variety of shifts. In addition, there will be leadership and professional opportunities in the areas including but not limited to training, IT, workforce management and quality assurance. All positions feature competitive wages and incentives, health benefits, 401k match, a great working environment, paid time off and flexible hours.

It is an exciting time to be part of the CBE family right now, said Chad Benson, President and CEO. We are experiencing growth in all areas of our business, which translates to growth potential for new and existing employees. The ability to bring new jobs at this scale to our three-year-old Texas operational center is very exciting for us. We are proud to be a part of the New Braunfels community as we continue to expand our footprint with the incredible talent we have at our fingertips.

Candidates interested in applying are encouraged to search open positions and apply online at http://www.CBEjobs.com.

About CBE Companies

Founded in 1933, CBE Companies is a global provider of outsourced call center solutions. The company specializes in first and third party debt collection, fraud and customer care services. Our ability to constantly adapt, evolve and stay ahead of the regulatory environment sets us apart from other providers. Weve implemented the controls necessary to meet the most stringent requirements of federal contracts, as well as heavily regulated and complex Fortune 500 companies. This sustained focus on thought leadership and continual investment inevitably benefits all of our clients by mitigating present and future risk.

CBE accepts change as the rule, not the exception, and has created an environment in which individuals thrive and creativity is valued. Our guiding principle is happy employees equal happy clients. With over 1,000 people in five locations globally, CBE Companies can deliver the right solution in the right location(s) for your ever-changing business needs. CBEs corporate headquarters is located in Cedar Falls, Iowa, with two facilities in Waterloo, Iowa, and additional facilities in New Braunfels, Texas and Manila, Philippines. The organization is consistently recognized as a local Employer of Choice. It has also been recognized by Workplace Dynamics as one of Iowas Top Workplaces.

For more information about CBE Companies, please visit http://www.cbecompanies.com or call 888-386-0273.
"This additional capital allows us to make strategic investments in our team as we enter new lines of business and as we position ourselves for long-term growth." John Espey, CEO of Levvel

Levvel, LLC, a fast-growing consulting firm, today announced that it has completed a $3 million equity raise. The funds will come from a high-caliber group of private capital partners having deep experience in the areas of consulting, technology, and business development.

This additional capital allows us to make strategic investments in our team as we enter new lines of business and as we position ourselves for long-term growth, says John Espey, CEO of Levvel. It will also accelerate our expansion into additional markets, both domestically and globally, he says.

Levvel, which specializes in product development, DevOps, payments, and agile software development, plans to continue introducing its best-in-class services to additional cities in the coming months. It began the year by formalizing its presence in the Midwest region of the United States and by establishing its new office in Melbourne, Australia.

About Levvel

Levvel is a consulting firm that combines the innovative DNA of a start up with the wisdom, scalability, and rigor of a Fortune 100 company. We help big companies innovate like startups and small businesses scale like industry leaders, providing both technical implementation and strategic advisory services to companies across a wide range of industries. Our comprehensive set of services includes a specialized focus in the following areas: DevOps, cloud technologies, mobile, UI/UX, product innovation and design, payment strategy, big data, and analytics. Levvel is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, and has offices in Washington, D.C., San Francisco, New York City, and Melbourne, Australia. Visit us at http://www.levvel.io to learn more.
The historic Siloam School in northeast Charlotte is endangered due to deterioration and development. "The historic Siloam School had a profound impact on the lives of many African American children throughout the South during the Jim Crow era. It should be preserved and honored as such." - Kay Peninger, president & CEO, The Charlotte Museum of History

The Charlotte Museum of History announced today it will lead a community effort to restore the historic Siloam School in northeast Charlotte and return it to its original purpose as an educational resource and community gathering space. The school was one of thousands built throughout the South in the early 1900s to educate African Americans. It is on the National Register of Historic Places and is endangered due to its current state of disrepair.

The goal of the project is to restore the Siloam School and relocate it to the grounds of The Charlotte Museum of History, where it will become an important centerpiece in our efforts to engage the community in our regions history. One way we interpret this history is by telling the stories of the original peoples who settled this region, including African Americans, said Kay Peninger, president and CEO of The Charlotte Museum of History. This school building will provide another tangible connection to that history. Our vision is to bring the community together to accomplish this project, just as the community came together to build the school originally.

The Museum notes that sources differ as to whether the Siloam School was an official Rosenwald School. It was built in the Rosenwald tradition and used a Rosenwald School floor plan. It also was designated as a Rosenwald School in its National Register of Historic Places nomination form, but it does not appear in the official list of schools that received funding from the Rosenwald School project.

We cannot say for certain that the Siloam School was an official Rosenwald School, though some sources suggest it was, Peninger said. What we can say is that it was built by the community in the Rosenwald School tradition, and it had a profound impact on the lives of many African American children throughout the South during the Jim Crow era. It should be preserved and honored as such.

The plan to save the school calls for the restored building to house a permanent exhibit on the history of African Americans in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg region, placing that history in a national context. The building also will become part of the Museums regular tours and will serve as a community resource.

Silver Star Community Inc. is proud to be partnering with The Charlotte Museum of History on efforts to restore the Siloam School, said Shayvonne Dudley of Silver Star Community. Our mission is to provide social and cultural opportunities for the community, and this project will help us achieve that mission.

The Siloam School project will cost an estimated $600,000 to complete. The project budget includes moving the building, preparing the new site, restoring the building and up fitting the school with electricity, HVAC and safety systems. The cost also includes creation of a fund to pay for annual operations and maintenance of the building, ensuring its preservation into the future. Development of the history exhibit is included in the cost. A historical marker will be placed at the schools original location.

The school sits on its original site on Mallard Highlands Drive, near the campus of UNC-Charlotte and on the back side of what is now an apartment complex. The apartments, as well as the old school, are owned by Tribute Companies. The company asked the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission to help find someone to take the building so it could be preserved. The Landmarks Commission asked the Museum to spearhead the project.

This history is too important to be lost, said Mark Maynard Sr., president & CEO of Tribute Companies. The school needs to be in the hands of preservation experts who can protect it from future development pressure and restore it for use as a community and educational resource. We are glad that the Landmarks Commission found that preservation partner in The Charlotte Museum of History.

The effort to save the school is a partnership of The Charlotte Museum of History, Tribute Companies, the Historic Landmarks Commission, Aldersgate Retirement Community and the Silver Star Community Inc., which works to save Rosenwald Schools. The effort also is supported by Charlotte City Council member Greg Phipps, who represents District 4, where the Siloam School is located.

Community involvement will be a key part of this project. We plan for a portion of the permanent exhibit to be community-curated. It will include stories and memories from Rosenwald School students and their families, Peninger said. Its important that we have community input into how we interpret and share these stories.

How to Support the Save Siloam School Effort

People can support the Save Siloam School project by making a tax deductible donation or attending a special kick-off event at the Museum.

Save Siloam School Event on Saturday, Mar. 25

The Museum and Silver Star Community will host a special event at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Mar. 25, at the Museums campus at 3500 Shamrock Dr. All proceeds will benefit the restoration and preservation of the Siloam School. The event will feature journalist Stephanie Deutsch, author of You Need a Schoolhouse: Booker T. Washington, Julius Rosenwald and the Building of Schools for the Segregated South, speaking about the Rosenwald School movement. It will honor Dr. Ronald L. Carter, president of Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU), for his lifelong contributions to education in Charlottes African American community. The event also will honor the legacies of the late Dr. George E. and Marie G. Davis. Dr. Davis was the first black professor at JCSU (then known as Biddle Institute) and later dean of the faculty. He became North Carolinas agent for the Rosenwald Fund, financed by Sears Roebuck president Julius Rosenwald, to build schools for African Americans. Marie G. Davis was a prominent Charlotte public school principal and teacher who is remembered in the naming of Charlottes Marie G. Davis Elementary. Tickets are $25 each and may be purchased at charlottemuseum.org under the Events tab.

Make a Donation

You can make a tax deductible donation to the Save Siloam School project by sending a check to The Charlotte Museum of History at 3500 Shamrock Drive, Charlotte, NC, 28215. Write Save Siloam School in the memo line. Call 704-568-1774 or email info(at)charlottemuseum(dot)org for more information.

History of Rosenwald Schools in Charlotte and North Carolina

Mecklenburg County had more Rosenwald Schools than any other county in the nation. Today, few Rosenwald School buildings survive here or elsewhere, the Museums Peninger said. The Siloam School is a tangible connection to a very important moment in the history of our nation and of the African American community. These schools provided educational opportunity that was routinely denied to black children in the South, and their creation represents a rare instance of interracial cooperation during the Jim Crow era.

The Rosenwald Schools were the result of a philanthropic partnership between Booker T. Washington; Julius Rosenwald, who was CEO of Sears, Roebuck and Co.; the state and hundreds of local communities. The idea was conceived by Washington and funded by Rosenwald, who offered matching funds to communities that wanted to build schools for black students. The partnership produced more than 5,000 schools in the South in the early 1900s.

In North Carolina, George E. Davis was the Rosenwald agent. His efforts led to 813 Rosenwald schools being built in North Carolina  more than in any other state. Twenty-six of those schools were built in Mecklenburg County, the most built in a county in North Carolina.

About The Charlotte Museum of History

The Charlotte Museum of History engages a broad public audience in the history of the Charlotte region through the stories of its people, places and events in order to promote dialogue and historical perspective. The Museum is the steward of the Hezekiah Alexander House (ca. 1774) and home site, a National Register of Historic Places site and the oldest existing home in Mecklenburg Country. Hezekiah Alexander was a leader in the years that led to the American Revolution and served on the committee that drafted North Carolinas 1776 constitution and bill of rights. For more information, visit charlottemuseum.org or follow us on Facebook and Twitter (@CLThistory).

About Silver Star Community Inc.

Silver Star Community Inc. is a non-profit organization whose mission is community outreach with a commitment to providing a resource and opportunities of cultural, social, and ethical value. Silver Star has partnered with the community in Newell, N.C. on ongoing efforts to preserve and restore the Newell Rosenwald School and is currently working on efforts to preserve Star St. Matthews Lodge No. 566 in Matthews, a property that recently received historic landmark status. You can follow Silver Star Community Inc. on Facebook @SilverStarCommunityInc.

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Andrew McMahon joins government accelerator, Dcode42 I am excited to be in the private sector continuing the fight to bring impactful technology into the federal space.

If government agencies took advantage of private sector technology, they could provide better services to citizens and make better use of our tax dollars, especially in times of downward budget pressure. However, these technology companies struggle to successfully access the government market. Andrew McMahon, the former Senior Advisor for Technology at General Services Administration (GSA) understands this issue and is determined to help solve the problem.

Dcode42, a government-focused IT accelerator program, announced that Andrew McMahon has joined Dcode42s leadership team. Andrew previously served as an Obama Administration political appointee at GSA, where he focused on finding new strategies and policies to help technology companies work more easily with the federal government.

Andrew is a phenomenal addition to the team, bringing a deep knowledge and understanding of technology, innovation, and procurement in the federal government. While at GSA, he was instrumental in identifying, recruiting, and advising technology companies to work with the government, said Dcode42 Founder and CEO Meagan Metzger. He will add value from day one because he is truly passionate about getting government access to transformative technologies.

In his role as Senior Advisor for Technology, Andrew provided valuable support to GSAs technology mission by directing technology policy, digital government, and innovation. His team led early development of the Technology Transformation Service for GSA. During his time at GSA, Andrew was also pivotal to the founding and growth of 18F, a digital technology delivery team.

Andrew is based in San Francisco and is joining the Dcode42 executive team. He will have responsibility for the development and execution of strategic partnerships and tech scouting strategies. Dcode42s accelerator program is exactly the type of solution the federal government needs, and I am excited to be in the private sector continuing the fight to bring impactful technology into the federal space. Andrew said. There are great projects in the works, such as our Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning cohort with Amazon Web Services, and I am happy to be joining a team with such great momentum.

A native of the Washington, D.C. area, Andrew is an alumnus of Boston College and the University of Chicago. He and his wife live in San Francisco with their young son.

About Dcode42

Dcode42s mission is to accelerate innovation in the federal government by providing technology companies, of all sizes, with the skills and resources they need to successfully enter the federal space. The selective program helps innovative companies bring their cutting-edge technology into the government by making it faster, easier and less costly to enter the market and succeed over the long term. With expert guidance and access to a vast array of vital resources, program participants break through barriers to gain entry to the $80 billion IT budget of the US government, the largest consumer of products and services in the world.
By its nature, Indiana Limestone is one of the great paving materials.

Indiana Limestone Vs. the Elements, a new white paper case study, details the exceptional strength, resilience, and durability of pavers produced by Indiana Limestone Company, premier provider of the stone.

The paper discusses the most common uses for limestone pavers, common misconceptions and realities about limestone pavers, and how limestone compares to the competition in the landscaping marketplace.

Pavers of Indiana Limestone serve in patios, decks, pool surrounds, stepping-stone paths, and other landscape uses. Eye-catching in the companys Full Color Blend, they are available in 11 standard sizes and thicknesses of 1-1/2 and 2.

The white paper addresses a handful of common misconceptions concerning limestone pavers, and links to a useful, thoroughly detailed fact sheet from the Natural Stone Council. Also included is substantial material concerning the many green building advantages of this natural stone product.

By its nature, Indiana Limestone is one of the great paving materials, said ILCO Chief Operating Officer Duffe Elkins. Visually its light and appealing. Its very workable and can easily be fitted to the specific requirements of any project that calls for pavers. This limestone is highly durable, well suited to warm or cold climates, and doesnt require sealing in outdoor installations.

The white paper is available at https://naturalstonehub.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/ILCOvsTheElements_whitepaper_4e.pdf. Related material is available in ILCO's Urban Hardscapes brochure: https://ilco-indianalimestone.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/ILCO_Landscape_2016_web.pdf. For more information on the company and its products, visit IndianaLimestoneCompany.com.

About Indiana Limestone Company

Indiana Limestone Company is unmatched as the premier supplier of Indiana Limestone in a range of beautiful and lasting building products. Founded in 1926 (with predecessor firms that had been quarrying limestone since the mid-1800s), ILCO today remains the provider of choice for this internationally renowned natural stone. Throughout an illustrious history in which its stone has made such iconic structures as the Empire State Building, National Cathedral, and the Pentagon, ILCO has reliably provided the highest quality products and services carefully tailored to the needs of the market with an environmental, natural focus.
Cohero Health Inc., a digital health company that has established leading connected health tools and technologies to empower respiratory patients and improve care through smart mobile devices, announced the addition of strategic investors Samsung NEXT and Omron Healthcare to oversubscribe their Series A round.

The company originally announced its $9M Series A in late 2016 but elected to allow for the investment of additional strategic capital. The supplementary funds will be utilized to expand BreatheSmart, the leading respiratory disease management platform that uniquely enables tracking of both controller and rescue medications, along with clinically accurate lung function measurement, in real-time. The commitment from Samsung NEXT and Omron Healthcare will support broader commercialization of the hardware and software that make up the comprehensive pulmonary care platform.

BreatheSmart from Cohero Health provides both connected hardware and software as an integrated platform, with a high attention to usability  this is no easy feat. We are especially impressed with how the team developed their range of mobile spirometers, which required significant work around manufacturing, clinical efficacy and regulatory approval, said Amit Garg, Principal at Samsung NEXT. We are looking into how healthtech startups can use software and services to make a disruptive impact into chronic disease management. Cohero Health has created a great solution for respiratory care, tackling the opportunity to help 50M Americans and 300M worldwide who suffer from asthma and COPD.

Kenji Eda, Executive Officer at Omron Healthcare stated, Our goal is to ensure that every respiratory patient is empowered to take control of their health, and to prevent avoidable hospital and emergency room visits as a result of uncontrolled respiratory issues. Omrons investment signals our confidence in the power of BreatheSmart to positively impact patient health. Eda added, We believe that there is a huge opportunity for Cohero Health and Omron Healthcare to collaborate on the introduction of new products and services linked to BreatheSmart, giving patients and healthcare providers deeper insight into patient health, and reducing the risk of future negative events.

As evidenced by its over 25 commercial deployments reaching over 1 million covered lives, Cohero Health remains committed to diversifying its suite of hardware and bolstering its software solutions to drive improved outcomes and cost savings for the entire respiratory stakeholder community. The addition of Samsung NEXT and Omron Healthcare will allow for further product development and differentiation across the platform.

Samsung NEXT and Omron Healthcare support our mission to improve respiratory care through smart mobile devices. These leading technology companies have the scale and expertise that are invaluable to early stage companies like ours. We see significant benefit in partnering with well established organizations such as Samsung and Omron Healthcare, while we remain focused on achieving platform scalability through interoperability and effective respiratory stakeholder collaboration, said Melissa Manice, Co-Founder and CEO of Cohero Health.

About Cohero Health, Inc.

Cohero Health is a digital health company developing innovative tools and technologies to improve respiratory care, reduce avoidable costs, and optimize medication utilization. The companys connected devices and mobile applications actively engage and empower respiratory patients by measuring lung function and tracking adherence. Based in New York City, the company has raised over $14 million in venture funding, by investors including Three Leaf Ventures, Zaffre Investments (the investment arm of Blue Cross, Blue Shield of Massachusetts), Omron Healthcare, Samsung NEXT, Guardian Life Insurance and StartUp Health.

coherohealth.com | info(at)coherohealth(dot)com | @coherohealth

About Omron Healthcare, Co., Ltd.

Omron Healthcare, Co., Ltd is a leading manufacturer and distributor of personal wellness products. Omrons market-leading products include home blood pressure monitors and electrotherapy devices. Since Omron invented its first blood pressure monitors nearly 40 years ago, the company has been passionate about empowering people to take charge of their health at home through precise technology. Helping people improve their ability to live a healthier life is the heart and soul of Omrons purpose. For more information, visit OmronHealthcare.com
Joseph Viganola of Residential Home Funding Corp

Joseph Viganola of Residential Home Funding was featured as a top mortgage professional in the New Jersey Mortgage of Top Agent Magazine in March, 2017 Top Agent Magazine is the premier real estate magazine featuring the foremost real estate agents and mortgage professionals in the USA, Europe, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Top Agent Magazine features the top producing and most accomplished professionals in the mortgage industry, offering an in-depth look at their careers and providing a blueprint for their success.

To be considered for a feature in Top Agent Magazine the mortgage professionals must go through a nomination and interview process. ALL Candidates are then evaluated based upon production, professionalism, as well as industry and community involvement. It is considered a privilege to be nominated as it speaks to a certain success level all mortgage professionals strive for. The only real estate magazine written for top real estate agents about top real estate agents, Top Agent has set itself apart as a trusted source of real estate information and inspiration. Joseph Viganola is a stellar example of the kind of prominent leaders of real estate we are proud to feature in Top Agent Magazine.

Information on nominations receiving this recognition can be found online at http://www.topagentmagazine.com/top-mortgage-professionals-in-new-jersey/

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Joseph Viganola s career spans over 10 years specializing in finding the right mortgage loan solution for his clients. As a Residential Home Funding mortgage Loan Originator, Joes concentration has been in Hudson & Bergen Countys along the Gold Coast.Josephs extensive knowledge stems back to his 2013 roots, working multiple capacities within the retail banking sectorthis was prior to becoming a dedicated Loan Officer. While at Bogota Savings Bank, Josephs passion to support his clients quickly earned him top producer recognition. At the same time, Joseph obtained a degree in Economics & Finance from Ramapo College of New Jersey. Joe is also actively involved with continuing education through the American Banking Association. Joseph is also a strong community leader and energetically involved. He facilitates and participates in dozens of local and charity fundraising events; and also spends weeknights, educating middle-school students in NYC the importance of personal finance and budgeting through the NYC Citizen School Program.

Josephs roll-up-your-sleeves methodology has helped hundreds of first time home-buyers understand the importance of home ownership. His practical approach has guided his clients to success through programs such as Mortgage Education for Bergen County's American Dream. Contact Joe today for your mortgage pre-approval!
Four entrepreneurs were among the first recipients of the Microloans for Micro-Entrepreneurs Program developed for home businesses by VEDC  a non-profit small business lender founded in 1976. The one-day educational seminar and salute to micro-entrepreneurs was held in partnership with New Avon LLC at VEDCs Los Angeles, CA offices.

Alex Guerrero, VEDCs Chief Development Officer, along with Angela Banuelos, Program Director of VEDCs BusinessSource Centers, were presenters at the event, which featured home business experts from the non-profit and New Avon LLC. We had seven entrepreneurs in attendance, including our four Avon microloan recipients, who joined us for discussions on everything from how to develop a successful business plan to the ever-changing ins and outs of e-commerce, Guerrero said.

He believes the Microloans for Micro-Entrepreneurs program fills a void in the marketplace for home business owners needing to secure small, more affordable microloans that may not otherwise be available to them.

The Microloans for Micro-Entrepreneurs Program was designed expressly for entrepreneurs in communities for whom loans of $500 to $2,500 would have a positive impact on their home businesses, he said. From additional working capital, to equipment repair, to purchasing inventory such as Avon products  these microloans are a welcomed relief from tremendously costly payday loans. He also pointed out that unlike payday loans, the VEDC application process is transparent, straightforward and more affordable. Other microlender products often carry market-rate APRs and terms up to three years.

Among those receiving $500 microloans from the VEDC were Eusebia Hernandez, Morena Gomez, Blanca Maria and Martha Maradiaga. While their businesses may be small, their dreams are big, he said. The VEDC has a 40-year history of changing the way small business lending is done, so we fully understand the tremendous value of home businesses to the community.

He added that having Avon as a partner is another huge bonus for local home business owners in under-served communities. Avon has an amazing 130-year history of empowering women through economic opportunity. I think that speaks volumes.

If you are currently operating a home-based business and are interested in learning more about the VEDC Microloans for Micro-Entrepreneurs Program, go to at vedc.org. Or call 888-202-9977 for more information.
The Community for Accredited Online Schools, a leading resource provider for higher education information, has compiled a list of the best colleges and universities with online PhD degree programs for 2017. Based on an in-depth analysis more than a dozen data points, the list features the top 50 schools in the U.S. offering doctorate-level programs online. Nova Southeastern University, Texas A&M University College Station, Pennsylvania State University, Andrews University and Concordia University Chicago finished as the top five schools.

On-campus doctorate programs are typically time-intensive, and scheduling can be difficult for students actively working while going to school, said Doug Jones, CEO and founder of AccreditedSchoolsOnline.org. The schools on our list offer PhD candidates a high-quality education with the versatility of online learning, allowing them to complete their degree on a schedule that works best for them.

To earn a spot on the Best list for doctorate programs, these colleges and universities must be accredited, public or private not-for-profit institutions. Each school is also considered based on student/teacher ratios, online program variety, graduation rates, educational resources and financial aid availability.

For more details on where each school falls in the rankings and the data and methodology used to determine the list, visit:

http://www.accreditedschoolsonline.org/online-degrees/phd/#best-college-ranking

Colleges and Universities with the Best Online PhD Programs for 2017:

Allen College

Andrews University

Boston University

Clemson University

Colorado State University-Fort Collins

Concordia University-Chicago

Creighton University

Drexel University

Duquesne University

Fordham University

Gardner-Webb University

Hampton University

Harding University

Indiana State University

Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale

Liberty University

Mercer University

Mississippi State University

New England College

Northern Arizona University

Nova Southeastern University

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus

Shenandoah University

Temple University

Texas A & M University-College Station

Texas Tech University

The University of Alabama

The University of Montana

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

Union Institute & University

University at Buffalo

University of Alabama in Huntsville

University of Arizona

University of Arkansas

University of California-Berkeley

University of Colorado Denver

University of Delaware

University of Florida

University of Massachusetts-Amherst

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

University of Mississippi

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

University of New England

University of North Carolina at Greensboro

University of Northern Colorado

University of South Carolina-Columbia

University of Southern California

University of St Francis

University of the Cumberlands

Western Connecticut State University

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About Us: AccreditedSchoolsOnline.org was founded in 2011 to provide students and parents with quality data and information about pursuing an affordable, quality education that has been certified by an accrediting agency. Our community resource materials and tools span topics such as college accreditation, financial aid, opportunities available to veterans, people with disabilities, as well as online learning resources. We feature higher education institutions that have developed online learning programs that include highly trained faculty, new technology and resources, and online support services to help students achieve educational success.
"From our inception ten years ago, our management team set a goal to build a balance between innovation, impacting the business outcomes of our clients, and our commitment to diversity and our community," said MMI CEO Tina Lux-Boim.

Managed Maintenance, Inc. (MMI), a contract management and automated service renewal provider, just celebrated its 10th year of providing state-of-the-art consulting, outsourcing, and SaaS solutions for the technology supply chain. In March of 2007, MMI's trail-blazing Executive Team and staff began creating solutions that ultimately changed the way many global technology organizations manage and deliver their renewal services and support agreements.

Under the leadership of CEO Tina Lux-Boim, MMI has successfully established one of the most diverse, innovative, and community-oriented cultures in the technology field. Over the years, MMI and its leaders have continued to receive a variety of awards and recognition for their contributions and leadership in the area of technology innovation. In recent years, CRN's annual prestigious Woman of the Channel List has named every female member of MMI's Leadership Team, with MMI's CEO Tina Lux-Boim featured in CRN's Channel Chief List several years in a row. More recently, in the 14th Annual American Business Awards, MMI was awarded the coveted Stevie Award for Innovation of the Year - Business Services Industry.

Beyond its recognition for products and services, MMI's growth and profitability has also been featured on such lists as the Inc.5000's Fastest Growing Companies, and South Florida Business Journal's Fastest Growing Company List.

MMI's commitment and contributions go beyond introducing innovative solutions to the technology channel. Emphasis is placed on developing a community-minded culture within the MMI staff. Each year, MMI employees are asked to donate time away from work to volunteer at a local community outreach center, Boca Helping Hands. This community-based organization which provides food and emergency assistance to local citizens has the full commitment of MMI and its employees. "MMI's contribution honors our mission to provide food and emergency assistance, and long-term solutions to break the cycle of dependence. Without MMI's support we could not help the 1500 families that benefit from their generosity," commented Suzan Javizian, BHH Operations Manager.

Today, MMI's cloud-based, SaaS application, ONEview, is changing how some of the largest companies in the world manage their support contract business. MMI's clients use its SaaS solutions to increase services revenue, identify new sales opportunities, develop client loyalty and retention, and build a foundation of analytics - all while streamlining and simplifying the entire process of managing IT assets and associated support and maintenance contracts. MMI clients include IBM, Tech Data, Ingram, Avnet, Synnex and Lenovo. "From our inception ten years ago, our management team set a goal to build a balance between innovation, impacting the business outcomes of our clients, and our commitment to diversity and our community," said MMI CEO Tina Lux-Boim. "We look forward to continuing that goal as we advance as a global technology provider. Special thanks to the partnership between our clients, employees, and the community."

About Managed Maintenance, Inc.

Managed Maintenance, Inc., headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida, delivers solutions to enable technology manufacturers (OEMs), their channel partners, distributors, and service providers to maximize service contract and equipment replacement revenues. MMIs comprehensive solution, ONEview, offers a 360 degree functionality that includes Renewal Analytics and Alerts, Extensive Workflow and Reporting, Customer Service Requests and Audit Trails, Contracting Quoting Functions, and Complex Billing Management. For more information visit MMIs website at http://www.managedmaint.com.
Texans for Voter Choice, a new reform coalition formed to promote Texans freedom of choice at the polls, today called on the Texas Legislature to enact HB 3068, known as the Texas Voter Choice Act (TVCA). The TVCA establishes reasonable requirements for new party and independent candidates to appear on the ballot. The legislation will eliminate unnecessary barriers, and modernize the 100-year-old election process by requiring online signature gathering, which will eliminate much of the burden and expense of the current system.

Ballot access laws for non-major party candidates in Texas are among the most restrictive in the nation. Qualified candidates are routinely barred from the ballot based on technicalities, or because they lack the huge sums of money needed to comply with the onerous signature requirements.

"Texans for Voter Choice want ballot access rules to be fair, so that a wider variety of perspectives can be heard. Making the ballot access rules so complicated means potential candidates spend time and money serving the bureaucracy instead of getting out to know their constituents and the challenges they face," said Carly Rose Jackson, state director of Texans for Voter Choice.

The TVCA updates and improves the Texas Election Code in three important ways:



It caps nomination petition signature requirements at 10,000 for statewide office and makes filing deadlines consistent with constitutional standards;

It replaces unreliable, inefficient and costly paper-based processes with secure, proven web-based technology;

It simplifies ballot access by eliminating unnecessary filing requirements.

According to figures from the Secretary of State, one third of the Texas electorate  5 million voters  are not aligned with a political party. Yet in each election cycle, half the races for the state legislature have only one major party candidate running unopposed. This gives voters no choice at all. When voters lack meaningful choices, elected officials are less responsive and accountable.

As Mark Miller, vice chair of the Libertarian Party of Texas and former statewide candidate explained, It is hard to imagine that our current political polarization will change without a more open process that embraces a greater variety of voter choice. The Texas Voter Choice act ensures that we will reap the benefits that ensue when a diversity of ideas and candidates can more effectively compete for their votes.

"In the last election cycle, we heard a loud call from voters for more options," said katija gruene, Secretary of the Green Party of Texas. The Texas Voter Choice act will open up the ballot and increase voter turnout, like other states with better ballot access laws, more candidates and parties."

"Our elected Representatives should represent "We the People", but in Texas this is nearly impossible. Voters are subject to sore loser laws that insulate incumbents and restrict efforts to create alternatives to the status quo. America's Party of Texas supports the Texas Voter Choice Act because its the best way to return the Texas government to its rightful place, in service to Texans." - Andy Prior, State Chairman.

Samantha Sam Davis, former state senior staffer for the Sanders presidential campaign and new League of Independent Voters of Texas board member said: "I don't believe either party represents the majority of working people and our concerns. I'm on the people's side, which is why I am an Independent populist. And I am not alone: 50% of all Millennials identify as Independent."

Texans for Voter Choice will be building public support to pass HB 3068 before the end of the legislative session on May 29th. For more information on the coalition and how to get involved visit texasvoterchoice.org.
IBM announced the winners of its annual IBM Beacon Awards, recognizing Business Partners for their technical excellence and innovative solutions based on IBM products and services. Projetech, Inc. (Cincinnati, Ohio) received finalist designation in the IBM Beacon Award Outstanding Software as a Service Solution category at the IBM PartnerWorld Leadership Conference in Las Vegas on February 15, 2017.

It is an honor to be selected from among a strong field of IBM business partners, said Steve Richmond, CEO of Projetech, Inc. Were proud to be acknowledged for the innovative solutions, return on investment and value we provide to our customers.

The IBM Beacon Awards program recognizes IBM Business Partners that are delivering exceptional solutions to drive business value and transform the way clients and industries operate. The 2017 awards recognize achievement across a range of solutions areas  including IBM Watson, Cloud and Analytics  to bring clients into the cognitive era.

Judged on how each solution benefits the customer or ultimate end user, Projetech demonstrated excellence in delivering impressive business value solutions to customers through integration with Maximo software built on IBM SoftLayer data centers.

Projetech provides IBM applications via SoftLayer bundled with its managed services and expertise to provide a secure, reliable, high-performing, complete client experience. Projetech sells directly to end users as well as through its established Business Partner Channels.

About Projetech

Projetech (http://www.projetech.com), headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, is a privately-held Software as a Service (SaaS) provider of IBM Maximo asset management software. Projetech is a Gold Business Partner with IBM Software, Inc., and an authorized reseller of IBM Maximo software and services. Since 1999, Projetech has been providing Maximo as a Service (MaaS), a secure, cost effective cloud computing-based solution.
Randall West, who has worked in the Quote-to-Cash space for almost two decades, joins Simplus, a Gold Salesforce Consulting Partner and leader in Salesforce Quote-to-Cash implementations, as the Quote-to-Cash practice director.

West, who earned a bachelor of science degree in chemical engineering from MIT, comes to Simplus with a wealth of experience. Most recently, he worked at Deloitte Consulting in Chicago, where he served as a senior manager for five years. While at Deloitte, West specialized in sales and delivery of CRM and CPQ projects, focusing on building a CPQ practice.

Before Deloitte Consulting, West worked at BigMachines, which provided CPQ solutions and was later acquired by Oracle. During his 10 years at BigMachines, he served as an engagement manager, senior director and the vice president of professional services.

Since receiving funding from Salesforce Ventures in September of 2016, Simplus has continued to grow and hire industry-leading talent.

In the end, its all about the customer experience, said Ryan Westwood, CEO of Simplus. The wealth of experience and knowledge Randy brings with him will further strengthen our ability to support the enterprise and distinguish Simplus as the market leader.

Recently ranked No. 2 on the 2017 Top Company Cultures List by Entrepreneur and CultureIQ, Simplus embraces ways to create greater synergy and momentum between team members. Hiring such impeccably qualified directors reinforces our belief in providing the very best in service to our customers, Westwood said.

For more information about Simplus, visit http://www.simplus.com or call (855) 256-8391.

Salesforce and others are among the trademarks of Salesforce.com, Inc.

ABOUT SIMPLUS

Simplus is a leading Gold Consulting Partner of Salesforce Quote-to-Cash implementations, providing solutions to help enterprises streamline quoting, sales, service, finance, operational and marketing workflows and business processes. Headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, Simplus has certified staff with expertise in Salesforce Quote-to-Cash, Sales Cloud, Service Cloud and Pardot. Simplus has worked with many of todays leading brands, including Winston Brands, Box, Zendesk, SurveyMonkey, Franklin Covey and more. For more information about Simplus, please visit http://www.simplus.com, or follow Simplus on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.
CLFMI 2017 Officers CLFMI has been the industrys voice, a partner to the architectural and contractor communities, and the consumers champion for over half a century."

The Chain Link Fence Manufacturers Institute (CLFMI) has announced the election of three industry leaders to its top volunteer positions for 2017.

Elected as CLFMI President for 2017 is Ted Eysenbach, General Manager of Stephens Pipe and Steel, Russell Springs, KY. Stephens is one of the worlds leading manufacturers of chain link fencing fabric and framework. Prior to his position at Stephens Eysenbach was with Allied Tube & Conduit.

The 2017 CLFMI Vice President is Tim OBrien, District Manager for Master Halco, Irving, TX. OBrien previously was Vice President of sales for Specified Technologies Incorporated and Product Manager for Thomas and Betts, a global leader in wire and cable management. He is a graduate of Rider University.

David Smith, President of Sharon Fence Company, Sharon, PA, is the new CLFMI Secretary-Treasurer. Smith is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy

The three officers were joined on the CLFMI Board of Directors by Andrea Hogan, CEO of Merchants Metals, Atlanta, GA; John Schoenheit, General Manager for Pacific Fence and Wire, Clackamas, OR and Mark Daril, Sales Manager for Lock Joint Tube, Temple, TX

The announcement of the election of the Institutes leaders was made at their Annual Meeting in San Diego, CA. At that same meeting the Institute unveiled its 2017 Priority Programs, which included its outreach program to architects and engineers, its contractor education program, and the renewal of its residential market development effort.



About Chain Link Fence Manufacturers Institute

Chain Link Fence Manufacturers Institute is the leading organization of chain link fence manufacturers in the US, Canada and Mexico. For more information visit http://chainlinkinfo.org or call 301-596-2583
Draeger Award Logo Draeger is the leader in the North American ventilator market, addressing the most pressing needs of critical care, transport care, and neonates.

Draeger today announced that its portfolio of medical ventilators has received the Frost & Sullivan 2017 Medical Ventilation Product Leadership Award. Considered best-in-class by various hospitals and health systems, Draegers ventilators were recognized for their reliability and quality, stellar support services and robust, flexible design, fitting the needs of a broad range of care settings and patient types.

Mechanical ventilation is a critical-care component for patients of all ages; however, long-term use comes with the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia and complications associated with ventilator-induced lung injury. To reduce these potential complications, Draeger ventilators offer automated weaning and lung-protective technologies. Frost & Sullivan acknowledged Draegers Babylog VN500 ventilators that fill the critical need for neonatal- and pediatric-specific ventilators in North America. Additionally, the ventilators were recognized for their easy transfer, storage and analysis of data. Draeger was lauded for its 24/7/365 intensive care online (ICON) support services.

During the judging process, we heard from Draeger customers who noted the companys commitment to mechanical ventilation enhancements and its role as a partner in care, said John Weber at Frost & Sullivan. Draeger is the leader in the North American ventilator market, addressing the most pressing needs of critical care, transport care and neonates.

We are thrilled to receive this prestigious award, as it speaks to Draegers long-time commitment to innovating the mechanical ventilation market, said Lothar Thielen, President and Regional CEO North America, Draeger. We will continue to work closely with the healthcare community to ensure our ventilators continue to be the gold standard for care. Thank you to Frost & Sullivan for this honor.

For the award, Frost & Sullivan analysts evaluated Product Family Attributes (match to need, reliability/quality, product/service value, positioning and design) and Business Impact (financial performance, customer acquisition, operational efficiency, growth potential and human capital). Draeger received a 9.0 score (on a 10-point scale), a full point higher than the nearest competitor.

To learn more about Draegers portfolio of ventilators, visit: http://www.draeger.com.

Draeger: Technology for Life

Draeger is an international leader in the fields of medical and safety technology. Our products protect, support, and save lives. Founded in 1889, Draeger generated revenues of more than  2.5 billion in 2016. The Draeger Group is currently present in over 190 countries and has more than 13,000 employees worldwide. Please visit http://www.draeger.com for more information.

In addition, to learn more, find us on Twitter @DraegerNews, LinkedIn, YouTube and Facebook.
AIM Solder, a leading global manufacturer of solder assembly materials for the electronics industry, is pleased to announce their participation at the SMTA Cd Juarez Technical Forum & Expo, scheduled to take place on April 6th, 2017 at the Hotel Real Inn in Cd Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico. AIM will highlight their revolutionary REL61 lead-free solder alloy, along with their full line of solder assembly materials.

REL61 addresses the most challenging issues with todays common lead-free alloys, specifically voiding, cost, durability and tin whiskers. Combined with AIM M8 Solder Paste, REL61 has reduced voiding on BTC packages by over 45%, increasing both thermal performance and solder joint integrity. REL61 offers a low cost alternative to SAC alloys, with reliability and performance characteristics superior to SAC305 and low/no-silver solder alloys. Extensive testing indicates that REL61 can reduce tin whisker formation as well as outperform SAC alloys in thermal shock, vibration and drop shock resistance.

AIM will also highlight its full line of advanced solder materials, including solder paste, liquid flux and solder alloys, including its newly developed REL22 solder alloy for extremely harsh environments. To discover all of AIMs products and services, visit the company at the SMTA Cd Juarez Technical Forum & Expo for more information.

About AIM

Headquartered in Montreal, Canada, AIM Solder is a leading global manufacturer of assembly materials for the electronics industry with manufacturing, distribution and support facilities located throughout the world. AIM produces advanced solder products such as solder paste, liquid flux, cored wire, bar solder, epoxies, lead-free and halogen-free solder products, preforms, and specialty alloys such as indium and gold for a broad range of industries. A recipient of many prestigious SMT industry awards, AIM is strongly committed to innovative research and development of product and process improvement as well as providing customers with superior technical support, service and training. For more information about AIM, visit http://www.aimsolder.com.

Upcoming Events:

March 29, 2017  SMTA Intermountain  Boise, ID

April 19, 2017  SMTA Atlanta  Duluth, GA
Kraft Kennedy opens Wilton location It makes a lot of sense for us (and more importantly, for our clients). We are continuing to expand in a way thats strategic. We always ask ourselves, how can we help our clients better, faster?

The firm has announced that the new office will be operated by its Managed Services practice, which specializes in help desk support, monitoring, incident response, and technology planning. The group provides 24x7 coverage to large and mid-sized firms looking to supplement their IT teams as well as to small firms with no internal IT staff.

We are very, very pleased to announce that the Wilton location is up and running, said COO Jude-Travers-Frazier. It makes a lot of sense for us (and more importantly, for our clients). We are continuing to expand in a way thats strategic. We always ask ourselves, how can we help our clients better, faster?

This office opening comes several months after the announcement of a new site in Chicago with a state-of-the-art forensics lab. The Fairfield County area, already home to numerous law firms and technology outfits, is a natural outpost for the IT consulting firm, according to Mr. Travers-Frazier.

Kraft Kennedy spots connectivity and security problems early. Deeply familiar with the legal industry, its Managed Services group knows the pitfalls facing a business with troves of data and clients who require constant availability. Engineers conduct maintenance to ensure consistently high performance while certified experts are on hand to respond effectively to security incidents.

Here is what a typical contract includes.

About Kraft Kennedy

Since its inception in 1988, Kraft Kennedy has been a trusted consulting partner to law firms worldwide. Clients range from some of the largest organizations in the world to small boutique firms to corporate legal departments. Kraft Kennedy combines an understanding of the unique manner in which law firms operate, a deep knowledge of technology, and an approach to problem-solving and design that is not limited by the capabilities of a particular vendor or technology.
Maximize the Customer Experience in the Contact Center No real alternative exists today on the market.

Colin Taylor, CEO and Chief Chaos Officer of The Taylor Reach Group, Inc., announced today, that the company has expanded their customer experience consulting services. Taylor Reach is now offering a suite of Customer Experience services: CX Health Check  a best practice benchmarking service that will allow organizations to gauge and assess the quality and effectiveness of the Customer Experience being delivered by their call or contact centers. CX Snapshotz  offers a deep analysis of live calls across centers, addressing the 3 dimensions having greatest impact on CX. A detailed report is provided, assessing the center from a customer perspective across 30 variables. CX Evaluation  provides a deep analysis of the customer journey as it engages with the contact center against 12 key factors of successful CX.

More than half of all customer interactions occur in contact center today, yet most organizations do not have any real insight into this critical activity. Customer experience has significant impact on customer satisfaction, loyalty and retention. The customer experience delivered through contact centers, has never been as critical to an organizations success, as it is today. said Taylor.

Taylor Reach, a recognized expert in the areas of customer experience, customer service and contact center, has developed this service to meet the demands of our clients, stated Taylor. No real alternative exists today on the market and we are excited regarding the prospects for this service.

The CX Health Check assessment, benchmarks the customer experience against 50 leading metrics that have a direct impact on the effectiveness of the service and experience delivered. The detailed report highlights the areas where the center is performing well, areas for improvement and a comparison to how best practice organizations deliver the customer experience through their contact centers; allowing the participating firm to identify and prioritize improvement opportunities. CX Health Check provides insight that enables organizations to improve their Customer Experience immediately, said Taylor.

The CX Snapshotz, assesses your centers ability to deliver the desired experience, assessing the customer interaction against customer effort, rational and emotion connectedness.

CX Evaluation, employs trained, psychological profilers who assess your customer experience, based on actual engagements, across 12 attributes that define superior experience delivery. CX Evaluation also allows organizations to assess the Return on the Experience (ROE).

About the Taylor Reach Group, Inc.  Established 2003, a worldwide, leading Contact Center, Call Center, and Customer Experience consulting firm. Taylor Reach specializes in optimizing centers, of all shapes and sizes, across many verticals, to deliver the desired customer experience: SMBs, Fortune 500 and Global 1000 firms. Dedicated towards assisting clients to solve customer experience, contact center, and customer service challenges - clients have received more than 30 awards for service delivery and operational excellence.

Media Contact: For more information on The Taylor Reach Group, Inc. visit http://thetaylorreachgroup.com or phone Sarah Hill-Stapley at 1-866-334-3730 ext. 112
Broad Peak Partners announces a partnership agreement with the London Stock Exchanges UnaVista for MiFID II. A recognized leader in software integration, BroadPeak Partners is the developer of K3, an integration platform that seamlessly moves data from one application to another, and named by TechCrunch in 2012 as one of the most disruptive applications of the year. Since then, K3 has spread across a happy roster of Fortune 500 clients ranging from bulge bracket banks to midsize industrials striving to harness their most valuable asset: data.

MiFID II significantly extends transaction reporting to a wide array of financial instruments and derivatives intended to improve the integrity of European capital markets. When applied in January 2018, MiFID II will re-engineer market infrastructure with far-reaching effects on everyone engaged in the dealing and the processing of financial instruments, forcing brokers, dealers, trading venues, hedge funds, asset managers, and global corporations to re-assess trade reporting. MiFID II will also have a global impact, forcing Asian and American firms to comply when doing business with European customers. Buy side or sell side, large or small, confidence in meeting MiFID II requirements hinges on nimble data reporting capabilities.

According to Gordon Allott, President & CEO of BroadPeak Partners, We are very excited to partner with Unavista, as both of us are highly experienced in reporting and prepared to meet the challenges of MiFID II, Allott continued, "With over 250 million trades reported under Dodd-Frank, EMIR, Canada and other jurisdictions, K3 has become a force in powerful and easy to use integration and technology. K3 is designed for use by non-technical users. Everyone knows the IT team is too busy and Operations is too weary for yet another call to update the interface, or trace a data flow problem. K3 is an intuitive user interface where non-technical people can truly manage data transformation from source to sink.

Wendy Collins, Global Head of Partners UnaVista commented, We are delighted to be partnering with BroadPeak to allow their clients connectivity to UnaVista for MIFID II reporting. The partnership will enable clients to utilize leading technologies from both organizations to fulfill regulatory reporting in a timely and efficient way.

About BroadPeak

Founded in 2007, BroadPeak Partners is a NYC based software company and the developer of K3. Named as one of the most disruptive technologies by TechCrunch, K3 has brought the power of agile data integrations to Fortune 1000 companies around the globe.

While K3 could be categorized under archaic terms of middleware, ESB, ETL and SOA, at the end of the day its brilliant data plumbing. K3 is a quick to deploy and easy to manage application that makes enterprise application integrations more efficient and substantially reduces maintenance workloads. K3s unrivaled technology is ready to meet MiFID II challenges and builds on existing regulatory reporting (Dodd-Frank, EMIR, Canada, etc) for a suite of global trading customers.

For more information see http://www.broadpeakpartners.com

Twitter @BroadPeakInc

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company-beta/2301850/

Contact: Katie Wilson, info(at)broadpeakpartners(dot)com

(877) 738-0470
"The genius of conservation in contemporary North America is its explicit link to hunting." Shane Mahoney

One of the worlds top wildlife biologists and conservationists, Shane Mahoney, says many people may be surprised at how hunters and conservationists work together to help wildlife in North America.

In a newly- released publication, Conservation and Hunting in North America II, Mahoney presents the views and research of 29 scientists and wildlife experts who have spent their lives studying wildlife management and what is often perceived as a wide division between hunters and conservationists.

In my career as a research biologist, I have witnessed first-hand how biological specimens and information contributed by hunters led to vastly improved understanding of wildlife species, said Mahoney. The genius of conservation in contemporary North America is its explicit link to hunting, a link that paradoxically arose out of the near extermination of many wildlife species in the 1800s.

Mahoney said American hunters have directly contributed over $7.2 billion to state wildlife conservation efforts since 1932, and, from 2005-2009, taxes from the hunting industry generated an annual average of $335 million to various states for wildlife conservation. Also, the American Sportfishing Association reports that U.S. anglers donate over $400 million annually to various conservation and fishing organizations.

In 2011, hunters in the U.S. alone spent $796 million on licenses and permits that go directly to the respective state wildlife agency, said Mahoney. Then you have hunting and conservation based non-governmental organizations like the Wild Sheep Foundation, which has raised and distributed more than $100 million over the past 40 years for wild sheep conservation. Without hunting, contemporary wildlife management in North America would be severely weakened in terms of economic and social support."

Conservation and Hunting in North America II, published by the International Journal of Environmental Studies (IJES) is the completion of Mahoneys second turn as editor with IJES. His first monograph in this two-part series was published in 2013. Both feature a collection of original manuscripts, primarily by Canadian and American authors, all of whom are experts in their fields and are well respected within the international conservation community. Each article focuses on a different aspect of the historic and ongoing relationship between conservation and hunting, with heavy emphasis on the North American context.

We introduce case studies for wildlife species recovery and address topics such as private land conservation, the economic and social benefits of hunting, trapping and furbearer management and the conservation benefits of recreational angling, said Mahoney. These studies explain the history of hunting in North America and establish its ongoing relevance in modern society. Sustainable use of wildlife can be a tool for conservation in any geographic locale, though its effectiveness depends on specific social and cultural contexts.

###

Shane Mahoney is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Gold Medal in Wildlife Science by the Caesar Kleberg Institute and Safari Club Internationals Conservationist of the Year. His extensive scientific research has been published in more than 20 peer-reviewed journals and eight books. He has published more than 100 popular articles, has appeared as host or narrator for a variety of radio and television efforts and has collaborated with National Geographic to produce award-winning films

Mahoney is also Vice-Chair of the International Union for Conservation of Natures Sustainable Use and Livelihoods Specialist Group, International Liaison for The Wildlife Society, and North American Expert to the International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation. He is also the director of Colorados High Lonesome Institute.

For more information about Shane Mahoney, Conservation Visions Inc., and The Wild Harvest Initiative, visit http://www.conservationvisions.com. Both volumes of Conservation and Hunting in North America are available as digital downloads at http://www.tandfonline.com/toc/genv20/72/5.
This is the time of year when W-2s start to land in mailboxes and libraries load up on tax forms, and the specter of Tax Day looms large. In some ways, the build-up to tax day is worse than actually doing ones taxes. But dont lose heart. Financial therapist Bari Tessler is here to show us how to ease the stress of tax season.

Money isnt just about the numbers, says Tessler. Its also about our relationship with ourselves.

Changing how we relate to money requires us to confront habits and beliefs that we have held for a long time. So where do we start? According to Tessler changing your outlook can begin with these seven steps:

1. Celebrate. Dont forget to celebrate the income you have earned, and thus the taxes you may owe. Heres a great nugget from one of the Guest Teachers in the Art of Money, Nona Jordan: I hope you celebrate that more taxes = higher income = higher impact in the world.

2. Forgive. Where and who do you need to forgive? Many of us carry big shame around what we havent done around taxes. A dose of forgiveness will help you move forward.

3. Complete. What needs to get done? What feels doable to take care of? Perhaps its time to organize those receipts. Or file for an extension and line up support to get things filed. Or even step into a process of clearing up back taxes owed, so that you can move forward on solid ground.

4. Gain Clarity. Clarity feels good. I love this from one of my Art of Money adventurers:

It is a relief to have faced those numbersand I grew to kind of like them by the end of the day long intervention I had with myself. No, the bottom line is bleakbut it feels better to know where I stand then to not.

5. Learn. Were always learning, and we need to always be learning. Im learning for sure. Personally, as my business grows and evolves, so do my taxes.

6. Feel. Sometimes, the best we can do is simply allow ourselves to feel whats there. This is progress, dont doubt that.

7. Envision. 2017 Tax Day is a great time to plant seeds for what youd like to see when 2018 Tax Day comes around. What would you like it to look like? Feel like? Whats a baby step you can take now to help create the pathway to this vision?

Wherever you are in your relationship with your money and your taxes, its important to show up to Tax Day 2017 in a way that moves you forward into love, empowerment, clarity, and peace. As Tessler says, This is a ripe opportunity that is yours for the taking. Good luck!
Your group has been tremendously helpful to us in shortening the learning curve as we moved from being an asphalt shingle company to one that installs beautiful metal roofing. Jeff Moeslein President, Legacy Remodeling, Inc.

American Metal Roofs (AMR) is excited to announce the launch of a new industry website. MetalRoofingConsultants.com was created to showcase the training and consultation services that AMR provides to contractors and manufacturers in the metal roofing industry.

Metal Roofing Consultants (MRC) has been growing over the years as a result of providing clients with a proven methodology for increasing business through lead generation, appointment setting, in home sales presentations, and the recruitment and training of top level installation crews.

The systems created by MRC gives new dealers the tools and confidence they need to achieve success in the metal roofing industry. The new website outlines the courses available to contractors and manufacturers, designed to teach all facets of the metal roofing business. The training that MRC provides has been proven to increase profitability for its clients.

Courses include:

2-Day Installing Metal Roofs Efficiently Training

2-Day Customer Service Call Center Training

5-Day Residential Metal Roofing Sales Boot Camp

5-Day Metal Roof Installation Crew Training

Your group has been tremendously helpful to us in shortening the learning curve as we moved from being an asphalt shingle company to one that installs beautiful metal roofing.

Jeff Moeslein

President, Legacy Remodeling, Inc.

The website also provides bios for the instructors, who are all top level executives and managers at AMR.

http://www.metalroofingconsultants.com/instructors/

About American Metal Roofs:

American Metal Roofs provides residential and commercial metal roofing products and services for the Michigan Lower Peninsula. American Metal Roofs specializes in installing metal roofing from the leading manufacturers of permanent metal roofing. http://www.americanmetalroofs.com
www.ecivis.com

eCivis today announced that Merril Oliver has been appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of eCivis effective immediately. In this role, Oliver will lead the companys key business strategies, product development and growth initiatives.

I am thrilled to join eCivis, said Oliver. The company has done a remarkable job of transforming and simplifying the grant funding process in state and local government. Ive seen firsthand how committed eCivis is in supporting its government clients and their mission to promote the public good. The products eCivis has developed can improve the delivery of grant-funded programs to enrich communities across the country.

Prior to joining eCivis, Oliver served as the director of the Maryland Governor's Grants Office. Oliver was the founding deputy director of the office in 2004, serving in that capacity for over ten years. In 2014, Oliver served as deputy director of Puerto Rico Governor's Office of Management and Budget, where she developed a centralized federal funds management office. Oliver has also served on the U.S. Office of Management and Budget and Association of Government Accountants Intergovernmental Partnership as a Steering Committee Member and co-chaired multiple partnership workgroups. She was president of the National Grants Management Association during 2009-2012 and sat on the Board of Editorial Advisors for Thompson Publishings Federal Grants Management Handbook during 2004-2012. In 2011, Oliver was appointed by the Obama administration to the Presidential Executive Order Workgroup on Improper Payments.

Merril is one of the most respected and accomplished grant experts in the country, said eCivis CEO James Ha. I am very fortunate to have someone of Merrils caliber join my executive team. Her understanding of federal funding and expertise in state and local government will help eCivis deliver revolutionary new services to our clients.
Attorney Joseph C. Girard Nationwide we know many elderly are the victims of financial fraud, and we know people with disabilities are victimized by crime at rates higher than the rest of the population, often the target of crime because of their disabilities.

This month Californias Second Appellate District, Division Two, Court of Appeal upheld an award (case no. BC495095) of $21 million in punitive damages and $2.2 million in compensatory damages against building contractor Noam Bouzaglou, his shell corporation, Ness Adam, Inc. and attorney Andrew J. Stern who perpetrated fraud against Kathleen and Tim McGinty, in order to obtain their modest family home in Santa Monica.

Kathleen suffers from autism. Her brother suffered throughout his life from bipolar disorder, depression and substance addiction, and was getting by on his small monthly disability payment. Joseph Girard, principal at LA Elder Law, represented Kathleen McGinty and Jeanne Haworth, the current trustee for the McGinty estate, in the original case decided in favor of the plaintiffs in 2014.

Nationwide we know many elderly are the victims of financial fraud, and we know people with disabilities are victimized by crime at rates higher than the rest of the population, often the target of crime because of their disabilities, said Girard. This appellate decision affirmed the 2014 judgment that sent a very strong message with the $23 million award to would-be fraudsters looking to prey upon the disadvantaged and the elderly.

In 2006, Delores McGinty, Kathleens mother, set up a special needs trust for Kathleens benefit. The main asset of the trust was the 1,477 square foot single family home in Santa Monica, built by their father, a returning WWII veteran, for a few thousand dollars from a Sears Roebuck and Co. pre-cut home kit. Owned free and clear, the home was the residence for Delores and her daughter. Son Tim became the trustee after the death of his mother Delores in 2009 and moved into the house with his sister the same year. In 2010 the City of Santa Monica red-tagged the detached garage of the home as dangerous and noncompliant with occupancy standards.

To fix the garage, as well as to update plumbing and wiring in the home, Tim, the original trustee, obtained a $75,000 loan against the property. From there, with Bouzaglou now engaged, costs ramped up, with more work proposed that was to include remodeling the main home, construction of a guest house and other contract add-ons. Cash was given to Bouzaglou, even as little work commenced on the property, and ultimately a $400,000 construction loan was procured, with more funds disbursed to Bouzaglou via his company, Ness Adams, Inc. After the money was loaned to McGinty, it was passed through Sterns accounts to Bouzaglou.

In Bouzaglous next move to gain control of the McGinty family home, he had Kathleen sign a lease for an apartment in Encino and moved Tim and Kathleen out of their family home in 2012. After the move, Kathleen suffered from sleeplessness, depression and other problems, and her brother attempted suicide, resulting in hospitalization. Upon Tims release from the hospital, Bouzaglou had Tim sign an agreement, prepared by attorney Stern, transferring the home to Bouzaglou, who soon moved into the home himself with his family before attempting to sell the property he had bamboozled from the McGintys.

Tim died several months after his hospital release, at which time Jeanne Haworth became the trustee and stepped in to help Kathleen. She became aware of the egregious situation, finding that the family home was in escrow for $1.55 million. Working with Joe Girard, who had worked as her aunts estate planning attorney, to file a lawsuit, the sale was stopped.

If this sale had gone through, $1.55 million could have disappeared overnight, said Girard. Once we got the real estate under control of the judge, Jeanne and Kathleen had more security.

The 2014 case, Haworth v. Bouzaglou, was decided after an eight-day trial in which Judge Stephen Czuleger ordered the contract for work on the home rescinded and the home returned to Jeanne Haworth, the trustee for Kathleen McGinty since the death of her brother. The jury found that contractor Bouzaglou had shown abusive conduct and had acted with recklessness, oppression and malice toward the McGinty family. Attorney Andrew Stern, working with Bouzaglou, was found professionally negligent and engaged in fraudulent conduct. Judge Czuleger ordered Stern reported to the State Bar of California for review and discipline. He has not yet been disbarred.

This is a case that has relevance to everyone, because it shows how important trust administration is, added Girard. The special needs trust that had been set up by Kathleens mother for Kathleens lifetime care had not been effectuated and left her vulnerable. With Kathleens brother, who became trustee upon his mothers death, also vulnerable and without a trusted team to intervene, Bouzaglou and Stern took extreme advantage of two very vulnerable people.

Fortunately, because of the work of a great cousin, Jeanne Haworth, who was an authorized successor trustee in the estate plan, the system worked, and the court recognized the outrageous offenses committed against the McGintys. The jurys outrage was duly reflected in the penalties assessed, said Girard.

###

LA ELDER LAW provides a variety of services throughout California, including asset protection, conservatorships, elder law, estate planning, guardianships, Medi-Cal and special needs, planning for children, and trust and probate litigation.

Contact LA Elder Law at 310-823-3943 | LAElderLaw.com | LinkedIn | Facebook
Our projected cost for such a replacement is roughly $113,000, however we would appreciated any assistance whatsoever you may be able to give. - Heidi Hoffman, Donor Relations Coordinator

Tapolci Foundation, a local not-for-profit organization formed to give back to the community on a greater scale, announces its new spring donation drive, #FundTheTruck. This drive has the goal of helping the Greater Washington County Food Bank raise money toward the purchase of a new refrigerated box truck.

Board Member Jeff Tapolci stated, When we formed the Tapolci Foundation, donating to organizations in our community such as the Greater Washington County Food Bank was our main purpose. He continued, As a company, we will be volunteering at the Food Bank at the end of April, but we also want to present them with a check with donations raised from this event and online so the impact will be greater.

One of the most crucial needs is the replacement of our main delivery vehiclea 1999 international cargo truck. Our goal is to replace the truck with a new 24 refrigeration truck which is imperative in order that we can ensure a safe and timely delivery of food to our 48 food pantries, explained Donor Relations Coordinator Heidi Hoffman of the Greater Washington County Food Bank. She continued, Our projected cost for such a replacement is roughly $113,000, however we would appreciated any assistance whatsoever you may be able to give.

The #FundTheTruck event will take place on Thursday, April 6th, 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm at Mad Mex in Robinson Township, PA. Fifty-fifty raffles will occur during the evening as well as a Chinese Auction. All are welcome and an RSVP is not required. Donations can also be accepted on the Tapolci Foundation website.

About Tapolci Foundation

The Tapolci Foundation was established in 2014 by the leaders of ABG Capital along with the support of their portfolio companies VoIP Innovations, InspiraFS, and GlobalPOPs. As a not-for-profit corporation, the Tapolci Foundation operates under the laws of the State of Pennsylvania and aims to exemplify the best practices of responsible, effective philanthropy. For more information, please visit Tapolci Foundation.

For more information, please contact:

Tapolci Foundation

Cherie Steffen

Marketing Communications Coordinator

412-406-5328

cheries(at)abgcapital(dot)com
MEWShops new Mobile Media Training series will show you everything you need to know to use the latest tools for professional live streaming and producing high-end promo videos with your smart phones and tablets

Manhattan Edit Workshop (MEWShop), the cutting-edge authorized digital training destination for post-production and content creators, launches its new Mobile Media Training series for production and live-streaming on smart phones and tablets. The camera on most of todays mobile devices not only shoot in 4K, but are enhanced by an evolving ecosystem of professional apps for all areas of production. More and more video is being produced and live streamed to websites and social media outlets, mobile production has become the fastest way to turn out high-quality content and increase brand awareness.

MEWShops new Mobile Media Training series will show students everything they need to know to use the latest tools for professional live streaming and producing high-end promo videos with smart phones and tablets.

These workshops are created by MEWShop founder Josh Apter, who is also a mobile media specialist and owner of Padcaster - the industry leader in iPad and smartphone technology for production. They will be taught by award winning filmmaker and cinematographer Peter Olsen.

Class participants receive 20% discount on Padcaster products.

Mobile Media Live Streaming Workshop

This two-day workshop covers everything companies need to know to create amazing mobile live stream video productions. Using Facebook Live and Live to Air, students will learn which devices, apps and support gear best suit their projects, how to set up professional lighting on the go, and techniques to capture excellent audio. Students will also learn how to enhance your live production with multiple cameras as well as how to add titles, graphics and video clips to live stream.

Topics include:



Devices, gear and software - understanding the goals and the tools

Best apps for live streaming and proper configuration

Audio recording and an overview of microphones

Lighting on location and on the field

Students will produce a live stream broadcast using Facebook Live

Multi Camera set-up and understanding the Live: Air interface

Audio and lighting techniques for multiple cameras

Using a mini teleprompter

Adding lower thirds, graphics and video clips to projects

Archiving a live broadcast

Students will produce a live multi-camera broadcast using Live to Air

Saturday & Sunday, April 8 - 9, 2017 from 10am  5pm

Cost: $595, Early Bird: $495 (early bird ends March 22nd)

Click here to an example of mobile media live streaming an event.

Mobile Media for Corporate & Promotional Videos

This two-day workshop covers everything students need to know to create professional mobile video for in-house, corporate and promotional applications . They will learn which devices, apps and support gear best suit each companies needs, how to set up professional lighting on the go, and techniques to capture high-quality audio.

In this course, students will shoot a sample video profile and learn the workflow of archiving, editing, color grading and uploading your final projects.

Topics include:



Devices, gear and software - understanding the goals, tools and challenges

Best apps for pro video and proper configuration

Video stabilization - how and when to move the camera

Audio recording and an overview of microphones & mixers

Lighting on location and on the field

Devices, gear and software - understanding the goals, tools and challenges

Best apps for pro video and proper configuration

Video stabilization - how and when to move the camera

Audio recording and an overview of microphones & mixers

Lighting on location and on the field

Students complete shooting profiles

Backing up footage for edit and archive

Review video footage with critique and suggestions for improvement

Introduction to mobile editing with iMovie, Pinnacle Studio and other apps

Adding lower thirds, graphics and other effects to your project

Color correction on mobile devices

Saving, archiving and uploading your final project

Saturday & Sunday, April 29 - 30, 2017 from 10am  5pm

Cost: $595, Early Bird: $495 (early bird ends March 22nd)

Registration

Register here. Our Mobile Media for Corporate & Promotional Videos and Mobile Media Live Streaming are located under the two-day drop down menu.

About Manhattan Edit Workshop  Training in New York City & Your City

Headquartered in the Flatiron District of New York City, Manhattan Edit Workshop was founded in 2002 with the goal of providing cutting-edge instruction on Adobe, and Avid, Apple platforms. Since then, MEWShop has added Digital Cinema Production classes, Blackmagic DaVinci Resolve, Autodesk Smoke, Assimilate Scratch training and VFX Editing course to its already impressive curriculum. MEWShops signature Six-Week Intensive is a jump-start for anyone looking for a career in post-production, while weekend and one-week courses introduce and solidify core editing concepts. Corporate and group training offer a customized curriculum, either in-house or on-site, for professionals eager to learn a new skill or to build on existing ones. The facilitys focus on small workshops, highly skilled faculty, and a results-oriented curriculum have quickly won it the reputation as New Yorks premier post-production teaching facility.

For more information on Manhattan Edit Workshop, please visit: http://www.mewshop.com.

About Padcaster

Featured in Apples Your Verse international advertising campaign for the original iPad Air, as well as the newly released iPad Air 2 Change campaign, and Visas Visa Checkout campaign, The Padcaster is a patented, rugged multifunctional iPad case that transforms the iPad into an all-in-one mobile production studio. The Padcaster enables consumers to shoot, edit and upload video on the fly  or stream live right from the iPad. More than an innovative way to mount an iPad to a tripod, The Padcaster transforms the iPad into an all-in-one production tool. The Company is creating, developing and enabling a new category of convenient and cost-effective professional quality video documentation and production.

What began as an idea to help amateur filmmakers use their iPads to shoot video, interviews, and documentaries is becoming a widely adopted and accepted solution for people from various backgrounds to shoot professional quality videos. From extreme to mainstream, professional to consumer, The Padcaster is enabling consumers to conveniently and easily realize their creative vision. Padcasters customers include some of the worlds most well known news organizations, journalists, reporters, schools, students, and filmmakers. For product information, go to http://www.padcaster.com.

About the Instructor

Peter Olsen is an award winning filmmaker and cinematographer and has worked in the industry for over fifteen years. He earned his MFA in Film and Television from NYUs Tisch School of the Arts. He taught documentary camera at the distinguished International Film & Television Workshops in Rockport, Maine, and cinematography at the Kochi University of Technology in Japan. Peter has served as Director of Photography on documentaries, television series, shorts, and more than ten feature films. His debut feature, Kaaterskill Falls, received the Critics' Jury Prize for Best Feature at the Los Angeles Film Festival and was nominated for two Independent Spirit Awards. Peter is currently producing and shooting a documentary on nature writer and conservationist Sigurd Olson and the meaning of wilderness in the 21st century.
Improved accounting policies and internal controls are key for stemming fraud and reducing the number of financial restatements, according to a new report from the Anti-Fraud Collaboration. The report, Addressing Challenges for Highly Subjective and Complex Accounting Areas, compiles leading-practice recommendations from dozens of company executives, corporate directors, auditors, and regulators who attended two 2016 workshops to discuss ways to help deter fraud and enhance financial reporting.

Companies are sharing leading practices and voluntarily working with regulators to help deter and detect financial reporting fraud, said Cindy Fornelli, executive director of the Center for Audit Quality (CAQ), on behalf of the Anti-Fraud Collaboration. The Anti-Fraud Collaboration is pleased to present these recommendations to help companies improve their accounting policies and system of internal controls. Investors, our capital markets, and public companies all win when we work together to combat fraud.

The Anti-Fraud Collaboration held workshops in New York and San Francisco that brought together members of the financial reporting supply chain, including regulators, audit committee members, financial executives, internal auditors, and external auditors.

The workshops explored issues that were identified in an analysis of enforcement actions in which the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) took an action against an issuer or individual because of a securities violation and asserted that there were serious issues with the companies internal controls. The workshops also examined case studies as a catalyst for the discussions.

The report makes key recommendations concerning company accounting policies:



Accounting policies must adhere to technical accounting guidance. Supervisors and managers are responsible for implementation. It is critical that these policies be understandable to non-accountants who may not be conversant in the nuances of technical accounting.

Process must be married to policies. Accounting policies must be reviewed at regular intervals and address how to uncover and monitor changes in activities that impact accounting.

Policies must be tested in the field prior to implementation, and then monitored for compliance post-implementation.

Accounting policies in regards to revenue recognition should be granular because even slight changes in contract terms can have a major impact on revenue.

The report also outlines key recommendations regarding internal control over financial reporting (ICFR):



Tone at the top is an essential component of an ICFR regime.

A risk-based evaluation is the best approach for achieving effectiveness and efficiency in ICFR.

Internal controls over unusual and nonroutine transactions are sometimes overlooked or given less attention than core processes when developing an effective ICFR regime.

Our members are highly committed to the deterrence and detection of fraud and are focused on their responsibility toward that effort, which includes overseeing the preparation of accurate financial information and the importance of designing, monitoring, and maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, said Andrej Suskavcevic, CAE, president and CEO, Financial Executives International (FEI). We fully support the efforts of the SEC to promote cooperation and self-reporting.

Successfully battling fraud in financial reporting requires strong collaboration among all the principal players, said Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) President and CEO Richard F. Chambers, CIA, QIAL, CGAP, CCSA, CRMA. This report is built on such collaboration and offers valuable direction and insight on improving accounting policies and internal control over financial reporting.

"The sharing of leading governance practices is an essential element of effective board leadership," said National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) President and CEO Peter Gleason. "While this report is an important guide for all corporate directors, it will be especially of interest to our public company audit committee members."

# # #

About the Anti-Fraud Collaboration

The Anti-Fraud Collaboration represents the collaborative efforts of the Center for Audit Quality, Financial Executives International, the National Association of Corporate Directors, and The Institute of Internal Auditors, organizations that actively engage in efforts to mitigate the risks of financial reporting fraud. The Collaborations goal is to promote the deterrence and detection of financial reporting fraud through the development of thought leadership, awareness programs, educational opportunities, and other related resources specifically targeted to the roles and responsibilities of participants across the financial reporting supply chain.

About the CAQ

The Center for Audit Quality is an autonomous public policy organization dedicated to enhancing investor confidence and public trust in the global capital markets. The CAQ fosters high quality performance by public company auditors, convenes and collaborates with other stakeholders to advance the discussion of critical issues requiring action and intervention, and advocates policies and standards that promote public company auditors objectivity, effectiveness, and responsiveness to dynamic market conditions. Based in Washington, DC, the CAQ is affiliated with the American Institute of CPAs. For more information, visit http://www.thecaq.org.

About FEI

Financial Executives International is the leading advocate for the views of corporate financial management. Its more than 10,000 members hold policy-making positions as chief financial officers, treasurers and controllers at companies from every major industry. FEI enhances member professional development through peer networking, career management services, conferences, research and publications. Members participate in the activities of more than 65 chapters in the U.S. and a chapter in Japan. FEI is located in Morristown, NJ, and Washington, D.C. Visit http://www.financialexecutives.org for more information.

About the IIA

The Institute of Internal Auditors is the internal audit professions most widely recognized advocate, educator, and provider of standards, guidance, and certifications. Established in 1941, The IIA today serves more than 185,000 members from more than 170 countries and territories. The IIAs global headquarters are in Lake Mary, Fla. For more information, visit http://www.theiia.org.

About NACD

The National Association of Corporate Directors empowers more than 17,000 directors to lead with confidence in the boardroom. As the recognized authority on leading boardroom practices, NACD helps boards strengthen investor trust and public confidence by ensuring that todays directors are well-prepared for tomorrows challenges. World-class boards join NACD to elevate performance, gain foresight, and instill confidence. Fostering collaboration among directors, investors, and corporate governance stakeholders, NACD has been setting the standard for responsible board leadership for 40 years. To learn more about NACD, visit http://www.NACDonline.org.
Kaufman Hall

Drawing an interactive audience of CFOs and finance professionals from around the globe to attend its annual Performance Management Summit, Kaufman Hall took time to recognize a number of outstanding organizations during its fourth annual achievement awards in enterprise performance management (EPM): The EPMmys.

Every year Kaufman Hall, the leading provider of management consulting, EPM and decision support software, convenes finance leaders and decision makers to discuss industry trends and best practices through educational sessions, workshops, and panel discussions. On the heels of record EPM software growth in 2016, this years Summit was especially notable with record attendance from both existing and prospective clients across all industries. Through 2016 and 2017 Kaufman Hall made a number of product enhancements and strategic acquisitions to enhance the quality and breadth of its EPM offering. The companys customers have embraced these new capabilities and deployed them across their organizations as they continue to work to improve how they manage financial and operational decisions, outcomes and ultimately performance.

Our success, new product innovations and groundbreaking industry insights are achieved thanks to the partnerships we have with our customers and their outstanding achievements, said Tom Walsh, CEO of Kaufman Hall Software. Were humbled by the opportunity to honor our great partners for the innovative and efficiency solutions theyve implemented through our expanding portfolio of software, which enables them to make a true impact not only within their organizations, but also more broadly in the industries they serve.

The 2017 EPMmy Award winners included:

New Customer of the Year 



University of Kentucky: Recognized for their forward-thinking and innovative approach to Axiom Software. The team automated their enrollment planning process, providing more reliable forecasts while aiding in the creation of multiple scenarios. This has enabled a joint long-range planning process integrating both the university and its academic medical center financial plans. By working with Kaufman Halls financial planning team, the UKs approach is breaking new ground in strategic financial planning for universities with academic medical centers.

Performance Award 



ProHealth Care: A valued client for nearly 20 years, ProHealth Care is recognized for its use of the Axiom Healthcare Suite, including being an early adopter of Kaufman Halls cost accounting and decision support solutions. ProHealth Care has fully utilized Axiom software to enhance their costing data and to ensure accurate and reliable cost results across the continuum of care  hospitals, medical group, and all other organizational units.

University of Vermont Medical Center: Recognized for its use of the Axiom Healthcare Suite including budgeting, reporting, and cost accounting and decision support to accomplish its first ever consolidation of financial planning across the five-hospital university system formed in recent years. Last year, the University achieved a consolidated, system-wide view of financials and operations and developed full service line analytics across the system to help identify synergies and opportunities for improvement. The team was able to bring data from the five systems together and ensure consistent and accurate network-wide analytics and reporting thanks to the cooperation of their Finance, IT teams and support of the networks executives.

First Interstate Bank: Its robust evaluation and successful implementation of the Axiom Software solutions for Financial Management Reporting, Data Quality Analyzer, Funds Transfer Pricing and Annual Budget earned First Interstate Bank the Performance Award. The bank utilized Axiom to plan their 2017 budget, and is transitioning their suite of financial reports to Axiom to support the ongoing growth of their organization through timely and efficient reporting.

Innovation Award 



Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU): Recognized for its use of the full Axiom Healthcare Suite of products and continued improvement year over year. In 2015, they recognized the challenges of emailed excel files for productivity reporting by managers, and in response created a more user-friendly presentation of the same information through the use of dashboards. In 2016-17, they transitioned from using a traditional operating budget to using a rolling quarterly forecast, giving them more accurate projections for the coming quarters.

EPM User of the Year 



Gene Murphy, Emory University: Honored for facilitating the implementation of Axiom Software that always put the needs of end-users first and used his eye for effective design and communication skills to put forward a solution which helped drive broad user adoption. Murphy also approached the initial implementation with a strong consideration for the future, ensuring that it would be scalable and support future enhancements.

Jeff Truitt, Baxter Credit Union: Honored for leading a comprehensive, six-vendor evaluation process to replace the credit unions existing system with the Axiom Software unified platform for financial institutions. As primary stakeholder, developing a solid understanding of key performance methodologies and analytics, Truitt collaborated with the Kaufman Hall team to improve profitability analysis and reporting through a sophisticated software configuration, and extending it to include the Axiom Software Incentive Compensation Management solution.

About Kaufman Hall

Kaufman Hall provides management consulting and software to help organizations realize sustained success amid changing market conditions. Since 1985, Kaufman Hall has been a trusted advisor to boards and executive management teams, helping them incorporate proven methods into their strategic planning and financial management processes, and quantify the financial impact of their plans and strategic decisions to consistently achieve their goals.

Kaufman Hall services use a rigorous, disciplined, and structured approach that is based on the principles of corporate finance. The breadth and integration of our advisory services are unparalleled, encompassing strategy; financial and capital planning; debt and derivatives-related financial transactions; capital allocation and decision making; and mergers, acquisitions, partnerships, and joint ventures.

Kaufman Halls Axiom Software provides sophisticated, flexible performance management solutions that empower finance professionals to analyze results, model the future, and optimize organizational decision making. Solutions for long-range planning, budgeting and forecasting, reporting and analytics, consolidations, capital planning, and profitability and cost management are delivered on a single integrated software platform. Kaufman Halls Peak Software empowers healthcare organizations with clinical benchmarks, data, and analytics to provide a higher quality of care for optimized performance and improved patient outcomes.

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Heroes Voices, a San Francisco-based service organization that helps veterans connect with each other and the community through the power of music and poetry, announces the 2017 National Veterans Poetry Contest. The inaugural contest, called A Soldiers Journey, will award four cash prizes, including a $1000 Grand Prize. Deadline for submissions is April 21st, 2017.

George Mason University, renowned for its Veterans and the Arts Program, and a renowned poetry program in Manassas, Virginia, will co-sponsor the national contest.

At Heroes Voices, we have seen the profound healing that takes place through shared music and poetry workshops at Veterans hospitals and other venues. said Richard Harrell, Founder and Director of the non-profit in northern California. Were eager to extend this experience to vets nationwide.

Among the expanding list of contest advisors and judges are legendary poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti, Poet Laureate of San Francisco Alejandro Murguia, English poet David Whyte, Major General John Borling and Colonel David Rabb, as well as Keven Bellows, poet and teacher.

The prizes will be presented at public readings of the winning poems, and other submissions in Spring of 2017, in both California and Virginia. Relevant poems by well- known poets will also be featured. Heroes Voices will publish a chapbook (limited edition printing) of selected writing.

Original, unpublished poems can be submitted online at http://www.heroesvoices.org or mailed to:

Heroes Voices, 401 Van Ness Ave, Suite 224E, San Francisco, CA 94102.

Complete information and contest rules are posted on the website. All U.S. military veterans are invited to submit their work.

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The March issue of Colorado Homes & Lifestyles magazine, featuring Arch11-designed Dihedral house on the cover, reveals the 2017 Circle of Excellence Award winners. Our firm has been going beyond perceived limits since its inception, says Arch11 principal Meade.

Architect E.J. Meade, principal and co-founder of the Denver and Boulder, Colorado, architecture firm Arch11, has been honored with a 2017 Colorado Homes & Lifestyles Circle of Excellence Award. Announced in the current March issue of the magazine  which features the Arch11-designed Dihedral house on its cover  the Circle of Excellence Awards recognize the states design leaders who work to make our world more beautiful, livable and environmentally sustainable, according to Editor in Chief Kate Meyers.

Colorado Homes & Lifestyles is thrilled to include E. J. Meade as one of our 2017 Circle of Excellence recipients. E.J. has amassed an impressive and beautiful body of work in Colorado and continues to enhance our local landscape, says Meyers.

Being included in Colorado Homes & Lifestyles Circle of Excellence is an honor, says Arch11s Meade. Our firm has been going beyond perceived limits since its inception and its exciting to be recognized among so many distinguished professionals and for our firms unique brand of hands-on design.

Meade grew up in New Jersey, often helping his grandfather  whom he describes as an epic tinkerer  with projects. He later worked at an antiquarian book bindery during his last year at Colby College and hefted a hammer as a carpenter in New England after graduation before studying architecture at the University of Washington and completing his masters at the University of Colorado.

Meade went on to found Arch11 with partner James Trewitt in Boulder in 1993. The firm, which has grown to 20 employees with offices in Boulder and Denver, is known for creating heirloom-quality modernist residences that elegantly answer a variety of challenges  from sustainability (their oeuvre includes a net-zero mountain home at 9,300 feet elevation) to topography (In Colorado  everythings sloped, or youre looking at a slope, says Meade in the article) to Boulders famously stringent building codes. But the firm retains its tinkering roots.

Weve really tried to get a collection of people at Arch11 who are makers, Meade is quoted as saying in the Circle of Excellence interview. Weve got cabinetmakers, people who make wedding cakes, so in addition to their architecture education, they have an engagement with the tactile qualities of the world. We also always try to have a leg in academia.

While residential design has been the mainstay of Arch11s portfolio, over the years the firm also has designed award-winning restaurants and mixed-use, retail and office buildings that consistently garner awards from local and state AIA chapters along with national media recognition. Arch11 also is a past winner of Colorado AIA Norths Firm of the Year Award.

Arch11 client and CEO of startup accelerator MergeLane, Sue Heilbronner, agrees with Colorado Homes & Lifestyles assessment of Meades excellence: E.J. offers a rare blend of vision, pragmatism, artistry, perfectionism and Zen-like calm, Heilbronner told the magazine. All of these qualities run throughout my home, making it a stunning, organic, livable space.

Editor Meyers notes that the 2017 Circle of Excellence Awards received a record number of submissions and narrowing it down to five was daunting. Now in its third year, the annual contest seeks to identify Colorado design leaders who have had significant careers in residential design and whose work, influence, and community involvement set them at the pinnacle of their profession. The full listing of this years award winners is available here: http://www.coloradohomesmag.com/Life/2017-Circle-of-Excellence-Award-Winners/.

About Arch11:

Founded in 1993, Arch11 has gained recognition for projects ranging from exceptional residences to institutional planning, mixed-use development and product design, including a 2009 Firm of the Year Award from the Colorado AIA North chapter. With offices in Boulder and Denver, Colo., Arch11 has over 30 combined years of green building technology leadership. The staffs unusual level of hands-on experience ranges from boat building to furniture making, contributing to its reputation for commitment to craft, detailing and design integrity. For additional information visit http://www.arch11.com.

Contact: Sarah Goldblatt, sarah(at)wordprmarketing(dot)com, 303.777.7667
For the first time in his life Jozmar hears what is happening around him.

Finally able to hear: this dream came true for three disadvantaged children in Panama when their cochlear implants (CI) were successfully activated. They are the first to be provided with hearing implants in the ten-year history of the Hear the World Foundation. This is a significant milestone for the foundation and its local project partner FUNPROI as with CIs, the gift of hearing can even be given to people who do not benefit from even the most powerful hearing aids. Donating cochlear implants is a challenge because it involves surgery and requires closely monitored care before and after activation.

At activation, around six weeks after the operation emotions were high: the eyes of Ivana (3), Jozmar (4), and Alejandro (4) started to light up. You can see in their eyes that something wonderful and fundamental has changed in their lives  they can hear properly for the first time. It was a big day for the three children from Panama, who all come from disadvantaged families. They stepped into a new world in which they can hear and therefore have the opportunity to learn to speak, to go to school, and to lead an independent life. These successful activations mark a milestone for the Hear the World Foundation and the local non-profit organization Fundacion Pro Integracion (FUNPROI), which the Swiss foundation has been supporting with funding, hearing aids, and expertise since 2013.

Donating cochlear implants allows us to give the gift of hearing to those children who cannot benefit from even the most powerful hearing aids and therefore offer them better opportunities for the future, says Sarah Kreienbuehl, Group Vice President of Corporate HRM and Corporate Communications at Sonova and a member of the Hear the World Foundation Board. Donating the first cochlear implants is an important step for the Hear the World Foundation, and we hope we can bring this kind of support to projects all over the world, and help many more children on their way to a better life.

Transfer knowledge  ensure sustainability

The Hear the World foundation understands that just donating cochlear implants is not enough. Professional follow-up care is an equally important part of Hear the Worlds engagement and support. The experts from Sonovas subsidiary Advanced Bionics also play a major role in ongoing care. They support the project locally, control the activation of the CIs, and pass on their expertise to the FUNPROI audiologists so the children will continue to receive follow-up care in future. Over the following two to three years the children will receive regular audiological monitoring of the cochlear implants as well as speech training three times a week to compensate for their current speech deficiencies and to prepare them for school. Their parents are trained in how to handle CIs and also receive tips on playful ways to support their children in their speech training at home. With all of these measures, the Hear the World Foundation not only enables children to hear, but also ensures sustainable all-round audiological care in accordance with international standards.

About the Hear the World Foundation

With the help of the non-profit Hear the World Foundation, Sonova promotes equal opportunities and a higher quality of life for people experiencing hearing loss. As a leading provider of hearing solutions, Sonova takes its social responsibility seriously and plays its part in working toward a world where every person has the chance to hear well. The Hear the World Foundation is therefore committed to helping underprivileged people around the world who experience hearing loss and plays an active part in prevention. The foundation particularly supports projects that help children affected by hearing loss, to ensure that they develop properly for their age. Since it was founded in 2006, the Swiss foundation has already supported over 80 projects in 39 countries, helping thousands of people to improve their hearing. More than 100 high-profile ambassadors support the Hear the World Foundation, including stars such as Bryan Adams, Cindy Crawford, Placido Domingo, Annie Lennox, and Sting. http://www.hear-the-world.com

About Fundacion Pro Integracion

The Fundacion Pro Integracion (FUNPROI) is a non-profit organization with the mission of improving the quality of life of people with hearing loss and impaired mobility in Panama and helping them to break free from isolation. It focuses on people who have very limited resources available or are living in poverty. As one of the few institutions in the country that specializes in supporting adolescents with hearing loss, FUNPROI offers free examinations, professional audiological treatment with hearing aids, and speech therapy. In 2014, FUNPROI was presented with the Hear the World Foundations Richard Seewald Award for extraordinary commitment.

More information about the joint project including a video can be found here

Link to the video on YouTube

Corresponding images to download in ready-to-print resolution find here:

For more information, please contact:

Hear the World Foundation

Louise Kaben

E-mail: louise.kaben(at)hear-the-world(dot)com

Tel: +41 58 928 01 01

US Public Relations

Beth Fichtel

E-mail: brgelbert(at)yahoo(dot)com

Phone: +1 (914) 588-2695

Cassandra Hegarty

E-mail: cassandra.hegarty(at)gmail(dot)com

Phone: +1 (917) 653-4038

Note: A version of this press release and the video are available in Spanish upon request
Net Effects Traders is committed to changing the lives of Cambodian women, children, and men trapped in poverty, with the launch of their impeccably designed products, including the Easy Breezy Messenger Bag.

Net Effects Traders has a big dream. Our company aspires to provide training, fair wages, and great working conditions to disenfranchised Cambodians, says Ardice Farrow, founder and president of Net Effects Traders. Our focus is on helping women and mothers through Trade, instead of Aid  helping them gain self-confidence, pride of workmanship, and a sense of self-worth while giving them the tools to escape poverty.

Helping women and girls achieve their ambitions, challenging bias, calling for gender-balanced leadership, valuing contributions, and creating inclusive, flexible cultures  these are all part of the vision of Net Effects Traders.

By partnering with Peace Handicraft of Phnom Penh, Net Effects Traders brings eco-friendly and stylish messenger bags and totes to thoughtful Western consumers who want their purchases to do more. In fact, the Easy Breezy Messenger Bag was funded in less than two hours on Kickstarter! Whats more, within the first 12 hours of the campaign, Net Effects Traders earned more than 150% of their desired funding!

The exclusive Easy Breezy Messenger Bag was designed especially for busy professionals, students, on-the-go moms, and travelers. It has all the features to make life simple, easy and portable, including



a built-in exterior sleeve for quick and easy access to a laptop or tablet;

a roomy interior pocket;

open side pockets for easy access to a phone, glasses, or small water bottle;

small exterior pocket for keys;

a roomy zipper pocket on the outside for wallets or cosmetic bag;

plenty of room inside for files, books, or even a change of shoes and sweater.

Net Effects Traders is committed to sustainable futures. Industrial net remnants are repurposed, making the Easy Breezy Messenger Bag eco-friendly and zero waste. The unique net fabric means the Easy Breezy Messenger Bag is water resistant and durable enough to go anywhere, anytime. Of course, the Easy Breezy is free of lead, toxins or hazardous dyes.

A portion of the profits from all sales are donated to Nothing but Nets to help protect impoverished families around the globe from mosquito-borne diseases like malaria and zika.
As the adoption of new tools increases, so does the impact that technology has on how LO teams interact with integrated platforms" - Rob Chrisman

Floify, the leading provider of mortgage automation software, and mortgage industry veteran, Rob Chrisman, host The Future of Mortgage Technology webinar on March 23rd, 2017 from 1:00-2:00pm ET. All registrants will receive a recording after the webinar.

Chrisman and Floify partnered on the webinar in response to feedback from loan officers who were asking how they could better prepare their teams for the year of mortgage tech. As the mortgage process becomes more streamlined, loan officers place increasing demands on the platforms they rely on to grow their businesses. This also means the roles and skill sets on their teams must shift to include managing technology and navigating more automated processes.

As the adoption of new tools increases, so does the impact that technology has on how LO teams work together and interact with integrated platforms, said Rob Chrisman, publisher of RobChrisman.com and senior associate for the STRATMOR Group and Mortgage Bankers Association.

Moderated by Floify CMO, Holly Hamann, The Future of Mortgage Technology webinar will cover insights on how technology integrations are connecting data sources between the borrower, realtor, lender, title company, underwriter, and the IRS. Loan officers and their teams will learn:



How the blending of mortgage tech will impact LOs

Which mortgage processes will be affected first

What new skill sets LOs need to have on their team

How technology will affect team recruitment and retention

Loan officers, their teams, and lender executives can register for the webinar here.

About Floify

Floify (floify.com) is a mortgage solutions SaaS platform that streamlines the mortgage process by providing a secure communication and document portal between lenders, borrowers, referral partners, and other mortgage stakeholders. Loan Originators use the platform to collect and verify borrower documentation, track loan progress, communicate with borrowers and real estate agents, and close loans faster. More than 130,000 users are registered on the platform, including loan officers, realtors, and borrowers. The company boasts an impressive 99.5% annual customer renewal rate with 13,000 loans started on the software every month. The company was founded in 2012, is based in Boulder, Colorado and privately held.

About Rob Chrisman

Rob is a 31-year mortgage industry veteran, senior associate of the STRATMOR Group, senior associate of the Mortgage Bankers Association of the Carolinas, and publisher of http://www.robchrisman.com. Rob serves on the board of directors for Peoples Bank, Inheritance Funding Corporation, International City Mortgage, Axis AMC, and of California Mortgage Bankers Association.
By facilitating burden-sharing, the UN saves American taxpayers the billions of dollars required to solve these issues than if we were to tackle them on our own.

Better World Campaign President Peter Yeo issued the following statement on the federal budget proposed today by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget for Fiscal Year 2018, which would cut foreign affairs funding and significantly impact U.S. support for the United Nations:

The Better World Campaign believes the budget proposal released today by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, if approved by Congress, would jeopardize U.S. national security interests and compromise American leadership at the United Nations and around the world. The budget proposes deep cuts in foreign affairs funding, which would significantly impact UN support at a time of increased challenges to global security and stability. Such reductions would undermine President Trumps policy priorities to make America stronger and safer, and cede ground to countries that do not share our interests and values.

The budget proposal:



Calls for reducing or ending funding to international organizations, and the cuts to foreign affairs spending in the overall budget make reductions to the UN and international organizations not only inevitable but far reaching;

Mandates the reduction of U.S. contributions to UN peacekeeping from 28 percent to 25 percent which would put the United States back into arrears at the UN for the first time in nearly a decade; and

Ends U.S. funding for UN climate change programs, including the Green Climate Fund.

It is a positive sign that the budget proposes maintaining full funding for Gavi (the Vaccine Alliance) and the Global Fund for AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria as both are impactful global health initiatives that leverage U.S. funding in conjunction with international donors.

As President Trump said in his February 28 address to Congress, Our foreign policy calls for direct, robust, and meaningful engagement with the world. There is no better place for such engagement than at the United Nations. When we pursue our interests through the UN, we share the weight of responding to global crises with other countries. By facilitating burden-sharing, the UN saves American taxpayers the billions of dollars required to solve these issues than if we were to tackle them on our own. The proposed cuts would result in less burden-sharing and heighten demands for U.S. interventions across the globe.

For decades, such cuts have been rejected by both Republican and Democratic Administrations. The cuts also run counter to the views of the majority of Americans. We encourage Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle to speak out about the risks these cuts would have for U.S. national security and to pass a budget that maintains Americas commitment to the United Nations.
Marketing Manager Kim Ludwig, General Manager Nicole Rea, Owner Donna Rea, Operations Manager Charlotte Kroll We are humbled and honored that Jeffs legacy will live on for years to come through this award, not only within our family, but also within the Caring Transitions family.

In 2011, when Jeff and Donna Rea opened Caring Transitions of North Dallas Suburbs, it was because they saw an opportunity to build a business that did important work and could make a positive impact on the lives of the seniors and families in their community. And, even after Jeff lost his courageous battle with cancer last year, Donna and her daughter Nicole knew they wanted to carry on the Caring Transitions tradition of serving and giving back.

Now the Caring Transitions national team is pleased to announce that the Rea family has been recognized with the companys very first Jeff Rea Caring for a Cause Award. Caring Transitions of North Dallas Suburbs was the only franchise recognized with this award, which was presented at the Caring Transitions national conference in late February.

Jeff and Donna always ran their business with their heart and, when I went to Jeffs memorial service, I realized how many lives they had touched, both personally and through Caring Transitions. Jeff had a service heart and spent his life giving back and being available to help people heal, learn and grow. When it came time to announce that we were going to start giving out Caring for a Cause Awards, we couldnt envision better recipients than Donna Rea and Nicole Rea, Caring Transitions President Chris Seman said.

Caring Transitions is Americas largest resource for managing senior relocations, as well as downsizing and estate liquidations. In addition to organizing, packing, de-cluttering, moving and resettling, Caring Transitions manages estate sales, liquidations, and preparing homes for market. Caring Transitions of North Dallas Suburbs serves Allen, Fairview, Lucas, McKinney, Richardson, Plano, Dallas and surrounding areas. Donna and her daughter, Nicole, are business partners and Nicole operates as the companys General Manager.

Caring Transitions of North Dallas Suburbs was named Rookie of the Year in 2013 and Franchise of the Year in 2014 and has ranked among the companys Top 5 for the past few years, but the Jeff Rea Caring for a Cause Award was completely unexpected, Donna said. Caring Transitions of North Dallas Suburbs also recently celebrated their fifth year in business. Donna and Nicole pointed out that they could not have accomplished these great accolades without the support of their Operations Manager, Charlotte Kroll; Marketing Manager, Kim Ludwig; and each and every one of their incredible Team Members.

We are humbled and honored that Jeffs legacy will live on for years to come through this award, not only within our family, but also within the Caring Transitions family. Jeff was the best person I knew. He was a good man full of compassion, integrity and love for this company, his family and friends, Donna said. Jeff has always been a person who believed in serving others. First and foremost, he served God and his family. He always worked feverishly to provide for all of us. He also gave back to God the talents that were given to him.

I also want to make note that during my absence after Jeffs passing, it was our amazing team who kept the business going full throttle even through their own grief of losing Jeff. I will forever be indebted to our team for continuing to serve our clients and customers during this time, she added.

Whether your situation is planned or unexpected, Caring Transitions services are perfect for seniors who are downsizing and transitioning, as well as busy families and people clearing out the home of a loved one who has passed. All of Caring Transitions services are customizable and tailored to clients needs.

In addition to the volunteer work Jeff did on his own - ushering, running the sound board and serving on various committees as well as working with Habitat for Humanity  the Caring Transitions business is also heavily involved in the community. In fact, Donna, Nicole, and their amazing team just recently created a new donation program for people in need

We have done some pro-bono moves and resettles and been involved in the Alzheimers Walk over the years, but over the past several months, our Marketing Manager, Kim Ludwig, and some of our team realized that we were donating a ton of equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, canes, shower chairs, etc. because they typically did not sell at our estate sales. Kim spearheaded a movement to collect these items at our warehouse and began spreading the word that we have made them available for anyone in the community who needs this medical equipment, Donna said.

Donna said shes looking forward to building that donation program and also working with her team to schedule serve days, where theyll go into the community to help seniors with tasks like yard clean-up or decluttering.

Seman said hes intending to present more Jeff Rea Caring for a Cause Awards in the future, as other franchisees become more deeply engaged in giving back like the Rea family has.

The people who are drawn to Caring Transitions  franchisees and clients  are people who understand the importance of being connected and making a difference. So many of our franchisees are finding ways to give back to their communities and we, as a company, want to recognize and encourage that kind of engagement. Obviously that kind of support makes an impact on the community, but the emotional return also increases satisfaction for the business owners, the staff, their clients and more. Thats incredibly valuable. Were looking forward to presenting more Jeff Rea Caring for a Cause awards in the future, Seman said.

Donna is a Certified Relocation and Transition Specialist, a designation bestowed by an independent organization that evaluates providers of senior relocation services. Caring Transitions of North Dallas Suburbs is bonded and insured and all employees are background-checked. For additional information, call (214)504-1650, or visit http://www.caringtransitionsnorthdallassuburbs.com.

About Caring Transitions

Caring Transitions, founded in 2006, is the first national franchising concept specializing in senior relocation and transition services. With more than 200 locations throughout the United States all owned and operated by Certified Relocation and Transition Specialists, Caring Transitions provides clients with supportive moves, auctions, rightsizing and transitions. This includes expert advice plus a well-executed transition plan beginning with the initial sorting of personal belongings through packing, shipping and selling of items to the final clearing and cleaning of the property. For more information, visit http://www.caringtransitions.com or visit us on Facebook.
DES MOINES  House-passed legislation to significantly expand firearm rights in Iowa came out of a Senate committee without a mark Thursday and the bills sponsor predicting it eventually will win full Senate support with minor technical changes.

House File 517 is firearms legislation that has been a priority for many Iowans for many years and this is a large step in the right direction to address what the voters of Iowa have been asking us to do for many years, Sen. Dan Dawson, R-Council Bluffs, told Senate Judiciary Committee members who voted 10-2-1 to move the bill to the Senate debate calendar.

The bill achieved funnel-proof status  clearing one legislative chamber and a committee of the other to remain eligible for action this session. The status was obtained after minority Democrats raised numerous concerns about "stand your ground" immunity for gun owners.

The immunity would remove the duty to retreat in a public place in using deadly force when confronted with danger to life or property.

Sen. Janet Petersen, D-Des Moines, who voted against the bill, said some of the proposed changes can be supported. But she expressed concern the bill could be construed to give immunity from criminal or civil liability for all damages where reasonable force would be used to protect property.

No one has a right to kill someone over property. There has to be some type of overt action to be concerned for your safety or another persons safety has to be articulable by a reasonable persons standard there, Dawson said.

Nothing in stand your ground gives you the right to kill someone because they are walking away with a boom box or a big-screen TV. There has to be a threat there for your life or someone elses life, he added.Thats not what the bill says so it needs to be fixed."

Petersen contended during the meeting that spanned more than an hour.

Petersen and other Democrats on the committee also raised concerns about provisions that would:

 Allow new carry applicants to complete online training courses to demonstrate knowledge of firearm safety.

 Remove age requirements for minors handling handguns under the supervision of a parent or guardian.

 Keep information on people who possess weapon permits confidential.

 Remove a penalty for carrying a weapon while under the influence, if someone is in his or her own home or business.

 Allow permitted weapons in public buildings like the state Capitol building.

Sen. Nate Boulton, D-Des Moines, another no vote, said he worried allowing guns in the Capitol would have a chilling effect on democracy, and Dawson conceded that was one of the policy areas that would get revisited before the bill comes to the Senate floor for debate.

We have to be very, very careful when we are making a statutory right that is brand new on use of force to make sure that it is doing exactly what it should do and in situations of defense of property, I dont think anyone in that room wanted that to be the outcome so weve got to vet this very carefully before we doing anything on it, Boulton told reporters after the meeting.

Two Democrats joined eight Republicans in supporting the bill in committee and Dawson expressed confidence he has the votes in the Senate to pass the bill that likely would get a favorable reception from Republican Gov. Terry Branstad.

This bill is a priority here, Dawson told reporters after the meeting. You can talk to a Democrat or Republican out there. It is a deeply embedded personal belief and right here in rural areas and urban areas here in Iowa, and we will be passing firearms-related (legislation) this session.

Another GOP freshman, Sen. Jeff Edler, of State Center, told committee members and a standing-room crowd Thursday, Im proud for this, Im proud for us and Im proud for Iowa.

The comprehensive firearms bill also:

 Allows carrying firearms on snowmobiles and ATVs on property that doesnt belong to the carrier.

 Creates a uniform permit to carry weapons and provides for five-year permits to acquire handguns, rather than single-year permits.

 Legalizes short-barreled rifles and shotguns.

 Adds penalties for illegal sales.

Im concerned about Iowans safety with this bill and it covers so many areas and there are so many holes and problem with this legislation that Im very hopeful that youll be open to a pretty significant amendment or amendments so that we dont do significant harm to the safety of Iowans, Petersen said.
Representatives of Allergy Standards Ltd., the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, and Owens Corning with Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD. Photograph: Nick Crettier I'm delighted to see this innovative partnership continue to expand with the inclusion of Owens Corning. This is an illustration of the strengths that Ireland continues to demonstrate in the fields of life sciences and consumer retail.

While celebrating St. Patrick's Day in Washington, D.C., the Taoiseach (Prime Minister) of Ireland Enda Kenny TD highlighted a significant relationship between Allergy Standards Ltd. and Owens Corning. Allergy Standards Ltd. is an Enterprise Ireland client company, and co-founded the asthma & allergy friendly Certification Program. Owens Corning is a global Fortune 500 company that develops, manufactures and markets insulation, roofing and fiberglass composite products.

Commenting on this at an event attended by over 300 U.S. and Irish Business Leaders An Taoiseach said I'm delighted to see this innovative partnership continue to expand with the inclusion of Owens Corning. This is an illustration of the strengths that Ireland continues to demonstrate in the fields of life sciences and consumer retail."

More than 70 million people in the U.S. suffer from asthma and allergies, and symptoms are exacerbated by allergens in household products and materials. To address this issue, Allergy Standards Ltd. - based in Dublin, Ireland - developed Certification Standards and partnered with the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) to develop the asthma & allergy friendly Certification Program.

Products carrying the asthma & allergy friendly Certification Mark have been certified to help reduce exposure to allergens and irritants, provide increased environmental control, and withstand routine cleaning and care guidelines. A large portion of product testing is carried out in testing facilities in Ireland, based on Certification Standards developed by Allergy Standards Ltd.

"It is important to us at Allergy Standards Ltd. that we enable consumers to make product choices that are founded on scientifically rigorous standards" stated Dr. John McKeon, founder of Allergy Standards Ltd.

A wide range of products, including vacuum cleaners, air cleaners, humidifiers, soft toys, bedding, and others, have been certified as asthma & allergy friendly. Owens Corning's Pure Safety high performance insulation is the first product of its kind to be certified.

We are honored to receive this designation and to be a part of the asthma & allergy friendly Certification Program, said Julian Francis, president of insulation, Owens Corning. Owens Corning now joins a select group of manufacturers that are focused on product innovation to address peoples exposure to allergens and irritants in their homes.

About Allergy Standards Limited

Allergy Standards Limited (ASL) is an international certification company that prepares independent standards for testing a wide range of products to determine their suitability for asthmatics and individuals with associated allergies. ASL has devised a series of proprietary testing protocols and suitability specifications for products to meet in order to be eligible for certification as asthma & allergy friendly. ASL has developed these protocols to identify products that consumers can trust have been subject to rigorous testing to determine their relative suitability for people with asthma and allergies. http://www.allergystandards.com
Blame Sally brings their original brand of folk pop to the Osher Marin JCC. They are accomplished musicians on their own, and when they get together, the sum is even greater than its parts  they are their own entity. - Rosalie Howarth, KFOG Radio

Blame Sally creates an eclectic and undeniably original brand of folk pop that plays on the indie edges of Americana." Bringing together four unique voices and musical backgrounds, Blame Sally has forged a cohesive sound that is instantly recognizable and compelling.

With their decade-plus of live performances and recordings, Blame Sally has established a legacy of song combining country, folk, rock, Celtic and strains of classical music, which has brought originality together with a roots sensibility and pop accessibility.

This local folk-rock quartet with an attitude combines acoustic textures with Americana harmonies and an independent spirit. Theyve shared stages with like-minded artists like Los Lobos, Ani DiFranco, Richard Thompson, Roseanne Cash, Joan Beaz and Greg Brown.

WHAT: Amazing Live Acoustic Folk Rock Harmonies from Blame Sally at The Kanbar Center @ the Osher Marin JCC

WHEN: Saturday May 13, 2017 @ 8 p.m.

Beer/Wine/Concessions: 6:45 p.m.; Doors Open @ 7 p.m.

TICKETS: VIP Reserved Tables: $40 advance only

Reserved table seats: $35 advance | $40 day of

General Admission: $30 Advance | $35 day of

WHERE: The Osher Marin JCC  Hoytt Theater

200 N. San Pedro Road, San Rafael, CA 94903 415.444.8000

MORE: Concessions include beer, wine, sodas, Peets Coffee, Numi Teas, Sweets & Savories, and all are allowed in the theater. More info is available at JCC's website: http://www.marinjcc.org

PARKING: Free onsite and street parking.

The Kanbar Center for the Performing Arts is the Performing Arts Department within the Osher Marin Jewish Community Center in San Rafael, Calif. All are welcome, no membership is ever required to attend. The Center is a long-standing Marin non-profit, centrally located in Marin County.

Watch a video of Blame Sally performing their song "Jump Start" here: https://youtu.be/o4A1CErsjPI

The Kanbar Center for the Performing Arts is the Performing Arts Department within the Osher Marin Jewish Community Center in San Rafael, California. All are welcome, no membership is ever required to attend. The Center is a long-standing Marin non- profit, centrally located in Marin County.
Maui SuperGroup HAPA bring their Island music to the Osher Marin JCC 5.20.17 [the] most exciting and beautiful contemporary Hawaiian music the world knows! (Maui Times)

The Kanbar Center for the Performing Arts at the Osher Marin JCC celebrates 25 years of presenting with one of their favorites Summer Nights bands, Mauis Super Group; HAPA. This indoor Hawaiian concert celebrates a quarter of a century of community building through the arts, and offers the opportunity to experience a HAPA performance in the intimate, yet grand Hoytt Theater.

The event will offer Hawaiian cuisine & cocktails for sale and utilize the full first floor and courtyard of the center as well as the theater. The stars of the night will be the most recognized name in Hawaiian music; HAPA. Their hypnotic, liquid guitar runs, woven around clear, tenor Hawaiian vocals and immaculate harmonies driven by poetic lyrics, exult the rapture of the Hawaiian landscape, history and mythology.

The evening will include welcoming ukuleles, leis & beautiful traditional Hula dance performance from Halau Hula Na Pua O Ka Laakea . A trip to the islands without leaving the mainland, audience is encouraged to wear their island attire and come enjoy Hawaiis hottest group!

Hapa explore(s) the rich possibilities of Hawaiian music and then some, blending a variety of pop and world music styles. - SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE

VIDEO

WHAT: Hawaiian super-group HAPA performs celebrating 25 years of Arts Presentations from the Kanbar Center for the Performing Arts at the Osher Marin JCC.

WHO: All are invited. No membership or affiliation required.

TICKETS: From $32. VIP, Reserved Tables & GA choices-

WHEN: Sat. May 20 @ 8pm. Dinner & Cocktails at 7- Performance: 8pm

WHERE: The Osher Marin JCC, 200 N San Pedro Rd, San Rafael, 1/2 mile E off 101

PARKING: Ample FREE parking.

BUY: Tickets available at http://www.marinjcc.org/arts

ABOUT HAPA: Like the Hawaiian Islands themselves, HAPA's Pan-Polynesian music is an amalgam of influences ranging from ancient genealogical chants to the strummed ballads of Portuguese fisherman, Spanish cowboys, and the inspired melodies and harmonies of the traditional church choirs of the early missionaries. Add to this a dose of American acoustic folk/rock, and you have what has been described as, [the] most exciting and beautiful contemporary Hawaiian music the world knows! (Maui Times).

The Kanbar Center for the Performing Arts is the Performing Arts Department within the Osher Marin Jewish Community Center in San Rafael, California. All are welcome, no membership is ever required to attend. The Center is a long-standing Marin non- profit, centrally located in Marin County.
Its a real privilege for us to be able to provide this improved level of care to those who have served our country,

Allegheny Health Network (AHN) and VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System (VAPHS) today announced the successful integration of their Electronic Medical Records (EMR) platforms. The two organizations can now exchange veterans health records securely and seamlessly for a more connected patient-provider experience.

The first records were shared across the AHN and VA EMR platforms last fall, and to date more than 1,700 documents have been exchanged.

The expansion of AHNs Care Everywhere EMR platform to the VA is a major step forward in providing more effective care for patients, said Robert White, MD, Chief Medical Information Officer at Allegheny Health Network.

By allowing for a seamless record exchange, patients who visit providers at various facilities are more empowered the moment they walk in the door. A patients up-to-date medical history is immediately available for review, and the need for traveling with paper records is eliminated. Patients receive more timely and effective care when their providers are equipped with all the health information they need at all times, Dr. White said.

Connecting with VAs EMR platform, known as Virtual Lifetime Electronic Record (VLER), affords AHN providers secure electronic access to veterans health records stored at any of VAs 1,233 healthcare facilities nationwide, including VAPHS. Veterans participation is strictly voluntary, and requires in-person authorization.

Dr. White said AHN was particularly excited to establish a program to help better serve the nations veterans.

So many of our patients seek care from both private and VA-based providers that integrating their information is essential to providing optimal care. Its a real privilege for us to be able to provide this improved level of care to those who have served our country, Dr. White said.

VAPHS Director Karin McGraw agrees the records integration is beneficial to veterans

.

Its absolutely essential for VA, as well, to be able to see all clinical and laboratory records so we can provide optimal care for our patients  especially now, with many veterans receiving healthcare outside the VA through the Veterans Choice Program. The records integration puts this information at our fingertips, McGraw said.

EMR integration with other government agencies is also underway at AHN. In January, AHN began sharing its records with the Social Security Administration and is averaging roughly 1,200 document exchanges a month with the agency. The Department of Defense is in the onboarding process with the network.

AHN is currently implementing the Epic EMR across all of its provider sites. The system has already been launched at the networks Allegheny General, West Penn and Forbes hospitals, as well as at its Wexford Health + Wellness Pavilion and in most of its employed physician practices. When completed, AHN will be the regions only healthcare system, and one of the countrys largest, to be integrated by a single EMR.

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Michael is a skilled professional with a strong record of accomplishment in oilfield engineering, project management, client relationship management, sales and customer service.

HIPOWER SYSTEMS, a manufacturer of power generation and power distribution equipment in the U.S. and Canada, today announced Michael Area has been hired for the position of Sales Manager for HIPOWER SYSTEMS Oklahoma. Oklahoma is the location of the HIPOWER SYSTEMS store and the hub of both sales and service activity for the state.

In that capacity, Area will be responsible for evaluating business opportunities and target markets, gathering intelligence on customers and competitors, and both generating and nurturing sales leads. Area will also educate customers on HIPOWER SYSTEMS products and services and ensure their service needs are met by the Oklahoma team.

Michael is a skilled professional with a strong record of accomplishment in oilfield engineering, project management, client relationship management, sales and customer service, said HIPOWER SYSTEMS President Rafael Acosta. We are confident he will provide excellent support for our Oklahoma sales and service efforts.

Area will be charged with expanding HIPOWER SYSTEMS sales presence in both the standby and rental markets, acquiring new client accounts, strengthening business relationships with prospects and customers, and performing strategic planning to meet sales targets. He will also develop sales proposals that best meet the needs and applications of customers, including calculating quotes, negotiating prices and terms of sale, and more.

Before joining HIPOWER SYSTEMS, Area was an Electrical Engineer for the Kimberly-Clark Corporation, where he worked with a team of mechanical, process and other electrical engineers to increase overall equipment efficiency and implement system-wide improvements. Prior to his work with Kimberly-Clark, Area was an Electrical Coordinator for MPW Engineering and a Field Engineer for Schlumberger, the worlds leading oilfield services firm. He gained additional experience in varied positions including Project Manager for Warren CAT, a privately held Caterpillar generator dealership.

About HIPOWER SYSTEMS

HIPOWER SYSTEMS (a division of Himoinsa, S.L.; a member of the YANMAR Co. Ltd group of companies) is the principal supplier of power distribution and prime, standalone power generation equipment and packages to the U.S. and Canadian markets, serving the Residential, Commercial and Industrial sectors including the Agriculture, Telecommunications, Health Care and Oil & Gas Industries. The company builds and customizes backup generators, diesel generators, natural gas generators and alternative bi-fuel generator sets from 8kW to 3MW with a complete range of accessories, including automatic transfer switches, paralleling switchgear, UL tanks, enclosures and power distribution equipment.

In North America and throughout the globe, our rental packages and power distribution equipment are recognized as the best power solution source for emergency and disaster relief. For more information, visit http://www.hipowersystems.com.
Trump administration's fiscal year 2018 budget proposal. "Today's budget proposal does not reflect the best approach to solving the nation's fiscal challenges. In fact, this proposal would close the door for countless students... who rely on federal student aid programs to pay for college," said Justin Draeger.

The Trump administration today released its fiscal year 2018 budget request, which focuses heavily on boosting public safety and national security, generally at the expense of long-term investments like higher education. The budget proposes a $54 billion increase to defense and security spending, and 13 percent decrease  a $9.2 billion cut  to education spending. The budget also proposes eliminating the Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) Program, removing nearly $4 billion from the Pell Grant surplus, and significantly decreasing funding for the Federal Work-Study Program.

"Today's budget proposal does not reflect the best approach to solving the nation's fiscal challenges. In fact, this proposal would close the door for countless students around the country who rely on federal student aid programs to pay for college," said Justin Draeger, president and CEO of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA). "Using budgeting tactics that take valuable financial resources away from low- and middle-income students not only hinders their pursuit of a college education, it delays the economic growth of the country. Research has shown that investing in the country's higher education system leads to better career opportunities and earnings for students, allowing them a path to a better life and the ability to contribute back through higher income taxes. NASFAA remains committed to fighting for valuable financial aid dollars that help students who might not otherwise have the opportunity to get to and through college. We call on the Trump administration and Congress to help craft a budget that includes adequate levels of financial support for the nations college students, especially those from the lowest income brackets.

To request an interview with a NASFAA spokesperson on President Trump's budget proposal or NASFAA's policy priorities for reauthorization of the Higher Education Act, please email timmonse(at)nasfaa.org or call (202) 785-6959.

About NASFAA

The National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) is a nonprofit membership organization that represents more than 20,000 financial aid professionals at nearly 3,000 colleges, universities, and career schools across the country. NASFAA member institutions serve nine out of every ten undergraduates in the United States. Based in Washington, D.C., NASFAA is the only national association with a primary focus on student aid legislation, regulatory analysis, and training for financial aid administrators. For more information, visit http://www.nasfaa.org.
Catalent Pharma Solutions, the leading global provider of advanced delivery technologies and development solutions for drugs, biologics and consumer health products, today announced that Ms. Humera Ahmad, Director of Product Development, Softgel AsiaPacific, and Ms. Tracey Clare, Site Director, Clinical Supply Services, Singapore, will be presenting at the upcoming BioPharma Asia Conference, to be held at the Suntec Singapore International Exhibition & Convention Centre, Singapore, on March 21  23, 2017.

Ms. Ahmads presentation, on Wednesday, March 22, at 11 a.m. is entitled Innovating Your Drug Product to Gain Competitive Advantage, and is part of the Research Showcase On-Floor Seminar series. She will discuss how products can be improved by leveraging advancements in delivery technologies, as well as how to overcome complex molecules challenges with respect to both bioavailability and stability.

On Thursday, March 23, at 2:10 p.m., Ms. Clare will present Driving Patient Centricity to Optimize Clinical Supply, and discuss how the clinical supply model is evolving in order to meet the challenges and pressures of efficiency, quality and value; while reducing risk. A case study will be presented to highlight the benefits of a demand-led supply model within clinical supply compared to traditional approaches.

Ms. Ahmad joined Catalent in 2013, bringing extensive expertise in product development of both OTC and prescription products, as well as experience in managing quality, regulatory and R&D groups. In her role, she is responsible for the product development teams at Catalents softgel facilities in Braeside, Australia; Kakegawa, Japan; and Haining, China. Previously, she held a number of senior management roles, most recently with Probiotec Pharma for nearly 10 years, and before that, with Sigma and SmithKline Beecham. She holds a bachelors degree in pharmacy as well as a postgraduate diploma in industrial microbiology, both from Swinburne University, Melbourne, Australia.

Ms. Clare has been part of Catalents Clinical Supply Services group for over 20 years, initially as part of the quality function at the Deeside, UK facility, before moving into an operations management role in 2003. She relocated to Singapore in 2012 to take on her current role as Site Director, where she is responsible for providing leadership and direction to the Clinical Supplies Services team. Prior to joining Catalent, Ms. Clare had a background in microbiology.

Catalent has a long history of supporting clients globally, including Asia, in the development and supply of new drugs and consumer health products, and in clinical trial supply across the region. Asia is key region with high market growth and increased customer demand, and Catalent has continued to invest in the region with new technologies, capabilities and capacity. The company now has facilities in Australia, China, Japan and Singapore, with local R&D, manufacturing and clinical packaging and storage resources in multiple locations.

For more information on the Conference, visit: http://www.terrapinn.com/exhibition/bio-asia/index.stm and to arrange a meeting with attending Catalent executives at the event, contact Richard Kerns at NEPR - richard(at)nepr(dot)eu.

About Catalent

Catalent is the leading global provider of advanced delivery technologies and development solutions for drugs, biologics and consumer health products. With over 80 years serving the industry, Catalent has proven expertise in bringing more customer products to market faster, enhancing product performance and ensuring reliable clinical and commercial product supply. Catalent employs approximately 10,000 people, including over 1,400 scientists, at more than 30 facilities across five continents, and in fiscal 2016 generated $1.85 billion in annual revenue. Catalent is headquartered in Somerset, New Jersey. For more information, visit http://www.catalent.com

More products. Better treatments. Reliably supplied.
Ranjini Poddar - Co-Founder & CEO, Artech Information Systems LLC We are so proud of the inaugural group of the Women of Distinction, including Ranjini Poddar, Co-Founder & CEO, Artech Information Systems, LLC, for her leadership and commitment to our organization and the womens business community.

The Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) proudly celebrates their 20th Anniversary year by recognizing an exclusive group of WBENC-Certified women business owners known as Women of Distinction. Ranjini Poddar, Co-Founder & CEO, Artech Information Systems, LLC is proud to be included as one of the 25 women leaders who have demonstrated a deep commitment to the organization and to breaking down barriers for women owned businesses in the corporate and government supply chains. The Women of Distinction program was established to create a strategic role for highly successful and dedicated Womens Business Enterprises (WBEs) as advisors to WBENC, supporting the growth and success of all WBEs. WBENC is honored to showcase the Women of Distinction as they celebrate 20 years of success.

As we celebrate our 20th Anniversary, we are so proud of the inaugural group of the Women of Distinction, including Ranjini Poddar, Co-Founder & CEO, Artech Information Systems, LLC, for her leadership and commitment to our organization and the womens business community, said WBENC President and CEO Pamela Prince-Eason.

Ranjini Poddar will be honored during the 20th Anniversary celebration at WBENCs annual Summit & Salute event taking place March 21  23, 2017 in New Orleans, LA. Summit & Salute is a highly anticipated event that provides access to the industry insights and senior-level networking opportunities that enable sustainable growth for all businesses. In addition to recognizing the Women of Distinction, WBENC will honor the 2016 Americas Top Corporations for Womens Business Enterprises, highlight past leaders, WBE Stars, and other influential contributors who have enabled two decades of success.

To learn more about the event or the WBENC Women of Distinction, visit http://summit.wbenc.org

ABOUT ARTECH INFORMATION SYSTEMS LLC

Artech is a minority- and women-owned business enterprise (MWBE) that provides workforce solutions, IT consulting, and SOW-project services. Headquartered in Morristown, NJ, Artech employs over 7,200 professionals and maintains over 25 locations across the U.S., India, and China. Artech was founded in 1992 and today is a Tier-1/Preferred Supplier to more than 70 Fortune 500 companies and numerous federal and state government agencies. Artech is the #1 Largest Women-Owned IT Staffing Firm in the United States and the #11 Largest IT Staffing Firm overall. Artech is also a NMSDC Corporate Plus Member and recipient of the 2009 NMSDC National Supplier of the Year award  the highest honor a minority supplier can receive. Recently the company also won the 2015 Supplier of the Year Award from the New York & New Jersey Minority Supplier Development Council. Artech is also ISO 9001, ISO/IEC 27001 and SEI-CMM Level 2 certified. For more information, visit: http://www.artechinfo.com

About WBENC

Founded in 1997, WBENC is the leading third-party certifier of businesses owned and operated by women, with over 13,000 WBENC-Certified WBEs. WBENC-Certification is accepted by more than 1,000 corporations representing America's most prestigious brands, in addition to many states, cities and other entities. Throughout the year, WBENC and its 14 Regional Partner Organizations provide opportunities for interactions between more than 650 member corporations, government agencies and thousands of certified WBEs at business building events and other forums. WBENC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that seeks and accepts donations from corporations, foundations and individuals that support its mission and programs. For more information, please go to http://www.wbenc.org
Vancouver, British Columbia - Koho, a new financial technology startup bringing modern-day financial services to the mobile generation, announced their public launch today. Offering a smart spending account, a mobile app, and the Koho Visa Card, Koho is a new mobile hub for one's financial life, free of fees.

Weve seen a lot of this in the news lately, says CEO Daniel Eberhard, Canadians are paying some of the highest bank fees in the world while being sold products they dont need or understand. We dont think thats right.

With Koho, users can access all the core functionality; making purchases everywhere Visa is accepted, directly depositing their paycheque, accessing more than 8,000 fee free ATMs, paying bills, sending e-Transfers and more, all without fees. Koho also provides a suite of modern capabilities like real-time updates, automatic savings goals, instant Koho transfers, purchase behaviour insights, chat support, low balance notifications, and much more.

The response during the private beta was amazing. More than 10,000 Canadians signed up, we transacted over $1,300,000 dollars. In virtually every metric, Koho is used in a fundamentally different way than traditional offerings. Were growing really quickly. Says Daniel Eberhard.

Koho works with Peoples Trust Company and Visa* to offer their service. Peoples Trust acts as the regulated financial institution which holds the users funds while Visa offers world-wide acceptance and purchase protection.

The Koho app is available for free download from the App Store on iPhone and Apple Watch, or at AppStore.com. For more information, visit https://blog.koho.ca/koho-for-iphone.

About Koho

Koho is a new company that's bringing modern-day financial services to the mobile generation. We provide everyday consumers novel ways of accessing rich insights into their spending habits, while providing core financial services, free of fees.

Based in Vancouver (British Columbia), Koho is a venture backed startup which has raised $2.6M from the founders of Hootsuite & Shopify, billion dollar fund managers & Portag3 Ventures, the investment arm of Power Financial Corporation (TSX: PWF).
James Jones, BSN, MBA, MSN, NEA-BC, VP of Patient Care Services and Nursing Operations at UW Medicine Valley Medical Center. UW Medicine Valley Medical Center Presents Webinar on Improving Patient Outcomes with Smartphones on Wednesday, March 29, at 1 p.m. ET

Voalte, the leader in healthcare communication technology, will sponsor a webinar by University of Washington Medicine Valley Medical Center on Wednesday, March 29, at 1 p.m. ET. Improving patient outcomes with smartphones, hosted by HIStalk, will cover the hospitals implementation of an innovative care team communication and alarm notification platform to improve patient outcomes. Before-and-after analysis will show a reduction in skin integrity events, fall and slip events, and medication errors.

Ranked one of the countrys best hospitals by U.S. News and World Report, Valley Medical Center, an entity of University of Washington Medicine, is the largest non-profit public district hospital in the state of Washington. The hospital has achieved HIMSS Analytics Stage 7 for adoption of medical records, and is recognized by HealthCares Most Wired for a high level of information technology adoption.

James Jones, BSN, MBA, MSN, NEA-BC, VP of Patient Care Services and Nursing Operations, and Wayne Manuel, Sr. VP of Strategic Services, will present the strategies and processes they used to improve patient outcomes and limit overhead paging, which created a calmer, quieter environment, and improved engagement among Nursing and Hospitalists. Register online for the free webinar.

About Voalte

Voalte develops smartphone solutions that simplify caregiver communication. Ranked number-one and named 2017 Category Leader in the Best in KLAS: Software & Services report for the Secure Communications Platform segment, Voalte is the only company to offer a comprehensive Mobile Communication Strategy that enables care teams inside and outside the hospital to access and exchange information securely. Founded in 2008, Voalte is a privately held company based in Sarasota, Florida. Voalte solutions are now available to more than 132,000 caregivers throughout the United States. For more information, visit voalte.com or follow @Voalte on Twitter.

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President Donald Trumps proposed cuts to the U.S. Department of Agriculture drew bipartisan concern Thursday, even as Republicans praised him for tackling spending and Democrats accused him of abandoning education, infrastructure and other priorities.

The White House released an outline of the presidents 2018 budget Thursday, proposing a 21 percent cut to the USDA. That would shrink the departments budget to $17.9 billion, a $4.7 billion cut.

The plan would eliminate a $498 million water and wastewater loan program and reduce staffing at USDA service center agencies in order to streamline county office operations. It also says it would save $95 million in what it called duplicative and underperforming programs in the Rural Business and Cooperative Service, which helps with business development and job creation in rural areas.

This budget cuts investments in programs that have a proven record of creating jobs and growing the economy, said U.S. Rep. Dave Loebsack, D-Iowa.

He also pointed to proposed cuts in grants for teacher training, subsidies for rural airports like Mason City and a program to help low-income Americans pay their heating bills.

U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, said she was troubled by how dramatic his proposed cuts are to programs across the USDA that our rural communities rely on.

However, she did praise the president for focusing on the countrys debt, saying, Washington cannot continue the excesses of the past 

The proposal would cut spending at the EPA by 31 percent and the Department of Education by nearly 14 percent.

Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, did not comment on the proposed USDA cuts in a statement his office provided Thursday. He said the president is right to take a close look at spending. But he said the budget proposals arent specific enough to know exactly how Iowans would be affected.

He and others said they would scrutinize the budget plan carefully.

Meanwhile, Rep. Cheri Bustos, D-Ill. said the budget plan proves President Trump is breaking his promise to the hardworking men and women of Americas heartland.

She predicted the cuts would lead to job losses and fewer opportunities in small towns.

In the budget submission, the administration said the USDAs core missions are maintained while eliminating duplicative, redundant or lower priority programs where the federal role competes with the private sector or other levels of government.

The White House already has announced plans to boost defense spending by $54 billion in 2018. The budget blueprint says that the plan insists on $54 billion in cuts to non-defense programs and that the government is going to do more with less."

Ed Tibbetts writes for the Quad City Times, another Lee Enterprises newspaper. Reach him at etibbetts@qctimes.com.
George Clooney is speaking out about the famine in South Sudan, calling it a government-made crisis.

Clooney, writing in a Washington Post op-ed with John Prendergast, his co-founder of the investigative initiative The Sentry, urges leaders to address the famine, target the root causes of the crisis in South Sudan, and make those responsible and profiting from human suffering in that country pay for their crimes.

Key excerpts:



Official, U.N.-declared famines are a rare phenomenon. The last one worldwide was six years ago, in Somalia. Famines are declared officially when people have already begun to starve to death. It is the diplomatic equivalent of a seven-alarm fire. That is where the youngest country in the world, South Sudan, finds itself today, as 100,000 face immediate starvation and another 1 million are on its brink.

The most immediate cause lies in the tactics used by the South Sudan government and its principal rebel opponent in fighting the current civil war. Government and rebel forces attack civilian targets much more frequently than they attack each other. They target the means of survival of civilian populations deemed to be unsupportive.

In South Sudan today, war crimes pay. There is no accountability for the atrocities and looting of state resources, or for the famine that resultsThere has been no effort to counter the networks that benefit financially and politically from the crisis. The international community needs to help make war costlier than peace for government and rebel leaders and their international facilitators.

In September 2016, The Sentry released a ground-breaking investigative report War Crimes Shouldnt Pay: Stopping the looting and destruction in South Sudan. The report exposed massive wealth accumulated by South Sudans President and other officials who oversaw a military offensive that contributed to the current famine. The report found that immediate family members of these officials enjoy luxurious lifestyles abroad, living in lavish estates while South Sudanese suffer.

Read the full op-ed by Clooney and Prendergast in the Washington Post: http://eno.ug/2nargN3

For media inquiries or interview requests, please contact: Greg Hittelman, +1 310-717-0606, gh(at)enoughproject.org.

About THE SENTRY

The Sentry is a team of analysts, regional experts, and financial forensic investigators which follows the money to disrupt the corrupt networks who fund and profit from genocide or other mass atrocities in Africa. Co-founded by George Clooney and John Prendergast, The Sentry is an initiative of the Enough Project and Not On Our Watch (NOOW), with its implementing partner C4ADS. Current countries of focus are South Sudan, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, and the Central African Republic. Learn more at TheSentry.org

About THE ENOUGH PROJECT

The Enough Project, an atrocity prevention policy group, seeks to build leverage for peace and justice in Africa by helping to create real consequences for the perpetrators and facilitators of genocide and other mass atrocities. Enough aims to counter rights-abusing armed groups and violent kleptocratic regimes that are fueled by grand corruption, transnational crime and terror, and the pillaging and trafficking of minerals, ivory, diamonds, and other natural resources. Enough conducts field research in conflict zones, develops and advocates for policy recommendations, supports social movements in affected countries, and mobilizes public campaigns. Learn more  and join us  at EnoughProject.org.
Trevor Knott, BSG Financial Group Trevors impressive track record over the past 12 months and his industry expertise have been invaluable to our company.

BSG Financial Group, a leading provider of revenue-enhancement and compliance solutions for financial institutions nationwide, announced today that Trevor Knott, Senior Vice President, Business Development, will be responsible for client development and retention in Pennsylvania effectively immediately. The addition of this state to Knotts territorywhich also includes Connecticut, Delaware, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Maine, Massachusetts and Vermontis the result of BSG Financial Groups aggressive growth plans for 2017.

Knott is a strategic marketing veteran who has spent much of his career developing and delivering products and services, as well as marketing and distribution programs for top-tier banks and suppliers to the banking industry. He has worked for BSG Financial Group for one year, generating new business in the northeast; forming strategic partnerships across the country; and advising corporate marketing activities.

Trevors impressive track record over the past 12 months and his industry expertise have been invaluable to our company, said Jeffrey Harper, President of BSG Financial Group. We are very fortunate to have someone of his caliber on our team. His efforts have had a demonstrable impact on our growth in New England, while he also enhanced product awareness with our existing customers.

Knott joined BSG Financial Group from Salyent Technologies in Franklin, Massachusetts. There, he served as Head of Marketing Services, overseeing the development and delivery of the companys marketing, consulting and analytics solutions, as well as managing the firms brand-building initiatives.

Prior to that, Knott held several management positions in a 12-year career at Citizens Financial Group in Boston. His most recent position there was Director of Partnerships & Distribution Strategy, where he managed all distribution and planning activities (budget, performance and regulatory) for over 1,400 branches, 30+ retail banking partnerships and 3,900 ATMs. He was also a member of the Citizens Executive Leadership Group.

Prior to joining Citizens Financial Group, he held leadership positions at Havas/Brann Worldwide/Response Marketing Group in Richmond, Virginia; Fleet Financial Group in Boston; and Signet Banking Corporation in Richmond.

I am thrilled that BSG Financial Group has entrusted me with an expanded business development territory. Now I will be able to share the companys impressive history and unique value proposition for increasing revenue and streamlining processes with even more financial institutions, said Knott.

About BSG Financial Group

Louisville, Ky.-based BSG Financial Group is a group of independently organized companies that provides revenue-enhancing programscombined with compliance solutionsfor financial institutions to help them meet their financial goals. BSG Financial Group has been a provider of innovative overdraft programs since 1999, including the industry's first cloud-based overdraft management solution, CourtesyConnect/CourtesyLimit.

The company's solutions include: Overdraft Management; Fee-Based Packaged Checking Accounts; Digital Lending; Vendor Management; Account Acquisition Strategies; and Social Media.

BSG Financial Group includes the following companies: CourtesyCloud Management Solutions, LLC; BSG Financial, LLC; and IQ Development, LLC. For more information about the company, visit http://www.BSGfinancial.com.
Feel Beautiful Today has helped countless cancer survivors in our area overcome their diagnosis and retake control of their lives, and our goal is to support their ongoing efforts.

Coffey Agencies, an insurance and financial planning firm that provides services to communities throughout northern Alabama and northern Georgia, is embarking on a charity effort in conjunction with the Feel Beautiful Today organization to help fund programs designed to improve treatment efficiency and quality of life for patients battling cancer.

Feel Beautiful Today works with care givers and treatment facilities to offer supplemental and holistic and alternative options that can help in the cancer recovery process. As well, Feel Beautiful Today provides cancer survivors with access to arts and health programs that help alleviate the pain, distress, and depression that often affect cancer patients.

Feel Beautiful Today has helped countless cancer survivors in our area overcome their diagnosis and retake control of their lives, and our goal is to support their ongoing efforts, says Cody Coffey, founder and chief executive of Coffey Agencies.

Working with a growing group of online supporters gathered from social media and email channels, Coffey and his team are sharing information about the Feel Beautiful Today charity event with regional families, entrepreneurs, and civic leaders. Future efforts to publicize the event will include a feature article scheduled for publication in the Coffey Agencies online community digest Our Hometown: http://www.coffeyagencies.com/Our-Hometown-Magazine_46.

Coffey Agencies is an active member of the Agents of Change network, and has assisted a number of notable charitable organizations in Alabama and Georgia over the last year. Going forward, the Coffey team plans to continue their policy of finding and assisting new regional charities on a bimonthly basis.

Additional information on the Feel Beautiful Today event has been provided by the Coffey Agencies team on the following page, and all those interested in being part of the charity effort are encouraged to visit: http://www.coffeyagencies.com/Improving-Quality-of-Life-for-Cancer-Patients-and-Survivors_11_community_cause. All other charity events sponsored by Coffey Agencies are maintained on the firms permanent Community Causes listing: http://www.coffeyagencies.com/community-cause.

About The Coffey Agencies

As a 28 year resident of Fort Payne Alabama with his wife and two children, Personal Financial Representative Cody Coffey knows many local families. A special knowledge and understanding of the people in his community ensures that Coffey and his team can provide clients with an outstanding level of service. Coffey Agencies are here to help families like yours protect the things that are important  your family, home, car and more. Coffey and his associates can also help you prepare a strategy to achieve your financial goals. To speak with a helpful and knowledgeable expert from Coffey Agencies, please visit http://www.coffeyagencies.com/ or call 256-845-3637.
Were giving back to the givers!

The Holiday Inn Dayton Fairborn has launched a social campaign that will give a dream wedding to one deserving couple. The newly renovated hotel, which is owned and managed by Portfolio Hotels & Resorts, has been a devout community supporter, having for example recently donated funds and even manpower to the building of homes for locals in need. Management is now challenging perspective brides-and-grooms to show how strong their charitable arm is by sharing a short video demonstrating their philanthropic efforts. The winner will receive a complimentary wedding reception in the hotels Grand Ballroom in 2018.

Were giving back to the givers! exclaimed the Catering Sales Manager at Holiday Inn Dayton Fairborn, Kalyn Leeper, who has years of experience planning weddings. We will be there every step of the way, from the initial site tour to the final tasting, to ensure the perfect dream wedding experience.

To qualify for the Wedding Giveaway, perspective brides and/or grooms must create a video around one minute in length that demonstrates how they give back to the community. Contestants are urged to use creativity in showing how they possess community spirit. Whether its volunteer work for a non-profit, or simply cooking dinner for an elderly neighbor, any example of charity or goodwill is accepted and welcomed. They should post the video anytime between now and October 1st, 2017 to Holiday Inn Dayton Fairborns Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/freshmodernbetter/, then ask family and friends to like and share their post. The video with the most likes come Sweetest Day (October 21st, 2017) wins the wedding.

After Holiday Inn Dayton Fairborn announces the winners on Sweetest Day, they will work with the couple on picking a wedding date sometime in 2018 based on availability. Included in the complimentary wedding package will be: use of the Grand Ballroom for up to 275 people, food & beverage, flowers & center pieces, dance floor, staging, tables & linens, colored napkins, overlays, sashes, service, and a honeymoon bridal suite  with deep discounts offered on extras like chair covers, special lighting and cake. The entire Wedding Giveaway package is a total value of more than $10,000.

About Holiday Inn Dayton/Fairborn

The newly renovated Holiday Inn Dayton/Fairborn is fresh, modern and better than ever! With 203 beautifully appointed guest rooms, the Holiday Inn Dayton/Fairborn is conveniently located just off I-675 and close to attractions such as Wright Patterson Air Force Base, National Museum of United States Air Force, Wright State University and the Ervin J. Nutter Center. Amenities include an indoor heated pool, complimentary WiFi and parking, guest laundry facility, and an outdoor lounge area. We encourage our guests to make themselves at home in our newly designed lobby and common space. By offering a farm-to-table concept menu in our restaurant, The Wright Place, we support local farms, breweries and distilleries. With over 10,000 sq. ft. of meeting and banquet space, the Holiday Inn Dayton/Fairborn can accommodate a wide variety of events including weddings, conferences, corporate meetings and social functions. Visit http://www.ihg.com/holidayinn/fairbornoh for reservations or call the hotel direct at 937-426-7800.
Joe Stanley, founder of The Stanley Law Offices, LLP, recently raised over $1000 through his charitys (Music for the Missions) 6th annual chili cook-off, benefiting the hungry and the homeless. Id like to give a special thanks to Randy and Chris, owners of Happy Valley Inn, and all the amazing patrons who donated and come back each year, said Stanley. And a huge shoutout to Lee Martin and The House Rockers as they donated 100% of their bands pay to Music for the Mission for the second year in a row. Proceeds from this, and similar events, help fund our Mini-Grant program, which funds local organizations and projects who directly work to end homelessness and hunger in our communities.

Music for the Mission organizes and sponsors local events to benefit homeless and hungry populations throughout central New York. Fundraised dollars are redirected to nonprofit organizations engaged in critical service provision to those in need of nutritious food and safe shelter.

Furthermore, in honor of World Hunger Day on May 28, 2017, Music for the Mission is putting together partnerships with area organizations and restaurants where donations will benefit people fighting hunger and homelessness in central New York. For any restaurants wanting to create a promotional and fundraising package or musicians who would like to donate any proceeds from their events on or around World Hunger Day, we have promotional packages that we can collaborate and create together, concluded Stanley. To contact Music for the Mission about partnering for World Hunger Day or other opportunities, please email the Executive Director, Melissa Bassett, at MusicForMission(at)gmail(dot)com.

To donate directly to Music for the Mission, please visit http://www.musicforthemission.org/donate/.

About The Stanley Law Offices, LLP

The Stanley Law Offices, LLP has five offices located in central New York and northern Pennsylvania, including Syracuse, Binghamton, Watertown and Rochester, NY, as well as Montrose, PA. The firm focuses on personal injury law, workers compensation and accident-related law. For more information, please call 1-800-608-3333, or visit http://www.stanleylawoffices.com.

About the NALA

The NALA offers small and medium-sized businesses effective ways to reach customers through new media. As a single-agency source, the NALA helps businesses flourish in their local community. The NALAs mission is to promote a business relevant and newsworthy events and achievements, both online and through traditional media. For media inquiries, please call 805.650.6121, ext. 361.
As companies battle for the hearts and minds of the public, especially when lawsuits and reputations are in play, it is essential for the legal and PR strategies to complement one another.

Red Banyan founder Evan Nierman recently appeared as a featured speaker at the 2017 International Crisis and Risk Communication Conference (ICRC) for the second year in a row.

In his presentation titled Litigation PR: Bridging the Gap between Legal Liability and Reputation Rescue," Nierman provided attendees with valuable insights into the important role of litigation PR for companies and organizations during the course of legal disputes. An experienced litigation PR practitioner, Nierman shared proven best practices for how communicators can work hand-in-hand with attorneys to preserve a brands reputation and achieve success, not only in court, but also in the court of public opinion.

I was delighted to return to the ICRC Conference this year to join the discussion and exchange knowledge with leading crisis communications experts, said Evan Nierman. As companies battle for the hearts and minds of the public, especially when lawsuits and reputations are in play, it is essential for the legal and PR strategies to complement one another. Rather than fearing the potential pitfalls of communicating about a legal dispute, organizations can benefit greatly from telling their story and appropriately framing the key issues.

Hosted by the University of Central Florida, the ICRC is an annual gathering that brings together a unique lineup of communications practitioners and academics from around the world. Featuring a variety of presentations, workshops and panel discussions, the conference examines some of the most pertinent issues, trends and best practices in the constantly evolving field of crisis communications.

About Red Banyan

Red Banyan is a top public relations agency with clients across the country and internationally. With offices in Florida and Washington, D.C., Red Banyan combines a substantive understanding of complex issues with the experience and skills needed to execute campaigns that deliver results. Specializing in crisis communications, corporate public relations, government relations, and legal PR, Red Banyan provides an integrated approach to communications rooted in strategy. Learn more at http://www.redbanyan.com, become a fan on the Red Banyan Facebook page and follow the firm on Twitter, Google+ and LinkedIn.
We are very excited to unveil the first models of the anticipated Boca Collection, and hope homebuyers and realtors will join us on March 21 for the first look at our incredible new offerings.

Stellar Homes Group, a prestigious South Florida homebuilder dedicated to green building practices, today announced the Model Grand Opening of its esteemed new Boca Collection. The companys newest solar estate homes near the heart of downtown Boca Raton will be unveiled with two special events for both realtors and homebuyers on Tuesday, March 21, 2017.

An Exclusive Realtor Event will be held from 12-2 p.m. on March 21, featuring the very first tours of the model homes, champagne, hors doeuvres and a limited-time 4 percent commission special. Prospective homebuyers are cordially invited to the public unveiling from 5-8 p.m. that afternoon, which will include meet-and-greets with special guests and sponsors, including Tesla, Tech 1 Systems security, Solar-Ray and Clive Daniel Home.

The Boca Collection features a limited collection of newly completed solar estate homes from $1.5 million. Certified by the Florida Green Building Coalition, the estates offer an array of sustainable eco-luxury technologies designed to minimize ecological impact, increase energy efficiency and provide additional long-term value to homeowners. Featuring open floor plans, 8KW solar panel systems, state-of-the-art appliances and first-class amenities, each outstanding home offers five bedrooms, four-and-one-half bathrooms, a three- or four-car garage that is pre-wired for an electric charging station, and up to more than 6,000 total sq. ft.

We are very excited to unveil the first models of the anticipated Boca Collection, and hope homebuyers and realtors will join us on March 21 for the first look at our incredible new offerings, said Stellar Homes Group President Larry Baum. This stunning collection of homes provides the best of all worlds - living luxuriously, sustainably, and close to all the best parts of Boca!

The Boca Collections Model Grand Opening events will be held at the Villa Palazzo Model Home at 201 NE 6th St, Boca Raton, FL. To attend, please R.S.V.P. to Erin Omiatek at 855.892.0343 by Sunday, March 19. Interested homebuyers or realtors are also welcome to call with any questions about the new eco-luxury estates.

About Stellar Homes Group

Founded in 2009, South-Florida-based developer Stellar Homes Group has delivered more than 2,000 homes and is committed to building residences that offer stellar quality, contemporary designs and sustainability. Stellar Homes Group specializes in the acquisition, development and value enhancement of residential and mixed-use properties. The company has developed in some of the most desirable coastal, urban and suburban locations in South Florida and is proudly dedicated to maintaining Florida Green standards and following green building practices to minimize the impact to the environment while reducing energy and water costs for residents. For more information about Stellar Homes Group visit http://www.stellarhomesgroup.com.
The fact that the best researchers in the world are coming from Harvard and Vanderbilt, among other places, is a reflection of the growing support to expand the field of recovery research.

Life of Purpose Treatment and The Office of Substance Misuse and Mental Health Recovery Research are excited to announce the University of North Texas Recovery Conference will be held for its fifth consecutive year featuring eminent speakers. The Recovery Conference is a national two-day event that brings together behavioral health professionals, educators, researchers, students and industry leaders. Held in conjunction with National Recovery Month, the conference will take place September 20 and 21, 2017 at the University of North Texas.

This event is an opportunity to engage with powerhouse speakers and exhibitors from renowned mental health and substance misuse organizations and treatment providers. To kick-off the conference, a VIP dinner will be held on the 19th to welcome speakers and conference attendees.

We are extremely excited and grateful to announce the continuation and expansion of this conference, stated Andrew Burki, MSW, Founder and CEO of Life of Purpose Treatment. Last year, a group of top tier providers came together in a truly unprecedented way to support what, at the time, was a both unique and innovative way to structure a conference within the substance use disorder field, he continued. The very idea that an event of this nature could be held with the entirety of its proceeds going to a university to fund recovery research hadnt only not been done before, it hadnt even been thought of. The fact that the best researchers in the world are coming from Harvard and Vanderbilt, among other places, to present at this years conference is a reflection of the growing support to expand the field at the highest levels.

The conference begins on Wednesday, September 20 with a keynote presentation by author, Noah Levine. He is a founding teacher and author of Dharma Punx, Against the Stream, The Heart of the Revolution, and Refuge Recovery. Mr. Levine is also a Buddhist teacher and counselor. He has created a Buddhist approach to addiction recovery called Refuge Recovery.

I am really excited about UNTs 5th Recovery Conference, said Linda Holloway, chair of UNTs Department of Disability and Addiction Rehabilitation. The event is going to be stimulating and informative! Initiated by students in recovery, it has grown from a small conference with primarily local speakers to a conference with more than 250 attendees featuring leading recovery researchers and advocates. The conference is unique in that it brings together researchers, clinicians, and students in an effort to infuse evidence-based practice into the field. We are delighted to have Dr. Kelly of the Harvard Recovery Research Institute and Dr. Finch from the Peabody School at Vanderbilt to be keynote speakers this year. Additionally, all profits from the conference will be used to fund research conducted by the UNT Office of Substance Misuse and Mental Health Recovery Research.

Day two begins with a keynote presentation by award-winning addiction recovery researcher, John F. Kelly, Ph.D., ABPP. He is the Elizabeth R. Spallin Associate Professor of Psychiatry in Addiction Medicine at Harvard Medical School, the first endowed professor in addiction medicine at Harvard. Dr. Kelly is also the founder and director of the Recovery Research Institute at the Massachusetts General Hospital.

The conference will close with a keynote presentation by Vanderbilt Universitys Andrew Finch, Ph.D. He is the Associate Professor of the Department of Human and Organizational Development at Vanderbilt. Dr. Finchs research interests include the role of schools as continuing care for substance use disorders.

The conference features expert speakers and sponsors from all over the United States traveling to Denton, Texas. Life of Purpose Treatment returns this year as conference co-host.

Proceeds from the 5th Annual Recovery Conference will benefit the Office of Substance Misuse and Mental Health Recovery Research. For more information about the conference, please visit: https://recoveryresearch.unt.edu.

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About Life of Purpose Treatment:

Life of Purpose Treatment is the only primary care academically focused substance use disorder treatment facility located on college campuses across the United States. With facilities at the University of North Texas, near Middle Tennessee State University and at Florida Atlantic University, the program was specifically designed for emerging adults whose education has been disrupted by substance misuse.

About the Office of Substance Misuse and Mental Health Recovery Research:

Established in March 2016, the Office provides research, courses and workshops for allied disciplinary practitioners in addictions. As its work progresses, the program will offer visits by internationally renowned scholars and practitioners in the field to promote collaborative research efforts, teaching and knowledge mobilization.
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CLEAR LAKE | A Clear Lake man who ran over a cyclist in September has pleaded guilty.

Nicholas Horst, 36, will be sentenced April 24 on one felony count of serious injury by vehicle.

Update: Cyclist has 'substantial injuries' in Clear Lake crash CLEAR LAKE  A bicyclist hit by a car in Clear Lake on Tuesday was hospitalized with what po

Horst was high on drugs when he hit cyclist Gary Beach, 47, with a 2016 Hyundai Veloster on Sept. 27 in the 2200 block of Main Avenue, according to a Clear Lake Police Department statement.

Authorities say Beach was dragged more than 150 feet.

Beach was hospitalized for serious injuries. He has since been released.

 Mary Pieper
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MASON CITY | Leadership of a Mason City synagogue targeted with two phone threats in recent weeks has a message for the caller.

Let's talk.

"If the individual wishes to come forward and wishes to talk about what's behind his feelings  which is ridiculous, but he might  we'd accept that," Alan Steckman, president of Adas Israel synagogue said Wednesday afternoon. "We'd accept him coming forward saying, 'I'll meet you at the synagogue, or I'll meet you wherever,' and we'll talk about this."

It was Steckman who answered the latest call at 2:22 a.m. Wednesday when it rang through to his home phone. Calls to Adas Israel synagogue are forwarded to his home in Mason City during off hours.

Steckman says a male voice said, "We don't need any of you f------ Zionists in this f------ town. Get the f--- out of town."

He believes it was the same man who left an anti-Semitic voicemail message found on the Steckmans answering machine on March 5.

Mason City police are investigating both incidents and stepped up security around the synagogue.

They've also notified the FBI.

"We are sharing information as it comes to light with the FBI and other law enforcement agencies," Mason City Police Capt. Mike McKelvey said via e-mail.

He said the federal agency was notified because of the multiple anti-Semitic threats that have been made recently across the country, as well as in Iowa.

Federal agents also may be able to offer additional resources, suggestions and the possibility of federal prosecution, McKelvey said.

One hundred and sixty-one bomb threats have been made this year against Jewish community centers in the United States and Canada, according to the Anti-Defamation League.

Five of the League's offices also have been threatened.

The bomb threats are in addition to other threatening phone calls and messages that, as in Mason City, did not mention an explosive device.

This week's calls to Adas Israel are the first cases of harassment the Mason City house of worship has suffered in the three decades Steckman's been with the congregation.

Adas Israel's congregation consists of approximately 12-15 families from North Iowa who regularly attend services. The first Adas Israel synagogue was built in Mason City in 1912.

The anti-Semitic calls did elicit a show of support from the community.

Seventy-five people, including a number of Christians and Muslims, attended Friday's service at Adas Israel as a show of solidarity.

Steckman doesnt expect to change the mind of the person making the calls by talking to him, but hopes the caller will come forward so the congregation can learn more about why he feels the way he does.

"We want to know what is on the mind of a person like him, because he's not alone," Steckman said. "We know that."
OSAGE | An Osage woman accused of a felony for allegedly using her mother's money to gamble at a local casino has pleaded guilty to a lesser charge.

Marilyn Jo Spartz, 58, filed a guilty plea Wednesday to misdemeanor third-degree theft.

She was accused of using $2,315.50 of her mother's money to go gambling and for other personal expenses instead of paying for the older woman's care, according to court documents.

Investigators say the alleged theft was discovered when the older woman's health insurance company declined to pay her medical bills from a recent hospitalization because the policy was canceled due to non-payment.

Osage woman accused of stealing, gambling mother's money OSAGE | An Osage woman is accused of gambling with her mother's money and not leaving enough

Spartz was originally charged with felony second-degree theft, but pleaded guilty this week to a misdemeanor charge. She agreed to pay back the $2,315.50 that was improperly spent.

According to court documents, prosecutors will recommend a judge suspend a 30-day jail sentence and $625 fine and order Spartz to serve one year of probation.

Her next hearing is March 21 in Mitchell County District Court.
Laini Taylors YA short-story collection Lips Touch Three Times (Scholastic/ Levine, 2009) was a National Book Award finalist; Taylor followed that book up with the acclaimed Daughter of Smoke & Bone trilogy (Little, Brown). This month sees the publication of Strange the Dreamer, first in a duology. Taylor spoke with PW from her home in Portland, Ore., about how Harry Potter revived her love of fantasy, the process of crafting a complex world, and her lifelong struggles with perfectionism.

Did you always know you wanted to be a writer?

Yes, I did always want to be a writer, but I didnt actually do much writing. When I was a kid, books were always my favorite things. But what I called writing when I was in middle school was two things: crafting complicated worlds and crafting beautiful sentences. I loved language. I was fooling myself for a long time, world-building, noodling with language, but I was missing the crucial storytelling element. I wrote a lot of first pages. I did this into my 20s, even my 30s. I had a faerie novel and a witch novel and I would switch back and forth between them. It was purgatory. Now I understand that it was a paralyzing perfectionism that kept me from ever actually writing. I know so many people with these same issuesthey give up writing because they think it should come more easily and more naturally. They dont realize its hard.

How did you get over that yourself?

I started going to the SCBWI annual conferences. I went to my first one in 2001I was an artist then. My husband Jim Di Bartolo and I both went. We had met the first day in art school and we were starving artists together, so we decided to go to SCBWI and get discovered. We had just gotten married and used some of our wedding money to go to the annual conference in L.A. That was a huge piece of getting over my issuesto be around writers and editors, networking and learning. I formed relationships with editors and writers. Eventually it got to be more painful to not write than to write.

So you began as an illustrator?

I actually was an English major at UC Berkeley, and after I graduated I worked for a few years as a travel book editor at Lonely Planet. I still thought of myself as a writer, but then I decided illustration would be easier than writing! So I went to California College of the Artsback then it was called California College of the Arts and Crafts. I didnt finish, though.

But you initially went to SCBWI as an illustrator?

Yes, and then by 2003 I had a gift line and I was showing my portfolio to an illustrator at SCBWI, who told me to show it to another illustrator, who told me to show it to Jane Putch. She was a licensing agent and she took on my gift line. We eventually licensed my line to a manufacturer and then I didnt have to do production anymore and was able to turn to writing fulltime. After I had written a good part of my first book, Faeries of Dreamdark: Blackbringer, Jane took that on and never looked back. Now she does mostly books.

By the time I was working on Blackbringer, I had heard lots of editors speak and I had an idea as to some who might be right for the book. So together Jane and I targeted some editors. TimTravaglini, who was then at Putnam, bought it. It was meant to be a five-book series, but the publisher, Nancy Paulsen, left after the first two books to start her own imprint, and then Tim left, and so in the end there were only two books.

Why fantasy?

As a kid, fantasy is what made me a reader and a writerits what I loved. In my teens, I left it behind and became literary. I was a very pretentious teenager. For my 18th birthday I requested the 54-book series Great Books of the Western Worldall by white men. For a while, I didnt even read any contemporary work. I only bought books at used bookstores, mostly selecting them by the bindings. Then one day when I was in art school, I read a review in the San Francisco Chronicle about a new middle-grade fantasy book and I went straight to an indie bookstore and bought a copy of the first Harry Potter. After I read that I rediscovered the genre of fantasy, which I had loved as a child. You know how C.S. Lewis said, Some day you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again?

When I started trying to write again, I was trying to write the kind of contemporary fiction that was being written at the time, and I just wasnt into it. After a few years, I realized I could write about anything. I came back to fantasy. That really opened up a door for me. Writing fantasy was so much fun; thats when I found my voice.

How did YA become your chosen audience?

My first two books were middle grademaybe because I fell in love with books again through a middle-grade fantasy. It took me three or four years to finish my first book. I actually burst into tears when I finally finished it. I wanted to stretch my writing, so while I was waiting for the editorial letter I started writing stories. After Id written a few I noticed that they all hinged on kissing. Actually, on one kiss that changed everything. That was when I moved to YA.

Because of the kissing.

Yes! I thought I might try to sell them to magazines as short stories, but Jim was reading them and it was his idea that it be a book. We had done a comic book together, The Drowned, in 2004I wrote it and he illustrated itand we had been wanting to do another book together. He had done the covers and several interior illustrationscharacter portraitsfor each of my first two books, but we hadnt actually worked together again. At first he was going to just do traditional illustrations for this bookwhich became Lips Touch Three Timesbut Arthur Levine, who was the editor, suggested we try something a little different. So Jim and I started thinking about it and realized that each story was prefigured by that of another woman, whose circumstances were similar but whose fate was quite different. So we decided to try to tell the earlier story through illustrations before the story itself began.

None of your books after that include any visual narrative. Why did you do it in that book and not in the following ones?

I would have loved to have them illustrated, but thats out of my hands. But Jim and I do have other things we hope to work on together in the future.

In all of your books, you build very detailed and complicated worlds. How do you come up with, and keep track of, everything?

I have a natural tendency to put in as much as I cana huge percentage of my time is spent resisting complications. My brain is always trying to layer things. Everything always branches out into more and more interesting things.

I dont do the entire world-building up front. I have to know just enoughkind of like doing a map as you are crossing a terrain. You map only as much as you need to know for the next part of the terrain. I dont know what Ill need in the future. Then Im inspired by all that has happened. I try to outline, but Im never really able to. I have to set the characters in situations and see what they do. This means I do a lot of backtrackingits not efficient. With Daughter of Smoke & Bone, I knew how Book One would end, but I didnt know anything after that. When I was writing it, I said to myself, let future Laini worry about that. And of course when I got to Book Two, I was cursing earlier Laini who said that.

Could you talk a little about your writing process? Do you write a fast first draft and then fix it, or do you perfect each sentence as you go?

I need to build the work as I go. Ive tried many times to do fast first drafting but it doesnt work for me. I discard a lot, but I have to perfect each sentence as I go. I have to love it before I can go on to the next. So much for me is discovered at the sentence level. I learn so much about the characters from the prose. Its an integral part of the living, breathing story.

So you dont rewrite a lot?

Well, at the end of the first draft the prose will be clean, but there are often big thematic issues to be fixed. My first drafts are polished, but theres a lot of editorial work and strengthening to do. Im still so caught up in my perfectionist issues that its like writing with the brakes onits like theyre broken and I cant take the brakes off. Its very hard. Its definitely not always fun.

What kind of editorial input do you get from your agent and editor?

I tend to wait to show them anything until Im far along in the process because my perfectionism doesnt allow me to solicit helpits kind of like cleaning your house before your house cleaner comes. I also need to have enough written that I can tolerate feedback. My books are written in acts, and the first act, which is usually 150 pages or so, takes the longest. It can easily take a year. Because Im always pushing against deadlines, my agent and editor usually get the material at the same time. Jane doesnt edit, just gives me some feedback. And Alvina [Ling] Ive been with for four books, so I get a lot of input from her. I really rely on that; its such an amazing gift to have somebody read my work so closely.

With Strange the Dreamer we were trying to get a sample ready for BEA 2016, so I sent [Alvina] the first act and then kept on writing before getting her editorial letter. Her letter spurred me to rewrite that act again. So I was editing the beginning of the book before it was finishedwhich was for the best. That book was hard the whole way! I actually wrote 30 different opening chapters10, 12, 14 pages of polished chapters. I couldnt help myself! When I was first writing it was hard for me to delete anything, but now I throw out a lot.

How long did it ultimately take to write Strange the Dreamer?

It took about 20 months. Most of my books take about a year and a half. When Im getting near the end, I try to go away for a few daysusually I can only take three. Ill go to a hotel in downtown Portland, or out to the Oregon coast to a small house or a beach hotel with kitchenette. I much prefer going to the coastits so nice to be able to meet a word goal and take a walk on the beach, and also to have more room to stretch.

What are you working on now?

The sequel to Strange the Dreamer, which is called The Muse of Nightmares. That was actually supposed to be the title of Strange the Dreamer. The book was supposed to be about Sarai; thats how I pitched it. I kept rewriting the opening and I just couldnt find my way into it. I was developing Lazlo as a secondary character. He was an impoverished scholar living in a crypt, who loves fairy tales. When I wrote the line: His nose was broken by a falling volume of fairy tales, I lost my heart to Lazlo and the whole center of gravity of the book shifted. I realized Sarai wasnt the main character. I finally found my way into the book through him. I couldnt resist him.

Will Sarai be the main character in the sequel?

I hope she will come into her own in this book, and discover herself the way Lazlo does in Strange the Dreamer.

How is work on this book going? Have you found your way into it yet?

This is really one big story in two piecesit was originally planned as a standalone but got out of controlso it picks up where Strange leaves off. And, knock wood, I havent had difficulty finding my way in. Im having great fun getting into the mysteries I was only able to hint at in the first book, to expand the scope of the story and to see how the characters respond to the profound changes in their lives.

Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor. Little, Brown, $18.99 Mar. 28 ISBN 978-0-316-34168-4
DES MOINES  Canadian officials highlighted the value chain that connects their country with Iowa and the United States during a Statehouse visit Wednesday on Canada Day.

They also welcomed what Canadian Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs Andrew Leslie called the team spirit created by Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds.

The visit was not only timely because Canada is celebrating its sesquicentennial of nationhood, but because of the current political atmosphere, said Leslie and Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall.

In this current context, with the discussion that is happening in both countries  our prime minister has signaled that it is important we engage with our American friends at the state level and, yes, in the nations capital, to make this case that jobs could and do depend on free and fair trade between our two countries, Leslie said during a stop in Branstads office.

The Canadians are willing to be part of that discussion, including the possibility of renegotiating parts of the North American Free Trade Agreement, Wall said.

Its not all bad in terms of the Canadian side of the equation, he said, adding there are some small adjustments that we can make to it. Given changes in agriculture, especially in biotechnology, there are regulatory and trade related issues that probably would be reasonable, he said.

Leslie, who was in the room last month when President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met at the White House, said Canadians are encouraged that the president has assembled a Cabinet that knows Canada well  retired generals with Canadian soldiers under their command, trade experts, billionaires who have business interests in Canada, and it goes both ways.

More than trade and economic ties, the Canadian-Iowa relationship is built on shared values, Wall said.

Our relationship represents a partnership, he said. Over the years, this relationship has been bonded not just by commerce, but shared values, shared sacrifice for freedom and for human rights.

That has led to a growing network of social, economic and even familial ties that unite the state and Canada, its largest trading partner, according to resolutions adopted in the House and Senate. Trade and investment with Canada support 100,000 jobs in Iowa, according to the resolution, and the latest estimates of Iowa exports to Canada are valued at $3.8 billion a year while Iowa imports about $28.9 billion annually.

Like Iowa, Wall said, Saskatchewan is an agriculture powerhouse that included 44 percent of Canadas arable acres. Its residents cannot eat all the wheat, rye and lentils they produces, so we must be traders  free traders and fair traders.

Iowa, he added, has a trade surplus with Saskatchewan. Last year, his province bought $363 million of scrapers, bulldozers, graders, trailers, tractors, harvesters and other goods. Iowa bought $355 million of Saskatchewan-processed canola oil, potash and fertilizer.

Ours is not just a trading agreement between our two counties, he said. This relationship represents a value chain, an integration of our economies.

We buy combines, tractors that are made in Waterloo, Iowa, he said, and use it to harvest oats in our province that we sell you back the oats and here in Iowa you make cereal.

As in any relationship, there are challenges. Try as he and his wife might, Wall said they could not get their children to eat Quaker oatmeal produced in Cedar Rapids.

Despite that, Wall called on the Iowans to join Canadians in continuing and enhancing the relationship.

Later, the Canadians and Branstad attended a reception at the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates.
This week, Kate DiCamillo inaugurates a lecture series; Little, Brown toasts Caldecott Medalist Javaka Steptoe; David Baldacci is on the news; author Jack Cheng receives a warm elementary school welcome; Joyce Sidman makes the rounds at her book launch party; and author Will Walton meets a fan.

A Speech to Make a Curious Monkey Proud

On March 9, Kate DiCamillo spoke at the first annual Margret and H.A. Rey Curious George Lecture series at the Cambridge Public Library. The series is sponsored by the Curious George Fund and is intended to give readers an opportunity to connect with an author or illustrator, chosen in honor of Curious George creators Margret and H.A. Rey. Shown here (from back l.): DiCamillo; Julie Roach, manager of youth services, Cambridge Public Library; Maria McCauley, director of libraries, city of Cambridge; and (in front) Lay Lee Ong, literary executor of the Reys estate.

Radiant Author

Little, Brown honored 2017 Caldecott winner Javaka Steptoe with a toast at its offices on March 13. Steptoe won for his picture book biography Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. In addition to staff members, in attendance were editors, librarians, and Javakas agent, Edward Necarsulmer IV.

Good Day, David Baldacci

While on tour for The Width of the World, the latest book in his Vega Jane series. David Baldacci visited schools, bookstores, and libraries in cities he hadnt ever been to or hadnt visited in years, including St. Louis, Wichita, Tulsa, and Houston. He also appeared on the morning show Good Day Tulsa to discuss the series.

From Out of This World

Author Jack Cheng visited Hoffman Elementary School in Glenview, Ill., as part of the book tour for his debut novel See You in the Cosmos, about a boy who is fascinated by space and has a dog named Carl Sagan. Here, Cheng is greeted by the schools welcoming committee of students and fans.

Well Rounded

Round was the word of the day at Joyce Sidmans launch party for her book of the same name. The event was held at Red Balloon in St. Paul, Minn., on March 11. Here, Sidman shows an example of a round object (a grapefruit) to the young attendees. Seen behind Sidman in a round red balloon T-shirt is Red Balloon co-owner Holly Weinkauf. In keeping with the round theme, attendees sang songs in rounds, colored pictures of balloons, and ate donuts.

A Meeting of Minds

Will Walton (Anything Could Happen) was one of the featured guest authors at the NoVa Teen Book Festival, which was held at Washington Lee High School in Arlington, Va., on March 11. The festival featured young adult authors, including Nina LaCour, Robin Talley, and Brendan Kiely, who spoke on panels, attended signings, and led small group breakout sessions for attendees. Here, Walton chats with a fan who clearly got the blue shirt memo.
The author of the appeals court decision that legalized Google Books last April told publishers at the 2017 London Book Fair that despite the controversial, decade-long litigation it generated, it was, in the end, not a difficult legal decision.

In a packed room for the LBFs 2017 Charles Clark Memorial Lecture, Judge Pierre Leval, Americas foremost copyright jurist and a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals Second Circuit, told attendees that Googles program to scan tens of millions of library books to create an online index conferred gigantic benefits to authors and the public equally, and did not offer a substitute or interfere with authors exclusive rights to control distribution.

It was, Leval concluded, not a, quote, close case.

Leval delivered his remarks in what was billed as a debate with intellectual property lawyer and former General Counsel for the U.S. Copyright Office, Jon Baumgarten. But at the outset, both Leval and Baumgartenlong time acquaintancesdownplayed the debate aspect. Rather, at a time when proposed exceptions to copyright law have many publishers in the U.K. and Europe on edge, Leval spoke mainly as an ambassador for the American doctrine of fair use.

 "The fair use question is not amenable to clear bright line rules, Leval said. The shape of tomorrow's dispute in this area is not predictable today." 

Without question, this is a scary time for content holders, Leval conceded at the start of his talk. But, he stressed, new technologies can also vastly improve the utility of copyrighted matter without significant, or any, impairment of the rights protected by the Copyright Act.

The key to American fair use, he said, was the flexibility the law gives judges. While he acknowledged there is something to be said for predictability and bright line rules, he insisted that hard and fast standards do not best serve the purpose of copyright.

The fair use question is not amenable to clear bright line rules, Leval said. The shape of tomorrow's dispute in this area is not predictable today. The factors that affect an intelligent resolution are far too numerous, and small, and subtle variations of fact have very big consequences for good decisions.

Turning back to the Google case, Leval spoke of the misinformation that circulated about the case in the press (that Google was distributing entire copies of digital works without permission, for example) and briefly ran down the many benefits of the program in the view of the court. It became clear that the information provided to the world by Google Books in no way impaired the value of the copyrights, or offered any sort of substitute for the books, Leval said.

In his portion of the talk, Baumgarten reiterated the publishing communitys main complaints with the decision, and about fair use in the digital age more broadly. Most prominently, that the decision overly expanded the right to freely copy others works, which, if widely practiced in the digital age will harm rightsholders. He also bemoaned what he saw as the courts expansion of what transformative means.

But Leval stressed that Googles aimto provide information about booksmeshed with the aim of copyright, even if it required making unauthorized copies to do so.

If, instead of making digital copies, Google had employed six million elves to scour the text of the books and furnish information [to users] there would've been no question of infringement, Leval said. The mere fact the Google supplies that information through a digital copy, as opposed to employing six million elves, does not convert the lawful provision of information into infringement.

Notably, the measured, cordialat times even warm discourse between Leval and Baumgarten stood in stark contrast to the often overheated copyright discussions of past years, especially as the E.U., and other territories such as Canada and Australia have begun to consider new exceptions to copyright law. In closing, Leval urged publishers to keep open minds.

I say to you, essentially an audience of, I assume, content owners and rights holders, that fair use, at least as it's understood in the United States is not your enemy, he said. It is solicitous of your rights.
MASON CITY | Business and community leaders from the Mason City area are being locked up on March 23 while they raise money for "bail" to support the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

The "lock-up" location is The Main Event Banquet Hall.

Community leaders such as Chris Waters, Emily Ginneberge, and Doug Rozendaal have volunteered to go behind bars as part of MDAs fundraising program.

During the event, participants will be locked up for one hour as they attempt to raise bail by calling on their friends, family and colleagues to contribute to the MDA.

Those who want to find their favorite "jailbird" and donate to his or her bail can search by name at www.mdalockup.org/masoncity2017.

All proceeds stay in Cerro Gordo County to support 37 locals with muscle diseases.
Lamaree E. Wilson-Neuleib was sentenced on Wednesday to 62 years in prison for a May 2015 Moline shooting that killed one man and injured another.

The 19-year-old Moline man was accused of firing 11 shots at a vehicle near 47th Avenue and 53rd Street in Moline about 10:30 a.m. May 20, 2015. Zachary Phillips, 18, of Colona, died as a result of the shooting; his passenger, Erik Roberson, 19, was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries but survived. A third occupant of the vehicle was uninjured.

In October, Mr. Wilson-Neuleib was found guilty of first-degree murder and aggravated battery in connection to the shooting. Judge Gregory Chickris sentenced Mr. Wilson-Neuleib to 50 years in prison for the murder charge and 12 years for the firearm charge. The sentences will run consecutively. He also must serve three years of mandatory supervised release following his prison term.

"The public needs to be protected from this hedonistic person," Rock Island County State's Attorney John McGehee said during the sentencing hearing.

He and assistant state's attorney, Heidi Weller, sought a 70-year prison sentence. But defense attorney Nate Neiman argued it was cruel and unusual punishment to give a de facto life sentence for a crime a person committed as a juvenile. Mr. Wilson-Neuleib was 17 at the time of his arrest.

"The state can ask for a million years if it wants," Mr. Nieman said. "It's not my opinion  it's the law  that that is not the purpose of sentencing."

After the hearing, Mr. Phillips's mother, Lyndsie McCoy, said the sentence doesn't bring back her son.

"You can never give somebody enough time when somebody dies," she said. "I can't get my son back."

The nearly four-and-a-half-hour sentencing hearing on Wednesday began with testimony from three Rock Island Sheriff's Office correctional officers and two Mary Davis Detention Home counselors. All five testified to Mr. Wilson-Neuleib's continued violent behavior, describing jail fights and counselor assaults after the 2015 homicide.

Following that testimony, about eight friends and family members of Mr. Phillips gave victim impact statements, telling how the murder affected them. People in two and a half courtroom rows, as well as the jury box, wiped tears throughout the proceedings.

"If there was a lot of emotion in that courtroom today, that's because it's been almost two years," said Ms. McCoy. "That's a long time to continue to go through this, over and over again."

Mr. Nieman said the court was not bound here by the sentiment of the families.

"The court is bound by the law," he said, discussing how the law recently has changed to show greater mercy to juveniles. "There's been a significant amount of scientific research that young people like Mr. Wilson, their brains are not fully formed."

Judge Chickris said he considered all relevant factors, including Mr. Wilson-Neuleib's upbringing, prior criminal history and the circumstances of the crime. He added he would not conclude Mr. Wilson-Neuleib had no remorse because he chose not to make a statement.

"But his expression during the entire trial, in a sense, was indifference," Judge Chickris said.

Mr. Wilson-Neuleib has to serve 100 percent of the murder sentence and at least 85 percent of the firearm charge.

"We are satisfied with 62 years," Mr. McGehee said. "We think that that is a substantial punishment that Mr. Lamaree Wilson will have.

Ms. McCoy also said she was "fine" with the sentence.

"I don't know if he'll live that long in prison," she said. "But as long as he's going away and he can't harm anybody else, I'm good."
MASON CITY | A Mason City man has been ordered to spend more than 10 years in federal prison for dealing methamphetamine.

Seth Dean Carolus, 26, was sentenced Thursday in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Iowa to 122 months in prison.

Mason City man indicted on federal drug charge MASON CITY | A Mason City man has been indicted on a federal drug charge.

He will be under supervision for five years following his release. Carolus also must pay a $100 special assessment.

Carolus was in possession of 5 grams or more of pure meth with intent to deliver on Aug. 11, 2016, according to his federal indictment.

Carolus was arrested by deputies on on a parole violation during a traffic stop that day at Eisenhower Avenue and Highway 122 in Mason City.

His home in the 900 block of North Harrison Avenue was searched later in the day.

 Mary Pieper
COAL VALLEY  A proposed $4.3 million water infrastructure project was again the focus of a contentious village board meeting as residents demanded answers from trustees Wednesday night.

The topic was not on the agenda, but several people spoke out during the public comments portion of the meeting.

Mayor Emil Maslanka adhered to village ordinance, allowing only three minutes per person.

Greg Mosley brought documents he obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request he served on village officials March 2. In his request, he asked for all contracts, and paid and unpaid invoices with Missman Stanley Inc., related to the multi-million dollar water project.

"The mayor signed a contract with Missman Stanley for $360,000 on Dec. 15, 2015, without board approval," Mr. Mosley said. "The mayor says Missman Stanley invoices are a sensitive subject. I say we should be talking about them so we know where we stand.

"To date, the village has received five invoices totaling $140,191 for work authorized by the mayor. Only $20,000 has been approved by the board of trustees. The village has paid $21,635, leaving $118,800 unpaid."

Mr. Mosley invited trustees to ask the village attorney, William Phares, to "go after somebody for the liability and cost" to taxpayers of Coal Valley for the alleged unauthorized expenses.

"The mayor has spent $120,000 more than was authorized by the board. The outstanding amount on the contract is $340,000. I don't how much of that we are liable for because Missman Stanley doesn't talk to me, and I had a lot of FOIA issues just trying to get this information," Mr. Mosley added.

"I've spent a lot of time and cost on this, and I resent the fact that I've had to do this because of the lack of transparency with this water project and other projects. Are there more bills? I don't know! You need to stop the project now! No more spending after this date!" Mr. Mosley said.

Mayor Maslanka did not respond to Mr. Mosley's comments.

Don Pearson brought a petition signed by more than 175 residents opposed to the water project.

"I call for an injunction to immediately stop all transactions relative to this (water) project. We need to go to Missman and ask for a complete file of all invoices to make sure we know what our obligations are," Mr. Pearson said.

Village administrator Annette Ernst emphasized that the water infrastructure project is already on hold.

Trustees voted during the Jan. 18 meeting to table the project until they have time to analyze whether a water supply deal with Moline would be more favorable for the village.

Jim Van Quathem urged trustees not to proceed with any water projects until a new board and mayor could be elected April 4.

"I don't think most of you are qualified to take out this kind of a loan, I really don't," Mr. Van Quathem said. "We need a new board and a new mayor to take over. I think money is being wasted.

"My question to the mayor is, who gave you the right to sign these contracts? I thought it had to go through the board. I'm not going to receive an answer, of course. You don't want people showing up at these meetings because you don't want to be questioned."

Deb Van Quathem alleged there is corruption happening in the village comparable to what was done by Dixon, Ill. treasurer Rita Crundwell in 2012, who embezzled $53.7 million over 22 years.

"It makes us wonder. We had $3 million when the new mayor took over and now it's practically gone," Ms. Van Quathem said. "That's a lot of money to be spending over the last four years. I want to see those expenses. I want to see the books! Something is wrong here!"

Mayor Maslanka told trustees he is meeting with Moline city officials on March 21.

"We should put the project on hold until we can review options from Moline," he said.

In response to Ms. Van Quathem's allegations, trustee Dick Stone told a reporter after the meeting that when all the funds are added together, the village still has a balanced budget.
MOLINE  Patrick Van Nevel is honored and humbled, but he will not be using his new title.

In February, the longtime Quad-Cities community leader, banker and the area's honorary consulate to Belgium, was given the title: "Prince in the order of the huwier.''

The honor, made by the historical society of Country of Nevele (Land van Nevele in Dutch), the Flemish region where Mr. Van Nevel was born, honored him for his interest in history and heritage in Belgium and the United States. Land van Nevele covers approximately 15 towns.

At the presentation, Mr. Van Nevel learned the many translations he had done through the years were from correspondence involving the current president of the (historical) organization. The theme of the award ceremony was emigration from the region. Based on the assistance Mr. Van Nevel provided through the years, it was determined he should be among the honorees.

"Surprised is what I was,'' said Mr. Van Nevel, market president for the Davenport branch of CBI Bank & Trust. "And I was touched to be thought of in that manner. It was also special getting to go back to Belgium with my wife, Barb, certainly my better half, and see so many relatives.

"What made it really special was someone from the Quad-Cities  and I don't know who  is involved. It appears some folks in the Q-C passed the word.''

The town of Nevele  where Mr. Van Nevel's father, Joseph, also was born  is home to many fruit growers. The name of the award comes from the name of an old variety of pear.

In 1974, a young Patrick Antoon Van Nevel visited the Midwest as an exchange student in Galesburg. Mr. Van Nevel immigrated to the United States in 1981 and became a citizen in 2010.

In 2003, Mr. Van Nevel was named the honorary consulate to Belgium, having been sworn in at Moline's Belgian consulate, which was established in 1919. The February trip to Belgium, one of two slated this year, was to visit relatives as well as promote business relationships and opportunity between Belgium and the Quad-Cities.

And to be recognized by his home region.

"I have the best of both worlds,'' Mr. Van Nevel said of his life in the Quad-Cities and the relationships he still holds with those in Belgium. "I hope this shows if you do things for the right reasons, good things happen back to you.''
It's amazing, almost everyday something happens to Donald Trump's cabinet, or to Donald Trump, and tweets become a fire storm. What really amazes me is that two letter-writers can't stop their relentless blame-game on the liberals, and yet say not a word about Trump's daily events or tweets.

It's two months into Trump's presidency, and what do we have? And fake news is not an answer. I would like to see letters on what they see as Donald Trump's accomplishments.

Also can they explain what Russia had to do with Trump's election, and why those who surround Trump have such close ties to Russia? Can they explain why we haven't seen Trump's taxes? By now we know the audit excuse was a lie. So where are they?

Can you explain why he lies so much, and yet you let him get away with it?

1. "I will divest myself from my business."

2. The Yemen mission that took Ryan Owen's life was a success.

3. Mexico will pay for that WALL. Or like Sgt. Schultz, letting Trump get away with saying, " I know nothing!"

4. Trump's tweeting that President Obama illegally wiretapped him.

Tell us about Donald Trump's first two months as president. Have they changed America, or just changed Obama's accomplishments?

Right now , there are three words that describe America: A nation divided!

I am putting that solely on Donald Trump, and his guidance consular, adviser and puppet master, Steve Bannon; the one who is actually driving this train wreck.

Paul Sanchez,

Moline
When Jacinda Ardern was rattling off the things that matter most to all of us incredible Kiwis - it rang a little hollow when held up against Labours record.

6 hours ago
Aurizon has reportedly submitted a $A1.25bn ($US 960m) proposal to the Northern Australian Infrastructure Facility (NAIF), a federal government body tasked with opening up remote areas in the north of country.

Last year Indian coal miner Adani made a similar submission to NAIF for public investment in the form of a $A 1bn loan to build the rail and port infrastructure associated with its proposed Carmichael mine project.

The two proposals are in direct competition with each other.

Less than a year ago, Aurizon abandoned planning for a Galilee rail link incurring a $A 30m impairment. However, the report suggests that recently appointed CEO Mr Andrew Harding has brought a fresh outlook to Aurizon.

Aurizons proposal could be viewed as a strategic play in that it alleviates the governments position of potentially providing a $A 1bn subsidy to a foreign investor for a project that is already mired in controversy.

Adanis Carmichael proposal requires construction of a standard gauge 390km line to connect with the Adani-owned coal terminal at Abbot Point in north Queensland. The mine would have an initial production of 25 million tonnes per annum (mtpa), ramping up to 60mtpa over time.

Aurizons proposal would remove some infrastructure duplication, a potential change in gauge, and would also have a significant impact in reducing the total cost of the rail project.
Two months into the Trump Administration, the Washington Post says his nomination process, leading to Senate confirmation, is moving more slowly than any in history. The New York Times describes dust piling up in key offices  critical power centers in [Trumps] government devoid of leadership.

As for the federal agencies of most interest to the railroad community, only the two most senior posts requiring Senate confirmation have been filledboth at the Department of Transportation (DOT). Elaine Chao is now Secretary of Transportation, and Jeff Rosen is her deputy. Both have meaningful government experience.

Chao was President George W. Bushs labor secretary, President George H. W. Bushs deputy transportation secretary and President Ronald Reagans Federal Maritime Commission chairman. She earned an undergraduate degree in economics from Mount Holyoke College and an MBA from Harvard.

Rosen was general counsel at DOT and then the Office of Management and Budget, both in the George W. Bush administration. He earned an undergraduate degree in economics from Northwestern University and a law degree from Harvard.

Nominations have yet to be made for the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), National Mediation Board (NMB), Pipelines and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and Surface Transportation Board (STB).

The Presidents transition team has mostly concluded its task, partially vetting candidates now engaged in, or awaiting, extensive background checks leading to actual nomination. Notable is that the time between nomination and Senate confirmation, which includes public hearings before relevant Senate committees, could add months before the posts are actually filled.

The list below is based on identification by at least two independent sources. Some names could be missing, others may be added by the transition team, and some may no longer be interested.

Federal Railroad Administration:

This Executive Branch agency within the DOT regulates safety by promulgating and enforcing regulations, promotes and oversees cooperative labor-management programs, monitors spending by federally subsidized Amtrak, administers federally supported basic and applied rail-safety research, manages federal rail-related grant and loan programs, and sponsors Operation Lifesaver to discourage trespassing and prevent rail-highway grade crossing accidents.

Among candidates for administrator are Ronald L. Batory, John J. Brennan III, Roger Shane Karr and Steve Martinko. Dwayne Bolton is under consideration for deputy administrator.

Ronald L. Batory retires March 31 as president of Conrail, following a 46-year rail operating career that included the presidency of the Belt Railway of Chicago and senior positions at Class I and regional railroads, including general manager in Chicago for Southern Pacific. He earned a bachelors in business from Adrian College and a master of arts from Eastern Michigan University. Not since Canadian born Reginald Whitman was administrator (1969-1970), following a 40-year career at Great Northern Railway (1929-1969), has there been one with as comprehensive a rail operating background as Batory.

John J. Brennan III is senior commerce counsel for Union Pacific, responsible for regulatory compliance on freight issues and public-private partnerships. He is lead counsel for the Illinois high-speed rail project, manages legal relationships with Amtrak and Chicago Metra, and negotiated contracts for Amtraks Ski Train between Denver and the Winter Park (Colo.) Ski Resort. He was Republican staff director and counsel for the U.S. House Rail Subcommittee, and director of operations for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. He earned an undergraduate degree in English from the University of Massachusetts and a law degree from Suffolk University.

Roger Shane Karr, chief of external affairs for Fiat-Chrysler and formerly a lobbyist for automobile manufacturers and airlines, was DOTs assistant secretary for government affairs and its deputy chief of staff in the George W. Bush administration. He earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in religion from Texas Christian and Temple universities and a law degree from Georgetown University. His spouse, Elizabeth Barrett Karr, was a special assistant for congressional affairs in the George W. Bush White House and currently is chief of staff to House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.).

Steve Martinko, a government affairs counselor with the law and lobbying firm K&L Gates, is a former chief of staff to House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee Chairman Bill Shuster (R-Pa.) and previously was a House Rail Subcommittee senior staff member. He has expertise in artificial intelligence allowing driverless vehicles, infrastructure finance, public-private partnerships, and pipeline and rail safety. Martinko earned an undergraduate degree in history and public policy at Brown University and a masters in security affairs from the National Defense University.

Dwayne Bolton, being considered for deputy administrator, is a government affairs adviser to Edison International, whose holdings include Southern California Edison. He previously was manager for congressional affairs at the Association of American Railroads and was a legislative aide to Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Ala.). Bolton earned an undergraduate degree from Central Connecticut State University, an MBA from Strayer University and a masters in transportation policy from George Mason University.

Pipelines & Hazardous Materials Safety Administration:

This Executive Branch agency within the DOT regulates hazardous materials transportation across all modes, coordinating enforcement with the FRA. Among candidates for administrator are Howard (Skip) Elliott, Joseph A. Servidio and Drue Pearce.

Howard (Skip) Elliott, vice president for public safety, health and environment at CSX, focuses on hazmat transportation safety, community emergency preparedness, and homeland security policing in switchyards and terminals. Elliott was trained at the Indiana State Police Academy and held early employment as a Big Conrail police officer. He earned an undergraduate degree from Indiana University, with a double-major in forensic studies and English, and a masters in criminal justice administration from Columbia Southern University.

Drue Pearce is director of government affairs at the Holland and Hart law firm, specializing in legislative and regulatory advice on energy, environment and security issues for utility, local government and energy clients. She is a former Alaska state legislator, Alaska Senate president, a senior adviser on Alaska affairs at the Department of the Interior, and was President George W. Bushs federal coordinator for Alaska natural gas transmission projects. Pearce earned an undergraduate degree in biological science from Indiana University and a masters in public administration from Harvard.

Joseph A. Servidio, a U.S. Coast Guard rear admiral, is deputy commander of the Atlantic Area, responsible for missions within 40 U.S. states and extending to the Arabian Gulf. He was deputy commander of a Department of Homeland Security joint task force, special adviser on homeland security to Vice President Joe Biden and a national security strategist at the Pentagon. A graduate of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, Servidio earned a masters degrees in engineering from the University of Michigan and a second masters in national resource strategy from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces.

National Mediation Board:

This three-member independent (of the Executive Branch) regulatory agency administers the Railway Labor Act (applying to airlines as well as railroads), performing mediation for collective bargaining disputes, providing voluntary alternative dispute resolution programs and managing binding arbitration in settlement of contract interpretation.

Republican member Nicholas Gael resigned to accept a Trump Administration direct appointment at the Labor Department, leaving Democrats Harry Hoglander and Linda Puchalla serving expired three-year terms. It is likely that Trump will leave Puchalla in place for now to provide continuity, as the NMB statute permits members to remain indefinitely beyond expiration of their terms pending Senate confirmation of successors.

Among candidates for Republican slots are David A. Banmiller, Gerald W. (Trey) Fauth III, Kyle Kirsten Hicks and Frank Vincent Vernuccio.

David A. Banmiller is a career commercial airlines executive. Now a management consultant, he was president of Aloha Airlines and Pan American World Airways, and held senior positions with other regional and international airlines. He is linked, through a financial restructuring of Aloha Airlines, to Trump adviser and former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani through Giuliani Capital Advisors (formed from Ernst & Youngs investment banking practice and subsequently resold). Banmiller earned an undergraduate degree in business administration from Villanova University and a MBA from Loyola Marymount University.

Gerald W. (Trey) Fauth III has been associated with railroad economics and consulting since 1978 at G.W. Fauth & Associates, founded in 1957 by his late father, and at which he is now president. Fauth served almost four years as chief of staff to STB Republican member Wayne O. Burkes, where he was involved with labor arbitration and dispute resolution techniques arising from rail mergers and the resultant harmonizing of separate collective bargaining agreements. He earned an undergraduate degree in history and government from Hampden Sydney College, and whose sister is married to U.S. Sen. Richard Burr (R-N.C.).

Kyle Kirsten Hicks is labor policy director for the Senate Labor Committee. She formerly was a policy analyst for the Senate Republican Policy Committee and was legislative counsel to Sen. Tim Hutchinson (R-Ark.) and Rep. Spencer Bauchus (R-Ala.). She earned an undergraduate degree in history from the University of Colorado and a law degree from The George Washington University. Her husband, Joseph (Joby) Fortson, is a congressional lobbyistcurrently for consumer research firm Nielson and previously for Appleand a former counsel to the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

Frank Vincent Vernuccio, a member of the Trump transition team for the Department of Labor, is director of labor policy at Michigans Mackinac Center for Public Policy and a senior fellow at the Illinois Policy Institute. He is a former frequent contributor to Breitbart News and was labor policy counsel to the Competitive Enterprise Institute. During the George W. Bush administration, when Chao was labor secretary, Vernuccio was a special assistant to the assistant secretary of labor for administration and management. He earned an undergraduate degree in political science from the State University of New York in Oneonta and a law degree from Ave Maria School of Law.

STB Transportation Board:

The 2015 Surface Transportation Board Reauthorization Act increased the size of this independent (from the Executive Branch) agency from three to five members, but President Obama did not make nominations to fill the new seats.

The three-member board has an acting chairman, Republican Ann Begeman (whose second term expires Dec. 31, 2020), and two Democratsformer Chairman Dan Elliott (whose second term expires Dec. 31, 2018) and Deb Miller (whose first term expires Dec. 31, 2017). By statute, STB members may remain only 12 months beyond the expiration of their five-year term, or until successors have been Senate confirmed. STB members are limited to two terms.

The STB will remain with a Democratic majority until two new Republicans are nominated and confirmed to create a 3-2 Republican majority.

In the meantime, Begeman, Elliott and Miller are in agreement to delay, pending anticipated arrival of the two new members, voting on matters of significant economic importance to railroads and shippers. Two such issues are whether and how to revise a complex test for determining maximum allowable freight rates for shippers lacking effective transportation alternatives to rail, and whether and how to permit so-called competitive switching at certain sole-served facilities to afford a second railroad choice.

Among candidates for the Republican slots are Mark L. Burton, Zane Duncan, Jerry Ellig and Keith Hartwell.

Mark L. Burton is director of transportation economics at the University of Tennessees Transportation Research Center. His focus is railroads and the economics of public-private partnerships. In 2016, he participated, with other academics and representatives of the STB, at a Georgetown University symposium exploring Economics and Regulation of the Freight Rail Industry. He has written on alternative methods for determining railroad revenue adequacy. Burton earned undergraduate and doctoral degrees in economics from the University of Missouri and University of Tennessee. His doctoral dissertation was Railroad Deregulation and Rail Rates.

Zane Duncan, son of Rep. John Duncan (R-Tenn.), is currently a governor-appointed member of the Tennessee Board of Parole and was a Tennessee county property assessor prior to employment as a regional public relations manager for rail shortline operator and rail services provider R.J. Corman. He also was employed by the Air Transport Association. His older brother was briefly married to a former staff member of the House Rail Subcommittee. Zane earned an undergraduate degree in kinesiology from Lincoln Memorial University.

Jerry Ellig, a senior research fellow at George Mason Universitys Mercatus Center, specializes in the regulatory process. He has associated deregulation with improved rail safety and criticized Congress for failing to perform benefit/cost analysis on the positive train control mandate or consider alternatives. He co-authored a 2015 Transportation Research Board study concluding that more appropriate, reliable and useable procedures are needed to resolve rail rate disputes, and that STB regulations have not kept pace with changes to the modern rail system. He earned an undergraduate degree in economics from Xavier University and his Ph.D in economics from George Mason.

Keith Hartwell, now retired, was a founder and president of the rail consultancy Chambers, Conlon & Hartwell that specializes in short line railroad creation, development and finance. He has expertise in writing proposals for loans and grants under the Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing program, led congressional lobbying efforts to secure and extend rail rehabilitation tax credits and was an originator of Railroad Day on Capitol Hill. He was a legislative assistant and chief-of-staff to former Rep. Marvin Esch (R-Mich). Hartwell earned an undergraduate degree in political science from the University of Michigan.

Federal Transit Administration:

This Executive Branch Agency within DOT-the Urban Mass Transit Administration prior to 1991regulates safety, engages in research, and administers federal subsidies in promotion of local public transit systems, including buses, subways, light rail, commuter rail, trolleys and ferries. Congressional Republicans have discussed combining the Federal Transit Administration with the Federal Railroad Administration under a single administrator. There is no legislative action, at present, to do so.

Shannon Hutcherson Hines, a senior staff member on the Senate Banking Committee, and a former chief of staff to Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Ala.), is the leading candidate to be nominated as administrator of the Federal Transit Administration. She has extensive experience with the transportation subcommittees of the Senate Banking and Senate Appropriations committees, including drafting language for transit titles of transportation appropriations bills. Hines also held staff positions for Rep. Lamar Smith (R-Texas) and Rep. Fred Heineman (R-N.C.). She earned an undergraduate degree in political science from Wake Forest University.
Europes largest rail freight carrier, DB Cargo, and GE Transportation have signed an agreement to digitize 250 locomotives across Germany, the United Kingdom, France and Poland over the next five years.

The deal is GE Transportations first European digital contract and a milestone in the companys efforts to create self-aware locomotives and digitize the entire rail operation value chain. The partnership also marks the first time non-GE locomotives have been equipped with GE digital solutions.

The deal follows a three-month pilot of GE Transportations RailConnect 360 Asset Performance Management Solution, which provided locomotive performance status updates that increased efficiency and delivered a 25% reduction in service failures.

The deal covers 250 locomotives in DB Cargos fleet.

We are committed to helping engineers and rail operators, like DB Cargo, make the most of their assets by delivering game-changing productivity and efficiency gains, said GE Transportation CEO Jamie Miller, in a release.

Built on the Predix Industrial Internet platform, GEs Asset Performance Management applications give industrial businesses like DB Cargo a complete, integrated view of their equipment, helping operators make more informed decisions and improve the performance of their assets.
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Defence and security were not critical issues to those who voted for the UK to leave the European Union. Since the referendum, these topics have remained in the background, with trade and migration issues still dominating Brexit discussions. Nonetheless, the decision to leave the EU creates fresh challenges for UK and European securitydeepening uncertainty at a time when little certainty exists.

Policymakers face the complicated task of untangling the UK from EU institutions, all while grappling with the resurgence of Russia, the Mediterranean migrant crisis and terrorism at home and abroad. Given these other challenges and the enduring common interesteven interdependenceof the UK and EU in defence and security matters, such issues warrant continued cooperation after Brexit.

RAND Europe's recent report, Defence and Security After Brexit, outlines the range, scale and complexity of the issues that must be addressed. These include the potential impact on the defence capabilities of the UK, EU and NATO; the domestic implications, especially for Scotland and Northern Ireland; the resulting uncertainty about defence spending, industry, R&D and innovation; and new challenges for cooperation on transnational issues such as counterterrorism, space and cyber security

The remainder of this commentary is available at prospectmagazine.co.uk.

Alexandra Hall is director of defence, security and infrastructure research and James Black is an analyst, both at RAND Europe. Both were involved in the report Defence and Security after Brexit.

This commentary originally appeared in Prospect Magazine on March 16, 2017. Commentary gives RAND researchers a platform to convey insights based on their professional expertise and often on their peer-reviewed research and analysis.
Many RAND studies are published in peer-reviewed scholarly journals, as chapters in commercial books, or as documents published by other organizations.

2022
Ukraine imposes sanctions against five Russian banks

MOSCOW, March 16 (RAPSI) - Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko affirmed a decision of the National Security and Defense and imposed sanctions on five Russian banks, the official website of the President of Ukraine announced on Thursday.

Sanctions aimed to prevent disinvestment were introduced against Sberbank, VS Bank, Prominvestbank, VTB Bank and BM Bank for a year.

Restrictive measures include a ban on withdrawing funds from Ukraine, dividend payout, interest, return of debts and interbank deposits, monetary funds from correspondent accounts of subordinated loan. The prohibition also extends to division of profits and capital of the above-mentioned banks, according to the statement.

The government and National Bank of Ukraine are ordered to implement and control the efficiency of sanctions.

Ukraines Foreign Ministry is authorized to inform competent authorities of the European Union, the United States of America and other states about imposing sanctions and take up the matter of introducing similar restrictive measures against the respective companies by them.

The order takes effect on the date of its publication.
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Talks this week with the Saudi deputy crown prince are expected to cover current issues including Iran, "radical Islamic terrorism," Syria, and Yemen, as well as perspectives on the longer-term future of the Middle East.

The visit by thirty-one-year-old Prince Muhammad bin Salman, a son of King Salman, who turns eighty-one this year and is now on the Japan leg of a monthlong foreign tour, has the potential to reconfigure the U.S.-Saudi relationship. MbS, as he is known, is widely perceived to have been given an almost plenipotentiary role by his father. As such, in this visit MbS will be outflanking if not outranking his older cousin, fifty-seven-year-old Crown Prince Muhammad bin Nayef, known as MbN, who remains in Riyadh.

MbS left the kingdom for the United States on March 13, but the official part of his trip will only begin March 16. In terms of protocol, as Saudi defense minister, MbS will probably be the guest of Secretary of Defense James Mattis. He will also likely have meetings with the intelligence community, particularly CIA director Mike Pompeo, even though for many years MbN, as Saudi counterterrorism chief, has been the principal intelligence interlocutor, earning himself the sobriquet "Washington's favorite Saudi." With Secretary of State Rex Tillerson traveling in Asia, the State Department's role in any meetings will be much reduced.

But the most important discussions will be those in the White House, where MbS is expected to meet with chief strategist Stephen K. Bannon and senior advisor (and President Donald Trumps son-in-law) Jared Kushner, who is only a few years older than the prince. A meeting with the president himself is also expected, during which it would be surprising if Trump did not mention his ideas for a grand plan ("a much bigger deal") on Middle East peace including "many, many countries," which he referred to last month at his news conference with Israeli prime minister Binyamin Netanyahu.

The most urgent issue would appear to be the continuing failure of a Saudi-led coalition to reestablish the internationally recognized Yemeni government in the capital, Sana, occupied for the last two years by Iran-supported Houthi tribesmen and supporters of ousted President Ali Abdullah Saleh. The stalemate has allowed al-Qaeda to create safe havens in the interstices of the civil war, prompting recent U.S. military action, including a commando raid and airstrikes. Last week, Washington appeared to offer Riyadh an incentive to appear to change tactics, when the State Department announced approval for the resumption of the sales of precision-guided munitions to the kingdom. The decision still needs White House approval, however, which could give the U.S. side important leverage in this week's discussions.

From the U.S. perspective, the meetings present an opportunity to achieve a clearer understanding of Saudi Arabias current strategy in the war and realistic end-states. Whether or not existing military activities, mainly based on aerial bombing, will alter the situation on the ground, it is certain that the legitimate Yemeni government and the Saudi-led coalition cannot retake Sana without catastrophic violence, great human suffering, and a legacy of long-term insurgency. The White House could ask pointed questions about how to restart meaningful peace negotiations.

From the Saudi perspective, the talks could be used to seek clarity on the parameters of the Trump administration's new approach to Iranian troublemaking in the Middle East. Tehran's machinations contribute substantially to problems not only in Yemen but also in Syria and Iraq, where U.S. forces are involved in the fighting against the Islamic State. It will be interesting to see whether Washington accepts a standing Saudi offer to send troops to support U.S. Special Forces in Syria, aimed at bolstering the opposition against advances by Assad regime forces and their Iran-backed allies. A disagreeable item from the Saudi perspective likely on the agenda is Trump's continuing use of the term "radical Islamic terrorism," most recently in his February 28 address to Congress. Riyadh prefers to consider extremist violence un-Islamic.

Unavoidably, the talks will be overshadowed by concern over the price of oil, which fell below $50 per barrel last week, putting into doubt a Saudi-led OPEC initiative to cut production with the intention of pushing the price above $60 or so. But whereas Riyadh can dictate the kingdom's production, neither the White House nor U.S. oil companies can interfere with market mechanisms -- and, arguably, the U.S. economy benefits more from lower oil prices. The lower oil price is painful for Saudi Arabia, to be sure, hampering government revenues and constraining the transition MbS is trying to lead toward a more efficient, less oil-dominated economy, as expressed in the kingdom's Vision 2030 platform. A key component of this change is a planned partial sell-off of the state-owned Saudi Aramco oil company in 2018. The New York Stock Exchange should be ideal as the main venue for the international listing, but a decision has yet to be made.

A further challenge involves finding closure on the 9/11 attacks, in which fifteen of the nineteen hijackers were Saudis. Despite intense lobbying, the kingdom failed to prevent the passage last year of the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA), which puts at risk Saudi official assets in the United States if the kingdom can be shown to have been either culpable for the attacks or negligent in stopping them. Saudi foreign minister Adel al-Jubeir, who is accompanying MbS to Washington, has spent many months in the United States lobbying to reverse the legislation, so far without effect.

This week's visit is an important "getting to know you" event. But merely setting out differences and explaining positions will not be enough. From a U.S. point of view in particular, the meeting offers an opportunity to address the large number of common U.S.-Saudi concerns as well as bridge differences, especially in circumstances where confusion may prevail regarding the theoretical versus actual power hierarchy in Riyadh.
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NEW YORK, March 15, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP, a leading national securities law firm, reminds investors in Caterpillar Inc. (Caterpillar or the Company) (NYSE:CAT) of the May 2, 2017 deadline to seek the role of lead plaintiff in a federal securities class action lawsuit filed against the Company and certain officers.

The lawsuit has been filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on behalf of all those who purchased Caterpillar securities between February 19, 2013 and March 1, 2017 (the Class Period). The case, Newman v. Caterpillar, Inc. et al, No. 1:17-cv-01713 was filed on March 3, 2017, and has been assigned to Judge Sharon Johnson Coleman.

The lawsuit focuses on whether the Company and its executives violated federal securities laws by making false and/or misleading statements and/or failing to disclose that: (i) Caterpillar unlawfully used foreign subsidiaries to avoid paying billions of dollars in U.S. taxes; (ii) discovery of the aforementioned conduct would subject the Company to heightened regulatory scrutiny and potential criminal sanctions; and (iii) as a result, the Companys public statements were materially false and misleading.

Specifically, on March 2, 2017, law enforcement officials executing search warrants raided the Companys facilities in Peoria, Illinois. Later that day, the Company issued a statement discussing the federal law enforcement raids to its facilities, stating: We believe the execution of this search warrant is regarding, among other things, export filings that relate to the CSARL matter, referring to its Swiss subsidiary Caterpillar SARL. Additionally, Bloomberg News reported that the warrants "sought evidence related to potential crimes, including 'failure to file or submitting false electronic export information' and 'false and misleading financial reports and statements.'"

On this news, Caterpillars share price fell from $98.58 per share on March 1, 2017 to a closing price of $94.36 on March 2, 2017a $4.22 or a 4.28% drop.

Request more information now by clicking here: www.faruqilaw.com/CAT. There is no cost or obligation to you.

Take Action

If you invested in Caterpillar securities between February 19, 2013 and March 1, 2017 and would like to discuss your legal rights, visit www.faruqilaw.com/CAT. You can also contact us by calling Richard Gonnello toll free at 877-247-4292 or at 212-983-9330 or by sending an e-mail to rgonnello@faruqilaw.com. Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP also encourages anyone with information regarding Caterpillars conduct to contact the firm, including whistleblowers, former employees, shareholders and others.

The court-appointed lead plaintiff is the investor with the largest financial interest in the relief sought by the class that is adequate and typical of class members who directs and oversees the litigation on behalf of the putative class. Any member of the putative class may move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff through counsel of their choice, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision of whether or not to serve as a lead plaintiff.

Attorney Advertising. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP (www.faruqilaw.com). Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your particular case. All communications will be treated in a confidential manner.
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Leah Remini's controversial Scientology series was renewed Wednesday for a second season.

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The 46-year-old actress said in a press release that she felt "compelled" to continue the A&E docu-series " Leah Remini : Scientology and the Aftermath" for another season.

"It became clear to us that although we were telling painful stories of former members of the Church of Scientology, this show was resonating strongly with people everywhere," Remini said. "This show is really about standing up for what is right and not letting bullies have their way."

"Our intention is to send a clear message to abusers that they will not go unchecked and will not be permitted to continue harming people without being questioned and challenged," she added.

"We felt compelled to proceed with another season to continue to reveal truths and seek justice for all victims."

"Scientology and the Aftermath" completed a nine-episode first season in January.

The show sees Remini, a former member of Scientology, interview others about their experience with the church and the lasting impact it had on their lives.

"The way the organization has responded without taking responsibility for what they do to people, I need to continue," the actress told The Hollywood Reporter.

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The Church of Scientology has been critical of "Scientology and the Aftermath," even establishing a website to dismiss the series.

It described the show as "nothing more than a scripted, rehearsed, acted and dramatized work of fiction."
By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 03/16/2017



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Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade.
CLEARWATER, Fla., March 15, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Manager of the Scientology Information Center invites the community to visit the Information Center in downtown Clearwater during Clearwaters Monthly Blast Friday concert on Cleveland Street on March 31st, 2017 between 5 and 10pm.



A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3a5e0224-284b-467b-83dc-f4449c884337

Some 3,000 visitors visit the Blast Friday concerts in downtown Clearwater to hear the featured bands, enjoy themselves or just see whats in the area. Many take the opportunity to visit the Information Center for the Church of Scientology to find out for themselves what Scientology is, said Amber Skjelset, Manager of the Scientology Information Center.

The Center houses a gallery of audio-visual displays with some 400 videos allowing guests a self-guided tour and showing basic Scientology beliefs, information on L. Ron Hubbard, Churches around the world and ongoing social programs.

One guest said after his visit, Thank you for your time and for answering my questions. It was very interesting information.

The Church of Scientology:

The Scientology religion was founded by humanitarian and philosopher, L. Ron Hubbard. The first Church of Scientology was formed in the United States in 1954 and has expanded to more than 11,000 churches, missions and affiliated groups in 167 nations. The Church of Scientology regularly engages in humanitarian programs and community events. Clearwater is the home of the spiritual headquarters for the Church of Scientology.

In July 2015, the Church fully restored the historic Clearwater Building and re-opened it as the Scientology Information Center for the community.

For more information please visit www.scientology-fso.org.
By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 03/16/2017



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Reality TV World is now available on the all-new Google News app and website. Click here to visit our Google News page, and then click FOLLOW to add us as a news source!

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Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade.

couple Nick Viall and Vanessa Grimaldi left the show's 21st season in love, engaged and ready to start a future together.During the finale Monday night on ABC, Nick proved the fourth time is the charm and got down on one knee to ask Vanessa's hand in marriage. The 29-year-old special education teacher from Montreal, Quebec, Canada couldn't have been more thrilled to accept Nick's proposal in Rovaniemi, Finland.But with Nick's final decision came heartbreak for the runner-up, Raven Gates , a 25-year-old clothing boutique owner from Arkansas. Nick could definitely relate to Raven's situation since he had finished as the runner-up twice before on both Andi Dorfman and Kaitlyn Bristowe 's seasons of ette.During a Tuesday conference call with reporters, the happily-engaged couple, Nick, 36, and Vanessa, 29, talked about going public with their romance and what's next for them. Below is a portion of what they had to say.I guess his cooking skills really surprised me. He's really good in the kitchen. He also snores when he's very tired, and he's been working really hard doing his choreography with [pro dancer Peta Murgatroyd ] for [Dancing with the Stars].Nothing really that surprising. I'm more of a -- I love to sleep in. I love to -- I'm not a big morning person, but Nick is a very big morning person. So that's one thing we're very different on.No because I sleep in and he cooks breakfast, and he comes in with bacon for me in bed. So I'm not complaining... Living the life.I'm not sure if I said major issue. They're just, you know, discussions, like realistic conversations. I think it is difficult to relive this entire process as a couple, especially living in two different countries. But we're very supportive of each other. We're very happy together. And you know, we're very big communicators, so that's one of our biggest strongest points in the relationship.Yes.Yes.So the finale was kind of a whirlwind, like watching you guys on After the Final Rose, and some of the reception from Bachelor Nation was kind of questioning your relationship. Do you guys feel like you have an added pressure to prove that you can make it in the long run?I mean, I don't think so. I think every couple before us feels the pressure. I think, you know, that pressure exists, there's no denying that. So I don't think we feel like we have added pressure. Bachelor Nation is very loyal and very outspoken, and I've always appreciated that.But at the same time, again, Vanessa and I have always been realistic. And you know, this is about us focusing on our relationship and tackling that relationship outside of that world, and that's what we're focused on. And we're going to, you know, be realistic, give it our best, and treat each other with the respect that we know we deserve.Yes. Well, we actually experienced it last night. We took a car together back to the house and we went out for dinner together with my family. So just the simple things, you know, going out for a walk. Nick loves his movies, so maybe go to the theater together.I respectfully disagree. You know, I don't know. I mean, again, Bachelor Nation is, you know, very loyal and opinionated. And again, the show is set up that way, right? It's like, the end of every season you're always going to have people rooting for both people. I'm also very thankful, and I'm sure Vanessa is, for all the overwhelming support that she has gotten along the way. And that's what we're focused on.I mean, I feel like there are people who say that every season about every couple. So, I mean, that is what it is. And I think you saw last night that Vanessa and I are not pretending that we don't have our challenges ahead of us, like we don't pretend that we dated for a year before we got engaged.There are some obstacles that, you know, come with starting relationships, while I date 29 other women and then have to relive that experience. And so, we're going to give it our best shot and we're going to treat each other with respect. We're going to put each other first, and we're going to do everything we know we should do to make this work.Well, I had that discussion with Nick and I just wanted to see what he was open and willing to do. You know, I love my family. I love work. I love my life back in Montreal. But like we discussed, relationships are built on compromise, and I was willing to uproot and move to the United States for the relationship.And I'm very happy with the decision. My family and my co-workers are very supportive about it too. And right now, I'm currently working on putting together a charitable organization for people living with learning disabilities, so I'm bringing a part of my life back in Montreal to my new life here in the States.I probably would still agree to go on, but I would have had a different understanding and perspective of the show. I think I still would have been as realistic, but I think I would have been better prepared.Mine is September 28th and hers is September 30th.To read more from Nick and Vanessa's post- interview, click here and here
The idea of allowing guns on college campuses has returned to the Georgia General Assembly.

Rep. Mandi Ballinger (R-Canton) introduced a House Bill Tuesday that looks to allow permit holders to carry guns on state college campuses.
Many of todays college students probably have never heard the name Matthew Shepard before, but his story remains a critical turning point in 
There needs to be a standard procedure at the University of Georgia for students when they miss class which should be handled by the university and not the professors.
Swedish English

Betsson AB today announces that Fredrik Ruden will leave his position as CFO of the company in August 2017.

Ruden is part of Betsson ABs management team and has been with the company since 2008. He will retain his responsibilities as CFO until he leaves the company on August 31st 2017. The process of recruiting a new CFO is under way.

Fredrik has contributed much to Betssons success during the nine years he has served as the companys CFO. I wish him all the best for the future, said Ulrik Bengtsson, CEO and President of Betsson AB

For further information, please contact:

Ulrik Bengtsson, CEO and President Betsson AB

+46 (0)8 506 403 00

Pia Rosin, VP Corporate Communication Betsson AB

+46 (0)73 600 85 00, pia.rosin@betssonab.com

This information is information that Betsson AB is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact persons set out above, on March 16th, 2017, at 8:30 CET.
While Zika has not dominated headlines in a while, mosquito season is fast approaching. A group of University of Georgia scientists and researchers have identified 26 species across multiple genuses of mosquitoes as potential carriers of the virus.
Where do Indian IT firms stand compared to their global peers in this journey of transformation?

Ayan Pramanik seeks answers from IT services analyst Phil Fersht.

IMAGE: There is an increasing need for Indian IT firms to develop their consulting capabilities. Photograph: Reuters. Freedom from H-1B: Can Indian IT forms do it?

As the Indian information technology sector shifts its focus from legacy technology to cloud-based services and automation; Trump's administration in the US may bring fresh challenges primarily with access to talent. Companies like TCS, Infosys, Cognizant, Wipro or HCL Technologies will vie for rebid of a lot of technology deals from clients in the US and Europe.

Phil Fersht, chief executive of HfS Research, believes Indian firms should acquire better consulting capabilities.

Edited excerpts:

The IT services industry is passing through a tough time given the shift from traditional to digital technology. Adoption of Robotic process automation or AI has been slow.

Where do you position Indian firms like TCS, Infosys, Wipro, Cognizant compared to their global peers like Accenture, IBM and others in this journey of transformation?

I think their position is quite well in certain areas to be honest.

They are all different in their own strategies.

Cognizant has developed a strong digital competency. It has invested in onshore delivery as well as offshore. The company has good local presence. It hired 4,000 people in the US last year. It is an example of how they effectively compete with the likes of Accenture, IBM.

Wipro has acquired Appirio and DesignIT. These are good acquisitions and it is building some great competencies around the digital ecosystem. The Holmes platform is another great strategy.

Infosys has a focus on design thinking and has a team in California, with focus on innovation.

You can look at HCL Technologies of how it has done some interesting things with their IBM partnership.

Clients will look at using any of these firms in addition to Accenture or an IBM for many, many deals.

Some of the work they are doing in automation help them stay competitive. I think that the Indian firms have kept with the changes as much as anyone else.

Everybody is going through the change and we are moving to an era of skills rather than locations.

Our research is saying no one is thinking of location but looking at skills. But, at the same time there is an increasing need for more consulting capabilities to be with the clients on-site, and I think the Indian firms need to make more investments, acquire consulting skills by buying local firms.

A lot technology contracts are up for rebid over the next 1-2 years. Do Indian firms stay ahead of the curve?

There is a concern. I think there will be some issues around immigration. If there is heavy requirement for H-1B and L1 visas, that may hurt some of these firms that are reliant on such visas.

At the same time, a lot of these deals are shifting away from locations to skills. So, immigration will put them on disadvantage in certain deals.

In one of your blogs you said automation will eliminate 8-9 per cent of the current jobs. How fast will that happen as many companies are releasing people from projects and not all of them are redeployed?

We have done the maths quite extensively. Around 9 per cent of the services jobs will be eliminated in five years due to automation and that is not a huge number.

Parts of jobs will be automated, rudimentary works will be automated. People will take on more judgement-based work more personalised work, there will be retraining.

I do not think Robotic Process Automation hurts the industry as bad as recession does. Automation will become more prevalent and will streamline the processes.

We will see more mid-size companies opening up.

The legacy kind of business is shrinking slightly, but there is an emerging business in digital and other complex areas.

With digital focus, people will have to be retrained with new skills. If they do not, they will be in trouble across junior, middle or senior management. These services companies have to be like universities for learning as well.

Do you believe a new H-1B visa norm is a threat to Indian IT players as they have been dependent on sending engineers on-site?

I think it is a threat, unlike it was the case five years ago.

Indian IT has learned to manage with offshoring. It is not as dependent on visas as it used to be. It will stifle certain deals; it will restrict access to talent. It will be a difficult period with the new legislation, if it comes.
Ayan Pramanik reports on former Infosys CFO V Balakrishnans fintech firm, which aims to make borrowing easy for small firms and individuals.

Illustration: Uttam Ghosh/Rediff.com

Former Infosys board member V Balakrishnan has founded a financial technology (fintech) firm named billionloans that looks to make borrowing easy for small businesses and individuals. The fintech firm, founded jointly by Rangan Varadan of MicroGraam, will replicate the social impact organisation's model to link commercial lenders with borrowers.

The focus is to build a credible 360 degree credit profile of borrowers based on their banking history and social graph so as to minimise risk for lenders.

"We have integrated a lot of technologies to ensure better user experience with less manual intervention by creating a 360 degree credit profile," V Balakrishnan told Business Standard in an interview.

He has invested $1 million in the venture that would raise funds from investors.

Balakrishnan, who also runs a venture capital firm that focuses on investing in start-ups that builds technologies for enterprises, is looking to offer short-term loans and bill discounting services to small businesses that are vendors to large companies. This would help the firm to start with a base before it expands its operations targeting individuals and small merchants.

India's banking industry is undergoing disruption due to technology shifts.

The government's push for a less-cash society is forcing organisations and businesses to transfer funds digitally to their vendors and employees.

It is also bringing millions of unbanked Indians into the formal system by opening bank accounts and using Aadhaar-enabled payment systems to bypass traditional methods of digital transactions such as cards.

This opens up opportunity for firms such as billionloans to tap a new base of borrowers. Ahmedabad-based peer-to-peer lending firm LendingKart focuses on loans for small businesses, while Bengaluru-based Capital Float focuses on working capital finance for small and mid-size businesses.

These platforms by fintech firms may ensure easy and low-cost loans for many across aspiring students, individuals planning to buy or build home and small retailers or businesses and can potentially disrupt the model of large banks

For small industries and individuals, borrowing from banks have become costly due to increasing non-performing assets of the large banks. Based on the Reserve Bank of India data, the total non-performing assets or bad loans of both public sector and private banks stood at Rs 6 lakh crore as on June 2016.

It also becomes difficult for individuals to borrow money from large banks given their poor credit profile or the traditional method followed to check credit rating.

Billionloans aims to create credit profiles of borrowers through a three-fold background study -- details of cash flow on bank accounts, social media profiles and the friend circle, and psychometric test to check the intention to repay the loan.

"This comprehensive credit profiling will certainly give flexibility to both the borrowers and the lenders," said Balakrishnan.

The firm will begin its operations from the Southern states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.

With a low risk-appetite and better credit profiling, billionloans will facilitate loans up to Rs 20 lakh. The firm is planning to close the first round of funding worth nearly $1 million from external investor in the next two weeks and has applied for an NBFC licence.

"We are tying up with few institutions on the lender side and we hope they will come to our platform because of the quality of the credit profiling. We have created a website and a feet-on-the street to get access to the borrowers and also tying up with a lot of large companies," added Balakrishnan.
'It is imperative that all parties make a commitment that they shall abide by the final decision of the Supreme Court.'

'This will be the best way to bring a closure.'

'It is time India moves on to face several other challenges,' says Dr Madhav Godbole, the distinguished civil servant who resigned as Union home secretary after the Babri Masjid demolition.

Never before had the Bharatiya Janata Party won such a massive mandate in Uttar Pradesh. Its performance in the three other states, and particularly in Uttarakhand, has been impressive.

Nearly two third of India's population now lives in BJP-ruled states. This opens a new chapter not only in the history of the BJP, but also of India. Hereafter, all major national and regional issues will have to be considered with this new perspective.

The foremost among these is the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya at the site where the demolished Babri Masjid stood.

Though not even a day had elapsed since the declaration of the results in UP, hot-heads in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, the BJP, and its 'so-called' ally, the Shiv Sena, were already demanding that expeditious steps must now be taken for the construction of the Ram temple at the disputed site.

The BJP's response to this single issue will decide the course of India's history.

Public memory is phenomenally short. It would therefore be pertinent to recall the BJP's stint in power in Uttar Pradesh in 1992 under chief minister Kalyan Singh which actively promoted the demolition of the Babri Masjid by its actions and inactions.

Kalyan Singh had given a commitment to the central government, the National Integration Council and the Supreme Court that all steps would be taken to protect the Babri Masjid.

Shockingly, none of these was fulfilled.

When the central government decided to station 20,000 paramilitary forces at a distance of about 10 kilometres from Ayodhya, Kalyan Singh had furiously objected to it.

Repeated suggestions of the central government to deploy the central paramilitary forces in the first protective ring around the Babri Masjid were turned down by the state government.

Kalyan Singh had also given instructions that under no circumstances should the state police guarding the structure open fire on the kar sevaks.

Kalyan Singh had also warned the central government that if any pre-emptive action was taken by it to impose President's rule or to take over the structure, no guarantee could be given for its protection.

Unfortunately, P V Narasimha Rao, the then prime minister, was reluctant to act on the home ministry's advice to dismiss the Kalyan Singh government and to impose President's rule under Article 356 of the Constitution.

As a result, ultimately, the Babri Masjid was wantonly demolished by the kar sevaks under the watch of the Kalyan Singh government and in full view of the massive strength of the state police and senior BJP leadership.

It was only after the demolition of the masjid was nearly complete that the state government called for the assistance of the central paramilitary forces.

But since magistrates were not made available by the state government for quite some time in spite of repeated requests by the paramilitary forces, they were unable to enter Ayodhya which had lakhs of kar sevaks milling around.

When Kalyan Singh was hauled up for contempt of court for having failed to abide by the commitment given to the court, he got away only with imprisonment till the rising of the court!

After the BJP came to power at the centre in 2014, Kalyan Singh was rewarded with governorship of a major state.

The Liberhan commission of inquiry, even after toiling for 17 years, failed to bring out the enormity of the crime and identify those who should be held responsible.

The criminal cases against the guilty have not made any headway though over twenty years have elapsed.

It is only on March 7, 2017 that the Supreme Court has held that the discharge of senior BJP leaders on a technical ground was inappropriate and has given directions to reopen the cases.

The court has also expressed concern at the delay in conducting the trial.

This is an eloquent commentary on the total failure of governance on this highly emotive and sensitive issue.

I have deliberately invited attention to these shocking developments during the BJP regime in UP in 1992.

It must be underlined that the massive mandate received by the BJP in the elections this year was entirely due to Modi Magic and his slogan 'Sabka saath, Sabka vikas.' This has galvanised people belonging to all religions, castes, creeds and communities.

This new social engineering needs to be strengthened and carried forward consciously in a responsible manner.

Mayawati has pertinently observed that even in Muslim majority areas in UP the BJP has received a clear mandate. This is a very welcome development from a national perspective as it clearly shows that Muslims and scheduled castes, scheduled tribes and other weaker sections have reposed their faith in Modi's appeal for inclusive growth.

Nothing must be done to let down these widely held expectations.

The BJP has been harping on a Congress-mukt Bharat. In their turn, the so-called secular parties are calling for a BJP-mukt Bharat. This has split the Indian polity, like the Republicans and Democrats in the USA.

In spite of the BJP's massive win in the recent elections, it needs to be stated that the BJP is considered an untouchable by most other political parties in the country.

It may be considered a travesty, but it shows that even the BJP needs to be brought into the mainstream of political thinking in the country.

The moves which the BJP makes for construction of the Ram temple at the disputed site will be a litmus test for this purpose.

The construction of the temple in Ayodhya is an emotive issue for large sections of Hindus. All efforts made during the last two decades to arrive at an amicable solution in consultation with Muslim groups have failed. The matter is now before the Supreme Court.

It will be best if all stake-holders, including the state and central governments, and the Hindu and Muslim groups make an appeal to the Supreme Court to take up this case for a very early decision.

Attention needs to be invited in this context to the suggestion made by some BJP activists that if the court decision goes against the Hindus, a law should be passed by the state government to take up the construction of the temple at the disputed site.

These are dangerous portents.

It is imperative that all parties categorically make a commitment that they shall abide by the final decision of the Supreme Court.

This will be the best way to bring a closure to the issue.

It is time India moves on to face several other multifarious challenges before it.

Dr Madhav Godbole is a former home secretary and secretary justice, Government of India. His memoirs, Unfinished Innings -- Recollections and Reflections of a Civil Servant bring out the decision-making process during the time.

IMAGE: Sadhus near the Ram temple in Ayodhya. Photograph published only for representational purposes.

Photograph: Asif Ansari

Don't miss the COLUMNS in the RELATED LINKS below...
Had the slain Indian-American engineer stayed in India, he would have earned less but his life might have been spared, Sunanda K Datta-Ray says, pondering the question of where one belongs.

IMAGE: At a vigil for Srinivas Kuchibhotla, who was killed in Kansas by a white American man . Photograph: David Ryder/Reuters .

How a chilling 911 call led to the arrest of Kuchibhotla's killer

Was Srinivas Kuchibhotla's murder India's loss or America's?

The question is implicit in his widow's challenging question, "Do we belong?"

The answer remains elusive because of the hypocrisy that cloaks attitudes on both sides on a matter that touches closely on sensitive areas like loyalty, identity, national pride and, yes, also human greed.

Undoubtedly, many in Donald Trump's administration must resent the phenomenon that the 32-year-old aviation engineer represented.

The president's chief strategist, Stephen K Bannon, for instance, once reportedly deplored that "two-thirds or three-quarters of the CEOs in Silicon Valley are from South Asia or from Asia". As it happens, the charge was untrue.

Even when a disproportionate number of Asians are hired, they are hugely under-represented in upper management. Yet, the myth of a model minority cheating native-born white Americans of their birthright persists with damaging effect.

It's like the crock of gold at the end of the rainbow tempting more and more gifted young Indians to seek a livelihood in the US instead of using their talents to help shape India's future. India trains them -- especially graduates of the Indian Institutes of Technology -- in science, technology, engineering and mathematics at immense public cost.

It's not widely known that the IITs were the brainchild of a visionary Bengali businessman, Nalini Ranjan Sarkar, who enriched himself through land development, insurance initiatives and business ventures. He then tried to do the same for his country by laying the foundations of an entrepreneurial class to manage the industrialisation that was expected from Jawaharlal Nehru's five-year plans.

Thanks to our sluggish development, it's the US that benefits most not only from Sarkar's IITs, but from the entire edifice of higher education that poverty-stricken India set up with painstaking care and at great expense.

Bannon's unfair and untrue comment also showed that Indian success is a further red rag to the bull of American envy.

He represents what is called the "alt-right" -- the new extreme right -- in American politics. As chief executive of Breitbart News, Bannon was accused of promoting racist, anti-Muslim, anti-immigrant and white supremacist ideas.

His disquiet at the notion of Asians climbing to top positions in Silicon Valley was evident in an interview with Trump in November 2015. While Trump thought foreign-born Ivy league graduates should be allowed to stay on in the US where they could be "job creators", Bannon hummed and hawed to make his infamous comment about Asian CEOs and argue that the US was "more than an economy". It was "a civic society".

There's no denying that white Americans have cause for envy.

A century ago, Asian Americans (mainly Japanese and Chinese) were digging ditches, laundering clothes and hewing minerals under the ground.

Japanese Americans were interned during World War II. After the Chinese were massacred in Los Angeles in 1871, Congress legislated to forbid low-skilled Chinese immigrants.

There were only 196 Indian immigrants between 1820 and 1870 when the number rose to 586. The West Coast attracted 6,000 labourers between 1898 and 1914, plus a number of Ghadar Party political refugees.

But nearly all Asian immigration was banned by 1924.

Hawaii's legendary Gobindram J Watumull, who landed in 1917, couldn't acquire citizenship until the Oriental Immigration Act was revised in 1949. Congressman Dalip Singh Saund, who flew to Calcutta in December 1957 -- his first visit to India in 38 years -- was probably the first and most outstanding symbol of success.

From these humble beginnings, Indian Americans have risen to out-earn everyone since at least the 1960s. By 2014 their incomes were 20 per cent higher than the average white household's.

It wasn't until 1965, however, that explicit national discrimination was abolished only because an economy that the Vietnam War had galvanised desperately needed scientists and engineers.

Lyndon Johnson's Great Society wanted Third World doctors.

George H W Bush invited technology skills with non-immigrant H1B visas.

By 1999 a handful of Indian Americans accounted for 5 per cent of US wealth.

Americans like to think that these Indians landed very disadvantaged and wound up advantaged through extraordinary investments in their children's education. That is not so. Unlike emigrants to Britain, those who chose the US were usually highly educated to start with. They were the best of Indian talent whose migration is a sad blow for India's future.

Had Kuchibhotla stayed at home, he would have earned less but his life might have been spared to serve his country.

Nor would there be any confusion about where he belonged. He would have been India's future.
'Compared to other social groups, managing the Muslim constituency has always been easier for the secularists.'

'Just some symbolic measures and window-dressing would keep the Muslim flock together.'

'Having been betrayed by all the supposedly 'secular' political parties, Muslims should turn into citizens without any ascriptive identity marks,' says Mohammad Sajjad.

IMAGE: A voter in Kairana, Uttar Pradesh, February 11, 2017. Photograph: Cathal McNaughton/Reuters

If the Uttar Pradesh mandate 2017 has decimated a Yadav dynasty (Akhilesh Yadav), and if in the name of Dalit politics only a Jatav leader (Mayawati) has been written off, then why should a question arise about the future of Muslims in UP politics?

What is actually meant by 'secularism'?

What is really meant by the politics of minority appeasement or 'minority-ism', the BJP has consistently been accusing other parties of?

While interpreting the 2017 UP mandate, it seems there is relatively greater emphasis on communal polarisation, which, of course, is certainly there. However, we should not lose sight of other important factors.

Within the politics of social justice, among the OBCs, since long there has been lot of discontentment against the Yadav dominance.

Similarly, among a total of 66 Dalit communities, there has been tremendous resentment against the Jatav hegemony (in Bihar, it is the Paswans).

The Jatavs constitute around 56 per cent of the Dalits in UP, who are 21 per cent of the UP electorate.

Other numerically and geographically sporadic Dalit communities -- the Pasi, Dhobi, Kori, Khatik, etc -- have been living with the pain of acute marginalisation.

The quest for empowerment of these communities came to be termed as the 'third democratic upsurge.'

As the Yadav and Jatav dominance was perpetuated with the support of the Muslim electorates, they should have spoken out against this Yadav/Jatav politics of marginalising other Backwards/Dalits. Regrettably, the Muslims never did so.

In my last Rediff column (February 2, 2017), before commencement of the polls, I had written:

'It therefore remains to be seen:

(a) if there would really be a manifestation of the "third democratic upsurge" in the electoral outcome of 2017,

(b) if this upsurge would really penetrate the Muslims, and

(c) will it be, that the BJP would be ushering in the "third democratic upsurge" with which bulk of Muslims would also stand benefitted?'

In the UP assembly 2012 to 2017, as many as 68 Muslims were elected.

In 2007, there were as many as 56.

In 2017, despite all odds, as many as 25 Muslims have been elected, and significantly, as many as 84 finished second (three lost with less than 200 to 500 votes).

This in itself suggests that this mandate is not only about anti-Muslim polarisation.

This mandate is therefore, primarily, an expression of the revolt of non-Yadav OBCs, and non-Jatav Dalits against the above mentioned two dominant castes, as much as against perpetuation of the dynasty of the regional satraps of these castes.

The BJP, quite meticulously, did address this resentment by accommodating such marginalised groups of the OBCs (29 per cent) and Dalits, besides its core support base of the upper castes, who constitute 23 per cent of the UP electorate.

Besides, the undercurrent for the BJP was also due to the fast paced distribution of about 55 lakh LPG cylinders to BPL families in UP alone.

The central government scheme was implemented by the state, but the non BJP legislators remained callously unaware of the ambitious scheme. This is called 'Saffron Communism.'

A senior journalist asserts, "Modi was the factor, not the BJP. He is successful in conveying to the masses that he does have a desire to do something for them. People trust him and are prepared to give him time to deliver. Howsoever mistakenly, but the poor Hindus do think that de-monetisation has been a big discomfiture to the rich."

IMAGE: The Samajwadi Party's Azam Khan. Tthe agenda of party leaders -- past and present -- has contributed to the quality of leadership among Muslims being deeply flawed, says Mohammad Sajjad.

Then, why did the BJP resort to divisive and polarising tactics midway through the polls?

Partly, because it was not very confident about the durability of the social coalitions it had stitched, given its Bihar experience.

This anti-Muslim rhetoric got its receptivity for the fact that since these regional satraps grabbed (and stayed in) power with the help of Muslim votes, therefore, a fair degree of ire was there against them too.

In fact, the politics of Mayawati, Mulayam Singh Yadav, Lalu Yadav had become convenient with the votes of Muslims. Unlike the various segments of the Hindu electorate, the Muslims are not assertive, demanding, and claimants of equal co-shares in any sense.

Lalu's novice son could be made deputy chief minister (besides a ministerial berth for his elder son), ignoring very senior and much competent Abdul Bari, Shyam Rajak, for instance.

Lalu snatched a Rajya Sabha seat for his daughter Misa (who has hardly said anything significant in the House) rather than for his spokesperson, Professor Manoj Jha, who is more competent and wonderfully articulate too. Earlier, Rabri Devi's brothers were in the saddles of power.

In Bihar, the Nitish regime replaced Lalu Yadav's dynastic rule in 2005 with this social engineering of Ati Pichhrha (including Pasmanda Muslims) and the Maha Dalits.

Having kept the Yadav dynasty out of power for about a decade, there took place some dilution in anti-Yadav sentiments. Hence in 2015, the Nitish-Lalu-Congress alliance -- the Mahagathbandhan -- emerged victorious.

Even the Congress had to respond to the call of social justice by bringing out a Dalit, Ashok Chaudhry, as its face in Bihar.

Had Nitish been only a leader of his own caste, Kurmi, then even his good performances on governance and development could have been in vain electorally.

Even Nitish plays his politics of imposing Muslim leadership from above, almost in a similar way. For nomination to the Rajya Sabha, from among the Hindus, he will choose the enlightened and articulate retired diplomat Pavan Varma and journalist Harivansh, whereas from among the Muslims, he will prefer Ghulam Rasool Baliyawi and Kahkashan Parween, setting aside many competent people.

Given the large kinship network of the Mulayam dynasty, its perpetuation became even more loathsome for the people of UP.

Both Mayawati and the Mulayam dynasty could chase away other social groups with a confidence that the un-demanding, 'passive' electorate called Muslims would help them grab (and stay in) power.

Compared to other social groups, managing the Muslim constituency has always been easier for the 'secularists'.

Just some symbolic measures and 'window-dressing' would keep the Muslim flock together unassailably.

They won't shout much for education, health, roads, electricity, and won't assert much as an equal co-sharer in power.

Only emotive issues make them come out on the streets. Hence, mere defence of and assurances about their conservatism and dogmatism can ensure their votes.

Muslim leaders rarely emerge out of agitational/movemental processes. They, therefore, don't have much of a mass base of their own.

Hence, they can be propped up, and dropped, at the whims of the dynasts. Their co-option as well as shunting out is easier.

This has been harming the Muslims as much as Indian democracy as a whole.

Because of these dynasts, the quality of leadership among Muslims has been deeply flawed.

Look at a leader like Azam Khan. This demagogue has extracted a seat in the Rajya Sabha for his wife, and an assembly ticket for his son. He and his Samajwadi Party has not allowed the emergence of other leaders in Rampur.

IMAGE: Victims of the communal clashes in Muzaffarnagar in 2013. Photograph: Reuters

How does this Muslim face behave politically?

He would issue divisive and provocative statements to trigger communal polarisation.

In November 2015, he spoke against the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. Kamlesh Tiwari of the Hindu Mahasabha retaliated with an affront against the Prophet.

The massive Muslim agitations across the country that followed in early 2016 were against Kamlesh Tiwari, whereas the Muslim agitations should have actually been directed against Azam Khan, the agent provocateur.

One must recall that Azam Khan enjoyed many ministerial berths in the Akhilesh Yadav cabinet, including being in charge of Muzaffarnagar affairs.

With wilful communalisation by the Akhilesh regime, in July-August 2013, beginning with suspension of the sub-divisonal magistrate of Noida, Durga Shakti Nagpal, eventually culminating into the Muzaffarnagar riots, the state government's failure in preventing and controlling the riots and horrifically perpetuating displacements of the victims did not ensue Muslim criticism against Azam Khan (and his regime).

Please see my Rediff columns of August 5, September 13, and September 16, 2013].

Akhilesh cunningly calculated that compensation to the victims will fetch enough Muslim votes for the SP, besides the resultant polarisation will push the Dalits and Jats away from the BSP and Lok Dal respectively.

The SP planned to contest the 2014 Lok Sabha with this politics of communal violence. This is how he intended to catapult his father Mulayam Yadav to the office of prime minister.

This game, of course, suited the BJP too, and the horrid game spun out of control of the Akhilesh administration. Little did the SP realise then that no other political formation can really outsmart the BJP on this turf.

The Muslim leadership and intelligentsia, if at all there is any, did not shout enough against this brazen and bloody game that was played out almost throughout the Akhilesh regime, which witnessed around 600 incidents of communal tension and violence. They did not even ask why Mayawati, too, was not speaking out.

Even on the issues of Rohith Vemula's suicide and the Una upsurge, and many atrocities against Dalits in UP itself, Mayawati may have said a few words in the Rajya Sabha, but she never took to the combative politics of street mobilisation in Uttar Pradesh. Why?

Again the same explanation will hold true. The politics of comfort and convenience -- that narrow but core support of the Jatavs, her own caste, plus a proportion of Muslim votes would help her get power.

She gave away tickets to around 100 Muslims this election and obtained some favourable statements for herself from the most regressive clergy. Why did not she feel like integrating many other social groups of Dalits and lower Backwards?

Why did not she nominate Professor Vivek Kumar, Kanwal Bharti, etc, to the Rajya Sabha?

Because unlike the Muslims, they won't remain a passive, non-demanding, unequal, subordinate ally! The 'satraps' had to guard against their 'sovereignty' being shared and parcelised.

This explains why these supposedly 'secular' parties remain so very content and confident. This is how the SP and BSP chose to overlook the discontent among the non-Yadav OBCs and non-Jatav Dalits respectively against their disproportionate dominance. They rather chased them away.

These regional satraps narrowed their support base, whereas the BJP embraced them and kept expanding its social base.

With Muslim votes the specific dynasties of these particular castes stay in power, and they get away with all kinds of tasks of governance and development.

This is how the extremely valuable Constitutional asset of India -- secularism -- got badly discredited; people got disillusioned with the disgustingly opportunistic abuse of the rhetoric of secularism.

IMAGE: Akhilesh Yadav, left, and Rahul Gandhi, right -- the scions of the Samajwadi Party and Congress respectively. Photograph: Kind courtesy Samajwadi Party/Twitter.com

They also seem to have emulated the art of perpetuating dynasty from the Congress.

Look at the latest politics of the Congress in the 2017 UP elections.

Rahul Gandhi was not asked by its electorate why promising, articulate leaders like Sachin Pilot, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Sandeep Dixit etc did not join the campaign in UP.

For long, in the political praxis of the non-BJP formations, the distinction between secularism and State-aided defence of Muslim conservatism has been getting more and more blurred.

Thus, the stake of a large number of Hindus in the idea and practice of secularism has woefully shrunk.

Now, in this kind of political scenario, the question that stares Muslims is: Why should they act as palanquin bearers of the Yadav/Jatav grooms?

As put aptly by a Muslim friend: "Hum log Yadav aur Jatav ke dulha dulhan ki doli ka bojh uthaaney waaley kahaar bana diye gaye hain."

What should we do now ask the thoroughly marginalised Muslims.

There is no easy answer to this question. Each measure proposed would meet with a lot of resistance and sharply contending debates will ensue.

Should the community conduct some self-introspection and soul searching?

An election involves an expense of almost a crore of rupees. Muslim electoral aspirants run for tickets to every party, and then expect that the entire community should vote en bloc only for their party.

Should the Muslims ask all these Muslim nominees of the SP, BSP, Congress, Lok Dal if they would mobilise these amounts for education and healthcare as readily as they do to contest elections?

The answer is a disappointing one.

Even the better off, affluent and educated segments of India's Muslims would not do so. Barring an insignificant proportion of honourable exceptions, even the NRIs among the Muslims are more generous in offering handsome donations to the political aspirants than making contributions towards education and healthcare.

I say this from personal experience. The loudest of NRI Muslim voices on social media sites among our contacts have not even maintained the courtesy of replying to our calls for such donations.

A Dubai-based Muslim NRI group would call a politician to felicitate him, but would hardly felicitate a genuinely selfless social worker having no ambition to dabble in murky politics.

In such a frustrating scenario, the best way for the Muslims is to concentrate on the difficult but do-able task of organising and streamlining their own traditional crafts and professions.

In times of crises, Muslims tend to overemphasise the aspect of education. Not that they lack educational infrastructure as much, rather that they are sorely lacking in providing quality education and motivating their wards to make it big in the realm of ideas and knowledge.

The madrasas, with community contributions, flourish. Mosques are refurbished with taller spires (minars) and bigger domes (gunmbads) whereas the government-aided Muslim minority academies remain hotbeds of mediocrity.

Having been betrayed by all the supposedly 'secular' political parties, Muslims should turn into citizens without any ascriptive identity marks.

Merging with the other citizens they may go on voting for their own limited choices without speaking for any of these parties.

They should be voting as confidentially/silently as they go to their toilets. Whenever the fellow citizens would shout and agitate (against the State) for education, healthcare, roads, electricity, law and order, price rise, employment, environment, gender justice, etc, they too should join such assertions, not as Muslims, but as citizens.

This could possibly be one way of diluting communal polarisation to some degree.

Educational and economic mobility will take care of their religio-cultural concerns.

As of now, in a mistaken belief, they have been prioritising their politics mainly around religio-cultural concerns.

This misplaced priority offers additional fodder to those who practise the politics of majoritarian hatred raising the bogey of 'Muslim appeasement'.

Even this choice would probably have mixed implications. Nonetheless, it is probably worth a try!

Mohammad Sajjad, professor at the Centre of Advanced Study in History, Aligarh Muslim University, is the author of Muslim Politics in Bihar: Changing Contours (Routledge, 2014) and Contesting Colonialism and Separatism: Muslims of Muzaffarpur since 1857 (Primus, 2014).

Please scroll down for more features on the UP elections results...
India needs to consider whether the Donald Trump administration can actually deliver, says former foreign secretary Shyam Saran.

It has been nearly two months since Donald Trump became the president of the United States.

There has been rising anxiety among allies, friends and adversaries, too, about what may be in store over the next several years of this administration, given the uncertainty and unpredictability which has so far marked its early days.

The US, even if it is in relative decline, has a very large global footprint, both in economic and military terms.

Decisions made in Washington, even if they are driven by domestic factors, have an impact on countries far and near; hence, the need to assess carefully the political drama that is being played out there.

This is particularly important for India, not only because of the consequences of specific policies, such as enhanced restrictions on visas for Indian information technology professionals, but also second-order effects, for example, the recent racist attacks on Indian citizens and Indian-Americans in the general anti-immigration sentiment, sharpened by the both the rhetoric and policies adopted by Trump.

On a larger geopolitical canvas, the emerging picture from an Indian perspective is mixed and still somewhat fluid. Nevertheless, it may be useful to mark some of its less ambiguous features.

Trump's world view has three consistent elements.



One relates to China. Each US administration since the end of the Cold War has seen China as an adversary but also a partner in addressing specific regional and global issues. The US's China strategy has thus been a mix of confrontation and cooperation, but under Trump, the confrontation aspect has gained sharper salience.

This is both in the area of trade and investment relations as well as the security equation. While there may be tactical shifts, such as Trump walking back from his questioning the one-China policy, we should expect heightened US-China contention.



Two, counter-terrorism -- and in Trump's view, this is Islamic terrorism -- will be centre-stage in this administration. The persistence with the visa ban on citizens of several Muslim countries, despite legal challenges, is clearly indicative of this.

One should expect increased US pressure on countries that are seen as providing havens to terrorist groups or where threats from terrorist groups are endemic. The downside to this may well be an increase in terrorist attacks on the American homeland and this may set into motion a dynamic that confirms sentiments across the Islamic world that the US is against Islam.

But for the present, a focus on counter-terrorism may introduce a degree of caution in countries such as Pakistan which have been using cross-border terrorism as an instrument of state policy.



Three, Trump wants to reset US relations with Russia and this makes sense in terms of the first two objectives. The crystallisation of a China-Russia strategic alignment is not in the interest of the US and the West in general and Russia is not a military threat to them.

Russia is also a credible ally in the fight against jihadi terrorism represented by the Islamic State and Al Qaeda. The interests of the West have been served by Russian participation in the war against IS in Syria, though this is not fully acknowledged.

Among the three items on Trump's agenda, it is his Russia policy which has generated the most significant resistance, and one might even add, even subversion by the American political and security establishment. It remains to be seen if he is able to over-ride this resistance.



These three elements are positive in India's geopolitical perspective even if they prove, for the moment, to be of tactical or less than enduring significance.

Any development, which constrains Chinese room for manoeuvre, should be welcome to India.

If the recently announced increase in US military expenditure increases the robustness of US presence in Asia-Pacific, this may slow down the Chinese penetration of the Indian Ocean maritime space.

We get a little more breathing space to beef up our own capabilities. The growing Chinese pressure on Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asian countries and Australia may diminish in the short term.

However, China's footprint in the Asia-Pacific and beyond will continue to expand, barring an elemental crisis in that country. Thus, India and other countries in the region, who have reason to be concerned about the growth in Chinese power, should actively work together to cope with a world in which the US role in our shared region may diminish over time.

A more focused and energetic US counter-terrorism policy will similarly be of advantage to India but only as long as it does not degenerate into Islamophobia and the targeting of Muslims indiscriminately.

In the latter case, a secular country like India, with a large Muslim minority, may find itself in a very uncomfortable and perhaps even an untenable situation.

For the present, however, there is more scope for strengthening counter-terrorism cooperation with the US and any pressure on Pakistan on this score is welcome.



On Russia, any improvement of US-Russia relations should be welcome from India's point of view, given our own long-standing partnership with this friendly country.

Our growing relations with the US have created some apprehensions in Russia, as its own relations with the US and the West in general, have deteriorated. Its closeness to China has similarly created concerns in India.

This could change for the better once US-Russia relations improve. However, this is one element of the Trump strategy which seems to be coming unstuck and we need to take that into account in our calculations.

This means that we need to handle our relations with Russia without the collateral benefit of improved US-Russia relations.

While seeking to leverage these elements in Trump's foreign policy, we should be mindful of another likely and negative contingency.

Irrespective of what these shifts may imply for India and the larger geopolitical landscape, a great deal will depend upon whether this administration finally clear the decks and settle down to be able to deliver on its agenda.

Prolonged domestic political turmoil, the growing polarisation in American society and the inconsistency in policy making may have a bigger impact by making it difficult for the administration to give attention to external issues that require urgent and well-considered attention.

An absent US may be more problematic for the world than an inconsistent one.



The writer is a former foreign secretary, and currently senior fellow at the Centre for Policy Research.
'The sadhus and sanyasis of UP are not for any economics.'

'They only know the religious agenda and the RSS will support them.'

'Modi does not have full control of the party at the ground level like Indira Gandhi had.'

Kancha Ilaiah, professor and director at the Centre for the Study of Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy at the Maulana Azad National Urdu University in Hyderabad, recently changed his name (external link) to Kancha Ilaiah Shepherd in protest against the violence of caste.

Professor Shepherd tells Rediff.com's Shobha Warrier about the implications of the BJP's victory in Uttar Pradesh for India.

What was your reaction when you saw the BJP's huge win in UP?

It was a feeling of disbelief. I was sitting all through at the Times Now studio. The general report I was getting was not this.

What feedback did you get during the elections?

I thought the SP-Congress combine would muster enough seats to be the single largest group.

It appears the BSP failed to consolidate Dalit votes, and quite a lot of Dalits voted for the BJP.

What made the Dalits vote for the BJP?

It appears they felt that even if Mayawati came to power, she would not make any difference to their lives.

Mayawati has not emerged as a leader who can take on the challenges of Narendra Modi and Akhilesh Yadav.

Narendra Modi is a very challenging leader and Amit Shah is a good organiser at the ground level.

They worked out caste-social engineering much better than what Mayawati did with the Dalits and Muslims.

What kind of social engineering did Amit Shah do this time?

They organised all the backward classes except the Yadavs and promised them several things; that the chief ministerial candidate would be from the OBC community, that they would improve their economic conditions, that they would give free gas connections to all their women, etc.

Do you feel Mayawati failed as a leader of the Dalits?

She could not become a national leader inspiring all the Dalits in this country.

Within UP, the BSP's massive mandate in 2007 was because of the alliance she cobbled up with the Brahmins and the Dalits.

At the ground level, she has not delivered and could not manage the unity of social causes.

She also did not prove to be a developmental administrator.

She could have improved the education of Dalits by starting many English medium schools, but what she did was she went on to build statues.

She became quite diffident and later began to lose confidence also.

She couldn't speak spontaneously; she was reading out notes written by somebody else at public rallies. This did not go down well with the masses.

In that context, do you think Modi's oratorical skill worked for him and the BJP?

Modi's asset is his absolutely rural kind of communication. Though his Hindi is not the UP or Bihar Hindi, he communicates very powerfully.

Secondly, he has a cadre-based party network that mobilises a lot of people to listen to him. And he communicates to them effectively.

The entire media, both electronic and print, which is anti-Congress now, also helps spread what Modi says including his Mann ki Baat.

Whatever Rahul Gandhi says does not get the same kind of attention.

Is it not true that there is a lot of difference in what Modi says and what Rahul Gandhi says? And how they say it also?

I agree. Rahul Gandhi does not create any impression with what he says.

He is a very normal communicator and he does not come with any new ideas as a political leader.

He works like a social activist.

In fact, he works better as a social activist than a political leader, somehow the Congress party does not understand this.

Sonia Gandhi seems to have completely withdrawn from the scene. She was never an aggressive leader like her mother-in-law.

So, there is no one to match Modi at the national level.

Do you think the Congress suffers from existential anguish?

Yes. The (Nehru Gandhi) family does not want to give up, at the same time they are not able to fight other parties because they are not like Indira Gandhi.

Both Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi are mild social reform kind of people. They are not aggressive election fighters like Modi.

Critics say there is a hidden Hindutva agenda behind the vikas mantra which Modi speaks about. Do you feel so?

I am of the opinion that Modi is giving a signal that the BJP will have to become a conservative economic development-oriented political party like the Conservatives in the UK and the Republicans in the US.

Not a right-wing Hindu party?

No. He doesn't talk much about it except in some places during the UP elections.

He doesn't talk about the Ram temple and Hindutva agenda. His economic orientation is right wing while that of the Congress was left of Centre.

Both Modi and Amit Shah are linked to the business class of India.

Any absolute right wing Hindutva agenda will upset business. Their advisors will advise them not to go on the lines of L K Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi, which can destabilise the system in so many ways.

The advisors would tell them to help through an economic agenda and not a religious agenda.

If you look at the main administrative apparatus of the Modi government, Dalits, Muslims and OBCs did not get any bigger slots; only lower slots.

The Baniyas and Brahmins got the bigger slots.

The Congress had given bigger slots to Dalits and Muslims like the President of India, home minister, Lok Sabha Speaker.

I don't think Modi will make a Muslim or Dalit President.

A P J Abdul Kalam was the BJP's candidate for President...

It was Chandrababu Naidu who insisted that Kalam became President.

Modi and Amit Shah will definitely look for a Baniya or Brahmin or an upper caste person who is pliable for them.

Even though Modi is an OBC?

He is a Baniya OBC. They have an OBC certificate, but they have rolled into Baniyahood.

The BJP winning so many states -- is it a matter of concern for you?

My worry is though Modi may not go after a Hindutva agenda or temple building or something that destabilises the Constitution, there are any number of sadhus and sanyasis in UP who are itching for temple building.

It goes on the lines of America's Trump administration. He (Trump) is not able to control hate crimes.

Modi may not behave like Trump, but if his party behaves like Trump, he will not be able to control it.

How can he control what party workers do at the ground level?

For example, what the ABVP does in universities. It is not an intellectual students' organisation. It can arrange only festivals and not intellectual debates.

How can Modi or the central government control such organisations when the party has power in every state?

Why do people trust Modi and the BJP?

This period is the populist right wing period in the world. India cannot exclude itself from the world.

Secondly, all the Muslim nations around India are theocratic States.

Look at the way the BJP could muster the support of Muslim women because of their position on triple talaq.

Muslim men are patriarchal and conservative, naturally, the BJP's strong stand on this issue struck a chord with Muslim women.

The pro-women stand taken by the BJP was not the voice of Advani or Joshi or Vajpayee.

Is an ideological shift happening in the BJP?

Some people are ideologically shifting. For example, Modi talks about the poor. Arun Jaitley talks about the poor.

There is a section in the BJP who talks a different language now. Not the entire party.

It is a fact that without Modi and Amit Shah, the BJP will not be a winning party.

What made the difference to the BJP are Narendra Modi and Amit Shah.

Even when Vajpayee was at the Centre, the party was not in control of so many states, especially UP.

But even if they set an economic and social agenda, how much will it percolate down to the ground level is the question.

For example, the sadhus and sanyasis of UP are not for any economics.

They only know the religious agenda and the RSS will support them.

Modi does not have the full control of the party at the ground level like Indira Gandhi had.

She was fully in control of the Congress party from the villages to Delhi.

What kind of a future do you see for the country?

My fear is the BJP and the ground cadre may behave like Trump in America.

Modi, Amit Shah and certain intellectuals in Delhi will behave like the Republicans.

The danger is bigger here than in America.

Let us hope India does not go the American way.

IMAGE: Giant cut-outs of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President Amit Shah at the party headquarters in New Delhi. Photograph: Atul Yadav/PTI Photo
'How can the BJP give Muslim candidates tickets if they don't have any good Muslim candidates?'

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi receives a rousing welcome at the Bharatiya Janata Party headquarters in New Delhi, March 12, 2017. Photograph: Manvender Vashist/PTI Photo.

Uttar Pradesh turned saffron on March 11 when the Bharatiya Janata Party won an astounding 312 seats in the 403-seat assembly.

Poll pundits were scratching their heads trying to decipher the triumph. For Dr A K Verma, director, Centre for the Study of Society and Politics, Kanpur, Modi's victory wasn't much of a surprise.

Dr Verma explains to Rediff.com's Syed Firdaus Ashraf the implications of the victory for the BJP and where the Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party are headeded from here.

What's your take on the UP results?

Much of the results were on expected lines. We had anticipated a clear majority for the BJP. We were predicting the BJP would cross 'Mission 265,' but we weren't expecting this kind of victory -- crossing 300 seats.

How come few anticipated this Modi electoral tsunami?

No, it is not like that. I had written in the Economic and Political Weekly on December 31, 2016, about a third democratic upsurge in Uttar Pradesh.

In this democratic upsurge my hypothesis was there is a massive OBC (Other Backward Classes) shift towards the BJP, a very substantial shift of Dalits towards the BJP and a miniscule Muslim shift towards the BJP. That was published in EPW. We had no doubt about this wave.

What was the reason for this third upsurge of voters for the BJP?

One reason was that the marginal sections like the more backward and most backward sections had become disillusioned with identity politics.

They were actually craving for aspirational politics and they wanted development. They had enough of identity politics.

Identity politics did not bring in substantial and qualitative change in their lifestyles.

There was dissatisfaction.

Post 2014, the BJP was supported by all social denominations. The BJP sensed that it is not difficult to access all these marginalised sections which was earlier not in the BJP's constituency.

So they started wooing them and they wooed them very well.

First, they tried to rope them in Delhi's basic structure. They accommodated people like Anupriya Patel, in the Modi ministry.

They then appointed the most backward category person -- Keshav Prasad Maurya -- as president of the BJP in Uttar Pradesh.

They also gave some Dalit representation in Modi's ministry.

They tried to capture this resentment of these marginalised people.

The masterstroke was that while allocating tickets to BJP candidates they allocated 40 per cent tickets to the more backwards and the most backward sections, a share which the OBC has in the population of Uttar Pradesh.

Therefore, by integrating them both in the leadership structure and representation in assembly seats they captured UP.

The Modi government gave M J Akbar representation in the prestigious external affairs ministry. To say, the BJP is not giving tickets to Muslims is unfair.

The Opposition says communal polarisation led to the BJP win.

I think it would be unfair to the electorate of UP to say that it was communal polarisation because many people will not understand and accept that several Muslims voted for Modi.

Young educated Muslim women and lot of Muslims from the Terai belt areas openly said they will vote for the BJP because of the triple talaq issue.

In Fatehpur constituency, we found lots of Muslims supporting demonetisation.

On the ground, we found that the Muslim psyche was changing towards the BJP and it is unfair to call it communal polarisation.

The BJP did not field a single Muslim candidate. Modi spoke of qabristan and shamshan at his rallies. Swami Adityanath was campaigning on communal lines.

Don't you think we need strong evidence to show that Muslims voted for Modi in UP?

This is actually the general perception of people from outside Uttar Pradesh.

How can the BJP give Muslim candidate tickets if they don't have any good Muslim candidates?

I understand that the BJP wasn't doing any tokenism as far as Muslim representation is considered, but they certainly don't exclude Muslims from governance.

The Modi government gave M J Akbar representation in the prestigious external affairs ministry. There are other Muslim members in the Modi Cabinet.

To say the BJP is not giving tickets to Muslims is unfair.

I think the more the BJP becomes proactive in reaching out to Muslims, the greater would be the representation of Muslims in the BJP.

What was the change in the minds of the Muslims with regard to the BJP and Modi?

I do not know what is their perception and what is their frame, but certainly Muslims are happy at the grassroot level.

There are certain things which are going on at the grassroot level and the BJP's Muslim outreach is happening at the grassroot level.

The politics of communal polarisation is tokenism because you see the counter question -- are the parties which followed and pursued the politics of secularisation how Muslims look at them?

You see the result -- there is vehement rejection of Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati and that speaks for itself of the changing Muslim perception about the BJP.

IMAGE: BJP supporters await Modi's arrival at the party headquarters, March 12, 2017. Photograph: Manvender Vashist/PTI Photo

What went wrong with the Samajwadi Party? Did Congress become a burden for them?

From the very beginning, you have been talking to me about this and I have been telling you that the entire business (the family feud between Mulayam Yadav and Akhilesh Yadav) is structured and choreographed and it was going to be devastating for the SP.

People came to realise it was all a drama.

There was nothing wrong in the alliance for the Congress, but the Samajwadi Party tying up with the Congress was suicidal.

Secondly, the SP has always flourished on anti-Congress sentiments. So it couldn't explain the U-turn on the Congress.

The Socialist Party was founded on anti-Congress sentiments by Ram Manohar Lohia and he happened to be the only guide for the Samajwadi Party.

This party could never explain why it has come so close to the Congress.

Akhilesh was running a good government with a majority. By ceding 105 seats to the Congress, Akhilesh triggered a revolt in 105 constituencies. These candidates openly opposed the Congress.

The Bihar model did not take place in Uttar Pradesh because the Congress was nowhere near power since 1989. This, Akhilesh failed to realise.

The way they campaigned lacked any seriousness. It was all allegations and a reactionary campaign. They could not sell their development politics.

The caste factor and Muslim polarisation worked for Lalu Yadav and Nitish Kumar against the BJP in Bihar. Why did it not work for Akhilesh Yadav and Rahul Gandhi in UP?

It is crystal clear. In Bihar, Lalu and Nitish were in power for so many years. They could also energise their cadres and get their votes transferred, but in Uttar Pradesh, the Congress had no cadre.

Whatever premise was there about the transfer of votes was absolutely flawed because Muslims or Yadavs were not interested in transferring their votes to the Congress and therefore they fared so badly.

The Congress has no stake in Uttar Pradesh; there was nothing wrong in the alliance for the Congress, but Samajwadi tying up with the Congress was suicidal.

What went wrong with Mayawati?

Since 2012, Mayawati has distanced herself from Uttar Pradesh and nursed national ambitions.

The Dalits of UP realised she is not interested in state politics.

Secondly, most backward classes always thought that Mayawati was unfair to them and favoured the Jatav community more within Dalit society. Therefore, they were not happy with her.

The Brahmin component was completely marginalised after the Daya Shankar episode. Brahmins, Thakurs and upper castes did not vote for the BSP.

Mayawati went for Muslim votes thinking that social engineering is like mechanical engineering, but it is not.

Dalit-Muslim bonhomie at the grassroot level was never there and suddenly on the eve of elections it was not to be found.

If she wants Muslims and Dalits to come together she will have to work more on that for some time. Only then you can see the results.

Do you think if the BSP and SP do not form an alliance for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, it will lead to a Modi sweep in UP, just like it happened in 2014?

As far as I understand, the coming of the SP and BSP won't happen in UP though nothing is impossible in politics.

The BSP and SP not only represent antithesis as far as the leadership of Mayawati and Mulayam is concerned, they also represent two social denominations, which are positioned against each other.

OBCs normally are looked as exploitative by Dalits as they own land in villages and are dominant people. Dalits work on fields.

So, there is an economic clash between the two communities and therefore it is difficult for them to come together.

Moreover, both are not interested in coming together, so it is difficult to see this in the future.

More importantly, people these days do not appreciate the politics of negativism. Two people coming to remove the BJP. This was demonstrated by the Congress and SP and it failed in UP.

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IMAGE: Members of special Police units RAID outside the Tocqueville high school after a shooting incident injuring at least eight people, in Grasse, southern France on Thursday. Photographs: Eric Gaillard/Reuters



France has reportedly issued a terror attack warning on Thursday after a shooting incident at a school in the southern town of Grasse.

Local media reports said a suspect in possession of several weapons opened fire on the headmaster at the Alexis de Tocqueville school, injuring at least eight people.

The Guardian quoted a Police as saying that one suspect had been arrested and a second person was possibly on the run.

The headmaster had been injured but his injuries were not life-threatening.

IMAGE: People embrace near the Tocqueville high school after the shooting.

The suspect who was arrested was a 17-year-old pupil at the high-school.

He was arrested at the school armed with several weapons and grenades.

Residents in Grasse were advised to stay inside and the French government launched its mobile telephone application warning of a 'terrorist' attack.

The French Interior Ministry tweeted that the security situation was ongoing and urged people to stay away from the area.
N. TUSTIN, Calif., March 16, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Prentice School, a private, nonprofit, nonpublic (NPS) academic school, which offers unparalleled learning experiences to high-achieving students with learning differences, is asking supporters to join them in celebrating the schools 30-year anniversary with a gala centered around the theme Education Reimagined. The gala will be held on the night of April 8 at the Newport Beach Country Club located at One Clubhouse Drive in Newport Beach.



Since 1986, The Prentice School has transformed the lives of over 5,000 students with learning differences such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, ADHD, anxiety, and visual processing and executive function disorders. Using evidence-based curriculum and instructional methodologies, a structured literacy approach, multi-sensory instructional strategies, and ongoing progress monitoring, The Prentice School offers an unparalleled experience to students with learning differences who possess average to high intelligence, but whose needs have not been met in a more traditional classroom setting. Prentices comprehensive model includes academics, enrichment, social and emotional supports, Occupational Therapy and Speech and Language Servicesall on one beautiful campus during the school day in a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment.

The theme, Education Reimagined, serves as a reminder to our supporters that we are changing the lives of students here at Prentice and giving them the tools they need to succeed and become strong contributing members to society, says Alicia Maciel, executive director of The Prentice School. We take great pride in the community of support we have built around students that includes parents, donors, board members and community partners.

Prentice has been at the forefront of educating students with learning differences for over 30 years. We look forward to celebrating with former and current board members, parents and alumni, says Corinne Conklin, Director of Events and Donor Relations. On this night we look forward to hearing the success stories of our alumni students. We will also honor a long history of dedicated teachers who have helped us to achieve success in working with our students for over 30 years.

Prentice is also honored to have Steven Wagner, Group President of Marketing Services at Experian, as its keynote speaker. Mr. Wagner, who himself struggled in school during his early years due to a learning difference, will speak to why a Prentice education is so important for students who are not able to achieve success in a traditional classroom. Steven Wagner says, I never understood when I was younger how different my learning style was from others. Only that I consistently disappointed my teachers and parents with my efforts. Prentice has provided a place where my sons can find a better path; one that supports their unique needs and celebrates their unique abilities. I am proud to be part of the Experian family that supports the mission of Prentice.

Set to start at 5:30 p.m., the gala offers a variety of sponsorship opportunities for individuals and corporations who are interested in helping The Prentice School continue their quest in serving students in grades K through 8 with learning differences achieve a first-rate, comprehensive and successful academic learning experience.

Event sponsorships range from $1,000 to $25,000 and offer an array of benefits, including premium table locations and sponsorship recognition at the event and on the gala website. Individual tickets are priced at $250 and early RSVP is advised.

Parents and donors, as well as educational and healthcare professionals, interested in learning more about The Prentice School should visit www.prentice.org for additional information.

ABOUT THE PRENTICE SCHOOL

Founded in 1986, The Prentice School is a private, nonprofit academic school located in North Tustin, California and is a certified nonpublic school (NPS) through the California Department of Education and is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. The Prentice approach is designed to engage students on three learning pathways, including auditory, visual, and kinesthetic. Using evidence-based curriculum and instructional methodologies, a structured literacy approach, multi-sensory instructional strategies, and ongoing progress monitoring, The Prentice School offers an unparalleled learning experience to students with learning differences who possess average to high intelligence, whose needs have not been met in a more traditional classroom setting.

You can learn more about The Prentice School at www.prentice.org or call (714) 244.4600




Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday left for abroad to be with his ailing mother Sonia Gandhi who is undergoing medical treatment.

Rahul left soon after his return from Chandigarh where he attended the swearing-in ceremony of Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh.

Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi shall travel there today (Thursday) to be with her and accompany Congress president on the return journey, partys chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said.

He added that Congress president Sonia Gandhi is already abroad for a health check-up.

Rahul left for an undisclosed location abroad amid a growing clamour for structural changes within after the partys debacle in the Uttar Pradesh polls.

Sonia, who did not campaign in the assembly elections in five states, including Uttar Pradesh, went abroad for treatment earlier this month and gave a miss to the counting of votes in five states.

Party sources say she has gone for a routine medical check-up but there is no set date for her return.

Though they did not let in on where she has gone for the check-up, there was speculation that she is in the United States where she had earlier undergone treatment for an undisclosed ailment.

Sonia has not been keeping well for quite some time.
'So far, 400 farmers have committed suicide, we are saying don't turn us into skulls too.'

Rediff.com's A Ganesh Nadar reports.

IMAGE: We have no option but to protest till our demands are met, say the farmers.

For three days now around 170 farmers from Tamil Nadu, carrying skulls of those who have committed suicide, have been staging a protest in the national capital demanding that the Centre announce a drought relief package and loan waiver for peasants from the state.

On the third day of their protest at Jantar Mantar, the farmers from Thanjavur and Thiruchirapalli in the state's Cauvery belt, considered the rice bowl of Tamil Nadu, are firm on continuing with their stir till the government grants them a hearing.

"We started our protest on Tuesday, but no one is ready to hear our issues. We don't plan to give up until we are invited for talks by the Centre," said Aiyyakannu of Desiya Thenninthiya Nathigal Inaippu Vivasaayigal Sangam (National Association of Farmers for Linking Southern Rivers). "We have no option but to protest till our demands are met," he added.

On Wednesday, the 'half-naked' farmers carrying begging bowls, including women with their torsos covered with leaves, arrived outside the prime minister's residence at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg to focus the government's attention on their plight.

IMAGE: Please don't turn us into skulls too plead the protesting farmers.

"Our demands have to be met if farmer suicides are to stop. We have come with the skulls of the first 13 farmers who committed suicide. So far, 400 farmers have committed suicide, we are saying dont turn us into skulls too," Aiyyakannu told Rediff.com

Listing the farmers' demands he said, "We want drought relief, we want inter-linking of rivers, we want pension to farmers who are above 60 years of age and also land must be given to widows and children of the farmers who commit suicide or die at a young age."

"We also want fair procurement prices for our products," he added. "We are not going to move from here unless our demands are met."

IMAGE: We are not demanding, we are begging the government to save us from starvation and death, say the farmers.

On why they are protesting in New Delhi and not the state capital Chennai, Aiyyakannu said, "We first approached the Tamil Nadu government and told them that the Rs 3,000 rupees per acre drought relief given by them was pathetic and not enough. But they said as they don't have funds they have asked the central government for Rs 40,000 crores, but they did not do so."

"So why did they declare a drought in the state if they didn't funds for drought relief? Because of the backlash they faced when news broke out that farmers were eating rats and snakes they declared a drought hoping the Centre will grant funds, but they didn't do so."

"It was only after meeting the state government did we approach the Centre. We are standing here as Adi Dravidars (as Dalits are known in Tamil Nadu), we are the downtrodden, we are half-naked."

"We are not demanding, we are begging the government to save us from starvation and death."
Newly-elected Samajwadi Party MLAs on Thursday joined the chorus on EVM tampering allegations levelled by Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati and Aam Aadmi Party supremo Arvind Kejriwal and demanded that future elections be held using paper ballots.

At the first meeting here of the new SP MLAs, the consensus was to go back to the traditional paper ballots in future to rule out possibility of any tampering of the Electronic Voting Machines, party spokesman Rajendra Chowdhury said.

The MLAs felt that the partys drubbing at the hands of the Bharatiya Janata Party was because of EVM tampering and suggested all relevant proof should be collected to substantiate their charge, he said.

The SP, which ruled in Uttar Pradesh for five years after winning 224 of the 403 assembly seats in 2012, had to be content with only 47 seats in its kitty this time, while the score of BSP plunged from 80 to just 19 seats now, as BJP and its allies notched up 325 seats.

An angry Mayawati had on Wednesday decided to move court over alleged tampering of EVMs in the recent assembly polls, an issue which led the Delhi chief minister to cry conspiracy.

Kejriwal also said that before 2014 Lok Sabha polls even some BJP leaders like L K Advani were not in favour of the EVMs.

As the leaders of BSP and AAP raised their pitch in questioning the reliability of the EVMs, the refrain of the newly elected SP MLAs too was similar at Thursdays meet.

SP national president Akhilesh Yadav had said on March 11, the day results were declared, If questions have been raised by the Bahujan Samaj Party on EVMs, government should probe it. I will also look at it on my level.

The SP legislators at today's meeting authorised Akhilesh to decide the name of the Leader of the SP Legislature Party, who in turn would become the Leader of the Opposition automatically as SP is the largest party in the opposition bloc.

The meeting at SP headquarters was attended by Akhilesh, his uncle Shivpal Yadav, senior leader Azam Khan and party office bearers.

However, there was no decision as to who will be the Leader of the SP Legislature Party.

The meeting decided to hold the party's national executive meet on March 25, SP MLA Parasnath Yadav told reporters, adding it was not a meeting to review the partys debacle, but a get together of MLAs after Holi.

Chowdhury said Akhilesh congratulated the newly elected MLAs for winning elections in the adverse scenario.

When the PM and the BJP national President were trying to mislead and gag voice in democracy during elections, SP won 47 seats, he said quoting Akhilesh.

He also said that SP MLAs have been asked to highlight the BJPs anti-people measures after it takes over and continue their fight on principles of samajwad (socialism).

IMAGE: Former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav. Photograph: Nand Kumar/PTI Photo
A United States judge has halted Donald Trump's revised travel ban on citizens of six Muslim-majority nations, hours before it was due to take effect, dealing a blow to the US President who described it as an "unprecedented judicial overreach" and vowed to challenge the order.

The order by the federal judge in Hawaii comes after the state sued the Trump administration over the revised travel ban issued last week. Hawaii argued that the revised travel ban was still unconstitutional.

The revised travel ban on people from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen for 90 day was scheduled to come into effect midnight of March 15.

"The illogic of the government's contentions is palpable. The notion that one can demonstrate animus toward any group of people only by targeting all of them at once is fundamentally flawed," judge Derrick Watson wrote in his 43-page court order.

"It is undisputed, using the primary source upon which the government itself relies, that these six countries have overwhelmingly Muslim populations that range from 90.7 per cent to 99.8 per cent. It would therefore be no paradigmatic leap to conclude that targeting these countries likewise targets Islam. Certainly, it would be inappropriate to conclude, as the government does, that it does not," Watson said.

"Any reasonable, objective observer would conclude, as does the Court for purposes of the instant Motion for TRO (Temporary Restraining Order), that the stated secular purpose of the Executive Order is, at the very least, 'secondary to a religious objective' of temporarily suspending the entry of Muslims," the judge said.

Trump said that the ruling "makes us look weak" and vowed to challenge the order in the Supreme Court.

"We're going to take our case as far as it needs to go,including all the way up to the Supreme Court," Trump said as his supporters booed the Hawaii federal judge.

Appearing in a combative mood, Trump alleged that the decision of the Ninth Circuit court was an example of "unprecedented judicial overreach".

In an echo of his attack on the judge who struck down the first travel ban, Trump sarcastically suggested that Watson might have acted for political reasons.

"You don't think this was done by a judge for political reasons?" he asked.

Calling the ban a "watered down version of our first one", Trump said he preferred the original version, which did not exempt green card and visa holders from the ban.

The court order was welcomed by the opposition Democratic party, rights groups and several Indian-American groups.

"Hawaii is a place where people with different ideas, backgrounds, religions, and ethnicities feel welcomed and respected. It's only right that our Attorney General Doug Chin represent those values in working to stop this blanket travel ban from going into effect. This travel ban is bad policy, plain and simple," said Tulsi Gabbard, the Democratic Congresswoman from Hawaii.

"Today's ruling underscores that no one, not even a President, can green light discrimination and racism," said Suman Raghunathan, executive director of South Asian Americans Leading Together.

"Despite the administration's legal gymnastics, the Muslim Ban 2.0 remains a stimulus package for hate that has already fanned the flames of fear, violence, and tragedy in our communities. We call upon the President to rescind this executive order in full and begin the work of healing our divided and wounded country," she said.

House Democratic Whip Steny H Hoyer said he is not at all surprised that a federal judge has blocked the Trump administrations revised travel ban from taking effect, mirroring the rulings that blocked the previous ban.

"The President and his advisors have been clear all along that the point of instituting such a travel ban is to keep Muslims from entering our country -- a clear violation of the First Amendment," he said.

IMAGE: US President Donald Trump holds a rally at Municipal Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee, US. Photograph: Jonathan Ernst/Reuters
Setting the tone for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday told a Bharatiya Janata Party Parliamentary Party meeting he will not take rest nor will let others while party chief Amit Shah asked leaders to prepare for the next challenge ahead.

Fresh from BJPs recent electoral triumphs, Modi unveiled a slew of programmes for important events ahead, including over a week-long exercise between the partys foundation day on April 6 and Bhim Rao Ambedkars birth anniversary on April 14, and urged leaders to make youths ambassadors of his governments works.

The first BJP Parliamentary Party meeting after the partys landslide victories in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand and heading a government in Goa and Manipur was an occasion for celebration, thanksgiving and mapping out the path ahead for the party after Modi entered the venue to a standing ovation.

As he asked them to take up various programmes, including spending 72 hours to reach out to people when his government completes three years on May 26, he said, na baithunga na baithne dunga (Neither will I rest nor will let you).

Keeping up with its outreach to Dalits, a substantial chunk of whom is believed to have voted for the BJP in the UP polls, the party has decided to launch week-long events leading to Ambedkars birth anniversary on April 14, Union Minister Ananth Kumar told reporters after the meeting.

The party will observe the week-long exercise in every panchayat and ward. It will also celebrate its foundation day on April 6 during which its leaders and workers will take part in Swachh Bharat campaign.

Modi asked party leaders to work during the week to give a boost to the use of BHIM app, a digital payment application, by educating the masses about it and helping them download it.

He said the app can liberate small traders from clutches of money lenders and can be a tool of social transformation. Those using it most will also be incentivised, he said.

Leaders were also asked to publicise Ambedkars works and contributions.

Asking them to make youths ambassadors of the Union governments public welfare works and good governance, Modi said youngsters depend on mobile phones more than newspapers and TV channels to get information.

He stressed on the need to use mobiles communication to tap them. He also asked the party leaders to contact them while they are in Class XII, Kumar said.

Modi asked parliamentarians to submit their suggestions ahead of his governments third anniversary on May 26. Calling polling booths power centres, he said everybody, from ministers to others, should visit them.

Shah said the party's win in the recently concluded assembly polls was an outcome of peoples vote against casteism, family rule and corruption and in favour of Modis leadership under which public welfare and good governance is the agenda.

The massive vote for the BJP has broken the shackles of the politics of caste, family rule and appeasement, he said.

Noting that the five state elections were cited as the BJPs biggest electoral challenge following 2014 Lok Sabha polls victory, he asserted that the next parliamentary elections in 2019 is the next big challenge and asked the party leaders to make preparations for it.

He asked them to not sit complacent. The next target is 2019, he said.

The BJPs win underlined people's support for the welfare schemes launched by the central government and a brave decision like demonetisation, Shah claimed.

The BJP Parliamentary Party also passed a resolution thanking voters for their support and also partys workers for their efforts under the leadership of Modi and Shah.

It also expressed hope that the BJP governments in these states will provide good governance and run public welfare programmes.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh proposed the resolution and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley supported it, which was passed unanimously, Kumar said.

The party leaders also distributed prasad of the popular Tirupati temple.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi being greeted by BJP president Amit Shah as Home Minister Rajnath Singh and other members look on during the BJP Parliamentary party meeting at Parliament in New Delhi on Thursday. Photograph: Vijay Verma/PTI Photo
Ocean View, Delaware, March 16, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --



The global research report Structural Adhesives Market Size By Component (Single, Double), By Product (Polyurethane, Epoxy, Acrylic, Cyanoacrylate, Methyl Methacrylate, Silicone), By Application (Composites, Metals, Plastics, Concrete & Tiles, Wood, Leather), By End-User (Automobiles, Aviation & Aerospace, Marine, Construction, Furniture, Water & Sewer), Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook (U.S., Canada, Germany, UK, France, Spain, Italy, China, India, Japan, Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Brazil, Mexico, South Africa, and GCC), Growth Potential, Price Trends, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2016  2024 by Global Market Insights, Inc. says Structural Adhesives Market size is slated to surpass USD 7 billion by 2024.

Applications in construction industry includes fiber composite materials, cellulose and wood materials, stone, ceramics, and glass. Rapid urbanization in the BRICS nations, coupled with escalating population will increase the housing demand, hence supporting the construction industry in the coming years. The global construction industry, led by China, India, and the U.S., was valued at over USD 8 trillion in 2015 and is expected to reach a value close to USD 17 trillion by 2024, growing at a CAGR of about 8%.

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Strict regulations pertaining to aerospace adhesives and sealants mandated by regulatory bodies such as SAE international, ASTM, ANSI, AITC, DIN, EN, and ISO characterize the global structural adhesives market. High load bearing parts and critical applications lead to stringent product norms to meet required specifications. For instance, ASTM regulation D3762 lays down the standard test method for adhesive-bonded surface durability of aluminum (Wedge Test) also known as Boeing wedge test, wherein the adhesion; cohesion; or adherend failure are noted down after opening the specimen after the test period. Such regulations may hamper the structural adhesives market growth in the coming years.

Another important factor impacting the structural adhesives market is the occupational hazards associated with some product types. Epoxy based products pose considerable risks of burns during manual application as they liberate certain amounts of auxiliary materials and contaminants during heat curing. Polyurethane products contain isocyanates, which can cause skin and eye irritation and are carcinogenic in nature. Methyl methacrylate or MMA products have strong and pungent odor, causing headache, nausea, dizziness, and pulmonary problems. Such health hazards defined by OSHA may restrict the global structural adhesives market growth.

Browse key industry insights spread across 180 pages with 277 market data tables & 12 figures & charts from this 2017 report Structural Adhesives Market in detail along with the table of contents at:

https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/structural-adhesives-market

Double component structural adhesives market is driven by its exclusive usage for high load bearing joints and crucial applications. It accounted for over two-third of the overall share in 2015. PU registered more than 50% of the global structural adhesives market in terms of volume. Their cost efficient and fast curing nature to provide a strong bonding for larger areas give them a competitive advantage over other product types.

Acrylic are expensive and accounts a decent chunk in revenue generation of structural adhesives market. In 2015, this segment was worth over USD 1.5 billion. Acrylic products are available in low viscosity to paste viscosity range, and give a product line with wide selection of mechanical properties, color, and cure speeds.

Structural adhesives market application sector will likely be signified by the joining of composite materials. This application segment gauged over a third of the total share owing to the popularity of composites in automotive and aerospace industries.

With increasing light-weight personal vehicles demand in the recent years, structural adhesives market for automobile sector in 2015 was worth over USD 1 billion. Aviation and aerospace industry followed it as the product improves overall aircraft efficiency by substituting mechanical joints such as fasteners and welds.

Europe contributes significantly for the industry due to the presence of a large number of automobile and aerospace industries in the area and generated above USD 1 billion in 2015. Headquarters and research & development facilities of several companies including Airbus, Audi, BMW, Daimler, Volvo, Volkswagen, and several others makes it a lucrative region for structural adhesives market.

Key structural adhesives market participants are Henkel AG, 3M Company, Arkema, L&L Products, Lord Corporation, Illinois Tool Works, Dow Chemical Company, Ashland, SIKA AG, Scott Bader, Parson Adhesives, Panacol-Elosol, Elantas, Master Bond, Permabond, and Hubei Huitian Adhesive Enterprise.

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Structural adhesives market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of volume in kilo tons & revenue in USD million from 2016 to 2024 , for the following segments:

Structural Adhesives Market By Components

Single component

Double component

Structural Adhesives Market By Product

Polyurethane

Epoxy

Acrylic

Cyanoacrylate

Methyl methacrylate

Silicone

Others

Structural Adhesives Market By Application

Composites

Metals

Plastics

Concrete & tiles

Wood

Leather

Structural Adhesives Market By End-User

Automobiles

Aviation & aerospace

Marine

Construction

Furniture

Water & sewer

Others

The above information is provided on a regional and country basis for the following :

North America U.S. Canada

Europe Germany UK France Spain Italy

Asia Pacific China India Japan Australia Indonesia Malaysia

Latin America Brazil Mexico

MEA South Africa GCC





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UV Adhesives Market, Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook (U.S., Germany, UK, Italy, Russia, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, UAE, South Africa), Application Development Potential, Price Trends, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2016  2024

https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/uv-adhesives-market





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English Norwegian

Reference is made to the announcement by Odfjell SE (the "Company") dated 15 March 2017 regarding approval by the Company's Board of Directors of the 2016 annual accounts and the recommendation of dividend of NOK 1.50 per share. The Company hereby informs of the following key dates in connection with the proposed dividend. The dividend is subject to approval by the Company's annual general meeting, scheduled for 11 May 2017.

Dividend amount: 1.50 per share

Declared currency: NOK

Last day including right: 11.05.2017

Ex-date: 12.05.2017

Record date: 15.05.2017

Payment date: 19.05.2017

Date of approval: 11.05.2016

This information is published in accordance with the requirements of the Continuing Obligations.
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 the Republic of Moldova to the report of the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) on its visit to the Republic of Moldova from 14 to 25 September 2015

Publication Date 16 March 2017

Citation / Document Symbol CPT/Inf (2017) 4

Cite as Council of Europe: Committee for the Prevention of Torture, Response of the Government of the Republic of Moldova to the report of the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) on its visit to the Republic of Moldova from 14 to 25 September 2015, 16 March 2017, CPT/Inf (2017) 4, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58ca868c4.html [accessed 7 November 2022]
In February, FCA sales in Europe were up 8.7% year-over-year, once again outperforming the industry which registered an average increase of 2.1%. As a result, FCA's European market share increased to 7.9% (from 7.4%). This is the highest level since March 2010, bringing the Group's European ranking to fourth overall. All Group brands registered increases, with sales up 23.5% for Alfa Romeo, 8.3% for Fiat, 5.3% for Lancia and 1.3% for Jeep. The Fiat Panda and Fiat 500 were the two best selling cars in the European A segment (accounting for a combined 32.5% share) and the Fiat 500L led its segment with a 32.2% share. The Fiat 500X and Jeep Renegade were once again among the leaders in the Small SUV segment. The Fiat Tipo and Alfa Romeo Giulia continued to post sales increases, while Alfa Romeo also launched the all-new Stelvio - the brand's first ever SUV - with more than 1,000 orders received in the first few days.

In February, FCA posted another strong monthly sales performance in Europe (EU28+EFTA), once again outperforming the industry average. Group sales were up 8.7% (+2.1% for the industry) to 88,000 vehicles. Market share was up 50 basis to 7.9%, representing the highest level since March 2010 and placing FCA fourth overall in Europe for the month.

For the two months year-to-date, FCA sold nearly 172,000 vehicles, representing a year-over-year increase of 11.8% versus 6.1% for the industry. Market share for the period was up 40 basis points to 7.4%.

In February, Group sales were up 7.2% in Italy (industry +6.2%), 18.4% in Germany (industry -2.6%), 6.0% in France (industry -2.9%) and 12.2% in Spain (industry +0.1%).

Fiat brand posted an 8.3% increase in European sales in February, with 65,800 vehicles sold. Market share was 30 basis points higher at 5.9%.

Year-to-date, brand sales were up 12.6% to more than 129,300 vehicles and market share was 30 basis points higher at 5.6%.

By major market, the brand's February sales were up 6.1% in Italy, 18.1% in Germany, 7.3% in France and 16.9% in Spain.

Fiat remained leader in the European A segment with the Panda and 500 holding a combined 32.5% share. Year-to-date, sales of the Panda were up 3.1%, while the 500 posted a 6.7% increase.

Other models in the 500 family also posted a strong February performance. The 500L was leader in the European Small MPV segment with a 32.2% share and more than 7,500 units sold. The 500X ranked among the top five in its segment with sales up 0.4% year-over-year. In Italy, the 500L and 500X were leaders in their respective segments with shares of 62.8% and 18.6%.

The Tipo continued to gain ground in the highly-competitive C segment, with particularly positive results in Italy, France and Poland. The Fiat 124 also continued as one of the top five in its segment.

Lancia/Chrysler also outperformed the industry with sales up 5.3% to nearly 7,300 vehicles and share up 10 basis points to 0.7%. For the year-to-date, sales were up 4.0% to 13,100 vehicles with share at 0.6%.

The brand posted a particularly positive result in Italy in February with sales up 5.9% year-over-year.

For the Ypsilon, sales were up 5.7% over the same month one year ago.

Alfa Romeo posted a strong monthly performance in February with sales increasing 23.5% to nearly 6,300 vehicles and European market share 10 basis points higher at 0.6%.

Year-to-date, sales were up 27.2% to nearly 12,300 vehicles with market share at 0.5% (+10 bps).

February sales were up 77.0% in Germany and 18.8% in the UK.

The Giulia registered another strong monthly performance and the all-new Stelvio - Alfa Romeo's first ever SUV, presented at the Geneva Motor Show and now available in select markets - has already generated more than 1,000 orders and will soon be making its contribution to the brand's monthly sales results.

Jeep brand sales in Europe were up 1.3% to 8,000 vehicles and market share was in line with the prior year at 0.7%.

Year-to-date, brand sales totaled nearly 15,500 units and share was stable at 0.7%.

In February, Jeep brand sales were up 4.2% in Italy, 2.1% in France, 35.2% in Switzerland, 12.4% in Austria and 9.7% in Poland.

The Jeep Renegade, consistently one of the best-sellers in its segment, made another solid contribution with sales up 12.4% year-over-year.

For Maserati, the Group's luxury brand, European sales totaled 718 vehicles in February and 1,723 vehicles for the year-to-date.

London, 16 March 2017

For further information:

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Yemen 'one of worst hunger crises in the world,' UN-supported study finds

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 15 March 2017 Cite as UN News Service, Yemen 'one of worst hunger crises in the world,' UN-supported study finds, 15 March 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58ca90d54.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.

As the brutal war in Syria enters its seventh year, peace "is a moral and political imperative both for the Syrian people and for the world," United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said today, urging the conflict parties to fully back a fragile ceasefire and ensure aid access, as well as to support UN-facilitated talks set to pick up again late this month.

"For six years now, the Syria people have been victims of one of the worst conflicts of our time," said Mr. Guterres in a statement on the crisis in Syria, which began in March 2011 after a crackdown on massive popular protests throughout the country turned into an armed struggle that has dispalced millions.

The UN chief issued two urgent appeals to all the parties, firstly, to make the most of the 30 December 2016 ceasefire established by the guarantors of the Astana meetings - Russia, Turkey and Iran - enhance it further, and ensure that relief aid can reach all those in need in Syria without any obstacles and impediments.

Secondly, the UN chief appealed to all those with influence on the conflict parties to overcome their differences and work together to put an end to the conflict, namely by contributing to the success of the intra-Syrian negotiations in Geneva on the basis of the Geneva Communique and relevant UN Security Council resolutions, including resolution 2254 (2015), which endorsed a road map for a peace process in Syria, including specific language on governance, constitution and elections.

The UN Special Envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura announced last week that he expects to convene intra-Syrian negotiations on 23 March.

For his part, Mr. Guterres underscored: "Peace in Syria is a moral and political imperative both for the Syrian people and for the world - an imperative that cannot wait."

'Toll taken on civilians is inexcusable' - UN Emergency Relief Coordinator

Meanwhile, as the conflict enters its seventh grim year, the Syrian people have watched huge parts of their country reduced to rubble, according to the UN humanitarian coordinator.

"The toll taken on civilians is inexcusable. Hundreds of thousands of people have been killed. Almost five million people - the majority of them women and children - have fled the grotesque violence and deprivation and are now living as refugees," said UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Stephen O'Brien in his message on the crisis.

He added that too many who set out on perilous journeys to escape the war perished on the way.

"As I speak," continued Mr. O'Brien, "more than six million people are displaced within Syria. They are among the 13.5 million people in Syria who are in dire need of humanitarian aid."

Families and entire communities are struggling to meet their most basic food needs. While food shortages worsen, a seemingly endless supply of bombs and artillery shells continue to extinguish lives. Moreover, a generation of children in Syria have known nothing but brutal conflict and fear during their short lives.

While he underscored that the conflict would never end without a genuine political commitment to peace, Mr. O'Brien asserted that "even if a political agreement were to succeed tomorrow, millions of Syrians will still require critical humanitarian assistance for months and likely years to come."

He stressed that brave humanitarians would continue to stand with the people of Syria to deliver aid to millions of civilians most in need - regardless of which side they are perceived to be on.

Mr. O'Brien, who is also the UN Emergency Relief Coordinator, said that he joined Syrians in hoping that 2017 would be the year the carnage finally ended, and that the parties to the conflict - and those that support their actions - regained their sense of humanity.

He concluded his message saying: "We owe this and so much more to the millions of battered and beleaguered women, men and children who have suffered through this most uncivil war."

Syria's healthcare system has also fallen victim to the conflict

Civilian access to health services has also seriously deteriorated, with more than half of public hospitals and primary health centres having either closed or remaining only partially functioning, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

"Substantial health needs in Syria continue to be unmet and resources to support the health workforce and health system are stretched to the limit," said Dr. Peter Salama, WHO Executive Director of Health Emergencies Programme.

While almost two-thirds of healthcare workers have fled, many of the medical facilities that remain open lack clean water, electricity and sufficient medical and surgical supplies.

"On this sad anniversary of the start of war in Syria and before more lives are lost, WHO calls for systematic and unhindered access to all areas to deliver life-saving medicines, vaccines and medical supplies," stressed Dr. Salama.

Despite obstacles, including security threats, WHO has continued to support health services with medicines and supplies; by training the remaining health care staff; and assisting with medical teams and mobile clinics through cross line and cross-border programmes.
US: Trump Strong-Arms Rights Body

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 15 March 2017 Cite as Human Rights Watch, US: Trump Strong-Arms Rights Body, 15 March 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58ca969a4.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 United States government's reported plan to withdraw from the United Nations Human Rights Council if specific demands are not met shows a lack of commitment to advancing human rights around the world. A senior aide to Secretary of State Rex Tillerson quoted in Foreign Policy and other media accounts indicated that the Trump administration was threatening to withdraw from the council, the UN's principal human rights body, citing an excessive focus on Israel and its skewed membership.

The UN General Assembly in New York elected the US to a three-year term on the Human Rights Council on October 28, 2016. No country has ever withdrawn from the council after running for election to secure the seat.

"Threatening to walk out of the Human Rights Council rather than working to make it more effective does nothing to improve the council's performance," said Sarah Margon, Washington director at Human Rights Watch. "Rather, it would signal that the Trump administration is not really interested in improving the human rights of vulnerable people around the globe."

Despite its flaws, the 47-member Human Rights Council has made a real difference on human rights issues worldwide, particularly through focused engagement over many years on North Korea, Syria, Iran, Burma, South Sudan, and Sri Lanka. At the current session in Geneva, for example, the council is expected to extend the mandate of the UN's Commission of Inquiry on Syria, which has documented abuses by the Islamic State (also known as ISIS) and tracked the Syrian government's attacks on hospitals, schools, and civilians. The council's Universal Periodic Review has subjected all 193 UN member countries to human rights scrutiny twice since 2008.

The Human Rights Council has adopted more than 1,350 country-specific or thematic resolutions since 2006, placing 30 governments under intense scrutiny. The value of engagement with the council is also illustrated by joint statements during council sessions about troubling rights practices, such as the unprecedented March 2016 US-led statement criticizing China's crackdown on journalists, lawyers, and human rights defenders.

Through its resolutions, the council has also addressed important thematic issues including counterterrorism, women's rights, migration, racism, LGBT rights, rights of people with disabilities, and the rights of children.

According to a briefing note prepared by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, the council has also held 26 emergency sessions addressing serious human rights violations, including in Libya and Syria in the wake of the "Arab Spring," as well as in Burundi, the Central African Republic, Iraq, South Sudan, and others. The council has also authorized 23 commissions of inquiry and fact-finding missions to examine mass-atrocity crimes, collecting evidence and feeding it into formal justice processes to hold violators to account. The council's independent human rights experts ("Special Procedures") - 80 individuals holding 57 mandates - are important monitors of human rights and have had significant impact on reducing human rights violations around the world.

The US was first elected to the council under President Barack Obama in 2009. The US served previous three-year-terms in 2010-2012 and 2013-2015. Despite an imperfect record as a council member, the US helped shape some of the body's decisions with the greatest impact, including to establish a commission of inquiry into abuses in North Korea.

The commission's 2014 report concluded that the gravity, scale, and nature of the human rights violations in North Korea have no parallel in the contemporary world, and amount to crimes against humanity. Based on that report, the UN Security Council has since held three open discussions addressing North Korea's bleak human rights record. A similar report on atrocities in Sri Lanka helped pave the way for a major program for transitional justice in that country.

The 11-year-old council was created in March 2006, to replace the widely criticized Commission on Human Rights. While strengthening the council's membership standards remains an important concern, progress has been made. In 2016, Human Rights Watch raised serious questions about the fitness of two members who were seeking re-election: Saudi Arabia, which has been involved in serious laws-of-war violations in Yemen, and Russia, which has played an instrumental role in sustaining the Syrian government's brutal campaign to retake Aleppo and other parts of the war-ravaged country. Saudi Arabia was re-elected in October on a slate proposed by its Asian regional group that offered no alternative, but Russia lost its seat in a competitive contest by two votes. Other abusive states that have lost competitive elections for the council include Belarus, Azerbaijan, and Sri Lanka. Public campaigns led Syria and Iran to withdraw their candidacies before votes were cast.

"It would be ironic for the US to withdraw from the same council that the Russians just unsuccessfully tried to join," Sarah Margon said. "Russia was deeply embarrassed when it was voted off the council in October, but now the Trump administration is threatening to join Moscow on the sidelines."

The US should instead work to improve the council's membership by pressing regional groups of countries to end the practice of allowing countries to "win" election without opposition. Human Rights Watch has long highlighted the need for competitive regional slates in the annual elections for council membership, rather than uncontested slates that virtually guarantee a seat for all those in the running regardless of their human rights record. Last year, members of the Western Group, including the US, campaigned on a non-competitive slate, as did candidates from Africa and Asia. The Eastern European group allowed a competitive election process, which Russia lost.

"Many council members, including the US, have a less than stellar human rights record, but by joining the council they promise to raise their standards and hold each other accountable," said Margon. "If the US goal is to improve, rather than undermine, the Human Rights Council, history shows it has a much better shot by supporting competitive elections and pushing from within for council members to speak out on abuses."

The Trump administration has also expressed concerns at what it sees as the council's excessive focus on Israel. Despite the council's broad record of accomplishment, Human Rights Watch has also long noted the council's disproportionate focus on Israel. But the answer is not silence over a country that deserves criticism but more regular attention to others whose abuse is neglected.

In the past, actively participating in council discussions allowed the US and other concerned governments to focus attention on such serious rights abusers as China, Syria, North Korea, and Sri Lanka.

It is unclear which country would take the open seat left by the US if the Trump administration follows through on its threat to withdraw, Human Rights Watch said. The UN resolution creating the council dictates that any successor would be another state from the group that includes Western Europe, North America, Australia, New Zealand, and Israel.

"If the US withdraws from the council, it is likely to be replaced by a government with a commitment to promoting human rights," Margon said. "But it would be unfortunate if the Trump administration chose to lead from behind on human rights."

Copyright notice:  Copyright, Human Rights Watch
Uganda: Ensure Independent Investigation into Kasese Killings

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 15 March 2017 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Uganda: Ensure Independent Investigation into Kasese Killings, 15 March 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58ca96e84.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.

Killings by Ugandan military and police during joint operations in Kasese, western Uganda on November 26-27, 2016, warrant an independent, impartial fact-finding mission with international expertise, Human Rights Watch said today. On the bloodiest day, scores of people, including children, were killed during a military assault on the palace compound of the region's cultural institution.

Police spokespeople reported the death toll over the two days as 87, including 16 police. Human Rights Watch found the actual number to be much higher - at least 55 people, including at least 14 police, killed on November 26, and more than 100, including at least 15 children, during the attack on the palace compound on November 27.

The government has arrested and charged more than 180 people, including the cultural institution's king, known as the Omusinga, with murder, treason, and terrorism, among other charges. None of the 180 are members of the police or military and no one has been charged for the killing of the civilians, including children.

"The assault on the palace in Kasese, which killed more people than any single event since the height of the war in Northern Uganda over a decade ago, should not be swept under the carpet," said Maria Burnett, associate Africa director at Human Rights Watch. "People in Kasese are still looking for their family members, including children, and they deserve answers and justice for these gruesome killings."

In a telephone interview on February 24, 2017, Uganda's military spokesman, Brig. Richard Karemire, told Human Rights Watch that there has been no investigation into the military's conduct and that none is planned. The government is under an obligation to investigate any operation where there is such loss of life and should do so promptly. But given limited prospects for a credible follow up by domestic authorities, an independent, impartial investigation, with international expertise, should be urgently conducted, Human Rights Watch said.

Human Rights Watch interviewed more than 95 people in six subcounties of the Kasese district, including many families of the people killed, and reviewed video and photographs of the events. Many people voiced significant fears of reprisals given the presence of security forces in the area.

The violence began on the morning of November 26 in Kasese, where there has been longstanding tension between a local cultural kingdom and the central government. Soldiers, under the command of then-Brig.Peter Elwelu, forced their way into the kingdom's administration offices in Kasese town. The soldiers killed eight members of the volunteer royal guards, who traditionally safeguard cultural sites. Many often carry agricultural tools, such as machetes, but are not formally armed by the kingdom or the government, and would not constitute an armed force or group under international humanitarian law.

Witnesses said that the killings prompted widespread concern among those loyal to the king, and word spread quickly to outlying subcounties that the kingdom was under attack. That afternoon, civilians, including some royal guards, attacked six small police posts far outside town with machetes. In the ensuing violence, at least 14 police constables and one crime preventer were hacked to death and security forces shot 32 civilians. Most of the alleged attackers were killed in the clashes.

The killings of police are a tragedy and families should continue to receive compensation, Human Rights Watch said.

By the evening of November 26, soldiers and police had surrounded the king's compound in Kasese. On any given day, the palace could have hundreds of people inside, royal guards as well as women, children, and young people, cooking meals, learning vocational skills, and tending to the kingdom's animals, among other tasks. Several people told Human Rights Watch that they received calls from family members inside the compound saying that the military would not let them leave.

The palace remained surrounded the next day. Witnesses said they saw then-Brigadier Elwelu and the police operations director, Asuman Mugenyi, in command over security forces, at Kasese police headquarters and the palace compound. Several politicians entered the palace that morning to negotiate. Eventually, the police took the king into custody and left with him.

At about 1 p.m., the security forces attacked the compound, using what witnesses described as an anti-riot vehicle to storm the gate, and shooting guns and then later rocket-propelled grenades. Many people said they heard loud explosions, and saw thatch roofs on the perimeter and inside the compound catch fire and be burned to the ground.

"About 20 armed men took up positions and started fire everywhere," one survivor said. "Anyone who survived pled for their lives."

In video footage reviewed by Human Rights Watch, two soldiers are seen beating shirtless male detainees who are lying on the ground with their hands tied behind their backs after running out of the burning palace compound.

The army has disparaged accounts that security forces used unnecessary lethal force over the two days, contending that those killed were armed fighters. But without independent investigations, its version of events raises more questions than answers, particularly regarding the actual death toll and why there was no effort to remove unarmed people and children from the compound.

Many families said they are still looking for the victims' bodies but are afraid to ask questions about the attack or where the bodies are. "We buried [our brother] quickly, but because of all the threats, we still don't know where his child's body is," one man said. "He was just 5 years old." Human Rights Watch spoke to 14 families missing 15 children between ages 3 and 14 who were last seen in the palace compound on November 27.

Human Rights Watch found evidence, including accounts by confidential sources and medical personnel who witnessed the events, that security officials had misrepresented the number of people killed and eliminated evidence of the children's deaths.

Human Rights Watch spoke to several army officers who expressed significant discomfort with the events in Kasese but were unsurprised by the absence of investigations into the military's conduct. They said they did not believe that any local entity would have the space or independence to conduct a meaningful investigation without obstructions from the government and fear of reprisals. "It was a horrible event, but who in this country can investigate?" said one high-ranking military official. "It is far above us all. How do you wake up and start investigating so far above you?"

In the media, Elwelu, now a major general, has actively defended his decision to attack the palace, contending that the people inside were all armed fighters, including Congolese fighters, and saying that he now sleeps well at night. He has been promoted to chief of land forces, one of the highest-ranking positions in the army.

Ensuring independent investigations into the conduct of security forces would not absolve civilians who committed crimes from facing justice, but would ensure security forces are also held responsible for their conduct and demonstrate a fundamental commitment to rule of law, Human Rights Watch said.

The United Nations Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials require law enforcement officials, including military units, to apply nonviolent means before resorting to force, to use force only in proportion to the seriousness of the offense, and to use lethal force only when strictly unavoidable to protect life. The principles also provide that governments shall ensure that arbitrary or abusive use of force and firearms by law enforcement officials is punished as a criminal offense under their law.

The Ugandan government should immediately suspend the commanding army and police officials believed to be most responsible for the killings and other abuses committed during the November violence, Human Rights Watch said. The government should promptly investigate, prosecute, and punish those responsible in accordance with international standards. The government should protect witnesses and compensate the families of victims.

Given Major General Elwelu's command responsibility for the palace attack, he should be removed from command pending a full investigation, and should not participate in any internationally-supported training, conferences or joint exercises until investigations conclude. The government should acknowledge a more accurate death toll and facilitate the exhumation, identification, and return to family members of all the bodies disposed of by police and military in any location, guaranteeing the families' safety.

Uganda has a primary obligation to investigate and prosecute the perpetrators of these killings, but thus far has shown no willingness to do so. Given the scale of the abuses and killings including children, as well as Uganda's failure to commit to investigations, there should be an independent, impartial investigation with international expertise into the human rights violations associated with the November violence in Kasese, and any findings should be made public, Human Rights Watch said.

The African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights and the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child should also undertake a joint investigative mission to Uganda and support a broader independent and impartial investigation.

Uganda's international partners should maintain a strong demand for accountability, including support for an independent and impartial investigation with international experts. If given unfettered access to witnesses and forensic evidence, independent experts with a fact-finding mission could determine if the massacre on November 27 should be characterized as a crime against humanity.

"The horrific events of November in Kasese warrant international scrutiny in an independent, impartial investigation that can determine all the crimes that took place, including potential crimes against humanity," Burnett said. "The victims' families deserve answers about why the military and police killed the people in the palace, including young children."

For details about the Human Rights Watch findings, please see below.

Longstanding Tensions in Kasese

Human Rights Watch carried out research in Kasese district in Kasese town council as well as Rukoki, Maliba, Bwisumbu, Kisinga, Bugoye, and Bwera subcounties in January and February, 2017, interviewing more than 95 people, including over 30 families of those killed. Interviewees were located via multiple diverse local sources, including church leaders, local government officials, journalists, and activists. Many expressed significant fears of reprisals given the ongoing presence of security forces in the district.

There have been long-standing tensions, unresolved grievances and episodic violence between the government and the ethnic Bakonzo people of the Rwenzururu kingdom, headquartered in Kasese district. The role of cultural royalty in Uganda has been the source of debate historically and remains controversial. President Milton Obote outlawed all cultural royals in 1966, but President Yoweri Museveni permitted them to return in 1995, allegedly to win political support. In October 2009, President Museveni formally recognized the Kingdom of Rwenzururu, known locally as the Obusinga Bwa Rwenzuruuru and Charles Wesley Mumbere became the Omusinga, or king.

The 1995 constitution bars these "cultural leaders" from partisan politics, but they wield influence over their communities, particularly during elections. Opposition politicians have increasingly won elections in Kasese in recent years, at least in part due to historical grievances of ethnic marginalization.

Over the past three years, Human Rights Watch has repeatedly raised serious concerns regarding security forces' use of lethal force during law enforcement operations in the region, the lack of credible investigations into the violence, and adhoc amnesties by the government for people arrested in these episodes. In July 2014, at least 92 people were killed and the government granted amnesty to more than 500 people. Between April and July 2016, Human Rights Watch found at least 13 of 50 people killed in operations in the Kasese subregion were unarmed and posed no imminent lethal threat to security forces. There has been little or no investigation of the conduct of government forces in these violent episodes or into the arrests of hundreds of civilians, some of whom have faced trial and convictions before military courts.

In the months leading up to the November killings, the government said it was trying to break up an alleged armed movement in the region, known as Kirumiramutima (the Strong-Hearted), which it contends includes at least to some extent, members of the royal guards in the service of the Omusinga. Royal guards themselves are not an armed force and do not constitute an armed group under international humanitarian law. In late November, the army invited journalists to visit alleged camps of the armed movement that the military had raided in Kabarole district, north of Kasese, leading allegedly to the killing of at least 10 royal guards. The president then issued a directive for royal guards to surrender and be disbanded, the army spokesman said.

Several families of royal guards told Human Rights Watch that in the days before November 27, they received phone calls saying they should come to the Omusinga's palace compound to receive a possible package in exchange for disbanding.

Attack on the Kingdom Administration Offices

On November 25, the army, driving armed personal vehicles and supported by police, began patrolling Kasese. Community members were puzzled about the heavy deployment but some speculated that it was linked to the recent raids in Kabarole. On the morning of November 26, soldiers circled the area of the kingdom's administration offices on Alexander Street, going around the block several times, witnesses said. The royal guards who routinely guard that office and the kingdom's flag carry machetes.

Human Rights Watch was unable to find evidence that royal guards threw an improvised explosive device at the passing soldiers, contrary to claims by government spokespeople. Rather, multiple witnesses said that in mid-morning, soldiers ordered shopkeepers to close their businesses and demanded access to the kingdom offices. Royal guards closed the doors and refused them entry. No official kingdom representative was present.

Gunfire began shortly thereafter. People heard soldiers yelling "Come out!" in Kiswahili. The military shot live ammunition inside and outside the office. The soldiers eventually used ladders to scale the walls, pierced the roof and fatally shot those inside. Eight royal guards, two of them women, were killed, and soldiers removed computers and documents, numerous witnesses said. One person who carried the bodies said the bodies had bullet wounds to the head and back. The army did not reply to inquiries about casualties among the soldiers that day, but witnesses said they saw one soldier with a machete wound on his arm.

The army then went to neighboring shops, ordering shopkeepers to open their doors to see whether any royal guards were hiding inside, and stealing money and sodas. Later, the bodies of the royal guards were carried out of the office and police constables washed the blood out into the street.

Serious questions remain about the conduct of the military and police on Alexander Street that morning, from the failure of police to seek a warrant to search the office and potentially impound documents and computers, if there was a legitimate law enforcement objective, to the use of lethal force leading to so many deaths. The UN Principles on the Use of Force require law enforcement officials, including military units, to apply nonviolent means before resorting to force, to use force only in proportion to the seriousness of the offense, and to use lethal force only when strictly unavoidable to protect life.

Violence in the Subcounties

In the afternoon of November 26, at least 14 police, one crime preventer, and 32 civilians died in clashes around six small police posts, all several kilometers from Kasese town. Human Rights Watch spoke to the families of both police and civilians who died, but the motivation for the attacks remains unclear. Several families of civilians, including some royal guards who allegedly attacked the police posts, said that they had received phone calls informing them that the government was attacking the kingdom in Kasese town and that soldiers had killed royal guards.

The two deadliest clashes occurred in Bwisumbu and Kisinga subcounties, near Kagando hospital. In Bwisumbu, approximately 35 kilometers north of Kasese, civilians carrying machetes allegedly attacked the police post, killing three police constables and the crime preventer. Police, armed with guns, killed 30 people, including some who were not involved in the attacks, according to witnesses. Both witnesses and local government officials said that all the police who were killed died from machete wounds and had run out of bullets for their own guns. All the civilians died from gunshots.

In Kisinga town council, approximately 35 kilometers southwest of Kasese, a small group of civilians, including royal guards, allegedly attacked the police post near Kagando hospital carrying machetes, eventually killing at least five policemen and burning a police vehicle. One witness said that a royal guard pursued a policeman, managed to take his gun, and shot him. Soldiers came to reinforce the post, and later allegedly killed at least two assailants, including one who had been previously wounded and was attempting to receive medical treatment.

The Palace Attack and the Death Toll

Numerous media accounts and people who spoke to Human Rights Watch indicate that the military escalated its presence around the palace compound in Kasese town on the evening of November 26. Over the same period, some families of royal guards received phone calls from alleged kingdom officials asking them to come to the compound to receive packages in return for the disbanding of the guards. The media reported that on the morning of November 27, Elwelu gave the king an ultimatum, to disband his guards and remain with only nine. As he told the media days later, "We were supposed to storm that camp, that palace, by 11." Eventually, the king was given two more hours.

It is not clear how many royal guards were inside the palace compound in total on November 27, given that guards are volunteers and work when they can. Families who lost loved ones in the compound denied Elwelu's assertions to the media that everyone in the palace compound were "armed fighters." The families said the dead and missing included young children and many others who worked for the Omusinga, learned vocational skills, or ran small businesses inside.

Some families of the king's employees lived just next to or inside the compound in thatch-roof houses. Many of them were shot and killed or burned as roofing went up in flames in the afternoon assault, in part because the military appears to have prevented them from leaving the compound the night before.

"My husband was a farmer and not a royal guard," one woman said. "On [November 26], he went to collect our daughter who was learning tailoring in the palace. When he arrived there, he called and said soldiers wouldn't let him leave. I never saw my husband or my daughter again."

Negotiations continued between officials of the kingdom and security officials over the disbandment of the royal guards. Some royal guards interviewed said they had been there awaiting packages in return for disbanding and transportation to leave the compound. Others said they had been confused about why they were being asked to surrender, and disassociated themselves from people who killed police the day before, saying they had been trying to undermine the kingdom.

Based on media reports, photographic and video evidence, and witness accounts, at about 1p.m. on November 27, the military stormed the compound, shooting inside with bullets and rocket-propelled grenades. Some people raised their hands to surrender, and security forces tied their hands behind their backs at the elbow, later shooting several. Photographs of what appeared to be dead bodies, some of men with their hands tied behind their backs, circulated on social media on November 27.

The thatch-roof huts in the compound, where children often would have gathered, caught fire and the video footage reviewed by Human Rights Watch shows several large fires raging in the compound. While no children's bodies were brought to the Kasese mortuary, according to witnesses, some of the adult bodies there had significant burns. Some observers who entered in the palace in the days after the attack noted children's items, including small toys, in the debris.

After a sustained period of shooting, the military and police - drawn largely from the Field Force Unit - arrested some people. Others had managed to flee out the back of the compound and up into the hills. In video footage reviewed by Human Rights Watch, some soldiers can be seen seriously beating people, with their arms tied behind their backs lying on the ground, outside the palace compound.

The army spokesman later was quoted in the media as saying that royal guards threw a petrol bomb and two soldiers were injured in the palace compound, but the army has not yet publicly said that any soldiers were killed in the palace that day. The spokesman said that "bombs and some of the guns that had been taken by the royal guards from the slain policemen in several places the previous day were recovered from the palace." While there is no doubt that royal guards carry machetes and possibly had other weapons in the palace, it is virtually impossible that the weapons would have been the same as those carried by slain police officers from the subcounties. Given that military had surrounded the palace the day before the assault, royal guards would have had to kill police in the subcounty, then travel up to 35 kilometers, most likely on foot, and successfully smuggle firearms into the palace, directly past military and police deployments.

Precise details of what happened during the attack remain unclear, particularly to what extent any compound occupants posed an imminent lethal threat to anyone, largely because most people who survived are in jail, but the massive death toll of civilians raises significant questions about the use of lethal force. Human Rights Watch did not attempt to interview those in jail, or anyone charged with crimes for the November violence in Kasese, for fear of possible reprisals against them.

Weeks later in his bail application, the Omusinga wrote, "my kingdom's regalia, the parliament, traditional huts, coronation house and priceless cultural items at my palace including records were destroyed, burnt and or looted during the invasion during which several of my subjects were blatantly, ruthlessly and callously massacred after stripping them, tying their hands behind their backs and executed including women, children, royal palace domestic workers by a combined force of the UPDF [Uganda people's Defence Force] and police."

The military spokesman and General Elwelu have been quoted in the media aggressively contending that the November 26-27 killings were justified. Elwelu told the New Vision newspaper on January 29, "Whatever happened in Kasese, it was the fault of the political leadership there. It became a legitimate military target because it had become a command post for all that was happening in RwenzoriWhat is important is the end result." He said that the force used was not disproportionate, but rather the "minimum."

His comments show a fundamental lack of understanding of international principles on the use of force, particularly the requirement that lethal force be used only when strictly unavoidable to protect life, Human Rights Watch said. As the principles state, "Law enforcement officials shall not use firearms against persons except in self-defence or defence of others against the imminent threat of death or serious injury and only when less extreme means are insufficient to achieve these objectives." Both Uganda's army and police have received ample training in the use of non-lethal measures but appear to have made no effort to use those options on November 27. The presence of knives, machetes or a rifle inside the compound, as the military displayed to the media after the assault, is not evidence that lethal force was warranted.

"For all those people who died of bullets, only the government had the guns," one resident said. "They had the capacity to avoid these killings. If there were wrong elements, they could have used other means, not just storming the palace and shooting everyone."

The inclusion of international expertise in an independent investigation into the use of force would significantly contribute to understanding in more detail what transpired, whether the context of the massacre on November 27 is such that it could be characterized as a crime against humanity, and could lead to justice for victims from both sides of the violence.

Victims of the Palace Attack and the Search for Bodies

The government did not permit anyone to claim bodies until at least four days later, when identification was very difficult because the corpses were distended. At least 56 bodies were taken to the mortuary in Kasese, but bodies were also taken to Fort Portal in the north, Mubende to the east, and allegedly dumped in other locations, according to witnesses.

Just before the attack, a woman who ran a hair salon inside the palace compound had called a family member, terrified that the compound was surrounded by soldiers and begged him to come collect her and her 4-year-old child. Two hours later, her phone was off and he never heard from her again. He has looked in the mortuaries and checked the court case records, but found no trace of her. "We tried to ask the police about her," he said. "There is no other step to do. If you ask too much, they can arrest you. We don't know where to begin."

Many people voiced considerable concern over missing children. Human Rights Watch was able to identify 15 children from 14 families who remain unaccounted for and all were last seen in the palace compound. One man whose brother and nephew have never been found after the palace attack said: "I went to the morgue, but there were no children's bodies. Some say they were dumped in the forest but we don't know. You cannot go to the authorities to seek information here. You cannot talk about these issues here."

A woman whose husband and son had been inside said: "We are suffering, absolutely suffering. My children ask every day about their father and their young brother. Sometimes we just sit down with the family and mourn and cry. I am so desperate. The government did the biggest offense they could do in my life. My husband and child were more important than anything."

The ultimate death toll from the two days remains difficult to determine. This is in part because government spokespeople have stated different numbers reflecting varying time periods, bodies have been taken to different morgues and mortuaries throughout the subregion, families remain fearful to report missing people, and ongoing allegations that some bodies, particularly the children, were dumped in an area where bush fires have flared in recent weeks.

Police spokespeople reported the death toll over the two days as 87, including 16 police who were all killed on November 26. The recently released US government human rights report on Uganda stated that media reports of the Kasese killings varied between 60 and 250 people over the two days. Based on available information Human Rights Watch believes that the total is at least 156 but is mostly likely higher.

Many of the bodies of civilians killed in the subcounties were not brought to any morgue or mortuary, but rather buried locally by their families. The mortuary in Kasese at one point had 96 bodies awaiting identification that week, including at least 40 bodies that had been initially brought to Fort Portal regional referral hospital. One man who was found alive in the piles of rotting corpses in the mortuary but he was shot dead by police upon his discovery, according to multiple witnesses.

All the police constables were identified and their bodies returned to their families. Forty-four bodies in Kasese were claimed by families but ultimately allegedly 52 unclaimed bodies were buried in individual graves on land near the military barracks, presided over by religious leaders. Confidential sources informed Human Rights Watch that police had taken DNA samples from the bodies but local families have no information about how to access that information to potentially identify missing people.

The Criminal Proceedings

While no military or police have been formally interrogated or charged with crimes as a result of the two days of violence, at least 180 people are facing charges of murder, treason and terrorism, among other crimes. At their first hearing on December 12, journalists observed significant untreated wounds on several of the defendants. As one noted, "[s]ome bore festering wounds on their limbs, which attracted flies." The magistrate ordered an investigation into the treatment of the defendants, which remains pending. Security officials involved in the arrest, detention, and interrogation of these suspects should be questioned and face possible criminal charges under Uganda's Prevention and Prohibition of Torture Act, Human Rights Watch said. Uganda passed the law in 2012, but no member of the police or army has been convicted under the act, despite ongoing allegations of torture throughout the country.

The defendants were at one point detained in Nalufenya police post in Jinja, eastern Uganda, over 400 kilometers from Kasese, most often used to detain terrorism suspects. Human Rights Watch and others have previously documented instances of serious mistreatment and torture in Nalufenya.

At least one royal guard died in Bombo military hospital, near Kampala, allegedly because of insufficiently rapid treatment of his injuries sustained during the palace attack. According to the military spokesman, at least 17 royal guards received treatment at Bombo but Human Rights Watch could not independently verify that information.

Obstructions

Human Rights Watch has repeatedly underscored the importance of averting future conflict by ensuring an independent examination of violence in the Rwenzori subregion. But even media reporting and commemorations have faced government obstruction since November. The government has made concerted efforts to prevent independent investigations of the November violence and to block access to information about what occurred.

Numerous people who spoke to Human Rights Watch voiced significant fear of reprisals, including possible arrest, for speaking about what they witnessed in Kasese on November 26 and 27. Security officials, particularly police from the Criminal Investigations Department and from the Flying Squad, a violent crimes unit notorious for mistreatment of suspects, have allegedly been seeking the whereabouts of those with first-hand accounts of what transpired and in some instances, threatening them with possible detention.

On the day of the palace attack, police arrested a prominent journalist, Joy Doreen Biira, and four others, charged them on November 28 with "abetting terrorism," then released them. Police allege that they did not have permission to photograph some events during the violence, and confiscated photographs, video, and equipment. The charges remain pending. Biira's arrest prompted other journalists to shy away from reporting from Kasese, other than on the official comments of the security forces. The government version of the events has heavily dominated the media since November.

Police blocked an inter-religious prayer for the victims that was scheduled for December 5 in Kampala, contending that under Uganda's Public Order Management Act, the police leadership needed to give permission for the event. Human Rights Watch along with other human rights organizations contend that the law violates rights to free assembly by granting the police leadership overly broad and discretionary powers to regulate and prevent gatherings.

The Ugandan military has also threatened people who tried to talk about what they saw that day in Kasese. The former military spokesman, Paddy Ankunda, wrote in the Daily Monitor newspaper, "Wesound a strong warning that UPDF will not hesitate to initiate legal proceedings against any individual or group that continues peddling falsehoods and tarnishing the good image of the institution for the sake of gaining cheap political capital." At no time did he encourage anyone with concerns for the conduct of soldiers or those looking for loved ones during the attacks to share their testimony with military investigators.

On December 1, the speaker of parliament agreed to add five new members to a committee that had been established months earlier, in the wake of post-electoral violence in the Rwenzori subregion, and add the November violence to their mandate. The committee, drawn largely from the parliamentary committee on defense and international affairs, began its work on December 7 but its inquiries quickly stopped and the chairperson told the media there would be no parliamentary report about the violence.

The media reported that the committee dropped investigations because government officials said that it could not proceed because the killings in Kasese are sub-judice (pending in a court). Given there are no court cases involving allegations of crimes committed by soldiers or police pending, there is no reason to obstruct such investigations, Human Rights Watch said. The Committee's chairperson, a former police officer recently elected to parliament, has never reported back to parliament.

The Uganda Human Rights Commission issued a statement urging all sides to adhere to Uganda's laws, but made no specific call to the military and police to investigate their forces' conduct. The Commission has said it is carrying out investigations and will eventually issue a report.

Local and International Condemnation

At the time of the killings, there were multiple calls for investigations into the security forces' conduct by local and international entities. The Buganda kingdom, another Ugandan cultural institution that had its own political tensions with the central government that led to police and military killing at least 48 civilians in September 2009, called for investigations into Kasese in a Christmas message. The kingdom urged the government to "do everything in its power to investigate and punish all those involved in the mass killings." The Uganda Law Society called for a commission of inquiry consisting of both sides of the conflict.

On December 16, the European Union heads of mission issued a statement calling on the government to conduct an investigation in a "timely, inclusive and transparent manner, according to due process and the rule of law" and to make findings public. The US Ambassador also called for a transparent investigation via her Twitter account on December 10.

The Ugandan army is a close partner of the US, UK, and EU for training and joint military exercises as well as ongoing operations in the Central African Republic and Somalia. General Elwelu previously served in a leadership role in both those operations. The blatant lack of regard for the protection of civilian life and basic standards on the use of legitimate force, as well as obstruction of investigations into the military's conduct, should raise serious questions about sustained cooperation with the Ugandan army, especially in light of his new role as commander of land forces, Human Rights Watch said.

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Egypt: Possible Extrajudicial Killings in Sinai

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 16 March 2017 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Egypt: Possible Extrajudicial Killings in Sinai, 16 March 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58ca97a94.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.

Egyptian internal security forces waging a campaign in the Sinai Peninsula against an affiliate of the Islamic State may have extrajudicially executed at least four and perhaps as many as 10 men in January 2017, Human Rights Watch said today. The security forces may have arbitrarily detained and forcibly disappeared the men and then staged a counterterrorism raid to cover up the killings.

A Human Rights Watch investigation relying on multiple sources of evidence including documents, interviews with relatives, and an edited video of the purported raid made public by the authorities suggests that police arrested at least some of the men months before the alleged gunfight at a house in North Sinai and that the raid itself was staged.

"These apparent extrajudicial killings reveal total impunity for Egypt's security forces in the Sinai Peninsula under President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's counterterrorism policies," said Joe Stork, deputy Middle East and North Africa director at Human Rights Watch. "Prosecutors need to conduct a full and transparent investigation to get to the bottom of what appear to be grave abuses."

The killings appear to fit a pattern of abuses against civilians by both military and internal security forces who are fighting the Islamic State (also known as ISIS) under the largest deployment of Egyptian troops in Sinai since Egypt's 1973 war with Israel. Fighting in North Sinai has left hundreds dead since 2013, including civilians, security force members, and alleged ISIS fighters. The ISIS affiliate, which calls itself Sinai Province, has killed scores of civilians, targeting many either for alleged collaboration with the authorities or because they were Christians.

Journalists and human rights groups are rarely able to investigate frequent and credible reports of abuse because the government denies them access to North Sinai.

That same day, the ministry also released a short video purporting to show the raid itself. The video was posted on YouTube with the title, The death of 10 terrorist elements in an exchange of fire with security forces in North Sinai. The heavily edited clip shows at least eight commandos approaching a building, two of them firing at a man on the ground outside, and six dead men in civilian clothes lying in various rooms inside the building, surrounded by weapons, fresh pools of blood, and walls with bullet holes. Human Rights Watch spoke with relatives of three of the dead men  Ahmed Rashid, Mansour Gam'a, and Mohamed Ayoub  and a lawyer who is representing the families of Rashid and a fourth man, Abd al-Aty Abd al-Aty. All said that the Interior Ministry's security forces had arrested the men without warrants in October and November 2016, months before the alleged January raid took place. The killings caused outrage among citizens of al-Arish and rare protests against the Interior Ministry during some of the men's funerals. Leaders of local clans met on January 14 to form a "popular committee" and issued a list of demands, including the immediate release of anyone held without charge, the resignation of North Sinai's representatives in parliament, and holding to account those responsible for the killings. Hossam al-Rifai, a member of parliament for North Sinai, called for the creation of a government fact-finding committee to investigate the incident.

Relatives of Gam'a and Ayoub said they felt too intimidated by security forces to complain or pursue legal redress. Yehia Ayoub, the lawyer representing the families of Rashid and Abd al-Aty, told Human Rights Watch that Interior Ministry officials had contacted some of the men's relatives to tell them to drop their efforts, and that in late February and early March, police arrested two cousins of Rashid and a cousin and two other relatives of Abd al-Aty to pressure their families to drop the issue. Human Rights Watch is not publishing the names of the family members out of concern for their safety. Neither the Interior Ministry nor the public prosecution office have opened an investigation into the deaths, the relatives and lawyer told Human Rights Watch. The Interior Ministry's statement claimed that security forces had conducted the raid after receiving permission from prosecutors.

"In addition to a prompt and thorough investigation, the Egyptian government should open North Sinai to journalists, human rights investigators, and aid groups," Stork said. "For years now, North Sinai has been a black hole."

Doubts Cast on Government Account

Independent observers are rarely allowed to investigate the ongoing conflict in North Sinai, which the government treats as a closed military zone and where curfew hours and a state of emergency have been in place since October 2014. Egyptian journalists who have reported from North Sinai have faced prosecution, as have analysts who have written about the conflict. Ismail al-Iskandrani, a researcher who reported on Islamist movements and developments in the Sinai Peninsula, has been detained pending trial since November 29, 2015, on charges of spreading false news and aiding an illegal group.

Human Rights Watch reviewed the Interior Ministry's video and other documents provided by the families, including burial forms and photographs of three of the men's bodies taken at a morgue. Human Rights Watch also consulted with a forensic expert and several military experts regarding the photos and the video of the raid.

Two military experts consulted by Human Rights Watch said that certain elements of the video led them to doubt its authenticity, including a bright floodlight that illuminated the commandos as they approached the house and the commandos' behavior during the raid, which did not indicate that they felt under threat.

Stefan Schmitt, the director of the international forensic program at Physicians for Human Rights, told Human Rights Watch that the video was too heavily edited to be taken as a credible depiction of the authorities' story and that the positioning of the bodies and blood inside the house raised the suspicion that at least one of the bodies had been moved prior to the video taping. Sutures on at least two of the bodies photographed in the morgue indicated that autopsies were performed and that there should be autopsy reports, he said. Ayoub, the lawyer representing the families of Rashid and Abd al-Aty, told Human Rights Watch that the authorities have not provided the families with such reports.

Ayoub and the relatives of Rashid told Human Rights Watch that they had viewed the bodies of Rashid and Abd al-Aty in the morgue and that both appeared to have been shot once in the head. Both they and a relative of Gam'a also described reddened areas on the feet and hands of three of the bodies that they believed were signs of the use of electric shocks and cigarette burns, but Human Rights Watch could not independently confirm the cause of these marks or the existence of bullet wounds.

The relatives all said that they had learned of the men's killings from the news and that the authorities had not contacted them. A local political activist who is coordinating the Arish "popular committee" said that the only response from the authorities had been to release about three dozen illegally detained people in North Sinai.

Human Rights Watch sent letters by email to the Interior Ministry and prosecutor general on March 6, inquiring about the families' claims and whether the authorities had opened any investigation. Neither has responded.

Analysis of Statement and Video of Interior Ministry

The roughly one-and-a-half-minute video posted on YouTube by the Interior Ministry on the day of the alleged raid repeated a statement released the same day on the ministry's Facebook page. The statement identified a man named Ahmed Mahmoud Yousef Abd al-Qader as an alleged commander with the local ISIS affiliate whom the ministry blamed for organizing "terrorist groups" and instructing them to carry out a string of attacks, including a coordinated assault on two police checkpoints in al-Arish just four days earlier that left eight police officers and one civilian dead.

After "intensive follow-up field operations," the ministry statement said, its forces were able to identify some of the alleged ISIS fighters involved in the January checkpoint attacks. The ministry claimed that the attackers had been moving frequently between various hiding places, but relatives of Ayoub, Gam'a, and Rashid told Human Rights Watch that police had arrested the three men at their homes. Far from living as fugitives, they said, Rashid had married two months before his arrest and Gam'a lived with his wife and frequently visited a doctor with her to seek treatment for infertility.

The ministry said that counterterrorism forces tracked the men to an abandoned "chalet" near al-Arish's Fourth Police Department. On January 13, the counterterrorism forces began their raid on the building, but fighters inside "fired a hail of bullets toward them, trying to escape," the statement said. The commandos "dealt with the sources of fire," killing all 10 men inside the building. The statement did not mention any casualties among the counterterrorism forces.

The purported video of the raid begins by showing what appear to be at least eight members of the counterterrorism forces wearing body armor and carrying small arms approaching the outside of a red brick, multi-story building. The men approach slowly, apparently to maintain stealth, but the entire scene is illuminated by a bright, white light.

A Human Rights Watch researcher who served as an infantryman and scout sniper in the US Army and who has experience with special forces and night raids said that such lighting during an actual raid, especially when the counterterrorism troops were moving slowly, would be "extremely inept and tactically unsound," exposing the commandos to danger. An outside expert with combat experience who also served in the US army said that these first moments of the video resembled a training exercise.

After about 12 seconds, the video cuts to what appears to be a different location outside the building. Two members of the counterterrorism forces are shown firing at a man wearing civilian clothes who appears to be kneeling or falling to the ground three meters in front of them. Simultaneously, a third commando can be seen to the men's right shining his flashlight into a room through a doorway.

Both the Human Rights Watch researcher with military experience and an active-duty officer in the Colombian army with combat experience whom Human Rights Watch consulted said that the tactics displayed during this moment in the video were also unsound, and did not reflect how such forces would behave during a real raid. A commando who anticipated a threat while entering a room would not inspect the room with a flashlight without someone to support him while other commandos were opening fire on a threat just a few feet away, the Human Rights Watch researcher said.

Both experts also questioned the shooting itself, noting that the man being shot appeared to be kneeling or already on the ground and that the video, which shows his body from a closer perspective seconds later, reveals a handgun tucked into his pants. The fact that he was shot in this manner and at close range suggests that the counterterrorism forces had secured the area before shooting him, the active-duty officer said. The Human Rights Watch researcher said that commandos would probably only approach a suspect that closely if they were trying to arrest him.

After the shooting incident, the video shows different rooms, apparently inside the building, and what appear to be six bodies, as well as blood pooling on the floor and weapons lying next to the bodies or leaning against the walls. Schmitt, the forensic expert, said that the pools of blood shown on the floor of at least one room, and the bodies lying on the bed next to the blood, raised the suspicion that at least one of the bodies had been moved prior to the video taping. While this would not indicate, in itself, that the raid was staged, Schmitt said, the video could not be taken as credible evidence of what the ministry said occurred.

On that day, Rashid's relative said, dozens of men wearing uniforms with "police" written on them and other men in civilian clothes raided their home in the Samran neighborhood of al-Arish and arrested Rashid without showing a warrant. The authorities had not previously wanted Rashid for any crime, and the relative said they did not know why police came for him.

"It was October 17 around noon," she said. "Suddenly the door slammed, and I felt terrified when I saw the [security] forces and couldn't talk."

Rashid's relative said that the security forces split up and entered an apartment on the ground floor and Rashid's on the second floor. They took Rashid into an armored vehicle for a moment and then returned with him.

"I asked [an officer] what was going on but he didn't answer," his relative said. "I had to go out but I was hearing voices. They hit him while his grandmother was standing there. She yelled at them: 'Shame, shame!'"

Rashid's relative said that neighbors later told her that there had been at least 15 armored vehicles and police vans outside her home during the raid. The security forces searched the two apartments and destroyed most of the family's property, including the bed, refrigerator, television, toilet, stove, and glass cupboards. Police also took three mobile phones and about 2,000 Egyptian pounds (US$119), the relative said. The family sent Human Rights Watch photos of the damage.

Rashid's wife, who was one-month pregnant at the time, yelled at the police that these were new furnishings and that she was recently married. An officer told her, "Come, see your things while they're being destroyed," she said. Another officer grabbed her and pushed her against the wall twice. She said that she later suffered a miscarriage, but Human Rights Watch was not able to obtain any medical documentation.

Two days later, security forces returned to their street and arrested more residents. When Rashid's wife approached the officers to ask them about Rashid, one of them told her, "He will never see the street again. Find another husband."

On January 13, the day of the alleged raid, Rashid's family had no internet connection, but friends called and told them that they had seen Rashid name in the statement.

"I didn't believe it," Rashid's relative said. "I thought maybe it was a false statement or something."

Rashid's relative said that he had been close friends with one of the other six men named in the Interior Ministry's statement and killed in the alleged raid, Abd al-Aty Ali Abd al-Aty al-Deeb, who was arrested about nine days before Rashid.



The Interior Ministry accused Ayoub of participating in the July 2016 killing of Col. Ahmed Rashad, the deputy warden of al-Qosaima Police Station in Sinai, and a number of other attacks on the police. A relative of Ayoub's who asked to remain anonymous said that Ayoub was a 23-year-old driver whom the police arrested on November 26. Ayoub was not interested in politics and was scheduled to be drafted into the army soon, the relative said.

The relative, who witnessed the arrest, said security forces came during the night without a warrant and destroyed the door of Ayoub's home in the Masaeed area of al-Arish. He said that the police had come to the house after seeing Ayoub walking on the roof. Ayoub felt scared and went downstairs when he saw the security forces coming, and a policeman shouted at him to come out. When Ayoub asked for a moment to have a drink of water, they shouted at him and pushed him into an armored vehicle, the relative said. The relative added that when Ayoub's mother asked an officer if she could put proper clothes on during the arrest, the officer yelled at her that he would shoot if she moved.

A police officer ordered Ayoub's father, his younger brother and two uncles to stand against a wall, the relative said, and told the police there to "kill whoever moved." When the police were leaving, one policeman asked his commander what to do with them, pointing at Ayoub's father and younger brother. The officer told him to put them into another armored vehicle, and they were taken to al-Arish Second Police Station, where they spent five days in custody, the relative said.

The family heard nothing about Ayoub from the authorities until the Interior Ministry's January 13 statement. The relative said that the family recognized Ayoub's body in the Interior Ministry video but took no legal action because they felt intimidated. The police told them to sign a paper stating that Ayoub had been killed by a gunshot without further details. The authorities have not opened an investigation, the relative said.

"We went to receive the body from Ismailia's morgue," he said. "When I saw the body, I felt a knife in my heart. I'm afraid  and I can't sleep. I'm afraid someone is going to raid our home when I'm sleeping."

Mansour Mohamed Soliman Gam'a

The Interior Ministry statement accused Gam'a, 28, of stealing transport vehicles and "boobytrapping" them for use in ISIS attacks. A relative, who requested anonymity, said Gam'a was a 27-year-old driver, married with no children, and that Gam'a had not known the other men.

The relative said that Gam'a's wife called him around midnight on October 17, the same day as Rashid's arrest, to tell him that Interior Ministry forces had raided their home and arrested Gam'a without a warrant. Gam'a's wife told the relative that she asked the police where they were taking him and that they told her only that he would return home after two days of interrogation.

"Here [in North Sinai] you can't breathe," the relative said, describing the way security forces treat civilians. "You can't ask [officers] to present an arrest warrant."

The relative said that a friend of the family who was arrested about 20 days after Gam'a visited the family after his release and told them that he had spent about 15 days in detention with Gam'a in the National Security Agency headquarters in al-Arish.

"We did not hire a lawyer or file any complaints because of the circumstances," the relative said. "Even a lawyer won't be able to get us our rights. Only God will get us our rights."

The relative said that anyone involved in the violent acts alleged by the Interior Ministry would not have stayed at their home like Gam'a, who had wanted to have children and sought regular treatment for his infertility.

"We did not send any faxes [to the authorities]  We thought he would go back home soon because he is a straight, clean guy," the relative said. "We didn't know it would reach this level."

The Interior Ministry accused Abd al-Aty, 25, of involvement in the killing of Mohamed Mostafa Ayad, an engineer who had performed work for the armed forces and was kidnapped by unknown armed men in September 2016 and publicly shot to death five days later in a main square of al-Arish, according to media reports and activists on Facebook.

Ayoub, the lawyer who is representing Abd al-Aty's and Rashid's families, said that security forces arrested Abd al-Aty on October 8 and that the families had retained him about two weeks later.

Ayoub was at the Ismailia morgue when some of the men's bodies were delivered to their families, and he said that both Abd al-Aty and Rashid appeared to have been shot once in their heads. He also said he saw burns on Abd al-Aty's body and bruising on the wrists that he believed were signs of handcuffs. Human Rights Watch viewed photos of the two bodies but could not independently confirm the existence of bullet wounds to the men's heads. Schmitt, the forensic expert, said he could not confirm the cause of the marks, but that Abd al-Aty's body appeared to have had a full autopsy.

Ayoub said that the authorities did not allow him to obtain a copy of the autopsy report and that he does not know what it stated. A one-page certificate from the Ismailia branch of the Health Ministry's Forensic Medical Authority, viewed by Human Rights Watch, stated that Abd al-Aty's cause of death was "gunshots," without further details.

Ayoub filed a complaint to prosecutors, also viewed by Human Rights Watch, on behalf of both Abd al-Aty's and Rashid's families a few days after their deaths, which accused Interior Ministry National Security officers in al-Arish of forcibly disappearing and killing the two men. Prosecutors have not responded, he said.

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Kurdistan Region of Iraq: 32 Arrested at Peaceful Protest

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 16 March 2017 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Kurdistan Region of Iraq: 32 Arrested at Peaceful Protest, 16 March 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58ca98ce4.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.

UPDATE:

Kurdish media reported that starting on March 3, after clashes in Sinjar began, the PKK-affiliated Democratic Union Party's (PYD) security forces in northern Syria began detaining over 40 members of the Kurdish National Council (KNC), a party affiliated with the KRG's President Masoud Barzani. These arrests began one day before the planned Erbil protest.

(Erbil)  Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) security forces and local police detained 32 unarmed protesters in Erbil on March 4, 2017, at a peaceful demonstration against recent clashes in Sinjar. According to three protesters who were arrested, 23 were released that same day, and three more within four days, but six, all foreign nationals, are still being held. A police chief ordered one protester who was released to permanently leave Erbil, where he was living.

Local media reported that on March 6, the Director General of Erbil Police, Abdulkhaliq Talaat, stated that the protesters "were arrested by a court order," and would be released based on a court decision. He did not elaborate on the reasons for the arrests. No media coverage of the arrests alleged any use of violence or other acts that disrupted the peace.

"KRG authorities appear to be detaining protesters for no good reason," said Lama Fakih, deputy Middle East director at Human Rights Watch. "They are also using threats and retaliation to discourage future protests, undermining freedom of expression and assembly in the Kurdish region."

On March 4 at about 2 p.m., several dozen unarmed protesters attempted to gather near Sami Abdulrahman Park in western Erbil to peacefully protest against recent clashes between the Kurdistan Region of Iraq's Rojava Peshmerga and PKK-affiliated Shingal Resistance Units (Yekineyen Berxwedana Singal, or YBS) in Sinjar, three protesters told Human Rights Watch. They had posted the event on Facebook.

One protester said he was about 300 meters away, walking to the demonstration site where a handful of people had already gathered, just before 2 p.m., when a group of local police stopped him and said he should not join the demonstration. He said that he ignored them and kept walking but that when he was about 50 meters from the demonstration, they stopped him again, demanded his identity card, and told him to board a nearby bus without telling him why. He said that 10 other protesters whom he recognized and two armed police guards were on the bus.

Swara Hassan, a journalist for the pro-PKK RojNews, said that at 2 p.m. he and two local activists parked their car about 500 meters from the demonstration. They headed to the protest, which Hassan said he was planning to cover for RojNews, when a protester who was leaving the area, warned them that people were being arrested. Hassan said he and the two activists decided to leave but that as they headed for their car, an officer ordered them into the bus.

The police took them to Erbil central police station, and held them with nine others. At about 3:30 p.m., he said, guards moved him and another protester into another room holding eight female detainees. He said that two told him they were children, ages 13 and 15.

Another protester, Muhammad Kiyani, director of the Leadership Committee of the People's Democracy Front, a minority political party, and former member of parliament with the Change Movement (Gorran), said that he was one of the first protesters to arrive, at about 1:50 p.m., and that many Asayish officers of the Kurdish security forces and police were already there. He said that he saw a police officer slap and push one woman to the ground after she ignored an order to leave. Then an Asayish officer ordered him to get into one of their vehicles, which held another protester, without giving any reason. Kiyani said he was taken to the central police station, where he was held with the other men.

The three protestors interviewed said that all those they saw at or near the protest were unarmed, including those detained. The police released the 23 protesters, including the eight women and girls, between 10 and 11 p.m. Hassan and Kiyani said they were transferred with seven others to the police pretrial detention facility, where each was placed in a separate cell that was already holding other detainees.

Kiyani said he and another protester were released on March 6 without charge. He was never questioned, brought before a judge, or allowed to contact his family or a lawyer, Kiyani said. Before he left, guards took him before Talaat, who warned that he risked being detained if he participated in further protests.

On March 7, Hassan said police took him and the remaining six other detained protesters to the Bakhtiari neighborhood police station for individual interrogations. Hassan said officers asked him why he wanted to participate in the protest. Then they brought him and the others before an investigative judge in Erbil court, where they were asked the same questions. After the hearings, a police officer told Hassan that the judge had ordered the release of all except one of the protesters, without saying why. The police returned them to the central station, and released him the next day, but not the five others allegedly ordered to be released. The six protestors still being held are Turkish and Syrian nationals.

While in detention, Hassan was not allowed to contact anyone or have access to a lawyer. Before he was released, Hassan, an Iraqi, said a guard took him to see Talaat, who told him that he was no longer allowed to live in Erbil, providing no reason or paperwork. Hassan has left the city.

Erbil authorities have arbitrarily banned workers from nongovernmental groups and even the Kurdistan Region's parliament speaker, Yusuf Mohammed, a member of the Gorran party, from entering Erbil.

Security forces have an obligation to protect the right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, Human Rights Watch said. While the organizers of the protest on March 4 had not sought permission, as local law requires, international law protects the right to peaceful assembly without restrictions, except in very limited circumstances. The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association has stated that freedom is to be considered the rule and its restriction the exception. He has also said that protest organizers should not be required to get authorization from the state authorities, but at most be required to give notification in advance, as long as such rules are straightforward and necessary to preserve national security or public safety, public order, the protection of public health or morals or the protection of the rights and freedoms of others.

Law no.11/2010 For the Organization of Demonstrations in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq states that all protests require advance permission from the Ministry of Interior or in some cases other local authorities. Article 21 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which Iraq ratified in 1971, states that "the right of peaceful assembly shall be recognized," and that "no restrictions may be placed on the exercise of this right other than those imposed in conformity with the law and that are necessary in a democratic society in the interests of national security or public safety, public order, the protection of public health or morals or the protection of the rights and freedoms of others."

Iraq's Criminal Procedural Code (no. 23/1971) states that all detainees must be brought before an investigative judge within 24 hours of their detention.

The three protesters who are closely following the cases of those still detained said they had not been able to obtain any information about them, including whether they had been charged.

"If the only crime these men are being charged with is participation in an unregistered protest, authorities should drop all charges and release them immediately," Fakih said.



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Madagascar: Free environmental activist detained for political reasons

Publisher Amnesty International Publication Date 16 March 2017 Cite as Amnesty International, Madagascar: Free environmental activist detained for political reasons, 16 March 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58ca999d4.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 Malagasy authorities must immediately and unconditionally release an environmental activist detained on politically motivated charges, Amnesty International said in a letter to the government.

Today marks exactly six months since Clovis Razafimalala was detained for allegedly destroying public property and documents in a protest that he never attended. He was subsequently charged with rebellion, destruction of public documents and goods, and arson.

"The arrest and continued detention of Clovis Razafimalala seems to be a clear case of the ongoing pattern of silencing critical views in Madagascar," said Deprose Muchena, Amnesty International's Regional Director for Southern Africa.

"We believe that he is being unlawfully detained on fabricated charges purely because of his peaceful environmental activism against the illegal trafficking of Madagascar's natural resources."

Clovis Razafimalala's requests for bail have been denied without any explanation being given, according to his lawyer.

Background

Clovis Razafimalala was arrested on 16 September 2016, the day after a protest in Maroantsetra - a town on Madagascar's north-east coast. The protest called for charges against the town's former mayor to be dropped.

He is a known environmental activist in Madagascar, and has on many occasions denounced the illegal trafficking of rosewood and other timber as part of his role as the Coordinator of the Maroantsetra Lampogno coalition, a group fighting against illegal trafficking of natural resources.

According to his lawyer, his case is still under investigation six months after his arrest and a date has yet to be fixed for his trial.

Copyright notice:  Copyright Amnesty International
The human cost of European hypocrisy on Libya

Publisher Amnesty International Author Matteo de Bellis Publication Date 15 March 2017 Cite as Amnesty International, The human cost of European hypocrisy on Libya, 15 March 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58ca99ea4.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.

When he saw boats in the distance, Issa knew he was going to live. It was July 2014 and he had spent hours in the sea, clinging to a plastic petrol container while women, men and children drowned around him. The small rubber boat that was supposed to take them all to Italy had sunk just two hours after leaving the Libyan coast. Of the 137 people Issa says were on board, only 49 survived.

Issa, from Burkina Faso, was not rescued by any passing ship but was picked up by the Libyan coastguard. Rather than being taken to a safe port in Italy as he had hoped, he was returned to Libya where he was handed over to the police. He says he was locked up for months in appalling conditions and beaten regularly by policemen who demanded money in exchange for his release.

"My hands were tied behind my back," he said. "I was laying on the floor facing down, and they were beating me on the back with a belt and electric cables."

Only after Issa's family scraped together 625 OOO CFA (about 900), was he finally released.

In September last year, he tried to reach Italy again but after three days at sea, the boat he was on landed back on Libyan shores. "We were arrested upon arrival and taken to a prison in Tripoli, and two weeks later we were transferred to the city of Sabha. We learnt that we had been sold to traffickers." After a month in captivity, he and others managed to escape. "Our abductors shot some people. I don't know whether any of them died," he said.

This is just one of the stories of people we interviewed during a recent visit to Agadez, a city in central Niger which has become a busy transit point for refugees and migrants from sub-Saharan Africa trying to get to Europe via Libya - as well as for those returning after suffering horrific abuse there.

They echo heart-wrenching stories I heard from the hundreds of refugees and migrants I met in reception centres in Italy. Many of them had been detained for months in Libya where they said they had been tortured, beaten, raped, humiliated. The word that stuck in my mind, used by so many of them to describe their experiences, is "hell".

European governments are investing tens of millions in anti-migration measures in Niger, including by supporting Nigerien police operations to stop the flow of pick-up trucks that speed towards the Libyan border. They claim that these measures are necessary to protect those travelling. As one diplomat in Niger told me: "We are worried for the people, they are enslaved in Libya. We need to stop this. We can't accept that people lose their lives and are abused in this way."

But if the safety of these people was really their chief concern, why are these same governments sparing no effort in pushing the Libyan authorities to stop people attempting to come to Europe? Indeed, in recent months, European institutions and governments have been stepping up their cooperation with the Libyan coastguard to help it intercept people and take them back to Libya, turning a blind eye to the horrific abuses they will face there. In the past few weeks alone, Italy has signed a new agreement on migration control with Libya and European leaders have repeatedly declared their intention to increase collaboration - including at the European Council last week.

Current actions to reinforce the Libyan coastguard - through the provision of training and boats - might save lives at sea. But without meaningful efforts to stop the automatic detention of refugees and migrants intercepted at sea by the coastguard and their systematic ill-treatment in Libya, and to provide access to protection for those seeking asylum, such measures are a double-edged sword.

With every agreement announced, European leaders send a clear signal that they are not really concerned about protecting desperate women, men and children by keeping them out of Libya. By donating boats to a coastguard accused of colluding with smugglers and beating those intercepted at sea and by supporting centres where people are arbitrarily detained and tortured, their true intention is revealed. Indeed, stopping people arriving irregularly in Europe is now so high on their agenda that any price is seemingly worth paying. The horrific consequences to this blinkered attitude are - as Issa knows all too well - very real.

Libya is in the depths of a humanitarian crisis, with much of the country under the de facto control of armed groups and criminal gangs. With a weak judiciary, lawlessness has become the norm, and civilians are at grave risk of human rights abuses. In this context, refugees and migrants face the risk of arbitrary detention, abduction, ill-treatment, sexual violence and exploitation. Although detention centres where refugees and migrants are kept are nominally managed by the Libyan government, they are in fact mostly run by armed groups. These groups use pressure and intimidation to get officials to grant them free reign in smuggling and trafficking networks.

If EU leaders really cared about the abuses refugees and migrants face in Libya, they would offer them safe and legal routes to Europe, in particular by making humanitarian admission to Europe available to the thousands of people in need of protection. Crucially, cooperation with Libyan authorities would focus on supporting measures to protect the human rights of refugees and migrants in the country - starting with an end to their arbitrary detention and ill-treatment.

Women, men and children are being jailed, exploited, tortured and raped - after their "rescue". That decisions being taken by the European governments are resulting, directly or indirectly, in fueling these abuses, should horrify us all.

Matteo de Bellis is Amnesty International's migration researcher

Copyright notice:  Copyright Amnesty International
Syria: Time for global leaders to ensure justice, truth and reparation for millions of victims of war

Publisher Amnesty International Publication Date 15 March 2017 Cite as Amnesty International, Syria: Time for global leaders to ensure justice, truth and reparation for millions of victims of war, 15 March 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58ca9a434.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.

As war crimes and crimes against humanity continue to go unpunished in Syria, an Amnesty International campaign marking the sixth anniversary of the crisis calls on world leaders to take immediate action to deliver justice, truth and reparation to the millions of victims of the conflict.

The Justice for Syria campaign calls on governments to end impunity and make accountability a reality for the Syrian people by supporting and funding the investigative mechanism on Syria voted for by the UN General Assembly in December 2016 and by enforcing universal jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute, in their own courts, suspected perpetrators of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Syria.

"Six harrowing years on, there is no excuse for allowing the horrific crimes under international law that are being committed in Syria to go unpunished," said Samah Hadid, Director of Campaigns at Amnesty International's Beirut Regional Office.

"Governments already have the legal tools at their disposal to end the impunity that has allowed hundreds of thousands of Syrians to be killed and millions more displaced. It is time to put those tools into action."

All states are permitted to exercise universal jurisdiction over crimes under international law, like war crimes or crimes against humanity. In other words, universal jurisdiction provides for the ability to investigate and prosecute individuals suspected of responsibility for war crimes and crimes against humanity, torture, genocide, and enforced disappearances in Syria, regardless of where the crime was committed or the nationality of the suspect or victim.

Today, more than 147 countries have provided for universal jurisdiction over one or more crimes under international law. Currently, European countries including France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland are in the process of investigating crimes committed in Syria.

The resolution adopted by the UN General Assembly in December 2016 has also given the people of Syria a glimmer of hope that justice is possible. It called for the establishment of an independent international mechanism to assist in the investigation and prosecution of the most serious crimes under international law committed in Syria since March 2011.

The resolution sent a powerful signal by bypassing a deadlocked UN Security Council, which has proven incapable of ending impunity for crimes under international law or human rights violations in Syria. The mechanism now awaits necessary funds from UN member states to be secured before becoming operational.

"By adopting this resolution, the international community has sent a message of hope to the people of Syria: a promise that the world has not left them behind, that those responsible for their suffering will not go unpunished," said Samah Hadid.

"It is now imperative for governments that voted for this mechanism to take the necessary steps to secure the funding and co-operation needed to allow this mechanism to deliver justice for victims of the conflict in Syria."

Background

According to the UN special envoy to Syria, the death toll since the beginning of the crisis has surpassed 400,000 - meaning at least one in every 100 Syrians has been killed as a result of the conflict.

More than 20% of the Syrian population live as refugees outside their country, while half the population living inside of Syria is in need of humanitarian assistance.

Crimes against humanity and war crimes committed by all parties to the conflict in Syria have been widely documented by Amnesty International and other human rights organizations, as well as UN agencies, since the beginning of the crisis.

These crimes include extrajudicial executions, torture and cruel treatment, and deliberate attacks on civilians, homes, medical facilities and civilian infrastructure, as well as indiscriminate and disproportionate attacks, enforced disappearances, extermination, and hostage taking.

Copyright notice:  Copyright Amnesty International
Peru: Human rights defender Maxima Acuna criminalized by unsubstantiated criminal prosecution for land invasion

Publisher Amnesty International Publication Date 16 March 2017 Reference AMR 46/5879/2017 Cite as Amnesty International, Peru: Human rights defender Maxima Acuna criminalized by unsubstantiated criminal prosecution for land invasion, 16 March 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58ca9ac44.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.

Amnesty International is concerned about the inappropriate use of the justice system to bring a criminal prosecution for land invasion against the human rights defender Maxima Acuna and stigmatize her with the objective of discrediting her and denying the legitimacy of her work. On 15 March, the Supreme Court of Justice will hear an appeal for annulment of the court ruling of 17 December 2014, which dismissed the case against the defender and members of her family on the grounds of a lack of evidence.(1)

In August 2011, the peasant farmer and human rights defender, Maxima Acuna Atalaya, her husband Jaime Chaupe Lozano, her eldest daughter Isidora Chaupe Acuna and her son-in-law Elias Rodriguez Chaupe were accused of land invasion. The public prosecutor brought the charge in response to allegations that the defender and her family had used "violence" and "threats" to evict the Yanacocha mining company from the plot of land known as Tragadero Grande in the region of Cajamarca, Peru. The company argued that this land was part of the property itacquired in 2001 from the Minas Conga company.

Amnesty International has had access to the court file on the criminal charges brought against the defender and members of her family for land invasion which is currently the subject of an appeal at Peru's Supreme Court of Justice, and concluded that the prosecutor presented no evidence to back up the charge that the defender and her family had used violence and threats when entering Tragadero Grande.

On the contrary, Maxima Acuna and her family have taken a series of legal steps to peacefully resolve the dispute with Yanacocha. On 24 May 2011, when Yanacocha personnel asked Jaime and Maxima to leave the land they were occupying, they filed a criminal complaint against Yanacocha for land invasion. A few months later, on 11 August 2011, this case was closed just as Yanacocha were asking the police and the public prosecutor to remove the family from Tragadero Grande.

Recently, on 20 February of this year, the public prosecutor began a new investigation into allegations that several Yanacocha managers infringed the rights (danos simples en agravio) of Maxima Acuna and Jaime Chaupe while exercising the company's "possessory rights of defence" (defensa posesoria) to the disputed property on 4 October 2016. This investigation has added to the many ongoing legal cases on this matter to date.

Furthermore, the public prosecutor decided to continue, without any evidence, the criminal investigation in which the Yanacocha mining company was the aggrieved party. Neither the public prosecutor nor any other party to the case has presented any evidence of the use of violence and threats by the family, which means there is no evidence to back up the charges of land invasion. Amnesty International believes that, in these circumstances, the decision to continue prosecution of the human rights defender Maxima Acuna for land invasion is a tactic designed to harass and obstruct her right to promote and defend human rights and is an inappropriate use of the criminal justice system. In this context, the authorities should close the case and refer the parties to civil jurisdictions for consideration of their respective rights regarding their dispute over the subject of litigation.

The prosecution of the defender Maxima Acuna on criminal charges is reinforced by the stigmatization she has suffered. According to rumours that circulate in the area in which she lives, Maxima is using her human rights work to get rich. On the basis of the rumours, she has been called "a crook" by some people in the community. In addition to these false rumours, Yanacocha mining company representatives have regularly accused the defender of being a "squatter" (media and press releases dated 29 April, 22 May, 22 July and 12 August 2015, and 2 February and 12 March 2016), even though the issue of ownership of the property is sub judice.

The stigmatization and criminalization of human rights defenders have a serious negative impact that also affects the social movements and organisation to which they belong. They project a public image that human rights defenders are "criminals" and remove the legitimacy of the important work they do. They also consolidate a hostile environment for the right to promote and defend human rights, which, in turn, allows for physical assaults against human rights defenders and even murder.

Amnesty International calls on Peru's public prosecutor to withdraw the criminal charges against Maxima Acuna and her family and take effective measures to prevent the inappropriate use of the justice system against human rights defenders who work on land, territorial and environmental issues. It also calls on the authorities and Yanacocha representatives to stop using expressions that stigmatize Maxima Acuna and her family, in particular, to stop referring to them as "squatters".

1 - This ruling reversed that of 5 August 2014 in which the Celendin Province Unipersonal Court ruled against the defendant and her family in the first instance.

Copyright notice:  Copyright Amnesty International
Amnesty International urges Togo to expressly commit to protecting the rights to freedom of association, freedom of expression and peaceful assembly - Human Rights Council adopts Universal Periodic Review outcome on Togo

Publisher Amnesty International Publication Date 16 March 2017 Reference AFR 57/5884/2017 Cite as Amnesty International, Amnesty International urges Togo to expressly commit to protecting the rights to freedom of association, freedom of expression and peaceful assembly - Human Rights Council adopts Universal Periodic Review outcome on Togo, 16 March 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58ca9d664.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.

Amnesty International has consistently raised concerns with the Togolese authorities that law enforcement officials use excessive force against peaceful demonstrators and torture and other ill-treatment against arrested or detained persons. On 28 February 2017, for example, the army used live ammunition to disperse a spontaneous protest against the rise in petroleum prices in Lome, killing one person and wounding several others. According to human rights defenders who observed the demonstration, protestors were peaceful until the security forces charged them with batons, tear gas and live ammunition. Amnesty therefore welcomes Togo's commitment to take the necessary steps to prevent torture and other human rights violations by the security forces, (1) and ensure adequate investigation and prosecution of those suspected of being responsible for these violations. (2) Togo accepted similar recommendations during its first UPR in 2011. (3) As the death toll rises, Amnesty International calls on Togo to take concrete steps towards their immediate implementation.

Amnesty International also welcomes the Togolese authorities' acceptance of general recommendations to protect freedom of expression. (4) However, these commitments ring hollow in light of Togo's rejection of more specific and measurable recommendations to create an enabling space for human rights defenders and journalists, including by revising laws used to crackdown on dissent. (5) The Togolese authorities continue to arbitrarily curtail freedom of expression. This creates a climate of self-censorship and discourages civil society from speaking out about abuses and lack of accountability.

On 6 February, the High Authority for Audiovisual and Communication (HAAC) withdrew the frequencies of radio station CityFM and TV station La Chaine du Futur for breaching licensing rules. The HAAC statute does not provide for any appeal mechanism for this kind of decision. Withdrawal of the frequency is a disproportionally heavy measure, which should be reserved only for the most serious breaches and be ordered by an independent court of law rather than an administrative body.

On 7 February, journalist Robert Kossi Avotor was documenting an eviction in Lome, when gendarmes told him to stop taking photographs. He was beaten with batons, handcuffed with his hands behind his back, and no attention was paid when he indicated the cuffs were too tight. When he asked to urinate, he was told his genitals would be beaten. The gendarmes detained him for three hours and deleted his photographs. He was then released without charge. He filed a complaint the next day and, since then, has been receiving calls from members of the security forces advising him to drop his complaint. On 22 February, the general prosecutor issued a statement warning anyone reporting on this case of the risk of criminal prosecution for "disseminating false news".

Amnesty International calls on Togo to protect journalists and human rights defenders, including by amending legislation to ensure it protects the right to freedom of expression.

Amnesty International is disappointed by Togo's decision to reject all recommendations to protect Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transsexual and Intersex (LGBTI) persons and to investigate allegations of attacks and bring perpetrators to justice.(6) We call on Togo to end discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, including by revising the Criminal Code and ensuring LGBTI persons are protected against violence.

Background

The UN Human Rights Council adopted the outcome of the Universal Periodic Review of Togo on 16 March 2017 during its 34 th session. Prior to the adoption of the report of the review Amnesty International delivered the oral statement above. Amnesty International also contributed to the information basis of the review through its submission on Togo: https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/ior40/4720/2016/en/

Copyright notice:  Copyright Amnesty International
OLATHE, Kan., March 16, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hooper Holmes, Inc. (NYSE:HH) is pleased to welcome Robin L. Smith, M.D. as a board advisor to assist with the assessment of strategic expansion opportunities in the health and well-being market.



As we prepare to merge with Provant Health Solutions, LLC and continue to create one of the largest, pure-play health and wellness companies in the U.S., we welcome Dr. Smith as a board advisor, said Henry Dubois, President and CEO of Hooper Holmes. Dr. Smiths expertise in healthcare and innovative clinical-based solutions, as well as her strong track record building, leading and assisting a variety of organizations and companies will provide additional insight on new products and potential services the Company can offer to clients to drive increased revenues and margins. I look forward to working closely with Dr. Smith as we focus on profitably growing our business.

Dr. Smith added, As the health and wellness market continues to grow, employers and insurers are looking for value based care, Hooper Holmes has a compelling market opportunity. I look forward to collaborating with the team to expand their health and well-being solutions to reduce the chronic disease epidemic our country is facing and empower employees to improve their individual health.

Dr. Smith has vast experience in a multitude of leadership and strategic roles and is a renowned global thought leader in the regenerative medicine industry, one of the fastest growing segments of modern-day medicine. Dr. Robin L. Smith received her M.D. from Yale University and an M.B.A. from the Wharton School of Business. She maintains a regular column on these topics for The Huffington Post and is the recipient of many accolades including the 2014 SmartCEO Brava! Award, which recognizes top women business leaders in the Greater New York area. She was also a finalist for the 2014 EY Entrepreneur of the Year award for the New York area, recognizing entrepreneurs who demonstrate excellence and success in the areas of innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities.

Dr. Smith has extensive history serving in executive and board level capacities for various medical enterprises and healthcare-based entities. She founded and has served as Chairman of the Board and President of The Stem for Life Foundation (SFLF) since its inception, an organization which is devoted to fostering global awareness of the potential for regenerative medicine to treat and cure a range of deadly diseases and debilitating medical conditions. She is expanding SFLFs mission further under the Cura Foundation where she serves as President and Chairman. Their efforts are focused on bringing resources to fund cell therapy clinical trials and assist in accelerating enrollment and completion. Dr. Smith also serves as Chairman for MYnd Analytics, Inc., a predictive analytics company that developed a decision support system to help physicians reduce trial and error treatment in mental health. Recently Hooper Holmes and MYnd Analytics announced a strategic partnership whereby the Hooper Holmes national network of health professionals will provide on-site or in-home EEG services for MYnd Analytics nationally.

About Hooper Holmes

Hooper Holmes mobilizes a national network of health professionals to provide on-site health screenings, laboratory testing, risk assessment and sample collection services to wellness and disease management companies, employers and brokers, government organizations and academic institutions nationwide. Under the Accountable Health Solutions brand, the Company combines smart technology, healthcare and behavior change expertise to offer comprehensive health and wellness programs that improve health, increase efficiencies and reduce healthcare delivery costs. www.hooperholmes.com

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements may generally be identified by the use of words such as "anticipate," "believe," "expect," "intends," "plan," and "will" or, in each case, their negative, and other variations or comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements include all statements other than historical facts. Any forward-looking statement made by management during this call is not a guarantee of future performance, and actual results may differ materially from those expressed in or suggested by the forward-looking statements, as a result of various factors, including, without limitation the factors discussed in the "Risk Factors" section of the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, as the same may be updated from time-to-time in subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking statement made by management on this call speaks only as of the date hereof, and the Company has no obligation, and does not intend, to update any forward-looking statements after the date hereof, except as required by federal securities laws. In addition, management uses the non-GAAP performance measures EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA in this press release.




RSF and LCFP create joint crisis unit for Annabaa TV journalists

Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 16 March 2017 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, RSF and LCFP create joint crisis unit for Annabaa TV journalists, 16 March 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58ca9f454.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.

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the Libyan Centre for Freedom of Press (LCFP) condemn today's arson attack by an armed group on Tripoli-based Annabaa TV and the armed group's publication of a list of the TV channel's employees, exposing them to great danger. RSF and LCFP have set up crisis unit to provide Annabaa TV's employees with assistance.

Located in a Tripoli suburb, Annabaa TV has not been broadcasting since the fire was started by a militia from western Libya, which also obtained a list of employees and posted it onine. The publication of the list, which gives their full names, the department where they work and their salaries, has triggered a storm of online hate comments against the journalists.

In response, RSF and LCFP have made a phone number available so that Annabaa TV's journalists can call if they need emergency assistance.

"We firmly condemn this fire and the publication of the names and personal details of the TV channel's employees with the aim of causing them harm," RSF editor-in-chief Virginie Dangles said. "The physical safety of journalists working in Libya must be an absolute priority for all parties to the conflict."

LCFP director Mohamed Ennajem said: "We are concerned for the physical safety of many journalists after the publication of this list, which was stolen during the attack, and we ask the Tripoli authorities to protect them."

Contact details of the joint crisis unit created by RSF and LCFP to help Annabaa TV's journalists:

Telephone: +218 910 200 231

Email: [email protected]





Libya is ranked 164th out of 180 countries inRSF's 2016 World Press Freedom Index.
Press freedom violations recounted in real time January 2017

Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 17 March 2017 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, Press freedom violations recounted in real time January 2017, 17 March 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58ca9fc04.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.

17.03.2017 - More journalists arrested

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) yet again condemns the persecution of journalists in Iran after at least three more were arrested in the past week.





The latest victims include Morad Saghafi, the editor of the magazine Goft o Gu ("Dialogue" in Persian), who was arrested at his Tehran home yesterday and was taken to an unknown location. His lawyer, Hamed Zargar, said neither he nor Saghafi's family have been told why he was arrested.





Meanwhile, Ali Motahari, the deputy speaker of Iran's parliament, yesterday asked the minister of intelligence to explain why a military unit recently arrested 12 editors of pro-reform information pages on the instant messaging service Telegram.

Motahari also criticized the detention of Ehssan Mazandarani, the former editor of the newspaper Farhikhteghan, on 12 March (see RSF's 13 March release). His wife, Malieh Hossieni, a journalist with the newspaper Farhikhteghana, was fired the day after his arrest.





Although banned, apps and social networks such as Telegram, Facebook and Twitter nowadays play an important role in providing Iranians with news and information. Telegram says it has more than 15 million users in Iran.

According to the Kalameh news website, Ali Ahmadinia, the administrator of the Eslahat News (Reform News) channel on Telegram, was arrested on 14 March and was taken to an unknown location.





RSF is currently very concerned about the health of two journalists who have been on hunger strike since their arrest. One is Mazandarani, who was arrested on 12 March (see above). The other Henghameh Shahidi, who was arrested on 9 March.

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15.03.2017  Former editor gets six-month jail term

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) condemns the six-month prison sentence that has been passed on Hossein Karoubi, the former editor of Etemad Meli (a newspaper closed since August 2009) for circulating the open letter that his father, Mehdi Karoubi, wrote to President Hassan Rohani.

In the April 2016 letter, published in mostly foreign-based media outlets and on social networks, Mehdi Karoubi asks to be tried before a public court "in order to present the evidence I possess about massive fraud during the 2005 and 2009 presidential elections and to show what has happened to young Iranians in the country's legal and illegal detention centres."





Etemad Melli's owner and a former parliamentary speaker, Mehdi Karoubi has been under house arrest since February 2011, a fate he has shared with former Prime Minister Mir Hossein Mousavi (the owner of the closed newspaper Kalameh Sabaz) and Mousavi's wife, the writer Zahra Rahnavard. Mousavi and Mehdi Karoubi, who are both former presidential candidates, are being held illegally and are being denied their rights. Their state of health is very worrying.





RSF has meanwhile learned that Samna Safari, a journalist with the monthly Andisher Poya, was released on 11 March after the authorities determined that he had served his two-year jail sentence. Detained along with three other journalists in a wave of arrests in November 2015, he was sentenced by a revolutionary court in March 2016 to five years in prison for "anti-government propaganda activities." This was reduced to two years on appeal.

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28.02.2017  City of Qom suspends newspaper

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) condemns the decision by the city of Qom's public prosecutor to suspend the newspaper Shakheh Sabz on 26 February, a day after it ran a story criticizing the level of violence in one of its poorest districts, which it likened to a "jungle." The suspension was ordered after 136 parliamentarians supported a resolution accusing the daily of "insulting the population of the Holy City of Qom." The newspaper's name means "Green Branch."

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22.02.2017  Ahmad Montazeri returned to prison

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) firmly condemns progressive cleric Ahmad Montazeri's arrest yesterday. The editor of the website of his late father, Ayatollah Hossein Ali Montazeri, he was returned to prison after being summoned before a special court for clerics.

Tried behind closed doors and without a defence lawyer on 20 October, Montazeri was sentenced on 27 November to ten years in prison for endangering state security, ten years for publishing a "classified audio recording" and another year for anti-government "propaganda."

He was prosecuted for posting an old recording on the website on 9 August 2016 in which his father could be heard criticizing the wave of executions of political prisoners in the 1980s.

For more information: Ahmad Montazeri gets 21-year jail term as part of bid to suppress history





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17.02.2017 - Editor freed on completing jail term

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has learned that Ehssan Mazndarani  the editor of the newspaper Farhikhteghan and one of the victims of a wave of arrests in November 2015  was released on 9 February. He had been given a seven-year jail sentence that was reduced to two years on appeal, His lawyer said he was freed as a result of a decision that he had completed his sentence. While in prison, he was hospitalized several times with heart and chest problems after a three-week hunger strike.

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10.01.2017 - Website reporter flogged for getting facts wrong

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is appalled to learn that Hossien Movahedi, a local news website reporter, was flogged last week in Najafabad, a city 450 km south of Tehran, for getting one of his facts wrong in a story about the confiscation of mopeds from female students at a technological secondary school in the city.





Movahedi reported on the Najafabad News website on 14 June 2016 that the police seized 35 mopeds when, according to the police, it was only eight. Although he apologized for his mistake and although the police were allowed to publish their version on the website, the police pressed charges against him and a Najafabad court sentenced him to 40 lashes for "publishing false information." This inhuman and medieval sentence was carried out on 4 January.





Iran has yet to ratify the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment.

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06.01.2016 - Woman journalist freed on completing one-year jail term

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has learned that Rihaneh Tabatabai, a journalist who has worked for several reformist newspapers, was released yesterday on completing a one-year jail term on charges of endangering national security and anti-government publicity. She was arrested on 12 January 2016 to begin serving the sentence, which was originally imposed in November 2014 and was confirmed by a Tehran appeal court a year later. The sentence also includes two-year ban on political and journalistic activity in the media and online following her release. In all, Tabatabai has been jailed four times since 2010 in connection with her journalistic activities.





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Press freedom violations recounted in real time ( January-December 2014)

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Angolan satellite TV service drops two Portuguese channels

Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 15 March 2017 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, Angolan satellite TV service drops two Portuguese channels, 15 March 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58caa02b4.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.

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) condemns the decision by Angola's biggest satellite TV provider, ZAP, to drop two Portuguese news channels and voices concern about the clampdown on freedom of information in Angola five months ahead of general elections.

Owned by Isabel dos Santos, the daughter of President Eduardo dos Santos, ZAP dropped the SIC Noticias and SIC Internacional TV channels yesterday.

The company described the move as no more than a routine adjustment of the channels it offers. But the move came just days after SIC broadcast an investigative report about a 2014 financial scandal implicating the president.

SIC previously annoyed the government last November by broadcasting a report entitled, "Angola, a country rich with 20 million poor people," which questioned the record of Dos Santos' 37 years as president.

Dos Santos subsequently said he no longer wanted to stand for reelection in August 2017 and named Gen. Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco, a former defence minister, as the ruling party's presidential candidate.

"It is hard not to see the government's hand behind ZAP's unilateral decision to drop these two TV channels," said Clea Kahn-Sriber, the head of RSF's Africa desk. "With just months to go to the presidential election, the government should encourage media pluralism by allowing the Angolan media to work freely."

In Angola, the Dos Santos family and its allies control all state and privately-owned media that cover the entire country. Aside from a few small opposition media outlets, freely reported news and information can only be found online - on one or two websites and social networks. But they are also subjected to pressure.

Rafael Marques, a journalist who edits the Maka Angola anti-corruption website, received a summons from the interior ministry last December after posting a story accusing prosecutor general Joao Maria de Sousa of involvement in illegal land deals. Mariano Bras, a journalist who reprinted the story in his weekly O Crime, was also summoned. Both are facing a possible six-month jail sentence for criminal defamation.

Years of lawsuits and criminal proceedings against Marques by the Angolan army in both Angola and Portugal finally ended in 2015. Marques was facing up to 14 years in prison on 24 counts in connection with his book "Diamantes de Sangue, Corrupcao e Tortura em Angola," which accused the army of involvement in diamond trafficking.

Although the book is censored, its publisher has made it available online and it can be downloaded from RSF's website.

The suspensions and legal proceedings have coincided with disturbing measures to curtail civil liberties. Under a package of "social communication" laws passed last November, full control over the country's media was awarded to a Regulatory Council that is dominated by the ruling-party.

Seventeen young people were arrested in March 2016 and were imprisoned for several months just for reading and commenting on a book about non-violent action.

Angola is ranked 123rd out of 180 countries in RSF's 2016 World Press Freedom Index.
In Syria, 211 journalists killed in conflict that began six years ago

Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 16 March 2017 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, In Syria, 211 journalists killed in conflict that began six years ago, 16 March 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58caa2ed4.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.

A total of 211 journalists and citizen journalists have been killed in the course of Syria's civil war, which began with a wave of protests exactly six years ago. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) urges all parties to the conflict to protect the journalists who cover it on the ground.

Syria has for years been the world's deadliest country for journalists and citizen journalists, who are caught between the Assad regime and its allies, Islamic State and many other radical Jihadi groups, and the Kurdish forces.

Acts of intimidation, arrests, kidnappings and murders are all frequent and constitute a gruesome tableau.

Journalism in Syria in figures :

Number of journalists killed: 211 journalists and citizen journalists since 2011

19 journalists and citizen journalists in 2016

Currently imprisoned:

At least 26 journalists and citizen journalists

Held hostage or missing:

At least 21 journalists and citizen journalists, and seven foreign ones

Syria is ranked 177th out of 180 countries in RSF's 2016 World Press Freedom Index.
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: Jupiter Asset Management Ltd (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 London Stock Exchange 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 15th 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

Deutsche Boerse AG

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:



6 79/86p Ordinary



Interests Short positions Number % Number % (1) Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: (2) Cash-settled derivatives:



26,000 0.00 (3) Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:



TOTAL: 26,000 0.00

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: None Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages: None

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 None

(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 6 79/86p Ordinary CFD Opening a long position 17,300 GBP30.58581 6 79/86p Ordinary CFD Opening a long position 8,700 GBP30.71239

(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 None

(ii) Exercise

Class of relevant security Product description

e.g. call option Exercising/ exercised against Number of securities Exercise price per unit None





(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) None





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: 16th March 2017 Contact name: Alex Robinson Telephone number: 0203 817 1763

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.
A look back on all of our reporting of the Delphi murders since 2017
ATHENS, Greece, March 16, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Diana Shipping Inc. (NYSE:DSX) (the Company), a global shipping company specializing in the ownership of dry bulk vessels, today announced that, through a separate wholly-owned subsidiary, it has agreed to extend the present time charter contract with Nidera S.P.A., Roma, for one of its Panamax dry bulk vessels, the m/v Melia, for a period of about eleven (11) months to about thirteen (13) months. The gross charter rate is US$9,500 per day, minus a 5% commission paid to third parties. The new charter period is expected to commence on March 18, 2017.



The Melia is a 76,225 dwt Panamax dry bulk vessel built in 2005.

The employment extension of Melia is anticipated to generate approximately US$2.99 million of gross revenue for the minimum scheduled period of the time charter.

Diana Shipping Inc.s fleet currently consists of 48 dry bulk vessels (4 Newcastlemax, 14 Capesize, 3 Post-Panamax, 4 Kamsarmax and 23 Panamax). As of today, the combined carrying capacity of the Companys fleet is approximately 5.7 million dwt with a weighted average age of 7.79 years. A table describing the current Diana Shipping Inc. fleet can be found on the Companys website, www.dianashippinginc.com. Information contained on the Companys website does not constitute a part of this press release.

About the Company

Diana Shipping Inc. is a global provider of shipping transportation services through its ownership of dry bulk vessels. The Companys vessels are employed primarily on medium to long-term time charters and transport a range of dry bulk cargoes, including such commodities as iron ore, coal, grain and other materials along worldwide shipping routes.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Matters discussed in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides safe harbor protections for forward-looking statements in order to encourage companies to provide prospective information about their business. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements, which are other than statements of historical facts.

The Company desires to take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and is including this cautionary statement in connection with this safe harbor legislation. The words believe, anticipate, intends, estimate, forecast, project, plan, potential, may, should, expect, pending and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements.

The forward-looking statements in this press release are based upon various assumptions, many of which are based, in turn, upon further assumptions, including without limitation, our managements examination of historical operating trends, data contained in our records and other data available from third parties. Although we believe that these assumptions were reasonable when made, because these assumptions are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies which are difficult or impossible to predict and are beyond our control, we cannot assure you that we will achieve or accomplish these expectations, beliefs or projections.

In addition to these important factors, other important factors that, in our view, could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements include the strength of world economies and currencies, general market conditions, including fluctuations in charter rates and vessel values, changes in demand for dry bulk shipping capacity, changes in our operating expenses, including bunker prices, drydocking and insurance costs, the market for our vessels, availability of financing and refinancing, changes in governmental rules and regulations or actions taken by regulatory authorities, potential liability from pending or future litigation, general domestic and international political conditions, potential disruption of shipping routes due to accidents or political events, vessel breakdowns and instances of off-hires and other factors. Please see our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission for a more complete discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties.
SMITHFIELD, Va., March 16, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Smithfield is helping busy families across the country answer the age-old question Whats for dinner? with the launch of SmithfieldRealFlavorRealFast.com  a time-saving tip contest, sweepstakes, and ultimate destination for quick and easy recipe inspiration. At-home cooks can submit their favorite tips on how to get dinner on the table in 30 minutes or less using Smithfield Marinated Fresh Pork, and fans can vote on their favorite tips. In addition to the contest, consumers can visit the recipe inspiration center for Marinated Fresh Pork meals perfect for any night, as well as wine pairings to complete their favorite Smithfield dishes.



The ultimate grand prize winner will receive a three-day/two-night Wine Country experience for two to Napa Valley, Calif. including roundtrip airfare, premium hotel accommodations, VIP tours and tastings at two premium wineries, and more. Fans can also vote on their favorite tips and tricks to win a $25 Visa gift card or hundreds of other great sweepstakes prizes.

We know that families are looking for quick and easy meal solutions that deliver fresh, great-tasting flavor, said Emily Detwiler, director of fresh pork marketing for Smithfield Foods. With our collection of Marinated Fresh Pork cuts, the prep work is done for you so you can enjoy a wholesome, delicious meal any night of the week. Were excited to see what other time-saving tips our fans come up with to reinvent their typical weeknight meals in a matter of minutes.

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In 150 words or less, submit your tip on how you get dinner ready in 30 minutes or less using Smithfield Marinated Fresh Pork on SmithfieldRealFlavorRealFast.com during each of the three contest windows:

Spring Warm Up

- Entry Period: March 16 - April 30

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- Entry Period: September 1 - October 31

- Voting Period: November 1 - November 24

For official contest rules and for 30 minutes or less recipe inspiration, visit SmithfieldRealFlavorRealFast.com.

About Smithfield

A leading provider of high-quality pork products, Smithfield was founded in 1936 in Smithfield, Virginia, establishing the town as the Ham Capital of the World. From hand-trimmed bacon and slow-smoked holiday hams to marinated tenderloins, Smithfield brings artistry, authenticity and a commitment to heritage, flavor, and handcrafted excellence to everything it produces. With a vast product portfolio including smoked meats, hams, bacon, sausage, ribs, and a wide variety of fresh pork cuts, the company services retail, foodservice, and deli channels across the United States and 30 countries abroad. All of Smithfields products meet the highest quality and safety standards in the industry. To learn more about how Flavor Hails from Smithfield, please visit www.Smithfield.com, www.Twitter.com/SmithfieldBrand, and www.Facebook.com/CookingWithSmithfield. Smithfield is a brand of Smithfield Foods.

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A Chinese company is building a dam on land previously owned by 880 families in Rotanak Mondol district in northwestern Cambodia's Battambang province, Sept. 17, 2015.

Cambodian environmental experts have expressed concern that the countrys various hydropower dams will harm the livelihoods of people who live in the Lower Mekong Basin, especially since the government is permitting investment projects to be built along the country's rivers despite expected negative impacts.

Experts attending an international conference on environmental change, agricultural sustainability, and economic development in the Lower Mekong Basin in Phnom Penh on March 16-18, said the dam construction will damage Lake Tonle Sap and the Sesan, Sekong, and Sre Pork rivers and their environs, which are home to endangered species and protected forests.

The rivers also provide a source of income for many rural people who make a living from them, they said.

Seak Sophath, head of the Department of Natural Resources Management at the Royal University of Phnom Penh, believes that policymakers and local authorities should conduct thorough studies on the impacts of the dam development projects and create strategic plans to deal with their consequences in order to mitigate risks to the rivers and to the lives of people who depend on them.

One should take into account the other objectives of the dam construction, he said. Should they be built just to generate electricity or should they be built to hold water for agricultural purposes and retain water for human consumption during a dry season?

A clear strategic plan about each dam contract would need to be thoroughly considered, he said.

The Ministry of Mines and Energy recently said the government will allow hydropower dam investment projects to be built along Cambodias rivers even if they have negative impacts on people and the environment.

Experts are also concerned that climate change, and in particular the construction of dams along the Mekong River, pose threats to the regular flow of water to lower-lying rivers.

Land concessions, mine exploration, and illegal logging are also having a negative impact on the rivers, they said.

In 2003, the government identified 60 potential sites for dam construction projects across Cambodia, most of which were on the Mekong River and its tributaries.

Two years later the government approved the first major hydropower projectKamchay Dambuilt by Chinas Sinohydro Corporation, the countrys largest dam builder.

The dam, which became fully operational in December 2011, flooded 2,000 hectares of Bokor National Park in southern Cambodias Kampot province, home to several endangered species and an important resource for local communities.

Since then, the Chinese have developed scores of other dams along the Mekong River and its tributaries in Cambodia and other Southeast Asian nations, prompting backlashes from environmental activists and residents alike.

In 2016, the government allowed the Royal Group Company to conduct a feasibility study for the construction projects of three dams in along the lower Sekong River in northeastern Cambodias Stung Treng province.

Reported by Sel San for RFAs Khmer Service. Translated by Nareth Muong. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin.
The president of an influential human rights group in Cambodia called on the countrys minister of justice to resign Wednesday for turning a blind eye to what he said was the arbitrary detention of his staff members, held amid an investigation into an alleged political sex scandal.



Thun Saray, the head of Adhoc, told RFAs Khmer Service that bribery charges brought against Yi Soksan, Lem Mony, Ny Sokha and Nay Vanda were entirely unjustified and slammed Cambodias top justice official for allowing them to remain imprisoned.



I challenge Minister of Justice Ang Vong Vathana, who is highly educated, to step down for turning a blind eye to the arbitrary detention of my staff, who are innocent, he said during a call-in show.



If I were him I would resign. Its very sad that there is a lack of conscience in Khmer people like him who blindly follow orders just to keep their posts. They should be ashamed of their acts.



On Monday, Cambodias Supreme Court upheld a decision that extended pre-trial detention for the Adhoc officials, saying they pose a threat to stability and could flee if they are released. The four have been held since May while an investigating judge continues to examine their case.



The bribery charges against them, which carry a maximum 10-year prison sentence, stem from traveling expenses Adhoc provided a hairdresser when she sought the groups help after being named as opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) president Kem Sokhas mistress.



The opposition has dismissed the investigation in Kem Sokhas alleged affair and the several cases connected to it as politically motivated.



On Wednesday, Thun Saray, who has been in Canada since October and failed to attend a Phnom Penh Municipal Court hearing that month on the case involving his staff members, said Cambodia should heed the concerns of the international community over the continued detention of the four Adhoc officials.



International human rights bodies have voiced their concerns over this injustice, he said, referring to calls from Wan-Hea Lee, the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) representative in Cambodia, and others for their release.



The government shouldnt treat that as interference into the internal affairs of Cambodia. This country is bound by several international treaties. The human right workers have done nothing wrong to warrant such arrest and detention.



Thun Saray also questioned why Prime Minister Hun Sens government had targeted groups like his, which work to benefit the people and protect their human rights.



We educate people on their rights and freedom, and we should be appreciated for this, he said.



Instead, we have been treated badly and accused of inciting people.



In addition to the four Adhoc officials, a fifth alleged accompliceformer Adhoc official and current elections official Ny Chakryais also being detained while an investigation continues. The Supreme Court is expected to rule on Ny Chakryas extended pre-trial detention on March 24.



Culture of dialogue



Thun Sarays call for Ang Vong Vathanas resignation came a day after the Adhoc chief posted a video online calling for the ruling Cambodia Peoples Party (CPP) to reduce political tension with the CNRP and return to a culture of dialogue with the opposition.



He also urged the government to release all political prisoners and create a favorable environment for free and fair commune elections, scheduled for June 4 this year.



As a non-partisan individual, I have seen political tension ratchet up and this raises general concerns over the uncertainty of Cambodias future, he said.



If the ruling party continues to restrict freedom of expression and suppress opposition parties, Cambodia will stray much further from the democratic path. This will lead to people losing faith in the electoral process and eventually violent competition for power will be inevitable.



Thun Saray said the CPP cannot rely on the tactics it employed to win previous elections and must change its approach to politics.



Cambodian voters are like people who are watching a moviethey dont like bad characters, he said.



They sympathize with gentle characters or victims of persecution. The ruling party might win back its support if it plays good characters.



CNRP officials have warned that the CPP seeks to prevent the opposition from standing in the June elections through a variety of different measures, including a new law governing political parties and what they say are politically motivated charges against CNRP members.



The CPP won more than 70 percent of the vote and secured 1,592 of 1,633 communes in Cambodias 2012 local elections, held before the CNRP was formed. The opposition party won nearly half of the vote in the general election the following year.Observers say the CNRP could give the CPP, which has ruled Cambodia for more than 35 years, a run for its money in the June pollsa race that many believe may foreshadow the general election in 2018.



Reported by Sarada Taing for RFAs Khmer Service. Translated by Nareth Muong. Written in English by Joshua Lipes.
Relatives of the disappeared wife of a prominent Chinese democracy activist have filed a lawsuit in the central city of Zhengzhou in a bid to force the government to reveal what happened to her.



Zhao Suli was initially detained in 2015 alongside her husband and veteran activist Qin Yongmin, co-founder of the short-lived, banned opposition China Democracy Party (CDP).



While both were initially held in an undisclosed location, Qin was eventually tracked down to a detention center, while Zhao has remained missing ever since.



Zhao's relatives have mounted a campaign to find her, culminating in an appeal on an administrative lawsuit heard by the Zhengzhou Intermediate People's Court on , the family told RFA.



Chongqing rights activist Xie Dan, who has been acted as a legal adviser to Zhao's family, said the hearing lasted two hours, and the court adjourned with no decision being reached.



"Zhao Suli disappeared after being deprived of her liberty in [the central city of] Wuhan," Xie told RFA. "But we lost the first lawsuit."



"The Wuhan authorities did everything they could to pass the buck, claiming that they hadn't detained Zhao Suli," Xie said. "So the family decided to file a lawsuit in the town of her birth, in the hoping of finding out what happened to her."



Xie said there is little cause for optimism that the appeal will be successful, but that the family will continue to use legal means to kick up a fuss about Zhao's disappearance "until they get a clear answer."



Sisters Zhao is dead

Zhao's sisters have previously told RFA they fear that she may be dead.



"The most obvious excuse they could come up with would be that Zhao Suli didn't go missing in her hometown, so this isn't the right jurisdiction for the case," Xie said.



Wuhan resident Li Yong, who has helped with efforts to track Zhao down, said the search has lasted nearly two years to date.



"It's very strange that so much time should have passed without the relatives of a dissident finding out where they are," Li said. "But all sorts of weird things can happen in China that you couldn't imagine."



He said the family is now waiting for Qin's trial, expected in the coming weeks.



"Who knows, maybe Zhao Suli will reappear after the trial," Li said.



Qin's lawyer Ma Lianshun said he had visited his client at the Wuhan No. 2 Detention Center, where he awaits trial on charges of "incitement to subvert state power."



House arrest?

Qin was also intially held incommunicado, and wasn't tracked down by lawyers until last June.



"I met with Qin Yongmin the day before ," Ma told RFA. "Every time I go, he asks me about Zhao Suli, but we had no news to tell him."



"Qin Yongmin thinks that she is probably still alive, and is being held under [unofficial] house arrest by police," he said. "He thinks the authorities are afraid that she will become a channel of information to the outside world about Qin."



A contemporary of exiled dissident Wei Jingsheng, Qin was sentenced to eight years in prison for "counterrevolutionary propaganda and subversion" in the wake of China's Democracy Wall movement in 1981.



He served a further two years' "re-education through labor" in 1993 after he penned a controversial document titled the "Peace Charter."



Qin then served a 12-year jail term for subversion after he helped found the CDP in 1998 in spite of a ban on opposition political parties.



"Subversion of state power" carries a minimum jail term of 10 years in cases where the person is judged to have played a leading role. Jailed Nobel peace laureate Liu Xiaobo is currently serving a 13-year sentence for "incitement to subvert state power."



Reported by Ding Wenqi for RFA's Mandarin Service, and by Hai Nan for the Cantonese Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.


More than a year after a police raid ended months of daily demonstrations, the rebel Chinese village of Wukan is under a security cordon six or seven levels deep, with residents under constant surveillance from security cameras, an activist told RFA on .



The village in southern China's Guangdong province has been largely incommunicado since hundreds of armed police in full riot gear raided the village on Sept. 13, firing rubber bullets and tear gas into crowds of protesters who fought back with bricks from behind makeshift barricades.



"There are six or seven layers of security surrounding Wukan before you get to the center of the village," Chen Yongzong, a farmer-turned-rights activist from the southern region of Guangxi, told RFA on following an incognito visit to check up on the relatives of an activist in exile.



"But security cameras all have blind-spots. There were cameras all around the tombs [outside the village] but I got in via the tombs at night," Chen said.



Chen said it had been difficult to avoid appearing on security cameras once inside the main village, however.



"All I could do was not carry a big backpack, so they couldn't tell I wasn't a local resident, or where I was from," he said.



Chen, who hails from Guangxi's Liuzhou city, said the atmosphere is still "extremely tense" on the streets of Wukan.



"It is extremely tense, and there were so many security cameras when I went there," he said. "I have never seen cameras so densely packed before."



"They had them on all of the main paved roads in the village, so it is impossible to avoid appearing on them," Chen said. "The local residents there are very wary, and very few people spoke to me."



"They were really terrified, that was the impression I got," he said. "If you spoke to them, they'd just say they didn't know."



Missing activists sought

Chen said he made the trip in spite of the fear of being detained to try to find out what happened to two fellow activists from Guangxi, Yang Jishuang and Huang Huimin, who have been incommunicado since they traveled to Wukan to support the protests.



"They were detained and beaten up after they got here, and now they are incommunicado," Chen said. "I am very worried about them, so I came here to investigate."



While he was in Wukan, Chen also paid a call on the relatives of Zhuang Liehong, a former land rights activist from Wukan who fled to the U.S. in the wake of earlier protests and clashes in 2011.



"There were two or three [security cameras] installed to the left of Zhuang Liehong's family home, and one on the right," said Chen, who paid a visit to Zhuang's elderly mother.



"I bowed once I had gotten inside the door, and explained who I was, that I was sent by Zhuang Liehong to visit them," he said. "She was pretty shocked; I think she was scared. I could see it in her eyes."



He said the family had asked him to leave, apparently for fear of reprisals from the authorities.



"Zhuang Liehong's brother was there too, and he said to me, 'leave, please leave,'" Chen said. "They were terrified. I think they were afraid I might be a plainclothes cop trying to entrap them."



"They didn't believe me until I played them a recording that Zhuang Liehong had given me," he said. "Then their attitude changed completely, and they became warm and friendly, and treated me very kindly."



Zhuang, who has continued to campaign on behalf of his hometown while in the U.S., said Chen was the first person to make it past the tight security and visit his family.



"[Activists] I've been in contact with before said they were taken to the police station for questioning, and part of the inquiry was about whether or not they were in direct contact with me," Zhuang told RFA.



"I am the only person from Wukan who is able to speak out, so the authorities are extremely focused on me," he said.

Police hound family of exiled activist



He said local officials typically visit his family home to check up on them several times a day.



"They are afraid that the outside world will find out what is going on in Wukan," Zhuang said.



Authorities in Guangdong in January sent nine Wukan residents to prison to begin serving sentences ranging from two to 10 years for their involvement in resistance to the armed police raid, without giving them a chance to appeal.



The nine were sentenced by the Haifeng County People's Court on Dec. 26 for their part in resisting a raid that put an end to months of daily mass protest in Wukan following the loss of village land and the jailing of its former leader Lin Zuluan.



They were found guilty of charges that included "unlawful assembly," "disrupting public order," "disrupting traffic," "obstructing official business," and "intentionally spreading false information."



Wukan villagers have been campaigning for the return of land sold out from under them by former village chief Xue Chang, who was fired for corruption after an earlier round of protests and clashes in 2011, sparking fresh elections that saw Lin Zuluan take the helm.



But even Lin and his newly-elected village committee found it hard to secure the return of the land amid powerful vested interests, political changes higher up, and a tangle of complex legal issues.



September's raid by police on Wukan came after a court in Guangdong's Foshan city sentenced Lin to more than three years' imprisonment on "bribery" charges that local residents said were trumped up.



Reported by Wong Lok-to for RFA's Cantonese Service, and by Qiao Long for the Mandarin Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.
Interpol has put out red notices for four North Koreans wanted in connection with last months assassination of the half-brother of North Koreas leader in the Kuala Lumpur area, Malaysias police chief said Thursday.

Malaysian authorities had asked the international police organization to help them catch the four men who are believed to have fled Malaysia on the day Kim Jong Nam was killed in a chemical attack at a local airport, Police Inspector-General Khalid Abu Bakar said.

We have obtained the red notice for the four North Korean men who were at the airport during the incident, Khalid told journalists in Putrajaya.

We believe they have since left for Pyongyang. We are hoping to get them through Interpol, he added.

A red notice is a request among Interpols member states to locate and provisionally arrest a person, pending their extradition. However, North Korea is not a member of the organization.

Interpol, based in Lyon, France, has posted red notices on its website for the four North Koreans, listing each as being wanted by Malaysian authorities for prosecution on murder charges, but without giving much more information. It identified the four as Ji Hyon Ri and Song Hak Hong, both 32; Jong Gil O, 54; and Jae Nam Ri, 56.

The four were filmed by a closed-circuit TV camera as they observed the assassination unfold at Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 on Feb. 13, when two Southeast Asian women accosted Kim Jong Nam in the departures lounge and smeared a deadly nerve agent on his face, according to Malaysian police.

The suspected female assassins have been arrested and charged with Kims murder. In addition to the four men listed by Interpol, Malaysian police have identified three other North Koreans as suspects in the case, and who are believed to be hiding out in Pyongyangs embassy in Kuala Lumpur.

Malaysias prime minister has openly accused North Korea of being behind the assassination. Officials in South Korea and the United States have also blamed government agents from Pyongyang for orchestrating the murder, in which Kim was killed with a banned chemical classified by the U.N. as a weapon of mass destruction.

They have given consent

The killing has led to a bilateral row between Pyongyang and Malaysia over Kuala Lumpurs initial refusal to hand over Kims body to North Korea without a post-mortem, and unless his next-of-kin came forward to give DNA and claim the body.

On Thursday, Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi disclosed that officials had travelled to another country to obtain DNA samples used to positively identify the dead man as Kim Jong Nam, and that these were collected from his 21-year-old son, Kim Han Sol.

From the son, who is out of the country, Zahid said, declining to name the country. I would like to confirm that the DNA has been taken and brought to Malaysia and it is indeed Kim Jong Nam.

Meanwhile, Malaysias deputy police chief indicated Thursday that Kims family had given its approval to Malaysian authorities to decide what to do with his embalmed remains, but the official did not make it clear whether the family wanted to take possession of the body.

They have given consent to the government on what to do with the body. It is up to discussion and negotiation. We cannot just simply make a decision. You have to wait, Deputy Police Inspector-General Noor Rashid Ibrahim told reporters.

When negotiations are completed and both agree to term we will announce it, he said, referring to bilateral efforts under way to resolve the diplomatic dispute, which has seen both countries expel their respective envoys and impose exit bans on each others citizens.

On Wednesday, Zahid, the deputy PM, said Malaysia was looking at all possibilities, including handing over Kims body to North Korea in exchange for nine Malaysian citizens trapped in Pyongyang because of the exit ban.

Reported by BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated online news service.
As the Donald Trump administration reviews its North Korea policy, all eyes are on whether it can come up with a new and different approach to resolve the nuclear problem. In what appears to be a signal to shift the Trump teams North Korea policy to a more hardline stance, U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson spoke during his visit to Japan on March 16 of a different approach to dealing with North Korea, saying 20 years of diplomacy had failed to persuade the North to give up its nuclear program. Changsop Pyon of RFAs Korean Service interviewed Dr. Siegfried S. Hecker, a noted nuclear scientist at Stanford University who visited North Korea several times from 2004 to 2010.

RFA: It looks like the Trump administration is nearing its North Korea policy review amid growing speculation that it will offer an approach different from the past administrations. During his visit to Japan on March 16, Secretary of State Tillerson mentioned the necessity of taking a different approach on North Korea. In your recent op-ed piece in The New York Times, you argued that direct talks with North Korea is the best option for the Trump administration. Why do you believe so?

Hecker: Well, I still believe that talking directly, someone from the Trump administration to North Korea, is essential today. However, what I mean by talking is talk to the regime to make sure that we do not have a nuclear catastrophe. The main reason for talking is to eliminate a potential nuclear confrontation. The issue of whether or not North Korea should have nuclear weapons or will ever give up nuclear weapons has to be a much longer-term issue. The immediate issue, I believe, is that we have a nuclear crisis on our hands now, and we must talk in order to make sure that such a confrontation does not happen. So, thats the reason for talking.

RFA: In other words, direct talks are essential to avoid any misunderstanding or miscalculation on the part of North Korea?

Hecker: Precisely. The reason for direct talking is to make sure there should be no such misunderstanding, potential accidents, or potential escalations to the nuclear arena. Making sure that does not happen, that is the reason for talking now.

RFA: Does it mean that you should build mutual trust first by talking, and then move on to negotiations on denuclearization?

Hecker: Yes. What I recommend is not only talking but also listening. I think its important for the new administration to listen to what the Kim Jong Un regime has to say. By listening we could learn enough to understand how to forge better negotiations, or the long term issue of getting rid of nuclear weapons.

RFA: Regarding the now-suspended nuclear talks, many people blame the North for having broken its nuclear agreements with the U.S., or cheating repeatedly. In other words, the matter of trust in North Korea is an issue here. What is your take?

Hecker: Well, we dont have a relationship that provides the underpinning or foundation for trust: trust by America about North Korea or trust by North Korea about the United States. When it comes to negotiations, an agreement could be signed pretty quickly but trust can take years and years to develop. So, as you look back, North Korea has indeed violated many of the agreements that they signed. In some cases, we can say that it was to develop a hedge in case the United States dropped out of the agreement. For example, in the Agreed Framework signed in 1994, the United States did not follow its end as quickly and as fully as it promised to do. North Koreans developed a hedge. They cheated by developing an enriched uranium program. Over the years, the Agreed Framework may have been able to build trust by building two modern light water reactors there. But the Bush administration did not trust North Korea and killed the agreement. Now, 15 years later, there is still no trust. It would have to be developed. I think this would take at least a decade.

RFA: In that respect, trust is something not only North Korea but the United States should care about, right?

Hecker: That should be one of the main objectives of whatever next round of negotiations are.

RFA: In your article, you suggested direct talks between the U.S. and North Korea instead of a multilateral talks like the 6-party talks. In the past, the U.S. tried many times talking directly with the North in Geneva or other places, but failed. Why now?

Hecker: The Geneva talks in 1994 were successful. They led to the Agreed Framework. The main reason that I proposed direct talks between the U.S. and North Korea now is, as I mentioned in the beginning, to avoid a nuclear catastrophe. We have to better understand what North Koreas nuclear intentions are. What do they expect to get from their nuclear weapons, what are their nuclear policies, what do they have in place to avoid nuclear accidents, what do they have in place to make certain their nuclear weapons are safe and secure? Those kinds of discussions cannot be held in a multilateral forum. The only country that has the opportunity to have those kind of talks with North Korea is the United States. So, talk to avoid a nuclear catastrophe should be bilateral. Eventually negotiations have to include South Korea, they have to include China, and the six-party talks members Japan and Russia should be involved. So, negotiations will have to be a multilateral affair. However, to get to the point of meaningful negotiations, to avoid nuclear catastrophe, there should be bilateral talks. The sooner, the better.

RFA: Can you specify what you mean by nuclear catastrophe?

Hecker: What Im concerned about is that in the past 10 years North Korea has developed, as best we know because nobody knows for sure, a really threatening nuclear arsenal, perhaps having enough nuclear material of 20-25 nuclear weapons. They continue to try and make those weapons more sophisticated and to be able to mount them on missiles. So, with that level of nuclear firepower, the reason that I worry about nuclear catastrophe is that one could have an accident, there is concern about security and safety of their nuclear weapons, there could be miscalculation on the part of the regime, there could be confrontation and escalation of military activities that could lead to nuclear use. Any use of nuclear devices of any sort on the Korean peninsula is what I call nuclear catastrophe. Today the most important part is to avoid the use or detonation of nuclear device on the Korean peninsula. That has to be the first objective of the Trump administration.

RFA: If the direct talks with the North go well, you said Trump should send a presidential envoy to Pyongyang. Dont you think Trump must get North Koreas commitment to denuclearization first before he sends an envoy?

Hecker: That approach misunderstands what my concerns are. My most immediate concerns are to avoid the use of nuclear weapons. The issue of denuclearization comes down the road. In other words, its a longer-term issue. The concerns I have about the use of nuclear weapons are so great that they require talks now without preconditions. Any future negotiations, of course, must be aimed at eventual denuclearization of North Korea. However, in my opinion, thats much of a long-term issue. It will not happen over the next few years. I am not talking about negotiations now. Im talking about talking, talking to avoid a nuclear catastrophe.

RFA: How can the U.S. presidential envoy bring up this topic?

Hecker: I am saying at this point a presidential envoy should bring up the topic in a quiet, informal setting, but it has to have the imprimatur of the Trump administration.

RFA: In your view, every six to seven weeks, the North may be able to add another nuclear weapon to its arsenal. Is the nuclear bomb based on plutonium only, or does it include uranium-based bomb, too?

Hecker: My estimate is not based on plutonium alone. Its based on both plutonium and highly enriched uranium. North Korea cannot produce more than one bombs worth of plutonium per year. With highly enriched uranium we have great uncertainties. We simply do not know enough about its highly enriched uranium program. My best estimates are perhaps as many as six nuclear weapons out of highly enriched uranium per year. So, its possible that North Korea could make six-eight nuclear weapons per year. But let me stress the fact again thats my best estimate, and we dont know for certain. Its important to realize that the nuclear crisis is here now. We dont need to wait until North Korea can reach the mainland U.S. with a nuclear-tipped missile.

RFA: So, how many nuclear weapons do you think the North has at this point?

Hecker: Again, all we can do is estimate, and my own estimate is North Korea may have enough plutonium and highly enriched uranium for perhaps 20-25 nuclear weapons as of the end of 2016.

RFA: Some experts believe freeze on North Koreas nuclear capabilities, not denuclearization, is the best realistic option at this point to break the long stalled nuclear talks. What do you think?

Hecker: Ive been promoting for the last eight years or so that we proceed in the following manner: First, halt the program, then roll it back, and then eventually eliminate it. To me, freeze is the same as halt. So, the most important part is to stop the problem from getting worse. However, there are many aspects to what we call halt or freeze. I stated it in the following manner - I call it Three Nos. We would like North Korea to make no more bombs (that means, no more plutonium or highly enriched uranium), no better bombs (no more nuclear tests or long-range missile test), and no export of bombs or nuclear material. So, that would be the essence of a freeze or halt.)

RFA: I see many North Korea experts agree with your proposal as a realistic option to break the current bottleneck in the nuclear talks. Did you get any reaction from the U.S. government?

Hecker: Well, I wish the American government had supported that eight years ago, because then wed be in a much better position today. Unfortunately, for a number of reasons we didnt get there, and now we have to deal with the way things are. Now, the Trump administration comes in, and its challenge is to avoid a nuclear detonation on the Korean peninsula. Thats the challenge, and because of that, its a completely different challenge than the Obama administration or the Bush administration faced, and the Trump administration must address that challenge differently.

RFA: If thats the case, what is your advice to the Trump administration?

Hecker: At this point, talk to the North Koreans to prevent any sort of potential nuclear catastrophe, and then try to listen to the North Koreans. And make sure they understand our strong commitment to our allies, South Korea and Japan, and that we care about human rights in North Korea, and we are committed to the eventual denuclearization of North Korea. Finally, it will be to North Koreas advantage to get back to serious negotiations to eventually denuclearize the Korean peninsula. Thats my advice.
A local militia in the northern Myanmar town of Waingmaw has started clearing out refugees who have been staying on its land since 2012 when they were displaced by hostilities between ethnic rebels and the government army, villagers and a lawmaker from Kachin state said Thursday.

The militia asked half of the 70 households on its land to move elsewhere because it needs the acreage for planting crops, the villagers said.

Soldiers then used bulldozers to destroy houses and other buildings used by the refugees, they said, prompting them to seek help from a state lawmaker.

People came to me and asked me to help them, said parliamentarian Zakhaung Kham Yal. I wrote a letter about their situation and sent it to the state government. I also sent copies to the states security and border affairs minister and the chairman of the state parliament.

Some members of the militia told RFA that Colonel Myo Tin, Kachin states minister of security and border affairs, will visit the area.

More than 200 internally displaced persons comprising the 70 households have been living in Waingmaw since 2012.

The local militia led by Colonel Lasan Aung War, former intelligence chief of the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO), broke with the KIO and its armed wing the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) in 2004 when an attempted coup forced his expulsion.

His armed faction settled in the Gwayhtu region of Waingmaw township after the group signed a cease-fire agreement with the government.

The KIA, which controls large swathes of northeastern Kachin state, has regularly engaged in hostilities with the Myanmar army since a cease-fire deal collapsed in 2011.

Last November, the KIA teamed up with three other ethnic armed groupsthe Arakan Army (AA), the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), and the Taang National Liberation Army (TNLA)to form the Northern Alliance.

The alliance then launched coordinated attacks on 10 government and military targets in three townships in neighboring Shan state and along the105-mile border trade zone between Myanmar and China in retaliation for government army offensives against its soldiers.



An End to Forced Tolls

Meanwhile, soldiers from another militia in Muse township of Myanmars volatile northern Shan state has stopped seeking tolls from and confiscating the cell phones of drivers along Muse Road since Tuesday, a district administrator said.

They had damaged the wheels of trucks traveling along a major thoroughfare that heavy vehicles transporting goods for trade use to enter southwestern China, Muse district administrator Kyaw Kyaw Tun told RFA.

They didnt do anything to drivers, but took their money and phones, he said, blaming Northern Alliance soldiers for harassing and stealing from truck drivers.

A spokesman for the Northern Alliance denied that soldiers from the organization were involved, and pointed a finger at government army troops instead.

We sometimes stop buses and trucks for passengers security, but we never ask for money, said Colonel Ta Aik Kyaw of the TNLA. Government army soldiers have sometimes dressed in our [TNLA] uniforms and asked [motorists] for money.

Kachin and Shan states are hotbeds of illegal drug and smuggling activities where ethnic rebels have engaged in periodic hostilities with the Myanmar army during the last few years.

Reported by Kyaw Myo Min, Thet Su Aung, and Wai Mar Tun for RFAs Myanmar Service. Translated by Khet Mar. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin.
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U.S.-backed Iraqi forces said they have driven Islamic State militants from more than half of western Mosul. As they closed in on Mosul's Old City, Iraqi soldiers battled IS fighters still clinging to positions inside liberated neighborhoods. (RFE/RL's Radio Farda)
Less than two weeks ahead of the Serbian presidential election, polls show a solid lead for Aleksandar Vucic over the rest of the field.

Such numbers suggest that if there are no major surprises between now and election day, Vucic's transition from prime minister to president may well be a smooth one.

And Serbia's presidency may never be the same again.

"If the leader of the largest party, which has formed a government while enjoying a parliamentary majority, is elected president, the government will answer to him personally and not to parliament, even if that is not currently the case," Vladimir Gligorov, a professor at the Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies, warned in a recent post to independent portal Pescanik.

Gligorov hinted that such a development could ultimately spell "the end of parliamentary democracy" in Serbia, although he dialed that back by adding that such a move would require "a change to the [2006] constitution, or a change of government."

By his reckoning, Serbs are set not only to choose a new president but also to decide on a switch to a presidential system of government.

Skeptics would be right to point out that such substantial changes are a long shot. Until now, the power of the Serbian presidency has been largely symbolic. But Vucic also has a uniquely strong personal hold on power.

Belgrade-based pollster Faktor Plus went so far as to suggest Vucic could win an outright majority on April 2 and thus avoid a second round of voting. The same poll -- conducted in early March among 1,200 respondents -- suggested that around half of eligible voters would turn out for the election.

Despite facing 10 rivals, Vucic is said to be determined to win the presidency in the first round.

"[Vucic] would consider having to face a second round of voting as an unprecedented public humiliation for a supreme leader of his ilk," Zarko Korac, an independent Serbian parliamentarian, told the Montenegrin newspaper Pobjeda.

"The greatest paradox of contemporary Serbian politics is that Vucic...is the only pro-European leader on the scene, while at the same time, to make the paradox even greater, he disseminates distinctly pro-Russian propaganda through his tabloids," Korac said in a reference to newspapers that some believe are kindly disposed toward the prime minister and his Serbian Progressive Party.

It is indeed an irony of Serbian politics that support for membership in the European Union has slipped to its current lows under a man whom many regard as among Serbia's most "pro-EU" leaders. Serbian support for EU accession peaked in 2003, at just over 70 percent, or twice the current figure of 35 percent.

The Faktor Plus poll, published on March 12, put support for opposition candidate and former National Ombudsman Sasa Jankovic at around 14.5 percent, placing him second in the presidential race. Jankovic's campaign has thus far avoided heated rhetoric or unequivocal stances, particularly on some of the hot-button issues of the Serbian political landscape.

"A presidential candidate who admits that genocide was committed in Srebrenica, or that Kosovo should be independent, cannot hope for more than 10 percent of the vote in Serbia," Korac said.

Vuk Jeremic, a former Serbian foreign minister who is running as an independent, was in third place with 11.1 percent.

The candidate in fourth position according to Faktor Plus was Vojislav Seselj, a man suspected of war crimes who spent 11 years in detention in the International War Crimes Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) in The Hague. Seselj was acquitted a year ago, although his acquittal is under appeal by MICT, a United Nations Security Council agency that has taken over some of the functions of the ICTY.

Despite the cloud hanging over him, Seselj returned to lead the Serbian Radical Party in 2016 to win 23 seats in parliament. Seselj's campaign appears to be banking on Russia once again asserting its influence in the Balkans and no one standing in its way. He offers a closer alliance with the Russian Federation as an alternative to EU membership.

Vucic is the undisputed front-runner, and an expected meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the eve of the election could improve his chances. He might receive a further boost -- in a country with bitter memories of NATO bombardment in 1999 -- with the delivery of Russian MiG-29 warplanes, as now appears likely. The warplanes are routinely referred to as a "gift" in Serbian media, although the refurbishment of the fighter jets could cost upward of 185 million euros.

"Elections are not fun and games," Vucic said recently in reference to the presidential candidature of a 25-year-old communications student named Luka Maksimovic, who campaigns under the comical name Ljubisa Preletacevic-Beli, evoking the contradictory notions of a party chameleon and the purity of white. (Ljubisa's movement can be translated as "You Haven't Tried The Stuffed Cabbage," a reference to a stereotypical dish.)

"For [fun and games], you can play chess or go dancing at a club," Vucic added. "You don't have to vote for me; [go ahead and] vote for others. But [keep in mind] that elections are not a game."

The views expressed in this blog post do not necessarily reflect the views of RFE/RL.
MOSCOW, March 16, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mechel PAO (MICEX:MTLR) (NYSE:MTL), one of the leading Russian mining and metals companies, reports that Chelyabinsk Metallurgical Plants universal rolling mill won the Best Import Substitution Project nomination at the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (RSPP) contest.



The winners of the Russian Business Leaders: Dynamics and Responsibility 2016 contest were awarded as part of RSPPs Russian Business Week.

Mechel presented at the contest its Chelyabinsk Metallurgical Plants universal rolling mill, a unique project for Russian steelmaking. It is the first such industrial complex to be built in Russia. Investment in the project, including its steelmaking and rolling facilities, totaled over 900 million US dollars.

The mills products are primarily aimed at the domestic market and implementation of the federal import substitution program. The universal rolling mill produces rails up to 100 meters in length and structural shapes. The mills annual capacity is 1.1 million tonnes of steel products. The mill uses international state-of-the-art technologies for rolling, tempering, correction, processing and quality control. The rails are tempered in organic polymer, which is a unique technology for Russia and lends the products high durability, wear resistance and endurance limit.

The universal rolling mills capacity enables it to fully meet Russian Railways needs for rails that are up to the highest international standards and rules out the need to acquire foreign-produced analogues. The mill also supplies Russian machine-building and construction industries with high-quality beams for competitive prices. In 2016 Mechel sold 304,000 tonnes of rails, including 270,000 tonnes shipped to Russian Railways, and Mechel plans to increase supplies to Russian Railways by 20-25% this year.

We are glad that our work won high expert approval from the professional community. This award is really hard earned. The work of Chelyabinsk Metallurgical Plants universal rolling mill is important not only to Mechel, but to Russian economy as a whole. The mills products reduce Russian Railways and the construction industrys dependence on volatile currency rates as they implement major investment programs, Mechel PAOs Chief Executive Officer Oleg Korzhov noted.

Mechel is an international mining and steel company. Its products are marketed in Europe, Asia, North and South America, Africa. Mechel unites producers of coal, iron ore concentrate, steel, rolled products, ferroalloys, heat and electric power. All of its enterprises work in a single production chain, from raw materials to high value-added products.

Some of the information in this press release may contain projections or other forward-looking statements regarding future events or the future financial performance of Mechel, as defined in the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We wish to caution you that these statements are only predictions and that actual events or results may differ materially. We do not intend to update these statements. We refer you to the documents Mechel files from time to time with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Form 20-F. These documents contain and identify important factors, including those contained in the section captioned Risk Factors and Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements in our Form 20-F, that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those contained in our projections or forward-looking statements, including, among others, the achievement of anticipated levels of profitability, growth, cost and synergy of our recent acquisitions, the impact of competitive pricing, the ability to obtain necessary regulatory approvals and licenses, the impact of developments in the Russian economic, political and legal environment, volatility in stock markets or in the price of our shares or ADRs, financial risk management and the impact of general business and global economic conditions.
Dozens of activists were fined or sent to jail for up to 15 days in Belarus on March 16, following protests in three cities the previous day.

The activists faced trials in Minsk, the western city of Hrodna, and the eastern city of Mahilyou one day after they were detained during the latest in a series of demonstrations against a tax on the unemployed.

More than 2,000 demonstrators marched through Minsk on March 15 to protest what President Alyaksandr Lukashenka describes as a tax on "social parasites," while protests in the other cities drew hundreds of people.



Recent protests against the tax have triggered a wave of arrests of opposition leaders and journalists, a crackdown criticized by the United States and the European Union.



Authorities have detained more than 150 people across Belarus since March 1, dozens of whom have been handed up to 15-day jail sentences.



The protests have continued despite Lukashenka's March 9 announcement that collection of the tax would be suspended until 2018.


The European Union's enlargement commissioner has urged Western Balkan leaders to fully embrace their European future and refrain from stoking regional tensions.

Johannes Hahn, the commissioner for European neighborhood policy and enlargement negotiations, addressed the prime ministers of Albania, Bosnia, Kosovo, Montenegro, Macedonia, and Serbia at the end of a one-day meeting in Sarajevo on March 16.

Hahn said the EU understands it's in its "hard-headed self-interest" to promote the troubled region's future within the 28-member bloc when there are "unprecedented levels of involvement from further east" -- an apparent reference to Russian meddling in the Balkans.

"We now have one of those windows of opportunity where either the region as a whole picks up momentum and we generate a genuinely positive narrative, or we end up in a really awkward spot, with a stream of bad news slamming the window firmly shut," Hahn told a news conference after the meeting.

Bosnian Prime Minister Denis Zvizdic said all the leaders who attended the meting were committed to EU integration and economical cooperation.

However, the countries are at different stages of efforts to join the bloc and recent domestic political clashes and tense relations between states in the region have posed obstacles to the process.

The EU said in a March 15 statement that Hahn would discuss "economic and political perspectives for the Western Balkans" with the leaders in preparation for a summit of some EU and Western Balkan nations in the Italian city of Trieste on July 12.

Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic said on March 15 that the region needed a clear message about joining the bloc, citing growing nationalism and pro-Russian sentiment in the region.

In Albania on March 14, Italian Foreign Minister Angelino Alfano urged the EU to strengthen its commitment to integrating Western Balkan countries to help counter rising nationalist tensions in the region.

"Balkan countries have a strategic importance not only for Italy, but for all Europe," he said.

With reporting by Reuters


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 the country's 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 agreed 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 Washington'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
The European Parliament is calling on Moscow to free more than 30 Ukrainian citizens who are in prison or other conditions of restricted freedom in Russia, Crimea, and parts of eastern Ukraine that are controlled by Russia-backed separatists.

In a resolution adopted on March 16, the parliament urged Russia to "release without further delay all illegally and arbitrarily detained Ukrainian citizens, both in Russia and in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, and to provide for their safe return."

It listed 30 people, including filmmaker Oleh Sentsov, who is serving a 20-year sentence in a Russian prison after being convicted of plotting terrorist attacks in a trial supporters called absurd, and reporter Roman Sushchenko, held on suspicion of espionage.

The list, which the parliamentary statement said was not complete, also included several leaders of the Crimean Tatar minority, which rights groups say has faced abuse and discrimination since Russia seized the peninsula from Ukraine in April 2014.

The nonbinding resolution called on Russia "to allow all the above-mentioned people to travel freely, including Mykola Semena, who is being prosecuted for his journalistic work for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty."

Semena, an RFE/RL contributor in Crimea, is scheduled to go on trial at a Russian-controlled court there on March 20 on separatism charges based on an article he wrote on his blog that was critical of Moscows seizure of the peninsula and expressed support for strengthening a blockade of the peninsula initiated by Ukrainian activists. The column was part of a wide-ranging discussion on RFE/RL's Krym.Realii (Crimea Realities) website about options for Crimea and was a response to an earlier column that opposed a blockade.

Semena is barred from leaving Crimea and must request permission to travel outside its capital, Simferopol. He could be sentenced to five years in prison if convicted.

The European Parliament resolution was adopted on the third anniversary of the referendum that Russia staged in Crimea as part of its operation to seize control of the Black Sea peninsula.

The referendum, which came after Moscow sent in troops without insignia to establish control over key facilities, has been dismissed as illegal by Ukraine, the United States, and a total of 100 countries in the UN.

EU lawmakers also called for more sanctions against Russian nationals "responsible for gross human rights violations, including the freezing of assets in EU banks."

Estonian lawmaker Tunne Kelam, speaking before the vote in Strasbourg, said the bloc needed to "strike with all force on secret bank accounts of those responsible and deny them entry into the EU."

The resolution also calls for "EU support for Ukrainian and Crimean Tatar media projects" and initiatives to protect Crimean Tatars cultural heritage.

Russia has been sharply criticized by international rights groups and Western governments for its treatment of Crimea's indigenous Turkic-speaking, mainly Muslim Crimean Tatar population.
As Macedonia finds itself mired in political crisis and ethnically charged finger-pointing, the appearance of mock warrants accusing lawmakers critical of the former government of treason has added fuel to the fire.

The posters, which were plastered around the capital, Skopje, on March 15 and shared on social media, erroneously suggest that the politicians in question are "wanted for treason."

All of those targeted by the flyers were elected to parliament in December on the party list of the Social Democratic Union (SDSM).

They are accused by the leaflets' authors of "accepting bilingualism, federalization, changing the banknotes, anthem, flag, coat of arms, police and military uniforms, as well as the name of the country."

The Social Democrats have proposed introducing legislation giving Albanian the status of a second official language in all areas where Albanians make up more than 20 percent of the population in the landlocked Balkan state of around 2 million people.

President Gjorge Ivanov has withheld a mandate to form a new government from Social Democratic leader Zoran Zaev despite the latter's successful negotiation of a coalition deal with three ethnic Albanian parties that would give them a parliamentary majority.

Thousands of people have taken to the streets to chant patriotic songs and inflammatory slogans -- including "Clean Macedonia!" -- and wave national flags in the two weeks since ex-Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski called on supporters to "mobilize" and "defend the country."

Protesters are calling for new elections despite Zaev's coalition-building efforts following the December 11 vote, claiming that a government comprising Social Democrats and ethnic Albanian parties threatens the interests of ethnic Macedonians.

The critics suggest the language clause contravenes Macedonia's constitution.

Bilingualism in Macedonia has existed since 2008 -- although most agree it has not been thoroughly implemented.

Social Democratic lawmaker Pavle Bogoevski -- who was a prominent activist in the "Colorful Revolution" protests in early 2015, before he formally entered politics -- shared images on Facebook of two flyers that vilified him. He included his own modest wristwatch in one photo and alluded to corruption allegations that have plagued the ruling VMRO-DPMNE party, saying, "Greetings from my 'Rolex.' This is what your 'activism' amounts to."

Another activist-cum-lawmaker and Social Democratic ally who was the object of flyers, Ivana Tufegdzic, wrote: "No need for warrants and lies, your lies have been exposed. Part of what you have written is already in practice, some of it will never take place..."

In a reference to the potential for criminal charges against former ruling officials, Tufegdzic added: "Save your money for the party, don't waste it in vain, you will need it for lawyers, money for bail, court, etc., you will answer for every crime."

Civil Media, a local NGO, condemned the flyers, saying they were "spreading hatred" during a very tense crisis.

Also on March 15, Milenko Nedelkovski, a TV host who is said to be close to the formerly ruling VMRO-DPMNE, posted on his Facebook account a photo showing a statue of Andon Kyoseto. Kyoseto was a controversial 19th-century Macedonian revolutionary who fought for the VMRO (whose name, the Internal Macedonian Revolutionary Organization, is rooted in a rebel group formed in 1893) and assassinated its opponents. Nedelkovski included the addresses of prominent government critics across the image on Facebook and titled his post: "Spring 2017: Tour de Macedoine." He later appeared to have taken down the post.

Early this month, Borjan Jovanovski, a veteran reporter who has been a vocal critic of the last government, reported being spat at and called a "traitor" at a restaurant in Skopje.

Macedonia has languished in crisis since February 2015, when revelations emerged that the ruling VMRO-DPMNE had wiretapped thousands of people, including civilians, journalists, and political opponents. The revelations implicated Gruevski and other senior governing officials in serious accusations of abuse of office, including vote-rigging, media manipulation, and embezzlement.
DUSHANBE -- Judicial authorities in Tajikistan have sentenced prominent human rights lawyer Buzurgmehr Yorov, who is serving a 23-year prison sentence, to an additional two years behind bars.

Yorov's lawyer, Mavluda Mamatqulova, told RFE/RL on March 16 that the Supreme Court found her client guilty of contempt of court and insulting a government official on March 15 and sentenced him the same day.

Yorov's wife, Zarina Nabieva, told RFE/RL that her husband will appeal the ruling.

Yorov was sentenced to 23 years in prison in October, after the Dushanbe City Court found him guilty on charges of issuing public calls for the overthrow of the government and inciting social unrest.

At that trial, Yorov pleaded not guilty and called the case against him politically motivated.

He then read out verses by the 11th century Persian poet Omar Khayyam about fools, which led to the charges of contempt of court and insulting a government official.

Yorov was a lawyer for 13 members and leaders of the Islamic Renaissance Party of Tajikistan (IRPT), which President Emomali Rahmon's government labeled a terrorist organization and outlawed in 2015.

Dozens of members of the IRPT, which had long been the only registered Islamic political party in any of the five former Soviet republics of Central Asia, have been jailed in the past two years.

Yorov is among at least five human rights attorneys who rights groups say have been targeted by authorities in Tajikistan in connection with their work.

U.S.-based Human Rights Watch and other organizations have called for their immediate and unconditional release.

Rahmon, who has been in power for almost a quarter century, tolerates little dissent.
Kazakhstan's government says that Karim Baratov, one of four men indicted by U.S. authorities over a massive hack against Internet company Yahoo, is not a Kazakh citizen.

A U.S. Justice Department statement on March 15 identified Baratov, 22, as "a Canadian and Kazakh national and a resident of Canada."

The Kazakh Foreign Ministry wrote on Twitter on March 16 that Baratov, who was born in Kazakhstan, lost his Kazakh citizenship in 2011 after he obtained Canadian citizenship. https://twitter.com/MFA_KZ

Kazakhstan does not recognize dual citizenship.

In accordance with Kazakh law, Baratov "filed documents needed to annul his citizenship of Kazakhstan and the request was approved," the ministry said.

The Justice Department linked Baratov and three Russian men, two of them officers of Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB), with a 2014 hack targeting Yahoo.

U.S. officials said that Baratov was arrested in Canada on March 14 at the request of the United States.
Russian authorities have moved to shut down the work of Jehovahs Witnesses in Russia, asking the countrys Supreme Court to declare the denomination an extremist organization.

If successful, the appeal by the Justice Ministry, filed with the court on March 15, would be the first time that an entire registered religious denomination had been banned in Russian law.

The denomination, which says it has 170,000 adherents in Russia, said the appeal specifically targets the organizations main headquarters in St. Petersburg.

An organization spokesman said being labeled extremist would effectively force the entire shutdown of the groups Russian activities.

The Jehovahs Witnesses are one of several religious denominations that have come under increasing pressure in Russia in recent years.

A measure known as Yarovayas Law that went into effect last year tightens restrictions on the activities of religious groups, particularly smaller denominations like the Jehovahs Witnesses, the Mormons, and some evangelical sects.

Russian authorities have said the law, which backed by the Russian Orthodox Church, is aimed at helping to fight religious extremism and terrorism.


A day after U.S. authorities indicted two Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) officers over a massive hack targeting Yahoo, the Kremlin reiterated its claim that the Russian state has never been involved in any cyberattacks.

"As we have said many times earlier, any official involvement by any Russian agency, including the FSB, in any unlawful activities on the Internet is out of the question," President Vladimir Putin's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, told reporters on March 16.

He was responding to a question about the U.S. Justice Department's March 15 announcement that FSB officers Dmitry Dokuchayev and Igor Sushchin had been charged in absentia along with two other men -- a Russian and a Kazakh-born Canadian.

The blanket denial echoed statements the Kremlin has issued in response to allegations by U.S. intelligence officials that Russia used hacks, leaks, and other methods to interfere in the U.S. presidential election in 2016.

Asked whether FSB officers could have been involved in cyberattacks without their supervisors' knowledge, Peskov took issue with the wording of the question and referred reporters to the FSB for any further information.

Peskov also said that Russian authorities had learned about the U.S. indictments from the media, suggesting that U.S. authorities had not informed Russian officials of the investigation or any developments in the case.

"As far as we know, we did not receive any information through official channels," he said. He said the Kremlin is unaware of the details of the U.S. case.

Dokuchayev was an officer with the FSBs Center for Information Security, which oversees cybersecurity efforts by the agency.

He was arrested in Russia in December, along with another officer at the Center for Information Security, and charged with high treason, according to Ivan Pavlov, a Russian lawyer who is representing a suspect in the treason case.

Russian media reports have said Dokuchayev is a former hacker who used the alias Forb.

With reporting by Interfax, RIA, TASS, and Reuters


Boston, March 16, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- While student motivation in traditional classroom settings is well researched, materials on how digital tools are enhancing or undermining this essential factor for academic performance are harder to find. Lexia Learning, a Rosetta Stone Inc. (NYSE: RST) Company, has released a white paper titled, The Importance of Intrinsic Student Motivation When Selecting Educational Technologies, which not only focuses on well-researched methods of supporting students intrinsic motivation but also applies that research to educational technologies.



The white paper, written by Dr. Elizabeth R. Kazakoff, senior researcher at Lexia, highlights the three characteristics identified in Self Determination Theory that are critical to spark intrinsic motivation in learners:

Autonomy

Competence

Relatedness to the contexts of a students community, personal goals, interests, or knowledge base

Dr. Kazakoff points out that instead of cultivating these three pillars of motivation, many people, including some educators and makers of educational technologies, opt for external motivators, such as rewards and punishments, to drive desired behaviors. Although these solutions may be effective in the short-term, they often undermine students long-term intrinsic motivation for learning, she writes. That is especially problematic since intrinsic motivation supports lifelong learning, a vital competency in the 21st century workplace.

To help educators ensure that intrinsic motivation is supported by the educational technology solutions they choose, the white paper shares questionsbased on the three characteristics identified in Self Determination Theory of autonomy, competence and relatedness/meaningthat educators can ask themselves. For example, Dr. Kazakoff recommends that educators ask, Is it clear to the student that their work online relates to their world offline? because students perception of the value that a digital programs goal will add to their lives can greatly influence the degree to which those students will be motivated.

Educational technology products should be rich in elements that support intrinsic motivation, rather than chocolate covered broccoli which simply sweetens the learning with a sugar coating of badges and stickers, said Dr. Kazakoff. Remembering the questions shared, as well as the tenets from Self Determination Theory of competence, autonomy, and relatedness, can help parents and educators navigate the digital landscape to find educational technology tools that are engaging and effective in generating authentic learning, not just providing edutainment.

A complimentary copy of The Importance of Intrinsic Student Motivation When Selecting Educational Technologies can be downloaded at http://www.lexialearning.com/download-motivation-wp.





About Lexia Learning

Lexia Learning, a division of Rosetta Stone, empowers educators through adaptive assessment and personalized instruction. For more than 30 years, the company has been on the leading edge of research and product development as it relates to student reading skills. With a robust offering that includes solutions for differentiated instruction, personalized learning and assessment, Lexia Learning provides educators with the tools to intensify and accelerate literacy skills development for students of all abilities. For more information, visit www.lexialearning.com.

About Rosetta Stone

Rosetta Stone Inc. (NYSE: RST) is dedicated to changing peoples lives through the power of language and literacy education. The companys innovative digital solutions drive positive learning outcomes for the inspired learner at home or in schools and workplaces around the world.



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For more information, visit www.rosettastone.com. Rosetta Stone is a registered trademark or trademark of Rosetta Stone Ltd. in the United States and other countries.




2 Murmansk after Nazi forces razed the northwestern Russian city with incendiary bombs in 1942. Khaldei remembered that the woman berated him for photographing their tragedy, saying, "Why don't you go to Berlin and photograph how our pilots are bombing it?" The young photographer promised her if he ever reached Germany, he "would do just that."
ON MY MIND

Two specters are haunting Belarus: the specter of Russia and the specter of Ukraine.

As Belarus witnesses its largest protests in years and President Alyaksandr Lukashenka tries to weather the worst crisis his regime has faced, nightmare scenarios of war, revolution, and Russian intervention are increasingly being invoked.

And in the process, we appear to be getting a rare glimpse into the palace intrigue afoot Lukashenka's inner circle.

Three pieces featured below illustrate this.

A report by the Minsk Center for Strategic and Foreign Policy Research and an article by journalist Dmitry Galko claim that a faction of security service officials led by Interior Minister Ihar Shunevich are trying to frighten Lukashenka into cracking down on the protests by claiming that they are being orchestrated by elements from Ukraine. The goal, according to these reports, is to cut off any possibility of the regime getting closer to the West and forcing it into Putin's embrace.

And in a report in Regnum, Yuriy Baranchyk claims that a faction led by Foreign Minister Vladimir Makei is trying to persuade Lukashenka to negotiate with the protesters. The reason, Baranchyk argues, is that Makei is scheming to be Lukashenka's successor.

It's hard to judge -- let alone confirm -- any of this. But it all seems to suggest that the curtain is being pulled back -- just a bit -- on clan warfare inside the black box of Lukashenka's opaque regime.

IN THE NEWS

U.S. authorities have indicted two Russian intelligence officers for the massive 2014 hack against Yahoo, one of whom was arrested earlier in Moscow as part a widening scandal involving Russias top security agency.

The United States has denounced a move by Russia to allow soldiers from the breakaway Georgian region of South Ossetia to serve in the Russian armed forces.

The Russian State Duma has approved legislation that would strengthen restrictions on live broadcasts of open trials on television, radio, and the Internet.

Protesters in Belarus took to the streets of several cities on March 15 for the latest in a series of demonstrations against a tax on the unemployed in the tightly controlled former Soviet republic.

The editor in chief of Russia's Regnum news agency, Belarusian citizen Yuriy Baranchyk, has been detained in Moscow on Minsk's request.

Ukrainian authorities have announced the suspension of all cargo traffic with areas held by Russia-backed separatists in the eastern part of the country, prompting Russia to urge Kyiv to cancel the measure to avoid a "humanitarian catastrophe."

WHAT I'M READING

Palace Intrigue In Belarus?

Minsk Center for Strategic and Foreign Policy Research has released a report claiming that elements from the security services in Lukashenka's inner circle are trying to frighten him into cracking down on protesters, claiming that they are being provoked by nationalist elements from Ukraine.

In a piece on the website BelarusPartisan, Dmitry Galko comments on the report and speculates that a full-scale crackdown could lead to a "Romania scenario," in reference to the 1989 overthrow of Nicolae Ceausescu.

And in a piece in Regnum, Yuriy Baranchyk argues that the Center for Strategic and Foreign Policy Research report is part of an disinformation campaign designed to intimidate Lukashenka into making concessions to the protesters. The campaign, Baranchyuk argues, is being led by Belarusian Foreign Minister Vladimir Makei who is hoping to become Lukashenka's successor and is "leading him down the path" of ousted Ukrainian president Viktor Yanukovych. (Note: hours after Baranchyk's report was published, he was detained in Moscow at the request of authorities in Minsk).

Eye On The Spetsnaz

MIlitary analyst Michael Kofman, a research scientist at CNA Corporation and a fellow at the Kennan Institute, talks to the Cipher Brief about the expanding role of Russia's special forces, or Spetsnaz.

Cracks In The Propaganda Facade

Former U.S. State Department officials Donald Jensen, a senior fellow at the Center for Transatlantic Relations at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies and a senior adjunct fellow at the Center for European Policy Analysis, has a piece on the CEPA website on how Russia's vaunted propaganda machine might not be all it's cracked up to be.

Russia's Fifth Column

Ken Gude, a senior fellow at The Center for American Progress, has released a report, "Russia's Fifth Column," looking at Moscow's support for the Western far right.

The National Guard's Power Play

Rosbalt has a report (which is discussed in today's Daily Vertical) claiming that Putin's National Guard is trying to take over the Interior Ministry's anti-extremism unit, Center-C.

Crimeans and Russians

In his column for Republic.ru, opposition journalist Oleg Kashin writes that the annexation of Crimea is exposing the profound differences between Russians and Crimeans.

Lifestyles of the Corrupt and Famous

Anna Nemtsova has a piece in The Daily Beast on how journalists are using social media posts to expose the lifestyles of corrupt officials in Russia.

More On Russia's Libya Gambit

The American Interest asks: "Is this Russia's opening move in Libya?"

What Is Truth?

In a piece in Vedomosti, Aleksei Levinson of the Levada Center explains why nearly half of Russians can't distinguish between truth and lies in the media.

Outsourcing Foreign Policy

In his column for Bloomberg, political commentator Leonid Bershidsky explains how the "semi-private adventures" of nationalists are used to advance the Kremlin's foreign policy goals.
U.S. President Donald Trump blasted a federal judge who suspended his revised travel order, accusing him of "unprecedented judicial overreach."

U.S. District Judge Derrick Watson issued a decision blocking the order late on March 15, hours before it was to take effect, saying he found a strong likelihood it would be ruled unconstitutional and would cause "irreparable injury" to the state of Hawaii and its citizens.

The executive order aimed to temporarily bar travelers from six predominantly Muslim countries, as well as all refugees, from entering the United States. It was due to go into effect on March 16, but the Hawaii-based judge's ruling means that will not happen.

"This is in the opinion of many an unprecedented judicial overreach," Trump said. He told a rally in Nashville, Tennessee, that suspending a "watered down" order he said was designed to keep terrorists out of the country "makes us look weak."

Trump vowed to fight the decision and take it all the way to the Supreme Court if necessary. "We're going to win" the legal battle, he told supporters.

"The constitution gave the president the power to suspend immigration when he deems it to be in the national interest of our country," he said.

The suspended order, signed on March 6, was a revision of Trump's original January 27 order, which would have placed a 90-day bar on entry by travelers from Iraq in addition to the six countries covered in the new one: Iran, Syria, Sudan, Somalia, Libya, and Yemen.

Both the original order and the revised one would also bar all refugees from the United States for 120 days.

The Hawaii judge, who was appointed by former President Barack Obama, was highly critical of the new order, saying it relied on "questionable evidence supporting the government's national security motivation."

He said the state of Hawaii's argument that the ban violates the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment protection against religious discrimination is likely to succeed in the courts.

An objective observer "would conclude that the Executive Order was issued with a purpose to disfavor a particular religion," Watson wrote, adding that targeting the six Middle Eastern and African countries "likewise targets Islam" because their Muslim populations range from 90.7 percent to 99.8 percent.

The judge noted that Trump explicitly frames his proposed actions on immigration in religious language and cited a March 2016 interview in which Trump said, "I think Islam hates us."

Hawaii was not the only state trying to stop the travel order. More than half a dozen states have filed court challenges.

Courts in Maryland and Washington state also heard arguments on March 15, and are expected to rule soon on whether the order should be allowed to stand.

The Justice Department called Watson's ruling "flawed both in reasoning and in scope," and insisted that the court did not give sufficient weight to the president's broad legal authority in national security matters.

"The Department will continue to defend this Executive Order in the courts," it said.

The speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, Republican Paul Ryan, said the ban was needed to improve vetting of people entering the United States and prevent terrorist attacks. He said he had no doubt that it would be upheld eventually by higher courts.

Watson's order is in place temprarily, until the broader arguments in the case can be heard under an expedited schedule before his court.

With reporting by AP, AFP, dpa, and Reuters


Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has imposed sanctions on five banks with Russian capital functioning in Ukraine.

A statement on the presidential website on March 16 said that Poroshenko signed a decree introducing sanctions on Sberbank, VS Bank, Prominvestbank, VTB Bank, and BM Bank for a one-year period.

The proposal to introduce sanctions was made by the National Security and Defense Council on March 15.

Poroshenko's decree ordered the Foreign Ministry to inform European Union and the United States about the sanctions and ask them to introduce similar measures against the banks.

The sanctions come after several days of protests across Ukraine against Sberbank and other Russia banks, which began after Sberbank said it would comply with Russian President Vladimir Putin's February 18 decree ordering Russian authorities to recognize identity documents issued by separatists who hold parts of Ukraine's Donetsk and Luhansk regions.

Sberbank on March 9 retracted its earlier statement and said it would not recognize separatist-issued documents.
WASHINGTON -- The United States on March 16 issued a sharp condemnation of Russias seizure of Crimea and the referendum that Moscow staged there and later held up as justification for its annexation of the Black Sea peninsula.

The denunciation by the U.S. State Department came on the third anniversary of the referendum organized following the seizure of key government buildings in Crimea by Russian special forces without insignia after former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych fled to Russia amid mass street protests across the country.

It was also the latest example of the continuation of Washingtons tough public stance on Crimea that President Donald Trump, who has pledged to seek better ties with Moscow, inherited from his predecessor, Barack Obama.

"The United States does not recognize Russia's 'referendum' of March 16, 2014, nor its attempted annexation of Crimea and continued violation of international law," State Department spokesman Mark Toner said in a statement. "We once again reaffirm our commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity."

Trump said during his campaign that he would like to boost cooperation with Russia on a range of issues, including counterterrorism, and that he would seek to make a deal a "that's great -- not good, great -- for America, but also good for Russia."

Trumps stated desire for rapprochement with Moscow -- and his suggestion that he could consider lifting sanctions imposed by the Obama administration on Russia in response to the Crimea annexation -- has rattled European allies who fear he could turn a blind eye to Russian expansionism.

Less than two months into Trumps presidency, however, there is no public indication that his administration is giving ground on Crimea. Senior members of his cabinet -- most notably his ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley -- have publicly denounced Russian "occupation of the peninsula."

In his March 16 statement, Toner said Washington "again condemns the Russian occupation of Crimea and calls for its immediate end."

"Our Crimea-related sanctions will remain in place until Russia returns control of the peninsula to Ukraine," he said.

Speaking to reporters in Moscow the same day, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed the possibility that Crimea could be returned to Ukraine under some sort of deal with the United States.

The Trump administration has also continued the Obama administrations stiff opposition to Russias backing of armed separatists in eastern Ukraine in a conflict that has killed more than 9,750 since April 2014.

Earlier on March 16, the European Parliament called on Moscow to free more than two dozen "illegally and arbitrarily detained" Ukrainian citizens, "both in Russia and in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, and to provide for their safe return."
A bipartisan group of U.S. senators on March 15 proposed providing another 2,500 visas to Afghans who worked for U.S. troops in Afghanistan, often at the risk of their own lives.

We simply cannot win this war without the assistance of the Afghan people who put their lives on the line to help American troops and diplomats serving in harms way," Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman John McCain (Republican-Arizona), who co-authored the bill with three other senators, said on March 15.

McCain said Congress has failed to provide enough special visas over 15 years of war in Afghanistan, and "because of our failure, the lives of thousands of Afghans are in imminent danger from the Taliban."

Also sponsoring the bill were Democratic Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Jack Reed, and Republican Senator Thom Tillis.

"We have a moral obligation to protect the thousands of Afghans who put themselves and their families at risk to help our soldiers and diplomats," said Shaheen. "To abandon them now would be a stain on our nations honor."

With reporting by AP
WASHINGTON -- The U.S. ambassador to the United Nations says Washington should "never trust Russia," the latest in a series of hawkish statements that have made her a leading Russia critic in President Donald Trump's administration.



The statement by Nikki Haley in a television interview broadcast on March 16 came on the same day that the U.S. State Department issued a stern condemnation of Russia's 2014 annexation of Ukraines Crimea territory, which Haley has also publicly denounced.



Haley's comments also came amid the ongoing furor over what U.S. intelligence calls a Kremlin-directed campaign to meddle in last year's presidential election aimed at helping Trump defeat Democratic rival Hillary Clinton.



The Kremlin denies the charge.

After expressing initial skepticism, Trump conceded that he believes Russia was behind a hacking-and-propaganda effort to interfere in the election but that the operation did not influence the outcome of the vote.



Asked by the U.S. television network NBC what Trump should do about Russia's actions, Haley said: "Take it seriously."



"We should never trust Russia," she said, while adding that the United States needs "all the facts" in order to formulate a proper response to Moscow.



NBC asked whether Haley was on the same page with Trump "in terms of your level of distrust for Russia and [President] Vladimir Putin."



"I would not say that, Haley replied. "I'm not going to talk about where the president is, because I don't know."



Throughout his campaign, Trump spoke positively about Putin and pledged to seek better relations with Russia.



Both Republicans and Democrats in Congress expressed concerns that a potential softer U.S. line on Russia under Trump could effectively give Moscow a pass for its expansionism in Ukraine.
U.S. President Donald Trump has presented a budget plan that would slash funding for foreign aid, the State Department, environmental programs and other initiatives to make way for a big boost in military spending.

In the plan issued by the White House on March 16, Trump proposed a 10 percent jump in defense spending and an increase in homeland security spending, including funding for a wall on the Mexican border.

The State Department and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have been targeted for some of the biggest reductions: 28 percent and 31 percent, respectively.

The proposed overhaul of federal government spending comes after Trump promised to "put America first" and "make the safety of our people [the] number one priority."

He named the $3.8 trillion budget plan America First: A Budget Blueprint To Make America Great Again.

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson signaled support for the plan, saying in Tokyo on March 16 that the level of State Department spending in the past was "simply not sustainable."

Trump has proposed a combined $25.6 billion budget for the State Department and United States Agency for International Development (USAID), a $10.9 billion reduction from current spending.

Tillerson said the department was "coming off a historically high allocation of resources" adding that a lot could still be done with "fewer dollars."

The proposed cuts in State Department spending would cut deeply into foreign aid, grants to multilateral development agencies such as the World Bank, and climate-change programs at the United Nations.

Resistance In Congress

The Republican president's budget plan would take effect in the 2018 fiscal year, which begins on October 1 of this year.

Many of its proposals are expected to face strong resistance from U.S. lawmakers in Congress, whose support is key because they vote to authorize government appropriations.

Republicans have criticized Trump's plans for heavy cuts in foreign aid and diplomacy.

"The administrations budget isnt going to be the budget, Republican Senator Marco Rubio of Florida said. We do the budget here. The administration makes recommendations, but Congress does budgets.

Mick Mulvaney, director of the White House Office of Management and Budget, said that the White House is open to negotiation but defended the proposed cuts.

This budget represents a president who is beholden to nobody but the voters, Mulvaney told reporters.

The EPA is also a major target for reductions in the proposed budget. Climate change programs at the EPA also are targeted for elimination, with Trump proposing to get rid of more than 50 environmental programs in all.

The Health and Human Services and the Labor, Agriculture, and Transportation departments would also face significant cuts.

The budget plan leaves some of the biggest programs -- Social Security and Medicare for the elderly -- untouched.

With reporting by AFP, Reuters, and The Washington Post
NEW YORK, NY and BEVERLY, MA, March 16, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust and Akston Biosciences Corporation today announced a partnership to advance Akston's novel insulin engineering technology to prevent the clinical onset of type 1 diabetes. Akston's lead product candidate, AKS-107, is designed to be injected in at-risk, pre-diabetic individuals to disrupt problematic cells that may be responsible for type 1 diabetes, thereby reducing the chances that individuals develop diabetes.



As part of the agreement, Helmsley will provide up to $3.1 million over the next two years to support manufacturing development, preclinical safety and efficacy testing, and regulatory filings to advance AKS-107 into clinical trials. The partnership is structured as a program-related investment (PRI) in the form of a loan to Akston.



"At Helmsley, we are always seeking to expand the set of tools that we can use to advance our mission while supporting the goals we share with our partners. The PRI is a powerful way to catalyze meaningful change," said Gina Agiostratidou, Ph.D., MBA, Director of Helmsley's Type 1 Diabetes Program. "We see tremendous value in working with creative companies like Akston who aim to develop innovative therapies to help people struggling daily with a relentless disease."



In type 1 diabetes, the body mistakenly recognizes its own insulin-producing cells as foreign and mounts an attack against them. This attack involves certain "rogue" cells that are made by the immune system. Akston's AKS-107 is a modified, non-bioactive version of insulin that is capable of disrupting these rogue cells while leaving the rest of the body's cells unharmed.



"Akston's targeted immunotherapy represents an innovative approach with a clear path to clinical testing", said Ben Williams, Ph.D., Program Officer of Helmsley's Type 1 Diabetes Program. "Preventing and delaying the development of type 1 diabetes is one of our core objectives, and we are delighted to help accelerate the progress of this promising work at Akston."



"We are very pleased to have the Helmsley Charitable Trust's support for this program to complement the continuing support we have just received from the NIH," said Todd C. Zion, Ph.D., President and CEO of Akston Biosciences. "Helmsley joins our growing consortium of private, public, and philanthropic investors to support our world-class team of insulin engineers and thought leaders in the field of type 1 diabetes. We are now evaluating a number of pharmaceutical companies to identify the right partner to help support our upcoming proof-of-concept clinical studies."



About Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that affects children, adolescents, and adults, in which the immune system attacks cells in the pancreas that produce insulin, a hormone that enables people to convert sugar into energy. As many as 3 million people in the U.S. have type 1 diabetes. People with type 1 diabetes are dependent on insulin replacement therapy for the rest of their lives. However, replacing insulin is not a cure, and people with diabetes are at significant risk for a wide range of serious complications including heart disease, amputation, blindness, and kidney disease.



About the Helmsley Charitable Trust

The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust aspires to improve lives by supporting effective organizations in health, place-based initiatives, education and human services. Since beginning active grantmaking in 2008, Helmsley has committed more than $1.8 billion for a wide range of charitable purposes. www.helmsleytrust.org



About Akston Biosciences Corporation

Akston Biosciences Corporation is a leader in the field of insulin engineering. The company was founded in 2011 by the former SmartCells, Inc. team who developed the world's first clinical glucose-responsive insulin (SmartCells was acquired by Merck & Co. in 2010). Combining its core expertise with modern biotechnology manufacturing techniques, Akston is developing new classes of biologic therapeutics for use in autoimmune type 1 diabetes prevention, ultra-long acting insulin therapy, and oncology to dramatically improve both human and animal health. www.akstonbio.com
A NEW route is being considered which would take the proposed 5.6 billion Central Railway line and its freight trains away from the High Wycombe area.

Consultants have been commissioned by the South East England Development Agency (Seeda) to draw up an alternative line for the southern end of the north-south route. This would go east of London, not west. Its report should be ready in about three months.

The decision to reconsider the Central Railway route was taken after a meeting of county council leaders and officers at Gerrards Cross a few weeks ago.

It was hosted by David Shakespeare, leader of Buckinghamshire County Council and chairman of the South East Regional Assembly, and Seeda chairman Allan Willett.

They realised they must support the strategy of getting heavy freight traffic off roads and on to rail, but if they were not to have a route they didn't like they would have to come up with their own.

The current proposed route travels through the middle of Buckinghamshire and along the Chiltern Line through Haddenham, Princes Risborough and High Wycombe. The proposal created an outcry from people along this part of the line, who say they gain no immediate benefit, only noise.

After the Gerrards Cross meeting, Cllr Shakespeare told the Free Press the feedback he had from it was that the line went round the wrong side of London. It should go through Milton Keynes and via the area known as Thames Gateway a growth area.

Regional assembly leaders in the north of England are in favour of the Central Railway project with only the south-east region against it.

Central Railway wants the Government to introduce another bill in the Commons. People would give evidence at the committee stage and there would be no need for two or three years of planning inquiries.

Chris Williams, the council's chief officer, said there was lots of pressure for the scheme from northern regions. "They get lots of benefits from it, which is the opposite of the south, which gets disbenefits," he said.

County councillor David Rowlands, vice-chairman of a consortium of county councillors looking at public transport, said he had discussed the idea with members.

"I am pleased that Seeda has commissioned W S Atkins to review the route," he said. But he said leaders in the north wanted it to go west of London so that there would be good links to the M25 and the motorways to the west of the country.

A Central Railway spokesman said: "Central Railway has undertaken extensive engineering studies using international consultants, and the route to the west of London emerged as our preferred route."
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SHENZHEN, China, March 16, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Makeblock Co., Ltd, the STEM education and robotics startup, today announced it has closed a $30 million Series B round at a $200 million valuation led by Evolution Media China and Shenzhen Capital Group Co., Ltd. The funding supports Makeblocks expansion into new markets, further product development and diversification of STEM education hardware, software and curriculum resources for educators, children and hobbyists.



Founded in 2011 (founded as a company in 2013), Makeblock is a leading DIY robotics construction and programming learning platform for makers, hobbyists, STEM learners, and educators. Makeblock provides over 500 mechanical parts and easy-to-use electronic modules, graphical programming software, and courses to easily turn ideas into reality. Having delighted over 1,000,000 makers, students and educators in over 140 countries and still growing, Makeblock is one of the top robotics companies making a difference, with the aim to open the field to people of all skill levels.

Makeblock will expand its global footprint with new offices in Beijing, Hong Kong, North America, Japan, and the Netherlands. Makeblock is available in more than 140 countries with 1,600 channel partners, and 20,000 schools and educational organizations implementing Makeblocks products into their educational curriculum.

Were excited to support Makeblock at this pivotal point in their growth as they continue to elevate STEM education to a new level, said Jason Ding, President at EMC. STEM education is the next industry to experience deep disruption, following in the footsteps of the mobile, IoT and virtual reality industries. Over the past few years, Makeblock has been leading the charge in creating STEM education products in the classroom and at home. We believe this is just the beginning of their path to transforming education."

Since 2016, Makeblock experienced significant growth, expanding its workforce to over 300 employees. Makeblock will use this latest round of funding to invest in further STEM education distribution, global expansion, and the development of new initiatives built upon its recent work with Microsoft, Intel and beyond. The company will also be expanding its retail reach in the coming months, deepening its partnership with Barnes & Noble and SoftBank to put Makeblock products in more stores across the globe.

Creation is happening everywhere at an explosive rate. From schools using Makeblock to teaching STEM concepts, to tech giants like Microsoft, Intel, Apple Education tapping Makeblock to unleash creativity in the classroom, down to parents at home trying to aid in their childs education, the true power of Makeblock is to inspire creation, said Founder and CEO Jasen Wang, Our goal is to get Makeblock in every school, home and creative space to give anyone, at any age the ability to be a creator or inventor.

Additionally, the funding will support the launch of Makeblocks first annual robotics competition later in 2017, which will encourage students to compete with their creative projects using the Makeblock platform. This competition is in support of Premier Li Keqiangs Thirteenth Five Year Plan on education announced in 2016.

Makeblocks latest products, Airblock, a modular STEM drone that raised $830,000 in December 2016 on Kickstarter, will be available for purchase in retail stores starting May 2017, and Neuron, the new product Makeblock also announced via Kickstarter in Marcha programmable electronic blocks platform for open-ended gadget building, which raised over $100,000 in less than 12 hours.

About Makeblock

For more information, follow @Makeblock on Twitter, Facebook or visit http://www.makeblock.com.
An 86-year-old former resident of a Chesterfield County assisted-living facility who suffers from acute Alzheimers disease wont be tried for manslaughter in the death of a 92-year-old fellow resident after a psychological examination found that the defendant would never be mentally competent to stand trial.

On the recommendation of a Chesterfield prosecutor, General District Court Judge James J. OConnell III on Wednesday withdrew an involuntary manslaughter charge against Edward B. Huff in the death of Delora Arnold, whom authorities said Huff assaulted Oct. 27 while both resided at Elmcroft of Chesterfield, an assisted-living home in the 100 block of Twin Ridge Lane.

Arnold died two days later from her injuries.

The court entered an order several months ago that Huff undergo a psychological evaluation, and the clinical psychologist who performed the assessment determined that Huff was mentally incompetent to stand trial and would never be ruled competent because of his deteriorating mental condition, Senior Deputy Commonwealths Attorney Dennis Duncan said.

This (defendant) was never going to be competent to stand trial, Duncan said Thursday.

Huff also was evaluated on his mental state at the time of the offense but Duncan said he cannot disclose that because it involves a private medical record. Part of Huffs case file has been sealed by the court.

Duncan said Arnolds relatives, who apparently live out of state, were notified that a decision had been reached to drop the charge against Huff. They knew what was going to happen and they understand it, the prosecutor said.

Jud Collier, who represented Huff, did not return several messages for comment.

Chesterfield police said they responded to the facility at 8:08 a.m. Oct. 27 for a reported assault, and officers located Arnold, who had been attacked in her room.

Police said the facilitys staff reported hearing a commotion and when they went to investigate, they discovered Arnold had been assaulted and called police.

Investigators charged Huff after an investigation that included consulting with the Chesterfield Commonwealths Attorneys Office. Authorities have not disclosed the circumstances that led to the assault and Arnolds death.

The medical examiners office has ruled Arnolds death a homicide from blunt-force trauma to the neck and chest.

At the time of his arrest, Collier described Huff as a divinely wonderful man who lived an exemplary life but had developed dementia as a result of an acute case of Alzheimers. He said the Huff family have the utmost and sincere sympathies for Arnolds family.

Huff was brought into the courtroom Wednesday in a wheelchair.

Were trying to take care of my dad, Lisa Huff Richardson of Powhatan County said in November. He has severe Alzheimers and is in a facility thats taking care of him. We feel horrible, horrible for the other family.

Richardson couldnt be reached on Thursday.

Huff has no criminal record and has lived in the Richmond area all his life.

Elmcroft of Chesterfield is an assisted-living facility that provides housing for elderly people. Seniors who reside there are offered assistance with daily living activities based on individual needs, said Melissa Owens, vice president of sales and marketing for Elmcroft Senior Living. Residents who need special care for progressed dementia along with their daily living activities are housed in a dedicated, secure area, she said.

After the assault and Arnolds death, Huff was moved to a special assisted-living facility in the 6700 block of Court Yard Road in Chester, according to court papers filed in the case.
Seven students were sent to local hospitals with minor injuries after two Prince George County school buses crashed into each other on Fort Lee.

The accident happened shortly after 8:30 a.m. Thursday on Adams Avenue near Sisisky Boulevard, according to a Fort Lee news release.

Four children were taken to John Randolph Medical Center in Hopewell, while three others were taken to Southside Regional Medical Center in Petersburg, the release said.

The buses were carrying a total of 81 elementary school students, Maj. John Tull, Fort Lee's provost marshal, said in the release.
A federal judge on Thursday approved a settlement of more than $580,000 to resolve a dispute regarding overtime pay for fire captains in Henrico County.

Under the agreement approved by U.S. District Court Judge Robert E. Payne, Henrico will pay more than $287,700 to more than three dozen fire captains. The settlement was brokered after three former fire captains filed a lawsuit against the county, asserting they were wrongly classified as employees exempt from overtime.

Additionally, the county will pay $292,500 in attorneys fees, according to the settlement that Payne preliminarily approved in January.

The overall terms are fair and reasonable, Payne said of the settlement, adding later that it was wise of the county to do it.

The settlement stems from a lawsuit filed in 2014 by the three fire captains who argued that the county improperly categorized them as employees exempt from overtime pay. They contended in court papers that the countys classification ran counter to the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, which says fire employees who deal mostly with fire protection and emergency response are entitled to overtime pay.

The agreement names 38 other fire captains who were eligible to opt in to the settlement to recover various sums of pay, all of whom have done so, said senior assistant county attorney Lee Ann Anderson during the brief afternoon hearing.

In addition to back pay, the three former fire captains who filed the lawsuit will be paid $10,000 as an incentive payment which takes into account the effort they put forth to protect the interests of others who joined the lawsuit.

Anderson said that Henrico has complied with another term of the settlement and reclassified its fire captains as employees eligible for overtime.

A U.S. magistrate judge initially sided with the county in May 2015 and recommended that the case be dismissed. Months later, once the fire captains had appealed, the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals vacated the Henrico decision after issuing a judgment in a similar case that favored fire captains in Fairfax County.

Fairfax ended up paying $7.85 million in back pay and damages to fire captains along with legal fees, according to court records.

Zev Antell, an attorney representing the fire captains, expressed satisfaction at the outcome.
Three of Virginias GOP congressmen have expressed opposition to or skepticism about the House leaderships plan to replace Obamacare  and the other four are uncommitted. Not an auspicious start for the bill.

Although Republicans spoke for years of health care reform, they did not grow serious until Obamacares enactment. Republicans talked more than they acted in large part because social welfare seldom tops their agendas. Conservative purists opposed Medicare but put forward few alternatives of their own. They denounced most government programs as socialism, although during the Obamacare debate they claimed to be defending Medicares integrity. Citizens aware of the background likely have more confidence in the Democratic commitment to the cause.

President Obama assured Americans that people who liked their coverage would not lose it. Reality proved him wrong and undermined support for his signature effort. Cynics remember that in crucial respects Obamacare echoed conservative alternatives to the Clintoncare (or Hillarycare) pursued two decades before. Obamacare fell far short of a single-payer system. It also got off to a dreadful start that almost cost Democrat Terry McAuliffe the 2013 Virginia gubernatorial election against a weak Republican.

During the 2016 campaign, Donald Trump missed few opportunities to criticize Obamacare. He also implicitly embraced a substantial government role in health. Despite its hold on the White House and its congressional majorities, the GOP must act soon. Repeal and reform must occur before Obamacare becomes an American institution.

The Congressional Budget Offices report on the House GOP leaderships American Health Care Act threatens momentum further. The CBO predicts the AHCA would make millions lose their health coverage. It would not seriously reduce spending, either. The CBOs conclusions reinforce claims made by critics on the right as well as those on the left. Nancy Pelosi cites the CBO when she says the GOP would leave millions without coverage. A release from the libertarian Cato Institute denounced the GOP package as Obamacare-lite and said the CBO analysis suggests full repeal of Obamacare would cover more people than the lite version. The Times-Dispatch sees validity in Pelosis complaint and in Catos arguments. We traditionally have touted market-based solutions.
NEW YORK, March 16, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- An iOS app from server monitoring company Server Density is available on the iTunes app store that makes it easy and efficient for IT engineers and system administrators to receive real-time system status updates and alerts for major cloud services throughout the world, via their iPhone and iPad.

Cloud Status was created by Server Density, the cloud-based server monitoring service. It provides automated status updates of most of the major cloud services, including Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, Linode, Rackspace, DigitalOcean and others. No account or ID is required. Just install the app, select any providers and regions that require monitoring, and the app will provide notifications if there are any issues.

Just as we did when we founded Server Density to create our core server monitoring service, we created the Cloud Status app to solve a problem that we were having in our own lives around keeping our cloud assets up and running and healthy, said David Mytton, CEO and founder at Server Density. All of our products and services are designed with the goal of making life easier and more productive for IT folks, and the Cloud Status app is an incredibly handy tool that really does make a difference. It continuously monitors the cloud so you dont have to. No more compulsive checks throughout the day (and night). If something is off-kilter, a timely notification will let you know.

The Cloud Status app is an extension of Server Densitys cloud-based monitoring service, which is used by businesses large and small to keep track of their IT assets and make sure they are running to meet current and future needs.



Pretty much everyone setting up shop these days will invariably store and compute on the cloud, said Mytton. If we can make a tiny impact on our customers workflows, that means a lot in terms of both helping their businesses grow as well as keeping the IT staff sane. Both are, or should be, priorities for any business operating in the cloud.



Specifications

The Server Density Cloud Status app monitors status and delivers alerts for the following cloud services:



AWS

DigitalOcean

Google Cloud

Joyent

Linode

Microsoft Azure

Rackspace

Salesforce

It runs on all iOS devices, including iPhone, iPad and iPod touch running iOS version 8.4 or higher.



Pricing and availability

Cloud Status is available for free now on the App Store at https://www.cloudstatusapp.com/.

About Server Density

Server Density offers SaaS-based scalable infrastructure monitoring to help businesses save time and money. With advanced server and website monitoring alerts, graphing tools and integrations with all major cloud service providers, Server Densitys robust and scalable solution helps businesses and IT operations teams be more responsive to issues, make their websites faster and minimize downtime. Founded by David Mytton in 2009 and based in London and New York, Server Density monitors hundreds of thousands of servers across more than 700 customers.




This cold snap didnt break any of Richmonds record lows, but it is part of the reason why March feels like its switched places with February.

Temperatures will moderate by the weekend, but the last two weeks of the month arent looking especially warm or cold. If trends hold, were headed for a general theme of seasonable 50s and 60s for highs and 30s and 40s for lows over the next two weeks.

That would give us an average temperature for the entire month around 46 or 47 degrees, slightly cooler than the normal March temperature of 48.6 degrees. Several weeks ago, outlooks favored a mild March, but then we reverted to weather patterns more typical of late winter.

For the first time in decades, the average temperature of March here in Richmond could be cooler than February was.

That reversal has happened before. In 1909, 1915, 1932, 1960 and 1984, the average temperature during March was lower than that in February.

You cant necessarily fault March for being somewhat chilly and capricious  that comes with the transition of seasons.

In the case of this year, the month-to-month decline would be due to how unusually warm February was by comparison.

And it wasnt just warm for Richmond; records fell all across the eastern U.S.

Last month was the second-warmest February worldwide since 1880, according to a preliminary analysis by NASAs Goddard Institute for Space Studies. Anomalous warmth existed over most of the Northern Hemisphere, especially in the Arctic region.

According to the National Centers for Environmental Information, neither the tropics nor the polar weather played a large role in Februarys temperature and precipitation patterns. The El Nino-La Nina pattern remains neutral, and the Arctic was abnormally warm during February. But an active flow of air from west to east across the continent, and a persistent upper-level ridge over the east, were largely responsible for Virginias warm and dry weather.

Another report by an international group of researchers in the World Weather Attribution project found that climate change at least triples the probability of such February warmth in the United States.

Natural fluctuations in weather will guarantee that bitter cold Februaries will continue to happen. But as the baseline of the climate warms, this sort of early spring warmth should be more and more common by the middle of this century.

In the meantime, consistently warmer weather is bound to come our way in the short term as spring unfolds in April.

That April will be warmer than March seems like an obvious observation. Theres only been one instance when that wasnt the case for Richmond: 1907 to be exact.

But will this year bring an April thats warmer or cooler than typical?

According to a new outlook from the Climate Prediction Center, warmer than average conditions are once again favored during April in the eastern half of the country, including Virginia.

Despite our current cold snap, the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic remain much warmer than they usually would this time of year. The unseasonable upper-level troughs responsible for our chilly weather will depart, and warm ridging should return to the East Coast in early April. Those two factors, along with some relatively dry soil conditions, should set the stage for more warmer than usual days during the next month.

The same ridging that brought Februarys warm weather also prevented a lot of precipitation from reaching Virginia, and enabled a drought to expand in parts of the state.

There is a mix of good and bad news when it comes to drought status. In this weeks update of the U.S. Drought Monitor, almost all of the Piedmont is now classified in a moderate drought. Severe drought  one grade higher  now extends from the Washington area down to Louisa County.

A week ago, the Richmond area and all of the Tidewater were abnormally dry  a precursor to the development of the moderate drought. But because of the early-week rainfall, the abnormally dry conditions have abated.

West of Interstate 95, the lighter precipitation from the noreaster wasnt enough to make an improvement.

Itll take more than just one noreaster to nip a looming drought in the bud. A train of slow-moving, steady rainstorms would be helpful, but the weeks ahead dont show any signs of that yet. Just occasional chances for showers on Saturday, next Tuesday, and again toward the last weekend of the month.

There isnt a strong signal for a precipitation anomaly going forward. There are even odds for normal, above-normal or below-normal rainfall around Virginia during April.
A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind.
NEWARK, Calif., March 16, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Neato Robotics, leaders in smart robots for the home, today announces an integration with the Google Assistant on Google Home, available across its Botvac Connected series.



Tweet now: Control your Neato connected robot vacuum with your voice - now with the Google Assistant on Google Home.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c02a8489-0ada-43d4-869c-18aabf60b4c7

http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/21229acc-52ff-4726-9f78-70421a0eb6d8

The explosion of artificial intelligence has enabled more sophisticated voice control and we are happy to bring this revolutionary technology to customers. At the heart of Neato's brand is - and always has been - technology leadership through innovation  the Google Assistant integration further cements our commitment to innovation in the smart home, said Giacomo Marini, Chairman and CEO of Neato Robotics.

The Google Assistant on your Google Home can answer questions, play music, manage tasks and control devices in your home like Neato connected robot vacuums. When youre at home you can just say, Ok Google, tell Neato robot to start cleaning for a completely hands-free clean. This integration allows customers to check battery level, locate their robot vacuum with the FindMe function, and schedule a cleaning cycle, all through the power of voice. Neato offers the widest range of choices to operate your robot vacuum from anywhere. Customers can choose how to interact with their robot via the Neato App, Amazon Alexa Skill, Neato Chatbot for Facebook, and now, the Google Assistant. This further extends Neatos vision of SmartLife using technology that integrates seamlessly with your lifestyle to make life simpler and smarter.

Since the release of its first connected robot vacuum, Neato has continued to innovate in the smart connected home. This new integration further expands technical capabilities and ensures that Neato is fully integrated into the smart connected home.

All Neato robots use the companys patented Neato LaserSmart technology that combines laser scanning, continuous room mapping and real time object detection to plan the most efficient course to clean a home. This means the Neato robot alters its navigation instantly when a new obstacle enters its path. It navigates intelligently even in the dark, moves from room to room, and knows when to return to its base for recharging  and then automatically goes back to where it left off to finish the job. The Neato robots iconic D-shape design and CornerClever technology allows it to clean close to walls and deep into corners where dirt and dust often hide. With one of the largest brushes and dirt bins on the market, Neato robots cover more square footage and pick up more debris than other robot vacuums.

Availability

The Google Assistant on Google Home integration is available today in the US. It is supported by all Neato connected robot vacuums including Botvac D3 Connected, Botvac D5 Connected and Botvac Connected. The Amazon Alexa skill will be available soon in the US, UK and Germany and will be supported by all Neato connected robot vacuums including Botvac D3 Connected, Botvac D5 Connected and Botvac Connected.

About Neato

Neato Robotics designs robots for the home to improve peoples lives, allowing them to spend less time doing household chores and more time on the things they love. Neato drives innovation with intelligent laser navigation, smart home connectivity, and superior cleaning technologies. For more information, visit: www.neatorobotics.com.

Please join Neato Robotics on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia , March 16, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cypress Development Corp. (TSX-V:CYP) (OTCBB:CYDVF) (Frankfurt:C1Z1) (Cypress or the Company) reports, further to its News Release on February 14th , that drilling has commenced at the Companys Dean Lithium Claystone Project in Nevada after a delay due to unforeseen maintenance of the contractors equipment and difficulties in getting the required equipment to the site. Preparations for core logging and a core cutting facility have already been established on-site in the Clayton Valley. Cypress is pleased to get the drilling program underway.

Cypress Clayton Valley, Nevada Lithium Projects location map:

http://www.cypressdevelopmentcorp.com/i/maps/CYP-Clayton-topo-satalite-small.jpg

In other news, detailed lithium extraction work on a series of mini-bulk samples of claystone taken from the Cypress  Pure Energy joint exploration project at the neighboring Glory Project is continuing at SGS Labs in Canada. The results of this work will be reported as data is made available.

About Cypress Development Corp.:

Cypress Development Corp. is a publicly traded lithium and zinc exploration company that continues to acquire and develop potentially viable mineral projects in the State of Nevada, U.S.A.

Cypress is very active in Clayton Valley, Nevada with its team committed to systematically exploring its properties for both a lithium-brine resource and expanding exploration relating to a lithium resource that exists within the large area of non-hectorite claystone discovered at surface that has seen recent high lithium assays recovered from these same claystone.

Cypress Development Corp. has approx. 34.9 million shares issued and outstanding.

To find out more about Cypress Development Corp. (TSX-V:CYP), visit our website at www.cypressdevelopmentcorp.com.

CYPRESS DEVELOPMENT CORP.

Don Huston

________________________________

DONALD C. HUSTON

President

For further information contact myself or:

Don Myers

Director

Cypress Development Corp.

Telephone: 604-687-3376

Toll Free: 800-567-8181

Facsimile: 604-687-3119

Email: info@cypressdevelopmentcorp.com

NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THE CONTENT OF THIS NEWS RELEASE.

This release includes certain statements that may be deemed to be "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that management of the Company expects, are forward-looking statements. Although management believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements, include market prices, exploration and development successes, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Please see the public filings of the Company at www.sedar.com for further information.
RICHMOND  Republican gubernatorial frontrunner Ed Gillespie unveiled a tax reform proposal Thursday that would cut Virginias individual income tax rate for the first time since 1972 and push cities and counties to scrap local business taxes.

Gillespie, a former Republican National Committee chairman and political consultant who holds significant polling and fundraising advantages over his two opponents in the Republican primary, called the tax reform plan the centerpiece of his economic message as the GOP looks to retake the Executive Mansion after years of Democratic control.

The proposal centers on a 10 percent cut to the individual income tax rate phased in over three years if the state brings in enough new revenue to pay for it, an approach Gillespie said would prevent government services from being disrupted for lack of funding. When fully implemented, the cut would save an average family of four almost $1,300 per year, the Gillespie campaign said.

Thats a fiscally responsible approach and it would have a desperately needed impact for a lot of Virginia workers who havent seen their wages rise in a long time but are paying higher costs for food and health care and colleges, Gillespie said on a call with reporters Wednesday night.

In recent polls, Gillespie has trailed both Democratic candidates for governor, Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam and former congressman Tom Perriello. Gillespies call for tax reform, the first major policy announcement of his campaign, offers the most detailed insight yet into how Gillespie hopes to break the trend of GOP losses in Virginias statewide elections.

Coming at a time when Virginia has faced steep budget shortfalls that caused raises for state employees and teachers to be put off, Gillespies plan is likely to face scrutiny from skeptics who feel the state cant afford to forgo new revenue. The Gillespie campaign said its tax relief plan would take up $1.3 billion, or about 40 percent, of a projected $3.4 billion in new revenue projected over the next five years.

Because many small business owners and entrepreneurs file taxes as individuals rather than corporations, Gillespie said his proposal would spur ground-up economic growth at a critical juncture in Virginias history as the state slips in tax, business and growth rankings.

If we dont change things, nothings going to change and we are going to stay stuck, Gillespie said. We have talked for decades about the need to diversify our economy. And that time is upon us.

Two conservative tax policy groups that conducted economic modeling for Gillespies plan, the Thomas Jefferson Institute and the Beacon Hill Institute, projected it would produce more than 50,000 private-sector jobs and more than $300 million in new economic activity.

The tax cuts would be based on revenue triggers, meaning they would kick in only if the state takes in enough new money to cover the cost. Its unclear what economic conditions would have to be met for the tax cuts to occur. Gillespie said the triggers would be designed at a later date by budget officials and the General Assembly.

Gillespie said he would look to save money to partially offset the tax cut by ending special tax carve-outs and cut wasteful spending, though he declined to identify specific areas he would target.

At the local level, Gillespies plan would force cities and counties to consider doing away with the Business and Professional Occupancy License tax, the machinery and tools tax and the merchants capital tax, which the Gillespie campaign called growth-inhibiting taxes that are vestiges of a prior era when Virginias economy was growing by leaps and bounds. The proposal would set in motion a three-year expiration date for those taxes, which many localities rely on to balance their budgets, but would allow local governments to keep them if they so choose.

I think many counties and cities will choose to stay with the current tax system that they have. And for them it will make sense, Gillespie said. There will be others who will take advantage of an opportunity to fix something that we have talked about for a long time.

A state commission would be formed to help localities explore other ways to make up the revenue they would lose from ending local business taxes.

To execute the plan, Gillespie said he would appoint a Cabinet-level adviser focused on tax reform and call a special General Assembly session on taxes in the fall of 2018.

Two Republican lawmakers who could help shepherd the tax cuts through the legislature  House of Delegates Majority Leader Kirk Cox, R-Colonial Heights, and Sen. Mark Obenshain, R-Rockingam  joined Gillespie for the announcement.

I think it will do more to jump-start the Virginia economy than anything else we can do, said Cox, who will become House speaker next year if Republicans hold their majority in this years House races.

Gillespie is competing for the Republican gubernatorial nomination with Prince William County Board of Supervisors Chairman Corey Stewart and state Sen. Frank Wagner, R-Virginia Beach.
English Latvian

Dubeni, Grobina parish, Grobina district, LV-3438, 2017-03-16 15:36 CET (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- JSC "Grobina" in 2015 is increased product sales reaching 12 months of 2015 the net turnover of 6 220 362 EUR. Therefore, the 12 months of 2015 were sold 113 521 mink skins at an average sales price of 40.18 EUR / pcs., An increase of 20% more than in 2014 12 months, when it was realized 94 849 mink skins at an average price of 28 39 EUR / pcs. As a result, 2015 12-month profit is 756 903 EUR which was basement for successful reconstruction process completing in 2015 with JSC Citadele banka , there were covered bank debts accumulated in the previous season. Therefore, 2015 net earnings per share are1,5138 EUR, 2014 when the 12-month net loss per share was 4.2797 EUR.

Although the fur market in 2015 as a whole showed a positive trend, as evidenced by the production increase in prices of 41.5% compared to the previous years of crisis in the sector - fur sales prices in 2015 still did not reach the expected levels. However, in 2015 held the Finnish auction house Saga Furs fur auctions (March, June, September) was very significant fluctuations in the price of fur, which showed that the fur market situation is not stable.

As a result, by 2016 the world's markets was fur sales price of a dramatic decline as a result of the JSC "Grobina" appealed to the court with a legal protection process application. Since the majority of the creditors, according to the Insolvency Law Article 42, third paragraph, agreed JSC "Grobina" management developed by the process of legal protection plan based on the Liepaja Court judgment of 29 June 2016 the JSC "Grobina" 17 May 2016 Legal Protection Proceedings the plan was approved. By March 03, 2017, Liepaja court decision is confirmed JSC "Grobina" legal protection proceedings plan amendments. Since JSC "Grobina" legal protection proceedings prosecution excitation, company continues economic activities in accordance with an approved JSC "Grobina" legal protection proceceedings action plan and its amendments.




ATLANTA, March 16, 2017 - Acuity Brands, Inc. (NYSE: AYI) will host a conference call on Tuesday, April 4, 2017, at 10:00 a.m. ET to discuss the Company's performance for the second quarter of fiscal 2017, following the announcement of those results earlier that day. Vernon J. Nagel, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Acuity Brands, will lead the call. A live Webcast of the discussion will be accessible at the Company's Web site: www.acuitybrands.com. A replay of the call will also be posted to that site within two hours of the completion of the conference call and will be archived on the site.

About Acuity Brands

Acuity Brands, Inc. (NYSE: AYI) is the North American market leader and one of the world's leading providers of lighting and building management solutions. With fiscal year 2016 net sales of $3.3 billion, Acuity Brands currently employs approximately 12,000 associates and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia with operations throughout North America, and in Europe and Asia. The Company's products and solutions are sold under various brands, including Lithonia Lighting, Holophane, Peerless, Gotham, Mark Architectural Lighting(TM), Winona Lighting, Juno, Indy(TM), Aculux, Healthcare Lighting, Hydrel, American Electric Lighting, Carandini, Antique Street Lamps(TM), Sunoptics, Distech Controls, Acuity Controls(TM), nLight, ROAM and Sensor Switch. Visit us at www.acuitybrands.com.

# # # # #

Company Contact:

Dan Smith

Acuity Brands, Inc.

(404) 853-1423
Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., March 16, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

NuState Energy Holdings, Inc. (NSEH OTC US), a technology holding company with strong emphasis on acquiring, developing, and commercializing energy and technology companies, announces the hiring of Scott Wroblewski as the new CEO and Board Member of NuState Energy Holdings. Scotts background is primarily in the Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering fields and the Energy sector. As an Aerospace and Aeronautical Engineer with extensive work experience with Federal Agencies as well as defense and technological companies within the private sector, his access to resources within the Aerospace & Aeronautical fields will prove to be invaluable to our company.

NuState will be changing its structure to support multiple business units in diverse markets. NSEH will become a holding company, beginning in April, 2017 and will form wholly owned subsidiaries through acquisitions. The first acquisition has already been identified and due diligence is under way. This will provide a stable revenue stream for the company.

Scott Wroblewski brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from his work in the Aeronautics and Energy markets and will be responsible for setting the new direction of the company. I am looking forward to working on this exciting new opportunity with the team at NuState. Having spent a large portion of my professional career within the aerospace and aviation industries, and knowing where the future of the industry is headed, I can see that the opportunities are boundless. My experience brings with it the vision, values and cornerstone to make this a successful operation. With the proper structure in place, NuState will become a major player in this industry with very high profit margins.

Scott Wroblewski graduated from the Pennsylvania State University in 1986 where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Aerospace Engineering and attended graduate studies in the Engineering Science and Mechanics Department. He has over 25 years of experience in the aerospace/aeronautical fields and oil and gas industry, working either directly for, or as a consultant for many leading companies including Boeing, Lockheed martin, Northrop Grumman, Orbital Sciences, Sierra Nevada, and Safran (formally Snecma). He has held Secret and Top Secret Clearances with an Extensive Background Investigation (EBI, SSBI) by the United Stated Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). He was deputy Director of Launch Nuclear Safety and Terrestrial Radioisotope Generators at Lockheed Martin Astronautics for the NASA New Horizons satellite that recently flew by Pluto and is now on to the Kuiper Belts.

He has worked on many prestigious and exciting projects such as the recent Pluto Mission, Boeing 737 Passenger to Freighter Conversions, the U. S. Air Force Superconductivity Motor Program, the Conestoga Launch Vehicle, Ariane 4 & 5 Launch Vehicle (European Rocket System), the Atlas 5 Launch Vehicle, the Taurus Launch Vehicle, the Excalibur Army Main Artillery Shell Targeting System and the Hubble Space Telescope Repair Mission. He has also worked on many commercial aircraft and military projects including the Airbus A380, the Boeing 777, Boeings B-1 Bomber, and Boeings Chinook Helicopter, as well as many others.

NuState Energy Holdings is very excited to bring on board a high-quality CEO with a lot of assets. The company believes that this decision will lead to positive outcomes that will benefit our shareholders. We all look forward to Scott implementing his long-term plan.

Our goal is to instill NuState shareholders with the confidence that their shares will hold their value and that the management team has their interests in mind. We plan to release a new marketing campaign during the month of March.

About NuState Energy Holdings, Inc.:

NuState is a global provider of Energy Efficient solutions for the consumer and commercial client. The companys telematics solutions collect vehicle and container based data, integrate it with information gathered from various separate systems across the supply chain, synthesize it, reformat it into valuable, actionable information, and deliver it to end-users across the logistics value chain through secure web-based applications. Specific offerings include vehicle tracking, inventory/asset visibility, secure trucking, matching available freight with available trucks, and many others. GPSTrax has proven to enhance worldwide emission reduction solutions for the automobile and trucking industry through their partners emission reduction products.

Please visit our website today at www.nsehinc.com , while there sign up for our Company Newsletter.

Connect with us on Social Media

https://twitter.com/nsehinc

https://www.facebook.com/NuStateEnergyHoldings/

http://investorshangout.com/NuState-Energy-Holdings-Inc-NSEH-91860/

Investors Hangout is the only authorized Investors blog page for NuState Energy Holdings, Inc.

Safe-Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: This press release may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), including all statements that are not statements of historical fact regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the company, its directors or its officers with respect to, among other things: (i) the companys financing plans; (ii) trends affecting the companys financial condition or results of operations; (iii) the companys growth strategy and operating strategy; and (iv) the declaration and payment of dividends. The words may, would, will, expect, estimate, anticipate, believe, intend and similar expressions and variations thereof are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the companys ability to control, and that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, due to various factors including the risk disclosed in the companys Forms 10-K and 10-Q filed with the SEC.
PHILADELPHIA, March 16, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Opportunity Finance Network (OFN) today released the following statement in response to the Trump Administrations proposal to eliminate funding for the U.S. Treasury Departments Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund) grants.



Our national network of community development financial institutions is very disappointed that the Administration has proposed an initial budget for fiscal year (FY) 2018 that zeroes out federal support for this vital Treasury Department program, said Lisa Mensah, OFNs President and CEO. The CDFI Fund is the largest single source of equity for CDFIs and has been instrumental in spurring economic growth in the many rural, urban, and Native communities that lack adequate access to capital. Eliminating CDFI Fund funding in FY 2018 will result in fewer investment dollars flowing into communities that are in most need of responsible loans and financial services. For every one dollar of CDFI Fund financing, CDFIs find 10 dollars of additional capital. We count on this Administration to be pro-jobs and to focus on those left out of the economic mainstreamthat is exactly who benefits from the CDFI Fund. We now look to Congress to restore this vital funding in the annual appropriations process.

The CDFI Fund has received bipartisan support, and Congress allocated $233.5 million in funding for FY 2016. Under President Trumps budget proposal funding would be eliminated.

About Opportunity Finance Network (OFN)

Opportunity Finance Network (OFN), the leading national network of community development financial institutions (CDFIs), strives to ensure low-income and other under-resourced communities have access to affordable, responsible financial products and services. Members of OFN are CDFIs that deliver responsible lending to help low-income communities join the economic mainstream. Through 2015 OFNs network originated $48 billion in financing in rural, urban, and Native communities. This financing has helped to create or maintain more than 1,044,000 jobs, start or expand nearly 191,000 businesses and microenterprises, and support the development or rehabilitation of nearly 1.5 million housing units and 9,800 community facility projects. For more information, visit ofn.org.
From Andriy Petlovanyy

The first Ukrainian ROS Meetup will be held Tuesday March 21st 2017 18:30.

Find us at:

Lohika company

(2-nd floor - Conference hall)

15 Lemkivska street

Lviv

Ukraine

The first ROS meeting in Ukraine is organised to begin an evolution of ROS Ukraine community. Both ROS enthusiasts and those beginning their journey into ROS are welcome.

To kick-start the meeting Andriy Petlovanyy from Shadow Robot Company will share some insights into the way they use ROS in their applications. Participation is free, just please register here
A CONFERENCE against the HS2 high speed rail project attracted dozens of visitors.

The Yorkshire HS2 Alternatives Conference 2017, at Wakefield Town Hall, was co-hosted by Wakefield Council and Yorkshire Against HS2.

HS2 wants to build a line from Aston through Bramley, Mexborough and the Dearne Valley  known as the M18 route  after switching from an option via Meadhowhall.

A consultation period ended last week and a decision is expected later in the year.

Event organiser Jonathan Pile said: Its incredibly important that Yorkshires voice is heard and its not decided in London by people in a smoke-filled room.

For two years, from 2010-12, HS2 were researching a route in Yorkshire. They came up with the Meadowhall route. They spent two years researching it and two years advocating it, then after a successful lobbying campaign by Sheffield City Council and Sheffield Chamber of Commerce they dropped it overnight like a hot potato.

The M18 route was rejected by HS2 in 2011.

Mr Pile said that HS2 had looked at a number of different routes through South Yorkshire and said it could still opt for an alternative.

Mr Pile said that Doncaster North MP Ed Miliband, prior to his current opposition to the M18 route, did a lot to save HS2 when Labour wasnt keen.

He added: How has he been rewarded? By HS2 going smack through Mexborough.

Former Green Party leader Natalie Bennett, of Sheffield Green Party, said her party was against HS2.

She said: The Green Party saw that it simply did not add up.

It forces resources and money into London. Its not for the North.

London needs a healthy economic country around it, not everything pulled into London.

Labour went for HS2 because in 2010 they wanted a few northern seats. Thats no way to determine transport policy.

Jonathan Tyler, of the Institute of Transport Studies, co-wrote a study on HS2 and said he could not support the project.

He said that over the years he had seen many mistakes in the railway sector but none as potentially catastrophic as this one.

Mr Tyler said that the HS2 plans offered no sense of a real network and blasted HS2s claim it would run 18 trains an hour.

He said: No other high speed rail network has more than 14 an hour.

Mr Tyler said that the Institute experts had tried to show their findings to ministers but had received a brusque rebuff.

Tony May, the studys co-author, said that HS2 did not deal with connectivity problems because it would reduce the service to existing stations.

He added: The bottom line is that if you get benefits they will be accrued by areas more economically active, London in this case, and it will be very patchy in distribution.

Wakefield Council leader Cllr Peter Box suggested a better rail link from Hull to Liverpool would benefit the North more.

He said the HS2 budget could be better spent boosting the road network or spending 2.6 billion to solve Britains social care problems.

He said: I think its immoral. This country needs to look at its priorities.

Wakefield Councils cabinet member for transport, Matthew Morley, said: I dont see how this sort of investment is going to improve anything. All its going to do is suck new jobs to the south and take more young people away.

Tom Banks, of the Taxpayers Alliance, told the conference that a survey showed 91 per cent of Yorkshire people believed HS2 would go over budget and there was little support for it.

He said: The insistence that people from the north want to get to London a bit quicker is questionable, but also quite patronising.

Joe Rukin, of Stop HS2, said there had never been a proper assessment as to whether HS2 was needed.

He said: There was never anyone sitting down saying what does the country need?

They said we need a new north-south railway line so it might as well be a high speed one.

Other schemes were outlined at the conference, including double decker trains, as well as alternative routes suggested by different groups.
It all starts with stones - it is they that give impetus, determine the image and embodiment Maxim Selikhov is the founder of the SelikhoV Diamonds brand launched in 2006, and the company manufactures unique handmade jewellery with rare high-quality gemstones. He is also known as a collector of unique and large-size jewellery stones who considers...

Our technologies  CVD machines and growing technology  are game changers, asserts Arnaud Flambeau, Executive Chairman, 2DOT4 Diamonds LLC Arnaud Flambeau is the Executive Chairman of 2DOT4 Diamonds LLC, Dubai, a fully integrated lab-grown diamonds company. The Company provides rough 'as grown' diamonds, in-house polished IGI certified loose polished diamonds and high-quality...

Stargems brings the DaVinci system to Botswana Stargems, which was founded by Shailesh Javeri in 1981, has diversified into manufacturing, wholesaling, retailing and tendering or auctioning of diamonds and diamond jewellery.

It is also one of the leading players in the manufacturing, wholesaling...

Coloured diamonds are the best investment option if anyone would like to invest in diamonds Dr Sergio Calqueiro, the President and Managing Director of the Dubai-based Foz Gold & Diamonds Trading has been dealing in polished diamonds, gold, Import & Export, International trade and development for the past six-plus years. Sergio is also the...
Indian mining billionaire Anil Agarwal will buy a 2bn stake in Anglo American thus becoming its second-largest shareholder with a 13% stake. The major stake in Anglo belongs to South Africas Public Investment Corp. This move will give him a very strong position at the table of Anglo at a time when the latter is bouncing back from a commodity market downturn.

The deal will be conducted through Volcan Investments, a stakeholder in Vedanta, but will stop short of a full-fledged takeover of Anglo. Last year, Anil Agarwal proposed to marry his mining business with that of Anglo, but his offer was declined.

It gives him an extremely good seat at the table if there is going to be any corporate activity, said Jeremy Wrathall, head of mining research at Investec Plc. cited by Bloomberg. We expect that M&A is going to be the next phase and maybe this is firing the starting gun.

The purchase will be funded via a mandatory exchangeable bond issued by his holding company, Volcan Investments Ltd., and secured by Anglos shares, the investor said in a statement on Wednesday, according to the agency.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. is acting as the sole bookrunner and underwriter on the financing as well as the coupon guarantor. Volcan plans to place the bond on or around April 11, the statement said.

This is an attractive investment for our family trust, Agarwal, who founded Vedanta Resources Plc, said in the statement. Anglo American is a great company with excellent assets and a strong board and management team who are executing a focused strategy to drive shareholder value. I am delighted to become a shareholder in Anglo American.

Aruna Gaitonde, Editor in Chief of the Asian Bureau, Rough&Polished


Gem Diamonds said its revenue dropped 24 percent to $189.8 million for the year ending 31 December 2016 from $249.5 million in 2015.

The group's revenue was primarily derived from its two business activities, namely sales from mining operations at Letseng in Lesotho and additional margin generated from its rough diamond manufacturing operation in Belgium.

Letseng achieved an average of $1 695 per carat from the sale of 108 945 carats, which was 26 percent lower than that achieved in 2015 of $2 299.

The lower US dollar per carat was largely the consequence of fewer high-quality +100 carat diamonds being recovered at Letseng during the year, the company said.

The sales generated by Ghaghoo were not reflected in the group's revenue figures for the current and prior years, but had been set off against operating and development costs capitalised to the carrying value of the development asset, as the mine did not reach full commercial production for accounting purposes by the end of the year.

Ghaghoo sold 47 266 carats during the year for $7.2 million, achieving an average of $152 per carat for the year compared to $162 per carat in 2015.

This fall in prices emphasised the weak state of the diamond market for this category of diamonds, it said.

The groups underlying EBITDA dropped to $62.8 million during the period under consideration from $103.5 million in 2015 while profit for the year also eased to $32.3 million from $67.4 million, a year earlier.

Meanwhile, Letseng recovered 108 206 carats in 2016 compared with 108 579 in 2015.

Letseng has performed well operationally and achieved all production metrics within targets and guidance, said group chief executive Clifford Elphick.

Demand and prices achieved for the large, high quality diamonds recovered from Letseng have remained firm, but the decline in 2016 in the recovery of diamonds larger than 100 carats has had a disappointing impact upon revenue and cash flow.

Gem Diamonds said Ghaghoo operated at a reduced production rate during the year following the decision to downsize the operation due to the depressed state of the market that was experienced in 2015.

In total, 217 372 tonnes of ore were treated and 40 976 carats were recovered, achieving a recovered grade of 18.9cpht, it said.

Ghaghoo was placed on care and maintenance last February as a result of low diamond prices.



Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor in Chief of the African Bureau, Rough&Polished




Lucapa Diamond, which recently acquired a 70 percent stake in Mothae Diamonds in Lesotho, said it is planning to resume production in the next 12 months.

It said in a presentation at the Euroz Institutional Conference that preliminary modelling had indicated sufficient free cash flow in first 18 months to repay project funding.

Lucapa was expecting capital cost of $12 million for the first phase of the project to optimise plant feed, XRT technology and upgrade capacity.

The government of Lesotho issued a new 10-year mining license to Mothae Diamonds early this month for the Mothae kimberlite project.

The issuance of the mining license was one of the conditions precedent for Lucapa to acquire its 70 percent interest in Mothae Diamonds, it said in a statement.

The advanced Mothae kimberlite project had an indicated and inferred resource of 1 million carats and an inferred resource valuation of $1 billion.

Trial mining had identified that Mothae hosts large Type IIa diamonds, including individual stones up to 254 carats, as well as gem quality diamonds that have sold for up to $41,500 a carat.



Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor in Chief of the African Bureau, Rough&Polished




Wilmington, Delaware, March 16, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The report Global Home Textile Market by Manufacturers, Regions, Type and Application, Forecast to 2021, available on MarketIntelReports, estimates that India will be play a key role in registering significant future demand.

Browse numerous Market Tables as well as Figures which are spread through 112 Pages and an in-depth TOC on the Home Textile Market 2021 http://www.marketintelreports.com/report/glfr788/global-home-textile-market-by-manufacturers-regions-type-and-application-forecast-to-2021

Scope & Regional Forecast of the Home Textile Market

Home Textile is a flexible woven material consisting of a network of natural or artificial fibers often referred to as thread or yarn. Yarn is produced by spinning raw fibers of wool, flax, cotton, or other material to produce long strands. Textiles are formed by weaving, knitting, crocheting, knotting, or pressing fibers together.

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This report focuses on the Home Textile in Global market, especially in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle and Africa. This report categorizes the market based on manufacturers, regions, type and application. There are 13 chapters to provide an in-depth view of the global Home Textile market.

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Prominent Segmentations Involved in the Home Textile Market

The Home Textile Market can be broken down into various segmentations on the basis of -

Type: Bedding, Curtain & Blind, Carpet, Towel, Kitchen Linen, Blanket and Others.

Application: Family Used and Commercial Used.

Geographical Location: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Latin America.

Some of the sample companies profiled in the Home Textile Market report are as follows:

Shaw Industries

Mohawk

Welspun India Ltd

Springs Global

Sunvim

Luolai Home Textile

Ralph Lauren Corporation

Fuanna

Shuixing Home Textile

Mendale Home Textile

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Gannett Fleming Canada ULC is expanding its transportation practice with the addition of three experienced professionals to its Toronto office: David Bannister, Yousef Kimiagar and Magdy Samaan.

With more than 35 years of experience in the engineering industry, David Bannister joins Gannett Fleming Canada ULC as a vice president and director of facilities and program development. His expertise in structural engineering for facilities and infrastructure projects, coupled with his management of complex multi-disciplinary projects across the transit, industrial, aviation, municipal and healthcare sectors and knowledge of alternate project delivery approaches will support the advancement of the firms capabilities.

Yousef Kimiagar joins the firm as a vice president and Canada systems manager with more than 30 years of international engineering and management experience. He specializes in the management and integration of complex and advanced technology systems in transit rail environment. He has overseen and managed large projects in Europe, Asia and North America, is knowledgeable in alternative financing procurement, and carries years of experience working with Infrastructure Ontario, Metrolinx, Toronto Transit Commission and the city of Toronto.

Dr. Magdy Samaan joins the company as a transportation structures practice manager responsible for expanding and growth of the transportation structures business in Ontario and across Canada. Samaan over 23 years of experience in the planning, concept development, analysis, design, construction engineering, inspection, strengthening, value engineering and project management of structures.

Samaan has extensive knowledge in finite modeling of complex structures, planning and concept design, and detailed design and rehabilitation work of small and major prestressed and post-tension concrete and steel bridges, which he has applied to national and international bridge work in both private and public sectors. He will leverage his experience in P3/design-build and design-bid-build projects for the Ministry of Transportation Ontario and other major clients, as well as his expertise in the use of American, Canadian, and European Bridge Codes and Standards (AASHTO, CHBDC, and EuroCode) to advance the service offerings provided by the transportation structures business practice in Gannett Fleming.
FBI Director James Comey will testify at a House Intelligence Committee hearing next Monday, Chairman Devin Nunes, R-Calif., announced on Wednesday.

Nunes told reporters Comey will appear before the committee to discuss Russia' alleged meddling in the 2016 presidential election.

Comey is also expected to face questions about President Donald Trump's accusations that his phones were tapped by President Barack Obama.

However, Nunes said he has not seen any evidence that Trump Tower was wiretapped by the Obama administration last year.

"We don't have any evidence that that took place and in fact I don't believe -- just in the last week of time, the people we've talked to -- I don't think there was an actual tap of Trump Tower," Nunes said.

Comey is also due to brief the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, an aide to Chairman Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, told CNN.

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Political News
Volcan Investments Ltd, the majority shareholder of Vedanta Resources Plc (VED.L), announced that it intends to make an investment in Anglo American Plc (AAUKY.PK,AAL.L) shares of up to 2.0 billion through mandatory exchangeable bond.

"This is an attractive investment for our family trust. Anglo American is a great company with excellent assets and a strong board and management team who are executing a focused strategy to drive shareholder value," said the owner of Volcan, Anil Agarwal.



Vedanta confirms that the proposed investment is being made by Volcan alone, and that the company is not participating in Volcan's investment.



Vedanta is committed to its strategic priorities, including ramping up production from its portfolio of low cost assets, increasing its free cash flow, and continuing to optimise and deleverage its balance sheet.



Volcan, a holding company, said it plans to issue the bond on or around April 11, and said the bond will be led by JP Morgan as sole bookrunner and will be secured by Anglo American shares.

Volcan plans to buy Anglo American shares in the market through a combination of purchases from investors in the bond and on market purchases on or before April 11.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Seattle's venture capital firm Biomatics Capital Partners closed its inaugural fund at $200 million, with plans to invest in genomics and digital .

The fund, in excess of the fund target of $150 million, was raised by Boris Nikolic and Julie Sunderland, former advisors to philanthropists Bill and Melinda Gates.

In a statement, Biomatics said it estimates to invest in 15-20 companies, acting as Series A lead investor in a majority of the deals. Initial investments typically range from $5 million to $10 million, with up to $20 million over the life of the investment.

The former Gates advisors co-founded Biomatics in 2016. Nikolic previously served as chief advisor for science and to Bill Gates. Meanwhile, Sunderland previously was director of Program Related Investments for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Sunderland said, "It's our goal to seek out radically innovative solutionsthe outliers. By combining the best of science with sound investment practices, we are looking to create extraordinary financial value for our investors and a pathway to better patient outcomes."

The venture capital firm in its statement noted that it is investing in transformational innovation at the intersection of health care and technology.

Biomatics focuses on advancing academic research and early-stage health care innovation to commercialization, with investments concentrated in areas of genomics, digital health and data-driven health care technologies, it said.

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Business News
HeidelbergCement AG (HDELY.PK) reported Thursday that its fourth-quarter group share of profit fell 30 percent to 121 million euros from last year's 172 million euros. Earnings per share dropped 35 percent to 0.60 euros from 0.92 euros a year ago.

Pre-tax profit from continuing operations decreased 54 percent year-over-year to 164 million euros.

Earnings per share, adjusted for non-recurring effects, were 1.95 euros, compared to 0.98 euros last year.

Revenue climbed 25 percent to 4.24 billion euros from 3.39 billion euros a year ago. The consolidation of Italcementi in particular contributed to this positive development.

On a like-for-like basis, revenues dropped 7 percent.

The sales volumes of cement, aggregates, and ready-mixed concrete increased significantly as a result of the acquisition of Italcementi.

Further, the Managing Board and the Supervisory Board will propose to the Annual General Meeting on May 10 a substantial increase in dividend of 23% to 1.60 euros per share.

Looking ahead, for fiscal 2017, the company expects increasing revenue moderately and the result from current operations before exchange rate and consolidation effects by a mid-single to double digit percentage on a pro forma basis. The company also expects significant rise in profit for the financial year before non-recurring effects.

Bernd Scheifele said, "We remain cautiously optimistic about 2017. While the overall outlook for the global is positive, the major macroeconomic and particularly geopolitical risks have increased at the same time."

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Business News
Gerry Weber International AG (GRYIF.PK) reported first-quarter net income of 1.2 million euros or 0.03 euros per share, flat with previous year. Consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) picked up by 7.7% to 15.6 million euros. Consolidated earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) improved by 5.1% to 4.1 million euros.

In the first quarter, GERRY WEBER generated consolidated sales revenues of 209.2 million euros, down slightly by 2.1%. Revenues generated by the Core brands - GERRY WEBER, TAIFUN and SAMOON - were down by 2.4% on the prior year quarter due to the decline in revenues of the GERRY WEBER Core Retail segment. The company said the decline is attributable to the fact that no more revenues were generated by the stores closed in the previous year as well as to a 3.4% drop in like-for-like revenues.

Ralf Weber, CEO of GERRY WEBER, stated: "The first three months of 2016/17 show that the FIT4GROWTH realignment programme is effective and is beginning to bear fruit. The measures already implemented have not only had a positive effect on the cost structure of the Core segment but have also helped to accelerate the modernisation of our brands. We must now continue to implement the realignment with great determination in order to return to profitable growth after the stabilisation phase."

The Managing Board expects sales revenues for the current financial year 2016/17 to be 2% to 4% below the prior year level. Consequently, the Managing Board projects consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (consolidated EBITDA reported) of between 60 and 70 million euros. Consolidated earnings before interest and taxes (consolidated EBIT reported) will amount to between 10 and 20 million euros.

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Business News
Italian insurer Generali Group (ARZGY.PK) reported Thursday that its fiscal 2016 net profit attributable increased 2.5 percent to 2.08 billion euros from last year's 2.03 billion euros, despite lower realized gains.

Earnings per share increased to 1.32 euros from 1.29 euros a year ago.

Operating result reached 4.83 billion euros, up 0.9 percent from 4.79 billion euros last year, thanks to further improvements both in Life, benefiting from good technical performance despite the financial market environment, and in P&C due to a continued improvement of the Group's CoR, the company noted.

Gross written premiums amounted to 70.51 billion euros, down 3.9% from 74.17 billion euros last year.

Net earned premiums dropped to 65.35 billion euros from 68.51 billion euros last year.

Further, the company said it has recommended a dividend of 0.80 euros per share, an increase of 11.1% over the previous year.

Looking ahead, the company said that despite the challenging macroeconomic environment and volatility of the financial , in 2017 the Group expects to increase shareholder remuneration, consistent with the strategic plan presented to the market.

Generali will now deliver 2019 savings target on mature markets one year ahead of plan.

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Business News
Infrastructure group Balfour Beatty PLC (BBY.L) reported Thursday that its fiscal 2016 pre-tax profit was 8 million pounds, compared to last year's loss of 199 million pounds. Profit per share was 3.5 pence, compared to loss of 30.1 pence a year ago.

Underlying pre-tax profit was 60 million pounds, compared to loss of 123 million pounds last year. Underlying profit per share was 7.0 pence, compared to loss of 19.8 pence last year.

Revenue declined slightly to 6.923 billion pounds from 6.955 billion pounds a year ago. Underlying revenues grew 4 percent to 8.53 billion pounds from 8.24 billion pounds last year. At constant exchange rates, underlying revenues dropped 3 percent.

Order book climbed 15 percent on a reported basis and 4 percent at constant exchange rates to 12.7 billion pounds.

The Board took the decision to suspend the dividend in 2015. Following dividend reinstatement, the Board is recommending a final dividend of 1.8 pence per share, giving a total recommended dividend for the year of 2.7 pence per share.

Further, the company presented a favorable medium and long term market outlook.

Looking ahead, Leo Quinn, Group Chief Executive, said, "....All this positions us for future profitable growth. During the next two-year phase of Build to Last, we expect to achieve industry-standard margins and over the medium term, industry-leading performance."

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Business News
New York, March 16, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Standard Media Index (SMI), the company bringing transparency to advertising data, in conjunction with Bill Harvey Consulting, will release new data showing the effects an unbalanced TV and digital advertising media mix has on sales. The new study, which in part was originally commissioned by Turner Broadcasting, will be presented at ARFs Re!Think conference on March 21, 2017.

A continuation of the research SMI and Harvey conducted in June 2016 looking at sales in relation to TV advertising, the study, which uses major Auto, QSR and CPG brands as its subjects, goes a step further to confirm not only does increased TV advertising support sales, but there is an optimal media mix between television and digital that ensures better sales. As it becomes even clearer that TV provides reach and transparency, its vital to best understand the premier media mix for brands to reach their audiences.

This new data, which looks at shifts in advertising spend from 23 brands across Auto, QSR and CPG, from 2014  2016, comes at a time when industry pundits are beginning to question the effects of digital advertising and brands like P&G are beginning to question their shift away from more traditional media. P&Gs move is supported by the SMI/Harvey study which shows the most successful advertising methods for the CPG brands studied were Broadcast prime time TV, all other TV and pure-play Digital Video.

In addition to releasing results of this new research, SMI will also preview the next generation of advertising effectiveness studies which will add household footprint data, and consumer action data to the mix, creating clear and actionable findings for brands to best target consumers across media types. Unlike many ROI studies in the market, this will be the industrys first syndicated ROI series where a brand can compare itself to competitors by media type.

To hear the full findings from the SMI/Harvey report, and get a first look at the partnerships next study, please join their presentation at the ARF Re!Think Conference in New York.

What: ARF Re!Think Conference, Tracking TV & Digital ROI Using Single-Source Methodology

When: 2:50  3:20 p.m. Tuesday, March 21, 2017

Where: New York Hilton Midtown, Americas II, 4th Floor

Who: James Fennessy, CEO of SMI; Bill Harvey, Executive Chairman, Bill Harvey Consulting

About Standard Media Index

Standard Media Index (SMI) is the global industry standard for actual ad spend data. It offers real-time, decision-grade data sourced directly from the booking systems of the worlds largest media agencies. Headquartered in New York City, USA, SMI provides the only clear picture of how ad dollars are moving across the market to help media owners and finance companies fuel growth and drive better decisions. For more information: www.standardmediaindex.com or join the conversation on Twitter and LinkedIn.
German prosecutors raided the headquarters of Volkswagen and Audi on Wednesday as part of an investigation into the diesel emissions-cheating scandal, reports said.

Volkswagen spokesman reportedly said that prosecutors were searching offices at the carmaker's headquarters in Wolfsburg, Germany, while luxury carmaker Audi's offices in Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm were also raided.

The raids were part of a criminal investigation against Volkswagen over its use of software to cheat diesel emissions tests in the U.S. Investigators are checking whether Audi engineers and executives were involved in Volkswagen's cheating as Audi reportedly designed and manufactured some of the engines that were manipulated.

Audi spokesman said in a statement, "We are cooperating fully with officials because we have great interest in clearing up the matter."

Volkswagen had issued a global recall of all vehicles affected by the diesel manipulation. The company pleaded guilty to criminal charges in the U.S, and in recent months agreed to pay fines, penalties and consumer compensation reaching around $25 billion.

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Business News
Federal courts in two U.S. states have blocked President Donald Trump's second attempt to ban entry of citizens from six mostly Muslim countries and suspend a refugee resettlement program.

Trump first issued an executive order on January 27th that barred citizens from seven majority Muslim countries - Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Syria, Sudan and Yemen - from entering the U.S. for 90 days. Under that order, Syrian refugees were barred indefinitely.

After that order was blocked by U.S. courts, Trump signed a revised executive order on March 6th, exempting Iraq from the original list.

The new order specifies that most citizens from the 6 countries cannot enter the U.S. on new visas until security procedures used to evaluate visa applications have been reviewed.

Three states, Maryland, Washington and Hawaii, have taken legal action questioning the validity of Trump's revised executive order and sought a temporary stay.

Trump's revised executive order was scheduled to take effect on March 16th.

U.S. District Court Judge Derrick Watson in Honolulu, Hawaii, issued a temporary restraining order nationwide over the ban, a few hours before its implementation, while a federal judge in Maryland temporarily blocked the 90-day ban Thursday morning.

A federal judge in Washington state is also in the process of evaluating challenges to the new travel ban but may defer ruling in light of the nationwide ruling in Hawaii, CNN reported.

As a result, travelers from six Muslim-majority countries and refugees will be able to travel to the U.S.

This is the second set back to Trump's efforts to implement the travel ban, which he claims is part of an effort to protect the U.S. from terrorist activities by foreign nationals.

Addressing a rally Wednesday night in Nashville, Tennessee, Trump termed Justice Watson's ruling as "the bad, the sad news."

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Political News
Senator Rand Paul, R-Ken., struck back at Senator John McCain, R-Ariz., on Thursday after the veteran lawmaker accused his libertarian-leaning colleague of working for Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Paul suggested in an interview with MSNBC's "Morning Joe" that McCain's comments are an indication he has spent too long in the Senate.

"I think he makes a really, really strong case for term limits," Paul said. "I think maybe he's past his prime. I think maybe he's gotten a little bit unhinged."

The comment from Paul comes after McCain lashed out at the Kentucky Senator in remarks on the Senate floor on Wednesday.

McCain argued Paul was achieving the objectives of Putin by blocking an attempt to vote on a treaty that would allow Montenegro to join NATO.

"He has no justification for his objection to having a small nation be part of NATO that is under assault from the Russians," McCain said. "So, I repeat again, the senator from Kentucky is now working for Vladimir Putin."

Paul, who has opposed the expansion of NATO, argued McCain's foreign policy would greatly endanger and overextend the U.S.

"There's a real debate about how big NATO should be and whether or not it's been more provocative than good," Paul said. "We seem to be paying for all of it. Whenever there's a war fought, our soldiers fight it and our dollars pay for it."

(Photo: Gage Skidmore)

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Political News
TAMPA, Fla., March 16, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The City of Tampa announced this week that their overall crime rate has dropped by 24 percent in the past year. But the break-out news from that announcement is that Ybor City, Tampas cigar-manufacturing and nightlife district, once known as a crime haven, has gotten safer by a whopping 44 percent in the past year alone. Less than a decade ago, news reports declared Ybor City as one of the neighborhoods of Tampa to avoid because of the high crime rate. Now Ybor Citys crime rate has dropped further than any other Tampa neighborhood while tourism and nightlife continue to boom.



A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/65d2e9bb-0cbf-44d0-b4f1-3620f16daebf.

While many factors can be seen to contribute to this, one factor is a clear indicator  the involvement of the residents and businesses working in tandem with police. One such organization, The Church of Scientology Tampa, opened on March 13th 2011, in the middle of Ybor City and amidst reports of high property and violent crime. Ybor Square, an icon to the cigar manufacturing district and intricately woven into Tampa-Cuban history, was renovated by the Church of Scientology into its Tampa headquarters.

We were concerned about the crime reports in Ybor City when we first considered our Church being here, said Mimi Kintzel, the Director of Public Affairs for the Church of Scientology Tampa. But working with the police, our security force is on guard day and night, not just looking out for our own property but keeping an eye on our neighbors properties as well. Now the police know they can come to us to help with any suspicious activity and to provide the extra security that backs up their actions.

Kintzel also said that Church staff and volunteers have distributed thousands of educational materials on The Truth About Drugs and The Way to Happiness, a common sense moral guide, to youth and adults throughout Tampa neighborhoods as well as in schools, youth organizations and door-to-door in Tampa. Church volunteers are also seen regularly at community events and speak to community groups on The Way to Happiness, a book written by L. Ron Hubbard and which is available in 112 languages, with some 115 million copies distributed in 186 nations. The campaign to distribute the book has been embraced by more than 257,000 groups and individuals worldwide. It holds the Guinness World Record as the single most-translated nonreligious book. Like Tampa, communities around the world have seen significant drops in crime coincident with the distribution and adoption of The Way to Happiness. Examples include:

The National Police of Colombia adopted The Way to Happiness and undertook nationwide distribution, reaching 20 percent of the population. Coincidentally, the nation's crime rates plummeted.

In Los Angeles communities beset by violence, rival motorcycle gangs distributing The Way to Happiness achieved crime drops of between 15 and 30 percent after every "Peace Ride."

Police in an eastern Slovakian community attributed a 40 percent reduction in the crime rate to widespread distribution of The Way to Happiness.

The Church of Scientology Tampa is open from 10 am to 10 pm daily. Its Information Center contains exhibits featuring over 400 audio-visual properties including ones on the successes of The Way to Happiness around the world. Call 813-872-0722 for more information.
SALT LAKE CITY, March 16, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TaskEasy, Inc., the leading nationwide, on-demand property care provider, will attend the National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM) 2017 Broker/Owner Retreat. This will be the first residential forum for interested groups to learn about the companys 2017 strategy. Representatives will be on hand to meet with new and existing customers, as well as exhibit in the Trade Show.



TaskEasy provides tech-driven, on-demand property care, delivered by the largest network of landscaping contractors in the nation. Their simple client dashboard and single invoice for all properties drastically minimize the hours required to manage portfolio-wide maintenance. TaskEasy works with the institutional owners of 14 of the top 17 single family rental home portfolios.

The NARPM 2017 Broker/Owner Retreat runs from March 20-22 at The Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas, NV. TaskEasy will also be attending the NARPM 29th Annual Convention and Trade Show, which takes place October 18-20 at Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando, FL.

About TaskEasy

TaskEasy, Inc. makes exterior maintenance as easy as shopping online. With the click of a button, TaskEasy delivers services like lawn mowing and snow removal to customers across all 50 states. As the first company to apply the services on-demand model nationwide for home exterior maintenance and multi-site property management, TaskEasys proprietary platform establishes a fair market price and supports guaranteed, quality service for homeowners, property and facility managers, and contractors. For more information, visit TaskEasy.com.
Still Standing: Four the Moments legacy honoured at Nova Scotia Music Week

When a quartet of Halifax women began singing together a cappella in the name of social justice in 1982, there was little in the way of a music industry at play in Atlantic Canada. And even if there had been, its likely that Four the Moment would ...
By SA Commercial Prop News

Michael Watters, CEO of the Redefine International Group, says we are pleased to be able to make it easier for South African investors to share in the benefits of a direct investment in Redefine International.



Redefine International PLC has announced its intention to list and begin trading on the JSE's main board when the bourse opens on Monday 28 October 2013, bringing to the market a R15.8bn (approx. 1 billion) property portfolio.

Redefine International PLC, which is listed on the London Stock Exchange, has a geographically diverse portfolio independently valued at over 1 billion (approx. R15.8 billion) and comprises real estate assets in the retail, office, industrial and hotel sectors across the UK, Europe  specifically Switzerland, Germany, the Netherlands and the Channel Islands - and Australia.

South African investors will be able to access direct investment in Redefine International PLC in their local market. It will trade on the JSE under the share code RPL.



As part of Redefine International PLCs inward list on the JSE, its South African holding company, Redefine Properties International (RIN) will be unbundled. Redefine International PLC is RINs only asset. RIN will trade on the JSE for the last day on Friday, 25 October 2013. RIN shareholders gave the green light to restructure the group at a meeting in Johannesburg last Friday. This was the final step in achieving all conditions for Redefine International PLCs inward listing on the JSE.



Michael Watters, CEO of the Redefine International Group, says: We are pleased to be able to make it easier for South African investors to share in the benefits of a direct investment in Redefine International. This is exciting progress for the company and results in several cost-saving benefits.



RIN unitholders will have the rights to trade in Redefine International PLC shares from 28 October 2013. When RIN delists, on Monday, 4 November 2013, they will officially receive their Redefine International PLC shareholding.



The inward listing improves the liquidity and tradability of Redefine International. It also cuts fee costs by eliminating duplication and is expected to significantly enhance the groups ability to raise capital cost effectively, says Watters. This all serves to strengthen our prospects.



The restructure has also allowed Redefine International PLC to pursue REIT status, which it expects before the end of the year.
Over 130 traders of agricultural products from China Indian business ' title=' met Indian business '>met Indian business representatives and have evinced interest in doing business here.

In a seminar held here, high-level delegates representing agricultural products importers, exporters and government representatives of Shandong province of China exchanged views with Indian business representatives and expressed keenness on doing bilateral business, a statement said.



The seminar was hosted jointly by India-China Economic and Cultural Council and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Ficci).



The delegation from China comprised more than 130 business delegates, it said.



Agreements were signed between India-China Economic and Cultural Council (ICEC) and Ficci, and with the Commerce Department of Shandong province.



"This meeting will open a new chapter in business associations between Shandong, China and India. India and China are both developing and fastest growing markets. There is a lot of scope for further in-depth cooperation between China and India. I wish India and China have more cultural and economic association," Deputy Director-General of Shandong Commerce Department Lyu Wei said.





Counsellor Li Baijun of the Chinese Embassy said: "I believe that the economic cooperation between India and China can bring greater business prosperity across the world."



ICEC Secretary General Mohammed Saqib said: "While India-China business is concentrated on trade, the agriculture sector has been something that has not been explored so far, and we believe that mechanisation will be a big segment of India-China business associations."



Ficci Director General Ambika Sharma said: "We are here at the time when China and India as the first- and third-largest economies of the world are contributing one-fourth of the world's GDP and are discovering new potentials which have the power to define the new global economic architecture."



Ficci food expert Vijay Sardana said: "There is a huge opportunity of Chinese technology coming into Indian agriculture, thus opening doors for the betterment of economy of both the countries."



Deputy Director of Shandong Agricultural Department Lin Guohua said: "Shandong is one of the 13 main production areas in China. It is a major province for horticulture, processing and animal husbandry. Presently it is promoting the supply-side reform of agriculture deeply which will open better commerce opportunities for India in China."
Reliance Infrastructure Limited on Thursday said its board has approved raising of Rs 2, 000 crore funds by issue of securities through qualified institutions placement for capitalising opportunities in defence business, reducing debt and corporate purposes.

The Board of Directors in a meeting on March 16 approved raising of funds by issue of securities (equity shares and/or other securities convertible into equity shares) "through qualified institutions placement (QIP) to qualified institutional buyers for an aggregate sum not exceeding Rs 2,000 crore", the company said in a regulatory filing to BSE.

The company said the funds raised from the proposed QIP would be utilised for capitalising on "business opportunities in the defence sector", "reduction of debt" and "general corporate purposes".

The company will seek approval from its shareholders for the QIP.
Filmmaker S.S. Rajamouli on Thursday said the unfortunate leak of the trailer of his upcoming magnum opus "Baahubali 2: The Conclusion" happened due to a "bug in Facebook".

Talking to the media here at the trailer launch on Thursday, Rajamouli said the trailer leak happened due to a bug in Facebook. He did not elaborate on it any further.



"Piracy is different, and a leak is totally different. We are still trying to find out how the trailer leak happened. It is very irritating for the entire team but we can't blame anyone without knowing everything about the leak," Rajamouli said.



The trailer was supposed to be launched at 5 p.m. on Thursday. However, following a leak of the Tamil version of the trailer, the makers were forced to release the trailer of all the versions online.

Talking about the second part of the franchise, he said: "Unlike the first part, which was low on emotions and high on grandeur, the second part will have both factors in equal proportion."



Rajamouli said he was tense while working on the trailer, but the output is satisfactory.



"When I saw the trailer with Keeravani's background score, the output was beyond my expectations," he said.



The film starring Prabhas, Rana Daggubati, Anushka Shetty, Tamannaah Bhatia, Ramya Krishnan and Sathyaraj is due for release on April 28.
Odisha is the mating and nesting ground of 50 per cent of the world's Olive Ridley turtles, the smallest and most abundant sea turtles, but increasing deaths -- largely due to illegal trawling -- threaten their existence and are causing increasing concern among wildlife lovers.

Consider this: While 3,473 turtles died in 2010-11, the figure was 2,382 in 2011-12. The toll increased to 2,717 in 2012-13 and 3,787 in 2013-14, a government report said.

The deaths further increased to 5,899 in 2014-15 and an alarming 6,987 in 2015-16, the report added.

However, unofficial figures say the toll could exceed 50,000 every year.

The Gahirmatha beach, the Rushikulya and Devi river mouths of Odisha are famous as the world's largest Olive Ridley rookery and accounts for 90 per cent of the Indian population.

While Odisha is fortunate to have such mass nesting destinations for the turtles, many of them die while on their journey to the nesting sites or while mating in the sea largely because they are caught in the fishing nets of trawlers -- even though the boats are banned during the breeding season.

If this were not bad enough, the state has planned to set up about 13 minor ports along the coastline in close proximity to the mass nesting beaches.

Little wonder then that wildlife lovers blame the state government for sitting idle and not upgrading infrastructure to prevent illegal fishing by the trawlers.

"The state government has brought two boats for Rs 6 crore ($914,000) for patrolling along the Odisha coast. But the Forest Department is not using the boats. While it was asked to purchase the boats in 2004, the department purchased them only last year," Biswajit Mohanty, a wildlife activist, told IANS.

The state government insists it is doing everything possible to protect the turtles.

"The state government is taking every possible step to protect and conserve the Olive Ridley turtles. We impose a seven-month ban on fishing along the coast. The ban remains in force from November 1 to May 31 every year as Olive Ridley turtles arrive every year during winter for mass nesting," said Siddhant Das, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife).

As per the Odisha Marine Fishing Act (OMFA), trawlers and fishermen have been directed not to operate within 20 km off the coastline in the turtle nesting sites. Also, motorboats and mechanised trawlers have been prohibited from fishing within five km from the coast, he added.

Das also contradicted the government's own figures, saying causalties have declined over the years while a record number of turtles have congregated this year.

As a result of the protective measures, he said the number of Olive Ridleys has constantly increased over the years from 35,000 in 2001-02 to 465,000 in 2005-06, to 513,000 in 2009-10 and 694,000 in 2012-13, another official said.

There was a sudden rise to 724,000 in 2010-11 but a dramatic drop to 60,000 along the Rushikulya mouth while not a single turtle arrived at Gahiramatha mouth in 2013-14. The numbers rose in 2014-15, with 722,000 Olive Ridley turtles congregating along the coast to lay eggs, the official added.
India on Wednesday slammed Pakistan for abetting terrorism ' title=' cross-border terrorism '>cross-border terrorism and said Islamabad's continued support to terror groups is the "main challenge" for New Delhi.

"Terrorism is the grossest violation of human rights and should be acknowledged so by any impartial and objective observer," Indian diplomat Nabanita Chakrabarti told the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva.

She blamed Pakistan for destabilising Jammu and Kashmir by promoting infiltration and cross-border terrorism.

"Pakistan-backed terror outfits are main challenge to human rights of our citizens in Jammu and Kashmir," she said in response to Pakistan's statement during the 34th session of the council.

Expressing concern over the rising sectarian conflict and economic hardship in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, she said: "Jammu and Kashmir is a part of a pluralistic and secular democracy, where an independent judiciary, and active media and a vibrant civil society guarantee freedoms.

She said PoK is administered by a "Deep State" and has become a hub for global export of terror.

Nabanita Chakrabarti emphasised that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and the situation there is its internal matter.

"Pakistan must rein in its compulsive hostility towards India and demand that they (Pakistan) fulfil its obligation to vacate illegal occupation of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir."

Earlier at the UNHRC, Pakistan had said that "the repression in Jammu and Kashmir is the most reprehensible manifestation of the flogging of human rights and the unleashing of violence by an increasingly communal and extremist state".
The Delhi High Court on Thursday dismissed a plea filed by NRI televangelist Zakir Naik against a ban on his NGO Islamic Research Foundation (IRF), saying the home ministry has "sufficient material for immediate ban".

Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva dismissing Naik's plea, said: "Immediate action appears to have been taken in interest of sovereignty, integrity and maintenance of public order."



Naik had challenged the November 17, 2016 notification imposing an immediate ban on the IRF for five years under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.



The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had earlier showed confidential documents to the court on the basis of which a decision to ban the foundation was taken.



The government had said that the IRF was banned as there was fear that youths could be "radicalised or motivated" to join terror groups.



Challenging the ban, the IRF had told the court that the notification did not give sufficient reasons and materials for taking such a step and that the ban was imposed without giving any showcause notice.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said he wished to keep working and urged others to do the same too.

He spoke at the BJP's parliamentary party meeting where he was felicitated over the Bharatiya Janata Party's performance in assembly elections.



A BJP leader who attended the meeting said: "Modiji said he will keep working and asked us to do the same. He said that he will not sit idle and will not let anyone sit idle."

Home Minister Rajnath Singh moved a resolution to congratulate Modi. Subsequently, 'prasad' brought from the Tirupati Balaji temple was distributed.



Asked if the name of the Chief Minister for Uttar Pradesh was finalised, Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad told reporters: "You need not worry. UP will get a capable Chief Minister."
CLEARWATER, Fla., March 16, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In honor of Military Caregiver Month and with the number of veterans committing suicide remaining at high levels despite efforts to decrease this number, the Florida chapter of The Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR), a non-profit mental health watchdog organization established by the Church of Scientology and psychiatrist Dr. Thomas Szasz in 1969, invites veterans, active-duty military and their families to visit their center at 109 N. Fort Harrison Ave in downtown Clearwater for a screening of THE HIDDEN ENEMY: INSIDE PSYCHIATRY'S COVERT AGENDA featuring Lt. Col. Bart Billings, Clinical Psychologist U.S. Army Reserve, Ret.



According to a report from the Department of Veterans Affairs, veterans account for 18 percent of all suicides in the United States, with 20 veterans a day taking their own lives. Additionally, the Pentagon released information in April of 2016 revealing that 265 active-duty service members committed suicide in 2015, continuing a seven-year trend of high suicide rates.

While both the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Pentagon recognize that something needs to be done to reverse this horrific situation, neither has confronted the common denominator of the psychiatric drugs prescribed to members of the military. According to the Hidden Enemy documentary, one in six American service members is on at least one psychiatric drug. And, over the last 10 years, the U.S. government has spent more than $4.5 billion just medicating soldiers and veterans. Yet, there are 22 international drug-regulatory agency warnings about psychiatric drugs causing violent behavior, mania, psychosis and homicidal thoughts, and 49 warnings about suicidal thoughts.

With suicide prevention remaining a top priority, CCHR applauds the members of the Florida House and Senate who have introduced legislation to provide effective alternative solutions for our veterans, said Diane Stein, President of CCHR Florida. CCHR Florida is also asking legislators to demand that the U.S. House Committee on Veterans' Affairs launch an investigation with public hearings into the link between psychiatric drugs and the epidemic of veteran suicides.

To find out more about the special screening or other services provided by CCHR free of charge, please visit the website at, www.cchrflorida.org or call 727-442-8820.

About CCHR:

Initially established by the Church of Scientology and renowned psychiatrist Dr. Thomas Szasz in 1969, CCHRs mission is to eradicate abuses committed under the guise of mental health and enact patient and consumer protections.

It was L. Ron Hubbard, the founder of Scientology, who said, The single most destructive element in these societies today is drugs. For more information visit, www.cchrflorida.org
Communist Party of India-Marxist General Secretary Sitaram Yechury on Thursday said an alternate narrative should evolve in the country to counter the narrative being propagated by the Hindutva forces.

He called on all the secular parties to evolve this narrative and take it to the public.



"An alternative has to be evolved to counter the RSS-BJP narrative. All secular parties must come together to evolve this narrative. Such as the Mahagathbandhan (grand alliance) in Bihar had a narrative, or the Third Front in 1996 had a narrative," Yechury told media persons at a press conference here.



He said that during demonetisation while the Narendra Modi government successfully propagated its narrative of "temporary pain, long-term gain", the opposition parties failed to counter that in public.



"As many as 16 opposition parties came together in those days, perhaps for the first time. There were more than 300 MPs together. But when we called for a bandh (shutdown), only one or two parties supported us. They failed to take it to the public," Yechury said.



Yechury ruled out the possibility of the Congress leading that narrative, as he said it had its own baggage of scams etc.





He said that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is merely a political wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) that was slowly working "to change the secular socialist democratic republic of India into their version of Hindu Rashtra (Hindu nation)".



"They need two-thirds majority to amend the Constitution or to discard it at all. They are working towards it and that's a looming threat all secular parties must realise," he said.
Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on Thursday won the trust vote in the assembly, with 22 MLAs backing his government and the Congress getting the support of 16 legislators.

In a related development, Congress MLA Vishajit Rane quit the party and also resigned from the assembly, saying he was disgusted with the way the Congress was functioning in Goa.

Parrikar, whose BJP heads a coalition government with a slim majority, was sworn in as Chief Minister of the coastal state for the fourth time on Tuesday.

Parrikar, who is not a legislator and is a Rajya Sabha member, moved a one-line motion of confidence, after which pro-tem Speaker Sidharth Kunkolienkar asked those in favour to stand up.

The pro-tem Speaker overruled opposition member Pratapsingh Rane's efforts to raise a point of order related to the appointment of a junior member of the assembly as pro-tem Speaker.

The 22 MLAs who supported the motion were those of the Bharatiya Janata Party (minus the pro-tem Speaker), three each of Goa Forward and MGP, three Independents and Nationalist Congress Party MLA Churchill Alemao.

Vishajit Rane, who over the last few days had been accusing the Congress leadership of squandering away the chances of forming a government in the state, was not present during the voting.

"We did know how and when he (Rane) disappeared. We do not know where he is. One moment he was perfectly ok, smiling, chatting with us. He also took oath as MLA, but just before the confidence motion was moved, he disappeared," Congress Legislative Party leader Chandrakant Kavlekar told reporters after the trust vote.

Rane later told reporters that he was not happy with the functioning of the Congress and would be quitting it soon.

"I have been complaining about the functioning of the Congress. No one is paying attention. I will be quitting the party soon," Rane said.

Rane later announced that he had resigned from both the Congress and the Goa assembly, and that his resignation from the house had been accepted.

The Congress alleged that the BJP-led coalition government was not legitimate.

"They have bought over MLAs. They have not allowed us to speak in the assembly or discuss the motion, they have even foisted a Speaker who formerly was reporting to Manohar Parrikar as Chief Minister in 2012.

"There is no legitimacy for this government," Congress spokesperson and MLA Aleixo Reginaldo told IANS.

The former Defence Minsiter later told reporters that portfolios to the 10-member cabinet would be announced on Saturday.

"Expansion of the cabinet will be done after the budget session is over. The budget session will begin on March 22," Parrikar said.

Thursday's trust vote was ordered by the Supreme Court following a petition by the Congress which alleged that Goa Governor Mridula Sinha had played a partisan role in inviting the BJP to form a government although the Congress was the single largest party with 17 MLAs in the 40-member assembly.
India on Thursday said that any efforts to change the status of Gilgit-Baltistan region will not be acceptable, an official said here.

"Any unilateral step by Pakistan to alter the status of that part will have no basis in law and will be completely unacceptable," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Gopal Baglay said.

He was replying to a question regarding Pakistan's plan to make Gilgit-Baltistan its fifth province.

Reiterating India's stand on the Jammu and Kashmir, Baglay said: "The position of the government on Jammu and Kashmir is consistent and well known. The entire state of Jammu and Kashmir acceded to India in 1947."

"It has been, is and will always be an integral part of India. A part of Jammu and Kashmir has been under illegal occupation of Pakistan."

Calling the move a violation of the Simla Agreement of 1972 and Lahore Declaration of 1999, he said: "I must also say that such a step will not camouflage the illegality of Pakistan's occupation of parts of Jammu and Kashmir and the gravely concerning and serious human rights violations there, as well as denial of democracy to the people there."

A committee headed by Pakistan's foreign policy chief Sartaj Aziz had proposed to make Gilgit-Baltistan, the region north of the Line of Control in the Pakistan-administered Kashmir, fifth province.

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor passes through the region and it is strategically crucial for India as it connects China, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Central Asia.
Two sufi clerics of Delhi's Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah went missing in Pakistan, family claimed on Thursday.

"My father Syed Asif Ali Nizami, 80, and his nephew Nazim Nizami, 60, went missing from Lahore and Karachi airports, respectively, on Wednesday evening," Asif's elder son Sazid Ali Nizami told IANS.

He said that his father and cousin went to Karachi in Pakistan on March 6 from where they visited Lahore on March 13 to offer "Chadar" at Baba Farid's shrine, the master of Baba Nizamuddin.

"On March 14, they offered another Chadar at Data Darbar Sufi shrine in Lahore. The next day they reached at Lahore airport to take a flight for Karachi at 4.30 p.m. At the Lahore airport my cousin was stopped by the airport authorities to clear some documentation and my father was asked to board the flight.

"My father reached Karachi airport at 6 p.m. but my cousin could not join him. At the airport my father talked to my relatives on phone and informed them to come outside, but he did not come," Sazid said.

Sazid further said that my father and cousin's mobile phones were also switched off.

"Pakistani authorities and police are still clueless about them," Sazid said.

Sazid, however, added that Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar and other officials had taken the issue seriously and assured me of taking appropriate action over the issue.

External Affairs Ministry officials told IANS that they were concerned about the issue and that proper action was being taken.
The Madhya Pradesh Police has suspended 15 officials for inappropriate behaviour after their drunken Holi revelry inside a police station here went viral on the social media.

Superintendent of Police Dr. Ashish told media that he ordered the suspensions late on Wednesday night.



The suspended officials include two assistant sub-inspectors and 13 constables who were seen dancing and drinking inside the Purani Chhawani Police Station here.





The video showed some of the officials in their uniforms, while the rest were in plainclothes.



The state police celebrated Holi on Tuesday, a day after the festival as on Monday they were on duty to ensure that there were no law and order problems during the celebrations.



The video went viral on Wednesday.
A woman from Uzbekistan was allegedly gang-raped by her ex-boyfriend and his four friends at an upscale locality in south Delhi, police said on Wednesday. The ex-boyfriend has been arrrested.

Police said the woman filed a complaint against ex-boyfriend Abhinav Yadav and four others on Tuesday at the Vasant Kunj police station.

Anibhav and his accomplices barged into her flat at Masood Pur on March 10 and committed the crime, Addtional Deputy Commissioner of Police Chinmoy Biswal said.

She said she met Yadav on a social networking site two months ago.

Yadav was arrested from Kaushambi in Ghaziabad in Uttar Pradesh, while four others are still at large, he said.
Punjab's Chief Minister-elect Amarinder Singh visited his ailing mother Mohinder Kaur at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) here on Wednesday.

Kaur, aged around 95, was hospitalised in Patiala on Tuesday evening after she complained of uneasiness and was later shifted to PGIMER in Chandigarh.

Amarinder met his mother and also discussed her health with doctors.

Talking to media after visiting his mother, Amarinder said her condition was stable though she continues to be under observation.

PGIMER doctors said that Kaur had GI (Gastro-Intestinal) bleeding. They said that she would remain in hospital for some more investigations.

Amarinder Singh will be sworn-in as Chief Minister of Punjab here on Thursday after the Congress swept the Punjab assembly polls on Saturday.
Two top executives of a West Bengal-based group of companies have been arrested in connection with ongoing investigation into a chit fund case, a CBI official said on Wednesday.

"On the basis of a case registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation, the then Chief Managing Director Basudeb Bagchi and Managing Director Avik Bagchi of Prayag group of companies have been arrested for illegally collecting money from investors by fraudulently promising very high returns," a CBI spokesperson said.

According to the CBI, investigation has revealed that both accused allegedly collected approximately Rs 2,862 Crore from poor investors without permission from regulatory bodies and cheated them by not ensuring promised returns.

"Both accused will be produced before the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate at Bidhan Nagar court on Thursday," the official said.
In a gruesome incident, a youth stabbed his cousin to death after she spurned his love and later committed suicide by jumping on to the high-tension electric wires.

The incident occurred in Bhupalapally, the headquarters of Jayashankar-Bhupalapally district in Telangana, on Wednesday night.



According to police, 22-year-old Ganesh committed the offence when his maternal cousin Sandhya Rani, 19, was alone at her home.



The youth, who had been pestering her to marry her, suspected she was in love with another cousin. During a heated argument over this, Ganesh repeatedly stabbed her with a kitchen knife.



On hearing the cries of the girl, neighbours rushed to the house.



While the girl died on the spot, Ganesh escaped. He went on to the terrace of an adjoining building and jumped on the high-tension power lines.



The youth's body was removed by the police with the help of rescue team of Singareni Collieries Co.



Ganesh, who hails from Paloncha town in Khammam district, had come to Bhupalapally three days ago and was staying at his maternal uncle's house.



Sandhya was a student of second year of graduation in a college.
The Uttar Pradesh Police on Thursday said two teams had been formed to track down the miscreants who pasted posters in a Bareilly village threatening Muslims to leave their homes.

A case has also been registered against unknown persons under Section 153-A of the Indian Penal Code, dealing with promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc., and doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony.



Director General of Police Public Relations Officer Rahul Srivastava told media that prima facie, the move looks to be the handiwork of some mischievous elements in the village.



A villager of Jianagla, situated 70 km from Bareilly, lodged a police complaint on Wednesday that posters in Hindi were pasted on his house's doors and walls, asking the Muslim villagers to leave by the year-end since the Bharatiya Janata Party has come to power in Uttar Pradesh.



The village with around 2,600 residents has around 250 Muslims.





District officials told media that most posters were xeroxed copies and had since been removed, except for a few. Starting with 'Jai Sri Ram', the posters are signed 'Hindus of the village'.



The Muslim residents have petitioned the police to ensure their safety and security.



"Intelligence units have stepped up vigil in and around the village. We are keeping a close watch on miscreants," a senior official told media.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF., March 16, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Associa Northern California proudly announces the appointment of Kelly Zibell, PCAM, CCAM, CMCA, AMS, as senior vice president for operations. Zibell has been an a valued member of the Associa team since 2008 and will begin her new duties immediately.



"We are very excited to have Kelly back on our team," said President of Associa Northern California Joseph Price. "One of her early positions was here in Northern California. She has gone on to be an instrumental leader on company-wide projects, including working to standardize our processes across the company. We are thrilled to have her back to help support our team locally as we continue our growth throughout Northern California."



Zibell began her tenure with Associa as a senior community association manager in Northern California. After more than three years in that role, she moved to Dallas to work for Associa's home office as a systems training consultant. While in Dallas, Zibell quickly climbed the ranks to implementation manager and ultimately director of implementation with the project management department.



Zibell holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from California State University-Chico where she graduated cum laude and was a member of the Project Management Society. She returns to lead operations in Northern California with more than 10 years of community association management experience at various levels.



Building and managing successful communities for more than 37 years, Associa is the worldwide leader in community management with over 10,000 employees operating more than 180 branch offices in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Based in Dallas, Texas, our industry expertise, financial strength and innovation meet the unique needs of clients across the world with customized services and solutions designed to help communities achieve their vision. To learn more about Associa and its charitable organization, Associa Cares, go to www.associaonline.com or www.associacares.com.



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Seven teams, including three from India, have qualified for the country's first private moon mission in December, space technology start-up TeamIndus said on Wednesday.

"Teams Callisto, Ears and Kalpana from India, Space4Life from Italy, Lunadome from Britain, Killa Lab from Peru and Regolith Revolution from the US have qualified to fly their experiments to the lunar surface in our spacecraft," said a TeamIndus statement here.

The state-run Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will fly TeamIndus spacecraft (robot) on its PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) or rocket from its Sriharikota spaceport in Andhra Pradesh, about 80 km northeast of Chennai.

The city-based TeamIndus is competing in the 30-million dollar Google Lunar Xprize, a global contest to develop low-cost methods of robotic space exploration.

"Space4Life from Naples in Italy will send an experiment to the lunar surface under the Lab2Moon Challenge to test the effectiveness of using a colony of cyanobacteria as a shield against harmful radiation in space," the statement added.

Cyanobacteria are micro-organisms capable of photosynthesis to produce oxygen using sunlight. They represent the earliest known form of life on earth.

The India-based team, which proposed an experiment to explore photosynthesis on the moon, will fly along with Space4Life to the lunar surface.

"Team Space4Life will work with TeamIndus engineers to make the experiment space worthy for the journey of a lifetime," said the statement.

An international jury comprising former ISRO Chairman K. Kasturirangan, former European Space Agency Chairman Alain Bensoussan and Yale University's Astronomy Professor Priyamvada Natarajan examined the prototypes of the experiments in granular detail over the last three days here.

"Congratulations to Space4Life. The data from its experiment have the potential to dramatically impact mankind," said Kasturirangan in the statement.

Launched in mid-2016, Lab2Moon, a global challenge for youth, inspired about 3,000 teams to send in ideas for experiments.

The Lunar Xprize requires privately funded teams to land their rovers on the surface of the moon, travel 500 metres and broadcast high-definition video, images and data back to earth.

In a launch window starting on December 28, the PSLV will inject the spacecraft into an orbit 880km x 70,000km around the earth. The spacecraft will then undertake a 21-day journey to soft land in Mare Imbrium, a region in the North-Western hemisphere of the Moon.

After landing, the spacecraft will deploy its payload, including theATeamIndusArover that will traverse 500 metres on the moon's surface to accomplish its objectives.

TeamIndus' rover has been designed and developed in Bengaluru by a 100-person engineering team, including 20 retired Indian space scientists.
Using biofuels to help power jet engines cuts particle emissions in their exhaust by as much as 50 to 70 per cent, says a NASA study.

"We show that, compared to using conventional fuels, biofuel blending reduces particle number and mass emissions immediately behind the aircraft by 50 to 70 per cent," researchers said in the study.



During flight tests in 2013 and 2014 near NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, data was collected on the effects of alternative fuels on engine performance, emissions and aircraft-generated contrails at altitudes flown by commercial airliners.



Contrails are produced by hot aircraft engine exhaust mixing with the cold air that is typical at cruise altitudes several miles above Earth's surface, and are composed primarily of water in the form of ice crystals.



The tests involved flying NASA's workhorse DC-8 as high as 40,000 feet while its four engines burned a 50-50 blend of aviation fuel and a renewable alternative fuel of hydro processed esters and fatty acids produced from camelina oil.

A trio of research aircraft took turns flying behind the DC-8 at distances ranging from 300 feet to more than 20 miles to take measurements on emissions and study contrail formation as the different fuels were burned.



"This was the first time we have quantified the amount of soot particles emitted by jet engines while burning a 50-50 blend of biofuel in flight," said study lead author Rich Moore of NASA's Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia.



"Our observations quantify the impact of biofuel blending on aerosol emissions at cruise conditions and provide key microphysical parameters, which will be useful to assess the potential of biofuel use in aviation as a viable strategy to mitigate climate change," the study said.
New Zealand's Whanganui River has gained its own identity with all the corresponding rights, duties and liabilities of a legal person, after a 170-year battle, the media reported on Thursday.

Te Awa Tupua (Whanganui River Claims Settlement) Bill, which passed its third reading in Parliament on Wednesday, will establish a new legal framework for the river, a website reported.



It recognised the river as an indivisible and living whole from the mountains to the sea.



The river is a sacred and revered waterway to New Zealand's Maori Iwi people and its interests will now be represented by an Indigenous group.



Among other things, the river could now be represented in court proceedings, Treaty Negotiations Minister Chris Finlayson said.



"I know the initial inclination of some people will say it's pretty strange to give a natural resource a legal personality.



"But it's no stranger than family trusts, or companies or incorporated societies," The New Zealand Herald quoted Finlayson as saying.





Long revered by New Zealand's Maori people, the river's interests will now be represented by two people.



The Whanganui River Deed of Settlement was signed in 2014 and legislation was introduced in 2016.
At least 3 pilots were killed when their tactical airborne intelligence plane crashed on a training mission near a small airport in eastern New Mexico, media reports said.

According to the Air Force on Wednesday, the single-engine U-28A crashed at at 6.50 p.m. (local time) on Tuesday in a field near Clovis Municipal Airport, the Texas border, media reported.



Director of the airport Kyle Berkshire said that the plane crashed a half-mile from the airport's property. He said it was performing "touch and go's" -- practice maneuvers in which an aircraft will touch the runway and take off again.



"We are deeply saddened by this loss within our Air Commando family," Colonel Ben Maitre, installation commander at Cannon, said in a statement. "Our sympathies are with the loved ones and friends affected by this tragedy, and our team is focused on supporting them during this difficult time."
A US federal judge has temporarily blocked President Donald Trump's new immigration ban, just hours before it was scheduled to be enforced on Thursday, a media report said.

In the Honolulu federal court, Judge Derrick Watson heard arguments on the state of Hawaii's request that a temporary restraining order be issued for the ban, and he ruled in favour of the motion on Wednesday afternoon.



This will prevent Trump's executive order from going into effect, media reported.



Several states are making efforts to halt the immigration ban, and on Wednesday presentations were made in federal courts in Hawaii, Maryland and Washington state as to why it should not be implemented.



Hawaii said that the order discriminates on the basis of nationality and would make it impossible for state residents to be visited by relatives from the six Muslim-majority countries included in the ban.



The state also argued that the travel ban would hurt the state's big tourism industry, as well as the ability to attract foreign students and recruit foreign workers.

The new immigration ban would suspend for 120 days the US refugee acceptance program and bar for 90 days US entry to citizens from Iran, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Yemen and Libya, taking the stance that they present a terrorism risk.



In contrast to Trump's first executive order signed on January 27 but later blocked in federal court, the new measure would exempt citizens of Iraq and those enjoying permanent US residence.



It also would eliminate the ongoing prohibition on entry for Syrian refugees and the exemption of Syrian Christians from the ban.



The executive order signed by the President also reduces from 110,000 to 50,000 the number of refugees the US would take in during 2017.



Hawaii filed the first lawsuit against the new immigration ban, and attorneys for the island state, the government of which is controlled by the Democrats.



It presented the suit in a Honolulu federal court asking for a temporary suspension of the measure Trump signed on March 6, although it was not scheduled to go into effect until March 16.



"Hawaii is special in that it has always been non-discriminatory in both its history and constitution," Hawaii Attorney General Douglas Chin said.



"Twenty per cent of the people are foreign-born, 100,000 are non-citizens and 20 per cent of the labour force is foreign-born."
WAYNE, Pa., March 16, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Judge Group, a leading global professional services firm, announced that its Healthcare division will continue to expand with its latest office in Dallas, Texas. Judge is also promoting Shane Connor to the position of Managing Director, overseeing the current Atlanta office, as well as leading the new Dallas location. Texas, as well as the greater Southwest, continues to be a key market for Judge Healthcare, with a growing portfolio of clients and a healthy population growth for the healthcare sector to serve.



Judge Healthcare, a division of The Judge Group, is a leading provider of talent solutions specifically tailored to organizations in the healthcare industry. Their services offer a comprehensive range of customized clinical workforce solutions. Adding a presence for Judge Healthcare to the Dallas area will allow them to better serve their current customer base and to develop business throughout the Southwest region.

Justin Sellers, an Account Executive in the Atlanta Healthcare office, is being promoted to Director and will be relocating to Dallas. He will report to Shane Connor as Managing Director overseeing both the Atlanta and Dallas Healthcare offices. Additionally, Kelly Kajunski will be relocating from the Philadelphia office, to help round out the Dallas Healthcare team as a local recruiter.

Connor joined The Judge Group as an entry level recruiter, and he quickly became a leading producer for Judge Healthcare. He transitioned from a recruiting role into a sales role, and he relocated to Atlanta in 2011 to help launch that location. In a short time, Connor built the Atlanta office into one of Judge Healthcares leading profit centers and was promoted to Director. Justin Sellers has been a key contributor and hard worker on the recruiting side of the business from day one. He quickly stood out, and he made a seamless transition into sales and business development. Sellers will be responsible for supporting delivery on some of Judge Healthcares key clients in the Southwest, as well as building additional business with new clients. Kelly Kajunski is one of the leading recruiters for the Philadelphia Healthcare office and will be an integral part of the team in Dallas, supporting the delivery for existing and new accounts in the region.

Dallas and the entire Southwest region are home to several key clients for us, said Mick Angelichio, President, Judge Healthcare. We are excited to have the opportunity to expand our Healthcare footprint into the region with our 6th office location. We are only able to do so because of our talented, hardworking Healthcare team like Shane, Justin, and Kelly. I am thrilled for all three and know that they will continue to deliver our customized solutions and the best-in-class customer service that has become a hallmark of Judge Healthcare, within the industry.

The office is located at 12700 Park Central Drive, Suite 1450, Dallas, TX 75251. The office can be reached at 972-661-1915. For more information about Judge Healthcare, visit https://www.judge.com/services/talent-solutions/healthcare.

About The Judge Group:

Working at the crossroads of people and transformative technologies, The Judge Group delivers innovative business solutions  powered by top talent  to help organizations reach their strategic goals and realize opportunities now and in the future.

The Judge Group is a leading professional services firm specializing in talent, technology, and learning solutions. Our services are successfully delivered through a network of more than 35 offices in the United States, Canada, China, and India. The Judge Group serves more than 40 Fortune 100 companies and is responsible for the placement of more than 5,000 professionals annually across a wide range of industries.

The Judge Group, headquartered in suburban Philadelphia, is located at 151 South Warner Road, Suite 100, Wayne, PA 19087. The corporate headquarters can be reached at 1-800-650-0035. To learn more, visit www.judge.com.
Addressing national opioid crisis is happening in Salina

Salina organizations are joining the effort to fight and educate people on the crisis that nation is facing with opioid addiction.
Hyderabad, India, March 16, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The report Polyurethane Elastomers Market: By product Type (Thermoplastic elastomers, thermosetting elastomers); by Application Type (Automotive industry, electrical appliances, footwear, construction, others) and By Geography - Forecast (2017 - 2022), published by IndustryARC, estimates that the Asia-Pacific will extend its market domination through the forecast period.

Browse 43 Market Tables, 121 Figures spread through 170 Pages and an in-depth TOC on Polyurethane Elastomers Market 2017  2022

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Scope & Regional Forecast of the Polyurethane Elastomers Market

Polyurethane Elastomers are one of the most versatile polymers in todays market whose performance and characteristics are designed in a way such that it can meet certain technical demands in the sector of elastomers. They have peculiar characteristics like excellent mechanical properties, good elastic and transparency characteristics, and resistance towards abrasion, light, ozone, to oxidation and atmospheric agents. Polyurethane elastomers are based on two classes  poly addition of diol-ester (AU) or diol-ethers (EU) with diisocyanate.

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Polyurethane elastomers can be processed on extrusion as well as injection, blow and compression molding equipments. Europe, Asia Pacific and the United States dominate the polyurethane market contributing around 95% of the global market. China is the largest market in Asia Pacific and one of the leading countries in terms of production and consumption of polyurethane elastomers. It accounted for over quarter of the global market and over half of the Asia Pacific market in 2014 which makes Asia Pacific the leading and the fastest growing market.

Inquiry before buying report @ http://industryarc.com/inquiry-before-buying.php?id=1304

Prominent Segmentations Involved in the Polyurethane Elastomers Market:

The Polyurethane Elastomers Market can be broken down into various segmentations on the basis of -

Type: Cast Polyurethane Elastomer, Sprayed Polyurethane Elastomer, Thermoplastic Polyurethane Elastomer, Liquid Injection Molding Polyurethane Elastomer, Millable Polyurethane Elastomers and Others.



Cast Polyurethane Elastomer, Sprayed Polyurethane Elastomer, Thermoplastic Polyurethane Elastomer, Liquid Injection Molding Polyurethane Elastomer, Millable Polyurethane Elastomers and Others. Application: Automotive Industry, Construction, Packaging, Furniture and Interiors, Footwear, Electronics and Appliances and Others (Textile, Medical, Mining).



Automotive Industry, Construction, Packaging, Furniture and Interiors, Footwear, Electronics and Appliances and Others (Textile, Medical, Mining). Geographical Location: Americas, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Rest of the World.



Some of the sample companies profiled in the Polyurethane Elastomers Market report are as follows:



EDAC Composites LLC



Edge-Sweets Co



Elasco Urethane Inc



Koda Distribution Group



L Himmelman Elastomers Ltd



Maclan Corporation



Isotec Polymers Inc



Jewell Hudgens Inc



American Urethane Inc



Why buy this report?



Get a detailed picture of the Polyurethane Elastomers Market.



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A five-year forecast method is used in order to assess how the market is predicted to develop.



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Browse Related Reports:

Aerospace Foam Market: By Types (Polyethylene, Cross-Linked Polyethylene, Polyurethane, Reticulated Polyurethane, Melamine, Specialty And Others) By End Users (Commercial Aircrafts, Military Aircrafts, General Aircrafts And Others) & Geography -Forecast(2016-2021)

http://industryarc.com/Report/15149/aerospace-foam-market.html

Thermoplastic Elastomers Market: Type (Polyolefin Blend, Elastomeric Alloy, Thermoplastic Polyurethanes, Thermoplastic Copolyester, Thermoplastic Polyamides, Others) Application (Automotive, Construction, Packaging, Industrial, Others) - Forecast (2017  2022)

http://industryarc.com/Report/11670/thermoplastic-elastomers-market.html

About IndustryARC:

IndustryARC is a research and consulting firm that publishes more than 500 Reports Annually in various industries, such as Agriculture, Automotive, Automation & Instrumentation, Chemicals and Materials, Energy and Power, Electronics, Food & Beverages, Information Technology, Life sciences & Healthcare.

IndustryARC primarily focuses on Cutting Edge Technologies and Newer Applications of the Market. Our Custom Research Services are designed to provide insights on the constant flux in the global demand-supply gap of markets. Our strong analyst team enables us to meet the client research needs at a very quick speed with a variety of options for your business.

We look forward to support the client to be able to better address customer needs; stay ahead in the market; become the top competitor and get real-time recommendations on business strategies and deals. Contact us to find out how we can help you today.

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A union-backed bill opposed by building and business organizations because they said it will increase housing costs made it out of a committee in Sacramento on Wednesday, positioning it eventually for a vote in the state Assembly.

Assembly Bill 199 from Kansen Chu (D-San Jose) and California Building and Construction Trades Council, a labor union group, would compel workers be paid higher wages on more housing projects than are required now.

The bill now moves to the Assemblys Committee on Appropriations with both sides agreeing to meet to discuss changes in language.

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Authors of the legislation told the committee its intention was to close an unintended loophole in the law, and to require prevailing wage  up to 30 percent higher than normal pay and typically set by collective bargaining agreements  for residential projects that use public money.

But, the states Building Industry Association and its supporters said the law was purposely ambiguous, possibly interpreted to cover all residential building projects in California.

The room for the Committee on Labor and Employment hearing filled up quickly Wednesday and required an overflow room. Supporters were outnumbered by those who opposed the bill.

Erin Guerrero, vice president of legislative affairs for the Building Industry Association, told the committee the bill would add to the states lack of housing by increasing costs and cited a Beacon Economics study that said prevailing wage could drive up project costs by 46 percent.

Were in the middle of a housing crisis, she said.

But, supporters of the bill argued workers were not to blame for housing shortages and higher pay meant that people who build the homes may actually be able to afford them.

It is outrageous to pin this housing crisis on the workers, Chu said.

In anticipation of the committee meeting, 21 groups registered their support for the bill, including the California Labor Federation and the California Teamsters Public Affairs Council. Voicing opposition were 122 groups, including the San Diego Regional Chamber and the California Chamber of Commerce.

Committee member Matthew Harper voted against moving the bill forward and Vice Chair Heath Flora abstained. Chair Tony Thurmond and committee members Ash Kalra, Kevin McCarty, Jimmy Gomez and Eloise Reyes voted to advance it.

The trades council, co-author of the bill, said a tentative ruling in a Los Angeles County court that said a housing project for seniors did not have to pay prevailing wage prompted the bill. In the case of South Gate Senior Villas, the developer argued it should not have to pay prevailing wage because the project did not fit the laws definition of a project that needed to pay higher wages even though it had a loan from the city.

Building lobbyists argued the legislations language goes beyond just fixing up language, possibly ending up requiring smaller residential projects, such as a single-family home, to have to pay prevailing wage at a time when Californias housing costs continue to rise.

The bill requires workers to be paid prevailing wage on residential projects that have any agreement with the state or a political subdivision  a provision that extends the requirement beyond the redevelopment agencies, public agencies and low income housing projects covered under existing state law.

Although prevailing wage does not strictly mean union labor, rates are usually based on collective bargaining agreements, said the state Department of Industrial Relations.

A date for when the bill would be heard by the appropriations committee was not available by press time.

Business

phillip.molnar@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-1891 Twitter: @phillipmolnar

ALSO

Builders say union-backed wage bill could raise housing costs

The vanishing San Diego single-family home
A city attorney memo declaring that short-term rentals are not allowed in San Diego has intensified a long-simmering debate thats sure to boil over during a public hearing next week to consider new rules for home-sharing.

In a break with the legal opinions of her predecessors, City Attorney Mara Elliott concluded that San Diegos municipal code doesnt permit vacation rentals in any zone.

As recently as last November, then City Attorney Jan Goldsmith advised the City Council that the current code is too vague and would need to be amended if the city wanted to clarify that rentals listed on platforms such as Airbnb and VRBO are in fact prohibited.

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Elliotts opinion arrives just as the citys planning department plans to release next week long-awaited draft proposals for regulating short-term rentals. A hearing has been scheduled for Friday before the councils Smart Growth and Land Use Committee.

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The city has a permissive zoning ordinance, Elliott wrote. This means that any use that is not listed in the citys zoning ordinance is prohibited. Short-term vacation rentals are not specifically defined, expressly permitted or listed in any of the zone-use categories, including residential or commercial.

Elliott noted in her memo that the citys planning department is expected to present council members with multiple options for regulating the short-term rental of entire homes, as well as renting out rooms in a home where the owner isnt present.

Left unanswered is the question of how strictly, if at all, the city will enforce the apparent prohibition of such rentals. There are thousands of these rentals in San Diego.

Long-time critics of vacation rentals quickly seized on Elliotts memo as an important tool in going after problematic rentals.

San Diegos elected leaders have been trying, without success, for two years to come up with regulations that would satisfy home-sharing hosts as well as homeowners who have complained that their neighborhoods have been overrun by vacationers and late-night partiers.

We have tried for 10 years to get the city to follow its own laws as theyre clearly stated in the municipal code, but no one listened to us, said Tom Coats, a Pacific Beach resident who helps lead the group Save San Diego Neighborhoods

This gives individual homeowners and neighborhoods incredible leverage that they did not have before, he added. It gives us more legal standing to go into courts if we need to on an individual basis to sue people who will not cooperate. It gives us legal tools to go to real estate brokers and say you cant represent a house as a vacation rental if theyre not legal.

Airbnb, which has done battle with a number of cities that have tried to crack down on short-term rentals, offered a measured response Wednesday. It pointed out that San Diegos zoning code hasnt kept pace with the rapidly evolving home-sharing economy.

The portion of the code referenced was not written with the sharing economy in mind and underscores why we need thoughtful, sensible short-term-rental regulations, Airbnb spokeswoman Jasmine Mora said. Thousands of San Diegans rely on home-sharing to make ends meet and supplement their incomes. We want to continue working with city leaders to enact clear and common-sense regulations that ensure accountability and maintain neighborhood quality.

Elliott was asked to address the legality of vacation rentals in single-family residential zones by Councilwoman Barbara Bry, who was elected last November and represents affected communities like La Jolla. Vacation rentals were a part of her campaign platform.

Bry left open the door for reaching a compromise that would still permit some form of home-sharing.

My position has been very clear, Bry said Thursday. I support renting out a room in your house if youre onsite. I support renting out a granny flat if its attached to your primary residence, and I support renting out your primary residence when you go on vacation.

What I am against is turning entire single-family homes into a into a mini Marriott.

Last November, the City Council rejected a proposal by Brys predecessor, Councilwoman Sherri Lightner, that would have outlawed short-term vacation rentals in most of San Diegos single-family neighborhoods.

The council at the time instructed city staff to draft a comprehensive ordinance that would regulate vacation rentals.

Councilman Chris Cate, who has consistently advocated for permitting short-term rentals citywide but with clearer rules for operation and escalating fines for violators, said he was puzzled as to how Elliott arrived at a conclusion so at odds with previous city attorneys.

Is her office now going to be going out and enforcing her opinion on those taking part in this activity? Cate asked. Also, weve been collecting (transient occupancy tax) from all these short-term rentals  $8 million since July 1. So do we have to give it back now because theyre apparently illegal operators? Were now back to where we were were two years ago, where were all confused.

Elliott did not respond to requests to answer emailed questions about her legal opinion. In her memo, she said she recognizes the dilemma confronting the city.

This office appreciates that the municipal code, as currently written, does not allow the reasonable compromise our communities seek; a compromise respectful of those who wish to enjoy the quiet enjoyment of their homes and those who wish to take advantage of the innovation economy.

Business

lori.weisberg@sduniontribune.com

(619) 293-2251

Twitter: @loriweisberg
How Guinness became perfect

If  when?  you order a pint of Guinness Stout on St. Patricks Day, raise a toast to Michael Ash.

Ash is the mathematician who devoted nearly five years to perfecting the perfect pour.

In the 1950s, the Guinness found in saloons and restaurants often was either flat or too foamy. The Dublin brewery dispatched Ash to investigate.

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Once, that is, he was prepared for the task.

He spent a year and a half being trained as a brewer, said Eoghain (pronounced Owen) Clavin, Guinness ambassador for California, Nevada, Arizona and Hawaii. Then he spent another three years working on the perfect pour problem.

Ashs solution involved designing a new keg; using nitrogen (combined with the usual carbon dioxide) in the taps dispensing the stout; and teaching bartenders the six-point perfect pour:

1. Use a clean, dry 20-ounce glass.

2. Hold the glass at a 45-degree angle, near but not on the tap. As Clavin said, Keep the spout out of the stout.

3. Pull the tap handle and fill the glass.

4. Let the beer settle. Nitrogen bubbles will rise to the top, forming a khaki-colored head.

5. With the glass upright, top the beer. The head should form a low dome over the glass.

6. Serve. If, as the brewery prefers, the beer is in an official Guinness glass, turn it so the harp logo faces the customer.

That first sip often leaves a foam mustache. Through Sunday, if you post a photo of the result on social media, the brewery will donate $1 (up to $100,000) to its nonprofit Guinness Gives Back Fund. Mark posts with @GuinnessUS and #StacheForCharity.

Savor sale

On the Craft Beer Bucket List, few items outrank Savor, the annual beer-and-food extravaganza in Washington, D.C.

Tickets for the 10th annual Savor, June 2 and 3, go on sale next week at savorcraftbeer.com/tickets. This is a big ticket, $135 per session, but everything about Savor is big: 86 breweries will send 172 beers and each will be paired with a small plate.

Participating local breweries include Green Flash, Stone, The Lost Abbey and Toolbox.

Kings of Beer

Theres nothing Irish about Firestone Walkers Velvet Merlin (5.5 percent alcohol by volume), yet its a wonderful St. Patricks Day tipple.

This weeks king, Merlin is an oatmeal stout with an enchanting aroma  think fresh-from-the-oven Christmas cookies  a soft, smooth body, plus layers of molasses and vanilla over toasted malts.

Merlin is magical enough to dethrone last weeks king, Blood Orange IPA (7.2 percent). Latitude 33s flagship ale is fruity and sweet without being, well, too fruity or too sweet. Theres ordinarily little Celtic about this beer, either, but everyone  and every beer  has a touch of the Irish this week.

Best of the week, local

Call it a can convergence. Abnormal Beer releases its first canned products  two IPAs  while AleSmith counters with cans of a new beer, Spezial Pils, a lager with German malts and hops.

Abnormals can release party is 11 a.m. Saturday at the brewery, 16990 Via Tazon, Rancho Bernardo. The canned beers are New Money, a hazy IPA, and Turbidity, a hazy double IPA.

AleSmith  9990 AleSmith Court, Miramar  is selling six-packs of Spezia in cans. Moreover, two bottled favorites are now in cans: Speedway Stout and AleSmiths popular tribute to the late Tony Gwynn, .394 Pale Ale.

Coronado correction

Last week, I incorrectly characterized Coronado Brewing Co.s plans for the East Coast.

While it has stopped sending beer to New York and Florida, Coronado is still shipping bottles, cans and kegs elsewhere on the eastern seaboard.

Coronados biggest market after California? A non-New York, non-Florida state on the East Coast: North Carolina.

Dog days

BrewDog, the Scottish brewery, recently announced that employees with a new puppy or rescue dog can take a week of paid Puppy Parental Leave.

The official announcement was full of puns: this is paw-ternity leave, a new pawesome staff perk.

Your company doesnt offer Puppy Parental Leave? Thats rrrrough.

Moving on from Mikkeller

In January, Danish brewer Mikkel Borg Bjergs noted that his fledgling Mikkeller Brewing San Diego was experiencing growing pains.

Its difficult to come to San Diego as a Danish brewer and think you can do a better West Coast IPA, he said nine months after debuting in Miramar. I know thats not possible.

He promised to set a new course for his brewery. That new direction, it seems, didnt agree with head brewer Bill Batten, formerly with AleSmith.

Its with a heavy heart that I am letting everyone know that I have resigned from Mikkeller Brewing SD, Batten wrote on Facebook last Friday. Due to a difference in creative vision I have decided to step down and pursue my passion elsewhere.

Contacted later, Batten declined further comment. His Facebook post expressed confidence that his colleagues will keep Mikkels vision alive. Cheers guys and keep on rocking!

Did you know

In 1759, Arthur Guinness signed a long-, long-, long-term lease for his Dublin brewery at St. Jamess Gate: 9,000 years.

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Twitter: @peterroweut

peter.rowe@sduniontribune.com
St. Patricks Day is Friday. Celebrate with Irish-inspired fare and drink at these San Diego restaurants.

Bankers Hill Bar + Restaurant is serving its Paddys Poitin cocktail, made with Poitin (a distilled beverage), lemon, honey, mint, cucumber and sorrel. The drink will be garnished with gold leaf flakes and sorrel (a green herb) shaped in a four-leaf clover. Friday. 2202 Fourth Ave., San Diego. (619) 231-0222 or bankershillsd.com

Bistro 39 Restaurant & Lounge is serving a traditional Irish meal of corned beef, cabbage and roasted red potatoes. Pair the dish with green beer that will flow through the evening. Friday. $22.95. 3939 Ocean Bluff Ave., San Diego. (858) 720-9500 or bistro39sandiego.com

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Bleu Boheme is treating guests to its signature green drink, the Basil Martini, made with fresh basil leaves, French vodka, lime juice, sugar and house-made sweet-and-sour mix. Friday. 4090 Adams Ave., San Diego. (619) 255-4167 or bleuboheme.com

Just in time for St. Patricks Day, although it isnt Irish-based, Bobboi Natural Gelato is debuting its newest flavor Matchatella, a green gelato infused with first harvest organic Japanese green tea and blended with 72 percent dark chocolate chips. 8008 Girard Ave., Suite 150, La Jolla. (858) 999-1362 or bobboi.com

D.Z. Akins is celebrating the holiday with corned beef and cabbage lunch and dinner specials. The meal includes D.Z.s honey glaze, red parsley potatoes, soup or salad (featuring D.Z.s famous potato soup), fresh-baked rye bread and a four-leaf clover cookie for dessert. Lunch is served from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is $15.95 per person. Dinner is served from 4 to 9 p.m. and is $19.95 per person. For those whod rather eat at home, the restaurant offers a St. Pattys feast with all the trimmings for $14.95 per person (a minimum of 10 people). Friday through Sunday. 6930 Alvarado Road, San Diego. (619) 265-0218 or dzakinsdeli.com

Social Tap Eatery is offering guests a Corned Beef Taco topped with a mustard ailoi. The East Village location will become a traditional Irish pub for the night featuring Irish and Irish-American folk music by the Lads of Dubuque. Friday. Two San Diego locations: 815 J St., Suite 101, East Village and 4800 Art St. near San Diego State University. socialtapsandiego.com

Sprinkles Cupcakes is painting La Jolla green by serving festive Irish cupcakes Friday through Sunday. Using their classic red velvet cake, the cupcakes are tinted green and topped with cream cheese frosting. Each cupcake is adorned with a Sprinkles green modern dot. 8855 Villa La Jolla Drive, La Jolla. (858) 457-3800 or sprinkles.com

The Hills and Eastbound Bar & Grill in East County will toast to Ireland with a pot full of drink and food specials. Starting at 11 a.m., both locations are serving corned beef and cabbage specials for $12.95 (until they run out), and mugs of $3 Budweiser and Guinness green beers. Dance an Irish jig with live acoustic music from 3 to 6 p.m. at Eastbound Bar and DJs will play Irish-inspired tunes from 9 p.m. to close at both locations. Friday. The Hills, 8758 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa, (619) 741-7166; Eastbound Bar & Grill, 10053 Maine Ave., Lakeside, (619) 334-2566.

Waterfront Bar & Grill is serving corned beef and cabbage dishes all day long. And, if you are a natural redhead, youll receive half off your bill to celebrate the heritage of the Emerald Isle. Friday. 2044 Kettner Blvd., San Diego. (619) 232-9656 or waterfrontbarand grill.com

Whiskey Girl is offering sips of the following Irish whiskeys: Bushmills, Midleton Rare, Teeling Small Batch, Tullamore Dew and Jameson. Friday. Pours start at 11 a.m. and DJ Marc Thrasher gets the party started with live music at 3 p.m. Friday. 702 Fifth Ave., San Diego. (619) 236-1616 or whiskeygirl.com

Tastings, dinners and more

Marina Kitchen continues its winemaker series Uncorked with winemaking pioneer Adam LaZarre of LaZarre Wines. Guests will sample wines feast on a bountiful array of local, seasonal cuisine prepared by executive chef Aron Schwartz. . 6 p.m. Saturday. Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, 333 W. Harbor Drive, San Diego. $25 per person. Reservations: (619) 699-8222.

Carnitas Snack Shack is hosting a Beer Release and Tap Takeover in the Pig Pen from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. Pure Project Brewing is debuting its latest creation, The Mind Expander, a one-of-a-kind blend of English Cream Ale and honey. Head brewer Winslow Sawyer will be on hand to talk about beer and answer questions. Chef Hanis Cavin will dish up specially prepared bites to complement the ale. 2632 University Ave., North Park. carnitassnacks.com

Participating non-mall Dairy Queen and DQ Grill & Chill locations will celebrate the arrival of spring with a Free Cone Day on Monday. Fans of the soft-serve vanilla ice cream can enjoy a small cone and also help support Childrens Miracle Network Hospitals by donating to the charity. Last year, more than $200,000 was raised for the hospitals. Free cones have become a fan tradition  they love it, said Barry Westrum, executive vice president of marketing for American Dairy Queen Corporation. The icing on the cake is supporting Childrens Miracle Network Hospitals. dairyqueen.com

BiCE Restaurant is hosting Three Chefs for Montemonaco, a dinner to aid in the reconstruction of Restaurant II Tiglio in Montemonaco, Italy that was damaged in the earthquake last fall. Chef Mario Cassineri and Italian chef Enrico Mazzaroni will prepare five courses paired with four different wines from the eastern Italian region of Marche. The dinner is curated and presented by chefs Mazzaroni and Cassineri, Stefano Ceresoli of Piazza 1909 and chef Marcello Avitabile of Buona Forchetta. 7 p.m. Tuesday. 425 Island Ave., San Diego. $95 minimum donation. Reservations: (619) 239-2423.

LeRoys Kitchen + Lounge is hosting a Beer vs. Wine Four-Course Dinner, a friendly bout of wits between wine and beer experts Greg Major of Grape Smuggler and Brian Jensen of Bottlecraft Beer Shops. Each course, prepared by executive chef Tim Kolanko and chef de cuisine Ronnie Schwandt, will be expertly paired with one glass of wine from Major and one beer from Jensen. Guests will taste each pairing and decide which beverage packs the most punch and will then vote for their favorite. At the end of the dinner the votes will determine whos down for the count and who will be crowned the champion. Note: The Union-Tribunes wine and dining expert Michele Parente and beer expert Peter Rowe will be at the main event. They will do a recap of who they thought won the challenge. 6 p.m. Tuesday. 1015 Orange Ave., Coronado. (619) 437-6087 or leroyskitchenandlounge.com

True Food Kitchen is inviting guests to preview new menu items at a family-style Spring Community Dinner from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday. Executive chef Russell Rummer will provide guests with details and information on the ingredients, preparation and featured wine pairings. Menu items include Torched Avocado, Spring Ingredient Salad, Pan Roasted Chicken and Coconut and Chia Seed Flan. The flan is paired with chamomile tea. The new menu rolls out in April. 7007 Friars Road, San Diego. $65 per person. Limited availability. Reservations: (619) 810-2929.

In the news

The Institute of Culinary Education (ICE) announced that Nicole May of San Diego is one of the winners of the institutes second #Culinary Voice Scholarship Challenge. May was awarded a full scholarship for the Culinary Management program. Entrants were challenged to submit a video sharing their culinary voice and why they want to win a scholarship. The finalists in each category were determined by public vote, resulting in more than a million views and votes across 201 countries and territories around the world. May grew up working in her fathers restaurants and soon discovered this was her calling. She believes, with the help of ICE, she, too, can run her own restaurant one day, just like her father. ice.edu/culinaryvoice

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carolina.gusman@sduniontribune.com
Goodbye, Ray Davies, hello, Sir Ray Davies!

On Thursday, the legendary mastermind of The Kinks was knighted at Londons Buckingham Palace by Prince Charles. Its an honor that was previously bestowed upon such fellow English rock legends as Paul McCartney, Mick Jagger and Elton John, as well as Indian music legend  and former Encinitas resident  Ravi Shankar..

Davies knighthood comes 29 years after he wrote the music and lyrics for the La Jolla Playhouses international debut production of Around the World in 80 Days. His most recent San Diego concert was in 2012 a House of Blues.

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A Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Davies, 72, playfully reacted to his knighting, telling reporters: It lasted three minutes and it went very well, and I said goodbye and went home.

Davies was more serious late last year upon learning he would be knighted.

Initially, he said at the time, I felt a mixture of surprise, humility, joy and a bit embarrassed. But after thinking about it, I accept this for my family and fans. as well as everyone who has inspired me to write.

Speaking Thursday after being knighted, he told reporters: I dont think of myself as a musician, strangely enough. Im a creative person. If I had a card, it would say: Sir Raymond Davies, creative person.

Knighthoods are given for service to the British Empire.

The Kinks seventh album, released in 1969, was entitled Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire). If Davies saw any irony in this, he did not say so after being knighted Thursday.

In 2003, David Bowie famously turned down his knighthood, saying: I would never have any intention of accepting anything like that. I seriously dont know what its for. Its not what I spent my life working for.

Davies first solo album in 10 years, Americana, will be released April 21. He is accompanied on it by the Americana band The Jayhawks.

Davies is also now at work on a new musical about sibling rivalry, which  presumably  is inspired by his famously fractious relationship with his younger brother, Kinks guitarist Dave Davies.

Twitter @georgevarga

george.varga@sduniontribune.com
As promised last week, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau showed up for a performance of the La Jolla Playhouse-bred Broadway musical Come From Away on Wednesday. And he brought a surprise guest: First daughter Ivanka Trump.

The New York Times reports that the presidential daughter (along with Nikki Haley, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations) attended the show about how a tiny Canadian town welcomed thousands of temporary refugees on 9/11.

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Those people were international travelers on 38 airliners forced to land in Gander, Newfoundland, after the terror attacks grounded all U.S.-bound air traffic.

The Times story observes that Trudeaus political focus on welcoming refugees has been at odds with the harsher stance of the Trump administration, which makes it particularly interesting that he brought Ivanka Trump to a Broadway show that celebrates generosity toward foreigners in need.

The Times said Trudeau brought a delegation of some 600 people (including more than 125 U.N. ambassadors) to the performance of Come From Away, which had its world premiere in La Jolla two years ago and is directed by Playhouse artistic chief Christopher Ashley. (See our roundup of reviews of the shows Broadway opening.)

In brief remarks before Wednesdays performance, Trudeau said: The world gets to see what it is to lean on each other and be there for each other through the darkest times.

Ivanka Trump did not comment on the performance.

San Diego Theater  On Now Video: Bruce Springsteen's solo trip to Broadway On Now Video: Inside the rehearsal room of SDMT's Damn Yankees! 2:22 On Now Video: La Jolla Playhouse-bred shows earn key Tony nominations 3:05 On Now Video: Broadway moment has arrived for La Jolla Playhouse's 'Come From Away 0:33 On Now Video: Lamb's Players Presents "An American Christmas" 2016 1:21 On Now Old Globe's 'Grinch' ready to rumble again 0:52 On Now Little Miss Sunshine at La Jolla Playhouse On Now Working the Magic On Now San Diego Repertory Theatre presents "Federal Jazz Project" On Now An American Christmas

Twitter: @jimhebert

jim.hebert@sduniontribune.com
President Donald Trump is proposing to give the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs a 6 percent bump in the 2018 budget.

Released today, the budget calls for $78.9 billion in discretionary funding for VA, a $4.4 billion increase from the 2017 level.

It also asks for $3.5 billion in mandatory budget authority in 2018 to continue the Veterans Choice Program, which allows veterans to see private doctors if they are facing a long wait or a long commute for care.

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Without action, the Choice program will expire in August.

The VA already has a large footprint in San Diego, but the extra funding might allow for more hiring.

VA Secretary David Shulkin has said hiring doctors, nurses and other clinical staff is one of his top national priorities in order to reduce the amount of time veterans wait for medical appointments.

Welcome to The Intel, a blog examining the hot military news of the day

The San Diego VA Healthcare System now has the equivalent of 3,062 full-time positions. Its budget in 2016 was $708 million.

There were 209 unfilled positions as of this week, including 15 doctor slots and 37 nurse jobs, a San Diego VA spokeswoman said.

The VA also employs more than 624 workers at its San Diego regional benefits processing office, which has an annual budget of $56 million.

The federal agency also operates the Fort Rosecrans and Miramar national cemeteries, which employ 23 workers and work on a $4 million budget.

The San Diego region is home to an estimated 250,000 U.S. military veterans of all eras.

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

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The sinking feeling that something was amiss didnt hit Jesus Arreola Robles until just before midnight, right after he drove past a U.S. Customs and Border Protection truck in the desert near the border.

A few minutes later, immigration officers handcuffed the 22-year-old North Hollywood resident and beneficiary of the Obama administrations immigration relief program known as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA. They accused him of trying to smuggle someone into the country illegally.

For the record: An earlier version of this story said Arreola Robles thought he was picking up an Uber passenger. He thought he was picking up an off-the-books passenger.

But Arreola Robles recounting of the chain of events that led to his arrest  and possible deportation  on Feb. 12 is even stranger than the Border Patrols version.

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And he hopes it clears him.

Border Patrol officials said Arreola Robles and a 17-year-old boy were stopped in a vehicle on Highway 94 in Campo, Calif., about a mile from the U.S.-Mexico border. Arreola Robles was driving, they said.

In an interview this week with The Times, Arreola Robles, out on bond, said he thought he was picking up a passenger for a ride share, not helping to smuggle anyone.

He said the teenage passenger, who ended up being deported, was to blame for his predicament.

According to Arreola Robles telling, he was babysitting his three younger sisters the night before around 7:30 p.m. when he got a call from a friend saying his cousin needed a ride that night from Sun Valley to the San Diego area and back. Arreola Robles said he often picked up his friends, who knew he drove for Uber and Lyft, for off-the-books rides. They settled for a price Arreola Robles said he considered fair: $600 in cash.

1 / 4 Jesus Alonso Arreola Robles, 22, spends time with his sister Maria Lupita Arreola, 16, who suffers from progeria, in their familys apartment in North Hollywood. Arreola Robles was a beneficiary of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) 2 / 4 Jesus Alonso Arreola Robles, 22, walks home with his sister, Maria Lupita Arreola, 16, in North Hollywood. Robles, who has worked as an Uber and Lyft driver, and a 17-year-old boy were stopped in a vehicle Feb. 12 on Highway 94 in Campo, Calif., about a mile from the U.S.-Mexico border. Border Patrol accused him of attempting to smuggle someone into the country illegally. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) 3 / 4 Jesus Alonso Arreola Robles, 22, looks out the front window of his familys apartment in North Hollywood. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) 4 / 4 Jesus Alonso Arreola Robles, 22, brings his sister, Maria Lupita Arreola, 16, home from school in North Hollywood. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Arreola Robles had never met the cousin, a 17-year-old named Luis. The teen told Arreola Robles that he needed to pick up his uncle and cousin at a house near San Diego. Border Patrol officials confirmed that Luis is the teens middle name.

Luis put the address into the GPS on Arreola Robles phone and they set off in his 2014 Toyota Camry.

During the trip, Arreola Robles said the teen told him that he had been in the country for only three weeks. At one point, Luis said his cellphone wasnt working and asked if he could borrow Arreola Robles phone. He made a couple of calls, but no one picked up and he didnt leave a voicemail, Arreola Robles said.

The pair drove more than three and a half hours until they were in the desert. When they passed a parked Border Patrol truck, Arreola Robles said he thought to himself, Alright, this is sketchy.

Shortly after, he said Luis told him they had arrived and to pull over to the side of the road. In the dark, Arreola Robles could make out the shadow of a person. Luis got out of the car and walked toward the figure.

It was a Border Patrol agent.

From inside the car, Arreola Robles heard the agent ask Luis, What are you doing here? Luis turned and pointed to the car.

The agent walked up to Arreola Robles and asked the same question. Arreola Robles said Luis had asked him for a ride.

In Spanish, the agent asked Luis where he had been picked up. Luis said, Here, near El Cajon.

The agent asked Arreola Robles, How many more? He responded, I dont know, what are you talking about?

With that, the agent placed both of them in handcuffs and put them in the back of his truck. They didnt speak. Arreola Robles said he was furious at the teenager.

Still, Arreola Robles said he remained calm, assuming the situation would quickly be cleared up. It wasnt until the next morning, after he had given his statement to immigration officers and was asked to sign papers agreeing to appear before a judge, that he realized he wouldnt be getting out anytime soon. He said the officers never asked him outright whether he was attempting to smuggle someone into the country.

I lost everything, he said. And I never got paid.

Arreola Robles was transferred to another detention facility in San Diego, then to one in Arizona, and finally to one in Folkston, Ga. He was released March 3 on a $2,500 bond.

Border Patrol officials said Luis requested and received a voluntary return to Mexico.

Arreola Robles attorney, Joe Porta, said Border Patrol documents lack details and contain inconsistencies. He said the Border Patrols accusation is based on the unverified statement of a deported witness and that he will seek to exclude the statement.

Porta said the Border Patrol stated in the documents that they apprehended a group of four people near Arreola Robles and Luis, and that one person had positive cellular communication linking them to Arreola Robles phone.

The Border Patrol did not respond to a request for confirmation.

Porta said he still wonders how the teenager came up with the address that he plugged into the GPS of his clients car. Arreola Robles said he can only assume that Luis walked up to the Border Patrol agent because he thought the agent was his uncle.

But he said hes not sure why the teenager would lie to the agent about where he was picked up.

He has no papers, hes 17, hes a minor and he just got caught near the border, Porta said. In my experience doing this for years, when people get caught they just panic and they just blurt something out, because theyre really afraid and they think its what [the agents] want to hear. But the true answer to why he said that, I dont know.

Arreola Robles parents brought him into the United States illegally from their native Mexico when he was a year old. He had a work permit under President Obamas DACA program since 2012.

The executive action halts the deportation of people who were brought to the United States as children and remained illegally. Beneficiaries must meet certain requirements, including having never been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor or multiple misdemeanors, and not posing a threat to public safety or national security.

Arreola Robles only prior offense was a speeding ticket.

He worked two jobs using his work permit, at the salad bar in West Hollywoods Chateau Marmont Hotel and as a driver. He paid half the rent at his familys home and said he helps care for his severely disabled 16-year-old sister.

His other sisters are 12 and 7. All three are U.S. citizens.

Immigration agents confiscated his car and phone. Hes still making payments on the car. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services informed him on March 1 that his DACA status had been rescinded.

Porta thinks Arreola Robles has a strong case. He said the judge said he found Arreola Robles to be credible.

He also said the judge set bond at $2,500, which Porta said, in his experience, is significantly lower than usual for apprehensions near the border. He said the minimum bond a judge can set is $1,500.

Porta said he expects Arreola Robles next hearing to take place within two to four months. He plans to file for a cancellation of Arreola Robles removal based on the hardship that his parents, who are legal residents, would suffer if he could no longer help care for his disabled sister.

If Porta succeeds and his client is cleared, Arreola Robles could go from getting arrested to getting a green card.

To read the article in Spanish, click here

andrea.castillo@latimes.com

@andreamcastillo

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It should surprise no one to hear that Angela Davis, the feminist, scholar and radical social activist, is no fan of the current U.S. president.

But she stresses the point anyway.

Of course, I did everything I could to prevent Donald Trump from being elected because of the danger it could do for generations to come, Davis, 73, told a packed gymnasium at Southwestern College in Chula Vista Wednesday evening.

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At the same time, Im really happy to be able to witness this upsurge in resistance all over the country, she said. And this resistance has been led by women.

One of the best known civil rights and social justice activists to emerge in the United States during the 1970s, Davis is no stranger to feminism and its role in working toward societal change. But she said todays feminism  the kind thats most appropriate for the 21st century  should include women from all racial and ethnic backgrounds (something that had been largely missing from previous feminist movements) and it should include transgender women.

In short, it should be intersectional, she said, using a current buzzword.

When women rise up, that means that everyone rises up, Davis told a crowd of hundreds at the sold-out event.

Attendees cheered and stomped their feet on wooden bleachers as she spoke about a relationship between capitalism and criminalization, and a general tendency among government leaders the United States to devote more resources to the prison system than to education.

She argued that private prison companies, not necessarily the public or society at large, is who stands to gain if the new presidential administration makes good on its promises to be tough on crime and crack down on illegal immigration.

Noting her own research on these issues, Davis asked the audience to think about what happens in a society when jobs disappear, along with programs designed to provide aid to those who have fallen on hard times. Answering that question, she explained that a surplus population is created, made up of people without employment, access to health care and education.

The whole educational system begins to deteriorate, she said. And so prisons pop up. And there are those who say, Oh, we not only need places to put these people whom society no longer cares about but lets make that whole process profitable.

Davis, now a professor emeritus in the Feminist Studies Department at UC Santa Cruz, explained that education and activism had long been priorities in her life, starting when she was growing up in Alabama. She was born in Birmingham, where the 16th Street Baptist Church was bombed in 1963, killing four young black girls and injuring other members of the congregation.

It was in the context of that situation that I learned that education could help move us in the direction of liberation, she said.

Davis attended schools in New York and Massachusetts before earning her masters degree from UC San Diego. In 1969, she came to national attention after she was removed, at the urging of then-Gov. Ronald Reagan, from her teaching position in the Philosophy Department at UCLA because of her social activism and membership in the Communist Party.

She also was accused of murder and other charges for what authorities said was her role in a Marin County courtroom shooting that left four people dead, including a judge. A jury acquitted her of all of the charges.

When she finished her presentation Wednesday night, Davis took questions from audience members who lined up to ask questions on topics ranging from modern slavery to what books shed read recently.

Laila Aziz of San Diego, a self-described prison abolitionist, called Davis one of her biggest role models. She said Davis 2003 book, Are Prisons Obsolete?, had been particularly meaningful to her.

(It) made an impact on me that Im still living, Aziz said.

dana.littlefield@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @danalittlefield
FORT WORTH, Texas, March 16, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- RANGE RESOURCES CORPORATION (NYSE:RRC) announced today that its first quarter 2017 financial results news release will be issued Monday, April 24 after the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange.



A conference call to review the financial results is scheduled on Tuesday, April 25 at 9:00 a.m. ET (8:00 a.m. CT). To participate in the call, please dial 866-900-7525 and provide conference code 89127307 about 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time.

A simultaneous webcast of the call may be accessed over the internet at www.rangeresources.com. The webcast will be archived for replay on the Company's website until May 25, 2017.

RANGE RESOURCES CORPORATION (NYSE:RRC) is a leading U.S. independent natural gas, NGL and oil producer with operations focused in stacked-pay projects in the Appalachian Basin and North Louisiana. The Company pursues an organic growth strategy targeting high return, low-cost projects within its large inventory of low risk development drilling opportunities. The Company is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. More information about Range can be found at www.rangeresources.com.
The turning point in the physical struggle between a San Diego police officer and domestic violence suspect came when the suspect reached for the officers backup revolver that had fallen on the ground, the officer testified.

As I saw his hand go directly at that gun, my thought was now hes going to kill me, Officer Jonathan McCarthy said Wednesday on day two of the civil trial against him and the Police Department.

McCarthy gave his version of the incident that ended with him fatally shooting Victor Ortega in a narrow breezeway of a Mira Mesa condominium complex on June 4, 2012. The lawsuit, filed in San Diego federal court by Ortegas widow and two children, claims wrongful death, battery and assault.

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McCarthy, who had been on the force for less than three years, responded to the Ortega home after the wife called 911 reporting shed been beaten by her husband. When McCarthy pulled up, he heard on the radio that Ortega had fled, and the officer went driving off to find him, the officer testified.

He said he saw Ortega and began to chase him, kicking down a gate in the breezeway that Ortega had slammed shut. Ortega had ignored McCarthys commands to stop, he said. Ortega then turned and faced him, his arms outstretched as if he wanted to fight me, McCarthy said.

The officer said he put Ortega in a bear hug and asked him to get on the ground, where it would be safest to handcuff him.

Search the Union-Tribunes database of fatal police shootings in San Diego County since 1980 

Im trying not to hurt him. Im trying to gain control of him, detain him and make an arrest, McCarthy explained. Ortega wouldnt comply, and the fight was on, the officer said. Ortega slammed the officer against the side of the wall or fence, he said, and they bounced back and forth.

The officer  the smaller of the two  used a leg sweep that got them both on the ground, and the struggle continued.

McCarthy said he was able to get on top of Ortega, who had his arms pinned underneath him. McCarthy then took out his Taser, to use in case Ortega got violent again, he said.

The officer said he was able to pull out Ortegas left arm and slap a handcuff on it, then decided to put away his Taser so he could handcuff the right hand. I thought I had him under my control, McCarthy said.

At that moment, Ortegas right arm shot up quickly toward the officers backup gun, which had fallen out of the officers ankle holster at some point during the fight and without his knowledge, McCarthy said.

I saw his fingertips touch the handle. I saw it move, McCarthy said of the gun.

The officer said his sole focus was on the gun, and he decided to give up his position on top of Ortega, first pushing Ortegas arm away and then swatting the gun farther away.

Now I have to defend myself. I have that right.  I was left with no choice, McCarthy testified.

The officer decided to pull out his service pistol and was turning back toward Ortega when he saw Ortega lunging at him, arms outstretched at the gun the officer was holding.

All I saw was him coming at me, both his hands in my direction, McCarthy said. At that instant, I thought it was over.

The officer fired two rounds, the first striking Ortega in the abdomen, the second shot piercing the back of the neck.

Paul Pfingst, the Ortega familys attorney, asked the officer several times why he didnt use less-than-lethal force options at various times during the incident, and the officer replied that he operated on his training and decided that the other tools  Taser, pepper spray and baton  were not appropriate for the situation.

Pfingst also asked why the officer appeared to tell his sergeant a different account of the shooting just moments after it had happened. The discrepancy between accounts has been a major sticking point in the trial.

Sgt. Alan Karsh recounted to investigators that McCarthy told him upon arriving at the scene that Ortega had grabbed the backup revolver and aimed it at the officer, prompting the shooting.

But McCarthy testified that is not what he told the sergeant.

I did not tell him it was in (Ortegas) hand.  We were struggling over the gun and he was trying to grab it, McCarthy said.

McCarthy said the sergeant kept interrupting him, telling the officer he didnt want to know what had happened.

Karsh testified Tuesday that he must have reported what he thought hed heard, although he acknowledged he didnt remember what was said in the conversation.

Testimony is expected to continue Thursday.

kristina.davis@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @kristinadavis
U.S. News & Report has recognized several local graduate programs as among the best in the nation.

San Diego State Universitys College of Education graduate program ranks No. 57 in the nation among all universities and No. 39 among public universities in publications guidebook on best graduate schools for 2018. The colleges online masters degree program also ranks among the nations best at No. 22.

The new rankings also list SDSUs aerospace engineering program as No. 37 in the nation and No. 7 in California among all universities.

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Other SDSU graduate programs that currently rank in the top 25 include rehabilitation counseling at No. 10, speech and language pathology at No. 24 and clinical psychology at No. 25.

The publication also highly ranked programs at UC San Diego, where the engineering, medicine and social sciences programs were in the nations top 20.

It is an honor to have UC San Diegos graduate programs recognized, across the board, for demonstrating excellence in research, education and service to students, said Chancellor Pradeep Khosla.

The UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering ranked 13th nationally, up four spots compared to last year. Among public universities, the school is listed as the eighth best.

In addition, the biomedical/bioengineering program within the engineering school is ranked third in the nation, up from fourth place.

UC San Diegos Division of Social Sciences departments in political science ranked nine, economics ranked 12th and and psychology ranked 13th.

Specialty areas of behavioral neuroscience, econometrics and international politics were all ranked fourth in the nation. Cognitive psychology and public finance were both eighth, while comparative politics and development economics were both 10th. American politics and political methodology were ranked, respectively, 11th and 12th.

The University of San Diegos School of Leadership and Education Sciences was ranked 89th among education graduate schools, up from last years spot at 93rd.

gary.warth@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @GaryWarthUT

760-529-4939
A Palomar College professor hired last summer is off campus this week following months of complaints from faculty and staff members who asked the governing board to buy out or at least not extend his contract.

About 100 faculty and staff members participated in a rally at the schools San Marcos campus before the schools board meeting Tuesday evening to urge trustees to oust Syed Khaled Hussain, hired in August as dean of Arts, Media, Business and Computer Science.

Shannon Lienhart, a math professor and co-president of the Palomar Faculty Federation, said the request to remove Hussain is rooted in philosophical disagreements over how his division is run and the deans personal style, which she said has been bullying and combative.

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Honestly, in the 26 years Ive been at Palomar College, Ive never experienced anything like this, she said. Within weeks of his hiring, Lienhart said she began hearing complaints from college employees that Hussain was verbally abusive and engaged in public shaming and retaliation.

Hussain did not respond to phone calls and an e-mail request asking for a comment, and staff members in the deans office and other employees said he is out for the week. The school newspaper, The Telescope, reported Monday that they had reached out to Hussain, but he declined to comment on the advice of a lawyer.

Lienhart and professors from five disciplines at the college have written to board members with various complaints about Hussain. While many complaints were about his interactions with faculty members, professors also said that they believed his push for more online classes was motivated by money and could hurt the schools reputation and the quality of education.

Hussain was hired Aug. 15 for an annual salary of $137,185, which will increase to $144,112 after July 1. As an employee with a doctorate, he also receives a $114 monthly stipend.

Lienhart said she and other employees wanted trustees to either buy out his contract or notify him that it will not be extended beyond June 30, 2018. His contract was set to automatically extend one year if he didnt receive such a notification by March 15.

Lienhart said she was disappointed that board members returned from a two-hour closed session during Tuesdays meeting without taking action on Hussains contract. They did, however, announce that two employees had been put on paid administrative leave.

The board did not name the employees, but Palomar public affairs director Laura Gropen released a statement from the school Wednesday.

The District does not publicly comment on confidential personnel matters, the statement read. However, the District does state that it takes all complaints against its employees seriously. The District investigates such complaints thoroughly and in a manner that protects the rights of all involved. At the conclusion of the investigation, the District reaches a conclusion as to the appropriate course of action.

Lienhart said she believes Hussain is on administrative leave, and also said she has been questioned by administrators in an investigation about complaints.

Not all faculty members under Hussain have complained about him. Photography professor Donna Cosentino said she has never had a negative incident with him, and on Feb. 7 she wrote to top campus administrators to say she had great interactions with him.

On Monday, however, Cosentino said she had second thoughts.

Since I wrote that last week, something has happened to someone I care for very much on campus, she said. Without giving details, Cosentino said a colleague and friend had an incident with Hussain.

Now Im not sure I can stand up in defense of the dean, said Cosentino, adding that she still thinks the union has been too aggressive against him. I really like the guy, but you cant treat my friends like that.

In a letter presented to district trustees before a board meeting last month, Lienhart wrote that six faculty members from five disciplines had written to administrators or board members about Hussain.

Digital broadcast arts professor Pat Hahn wrote about Hussain in an e-mail to Trustee Mark Evilsizer on Jan. 31.

I am writing to tell you, in my opinion, Khaled Hussein is not fit for the position he was hired for, he wrote. During my tenure at Palomar I have gone thru several deans. He is the only one that I can say without a doubt he absolutely does not possess the leadership skills necessary for the position.

Hahn called Hussain a bully and wrote that he cancelled a television internship class at Fox 5 because attendance was slow, despite being told that attendance always jumps in the second or third week.

The decision to cancel this class was an embarrassment to the college and our program, Hahn wrote, explaining that the station had interviewed and selected students, only to be told they couldnt work there. In talking with FOX 5, I was told, We cant trust your college

The internship class was restored, but Hahn said he has had other issues with Hussain, including an attempt to turn a TV production class into an on-line course.

Is he crazy to think you can teach TV production on-line? Hahn wrote. I found out and refused to allow him to do this.

Many community colleges are increasing their online offerings, however. Last summer, the San Diego Community College District announced a 21 percent jump in online courses at its three college campuses.

gary.warth@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @GaryWarthUT

760-529-4939

UPDATES:

Feb. 21, 2019

Shortly after this story appeared, a report on an independent investigation of claims against Hussain was released. The investigation was conducted by attorney Jose A. Gonzales of Lakeside.

The report looked at 18 allegations against Hussain. With a few exceptions, most of the allegations were found to be not supported by the weight of the evidence.

One allegation that Hussain gave a glowering and hostile look to a woman was not supported by evidence. The report did find evidence that he did not return her greeting, but it did not find evidence that he acted wrongfully or maliciously in doing so.

The report found evidence that Hussain cancelled an internship class because of low enrollment, but did not find evidence to support the claim that the decision was arbitrary.

The claim that he once called high-enrollment classes cash cows was supported by evidence, but the report also found there was not evidence to support a claim that it is offensive for a college administrator to use the term.

The report found evidence to support an allegation that Hussain did not read a three-page document about classes and enrollment patterns, and found evidence that the woman who gave it to him felt disrespected at their meeting. The claim that Hussains decision to not read the document was unreasonable or intended to be disrespectful, however, was not supported by evidence, according to the report.
San Diego police raided a North Park marijuana dispensary and arrested three workers Wednesday.

About seven pounds of marijuana, cash, and various edible and concentrated cannabis products were seized, police Lt. Matt Novak said.

Narcotics officers served a search warrant on Dam Coffee Company on Illinois Street near El Cajon Boulevard about 9 a.m. Wednesday, Novak said.

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The concrete-block building has a garage-style roll-up door and a heavy security door with multiple locks.

Three employees were cited on misdemeanor charges of marijuana sales and operating an illegal business, then released, Novak said.

He said the Dam in the name refers to Amsterdam. In that Netherlands capital city, marijuana can be bought and smoked in licensed coffee shops.

The shop came to the attention of narcotics investigators three or four months ago, Novak said.

He said the narcotics team has been working with the City Attorneys Office to close down all pot dispensaries operating in the city illegally without a license.
A 20-year-old woman suspected of hitting and killing a teen with her car and then speeding off last week was arrested Wednesday morning, San Diego police said.

Officers arrested Jessica Medsker on Ducos Place near Tierrasanta Boulevard about 8:40 a.m. Police didnt say what led investigators to the woman or where she was when she was taken into custody.

The location is just over a mile from where the crash occurred.

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Alex Funk, the 16-year-old victim, was walking with another boy in Santo Road when he was struck by a speeding car near Antigua Boulevard shortly before midnight on March 9. The second teen escaped injury by jumping into a nearby median.

Funk died before he could be taken to the hospital.

The teen moved to San Diego from Sacramento last year and attended Serra High School. He enjoyed spending time with his dog, riding his bicycle, writing poetry and joking around, according to his obituary.

Medsker, who was booked into jail Monday afternoon, faces a felony hit-and-run charge.

Twitter: @LAWinkley

(619) 293-1546

lyndsay.winkley@sduniontribune.com
The Union-Tribune profiles a wanted suspect each week in an effort to make our community safer. We partner with Crime Stoppers and local law enforcement to prole known fugitives as well as draw attention to unsolved crimes. This weeks wanted suspect:

Joseph Mullins, 22

Wanted: Mullins is wanted for violating the terms and conditions of his parole. His criminal history includes auto theft, multiple convictions of assault with a deadly weapon, and probation and parole violations.

Description: White, 6 feet 1 inch tall, 240 pounds, with blonde hair and blue eyes.

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Frequented areas: He is known to frequent El Cajon, Lakeside and downtown San Diego.

If you have information about this persons whereabouts, you can report it anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477. Anonymous texts or Web tips can also be sent at sdcrimestoppers.com. Tipsters may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.
Was it a homicide?

Usually, when detectives are called to a death, it doesnt take long to answer that question.

In Joseph Garzas case, it took months.

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On March 31, 2016, a fire sparked at a group home in Nestor, a San Diego community east of Imperial Beach. Bystanders told arriving officers a man was still inside the smoking residence.

Firefighters entered the smoking home, located Garza unconscious and pulled the 63-year-old outside. He was taken to a hospital to be treated for serious smoke inhalation.

It didnt take long for investigators to suspect 47-year-old Glenda Coronado, also a resident at the home, of deliberately setting the fire in her bedroom.

Charged with arson, and three counts of arson with great bodily injury, Coronado was subsequently sent to a state hospital in San Bernardino County to be evaluated.

On Sept. 8, Garza died. About a month later, the Medical Examiners Office determined the smoke inhalation he suffered months earlier contributed to his demise and ruled his death a homicide.

So why did it take until March 2017 for investigators to report Garzas death to the FBI as a criminal homicide?

Its complicated.

There are times when a homicide, defined as the killing of one human being by another, isnt considered a crime. But making that determination is sometimes difficult.

The vast majority of cases (are) hard and fast, said San Diego police Lt. Mike Holden. But there are instances where well provide details of an investigation to the Department of Justice to determine if its statistically a homicide.

Sometimes, for example, it takes many months for a person to die. When they do, multiple factors may have contributed, including the injuries caused by someone else.

It could be difficult to determine if it was a criminal homicide if the leading cause of death wasnt at the hand of another.

The intent of a suspect and the actions taken by the person who died also matter.

Was someone armed with a gun and committing a robbery when he was shot and killed by a teller? If so, the killing could be deemed justifiable. What if a person is seriously injured by someone, but while stumbling away is hit by a car and dies? Could the initial attacker later be accused of homicide?

In every case, police detectives will conduct a thorough investigation. It will ultimately be the District Attorneys job to determine criminal liability.

Detectives wouldnt say why it took so long to include Garzas death in the citys homicide total. Investigators ultimately reached out to the FBI, which made the final call.

Only then, three months into 2017, did Garzas death become San Diegos 50th homicide for 2016.

Twitter: @LAWinkley

(619) 293-1546

lyndsay.winkley@sduniontribune.com
Two gang members have been arrested in the fatal shooting of an Escondido woman who was hit by gang gunfire last week as she drove home from church, police said Thursday.

The suspects  a 24-year-old man, accused of firing the gun, and a 16-year-old juvenile  were taken into custody Wednesday, Escondido Police Chief Craig Carter said at a news conference announcing the arrests. He didnt name the pair, but said both are Escondido residents and U.S. citizens.

More arrests are pending, Carter said.

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He said the March 7 shooting was an attempt to retaliate against rival gang members who had been tagging the Pepperwood Meadows apartment complex along East Grand Avenue between Rose Street and Midway Drive.

Instead, one of the bullets hit 55-year-old Cathy Kennedy as she drove eastbound along Grand about 9 p.m. not long after leaving a weekly bible study at the Church of St. Timothy where she was an active member. Kennedy was struck in the head and died at a hospital a short time later.

Her husband, Kevin Kennedy, released a statement Thursday afternoon commending Escondido Police on the arrests and asking for privacy as we continue through the grieving process in light of this new information.

The adult suspect will be arraigned on murder charges Friday in Vista Superior Court where his name will be made public, authorities said. The younger suspect  who will also be charged with murder, Carter said  will face proceedings Monday in Juvenile Court.

Other arrests are pending, the chief added, but declined to elaborate.

Kennedys death rocked the community, and hundreds of people attended a vigil this week in her honor outside Escondido City Hall. Services for Kennedy will take place Friday at St. Timothys.

Police said Pepperwood Meadows complex has struggled with gang problems over the years.

A neighbor, Barbara Allen, 48, said she was home on the evening of March 7 when she heard four gunshots followed by the sound of a crash. Allen rushed outside, she said, and found the victim slouched over behind the wheel of her car.She was transported to a hospital, where she died.

Deborah Ware, Kennedys sister, told the San Diego Union-Tribune that Kennedys faith meant everything to her.

She and her husband  also an active leader at St. Timothys  had been married since 2014, and friends said Kennedy was also the proud mother of an adult daughter, Alicia de la Rosa, 24, who shed mostly raised on her own.

Kennedy had worked for 22 years as a registered dental hygienist, most recently at Brilliant Dental in Escondido.

Speaking the day after the slaying, Escondido police Chief Craig Carter called Kennedys death a senseless tragedy and said his department would be cracking down on street gangs.

We are altering our resources to address this, Carter said at the time. If you are a gangster in the city of Escondido and youre contacted (by police) were going to use the furthest extent of the law to make sure we deal with you.

He also said he believed it was the first time an innocent bystander had been killed in a random shooting in Escondido.

During Thursdays news conference Carter said the police department, with the help of other law enforcement agencies, have been working tirelessly to solve the crime.

The driving force of everybody involved in this investigation has been to bring justice to Mrs. Kennedy, he said.

Carter said more than 30 tips had been received from the community, some of which helped break the case.

Ive been very happy with the response from the community. People have not been afraid to call, he said.

Carter said the gun used in the killing has not been recovered, although other weapons were seized during the arrests.

As the investigation continues Carter asked for the continued support of the community.

Were asking the public to continue being an active participant in solving this crime, he said, to continue being an active participant in keeping this community safe.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the police department, Crime Stopper or leave and anonymous tip at (760) 743-TIPS (8477).
St. Louis, March 16, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- River City Marketing, Inc., a locally based company, recently attended both the Keys to Success and Top Gun Leader conferences at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Hotel in Dallas, TX. River City Marketings management team commented, We love that we can attend these crucial conferences for growth and development. We feel that it is important that we always maintain a student mentality and focus on professional and personal growth. The team is excited to take valuable information back to the rest of the River City Marketing family.



The Keys to Success conference focused on the growth and development of a management team. Many topics were covered ranging from how to effectively manage a brand to tips and tricks on motivating a successful sales team.

The Top Gun Leader conference focused more on the development of top sales leaders. These topics ranged from how to continually drive sales numbers, to tips and tricks for focusing on growth into a management role.

Fostering an ever-learning student mentality, River City Marketing finds these conferences extremely important for the growth of both their team and their company.
San Diegos huge bioscience industry expressed alarm Thursday about President Donald Trumps proposed $5.8 billion or 18 percent cut in the National Institutes of Health funding.

Its part of the presidents early blueprint for 2018 federal spending, which is to be given line-item specifics by May. The blueprint can be found at j.mp/2018budblueprint.

The NIH is the largest single public underwriter of biomedical research in the US. The proposed cut is unprecedented in recent decades, in which NIH budgets have soared. From $11.3 billion in 1995, the NIH budget rose to $27.2 billion in 2003 and current annualized funding of $31.7 billion.

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Researchers have depended on that growing budget, especially in San Diego County. Last year the NIH provided about $850 million to more than 90 institutes in San Diego County.

The biggest recipient was UC San Diego, which received $409 million to study and treat everything from cancer and heart disease to lupus and schizophrenia. The Scripps Research Institute received $213.7 million.

Theres also some good news for those depending on the biomedical bureaucracy for product approval.

The budget increases from $1 billion to $2 billion the money charged to those seeking product approval at the Food and Drug Administration agency separate from the NIH. Companies generally are willing to pay more for a faster response.

But that user-fee increase is far overshadowed by the NIH reduction, which does not take inflation into account.

The reduction is preposterous, said Eric Topol, M.D., a geneticist and chief academic officer of Scripps Health.

Its more than devastating, Topol said. And it comes at a momentous time, when biomedical research is making so much progress in diagnosing and treating human health. Were well into the genomic era, where we are developing new tools that represent progress. Now, the rug is being pulled out from under us.

Last year, the NIH awarded Topol a $207 million grant to co-lead an effort to enroll 1 million Americans in a massive health study, which includes sequencing their genomes.

Topol is responsible for 350,000 of those Americans under the aegis of the Scripps Translational Science Institute, which is a joint venture of Scripps Health and The Scripps Research Institute.

Salk Institute President Elizabeth Blackburn, a Nobel Prize winner, said reducing NIH funding will leave people vulnerable to emerging threats.

In a world facing unprecedented health challenges, from the rise in the numbers of people with Alzheimers to the spread of antibiotic-resistant superbugs, now is the time to prioritize foundational scientific research, not reduce funding, Blackburn said. We are in a golden age of science, thanks to the groundbreaking research thats come before. To drastically reduce funding now is to squander that legacy and to undermine the legacy we leave future generations.

The cut is untenable for Californias life science industry, said Joe Panetta, president and CEO of the San Diego-based trade group Biocom, which is active throughout the state.

It would take NIH funding back a dozen years or more, Panetta said.

"$3.6 billion in NIH funding comes to CA each year. A cut of $720 million would be disastrous. Biocom will work with our 850 members and the 55 representatives of the CA delegation in Congress to persuade Republican leaders that the loss of this funding would threaten Americas leading position in the world in biomedical discovery and innovation, as well as destroy a very lucrative job market in scientific discovery.

Researcher Jeanne Loring, who heads TSRIs regenerative medicine program, said reducing NIH funding would cause a chain reaction of lowered scientific output and business activity.

Were going to feel it very strongly here, said Loring, who has one NIH grant and has been considering applying for more.

The reason we have economic development in biotech is because of our really strong pipeline (of products) from academic research, Loring said. And biotech is funded by the government.

For example, TSRI stands to profit if a multiple sclerosis drug developed by a spinoff company reaches the market. The drug, ozanimod, benefited from federally funded research. TRSRI licensed it to San Diegos Receptos.

Ozanimod was promising enough that pharma company Celgene paid $7.3 billion to buy Receptos in 2015.

Skepticism on spending

Against those successes, critics of government waste point to examples of seemingly marginal or useless federal spending. One, Senator James Lankford, an Oklahoma, recently published examples of such federal fumbles.

NIH research listed in it included spending more than $10 million to learn that stress plays a role in illegal drug use.

This is yet another federal endeavor to duplicate existing efforts in the private sector and academia, the Lankford report stated. the funding could have been used to actually help treat participants drug issues, teach them how to cope with stress, and help them find opportunities to work and to provide for themselves.

This and other examples of supposed misspending by the NIH total far less than the cut sought. But they illustrate a belief in Congress that much federal spending is for low-priority work that can be eliminated without causing major problems.

If the NIH reductions go through, it could result in cuts to already awarded NIH grants, pitching the carefully planned budgets of researchers and their laboratories into chaos.

In that case, biomedical scientists may be reduced to fighting over which research programs get cut to keep the others funded.

Thats sort of like death panels for biotechnology research, Loring said.

Probably there could be some thinning of programs, but that would have to be a judgment call. I would hope the HHS would get scientists input  Its going to be a nightmare.

Directly contacting congressmembers and senators may be the best way to avoid that fate, Loring said.

Rep. Darrell Issa, the Republican congressman from Vista, has shown signs of potential flexibility of late, she said.

Sara Radcliffe, President & CEO of the California Life Sciences Association, said the proposed NIH would have a chilling effect on lifesaving R&D to improve patient care. The trade association has offices in San Diego, Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento and Washington, D.C.

The NIH has been chronically underfunded for years, and such a cut, compounded by mandatory sequestration in prior fiscal years, would put America at risk of ceding our global leadership in biomedical research and innovation, Radcliffe said by email.

Now is not the time to reduce that investment, which is critical to the foundation and success of San Diego and Californias biomedical R&D ecosystem, she said. CLSA and our broad membership will continue to work with our California congressional delegation to guard against these harmful NIH cuts, that could put lifesaving cures and R&D at risk.

Reaction from elsewhere

Outside California, Trumps cuts, in NIH and elsewhere in the budget, were condemned by biomedical leaders including Sue Desmond-Hellmann, CEO of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

US investments in health & development have created healthier, more stable societies at home & abroad, Desmond-Hellmann said on Twitter. Its critical they remain a priority.

We are deeply troubled that the budget proposal disproportionately affects the poorest people, abroad and at home, Desmond-Hellmann said in a separate statement.

In just 25 years, American investments overseas have helped prevent the deaths of 122 million children, cut extreme poverty in half, and put the world on the verge of eradicating polio. Foreign aid, and investments in research and development, have played a vital role in achieving this progress.

Trumps proposed budget cuts funding for many other agencies, including an 18 percent cut for the NIHs parent department of Health and Human Services and a 31 percent reduction for the Environmental Protection Agency.

However, the budget shifts money to national security purposes, something Trump pledged to do in his election campaign. Three departments have received proposed increases; 9 percent for the Department of Defense; 7 percent for the Department of Homeland Security and 6 percent for the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Science Playlist  On Now In a first, scientists rid human embryos of a potentially fatal gene mutation by editing their DNA On Now Space station flyovers visible from San Diego this week 0:55 On Now UCSD's 'ghost drivers' begin testing people's reaction seemingly empty cars 1:29 On Now 10 interesting facts about Mars On Now Kids can add years to your life On Now LA 90: SpaceX launches recycled rocket On Now Big passions, big giving: Malin Burnham 2:30 On Now Big passions, big giving: Darlene Shiley 2:40 On Now Big passions, big giving: Joan and Irwin Jacobs 2:45 On Now Ocean temperatures warming at rapid rate, study finds

Twitter: @grobbins

gary.robbins@sduniontribune.com
When Mila the African elephant came to the San Diego Zoo three years ago, she left behind a past marked by solitude and tragedy.

For more than 30 years she had been the only elephant in a New Zealand circus. After animal-welfare activists pushed for her release, she was transferred to a wildlife sanctuary, where, apparently spooked by an electrified fence, she killed one of her keepers.

The fresh start in San Diego seemed to be going well, zoo officials said. Mila befriended the dominant female there and integrated with the herd. She was popular with zoo visitors, especially on hot days when she liked to play in the mud.

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Tuesday morning, Mila was found dead at the zoo. She was 44. A necropsy is being done to determine the cause of death.

She will be missed by staff, volunteers and guests, the zoo said in a statement. Please take a moment to share your condolences with those people who worked closely with her, who especially will be feeling this loss.

The elephant was acquired at a young age by the Honolulu Zoo, which wanted a companion for another elephant. But the two didnt get along, and Mila was sold at age 4 to the Whirling Brothers Circus in New Zealand.

For the next three decades she toured the country, never seeing another elephant. (Theres only one other in all of New Zealand.) For almost that long, a group called Save Animals From Exploitation campaigned for her release.

In 2009, she was retired from the circus and sent to the Franklin Zoo and Wildlife Sanctuary, an 8-acre facility south of Auckland. Efforts began to find a facility in the United States where she could live with other animals. Give her a life she deserves, fundraisers pleaded on a Facebook page.

In April 2012, Mila apparently brushed against an electric fence and became agitated. Dr. Helen Schofield, a trainer, went into the enclosure to calm the elephant with a piece of fruit. Witnesses told coroners investigators that Scofield tripped while the elephant approached. Mila picked her up and crushed her to death.

The coroner concluded the elephant was likely more frightened than aggressive, and that the trainer  fatigued from working long hours over a period of many months  disregarded safety protocols.

Transferring an 8,000 pound elephant more than 6,500 miles took a year of planning and preparations. In November 2013, she was put inside a custom-made steel crate and loaded into a cargo plane that was flown to Los Angeles. More than 20 people from the Franklin and San Diego zoos went with her. From L.A., she was hoisted onto a flatbed truck and driven  with a police escort  to the zoo.

In San Diego, a core group of four keepers trained Mila to participate in her own care  lifting her legs for pedicures, opening her mouth for dental checks, presenting an ear for blood draws. She continues to amaze us with her ability to learn quickly and to adapt to new situations, keeper Robbie Clark wrote on the zoos website in February 2014.

They gradually introduced her to the other elephants, starting with Mary, the Elephant Odyssey herds dominant female. The first sessions were through the bars in separate enclosures: some nudges, some trunk slaps, a temper tantrum or two on Milas part, Clark wrote.

They eventually bonded, and Marys acceptance of Mila eased her transition into the herd, a collection of older animals ranging from about 35 to the early 50s.

john.wilkens@sduniontribune.com
Just four months ago, San Diego voters overwhelmingly passed Measure K, sending the message that the election of public officials shall be uniform and consistent. Proponents argue that consistency with election rules will lead to less voter confusion and ultimately increase voter engagement. During this time, my City Council colleagues made it very clear that San Diego voters shall be entitled to an election process that is consistent, clear and definitive, ensuring their elected officials truly reflect their priorities. These principles are not evident in arguably one of the most important publicly elected bodies in San Diego: the San Diego Unified School District.

Related: Republican school board term-limit ploy bad for student gains

Unbeknownst to many, the San Diego City Charter, the principal guiding document for the city of San Diego, oversees and outlines the process for electing members to the board of the San Diego Unified School District.

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However, the language governing their election rules directly conflict with sections of our Charter that regulate elections for city officials, such as the mayor, City Council members and city attorney. Unlike school board members, the mayor, City Council members and the city attorney are controlled by accountability measures, such as term limits and district-only elections for council members.

By law, school district board members are currently allowed to serve indefinitely, in direct conflict with the rules other city elected officials must follow. Since 1992, San Diegans have purposefully put term limits in place in order to assure the ability to elect government officials that truly reflect their priorities and values. There is no reason why school board members should be afforded any less scrutiny and accountability than city, county or state elected officials who are subjected to term limits. Not doing so is a disservice to our children and future generations who deserve the highest quality of education which comes only from the best possible leadership.

Further, San Diego Unified currently uses a convoluted process to elect its board members where candidates must receive votes from voters that do not live in their own district. The school district has five board members representing five distinct sub-districts. The City Charter states that two school board member candidates will be chosen during the primary election from one of the five sub-districts. However, these candidates will have to campaign outside their district in order to receive voter support throughout San Diego Unified.

This manner of electing school board members is not clear, is confusing for voters and does not increase voter participation. The process gives unfair advantage to special interest groups  with the power of money and endorsements  to spend tens of thousands of dollars to support their preferred candidate. San Diego Unified is the only school district in the county that conducts board member elections in this way.

After years of budget deficits, including a $140 million deficit that could require laying off nearly 1,000 employees, the time has come for change. With each passing year, parents and advocates are understanding the only way to advocate for change is to get involved. This may include running for a seat on the school board, but the deck is stacked against them.

Last month, three of my council colleagues and I proposed changes to the City Charter to mandate district-only elections and term limits for school board members. These reforms will give more power to those that care about the quality of their neighborhood school. Our ballot measure will protect taxpayers by holding school board members accountable for the decisions they make to the majority of people they represent.

On March 21, the full City Council is expected to hear this proposal. I call on the remainder of my colleagues to do what is in the best interest of San Diego voters, parents and youth by approving these reforms. Parents and students are looking to the city of San Diego for leadership and its up to us to deliver.

Cate is the councilman for the city of San Diegos District 6.
When President Donald Trump agreed with adviser Steve Bannon in January that a big portion of the media is the opposition party, the Reuters wire service, among others, pushed back hard and said its reporters are umpires calling balls and strikes, not political activists. Broader pushback from journalists came after Trump used Twitter to declare that the fake news media is the enemy of the American people. Now, just two months into Trumps presidency, were arguably seeing more outlandish stories out of the White House than in the 16 years of Barack Obama and George W. Bush combined. Nevertheless, Trumps approval ratings have stabilized in the mid-40s, and even as Trump claim after Trump claim is debunked, the presidents narrative that this negative coverage is driven by partisanship is resonating with millions of Americans.

It is an easy sell to conservatives who are ever simmering over their grievances with the media. Their fury over the 2012 presidential campaign  in which Mitt Romney got more media grief over his awkward debate comment about having binders full of women than President Obama did for strongly suggesting the terrorist assaults on two U.S. compounds in Benghazi, Libya, were the spontaneous actions of people upset over an Internet video  has never dimmed. Such conservatives see The Washington Posts decision last month to place the ominous phrase Democracy Dies in Darkness under its online masthead as an obvious shot at the Trump administration and dont buy the newspapers explanation that it is a general statement of values.

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Theres plenty to chew on here. Millions of people alarmed by Trumps divisive rhetoric, actions, impulsiveness and history of transgressive behavior almost certainly welcome the notion that swaths of the media are actively seeking to undermine the president on the grounds that anything that reduces his power or makes him more likely to leave office early is a good thing. Given how fervently many pundits denounce Trump, they plainly agree. But this view has led to a connect-the-dots mentality that two prominent liberal authors writing for liberal publications warn could backfire disastrously. Specifically, the authors fear that the narrative of a Trump-Putin conspiracy to subvert American democracy  buoyed by claims of Russias interference in the 2016 election to hurt Hillary Clintons candidacy and the series of contacts that Russian agents had with Trumps allies and aides  is being grossly oversold.

Matt Taibbi of Rolling Stone cites the recent interview former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper did with NBCs Chuck Todd on Meet the Press in which Clapper  who could have fanned the flames with the slightest vagueness or equivocation  rejected talk of a Trump-Putin conspiracy:

CLAPPER: We did not include any evidence in our report, and I say, our, thats NSA, FBI and CIA, with my office, the director of national intelligence, that had anything, that had any reflection of collusion between members of the Trump campaign and the Russians. There was no evidence of that 

TODD: I understand that. But does it exist?

CLAPPER: Not to my knowledge.

Until Jan. 20, Clapper had access to the full range of intelligence gathered by various U.S. spy and law enforcement agencies. He has absolutely no motive to dissemble on behalf of Trump. This helped persuade Taibbi to warn fellow journalists. Its possible, he wrote, that ...

... both the Democratic Party and many leading media outlets are making a dangerous gamble, betting their professional and political capital on the promise of future disclosures that may not come.

We have to remember that the unpopularity of the press was a key to Trumps election. Journalists helped solve the billionaires accessibility problem by being a more hated group than the arrogant rich. Trump has people believing he shares a common enemy with them: the news media. When we do badly, he does well. ....

We cant afford to bolster these accusations of establishment bias and overreach by using the techniques of conspiracy theorists to push this Russia story. Unfortunately, that is happening.

The first two examples Taibbi offered were later-discredited Washington Post articles that roared across social media after being posted. The first was a story that labeled dozens of legitimate websites as agents of Russian propaganda, based on a report by a little-known group that didnt reveal its sources or methodology  fake news about fake news. The second  absent any evidence  said that Russian hackers had penetrated the U.S. electric grid because of malware found in a computer at a Vermont utility. The computer turned out not to have been hooked up to the grid.

Writing in Vanity Fair, T.A. Frank took a similar tack to Taibbis. He noted that the extreme alarm that Trumps ascension had triggered among intelligence agencies, Democrats, some Republicans and journalists alike tempted them to cynically promote narratives based on unverifiable information from unseen sources with unknown goals. If this is used to try to unseat Trump before his own supporters have seen fire and not just smoke, Frank warns it ...

... could unleash demons far worse than any we imagine were seeing now. It would be like what Republicans did to Bill Clinton  which was plenty bad, and for which voters punished them in 1998  but much worse, because of the particular dynamics of this moment, in which millions feel that theyre part of a populist movement to reclaim their voice. If an imperfect but democratically elected leader is taken out by means viewed as illegitimate, then people can do terrible things. We can look at near-failed states around the world for reminders.

Taibbi merely warned that liberals and journalists risked losing their effectiveness as a check on Trump if they were wrong about a Trump-Putin partnership. Frank goes much further, offering a somber warning about American institutions being at risk if liberals and journalists oust Trump with a flimsy case.

But is it a flimsy case? Writing in The American Interest, Walter Russell Mead, a foreign affairs professor at Bard College and one of Americas most prominent intellectuals, looks at the allegations from a different context: the Trump administrations actual record.

If Trump were the Manchurian candidate that people keep wanting to believe that he is, here are some of the things hed be doing:

-- Limiting fracking as much as he possibly could

-- Blocking oil and gas pipelines

-- Opening negotiations for major nuclear arms reductions

-- Cutting U.S. military spending

-- Trying to tamp down tensions with Russias ally Iran

That Trump is planning to do precisely the opposite of these things may or may not be good policy for the United States, but anybody who thinks this is a Russia appeasement policy has been drinking way too much joy juice.

Shouldnt this sort of basic analysis be part of any media speculation about the president collaborating with the Kremlin? Of course. Its journalism 101. Does its absence, however, mean the media are the enemy of the American people? Hardly.

But Taibbi and Frank are right. Its possible to both be mortified about what Donald Trump might do as president and hugely disappointed in some of the journalists who tell us what hes doing.

Reed is deputy editor of the editorial and opinion section. Twitter: @chrisreed99. Have an idea for a topic that could benefit from this sort of treatment? Please send it to chris.reed@sduniontribune.com.

Twitter: @sdutIdeas

Facebook: UTOpinion
Whether President Andrew Jackson actually said Supreme Court Chief Justice John Marshall has made his decision; now let him enforce it after an 1832 ruling is a matter of dispute among historians, but Jacksons anger over the high courts assertion of its authority is well-documented.

Thankfully for American democracy, Jackson didnt impede Marshalls ruling, which held that only the federal government, not states, could pass laws involving Indian tribes. This established a precedent of executive deference to the judiciary that has helped this nation deal with many crises.

Unfortunately for Californian democracy, we dont have anything close to such a robust balance of power. Thanks to their huge war chests, the California Teachers Association and the California Federation of Teachers amount to a fourth branch of government  an unelected one that is regularly deferred to by governors and Legislatures.

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Their clout is why the state government refuses to enforce or even acknowledge a key provision of the Stull Act. Triggered partly by concerns that teacher tenure was granted too readily, the 1971 state law sought to make teacher evaluations more meaningful and relevant by requiring that they include student performance.

This refusal explains the decision of 13 school districts around the state to sign collective bargaining agreements with their local CTA or CFT affiliates that explicitly ban the use of student performance in teacher evaluations.

This open defiance of a plainly written state law caught the attention of Students Matter, a Silicon Valley-based education reform group that launched the Vergara v. California lawsuit. It spurred Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Rolf Treu to throw out six state teacher job-protection laws last year on the grounds that they created a discriminatory education system that funneled the worst teachers to schools in poor, predominantly Latino and African-American neighborhoods. The decision is on hold pending an appeal.

Last week, Students Matter filed Doe v. Antioch Unified, a lawsuit targeting the 13 districts (none in San Diego County) for defying the Stull Act in their contracts. The reform group is confident because of Los Angeles Superior Court Judge James Chalfants 2012 ruling that Los Angeles Unified School District must comply with the Stull Act.

Students Matter may well win Doe v. Antioch, but given whats happened in L.A. Unified, thats no reason to expect change to result. The school board and United Teachers Los Angeles have never agreed on how to implement Chalfants ruling, so it hasnt been enforced. The UTLAs delay tactics have been assisted by the state Public Employment Relations Board, which is run by union allies installed by Gov. Jerry Brown.

This amounts to Brown, Attorney General Kamala Harris and Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson saying, James Chalfant has made his decision; now let him enforce it.

This is not how the separation of powers is supposed to work in a healthy democracy  laws and judges being ignored because they discomfit a powerful special interest. But thanks to the Golden States fourth branch of government, we often dont have a healthy democracy  or even close.
Without media attention, Trump would hide everything

Regarding White House reveals limited tax info March 15): The information was released by the press and was then corroborated by the WhiteHouse.

This follows a clear pattern now of only admitting to the things that the press ferrets out. Like firing Michael Flynn only after it became public that he had lied to the vice president about talking to the Russian ambassador. And later it became known that he had been working as a foreign agent for Turkey while he was on the campaign, transition and in the White House and getting national security briefings with the President.

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And only afterwards did he registered as such, which the campaign headed by Mike Pence knew at the time - or had been told by Flynns lawyer.

A free press is more important now than at any time in my life. But how you report the facts matter, words matter. God bless and guard the republic.

Louise Buck

San Diego

Letters and commentary policy

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A number of people supporting President Donald Trumps attempt to temporarily ban travelers from six majority Muslim countries launched a call to boycott the state of Hawaii Thursday, one day after a federal judge in the Aloha State blocked Trumps recently revised travel ban.

The ruling by the judge at the Federal District Court in Honolulu has since been followed by a similar stay by a federal judge in Maryland. But the island state quickly became the focus of Trump supporters ire and the travel ban.

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Related: Is Trumps travel ban really about Muslims or not?

The hashtag #BoycottHawaii took off on Twitter on Thursday morning after several people said they would no longer travel to the island state in the Pacific Ocean, a popular vacationing destination for many Americans.

Helping the hashtag flourish as a trending topic? Others who dismissed the attempt to boycott Hawaii.

Just woke up to #BoycottHawaii. LMAO because paradise just got even better! Aloha!   lizfinger (@lizfinger1) March 16, 2017

The hashtag, of course, attracted some politicians, too. The Twitter account for the Tennessee GOP said, fine, let Hawaii take all the refugees. California Rep. Ted Lieu, D-Los Angeles, predicted Trump supporters would then boycott the state of Maryland where a second judge issued a similar ruling blocking the ban.

#BoycottHawaii is trending. Then it'll be #BoycottMaryland b/c of 2nd court decision. Soon only place folks can go is Steve King's district.  Ted Lieu (@tedlieu) March 16, 2017

While touring Tennessee on Wednesday, Trump offered his reaction to the travel ban block to a rally crowd gathered in Nashville. He said the watered-down version of the travel ban should have never been blocked and that federal judges are overstepping their authority. The new ban follows an earlier executive order from Trump that was blocked by federal courts in early February

This is the opinion of many: An unprecedented judicial overreach, Trump said on Wednesday. Were gonna fight this terrible ruling. Were going to take our case as far as it needs to go including all the way up to the Supreme Court.

President Trump vows that he'll fight a Hawaii judge who blocked his latest travel ban - saying he will take it to the Supreme Court pic.twitter.com/by3N86M37g  FOX & friends (@foxandfriends) March 16, 2017

Have some thoughts to share?

Join me in a conversation: Shoot me a private email with your thoughts or ideas on a different approach to this story. As always, you can also send us a tweet.

Email: luis.gomez@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @RunGomez
The Poway Unified School District received high scores in everything except the progress of students learning English under Californias new school accountability system that was launched statewide Wednesday.

The new system, called California School Dashboard, replaces the Academic Performance Index, or API. It will eventually use 10 different categories to measure how the school district and various student groups are doing. The first five were made available this week. The others will become available in the fall.

The rubrics currently available are district graduation rates, student performance in English language arts and mathematics for grades 3  8, the fluency and progress being made for students learning English and student suspension rates for kindergarten through 12th grade.

In the fall, the California School Dashboard will also incorporate in the districts score information on parent engagement, school climate, college and career readiness, implementation of state standards, and services, materials and facilities. Information on chronic absenteeism in the district will also be made available at a future date.

These new evaluation rubrics look at multiple measures of student performance and will also give a more comprehensive look at district and school performance, according to a press release from the district.

There are five total scoring levels a district can receive in each category, with red the lowest level, then orange, then yellow, green and finally blue as the highest level.

The district received the blue level, or the highest level, for graduation rate, English Language Arts (grades 3  8) and mathematics (grades 3  8). It received a green level, or the second highest level, for its K-12 suspension rate.

For English learner progress (K-12), PUSD received the yellow level, or the middle. The percentage of students achieving fluency in English decreased slightly over the last year, dropping 1.6 percent to 83.5 percent, but that is still considered a high rate and meets the states target.

A breakdown of the districts suspension rates for K-12 showed that it received an orange, or second lowest, score for suspension rates for American Indian and Pacific Islander students, and a yellow score for English learners. Other student groups, including socioeconomically disadvantaged students, students with disabilities, African American, Hispanic and white students received a green, or the second-highest rating, for reducing the amount of suspensions students in these groups received this year. The district received the highest score for the low suspension rates of Asian and Filipino students. Overall, the district met the state target in reducing the number of students suspended during the year.

The districts graduation rate showed that overall, it has a rate of 97.8 percent. The lowest graduation rate is students with disabilities, with a rate of 86 percent, and English learners, with a rate of 92.3 percent.

Socioeconomically disadvantaged students and students with disabilities both scored in the yellow level for PUSD for English Language Arts and Mathematics (grades 3  8), though both groups showed gains of about 4 points this year in English Language Arts and smaller gains in mathematics. All other student groups rated high or very high for both subjects, with overall gains of over 9 points in English language arts and over six points in mathematics.

We are pleased with the level of performance our students have made in these new measures, and are always appreciative of the dedication our staff undertakes to use these results to ensure that all our students are progressing and are ready for career and college, said Acting Superintendent Mel Robertson in a press release.

The assessment also showed that PUSD had an enrollment of 35,771 students, with 17 percent of those students falling into the category of socioeconomically disadvantaged and 12 percent of those students are English learners.

To search Poway Unified or an individual schools results, visit caschooldashboard.org/#/Home.

Email: news@pomeradonews.com
Poway Unified School Districts new superintendent is asking that her divided board give her a chance to show shes the right leader for the district.

(All I ask) is to be given a chance and the opportunity to show that Im the right leader (for PUSD) and be given the opportunity to do the right work for the job, Dr. Marian Kim-Phelps said in an interview last week. Hopefully, everyone can put aside personal preferences and politics to work together. If that doesnt happen, I will continue to work to improve our schools and make this district great again.

Kim-Phelps, previously the superintendent of the K-8 Westminster School District in Orange County, was confirmed as the districts new superintendent at the March 7 board meeting, with board members Kimberley Beatty and Charles Sellers casting dissenting votes both to hire her as the superintendent and to approve her contract. Beatty and Sellers also voted last month against approving her as the finalist for the position.

Dr. Marian Kim-Phelps

Despite coming in to a divided board, Kim-Phelps said her goal and aspiration is to help the board and the district come together as an effective governance team. She said she believes all the board members have the best interest of the district and students at heart and she hopes her coming in as superintendent will represent a fresh start for the board and the district.

Restoring the communitys faith in a district damaged by controversy is a high priority for Kim-Phelps. I am coming in with the right intent and the right heart to bring back integrity and trust to the district, she said. Kim-Phelps also said she will ensure that students will be the districts top priority. Mynumer one belief is that (making children the priority) is critical to ensure that public schools are a place where children can thrive and succeed.

Kim-Phelps said her immediate goals as superintendent will be to get things moving again at the district. A lot of things have been put on hold (since the firing of former Superintendent John Collins), she said. Things are frozen in a standing still state. Many district and (school) site leaders have been unable move forward on projects.

Hiring a new superintendent of business support services will also be an immediate goal for Kim-Phelps, as will figuring out what is and isnt working at the district, she said. She will also be undertaking a listening and learning tour with district employees, teachers and community members to learn about the district and devise a strategic plan for making the district sustainable, stable and able to move forward.

Long term, Kim-Phelps said she wants to build a stable and effective governance team and create fiscally stable, high-performing programs in the district.

Kim-Phelps said her skills as a creative problem solver and her proven track record of achievement will help her succeed in these goals for the district. Ironically, much of the work I did in Westminster is very similar to what needs to be done in PUSD, she said. Prior to (becoming superintendent at) Westminster, everyone was saying Why are you going there? Its so dysfunctional, this will ruin your career. I got similar calls about (the superintendent position at PUSD). Im not worried because Im going in to do the right work. I feel I am the right leader to bring together employees and help the districts children.

Born and raised in Huntington Beach, Kim-Phelps originally moved to San Diego to study at UC San Diego for her bachelors degree. Ive been here (in San Diego) my entire adult life, she said. Kim-Phelps earned her masters in educational leadership from Point Loma Nazarene University and her doctorate from San Diego State University.

She taught elementary and middle school in the San Diego Unified School District before becoming a vice principal and elementary school principal in the same district for 10 years. She then served as an area superintendent for the SDUSD for four years before taking over Westminster School District as superintendent four years ago.

One added bonus in her new role as PUSDs superintendent is no longer having to split her life between living in Orange County during the week and at her home in Rancho San Diego with her husband and 10-year-old daughter during the weekend.

Kim-Phelps said her daughter remained in San Diego to finish elementary school, but they were debating whether to move her to Orange County for middle school. We didnt tell my daughter about going through the process (of applying in PUSD), Kim-Phelps said. Instead, her daughter found out when watching the livestream of the February PUSD board meeting where it was announced that Kim-Phelps was the finalist candidate. She jumped up and said, What? Mommys coming back to San Diego? Im absolutely happy to be here with my family.

Email: news@pomeradonews.com
Columnist divisive, bigoted

I thought that I would give Harry Levine a second chance after his name-calling, rhetorical, premier article Liars, Cheaters and Gamers. His accusatory tone and lack of substantiation made me think that he was only venting his one-sided, subjective views, not writing facts for readers education.

His second column (March 2) intensified his hypocritical tone as he puts the individuals in boxes that he uses as examples.

I have learned to live by the saying, If you point a finger there are three more pointing back at you. Mr. Levines articles are divisive and bigoted. This is not what we need in our community paper.

Linda West

Rancho Bernardo

Critics off their meds

Columnist Dick Lyles (Feb. 23) 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. They have lost their collective minds. It is enjoyable, however, to watch Mrs. 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 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

Comments belong elsewhere

Your newspaper has been in my house since I moved here in 1988. Its a great community service provided by its staff and the advertising dollars of local business professionals.

I think we lose the spirit of our community by admonishing and degrading political figures in high office, especially an individuals opinion of the president of the United States. Would it not be better if replies to the editor such as these be directed to daily newspapers or other national publications?

Lets keep Poway as the City in the Country.

Ron Sawzak

Poway

A history lesson

The United States of America is the original interfaith team, founded by leaders who fled religious intolerance and persecution to establish a free, pluralistic nation. For this country to officially ban, effectively shun and complacently remain silent about the widespread persecution of people based on their religious beliefs is antithetical to the goals of our countrys founders. Therefore, on behalf of our interfaith nation, we expect the following from American leaders whom we have entrusted as valued public servants: 1) They must uphold and exemplify the values of open-mindedness, acceptance and respect by supporting those who share those values and seek religious freedom. 2) They must publicly disavow and define as hate crimes any actions or disseminations of propaganda that threaten the rights of others to peacefully practice their faith. 3) They must actively prohibit and punish as a criminal act the religious persecution of people and the desecration of their hallowed places.

Susan Lipson

Poway

Letters should be limited to 250 words and must be signed. They may be composed online or emailed to:

Email: editor@pomeradonews.com


CORRECTION: CRAWFORD TO PRESENT DURING 21ST ANNUAL NYSSA CONFERENCE

ATLANTA (March 16, 2017) -

The following release has been revised to correct the headline and incorrect year in the first paragraph from "2016" to "2017". The complete, corrected release follows:

CRAWFORD TO PRESENT DURING 21ST ANNUAL NYSSA CONFERENCE

Crawford & Company, the world's largest publicly listed independent provider of claims management solutions to insurance companies and self insured entities, today announced that W. Bruce Swain, executive vice president and chief financial officer, and Larry C. Thomas, chief executive officer for U.S. Services and Crawford Contractor Connection, will present during the 21st Annual New York Society of Security Analysts, Inc. (NYSSA) Insurance Industry Conference on Tuesday, March 21, 2017 at 8:30 a.m. EST. The conference will be held at 1540 Broadway, Suite 1010, New York City.

Below you will find the registration link for the LiveStream of Crawford & Company's presentation. Once you register, you will receive confirmation of your registration with a link to view the LiveStream.

https://service.nyssa.org/nyssassa/evtssareg.custinfo?p_event_id=3018

A replay of the webcast will remain available for one year.

About Crawford

Based in Atlanta, Crawford & Company (NYSE: CRDA and CRDB) is the world's largest publicly listed independent provider of claims management solutions to insurance companies and self insured entities with an expansive global network serving clients in more than 70 countries. The Crawford Solution offers comprehensive, integrated claims services, business process outsourcing and consulting services for major product lines including property and casualty claims management, workers' compensation claims and medical management, and legal settlement administration. More information is available at www.crawfordandcompany.com.

###
San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted on Wednesday to ban all marijuana businesses in unincorporated parts of the county.

The ban includes all medical and non-medical marijuana facilities, collectives, dispensaries, farms, growing, and cultivation.

Two medical marijuana dispensaries -- in Ramona and near El Cajon  currently operate in unincorporated areas. They will be allowed to stay open for five years, then be forced to close.

``I think its really important to remember that marijuana of any kind is illegal under federal law,' Board Chairwoman Dianne Jacob said. ``There have been comments made by the new administration in Washington that signs may point to action being taken in the near future to support federal law.'

The vote was 3-2, with supervisors Greg Cox and Ron Roberts voting no.

``We ought to grow it, and we ought to have facilities conveniently located throughout the county, including my neighborhood and your neighborhood and everybody elses neighborhood, that in a very controlled way, can provide for the sale,' Roberts said. ``We dont want kids to have it, theres no question about that.'

Dozens of opponents and proponents of the ban signed up to address the board during a hearing that lasted about three hours. Many of the opponents of the ban pointed out that California voters have approved both medical and recreational marijuana.

``Here we find ourselves facing the government authority who believes they know whats best for us, the majority, and do whatever is necessary to prove it,' Steve Lake said. ``Ironically, its the same system of majority rules that has allowed for all of you to be elected into office.'

Patricia Riggs of the Dehesa Valley Community Council urged the board to approve the marijuana ban.

``We have enjoyed small-town living in a very caring community,' Riggs said. ``It has taken decades to educate the public about the unhealthy effects of smoking. Now we have the ugly head of marijuana rising up.'

The board was presented with a variety of zoning options before the ban was suggested by newly sworn-in Supervisor Kristin Gaspar in January. Gaspar said her office received a lot of feedback from the community after she proposed the ban, including several inappropriate comments.

``Communicating messages that `Supervisor Gaspar should be shot for my opinion on this matter, that I am an `unfit mother and another example being that I `want to send cancer patients to jail are just not reasonable comments,' she said. ``This isnt a moral issue for me. What is at hand here is really a decision on can I manage the unintended consequences?'

Paul Levikow writes for City News Service.
What was feared as potentially contentious became democracy in action. People began to line up as early as 6 a.m. for the Duncan Hunter town hall event.

Indivisible Ramona members in yellow vests provided various tasks for all of the people in line, regardless of party. These folks saved spaces so that people could get a bite, stretch, and find a bathroom. They offered information for other District 50 members on where to eat, park, etc. They even went through collecting peoples coffee cups and other garbage.

These IR members did this for four solid hours, knowing that they were probably not getting into the event.

Overall, the atmosphere was more like a Sunday picnic than a battle of opposing foes. Aside from some rude comments, folks got along just fine.

I appreciate the veterans, who support Hunter, defending one of our immigrant members when he was told to go home. Apparently I was quoted as busing people in for the event. Where were the buses? Its true that we were expecting support from other Indivisible groups in San Diego for our private, paid event in Collier Park. Whats wrong with that? They werent trying to get into the town hall. They had their own town halls to attend.

The fact is Indivisible Ramona now has over 200 members. The town hall event was for all of the communities in District 50, not just Ramona. This busing notion or the idea that we are paid is simply ludicrous.

There was speculation that Tead party members were let into the venue through another entrance prior to the public admission. Obviously, that would be a serious violation of civil liberties, so unless proved, we shouldnt assume this to be true.

The rally in Collier Park allowed people who couldnt get in to listen to the live streamed event. While this was a private Indivisible Ramona event, Hunter and Trump supporters were welcomed and did attend. I did not attend the event so that I could help transition people to the park. The feedback from those who attended appreciated the opportunity to be heard. However, they were very frustrated that Mr. Hunter chose to have a guest speaker on health care speak for him. Thats not how a town hall should work.

Indivisible Ramona acknowledges the work and effort that made this event possible. Although the venue was not big enough for the crowd, we appreciate the assistance from Mainstage personnel. Indivisible Ramona especially recognizes the efforts of the Ramona Sheriffs Department and the volunteer security on horseback for maintaining safety and guidance throughout the day.

Overall, it was a great day in Ramona.

Susan Conrad, a Ramona resident, is chair of Indivisible Ramona.
Most of Karen Brainards article in the Feb. 23, 2017, Ramona Sentinel dealt with the 10-year Water System Infrastructure Facilities Plan that was presented and recommended by Ramona Municipal Water District (RMWD) staff and unanimously approved by the Board.

Director Zenovic was quoted as saying the people of Oroville would probably appreciate such a maintenance plan.

The state of California does have just such a plan for Oroville facilities and the ongoing problems and potential disaster stem from that plan. Neither repairs to, nor inspections of, the main spillway were properly completed. At least one contributing factor was the lack of a comprehensive capital repair and replacement plan, so corners were cut because insufficient funds were available.

The RMWD capital plan approved was for the next 10 years only, and for the water fund only. While similar plans exist for both sewer treatment facilities, no such plan exists for emergency/fire services. Director Hickle noted that the average lifespan for pipelines is 50 years. This observation exposes three other problems with RMWD capital planning.

First, while these pipelines are used up over their 50-year expected life, no expense is accrued for their repair and replacement. Instead General Manager Barnum has often bragged that RMWD waits until the need for repair or replacement of a capital asset is clearly within 10 years before adding it to the Facilites Plan. The ratepayers who benefit from using up the capital asset for the first 40 years of life pay nothing, while those who benefit from the last 10 years of life pay everything.

RMWD is proud that it uses cash accounting rather that accrual accounting. Revenues are not matched in time with expenses, so capital-related expenses are pushed into the future. This is unfair to future ratepayers, surely a violation of proportionality requirements, and often results in too few funds for capital projects.

Second, the lack of a comprehensive schedule of capital assets, expected lives, date of acquisition, current estimated repair and/or replacement cost, and current estimated remaining useful life leaves RMWD without the information needed to calculate the annual repair and replacement accrual. It also makes it too easy to defer and overlook capital repairs and replacements because it is easier to ignore them for another year than it is to raise rates excessively in order to pay for decades of deferred accruals.

The lack of emergency spillway maintenance at Oroville and recent lack of funds to replace RMWD emergency equipment are examples of this. Chief Financial Officer Hannaschs claim at the Dec. 13, 2016, board meeting that dams last forever is certainly disproved by the Oroville experience, and is not a valid excuse for excluding such assets from a comprehensive capital repair and replacement schedule.

Third, the lack of a comprehensive capital repair and replacement schedule hides the inequity inherent in combining RMWDs potable and irrigation/reclaimed water system finances. Many of the large costs associated with the irrigation/reclaimed water systems are not recognized by the cash accounting system.

At the Dec. 13, 2016, board meeting, Mr. Hannasch claimed no useful management information was gained from separating the irrigation and recycled water systems from the potable water system funds. Using a comprehensive capital repair and replacement schedule to calculate the expenses that should be accrued annually for the irrigation and recycled water systems will make the narrow-minded character of this claim obvious. These systems are physically separate and have separate customer bases from the potable water system, so separate funds are required to calculate the rates and fees for these systems  just as the Santa Maria and San Vicente Sewer Systems are separate.

Gary Hurst is a Ramona resident and Ramona Municipal Water District ratepayer.
Im responding to Peter Quercias irrational letter last week in the Sentinel in which he suggests a psychiatric evaluation for President Donald Trump. Mr. Quercia is clearly an admirer of former President Obama, but he apparently viewed the Obama administration through rose-colored glasses.

He criticizes President Trump for visiting constituents to gain support for his agenda, yet has forgotten the world-wide apology tour that Obama took with an enormous, ego-driven entourage, to slam America, early in his administration.

He accuses President Trump of lying about terrorist activities by Muslim immigrants in Sweden. The facts are that Muslim immigrants to Sweden are perpetrating a crime wave across the country that includes assaults and multiple rapes. The Swedish government, which allowed the Muslims to immigrate, is currently scrambling to cover up the crime wave and thus protect their elected positions.

Mr. Querica is apparently happy with Obamas economic legacy, which includes the highest number of Americans in poverty and on food stamps in our history. The unemployment rate, which he lauds, is dubious because of its source, and does not include the millions of Americans who have given up looking for work. In addition, Obamas eight years of job-killing regulations have led to the largest percentage of people out of the work force since the Great Depression.

Lets talk about Americas national debt. Obama inherited an $8 trillion national debt and managed to raise it to $19.5 trillion. What does that mean? The latest numbers are as follows: if you are a taxpayer, your individual share of the national debt is $166,000. If you are not a taxpayer, your share in only $62,000! Which one are you, Mr. Quercia?

In his next statement, Mr. Quercia loses all credibility. He actually states there were no scandals during the Obama administration. Clearly, he must watch only MSNBC or CNN, because he missed the Fast and Furious scandal, the IRS scandal, the Solyndra scandal, Benghazi, the Iran nuclear deal coupled with the $400 million ransom that arrived in Iran on a pallet in a private jet, sending a White House crew with $300,000 in tax dollars to influence an Israeli election against Netanyahu, selling 20% of Americas uranium to the Russians, releasing Muslim terrorists from Guantanamo who resumed terrorist activities against America, normalizing relations with communist Cuba, lying to the American people about Obamacare, the disastrous Obamacare roll-out, the VA scandal, swapping five Taliban generals for the deserter Bowe Bergdahl, the infamous $787 billion stimulus package that only benefited friends of Barack and union thugs, the illegal surveillance of Fox journalist James Rosen, and the clandestine meeting between Attorney General Loretta Lynch and Bill Clinton in a Phoenix airplane hangar four days before the FBI announced its conclusions on Hillarys email scandal. These are but a few Obama scandals, off the top of my head.

Mr. Quercia states that hate crimes have increased since President Trumps election. Finally, I agree with him, except the hate crimes are being perpetrated by the left, who are having public tantrums over Hillarys crushing and unexpected defeat. This is best exemplified by the rioting in Berkeley by the Indivisible movement which is partially sponsored by George Soros and whose purpose is to disrupt and destroy the Trump agenda by any means at their disposal.

I also agree with Mr. Quercia that candidate Trumps locker room talk was boorish. But Mr. Quercia, who likely voted for Hillary, would apparently have no qualms about welcoming Bill Clinton back into the White House, where he actually committed adultery, leading to his impeachment.

President Trumps agenda is refreshingly constitutional and pro-American. Mr. Quercia obviously prefers a different direction, but I must point out that a common definition of insanity is repeating an activity over and over, while expecting a different result. Mr. Quercia, the kind of government you so apparently support has never accomplished economic stability: note the collapse of the Soviet Union in the 1980s, that Cubans are still driving 1950 cars, and that Venezuelans are currently dining in trash dumps.

Mr. Quercia, before you suggest a psychiatric evaluation of President Trump, I strongly recommend a prolonged look in your own mirror. Mr. Trump is an author, has raised a wonderful family, is a billionaire, and, well, he is president of the United States. Leave Mr. Trump alone. He is doing just fine.

Dan Summers, a Ramona resident, is a Ramona Tead member.
LA PAZ, Bolivia (AP)  Striking informal miners in Bolivia kidnapped and beat to death the countrys deputy interior minister on Thursday after he traveled to the area to mediate in the bitter conflict over mining laws, officials said.

Government Minister Carlos Romero called it a cowardly and brutal killing and asked that the miners turn over the body of his deputy, Rodolfo Illanes, who holds the formal title of vice minister of the interior regime.

Illanes was savagely beaten to death by the striking miners, Defense Minister Reymi Ferreira told Red Uno television, his voice breaking.

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Earlier, Romero had said that Illanes had been kidnapped and possibly tortured, but that he could not confirm local media reports that he had been killed by the striking miners, who are demanding more rights, including the right to associate with private companies.

The fatal beating follows the killings of two protesters in clashes with police, deaths that likely escalated tensions in the strike.

Illanes had gone to Panduro, 80 miles (130 kilometers) south of the La Paz, where the strikers have blockaded a highway since Monday, to open a dialogue. Thousands of passengers and vehicles are stranded on roads blocked by the strikers.

At midday Thursday, Illanes said on his Twitter account: My health is fine, my family can be calm. There are reports the Illanes had heart problems.

Bolivias informal or artisan miners number about 100,000 and work in self-managed cooperatives. They want to be able to associate with private companies, which is prohibited. The government argues that if they associate with multinational companies they would cease to be cooperatives.

The National Federation of Mining Cooperatives of Bolivia, once strong allies of President Evo Morales, went on an indefinite protest after negotiations over the mining legislation failed.
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The news in early March of 1917 wasnt good. Americans learned that German submarines were going to resume their attacks on all ships heading to England. Just days later, the U.S. government released the text of the Zimmerman Telegram, an intercepted message from Germany to Mexico. If the U.S. entered the war, it read, and Mexico declared war on the U.S., a victorious Germany would force America to return the territories of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona to Mexico.

Even before these news items, American opinion had generally turned against the German cause. It had been Germany, after all, who sank the Lusitania. And it was probably Germany who blew up an island in New York Harbor where the U.S. had been storing ammunition.

Now, as war drew closer, the country was growing more apprehensive about spies and saboteurs working for Imperial Germany. Many Americans suspected their German neighbors of being foreign agents. Pro-war propaganda in the newspapers helped to further demonize all Germans in Americans eyes. The publics fears were shared by the federal government, which pondered how it would handle aliens from an enemy nation.

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It was a problem that the U.S. would struggle with in subsequent conflicts.

In Alien Enemies, an article from the March 17, 1917, issue of the Post, author Melville Davisson Post describes how Great Britain developed its approach to handling German aliens. Based on Britains experiences, he recommends the U.S. take aggressive measures against anyone of German ancestry in America, including stripping naturalized German Americans of their citizenship and subjecting them to military justice. He also urges the forcible relocation of all resident aliens away from areas of military significance.

When war did come, President Wilson signed orders that labeled all Germans in America enemy aliens. He barred them from working in or near military facilities or Washington, D.C. This caused so many Germans to lose their jobs that the Labor Department feared a serious shortage of manpower.

All Germans had to register with the Post Office and carry identification papers at all times. German business owners had to open their account books to authorities. In several states, the attorney general ordered that Germans bank accounts be made public.

Several orders appear to have been motivated more by profit than national security. Late in the war, Attorney General A. Mitchell Palmer seized the assets of German companies in the U.S., which were then sold to Americans. And just days before the war ended, the U.S. confiscated the patent rights of Germans, which included the patents to valuable industrial chemicals and medicines.

The enemy alien laws affected 250,000 German men and 6,300 German women. Out of this number, the Justice Departments Enemy Alien Registration Section incarcerated 2,048 Germans. Some, like Karl Muck, the conductor of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, left America when released from camp and refused to ever return.

Those Germans who avoided detention endured harassment and vandalism from Americans throughout the war.

In later years, it became clear that the governments actions against Germans had been excessive and did little to protect the country from enemy sabotage or subversion. Yet America was destined to repeat the mistake 25 years later with its Japanese citizens during World War II.

The author discusses Great Britains solution to the problem with German citizens living in England while it was fighting Germany. Though the U.S. wasnt yet in the war, he believed German agents were already in America and recommended rigorous methods for isolating both Germans citizens and naturalized citizens from Germany.

Featured image: Photo from Brown Brothers, New York City, from Alien Enemies in the March 17, 1917, issue of the Post.
Albany, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/16/2017 -- The construction industry in Canada contracted by 1.7% in real terms in 2015, following an average annual growth of 3.6% during the preceding four years. Weak economic conditions, low commodity prices, poor fixed-capital investments, public spending cuts and a high rate of unemployment contributed to this decline.



The industrys value is expected to pick up in 2016, however, with investment in public infrastructure, renewable energy infrastructure and commercial projects, and improvements in consumer and investor confidence.



Several government programs, such as the Affordable Housing Initiative (AHI), the New Building Canada Plan (NBCP) and Made in Canada, will continue to support growth in the industry over the forecast period (20162020).



The industrys output value is expected to rise at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.13% in real terms over the forecast period, down from 2.29% during the review period (20112015).



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Growing population and urbanization, and improvements in domestic manufacturing activities will continue to drive growth in the industry over the forecast period. Government efforts to enhance residential and public infrastructure will also support industry growth.



Summary



Timetrics Construction in Canada Key Trends and Opportunities to 2020 report provides detailed market analysis, information and insights into the Canadian construction industry, including:

- The Canadian construction industry's growth prospects by market, project type and construction activity

- Analysis of equipment, material and service costs for each project type in Canada

- Critical insight into the impact of industry trends and issues, and the risks and opportunities they present to participants in the Canadian construction industry

- Profiles of the leading operators in the Canadian construction industry

- Data highlights of the largest construction projects in Canada



Scope



This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the construction industry in Canada. It provides:

- Historical (2011-2015) and forecast (2016-2020) valuations of the construction industry in Canada 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 Canada



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.



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The government introduced the Made in Canada initiative as part of the Economic Action Plan 2014, in an aim to promote large-scale manufacturing activity in the country. The program seeks to encourage domestic and foreign manufacturers to improve their manufacturing bases in Canada, without offshoring manufacturing activities to other countries. The governments initiative is expected to attract investments from local manufacturers over the forecast period to establish their own manufacturing plants in the country.



To provide faster transit facilities in the region, the government of Ontario is implementing the Go Regional Express Rail (RER) program in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton area as part of the Moving Ontario Forward program. The government will invest CAD13.5 billion (US$10.4 billion) between 2016 and 2019 for the projects completion. Go (RER) will increase the number of weekly trips from 1500 to over 6,000, while providing a frequent service every 15 minutes a day.



The government will provide CAD750.0 million (US$582.7 million) during 20172018 and CAD1.0 billion (US$784.7 million) from the following year as a new Public Transit Fund to PPP Canada Inc. as part of the Economic Action Plan 2015. The new Public Transit Fund, in combination with the government's existing infrastructure support, will provide long-term assistance to public transit projects to enhance the mobility of people and goods across the country.



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Albany, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/16/2017 -- The Saudi Arabian construction industry will continue to expand over the forecast period (20162020), following investments in transport infrastructure, healthcare, manufacturing plants, education facilities, energy and housing projects. However, low oil prices present significant negative risks to the forecast.



The industry's output value in real terms is expected to rise at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.05% over the forecast period, up from 6.35% during the review period (20112015).



The government will continue to invest in healthcare, education and infrastructure construction to diversify the country's economy away from oil and to support economic growth. The government's White Land Tax initiative to address the country's housing shortage will also support industry growth.



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There are, however, risks associated with the Saudi Arabian construction industry outlook, most notably low oil prices, a slowdown in economic growth, a large budget deficit and military intervention in Yemen.



Falling oil prices are expected to affect the growth prospects of the Saudi Arabian construction industry, as the country generates 73% of its total revenue from the oil sector.



Timetric's Construction in Saudi Arabia  Key Trends and Opportunities to 2020 report provides detailed market analysis, information and insights into the Saudi Arabian construction industry including:



- The Saudi Arabian construction industry's growth prospects by market, project type and construction activity



- Analysis of equipment, material and service costs for each project type in Saudi Arabia



- Critical insight into the impact of industry trends and issues, and the risks and opportunities they present to participants in the Saudi Arabian construction industry



- Profiles of the leading companies in the Saudi Arabian construction industry



- Data highlights of the largest construction projects in Saudi Arabia



- This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the construction industry in Saudi Arabia. It provides:



- Historical (2011-2015) and forecast (2016-2020) valuations of the construction industry in Saudi Arabia 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 Saudi Arabia



- 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.



Enquiry at: http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=E&repid=699442



The government will cut subsidies and public spending, and increase domestic fuel prices and taxes to offset falling oil prices. A decrease in oil prices forced the government to reduce budget spending in 2016. However, the government has stated that key economic development projects will not be affected. It declared the total spending of SAR840.0 billion (US$224.0 billion) in the 2016 budget.



Saudi Arabia is facing a housing shortage. Despite the construction of a large number of housing units, supply is relatively low when compared to demand. According to Saudi Arabia's housing ministry, 3.0 million new housing units are required to be built by 2025 to address the shortage.



The Council of Ministers of Saudi Arabia approved the White Land Tax law in November 2015, to tackle the country's housing shortage and revitalize the economy. Owners of undeveloped urban land will have to pay an annual tax of 2.5% of the value of the land. Through the law, the government aims to encourage housing construction on empty urban land to avoid costly desert development.



About ResearchMoz

ResearchMoz 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.



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Albany, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/16/2017 -- Global Craft Beer Market: Overview



The global craft beer market is expected to grow at a significant rate in the next few years. The research study throws light on the key aspects that are predicted to encourage the growth of the overall market in the next few years. The challenges and limitations faced by the key players have also been discussed in the scope of the research study. Additionally, a thorough overview of the competitive landscape of the global craft beer market has been provided in the report.



Global Craft Beer Market: Drivers and Restraints



The rising demand for craft beer and the growing consumption across developed regions are the major factors that are projected to fuel the growth of the global craft beer market in the next few years. In addition, the rising demand for flavored beverages across the globe is likely to accelerate the growth of the global market throughout the forecast period. The acceptance of beer as a social drink is another vital factor predicted to supplement the growth of the craft beer market across the globe.



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On the other hand, the rising inclination of consumers towards substitutes is one of the key factors expected to hamper the growth of the global craft beer market in the coming years. Nonetheless, the rising consumption of craft beer and the improving distribution network are estimated to augment global beer market in the coming few years. Moreover, the introduction of new flavors is likely to generate promising opportunities for key players in the market.



Global Craft Beer Market: Region-wise Outlook



The global craft beer market has been divided on the basis of geography in order to offer a clear picture of the market. Latin America, North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and Africa are some of the key segments of the global craft beer market. As per the research study, the Asia Pacific market for craft beer is expected to lead the global market and is likely to maintain a dominant position in the next few years. A substantial contribution from Japan, Australia, and New Zealand is predicted to encourage the growth of this region throughout the forecast period.



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Furthermore, Europe and North America are expected to witness a healthy growth in the next few years. The rising popularity of craft beer and the easy availability across these regions are projected to fuel the growth of these segments in the coming years. The market share and the estimated growth rate of each segment have been provided in the scope of the research report have been included in the scope of the research study.



Key Players Mentioned in the Research Report are:



The research study talks about the competitive landscape of the global craft beer market. The prominent players operating in the market have been listed in the scope of the research study in order to offer a clear understanding of the market. The company profiles of these players have been discussed in the scope of the research study, along with their business policies, financial overview, SWOT analysis, and the latest developments. In addition, the mergers and acquisitions in the global craft beer market, if any have been mentioned in the research study.



Read Complete Report @ https://www.tmrresearch.com/craft-beer-market



Some of the key players mentioned in the research study are Omer Vander Ghinste, D.G. Yuengling and Son, Stone & Wood Brewing Co., The Boston Beer Company, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., Deschutes Brewery, Chimay Beers And Cheeses, Feral Brewing Co., The Gambrinus Company, Bell's Brewery, Inc., Vagabund, Lagunitas Brewing Company, and New Belgium Brewing Company. The other players that are estimated to enter the market have also been included in the scope of the research study.
Valley Cottage, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/16/2017 -- According to Future Market Insights' research, the global fine hydrates market is projected to double its market size from 2016 to 2026, procuring an estimated US$ 532.3 million revenues from US$ 266.3 million over the ten-year period.



Subsequently, the global fine hydrates market size is expected to expand at 7.2% CAGR over the forecast period.



In terms of consumption, more than 400 KT of fine hydrates will be sold globally in 2016 and beyond, and will reach 714.6 KT by the end of 2026, registering a 6% CAGR.



Future Market Insights has compiled its latest findings on the global analysis of fine hydrates market in a report, titled "Fine Hydrates Market: Global Industry Analysis & Opportunity Assessment, 2016-2026." Growing demand for use of plastics in automotive & transportation industry has turned out to be a crucial factor driving the growth in global demand for fine hydrates throughout the forecast period. Companies manufacturing fine hydrates can net additional profits by supplying their products as raw materials for production of cable compounds. Also, the demand for fine hydrates is expected to be higher in Asia-Pacific excluding Japan & China (APEJC) region, which has been influencing fine hydrate manufacturers to invest their businesses in countries such as India and South Korea.



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Depending on the market share, a regional analysis of global fine hydrates market projects North America as the most dominant region. By 2026-end, North America's fine hydrates market is likely to account for sales revenues worth over US$ 100 million. Although the region retains the highest share in global fine hydrates market through 2026, Western Europe and China are being pegged as highly opportunistic regions for market expansion. The most sluggish growth in fine hydrates revenues, however, will be incurred by regional markets of Latin America, Middle East & Africa (MEA), and Japan. Meanwhile, Eastern Europe's fine hydrates sales are expected to attain an estimated US$ 10.3 million increment during the period 2016  2026.



Global Fine Hydrates Market: Key Research Findings



In terms of production of fine hydrates, countries such as the US, German and China will collective dominate, and the demand for fine hydrates will be more in India, South Korea, and China, as well.



Growing consumption of wires and cables in the world will directly impact the growth in consumption of fine hydrates.



Fine hydrates will continue to serve as one of the top-selling raw materials for the global construction & building sector.



By the end of 2026, nearly 500 KT on fine hydrates sold globally will be accounted by cable compounds applications, netting revenues worth over US$ 400 million.



Send An Enquiry: http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-gb-2567



Growing replacement of fine hydrates with alternative additives poses a threat for the growth of global market, which is also restrained by low sustenance of fine hydrate-based cables & wires in high temperatures.



Global Fine Hydrates Market: Vendor Insights



A majority of fine hydrates manufacturers of leaders of global chemicals & materials industry. Companies such as Nabaltec AG, Hindalco Industries Limited, Sumitomo Chemical Co. Ltd., and Huber Engineered Materials, which reap billion-dollar revenues annually through sales of chemicals & raw materials, are also recognized for manufacturing fine hydrates on a global scale. China's leading chemicals manufacturer, the Aluminium Corporation of China Limited, is also a key player in the global fine hydrates market. Other leading manufacturers & suppliers of fine hydrates include Alumina Castables & Chemicals Private Limited, Henan Kingway Chemicals Co., Ltd. and JINAN CHENXU CHEMICAL CO. LTD.
A James Cook University researcher has found why there was an uncommon dieback of mangroves in the Gulf of Carpentaria in mid-2016 - the plants died of thirst. Dr. Norman Duke, a pioneer of JCU's Mangrove Research center hub, headed an investigation concerning the vast mangrove dieback. The discoveries were published in the Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research today.

The researchers used aeronautical observations and satellite mapping information of the area going back to 1972, joined with climate and weather records. Dr. Duke said they discovered three factors met up to create the extraordinary dieback of 7400 hectares of mangroves, which extended for 1000 kilometers along the Gulf coast.

"From 2011 the coastline had experienced beyond normal rainfalls, and the 2015/16 dry season was especially serious. Secondly, the temperatures in the zone were at record levels and thirdly a few mangroves were left high and dry as the ocean or sea level dropped around 20cm during a particularly extreme El Nino."

Dr. Duke says this was enough to deliver what researchers view as the biggest recorded episode of its kind, and the most terrible situation of likely climate-related dieback of mangroves ever reported. "Basically, they died of thirst," he said. Dr. Duke said researchers now realize that mangroves, similar to coral reefs, are powerless against changes in climate and strong weather conditions.

furthermore, Australia's top experts and administrators will review the incident at a devoted workshop during one week from now's Australian Mangrove and Saltmarsh Network yearly meeting in Hobart, facilitated by the University of Tasmania and CSIRO.

"The point of Australia's specialist network is to apply intelligent, creative and considered reactions, as completely expected by people in general, to enhance and spread informed understandings of the changes occurring in high-value natural resources, such Australia's coastal tidal wetland habitat," Dr. Duke said.


A circular tomb decorated with colorful murals dating back to Liao Dynasty about 1,000 years ago was discovered in Datong City, Northern China. Liao Dynasty flourished in A.D. 907-1125 through stewardship of the Khitans. The said dynasty expanded even outside of China, including Mongolia and parts of Russia.

Experts from Municipal-based Datong Institute of Archeology have to crawl in a tiny opening on the arch-shaped roof of the tomb. They decided to leave the brick-sealed entrance intact due to fear of destroying artifacts behind it. The team discovered two cremated remains inside the tomb, believed to be spouses.

While there are no texts nor artifacts discovered, the ancient tomb is covered with murals which retained its vibrant colors up to this day. It depicts the life millennia ago where there are servants tending to colorful clothing on several stands, according to journal Chinese Cultural Relics. Also, there is a mural that shows a table with four containers full of bracelets, combs, hairpins and headdress in front of the servants.

As for the painted clothes themselves, the tomb gave an insight how colorful the fashion is during Liao Dynasty. There are beige, bluish-gray, pink, sky blue and yellowish brown clothes on one stand. In another section of the mural, more lavish lifestyle 1,000 years ago was depicted. There is a garment with a grid-diamond pattern with red decorative flowers in each diamond.

The couple that was cremated in the tomb seems to love the mix-and-match style of garments as well. One garment on the mural was painted with Pei pendant with a string of black beads, Live Science said. Pei is a Chinese word which roughly translates to "matching" in English.

To recall, there is a similar discovery in 2014 at the Northern China region. Experts also discovered an untouched mural in the tomb where animals were depicted. There is cat, crane, deer and yellow turtle. Interestingly, the earlier discovery was also made by Datong Municipal Institute of Archeology.
Serra da Estrela is the highest mountain range in the continent of Portugal. A new variety of ranavirus is currently causing mass mortality in a number of amphibian species in the said place.

The ranavirus is hypervirulent. It could also affect the fish and reptiles. Yet, according to the study of the National Museum of Natural Sciences in Madrid, the ranavirus also infecting reptiles complicates the situation.

The ranavirus is affecting the amphibian populations in Portugal. In the year 2009, hundreds of midwife toads which are the AlytesObstetricans had been found dead in Serra de Estrela Natural Park.

In the journal Scientific Reports, a research study was published which raised a new notice on the genus of the ranavirus. It was also discovered in Spain and some places in Europe.

Jaime Bosh is a researcher at the National Museum of Natural Sciences. He is also a co-author of the study of the ranavirus. Bosh explained that "Ranaviruses have been known about for a long time, although in recent years globalization is setting off mass mortalities throughout the world, and new strains also keep appearing, probably from Asia."

The mere fact that the ranavirus could also affect fishes and reptiles had extremely complicated the situation. It is because when the ranavirus infects some fishes and the reptiles, it could easily spread according to the report from Eurek Alert.

As reported in the Science Daily, the ranavirus had been infecting amphibian populations in Spain for several decades already. The scientists had discovered what had turned out to be the first known case in their country in the year 1992. At that time, they didn't exactly know which organism caused the problem.

Another strange incident of mortality arose in Serra da Estrela in the year 2011. The ranavirus did not just affect the midwife toads, but it also affected other amphibian species in the park.

The dead animals were tested and it was confirmed that it was not just about the chytrid fungi infection but they also discovered the new strain of ranavirus in all the species that had been analyzed.

Goncalo M. Rosa from the Portuguese Centre of Ecology explained that "Viruses of this genus are found all over the world and can infect various groups of animals. But different strains have different degrees of virulence and the one circulating in the Serra da Estrela belongs to a hypervirulent group called CMTV-Ranavirus,"

The ranavirus is highly infectious. It also has the potential to affect almost all species in the system where the researchers had discovered them. It had been and will be a crucial challenge for wildlife conservation. It also makes it necessary to optimize the conservation strategies for the amphibians urgently.
Equinox literally means "equal night." In an astronomical point of view, it is the date when the Sun shines right on the equator, due to which the length of the day is almost equal to the length of the night. The day of equinox officially denotes the last day of winter and the onset of spring.

Most often, the vernal equinox falls on March 19, March 20 or March 21. The exact date is determined by various factors like calendar calculations and whether the said year is a leap year or not. The U.S. Naval Observatory and NASA have confirmed that March 20 (6.29 a.m. EDT) is the equinox date for 2017, Brevard Times reported.

The NASA scientists are propagating the forthcoming equinox as the start of an astronomically eventful year. The NASA Earth Observatory has released a picture of Earth that explains that the phenomenon of equinox largely depends on the fact that the Earth's axis of rotation is tilted by 23.5 degrees. The equinox occurs when the tilt in the axis lies perpendicular to the Sun that allows even spreading of sunlight. The equality of lengths of day and night can be most accurately observed in the Northern Hemisphere especially in Melbourne and Florida regions.

According to the Bustle report, this "seasonal celestial happening" is also considered a symbol of rebirth, fertility and regeneration after the darkness of winter. Furthermore, many cultures consider the equinox to the most auspicious time for resurrection of their deity and other holy rituals. It is also the time when animals wake up from their hibernation.

On a more scientific note, NASA has been making significant efforts to promote the science behind this celestial event. In addition, NASA is also trying to raise awareness and interest among the general masses regarding the upcoming and extremely rare solar eclipse on Aug. 21, 2017. The solar eclipse will be visible from coast to coast in all the 50 states of America -- an event that has previously been recorded way back in 1918.
A new study reveals that warm-blooded animals such as mammals may tend to get smaller as the Earth heats up. This does not include the people.

Based on the analysis of fossil teeth published in the journal Science Advances last Wednesday, three mammals shrank about 54 million years ago when the temperatures heated the planet Earth. These include a compact horse that became smaller by 14 percent. It weighed about 17 pounds and became 14.6 pounds. Another mammal that dwarfed was the lemur-like animal, which was known as the earliest primate. The said animal become smaller by 4 percent, according to Phys.org.

watch> https://t.co/FlguXs8Ds1 Watch out: Mammals shrink when Earth heats up, study says - The Missoulian https://t.co/Yk6Bg5uw7p pic.twitter.com/BjC2HDjW8h  Stuart Hanna (@Stu_Art_Hanna) March 16, 2017

The scientists are worried that the shrinking of mammals in the ancient past could occur again this time as carbon dioxide heightens and heats up the planet. Abigail D'Ambrosia, the lead author of the study from the University of New Hampshire, said that they must watch out for it. She added that these mammals might be the size of a dog and then dwarfed to the size of a cat.

Meanwhle, other past studies indicated the shrinking of mammals millions of years ago. These include the horse ancestor and cows that shrank and provided less milk during warmer times, according to NZ Herald.

Jonathan Bloch, who was not involved in the study and a curator of vertebrate paleontology at the Florida Museum of Natural History, said that the results of the study are noteworthy. This gives information and test whether climate change alters the body size of mammals. He further said that if the patterns are repeating, then humans can learn from it. The lessons will certainly be significant as thinking for potential reaction of plants and animals to future climate change.
There are new developments in the medical field every day. But new treatments and procedures are risky. These are something that more people should remember to avoid a situation similar to the three women from Florida who were left nearly or totally blind after getting vision treatments from a stem cell clinic.

According to ABC News, the clinic's method has not been proven effective or tested for human safety. Opthalmologist Dr. Thomas Albini of the University of Miami examined the women after their treatments and described the outcome in The New England Journal of Medicine.

Dr. Albini shared that all three had fairly functional vision before they were treated but were blinded afterward. One of the women became totally blind, while the others became legally blind. Their condtions are unlikely to improve.

CBS News reported that the three women, who were in their 70s and 80s paid $5,000 to be treated for age-related macular degeneration in 2015, and two out of three of them went to the Florida-based clinic because it listed a macular degeneration study. By Tuesday, however, the clinic issued a statement that it currently does not have treatments for eye patients.

Scientists have used stem cells for different purposes, especially in treating vision problems and other diseases. However, they are subject to regulations, and they issued warnings about clinics that offer unproven stem cell therapies. The clinic where these women did their procedures has such unproven studies.

During their procedure, they were each injected with a cell preparation derived from their own fat tissue -- an alarming move from clinicians, Dr. Albini shared. After further inspections, it seems that the women suffered from detached retinas in both eyes.

Stem cell expert Dr. George Daley, dean of Harvard Medical School, called the researchers careless, saying that it risks wanton misapplication of the therapy and procedure. He said it "is a gross violation of professional and possibly legal standards."
FLORENCE, SC -- Erika Hartman, a fourth-grade teacher at Lucy T. Davis Elementary School, has been awarded a $649 grant from Florences Ruiz Food Products Inc.

Ruiz made the award through its nonprofit organization program, Ruiz 4 Kids Mini Teacher Grants.

Hartman, who teaches math and science, will use the money for her project, Bricks to Build Up Knowledge, that lets students use bricklab sets (Legos) to learn team development and building concepts.

There are various ways to teach a child about math, science and engineering, said Ruiz 4 Kids Florence representative Tommy Pruitt. The bricklab classroom set is a different way to incorporate learning while keeping students attentive to their lessons.

Hartman said the grant is important to her because funding is slim its not enough to cover what we want to do through the school year. 

Hartman said the project is intended to show students the importance of having a starting point and a finishing point.

When you create something - you have to start with your ideas. You have to brainstorm where you want to go with it. You have to sort of create and sketch out a design and plan. Where you go from there is the build that sometimes come with changes and edits. You work until a final product youre proud of.

For teachers interested in applying for a grant, the deadline is June 15. Applications can be made at ruiz4kids.org.
Donald Quist is a professor and author currently living in Hartsville. He holds a bachelors degree in communications with an English minor from Coker College and an MFA in writing from Vermont College. His second book of stories, Harbors, was published in September of last year.

The Morning News Justin Johnson sat down with Donald to talk about writing and life.

---

Q: The stories in the book -- theyre based on things that happened in your real life.

A: Yeah, real life.

Q: Was that a way to control the narrative, or to give the book itself a theme, or...what was your process with that?

A: This book, I decided to write nonfiction, which is not something I usually do. So every story is true. Basically, it came about -- to explain it, I have to explain that the press that contacted me asked me, what do I have? And at the time I had a lot of notes on stuff I was feeling, and stuff I was witnessing in America from afar. At the time I was living in Thailand, looking at America, and I had these emotions and these memories springing back up. And so, I decided to write them down. And then it became a book. So the process to write Harbors took about four months. I started looking into my past, trying to figure out who I was as a person and who I wanted to become. And so the first half of the book is my childhood up until the point I decided to move and the second half is living in Thailand and looking back at where I was. The choice for nonfiction -- I find it easier to talk about issues of race and consumerism and social injustice by giving true life examples from my own experience. Its hard for people to argue against that. Whereas if I did a fictional story, somebody could complain Im being too didactic or Im preaching. If its my own experience, theyre like, Oh, okay. Ill listen to that.

Q: So youre not having to project. Youre able to say, This is how it was.

A: Right. Right.

Q: Do you find it (nonfiction) more difficult to write, to confront these things that happened?

A: Yeah, it was...in that four months, I almost got divorced. It got really difficult, because I had to go back into these memories, often times of me in my worst self. And then to write in that way, in that voice, I had to inhabit me at my worst points and stay in it. So if there was a memory that was traumatizing, I just had to sit in that for like, 72 hours. And then it was causing a strain between me and my wife, because all of a sudden she was living with a 16-year-old me again. It was a very big strain. Also, over the time it took to write it, I was staying up for 72 hours. I wasnt sleeping, to meet my deadline. So I was irritable and it was a very emotional, raw experience. But, in the end I feel like...if the book succeeds at anything, it succeeds at allowing me to get over some stuff that I wasnt even aware I have trouble with. It helped me reconcile with my father, it brought me closer to my mother, my siblings. So in that sense, no matter what happens, the book is a success.

Q: And your family lives...spread out, right?

A: Maryland, Ghana, South Carolina, Thailand, The Netherlands -- theyre all over.

Q: You were born in Maryland and came to South Carolina --

A: -- yeah, for college. I came to South Carolina for college and just stuck around because  sweet tea? Its good. Its the nectar of the gods. I thought, This place is good. I like it. The South has a lot of problems, but  this is gonna get me in trouble, but I like the fact that a white supremacist will hold the door open for me. (laughter) They might be gritting their teeth when they do it, but they do it. And I kinda like that.

Q: Social norms sort of dictate that theres at least some level of politeness.

A: Exactly. Even if theyre plotting to put a burning cross on my lawn later, theyre gonna hold the door open. Theres a lot of subtle racism, and it can get annoying, but there is a charm to the South that is undeniable. After I graduated college, I had the choice to go back (to Maryland) but I said, Nah, Ill stay here.

Q: Where did the name Harbors come from?

A: Looking at common themes throughout the book, I noticed, oftentimes I used water as a metaphor and a theme, and I was reading one of my favorite poems, Ulysses, and its like a poem version of The Odyssey -- its from Odysseus perspective about how he feels old and longs for adventure and how he feels like theres still some work to do. And he wants to set sail. I was reading that poem a lot before I left America.

Q: What year did you leave?

A: This was 2012. So four years ago --

Q: -- five years!

A: Five years -- oh, man! Five years ago! I was also reading this poem by Lucille Clifton called Blessing the Boats, and its a similar idea. And I thought, Okay, water. And I started thinking about boats and life as a journey and harbors as the places where you find respite. The places you stop. The people who keep you safe, they can be a type of harbor, too. So the book is about me writing about these different harbors, each places that I called home. Each person that made me feel like I was safe.

Q: So, they (Awst Press) contacted you -- seems like thats a backward process. Usually you write something then find someone to put it out there. And you (crowd-funded and self-published) your first book  compare those two processes.

A: Ive followed a weird path, because a lot of times in the industry, self-publishing is a faux pas. You dont do it. Its not good. But basically, I was an early adopter of (micro-blogging website) Tumblr, I started writing and putting stuff on my blog. People liked it. I decided to Kickstart a book, and...we got that book out, and then -- usually with a self-published book it falls apart and nobody takes you seriously as a writer. But the opposite happened. All of a sudden, it got into the hands of people that are -- finger-quotes -- serious (laughter) ... Serious writers ... and then it started getting clout. And I went to grad school and made more connections and started sending out these stories and essays to journals. And some of them actually said yes. I wrote an essay about reading a book on a plane, and I submitted it to a place called The Rumpus. It went viral. So then Awst Press contacted me and said, Hey, can you write an essay for us? We liked what you did over at Rumpus. And I said, Yeah. So I wrote an essay for them, and then that went viral. It was mentioned on CNN by Soledad OBrien.

Q: What?!

A: Yeah.

Q: Is that (essay) in this book?

A: That essay is in there.  So after that went viral, Awst Press said, Hey, are you interested in working with us on a project? At the time, I had nothing ready. But I said, Yeah. (laughter) And theyre, Okay, get it to us by this date. Oh yeah, yeah. Yeah, I got it. (laughter) I just wrapped it up real quick. So I was looking at these essays I had published in different places and thought, Lets make something.  Its a weird path, but it seems to be working out.

Q: So would you say Harbors is like a  preemptive greatest hits? These are things that had life elsewhere and now live together as a cohesive unit.

A: This is my  greatest hits so far.

Q: Volume 1.

A: Volume 1! Ooh, I like that.  Im working on something now, a short story collection. Most of those stories have been published and Im waiting to see if I can find a home for that. And thatll be Volume 2.

Q: So thats what youre working on now.  Going the opposite direction, creating characters and narratives --

A: -- yeah this one is completely fiction again. And that gives me a little bit of freedom. I feel like nonfiction is a lot of pressure to get it right. And you know youre going to upset someone by the way theyre interpreted or perceived.  My mother, at one point, just said, Dont do it, please. I had a reading here (in Hartsville) at Burry Bookstore last summer and she heard me read a piece. And she was like, Please, just...stop it. And I said, I cant. Its already coming. Me and my sisters fought when it came out, and my father fought with me.

Q: But has that been, sort of, like a therapy? Or a group therapy?  Because you put honesty on the page?

A: I put us on front street. So then there was no place to hide from it. It was out there. There were all these awkward conversations that wouldnt have happened otherwise. My father and I just talked about it in February. And he apologized for the first time. And I apologized. That wouldnt have happened otherwise. We hadnt seen each other in three years. And it was becoming estranged and we didnt acknowledge it. But because of the book, we were forced to confront each other. He said, This is what you think of me? And I said, Yeah, its how I perceived it. So it helped a lot.

Q: The stories in the book are between, what, 10 to 20 pages?

A: Yeah. Im a minimalist. (laughter)

Q: Do you write long-form narrative at all anymore?  You have a history with playwriting, you have longer creative writing --

A: -- I majored in Communications and minored in English but I was too lazy to write a thesis. (laughter)  I wonder if I still could.

Q: So is that (long-form writing) still an idea?  Or do you prefer to work in small batches?

A: Im kind of a  my plans got plans. One of my favorite quotes is Spike Lee: Im not Martin Luther King. I dont have a dream. I have a plan. I work on 10-year plans. Harbors disrupted that plan, but it worked out. Initially it was going to be (my first story collection) Let Me Make You A Sandwich, another short story collection, then novel. So now its short story collection, Harbors, then another short story collection, and Im hoping to have my novel somewhere out there by 2023.  I have artistic plans that are laid out. Another thing I try to do is to connect the things Im working on. This story collection Im hoping to have out in 2018, there are stories in it that link to a podcast that I do. So if you listened to the podcast and you read those stories, you would find that link. So I make these huge plans that I dont think anybody ever appreciates (laughter) but its the process.

Q: Youve been back here (in the U.S.) for a few months. What is a typical day now? How do your hours break down?

A: Since Ive been back, its like falling through a time machine. Ive picked up where I was before I left. I work for the city again. Im doing a similar job to what I was doing before I left, in public relations at City Hall (in Hartsville) with my same boss, working under my former intern. So its kind of a weird experience. Its amazing how its sort of picked back up where I left off.  (I work for) the city from 8 to 1, then I have a break, then I teach (English 100) at Coker from 2 to 3.

Q: So youre teaching freshmen.

A: Yeah! And Im surprised and how similar their level is to the seniors I teach in Thailand at that university. And Tuesday, Thursdays, and Saturdays I take my mother to dialysis, and during that time, Im writing -- while Im waiting. Thats from 11 to 3, Im writing, or hoping to write, or struggling to write.  Its a lot harder to write in America. Its harder to meet deadlines.  And on Tuesdays is when Im publishing things to Past Ten --

Q: -- which is

A: Past Ten is a project that I started earlier this year where I asked people to tell me where they were on a specific date, ten years ago. It came about because I was hitting a dark point in my life, I was getting kind of suicidal. And I was struggling. Other people when they feel depressed, a lot of times it comes from not having what they want. But for me, in Thailand, where I was looking around and seeing people in the worst poverty I had experienced, I was feeling guilt. Like, I have all this privilege, I have all this excess. Why do I have, and others do not? And then I was feeling guilty about existing. Just like, man, if I didnt exist, it would probably be less of a burden on the earth. Just another person consuming, consuming, consuming. So I was getting in a dark way. I started asking people, Where were you on this date, ten years ago? Just let me know that something is gonna change.  And every time I asked people that question, they were in a drastically different place than they were, every single time. There was no one I met, when I kept asking this question -- and they were in places that they couldnt envision. And then I thought about myself, like okay, Im in Thailand. Ten years ago? 2007? That was an impossibility. I was working for the Morning News, as a freelancer, struggling. I thought that was gonna be forever. I never wouldve imagined Id be where -- or see the things I see now. So that sort of just snapped me out of it. So whenever I do feel that darkness approach, I just am reminded that everything is temporal. Good or bad. Stuff is bound to change. And I just need to enjoy now, because it could get worse. Or it could get better. I dont know. But I need to stop to appreciate this. If I have these privileges that other people have, I need to use that to help others. I have a responsibility to use whatever Ive been given to assist other people, to ease others suffering. And if Im not doing that, then yeah, I should jump off a bridge. (laughter) But if Im here, Id better be doing something to help people. Whatever gifts I have, whatever talent I have, I need to use it. So if its writing a piece of fiction that makes somebodys day a little bit better or if its writing a nonfiction story that helps a person acknowledge their own privilege or see another persons perspective then in that moment, its a success. And then I succeed. And then I justify my existence. Does that make sense?  Thats not weird, is it?

Q: Not at all. Is it strange being back at your alma mater, in a different role?

A: Yeah.  Its very strange. Im in this office across from people who taught me. When I teach, they can walk past the room, and I get really tense. Like, Oh no, are they listening? Its a lot of, its weird -- theres a lot of pressure. It is a strange thing. Its so supportive. Theyre all so kind. And at the same time, it freaks me out. I dont want to let them down. And then I dont want to let the students down. And Ive been teaching for four years now (in Thailand), 300 kids a semester. Now Im teaching at Coker, with 10 kids in a room. And Im more nervous than I was with 40 kids in a room, just because of the environment. Im literally teaching English in a room that I took English in a few years ago. Im trying to remember how my professors carried themselves, trying to fake it til I make it.

Q: Because you would have taken that course first semester of freshman year, which is now almost 15 years ago. That would have been fall of 2002.

A: I was sitting in that chair, looking at that teacher the way that kid is looking at me. So there is a  a beauty to it. Theres a feeling of responsibility, and Im excited about it. It scares me, so that must mean its something I should do.

Q: If it doesnt scare you, its not worth it.

A: I completely agree.  It should scare you a little. Everything should scare you a little. Thats how you know you care.

---

Harbors by Donald Quist is available for purchase at Burry Bookstore and the Coker College bookstore, both in Hartsville. Online, it can be found at awst-press.com, spdbooks.org, amazon.com and target.com. It is also available digitally on Kindle devices.
On November 20th, Governor Andrew Cuomo stood at the pulpit of the Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem and delivered a rousing address. Citing his own familys immigrant pasta grandfather whod come to the US with little more than an unshakeable belief in the promise of AmericaCuomo vowed to protect New Yorks immigrants from the administration of Donald Trump.

If there is a move to deport immigrants, I say then start with me! he declared. If we are going to deport immigrants, then who is safe? And who is left? Because we are all immigrants, the Governor concluded, a crowd-pleasing line that set off waves of applause in the audience.

As proof of the states commitment to protecting immigrants, Cuomo used the occasion to unveil a public-private legal defense fund to provide legal aid to any immigrant who might need itregardless of their ability to pay. In New York, we believe in justice for all, he said.

The speech was lauded as a bold stand against the divisive rhetoric of Donald Trump and set off more talk about a potential run for president in 2020.

But almost four months later, with Donald Trump moving to swiftly enact his agenda, the status of the Empire State Immigrant Defense Project, as its called on the Governors website, remains unclear.

The Governor talked about the initiative in his State of the State tour in January. At that time, the project was strongly endorsed by the New York Bar Association, and more warily backed by the New York Immigrant Coalition. While we encourage and welcome involvement by all private and academic sector partners, we also note that a serious investment must be made in the immigration legal service provider field to make good on the Governors promise of providing all immigrants with legal counsel, the organization stated in a January 10th press release.

Cuomos website touts the public-private project as the first of its kind in the nation. The plan, it states, will ensure that all New Yorkers have access to representation and due process, regardless of their citizenship status.

But we have yet to find any mention of the project in the Governors budget, and the Office for New Americans, tasked with implementing the program, doesnt reference the program on its website. Cuomo's press office has not yet commented in response to our inquires. [UPDATE BELOW]

Advocates and immigration lawyerswhove seen their case-loads explode this yeartell Gothamist that theyre not really clear on what the program would look like or how its being rolled out. Some immigration advocates say they havent seen much proof that ensuring legal aid for immigrants is a priority for the Governors office.

We appreciate the Governors public declaration that New York will protect immigrants, who are clearly in the crosshairs of the Trump administration, Javier H. Valdes, co-executive director of Make the Road New York, told Gothamist. At the same time, we strongly believe that such a protection will require substantial investment from the state, and that to raise expectations without resourcing real solutions is irresponsible.

Anne Pilsbury, a lawyer with Central American Legal Assistance, said shes heard very little about the plan since it was first announced. According to Pilsbury, it could, in theory, have a big impact, as immigration law is nightmarishly complicated and private immigration attorneys can charge thousands of dollars.

There's lots of people that can't afford it, Pilsbury says, pointing out that legal aid for immigrants is severely underfunded outside of New York City.

Theres a desperate need for attorneys in the city for people facing deportations. Upstate, theres an even greater need, Pilsbury notes. The city council has done a good dealnot enough, but still. The real need is outside of the city. Anywhere outside of the five boroughs theres no publicly funded help for immigrants in the civil proceedings. Because immigration proceedings are civil rather than criminal, the federal government is not legally bound to provide representation.

On Monday, immigration lawyers and legal advocates gathered in Foley Square to pressure the Governor and Mayor to fulfill their promise to protect immigrants by funding legal services. "It's a little over two weeks away now, and we need [Cuomo] to make good on his promise to give every immigrant a lawyer in New York State," an immigration advocate said.

Professor Stephen Yale-Loehr, who teaches immigration law at Cornell, tells Gothamist there are a few different options for the Governor to deliver on his promise to provide legal aid to all immigrants in the state. One is for the state to hire immigration attorneysbut that would be very expensive. Another is to have the state fund legal aid programs, and also use foundation money, a model thats similar to New York Citys, Yale-Loehr says.

In the meantime, immigration lawyers are scrambling to help their panicked clients, who are hearing stories of emboldened ICE agents snatching people away even in places they thought they were safe.

Theodore Cox, a Manhattan immigration attorney whose clients mostly come from Asian countries, tells Gothamist his clients are frantically nervous about everything. Theyre taking extra precautions, like staying in NYC if possible.

Ever since the election, ICE and immigration it feels like ... they won the jackpot. Theyve been unleashed, and can do whatever they want to do, Cox says. And this is in NYC, which is a sanctuary city, meaning the NYPD strictly limits its cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

Meanwhile, in Albany, Democrats in the state assembly passed a bill that would make New York the first sanctuary state in early February. Republicans, and a handful of more conservative Democrats, opposed it, Politico reported. It seems unlikely to come to a vote in the Senate, where Democrats with the breakaway Independent Democratic Conference tend to side with the Republicans.

The Governor has yet to commit his support, saying that it needs review, New York State of politics reported. Donald Trump has threatened to punish sanctuary locales by withholding federal funding. That, and the conservatism of parts of upstate New York, might explain the Governor's hesitation.

While lawmakers debate, the people impacted by the federal crackdown on immigration need help now. Anne Pilsbury says her clients face immediate danger if theyre kicked out of the country.

We've got children, adults with children, single adults, Pilsbury says of the people theyre trying to help. Theyre all facing very serious violence in Central America.

Update, March 16th: Governor's Cuomo's press office sent us this statement in response to our inquiries:





The Immigrant Defense Project was created to ensure that all New Yorkers have access to representation and due process, regardless of their citizenship status. A public/private partnership to be supported both by the state and private parties, the project will be administered by the States Office for New Americans in partnership with advocacy organizations, major colleges and universities, law firms and legal associations around the state. It will be launched in the near future. The Project, which was announced in January, builds on more than $6 million in services the State currently provides on an annual basis through the Office of New Americans, including helping more eligible New Yorkers become naturalized citizens. In addition to providing free assistance with immigration and naturalization issues, ONA Opportunity Centers provide legal services to immigrants related to Deferred Action for Childhood Entrants (DACA), free legal consultations and U and T Visa application assistance.

Editor's note: As cited at the top of this article, Cuomo first mentioned the public/private legal defense partnership in a speech in November.
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Desmond Atkins, a lifelong resident of Crown Heights, accused the Department of Homeless Services on Wednesday of continuing a legacy of racial discrimination by opening a men's shelter in his neighborhooda part of Brooklyn that is majority black and, he believes, already saturated with similar facilities.

"People who look like me, or who speak other languages, typically are placed in neighborhoods and areas that are dumped upon," said Atkins, who is black. "This community was redlined when I was a child in the '60s and the '50s... This community should not be a dumping ground."

Wednesday night marked the second meeting in as many weeks about Bergen House: a new shelter for roughly 100 senior men ages 62 and older slated to open later this month at 1173 Bergen Street. Located on a residential brownstone block, it's the first of 90 new shelters that Mayor de Blasio hopes will reverse New York City's decades-long trend of steadily increasing homelessness. At the first meeting, a standing-room-only crowd drowned out city officials with chants of, "Shut it down!"

Demanding a fair distribution of shelters across the city, Crown Heights residents have tapped into an early criticism of City Hall's new strategy. In an effort to keep homeless families close to their communitiesschools, churches, friendsnew shelters will be distributed according to the number of people entering the shelter system in each neighborhood. A DHS spokesman called the approach "better for our homeless neighbors" who can "stabilize their lives faster."

But critics have countered that many of these neighborhoods are already saturated. They also tend to be less wealthyand less whitethan the city's shelter-free pockets.

According to a report this week from the Daily News, the five community districts with the most shelter bedsJamaica and Hollis in Queens; Concourse and Highbridge in the Bronx; Brownsville; East New York; East Harlemare majority black or Hispanic. For comparison, six of the seven community districts with zero sheltersTottenville and South Beach in Staten Island, Bay Ridge and Bensonhurst in Brooklyn, and Forest Hills in Queensare majority white.

Crown Heights' community district eight already has 15 shelters, while district one, which covers lower Manhattan south of Canal Street, has two. District eight is 67.5 percent black, with a 26 percent poverty rate, according to the Daily News. District one is 79.9 percent white, with an eight percent poverty rate.



Alex Lawrence, 46, of Crown Heights raised his voice at the meeting, saying that the quick rollout of the shelter was disrespectful: "Why can you not engage with the community earlier?" (Scott Heins / Gothamist).

Many residents insisted on Wednesday that they were opposed to this disparity, not to helping homeless people on principal. "You come into poor communities, you buy up cheap buildings, and you house them in warehouses," accused Jennifer Catto, a Crown Heights resident of seven years and member of the Dean Street Block Association.

According to DHS, the city has plans to close five shelter sites in the community, with 80 people across them, before year's end. Another two sites will close over the course of de Blasio's five year plan, serving 220 people. Taking into account a second new shelter planned for the district, at 174 Prospect Place, the city estimates a net loss of 100 shelter beds over five years.

The city has also pledged to provide more notice ahead of any future shelter openings (Bergen House was confirmed in mid-February).

"I have trouble believing that that will be the case when time and time again I was the last one to hear," Council Member Robert Cornegy countered.

"Homelessness is a complex issue that has built up over decades," Isaac McGinn, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeless Services, told Gothamist earlier this month. "To meet immediate capacity needs, in the short term, shelters may be placed in communities that already have a significant number of shelters."



Daniel Pietz, Chief Special Services Officer for NYC's Human Resources Administration (Scott Heins / Gothamist).

"In the past 20 years we've lost Interfaith Hospital and St. Mary's Hospital," said Gregg Todd, who's lived in Crown Heights since 1987. "Meanwhile, Park Slope Methodist is undergoing a huge expansion right now. Why are we putting homeless men where there are no facilities, when you have a brand new facility right across the park?"

Park Slope's community district six has 267 shelter beds, according to the city, compared to district eight's 679.

Several neighbors also said they were concerned about their safety, and overall quality of life. Gail Muhammad, 66, a Dean Street resident of 18 years, said she was frustrated with the takeout food containers she'd seen strewn outside the Bedford Armory men's shelter, two blocks from the Bergen location.

"Can you guarantee us that none of these men ever sexually abused somebody?" added Kimberly Riddick, 63, a Bergen Street resident of 31 years. "There's too many kids [in the neighborhood]."

Gordon Jackson, head of community affairs for shelter operator CORE Services Group, ran down a list of security measures, including cameras and regular neighborhood patrols. "If you see something happening, take a picture and send it to the number posted outside the shelter," he said. "We'll investigate it."

A small number of attendees expressed support for the shelter on Wednesday, referring to Mayor de Blasio's stated goal of keeping families in their communities (DHS clarified Wednesday that Bergen House will give preference to men from Brooklyn, not Crown Heights specifically).



The Bergen House site, at 1173 Bergen Street (Scott Heins / Gothamist).

Dienane Fleurival, 29, works three days a week at Hebron Seventh Day Adventist Church across the street from the new shelter. A Flatbush resident, she said that gentrification is to blame for New York City's homelessness crisis, and accused the anti-shelter crowd of being complicit in this cycle.

"Why are people who are from the community, who cannot afford rent, being punished?" said Fleurival, who is black, prompting boos. "This is their community, too. Just because you guys pay $2,000 a month [in rent], why should we take it out on them?"

Catto, who is white, insisted that opposition to the shelter "cuts across race and socioeconomic status."

"In my block association, four of the five officers grew up on the block," she said. "In one case, their grandparents grew up on the block. The common denominator here is that we want what's best for the community."

"There's a misconception that if you fight against a shelter you are against helping homeless people," Council Member Cornegy echoed. "You cannot defend saturation."

He closed the night with an allusion to gentrification, suggesting that long-time property owners deserve to reap its benefits. "They were here when no one wanted to be here," he said, to a standing ovation. "And now it's sexy to be here, and you're not respecting their property values."
Photo by Photo by Scott Heins/Gothamist

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Dozens of Queens residents have been terrorized by a serial burglar who has been breaking intoor trying to break intoapartments since December, say police. Many of the incidents involved a fire escape window, but authorities say that one victim was woken by a noise from her front door and then found the suspect in her bedroom, shining a flashlight in her face.

All 31 incidents have occurred in Ridgewood, starting on December 30th. The NYPD has released details of the crimes; in one instance, the suspect apparently tried to gain entry through a fire escape window, prompting a 17-year-old girl and an eight-year-old girl to flee the apartment. Here's the NYPD's description in full, for all the neighborhood burglary pattern completists out there:

Incident #1: On Friday, December 30, 2016 between 0930 and 2030 hours at a residence in the vicinity of Grove Street and Fairview Avenue, an unidentified individual entered through a window via the fire escape and removed $5,000 in cash and $10,000 in jewelry. The 43-year-old male victim reported the incident to police upon returning to his apartment and discovering the burglary at 2030 hours.



Incident #2: It was reported to police that on Monday, January 9, 2017 at 1845 hours at a residence in the vicinity of Menahan Street and Seneca Avenue, a 38-year-old female victim returned to her apartment and heard footsteps inside. The victim entered and observed the brown boots and dark jeans of an unidentified male as he fled her apartment onto the fire escape. No property was removed.



Incident #3: On Monday, January 9, 2017 between 0850 and 1800 hours at a residence in the vicinity of Grove Street and Woodward Avenue, an unidentified individual entered through a window via the fire escape and removed a Pandora bracelet with one round charm, a pair of earrings, a ring and necklaces. The 26-year-old female victim reported the incident to police upon returning home at 1815 hours and discovering the burglary.



Incident #4: It was reported to police that on Thursday, January 12, 2017 between 1445 and 1700 hours at a residence in the vicinity of Linden Street and Cypress Avenue, an unidentified individual entered through a window via the fire escape and removed two bracelets, four necklaces and two rings from the jewelry box in her bedroom. The 40-year-old female victim discovered the burglary upon returning home.



Incident #5: It was reported to police that on Monday, January 16, 2017 between 1730 and 1930 hours at a residence in the vicinity of Onderdonk Avenue and 69th Avenue, an unidentified individual entered through a window via the fire escape and removed a necklace, rings an earring and $2,000. The 43-year-old female victim discovered the burglary upon returning home at 1930 hours.



Incident #6: It was reported to police that between Thursday, January 19, 2017 at 0800 hours and Sunday, January 22, 2017 at 1700 hours, at a residence in the vicinity of Madison Street and 64th Street, an unidentified individual entered through a window via the fire escape and removed a plastic bag containing $100 in perfume. The 62-year-old male victim discovered the burglary on Sunday, January 22, 2017 at 1700 hours upon returning home from Florida.



Incident #7: It was reported to police that on Thursday, January 23, 2017 between 0800 and 1700 hours at a residence in the vicinity of Madison Street and 64th Street (same as Incident #6) an unidentified individual entered through a window via the fire escape and removed a camera, an Apple MacBook Pro, and external hard drive a Steve Madden bag and other items. The 29-year-old female victim reported the incident to police upon returning to her apartment at 1830 hours and discovering the burglary.



Incident #8: It was reported to police that on Friday, January 27, 2017 between 1530 and 1830 hours at a 3rd floor residence in the vicinity of Gates Avenue and St. Nicholas Avenue, an unidentified individual entered through a kitchen window and removed $1,500 from a dresser drawer. The 55-year-old female victim reported the incident to police upon returning to her apartment and discovering the burglary.



Incident #9: It was reported to police that on Friday, January 27, 2017 between 0930 and 1900 hours at a residence in the vicinity of Cypress Avenue and Madison Street, an unidentified individual entered through a window via the fire escape and removed $4,000 and a gold opal ring. The 33-year-old male victim reported the incident to police upon returning home at 1900 hours.



Incident #10: It was reported to police that on Thursday, February 2, 2017 between 0755 and 1830 hours at a residence in the vicinity of Seneca Avenue and Menahan Street, an unidentified individual entered through a window via the fire escape and removed jewelry. The 57-year-old female victim reported the incident to police upon returning to her apartment at 1830 hours and discovering the burglary.



Incident #11: It was reported to police that on Wednesday, February 8, 2017 at 1835 hours at a residence in the vicinity of Grove Street and Woodward Avenue, that an unidentified individual had gained access to an apartment through a window via the fire escape. A 38-year-old male complainant reported the incident to police when he heard footsteps coming from the apartment above his, which he knew to be unoccupied. No property was removed.



Incident #12: It was reported to police that on Wednesday, February 8, 2017 between 0900 and 2120 hours at a residence in the vicinity of Cypress Avenue and Harman Street, an unidentified individual entered through a window via the fire escape and removed $1,900 from a suitcase. The 56-year-old male victim reported the incident to police upon returning to his apartment from work at 2120 hours.



Incident #13: It was reported to police that on Monday, February 13, 2017 at 1945 hours at a residence in the vicinity of Woodbine Street and St. Nicholas Avenue, a 36-year-old female returned to her apartment and discovered that the kitchen window was propped open with a broomstick and her bedroom was ransacked. No property was taken.



Incident #14: It was reported to police that on Monday, February 13, 2017 at 1820 hours at a residence in the vicinity of Woodbine Street and St. Nicholas Avenue (same location as Incident #13, different apartment), a 23-year-old female victim, who was sleeping in her bedroom, was awakened by a loud by a loud noise coming from the front door to her apartment. An unidentified individual with a flashlight entered her bedroom, and the victim screamed and called 911. The unidentified individual fled via the apartment door. The victim subsequently discovered that there was damage to the door frame to the apartment and that the deadbolt lock had been broken off.



Incident #15: It was reported to police that between 1800 hours on Monday, February 13, 2017 and 0045 hours on Tuesday, February 14, 2017 at a residence in the vicinity of Harman Street and Seneca Avenue, an unidentified individual entered an apartment and removed $6,000 from a nightstand and $340 from the kitchen table. The 27-year-old female victim reported the incident to police upon returning home from work at 0045 hours on Tues. Feb, 14, 2017 and discovering the burglary.



Incident #16: A 38-year-old male victim reported to police that he returned to his apartment in the vicinity of Cypress Avenue and Menahan Street on Wednesday, February 22, 2017 at 1930 hours, following a vacation with his wife and children, and discovered that the window near the fire escape was open and the couch was moved away from the window. No property was taken.



Incident #17: A 25-year-old female victim reported to police that she returned after work to her apartment in the vicinity of Seneca Avenue and Weirfield Street on Thursday, February 23, 2017 at 0150 hours and discovered that several rooms were ransacked by an unidentified individual who gained entry via a fire escape window. No property was taken.



Incident #18: It was reported to police that on Thursday, February 23, 2017 between 0800 and 1800 hours at a residence in the vicinity of Palmetto Street and Cypress Avenue, an unidentified individual gained entry and removed a security box that contained a Social Security card, passport, birth certificate, ID and collectible coins. The 28-year-old male victim reported the incident to police upon returning home at 1830 hours.



Incident #19: It was reported to police that on Thursday, February 23, 2017 between 1500 and 2000 hours at a residence in the vicinity of Seneca Avenue and Bleecker Street, an unidentified individual entered through a window via the fire escape and removed six rings, two necklaces, two bracelets, three pairs of earrings and $2,800 from a bedroom dresser drawer. The 31-year-old female victim reported the incident to police upon returning to her apartment at 2000 hours and discovering the burglary.



Incident #20: It was reported to police that on Saturday, February 25, 2017 between 1200 and 2030 hours, an unidentified individual entered through a window via the fire escape and removed 14 rings, four necklaces and four bracelets. The 61-year-old female victim, who left her home at 1200 hours for church, reported the incident to police upon returning home at 2030 hours and discovering the burglary.



Incident #21: It was reported to police that on Monday, February 27, 2017 between 0700 hours and 1900 hours at a residence in the vicinity of 71st Avenue and 60th Street, an unidentified individual entered through a window via the fire escape and removed nine rings and six bracelets. The 66-year-old female victim reported the incident upon returning home at 1900 hours and discovering the burglary.



Incident #22: It was reported to police that on Monday, February 27, 2017 between 1030 and 1900 hours, an unidentified individual entered an apartment through a window via the fire escape and ransacked the apartment. The 26-year-old female victim returned to her apartment at 1900 hours and reported the incident to police. No property was removed.



Incident #23: It was reported to police that on Wednesday, March 1, 2017 between 1730 and 1900 hours at a residence in the vicinity of Harman Street and Seneca Avenue, an unidentified individual entered through a window via the fire escape and rummaged through the 28-year-old male victim's apartment. No property was taken.



Incident #24: It was reported to police that on Thursday, March 2, 2017 between 1000 and 1900 hours at a residence in the vicinity of 71st Avenue and 60th Street, an unidentified individual entered through a window and removed a necklace that says "AMOR", two other necklaces, a gold ring with a ruby in the center and a bracelet. The 57-year-old female victim reported the incident to police upon returning home at 1900 hours and discovering the burglary.



Incident #25: It was reported to police that on Friday, March 3, 2017 at 1835 hours at a residence in the vicinity of Onderdonk Avenue and 69th Avenue, occupants of an apartment observed an unidentified individual attempt to gain entry via a window. An 8-year-old female and a 17-year-old female fled the apartment for their safety and the incident was reported to police. The individual did not gain entry and no property was taken.



Incident #26: It was reported to police that between 1800 and 2335 hours on Friday, March 3, 2017 at an apartment in the vicinity of Cypress Avenue and Harman Street, an unidentified individual entered through a window via the fire escape and ransacked the apartment. The 33-year-old male victim reported the incident to police upon returning home at 2335 hours.



Incident #27: It was reported to police that between 1800 and 1845 hours on Wednesday, March 8, 2017 at a residence in the vicinity of Cypress Avenue and Harman Street, an unidentified individual entered through a window via the fire escape and removed $1,000 from a wallet that was in a closet and a Samsung S6 from a bedroom. The 45-year-old male victim reported the incident to police upon returning home at 1845 hours and discovering the burglary.



Incident #28: It was reported to police that on Wednesday, March 8, 2017 between 1400 and 2100 hours at a residence in the vicinity of Madison Street and Woodward Avenue, an unidentified individual entered by forcing the rear apartment door and removed vintage Russian medals (no other description available), two "M" pendants and a bracelet monogrammed/engraved with "Mayrelle Clark" (not the victim's name). The 34-year-old female victim reported the incident to police upon returning home at 2100 hours and discovering the burglary.



Incident #29: It was reported to police that between 1130 hours on Friday, March 10, 2017 and 1350 hours on Sunday, March 12 at a residence in the vicinity of Himrod Street and Cypress Avenue, an unidentified individual entered through a window via the fire escape and removed a ring. The 24-year-old female reported the incident upon returning home at 1350 hours on Sunday, March 12, 2017 and discovering the burglary.



Incident #30: It was reported to police that on Monday, March 13, 2017 between 0745 and 1700 hours at a residence in the vicinity of Himrod Street and Cypress Avenue, an unidentified individual entered through a window via the fire escape and removed $3,000 in jewelry. The 49-year-old female victim reported the incident to police upon returning home at 1700 hours and discovered the burglary.



Incident #31: It was reported to police that on Monday, March 13, 2017 between 0830 and 1530 hours at a residence in the vicinity of Himrod Street and Cypress Avenue (same location as Incident #29, different apartment), an unidentified individual gained entry by forcing the apartment door and removed $300 in jewelry. The 35-year-old female victim reported the incident to police upon returning to her apartment 1530 hours and discovered the burglary.
The 20,150 teu MOL Triumph ordered by Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) was named at SHI in Korea on 15 March.

The first ultra-large containership to breach the 20,000 teu barrier the MOL Triumph is 400 m long by 58.8 m breadth with a draught of 32.8m.

SHI ceo Dae-Young Park and MOL ceo Junichiro Ikeda were among those who witnessed the naming.

The MOL Triumph is the first of four 20,150 teu vessels SHI is building for MOL.

The vessel is due to be delivered to the owner on 27 March.
Singapore has mooted the idea of giving its insolvency law some of the powers of the US bankruptcy codes Chapter 11, protecting the debtor from legal and enforcement action.

This movement in Singapore is quite positive not just for the country but for the region as well, and we may see more restructurings take place on the basis of that, Albert Stein, managing director of AlixPartners UK, told delegates at the Singapore Offshore Finance Forum held in Singapore on Thursday.

Stein believed that the proposed change in Singapores insolvency law would create different dynamics on what creditors can expect along the process and make the restructuring process more fluid.

He added that the European market used to frown upon Chapter 11 but they have realised now that the process is fair and would allow creditors to get back a fair share of their debts.

The crash of oil prices have triggered the recession in the offshore oil and gas sector, which is already drowning in excess capacity. Several Singapore-listed offshore services companies are struggling with bond defaults and losses. Offshore services firm Swiber has gone bankrupt while Ezra Holdings is facing similar threats as some of its creditors have filed for claims.

Stein believed that more restructurings may happen in the Asian offshore market over this year and even into 2018. We are going to get to the point where banks in Asia are going to be less forgiving, he said.

Sven de Veij, managing director, head of oil & gas services, NIBC Bank, said lenders have played a part in creating the problems of today as they have allowed too much liquidity to flow into the market, fuelling a high number of newbuilds such as rigs and OSVs.

Over time, banks themselves have to take more impairments on their loan books as the market continues with the downturn, de Veij said.

He noted that some cases of restructuring are heading in the right direction but some companies are simply kicking the can down the road. By 2020 if market activity levels remained low, we will be faced with another round of restructurings, de Veij warned.
Somali pirates successfully hijacked the Sri-Lankan flagged bunker tanker earlier this week in what was the first such incident in five years in the former piracy blackspot.

Aid group Oceans Beyond Piracy has said that a number of factors made the vessel easy prey for pirates.

The Aris 13 was preparing to cut through the Socotra Gap between the tip of Somalia and the island of Socotra. This route is frequently used as a cost- and time-saving measure for vessels traveling down the east coast of Africa despite the threat of piracy.

Additionally the Aris 13 has a low freeboard of only three meters and was moving at a slow speed of five knots.

These factors made the vessel an easier target for pirates, who typically board ships with ladders from fast moving skiffs. This attack reinforces the need for vessels to follow shipping industry Best Management Practices (BMP) within the BMP specified High Risk Area.

The pirates that hijacked the bunker have demanded a ransom according to EU Naval Force (EU Navfor).

Oceans Beyond Piracy said group claiming responsibility for the vessels capture belongs to the Majerteen/Siwaaqroon sub-clan, led by the pirate Jacfar Saciid Cabdulaahi.

The incident has led to fears that the successful hijack could trigger a wave of new attacks on vessels by Somali pirates.

Somali pirates have still been quite active in recent months. Oceans Beyond Piracys analysis indicates the following:

The number of reported failed attacks and suspicious incidents rose in 2016.

Armed security teams deterred 11 attacks in 2016.

The Muhammadi, attacked on 22 November 2015 roughly 250 nm off Eyl, is the last known hijacking incident in the region.

On October 22, the CPO Korea, a UK-flagged chemical tanker, was approached by a skiff of armed men who exchanged fire with the security team.

In addition to the eight Sri Lankans on the Aris 13, Somali pirates are still holding eight seafarers from the fishing vessel, the Siraj, who were captured on 26 March, 2015.

Piracy has diminished since 2012, largely due to mitigating efforts at sea by international naval forces, adherence to industry Best Management Practices, and the use of private security, said the aid group.

However the situation in Somalia that originally permitted piracy to flourish has not changed. This has left the door open for other forms of maritime crime, such as smuggling and trafficking. There is a need for continued vigilance against piracy and other forms of maritime crime in the region.

Those sentiments have been echoed by IMO secretary-general Kitack Lim, who has urged the shipping industry to be vigilant against piracy.

He also called upon the Federal Government of Somalia and its regional authorities in Puntland to take prompt action to ensure the safe and speedy release of the eight seafarers being held hostage.
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.
To display virtual objects with the same realistic sense of depth, Avegant needed to give each digital object its own light field. Instead of presenting the viewer with a flat projection of virtual objects at a set distance, each object now exists on its own focal plane. When the user turns his attention from object to object, his eyes refocus to accommodate the object's specific light field, including objects very close at hand.

Avegant's light field headset works by mimicking the way that real-world objects emit light. In the real world, light enters the eye as a collection of rays, which are focused for the brain. Objects that are different distances from the eye emit different "light fields," requiring the eye to constantly adjust like the autofocus setting on a camera. In humans, our combination of binocular vision and the ability to switch between different focal planes gives real-world objects their depth and distance.

"One of [Magic Leap's] first signature images was of an elephant being cupped by a hand. That's what I experienced in the Avegant demo, to be able to hold a planet in my hands," Rubin told Seeker. "It's the difference between seeing animated objects out of your reach and being able to actually walk up to things, put your hands around them and navigate within the mixed reality space."

Journalist and tech industry analyst Ross Rubin was recently given a private demo of the Avegant Light Field prototype and compared it to the immersive experience promised by Magic Leap , a secretive AR startup that's received nearly $1.4 billion in funding from Google and Alibaba.

The imaging technology startup Avegant says it has achieved a truly realistic and immersive AR experience with its newly introduced "light field" head-mounted display. The company's prototype headset appears to overcome one of the critical limitations of current AR devices like Microsoft's HoloLens - the inability to interact with objects at close range.

The ultimate goal of AI is to pass what's known as the Turing test - to build a machine whose intelligence is indistinguishable from a human's. The emerging field of augmented reality (AR) is striving to pass its own "visual Turing test," in which virtual objects interact so seamlessly with their real-world surroundings that it's virtually impossible to distinguish what's digital from what's real.

According to Avegant CTO Edward Tang, this represents a critical technological leap from current AR or MR (mixed reality) headsets, including the $3,000 HoloLens.

"Mixed reality displays in the market today are fixed single focal plane displays which limit the area where images can be displayed and is particularly challenging in the near field distance, where most interactions occur in MR," Tang said in an email.

Jeremy Bailenson, founding director of the Stanford University Virtual Human Interaction Lab, was deeply impressed by his test of the Avegant Light Field prototype.

"It's not often you witness a technology that could disrupt an entire industry," Bailenson was quoted as saying in an Avegant press release. "Avegant Light Field is that kind of a breakthrough. I had long heard about the possibility of seeing close fields and far fields in the same scene, but experiencing it firsthand was believing. This is how the visual system was designed to work."

As Avegant works to turn its prototype headset into a viable commercial device over the next 12 to 18 months, there are still a lot of questions about how its patented light field technology actually works.

RELATED: Affordable VR Will Take Immersive Therapy Mainstream

Gordon Wetzstein, director of the Stanford Computational Imaging Group, explained that there are several leading methods for producing the kind of light field effects advertised by Avegant, each with its own set of tradeoffs. In a recent paper, Wetzstein's group demonstrated the benefits of one such method, using a "focus-tunable" liquid crystal display that constantly refocuses on where the user is looking.

"It's a very practical approach that can be implemented right now, and we're working with a couple of consumer electronics companies to do that," Wetzstein told Seeker. "The tradeoff there is that you need eye tracking, and you need a few other technological components. All of them are already there, but you'd have to put them together in one headset."

According to a patent application by Avegant, this appears to be exactly what the company is doing, using some sort of eye tracking to follow the user's gaze and automatically adjust the focus with a tunable display. But when tech writer Karl Guttag asked Avegant about the patent, the company said it was not using that method and that the prototype had "no moving parts" or any kind of eye tracking.

How exactly the Avegant device works may be less important than whether or not anyone will buy it when it's available. The company's first device, a head-mounted cinema/headphone display called the Glyph, was launched from a Kickstarter campaign and has posted modest sales. In a video for the new light field display, Tang made the case that his company's tech is critical for the future of the AR space.

"The success of the entire mixed reality industry hinges upon having light field technologies," said Tang. "Light field is the missing link to having truly realistic and interactive mixed reality experiences."

RELATED: Closing the Gender Gap in Virtual Reality

Guttag expressed doubts that the augmented reality or mixed reality market would take off in the next five years, "with or without Avegant's technology." And Wetzstein at Stanford said that the focal issues addressed by Avegant are only one of a set of engineering and design challenges that need to be solved before AR displays have a chance of passing the visual Turing test.

A big challenge, explained Wetzstein, is the issue of "occlusion." Since AR overlays digital characters on real-world environments, the characters must interact with real objects in visually realistic ways. Wetzstein imagines a version of Super Mario Bros. that you can play on your desk.

"If Mario runs behind a physical object, you have to make sure that the physical object occludes [blocks the view of] Super Mario. Otherwise it doesn't create this consistency in the world," said Wetzstein, adding that the same is true for focal cues. "Your eyes will continually focus on either the digital content or the physical object. If those aren't consistent with one another, it doesn't provide a realistic experience."

And then there's the issue of form factor. The Avegant prototype had to be wired to a PC, greatly restricting freedom of movement. The final commercial device may be untethered, like the HoloLens, but all current VR and AR headsets still suffer from the same bulky and decidedly geeky form factor, which remains another barrier to consumer adoption.

Apple CEO Tim Cook has hinted that the design gurus behind the iPhone and iPad may be coming out with an AR device in the near future. And Magic Leap is still working on its own light field device which may very well prove a game-changer.

Until then, people hankering for an AR fix may have to settle for Pokemon Go.

WATCH: The Augmented Reality Revolution
The spaceflight company Blue Origin, which was founded by Amazon.com CEO Jeff Bezos, plans to launch its first crewed flight to suborbital space soon.

"We're trying to get to our first human flights within the next year. That's a laser focus for the team right now," Erika Wagner, Blue Origin's business development manager, told the audience at the New Space Age Conference on Saturday (March 11) here at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Sloan School of Management.

In November 2015, Blue Origin made history when it landed its New Shepard rocket after an uncrewed test flight to suborbital space. This was the first time that any company or country had successfully completed a vertical takeoff and landing with a reusable rocket during a mission to space. [How Blue Origin's Suborbital Rocket Ride Works (Infographic)]

"We're pretty proud of that milestone," Wagner said.

Over the next year, Blue Origin launched and landed that same rocket four more times, further demonstrating the reusable-rocket technology that Bezos has said could revolutionize spaceflight by slashing costs.

Elon Musk, SpaceX's billionaire founder and CEO, has expressed similar enthusiasm for reusability. SpaceX has landed the first stage of eight different Falcon 9 rockets during orbital flights and said it plans to re-fly one of these boosters for the first time later this month.

Both SpaceX and Blue Origin are also developing heavy-lift rockets, and each company has said it aims to launch moon missions in the next few years.

But if Blue Origin is feeling the pressure, it's not showing it. The company's motto, Wagner pointed out, is gradatim ferociter - Latin for "step by step, ferociously."

The company's first launcher consisted of four Rolls Royce jet engines strapped to a launch frame, and the main purpose of creating it was to develop software, Wagner said. Blue Origin then built small rocket engines, and then bigger ones. Now, the company has the suborbital New Shepherd, and engineers are working on the heavy-lifter New Glenn, an orbital vehicle that's scheduled to fly for the first time by 2020.

This same incrementalist philosophy will also apply to crewed flights, which will begin aboard New Shepard. (Blue Origin also intends to launch people to orbital space eventually, Bezos has said.)
Pouncer will be able to deliver supplies within an accuracy of 23 feet and could feed up to 100 people a day for around $300, according to Windhorse.

Gifford added that they're also considering salami for use in the landing gear because of its "good tensile strength and flexibility."

"We are looking at a variety of foodstuffs that could be used," he told the Financial Times. "Honeycomb is really robust."

Nigel Gifford, chairman and founder of Windhorse, previously worked on Richard Branson's logistics team when the Virgin Group founder attempted to circumnavigate the globe by hot air balloon.

Windhorse Aerospace is developing a drone prototype called Pouncer that will be made from edible material. The company will begin testing in April and hopes it will be delivering food to places like South Sudan, Yemen, and Somalia by the end of the year, the Financial Times reported .

And, according to one aerospace company, they may soon be edible.

Drones have played a role in providing aid to nations in crisis all over the world. They're capable of accessing some areas better than airplanes and are relatively cheap to make.

Some aid organizations aren't quite as excited as Gifford.

"This is someone who's come up with a crackpot idea based on the assumption that technology can solve all problems," Kevin Watkins, chief executive of Save the Children, told the Financial Times.

Watkins said he had just returned from Somalia, where over 1 million children are acutely or severely malnourished due to the country's severe drought.

"Many are in a life-threatening situation," he said. "One episode of pneumonia or diarrhea will tip them over the edge. This is where you need the mechanism of state to kick in. This is not drone territory. It's ridiculous."

But Windhorse maintains that Pouncer is the right solution for quick-response disaster relief.

"While of course we respect everyone's view as to the effectiveness of drones/UAVs for humanitarian aid delivery, especially those on the ground, it's early days and I don't think one solution fits all requirements or scenarios," Rob Forrester of Windhorse's business development team said in an email to Seeker. "Pouncer is intended primarily for short-term disaster relief into hard to reach areas delivering much larger payloads than currently possible."

RELATED: Drone Modeled on Insects Is Built to Crash Like a Champ

Windhorse says organizations like Medecins Sans Frontieres and Oxfam have shown interest in his technology.

"It may be a drop in the ocean as far as fixing famine on the planet is concerned, but it could be used for regular re-supply if no other means are possible or too dangerous for crews to operate," Forrester said. "We're not trying to step on anyone's toes here - we see our solution as working alongside current solutions where suitable."

Watkins said Save the Children has used drones successfully in delivering medicine, including several programs in Tanzania and Rwanda that bring plasma to women during childbirth.

Drones are "good at killing people and blowing things up," Watkins said. "They are absolutely irrelevant for resolving acute hunger."

Windhorse downplayed the edible aspect of its drone and emphasized its potential benefit in food delivery.

"We will obviously be sending all NGOs invitations to our flight trials later in the year," Forrester said. "We hope we can demonstrate to the open-minded that in some situations, a sack out of the back of a transport aircraft may not be the most effective way of safely getting aid supplies to the right hands on the ground."

WATCH: The Future Of Warfare: Laser Cannons & Drone Armies
The Atacama Desert in Chile is known for being home to several astronomical observatories. The region's high altitude and scarce rainfall provides crystal-clear skies for impeccable observing conditions. But this high desert also offers an unparalleled approximation of the conditions on Mars. With its harsh, dry environment and intense ultraviolet radiation, most life in this extreme desert exists as microbial colonies underground or inside rocks. That makes the Atacama Desert a good place to practice looking for life on Mars. NASA's Atacama Rover Astrobiology Drilling Studies (ARADS) team just concluded their second season in Chile, testing out their KREX-2 rover. Thirty-five researchers, scientists, engineers, and support staff spent a month testing out this prototype rover, sending it on various mission to use its drill and life-detection instruments. Using the unforgiving landscape, they were able to demonstrate the technical feasibility and scientific value of a mission that searches for evidence of life on Mars. "Putting life-detection instruments in a difficult, Mars-analog environment will help us figure out the best ways of looking for past or current life on Mars, if it existed," said Dr. Brian Glass, a scientist at the NASA Ames Research Center and the principal investigator of ARADS. He also led the first expedition in 2016. "Having both subsurface reach and surface mobility should greatly increase the number of biomarker and life-target sites we can sample in the Atacama."

Glass said the team tested out KREX-2's drill and robotic arm, as well test as assessing the driving capabilities of the rover. "It behaved beautifully in the field," he said. "It was a steady platform that enabled us to [drill] deeper than we expected." RELATED: Mars 2020 Could Return to Where NASA's Spirit Rover Roamed The KREX-2 rover carries a lightweight, low-power, two-meter drill, along with a robotic sample transfer arm. This year, the team tested out three life-detection instruments, positioned nearby, which were fed samples acquired by the rover's drill. The instruments included the Wet Chemistry Laboratory, an instrument developed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory that flew on the 2007 Phoenix mission to Mars, and the Signs of Life Detector, from Spain's Center for Astrobiology. This instrument uses biochemical tests to search for 512 different biological compounds.
Koko says yes to Paris Agreement

Senate President Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III on Tuesday joined 21 other senators in concurring with the Paris Agreement.

The vote, at 22-0, is the final step in the ratification of the Agreement under Philippine laws, making it binding on the Philippines.

"Senate concurrence to this Agreement will be the legacy of the 17th Congress to future generations. We can say that on this day, when we were called to make a stand for the environment, we chose the path that protects the interest of all mankind", Pimentel said in his speech explaining his vote.

Pimentel, who has survived the onslaught of typhoons Ondoy and Sendong, expressed his stand that voting yes on the Agreement is one way of arresting the trend of climate change.

Pimentel explained that the Agreement is in keeping with principles enshrined in the Philippine Constitution, saying that it is the government's duty to protect the rights of the Filipino people to a balanced and healthful ecology.

Towards the end of the speech, Pimentel thanked Senator Loren Legarda, "for her efforts in seeing to it that the concurrence to this Agreement has been speedily achieved by the Senate."
Press Release

March 16, 2017 Opening Remarks of Senator Loren Legarda

Orientation Meeting with State Universities and Colleges on Local Climate Change Action Plans

16 March 2017 | Senate of the Philippines I wish to greet all of you a triumphant and hopeful morning! Triumphant because finally we have ratified the Paris Agreement on Climate Change following the President's signing of the Instrument of Accession and with the Senate's unanimous concurrence; hopeful because through this gathering we are taking a vital step towards achieving the goal of a climate-resilient country, and thereby contributing to building a resilient Earth. Let me go straight to the point: our goal is to limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius to survive and thrive. Whether or not a vulnerable developing country like the Philippines can significantly contribute to achieving that goal in terms of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) reduction is not the real deal. This has been said many times, our GHG emission is very minute at less than one percent. Even if we become 100% carbon-neutral, it would not change the Earth's landscape. Yes, that is true. But, it is also true that the world is watching our every move because we have become the face of climate vulnerability. The Philippines is an important voice in the climate talks. The world listens to us. We are regarded the leader of the vulnerable, the champion for climate justice. Now that we have ratified the Paris Agreement, we can influence the decisions on how the accord will be implemented and we maintain our leadership role in the international climate talks and advocacy. Yes, the Philippines is an insignificant contributor of GHG emissions, and so are a hundred other countries. But if a vulnerable developing nation can lead the resilient path, many others would surely follow. We have already proven this when we enacted the Climate Change Law, which is a model legislation for many countries; when we led the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF) that pushed for the 1.5 goal in the Paris Agreement; and when we spearheaded the creation of the Vulnerable Twenty group of Ministers of Finance or V20, which works to address climate change more assertively through innovative financing and technology, among many other initiatives. But the test of true leadership is measured on the ground. It is not enough that we are the voice of the vulnerable in the global arena. It is even more important that our own people are climate-engaged and our communities are gearing towards the sustainable path. While Section 14 of Republic Act No. 9729 or the Climate Change Act of 2009 provides that LGUs shall be the frontline agencies in the formulation, planning and implementation of climate change action plans in their respective areas, Section 16 of the same law also calls for them to coordinate with various sectors--including the academe, in the development and implementation of LCCAPs. This is where the role of our state universities and colleges becomes crucial. We need to fast track the creation of local climate change action plans (LCCAP) of all cities, municipalities, and provinces in the country. These LCCAPs can be the tools to access grant-based funding from the People's Survival Fund and even from international climate funds. No less than the Department of the Interior and Local Government through its several department circulars has acknowledged the vital role played by the academe as "service providers in terms of training on disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation-related concerns, hazard mapping, risk and vulnerability assessment." As part of its capacity building for LGUs, the DILG has continuously embarked on the training of select state universities and colleges on climate and disaster risk assessment. I am happy to note that through the Local Government Academy, it has formed an academic consortium with one institution per region that will serve as knowledge hubs to "develop and professionalize local disaster risk reduction and management offices (LDRRMOs) and provide local governments with scientific data and pools of local disaster experts and practitioners."[1] But we know that the vulnerability and risk profile of each community is different, yet we cannot disregard how the vulnerability and risk profile of a region, province, city or municipality would affect that community. In other words, there are no political boundaries when it comes to disaster risks and climate change impacts. Thus, the need for the intervention of SUCs in formulating and enhancing these local plans. With the available historical and cultural information that you already have, and the technical expertise for research and development, you will give the heart and soul to these action plans. We all have to work together, and all of you can become climate warriors. Small towns around the world are already doing their share in the fight against climate change[2]: Greensburg in Kansas built back better after it was flattened by a devastating tornado in 2007 and is now running on 100 percent renewable energy;

In the village of Kalisari in Java, Indonesia, tofu businesses used to throw away the water they use to create tofu. The liquid used to contaminate local water supplies until they turned it into tofu biogas which could replace 62,000 tons of fossil fuels a year;

In the small British town of Ashton Hayes, residents are working together to make their community carbon-neutral through lifestyle changes such as taking fewer flights, using clotheslines instead of dryers, and improving the insulation in their homes--shrinking their total carbon footprint by 40 percent so far. The Philippines also has many best practices to share. In November last year, during the Climate Change Consciousness Week, the Climate Change Commission announced the winners of the inaugural Climate-Adaptive and Disaster-Resilient (CLAD) Awards for Cities and Municipalities. Ten local government units were awarded for implementing innovative strategies to manage climate and disaster risks in line with Philippine environmental laws. These LGUs are Canaman, Camarines Sur; Carmona, Cavite; Dumangas, Iloilo; Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur; Legazpi, Albay; Malolos, Bulacan; New Lucena, Iloilo; Palompon, Leyte; Sorsogon City, Sorsogon; and Tublay, Benguet These examples only show that we can all be part of efforts to fight climate change no matter how small. The more important thing is to show the world that even in the midst of tragedies, we can fuel optimism; even if we are vulnerable, we are not incapable; even if we are victims, we can be victors. Let us triumph over these climate battles so that we ignite hope not only for our fellow but also for the future generations. Thank you. _________________________ [1] http://lga.gov.ph/article/academic-research-partners-identify-gaps-assess-capacities-for-disaster-curriculum [2] Kate Yoder, Meet the tiny towns taking on climate change, 26 October 2016 http://grist.org/living/meet-the-tiny-towns-taking-on-climate-change/
Press Release

March 16, 2017 Loren Urges SUCs: Support Needed to Effectively Implement Climate Laws Senator Loren Legarda today urged the country's state universities and colleges to assist local government units in implementing the country's laws on climate and environment, stressing that local action is crucial in ensuring the survival of present and future generations. Legarda made the statement at the Orientation Meeting with State Universities and Colleges, held at the Senate. "Section 16 of the Climate Change law, which I principally authored, calls for the coordination of LGUs with various sectors--including the academe, in the development and implementation of Local Climate Change Action Plans or LCCAPs," Legarda, Chair of the Committee on Climate Change, explained. Legarda noted that the SUCs' role at the ground is very crucial as they can assist in formulating and enhancing these LCCAPs. "We need to fast track the creation of the LCCAP of all cities, municipalities and provinces in the country. These LCCAPs can be the tools to access grant-based funding from the People's Survival Fund, and even from international climate funds," said Legarda. "With the available historical and cultural information that you (SUCs) already have, and the technical expertise for research and development, you will give the heart and soul to these action plans," she added. The Senator explained that no less than the Department of the Interior and Local Government, through its several department circulars, has acknowledged the vital role played by the academe as "service providers in terms of training on disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation-related concerns, hazard mapping, risk and vulnerability assessment." As part of its capacity building for LGUs, the DILG has continuously embarked on the training of select state universities and colleges on climate and disaster risk assessment. "We have to work together to fight these climate battles. With the concerted effort by LGUs, by the academe, by the government, we will be able to win the battle. The important thing is to show the world that even in the midst of tragedies, we can fuel optimism. We ignite hope not only for our fellowmen but also for future generations," Legarda concluded.
Press Release

March 16, 2017 Senate adjourns for summer break After 10 weeks of intensive legislative work, the Senate adjourned its session Wednesday night, March 15, to go on a legislative break. Regular sessions will resume on May 2, 2017. The adjournment came within the same week the Senate approved on third reading two landmark bills - Affordable Higher Education for All Act (SBN 1304) and the Free Internet Access in Public Places Act (SBN 1277) - and unanimously gave its concurrence in the accession to the Paris Agreement. Senate President Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III said the institution had "been working overtime" to fast-track the enactment of laws that would improve the lives of Filipinos and address their most pressing concerns. "We have been making the most out of our time to fulfill our mandate and push for measures that will lay the basis for the development and progress of our country and people," he said. He said that so far, the Senate of the 17th Congress had passed on third reading nine bills, and adopted 42 resolutions, more notable of which were resolutions giving its concurrence to international agreements - the Articles of Agreement of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (Adopted Resolution No.33), RP-Japan Agreement on Social Security (Adopted Resolution No.38), and the Paris Agreement (Adopted Resolution No.42). Landmark bills passed Pimentel said the Senate's legislative achievements so far "revolved around reforms that promoted better access to quality education and social justice, produced jobs, and ensured peace and security, among others." This year alone, Pimentel said the Senate passed the Affordable Higher Education for All Act (SBN 1304), which would provide tuition subsidy and financial assistance to students enrolled in state universities and colleges, private higher education institutions, and technical vocational institutions; and the Free Internet Access in Public Places Act (SBN 1277), which mandated the establishment of necessary infrastructure and equipment to give Filipinos free internet access in public places. Another landmark bill approved by the Senate is the Expanded Maternity Leave Law of 2017 (SBN 1305), which would increase the maternity leave available for working mothers from 60 to 120 days, among others. To help the Philippine National Police (PNP) improve its crime-fighting ability, the Senate has passed SBN 1239, the measure would grant the Chief of the PNP and the Director and Deputy-Director of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) the authority to administer oath and to issue subpoena duces tecum. The Senate also approved the proposed Philippine Food Technology Act of 2016 (SBN 1269), which would provide for the registration, licensure, and practice of food technology in the Philippines; and the proposed Speech Language Pathology Act of 2016 (SBN 462) which would regulate the practice of speech language pathology in the Philippines. The Senate also extended the franchises of Smart Communications Inc. (HBN 4637) and GMA Network Inc. (HBN 4631) for another 25 years. It also approved a bill (SBN 209) declaring August 25 of every year as "National Technical-Vocational Day," to promote technical and vocational education and training in the country. The Senate also passed on second reading the Mental Health Act of 2017 (SBN 1354), which would establish a national mental health policy for the purpose of enhancing the delivery of integrated mental health services." A bill adjusting the amount involved, value of property or damage on which a penalty is based, and the fines under the Revised Penal Code, as amended (SBN 14), and the Philippine Innovation Act (SBN 1355), which adopted innovation as a vital component of national policies for inclusive development, were approved on second reading. Up next: Federalism, tax reform, others Pimentel said the drive for federalism remained the highest priority for the Senate once both Houses of Congress resume session in May. "We will continue to push for the legislative mechanism which will start the process of shifting to a federal government, in order to bring solutions to some of the country's most long-standing ills and problems," he said. Pimentel said the Senate was "very eager" to resume its work, with at least 20 bills already in advanced stages of legislation, such as the proposed People's Freedom of Information Act of 2016 (SBN 1208), the proposed Expanded Anti-Wire Tapping Act of 2016 (SBN 1210), the proposed amendments to the Anti-Money Laundering Act (SBN 1256), the proposed Traffic and Congestion Crisis Act (SBN 1284), the proposed Corporation Code of the Philippines (SBN 1280), the proposed Ease of Doing Business Act of 2017 (SBN 1311), the proposed Teachers' Supply Allowance Act of 2016 (SBN 812), the proposed Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Act (SBN 1233), the proposed Pagkaing Pinoy Para sa Batang Pinoy Act (SBN 1279), and the bill increasing the penalties for the refusal of hospitals and medical clinics to administer appropriate initial medical treatment and support to emergency or serious cases (SBN 1353). "We will also prioritize bills meant to end contractualization, impose stiffer penalties to violators of minimum wage laws, implement a "one-town, one doctor" policy, and enable free irrigation services - all of which are meant to help the most vulnerable sectors of our society," he said. The Senate leader said the proposed income tax reform will likewise be a high priority of the Senate, with personal income tax relief as his "personal advocacy." Pimentel said the Senate would devote its time and resources to the passage of the pending priority legislation. "Rest assured, we will do everything in our power to deliver on the promise of positive change to the people. We, in the Senate, are up to the challenge. We will not fail the people," he said.
Press Release

March 16, 2017 Villar welcomes MOA stopping the collection of terminal fees from OFWs, other exempted persons Sen. Cynthia Villar welcomed the signing of the memorandum of agreement scrapping the payment of airport terminal fees by overseas Filipino workers and other persons exempted by the law. Yesterday, the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) and representatives from 40 air carriers signed the agreement at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3. Under the agreement, OFWs, and other exempted persons, will not have to pay the P550 International Passenger Service Charge (IPSC), or the P200 Domestic Passenger Service Charge (DPSC) upon face-to-face purchase of tickets here or abroad starting April 30, 2017. Exemption for online ticket purchase will start on July 31, 2017. "This is a welcome development, a step in the direction of streamlining the processes our OFWs have to go through at our airports. It has always been my position that the integration of terminal fees in plane tickets doesn't have to be done in a way that will inconvenience and violate the rights of our OFWs," Villar said. Villar also took note of reports saying that some P1.5 billion worth of terminal fees was unclaimed by OFWs and exempted individuals. "What will now happen to the unrefunded terminal fees? Such funds held in trust cannot be spent in the absence of a clear policy," she added. Upon face-to-face purchase of tickets, OFWs must present any one of the following documents to avail of the exemption: overseas employment certificate (OEC), photocopy of a valid work visa or permit; employment contract; current employment certificate, or recent pay slip. OFWs and other exempt passengers can still claim for refund of terminal fees until April 29, 2018 at airport refund counters. Afterwhich, refund will be claimed at MIAA. Since the implementation by the previous MIAA Board of Memorandum Circular 08 s. 2014 in 2015, Villar has made repeated appeals to the MIAA, Department of Transportation and Communication and the Department of Science and Technology to look at IT solutions to spare OFWs from paying a fee that the law exempts them from. The senator also presided over a series of Senate hearings on the issue of terminal fees for OFWs where she took then General Manager Honrado to task for implementing Memorandum Circular No. 8 without any public hearings or direct consultations with the OFW sector. Twenty senators have also crossed party lines and authored Proposed Senate Resolution No. 1179 urging the recall of the memorandum until after MIAA and the concerned government agencies and stakeholders have found an appropriate computer system that will automatically exempt OFWs and other exempted persons. Villar, together with Sen. Aquilino Pimentel III and representatives of OFW groups, have also asked the Ombudsman to intervene and block the implementation of the memorandum. The senators and stakeholders contend that under Republic Act 8042 or the Migrant Workers Act, as amended by RA 10022, exempts OFWs from paying the IPSC. Existing laws also exempt Muslim pilgrims, national athletes, and individuals approved by the Office of the President.
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SACRAMENTO  The father of a man killed in the Ghost Ship fire told state lawmakers Wednesday that stringent building and fire codes drive artist warehouse spaces underground, where they remain unpermitted and often unsafe.

Edwin Bernbaum said creative artists like his son, Jonathan, were drawn to the Ghost Ship, a converted warehouse in Oakland where 36 people died in a Dec. 2 fire, because of a lack of affordable places to perform and live.

Bernbaum testified before the Senate Governance and Finance Committee, which had called an oversight hearing on how similar tragedies can be prevented. The lawmakers are reviewing existing laws to see if restrictions can be eased to encourage venues to get proper permits, while still maintaining safety.

Bernbaum said if nothing is done to ensure artists have affordable places to live and perform, they will be driven to makeshift, dangerous places.

And eventually you will have another Ghost Ship and I think we can agree that is the last thing we want to see happen, he said.

Jonathan Bernbaum, 34, was a video artist who performed around the world at electronic music shows. A Berkeley native and Oakland resident, he had gone to the Ghost Ship the night of Dec. 2 to support friends who were performing at a music show that was being held there.

Edwin Bernbaum said his son may have known about the safety issues at the Ghost Ship.

Two years before, his older brother had been with one of these collectives and they had performed at the Ghost Ship and realized it was a very dangerous place, Bernbaum told the lawmakers. They decided to never come back. But, with soaring rents and costs, there were fewer and fewer places ... where they can perform and put on musical events where they developed new techniques. And so they gradually drifted back.

On the night of the fire, many of the victims were trapped upstairs, where the show was being held. It was the deadliest structure fire in California in more than a century. The victims ranged in age from 17 to 61.

Lawmakers pushed building and safety officials at Wednesdays hearing for suggestions on how to ensure similar buildings are safe without forcing tenants out on the streets.

Senate Governance and Finance Committee Chair Mike McGuire, D-Healdsburg, said lawmakers will convene a working group to develop recommendations about potential changes to building, public safety and fire codes, and to look at what other cities and counties are doing that could be used as a model. Another hearing later this year will review the results of that work.

McGuire said lawmakers are already working on numerous affordable housing bills, which would address one of the reasons people were living at the Ghost Ship.

There is a balance between bringing buildings out of the dark and bringing them into a regulating environment, McGuire said. The practical reality is that, because rents have soared so significantly, there are very few other dwellings that folks can turn to to live in.

McGuire suggested the possibility of a statewide amnesty program that allowed building owners to come into compliance over a certain number of years.

Other lawmakers, including Sen. Nancy Skinner, D-Berkeley, said they were interested in possibly creating specific laws related to live-work warehouses similar to what historic buildings receive.

Oakland Firefighter Union President Lt. Dan Robertson, who spoke at the hearing, said he hoped to see more information-sharing through a centralized system so that local agencies can better communicate on issues like unpermitted living spaces.

Prior to the fire, city police officers had been told the Ghost Ship warehouse was illegally occupied and had responded to complaints about unpermitted raves. Building inspectors had also responded to complaints about the warehouse, which was a maze of makeshift stairs and sleeping areas. But Oaklands fire chief, Teresa Deloach Reed, said days after the fire that her department was not aware that the Ghost Ship existed.

Deloach Reed was noticeably absent from the hearing, three and a half months after the fire prompted questions about management and inspection procedures in the fire department. She has been mostly out of the public view since facing criticism over how little the department knew about the Ghost Ship.

City leaders said Tuesday Deloach Reed will retire May 5.

Hundreds of city documents showed police were repeatedly called to the warehouse in the two years leading up to the fire for reports of thefts, fights, stabbings, guns and parties. There is no evidence that the city followed up on the safety and licensing issues.

An investigation by the Alameda County District Attorneys Office to determine any criminal liability in the Ghost Ship fire is ongoing.

Melody Gutierrez is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mgutierrez@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @MelodyGutierrez
WASHINGTON  A budget proposal by President Trump that would slash domestic programs, singling out the environment for its harshest cuts while boosting military spending and setting aside money for a border wall, met a tepid welcome from Capitol Hill Republicans and outrage from Democrats, indicating that the most conservative budget blueprint since the Reagan administration may never be enacted.

The document, called, America First: A Budget Blueprint to Make America Great Again, would also dramatically reduce funding for American diplomacy, scientific research, climate programs, the arts, low-income housing, disease research and public lands. The budget pours the savings into military and security programs, including detention centers for immigrants who are in the country without documentation, and puts down $2.6 billion as an initial payment on an estimated $30 billion wall on the U.S. border with Mexico.

The document reflects Trumps basic governing priorities, carrying out what senior White House adviser Steve Bannon called the deconstruction of the administrative state. The administrations allies on the right, such as the Club for Growth, hailed the spending cuts, but protests came from everywhere else  from cancer advocates to the tech industry.

Democrats did not hold back.

This is the most draconian budget Ive ever seen proposed by a president, said Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif. She called the plan an absolute travesty for California and every state or community that thought they had a true partner in the federal government.

Feinstein accused Trump of betraying his promises to invest in the nations communities and infrastructure, and noted the budget will do nothing to reduce the deficit, a key Republican goal. Instead, she said, the plan goes after the only category of federal spending that has been shrinking in recent years  nondefense discretionary spending.

Trump, she said, does not seem to understand that these programs comprise a small share of the budget.

Sen. Bernie Sanders, independent-Vt., called the plan morally obscene. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-San Francisco, said it should never see the light of day.

Signaling that Republicans want major changes too, House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., called the budget merely an initial gesture, the very beginning of a long process.

And the chairman of the House Foreign Relations Committee, Rep. Ed Royce, R-Fullerton (Orange County), said he was very concerned that deep cuts to our diplomacy will hurt efforts to combat terrorism and distribute critical humanitarian aid. In the Senate, some Republicans had already dismissed cutting existing programs to pay for the wall.

The administrations plan to eliminate funding for restoration of the nations major water bodies, from the Great Lakes to San Francisco Bay, met rebukes from both sides of the aisle.

Presidential budgets serve primarily as an outline of administration priorities and a request to Congress, which has exclusive authority over spending and taxes.

The presidents budget expresses his priorities, and we will consider them, but it is the congressional budget and appropriations committees that will establish our priorities and fund them over the coming months, said Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, who chairs the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

A key problem for the administration is that its budget plan assumes the repeal of a 2011 budget law known as the sequester that caps both military and domestic spending. Republicans have a 52-48 Senate majority, eight shy of what theyll need to break a Democratic filibuster to lift those caps.

Domestic discretionary spending includes everything that is nonmilitary except entitlement programs such as Social Security and Medicare. The plan would limit spending to just 3 percent of the economy, its lowest share since 1962, said Robert Greenstein, head of the liberal Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

In the preface to the budget plan, Trump said our aim is to meet the simple, but crucial demand of our citizens  a government that puts the needs of its own people first.

When we do that, we will set free the dreams of every American, and we will begin a new chapter of American greatness, he said.

Reflecting what he described as these dangerous times, the budget proposed raising military spending by 10 percent and would offset it at the expense of domestic programs that have already been squeezed by seven years of budget austerity under the sequester. The Environmental Protection Agency takes the biggest hit, losing 31 percent of its funding.

The blueprint calls for eliminating programs across the government. Among the programs that would no longer get federal funding are the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities, as well as the Energy Star program that boosts the efficiency of household appliances.

Trump has promised a $1 trillion investment in infrastructure, but his budget would trim existing programs, including a $1 billion cut to the Army Corps of Engineers, which regulates flood control projects for dams such as Oroville.

We are going to do more with less, and make government lean and accountable to the people, Trump said in the preface.

Dubbed a skinny budget, the document contains little detail on how the cuts to Cabinet agencies will translate to specific programs. The cuts cover only a third of the governments actual budget, leaving out the largest areas of government operations: taxes and entitlements.

Mick Mulvaney, director of the Office of Management and Budget, acknowledged the lack of detail, promising a complete budget in May. He said the budget streamlines overlapping programs or those that have not proven their effectiveness, taking a business persons approach to finding efficiencies.

Climate change initiatives fall into the category. Were not spending money on that anymore, he said. We consider that to be a waste of your money.

In preparing the plan, Mulvaney said he pored over Trumps campaign promises and spoke with the president to set the administrations priorities.

This budget plan, he said, is the message the president wants to send to the public, adding it will be up to Cabinet secretaries to carry out the broad cuts outlined for their agencies.

Theres no question this is a hard-power budget, Mulvaney said. It is not a soft-power budget.

Trump clearly wants to send a message to adversaries and allies alike that the United States wants to project military might, not diplomacy, overseas, he said.

Although it is called a skinny budget, the document is unusually skimpy on details and is arriving a month later than those submitted during the first year by the past five administrations.

This is not a budget, said Stan Collender, a former top congressional budget staffer now at the public relations firm Qorvis MSLGROUP. Its a Trump campaign press release masquerading as a government document.

Next to the Environmental Protection Agency, the State Department would take the biggest cuts at 29 percent. The Department of Interior, which overseas the national parks, would be cut more than 10 percent at a time when the parks have a $12 billion maintenance backlog.

California would stand to take major hits across the board, with big unspecified cuts in Energy Department research that are likely to hit the Lawrence Livermore and Lawrence Berkeley national laboratories. Coastal programs would be axed across the board.

Environmental groups described the cuts as more severe than those of the early Reagan administration, many of which met stiff resistance in Congress and were ultimately reversed. This is a declaration of war against the environmental and conservation functions of the federal government, said David Goldston, head of advocacy for the Natural Resources Defense Council.

The document covers fiscal year 2018, which takes effect Oct. 1, and does not address this years spending. A temporary measure to fund the government expires in late April and must be renewed to avoid a government shutdown.

Carolyn Lochhead is The San Francisco Chronicles Washington correspondent. Email: clochhead@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @carolynlochhead
The Bay Areas busiest gathering of designers right now might be tucked inside a hangar on the outskirts of San Francisco International Airport.

Thats where 200 or so architects, engineers and other kindred spirits gather each weekday to chew on the details of a $1.5 billion project that wont be finished until the end of 2022. And the first tangible result of their efforts  to rebuild an entire terminal without ever closing it  is the room where they work each day, a 33,000-square-foot, free-standing structure that was conceived and constructed in less than nine months.

We whaled on this project, said Steve Weindel, an architect principal at Gensler, one of more than a dozen design-related firms sharing space in the big room within the hangar. It got the creative energies going.

The 16-foot-high cube, with its gypsum-board walls, is of note not only for curiositys sake, but also for what it says about the nature of design collaboration in todays world.

Most of the workers sit at desks and stare at computers, like anywhere else. The ever-changing mix of material samples  from carpeting to ceiling tiles  is displayed on a long board resting on a pair of jersey barriers.

The entire structure will be dismantled when design work comes to an end. But it required soundproofing thick enough to muffle the din from jets touching down or taking off. It also needed to be strong enough to withstand a major earthquake  and to deflect anything that might fall from the hangars structure during a temblor.

The designers sit in open neighborhoods, arranged around a central work lounge inspired by co-working spaces. Not everything is exposed, though. Theres a zen room for yoga sessions. A smaller room, dimly lit, allows breastfeeding mothers to retreat from the din.

Though the impromptu space has a proudly DIY feel, it is a command post of sorts for the biggest overhaul to SFO since the International Terminal opened in 2000.

Gensler/Kuth Ranieri

The southernmost piece in the facility, Terminal 1, is being torn down in stages and rebuilt. The number of gates will increase from 19 to 24. Common areas will be upgraded to meet the comfort levels of SFOs other terminals.

The makeover is so big and complex that construction will take place in four stages (the first, dismantling portions of the existing terminal from 1961, began quietly in October). Airport officials also chopped the project into two roughly equal pieces: the front of the terminal, which holds airline counters and the security checkpoints, and the long concourse with boarding gates behind.

They will move forward in tandem, each phased so that at least nine gates are always open  and so passengers can reach those gates safely.

Splitting the effort in half makes sense logistically. It also shares the wealth, as it were, ensuring that a wider variety of firms are represented, from structural engineers to signage consultants.

The airport is very sensitive to wanting to support the architectural community in San Francisco, said Farrah Young, SFOs design manager for the project. Something this big, the more people working on it the better.

Yet Terminal 1 needs to feel like a single entity rather than two projects, one in front and onein back. At the very least, passengers cant be allowed to pass through security and then plunge onto the tarmac.

Hence the big room, predicated on the notion that in an age of videoconferencing and shared documents in the cloud, physical proximity is still a virtue. Theres even a Thursday morning session around the long table with its material samples, so members of each firm can say what theyve been up to the prior week.

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The room really emphasizes whats going on, Weindel said. That was one of the main reasons to do it  to have the two teams together on a day-to-day basis, because for patrons its a continuous experience.

As for what the experience should be, SFO has a deserved reputation for making its share of the travel experience relatively hassle-free. The goal at Terminal 1 is to raise the bar, like SFO did with the rebirth of Terminal 2 in 2011.

For instance, designers seek to make zones as prosaic as baggage claim seem cool, or at least a place where you dont mind cooling your heels.

Many cities think of airports as their front door, yet the big experience is when youre leaving, and that can be pretty grim, said Byron Kuth of Kuth Ranieri Architects, which is working with Gensler on the terminals front half, part of a team led by general contractor Hensel Phelps. We want to introduce a different paradigm, a finer grain thats more intimate and personalized.

Kuth Ranieri is a 15-member firm with offices in North Beach. Now, six of those employees are based in the hangar full-time.

This space isnt anyones turf, Kuth said approvingly. When you need to work something out with a designer from another part of the project, you just find a corner and pin stuff up madly. Its the architecture of getting things done.

John King is The San Francisco Chronicles urban design critic. Email: jking@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @johnkingsfchron
Revelations that Russian intelligence agents penetrated the computer systems of Yahoo three years ago is hardly news to someone like Marina Kaljurand.

As the Estonian ambassador to Russia in 2007, she contacted officials there after a cyberattack against her country, which Estonia blamed on Russia. The denial-of-service assault effectively shut down the websites of the former Soviet republics parliament, newspapers and banks by overwhelming the sites with Internet traffic rerouted from other servers.

As you can imagine, she didnt get far.

It was a one-sided conversation, said Kaljurand, whos attending a cybersecurity conference in Berkeley this week. There was no response from Russia.

Events seem to have come full circle for Kaljurand, whos now chairing the Global Commission on the Stability of Cyberspace. The organization wants to establish guidelines on whats permissible or out of bounds when it comes to hacking computer systems in another country.

Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle

In many ways, the commission owes its existence to Russia. In the past, the world generally accepted that countries spied on each other and occasionally fought officially declared wars with bullets and bombs. But the assault against Estonia seemed symbolic of a disturbing new era in international conflicts, in which state-sponsored hackers target civilian institutions during peacetime for political and economic gain.

No one is more aware of the new threat than Silicon Valley, where the indictments for the Yahoo hack underscore growing concerns over security. As another example, the U.S. has regularly complained to China about hackers with suspected ties to the Peoples Liberation Army trying to steal secrets from universities and tech firms.

It makes sense to establish some norms of behavior for countries to spar over the Internet. You cant eliminate attacks, but perhaps you can agree on what crosses the line.

Countries like Russia probably wont be keen on an international policy. After all, the two Russian spies included in the federal indictments in the Yahoo hack presumably got their orders from higher up. The U.S., for its part, has done its share of spying, too. Last week WikiLeaks revealed programs it said the Central Intelligence Agency used to hack into common devices like smartphones, methods that could be used to get around messaging encryption.

Kaljurand doesnt think we should create a Geneva Convention for online warfare. She said the new commission, formed with the support of the Netherlands, Microsoft and some think tanks, will develop ways we can apply existing international laws to the Internet. Notably, it includes no representatives from Russia, though there are two from China: Xiaodong Lee, a professor of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Zhang Li, a top official with China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations.

The Geneva Conventions forbid the deliberate targeting of civilians in a war. So a reasonable interpretation of the law would mean a nation cant blow up a dam or a natural gas plant through a computer hack if those actions would kill or injure civilians.

That has happened before. After Russia invaded Ukraine in 2014, for example, hackers repeatedly attacked Ukraines power grid.

And civilians are targeted, or at least collateral damage, in many hacks.

In the Yahoo breach, the Russians were targeting foreign officials, business executives, journalists and even politicians from their own country. This year, U.S. intelligence agencies concluded Russia attempted to influence the presidential election by leaking emails it stole from Democrats.

China is another emerging player in the hacking world, with a motivation that is partly financial. In a 2013 report, the National Bureau of Asian Research concluded that intellectual property theft cost the United States about $300 billion a year in exports to Asia. The study, led by former director of national intelligence and Navy Adm. Dennis Blair and Jon Huntsman, a former U.S. ambassador to China, also estimated that China accounted for up to 80 percent of all such thefts around the world.

National industrial policy goals in China encourage IP theft, and an extraordinary number of Chinese in business and government entities are engaged in this practice, the report said.

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Chinas growing capabilities have only made the problem worse, said Mark Krotoski, a former criminal division chief with the U.S. Attorneys Office in the Northern District of California who has successfully prosecuted Chinese nationals for economic espionage.

Intellectual property theft has become an evolving, emerging challenge because of the growing number of cyberintrusions and sophisticated hacking, said Krotoski, now a partner with Morgan Lewis law firm in Palo Alto.

Though we normally accept that nations spy on each other, the Obama Administration concluded that such state-sponsored commercial espionage crossed the line of acceptable behavior. President Barack Obama personally raised the issue during his meetings with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

Its very difficult to prosecute the thefts because the culprits can usually hide behind a myriad of proxies and shell entities, Krotoski said.

Establishing bright lines is helpful, Krotowski said. Its a key step of a broader approach to curbing attacks.

In late 2015, China and the United States reached a deal not to swipe intellectual property from one another online. Since the agreement, the number of Chinese incursions into the computer systems of American companies has significantly dropped.

Cyberspace is not the jungle, Kaljurand said. There are rules.

The rules are being put to a severe test.

Thomas Lee is a San Francisco Chronicle columnist. Email: tlee@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ByTomLee
Implicit in federal agents expression of gratitude to tech giants Yahoo and Google for helping them tie two Russian spies and a pair of hackers to a massive email breach in 2014 was an overture to the rest of Silicon Valley:

If you work with us, federal agents seemed to say, we can better defend against foreign attacks.

But those niceties, which accompanied the indictments of four alleged cyberspies Wednesday, may fall on deaf ears. The long-standing tension between the federal government and American technology companies has reached new heights in recent months, security experts said, and it will take more than one successful investigation to mend it.

Bay Area tech firms are still reeling from several revelations that show Russia may not be the only government hacking into their products. Just last week, a cache of stolen CIA documents leaked by activist group WikiLeaks revealed espionage tactics that U.S. agents may have used to hack into numerous Silicon Valley consumer products, including the iPhone and Googles Android software.

Companies from small startups to multimillion-dollar venture capital firms have denounced several policies put forth by the Trump administration. President Trump himself has been a vocal critic of the Bay Area tech scene, calling for heightened pressure on tech firms to comply with government investigations and build back doors to allow agents to crack into personal devices protected by passwords.

Meanwhile the threat from other nations and hackers continues to mount. Russias involvement in the Yahoo hack that affected at least 500 million accounts was not terribly surprising to many cybersecurity experts, who noted that nation states increasingly are targeting private companies, seeking personal and corporate secrets.

Caught in the middle are consumers, both American and international, whose personal lives, data and information may not be as secure as it could be as long as the trust and information-sharing between the private and public sector continues to erode.

They can do a better job together than they can do at each others throats, said Robert Cattanach, a partner at law firm Dorsey & Whitney and a former attorney with the Department of Justice. But tech companies dont trust that the government  especially after what they learned from the CIA documents  wont turn around and use the information they provide against their users. Theyre going to need to take small steps to rebuild some of that trust.

On Wednesday, Department of Justice officials announced they had charged four people  two officers of the Russian Federal Security Service and two hackers the Russian government employed  in connection with the 2014 Yahoo security breach.

The incident, which the company disclosed last year, is believed to be the nations second-largest security breach, topped only by another Yahoo hack that affected more than 1 billion users in 2013. Officials have not yet determined who was behind that that attack.

Dmitry Dokuchaev and Igor Sushchin, two operatives with the Kremlins Federal Security Service, targeted the accounts of diplomats, journalists, Russian officials and critics of the Kremlin in their digital raid, according to the court documents. They employed the help of known cybercriminals Alexsey Belan of Russia and Karim Baratov, a Canadian resident, to steal information from computers of American email service companies.

Belan also used his access to search and take gift card and credit card numbers from email accounts and redirected traffic on Yahoos search engine, officials said.

The hackers also used information they acquired to access a number of Google Gmail accounts, including those of high-ranking Russian officials, according to the indictment.

Baratov was arrested in Canada Tuesday. The department has issued arrest warrants for Dokuchaev, Sushchin and Belan, all of whom are unlikely to be arrested given Russias lack of an extradition agreement with the United States. The cyberspying charges, the first ever brought against Russian security operatives, are largely symbolic, officials conceded.

With these charges, the Department of Justice is continuing to send the powerful message that we will not allow individuals, groups, nation states or a combination of them to compromise the privacy of our citizens, the economic interests of our companies or the security of our country, said Mary McCord, acting assistant attorney general.

The governments willingness to bring its investigation to court also means it is confident in the evidence, said Joseph Lorenzo Hall, chief technologist for the Center on Democracy and Technology. It is evidence that cybersecurity experts said theyd like to see but probably wont, said Adam M. Segal, director of the Digital and Cyberspace Policy Program at the Council on Foreign Relations.

For cybersecurity insiders to trust what theyre saying, they want to see all the evidence ... and the government is not going to do that, said Segal. We do reach a point where the U.S. government says we cant reveal any more info and youll have to take our word on it.

The problem with that, for Silicon Valley and international audiences, is do we want to set a standard that the Russians and Chinese can say the same thing? Oh yes, we have the evidence. Just trust us. I do think the government is trying to address this by releasing more information.

Wednesdays charges, which were handed down by a San Francisco grand jury, are not related to accusations of Russian interference in the U.S. election or the hacking of the Democratic National Committees emails, though national security experts have said Russias Federal Security Service seems to have been involved in those attacks as well.

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The Democratic National Conventions emails were breached last year by Russian hackers, allowing them to gain access to messages and chats, including opposition research on President Donald Trump. John Podesta, who served a campaign manager for Hillary Clinton, also had his personal email breached.

It is very important for corporations around the country to know that when you are going against the resources and backing of a nation state, it is not a fair fight, and it is not a fight you are likely to win alone, McCord said. But you do not have to go it alone. We can put the full capabilities of the United States behind you to make cases like this, but we cannot do it without your help.

Yahoo said it was committed to keeping its users data safe and would continue to engage with law enforcement. No other tech companies immediately responded to the Department of Justices overtures.

Bennett of the FBI called Yahoo great partners over the two-year investigation, specifically citing CEO Marissa Mayer, who he said demonstrated leadership and courage while under pressure from many entities.

San Francisco FBI agents led the investigation, according to Justice Department officials. That, Cattanach said, may serve as a stepping stone to bettering relationships with tech companies.

You have people at the FBI who have been working with folks at Yahoo and Google. And its all about personal relationships, he said. There may not be institutional trust, but I think on occasion youll have some individual trust. And that might be the only way to make progress here.

San Francisco Chronicle staff writer Evan Sernoffsky contributed to this report.

Wendy Lee and Marissa Lang are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: wlee@sfchronicle.com, mlang@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @thewendylee @marissa_jae
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Firebrand conservative radio host and adamant President Trump supporter Michael Savage was attacked and pushed to the ground by a man as he left a restaurant in Marin County, his attorney said Wednesday.

An attorney for the 75-year-old Savage questioned whether his client was targeted for his outspoken political beliefs and his backing of Trump, who has said he wouldnt have won the election without Savage and his millions of listeners.

Savage had just finished dining at Servino Ristorante on Main Street in Tiburon when a man, whom he did not know, approached him in the parking lot around 8 p.m. Tuesday, said Savages attorney, Daniel Horowitz.

The man, believed to be about 50 years old and over 6 feet tall, began yelling at Savage, calling him weenie and Weiner, an apparent reference to Savages legal last name, Weiner, Horowitz said.

The guy obviously knows who Michael is, Horowitz said, adding that Savage had seen the man inside the restaurant at the bar, but did not speak to him.

Savage, holding onto his toy poodle, Teddy, and a to-go bag, told the man to get lost, Horowitz said.

The man then pushed Savage to the ground, and when a bystander tried to intervene, the man punched him in the face, Horowitz said.

More for you Vandalism at UC Hastings in SF probed as anti-Semitic hate crime

Laurie Nilsen, a spokeswoman for the Tiburon Police Department, said officers responded to Servino around 8:25 p.m. on a report of a fight with no weapons involved.

Both men blamed the other for starting the altercation and wanted to press charges, Nilsen said, adding that officers were compiling evidence and planned to forward a report to the Marin County district attorneys office for possible charges. The name of the man involved in the confrontation with Savage was not released.

Related Video: Michael Savage sounds off on Founding Fathers

In a statement, Savage denied starting the altercation, saying his hands were full at the time. Horowitz said he was trying to obtain surveillance footage from the restaurant.

Savage  whose latest book is Trumps War: His Battle For America  is the host of Savage Nation, a nationally syndicated conservative radio show that airs in the Bay Area from noon to 3 p.m. weekdays on KSFO-AM. He proudly describes himself as a political outcast in the liberal Bay Area.

Savage was fired from his gig at MSNBC in 2003 for telling a caller he should get AIDS and die  one of a series of controversial statements hes made over the course of his career.

Michael Bodley is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mbodley@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @michael_bodley
A Jewish symbol adorning a students front door on the UC Hastings campus in San Francisco was partially set on fire by a vandal, and police are investigating the incident as a possible anti-Semitic hate crime, officials said.

A student living at McAllister Tower noticed the mezuzah affixed to his door frame was defaced Monday, according to the Jewish Law Students Association.

The mezuzah, which contains a scroll of Hebrew verses from the Torah, is commonly placed on door frames by those of the Jewish faith.

UC Hastings Chancellor David Faigman sent out a letter to students, faculty and staff Wednesday morning condemning what appears to be a cowardly act of anti-Semitism.

I am deeply troubled by the possible implications of such an act on our campus, Faigman wrote. We will not tolerate hateful actions of any sort against members of our community. UC Hastings is dedicated to the principals of diversity and inclusion.

Its suspected the vandalism might have been committed Sunday, the Jewish holiday Purim, said Jacob Erez, vice president of the association.

Its a very disturbing event, said Erez, drawing a parallel to the recent wave of bomb threats at Jewish community centers nationwide, including several in the Bay Area. We hear about it happening all over the country and then, boom, it hits the school.

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University spokesman Alex Shapiro said he hadnt heard of any similar incident in the six years he has worked at the school.

Anyone with more information is encouraged to call UC Hastings campus police at (415) 525-4611.

Jenna Lyons is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jlyons@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @JennaJourno
California State University students are fighting a proposed 5 percent tuition increase for next fall which, if approved next week by the trustees, would be the first for CSU since 2011.

The proposal would add $270 to the undergraduate price and bring tuition to $5,472 a year. Graduate students would pay an additional $438 a year for an annual tuition of $7,176. This is the first year since 2011 that CSU can raise tuition under Gov. Jerry Browns multiyear funding plan for the university, which guaranteed funding increases of at least 4 percent from 2013 to 2017 if the trustees kept tuition flat.

Now, although the price hike might sound small, students say it will be hard for those from families that earn too much to qualify for financial aid to pay for school on top of books and living costs.

So dozens of students demonstrated at San Francisco State on Wednesday, using their bodies to form the words NO HIKES on Malcolm X Plaza. Hundreds more lobbied in Sacramento this week to urge state lawmakers to give CSU an extra $168 million  above the $157 million Brown has recommended for the university  to close its shortfall. And busloads of students are expected to show up at CSUs Long Beach headquarters next Wednesday to ask the trustees to vote no.

CSU leaders say that only 40 percent of the universitys 425,000 undergraduates on 23 campuses would have to pay the higher price. The rest, about 255,000, are covered through financial aid.

That leaves about 170,000 middle-class students who would have to pay it. And many of them  like Alison Sexson, 20, a junior majoring in political science and psychology at San Francisco State  say it will add to their student debt.

I have about $20,000 in student loans this year, Sexson said. If tuition goes up, next year, itll probably have to be around $25,000. Even though the tuition increase doesnt seem like that much, with the cost of housing and food going up, itll be necessary.

Sexson and several other students active in student government set up a table outside the student union Wednesday to answer students questions about the tuition proposal. The free pizza didnt hurt, and business was brisk.

The more you pay, the longer you stay, said Nathan Jones, 21, a sophomore majoring in business management who helped at the information table. Thats because when students pay more, they often have to take another job and less (academic) units, so theyre not graduating as fast. Jones, who works for the student government and in the recreation department, said hell have to take on a third job if the price rises. Because I dont want any more loans.

Celia LoBuono Gonzalez, 24, a communications major, already works three jobs  as a caregiver, as a babysitter and with student government  and has been at San Francisco State for seven years. Although tuition had been stable, its been difficult to find classes to get through my major because San Francisco State doesnt offer enough courses for the people who need them, she said.

Gonzalez joined about 300 other students, including Cal State East Bay graduate student David Lopez, president of the Cal State Student Association, on Monday and Tuesday to lobby state lawmakers.

We made it very personal and told stories of how price hikes affect students, said Lopez, adding that lawmakers declined to make any promises as they try to work out next years budget by the June 15 deadline and wrestle with uncertainties in federal funding to the state.

Next week, Lopez, Gonzalez and many others say theyll charter buses to Long Beach to try to persuade the trustees to reject the tuition proposal.

CSU leaders unveiled it in January and said it would raise $77.5 million to eliminate nearly half of the anticipated $168 million shortfall in their 2017-18 budget.

CSUs financial administrators Steve Relyea and Ryan Storm say in their tuition proposal that monthly student-loan payments would increase by $13 on average if the price goes up. Just less than half of CSU students graduate with loan debt that in 2013-14 averaged $14,388, they said.

Nanette Asimov is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: nasimov@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @NanetteAsimov
The line to get into 111 Minna Gallery wrapped around the block Friday, March 10, as hundreds waited to get into the Girls in Tech 10th Birthday Party. I made my way to the end of the queue while a young woman at the front was turned away. She slid her not-yet-old-enough ID back into her wallet and marched off with a look of determination. Shell try again next year, I figured, and shell fit right in.

Inside the free party, colorful balloon sculptures hung from the ceiling and a DJ spun remixed versions of hip-hop classics. Silver Mylar balloons announced 10 near the front door as Girls in Tech CEO and founder Adriana Gascoigne greeted her guests in sky-high heels and lightly fragranced confidence. The 39-year-old Oakland resident had no real agenda for her party, other than to express gratitude and celebration for her nonprofits impressive growth over the past decade.

Its an opportunity for me to underscore the power of technology and the startup culture that weve created in San Francisco, Gascoigne said.

Its not easy to succeed as a woman in any male-dominated workplace, and thats certainly the case in the tech industry. A former Uber employee named Susan J. Fowler recently published a scathing online post about her experiences with alleged sexual harassment and discrimination while working at the ride-hailing company. When I brought up Fowlers accusations with a handful of guests at Fridays event, none expressed surprise. To paraphrase their general response: Sexism exists. Duh.

Beth Spotswood

We want to be a part of the discussion, said Gascoigne, but we also want to be a part of the solution.

Gascoignes solution is one she came up with 10 years ago. Frustrated with feeling like the only woman in her industry, Gascoigne set out to find a way to connect with her female colleagues. In 2007, she hosted the first Girls in Tech mixer at a now-defunct bar called Slide. To Gascoignes surprise, more than 200 women attended. A lot of energy, a lot of great discussion, said Gascoigne of that first event. Then I was off to the races.

A decade later, Girls in Tech boasts more than 50,000 members and 60 official chapters around the globe. Its a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a staff of 12, a tech-titan board of directors and Gascoigne at the helm. The organization offers eight programs, from a global classroom of free online coding courses to this summers three-day Catalyst Conference. Girls in Tech is also a way for women in the tech industry, many of whom have relocated to the Bay Area for work, to meet others like them.

The No. 1 piece of feedback we get is that women want friends, said Lauren Feldman, managing director of Girls in Tech for San Francisco and Silicon Valley. People arent catty (within the organization). Everyone acknowledges that theres enough success for everyone.

Gascoigne connected me with Feldman. Making connections is one of the things she does best, and even at her nonprofits own birthday party, Gascoigne was happily hustling, guiding yet another member over to someone they should definitely meet. She was right about getting me to chat with Feldman, mainly because Lauren Feldman is super fun to talk to and, as a volunteer for Girls in Tech, has a different perspective.

Ive gotten more back from volunteering with this group than anything Ive gotten from any job, beamed Feldman, who promptly handed me her card.

Theres a lot of talk, and a lot of justified talk, about the way the tech industry is transforming San Francisco. Attending the Girls in Tech party was an important reminder that there are people in that industry who chose to focus their talents on making positive change.

More women in tech is a good thing. More women with access to tech education and connections around the globe is a good thing. San Francisco is changing, but so is the world. Women need to be prepared and welcomed into the technology workforce.

The tech industry is really awesome, said Gascoigne. It touches every industry in the world. Its important for us to be on top of our game, you know?

Two hours into the party, as the clock inched closer to midnight, there was still a line of folks waiting to get inside. The majority of the crowd inside 111 Minna Gallery were women. It was mostly men who seemed to be the ones waiting outside.

Beth Spotswoods column appears Thursdays in Datebook. Email: datebook@sfchronicle.com
Reports of three cases in which elderly women went blind after receiving an experimental stem cell therapy at a Florida clinic should raise concern about the proliferation of similar centers across the country, where patients often are promised safe and effective care using unproven and potentially risky treatments, experts said Wednesday.

A paper describing the eye treatments, which were performed in 2015, was published Wednesday in the New England Journal of Medicine. At least two of the women sought to collect damages from the clinic that treated them in lawsuits that have since been settled.

Hundreds of clinics that market stem cell therapies directly to consumers have cropped up in the United States over the past few years, and California is a hot spot in the trend. The authors of the new paper said people seeking treatments at these clinics should consider what happened to the women in Florida a major red flag.

Its a terrible, terrible story. But if it helps raise awareness  boy, do we really need to get this story out there, said Dr. Jeffrey Goldberg, a Stanford ophthalmologist who co-authored the paper with colleagues in Florida. Its an important opportunity to educate patients, to educate physicians, to engage the regulatory bodies  to make sure that were protecting people.

The Florida cases come at a critical time for the U.S. stem cell industry, as federal officials, doctors, scientists and patient advocates try to come up with appropriate regulation of experimental therapies without tamping down research that has been heralded as potentially life-saving.

In the current climate, consumer stem cell clinics have flourished. There are roughly a dozen in the Bay Area, where theyre flanked by the locations of some of the nations most prominent stem cell scientists, UCSF and Stanford.

But the work thats coming out of academic institutions is usually vastly different from whats on offer at the clinics, which typically lack federal approval for the treatments they offer, stem cell experts said. And though California hasnt seen cases of stem cell therapies gone horribly awry in a consumer clinic, it may just be a matter of time.

The situation in Florida is disturbing on its own, but to me the bigger story is  whoa, how many people may be at risk across the country? And especially here in California, because our state has so many of these clinics, said Paul Knoepfler, a UC Davis stem cell scientist who last summer published a report on the spread of the facilities.

I see it as almost a public health crisis, with the number of clinics out there, he said. Its probably in the tens of thousands of patients a year being treated. Thats a lot of people being given something that doesnt have a lot of data to back it up.

In the Florida cases, all three women had forms of macular degeneration, an age-related condition of the eye that causes the rods and cones that sense light and send visual cues to the brain to deteriorate and stop working entirely.

The condition eventually leads to blindness, but the three women, who ranged in age from 72 to 88, still had enough sight to live relatively normal lives  recognizing faces, reading with magnification, even driving. Still, fear of eventually going blind left them desperate for treatment, said Dr. Thomas Albini, an ophthalmologist at the University of Miami and co-author of the paper, who treated two of the women after they had the stem cell therapies.

At least two of the women found out about the stem cell treatment by looking at listings for clinical trials on a government website, clinicaltrials.gov. They later told doctors they believed they were participating in a clinical trial, but papers they signed showed that wasnt the case. Clinical trials are subject to regulations and guidelines that demand certain safety protocols.

The trial that drew in the women is still listed online, though a note now says it was stopped prior to enrollment  meaning no one was ever treated as part of the trial. Each woman paid $5,000 for the procedure. Typically, patients do not pay to participate in clinical trials.

The treatment given to the women involved what are called autologous adipose stem cells, found in a persons own fat tissue. The fat stem cells are a popular product at consumer clinics  promoted to treat everything from heart disease to diabetes and sexual dysfunction  because theyre so easy to obtain.

But there is little evidence these fat stem cells are effective for any of the conditions theyre marketed to treat. And almost none of that research is in treating eye conditions.

Theres no doubt there are some stem cells in fat. As to whether they are the right cells to be put into the eye, thats a different question, said Abla Creasey, associate director for therapeutics at the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine, the states stem cell agency. The misuse of stem cells in the wrong locations, using the wrong stem cells, is going to lead to bad outcomes.

At the clinic, fat tissue was removed by liposuction from the women. In an on-site lab, the stem cells were prepared for injection into the patients eyes. All the patients had both eyes treated at once  something that would never happen in a clinical trial because of the risk of total blindness or other bad outcomes, doctors said.

Almost right away, the women experienced severe pain in their eyes and loss of vision. Within a year of treatment, all of the women were legally blind. One woman cant sense light from dark or the motion of a hand waving in front of her face.

I was angry; I was astonished. I was heartbroken to some degree, said Albini, recalling his visits with the women. When I heard about them, it was just baffling to me. I really didnt know that clinics like this existed in the United States. I had patients who told me they were thinking about going to China, Mexico. But I didnt know we had clinics doing this so close to home.

The clinic where the women were treated wasnt identified in the New England Journal of Medicine paper. But according to the clinical trial listing and lawsuits filed, the facility was run by U.S. Stem Cells in Sunrise, Fla. The clinic no longer offers eye therapies, but its website advertises treatments for neurological conditions, autoimmune disorders, diabetes, heart disease and orthopedic problems.

In a statement, the company said it has successfully conducted more than 7,000 stem cell procedures with less than .01 percent adverse reactions.

We are unable to comment further on specific cases due to patient confidentiality or legal confidentiality obligations, the company stated.

Albini said the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has opened an investigation into the company. FDA officials said they could not comment on or confirm ongoing investigations.

Beyond the tragedy of what the women endured, scientists said they fear cases like theirs could damage public support of, and faith in, the potential of stem cell science.

A few scientists are now studying stem cell treatments for macular degeneration, but using different kinds of stem cells, and only after years of lab research to back up their work.

We dont want to undercut the legitimate progress thats being made, Goldberg said. These kinds of situations risk souring peoples enthusiasm. And the truth is, stem cells hold a lot of promise.

Erin Allday is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: eallday@sfchronicle.com

Resources

For information on how patients and their doctors can evaluate stem cell therapies and determine if a treatment or trial is appropriate for them, go to www.closerlookatstemcells.org.
courtesy of Drug Policy Alliance

Heres everything you need to know to make your way to the right cannabis product for your condition:
The San Francisco International Film Festival turns 60 this year, and it is celebrating by looking ahead, not back. On Wednesday, the festival announced an adventurous program and a re-branding of their name. Theyre now to be known as the SFFilm Festival, and their umbrella organization, the San Francisco Film Society, is now SFFilm.

Our approach to our 60th anniversary  while acknowledging our heritage  is really to be forward looking, said Rachel Rosen, director of programming. So were not heavily embedded in retrospectives but in unique programming, special events and live components, to make it really fun.

The festival will open with Landline, the second feature film from Gillian Robespierre, whose first film was Obvious Child. The new film is a comedy-drama about a dysfunctional family that grows closer as long-buried secrets are revealed. It stars Jenny Slate, Edie Falco and Abie Quinn and screens at 7 p.m. April 5 at the Castro Theatre.

This years festival is loosely structured into three parts. As we see it, said Noah Cowan, the festivals executive director, the first weekend through Sunday will have a lot of premieres, red carpet events and parties geared to out-of-towners. The second phase will have more local focus and foreign language films. And the third will allow cinephiles to catch up.

Among the many highlights, look for The Force, from documentarian Peter Nicks, whose The Waiting Room, about what goes on inside a hospital waiting room, was one of the best films of 2013. His new film takes a look at the Oakland Police Department over the course of two years.

Also look for The Lost City of Z, the latest from director James Gray (Two Lovers), who is considered a leading American auteur in Europe. Its the drama based on the real life story of a British explorer in search of a lost city in the Amazon. It screens at 7 p.m. April 9 at the YBCA Theatre on Mission Street.

Classic film aficionados will not want to miss the screening of Citizen Kane, which will be accompanied by a conversation between film historian David Thomson and William Randolph Hearst III. Its the first time a member of the Hearst family will have spoken publicly about the film, which was loosely based on the life of newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst. The program will take place at 6:30 p.m. April 6 at the Castro.

Ethan Hawke will be the subject of a tribute built around a screening of Maudie, an Aisling Walsh film in which he co-stars opposite Sally Hawkins. He will appear onstage in a conversation about his career at 3:30 p.m. on April 8 at YBCA.

The festivals centerpiece film will be Patti Cake$, from first-time feature director Geremy Jasper, who won a grant from the Film Society and the Kenneth Rainin Foundation in 2014. Danielle Macdonald stars in the fictional story of a white working-class girl from New Jersey who aspires to stardom as a hip-hop artist. Cathy Moriarty (Raging Bull) plays the girls grandmother. The film screens at 7:30 p.m. April 12 at the Castro.

The closing night film will be The Green Fog  A San Francisco Fantasia, from director Guy Maddin. The film is a kind of remake of Hitchcocks Vertigo, using no footage from the original, that is pieced together from already existing footage of San Francisco. It will be accompanied by Kronos Quartet, playing a score written by Jacob Garchik. The show will screen at 7 p.m. April 16 at the Castro.

Mick LaSalle is The San Francisco Chronicles movie critic. Email: mlasalle@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @MickLaSalle

The SFFilm Festival

The 60th annual festival will take place April 5-19 at a variety of Bay Area venues. For information about specific films and venues, go to www.sffilm.org.
California on Monday joined Washington state's growing effort to block President Donald Trump's revised travel ban targeting predominantly Muslim nations as Washington's attorney general sought a hearing before a federal judge to try to prevent the order from taking effect this week.

In a new complaint filed in U.S. District Court Monday, Washington state Attorney General Bob Ferguson asked for a hearing with the judge based in Seattle on Tuesday, two days before the revised travel ban is scheduled to begin.

He said the new travel ban is unconstitutional and harms state residents, universities and businesses, especially tech companies like Microsoft and Amazon who rely on foreign workers. California, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York and Oregon joined Washington in the legal action.

"No one is above the law, not even the President  and I will hold him accountable to the Constitution," Ferguson said in a statement. "Cutting some illegal aspects of President Trump's original travel ban does not cure his affront to our Constitution."

California Attorney General Xavier Becerra said the order, despite being changed, represents an attack on people based on their religion or national origin.

Ferguson filed the new court documents after a federal judge last week said he wouldn't immediately rule on whether his restraining order against the old ban applies to the new Trump executive order. U.S. District Judge James Robart on Friday asked for new motions or a complaint.

Washington was the first state to sue over the original ban, which resulted in Robart halting its implementation around the country.

Trump's revised ban blocks new visas for people from six predominantly Muslim countries including Somalia, Iran, Syria, Sudan, Libya and Yemen.

It also temporarily shuts down the U.S. refugee program. Unlike the original order, the new one says current visa holders won't be affected, and it removes language that would give priority to religious minorities.

Ferguson acknowledged the changes to the order, but said the revised ban still "bars entry for virtually all other individuals from the listed countries," including relatives of U.S. citizens and students who have been admitted to state universities and people who might seek work at schools and businesses.

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.

"This Court's original injunction protected these individuals and institutions," Washington's new court filing said. Washington state said the federal government can't enforce the new travel ban unless it asks Robart to modify his original temporary restraining order.

"Until they do so, they cannot escape the injunction and continue their illegal conduct," the filing said.

White House spokesman Sean Spicer said last week that the administration believed the revised travel ban will stand up to legal scrutiny.

___

Associated Press writer Christopher Weber in Los Angeles contributed to this report.
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When Rep. Steve King, an Iowa Republican, recently tweeted, Culture and demographics are our destiny. We cant restore our civilization with somebody elses babies, I fumed.

Somebody else? As in my immigrant Chinese father, who earned an engineering doctorate in Iowa, and worked on Chicagos Sears Tower, an iconic skyscraper and soaring symbol of progress. As in my mother, a scientist who researches food safety. Babies? As in my parents American-born children, me and my siblings.

In the wake of the presidential election, as bigots have become emboldened and hate speech and hate crimes escalated, Ive been figuring out how to educate my 5- year-old twins about social justice.

In January, as the Martin Luther King holiday approached, we showed them an online video of the civil rights leader.

Is he alive? Gege asked.

My husband and I exchanged a look.

He passed away, my husband said.

He was shot and killed, I added. I didnt want to gloss over what happened, yet I didnt want the twins to be fearful of protesting.

Why? Didi asked.

By bad guys, who didnt believe people were equal, I said.

Villains? Gege asked. I nodded, even though that term didnt feel quite right  the simplistic portrayals he knows from cartoons are far removed from the horrors of everyday racism.

Im not the only parent searching for how to teach my children about our troubled world. Sales of Innosanto Nagaras A is for Activist picture book have nearly doubled in the months since the election, according to his publisher. Its also been appearing on regional and national bestseller lists.

The Oakland father wrote the book for his son, who is now 6. Dr. Seuss made up big words. If you can get excited about that, why not democracy? Nagara asked. Its about developing a vocabulary and a bigger picture.

At noon Saturday, March 18, hell join the Center for Asian American Medias book fair and panel of Bay Area authors, including Thi Bui, Stan Yogi, Laura Atkins and Nidhi Chanani at the Oakland Asian Cultural Center. (Tickets $14, free for those younger than 18.)

In the car, the twins have taken to chanting Nagaras verse for the letter P: Pro-Pro-Protest! Pow-Pow-Power to the Pee-Pee-People!

Although Ive tried to explain the books different concepts, sometimes I come up short. Zapatistas, leftist rebels from Mexicos Chiapas, are depicted as a man with a black mask covering his mouth.

Are they like ninjas? Gege asked.

Sort of? Theyre warriors, I said.

They have sticky hands and feet and can climb walls? he asked, conflating ninjas, Spider-Man and Zapatistas.

Nagaras My Night in the Planetarium, based on his experience of growing up under a repressive regime in Indonesia, has also resonated with young readers who find parallels to todays issues.

Theres no escaping, no sheltering them, he said. If you dont talk about it ahead of time, kids are still going to talk about it among themselves. Planetarium is about using art and theater as a form of resistance, he explained. Ultimately, we can win.

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Bui, another panelist, advised me to seek out books featuring more than the mainstay heroes. Heroes are important to kids, she said. But you can complement Martin Luther King with other activists from the civil rights movement. They didnt all get assassinated. Show it as a cast of characters who came together.

The Berkeley mothers stunning, deeply moving graphic novel The Best We Could Do examines the history of her Vietnamese refugee family. She hopes that readers will gain a greater understanding of refugees past and present. You might be able to imagine yourself in their shoes and why they made the decisions they did, she said.

Panelists Yogi and Atkins, co-authors of Fred Korematsu Stands Up, have been visiting schools to discuss how the Japanese American activist fought internment.

We make a point that theres a lot of ways you can stand up to speak up. You can protest. You can sing. Make artwork, said Atkins, an Oakland mother.

To that end, along with reading such books to the twins, I made a New Years resolution to explore different cultures and faiths with my family. Were planning to visit Wat Mongkolratanarams Thai temple brunch in Berkeley, a Sikh langar meal and a service at Glide Memorial Church in San Francisco, among others; Id appreciate suggestions from readers as well.

Over the weekend, we attended a joyous Purim celebration with a Chinese theme. A red paper lantern perched beside a brimming basket of hamantaschen cookies and mishloach manot gifts were packed into Chinese takeout boxes.

Years ago, as a journalist, I learned of Queen Esther, a Jewish exile, when I visited a social justice Bible study at UC Berkeley. For that group, Esther  the wife of a Persian king, who stops a plot to destroy her people  reflected the struggle of assimilation and identity and the fight for belonging.

A timeless story, timely as ever, that the twins now know too.

Vanessa Huas column appears Fridays in Datebook. Email: datebook@sfchronicle.com
Oakland resident Sue Taylor is a self-confessed Goody Two-shoes. A decade ago, the grandmother and former Catholic school principal considered cannabis a hard-core drug, not unlike heroin or crack cocaine.

If you had told her then that she would become one of the states leading advocates for elder access to medical marijuana, Taylors answer would have been simple.

Oh, youve been smoking too much, she jokes.

But then her son started taking classes at Oakland pot college Oaksterdam University, and after some coaxing, he introduced Taylor to the Bay Areas cannabis community. And over time, she changed her mind about medical marijuana, kicking off a postretirement career as an activist.

I couldnt turn my back on all the healing that I saw day in and day out, she says. I became very passionate about it, about the healing aspects of letting people know that there are alternative ways.

Today, Taylor is certified to teach California health care providers about medical cannabis, and she serves on Alameda Countys Advisory Commission on Aging. She also travels the country, speaking to local officials and hosting seminars for the generation that grew up with Reefer Madness.

It helps, she says, that she doesnt look like a stoner  in fact, she has never smoked cannabis. She does use cannabis-infused skin creams for pain and medicated food to help her sleep.

Early this summer, Taylor will open the iCANN Health Center, a medical dispensary in Berkeley designed with the elderly in mind, a place where seniors can get advice from someone their own age.

My age group follows the rules and always has, and cannabis was breaking the rules, Taylor says.

But, through the efforts of Taylor and other advocates like her, thats starting to change.

Is it for everyone? Absolutely not. Does it heal many people, most people? The answer is yes.

We talked with Taylor recently at the Cafe Dejena in Oakland  right across the street from the Catholic school where she used to work.

Michael Macor/The Chronicle

What does a Sue Taylor medical marijuana seminar look like?

Education. The main thing thats lacking in the industry is the educational component. Most people, such as myself, thought you just go somewhere and you smoke some weed  thats not the case. There are different (varietals of cannabis flowers) that help different ailments. There are different ways to ingest it. You dont have to smoke it. Then I tell them about the (main active ingredients in cannabis) CBD and the THC  nobody knows about that, even people who smoke it every day. I give them a whole educational course on the cannabis plant and what it does and does not do, and what to look out for.

Do many seniors have difficulty accessing cannabis? What are their main barriers?

Doctors and their lack of knowledge about cannabis. The doctors might be open to recommending it to patients, and the patients are reluctant to return, or the doctors dont want to try it, because of the stigma.

There are a lot of senior care facilities around here with federal funding, and their administrators are afraid theyll lose their funding if they find out that people are using cannabis. No one has ever lost it, but health care providers fear for their jobs if people use cannabis. Thats the main concern. Its just fear.

What has their response been to Proposition 64? Have you been getting questions about it?

Nothing really, but let me tell you why I was pro-Prop. 64: Now that its legal in California, seniors figure theyre not breaking the law, so it opened the doors. And I think thats why Im getting so many calls, because its legal now.

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Are the seniors you work with knowledgeable about cannabis or completely clueless? What kind of questions do they ask you?

Theyre clueless. They ask where you go to get the prescription, and so I lead them back again to their doctor. Its cheaper and he can write you a recommendation. If he wont do it, then you can go to many places, and I give them a list. But I refer them back to their doctor first, because theyre seniors and seniors have a lot of ailments. I like to keep them under their medical care.

Thats why I wanted a facility that caters to the needs of seniors. Well service anybody; you come, well serve you, and youll have a great experience, but its a place where seniors can come and get educated and feel comfortable.

How will their experience at ICANN be different from any other dispensary?

(Other dispensaries) have long, big lines. Well have chairs and tables to counsel families. Families have nowhere to go to talk. Most facilities do not have a round table where you and your brother and your dad and your mom can sit with somebody who can just talk to you as a family. Thats one of the major differences.

And you know what else is very important to me? Intergenerationality. I want the young people to come. I also want the seniors. Our staff will reflect that: Seniors learn from young people, and young people learn from seniors.

Life is wonderful, and it can be lived pain-free, I dont care how old you are. But youve got to see that, and I deliver the message: Theres another way.

Susan Cohen is an award-winning multimedia journalist with a masters degree from the UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism. Her work has appeared on KQED, Cannabis Now and Merry Jane.
President Trumps accusation that his predecessor had him wiretapped was typical of Trumps record of inflammatory and unsupported claims. But its become a unique test of the proposition that facts still matter to the country even if they dont particularly concern its chief executive.

The salient facts here are straightforward: Trump explicitly charged that former President Barack Obama had Trump Tower bugged. And a growing number of officials who might know whether thats true have suggested that it isnt.

Rep. Devin Nunes, the California Republican who chairs the House Intelligence Committee, became the latest to do so Wednesday, telling reporters he didnt believe the president was wiretapped. Also Wednesday, Trumps attorney general, Jeff Sessions, said he had not given the president any reason to think so either. Nunes and Sessions thereby joined several other notable officials who have cast doubt on Trumps claims  among them former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper, former CIA Director John Brennan, and the presidents own press secretary, Sean Spicer.

In the wee hours of March 4, Trump posted four tweets alleging that Obama had personally had the phones in his New York building tapped during last years campaign. But Nunes, whose committee is investigating the matter, said in a news conference, We dont have any evidence that that took place, and, in fact, I dont ... think there was an actual tap of Trump Tower.

The congressmans use of actual speaks to the strangely post-factual nature of the Trump presidency. Nunes has repeatedly proposed that Trumps accusation was not meant to be taken literally. Likewise, despite Trumps obvious lack of interest in the details of punctuation, Spicer tried to downplay the allegations by arguing that multiple layers of meaning could be read into the quotation marks the president used. And in a Fox News interview that aired Wednesday night, Trump himself argued that wiretap covers a lot of different things.

Those administration officials who have tried to back up Trumps claims have struggled to do so. One adviser, Kellyanne Conway, made bizarre reference to spying microwaves. Another cited reports that federal law enforcement officials asked the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court for permission to eavesdrop on Russians who had contact with Trump associates. Even if those reports prove accurate, the facts will remain a long way from what the president actually said.
The Justice Department has an unnerving but familiar explanation for the data breach of 500 million Yahoo accounts. Russian spies teamed with criminal hackers were behind the massive break-in.

Its not hard to see a larger pattern in the pilfering. Moscow is probing the weak points in this countrys tech world for its own advantage, a strategy that only adds to the suspicions that it interfered in the November election.

The Yahoo break-in in 2014 is considered one of the biggest ever. It wasnt disclosed by the company until last year and further soured the flagging companys fortunes. Its announced buyer, Verizon, is reducing the purchase price because of the data breach.

But the intrusion marks a new level of cyberthievery as a foreign policy tool. In the indictment, two agents of the KGB successor agency were named along with a pair of hackers for hire. Their mission was to gather intelligence on U.S. and Russian officials using Yahoo, with the hackers allowed to avoid jail and keep the purloined data for sale.

The indictment isnt likely to produce more than an illuminating look at cyberthievery. The Russian spy agency duo remain in Moscow and out of Washingtons reach. One of the two hackers was arrested in Canada, while the second suspect is reportedly in Russia.

The Yahoo charges follow prior Justice Department charges against five Chinese military officials believed behind hacks of U.S. corporate and government accounts.

The real effect of the latest charges should be a sharp warning to President Trump, who has played down Russias interference and cozied up to President Vladimir Putin.

The Russian leader, a former KGB leader, surely knew about the Yahoo break-in. The White House cant ignore such illegal behavior.
Its not really clear why there needs to be calligraphy in Calligraphy, TheatreWorks regional premiere seen Wednesday, March 15, at the Lucie Stern Theatre. Sure, its a beloved pastime that Noriko (Emily Kuroda) has passed down to her daughter Hiromi (Mia Tagano), whom she raised in the U.S. Everybody needs something thats just for themselves, Noriko says of her hobby. But why couldnt that take the form of another activity, even another traditional Japanese one?

Same goes for the butterflies that adorn Erik Flatmos set and David Lee Cuthberts video projections. Noriko mentions butterflies just once, in a throwaway moment at the beginning of the script. Are they there to attest to the many transcontinental migrations  physical, familial, psychological  that characters make? To tell us the four women at the plays heart are as delicate as diaphanous insect wings?

The whole premise of Velina Hasu Houstons drama, under the direction of Leslie Martinson, feels equally arbitrary and contrived. Noriko and her sister Natsuko (Jeanne Sakata), who still lives in Japan, havent seen each other in years, not since Natsuko condemned Noriko for marrying Eamon (William Thomas Hodgson), a black U.S. soldier, and leaving Japan for the States. The deaths of their husbands, coupled with exacerbating memory and cognition problems for Noriko and mobility issues for Natsuko, motivate a reunion, staged by their two daughters Hiromi and Sayuri (Elizabeth Pan), both put-upon caregivers who keep in touch via early video chat technology. Its 2000, and orb-shaped webcams offer halting video feeds in all their grainy, pixilated glory, next to projected windows of Minesweeper and Solitaire.

Nobody really wants that reunion to happen  the sisters because of their resentments, the cousins because of the inconveniences  yet the script allows them to overcome each of their obstacles, emotional and logistical, with little more than an aw, shucks before everythings hunky-dory again and its back to yet another serving of tea. When over the course of mere moments, Noriko pulls a 180 in surrendering her drivers license and then later reckoning with the extent of her neurological issues, its not because either scene earns those major realizations but only because the shows story line dictates that they be so.

Houstons dialogue commits a variety of sins. Its overwrought. My mind may not remember, but my heart wont forget, Noriko says. Its trite, but maybe you cant have an American family play until someone says, A promise is a promise and Your mother is still your mother. It also overexplains: Your mom raises you Japanese in America, and I grow up American in Japan, Sayuri says, long after we got the point.

While the scenes between Hodgson and Kuroda are tender, aptly conjuring the breathless first blush of love as well as the way memory can mingle seamlessly with the present, much of the other acting is declamatory. Taganos tone never varies from that of a low-level, half-hearted whine.

Eventually, Calligraphy manufactures some hysterics and a feel-good resolution, but all that was telegraphed from the shows opening scenes. Calligraphy is the kind of play youve seen without even having seen it.

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

Calligraphy: Written by Velina Hasu Houston. Directed by Leslie Martinson. Through April 2. 90 minutes. $31-$86, subject to change. Lucie Stern Theatre, 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. (650) 463-1960. www.theatreworks.org
Middle school is confusing enough to navigate when your family life is stable, but for the kids at one Oakland school, its been even more difficult since the election. Theyve been asking their teachers and counselors a lot of heavy questions, like, Will my parents be home when I get home from school?

And Are they going to split up my family?

And Is my friend going to be deported?

We know how confusing its been for lawyers and policymakers to untangle President Trumps executive order Enhancing Public Safety in the Interior of the United States. Although his order affecting travel from six Muslim-majority nations, which was set to take effect Thursday before it was put on hold Wednesday by a federal judge, may be more high profile, the effect of his earlier order may be more pervasive. It touches families in every neighborhood, yet many of them are too fearful to speak up against it.

Trump insists that the top priority of the order is to remove criminal, undocumented residents from the United States. But the section that prioritizes removing, in the presidents words, bad dudes also demands the deportation of aliens who in the judgment of an immigration officer, otherwise pose a risk to public safety or national security.

That means it could apply to anybody for any reason at any time.

Trying to figure out what that means to their undocumented family members and friends is freaking out a lot of kids in her school, one Oakland counselor told me. Kids hear about the order through the media but also by overhearing their parents talk about it in anxious, hushed tones.

Recently, one student was worried about her aunt and grandmother, who usually visit from Mexico for a few weeks at a time. They may not this year, the student told her counselor, because they dont know if theyll be able to get here. Or get back.

Theyve got a lot of questions, the counselor told me. A lot. Theyre scared.

So is the school. Officials there are also so worried they asked that neither the school, nor the counselors, administrators or teachers with whom I spoke be identified. With an immigration order written so broadly  one that gives wide discretion to deport any people in the country illegally who look as if they pose a risk to public safety  the school fears anything that puts its families at risk.

The school district has done a lot to try to make its families feel safe. Similar to many cities, Oakland has declared itself a sanctuary district. The school I visited offers a packet of material  in multiple languages  from the Immigrant Legal Resource Center that explains families rights under a Trump administration. They can learn how to make a family preparedness plan to reduce the stress of the unexpected, and read the latest news on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), the federal program for certain people who entered the country as undocumented children.

The uncertainty and fear about what could happen to their families is hitting middle schoolers hard, said Katharine Gin, the co-founder of Educators for Fair Consideration, a San Francisco nonprofit that helps undocumented youths with legal and educational issues.

Im hearing that a lot now  that middle school students feel the most vulnerable, Gin said. Younger students cant grasp the complexity of how immigration politics made in Washington can affect their families. And older high school students are already starting to develop a sense of independence as theyre preparing to leave the home.

But younger teenagers depend on their parents more: for rides, for emotional support, for guidance.

On top of their natural growing pains, Gin said, students are feeling their parents anxieties about leaving the house or even driving them to school more. Theyre feeling very protective of them.

Parents, meanwhile, are often reacting by reeling the family in tighter, restricting their children more from staying late at school. Gin said it always has been a challenge to educate the immigrant community on the value of after-school activities. Now, being out after dark is even more of a concern to a lot of people.

Estefania Hermosillo knows what that insecurity feels like. She grew up in the Central Valley town of Ceres, raised by a mom who was undocumented. So is she  but, for now at least, she is protected by DACA.

Growing up, I didnt think so much about deportation, Hermosillo told me. I would worry that my mom would get pulled over by a cop, and youd get a big ticket and our car would be taken away. That would be bad, because we wouldnt have a car, but its not like now.

In middle school, she felt optimism as former President Barack Obama was running on a slogan of hope. He didnt demonize immigrants in his campaign as Trump has over the past two years, but talked about creating a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants.

But that didnt happen. And Obama wound up deporting more immigrants than any other president. The difference is, Hermosillo said, that Obamas rhetoric didnt sound as harsh.

All we see and hear about now is deportation, deportation, deportation  and we see stories of how the parents have to leave (the country) so quickly, Hermosillo said.

That just feeds the fear Hermosillo hears when she talks to middle-school students all over the Bay Area as a community education coordinator for Educators for Fair Consideration. She sees how that fear can unnerve some young people.

Its really real for people, that fear, Hermosillo said. And if you are fearful that a person, your parent, might be gone some day, it might affect the decisions you make. Are you going to sign up for that after-school class? Are you going to try to get into that advanced class? Are you going to go away for school when you get older?

That fear will remain as long as the order does.

Joe Garofoli is The San Francisco Chronicles senior political writer. Email: jgarofoli@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @joegarofoli
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When 16-year-old Elena Ebbie Mondragon left her Antioch home Monday, her mother expected her to return within hours because she didnt have any makeup on, was wearing sweatpants and left her cell phone behind  unusual for a girl who loved to joke around and was into fashion and cosmetics.

On Thursday, Michelle Mondragon was reeling from a double dose of tragic news: Not only was her daughter shot to death on Tuesday by Fremont detectives while riding in a stolen car in Hayward, but also an autopsy showed she was within the first trimester of a pregnancy.

While the mother was too distraught to speak, relatives described Elenas death at the hands of police as an unfathomable blow for the entire family.

More Bay Area news Fremont detectives fatally shoot girl, 16, in car that rammed...

She was our baby. This family will never be complete, its broken, Elenas aunt, Christina Flores, told The Chronicle while sobbing outside her Pittsburg home. She enjoyed being a kid. (She was) always smiling.

When Elena didnt come home Monday, her family started to worry. Later that night, she called from an unknown number and seemed to be in distress.

She was crying, Come get me, come get me, then the phone hung up, Flores said.

When her mother tried to call back, the phone was answered by a man the family believes Elena met when she left her home Monday to get food, a boyfriend they only knew as Rico and suspect was driving the stolen car when the girl was shot dead.

I feel like he was manipulating her. She wasnt involved in what (police) were looking for him for, Flores said of Rico. Maybe she hung around them, but she didnt do none of those things.

The shooting unfolded about 5:20 p.m. when Fremont detectives discovered a car in Hayward that had been reported stolen. The car, linked to a series of armed robberies around the Bay Area, was spotted at an apartment complex at 25200 Carlos Bee Blvd. near California State University East Bay, police said.

Police said that when detectives tried to stop the car at Campus and Oakes drives to talk to its four occupants, the driver rammed the unmarked patrol vehicle, injuring the two detectives, officials said. The detectives opened fire into the vehicle, hitting Elena multiple times in the passenger seat.

Two other occupants of the car were taken into custody. A fourth occupant fled on foot, but was arrested about 8 p.m. Wednesday night in San Francisco on an outstanding warrant for multiple robbery charges, police said Thursday. The persons name was not immediately released.

Elenas family is feeling a pain that seems in this moment that will never go away, wrote Miguel Minjares, Elenas uncle, in a Go Fund Me page. She is our Ebbie & always will be.

Elena was the second oldest of nine children and a student at Golden Gate Community School in Pittsburg. And she was known in her family for being caring and dependable when it came to her brothers and sisters.

She was a good girl, very respectful. When it came to her siblings, she was very responsible, said Evelina Minjares, Elenas 26-year-old cousin.

Elena shared a birthday with her 9-year-old brother. But instead of making the day about her, she would wake up early to get her brother a card and other birthday gifts to surprise him with, Flores said, as she smiled through tears.

A vigil was held for Elena on Wednesday night at Knoll Park in Antioch, just hours after her family was notified of her death. On Thursday, six white balloons still tied to a tree and the flames of flickering candles honored the young woman. A red teddy bear clutching a bouquet of six white roses rested against the tree.

Numerous handwritten messages were left behind, one reading, Rest in paradise, beautiful.

Hayward police and the Alameda County district attorneys office are investigating the shooting.

I was pissed. Im still pissed, Flores said. Police shouldve been professional about it and not just start shooting. Aim. Aim at the tires. She was a little girl.

Geoffrey Alpert, a professor of criminology at the University of South Carolina, said many cities across the nation, including San Francisco, prohibit police from firing at moving vehicles.

Of course there are some exceptions to the rules, like if a driver or passenger were shooting at police.

The standard is if someone is threatening with immediacy or imminency the life or bodily harm of someone else, you can take a life to save a life. But other than that, theres no justification for the use of deadly force, Alpert said.

Its a law enforcement dilemma, he added. Using good police work to apprehend a driver later is probably your best bet.

The Hayward incident was the third fatal police shooting in the Bay Area in less than a week.

I knew she wasnt a perfect girl, but to us, she was, Flores said. It was all about her family and having fun and just being Ebbie.

Sarah Ravani is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: sravani@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @SarRavani
Matt Rourke/AP

A group of petroleum companies and an official at one of them have been ordered to pay $3 million in penalties after violating environmental protection laws and then failing to make the changes required by a 2011 settlement, the Alameda County district attorneys office announced Wednesday.

The defendants  Golden Gate Petroleum, Bay Area/Diablo Petroleum Company, Golden Gate Petroleum CEO Dennis OKeefe and Westgate Petroleum Company, Inc.  improperly stored fuel, mishandled hazardous waste, failed to conduct required tests of the storage systems, and tampered with leak detection devices at gas stations in several Northern California counties, the district attorneys office alleged.
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The arts campus of City College of San Francisco has held sway at Fort Mason for nearly 40 years, but the program's longtime residency on the bay may be coming to an end.

News of the possible campus closure broke Monday, when college spokesperson Jeffrey Hamilton told the San Francisco Examiner that the administration is contemplating moving the arts campus to its Mission or Ocean campuses. He said the administration has been talking about the move "for awhile following financial pressure spurred by low enrollment.to

"We've been in the process of discussing with Fort Mason and internally what the different options might be for that site," he said, adding that no arts classes will be canceled, only relocated.

Hamilton said the move would be in part prompted by accessibility, as the Mission and Ocean campuses are more easily reached by public transit.

Art instructor Anita Toney said she received an email from the administration regarding scheduling for the following academic year. Then all of a sudden, were getting the information that we wont be having classes at Fort Mason, said Toney, who has worked as a part-time teacher since the 1980s. She said the email divulged that painting, drawing, and printmaking classes would leave Fort Mason in the fall, and sculpture and ceramics would follow in the spring.

Following a town hall meeting on Monday in which community members expressed their desire to keep City College at Fort Mason, college administrators seemed to waver on their original plans to vacate the space. Hamilton told SFGATE that the board has yet to make a decision as the negotiations are ongoing.

We want to be clear that we would like to stay and we have not made a decision, he added.

The Fort Mason Center for Arts and Culture is a nonprofit organization that leases 22,000 feet of studio space to the college. With CCSF's 10-year lease up this June, negotiations between campus officials and Fort Mason representatives have been taking place since November 2016.

The price per square foot currently is $1.21, while the new proposal calls for a 28 percent increase up to $1.55 a square foot, meaning total rent in 2017 would be $319,164, according to Fort Mason executive director Rich Hillis. On the current lease, rent is increased by 7 percent annually, while the proposal calls for a 5-percent annual increase.

Fort Mason Center also proposed reducing the space City College can square footage from 22,000 square feet to 17,000 as the classrooms are not programmed and unused some of the time.

Hillis and director of external affairs Nick Kinsey explained that City Colleges rent is already "heavily subsidized" by the nonprofit who also holds their lease.

"They are paying 1/3 of market rate," Hillis said, estimating that the new proposal would save City College "$415,000-416,000 in 10 years" over the existing lease.

Hillis and Kinsey revealed that the campus has rebuffed their attempts to discuss the lease proposal.

"We sent them a rent proposal in November, and we have heard nothing back from them," Hillis said. "It feels like the decision to move was already made, and they were looking for a scapegoat."

If City College does vacate Fort Mason, Kinsey said the space would be quickly filled by another arts nonprofit. "We'd love to help other nonprofits, but our preference is to keep City College here," he said. "There's a great synergy between us."

Students, staff, and community members attended the Monday town hall looking for answers as many expressed that the Fort Mason institution was an integral part of the city. Arts teacher Linda Hope says she left feeling baffled, not knowing what the future would hold for Fort Mason. Hope fears that the specialty arts equipment  kilns, letterpresses, etc.  cannot be sustained in spaces not specifically designed to host art classes.

Faculty union president Timothy Killikelly also expressed uncertainty, but he hopes the meeting will spur a more intense round of negotiations in which the community can be heard.

Instructor Toney, a vocal supporter of keeping Fort Mason intact at the meeting, encourages community members to voice their support for the City College Fort Mason campus by signing up for classes. She has already received confirmation that printmaking will continue to be held at Fort Mason next fall.

As enrollment goes up she said, It justifies maintaining this facility.

Read Michelle Robertsons latest stories and send her news tips at mrobertson@sfchronicle.com.
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A 24-year-old man who was shot to death by police after his parents called them to their Santa Clara home when he stabbed himself with a knife, was identified by authorities Thursday as an emigrant from Colombia who was pursuing an education in forensic dentistry.

Jesus Alberto Geney Montes, of Santa Clara, was killed March 9 when police officers suspected that he was armed with a handgun and an officer shot Montes in fear of his safety.

Police did not find a weapon on Montes.

Montes was born and raised in Colombia. He moved to Santa Clara 12 years ago to be with his mother and stepfather, according to a GoFundMe page set up by friends close to the family.

He was a student at De Anza College in Cupertino and had big dreams to become an forensic odontologist, according to the page.

He was well loved by all of us that had the fortune of know him. He was respectful, responsible and helpful with those around him, according to the page.

His parents called 911 last week asking for help because their son was acting erratically, police said.

They reported that Montes had cut himself in the chest with a knife, was armed with a handgun and had barricaded himself in his bedroom, said Capt. Wahid Kazem of the Santa Clara Police Department.

Montes had fled out his bedroom window by the time police arrived at the home on Deborah Drive near Monroe Street about 5 p.m.

Officers found Montes at a nearby overpass. They attempted to speak to him, get him to calm down and show his hands. When that failed, officers deployed an electric stun gun, which was also unsuccessful, Kazem said.

Officer Colin Stewart shot Montes when, according to officials, he started to advance on the 13-year law-enforcement veteran in a threatening way.

Montes, who did not have a gun on him, was pronounced dead at the scene, and a bloody knife was found along the path back to his parents house.

The incident was recorded by a vest camera worn by Stewart, and the footage will be reviewed by the Santa Clara County district attorneys office as part of an investigation that is expected to take two to three weeks to complete, officials said.

Stewart is on administrative leave, per protocol.

Sarah Ravani is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: sravani@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @SarRavani
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.

Friday

Community forum: A conversation on civic engagement with elected officials, business leaders and community activists, hosted by Golden Gate University. The event is from 5 to 8 p.m. at 536 Mission St., San Francisco. Purchase tickets: http://bit.ly/2n3L87U.

Sunday

Forum: A Jewish Community Forum to discuss the political climate and how it affects the Bay Area Jewish community, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Jewish Community High School of the Bay, 1835 Ellis St., San Francisco. Tickets available: http://bit.ly/2mSh7qK.

Author series: A conversation with Aya de Leon, a local poet, author and performance artist, and Kate Raphael, author and producer of the KPFA-FM radio show Womens Magazine, on how to organize against President Trump. The talk will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Eric Quezada Center for Culture and Politics, 518 Valencia St., San Francisco.

Community conversation: Sierra Club San Francisco chapter leader Arthur Feinstein leads a discussion on local and statewide environmental issues, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Northern Police Station Community Room, 1125 Fillmore St., San Francisco. RSVP: www.sierraclub.org/san-francisco-bay/activities.

Monday

Political discussion: Panel talk on how to be involved at the local, state and federal level, hosted by the United Democratic Club. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 6 union, 55 Fillmore St., San Francisco.

Climate change discussion: Occupy Sonoma County asks, Is Global Climate Disruption Happening to Us or For Us? The event is free and will focus on how humans impact climate change. It is from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Peace and Justice Center, 467 Sebastopol Ave., Santa Rosa.

Thursday

Panel on women: Hosted by the California History Society, a panel on the roles women played in resistance and social protest movements in the Bay Area during the 1960s and 1970s. The event is free for members, $10 for non-members. It is at 6 p.m. at the California Historical Society, 678 Mission St., San Francisco.

March 25

Danville town hall: Hosted by Mayor Renee Morgan with Rep. Mark DeSaulnier, state Sen. Steve Glazer, Assemblywoman Catharine Baker and Contra Costa County Supervisor Candace Andersen. The event is from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial Building, 400 Hartz Ave. Contact Nat Rojanasathira, assistant to the town manager, at (925) 314-3328 or nrojanasathira@danville.ca.gov for more information.
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.

Thursday

Anti-travel ban rally: A protest against President Trumps travel ban, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the San Francisco Federal Building, 90 Seventh St.

Friday

Community forum: A conversation on civic engagement with elected officials, business leaders and community activists, hosted by Golden Gate University. The event is from 5 to 8 p.m. at 536 Mission St., San Francisco. Purchase tickets: http://bit.ly/2n3L87U.

Sunday

Forum: A Jewish Community Forum to discuss the political climate and how it affects the Bay Area Jewish community, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Jewish Community High School of the Bay, 1835 Ellis St., San Francisco. Tickets available: http://bit.ly/2mSh7qK.

Author series: A conversation with Aya de Leon, a local poet, author and performance artist, and Kate Raphael, author and producer of the KPFA FM radio show Womens Magazine, on how to organize against President Trump. The talk will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Eric Quezada Center for Culture and Politics, 518 Valencia St., San Francisco.

Community conversation: Sierra Club San Francisco chapter leader Arthur Feinstein leads a discussion on local and statewide environmental issues, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Northern Police Station Community Room, 1125 Fillmore St., San Francisco. RSVP: www.sierraclub.org/san-francisco-bay/activities.

Monday

Political discussion: A panel discussion on how to be involved at the local, state and federal level, hosted by the United Democratic Club. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 6 union, 55 Fillmore St., San Francisco.

March 25

Danville town hall: Hosted by Mayor Renee Morgan with Rep. Mark DeSaulnier, state Sen. Steve Glazer, Assemblywoman Catharine Baker and Contra Costa County Supervisor Candace Andersen. The event is from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial Building, 400 Hartz Ave. Contact Nat Rojanasathira, assistant to the town manager, at (925) 314-3328 or nrojanasathira@danville.ca.gov for more information.

March 26

Womens rally and march: A Walk for Equality, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Rinconada Park, 777 Embarcadero Road, Palo Alto.

March 29

Immigration panel: A discussion with immigration attorneys on sanctuary cities, hosted by the United Democratic Club. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 6 union, 55 Fillmore St., San Francisco.
Tommy LiPuma, a record producer and music executive who found enormous success melding the sounds of jazz and pop on albums by George Benson, Diana Krall, Natalie Cole and others, died Monday in New York. He was 80.

His death, at a hospital, was announced by his family, which did not specify a cause.

In a five-decade career in music that started after he quit a job as a barber, Mr. LiPuma worked with an array of artists that also included Barbra Streisand, Miles Davis, Paul McCartney, Dr. John, Al Jarreau and even the British alternative duo Everything But the Girl.

His productions, many geared toward an adult audience whose tastes rarely intersect with the Top 10, sold tens of millions of copies, and he collected five Grammy Awards.

Bensons 1976 hit album Breezin drew on soulful jazz and R&B but had a slick pop sheen. Through his work on that album, Mr. LiPuma helped create the blueprint for what became known  for better or worse  as smooth jazz. Mr. LiPuma himself never embraced the term.

As an executive, he held senior positions at Warner Bros. and Elektra into the 1990s and was later president of the jazz label GRP and the chairman of Verve.

In a business of aggressive hit-chasers, Mr. LiPuma was admired as a sharp talent spotter and a sympathetic presence in the studio. He had a knack for finding the right song to pitch at the right time, and during a recording session he preferred to sit in the same room as the musicians, rather than behind the console.

He wanted to be there, so he could talk to everybody right away, said Al Schmitt, a veteran recording engineer. He hated to be in the control room where he had to push a button to talk to people.

Mr. LiPuma developed close relationships with artists, particularly with Krall. He recorded 11 albums with her over more than 20 years; their most recent, Turn Up the Quiet, was completed in January and is scheduled to be released by Verve on May 5.

We would work very much like a team, Krall said in an interview. He knew my process. We would come in, and hed say, I know what youre trying to do, and I am trying to help you realize that.

Thomas LiPuma was born in Cleveland on July 5, 1936, to a family of working-class Italian immigrants; his father was a barber. When a childhood bone infection confined him to bed, young Tommy became absorbed with R&B and jazz on the radio. He left school after the 10th grade and grudgingly took up the family barbering trade, while playing saxophone in a band at night.

In 1960, he got a job packing records at a Cleveland music distributor, but within a year he had become a radio promoter for Liberty Records in Los Angeles. In 1965, he produced his first commercial recording, the OJays single Lipstick Traces (On a Cigarette).

The next year, Mr. LiPuma became a staff producer at A&M Records, where he produced the Sandpipers Guantanamera, a Top 10 hit on both sides of the Atlantic. At Blue Thumb, the eclectic label where he was a partner with his friend Bob Krasnow (who died in December), Mr. LiPuma worked with a variety of acts including Dave Mason of Traffic, Dan Hicks and His Hot Licks, and the R&B guitarist Phil Upchurch.

He produced several songs on Streisands 1974 album The Way We Were, and after leaving Blue Thumb later that year he joined Warner Bros. as a staff producer, eventually becoming head of jazz and progressive music.

Benson was well established as a jazz guitarist when he released Breezin, which Mr. LiPuma produced. The instrumental title track, a mellow groove written by Bobby Womack, had already been used on an album that Mr. LiPuma produced on Blue Thumb, by the Hungarian guitarist Gabor Szabo. In an interview with the New York Times last year, Mr. LiPuma said he suggested Breezin to Benson on a hunch.

There was just something about the song that made me feel that George could do something special with it, he said.

The album became Bensons breakthrough. It received multiple Grammy nominations, including album of the year, and his version of Leon Russells This Masquerade  on which Benson sang  reached No. 10 and won record of the year. (Benson also won for best instrumental pop performance, for the title track.)

Mr. LiPumas next Grammy winner was Coles Unforgettable ... With Love (1991), a tribute to her father, Nat King Cole. That album, on which Mr. LiPuma had credits as both a recording producer and executive producer, sold more than 7 million copies in the United States and took home a total of six Grammys, including album of the year (in which Mr. LiPuma shared as a producer) and both record and song of the year for Unforgettable.

Mr. LiPumas association with Krall began with her second album, Only Trust Your Heart, released in 1995 on GRP, which Mr. LiPuma had recently taken over as president. After a corporate merger in 1998 that created what is now the Universal Music Group, Mr. LiPuma led Verve, its jazz label, as chairman until 2004, and was chairman emeritus until 2011.

Mr. LiPuma is survived by his wife, Gill; his daughters, Jen Monti and Danielle Wiener; and four grandchildren.

In recent years, Mr. LiPuma remained in demand as a producer. He recorded McCartneys standards album Kisses on the Bottom (2012) and also worked with Willie Nelson, Norah Jones and Russell.

Ben Sisario is a New York Times writer.
A magic month for markers

There was one clear winner from the Womens March in January: the people who make office supplies. When you have demonstrations in over 600 cities around the world, that leads to a lot of protest signs. In the week before the march, sales of poster boards in the U.S. were up 33 percent and foam boards by 42 percent compared with the same week last year, according to retail sales data from the NPD Group. Other items that had big gains, according to NPD, include paint markers, (35 percent) easel pads/flip charts (28 percent) and specialty markers (24 percent).

Top tweet

Media bias on full display! Newspapers now cashing in on T-shirts splashed with anti-Trump rhetoric.

Thats from Fox & Friends, citing the networks report on three papers selling T-shirts with slogans. Well report the slogans; you decide if theyre rhetoric. Democracy Dies in Darkness (Washington Post), Journalism Matters (Los Angeles Times) and Speaking truth to power since 1847 (Chicago Tribune).

Theyre spying on you with what?

Forget about prying microwaves. The real spies might be sex toys. Standard Innovation, a Canadian manufacturer of smart vibrators that allow users to remotely turn on your lover through an app, has agreed to pay $3.75 million to settle a class-action suit that said it violated privacy by accessing personal information. To use the We-Vibes full range of features, users had to download the We-Connect app. Under the settlement, Standard will stop recording personal information and destroy any collected data.

Compiled from San Francisco Chronicle staff and news services. More items and links at www.sfgate.com. Twitter: @techchronicle
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Inside Stanfords virtual reality lab, Juan Parra of San Francisco suddenly found himself transformed into a African American woman engaged a racially motivated confrontation with a taller, agitated white man.

Parra felt instant empathy for his virtual character, even though he knew she wasnt real.

I felt that I needed to react, he said. I cant say it was anger, but I couldnt just stand still.

Parra was one of a dozen online Stanford Graduate School of Business students who, on Thursday, visited the universitys Virtual Human Interaction Lab, which since 2003 has conducted academic research on the psychological and behavioral effects of virtual reality.

Tobin Asher, the Stanford labs manager, said the interdisciplinary research includes many departments, such as medicine and education, and focuses on how people react while in a virtual reality experience and whether they carry that experience with them once they return to reality.

Stanfords lab started more than a decade before the current wave of VR headsets and software brought the technology into the average consumers home for the first time.

This week, UC Berkeley received a large corporate donation that will allow the university to build its first VR research lab and classroom by this fall to help inspire students to join the ranks of the nascent VR industry.

Whenever you have an emerging market, one of the bottlenecks is the (available) workforce, said Allen Yang, executive director of UC Berkeleys Center for Augmented Cognition. You need to have a new generation that can master the new technologies. Its not enough to have genius co-founders or generous VCs. What we want to bring is more people into this market.

There are numerous academic institutions around the world studying virtual and augmented reality. For example, Columbias Computer Graphics and User Interfaces Lab is known for designing techniques to improve tasks such as surgery, maintenance, assembly and indoor and outdoor navigation, said lab director Steven Feiner, the labs director.

But Stanford's lab has done some of the most important work on understanding how people conceive of themselves and others when inhabiting a virtual environment, Feiner said in an email. This is fascinating work.

In addition to racial discrimination, the lab can also simulate age discrimination and is experimenting with adding a sense of smell to the virtual experience.

Weve made people color blind in VR, weve turned people into cows in VR, Asher said. We can do a lot of different things, and this is all about gaining a new perspective.

For example, in one demonstration, the participant cuts down trees with a chain saw and clear-cuts a forest. Researchers found that about 20 percent of people who did the deforestation exercise went on to reduce their use of paper in real life, Asher said.

We can see how powerful having an actual experience can be, versus just them watching something passively or reading about it, he told the business students.

In a program showing the effects of climate change, Khash Kiani picked up and cataloged sea snails on a healthy underwater reef, then moved to another section devastated by ocean acidification and found the sea snails were badly corroded and their population almost gone.

It was a very effective way of making people feel the impact, Kiani said.

The labs main room has a system of low-frequency speakers below a floor of airplane-grade steel that can replicate the feel of rumbling motion beneath a subjects feet. However, some of the original motion tracking and headset equipment that cost $140,000 is now replaced by an $800 HTC Vive headset and handheld tracking and haptic-feedback controllers.

The university has released the ocean experience to the public for free. Were not in this as a money-making thing, Asher said. What this is really about is learning about things.

The UC Berkeley Immerex Virtual Realty Lab, to be housed in the College of Engineering, will have a similar philosophy.

Funded by an undisclosed amount of money donated by Santa Clara virtual reality startup Immerex, the lab will build on work started by a student-run VR club and will tie into the universitys Center for Augmented Cognition, which opened last year to support research by faculty and graduate students.

Yang, a founding faculty adviser for the club, the cognition centers executive director and a part-time chief scientist for Immerex, said the reality labs higher goal is to prepare todays students for future careers in the virtual and augmented reality industries.

That includes a curriculum that will involve students and faculty from the departments of engineering, architecture, journalism, psychology and performing arts.

If we want to make Berkeley the center of innovation in the AR and VR space, we really have to foster a community rather do it project by project, he said.

Yang said the Berkeley VR lab isnt an attempt compete with Stanford the way the two university battle in sports.

That would be trivializing the tremendous challenges that we are facing, he said. I see a much larger opportunity for collaboration, not just between the universities, but between the universities and the industry.

Benny Evangelista is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: bevangelista@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ChronicleBenny
Kale Williams

San Francisco police arrested two Stockton residents on Saturday in connection with a shooting that killed one person and wounded three others in the Tenderloin neighborhood in September, officials said Thursday.

Darrick Devereaux, 41, was booked into county jail on suspicion of murder and attempted murder, and Linda Jimenez, 22, was booked on suspicion of being an accessory to a crime and multiple drug-related charges.
The man killed in a confrontation inside a home in an unincorporated area Alameda County was identified Wednesday as a 41-year-old San Leandro resident, officials said.

Don Castillo was found dead Monday amid a bloody crime scene in a house in the 16000 block of Selborne Drive near San Leandro. His killer remained at large Wednesday, police said.
The project started off innocently enough.

With March Madness here, the idea was thrown out to the San Francisco Chronicle food staff to do a food bracket of some sort.

A food bracket is, by now, not an unusual thing. In fact, San Francisco's very own La Taqueria is still soaking up their reputation as the best burrito in the country, thanks to the infamous FiveThirtyEight burrito bracket in 2014. Other websites have of course staged their own food brackets, from fast food to IPAs. (There is even a plea by Esquire Magazine to stop the food bracket insanity, which we obviously ignored.)

So the San Francisco Chronicle food staff and SFGATE came up with a no-holds-barred, one-afternoon-only, eight-pizza showdown amongst our favorite pie places in the city.

Step 1: Selecting the participants

(Or, being disappointed by who doesn't offer delivery)

The premise of the bracket was to find the best pizza that could be delivered. Imagining the March Madness fan starting his or her day at 9 a.m., by watching the first game, we set off to find a pizza that could be delivered around lunchtime, piping hot, with the best flavors of the city.

We crowdsourced the group for ideas on both who was open during the day, and did delivery. Those two criteria knocked out many of our personal favorites, so in order to expand the options a bit more we opened ourselves up to using third-party delivery services such as Postmates, Caviar and Eat24.

We decided on 10 pizzas as the magic number of pies we would try and settled on our five categories of pepperoni pizza: Mission favorites, North Beach favorites, national chains, local chains and a wild card.

Step 2: The voting criteria

We decided to go with three rounds, using different judging criteria for each one. Round one was deemed "first impressions," where we noted the time it took for each pizza to get there, pizza temperature, and impressions on the first bite. We rated everything on a scale of 0-10, with zero being the worst and 10 being the best.

For the second round, the food team looked further into the taste. We judged crust, sauce, cheese and toppings on the same numeric ratings scale.

For the last round, we looked at whether we felt the pizza would hold up as leftovers and whether we would order the pizzas again.

Step 3: Ordering pizzas

(Or, how two pizzas got knocked out of competition due to ordering issues)

It wasn't clear how big of a task ordering pizzas from various delivery services across the city would be, until we attempted it. It wasn't difficult, per se, but each took time.

As we worked down the list of options, two pizza spots previously identified as having delivery had to be knocked out. After some brief restructuring, the brackets were redrawn as Mission favorites, local chains, national chains and a wild card series.

Step 4: Pizza eating, voting

(Or, how taste testing pizzas is both fun and grueling)

Ballots for each round were handed out, and the Food team was tasked with trying pizzas as they began rolling in by delivery. The group graded each pizza on the previously mentioned scoring system, and the results were tallied by the round. Point averages determined who would go on to the next round and ultimately become the winner.

The weariness seemed to set in around the sixth pizza delivery, but the group forged on.

The pizza delivery contestants: Slice House by Tony Gemignani, Pizzeria Delfina, Paxti's, Little Star Pizza, Amici's East Coast Pizzeria, Round Table, Goat Hill Pizza, North Beach Pizza.

Alix Martichoux / SFGATE

The matchups

For the pairings, here's what we started with:

Mission favorites: Pizzeria Delfina vs. Patxi's Chicago Pizza

Large chains: Round Table Pizza vs. Amici's East Coast Pizzeria

Wild card: Little Star Pizza vs. Slice House by Tony Gemignani

Local chains: Goat Hill Pizza vs. North Beach Pizza

From there, the winner of Mission favorite went up against the larger pizza chain restaurant, and the top pizza from the wild card section went head-to-head with the local pizza chain.

The Results

After tasting all the pizzas and cutting up more slivers to re-test our feelings on each slice, the tally did result in a clear winner: Little Star. The staff, as it turned out, are big fans of the deep dish favorite and their votes reflected the fact that the pizza held up well upon delivery. The fact that it did not have as much grease as the other pizzas also helped, as that was the number one complaint about the rest of the pack.

We've broken down the results in the slideshow, but there are a few lessons we reflected on after tasting all the options.

Deliciousness in-house at a restaurant doesn't necessarily translate in delivery. Many of the places we tried are amazing at the restaurant, but didn't hold up to being transported across the city.

Nostalgia sometimes makes a pizza taste better than it actually does. In our chain options, a few staffers admitted to a soft spot for a chain or two (both middle school and little league was mentioned when trying certain slices), but those who didn't grow up with the pizza weren't as convinced.

Third-party delivery app customer service varied widely. There's not much to do about this, but it is worth mentioning. One of our original criteria was that we would track how long it took from ordering to delivery, but in the end didn't seem feasible for including on voting. We noted waiting times and distances in each photo, but it didn't weigh into the final tally.

Lastly: I've also discovered that if you order enough pizzas in a row on Eat24, the app will take pity on you and give you a $2 coupon. That is certainly not an endorsement from me, but it did make me wonder whether that was a lifestyle judgment on the app's part.
Daniel Lin/Associated Press

HONOLULU  The U.S. Army soldiers finished wading across a stream in a rain forest in Hawaii, and they were soaked. Their boots and socks were waterlogged and their clothes, hair and ears were caked with mud.

The soldiers were going through training at the first jungle school the Army has established in decades. The course is part of a program to train soldiers for exercises and potential combat on terrain that looks more like islands and nations in the Pacific than arid Afghanistan and the deserts of the Middle East.
This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 5 1 of 5 Sara E. Flores/The Enterprise Show More Show Less 2 of 5 American Girl Show More Show Less 3 of 5 4 of 5 American Girl Fashion Show Show More Show Less 5 of 5









Cool job alert: American Girl, the company responsible for creating a line of historically accurate dolls for children, is looking for a "Researcher" to "ensure accuracy and authenticity of American Girl characters."

However, unlike other neat gigs, this role actually requires a solid resume.
MISSOULA  Life gets real in a hurry when the fish youre trying to catch rips the reel off your rod.

Thats what happened to Missoula disc jockey Charene Herrera last Sunday just as she was about to head for shore on the Blackfoot River.

We were in the last 10 minutes of the float, after six hours on the boat, Herrera said. Id had enough, but I grabbed my fly rod one more time with an ever-effective San Juan worm. It was a monster of a fish  definitely as long as my leg. I think it weighed about 10 pounds.

Hererra was using a five-weight rod with 3x tippet, a rig ordinarily aimed at fish a tenth that size. She and her partner had each caught several brown and cutthroat trout on a cold, windy float below Johnsrud Fishing Access Site.

The bull trout tore the reel out of its metal brackets but somehow didnt snap the rod as it rolled several times and tried to swim under Herreras boat. She fought it for the next 20 minutes before both angler and angled were tuckered out.

When the reel broke, I had to use it as a natural drag so I didnt stress the fish out too much, Herrera said. Theyre a threatened species, so you dont get to see them much. Id never caught one before in my life.

Bull trout are considered the grizzly bears of the river food chain. Theyre protected under the federal Endangered Species Act and must be released if caught on almost all Montana waterways. Herrera took a quick picture of her prize before releasing it back in the Blackfoot.

Im still kind of in shock and awe since it happened, Herrera said. I dont know if I ever deserved a fish like that. The wind was whipping up the canyon and I was literally not going to grab my rod  just keep my hands in my mittens. Im never going to stop fishing the next time I go out.
CASPER, Wyo.  Two Kentucky men were fined more than $30,000 and lost their hunting privileges for 15 years after poaching two bull elk in southeastern Wyoming  on national TV.

Ricky J. Mills, 37, and Jimmy G. Duncan, 25, pleaded no contest Monday to various wildlife violations stemming from the 2014 poaching incident.

The men were deer hunting north of Douglas for the Western Redemption episode of the television show Hunting in the Sticks when they decided to shoot two mature bull elk, according to a news release from the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.

Elk tags in hunt area 113 near Douglas are highly sought after and include a restriction allowing bull harvest only every other year, the release stated. The men had tags for elk hunt area 51, which borders Yellowstone National Park.

I believe the two defendants were driven to get kill shot footage for the television show and that resulted in their making bad decisions," said Mike Ehlebracht, Game and Fishs investigative supervisor.

When a concerned citizen saw the show, the person called Game and Fish to report the elk were not killed in the area designated on their licenses, the release continued.

Building a case against the men included locating the kill site near Douglas, filing search warrants and working with agents from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources.

Ultimately, they both confessed.

The men tried doing something similar in 2013, according to the release, when Duncan poached an antelope buck without a license.

Duncan was ordered to pay $7,500 in fines and $6,000 in restitution for the bull elk and $4,000 for the antelope. Mills was sentenced to pay $7,460 in fines and $6,000 in restitution for the bull elk. Both will also pay court costs.
Pile burning begins near Butte

Fire officials from the Butte-Jefferson Ranger District will soon begin prescribed fire activity which may result in visible smoke over the next couple weeks.

Firefighters will be burning piles in the Roosevelt Drive and Limekiln areas in the Highlands. Additional pile burning will occur near Lowlands north of Butte. In the Boulder River area near Champion Pass slash piles will be burned.

Fire crews will burn under prescribed conditions and monitor these burns after ignition to ensure they stay within prescribed boundaries.

Travelers and residents in these areas may see smoke from these burns; however, little impact from the smoke is expected. For more information, contact the Butte-Jefferson Ranger District at 406-494-2147.

***

Meeting set to discuss mountain lion season

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will host a public meeting on Wednesday, March 22, to discuss mountain lion management and tentative quotas for the 2017 mountain lion hunting season in Region 3. The meeting will get underway at 7 p.m. at the Headwaters Community Center, 223 N. Main St., in Three Forks.

FWP's draft lion conservation strategy will be discussed, along with proposed changes in lion management units and quotas in Region 3. Representatives from the Montana State Houndsmen Association will also be present.

FWP will use the public input from the meeting to develop tentative quota recommendations that will be presented to the Fish & Wildlife Commission.

***

Butte spring hunter education open for registration

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will hold its spring Butte hunter education class beginning April 24 at Highlands College (formerly Montana College of Technology, 25 Basin Creek Road). Online registration is required, and students under 18 years of age must have the consent of a parent or guardian.

Classes will run each night, Monday through Friday, April 24-28, with a mandatory field exercise on Sunday, April 30. Classes will begin at 5:45 p.m. each day except Sunday for which start times will be assigned in class. Parents are asked to stay for the first 30 minutes of class.

Online registration is required by going to FWPs website at fwp.mt.gov, clicking on Education, then "Hunter Education", then Find a Class or Field Course. Students must print, sign and bring the Acknowledgement of Risk, Student Agreement Form and the Hunter Education Student Code of Ethics (found on the event registration page) the first night of class. Students are not allowed to bring firearms or ammunition to class.

Prior to the first class meeting, students are required to read the hunter education manual and complete all chapter quizzes. If not complete, students will not be admitted. Manuals can be picked up at Bugs and Bullets, Bob Wards, or Three Bears in Butte.

A student must be 10 years old to register for the course.
Government agencies across Washington are preparing for what some say could be debilitating cuts to their budgets, grappling with that fact that President Donald Trump intends to make good on his campaign promise to slash the federal budget.

Trump's advisers say the cuts are meant to get a handle on the federal deficit, which grew under President Barack Obama and, according to the Congressional Budget Office, could top $1 trillion by 2025 without spending cuts or revenue increases.

It's not yet entirely clear what Trump will propose to cut. The President is expected to release his full budget proposal in the coming weeks, but his administration has rolled out budget priorities that have many in Washington contemplating how agencies will get by with less.

Although Trump made clear one place he wants to beef up spending is at the Pentagon. He will fund a $54 billion infusion of new defense spending with cuts elsewhere in the government.

The White House plan will have to be run by Congress, which controls the nation's purse strings, but some specifics are already becoming clear at government agencies.

Here's some of what we know:

Coast Guard

Trump's budget proposal will include a $1.3 billion cut to the US Coast Guard, congressional sources told CNN Tuesday, but those monies would go to increase funding for border security and not budget savings. And, since the cuts would be applied to an operating budget of about $9 billion, GOP budget hawks on the Hill have been quick to slam them as too deep a reduction to the military branch's funding.

Foreign aid and the State Department

The Trump administration, led by Office of Management and Budget Director Mick Mulvaney, has made clear that the State Department will experience wholesale budget cuts in their first budget, with a target squarely on foreign aid sent abroad by the United States.

Multiple Trump administration officials have also made clear that the foreign aid -- which makes up roughly 1% of the federal budget -- will be cut significantly under the new plan.

While cutting foreign aid has long been a target for conservatives, those proposed cuts have drawn out critics from both sides of the aisle. Because foreign aid includes a host of programs meant to bolster national security, Republican senators and retired military leaders have urged the Trump administration to stop considering foreign aid cuts.

Retired Gen. David Petraeus, a former CIA director; retired Adm. James Stavridis, the former NATO supreme allied commander and 118 other three- and four-star generals wrote a letter earlier this month urging the Trump administration to keep funding foreign aid.

"The State Department, USAID, Millennium Challenge Corporation, Peace Corps and other development agencies are critical to preventing conflict and reducing the need to put our men and women in uniform in harm's way," the generals wrote.

That advice, though, runs counter to much of what Trump said during the 2016 campaign, where he rallied crowds of thousands with his promises to slash government spending and tighten the federal government's belt, much like American families have had to do.

"I will end the wasteful government spending and hold the bureaucrats accountable," Trump said in Florida days before the election in 2016. "When I am president, the tide of big government will no longer threaten to wash away our dreams, our jobs and our freedoms."

Throughout his 2016 campaign, Trump put "bloated bureaucracy" and "wasteful spending" in the same category as his border wall along the US-Mexico border and the need to take the fight to ISIS.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Budget cuts appear to be in every proposal coming from the Trump administration and Republicans in Congress -- not just in formal budget measures.

For example: The Republican plan to repeal Obamacare -- former President Barack Obama's sweeping health care law -- includes a provision to cut around $1 billion from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The cuts would come primarily from the Prevention and Public Health Fund of the agencies' budget.

"My sense is (Republicans) in general support public health and disease surveillance but they are committed to repealing this fund mostly because it's part of the Affordable Care Act," Emily Holubowich, executive director of the Coalition for Health Funding, told CNN.

Republicans argue the cuts are meant to curb wasteful spending and that the program has been spent on Zumba classes and massage sessions. But the CDC says the funding is used to help states combat preventable diseases and calamities like childhood lead poisoning.

Environmental Protection Agency

Sources have also told CNN that the Trump administration may propose slashing as much as 25% of the Environmental Protection Agency's budget, cuts that one source said would be "devastating" to day-to-day operations within the agency. Some of the EPA's most longstanding and best-known programs are facing potential elimination, according to CNN's Rene Marsh -- including initiatives aimed at improving water and air quality as well as a number of regulations tasked with reducing the nation's greenhouse gas emissions.

Other programs include the Environmental Justice program, which is meant to help local communities grapple with environmental concerns, and Global Change Research, a program funded by several agencies, including the EPA, which reports humans' impact on the planet.

Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

The Washington Post also reported Thursday that the Trump administration is thinking about cutting Housing and Urban Development by $6 billion, cuts the head of the union representing HUD employees said would be "devastating" to day-to-day operations at the department.

Jereon Brown, spokesman for the Department of Housing and Urban Development, told CNN Thursday he had not seen a budget that cut HUD spending by $6 billion but he did not outright refute the report.

Brown said all of HUD's programs are being considered for cuts but that the process is "still ongoing" and "will be ongoing" for the next few weeks.

Meanwhile, HUD Secretary Ben Carson looked to calm concerns at the department with an email to all staff Thursday, saying, "Please understand that the budget negotiations currently underway are very similar to those that have occurred in previous years."

"This budget process is a lengthy, back-and-forth process that will continue. It's unfortunate that preliminary numbers were published but please take some comfort in knowing that starting numbers are rarely final numbers," he wrote.

But so far, that message hasn't quelled the widespread concerns, said Holly Salamido, head of the union that represents HUD employees.

"The cuts ... would be devastating to the constituents that HUD serves," Salamido said. "Everyone is extremely concerned. That cuts that were described were draconian and there is a great deal of angst right now among employees."

Unanswered: Will Trump's cuts actually put a dent in the deficit?

The $54 billion in proposed cuts to non-defense programs will be supplemented by the same budget increase to defense and security spending, meaning the first round of planned cuts will have no impact on the deficit. Additionally, the Trump administration has asked Congress to fund a number of pricey projects, including the President's much-talked-about plan to build a wall along the US-Mexico border.

The administration has also yet to roll out their tax reform plan, meaning it is unclear whether revenues will go up or down under Trump. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin has promised tax reform by August.

Alan Cole, an economist for the Tax Foundation, said Thursday that it's assumed revenues will go down under Trump, meaning in order to lower the deficit, the President will have to supplement those losses with cuts.

"There are too many parts to nail down the specific number," Cole said about the deficit. "Trump is neither an orthodox deficit reducer nor an orthodox small government conservative, he kind of mixes here and there and looks for political patches of least resistance. But if you look for the path of least resistance in budgets, too often, you end up with big deficits."

Cole noted that there are ways Trump could reduce the deficit -- revenue raising tax plans, discretionary spending cuts and health care reform.

How will it affect Washington?

The cuts, though, also mean wholesale culture changes for government employees in the nation's capital.

While government spending did not grow as fast as the debt under Obama, according to the US Treasury, spending did grow by nearly 5% in Obama's eight years.

That means the government agencies that once expanded projects under Trump's predecessor are now having to consider cuts to those same projects under the reality TV-star-turned-politician. Unions representing government workers are evaluating Trump's budget promises from afar, concerned they will mean layoffs and buyouts.

CNN's Rene Marsh contributed to this report.
US Defense Secretary James Mattis said Thursday that the US is"not in a position right now" to collaborate with Russia on military matters.

Speaking at a NATO conference in Brussels, Mattis accused Russia of violating international law, labeling its actions as "aggressive" and "destabilizing."

Mattis, who spoke of the need to negotiate with Russia "from a position of strength" on Wednesday, was cool on any prospect of working with Moscow.

"We are not in a position right now to collaborate on the military level, but our political leaders will engage and try to find common ground," he said Thursday.

"Russia's aggressive actions have violated international law and are destabilizing."

Mattis also said there is "very little doubt" that Russia has interfered in a number of democratic elections.

It was one of the starkest comments to date on Moscow's alleged hacking made by a Trump administration official.

Asked whether the Kremlin had meddled in the US election, Mattis answered: "There's very little doubt that they have either interfered -- or they have attempted to interfere -- in a number of elections in the democracies."

Earlier Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin urged for communication between his country's and America's intelligence services to be restored.

Putin said "all relevant governments and international groups should work together."

Russia warning

On Wednesday, Mattis reiterated US support for NATO while highlighting the threat posed by Moscow.

Mattis labeled NATO a "fundamental bedrock for the US and all the transatlantic community," and urged it be wary.

"While the United States and the alliance seek to engage Russia, we must at the same time defend ourselves if Russia chooses to act contrary to international law," Mattis said.

"Just as we did throughout the darkest days of the Cold War, the United States remains willing to keep open political channels of cooperation and deescalate tensions.

"We remain open to opportunities to restore a cooperative relationship with Moscow, while being realistic in our expectations and ensuring our diplomats negotiate from a position of strength."

Pay up

On Wednesday Mattis also warned that the US could "moderate" its commitment to NATO if other member states fail to meet the requisite spending targets.

Just five of the 28 member states currently meet the alliance's spending target of 2% of GDP -- leading Mattis to urge others to pay up.

"America will meet its responsibilities, but if your nations do not want to see America moderate its commitment to this alliance, each of your capitals needs to show support for our common defense," he said.

NATO's Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg called it a "fair demand" during a news conference Wednesday.

"The message from Secretary Mattis is a fair message, it is a fair demand, that we need fairer burden sharing."
Montana Trout Unlimited is asking federal authorities to revoke mineral claims held by a company proposing to develop a copper mine near White Sulphur Springs.

In a letter sent to the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service, the group focuses on statements by officials with Tintina Resources about development plans on more than 500 federal claims. Trout Unlimited contends that statements by the company in various media reports show that Tintina in saying it bought the claims to eliminate potential competition rather than develop them, violates good faith principles that courts have found necessary.

Tintina says it has no immediate plans for exploratory drilling, but has done some sampling on the claims to gain a greater knowledge of the geologic makeup of the area. The company is in full compliance with all laws, Tintina officials say.

Trout Unlimited Conservation Director David Brooks says the goal of the letter is not to force Tintina to develop the claims, but to encourage the company to be forthcoming about its future plans.

Theyve tried to keep as quite as possible that they have these public land claims and what their bigger plans are beyond private land, he said. I just think its fair to ask what their intention is for the long run.

Tintina is seeking a permit from the state to develop the Black Butte Copper Project. The project is located entirely on private land with designs calling for an underground mine.

Proponents of the mine cite the economic impact while highlighting modern mining techniques they believe will make the mine safe and environmentally friendly.

Opposition to the mine has been strong among conservation groups. As Black Butte would be developed in the Smith River watershed, concerns about pollution and dewatering have triggered anti-mine advocacy campaigns.

The Montana Department of Environmental Quality will decide on a permit once it accepts Tintinas application. Environmental analysis will follow which will include public hearings and comment.

In public messaging about the mine the relatively small size has been mentioned by developers as a positive. But Tintina has also been on the record saying it may continue to explore the area for minerals, and marketed the company to investors in part on the potential for 50-year mining district.

Federal leases owned by the company could be part of future exploration, the company has said.

What were contesting is that essentially they bought up a buffer zone of public land which runs counter to the intent of the mining act, Brooks said.

At question is the General Mining Act of 1872, which dictates processes for mineral claims. Tintina, as other owners do, pays an annual maintenance fee for its federal claims, which adjoin the private land of the Black Butte site.

Trout Unlimited contends that simply paying the fee does not establish an intent to mine, and BLM should consider Tintinas statements and case law pertaining to non-mining intentions for mining claims.

When reached for comment, Tintina Vice President of Exploration Jerry Zieg in an email echoed past statements about the unknown mineral potential for the 525 federal claims it owns.

We have no immediate plans to conduct any exploration drilling, but as our regional geologic knowledge base develops, and our Black Butte Copper Project becomes operational, we may apply to the Forest Service for permission to conduct exploration drilling to better understand the geology of the region and identify additional resources, he wrote.

Tintina is in full compliance with the spirit and letter of all applicable laws related to holding and developing its unpatented mining claims. We treasure the public's trust and will continue to operate in a manner that fits our community and upholds our values.

Estimates for the Black Butte Copper project calls for an 11 to 15-year mine life and more than 200 jobs.

Officials with the BLM office in Billings say that paying the maintenance fee as Tintina has done is sufficient to establish rightful ownership over the claim.

Phil Perlewitz, branch chief in solid minerals, and Kim Dowdile, land law examiner, said in an interview that not paying the fee would forfeit the claim. Before an amendment to the law a miner would have to demonstrate assessment work that essentially proves the claim as being developed. The amendment substitutes assessment work for the maintenance fee as the standard of ownership, they said.

Plans to develop claims would require additional approval from federal regulators, Perlewitz and Dowdile said, but added that nothing in their opinion would stop those opposed to mining from buying and holding claims.

Trout Unlimited s letter, citing case law, appears to dispute the assertion that claims can be held as long as fees are paid. The letter claims that courts have invalidated claims filed solely for the purpose of obtaining excess acreage.

Our intent is to ask the agencies that oversee these claims that should be asking these questions whether these mining claims are being treated as theyre supposed to be, Brooks said.

Last year Trout Unlimited asked the Forest Service to declare national forest lands in the Smith River area off limits to mining. The group formally submitted a request to the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest to withdraw federal lands from mining in Smith tributaries Deep, Eagle, Moose, Rock, Sheep and Tenderfoot creeks for 20 years. The group cited concerns about water quality, big game habitat, recreation and cultural values in its request.

That request is being considered as part of the ongoing revision of the forest plan.
Firefighters say they will continue to face challenges when seeking workers compensation for lung diseases contracted on the job if a House committee does not reverse course on a bill it tabled Wednesday.

This is our eighth session weve been trying to get a firefighters bill passed. With much compromise this year, we were able to pass that through the Senate on a 33-14 vote, said Great Falls Fire Rescue Battalion Chief David Van Son, who also serves on the board of the Montana State Council of Professional Fire Fighters.

This bill not only affects me as a Montana firefighter but, he said, pausing to collect himself as he choked up, It affects me because I have a brother firefighter at home battling lung cancer. He was unable to travel from Great Falls to Helena today because he is too weak. That condition was caused by his work as a firefighter protecting the citizens of Great Falls and of Montana.

Rep. Sue Vinton, R-Billings, joined Democrats in supporting Senate Bill 72, but other GOP members of the House Business and Labor Committee voted against the measure, which effectively kills the proposal unless someone moves to reconsider.

Under the bill introduced by Rep. Pat Connell, R-Hamilton, firefighters would not have to prove their cancer or other serious illness was caused by the job when applying for workers compensation, a form of presumptive coverage already available in 46 other states.

Historically, lobbyists for insurance companies, towns and counties have fought the bill, worried about increased costs. Those groups did not oppose the bill this session because of limits added to the measure.

To be eligible, firefighters would have to have received a medical exam within 90 days of hiring to rule out a pre-existing condition or family history. Firefighters who smoked would not qualify. Coverage would be capped at 5 years, with some receiving less depending on their length of service. The Senate also amended the bill to exclude firefighters who had only worked desk duties or other jobs without smoke exposure.

Connells bill would use a portion of the states tax on fire insurance premiums, which currently flows into the general fund for any purpose, to create a new special fund that would pay for the care of firefighters receiving presumptive coverage. The bill would cap the fund at $1 million. Only enough collections to meet that cap would go to the fund to replenish anything spent the previous year. He does not expect the fund to ever be depleted in a single year. State health officials estimated, at most, a handful of eligible cases each year, based on the numbers seen in neighboring states.

Before Wednesdays vote, no one disputed mounting scientific evidence that shows firefighters are much more likely to develop lung diseases and cancer from hazardous exposures on the job. No one disputed that existing protective equipment does not completely prevent the absorption of toxins through the skin. No one disputed that the design of workers compensation makes it difficult for firefighters to receive coverage because the illnesses develop from longterm, incremental exposure rather than a single, identifiable incident like when someone breaks a leg.

The debate instead focused on expected increases in state costs for providing presumptive disease status for firefighters, the potential that future Legislatures would expand the protections to more types of diseases or other careers, and whether firefighters should just accept the risks of the job.

I take my hat off to the men sitting back here. My son is a firefighter, Rep. Steve Gunderson, R-Libby said before voting against the bill. The cause and effect of what were talking about, I understand the implications, but I think were shifting a huge liability to the state we just cannot consume.

Chairman Mark Noland, a Bigfork Republican, called firefighters courageous and said he is so grateful for their service.

But they do know. They do enter this with their eyes wide open That is what they choose and we do not want to slight them in any way, shape or form, but this is something they are going into with their eyes wide open, he said, later adding: We see a need. We love ya, but the presumptive thing is an issue that hurts. Its probably too big to get to where we should be going to win this bill. We have tough decisions to make. Some of us wont sleep tonight. Some of us havent been sleeping anyway because of the calls weve been getting and the emails.This is a big deal. This is a lot of money.

Rep. Moffie Funk, D-Helena, said she could not look toward the firefighters seated in the audience because I hear all these words of gratitude and thankfulness and how wonderful they are but those words ring hollow when we dont take action.

You have said several times we have to make a hard decision here, Funk said, looking at Noland. We dont have to make the wrong decision.

Rep. Casey Schreiner, D-Great Falls, said he was disgusted by the vote to kill the bill. He took issue with Nolands suggestion that firefighters dont deserve public assistance for diseases contracted while providing a public service.

We would never sit here or go on the House floor and say those sorts of comments about those who go overseas to fight for our country. And wed never say were not going to cover their costs if they get shot in the line of duty because they had their eyes open and knew what they were getting into, he said. Im disgusted at this notion that its not the states responsibility and theres not some kind of public responsibility to these public employees. They do a public service. If they get sick in the line of work, we should cover those costs.

Gov. Steve Bullock also condemned the vote.

"Montana's brave, selfless firefighters will run into a burning building to protect lives, but Republican legislators can't even pass a bill to protect their health and wellbeing, the Democrat said in an emailed statement. This is a slap in the face to all of Montana's first responders who put their lives on the line every day to protect our families and our communities."
HELENA  A split Montana Supreme Court has ruled that a person's blood is not evidence that can be tampered with until it is removed from their body -- even if a judge has issued a warrant authorizing blood to be drawn from a person.

Tuesday's 4-3 decision overturns a Missoula woman's conviction for tampering with evidence for fleeing a hospital after police obtained a warrant to test her blood-alcohol level in a September 2013 felony DUI case. She was not located until the following day, when a test of her blood was no longer relevant to the DUI charge.

Attorneys for Christina Louise Harrison argued that in 2001 justices had ruled that blood inside a person's body cannot be considered "evidence." In that case, a man left the scene of the crash and drank alcohol before he was arrested up to 90 minutes later, making it impossible to determine how intoxicated he was at the time of the crash.

The state argued and the three dissenting justices agreed that Harrison's case was different because the Legislature in 2011 passed a law allowing officers to apply for warrants for blood tests in certain DUI cases.

Prosecutors argued Harrison had been in custody since she was stopped for driving at night without headlights, she had failed field sobriety tests and that a warrant had been issued - meaning a judge had determined that a blood test was relevant evidence that must be collected.

Those factors still don't undermine the clear ruling in the 2001 case that a person's blood alcohol level "is not evidence until it exists in a state capable of analysis," Justice Beth Baker wrote on behalf of the majority.

Harrison, 54, was convicted of the felony DUI and remains on probation through November 2019.

The sentence she received for evidence tampering ran concurrent with the DUI sentence so the ruling will not reduce the amount of time she's under state supervision, state officials said.

The majority also rejected the state's argument that a ruling in Harrison's favor would tie the hands of law enforcement in conducting investigations.

The justices said Harrison's actions at the hospital to evade the court-ordered blood draw resulted in her conviction for escape and could have brought a charge for obstructing a peace officer.

"In other words, there are specific statutory tools to ensure accountability for offenders who impede lawful investigations," Baker wrote.
WEST GLACIER  Waiting for Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke to finish a private meeting with Blackfeet tribal leaders, Glacier National Park Deputy Superintendent Eric Smith did some quick math.

Add $27.8 million here, $17.4 million there, and Smith soon had tallied up $125.9 million in deferred maintenance in his park alone. That doesnt even rank Glacier among the top 15 parks with the highest needs, although Yellowstone National Park made No. 3 with $632.3 million.

Fixing Glaciers Route 10 alone  the spur road into the Many Glacier Valley  has a price tag of $39.2 million.

The National Park Service needs about $12.5 billion  with a B  just to catch up on its backlogged to-do list. Just nine days into his new cabinet position, Zinke acknowledged he has some catching up to do.

Its a tremendous honor, Zinke told a roomful of Glacier rangers and staff at the park headquarters on Friday. But now when you look at the bathroom and its not clean, thats my fault. You get a little different perspective when youre in charge of the place.

Zinke grew up in Whitefish, less than an hour west of Glaciers main entrance. At the meeting, he reunited with his high school science teacher, Bill Schustrom  now a regular seasonal park ranger. The two joked about seeing a portrait of past Interior Secretary James Watt, who served when Zinke was in Schustroms classroom.

He had the Interior pin on, but the bison was facing the other direction, Zinke said of Watts portrait. That was his way of saying he was taking the department in a different direction.

Zinke announced his own plans to put the Interior Department on a new heading, with a pledge to push more decision-making to the park supervisor level at the expense of Washington, D.C. and regional managers. A former Navy SEAL, Zinke also spoke of breaking down some of the stovepipes of separate agencies like the way the military uses joint command.

That could mean more cooperation with the Agriculture Departments U.S. Forest Service, to see if overflow park visitors might shift to trails and campgrounds on national forest sites. It might also involve shifting workers between parks as seasonal changes redirect visitor flows.

But budgets will remain a challenge. Park superintendents send their spending plans up to Zinke, who then sends a number to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget. What comes back, in the form of the presidents budget plan, is what Zinke has to work with.

Its really hard to make the justification for capital improvement investments when you dont have money to maintain what you already have, Smith said.

But Glacier broke another attendance record in 2016 by welcoming 2,946,681 visitors. So in addition to dealing with the landslides that undermine the Many Glacier Road, park road engineers want to rebuild the little-known Inside North Fork Road. That expansion might help spread the crush of cars now turtling over the Going to the Sun Road.

Were hearing a lot of infrastructure-package talk from the administration and folks on the Hill, said Marcia Argust, who directs the Pew Charitable Trusts Restore Americas Parks campaign. We need to make sure parks infrastructure is part of that package.

In the past decade, the only major surge of parks money came in 2009, when President Barack Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. That sent about $750 million to the National Park Service, of which more than $500 million went to deferred maintenance.

The only other time was the Mission 66 initiative, Argust said. That was 50 years after the initial creation of the Park Service, and things were showing issues then. They spent $1 billion, which is about $7 billion or $8 billion in todays dollars. Its been another 50 years, and facilities are showing more need of repairs.
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Saturday Night Live and Donald Trump have a seemingly codependent relationship. Trump blasts SNL on Twitter, SNL returns the favor on Saturday nights, and Trump tunes in to repeat the cycle.

This, along with Alec Baldwin's portrayal of the president, has led to SNL's highest ratings in over 20 years.

But the New York-based sketch show may have a wrench thrown its way.

BIZARRE: Alex Jones Challenges Alec Baldwin to 'Bare Knuckle' Fight

Last week, Alec Baldwin told Extra, "The maliciousness of this White House has people worried... that's why I'm not going to do it much longer, the impersonation, I don't know how much more people can take it."

If Baldwin decides to leave, the race may be on to find the next Donald Trump impersonator.

The New York Times recently interviewed a Hollywood casting director to see who would best play Trump in a fictional HBO Trump miniseries. Several names came up aside from Baldwin: Michael McKean, Robert DeNiro and Chris Cooper.

BALDWIN: Trump impression unlikely at Correspondents dinner

Even if Baldwin does decide to leave, SNL has a lot of notches under their belt when it comes to casting presidential parodies. The show has been impersonating presidents for more than 40 years, starting with Chevy Chase's Gerald Ford.

Click through to see the best U.S. president impersonations.
MISSOULA  President Donald Trump's proposal to slash 14 percent of the Education Department's budget has left Montana in a "wait and see" phase as officials question the details of his plan.

Trump's budget proposal for discretionary spending in 2018 was released Thursday, and revealed $9.2 billion in cuts to education in two pages of the 62-page document  as well as significant investments in school choice, charter schools and vouchers.

"It's more than one page in the document, but not much more than one page," said Dennis Parman, executive director of the Montana Rural Education Association. "The devil will be in the details."

The announcement leaves Montana public school supporters in limbo, while some school choice advocates are eyeing the proposed boost with hesitant optimism.

The cuts, Montana School Boards Association executive director Lance Melton said in an email, "seek to substitute the judgment of the federal government for local control of decisions currently made by elected school boards and will undoubtedly harm public schools throughout Montana if implemented by Congress."

While in a different vein  school choice  Americans For Prosperity-Montana state director David Herbst feels the same way about local control. Herbst is in a holding pattern, calling Trump's plan a "sketch." He's waiting to see the full picture.

Trump is following through on campaign promises to boost school choice efforts with a $1.4 billion proposal to expand charter schools, vouchers and Title I portability  which "places power in the hands of parents and families to choose schools that are best for their children," according to the budget document. It includes:

a $168 million increase for charter schools;

a $250 million increase for a "new private school choice program"; and

a $1 billion increase to Title I funding.

Currently, Title I funding is centered on schools based on poverty levels in the geographic area. Trump's proposed increase to Title I funding includes his encouragement that school districts make the funding follow a student to a public school of his or her choice in an open enrollment environment.

"We've pushed strongest at the state level for school choice," Herbst said. "As much as this is compatible with that, we're trying to see how it develops.

"We generally oppose federal control over education. The thing about federal dollars is they come with strings. I think it's a mainstream Montana thought; we've always been skeptical when bureaucrats are making decisions that parents ought to be making."

Critics see school choice efforts as diverting public dollars under public accountability to private schools that are not subject to the same oversight.

"The proposal will force cuts in services to students at risk of falling behind, using those resources to support divisive and untested privatization schemes that have been shown to fail in improving education outcomes for students," Melton said.

Parman said there are too many unanswered questions in Trump's education proposal.

"There's some pretty sweeping proposals there, but there is a tremendous lack of detail," he said.

Trump proposes eliminating the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program, which funds before- and after-school programs and summer programs. That would amount to a $1.2 billion cut.

Montana is estimated to receive $4.9 million under this program in FY 17, according to the Education Department.

In 2015, 21st Century grants were awarded to Heart Butte, Seeley Lake and Whitehall. Past grants have been awarded to after-school programs such as Boys and Girls Clubs as well as some programs organized by school districts.

"To eliminate that, it would be felt pretty dramatically in those communities," Parman said.

In his proposed budget, Trump said there isn't enough evidence showing that the 21st CCLC program is "meeting its objectives."

Trump is also looking for a $66 million cut to impact aid, federal grants awarded to school districts who are on or near federal land  in Montana, meaning schools on reservations or near military bases.

In Montana, 71 school districts received $55 million in impact aid in fiscal year 2016.

Of those, 53 of are on or near reservations.

Impact aid (Title VIII) is broken into sections, with one providing most of Montana's funding, Section 8003.

In Trump's proposal, the impact aid cut would come through Support Payments for Federal Property, which appears aligned with Section 8002.

"If that is the case, the impact would be minimal on Montana since most of our Impact Aid funding comes from 8003," Dylan Klapmeier, media assistant for the Office of Public Instruction, said in an email. "Since it is just the blueprint, though, a lot can happen."

Great Falls Public Schools also receives impact aid  about $620,000, according to OPI  as it sits near Malmstrom Air Force Base.

"That'll be devastating for everyone," Parman said. "They (Great Falls) will have to look at what they'll be able to replace levying local taxpayers. But there's virtually no tax base for reservation schools."
MISSOULA  A methamphetamine dealer who told investigators he moved more than 40 pounds of the drug into Butte in 2015 will spend the next 25 years behind bars.

Lester Oxendine, 33, was sentenced Thursday in Missoula by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Dana Christensen.

After Oxendine was arrested in late 2015, he told police he sold more than $640,000 in meth in the Butte area after moving there that summer from the Bakken oil fields.

At his sentencing hearing, Oxendines attorney Dwight Schulte told the judge that even though the indictment against his client outlined many incidents, it didnt tell the whole story of who he is.

Deep down, Lester is not necessarily the man thats presented in the facts that the court is relying on in sentencing, he said, adding that Oxendine had a difficult childhood and wants to take advantage of mental health and drug abuse treatment while in prison.

In November, Oxendine pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and to possessing a firearm to further that goal. As part of a plea agreement, other federal drug and weapons charges were dismissed.

Oxendine told the judge Thursday he was not a bad person. I just made some bad decisions.

I felt like I could come here and make some fast, easy money without getting caught, he added.

Before making the sentence official, the judge recounted Oxendines extensive criminal history from North Carolina, including convictions for forgery, identity theft, drug dealing and assault.

In the most recent case in Butte, the judge said he was particularly troubled by the number of firearms recovered from Oxendines home, and by the charging documents that referenced several incidents in which Oxendine shot at other people when angry.

Oxendine's father, Larry Oxendine, 58, also was arrested and charged in the drug trafficking case. At the end of last year, Christensen sentenced Larry Oxendine to three years in federal prison on a charge of being a felon in possession of firearms.
Ben Fong-Torres likes the idea of being immortalized in a Summer of Love photo by rock photography legend Jim Marshall.

If it had been me, it would have been quite an honor, Fong-Torres jokes.

But the photo in Jim Marshalls collection featuring a reporter identified as Fong-Torres  most recently published in The Chronicles Summer of Love magazine  is of another man, the real Fong-Torres insists.

The rock journalist and broadcaster, who writes the Radio Waves column for The Chronicle, has posted the image on his Facebook page, hoping one of his followers might identify the journalist in the Marshall image. Were joining him in that quest. Do you recognize the man in the photo? Are you the man in the photo? Contact Peter Hartlaub at phartlaub@sfchronicle.com so we can hear the story.

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Fong-Torres says he was in San Francisco for the Summer of Love, spinning Henry Mancini, 101 Strings and movie themes on the KFOG overnight shift, before it became a classic rock station.

I had the experience of going to parties that would involve alcohol and drugs and a lot of rock music, Fong-Torres remembers, and then around 11 p.m. or so I would have to split, and drive to Ghirardelli Square, and  speaking of square  play this music that was considered elevator music.

Fong-Torres says the photo has been sent to him frequently over the years, from fans and friends who think its him. The journalists former employer Rolling Stone used the same photo, misidentifying him in 2014. A representative from Marshalls estate said Fong-Torres was identified based on that Rolling Stones caption information. Jim Marshall died in 2010, and there are no notes on the photo.

Fong-Torres says he wasnt reporting stories on the Summer of Love in 1967, and his time at Rolling Stone hadnt started yet.

In short, Fong-Torres says, I didnt have cause to venture into the Haight-Ashbury as a reporter.

So who is in the photo?

There are a couple of clues. The man has a very large tape recorder with what appears to be a ZBS logo. (An agency called ZBS Media still exists, but started making radio and audio stories in 1970.) Fong-Torres shares his wife Diannes theory that the journalist might be of Latino descent, not an Asian American.

Fong-Torres sent us a 1967 photo, proving he looked different than the man in the Marshall image. Now, hes hoping modern tools  the Internet and social media  can help solve a mystery from 50 years ago.

If Im wrong and it is me, Fong-Torres says, it just brings validity to (the) famous line: If you remember the 1960s, you werent really there.

Peter Hartlaub is The San Francisco Chronicles pop culture critic. Email: phartlaub@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @PeterHartlaub
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(Editor's note: An earlier version of this story quoted a former Meals on Wheels chief of staff Larry Tomayko. The quote was from 2013, not 2017, so it has been removed.)

A popular organization that provides food and companionship to millions of seniors around the country is at risk of losing its funding in President Donald Trump's new budget  and people are incensed.

In the White House's preliminary budget released Thursday, funding for the Community Development Block Grant is eliminated entirely. Some of that grant money goes toward Meals on Wheels, a program that utilizes volunteers to bring food to millions of senior citizens.

Along with giving free or inexpensive meals to needy seniors, Meals on Wheels is often the only human interaction that seniors living alone get each day. Meals on Wheels also bills itself as a free safety check for seniors.

"The safety check that accompanies each meal delivery ensures that, in the case of an emergency or problem, medics will be called, families will be notified and our seniors will not be forgotten," Meals on Wheels says on their website.

Cutting their funding is bad optics for the Trump administration, but losing this money isn't necessarily a death knell for Meals on Wheels. According to their 2015 report, the majority of their funding comes from corporate and foundation grants and individual contributions. Government grants made up three percent of their revenues, or $248,347 in 2015.

More for you Trump blueprint budget cuts domestic spending, boosts security

However, Meals on Wheels has been advocating for further funding, as they're currently only able to serve about a third of the 25 million people over 60 who are below or near the poverty line. The Meals on Wheels Association of America told CNN they could serve 19 million fewer meals as a result of various budget cuts.

To see some of the furious responses to Meals on Wheels' funding cut, read through the gallery above.
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The Rockridge real estate market is sizzling hot.

Over the past year, the Oakland neighborhood, with its own BART station and a commercial district of trendy restaurants, has seen a 69 percent year-over-year rise in the median sales price, according to Trulia.

The median sales price was $755,000 in March 2016, and it's now a staggering $1,337,500.

This neighborhood's surging popularity and prices explains why the $495,000 teardown at 383 60th St., in a prime location between Rockridge and Fairview Park, is a hot commodity.

More for you Reimagined Queen Anne Victorian overlooks Alamo Square

For those who can't afford sky-high prices, it offers an opportunity to stake out a spot near bustling College Avenue for a low price.

The one-bedroom, two-bath bungalow built in 1905 went on the market on Wednesday, and today listing agent Dalia Juskys held the first broker's tour.

"The place is mobbed," Juskys said. "Everyone from investors to people wanting to fix it up are coming through. I've had many people ask if they can make a preemptive offer. This is a $2 million neighborhood and we've priced it at basically the cost of the land."

The owner purchased the property in the 1970s and hasn't lived in the home in decades. Juskys said the owner held onto the house to remain in Rep. Barbara Lee's district.

The home is in shambles with peeling paint, unfinished ceilings, torn-up linoleum and rotting hardwood floors.

"Either this is a teardown or it's a huge massive fixer-upper," the agent said.

There's no heating and it doesn't even have a workable kitchen.

"The only thing that's livable is the bathroom," Juskys added.

Yes, compared to other the home's other ramshackle rooms, one of the bathrooms is beautiful. It has natural wood paneling, a sweet pedestal sink and a glass-walled walk-in shower. It looks like it belongs in a glossy spread of a modern home featured in Dwell magazine.

The lot is narrow and deep with a massive lush and weed-filled backyard. As with the rest of the property, the outdoor areas scream potential.

"We're having so much fun with this because it's a real teardown," Juskys said. "It's quite hysterical. Everything is dilapidated  but that bathroom. You don't need to tear down the bathroom."
Sea otters were once an uncommon sight in Morro Bay harbors. Glimpsing just five of the threatened creatures bobbing in the waters of the sleepy coastal town was cause for celebration.

Today, Morro Bay hosts 30-40 independent sea otters and as many as 20 dependent pups, reports Gena Bentall of Sea Otter Savvy, an otter education organization in Northern California.

The best news for avid otter seekers? Otters and their brethren have congregated right below the T-piers on Morro Bay's embarcadero. With access like this, you're altogether assured to catch a glimpse of the playful mammals.

The uptick of otters became noticeable in 2011, and their numbers have only increased since then. To the delight of nature seekers, many otters have huddled just 20 feet beneath public spaces, like the North and South T-Piers on the north end of the embarcadero. Even more charming, many of the otters are new moms with tiny pups in tow.

"There are other areas up the coast that have large rafts of otters, but none provide this unique, close-up perspective," said Mike Harris, a sea otter biologist and senior environmental scientist for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW)

Harris is uncertain why the otters have returned to Morro Bay, which hasn't seen such numbers since the 70s and 80s.

Each May, Harris and other scientists from the CDFW conduct an otter population survey. Last year, they found the number of otters (45 in total) exceeded the delisting criteria for threatened animals on the Endangered Species Act.

Sea otters typically choose habitats based upon the availability of resources, with food as the strongest motivator. Bentall notes that most of the otters near the T-pier are females, with dependent pups or in the throes of pregnancy. This suggests that one or more territorial males are lurking nearby.

In the same ecosystem, the population of sea stars has crashed due to a mysterious wasting disease. Both sea stars and otters feed on urchins, and the disappearance of a major predator has led to an urchin explosion. Harris said the abundance of food possibly accounts for the increase of otters in the region.

Although otters and their pups provide adorable viewing pleasure for the public, Harris and Bentall urge caution.

"It is very important for those wishing to view the Morro Bay sea otters to understand that if they cause a sea otter to change her behavior, they have caused that otter to waste vital energy, have broken two federal laws (the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act), and have not done their part to be good stewards to these remarkable animals," said Bentall.

For those heading to the T-piers this season, Bentall recommends viewers stay on the embarcadero walkway or the pier, locations which already provide "extremely close viewing." Bentall also advises the public to avoid fishing nearby, never attempt to touch an otter, and to keep their voices down "so as not to disturb sleeping moms and their pups."

Read Michelle Robertsons latest stories and send her news tips at mrobertson@sfchronicle.com.
BILLINGS  Three baby river otters were born to parents Ben and Mia at ZooMontana on Feb. 25.

This is the third litter of pups born to Ben and Mia at the zoo.

Two pups were born in 2013, and three were born in 2015. All five are now at other zoo facilities.

With good progress, zoo visitors should be able to see the pups on exhibit within a few months, Jeff Ewelt, ZooMontana executive director said in a news release Wednesday morning.

"Until then, the pups and mom will be monitored and cared for behind scenes," Ewelt said. "Zoo fans are encouraged to follow the zoo via Facebook and the zoo's website for updates on the otters' progress."

It typically takes five weeks until the pups' eyes open. Once they learn to walk, they must learn how to swim  something their mom will help them do.

Mia has been a great mom since her first litter, zookeeper Travis Goebel said.

"She successfully raised her first five pups without issue and we expect her to do the same here," he said.

Mia can only stand to be separated from her pups for several minutes. Ben, the pups' father, is curious about the new pups but has given Mia her privacy.

ZooMontana's river otters are part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Program, which manages the breeding of a species to maintain a healthy and self-sustaining zoo population. The goal is to create populations that are both genetically diverse and demographically stable.
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THE HAGUE, Netherlands  If far-right Geert Wilders is looking for somebody to blame for his disappointing showing in the Dutch election, he could point to a couple of possible candidates: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and President Trump.

Thats the assessment of Matthijs Rooduijn, an assistant professor at Utrecht University who researches the rise of populist radical parties, and other Dutch political experts.

Erdogans diplomatic spat with the Netherlands, which erupted over the weekend, allowed Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte to portray himself as a tough statesman on the eve of Wednesdays national vote, Rooduijn said Thursday. In addition, Trumps early chaotic days in the White House showed potential Wilders voters that putting populist policies into practice can trigger turmoil, he added.

But ultimately, Dutch politicians muscling into Wilders traditional far-right territory may have cost the firebrand lawmaker the most votes.

In Wednesdays election for the Netherlands 150-seat lower house of Parliament, Wilders Party for Freedom, or PVV, got just over 13 percent of the vote. That was enough for 20 seats and second place behind Ruttes conservative VVD party, which easily won the election with 21 percent of the vote and 33 seats.

This means that Rutte almost certainly will lead the next Dutch government. On Thursday, the chairwoman of Parliaments lower house, Khadija Arib, appointed Edith Schippers of Ruttes VVD party to investigate possible government coalitions.

Wilders had seen 21 percent support himself in mid-December before his poll ratings entered a steady decline.

Analysts agree that Rutte probably got a boost in the crucial closing days of campaigning, when he plunged diplomatic relations with NATO ally Turkey into the deep freeze by refusing to allow two Turkish ministers to address gatherings about a Turkish referendum on constitutional reforms that would give Erdogan more power. Turkeys foreign minister was refused permission to land in the Netherlands while Ankaras family minister was barred from entering her countrys consulate in Rotterdam and was escorted out of the country to Germany.

It was a great opportunity for him to present himself as a strong leader, someone who really cares about Dutch pride, said Rooduijn.

But by the time of the Turkey crisis, Wilders already was in decline and the tumultuous start of Trumps time in office may have taken a toll on a politician who has often been called the Dutch Donald Trump  a comparison that Wilders increasingly backed away from in recent weeks.

Initially, he wanted to be associated with Trump, Rooduijn said. Then the way in which Trump behaved  many Dutch people do not agree with his policies and approach.

Nico Bolleboom, 66, from the village of Stompwijk near The Hague, was one of them. He decided against voting for Wilders.

I dont want it to become the same here as it is now in the United States, he said. Because it is going too far over there.

Despite the disappointment, Wilders remained defiant Thursday, popping open a bottle of sparkling wine to toast his partys five-seat gain and firing off a pledge on Twitter to come back even stronger.

Mike Corder is an Associated Press writer.
WASHINGTON  Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny urged President Trump to help Irish people living in the U.S. illegally, saying they just want to make America great.

Kenny spoke at a luncheon at the U.S. Capitol on Thursday as part of a series of events celebrating St. Patricks Day, including a one-on-one meeting with Trump at the White House, where the two discussed immigration, trade and the Irish economy.

On people living in the country illegally, Kenny said, We would like this to be sorted. It would remove a burden of so many people that they can stand out in the light and say, now I am free to contribute to America as I know I can. And thats what people want.

Kenny also urged Trump to consider providing more work visas for young people who want to come to America and to work here.

Some estimates put the Irish natives living in the country illegally in the tens of thousands. Kenny has made a similar pitch on immigration in the past, but the current U.S. administrations position to curtail illegal immigration has heightened the underlying tension.

Kenny also sought to impress upon Trump the difficulties Ireland will face as a result of Britains decision to leave the European Union. During the luncheon, he said: Let me say to you that as a member of the European Council, what we want to do is to work with America.

Trump supported the British vote to leave the 28-country bloc  known as Brexit  saying earlier this year that it would end up being a great thing.

Trump welcomed Kenny to the White House, proclaiming his love for Ireland. At the luncheon, he called Kenny a new friend and quoted an Irish proverb to remember friends that have stuck by you. Trump added: politically speaking, a lot of us know that.

After the meeting and luncheon, Kenny returned to the White House for a St. Patricks Day reception. The White House event dates back to the 1950s and has become an important standing engagement for Ireland, which has strong emotional and ancestral ties to the United States.

Catherine Lucey is an Associated Press writer.
1 Israel accused: A report published by the U.N. Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia that concludes that Israel has established an apartheid regime drew swift criticism from the United Nations and Israeli officials on Wednesday. The report titled Israeli Practices Toward the Palestinian People and the Question of Apartheid was released by the commission at a news conference in Beirut. Its authors conclude that Israel has established an apartheid regime that systematically institutionalizes racial oppression and domination of the Palestinian people as a whole. Israels U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon issued a statement condemning the report. The attempt to smear and falsely label the only true democracy in the Middle East by creating a false analogy is despicable and constitutes a blatant lie, he said. U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said the reports views do not reflect those of the secretary-general.

2 Abuse alleged: A group of Cuban migrants detained in the southern Mexican city of Tapachula have accused authorities of beating and mistreating them after they staged a hunger strike  some by sewing their lips together  to demand their release. The Quadratin news agency reported that the Cubans filed a formal complaint against officials of the state of Chiapas Public Security Department and the National Migration Institute following the alleged incidents last week at the Siglo XXI immigrant detention center. According to several reports, the Cubans refused to return to their cells during a hunger strike to demand their release. They also called for an end to their harassment and the extortions of their relatives. Mexican journalists reported that some of the Cubans sewed their lips together as part of the protest. In a separate incident last month, Mexican press reported that some of the Cubans at the detention center were beaten when they shouted freedom.
MANILA  A Philippine lawmaker filed an impeachment complaint against President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday because of the thousands of deaths in his antidrug crackdown and alleged corruption, although the bid faces an uphill battle with Dutertes allies holding an overwhelming majority in Congress.

Rep. Gary Alejanos complaint filed at the House of Representatives alleged Duterte violated the constitution, committed bribery and corruption, and betrayed the public trust with his actions, including the crackdown that has sparked extrajudicial killings and his failure to declare huge bank deposits as required by law.

We are of the firm belief that President Duterte is unfit to hold the highest office of the land and that impeachment is the legal and constitutional remedy to this situation, said Alejano.

Although opposition lawmakers lack the numbers to impeach Duterte, Alejano said there was a need to stop his excesses and crimes. A vote of a third of the Houses more than 290 members is needed to send the complaint to the Senate for trial. More than 260 of House members belong to a pro-Duterte bloc.

We understand that in terms of numbers we face an uphill battle, he said. But precisely, the battle for impeachment must be fought both inside and outside the halls of Congress, adding public pressure should sway lawmakers to vote rightfully.

Our role ... is merely to be the gate-openers for those who want to be a part of this historic and moral crusade, Alejano said.

Alejano cited the more than 8,000 deaths of drug suspects under the crackdown in underscoring the urgency of the first impeachment attempt in Dutertes presidency. Other opposition politicians have backed calls for such a move.

Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella suggested the impeachment bid and opposition criticism were possible efforts to destabilize the Duterte administration.

In his complaint, Alejano echoed rights activists label of Duterte as a cheerleader for encouraging the summary executions of drug suspects in violation of their rights to life and due process.

Duterte has denied he condoned extrajudicial killings. He has not responded in detail to the two mens allegations.

Jim Gomez is an Associated Press writer.
TOKYO  Secretary of State Rex Tillerson called on North Korea on Thursday to abandon its nuclear and ballistic missile programs, saying the isolated nation need not fear the United States.

Tillerson made that declaration after meeting Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida in Tokyo, where they discussed possible new approaches in dealing with Pyongyang.

He said 20 years of U.S. diplomatic and other efforts to get North Korea to denuclearize have failed, but gave no specifics about how the Trump administration, which is currently doing a policy review, would tackle the issue. Tillerson described the weapons programs as dangerous and unlawful.

The former Exxon Mobil CEO is making his first trip to Asia as the top U.S. diplomat. Tensions are running high on the divided Korean Peninsula, and North Korea last week launched four missiles into seas off Japan and where the U.S. is currently conducting annual military drills with South Korea. Pyongyang views this as a rehearsal for invasion.

North Korea and its people need not fear the United States or their neighbors in the region who seek only to live in peace with North Korea, the secretary of state told a news conference in Tokyo. With this in mind, the United States calls on North Korea to abandon its nuclear and ballistic missile programs and refrain from any further provocation.

He later met separately with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

In Beijing, a North Korean diplomat said Thursday that Pyongyang must act in self-defense against the U.S.-South Korea military drills, which he said have brought the region to the brink of nuclear war. He said the drills were aimed at using atomic weapons for a preemptive strike against North Korea. Washington says the maneuvers are routine and defensive.

The United States holds a joint military exercise every year to push the situation on the Korean Peninsula to a serious situation, and that is the source of the super tough measures we must take, Pak Myong Ho told reporters in a rare briefing at the North Korean Embassy in the Chinese capital.

North Korea has accelerated its weapons development in violation of multiple U.N. Security Council resolutions and despite tough sanctions levied against it. Last year, the North conducted two nuclear test explosions and 24 ballistic missile tests. Experts say it could have a nuclear-tipped missile that could reach the United States within a few years.

Citing the continued North Korean missile launches this year, Tillerson said that in the face of this ever-escalating threat it is clear that a different approach is required. He said his trip was intended to get input from other governments. Tillerson, who is traveling without the usual contingent of journalists who normally cover the secretary of state, will be in South Korea on Friday and then China on Saturday.

Both Tillerson and Kishida urged China to use its economic leverage with North Korea to push it to change course.

Matthew Pennington is an Associated Press writer.
Another week, another car crashing into a store in the College Plaza on Cerrillos. ... Let's Fork.

March 23 sees a rare case of dueling wine events. One inexpensive, one pricey. Both interesting. Who knew Thursdays in Santa Fe could be so troublesome?

Over at the La Casa Sena Wine Shop, wine from France's Loire Valley will be on full display. The tasting will include six examples of this region. They are highlighting the biodynamic cabernet Franc from Beatrice and Pascal Lambert as well as a sauvignon blanc and pinot noir from the Vacheron family. Appetizers will be served.

WHEN: 6 pm Thursday, March 23

WHERE: La Casa Sena (125 E Palace Ave.)

RSVP: 988-9232

COST: $25

Arroyo Vino will be hosting a dinner with winemaker Laura Diaz Munoz from Galerie Wines in California. The dinner will feature a conversation and presentation from Munoz on her approach to craft. This dinner is limited to 12 people, so make your reservation as soon as possible.

The menu hasn't been announced but it's sure to be delicious (Arroyo Vino was SFR's Restaurant of the Year in October's Restaurant Guide, after all).

WHEN: 6 pm Thursday, March 23

WHERE: Arroyo Vino (218 Camino la Tierra)

RSVP 983-2100

COST: $110 (plus 20% service & tax)

Remember the 16th Annual New Mexico ProStart Invitational last week? More than 100 high school students from across the state competed to demonstrate mastery of restaurant leadership skillsboth culinary and managementin a fast-paced competition to win a share of $3.2 million in scholarships.

The team from Santa Fe High won! They were the only all-female team competing and they kicked all the butts. They are now going to move to nationals in Charleston, South Carolina, in April. The team's mentor Lauren Slaff is very excited about the prospects of the team winning on a national stage, but they are going to need our help to raise the $10,000 needed to get the team there.

Donations can be sent directly to:

Santa Fe High School

2100 Yucca St.

Santa Fe, NM 87505

ATT: MOLLY LITHGOW / Culinary

Make checks payable to "THE ALARM CLOCK CAFE" - this is the on-campus cafe that supports the culinary arts program at SFHS. You can also call the school directly for info 467-2400.

In case you missed it, there was a great feature on frying pans last week. A utensil we rarely think about, but is important. Check it out here.

In this week's Reporter I talk about a dinner party/game night. How do you guys dinner party? I would love to hear your ideas on themes and menus for stress-free dinner parties.

See you next week,

Michael









What news do you want to see in this newsletter? We want to hear from you! Let us know! Email thefork@sfreporter.com

Santa Fe Reporter
New Zealand's wool market picked up at the latest weekly auctions across the North and South islands yesterday.

Compared with the last double auction a fortnight ago, the average price for 30-micron lamb wool rose 25 cents to $4.25 a kilogram, while the average price for 35-micron crossbred wool increased 20 cents to $4.13/kg, according to AgriHQ. Bucking the trend, fine crossbred wool slipped 9 cents to $4.15/kg. Prices in the North Island had generally increased, while South Island prices were weaker, bringing prices for comparable wool types to similar levels in both islands, AgriHQ said.

Market conditions have been less buoyant during this year's main shearing season, amid lacklustre demand from China, New Zealand's largest export market, and that's seen some woolgrowers hold back their bales from auction.

Much of the pick up in the wool market this week "is due to speculative traders buying while the market is low and waiting for the market to lift in the future," said AgriHQ analyst Sam Laurenson. "Wool continues to be stockpiled by farmers, and a further increase would be required to see product being released."

Some 17,978 bales were offered at yesterday's double sale, with 82 percent sold, according to New Zealand Wool Services International. That compares with an 89 percent clearance rate for the 15,209 bales offered at the last double auction.

The next wool auction on March 23 will include about 7,900 bales from the South Island.

Wool is New Zealand's 16th largest commodity export, according to the latest annual figures from Stats NZ.

BusinessDesk.co.nz

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Windflow Technology, the unprofitable wind turbine manufacturer, widened its first-half loss and said it needs new injections of capital.

The Christchurch-based company reported a loss of $1.5 million in the six months ended Dec. 31, compared to a loss of $798,000 a year earlier, it said in a statement. Operating revenue rose to $2.9 million from $953,000, while cost of sales jumped to $2.2 million from $173,000.

Windflow Technology is reducing its activity in the UK, its largest market, to the maintenance of its existing fleet due to policy moves away from wind power. It has eight Windflow turbines in Scotland, of which the company has full or majority ownership of six. In New Zealand, where the company's turbines power the Te Rere Hau Wind Farm in the Tararua Ranges, the company says the market continues to stagnate because of an oversupply of power and weak prices for carbon in the global emissions trading markets.

The company said it was "frustrating" that it hadn't yet achieved commercial success, and "has eroded rather than accumulated shareholder value".

"Lack of a domestic market has meant that we have been unable to follow up Te Rere Hau with further projects in New Zealand," the company said in its report to shareholders. "The UK market, which seemed so promising in 2010, has been beset by political uncertainty and ever-changing policy settings.

"At the same time, the global epicentre of the wind industry has moved to China and there has been strong downward pressure on turbine prices. Thus in some ways we are back to the beginning in that the company needs new injections of capital to put it on a more solid foundation financially, while following a new business plan based on licensing and low-cost countries (LCC) supply chains."

Windflow Technology said it had discussions with potential licensees of its technology but failed to conclude a deal.

Chief executive Geoff Henderson had visited Australia and three other Pacific nations regarding demonstration turbines as the company shifts its focus away from the UK. The company believes its synchronous wind turbines have a competitive advantage over others in the wind industry, an issue it says was highlighted after a power blackout in South Australia on Sept. 28.

It said it will continue to seek licensing partners to build its designs for large overseas markets, progress sales prospects in the Pacific and Australia, and seek further capital to fund its strategy and path to profitability.

At its Dec. 31 balance date, the company had negative equity of $4.6 million and the directors said they expect to undertake capital raising in 2017.

They said there was "material uncertainty" about the group's ability to remain a going concern, contingent on it being able to generate sufficient cash to fund its overheads.

"If sufficient new sales and new licensees are not able to be achieved together with sufficient short-term shareholder support, the directors would have to re-consider the going concern assumption and take appropriate action," the company said. "If that process results in the directors concluding that the group was no longer a going concern, the net assets of the company and the group would reduce significantly and this would likely result in a material negative affect on shareholders equity."

Shares of Windflow last traded at 1 cent on the New Zealand Alternative Index, and have lost 60 percent of their value over the past year.

BusinessDesk.co.nz

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New Zealand's petrol companies are welcoming a change to 20-year-old customs and excise law but want to make sure they don't get blindsided by the way officials judge whether a blended fuel will attract more duty.

Customs New Zealand has been at loggerheads with fuel companies after a Supreme Court ruling in its favour over whether locally blended butane/motor spirit was another form of manufacturing on top of oil refining, attracting additional duty. That long-running case with Gull New Zealand cost the firm an unpaid bill of $23 million, and general manager David Bodger told Parliament's foreign affairs, defence and trade select committee it led to tens of millions of dollars of additional duty flowing to the Crown from across the industry.

Crown accounts show excise duty charged on petroleum was $1.88 billion in the year ended June 30, 2016, rising 7.9 percent from a year earlier and maintaining a pace of growth which has accelerated over the past five years. Petrol excise was $1.45 billion in 2011.

Bodger said the new law tries to clear up the disconnect between Customs' interpretation and the industry's, but he wants it to be "made crystal clear" with some further refinements to the wording, otherwise "you're looking quite literally at hundreds of millions of dollars".

Given the time Gull spent fighting Customs in the courts, Bodger also said certain cases of that magnitude would benefit from bypassing the Customs Authority Appeal and head straight to the courts, suggesting a $5 million threshold.

Mobil Oil New Zealand director Cameron Taylor echoed Bodger's warning over the uncertainty around how motor spirit manufacturing was defined, saying it could lead to too much excise being paid, which would ultimately be borne by the end customer.

Z Energy also presented an oral submission today, however general counsel Meredith Ussher said the NZX-listed fuels company was concerned about excise paid on petrol that evaporated during shipping, dubbing it "ghost fuel". About $900,000 of petrol evaporates during the shipping and never reaches a terminal, which Z submits shouldn't attract a duty.

The 391-page piece of legislation is the result of a 2013 review of customs law, which firms said had become overly prescriptive, hard to understand and apply and introduced unnecessary compliance costs as a series of amendments were required to meet new security standards, free trade agreements, and enabling new forms of technology.

During its first reading in Parliament in December, Customs Minister Nicky Wagner described the major change as updating the language and structure of the act to make it simple to understand and use. Much of the debate focused on the increased information sharing provisions within the bill and the powers of intrusion granted to Customs to maintain border security.

Privacy Commissioner John Edwards told the select committee he supported the intention of the legislation, however, aspects of the proposed information sharing were at odds with the Privacy Act and granted unnecessary powers to the agency and its management.

"The bill before you includes a couple of new approaches to information sharing, I suggest to you they are unnecessary and in fact represent over-reach," Edwards said, and that the Privacy Act already provided mechanisms to enable information sharing with appropriate safeguards.

Powers to let the Customs chief executive share information, including personal information, with any other public sector agency for the purposes of their own business was an "unnecessarily extensive power and constituted a disproportion erosion of privacy rights," Edwards said.

BusinessDesk.co.nz

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Fletcher Building, the country's biggest construction firm, is in a trading halt pending an announcement.

The Auckland-based company's shares rose 1 percent to $9.22 before the halt was put in place this morning, and have dropped 14 percent so far this year. The company sought the halt ahead of an announcement, it said in a statement to the NZX, however, the dual-listed firm hasn't yet made a similar request to the ASX.

Last month, the company posted a 2 percent gain in first-half profit, disappointing expectations with a weak performance from its construction division which including a loss running to the "tens of millions" on a major contract. The building company's stock had been outperforming on the expectation it would benefit from a construction boom in New Zealand's biggest city.

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CropLogic, a Christchurch-based developer of technology that allows farmers to more accurately control inputs such as fertiliser and water, plans to raise A$3 million in an initial public offering and list on the ASX.

The company, which has already raised just over $1 million including $512,000 via crowdfunding platform Equitise, says it hired Sydney-based Novus Capital to lead manage the IPO. CropLogic's biggest shareholder is Christchurch-based, ASX-listed technology incubator Powerhouse Ventures, with about 43 percent, while government-owned NZVIF Investment holds about 17 percent.

CropLogic's software models plant growth by gathering field data and making crop prescriptions and management recommendations. The company was incorporated in 2010 when it licensed the intellectual property for its software from the NZ Institute for Plant and Food Research, which had done 25 years of plant model research.

CropLogic first flagged plans to list on the ASX in July last year, when it retained Perth-based Ventnor Capital as corporate adviser.

The company said in a statement that it has completed successful trials of its system with potatoes in China, the US, Australia and New Zealand with PepsiCo, Lamb Weston, Simplot and McCain Foods. A full commercial roll out to the potato industry is currently in process, it said. The company is about to start trials on onions, corn, wheat, soybean and cotton.

Last year, the company agreed to acquire a US-based agronomy services company.

In 2015, CropLogic was one of seven startups to get a $450,000 repayable grant from Callaghan Innovation, which it used to develop aerial imaging technology. The grants are scheduled to be repaid when the company begins to make sales, limited to 3 percent of Croplogic's total revenue per year.

Powerhouse Ventures raised A$10.2 million in an initial public offering last October selling 9.5 million shares at A$1.07 and NZ$1.25 million of convertible notes prior to listing on the ASX. They last traded at 78 Australian cents.

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Whenever it comes to the end of a trip I always ask: what was your favorite part? And I can tell you, my favorite part of our trip to Asia was cruising Halong Bay. Amidst the hustle that was Thailand and Cambodia, I was excited to have a more relaxed time on Halong Bay. I highly recommend adding this to your list if you venture to Vietnam. You not only get to see incredible sights, it's a nice break from the heat and you get to learn more about the natural formations that make up Asia. The gorgeous emerald water and literally thousands of limestone islands (some untouched) will bring out the wanderlust in anyone.

The Best Way to See Halong Bay, Vietnam

Below you can find a map of all the places discussed in this post:

[powr-map id=f38d9175_1510566008]

Why Cruise Halong Bay?

The best way to see Halong Bay is with a cruise ship. You go to parts of the sea and see islands that you just can't get to from the land. There are literally thousands of limestone islands topped with rain forests and caves, many undiscovered. It's such a unique experience from the bustling and busy cities of Asia. You really will feel like you're in a different world.

The Cost

In case you aren't aware, most places in Southeast Asia are cheap. Dirt cheap. For instance, you might pay 50 cents for a beer. So when you see the words luxury cruise, you might think it will break the bank, but I assure you it won't! We took an incredible 2 day, 1 night trip with Indochina Junk tours. It was only $235 per person and this included pick up, one night in a hotel room, round trip transfer between Hanoi and Halong Bay, welcome drinks, all the meals on board, English-speaking guide on board, kayaking, insurance on board & entrance fees, tax and service fees, a visit to a Vietnam rural village, and a Water Puppet show. So, it's worth it.

Much like a cruise, you have your own small room and meals are provided. And the meals are incredible. 4-6 course lunches and dinners with artfully crafted food. But what's wonderful is that the ship is very intimate. Only about 15-20 people on board. Which means you get to really meet and interact with people from all over the world. These ships were originally Chinese sailing boats and came to Vietnam in the 14th century. They were used for centuries to transport goods and people along the coast. Now, many are used as passenger boats.

Getting there

We were staying at a hotel in Hanoi, Vietnam, and the cruise picks you up in a car (we actually happened to get a limo- bus, a lucky coincidence) to take you to the dock. The drive is about 3 and a half hours, so we took in the scenery of rice fields out the window.

Our Agenda

Day 1

8 am  We were picked up in a luxury van from our hotel in Ha Noi.

12 pm  Grab a welcome drink and embark at the Hon Gai International harbor. You can watch as all these cool ships dock and pick up passengers.

1 pm  We were briefed on our cruise ship, met other passengers, and met our incredible tour guide. We met the staff, all who were so kind and most spent the nights learning English. Quite honestly, these were some of the hardest working people I've come across. We dropped off our stuff in our room and glanced at our view outside the window.

1:30 -3 pm  We had a delicious 9 course (seriously) lunch and cruised the magnificent Bai Tu Long Bay. It felt like a movie set with these intricate limestone rock formations peeking out of the emerald green water.

3:15 pm  Our first stop was to explore the Thien Canh Son Cave. This is a wonderland of rock formations and stalactites, many resembling animals. After you leave the cave you have a great view of the water and ships below.

We spent time wandering the sandy beaches and kayaking to explore the beautiful rock formations all around. We even found a cave on our own while we were exploring.

6 pm  We boarded the ship again, ate dinner, and relaxed. We watched the sunset over the Bay with cocktails in our Indochina robes.

We spent the evening on the top deck as we watched the stars above and made friends with our shipmates. We all exchanged travel stories and numbers. I actually still keep in touch with a few of the others on board.

Day 2

8 am  We woke up to a beautiful breakfast (everything on board was so delicious) and watched the view of the Bay's landscape.

9 am- Visit the Vung Vieng fishing village. Here, we loaded into a rustic row boat, made from bamboo, while a very strong, local woman paddled us to their fishing village. This is a traditional fishing village and we discovered what life is truly like here. They fish, look for pearls, and sell their wares to tourists.

We shopped for pearls and learned more about how this fishing village stays afloat. That was a pun, but quite literally, it was unique to see these homes on top of the water.

11 am  Last meal on the boat is served and we cruised back to the harbor.

12 pm  Disembark the cruise ship and hop on a bus to Yen Duc village in Dong Trieu province. Here we were heading to enjoy a water puppet show. This is a village located on the highway between Hanoi and Halong Bay, so it was a perfect stop on the way home.

2 pm  Local artists put on a traditional water Vietnamese water puppet show. This is a great way to see Vietnamese' rural folklore, and it's incredible to watch them work magic with puppets underwater. For generations, farmers have performed the show and we ate local fruit while they performed.

5:30 pm  We arrived back in Hanoi.

When to go:

November is really the best bet. This is the time we went. Not only is the weather more favorable, it also coincides with many festivals in the area and nearby. Before coming to Vietnam, we were in Chiang Mai for the Lantern festival (also, one of the coolest experiences in my life!). Typically, high season is June to August so expect tours to book really quickly. Boats can hold up to 16, plus a crew of 6, so it fills up fast. February to April is typically rainy and it's more foggy, so your visibility is low to see all the cool rock formations.

How to Book a tour:

We booked ours through Indochina Junk (my husband Michael did extensive research and felt this was the best. This post isn't sponsored at all, this is just want we liked doing.) It was well organized and easy to communicate. There are many different boats and tours, so do your research and find one you like. You can check out other Asia tours and find some really amazing deals.

I hope one day to go back and do another tour. I know there's so much to see and explore!

If you'd like to see more of my travels in Asia, go here.
DECATUR  In the trial of Stephen D. Smith, 28, for attempted first-degree murder and two other felonies, a cellphone expert witness testified that Smith was in the vicinity of the shooting at the time it occurred.

Smith, who is facing a minimum of 31 years in prison if convicted of the Class X charge with a personal firearm enhancement, is accused of shooting a 30-year-old truckdriver as they were meeting for a possible fight. The victim had accused Smith of being in bed with his ex-wife and 4-year-old daughter.

Assistant Macon County Public Defender Scott Rueter unsuccessfully argued that Decatur police detective James Callaway should not be certified as an expert witness, despite a lengthy resume of training and experience.

Callaway, who was affirmed as an expert by Circuit Judge R.C. Bollinger, testified that Smith's cellphone was in an area that included the vicinity of the shooting from 11:52 a.m. to 12:08 p.m. on July 28. Testimony from police officers set the time of the shooting at between noon and 12:05 p.m.

In the second day of Smith's trial, the state rested its case after also presenting testimony that Bradley Hall, the lead detective on the case, spoke with Smith on the phone the day after the shooting.

Smith and the truckdriver had agreed to meet at about noon July 28, in the vicinity of William and 21st streets, according to the state's evidence. When Smith met the man in the alley behind his residence in the 2000 block of East William Street, Smith allegedly opened fire with a semiautomatic 9 mm pistol, landing one shot that opened a wound in the victim's upper chest.

Hall testified that Smith called him July 29 and agreed to meet him at the police station at 1 p.m. that day.

Steve never showed up, Hall said.

Smith was arrested Aug. 8 by a special deputy U.S. marshal. He has been held in jail on $400,000 bond since then.

After the state rested its case Wednesday afternoon, the defense presented two witnesses, who each briefly testified.

Smith's 25-year-old sister, Shakia, testified that she was driving a silver Chevy Cruze that belonged to Smith's girlfriend shortly after the shooting when the police stopped her. She said her brother gave the car to her to drive a relative of his daughter to the store.

Assistant State's Attorney Lindsey Shelton presented a rebuttal witness, police Sgt. Timothy Maxwell, who testified that Shakia told him during the traffic stop that Stephen Smith had nothing to do with the car. Stephen Smith's ID card and T-shirt were found in the vehicle, which he had driven from his girlfriend's house shortly before the shooting.

Closing arguments in the trial are scheduled for 8:30 a.m. today.
DECATUR  After deliberating for almost four hours Wednesday, jurors convicted Shaun Dandridge, 38, of Decatur of being an armed habitual criminal for possessing a firearm while having two prior felony convictions.

He will be sentenced to a term of between six and 30 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections, to be determined by Associate Macon County Judge Jeffrey Geisler at a May 9 hearing.

Assistant State's Attorney Kate Kurtz presented an eyewitness who testified that she saw a man open fire on the red SUV in which Dandridge was a passenger about 8 p.m. June 4 in the vicinity of West Packard Street and North Oakland Avenue.

The witness testified that there were children nearby when an unknown man shot at the vehicle and when Dandridge brandished guns at the same location a short time later. She said she called 911 and followed the red SUV because she was concerned that someone might have been injured during the shooting.

Decatur police officers testified that a loaded handgun was found in the SUV a short time later, inside a bag which was connected to Dandridge because it held a cellphone box with the same number as his phone.

Jurors were deadlocked for several hours. There had been inconsistent testimony as to whether Dandridge was in possession of one or two firearms. Another contentious issue was whether Dandridge was legally in possession of the firearm found in the vehicle.

Assistant Public Defender Thomas Wheeler represented Dandridge. After jury selection was completed Monday, he filed a motion to discharge the jury panel because there had been no African-Americans among the prospective jurors. The motion was denied on the grounds that African-Americans were not systematically excluded.

Dandridge has four prior felony convictions in Macon County cases for which he has served four prison terms: a 10-year sentence for a 1996 armed robbery conviction; a three-year sentence for a 2004 forgery conviction; and two five-year terms for 2010 convictions in narcotics cases.
DECATUR  After deliberating for almost five hours, a jury of six men and six women found Stephen D. Smith, 28, of Decatur guilty of attempted first-degree murder and two other related felony charges.

Smith, who reportedly expected to be acquitted, snapped his head downward when he heard the verdict, read aloud by Macon County Circuit Judge R. C. Bollinger at 3:25 p.m. Thursday. Smith sat at the defense table beside Assistant Public Defender Scott Rueter, dressed in a black sweater, blue jeans and new tan work boots.

After the jurors were dismissed from the courtroom, three women sobbed and wailed in response to the verdict. One of Smith's female relatives tried to push her way past a correctional officer to leave the courtroom against the judge's order, which was for spectators to stay inside until jurors reached their vehicles. She was gently restrained until the courtroom received the report of the jurors' safe passage.

Smith will be sentenced by Bollinger to serve a minimum of 31 years in prison at a hearing scheduled for May 11. He will be held without bond until he is remanded to the custody of the Illinois Department of Corrections.

The Class X guidelines for attempted first-degree murder are six to 30 years in prison, plus 25 years to life for an enhancement for personally discharging a firearm. The sentence will be served at a minimum of 85 percent.

The additional charges of aggravated battery with a firearm causing great bodily harm, and aggravated discharge of a firearm, will not contribute to additional prison time for the defendant, because Smith was convicted of the primary charge.

Smith shot a 30-year-old truck driver at about noon on July 28, in the south alley behind Smith's residence in the 2000 block of East William Street.

The shooting victim testified that he went to meet Smith to resolve a dispute, arising from Smith staying overnight at his ex-wife's house, while the victim's two young children also resided there.

The victim testified that his 4-year-old daughter told him Smith had been in bed with her and and her mother. The victim said he discussed the matter with Smith, but Smith would not agree to stay away from his children.

Smith did not testify at his trial.

In her closing argument, Assistant Macon County State's Attorney Lindsey Shelton said Smith tried to kill the victim by shooting a bullet, which entered his chest.

It was an 'I-want-to-kill-you shot,' Shelton told the jurors Thursday morning. He kept shooting until he emptied the entire magazine.

She said everything the victim said during his testimony was corroborated by other evidence, including testimony by his ex-wife, cellphone evidence and the exact location where the spent shell casings were found by officers in the alley.

Rueter passionately, loudly argued that Smith was not the shooter.

He said the victim was uncertain of which face to pick out of a photo lineup while he was in the hospital shortly after the shooting. Rueter said the victim was looking to pick Smith's face out of the photo lineup, not the person who actually shot him.

I don't know who shot him, Rueter said. I really don't care.

Shelton argued that the victim did not have his glasses with him at the hospital, he was wincing in pain, he was drugged by morphine and upset because he didn't know what Smith, who was still at large, might do to his children. Despite his uncertainty, he did finger Smith.

It's only reasonable he was only 50 percent sure, Shelton said. He's never wavered from saying who shot him.

Rueter also argued that the victim might not have been shot at all. He might have been injured by a piece of metal when he jumped over the fence as he ran from the scene.

A doctor had testified that the victim still had a bullet lodged in his chest wall, which doctors decided to leave inside his body for medical reasons.

Shelton said Smith brought a gun to a fistfight. The two men did not like each other, and the victim was not going to give up on the idea of preventing Smith from spending time around his children.

He was going to make things simple and just get rid of him, Shelton said.

Shelton said there was much more substantial evidence that pointed to Smith as the one who shot the victim.

In response to Rueter's assertion that cellphone evidence showed that Smith was innocent, because he was receiving and making calls before and after the shooting, Shelton said the evidence showed the opposite was true. From 12:01 to 12:04 p.m. Smith was apparently not talking on his phone.

You've got three minutes of time for (the victim) to pull up, and say, 'Are we going to do this?,' park and get out of his car and have the defendant empty his clip, Shelton said.

Smith has four other prior felony convictions and has served three terms in prison: he was sentenced to six years in 2006 in a narcotics case; four years in 2009 for a felon possessing a weapon; and four years in 2011 for attempted unlawful use of a weapon, all in Macon County cases.

In January 2016, he was convicted of being an armed habitual criminal in a Cook County case, for which he was sentenced to 30 days in jail, according to a court document.
NEW DELHI: Chinese information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider Huawei has been selected as a platinum member of the OpenStack Foundation, the company said on Wednesday.

The OpenStack Foundation promotes the global development, distribution and adoption of the OpenStack cloud operating system.

This is the first time an Asian vendor has become a platinum member of OpenStack Foundation.

"We are honoured to be selected as a platinum member and will continue to demonstrate our leadership and commitment to developing OpenStack and its ecosystem," said Zheng Yelai, President, IT Product Line, Huawei in a statement.

Huawei has provided cloud services to contribute to the OpenStack community.

"Our goal is to make OpenStack a huge success and to build OpenStack so that it may truly bring value to our customers," added Yelai.

It has cooperated with carriers, such as, Deutsche Telekom, Telefonica and China Telecom to provide public cloud services for customers and has also developed its own public cloud services.

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COTTESLOE: New Delhi-based sculptor Harsha Vardhan Durugadda has been awarded the $50,000 Rio Tinto Sculpture Award for his 'Column of Sound'.



The "most generous" award for sculpture in Western Australia, the honour was announced recently at the opening of the 13th annual Sculpture by the Sea here.



Durugadda, originally from Andhra Pradesh, based his sculpture on the "visual dynamics of an audio wave" - that sound, temporal and ephemeral, translates into tactile and eternal, creating a paradigm shift of an individual's sensory experience.



"This is a wonderful work by a fabulous and imaginative artist. It is exceptionally hard and adventurous for an artist to exhibit from overseas, with the added costs and logistics.



"I am delighted for Harsha and look forward to him exhibiting many times in the future. He is also a very nice bloke and this award will be a major step in what I believe will be a great career," David Handley, Founding Director of Sculpture by the Sea, said.



The acquisitive award was presented by Rio Tinto, the Principal Partner of the exhibition, for permanent public placement in Western Australia.



"Rio Tinto is pleased to continue our support of 'Sculpture by the Sea' in 2017, a partnership we embarked on last year, in our 50th anniversary year of shipping iron ore from the Pilbara.



"Such events play an important role in creating a sense of place and encouraging social participation. Congratulations to Harsha Vardhan Durugadda for receiving the award for your thought provoking sculpture 'Column of Sound'," Chris Salisbury, chief executive of Rio Tinto's Iron Ore group, said.



Additionally, the Western Australian Sculptor Scholarship of $10,000 was also announced on the occasion and was awarded to Denise Pepper from Bayswater for 'Leaden Heart'.



Donated by Gavin Bunning and Julienne Penny since 2013, the scholarship provides funds for the artist's study, travel and the advancement of their career, together with an invitation to exhibit at 'Sculpture by the Sea', Bondi 2017 this October.



"I am extremely proud to be a recipient of the Western Australian Sculptor Scholarship and thrilled that I have been recognized for my work.



"I believe this is a strong work and particularly its concept of the convict tokens highlighting sad but intimate stories. I look forward to utilizing the scholarship associated with this award to take my art practice further," Pepper said.



Now in its 13th year, the 'Sculpture by Sea' exhibition is Perth's largest free to the public event and runs from March 3 to March 20.



An estimated 220,000 visitors are expected to flock to Cottesloe to enjoy sculptures by more than 70 local, national and international artists.

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WASHINGTON: Indian-American Seema Verma has been sworn-in as the head of a key healthcare agency in the Donald Trump administration.

Verma was sworn in on Tuesday by US Vice President Mike Pence as administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which are part of the Department of Health and Human Services, PBS NewsHour reported.

The $1 trillion agency oversees health insurance programmes for everyone from nursing home residents to newborns.

"President Donald Trump has chosen one of the leading experts in America on state-based healthcare solutions to lead this important agency," Vice President Pence said at the swearing-in ceremony at the White House.

"The President has asked you to bring your expertise to DC," Pence said, adding: "We're confident that you'll help restore healthcare decision making to the states, and in the process help make the best healthcare system in the world even better."

Verma is the second Indian-American to be inducted into the Trump administration.

US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley was the first cabinet rank official from the community to serve in any presidential administration.

"Today, our healthcare stands at a crossroads, and we have no choice but to reform it," she said.

The Senate confirmed her nomination on Monday by a vote of 55-43, largely along party lines.

Verma is taking over the agency as a Republican healthcare bill moving through the House has reopened the debate over the government's role in healthcare.

Verma is an Indiana healthcare consultant and protege of Pence, who is a former Indiana governor.

The American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) which represents more than 60,000 physicians, welcomed Verma's appointment, reported New India Times newspaper.

Ajay Lodha, President of AAPI, lauded Verma's accomplishments in Indiana, and said he hoped that the problems faced by patients under the Medicare drug plan would be resolved under her leadership.

"Drug coverage has gone down and for patients under Medicare who are all above 65, and not healthy and needed medications -- I hope she can do something for them." Lodha said.

When Trump announced in November that he was appointing Verma for the post, he said that she would be part of "the dream team that will transform our healthcare system for the benefit of all Americans".

Her role will extend beyond the insurance programmes -- Medicare for senior citizens and Medicaid for the poor -- to helping craft and implement the Republican healthcare reform plan to replace Obamacare.

"She has decades of experience advising on Medicare and Medicaid policy and helping states navigate our complicated systems," Trump had said.

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Source: IANS
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- An NYPD officer put out a small fire started by a Molotov cocktail that was tossed in the direction of an NYPD mobile command vehicle, according to police.

A suspect remains at large in the attempted arson where the intended target was an unoccupied Temporary Headquarters Vehicle parked at Jersey Street and Benziger Avenue in New Brighton, an NYPD spokesman said.

No one was injured and the mobile unit wasn't damaged in the incident that is under investigation by the NYPD Arson and Explosion Squad.

Officers in a marked patrol car that was passing by saw a black man who was wearing dark clothing throw the lit device in the direction of that command vehicle at about 2:50 a.m. on Wednesday, police said.

The bottle missed its intended target and landed on the ground. An officer stepped out of the patrol car and stomped out the flame. Police chased the suspect on foot, but he managed to escape.

The Molotov cocktail -- a bottle with fuel inside -- was recovered intact. Both the bottle and a glove found nearby smelled of gasoline, the police spokesman said.

Police released a video of a man sought for questioning in connection with the attempted arson. The NYPD has asked for the public's help to identify the man seen in the video.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers hot line at 800-577-TIPS (8477) or 888-57-PISTA (74782) for Spanish; visit nypdcrimestoppers.com or send text tips to CRIMES (274637), then enter TIP577.
ARGENTA  It didn't take long for eighth-grader Hannah Pirtle to snatch up a copy of Nichola Yoon's, The Sun is also a Star.

That's because she'd read the author's earlier book, Everything, Everything, and liked it.

I spend a lot of time in the library, she admitted. It's pretty sad because, like, the librarian memorized my number.

So Hannah and other students at Argenta-Oreana High School/Middle School were excited to get a sneak peek recently at the first shipment of about 100 new books for the school library made possible by a $2,500 grant from bestselling author James Patterson.

The award was part of $1.75 million the author passed out nationwide with the help of the Scholastic Reading Club to help save school libraries. The school also received 2,500 bonus points for middle school literature teacher Heidi Hall to order books for her classroom.

He wants kids to love to read and believes libraries should be the heart of the school, said Lura Weatherford, librarian assistant. We're very fortunate to get a grant.

Weatherford plans to use the money to expand the library's nonfiction collection and increase the variety of reading levels available. She added there is also money left over to buy more books next year according to what students need most.

Argenta-Oreana was one of 419 schools to win a grant. Other winners include Arland D. Williams Elementary in Mattoon and Eisenhower High School in Decatur.

Patterson also gave $1.75 million last year in his first installment to his School Library Campaign.

The author, even more popular at the school now, has long been a favorite of middle schoolers at Argenta-Oreana for his young adult book series like Maximum Ride.

I read that and now I'm reading 'Confessions,' Hannah said.

Added Raelynn Garver, also an eighth-grader, Most people in the school like it.

At another table, seventh-grader Jordan Wright was paging through a copy of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde.

I like the classics, Jordan said.

Sixth-grader Miles Harris couldn't decide so he took three books to look out, including two by Jake Maddox: Off the Bench and Shark Attack.

I'm just looking through them, Miles said. 'Shark Attack' looks the best.
Italy is easily my favourite country; the history in Rome, the scenary in Tuscany, the romance of Venice and the glamour of Milan. Honestly, Turin had never really been on my radar until now and now the capital of Piedmont is firmly on my list of favourites. A gastronomic temple, a motor city, an industrial hub and the home of Juventus (so Mr S told me), Turin was actually once the capital of Italy and there are several reasons why it should make it to your list of cities to visit.

1. Enjoy Alpine Views

With its stunning Alpine fringe, the hill tops command incredible views over the city and the mountains beyond. One of the most stunning moments of my road trip with Ford cars was seeing this view sweeping ahead of me.



2. Eat in a Historical Restaurant

The Slow Food Movement began in Turin and the region is famous for its produce particularly chocolate, truffles and wine!

Being such a capital of gastronomy, Turin is home to many historic restaurants and cafes. We visited Circolo dei Lettori (readers circle), located in the 17th Century Palazzo Graneri della Roccia. It is a public space dedicated to reading with an eclectic combination of baroque and contemporary architecture and it houses a beautiful restaurant.



The restaurant is located in beautiful historical rooms with vaulted ceilings and a gallery of portraits of artists from the region. Headed up by Chef Stefano, the restaurant specialises in traditional Piedmontese dishes using local ingredients.

We sampled a delicious tasting menu where beef was the star of the show.

I loved this caramelised red onion with cheese, salt cod and capers.

Carnaroli rice which makes a very creamy risotto is sourced from Piedmont and we enjoyed it mixed with Fassone beef.

Zabaglione parfait with maize power and bitter chocolate was the perfect dessert.

Though I didnt get to try it myself Ristorante del Cambio was also recommended to me. Founded in 1757, its one of the worlds oldest restaurants and steeped in history, but also in possession of a Michelin star.

The cafes are famous too as during the 1700s Turins gentry met to discuss the art and politics of the day. Its traditional to drink bicerin, a mix of coffee, bitter chocolate and milk from a small glass cup.

3. Visit the Automobile Museum

Turin is the historic birthplace of FIAT, one of the worlds leading car manufacturers, the T is FIAT actually stands for T0rino, the Italian name for Turin. As one of Italys Motor Cities its the perfect place for the Automobile Museum, a fantastic space that reopened in 2011 after a massive restoration.



We were fortunate enough to visit and have a tour around the collection of nearly 200 cars, seeing every thing from FIATs to Ferraris, Maseratis to Mercedes, and Renaults to Rolls Royces! Its an absolute heaven for car lovers!



The car that I was most thrilled to see was the Ford Model T. It was rather appropriate as this trip was hosted by Ford, but it also brought back memories of studying the period of American history and Henry Fords revolutionary assembly line. His quick and efficient production techniques meant his Ford Model T car was first affordable car, available to the middle classes.

4. Eat Chocolate

Did you know that Turin was chocolate heart of Europe? In 1678 Turin was granted the license to produce chocolate and fashionable chocolate houses serving hot chocolate opened. By the end of the 18th Century Turin produced 350 kilos of chocolate a day supplying Germany, France, Austria and Switzerland. Gianduia, chocolate mixed with hazelnuts, was actually invented in Turin during the Napoleonic wars when chocolate was in short supply and has been the traditional chocolate of the region ever since. And you guessed it, thats where Nutella came from!

Family run businesses in the area have been producing the very best chocolate for generations and I was lucky to visit one of Turins finest chocolatiers, Guido Gobino. Producing some on the worlds best Gianduia, Guido Gobino is truly legendary but his real skill lies in the careful balance of tradition and innovation.

Of course, I tried some of their exquisite chocolate but we also had the chance to prepare some creations of our own. Dividing into teams we created truffles and fruit skewers all prepared with some of the finest chocolate from Guido Gobino.



I loved the masterpiece from one team that replicated the truffle-hunting dog!

We were also given a tour of the chocolate factory and though there was no Oompah Lumpahs, it was fascinating to have a tour of the factory and see how the chocolate goes from bean to bar.



Research and development never stops and Guido Gobino are always on the cutting edge of technology to have the very best processes and flavour.

We also popped down the road to a restaurant called Piola del Cine where a chocolate tasting menu had been created for us in collaboration with Guido Gobino. Here we experienced a chocolate tasting menu using all the specialties from the master chocolatier: hazelnuts, cacao beans and cocoa nibs.



For big chocolate lovers its also worth noting that Ferrero Rocher was invented in Turin!

5. Discover the History



Walking through wide boulevards and surrounded by beautiful Baroque architecture, Turin is actually more like Paris than the other Italian cities that Ive visited. The city centre is beautifully atmospheric and as we walked around we were surrounded by grand museums, beautiful churches and spectacular arcades.

Sadly I didnt have a huge amount of time to explore the city but we did take a walk to the Piazza Castello which lies at the heart of Turin and has done since the Roman ages. It is the setting for many of the historic town buildings such as the Royal Palace and the Palazzo Madama.

PIN FOR LATER:



Have you been to Turin? Do you have any recommendations of things to eat, do and see?

My trip to Turin was hosted by Ford but this is not a sponsored post.
As President Ronald Reagan said, The nine most terrifying words in the English language are, I'm from the government and I'm here to help. 

Rep. Rodney Davis, R-Taylorville, is taking that conservative mantra to heart.

Davis, who was first elected in 2012, is one of numerous U.S. House members who have refused to have town hall meetings on the repeal and replacement of President Barack Obamas signature Affordable Care Act. This despite Davis serving as a deputy whip in the House, having met with President Donald Trump in person to talk about issues, and being the federal representative for a congressional district in which the U.S. Census Bureau estimates 18.6 percent of the population is below the poverty line.

Were not here to debate the topics of Obama, Trump or insurance plans. Weve burned far too much ink for another rehash. But in not having any large-scale public conversation about health care, Davis is missing a chance to listen and explain to voters whats happening in Washington and what we can anticipate as a community regarding insurance.

Instead, Davis held telephone town halls in which people could call in and ask questions, and 7,500 participated in the February one. He has been criticized on Facebook for not being a part of bigger public forums, saying in interviews he doesnt like the idea of grandstanding and prefers discussions without yelling. Thats a reasonable view, especially since some of the town halls nationally in recent months have devolved into nasty shouting matches. Lawmakers from both sides have subjected themselves to furious voters.

Problem is, Davis rebuffing town halls doesnt dampen the fury. In fact, it might even contribute to it, and some protesters have shown up at events where Davis is appearing anyway.

And exactly where is Davis? On March 11, he did an interview on the NPR show All Things Considered, aired nationally. This week, he also was on WGN-AM radio in Chicago talking about the Affordable Care Act. And, according to a photo on his Twitter feed, he met with area hospital officials about making sure people can afford to use insurance they buy.

So he is talking about health care. Just not in town halls.

Davis spokeswoman Ashley Phelps said the fixation on town halls is political. She said the forums arent effective and can be taken over by groups with a specific agenda who dont want to have a productive conversation.

Phelps pointed to the congressman having 52 constituent advisory boards, regular office hours across the district and plans for another telephone town hall session.

Congressman Davis has always been accessible to his constituents and anyone who is trying to create the narrative that he is not, clearly has an alternate agenda, she said.

Truth be told, Davis is in a tough spot because he withdrew support for Trump about a month before the election, after the infamous video of Trump talking crudely about woman surfaced. Now, as whip, hes charged with nudging along enough GOP votes for the replacement plan. And he faces at least one opponent in the election next year in David Gill, a Democrat. In other words, he has a lot to lose in having a town hall.

We hope he reconsiders.

We understand that standing in front of people who might yell or get emotional isnt pleasant. But town hall meetings, while clearly potentially hostile or messy, are a time-honored part of our democratic process. We need more discussion, not less. We need more tough questions, not fewer. Its the job of elected officials to be a part of that constructive dialogue and take our angry or supportive or indifferent voices to Washington. The more input, the better.

Of course, that assumes constituents would yell. Were not sure thats the case.

Heres our challenge to Davis: We want a town hall. We want to hear what we can expect. The people you represent deserve that.
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"Sabah, boom."

The emotional father of slain mother Sabah Al-Mdwali pounded his chest with a clenched fist as he recalled the moment he learned his daughter was stabbed to death in 2015.

Sabah Al-Mdwali, 28, was found dead inside her Gordon home in March, 2015. Credit:Jeffrey Chan

Ms Al-Mdwali's husband, Maged Maged Mohommed Ahmed Al-Harazi, 36, is fighting allegations in the ACT Supreme Court he inflicted 57 wounds as she breastfed their 10-month-old son inside their Gordon home.

Mohammed Al-Mdwali on Thursday angrily denied accusations he and his youngest son had gone to the Knoke Avenue house and asked Mr Al-Harazi to leave so he could speak to his daughter the night of March 16.
Braddon man Jordan Sharma, who drunkenly assaulted another man in the early hours of New Year's Day 2016, has lost an appeal against his sentence and returned to prison until August.

He had originally pleaded not guilty, but later changed his plea.

Jordan Sharma lost an appeal against a sentence of full time imprisonment. Credit:Graham Tidy

On July 22, Sharma was convicted of recklessly inflicting grievous bodily harm and sentenced to two years and three months imprisonment, with nine months to be served full time.

He appealed, and was bailed on October 26 pending the outcome.
Business groups have rounded on new ACTU secretary Sally McManus' comments condoning breaking "unjust" laws, calling them "grossly irresponsible" and a signal business will struggle to work constructively with the peak union body.

Ms McManus has doubled down on the comments made on ABC's 7.30 program on Wednesday that she did not have a problem with unions taking illegal industrial action when the laws were wrong, arguing that was how Medicare and working conditions in Australia had been won.

Business Council of Australia chief executive Jennifer Westacott said Ms McManus' comments could have dangerous consequences by "signalling to individuals around the country that it's OK to take the law into their own hands".

"What kind of society will we have if everyone can simply choose to ignore any laws they don't like?" Ms Westacott said in a statement.
Chinese group, the Global CEO Fortune Club, on Thursday launched its first overseas fund with an aim to invest in Australian infrastructure projects.

Foreign investment in Australian infrastructure has become a contentious issue since the 2015 sale of the Port of Darwin to Chinese government-affiliated interests sparked a backlash over the security implications and even a rebuke from US government officials.

"As for Avalon airport, we are very keen to look at what a partnership could look like," Fortune Club chairman Ye Hongxian said. Credit:Patrick Scala

But the Fortune Club expects to find opportunities for public-private partnerships from its base in Melbourne as Australian states ramp up construction of roads, train lines and port regeneration to offset weaker mining investment.

A group of 25 investors from the 800-strong Fortune Club - all alumni from Shanghai's Jiao Tong university - has been touring the southeastern state of Victoria this week as guests of the state government, looking for investment opportunities.
The cost of the federal government's much-hyped Snowy Hydro upgrade could double once network upgrades are included, experts have warned.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull on Thursday unveiled a plan to lift the capacity of the Snowy Hydro scheme by as much as 50 per cent, using an option included in the original plan but never pursued due to cost constraints.

Costing an estimated $1.5 billion to $2 billion, Mr Turnbull said construction of another 2000MW of generation capacity would start once a feasibility study was completed later this year. Construction could take less than four years, officials indicated.

Industry experts warned, however, that the cost of the power station could be dwarfed by the expense of upgrades to the electricity grid, which are needed to ensure the extra output can reach both Sydney and Melbourne.
London: Rupert Murdoch's $18.7 billion bid to takeover Sky News in the UK has been referred to the media regulator, with the Tory government citing concerns about "broadcasting standards" and "media plurality."

Ofcom, Britain's media regulator, will spend the next forty working days investigating whether the media mogul is a "fit and proper" person to acquire total ownership of Sky and if the takeover will further shrink Britain's news media offerings, with a report due on May 16.

The Labor party won't budge on any scheme it thinks risks increasing the voice of Rupert Murdoch's empire. Credit:Getty Images

Mr Murdoch's proposed takeover of Sky in the UK mirrors the acquisition of Australia's Sky News last December, when News Corp bought out the subscription-only news channel.

Culture Secretary Karen Bradley said she was "minded" to refer the takeover to Ofcom earlier this month on the grounds of media plurality and broadcasting standards.
It is too early to predict if ACTU secretary Sally McManus will have success. Credit:Louie Douvis Environment and Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg said the royal commission into trade union corruption had shown laws were broken on building sites. "I have no sympathy with the idea that you should break the law of the land in order to pursue your political objectives here," he said. Defence Industry Minister Christopher Pyne dismissed the call as "anarcho-Marxist claptrap". Business Council of Australia chief executive Jennifer Westacott said Ms McManus had been "grossly irresponsible" for making statements that could have "dangerous real-world consequences, signalling to individuals around the country that it's OK to take the law into their own hands".

"What kind of society will we have if everyone can simply choose to ignore any laws they don't like?," she said Ms McManus's comment was in response to a question about whether the ACTU should distance itself from the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union which is facing more than 100 separate court proceedings including criminal blackmail charges over a dispute with Boral in Victoria. Ms McManus stood by her controversial comments on Thursday. She said Australia was built by "working people who have had the courage to stand up to unfair and unjust rules and demand something better". "Every single Australian benefits from superannuation, Medicare, the weekend and minimum wages  these were all won by our parents, grandparents and great-grandparents taking non-violent so-called illegal industrial action," she said. Prominent unionists also lined up to support Ms McManus, putting themselves at odds with Mr Shorten's repudiation.

National Secretary of the Transport Workers Union Tony Sheldon said employers have been gaming the industrial relations system and laws needed to change to protect workers' wages and conditions. "Sally is saying the obvious about what needs to be done in trying to deal with a system that is broken," he said. "We need to do whatever it takes." Tim Ayers, NSW Secretary of the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union, said Ms McManus' plain speaking was welcome. "She isn't a politician and she isn't the type to fall for the shallow 'gotcha' journalism," he said.

"It's just common sense that unions undertake industrial action  that is what a democratic society looks like." CFMEU assistant secretary Dave Noonan said Australia has some of the narrowest laws around industrial action in the OECD. "Sally McManus has got absolute support from the trade union movement. I don't think you will find any affiliated union that has significant differences with what she said." The deputy chair of the NSW ALP industrial relations policy committee, Anthony D'Adam, said unions needed to defend the right to strike as a basic human right. "Sally is just articulating a long-held position of the union movement which is that the right to strike is sacrosanct and laws that effectively take away that right are unjust and shouldn't be complied with," he said.

Labor Party elder and historian, Rodney Cavalier, a former NSW Minister, said it was governments' role to enforce the law  or repeal it, if unjust. He said civil disobedience was based on respect for the rule of law. "The disobedient understand that the law must be enforced and are prepared to take the consequences, including forfeiting their freedom to serve a custodial sentence. Punishment-free martyrdom is not an option for those openly disobedient," he said. "There is a corresponding obligation on government to enforce the law or repeal it. "The governments of Chifley and Hawke did not hesitate to take whatever action was required to deal with any person or institution operating outside the law.
It is mid-afternoon on New Year's Eve, 2013, in suburban Darwin and three Aboriginal men are enjoying a few drinks on the footpath. A police car drives past and one of the men, Mr Prior, extends his middle finger in the universal gesture of disdain (Mr Prior later told police that the reason he had "flicked police the bird" was that "someone in a police car similar had given him the bird a week prior"). Unhappily for Mr Prior, the police decide to take issue with his salutation and accordingly U-turn, pull over and exit their vehicle.

What followed is entirely unsurprising for anyone who has worked in the criminal justice system in the Northern Territory: police engage Aboriginal man in conversation  police form view that Aboriginal man is intoxicated  police decide to arrest Aboriginal man for public drinking or disorderly behaviour  Aboriginal man unhappy at prospect of being arrested  police lay hands on Aboriginal man  Aboriginal man assaults police  Aboriginal man taken to court  Aboriginal man sent to prison  Aboriginal man becomes another statistic in Northern Territory's crisis of Aboriginal incarceration.

Interestingly, it was Justice Gageler who went out on his own to rule the arrest unlawful. Credit:Andrew Meares

What is so frustrating about this story is that Northern Territory laws, rather than attempting to guard against such eventualities, appear singularly designed to increase the likelihood of these violent interactions. For some time now, the Northern Territory legislature has been passing laws conferring on police expanded powers to arrest and detain people for low-level offences. In respect of one suite of laws, the then Northern Territory Attorney-General, equated the powers of detention with recreational fishing, commending the draft legislation to Parliament by saying: "It is a form of catch and release."

The power relied upon by police to apprehend Mr Prior was said to derive from the so-called "protective custody" provisions of the Police Administration Act. These laws relevantly gave the police officer the power to arrest Mr Prior if the arresting officer believed, on reasonable grounds, that Mr Prior was (a) intoxicated, (b) in a public place and (c) because of his intoxication, it was likely that Mr Prior would commit a further offence or it may be that he would cause substantial annoyance to the public.
It is difficult to imagine a bigger mess than the one engulfing some of NSW's most senior and trusted investigative and law enforcement agencies.

When the Ombudsman's highly anticipated four-year, $10 million Operation Prospect report into a historical NSW police bugging scandal was delivered in December, plenty of people  not least the NSW government  were hoping that would be the end of the matter.

Prospect was referred to then ombudsman Bruce Barbour in 2012 in the expectation it would once and for all get to the bottom of the matter that has acted like a slow growing cancer inside the upper ranks of the NSW Police for more than a decade.

Instead, its publication has seen a fresh outbreak of fighting between the NSW Crime Commission and the acting Ombudsman, John McMillan and, unbelievably, the possibility of a third parliamentary inquiry.
Turns out manufacturing is alive and well in Australia. Only these days we're manufacturing crises. This week's exhibit is from the gas industry, which having witnessed the energy market regulator's grave warnings that we'd all be having cold showers in the dark in a couple of years, found itself summoned to the Prime Minister's table.

"It is not acceptable for Australia  shortly to become the world's largest exporter of liquefied natural gas  to not have enough gas for its own families and its own businesses," boomed Malcolm Turnbull ahead of the meeting. And he was right. What was far less clear was why this arrangement had been so perfectly acceptable for so long.

Let's be clear: there is no gas shortage. Not in Australia, and not around the world. In fact, there's the opposite: a global glut of the stuff. BHP has already admitted there's enough gas in Bass Strait to supply the east coast "indefinitely". And globally, by the end of 2015 the gas industry was capable of producing about 25 per cent more liquefied gas than the world wanted to import.

By 2020, production capacity looks set to increase another 30 per cent. Even if demand is increasing  and that's not absolutely clear  it's not keeping pace with that. The world's biggest importer, Japan, has been reducing its demand for several years, and according to its own government, will be buying 30 per cent less gas by 2030 as it turns its focus to renewables.
Two nations recently crossed paths in Indonesia, each seeking to wield influence but with very different agendas. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull was in Jakarta to attend the Indian Ocean Rim Association summit following President Joko Widodo's successful visit to Sydney, while Trade Minister Steve Ciobo had also just taken a business delegation to Jakarta.

At the same time, King Salman of Saudi Arabia was winding up a 12-day visit to Indonesia with a 1000-man delegation.

Saudi King Salman, left, rides on a golf cart with Indonesian President Joko Widodo. Credit:AP

Indonesia's regional significance is beyond doubt. Yet it wasn't until the 1990s that we began a consistent approach to recognise the essential importance of our neighbour, the world's most populous Muslim nation.

While the visit of King Salman is the first of a Saudi ruler since 1970, they have been steadily building influence there since the 1980s, funding the construction of many new mosques promoting their illiberal "Wahhabi" strain of Sunni Islam.
What's more, our multicultural heritage is deeply embedded in the rocks under the Snowy Mountains, too. Of 100,000 workers who toiled on the project for 25 years from 1949, many were immigrants constructing a better life through a nation-building project of which they could be proud.

Australians have a deep affection for the project. It is ingenious. It is renewable energy without too much ideological baggage. Unlike onshore gas extraction, it may not irk too many farmers. It might even turn out to be tolerable for environmentalists.

Now the Prime Minister claims: "We won't shrink away from their courage."

Besides that sentimentality, Australians do feel a strong sense of ownership of the scheme. When the then prime minister John Howard added the Commonwealth's 13 per cent of the scheme to plans by NSW (58 per cent) and Victoria (29 per cent) to privatise their shares in 2006, a revolt ensued. It came from a disparate group of high-profile Australians, media outlets and even shock jocks such as Alan Jones. Mr Howard backed off and the states followed suit.

The expansion plan unveiled by Mr Turnbull would, if it passed feasibility, funding and environmental tests, include three new pipelines and power stations to kick in when needed to add 50 per cent to the scheme's power output. It would use the so-called "pumped hydro" method to pump water up hill to be stored until released to generate hydro-electricity then recycled for use again.

Critics are right to ask why this idea hasn't been adopted during its 30-year gestation. Technology and power prices are part of the answer. But what will NSW have to pay for the expansion? And will the $2 billion total cost blow out? The four to seven-year completion target is a concern, too.

Still, expanding the Snowy scheme is, in some ways, a populist response to the perceived energy crisis.
Did anyone else notice the weird, sulphurous light that flooded Melbourne on Thursday morning as the sun shone through blessed rain after a relentlessly hot night? I nearly missed it, as I had my nose in the newspaper, reading a salutary article by Carolyn Cage about the destructive effects addiction to social media can have on a vulnerable person's psyche.

I suspect that my contemporaries  people in their 50s and 60s  don't suffer as much as Cage's generation do from the potentially devastating effects of social media on self-esteem. Anecdotal evidence, and my own use of Facebook, would suggest that we are less likely to make others feel inadequate by portraying perfect lives on social media. My FB friends tend to be surprisingly open about their struggles.

Try looking away from your screens once in a while... Credit:Justin McManus

There is another fallout, however, from habitually burying our noses in smart phones and iPads: the loss of the ability to notice and marvel at ordinary life. This was captured years ago in a Michael Leunig cartoon showing one of his little men sitting with a child on his lap, watching transfixed as a sunset lit up his TV screen. Outside, the real sunset was blazing in all its glory, but he didn't notice it. As one of our kids said to a sibling when they were absorbed in a Game Boy as we drove through the country: "The graphics are better out the window."

How do we hone our powers of observation and of wonder? There are three practices that I have found invaluable in becoming increasingly aware of the quirky, the humorous, the shocking, the beautiful and the miraculous in real life, not what is being peddled to me on the tiny screen.
More worrying for a country that is still banking heavily on exporting coal and LNG, energy demand worldwide is also dropping: the huge peaks we enjoyed during the resources boom were from developing economies that are now, in the appropriate words of the Reserve Bank, "maturing". And as the SA storms showed us, the biggest liabilities relating to Australia's energy security is the profiteering of the national electricity market, and the weakness of the grid itself. If we're seriously thinking about large scale investment devoted to shaking up the way we meet Australia's energy needs, maybe having a handful of large, centralised generators with long spindly arms of distribution towers which get blown over isn't the best model to maintain. So you might conclude that right now might not be a great time to sink billions into making more large-scale electricity plants of any shade  but there are some extra costs that are unique to nuclear reactors. First up, nuclear reactors are very, very, VERY expensive to build. So are coal and gas fired plants, to be clear, but nuclear reactors cost more: up to 75 per cent of their costs are construction-related.

Part of this is because they're enormous, complex machines, part of it is because there are extra safeguards unique to nuclear energy, and a huge amount of it is because no one ever wants one built anywhere near their children. No Australian nuclear power station is going to be built within cooee of any inhabited area. So that means that plants would be built somewhere a good distance away, which means it needs bonus infrastructure out to the site: roads, water, power, telecommunications, that sort of thing. That all costs money  and, as our offshore detention policies have amply demonstrated over the years, when you do something a long way from any existing infrastructure, the costs get astronomical. Depending on the level of regulation a plant takes between five and seven years to build and another year or more to get online  so, again, not a great short-term solution for power generation by a government eager to improve energy security. And that's assuming that a large-scale project of this type and complexity never runs into any snags. It's not like doing something relatively straightforward like, for example. building a road  speaking of which, how's that WestConnex timeframe and budget looking? Once you've got your plant built, though, you're all set! Running costs are remarkably low, despite the massive initial cost, and the plant can be expected to last for 40 or 50 years. Except then you have the decommissioning costs, which are in the billions of dollars.

In theory, what happens is that the plant's owners set up a trust fund which grows over the life of the plant and pays for the decommissioning. In practice, what often happens is that the state is forced to pick up the tab for de-poisoning the site, which is what's currently happening at Sellafield in the UK. There's also the cost of storing radioactive waste, which is a whole extra issue  but if the British experience is anything to go by, the public can expect to be paying for that too. And we can dispense with the "b-but nuclear energy is greenhouse gas emission-free!" rhetoric: it's true that the plants don't emit any greenhouse gases, but any green credentials are more than offset by the carbon emission heavy process of mining the uranium to fuel it, which is an environmental nightmare. Right, Ranger Mine? Then again, the amount of viable uranium on the planet to fuel the world's nuclear reactors is currently estimated to be exhausted in 80 years, assuming that demand isn't increased by building more than the current 440 reactors around the world. So there's that. Loading
Confidence in the housing market has collapsed, with the number of Australians describing property as the wisest place to put their savings falling to its lowest level in more than 40 years.

The Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research has been asking about the wisest place to store savings since it began its consumer confidence survey in 1974.

Real estate has been one of the most popular answers, often eclipsing bank deposits and paying down debt as the wisest place for savings.

As recently as September 2015 more than 28 per cent of those surveyed nominated real estate as the safest place for savings - more than any other asset class.
Tiarnie Coupland was just 13 when she first experienced the sharp pain of rejection that is an aspiring actor's lot. She got to the final stages of casting for the role of Isabelle in the 2011 Martin Scorsese blockbuster Hugo, up against rising American star Chloe Grace Moretz.

Coupland missed out  and the movie went on to be nominated for 11 Academy Awards.

"I'm living out my rebellious side on set." Credit:Marissa Alden

"I was very sad," she remembers of the sliding-doors moment in her career, six years ago. "But I learnt to grow a thick skin. You have to move up and move onwards with roles."

Testament to her lack of bitterness about the Hugo disappointment, Coupland, now 19, cites Moretz as one of her screen idols (the other is Anne Hathaway).
There are calls for tighter restrictions on the sale of all over-the-counter painkillers in Australia after an international study found a significant link between ibuprofen use and cardiac arrest.

A 10-year Danish study of nearly 30,000 patients found the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including ibuprofen - commonly sold as Nurofen or Advil - was associated with a 31 per cent increased risk of a cardiac arrest.

Nurofen is the most common brand of ibuprofen, which has been linked to an increased risk of cardiac arrest. Credit:Dominic Lorrimer

"Allowing these drugs to be purchased without a prescription, and without any advice or restrictions, sends a message to the public that they must be safe," said the study's author Gunnar Gislason, professor of cardiology at Copenhagen University Hospital Gentofte in Denmark.

Researchers examined all out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients in Denmark between 2001 and 2010 using the nationwide Danish Cardiac Arrest Registry.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian will take personal responsibility for major inner city development projects at the Bays Precinct and along the Central to Eveleigh rail corridor, following an administrative reshuffle.

The changes mean that UrbanGrowth, the government development agency, will in effect be split in two. The UrbanGrowth Development Corporation will report to the Premier, and will be responsible for large-scale inner city housing and development cites.

Landcom, the land release agency that had been re-branded as UrbanGrowth, will continue to report to the Planning Minister, Anthony Roberts.

The move to place large-scale inner city projects, for instance the Bays Precinct which includes the redevelopment of Sydney Fish Markets, under the control of Ms Berejiklian, will be framed as elevating their importance within government.
Police are searching for an 11-year-old boy feared to have been swept away in floodwaters after heavy rain in Wollongong.

Ryan Teasdale was riding a bodyboard with several other children at the flooded Riley Park in Unanderra on Thursday afternoon.

Ryan Teasdale, 11, is missing in Unanderra. Credit:NSW Police

About 4.30pm, his brother - who was also in the park - could not find him and went home to see if he was there. He alerted his family, who searched around the park for several hours before contacting police at 6.30pm.

Ryan was last seen wearing blue boardshorts and no shirt, and was riding on a blue bodyboard which has not been found. Anyone with information is asked to contact police immediately.
New Braunfels, TX (78130)

Today

Partly to mostly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 84F. Winds SE at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy. Low 66F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph.
A child killer and rapist who was jailed for life could be allowed to spend time in the community without supervision if a recommendation that that his security classification be dropped to the lowest risk level proceeds.

Rodney Thomas Clarke, who was sentenced to life in 1988 after he smothered his nine-year-old neighbour to death while repeatedly raping her, would be eligible to leave prison on day or weekend leave, for education or for work.

Deborah Anne Keegan who was murdered by Rodney Thomas Clarke in 1987.

Then 21, Clarke murdered Deborah Keegan in her family's home in western Sydney after breaking into her room through a window before first checking that her mother was asleep.

He raped and suffocated her with a pillow before he pulled the covers over her and left through the window. Her mother discovered her dead body the following morning.
The Crime and Corruption Commission has retrieved more than 30,000 emails from a Queensland MP's private email account.

Energy Minister Mark Bailey was under fire earlier this month for deleting a private email account following reports he was contacted at the address by the Electrical Trades Union over the merger of Energy Super and Victoria's Equip Super.

Energy Minister Mark Bailey was under fire earlier this month for deleting a private email account following reports he was contacted at the address by the Electrical Trades Union over the merger of Energy Super and Victoria's Equip Super. Credit:Glenn Hunt

An application for the release of correspondence under Right to Information laws was rejected on the grounds the minister's email account was "closed".

Mr Bailey then announced he would reactivate the account. The LNP referred the issue to the CCC.
"Mum, I think my teddy's watching me." "No honey, it's just listening. You're thinking of the TV."

So, after the Wikileaks dump earlier this month of a portion of the CIA playbook for cracking digital comms, it turns out that agencies like the CIA and MI5 do, in fact, conduct spying, and that they will use pervasive technology such as smart phones and internet-connected smart devices to achieve their ends.

Hacking protection 101: the aluminium hat. Credit:Syndication International (Mirror)

The reaction to this has been varied, from aluminium-hatted horror to a resigned shrug.

Misleading suggestions that end-to-end encrypted messaging apps had been bypassed  there is no evidence that they have been in the leaked documents  went alongside attempts to lay the blame for the Democratic National Congress hack on the CIA.
A prominent music festival promoter has been fined $12,000 for trafficking drugs he claimed were to help him meditate, after a magistrate told him his actions were "putting lives at risk".

Michael Musca, 33, who goes by the stage name Muska, pleaded guilty to one count of drug trafficking in the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Thursday.

Michael Musca, aka DJ Muska, has been fined $12,000 for trafficking drugs.

Police suspected he was providing drugs to a friend Musca later referred to as "Sparkles", following a series of tapped phone conversations between the pair in December 2015, the court heard.

He told police he used the drug ketamine to meditate, arguing it was "a little bit different" to other drugs of dependence, the court heard.
Rick Maaskant had only been asleep for a few minutes when he woke up to find three hoodie-clad men standing outside his bedroom door, one of them armed with a pitchfork

It was about 11.15pm on Wednesday and the 71-year-old grandfather had been in bed in his Cranbourne North for 20 minutes, when he heard a loud "bang".

Cranbourne North gradfather Rick Maaskant, was attacked with a pitchfork during a home invasion Credit:Luis Enrique Ascui

At first, he thought a picture had fallen down from a wall.

"I got out of the bed to have a look," Mr Maaskant said.
One person has died following a multi-vehicle crash on the Calder Freeway.

All inbound lanes are closed as a result of the collision between a truck and a number of cars at Kings Road in Taylors Lakes about 6.30am.

Two men have been taken to hospital in a stable condition. One was taken to Royal Melbourne Hospital, the other to Sunshine Hospital.

Paramedics assessed eight people at the scene.

It's unclear what caused the accident, but footage from the scene in Taylors Lakes shows a large truck in the middle of the freeway with several heavily damaged cars scattered across the road.



Drivers are being told to use the Melton Highway or Western Ring Road instead.

The VicRoads map shows the section of the Calder where traffic is impacted.

Traffic on the Calder at 8.50am Credit:Craig Butt

Friday morning's fatal accident comes after a horrific smash in Point Cook on Thursday afternoon which claimed the life of a 28-year-old Hoppers Crossing man after a truck similarly collided with a number of cars on the Princes Freeway.
Bali: Indonesia police say they are continuing to investigate an alleged sexual assault of an Australian woman in Legian, Bali, even though she had refused to undergo a medical examination or identify the exact crime scene.

The Perth woman, aged in her early 40s, was allegedly assaulted by two men on the beach behind Double Six Street in Legian at 12.45am on Tuesday morning.

Legian Beach in Bali, near where an Australian woman said she was raped. Credit:Mal Fairclough

She was travelling with friends, according to police, but was alone when her shoe broke and she had no money to get back to her hotel.

Denpasar Police Chief Hadi Purnomo said an apparent "good Samaritan" said he was an ojek (motorcycle taxi) driver and offered to take her back to her hotel even though she explained she didn't have any money.
Curitiba, Brazil: A top Brazilian prosecutor said more than 350 new investigations would spring from a trove of testimony by executives of global construction firm Odebrecht, revealing how corruption cut across the political spectrum from the smallest cities to the highest levels of government.

Carlos Lima, the dean of a team of prosecutors in southern Brazil that is driving the three-year old Car Wash investigation, said the Odebrecht statements expanded the probe far beyond expectations and would ensnare top congressmen, senior members of the executive branch and other powerful figures.

Brazilian President Michel Temer, leading a government in crisis. Credit:AP

On Tuesday, Brazil's Prosecutor General Rodrigo Janot asked the Supreme Court to open 83 new investigations into politicians based on the still-sealed testimony. He also requested another 211 potential cases be sent to lower courts.

"Between the cases that will go to the Supreme Court and those that will land here with us in Curitiba, there will be upward of 350 new investigations that will begin," Lima told Reuters Tuesday in his office in the southern city of Curitiba.
US alliance "will survive whatever dramas the Trump administration brings", says Peter Varghese. Credit:AP Trump maintained that information would soon be revealed that could prove him right, but would not explain what that information might be. He said he would be "submitting certain things" to a congressional committee investigating the matter and that he was considering speaking about the topic next week. "I think you're going to find some very interesting items coming to the forefront over the next two weeks," Trump said. Carlson pointed out that, as president, Trump had the ability to "gather all the evidence you want." Trump acknowledged, "I do," but proceeded to explain that he fired off his tweets because he had seen Baier use the word "wiretap" on his broadcast a day earlier. "What he was saying and what he was talking about and how he mentioned the word 'wiretap,' you would feel very confident that you could mention the name," Trump said. "He mentioned it. And other people have mentioned it."

Asked whether he "devalues his own currency" by tweeting things that are not true, Trump defended himself. "Let's see whether or not I proved it," Trump said. "You looked at some proof. I mean, let's see whether or not I prove it. I just don't choose to do it right now...I think we have some very good stuff, and we're in the process of putting it together, and I think it's going to be very demonstrative." He also said that although he tweeted specifically that Obama had tapped his phone, he intended generally to allege that the prior administration had undertaken "surveillance and many other things". White House Spokesman Sean Spicer attempted to make the same point on Tuesday. "Don't forget, when I say 'wiretapping,' those words were in quotes," Trump told Carlson. "That really covers, because wiretapping is pretty old-fashioned stuff. But that really covers surveillance and many other things. And nobody ever talks about the fact that it was in quotes, but that's a very important thing." Meeting Senators

The comments came the same day that FBI Director James Comey met with senators amid demands for him to answer whether Trump's claims were correct. Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley, a Republican from Iowa, and Senator Dianne Feinstein of California, the panel's top Democrat, declined to disclose details of the meeting to reporters after the closed-door briefing. "The chairman and I had written a letter asking for a briefing on certain topics which I'm not going to go into, and because of the strength of the chairman's, um, tough language, we were able to have a briefing," Feinstein told reporters later. "This briefing was all on sensitive matters and highly classified and it's really not anything we can answer any questions about." Lawmakers have been increasingly vocal in demanding that Comey answer questions about Trump's wiretap assertion and also about the FBI's probe into Russian hacking of Democrats' emails during last year's presidential campaign. US intelligence agencies, including the FBI, have found Russia's meddling was intended to hurt Democrat Hillary Clinton and ultimately to help Trump win. Comey to testify

Comey will testify in public on March 20 before the House Intelligence Committee, according to the FBI. Other senators have been demanding he respond as well, including Republican Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, who threatened on Wednesday to issue a subpoena in the matter. Questions about possible ties between Trump's campaign and associates of Russian President Vladimir Putin have transfixed Congress, where Wednesday alone featured separate hearings on the efficacy of Russian sanctions lodged since 2014 and Graham presided over a hearing focusing on that country's attempts to disrupt European elections. The Republican chairman of the House Intelligence Committee said his panel hasn't found evidence so far to back up Trump's initial wiretap allegation. "We don't have any evidence that took place," Chairman Devin Nunes said at a news conference in Washington. "I don't think there was an actual tap of Trump Tower." The Intelligence Committee's top Democrat, Adam Schiff, said at the news conference, "to date I see no evidence" that supports the claim by Trump. "I think to put that forth was irresponsible by the president and his spokesman," Schiff said.
Anti-Muslim Geert Wilders was expected to poll much stronger in the Dutch election. Credit:Getty Images "The Netherlands shows us that the breakthrough of the extreme right is not inevitable and that European progressives are growing stronger," Emmanuel Macron, the leading centrist candidate for the French presidency, declared on Twitter Thursday morning. One subtle factor in the far right fizzle may in fact be Trump himself. US President Donald Trump meets with Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny in the White House. Credit:AP In the Netherlands, voters seemed largely swayed by domestic issues. Yet doubts over the temperament and true governing skills of politicians such as Geert Wilders have long stood as some of the strongest barriers holding back Europe's nationalist tide.

Witnessing the erratic start of Trump's tenure in Washington may only be reinforcing those fears now, analysts say. The Dutch Green Party, with fresh-faced, Justin Trudeau-look-alike leader Jesse Klaver, could yet emerge as the future of Dutch politics. Credit:AP Trump's tumultuous beginning, for instance, appears to have already taken its toll on the appeal of populism in France. According to opinion polls, nearly 80 per cent of French voters have a negative opinion of the new American president, who insisted that "France is no longer France" in the wake of a string of terrorist attacks that have claimed 230 lives since 2015. This, analysts say, presents a real challenge for French nationalist Marine Le Pen, who has aligned herself with Trump to try to ride his momentum. In the Netherlands, the Green Party leader Klaver repeatedly cited Trump as a disquieting harbinger in the event of a win by Wilders - who was once the front-runner before fading. "Trump's election victory was frenetically celebrated by Europe's radical right. Wilders himself tried to adapt the slogan 'Make America great again' for the Netherlands," said Alexander Haeusler, an analyst of the far-right at University of Applied Sciences in Dusseldorf. But the Dutch results, he said, showed how "walking in Trump's footsteps can potentially backfire."

It would be wrong, however, to dismiss the chances of major far right victories to come. In France, Le Pen is still leading the pack ahead of the first round of voting on April 23. But polls have shown a narrowing in recent weeks between Le Pen and with her closest rival, the independent Macron. And even if she comes out on top at first, virtually all polls - although perhaps not as reliable as they once were in the light of Trump's win and vote in favour of Brexit - still show her being easily crushed in a second and decisive round on May 7. In Germany, meanwhile, the once-surging Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has also stumbled in recent weeks. That may in part be a reflection on Trump - who polls show is as deeply unpopular in Germany as he is in France. But it also reflects a scandal involving a leading AfD politician who seemed to defend Adolf Hitler and stood accused of downplaying the Holocaust. One recent poll showed the AfD slipping to only eight percent support - its lowest level in 14 months. Should such trends continue, it would reduce the party's chances of even playing a spoiler role in September's national elections. Speaking in Berlin, Merkel welcomed the Dutch outcome, calling it "a good day for democracy".

Said her Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel: "We have seen that more than 80 per cent of the Dutch took a stand against the enemies of Europe and Islam ... It is a clear pro-European signal at a time when many had expected something else." Yet far-right forces could find some solace in the Dutch vote, too. Wilders' far right party gained five seats in parliament and is now the second-largest party in parliament. Though nowhere near earlier predictions of a first-place finish, it was not an insignificant bounce. Perhaps more importantly, the Dutch prime minister, Rutte, moved resoundingly to the right on a host of issues including immigration in a bid to fend off the right-wing challenge. That strategy is being adopted throughout Europe.

Ahead of elections in Germany, Chancellor Angela Merkel - accused by her critics of being soft on Muslim immigration - has floated a partial ban on full Islamic face coverings known as the burqa. "If other parties take over our agenda, this is nothing negative per se," said Marcus Pretzell, head of Alternative for Germany party in the German state of North-Rhine Westphalia. Merkel's party "is already doing it, so far only in terms of its rhetoric. The next step is that they will also implement practical policies that we have pushed. I would welcome that." And while Muslims in Europe celebrated the tempered far-right performance in the Netherlands, they nevertheless warned that the issues brought to the surface have created a new and worrying atmosphere of xenophobia and hate. Loading "The genie is out of the bottle," said Aiman Mazyek, chairman of Germany's Central Council of Muslims. He continued, "the danger in Holland, but also in other parts of Europe, is that the narrative of fear and hatred will piece by piece erode liberal rights."
Washington: Former US National Security Adviser Michael Flynn received more than $US45,000 ($58, 675) from RT, the Russian government-backed television network, for his participation at a gala where he sat at President Vladimir Putin's table, according to documents released Thursday by congressional Democrats.

Flynn also received $US11,250 ($14,667) from Kaspersky Government Security Solutions, Inc., described as the US subsidiary of Kaspersky Lab, a Russian cybersecurity firm, according to the documents.

That firm was caught up in a Russian espionage investigation in December. Russian prosecutors have charged a manager at the company with treason, saying he and two Russian information-security officials were "interacting" with US intelligence officials, according to a defence lawyer in the case.

Flynn resigned in February after reports that he misled Vice President Mike Pence about his contacts with the Russian ambassador to the US A lawyer for Flynn didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.
Notorious people smuggler "Captain Bram", who organised the asylum seekers' boat at the centre of the notorious 'cash for boat-turn-back' scandal in 2015, has been sentenced to six years' jail in an Indonesian prison.

Abraham Louhenapessy, aka Captain Bram, was also ordered to pay 500 million rupiah (about $50,000) or serve another six months behind bars after a panel of judges in the Rote Ndao Court found him guilty of immigration offences.

Abraham Louhenapessy  Captain Bram  was sentenced to six years' jail for people smuggling in Indonesia on Thursday. Credit:Joy Christian

Prosecutors had requested nine years' jail in addition to the fine, arguing he was a repeat offender.

Judge Hiras Sitanggang said Louhenapessy had caused people smuggling to flourish and had been convicted of the same crime before.
It was with great disappointment that I read in Friday March 10th paper that local business Lets Travel would be liquidated by the Receivers Office. Needless to say this business was in the saddest of states after being taken over by local businessman Terrance Rey. When will Mr. Rey ever be called upon to pay his debts? There was nothing much to be gained from the auction.

This young man fashions himself as an internet entrepreneur but is better described as a seasoned conman with the loudest bark. Despite a reputation that precedes him Mr. Rey has managed to secure a position within the Progress Committee, meaning that he is a civil servant for the Dutch government and has also become the general manager of the Today Newspaper which is owned by our Minister of Finance Mr. Richard Gibson Sr. Its clear that the Dutch do not carry out much research in their appointments but one wonders how Mr. Rey and Minister Gibson got in bed together.

Mr. Rey was recently in the media concerning the vetting process of the St. Maarten Tourism Authority where he came in second to Mr. Rolando Brison who is now the director of the Tourism Bureau. Mr. Michael Ferrier took to the media airing embezzlements claims from Mr. Brisons time with Winair and in the same article recommended Mr. Rey as an upstanding citizen. Well Mr. Ferrier you need to read this article thoroughly.

Mr. Terrance Rey has a track record which overshadows the one forgivable accusation made against Mr. Brison. Mr. Rey has massive debts incurred from chronic mismanagement and blatant disregard for proper business practices. He has many former employees who are still waiting to be paid salaries. He also owes a large amount to SZV and the Tax Office as well as vendors.

He has personally lost courts cases dealing with proven fraud within his travel agencies and has conned business partners out of investments.

Mr. Reys businesses have consistently been shut down with eviction by landlords who have yet to receive any kind of payment for outstanding rent. There was also the Guyanese charter fiasco in which tickets were sold for a flight that didnt exist leaving passengers stranded on the airport and forcing some to complain to the media.

I sat in Marks Place one evening observing Mr. Rey at a table giving a lecture on proper business and laughed within myself from the irony. The same man who stops answering phone calls and emails as soon as the question of payment comes about is educating others. I got up and decided to exit in front of him to see his reaction and was shocked that he engaged me in his conversation and had the gall to brag about his businesses to me in the presence of his audience. All this while knowing that he has not paid me one red cent.

I have been following Mr. Reys business movements over the last couple of years and have bided my time to speak out against this crook. Collecting from him has been the ultimate cat and mouse game but thankfully he has finally gotten a job where he is on someone elses payroll and can be made to legally honor court rulings.

St. Maarten should take it as a bullet dodged that this shyster was not given directorship of either the STA or the Tourism Bureau as these coffers would have been emptied already. Though I must say I was waiting to blow the whistle if he was appointed the director of the STA.

Business persons and customers beware!

Amgad Richardson
PHILIPSBURG:--- Prime Minister Marlin released the letter he sent to Minister of Interior and Kingdom Affairs Ronald Plasterk after the letter that Minister Plasterk sent to him was published in one of the newspapers.

The Prime Minister held on to his word during the past weeks when he was asked to update the people of St. Maarten on the meeting he had with Minister Plasterk in Aruba on the appointment of the quartermaster and also the integrity chamber that is to be established on St. Maarten.

Marlin did say several times that he had an agreement with Minister Plasterk not to release any information on the meeting since the meeting has to continue.

However, on Wednesday during the Council of Minister's press briefing, Marlin said since Minister Plasterk published the letter he sent to Marlin he will, in turn, gave out copies of his response to members of the media, without making further comments.

In the letter, Marlin dispatched to the Minister questioned the appointment of the Quartermaster and to prepare the integrity chamber and the threat to establish the integrity chamber through a general measure by the Kingdom Council. (AMVRB).

Marlin stated that the government of St. Maarten is astonished by the measure taken by Minister Plasterk. He referred to the protocol of 2015 which was annulled by the Constitutional Court. Marlin also stated that St. Maarten had already appointed a quartermaster and has demonstrated its willingness to establish an integrity chamber and appointing a quartermaster all of which was based on three integrity reports and its recommendations.

Marlin reminds the Minister that St. Maarten had lived up to the agreement by appointing a quartermaster while the Netherlands did not meet the July 2015 deadline. Marlin letter further states that appointing a quartermaster one and a half year after the deadline is not in line with the agreement they had, he further said it is questionable, to say the least,what the quartermaster would be preparing at this stage.

He stated that the St. Maarten Quartermaster completed his assignment and drafted a reported which is in the possession of Minister Plasterk.

The letter Marlin and report released to the media can be viewed below this article.

Click here to view letter sent by St. Maarten Prime Minister to Minister Plasterk
PHILIPSBURG:---- The MP's letter has gone out to the Kingdom government requesting the Kingdom council of ministers' views on the matter of derisking by foreign banks.

Member of Parliament, S. Wescot-Williams has sent her letter via the St. Maarten's minister of finance, Mr. Richard Gibson, as "there are no procedural instruments to channel such questions".

The St. Maarten member of parliament argues that this matter, given its importance and the reliance on the Dutch government for its support, should be seen as a guarantee function of the Kingdom government.

"Often the contentious guarantee function is seen as a way by the Kingdom Council of Ministers to impose the will of the kingdom government, but what about guaranteeing the legal certainty (rechtszekerheid) of the citizens, which I believe an issue such as derisking by foreign banks directly affects?"

This derisking continues to be a issue of serious concerns for the entire Caribbean region, as enforcement by foreign banks could cut off the national financial systems from the rest of the world.

Before asking the Finance Minister to forward her question to the Kingdom government, MP Wescot-Williams asked Minister Gibson to expound on his assertion that the Dutch government was "not cooperative".

"His answers strengthened my argument that the kingdom government must step up to the plate."

In her letter to the Kingdom council of ministers the MP queries the council's awareness of the derisking dilemma and calls the Kingdom council out on the guarantee function to protect the livelihood of the St.Maarten's citizenry.

"The Kingdom council of ministers surely can not say, they have not been asked. Let's see how the democratic deficit plays out", the MP concluded.
PHILIPSBURG:--- In defending her decision to maintain English as the language of the timeshare ordinance, MP Wescot-Williams referred back to her proposal which was unanimously adopted on a motion by parliament to establish English as the first official language. English AND Dutch are the official languages, but the constitution of St. Maarten makes no distinction between the 2 languages. While the instructions for regulations as adopted by the government of St. Maarten do stipulate that legislation will be drafted in the Dutch language, "this policy of government does not supersede the constitution", the MP explained during the handling of the timeshare ordinance in parliament.

"After several months of no action on the December motion, a government has conceded that there are no funds to draft and implement a plan to achieve the desired status of the English language."

This lead to another motion by the MP, again adopted unanimously, to reserve an initial amount of F. 500.000,-- for the plan as outlined in the first motion. This according to the parliamentary motion must take place via the first budget amendment for 2017.

At the time of the first motion, the MP herself had contacted Dr. Rhoda Arrindell to gauge her interest to draft the plan "English as the first official and mother tongue language".

The timeshare ordinance as passed by parliament on February 22nd now needs to be sent to the government for ratification and a 6-weeks period needs to be observed for the Ombudsman's scrutiny of the law.

Sarah Wescot Williams

DP Party.
PHILIPSBURG:---- Member of Parliament George Pantophlet continues to give the public information on the process that led the initiative takes to deal with the abuse of the short term contract which meant an amendment to Book 7A of the Civil Code.

During the several election campaigns of the past years, this point ( to deal with the abuse of the short term contract) was repeated on a consistent basis. But this matter was not addressed in the manner an issue of such importance deserves. This can be blamed on several factors, one being the frequent changes in government, changes proposed by other stakeholders and so on.

In the past in order to take this action cooperation was needed from the government and parliament of the former Netherlands Antilles to come with measures to deal with this problem. When St. Maarten became country the authority to do so became that of the Parliament of St. Maarten. The faction of the National Alliance as part of the Parliament decided that the time had come to address this issue and come up with the necessary legislation to do so, which is the abuse of the use of the short-term contract. It is very much understood by the initiative takers that there are functions of a seasonal nature where it will require more workers. But when it comes to functions of a permanent nature such as a cashier at a supermarket, a store, casinos just to name a few this practice should be eliminated.

As it relates to construction this will be permitted seeing that such is of a temporary character or nature. The initiative takers are well aware that our economy is based on tourism and as such of a seasonal nature. Therefore in implementing this labor law or jurisprudence, an account is taken of the fact that there will be occasions where labor contracts of a temporary nature are possible.

Discussions were held during the preparation of this national ordinance with the Minister at the time in 2012 and his advisors of the Department of Labor and Social Affairs. His task entailed sufficient manpower with the necessary authority to ensure that this law is strictly adhered to which includes the issuing of fines.

A little Historical background:

In article 1639 (old BW) Burgelijk Werkboek freely translated Civil Code it was determined that when a function of a temporary nature is continued, to end such prior notice is required. This meant that an employer-employee agreement with interims of no more than 31 days is considered continuous. To terminate such an agreement permission was needed from the Director of the department of Labor and Social Affairs, dissolution by the Judge or termination on mutual agreement. The requirement for prior termination was seen as a staunch ruling. In business circles, they are of the opinion that it was difficult or almost impossible to lay off a non-functioning employee and that this did not bode well for the economy. For this reason government in order to comply with this point and in so doing made the labor laws more flexible.

This was done in the year 2000 when article 1615 f of the Civil Code was amended by establishing the national ordinance to make flexible the Labor regulation (PB) Publication Sheet 2000 no 68) which states as follows: a. Labor contracts of a temporary nature with intervals of no more than 3 months consecutively of 36 months, including the exceeding of these intervals, goes into effect or is considered permanent from the day the last labor contract was signed.

b. more than 3 contracts of a temporary nature following each other with intervals of no more than 3 months the last labor agreement is considered permanent.

One of the major rules then was that a labor agreement of a temporary nature ends automatically by the expiration of the period it was entered into. In order to give the employee security and protection for the continuation of the employment the above-mentioned article 1615fa that was quoted was created. As common practice has proven this law is being abused. The reason why the initiative takers have decided to amend this law to try and eliminate its abuse.

The member of parliament is again reminding the public that the aforementioned was freely translated. He hopes that the translation properly explains the subject.
SINT EUSTATIUS:--- Next week the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) has chosen St Eustatius to hold its board meeting from March 21  March 23 in the public library. DCNA is the umbrella organization for the six National parks organizations on Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Sint Maarten, Saba, and Statia. All islands are represented on the board, as well as other Caribbean nature organizations and independent board members.

DCNA has been a strong supporter of safeguarding nature on Statia through the years. And has assisted Sint Eustatius National Parks (STENAPA) with funding and capacity building. Additionally, DCNA is a strong partner in the upcoming Sharkweek, a huge outreach event in Statia and the other Caribbean islands to create awareness about the protection of endangered sharks and rays in the sea.

During the board meeting, there will be discussions about sustainable funding for the national parks, closer cooperation with Foundation Samenwerkingsverband Nationale Parken (SNP) in the Netherlands, and the future role for DCNA for the six islands. On Monday, March 20th the board will meet local dignitaries and for March 23rd a field trip to the marine park is scheduled.

Board president Tadzio Bervoets, presently working on Sint Maarten as manager of the Sint Maarten Nature Foundation, is looking forward to coming to Statia. I have worked on the island as Marine Park manager and this has been a tremendous experience for me. With DCNA there is a powerful platform for close cooperation within the islands. Likewise between DCNA and governments. We are of the opinion that nature and economic development go hand in hand and are looking forward to developing new plans, he says.

The patrons of DCNA are her royal highness Princess Beatrix, Jaime Saleh, and Nico Visser.
PHILIPSBURG:---- In observation of World Social Works Day, March 21th, the St Maarten Social Workers Association will be hosting a lecture/presentation. This years event will be highlighting the third pillar of the Global agenda for Social Work and Development under the theme: Promoting Community and Environmental Sustainability. The event will be held at the Belair Community Center from 7-9 pm, the keynote address will be delivered by the renowned Social Work lecturer and community development specialist Mrs. Aldene Shillingford from the University of the West Indies(UWI) Mona Campus in Jamaica. Mrs. Shillingford has been a lecturer in the Social Work Programme in the Department of Sociology, Psychology and Social Work at the UWI Mona, Jamaica since 2003. She holds a MSW in Social Word and is presently pursuing the MPhil/Ph.D. in Sociology at the UWI. She comes with in-depth experience in teaching, practice, and research in areas of community development. Both her social planning and community practice courses include exercises and assignments which ultimately assist community organizations and state agencies to find and devise solutions to challenges they may be encountering.

Through her efforts, several communities have obtained funding and one rural community, in particular, has won the coveted Michael Manley Foundation Award for Community Self-Reliance. She is in project management and grassroots community development in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean; is extensive involvement in conducting program and project evaluations; grant writing and training of trainers to undertake development work.

As an association, we are enthusiastic about hosting Mrs. Shillingford on World Social Work day. We look forward with great anticipation the presence of the general public, NGOs, Community Councils, those involved community work, grassroots programs, development of human capital as well as those that are dedicated to protecting our communities and the environment.

See you there on March 21st at the Belair Community Center from 7-9. Come on down!!!, be enriched in knowledge and inspired to continue your work as we join hands to further develop and our beloved community of Sint Maarten.

For further information feel free to contact the Social Workers Association via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Tel: (721) 526-0917
Claim: The Supreme Court ordered the Smithsonian Institution to disclose that it destroyed several giant skeletons in the early 1900s to preserve the mainstream narrative of evolution.

Rating: About this rating Labeled Satire

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On 3 December 2014, World News Daily Report published an article titled "Smithsonian Admits to Destruction of Thousands of Giant Human Skeletons in Early 1900's." In that article, the site reported the Smithsonian Institution colluded with unspecified parties to suppress information proving the existence of giants, and the Supreme Court ruled in 2014 that documentation of the discovery be declassified in 2015:

A US Supreme Court ruling has forced the Smithsonian institution to release classified papers dating from the early 1900's that proves the organization was involved in a major historical cover up of evidence showing giants human remains in the tens of thousands had been uncovered all across America and were ordered to be destroyed by high level administrators to protect the mainstream chronology of human evolution at the time. The allegations stemming from the American Institution of Alternative Archeology (AIAA) that the Smithsonian Institution had destroyed thousands of giant human remains during the early 1900's was not taken lightly by the Smithsonian who responded by suing the organization for defamation and trying to damage the reputation of the 168-year old institution. During the court case, new elements were brought to light as several Smithsonian whistle blowers admitted to the existence of documents that allegedly proved the destruction of tens of thousands of human skeletons reaching between 6 feet and 12 feet in height, a reality mainstream archeology can not admit to for different reasons, claims AIAA spokesman, James Churward.

A number of factors in the first two paragraphs of the claim conflict with the standard template for junk news, but the article also follows that formula in several ways. On the latter score, searches for the "American Institution of Alternative Archeology (AIAA)" point back either to the article itself or other pages referencing it, a strong indicator that organization does not exist.

Furthermore, the claim regarding the Smithsonian guarding classified documents is unusual: The earliest technically classified documents in the United States go back only as far as World War I (which America entered in 1917), whereas the discovery of giant skeletons is dated vaguely as occurring in the early 1900s. Prior to the first World War, the need to classify documents as we would today had not yet come to issue (due to America's relative then-isolated status), and such a measure would be even less likely to apply to a archaeological discovery.

An image World News Daily Report claimed was taken in Ohio in 2011 has existed on the internet since 2008, and prior references identify the location of the picture as Turkey, not Ohio. The date initially claimed of the image back then was that it was taken in the 1990s. Another image of "giant skulls" included with the article dated to a 2008 claim made on the web site of the Coast to Coast radio program. (Misattributed images attached to news articles are almost always red flags the claims made in those articles are shaky.)

Yet another image frequently attached to other versions of the claim depict Edouard Beaupre, a French-Canadian man afflicted with gigantism who died in 1904. A sideshow celebrity at the time, Beaupre's existence was hardly a secret and certainly not classified by the Smithsonian Institution. Finally, no such "Supreme Court" decision exists; and if it did, it would have been a matter of public record and widely reported in mainstream publications due to its notability.

Unlike most fake news stories, this giant skeleton claim is an extant long-running rumor that refuses to stay dead rather than a recently invented falsehood. National Geographic has been battling the hoax since at least 2002, and stated in 2007 that:

The National Geographic Society has not discovered ancient giant humans, despite rampant reports and pictures. The hoax began with a doctored photo and later found a receptive online audience  thanks perhaps to the image's unintended religious connotations. A digitally altered photograph created in 2002 shows a reclining giant surrounded by a wooden platform  with a shovel-wielding archaeologist thrown in for scale. By 2004 the "discovery" was being blogged and emailed all over the world  "Giant Skeleton Unearthed!"  and it's been enjoying a revival in 2007.

This version of the tale is certainly fake, as it incorporates elements of existing urban legends and hoaxes (obscuring the nature of the source), and World News Daily Report's disclaimer page explicitly states its content is fictional in nature:
Avanti Launches New Platform Following Successful Venture With Subway

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA  (Marketwired)  03/16/17  , the company behind Subway Restaurants impressive, global entry into mobile ordering have announced the launch of their software as a cloud-based platform, making mobile ordering and payment possible for any restaurant chain.

Consumer demand for mobile ordering and payment continues to soar. Major brands such as Starbucks, Subway and Panera Bread have firmly established market leadership, leaving smaller chains scrambling to keep up. Avantis newly launched platform will directly address this emerging need, allowing restaurants of any size to establish a mobile ordering offering.

No stranger to the space, the leadership behind Avanti was involved in initial trials of mobile commerce for Starbucks, Panera Bread and McDonalds. With Subway Restaurants, Avanti built and launched a sophisticated, global mobile ordering platform, in a franchised environment, with multiple payment and POS systems. A build out of this scale and complexity has shaped Avanti into one of the most experienced in the mobile ordering and payments space. In late 2016, Subway acquired a custom version of the Avanti platform, providing the opportunity for Avanti to re-emerge and continue to address the market needs.

Avanti has now tailored their platform, taken the most powerful parts of it and adapted it for use among restaurants of any size, from large international chains to small local coffee shops.

The Avanti platform offers the following unique features:

Weve been working in the mobile space since 1999, when we were involved in the first North American mobile commerce trials for some of the biggest brands, said Jason Strashek, Avanti founder and CEO. Mobile ordering is no longer just a shiny nice to have capability for businesses  its becoming a necessity for the fast-moving modern consumer and a powerful way to drive engagement and sales.

As part of the companys launch, James Christensen has been brought onto the management team as VP of Business Development, bringing with him a wealth of experience in the industry. I am excited to be joining a company that has been at the forefront of mobile commerce for nearly two decades, and cant wait to bring my expertise to the table to help contribute to the ongoing success of the company.

For more information about Avanti, please visit: .

About Avanti Commerce Inc.

Avanti Commerce is an Order, Payment and Customer Engagement platform for restaurant groups of all sizes. The omni-channel platform empowers customers to Order & Pay at a time and location of their choosing  while helping to mitigate capacity constraints, strengthen customer loyalty, and drive recurring purchases. The white-labeled platform is available as an enhanced monthly service (SaaS+) or as a licensed installation for larger restaurant chains wishing to tightly couple the platform within their existing retail technology ecosystem. The innovative platform extends a restaurants storefront through Apps, the Web, and other customer-facing channels. More information on the platform is available at .

Contacts:

Media Contact

Bianca Sutton

Talk Shop Media

604 738 2220
TUV Rheinland Chosen as First LoRa Alliance Testing Service in the United States

BOSTON, MA  (Marketwired)  03/16/17  TUV Rheinland, a global leader in independent testing, inspection and certification services, today announced that it is the first authorized long-range wireless (LoRaWAN) testing provider in the U.S., certified by the LoRa Alliance. Any company designing low power (LPWAN) Internet of Things (IoT) devices will now be able to certify their technology meets industry-standard performance and security requirements.

The technology used in a LoRaWAN network is designed to connect low-cost, battery-operated sensors over long distances in harsh environments that were previously too challenging or cost prohibitive to connect. The LoRaWAN protocol offers unique and unequaled benefits in terms of bi-directionality, security, mobility and accurate localization that are not addressed by other LPWAN protocols.

The IoT is ushering in a new era for wireless connectivity, impacting device manufacturers and network operators to a large degree. One of the most exciting technology shifts occurring is the emergence of LoRaWAN as an attractive communications protocol to solve for low-cost, long-range connectivity through both congested urban areas and wide-open expanses alike, said Stefan Kischka, Vice President of Wireless and IoT, TUV Rheinland Group. Device manufacturers rarely have access to the often complex technology needed to properly test their products before going to market. This latest announcement, in tandem with our new wireless IoT testing center in Fremont, California, enables us to become a one-stop-shop for wireless testing and certification services.

With the backing of the LoRa Alliance, TUV Rheinland is able to provide the industrys most comprehensive services, including:

Product evaluation and pre-compliance testing against specified regional frequency bands and released LoRa Alliance specifications

Regulatory testing and certification (e.g. FCC, R&TTE / RED and CE)

LoRaWAN functional testing

Electrical safety testing

ElectroMagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing

Testing of communication technologies such as WiFi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, WiSUN, KNX and IP500

The LoRa Alliance is an open, non-profit association that has grown to more than 450 members since its inception in March 2015, becoming one of the largest and fastest growing alliances in the technology sector. Its members are closely collaborating and sharing their experience to promote the LoRaWAN protocol as the leading open global standard for secure, carrier-grade IoT LPWA connectivity.

With the technical flexibility to address multiple IoT applications, both static and mobile, and a certification program to guarantee interoperability, the LoRaWAN is already being deployed by major mobile network operators and is anticipated to widely expand in 2017.

More information at

TUV Rheinland is an organization founded in 1871. Headquartered in Cologne, Germany, operating with 20,000 employees from 500 locations in 69 countries with Global Investments (2015): 90.1 million EUR TUV Rheinland serves multiple industry verticals in IoT and as a result sees the absolute need to support these in full with the challenges they face within the field of Digitalization and Internet of Things area. TUV Rheinland can offer consultancy on various technologies in the IoT and assists on the best route to market not only for testing, inspection and certification issues but in areas of consideration in the interim stages of development. Covering a wide range of experience from all disciplines of the industry, TUV Rheinland welcomes the opportunity to cooperate with you.

More information at
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This year marks the Queen's 65th year on the throne - her Majesty's Sapphire Jubilee.

And calls for the occasion to be honoured by an extra bank holiday have reached Parliament.

It is argued this would allow people to take to the streets to celebrate an achievement that has never been witnessed in the history of the British Monarchy.

Conservative MP Andrew Rosindell is actively pushing for the extra public holiday to be granted.

He says not doing so would be a "missed opportunity".

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His motion to propose a Queen's Sapphire Jubilee bill went unopposed on Tuesday, March 14, and will be debated by the House of Commons on Friday, March 24.

The bill would apply to the whole of the UK, and overseas territories where the Queen is still a ruling Monarch.

Should it be approved, there could a repeat of the celebratory scenes that were held in 2012 for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

Mr Rosindell  who is the MP for Romford  told the Press Association: "It's almost certainly going to be a very long time before any monarch gets anywhere near 65 years.

"It is the first time we have had any Sapphire Jubilee and if we let this go by, and don't have some sort of national day of celebration, it'll be a missed opportunity.

"It's also for the young people  I remember the Silver Jubilee as a kid and learnt how important these national occasions are."

The MP has admitted however the Queen is a modest person, and may not wish for a big fuss to be made about the milestone.

He said the Prime Minister Theresa May is a fan of the idea.

He added: "I have personally spoken to Theresa May about the idea and she was certainly positive in her approach to this.

"I hope the Government will put some ideas to Her Majesty for her agreement and hopefully have a celebration in June."
While working on homework late one night, my roommate crept into my room to inform me about the wildfires, which were sweeping the Plains only a few hours from our home. She told me how her boyfriends family lived only a few minutes from the flames and how serious this could quickly become.

We turned on the news to find county after county scrolling on the bottom of the screen, listing the areas that needed to be evacuated. With little rain over the past few months and powerful winds sweeping the Plains, we both knew this wildfire had the potential to be disastrous.

Unfortunately, it was.

The next morning while feeding calves, I watched the sun peek over the Plains, highlighting the hazy sky filled with smoke and ashes. I turned on the news once again, covering my mouth as I saw the damage done in less than 12 hours.

Land once filled with native grasses now looked like desert sand. Pictures emerged of livestock and wildlife unable to escape the flames. Stories of farmers risking their lives to protect their passion and profession were all over social media. The tragedy that had occurred touched people from all across the nation.

Though I grew up on a dairy farm, I sympathized with the ranchers who lost their livelihood in the blink of an eye. Stories of barn fires and snow-covered buildings collapsing haunt my dreams. Now wildfires have also become a very real nightmare.

While I cannot fathom what it must feel like to lose so much in an instant, it brings my heart some comfort to see other farmers rallying together to help those in need. Hay, medication, and monetary donations have all been made to help relieve some of the burden these farmers are feeling. Even dairy farmers from faraway states are pitching in to help the fire victims in the Midwest.

Though it will still be quite some time before we see the burned land turn to grassy Plains once again, the efforts of farmers helping farmers will allow ranchers to continue raising their livestock, a sight we all wish to see.
The appeals court ruled Riders trial attorney was ineffective because she failed to object to the warrantless seizure of Riders cell phone related to the 2017 shooting death of Julii Johnson, outside the Warren home of her boyfriend.
What you need to know about Powerball's $1.9 billion lottery jackpot

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Georgetown, SC (29440)

Today

Abundant sunshine. Near record high temperatures. High 79F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower throughout the evening. Low 59F. Winds NNE at 10 to 15 mph.
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying the EchoStar 23 communications satellite launches from Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida early on March 16, 2017.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla.  A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket blasted off from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida early Thursday (March 16) to deliver the heavyweight EchoStar 23 communications satellite into a high-altitude orbit, a mission near the limit of the boosters capability.

High winds scuttled an initial launch attempt Tuesday (March 14), but at 2:00 a.m. EDT (0600 GMT) Thursday, the rocket bolted off its seaside launch pad and soared through clear moonlit skies as it headed into orbit.

The demands of lofting the 6-ton EchoStar 23 spacecraft left the rockets first stage without reserve fuel to attempt a powered descent back through the atmosphere and landing. It was the first Falcon 9 to fly sans landing gear in almost two years. [In Photos: SpaceX Falcon 9 Launches huge EchoStar 23 Satellite]

More important to SpaceX than recovering the booster was fulfilling its contract to deliver the 26th member of EchoStars fleet into a geostationary transfer orbit some 22,300 miles (35,900 kilometers) above Earth. Initially, the satellite, which was built by Space Systems/Loral, will be positioned above the equator at 45 degrees west longitude to provide broadcast, internet and other communications services to Brazil.

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying the EchoStar 23 communications satellite launches from Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida early on March 16, 2017. (Image credit: SpaceX)

Englewood, Colorado-based EchoStar had hoped to have EchoStar 23 in orbit by the end of 2016, but SpaceX suspended flights for more than four months following an accident at its Cape Canaveral Air Force Station launch pad on Sept. 1.

SpaceX resumed flying on Jan. 14 from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California and on Feb. 19 inaugurated its new Florida pad at Kennedy Space Center  Launch Complex 39A, the same one previously used by NASAs space shuttles and Saturn V moon rockets. (SpaceX signed a 20-year lease for the pad in 2014.)

Repairs to the nearby Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, which was heavily damaged in the Sept. 1 accident, are underway. SpaceX president Gwynne Shotwell said the company intends to resume flights from Pad 40 this year.

Thursdays launch continues what SpaceX hopes to be a busy year, with flights scheduled every two to three weeks as the company whittles away a backlog of more than 70 missions for NASA and commercial customers. SpaceX on Tuesday also landed a second Air Force contract to launch a GPS satellite.

SpaceXs next flight, also from Pad 39A, will be the first of a previously flown booster. The customer for that mission, targeted for launch in late March, is Luxembourg-based satellite operator SES.

Thursdays launch was the 29th successful Falcon 9 flight out of 31 attempted missions since the rockets debut in June 2010.

Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook or Google+. Originally published on Space.com.
The SpaceX Falcon 9 lifts off May 27, 2016 carrying the Thaicom 8 telecommunications satellite to geostationary-transfer orbit. The rocket's first stage was successfully returned to an offshore drone ship.

WASHINGTON  SpaceX beat United Launch Alliance to win a $96.5 million contract to launch a GPS 3 navigation satellite from Cape Canaveral, Florida, in early 2019, the U.S. Air Force announced March 14.

"SpaceX is proud to have been selected to support this important National Security Space Mission," Gwynne Shotwell, SpaceX president and COO, said in a statement. "We appreciate the confidence that the U.S. Air Force has placed in our company and we look forward to working together towards the successful launch of another GPS-III mission."

The award is SpaceX's second Air Force launch contract for a GPS 3 satellite but the first for which it faced a competing bid. ULA confirmed last September, when bids were due, that it sent in a proposal.

ULA ultimately decided not to bid on a launch contract the Air Force awarded to SpaceX last April for a 2018 launch of the service's second GPS 3 satellite. ULA said that it couldn't win in a straight price shootout and couldn't be sure it would have a rocket available due to congressional restrictions then in place for the Atlas 5's Russian-made RD-180 engine. That contract went to SpaceX for $82.7 million, about half of what ULA normally charges for an Atlas 5 launch.

In a statement sent to reporters, Lt. Gen. Samuel Greaves, leader of the Air Force's Space and Missile Systems Center, said "the competitive award of the GPS 3 Launch Services contract to SpaceX directly supports SMC's mission of delivering resilient and affordable space capabilities to our nation."

The first GPS 3 satellite is currently scheduled for an early 2018 launch aboard a ULA Delta 4 rocket.

This story was provided by SpaceNews, dedicated to covering all aspects of the space industry.
Valentina Tereshkova, the first woman in space, views an exhibit of artifacts and photographs dedicated to her life with Ian Blatchford, the director of the Science Museum, London, on March 15, 2017.

A new exhibition in London celebrates the life of the world's first woman to fly into space, from her days as a factory worker through her 1963 flight into Earth orbit to her continuing role as a global icon for her country.

"Valentina Tereshkova: First Woman in Space," now open at Science Museum, London, tells the story of the Russian cosmonaut through artifacts and archival photographs.

"As the first woman in space, and still the only one to have flown a solo space mission, her story continues to be an inspirational one for millions," exhibit curator Doug Millard, the deputy keeper of technologies and engineering at the Science Museum, said. "Valentina Tereshkova epitomizes the can-do spirit that propels humanity to great things."

A textile factory worker who trained to skydive, Tereshkova was one of the first five women to be selected out of more than 400 applicants to become a cosmonaut. On June 16, 1963, she launched on the former Soviet Union's Vostok 6 spacecraft, becoming the first woman to fly in space. [Women in Space: A Gallery of Firsts]

Tereshkova returned to Earth after rounding the planet 48 times over the course of three days, logging more hours in space than all of the American astronauts combined up to that date. It was another 19 years before the next woman flew into space, and Tereshkova remains the only woman cosmonaut to have launched alone.

Though she only flew one mission, Tereshkova's popularity launched a career in politics that continues to this day as a current member of the State Duma, the lower house of the Russian legislature. She also represents her nation on the global stage, earning recognition from the United Nations and leading delegations in support of women's rights.

"What better time to pay tribute to the achievements of such a heroic and pioneering woman than during Women's History Month?" Ian Blatchford, the director of the Science Museum Group, said in a statement. [How Valentina Tereshkova's Vostok 6 Flight Worked (Infographic)]

To mark the exhibit's debut and in celebration of her 80th birthday earlier this month, Tereshkova visited the Science Museum on Wednesday (March 15), where a gala evening welcomed her with the premiere of the commissioned film, "Legend of Valentina," accompanied by a performance by the Russian Philharmonic Orchestra and virtuoso violinist Dmitri Kogan.

Among the items on exhibit in "Valentina Tereshkova: First Woman in Space" are her domra, a long-necked Russian string instrument from her time in a local folk orchestra in the early 1960s, and her parachute kit, including her suit, helmet and gloves from before she became a cosmonaut. Also on exhibit is the black and white suit Tereshkova wore on a visit to her hometown after her 1963 spaceflight and a chocolate bar named after her daughter, Alyonka, the "first space baby," who she had with fellow cosmonaut Andriyan Nikolayev.

Valentina Tereshkova and Science Museum director Ian Blatchford at the March 15, 2017 opening of the exhibit "Valentina Tereshkova: First Woman in Space" at Science Museum, London. (Image credit: Science Museum)

"Valentina Tereshkova: First Woman in Space" continues a collaboration between Science Museum, London and the Russian State Museum Exhibition Center, which previously produced "Cosmonauts: Birth of the Space Age," featuring Tereshkova's Vostok 6 spacecraft, that was shown at the Science Museum from September 2015 to March 2016.

The current exhibit, open through Sep. 16, is also a central event as part of the Year of Science and Education of the United Kingdom and Russia in 2017, organized by the UK Embassy in Moscow and the British Council.

In addition to Tereshkova exhibition, the Science Museum, London also displays NASA's Apollo 10 command module, "Charlie Brown," on loan from the Smithsonian, and Soyuz TMA-19M, the Russian capsule that took British astronaut Tim Peake to the International Space Station in 2015-16.

The Science Museum has announced a companion virtual reality attraction, "Space Descent VR," which beginning on March 24 will give guests the chance to virtually join Peake in his capsule for a 360-degree tour as they experience his journey back to Earth.

See more photos from "Valentina Tereshkova: First Woman in Space" at collectSPACE.

Follow collectSPACE.com on Facebook and on Twitter at @collectSPACE. Copyright 2017 collectSPACE.com. All rights reserved.
Bills, mortgages, bank statements, brokerage statements, credit card statements -- being an adult certainly does require a lot of paperwork. To keep your paper trail under control, it's important to develop a well-organized document-retention process.

"Having an organized process will pay you back in the future," said Greg McBride, chief financial analyst at Bankrate.com. "What you don't want to do is get yourself in the situation where you've piled up a bunch of stuff and then have to schedule time to pare it down."

Already have a mountain of files stuffed with old bills and receipts? Don't worry. A one-time deep dive to shred what you no longer need and sort the rest into folders should solve the problem. Just be sure to sort as you go in the future.

"It requires an initial investment of time to trash what you don't need, but after that, it should be an ongoing process," McBride said.

Here is a guide for how long you should keep different kinds of financial records before putting them through the shredder (and yes, it should be the shredder, not the trash).

Tax documents

Keep tax-related records for seven years, McBride recommended. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) can audit you for three years after you file your return if it suspects a good-faith error, and the IRS has six years to challenge your return if it thinks you under-reported your gross income by 25% or more, according to Bankrate.com. A seven-year window should cover you in either event.

Here's the trickier question: What exactly counts as a tax record? Tax returns are a no-brainer. But you should also aim to keep backup evidence for items you claim as deductions, including canceled checks and receipts for things like alimony payments, charitable contributions, mortgage interest payments, and retirement plan contributions.

Keep in mind that these guidelines are all geared toward complying with federal tax obligations. Check with your state tax office to learn how long you should keep your state tax records.

Property records

If you're a homeowner, you should keep documents related to the purchase of your home, as well as records of substantial improvements you've made, such as remodeling projects and additions. Keep these on hand for at least six years after you sell the home, Bankrate.com advised.

In addition, it's important to keep records of the expenses you may have incurred in buying or selling your home such as legal fees and commissions paid to real estate agents.

Why? Both of these types of expenses are included when calculating your capital gain, the profit from the sale of an asset. If you've made improvements to your home, or incurred expenses when trying to sell it, these expenses get added to your original purchase price, thus lowering your capital gain. The lower your capital gain, the less you might have to pay in capital gains tax when you sell your property.

If you're a renter, you have it easier. It is OK to shred rental agreements after you've moved out and the landlord has returned your security deposit, McBride said.

Mortgages and other loans

Keep documents related to mortgages and other types of loans, such as student loans or auto loans, at least until you have paid off the loan.

It might be wise to keep these documents indefinitely in the event you are questioned about whether or not you repaid your loan.

Bank records

Here it's a matter of picking and choosing what you might need in the future. It's a good idea to go through your checks once a year and to keep those related to your taxes, business expenses, home improvements, and mortgage payments. You can shred the others that have no long-term importance.

If you bank online, of course, you can simply print out the statements you might need down the road.

Paycheck stubs

If you don't get direct deposit, you can shred physical paycheck stubs at the end of the year -- but only after verifying that the stubs match up with the annual W-2 form your employer sends out, Bankrate.com advises. If the two don't match, use the stubs to corroborate your request for an amended tax form.

Credit card receipts and statements

When your monthly statement comes in, you should check it against any physical receipts or bank records that record your purchases. After that, feel free to send them to the shredder -- unless you used your credit card to buy something you plan to claim as a tax deduction. In that event, put the receipts and statements in the seven-year safekeeping folder with other tax-related items.

Brokerage statements

It's a good idea to hold on to quarterly brokerage statements until you have the annual summary in hand to make sure they match up, McBride says. It's also wise to keep records of purchases and sales of securities in case you need to prove capital gains and losses at tax time. And remember: Once you've claimed something on your taxes, it's not a bad idea to keep it for seven years, just in case.

Bills

Bills, bills, bills. If you're like most people, they make up the bulk of what's in your files. McBride says it's OK to shred most bills as soon as your payment clears.

If you've gone in for any big-ticket items, however -- furniture, jewelry, computers or other expensive electronics, etc. -- keep the bill as long as you have the item. You never know when you'll need to substantiate an insurance claim in the event of loss or damage.

The $16,122 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook

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I started investing with my kids in 2004 because I wanted them to experience the benefits and lessons of long-term investing. They loved Chipotle (NYSE: CMG) burritos, so it was no surprise it was one of their stock picks early on in Chipotle's growth story. I liked the growing store base and superior store-level margins, so we all bought shares.

We had been enjoying the benefits of tremendous stock returns until late 2015 when E.coli affected the fast-casual restaurant chain, hitting the stock hard and it hasn't recovered since. The E.coli issues have impacted the company's revenue growth and margins, but it is beginning to show early signs of a recovery. Let's look at the reasons we bought Chipotle in the first place and how the company is faring "after E.coli."

"Dad, can we go to Chipotle?"

My kids love to eat at Chipotle and we saw they weren't the only ones. The ability for customers to customize their burrito just the way they like gets people to come back again and again. The idea of a simple menu, with a wide variety of ingredients, served quickly has disrupted the fast food business. Lines out the door and enviable same-store sales increases were proof that this concept resonates with a broad audience.

Dad's view: A solid product that drives repeat business and creates loyal customers.

"Dad, why is the drive to Chipotle so long? We are hungry!"

While it's often been a long drive for our family to get to a Chipotle in the past, the fast casual restaurant chain has doubled its store count since 2010. Chipotle has a focused growth plan and chooses their locations carefully as it believes that "restaurant site selection is critical to our success and growth strategy." What's more impressive is that the company has funded all new restaurants with cash and has zero debt on the balance sheet.

Dad's view: A measured growth plan that doesn't overextend the company's balance sheet. "Dad, how does Chipotle make money?" The simple answer is that the company adds up all its costs and makes sure that it charges more for its burritos, chips and guacamole than it costs to make. Before E.coli, Chipotle had tremendous restaurant-level margins, 26%-27% -- even better than Panera Bread or Starbucks. Restaurant-level margins are the difference between the individual store locations revenue and all the costs at that store including; food, occupancy, labor and any other costs incurred at the location. These exceptional margins helped Chipotle's cash flow and fueled further restaurant expansions.

Dad's view: Superior restaurant-level margins generating cash.

While investing in Chipotle before E.coli was a no-brainer, the future seems more uncertain. Let's examine these three investment factors after E. coli.

Chipotle after E. coli

Does the food still taste great? The short answer is "yes." While Chipotle has made changes in the food preparation process to ensure food safety, our family hasn't noticed any decrease in the "taste great" factor.

Are customers returning? Chipotle's CEO, Steve Ells, talked about the positive traffic trend the company is experiencing.

Over the second half of 2016, we attracted millions of new or lapsed customers. And we are pleased with the rate at which these new customers are converting from new or lapsed to regular customers.

Comparable same store-sales are improving and the company even reported positive December 2016 growth of 15% over the previous year.

A recent survey from Market Force Information shows Chipotle is back in the top spot for customers who want Mexican food. These are early signs that customers are starting to come back.

What about store growth? Chipotle continues to grow the store base, and has added 240 restaurants in 2016, and plans to add 195 to 210 stores in 2017. The challenge for the company is that the annual revenue per restaurant is down to $1.8 million, back at 2010 levels.

Lower revenue per store puts pressure on restaurant-level margins. The chart below compares the restaurant-level costs as a percentage of revenue before E.coli in 2014 and after in 2016.

Costs have increased from 73% to 87% of revenue, dropping the awesome 27% margin to a mediocre 13%. Food costs have remained stable, but occupancy, labor and other costs all are impacted by lower volumes.

Not everything is bad news though, even though margins have contracted, cash flow is still positive. The key for Chipotle going forward is quite simply to get customers to come back. John Hartung, Chipotle's CFO, said on the most recent earnings call "if we can return to a $2.5 million restaurant company then we have the ability to fully regain all of our margin up to that 26%, 27% or higher." Getting to $2.5 million per restaurant per year would go back to Chipotle having lines out the door and happy shareholders.

Valuable lessons

What lessons have my kids learned while enjoying our burritos all these years? Great stock returns are possible if you buy great companies and hold them for the long term. Stocks don't always go up. Lastly, it's fun to own stock of a company where "checking in" involves eating a great burrito, chips, and guacamole.

Would I let my kids buy more Chipotle stock? Yes, but I would want them to hold for at least 3-5 years for Chipotle's store traffic to pick up, which is the key for Chipotle making everything work.

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Brian Withers and his kids own shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill, Panera Bread, and Starbucks. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Chipotle Mexican Grill, Panera Bread, and Starbucks. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Wilders' public admiration for Trump was ultimately his downfall because the American's radical, chaotic policies go too far even for his own most loyal followers -- not to mention the many swing voters who had sympathized with him. Rutte recognized this -- and summarized it with one sentence: "Geert Wilders is chaos."

What Happens to Wilders Now?

He will keep going. For the Venlo native, this election outcome is the most bitter defeat of his political career. But give up? No way. Who could replace him? He's PVV's only member. And what else should the 53-year-old do for the rest of his life? According to his brother Paul , he barely has any friends left, and he has fallen out with parts of his family. Sooner or later, Wilders hopes, his time will come again. A new refugee crisis, a wave of violence carried out by foreigners, a terror attack or simply dissatisfaction with the new government would be sufficient to drive his poll numbers back up. Besides, the role of top opposition figure is tailor-made for him. And he doesn't necessarily need to be in the government in order to implement parts of his political agenda. "Wilders has once again pushed Rutte and the Christian Democrats a little further to the right," says van der Meer, the political scientist.

Does this Stop the Advance of Populism in the West?

Perhaps. Marine Le Pen recently swore that 2017 would be the year in which "the peoples of Continental Europe wake up." The Dutch are politically enlightened and flocked en masse to the voting booths. Only they didn't cast their ballots for Wilders. The presidential election in Austria in December had shown that a European domino effect is not inevitable. Nevertheless, Le Pen still has a shot at becoming the next French president. Her Front National is much more deeply anchored in various social strata, more politically tame and potentially acceptable to the majority than the Wilders' shrill one-man show in the Netherlands. The outcome in The Hague, however, is a setback for Le Pen. If Wilders had come out the winner, she could have argued that right-wing positions have now become acceptable in the European mainstream. Now she mostly has to hope that her likely main opponent, Emmanuel Macron, will make a mistake or face a scandal.

Wilders' defeat also portends badly for the Alternative for Germany (AfD), the country's own right-wing populist party. AFD has sunken in the polls since Trump moved into the White House and Martin Schulz was selected as the Social Democrats' candidate for chancellor. Party leader Frauke Petry had often appeared at Wilders' side in the hope that he would win the election. Now she has the same problem as he does: The subject that is her bread and butter, the refugee crisis, is disappearing from the headlines.

And What About the EU?

"Nexit," the Dutch exit from the EU, is no longer under discussion for now, though this idea was largely a fantasy of Wilders'. Hardly any country is as connected to its neighbors as the Netherlands, the trade hub of Europe. But many citizens see few uses for the EU beyond free trade. In their daily lives, they often see Brussels as a behemoth that brings them little. It is worrisome that in the province of Limburg, which shares a longer border with Germany and Belgium than it does with the rest of the Netherlands, fewer people commute over the border to work than did 40 years ago. The primary reason for this is that every country in Europe is in charge of its own social and taxation systems -- regardless of how well they fit with their neighbors'. As long as the people in charge in Brussels and Europe's capitals aren't able to make citizens more aware of the advantages of a united Europe, the EU won't emerge from its crisis.
Copenhagen (Denmark) 15 March 2017  The member of Danish Parliament, Mr. Christian Juhl from the Red-Green Alliance Party through the Parliaments Foreign Affairs Committee has raised Tuesday various questions to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Anders Samuelsen related to the trial of the 24 Saharawi human rights activists of Gdeim Izik Group in Sale in Morocco.

Mr. Juhl interpellations to the Foreign Affairs Minister read The retrial of 24 activists from Gdeim Izik, was launched on March 13th, in Sale near Rabat in Morocco.

The real reason for their imprisonment, were their participation in activities of human rights in occupied Western Sahara, their support for the Saharawi right to self-determination and their struggle against the illegal exploitation of Western Sahara's natural resources by Morocco or a third party.



More than six years have passed since the Moroccan occupation forces carried out a brutal attack on Gdeim Izik Camp, where the Sahrawi peaceful drew attention to their fundamental rights and the demands for freedom.

Until today 24 activists still in prison, they were convicted by a Military Court to 20 and 30 years in prison contrary to international rules.

A) Is the government aware of the current situation of the political prisoners of Gdeim Izik group?

B) Does the Government believe that their detention, their trials and their subsequent imprisonment are in conformity with the principles of international law?

C) What has the Minister done to make Morocco note that it has breached international law?

D) Will the Minister send observers from the Danish Embassy in Rabat to attend the actual trial?

E) Will the Danish government do something to get the Moroccan government to ensure a fair trial for the 24 activists from Gdeim Izik group?

F) Would the Minister inform how human rights can be protected in occupied Western Sahara in general? (SPS)

062/090
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With a food hall for Stamford not yet set in stone as a developer proceeds with the approval process, the concept remains wide open in southwestern Connecticut, which the commercial real estate firm Cushman & Wakefield dubs the hottest in food-related real estate.

Cushman & Wakefield tracked 70 food hall projects nationally in 2015, according to a study the firm released in February, defining the term loosely as projects in which master developers sublease space to vendors under terms of up to five years, with the goal of getting a range of restaurateurs with varied concepts in the same setting.

In the foodie central that is southwestern Connecticut, entrepreneurs have been slow to glom onto the concept, despite a proliferation in New York City that includes plans for the massive Bourdain Market at Pier 57 promising dream list of chefs, operators, street food and hawker legends, in the words of founder Anthony Bourdain. The food hall is one of several being served up in the Big Apple to complement existing halls at Chelsea Market, Grand Central Terminal and elsewhere, including an expansion of the Eataly chain that bills itself as the largest food hall purveyor in the world with a focus on Italian cuisine.

Closer yet is the Exit 4 Food Hall in Mt. Kisco, N.Y., a little ways northwest of Greenwich and Stamford, created by restaurateur Isi Albanese and seating 150 guests who can run up tabs ordering from surrounding stations with varying cuisines, to include sushi, barbecue and pizza.

In Stamford, the renovation of the old post office building is awaiting its first approval from the state historic preservation office for base building modifications, in the words of Bruce Berg, CEO of the Cappelli Organizations Fuller Development Co. arm, including window and tile repairs and mechanical and electrical system upgrades.

Berg said that he hopes to receive that first approval within the next 30 to 60 days. Subsequent approval from the historic preservation office would be needed for improvements particular to the tenants needs.

While we are working on plans to have retail and restaurant uses, which may include a food hall, the final tenant mix has not been yet finalized, Berg told Hearst Connecticut Media. Im hoping by the early part of next year, 2018, that well be able to start putting tenants in the building.

A food hall in the old post office building would create worthy competition for existing restaurants in the city center, said Michael Marchetti, owner of the Columbus Park Trattoria and president of the Stamford Tables downtown restaurant association.

I think it would be great for Stamford, Marchetti said. They will probably rely a lot on people working in the downtown and walking over for lunch, getting something quick to eat. It creates more buzz about Stamford. It will make everybody thats already here work a little bit harder to run their businesses properly. It will put everybody on their A-game. Competition breeds success.

Cushman & Wakefield expects the food-hall market to eventually reach a saturation point, but for the time being the field is wide open in southwestern Connecticut. The firm says would-be entrepreneurs need to consider several factors  most critically, understanding where patrons are coming from, whether offices, transit stations like Grand Central or tourists.

The big question remains whether any other food-hall competitors will surface. From Greenwich to Danbury to Bridgeport, local officials were not aware of any similar projects in the works.

Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton said he visited recently a food hall in Allentown, Pa., and found the concept very interesting. Danbury has a strong and growing restaurant scene, he said, but there are no plans for a food hall in the city.

We would be very supportive if someone were to propose it, Boughton said.

Frank Borres, head of the Bridgeport Chamber of Commerce, said hes never seen a food hall, but wondered how they function and whether vendors featured in any such facility would have an unfair advantage over those renting traditional restaurant spaces.

As long as they even the playing field, I think its a great idea, Borres said. We dont want to drive away our businesses. One thing Bridgeport is good at is food.

 Includes reporting by Macaela J. Bennett, Chris Bosak and Keila Torres Ocasio.

Alex.Soule@scni.com; 203-354-1047; www.twitter.com/casoulman
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STAMFORD  Spencer Sigtryggsson was 14 when she left home. Those who didnt know better might surmise she was a stereotypical teen who ran away or was shipped off to boarding school after clashing with her unenlightened parents.

But the Shippan native, now 16, is anything but ordinary.

Sigtryggsson is preparing to graduate from college in May with a degree in applied mathematics and a minor in music  all before getting her drivers license.

Her parents enrolled her in a program for gifted girls at Mary Baldwin University in Virginia after just a year at Stamford High School, and Sigtryggsson has no regrets about her fast-track choices, which also included skipping fifth grade at Rogers International Magnet School.

There are so many life lessons I learned in that crazy dorm of 13- and 15-year-old kids trying to learn things, she said in recent interview over spring break. There are things I learned in that environment I couldnt have learned here.

For her college thesis she is designing software for composers. When completed, the tool will be able to generate harmonic musical progressions based on probable tone combinations that are derived from 1,700 songs.

And next fall, she could find herself at Fordham University, where shes been accepted into a graduate program in cybersecurity.

Computer programming is kind of interesting to me and information security requires a certain kind of math background that I have, Sigtryggsson said. Computer security is the future of America.

Kirsten Lindstrom and Hal Sigtryggsson had hoped to keep their daughter challenged and motivated while still living at home but  having tested off the charts for intelligence at age five  that plan proved problematic.

It is your worst nightmare to see your child become frustrated and lose their desire to learn, said Hal Sigtryggson, who has a career in IT consulting.

As UConn alums, Lindstrom and Sigtryggsson initially viewed their alma mater as a potential college where their daughter could seek out advanced math coursework and live at home.

College wasnt our first choice for her path, because when your child is 12 or 13, you dont want them to move away, Lindstrom said.

However, UConn only accepts full-time students younger than 17 if they have already earned a high school diploma or passed the GED.

No prep needed

UConn  like all in-state colleges  allows students as young as 12 to matriculate, with some being home-schooled through online programs. The minimum age to reside in college housing is 16, according to university spokeswoman Stephanie Reitz.

We do give those situations extra review to ensure that the students are ready to join UConn and have a successful academic and social experience here, Reitz said. Transitioning to a large university can be a big adjustment for a student at any age, so we take extra care to be sure that theyre ready for that new stage of life.

Yale University has no minimum age requirement for undergraduate enrollment, according to Karen Peart, a spokeswoman for the school.

Marketing materials from colleges and universities began arriving shortly after Spencer took the SATs without preparation when she was 13, Lindstrom said.

Mary Baldwin College immediately became a contender because of its dedicated curriculum for gifted students and safeguards like an 11 p.m. curfew.

We realized she was going to be with like-minded people and another factor was it wasnt an enormous university, Lindstrom said. All things considered, we were in the same boat as a lot of people who send their kids away (to boarding school) ... except shed be getting a college education.

Extremely hands on

Lois Williams, vice president of enrollment management, and Amber Wilkins, director of admissions, at Mary Baldwin University, said their small program with extra supervision makes sense for many bright girls who would otherwise remain in high school. The university and program are named for Mary Julia Baldwin, who became one of the first students at the Augusta Female Seminary at the age of 12.

Williams said the school looks for students with straight As or a 3.96 GPA, SAT scores of at least 1,300, or a 27 (out of 36) on the ACT test. Teacher and guidance counselor recommendations vouching for a students maturity and college readiness are also required.

We also do try to be as extremely hands on to avoid having a kid not get through the program successfully, Williams said.

Sigtryggsson  the eldest of four daughters  said the one downside about being away at college is missing out on seeing her sisters, Elliott, Peyton and Emerson, grow. Elliott, who is now five, was a still baby when she left for school.

But she said other college students face the same kind of homesickness.

Overall, the personal growth Ive experienced here has shaped me and Ive seen different kinds of things and learned enough that if I had to make the decision again, I would definitely say yes, Sigtryggsson said. There are things that I definitely miss sometimes, but I was able to stay in touch.

mcassidy@stamfordadvocate.com
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STAMFORD  A cop with a hunch that ultimately led to the discovery of Joseph Comunales body after the popular city resident was murdered in November has been recognized by a national police organization.

Sgt. Sean McGowan was given honorable mention by the National Association of Police Organizations for its prestigious TOP COPS award for his investigative work in death of 26-year-old Comunale, who was brutally stabbed following an after-hours party with strangers at a luxury Manhattan apartment.

If it wasnt for McGowans early work on the case, the former star athletes corpse may never have been found on the New Jersey shoreline, where it had been dumped in a shallow makeshift grave, according to Lt. Diedrich Hohn and Sgt. Chris Engstrand, who nominated McGowan for the award.

And by relentlessly working the phones that night, McGowan  a former New York City cop  reached Jeffrey Rackover, Lawrence Dilione and Max Gemma, who have since been charged in connection with Comunales death, Hohn said.

McGowan kept his cool and okey-dokied Rackover into giving him his address, Hohn said on Thursday. What I think happened was Sgt. McGowan spooked them into making a hasty departure out of the apartment and therefore they got sloppy, leading to their arrests.

Although he appreciates the recognition, the 17-year-veteran of the patrol division said a celebration would feel disloyal to Joey Comunales parents.

Their son is dead and I feel kind of bad that Im getting an award, said McGowan, who went to Comunales wake and visited his parents home following the funeral. They are very nice people.

Despite the hunch to dig aggressively following Patsy Comunales missing persons complaint for his son, McGowan said he was surprised that the case had gone from bad to worse.

The officers first calls were to the friends with whom Comunale traveled into New York City and he learned that Comunale stayed in town after meeting Dilione and two women, while his friends returned to Stamford. He also found out that Comunale gave his phone to one of those friends, so pinging it in order to find him was out of the question.

Unfortunately this is where it goes bad, McGowan said. where Joey then tells his friend, Im staying out. Ill get my phone from you tomorrow. I met this guy and these girls and we are going back to his apartment to hang out.

McGowan kept digging and came up with the phone numbers of the women, who told him that they last saw Comunale in front of the apartment building after he and Dilione walked them down to a car.

But the women, were from New Jersey, did not know the address of the apartment building, McGowan said.

When he reached Rackover and asked for his address, McGowan said the suspect became defensive, saying it wasnt his idea to bring the party back to his apartment. But McGowan persuaded him that he only needed to know so he could call nearby hospitals in an attempt to find Comunale, successfully securing the East 59th Street address to the luxury apartment building.

With that, McGowan, who spent from 1995 to 1999 as a New York City patrol officer, called the 17th Precinct and did his best to convince them that there was something to missing persons complaint. On his word as a former NYPD officer and the fact that Joey Comunales uncle is a detective in Bedford, New Yorks Finest picked up the investigation.

In Hohns nomination letter, he pointed out that a luggage cart had been ordered up to the Sutton apartment a mere 20 minutes after McGowan spoke with Rackover and Dilione, and soon after the suspects were seen exiting the building with an oversized bag that was loaded into a Mercedes-Benz. Police later traced the car across the Hudson and into New Jersey.

This caused them to get sloppy and they were not able to properly clean the apartment and get rid of clothing in a more concise manner, which led to some mistakes that the NYPD were able to exploit to make their case more solid, Hohns letter said.

Through their investigation, police report that Dilione claims that all he did was punch Comunale and it was Rackover, who stabbed him to death. Dilione said Comunale was then put into a bathtub and Rackover unsuccessfully tried to dismember him with a serrated knife.

Dilione admitted to helping Rackover dispose of the body, court records show, and police were led to Comunales body in Oceanport, N.J.

The NYPD originally charged Dilione and Rackover with second-degree murder, but the Manhattan District Attorneys Office dropped those charges and the two men have pleaded not guilty to charges of hindering prosecution, tampering with evidence and concealing a corpse.

McGowan will receive his award during Police Week in Washington, D.C. on May 12 at the associations 24th annual awards reception.

Nelson Oliveira contributed reporting

jnickerson@stamfordadvocate.com
Connecticut is full of architectural gems, and thanks to Airbnb, we can peek into them.

Click through the slideshow above to see some unique Airbnb rentals in Connecticut.
B usiness rate hikes will damp the economic benefits of Crossrail in London, the New West End Company said.

Part of the economic benefit from the arrival of Crossrail in London will be dampened by jumps in business rates, the New West End Company suggested earlier at the Mipim conference.

West End retailers are hoping to see a surge in sales from the prospect of 200 million passengers annually using the Elizabeth Line when it opens in 2018.

But Sir Peter Rogers, chairman of the NWEC which represents hundreds of traders in the area, told the Standard: Crossrail is bringing in new jobs which is great, but the rates changes (from April) could see some job losses in the retail and restaurant sectors as companies trim overheads to cope with the hike in their bills.

Rogers called on Chancellor Philip Hammond to look at a meaningful way for a rates reform.

He said that a hot topic at Mipim had been rates, with a number of landlords worried about the impact for tenants in London from the looming rates increase. The capital will have by far the biggest rises of any region in the country.
T he boss of challenger bank OneSavings sees himself at the sharp end of industry takeover moves after soaring loan growth last year.

The bank  which targets professional landlords through its Kent Reliance brand  grew its loan book 16% to 5.9 billion last year, and has kept up the momentum in 2017 with very strong application levels, despite the Brexit vote, chief executive Andy Golding said.

Golding is also looking to weigh into the deal-making among challenger bankers which has seen TSB snapped up by Spains Sabadell and Shawbrook recently reject an 825 million takeover offer from its biggest shareholder, private equity firm Pollen Street.

Golding said: We have made no secret of the fact that we do see opportunities for consolidation over time. I would like to be at the sharp end of that consolidation.

The banking boss, whose Kent Reliance brand is a partner of Great Ormond Street Hospital, potentially has his eye on an asset finance business.

I like secured lending, he added.

Pre-tax profit rose 29% to 137 million.

Shares eased 3.9p to 415.4p today, but have more than doubled since the vote to leave the European Union.
T he phoney war will soon end as historic divorce talks with our European partners finally  look like being triggered next week. But for thousands of bosses in London, the wait for vital answers goes on, and on.

For so long the nations tax cash cow, London has had to get used to its new whipping-boy status under a provincialist Government which regards the capital with deep suspicion. Stamp duty, business rates, income tax? Dont worry, London will foot the bill.

But immigration is the critical thread woven into the fabric of our success: a word youll have listened for in vain in Philip Hammonds Budget speech last week. The Chancellor might not want to mention the I word but among businesses in the capital Ive spoken to recently, housebuilders for example, its front and centre.

Londons status as the UKs economic powerhouse has long made it the most popular destination for international workers, with some 3.2 million foreign-born residents swelling its population in 2015.

From the EU in particular, our outward-looking capital draws 12% of its population, compared with just 4% in the whole of the UK. Most saliently for the army of employers in the capital, around 13% of the five million jobs in London  thats 600,000  are held by workers born in EU countries, according to the latest report from the London Assemblys economy committee.

Its figures suggest roughly a third of all employees in the hotel and restaurant sector, 79,000, are born in EU countries, as well as a quarter of all construction workers.

Aside from those obvious dependants, our soon to be ex-partners account for a third of the workers in Londons thriving tech scene.

This isnt just a private-sector story either: dont forget there are 18,000 EU workers in Londons NHS, around 31% of the capitals total.

No rights have so far been accorded to these workers for fear of tying our hands in the looming negotiations, in itself deeply depressing when the capitals economic success depends so much on their contributions. But the lack of any hints at all on what could come next for them is even more concerning. especially given the capitals unique status.

The Assembly is warning that restrictions on movement will exacerbate staffing pressures on the NHS, as well as the much-publicised crisis in social care.

Businesses dont know if they will be having to apply for work permits or whether the Government will simply switch to the current Tier 2 visa system for non-EU migrants, who must earn a minimum of 20,800 and be in graduate roles.

According to the Social Market Foundation, around three quarters of the EU workers in London would not meet those criteria and the population would fall by about 145,000 with Tier 2 restrictions in place. The Centre for Economics and Business Research suggests restricted access could cost London almost 7 billion a year in lost output.

The sort of companies in the capital that simply wont survive without EU workers typically havent got the means to ratchet up pay significantly to attract UK-born staff. And if we start playing games on this most crucial of issues, will our negotiating partners start deporting the UKs largely older overseas population?

When the UK workforce is already under demographic pressure, well be swapping immigrants of working age for extra mouths to feed in returning retirees.

Theresa Mays earliest priority in these negotiations should be to establish clarity on what happens to EU nationals, a transition period for the businesses who depend on them, and ideally a London visa to help protect the interests of the most vital part of the UK economy. We owe the people who helped build the success of our capital at least that much.
T he news that Geert Wilderss Islamophobe Freedom party has come a distant, though respectable, second in the Dutch general election is hardly the most arresting headline  but it has caused a huge sigh of relief among democrats and Europhiles.

Mr Wilders had campaigned on closing down Islam in the Netherlands, shutting down mosques, publicly banning the Koran and expelling those who did not accept his view of what it means to be Dutch. His party has one member  himself  and its manifesto of xenophobia was printed on a single page only.

With almost all votes counted, his Freedom Party won 20 seats in the 150-seat parliament. This is up from the 16 seats he held in the last parliament, though not as good as the 24 he won in 2010.

We won seats, and we are not going away, Wilders said after the first results came through last night. But he knows no other party or leader wants him in any new coalition government.

The winner with the largest number of votes and seats is the Prime Minister Mark Rutte, projected to win 33 seats in the new parliament. Rutte, of the Centre-Right Liberals, the VVD, has pulled off a remarkable turnaround. Only a few weeks ago, opinion polls had predicted Wilders would lead  with around 30 seats or more in what was expected to be an acrimonious campaign.

Rutte puts his win down to the defeat of the wrong kind of populism following Brexit and the election of Donald Trump. The spat with Turkey was a bonus. He met with utmost cool post-truth charges by President Erdogan that the Netherlands had become a banana republic with Nazi tendencies and was responsible for the massacre of Muslims at Srebrenica. It is thought his diplomatic skill could have delivered up to four more seats in the last week of the campaign.

The Dutch vote, though, gives few clues about whether the fortunes of Marine Le Pen in France, Germanys Alternative fur Deutschland and Beppe Grillos 5-Star movement in Italy, are on a downward curve.

Of course identity has been the main issue, and it is linked to the question of immigration, says Frank Westerman, one of Hollands leading commentators. It is inevitable. Wilders just worked by whipping up fear  and almost all the other parties tried to be reasonable in debating this.

Joost Okkinga, 40, an IT consultant who has served in Amsterdam as a local councillor for the VVD Liberals, believes Wilders, like other one-man band populists, is now stuck. He has to go beyond being a personality cult, and form a proper party, but I dont think he will. In the past few weeks Wilders did very little campaigning in public, and took part in almost no television debates.

Once again, the Dutch have reflected the uniqueness of their country, and this is the biggest lesson to Europe and the world. At 17 million, their land is overcrowded, much of it below sea level and threatened by rising oceans and climate change. They have one of the most successful economies in Europe  steady growth at more than three per cent, one of the highest GDPs per capita at more than $50,000. Yet many such as Okkinga dislike the constraints of the EMU and EU austerity programmes. Its destroyed pensions and savings.

Along with immigration and identity, the environment and climate change have been major issues. The GreenLeft group, led by the charismatic Jesse Klaver  of Moroccan and Indonesian ancestry  quadrupled its seats to 16. The Animal Rights party won five seats after broadening its platform to embrace more environmental policies. Environment and Europe will loom even larger in the next election, many now believe. Another novelty in the election, which saw a huge 81 per cent turnout, is that a party representing ethnic minorities and migrants, Denk, is in parliament for the first time with three seats.

The Dutch are now prepared for the familiar messy business of coalition horse-trading to form a new government. There is one huge difference, though, between what the Dutch have been through, and the campaigns for Brexit and the election of Donald Trump. There has been little sense of national decline, of recovering the glories of a largely fictitious past. This election has confronted the present and future  a pleasant relief from the angry nostalgia running through Britain and America.

Despite shedding a huge empire and enduring uninvited occupation in the last century, there have been no cries of Make Holland great again  instead the Dutch seem to meet the future with enviable practicality and humour. Dutch TVs commercial If its America first, why not Holland second? is about the best spoof on Trump and trumpery around. No wonder its gone viral.
I t is disappointing that, having ruled out handing parts of the Southeastern franchise to Transport for London, the Transport Secretary Chris Grayling is now copying the worst aspects of TfLs proposals.

As a regular user of Southeastern, I cannot agree that the franchise has been dogged by problems, as you claim in your leader [Classless trains, Comment, March 14]. While there is obviously room for improvement, services are generally comfortable, fast and reliable.

Contrary to popular belief, taking out seats does not increase capacity. It has already been widely tried and just results in more delays as the extra standing passengers end up blocking doors. Likewise, the proposal to remove direct services will be a disaster for passengers.

The Transport Secretary should not try to fix what has worked well; all we need are extra carriages and more services where possible.

Robert Munster



I do for once agree with Chris Grayling about removing first class seats from our commuter trains [Minister: Axe first class on commuter trains, March 14]. This is a very outdated and underused fare on commuter trains in the south, as you get the same seats and no physical benefits.

Peak-hour trains are always so overcrowded that most drivers declassify first class at the drop of a hat. But this does not go far enough. The franchising system is failing everyday commuters. Southern, Thameslink and Southeastern are all prime examples of these failures.

Mr Grayling should put his political differences aside and reconsider the Mayors plan to run suburban services.

Oliver Green



So Chris Graylings latest wheeze is to fit rail carriages with fewer seats, on the basis that each of us occupies less floor space if standing than we do when sitting down. Such a policy would represent a particularly serious imposition for passengers who are elderly, disabled or pregnant.

Along with Mr Graylings refusal to insist that each train carries a safety-critical member of staff in addition to the driver, his proposal reveals once again his determination to discriminate against those passengers who are already among the most vulnerable.

Francis Prideaux



I would welcome the Transport Secretarys proposals to reduce seats on commuter routes.

Most travellers are able to stand for 30 minutes twice a day, provided there are enough rails or overhead straps to hold onto. Not only would it increase capacity on overcrowded services, it would also benefit the majority of commuters who spend most of the day sitting at their desk.

R Foreman



Brits abroad also need clarification

Much has been written about the concerns of EU citizens living in Britain after Brexit. As a British expat in Norway, it is just as worrying for Brits living abroad.

It was a shock to see the Lords proposed amendment rejected, especially as it was claimed that leaving the EU would make no difference to people who have residence permits in other countries within the EU/EEA.

Those I have spoken with are anxious about their homes and jobs, and this uncertainty must not be allowed to drag on. If we are going to be thrown out of our adopted countries, we deserve to know well in advance.

It is essential that governments give this matter top priority. It affects the lives of many people all over Europe who are feeling unsettled right now.

Margaret Ellebye



Scottish referendum is just a distraction

As another Scot in London, I say well done to G Fox [Letters, March 14] for speaking out against the SNPs blinkered politics.

London also voted to Remain but Sadiq Khan has not demanded a referendum, despite Brexit being far more challenging for the citys economy. This is just another example of the SNPs tunnel vision. It is a blatant attempt to distract Scots from their failings in office.

It is time for Ms Sturgeon to stop indulging in divisive diversions.

Dr Alastair Noble



Give lesser-known authors a chance

Cara Delevingne announcing her latest venture as a novelist is something I wish her well with [March 14].

However, as an independent writer who also works in a full-time job, I find it frustrating that celebrity status seems to automatically secure a publishing deal.

Admittedly, some indie books are bad, but there are also many unread treasures just waiting to be read. So please give those that warrant it, who dont resort to ghost writers, a chance to shine where rightly deserved.

Stephen Harding

Join the conversation: #esnewsviews



We must switch to electric vehicles

As was revealed in your article [Delivery vans emit pollutants up to 20 times legal limit, March 14] delivery vans are one of the most significant contributors to air pollution in London.

With 42,000 light commercial vehicles (LCVs) entering the congestion zone every day, and with one LCV polluting at least as much as nine passenger cars, urgent action is required now.

However, delivery vans also represent the low-hanging fruit in terms of switching to electric, given that commercial fleets are not dependent on third-party charging infrastructure  the most significant hurdle to introducing electric vehicles for mainstream use.

As somebody who has founded a company that designs and manufactures 100 per cent electric LCVs, which have collectively driven more than 12 million miles across Europe, I know that with the right political will, there is the ability to deliver meaningful and rapid results now.

Osman Boyner, CEO of BD Auto

Join the conversation: #escleancityviews



Bookies rarely lose out at the races

The bookmakers offered 2/9 for Douvan to win the Queen Mother Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival after winning all 14 of his races since joining trainer Willie Mullins three years ago.

But the 11/1 shot Special Tiara produced an incredible ride to beat Douvan. It just goes to show: the horses will run and the punters can bet, but in horse racing, the bookies always win.

Tony Webb



Most people in Britain care about horses but when it comes to racing events such as Cheltenham, many tend to gloss over the animals plight.

Horses collapse, sustain broken legs and necks, and endure what the industry calls breakdown. Seven horses died during last years event  how many more must pay the ultimate price before horse racing is finally put out to pasture?

Jennifer White, Peta

Join the conversation: #essportviews
F eeling brave? Head to the Science Museum  where you can experience Major Tim Peakes 15,000mph descent from the International Space Station back to Earth.

From 24 March visitors will have Major Peake as their crewmate as they hurtle through space in the virtual reality recreation of his 250-mile trip.

The experience is said to be the closest civilians can get to being there  without the 1,600C outside temperatures. It lasts 12 minutes and is in such high-definition that it took 100 computers a month to produce the footage. London tech firm Alchemy VR created a more realistic view of the British astronauts journey by using photogrammetry equipment which allows distances to be measured from images with high accuracy.

The interior of the original Russian Soyuz capsule, which the Science Museum bought for 350,000, was also scanned in minute detail.

The Space Descent VR experience takes place in super-sharp 5K video on Samsung Gear headsets and is narrated by Major Peake. It was launched at the museum in South Kensington today, where the charred capsule, which carried Major Peake back to Earth last June after his six-month Principia mission, is also on display.

Anthony Geffen, founder of Hammersmith-based Alchemy VR, said: Weve measured the world around you and captured the actual craft itself as an exact replica.

Re-entry from space is an extraordinary thing and when Tim got in he thought it was the real thing again, so youre doing what he has done. I showed Tim the experience the other day, and he left it and said, Anthony I promise you Ive just relived my re-entry to earth again. Its a powerful VR experience where you can really say youre inside that craft and on that journey making the drop down to earth.

Major Peake said: It really is breathtaking, and that comes from someone who has spent an awful lot of time using VR systems while training for my first mission. Science Museum visitors are going to experience something that truly is very close to the real thing.

@_MarkBlunden
A t London Fashion Week in February, there was one major beauty topic on everyones lips: skin. From Winnie Harlow  the trailblazing model with vitiligo  walking at Matty Bovan and the first catwalk appearance of hijab-wearing Halima Aden at Alberta Ferretti, to casting director James Scullys scathing expose of the industrys outdated attitude towards skin colour, it felt as though the fashion and beauty worlds were finally waking up to reality. Models arent a blank page to be painted as desired any more, says Daniel Robson, an agent at Premier Model Management. Theyre bringing a lot of themselves to projects: personality, style quirks and being comfortable in their own skin.

This new-found focus on the authenticity of skin has come in part from social media, where the likes of Adwoa Aboah and Leomie Anderson have spoken out repeatedly on attitudes within the fashion industry. But it wasnt just happening on the catwalks and FROW. Backstage, make-up artists were embracing this new mood, too. Full beauty looks of lipstick and eyeshadow were firmly out, and freckles, pigmentation and flushed cheeks were in. At Emilia Wickstead, Simone Rocha and J W Anderson, the bare-faced models were as much a part of the post-show buzz as the clothes, with MACs head of make-up artistry, Terry Barber, coining the term rawgeous to describe his bare-faced girls at Lutz Huelle.

Fresh faces: beautys revelatory new mood 1 /6 Fresh faces: beautys revelatory new mood CATRIONA LOreal Paris True Match Liquid Foundation, as before. Blink Brow Bar Brow Build, 19 (blinkbrowbar.com). Erborian Lip Oil, 14, at houseoffraser.co.uk. LOrEal Paris Infallible Blush Paint chubby in fuschia, pink and tangerine, 5.99 each; and LOrEal Paris Miss Hippie mascara, 9.99, both at boots.com. The Body Shop Lash Hero Mascara, 11 (thebodyshop.com). MIU MIU earrings, 245, at matchesfashion.com Natasja Fourie MARTA LOreal Paris True Match Liquid Foundation, 9.99; Infallible Blush Paint 5.99; True Match Liquid Glow Illuminator, 6.99, all at boots.com. LOrEal Paris Hydra Genius, 9.99 at boots.com from April. Clean Beauty Co Babe Balm, 28 (cleanbeautyco.com). MARQUESALMEIDA top, 350, at brownsfashion.com. ASOS gold-plated hoops, 18 (asos.com) Natasja Fourie ELLA LOreal Paris True Match Liquid Foundation, as before. Urban Decay Vice Liquid Lipstick, in 714, 15.50, at debenhams.com. LOrEal Paris Infallible Total Cover Concealer Palette, 12.99, at superdrug.com. A.W.A.K.E top, 415, at brownsfashion.com Natasja Fourie STEPHANIE LOreal Paris True Match Liquid Foundation; Eyeko Skinny Liquid eyeliner, both as before. Beauty Pie Pro-Glow Highlighter, 30 (beautypie.com). ASOS dress, 45 (asos.com). ANNIE COSTELLO BROWN earrings, 90 (anniecostellobrown.com) Natasja Fourie LING Eyeko Skinny Liquid Eyeliner, 12, at marksandspencer.com. LOrEal Paris True Match Liquid Foundation, 9.99; True Match Liquid Glow Illuminator, 6.99, both at boots.com. LOrEal Paris Hydra Genius, 9.99 at boots.com from April. LOreal Paris Color Riche La Manicure Fast Dry, 8.51, at amazon.co.uk. The Nail Art Company Nail Art Transfer Foil in metallic gold, 3.45, at thenailartcompany.co.uk. BALLY top, 725, at bally.co.uk Natasja Fourie

So how did they do it? Many artists spoke of a lighter touch when it came to the foundation brush, aiming to showcase skin underneath rather than masking with heavy layers of make-up. The result was a broad spectrum of skin types on show, from pale Asian skin and pink tones inspired by Vermeer paintings to Alek Weks opal black at Haider Ackermann.

And where the catwalks lead, the high street swiftly follows. This year will  finally  see the launch of a plethora of foundation lines from the big beauty players such as LOreal Paris and Estee Lauder, each with an extended offering of shades and tonal varieties  specifically shades with more yellow or pink pigment.

It seems that loving and making the most of the skin youre in has never been so on trend. Lets hope it stays that way.
W hen Arthur Yates first conceived of his label Bruta in 2015, he couldnt have realised that hed be at the vanguard of a new fashion movement. Always a collector of vintage shirts, which his girlfriend Phoebe Saatchi, 22, would periodically borrow, he spotted a gap in the market. Now the couple sell unisex versions, embroidered or appliqued with Yates hand-drawn designs. Shirts are the only fashion item they sell. Designing one product gives you both limitations and parameters to work within, says Yates. I have always liked simple, classic products like Converse shoes or Guinness beer.

In focusing his attention on a single item, Yates  whose creations sport quirky motifs ranging from Botticellis Venus to spaghetti pomodoro for SS 17  is part of a growing coterie of designers choosing to be masters of one. A similarly singular focus is the driving force behind three dedicated blouse brands: Spanish label Sunad, set up by two Madrid-born friends who met while studying at New Yorks Parsons School of Design; ex-Celine staffer Aude Castejas Monographie; and model-turned-designer Marie Marots eponymous Parisian label. Meanwhile Italian blazer specialists Blaze Milano  set up by stylist Maria Sole Torlonia and two Italian Elle colleagues Delfina Pinardi and Corrada Rodriguez DAcri  is loved by Alexa Chung and Erin Wasson.

Primury - Curio platforms, 155;

Its not hard to spot a link between this narrow focus  also found in the food world in the form of single-dish restaurants (Bubbledogs for hot dogs, Padella for pasta) and bars (such as whisky specialists Black Rock or gin enthusiasts The Distillery)  and the paralysing array of choices that the global marketplace offers. Not to mention the frenetic pace of modern life. Is it any wonder that in Germany, generation Y is known as the maybe generation: well-educated and highly connected, but so overwhelmed by possibilites they find it hard to commit to anything?

Avec Moderation Bora Bora slides, 285, at luisaviaroma.com

Today we are bombarded with so much information, brands need to have a clear point of difference to cut through the noise, argues matchesfashion.com buying director Natalie Kingham. I like when an outfit is close to a uniform, agrees Marot. I think having too many choices confuses people and they lose their sense of style.

Its not just a matter of simplification, however. Blaze Milanos Sole Torlonia and Rodriguez DAcri point out that the niche brands offer a unique appeal that larger more all-encompassing brands cant: Starting from the mid Eighties and early Nineties, people began to be influenced by the social and psychological appeal of a fashion brand and expressed an identity through it, says Torlonia. This made them feel like they were part of an elite. Nowadays, though, the focus has shifted from wanting to buy into a brands empire to wanting to frame ourselves as distinct from the crowd. As Rodriguez DAcri puts it: We tend to individualise ourselves by breaking away. This was evidenced by the rampant customisation trend that charged through Bond Streets designer flagships this winter  from monogramming to complete DIY personalisation. Similarly, these new niche, one-item-only brands tap into this mood perfectly, says Kingham. By specialising, monobrands have a distinct advantage in this crowded marketplace. A product offering that is too wide can be overwhelming and dilute what made the brand interesting in the first place.

Blaze Milano: Jacket, 1,580, at matches fashion.com

Of course, heritage brands such as Mackintosh (founded by Charles Macintosh who developed the macs rubberised fabric in 1823), and Perrin (Frances finest leather glove-maker, established in 1893) have been product specialists since the 19th century, which points to another element of the monobrands appeal: they tend to be experts in their field. Last year, Parisian Mali Marciano revived her hotelier familys French lifestyle house Le Kasha (founded in 1918), which remains dedicated to cashmere loungewear. In Rimini, parka brand Mr & Mrs Italy has recalibrated the humble khaki cover-up with hyper-hued fur linings. Focusing on one specific idea or product category sends a signal to the customer that this is the most considered, high-quality version of a piece, says Browns buying director Laura Larbalestier. Its a very modern luxury. Over at Harvey Nichols, this winters outerwear success story saw the department store selling a Canada Goose jacket every 38 minutes. No wonder you can count them in the hundreds every Saturday on Portobello Road.

Whatever the reasons behind it, the boom in fashion brands doing one thing well shows little sign of slowing. Being niche is looking to hold the same cachet in 2017 as last years default buzz words artisanal and restorative. A fine example is Fern Fans, created by PR maven Daisy Hoppen who has teamed up with Danish print designer Amanda Borberg on a line of well-priced, vintage-inspired fans. I love their historical context, says Hoppen, plus the very real practical element as anyone who goes on the Central line in summer can vouch for. The project taps into the same boutique appeal as unisex sneaker brand Primury, which seasonally mines the childhood plimsoll, and Florentine footwear brand Avec Moderation, whose flat, faux fur slides and shearling slippers were the runaway hit of AW16.

Maximalism may still be the order of the day on the catwalks but, for the new wave of fashion lines, less is definitely more.

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A s Katie Hopkins refuses to read the interview with Jack Monroe, the food blogger who has just won 24,000 (plus an interim 107,000 in costs) from her in a court case over defamatory tweets, I give her a precis.

She bears no ill will and wants to invite you for dinner, I say. Hopkins snorts. Will she go? No. Why not? Mainly because Im too busy, she says. But notice how individuals who pursue litigation in courts end up delivering some noble gesture that makes them sound like they took the higher ground?

Its true that the Mahmood family, who won a 150,000 defamation claim against Hopkinss employers Mail Online when she falsely labelled them extremists, invited her for tea. But Im not convinced this always happens. Perhaps the Mahmoods and Monroe share a general curiosity about who Hopkins, 42, really is. Does she really hold her more extreme rent a gob views? If so, why? How has a middle-class girl from a Devon market town grown up to be a national hate figure of such notoriety that GCSE English students analyse her articles?

In one outburst Hopkins, a mother of three (aged, 12, 11 and eight), columnist and presenter on LBC, called refugees cockroaches, and suggested drilling holes in the bottoms of their boats to help them sink. I dont care, she said after a Syrian child was pictured drowned on a Turkish beach. Show me bodies floating in water, and skinny people looking sad. I still dont care.

Elsewhere shes invited suicidal prisoners to kill themselves, said fat people are lazy and ginger babies harder to love (surely a joke?). Her opinions are an out-of-control tank. On Twitter she lobs grenades to cause maximum impact.

In 2015 shed meant to tweet Laurie Penny, the New Statesman columnist whod written she didnt have a problem with vandalism as a form of protest. Scrawled on any memorials recently? she wrote to Monroe by mistake. Vandalised the memory of those who fought for your freedom? Grandma got any more medals? Monroe, whose family are military, demanded a public apology + 5k to migrant rescue and I wont sue. Hopkins deleted the initial tweet but asked if Twitter could differentiate between the irritant Penny and social anthrax Monroe. Monroe consulted lawyers. Nearly two years later, here we are.

LBC Katie Hopkins on Donald Trump

I suppose I was expecting an attack dog when I sat down to wait for Hopkins at Wild Honey in Mayfair. What I get is a puppy. Smallish, energetic and with a pink rinse over cropped blonde hair (midlife crisis), she balls in, liberally spraying darlings at me, the waiter, the photographer. Shes chitty chatty but everything she says is extreme. For instance, beetroot is the devils vegetable. Accountants are petty, sad bastards  thats one thing Id never do, marry an accountant. (Later it turns out her brother-in-law is one). When the photographer tells her that Ive had good news  I was named Interviewer of the Year at the British Press Awards  she says: I feel like your mother just died and I didnt say sorry  but the opposite, if you see what I mean.

Jack Monroe outside court last week after winning her case over a mis-sent tweet / PA

On the subject of the court case she hardens, saying she hopes to appeal on grounds shes not sure Monroe can assert she felt or believed shed been damaged with so little proof, and the costs have to be proportionate.

Its around 25,000 if you lose a big toe in an industrial accident, she says. So a tweet that was up for two hours or a big toe? Go on, choose: big toe or tweet?

She says she has the money to pay the costs without re-mortgaging  The business is set up so that I can manage costs, she says, obliquely, And people have been very kind in support  but that the case will bring a defamation bar lower than my labia. Its a dangerous precedent because Twitter is the place where big debates are held and theres a bit of rough and tumble that goes with it. I can see some people might want to silence Katie Hopkins but its never good if we start trimming the edges of that freedom. Because where do you stop?

If I was fat and had a strong regional accent and was a bloke, Id be a stand-up. Im funny

Perhaps. But equally, where does Katie Hopkins stop? Why not just say sorry? Theres never been an opportunity to say sorry  which I dont think is necessary if youve deleted and formally retracted  that wasnt linked to something else, she says. There was always sorry plus a donation to migrants.

Im not persuaded. She agrees its not a hard word. In the street Id say sorry. If I got run over Id probably say sorry. But now that the word is soaked in the politics of Left and Right, she is unyielding. She wont even utter Monroes name. Im sorry there was a mistake, she offers. Shes convinced the world sees her  on the Right  as the baddy and that Monroe  on the Left  is the goody and that the whole event was gladiatorial. The reason this is noisy is that its two perfect characters, the villain and the hero, fighting it out. Good verses evil. The underdog verses the big bitch. Leave and Remain.

I saw someone on Twitter saying, Why is that gobby cow on Radio 4, surely it should be the victim speaking out, not the oppressor?. And I thought Well, at least Im not being described as the victim. Because thats the territory I never want to be in.

For all her energy, the last two years have been distressing, not just because of the court case. She is vulnerable physically, after having a brain operation last year that involved having a chunk of her skull cut out in a 12-and-a-half-hour procedure.

Are you squeamish? she asks, before taking my hand and placing it on her head. That soft bit there is my actual brain. They opened me like an egg. I was a massive epileptic and my fits have now stopped. I can sleep again.

After the surgery she contracted meningitis. It was dodgy for a bit, she says. I lost three stone. I looked like Julian Clary. Was she scared? Of course! Even the week before I didnt think I was going to have the operation. I kept bottling it. I was too scared to tell my children, so I didnt. I was too scared to say goodbye to my mum, so I didnt. We just passed on the driveway without speaking. So British. Her children didnt see her for six weeks. Half her head was shaved and she had 52 staples banged in a line around her skull. I am so lucky, she says.

The two events have led her to think about what harm is. Maybe I connect with harm differently, she says. Maybe it has to be significant real pain. 

Hopkins has a daughter with autistic spectrum disorder (She would describe me in facts: My mum has a big nose; doesnt wear pants; walks around the house naked) and Hopkins thinks she too may have traits of the condition.

Matt Writtle

In some ways the person she trolls hardest is herself. She calls herself a tw*t repeatedly, talks about putting a coke can in her vagina sideways and confides that she can carry two pencils under her bottom. She tells me that her first husband, Damian, left her for his secretary with big norks the day after shed given birth to their second daughter, Poppy, and that she has never seen or heard from him again. I quite admire him, though. He knew what he wanted and went for it.

Does he have more children? He had children before me, and hes had others since, I think. So her children have brothers and sisters theyve not met? Yes. She seems remarkably calm about this. Its not my choice its just how things are.

After a year of being a single mother with two children under two, she says, I had to find a replacement dad because being a single mum was a bit shit. I was a really bad single mum. I used to go to the supermarket just for somewhere to go.

She met Mark, who was married, while working at the Met Office. She also signed up for the The Apprentice  boasting on the application form that she was so ruthless she had stolen someone elses husband.

But she insists she isnt a rent-a-gob shock-jock (although she concedes shed know how to annoy if necessary) because nobody would want to do that over 10 or 15 years. It would be boring and very wearing.

Sometimes, she is just being funny. For instance she tells me, Im quite willing to have an affair  on the record  with Jeremy Corbyn. He seems like a nice guy. If you took him away from the vests and all that. He sticks to his word. Means what he says. Doesnt try to please people. I like that.

Later she says she always wanted to be a comedian. If I was fat and had a strong regional accent and was a bloke, Id be a stand-up. Because I think Im funny.

She believes there is a fuss around her because people arent used to a woman being quite so opinionated. Its not considered kind.

Does she consider herself unkind? She tells me how she helped a blind person into the lift at the BBC where she was being interviewed, while an employee looked on. Those who are most pious and noble tend to be the least tolerant, she says. Those that preach tolerance have become absolutely prescriptive in whats allowed to be thought.

I wonder if she hates before she likes as a defence mechanism. Shell identify a weak spot and pounce. She calls me a Leftie as an insult, teases that Im obsessed with migrant babies. When I spot what I think is an unusual spelling of the name George on her phone, she eviscerates me because she thinks Im mocking her.

This hair-trigger response to perceived insult must be exhausting, but she says shes at her armour-plated toughest when shes being abused. Her parents were strict (My friends were scared of my dad). She was thrown out of Sandhurst because she didnt declare her epilepsy and only went to prove that I could be in the Army.

Nevertheless, she cries when people are nice to her (or cute, as she puts it). Someone sent her 10 to help with her court costs and she was a sobbing wreck on the carpet.

I have a thing that I dont cry and obviously I dont when I am being tough me, but with my family I do. I cry when Im sorry.

How has the court case changed her? She says while reinvigorated to keep going she also recognises that she needs to concentrate on things that really matter: personal stories. People email me all the time with stories they need to be heard. I want to articulate for the many that dont have a voice. I dont want to be just having a go at some random punter. Its not worth it for my family or for me.

No more will we see her sitting next to a 24 stone woman verbally prodding them to lose weight. That was the old life. That feels like aeons ago. Do I still have stuff within my life that is relatively shocking of its own story telling? Yes. I over-share. Thats how I cope.
A violent thug repeatedly punched a stranger after asking him to wind down his car window in east London.

Police released CCTV following the unprovoked attack in Romford, which left the 52-year-old victim beaten and bloody.

The driver was parking his car outside a shop on London Road when he was approached by a man who asked him to open his window, the Met said.

As soon as the window was down, the attacker repeatedly punched the victim, leaving him with serious injuries and needing hospital treatment.

Suspect: Police have released CCTV footage of the man they want to speak to. / Met Police

DC Jonathan Lam, from Havering borough police, said: "There appears to have been no motive for this attack and the victim was left beaten and bloody.

Romford: The attack happened in the street on London Road in December last year. / Met Police

I would ask anyone with information about this incident to contact police."

The assault happened on Sunday, December 4 last year at 8.50pm.

The suspect is described as black, bald and clean shaven. He was wearing grey tracksuit trousers and a navy parka-style coat with a beige fur-trimmed hood with a large rectangular patch on the left side of the chest.

Anyone with any information is asked to call police on 101 or via Twitter @MetCC . To give information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
H undreds of schools across London are being forced to take drastic measures  including laying off teachers  to help make ends meet.

Heads are begging parents to dip into their pockets to boost cash-strapped coffers, reducing the number of subjects offered at A-level, cutting extracurricular activities and even looking at shortening the school day.

London Councils says Education Secretary Justine Greenings attempt to rebalance funding across the country will result in 1,500 schools in the capital  70 per cent of the total  facing cuts.

Ms Greening is now under pressure to rethink the funding overhaul.

Last night about 20 Tory MPs confronted her at a private meeting, complaining about spending shortfalls.

At least four London MPs were among those who stood up at the meeting of the Conservative backbenchers 1922 Committee or approached her afterwards, according to sources.

The Standard found that the capitals schools face having to make major cuts over the next three years as part of 3 billion in savings nationally.

Londons schools will need to make savings of 360 million in the first year of the new national funding formula (2018/19) to balance their books.

Heads have already sent letters to parents warning of dark days ahead if ministers press on with their plans.

Parents are being urged to lobby MPs, write to ministers and respond to the Department for Educations consultation, which closes next Wednesday. Mayor Sadiq Khan described the plans as a kick in the teeth, while London Councils chairwoman Claire Kober accused ministers of treating children like figures on a spreadsheet.

MPs from all parties have challenged ministers, prompting reports the Government could delay or even withdraw its plan. Senior Tories claimed the scale of dissatisfaction was so great that Ms Greening  who is MP for Putney  would be forced to think again.

Today Downing Street left the door open to the funding formula being dropped.

Parents hit back at plans to slash budgets Box subheader Parents urged ministers to boost funding to protect education in London today as they highlighted the dramatic cuts faced by the citys schools. Michael Hampshire, a parent governor at St Johns and St Clements primary in Southwark, one of the worst-affected boroughs, said the school would lose about 320,000 in the next few years. He said: Were going to have to get rid of six or seven teachers out of 14 classes  or all the teaching assistants. So then you just have one teacher to 30 kids and no teaching assistants. There is no money spare. The major cost the school has is wages for the staff. Madeleine Holt, whose children go to Yerbury primary school in Islington, said: Every parent I know is incensed about the cuts  and that goes across the political divide. St Marys primary in Richmond is among those that have asked parents to give as much as they can to schools coffers. Parent Julia Neden-Watts said: Its obviously completely voluntary, but you dont expect to pay for a school in the state sector. The Government needs to protect the budget in real terms, not cash terms. Britt Armstrong-Gashs daughter Zoe goes to Coombe Hill junior in Kingston and has medical and learning needs. She said: Youve got schools that cant even afford the paper to photocopy study resources. At what point is it going to be acceptable for them to spend 6,000 on each special needs kid? Last week, more than 150 parents, teachers, governors and councillors packed into the assembly hall at John Donne primary in Peckham to hear how the cuts would affect schools in Southwark. Parent Chloe McCulloch said: Losing 465,000 a year is a huge amount  its the equivalent of 10 teachers. If these plans go ahead then headteachers and the Government will have some really difficult decisions to make.

An official told the Standard: This is a consultation, the whole point is to gather views. We will respond in due course.

David Burrowes, Tory MP for Enfield Southgate, described the formula as inadequate while Twickenham MP Tania Mathias said she was dismayed core education spending had not gone up in the Budget.

Labours Harriet Harman, MP for Camberwell and Peckham, warned the plans would turn the clock back on progress in London schools.

Thousands of parents are attending school hall meetings about the crisis.

Sean Maher, head of Richard Challoner secondary in Kingston, said his teachers were at breaking point because of the extra workload. Its getting to the point where good teachers are turning round and saying, Actually I cant carry on like this, he said.

Maureen Cobbett, head at Latymer School in Enfield, has written to parents warning the school will have to cut staff and drop Latin, PE, technology and sociology from its A-level curriculum.

Last autumn Latymer asked parents to donate 30 to 50 a month. It is now asking for more to contribute.

Richard Slade, head of Plumcroft primary in Greenwich, which is predicted to lose 400,000 by 2020, told a conference: Theres a point where I will have no alternative, because Im not going to implement that level of cut, to resign.

The Bridge Academy in Hackney could lose almost 1 million by 2019, equivalent to 21 teachers, after seeing their best ever exam results this year.

Mr Khan said: It is a kick in the teeth for everyone whos worked so hard to make London an international beacon for education, with a track record in supporting disadvantaged pupils. It is unacceptable that the Government has chosen to hit our children hardest.

At last nights 1922 Committee the level of anger outside London took MPs by surprise. We know London MPs are uncomfortable ... London is the best funded area, said a witness.

But there were MPs in areas supposed to be gainers saying their schools were going into the red. Ms Greening was described as being in listening mode.

The Department for Education said: The system for distributing funding is unfair, opaque and outdated. We are going to end the postcode lottery. Under the proposed national funding formula, more than half of Englands schools will receive a cash boost.
C roydon has become the first London borough to axe funding for IVF in a desperate bid to save NHS cash.

GPs ignored mass protests and voted to withdraw funding for fertility treatment for couples unable to conceive.

The decision, effective immediately and which breaches NHS guidelines, means infertile couples in the borough will have to pay thousands for private treatment. It is also likely to force Croydon hospitals fertility unit to close.

Croydon clinical commissioning group (CCG) became the fifth health board in the country to refuse to fund fertility treatment after being placed in financial special measures by NHS England and ordered to make 54 million of cuts.

GPs decided fertility treatment offered limited clinical effectiveness and poor value for money. This was despite 77 per cent of the 467 people who responded to a consultation pleading for it to be saved.

The CCG previously funded one round of IVF or ICSI  a more precise form of treatment that involves injecting sperm directly into an egg  to women under 39 who had been unable to conceive for three years.

The decision will save about 1.1 million over two years. The CCG has funded an average of 94 couples a year. The closure of Croydon hospitals fertility unit could affect many hundreds, including couples from Surrey.

The CCG said: There is not enough money for us to do everything we want for the people of Croydon. It said it would still consider exceptional cases and review the decision in a year.

Dr Agnelo Fernandes, assistant clinical chair of the CCG, called the decision one of the hardest of his career. I wish we were not in the position of having to make it, he said. However, it is our role to look at the entirety of health needs across the borough and we have a statutory duty to prioritise the limited resources we have available to us.

South Norfolk, Mid Essex, North East Essex and Basildon and Brentwood have already axed fertility services, and Richmond has considered doing so.

Sarah Norcross, co-chair of campaign group Fertility Fairness, told the Croydon Advertiser: Croydon CCG is failing its patients and is completely disregarding public opinion.
C herie Blair was allegedly gazumped by a Hollywood actress after trying to buy a five-bedroom house in Marylebone for her daughter.

The 62-year-old barrister is said to have had an offer of 2,765,000 accepted for the five-storey Georgian property in Marylebone  only to be outdone by a higher offer from St Trinians star Talulah Riley.

The 31-year-old British actress, who divorced tech billionaire Elon Musk for the second time last year, reportedly paid 3m for the property.

It is a short away from their house in Connaught Sqaure  part of a 27m property empire the couple are said to have amassed since Tony Blair left office in 2007.
T his is the dramatic moment a car collides with a van after skipping a red light in south-east London.

The shocking footage shows the reckless Nissan driver failing to stop before a transit van ploughs into it at a junction in Sydenham.

Dash-cam images of the smash, which emerged this week, proved that the Ford Transit driver had rightly waited before the light turned green before pulling out.

The driver of the black Nissan initially denied all responsibility for the crash in September last year, and submitted claims personal injury claims for the three people in the vehicle.

Crash: This footage was disclosed to the Nissan driver's insurera and they and withdrew their claim / VisionTrack

But immediately after the collision, the footage was sent to the Ford drivers insurer via the dash-cam.

After receiving the footage, the Nissan drivers insurers admitted full liability for the incident and withdrew its claim.

The dash-cam images enabled the insurers to make an instant judgement on liability and process the claim quickly, in-car CCTV company VisionTrack said.

Simon Marsh, its managing director, said: "We've never had more traffic lights on Britain's roads and we have never had more drivers jumping red lights.

"Without the footage showing clearly the Transit had gone through a green light there is every chance that the case would have been resolved without either side admitting liability.
A man has died in hospital after an explosion at a building site in north London.

Emergency services were scrambled to the site in Highgate just after 2pm after nearby residents reported their floorboards "shaking" from the blast.

An air ambulance rushed a man in his 50s to an east London hospital where he was later confirmed to have died.

A police cordon was put in place around the building site in Swain's Lane, near Highgate Cemetery.

Air Ambulance: the man was air-lifted to hospital with "life-threatening" injuries / Kim Gray / @ktbphotos

A professional pianist who lives opposite the site told the Camden New Journal she was practising 'La Passionara' when the blast shook her floorboards.

She told the newspaper: "It made my floorboards completely vibrate. It was terribly loud, a huge huge explosion.

"All the shop keepers came rushing out to see if they could help and the police and ambulance were here immediately.

Emergency services descended on the scene just after 2pm / Kenneth Tharp

Sian Berry, a Highgate councillor and Green Party member of the London Assembly, tweeted: "Really bad #Highgate news - BBC says someone very badly injured in this incident. Most likely a construction worker. Hoping for the best."

High-end property development firm Noble Homes began work on the site around a month ago, with the old terrace due to be replaced by 12 houses and eight retail units.

The Islington-based firm reportedly purchased the shopping parade from the Earl of Listowel in 2016, whose family had owned it for eight decades.

Highgate resident Kenneth Tharp told the Standard he heard the blast from Hampstead Heath.

He said: "I was finishing a tennis lesson on the heath nearby and it stopped us in our tracks. It was a very loud bang."

"The rebuilding has attracted a lot of attention and work had just started recently."

Developer Noble Homes began work on the site around a month ago / Kenneth Tharp

A Met Police spokesman said: "Police were called by the London Ambulance Service at 14:11hrs on Thursday, 16 March to reports of an explosion at an address in Swains Lane, N6.

"Londons Air Ambulance attended and has taken a man to an east London hospital with life-threatening injuries.

"The area is cordoned off and officers remain on scene."

A London Fire Brigade spokeswoman said two fire engines attended the "industrial incident" after being called out just after 2pm.

The Standard has contacted Noble Homes for comment.
P olice were searching for an 11-year-old boy who went missing on his way home from school.

Illane NGouan, from Brixton, was found by police on Thursday morning.

He had gone missing after he was last seen waiting at a bus stop after school in Lambeth on Wednesday afternoon.

The youngster was waiting at a bus stop in South Croxted Road for the route 3 bus northbound at about 4.30pm.

He was on his way to his aunts house but he never turned up.

Scotland Yard said Illane is described as a black male, 5ft tall, with short black afro hair and of proportionate build.

When he was last seen, he was wearing his school uniform which is grey and includes a yellow logo of St Dunstan located on the left breast of the school blazer, a white shirt, red, white and light blue striped tie, black trousers and black shoes.

He was not carrying a bag.

Police said he had not been reported missing before and was not believed to have any means of communication. Officers said his disappearance was significantly out of character for him.
A landlord has been fitted with an electronic tag after a campaign of harassment against a tenant that including switching off her heating and electricity in the middle of winter.

Single mother Angela Agyemang and her young son were subject to unforgivable treatment by their landlord, Joel Zwiebel, after she complained the damp conditions in her south London flat were damaging her sons health.

He finally locked her out of the flat with all her possessions inside, leaving the pair homeless and forced to find temporary accommodation.

Ms Agyemang had briefly refused to pay her rent when multiple calls about leaks and damp in the Battersea property went unanswered by Zwiebel.

Wandsworth council brokered a deal for her to clear her arrears in exchange for repairs. But Zwiebel reneged on the agreement and she came home from church one day to find he had sent round Derrick Stuart  previously the subject of a BBC Rogue Traders investigation  to rip out her fuse box and gas meter.

Ms Agyemang, who was paying 598 a month for the two-bedroom flat, told the Standard: I went to church with my son. There I got a call from a private number. It was Stuarts voice telling me he had a court order to enter into the property. I was really scared. He was screaming at me, If you dont come here Im going to call the police and break the door down.

She went into temporary accommodation, only to return a few days later to find the locks changed. They took all my belongings  I could not get anything back from the house. I lost all my baby pictures of my son, she said.

Zwiebel, of Hackney, and his property company Interpage, were found guilty last November of two charges under the Protection from Eviction Act.

After an unsuccessful appeal, he was this week given a three-month home curfew enforced by an electronic ankle tag. He was also ordered to pay 4,000 court costs and 1,000 compensation.

Interpage, which had already been fined 4,000, was told to pay increased costs of 3,500 and 1,000 compensation. Stuart, who did not appeal, was fined 1,500 and ordered to pay 2,500 costs and 1,000 compensation.

Ms Agyemang and her son Emmanuel spent more than a year in temporary accommodationbefore being rehoused by Wandsworth council in Battersea.

Wandsworths housing spokesman, councillor Paul Ellis, said: These men waged a disgraceful and unforgivable campaign of harassment against this mother and her son.
A father-of-three crushed by a falling tree while travelling in a minicab is set to receive thousands of pounds in compensation after winning a court battle against Transport for London.

Raymond Henry, 39, was in the cab with his then girlfriend Yvonne Allen, 49, and driver Amtiaz Meeloo on the South Circular in Tulse Hill when the 20-metre-high mature plane tree fell.

All three were hospitalised and left with long-term injuries and trauma. They sued TfL for damages of at least 25,000 each for personal injury and losses arising out of the accident.

A judge yesterday found TfL responsible, saying the tree was in a hazardous condition and should have been removed months before it fell, but had not been properly inspected.

Judge Alan Saggerson ordered all three plaintiffs to be paid damages.

The 20m high mature plane tree fell on the vehicle

Mr Henry, an electrician now living in Kent, said justice had been done, adding: I was lucky to survive when that tree fell on our taxi. It was the most terrifying moment of my life and I am still dealing with the trauma of it.

I still suffer from chronic headaches and back pain and have been diagnosed with PTSD. The constant pain makes it hard to work but I have no choice but to live with it as best I can.

Mr Henry was in the back of the car when the 10-tonne tree fell in Christchurch Road in May 2012. It had a long-established infection in its roots which caused it to fail, Central London county court was told.

Judge Saggerson ruled that the tree was at risk of collapse at any moment and TfL had been let down by poor inspection by its subcontractors months before.

Ms Allen, a hairdresser from Brixton, who was in the front passenger seat suffered a fracture at the bottom of her spine. She told the hearing she suffers from restricted movement in her lower spine which has affected her work.

She said: I screamed out in terror as the tree came through the roof of the car and left me trapped underneath.

I still have to live with the pain now. We could all have lost our lives that day and my daughter would have been left without a mum.

Mr Henry and Ms Allen were helped by specialist injury lawyers at Slater and Gordon. Simon Brindle, who represented them at the two-day hearing, said TfL had failed to comply with a policy for street-side trees to be inspected on an average annual basis. The tree had last been inspected in February 2011, the hearing heard.

Liability for costs and the damages will be determined at a later date.

Leon Daniels, managing director of Surface Transport, apologised for the injuries and said TfL had worked hard to ensure lessons have been learned.
T heatre-goers formed a human chain across a busy Thames road bridge to protect a couple knocked over in a motorcycle crash.

Passersby used the lights from their phones to stop traffic at each end of Waterloo Bridge as an off-duty doctor gave the pair first aid at the scene.

The casualties, visitors to London both in their 60s, were both taken to hospital for treatment. The woman suffered serious leg injuries, while her companion had minor injuries.

Film producer Siobhan Daly was crossing the bridge with crowds leaving the National Theatre when she noticed the commotion at 10.15pm last night.

On the scene: Witness Siobhan Daly

She said: When I arrived an off duty doctor was already helping, and saved that mans life.

He stabilised him, got him breathing and held his head before the emergency services arrived. He was a game-changer, so calm and kind under pressure.

I stayed and kept talking to the man about anything I could think of to keep him awake and also to keep him company so he didnt feel alone.

We kept him warm with my coat. The paramedics were amazing and worked so hard to help them whilst dealing with drunks and irate drivers.

We kept saying how lucky the guy was that the doctor was there. If he hadnt known what to do, Im not sure what would have happened.

Ms Daly added: Honestly when I was there seeing so many people helping, the doctor lying right across the road so he could hold the man, the people on their phones trying to help and stop traffic, I felt, this is London.

We hear so much about how bad it is but I just saw brave loving people and felt very proud that everyone cared so much and acted so selflessly.

A police spokesman confirmed the motorcycle rider stopped at the scene and is assisting police with their enquiries. No arrests have been made.

Were you at the scene? Contact the newsdesk on 02036152500 or email news@standard.co.uk
A n elderly woman who died after being hit by a car in north London has been named by police.

Daphne Edwards, 96, was struck by a vehicle in East Finchley on a Saturday afternoon.

She was rushed to hospital by air ambulance after the crash but died there a short while later.

Police are renewing their appeals for witnesses to the collision, which happened in Lyttleton Road at about 1pm on Saturday, February 25.

A post-mortem examination gave her cause of death as from suffering multiple injuries.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: The driver stopped at the scene and assisted officers with their enquiries.

There have been no arrests.

Police urged any witnesses to the crash to come forward.

The Met's Serious Collision Investigation Unit are investigating, and ask that anyone with information about the collision call the witness line on 020 8991 9555 or via 101.
S enior Tories defended Philip Hammond today as an exclusive poll revealed his personal ratings were in freefall, alongside a sharp downgrade in optimism about Britains economic prospects.

The scale of damage to the Chancellors reputation was disclosed by Ipsos MORI research for the Evening Standard taken after his disastrous Budget last week.

In November, more people were satisfied with the way Mr Hammond was doing his job than dissatisfied, producing a net score of plus 11.

This week, that score had crashed to minus 12.

The damage is likely to be even worse, because fieldwork ended before yesterdays humiliating U-turn on the manifesto-breaking plan to raise National Insurance contributions for the self-employed.

Other key findings are:

Only 34 per cent think Mr Hammond is doing a good job, compared with 46 per cent who think he is doing badly. That marks a reverse of the November rating when 39 per cent were satisfied with him, and 28 per cent dissatisfied.

Just a third thought the Budget was good for them. Almost four in 10 thought it was bad for them.

Economic optimism has fallen, with 50 per cent thinking things will get worse over the next year, up from 44 last month. Just 22 per cent think things will improve, down six.

Half do not think the Governments policies will improve the economy in the long term, while 44 per cent think they will. Some 42 per cent think the Budget was bad for the country, while 38 per cent say it was good.

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Despite the Budget row, Theresa Mays honeymoon in the polls continues, with the Tories having a 13-point lead over Labour. Voting intentions were recorded as Conservatives 43 per cent, Labour 30, Lib Dems, 13, Ukip 6 and Greens four.

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Half of Labour supporters are unhappy with Jeremy Corbyns performance as party leader. Among all voters, 64 per cent are dissatisfied and just 23 per cent satisfied.

Gideon Skinner, head of political research at Ipsos MORI, said: Public reaction to the Budget wasnt in omnishambles territory and there is little sign of voters swinging back to Labour.

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A senior Downing Street source predicted that Mr Hammond would not be sacked by Mrs May.

She has been in the business long enough to know that we dont always get things right immediately, said the source.

Tory MP Dominic Raab praised Mr Hammond for his U-turn, saying: It is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Sir Oliver Letwin said the manifesto pledge not to raise NI had been a mistake and was not intended to cover the self-employed.@JoeMurphyLondon
T he Queen today signed into law the Act of Parliament authorising Theresa May to take Britain out of the European Union.

Speaker John Bercow announced the historic milestone to the Commons, sparking a furious row over the Prime Ministers plans for Brexit terms.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan called for a new visa process to help EU nationals legally in the UK to apply for permanent residency.

Mr Khan said the current system involved a tsunami of paperwork and was not fit for purpose.

He also urged the Government to give an immediate cast iron guarantee to the 3.3 million EU citizens living here.

Set for Brexit: Theresa May / PA

The Mayor told the Standard: It is quite clearly completely unacceptable that hard working people who have made their lives here and have contributed to our economy are now in fear of their long-term future.

Under the current system, people must fill in an 85-page form and provide copious documents.

Brexit Secretary David Davis said: By the end of the month we will invoke Article 50, allowing us start our negotiations to build a positive new partnership with our friends and neighbours in the European Union, as well as taking a step out into the world as a truly Global Britain.

EU Londoners are welcome here

Lib Dem leader Tim Farron urged business leaders to boycott Tory fundraising drives unless Mrs May softens Brexit.

Criticism: Mayor Sadiq Khan / REUTERS

He urged Conservative donors: If you are giving the Tories so much as a penny you are funding your own funeral.

Mrs May will confirm in a party speech in Wales tomorrow that she intends to trigger Brexit talks by moving Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty at the end of this month.

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The other 27 EU countries will hold a summit next week without Mrs May to consider their response to what the Prime Minister has called the defining moment.

The European Union (Notification of Withdrawal) Act, authorising Brexit, was required by the Supreme Court which ruled that the Government needed the permission of Parliament first.

The Square Mile warned the Prime Minister not to risk the financial sector in London by having a hard Brexit.

Urging a smooth transition, a City of London Corporation spokesperson said: As an industry we contributed over 71.4 billion to the economy in the latest tax year, accounted for over 2.2 million jobs across the country and are a key element of a strong and sustainable economy.

It is essential that Government makes clear its aim to implement a transitional deal, clarifying exact timelines of when the transition phase will begin; what rules will apply to the UK in the interim; and an indication of when the financial services sector can expect to adopt the new rules.

To ensure a smooth transition, Government should seek to secure an arrangement that is a close as possible to our existing one.

It said the Government had steadies nerves by keeping to its timetable for triggering Article 50.
T heresa May rebuffed Nicola Sturgeon today by saying now is not the time for another Scottish independence referendum.

The Prime Minister ruled it out until after the Brexit deal is completed - ripping up the Scottish Nationalist leaders demands for a poll in 18 months to two years.

Mrs May said the Government and the Scottish executive should join forces to get a good deal in talks with the European Union rather than fight a divisive campaign.

I think just now we should be putting all our energies into getting that good deal, she said.

Electrifying battle: Theresa May and Nicola Sturgeon / PA

We should be working together, not pulling apart.

Working together to get that right deal for Scotland and for the UK.

For that reason I say to the SNP, now is not the time.

Nicola Sturgeon says she will seek approval for second independence referendum

Mrs Mays refusal was calculated to drive a wedge between Ms Sturgeon, the First Minister at Edinburgh, and the voters of Scotland who, according to polls, are lukewarm about another referendum.

TODO: define component type apester

The battle between the two powerful woman leaders for the future of the United Kingdom is now the most electrifying contest in British politics.

Mrs May acted hours after the Queen signed the Act of Parliament authorising the Government to take Britain out of the European Union.

Speaker John Bercow announced the historic milestone to the Commons, sparking tensions with rival parties and business groups over the Prime Ministers plans for Brexit terms.

John Bercow announces Article 50 paper has been signed by the Queen

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan called for a new visa process to help EU nationals legally in the UK to apply for permanent residency.

Mr Khan said the current system involved a tsunami of paperwork and was not fit for purpose.

He also urged the Government to give an immediate cast iron guarantee to the 3.3 million EU citizens living here.

The Mayor told the Standard: It is quite clearly completely unacceptable that hard working people who have made their lives here and have contributed to our economy are now in fear of their long-term future.

Under the current system, people must fill in an 85-page form and provide copious documents.

EU Londoners are welcome here

Brexit Secretary David Davis said: By the end of the month we will invoke Article 50, allowing us start our negotiations to build a positive new partnership with our friends and neighbours in the European Union, as well as taking a step out into the world as a truly Global Britain.

He urged Conservative donors: If you are giving the Tories so much as a penny you are funding your own funeral.

Mrs May will confirm in a party speech in Wales tomorrow that she intends to trigger Brexit talks by moving Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty at the end of this month.

The other 27 EU countries will hold a summit next week without Mrs May to consider their response to what the Prime Minister has called the defining moment.

The European Union (Notification of Withdrawal) Act, authorising Brexit, was required by the Supreme Court which ruled that the Government needed the permission of Parliament first.

The Square Mile warned the Prime Minister not to risk the financial sector in London by having a hard Brexit.
T ory MPs have confronted Education Secretary Justine Greening at a private meeting over a controversial new schools funding formula, the Evening Standard can reveal.

Around 20 backbenchers challenged the Cabinet minister with complaints that schools in their areas were cutting lessons and staff numbers and urged her to rethink the reform.

The confrontation will fuel speculation about an imminent U-turn on the changes, designed to even out peaks and troughs in education spending across the country. It came when Ms Greening accepted an invitation to speak at the 1922 Committee, which represents Conservative backbenchers.

At lest four London MPs were among those who stood up or approached the Education Secretary privately afterwards, according to sources.

But it was the level of anger from regions outside London that took MPs by surprise, said witnesses. We know London MPs are uncomfortable because London is the best funded area, but there were MPs in areas that are supposed to be gainers standing up and saying that their schools were going into the red, said one.

Among protesters was the respected Cotswolds MP Geoffrey Clifton-Brown and outspoken backbencher Michael Fabricant.

A London MP said of the cuts to London schools: This cannot be allowed to happen.

Ms Greening, the Putney MP, made no promises, but was described as being in listening mode. A consultation on the fairer funding plans is due to end next week.

Downing Street left the door open to the schools fairer funding formula being dropped today, stressing it was only a consultation.

An official told the Standard: This is a consultation, the whole point is to gather views. We will respond in due course.
S cientists are to carry out a 10 million research project into the effects of medical cannabis.

A new global centre of excellence is to be set up at Oxford University to study the drug, which can be used to treat pain, cancer and inflammatory diseases.

Support for using medical marijuana has been well publicised in recent years, with some MPs calling for its legalisation.

Actor Patrick Stewart, who uses medical cannabis to treat ortho-arthritis, has also backed calls for legalisation.

Past studies have suggested its use can play a role in treating conditions including MS, epilepsy, arthritis and nerve pain, the Telegraph reported.

But the drug has been rejected for use in the NHS for being too expensive.

Patrick Stewart has backed calls for legalisation. (Harold Cunningham/Getty) / Getty Images

Ahmed Ahmed, Professor of Gynaecological Oncology at Oxford, which has paired with Kingsley Capital Partners on the project, said: This field holds great promise for developing novel therapeutic opportunities for cancer patients.

Star Trek actor Mr Stewart told the Telegraph: Two years ago, in Los Angeles I was examined by a doctor and given a note which gave me legal permission to purchase, from a registered outlet, cannabis-based products, which I was advised might help the ortho-arthritis in both my hands.

As a result of this experience, I enthusiastically support the Oxford University Cannabis Research Plan, he said.

This is an important step forward for Britain in a field of research that has for too long been held back by prejudice, fear and ignorance.

The Liberal Democrats and the Green Party both back the legalisation of medical marijuana, but Labour and the Tories have not given their official support.
L ife is more stressful for women than men, scientists have revealed.

Females are likely to be 13 per cent more anxious over the prospect of moving into a larger house than their male counterparts, a new report from the Physiological Society showed.

And women are 24 per cent more likely to be stressed out by the thought of a terrorist attack, and nine per cent more anxious about contracting a serious illness, according to a YouGov survey of 2,078 people.

However, when it came to childbirth both genders appeared to be equally nervous.

According to studies, womens high stress levels could lead to long term health problems.

The British equivalent of an American psychiatric test aimed at measuring the impact of stressful life event on a persons health marks issues out of 100.

A promotion at work comes in lowest on the scale (38/100), followed by items such as Brexit (42/100), wedding planning (65/100), serious illness (85/100) and the death of a romantic partner (94/100).

Anyone who scored more than 100 in a year faced the biggest risk of stress induced health problems.

Lucy Donaldson, head of the Physiological Society's policy committee, said: "It was striking that for every single event in this study, from money problems to Brexit, women reported greater stress levels than men.

This could have a real impact on women's health."
A BBC crew member has told how her team were forced to run down a mountain while being "pelted with rocks" as they were caught up in an explosion on Italy's Mount Etna.

At least eight people were injured as scientists fled for safety after the eruption in Sicily.

Tourists and the crew were cleared from the mountain after lava, boiling rocks and steam erupted out of the volcano, which is one of the most active in the world.

Rebecca Morelle, who is BBC News global science correspondent, said a team from the Corporation was caught up in the extremely scary incident.

She said a volcanologist at the site called it the most dangerous incident experience in his 30 year career and described how people were running down the mountain away from rocks.

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In recent days Mount Etna has started spewing lava following its most recent eruption, which was on February 28 this year.

According to Italian news reports, scientists investigating the mountain's recent activity were injured in the explosion, which happened when hot magma hit snow surrounding the mountain.

In a string of messages posted on Twitter Ms Morelle said: Caught up in incident at Mount Etna - BBC crew and tourists caught up in huge explosion - caused injuries and evacuation from scene

Lava flow mixed with steam caused huge explosion - group pelted with boiling rocks and steam.

Many injured - some head injuries, burns, cuts and bruises. Volcanologist said most dangerous incident experience in his 30 year career

BBC team all ok - some cuts/ bruises and burns. Very shaken though - it was extremely scary.

Should re-iterate - we are all ok - people brought off mountain quickly by the excellent rescue team.

She said officials had confirmed everyone had been evacuated. Around eight people were injured.

She added: Reminder of how dangerous and unpredictable volcanoes can be - everyone had a very lucky escape.

Snow-covered Mount Etna, Europe's most active volcano, has been spewing lava in recent days. / AP

Running down a mountain pelted by rocks, dodging burning boulders and boiling steam - not an experience I ever, ever want to repeat

An estimated eight injuries logged by medical team here. An amazing 78-year-old lady was very close - but safely got away

The Catania operation centre of Italy's volcanology institute confirmed Thursday that members of a team taking measurements on the active volcano had been injured, but had no details on the numbers involved or the seriousness of the injuries.

The Catania Today website reported that at least three volcanologists were on the volcano when the explosion occurred just before noon, and that some were injured.

Near the east coast of Italian island Sicily, Mount Etna is over 3,000 metres tall.

One of the volcano's most disruptive eruptions was in 1669 when 1,500 people were killed. In 1928 the village of Mascili was wiped out.

It is not known what the BBC crew were doing at the volcano. The Standard has contacted them for comment.
A British teenage girl has been killed after falling from the mast of a luxury yacht in Jamaica.

Bethany Smith, 18, died in hospital from multiple injuries following the accident on the 60 metre-long schooner on Tuesday.

The Welsh teenager, who left the UK a decade ago to sail around the world with her family, had been working on the Germania Nova yacht as a junior deckhand for more than a year.

Ms Smith, from Glyn-Dyfrdwy in Denbighshire, north Wales, fell from the mast of the vessel while it as berthed near Portland in Jamaica.

She was described as a generous person" and "a ray of sunshine who brought laughter and music into the lives of those she met".

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help her family with funeral costs and more than 9,000 has been raised.

The teenager's mother, Sarah, is in Trinidad, her father Dave is in the Netherlands and her brother Bryn is in Antigua, the page states.

Niall Robinson, partner at Hill Robinson Yacht Management which charters the Germania Nova, said: "We are desperately sad to confirm that a tragic accident has occurred on Germania Nova leading to the fatality of a crew member.

"The crew member's next of kin have been informed and our thoughts are with the family, friends and fellow crew members at this very difficult time.

"Hill Robinson and the owners are doing everything possible to support the family and friends and of course an immediate investigation is already under way."

He added: "We request the courtesy of privacy for the family and all those affected."

A Foreign Office spokesman said: "We are in contact with the authorities in Jamaica following the death of a British national in Portland and are supporting their family at this very difficult time."
C CTV footage emerged today of the final moments of a backpacker raped and murdered in a tourist resort in Goa.

Danielle McLaughlin, 28, can be seen walking along a street followed by a man in the grainy surveillance footage.

Her body was discovered in a pool of blood just hours after she had been at a beach party a few miles away on Palolem beach.

A local man, Vikat Bhagat, appeared in court in India yesterday charged with her murder.

Police said they believe they have caught the main culprit and he has confessed.

Bhagat, 24, allegedly told police that he raped Ms McLaughlin and disfigured her face with a beer bottle to stop her being indentified.

Victim: Danielle McLaughlin was raped and murdered in India / Facebook

Officers have now seized a two-wheeled vehicle and some clothes, which are reported to have bloodstains on them.

Ms McLaughlin grew up in Buncrana, County Donegal, in the Republic of Ireland, before moving to Liverpool for university.

She had used her British passport to travel to India last month.

Her mother, Andrea Brannigan, said she would be sadly missed by all as 200 locals and foreign nationals gathered in Goa to pay tribute to Ms McLaughlin.

She said: The family would like to express our thanks to all who have got in touch since receiving this awful news.

As you can expect we are finding it very difficult at this trying time.

We want to thank the Irish and British consulates, along with Colin from the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust, and many friends who have assisted at this time.

Last movements: the CCTV captured Danielle McLaughlin

Danielle will be sadly missed by us all.

Ms McLaughlin, the eldest of five daughters, was found dead by a farmer in a secluded spot in Canacona, a popular area for holidaymakers in the south of the Indian state.

Superintendent of Police Uttam Raut Dessai, from Sanguem Police Station, said: The girl arrived at a restaurants with Vikat on a scooter. He has confessed to the crime but is now trying to involve others.

We do not believe there were more involved in the crime but our investigation will make sure of this.

We believe he took her clothes so that the body was not recognised by anyone.

And in order to hide her identity, he tried to destroy her face with a beer bottle because people had seen him with Danielle.

He was trying to conceal his crime but ultimately a murder is a murder.

On February 22 Ms McLaughlin revealed she was off on another adventure to Goa.

Goa victim: Danielle McLaughlin / PA

She wrote online: Thank you to all my friends and family for making home so special and always looking after me. I am very grateful and the luckiest person I know... Off on another adventure.

A spokesman for Liverpool John Moores University said: The university is shocked and saddened to hear of the death of one of our former students, Danielle McLaughlin.

We send our sincere condolences to her family and friends from all at LJMU.

In 2008, British teenager Scarlett Keeling was found dead on Goas popular Anjuna beach.

The 15-year-old drowned after allegedly being plied with drugs, although her mother has insisted she was murdered.

Two men were cleared of raping and killing her by an Indian court last year.

Miss Keelings mother said she her heart sank after hearing of the killing in Goa, saying it just brings it all back.

Fiona MacKeown said: It is horrific. My heart breaks for her family and friends. I know what they are going through.

It really makes my heart sink. I just feel so sad for her mum, siblings and friends.
P resident Donald Trump today unveiled his first budget with much deeper than expected cuts to government programmes helping the poor and the sick.

Twelve of the US governments 15 key departments will be expected to absorb cutbacks of up to a more than quarter.

The announcement was scheduled to come just hours after his revised travel ban targetting six Muslim countries was blocked by a judge.

Mr Trump plans to slash spending on medical research, help for homeless veterans and community development grants, along with anticipated cuts to foreign aid and the Environmental Protection Agency.

The severity of the proposed budget crackdown - announced in a document entitled America First: A Budget Blueprint to Make America Great Again - took Washington by surprise.

The huge rise in military spending - the budgets 44 billion boost is the largest since President Ronald Reagans Pentagon build-up in the 1980s - is necessary to keep the country safe, the president was expected to argue.

The $1.15billion budget promises immediate money for troop readiness, the fight against Islamic State militants and procurement of new ships, fighter jets and other weapons.

Donald Trump blast "judicial overreach" as Hawaii judge blocks travel ban

A budget that puts America first must make the safety of our people its number one priority  because without safety, there can be no prosperity, Mr Trump said in a message accompanying his proposed budget.

The budget goes after the frequent targets of the Republican Partys staunchest conservatives, eliminating the National Endowment for the Arts, legal aid for the poor and low-income heating assistance.

More than 3,000 Environmental Protection Agency workers would lose their jobs and programmes such as Mr Obamas Clean Power Plan, which would tighten regulations on emissions from power plants seen as contributing to global warming, would be eliminated.

The US State Department is cut deepest with a 28 per cent reduction to its foreign aid division and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the closest the US comes to an organisation like the BBC, which provides support to public stations NPR and PBS, will see its funding phased out.

The National Institutes of Health would be cut by about 5 billion, or one-fifth of its funding.

The dramatic cutbacks will help finance Mr Trumps much-vaunted wall with Mexico, which will get an immediate 1.2 billion in the current fiscal year, with another 2.1 billion planned for the 2018 budget year starting on October 1.

Mr Trump repeatedly claimed during the election campaign that Mexico would pay for the wall.

The presidents budget is not guaranteed. It may not make it past the House of Representatives and the Senate even though the Republicans holds majorities in both.

The cuts have already met with resistance from within Mr Trumps party, with one top official saying its dead on arrival.

Foreign Aid is not charity, Republican Senator Marco Rubio said in a tweet. We must make sure it is well spent, but it is less than 1% of budget & critical to our national security.
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E uropes political leaders today breathed a collective sigh of relief after anti-Islam politician Geert Wilders was defeated in the Dutch election.

French president Francois Hollande declared the general election result a victory against extremism.

Mark Rutte, the Dutch prime minister, was set to hold on to power after winning an expected 33 seats, 13 more than Mr Wilders far-Right Freedom Party, which finished second.

The vote was seen as a major indicator of the weakening strength of populist parties in Europe ahead of French and German elections later this year.

Defeated: Geert Wilderss of the far-Right Freedom Party / Getty Images

Mr Hollande said: The values of openness, respect for others and a faith in Europes future are the only true response to the nationalist impulses and isolationism that are shaking the world.

French presidential candidate Emmanuel Macron said the result shows the breakthrough of the extreme Right is not inevitable.

In Germany, Socialist leader Martin Schulz tweeted: I am relieved, but we need to continue to fight for an open and free Europe.

Mr Rutte, leader of the Peoples Party for Freedom and Democracy, was set to begin his third term as prime minister today after the vote count is completed.

He will need the backing of a coalition, with the Christian Democrats and centrist parties likely to lend their support.

He said: The Netherlands said, Whoa! to the wrong kind of populism.

Mr Wilders promised to close borders to migrants from Muslim nations, close mosques, ban the Koran and take the Netherlands out of the EU. He said: [Rutte] has not got rid of me yet.
A 17-year-old student has been arrested after a gunman opened fire at a school injuring eight people including the headmaster.

French officials issued a warning for residents to remain inside after the suspect opened fire at the Alexis de Tocqueville school in Grasse, southern France.

One teenager armed with a rifle, two handguns and two grenades has been arrested and a second is said to be on the run, police sources said.

The French interior ministry confirmed that eight people were injured in the shooting but all students are safe.

Police officers control traffic near the Tocqueville high school / AFP/Getty Images

Reuters news agency announced that the French Government had sent out a terror warning but it has since been reported that the incident was "between two students".

Local sources said it is not thought to be terror-related.

Police cordon off the area as people gather to view the nearby high school / BFM via AP

Police cordoned off the area and worried residents gathered outside, along with several emergency vehicles.

A worker at a nearby electronics shop said police had asked residents to stay indoors.

An employee of sports chain Decathlon, which has a branch less than 500 metres from the high school, said he had seen about 40 students leaving the area and gathering in a nearby car park.

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The shooting at the school comes just hours after staff were evacuated at the International Monetary Fund offices in Paris due to a "letter bomb".

A secretary opened the envelope and was injured by shrapnel when it exploded.

Police and soliders are still at the scene of the incident and are trying to establish who send the package.

France has remained in a state of emergency following the deadly attacks in Paris in 2015 and an attack last year in the city of Nice, which is 25 miles away from Grasse.
A letter has exploded at the International Monetary Fund in Paris, leaving one woman injured.

Staff from the office were evacuated and armed police and soldiers descended on the building on Thursday morning.

A secretary who opened the envelope was injured as the letter exploded. She was hit in the face by shrapnel and hurt in the eardrum because of a "rather violent noise", the chief of police said.

It is yet unclear who sent the letter but police searched all four floors of the building, which is next door to the World Bank.

Officers and soldiers remain at the scene in the west of the French capital.

Police dogs join officers at the scene in west Paris. (REUTERS) / Philippe Wojazer/Reuters

The IMF office had received threatening phone calls in recent days but they are not necessarily linked to today's letter, police chief Michel Cadot said.

Mr Cadot said the homemade explosive was like a "big firecracker".

A police source told Reuters: "An envelope exploded after it was opened and one person was slightly injured in the offices of the IMF."

IMF chief Christine Lagarde called the letter "a cowardly act of violence".

In a statement she said: "I condemn this cowardly act of violence and reaffirm the IMF's resolve to continue our work in line with our mandate.

French police officers at the scene after a letter bomb exploded. / AP

"We are working closely with the French authorities to investigate this incident and ensure the safety of our staff."

No other damage or injuries have been reported.

France remains in a state of emergency after a string of deadly Islamic extremist attacks over the past two years.

One person has been injured after the bomb exploded in the French office of the IMF. / AP

Today's suspect package comes just six weeks before France goes to the polls in their Presidential election.

This week the German finance minister was sent a suspicious package containing explosives similar to those used in fireworks.

The IMF in Paris. / Google StreetView

It was destroyed in a controlled explosion by explosives experts.

The IMF's office in Paris works with the European Union, EU governments and international organisations to help countries around the globe work together on financial matters.

In December last year Christine Lagarde, the chief of the IMF and former French finance minister, was found guilty over a public money payout to a businessman while in her government role.

This page is being updated
A bid to recapture an oil tanker held by pirates off the coast of Somalia has failed after hijackers opened fire on maritime forces.

Somali maritime police attempted to intercept a boat that was carrying supplies to the pirates but were fired at by the hijackers.

The pirates were able to escape back to the tanker  which was hijacked on Monday with eight Sri Lankan crew aboard.

"We tried to intercept a boat that was carrying supplies to the pirates, but pirates on the ship fired on us and so the pirate boat escaped," said Abdirahman Mohamud Hassan, the director general of the maritime force in Puntland.

A pirate claimed the hijackers had killed a member of the marine force and injured another, but Mr Hassan said that was untrue.

Residents near the ship confirmed hearing the gunfire.

The gunmen are demanding a ransom to release the ship and its Sri Lankan crew, said the EU Naval Force. It is the first ship to be seized since 2012.

Mr Hassan said the crews had surrounded the ship, which is docked near the port town of Alula, but had been asked by local elders to give them a chance to convince the hijackers to free the vessel.

"If they do not get off, we shall fight to rescue the ship," he told Reuters.
G ame Of Thrones star Nathalie Emmanuel says roles for ethnic minority actors have improved since her childhood not seeing anyone on television that looked like me.

The actress, who plays the former slave turned interpreter Missandei in the bloodthirsty fantasy TV series, said she was worried that progress could be reversed.

Posing for celebrity photographer Rankin, she told Hunger magazine: There has been an improvement in casting, but what I often worry about is because its been called out that means that now people are saying, Okay, were going to make it really diverse.

Will it be that they just do the one film and then it goes back? If you go up for anything, you know there is always a cast of people and a small number of them are [from] a minority.

Proud: Nathalie Emmanuel shot by Rankin / Rankin

The majority of the cast will be white with a few roles from a different ethnicity. Ultimately thats not the world we live in.

Emmanuel, 28, who grew up in Southend, said she was proud of her role as the hacker Ramsey in the Fast & Furious film series, which she said promoted nothing but diversity.

The biggest and best TV shows of 2017 1 /13 The biggest and best TV shows of 2017 Doctor Who The classic sci-fi show got a new lease of life with new companion Bill Potts BBC Line of Duty The BBC's acclaimed crime drama moved up to BBC One with more twists than ever before World Productions / BBC / Aidan Monaghan Broadchurch Chris Chibnall's mystery drama came to a close with a compelling final series ITV The Moorside Sheridan Smith puts in a stellar performance as she returns to TV in the BBC's Shannon Matthews drama Stuart Wood/ITV/BBC Apple Tree Yard Emily Watson starred in the BBC's gripping psychological thriller BBC/Kudos/Nick Briggs Fortitude, Series 2 Sky Atlantic's original Nordic noir-inspired chiller is back for more bloody mysteries Sky Atlantic Sherlock, Series 4 Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman return as Holmes and Watson in the BBC's mega hit PA Taboo Tom Hardy's dark thriller is unlike any period drama you've seen before FX Networks No Offence, Series 2 Paul Abbott's comedy-drama continues to walk a tonal tightrope with total ease Channel 4/Ian Derry The Voice A move to ITV has given singing contest The Voice a new lease of life ITV

Their audience is from all over the world and they have got people from all parts of the globe in those movies, of all colours and all ethnicities, and I think that is really important.

For me, when I was growing up, not seeing anyone on television that looked like me or that I could identify with was really hard, and that can affect someones self-esteem hugely.

The lack of black actors shortlisted for the four major awards at last years Oscars led some stars to boycott the ceremony and the #OscarsSoWhite social media campaign. This year, the awards were hailed for their greater diversity.

Cover star: Nathalie Emmanuel stars in the latest edition of Hunger / Hunger Magazine

Game of Thrones returns to Sky Atlantic in July.
K aty Perry has revealed she discovered an appetite for roast dinners thanks to her English boyfriends.

The US pop superstar, who recently split from Orlando Bloom and was previously married to Russell Brand, said she found a taste for traditional British cuisine after dating men from the UK.

Speaking on the BBC Radio One Breakfast Show she told Nick Grimshaw: Of course I've been to a Sunday roast, babes.

Many of my English boyfriends that I've had along the way (have made them).

I've fancied them. I'm very attracted to their accents of course, so posh.

I've had bubble and squeak too. I've had it all ... I love a fresh-baked Yorkshire pudding.

Attracted: Katy Perry recently split from Orlando Bloom / Dave Benett

Perry was on the show to announce her headline performance at this years Radio 1's Big Weekend in Hull and told Grimshaw that she is keen to visit the Yorkshire pudding factory.

Katy Perry's New Haircut - In pictures 1 /16 Katy Perry's New Haircut - In pictures Katy Perry/Instagram Katy Perry/Instagram Katy Perry/Instagram Katy Perry/Instagram Katy Perry/Instagram Katy Perry/Instagram Katy Perry/Instagram Katy Perry/Instagram Katy Perry/Instagram Katy Perry/Instagram Katy Perry/Instagram Katy Perry/Instagram

But she was less familiar with the citys chip spice conidement which she mistakenly took to be the name of a band.

She said: What's chip spice? Is that the name of the band? Touring with Little Mix and chip spice!



Martin Green, Director Hull UK City of Culture 2017 said: It's awesome that Katy Perry is headlining Saturday night at Radio 1's Big Weekend. A superstar addition to a sensational event, as well as to Hull 2017's fabulous music programme.

Little Mix and Kings of Leon will also perform at the festival which will be broadcast live on Radio 1.
S ir Patrick Stewart has revealed he uses marijuana daily to treat his arthritis.

The actor, known for his role as captain Jean-Luc Picard in the Star Trek TV series, takes the legally prescribed cannabis-based medication every day as a pain relief.

Stewart opened up about using the drug as he threw his support behind Oxford Universitys plans to launch a 10m research programme into the effects of medical marijuana.

The X-Men actor was first prescribed the medicene in Los Angeles after a doctor gave him a note which legally allows him to take it.

Seeking help: Sir Patrick Stewart with his wife Sunny Ozell / Pascal Le Segretain/Getty

Two years ago, in Los Angeles, I was examined by a doctor and given a note which gave me legal permission to purchase, from a registered outlet, cannabis-based products, which I was advised might help the ortho-arthritis in both my hands, he said.

This, it would seem, is a genetically-based condition. My mother had badly distorted and painful hands.

The actor, who sprays his fingers and particularly my thumb joints several times a day, said he believes it has significantly reduced the stiffness and pain.

Graham Norton Show - 24th February 2017 1 /18 Graham Norton Show - 24th February 2017 Hugh Jackman and Patrick Stewart on the Graham Norton Show So TV/PA Graham Norton, Hugh Jackman and Patrick Stewart on the Graham Norton Show So TV/PA Hugh Jackman, Sir Ian McKellen, Graham Norton, Patrick Stewart and James Blunt on the Graham Norton Show So TV/PA Sir Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart on the Graham Norton Show So TV/PA James Blunt performing on the Graham Norton Show So TV/PA Sir Ian McKellen, Patrick Stewart, and James Blunt on the Graham Norton Show So TV/PA James Blunt on the Graham Norton Show So TV/PA James Blunt performin on the Graham Norton Show So TV/PA Patrick Stewart on the Graham Norton Show So TV/PA Hugh Jackman on the Graham Norton Show So TV/PA Sir Ian McKellen on the Graham Norton Show So TV/PA Hugh Jackman and Patrick Stewart on the Graham Norton Show So TV/PA James Blunt on the Graham Norton Show So TV/PA Hugh Jackman, Sir Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewarton the Graham Norton Show So TV/PA

He continued: I have had no negative side effects from this treatment and the alternative would have been to continue taking NSAIDs, Advil, Aleve and Naproxen, which are known to be harsh on the liver and to cause acid reflux.

Speaking about the research programme, which will examine the role of cannabis medicines in the treatment of pain, cancer and inflammatory disease, he said: As a result of this experience, I enthusiastically support the Oxford University Cannabis Research Plan.

This is an important step forward for Britain in a field of research that has for too long been held back by prejudice, fear and ignorance. I believe this programme of research might result in benefits for people like myself as well as millions of others.
G rime star Stormzy said he is hell-bent on proving his worth because hes put his whole life into making music.

The London born star, 23, who recently topped the charts with his debut album Gang Signs & Prayer, released on his own label, #Merky, wants to show the world that he is a credible artist.

In an interview from behind the scenes on his shoot with photographer Rankins Hunger magazine, he said: Im hell-bent on proving my worth, proving that Im not little Stormzy from South London. Im an artist.

Ive put my whole body and my soul and life into it so now Im hell-bent on showing everyone Im a credible artist.

I feel like this body of work that Ive made will help me to complete this mission and show the world that Im ready.

Stormzy, real name Michael Omari, was nominated for best British breakthrough act at last months Brit Awards, where he performed with Ed Sheeran.

Credible artist: Stormzy posing for Hunger (Picture: Rankin, Stylist: Steve Westgarth ) / Picture: Rankin, Stylist: Steve Westgarth

He said he is thankful for the level of support from fans who have stuck with him despite not doing what he feels is expected of an artist.

If youve been a Stormzy supporter for a certain amount of time you would have been rooting for me off the back of a single here and there and that online content and I appreciate that a lot, he said.

Stormzy's secret Camden gig, in pictures 1 /6 Stormzy's secret Camden gig, in pictures

I havent done whats expected of an artist to do to get this level of support. I managed to tour the world, Ive had sold out shows, and I havent released an album or a body of work that my supporters can listen to and say I told you Stormzy was sick, listen to his album.

He also opened up about major record labels not knowing what to do with black artists.

Theres gonna be way more successful young black people coming through, he said.

So Im just here saying, Look you better get ready because theres hundreds of us, coming and we look like this and we dress like this and we talk like this and were here.

Cover star: Stormzy on the front of Hunger / Rankin and Steve Westgarth Stylist

The full interview appears in issue 12 of Hunger magazine, out next today. Visit hungertv.com.
W hile Apple and Samsung fans are often vocal about their chosen brand of smartphone, iPhone and Galaxy handsets have always had a similar look.

But Samsung could be about to totally change things up with their next handset.

The tech company are said to have designed a folding smartphone that offers users a two-in-one phone and tablet device.

A Samsung showcase video back in 2014 gave an indication of their aims for the concept.

Rather than working like a flip phone, the design is thought to open like a book or wallet into a wide screen.

The finished device  rumoured to be titled the Samsung Galaxy X  could receive an official reveal at the IFA technology trade show in Berlin this September.

12 years of Apple's iPhone 1 /18 12 years of Apple's iPhone Unveiled Steve Jobs with the first iPhone AFP/Getty Images iPhone The original iPhone

Screen size 3.5in, rear camera 2 megapixel PA iPhone 3G Screen size 3.5in, rear camera 2 megapixel AFP/Getty Images iPhone 4 Screen size 3.5in, rear camera 5 megapixel Getty Images iPhone 5 Screen size 4in, rear camera 8 megapixel Getty Images iPhone 6 Screen size 4.7in, rear camera 8 megapixel Getty Images iPhone 7 Screen size 4.7in, rear camera 12 megapixel PA iPhone 8 Extremely similar to the iPhone 7, but with a glass wireless charging back Justin Sullivan/Getty Images iPhone X The first full-screen iPhone, ditching the thick bezels and adding FaceID ELIJAH NOUVELAGE/AFP/Getty Images iPhone XS and XS Max The upgrade to 2017's iPhone X, with a new bigger Max version and two cameras on the back NOAH BERGER/AFP/Getty Images iPhone XR The "cheaper" iPhone with an LCD screen and only one rear camera NOAH BERGER/AFP/Getty Images iPhone 11 The upgrade to 2018's iPhone XR, the iPhone 11 kept the LCD screen and the bright array of colours as well as the more affordable price tag Lucy Young iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max With three rear camera lenses, Apple went all in on the camera tech with the iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max phones in 2019 Apple iPhone SE 2020 A surprise announcement, Apple released the follow up to iPhone SE in May 2020 with a very affordable 419 price tag Apple

Patent applications indicate that the foldable screen technology is now ready to be implemented  so we may be seeing the handset in the relatively near future.

LG are also thought to be working on similar folding screen tech.

Meanwhile, Apple are said to be unveil the iPhone Edition later this year, marking the tenth anniversary of their revolutionary mobile.
Charlotte Rampling and Jim Broadbent star in "The Sense of an Ending."
Share your opinion on this topic by sending a letter to the editor to tctvoice@madison.com. Include your full name, hometown and phone number. Your name and town will be published. The phone number is for verification purposes only. Please keep your letter to 250 words or less.
Over more than a decade, the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs transferred $55 million away from its largest veterans nursing home as it delayed facilities improvements, including failing to replace soiled carpeting for more than seven years, according to an audit of the home's finances released Friday.
Memories of a childhood pet that sometimes went hungry became the inspiration for a service that helps assure other pets dont face the same challenge.

Life crises like illness, accident or unemployment can often play havoc with a persons disposable income. Skippers Cupboard is ready to make sure their pets dont have to go without food.

In 2009, Becky Hale and partner Steve Morgheim wrote and illustrated a childrens book called The Soap Box Beagle, which they sold locally. After printing costs were paid, a small amount remained and they decided to use those monies to form a non-profit group to help animals.

I came from a family of five kids and our childhood dog was named Skipper, Hale said. He ate the few table scraps we had, so sometimes he went without food. We couldnt afford special food for animals in those days.

Skipper lived for 18 years, and Hale and Morgheim named their service in the dogs honor: Skippers Cupboard.

Since 2009, the service has delivered more than 90,000 pounds of animal food, made more than 4,300 deliveries and helped more than 500 pet owners. Their service area runs from Oshkosh to Fort Laramie, Wyoming, and from Chadron to Kimball. To date in 2017, theyve delivered about 1,200 pounds a month.

Morgheim said he delivers to the owners because people who fall into financial difficulties often dont have reliable transportation or the ability to pay for gas.

With the cost of everything going up, people might struggle the keep the lights on without the added expense of feeding their pets, Morgheim said. Were also seeing a lot of intergenerational homes as people move back in with their parents.

Although the Panhandle and eastern Wyoming is their primary service area, deliveries have also been made in eastern Nebraska.

A man who was living in his car in Grand Island was referred to Skippers Cupboard by the Department of Health and Human Services. People were telling him to get rid of his pets, but he told me his pets were the last two things who loved him, Morgheim said. How can you say no to that?

In another case, an elderly Omaha woman was left to care for her sons dog after his death. She learned about Skippers Cupboard from their Facebook page and made contact.

This woman couldnt afford her medicine, let alone funeral expenses, Morgheim said. I was heading to Omaha anyway, so I was happy to deliver some dog food.

With each year, more people are becoming aware of the service as Morgheim and Hale reach out to churches, service groups, law enforcement agencies, the Fire Fighters Ministry, area schools and many more.

Hale and Morgheim recently wrapped up their second fundraising event with Mitchell Elementary School. Called Puppy Love, students write stories about a dog, draw a picture, and collect dog food. Kids are given prizes and the winning class is treated to a pizza party.

I really love teaching the next generation the importance of keeping this kind of service going, Hale said. Animals are in need, but they dont have a voice so we need to step up and help.

In addition to delivering animal food, Hale and Morgheim head up a group of handypersons each year to build dog houses, which are donated to pet owners whose animals dont have shelter.

If people are struggling to feed their pets, theyre often struggling to feed themselves, Morgheim said. Were trying to nurture an environment where people help their neighbors, because I see a real hunger issue in our community.

Morgheim said that in addition to helping our four-footed friends, both of them have benefited from providing the service. Ive become a lot more grateful and a lot less judgmental. When I see what others are struggling with, I realize were truly blessed.

Skippers Cupboard is on Facebook and can be reached at 308-672-5015.
Two people face charges in Sheridan County after allegedly assaulting a pregnant woman.

Alyson Sitting Holy, 30, has been charged with second-degree assault of a pregnant woman, a Class II felony. Juel Sitting Holy Sr., faces charges of third-degree assault of a pregnant woman, a Class IIIA felony, and second-degree assault, a Class IIA felony.

According to an affidavit for an arrest warrant filed in Sheridan County Court, a deputy with the Sheridan County Sheriffs Department was called to a residence in Rushville at about 1:24 a.m. Monday.

Two residents had come to the front porch of the home and the home owner allowed the people to enter. The deputy made contact with a 21-year-old woman, who was described as bruised, bloody and dirty. The woman told the deputy that she had been thrown from a vehicle, allegedly by Alyson Sitting Holy. She alleged that Juel Sitting Holy Sr. repeatedly punched her before she was thrown from the vehicle.

A man was with the woman and had witnessed the altercation. Alyson Sitting Holy had a verbal altercation with the woman and they had stopped on a county road. During that altercation, they alleged, Juel Sitting Holy Sr. started punching the woman. The man had been left on the side of the road and about a half-mile away, the woman was allegedly pushed out of the vehicle.

The woman was transported to Gordon Memorial Hospital for treatment.

During the interview with the deputy, the man alleged that Juel Sitting Holy Sr. had large quantities of methamphetamine, marijuana and pills and also possessed an automatic rifle. He told the deputy that he believed Juel Sitting Holy Sr. to have been using methamphetamine.

Authorities, including the Nebraska State Patrol, obtained search and arrest warrants and Alyson Sitting Holy and Juel Sitting Holy Jr. were taken into custody. A search warrant return indicated that authorities found quantities of marijuana, drug paraphernalia and a pellet rifle and pistol. A SWAT team is said to have made the initial entry into the home.

Alyson and Joel Sitting Holy was scheduled to be arraigned on the assault charges Thursday morning.
The public is invited to attend the annual meeting of the Friends of the Library featuring music and storytelling by Dan Holtz. The meeting will be held Saturday, March 18 at 1:30 p.m. at the Lied Scottsbluff Public Library.

Holtz, recently retired English professor from Peru State College, will share music, songs and words of wisdom as he takes you on a journey through Nebraska from 1850  1904. Holtz has won countless awards and performed in countless places, including The Kennedy Center. This program entitled Nebraska Through Song and Story, tells the stories of the people who came to and through early Nebraska, the pioneers who crossed the overland trails, the settlers and the Native Americans.

In this program, songs featuring guitar and harmonica music will be interwoven with words from famous Nebraska authors: Willa Cather, John Neihardt, Mari Sandoz and Bess Streeter Aldrich. Nebraska Through Song and Story is sponsored by Humanities Nebraska and The Nebraska Cultural Endowments.

Refreshments will be served. There is no cost to attend.
Western Nebraska residents can celebrate St. Patricks Day in artful style with events at the West Nebraska Arts Center and Midwest Theater Friday.

The celebration kicks off at lunchtime at WNAC, 106 East 18th St. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., enjoy mock-Irish coffee, Irish soda bread and other refreshments. View the Ebb and Flow exhibit featuring work by Adam Brass and Tiffany Schank. Anyone who wears green or gold will get a special treat. For more information, call 308-632-2226.

For dinner, make reservations at The Emporium for a special St. Pattys Day meal of colcannon and corned beef, plus dessert. Call ahead at 308-632-6222 to secure your spot.

In the evening, attend the Colcannon concert at the Midwest Theater. This energetic Irish group will have you smiling and tapping your toes for sure. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 6:45 p.m., and adult beverages will be available at the concession stand. Tickets are $18 to $22 and are available by phone 308-632-4311, online at MidwestTheater.com and in person at the theater. Tickets may be available at the door, but purchasing ahead guarantees you a seat in the event of a sold-out show.

As a special Green and Gold membership promotion, anyone who joins both the West Nebraska Arts Center and the Midwest Theater as new members on March 17 will be entered in a drawing to win a pair of tickets to a WNAC fundraiser event and a pair of tickets to any Midwest Theater show currently on sale.
Wisconsins 45-year-old humanities council could vanish and programs designed to foster creative thinking in schoolchildren could be on the line if President Donald Trumps proposal to eliminate federal funding for the arts and humanities comes to fruition, local officials said Thursday.

Trumps proposed budget, released early Thursday, zeroes out funding for the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities. The Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a source of funding for Wisconsin Public Television and Wisconsin Public Radio, would also be done away with under the Trump plan.

Money from the NEA and NEH finds its way to Wisconsin to help fuel the states arts scene and enrich its cultural life.

Trump is the first president since the endowments were created in 1965 to call for their elimination, noted Dena Wortzel, executive director for the Wisconsin Humanities Council.

Ninety percent of our funding comes from the NEH. If the NEH is eliminated, the Wisconsin Humanities Council will cease to exist, she said.

The Wisconsin Humanities Council received $750,000 from the NEH this year. Much of those funds go toward seed funds for projects across the state, and can leverage often more than three times that amount in local funding, but really provide crucial support to get local projects off the ground, Wortzel said.

Recent programs have ranged from the Wisconsin Veterans Museums Talking Spirits program, where schoolchildren learn about Civil War history with the help of live costumed actors, to a recent collaboration with the Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts and Letters to showcase a revival of Wisconsin Oneida beadwork.

George Tzougros, executive director of the Wisconsin Arts Board, noted Trumps budget is only the beginning of the process.

Tzougros said to preserve federal arts funding, advocates must remind policymakers that elitism in the arts is a myth, and government funding actually makes the arts more accessible to all.

Were in the creative economy as we speak, he said. So, trying to remain the innovative leader of the world is going to be difficult when you take and really harm arts education, which is one of the places creativity exists.

The Wisconsin Arts Board received $817,600 from the NEA this year, a figure that is matched by the state. About $33,000 of that, or $66,000 with state dollars, goes out to schools, Tzougros said. But even more arts education comes from local arts groups  which are funded in part by the state arts board  and whose outreach efforts can help communities where school arts programs have been cut.

Like Wortzel, Tzougros noted federal grants can serve as a stamp of approval to draw more dollars. Money from the arts board will never be the major portion of anybodys budget, he said. But, as a symbol of having gone through a rigorous selection process, private dollars do flow.

Madison Opera general director Kathryn Smith said in a statement that the NEA support is very important to us, and the agencys block grant to the state helps fund programs such as the companys free Opera in the Park event, which draws some 16,000 people each summer.

Madison Opera also has received $72,500 from the NEA since 2013 to support specific productions. In that same period, Madison Symphony Orchestras Heartstrings program, which takes classical music to communities of people with special needs, has won $70,000 in NEA grants.

Opera for the Young, a program that goes into Madison-area schools, has received $77,000 directly from the NEA since 2013. Reedsburg-based Wormfarm, which created Sauk Countys annual Farm/Art D Tour and Fermentation Fest, has received $210,000 from the NEA since 2013 to launch and maintain its multiday celebration of rural culture.

Malcolm Brett, director of broadcasting and media innovations at UW-Extension, said he is concerned about the proposed elimination of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, but is optimistic that constituents will speak up to maintain funding.

UW-Extension and the Educational Communications Board both oversee Wisconsin Public Television and Wisconsin Public Radio.

Federal funding amounts to roughly 11 percent of the annual budget for WPR and WPT, which is significant, but there is a great deal of support from within the state for the organizations, according to Brett.

We have supporters across the state, he said. We have very good support from our donor base, we do a lot of local programming and our audiences respond to that. We are also fortunate to have state and university funding and good support from the corporate community.

Other stations across the country would be facing 20, 25 or even 40 percent budgetary losses if the federal funding was removed, Brett said.

In the past, when state budget cuts affected WPT and WPR, additional donations came in to keep the stations running  but only temporarily, he said.

Typically if we get a state budget cut there is an immediate, but temporary, uptick in giving, Brett said. People respond to the clear need, but its not a replacement.

He cited a recent survey done by PBS which concluded that 72 percent (of voters) feel that public television is excellent value for federal funding.

There was no survey cited in support of public radio, but Brett added that listeners are passionate. They listen many, many hours a week. Across Wisconsin almost half a million people listen to WPR a week.

If the budget elimination were to pass, Brett said he believes many stations nationwide would close up shop. But Wisconsins public radio and television operations would not.
Richard Moberly, interim dean of the University of Nebraska College of Law, was named the sole finalist for the permanent deans role Tuesday.

Moberly, who has been at NUs law college since 2004, became associate dean in 2011 and interim dean in 2016.

Among other awards at NU, Moberly has been voted the upperclass law students professor of the year twice and also won the law colleges award for distinguished teaching.

Besides teaching, Moberly is an active researcher in the fields of whistleblowing and the law of secrecy. He is a graduate of Harvard Law School.

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Executive Vice Chancellor Donde Plowman announced that Moberly is the only finalist following an internal search for a dean.

The public will have the chance to meet Moberly twice on March 27 at the law college. He will give a presentation from 4 to 4:45 p.m. in the colleges auditorium. A public reception will take place outside the law library from 4:45 to 5:30 p.m.

Law students that day may interact with him from 10 to 10:45 a.m. in the auditorium. College staffers will meet with him from 10:45 to 11:30 a.m. in room 131. And law faculty members can attend a forum from noon to 1 p.m. in room 124.
CHEYENNE  Prosecutors say a 31-year-old Wyoming Highway Patrol trooper stalked a woman while on duty in his patrol vehicle, according to the Casper Star-Tribune.

Robert D. King has been charged with felony stalking, felony property destruction and misdemeanor protection order violation.

King, who remains in custody, had his first court appearance on Wednesday. Magistrate Ericka Smith set King's bail at $5,000 cash.

King's attorney, Alan Harding of Laramie, indicated King will contest the charges.

Charging documents say a GPS system installed in King's patrol car shows that King constantly drove through the woman's neighborhood. They also accuse King of following the woman in his patrol car and keying a car outside her house.

Earlier this week, the Wyoming Highway Patrol said that King had been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation. King, a Cheyenne area WHP trooper since December of 2008, was placed on leave on Feb. 17 after the WHP was contacted by the Cheyenne Police Department and made aware of an investigation involving King, according to a press release from Lt. David Wagener of the Wyoming State Patrol.

It is standard Wyoming Highway Patrol policy to place an employee on leave when any WHP member is being investigated by an outside law enforcement agency.
Its the little things that count. Greatness is in the details. These wise words hold true in so many areas of life, from family to health to personal finance.

It also holds true for government finance. Here, the little things, those obscure accounts tucked away in Washingtons cobwebby corners, can swell into some very big, very bad things.

One such obscure account is the Judgment Fund.

The Judgment Fund is a little-known account within the U.S. Treasury Department. Created more than 60 years ago, its used to pay certain court judgments and settlements against the federal government. Most Americans have never heard of it. Though rarely seen in headlines, this one account pays out billions of taxpayer dollars each year.

This fund does not fall under Congresss annual appropriations process. That is, the Treasury Department has no binding reporting requirements. Money from the Judgment Fund is paid out with scant scrutiny, and theres no limit on how much money can flow from it.

In government, thats never a good thing.

In 2016, the Obama administration used the Judgment Fund to deliver $1.3 billion to Irans Central Bank. Ransom for American hostages was coordinated with this payment. The Obama administration also considered bailing out failing ObamaCare insurance companies with funds from this unlimited pot of money.

The lack of oversight of the Judgment Fund is bad enough. Abuse of hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars is even worse. In the case of the Iran deal, the Obama administration delivered cash to a regime that actively supports terrorist groups, some of which, like Hezbollah and Hamas, have killed Americans.

This is why I have reintroduced two bills to promote transparency of this fund and strengthen oversight of taxpayer dollars.

The first is the Judgment Fund Transparency Act. I first introduced this bill in the 113th Congress and then again with Colorado Senator Cory Gardner in 114th Congress. In 2016, we were successful in getting it passed in the Senate as part of the Energy Policy Modernization Act. Unfortunately, the Energy Bill did not reach a consensus with the House before the end of the last Congress.

We are bringing it back now.

The Judgment Fund Transparency Act would require a public accounting of taxpayer funds distributed to parties that bring successful claims against the federal government. Specifically, it would require the Treasury Department to post publicly the claimant, counsel, agency, fact summary, and payment amount for each claim from the Judgment Fund.

I have also joined my colleague from Oklahoma, Senator James Lankford, to reintroduce another bill: the Judgment Fund Transparency and Terrorism Financing Protection Act.

We first introduced this bill last year, after journalists discovered the murky money the Obama administration had paid to Iran. Our bill would require that information on payments for domestic or international court judgments be made public. Through this more tailored effort, we aim to prohibit taxpayer-fund payments to foreign nations that sponsor terrorism.

This was good policy in 2016; we are continuing these same efforts in the new Congress.

These bills call for an increase in transparency and oversight of the Judgment Fund. They would provide Members of Congress and hardworking Americans with the ability to see exactly how taxpayer dollars are being spent. With a new president and a new Congress, I am hopeful that these common-sense, open government measures can become law.

Congress has a responsibility to ensure citizens hard-earned dollars are used responsibly. With these bills, Congress has a chance to pay attention to the obscure, forgotten things in government. Like many so-called little things, they can become far bigger problems down the road.

Thank you for your participation in our democratic process. I look forward to visiting with you again next week.
Now we learn from Wiki-leaks the CIA can hack into all sorts of devices and make it look like the Russians did it. The Wiki-leaks dump is so damaging to American security that Julian Assange should be prosecuted. We also know that some people in our own government have leaked sensitive information and the leakers could be charged with treason. So it is obvious the American people have enemies both without and within.

Yet in spite of James Clappers report to the contrary, there are still many who believe that the Trump administration IS the enemy, believing that there was collusion between the Trump campaign and the Russians.

For those who still want to believe in the Russian connection, I commend to you the words of Senator Tom Cotton who serves on the Senate Intelligence Committee in an interview by Chris Wallace on Sunday, March 5:

For six weeks now Pres. Trump has appointed members to his Cabinet and they have made deliberate statements that have been tougher on Russia than anything Pres. Obama ever did. If you want to know what a pro-Russia policy would look like, Chris, here are some elements of it: you would slash defense spending, you would slow down our nuclear modernization, youd roll back missile defense systems, you would enter a one-sided nuclear arms control agreement, and you would try to do everything you could to stop oil and gas production. That was Barack Obamas policy for eight years. That is not Donald Trumps policy. None of those things are good for Russia that Donald Trump has proposed to do to roll back some of those Obama-era policies.

I can tell you based on things I do know that there are many inaccurate reports that have circulated in the media over the last several months. Maybe the most explosive story came from the New York Times about 3 weeks ago claiming that several known Trump associates were being investigated for repeated and extensive contacts with Russian intelligence officials, and . . . I would say to your viewers: you should not trust media reports based on anonymous sources. The one thing you can trust in those articles is the caveats that undermine the headlines and the lead paragraphs and in that very New York Times story, the third paragraph said there was no evidence so far of any such cooperation.

Meredith McClenahan

Gering
This page is archived. Data published after 5 April 2022 can be found on the renewed website. Go to the new statistics page

Published: 16 March 2017

General government debt relative to GDP was 63.6 per cent at the end of 2016

General government EDP debt, or consolidated gross debt at nominal prices, totalled EUR 136.1 billion at the end of 2016. Compared with the respective period of the year before, general government debt increased by a total of EUR 2.7 billion. These data derive from Statistics Finland's statistics on general government debt by quarter.

General government debt by quarter

According to the initial preliminary data, Finland's general government debt grew during 2016 by EUR 2.7 billion to EUR 136.1 billion. According to preliminary data, general government debt was 63.6 per cent relative to GDP at the end of 2016. During the year, central government debt increased by EUR 2.4 billion and the local government sector's debt by EUR 0.8 billion. In addition, social security funds debt decreased in total by EUR 0.8 billion due to improved financial position.

During the last quarter of 2016, general government debt grew by EUR 4.4 billion. Central government debt increased by EUR 3.4 billion and totalled EUR 115.8 billion at the end of the quarter. Central government debt grew in the last quarter mainly because the stock of bonds increased by EUR two billion and short-term debt securities by EUR 1.6 billion. During the last quarter, the local government sector's debt grew by EUR 1.2 billion and was EUR 19.6 billion at year end.

General government EDP debt describes general governments debt to other sectors of the national economy and to the rest of the world, and its development is influenced by changes in unconsolidated debt and internal general government debts. Consolidated general government gross debt is derived by deducting debts between units recorded under general government from unconsolidated gross debt. For this reason, general government debt is smaller than the combined debts of its sub-sectors.

In general government accounts, the European Financial Stability Facility EFSF is, based on Eurostat's decision, handled so that the EFSF's borrowing is recorded as part of the gross government debt of the countries that have provided guarantees, based on the share in the ECB's capital of each country participating in the support operations. At the end of 2016, Finland's general government debt includes EUR 3,401 million of debt granted by the EFSF to beneficiary countries. Corresponding treatment does not apply to the European Stability Mechanism (ESM).

The EDP debt of general government differs conceptionally to some extent in the case of central government, from the central government debt published by the State Treasury. Central government's EDP debt includes loans granted to beneficiary counties by the European Financial Stability Facility EFSF mentioned above, received cash collaterals related to derivative contracts, the capital of the Nuclear Waste Management Fund, debts generated from investments in central government's PPP (public-private partnership) projects, coins that are in circulation, and the deposits of the European Commission. In National Accounts, central government is also a broader concept than the budget and financial economy (http://www.stat.fi/meta/luokitukset/_linkki/julkisyhteisot.html). The valuation principle for both debt concepts is the nominal value, where the effect of currency swaps is taken into account.

The data are preliminary. The first data on general government deficit and debt to be reported to the European Commission will be published on 31 March 2017 in the statistics on General government deficit and debt. The data may become revised in that connection.

Source: General government debt by quarter, Statistics Finland

Inquiries: Timo Ristimaki 029 551 2324, Henna Laasonen 029 551 3303, rahoitus.tilinpito@stat.fi

Director in charge: Ville Vertanen

Publication in pdf-format (212.1 kB)

Updated 16.3.2017

Referencing instructions: Official Statistics of Finland (OSF): General government debt by quarter [e-publication].

ISSN=1799-8034. 4th quarter 2016. Helsinki: Statistics Finland [referred: 7.11.2022].

Access method: http://www.stat.fi/til/jyev/2016/04/jyev_2016_04_2017-03-16_tie_001_en.html
This page is archived. Data published after 5 April 2022 can be found on the renewed website. Go to the new statistics page

Published: 16 March 2017

Gross domestic product grew by 1.4 per cent last year

According to Statistics Finlands preliminary data, the volume of Finlands GDP grew by 1.4 per cent in 2016. The growth rate became slightly revised from the data published in early March (was 1.6 per cent). Last year, GDP that describes the output of the national economy stood at EUR 214 billion. National income describing the income of the national economy went up by 2.0 per cent in real terms.

Annual change in the volume of gross domestic product, per cent

The demand of the national economy went up by 1.7 per cent last year. The demand was raised in particular by investments and households' consumption expenditure. Investments were 5.2 per cent higher than one year previously. The volume of private consumption went up by two per cent and public consumption by 0.5 per cent. The volume of exports grew by 0.5 per cent and that of imports by 2.5 per cent.

Non-financial corporations' operating surplus describing profits from their actual operations grew by 3.4 per cent. Entrepreneurial income that describes the profit before payment of taxes and dividends also grew by 3.4 per cent. It is estimated that non-financial corporations paid around five per cent less dividends and eight per cent more direct taxes than in the year before. Non-financial corporations' financial position showed a surplus of EUR 8.2 billion.

The financial position of financial and insurance corporations showed a deficit of EUR 0.5 billion. Financial corporations interest income (financial intermediation services indirectly measured) remained unchanged and commission income increased by two per cent.

General government deficit 1.9 per cent of GDP

The financial position of general government, i.e. net lending, was in deficit for the eight successive year, EUR 4.1 billion. In the previous year, the deficit was EUR 5.7 billion. The deficit amounted to 1.9 per cent relative to GDP. Statistics Finland will publish the deficit and debt data to be reported to the European Commission on 31 March 2017. The deficit data published here may become revised in that connection.

General government surplus / deficit relative to GDP, per cent

The deficit of central government was EUR 5.9 billion, while one year before it was EUR 6.3 billion. One of the reasons for the contraction of the deficit was a 5.1 per cent growth in tax revenues. The deficit or net borrowing of local government (municipalities and joint municipal authorities, etc.) contracted to EUR one billion according to preliminary data, having been EUR 1.3 billion in the year before.

The surplus of employment pension funds decreased from EUR 2.7 billion to EUR 2.3 billion. The surplus was lowered by growth in paid pension benefits, while pension contributions remained almost unchanged. The surplus does not include holding gains in assets. Other social security funds showed a surplus of EUR 0.5 billion due to increased income from unemployment insurance contributions.

General government's share of the gross value added was 19.8 per cent in 2016, which is 0.6 percentage points lower than in 2015.

Households real income grew by 1.1 per cent

Households' adjusted real income grew by 0.7 per cent. Adjusted income also takes into consideration welfare services, i.e. the individual services that general government and organisations produce for households, such as educational, health and social services.

Wage and salary income grew by 1.6 per cent in nominal terms. Social security benefits went up by 2.1 per cent as the number of pensioners increased.

Direct taxes paid by households and compulsory social security contributions increased by 1.8 per cent. Final consumption expenditure grew by 2.7 per cent in nominal terms. Investments, mainly in dwellings, increased by as much as 12.2 per cent.

Source: National Accounts 2016, preliminary data. Statistics Finland

Inquiries: Tuomas Rothovius 029 551 3360, Pekka Tamminen 029 551 2460, kansantalous@stat.fi

Director in charge: Ville Vertanen

Publication in pdf-format (279.7 kB)

Updated 16.3.2017

Referencing instructions: Official Statistics of Finland (OSF): Annual national accounts [e-publication].

ISSN=1798-0623. 2016. Helsinki: Statistics Finland [referred: 7.11.2022].

Access method: http://www.stat.fi/til/vtp/2016/vtp_2016_2017-03-16_tie_001_en.html
The vexing challenge of how to pay for Wisconsins roads and bridges has a simple solution: Build less and prioritize more, new state Department of Transportation Secretary Dave Ross told lawmakers Thursday.

Its a spending problem, not a revenue problem, Ross said.

Ross, testifying to the state Senate Transportation committee, placed new emphasis on what he called a key contributor to excessive transportation spending: committing to build too many large highway expansion projects at once.

After Ross testimony, the committee voted on party lines, 3-2, with Democrats opposed, to forward Ross nomination as DOT secretary to a full Senate vote.

Ross testimony complements Gov. Scott Walkers no-new-tax stance heading into a potential transportation budget battle with Assembly Republicans. That fight could escalate in the coming months as Walker and lawmakers craft the states next two-year budget.

Minority Democrats on the committee pushed back during Thursdays hearing.

They said mounting transportation-borrowing costs and a growing backlog of highway projects mean an infusion of revenue  likely through a gas tax or vehicle registration fee increase  must be part of the solution. Some Republican lawmakers, including Assembly GOP leaders, also are open to such an increase.

We have a governor whos placing, in my own personal humble opinion, is placing his own re-election (ahead) of taking care of the crisis in our transportation system, said Sen. Tim Carpenter, D-Milwaukee.

Ross cited the list of major and mega state highway projects now underway  17 were listed on a report last month to the Transportation Projects Commission  as evidence of what he described as the DOT taking on more than it could handle.

He noted federal highway officials urged the DOT in a December letter to better prioritize projects, while voicing concern with the number of large-scale highway projects that have encountered construction delays.

But Ross suggested lawmakers werent entirely to blame for green lighting so many projects. He cited the findings of a recent state audit of the department, which showed it underestimated the cost of ongoing highway projects by a combined amount of more than $3 billion over a period of decades.

Without accurate cost estimates, weve put too much into the pipeline, Ross said. We decided to remodel our kitchen, our bathroom and our rec room all at the same time.

Ross did not cite examples of projects that should be removed from the departments building schedule.

Two major Dane County highway projects, expansions of Interstate 39-90 and Verona Road, would avoid delays under Walkers proposal for the states next transportation budget.

But future projects already are on the chopping block.

The department announced last month its scrapping a study of whether to expand or rebuild Interstates linking Madison to Wisconsin Dells.

Carpenter, a member of the Transportation Projects Commission, also dinged the department for quietly sidelining a pricey segment of the I-39-90 project.

The Wisconsin State Journal reported last month that the DOT, with little fanfare, had separated the Beltline interchange with I-39-90 from the larger 39-90 rebuild, of which it originally was part.

This information was given to the TPC; we voted on it and Oops! Half a billion dollars wasnt listed, Carpenter said.

The department later announced the interchange would cost $550 million to rebuild, bringing the total cost estimate for the project, as it originally was defined, to $1.75 billion. The latter figure compares to an initial estimate given to lawmakers in 2011, when the project was approved, of $715 million.

Ross told lawmakers in a report filed Wednesday that the $550 million Beltline interchange estimate is totally unacceptable and the department will re-evaluate it.
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.
A federal judge on Wednesday dismissed a lawsuit against investigators and former state officials involved in a now-halted secret investigation into Gov. Scott Walkers 2012 recall campaign, finding that they did not violate a conservative groups rights under a federal law that protects electronic communications.

U.S. District Judge William Conley ruled that the group of investigators properly obtained search warrants for emails from the John K. MacIver Institute as part of the lengthy John Doe investigation, which ended with a Wisconsin Supreme Court ruling in July 2015.

MacIver alleged in its lawsuit that the John Doe investigators had violated the federal Stored Communications Act.

Under the SCA, Conley wrote, there is no violation if electronic information is obtained after issuance of a warrant by a court of competent jurisdiction following proper legal procedures. Conley ruled that a judge in a state John Doe proceeding is such a court under the SCA.

J. Benton Hurst, one of the attorneys representing the MacIver Institute, said it is disappointed in the courts ruling and respectfully disagrees.

We intend to appeal the decision to the Seventh Circuit, Hurst said.

In August, MacIver filed a lawsuit seeking damages from special prosecutor Francis Schmitz, Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm, former Government Accountability Board director Kevin Kennedy and members of their staffs.

An earlier John Doe probe resulted in six criminal convictions of Walker aides for crimes that included using public resources for campaign purposes. The MacIver lawsuit related to a second John Doe investigation, relating to alleged illegal coordination between Walkers recall campaign and so-called issue advocacy groups.

Lawyers for MacIver argued that a John Doe judge is not a court of competent jurisdiction under the SCA, which they said limits the types of judges who meet that definition.

Conley disagreed, finding that a 2009 amendment to the SCA broadened the range of judges who fit the definition. In this case, he said, the John Doe judge is a neutral, independent judicial officer authorized by Wisconsin law to issue warrants for electronic information only upon a showing of probable cause, with experience in constitutional principles underlying search warrants and criminal investigations. Warrants issued by the judge are, Conley said, issued by a court of competent jurisdiction under the SCA.

Even if the John Doe judge, who at that point was Reserve Judge Barbara Kluka, didnt fit the definition, Conley wrote, the investigators and state officials are entitled to the SCAs good faith defense, and also likely would have been entitled to qualified immunity from lawsuits under the SCA.

Conley also wrote that because the state Supreme Court has closed the John Doe investigation, theres no likelihood that information that was obtained would be used in the future, limiting damages to which MacIver was entitled.
Charges of running a house of prostitution advanced Wednesday against the owners of the Rising Sun bathhouse, but a judge who allowed the case to go forward said she has concerns about whether charges were filed soon enough.

Dane County Circuit Judge Josann Reynolds said that there was probable cause to send the case against Charles Prindiville and his former wife, Catherine Prindiville, to trial.

Reynolds made the ruling following a preliminary hearing, which came five months after the two were charged, along with their accountant, Donald Goodweiler, with conspiracy to keep a place of prostitution.

Goodweiler, 69, had previously waived his right to a preliminary hearing.

But Reynolds agreed to an extent with Catherine Prindivilles lawyer, Jonas Bednarek, that the case might not survive a challenge under a six-year statute of limitations. The criminal complaint, filed Oct. 17, discusses conduct at the Rising Sun, 117 W. Main St., which is alleged between Feb. 1, 2003 and Oct. 20, 2010.

Bednarek said he agreed that there was enough evidence to establish probable cause, but said prosecutors havent proven that Catherine Prindiville, 56, committed a criminal act within six years of the date the complaint was filed.

Its a real issue, Reynolds agreed, but said its one thats properly handled by the trial court. That will be Circuit Judge Clayton Kawski, who is leaving in July, or his successor, yet to be elected.

Charles Giesen, lawyer for Charles Prindiville, 64, argued that the complaint didnt have the Prindivilles and Goodweiler talking with one another about anything, constituting a conspiracy to commit a crime. Reynolds said, however, that jury instructions for conspiracy dont even require that they knew one another.

The police investigation into the Rising Sun began on Oct. 20, 2010, when police raided the bathhouse and the Middleton home that the Prindivilles shared at the time.

The long-running investigation was turned over to the Dane County District Attorneys Office on July 25, 2013, Deputy District Attorney Matthew Moeser said.

A 17-page criminal complaint alleges that customers of the Rising Sun paid money for sex acts that ran the gamut from touching and fondling to intercourse.
CHICAGO  Agriculture leaders including lawmakers from President Donald Trump's Republican Party on Thursday criticized his planned 21 percent cut to discretionary spending at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), saying it could take a toll on the rural communities that helped elect him last November.

Trump has proposed slashing the USDA's discretionary budget by $4.7 billion to $17.9 billion by halting funding for rural clean water initiatives and rural business services, reducing some USDA statistical services and cutting county-level staff.

The president has already vowed to alter trade deals that have largely boosted farm incomes and targeted health care policies that have particularly benefited the rural poor.

"America's farmers and ranchers are struggling, and we need to be extremely careful not to exacerbate these conditions," said House Agriculture Committee Chairman Michael Conaway. Farm incomes are down 50 percent from four years ago, he added.

Opposition is already building in Congress.

"I strongly oppose the Trump administration's proposed budget cuts to programs that are critical to farmers, ranchers and families in small towns across America," Debbie Stabenow, ranking member of the Senate Agriculture Committee.

The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), the country's largest organization representing farmers, said county-level USDA staffing cuts and reduced statistical services could hurt members.

"A lot of farmers and growers rely on USDA's statistical capabilities to make a lot of marketing and risk management decisions and planting decisions," said John Newton, AFBF director of market intelligence.

The proposal did not give details of which services could be cut.

Trump's blueprint aims to save $498 million by eliminating a program that helps fund clean water and sewer systems in small communities.

The budget proposal would also eliminate a food aid program, which had $182 million in funding earmarked for fiscal 2017. Its planned $6.2 billion for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children is about $150 million less than fiscal 2016. Under former President Barack Obama, the program was reduced by $273 million between fiscal 2015 and 2016.

The plans for USDA spending were part of Trump's budget blueprint, a broad outline of spending proposals for the fiscal year ahead.

It does not cover "mandatory" spending established by law, like farm subsidies, only "discretionary" programs where lawmakers can adjust spending.

The White House has said it plans to release a traditional full budget in mid-May.

The USDA oversees agriculture, rural communities and nutritional programs, including funding for school lunches. The agency also publishes closely watched global farming production statistics.

Additional reporting by Jo Winterbottom in Chicago.
Community groups describe as groundbreaking a new community benefits agreement with Enterprise Bank and Trust that commits to lending hundreds of millions of dollars in low-income areas.

This is a completely voluntary agreement, and Enterprise Bank approached us wanting to craft a community benefits agreement, said Jackie Hutchinson, co-chair of the St. Louis Equal Housing and Community Reinvestment Alliance, in an announcement of the agreement Thursday. It will change the landscape of our community if we all work together.

Its the largest community benefits agreement that SLEHCRA, a coalition of consumer advocacy and community groups, has been a party to, said Elisabeth Risch, who co-chairs the alliance with Hutchinson.

The volume of it is pretty significant, Risch said.

The agreement commits Clayton-based Enterprise Bank to $30 million in annual home loans to low- and moderate-income borrowers for the next three years in both the St. Louis and Kansas City areas. Its also the first time the Community Reinvestment Alliance has brokered a deal that covers the states two biggest metropolitan areas.

Enterprise Bank has also agreed to lend $15 million annually to minority homebuyers in St. Louis and $9 million in Kansas City during the three-year agreement and $60 million a year to small businesses in low- and moderate-income areas of the two metro areas.

In addition, Enterprise says it will keep 10 percent of its assets as community development loans, which Risch said put the value of the total agreement at about $1.8 billion over three years. Enterprise has about $5 billion in assets now.

Enterprise also plans to open two new service locations in low-income areas. Robyn Heidger, Enterprise Banks senior vice president of diversity and inclusion, said the bank was eyeing Old North St. Louis for one of them.

She also touted smaller programs in the agreement. A $500,000 microloan fund for small business lending in St. Louis minority neighborhoods is something the citys economic development arm had been pushing. And Heidger said that $120,000 committed to bank-sponsored savings account matches could help low-income customers buy a new car to get to a new job.

As much as we all focus on homeownership  theres other ways for us to increase wealth, she said.

The agreement comes as Enterprise Bank parent Enterprise Financial Services Corp. completes its acquisition of Eagle Bank. The purchase turns Eagles 13 St. Louis-area locations into Enterprise branches and is Enterprises largest acquisition since its 1988 founding.

Bank acquisitions trigger a regulatory review under the Community Reinvestment Act, and community benefit agreements can help win over regulators.

Eagle Bank had entered an agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice in 2015 to settle accusations of redlining  a practice that involves a lenders purposefully avoiding certain areas based on demographics. It agreed to set aside $1 million for lending in those neighborhoods and to open two branches serving African-American majority neighborhoods. It opened a new branch on Lindell Boulevard and a loan production facility near Ferguson.

In 2011, Enterprise Bank entered into a far smaller, $3 million community benefit agreement after the Metropolitan St. Louis Equal Housing and Opportunity Council filed a complaint against it with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development the year before.

Also Thursday, St. Louiss economic development agency, the St. Louis Development Corp., approved using $13 million of its recent $75 million award of New Markets Tax Credits to create a revolving loan fund with Enterprise Bank and Advantage Capital Partners. Enterprise officials said they hoped to use it to help meet their commitments in the agreement.
A Dane County Jail inmate is missing after he did not return to the Madison facility Wednesday evening, the Dane County Sheriff's Office said.

Allan S. Brown, 46, left the jail around 7:05 a.m. to go to work, but he did not return by his scheduled time of 7:15 p.m., the sheriff's office said. Under Brown's sentence, he is allowed to leave the jail for work purposes with an approved employer, according to sheriff's office.

Brown is a 5-foot-10 black male weighing 185 pounds with brown eyes and black hair, the sheriff's office said. He was last wearing black work books, black pants, a navy blue coat and a blue stocking cap, the sheriff's office said.

He currently has a full gray beard, the sheriff's office said.

Brown, of Madison, is serving a probation sentence for false imprisonment, according the sheriff's office. Anyone with information on his location is asked to call 911.
FRIDAY

Aries Spears

When 7:30 and 10 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 7:30 p.m. Sunday  Where Helium Comedy Club, St. Louis Galleria, 1151 St. Louis Galleria Street, Richmond Heights  How much $23-$25  More info heliumcomedy.com

MADtv was only one of the beginning points for comedian Aries Spears. He also was seen on Russell Simmons Def Comedy Jam and Showtime at the Apollo, and hes still keeping the laughs coming. His impressions of Al Pacino, Eddie Murphy and James Brown remain memorable. By Kevin C. Johnson

Defying Gravity and Social Injustice

When 7-9 p.m. Friday  Where .ZACK Performing Arts Incubator, 3224 Locust Street  How much $75  More info circusharmony.org

Circus artists and jazz musicians will perform in a special show called Defying Gravity and Social Injustice: A Tribute to Nat Hentoff. Hentoff, the father of Circus Harmony director Jessica Hentoff, died Jan. 7 at age 91. Nat Hentoff was an author and journalist who was a champion for jazz, civil rights and education. For 50 years, he was a columnist for the Village Voice, New Yorks newsweekly. Jazz icon Duke Ellington once described Hentoff as beyond category. By Valerie Schremp Hahn

Ancient Order of Hibernians St. Patricks Day Parade

When 12:30 p.m. Friday; outdoor Irish Festival follows the parade until 6 p.m.  Where Tamm Avenue, from Oakland to Manchester avenues  How much Free  More info stlhibernians.com

The Hibernians have modeled their parade on the ones held for hundreds of years in Ireland, where revelers march through the town to the local Catholic church. In Dogtown, our citys traditionally Irish neighborhood, that means St. James the Greater. The parade, which is always held on St. Patricks actual feast day, snakes past St. James as it makes its way along Tamm Avenue from Oakland to Manchester avenues. Fridays parade will be led by the family of James Dailey Wahl, who died of leukemia in December. Wahl, a St. Louis Municipal Court judge, was a parade organizer and the founder of the Hibernians Hoses, Handcuffs and Hardhats fundraiser to honor first responders and labor leaders. By Colleen Schrappen

Million Dollar Quartet

When 8 p.m. Friday, through April 9  Where Browning Mainstage, Loretto-Hilton Center, 130 Edgar Road, Webster Groves  How much $28-$91.50  More info 314-968-4925; repstl.org

One night in 1956, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins played an impromptu jam session at Sun Studios in Memphis, Tenn., the place where they all got their start. Reimagining that legendary night, Million Dollar Quartet comes packed with hits including Hound Dog, Folsom Prison Blues, Great Balls of Fire, Blue Suede Shoes and many others. Hunter Foster directs. By Judith Newmark

Raiders of the Lost Ark

When 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday  Where Powell Symphony Hall, 718 North Grand Boulevard  How much $35-$69  More info 314-534-1700; stlsymphony.org

How can you not love a movie that turns an archaeologist into an action hero? John Williams score is surely a big part of the appeal of Steven Spielbergs epic Raiders of the Lost Ark, too. This weekend, you can hear the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra perform that score live, as Powell Hall returns to its movie-palace roots. Scott Terrell conducts. By Sarah Bryan Miller

SATURDAY

Andrew McMahon, Atlas Genius, Night Riots

When 7:30 p.m. Saturday and Monday  Where Delmar Hall, 6133 Delmar Boulevard  How much Sold out  More info ticketmaster.com

Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness is making up for what was one heck of a disappointing night last summer when its show with Panic! At the Disco and Weezer was rained out at Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre. The band, which was able to perform before the storm hit, is back with two sold-out concerts at Delmar Hall. Its latest release is Zombies on Broadway. I wrote this album in the middle of a whirlwind, when the future was unclear, McMahon says. I found my way to the city, thinking I could settle a score with a ghost. You cant, so I came home and rewrote the ending. By Kevin C. Johnson

John Williams: The Sequel!

When 8 p.m. Saturday  Where 560 Music Center, 560 Trinity Avenue  How much Free; donations accepted  More info bandtogetherstl.com

Dunnn-dunnn. Dunnnn-dunnnn. Dun-dun, dun-dun, DUN-DUN, DUN-DUN. If you recognized that line, youre bound to enjoy this John Williams-themed concert and color guard performance featuring classic music from Jaws, Star Wars, Harry Potter and Indiana Jones. The concert is a 20th anniversary celebration for BandTogether, St. Louis gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and ally-friendly performance group. After the show, there will be an audience reception with a display of photos from the groups history. By Valerie Schremp Hahn

Re-enactor and Military Collectors Show and Swap Meet

When 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday  Where Pavilion at Lemay in Jefferson Barracks Park, 305 Gregg Road  How much $3  More info 314-615-8800

Looking for a leather muzzle cover for that special someone? Running low on combat helmets? Or do you simply like to browse? Re-enactors and memorabilia collectors from around the area will have collectibles from the Revolutionary War to World War II. The event is sponsored by the Friends of Jefferson Barracks. By Valerie Schremp Hahn

SUNDAY

Dinosaur Jr., Easy Action

When 8 p.m. Sunday  Where Delmar Hall, 6133 Delmar Boulevard  How much Sold out  More info ticketmaster.com

Rock band Dinosaur Jr. is back with Give a Glimpse of What Yer Not. Most of the tracks were helmed by J Mascis painstaking idiosyncrasies and ripping guitar solos, paired with Lou Barlows own mercurial sensibilities and Murph hammering on the drums, the band says in a statement. Just goes to show theres no need to deviate from the norm once the norm becomes legendary. By Kevin C. Johnson

MONDAY

St. Louis Theater Circle Awards

When 7 p.m. Monday; buffet meal at 5:30 p.m.  Where Skip Viragh Center for the Arts, Chaminade College Preparatory School, 425 South Lindbergh Boulevard  How much $15; $25 for dinner-and-drink package  More info brownpapertickets.com; to RSVP for the buffet, call 636-529-1664 or visit withlovecatering.com

Now in its fifth year, the St. Louis Theater Circle Awards presentation feels like a big cast party  a party thats open to everyone who enjoys plays, musicals and operas. The Theater Circle, an organization of critics, gives the awards to honor outstanding professional work by actors, designers, directors and writers created in and for St. Louis. (In other words, everything but touring shows.) This year, for the first time, the awards are sponsored by the Post-Dispatch. Tickets for a preshow buffet may be reserved until noon Sunday; tickets for the show will be available at the door (cash or check only). Theres no reserved seating. By Judith Newmark

TUESDAY

Motown the Musical

When 7:30 p.m. Tuesday; running through March 26  Where Fox Theatre, 527 North Grand Boulevard  How much $25-$95  More info 314-534-1111; metrotix.com

This celebration of an urban American sound that everybody came to love traces the career of Motown founder Berry Gordy, who started as a featherweight boxer but became a heavyweight music mogul. Gordy launched the careers of Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Smokey Robinson and many others. The show includes many of their chart-topping songs, from My Girl and Aint No Mountain High Enough to Youve Really Got a Hold on Me and Dancing in the Street. By Judith Newmark

WEDNESDAY

Mean Street, Three Lock Box

When 7 p.m. Wednesday  Where Family Arena, 2002 Arena Parkway, St. Charles  How much $10  More info metrotix.com

One thing rock fans likely wont see is Van Halen and Sammy Hagar on the same bill  until theyre part of a Van Halen and Sammy Hagar tribute act. And thats where Mean Street: A Tribute to Van Halen and Three Lock Box: A Tribute to Sammy Hagar come in. Rock on, guys. By Kevin C. Johnson

THURSDAY

The Imagery of Chess

When Reception 6-8 p.m. Thursday; on view through Sept. 24  Where World Chess Hall of Fame, 4652 Maryland Avenue  How much Free  More info worldchesshof.org

An exhibition at the World Chess Hall of Fame features work celebrating chess (of course) by 20 local artists, writers, designers, musicians and composers. This year marks the fifth anniversary for the WCHOF. By Valerie Schremp Hahn

An Evening With Gaelic Storm

When 8 p.m. Thursday  Where Sheldon Concert Hall & Art Galleries, 3648 Washington Boulevard  How much $30-$35  More info metrotix.com

Celtic band Gaelic Storms latest album is Matching Sweaters, which mixes traditional Irish music with modern influences. Were a touring band; thats how this band works, percussionist Ryan Lacey says in a statement. Matching Sweaters is one of the most complete albums weve done so far, because it taps into every facet of our live show. By Kevin C. Johnson

Fast forward

QFest, March 29-April 2 at .ZACK Performing Arts Incubator: Cinema St. Louis screens a selection of films that spotlight the lives of LGBTQ people

The Illusionists, March 31-April 2 at the Fox Theatre: Called Magics Cirque du Soleil by the Times of London, this show promises to dazzle audiences of all ages

Art Fair at Queeny Park, March 31-April 2 at Queeny Park: Work by 135 artists  along with wine tastings, live music and activities for kids  is part of this events 40th outing
For St. Patricks Day, lets lift a pint of Harp to Irish television.

If youve visited Ireland, youve probably seen episodes of chat shows and Irish versions of reality competitions like Dancing With the Stars. As in countries around the world, American series like Greys Anatomy are popular.

And, of course, shows from England also air in Ireland. Northern Ireland (part of the United Kingdom, unlike the Republic of Ireland) even has its own BBC.

But film and television production is booming in Ireland, boosted by dazzling and versatile scenery, a growing economy, state-of-the art studios and generous tax credits.

The History Channels Vikings shoots in Ireland; so did Showtimes The Tudors and Penny Dreadful. HBOs Game of Thrones calls Belfasts Titanic Studios home, with other locations scattered around the island and abroad. (Castle Ward in County Down is, or was, Winterfell.)

So many movies shoot in Ireland that the Irish make a game of spotting landmarks like the Cliffs of Moher standing in for other locations. And the Scots probably would rather you dont know that Braveheart, about a hero of 13th-century Scotland, was actually filmed mostly in Ireland.

Irish television doesnt find its way to the United States as often as British TV does, mostly due to the BBCs partnership with Masterpiece.

That inequity seems to be changing, though, thanks to the growth in streaming networks with a voracious appetite for programming. Irish shows like Moone Boy (Hulu) and Gillian Andersons Irish-English The Fall (Netflix) are already available to stream.

Amazon has The Ambassador, a drama about Englands new ambassador to Ireland, and the documentary 1916: The Irish Rebellion. Theres also a historical drama, Rebellion, about the same pivotal event, and its on Netflix.

New to streaming is BritBox, which promises to bring 2,000 hours of television from the United Kingdom to U.S. audiences for $6.99 a month. Anyone who has seen Ballykissangel, the drama about an English priest in Ireland that aired on PBS in the 1990s, will squeal with delight to learn that BritBox has all six seasons. (Although, admittedly, only the first three seasons were really worth squealing about.)

Acorn TV, the best bargain in streaming networks ($4.99 a month or $49 a year), specializes in television from the British Isles, Australia and New Zealand and also offers other international programs.

There youll find, as of March 27, three new Jack Taylor movies based on crime novels by Ken Bruen. (Season 1 of Jack Taylor is already on Netflix.)

Iain Glen, who plays Jorah Mormont on Game of Thrones, stars as Taylor, a former Irish garda (thats a cop) who is sacked for punching a politician and turns private eye. The setting is Galway, and Glen (a Scot!) is flawless as the gruff, hard-drinking detective.

But first, arriving Friday on Acorn, is the engaging Striking Out, a four-episode legal drama starring Amy Huberman as Tara Rafferty, a Dublin lawyer whos about to marry a partner in her big, successful firm when she catches him in an act of flagrant infidelity.

Its a deal breaker, and by morning, Tara shows up at the office, grabs her case files and leaves, with no idea of where shes going or what she plans to do.

Resourcefulness and serendipity kick in, though, and Tara finds new allies, including Ray (Emmet Byrne), a client who pitches in enough to become her assistant, and investigator Meg (Fiona OShaughnessy). Rory Keenan is the ex-fiance, Eric, who wants her back.

The outline of Striking Out is familiar enough that it might sound like an American show, probably airing Thursday nights on ABC. But there is nothing cliched about either the execution or the performances.

Hoping for scenery of the Emerald Isle? Hold on through the first episode for some dramatic coastal views.

Beyond the beauty shots, though, are the delightful Irish accents. While U.K. accents can sometimes be impenetrable for Americans, Irish accents seem much more understandable and even more charming.

All this makes Striking Out as tasty as warm soda bread with a pat of Kerrygold.

What Striking Out  Three stars out of four  When Friday  Where Acorn TV  More info acorn.TV
ST. LOUIS  On March 17, 1820, a small band of Irish settlers gathered to praise St. Patrick. Everyone raised a glass for a toast:

"May the present day form a part of the last year of Irish thralldom."

Thralldom is an old word for enslavement, used to curse British domination of the home island. Fourteen more formal toasts were made, the Missouri Gazette reported, followed by additional "volunteer" expressions.

Toasting was by the Erin Benevolent Society, which usually met in the home of its president, Jeremiah Connor, at Second and Pine streets. It was the first recorded observance of St. Patrick's Day here, although sparse accounts disagree whether a parade was included. The Irish then were a small part of the city's 4,400 souls. Marching came later.

Meanwhile, they'd assemble as excuses arose. On the saint's day in 1827, they met on the landing to toast the arriving steamboat Shamrock. Two decades later, migration of 8,000 refugees from Ireland's potato blight gave St. Louis a significant Gaelic lilt. By 1878, a Post-Dispatch story on St. Patrick's Day plans said the annual parade would follow "custom."

For much of the 20th century, the day's central event was solemn high Mass at St. Patrick's Church, 1201 North Sixth Street, on downtown's edge. For 38 years, the heart of the parish was the Rev. Timothy Dempsey, a strenuous shepherd to his flock. Father Dempsey founded soup kitchens and lodging for the poor, mediated labor strikes and gang feuds and established charities (a residence for troubled men at 3427 Washington Avenue still bears his name). During the Depression, the big Mass was followed by meals for the poor. He died in 1936.

Back then, the Irish had their St. Pat's fun inside hotel ballrooms and dance halls. The Corned Beef and Cabbage Club, founded in 1920, held dinners big enough to draw major politicians. The Irish-American Club danced at the Emerald Hall, Taylor and Easton (Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard) avenues. The Ancient Order of Hibernians mobbed their hall at 3619 Finney Avenue.

After World War II, the suburb of St. Ann hosted St. Pat's parades. But it was Joseph B. McGlynn Jr. who took marching into the big time.

In 1970, McGlynn and friends established a parade downtown. Their coup was luring Irish Prime Minister Jack Lynch as grand marshal of the second year's strut. Lynch called the parade "very impressive." It has ever been so.

In 1984, local Hibernians had a tiff with the downtown parade board and began their own, now held annually in Dogtown. With the schism nearly forgotten, both events are huge draws.

Read more stories from Tim O'Neil's Look Back series.
Two people were arrested Wednesday at their Footville home in Rock County after authorities executed a search warrant and found a working methamphetamine operation.

Jamie Shaw, 43, and Trisha Malmquist, 37, were taken into custody to the Rock County Jail, both facing multiple tentative charges, the Sheriff's Office said.

Those charges include manufacturing of methamphetamine, knowingly possessing methamphetamine waste, maintaining a drug dwelling, possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The Sheriff's Office SWAT team and Special Investigations unit, along with the clandestine lab team from the state Division of Criminal Investigation, executed a search warrant at 309 Centre St. in Footville, following an investigation into the making of meth at that residence.

Numerous items associated with making methamphetamine were found, along with the finished product, the Sheriff's Office said.
ST. LOUIS  Jury selection in the capital murder retrial of Reginald Clemons, 45, charged in the 1991 killings of two sisters on the Chain of Rocks Bridge, has been set for Aug. 14.

As required by law, the 12 jurors and two alternates will be sequestered during Clemons death penalty murder trial in St. Louis Circuit Judge Rex Burlisons courtroom. The trial is expected to take up to two weeks. Burlison said Wednesday that he planned to summon 120 prospective jurors to take qualification questionnaires Aug. 1 and 3. Opening statements are scheduled for Aug. 21.

Sisters Julie Kerry, 20, and Robin Kerry, 19, were killed on the closed Chain of Rocks Bridge in April 1991. Authorities have said Clemons was among four men who encountered the Kerry sisters and their cousin on the bridge, attacked them and forced them to jump into the Mississippi River. The women died; their cousin lived.

Clemons was convicted in the killings in 1993 but the Missouri Supreme Court overturned that conviction in November 2015 and sent the matter back to circuit court.

Rape and robbery charges refiled last year are expected to be tried after the murder trial in August. Clemons public defender, Charles Moreland, asked Burlison Wednesday to dismiss the rape and robbery charges, arguing that it is double jeopardy to retry Clemons once a jury was sworn in Clemons first trial in 1993.

The St. Louis Circuit Attorneys Office relinquished the case to the Missouri Attorney Generals Office in December, citing limited resources and expected staff turnover after a new prosecutor took over.

Christine Krug, who recently left the St. Louis Circuit Attorneys Office to work for the attorney general, is prosecuting the case. She disagreed with Moreland in court Wednesday, saying the law at the time required a first-degree murder charge and other crimes to be tried separately and that the statute of limitations on rape and robbery had not expired when charges were refiled last year.

Burlison took Clemons motion under advisement Wednesday.
A family tragedy unfolded Thursday in a series of dramas in Glen Carbon and Highland: a deadly house fire, an infant saved from a sinking SUV, a body recovered in a lake.

A woman's body was pulled from the lake. The body was later identified as Cristy L. Campbell, 32, of Dogwood Lane in Glen Carbon. She was the mother of the infant.

A body found in the Glen Carbon house was a man, a source said.

The baby boy was taken to a St. Louis hospital for treatment after being pulled from the SUV in Silver Lake around 6 a.m. He was expected to make a full recovery and to be released Friday, Madison County Sheriff John Lakin said at a news conference Thursday afternoon.

"Fortunately there is something good that can come of this," Lakin said of the child's survival.

Authorities were notified about 5:15 a.m. that a house on Dogwood Lane in Glen Carbon was burning. Six children who were in the house when the fire began escaped. Some of those children ran to a nearby Wal-Mart to call 911, said Glen Carbon Police Lt. Wayne White.

The caller said there was a possible victim inside, White said, but the house was fully involved and firefighters could not safely enter until they had put the fire out. The body was removed midafternoon Thursday. An autopsy will be done.

A surveillance video obtained from a neighbor shows an SUV's headlights switching on in the driveway of the house about 4:50 a.m. Several minutes later, the SUV backs out of the driveway. About 3 minutes later, a reflection from the flames of the burning house can be seen on the side of a nearby house. Four children run across the street, heading in the direction of Wal-Mart. The smallest child is carrying a blanket.

Around 5:30 a.m. about 16 miles east of the Glen Carbon house, a 911 caller notified the Madison County Sheriff's Office that a vehicle had driven into Silver Lake, off Route 143. Highland EMS made it to the lake first and paramedic Todd Zobrist rushed into the cold water and searched the vehicle.

Lakin lauded Zobrist as a "hero," saying he swam out 50 to 75 feet into the lake, did a sweep of the car and found the three-month-old baby floating inside the vehicle with about six or eight inches of air space.

The baby was lifeless when Zobrist pulled him from the SUV and Zobrist began CPR on the roof of the vehicle, which was partly submerged, Lakin said. The infant was rushed to a St. Louis hospital.

At the same time, authorities launched a boat to search for the driver. They issued a plea for the public's help in finding Cristy Lynn Campbell, a "person of interest."

Cristy Campbell's body was found around 11:15 a.m. about 400 feet from where the vehicle went into the water, Lakin said. It was pulled from the lake around 1:15 p.m.

A gun was found inside the SUV, a source said.

Cristy Campbell was divorced in Madison County in 2012 from Justin Campbell, according to court records. She identifies Justin Campbell on Facebook as being the father of her children. The divorce was granted by default when he failed to appear in court. Cristy Campbell was awarded custody of the children.

Cristy Campbell has published photos of herself with seven children, including a baby boy, Julian, born in December. The four boys and two girls range in age from 4 to 14.

A neighbor, Sherry Ricker, said she believed that Justin Campbell was living at the house, a split level on a street of well kept ranch and two-story houses. She said the family was always busy because the kids were involved in a variety of activities, and that the house was filled with trophies.

She said she saw Cristy Campbell and held the baby three days ago. "She was happier than I had seen her in a long time," Ricker said.

All seven children, "to include the infant child rescued from the submerged vehicle," are accounted for and safe, the Madison County Sheriff's Office said in a press release. They are with family members, Lakin said.

Court records point to a tumultuous relationship between Cristy and Justin Campbell.

In 2005, Justin Campbell was charged with domestic abuse. Prosecutors said he caused bodily harm to Cristy Campbell, then known as Cristy L. Brueggemann, by slapping her in the head when she was 16 weeks pregnant. He was sentenced in March 2006 to a year of probation and fined $500.

The couple, who by this time had three children, was married on Nov. 3, 2006, at the Madison County Court House.

Justin Campbell's probation was revoked when he failed to pay on time and appear in court, and he was arrested in October 2007. The case was closed again in December 2007.

In 2010, Cristy Campbell sued her husband for divorce, but withdrew the suit.

On April 24, 2012, she alleged abuse again.

"He has choked me, he has pushed me several times, he has slapped me in my head, he has pushed me into bricks, she wrote.

A judge granted an emergency order of protection on April 25, 2012, and Cristy Campbell sued again for divorce.

On May 10, 2012, the couple appeared in court together and Cristy Campbell asked for the protection order to be dismissed; it was.

The divorce was finalized on July 27, 2012. She was awarded custody, he was granted visitation rights.

In February 2014, Cristy Campbell requested supervised visitation, alleging that one of the children told her his father had pinched and punched him, and another child said he had been choked. The court ordered that Justin Campbells visitation take place at a court-approved neutral location.

In May 2014, Glen Carbon Police cited Cristy Campbell after she allegedly allowed a 5-year-old child to leave their home on Dogwood Lane and wander around the streets of Glen Carbon unattended. She attended parenting classes in exchange for prosecutors dropping the charge.

Authorities said at the news conference that they had answered about 50 calls at the house since 2010, including hangup 911 calls, barking dog calls and some domestic calls.

The house stood Thursday with melted siding and a charred roof line. A Spiderman bicycle was propped against a wall, near an angel statue.

A manager at Bob Evans restaurant in Collinsville, where Justin Campbell was employed and worked on Wednesday, said the staff is distraught. Campbell was "an outstanding guy," he said, who "loved his kids."

Silver Lake is about 16 miles east of the Glen Carbon home that burned.

Jeremy Kohler, Ashley Jost and Robert Cohen of the Post-Dispatch contributed to this article.

Here's our earlier coverage:

A deadly house fire early Thursday in Glen Carbon and an SUV carrying only an infant rolling into a lake in Highland are connected, authorities said.

The body of a man was found in the Glen Carbon house, and a woman's body was pulled from the lake, a source said Thursday afternoon. The woman was identified as Cristy L. Campbell, 32, of Glen Carbon, according to the Madison County Sheriff's Office.

The baby was taken to a St. Louis hospital for treatment after being pulled from the SUV in Silver Lake around 6 a.m. The baby was expected to make a full recovery and to be released Friday, Madison County Sheriff John Lakin said at a news conference Thursday afternoon.

The body was pulled from the lake around 1:15 p.m. It was found in a brushy area near the edge of the lake.

A gun was found inside the SUV, a source said. An ID found inside a purse in the SUV belonged to a female who lived at the address where the fire occurred in Glen Carbon, the press release said.

The man's body found at the house has not yet been identified.

Law officers had launched a boat to search the lake and the coroner was called shortly after 11 a.m.

Police in Glen Carbon, where one person died in the house fire early Thursday, had asked for help in finding the owner of the home. Cristy Campbell was a "person of interest," police said. By the time of the press conference Thursday afternoon, authorities said they were no longer looking for Cristy Campbell.

Six children who were in the home when the fire began all escaped, authorities said.

Cristy Campbell has published photos of herself with seven children, including a baby boy, Julian, born in December. The four boys and two girls range in age from 4 to 14.

"We believe the infant in the lake at Highland could be the seventh in the family," said Glen Carbon Fire Chief Ralph Well.

A paramedic went into the water to search the vehicle and found a baby floating in water with about 6-8 inches of air space inside the SUV. The baby was unresponsive when the paramedic pulled him out and the paramedic began CPR on the hood of the SUV, Lakin said. The baby was taken to a St. Louis hospital, said Fire Department Capt. Brad Menz.

Menz said the SUV appeared to have rolled down a hillside into the lake around 6 a.m. near Illinois Route 143. No one else was in the vehicle, and it was not immediately clear how the car wound up in the water.

At least 20 police officers were seen at the house next to where the car went into the lake. It was unclear if there was a connection between the home and the SUV. Detectives at the scene did not answer questions.

Campbell was divorced in Madison County in 2012 from Justin Campbell, whom she identifies on Facebook as being the father of her children, according to court records. The divorce was granted by default when Justin Campbell failed to appear in court. Cristy Campbell was awarded custody of the children.

Months prior to the divorce, Cristy Campbell sought and obtained an order of protection from the father, alleging abuse. The order was dismissed about two weeks later at the request of Cristy Campbell.

In a news conference earlier Thursday, Glen Carbon Police Lt. Wayne White said two of the children ran to a nearby Wal-Mart and called 911 after the fire broke out about 5:15 a.m.

The caller said there was a possible victim inside, Well said, but the house was fully involved and firefighters could not safely enter it until they had put the fire out.

Police informed firefighters that it was a crime scene and possibly related to the Highland incident, Well said.

The body inside the house was removed about 3:40 p.m.

A surveillance video obtained from a neighbor shows the headlights turning on in an SUV parked in Campbell's driveway about 4:50 a.m. Thursday. Several minutes later, the SUV backs out of the driveway and two small children can be seen in the headlights. About 3 minutes later, a reflection from the flames of the burning house can be seen on the side of a nearby house. Four children run across the street, heading in the direction of Wal-Mart. The smallest child is carrying a blanket.

About 5:01 a.m., a black sedan pulls into the frame and parks across the street from the house. Two men walk in the direction of the Wal-Mart. A few minutes later, the men return to the car, turn around in the cul de sac and sit there as a fire truck comes down the street. The car leaves when the fire truck passes it.

Sherry Ricker lives across the street from the Campbell residence. She said the family was always busy because the kids were involved in a variety of activities, and that the house was filled with trophies.

She said she saw Cristy Campbell and held the baby three days ago. "She was happier than I had seen her in a long time," Ricker said.

Court records point to a tumultuous relationship between Cristy and Justin Campbell.

In 2005, Justin Campbell was charged with domestic abuse. Prosecutors said he caused bodily harm to Cristy Campbell, then known as Cristy L. Brueggemann, by slapping her in the head when she was 16 weeks pregnant. He was sentenced in March 2006 to a year of probation and fined $500.

The couple, who by this time had three children, was married on Nov. 3, 2006, at the Madison County Court House.

Justin Campbell's probation was revoked when he failed to pay on time and appear in court, and he was arrested in October 2007. The case was closed again in December 2007.

In 2010, Cristy Campbell sued her husband for divorce, but withdrew the suit.

On April 24, 2012, she alleged abuse again.

"He has choked me, he has pushed me several times, he has slapped me in my head, he has pushed me into bricks, she wrote.

A judge granted an emergency order of protection on April 25, 2012, and Cristy Campbell sued again for divorce.

On May 10, 2012, the couple appeared in court together and Cristy Campbell asked for the protection order to be dismissed; it was.

The divorce was finalized on July 27, 2012. She was awarded custody, he was granted visitation rights.

In February 2014, Cristy Campbell requested supervised visitation, alleging that one of the children told her his father had pinched and punched him, and another child said he had been choked. The court ordered that Justin Campbells visitation take place at a court-approved neutral location.

In May 2014, Glen Carbon Police cited Cristy Campbell after she allegedly allowed a 5-year-old child to leave their home on Dogwood Lane and wander around the streets of Glen Carbon unattended. She attended parenting classes in exchange for prosecutors dropping the charge.

Ricker said she believed that Justin Campbell was living at the house on Dogwood.

A manager at Bob Evans restaurant in Collinsville, where Justin Campbell was employed and worked on Wednesday, said Campbell was "an outstanding guy" who "loved his kids."

"Everyone is waiting for confirmation it was him."
ST. LOUIS  The U.S. Senate will begin its confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch next week. But testimony for and against the Denver-based jurist is already underway in newsrooms, radio studios and media conference calls from North Dakota to Montana to Missouri.

In the latest illustration of how much populist politics has seeped into the selection process for this putatively apolitical post, a conservative advocacy organization this week is shuttling a group of Gorsuchs friends and colleagues around the country making a personal case for the 49-year-old federal appellate judge.

The idea is to put targeted pressure on vulnerable Democratic senators such as Missouris Claire McCaskill to support Gorsuch  or at least to withhold support for a Democratic filibuster  using local media coverage of Gorsuchs life story as a lever.

We are here to talk about Judge Gorsuch as a person, Colorado attorney and former Gorsuch law clerk Michael Davis said Wednesday in a conference room in the Post-Dispatchs downtown St. Louis office, where he sat with seven other former Gorsuch clerks, colleagues, friends and even a high school classmate.

Were not part of the political or the partisan process at all, Davis said. We just want to personify the guy.

That may be, but the partisan-political process is clear in the groups travel schedule: Indianapolis and St. Louis on Wednesday, then Billings and Bismarck on Thursday. The stops all are in states that went heavily for Republican President Donald Trump in November and that have Democratic senators, including McCaskill, up for re-election in 2018.

Gorsuchs supporters were being shuttled on a chartered plane to talk to reporters and others by the Judicial Crisis Network, a conservative advocacy group that already has launched a major ad campaign in Missouri and other targeted states to help Gorsuch win Senate confirmation. The group has pledged to spend $10 million in all in the effort, according to recent media reports.

Gary Marx, a senior adviser for the group, said the purpose of taking people from Gorsuchs life around to newsrooms was to talk about who the judge is as a man.

But he was also blunt about the end game: Were excited about the potential of Judge Gorsuch continuing on what was Judge Scalias legacy, philosophically .

The death of conservative Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia in February 2016 opened the current vacancy. Republicans then kept it open through most of the final year of President Barack Obamas tenure by refusing to hold hearings for his nominee, U.S. Appeals Court Judge Merrick Garland.

Opponents of Gorsuchs confirmation are running a parallel, if less sweeping, effort to sway those same senators away from confirmation.

On Thursday morning, for example, a coalition of Missouri-based progressive or Democrat-leaning organizations, including the Missouri National Education Association and NARAL Pro-Choice Missouri, will host a conference call for reporters to urge Senators McCaskill and [Roy] Blunt to thoroughly review the record of Judge Neil Gorsuch and ultimately reject his nomination to the Supreme Court.

The coalition claims Gorsuchs record on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit shows he has repeatedly sided with big corporations and those in power, against the rights of workers, women, and everyday people.

McCaskills office reiterated on Wednesday its earlier statements that she will withhold any decision regarding her support pending the hearings.

The Gorsuch supporters who stopped in St. Louis Wednesday described a mainstream judge who keeps political ideology out of his rulings and who treats his clerks like family, in the words of several of them.

Former Gorsuch clerk David Feder, now a Los Angeles attorney, recalled being invited to Gorsuchs home for Thanksgiving during his time as his clerk when the judge learned he couldnt go home for the holidays. Others told of an annual ski outing he took with them.

Several of them agreed Gorsuchs judicial philosophy was Scalia-like in its Constitutional originalism, but stressed that he eschewed any political goals in his rulings. Tobi Young, a former Gorsuch clerk now practicing law in Texas, said Gorsuch adhered to the tenet that any judge who likes every conclusion he reaches is a bad judge.

The theme emerging among Gorsuchs Democratic critics is that in cases involving big business against employees or other individuals, he tends to skew toward the more powerful interests. You can find example after example of Judge Gorsuch siding against workers even in the most dire circumstances, Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wa., said at a recent event, as quoted by the New York Times.

Gorsuchs hearings will start Monday before the Senate Judiciary Committee, which includes Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill.
JEFFERSON CITY  Gov. Eric Greitens, a consistent critic of the Affordable Care Act, said Wednesday he has some qualms with the replacement plan introduced by House Republicans in the GOP-led U.S. Congress.

"What they're working on right now in the House is obviously a first draft. I have some concerns with it," Greitens said during a question and answer session on Facebook.

Some Republicans have already expressed fear that plan is a long way from the free-market insurance competition they'd hoped for.

But citing increasing premiums and limited choices of insurers, Greitens maintained that Obamacare has been a disaster in Missouri.

"We've been talking with conservatives around the country about what we need to do to build a patient-centered approach that offers flexibility to families so that they have options, and also flexibility to the states so we can build a better system here in the state of Missouri," he went on.

This is the second time Greitens has answered pre-screened questions on Facebook live, this time for 25 minutes. The segment can be viewed at www.facebook.com/EricGreitens/.

Other questions chosen by Greitens addressed budgetary concerns, including fears that Missouri universities will be forced to raise tuition to handle millions in cuts in the governor's proposed spending plan.

Greitens said he expects higher education leaders to cut waste, not punish students.

"We're going to ask our university leaders  to look at whats happening in their systems and on their campuses to save money," he said.

On the subject of budgets, Greitens also slammed the neighboring state of Illinois, which has operated without a budget since July 15, 2015.

That's been a result of a stalemate between Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, a Democrat, and Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner, who like Greitens, ran for office on a political outsider platform.

Rauner has tied a budget deal to items on his "turnaround agenda," including sweeping changes to the state's worker's compensation system and a scaling back of collective bargaining rights for unionized workers. Labor-allied Democrats, who hold majorities in the Illinois Legislature, have not been open to those proposals.

Greitens said Wednesday that Illinois Democrats are to blame.

"In Illinois right now, you've got Democrats in the Legislature there that are refusing to pass a budget," he said. "When you do have irresponsible budgeting in states like Illinois, what happens is it jeopardizes their ability to do the basic things government has to do well, like support law enforcement, like pay for kids' education in the K-12 system."

In response to other questions, Greitens renewed his promises to reduce regulations that burden businesses, make improvements to Missouri's foster care system and pursue welfare reform.

"We're actually punishing people who are working," Greitens said.

He also praised the resilience of Missourians who came ready to assist after recent storms and the vandalism of a Jewish cemetery in University City.

"When things are hard and things are tough, they come out and do the right thing. And they come out and they help their neighbors," he said.
Some things should be simple. However, a few obstructionists in Missouris Senate make issues more complex than needed. I am a father, a businessman from Kansas City, a board member of the nonprofit Shatterproof and an advocate for a prescription drug monitoring program in Missouri. I am an advocate for Senate Bill 314.

Senate Bill 314 establishes a prescription drug monitoring program similar to the other 49 states that have implemented a PDMP. The system is also identical to what many of Missouris counties (including St. Louis County and St. Louis city) have already legislated out of frustration with the Missouri Senates lack of action.

I am a proponent of SB314, because my son, Garrett, bought OxyContin in Missouri and took them in Kansas. We live on the Kansas side, a stones throw from State Line Road. While in rehab, Garrett detailed to me how he would meet the dealer near Loose Park in Kansas City. He explained the dealer paid desperate people to fake the need for pain and anti-anxiety medications on the Missouri side and then resold the pills to even more desperate addicts. After rehab, Garrett relapsed and died from a lethal combination of Xanax and OxyContin in Colorado.

As a Republican, my stance has generally been: smaller government, lower taxes, yet with the understanding that the government, at times, is the only single body that can step in to implement a societal good.

It is rare when I see a legislative bill that I feel is a win for conservatism, an economic benefit, and simultaneously helps solve a societal need.

Missouri Senate Bill SB314 meets all of the above criteria.

The opioid crisis is an estimated $80 billion drag on gross domestic product. If Missouris ratio to GDP (1.6 percent) correlates, then the epidemic is costing Missouri $1.2 billion annually.

The Missouri Hospital Association estimates that babies who are born addicted to opioids cost hospitals $20 million and cost Medicaid $10 million.

The U.S. has an incarceration and recidivism issue. Preventing people from getting addicted to opioids is a step to reducing this issue.

Forty-nine other states have a prescription drug monitoring program; Missouri does not. Dealers can easily cross the border and obtain drugs in Missouri. The program reduces doctor shopping, which reduces supply, which reduces a dealers ability to make money.

I want my doctor to know what meds I take. Why? Because in our society, my doctor may be my family practitioner, a dermatologist, an ER doc, a dentist. Shouldnt these docs know what I am taking? The interaction of many of these drugs is not good. I want health care professionals to be better practitioners.

Gov. Eric Greitens is on record in support of a monitoring program. Senate and House leadership is in support of a program. Every doctor, nurse and pharmacist association wants SB314 to pass. The Missouri, Kansas City and St. Louis Chambers of Commerce want SB314 to pass.

The only people who dont want SB314 to pass are a small minority of Republicans who worry about privacy. They cite the possibility of hacking the database; there is no evidence that a monitoring program has been hacked. They are concerned about government employees being able to see your medical history. The truth is that only the dispenser and prescriber can see your medical history. In my view, their concerns are red herrings and fear-mongering.

If allowed to have a simple vote, SB314 will pass. In Missouri, a few senators can stop a bill from passing via a filibuster. In St. Louis, two senators may filibuster. I ask that you contact Sen. Bill Eigel, R-St. Charles, and Sen. Andrew Koenig, R-Manchester, and ask them to simply vote no. Let the will of the body, and the will of the people, speak for a prescription drug monitoring program. Do not filibuster a bill that is a win for Missouri.

Gary Henson is a board member of Shatterproof, www.shatterproof.org, a national organization attempting to end the stigma of addiction. He is a also president of Tortoise Capital Advisors, a Kansas City-based asset manager.
A Republican bill drawing opposition from Democrats and unions would do away with Wisconsins more than century-old requirement that 16- and 17-year-olds obtain a state permit before taking a job.

The bill also would remove the phrase child labor from state statutes and replace it with the employment of minors, signaling another break from the states Progressive Era laws. It comes six years after Republicans lifted limits on how many hours 16- and 17-year-olds are allowed to work.

Opponents of the bill said the permits give parents more control over their childrens school-work balance and also protect children from abusive parents and employers.

The permits generate about $700,000, half of which helps fund enforcement of state child labor laws, which would remain in place. Sen. Kathleen Vinehout, D-Alma, questioned who would enforce those laws if funding for those positions is cut.

Bill co-author Sen. Chris Kapenga, R-Delafield, said the permit requirement is overly burdensome based on his 17-year-old daughters experience applying to become a church camp counselor.

I dont need the government to step in and tell me how to parent, Kapenga said.

At a Senate committee hearing on the bill Wednesday, both sides acknowledged the value of teenagers working and said the proposal was being put forward with good intentions. But they disagreed sharply on whether the change was necessary.

Sen. LaTonya Johnson, D-Milwaukee, said she could support removing the permit for 17-year-olds and ensuring homeless and unaccompanied teens can get a permit, but she said the benefits of a permitting system outweigh the cost.

I can see this (bill) as being a tool for some employers to take advantage of low-income, poverty-stricken youth, Johnson said.

The Department of Workforce Development issued 70,258 work permits to 16- and 17-year-olds last year, or about 73 percent of all work permits issued to minors. The rest went to children younger than 16.

To get a permit, minors must get a letter from their employer outlining their job responsibilities and obtain a signature from a parent, guardian or court-ordered foster parent.

In some cases, the Department of Workforce Development will waive the signature for a teen who has difficulty obtaining a signature, though it handles five or fewer such cases per year, said Jim Chiolino, assistant administrator in the division of equal rights.

The cost of the $10 permits is ultimately paid by employers, who must reimburse teens for the permits in their first paycheck.

Jonny Hunter, co-founder of the Madison-based Underground Food Collective, testified in support of the bill, saying hes seen the permitting process impede disadvantaged youth from finding a job.

Weve had times when we lined up employment (for teenagers) and have not been able to hire them because they couldnt get the signature, Hunter said.

Stephanie Bloomingdale, secretary treasurer of the AFL-CIO of Wisconsin, said her biggest concern about the bill is the lost funding to enforce child labor laws.

Currently, there are six full-time positions dedicated to processing permits and responding to complaints about teenagers employed illegally in dangerous fields such as roofing or meat-cutting.

She said it wasnt until the state instituted a permit system in 1903 that employers respected the role of parents and role of school and work. She added the permit preserves parents ability to encourage their children to improve their grades before getting a job.

Every 16- or 17-year-old will tell you they dont need any more rules, but every parent will tell you that 16- or 17-year-old is still a child, Bloomingdale said. Because theyre a child they still need that parent advising.

Lisa Furseth, executive director of the Hendricks Family Foundation in Beloit, stressed that the bill deals with permits and doesnt change employment law affecting children. She said employers have complained about the permit as a barrier to employing teenagers at a time when getting more young people into the workforce is a priority for the state.

The more we can get them to legally and legitimately move their lives forward the better they will be, Furseth said.
Madison Police Chief Mike Koval should expect to have his legal fees picked up by taxpayers because he prevailed over misconduct charges lodged against him to the Madison Police and Fire Commission, the city attorney said.

In its decision released Tuesday, the PFC found that Koval had engaged in misconduct when he called Sharon Irwin  the grandmother of Tony Robinson, a Madison teen fatally shot by police in March 2015  a raging lunatic after she followed him into a stairwell after a combative City Council meeting. But the commission did not discipline Koval, who publicy apologized for the remark, and dismissed the complaint.

Under a resolution passed last year by the Madison City Council, police and fire chiefs can have their legal expenses reimbursed if they prevail in complaints against them before the PFC. Kovals attorney said his client clearly prevailed.

Theres no other way to read it, attorney Lester Pines said. He was not disciplined.

City Attorney Michael May didnt disagree. From my first review, it certainly looks like he prevailed, May said. Id have to be convinced otherwise.

Prior to the PFCs decision, Koval said he spent more than $20,000 in legal fees in defense of the charges filed against him by Irwin and Shadayra Kilfoy-Flores stemming from events in and around a City Council meeting in June 2016.

The City Council will decide whether to pay all, or some, of Kovals legal fees. Historically, the city has covered the legal expenses of employees who prevail in actions before the PFC, May said.

An argument could be made that Koval didnt prevail because the PFC said he broke some rules of conduct, according to May. But, he noted, the council reimbursed then-chief David Couper for his legal expenses in 1974 after the PFC cleared him of most but not all charges lodged against him by seven police officers. The decision followed a yearlong controversy and extended hearings by the PFC.

A decision not to reimburse Koval, May said, would be a first, as far as I know.

In its decision, the PFC admonished Koval for calling Irwin a raging lunatic. It cleared Koval of charges that he moved his hand toward his hip as a threatening gesture to his sidearm and of poor behavior during the council meeting.

The resolution passed last year by the City Council put the police and fire chiefs under the same umbrella of protection as firefighters and officers concerning reimbursement of legal expenses.

The commission can suspend a police chief, demote a police chief or can discharge a police chief, Pines said. In this instance, the commission heard the facts and determined there was no cause for the discipline it could impose and it dismissed the complaints. Thats prevailing.
Gov. Scott Walkers plan to switch to a self-insurance model for state workers medical care has little support in the state Legislature, top Republicans said Thursday.

Assembly Majority Leader Jim Steineke said at a UW-Madison faculty forum that he hasnt found any lawmakers who are excited about the plan, The Associated Press reported.

The Joint Finance Committee, which must approve the proposal, likely will erase it from Walkers state budget, Steineke said.

Lawmakers are worried the plan wont generate $60 million in savings over the next two years, as Walker has promised, Steineke said.

Assembly Speaker Robin Vos agreed there is skepticism regarding the projected savings and you would have trouble finding lawmakers who are excited about the proposal, his spokeswoman, Kit Beyer, told the Wisconsin State Journal.

Sen. Alberta Darling, co-chair of the budget committee, has some questions about the proposal, such as where the savings come from and how the proposal impacts both state employees and the private sector, her spokesman, Bob Delaporte, said.

Rep. John Nygren, the committees other co-chair, didnt respond to a request for comment. Nygren and Darling have previously expressed concerns about moving to self-insurance.

Despite the pushback from Walkers fellow Republicans who control the Legislature, the governor reiterated his support for self-insurance. Under the plan, the state would contract with six health insurance companies to pay medical claims for 250,000 workers and family members directly  and take on the financial risk for large claims  instead of paying premiums to 17 HMOs, which currently accept the risk.

The governor believes it would be unwise for the Legislature to throw away $60 million, Walker spokesman Tom Evenson said. We spent almost a year looking at this, and we think theres a convincing case to provide $60 million in savings that in turn, can be put into public education.

Consultants hired by the state have said the move could save $40 million a year or cost $100 million. The Group Insurance Board, which oversees the benefits, approved Walkers proposal last month, saying it would save at least $60 million over two years.

The state Department of Employee Trust Funds, which administers the benefits, continues to negotiate contracts with the health insurance companies and plans to submit contracts to the budget committee for approval, spokesman Mark Lamkins said. ETF staff have said they could make other changes, including using fewer health plans, if the committee doesnt approve self-insurance.

The proposal is expected to go before the budget committee later this month or next month.

Judith Burstyn, a UW-Madison chemistry professor and president of PROFS, which held the forum Thursday, had a mixed reaction to the idea that self-insurance might not be approved. Pay raises for university employees are tied to the $60 million in savings from self-insurance in Walkers budget, she said.

From the perspective of the health insurance part, Im somewhat relieved, Burstyn said. But it raises the question of whats going to happen to the pay plan if we dont go to self-insurance and we dont save that money?

State Journal reporter Matthew DeFour contributed to this report.
Cllr Peter Butlin, Warwickshire County Council's portfolio holder for planning and transport, centre, with Coventry and Warwickshire's MIPIM team.

THE proposed development of the University of Warwicks Wellesbourne campus into an innovation centre will be showcased at the worlds leading property show next week.

The university will be one of around 15 companies based in the county and neighbouring Coventry to be represented at the prestigious four-day MIPIM in Cannes in the south of France.

Bob Wilson, business development director at the university, said: MIPIM is the leading global property show and we will be there to present our initial thoughts to a range of property professionals both from the UK and internationally.

The development industry is well aware of the level of investment the university has made on its main campus, and I am sure that there will be parties interested in being involved in an exciting site with great potential.

The Wellesbourne Campus is a key site for us for a number of reasons, including the work that it is renowned for but also for the opportunity to build on that work to develop a suite of knowledge-intensive activities that can draw on support from, and partnerships with, all of the universitys research activities from life sciences to engineering, or social sciences and the arts.

We have had very early talks with local authorities and some of the local landowners and will be looking to develop a masterplan for investments there over the next year or so.

The National Vegetable Research Centre was established at the site in 1949, before becoming the Horticultural Research International in 1990.

The 472-acre site was bought by the university in 2004 and houses crop and other researchers and several private companies.

It is home to the Warwick Crop Centre, which is internationally recognised for its research in sustainable agriculture, horticulture and food security.

MIPIM runs from 14th to 17th March and is described as a place where delegates can connect with the industrys key decision-makers and gain insight into the latest property trends and current opportunities.

The potential redevelopment of the Wellesbourne campus is not the only project in the region set to be showcased at the show.

The redevelopment of Nuneaton town centre and an 82million investment in Coventry Station, supported by the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP), are among the other schemes to be displayed.

Coventrys bid to be UK City of Culture in 2021  and the development opportunities it could bring  will also be highlighted through a series of events at the show.

Jonathan Browning, chairman of the CWLEP, said: Our presence at MIPIM showcases that progress and underlines the opportunities which our area can offer.

Cllr Izzi Seccombe, leader of Warwickshire County Council, added: The county council continues to support the Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership at MIPIM and we look forward to building on progress made in recent years in promoting key developments.
Lloyds Bank in Stratford is set to close this Saturday for engineers to investigate what has caused a large crack to appear above the doorway.

For the past two weeks fencing has been placed around sections of the banks frontage, while large metal supports have been placed at the buildings entrance.

Much of the pavement around the bank and the cash point will be inaccessible over the weekend with measures put in place to ensure pedestrians can safely walk around the building.

A spokesperson for Lloyds confirmed that the bank will re-open on Monday and decisions on any further action that may need to be taken will be made following the engineers assessment.
Priya Edwards, inset, and as Belle.

Youth theatre Playboxs acclaimed Shakespeare Young Company are putting on a production of Alls Well That Ends Well from tonight through Saturday.

Here Priya Edwards, who plays Helena, shares her thoughts about the production.

Tell us about your latest role?

I'm currently playing Helena in Alls Well That Ends Well at Playbox Theatre. Basically, she is in love with Bertram, who she has grown up with, but she is in a different social class to him so can't marry him. She then decides - as her Dad was a physician - to cure the King who is dying and as a reward is allowed to choose any husband she likes. I won't spoil it all but let's say it doesn't necessarily go well from there!

What about Helena appeals to a modern young audience?

I think she has this inner strength which is really admirable and she doesn't let any barriers - her age, class, gender etc - get in her way which is rare in a woman of the time. Although we aren't setting it in modern day, I think she's quite a modern woman in her approach in her approach to life which is quite remarkable when you think it was Shakespeare who wrote her!

How does she compare with other roles you've played?

The last role I played was the White Queen and the Cheshire Cat so it's very different to the madness of Alice in Wonderland! Before that I played Belle in Beauty and the Beast which was lovely as she has a similar inner strength to Helena and is sometimes regarded as one of Disney's first more feminist princesses, and I think that Emma Watson's revamp is going to make her even stronger which I'm super excited about!

The last Shakespeare I did I played Warwick the Kingmaker and Jack Cade in Games and Thrones which was really fun as there are so many awesome male parts I never thought I'd get a chance at and there I was playing one of the most influential figures of the War of the Roses!

Reflecting the trend in the wider arts landscape, Alls Well follows a policy of gender-blind casting - what do you think this brings to the production?

I think it's really exciting as you get to see some great performances from people who otherwise would never have that opportunity. The disparity between parts for men and women, especially older women, really needs combatting and I think gender blind casting does redress that balance somewhat (although it's no excuse to not keep writing new and exciting parts for women!). I think it works wonderfully in Shakespeare as he is writing so beautifully about human experience that's common to us all regardless of gender.

What's next for you?

I'm currently on a gap year and am part of the Playbox Resident Ensemble which is the programme for people taking a year out, especially those trying to get into drama school. We do more in-depth training across many areas which is a lot of fun. I'm also looking forward to being in the Ustinov Theatre School production of Gutterhead written by Toby Quash in July. After this, I'm planning to travel a bit before going to read Human, Social and Political Science at Cambridge University!

Directed by Playbox Founding and Executive Director Mary King, this production places the timespan in a France shedding its rainbow rays over Van Gogh visually inspired world. A golden age meets a new world in Shakespeares remarkable and moving tale.

The roles of Bertram and Helena are played by Daniel Bainbridge and Priya Edwards with Grace Martin, Noah Lukehurst, Charlie Davis, Mike Watt, Lewis Low, Lynton Appleton, Kitty Brunt, Caitlin Jenkins, Eilidh Evans, Laura Woodhouse, Tess McGoldrick, Dannie Burridge, Paige Cooper, Adam Turner, Will Davies.

Playbox Theatres Alls Well That Ends Well is on at the Dream Factory, Warwick, from tonight (Thursday) until Saturday at 7.30pm. Tickets are 12.50 (8 concessions) and available from www.playboxtheatre.com or by phone on 01926 419555.
A Nelson businessman whose company lost millions of investor dollars on the premise that he could set up Colombia's largest and most profitable gold mine has been banned from being a director for a record 10 years.

Infratech Mining's sole director Bob Cottle, set up the company in 2009  days after he was discharged from a 2006 bankruptcy.

Company documents prepared in 2009, claimed Infratech owned licenses to set up gold and platinum mines in Colombia that could see annual returns of up to 1000 per cent.

Alden Williams/Fairfax NZ Nelson investor Lyndsay Newton lost $200,000 in Infratech Mining.

READ MORE:

* The broken promises of a $100 million Colombian gold mining scheme

* Nelson businessman behind failed Colombian gold mining scheme resurfaces

The pitch grew from seeking $9 million to $100m and led Cottle to some dubious money lenders around the world, including businessmen who had been convicted of running Ponzi schemes.

Cottle claimed the mine could produce 428,000 ounces of gold annually resulting in profits of more than $100m. The mine was never built and no investors repaid.

A report prepared by the Official Assignee looking after the liquidation revealed that $1.9m had been raised from shareholders, mostly from the Nelson region, along with total claims by creditors of $4.3m.

Now, the Registrar of the Companies Office has prohibited Cottle from being a director or promoter of, or being concerned in or taking part, whether directly or indirectly, in the management of any company for a period of 10 years. This was the maximum ban the office was able to enforce.

Cottle said he did not get a hearing regarding the ban and did not know about it.

"I couldn't defend myself."

The fallout from the company had caused his family much stress.

"The business went bust because of some wrong decisions. End of story."

He said he would never be involved in another business.

Lyndsay Newton, an investor who put $200,000 into the scheme and also moved to liquidate Infratech, said he wanted it recorded that Cottle got "a smack on the wrist that has cost him nothing".

Newton paid the court costs for the liquidation but said there was no chance any money would be recovered from the company.

"I have probably done a good civil service, which doesn't give me much other than a warm feeling."

A High Court judgement on the liquidation of Infratech Mining said the company had no assets and its evidence that it owned mining licenses was at best "equivocal".

Court documents showed how Cottle appeared to have invested hundreds of thousands of dollars into dubious finance schemes around the world.

Emails also show how Cottle looked to a company linked to Utah businessman Pete Buffo, who was convicted and sentenced to five years in prison in 1998 for his role in a plot that bilked investors of US$33 million.
A UN agency published a report on Wednesday accusing Israel of imposing an "apartheid regime" of racial discrimination on the Palestinian people, and said it was the first time a UN body had clearly made the charge.

Israel's Foreign Ministry spokesman likened the report, which was published by the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), to Der Sturmer - a Nazi propaganda publication that was strongly anti-Semitic.

The report concluded "Israel has established an apartheid regime that dominates the Palestinian people as a whole." The accusation - often directed at Israel by its critics - is fiercely rejected by Israel.

UN Under-Secretary General and ESCWA Executive Secretary Rima Khalaf said the report was the "first of its type" from a UN body that "clearly and frankly concludes that Israel is a racist state that has established an apartheid system that persecutes the Palestinian people".

ESCWA comprises 18 Arab states in Western Asia and aims to support economic and social development in member states, according to its website. The report was prepared at the request of member states, Khalaf said.

UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters in New York that the report was published without any prior consultation with the UN secretariat.

"The report as it stands does not reflect the views of the secretary-general (Antonio Guterres)," said Dujarric, adding that the report itself notes that it reflects the views of the authors.

The United States, an ally of Israel, said it was outraged by the report.

"The United Nations secretariat was right to distance itself from this report, but it must go further and withdraw the report altogether," the US ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, said in a statement.

The Israeli ministry spokesman, Emmanuel Nahshon, commenting on Twitter, also noted the report had not been endorsed by the UN secretary-general.

"The attempt to smear and falsely label the only true democracy in the Middle East by creating a false analogy is despicable and constitutes a blatant lie," Israel's UN Ambassador Danny Danon said in a statement.

The report said it had established on the "basis of scholarly inquiry and overwhelming evidence, that Israel is guilty of the crime of apartheid."

"However, only a ruling by an international tribunal in that sense would make such an assessment truly authoritative," it added.

The report said the "strategic fragmentation of the Palestinian people" was the main method through which Israel imposes apartheid, with Palestinians divided into four groups oppressed through "distinct laws, policies and practices."

It identified the four sets of Palestinians as: Palestinian citizens of Israel; Palestinians in East Jerusalem; Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip; and Palestinians living as refugees or in exile.

ESCWA hoped the report would inform further deliberations on the root causes of the problem in the United Nations, among member states, and in society, Khalaf said at an event to launch the report at ESCWA's Beirut headquarters.

It was authored by Richard Falk, a former UN human rights investigator for the Palestinian territories, and Virginia Tilley, professor of political science at Southern Illinois University.

Before leaving his post as UN special rapporteur on human rights in the Palestinian territories in 2014, Falk said Israeli policies bore unacceptable characteristics of colonialism, apartheid and ethnic cleansing.The United States accused him of being biased against Israel.
Jumbo the elephant, who for 30 years was the star of the Whirling Brothers circus, is dead.

The elephant, whod been renamed Mila, died unexpectedly and young for an elephant at San Diego Zoo in America. She was 44.

Elephants normally have a longevity of 60 to 70 years.

Damian Gordon, who now owns Whirling Brothers, re-named Circus Aotearoa, says the news was sad. Terribly sad  especially considering she was picked up by an American sanctuary just a couple of years ago.

The Circus Aotearoa big top, in which Jumbo entertained and delighted thousands of New Zealand children for three decades, was parked up for performances at Taurangas Memorial Park just 10 days ago.

Damian Gordon worked for two or three years alongside Jumbo and her own owner Tony Ratcliff.

They had something social going, says Damian Gordon.

They were devoted to one another. Tony would do anything for that elephant and the elephant would do anything for him.

And people loved her  when she was in the ring kids went crazy. She gave a lot of joy.

But unfortunately, says Damian, Tony and Jumbo got caught between times.

Jumbo was a rescue elephant. When Tony picked her up he was doing her a favour.

But then popular attitudes to circus animals changed. And Damian Gordon witnessed the concentrated campaign against Tony Ratcliff and Jumbo.

He got a lot of grief - every week there would be someone protesting or doing something silly or disruptive. It was sad because right or wrong he cared for than animal.

At the forefront of that campaign was the animal rights group SAFE. It eventually succeeded and Tony Ratcliff surrendered the elephant to the Franklin Zoo is South Auckland.

It was during the elephants time at the zoo in 2012 that Jumbo or Mila killed a vet Dr Helen Schofield. The elephant picked her up and crushed her with her trunk.

After an uncertain future, Jumbo was transferred to the San Diego Zoo.

There has been an outpouring from sad fans of the elephant on social media.

Tony Ratcliff has described Jumbo as an icon and a beautiful elephant and will be remembered by thousands.

Its understood Jumbo had recently been given a veterinary clearance. The cause of death isnt known and an autopsy will be conducted.
An unusual visitor arrived at Tauranga airport Thursday afternoon, a Bombardier Global Express on private charter.

The Melbourne based aircraft has been in the South Island and arrived in Tauranga from Wellington, on what is believed to be a business trip.

Its a big plane capable of seating 30-40 people if decked out normally. The number of passengers that arrive in Tauranga today is unknown.

The aircraft is owned by SG Aviation Pty Ltd, registered in October 2016, two months before the company took delivery of the brand new business jet.

It was expected to depart Thursday afternoon, possibly for Auckland.
UPDATED 11.03AM: A woman and an infant have been confirmed as the two people killed in a house fire in Taupo this morning.

Detective Senior Sergeant Matt Cranshaw says a scene examination is underway at the scene of the fatal fire.

Emergency services were called to the fire at a property on State Highway 5 in Rangitaiki, at 2.49am.

"Police can confirm that a woman and an infant are deceased. A further three people are being treated in hospital.

"A scene examination is being conducted by Police, Fire and ESR scientists," says Matt.

"Victim Support and Police are supporting the relatives of those involved during this time."

Police will not speculate on the cause of the fire until the investigation is concluded.

EARLIER:

Two people are dead and three others injured following a house fire in Taupo.

Emergency services were called to the fire at a property on State Highway 5 in Rangitaiki, at 2.49am.

Police say the three patients were airlifted to Waikato Hospital.

Their conditions are believed to be serious.

The cause of the fire is unknown and police, along with a fire safety officer, will return to the scene this morning to conduct a scene examination.

People with information about the fire are asked to contact their nearest police station.

Alternatively, information can be left anonymously via the Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 line.
The bespoke jet comes in a series of two, both featuring a striking retro style straight out of the so-called Roaring decades that came during the first half of the 21st century.

Called the Manhattan Airship and the Hollywood Airship, both models will be packed with lavish design details from this era.

The Manhattan Airship features mahogany interiors with gold and brass accents as well as a metallic entry mural that pays tribute to the Leif Neandross-designed work in the lobby of the Empire State Building. The jet also has a bar that takes design cues from the Chrysler Building and a large window that offers a nod to renowned interior designer Jean-Michel Frank.

Meanwhile, the Hollywood Airship was inspired by old Hollywood films and boasts backlit crystal structures, marble detailing, and 3D sculpted leather reliefs depicting Sunset Tower, Howard Hughes flying boat and eye-catching cars from the 1930s

The aircrafts, which have been proposed as charter jets, are comprised of five cabin zones, three of which are intended as common spaces for passengers to mingle and relax, while a fourth forms a salon for more private gatherings and meetings. The fifth cabin is a dining space called the Crystal Room featuring Embraers Upper Technology Panel, which provides clients with flight information at a glance.

The jets can accommodate up to 19 passengers and are billed as housing the largest in-flight accessible baggage compartment in business aviation, plus an optional master suite with a stand-up, two-person shower and bed.

Once built, each of the jets is expected to cost around $80 million.




Owls striker George Hirst will link up with the England Under-18s for their forthcoming Qatar training camp.





The Three Lions squad depart on Sunday 19 March for their ten-day stay, during which time they will play three fixtures on the following days;





Wednesday 22 March - England v Saudi Arabia





Friday 24 March - Qatar v England





Monday 27 March - Qatar v England





All fixtures to take place at The Aspire Complex, Doha.





Last time out with the Under-18s, Hirst played a starring role to help England win the International Trophy  a mini tournament that included Poland and France.













The Owls striker scored two goals as the Three Lions defeated Poland 2-0 at the Lamex Stadium.





England then drew 0-0 with France to claim the honours.




Monday, 49 new Virginia State Police troopers reported to their respective division headquarters to begin the final phase of their training. The 125th Basic Session celebrated their graduation Friday at the state police Academy in North Chesterfield County. Upon receiving their diplomas, the new troopers finished a rigorous 29-week training session. They received instruction in more than 100 different subjects spanning hundreds of hours. Academy training includes such areas as crime scene investigation, survival Spanish, judicial procedures, self- defense, cultural diversity and firearms.

Nine troopers from Southwest Virginia will begin their new assignments today and will spend the next six weeks with a field training officer learning their new patrol areas and day-to-day duties.

For years, Trooper Jeffery R. Harris has dreamed of wearing the badge. The Smyth County resident will be headed to Nelson County for his first assignment as a trooper.

Trooper John R. Thompson Jr. of Wytheville joined Virginia State Police to be a part of [one of] the best law enforcement agencies in the state. He received his bachelors degree in Management and Leadership from Bluefield College. Hell report for duty in Dinwiddie County.

Washington County native Trooper Grant T. Dye will assume his first assignment in King George County. As a young man, he not only knew he wanted to work in law enforcement, he specifically wanted to become a trooper.

Trooper Darren H. Roberts, who hails from Pulaski County, sought out a career with the Virginia State Police to be part of an elite group in law enforcement. He recognizes that these are challenging times for law enforcement and hopes that his work can have an impact on the perception people have of officers. Hell report to Alleghany County.

From Wise County, Trooper Brandon W. Stanley chose to become a trooper after receiving his bachelors degree from the University of Virginias College at Wise. His first assignment is in Nelson County.

Trooper James W. Harris has always had a passion to help others and wanted to continue doing so as a state police trooper. The Buchanan County native serves as a volunteer firefighter with the Council Volunteer Fire Department and a paramedic with Prater Fire & Rescue. Hell report for duty in Frederick County.

Trooper Jordan T. Hutchinson will relocate from his hometown of Grundy in Buchanan County to assume his first assignment in Frederick County. He has always wanted to be a law enforcement officer and chose the Virginia State Police because he believes its the best agency in which to work.

From Lebanon in Russell County, Trooper Dakota J. Hess served four years in the U.S. Marine Corps prior to joining the Virginia State Police. His desire to be part of an organization that helps people and keeps the community safe drove his decision to become a trooper. Albemarle County is the location of his first assignment.

Also headed to Albemarle County for his first assignment is Russell County native Trooper Devin T. Viers. He served three years in the U.S. Army National Guard before choosing to pursue a career as a trooper. His reason for choosing law enforcement is simple  To protect and serve the Commonwealth.

As the need for highly-skilled and capable law enforcement officers increases, the department continues to seek qualified applicants for the trooper and commercial vehicle enforcement officer positions. All interested applicants are encouraged to contact the Virginia State Police Recruitment Office. More information can be found by visiting the departments website www.vsp.virginia.gov.
ice.jpg

(Courtesy of ICE via Wikimedia Commons)

New York, NY -- Training sessions for immigrants in the United States illegally offer some practical advice: don't answer the door for federal agents.

Provide your name and nothing else. Definitely don't sign anything.

But don't produce any fake documents either -- that will just get you into more trouble.

That's some of the advice given during an anti-deportation training session in Queens this month organized by Make the Road New York, the Associated Press reported. It's part of training sessions going on across the country.

The "know your rights" training is in response to fears from illegal immigrants of a possible crackdown by Immigration and Customs Enforcement under President Trump.

There are safeguards in place to protect the rights of immigrants suspected of being here illegally.

The government can't deport someone without proving they are here illegally, so most of the tactics are to prevent authorities from learning anything they don't already know, the AP reported.

It's unknown how many undocumented immigrants live in Central New York. But a study found that Syracuse has the lowest illegal immigration rate in the country, with fewer than 5,000 unauthorized residents.

Among the other advice to immigrants:

Make sure any warrants presented have the right name and addresses and are signed by a judge. Do not volunteer information.

The atmosphere is "fearful," Make the Road outreach coordinator Yaritza Mendez told the AP. "You don't know what is going to happen the next day."
PENDLETON, N.Y. -- A child in western New York died Wednesday when a snow tunnel he was digging collapsed on him, the Niagara County Sheriff's Office said.

At about 3:40 p.m. sheriff's deputies, firefighters and paramedics responded to Aiken Road in the town of Pendleton, about 15 miles north of Buffalo.

The sheriff's office said a 10-year-old boy was reported trapped in a pile of snow against a building. The boy had apparently been digging a tunnel into the pile of snow when it collapsed on him, authorities said.

He was rushed by Twin City Ambulance to Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital near Williamsville where he was pronounced deceased.

The sheriff's office said it was investigating, but that the incident appeared to be accidental. The name of the child was being withheld until family was notified.
CHITTENANGO, N.Y. -- A Madison County man is accused of a sex crime involving a girl, the New York State Police said Wednesday night.

Keith O. Woodworth

Keith O. Woodworth, 29, of Chittenango, was charged with predatory sexual assault against a child, a felony.

State police said Woodworth had "sexual conduct" with a girl younger than 13 years old that he met on a social media website. Authorities did not elaborate about the charge against Woodworth or provide details of their investigation.

Troopers in Central New York became aware of the incident after being contacted by the Macedon Town Police Department in Wayne County and by state police investigators in that area.

Woodworth was arraigned in Sullivan Town Court and ordered held at the Madison County jail with no bail. He is due back in court on Tuesday.
Mark E. Palmano

NEW HARTFORD, N.Y. -- A man tried to rob a woman at knifepoint Wednesday afternoon inside a New Hartford home, police said.

The woman ran outside into a snowstorm after the attempted robbery and called for help, said the New Hartford Police Department. The man, Mark E. Palmano, then left and headed for his New Hartford residence, police said.

But when Palmano pulled up to his home, officers were waiting for him.

Palmano drunkenly fled from the scene, leading officers on a chase during "dangerous weather conditions," police said. The incident happened the day after a massive nor'easter pummeled Central New York with snow.

Palmano, 37, was arrested after the pursuit and charged with offenses ranging from attempted robbery to driving while intoxicated.

The incident started early Wednesday afternoon with an attempted robbery inside a home, police said.

Palmano threatened a woman with a knife and ordered her to give him a large amount of money, police said. The pair know each other, police said.

The woman escaped from the home and called for help, police said. Palmano then drove to his home, where officers were waiting, police said.

He drove erratically as he led officers on a chase on snow-covered roads, police said. At one point, he drove head on in the direction of an officer's patrol vehicle, police said.

Taking Palmano's unpredictable driving and the snowy conditions into consideration, police said officers decided to end the chase. They arrested him shortly after when he again tried to return home, police said.

A loaded rifle with a scope and magazines loaded with 96 rounds of ammunition were later found in the front passenger seat of Palmano's vehicle, police said.

Here's what police said Palmano was charged with:

Attempted first-degree robbery, a felony

Fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon, second-degree menacing, reckless endangerment, unlawfully fleeing a police officer, two counts of unlawful possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device, nine counts of unlawful possession of ammunition feeding devices, DWI, reckless driving and possessing a loaded long gun in a vehicle, all misdemeanors.

"Numerous" vehicle and traffic offenses.

Palmano is being held in the Oneida County Jail in lieu of $10,000 cash or a $20,000 bail bond.
EAST SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Firefighters are battling a stubborn blaze at an East Syracuse tire business.

A fire was reported at 10:38 a.m. today at Premier Tire. When the East Syracuse Fire Department arrived, the commercial 6070 Old Court St. building was engulfed in flames.

Black clouds of smoke are billowing from the collapsing structure, filling the sky with smoke that was visible from as far away as Syracuse.

East Syracuse Fire Chief David J. Brewster said everyone inside the business escaped safely before firefighters arrived. No civilians or firefighters have been injured, he said.

The burning tires and other combustible items inside the building are responsible for the black smoke, Brewster said. The structure partially collapsed during the fire, forcing firefighters to fight the blaze outside.

Bitterly cold temperatures and blustery winds are making it harder for firefighters to put out the fire, Brewster said. Excavators will be brought in to tear down the building and help find the source of the fire.

Although the cause of the fire will be investigated, Brewster said it currently does not appear suspicious.

Two roads have been blocked off near the fire. It's just southwest of Carrier Circle.

Multiple departments are helping East Syracuse put out the fire. EAVES ambulance and the State Police are also on scene.

We are updating this report as more information becomes available.
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Hyderabad: Telangana JAC Chairman Prof M Kodandaram on Tuesday demanded that the government create a separate fund in the budget for market intervention to help farmers. The TJAC chairman was speaking at a meeting organised on the problems of farmers organised by Rythu JAC here at Sundaraiah Vignana Kendram. Prof Kodandaram pointed out that the government remained a mute spectator when the prices of agriculture produce crashed. The Karnataka government had earmarked Rs 450 core for market intervention, he said. The farmers are in distress in the State, leading to 2,700 of them committing suicide.

Telangana State stood second in terms of farmer suicides in the country. The government has failed to establish a mechanism to help the farmers in distress and ensure that they get minimum support price for their produce. The government was taking away lands of the farmers in the name of projects, he said.
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Accenture and Docker on Wednesday announced an expanded global alliance and the availability of container services within the Accenture Cloud Factory.

The new services provide a faster industrialized on-ramp solution for enterprises moving to the cloud. They focus on container enablement of applications and feature use of Docker Datacenter (Enterprise Edition  Standard).

Docker Datacenter is an integrated container management platform for development and IT operations that brings security, policy and controls to the software delivery lifecycle. It is supported by a global network of certified Accenture DevOps and cloud migration consultants.

Accenture and Docker have agreed to collaborate on developing migration accelerators and best practices for enterprise clients adopting containers. Their goal is to reduce risk and costs while migrating business-critical applications to the cloud.

Accenture has expanded its relationship with Docker to enhance its existing multicloud Container as a Service solutions. The company will leverage Docker Datacenter to provide enterprises with the capabilities needed to secure the software supply chain, expand workload portability, and improve application resilience.

Docker stands to gain significantly from the alliance, given the size of Accentures client base for its Cloud Factory and Cloud First solutions. Accenture has more than 20,000 projects, with three-quarters from Fortune 500 firms, according to Charles King, principal analyst at Pund-IT.

The deal is likely to provide a significant boost for Dockers business. Accenture has long been a major force in IT consulting, so it is easy to see how supporting Dockers container and container management solutions will help extend the opportunities for those technologies among Accentures client base, he told LinuxInsider.

Caveats about the deal are similar to any proprietary technology. Engaging often is easier than disengaging, King noted.

Interested companies should make certain they understand, want and need what Accenture and Docker are offering before they sign on the dotted line, he said.

Deal Details

Some 70 percent of a typical corporations global transactions run on legacy applications created for a different era, according to Adam Burden, senior managing director of advanced technology and architecture at Accenture. That can complicate the migration process to the cloud.

For example, containers enable more resilient approaches for modernizing applications, such as gradually decomposing monolithic programs into collections of independent and API-enabled services. Containers can support workload portability from the laptop all the way to the cloud.

Enterprises have been using Docker Datacenter to modernize their traditional applications. It allows them to ship software 13 times faster, while greatly simplifying application maintenance, said Roger Egan, senior vice president of sales and channel at Docker.

Applications in many cases are the lifeblood of enterprise business, so Docker teamed with the enterprise system experts at Accenture to develop a factory model for migrating to and securely managing containerized environments across the entire software supply chain, Egan explained.

That will enable organizations to quickly realize significant value that transforms both their application infrastructure and their business agility, he said.

Critical Changes

The alliance between Accenture and Docker, along with other container-oriented technologies, is critical to the success of modern application development initiatives. This is especially true for companies redesigning existing applications or venturing into the land of microservices  that is, using containers as an enabling technology, said Lee Calcote, senior director for technology strategy at SolarWinds.

Consulting partners like Accenture play a critical role in what I believe will be some of the more challenging projects engineers have faced since the dawn of virtual machines, he told LinuxInsider.

The industry is seeing a fundamental shift in the way that modern cloud-native software is designed, continuously delivered and operated, Calcote said.

For example, similar technology and consulting partner programs, including IBM Bluemix Garages, Red Hat Innovation Labs and CloudFoundry Dojos, offer immersive labs in which a group of engineers convene and collaboratively create prototypes leveraging open source projects, Calcote pointed out.

In some cases, the consulted developers leave the lab not only with a completed application or feature prototype in-hand, but have learned the process and methodology required to become committers on those open source projects, he said.

Accenture and Dockers partnership is yet another sign of containers permeating the enterprise.

It is exciting to consider how much more productive organizations will be once they have passed their first few modernization hurdles, Calcote remarked.

Certainly, most new software projects are considering containers as a core-enabling technology. Considering the current skills and experience gap our industry as a whole faces with respect to containerization and cloud-native design, Accentures partnership with Docker will accelerate enterprises through their modernization journeys, he said.

What It Does

For enterprises and devs building cloud-native applications, containers offer a solution for accelerating software delivery and enabling automation. Accenture has worked with Docker for several years to help enterprise clients adopt containers. Accenture has seen a growing interest in the space as its clients sought to move workloads to the cloud with a strong desire for portability, said Accentures Burden.

The Docker-based container services within the Accenture Cloud Factory are unique in that they are cloud-agnostic, enabling our clients to run containers in their preferred cloud  public or private, he told LinuxInsider.

The new container services within the Accenture Cloud Factory containerize legacy workloads and move them to public and private clouds. The process involves using repeatable patterns, as well as defined entry and exit criteria, to standardize processes. It also provides industrialized and automated delivery. For more advanced needs, service decomposition of legacy into containers and configuration and setup of Docker Datacenter are also available.

Other CaaS services do not offer the portability or multicloud capability, said David Messina, senior vice president of product and marketing at Docker.

It lets users move their workloads across cloud types, from on-premises to the cloud, he told LinuxInsider. Additionally, other solutions are focused solely on cloud-native applications, whereas customers that Accenture and Docker engage also are looking for ways to use containerization to modernize their traditional, business-critical applications.

Security Issues

The cloud services expansions provide consultancy services with the ability to transform internal processes and move into a DevOps mode of operations. That offers enterprise clients a lot of benefits that come with containerizing applications, noted Sergey Maximov, head of product management at Virtuozzo, but the new technology requires a change in app architecture, development process and operations culture.

The complexity of this technology should not be underestimated, he told LinuxInsider. In an ideal world, applications should be redesigned from the scratch, and moving existing business-critical apps into container world can be quite time consuming. Redesigning also means entirely redefining your approach to security, as the old approach may not directly be applicable for containers.

Looking at cost, each new service inevitably will have a high operation cost until ops and devs learn how to work with it and create the appropriate tooling to manage it. In the long run, automation will be a key to reducing these costs, suggested Maximov.

I would call these changes more a cultural shift for an organization. Devs should be concerned about how their apps are being run in a production environment, he said.

Alternative Space

The advantage gained from the alliance is Accentures track record as a global consultancy, according to Kiyoto Tamura, vice president of marketing for Treasure Data.

Accenture Cloud Factory is an alternative cloud-native application platform, in his view.

Cloud native is 10 percent about infrastructure and 90 percent about mindset, and mindset is much harder to migrate than bits and bytes, Tamura told LinuxInsider. I believe that Accenture will play  if not already  a key role in evangelizing cloud-native to CXOs and transforming IT from a cost center to a strategic differentiator.

Accentures entry into this space, in partnership with Docker, is very welcome, he said. More choices mean market validation.
The Online Trust Alliance on Tuesday released a report calling for businesses, consumers and government to share responsibility for ensuring that Internet of Things devices are not weaponized.

Issued in recognition of National Consumer Protection Week, the report outlines actions that businesses, consumers and government can take to ensure the security, privacy and vitality of IoT devices. It calls for a campaign to have retailers and consumers reject IoT products that pose a security threat.

OTA Executive Director Craig Spiezle later this month will meet with White House staff, and FTC and FCC commissioners to kickstart efforts to harden IoT security measures, he told the E-Commerce Times. In addition, he will participate in five or six congressional staff meetings.

The OTA report is the fourth in a series of vision papers. Its premise is that if manufacturers can not sell products that are inadequately secured, then they will have to change their policies to bolster security.

The IoT represents a mounting and expanding threat vector to consumers and the Internet at large, Spiezle said.

Drilling Down

Addressing connected device security and privacy is as important as addressing global warming, the report suggests.

If there is not a concerted effort by all stakeholders, there will be a mass weaponization of devices. Weaponizing tactics will range from unlocking doors, disabling fire alarms, and stealing personal and business property, it warns.

Thousands of new Internet-connected devices dramatically improve the way we work and live. However, many IoT devices appear designed primarily for convenience and functionality, without much  if any  attention given to long-term security or privacy, Spiezle pointed out.

IoT companies are not heading in the right direction in the OTAs view. The recent connected device privacy and security missteps of product makers such as D-Link, Spiral Toys and Vizio have showcased their weaknesses.

New Rules Needed

The IoT has reached a crossroads where regulation may be required, but the process of passing legislation would take too long, and it could never keep pace with the evolving threat landscape, according to the OTA.

The Trump administrations goal to eliminate two regulations for every new one introduced means the government will not seek a solution any time soon, the report suggests.

Members of Congress should pass legislation to block botnets emanating from residential IP addresses, it urges. Such new rules would echo laws in several other countries.

IoT stakeholders have a shared responsibility, the OTA said. Consumers have a similar responsibility to patch insecure devices and ultimately to replace those with security protections that have become obsolete.

IoT Industry Needs to Step Up

The retail channel is perhaps the best avenue for initiating change, the report suggests. Retailers play a pivotal role in setting baseline security and privacy measures for the products they sell.

All the involved groups are busy pointing fingers at others saying who should do what, said Spiezle. The reality is that we all have a shared responsibility.

Manufacturers need to disclose their security support commitments to users prior to purchase, with security and privacy policies clearly articulated in something akin to food nutrition labels or new car stickers, the report recommends. Such notices should be included on product packaging and point-of-sale materials to inform consumers prior to purchase.

Its a time for action, said Spiezle. Its great to say we need to make a change, but whose job is it? It is everyones responsibility. It has an aggregate effect. We need to think of the need for action as a collective effect.

Brokers, builders, car dealers and realtors have a similar vested interest in pushing for IoT security solutions, the report maintains.

Sellers and owners should disclose all IoT devices and features, and render them inactive at the time of purchase, it suggests. They should fully inform new owners how to reactivate them and create secure passwords. That includes such measures as turning in physical and digital keys, and removing all personal data.

It starts with device manufacturers, Spiezle said. The resellers and retailers have a real opportunity to say that we are not going to sell these things if safety is at risk. Maybe they need to take a stronger leadership for the products that they sell.

Wrong Evangelist?

The message has importance, but it might me coming from the wrong messenger, said Charles King, principal analyst at Pund-IT.

The security of IoT devices is certainly something to worry about, but I dont have a lot of faith in the OTAs grassroots attempt to address what should be a top-down industry imperative, he told the E-Commerce Times.

That results in part from the immaturity and fragmentation of the IoT market, King said. The inherent complexity of IoT technology will make it difficult for retail and consumer customers to address security concerns effectively.

Where will consumers and retailers get the information they need to decide whether or not devices are safe? he wondered. Who will make those assessments?

It would be great if the OTA enlisted the help of a mainstream trusted organization, like Consumer Reports, into the effort, said King.

In addition, it would be helpful if the group had a higher profile within the IT industry, he added. At this point, Microsoft is the OTAs best known global sponsor. Getting the enthusiastic support of larger vendors would be a better strategy to effect change.
The reported move of South Africa to legalize the domestic trade of rhinoceros horn and start limited exports has left the conservationists worried. Mixed reactions are coming from the government and trade circles.

The new regulations drafted by the Department of Environmental Affairs have been notified in the government gazette.

Rhino breeders in South Africa have been pressing the government to make rhino horn trade legal so that supply can increase and the price will come down and address the poaching problem, according to reporter Peter Granitz.

New Regulations

The new regulations have many specifics. One is that foreigners have to obtain a permit for exporting horns with a maximum of two horns for "personal purposes." However, the draft is silent on what constitutes personal purposes.

It is also insisted that in transporting horns, the O.R. Tambo International Airport must be the outlet for travel. Also, the horns should not be carried in the hand luggage and freight agents must collect relevant information on the horns' genetic profile.

Also, the rhino horns should not be powdered for three years as it makes identification difficult.

Minister Cites Poaching

South Africa had been the epicenter of poaching and in 2016, more than 1,000 rhinoceros were killed, according to official figures.

"These criminal gangs are armed to the teeth, well-funded and part of transnational syndicates who will stop at nothing to get their hands on rhino horn," said Minister of Environmental Affairs Edna Molewa.

It is reported that 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds) of rhino horn in the black market is sold for nearly $54,000.

John Hume, a rhino breeder in South Africa, said the legalizing of horn trade is positive as banning the trade in 2009 made the horn pricier.

High Demand, Ruthless Trade

Trade in rhino horn is completely illegal. But, heavy demand, coming mainly from Vietnam and China has set off a black market which is led by poaching, threatening the survival of rhinos.

Rhino horns are made of Keratin, which is the same substance as human fingernails. The demand is abetted by myths like the cure of a senior Vietnamese figure from cancer, giving rhino horns a cult symbol and image of a hangover tonic.

In China, rhino horns are most sought for medicinal applications, especially in traditional Chinese medicine. The use of rhino horns for ornamental carvings is also driving up its prices.

At astronomical prices and low penalties, it is a field day for organized crime networks to indulge in illegal trade with the backing of international syndicates. According to estimates, wildlife trafficking is only surpassed by smuggling of drugs, arms, and people.

"The criminal networks involved have shown themselves to be far more innovative and utterly ruthless," said Julian Rademeyer, an expert on rhino horn at Traffic, a leading wildlife trade monitoring organization.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Hyderabad: Rebutting the Congress for spreading false notions amongst people, Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao ruled out the possibility of early elections to Assembly. While answering to the discussion on motion of thanks to Governors address in the Legislative Council on Wednesday, KCR said being main opposition party, the Congress has greater responsibility and should not resort to statements which may send a wrong message to the people.

The Chief Minister asked the Congress to restrain from spreading negativism and start thinking positively over the development of Telangana. There are no such plans and Congress should stop dreaming about early elections. We will go to polls as per schedule and people will judge when the time comes, he said.Referring to the allegations of huge public debt, the Chief Minister likened the State with the USA. It is the biggest global debtor which continues to remain superpower.

Describing this as the wisdom of economy, the Chief Minister said that a miser would remain under-developed. Its part of the broad fiscal policy of the Government of India to take loans for development. This remains a dynamic idea and as we shall be paying back Rs 20,000 crore by the end of the financial year, he noted.

KCR alleged that the Congress party was against development, as it knocked on the doors of Court for various projects and caused hindrance to ongoing projects. He said nothing can stop the government from going ahead with irrigation projects. Expressing satisfaction that the Telangana had now got rid of political corruption, KCR said that none can prove that the TRS government was indulging in corrupt practices. He pointed out that the beneficiaries for the government schemes were identified by the officials, unlike by MLAs during the earlier Congress regime.

On regularisation of contract employees, the Chief Minister asked the Congress to withdraw the cases filed in the High Court, so that the eligible candidates could get regular employment. He announced that thousands of NMRs and also Home Guards will be regularised in the coming days. KCR said that the government was gearing up to supply a total of 10,000 MWs of power in the coming days.

The government in the newly-formed State was able to increase its capacity from 9000 MW to 9300 MW. Its not the question of how much power has been supplied, but its a question of quality power provided during the last two-and-a-half years to all sections of the State, he said. To monitor power supply in different parts of the State and to reduce variation between demand and supply, the government has decided to come up with an App, he added.
Rumors have been swirling for quite some time now that Google is developing a second series of its Pixel handsets, which will succeed the Google Pixel and Google Pixel XL smartphones.

The latest rumors that have come up regarding the Google Pixel 2 and Google Pixel XL 2 are its suggested codenames. A new leak reveals that Google has kept up with its tradition of codenaming its impending devices after fish.

Fishy Codenames

It was revealed by Android Police that the monikers "Walleye" and "Muskie" may be the codenames of the Google Pixel 2 and Google Pixel XL 2. According to the publication, the codenames of the rumored upcoming Google Pixel smartphones were revealed in the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) gerrit. Thus, one can also deduce that the upcoming smartphones will also come running on the latest Android platform.

The names are not unusual or surprising as Google has previously codenamed its latest flagship smartphones Pixel and Pixel XL as "Marlin" and "Sailfish" respectively. For the unfamiliar, walleye is a freshwater fish found in Canada and the Northern U.S. and the codename refers to the smaller Google Pixel 2 smartphone. The muskie, which is a large freshwater fish found in the Northern U.S., refers to the bigger version Pixel XL 2.

Walleye has been reportedly spotted on the AOSP website, making it safe to assume that Google has started testing the handset. However the Muskie is yet to appear on the review site officially.

Pixel 2 And Pixel XL 2: Rumored Specs And Features

Tech Times reported earlier that Google's VP, Rick Osterloh, had mentioned that the upcoming Pixel lineup will fall under the premium category. Why? As Google is not interested in making budget smartphones.

It is being anticipated that both the Google Pixel 2 and Pixel XL 2 would come with 2K displays. The smaller Pixel 2 is expected to sport a 5-inch screen and may come with an upgraded display  the 2,560 x 1,440 QHD resolution  which is on the current-gen Pixel XL.

Rumors also suggest that Google plans to upgrade the battery power of the upcoming Pixel lineup for better performance and less battery drainage. The camera may also get upgrades, and to keep up with the changing technology in the market, Google may incorporate dual camera setups in both the Pixel 2 and Pixel XL 2.

Given that the popularity of VR is on a rise, one can expect the Pixel 2 and Pixel XL 2 to come with second-generation Daydream VR. Rumors are also rife that Google may introduce the water- and dust-resistant capabilities for the upcoming Pixel lineup.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
While NASA is planning how to send astronauts around the moon in the Orion capsule, Lockheed Martin, Orion spacecraft's lead contractor, is trying to promote its concept of sending crews on a three-year trip to the Red Planet in the next decade.

If Lockheed Martin's plans bear fruition, then it could be establishing a base camp in Mars by 2028.

Mars Base Camp

Tony Antonelli, a former NASA pilot and head of the advance civil space program at Lockheed Martin, said that the plan for establishing a base camp on Mars "is all doable in the next 10 to 12 years."

The mission would involve a three-year trip to Mars undertaken by a team of six astronauts, and according to Antonelli, it would be viable only with the continued support from the government and industries as well as foreign aid.

In terms of technology, it is believed that Lockheed's mission to Mars will require scientific equipment along with robotic vehicles that are yet to be developed and tested.

During this mission, the astronauts will be able to perform a variety of research with the help of remotely controlled drones and other robots. The research could then pave the way for determining future landing locations of manned missions to the planet.

Colonizing Mars

On the other hand, Phil Metzger, the planetary scientist of NASA, is scheduling its highly ambitious plan of colonizing Mars.

During the New Space Age Conference at Massachusetts, Metzger claimed that such a mission will require the best life-support systems, advanced rocket propulsions and high-speed communications. Many of these technologies have not been developed yet, which poses a problem.

Scientists claimed that chances of humans surviving on Mars will depend on low-tech solutions, simple materials and a practical set of analytical skills that will allow them to adapt effectively.

Adding to this information, Keegan Kirkpatrick, founder of RedWorks, also said that in order to colonize Mars, the crew based on the Red Planet will need to operate independently from Earth. This means that no resupply ships would perhaps be sent from Earth.

Currently, scientists are trying to figure out ways in which materials found in Mars can be used to sustain life on the planet for humans sans the need of sending supplies from Earth, which is not viable in the long run.

Scientists are also looking for ways to extract oxygen and water from the atmosphere of the Red Planet as they feel that it would be easier and more efficient.

"People can understand the situation and adapt as needed, and they also have the ability, that when failures occur, to use resources that were not originally anticipated in order to solve the problem," said Mark Jernigan of NASA.

Only time will tell whether both of these high-risk missions will come to fruition or not. However, for now, both Lockheed Martin and NASA seem to be absolutely focused on achieving their goals.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The next time you use Google Allo, you might want to delete your search history.

Less than a year after it was launched, the Google Allo messaging app is beset with another problem, this time a glitch found in Allo's integrated Google Assistant. An Allo user was alarmed when the search history of the person she's talking to was revealed by Google Assistant. The user believed it was a glitch, which was promptly fixed by Google.

Google Allo, which rolled out in September 2016, has been criticized by privacy advocates because end-to-end encryption is not enabled by default. It is only available when users choose to chat in incognito mode.

Be Careful What You Ask For

One of Allo's features is the use of Google Assistant, the company's answer to Microsoft's Cortana, Apple's Siri, and Amazon's Alexa. While messaging with a friend, an Allo user can type "@google" and the Assistant will respond. For example, if you want recommendations for good restaurants, the Assistant can recommend good ones.

However, the results are not always helpful - they can be incriminating, as one user found out, as the results she got revealed a Google search history. In the middle of a conversation, the user's friend asked the Assistant to "identify itself." But instead of offering the usual witty answer, the Assistant pulled the friend's previous search history. Surprises of all surprises, Assistant answered a search result for a Harry Potter query.

Google promptly addressed the issue, saying it was notified of the glitch and has fixed it. The company earlier announced plans to make its Google Assistant available on Android devices with Marshmallow and Nougat updates. This feature was initially released to Google's own flagship phones, the Google Pixel, and to Google Home, the search engine company's answer to Amazon Echo.

Allo, Are The Lines Secure?

The glitch could be a cause for concern especially in the issues of privacy and internet security. During Allo's release in 2016, internet privacy advocates slammed it not only because end-to-end encryption isn't available by default, but also because it stored messages indefinitely - a reversal of Google's earlier statement about Allo being a step toward privacy.

However, the finished product did not deliver on the promise. Internet activist and whistleblower Edward Snowden even advised users not to use Allo because of the app's security vulnerabilities and privacy concerns, especially when it comes to surveillance by the state.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Around 54 million years ago, when Earth suddenly got really hot, an ancient horse was about the size of a dog. Then it dwarfed, going down to the size of a cat.

This is no longer a distant possibility, as global warming continues on its course and affects various life forms on the planet, new research concludes.

Animals Could Shrivel In Extreme Heat

University of New Hampshire researcher Abigail DAmbrosia, who led the study, warned that mammals could shrink in the future under even more accelerated man-made warming.

Its something we need to keep an eye out for. The question is how fast are we going to see these changes, DAmbrosia said in a statement.

The results are based on an analysis of fossilized teeth and jaw fragments obtained from northwestern Wyomings Bighorn Basin, located around 80 miles east of Yellowstone National Park. Measuring teeth is a good way to determine body size of adult mammals from bygone eras, DAmbrosia explained.

She discovered mammal dwarfing during the largest ancient warming event that took place about 56 million years ago, which saw a temperature rise of 9 degrees Fahrenheit or more. Warm-blooded creatures shrank when carbon dioxide levels climbed and temperatures spiked to unprecedented levels.

The earliest squid, Sifrhippus, shrank by 30 percent at a minimum in the first 130,000 years of the warming event, but as the temperature gradually returned to normal levels, its body size was able to rebound by 76 percent.

An early compact horse called Arenahippus pernix became 14 percent smaller, moving from 17 pounds to just 14.6 pounds. From being approximately dog-like in built, it shrank to the size of a cat. The lemur-like primate Cantius abditus, on the other hand, shriveled around 4 percent  despite studies showing that the species typically got bigger over time.

Heating-Shrinking Relationship

The findings suggested that shrinking response to heightened climate change proportionately scales with the magnitude of the warming.

The small horse decreased by about 30 percent in the first warming event, while a different small horse shrank by 14 percent in the second event, which was approximately half as intense.

Scientists believe that body size plays a role in climate adaptation. Since they have more skin or fur per pound than their bigger counterparts, smaller animals can let more heat escape, thus they are better adapted for warmer environments. Larger animals, meanwhile, fare better in the cold since they have less skin per pound and better retain heat.

The finding that mammals shrink in warmer climates is no longer strange or surprising. As an example of the so-called Bergmanns Rule, red foxes living in higher and cooler latitudes are larger in size compared to those residing closer to the equator.

Other reasons, however, may play a part in dwarfing. These could include the inability to get enough food or water.

Jonathan Bloch, Florida Museum of Natural Historys curator of vertebrate paleontology, said the results prove significant.

If we start to see patterns repeat themselves, we can learn from that, said Bloch, who wasnt part of the research.

The findings were discussed in the journal Science Advances.

A separate study warned that climate change impact on birds and mammals are largely underreported. A team from University of Queensland in Australia found that nearly 700 birds and mammals have already responded to the changes in a negative way.

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In a suburban Seattle county jail, 66 prisoners have been tested for tuberculosis after one inmate was found to be infected with the disease.

The affected inmate had been in contact with the other prisoners and staff from Nov. 20, 2016, when he was admitted to the Maleng Regional Justice Centre situated in Kent, to March 1, when the prisoner was diagnosed with the disease.

Tuberculosis: Effects

Tuberculosis or TB is described as a transferable disease which is caused by Mycobacteruim Tuberculosis (MTB). This ailment mostly affects the lungs but the other body parts can also get affected. The majority of infections related to this disease do not have any indications but some type of TB, like latent TB ,can be deadly if not treated.

The typical symptoms of TB are severe coughing, releasing of blood with sputum, sweating at night, weight loss, and fever. TB is mostly spread with the help of air if the patient speaks, coughs, spits or sneezes.

TB is also linked with malnutrition and congestion which is caused by poverty. Chances of getting affected are high if one has poor living conditions.

There are many risks involved in this disease the first one being that if a person is suffering from TB then chances are high that the patient would be infected with HIV.

The Incident At King County Jail

The infected prisoner has been given antibiotic treatment in the jail hospital. Spokesperson James Apa confirms that he is not a threat to affecting others any longer.

It may take anywhere from six months to two years for him to recover, depending upon the strain of TB which has affected the patient.

Public health officials are trying to find out which of the staff members came in close contact with the patient to warrant testing for the disease. Apa added that there is no sign as of yet that the staff may be infected.

"As a precaution, Public Health staff identified individuals who may have had ongoing exposure to the person with TB. At least 66 inmates with ongoing exposure were identified; staff exposures are currently being determined. These people are being screened to determine if anyone has symptoms of active TB," officials have stated.

TB cannot be transmitted simply by touch or by using normal substances which may have come in contact with the infected person.

To become infected to this disease, one has to be exposed to the infected individual for a long period of time.

In 2015, nearly 98 tuberculosis cases were reported in King County, and every week on an average at least two cases are detected there.

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About 500,000 years ago, different members of the Homo genus spread throughout Europe and Asia, some of which evolved into the Neanderthals, the closest extinct relative of modern humans.

From what particular hominin species the Neanderthals evolved from, however, has been the subject of debates. Now, a newly discovered skull found in the cave of Aroeira in Portugal offers clues that may help solve the mystery of the Neanderthal ancestry.

400,000-Year-Old Skull

The skull represents the westernmost human fossils discovered in Europe during the middle Pleistocene epoch, which marks the appearance of fossil hominins to whom the Neanderthals later descended, and Acheulean technology.

It is one of the earliest to be linked to the Acheulean stone tool industry. Unlike other fossils from this same period, which are poorly dated or do not have clear archaeological context, the cranium is well-dated and associated with stone tools, which include hand axes and animal remains.

The skull was discovered in 2014 along with ancient stone hand axes. It was found to be 400,000 years old and belonged to an archaic member of the Homo, the genus that includes the species Homo sapiens, which includes modern humans.

As described in the study, which was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the skull reveals a new mix of features that have not yet been observed in fossil humans. Scientists found that it has traits that link it to the Neanderthals, which include fused brow ridge and other primitive traits that are similar to other extinct fossils discovered in Europe.

"This is an interesting new fossil discovery from the Iberian Peninsula, a crucial region for understanding the origin and evolution of the Neandertals," said study researcher anthropologist Rolf Quam, from Binghamton University. "The Aroeria cranium increases the anatomical diversity in the human fossil record from this time period, suggesting different populations showed somewhat different combinations of features."

Researchers hope that with these new feature combinations on a well-dated skull, they will be able to sort out how different fossils in Europe are related to one another and which ones later evolved into the Neanderthals.

"Unlike most other Middle Pleistocene finds, which are of uncertain chronology, the Aroeira 3 cranium is firmly dated to around 400 ka and was in direct association with abundant faunal remains and stone tools," the researchers wrote in their study.

"The Aroeira cranium represents a substantial contribution to the debate on the origin of the Neandertals and the pattern of human evolution in the Middle Pleistocene of Europe."

The Neanderthals

Before they became extinct, the Neanderthals interbred with modern human ancestors thousands of years ago. New studies revealed that the genes of these archaic human cousins that interbred with our human ancestors still live on today and are responsible for some of our traits and chances of having diseases such as schizophrenia and lupus.

Interbreeding with Neanderthals also appeared to provide modern humans with some benefits such as having strong immune systems that can help with survival in tough environments.

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A study led by NASA showed that use of biofuels in aircraft can slash carbon particle emissions by 70 percent and also curtail the formation of contrails, which are adversely impacting the atmosphere.

Generally, plant materials like halophyte and forest waste called camelina are used in making biofuels. Already, many airline companies like Virgin Atlantic and United Airlines, as well as the U.S. Air Force, are using biofuels in flying a portion of their fleet.

ACCESS Project

The Alternative Fuel Effects on Contrails and Cruise Emissions Study had NASA and other partners from Germany and Canada conducting tests by trailing a DC-8 aircraft that used a mix of jet fuel and biofuel as a camelina oil derivative.

The tests were conducted between 2013 and 2014 with the research aircraft following the NASA aircraft. Measurements taken during the observations on the carbon emissions from the exhaust and formation of contrails were analyzed.

The research has been published in Nature.

Harm From Contrails

The study makes specific mention of the formation of contrails resulting from the conjunction of hot emissions from aircraft engines and the cool air at high altitudes.

Though contrails contain only water vapor and ice crystals, the problem can worsen when cirrus clouds are formed, which may upset the natural weather processes.

"Soot emissions also are a major driver of contrail properties and their formation," observed Bruce Anderson, a scientist with the ACCESS project.

Anderson said the observed reductions in carbon particles measured during ACCESS were supposed to translate into gains of reduced ice crystal concentrations in contrails. The increased use of biofuels is expected to minimize the impact on Earth's atmosphere.

NASA will be continuing the study to assess the benefits of biofuels by testing for results on a QueSST, a supersonic X-plane.

Rising Pollution From Aircraft

There is a sense of urgency in the aviation industry to curb its carbon footprint. In 2015, the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere from aviation was 780 million tons, according to the Air Transport Action Group.

The International Air Transport Association has set a target of 10 percent use of biofuels by 2017, in line with the goal of reducing the industry's carbon footprint up to 80 percent in the years ahead.

Richard Clarkson, Aviation Policy officer at the European Commission, noted that there is a big role for biofuels in decarbonizing aviation.

Clarkson claimed that significant progress is being made in the use of biofuels in the last 10 years.

"Several pathways have now been certificated, and about 2,500 commercial flights have now taken place using some amount of biofuels," he said.

In Europe, many companies are also working out new products to make aviation greener.

SunChem, a biotech company, has developed a tobacco crop called "Solaris" to make energy out of tobacco. Cultivated by farmers, Solaris has been projected as a green opportunity for sustainable bioenergy. The project, which is certified by the Roundtable for Sustainable Biomaterials, operates in South Africa and Italy.

According to SunChem CEO Sergio Tommasini, Solaris is nicotine- and GMO-free and is a good source for bio-aviation fuel.

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Beachgoers walking along Tasmania's shore on Monday night, March 13, were welcomed by a magical sight: the island's northwestern coast sparkled in neon bright light, courtesy of bioluminescent algae.

People taking in the sights on the Australian beach captured this exquisite phenomenon on camera, to the delight of the entire world. Leanne Marshall, a photographer for the Australian Marine Stinger Advisory Services in Launceston, shared fascinating images on social media depicting the area near Rocky Cape National Park.

The other-worldly scenery was also spotted 50 km to the east, at Preservation Bay. Passers-by could observe the aquatic "light show" whenever waves or currents disturbed the plankton.

Scientists explain the iridescent event is the work of Noctiluca scintillans, also called "sea sparkle"  single-celled bioluminescent plankton. During the day, this type of algae colors the water in deep red, brown, or orange hues, a phenomenon described as "red tide," which switches to a blue glow at night time.

According to Gustaaf Hallegraeff, aquatic botany professor at the University of Tasmania, the algae employ this captivating flashing mechanism when feeling threatened, in an attempt to ward off predators.

"Imagine there's a little animal that wants to eat this plankton and suddenly it flashes at you," he told ABC News.

The University of Tasmania explains the blue luminous appearance poses no toxic danger to human viewers, but notes however that Noctiluca's high ammonia content might be irritant for fish species, generally reported to avoid the areas where the algae bloom.

Evidence Of Climate Change

These iridescent algae are no strangers to Tasmania's shores. Their luminous bloom has been spotted on numerous occasions during the last two decades, and studies suggest their numbers are steadily increasing, possibly due to global warming.

"We have some evidence that ocean currents and the warming of the oceans have contributed to it  it's definitely a species that is showing a spectacular range expansion in the last 20 years," Hallegraeff notes.

Noctiluca algae belong to a type of plankton called dinoflagellates, which thrive in temperate weather conditions. The algae require warmer water and a stable water column to bloom, "both of which happen with climate change," as pointed out in a statement by Anthony Richardson, from Australia's Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization.

In his opinion, the high prevalence of Noctiluca blooms indicates a clear sign of climate change, responsible for the algae's expansion from the Southern Ocean to the Australian coastline.

The same type of bioluminescent plankton is also present near Chinese shores, in the Gulf of Mexico, as well as near Seattle, and can even be seen in the Arabian Sea, says marine biologist Joaquim Goes, from Columbia University.

As he explains, the sudden algae blooms all around the world are triggered by "by the warming trend and increased stratification of the upper oceans," and pose a problem for local ecosystems. Large bodies of plankton strip the water of oxygen as they decompose, endangering marine wildlife.

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Google Search App Surfaced Online With Cleaner Layout | TechTree.com

If you are an Android smartphone user, here is some good stuff for you. A recent report as published on Android Police claims that Google is now testing a new interface for its Google search app on your Android smartphone.

According to Android Police, the original source of this report is Reddit, where the user @jpe230 even posted a link that leads to a couple of screenshots he took while using the new Beta version of the Google App. So, the version is 6.14.17.21 according to the user, while the operating system is Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow.

Here are the screenshots as shared the Reddit user:



As you can see in these images, the new app comes with a clean layout, while recent searches have been separated into different categories like All, Images, Maps, In-Apps, etc. And, in the Images section, you can see that Google is showing up Popular Searches.

However, Corbin Davenport of Android Police has mentioned in his post that even though he has the same version of the Beta app, he hasnt yet received the new design, which he further suggests to be mainly because of a server-side switch.

TAGS: Google
"We will expose the firm position of Venezuela against the destructive and polluting attacks of the capitalist system on our planet Earth, he said. | Read More
Two new C4 shows  Mutiny and The Polygamists  reveal how the fixed rig is becoming ever more flexible. Their producers explain how the rig is now just one tool among many for telling a good story.

Big Brother famously ushered in the era of fixed rig production. The technology employed on the reality format was used on the first fixed rig ob doc series The Family in 2008 and then on One Born Every Minute in 2009.

Since then, the rig has become a staple filming device in hospitals, police stations, schools and hotels, allowing programme makers to film people in an authentic way in spaces where they couldnt easily put crews.

Recently, the rig has started to move out of these traditional TV precincts into smaller, more intimate spaces. In 2015, Channel 4  acknowledged as the home of fixed rig docs  broadcast Renegade Productions The Tribe, which took the rig to a tribal village in southern Ethiopia. More recently, Rogan Productions placed a fixed-rig of cameras inside a small, family-run gun shop in Michigan for Channel 4s Gun Shop.

The rigs themselves have changed too. Often the rigs are smaller and more flexible, and are used in combination with observational handheld cameras.

The BBC, which for many years eschewed the fixed rig, has started using mini-rigs in this way too  as just one tool amongst many to capture a story.

For example, Keo Films BBC1 cancer documentary, The Big C & Me, used a mini-rig to film in a room where people are given chemotherapy. BBC1s Ambulance also had a mini-rig in ambulances, but also made use of footage filmed by handheld cameras.

Two new Channel 4 shows  Mutiny and The Polygamists (w/t)  are good examples of how the rig is moving into newer, more adventurous spaces.

The Polygamists, from Keo Films, uses a rig as well as handheld cameras to film the complex dynamics of Fundamentalist Mormon family life.

The 460-min series features a group of Fundamentalist Mormons living in the Utah desert, in a community where their homes have been carved into the face of a vast sandstone rock. The homes have all the mod-cons of most houses  its just the family set up is different. One family, for example, consists of one husband, three wives and 12 children.

Vicky Mitchell, series producer of The Polygamist, says the production team debated long and hard about whether the beautiful Utah environment was the right place for a rig, which might tie them to a domestic setting and feel too claustrophobic.

So they decided on a balance between a rig and handheld cameras. We felt this at its heart this was a series about plural marriage and juggling multiple relationships. And what the rig is incredible at is giving you those unguarded moments of intimacy. We felt the rig would capture the more subtle dynamics of the relationship between the husband, wife and sister wives.

The house of one Fundamentalist Mormon family house was rigged, with 14 cameras and 17 positions placed in the communal living spaces. Two traditional handheld crews also filmed. In the end, some 70% of the footage was captured by traditional filming, and about 30% from the rig, which was set up by Ben Hoffman at the Complete Camera Company.

I think that is the way things are going these days. Well see more and more shows that have a rig element to them  the rig is becoming another tool in a filmmakers arsenal like a GoPro or an Interretron, says Mitchell.

One of the big concerns for the production team was how to balance the rig and handheld footage. The latter was shot on an FS7 with prime lenses, giving it a filmic quality. Even though rig cameras have come on in leaps and bounds, they are no match for FS7 footage. However, Mitchell says this is not such an issue for audiences. When rigs were starting out, people agonised about how to marry up the two styles. These days it is less of an issue. If the audience is engaged with your stories and your characters, then I dont think they really care if one thing looks ever so slightly different than the other.

Another good example of how rigs are adapting is Mutiny. Airing this month, the doc sees nine men replicate the long journey in a tiny open boat across the South Pacific made by Captain Bligh and a handful of loyal men after the Mutiny on the Bounty.

Produced by Windfall Films, footage of the journey was captured by two embedded crew as well as a handful of fixed rig cameras attached to replica 23ft wooden boat. One, for example, was placed at the top of the mast, giving good coverage of the boat. Others, says Windfall chief executive David Dugan, were excellent at capturing footage when the embedded crew were too busy to film, or to pick up unexpected moments, like dolphins swimming past or quiet, unguarded moments of conversation on the boat.

The boat was rigged by Steve Selfe, the founder of on-board camera specialists Extreme Tec. He says: The main challenge was to make a system that was easy to change over by very tired crew in all weather condition and carry on working for 60 days in extreme conditions.

The system worked as follows: four broadcast quality, miniature HD waterproof cameras in fixed positions were connected to a hub that provided power and mic pre-amps. In turn, the four cameras and sound were connected to a master Odyssey recorder which could record for 12 hours if needed. 800 watts of lithium batteries powered the system and needed changing twice a day.

All video and audio was time code synchronised to a master clock on board a support ship, which followed about two miles behind. The live pictures were also transmitted back to the follow ship for the production team to log. The support boat was crucial, but tried to remain as inconspicuous as possible, says Dugan. We were typically two miles behind. We obviously wanted them to have the experience of being adrift in the Pacific without us interfering too much. But it meant we could monitor what was happening, partly as a safety issue and also so our edit producer could just see what was happening. The stuff we picked up was not broadcast quality though, so we still needed to retrieve the hard disk and swap them over. 

In fact, the kit was changed over twice a day via a complex but rudimentary method which saw fresh recorder and cameras loaded into a waterproof barrel and thrown off the back of the support boat on a 200m line for the Bountys End to pick up and swap over.

Footage from the rig and embedded cameramen was also complimented by pictures filmed by DoP John Livesey, of Floating Focus Facilities, who captured the boat to boat sequences and operated a drone used on the shoot. Dugan says the kit held out well despite being given the most horrendous punishment in a unforgiving environment. Sea water is just the worst thing for any kind of cameras system.

Case study: Mutiny, C4

David Dugan,

executive producer



Windfall Films C4 series Mutiny recreates the 1789 Pacific journey of Captain Bligh after the Mutiny of the Bounty

Why did you use a rig on the boat? We had two embedded cameramen who were getting quite a lot of material. But because they were also crew members, things sometimes got too busy. Also we wanted the opportunity to eavesdrop on conversations that might just occur when they were not filming.

Tell us about the rig. We had tiny little cameras, rigged at various places. One looked down from the top of the mast  it gave a lovely top shot of them all.



How did you get it to work out in the Pacific? It involved quite a bit of engineering. We used an Odyssey system, which meant all the material recorded on to a hard disk which we then had to retrieve twice a day. We also had a wireless link to our support ship which followed a couple of miles behind and could pick up the signal.The stuff we picked up was not broadcast quality though, so we still needed to retrieve the hard disk and swap them over.

How did you do that? In a very complicated way. We had a complete change of kit, so the cameras, the Odyssey etc, were loaded into in a waterproof barrel and thrown off the back of our support boat on a very long line. The Bounty boat would slow down and sail in, hook up the barrel, take out the fresh cameras and hard disk and put in the old ones.



What kind of footage did the rig provide? It provided coverage. It was really good when you had rough weather or things happened like dolphins swimming past when we didnt have the camera recording. It was different. It just gives sense of what its like, with wide angle shots, of being on this boat.

How did the rig stand up to the sea? It was given the most horrendous punishment and sea water is just worst thing for any kind of camera system. These cameras were pretty amazing. The thing we were most worried about was the connectors to the Odyssey hard drive, we didnt want to get water into that. So we had a very well thought out, protected, bag with water proof seals on it. The boat could have turned over and righted itself and it would still have been fine.

Case study: The Polygamists

Vicky Mitchell,

Series producer

Keo Films The Polygamists is an upcoming 460-min series for Channel 4 about a group of Fundamentalist Mormons living in Utah



What did you rig? We rigged one of the houses used by a family with one husband, three wives and 12 children. The house is split into three apartments. Each wife has their own separate apartment  and all are interlinked  and the husband spends a night with each one on rotation. The house is in an extraordinary place, blasted into an enormous sandstone rock in middle of Utah desert. We had two exterior cameras, then cameras in each of the communal spaces in each wives apartment. We had 14 cameras and 17 positions.

Where was the production team based? This Fundamentalist Mormon community is entirely off grid. Each family has solar shed to power their houses, about 100m from their houses. Our team set up home in the solar shed. It was in the middle of the baking desert heat  it was pretty unbearable. We set up our gallery in the solar shed, then had to dig trenches to run cable to the houses. The rig team was very small  there was four of us. We had two traditional handheld crews there as well.

What were the challenges of filming in a domestic setting? It is not action packed drama like you get in a hospital or school. You sit through a lot of people washing up or watching TV. You have to hold your nerve and trust that something will happen. The magic is in the detail. It is in the tiny interactions. Particularly with something like plural marriage, the rig allowed us to capture the fault-lines and foibles of the relationship in a way which traditional filming couldnt do.

This article is taken from the March issue of Televisual. To subscribe, click here

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Rupert Murdochs 21st Century Foxs takeover bid for Sky has been referred to regulators by Culture Secretary Karen Bradley.

In a statement to parliament, Bradley told MPs that Ofcom and competition regulator, the CMA, would be asked to investigate the deal.

21st Century Fox is offering 11.7bn for the 61% stake in Sky it does not already own.

21st Century Fox said it was "confident" the takeover would be approved.

Bradley said: "I am of the view that it remains both important, given the issues raised, and wholly appropriate for me to seek comprehensive advice from Ofcom on these public interest considerations and from the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) on jurisdiction issues."

Ofcom is tasked with considering the public interest implications of the deal, covering two specific areas: media plurality, and commitment to broadcast standards.

It is inviting written submissions by 30 March.

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A Baton Rouge lawmaker and others are preparing legislation to increase the state's gasoline tax by up to 17 cents per gallon, which would raise more than $500 million annually for roads and bridges.

"We have to do something," state Rep. Steve Carter, R-Baton Rouge said in an interview Wednesday.

In addition, an ally of Gov. John Bel Edwards said he is considering a measure for a gas tax hike that, if approved by the Legislature, would have to be endorsed by voters to take effect.

The governor expressed interest in just such an idea in January.

Carter said he is conferring with a Baton Rouge area transportation advocacy group called CRISIS, and members of the Baton Rouge area legislative delegation, to draft legislation for the 2017 regular session, which begins April 10.

"I don't know who is going to file it," he said.

The proposal, even though it is still being crafted, marks the first time that a state lawmaker has attached his name to a specific gasoline tax increase.

Each penny hike in the state's gasoline tax raises about $30 million per year.

"It is probably going to be 15, 16, 17 (cents)," Carter said.

He said he especially wants road and bridge relief for the Baton Rouge area, which Gov. John Bel Edwards has said is in dire need of relief.

"There is no place in the state that has a greater need than Baton Rouge," the governor said on Jan. 11.

The Capitol City has become the site of near daily traffic gridlock, especially near the "new" Mississippi River bridge.

Scott Kirkpatrick, executive director of CRISIS, said his group is in talks with lawmakers and others statewide.

"There is unanimity among the business community that we have to do something," Kirkpatrick said. "And nobody believes, absent revenue, you can do anything meaningful."

He said CRISIS would like to see a $500 million to $600 million increase in yearly transportation spending.

A task force named by Edwards in December recommended a $700 million per year increase in state aid for roads, bridges and other forms of transportation. Doing so would require an increase of 23 cents per gallon, if that was the sole source of the new money.

In a new twist, Edwards is not expected to offer his own plan for tackling road and bridge troubles.

Louisiana's transportation needs obvious, but solutions remain hard to find Less than a month before the 2017 regular legislative session begins, the upcoming debate on

The governor is instead preparing to endorse bills that he sees as offering solutions for transportation problems, which allies said could help provide political cover.

Carter heads the Capital Region Legislative Delegation, which met with Edwards on Monday.

Whether a gas tax hike like the one he is considering wins the support of the delegation remains to be seen.

"There are a number who will support it, there are some that have reservations about it," Carter said.

Any tax hikes require the support of two thirds of the state House and Senate.

Those hurdles will be especially tough to navigate in a session where budget problems will again dominate the gathering, including tackling another major shortfall.

"Me as a Republican, they are going to jump on me for raising taxes," Carter said. "But what are we going to do?"

Meanwhile, state Rep. Sam Jones, D-Franklin, said Wednesday he is gathering information for a possible transportation bill that, he said, would likely boost the gas tax by less than Carter's plan.

"What I think is different from his approach and mine is if we are going to support something it would have to go to a ballot," Jones said. "I think the people should have an opportunity to vote for it or against it."

Even a ballot measure would require the support of two thirds of the state House and Senate, and a majority of voters statewide, to take effect.

If that happens, Jones said, it would be clear that voters are willing to pay more for roads and bridges. "My guess is it would pass but the amount needs to be reasonable," he said.

Opponents of putting the issue on a statewide ballot contend the problem is obvious and can be addressed solely by the Legislature.

"We are not supportive of it going to the ballot," Kirkpatrick said.

State Rep. Franklin Foil, R-Baton Rouge, disagreed.

"I think probably putting it on the ballot makes the most sense to get the buy-in from the citizens, whether or not they want it," he said.

Foil is among lawmakers undecided on what any transportation aid plan should say.

"We need to do something and we have to find a source of additional revenue to make that happen," he said. "But I am not sure what is the right solution right now."

Not everyone is enthused about spending more for transportation.

John Kay, Louisiana state director of the conservative leaning Americans for Prosperity, said before any tax hike is considered current transportation spending practices need to be scrutinized, including whether too much is going for overhead.

"That is a big concern of ours," Kay said.

He said the group plans to be involved in this year's debate, including the release of a video in the next few days on Louisiana's gasoline tax.

Motorists pay 38.4 cents per gallon in state and federal taxes, including 20 cents of state charges.

A boost of 15 cents per gallon would raise $450 million per year. A 16-cent boost equals $480 million annually, and 17 cents would generate $510 million annually.

The state has two transportation backlogs that total $29 billion. One is for rank-and-file projects, including maintenance, and totals $13 billion. The other, for mega projects, totals $16 billion.

That list includes a new bridge across the Mississippi River in Baton Rouge, one of the priorities of area lawmakers and business leaders.
Louisiana, which has a higher incarceration rate than any state in the country or any nation in the world, could shed 13 percent of its prison population and save taxpayers $150 million in the process over the next 10 years, leaders of a criminal justice task force announced Thursday morning.

But reducing the prison population will require massive structural reforms, some of which are already proving controversial. They include overhauling sentencing, expanding probation and parole eligibility, revising drug penalties and easing financial burdens on convicts.

Criminal justice reform advocates, including Gov. John Bel Edwards, stressed that Louisiana's incarceration rate is not high because the state has more criminals. In fact, crime rates in Louisiana are not out of line with its Southern peers. Instead, policies and laws put in place under the guise of being "tough on crime" have led to longer sentences and fewer opportunities for release. These policies have proven to be expensive for the state without making the public measurably safer.

For example, in recent years, legislators have added 80 new laws limiting parole opportunities for inmates -- 55 of those were for nonviolent offenders, Edwards said in his remarks to the Task Force.

"Our policy decisions have been driven by fear, and not hope balanced with reason," Edwards said. "What we're doing isn't working."

The task force was established in 2015, but part of Edwards' campaign for governor included a promise for prison reform and reducing the prison population by about 5,500 people. The task force's proposal falls just short of that goal, projecting a reduction of 4,800 prison beds by 2027.

The recommendations were officially released early Thursday morning after about a year of meetings held by the Justice Reinvestment Task Force, which was directed to come up with ways to reduce the prison population and recidivism in Louisiana. The recommendations are expected to be introduced as a package of criminal justice reform legislation in the regular legislative session that begins in April.

Several members of the task force stressed that the hard part begins with the legislative work -- translating the recommendations into bills and trying to achieve consensus among the legislators. State Rep. Walt Leger, D-New Orleans, said it's likely the recommendations will be grouped into a set of different bills. But members of the task force are hopeful that the vast majority of the bills will be approved.

"This is not a menu from which to choose one or two items; this is a multi-faceted package," said Jimmy LeBlanc, secretary of the Department of Corrections and chair of the task force. "The truth is our state needs to be more than just tough on crime, especially in a budget crisis. We need to be smart on crime."

Louisiana's per-capita prison population, most recently calculated at 816 inmates for every 100,000 residents, is double the national average. Reducing that rate to match that of Oklahoma, the state with the second-highest incarceration rate, could have saved Louisiana $49 million in 2014, the task force found.

Notably, the task force found Louisiana locks up more nonviolent criminals than most states. In 2014, according to the report, Louisiana had similar crime rates to South Carolina and Florida, but sent nearly twice as many nonviolent offenders to prison as South Carolina did, and nearly three times as many as Florida.

In 2015, 81 percent of people admitted to Louisiana prisons were nonviolent offenders.

The task force also found that sentence lengths were getting longer for nonviolent offenders between 2010 and 2015, and that the Parole Board reviewed roughly half as many cases in 2015 as it did 10 years earlier.

The recommendations from the task force centered on reducing sentences for nonviolent crimes and providing alternative treatment programs and increased opportunities for probation for people accused of drug and property crimes.

A centerpiece of the package calls for a new classification system for felonies that would create a tiered system for crimes, ranging from "A" to "F." There would be clearly delineated sentencing ranges, hard labor requirements, eligibility for prison alternatives and jury types for each class. Such a system would help create consistency and equity in sentencing, the group found.

Leger noted that oftentimes legislators will propose amending criminal laws based on an individual situation in their district, offering up arbitrary penalties. As a result penalties for crimes are "haphazard and unwieldy," the report said. For example stealing a cell phone is a misdemeanor with a maximum of a 6 month sentence, but possession of a stolen cell phone is a felony with a maximum sentence of 10 years.

The task force also sought to ease financial burdens on inmates who will eventually be released. It recommended eliminating the restriction on food stamps for people with drug convictions during their first year following release from prison; suspending child-support payments during incarceration; and expanding transitional work programs, which allow inmates to earn wages, develop job skills and build up savings.

The task force is offering a total of 26 recommendations. The members of the task force unanimously supported 21 of the recommendations. The other five have seen strenuous objections from the Louisiana District Attorneys' Association and some victim advocates.

David Vitter working as consultant on state's criminal justice reform push Former U.S. Sen. David Vitter is working as a consultant to one of the key players in the st

The recommendations that garnered opposition would allow people serving life sentences or lengthy sentences for violent crimes to be considered for parole.

"The commitment made to victims is imperative to us," said District Attorney Bo Duhe, the sole prosecutor on the task force.

Pete Adams, executive director of Louisiana District Attorneys' Association, said the association has wide-ranging concerns about the unintended consequences of reducing penalties for people convicted of violent crimes. But he is hopeful that some of those concerns will be allayed when the recommendations are written into legislation.

The overall impact of implementing the recommendations would save Louisiana $305 million over 10 years, according to estimates provided by The Pew Charitable Trusts, which advised the task force. The task force recommends that at least half of the savings -- $154 million -- be reinvested into research-based programs targeting recidivism and services for victims.

Some of this money would flow back to local prisons in the form of higher per-diem rates to house state prisoners. Half of the state's prison population is housed in local jails, but per-diem rates are so low that the sheriffs are unable to provide programs to reduce recidivism.

"We'll be able to increase sheriff per diems in exchange for better services," Edwards said.

But Adams said he's concerned that it could take years to generate the savings needed to reinvest in education and other enrichment.

"What do we do for the one to three years it takes to generate a savings? Are we letting people out without being able to provide those corresponding treatments?" he said.
Like many people on the Gulf Coast, I had a loved one on an oil rig the day the Deepwater Horizon exploded. It was my stepdads first job with
Ed Quatrevaux with New Orleans Inspector General, answers questions posed by reporters during the press conference held by the New Orleans Office of Inspector General and Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans about the theft of more than 34,000 pounds of brass by S&WB employees in New Orleans, Wednesday December 14, 2016.
I really appreciated the recent letter submission by Sister Helen Prejean, CSJ on the facts associated with the Republican proposed health car
FILE - In this March 6, 2017 file photo, Attorney General Jeff Sessions waits to make a statement at the U.S. Customs and Border Protection office in Washington. Sessions is seeking the resignations of 46 United States attorneys who were appointed during the prior presidential administration, the Justice Department said Friday, March 10, 2017. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File)
James Gill: What does the NRA think of toy guns?
The plan to rescue Slater and Gordon is under way after its major bankers on-sold their debt to distressed-debt buyers, paving the way for a restructure.

Sources told Fairfax Media that Westpac, National Australia Bank, Barclays and Royal Bank of Scotland, which together held in excess of $700 million in debt, exited their holdings in the past 24 hours.

Matters are moving quickly, with legal and financial advisers working hard to finalise a restructure of the group in the coming days.

Sources said a restructure was being worked out that would dramatically reduce the debt in the company.
Here's one gauge of the rekindled American enthusiasm for political protest: Sales of poster boards, markers and other sign-making supplies jumped more than 30 per cent in the week before Donald Trump's inauguration and the January 21 Women's March, according to data from the NPD Group, which tracks sales of consumer goods.

That week, Americans spent an estimated $US6 million ($7.8 million) on supplies - not insignificant considering that many of the individual items cost $US1 or less.

Sales of foam boards rose 42 per cent. Poster board sales grew 33 per cent, and in the week before the inauguration, stores sold roughly one-third of the 6.8 million poster boards sold in January.

Paint markers and fabric paint for t-shirts also sold more briskly than normal, said Leen Nsouli, director of industry analysis for office suppliers at NPD.
The outrage from both Labor and Liberal politicians that followed was predictable. Opposition leader Bill Shorten said he believed in changing bad laws, not breaking them. Employment Minister Michaelia Cash said the comments showed McManus was "a law unto herself".

Sally McManus, the newly elected secretary of the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU), caused quite a fuss on Wednesday when she said during a TV interview that she didn't see any problem with breaking the law if the law was unjust.

ACTU boss Sally McManus attracted controversy by opposing "unfair" laws on industrial action. Credit:ABC

Perhaps McManus' critics think we have such a duty because we have promised to obey the law and we have a duty to keep our promises. But who among us has made such a promise? New citizens and officials, but not most of us. Then again, maybe we promise in a less obvious way. Maybe our participation in the democratic process amounts to a promise to obey the laws that result. An obvious difficulty with this view is that, in Australia, voting is compulsory and forced promises are surely not binding.

Those criticising McManus could also claim that the disobedience McManus views as unproblematic would lead to further disobedience that would eventually undermine the Australian state. Yet the idea that isolated acts of disobedience would have these consequences seems improbable.

Alternatively, they could argue we have a duty to support just or nearly just institutions and the Australian state is as just as we could reasonably expect. We have democracy, the rule of law and certain liberties. These are not small things, but can our state really be said to treat all of us, whoever we are, with the equal concern and respect that justice seems to require?

If we doubt that it does, we would find unconvincing certain other arguments that McManus' critics might offer. We would, for instance, have difficulty accepting the argument that obedience is required as a matter of fairness to our fellow citizens, on whose obedience our receipt of state-benefits depends. Our sense of injustice would lead us to suspect the fairness of the distribution of the benefits  too many for some and too few for others.
Saturday sport across Sydney is under threat after a week of persistent wet weather with intermittent showers predicted all day.

More than 30 millimetres of rain fell by Thursday morning, and the start to the weekend is likely to be no better.

"On Friday, Sydney is going to be windier than what we've experienced recently, with south to south-easterly winds, and we will probably still see a number of showers across the day," said Weatherzone meteorologist Rob Sharpe.

"On Saturday we will see a number of showers around, but it will be less windy than on Friday."
It is easy now, as thousands stream blithely each winter to the ski fields of the Snowy Mountains, to overlook the monumental events of last century on those heights that still affect our daily lives and our industries, and how, in the exploitation of the high country, Australia was transformed, economically and culturally.

Each morning and evening, as the National Electricity Grid gets thumped by demand from the big rushing east coast populations from Brisbane to Adelaide, near-instantly available power spins out of those mountains to help smooth out the peaks and troughs of other electricity generators.



The Snowy Mountains Hydro Electric Scheme generates an average of around 4500 gigawatt hours of energy each year - almost 14 per cent of Australia's current renewable energy target of 33,000 gigawatt hours.

In today's angry debates about renewable energy, which have become almost shorthand for wind and solar, it is often overlooked the Snowy produces 32 per cent of all renewable energy in the mainland National Electricity Market .

The scheme is run these days as a business, Snowy Hydro, but it remains a government-owned entity thanks to a national uproar in 2006 that forced the federal, NSW and Victorian governments to reverse their proposals to sell their shares.
ACTU boss Sally McManus has refused to back down from her now-infamous comments backing workers' rights to break laws they view as unjust, saying Medicare and many working conditions had been won through "non-violent so-called illegal industrial action".

Senior Turnbull government figures have rounded on the new ACTU boss's comments, which Defence Industry Minister Christopher Pyne described as "anarcho-Marxist claptrap".

Mr Pyne said the comments showed Ms McManus, a former secretary of the NSW branch of the Australian Services Union, was not up to the job of leading the union movement.

"What Sally McManus has said is the kind of anarchic Marxist clap trap we used to hear from anarchists at Adelaide University in the 1980s," he told ABC radio on Thursday morning.
Momentum is building for a federal government crackdown on television betting ads, with the country's biggest gambling companies backing restrictions on the number of commercials they can broadcast.

But the push is facing resistance from TV broadcasters, who increasingly rely on gambling advertising for revenue and claim the only winners from fewer television ads would be overseas-owned Facebook and Google.

Fairfax Media revealed on Thursday that the Turnbull government was prepared to slash the amount of gambling ads TV broadcasters are allowed to air during sporting events in a bid to secure support for the deregulation of media ownership laws.

Nick Xenophon, whose votes will be crucial for media ownership changes to pass the Senate, is pushing for a ban on gambling advertising during sporting broadcasts in his negotiations with the government.
The federal government will increase its stake in the Snowy Hydro if NSW and Victoria refuse to help finance Malcolm Turnbull's ambitious expansion plan.

The Prime Minister says his government is prepared to go it alone and put up equity to fund the "game changing" $2 billion development, increasing the Commonwealth's current approximate shareholding of $800 million, or 13 per cent of the asset.

The pledge came as Opposition Leader Bill Shorten questioned whether the expansion plan would ever come to fruition and his environment spokesman Mark Butler said it amounted to little more than a feasibility study.

But their attack was blunted when junior Labor frontbencher Mike Kelly, who holds the seat of Eden-Monaro in which the Snowy Hydro scheme is situated, welcomed the announcement and the estimated 500 jobs it would create.



Under Mr Turnbull's plan the scheme's 4100 megawatt capacity would be boosted by as much as 50 per cent, or 2000 megawatts, powering up to 500,000 homes through a new network of tunnels and power stations.
Lawyers for actresses Emma Watson and Amanda Seyfried are coming for the people who leaked private photos of the Hollywood stars. A representative for Watson confirmed that photos circulating online on Wednesday were authentic and had been stolen. Amanda Seyfried arrives at the Los Angeles premiere of The Last Word. Credit:Getty Images "Photos from a clothes fitting Emma had with a stylist a couple of years ago have been stolen. They are not nude photographs," Watson's publicist, Luke Windsor, told USA Today in a statement. "Lawyers have been instructed and we are not commenting further." In Seyfried's case, the actress was photographed in intimate situations with a former boyfriend and the photos were leaked to the website Celebrity Jihad, which traffics in nude celebrity photos, both real and Photoshopped.

In a letter obtained by TMZ on Thursday, her attorneys threatened legal action against the site unless they were removed immediately and demanded that the site preserve evidence of the photos and any correspondence pertaining to their use or distribution. "As you acknowledge on your website, these photos are believed to have been leaked, ie wrongfully obtained by a third party or parties without Ms Seyfried's knowledge or consent," they told Celebrity Jihad, noting that the act of publishing the photos was at the very least a copyright infringement and at worst, a violation of her privacy. Both actresses' profiles are especially high at the moment - Watson's live-action remake of Beauty and the Beast is getting worldwide attention; meanwhile, first-time mom-to-be Seyfried's latest film, The Last Word, premiered earlier this month. The leaks come days after Mischa Barton's lawyer issued a statement promising to find and prosecute anyone seeking to sell or buy "revenge-porn" photos of her, believed to have been taken without her consent by someone she was dating at the time. Loading
Almost a week after he was shot dead in his bed in a brutal gangland execution, bikie associate Kemel Barakat has been farewelled in Sydney's inner west.

Twenty-nine-year-old Barakat, nicknamed "Blackie", was peppered with more than a dozen bullets as he slept in his upmarket Mortlake unit last Friday.

Mr Barakat, who was a suspect in the shooting of crime figure Hamad Assaad, was aware of the target on his back, having remarkably dodged being shot at in the western suburbs weeks earlier.

In the pouring rain on Thursday, mourners flocked to the Alawi Youth Movement Centre in Marrickville for the Hells Angel bikie gang figure's funeral service.
At the start of Year 11, Shawn Carter came home to an empty house.

The locks had been changed, all his belongings gone, and his mother had left.

Shawn Carter's school helped him find food and shelter. Credit:Paul Jeffers

He had been paying the rent, handing over the money he earned working as a cleaner and at a pizza shop. It wasn't enough to avoid an eviction.

"Everyone was gone," he said. "I was by myself."
Premier Daniel Andrews will take the "unprecedented" and "unconventional" step of spending up to $50 million to buy a beleaguered timber mill in Heyfield in a bid to save jobs in Gippsland.

Australian Sustainable Hardwoods, which processes timber from the plant, has rejected supply offers from the state-owned VicForests because they were deemed too low and would force the mill that employs 250 people to close.

The timber mill at Heyfield. Credit:Mal Fairclough

The supply offer of 80,000 cubic metres for the next financial year, and 60,000 more per annum for the following two years, was made because VicForests said there was dwindling supply in the state's forests.

ASH wanted nearly double the offer that was on the table.
Ben Wyatt made Australian political history on Thursday morning, as he was announced as the country's first ever Indigenous treasurer.

Shadow deputy leader Roger Cook has been confirmed as deputy premier as well as minister for health, while former federal MP Alannah MacTiernan, who has returned to state politics with an upper house seat, has parachuted into the ministry, with the portfolio of agriculture.

Premier-elect Mark McGowan, who unveiled the 17 new ministers on Thursday five days after Labor's thumping election win, said Mr Wyatt who also picks up finance, energy and Aboriginal affairs portfolios was a "very talented man".

"I have given him a heavy load but's that because he has the ability," he told reporters.
BAC Mono Supercars Hit The Ice In Sweden, Enjoys Inaugural Mono Ice Driving Experience +VIDEO

 Armed with three One-of-a-Kind Mono supercars, BAC powered and drifted along the Are ice with specially selected clients and enthusiasts

 Co-founders Neill and Ian Briggs first laid plans for the highly acclaimed Mono with a dream of sharing its perfect driving characteristics with friends, and the Sweden experience saw that dream come true

LONDON - March 16, 2017: Briggs Automotive Company (BAC) is celebrating a hugely successful inaugural Mono Ice Driving Experience trip, having hit the frozen lakes of Sweden in three of its One-of-a-Kind Mono supercars.

A true British success story, BAC has achieved worldwide acclaim and success for the brilliance of its driver-focused Mono and has exported in to 30 territories around the globe so far.

Even so, the Liverpool-based company is more connected with its clients than any other supercar manufacturer and is forever giving back to those who gave the brand its phenomenal stature. Taking to the ice in Are, west Sweden, is one of many ways BAC is repaying its loyal customers.

Despite battling intense cold weather, the three Mono performed amazingly well on the ice and BAC came away having achieved its ultimate goal: giving its clients the raw Mono experience and having plenty of fun along the way.

Drivers of various walks of life and skill levels headed to Are, but thanks to the expert advice from Co-Founders Neill and Ian Briggs and Drive Team Leader Oliver Webb, all attendees were drifting like pros when it was time to say goodbye.

The Mono is renowned for being one of the most accessible cars on the planet, and how quickly guests leaned to take the perfect drifting line in a corner is testament to exactly that.

When Ian and Neill Briggs formed BAC back in 2011, they did so with a vision of making a car that focuses solely on the person behind the wheel  one that puts the enjoyment back into driving and completely connects you with the road.

But there was more to the Briggs brothers desires than crafting complex and world-conquering machinery; they wanted to share their journey with friends and allow them to reap the benefits of their creation, too.

BAC Co-Founder and Director of Product Development, Neill Briggs, said: The first Mono Experience trip was an overwhelming success. Our clients are considered our friends, and we are so happy that they became part of a very exclusive club of Mono drivers to have hit the ice. Spirits were high for the duration of the trip and were very excited for the next phase of giving back to our loyal customers.

Co-Founder and Design Director Ian added: What a fantastic experience it was for us in Sweden and the absolute perfect setting for the Mono. The blue skies, the white snow  its exhilarating before you even start to move. We had helicopter rides, snow mobile tours and built an even closer relationship with our customers. I still remember imagining what it would be like to drive the car long before it even existed; and every time I drive it I get that feeling  especially in an environment you havent driven before. Its a wonderful feeling.

BAC will showcase the Mono lifestyle again in May this year, when it will take clients to the Isle of Man for a scintillating, no-holds-barred festival of Mono fun.

Watch the Mono in action on the frozen lakes of Are here: https://youtu.be/EMlc9bCgHr8

ABOUT BAC

Bespoke supercar manufacturer BAC (Briggs Automotive Company) is based in Liverpool and was co-founded by brothers Ian and Neill Briggs. It produces the fast and highly acclaimed Mono supercar, a single-seater formula-style car that provides a visceral and exhilarating driving experience.

Since its launch in 2011 it has been going from strength to strength and is now sold in several markets around the world. It launched with great success and fanfare in Hong Kong at the end of 2015, with eight cars sold in a single night. BAC dealers can also be found in North America, Japan and London.

The 2016 model year version of the Mono comes with a four-cylinder 305bhp 2.5-litre Mountune engine, which takes the 580kg car from 0-60mph in just 2.8sec.

BAC recently launched a carbon hybrid wheel and announced the use of super material graphene, which is up to 20 per cent lighter than carbon fibre and as much as 200 times stronger than steel.

Despite its global appeal, BAC Mono remains proudly British, with parts sourced from its home country wherever possible.
Auto Lab Radio Talk LIVE From NYC Saturday March 18, 2010 7-9AM







Auto Lab Talk Radio

The Auto Lab Radio Show is Broadcast every Saturday 7 to 9 AM On New York City's WNYM Radio AM 970 and Streamed Worldwide On The Auto Channel

This Weeks Show Broadcast Date: March 18, 2017

Car Question or Concern? Call Toll Free 888-692-7234

Auto Lab is a 28 year old interactive automotive-focused New York area radio call-in show hosted by Professor Harold Wolchok. Each week a cadre of experienced hands-on automotive experts are in-studio with advice for the New York area's 12 million people, providing listeners with honest, practical and street-smart car repair and buying advice.

Auto Lab is also about the automotive industry, its history, and its culture, presenting the ideas and advice of leading college faculty, authors, and automotive practitioners in a relaxed, conversational interactive format.

Listeners can hear the past 18 years of archived Auto Lab shows as simulcast on www.theautochannel.com.

Listen - Auto Lab Page (Includes Audio-on-Demand Archives, Auto Programs at Community College Database, Guests Pictures

This Weeks Show: March 18, 2017

Auto Lab In-Studio Auto Experts Discuss: Repairs, Second Opinions, Regular Maintenance, How To's, Safety, Used and New Car Buying, Ombudsmen Suggestions

Harold Bendell- Major Auto

Fred Bordoff-Bronx Community College-Automotive Technology Department, CUNY

Ivan Anderson- Brookdale Community College

Tim Cacace-Master Mechanix

Jerry Pastore-D & J Diagnostic

Johanna Pastore-D & J Diagnostic

Joanne Porcelli, Esq

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Nicholas Prague- MTA and Rockland Community College, SUNY

Auto Lab Correspondents Report Auto Safety News, New Car Reviews, Technology and Latest Auto World Information That May effect You!

Broadcast Date: March 18, 2017

Robert Erskine, Senior European Correspondent, Suffolk England

ALONG CAME A SPIDER

Robert Sinclair-AAA Northeast

REMBERING CARS FROM MY YOUTH:1966 CHEVROLET CHEVELLE

Ivan Anderson, Brookdale Community College

AUTOMOTIVE INFORMATION SESSIONS & OPEN HOUSE SCHEDULES

John Russell Senior Correspondent

2017 HYUNDAI ELANTRA SPORT WITH 6 SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION
if the people of Biafra want Republic of Biafra, it will be a reality during my administration. ----Donald Trump Donald Trump I wi...
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The biggest problem for President Donald Trumps travel ban is President Donald Trump.

That became excruciatingly evident when he gave a stream-of-consciousness reaction to an overflow crowd in Nashville at a campaign-style rally Wednesday night after a federal judge in Hawaii blocked implementation of his new ban nationwide and just hours before it was to take effect.

This is a watered-down version of the first one, he proclaimedinadvertently bolstering his critics arguments that both bans were informed by the same anti-Muslim animus and, thus, were in violation of the First Amendment.

Justice Department lawyers have worked overtime to argue that neither of the presidents executive ordersnot the first one, which kicked off airport chaos before judges blocked it , and not the second one, which would have gone into effect just after midnight if another federal judge hadnt given it the same treatment were Not. Muslim. Bans.

Those lawyers have pointed out that the vast majority of Muslims in the world werent impacted by either ban, that the the president has broad legal authority when it comes to immigration, and that previous presidents also unilaterally blocked travelers from entering the United States based on their nationality.

But the arguments those lawyers made in court were systematically hamstrung by the president and his aides.

Now, it didnt help that Trump campaigned on a Muslim ban, arguing with passion that any Muslim travel to the U.S. posed a grave and immediate threat. And it didnt help that his campaign siteas of the evening of March 15 has up a press release calling for that ban.

Those were facts that federal judges cited in previous rulings enjoining the first version of Trumps ban.

On top of that, though, were comments Trump and his allies made after he became president. Rudy Giuliani famously told Fox News that Trump asked him how to craft a ban that would pass legal musteran comment that, ironically, made it much harder for Trumps order to get through the courtsand Stephen Miller, one of his top White House advisors, also told Fox News that the second travel ban was only slightly different from the first.

Then theres the fact that Trump himself told CBNs David Brody he would craft policy to give preferential treatment to Christian refugees over Muslims.

And now, even before the ink had dried on the Hawaii decision, Trump was blithely undercutting its legal basis.

I wasnt thrilled, but the lawyers all said Oh lets tailor it, he told the crowd. This is a watered-down version of the first one. This is a watered-down version. And let me tell you something, I think we ought to go back to the first one and go all the way, which is what I wanted to do in the first place.

The lawyers arguing against Trump will almost certainly cite that line.

As long as he himself continues to tie these orders together, then the courts can, should, and must rightfully consider all of that rhetoric that went before it, Hassan Ahmad, an immigration lawyer based in Northern Virginia who volunteered at Dulles Airport to help travelers impacted by the first order, told the Daily Beast. A court would look at that and say, Well, youre still trying to ban Muslims, youre still disfavoring a religion. You violated the Establishment Clause, and now you just admitted it.

The Establishment Clause, in the First Amendment of the Constitution, blocks the government from giving people better or worse treatment based on their religious beliefs. Opponents of the presidents order argue it was designed to do just thatto discriminate against people because theyre Muslim.

In his ruling blocking the ban, District Judge Derrick Watson said that just because it doesnt apply to all Muslims doesnt mean it isnt discriminatory.

The notion that one can demonstrate animus toward any group of people only by targeting all of them at once is fundamentally flawed, he wrote. The Court declines to relegate its Establishment Clause analysis to a purely mathematical exercise.

The judge then proceeded to cite the press release mentioned earlier, along with Miller and Giulianis public comments, as evidence of the new orders religious animus.

So far, none of his court losses have stopped Trump from doubling down after each loss on his legally disastrous rhetoric.
An Oklahoma Republican who was a key backer of Donald Trump s presidential campaign has been charged with three felonies after cops found him in a hotel room with an underage boy.

Republican Sen. Ralph Shortey was charged Thursday with with engaging in child prostitution, prostitution within 1,000 feet of a church, and transporting a minor for the purposes of prostitution. Shortey checked into a hotel with an underage male just after midnight last Thursday and police arrived 30 minutes later, responding to a welfare check.

Officers with the Moore Police Department noticed the odor of marijuana emitting from the room, according to a police report. Only when cops threatened to open the door with the motels master key did an underage boy allow officers into the room. Shortey was standing behind the door, the police report claims.

When police questioned the boy, he allegedly told them he had messaged with Shortey on Instagram and Kik, with Shortey posing under the name Jamie Tilley. Their most recent conversation had begun when the boy messaged Shortey.

Is there anything I can help you do [for] some cash? the boy wrote.

How much you needing? Shortey allegedly wrote back. When the boy answered that he needed money for spring break, Shortey allegedly replied:

I dont have any legitimate things I need help with right now. Would you be interested in some sexual stuff?

Later, apparently from outside the boy's home, Shortey messaged: Im here.

The day after the motel bust, Shortey posted a photo with Donald Trump Jr. on Facebook.

Was honoured to have lunch today with Donald Trump Jr. and some very influential and passionate bsiness leaders in our state, Shortey wrote. Loved hearing the war stories from the campaign trail and what the next phase is in restoring our republic. Looking forward to an exciting future and hope to be a big part of it.

The Oklahoma state Senate voted on Wednesday to strip Shortey of all the privileges of holding elected office, including his office, parking space, and government-issued computer. Hell still be able to vote, and collect his paychecks.

Shortey has represented Oklahoma City in the state Senate since 2010. He has three daughters with his wife of 15 years.

As a lawmaker, Shortey has been a right-wing stalwart. In 2011, he proposed a bill that would strip undocumented immigrants of property used in the commission of a crime.

We are not saying they are less than human, he said, according to the Tulsa World. What we are saying is they are not Americans and have no rights thereof.

The same year, Shortey proposed a bill requiring presidential candidates to submit their birth certificates to the election board before appearing on an Oklahoma ballot. And in January 2012, he took on the issue of aborted fetuses, hidden in our food.

No person or entity shall manufacture or knowingly sell food or any other product intended for human consumption which contains aborted human fetuses in the ingredients or which used aborted human fetuses in the research or development of any of the ingredients, the bill proposed by Shortey read.

More recently, Shortey threw his support behind the Trump-led crackdown on so-called sanctuary cities, alleging that undocumented immigrants from Central America were engaged in child sex trafficking.

"When you incentivize illegal immigration, you incentivize a lot of bad things, Shortey told KFOR-TV in February. There's a trail of death from Honduras to the United States of America, and the families are giving their children and others over to coyotes and to human traffickers.

Solicitation of a minor through technology is punishable by up to 10 years in prison in Oklahoma.
KIEV  Yevgenia Zakrevskaya, an attorney here in the Ukrainian capital, is one of the strongest liberal voices in the country, fighting hard for democratic values and the rule of law. Persistent, punctilious, and stubborn, the 36-year-old Zakrevskaya has pieced together a mosaic of evidence proving that the entire Ukraine state system from top to bottom was responsible for the tragic events in February 2014 when more than 100 protesters were killed in the streets of Kiev.

Representing 20 victims and their family members, Zakrevskaya wants to send a strong message to Moscow and Washington, as well as to all Ukrainian officials: everyone complicit in ordering the mass murder of unarmed protesters in Maidan Square must be prosecuted and punished, even if it takes yearsand even if the list of suspects comes to include people like former Donald Trump campaign chief Paul Manafort or, indeed, people protected by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Right now, Ukraine is watching the historic public trial of five former Kiev policemen. The men in the dock are members of the Black Unit, Kievs feared Berkut police, suspected of murdering 48 people and injuring up to 80 participants in the Maidan revolution on Feb. 20, 2014.

For three years Zakrevskaya has been collecting photo and video evidence, as well as physical evidence such as bullets and shells from around the square to prove not only that this police unit fired at the protesters but that they did so under orders.

The bullets Zakrevskaya, her colleagues and clients have discovered are not made of plastic; the video footage depicted men in uniforms shooting guns at protesters in Kiev.

This trial could be compared to the Bloody Sunday trial in Ireland or to the court hearing against the murderers of protesters in Lithuania in 1991, Zakrevskaya tells The Daily Beast.

Many in Ukraine believe that former President Yanukovych was responsible for ordering the mass murder of Maidan revolutionaries and that the entire system of power has to be cleansed and reformed.

Others say that it is enough to see a few policemen on trial, that the law enforcement agencies should not go after all officials on all levels, even if some involved in suppressing the revolutionary movement might be still working in Ukraines state institutions.

Zakrevskaya insists that all witnesses deserve attention. Its in that context that the name of Paul Manafort comes up, since the American political operator was an advisor both for Yanukovych and eventually U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump, Zakrevskaya told The Daily Beast.

Beginning in 2005, Manafort was advising Yanukovych and his Russia-backed Party of Regions as well as the partys biggest sponsor, Ukrainian oligarch Renat Akhmetov.Even after the violent events of February 2014 and Yanukovychs shameful escape to Russia, Manafort returned to Ukraine to reshape the former ruling Party of Regions into the Oppo Bloc.

Manaforts tenure as Trumps campaign chief ended after reports last summer that he received millions of dollars in cash payments, allegedly stolen from Ukrainian tax payers.

Its been reported as well that Manaforts daughters felt concerned about their fathers interactions with former President Yanukovych.

What appear to be hacked text messages among Manaforts daughters include this sinister judgment by Andrea Manafort: Dont fool yourself. That money we have is blood money.

Manafort has not yet responded to queries from The Daily Beast about the allegations in Ukraine or his daugthers alleged text messages.

The key question for Ukraine is whether Manafort was advising Yanukovych during the days of violence in late February 2014, at precisely the time when the Berkut police fired machine guns at unarmed people on Kievs Independence Square.

Zakrevskaya said she'd welcome any efforts by Manafort's daughters and the U.S. law enforcement that might help Ukraine find out the truth. "This trial could be a lesson for the entire world," she said.

Yanukovych is exiled in Russia, but in November, Zakrevskaya had a chance to him about the killings, via videoconference. The former president said that it was not police but some radicals who had shot people dead in Kiev,  Zakrevskaya said.

One of Zakrevskayas clients, Vladimir Bondarchuk, is looking for justice in the case of his father, Sergei Bondarchuk, a schoolteacher from Starokonstantinovka who was shot dead on Maidan Square. In the dramatic video Vladimir presented to the court as evidence, his father can be seen carrying a wounded protester, seconds before he was fatally wounded himself.

We found a video of a police officer in a black uniform with a yellow ribbon around his arm firing an AK-47 assault rifle in the direction of my father, Bondarchuk told The Daily Beast. One of the bullets hit my fathers body when he and his friends were carrying another fatally injured protester towards a shelter without paying attention to the rain of bullets fired at them, Bondarchuk said. His voice cracked as he spoke, even now, three years after the violence.

Both Zakrevskaya and her client struggle say they are at a loss to understand how officials sworn to protect the nation could shoot guns at people carrying a wounded man.

Most of the Berkut policemen who were fighting Maidans revolutionaries managed to escape to Russia in February,2014. The officers on trial today are accused, specifically, of killing 48 participants in the uprising on Institustaya Street. They say they are innocent and insist that if they fired it was in response to revolutionaries attacking them.

Zakrevskaya does not believe that they are telling the truth: In the videos we have studied it is evident that the riot policemen fired at the protesters from a position behind a concrete barricade, which means the unit was under a full control, Zakrevskaya said. This awful crime is now being considered by the International Criminal Court.

Ukrainian legal expert Mikhail Zhernakov believes that the trial against former policemen is hugely important for Ukraine today.

All Mr. Yanukovychs allies, supporters of the former regime should be questioned on this case, as potentially responsible in mass killings during Maidan protests; including, if the facts get proved, Mr. Manafort, Mikhail Zhernakov told The Daily Beast. By recognizing the killings as the crime against humanity, and that is how many in Ukraine see the shootings, the International Criminal Court would help the progress of this historical process for our country.

Given Manaforts important connection to President Trump, discovering the truth about Manaforts role in February 2014 could have historical significance for the United States as well.
In 2012 and again in 2013, federal judges in the U.S. indicted 29-year-old Russian Alexsey Belan on hacking charges. Law enforcement officials hoped the Russians would extradite him.

Instead, they hired him.

The tale is part of the the bombshell indictment the Justice Department announced Tuesday morning alleging that Belan and another hacker worked with two members of the Russian governments security agency, the FSB, to hack into Yahoo in 2014. That hack was one of the largest data breaches in world history, impacting more than 500 million email accounts.

Belan, as well as alleged co-conspirators Karim Baratov and Dmitry Dokuchaev and Igor Sushchin, were indicted on a total of 47 counts, including computer hacking and economic espionage. Its the first time Russian government officials have been indicted in the U.S. for cyber crimes.

And, in a deeply ironic twist, those officials work for the FSB Center for Information Security (known as Center 18) which is the FBIs point of contact in Moscow on cybercrime issues. FBI and DOJ officials made a point of noting to reporters that Belan was subject to an Interpol Red Notice seeking for him to immediately be detained. Russia is a member of Interpol, butobviouslydidnt detain him.

When asked if the FSB officials were acting on their own or doing official business, National Security Division Acting head Mary McCord hinted at the latter.

As our indictment alleges and as we have reason to believe based on our evidence, they were acting in their capacity as FSB officials, she said.

And asked if it was possible for the FBI to have a trusting, functional relationship with the FSB, Paul Abbatethe executive assistant director of the FBIs Criminal, Cyber, Response and Services Branchsaid the news makes things complicated.

I think thats a challenge, he said. Its something were going to continue to work at, and I think this case is going to be a great test of that so we can gauge the level of cooperation we get from them, now having charged these individuals, we would like to see their full cooperation and assistance in bringing these individuals to justice and further aiding us in expanding the scope of the investigation.

Lawrence Muir, an attorney with the firm Dunlap Bennett & Ludwig who drafted policy briefs on Russian cybercrime for now-Attorney General Jeff Sessions before his confirmation hearing, told The Daily Beast its likely the two indicted FSB officials arent the only members of the Russian government who were involved in the hacking.

These attacks are sophisticated, and they require the development of a lot of sophisticated malicious code, and that is expensive, he said. So I believe the Russian government has effectively outsourced this sophisticated attack to two very sophisticated hackers, and that they have been using state resourcesmeaning state money and any other type of intellectual capitalin order to control these hackers through FSB agents.

The indicators are that these types of attacks are very sophisticated and very expensive, he added, and that points toward state sponsorship.

The hack had a substantial economic impact. Verizon ended up paying $350 million less to purchase Yahoo than it initially offered because the hack damaged its brand so much, as Variety detailed .

The hackers gathered information on 500 million Yahoo email accountsincluding recovery emails and information on security questionsand were able to read the contents of emails for 6,500 accounts, according to the indictment. The indictment said the hackers also used their access to Yahoos network to target Russian journalists, Kremlin critics, former officials from countries that border Russia, and U.S. government officialsincluding White House personnel.

According to the indictment, Sushchin was Dokuchaevs superior at the FSB, and the two hired Belan and Baratov for their hacking services. But the FSB wasnt their only source of income. Belan also used information he stole from Yahoo to manipulate their search engines. For a time, some people who searched for erectile dysfunction drugs saw a fraudulent link he made. That link directed them to an online pharmacys website, which paid him a commission for the extra traffic.

The Justice Department also said one of the men, Baratov, was arrested yesterday in Canada. The other three havent been arrested yet, and it would be surprising if Russia decided to extradite them. But there are other ways the U.S. government could try to punish them. For instance, then-President Barack Obama signed an executive order in 2015 allowing the Treasury Department to sanction cybercriminals. Mary McCord, the acting director of the DOJs National Security Division, told reporters that it was possible the Treasury could use that authority to freeze the assets of the indicted Russians.

And though theres been a barrage of news stories about investigations of Russian hacking as it related to the 2016 presidential campaign, this investigation doesnt appear to involve any of that; McCord said Attorney General Jeff Sessions isnt recused from it.
Every couple of months somebody asks me what are the biggest cocktails and spirits trends. I dont mind the questions, since I already have an answer ready: Irish whiskey.

Amazingly, Ive been giving this answer for more than a decade, since Irish whiskey has been on an unprecedented streak.

While most drinkers have enjoyed the spirit in a shot or in a cocktail (Irish Coffee certainly comes to mind), the popularity of the whiskey has reached stratospheric heights of popularity. Sales in America, from 2002 to 2016, according to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, have increased by a staggering 780 percent. Starting in 2010, Irish whiskey sales in the U.S. surpassed even single malt Scotch and have continued to climb ever higher.

Plenty has been written about the Irish whiskey crash that took place around the turn of the century, which left the once powerful industry barely hanging on, and how theres be an equally impressive rebirth over the last 20 years. But one new wrinkle (and newsworthy trend) has been the sudden surfeit of high-priced Irish whiskies on store shelves and behind bars.

Not that long ago, there was just a handful of a handful of super-premium Irish whiskies, including Jamesons delicious Midleton Very Rare ($145), which is made from the distillerys best casks, and Bushmills beguiling 16-Year-Old Single Malt ($75) and rich 21-Year-Old ($125), both of which are aged in three different types of barrels and generally sell out as soon as theyre released. In the late 1990s, upstart Knappogue Castle sent shockwaves through the liquor industry by introducing a whiskey from 1951, which originally sold for an unheard of $600. (There are a few bottles still available, which now sell for $1,600.)

But over the last few years, these pricy whiskies have been joined by plenty of others from a range of old and new distilleries. And sales of these super-premium releases have helped the category sustain its torrid sales growth.

Stalwarts like Jameson have introduced a number of high-end offerings, like the 12-year-old pot still Yellow Spot ($100), in hopes of graduating drinkers to more expensive offerings. The whiskey is aged in used American bourbon barrels as well as in sherry and Malaga casks.

Not to be outdone, Tyrconnells brand new 16-year-old single malt ($100) is also produced in a traditional pot still and is aged completely in former bourbon barrels. Its a potent 92-proof and can certainly stand up to the addition of a large ice cube or a bit of spring water.

Tullamore D.E.W., on the other hand, is targeting Scotch fans with its 14-year-old ($70) and 18-year-old ($110) single malts, which were released last September. Even the packaging looks reminiscent of something produced in the Highlands. Not a huge surprise, given that its parent company, William Grant, is famous for its Glenfiddich and Balvenie Scotches.

The Teeling Whiskey Company has arguably made the biggest attempt to move the category into the super-premium realm with its limited-edition 24-year-old whiskey, which sells for $500. There were just 1,000 bottles earmarked for the whole U.S. What makes it so rare? Its age, for one, and also the fact that it was matured in bourbon barrels and sauternes wine barrels, which are expensive to buy even after theyve been emptied.

The good news about these pricey whiskies? You dont just have to drink them on St. Patricks Day. Irish whiskey has now become a year-round staple. Ill chalk that up to the luck of the Irish.
As America continues a socially regressive trajectory under Trump and the GOP, it should come as no surprise that school busing and desegregation have now become controversial issues once again. Since the early 2000s and especially during Obamas presidency, Republicans have repeatedly used post-racial and colorblind arguments for undermining gains made during the civil rights era. And right on cue, Kentuckys state legislature introduced a bill to end a revolutionary and incredibly popular school desegregation policy in Jefferson County, the largest county in the state, where Louisville is located.

Since 1975, Jefferson County Public Schools have had a school desegregation policy that uses busing to create a diverse student body amongst the countys 155 schools. However, Kentuckys newly Republican-controlled legislature appears intent on dismantling this policy, despite the will of Jefferson County residents, via House Bill 151, which would require students to be enrolled in the school nearest to their home. The residents of Jefferson County believe that this bill would bring back school segregation and destroy the social progress the county has made over the last 40 years.

This bill would have very unfortunate consequences for low-income and minority children, Danyelle Solomon, the director of Progress 2050, a project of the Center for American Progress that specializes in racial equity and demographic change, told me. We do our students a disservice if we think that housing patterns and schools arent linked together. If this bill were to pass there would actually be segregated schools.

As of 2011, 89 percent of Jefferson County residents supported the school systems desegregation policies (PDF), which is a far cry from the 98 percent of residents who opposed its implementation in 1975. It took an order by the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in 1974, 20 years after Brown v. Board of Education, to force the county to desegregate the school system. White residents and the Ku Klux Klan vehemently protested the decision, and an estimated 10,000 people ran out of control, setting fires and throwing rocks during anti-busing protests.

For the next three years, the county was placed under court-ordered supervision to ensure compliance with desegregation requirements, yet despite supervision being lifted in 1978, the county has voluntarily committed to continuing its desegregation and school busing policies. In 40 years, an entire communitys perspective on diversity and schooling has completely reversed, yet still this policy remains under attack.

House Bill 151 has not been the only recent challenge to the busing and districting policies of JCPS. An inordinate amount of challenges have sprung up since 2000, when the U.S. District Court ruled that racial quotas could not be the primary determinant for school diversity. The court argued that the county had overcome the racial conflicts that had historically blighted the community, and therefore the consideration of race had become unnecessary and potentially divisive.

In response, JCPS remained committed to its diversity policy, and it decided to restructure its metric to incorporate household income, education level, location, and more in addition to race. Currently, families can select the school they would prefer their child to attend, including magnet schools, and students are assigned to schools based on JCPSs metric and the wishes of the family. There is no guarantee that you will be assigned to your preferred school, and this stipulation, in addition to factoring in race, has brought about consistent legal challenges.

In 2006, Crystal Meredith, the parent of a JCPS student, sued the school district for violating the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment by requiring her child to attend a school other than the one nearest to their home. The District Court ruled in favor of JCPS, citing that the school had a compelling interest for maintaining racial diversity, and the U.S. Circuit Court upheld the ruling. However, the case was appealed to the Supreme Court and in Meredith v. JCPS the Court controversially ruled in favor of Meredith in a 5-4 decision. Chief Justice John Roberts famously wrote in the majority opinion that, The way to stop discrimination on the basis of race is to stop discrimination on the basis of race.

Following this controversial decision JCPS has needed to further retool its desegregation metrics and has been confronted with even more legal challenges. In 2012, the Kentucky Supreme Court upheld JCPSs ability to decide where to assign students.

However, House Bill 151 could undo this ruling. State Rep. Kevin D. Bratcher (R), who is a sponsor of the bill and represents part of Jefferson County, says that the bill aims to bring common sense to an unfair system, and warns, We have to look at what were giving up for desegregation.

Bratcher and the supporters of this bill view desegregation as an option so long as it does not inconvenience residents in any way. He shows a complete disregard for the majority of Jefferson County residents who have learned first-hand about the social benefits of diversity. The Republican controlled state legislature sees nothing wrong with disregarding the will of the people.

Bratchers dangerous ideological myopia typifies todays Republican agenda, which displays a quasi-racist underbelly. The three StevesKing, Bannon, and Millerare shining examples of this influential underbelly. Conservatives refuse to crackdown on the increase in white nationalism and terror by white supremacists, but they dont hesitate to undermine structures that promote and sustain diversity. Additionally, concerning JCPS, and other legal challenges, they have the gall to employ post-racial arguments for invoking the Fourteenth Amendment, which granted citizenship to African Americans, and racial equity policies from the civil rights era as examples of denying rights to white Americans. They are using our established tools for social progress as implements for collective regression.

JCPS should be a shining example for the entire nation about the transformative benefits of promoting diversity in the classroom and beyond. In 40 years, a violent hotbed of racial confrontations has evolved into a community that is desperately working to sustain its cherished diversity. Todays conservative movement seeks to swiftly destroy this progress.
The Trump administrations internal battle over the environment is shaping up, with some surprising combatants on both sidesand a giant question mark in the middle, in the shape of the president himself, who this morning proposed a 30 percent cut in the Environmental Protection Agencys budget.

On one side are the pragmatists, such as Defense Secretary James Mattis, who told the Senate Armed Services Committee that climate change is real and confirmed that the Pentagon has been factoring into its strategic planning for years. Perhaps surprisingly, former ExxonMobil CEO and present Secretary of State Rex Tillersonwho used the pseudonym Wayne Tracker and a secret email address to talk frankly about climate change while Exxon was still denying itis also among the pragmatist wing.

While neither Tillerson nor Mattis have any formal authority over the EPA, Tillerson in particular is respected by the president, and both of their departments rely on EPA climate science.

On the other side are the ideologues: Steve Bannon, with his goal of deconstructing the administrative state, and EPA administrator Scott Pruitt, including his inner circle.

Pruitts chief of staff, Ryan Jackson, was previously the chief of staff for Sen.James Inhofe, who calls climate change a hoax. Pruitt has also hired another Inhofe aide, Byron Brown, to serve as his deputy. Its been rumored that Pruitt will run for Inhofes seat when he retires in 2018, leaving Brown or Jackson set to run the EPA.

If the ideologues prevail, there is the very real possibility that the EPA will be functionally eliminated. Pruitt said that people look at the EPA the way they look at the IRS, and has staffed the agency with political appointees who seem better suited to dismantling the agency than managing it. Certainly, that is also a subtext of President Trumps ominous executive order directing all agency heads to identify departments and programs to be axed as part of a reorganization of the Executive Branch.

Total elimination, however, would require congressional approval, which remains the wild card. Will enough GOP members of Congress really line up to zero out the EPA, presumably farming out some of its functions to other agencies but eliminating an agency still popular with Americans, if not with Republican donors?

Its more likely that the skeleton of the EPA, and even most of its programs, will remain intact, with massive cutbacks but without a total shutdown. So far, this seems to be the predominant direction. The Trump administration has proposed zeroing out all climate-related programs and eliminating two of EPAs 10 regional offices.

And yet, one EPA source told The Daily Beast that this was actually a somewhat positive outcome, because at least the administrative structure and institutional memory would be maintained. Although no progress would be made for four years, at least the agency would be primed to resurrect itself under a Democratic administration.

Given that, its not surprising that longtime employees are just trying to keep their heads down. For example, one environmental speaker invited to share findings with an EPA office told The Daily Beast that he was instructed to omit the words climate change from his talk and abstract.

This wasnt the result of a formal policy change, like Floridas banning the term back in 2005. Rather, it seems to have been a reluctance on the part of the EPA office to be associated with climate change, as opposed to other issues. After all, if youve got a portfolio of issue areas, why draw attention to yourself by focusing on the controversial one?

Some longtime EPA employees, however, have no choice but to jump ship. Mustafa Ali, who has led the agencys environmental justice program since the George H.W. Bush administration, stepped down last week, faced with the almost certain prospect of his program being eliminated entirely. That program has focused on areas like Flint, Michigan, which because of their economic, racial, and political makeup face a disproportionate amount of environmental hazards.

As very real as environmental racism actually is, its hard to see Alis program lasting long under Trump, Bannon, and Pruittnot to mention Alis own status as a Muslim working for the most anti-Muslim American administration in history.

There have also been significant reductions in regulations by executive order. Trump has already suspended the Waters of the United States rule, which protected the 60 percent of stream-miles in the United States that only run seasonally; downstream rivers are protected by the Clean Water Act, but now the sources of those rivers may be polluted without regulation. He has authorized the Dakota Access and Keystone XL pipelines, which had been held up by concerns over water pollution. And it is widely expected that he will soon overturn regulation of coal-fired power plants and the emissions standards for automobile pollution.

Another key area to watch will be research. Like the National Institutes of Health, the EPA is a leading funder of scientific research. If it pulls the plug, the effect on American science more broadly would be devastating. And there are signs that this is taking place. According to sources inside the EPA, Pruitts team as also issued an agency-wide work stoppage, halting all research, communications, and grantmaking. For example, the EPA withdrew an Obama-era request for data on methane emissions, one of the leading causes of climate change.

Moreover, a planning document created by the EPA transition team suggested that the EPA get out of the research business altogether, which would decimate environmental science across the country. And its notable that the EPAs Global Climate Change Research Program, created in 1990, is among the first programs slated for elimination according to the Trump budget proposals. Other specific eliminations include funding to help states cut pollution from diesel engines, climate mitigation help for Alaska Native communities, and even the National Sea Grant College program, which helps people living in coastal areas recover from storms and floods.

On the other hand, its possible that Trumps team will merely alter the direction of research, rather than eliminate it altogether. For example, it might use much more conservative numbers for estimating environmental damage, such as the Social Cost of Carbon metric, which could be radically scaled back rather than eliminated altogether.

Or it might subject any research to political review. The Trump team unintentionally signaled as much two months ago, when a junior communications official said that scientific data would be reviewed by political staff prior to being released. The comment was quickly walked back, but in retrospect looks like the canary in the coalmine.

Even these more moderate steps, though, would move the EPA into Trumps post-truth era. After all, this isnt regulationits science. And yet science is often the enemy of politics, particularly in the area of climate change, in which Pruitt recently parroted the industry line that measuring with precision human activity on the climate is something very challenging to do and theres tremendous disagreement about the degree of impact, so no, I would not agree that its a primary contributor to the global warming that we see.

That is a demonstrably false statement, directly contradicted by fully 100 percent of peer-reviewed scientific articles on climate change, as well as the incontrovertible correlation between CO2 emissions and global warming. In fact, 11 of the 12 hottest years on record occurred between 2001 and 2011, and this past winter, the North Pole was 50 degrees warmer than normal. Even if there were legitimate disagreement as to the causes of this change, the facts are there in black and white.

In fact, there is no tremendous disagreement on climate scienceonly a multibillion-dollar fossil-fuel-industry-sponsored campaign of fake science, run by the same fake science group, the Heartland Institute, that led the campaign to lie about the effects of tobacco.

(One example: Last year, the Heartland Institute, whose leading funders include ExxonMobil, Koch Industries, and Philip Morris, put out a colorful poster last year showing 58 experts [who] dont believe global warming is a crisis. At the time, I checked the resumes of all 58. Turns out only three have any credentials in climatology or atmospheric science. Sixteen are conservative political pundits, 11 are meteorologists, six are conservative economists, and the rest a hodgepodge.)

But if actual scientific research is curtailed, all that will be left is alternative facts. And alternative facts work. Just as one-third of Trump supporters believe in the nonexistent Bowling Green Massacre, so too, as of last October, only 48 percent of Americans believed what 100 percent of peer-reviewed climate science articles stated: that the climate is changing due to human activity. And that has largely tracked partisan affiliation.

The greatest wild card of all, of course, is Donald Trump himself. Trump has denied climate change, accepted climate change, and said we need more study about climate change. His secretary of State was once the head of the leading climate-denying company in America, but his alter ego has accepted the scientific consensus. Its possible that Trumps family members, or even climate-concerned celebrities, might hold sway over the president as well.

In the meantime, EPA staffers are experiencing a whole lot of fear, uncertainty, and doubt. Their jobs, after all, hang in the balance. For that matter, so is the planet.
A spokesman for the Marines United Facebook group that posted nude photos of female service members says the scandal proves women should not be allowed to join the infantry.

Marshall Chiles, a former U.S. Marine, is speaking out to defend the 30,000 members of Marines United, which was caught sharing explicit photos of womencivilian and militarywithout their knowledge or consent. (The private group was shut down, but several others have replaced it.)

I think the exploitation of sharing nudity of other service members online will eventually get solved, but what Im saying is that even before then, you still have special cases going on inside units. So when you integrate women, those numbers are going to spike up within those infantry units and thats just more things for the Marine Corps to worry about. And its not just the Corps, but the Army as well, said Chiles, a former sergeant who served six years on active duty.

When asked by The Daily Beast about what combat integration of women had to do with the exploitation of women in secret online chat rooms, Chiles responded:

Integration is not completed yet. Theres a lot of things we dont know, but what we do know is that theyre these seven sexual-assault cases that happened when the Marine Corps tried to integrate, Chiles said. So what does this have to do with the online community?

Chiles was referring to sexual assaults reported in a gender-mixed infantry battalion in 2015.

You had 30,000 members in an online group, youre always going to have your 1 or 10 percent that are going to do things wrong, that go against the Marine Corps and its standards. If you have a bunch of males together and this happens, just think about what can happen if you add women to that. I see this turning into a big problem for both sides [males and females] and the integrity of the Marine Corps wouldnt stand just based off what happened with Marines United, he concluded.

Chiles said he doesnt question the ability of women to accomplish their jobs if fully integrated into combat roles. For him, its the Marines Corps ability to keep up with and prevent sexual assaults.

Murder is illegal on the streets of America, but people still do it. So sexual crimes are still going to happen in the military regardless of how they [Pentagon and Congress] try to clamp down on it or revise [policies]. Its still going to happen and at that point, I dont really question the physicality of women. I question the logistics of the Marine Corps and if they will be able to keep up with it [sexual crimes], Chiles said.

The Marine Corps established a mixed battalion, known as the Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force, in late 2014 to research the integration of women into combat occupational specialties. The unit had around 300 men and 100 women assigned to the test unit, according to The Washington Post, and seven sexual assaults were reported.

The Marine Corps is supposed to go out and win wars, being the front line of defense for America, he continued. So why should would we integrate women when we know its going to happen and its just going to continue to be a huge distraction?

Secretary of Defense Ash Carter ended the ban on women in combat in December 2015. Chiles said he believes its political pressure thats forced Marine leadershipCommandant of the Marines Corps Gen. Robert B. Neller and Sgt. Maj. Ronald L. Green, the Corps most senior enlisted memberto integrate women into combat roles.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren was a prime example, pushing for a co-ed boot camp and she questioned the commandant on why were not doing that. So I think its coming down from civilian leadership and I think the Marine Corps should stand up for itself and say, Look, we have been winning wars for America since 1775. Why should we continue to change the wheels when theyre not broke? We need to look at American defense first before looking at integration.

Nellers spokesman, Marine Lt. Col. Eric Dent, harshly criticized Chiless comments and compared engaging with him and other critics of the militarys gender integration to arguing with a toddler incapable of understanding rudimentary logic.

Mr. Chiles premise is completely ridiculous, Dent said in a statement to The Daily Beast. If [he] is really interested in making the Corps stronger and more capable, he should probably start with considering an all-Marines-invited approach to 'Marines United' rather than a male-only echo chamber. It is not helpful to have former Marines trying to exacerbate a perversion of our culture We are only going to be successful when there is respect and trust among teammates.

Chiles said the sharing of nude photos within the private Facebook room was a form of social validation, not actual malfeasance. (Women victims and the law probably think otherwise.)

Chiles also claims Marines United administrators havent seen links to nude-photo cachesotherwise they wouldve reported users or booted them from the group.

Marines United is a group of males coming together who can understand each other. The purpose of the group is to create camaraderie, creating that same feeling that we had when we were all in the military, he said.

Despite his claim, unknown numbers of male Marines United members have left and several have leaked information from successor groups to The Daily Beast.

Marines United was created with the intention to fill a void in the wake of the multiple scandals, long wait times and claims for compensation that took years to approve by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Chiles said. Additionally, the private Facebook chat room was there to assist struggling veterans and active-duty members who were having thoughts of suicide or just simply struggling with their day-to-day lives. Taking out the negative that is overshadowing Marines United right now, there were a lot of positives that came out of the group. You had Go Fund Me pages set up for funerals or just helping out a veteran or service member or a food drive because the VA is not accessible and some veterans have to drive over a hundred miles just to get to a VA hospital, Chiles said.

The group should not have been shut down, as suicides will now shoot through the roof, he said of Facebooks action at the request of the Marine Corps in January.
AUSTIN, Texas  While the president of the United States is busy whingeing about the rapper Snoop Dogg, a modest film has managed to pique the countrys curiosity.

Jason Pollocks Stranger Fruit, which debuted at this years SXSW, offers a comprehensiveand admittedly one-sidedinvestigation into the killing of Michael Brown, an unarmed 18-year-old black youth, at the hands of white police officer Darren Wilson. The death of the college-bound Brown sparked months of protests in his home city of Ferguson, Missouri, as well as the chant hands up, dont shoot; Wilson, meanwhile, was not indicted by a St. Louis County grand jury, and cleared of criminal wrongdoing by the Department of Justice.

There are two competing narratives when it comes to Browns death. The first, adopted by Wilson and his supporters, is that Wilson had received a call on his radio about a convenience-store robbery involving a package of cigarillos and a man matching Browns description. When, at approximately 12:01 p.m. on Aug. 9, 2014, he spotted Brown and his pal Dorian Johnson walking down the middle of Canfield Drive, Wilson stopped them. An altercation ensued, with Brown reaching through the window, punching Wilson, and making a move toward his gun. I felt like a 5-year-old holding on to Hulk Hogan, Wilson, who is 6-foot-4 and 210 lbs., said of Brown, who was 6-foot-4 and 292 lbs. Wilson, who further described Brown as a demon, then fired his gun twice through his car door, with one of the bullets grazing Browns right thumb, causing Brown to flee. Wilson followed, and Brown at some point decided to turn and charge Wilson, running straight into a hail of gunfire. Six of those 10 shots hit Brown, with the sixth and final bullet penetrating the top of his skullkilling him.

It is this narrative that Stranger Fruit attempts to unravel.

Six days after the death of Brown, Ferguson PD released surveillance footage taken at a convenience store that appeared to show Brown, 10 minutes before his death, engaged in a physical dispute with a store clerk. He is seen yanking a package of cigarillos at Ferguson Market & Liquor, and when he does, the clerk comes out from behind the counter and attempts to block his exit. Brown shoves the clerk into a snack display, steps toward him as a show of intimidation, and exits the mini-mart.The Obama administration and Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon condemned the release of the video. We disagree deeply. I think for two reasons: No. 1, to attempt to in essence disparage the character of this victim in the middle of a process like this is not right. Its just not right, said Nixon. And secondarily, it did put the community, and quite frankly, the region and the nation, you know, on alert again.

Pollocks documentary, however, contains previously unseen footage of Brown at Ferguson Market & Liquor less than 11 hours before the scuffleat 1:13 a.m. In the video, Brown is seen placing a small item on the counter. One clerk puts it to his nose and smells it, before passing it to another clerk, who does the same. It is not clear where the item ends up. While this is happening, a clerk is bagging a package of cigarillos and drinks, and hands the bag of goods to Brown. As Brown is leaving the store, words are exchanged, and Brown returns the bag to the clerk, who restocks the items. According to Pollock, Brown had bartered a small amount of marijuana for the cigarillos, and the following day went to retrieve them. The older clerk was not aware of the deal, leading to the confrontation. In short: No robbery occurred, and if no robbery occurred, then Michael Brown was killed over walking down the middle of a street.

This type of bartering for goods, Pollock says, was commonplace at Ferguson Market & Liquor. We asked everyone in the community, without revealing the videotape, about the store. They said there are drug deals in the store all the time, people have been murdered outside the store, the stores been shot at. The store is shady as shit, Pollock tells me.

St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Bob McCulloch called the tape just stupid and a poorly edited snippet, before claiming: There was certainly an attempt to barter for these goods, but the store employees had no involvement at all in that. When [Brown] left, they put everything back on the counters where they belonged and went about their business.

Browns father, Michael Brown Sr., doesnt see it that way. Im seated across from him at a hotel in downtown Austin. His voice vacillates from shaky to resolute; his face etched with tragedy. Brown Sr., 39, is currently embroiled in a wrongful-death lawsuit against Wilson, Chief Jackson, and the City of Ferguson. The case is set to go to trial in May.

Im still going through a civil suit, so I have to watch what I say, he says, weighing his words. For the protesters and everyone else that was out there fighting for justice, it was a smack in the face that they felt they needed to do something, but now they know they were right. There was a piece missing. We, as his family, its a big pill to swallow because being his father, I know him and I know he didnt make no move like that. I know it had to be something else. So to really get knowledge from that extra film, its like, damn, Mike is still working from the grave, man.

He pauses. It really just gives the chance to show the public that you can scratch that demon off, and you can write angel.

The working title for Pollocks film was Ferguson Cover-Up. And Pollock, a protege of Michael Moores who contributed to his doc Fahrenheit 9/11, says that he moved to Ferguson shortly after the St. Louis County grand jurys November 2014 ruling not to indict Wilson, and has been collaborating with the Brown family on the documentary since May 2015.

Brown Sr., who says the film is powerful, heartbreaking, and will make you angry, is especially careful when discussing the man who took his sons life. He says that he doesnt buy Wilsons story for a second. He was prepped, you know? Someone took out time for him to teach him what to say, to be a great liar, says Brown Sr.

Communities need to be policed, he adds, by people who live within the community itself, and have an intimate knowledge of its peoplenot those like Wilson, who lived 20 miles outside of Ferguson. You have to hire people who have been around black people, he says. You cant just be hiring some bootheel people who have never been around a different race. They dont know how to act!

When I ask Brown Sr. to share memories of his son, a rare smile creeps onto his face. Mike was a funny, loving, big guy. Cracked a lot of jokes. He was a prankster. He just was an average teenager, man. He liked having fun, he liked the girls, and he liked what teenagers like, he recalls. He was at the prime of learning himself. Between the ages of 18-21, you dont really know yourselfyoure still in the process of learning. They think that they are grown though, but theyre still learning. He was just trying to find his way. His voice quivers. I miss him, man. He was the best man at my wedding [to his second wife]. It was July 16, a few weeks before he died. There were a lot of intimate moments that we shared that I can pull out and get a smile on my face. The anger comes from not being able to see him. I wanted him to eventually have kids, but all those dreams are just flushed. You are put on this earth to protect your child, and if youre not there to protect your child, you take the blame. Its just human nature.

This brings us to the second narrative concerning Browns death, one adopted by Brown supporters, as well as Stranger Fruit. The film, citing grand jury testimony from the first arriving sergeant on the scene, as well as a press conference statement by Ferguson PD Chief Jackson, argues that Wilson was not aware of the robbery at all, and instead performed a pedestrian check on Brown and Johnson for walking down the middle of Canfield Drive. Wilson was acting as the aggressor, and grabbed Brown through his car window, prompting a scuffle between the two. Wilson then fired his gun twice through the car door. Brown fled, and made it about 174 feet before he was hit in the arm by a bullet. He then spun around, and, with his hands partially raised in an attempt to surrender, was shot five more times. The 21 feet and 7 inches between blood stains on the street and Browns corpse, the film argues, did not indicate that Brown was charging towards Wilson, but rather stumbled forward seven or so steps before dropping dead.

I just really want the public and everyone who showed the Brown family support to know that what they did by putting their life on the line for Mike Brown and what they believe is right was not in vain. And my sons death was not in vain, says Brown Sr. I want those people to know that I appreciate them.
AMSTERDAMBan the Quran. Shutter the mosques. Denounce Islam as a fascist ideology, not a faith.

Many Donald Trump supporters may have thought the president they voted for would do just that. In fact, he just hinted at such things with his fill-in-the-blank rhetoric about Muslim bans during the campaign (and hes still paying the price in the courts).

But one of Trumps biggest boostersone who spoke to a rapturous audience at the Republican conventionis a Dutch politician who is quite explicit when he calls for just such measures.

Geert Wilders, the dyed-blond hate-speaking avatar of European bigotry, has a devoted following in what Americans call the alt-right and the French, rather more accurately, call the fachosphere.

As the Netherlands went to the polls to elect members of parliament on Wednesday, partisans of the xenophobic extremism that Trump has inspired and that his closest aides hope to nurture were looking forward to a victory like frat boys at an away game they figured their team was sure to win.

Wilders understands that culture and demographics are our destiny, incendiary Iowa Republican Rep. Steve King tweeted on Sunday. We cant restore our civilization with somebody elses babies. King linked to a cartoon version of Wilders poking his finger in a leaking dike holding back the toxic floodwaters of Islam.

But as the votes were counted on Wednesday, it appeared Dutch voters, who know Wilders all too well, were rather less enthusiastic than Iowa nativists.

A month ago, it appeared that Wilderss Party for Freedom would dominate the fractured political scene, taking a plurality of the seats.

Even though all the other parties vowed they wouldnt form a coalition government with Wilders, or let him try to dictate their policies from outside, as he did briefly after elections in 2010, his strength would have been apparent. And Wilders, as his own brother suggested to The Daily Beast, is at least as interested in leading an international movementthe same movement advocated by Trump strategist Steve Bannonas he is in actually governing.

With a convincing victory, the momentum for his brand of populism, which is not only anti-Islam but anti-European Union, would have been assured.

But its fair to say that was precisely what Dutch voters rejected.

The turnout was extremely high, a stunning 80.2 percent of eligible voters, and many analysts figured that was because people wanted to reject what current center-right Prime Minister Mark Rutte called the wrong kind of populism.

As a result, although the economic austerity policies of Ruttes Peoples Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) cost it support, and it lost some eight seats, it emerged once again as the dominant party in parliament.

With 98 percent of the vote counted, Wilders's party was struggling to hold on to second place with 20 seats in the Dutch House of Representatives. Two other parties may win as many in a parliament where it takes 76 to make a majority. Wilders claimed that because he had picked up five seats, he'd won in some fashion, but other parties made even bigger gains. As they say in the stock market when shares in a company crash, he failed to meet expectations.

In the last days before the vote, a major row with Turkey probably had an impact as well, but not the one many people predicted.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is pushing for enhancedcritics say dictatorialpowers in a referendum to be held next month, and millions of Turks eligible to vote for or against that measure are in Europe. But the Germans and then the Dutch prevented Erdogans ministers from holding campaign rallies, citing security concerns.

Erdogans typical truculent over-the-top response was to brand the Dutch Nazi remnants.

Initially that seemed to play in favor of anti-Muslim, anti-Turk Wilders, but Ruttes calm and collected reaction fit better with the popular temperament. Then Donald Tusk, the Polish president of the European Council that Wilders treats with contempt, came out with a ringing defense of the Dutch people and their history.

Rotterdam, the city of Erasmus, was totally destroyed by the Nazis, [and] now has a mayor born in Morocco, said Tusk. If anyone sees fascism in Rotterdam, they are completely detached from reality.

Tusk said Erdogans remarks were completely detached from reality.

For a long time now, the extremists of Islam and the extremists of anti-Islam have fed on each other. But on Wednesday the Dutch appeared to draw a line against both.

That doesnt mean theyre happy with the politicians theyve got. And it doesnt mean they dont want change. But not that kind of change.

One of the biggest winners in the Dutch elections is the left-wing environmentalist party Groen Links (Green Left), led by the enigmatic young Jesse Klaver, nicknamed Jessias, who managed to gather the votes of many Dutch millennials. His party picked up 10 new seats.

In Klaver's thank-you speech, he spoke about the overwhelming presence of the international press covering the race as the election unfolded. He said those foreign reporters would ask him, Is populism breaking through in the Netherlands?

The room crowded with Klaver supporters had the answer.

Nooooo! they said.

It is too early to say if this is the beginning of the end of the so-called populist wave in Europe. The most important test will come in a few weeks in France, where Marine Le Pen, the great white hope of the anti-immigrant, anti-NATO, anti-Europe (and one might add pro-Russian) fachosphere, has a real chance to win the presidency. But theres no doubt this is a setback.

As Trump himself likes to say, with mock irony: Sad!

Nadette De Visser reported from Amsterdam; Christopher Dickey reported from New York

This story was updated at 8:00 a.m. EDT, March 16, 2017
Its President Trump vs. Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Richard Burr, House Speaker Paul Ryan, Attorney General Jeff Sessions, House Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes, and FBI Director James Comey.

During a White House press briefing on Thursday, White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said that despite denials from the aforementioned individuals, President Trump stands by his claim that former president Barack Obama wiretapped Trump Tower.

First of all he stands by it, Spicer said in response to a question from ABCs Jonathan Karl on Thursday. But again, youre mischaracterizing what happened today. Again, I go back to what I said at the beginningits interesting how at the same time, where were you coming to the defense of that same intelligence committee and those members when they said there was no connection to Russia.

The bottom line is that the president said last night that there would be additional information coming forward, Spicer pressed on. Theres a ton of media reports out there that indicate that something was going on during the 2016 election. And I think its interesting where was the questioning of the New York Times or these other outlets when that was going on.

Asked specifically whether he thought that Trump would be vindicated with his initial claims, Spicer - reinforcing a line from Trump on Wednesday night - said I believe he will.

"Wiretap covers a lot of different things," Trump told Tucker Carlson on Fox News. "I think you're going to find some very interesting items coming to the forefront over the next two weeks."

This whole saga began with a series of tweets President Trump sent before 7 a.m. on March 4. Terrible! Just found out that Obama had my "wires tapped" in Trump Tower just before the victory, the first tweet said. Nothing found. This is McCarthyism!

Since then, there has been no additional verification that anything of the sort happened and the White House has twisted into pretzels to back up a series of tweets that were reportedly based on the president reading a Breitbart article.

Almost two weeks after the tweets, it has grown increasingly difficult for the White House to defend the claims given that a number of high-ranking congressional officials said they simply couldnt back it up.

Before the briefing on Thursday, Senate Intelligence Committee chair Richard Burr and ranking member Mark Warner issued a statement pouring cold water on the claims from President Trump that Trump Tower had been wiretapped during the presidential campaign.

"Based on the information available to us, we see no indications that Trump Tower was the subject of surveillance by any element of the United States government either before or after Election Day 2016, the statement read.

Burr wasnt the first Republican to say he simply wasnt aware of any wiretap either.

Earlier in the day, House Speaker Paul Ryan similarly refuted the claims first made on Trumps Twitter account nearly two weeks ago.

"The intelligence committees, in their continuing, widening, ongoing investigations of all things Russia, got to the bottomat least so far with respect to our intelligence communitythat no such wiretap existed," he told CNN at a news conference on Thursday.

Their remarks come as a growing number of Republicans have publicly broken ranks with the White House due to the fact that no evidence ever emerged to back up his claims.

Even Attorney General Jeff Sessions seemed to walk away from the claims on Wednesday saying that he gave Trump no reason to believe that wiretap claim was true.

House Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes also said he did not believe there was a tap of Trump Tower on Wednesday. He went on to say that he was however interested in determining if other surveillance took place.

There was heavy skepticism from the start that Trumps claims would turn out to be accurate. Just a day after he first tweeted the accusation, FBI Director James Comey reportedly asked the Department of Justice to reject Trumps claim.
President Trump is in love with the phrase radical Islamic terrorism.

When hes talking foreign policy you can bet hell pull it out the bag. And you can bet hell repeat it. His body language tells the tale. Every time the president utters radical Islamic terrorism, his eyes glint and he nods in self-regard. He knows hes found something simple, punchy, and popular with the vast majority of conservatives. In three words, he identifies a threat and hints at easy solutions.

Unfortunately Trumps phrase is idiotic.

For a start, it assumes all Islamic terrorists source their ideology from a sustaining set of beliefs. They most certainly do not. Aside from their appreciation for the Koran, the five pillars of Islam, and Muhammad, Islamists vary in their theological interpretations, political structures, and strategic intentions. At a very basic level are the distinctions between Sunni and Shia Islam. While Sunni vs. Shia characterizations are often used in overly simplistic ways to assess particular circumstances (Maliki hates Sunnis, etc.), they help inform distinctions between modern Islamic terrorist groups. And identifying just a few of these distinctions helps explain why radical Islamic terrorism is as useful a strategic catch-all phrase for counterterrorism as use varied foods is to our ability to make a good consomme.

Take the legacy of history and modern Islamic political identity. As it pertains to terrorism, the martyrdom of Shia leader Husayn ibn Ali at the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE is especially noteworthy here. Regarded by Shia Muslims as dishonorably murdered at the battles climax, Husayn is also revered for refusing to submit to Sunni tyranny.

In a useful example of modern relevance, consider Shia interpretations of Husayns death and the strategic identity of the Lebanese Hezbollah terrorist group. Seeing themselves as heirs to Husayns piety and intransigence against powerful tyrants, Hezbollah places special emphasis on the celebration of patient sacrifice and martyrdom. Unlike Daesh (or ISIS), for example, iconic symbolism plays a heavy role in Hezbollahs identity. So does appreciation for time. Seeing themselves as the long-oppressed underdogs of Islamic history, Shia terrorist groups tend to be more patient in strategy than Sunni terrorist groups.

On the flip side, contemporary Sunni terrorist groups tend to take banner under Salafi-Jihadist ideology. Salafism presumes a natural supremacy of Sunni Islam over all ideologies and a more urgent desire for global conquest. Relevant here are a multitude of Sunni scholars from the 13th century Ibn Taymiyyah, to the more recent Sayyid Qutb, in influencing al Qaeda and Daesh toward ideological intransigence. Its a major reason why these groups regard Shia Islam as a mystic sect that stands as an affront to God.

Deep and overt hatred for Shia Muslims is imbued in most Daesh commentaries. But in another distinction, Shia sectarianism against Sunnis tends to flow less from aged theology and much more from Irans Khomeini-sectarian ideology. Irans, after all, is an ideology with political imperialism at its core. And Iran skillfully veils its imperialism under its appropriation of Shia ideology. It is notable that Iranian-led Shia groups tend to be most responsible for atrocities against Sunni Muslims.

Regardless, these distinctions matter deeply to the United States in that we need different strategies to deal with different terrorist groups. With the Lebanese Hezbollah for example, we need to be able to have tea (of the non-polonium kind) one moment and employ less pleasant options at the next. With Daesh we need to apply attritional warfare against its senior and mid-ranks. With Iran and Saudi Arabia we need to empower political moderates and restrain revolutionary extremists. Most of all we need an open mind. Yet, every time Trump uses his catch phrase, he closes Muslim minds. Even if he doesnt intend this, it is his effect.

Anti-Americanism is a casual impulse of many populist opinion makers (whether imams or editors or TV hosts) in most Muslim-majority nations. Correspondingly, while Trump might believe he is segregating (radical) terrorists from other Muslims, his three-word rallying call is easily translated into anti-American effect. It lets those who already dont like us tell others who might like us that we hold them only in disdain. Think tear down this wall! rendered get lost losers! Its a great loss because American conservatives have much in common with Muslims.

Ultimately, my real gripe with Trumps phrase is its substitution of a stump slogan for serious strategy. Just as President Obama wrongly neglected the varied Islamic roots of different Islamist terrorist organizations (and thus discounted the importance of Muslim reformation efforts), Trump assumes simplicity where none exists. In doing so, a president who prides himself on solutions is wandering in the wilderness of stupidity.
January 7, 1946 - March 7, 2017

Catherine Bernice (Jones) "Cathy" Lamb, 71, died peacefully on Mar. 7, 2017, in Caldwell, TX. Her patience, kindness, and compassion, were demonstrated through her care for loved ones and through her volunteerism.

She was born on Jan. 7, 1946, in Washington, DC, the fourth child of Harry & Margaret Jones. She grew up in Capitol Heights, MD, graduated from Central High School, and later worked at National Symphony Orchestra.

She married Charles Lamb in 1969 and gave birth to her only child, Jennie, in 1973. She moved with her family to Austin, TX, in 1975, attended Austin Community College, and was a stay-at-home mom. In 1981, she and Charles divorced and she moved back to Maryland with Jennie and her mother. She become a Realtor and later an executive assistant at the Naval Ordinance StationIndian Head, before retiring on disability in 1990.

In 2000, Cathy moved to College Station. She was a member of the College Station Senior Advisory Committee and volunteered as a hostess/coordinator for Brazos Heritage Society holiday high teas. She was a member of First Baptist Church in College Station.

Cathy later moved to Crestview Terrace Apartments in Bryan, where she lived for almost 10 years. In Oct. 2016, she entrusted her care to Hospice Brazos Valley and moved to CHI St. Joseph's Manor Skilled Nursing in Caldwell for the last six months of her life.

Her parents; her sister, Rita Redmon; her brother, Thomas Jones; and her ex-husband/friend, Charles Lamb, and his parents; preceded her in death. Her daughter, Jennie L. Lamb, and son-in-law, Martin A. Tapia III, of College Station; her sister, Peggy A. Senneville, of Fort Pierce, FL; several other relatives; and many dear friends; survive her.

A memorial service will be held on Sat., Mar. 18 at 3 pm in "Margie's Diner" at Crestview Terrace Apartments, 2501 E. Villa Maria, Bryan, TX 77802, with fellowship and refreshments to follow. Memorial donations may be made to Hospice Brazos Valley (hospicebrazosvalley.org), The Lilith Fund for Reproductive Equity (lilithfund.org), or the American Diabetes Association (diabetes.org).

Cremation services are in the care of Callaway-Jones Funeral and Cremation Centers of Bryan College Station.
On the same day that Paul Ryan was on his heels from the Congressional Budget Office's brutal assessment of the Republican health-care plan, Breitbart.com launched a missile at the speaker of the House. Under the headline "Audio Emerges of When Paul Ryan Abandoned Donald Trump," the site released a tape of Ryan on a conference call with other Republican members of Congress, recorded just after the release of the video of Trump bragging about sexual assault.

On the call, Ryan says: "I am not going to defend Donald Trump - not now, not in the future."

Which isn't a shock, because that was the reaction of many Republicans at the time. What's much more interesting is what this says about the battle going on right now within the Republican Party.

Breitbart, the former fiefdom of Stephen K. Bannon and platform for the alt-right, has become one of the most influential media outlets for conservatives. And it hates, hates, hates Paul Ryan. The site features articles with titles like "Paul Ryan Betrays America" and "He's With Her: Inside Paul Ryan's Months-Long Campaign to Elect Hillary Clinton President." Breitbart has also been intensely critical of this health-care plan.

But it's not just Breitbart: Many conservative groups are also coming out against the GOP plan, as The Post's David Weigel reports:

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"Ryancare leaves the fundamental architecture of Obamacare in place," Heritage Action chief executive Michael Needham said on an afternoon call with reporters. Needham was referring to the bill with the name of one of its biggest backers, House Speaker Paul D. Ryan. "We have one chance right now to pass a bill on a 51-vote Republican threshold. We can either use that to repeal Obamacare or not."

Needham was among the conservative leaders invited to meet with Trump at the White House last week, a sit-down that the president's social-media team promoted as a step toward calming the AHCA's opposition.

But none of the groups present at the meeting - including Americans for Prosperity, FreedomWorks, the Tea Party Patriots and the Club for Growth - have backed off their campaign to stop the bill and demand a full repeal of the Affordable Care Act. FreedomWorks and Americans for Prosperity have been activating their grass-roots membership to lobby individual members of Congress; Heritage Action, Needham said, was ringing alarms for its 19,000 "Sentinels."

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You'll notice that even though the GOP bill has the full support of the Trump White House, the conservatives are calling it "Ryancare" as a way of tarring him with what they think will eventually be seen as a failure. The contrast with how liberal Democrats acted while the Affordable Care Act was being debated is striking. Some of the provisions they wanted, like a public option and a Medicare buy-in for those over 50, were dropped along the way to keep the bill alive. But as angry as liberals were about those compromises, they never threatened to sabotage the entire bill. Their position remained that while they were less than happy about precisely how things had turned out, the ACA was still a vast improvement on the status quo, and it might be the only chance Democrats would have to pass meaningful reform for who knows how long.

Why is it that key players on the right like Breitbart, Heritage Action and the House Freedom Caucus (the most conservative members of Congress) aren't following the same course? Perhaps because they were created or came of age at a particular moment - during the Obama years - and adopted a political style suited to that moment, which they aren't changing. Some of these actors may explicitly associate with the tea party while others don't, but they all incorporate at least part of that tea party ethos, which defines itself in opposition to power. They don't view themselves as people with specific practical goals who are willing to negotiate and perhaps compromise to reach those goals - that's for the corrupt insiders. Instead, they're heroic revolutionaries, rousing the rabble and terrifying the establishment.

Which was an effective stance when Democrats held the White House. Now, however, if you're going to shake your fist at the powerful, it means you're taking on your fellow Republicans. They aren't going to go after President Trump, since he's in many ways the apotheosis of everything they embraced and stood for. So it's natural to take on the other locus of power in Washington: Congress. And that means Ryan, and eventually also Mitch McConnell (who has been laying awfully low in the past few months).

Even if conservatives can make a substantive case that Ryan's health-care bill is "Obamacare lite" and criticize it for not being cruel enough to the poor, ideology is really incidental to this conflict. Its true heart lies in the fact that the tea-party right has no purpose or identity if it's not fighting the power.

We're probably going to see this dynamic repeat itself again and again as Republicans bring up major legislative initiatives. After health care it'll be cutting taxes, relieving Wall Street of the burden of government oversight, undermining abortion rights, and down the list of conservative priorities. Every time Ryan comes up with a plan, those on the fist-shaking right will call it a spineless establishment betrayal of conservatism -- not because it isn't actually conservative but because that's the only way they're comfortable engaging the debate. They need an enemy to rebel against, and for now, Paul Ryan is it.
A new report highlights research by BirdLife Cyprus and the RSPB, showing that illegal trapping activity on the island remains around its highest ever level.

The use of mist nets, lines of almost invisible netting, to trap birds has risen by 183% since 2002, and 21km of mist nets were in use in the survey area.

And almost half of the trapping is taking place in British territory on the island, in the two 'Sovereign Base Areas' (SBAs) used by British armed forces.

Almost half the total length of active net rides, about ten kilometres, are in the Dhekelia SBA on the east of the island, with more than 800,000 birds trapped a year. The principal trapping hotspot is base's firing range at Cape Pyla.

The birds are killed to provide restaurants with the main ingredient for the local and expensive dish of ambelopoulia, cooked songbirds served as part of a mezze. A plate of 12 fried or grilled songbirds sells for between 40-80.

The Cyprus trappers have become increasingly bold, blatantly and extensively using electronic calling devices on the firing range at night in order to lure in birds to their deaths. These play calls at deafeningly-high volumes, falsely advertising the presence of blackcaps, robins and other songbirds, but also effectively proclaiming the territories of the illegal trappers.

There are now concerns that parts of the British firing range are effectively becoming a no-go area for the committed, but significantly outnumbered, local police force.

One of the worst bird killing grounds in the Mediterranean

Invasive non native acacia trees from Australia were planted on the British base by the trappers, and, as the only cover around, are a great draw for migrating birds to stop off, rest and feed. With the addition of around 20 to 40 tape luring devices in some areas, these leafy corners of the island become irresistible to birds, who arrive in great numbers.

The report estimates that over 1.7 million birds could have been killed within the survey area, which covers both the British base and Cyprus Republic areas, and nearly 2.3 million across the whole of Cyprus due to this extensive bird trapping activity.

The scale of this activity has also been confirmed in a Birdlife report, 'The Killing', published in 2016, in which Cyprus was identified as one of the worst places for illegal bird killing in the entire Mediterranean.

Survey records (in the new report) show that while blackcaps are the main target, 155 bird species have been found trapped in mist nets or on limesticks. Of these, 78 were species of conservation concern including cinereous bunting, pallid harrier, red-footed falcon and turtle dove
That's why one sunny November afternoon, Slooten, Dawson and I found ourselves crisscrossing Akaroa Harbour on their fast dinghy, looking for dolphins to photograph. We saw 10 in several groups. The long and narrow bay, hemmed in by spectacular cliffs that keep out wind and swells, is an ideal place to view the 100 or so dolphins who call it home.

That's no accident: In 1988, Slooten and Dawson's research - and more than 6,000 letters from conservation groups and members of the public - persuaded the Labour government to create the first dolphin sanctuary around the South Island's Banks Peninsula, into which Akaroa Harbour penetrates. It banned commercial gill nets, which rise like invisible curtains from the bottom and are believed to be the main cause of dolphin drownings, and restricted recreational nets.

Over the next three decades, as the numbers of dolphins elsewhere in New Zealand plunged, scientists, environmentalists and, from 2012, the International Whaling commission, urged successive governments to ban trawl and gill nets from all the areas where the Maui dolphins live and allow only fish traps and hook-and-line fisheries, which do not harm cetaceans.

But the result has been a case study of the influence of money and political ideology over conservation.

Every time a Labour government was elected, it would enact some protection, primarily reining in the gillnetters, who are more numerous, less profitable and tend to be owned by individuals. The trawlers, which are mostly owned by relatively large corporations, had the clout to fend off most trawl restrictions. In 2008, Shaun Driscoll, at the time the Fisheries Ministry's head of investigations, complained in an unpublished report obtained by the Ecologist of an "overbearing and over-powerful fishing industry."

Every time a National Party government came in, it asserted that protection was working well and saw little need for more restrictions. The fact that the president of the National Party, Peter Goodfellow, also happens to be a main shareholder, board member and former chairman of Sanford Ltd., the country's biggest seafood company, is often cited as evidence of the close links between the industry and its government regulators.

In the Maui habitat, Sanford uses only trawlers and owns 60 percent of the quota for snapper, the most valuable fish. It has pledged to stop allowing fishermen to sell net-caught snapper from the Maui habitat at the auction houses it owns from April. It has also promised to stop its own ships from trawling in the Maui range by 2022 if it can't find a way of avoiding dolphin deaths. Scientists say the measure won't stop the decline of the dolphin population.

The biggest improvement to the dolphins' prospects came in 2003, at the tail end of five years of Labour rule, when all nets were banned in 5 percent of the Maui's habitat and gillnets were banned in an additional 14 percent. In 2008, at the end of the last Labour government, similar measures were put in place to protect the South Island's Hectors. "That made the difference between rapid decline and slow decline," Slooten explained.

A government-funded study published in 2012 found that the number of Maui dolphins was falling at a rate of 2.8% a year. A more recent study by the same authors put it at 1.5% to 2%. "We do not say that the population has stabilized," noted lead author Scott Baker of Oregon State University. "The estimated rate of decline has decreased."

That hasn't prevented the government, citing the paper, as saying that "Maui numbers over the past five years have stabilized," in the words of Conservation Minister Maggie Barry.

Opinion polls have shown that 60% of New Zealanders would be more likely to vote for a government that would restrict fishing nets and protect the dolphins and that 63% would be willing to pay more for fish to protect dolphins. NABU, a German charity, has called for an international boycott of New Zealand seafood until the government reverses the dolphins' decline by banning all nets in its habitat. "Buy New Zealand fish, get dead Maui's dolphins free," goes NABU's slogan.

New Zealand snapper caught in the Maui and Hector habitats is exported to several countries, including the US and the UK, but consumers have no way of knowing exactly where and how they were caught. "If British consumers want to be sure they're not contributing to the extinction of this rare dolphin, they should avoid New Zealand seafood," said Barry Torkington, a New Zealand fisheries expert.

The next parliamentary election is in September, after nine years of National Party rule. So far, both Labour and the Greens have backed the recommendation of the International Whaling Commission, the IUCN and dozens of other organizations to ban all nets in the Maui's 600-km coastal range. The National Party's position is that existing restrictions are working and there is no need to extend them.

This Author

Christopher Pala is a reporter based in Washington DC

This article was reported in partnership with The Investigative Fund at The Nation Institute in New York.
Millennial Moms Review: 2022 Acura MDX is pretty close to the perfect family car

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How a $1.1M grant could help put Burlington on the conservation map

Here's a look at the $3.1 million plan to showcase the sites and experiences that gave rise to the founding father of conservation.
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NORWALK  Three years ago while at an art show in Laguna Beach, California, Ira Reines received a call that his house in Ridgefield had burned down.

For many it would have been the final straw in a series of unfortunate events, but Reines, a world-renowned sculptor, saw it as a new beginning.

It was a blessing in disguise, Reines said. I was inspired. I lived in California for a year and I started creating these pieces that will become my artistic thesis, my master work.

Following the short stint in California, Reines, 59, relocated to East Norwalk where a friend graciously allowed him to take over her small basement as his new studio. There he is completing the first phase of the work he started in California  a 30-foot bronze archway called Gates of Creation.

This is my major thesis," Reines said. It will be a pivotal milestone, a major milestone and the culmination of my artistic statement ... I wanted to do a great masterwork that captured my own artistic beliefs about the journey of the human soul.

The 30-foot high sculpture is comprised of nine figures that represent the ascension and awakening of the human spirit. Reines unveiled the 10-foot model version of the sculpture at Art Basel in Miami in December.

Reines is sculpting the clay forms of the heroic-sized figures in the cramped basement studio. The final three figures  Clarion, Sunborne and Continuum  take up nearly every inch of the windowless basement studio, which is now overrun by plaster molds, photo inspiration and piles of 70-year-old Italian clay.

Once completed, Reines will dismantle and move the sculptures to a place where he can create rubber molds, and finally he will cast the forms in several tons of bronze before assembling the towering sculpture in a permanent installation in Shanghai next fall. In 2018, he will unveil another Gates of Creation in Texas, though the exact location has yet to be determined.

It's really exciting to see them come to fruition, Reines said. Theyre really all angels."

Each of the figures is forming a variation of a gesture with one hand outstretched toward the ground and the other extended toward the sky. The figures are inspired by images in Greek and Roman mythology and Reines love for the cosmos, though none of them are depictions of actual characters in mythology.

Theyre letting go of what was and holding on to what will be, Reines said. In between is the human soul. Theres a great power and a great peace to it. The universe is in a constant state of awakening and thats what Im capturing here."

Reines as long been recognized for his magnificent bronze sculptures, which are installed around the world. In 2015, he unveiled an 18-foot sculpture called The Three Graces at the Peninsula Hotel in Shanghai. The work was inspired by his longtime friend and muse, Loni Anderson, a famous American actress, TV producer and fine art collector.

Reines started sculpting at 6 years old, creating dinosaurs out of clay, and making evident early on that he was a prodigy. He was entirely self-taught and by the time he was in high school, Reines was placing first in juried art shows. At 19, he was hired by the Medallic Art Company of Danbury to sculpt medallions, where he learned and honed advanced plaster-working skills.

At 21, Reines began working side by side with world renowned art deco master, Romain de Tirtoff, better known by the pseudonym, Erte. For 11 years, Reines turned Ertes two-demensional designs into magnificent sculptures. Inspired by the works of Michelangelo, Rodin and Bernini, Reines began to sculpt elaborate fantastical and mythological bronzes.

But he said it wasnt until tragedy struck in 2000 that he truly found his voice as an artist. Since then, Reines has moved away from mythological creations to more spiritual and contemporary themes.

My parents died and a long-term relationship ended and it broke open my soul," Reines said.

I was so broken and through my work I started to rebuild my soul. I was able to find my truth from the inside out."

Reines describes his works from this time forward as classic fused with expressionism, and calls his sculptures visual poetry, hoping to convey a message of peace, and explore the intersections of chaos and divinity, matter and spirit.

My sculptures are in a moment of waking, where the human soul becomes divine and eternal, Reines said. I use beauty as a metaphor for divinity, and I consider these works very spiritual.

Reines is excited to see the final piece completed, but said he feels enormous pressure to create something beautiful and perfect that will live forever as a work of art.

Art is the gift human civilization gives back to the planet, Reines said. I feel so blessed to be able to do this. When I saw The Three Graces I couldnt even understand the sense of time and eternity and beauty, so to see this assembled will be otherworldly.

kkrasselt@scni.com; 203-354-1021; @kaitlynkrasselt
NORWALK  Dont bank on Connecticut Department of Transportation picking up the tab for overhauling the Norwalk Visitors Docks at Veterans Memorial Park.

Thats the conclusion of Mayor Harry W. Rilling, who this week released his recommendations for Norwalks unfolding 2017-18 capital budget. Within his recommendation is $1.9 million sought by the Department of Recreation and Parks to replace the floating docks and install steel pilings to support them.

The Planning Commissions removal of the funding for the Veterans Memorial Park was based on its belief that the State of Connecticuts work on the Walk Bridge may provide funding for this upgrade to the visitors docks in the park making the local appropriation unnecessary, Rilling wrote in an introduction letter to his budget recommendations. This possibility has been explored and discussed with the state and it is the belief of the departments management and of this office that the state will not provide funding for the upgrade of the parks visitors docks.

Norwalks annual capital budget paves roads, repairs municipal buildings and undertakes long-lasting infrastructure improvements paid for largely through the issuance of municipal bonds.

Overall, city departments and the Board of Education requested $158.6 million for the fiscal year starting July 1. After reviewing the spending requests and considering the citys debt load, Norwalk Director of Finance Robert O. Barron recommended paring that to $118.1 million. The citys Planning Commission, after completing its review, recommended setting the bottom line at $112.2 million.

Rillings submitted his recommendations  the last before the Common Council adopt the 2017-18 capital budget in April  on Wednesday. He has recommended a bottom line of $120.7 million.

This total recommendation is $8,470,000 greater than the Planning Commissions and $2,665,000 greater than the Director of Finances recommendations, Rilling wrote. I added two projects not previously requested or reviewed: $100,000 for auxiliary parking for Malmquist Field and $35,000 for a Library strategic plan.

Superintendent of Parks Ken Hughes said the $100,000, if approved in the final capital budget, would expand the parking for City Hall into outfield area of Malmquist Field. The field is located adjacent to City Hall.

Norwalk Public Library Director Chris Bradley said the $35,000, if included in the final capital budget, would go to hire an architect to develop a strategic plan for the Main Library on Belden Avenue. The plan would address renovating the historic 1903 building in a responsible way, expanding its auditorium and providing adequate parking for patrons, she said.

Thats really our future, Bradley said. We are serving people right now and we ask for these project so we can do it better. That money for planning for this building is our future.

In other variations from the Planning Commissions recommendations, Rilling has recommended adding back $978,000 to the Department of Public Works portion of the capital budget. That includes $705,000 for the James Street Bridge, $550,000 for sidewalks and curbing, $103,000 for fleet replacement and $50,000 for signage and pavement markings.
High school juniors and West Lawn Elementary kindergartners, first-graders and second-graders made a connection through books Wednesday morning as part of Youth Leadership Tomorrows Community Services Day.

Youth Leadership Tomorrow provides community education and leadership training for juniors from high schools throughout Hall County. As part of Community Services Day, the students first visited the Central Nebraska Humane Society to see how that organization operates, then went to West Lawn Elementary to read to students before traveling to Riverside Lodge to meet with residents there.

At West Lawn, there were enough YLT students seated at cafeteria tables to almost provide a one-to-one reading experience for the grade school students. Kindergartners, first-graders and second-graders each came to the cafeteria with their favorite books in hand.

They then scattered to the various tables and handed their books over so the high school juniors could begin reading to them. That filled the cafeteria with the low hum of high school juniors softly reading books to the grade school students.

But especially when the kindergartners were in the room, that low hum was accompanied by a higher pitch of young voices excitedly commenting on their favorite parts of the books and laughing at the funny sections in the stories.

In a few cases when the second-graders were in the room, the younger students turned the tables and showed off their literacy skills by reading stories to the high school students.

Two of the YLT students were Grand Island Senior High juniors Haleigh Hoos and Hanadi Isa. For Hoos, reading to the West Lawn students was a case of paying it forward.

It was fun, Hoos said. It was really inspiring to make their day and have an impact on them. I remember when I was a kid, older kids would come to school and read to me and how cool I thought that was.

Isa said it was also pretty cool for her to be reading to young students. Just as Hoos said she once looked up to the older students who read to her when she was young, Isa said the experience of reading to West Lawn students made her realize how easy it is for a young person to look up to a slightly older person.

One of the girls said that I was the best reader, she said.

Both Hoos and Isa got a kick out of the fact that one of the West Lawn students asked them to read a story about Junie B. Jones, a character in an entire series of childrens books that tells about the lessons the spunky Junie learns as she goes through kindergarten and first grade.

While it was an enjoyable assignment to read to the West Lawn students, both Hoos and Isa said they still like to read books on their own, although they could not name any current favorite reading material like Junie B. Jones was for them when they were young.

An increasingly popular term to describe young people working on community service projects is service learning. The idea is that young people are learning even as they serve others.

SiAra Rasmussen, youth program coordinator for Leadership Tomorrow, said the trip to the Central Nebraska Humane Society was designed to show the high school students what it takes to run a nonprofit; everything it entails to keep it going.

Rasmussen said the high school students would go to Riverside Lodge, where they would meet residents, talk with them and perhaps play some board games or enjoy other activities with the senior citizens.

She said the Wednesday schedule was designed to give the students a broad-spectrum view of Grand Island, from seeing how the Humane Society operates to reading to young people, to interacting with some of Grand Islands senior citizens.

Hoos and Isa said Wednesdays visits to the Humane Society, West Lawn and Riverside Lodge helped them learn about Grand Island and that volunteering makes a difference by helping organizations and people in the community.
Cases of influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are higher than normal for mid-March, but down from January and February, according to the Central District Health Department, which serves Hall, Hamilton and Merrick counties.

We are actually starting to see our flu numbers decrease, said Jonna Mangeot, community health nurse. However, because they were so high, we are still at a widespread level. So our numbers are still high, but not as high as they were.

Mangeot said influenza season will not have peaked until the number of cases has been down for consecutive weeks.

We still have to see that downward trend, she said.

While the flu vaccine was available to the public in September, the effectiveness was about 50 percent. Flu shot effectiveness has been as low as 10 percent some years and as high as 60 percent.

We saw good vaccine effectiveness, Mangeot said. People were sick, but not (for) as long or as bad.

She said the percent of influenza rapid test positives this year was up because health officials were testing more people. For the week ending March 4, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services reported the percentage of influenza rapid test positives was 26.06.

Our highest numbers were in January and February, but we are still seeing higher numbers than last year at this time, Mangeot said.

While young children and older people are more apt to come down with influenza, she said, this year it was across the board.

She said lab tests confirmed more cases of influenza A than influenza B in the area.

But now we are starting to see more influenza Bs than what we were seeing before, Mangeot said. That is why we hate to say the number of cases is coming down because the Bs could spike like they did last year. That is why we are waiting and watching.

While influenza A is most likely to strike in the winter months, influenza B can be contagious throughout the year.

Because the flu is still out there, Mangeot said, people still need to be cautious. Flu shots can still be effective, but the vaccine can take about two weeks before it kicks in.

The single best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year, but good health habits such as covering your cough and washing your hands often can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like the flu. There are also flu antiviral drugs that can be used to treat and prevent the flu.

Signs and symptoms of flu include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches and fatigue. Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea.

Complications of flu can include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration and worsening of chronic medical conditions such as congestive heart failure, asthma or diabetes.

Influenza B symptoms, while the same as influenza A symptoms, are not quite as severe in their intensity.

Mangeot said there are other viruses, such as RSV, going around that cause infections of the lungs and respiratory tract. Statewide, the percentage of RSV rapid test positives was 15.98 as of March 4.

Signs and symptoms of RSV include runny nose, cough, fever and a decrease in appetite.

According to statewide numbers on voluntary reporting by school health officials of the number of students absent due to illness, there were no school closures due to influenza-like illness reported for the surveillance week that ended March 4. Absenteeism due to illness was 1.98 percent, with 75.53 percent of Nebraska schools reporting.

So far during this flu season, 39 influenza-associated deaths have been reported in Nebraska.

Dont spread the flu

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services offers these tips to prevent the spread of influenza:

1) Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

2) Stay home when you are sick.

3) Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.

4) Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.

5) Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

6) Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food.
When the National Weather Service has severe weather spotter training, you can forecast a good crowd.

Young people could be found in the chairs of City Council members Julie Hehnke, Chuck Haase and Jeremy Jones at a weather spotter training talk Wednesday evening. Those chairs provided overflow seating for the session, which attracted a full house of 60 people to the City Hall Council Chambers.

A similar gathering the night before in Hastings pulled in 92 people.

This is a busy time of year for the National Weather Service in Hastings. Meteorologists from that office are doing severe weather awareness presentations in each of the 30 counties served by the Hastings office  24 counties in Nebraska and six in Kansas.

Wednesdays session was presented by Mike Moritz and Aaron Mangels of the National Weather Service in Hastings. Also on hand was Grand Island/Hall County Emergency Management Director Jon Rosenlund.

Those who attended the two-hour session learned about supercells, mesocyclones and rear flank downdrafts.

They also had a chance to volunteer to become weather spotters.

Attendees were given the chance to write down their phone numbers and email addresses if they want to become storm spotters. The National Weather Service plots that information on a map and might call in times of severe weather. The meteorologists might ask those people about wind speed or the size of hail.

Spotters are not the same people as cooperative observers, who report in on a regular basis.

Spotter training is meant to teach people about storms, as well as how to report on them, Mangels said.

Its information meteorologists really need to know because we cant know whats happening everywhere, Mangels said in an interview. A lot of people think that we do. But we dont.

Spotters can be very helpful in telling the Weather Service whats happening on the ground, Mangels said. You also dont need to be a spotter to convey helpful information. Meteorologists always encourage people to call us if theres bad weather, Mangels said.

During his presentation, Moritz talked about the importance of spotters. Radar is a wonderful tool, he said, but its not as effective beyond the horizon. The farther the radar is from the storm, the higher in the storm the radar sees. The beam also gets wider the further it gets out, he said.

The radar for the Hastings office is near Blue Hill. The location south of Hastings gives meteorologists a deeper look into Kansas.

If weathers important to you, you need to check it often, Moritz told attendees. The time has passed when you can check the forecast every three days. Sometimes, the forecast can change a lot in two or three days. Moritz checks the weather each hour.

People should also not keep an eye on their immediate area. Just in case, people should know whats coming to their own county and one county around them, he said.

During the talk, Moritz showed the audience video of some powerful tornadoes. Although the video was interesting, he said Rosenlund and the National Weather Service do not condone storm chasing.

Two people in the audience were brothers Darin and Brian Verba. They have been interested in storms since the 1980 tornadoes. At the time, Darin was 5 and Brian was 11.

Also attending the talk was Jack Webb and his 14-year-old grandson, Leighton Webb. If a storm is headed this way, Webb hopes to hear a report from his grandson, who lives on the west side of town.

The audience included 12 young people who are both Boy Scouts and members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Island. The group included 12-year-old Niko Pecor, who asked several intelligent questions during the talk. The young people were brought to the session by Torry Taylor of Grand Island and Lucy Loveday of Cairo.
The west end of the Holiday Inn Express and Suites sustained significant damage after an electrical issue led to a fire on Tuesday morning.

Fire marshal George Lewis said the fire started in a wall cavity in the western portion of the hotel. It burned through the top of the wall and into the attic space. He said the fire was contained to the attic, due to the hour rated ceiling in the corridor and rooms. There were also draft stops in the attic that prevent the fire from spreading farther in that area.

In an interview on Tuesday, North Platte Fire Chief Dennis Thompson said the fire was called in about 3:45 a.m. As his battalion chief crossed the bridge over Interstate 80, he could see flames coming out of the building's roof.

All three local stations responded and mutual aid was requested, bringing crews from Maxwell and Hershey to the scene.

"We committed crews to the inside with hand lines immediately," Thompson said.

The ladder truck was set up on the north side of the structure, allowing crews to spray the roof directly.

Thompson said fires such as this one can be difficult to get under control.

"There's just no good access to them," he explained. "These roofs are multiple layers - rubber, foam, plastic ... of course that stuff burns like crazy."

Thompson said the fire ended up hitting a layer of "firestop" up in the attic area of the building, allowing crews to get the fire put out more quickly. Firestop is a system of various components that impedes the spread of flames through a building.

"The crews, especially those interior crews, just wouldn't give up," Thompson said. "They stayed with it and eventually got ahead of it and knocked it down."

In an interview on Tuesday, Clarine Eickhoff, general manager at the Holiday Inn Express, said the hotel has 152 rooms. The 80 rooms in the west end of the building, where the fire occurred, were unoccupied because of an ongoing construction project.

Were fully renovating those 80 rooms, Eickhoff said.

The west end of the building connects to the east end with a walkway on the ground floor. The east end houses the hotel's conference center as well as 72 guest rooms, which were all occupied when the fire occurred. Eickhoff said many of the rooms were housing students who are in town to participate in a district speech meet.

All of the fire alarms went off as they should have, Eickhoff said.

She said that guests were transferred to the Best Western Plus, which is the Holiday Inn Express sister hotel.

Thompson commended hotel staff for making sure everyone was out of harms way.

"Their first priority was to make darn sure there was nobody left," he said. "They did a fantastic job of making sure there were no life/safety issues."

Most of the fire crew was out of the building by 7 a.m., with a few members checking individual rooms for hot spots. Crews were fueled by coffee provided by local businesses and the American Red Cross.

Thompson said there is significant smoke and water damage on all three floors of the building, which is owned by Wilkinson Cos.

Eickhoff said staff members went to work preparing rooms for Tuesday evening's guests. She said events booked in the conference center will go on as planned.

The investigation was turned over to the city and state fire marshals.

"It's a matter of getting in there, starting to sift through it and figuring out where it started," Thompson said on Tuesday. "It's going to be a long process. They're going to be digging for a long time."
SULAYMANIYAH, Iraq  This most liberal of Iraqi cities, nestled in the mountains of Iraqi Kurdistan, is a perfect place from which to ponder the impact of the upcoming military defeat of the Islamic State  on Iraq and the world.

Suli (its nickname), a low-rise city with a population of around 2 million is home to the American University of Iraq, Sulaymaniyah (AUIS), a modern, private co-ed campus, where young men and women (most with hair uncovered) argue unimpeded with their professors in a manner light years away from the rote learning of so many Arab universities.

AUIS also hosts the annual Sulaimani Forum, a high-level gathering of Arab, Kurdish, and Western scholars and experts that is wrestling this year with a billion-dollar question: How can a fractured country and region prevent a new jihadi upsurge after the Islamic State is defeated?

That question is far from academic. Just four hours away from Suli, the battle to liberate Iraqs second-largest city, Mosul, from the jihadis, is entering its final stage. It is being conducted by Iraqi troops and Kurdish Peshmerga fighters, many retrained by U.S. forces, who are also providing air power.

Iraqi troops are moving toward the center of Mosul city, which is on the verge of being totally liberated, said Jabar Yawar, spokesman for the Kurdish Ministry of Peshmerga, at the jam-packed gathering. However, he added ominously, Daesh (an Arabic acronym for the Islamic State) wont be ended militarily or internationally after Mosul is liberated.

However weary Americans are of Iraq, they cant afford to ignore Yawars warning. Not if they want to avoid the arrival of the Islamic State 2.0.

Before I explain what that means, let me give you the good news.

One year ago, when I visited Iraq, skeptics doubted that the Iraqi military could crush the jihadis. That military, whose professional officer corps had been undermined by a corrupt government, had collapsed in the face of the Islamic States surprise 2014 invasion from its redoubts in Syria. But having regrouped (with U.S. help), those Iraqi and Kurdish forces have steadily pushed the Islamic State out of key parts of the country.

And now, spearheaded by the U.S.-trained Counter Terrorism Service (CTS)  the Iraqi military has pushed well into Mosul, the economic heart of the Islamic States so-called caliphate.

ISIS considers the (territorial) caliphate at the center of their movement, and its fall means the collapse of the movement, the burly CTS commander, Lt. Gen. Talib Shaghati, told the conferees, using another name for the Islamic State. Iraqi forces, and their U.S. air support, have carefully avoided using the kind of heavy fire that would cause civilian casualties. (Compare that with the deliberate bombing and shelling of civilians used by the Russian and Syrian militaries in Aleppo.) And the general spoke of strict punishment for revenge-seeking troops.

We provide a live example of competence to civilians, Shaghati said proudly. His force, which includes a broad ethnic and religious mix, is a stunning example of how patriotism can unite the complex fabric of Iraqi society. Indeed, at the military level, the fight to vanquish the Islamic State has acted like a glue  enabling cooperation among frequent antagonists.

What happens when the fighting stops?

Most Iraqis worry that the same grievances that allowed the Islamic State to flourish will enable jihadi cells to regroup and reemerge. The history is there: Sunni anger at being marginalized by the U.S. invasion and by the sectarian Shiite-led governments produced al-Qaida in Iraq in the mid-2000s, and its successor group, the Islamic State.

Today, Sunni cities lie in ruins, their infrastructure deliberately destroyed by the jihadis or damaged by fighting. The Sunni community is divided between backers and supporters of the Islamic State, and all fear vengeance by Shiite militias.

Iraqs moderate Shiite prime minister, Haidar Abadi, called for reconciliation at the Suli conference, but he heads a government financially strapped by the war and low oil prices, and undercut by Iranian meddling. Unless he can find funds to rebuild wrecked cities, the angry and unemployed may again find purpose in jihadist ideology. If the country splinters further, if Iranian mischief precludes reconciliation, watch out.

And yet, at the Suli conference, there were glimmers of hope.

Over and over, Iraqis talked of their weariness of war (although some pockets of the Islamic State remain to be liberated). While their civilian government has shown none of Shaghatis competence, Iraqis would be relieved if Abadi could start the rebuilding. That might give him credibility to rally Iraqis above sectarianism and to curb sectarian militias backed by Iran. It might inspire new political parties for 2018 elections that arent based on ethnicity and religion.

Here is where the United States comes in. While many Iraqis have written off the USA as isolationist (early excitement at the Trump victory has faded), there is still a yearning for a U.S. presence, including military trainers. I was told repeatedly that this presence is vital to balance Iran and to help mediate sectarian disputes. Washington can also play a critical role in rallying international aid for rebuilding.

The cost of fighting the Islamic State has been too high to permit another jihadi movement to take root. Having broken Iraqi in 2003, the United States cannot afford to ignore it.

One last note: Shaghati was denied a visa to visit family members in America. Now that the Trump team finally dropped the foolish visa ban against Iraqis, it should welcome the man who embodies the dream of a unified Iraq.
One could just feel the reaction from across Nebraska: not again.

This was after another prison disturbance earlier this month left two inmates dead at the Tecumseh State Prison.

Inmates started fires and numerous inmates were injured in the disturbance, with two left dead.

This came less than two years after a riot at the same Tecumseh prison caused $2 million in damage and threatened staff members. Two inmates were also killed in the nine-hour takeover of the prison in 2015.

It is clear that something is going on at the Tecumseh prison that state corrections officials just cant get a handle on.

Union officials have said that low wages and no reward for experience create constant turnover among prison staff, leaving inexperienced guards to handle difficult situations. They also point to short staffing and mandatory overtime leading to problems. There are currently 53 job vacancies at the prison.

Whatever the reasons, the state must do something to fix the situation at Tecumseh. Four deaths in two years is unacceptable.

Most of the state has been patient with Corrections Director Scott Frakes and Gov. Pete Ricketts. They inherited a terrible situation. The prisons are greatly overcrowded, staffing is a problem and corrections officials were miscalculating release dates.

Frakes has fixed the release dates miscalculations, but changes to state law have not had a significant impact on prison populations. Prison officials said changes made after the 2015 disturbance kept the recent riot from spreading. That is good and it is important that staff members were kept safe.

Ricketts also has asked the Legislature for $95 million in additional funds to hire more prison officers for Tecumseh and other prisons. In addition, the governor is seeking the building of a new inmate treatment center that will help ease overcrowding. Nebraska prisons are holding about 1,900 more inmates than they were designed to house.

Despite the lean budget times, the Legislature must address the prison needs. More funding for more guards and better pay for experienced staff is badly needed at Tecumseh and the other prisons. It cant wait for another year.

Lawmakers and corrections officials also should examine what it is about the Tecumseh facility that is leading to the deadly riots. Tecumseh is about an hours drive away from Omaha and Lincoln, which makes it more difficult to attract staff. However, other states have prisons in isolated locations and deal with it without any problems.

Is there a configuration at Tecumseh or a way that prisoners are grouped that is leading to problems? Is there a problem with the schedule? Or have the prisoners just become emboldened by the past disturbances and the talk of an inexperienced staff?

Whatever it is, state officials need to get to the bottom of it for the safety of the prison staff and of inmates. Nebraskans dont want to say not again one more time.
Was there a murder 100 years ago at Yardley's Continental Tavern?

Frank Lyons began excavating the basement of the Continental Tavern in Yardley. He found a gun, bloody corset and part of a woman's purse.
The Missouri History Museum reveals the often-untold story of St. Louis leading role in the struggle for racial justice in a new 6,000 square foot exhibition that will be on display for more than a year. #1 in Civil Rights: The African American Freedom Struggle in St. Louis examines a history that is compelling and complex, but is frequently overlooked in the larger national civil rights narrative.

That narrative includes four precedent-setting Supreme Court civil rights cases that originated in St. Louispossibly the most to ever reach the High Court from one source. #1 in Civil Rights also includes events and battles that had significant and lasting impact and that continue to shape the city today. This story is brought to life through artifacts, historical photos, oral histories, original art works created by local African American artists, live theater in the gallery and more.

One of the key elements of this exhibition is the ACTivists. Through the use of live theater in the gallery, the Missouri History Museum is creating an exhibit experience unlike any other. In association with the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the ACTivists project makes visitors feel like witnesses of historic events and people.

Professional actors are trained to portray figures who participated in different aspects of the struggle for equality in St. Louis. Some, like Dred Scott, are nationally known. Others, like Lucy Delaney, who successfully sued for her own freedom on the same grounds that Dred Scott had, place a more regional focus on the freedom suits story.

These staff members will answer questions following performances, either as the characters they are portraying or as modern-day museum interpreters.

The exhibition is inspired by the work of Judge Nathan B. Young, an early chronicler of local African American history, who once said, If one American city had to be chosen for a complete study of the civil rights movement that city would properly be St. Louis.

#1 in Civil Rights: The African American Freedom Struggle in St. Louis is open March 11, 2017 through April 15, 2018 at the Missouri History Museum. Admission is free.

Presenting sponsorships provided by Centene and Emerson. KSDK NewsChannel 5 and Maryville University are the media sponsors.

The Missouri History Museum has been active in the St. Louis community since 1866. Founding members established the organization for the purpose of saving from oblivion the early history of the city and state. Today, the Missouri Historical Society serves as the confluence of historical perspectives and contemporary issues. Due to its innovative approach to public service, the Missouri History Museum was the first recipient of the Institute of Museum and Library Services National Award for Museum Services in 1994. The Missouri History Museum offers programs and outreach services, including traveling exhibitions; tours; theatrical and musical presentations; programs for school classes and youth groups; family festivals; special events; workshops; and lectures. The Missouri History Museum is funded by the St. Louis City and County taxpayers through the Metropolitan Zoological Park and Museum District and by private donations. The Museum is open seven days a week with general admission always free. The Missouri History Museum in Forest Park also operates the Library and Research Center at 225 South Skinker Boulevard near the Washington University campus.
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Linkedin EDITORIAL (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, March 16, 2017

We fully support the latest initiatives of the government to accelerate the reduction of inequality in asset ownership and income distribution through land distribution, free land titles and the nucleus estate-smallholder (NES) scheme.

The more concerted programs seem to have been warranted by the finding of the latest economic surveys, including one by the World Bank in 2014, showing the widening inequality in the ownership of financial and physical assets as the richest 10 percent of Indonesians own an estimated 77 percent of the countrys wealth. This means that income from financial and physical assets (such as land) benefits far fewer households in Indonesia than in many other countries.

The Agrarian and Spatial Planning Ministry has set itself a target of granting 5 million land titles this year at a cost of Rp 2 trillion (US$148 million), which will be fully financed by the state budget. Land titles will empower the poor to take maximum benefit from their physical assets, such access to bank loans. Usually, registering a property can be an arduous and costly procedure. Ministry data shows that of the 136 million plots of private land across the country, only 46 million plots have legal titles.
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Linkedin Hipolitus Yolisandry Ringgi Wangge (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, March 16, 2017

In early 2017, two much-discussed issues about Papua have been the investigation of corruption in fictitious road projects involving high-level officials in its Public Works Agency office and the Freeport case, which is a battle between the government and the United States-based mining company PT Freeport McMoran in Mimika regency over a contractual issue. In the first case, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) alleges graft in the Jayapura road construction project worth Rp 89 billion (US$6.6 million), implicating a high-level bureaucrat, Michael Kambuaya.

The second case concerns a prolonged contractual issue. The government wants to change the contract of work into a special mining license through which the government wants the company to divest 51 percent of its shares, to which Freeport objects.

The cases share one obvious, but often neglected issue  inequality for the indigenous Papuans. Corruption has been highly pervasive in Indonesia, particularly in Papua.

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Linkedin Hans David Tampubolon (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, March 16, 2017 09:54 2062 a291276806121264c0bd211cde4f1959 4 Art & Culture art-and-culture,italian-cultural-center,Italy,exhibition Free

Italians have always been among the frontrunners in producing, developing and introducing innovative designs. Since the ancient times of the Roman Empire, the region now known as Italy has received worldwide recognition as a trendsetter and leader in the design world.

Italy still has a major influence on urban designs, industrial designs and fashion designs worldwide.

To celebrate the legacy of Italian design, the Embassy of Italy in Jakarta, the Italian Trade Agency and the Italian Cultural Institute (IIC) collaborated with home decoration and furniture store LAFLO to present the first edition of Italian Design Day.

Read also: International furniture expo kicks off, showcasing quality local products

The initiative for Italian Design Day came from Italian foreign affairs minister Paolo Gentiloni last year following several Italian design-related events, such as the XXI International Exhibition of Milan Triennale, the 55th Salone del Mobile and the 15th International Architecture Exhibition in Venice.

Italian Design Day aims to promote the Made in Italy phrase and all Italian excellences in the field of design around the world.

In Jakarta, Italian Design Day started with a seminar with the theme of Italian Design: Between Tradition and Innovation.

Taking place at the IIC on Jl. Tjokroaminoto, Central Jakarta, on March 2, the seminar featured Indonesian architect Cosmas Gozali and Italian architect and product designer Raffaella Mangiarotti as speakers.

Cosmas said that Italian designs had evolved for thousands of years, but they never lost their touch with tradition as seen in the Milano DUomo gothic church in Milan, which was built in 1386. The church features very distinct traditional Italian designs with its tall and pointy pillars. To date, the concept is still influential for modern church designs in Italy.

That is why, Italian designs are so easily recognized and identified because regardless of their modern look, they always embed something from their traditional roots, Cosmas said.

Read also: Annual Keramika exhibition invites visitors to explore local ceramic tiles

Indonesian designers, he said, should learn from their Italian counterparts on how to embrace modernity while at the same time remain loyal to tradition roots so the designs have their own identity.

Lots of my students show a lack of interest when I ask them to design something using Indonesias traditional materials, such as rattan or teak wood. They say those materials make their designs look old and are only suitable for their grandparents, Cosmas said.

Cosmas then pointed to a reference in his previous work at the IIC in which he installed a replicated installation of legendary Italian architect and product designer Vico Magistrettis office.

I adopted several Indonesian traditional elements into the replication. You can sense that it is Vicos office, yet at the same time, there are Indonesian elements in it, he said.

Mangiarotti said when Italians were in the process of creating, they do their best to maintain the quality and genuine spirit of original designs.

Other than the seminar, Italian Design Day in Jakarta also featured a photo competition with the theme of My Italian Design.

The third and final event of Italian Design Day is an interior design exhibition called Living Italian Design, which will open at LAFLO in Senayan on March 16. Curated by Cosmas, the exhibition will showcase how Italian lifestyles have influenced Indonesian people.
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Linkedin Paul Jarvis (Bloomberg)  Thu, March 16, 2017

Fast fashion is getting tougher.

Zara owner Inditex SA said on Wednesday that profitability shrank to an eight-year low. Main rival Hennes & Mauritz AB reported the first monthly sales drop in almost four years. Shares of both retailers sank.

The reports illustrate the difficulties facing the fashion industry as consumers divert spending to leisure activities and buy more of their apparel from a rising number of online suppliers. The increased competition is putting pressure on prices, while higher production costs are also squeezing profitability.

In February, industry data was very challenging, Richard Chamberlain, an analyst at RBC Capital, said in a note. Sales declines of 9 percent in Germany and 6 percent in Sweden reflect some spend rotation into other consumer categories.

H&M shares fell as much as 5.1 percent in Stockholm, the most in three months. A 1 percent drop in February sales was caused by the month having one day fewer than in the leap year of 2016. Adjusting for that, revenue rose 3 percent in local currencies, missing estimates.

Read also: World Fashion Connect preps local designers to enter global scene

Chamberlain estimates that H&Ms same-store sales fell 3 percent in the month, weighed down by the tough industry conditions and as initiatives to expand online options for customers and improve methods of supply take time to feed through to sales.

In Zara's Shadow

H&M has been in the shadow of faster-growing competitor Inditex in recent years, though Wednesdays results from the Zara owner suggest it too is finding life more difficult.

Inditexs gross margin narrowed to 57 percent from 57.8 percent in the 12 months through January, missing the Spanish retailers goal to keep the measure within 0.5 percentage points of the previous year.

The shares fell as much as 2.7 percent, the most since December, though pared their losses after Chief Executive Officer Pablo Isla said that at current exchange rates, the gross margin wont fall this year.

Inditex said the decline in last years gross margin was due to currency swings. Foreign exchange stripped 3 percentage points off sales growth. Weaker currencies in Russia, China and Mexico reduce the value of sales in those markets when translated into euros.
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Linkedin Kazunori Takada and Grace Huang (Bloomberg)  Thu, March 16, 2017

After transforming toilets with seat-warmers, air fresheners and strategically placed water sprays with its premium Washlet line-up, Toto Ltd. now wants to revolutionize bathing.

The company on Tuesday unveiled its cradle-shaped Flotation Tub that aims to bring about "ultimate relaxation" by inducing a trance-like state. The high-tech tub is inspired by flotation therapy that aims for low-frequency brain waves and was revealed at an industry fair in Frankfurt.

The Flotation Tub, which hasnt yet been priced, is expected to go on sale before next April. It will be aimed primarily at high-income consumers overseas in Europe, the U.S., the Middle East and China, a first for the Japanese company thats marking its 100th anniversary this year.

Madoka Kitamura.(Bloomberg/Tomohiro Ohsumi)

"Until now, our thinking has been to come up with ways to sell to the overseas markets products that were developed for Japan. But now, were trying to develop products aimed at overseas markets," Toto president Madoka Kitamura said in an interview in Tokyo on March 7.

Totos Floatation Tub.(Toto Ltd. via Bloomberg/File)

Read also: Vogue launches in the Arab world with bold mission and style

Toto, founded in 1917 in the southern city of Kita Kyushu, set out to introduce western-style toilets to Japan at a time when squatter-types were common. The latest data, from 2012, show it controls 54 percent of the market for warm-seat toilets in Japan, with younger rival Lixil Group Corp. holding 24 percent, according to industry researcher Japan Journal of Remodeling.

The Washlet series, introduced in 1980, is now gaining traction in Asia, especially among the Chinese who have chosen it as among the most popular items to bring back from a trip to Japan.

Toto booked a 44 percent increase in net income to 35.7 billion yen ($311 million) in the last fiscal year ended March 2016, a reversal from a 43.8 percent decline recorded in the previous year. Toilets are a key engine of growth although it does not provide a breakdown of sales by products.

Some features of Totos high-end toilets include: auto-flush, self-cleaning and odor control by spraying a special liquid on to the bowls. Some specialized toilets sold to hospitals include those that can measure the amount of urine. The companys researchers employ supercomputers to calculate the water flow to ensure that its feature-laden commodes deliver a comprehensive flush using the least amount of water.

Brain Stimulation

Read also: What makes us proud to consume a product?

The Flotation Tub is designed to put its bathers into a low-frequency brain wave state approaching what people experience in sleep, Kitamura said.

"We asked around our researchers, When do you come up with ideas? and many said when they were taking baths," according to Haruo Tsutsui, Totos manager of products R&D. "We believe relaxation stimulates the brain allowing ideas to pop up."

Tsutsui said his team, which includes some with degrees in health-related studies, conducted more than a hundred tests to pinpoint the perfect balance between floating and lying down.

Toto has been selling bath tubs, mainly for the Japanese market, since 1958. But the Flotation Tub isnt designed for the average Japanese bather, who would normally sit in their bathtub. It measures over 2 meters in length, about 50 percent larger than the typical size sold in Japan, allowing the bather to stretch out.

Unlike most Japanese bath tubs, which are rectangular in shape, the Flotation Tub is rounded. It comes with an adjustable pillow which allows the bather to lay back with legs stretched out and with water massage functions to help with relaxation.

Shift Overseas

Read also: Longines launches high-tech quartz wristwatch

Faced with a shrinking population at home, Kitamura said Toto wants to lift its overseas sales from 22 percent now to 50 percent, though he declined to specify a time frame.

The Flotation Tub epitomizes Totos efforts to create globally-competitive products, Kitamura added, stressing how much it focused on the design element to cater to the high standards of European customers.

A big challenge facing Toto in European markets is the lack of a proper distribution network, said Daisuke Fukushima, an analyst at Nomura Securities.

"Its not just the product and its quality. Its also important to have a network of companies that can properly install these products. So its different from a manufacturer who simply sells a commodity."

Products on display inside the Toto Museum in Kitakyushu.(Bloomberg/Tomohiro Ohsumi)

While Toto focuses on making products through its own production lines, Lixil has expanded rapidly by acquiring competitors both at home and abroad. Lixil bought American Standard Brands in 2013 and German company Grohe Group in 2014, pushing up its overseas sales to 25 percent of total compared with zero just three years ago.

Toto isnt considering any acquisitions aimed at increasing overseas market share, Kitamura said, but is open to any deals that would open new doors.

"While we believe we are the most advanced when it comes to technology in this field, if there are companies that have innovative technology that we feel would allow us to provide better service, I think it would be worth it," he said.
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Linkedin Ni Nyoman Wira (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, March 16, 2017 14:22 2062 a291276806121264c0bd211cde50001c 1 Lifestyle yves-saint-laurent,controversial-ad,controversy,Advertisement,fashion,France,#controversy,#fashion Free

French advertising watchdog Autorite de Regulation Professionnelle de la Publicite (ARPP) has recently banned a controversial Yves Saint Laurent ad.

According to Women's Wear Daily, the watchdog has taken down the ad throughout the country after receiving many complaints, including from netizens.

Several days prior to International Womens Day on March 8, French feminist group Osez le feminisme (Dare to be Feminist) sarcastically tweeted, Bravo, @YSL for your misogynist ads. In the run up to 8th March, its the best possible taste.

Read also: Zara, Uniqlo make Oxfam 'naughty list' in 2016

Other social media users also protested by using the hashtag #YSLRetireTaPubDegradante that calls on the brand to remove the ad.

Women are also not 9 heads tall smh! RT @Frenchie_Karyn: Wtf !  Women are not objects ! #YSLRetireTaPubDegradante pic.twitter.com/HpoZgoJOjg  Verica Jericho (@Gingerika224) March 7, 2017

The ad, which is part of Yves Saint Laurents fall 2017 campaign, displays a model in fishnet stocking and fur coat spreading her legs in front of the camera while wearing roller skate high-heels. Meanwhile, another ad shows a model in leotard and roller skate high-heels bending over a stool. The campaign displays collections designed by Italian-Belgian fashion designer Anthony Vaccarello who collaborated with Dutch fashion photographer duo, Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin.

Read also: Vogue launches in the Arab world with bold mission and style

ARPP director Stephane Martin told Ad Age that the campaign seriously contravenes advertising codes in relation to respect for decency, dignity and those prohibiting submission, violence or dependence, as well as the use of stereotypes.

We have alerted the advertiser, who is a member of ARPP, that these images do not conform with our code of conduct, said Martin as quoted by Women's Wear Daily. Respect for creative freedom is one thing, but there is also respect for the consumer. (kes)
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Linkedin I Wayan Juniarta (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, March 16, 2017 10:09 2062 a291276806121264c0bd211cde4f2988 4 Art & Culture painting,Painter,bali,exhibition Free

Padangtegal, a village south of downtown Ubud, is a close-knit traditional society known among foreign visitors for its well-kept alleys featuring tranquil homestays, famous restaurants and upscale specialty shops.

Despite its traditional heritage, the village boasts several forward-thinking achievements. It has transformed Wenara Wana, originally a 7-hectare patch of forest surrounding its cemetery, into the largest community-managed forest on the island as well as a profitable tourist attraction. The currently 12.5 ha forest is populated by some 700 long-tailed macaque and 186 species of plants and generates billions of rupiah in yearly revenue.

Padangtegal is also one of the first villages in Bali to implement and manage a comprehensive waste management system, which includes waste segregation at the household level and a composting facility at the village level.

An ongoing exhibition at Bentara Budaya Bali, a cultural hub at Ketewel, Sukawati, reveals another accomplishment of this village. Titled Tiga Generasi Padangtegal (Three Generations of Padangtegal), the exhibit features the works of 26 painters, all of whom were born and raised in that village.

Read also: 'The Forsaken Children of the Compagnie'

The participants hail from three different generations, with the oldest participant  the late Dewa Ketut Ding  born in 1924 and the youngest  Ida Bagus Putra Yadnya  born in 1987.

The exhibit reflects the development of painting in Padangtegal and shows that the development has spanned at least three generations, art critic Wayan Seriyoga Parta said.

Curated by Padangtegals senior living artists, the exhibit is evidence that aesthetics run deep in the village, which is also known for its accomplished dancers and composers.

Padangtegal is one among several villages in Bali, where the pursuit of aesthetic endeavors is encouraged and where the arts play an instrumental role in the formation of their collective identity, art professor I Made Bandem, who opened the exhibit, said.

Seriyoga Parta detailed that painters from the first generation, which include some big names in the islands painting landscape, such as Anak Agung Sobrat, Anak Agung Mergeg, Dewa Ketut Ding, Mangku Wayan Nomer and I Wayan Tegun, were mostly autodidacts and members of the famed Pita Maha, an art collective co-founded in 1936 by Dutch painter Rudolf Bonnet, German artist Walter Spies and Ubud royal ruler Tjokorda Gde Agung Sukawati.

Read also: Marveling at Le Mayeur's muse at his Bali museum

Noted art collector Sutedja Neka said that Bonnet played a significant role in the development of painting in Padangtegal. Two of Padangtegals most celebrated painters: Anak Agung Sobrat and Anak Agung Mergeg were Bonnets pupils.

Bonnet visited their houses, provided them with painting materials and introduced them to his naturalistic style of painting, particularly on the anatomy of the human body, he said.

Painters from the second generation, which include Ketut Budiana, Nyoman Suradnya, the late I Made Subrata and I Wayan Sulendra, were born in the 1950s and a large number of them received formal education at art schools on Bali and Java, which influenced their styles compared to the previous generation.

Jauk by Nyoman Suradnya(JP/I Wayan Juniarta)

Their brush strokes, color palettes and compositions clearly show a departure from traditionalism into modernism. However, their themes represent their traditional roots, Bandem said.

He gestured to a painting of a Legong dancer created by the late I Made Subrata, who was educated at Udayana University before teaching at Denpasars SMSR fine arts college.

It is modern and traditional at the same time, he said to Kadek Purnami, the daughter of the late painter and the model of the painting.

I am very blessed, my late father and my father-in-law were both painters. The latters work is also exhibited here, Purnami said, pointing to a work titled Jauk by Nyoman Suradnya.

Legong by Made Subrata(JP/I Wayan Juniarta)

Despite their differing styles, the participating painters share the source of their inspirations and the theme of their work.

Their work is mostly inspired by the traditional decorative patterns, characters from Wayang stories, mystical drawings and Hindu philosophies. While their themes gravitate around cultural activities and natural landscapes of the island, Seriyoga Parta said.

In Bandems words, the exhibit reveals continuity in change, an ability of Padangtegal artists to sustain their aesthetic drive across generations while adapting to the changes that take place around them.

Topics : painting Painter bali exhibition
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Linkedin Aya Batrawy and Fay Abuelgasim (Associated Press) Dubai, United Arab Emirates  Thu, March 16, 2017

Vogue launched its newest international edition this month, targeting a niche audience in the Middle East that is fashion conscious, style-driven and wealthy. If its debut is anything to go by, the magazine promises to be bold, representative and deferential.

The 22nd international edition of Vogue featured on its cover American supermodel Gigi Hadid, whose father is Palestinian, wearing an embellished, mesh veil covering half her face. With one eye peering out from beneath the veil, the magazine's cover words aimed readers directly at its mission: "Reorienting perceptions."

At the helm of Vogue's nascent project is Deena Aljuhani Abdulaziz; a fashion-forward mother of three and Saudi royal who describes herself as "ambitious".

"I don't want Vogue Arabia to just be another regional magazine. I definitely want it to be a global one as well, especially in this political climate. I think it's very important," she told The Associated Press from her office in Dubai's Design District.

Through its range of features and shoots, the magazine attempts to cater to a wide and diverse audience of Arab women, whose varying takes on personal style and modesty cannot be defined by one trope or fashion statement.

Iraqi calligrapher and artist Wissam Shawkat, who has been featured in Vogue Arabia and created the Arabic artwork for the magazine, works at a cafe at Dubai Design District in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Wednesday, March 15, 2017. Vogue launched its 22nd print edition this month in English and Arabic, targeting a niche audience in the Middle East that is fashion conscious, style-driven and wealthy. Vogue Arabia's debut featured on its cover American supermodel Gigi Hadid, whose father is Palestinian, wearing an embellished, mesh veil covering half her face. If the image is anything to go by, the magazine promises to be bold, representative and deferential.(AP/Kamran Jebreili)

While not intentionally provocative, there are images of women in backless gowns and skirts that end above the knee. There are also artful shots of women in headscarves, though not necessarily worn in the parameters of the Islamic hijab.

In Hadid's cover shot, for example, the veil reveals a hint of bronzed shoulder.

"We aren't trying to make a giant political statement but we do think that we can help contribute to conversation" said Shashi Menon, founder of Nervora, which published Vogue Arabia in partnership with Conde Naste.

"We want to be  delicate is the wrong word, but we want to be cognizant on how we are speaking to and with women from this region and that means being understanding," he said.

Vogue Arabia's strongest foothold is  as its name suggests in the oil-rich countries of the Arabian Peninsula, where modern malls and a growing art scene are part of a wider push to get in on the multi-billion-dollar-a-year global fashion industry, which is currently dominated by the U.S., Europe and Japan.

Vogue Arabia's target audience is well-traveled and has long had access to fashion magazines, both local and international, including of course American Vogue.

Read also: Why women's participation in politics too crucial to be overlooked

Vogue Arabia launched digitally first last fall, but its print edition went out this month with 35,000 copies distributed across the major cities of the Gulf, as well as in Cairo, Beirut and select salons and hotels in North Africa. It was not, however, in newsstands in conservative Saudi Arabia.

Menon says the expectation isn't that Vogue Arabia will somehow replace American Vogue or Vogue Paris, but that it will provide for the first time an edition that directly speaks to a Middle Eastern audience in a local voice. It's also the first Vogue edition for an entire region, rather than for a single country.

Inside its glossy pages, Vogue Arabia capitalizes on the breadth of culture and character of the Middle East's 22 Arabic-speaking countries. For its March issue, that meant features on an arts initiative in the Saudi coastal city of Jeddah, an interview with the Egyptian sisters behind the purse brand Okhtein and a high-glamour shoot in Paris by Sudanese stylist Azza Yousif.

Mohammad Hazem Rezq, one of the Vogue staff works behind his desk at the magazine office at the Dubai Design District in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Wednesday, March 15, 2017. Vogue launched its 22nd print edition this month in English and Arabic, targeting a niche audience in the Middle East that is fashion conscious, style-driven and wealthy. Vogue Arabia's debut featured on its cover American supermodel Gigi Hadid, whose father is Palestinian, wearing an embellished, mesh veil covering half her face. If the image is anything to go by, the magazine promises to be bold, representative and deferential.(AP/Kamran Jebreili)

Bold colors are prominent throughout the layout, not just on the clothes, but in the makeup and accessories too. Advertisers include powerhouses like Dior and Cartier, as well as the local outlets that carry them.

The March arrival of the magazine also had a section entirely in Arabic.

Calligrapher Wissam Shawkat produced the Arabic typography for the various sections of the issue. He's also been featured in the digital edition.

The Iraqi-born calligrapher, whose Arabic artwork has debuted on Rolex watches and in the logos of brands like Tiffany & Co., says he had total freedom of design when working with Vogue Arabia.

"Calligraphy is usually not something featured with something like a magazine like Vogue," he said.

But by featuring culture and art from the Middle East, he says the magazine spreads an important message.

"It shows there's still beauty and hope in the region whatever is happening. This is hope," he said.
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Linkedin Suherdjoko (The Jakarta Post) Semarang, Central Java  Thu, March 16, 2017 17:23 2062 a291276806121264c0bd211cde511536 1 National radicalism,intolerance,Central-Java,#intolerance,Pancasila,NKRI,#Pancasila Free

Professors and academicians from various universities in Central Java announced on Wednesday their fight against radicalism and intolerance.

They made a petition entitled Although we are different, we are still sisters and brothers.

Imam Taufiq, an academician from the Walisongo Islamic State University (UIN) Semarang, Central Java, read out the petition in a gathering at the Wisma Perdamaian (Mansion of Peace).

The petition was made amid rising intolerance in the country.

The spirit of living a shared life based on diversity and nationalism  a key principle of the nations founding fathers  is now facing serious challenges, it states.

The rise of identity politics that prioritizes the interests of certain groups and a shortage of dialogue among different groups has made Indonesia segregated. This will eventually break bonds of friendship and solidarity among the children of the nation, it says.

The petition asserts the Pancasila as the state ideology, hence all elements of society shared the responsibility of guarding it.

A commitment to nationalism should be put forward by academicians through universities, says the petition.

Academicians from universities such as Diponegoro University (Undip) Semarang, Jenderal Soedirman University (Unsoed) Purwokerto and the Satya Wacana Christian University (UKSW) Salatiga attended the event. (ebf)
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Linkedin Michael W. Setjoadi (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, March 16 2017

Current operating conditions point favorably toward our unchanged top pick in the cigarette sector, cigarette maker PT HM Sampoerna (HMSP), on the back of a narrowing of its average selling price (ASP) premium compared to other players, which also suggests a milder competitive landscape in the industry.



At this stage, we also favor PT Gudang Garam (GGRM) due to its expanding valuation gap to HMSP, which stood at around 51 percent discount based on this years price-to-earnings ratio (PER) forecast. GGRM stock has continued to underperform both the market and HMSP, as shown in Exhibit 1, due to weak stick sales in the final quarter of 2016 and their inability to increase prices. GGRM saw the ASP of its products increase by up to 20 percent year-to-date (ytd), with some brands experiencing no price hike at all.



While we retain our sectors overweight stance on an expected lower excise-tax hike this year, a new industry risk could materialize in the form of government policy on tobacco import quotas and tariffs.



In terms of import quotas, the government is attempting to cap tobacco import volumes at 20 percent of the total. On the tariff front, it is possible for the government to raise tobacco import duties by between 5 percent and 60 percent.



In our view, this could adversely impact cigarette sales volumes as Indonesia currently imports around 50 percent of its total tobacco requirements, mainly from Brazil. However, we believe the planned policy may be difficult to implement due to two factors: (1) cigarette excise taxes account for around 9 percent of state revenues and (2) lower cigarette volumes may result in sizeable unemployment, particularly in the hand-rolled cigarette segment.



There is also the emergence of new value-proposition brands that have been disrupting the cigarette market since last year. The brands, which used to offer aggressive discounts, have now started to increase their ASPs aggressively, such as Dunhill Mild 16, whose ASP increased by 4 percent ytd, Lucky Strike Mild 16, whose ASP increased by 3.3 percent ytd, and U-Bold, whose ASP increased by 6.8 percent ytd.





As a result, the ASP discount gap to the market leader is narrowing, reflecting an easing of industry competition. Exhibit 2 and Exhibit 3 show the discounts for brands competing within these segments with the respective market leaders.



The majority of other competing products within these segments have seen their ASP discounts narrow compared to industry leaders. PT Bentoel Internasional Investama (RMBA), for example, has only increased the ASP of its Dunhill Mild 16 by 4.4 percent since the beginning of this year.

________________________



The writer is research analyst at Bahana Sekuritas.

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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, March 16, 2017 16:38 2062 a291276806121264c0bd211cde50d4b9 1 Business AXA-Mandiri,online-audience,partnership Free

Insurance firm AXA Mandiri hopes to expand its customer base through partnerships with more platforms on the internet.

We place our products on our partners platforms so that people can have easy access. They usually contact us for further information, AXA Mandiri alternative channel director Henky Oktavianus said.

The five partners are Kaskus, Lazada, Smartfren, MidTrans and Garuda Indonesia.

Henky further explained that his company would add 15 more partners this year. He claimed that partnerships last year had attracted about 3,000 potential customers.

We expect to gain 1,200 customers through these partnerships alone, Henky explained.

He said AXA Mandiri had also established its own digital platform called Social Media Comment Center (SMCC) in 2015, which cost Rp 2 billion (US$ 149,532.7), to monitor peoples discussions about insurance on social media.

The discussion provided valuable input for future product design, Henky added.

According to the Indonesian Life Insurance Association (AAJI), AXA Mandiri holds a market share of 18.8 percent for bancassurance with 3.7 million customers.

It marketed its products through more than 2,000 financial advisers in 1,500 Bank Mandiri branches and 700 Bank Syariah Mandiri branches. AXA Mandiri also utilized 500 sales officers for telemarketing. (dra/bbn)
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Linkedin Anton Hermansyah (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, March 16 2017

State-owned lender Bank Mandiri is looking to cut down its bad loans this year through a restructuring program, which it believes will bring the non-performing loan (NPL) ratio to 3.5 percent by year-end.

Its gross NPL soared to 4 percent in 2016 from 2.6 percent in 2015, while its net NPL ratio also increased to 1.5 percent from 0.9 percent.

The rising bad loans mostly came from the commercial segment, especially from debtors in the commodity sector due to falling commodity prices, which disturbed the debtors repayment ability.

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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, March 16, 2017 16:56 2062 a291276806121264c0bd211cde50f6fa 1 City Bekasi,foreign-workers,Chinese-workers Free

Bekasi officials detained three Chinese workers for allegedly breaching their living and working permits during an unscheduled inspection at an apartment construction site in the West Java regency on Wednesday.

Their temporary stay permits [KITAS] and passports expired in 2015. They also dont hold any work permits, said the Bekasi National and Political Unity Office head Ahmad Kosasih as quoted by tribunnews.com.

Ahmad said the workers had been working at the construction site for a month, adding that the workers had informed the authorities that 30 other foreigners working at the site were not present during the inspection.

Bekasi regency council member Nyumarno said the inspection was conducted following complaints from locals and workers about the increasing number of foreign workers at the construction site.

He said the council would coordinate with the regencys immigration office and manpower and transmigration agency to prevent other foreign workers from breaching regulations.

We also asked the agency and private companies to employ more locals in the project, Nyumarno said. (kkk)
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Linkedin Carla Bianpoen (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, March 16 2017

Perhaps it really takes collaboration with a French gallery to make the most internationally known works locally accessible.

Such is the case with Jakarta Rohs Projects collaboration with Edouard Malingue, a leading gallery in Hong Kong.



In an alternate exchange of works, Edouard Malingue Gallery is exhibiting at ROHs art space from Feb. 24 to March 17.



The exhibition presents works by artists from its collection, from France, Turkey and China, but it is in fact French Laurent Grassos works that grab most of the attention and imagination.



Laurent Grasso is a leading French conceptual artist who was awarded the prestigious Marcel Duchamp Prize in 2008.



He is the subject of a major monograph  Laurent Grasso: The Black-Body Radiation  published by Les presses du reel.



While Grassos conceptual and visual interest are not only mind-boggling, they are actually also mind-enriching as he opens the boundaries that have kept our conventional perception about art and inspires us to new visions and new histories.



His hyper realistic renditions suggest an interest in epistemology, the branch of philosophy that studies the origin, nature, methods, validity and limits of human knowledge, while at the same time challenging our perception of time. Often morphed into portrayals of historical facts and natural or supernatural phenomena, his works invoke surreal and ambiguous juxtapositions of time and space.



Among his works at ROH is the film Soleil Double, which is displayed in an awe-inspiring manner.



Visitors may recognize the images infused with the ambience of Rome with its typical row of pines along the roads, the statue of Michelangelos David, the new buildings in the Roman new town EUR (Esposizione Universale Roma). As Edouard Malingue explained, EUR is a city district of Rome that then dictator Benito Mussolini planned to open with a grand World Fair in celebration of 20 years of fascism. The city was to match his own grandeur. But World War II smashed the hopes of Il Duce (the leader) and the grand World Fair never took place.

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Linkedin Indra Budiari (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, March 16, 2017 19:23 2062 a291276806121264c0bd211cde516093 1 City reclamation,Court,permits Free

The Jakarta State Administrative Court (PTUN) approved a petition filed by fishermen and a rights group in relation to permits issued for the construction of three artificial islets on Jakartas northern coast on Thursday.

A panel of three judges found that the permits issued for islets F, I and K had violated several regulations.

Presiding judge Adi Budi Sulistyo said the permits were issued without listening to the concerns of fishermen, while the law obligated the city to do so.

Adi added that the project could potentially cause damage to the coastal area.

"We ordered the defendant to revoke his decision letter that is being disputed in this hearing," he said.

The city administration issued construction permits on Oct. 22, 2015 to city-owned PT Jakarta Propertindo for islet F and to PT Jaladri Eka Paksi for islet I, while it issued a permit on Nov. 17 to PT Pembangunan Jaya Ancol for islet K.

Protests have been staged by fishermen, rights activists and environmentalists who claimed the Jakarta governor violated various regulations in issuing the permits and demanded that the court revoke them immediately.

Topics : reclamation Court permits
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Linkedin Djemi Amnifu (The Jakarta Post) Rote Ndao, East Nusa Tenggara  Thu, March 16, 2017 19:55 2062 a291276806121264c0bd211cde516d09 1 National human-trafficking,trafficking,Rote,East-Nusa-Tenggara,#HumanTrafficking Free

The Baa District Courts panel of judges sentenced Abraham Louhenapessy, 56, alias Kapten Bram, to six years in prison and ordered him to pay Rp 500 million (US$ 37,481.30) in fines or face an additional six months in prison after being found guilty of trafficking 65 immigrants to New Zealand.

The sentence was lighter than what had been demanded by prosecutor Alexander Selle, who asked the court to sentence him to nine years in prison.

Based on facts and evidence presented during the hearings, the defendant has been found guilty of trafficking 65 immigrants to New Zealand in 2015. Thats why the defendant has been sentenced to six years imprisonment, which will include time served in detention, said presiding judge Hiras Sitanggang in the hearing on Thursday.

He said the crime committed by the defendant could spur the illegal dispatch of immigrants from Indonesia. Besides, he had previously been sentenced in a similar case.

Among factors that mitigated Abrahams sentence included his good manners during the trial and that he admitted guilt, the judge said.

The prosecutor and Abrahams lawyer, Yesaya Dae Pani, said they may consider appealing the verdict.

In its indictment, the prosecution said Abraham had received Rp 1.5 billion from Vishvanathan Thineskumar alias Thinesh alias Khugan, another defendant in the human trafficking case, to buy a boat and logistics for the 65 immigrants for their travels to New Zealand. (ebf)
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Linkedin Anton Hermansyah (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, March 16, 2017

The Financial Services Authority (OJK) is pushing insurance companies to invest in infrastructure projects being handled by several state-owned construction companies (SOEs).

"We have invited both insurers and construction SOEs. The latter have presented their projects to the insurers. Then they can make a consortium and invest directly or buy bonds," OJK commissioner for the non-banking financial industry Firdaus Djaelani said during a seminar in Jakarta on Thursday.

(Read also: Five SOE subsidiaries to hold IPO in 2017: OJK)

Firdaus said most of the insurers would prefer to buy bonds instead of investing directly because direct investment required more complicated calculations.

"If they want to invest directly they have to calculate the project yield and investment by themselves, but bonds are already analyzed and rated by independent rater," he said, adding that the insurance industry had around Rp 1 quadrillion in assets.

"We just want the industry to support infrastructure development. If an infrastructure project has a good internal rate of return (IRR) like 13 percent, why not?" he said. (bbn)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, March 16, 2017

The Fire Free Alliance (FFA), a collective made up primarily of forestry and agriculture companies and civil society groups, is claiming credit for a reduction in forest fires in Sumatra over the past two years.

In its FFA Members Review 2016 report released in Jakarta on Wednesday, the group claimed to have expanded its forest fire prevention outreach to 218 villages across Indonesia, covering more than 1.5 million hectares of land.

In Riau and Jambi, two provinces in Sumatra where massive forest fires have created environmental disasters in recent years, fires in nine villages under its Fire-Free Village Program had been reduced by roughly 50 percent between 2015 and 2016, the report claimed.

The report stated that throughout 2016, a mere 7 ha from 307,000 ha of forests under the program in Riau and Jambi caught fire, a 50 percent drop from 14 ha destroyed by fire in 2015.

Established last year, the FFA focuses on fire prevention through community engagement with members including APRIL, Asian Agri, IDH, Musim Mas, PM Haze and Wilmar.

It aims to target the root causes of forest fires and address them through education and promoting awareness.

The government encourages the private sector to cooperate to prevent forest fires, Prabianto Mukti Wibowo, an official from the Office of the Coordinating Economic Minister, said.

He said forestry companies were obliged to provide villagers with support to shift to a fire-free farming system.

Prabianto noted that forest fires had become an annual man-made disaster for the last 18 years and occurred in the same locations in seven fire-prone provinces.

There might be another El Nino. Our hope is that if it does happen, we wont have to lose 1.9 percent of the GDP. We wont lose 2.6 million hectares to fire, Dorjee Sun from the FFA said.

Dorjee added that Indonesia lost US$16 billion during the 2015 forest fires, about twice as much as it lost in the wake of the 2004 tsunami in Aceh. (hol)
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Linkedin Fedina S. Sundaryani (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, March 16, 2017 18:01 2062 a291276806121264c0bd211cde512a18 1 Business Freeport-Indonesia,government,negotiation Free

Negotiations between the government and gold and copper mining company PT Freeport Indonesia continue almost one month after the firm submitted its complaints and threatened to take the case to international arbitration.

Tony Wenas, who takes part in the negotiations as Freeport Indonesia executive vice president, said no solution had been reached since negotiations started.

"The discussions are still ongoing, and we are trying to find the best resolution for the future," he said on Thursday.

Tony declined to disclose what exactly was the deadlock keeping the two parties from concluding their negotiations.

(Read also: Freeport representatives visit ministry to find solution)

Freeport has refused to accept the governments demand to convert its contract of work (CoW) agreement into a special mining license (IUPK). The company argues that an IUPK would effectively annul its CoW signed in 1991.

Freeport says it does not want to give up the rights listed in its CoW, including protection of its long-term investments.

Under new government regulations, Freeport is required to gradually divest 51 percent of its shares to Indonesian entities.

Tony met with Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Wiranto on Thursday, a day after visiting the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry to discuss the issue with officials there. (bbn)
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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Tangerang  Thu, March 16 2017

Tangerang Police have named 14 suspects following a violent protest implicating public minivan drivers rallying against ride-sharing app drivers.

Police chief detective for general crimes Adj. Sr. Comr. Arlon Sitinjak said initially, the police had arrested 18 people.

After questioning them, we named 14 suspects. We released the others as they were not involved in the violence, Arlon said as quoted by tempo.co on Wednesday.

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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, March 16, 2017

Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) executive board deputy chairman Marsudi Syuhud says former NU chairman and Presidential Advisory Board (Wantimpres) member Hasyim Muzadi was an inspiration to the younger generation.

In addition to his active endeavor to maintain diversity in Indonesia, he also promoted the NU as international organization, in which he pioneered the establishment of several overseas NU branches, Marsudi said.

Hasyim passed away on Thursday in his hometown of Malang, East Java. The former chairman of the country's largest Muslim organization died at his residence in the compound of the

Pesantren Mahasiswa Al-Hikam Islamic boarding school after being treated at the Lavalette Hospital for five days.

(Read also: NU losses best son as moderate cleric Hasyim passes away: scholars)

Marsudi said that in accordance with his wishes, Hasyim would be buried on the grounds Pesantren Al Hikam Islamic boarding school, in Depok, West Java.

Marsudi said PBNU leaders were currently attending a conference on religious tolerance in Rembang, Central Java, which Hasyim was also scheduled to attend.

Marsudi added that to honor the former NU chairman, he had asked all NU members, including those overseas, to hold shalat ghaib (prayers for the deceased) for Hasyim. (Dis/jun)
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Linkedin Nurul Fitri Ramadhani (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, March 16, 2017

House of Representatives special committee for the amendment of the Terrorism Law has promised to open deliberations to the public. The committee previously held closed-door deliberations despite many articles in the bill being deemed to threaten human rights.

"Deliberations, indeed, have always been closed. But for the next [stage] we will make them open, unless the government insist on them remaining closed to the public. The government usually considers it a very sensitive issue," committee member Arsul Sani told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday.

Amendment to the Terrorism Law was initiated and drafted by the government. Many human rights groups have complained that the bill has many repressive articles. The draft gives the National Police the right to arrest people suspected of planning a terrorist attack without proof that they plan to do so. It also stipulates longer detentions for suspected terrorists, from seven days to 30 days, which could enable abuse of power.

(Read also: House calls for stronger Terrorism Law)

Arsul said deliberations had been heavy going, even in finding the best definition of terrorist acts.

"We haven't even finished defining acts of terror and what can constitutes terrorism. If we can [define that], it will be easier to deliberate the remaining articles," said the United Development Party (PPP) lawmaker.(jun)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, March 16, 2017

Representing Indonesia at a recent international counter-terrorism dialogue event in India, Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Wiranto called for stronger transnational cooperation in combating the growing terror threat.

Wiranto attended the 3rd Counter-Terrorism Conference in New Delhi on Tuesday, wrapping up a two-day visit to India.

"These threats are a reminder that we should continuously prepare to anticipate such extraordinary crimes," Wiranto said in his speech at the forum as quoted in a press release.

In the dialogue organized by the India Foundation and involving dozens of representatives from various countries, Wiranto said Indonesia had taken both soft and hard approaches to combating radicalism.

However, terrorism continues to prevail in the country with the worlds largest Muslim population, particularly alongside the growing influence of social media in the country.

Wiranto said extremists had skillfully exploited social media to spread their propaganda.

Indonesia ranks 38th in the latest Global Terrorism Index released by the Sydney-based Institute for Economics and Peace. The index analyzed the scale and threat of terrorism in 163 countries in 2015. As a comparison, war-torn Iraq topped the list.

Counter-narratives are essential to preventing them [terrorists] from obtaining access [to a wider audience] through cyber technology, Wiranto said.

In India, Wiranto also met with Vice President Hamid Ansari in a discussion where counter-terrorism issues took center stage. (ipa)
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Linkedin Anton Hermansyah (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, March 16, 2017

Telecommunications provider PT Indosat, also known as Indosat Ooredoo, recorded a net income increase by 184.4 percent year-on-year (yoy) to Rp 1.1 trillion (US$82.45 million) in 2016.

The raise was mostly caused by more stable currency last year and the companys shift from foreign nominated debt to rupiah nominated debt that contributed to lower interest expenses, according to a statement from the company issued on Thursday.

Meanwhile, its revenue increased by 9 percent yoy to Rp 29.2 trillion.

Its cellular business was still the main contributor of revenue with an 83 percent share, while the other revenue came from multimedia, internet, and data (MIDI) services and telecommunications services with 14 and 3 percent, respectively, the statement says.

(Read also: Indosat invests in startups to boost service to customers)

The companys cellular business revenue increased by 10 percent yoy to Rp 24.1 trillion due to increasing usage of data, phone, and SMS services amid a decreasing interconnection revenue. MIDI business revenue also increased by 10 percent yoy to Rp 4.09 trillion contributed by its subsidiary Lintasarta.

Meanwhile, its telecommunications revenue decreased by 14.3 percent yoy to Rp 876 billion due to lower traffic and the depreciation of Rupiah against the United States (US) dollar.

The company successfully added 16 million new cellular customers in 2016, bringing its current customer numbers to 85.7 million. However, the average revenue per user (ARPU) slightly decreased by 3.4 percent to Rp 25,200 compared to Rp 26,000 in 2015. (bbn)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, March 16, 2017

The Jakarta Police will cooperate with global investigators to track down members of a pedophile group that produced and distributed pornography through a Facebook account that had 7,497 members.

The group, named Official Candy Group, which was established in September 2014, was managed by a 25-year-old man identified as Wawan, along with three others as administrators, all of whom have been arrested.

Following the allegations of foreign pedophilia syndicates linked to the group, Jakarta Police director of special crimes Sr. Comr. Wahyu Hadiningrat said the police would cooperate with Interpol and the FBI.

We have tracked down 11 groups connected to international networks, said Wahyu, adding that members of the group also came from Argentina, Peru and the US.

Prior to blocking the Facebook page, the police found some 500 videos and 100 pictures of child pornography, with victims aged from two to 10.

The police have so far located eight victims who were abused by administrators of the group. There is a possibility that there are more victims, said Wahyu as quoted by tempo.co on Wednesday.

The police are looking for other suspects of the child pornography network, he said. (dea)
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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post)  Thu, March 16 2017

Japan must explain to its neighbors the reason for dispatching its largest warship, the Izumo helicopter carrier, on a three-month tour of several Asian countries and the South China Sea, and its plan to take part in the Malabar joint naval exercise with the United States and India in the Indian Ocean in July.

This is indeed a sensitive issue for the region as Indonesia and fellow members of ASEAN are negotiating a Code of Conduct with China in the tense South China Sea.

Each time Japan shows signs of a military revival, its neighbors, especially China, react, evoking memories of Japans aggression in World War II. So far Japan has not provided an official explanation, perhaps becauseJapanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is testing international reactions, especially by China.

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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, March 16, 2017

Toll road operator PT Jasa Marga plans to propose to the government the construction of a 40-kilometer elevated road to connect Cawang in East Jakarta, Pluit in North Jakarta and Soekarno-Hatta Airport in Tangerang.

Jasa Marga development director Hasanuddin said Wednesday that the idea would be proposed to the government within the next two or three months. He added that the road would be able to accommodate the increase of passengers at the airport, which was expected to have 70 million passengers per year.

It needs infrastructure to accommodate passengers and goods mobilization; one of the solutions is a toll road, he said as quoted by tempo.co.

(Read also: Jasa Marga sees growth soar amid toll road craze)

Several consortiums, he said, had proposed a similar idea. We have no problem with this. Let's propose the idea together and let the government decide, he said.

Jasa Marga said the total cost of the toll road could reach Rp 350 billion (US$26.1 million) per kilometer. (idb/jun)
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Linkedin Haeril Halim and Margareth S. Aritonang (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, March 16, 2017

In an about face move that demonstrated stronger support for the countrys public health, the government said on Wednesday that it refused to deliberate the controversial tobacco bill, which seeks to boost cigarette production while dismissing the dangers of smoking.

This is the second time the government has rejected such a proposal from the House of Representatives after the bill was also voided last year following opposition from the Health Ministry to jointly deliberating the bill.

Ending his ambivalence on tobacco, President Joko Jokowi Widodo, whose administration had earlier issued a road map for the industry that sought to triple cigarette production to 524 billion by 2020, made a bold move that puts him against one of the countrys oldest industries and which employs millions of workers.

Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung said Jokowi would not issue a presidential letter (Surpres) to approve the House proposal to start discussion of the bill.

Without the letter, the House cannot begin deliberations because all bills must be both discussed by representatives of the government and the House. If the House does not receive a letter from the government by the given deadline of March 19, the bill will be voided.

There is no Surpres [to be issued by the President in this case], Pramono told reporters at the State Palace, adding that the President had instructed Trade Minister Enggartiasto Lukita and State Secretary Pratikno to pay a visit to the House to deliver the governments stance.

During a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Health Minister Nila Moeloek, Manpower Minister Hanif Dhakiri and Industry Minister Airlangga Hartarto told Jokowi that if the bill was passed into law then it would contravene a number of prevailing laws handled by the three ministries.

(Read also: Fate of tobacco bill continues to hang in balance)

The Health Ministry has long campaigned for stronger tobacco control, which is crucial to saving around 200,000 Indonesians who die every year from tobacco-related illnesses and to save Rp 378 trillion (US$28.35 billion) in economic losses caused by smoking.

In his opening remarks during Tuesdays Cabinet meeting, Jokowi, however, expressed doubts on the matter, saying that he could understand the concerns raised by the Health Ministry because the government had to take care of the health of its people, but the welfare of those who worked in tobacco industry should also be taken into consideration.

The bill was initially dropped from the 2016 National Legislation Program (Prolegnas) by the Health Ministry, which was appointed by Jokowi to lead the discussion at the House.

However, the comeback of Golkar Party politician Setya Novanto as House speaker paved the way for the inclusion of the bill in the 2017 Prolegnas.

Separately, the House Legislation Body (Baleg), which is assigned to deliberate the bill, has reminded the government to be cooperative, arguing that the bill will protect the domestic tobacco industry, while at the same time benefiting local tobacco farmers.

If the government refuses to discuss the bill, which is the initiative of the House, we will also refuse to deliberate any bills initiated by the government in the future, Baleg deputy speaker Firman Subagyo of Golkar said on Wednesday.

The politician suspected foreign intervention in pushing the government to kill the bill, as the draft restricted foreign tobacco companies operating in the country.

Firman said the majority of political factions at the House shared the same opinion and thus agreed to continue the deliberation.
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, March 16, 2017

State railway operator Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) will increase the number of passenger seats by 2.1 percent during this years seasonal exodus, when millions of Muslims travel to their hometowns for Idul Fitri in June.

KAI president director Edi Sukmoro told reporters on Wednesday that the firm would provide 222,014 seats per day from June 15 to July 6  10 days before and 10 days after Idul Fitri  for railway trips in Java and Sumatra.

Idul Fitri is expected to be celebrated on June 25 this year.

Because the number of passengers will likely increase by 13,128 for Idul Fitri this year, KAI will schedule 331 regular trips with a total capacity of 200,154 seats per day, plus 38 additional trips with 21,860 seats per day, Edi said.

(Read also:Jokowi wants overhaul of all mudik routes)

We can operate more additional trips if the number of passenger is higher than expected, Edi said.

The firm will deploy 2,950 extra workers as route supervisors, crossing guards and other officials and 4,223 security personnel across Java and Sumatra during the exodus period, he added.

Muslims living away from their hometowns have an annual tradition of traveling home to celebrate Idul Fitri with their families.

According to KAI data, 5.4 million people traveled by train during the 2016 Idul Fitri exodus. (yon/bbn)
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Linkedin Callistasia Anggun Wijaya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, March 16, 2017 18:35 2062 a291276806121264c0bd211cde5148ca 1 City #JakartaElection2017,KPU-Jakarta-chairman-Sumarno,violation Free

Jakarta General Elections Commission (KPU Jakarta) head Sumarno has denied accusations he violated the election organizers code of conduct, as alleged by the volunteers of incumbent Jakarta Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama, who reported him to the Election Organization Ethics Council (DKPP) on Thursday.

Sumarno, for instance, is said to have failed to remain neutral by using a photo of the 212 protest, a large protest demanding the prosecution of Ahok on Dec 2, 2016, as his Whatsapp profile picture.

Sumarno said he uploaded the photo a long time ago.

The rally, which was attended by the President, the vice president, the Indonesian Military (TNI) commander, the police chief, the coordinating political, legal and security affairs minister, was not related to the election, he said.

The event looked good from Monas [National Monument]. The photo has nothing to do with [my] independency or neutrality, Sumarno said at his office in Salemba, Central Jakarta, on Thursday.

He also denied accusations that he breached the code of conduct by meeting with Ahoks rival candidate, Anies Baswedan, during a revote in a polling station in Kalibata, South Jakarta, on Feb 19.

The meeting was accidental. It also occurred in an open space, he said.

Sumarno then refuted the accusation that he had postponed a plenary meeting to announce the runoff on March 4 because he had dinner with Anies.

He denied having dinner with Anies.
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Linkedin Farida Susanty (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, March 16, 2017 15:44 2062 a291276806121264c0bd211cde509b7d 1 Business Singaporean,investment,Toba-lake,tourism,Arief-Yahya Free

The Tourism Ministry will hold talks with Singaporean investors in two weeks to discuss the latters interest in investing in the scenic Lake Toba, North Sumatra, an official has said.

In about two weeks there will be a conference between the ministry and potential investors from Singapore, the ministry's head of development acceleration for priority tourist destinations, Hiramsyah S. Thaib, said on Thursday.

Lake Toba is one of 10 regions being developed by the government into prominent tourist destinations.

Hiramsyah said Singaporean diplomats from its embassy in Jakarta had met with Minister Arief Yahya at the latters office and expressed interest in investing in Lake Toba.

(Read also: Silangit Airport expansion to finish in April)

The interest from Singaporean investors coincides with the expansion of the runway at Silangit Airport to 2,600 meters. The airport is expected to attain international airport status by the end of the year, Hiramsyah added.

"Then the airport can welcome direct flights from Singapore, that's why they are interested," he said, adding that the mountain, lake and culture around Toba were also cited as enticing factors for Singapore.

Hiramsyah said there was no definite figure on the investment commitment yet, but said the area, like the country's nine other priority destinations, was estimated to require Rp 10 trillion (US$749.5 million) in investment.

Singapore itself is among the top five contributors of foreign tourists to Indonesia for the last three years. (bbn)
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Linkedin Nurul Fitri Ramadhani (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, March 16, 2017

The NasDem Party is set to declare its support for Bandung Mayor Ridwan Kamil to run in the 2018 West Java gubernatorial election. The declaration will be held on Tegalega field in Bandung, West Java, on Sunday, during which NasDem chairman Surya Paloh is scheduled to attend.

West Java branch NasDem Party central executive board chairman Saan Mustofa said the party had agreed to endorse Ridwan, popularly known as Kang Emil, due to his persistence in upholding tolerance.

There is no doubt about Kang Emils commitment to pluralism and leadership, not to mention that he is visionary, creative and innovative, Saan told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday.

Kang Emil is quite popular among young people, particularly in West Javas capital city, Bandung, due to his modern approaches to reaching people through social media, such as Twitter. He is also an active user of Instagram and often posts photos with jokes in the captions. Many people praised his efforts to turn several unattractive places and spots in Bandung into parks.

Last year, Ridwan played down rumors that said he would join the Jakarta gubernatorial race. He said he wanted to complete his mandate as the Bandung mayor through 2018, a decision that was widely appreciated by Bandung citizens.

His decision to stay may boost his popularity and cement his image as a politician who is not hungry for power, which will eventually pave his way to win West Javas top post.

Of course we need to build a coalition. Im sure that Kang Emil has established relations with other parties, Saan said. (ebf)
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Linkedin Imanuddin Razak (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, March 16, 2017

The Navys Marine Corps has a new chief, Maj. Gen. Bambang Suswantono, a familiar figure within the Presidential Palace circle. He is replacing Maj. Gen. RM Trusono.

The transfer of duty was held at the Marine Corps infantry brigade headquarters in Cilandak, South Jakarta, in a ceremony on Thursday led by Navy Chief of Staff Adm. Ade Supandi.

"Both generals [Trusono and Bambang] are good officers. I believe they will continue doing their best in their new positions, Ade said while addressing the ceremony.

Bambang, a 1987 graduate of the Naval Academy, is the 22nd commander of the Marine Corps. He has spent most of his career in the corps, but was seconded to the Presidential Security Detail (Paspampres), where he was Paspampres commander from May 2016 before being appointed the new Marine Corps chief.

Meanwhile, Trusono, a 1985 graduate of the Naval Academy, will be installed as commander of the militarys Staff and Command School (Sesko).
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Linkedin Ivany Atina Arbi (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, March 16, 2017 16:14 2062 a291276806121264c0bd211cde50a854 1 City #JakartaElection2017,hate-banners Free

The Jakarta administrations order to remove provocative banners has fallen on deaf ears at a Setiabudi mosque in South Jakarta.

Two hate banners were still seen hanging at the entrance of Al-Jihad Mosque on Thursday morning. The banners said, [the congregation at] this mosque does not perform last rites for those supporting and defending a blasphemer, referring to non-Muslim incumbent Jakarta Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama.

The mosque is located in the same district in which the late Hindun resided, a woman whose children alleged that the authorities of a nearby mosque denied their mother's last rites because she voted for Ahok during the Feb.15 election.

Prayers for Hindun were alternatively conducted in her tiny house on March 7. Media reported that the following day, her daughter received text messages saying clerics throughout Jakarta would deny performing the last rites for deceased Muslims found to have voted for Ahok.

The mosque's authorities have denied the allegations, saying the prayers were held at the deceaseds home on account of a lack of congregation members at the mosque at the time.

The city administration claims it has intensified efforts to remove hate banners from public facilities. Some 360 of such banners across the capital have been removed, according to the administration.
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Linkedin News Desk (Associated Press) Beirut  Thu, March 16, 2017

A Palestinian rights activist has praised a report this week by a Beirut-based U.N. agency that promotes development in Arab countries for concluding that Israel established an "apartheid regime."

Omar Barghouti said Thursday that the report published this week by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia, or ESCWA, could be the "very first beam of light that ushers the dawn of sanctions against" Israel.

The report  entitled "Israeli Practices Toward the Palestinian People and the Question of Apartheid"  has drawn swift criticism from the U.N. and Israeli officials.

Barghouti is the co-founder of the Palestinian civil society Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement that promotes boycott of Israel.

U.N spokesman Stephane Dujarric said the report was published without any prior consultations with the U.N. Secretariat.
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, March 16, 2017

The second hearing in a graft trial on e-ID card procurement on Thursday heard witness testimonies.

In the second hearing, we will dig into the budgeting aspects [of the e-ID card project]. Home Ministry witnesses presented by Corruption Eradication Commission [KPK] prosecutors are ready to testify, KPK spokesperson Febri Diansyah said prior to the hearing.

Agus Martowardojo, who was scheduled to testify as then finance minister, failed to attend the hearing. He was one of eight witnesses scheduled to testify on Thursday.

Others scheduled to testify are former home minister Gamawan Fauzi, former ministry secretary-general Diah Anggraeni, former ministry population administration director general Rasyid Saleh, former ministry director for fund stabilization Elvius Dailami and former ministry planning bureau head Yuswandi A. Temenggung.

The two other witnesses are Karsa Wira Utama director Winata Cahyadi and former House of Representatives home affairs commission head Chairuman Harahap.

Last Thursday, prosecutors read out the indictments against Irman and Sugiharto, two high-ranking Home Ministry officials implicated in the case. Febri said KPK prosecutors would present 133 witnesses in the trial.

The anti-graft body estimates state losses reached Rp 2.3 trillion (US$172.41 million) in the Rp 5.9 trillion procurement project. (mrc/ebf)
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Linkedin Callistasia Anggun Wijaya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, March 16 2017

Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri has every reason to take the Jakarta gubernatorial election personally.

The former president certainly does not want to see gubernatorial candidate Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama experience what she went through in 2004, an incumbent who lost an election to an insurgent candidate. For Megawati, the parallel could not be more striking as she and Ahok both assumed their top positions only after their respective bosses vacated the position.

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Linkedin Fadli (The Jakarta Post) Batam  Thu, March 16, 2017 22:24 2061 a291276806121264c0bd211cde5185cc 1 National Batam,Riau-Islands,RiauIslands,Lee-Hsien-Loong,#Batam Free

Singapores Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrisnan canceled a planned visit Batam, Riau Islands, on Thursday, citing his obligation to accompany Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on official duties as the cause.

Batam Panbil Industrial Estate president director Johannes Kennedy Aritonang denied public speculation that the cancellation was triggered by the recent arrest of a Singaporean vessel by Batam authorities on suspicion of violating shipping and immigration laws.

According to the Singaporean Consulate, Minister Balakrisnan has to accompany the prime minister, Johannes told The Jakarta Post on Thursday.

Balakrisnan was scheduled to meet businesspeople from the Batam industrial area during the meeting.

Johannes said Singaporean Ambassador to Indonesia Anil Kumar and several trade delegates were also set to join Balakrisnan. They were to discuss several economic issues, including how to revive the Triangle Group coordination.

We also aimed to discuss Singapores attention, which is now directed more at the Iskandar Development Region in Johor instead of Batam, said Johannes. The meeting was likely to be postponed until the fourth week of April, he added.

The cancellation of the visit occurred as the Tanjung Pinang District Court held a hearing on alleged shipping violations by Tan Poh Hui Ricky, a Singaporean citizen who served as helmsman of the Seven Seas Conqueress, on Wednesday. He was accused of operating the vessel with improper navigation tools.

During the hearing, prosecutor Gustian charged the helmsman with violating shipping and immigration laws. (rdi/ebf)
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Linkedin Viriya P. Singgih (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, March 16 2017

Movie exhibitor PT MVP Indonesia, owned by Indonesian conglomerate and soap opera baron Raam Punjabi, is facing a contractual dispute with Vietnamese shopping mall operator Vincom Retail, forcing MVP to stop the operations of three theaters worth US$13 million.

MVP, formerly known as PT Multivision Plus, controls Platinum Cineplex, the biggest theater operator by screen in Hanoi, Vietnam.

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Public Order Agency personnel talk with one another while a provocative banner hangs from the balcony of the Nurul Islam Mosque in Cengkareng, West Jakarta, on Wednesday. The Jakarta General Elections Commission (KPU Jakarta) and the agency are working to strip off provocative banners from mosques and public places ahead of the April 19 runoff. The banner reads that the congregation will not pray for those who support Quran blasphemers when they die.(JP/Seto Wardhana)(KPU Jakarta) and the agency are working to strip off provocative banners from mosques and public places ahead of the April 19 runoff. The banner reads that the congregation will not pray for those who support Quran blasphemers when they die.(JP/Seto Wardhana)
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Linkedin I Wayan Juniarta (The Jakarta Post) Sukawati, Gianyar  Thu, March 16 2017

Aesthetics run deep across generations of village artists.

Padangtegal, a village south of downtown Ubud, is a close-knit traditional society known among foreign visitors for its well-kept alleys featuring tranquil homestays, famous restaurants and upscale specialty shops.



Despite its traditional heritage, the village boasts several forward-thinking achievements. It has transformed Wenara Wana, originally a 7-hectare patch of forest surrounding its cemetery, into the largest community-managed forest on the island as well as a profitable tourist attraction. The currently 12.5 ha forest is populated by some 700 long-tailed macaque and 186 species of plants and generates billions of rupiah in yearly revenue.



Padangtegal is also one of the first villages in Bali to implement and manage a comprehensive waste management system, which includes waste segregation at the household level and a composting facility at the village level.



An ongoing exhibition at Bentara Budaya Bali, a cultural hub at Ketewel, Sukawati, reveals another accomplishment of this village. Titled Tiga Generasi Padangtegal (Three Generations of Padangtegal), the exhibit features the works of 26 painters, all of whom were born and raised in that village.



The participants hail from three different generations, with the oldest participant  the late Dewa Ketut Ding  born in 1924 and the youngest  Ida Bagus Putra Yadnya  born in 1987.



The exhibit reflects the development of painting in Padangtegal and shows that the development has spanned at least three generations, art critic Wayan Seriyoga Parta said.



Curated by Padangtegals senior living artists, the exhibit is evidence that aesthetics run deep in the village, which is also known for its accomplished dancers and composers.



Padangtegal is one among several villages in Bali, where the pursuit of aesthetic endeavors is encouraged and where the arts play an instrumental role in the formation of their collective identity, art professor I Made Bandem, who opened the exhibit, said.



Seriyoga Parta detailed that painters from the first generation, which include some big names in the islands painting landscape, such as Anak Agung Sobrat, Anak Agung Mergeg, Dewa Ketut Ding, Mangku Wayan Nomer and I Wayan Tegun, were mostly autodidacts and members of the famed Pita Maha, an art collective co-founded in 1936 by Dutch painter Rudolf Bonnet, German artist Walter Spies and Ubud royal ruler Tjokorda Gde Agung Sukawati.



Noted art collector Sutedja Neka said that Bonnet played a significant role in the development of painting in Padangtegal. Two of Padangtegals most celebrated painters: Anak Agung Sobrat and Anak Agung Mergeg were Bonnets pupils.



Bonnet visited their houses, provided them with painting materials and introduced them to his naturalistic style of painting, particularly on the anatomy of the human body, he said.

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Linkedin Haeril Halim, Tama Salim and Nurul Fitri Ramadhani (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, March 16, 2017

Followers of the Islamic State (IS) group in Indonesia for the second time in less than a year have lost a leader with the reported death of Bahrumsyah, an Indonesian militant fighting in Syria who is said to have died on a suicide mission in the war-torn country.

Bahrumsyahs death comes only four months after IS Indonesian jihadist Abu Jandal al Yemeni Al Indonesi alias Salim Mubarak Atamimi was killed during a US-led international coalition assault in Mosul, Iraq, in November 2016.

The death of Bahrumsyah leaves Bahrun Naim as the only Indonesian IS fighter in Syria with a reputable position in the terrorist organization.

The Amaq news agency, an official media outlet used by IS to spread information about its activities, describes Bahrumsyahs death as an act of martyrdom. Bahrumsyah blew himself up with a car bomb aimed at a group of Shiite soldiers fighting for the government of President Bashar al-Assad on Monday.

His reported death prompted the National Polices Densus 88 counterterrorism squad and the National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) to dispatch a team to work with police in Syria to conduct an autopsy on his body.

We are working with the police to confirm the death. I told [National Police] spokesman Boy Rafly that a team from Densus had been assigned to confirm his death. The team will fly [to Syria] to work with local police to get accurate data, BNPT director of protection Brig. Gen. Herwan Chaidir said on Wednesday.

Separately, another National Police spokesman, Martinus Sitompul, said police were also working with the Foreign Ministry and Interpol to seek confirmation of Bahrumsyahs death.

Martinus said if Bahrumsyah died in the attack, it could demoralize IS supporters in Indonesia. We want to acquire as accurate as possible information about [his death], Martinus told The Jakarta Post.

University of Indonesia terrorism expert Ridwan Habib said the Amaq news agency was a credible source.

The leader of IS in Indonesia, Bahrumsyah, or Abu Muhammad Al Indonesia, has been confirmed dead. The IS official media, Amaq news agency, said he was killed during a suicide mission in Palmyra Syria on March 13, Ridwan said, relaying a news item posted in Arabic by Amaq.

Bahrumsyah was a prominent IS leader from Indonesia who also worked to recruit people to join the fight in Syria. He controlled several terrorist cells that have around 800 members in Jakarta and its satellite cities Bogor, Depok, Tanggerang and Bekasi.

(Read also: Indonesian militant in Syria ordering attacks in Malaysia)

He was known as part of the West Mujahidin group in Indonesia and one of the initiators of the Thamrin attack in Jakarta, Ridwan said, referring to the attack that took place on Jan. 14, 2016.

Densus 88 arrested Bahrumsyahs third wife, identified as Nia Kurniawati, who was among 17 Indonesians deported from Turkey last January, for allegedly attempting to enter Syria to join her husband.

Bahrumsyah is a graduate of Jakarta State Islamic University (UIN) Syarief Hidayatullah in Ciputat, South Tangerang, Banten province.

He made headlines in 2014 when he uploaded a recruitment video in August 2014 onto YouTube. The video, according to experts, has inspired hundreds of Indonesian jihadists to move to Syria.

Separately, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Arrmanatha Nasir maintained that the ministry could not verify the death of Bahrumsyah, or any other Indonesian citizen who had moved across borders outside of legal procedures.

As I have repeatedly said, IS has never given us the courtesy of submitting an official list of foreign citizens who have pledged loyalty to them. Neither have they declared their whereabouts, Arrmanatha told reporters in Jakarta on Wednesday.

So if an [IS sympathizer] dies abroad, we have no way of verifying such information, he said.(jun)
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Linkedin Farida Susanty (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, March 16 2017

State-owned construction firm PT Wijaya Karya (Wika) has secured Rp 5 trillion (US$374.1 million) in syndicated loans from seven banks and state infrastructure financing firm PT Sarana Multi Infrastructure (SMI) to support its toll-road projects.

Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd., Japans largest lender, leads the loan syndicate with Rp 1 trillion, followed by Bank Maybank Indonesia, Bank of China Limited and SMI at Rp 900 billion each. The rest of the sum is being covered by lenders such as Bank Mizuho Indonesia, Bank ICBC Indonesia, Bank BNP Paribas Indonesia and Bank CTCB Indonesia.

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Linkedin A. Ibrahim Almuttaqi (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, March 17 2017

In recent days there has been a reemergence of the discourse regarding the direction of Indonesias foreign policy, following Jakartas enthusiastic chairmanship of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).

That enthusiasm could be seen in Indonesias hosting of the inaugural IORA Leaders Summit as well as producing the IORA Concord. Indeed, Indonesias efforts to push the 21-nation-strong regional organization toward greater regionalism were applauded by many, not least by South Africas President Jacob Zuma and Australias Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, respectively the upcoming and previous chairs of IORA.

Yet Indonesias efforts have also raised questions as to whether the country is turning its back on ASEAN and if it is, what the reasons for such a move might be. Writing in The Diplomat, Dedi Dinarto argued that Jakarta sees a new opportunity in the Indian Ocean, an opportunity that a divided ASEAN can no longer present.

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Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryucudu met with his Australian counterpart Marise Payne in Sydney on Thursday, taking further steps forward since mending ties over a military spat that prompted the suspension of military cooperation.

The two met during the annual Defense Ministers Meeting.

Ryamizard conveyed his appreciation for Australias efforts to resolve an incident that involved one of its military language facilities in November that led to postponed cooperation between the Indonesian Military (TNI) and the Australian Defense Force for two months.

He expressed happiness over the resumption of military cooperation between the two countries, according to a Defense Ministry statement.

President Joko Jokowi Widodo agreed with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to fully restore defense cooperation, training exchange and activities during a state visit to Australia in February.

Putting behind past troubles, Ryamizard and Payne discussed, among other things, strengthening defense cooperation in the field of science and technology. Ryamizard particularly emphasized Indonesias efforts to develop its defense cybersecurity.

Science and technology cooperation has great potential to build the depth and resilience of our bilateral relationship and we agreed to greater cooperation and engagement, Payne said in a statement.

The two countries also are set to strengthen bilateral defense cooperation in the areas of maritime and defense industries.

In the regional context, Ryamizard conveyed strengthening relations between Indonesia and Fiji, while also expressing hope that Australia could push countries in the South Pacific to support Indonesias sovereignty.

Payne gave a nod to the longstanding and productive bilateral defense relationship between the two countries that are carried out in support of mutual interests in security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

The neighboring countries are set to co-chair the next cycle of the ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting-Plus (ADMM+) Experts Working Group on peacekeeping operations later this year.

This represents a great opportunity to strengthen regional peacekeeping efforts and build upon existing bilateral peacekeeping cooperation, Payne said.

The ministers noted the importance of ASEAN security frameworks to build regional trust, transparency and cooperation while discussing regional security dynamics. Payne also invited Ryamizard to Darwin in the near future to view the United States Force Posture Initiatives, a cooperation between the US and Australia that came into force in 2015. The Force Posture Initiatives provide new opportunities for regional defense engagement, including with Indonesia, to build mutual trust and contribute to regional peace and security, she said.

The initiatives were part of US president Barack Obamas pivot to Asia policy to counter China, a policy likely to be abandoned by his successor President Donald Trump.

Separately, Institute for Defense and Security Studies (IDSS) executive director Mufti Makarim said new plans discussed between Indonesia and Australia on both bilateral and regional levels would only complement the already established ties between the two countries, where cooperation such as information-sharing has long been intensive since the 2002 Bali bombings.

It would be additional in nature, Mufti said, to add new plans associated with advanced developments on the field.

In the context of the defense industry, of course it would advance toward information exchange on weaponry technology development, since as we know, Australia is not a country that is a major producer of weapons, so it would be further opportunity for Indonesia to introduce locally made products, Mufti told The Jakarta Post over the phone.
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Linkedin Haeril Halim/Suherdjoko/Marguerite Afra Sapiie (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta/Rembang, Central Java  Fri, March 17 2017

Former chairman of Indonesias biggest Muslim organization Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Hasyim Muzadi, who died on Thursday, was not only known for his role as a champion of Muslims throughout his life but also as a defender of followers of beleaguered religious minority groups in the country.



Hasyim, who served as a member of the Presidential Advisory Board (Wantimpres), passed away at the age of 72 at his home in Al Hikam Islamic boarding school in Malang, East Java, a day after receiving a visit from President Joko Jokowi Widodo.



He was laid to rest at the Al Hikam 2 complex in Depok, West Java. Hasyims passing is being mourned not only by the 60 million members of the NU but also by members of religious minority groups, as the cleric was a major campaigner for pluralism and always defended minorities during conflicts and against discrimination.



Hasyim studied Islam in traditional Islamic institutions in Indonesia, but his reputation as a moderate cleric was widely appreciated both at home and internationally.



He frequently spoke at international forums, in his roles as NU chairman and secretary general of the International Conference of Islamic Scholars (ICIS), in support of moderate Islam.



He was a staunch campaigner for Islam Nusantara (Islam of the Archipelago) pioneered by the NU to promote the Indonesian version of a tolerant Islam that could live peacefully with local traditions in Indonesia.



Hasyim was noted for his efforts to remind Sunni Muslims in Indonesia to live peacefully with followers of the minority Shia and warned Indonesian Muslims that countries in the Middle East, such as Syria, had been torn apart by political actors exploiting tensions between the two warring Islamic sects.



In a move to prevent conflict between Sunni and Shia followers in Sampang, Madura, East Java, from spreading, Hasyim, in his capacity as NU chairman in 2012, visited the region after local Sunnis had attacked Shiites, and told locals that despite the differences, Shia was part of Islam.





President Jokowi remembered his adviser as a guardian of Indonesian diversity.



He was a great ulema, an ulema who was always able to calm situations and comfort our hearts, he said, expressing his regret at the loss of one of Indonesias finest minds.



Hasyim was always present at mediation to find a solution for a Christian congregation in Bogor, West Java, after the local authorities shut down their Indonesian Christian Church (GKI) Yasmin in the city.



He facilitated a number of meetings to find a solution to the Yasmin case. While serving as NU chairman, he always invited Indonesian Communion of Churches [PGI] representatives to any events held by the NU. He always cared about problems being faced by interfaith followers, said PGI spokesman Jerry Sumampouw.



PGI chairman Rev. AA Yewangoe remembered traveling together with Hasyim to Ambon and Poso, among other places, to curb interreligious conflicts. Both were also involved in trying to appease Muslims who were enraged by insulting caricatures of Prophet Muhammad in 2006.



His passing is a great loss to the country, especially when intolerance and discrimination are increasing. People like him are really needed, Yewangoe said.



NU chairman Said Agil Siradj said Hasyim had helped the NU to build 24 branches overseas.



He spent most of his life, energy and thoughts, and even money, making the NU bigger, from when he was 22 until 72 years old, he said.



Hasyim first studied Islam at the Darussalam Gonto Islamic boarding school in Ponorogo, East Java, between 1956 and 1962. He went to the Institute of Islamic Studies at the State Islamic Institute (IAIN) in Malang in 1969. In 1986, he became a local councilor in East Java representing the Islamic-based United Development Party (PPP).



After years of active participation in the NU in East Java, he became chairman of the NU East Java branch in 1992, a post that opened the way for him later to be elected as NU chairman in 1999.



In the 2004 presidential election, he unsuccessfully ran as vice presidential candidate with Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri. (rdi)

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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Rote  Fri, March 17 2017

The Baa District Court has sentenced Abraham Louhenapessy, 56, alias Kapten Bram, to six years in prison and ordered him to pay Rp 500 million (US$37,481) in fines or face an additional six months behind bars for trafficking 65 immigrants to New Zealand.

The sentence is lighter than what had been demanded by prosecutor Alexander Selle, who had asked the court to sentence the defendant to nine years in prison. Based on facts and evidence [presented] during the hearings, the defendant is proven guilty of trafficking 65 immigrants to New Zealand in 2015. Thats why the defendant is sentenced to six years of imprisonment, said presiding judge Hiras Sitanggang at the hearing on Thursday.

He said the crime committed by the defendant could spur the illegal dispatching of immigrants from Indonesia, adding that the defendant had previously been sentenced in a similar case.

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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Batam  Fri, March 17 2017

Singapore Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan has canceled his plan to visit Batam, Riau Islands, on Thursday, pointing to his obligation to accompany Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong for official duties.

Batam Panbil Industrial Estate president director Johannes Kennedy Situmorang denied speculations spreading in the public that the cancellation was triggered by the recent arrest of a Singaporean vessel by Batam authorities on suspicion of violating shipping and immigration laws.

According to the Singaporean Consulate, Minister Balakrisnan has to accompany the prime minister, Johannes said on Thursday.

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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, March 17 2017

The Jakarta Police have uncovered a closed Facebook group of some 7,000 members alleged to have shared child pornography since last year.

The group, called Official Candys Group, was open to members only and required those who wanted to join to upload links to videos of child pornography.

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Linkedin Marguerite Afra Sapiie and Fachrul Sidiq (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, March 17 2017

Breaking from the common bias toward religious conservatism that is shared by many regional leaders, three mayors have stood out in terms of protecting minority faith groups.

The National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM)and other rights groups have recognized Bekasi Mayor Rahmat Effendi, Bandung Mayor Ridwan Kamil and Manado Mayor Vicky Lumentut as spearheads of religious freedom and tolerance.

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Linkedin Novan Iman Santosa (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, March 17 2017

An absence of knowledge about Fiji has not prevented the Pacific country from appointing noted businessman and philanthropist Tahir as its honorary consul in Surabaya, East Java.

Fijian Defense and National Security Minister Ratu Inoke Kubuabola presented Tahir, who owns the Mayapada Group of businesses, with his commission as honorary consul on Thursday in a ceremony in Jakarta.

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Linkedin Suherdjoko (The Jakarta Post) Rembang  Fri, March 17 2017

Clerics from the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), the largest Muslim organization in the country, convened on Thursday to unify their positions amid rising political tensions in the country.

The ulemas gathered at the Al Anwar Islamic boarding school in Rembang, Central Java and issued four decisions to address emerging problems in the country.

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Linkedin News Desk (Associated Press) Manila  Thu, March 16, 2017

Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop is urging Southeast Asia's regional bloc and China to conclude a legally binding code of conduct in the South China Sea, voicing Australia's opposition to the scale of reclamation and construction by China in the disputed territory.

Bishop, speaking Thursday at a forum in Manila, urged the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China "to go further" than ongoing discussions to craft a framework of the code of conduct and to conclude an enforceable code of conduct as soon as possible.

She says the Hague-based arbitral tribunal's recommendations on a case filed by the Philippines against China can form the basis of that code of conduct. The July ruling invalidated China's sweeping territorial claims in the South China Sea.
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Linkedin Jim Gomez (Associated Press) Manila  Thu, March 16, 2017

A Philippine lawmaker filed an impeachment complaint against President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday because of the thousands of deaths in his anti-drug crackdown and alleged corruption, although the bid faces an uphill battle with Duterte's allies holding an overwhelming majority in Congress.

Rep. Gary Alejano's complaint filed at the House of Representatives alleged Duterte violated the constitution, committed bribery and corruption and betrayed the public trust with his actions, including the crackdown that has sparked extrajudicial killings and his failure to declare huge bank deposits as required by law.

"We are of the firm belief that President Duterte is unfit to hold the highest office of the land and that impeachment is the legal and constitutional remedy to this situation," said Alejano.

Although opposition lawmakers lack the numbers to impeach Duterte, Alejano said there was a need to stop his "excesses and crimes." A vote of a third of the House's more than 290 members is needed to send the complaint to the Senate for trial. More than 260 of House members belong to a pro-Duterte bloc.

"We understand that in terms of numbers we face an uphill battle," he said. "But precisely, the battle for impeachment must be fought both inside and outside the halls of Congress," adding public pressure should sway lawmakers to vote rightfully.

"Our role ... is merely to be the gate-openers for those who want to be a part of this historic and moral crusade," Alejano said.

Alejano cited the more than 8,000 deaths of drug suspects under the crackdown in underscoring the urgency of the first impeachment attempt in Duterte's presidency. Other opposition politicians have backed calls for such a move.

House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, a Duterte ally, called the impeachment bid "stupid," saying it was based on fabricated allegations. "They are not even in the league of Don Quixote so this impeachment won't fly. It will crash like a rudderless plane flown by witless pilots," government Solicitor-General Jose Calida said.

Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella suggested the impeachment bid and opposition criticism were possible efforts to destabilize the Duterte administration.

Alejano, a former marine officer who was accused of involvement in a failed coup attempt several years ago, denied his complaint was part of an extraconstitutional attempt to unseat Duterte.

In his complaint, Alejano echoed rights activists' label of Duterte as a "cheerleader" for encouraging the "summary executions" of drug suspects in violation of their rights to life and due process.

He cited the president's repeated threats to kill drug lords and order to law enforcers and civilians to shoot drug suspects if they fight back, as well as the Senate testimony of a retired police officer and a former militiaman who said they were members of a death squad under Duterte when he was a southern mayor. The two separately testified they were involved in hundreds of killings of drug suspects and political opponents of Duterte in Davao city.

Duterte has denied he condoned extrajudicial killings. He has not responded in detail to the two men's allegations.

Alejano's complaint also cited accusations by opposition Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, who accused Duterte of failing to declare more than 2 billion pesos ($40 million) in bank deposits as required by law. Duterte has denied any wrongdoing.

In November 2000, the House sent impeachment charges for largescale corruption against then-President Joseph Estrada to the Senate for trial for the first time in Philippine history. Prosecutors walked out of the trial two months later due to an impasse over evidence, sparking massive protests that forced Estrada to leave the presidential palace.
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Linkedin News Desk (The Star/Asia News Network) Petaling Jaya, Malaysia  Thu, March 16, 2017

Malaysias airport immigration service has been named the best in the world by airline passengers.

The Skytrax World Airport Awards, also known as the Passengers Choice Awards, ranked Kuala Lumpur International Airports (KLIA) immigration service as first in the world, beating Hong Kong International Airport (ranked second), and Tokyo International Airport (Haneda) at third place.

(Read also: Changi once again ranked world's best airport)

The rankings were announced during the award ceremony at the Amsterdams Passenger Terminal Expo in the Netherlands on March 14.

Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (KLIA2) was ranked third best Low-Cost Airline Terminal, although it was described as Kuala Lumpurs Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT), while Tokyo Narita Airports Terminal 3 was named No 1.

Kuala Lumpur also ranked seventh in having the worlds best airport staff, just below Japans Kansai International Airport at No 6 and ahead of Tokyo Narita International Airport at No 8.

(Read also: Soekarno-Hatta declared Worlds Most Improved Airport)

Taiwans Taoyuan International Airport was No 1 for best airport staff.

Asian airports dominated the top three overall places, with the big winner being Singapores Changi Airport which was named Worlds Best Airport for the fifth consecutive year, followed by Japans Tokyo International Aiport (Haneda) in second place, and South Koreas Incheon International Airport in third.

This years winners are based on survey questionnaires completed by 13.82 million airline customers of 105 different nationalities, between July 2016 and February 2017.

This article appeared on The Star newspaper website, which is a member of Asia News Network and a media partner of The Jakarta Post
Another look at Gary Barnetts big gamble on the Lower East Side, where hes building the 80-story One Manhattan Square condo complex. Real estate industry insiders are divided about the wisdom of such a huge project in uncharted territory on the Lower East Side. [Commercial Observer]

Sheldon Silvers lawyers will argue his appeal this morning. [New York Post]

State and federal prosecutors have announced they will not charge the mayor in fundraising investigations. [New York Times]

Cops raided Mazaar Lounge on Essex Street after people inside the bar reportedly attacked police officers. [DNAinfo]

The City Council is looking at enacting new measures to counter Donald Trumps immigration policies. [Politico New York]
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For the second time, a federal court has blocked Donald Trumps efforts to freeze immigration by refugees and citizens of some predominantly Muslim nations. Heres everything you need to know.

What happened?

US District Judge Derrick Watson put the presidents revised travel ban on hold just hours before it was to take effect.

Watson is a 2012 appointee of President Barack Obama. He is the only Native Hawaiian currently sitting as a federal judge and the fourth in US history. He received his law degree from Harvard in 1991.

How does his ruling differ from the first judge who rejected the ban?

Relieved courts have again blocked Trumps un-American #muslimban. This ban is about politics not national security  Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (@SenatorShaheen) March 15, 2017

Watson rejected the governments claims that the travel ban is about national security, not discrimination.

He also said that Hawaii would suffer financially if the executive order constricted the flow of students and tourists to the state, and that Hawaii was likely to succeed on a claim that the ban violates First Amendment protections against religious discrimination.

What did Watson say of the ban?

We knew the #MuslimBan 2.0 is unconstitutional so thank you to Hawaii courts for reaffirming that.  Linda Sarsour (@lsarsour) March 15, 2017

Watson criticised what he called the illogic of the governments arguments and cited significant and unrebutted evidence of religious animus behind the travel ban. He also noted that while courts should not examine the veiled psyche and secret motives of government decision-makers, the remarkable facts at issue here require no such impermissible inquiry.

For instance, there is nothing veiled about this press release: Donald J Trump is calling for a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States, Watson wrote, referring to a statement Trump issued as a candidate.

And how has Trump responded?

(Evan Vucci/AP)

Trump called the ruling an example of unprecedented judicial overreach and said his administration would appeal it to the US Supreme Court. He also called his new travel ban a watered-down version of the first one, which he said he wished he could implement.

Were going to win. Were going to keep our citizens safe, the president said at a rally in Nashville. The danger is clear. The law is clear. The need for my executive order is clear.

What are other states doing?

(Charles Krupa/AP)

In all, more than half a dozen states are trying to stop the ban. A case brought by Washington state argues that the new order harms residents, universities and businesses, especially tech companies such as Washington state-based Microsoft and Amazon, which rely on foreign workers. California, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York and Oregon have joined the claim.

What happens next?

Assuming government goes straight to 9th Circuit, this could land in Supreme Court's lap as Gorsuch confirmation hearing looms  Lawrence Hurley (@lawrencehurley) March 15, 2017

Judge James Robart in Seattle was the first judge to block the initial travel ban, and it was then brought before a three-judge panel from the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals who unanimously declined to reinstate the ban.

Trumps administration might seek an emergency stay of Watsons decision at the 9th Circuit. This time, it would be heard by different people because the panel of judges assigned to such cases rotates every month.

Watson made it clear that his decision applied nationwide, ruling that the ban could not be enforced at any US borders or ports of entry or in the issuance of visas.
From the Proms to Glastonbury, the UKs music has always been as clearly characterised by live music as bestselling recordings and star biographies. The rich history of our musical spaces illuminates the evolution of an array of musical styles and their social contexts.

(dwphotos / Shutterstock.com)

We do not think this kind of dancing can do us any good. In any case, there are dangers which can result in trouble and damage to property. We have experience of what can happens when this rock n roll takes place.

Challenging times

Soundchecking the UKs live music

Live music is facing a number of challenges at the moment, from venues closing down to the threat of increased business rates. However, data about the sector has so far been relatively scarce and mostly anecdotal, and so the much needed data collected by UK Live Music Census will help us protect live music going into the future.

But the relationship between music makers and policymakers hasnt always been plain sailing  particularly when new genres burst into the public consciousness. Explaining Glasgow City Councils 1956 decision to ban rock n roll shows from its venues, the general manager of its City Halls Department stated But by the mid 1960s, of course, rock was firmly established throughout the country as impressarios took it into theatres and cinemas. By the end of the decade, Pink Floyd had played at the Queen Elizabeth Hall and the Rolling Stones had staged a celebrated concert in Hyde Park . From Londons Marquee to Liverpools Cavern, many of the venues of that era became as iconic as the acts that played them. The student union circuit became a seedbed for a generation of promoters, such as Harvey Goldsmith , and the site of legendary gigs, exemplified by The Whos Live at Leeds in 1970.Live events, across all genres, are also central to the UKs music economy. In 2008, revenues from live music overtook recording , becoming an ever more essential part of musicians livelihoods. And so theres a greater need than ever for a range of venues, from pubs through to arenas, for fledgling acts to progress through as they grow their audience. But vital parts of this live music ecology have suffered in recent years. Grassroots venues are run on tight margins, and have been under pressure for some time from external factors such as rising costs and gentrification . Likewise, the surrounding policy context can add to the burden. Even without the outright suspicion on display over rock n roll in the 1950s, local authorities licensing and development policies can militate against a healthy music scene if care isnt taken to protect it. Between 2007 and 2015, London lost 35% of its grassroots venues . This brewing crisis prompted a response, and the Music Venue Trust , formed in 2014, worked to push the issue up the policy agenda, liaising with the Mayor of Londons office to form a Music Venue Rescue Plan and appoint a Night Mayor to champion the citys night-time economy. The Music Venue Trusts research shows that the number of venues in the capital in January 2017 was stable for the first time in ten years . But it takes a concerted effort, and the situation is febrile for venues up and down the country with threatened closures now a persistent refrain.The governments review of business rates could see a rise in the level of rates they will pay of up to 55%. For some music venues, this could easily be the difference between staying operational or going under. This wouldnt just be a loss to the economy. Local venues are a cultural as well as an economic resource. The social and musical networks they house are not easily replaced and the larger spaces, ultimately, depend on healthy grassroots for tomorrows headliners. The challenges are widespread, and face venues of all kinds. A squeeze on funding has seen local authorities reduce their spending on the arts , and music education also faces an uncertain future.The state of affairs, then, is finely balanced. On the one hand, live music in the UK is an immense economic and cultural asset, driving everything from tourism and civic pride to soft power . On the other, the conditions for venues and music makers call for a carefully calibrated response from policymakers to manage the ongoing tensions. This is the motivation for a team from the Universities of Edinburgh, Glasgow and Newcastle to conduct the worlds first national music census . A snapshot census of live music across six cities  Glasgow, Newcastle, Leeds, Oxford, Southampton and Brighton  on Thursday March 9 will gather observational data and information about audiences at gigs and concerts across genres and venues types, from open mic sessions in pubs, through city halls to an Olly Murs arena show. Online nationwide surveys of audiences, musicians, venues and promoters running until May will provide the broader context, along with social media analysis. The research team has consulted with a range of key music industry and charity organisations to arrive at a set of questions that captures the full spectrum of activity in a way that will be applicable to drawing up policy on a local and national scale. Even in straitened times, government can still find ways to support live music if it has the right information. Lord Clement Jones, a driving force behind 2012 legislation to facilitate live music, noted the value of up-to-date, comprehensive information:Pulling together diverse voices from across the live music sector to provide a cohesive picture of the situation will help to safeguard the routes from pub to stadium that have enriched our national culture until now.
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ANZAC Day Dawn Service

Start From: Tuesday 25 April 2017, 06:30AM to Tuesday 25 April 2017, 08:30AM Mon. Tue. Wed. Thu. Fri. Sat. Sun.

The Australian and New Zealand community is invited by the Australian Consulate-General Phuket to attend from 6:30am. Held at Phuket Yacht Club, Soi Phon Chalong (off Chao Fa East Road). Members of the public are welcome to lay a wreath (please notify us beforehand). A light breakfast will be serverd afterwards. Please register your attendance by Fri Apr 21, 2017 to RSVP.Phuket@dfat.gov.au
Madrid Fusion Manila to draw world's top chefs to Southeast Asia

With Filipino cuisine cited as one of top food trends in 2017 by publications like New York Times and Bloomberg, Madrid Fusion Manila is poised to once again draw the worlds top chefs and food enthusiasts.



By The Phuket News

Thursday 16 March 2017, 09:11AM

This years theme, Towards a Sustainable Gastronomic Planet, will explore how to transform gastronomy while respecting environmental limits and enhancing cultural traditions.

As the worlds second largest archipelago with more than 7,107 tropical islands and thousands of rare and endemic species, the Philippines is an excellent venue for presentation and discussion of sustainable gastronomy, said The Phillipines Tourism Secretary Wanda Corazon Tulfo-Teo.

The event will have three main components: The International Gastronomy Congress; Fusion Manila International Gastronomy Expo, and the month-long Flavours of the Philippines calendar of events.

The International Gastronomy Congress will be a platform for innovation to discuss the future of food. Speakers include some of the worlds best chefs like: Paco Perez of the 2 Michelin Star restaurants Miramar and Enoteca (Spain) and 1 Michelin Star restaurant 5-Cinco (Germany);

Jordi Roca and Alejandra Rivas of the 3 Michelin Star restaurant El Celler de Can Roca, No. 2 (Spain); Regis Marcon of the 3 Michelin Star restaurant Regis and Jacques Marcon (France) and many more.

The Fusion Manila International Gastronomy Expo will showcase gourmet food and beverage products, ingredients, technologies, creative tableware, destination and lifestyle settings, and services. In keeping with the theme, the expo will also feature culinary tourism.

Flavours of the Philippines, a month-long calendar of gastronomic and cultural experiences will also take place.

There will be food festivals and fiestas, culinary tours and food trips, dinners with the stars, mall-wide food events, cook-fests and bar crawls, special Flavours of the Philippines menus in restaurants, gourmet and agri markets, trade fairs, and more.

Celebrated annually in Madrid since 2003, Madrid Fusion is considered one of the leading gastronomy gatherings in the world.

More information can be found at: www.madridfusionmanila.com
Painting pincher gets the axe

BANGKOK: A former high-ranking official of the Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) has been officially dismissed from his post for stealing paintings at a hotel in Japan two months ago.

crimepolitics

By Bangkok Post

Thursday 16 March 2017, 08:52AM

Suphat Saguandeekul, who confessed he stole cheap art off the walls of his hotel in Japan on a taxpayer-funded trip, will keep full pension and medical benefits. Photo: via Bangkok Post

However, DIP ex-Deputy Director-General Suphat Saguandeekul will still be entitled to receive his pension and medical benefits, Dusadee Arayawuth, Deputy Permanent Secretary for Justice, said yesterday (Mar 15).

Col Dusadee, who chaired the disciplinary panel in the case, said Mr Suphats excuse in which he claimed he committed the theft due to dissatisfaction with the hotel service was unreasonable. The panel members initially agreed to sack Mr Suphat.

However, the probe found Mr Suphat had never breached the disciplinary code of conduct during his 30 years as a state official. Therefore, the punishment was commuted to a mere dismissal, which will appear in his record.

Col Dusadee said the panel examined various aspects of the case including laws and the code of conduct as well as other similar cases involving high-ranking state officials.

Mr Suphats dismissal was considered appropriate when compared to those officials who had been involved in various degrees of disciplinary action but insisted on their innocence and remained in their posts.

After returning to Thailand, Mr Suphat also expressed regret over the incident to the public, Col Dusadee added.

In January, Mr Suphat was arrested for stealing three paintings worth about 15,000 (about B4,600) from a hotel in Japan.

He was released from detention in Japan after he paid damages to the hotel and admitted the theft.

He has since returned to Thailand and was suspended pending the probe. Mr Suphat later announced his resignation.

Mr Suphat sent an open letter to the media saying the incident occurred while he was drunk.

Read original story here.
Phuket hunt continues for man who set ex-wife on fire

PHUKET: Thalang Police are still searching for the man who set his ex-wife on fire at a kindergarten in central Phuket last month in order to press charges, even though the woman who was set ablaze has chosen not to seek legal action.

crimepolice

By Yutthawat Lekmak

Thursday 16 March 2017, 06:07PM

Somkuan Jongsuk, 50. is wanted for setting fire to his ex-wife Rungruedee Sithibut, a 43-year-old cleaner at Thepkrasattri Municipality Kindergarten in Thalang, on (Feb 20). Photo: Thalang Police

Somkuan Jongsuk, 50. set fire to Rungruedee Sithibut, a 43-year-old cleaner at Thepkrasattri Municipality Kindergarten in Thalang, on (Feb 20). Ms Rungruedee, who fled to a staff room toilet to quickly douse herself with water, suffered burns to her left arm, left shoulder and back, and was taken to Thalang Hospital after the attack. (See story here.) We believe Somkuan is still in Phuket, and we have had wanted posters distributed to other police stations across the island for officers to arrest him on sight, Capt Kraisorn Boonprasop of the Thalang Police told The Phuket News. Although his ex-wife (Ms Rungruedee) does not want to press charges  we do, for causing physical harm to others resulting in seriously injury, Capt Kraisorn said. If anyone sees this man, please call Thalang Police directly at 076-311-123, he added. After the Feb 20 attack, Capt Kraisorn explained to The Phuket News, Her ex-husband is still jealous even though they broke up a year ago, but she still helps him from time to time. Not long ago Somkuan was arrested for physical abuse while being drunk, and she bailed him out.
Russian teens out of comas, but fund-raising drive must continue

PHUKET: The two Russian teenagers left comatose after being run down by a bus in Pattaya late last month are each out of their comas, but still in serious condition, as the fund-raising drive continues to help pay for their spiralling medical bills.

Russianaccidentstourismtransport

By The Phuket News

Thursday 16 March 2017, 12:14PM

Archimandrite Oleg (2nd from right), Head of Russian Orthodox Church in Thailand, and Russian Ambassador to Thailand Kirill Barsky (right) visit Danila at Vejthani Hospital. Photo: www.orthodox.or.th

The campaign was launched after Daniel (Danila) Mokshantsev, 16, and his 14-year-old sister Ekaterina (Katia) were run down by a bus in Pattaya on Feb 23. According to police report, supported by a CCTV recording, the bus was running a red light. (See story here.)

As of today the fundraising page on the Thai crowd-sourcing website Weeboon shows that B204,974

has been raised by 143 persons in 14 days, aiming to raise a total of B1 million (US$28,490).

The fund-raising page (click here) also says that the teenagers plight has received 4119 Shares on Facebook.

Daniel is awake and conscious and doing well, hard for him to move but he responds, said a report posted on Monday (Mar 13).

Katia is physically very strong and moves around but is not able to respond to simple commands. She has been moved to Ward and her brother will be moved within the next few days.

The insurance has paid B330,000 per child to the hospital but the travel company refused to pay a single baht.

The children are getting better but the family still need your support to cover the rehabilitation costs and a lot of love!, said the report.

Im sorry I couldnt take a picture of Daniel as he wasn't in a good condition. He had severe leg cramps so he couldnt stay still and was in a lot of pain, the post added.

Masha Zhigunova, Regional Division Manager at Vejthani Hospital  and the person behind the Weeboon campaign  on Monday shared the most recent picture of Danila and encouraged for more donations, as it is still unclear how big the final hospital bills can be.

The children are getting better day by day! Please keep helping! she said.

Archimandrite Oleg, the Head of Russian Orthodox Church in Thailand, said in a statement released after his visit to the hospital, By Gods will, Danila Makshantsev emerged from coma yesterday. And though the post-traumatic syndrome is still strong and his health condition is far from normal, there is strong confidence that after proper medical treatment he will be able to come back to normal life.

He already recognizes people around him, adequately reacts to people talking to him, makes conscious gestures with his hands, tries to talk.

However, he added, Ekaterinas (Katia) situation is not so clear-cut. She also emerged from coma but strong post-traumatic syndrome temporally prevents her from being mentally competent. She demands constant care in order not to hurt herself, she is restless, doesnt recognize anybody and doesnt respond to visitors. Her face reflects pain and fear of what is happening. Doctors cannot make any specific forecast, still thinking that with proper treatment Ekaterina can recover, he added.

In a release issued earlier this week, Weeboon reported, In only a few days, over a hundred donors from Thailand but also abroad, relatives and complete strangers, Thai and Westerners, donated in an unprecedented demonstration of solidarity and generosity. Never in Thailands history funds for a cause were raised so fast by total strangers.

The funds collected will help to cover the operation & rehabilitation costs as their parents, already deeply affected by the situation, cannot afford such fees.

To visit the Fundraising to save Daniel & Katia on the fundraising page, click here.
Three men injured, two seriously, when minivan rear-ends Phuket garbage truck

PHUKET: Three Burmese rubbish collectors were injured in the early hours of this morning, two seriously, when a minivan rear-ended their rubbish truck on Sakdidet Rd in Wichit.

accidentscrimehealthMyanmarpolicetransport

By The Phuket News

Thursday 16 March 2017, 12:35PM

The driver of the minivan will be cahrged with reckless driving causing serious injury to others. Photo: Wichit Police

Rescue workers attend to one of the injured parties at the scene. Photo: Wichit Police

At 1:45am today (Mar 16), Lt Sirinate Thairach of the Wichit Police was informed of an accident on Sakdidet Rd in Wichit where it was reported a minivan had been involved in a collision with a rubbish truck.

Police arrived at the scene with rescue workers to find three injured Burmese rubbish collectors lying in the road. Two of the men had sustained serious injuries to their legs.

Lt Sirinate said, Two of the men, Mr Aou aged between 21-25 and Mr Nai age between 21-25 suffered severe broken legs and were taken to Vachira Phuket Hospital.

A doctor from the hospital has since told us that she is unsure if they will be able to walk again, he said.

We have since found that the rubbish truck was doing its round along Sakdidet Rd and had its hazard lights flashing to warn other motorists.

However, the driver of the van came at high speed and crashed into the back of the truck, he added.

Lt Sirinate told The Phuket News that the driver of the man, who he declined to name, will be facing charges of reckless driving causing serious injury to others.

 Sameeroh Mayee
Why this microscopic mussel poses a problem to South Dakota

Some say the issue could be chalked up to boaters following regulations, but the issue is more complex than that.
Hyderabad, Mar 16 (IBNS): Megasoft Limited on Thursday announced the award of cloud-enabled solution & services contract by the Bihar State Electronics Development Corporation Ltd. (BELTRON).

The state Government of Bihar, through BELTRON, plans to establish state-of-the-art cloud computing facility for use by ts various e-Governance programs and other IT-driven initiatives.

The cloud-enabled State Data Centre (SDC) named iBihar Cloud is one of the important elements for supporting initiatives of National e-Governance Plan (NeGP). The primary purpose of the cloud computing solution is to establish a viable Private cloud environment for use by the various e-Governance applications of Bihar.

Megasoft, acclaimed for its sophisticated cloud deployments, will provide infrastructure and technology solution and services to address various needs of multiple line departments within the state that come under the purview of Bihar Cloud.

While the solution is focused primarily on Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), other services such as Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS), Data-as-a-Service (DaaS) and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) will complement and be deployed on top of the basic IaaS services.

Rahul Singh, Managing Director, BELTRON said, In the past, applications and websites of state departments were hosted on different servers. In such a scenario, introduction of a new application or website required all other applications and websites to be brought down. With Bihar Cloud, sufficient space will be allocated to various state Government departments based on their requirements. The unique feature of this project is that the cloud-based implementation will also further strengthen the security aspect of all the applications. The inauguration of the solution is planned shortly."

G V Kumar, CEO & Managing Director of Megasoft said, Virtualization and the cloud mean much more than mere consolidation. Our Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) solution will not only ease BELTRONs infrastructure management efforts but also provide them the ability to automatically scale-up or scale-down services hosted in the cloud, based on user demand. By addressing the systems and information technology needs from a holistic perspective, our delivery model will ensure that BELTRON implements Bihar Cloud in the most effective manner."

Megasoft cloud-enabled solution is agnostic to the underlying hardware, storage, network and operating system. Besides enabling end customers to automatically provision services via a web portal it provides service assurance for maintenance & operations activities performed by the users.




New Delhi, Mar 16 (IBNS): Union Health Minister JP Nadda said on Thursday that the National Health Policy proposes raising public health expenditure to 2.5 per cent of GDP in a time bound manner.

The Union Cabinet has approved the National Health Policy 2017. The last National Health Policy was framed in 2002.

Excerpts from his statement to both house of the Parliament on Thursday"

"The policy informs and prioritizes the role of the Government in shaping health systems in all its dimensions- investment in health, organization and financing of healthcare services, prevention of diseases and promotion of good health through cross-sectoral action, access to technologies, developing human resources, encouraging medical pluralism, building the knowledge base required for better health, financial protection strategies and regulation and progressive assurance for health. The policy is aimed at reaching healthcare in an assured manner to all, particularly the underserved and underprivileged.



The policy aims for attainment of the highest possible level of health and well-being for all at all ages, through a preventive and promotive health care orientation in all developmental policies, and universal access to good quality health care services without anyone having to face financial hardship as a consequence. This would be achieved through increasing access, improving quality and lowering the cost of healthcare delivery.The broad principles of the Policy are centered on professionalism, integrity and ethics, equity, affordability, universality, patient centered and quality of care, accountability and pluralism.



The policy seeks to move away from Sick- Care to Wellness, with thrust on prevention and health promotion. While the policy seeks to reorient and strengthen the public health systems, it also looks afresh at strategic purchasing from the private sector and leveraging their strengths to achieve national health goals. The policy looks at stronger partnership with the private sector.



As a crucial component, the Policy proposes raising public health expenditure to 2.5% of the GDP in a time bound manner. The Policy advocates a progressively incremental assurance-based approach. It envisages providing larger package of assured comprehensive primary health care through the Health and Wellness Centers and denotes important change from very selective to comprehensive primary health care package which includes care for major NCDs, mental health, geriatric health care, palliative care and rehabilitative care services. It advocates allocating major proportion (two-thirds or more) of resources to primary care. It aims to ensure availability of 2 beds per 1000 population distributed in a manner to enable access within golden hour. In order to provide access and financial protection, it proposes free drugs, free diagnostics and free emergency and essential healthcare services in all public hospitals.



The Policy has also assigned specific quantitative targets aimed at reduction of disease prevalence/incidence under 3 broad components viz.(a)health status and programme impact, (b) health system performance and (c) health systems strengthening, aligned to the policy objectives.

This policy focuses on tackling the emerging challenge of non-communicable diseases. It supports an integrated approach where screening for the most prevalent NCDs with secondary prevention would make a significant impact on reduction of morbidity and preventable mortality.



The policy envisages a three dimensional integration of AYUSH systems encompassing cross referrals, co-location and integrative practices across systems of medicines. This has a huge potential for effective prevention and therapy,that is safe and cost-effective. Yoga would be introduced much more widely in school and work places as part of promotion of good health.



To improve and strengthen the regulatory environment, the policy seeks putting in place systems for setting standards and ensuring quality of health care. T

The policy is patient centric and empowers the patient for resolution of all their problems. The policy also looks at reforms in the existing regulatory systems both for easing manufacturing of drugs and devices, to promote Make in India, as also for reforming medical education. The policy, has at its centre, the person, who seeks and needs medical care.

The policy advocates development of cadre of mid-level service providers, nurse practitioners, public health cadre to improve availability of appropriate health human resource.

The policy also seeks to address health security and make in India for drugs and devices. It also seeks to align other policies for medical devices and equipment with public health goals.

Image: MinistryofHealth Twitter
Image: www.who.int

New Delhi, Mar 16 (IBNS) Health Ministers from countries in WHO South-East Asia Region which bear half the global TB burden, and WHO on Thursday signed a Call for Action for Ending TB, pledging to scale-up efforts and implement adequately funded, innovative, multisectoral and comprehensive measures to achieve the global target to end the disease by 2030.

We need to make ending TB our central priority. The disease continues to be a leading cause of death and lost productive years in the crucial age group of 15-49 years causing catastrophic expenses, financial losses, outright impoverishment of individuals and households and massive aggregate costs to national economies. Ending TB is paramount for health and development across the Region, Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Regional Director for WHO South-East Asia, told the Ministerial Meeting Towards Ending TB in the South-East Asia Region, here.



In 2015 TB caused nearly 800 000 deaths in the Region while an estimated 4.74 million new cases were reported. Six of the Regions countries  Bangladesh, DPR Korea, India, Indonesia, Myanmar and Thailand  are among the 30 high TB burden countries globally.



While countries in the Region have been making efforts against TB, the annual decline in TB incidence  which is currently between 1.5% and 2%  is insufficient and needs to be scaled up to at least 10% to 15% for the countries and the Region to meet the End TB targets. The global targets seek to reduce TB mortality by 90% and incidence by 80% by 2030.



Committing to take exceptional action and high-impact interventions as per the Call for Action, the Ministers of Health agreed to lead the implementation of the national TB response through an empowered body reporting to the highest levels of Government.



The Call for Action stresses upon increasing government and partner budgetary allocations to enable national TB plans to be fully funded.



The Ministers discussed setting up of a Regional Innovation to Implementation (I 2 I) fund for accelerated sharing of knowledge, intellectual resources and innovations to reach out and treat all cases.



Dr Khetrapal Singh said countries also need to apply best practices in taking comprehensive TB treatment and prevention programmes to universal scale, while improving quality and making them genuinely people-centered. They need to tackle poverty, malnutrition, quality of health care services, sub-optimum living conditions and other socio-economic factors that fuel TB.



Opportunities to accelerate progress should be seized with rapid adoption of advances in diagnostics and medicines.



Together we can and must end TB, the Regional Director said, while announcing that bending the curve to end TB would be a flagship programme of WHO in South-East Asia Region to support member countries take immediate action with an extreme sense of urgency to End TB.



The investments in ending TB are expected to give huge returns, with more than 11 million lives expected to be saved and nearly 60 million infections expected to be prevented across the Region by 2035. This will also complement social and economic growth by averting nearly 300 million DALYs.



Other than the Ministers of Health, officials from health departments of member countries, and representatives of partner organizations such as the World Bank, The Global Fund, Stop TB Partnership, USAID and DFAT Australia, attended the two-day meeting organized by WHO.


It is said that in books we find our true companions. And many times we turn to books when we get lost and are looking for answers, because books have the power to inspire us, guide us and open our eyes to another world or experience which we havent had in our lives. A book can make you ponder and sometimes change the way you think.

Here are a few books that have been regarded as being the ones to have helped its readers in self-discovery or tell the tales of self-discovery through its protagonists. More often than not the books might not have the recipe for a perfect life, but it resonates with the current sentiments of the readers that might help them to see things in a new light.

Best books on self-discovery

1) The Alchemist: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho tells the story of Santiago who on his spiritual quests meets new people finds himself in situations that might not seen too realistic, but at the end the story is all about pursuing ones dreams and conquering your fears so as to achieve what you always have wanted to.

2) Eat Pray Love: Written by Elizabeth Gilbert, this book tells the story of an American woman who travels across continents to find what she could not in her so called accomplished life back home. The book traces the womans journey as she travels to Italy, India and Indonesia to find happiness and love.

3) Life of Pi: This book on self-discovery by Yann Martel is about a boy and a Tiger lost at sea and their adventures together. Well, on the surface it may seem so but it has much deeper meaning than that. It will make you think about life and truth and metaphor and will leave you thinking on the perceptions that we have about life in general.

4) The Help: Written by Kathryn Stockett, the Help recounts the tales of three women, all battling their own battles and have different reasons, but are bound by the complexities that existed in 1960s Mississippi.of. Skeeter, Abigail and Minny start a movement that impacts the whole town. A book filled with hope and despair but above all the power of overcoming all the obstacles to realise what we stand for.

5) The Book Thief: This book has death as its protagonist. Markus Zusak talks about time on earth.The whole philosophical narrative leaves the readers to think and develop their beliefs and above all, value what we have.
Over 130 traders of agricultural products from China met Indian business representatives and have evinced interest in doing business here.

In a seminar held here, high-level delegates representing agricultural products importers, exporters and government representatives of Shandong province of China exchanged views with Indian business representatives and expressed keenness on doing bilateral business, a statement said.

The seminar was hosted jointly by India-China Economic and Cultural Council and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Ficci).

The delegation from China comprised more than 130 business delegates, it said.

Agreements were signed between India-China Economic and Cultural Council (ICEC) and Ficci, and with the Commerce Department of Shandong province.

"This meeting will open a new chapter in business associations between Shandong, China and India. India and China are both developing and fastest growing markets. There is a lot of scope for further in-depth cooperation between China and India. I wish India and China have more cultural and economic association," Deputy Director-General of Shandong Commerce Department Lyu Wei said.

Counsellor Li Baijun of the Chinese Embassy said: "I believe that the economic cooperation between India and China can bring greater business prosperity across the world."

ICEC Secretary General Mohammed Saqib said: "While India-China business is concentrated on trade, the agriculture sector has been something that has not been explored so far, and we believe that mechanisation will be a big segment of India-China business associations."

Ficci Director General Ambika Sharma said: "We are here at the time when China and India as the first- and third-largest economies of the world are contributing one-fourth of the world's GDP and are discovering new potentials which have the power to define the new global economic architecture."

Ficci food expert Vijay Sardana said: "There is a huge opportunity of Chinese technology coming into Indian agriculture, thus opening doors for the betterment of economy of both the countries."

Deputy Director of Shandong Agricultural Department Lin Guohua said: "Shandong is one of the 13 main production areas in China. It is a major province for horticulture, processing and animal husbandry. Presently it is promoting the supply-side reform of agriculture deeply which will open better commerce opportunities for India in China."
The government has permitted five public sector banks to raise about Rs.950 crore from markets, Parliament was informed on March 15.

Government has allowed five banks Allahabad Bank, Bank of India, United Bank of India, Central Bank of India and UCO Bank to raise Rs.949.27 crore from markets via preferential shares," Minister of State for Finance Santosh Kumar Gangwar said in written reply to the Rajya Sabha.

Replying to another question, Gangwar said that total accounts under Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) in the country were 27.83 crore as on March 1.

"The balance of deposits in PMJDY accounts as on November 9, 2016 was Rs.45,636.60 crore and as on January 4 was Rs.70,070.79 crore," he said.

Jan Dhan accounts which fulfil Know Your Customer requirements may be converted into savings bank accounts at the request of the account holders, and such conversion is not linked to deposit of more than Rs.50,000, he said.

In a separate reply Gangwar said, the number of customers who have opened e-insurance account with four insurance repositories as on March 7 is 9.70 lakh.

The Insurance and Regulatory Development Authority of India has permitted crediting of electronic insurance policies to the electronic insurance accounts and not the funds, he said.
India's exports revived for the sixth straight month, as the country's merchandise shipments overseas reported a double-digit growth during February, official data showed on Wednesday.

According to data released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the exports grew by 17.48 per cent to $24.49 billion from $20.84 billion worth of merchandise shipped out during February 2016.

However, the country's imports during the month under review increased by 21.76 per cent to $33.38 billion from $27.41 billion worth of merchandise which were shipped out in during the corresponding month of last year.

Consequently, the trade deficit during February reduced to $8.89 billion from $9.84 billion reported for the month before. On a year-on-year (YoY) basis, the trade deficit stood at $6.57 billion during same month of 2016.

"The growth in exports is positive for USA (5.61 per cent), EU(1.68 per cent) and Japan(10.87 per cent) but China has exhibited negative growth of (-6.20 per cent) for December 2016 over the corresponding period of previous year as per latest WTO statistics," said a Commerce Ministry release here.

Cumulatively for the April-February period, exports rose marginally by 2.52 per cent in dollar terms at $245.4 billion, as against exports of $239.3 billion over the same period last year.

"Non-petroleum and non Gems and Jewellery exports in February 2017 were valued at $18.01 billion against $14.99 billion in February 2016, an increase of 20.15 per cent," a statement here said.

Cumulative imports for April-February were worth at $340.7 billion, which was a 3.67 per cent fall from $353.7 billion worth imports recorded for the same period of the previous fiscal.

India's oil imports during February were valued at $7.68 billion, which was a massive 60.02 per cent jump over oil imports valued at $4.8 billion in the corresponding month of 2016.

Non-oil imports in February were up by 13.65 per cent, to $25.70 billion, from $22.61 billion in the same month of last year.

The merchandise trade deficit cumulatively for April-February, however, declined by 16.65 per cent to $95.28 billion, as against $114.3 billion in the same period of 2015-16.

As per Reserve Bank of India data on Wednesday, services exports during January 2017 were valued at $13.57 billion, while imports stood at $8.4 billion, resulting in a positive trade balance of $5.16 billion.

Taking merchandise and services together, overall trade deficit for April-February is estimated at $41.8 billion, which is 24 per cent fall from the level of $55.02 billion during the same period last year.
The newly appointed Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Thursday initiated the process to lift the over four-month long economic blockade in the state, a BJP leader said.

The chief minister in a special meeting with cabinet ministers and several MLAs agreed to take up measures to lift the blockade, BJP Media Secretary L Basanta Sharma said in a release.

The move comes a day after N Biren Singh took oath as the first BJP chief minister of the state.

The United Naga Council (UNC) has blocked the national highways 2 and 37 since November 1, 2016 to protest the creation of 7 new districts by the then Congress government in October, 2016.
A bestselling author, with seven romantic thrillers to his credit among other things, Novoneel Chakraborty in an exclusive conversation with IBNS correspondent Aninnya Sarkar, discusses his writing style, upcoming works, literary issues and the need for women empowerment.

Getting the tag of best-seller is not easy. How do you work on your plots to impress your readers?

When I start writing a story, I dont actually work in that way, to impress my readers or to get myself included in the best selling list. Its just that I am excited enough to perceive how my readers are so interested about the plots and characters of my story. People, most of the time, come and tell me that your story lines and plot lines are quite different from other authors, this attracts me and gives me a tremendous pleasure.



You are one of the few writers in India who is wholly into the thriller genre. Do you have any plans to alter that style and experiment with something new this year or in the future?

Yeah, I am working on something different from the thriller genre. But I would like to keep it a surprise. Most probably, it will be coming up by next year. And going back to your question, whether I have plans of experimenting something new in the future, then yes, I want to work on childrens literature. Because I think writing for the kids is really difficult, so I want to try that.



Since you write romantic thrillers, the term romance has various interpretations in the world of literature. How will author Novoneel Chakraborty define the term romance in the 21st century?

Romance cannot have a very generalized definition. The concept varies from individual to individual and I personally respect everyones point of view.



So, what new book/s are we getting from you in 2017?

I havent locked a name yet, but it will be a romantic thriller.



Tell us a bit about the plot of the book.

The story features an eighteen year old girl, who goes to Bangalore to attend University and meets a man there, who is double her age. The plot is all about the chemistry and the intensity between them, whether they can stay in a relationship or they cannot. If not, then why not?



Last time, in an interview with us you said that your book The Stranger Trilogy will be adapted into a film. At what stage is it right now?

Last time when I spoke about translating the book into a film, things were working at that time. But later when the producer, director and I sat together and discussed elaborately about it, we realized that things arent working comfortably. To adapt the entire three series into one particular movie might make the film quite long, so it became a bit difficult.



Among all the books that you have written till date which one is your favourite?



How about a SIN tonight? is my favourite because I think in this novel, for the first time, I have been able to hear my voice, my weakness, my inner strength, which has helped me to explore myself as a writer.

Hows your experience working as a screenplay writer in the television series?

Television series is a different ball game, altogether. The medium is completely different. I really dont enjoy working in it but since there is a lot of money involved in it, I cannot let it go either.



There is this constant battle going on with gender based differences or women demanding for equal rights with men. In this situation how will you portray your women characters?

All the eight books that I have written till now, my protagonists have always been female. And I have never portrayed them as weak characters, all of them are bold, aggressive and inherently strong.

We should always realize that whether it is a woman, a man or a third gender, all of us should work together as every creation is special and should be respected.



We all know that you want to be a film-maker. Has the making already began or about to begin?

Its about to begin. I have done a short film though, on women empowerment, which will be coming out in April or May.



If you are aware, few days back there has been a report from Bangladesh that some works of Rabindranath Tagore and Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay have been deleted from the school syllabus. What are your thoughts?

Literature should never be banned, it showcases society, shows us where we stand. Rather literature is a guide for the society and helps us to recognize that there are better directions or options to avail. It has its own power and that power should be used in a positive way rather than in a destructive way.



If you are to describe Novoneel Chakraborty in a sentence...

I am a compulsive chaos seeker and wherever there is an emotional disturbance, I love to be in that situation as it gives me a lot to think about.

(Images By Avishek Mitra and Subhodeep Sardar/IBNS )
Three foreign militants and a six-year-old girl were killed in a gunfight between holed-up militants and security forces in north Kashmir's Kupwara district on Wednesday.

Security forces seized three AK-47 rifles from the possession of the slain militants.

The army said the three Pakistani militants, belonging to Lashkar-e-Taiba, were holed up in a house in Kalaroos area.

The gunfight started early Wednesday after the militants fired at and injured a policeman during a cordon-and-search operation in the area.

Police sources said the minor girl was fatally hit by a stray bullet at her house, about 100 metres from the gunfight spot.
The United Naga Council (UNC) has on Thursday rejected the appeal of the newly appointed Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh to end the economic blockade in the state.

During the election campaign, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had vowed to end the blockade within 48 hours if the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is voted to power in the state.

The UNC, however, said that the blockade would continue until the government held talks with it over its demands.

"The government has not invited us for talks on the issue. The economic blockade shall continue," a UNC leader said.

Singh chaired a meeting of ministers and ruling coalition MLAs to take stock of the situation arising out of the economic blockade imposed in the landlocked state since November 1, 2016 against the creation of seven new districts in October, 2016.

The UNC blockade had led to major shortages in the state, particularly in Imphal.

However, around 900 trucks carrying supplies are allowed to reach Manipur in a week. But residents say much of what they carry almost immediately reaches the black market.

The new CM Singh will face a floor test to prove his majority in the 60-member assembly on March 23.

A coalition ministry led by the BJP was sworn in on Wednesday. Two BJP MLAs, including Biren Singh, four of the National People's Party and one each of the LJP, Congress and the Naga People's Party took oath.

"My priority is to lift the blockade which has caused hardships to the people," Singh said.

(With inputs from Agencies)
"There is none more sincere a love than the love of food," the legendary playwright George Bernard Shaw had once said. Similar to some extent, Taiwans Master Chef Hugo Wang fell in love with India, its food and sweets in general and decided to stay here to merge into the shades of Indian culture.

Keeping both the Taiwanese culture that he was oriented with since birth and the Indian culture he was soaked into later, Hugo wants to serve India with his confectionery delight blended with exotic flavours of the two Asian culinary giants.

Hugo was certified as a Master Chef, specialised in sushi cuisine, in 2013 and now located in New Delhi, serving the Indian foodies from past one-and-half year.

The most beautiful thing about India is that people here respect traditions a lot. Theyre so humble. Theyll ask you to try their food, flavours and cousins. And, they all love sweets, Hugo said in an interview to thestatesman.com.

Certified with Hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP standards), Hugo started an exclusive food chain Moon of Taj here in Lajpat Nagar, New Delhi with the idea of imbibing Indian traditions.

Hugo's one-of-its-kind desserts include Taiwanese Fruit Tart and Taiwanese Nougat that are exclusively available only here in the whole world. Blending the Taiwanese and Indian food aesthetics, Hugos Moon of Taj offers light sugary and healthier sweets for Indians to exchange on cultural gatherings.

Hugo was the first Taiwanese to graduate from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Ahmedabad and during that period (2011-14) he attended a lot of Indian weddings that introduced him to the Indian cuisine and sweets.

Sweets symbolises celebration here. I tried a lot of sweets here during the weddings and saw how people gifts their loved ones sweets to mark the celebration, he said.

However, the sweets here are very different to the sweets we eat there in Taiwan. Here people want more sugary, glittery and colourful that harms the human body in a long run. So when I was planning to start the Moon of Taj, I wanted to keep five basic principles in mind  exclusivity, less sugary, containing dry fruits, nice packaging, and hygiene.

When asked about the idea behind the name Moon of Taj, the 36-year-old chef cum food technician said, They allow you to watch Taj Mahal in the night on five days in a month, which is on full moon night, and two nights before and two after the full moon. So I witnessed that moment and it was so charming that I fell in love with the country.

Hugo was first introduced to the culinary by his grandmother at an early age. Our family owns a successful breakfast chain in Taiwan, which is renowned for assorted range of baozi, steamed buns with assorted fillings. It was through her initial guidance that I learnt to identify all kinds of breads, spices and herbs.

After completing his graduation from IIM Ahmedabad, he returned to Taiwan, worked as a Sushi chef for a while, and later earned the title of Master Chef in 2013.

Revealing why he chose Delhi over other cities in India, Hugo said: Delhi offers a blend of different cultures and communities. It signifies variety and a fusion of civilisations at the same time. Punjabi, South Indians and Jains are living here all together in harmony and people from other parts of the city also come here now and then for various reasons. Also, there come foreigners from different parts of the world.

When asked if hes planning to open new branches in other parts of the country, Hugo said, No, I love Delhi. This is the place my wife chose for me. Its going fine so far, though we may shift to a bigger place to serve other parts of the country and the world.

In the midst of the ambience highly influenced by the Taiwanese culture, Hugos sweet shop had a miniature Tricolor-flag. Hugos favourite dessert is Kheer, he named his son Vishnu, has faith in Indian gods and loves to spend time with local chaps here.

Watching the spirit of the humble Taiwanese and tasting his tarts and nougats filled with rich and authentic flavours and fruits-fillings, no one can resist trying. To try is to believe, Hugo concluded, referring to his desire to make people here celebrate their happy moments with his exclusive and one-of-its-kind desserts.
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Thursday assured the Rajya Sabha that the government had taken all possible steps to secure the release of Indian fishermen, either captured by Sri Lankan or Pakistan authorities.

Responding to concern expressed by Kanimozhi (DMK) about the capture of Indian fishermen by Sri Lanka and by Madhusudan Mistry (Congress) about the Indian fishermen captured by Pakistan, Swaraj said India had secured the release of 1045 fishermen from Sri Lanka in 2014, 375 in 2015, 333 in 2016 and 51 in 2017.

Seventy-seven more fishermen returned from Sri Lanka day before yesterday and the remaining eight were also returning. India has maintained constant contact with Sri Lanka on the issue at high level, she said.

About Pakistan, she said, the government was able to secure the release and repatriation of 1261 fishermen since 2014. In fact, the release of 438 of these Indian fishermen was secured in the last three months only. As per available information, at present there are 301 Indian fishermen in Pakistan's custody.

However, Pakistan had confirmed custody of only 77 fishermen so far.We continuously seek consular access to the Indian fishermen in custody and distribute to them the items of daily necessity, as required, she said.

She said many incidents of apprehensions take place beyond the international waters. In this context, under the Community Interaction Programme, regular awareness campaigns were conducted by the Indian Coast Guard in coordination with the State Fisheries Department, to educate the fishermen about the limits of the International Maritime Boundary Line, i.e. IMBL.

Emphasis has also been laid on the need for fishing in safe, secure and sustainable environment, she said. The Indian Coast Guards have also been undertaking enhanced patrolling in the Indian waters, including to safeguard the interests of the Indian fishermen and keep them out of harm's way, Swaraj added.
The BJP parliamentary party on Thursday thanked the people of the five states for voting for the party in the just concluded assembly elections and set the agenda for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls by asking party MPs to reach out to youths and dalits with the governments plans and programmes.

The meeting began with BJP president Amit Shah offering a laddoo from the Tirupati temple in Andhra Pradesh to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the "blessing of Lord Balaji". Alongside, he also told the parliamentarians to begin preparations for the 2019 general election.

Both Modi and Shah were felicitated by party MPs for the BJPs victories in Uttar Pradesh and Uttrakhand assembly polls and over installation of BJP governments in Goa and Manipur.

The Prime Minister underlined the need for making youths ambassadors of the Union governments public welfare works and good governance. He pointed out that youngsters rely more on mobile phones than newspapers and TV channels for information and asked party leaders to reach them using the device. He favoured contacting youths while in Class XII.

Shah said the partys victories were an outcome of peoples vote against casteism, family rule and corruption and in favour of Modis leadership and his public welfare and good governance. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh moved a resolution thanking voters of the states where elections were held and the BJP's workers for their success. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley supported the resolution which was later unanimously passed.

The BJP believes a large number of Dalits have voted for the party in Uttar Pradesh, helping it win with an overwhelming majority. The meeting chaired by Modi decided to kick-start its poll preparations with a week long programme marking the birth anniversary of Bhimrao Ambedkar on 14 April.

As part of Ambedkars birth anniversary celebrations, the BJP plans to hold panchayat and ward-level programmes to reach out to the Dalit population in Uttar Pradesh from 6 April, BJPs foundation day.

Later briefing the media, senior BJP leader and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Anant Kumar said the party had been asked to be ready for the crucial 2019 Lok Sabha elections. The BJP president has exhorted the party leaders to carry forward the victories in assembly elections to the Lok Sabha polls.

PM Modi has also asked the party leaders to educate the masses about the digital payment app BHIM also known as Bharat Interface for Money during the Ambedkar birth anniversary celebrations. BHIM has been dedicated to Ambedkar, Ananth Kumar said.
In a major development in the controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik's case, the Delhi High Court on Thursday dismissed his plea challenging a ban by the Home Ministry on his organisation.

Earlier in February, the Court had set up a Judicial Tribunal to look into banning Zakir Naik's NGO Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

A notice had also been issued to IRF to respond to a plea by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to hold in camera proceedings

The National Investigation Agency had also filed three affidavits in sealed cover before the court giving reasons for the ban on the IRF.

The IRF, earlier moved a petition seeking directions against the ban imposed on it by the central government.

On November 15, the central government had banned the IRF for five years after declaring it as an 'unlawful association' under the anti-terror laws, and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) followed up with raids on its premises in Mumbai on November 19.

According to the Home Ministry, Naik has allegedly made many provocative speeches and engaged in terror propaganda.
India on Thursday asked Pakistan to refrain from meddling in the internal affairs of the country and advised it to take action against the terrorism emanating from its soil, an official said.

"India completely rejects Pakistan's effort and intention to meddle in our internal affairs, including in judicial process," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay said.

"Strong Indian democracy and justice system need no self-serving sermons, that too from a country like Pakistan."

He was responding to a query on Pakistan expressing concern at the order of the Indian Court in the Ajmer Sharif blast case.

"Pakistan is well advised to refrain from interfering in internal affairs of India in any form; not to resort to denial from the reality of terrorism emanating from its soil," Baglay added.

The Pakistan Foreign Office on Friday summoned Indian Deputy High Commissioner J.P. Singh to express concern over the acquittal of RSS leader Swami Aseemanand in the 2007 Ajmer Sharif blast case.

"Swami Aseemanand had publicly confessed that he was the 'mastermind' of Samjhauta Express terrorist attack of February 2007," the statement released by the Pakistan Foreign Office said.

On March 8, a special court acquitted Swami Aseemanand and six others in the 2007 Ajmer Dargah blast case, giving them the "benefit of doubt". The bombing killed three people and left at least 15 others injured.
The electronic voting machines are "fully tamper-proof, as ever", the Election Commission said on Thursday dismissing claims of BSP chief Mayawati and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal who had questioned their reliability.

In a strongly-worded statement, the Commission said "baseless, speculative and wild allegations are being made which deserve to be rejected".

The poll panel said it did not receive specific complaints or concrete material from political parties and candidates about alleged tampering of EVMs during recently held election process.

It said the BSP's representation on EVM tampering was without any specific allegation and it had rejected the claim of the party.

"Such concerns about alleged tamperability of ECI-EVM have been raised earlier also since their introduction including before high court and the Supreme Court.

"These allegations have been dismissed. ECI unequivocally reiterates that given effective technical and administrative safeguards, EVMs are not tamperable and integrity of electoral process is preserved," it said.

The EC's rebuttal came a day after Mayawati said she will move court against the alleged tampering of EVMs. Kejriwal too had alleged that EVMs may have been tampered with in Punjab, adding "it is about the credibility of the Election Commission and the faith of people in the electoral system. We have strong prima facie evidence of foul play."

The Commission today said that so far, no one has been able to actually demonstrate that EVMs used by the Election Commission can be tampered with or manipulated.

It said "what has been demonstrated or claimed to have been demonstrated is on a privately assembled look-alike of ECI-EVMs and not the actual ECI-EVMs."

Electronics Corporation of India Ltd and Bharat Electronics Ltd are the two PSUs which manufacture the EVMs for EC. .
Expressing concern over cross- border shelling along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, NC president Farooq Abdullah on Thursday appealed to India and Pakistan to take steps to ensure peace on the borders.

"We appeal to the leadership of India and Pakistan to take concrete steps for peace along the borders as the people living there are facing record-breaking hardships and are forced to migrate for their safety," Abdullah, who is contesting the upcoming by-polls from Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency, said in a statement here.

The former J&K chief minister also appealed to the people of both countries, civil society and media to press their respective governments and political leadership to start a dialogue to resolve all outstanding issues.

"There is no alternative to the talks. The people and the leadership of both the countries are fully aware that peace holds the key for prosperity and development in the region," he said, adding, "enmity and bitter relations is not beneficial to any of the two countries and only causes more harm than any good".

"We appeal to the political and military leadership of both the countries to act with patience and not allow minor things to trigger a war," he said adding the two countries have fought four wars in the past but none benefited from these and instead the wars took away precious lives and caused massive destruction.

Pakistani troops have resorted to heavy firing and mortar shelling in Poonch sector which led to suspension of cross-LoC travel between Poonch-Rawalakote this week.

Meanwhile, Abdullah congratulated Amarinder Singh for taking oath as the 26th Chief Minister of Punjab and expressed hope that he will live up to the expectations of the people who have given him the mandate and reposed faith in him.

"I am confident that Singh will emerge as a successful chief minister of Punjab and will work for the development of all sections of the society. He will take the state to new heights," Abdullah said.
India and Afghanistan on Thursday committed themselves to the early establishment of an air cargo link to overcome the obstacles being created by Pakistan in the smooth conduct of trade between them.

Afghanistan Deputy Foreign Minister Hekmat Karzai, who is on a visit to India to attend the International Counter Terrorism Conference, today held talks with Minister of State for External Affairs M J Akbar, Foreign Secretary S

Jaishankar and Amar Sinha, Secretary (Economic Relations) in the MEA on a range of bilateral issues.

According to MEA spokesperson Gopal Baglay, Karzai apprised the Indian side of the current situation in Afghanistan and the efforts being made by the government towards peace and reconciliation in the country.

The Indian side reiterated its commitment to continue to support the government and the people of Afghanistan in their efforts to build a peaceful, stable, prosperous, and united country within which the democratic and pluralistic aspirations of people of country are met.

Both sides exchanged views on the situation in Afghanistan and reviewed progress in implementation of the development cooperation projects and the decisions taken during the visits of President Ashraf Ghani to India last year to attend the Heart of Asia conference.

In response to a question, the spokesperson said discussions on the air corridor were going on between the two sides and making satisfactory progress. The need for an air corridor was felt since Pakistan does not allow Indian trucks to transit through its territory to Afghanistan.
Srinagar, Mar 16 (IBNS) : Slain Hizbul Mujahideen Commander Burhan Wani's successor Zakir Musa has posted a video on the social media asking protestors to pelt stones at security forces in the Kashmir valley.

Musa has succeeded Burhan Wani, who was killed in July last year along with three associates in Bamdoora village of Kokernag in South Kashmir.

Protesters should pelt stones not in the name of nationalism or militancy, but for Islam only so we can succeed, Zakir musa said in the 12-minute video, released on Wednesday.

He also warned the Jammu and Kashmir Police of alarming consequences which can take place due to an upcoming 'war' and asked them to stop supporting the armed forces.

Musa requested the youth to post on the social media the information about the movement of forces.

Nationalism and democracy are 'Haraam' in Islam,Musa said.

(Reporting by Saleem Iqbal Qadri)
India on Thursday strongly opposed Pakistans proposal to declare the strategic Gilgit-Baltistan region as the countrys fifth province, saying any such attempt would have no legal basis and would be entirely unacceptable.

"Any such step would also not be able to hide the illegality of Pakistans occupation of parts of Jammu and Kashmir which it must vacate forthwith," MEA spokesperson Gopal Baglay said at a media briefing here when his attention was drawn to reports that a committee in Pakistan, headed by Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz, had proposed giving the status of a province to Gilgit-Baltistan.

He said Pakistan would also not be able to hide the tremendous and very concerning violation of human rights and denial of freedom which have been going on in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK).

The Indian spokesperson said even though the contents of the said report were shrouded in secrecy, the matter pertained to the sovereignty of India and the entire state of J & K which is, has been and will be an integral part of India.

On Islamabad lodging a protest with India over the acquittal of Swami Aseemanand in the Ajmer Sharif blast case, Baglay said, "India completely rejects Pakistans efforts and intention to meddle in our internal affairs, including the judicial process, within our country." New Delhi, he said, also rejected the untenable link which was sought to be established by Islamabad with any other matter currently under purview of Indian courts. A strong Indian democracy and justice system obviously did not need self-serving sermons from anybody, much less from a country like Pakistan, Baglay said. Islamabad would be well-advised to refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of India in any form and not to resort to denial from the reality of terrorism emanating from its soil which was not only affecting India but the entire region and beyond, he added. Pakistan would do well to dismantle the infrastructure of terrorism in its own territory or the territory under its control and bring to justice the masterminds who continue to operate and enjoy the freedom in its own territory to commit, promote and export terrorism against its neighbours, he said.

The spokesperson did not give a straight reply when asked to comment on Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Muftis statement that India should join the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) but stated that India was opposed to the project since part of it would pass through sovereign Indian territory.
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Thursday said India is taking up the issue of fishermen with the Sri Lankan government through diplomatic channels.

She also added that the Sri Lankan government has assured probe into the killing of an Indian fisherman allegedly by the Lankan Navy.

Making a statement in the Lok Sabha, the External Affairs Minister said Sri Lanka has, however, denied the role of its navy in the killing.

"We have taken up the issue of our fishermen with Sri Lankan government to ensure that our fishermen are treated in a humane manner," the minister said.

"A fishing vessel from Tamil Nadu was fired upon allegedly by the Sri Lankan Navy, leading to the death of an Indian fisherman. The government took up the matter and expressed our strong concern over the incident," she said.

"Our High Commissioner personally spoke to Sri Lankan Prime Minister and Navy commander on this matter. They maintained their patrol boats are not authorised to fire at Indian fishermen," the minister said.

Six fishermen from Thangachimadam in Ramanathapuram district were fishing near the Katchatheevu islet in the narrow sea dividing the two countries when they were fired at on the night of March 6, Indian officials said.

One fisherman, K. Britjo, was killed while another was injured. The others escaped without injuries.
In keeping with the growing worldwide demand for its rocket launch services for placement of satellites in space and other space applications, the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) plans to recruit an extra workforce of scientists and engineers to take care of its expanding business.

A proposal to this effect has been submitted by the Space Commission to the Department of Expenditure, Finance Ministry, for their recommendations before the final approval by the Union Cabinet, said Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State for Atomic Energy and Space in a written reply in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.

Singh said at present 7,062 scientists and engineers are working with ISRO. With increasing frequency of rocket launches, the need for augmenting the existing workforce has been felt.

The demand for space-based services in the country is increasing resulting in increased launch frequency and applications of space technology in emerging areas. To meet the work load arising due to these demands, a proposal for suitably augmenting the manpower, mostly in scientist/engineer category, has been prepared.

The proposal has been reviewed and recommended by the Space Commission and the same is submitted to the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, for their recommendations, before placing it for the approval of the Union Cabinet, the minister stated.
Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj has sought a report from the Indian High Commissioner in Pakistan about an Indian woman from Hyderabad stranded in the neighbouring country and being harassed by her husband.

The minister tweeted on Thursday that she has sought a report from High Commissioner Gautam Bambawale. Her tweet came after Amjadullah Khan Khalid of Majlis Bachao Tehreek (MBT), a political party here, drew her attention to the plight of the woman.

He appealed to Sushma Swaraj to help 44-year-old Mohammadi Begum return to India.

Her father Mohammed Akbar, a cycle mechanic, had also sent an email to Sushma Swaraj in January seeking her help in bringing back his daughter.

Akbar, a resident of Bandlaguda here, said his daughter telephoned him that she was being harassed by her 60-year-old Pakistani husband in Lahore.

He alleged that Muhammad Younis, who concealed his actual nationality and claimed to be from Oman, married her in 1996.

The 'nikah' was performed over telephone through some agent and Begum joined Younis, a mechanic, in Muscat. After 12 years of marriage, Begum got a shock when Younis, who had lost his job, disclosed that he was a Pakistani.

The couple has three sons and two daughters. One of the sons was born in Pakistan.

Begum had visited Hyderabad in 2012. Her father said this was her only visit to India in 21 years.

Akbar said she had been making phone calls to him and pleading with him to do something to save her from the life of torture that she had been forced to live.

Younis was also not allowing her to renew her Indian passport, which expired in 2016.
Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh on Thursday said the newly elected government in Uttar Pradesh would waive loans of farmers in the state and the financial burden would be borne by the Centre.

The Agriculture Minister, however, did not give any assurance to Opposition members who were demanding similar waiver to farmers of other states as well.

The minister was replying during the discussion on Demand for Grants for the Agriculture Ministry. The Demand for Grants were passed unanimously amid a walkout by Congress and Shiv Sena members saying they were not happy with the minister's reply.

Mr Singh said the Union Government wants to join hands with the state government to carry out welfare activities of farmers. The Centre was already providing 3 per cent interest subvention and 4 % subvention was provided by the states, he said. Mr Singh said the government has adopted an integrated approach and conducted a series of activities in agriculture, horticulture and agriculture-related allied sectors so as to double farmers' income by 2022.

Responding to Opposition charges that the government has done little to imrpove farmers' income, the minister said the Centre is stressing on allied sectors, including animal husbandry, poultry and fisheries.

He said unlike the previous government, the present governments investment in the agriculture sector is more than its allocation, which shows its commitment to addressing farmers' problems. During his 90-minute reply, the minister stressed on joint efforts of the states as well as the Centre to promote the agriculture sector.
Communist Party of India-Marxist General Secretary Sitaram Yechury on Thursday said an alternate narrative should evolve in the country to counter the narrative being propagated by the Hindutva forces.

He called on all the secular parties to evolve this narrative and take it to the public.

"An alternative has to be evolved to counter the RSS-BJP narrative. All secular parties must come together to evolve this narrative. Such as the Mahagathbandhan (grand alliance) in Bihar had a narrative, or the Third Front in 1996 had a narrative," Yechury told media persons at a press conference here.

He said that during demonetisation while the Narendra Modi government successfully propagated its narrative of "temporary pain, long-term gain", the opposition parties failed to counter that in public.

"As many as 16 opposition parties came together in those days, perhaps for the first time. There were more than 300 MPs together. But when we called for a bandh (shutdown), only one or two parties supported us. They failed to take it to the public," Yechury said.

Yechury ruled out the possibility of the Congress leading that narrative, as he said it had its own baggage of scams etc.

He said that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is merely a political wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) that was slowly working "to change the secular socialist democratic republic of India into their version of Hindu Rashtra (Hindu nation)".

"They need two-thirds majority to amend the Constitution or to discard it at all. They are working towards it and that's a looming threat all secular parties must realise," he said.
Hollywood has opened its doors to many Indian stars who are bagging noticeable roles in various projects. A case in point is Deepika Padukone. Priyanka Chopra, one of the most popular exports to Hollywood from India, says gone are the days when actors used to feel insecure with others' success.

"That is such an age-old stereotype and definitely not in my DNA," Priyanka said when asked if actors today have become more open when it comes to appreciating the work of their colleagues, unlike the common perception that they have cat fights due to jealousy.

"I'm very secure in who I am and the work I do. These are my friends and colleagues, and I like to share in their achievements and happiness. Good work should be applauded. I believe that there is enough work out there for everyone. We don't live in the dark ages any more," she added.

Priyanka's journey in showbiz started at the age of 17 when she was crowned Miss World. It was followed by her Bollywood debut in 2003 with "The Hero: Love Story of a Spy".

She later bagged the role of FBI agent Alex Parrish in "Quantico" for which she won the People's Choice Award  the first South Asian actress to do so. The "Quantico" fame also got her a role in "Baywatch", a movie alongside Hollywood A-listers Dwayne Johnson and Zac Efron.

The year 2016 also saw her becoming the presenter at Oscar Awards and Emmy Awards, followed by an invitation to the annual White House Correspondents Dinner.

She was conferred India's fourth-highest civilian honour, the Padma Shri, and even featured in Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People of the world.

And this has seen her winning her second People's Choice Awards and she just can't wait for more.

"Yes, 2017 has begun well. To win a second People's Choice Award, this time as a Favourite Dramatic TV Actress, is an awesome feeling. Winning an award from the people, the audience, is a vindication that both 'Quantico' and my character connected globally.

"Also, when I see the amazingly talented women I was nominated with, it feels like I must be doing something right. As for the rest of the year, I'm looking forward to it."

The second season of "Quantico" and the shoot are on in full swing.

"'Baywatch' releases on May 26 and we will be promoting the film across the globe. As a producer with my production house Purple Pebble Pictures, I have a lot of exciting projects lined up across genres and languages. Many announcements are on the anvil on that front," said the actress in an email interview.

It's not just films, she is busy with brand endorsements too. Priyanka was announced the newest global brand ambassador of hair care brand Pantene, for which she launched a new product that promises to make hair thicker and stronger in 14 days.

Priyanka says she prefers to be careful about choosing the brands she endorses.

"I have to believe in a brand to endorse it. I look at products that I endorse as a consumer Is it something I would use, do I like what it offers? If my name and brand are being used to advertise a product, then it's something I believe in," she said.

With so many things happening in her life and with so much success, is there something that this global star wants to achieve now?

"I just want to be the best version of myself as an entertainer and as an individual. I want to try new things, explore all aspects of my creative self and basically have an adventure every day. I have always believed that it's never about the destination The journey matters more," she said.
However democratic we may be, discrimination on the basis of caste has not diminished. Every day, in some part or the other of the country, there are atrocities on Dalits. Only the other Dadri, near Delhi, was the scene of a Dalit family being consigned to fire.

In the national capital itself, a JNU student hung himself because he could not stand the jibe of discrimination. The 28-year-old M.Phil student had dreamt of studying in JNU and was fortunate to get through on his fourth attempt. Hailing from the South, Muthukrishnan was reportedly a sober personality and generally kept to himself.

Surprisingly, there is very little impact on society or, for that matter, on India. It was just an incident and forgotten. Instead, the country on the whole should have been shaken. Had this been the case of an upper caste student, there would have been many statements and calling attention notices in Parliament. But there was not even a whisper in the present case.

The media was equally guilty because it reported the incident only as a periphery to other bigger stories. This only underlined that the media persons, generally belonging to the upper caste, have the same old mindset. The youth is supposed to be radical, but this was not the case.

Obviously, the deceased students father and even some students believe that there was some foul play. The police was led to record FIR under relevant provisions because the police thought that it was a case of suicide. The parents have demanded a CBI inquiry. I dont know how it would make any difference because the CBI would itself depend on Delhi Police which is in the doghouse.

A similar issue had cropped up when Rohith Vemula, a Dalit research scholar from Hyderabad University, committed suicide last year. However, unlike in the JNU students death case, there was a big hue and cry and students took to the streets and the agitation even led to a change of guard in the university department.

Incidentally, Muthkrishnan had recalled Rohiths death and condemned Hyderabad Universitys alleged role in the scholars suicide. The JNU student had a Facebook post in which he had criticized JNUs new admission policy, obviously recounting several instances where he had to face discrimination.

What do these incidents in varsities indicate? We need to apply our minds to address the problems that Dalit students face in institutions of higher education. Not long ago, Hyderabad University had to revoke the suspension of students after Rohiths death. Indeed, his suicide had caused great shock and resulted in outrage, but similar sentiments were expressed when Senthil Kumar from Salem, another student from the University of Hyderabad, killed himself in 2008. Muthukrishnan, too, is from Salem in Tamil Nadu.

There have been over a dozen cases of suicide by students, mostly Dalits, in various institutions in Hyderabad between 2007 and 2013. In the north, besides two cases of suicide by Dalit students at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in Delhi, 14 other cases of suicide by Dalit students were reported between January 2007 and April 2011.

It is almost as if we have become immune to these frequent instances of suicide mainly by Dalit students. The student population on campuses of higher education has become increasingly diverse. According to 2008 data, of the total number of students in higher education in the country, four per cent are Scheduled Tribes, 13.5 per cent Scheduled Castes and 35 per cent Other Backward Classes. Hindus alone accounted for about 85 per cent of students, followed by Muslims (8 per cent) and Christians (3 per cent). And yet, 23 out of 25 suicides were of Dalits!

There are several researches which indicate that experiences of discrimination, exclusion and humiliation are the predominant reasons. After analyzing some cases of suicide, the conclusion seems to be that there seems to be more than enough evidence to believe that caste discrimination played a significant role in driving these extraordinary individuals into committing suicide, and that elite professional institutions are the places where caste prejudice is so firmly entrenched that it has become normal.

A study in 2010 by Professor Mary Thornton and others of five higher educational institutions in India and the United Kingdom observed that separation of groups on the higher education campus is pervasive and ubiquitous. While some such separation may be for supportive reasons, at other times it is due to overt discrimination on the grounds of race, region, nationality, caste, class, religion, or gender.

In 2013, Samson Ovichegan, in a study on the experience of Dalits in an elite university in India, observed that this university is yet another arena in which the practice of caste division continues to exist. The university environment reinforces and maintains a divide between Dalit and non-Dalit. Dalit students do, indeed, experience overt and covert discrimination based on caste at this premier university.

As much as we admit to the persistence of caste discrimination and stigmatization as a problem plaguing higher education campuses, there is also a constant denial or attributing of suicides to incident-specific situations with total disregard for links with the larger social milieu of exclusion. True, there are incident-specific reasons, but it cannot be a coincidence that out of 25 cases of suicide, 23 were of Dalits. Thus, the first thing for policymakers is to come out of denial mode.

No doubt, the situation may have improved. But the shame of caste system continues in one form or the other. Relations between the Dalit students or, for that matter, with other students and teachers and administrators, have always been questioned. In my view, we need to takes steps to address the problems of Dalit and other marginalized students. The only solution I can think of are legal safeguards against discrimination, civic education, academic assistance to students who need support, and participation of Dalits in all decision-making bodies of universities and colleges.

The writer is a noted journalist, columnist and commentator.
Ever since Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan survived the July 2016 coup attempt, he appears to have lost his sense of diplomacy, his statecraft and arguably even his mental equilibrium. This is visible in ample measure in the insecure Presidents body language and rhetoric in the wake of a diplomatic row snowballing into a major crisis before the referendum he is seeking from the Turks, both within and outside Turkey, for unbridled and sweeping powers to strengthen his Presidency. This also displays how desperate Erdogan is to derive more power .

Against this backdrop , the Netherlands refused (and perhaps rightly so) permission to Turkish foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglo who was on his way to the European country to canvas for Erdogan ahead of the referendum. Erdogan, with his huge ego, couldnt swallow the denial of entry to his foreign minister. His impulsive anti-Netherlands remarks were unsavoury, intimidatory and fell well short of diplomatic niceties.

Matters got complicated when the Turkish minister Fatima Betul Kaya, who arrived at Rotterdam via land from Germany, insisted on holding a rally in the port city. The Dutch, acting as any sovereign state, did not allow a rally to be held leading to huge protests by the local Turks which also saw use of force and violence. Finally, minister Fatima was escorted out of the Netherlands by land further infuriating the Turkish president. Erdogan labelled the Dutch as Nazis, vowed punitive action and threatened to teach them a lesson. Such undiplomatic remarks, punctuated with aggression and belligerence, speak of a head of state who is in a hurry to consolidate power and is not sure how to handle a smaller country like the Netherlands.

The Netherlands has 400,000 Turks holding dual nationality and eligible to take part in the referendum. They look confused and sadly such acts of immaturity and tactlessness have put them into a state of dilemma. They hitherto thought of the Netherlands as their home. The latest imbroglio has upset them and they may start nurturing anti-Dutch sentiments causing unpleasant problems. Dutch society now stands threatened with a division on religious lines  Islam vs the rest.

This is dangerous as Erdogan is tainted with his excesses on the Kurds and and his leaning towards Islamic fundamentalism. He perhaps thinks he has nothing to lose if Dutch society is Islamised. The Netherlands already has a vocal and active politician Geert Wilders who is pressurizing Prime Minister Mark Rutte to act against Islamic activists to clear the country of extremism and terror. He cites instances of Algerians, Tunisians and Moroccans causing terror-linked problems in Belgium and France.

The Netherlands too has refugees from Syria. Dutch intelligence is keeping a hawkish eye on them lest some of them align with other Islamic forces (now possibly Turkey included) to spark terror. The fresh Turko-Dutch tension is a bad sign and needs urgent redressal to calm down communal forces, ready to light fires and split the society. Possibly the new UN Secretary General and diplomats of the European Union ( EU) must brainstorm sooner rather than later. This is a moment to act and not react. In the meantime, the Dutch ambassador to Ankara, who is out on an assignment has been told by the Turks not to return. Anti-Dutch statements continue to flow incessantly. In a very recent statement Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildrim has threatened the Netherlands that his country would respond in the harshest ways for this unacceptable behaviour. Such fiery rhetoric may push things to a point of no return. This is all the more reason for restraint and a statesmanlike approach. Already ties between European nations and Turkey have been impacted. The first step for calming down passions and angst needs to be taken by Erdogan .

Erdogan must also remember that he has few friends on this planet. Putin is his newest ally yet he should not expect that Russia will get involved on this issue. Pakistan, another amongst the few friends of Turkey, has been muted in its response. In the present day, the last thing a sovereign country can afford is to remain in isolation. Erdogan should be wise enough to refrain from falling into this situation.

The writer is a security analyst and columnist on matters of security. He is also the Senior Fellow with the India Police Foundation. The views expressed are personal.
It has now become clear that Sri Lanka, by co-sponsoring with the USA the consensus Resolution 30/1 of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva in 2015 hailed as an example of goodwill and cooperation and adopted unan mously, has compromised the credibility of the international organisation.

Contrary to promises made in Geneva that in the name of peace and reconciliation the Sri Lanka government would dismantle High Security Zones, close army cantonments and return lands seized from the people, the Northern and the Eastern Provinces, considered the Tamil homeland, continue to be occupied zones even eight years after the end of the Eelam war. The resolution called for international, including Commonwealth, judges and other foreign personnel to bring about justice and accountability for excesses committed, especially during the last phase of the war in which about 40,000 people were killed.

War crimes against humanity on discriminatory grounds can constitute genocide, according to international law. Domestic mechanisms do not work in the context of war crimes. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Raad al Hussein in his report had said, The sheer number of allegations, their gravity, recurrence and the similarities in their modus operandi as well as the consistent pattern of conduct points towards system crimes and that it was the Sri Lankan state that was the perpetrator of the international crimes. It was for this reason that hybrid courts and tribunals, as in Cambodia, East Timor, Kosovo and Sierra Leone, were suggested.

In his report to the 34th session of the UNHRC on 3 March, Al Hussein demanded the Sri Lanka government institute legislation which will establish a hybrid court with international judges, defence lawyers, prosecutors and investigators to investigate violations and abuses of international human rights law and war crimes. The report of the office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights urged the Sri Lanka government to give the highest priority to the restitution of all private land that has been occupied by the military and to end the military involvement in commercial and other civilian activities. It wanted the government to issue unequivocal instructions to all branches of the military, intelligence and police forces that torture, sexual violence and other human rights violations are prohibited and will be investigated and punished. The government must order all security forces to end immediately all forms of surveillance and harassment of and reprisals against human rights defenders, victims and social actors.

The report also wanted the government to enact legislation criminalising genocide, enforced disappearances without statutes of limitation and modes of criminal liability, in particular command or superior responsibility. Al Hussein said Sri Lanka had made worryingly slow progress in addressing its wartime past and warned this could threaten lasting peace and stability. Acknowledging the government has made some advances on constitutional and legal reforms, limited land restitution and symbolic gestures towards reconciliation, he cautioned that the measures taken so far were inadequate, lacked coordination and a sense of urgency.

The High Commissioners demand to constitute special war crimes tribunals involving international judges and prosecutors was rejected by the Sri Lankan government in spite of it having co-authored the proposal. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said a call for a hybrid court system was included in the resolution because the international community lacked faith in the judiciary of that time. During the last two years the government had restored independence of the judiciary and thereby made the demand redundant, he said.

Moreover, even if a constitutional amendment was moved to establish a hybrid court it will have to be passed be a two-thirds majority and approved by the people in a referendum which was not politically feasible. As long as the Sinhalese constitute a majority in the electorate and in Parliament, such a move will never be countenanced. Nor will they be a party to put the essentially Sinhalese military in the dock irrespective of the evidence of war crimes.

Maithripala Sirisena was voted President on the promise that he would restore the rule of law and work towards reconciliation with ethnic Tamils. He had the support of the dominant sections of the two largest political parties, the UNP and the SLFP, in the country as well as the minority communities. But he failed to tackle the ethnic crisis which threatened to divide the country. If he was serious about addressing Tamil oppression, he would have ended the military occupation of the Tamil areas and repealed the Prevention of Terrorism Act. Instead, he is seeking to get the 30/1 Resolution amended to wriggle out of inclusion of foreign judges failing which he will seek an extension of two years to do nothing in the hope the problem will disappear. Under no circumstances will he ever acquiesce to expose the military to impartial independent investigation. What is really needed now is for the UN Security Council to refer Sri Lanka to the International Criminal Court.

Even under the National Unity government of Sirisena and Wickremesinghe, police and military surveillance of public life in the Northern and the Eastern Provinces continues. Activists and civilians fear that if the political situation deteriorates, those who used the seeming appearance of normalcy to engage in activism may be targeted by government functionaries similar to the crackdown on activists following the collapse of the 2001-2003 peace process. A substantial number of political prisoners still languish in jail. Some who were released have been assigned for rehabilitation by the armed forces which include cruel torture and degrading treatment. The Office of Missing Persons with all its faults remains an institution only on paper. Wickremesinghe has said on more than one occasion that those who have disappeared are dead.

Evidence gathered by the Foundation for Human Rights in South Africa and the International Truth and Justice Project for submission to the truth commission in Sri Lanka, if it is ever established, will expose the violations perpetrated by the security forces, according to Yasmin Sooka, executive director of ITJP. In the former conflict areas, Tamil civilians live under a militarised and securitised system in which surveillance and intimidation constitute everyday life, she said in an interview. The violations and abuses are ongoing and include abductions, torture and sexual violence which the ITJP continues to document once the victims flee the country. This level of militarisation is unacceptable eight years after the war. It also demonstrated the security forces continued to operate with impunity.

A set of infographics prepared by the Sri Lanka Campaign for Peace and Justice exposes alarming facts about the militarys expansion in the North-East. The horrifying reality is that the military has no plans to leave but is there to stay, making the Tamil provinces a virtual army camp.

Meanwhile, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa is making steady progress in his attempt to stage a comeback in the next election. He has the support of the Buddhist clergy and a sizeable section of the Sinhala masses. At least 50 of the SLFP MPs already owe their allegiance to the former President. Sirisena, on the other hand, is slow to act and Prime Minister Wickremesinghe is not always on the same page as the President. His promise to abolish the presidential form of government is yet to be implemented. Most of the promises the duo made at the time of the 2015 election are yet to be redeemed. Their attempt to re-write the Constitution has met with a roadblock.

The Tamils who played a major role in ousting Rajapaksa are running out of patience as the government has abandoned the UNHRC Resolution 30/1 for all practical purposes. Unless the government delivers, one could expect the re-emergence of the Rajapaksa regime in the not too distant future.

The writer is a veteran journalist and former Director of The Statesman Print Journalism School.
New Delhi, Mar 16 (IBNS) : External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Thursday told the Lok Sabha that the Government attaches highest priority to the welfare of the Indian fishermen, captured by the Sri Lankan Navy and has got all of them released.

In a statement, she said 77 fishermen returned to India on Tuesday.

"Our Government attaches highest important to the welfare of the Indian fishermen," she said, adding that matters of apprehension involving them are consistently taken up with the Government of Sri Lanka through diplomatic channel

She said Government of India also uses diplomatic channel to take up the matter of Indian fishermen with Sri Lankan Government.

"In no uncertain terms, the Government gives highest priority to Indian fishermen. The issue has been taken up with Sri Lanka. They have reassured us that further action will be taken to investigate the matter. They also said that a probe had been ordered," Swaraj said.
The BJP must give credit to Muslims f or its resounding victory in assembly elections in the politically crucial state of Uttar Pradesh (UP). It may appear to be paradoxical as Muslims are normally believed not only to never vote for the BJP but also to do their best to ensure that its candidates never win by voting tactfully and en bloc. It is this very factor the BJP turned into its favour by steadily building a Hindu vote bank by arousing communalist sentiments from Muzaffarnagar riots and kairana exodus to raising the Shamshan-Kabristan and Eid-Diwali divide.

It is a matter of fact that as per the 2011 Census Muslims account for 19.3 per cent of the states population and if they vote strategically may decide the fate of candidates in roughly 150 assembly constituencies. This has led many to project the myth of Muslims as a monolithic vote bank.

This time while the BSP and the SP-Congress combine remained busy crafting new strategies to woo Muslims, the BJP concentrated silently and singularly on consolidating non-Yadav backward caste and non-Jatav Dalit Hindu vote bank who had felt ignored during a decade of BSP-SP rule in the state. The BJP also generated a feeling among them that their deprivation was due to Muslims who enjoyed undue weightage during SP-BSP reigns.

The BJP not only gave these communities due representation in the party organisation, it even appointed Keshav Prasad Maurya as its State President. It also organised a series of caste meetings and celebrated many caste festivals to lure them.

The decision of not fielding any Muslim candidate was also a well crafted conscious choice and not because it could not find a single winnable Muslim candidate in the entire State, as claimed by it, despite the party's Muslim membership count having swollen to over 200,000. The BJP had calculated that despite its best efforts it would not be able to snatch any sizable number of Muslim votes from SP-BSP-Congress, for whom Muslims have been voting traditionally.

On the contrary by giving tickets to them it would not have been able to project itself as an exclusive Hindu party concerned with interests of the majority community and could not have sharpened attacks on pseudo secular parties for their minority appeasement and ignoring the majority.

The BSP and SP, on the other hand played the Muslim card very ineptly by fielding more than 150 Muslim candidates in the election. BSP chief Mayawati even cautioned Muslims not to split their votes. She repeatedly stated in different rallies that her party has given highest number of tickets to Muslims and thus they should vote en masse for the BSP as only it would be in a position to defeat the BJP with solid support of Dalits who constitute 20.7 per cent of the population.

To counter this, the SP and Congress forged an alliance to prevent split of Muslim votes. All this created an impression that if BSP or SP won the election Muslims would be over-represented and that actually went in favour of the BJP as Hindu voters in reaction solidly consolidated behind it.

The BJPs game plan was made easier by some Muslim clerics like the Shahi Imam of Delhis Jama Masjid Maulana Ahmed Bukhari, Maulana Aamir Rashadi of the Rashtriya Ulama Council and Shia cleric Maulana Kalbe Jawad appealing to Muslims to vote for the BSP and another cleric Maulana Khalid Rashid Firangi Mahali extending his support to the Samajwadi Party and Congress alliance. Their appeals though usually have limited impact but they not only confused Muslim voters but also proved counterproductive as BJP also played the Hindu card more carefully.

The BJP also did not fail to recognise the importance of raising communally sensitive issues during the election campaign. It gave due importance to controversial issues like the construction of Ram Mandir, ban on triple talaq, closure of slaughter houses and prevention of Hindu exodus from Kairana in its manifesto making it amply clear that it was not averse to polarisation of Hindu votes in its favour as it was uncertain whether the development agenda alone would ensure its victory in the state.

The BJP was successful in falsely convincing voters from the majority community that both the SP and BSP Governments have unduly favoured Muslims and discriminated against Hindu in the state whether in the distribution of freebies like laptops or scholarships and even in compensating the riot victims.

In an election rally in Chauri Chaura the BJP President Amit Shah said that They will ask your religion and caste first, if that doesnt seem favourable to them, they wont give you laptop. The Prime Minister himself accused the ruling SP of discriminating between communities in Uttar Pradesh in distribution of land for kabristan and shamshan and supply of electricity during Holi and Eid and insisted that there should not be any discrimination.

Though these charges were found to be untrue, they succeeded in giving the message that the SP Govt. was working in a prejudiced manner against the Hindus.

Overall the BJP was successful in projecting SP, BSP and Congress as Muslim parties and itself as the only party that cares for Hindus. It also convincingly projected minority Muslims as a pampered lot and majority Hindus as aggrieved in UP resulting in creation of a brand new Hindu vote bank solidly standing behind it in reaction to the mythical Muslim vote bank. The challenge before the new government would be to keep the different communities united, which is sine qua non for the development of the state. These communities were, after all, pitched against each other by all political parties for their selfish political interests.



The writer is a Professor of Political Science at Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh.
The paradox in the United Kingdoms generally eventful constitutional history could scarcely have been sharper. In the span of 24 hours, Theresa Mays Brexit bill surmounted hurdles in both Houses of Parliament, a development that clears the way for the Prime Minister to trigger Article 50 by the end of March. While this affords a shot in the arm after occasional uncertainties, she will in parallel have to countenance the renewed bout of jingoism in Scotland with its First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, shrilling for a referendum on Scottish independence as early as next year. The government has achieved its ambition of passing a straightforward two-line bill that is confined to the question of whether ministers can trigger Article 50 and start the formal Brexit process. In legislative terms, the House of Lords has accepted the supremacy of the Commons after MPs overturned amendments aimed at guaranteeing the rights of EU citizens in the UK and giving Parliament a meaningful vote on the final Brexit deal. Not that the decision was unanimous; there was a certain yo-yo during the proceedings as the momentous legislation oscillated between the two Houses, a reflection of the inherent disagreement. In the context of the peers agreeing to allow the passage of the bill unamended, Britain gets posited on what the Brexit secretary, David Davis, has called the threshold of the most important negotiation for our country in a generation. With the trigger on Article 50, the Conservative government is in a position to forge new trade links. While further comment must await developments in the intervening fortnight ~ till the end of March ~ the government cannot but be unnerved by Ms Sturgeon flagging the demand for a second vote of Scottish independence after voters in Scotland had opposed Brexit on June 23 last year.

Monday nights forward movement for Ms May gets neutralised by her immediate criticism of the fresh initiative of the Scottish National Party (SNP) ~ The party had a tunnel vision on breaking away from the UK. This is deeply regrettable. Politics is not a game. The Scottish government should focus on delivering good government for the people of Scotland. Arguably, there could be substance in Ms Sturgeons cavil that London had failed to address Scotlands desire to remain in the single market after Britain leaves. Though the compulsions are different, the economic factor is the common grouse against the European Union and UK of both Britain and Scotland. The countrys First Minister has been no less robust in her counter-criticism, saying that our efforts at compromise have been met with a brick wall of intransigence. Politically, it may not be easy for Ms May to refuse another Scottish referendum for which the two Parliaments ~ in Britain and Scotland ~ will have to extend their approval. Virtual certainty over Brexit has been balanced by the renewed uncertainty over Scotland.
Google India on Thursday expanded the transit feature on Google Maps to seven more Indian cities to help users better plan their local commute.

The newly added cities are Chandigarh, Lucknow, Vadodara, Indore, Mysore, Surat and Coimbatore.

"Google Maps is your guide to the world around you and this launch is part of our effort to reflect the real world and provide you with relevant information about your surroundings," Sanket Gupta, Product Manager of Google Maps, said in a statement.

With the update, the transit feature is now available in sixteen Indian cities  the seven newly added places and Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, Jaipur, Hyderabad, Pune and Ahmedabad.

'Google Transit' is a feature on Google Maps designed to help a user to plan a commute with just few taps.

If a user wants to go to Sukhna Lake in Chandigarh, he/she needs to search for Sukhna Lake and Google Maps will show how to get there from the user's current location.

Google will also show bus routes and stops, including details such as departure and arrival times, the names of bus stands and even where to change buses.

Google Transit is available on Google Maps for Android and iOS as well as on browser.

Google Maps globally provides over one billion kilometre worth of transit results every day and has schedules for more than 2.5 million public transit stops worldwide.
The Supreme Court on 22 February lashed out at polluting industries, giving them a three-month ultimatum to install Primary Effluent Treatment Plants (PETPs). Tackling the issue of river pollution, this order came in an effort to prevent untreated wastes from being discharged into water bodies. A failure to do so would lead to the shutting down of these non-compliant industries.

A bench headed by Chief Justice J. S Khehar issued stern directions to the concerned state pollution control boards to issue a common notice to all industries and have proper mechanisms to treat effluvia. In fact, directions of a similar nature were issued to set up sewerage treatment plants (STPs) for other types of wastes as well within the same time span. The state boards and environmental secretaries have been entrusted with the task of assessing all units and monitoring the implementation post this three-month period.

This order carries some weight as Justice D.Y Chandrachud and Justice S.K. Kaul said that defaulting industries would lose their supply from electricity distribution companies if they fail to abide by its terms. This seems to be an appropriate threat issued by the Court to ensure that adherence to norms would not just be empty promises by polluting industries. While some industries like Dabur and Bajaj Auto assured the Court that they had working sewage treatment plants, the majority of the units are currently operating with impunity.

The PIL was filed by an NGO named Paryavaran Suraksha Samiti in 2012 on the issue of pollution in water bodies, including ground water and seawater. The petition had sought directions from the Court to curb the massive industrial pollution that was well beyond the prescribed limits. It said that the livelihood of millions of people as well as of flora and fauna have been endangered by this pollution. It was also argued that effluents in excess of norms should not be allowed to enter water bodies.

The Court  though initially seeking an explanation from Gujarat  later widened the scope of the matter by issuing a notice to the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF), the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and 19 state governments in January this year and directed them to furnish affidavits.

Even though the PIL was disposed of, the order signaled a long-term goal given to the government too and not just private industries when it said that the state governments as well as private industrial units must set up Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) within three years of acquiring the land.

In addition, the State Pollution Boards will also conduct the online real time continuous monitoring process to treat wastes and to display the emission levels on public portals. The findings will then be passed on to the Central Ground Water Authority for evaluation after which they shall present the same to the National Green Tribunal (NGT). The prospect of the NGT dealing with the issue has been viewed as a positive step as the tribunal has had a better implementation record than the Supreme Court at imposing large damages in civil law matters.

Furthermore, while discussing the constitutional provisions with regard to waste management, sanitation and public health, the Court said that municipal authorities may also levy an impost from the users, but only if they do not face a financial predicament in complying. In case it was not done, the state governments will be responsible for setting up these plants and were asked to bear all costs.

However, the Supreme Court gave quite a lot of time to the concerned authorities to set up zero liquid discharge (ZLD) plants. This system has been seen as an environmentally sound and sustainable alternative and was recommended by the Central government itself in the Ganga matter. What is a cause of concern is that courts have been slow in getting this system functional. The setting up of the ZLD plants will happen six months after the first round of CETPs are in operation.

The statistics produced have displayed the alarming condition of rivers in India. For instance, the CPCB study in 2015 revealed that at least 302 river stretches had high levels of Biological Oxygen Demand, a key measure of organic pollution. The statistics also point towards the fact that for the amount of sewage that is generated annually, the treatment capacity covers only half that amount. These shocking figures have put further pressure on the highest court in the country to address this drastic situation.

While many have praised the order, the Court has merely been more strident in its language. This sturdy approach can be ascribed to the Courts sudden ambition of changing public perception, when it has effectively done nothing for almost three decades. The bench clearly said, It is an important issue. If the country does not act now, it can never be retrieved. Though the state governments will carry out the inspections, the Court criticised them for their inaction all this time, by saying, You (governments) can see everything else but not how people are suffering.

While the order can be seen as a firm stand adopted by the highest court in the country, one ought to recall that a crackdown on defaulters has been done in the past without reaping significant results. The apex court has been remarkably ineffective in implementing such orders. The three-month period provided in this case give the impression that the Court will close industries that do not obey this order.

Only if the judiciary consciously decides to depart from its past practice, and not merely use strong language to express its disapproval can one hope to save the water bodies vital to the nation.

The writers are, respectively, professor of law and a student at the Jindal Global Law School, Sonipat.
Be you ever so high the law is above you, Lord Denning would proclaim enthusiastically, often while interpreting the Law in idiosyncratic ways that its makers never intended. Recent TV reports covering elections of UP, Punjab, Uttarakhand and the Panchayat election in Odisha portrayed the rising number of VIPs on roads, in cordoned off streets, in queue for casting votes. The media also highlighted the diversion of police strength to VIP security through banner headlines such as 1,200 per cent rise in cop cover for VIPs in city of Mumbai over 5 years.

Even many of our self-righteous ministers lead long convoys as they pass through, bringing traffic to a halt and creating miles of traffic jams. This goes against the fundamental precept of democratic governance i.e. equality of all citizens before the law regardless of status, gender, age, race, ethnicity, religious or political beliefs and affiliations, caste, class or economic status. The VIP culture in India is inherently undemocratic and undermines Rule of Law embodied in Article 14 of the Constitution.

The VIP culture in vogue in the political/administrative sphere has reinforced a kind of social stratification and promoted feudalism that hurts the collective psyche of citizens. Even in the most developed countries of the world the State protects only a selected few like the constitutional functionaries and the rest have to manage their own security.

In our country even the kin of political leaders, ministers, spiritual gurus, top bureaucrats and even the criminals are extended VIP healing. Where there is hopeless shortage of policemen on the ground for law and order problems, thousands of policemen are engaged in VIP security at the expense of the security of the common man.

According to a newspaper report, more than 47,000 policemen are engaged in protecting our VIPs and VVIPs. There are on an average three policemen engaged in the protection of one VIP and in cases of VVIPs the number is far more. Ironically, there is one policeman for about 700 ordinary citizens. The common man pays the bill for the security of the so-called VIPs and VVIPs while he himself remains exposed to so many types of crimes and remains unsafe in the street, public places and at times in his own house. Deeply embedded in our political and social culture, this has become an endemic problem.

Providing security and use of beacon lights are being misused recurrently which is against the spirit and ethos of equality. The Governments both at the Centre and in states are worried about the rising burden on the exchequer created by the so-called VIP culture and the protection they are forced to provide. But to tinker with it would be like touching the hornets nest as so many political leaders are the direct beneficiaries of the VIP culture. There seems to be genuine lack of political will to end this evil system.

The Apex Court in Abhay Singh v. State of U.P. (red beacon judgment) deprecated the misuse of red beacon on the vehicles of public representatives and civil servants and laid down certain guidelines which are persistently being violated.

Right to Know

Every citizen has the right to know the raison detre behind protecting the so-called VIPs when many of them are criminals and kin of big political leaders. Every citizen is indignant because of the system of stopping traffic due to VIP convoys. Even ambulances carrying serious patients are not allowed to go. Flights get delayed due to the late arrival of VIPs whereas common citizens are denied entry into the airport even if they are one minute late.

An Air India plane in Delhi was delayed for hours allegedly because the airline was eager to help out some VIPs. In yet another incident, on 24 June 2015, in a flight from Leh to Delhi, three passengers, said to be an Indian Air Force officer and his family, were asked to leave the plane when one MOS, Ministry of Home Affairs and Deputy CM of Jammu and Kashmir were to be accommodated on the flight. So many other instances are available. This gives rise to a common question, as to why our money is being utilised to make some people superior and offering them official status differentiator.

It is proven that Article 14 of the Constitution forbids class legislation but permits classification which rests upon reasonable grounds of distinction. In order to pass the test for permissible classification two conditions are required to be fulfilled: (1) the classification must be founded on an intelligible differentia which distinguishes persons or things that are grouped together from others left out of the group, and (2) the differentia must have a rational nexus with the object sought to be achieved by the statute in question.

The VIP treatment to certain constitutional offices like the President of India, the Prime Minister, the Vice-President, the Governors of States, the Chief Ministers, the Chief Justice of India etc. is indubitably founded on intelligible differentia but other extra-constitutional and extra-legal VVIPs and VIPs will not pass the test of reasonable classification. While there is so much clamor and murmur in the Indian landscape against the VIP culture, no statutes or rules carry any definition of the term VIP or VVIP.

The Warrant of Precedence issued by the Ministry of Home is often cited as the reasons for the VIP treatment to certain people. But Note 1 clearly states: The order in this Table of Precedence is meant for state and ceremonial occasions and has no application in the day-to-day business of the government.

Separate facilities for VIPs, preferential plot allotment to VIPs under discretionary quota, VIP rooms in Railway station, airports, separate routes for VIPs, separate seats for VIPs, separate entitlement and privileges for VIPs and so on would not pass the test of reasonable classification by elongating any liberal and creative rule of interpretation. In a globalised world faced with similar problems of human misery, currently or historically, comparisons are inevitable. If we do so, we find perhaps no parallel in the world democracies.

The obnoxious arrogance of power with huge motorcade is a blow to our republicanism and erodes our constitutional conscience. The deep seated feudal culture of public servants seems to be the bane of our public administration and results in lack of sensitivity, efficiency and accountability in public service. With such a wall of separation from the so-called VIPs, a common citizen feels demeaned and realizes that he is a lesser human being. Hence, another ideal of the constitutionensuring human dignity to all  stands desecrated.

What is at stake here is not government, the governors or governance, but the very process of human and economic capital building and accumulation  to meet Indias international commitment at the UN and to achieving the millennial goals through sustainable development. Ignorance is perilous and ignorance that demoralises dignity of citizens is inhuman and makes the very ethos of our Constitution tremble. We therefore, urge the governments to define, refine and confine the horizons of VVIP concept.

The authors are, respectively, Associate Professor of Law at the National Law University, Odisha and an advocate.
This is a journey to remember, and it all began when pain pushed my life to take a new curve.

Pain, whether physical, emotional or mental, is never easy to manage  for various reasons, one of which being not knowing how to accept and deal with the same. Actually, pain is a journey of the mind, body and soul, attributed to karma  whether past or present.

My experience with pain and its varied forms has been a long journey  one which taught me to retrospect, reflect and introspect. It was during this time of restless meandering that my calling came. I never dreamt of ever visiting Benares, not for any specific reason, but just for the fact that it was never on my radar of travel destinations. So, when countless remedies of pain minimization and elimination did not work, including spa and wellness destinations, I suddenly felt the need to travel to this holy city. There was no agenda. There were no contacts. But, as if the universe planned the trip for me, the elements all fell in line.

I stayed at the Krishnamurthi Study Center and Retreat at Rajghat, which, in itself, was an eye opener. Initially, the sharp contrast of the citys chaos and the quiet and calm of the center was challenging, but then came understanding and acceptance  of the fact that each element was a world in itself and possessed its own unique aspects. The suggestion of visiting the Ghats came up as a mandatory tourist attraction  a holy place, one just had to pay a visit to. Little did I anticipate the change it would bring in me. Contemplating if my pain would even allow me to undertake the journey, an actually simple one for any other individual, I decided that I did not have anything to loose. Perhaps, the trip would serve as a distraction to the pain. The rains had not made the path to board the rickety boat any easier. I struggled with my pair of unsuitable shoes, soaked in mud by the time I managed to clutter onto the boat, almost hanging onto the sides for dear life. The journey was with two friends, whom though I met only 24 hours ago, seemed to have been somehow connected with me since eternity.

Why does one meet only a certain group of people in this whole wide world? Why is it that some people, you are associated with for almost a lifetime, still seem like strangers?Why is it that a yesterdays acquaintance feels like a soul, who has journeyed with you through several life times? Our journey oscillated between light-hearted conversation and between sudden solemnness. The sound of the paddles splashing in the water, the distance chants and the countless thoughts were acatalytic combination for an inward journey.

What was even more like an awakening was the passage of our boat parallel to the Ghats. The city seemed in total acceptance of the cycles of birth and rebirth, of life and death. The HarishchandraGhat, which struck a deep chord with me, awakened me from my slumber, my cocoon of pain in which I had embroiled myself, by showing me plainly the brevity of life. The cremations, in their various stages, with the hustle bustle of life encircling the passed away souls just goes to prove that life just goes on, waiting for none. And then, as if entering a new world, after a brief pause, our boat parked itself at a little distance from the DashashwamedhGhat, located close to the Vishwanath Temple. My thoughts could, however, not disengage themselves from the earlier view, even though a part of me was already looking forward to the Ganga Aarti. The world is in a flux, as we all are  wanting and thinking something at one point in time and space, with the very same changing the very next moment.

The Aarti was a blessing for the soul, food for the mind and treat for the senses. The synchronization, the chants, the Bhakti and the Aradhana all took me to another level  a level of acceptance of, and adaptation to my being.

When the magic was physically over, and we began to hurriedly move out, I still carried the sounds and sights with me. It was a quiet journey back, as if my fellow travellers and I had relived life all over again. As it began to drizzle, and we huddled under umbrellas, walking through the streets and lanes, the darkness seemed blessed, for it is always followed by light. I realized, for the first time, that pain is a journey too, not matter how intense, how deep and how long a duration  it is a journey, with precious lessons to be learnt. As Rumi saidAnd you? When will you begin that journey into yourself?
Three militants were killed on Thursday in suicide blasts during a raid in Bangladesh's Chittagong city, a police officer said.

"Two militants detonated themselves despite repeated requests to surrender," the officer told Xinhua news agency.

The third militant, a woman, succumbed to her injuries at a hospital.

Sounds of explosions and gunfire were heard from the militants' hideout at about 6 am.

The militants were suspected to be members of the Jamaatul Mujahideen Bangladesh extremist group.
The twin bombings that rocked the capital city of Damascus have killed 43 persons and wounded 129 others, media reports said.

The first explosion happened when a suicide bomber detonated his bomb vest inside the Justice Palace, or the Courthouse, in central Damascus on Wednesday afternoon, leaving 43 people killed and 105 others wounded, the source told Xinhua news agency on condition of anonymity.

The bomber was among the people who were waiting for checking to enter the building.

He was in camouflaged uniform, holding a rifle and a hand grenade. Once he handed over his weapons to the checkpoint police, he was asked for further inspection. He thronged the checkpoint and entered the main hall of the Justice Palace, detonating a bomb vest he was wearing.

The bombing happened at the time of rush hour in the courthouse, causing the largest possible deaths.

An hour later, crackles of gunshots were heard in the resort area of Rabweh, in what later appeared to be the Syrian police hunting down a bomber with an explosive belt. The bomber entered a restaurant in that area, detonated the bomb, which wounded 24 persons.

On Saturday, the Al Qaida-linked Nusra Front carried out a suicide bombing in Damascus, killing 74 people, including Iraqi Shiite visitors, who were in Damascus on a pilgrim visit.
A devastating fire swept through one of the largest slums in Dhaka on Thursday, destroying hundreds of homes and leaving thousands displaced, Bangladesh police said.

However, there were no immediate reports of any casualties, Xinhua news agency reported.

The slum, called Korail-Boubajar, shelters about 300,000 residents.

Eighteen fire fighting units rushed to the spot at about 2.00 a.m., the police said.

The blaze was doused at about 7.00 a.m., said a firefighter, adding the exact cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained.

About 500 homes made of scrap sheet iron, plastic and cardboard were destroyed fully, he said.
US President Donald Trump has said he will go to the Supreme Court to overturn a ruling by a federal judge that blocks his new immigration ban order, a media report said.

"We're going to fight this terrible ruling. We're going to take this as far as we need to, right up to the Supreme Court. We're going to win and we're going to keep our citizens safe," Trump said at a rally in Nashville, Tennessee on Wednesday.

Trump lashed out at the ruling by US District Judge Derrick Watson, based in Honolulu, Hawaii, who on Wednesday blocked Trump's revised travel ban, which bars the entry into the US of immigrants from six Muslim-majority countries and all refugees.

The President labelled Watson's ruling "an unprecedented judicial overreach" and reiterated that the constitution gives him powers to suspend immigration for national security, Efe news reported.

Trump warned that he would take this legal battle to the Supreme Court.

"I think we ought to go back to the first one and go all the way (to the Supreme Court), which is what I wanted to do in the first place," Trump said, referring to his first immigration ban order that was blocked in early February and which was followed by his brief but unsuccessful legal battle.

On March 6, Trump presented a "watered-down" version of his immigration order, which introduced changes like cutting Iraq from the list of banned countries.

The new ban suspended the refugee program for 120 days and banned citizens from Iran, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Yemen and Libya from entering the country for 90 days.

The second order also amended a provision on Syrian refugees, who will be banned from entering the country for 120 days and not indefinitely, as the original order had established.


Srinagar, Mar 16 (IBNS) : Jammu and Kashmir Police on Thursday arrested separatist leaders Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umer Farooq and Muhammad Yasin Malik in Srinagar.

According to reports, the arrests were made when the three pro-freedom Hurriyat leaders came out from Geelani's Hyderpora residence to hold a press conference.

They have been taken to the Humhama police station.

Informed sources said at the press conference the leaders were scheduled to call for a boycott of the forthcoming by-elections to the Lok Sabha in the state.

Police have reportedly assaulted many photojournalists working with Local, National and International Media,who had gone to cover the press conference.



(Reporting by Saleem Iqbal Qadri)
A letter bomb exploded at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) headquarters in Paris on Thursday, leaving one person injured, according to initial reports.

The World Bank office in France is also in the same compound as IMF.

The injured is an assistant to an IMF manager, the reports added.

Following the incident, IMF staff immediately evacuated the building and armed military and police guarded the area.

A similar incident was reported on Wednesday when a parcel bomb was sent to the German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schauble. Police had recovered the parcel before it could hurt anyone.
India is an important economic partner for the US, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin has told Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and expressed keenness to continue the robust bilateral financial dialogue.

Mnuchin spoke with Jaitley over phone on Tuesday, the US Treasury said in a statement on Wednesday.

"Mnuchin underscored India's importance as an economic partner of the United States," it said.

"The Secretary and Finance Minister expressed a desire to continue the robust bilateral dialogue between Treasury and the Ministry of Finance in the year ahead," the statement said.

Jaitley is scheduled to travel to the US next month to attend the annual spring meeting of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. The two leaders are expected to meet here.
Israel President Reuven Rivlin met with the US Middle East envoy Jason Greenblatt to push for an agreement between Palestinians and Israelis, media reports said.

According to a statement issued by Rivlin's office on Wednesday, Rivlin and Greenblatt reviewed how Israelis and Palestinians could live in peace and security and discussed the ongoing efforts to end the conflict, Efe news reported.

Rivlin expressed his willingness to support the peace process and wished the US envoy "success on his complex mission".

Greenblatt also met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Tuesday to discuss how to combat the instigation of violence and prepare for the Palestinian leader's visit to the White House, whose date has not been finalised yet.

Abbas said that a "historic" peace agreement is possible under Trump's leadership and this deal will enhance security throughout the region.

The Palestinian president insisted on defending the two-state solution as a strategic choice.

Greenblatt pointed out that the meeting was positive and productive on the current situation, noting that they talked about how to move towards peace and strengthen the capacity of the Palestinian security forces.

The US diplomat also had a five-hour meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday.
Britain's Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday granted royal assent to the Brexit bill, giving Prime Minister Theresa May the legal power to start negotiations with the European Union.

House of Commons Speaker John Bercow announced that the European Union (Notification of Withdrawal) Bill was signed by the Queen after it was cleared by both chambers of the Parliament earlier this week, the Guardian reported.

"I have to notify the house in accordance with the Royal Assent Act 1967 that her Majesty has signified her royal assent to the following acts European Union (Notification of Withdrawal) Act 2017," Bercow told lawmakers.

The bill gives May the legal authority to trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, the laid down procedure within the EU for a member state wishing to leave.

Once Article 50 is triggered, it kickstarts a two-year process for negotiating a new relationship between both sides.

The Prime Minister is now free to trigger the exit clause, but is not expected to do until as late as March 29, the newspaper reported.

A Downing Street spokesman said: "The legislation has been passed un-amended, we are pleased that's the case. The legislation has got Royal Assent and we look forward to triggering negotiations by the end of March."

Brexit Secretary David Davis said: "The Queen has today given royal assent to the Article 50 bill, giving the government the formal power to it and deliver on the will of the people."

Indian-origin lawyer in Britain Sarosh Zaiwalla said: "The biggest headache for the Prime Minister now is the announcement by Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon calling for a second referendum on the independence If Scotland becomes independent, the UK will break up, and England will become little England. This has to be kept in mind."
A total of 2,957,454 Syrians are currently registered in Turkey, media reports said.

Local daily Hurriyet, citing a tweet from the interior ministry's directorate general of migration management on Thursday, reported that he official figures included protection applications, irregular migrants and foreigners given residence permits.

There were more Syrian men (1,580,866) than women (1,367,588) registered. The majority of males was aged 19 and 24 and the biggest group of females was aged between five and nine, the directorate said.

Around 10 per cent of Syrian refugees were in refugee camps, according to official data cited last month by state news agency Anadolu. Most are living in urban areas and have the right to work.

Turkey was spending $25 billion on aid for Syrian refugees, Anadolu quoted interior minister Suleyman Soylu as saying on February 15.

After Lebanon, Turkey is the country hosting the most Syrian refugees.

Lebanon is sheltering over a million Syrians, Jordan 657,000, Iraq more than 230,000 and Egypt over 117,000 according to the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR).
A federal district court judge in Hawaii has issued a temporary restraining order against President Donald Trumps new travel ban, hours before it was due to take effect. The move was slammed by the President as "unprecedented judicial overreach".

In a 43-page ruling on Wednesday, US District Court Judge Derrick Watson concluded that the new executive order failed to pass legal muster at this stage and the state had established "a strong likelihood of success" on their claims of religious discrimination, CNN reported on Thursday.

Watson wrote that any "reasonable, objective observer" would view even the new order as "issued with a purpose to disfavour a particular religion, in spite of its stated, religiously neutral purpose."

He lambasted the government, in particular, for asserting that because the ban did not apply to all Muslims in the world, it could not be construed as discriminating against Muslims, reported the Washington Post.

Trump decried the ruling during a rally Wednesday night in Nashville, introducing his statement as "the bad, the sad news."

"The order he blocked was a watered-down version of the first one," Trump said, as the crowd booed the news.

"This is, in the opinion of many, an unprecedented judicial overreach," he added, before pledging to take the issue to the Supreme Court if necessary.

"We're going to fight this terrible ruling. We're going to take this as far as we need to, right up to the Supreme Court. We're going to win and we're going to keep our citizens safe," the President said at the rally.

Trump's new entry ban had suspended the US refugee programme for 120 days and halted for 90 days the issuance of new visas to people from six Muslim-majority countries: Iran, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Libya and Syria.

Unlike the previous executive order, the new one removed Iraq from the list of banned countries, exempted those with green cards and visas and removed a provision that arguably prioritises certain religious minorities.

The new ban was announced earlier this month and was set to take effect Thursday.

"The illogic of the government's contentions is palpable. The notion that one can demonstrate animus towards any group of people only by targeting all of them at once is fundamentally flawed," Watson wrote in his ruling.

"Equally flawed is the notion that the executive order cannot be found to have targeted Islam because it applies to all individuals in the six referenced countries," Watson added.

"It is undisputed, using the primary source upon which the Government itself relies, that these six countries have overwhelmingly Muslim populations that range from 90.7% to 99.8%."

The Justice Department said it will defend the new travel ban.

Watson was one of three federal judges to hear arguments Wednesday about the ban, though he was the first to issue an opinion. Federal judges in Washington state and Maryland said they would issue opinions soon.
President Donald Trump in his first budget is seeking to cut the foreign aid by a whopping 28 per cent which is likely to have an impact on top recipients like Pakistan.

The budget will also call for a dramatic shift from the "soft power" diplomacy of the Obama era to a "hard power" military buildup. It would propose an increase the country s defence budget by USD 54 billion.

The US is expected to spend more than USD 40 billion on foreign aid in the current fiscal year, with about 60 per cent of that for economic and development assistance and 40 per cent on security, a media report said.

This is likely to have an impact on America's foreign aid to countries like Pakistan, which has been one of the top recipients of America s foreign aid post 9/11.

The top recipients are Afghanistan, where 8,400 US troops are deployed, about USD 4.7 billion; Israel, USD 3.1 billion; Egypt, USD 1.4 billion; Iraq, USD 1.1 billion; Jordan, USD 1 billion and Pakistan, USD 742 million. Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania and Ethiopia each received more than USD 500 million, the report said.

"You will see a fairly dramatic reduction in State Department (budget). That is not a commentary on the President s policy towards the State Department," Mick Mulvaney, the Director of the Office of Management of Budget, said.

He said that the foreign aid line items in the budget happens to fall within the State Department functions.

During his campaign, Trump, had said he wants to spend less money overseas and more money back home.

The budget proposals tries to accomplish this goal.

The proposals being released by the White House later on Thursday is a "budget blueprint" and not a complete budget. The full budget would be introduced in May.

Mulvaney said despite the reduction in the State Department budget, the White House has protected the core diplomatic function of the state.

"What you see in the State Department budget is the reduction in the foreign aid program," he said.

"This is the America First Budget. We rolled it by using president s own words, through articles that have been written about his policies, we talked to him, we wanted to know what his policies were and we turned those policies into numbers. There will be more money on defence, USD 54 billion." Mulvaney said.
Guwahati, Mar 16 (IBNS) : Troops of Assam Rifles have apprhended two suspected Islamic State (IS) operatives from a India-Myanmar border town in Manipur, officials said.

The duo was held at the border check post at Khudengthabi along the Trans Asian Highway No-1 on March 14 while proceeding towards Imphal from Moreh.

A top official of Manipur police said the suspected IS operatives have been identified as Nazir Mohammad and Abu Bakir -both hailing from Taml Nadu.

Altogether 14 SIM cards, Rs 75,130 in Indian currency and a huge amount of foreign currencies were recovered from them.

"During interrogation, the suspected IS operatives revealed that they had left Kolkata on March 9 and travelled through Assam and reached Dimapur railway station on March 10. Then they came to Imphal and went to the bordering town Moreh," the police official said.

They also reportedly admitted to have visited the north eastern Indian state for the second time.

Manipur police and other security agencies have started probing the real purpose of their visit to Manipur and the bordering town.



(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)


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Chief: We should not be an arm of ICE
Panaji, Mar 16 (IBNS) : Congress legislator and senior Goa leader Vishwajit Rane, on Thursday resigned from the party shortly after abstaining from the trust vote the BJP's Manohar Parrikar Government sought in the Assembly, media reports said.

"I have resigned as MLA. I have also resigned as a member of the Congress party. I am going back to my people for a fresh mandate," Rane told NDTV.

He accused the party of "failing Goa."

Rane said he was yet to decide which party he would join, though he did not rule out going into the BJP fold.

Rane was a frontrunner for Chief Minister if the Congress had formed Government.

He was reportedly upset over the Congress failing to move quickly enough to garner support required to form a Government even though it emerged the single largest party after elections produced a fractured mandate with no party gaining absolute majority on its own.

The Congress won the most seats, 17, but it was the BJP, with only 13 seats, that successfully wooed the smaller parties and individual winners to nudge the rivals out on way to forming a coalition Government.

The son of five-time Congress Chief Minister Pratap Rane has accused the Congress central leader in charge of Goa, Digvijaya Singh, of "mismanagement".

Chief Minister Parrikar sailed through with 22 votes in his favour in the 40-member assembly.
Official Twitter handle of Roopa Ganguly

New Delhi, Mar 16 (IBNS): Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Roopa Ganguly on Thursday slammed oppositions's allegation against her over child trafficking issue in West Bengal.

Congress MP Rajni Patil without taking any name, attacked two MPs in Rajya Sabha questioning their link with child trafficking that recently took place in the Jalpaiguri district of WB.

"There is a NGO that works in the Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal, where several children are brought and then flouting the rules, they are sold the to France and also South East Asia. After the investigation, it was found that the Principal Secretary of BJP's Women's Wing was involved in the case. When the accused was arrested, she took the name of two people out of whom, one person is now present in the House but I won't take the name," she said in the Rajya Sabha.

Following the allegation, Ganguly erupted in the Upper House thinking that Patil was accusing her.

In an investigation by CID (Criminal Investigation Department) in the case of child trafficking, police had arrested BJP leader Juhi Chowdhury who supposedly taken the names of some "influential political personalities."

According to a media report on March 2, an officer of the CID said: "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."

Trinamool Congress also supported Congress' allegations brought against BJP in the house.
Image: Google Maps

Guwahati, Mar 16 (IBNS): The Assam Police is yet to trace Subodh Biswas, who was earlier declared as most wanted and the main accused in the Silapathar incident in which miscreants attacked and vandalized a local All Assam StudentsUnion (AASU) office.

To arrest the national president of Nikhil Bharat Bangali Udbastu Samanvay Samiti (NIBBUSS), a 6-member team of Assam police went to Delhi on Thursday and also contacted with the Maharashtra, West Bengal and Arunachal Pradesh counterparts.



Assam DGP Mukesh Sahay said that, a team including three officials of Special Investigating Team (SIT) haa gone to Delhi to trace Subodh Biswas.



The top Assam cops said that, Subodh Biswas had managed to flee from Silapathar on March 10 with help from some local persons and some persons identified.



Meanwhile, Assam police arrested three more persons in connection with the March 6 Silapathar incident.



Dhemaji police had arrested Sadhan Biswas, vice president of NIBBUSS Dhemaji unit and other two persons Pallav Seal and Bharat Rajbongshi.



Assam police had arrested 48 persons so far in connection with the AASU office attack incident.



On the other hand, Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said that, police will arrest the main accused person of the Silapathar incident soon.



Assam police has already formed a SIT specially for the incident, the Assam CM said.



On the other hand, protests are continued by several organizations including AASU across the state and demanded the state government to arrest the main accused who triggered turmoil in Assam in past 10 days.



On Thursday, AASU activists staged protests across the state against the state government failure to arrest Subodh Biswas.



(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)
Movie directors are constantly traveling the world in search of ever more spectacular, mysterious and intriguing locations.

Whether its filming Lord of the Rings among the vast green open spaces of New Zealand or Jurassic Park on a tiny Hawaiian Island, its often the scenery that steals the show.

But probably few more so than these:

The Godfather  Sicily

Francis Ford Coppola was on holiday here when he came across a small church in a quiet and crumbling hill village near Taormina. He made up his mind on the spot to return with a film crew and the small villages of Savoca and Forza dagro became part of Hollywood history.

Savoca and its now legendary Bar Vitelli and Michael Corleones wedding church remain today pretty much as they were when the scenes were shot in the early seventies. Theres a table outside the bar where Al Pacinos Michael sat with Mafioso minders, Fabrizio and Calo and you can still stroll the nearby countryside just as he did while courting his bride, Appollina. Its an offer you cant refuse.

Read also: Road Trip to the Deep South of Sicily

The Beach  Thailand

Leonardo DiCaprio meets a French couple while backpacking his way around Asia and they end up on a remote and seemingly idyllic island living as part of a hippy-style commune. Sinister forces soon remind them that this is no Shangri-la. But all we remember are the views. And no surprise with so much of the action having been shot on the stunning Thai beaches of Phi Phi Lay island.

The most recognisable is the spectacular Maya Bay which is surrounded by 100-metre high cliffs on three sides. Some of its beaches are completely hidden and only reveal themselves when a low tide reveals soft white sand and water so clear you can see the vividly-coloured corals and the most exotic fish. But if, like DiCaprios character, its escapism youre looking for, be sure to get there early. When the sun is at its highest, you may find more tourists than extras on a film set.

Read also our 2 minute travel guide to Thailand and the article on Alternative Bangkok and spiritual Chiang Mai

Out of Africa  Kenya

Meryl Streep played Danish author Isak Dinesen whose memoirs as a settler running a coffee plantation in colonial Africa inspired the film. Her romance with Robert Redford as the great white hunter who distracted her from her husbands philandering was set against a backdrop of vast plains, dark forests and green hills, not to mention seductive Safaris with campfire suppers eaten off fine china and white linen.

Kenya itself is a place of dramatic extremes with its Alpine snows and blazing deserts that make it the epitome of wild Africa and the place where safaris were born. The ultimate destination is, of course, the Maasai Mara, particularly in the July-October migration season. You dont need a Streep or Redford to fall in love with. The country alone will seduce you.

Read also: Top 5 African safari destinations

To catch a thief  French Riviera

Few films have more beautifully showcased the towns and villages that litter the coast of France and Monaco. Cary Grant is our tour guide as a retired jewel thief desperate to catch a copycat burglar to clear his name. Then theres the cinematic skills of Alfred Hitchcock and a love interest in the form of a young Grace Kelly in the mix to add even more glamour into the mix.

It was one of those films where the location was the star. Kelly fell in love with much if it, including majestic buildings such as the Castle of la Croix des Gardes where scenes of the spectacular masquerade ball were shot. In fact, not long afterwards, aged only 26, she gave up Hollywood and moved there to marry her prince. That may not be an option for the rest of us, but its worth a visit if only to catch a glimpse.

Browse through our French Riviera articles

Before Sunrise  Vienna

A young American meets a French student on a train and persuades her to get off with him when it stops in Vienna. With nowhere to stay, the pair wander around the City together, literally through the night and into the following morning until dawn breaks and they have to part. They chat about life, fall in love and share their first kiss at sunrise. Along the way, the couple played by Ethan Hawke and Julie Delphy manage to visit all the most seductive of landmarks such as the Wiener Riesenrad, Zollamtssteg Bridge, Maria am Gestade church, and the Donaukanal where a stranger even offers to write them a poem.

They visit a few cafes, play pinball in one and play out one of the most memorable scenes in which they play a game of bogus phone conversations with each other in another, the Cafe Sperl, one of the most famous of the citys period and stylish turn of the century eateries.

Hawke even manages some poetry of his own, reciting WH Auden on the balcony of the Albertina Palais Museum.

Read also our Travel Guide: 24 hours in Vienna, Austria

Did a film ever inspire you to visit a destination? Leave a comment
Panaji, Mar 16 (IBNS): Taking a dig at Congress state general secretary Digvijaya Singh, Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on Thursday said that the party couldn't get the support of other parties to form the government because he came to Goa "just to enjoy, not to work",media reports said

Parrikar said there was a hype created by the Congress that they had numbers (majority), possibly because there was a demand among the party members that Digvijaya should step down as general secretary of the party.

Parrikar won the floor test in Goa Assembly with the support of 22 trust votes on Thursday.

Parrikar claimed that all the allied parties of the newly formed government supported BJP "voluntarily".

Though Congress became the single largest party in assembly election, BJP got the support of other smaller parties to form the government in Goa.

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi on Thursday said: "BJP has stolen government with money power."

Former Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar who resigned from his ministry to become Goa CM sworn in on Tuesday.

Allied parties of Goa government like Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party and Goa Forward Party who lend support to BJP, earlier wanted Parrikar as CM.
Patnaik's close aides say that to understand him, one has to understand his empathy

By Pratul Sharma/Photos Sanjay Ahlawat
Mohammed Saifullah, linked to the March 7 Bhopal-Ujjain train blast and shot dead by the Uttar Pradesh police last week, was trained in martial arts and had been practicing it along with his associates for the last several months. The findings of the National Investigation Agency(NIA) come at a time when new IS training videos have come to light where the fighters are practicing martial arts. The NIA sleuths say they have reasons to believe that the UP and MP modules were following the IS diktat and undergoing similar training in martial arts, possibly by watching the IS training modules online.

Even as the Uttar Pradesh police downplayed the IS links to Saifullah, the NIA believes that the IS inspired module was more than a radicalised set of youth preparing for a major strike. Last week, UP DGP Javeed Ahmad had said that other than the recovery of a single IS flag from Saifullah's hideout, all other links to the global terror outfit were based on opinion not facts.

The NIA sleuths have fanned out in the two states to collect evidence, especially digital evidence or footprints, to establish the identity of their handler.

"The NIA teams are in UP and MP. They have taken over the investigation. Digital evidence will be the key in this case as we will know whether the operatives had sent a video of the train blast to their handler or whether they were in touch with the India IS head Shafi Armar," an official said. Moreover, the agency is trying to establish the money trail within the country and possible funding from foreign sources to carry out the terror acts.

The NIA is also likely to gather leads related to a murder case against some of the suspectsa teacher belonging to the majority community had been gunned down. "The murder appears to be a part of the training for the module, where they were inspired to kill someone they perceived to be representing the majority community," said an investigator.

Meanwhile, the NIA sleuths are in possession of leads that show that some of the arrested youth wanted to travel to Syria and had even travelled to Mumbai as part of preparations to join the caliphate in Syria.

While the Uttar Pradesh police shot dead suspected terrorist Saifullah last Wednesday, six other suspects have been arrested in the two states on terror charges. Three suspects were arrested in Hoshangabad in Madhya Pradesh and following their interrogation, three more arrests were made in Uttar Pradesh.

Home minister Rajnath Singh had applauded the police forces in both states saying that it was due to their prompt action that a possible threat to national security was successfully averted. Eight pistols, 630 live cartridges, Rs 1.5 lakh, three mobiles phone, four SIM cards, two wireless sets and some foreign currency were recovered from Saifullah's hideout in Lucknow.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said he wished to keep working and urged others to do the same too.

He spoke at the BJP's parliamentary party meeting where he was felicitated over the Bharatiya Janata Party's performance in assembly elections.

A BJP leader who attended the meeting said, "Modiji said he will keep working and asked us to do the same. He said that he will not sit idle and will not let anyone sit idle."

Home Minister Rajnath Singh moved a resolution to congratulate Modi. Subsequently, 'prasad' brought from the Tirupati Balaji temple was distributed.

Asked if the name of the chief minister for Uttar Pradesh was finalised, Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad told reporters: "You need not worry. UP will get a capable Chief Minister."
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over the probe into the March 7 Bhopal-Ujjain passenger train blast in Shajapur district of Madhya Pradesh, officials said here on Thursday.

Details and documents related to the probe have been handed over to an NIA team, which arrived here from Delhi on Wednesday, a state government official said.

The agency, which takes over the probe from Madhya Pradesh Police, is now expected to start questioning the three accusedMohammad Danish, Mohammad Atif Muzaffar and Sayed Meer Husainwho were arrested from Hoshangabad district of Madhya Pradesh, hours after the blast, the official added.

A local court on March 8 had remanded the trio in the custody of the Madhya Pradesh Police's Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) till March 23.

The three arrested persons, said to be influenced by the ISIS ideology, have been accused of planting a pipe bomb in the train.

According to the police, examination of the remnants of the pipe bomb had revealed that "ISIS now in India" was written over it.

At least 10 people were injured, three of them seriously, in the IED blast on the train near Jabri station in Shajapur district of Madhya Pradesh on March 7.
Will the Teesta water sharing agreement be inked during the visit of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, scheduled from April 7 to 10? Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Gopal Baglay dropped a hint on Thursday when he said that, "it will be a landmark visit. Both sides are attempting to make it significant."

Bangladesh, which has supported India in isolating Pakistan in the subcontinent, is keen that the water sharing agreement is formalised. It was nearly done so in 2011, during then prime minister Manmohan Singh's Dhaka visit. However, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamta Banerjee played spoilsport, saying that it might lead to a water scarcity in her state. Water, in India, is a state subject.

The Teesta river originates from a glacier in north Sikkim and flows through the state and into West Bengal before entering Bangladesh. It is a major source of water for Bangladesh, and the country is keen to have portions sorted out, so that it can plan for its lean, non-monsoon months.

Mamata Banerjee had subsequently mellowed. In 2015, when she was in Dhaka, she said that she would play a positive role. But the relations between her and PM Modi had taken a turn for the worse, especially after the demonetisation drive. Is hectic parleying underway and will it have a positive outcome?

Hasina's trip had to be postponed twice, as mandarins at her end felt the climate wasn't right for a positive outcome. The heat of the keenly contested elections in five states also pushed back her visit further.

MEA bureaucrats remained vague about the visit not materialising, citing various reasons like a non-availability of mutually convenient dates. At one point, MEA even said that a small window had opened in December, but since Hasina was also keen on visiting the dargah at Ajmer, the logistics would not work out.

Though the details of Hasina's tour will be spelt out only closer to the date, the buzz has already started. Hasina last visited India for a bilateral in January 2010, though she did visit India last year for the BRICS meet in Goa. She also came for the funeral of President Pranab Mukherjee's wife Suvra in August 2015. The two had close personal bonds.
After Bengaluru-based homestay network startup Stayzilla's co-founder and CEO Yogendra Vasupal was arrested on Tuesday on charges of fraud filed by an advertising company, one of his blog posts is going viral. The post, written by Vasupal before the arrest was published on his Medium account on Wednesday by his wife and co-founder Rupal Yogendra. The long blog post titled 'Help! I need everybody...' gives a detailed account of Vasupal's side of the storyof death threats, harassment and the state of startup ventures in the country.

I have realized that while we all want India to Start-up and Stand-up, the regulatory framework + corruption does not let one pick up after they fall. Instead it works overtime to bury them, he wrote.

Stayzilla had shut down its operations in February, citing an 'unviable business model'. The startup was embroiled in an ongoing dispute with Chennai-based advertising agency Jigsaw Solutions and Advertising, over 'severe deficiency of services' provided. According to media reports, Jigsaw Advertising was a vendor for Stayzilla since 2013 and had been providing marketing options such as public billboards and visibility points at airports. They claimed that the startup was not paying bills which had resulted in massive unpaid bills generated over a period of 12-13 months.

Stayzilla had asked Jigsaw to take up the matter with the court. However, the advertising firm filed a criminal case against Vasupal accusing him of fraud and embezzlement of funds. They also claimed that Vasupal owed the firm Rs 1.72 crore. Meanwhile, Vasupal said in his blog post that it was Stayzilla, a private limited company, that owed the money to Jigsaw, and not him as a person.

"I dont personally owe anybody money and I am wondering how can they get confused on such a basic matter as this was a clear civil case. I also pointed out that we have been asking the other company to take it to court if they felt they were wronged as we felt within our right," he wrote.

In his post, Vasupal highlighted two cases of harassment:

Case against landlord

Vasupal and his team had been working out of the office in HSR Layout, Bengaluru for roughly an year. By the end of January, the team informed the landlord, who also happens to be a politician, that the company was going through a rough patch. Since then, wrote Vasupal, the landlord has been threatening and harassing his staff. He even threatened to kill them with a revolver. Vasupal, has also posted a video in the blog, purportedly of the landlord abusing his staff in the Stayzilla office. Even outside the office, the landlord had become a regular source of trouble for his employees, insulting them at every turn and passing comments at his women staff.

He claims to have filed an FIR with the police but they did not take any action. It was only after Vasupal's lawyer told the police that they had video evidence and they would go to the media, that they sent help.

When I got to the office I found 10 Policemen there to protect. 4 of them inside with the land lord, remaining outside. The Landlord was comfortably seated and the policemen were pleading with him to leave the premises, which he did after 2 & 1/2 hours of cajoling. I thanked the police and told them that I understood their compulsion," the blog said.

Case against media agency

Vasupal also wrote about being harassed by the media agency that filed the case against him. On March 9, a team of Bengaluru policemen, in mufti, arrived at Vasupal's house and demanded he report at the police station for questioning. They said a Chennai-based company had registered a complaint against him for cheating and intimidation. Later, it became evident that no FIR was officially filed. Though Vasupal's post does not mention 'Jigsaw Solutions' by name, media reports have confirmed the complainant company is Jigsaw.

The Inspector then lay down the line stating that sending mufti policemen was the first way, the second way was that they will file an FIR and send uniformed policemen and have me arrested and jailed. After being taken aback for a split second, I realized that as long as I fear going to the Jail, I will always succumb to baseless threats. I then told him if it was my fate to go to jail, I will, wrote Vasupal.

Later that day, the other co-founder Sachit Sanghi received a creepy-looking rag doll, with a photograph of his son, with a message The most special way to say you care'.

A note at the end of the original post by Vasupal said he was taken to the magistrate at 10 pm though courts do not function after 6 pm. It said: This shows how money and influence can supercede true and thorough investigation in a country which talks so much about start-ups and culture.

Karnataka's IT minister Priyank Kharge said he is looking into the issue and getting in touch with ministers in Chennai.

Meanwhile, with Vasupal's post showing up on social media, startup founders have come out in solidarity with Stayzilla, demanding release of Vasupal from jail. #ReleaseYogiNow is being used to speak up for the him.
Hours before President Donald Trump's revised travel ban was set to go into effect, a US federal judge in Hawaii on Wednesday issued an emergency halt to the order's implementation. The action was the latest legal blow to the administration's efforts to temporarily ban refugees as well as travelers from six predominantly Muslim countries.

The new ban, signed by the president on March 6, had aimed to overcome legal problems with a January executive order that caused chaos at airports and sparked mass protests before a Washington judge stopped its enforcement in February.

US District Judge Derrick Watson put an emergency stop to the new order in response to a lawsuit filed by the state of Hawaii, which argued that the order discriminated against Muslims in violation of the US Constitution.

President Trump has said the policy is critical for national security and does not discriminate against any religion. Judge Watson concluded in his ruling that while the order did not mention Islam by name, "a reasonable, objective observer... would conclude that the Executive Order was issued with a purpose to disfavor a particular religion."

Watson was appointed to the bench by former Democratic President Barack Obama.

Trump said the judge's legal block "makes us look weak" and represented "unprecedented judicial overreach," speaking at a rally in Nashville, Tennessee. He said he'll take case "as far as it needs to go" including to the Supreme Court.

Paul Ryan, the Republican Speaker of the US House of Representatives, said the ban was needed to improve vetting of people entering the United States and he had no doubt that it would be upheld by higher courts.

The legal battle is likely to move now to the federal appeals circuit and could eventually get to the US Supreme Court.

Rebuke

Watson's order is only temporary until the broader arguments in the case can be heard. He set an expedited hearing schedule to determine if his ruling should be extended.

Trump's first travel order was more sweeping than the second revised order. Like the current one, it barred citizens of Iran, Libya, Syria, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen from entering the country for 90 days, but it also included Iraq, which was subsequently taken off the list.

Refugees were blocked from entering the country for 120 days in both orders, but an indefinite ban on all refugees from Syria was dropped in the new one.

The revised ban also excluded legal permanent residents and existing visa holders. It provided a series of waivers for various categories of immigrants with ties to the United States.

Hawaii and other opponents of the ban claimed that the motivation behind it was Trump's campaign promise of "a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States."

The government, in its court filings cautioned the court against looking for secret motives in the executive order and against performing "judicial psychoanalysis of a drafters heart of heart."

Watson said he did not need to do that, because evidence of motive could be found in the president's public statements. He said he did not give credence to the government's argument that the order was not anti-Muslim because it targeted only a small percentage of Muslim-majority countries.

"The notion that one can demonstrate animus toward any group of people only by targeting all of them at once is fundamentally flawed," the judge wrote.

Several cases

The case was one of several moving through US courts on Wednesday that were brought by states' attorneys general and immigrant advocacy groups.

In Maryland, refugee resettlement agencies represented by the American Civil Liberties Union and the National Immigration Law Center argued in court for a restraining order.

In Washington state, a group of plaintiffs applying for immigrant visas asked US District Judge James Robart in Seattlewho suspended the first banto stop the new order. Robart was appointed to the bench by Republican former President George W. Bush.

Both Judge Robart and US District Judge Theodore Chuang in Maryland said they would issue written rulings in their cases, but did not specify a time line.

Washington state, joined by California, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York and Oregon, said in court filings they supported the plaintiffs in Seattle.

If more judges side with Watson, the government's case may be harder to make at higher courts. The 9th Circuit US Court of Appeals upheld Robart's ruling against the first ban and Watson referenced that decision in his order.

Various groups and companies said they would be harmed by the travel restrictions.

A group of 58 technology companies, including Airbnb Inc, Lyft Inc and Dropbox Inc, filed a "friend of the court" brief in the case saying the order hurt their ability to recruit the best talent from around the world.

A longer list of companies, including Apple Inc , Facebook Inc and Alphabet Inc's Googlefiled a brief opposing the first ban in a different court challenge brought by Washington state, which is ongoing.

It was not immediately clear why fewer tech companies signed on to the brief this time around.
New York, Mar 16 (Just Earth News): Womenas voices are still missing from the executive branches of governments and parliaments worldwide, slowing achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the United Nations agency tasked with supporting gender equality on Wednesday said at the launch of a visual representation of womenas political empowerment.

The number of women Heads of State or Heads of Government fell from 19 to 17 since 2015, and progress in the number of women in parliament continues to be slow, according to the Women in Politics Map launched on Wednesday by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and UN Women.

What is democracy? Is it people for the people, or men for the people, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Executive Director of UN Women, told journalists in New York. She spoke alongside Martin Chungong, Secretary-General of the IPU.

The Union, established in 1889, is the focal point for world-wide parliamentary dialogue and works for peace and co-operation among peoples and for the firm establishment of representative democracy. The IPU supports the efforts of and works in close cooperation with the UN on relevant objectives.

IPU data shows that the global average of women in national parliaments increased just slightly from 22.6 per cent in 2015 to 23.3 per cent in 2016. The number of female Speakers of the House, however, is up to the highest so far, with 53 out of 273 posts.

Political campaigns are expensive, said Mlambo-Ngcuka identifying some of the challenges facing women who run for office. Political parties are male dominated. When there isnt a specific measure in place, women fall off the ground. Men tend to choose those who are made in their own image.

She noted that some women also experience pushback from men, including physical violence, taunting and bullying; while the media sometimes focuses too much on womens physical attributes rather than their experiences and political platforms.

In 2016, we saw confirmation of a trend we had been seeing, when it comes to representation of women in parliament, there is progress but the progress is excruciatingly slow. At this rate, it will take 50 years to reach 50-50 parity, Chungong told the press. This is a warning signal; we have to do something about this.

Regional snapshot of womens political power

Regionally, womens representation in the Americas made the most significant gains, according to a press release from UN Women.

Womens participation in parliaments rose to 25 per cent from 22.4 per cent in 2015, even as the region saw a drop in Heads of State with the Presidents of Brazil and Argentina leaving office.

Female ministers in Africa saw a decline in numbers, after years of steady growth. About 19.7 per cent of the regions ministerial posts are held by women.

In Asia, women hold 11 per cent of ministerial posts, led by Indonesia whose Government is comprised of 25.7 per cent women.

Among the Arab States, 9.7 per cent of senior executive posts are held by women, led by Tunisia and the United Arab Emirates, at 23.1 per cent and 26.7 per cent, respectively.

In Europe, the total percentage stood at 22.5 per cent. A surprise came from the Nordic countries which have traditionally led the global stage in politics, but whose number of female ministers fell by more than six per cent to 43.5 per cent.

Regional snapshot of womens political power

On Wednesdays report was launched on the sidelines of the 61st Commission on the Status of Women, known as the largest inter-governmental forum on women's rights and gender equality. The theme this year is on women's economic empowerment in the changing world of work.

A common theme throughout the Commission has been the gender pay gap. Women on average are paid 77 cents for every one dollar earned by a man.

To highlight the 23 per cent disparity, the Commission is expected on Wednesday to pause at 4:10pm, when there is 23 per cent of the work-day left. Symbolically, coffee and tea will be served, as a sign of relaxation and to mark the end of the work day in coffee cups with the following slogan on their sleeves: EQUAL PAY NOW #CSW61.

Yesterday, the UN launched the Equal Pay Platform of Champions with support from actress Patricia Arquette and athlete Abby Wambach, among others.

UN Women has also launched the #StopTheRobbery campaign, which blacks out 23 per cent of characters from twitter messages in support of income equality.

UN Photo/Omar Abdisalan

Source: www.justearthnews.com
New York, Mar 16 (Just Earth News): The Government of Somalia has launched an oral cholera vaccination (OCV) campaign on Thursday with the support of the United Nations health agency, targeting over 450,000 people in seven high-risk areas around the country.

The first-ever OCV campaign to be conducted in the country comes at a critical time after Somalia announced the ongoing drought as a national disaster and faces the possibility of another famine, according to a news release issued yesterday by the World Health Organization (WHO).

This is one of the largest oral cholera vaccination campaigns conducted in Africa, said Ghulam Popal, WHO Representative in Somalia. This vaccination campaign will contribute to the reduction in the number of new cholera cases, interrupt transmission and limit the spread of cholera, he said.

Somalia is currently experiencing a large-scale outbreak of cholera with roughly 11,000 cases and 268 deaths reported in 11 regions since the beginning of 2017. This is more than half the number of cases reported for 2016.

Somalia has long experienced a humanitarian emergency due to conflict, insecurity, displacement of people and limited access to health system. This situation is further compounded by drought, malnutrition and lack of access to clean water and sanitation facilities. If the current drought and food insecurity continue, the number of cholera cases is likely to increase. Preventative measures such as oral cholera vaccine can mitigate these numbers, and save lives.

The campaign is being held in select communities in Mogadishu, Kismayo and Beledweyne through a combination of fixed and mobile sites for maximum accessibility by the communities. The vaccines, which will be administered to at-risk persons aged one year or older, are being delivered in 2 rounds. The first round of the campaign has commenced on Thursday and will continue until 19 March, and the second round of the campaign will be held from 18 to 22 April.

The response efforts by the Ministry of Health, WHO, UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) and health partners have included active case search, effective case management, intensive household chlorination campaign, and community awareness.

Photo: GAVI/Karel Prinsloo

Source: www.justearthnews.com
Image: twitter.com/POTUS

Washington, Mar 16 (IBNS): A Hawaiian federal judge has blocked US President Donald Trump's new travel ban, hours before its implementation, reports said.

Judge Derrick Watson cited 'questionable evidence' in the government's argument about the ban being implemented for national security, while blocking it.

Put off by the judgement, US President Donald Trump was quoted in the media as saying that it is an act of 'unprecedented judicial overreach'.
President Donald Trumps revised travel ban has suffered another federal court setback after a judge in Maryland rejected a revised measure that bans travel targeting six predominantly Muslim countries.

Judge Theodore Chuang ruled Thursday in Greenbelt, Maryland, in a case brought near the nations capital by the American Civil Liberties Union and other groups representing immigrants, refugees and their families. The groups argued that the underlying rationale of the ban was to discriminate against Muslims, making it unconstitutional.

Chuang granted a preliminary injunction on a nationwide basis. He declined to issue an injunction blocking the entire executive order, saying that the plaintiffs didnt sufficiently develop their argument that the temporary ban on refugees offends the establishment clause and didnt provide sufficient basis to establish the invalidity of the rest of the order.

He called Trumps own statements about intentions to impose a Muslim ban highly relevant. Trumps second executive order does include changes from the first order, Chuang noted, such as the removal of a preference for religious minorities in the refugee process.

Despite these changes, the history of public statements continues to provide a convincing case that the purpose of the Second Executive Order remains the realization of the long-envisioned Muslim ban, he said.

Details of the implementation of the orders also indicate that national security isnt the primary purpose of the ban, Chuang said.

The fact that the White House took the highly irregular step of first introducing the travel ban without receiving the input and judgment of the relevant national security agencies strongly suggests that the religious purpose was primary and the national security purpose, even if legitimate, is a secondary, post hoc rationale, he said.

The Maryland court saw through the governments legal maneuvering and recognized the new order for what it was: a Muslim ban, said Lee Gelernt, deputy director of the ACLUs national Immigrants Rights Project and one of the attorneys on the case. And importantly, he issued a preliminary injunction, not just a (temporary restraining order), so the injunction will remain in place through trial, and not just for a couple of weeks.

It was the latest ruling against Trumps revised travel ban. On Wednesday, a judge in Hawaii also rejected the ban.

Government lawyers argued that the ban was substantially revised from an earlier version signed in January that was later blocked by a federal judge in Washington state. They said the ban was ordered in the interest of national security to protect the U.S. from radical Islamic terrorism.

The Maryland plaintiffs also argued the ban illegally reduces the number of refugees authorized to enter the U.S. this year. Chuang granted a preliminary injunction prohibiting the enforcement of the travel ban nationwide pending further orders from the court. He declined to stay the ruling should an emergency appeal be filed.

The White House did not immediately respond to the Maryland ruling.

The Wednesday ruling came from U.S. District Judge Derrick Watson in Honolulu, who rejected the governments claims that the travel ban is about national security, not discrimination. Watson also said Hawaii would suffer financially if the executive order constricted the flow of students and tourists to the state, and that Hawaii was likely to succeed on a claim that the ban violates First Amendment protections against religious discrimination.

Watson criticized what he called the illogic of the governments arguments and cited significant and unrebutted evidence of religious animus behind the travel ban. He also noted that while courts should not examine the veiled psyche and secret motives of government decision-makers, the remarkable facts at issue here require no such impermissible inquiry.

For instance, there is nothing veiled about this press release: Donald J. Trump is calling for a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States,' Watson wrote, referring to a statement Trump issued as a candidate.

Trump called the ruling an example of unprecedented judicial overreach and said his administration would appeal it to the U.S. Supreme Court. He also called his new travel ban a watered-down version of the first one, which he said he wished he could implement.

Were going to win. Were going to keep our citizens safe, the president said at a rally in Nashville. The danger is clear. The law is clear. The need for my executive order is clear.

If the administration seeks an emergency stay of Watsons decision at the 9th Circuit, the matter would be heard by different judges from the three who ruled on the case last month. Thats because the panel of judges assigned to such cases rotates every month, said court spokesman David Madden.

The 9th Circuit on Wednesday declined to reconsider the 3-0 decision not to reinstate the original ban. In a dissent, five judges said they considered that decision incorrect and wanted it vacated.

Whatever we, as individuals, may feel about the president or the executive order, the presidents decision was well within the powers of the presidency, Judge Jay Bybee wrote for the five.

Watson issued his 43-page ruling less than two hours after hearing Hawaiis request for a temporary restraining order to stop the ban from being put into practice.

The hearing was one of three held Wednesday in federal courts around the country. U.S. District Judge James Robart in Seattle, who blocked the initial travel ban last month, did not immediately rule on a request from an immigrant-rights group to block the revised version.

In all, more than half a dozen states are trying to stop the ban. A case brought by Washington state argues that the new order harms residents, universities and businesses, especially tech companies such as Washington state-based Microsoft and Amazon, which rely on foreign workers. California, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York and Oregon have joined the claim.

Trumps initial travel ban, issued on a Friday in late January, brought chaos and protests to airports around the country as travelers from seven nations  Somalia, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Libya and Yemen  were barred from entering even if they had prior permission to come to the U.S. The State Department canceled up to 60,000 visas, but later reversed that decision.

Robart ordered the government to stop enforcing the ban, which also suspended the nations acceptance of refugees from around the world, and a three-judge panel from the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously declined to reinstate the ban.

(AP)
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A mans body was discovered on Saddleworth Moor at Dovestone reservoir on December 12, 2015. There was no identification on him. He had no wallet, mobile phone or other identification. All police could find were three train tickets and 130 in cash. An empty thyroxine sodium medicine bottle, a drug produced by GlaxoSmithKline for the treatment of hypothyroidism, emblazoned with Arabic writing, was found nearby. Detectives know he was poisoned by a dose of strychnine, a highly toxic odorless alkaloid used as a pesticide, particularly used to kill rodents. Greater Manchester Police were unable to identify the elderly man for over 14 months. He remained unidentified despite numerous public appeals and the release of CCTV footage of his last known movements.

Detectives from Manchester traveled to London and visited hostels, hotels and pubs in their quest to uncover his identity. Investigators painstakingly checked CCTV of the train stations of the tickets he had on him and traced his movements backwards from Saddleworth, to Manchester Piccadilly, then Euston and back to Ealing Broadway. A post mortem examination revealed that he had had an operation to insert a mid-femur titanium rod onto his left thigh bone. This particular procedure is only done in Pakistan and it is understood that the method of his operation is very uncommon and would stick in the memory of anyone involved. GMP officers appealed to the Pakistani surgical team who worked on the mans leg in a bid to finally identify him.

Since it was now known he had this unusual operation in Pakistan and he had train tickets and CCTV images all the way back to Ealing Broadway, investigators took a leap of faith  guessing he may have started his journey on the Piccadilly Line at Heathrow Airport and began to search flight records for an older man who had flown into the country in the days before his death.

Detective Sergeant John Coleman said Identifying the country as a clue became key to solving the case. Ealing station is on the Piccadilly line which goes to Heathrow. Putting two and two together we thought he could have come into the country through Pakistan. We set up a profile for a male aged between 65-75, possibly traveling alone from Pakistan to Heathrow, and tried to find a match. Officers checked through thousands of passengers records to identify the deceased man. There are an enormous number of people travelling through the airport each day and there are a massive number of travelers and a number of flights to and from Pakistan each day.

Officers asked for the names and came back with a male that might be a match. They then looked at his passport picture, which was 10 years old, and got an image from Lahore Airport, Pakistan, from the previous days CCTV. Finally they were eventually able to identify him as Mr. David Lytton, 67 years old. DNA was compared from the mystery body with that of a relative to confirm a match. Mr. Lytton had been living in Pakistan for ten years before returning to the UK and heading to Saddleworth for reasons which still remain a mystery. The investigation into his true identity captured significant media attention, both in the UK and internationally, with press offices receiving calls from countries such as Pakistan, USA and Japan.

Once the investigators identified the deceased they were made aware that he was Jewish. The coroners office then called the Manchester Beth Din and spoke to Rabbi Yehoshua Ahron Sofer of Misaskim, requesting a Jewish burial. Rabbi Sofer requested David Lyttons full birth certificate, which had the names of his parents. He then obtained a copy of his parents marriage certificate from the Chief Rabbis office which confirmed that his parents were, indeed, Jewish. Funeral arrangements were taken care of by Misaskim in Manchester who collected the deceased from Oldham Hospital mortuary and did the tahara and levya. The niftar has one brother who came to Manchester for the funeral, together with detectives and GMP officers. The levya was conducted on Sunday by Rabbi Sofer who thanked the coroners, Coroner Simon Nelson and his colleagues, and Detective Sergeant John Coleman of the Greater Manchester Police, together with his team of detectives, and thanked all the various different agencies who put in a tremendous amount of effort and determination to identify who David was.

Rabbi Sofer continued This was a highly professional and thorough investigation which proved the age old saying If there is a will there is a way, and there was a strong will to resolve who the unidentified man was; an effort that proved to be fruitful with the identification of David.

The ultimate kindness one can do, is the kindness with a deceased person. When one does a kind deed or a favor to a fellow human being, it can always be reciprocated, they can say thank you, they can buy you a bunch of flowers or a bottle of wine to say thank you. However the kindness and care one does to a deceased person cannot be reciprocal; the deceased cannot say thank you. So the kindness shown to David by various people who have helped identify him and bring him to his final resting place is indeed a true kindness.

We, the Jewish community are extremely grateful to all parties involved in this investigation, as it lead to a man being buried according to his faith and with his brethren.

Life is sometimes like the back of a tapestry, a bunch of lose threads that seem to go nowhere, just one big mess. However, on the other side is a beautiful picture. On this side of the world we sometimes just see the lose threads and we have unanswered questions. However, on the heavenly side, every thread leads somewhere and has a purpose. Sometimes questions remain unanswered until one arrives in Heaven.

Please learn mishnayos in memory of Dovid ben Chaim ah who has not left any descendants.
MK Yisrael Eichler told Kol Berama Radio that coalition chairman, MK (Likud) David Bitan acts like an elephant in a china shop, explaining instead of acting to mend coalition fractures and bring sides closer together, his actions only serve to widen the already existing differences.

Eichler is referring to credible rumors that Bitan is planning to remove him as chair of the Knesset Ombudsman Committee, which the coalition chair has the right to do. This is over ongoing chareidi threats to stop voting with the coalition if certain coalition agreements are not met this week.

Bitan spoke with the chareidi radio too on Wednesday, insisting that all coalition obligations towards the chareidim have been fulfilled as they should be. He added There is no need for threats, referring to the announcement from chareidi parties that they will stop supporting the coalition during this last week of the Knesset session before recess.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
It was a stormy session of the Knesset Education Committee on Wednesday, 17 Adar as it became evident that the Education Ministry funds the Reform Movement to the tune of hundreds of thousands of shekels annually. MK (Shas) Yaakov Margi chaired the session.

Margi opened the session stating I turned to the Education Minister about this and the response I received is that the allegations are incorrect. However, I received information and turned to the Education Minister again and he wrote me that it was checked and there is no proof to substantiate the allegations.

MK Moshe Gafne added If the accusations are true and it appears this is the case, then we are facing a new trend. It appears during previous years; the Reform Movement took part in tenders that left other choice but to emerge the winner of those tenders. This is intentional towards taking control of the public school education curriculum, towards bringing the Reform values to the students and their parents.

The reality is that in a number of years the curriculum will be that of the Reform, and this is not what the majority wants. We are not paying attention as the ministrys content will become the opposite of what we are familiar with.

I am familiar with the Education Ministry for many years, and based on the facts, a sophisticated system is in place to funnel large sums of money [to Reform Jewry].

MK (Machane Tzioni) Yael Cohen-Paran countered, explaining that this is exactly the education most of the students are seeking, adding If a rav would walk in most of the students would run as you are trying to reach a community that is not a part of our education system, she added, referring of course to state public schools.

MK (Yesh Atid) Elazar Stern had his turn to speak, explaining his hope That the education system does not try to find favor with readers of Yated Neeman. If this were so, there would be no Yiddishkheit in the country. I cry for the hundreds of thousands of students that lost all connection to Yiddishkheit because of the Yiddishkheit being presented to themI respect this but it is not good for them. The question is what are week looking for. Do we want Yiddishkheit to be a kippa and tzitzis or one will not be viewed as being Jewish?

Stern then turned to Gafne, critical of his remarks, stating If only we funded them with large sums of money, half of the sum given to other streams, [in an obvious poke at chareidim].

MK (Shas) Michael Michaeli added The Reform Movement according to their won polls are 8% of the nation. Most of the public school children are traditional. Has anyone polled to determine this? Is this the Yiddishkheit they are seeking? Rabbosai, our Yiddishkheit dates back 3,000 years. I am truly surprised that the Education Ministry is headed by a man with a kippa on his head and he gives them a forum. I think you, Mr. Chairman, must turn to the Education Minister. One could say it is another religion as it is not Yiddishkheit.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
There is sufficient support among Members of Knesset to oust MK Basel Ghattas, who will be facing criminal charges for smuggling cellular telephones and other items to imprisoned Arab terrorists.

While there are already 71 signatures to remove Ghattas and the Knesset House Committee convened to discuss the matter this week, 90 votes would be needed to oust him from the Israeli parliament.

Addressing the House Committee forum was Deputy Attorney General Raz Nezri, who explained to lawmakers they are in the process of a plea bargain agreement with Ghattas, which includes his resignation from Knesset. His confession would be accompanied by a prison term and a fine too, Nezri explained.

The draft indictment states that Ghattas carried four packages containing a dozen cell phones into prison, bringing them to terrorists. Nezri signaled Ghattas will have to make his final decision regarding the agreement this week.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
A woman flying to Melbourne from Beijing in February fell asleep while wearing noise-canceling headphones, only to awake to the sounds of a nearby explosion. The battery in her headphones had burst into flame, according to an Australian Transport Safety Bureau investigation into the incident released Tuesday.

Photos depicted the unidentified woman with soot on her face, her cheek and neck singed.

As I went to turn around I felt burning on my face, she said, according to a news release posted to the ATSB website on Tuesday. I just grabbed my face which caused the headphones to go around my neck.

The Sydney Morning Herald reported that the incident occurred on Feb. 19. A representative for ATSB declined to tell to the Australian newspaper what brand of battery caused the explosion.

The woman quickly responded to the malfunctioning device. I continued to feel burning so I grabbed them off and threw them on the floor, she said. They were sparking and had small amounts of fire.

She continued: As I went to stamp my foot on them the flight attendants were already there with a bucket of water to pour on them. They put them into the bucket at the rear of the plane.

The melted headphone cover and battery had to be scraped off the aircraft floor, according to the ATSB. The scent of torched hair and electronics lingered on the plane, disrupting the flight.

People were coughing and choking the entire way home, the woman said.

This was not the only incident to involve potentially dangerous batteries and airplanes. Hoverboards and the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 have been subject to recent airline bans over concerns about exploding batteries.

(c) 2017, The Washington Post  Ben Guarino
By Rabbi Yair Hoffman for the Five Towns Jewish Times

Many people describe two types of Bris Milahs. They describe the kind with waiters, hot dishes, crepes and fancy chafing dishes. At those affairs, they offer scrambled eggs, hot pancakes with syrup, white fish and all sorts of fish platters, including the much liked sable. The other Bris is more simple  the kind that has tuna and egg salad, assorted rolls and danishes. Both types, of course, have fresh bagels, orange juice, and coffee.

This article is about two different types of Bris Milahs, but not the culinary type.

This article discusses halachic and procedural differences in the manner in which the Bris Milah is performed. The two types are different not only in the manner and style of how the Bris is actually performed  they also produce different physical results as well.

The best way to characterize the two different methods are with the following terms:

 The two-step method

 The one-step method

There are mohelim that practice the two-step method. This is the more traditional method  practiced for thousands of years. This method is near universal among Chassidish Mohalim. There are mohelim that practice the one-step method. In America, in the Litvish world, this is the most common method.

Few mohalim, however, will practice both methods, but some do.

Mohalim are also rather territorial about their particular method. It is a somewhat touchy issue with many of them, so proceed with caution when and if you bring up the subject.

What follows is not for the faint of heart  so proceed with caution. However, the material under discussion is Torah  and we are obligated in learning all sections of Torah  even those that can make us a little queasy. So here goes.

THE ORLAH HAS TWO PARTS

The Orlah actually has two parts  the outer part and the inner part. The inner part is referred to as the or hapriyah. The inner part is actually termed a mucous membrane and is similar to the inside of an eyelid. Imagine the lip  the outer side is dryer skin, while the inner side is not.

THE TWO STEP METHOD

In the two step method, the upper part is lifted upward and cut with the Mohels knife. This is the first step. The inner part is peeled back and torn with the Mohels sharpened thumbnail, and then pulled down toward the body of the baby. This is the second step. The lowered inner part eventually fuses together with the remnant of the upper part.

The thumbnails role in the second step is even mentioned in the Midrash. The Yalkut Shimoni (#723) on the verse in Tehillim, Kol Atzmosai Tomarnah  states as follows: Dovid HaMelech says, I praise You (Hashem) with each of my limbs and fulfill Mitzvos with them.. fingernails  to perform Priyah with them..

THE ONE STEP METHOD

In the one-step method, the Mohel uses a probe to pry loose the upper and lower Orlah from the rest of the body. He will then often use a hemostat to grasp both the inner orlah along with the upper orlah. A hemostat looks like a scissors, but it is actually a clamp type of device. Generally speaking, the inner Orlah does not go up with the outer Orlah so easily without the hemostat. When they are clamped together  it does go up. The mohel then takes his Mohel knife and cuts both off together. In this method, the Milah and the Priyah are accomplished at the same time. There are one step Mohalim who are able to grab it in a manner that they can cut the inner orlah as well  even without a hemostat.

The physical differences between the one-step method and the two-step method are not minimal. The one step method actually takes off more of the inner skin. The two-step method involves tearing, peeling, and moving the inner part of the Orlah downward, but not actually removing it.

Rabbi Moshe Bunim Perutinsky zl, author of the Sefer HaBris, writes that although in the time of the Rishonim, the one step method was not used, it was used in the times of the Gaonim. He admits that the one step method was not commonly done in Europe nor in the time of the Rishonim or Acharonim.

THE BENEFITS OF THE ONE STEP METHOD

Rabbi Perutinsky claims (See Sefer HaBris p. 206) that there are five benefits to the one step method:

 There is less blood.

 The operation is much faster.

 The wound heals quicker.

 There are no problems of the Or HaPriyah ever coming back to necessitate a possible Rabbinic re-do.

 When a hemostat is used there is no concern that too much or too little of the Orlah will be cut.

He also writes that these benefits make the one step method preferable to the two-step method. It is just that not everyone was able to do it in this manner and that the two step method was easier, and therefore, more common.

THE WORDING OF THE SHULCHAN ARUCH

The proponents of the two step method claim that the wording of both the Rambam (Hilchos Milah chapter 2) and the Shulchan Aruch (YD 264:3) is clearly like them. It states that first one does the Milah and then one does the Priyah. Indeed, the language of the Rosh is that the blessing of lehachniso lebriso shel avrohom avinu is recited in between the Milah and the Priyah.

Dayan Weiss (Minchas Yitzchok Vol. IX #100) cites a number of Acharonim that condemn any changes in the traditional method of Milah. He writes that Heaven forbid for someone to change the method of the way Bris Milah has been performed throughout the ages and strongly urges that the Milah be done with the two step method.

Rav Perutinsky responds that this is not considered a change since Rav Hai Gaon used to do it in this manner. He also writes that had the Acharonim seen the responsum of Rav Hai Gaon they would never have written against the one step method.

Rav Vosner ztl, the author of the Shaivet HaLevi (Vol. IV #133) writes that since the Rambam and Shulchan Aruch essentially ignored the responsum, they either disagreed with it or felt that the responsum was of dubious authenticity. The Rivash in Responsa #165 also dismisses a different responsum attributed to Rav Hai Gaon.

In contrast to Dayan Weiss ztl and Rav Vosner ztl, Rav Moshe Feinstein ztl (Igros Moshe YD I #155) does not consider the one-step method a problem at all, but states that meheyos tov to leave over some of the or haPriyah to be removed by the fingernail  since this method is explicitly mentioned in the Midrash. Nonetheless, it is this authors recollection that Rav Yisroel Belsky ztl, a talmid muvhak of Rav Moshe Feinstein, still did the two step method.

The Sefer Milah Khilchasa recommends that if one does the one-step method that one should actually leave over  of the or hapriyah in order to fulfill the opinion of the Yad Ketanah in the Shulchan Aruch as to what would define priyah.

Both methods hold that the other method is valid. The question is which one is preferable. One should, of course, consult with ones own Rav or Posaik as to which method to pursue in this regard.

The author can be reached at [email protected]
A student armed with guns and grenades was arrested after a shooting wounded at least two people at a high school in southern France on Thursday, local media reported.

Police confirmed the shooting unfolded at the Alexis de Tocqueville high school in Grasse. A gunman targeted the headmaster, who was one of the two people hurt, police sources told BFM-TV.

The arrested student carried a rifle, two handguns and two grenades, a police source told Reuters, adding that the suspect was 17.

Police initially warned a second suspect may have been on the loose, BFM-TV added. A motive was unclear.

The arrested student carried a rifle, two handguns and two grenades, a police source told Reuters, adding that the suspect was 17.

Police initially warned a second suspect may have been on the loose, BFM-TV added. A motive was unclear.

The government sent out an attack alert through its mobile app, warning people in the area to stay inside, the BBC reported. The alert came in a system implemented by the government after the deadly November 2015 attacks in Paris.

The shooting took place the same day a letter bomb exploded at the International Monetary Fund office in Paris, some 500 miles north of Grasse, a hub for the countrys perfume industry.

France remains in a state of emergency following the Paris massacre and an attack last year in the city of Nice, which is 25 miles away from Grasse.

(AP)
A federal judge blocked President Donald Trumps revised travel ban hours before it was to take effect, marking the second time courts have thwarted Trumps efforts to freeze immigration by refugees and citizens of some predominantly Muslim nations.

The move comes during a week of resistance in New York, organized by Faith in New York and supporters.

At 6 p.m. Thursday, a rally is planned at Washington Square Park with a group of religious leaders. Afterwards, 20 protesters plan to shut down the street as a form of civil disobedience as they march to 201 Varick St. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services office is located in the building.

The faith leaders involved represent 90 congregations and more than 25 faith-based organizations. The march and rally are part of Faith Over Fear Week of Action & Resistance to challenge unjust policies and practices that create a culture of fear in NYC.

The ruling Wednesday came from a judge in Hawaii who rejected the governments claims that the travel ban is about national security, not discrimination. U.S. District Judge Derrick Watson also said Hawaii would suffer financially if the executive order constricted the flow of students and tourists to the state, and that Hawaii was likely to succeed on a claim that the ban violates First Amendment protections against religious discrimination.

Watson criticized what he called the illogic of the governments arguments and cited significant and unrebutted evidence of religious animus behind the travel ban. He also noted that while courts should not examine the veiled psyche and secret motives of government decision-makers, the remarkable facts at issue here require no such impermissible inquiry.

Trump called the ruling an example of unprecedented judicial overreach and said his administration would appeal it to the U.S. Supreme Court. He also called his new travel ban a watered-down version of the first one, which he said he wished he could implement.

Were going to win. Were going to keep our citizens safe, the president said at a rally in Nashville. The danger is clear. The law is clear. The need for my executive order is clear.

If the administration seeks an emergency stay of Watsons decision at the 9th Circuit, the matter would be heard by different judges from the three who ruled on the case last month. Thats because the panel of judges assigned to such cases rotates every month, said court spokesman David Madden.

The 9th Circuit on Wednesday declined to reconsider the 3-0 decision not to reinstate the original ban. In a dissent, five judges said they considered that decision incorrect and wanted it vacated.

Whatever we, as individuals, may feel about the president or the executive order, the presidents decision was well within the powers of the presidency, Judge Jay Bybee wrote for the five.

Watson issued his 43-page ruling less than two hours after hearing Hawaiis request for a temporary restraining order to stop the ban from being put into practice.

The hearing was one of three held Wednesday in federal courts around the country. U.S. District Judge James Robart in Seattle, who blocked the initial travel ban last month, did not immediately rule on a request from an immigrant-rights group to block the revised version.

A federal judge from Maryland joined in to temporarily block the Trump administrations new travel ban. It is a more narrow ruling than the Hawaii judges.

In all, more than half a dozen states are trying to stop the ban. A case brought by Washington state argues that the new order harms residents, universities and businesses, especially tech companies such as Washington state-based Microsoft and Amazon, which rely on foreign workers. California, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York and Oregon have joined the claim.

Trumps initial travel ban, issued on a Friday in late January, brought chaos and protests to airports around the country as travelers from seven nations  Somalia, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Libya and Yemen  were barred from entering even if they had prior permission to come to the U.S. The State Department canceled up to 60,000 visas, but later reversed that decision.

(AP)
New York Mayor Bill de Blasio will not face charges after a year-long fundraising probe, officials said on Thursday.

The Manhattan District Attorneys Office said that despite the Board of Elections view that the mayors conduct may have violated the Election Law, this office has determined that the parties involved cannot be appropriately prosecuted.

Investigators have been poring through finance records from the mayors 2013 campaign, amid questions about how campaign officials solicited donations from the citys real estate and business sectors.

The U.S. attorney and his staff also were looking into whether individuals may have benefited from those donations.

The mayor had insisted donors are not entitled to favoritism. If someone makes a donation, thats their choice, they should expect nothing in return, de Blasio said during the investigation.

On Thursday, Acting U.S. Attorney Joon Kim confirmed that the office would not bring charges against the mayor.

We do not intend to bring federal criminal charges against the Mayor or those acting on his behalf relating to the fundraising efforts in question. Although it is rare that we issue a public statement about the status of an investigation, we believe it appropriate in this case at this time, in order not to unduly influence the upcoming campaign and Mayoral election, said a statement issued by the office.

(AP)
Israel Police have made thirteen arrests as of Wednesday morning, 17 Adar in an unfolding corruption case involving IAI (Israel Aerospace Industries). The undercover investigation is being handled by the Lahav Unit (433), Israel equivalent of the FBI. Among the suspects taken into custody are former senior IAI officials and employees.

Police are using terms such as deep and widespread corruption in IAI and charges are likely to include money laundering, fraud, breach of trust, and theft by public officials.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
At the start of a cabinet meeting on Thursday, 18 Adar, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu made comments to the media including yet another promise to former Amona residents.

Some of the former residents have been taking part in a hunger strike for the past two weeks, maintaining a constant presence in their protest tent opposite the Prime Ministers Residence.

Prime Minister Netanyahu on Thursday stated, This afternoon I will meet again with President Trumps envoy, Jason Greenblatt. We are in the midst of a process of dialogue with the White House and our intention is to reach an agreed-upon policy regarding settlement construction.

Agreed-upon for us, of course, not just for the American side. Naturally, this will be good for the State of Israel since we have not been in these processes for many years. To the residents of Amona, I reiterate: I gave you a promise to build a new community and I will honor that commitment.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
Toyota has followed in the footsteps of Nissan by pledging to retain its manufacturing future in the UK with a new 240million investment at its facility in Burnaston in Derbyshire.

The Japanese carmaker confirmed that the new cash injection also includes 21.3million support from the UK Government which will be used for training, research and development and honing the facility's 'environmental performance'.

President and CEO of European operations at the manufacturer, Dr Johan van Zyl, said the investment was 'a sign of confidence in our employees and suppliers and their focus on superior quality and greater efficiency' but also warned that success would be determined by the nation's upcoming Brexit negotiations.

New 240 million injection: The Buranston plant in Derbyshire wll be upgraded with new equipment from this year

The 240million will fund new equipment, technologies and systems at the Burnaston facility to enable it to produce the latest Toyota models for the global market.

The revamp will take place from this year and will mean the plant can manufacturer vehicles on Toyota's new TNGA platform, which already underpins models like the latest four-generation Prius and C-HR crossover.

By 2020, the carmaker said the 'majority' of its cars will be built on this platform - some of which in Britain, it would appear from Thursday's announcement.

But the confirmation of the investment was still tainted with some uncertainty about the UK's negotiations to exit from the EU.

Dr van Zyl added that the Japanese brand was showing a commitment to the UK-based facility, but warned that the country's ability to secure access to the open market was fundamental to success.

'We are very focused on securing the global competitiveness of our European plants. The roll-out of TNGA manufacturing capability is part of this plan,' he said.

'Our investment demonstrates that, as a company, we are doing all we can to raise the competitiveness of our Burnaston plant in Derbyshire.

'Continued tariff-and-barrier free market access between the UK and Europe that is predictable and uncomplicated will be vital for future success.'

The plant will receive new machinery and systems to allow it to build upcoming models on the latest Toyota platform

The facility is already the home to the Auris hatchback and Avensis family car

Currently, Toyota builds the Auris hatchback and Avensis family car at the plant in Derbyshire.

Toyota said last week that it could delay a decision on whether to build its next-generation Auris model in Britain to see the outcome of Theresa May's negotiations to leave the European Union.

However, today's announcement confirmed that Toyota is preparing the UK manufacturing hub to assemble the revised Auris and Avensis from 2018, which could also use British-made parts.

According to a Reuters report, the company is looking to sourcing more local components as part of a wider approach by auto manufacturer in Britain.

The Buranston plant has been producing cars since 1992

Toyota said last week that it was delaying a decision on whether to build its next-generation Auris model in Britain to see the outcome of Brexit negotiations

Working at full capacity, a new model can roll off the Derbyshire production line every 60 seconds at the moment

They hope securing more local components will help overcome currency fluctuations and potentially meet new local content rules which could come into force after Britain leaves the European Union.

Only 41 per cent of the parts in British-built cars are made within the country on average, less than the typical 50 to 55 per cent local content requirement which Britain would have to agree to in some bilateral trade deals.

The carmaker, which also operates an engine plant in North Wales, has invested over 2.5 billion in Britain until now and employs over 3,000 people at the two sites.

In 2016, Toyota was the fourth biggest UK car manufacturer, building a total of 180,425 models - only bettered by Jaguar Land Rover, Mini and Nissan.

Last October, Nissan promised to extend production at its Sunderland plant despite remaining in the dark about the UK's position.

The brand confirmed it will build the X-Trail and next generation Qashqai SUV at the facility, according to a company announcement.
Profits rise

The owner of former building society Kent Reliance has unveiled a 55 per cent rise in profits.

OneSavings Bank made 163.1m in 2016 after selling its Rochester mortgage business.

OneSavings Bank grows profits helped by sale of mortgage loans

Bosses hiked the dividend from 10.5p from 8.7p per share.

The stock fell 1.2 per cent ,or 4.9 per cent, to 414.4p.

Alitalia cuts

AIitalia, Italys flagship airline, is to launch a 800,000 cost-cutting drive in a bid to better compete with low-cost rivals.

It will introduce services common to budget carriers on flights of less than four hours, including charges for meals, priority boarding and preferred seating.

cancer fund British cancer drug developer Cell Medica has raised 60m from specialist investors to bring its ground breaking cancer treatment to market.

The firm, which is backed by Neil Woodfords Woodford Investment Management, Touchstone Innovations and Invesco, has raised enough money to get its immunotherapy drug to the second phase of development.

Lufthansa expects adjusted earnings before interest and tax to fall only slightly from 1.5bn

Drugs

Drugs firms Clinigen and Diurnal have teamed up to launch a new managed access programme in Europe to treat patients with adrenal insufficiency, a condition in which the adrenal glands do not produce adequate amounts of steroid hormones.

The programme will enable physicians in the European Union to access unlicensed medicines for patients who have no other treatment options.

Lufthansa soars

A rebound in demand in America and Asia and a breakthrough pay deal with pilots helped German airline Lufthansa beat its profit forecasts.

The carrier said it expects adjusted earnings before interest and tax to fall only slightly from 1.5bn in 2016, analysts had predicted a bigger slide to 1.2bn.

Revenues however declined to 27.6bn from 27.8bn in 2016.

The group, which includes Austrian Airlines, Swiss, Eurowings and Brussels Airlines, as well as the core German flag-carrier, said trading had been good in the first few months of 2017 thanks to a rebound in US and Asia demand and that its cost base would improve thanks to the deal with its pilots, even though it would only have a positive impact on underlying profit from next year.

Like its rivals, the carrier came under pressure in Europe and elsewhere from overcapacity and fierce competition from cheaper airlines.
A billionaire chemicals tycoon is planning to buy one of Britains most important oil pipelines  putting the future of hundreds of jobs in doubt.

Leading industrialist Jim Ratcliffe, founder and chairman of petrochemicals giant Ineos, is in talks with oil supermajor BP over the purchase of the Forties Pipeline System.

The system  known as FPS and a crucial part of the oil infrastructure in the UK North Sea  is wholly owned by BP and can bring ashore 1m barrels of crude a day from more than 50 offshore fields.

It marks yet more uncertainty for the North Sea oil and gas industry following the loss of over 120,000 jobs

But declining output means it is running well below capacity and BP is looking for a buyer as it seeks to bolster its finances following the collapse of the oil price in the last three years.

BP and Ineos last night confirmed to the Mail that they are in discussions over a possible deal.

Ineos, set up by Ratcliffe in 1998, registered a new company called Ineos FPS only last week.

But the prospect of a sale will fuel fears over the future of 300 BP staff who currently operate and support the business.

It marks yet more uncertainty for the North Sea oil and gas industry following the loss of over 120,000 jobs since 2014 as the price of crude sank from around $115 a barrel to $50.

Leading industrialist Jim Ratcliffe, founder and chairman of petrochemicals giant Ineos, is in talks with oil supermajor BP

The proposed deal could also spark a fresh row between Ratcliffe, 64, and the unions following his stand-off with workers in 2013 that almost saw him shut his Grangemouth power plant in Scotland.

The clash saw Ratcliffe dubbed Dr No by the Unite union because of his stubborn refusal to compromise over workers pensions.

Manchester-born Ratcliffe, a married father-of-three who recently announced plans to build a new 4x4 vehicle based on the now defunct Land Rover Defender, has also been nicknamed JR after the Dallas oil tycoon and is said to be worth 3.2bn.

The FPS was originally built in the 1970s to transport oil from the Forties field in the North Sea to the Grangemouth refinery near Edinburgh.

BP sold the Forties field to Apache in 2003 and the Grangemouth plant to Ineos in 2005 but it held on to control of the pipeline system.

The JS Ineos Insight, the first ship carrying shale gas in the Firth of Forth en route to Grangemouth Oil refinery

The FPS currently carries around 450,000 barrels of oil a day  or 40pc of UK production  from the North Sea to the onshore terminal at Cruden Bay, north of Aberdeen.

From there, the system transports the oil around 130 miles south via an onshore pipeline to the Kinneil terminal, adjacent to the Grangemouth refinery and chemical plant.

The oil is processed and stabilised at Kinneil and then either exported or sold to Grangemouth. The oil that flows through the system is critical in setting the price of the Brent crude international benchmark.

BP has been trying to sell the FPS for some time and previous talks with Ineos are understood to have collapsed amid disagreements over how to price the asset.

A BP spokesperson: BP can confirm it is in discussions with Ineos regarding a potential sale of the Forties Pipeline System. We remain committed to communicating openly with staff and our stakeholders as soon as we are able, and as commercial confidentialities allow, if any deal is confirmed or agreed.

A spokesman for Ineos, which employs 4,000 staff in the UK, said: We can confirms we are currently in discussions with BP regarding the potential purchase of the Forties Pipeline System. At the moment the conversations are confidential and the conversations are ongoing.

As well as its Grangemouth plant, Ineos has sites in Hampshire, County Durham, Cheshire, Hull and Middlesbrough.

Rags-to-riches Ratcliffe moved the firms headquarters back to the UK last year, six years after he fell out with former Prime Minister Gordon Brown and relocated to Switzerland.
There can be no surprise that 21st Century Foxs 11.7bn bid for the 61 per cent of Sky it does not own faces big regulatory obstacles.

Communications regulator Ofcom must determine where the change of ownership will impact on the variety of news sources in Britain and whether James Murdoch, chairman of Sky, is a fit and proper person to have so much UK media power.

Murdoch must seriously regret his stewardship of News Corporation during the phone hacking scandal and the fact that five years later the embers never have been fully doused.

OFCOM must make sure James Murdoch, chairman of Sky, is a fit and proper person to have so much UK media power

The goal of 21st Century Fox and Sky will be to show that the Murdoch empire has been transformed.

21st Century Fox is a separate quoted entity from publicly quoted News Corporation and the latter has moved scrupulously to clean itself up not least by closing the News of the World and paying copious compensation.

Moreover, since the last time the Murdoch clan attempted to mop up Sky shares the communications landscape in the UK has been transformed.

Hegemony over British media has been weakened by online market entrants such as Buzzfeed and the Huffington Post and largely unmonitored news feeds provided by digital giants Facebook, Google, Twitter.

In the name of freedom of the web they are able to peddle bile and push hard on the frontiers of decency.

There is much truth in the Murdoch case. The Sun has seen a 46 per cent reduction in newsstand sales since the last bid for Sky was abandoned.

News Corporation has moved scrupulously to clean itself up not least by closing the News of the World

Nevertheless, we should not be gulled into thinking that because 21st Century Fox and News Corporation fly under different flags that they are not effectively one and the same.

It is Rupert Murdochs name that appears on the masthead of the Wall Street Journal as executive chairman of the publisher and he is also co-chairman of 21st Century Fox.

As much as Fox News is seen by some as a break with the East Coast liberal consensus it too has regulatory and legal shadows most notably the $40m payoff of to its driving genius Roger Ailes over allegations of sexual harassment.

Ofcoms astringent chief executive Sharon White has some really thorny issues to wrestle with.

If her hardball tactics with BT over broadband provision is any guide Sky will not get an easy ride. Indeed, because it is now the proud owner of Sky Deutschland and Sky Italia the deal will also need to win the approval of the European Commission which has a robust attitude towards US corporations.

Even if all these barriers are overcome it has never been clear that Skys minority investors are getting a good deal.

Inter-company transactions in the Murdoch empire effectively mean that the cash that 21st Century Fox raised from selling the Europe operations to Britains Sky is now paradoxically being used to buy back the whole caboodle.

Rupert Murdochs name appears on the masthead of the Wall Street Journal as executive chairman of the publisher

Minority interests are being crushed in favour of those of the controlling dynasty.

A less compliant board at Sky would have told Fox to get lost. Instead, stand in chairman Martin Gilbert accepted the first offer with uncomfortable speed.

The deal should be stopped by regulators but the financial case against is just as strong.

Budget blues

American budgets are very different to our own. In Britain the Chancellor sets the tax and spending framework and with exceptions, such as the U-turn over national insurance payments for the self-employed, the government generally gets its way.

In the US the budget submitted by the President is no more than a wish list and only deals with spending. Tax proposals are made under separate cover by the President to Congress and passage requires cajoling and deal making by the White House.

The Trump direction of travel was on display yesterday when he sent his budget to Capitol Hill.

He proposes swingeing 30 per cent cuts in spending by the Environmental Protection Agency to help pay for a big increase in spending on the Pentagon and Homeland Security.

This is a hard power budget, argued Mick Mulvaney, head of the Office of Management & Budget.

More often than not the Presidents budget is declared dead on arrival. Trump, however, has cards to play. Both House of Congress are in Republican hands and House Speaker Paul Ryan says the president has been assiduous in calling Congressional leaders and inviting them over to the White House.

A bit of schmoozing, even from a teetotal leader, goes a long way.

Patent sense

Fearful of losing valuable technologies such as NAND flash memory the Japanese government is fostering a domestic rescue for troubled electronics group Toshiba. It fears valuable patents could fall into overseas hands.

All a bit different to when Softbank bought ARM.
Banks and financial firms are failing in their attempts to halt the growing tide of fraud gripping Britain, official figures released by the industry body indicate.

In 2016, Britons lost 2.1million every day as a result of financial fraud, with the overall total hitting 769million  up 14million compared to the previous year.

The rising scale of financial fraud means three quarters of people are now worried about falling victim the research by Financial Fraud UK reveals, while 68 per cent fear for family members.

Financial fraud: Industry body FFA UK says that fraud losses grew last year

In recent years, This is Money has seen the number of scams grow and in many cases, refunds refused by banks, leaving customers in limbo with the Financial Ombudsman and potentially thousands of pounds out of pocket.

For this reason, we launched our Beat the Scammers hub page last year to collate information about all of the terrifying scams in one place.

Katy Worobec, director of FFA UK, said: 'Tackling financial fraud is a priority for our members and a great deal of progress continues to be made.

'However, as today's figures highlight, this remains a significant problem with fraudsters using increasingly sophisticated methods to circumvent bank technology and target victims.

'While the payments industry stops six in every 10 pounds of attempted fraud, it cannot solve the problem alone. Collective action is needed with banks, police and customers all playing their part.'

FIVE TIPS TO BEAT FINANCIAL FRAUD The Take Five campaign is asking people to help protect themselves from financial fraud by passing on simple advice to five loved ones: 1. Never disclose security details, such as your Pin or full password - it's never right to reveal these details 2. Don't assume an email request or caller is genuine - people aren't always who they say they are 3. Don't be rushed  a bank or genuine organisation won't mind waiting to give you time to stop and think 4. Listen to your instincts  if something feels wrong then it is usually right to pause and question it 5. Stay in control  have the confidence to refuse unusual requests for information

FFA UK, along with major banks and other financial firms launched the 'take five' campaign last year highlighting simple steps customers can take to protect themselves from financial fraudsters.

The campaign focuses on financial fraud directly targeting business and personal banking customers, such as email deception, known as phishing, and phone and text-based scams, known as vishing and smishing.

The take five element is designed to remind people that it pays to stop and think.

Tony Blake, senior fraud prevention officer, at the Dedicated Card and Payment Crime Unit, adds: 'There are simple steps that we can all take to protect ourselves and those around us when it comes to financial fraud.

'It is concerning that almost three quarters admit they have never discussed the issue.

'We are encouraging everyone to share the message that it's okay to stop and think before sharing any personal or financial details.

'Taking that moment allows us all the opportunity to follow the simple advice which will better protect us from fraudsters.'

Yesterday, separate research by fraud prevention service Cifas found that identity theft rates have soared to record levels, with 173,000 frauds of this kind logged last year.

The report found nine in 10 fraudulent applications for bank accounts and other financial products were made online. The number of cases has more than doubled in the past eight years.
SITEKI  Even though part of his duties is to clamp down crime, a police officer is being questioned by his colleagues on allegations that he committed robberies.



This is the story of a police officer,who has been fingered as a prime suspect, responsible for a string of armed robberies that have taken place in one of the rural communities around the Lubombo region.

The officer in question holds the rank of constable but his name and the station where he is based will not be revealed because he has not yet been charged.

The officer has been accused of being responsible for several robberies since arriving in the area about a year ago, to serve at the local police station.



According to residents, the officer allegedly uses his service pistol to carry out the robberies and sometimes uses other weapons like knives to induce submission from his victims.

Residents said at first, they thought it was the normal criminals who were responsible for the string of robberies but all fingers soon pointed to the officer after he was allegedly caught red-handed robbing a woman at her homestead.

He (officer) attacked the woman with a knife and demanded money.

Fortunately for the woman, some relatives arrived and the officer fled.

However, he fled after he had been identified by some of the womans relatives, said a source.

Following this incident, word soon spread around the community that it was the officer who was allegedly responsible for the armed robberies.

Residents, together with community leaders, met to discuss the matter and a resolution was taken to report the matter to the police.



However, according to the areas Member of Parliament, police took the matter lightly and did not launch formal investigations.

Last week, residents threatened to take the law into their own hands if the officer was not formally charged.

Some residents are said to have threatened to protest at the police station.



This is said to have prompted the police to question their colleague about the allegations levelled against him.










LOBAMBA  Who coerced the education ministry to enforce Christianity in schools and did Cabinet ministers cash in for agreeing to such a decision?



These are some of the questions that made the Minister of Education and Training Phineas Magagulas day hectic during the House of Assembly portfolio committee debate in Parliament yesterday where MPs made it known that they wanted the policy reversed with immediate effect. According to the MPs, government messed up and further embarrassed the country by taking a decision and implementing it without conducting proper consultations.



Government also stands accused of not piloting it before fully implementing the policy yet the rules were clear that academic books can only be changed after four years.

They mentioned that they expected government to push prevocational training and practical subjects instead of the Bible.

This, they said, was because companies hired people for their skills instead of their religion.



MP Jan Sithole, who referred to the policy as Vukayibambe, said they were not going to approve its budget of E20 million as they were not happy that it was an overnight decision with the general populace not being consulted.

He jokingly mentioned that it was a coincidence that government was frustrating the operations of the Christian University while on the other hand it was forcing the teaching of Christianity in schools.

According to Sithole, it was weird that Macmillan Swaziland was already busy printing the books that were going to be used for the subject when Parliament had not even agreed to the allocation.



We are being told that even the Exams Council has already been sensitised and this is shocking. We want the minister to know that the supremacy of the Constitution cannot be violated by a policy of E20 million, Sithole said.

He mentioned that before fully implementing such a policy, there was a need to first host a big indaba where all stakeholders and affected persons would have a say.

I agree with my colleagues that the E20 million should be frozen in a consolidated fund because the value for money is important. Right now, even the minister himself cannot tell us what value this Christianity will bring to the people, he said.



Vocal Nkwene MP Sikhumbuzo Dlamini said he was shocked when he read the annual report of the ministry where it was highlighted that one of its achievements was the development of a new curriculum.

According to him, the new curriculum which included the teaching of Christianity in schools was nothing but what he referred to umhlolo.




NHLANGANO  Two schoolgirls left the court gallery astonished after they admitted to having seduced and later had sex with a 72-year-old man.



The minors had insisted in court that they found the randy elderly mans sexual advances so exciting that they gave in.

The girls explicit description of the encounter with the senior citizen at the Nhlangano Magistrates Court left many people baffled.



The 72-year-old man was arrested following his raunchy affair with the two female pupils aged 12 and 15 at their homestead, while their grandmother was away. On the day in question, the elderly man had gone to the homestead to help with the cutting of firewood.

While at the homestead, the man apparently befriended the two girls. At some point during their interaction, the girls would later tell the court, the elderly man walked up to them and made signals suggesting they should get intimate.

The 12-year-old girl, who attends one of the primary schools situated at Zombodze area, told a stunned court that they both agreed to go into the house, with the elderly man following closely.

When we entered the kitchen it was getting dark and mkhulu went to one of the bedrooms and suggested we sleep there. We both (the girls) agreed that the door should be locked, narrated the girl (12) in court.

After locking the door, the younger girl disclosed that she initiated the first sexual encounter with the elderly man before he proceeded to sleep with the other girl.



However, the man was not able to penetrate the 15-year-old girl who is a Form III pupil because she pushed him away after she was overwhelmed by what she described as fear.

Upon noticing that her cousin was hesitant, the younger girl reportedly grabbed the elderly mans hand and pulled him towards herself again, only to be disturbed by a knock at the door this time around.

No one responded to the knock, until the girls grandmother, who was the one knocking, suspected something was wrong and peeped through the window.

Her worst fears were confirmed when she found the trio undressed.



The shocked woman raised the alarm and all three occupants of the house bolted out in different directions.

The incident happened sometime in November last year at Makhandeni area, outside Nhlangano, but surprisingly the matter was only brought to the attention of the police three weeks ago.




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By Mark Hallum

NYPD Officer Michael Hance, who gained notoriety not just for his contributions to the 9/11 cleanup at Ground Zero, but for becoming an Internet sensation by dancing in the Manhattan Pride Parade in 2015, died on Sunday. He was 44.

The 111th Precinct announced on its Twitter page that the 17-year veteran of the force had succumbed to cancer related to his work on the bucket brigade at Ground Zero in the shadows of the fallen World Trade Center towers. The precinct had no further comment.

Hance jumped into the celebrations at the Manhattan Pride Parade and won the hearts of the LGBT community across the city as well as the police force when he was caught on video twerking to Dont Stop Til You Get Enough by Michael Jackson to YouTube with one attendee. One reposting of the cell phone footage gathered over 7.8 million views.

Although Hance was not a member of the LGBT community, the cop from the 111th Precinct became an instant favorite with the Gay Officers Action League, an organization within the NYPD that has worked to address issues facing LGBT members since 1982.

We mourn the loss of Officer Michael Hance who passed from cancer & thank him for the many smiles he brought to #NYC & the #LGBT community, the league posted on its Twitter page.

Hance was diagnosed with brain cancer in November, according to the New York Daily News, before the disease spread to his lungs, liver and chest.

A GoFundMe page was set up to help Hances family, his mother and two daughters, with the burden of caring for him in his declining state of health with a goal of $25,000. Although, Hance has died, the donations continue to accumulate from anonymous sources. One donation of $50 came from Michael Diaz, who expressed gratitude for Hances service to the city and his obvious respect for the LGBT community.

Thank you for the respect and love towards the LGBTQ community, Diaz wrote. Your lil dance brought a smile Your years of service with the NYPD and the sacrifice you put forth each and every day has not gone unnoticed. May you rest in peace and God look over your daughters.

The GoFunds had reached about $22,800 as of Wednesday afternoon.

Another fund-raiser for Hances family has been scheduled for March 23 and will be at Bourbon Street Restaurant at 40-12 Bell Blvd in Bayside, within the 111th Precinct where Hance served until the time of his death.

Hance began his career in the 105th Precinct covering Glen Oaks and the surrounding areas and transferred to the 111th Precinct in 2008.
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By Bill Parry

Calling the last few months uncertain times for our country, U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Flushing) opened an immigration town hall at the new Elmhurst Community Library Saturday to discuss President Donald Trumps recent executive orders on immigration. A panel of experts including attorneys from the Legal Aid Society and advocates from the New York Immigration Coalition, Make the Road New York and the Black Institute were on hand to share information and advice about the so-called Muslim ban and the rights of undocumented and documented immigrants with more than 100 of Mengs constituents.

We are getting a lot of calls about all sorts of different topics. A lot of them are from legal immigrants, Meng said. People are worried, wanting to know if they should travel. Even Green Card holders. A lot of these are folks with legal status and are afraid they or their family could be detained or deported. I even got a question the other day wondering if they could travel to another state. People have questions and we want them to get their answers from credible sources.

Bertha Lewis, the former president and CEO of ACORN, an advocacy group for low-income people, and currently the founder and president of The Black Institute, a think tank for the black perspective, had a dire warning.

The nightmares and crazy scenarios that people thought would never happen here are now happening here, she said. People are in danger. This is a serious situation. While my focus is on black immigrants, every person in this room is in this war and no one is left out. You cant take a pass.

Deisy Flores of Make the Road New York spoke of the need for credible information. She described the fear and panic that spread with false rumors of raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents last month.

ICE is a very big fear in my community of Jackson Heights and Corona, she said. Right now you have to know what to do if ICE comes to your door. You must know how to prepare if tweets about raids and checkpoints on Junction Boulevard turn out to be real.

Steven Sacco and Antonia Codling of the Legal Aid Society went on at length about how one should act if stopped and questioned by ICE agents or officers from the NYPD.

If you are arrested, do not say anything except you want to see a lawyer, Sacco said. And beware of Notarios and other people who are not qualified immigration practitioners. If applications are prepared wrong, that can lead to your removal. Remember, the government has enormous discretion. You can be removed without the benefit of even seeing a judge, theyll just put you on a plane.

Codling had advice on how to act if stopped by law enforcement officials.

If you are stopped, remain calm and do not run, she said. Do your best to regain your composure and do not make any sudden movements for your own personal safety. The only things you must say is your name, your address and your date of birth. If you lie they will find out and it is a crime to lie to an officer about those three things. After those three question, if the officer asks you where you were born, do not answer and wait for an attorney.

Also Saturday, City Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer (D-Sunnyside) hosted a free citizenship application workshop at LaGuardia Community College. He was joined by CUNY Citizenship Now, the New Americans Campaign, and immigration lawyers and professionals who helped more than 100 individuals on their path to U.S. citizenship.

The volunteers, attorneys, and staff at our citizenship application assistance workshop helped make the dreams of over 100 attendees a reality, Van Bramer said. There is no greater joy than helping hardworking members of our community overcome enormous and intimidating barriers to finally become citizens in our country.
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By Bill Parry

As he left his Manhattan office at St. Andrews Plaza Monday, former U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara heard the cheers from colleagues, aides and friends when he said goodbye to his staff and moved on to an uncertain future. As the skirl of bagpipes filled the air, Bharara, fired by the White House Saturday afternoon, told reporters, I love New York, and this is the best prosecutors office youve ever seen.

Bharara built a reputation as a corruption buster taking down such figures as Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos. Here in Queens he went after state Sen. Malcolm Smith, Queens Republican Party Vice Chairman Vincent Tabone, former City Councilman Dan Halloran and former state Sen. and City Councilman Hiram Monserrate.

Since 2009, the Sikh-American systematically tackled and dismantled what he described as a show-me-the-money culturethat seems to pervade every level of New York government.

In 2013, Bharara vowed we will continue pursuing and punishing every corrupt official we find, warning the public corruption crisis in New York is more that a prosecutors problem.

Most recently, the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York had been probing the administrations of Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio, but last Friday Bharara received word he was among the 46 federal prosecutors, all selected during the Obama administration, who were ordered to tender their resignations by Attorney General Jeff Sessions. After Bharara refused to do, Saturday afternoon he tweeted an ominous message.

I did not resign. Moments ago I was fired. Being the US Attorney in SDNY will forever be the greatest honor of my professional life, he wrote. No explanation was given by the White House.

Bharara had met with president-elect Trump on Nov. 30 after which Bharara claimed he was asked to stay on. White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer told reporters if Trump had made a commitment to Bharara during the transition, it is irrelevant now.

I dont think it matters at the end of the day, Spicer said. This is a standard operating procedure for a new administration around this time to ask for the resignation of all U.S. attorneys.

Former Attorney General Janet Reno famously cleaned house in much the same way on behalf of former President Bill Clinton in 1993, including the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Alabama, Jeff Sessions.

Bharara previously served as chief counsel for U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, now the Senate Majority Leader and a political rival of the presidents. Schumer heralded Bharara as an exemplary U.S. attorney.

His relentless drive to root out public corruption, lock up terrorists, take on Wall Street, and stand up for what is right should serve as a model for all U.S. attorneys across the country, Schumer said. He will be sorely missed.

In a statement, Bharara said the last seven years as the federal prosecutor in Manhattan will forever be the greatest honor of my professional life, no matter what else I do or how long I live.

He was replaced as acting U.S. attorney by his deputy and friend, Joon H. Kim, until a replacement is named. The office will continue the probes that began under Bharara.
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By Gina Martinez

A Massachusetts man who allegedly attacked and told a Muslim Delta employee Trump is here now, he will get rid of all of you has been indicted on hate crime charges, Queens District Attorney Richard Brown said last week.

Robin Rhodes, 57, of Worcester, Mass.,was arraigned on four charges of hate crimes, including assault, unlawful imprisonment, menacing and aggravated harassment, in the Jan. 25 incident at John F. Kennedy Airport, according to the DA. Rhodes, who was released on $50,000 bond/ $30,000 cash bail, faces up to four years in prison if convicted, Brown said.

The defendant is accused of physically and verbally attacking a woman for no apparent reason other than because of her religion, Brown said. Crimes of hate will never be tolerated in Queens County and when they do, regrettably occur, those responsible will be brought to justice.

According to the charges, a Delta employee who wears a hijab was sitting in her office in the Delta Sky Lounge in Terminal 2, Jan. 25 when Rhodes, who was waiting for a connecting flight to Massachusetts, allegedly came up to the door and said Are you fing sleeping? Are you praying? What are you doing? Rhodes then allegedly punched the door, which hit the back of the victims chair, the criminal complaint said.

When the victim asked Rhodes what she had done to him, he acknowledged that she had done nothing but then allegedly kicked her in the right leg, Brown said.

The victim moved to a corner of the office to get away from him. However, Rhodes allegedly kicked the door, stepped into the office and blocked her from leaving, the DA said.

When someone came to the office and tried to calm Rhodes down, he moved away from the door and the victim ran out of the office to the lounges front desk, Brown said. Rhodes allegedly followed her and got down on his knees and began to bow down in imitation of a praying Muslim and shouted epithets about Islam and ISIS, according to the complaint.

Trump is here now. He will get rid of all of you. You can ask Germany, Belgium and France about these kind of people. You will see what happens, he said, according to the complaint.

The victim suffered substantial pain and redness in her right leg as a result of Rhodes alleged actions.

According to the complaint, as Rhodes was arrested he told officers said, I guess I am going to jail for disorderly conduct. I couldnt tell if it was a man or woman because their back was to me and they had something covering their head.

Rhodes is set to return to court Jun. 12, DA Brown said.
By Bill Parry

Mayor Bill de Blasio and his aides will not face criminal prosecution in connection with his campaign fund-raising, prosecutors announced Thursday. While Acting U.S. Attorney Joon Kim made his announcement in a brief statement, Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr. sent a 10-page letter to the state Board of Elections concluding that de Blasio and his associates acted with advice of counsel that channeling donations was legal and had no provable criminal intent.

I think this confirms what I have been saying and all of my colleagues have been saying, de Blasio said on his weekly radio broadcast Thursday. We held ourselves to a very high standard and we will continue to. I appreciate that both the U.S. Attorneys Office and the District Attorneys Office did a very thorough effort. We cooperated from the very beginning. We said we wanted to help in any way we can  we could and we did; offered a lot of assistance and information.

Kim, who replaced former U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara after he was fired by the White House last weekend, said his office conducted a thorough investigation into several circumstances in which de Blasio and others acting on his behalf solicited donations from individuals who sought official favors from the city, after which de Blasio made or directed inquiries to relevant city agencies on behalf of those donors.

In considering whether to charge individuals with serious public corruption crimes, we take into account, among other things, the high burden of proof, the clarity of existing law, any recent changes in the law, and the particular difficulty in proving criminal intent in corruption schemes where there is no evidence of personal profit, Kim said in his statement. After careful deliberation, given the totality of circumstances here and absent additional evidence, we do not intend to bring federal criminal charges against the mayor or those acting on his behalf relating to the fund-raising efforts in question.

The prosecutor added that such a public statement on the status of an investigation is rare.

We believe it appropriate in this case at this time, Kim said, in order not to unduly influence the upcoming campaign and Mayoral election.
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.
If you're a pet lover, finding a place to rent that will accommodate you and your furry companion can be challenging. However, there's a new apartment complex in North Greenbush that may suit your needs. It's the first local place to get the "Pets Are Welcome" designation by the Humane Society of the United States.

The Van Allen Apartments off Route 43 in North Greenbush is underway, and tenants have already moved into what will eventually be a 224-unit, 20-building development. It is the first partnership between Amedore Homes and Sunrise Management and Consulting. Amedore is doing the construction and Sunrise will manage the property. The complex will have a dog park, pet grooming station and wash center. It means that all dogs are allowed, with no breed or weight restrictions. Pets will be carefully screened, however.
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Angelina Jolie has made a strong defense of the United Nations, saying the world body, as "imperfect" as it is, needs reform but also support.

The American actress and special envoy for the U.N. refugee agency decried a "rising tide of nationalism masquerading as populism, and the re-emergence of policies encouraging fear and hatred of others" during a speech at the U.N. in Geneva on Wednesday.

Saying she was speaking as a "proud American" and "an internationalist," Jolie said some politicians were elected "partly on the basis of dismissing international institutions and agreements."

She didn't mention U.S. President Donald Trump.

Jolie addressed a ceremony honoring Sergio Vieira de Mello, the U.N. envoy to Iraq who died in a 2003 bombing attack in Baghdad.

 Associated Press

Trump tweets dig at Snoop Dogg

President Donald Trump is firing back at Snoop Dogg days after the release of a music video in which the rapper points a toy gun at a clown dressed like Trump and pulls the trigger.

Trump tweeted Wednesday morning: "Can you imagine what the outcry would be if @ SnoopDogg, failing career and all, had aimed and fired the gun at President Obama? Jail time!"

The video is for a remixed version of the song "Lavender," by Canadian group BADBADNOTGOOD featuring Snoop Dogg. In it, Snoop Dogg shoots the Trump clown with a gun that releases a flag with the word "bang."

 Associated Press

'Dawson's Creek' star in Berkshires

In the first celebrity-casting news for this summer's theater season, Berkshire Theatre Group on Wednesday announced that actor Joshua Jackson, who became famous co-starring as Pacey Witter on the teen TV drama "Dawson's Creek," will appear in BTG's production of the play "Children of a Lesser God," running June 22 to July 22 on the Fitzpatrick Main Stage in Stockbridge, Mass.

Also in the cast with Jackson, who has more than 30 film credits and made his stage debut in 2005 opposite Patrick Stewart in London's West End, are Stephen Spinella ("Angels In America: Millennium Approaches"), acclaimed deaf American actor John McGinty and former Miss Deaf America Lauren Ridloff. The production is being directed by Kenny Leon, who won a Tony Award in 2014 for directing an acclaimed revival of "A Raisin in the Sun."

The play, written by Mark Medoff, is about the relationship between a deaf woman and her former teacher.

Tickets, all priced at $65, are on sale now by calling 413-997-4444 or going to www.berkshiretheatregroup.org.

 Steve Barnes
Bethlehem

A man accused of attacking three people in Selkirk on March 7 was arrested after town police, a sheriff's dog and a State Police helicopter teamed up for an 18-hour search that ended March 8.

"It shows the effectiveness of a large perimeter and multi-agency cooperation, Bethlehem police spokesman Commander Adam Hornick said Thursday.

Town police were called to the Elm Estates at about 5 p.m. March 7 for a domestic violence incident, Hornick said.

The female victim told police that 34-year-old Tyler Michael Hunt of Selkirk assaulted her before getting into his car and ramming into her vehicle, which had two children inside, Hornick said.

Hunt then crashed into the home's garage before running off into a densely wooded area, armed with a large hunting knife, the commander said.

The woman suffered facial injuries and the children were uninjured, Hornick said. Town police surrounded the woods and established a perimeter of a few square miles.

"We used a roving perimeter, where cars continually drive specific areas looking for people or vehicles possibly picking up a suspect," Hornick said. "Unfortunately wooded areas aren't like city blocks, where the perimeter allows officers to see each other and make sure no one passes through."

An Albany County Sheriff's Office dog tried to sniff out the suspect but rain covered the man's scent. When the sun set, officers stayed on scene and kept a loose perimeter overnight, Hornick said.

At 10 a.m., the State Police sent a helicopter to circle the area, which flushed Hunt out of the woods, Hornick said.

"Our officers saw him at a residence at the wood line and determined he had called a taxi," which they stopped a few minutes later, Hornick said. He said Hunt tried to give officers a fake name but did not otherwise resist arrest, and officers found the hunting knife on a trail the next day.

Hunt is charged with felony aggravated criminal contempt, felony criminal mischief, misdemeanor assault, misdemeanor reckless endangerment, misdemeanor child endangerment and misdemeanor false personation.

He was taken to Albany County jail without bail and is to return to Bethlehem Town Court on April 4.

emasters@timesunion.com  518-454-5467  @emilysmasters
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Albany

The Albany County Land Bank acquired 265 tax-foreclosed properties in the capital city this month, the largest addition in the not-for-profit's three year history.

The organization improves and resells vacant and abandoned property in an effort to reverse the effects of blighted property on communities.

Land bank officials will inspect the buildings and decide what work needs to be done before they're put up for sale. The organization often cleans out properties, stabilizes structures and even demolishes buildings all together.

About 50 percent of the recently acquired properties have some form of a structure on them, while the remaining 135 are vacant lots, land bank Director Adam Zaranko said.

The land bank closed on 313 properties this year, amounting to about half of the total acquisitions made since its 2014 founding.

Properties are sold only to buyers with a plan to put buildings to productive uses that support community goals.

In February, the land bank's board of directors authorized the sale of 15 vacant properties to qualified buyers, the most approvals the organization has ever made in one month.

The 15 properties were located in Albany, Cohoes, Watervliet, Berne and Colonie, and ranged from small side lots to a mixed-use commercial building.

First-time home buyers, adjacent property owners and local investors were approved for new construction, building rehabilitation and open space preservation.

To view properties for sale, go to the land bank's website, http://albanycountylandbank.org.
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Albany

A Troy woman admitted Thursday she recklessly caused the death of 18-year-old Paige Ahearn last October while driving drunk on Route 7 in Colonie.

Jessica Bellerose, 41, pleaded guilty to second-degree manslaughter, vehicular manslaughter and driving while intoxicated during an appearance before state Supreme Court Justice Thomas Breslin. She faces a sentence of 21/3 to 7 years in prison on May 11.

On Oct. 13, Bellerose was driving her 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix when her blood alcohol level was 0.14, nearly twice the state's legal blood alcohol threshold of 0.08, authorities said.

Michael McDermott, the attorney for Bellerose, said his client is devastated she caused Ahearn's death.

"Obviously, there's nothing she can do now to make any of this better. She understands that and she's willing to accept the consequences," McDermott said. "She realizes the enormity of the mistake that she made and is accepting responsibility and knows that there are heavy consequences to be paid and she's accepting of that."

His client, he noted, has no prior record.

"This was one tragic mistake," the attorney said. "Every day, you have people getting arrested and pleading to DWI charges and I don't think any of them are sufficiently aware that it just takes a couple of seconds and what's a routine DWI charge in the town of Colonie can be a manslaughter charge."

Ahearn graduated in June from Waterford-Halfmoon High School, where she was a cheerleader, played basketball, softball and served on the school's student council.

Crowds of family members and friends of Ahearn attended the court proceeding.

"Certainly, we all believe that the sentence should be greater than (21/3 to 7 years) because a life was lost," George LaMarche III, an attorney and spokesman for the Ahearn family, told reporters. "No amount of time is going to bring Paige back. (Bellerose) will be punished, she will serve her time and we will do our best to move on from this horrific and tragic loss."

Ahearn and her boyfriend, Damien DeMayo, were on their way to get a Halloween costume when their car was stuck, LaMarche said.

"She was in love. She had a family that loved her. She was hopeful about her bright future," LaMarche said. "And that's all been taken away."

Bellerose "impacted a community here. She destroyed a family. She destroyed friends of Paige. The holes that she has left in the hearts of so many people can never be replaced or repaired and she will have to live with that for the rest of her life," LaMarche said.

Assistant District Attorneys Mary Tanner-Richter and David Szalda are prosecuting the case. Under the plea deal, Bellerose will undergo three years of probation after her release from prison. She must have an interlock ignition device installed in her car. She also must pay restitution and fines.

LaMarche said there were no winners.

"It's a horrific day for everybody that's involved in this, but it's a lesson that people should not drink and drive," he said. "If you have one drink and you get behind the wheel, you are making a tremendous mistake. You are putting yourself at risk and the community at risk when you drink and drive and you should not do that."

rgavin@timesunion.com  518-434-2403  @RobertGavinTU
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Albany

Former Albany County Independence Party leader Lawrence Rosenbaum conned 35 victims  including friends, former business clients and members of his synagogue  out of more than $1 million to pay for a lifestyle that included prostitutes and a mistress in Costa Rica.

Rosenbaum, and his wife, Thomasine Henderson, scammed an additional $12,500 from an insurance company after Rosenbaum impersonated his deceased son just two days after the son committed suicide on the Northway.

On Thursday, a judge sentenced Rosenbaum, 65, of Albany, to 3 to 9 years in prison for his investment scam, which duped victims into putting their money into the production of kosher and halal cheese and bio-energy companies. The judge imposed probation for three years for Henderson, who pleaded guilty in January to insurance fraud and falsifying business records for the scam involving her son's death benefits.

Henderson, 66, tried to downplay her crimes, saying it was "not my attempt to falsify the records." Acting Supreme Court Justice Roger McDonough immediately reminded Henderson she was contradicting her guilty plea. After a brief conversation with her attorney, Paul Edwards, Henderson admitted to her crime.

McDonough said he was troubled by Henderson's comments, but allowed her plea deal to stand.

"There is no sentence that I could give to this defendant that would eclipse the reality that she has to live with for the rest of her life  that she attempted to profit from her son's death, her son's tragic suicide," the judge told Henderson.

Rosenbaum, an insurance broker, contacted an insurance carrier and impersonated his 26-year-old son  Andrew N. Rosenbaum  two days after the man committed suicide by walking in front of a tractor-trailer on May 8 on the Northway in Colonie. Prosecutors said Rosenbaum asked whether his insurance would cover accidental death benefits such as being "hit by a truck."

The judge mentioned that a probation officer compiling Rosenbaum's pre-sentencing report was deeply troubled by Rosenbaum's insurance scam after the death of his son "beyond what polite words can adequately describe."

Rosenbaum resolved the charges in that case when he pleaded guilty in January to grand larceny, securities fraud and failing to file income taxes in connection with the investment scam.

Assistant Attorney General Benjamin Clark, who prosecuted the case with Assistant Attorney General Philip Apruzzese, read letters from three investment scam victims of Rosenbaum.

Doug Lowe, a man whose family lost $200,000 in the investments, revealed he has to pay back nearly $70,000 in loans he needed to borrow because of the loss.

"From his countless visits to our homes and hundreds of emails and phone calls, Mr. Rosenbaum knew that we were investing the money for our children and grandchildren to make college affordable for them," the letter from his family stated. "Three years (in prison) won't even begin to heal the emotional and financial damage he has done to our family."

Another victim statement read by the prosecutor came from a man who said Rosenbaum fleeced him knowing full well he was caring for a declining father and a dying wife.

Rosenbaum's investment fleece was "loathsome crime," the judge said, and involved "emotional violence" against the victims.

"The motive behind that was clearly greed and avarice and lust," the judge said. Highlighting the probation officer's pre-sentencing recommendation report, the judge added, "Much of these ill-gotten funds were used to support Mr. Rosenbaum's lifestyle, which included a mistress in Costa Rica as well as the financed use of prostitutes and other sundry personal pleasures at the expense of, apparently, the college education of his victims' grandchildren."

When offered a chance to speak, Rosenbaum, standing beside his attorney, Francisco Calderon, said: "I regret my actions, I am taking full responsibility for my actions in my plea. I'm sorry for the hurt and harm that I have caused others. I hope I will have the opportunity someday again to be a productive member of the community."

In October 2004, Rosenbaum resigned from the Albany County Independence Party leadership after the Times Union reported that more than $30,000 of the $106,500 the party raised over a five-year period went directly to Rosenbaum  and that he received $15,656 for "travel and entertainment."

On Thursday, the judge told Rosenbaum any of his past positive accomplishments are forever "obliterated" by his crimes.

"Within your religious community, within the business community, you will forever be known as a con man, as a flim-flam artist and not as a chair of the Independence Party or a well-known insurance broker," the judge said. "This is what your legacy is going to be  your terrible crimes, your financial crimes against your friends, against your fellow congregants at your synagogue, against your longtime customers."
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Colonie

The average homeowner would pay $40 a year more in school taxes under preliminary budget figures developed by the North Colonie school district.

The tax rate hike would be 24 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation, or slightly under 1 percent.

While some work remains to be done on the budget before it is adopted by the school board April 5, district officials say they expect to hold firm on that tax rate. The district is building its budget at the same time it is preparing a revamped road construction project. In December, voters rejected a $196.4 million project to renovate all the district's schools.

More Information The North Colonie School District rescheduled Tuesday's forum on a revamped version of the building referendum to 7 p.m. Monday, March 20. Wednesday's forum is still planned. Both are at Shaker Junior High School. Info at http://northcolonie.org. See More Collapse

A second vote is planned for the same day, May 16, that the budget will be acted upon by voters. Details of the new proposition have not yet been determined.

The budget is estimated to be $107.1 million, up $1.8 million from the current year plan of $105.3 million, said Assistant Superintendent for Business William Furlong.

"We still continue to work at providing our very best for our children and their families while being simultaneously respectful of fiscal circumstances," said Superintendent D. Joseph Corr.

The district is still reviewing its expenses as it may have to add some staff due to growing enrollment, the officials said, but they don't intend to raise the tax increase.

"We are going to have to do some work on the expenditure side," Furlong said. Added state aid, if approved, could also be used for that purpose.

Under the district's plan, the tax rate would rise from $25.20 per $1,000 of assessed valuation to $25.44.

The proposed increase in the tax levy is below the state's tax cap.

Among the areas of growth in the spending plan is a $1 million increase in salaries and growth of $713,756 in health insurance costs, the district said in a presentation posted on its website. The district also is budgeting for an increase of $473,938 for instructional technology and equipment purchases and says special education costs for BOCES programs will grow by $488,314.

The district is also saving $1.1 million on debt, $806,300 in payments to the teachers' retirement system and $360,000 from retirements.

In recent years, the district has seen a rise in poverty in all eight of its schools. At Blue Creek Elementary, the percentage of students classified as poor rose from 20.9 percent in November 2013 to 27.8 percent in November 2016. Latham Ridge Elementary has seen those numbers climb from 18.8 percent to 26 percent in the same period.

The district will vote on a proposed budget April 5 and hold a budget hearing May 3.

tobrien@timesunion.com  518-454-5092  @timobrientu
Saratoga Springs

The Saratoga Performing Arts Center this summer will focus on strengthening connections between the venue and its community with a series of programs and initiatives that include lower ticket prices, free events with local arts partners and educational outreach. The plans were announced Thursday afternoon at a meeting of SPAC's board of directors held at the Hall of Springs, adjacent to SPAC's grounds in the Saratoga Spa State Park.

Among the ticket promotions are a discounted package combining admission to performances during the residencies of the New York City Ballet, the Philadelphia Orchestra and the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center; expansion of Kids in Free lawn admission for classical programs from age 12 to 15; a $30 amphitheater ticket in select sections for classical performances; and $20 child and student amphitheater tickets for Freihofer's Jazz Festival.

In other jazz festival news, SPAC's aging gazebo stage, site of performances by up and coming acts during the festival since it was built 36 years ago, will be replaced with a larger, technologically up-to-date gazebo. The new gazebo will also be the site for a summer performance series developed as part of a recently announced programming collaboration with Caffe Lena in Saratoga. The performances, specifics of which will be announced later, will be free and open to the public. SPAC's president and CEO, Elizabeth Sobol, who started in the job in October, described the new gazebo to the board and said it is essential to launching new festivals and events that are under development for 2018.

"The stunning natural beauty of our grounds offers limitless possibilities for expanding our programming and events beyond the amphitheater stage," said Sobol. "Updating the gazebo stage is a key step that will allow us to realize those goals and create exciting, imaginative programming and events for family audiences and the public."

Initiatives in arts education announced at the meeting included an expansion of in-school dance residencies and a plan to add a music-composition residency next year; an interactive program to introduce kids age 4 to 9 to classical music, called The Fish Who Could Wish; a two-week summer dance program for children ages 9 to 12; and Classical Kids, which brings classical music and dance into classrooms, supplemented by attending SPAC performances.

Classical Kids will reach 8,000 students this year, a 62 percent increase over 2016, Sobol said. New participants are several elementary schools in the Albany and Schenectady city school districts, SPAC's first outreach initiative into urban communities.

"SPAC's vibrancy as a cultural venue and as a community partner is made stronger through educational outreach that engages our young people in these art forms, encouraging their creativity, self-expression and achievement," Sobol said. "These programs are essential to our future."

sbarnes@timesunion.com  518-454-5489  @Tablehopping  http://facebook.com/SteveBarnesFoodCritic
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Ballston Spa

On April 20, 2016, two teenagers walked into the State Police barracks in Wilton and reported a decade of sexual abuse and torture at the hands of Michael and Jeanne Mosher.

It led to a police investigation, the arrests of the Moshers for abusing at least four children and ultimately the couple's guilty pleas last month to the most serious sex crime charges on the books in New York state.

On Wednesday, the victims finally had their day  and say  in court as a Saratoga County judge sentenced the Moshers each to the maximum 40 years to life in prison.

"How can you consider yourselves even remotely human?" one of the victims asked the Wilton couple as they awaited sentencing from Judge James A. Murphy III. "I don't believe that you deserve to live because of the things you've done."

Police found text messages, photographs and videos of horrific abuse that was "premeditated, calculated and planned by these two defendants," said Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Buckley, who prosecuted the case.

Text messages showed the couple "discussing which victim they were going to rape that day," the judge said. He said Jeanne Mosher sometimes drugged the victims with over-the-counter medications before they were attacked. And she gave teenage victims the morning-after pill to prevent pregnancy.

"If that is not co-conspiratorial, premeditated and evil at its most defined term, I don't know what is," Murphy said.

A State Police senior investigator called it the worst case of sexual abuse he had seen in 31 years in law enforcement, Murphy noted.

The Moshers faced more than 50 counts of sex crime charges when they pleaded guilty in January. Both admitted to two counts of predatory sexual assault of a child. They abused the children over a 10-year period in Hadley and Wilton, ending last year.

The Moshers both looked down for the length of the proceedings. Jeanne Mosher shook her leg nervously.

The first victim who spoke Wednesday referred to the couple as "monsters in this horror story." She said she has risen above the unspeakable violence she suffered.

"As of this moment, right now, I'm finally utterly and completely free," she said.

The Moshers will enjoy no such freedom behind bars, she predicted.

"Do you know what they do to people that have done the things that you two have done to kids in prison?" the victim said. "I've heard stories. And if any of them are even remotely true, you are really not going to last very long. Now you will know what it's like to go to sleep at night afraid."

A second, younger victim called Michael Mosher an "idiot" and a "disgusting pig."

He started abusing her at the age of 3, she said.

"I was three years old. Do you think a three-year-old is responsible for saying 'no?'" she asked.

She said she too will move on with her life.

"I'm at this point never going to be normal. I don't think like the kids my age. I don't act like the kids my age. But I'm proud of whom I've become," the girl said. "I have a wall of people that love and care for me."

Turning to Jeanne Mosher, the victim said: "I'm finally able to see what people are like and I'll never go back to being afraid of what's out there. I'm better than you. You're at fault as much, if not more, than (Michael Mosher) is ... you made me scared of what's out there. But I love the world. There are amazing people out there and you know nothing about that, do you?"

When offered chances to speak, both defendants declined. Michael Mosher's lawyer, Saratoga County Public Defender Oscar L. Schreiber, asked the judge to impose the agreed-upon sentence under the guilty pleas. Jeanne Mosher's attorney, Conflict Defender Kyran Nigro, declined to speak.

The judge told both victims who spoke they were incredibly brave. He told them the only people in the courtroom who lacked the courage to look them in the eye were Michael and Jeanne Mosher.

"They know exactly what they did," Murphy said. "And it's pathetic. It's criminal. It's reprehensible. And there are really words that have not been defined yet to describe the horrific behavior that they themselves engaged in, that they participated in and they forced upon you."

The victims came forward last April even after Michael Mosher threatened one of them that if she went to police, he would harm other victims. The teenagers came forward anyway. And they told State Police about a decade of sexual, physical, verbal and emotional abuse inflicted upon them and the other victims, Buckley said.

The couple expressed no remorse or emotion, the prosecutor said. She said Michael Mosher told a probation officer conducting a pre-sentencing report he was "very upset that he let himself be that stupid." The probation officer wrote that the report cannot fully demonstrate "what a vile evil man Mosher is, nor does it capture in its entirety the horrific sexual abuse that the children suffered for nearly a decade."

The officer recommended Michael Mosher be jailed "until his last breath." The officer said Jeanne Mosher "did not shed a tear" over two days of being interviewed, expressed no remorse and should also be jailed for life.

The second victim who spoke told the Moshers she might become a public speaker when she is older.

"People need to know what about you've done," she said. "I can't imagine the amount of kids in the situation you left me in at this moment, waiting for somebody to save them. Those kids need to know that you need to stand up for yourself. Those kids need to speak up until someone listens because the only one that can save them is themselves.

She told her abusers: "You were an idiot to think you could get away with this."

rgavin@timesunion.com  518-434-2403  @RobertGavinTU
Greenbelt, Md.

Hours before it was to take effect, President Donald Trump's revised travel ban was put on hold Wednesday by a federal judge in Hawaii after hearing arguments that the executive order discriminates on the basis of nationality.

The ruling came as opponents renewed their legal challenges across the country, asking judges in three states to block the executive order that targets people from six predominantly Muslim countries.

More than half a dozen states are trying to stop the ban, and federal courts in Maryland, Washington state and Hawaii heard arguments about whether it should be put into practice early Thursday.

U.S. District Court Judge Derrick Watson decision prevents the executive order from going into effect, at least for now. Hawaii had requested a temporary restraining order.

Hawaii also argued that the ban would prevent residents from receiving visits from relatives in the six countries covered by the order. The state says the ban would harm its tourism industry and the ability to recruit foreign students and workers.

In Maryland, attorneys told a federal judge that the measure still discriminates against Muslims.

Government attorneys argued that the ban was revised substantially to address legal concerns, including the removal of an exemption for religious minorities from the affected countries.

"It doesn't say anything about religion. It doesn't draw any religious distinctions," said Jeffrey Wall, who argued for the Justice Department.

Attorneys for the ACLU and other groups said that Trump's statements on the campaign trail and statements from his advisers since he took office make clear that the intent of the ban is to ban Muslims. Trump policy adviser Stephen Miller has said the revised order was designed to have "the same basic policy outcome" as the first.

The new version of the ban details more of a national security rationale. It is narrower and eases some concerns about violating the due-process rights of travelers.

It applies only to new visas from Somalia, Iran, Syria, Sudan, Libya and Yemen and temporarily shuts down the U.S. refugee program. It does not apply to travelers who already have visas.

"Generally, courts defer on national security to the government," said U.S. District Judge Theodore Chuang. "Do I need to conclude that the national security purpose is a sham and false?"

In response, ACLU attorney Omar Jadwat pointed to Miller's statement and said the government had put out misleading and contradictory information about whether banning travel from six specific countries would make the nation safer.

The Maryland lawsuit also argues that it's against federal law for the Trump administration to reduce the number of refugees allowed into the United States this year by more than half, from 110,000 to 50,000. Attorneys argued that if that aspect of the ban takes effect, 60,000 people would be stranded in war-torn countries with nowhere else to go.

In the Hawaii case, the federal government said there was no need to issue an emergency restraining order because Hawaii officials offered only "generalized allegations" of harm.

Jeffrey Wall of the Office of the Solicitor General challenged Hawaii's claim that the order violates due-process rights of Ismail Elshikh as a U.S. citizen who wants his mother-in-law to visit his family from Syria. He says courts have not extended due-process rights outside of a spousal relationship.

Neal Katyal, a Washington, D.C., attorney representing Hawaii, called the story of Elshiskh, an Egyptian immigrant and naturalized U.S. citizen, "the story of America."

Wall told the judge that if he is inclined to issue an injunction, it should be tailored specifically to Hawaii and not nationwide.

In Washington state, U.S. District Judge James Robart  who halted the original ban last month  heard arguments in a lawsuit brought by the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project, which is making arguments similar to the ACLU's in the Maryland case.

Robart said he is most interested in two questions presented by the group's challenge to the ban: whether the ban violates federal immigration law, and whether the affected immigrants would be "irreparably harmed" should the ban go into effect.

He spent much of Wednesday afternoon's hearing grilling the lawyers about two seeming conflicting federal laws on immigration  one which gives the president the authority to keep "any class of aliens" out of the country, and another that forbids the government from discriminating on the basis of nationality when it comes to issuing immigrant visas.

Robart said he would issue a written order, but he did not say when. He is also overseeing the challenge brought by Washington state.

Attorney General Bob Ferguson argues that the new order harms residents, universities and businesses, especially tech companies such as Washington state-based Microsoft and Amazon, which rely on foreign workers. California, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York and Oregon have joined the claim.

Washington and Hawaii say the order also violates the First Amendment, which bars the government from favoring or disfavoring any religion. On that point, they say, the new ban is no different than the old. The states' First Amendment claim has not been resolved.
THE ISSUE:

Part-time legislative staff positions come with lucrative health insurance options.

THE STAKES:

Lawmakers concerned about waste should rein in these expensive benefits.

More Information To comment: tuletters@timesunion.com or at http://blog.timesunion.com/opinion See More Collapse

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Finding affordable health insurance is on top of many New Yorkers' minds these days, but if you claim to work for the state Senate or Assembly at least 910 hours a year, you're covered.

The pricey perk, worth $6,000 or more each year to those who land part-time gigs with the Legislature, all too often looks like payback to political friends and sometimes even a favor to family members.

The wasteful patronage was documented by the Times Union's Chris Bragg, who found examples of relatively low-paying jobs carrying the same health insurance coverage as full-time positions. Some of those who have these low-level positions have other full-time jobs that pay much more, or are successful business people, but taxpayers still pay for their health insurance.

It's quite a deal: All one needs to do is regularly file documents claiming to have worked at least 17.5 hours a week to be eligible.

While the participants have to pay for a portion of these policies, the plans are considerably better than what most people get in the private sector. One option has zero deductibles for in-network services and lifetime coverage for someone older than 55 with 10 years in state government.

Lawmakers are prohibited from hiring family members, but there seem to be ways around that pesky ethics rule. Consider Assemblyman Dov Hikind, D-Brooklyn, who acknowledges securing part-time jobs for his adult sons on the staffs of fellow Assembly members from his borough, while at the same time filling some of his lower paying, high-benefits staff positions with the relatives of the colleagues who hired his sons.

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This practice is not new, nor is it limited to Democrats who control the Assembly. The rules allow the Republican-controlled Senate to also hand out nominal jobs with rich benefits. It must be a great way for legislators to make and keep friends.

This practice may well be legal, but that hardly justifies it. It reeks of the same kind of favoritism that plagued the old pork barrel system known as legislative member items.

It's an affront to all those ordinary people who lack the kind of connections that can net this kind of benefit. It's a poke in the eye to those who don't know if they'll even be able to afford health insurance at all after President Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress are done with whatever they end up doing to the Affordable Care Act. And it's an insult to every taxpayer.

Legislative leaders could end this practice right now by changing the rules to limit who can receive this broad health benefit. They could adopt the model of many private employers  having part-time staff receive only a portion of the benefit. At the very least, they should stop giving lifetime health coverage for part-time patronage jobs.

For lawmakers who say they want to combat waste, fraud and abuse in government, ending this lucrative handout is a good place to start.
Hit shows Billy Elliot and Les Miserables have won the Presentation Secondary School in Thurles, and Our Lady's Templemore nominations for the prestigious Bord Gais Energy Student Theatre Awards which will be announced in May.

The wait is over! The shortlist for the annual Bord Gais Energy Student Theatre Awards has been revealed with two Tipperary schools having caught the attention of the judging pane.

Presentation Secondary School in Thurles has been shortlisted in the Best Overall School Musical category for its production of school production of Billy Elliot. The judges said it was an ambitious, polished and beautifully performed piece.

Student Zoe Gleeson in Presentation Secondary School has been shortlisted in the Best Performance in a Supporting Role for her performance as Mrs. Wilkinson in the school production of Billy Elliot. Judges commented that Zoe played a character way beyond her years with such nuance, it left the judges speechless.



'Do you hear the people sing' - a familiar strain around Our Lady's Templemore at the back end of 2016.

Finally, student Cerys Loughnane in Our Lady's Secondary School in Templemore has been shortlisted in the Best Performance in a Supporting Role for her performance as Madme Thernardier in the school production of Les Miserables. Judges praised Cerys brilliant physicality in creating a beautifully portrayed character.

On Wednesday 17 May 2017, shortlisted primary and secondary school students from across the country will gather at the Bord Gais Energy Theatre for a special Awards ceremony where the winners will be announced. RTE presenter Eoghan McDermott will host the event with selected schools getting the opportunity to perform on Irelands largest theatre stage on the day, making it a magical experience they wont forget!

This is the fourth year of the hugely successful Awards which were set up by Bord Gais Energy to recognise and reward participation in the dramatic arts in schools around Ireland. Over 1,000 schools have taken part in the Awards since their launch in 2013 and last year saw over 2,000 students from counties across Ireland attend the Bord Gais Energy Theatre for the celebratory Awards ceremony.

This years judging panel comprised of actress Amy Huberman; Dancing with the Stars Aoibhin Garrihy; best-selling novelist Sinead Moriarty; writer and storyteller Dave Rudden; theatre designer Monica Frawley; manager of the Bord Gais Energy Theatre Stephen Faloon; and Bord Gais Energy Sponsorship Programme Manager Tanya Townsend.

The full 2017 shortlist is available to view at www.BGESTA.ie
By Press Trust of India: Bengaluru, Mar 15 (PTI) Five persons, including a woman municipal councillor, were arrested today at Anekal in connection with the murder of BJP leader Srinivas Prasad. "Five persons including a woman councillor Sorajamma have been arrested in the case," Bengaluru Rural Superintendent of Police Vinit Singh told PTI here. Investigation was going on to get some leads to trace son of Sorajamma, also allegedly involved in the murder, Singh said. "Once we get him, we will get to know who was the prime accused, who hatched and executed the murder," he said. 45-year old Prasad, also known as Kithaganahalli Vasu), was hacked to death in Anekal yesterday by unidentified assailants, sparking off protests by BJP activists who alleged it was politically-motivated. Home Minister G Parameshwara ruled out politics being the motive. "Congress and JDS workers have also been murdered.Similarly, BJP workers also have been murdered. So, we do not look at it from a political angle. RSS has demanded strong steps to stop politically-motivated killings.

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I do it because I hope it means transport will be one less thing a patient has to worry about, explains Enda Bourke who has been a volunteer driver with the Irish Cancer Society for the past four years, dropping and collecting patients to their hospital appointments across the county.

After retiring in 2012 Mr Bourke said he had planned to get involved with the volunteer service after a recruitment campaign came to Thurles looking for drivers. After the application and vetting process was complete, Mr Bourke was given six months driver training. He now covers four hospitals including CUH, UHL, Waterford University Hospital and Tullamore General.

You do on average of two drives a month depending on the demand and you have all age groups availing of the service from people in their 20's to the elderly.

Some patients might have to go for treatment every week and you commit yourself to that person for the day, collecting them at their house, drop them off outside the door of the hospital and wait until they are ready, adds Mr Bourke, who is also the president of Special Olympics Thurles.

Going for treatment can be extremely stressful and if organising transport is taken care of then that's one less thing to worry about, he says adding that all volunteer drivers need to be punctual, confidential, sensitive and own a full clean licence.

Uptake for the service increased by 66 percent in Tipperary last year as more patients learned of the service. A total of 659 journeys were made by 57 Irish Cancer Society volunteer drivers from Tipperary covering a total distance of 108,652km .

The Volunteer Driver Service provides transport free of charge to patients undergoing chemotherapy treatments in 21 hospitals nationwide. Patients that would like to avail of the service or would like further information can contact their healthcare professional to refer them to the service. Alternatively they can call the Volunteer Driver Service team on (01) 2310 522, email transport@irishcancer.ie

The Irish Cancer Societys Care to Drive service is currently recruiting volunteer drivers in Tipperary. Anyone who is interested in getting involved and becoming a volunteer can contact 01 2316 642. or email transport@irishcancer.ie

Don't forget to support Daffodil Day on March 24th. The Irish Cancer Society needs to raise over 3m to continue funding vital services and important cancer research.
March 16, 2017

One of the biggest challenges for businesses of all sizes, in the struggle to meet their business goals, is the common but dreaded operational silo. Data, systems and processes all vary throughout organizations from a variety of industries and company cultures, making it difficult to optimize performance.





According to Craig Seebach, vice president of enterprise workforce optimization at Verint (News - Alert), an operational framework that combines technology and processes is the key to breaking down organizational silos and creating a culture of continuous optimization. By ensuring consistency of key management processes throughout an organization, businesses can create and maintain a single repository for operational data, ensuring consistency across departments, technologies and processes.

It takes an operational framework that combines technology with business processes in a way that supports continual operational improvement, said Seebach. This is an area of specialization for Verint, as the company provides actionable intelligence solutions focusing on customer engagement optimization along with security intelligence and compliance solutions. Verint defines an optimized back office as one with a standardized framework and management process offering a holistic view of operations as well as actionable insights for driving decision making.

The company has created a Back-Office Management Process Survey to help companies gauge how well their operational framework is performing as well as to pinpoint areas requiring improvement. The survey is available online and is recommended for operational managers, directors and executives with multiple groups and roles reporting to them. These leaders are typically held accountable for the success of their groups or functions and can benefit from a comprehensive assessment.

The survey will provide participants with a ranking against the Five Components of an Optimized Back-Office Management Process along with recommendations about how to improve in each area. The components include standardized management process and tools; financial metrics and reporting; production management; service delivery management; and employee effectiveness.

Verint will send out complimentary copies of a benchmark report to all participants within three to six months, based on the survey responses. The report will enable businesses to compare their rankings to their peers to assess how well they are performing in the broader marketplace.

Edited by Alicia Young
[March 16, 2017] Utah Virtual Academy Invites Students to Enroll for 2017-18 School Year

Utah Virtual Academy (UTVA), an accredited online public charter school, is now accepting enrollment applications for the 2017-18 school year. UTVA is open to students statewide in kindergarten through 12th grade. The rigorous and engaging curriculum offered at UTVA includes courses in English/language arts, math, science, history, art and music, as well as six world languages, more than 50 electives and Advanced Placement courses for high school students. State-certified teachers provide instruction, guidance and support and interact with students and parents via email, web-based classrooms, online discussions, phone and face-to-face meetings. "UTVA helps students become independent, self-motivated learners," said Meghan Merideth, head of school at Utah Virtual Academy. "With our innovative learning program, UTVA allows families and teachers to work together to help students maximize their academic potential." The school has a robust Advanced Learner Program for younger students, and high schoolers cn get ahead by earning college credits through in-person and online concurrent enrollment available at Salt Lake Community College, Snow College and Dixie State University.



Students have the choice to enroll full-time or remain in their local high school or homeschool setting and enroll through the Statewide Online Education Program in up to six full-year online courses from the K12 catalog. UTVA also offers the Destinations Career Program, which prepares full-time students in grades 9-12 for college and careers and provides them with relevant technical skills in two career fields - health and information technology. Students enrolled through the Statewide Online Education program can also access career technical education (CTE) courses.

UTVA provides experiential learning opportunities such as school field trips and social gatherings, as well as the opportunity to participate in student government and other clubs. During the open enrollment period, UTVA will host in-person and online information sessions throughout the state. For more information and a list of events, please visit http://utva.k12.com. About Utah Virtual Academy Utah Virtual Academy is an accredited online public charter school that serves Utah students in kindergarten through 12th grade. As part of the Utah public school system, UTVA is tuition-free, giving parents and families the choice to access the curriculum provided by K12 Inc. (NYSE: LRN), the nation's leading provider of K-12 proprietary curriculum and online education programs. For more information about UTVA, please visit http://utva.k12.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170316006095/en/

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[March 16, 2017] Wyoming Refining Company Starts up New Unit Using ExxonMobil's BenzOUTTM Technology Licensed by Badger Licensing

Wyoming Refining Company (Wyoming), a Par Pacific Company, has started operation of its BenzOUTTM technology unit using proprietary technology developed by ExxonMobil and licensed by Badger Licensing LLC (Badger). The 4000 BPD unit, located in Newcastle, Wyoming, upgrades reformate to higher octane gasoline blend stock while converting reformate benzene for compliance with MSAT II benzene regulations. Wyoming's plant in Newcastle is the second BenzOUTTM unit to start commercial operation. The unit completed a demonstration run less than two weeks after initial hydrocarbon feed was introduced, and was accepted by Wyoming. "Implementation of the BenzOUTTM technology at the Newcastle site has enabled Wyoming Refining to no only meet Mobile Source (News - Alert) Air Toxics (MSAT) II benzene regulations, but also get a substantial increase in octane," said Dana Johnson, president of Badger. "With the increasing demand for higher octane necessary to meet more stringent CAFE standards, the BenzOUTTM technology will be instrumental in helping achieve these new standards. It has been a pleasure to work with Wyoming on this project, and we look forward to continuing a long and successful relationship with them."



The BenzOUTTM technology provides a unique process advantage to help refiners meet benzene regulations while at the same time achieving an attractive economic return on their investment by increasing octane, swelling gasoline volume, and adding flexibility to their reformer. Badger Licensing LLC, headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, is a venture of affiliates of TechnipFMC and ExxonMobil. Badger Licensing is principally engaged in developing, marketing, and licensing technologies for ethylbenzene, styrene monomer, cumene and bisphenol-A, in addition to the BenzOUTTM technology.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170316005966/en/

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[March 16, 2017] Zinwave to Demonstrate Complete Distributed Wireless Access System at ACUTA

Zinwave (News - Alert), a global provider of wideband distributed network solutions for in-building wireless, today announced that it will showcase its UNItivity distributed wireless access solution at the ACUTA show being held on March 19-22 at the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago. In booth 317, Zinwave will demonstrate UNItivity, the industry's only wireless infrastructure that supports all current public safety and cellular frequencies and can accommodate the addition of future frequencies without the need for hardware upgrades. Zinwave has extensive experience in deploying its in-building wireless system in universities around the world. UNItivity's wideband architecture supports frequencies from 150 to 2700 MHz, providing access for any public safety and cellular frequency. In addition, UNItivity uses a streamlined, all-fiber transport design that includes just two main components: a primary/secondary hub, and a thin, ceiling-mounted remote unit. As a result, installation and maintenance is less expensive than with other, more complex wireless systems, and can typically be accomplished by university IT personnel. Zinwave also offers a NEMA-certified enclosure for remoteunits that protects the remote equipment from water, smoke and other environmental factors.



UNItivity also delivers the lowest total cost of ownership (TCO) because it natively handles a wide range of current and future public safety and cellular frequency bands, so expensive equipment upgrades aren't needed when new bands go into service. Moreover, Zinwave offers a small cell point of interface (SC-POI) that allows institutions to power the system with inexpensive small cells rather than large, costly, full-sized base stations. The SC-POI supports up to four small cells, which can supply different frequency bands to the UNItivity system. "University students and faculty expect their mobile devices to work everywhere, and public safety infrastructure is a key concern," said Scott Willis, president and CEO at Zinwave. "By supporting all cellular and public safety frequencies in a cost-effective, easy-to-deploy solution, we enable institutions to meet all of their in-building wireless needs with a system that won't become obsolete in a few years."

About Zinwave Zinwave's UNItivity platform is the only truly future-proof, universal wireless access solution on the market. UNItivity's unique wideband architecture breaks the cycle of endless DAS upgrades because it supports any frequency from 150 MHz to 2700 MHz, accommodating current and future wireless services without hardware upgrades. In addition, UNItivity's streamlined, all-fiber architecture makes it more reliable and much easier to install than traditional DAS solutions. Zinwave has a global customer base. For more information about Zinwave, please visit www.zinwave.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170316005108/en/

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[March 15, 2017] Robo-Advice Portfolios Boosted by Themes And Factors, Quantifeed Analysis Shows

HONG KONG, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Returns from thematic robo-advice portfolios can be boosted by using quantitative screens, without increasing risk for investors, according to a new white paper by Quantifeed. The leading provider of B2B digital wealth management solutions in Asia Pacific, Quantifeed, today released the paper Designing thematic indices with a quantitative factor. It outlines an improved methodology for global thematic index construction, which features in its portfolios for financial institutions servicing the mass affluent segment in the Asia Pacific region. Gaudi Schneider, Quantifeed's Senior Quantitative Strategist and author of the white paper, says there are two distinct approaches to building indices: thematic indices, based on investment themes; and factor indices, based on empirical research of past investment returns. While the former approach is based on a forward-looking growth story for a niche industry, the latter uses quantitative variables, such as volatility, yield, size and momentum. "The thematic and factor approach to building indices have their own individual advantages for digital wealth management services. However, at Quantifeed we believe that through a calculated combination of both, financial institutions can deliver a much better risk-adjusted performance," says Mr. Schneider. "Mass affluent consumers in Asia Pacific who are receiving wealth management online can truly benefit from a quantitative overlay to their portfolios. "Financial institutions, on the other hand, can also capture the opportunity of digital wealth management services not only by servicing this segment of clients remotely, but also by delivering to them an enhanced portfolio performance," he added. Mr. Schneider explains that one way of introducing a factor to a given thematic portfolio is to apply weights to securities based on a specific variable, for example, volatility, instead of the standard weights based on market capitalization. "Low volatility stocks have been shown to outperform higher volatility stocks over extended periods of time," he says. "Taking advantage of this phenomenon can be achieved by giving stocks with low volatility a greater weight in the portfolio. We call this inverse volatility weighted," he explains. To illustrate the effect that a factor can have on a thematic index, Quantifeed looked at a group of stocks of U.S. listed companies that are active in the design of robots and automation services. By applying the inverse volatility weighting (IVW) quantitative factor to this group of stocks, Quantifeed's model outperformed the original index by 11 percentage points over a three-year period between February 2014 and February 2017. While the original version of the index declines by 4% during this period, the version with the quantitative overlay rose by 7% during the same period. (See table)







Compared performance between Feb-2014 and Feb-2017 Strategy Equal weighted Inverse volatility weighted ROIC inverse volatility weighted Return -4% 7% 11% Annualised volatility 18% 17% 18% Annualized return / volatility -0.08 0.13 0.21

To enhance performance further, Quantifeed's analysts applied an additional quantitative factor but into the stock selection process. The additional screen included the fundamental measurement of Return-on-Invested-Capital (ROIC), considered by the analysts as an appropriate criterion for the robotics industry, which usually requires large investments in research, factories or machinery. The results of the ROIC inverse volatility weighted index showed this time a 11% return during the three-year period, leading to an outperformance of 15 percentage points over the original index. (See table) In neither of these cases did the factorized portfolios gain in volatility versus the original index. View the white paper here: https://www.quantifeed.com/2017/03/robo-advice-portfolios-boosted-themes-factors-quantifeed-analysis-shows/ Download the white paper: http://photos.prnasia.com/prnk/20170315/8521701705 About Quantifeed Quantifeed's automated investment platform allows financial institutions to offer advisors and customers a digital wealth management experience under their own brand. Quantifeed's software and financial models provide banks, brokers and wealth planners with a configurable solution to suit their wealth management objectives. Firms can reach hundreds of thousands of consumers quickly and economically. The platform hosts portfolios of stocks, funds and other asset classes across all major global markets. Investing solutions can be based on risk assessment, life goals and thematic ideas. Quantifeed offers a library of portfolios for asset allocation, thematic investments and other trading strategies. The company was founded by former investment banking executives Alex Ypsilanti, CEO, and Ross Milward, CTO, in Hong Kong in 2013. Logo - http://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20170315/8521701705LOGO

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IMPORTANT INVESTOR ALERT: Khang & Khang LLP Announces Securities Class Action Lawsuit against The Toronto-Dominion Bank, and Encourages Investors with Losses to Contact the Firm

Khang & Khang LLP (the "Firm") announces the filing of a class action lawsuit against The Toronto-Dominion Bank ("TD" or the "Company") (NYSE: TD). Investors who purchased or otherwise acquired TD shares between December 3, 2015, and March 9, 2017, inclusive (the "Class Period"), are encouraged to contact the firm in advance of the May 11, 2017 lead plaintiff deadline.

If you purchased shares of TD during the Class Period, please contact Joon M. Khang, Esquire, of Khang & Khang, 18101 Von Karman Avenue, 3rd Floor, Irvine, CA (News - Alert) 92612, by telephone: (949) 419-3834, or via e-mail at [email protected].

There has been no clas certification in this case. Until certification occurs, you are not represented by an attorney. You may choose to take no action and remain a passive class member.







On March 10, 2017, CBC News revealed an article concerning the pressures placed on TD Bank branch employees to sell customers unnecessary products. The report alleges current and former TD Bank employees detailed a working environment that has "zero focus on ethics."

When this news was revealed to the investing public, the value of TD dropped, causing investors harm.

If you wish to learn more about this lawsuit at no charge, or if you have questions concerning this notice or your rights, please contact Joon M. Khang, a prominent litigator for almost two decades, by telephone: (949) 419-3834, or via e-mail at [email protected].

This press release may constitute Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170315006539/en/
[March 15, 2017] Avita Announces Receipt of $975K R&D Tax Incentive

Avita Medical Limited (ASX:AVH) (OTCQX:AVMXY), a regenerative medicine company focused on the treatment of wounds and skin defects, today announced that it has received a Research and Development Tax Incentive cash rebate from the Australian Tax Office of A$974,908 for the financial year ending 30 June 2016. The R&D Tax Incentive provides a tax cash rebate to support Australian companies undertaking research and development projects. "The receipt of the non-dilutive payment resulting from Australia's R&D Tax Incentive program delivers an important additional resource towards the buildup of our global commercial, clinical, and regulatory prorams. We are grateful to the Australian Government for supporting our efforts to innovate new advancements and exploration of additional applications for our proprietary technology platform, ReCell," commented Adam Kelliher, Avita Medical's Chief Executive Officer.



ABOUT RECELL AND RES ReCell is Avita Medical's unique proprietary technology that enables a clinician to rapidly create, at point of care in approximately 30 minutes, Regenerative Epithelial Suspension (RES) using a small sample of the patient's skin. RES is an autologous suspension comprising the cells and wound healing factors necessary to regenerate natural, healthy skin. RES has a broad range of applications and can be used to restart healing in unresponsive wounds, to repair burns using less donor skin, yet with improved functional and aesthetic outcomes, and to restore pigmentation and improve cosmesis of damaged skin.

ABOUT AVITA MEDICAL LIMITED Avita Medical develops and distributes regenerative products for the treatment of a broad range of wounds, scars and skin defects. Avita's patented and proprietary collection and application technology provides innovative treatment solutions derived from a patient's own skin. The Company's lead product, ReCell, is used in the treatment of a wide variety of burns, plastic, reconstructive and cosmetic procedures. ReCell is patented, CE-marked for Europe, TGA-registered in Australia, and CFDA-cleared in China. In the United States, ReCell is an investigational device limited by federal law to investigational use, and a pivotal U.S. approval trial is underway. To learn more, visit www.avitamedical.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170315006560/en/

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[March 15, 2017] Mitsubishi Electric Develops Technologies for Automated Mapping and Extraction of Transitions in Mapping Landscape for High-Precision 3D Maps Essential in Autonomous Driving

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (TOKYO: 6503) announced today that it has developed technologies for automated mapping and extraction of transitions in mapping landscape based on artificial intelligence (AI) and the company's own Mobile Mapping System (MMS) for highly precise three-dimensional maps that provide static information of roads and surrounding objects, intending to form the basis for dynamic maps indispensable for autonomous driving. As a forerunner in the industry, Mitsubishi (News - Alert) Electric aims to contribute to the early implementation of maps that offer constantly updated dynamic information, such as traffic signals and information about surroundig vehicles etc., for safe, highly precise autonomous driving.



Both technologies will be exhibited for the first time at CeBIT 2017 in Hannover, Germany at the Mitsubishi Electric (News - Alert) booth in Hall 4, booth A38 (24) from March 20 through March 24, 2017. Automated Mapping Technology

The automated mapping technology uses AI to quickly create precise, accurate three-dimensional maps. Only necessary information, such as road markings and traffic signs, is extracted from laser-point clouds and camera data measured and collected by MMS. Mitsubishi Electric's MMS provides 3D positional information of roads and roadside structures with an absolute precision within 10cm or less, which is collected via a system consisting of laser scanners, cameras and GPS antennas, while driving. AI improves the precision of extraction and recognition of the only data necessary, resulting in some 10 times faster map creation compared to industry-standard manual creation. The system also costs less than conventional methods. For the full text, please visit: http://www.mitsubishielectric.com/news View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170315005638/en/

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By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Mar 16 (PTI) Telecom major Bharti Airtel today said its shareholders have approved a proposal to raise up to Rs 10,000 crore in debt. The shareholders have also approved "transfer of companys investment in its wholly-owned subsidiary, Bharti Airtel International (Mauritius) Limited (BAIM)" to Network i2i Limited, Mauritius, another wholly-owned subsidiary, the company said in a regulatory filing. Over 99 per cent of the shareholders approved special resolution of the company to "issue of unsecured/secured redeemable non-convertible debentures/bonds by way of private placements", the filing said.

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The board of Bharti Airtel on January 24 had approved the proposal to raise debt up to Rs 10,000 crore.

The board of Bharti Airtel had approved rejig of its overseas arms on February 8 that will now operate under its wholly-owned Mauritius-based subsidiary Network i2i Ltd.

BAIM is investment holding firm of Bharti Airtel.

Under the approved structure, Airtels wholly-owned subsidiaries Bharti Airtel International (Mauritius) Ltd (BAIM), Bharti Airtel International (Netherlands) B.V. (BAIN), Netherlands and Bharti International (Singapore) Pte Ltd (BISPL), Singapore will be held entirely by Network i2i Ltd (Ni2i), Mauritius, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the company.

BAIN, which manages Africa operations of Airtel, will continue to hold the shareholding in African operating companies, the filing said.

Airtels investments in its wholly-owned subsidiaries Bharti Airtel (USA) Ltd, Bharti Airtel (Hong Kong) Ltd and Bharti Airtel (UK) Ltd will be held entirely by BISPL.

The company said the transaction is subject to regulatory approvals but expects to complete it on or before March 31, 2017.

Shares of Bharti Airtel closed at Rs 360.25 a unit, down by 0.8 per cent compared to previous close at BSE. PTI PRS MR

--- ENDS ---
[March 16, 2017] Ducon to Pursue Inorganic Initiatives for Accelerating Its Growth

Ducon Infratechnologies Limited (BSE:534674, NSE:DUCON) announced that the management of the Company has decided to pursue its inorganic strategy for accelerated growth actively. This strategy would not only fast-track Ducon India's organic growth but would also add critical size and capabilities to its current business. Commenting on this announcement, Mr Aron Govil, Chairman of the Company said, "While our India growth strategy is likely to continue its growth momentum, the global inorganic strategy will add stimulus to growth scale and capabilities to our business. We firmly believe that adding these new growth levers will strengthen our fundamental capabilities apart from improving our earnings and financial returns." He further added, " As we approach closure of our merger activity, we are confident of Ducon Infratechnologies Limited being in a favoured position to achieve its targetted growth through a well balanced organic and inorganic strategy." Strategic Rationale for the inorganic Strategy Inorganic Strategy to make Ducon a significant player in the Global engineering space

New businesses to strengthen Ducon's existing operations, while adding new geographies, technologies, capabilities and size.

Combined businesses to have potential cross leverageopportunities which will enhance value for the shareholders



Targetted Acquisition candidates Potentially looking at companies predominantly in North America and Europe in similar or related market sectors and a strong market position.

Targetted Companies to have annual sales ranging from $5 -$50 million.

Robust fundamentals given its business activities, track record, growth potential and management credibility.

Preference to firms that are entrepreneurially driven "privately owned", ideally with existing top management personnel in place and who are looking for a dynamic and financially robust growth platform, combined with a decentralised management model and entrepreneurial business environment. About Ducon Infratechnologies Limited

Ducon Infratechnologies Limited (BSE:534674, NSE:DUCON) is a growing technology company providing solutions in the digital and infrastructure space to a variety of business segments across industries. In the digital space, Ducon provides distribution services to its clients related to distribution, marketing Initiatives, volume procurement and technical support. In the infrastructure sector, it provides complete systems and executes turnkey projects across India and neighboring regions in rural electrification, environmental control & material handling areas. The Company is led by a team of young and dynamic professionals with technical, marketing and sales know-how and emerging fast to become a leading player to provide solutions and meet challenges in the digital and infrastructure business sectors. Disclaimer: Certain statements in this document that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties like government actions, local, political or economic developments, technological hazards, and many other factors. That could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the relevant forward-looking statements. The Company will not be in any way responsible for any action taken based on such statements and undertakes no obligation to publicly update these forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170315006492/en/

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[March 16, 2017] FiLMiC Inc Announces Filmic Pro V6 With First-Ever Log Video Recording for iPhone

SEATTLE, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- FiLMiC Inc, the leader in high-end mobile video technology, announces general availability of the first true logarithmic (Log) recording capability ever for mobile devices. This feature will be available as an optional purchase for iPhone 7 and 7 Plus. With Log shooting, a cinematographer is able to capture more useful dynamic range from the image and increase the flexibility for post-production editing and color grading. Sean Baker, co-writer and director of the Sundance hit TANGERINE stated: "For my new feature film (The Florida Project), using the Log capability in FiLMiC Pro enabled us to shoot iPhone footage and edit it back to back with 35mm footage, knowing that it's going to hold up after color grading and CGI are added. Not only did this open up new shooting opportunities but it allowed for narrative experimentation and as a storyteller that's exactly what you want." The company has published a white paper for its FiLMiC Log (patent pending) capabilities to assist in post-production work. Filmmakers are encouraged to visit filmicpro.com for more details. FiLMiC Pro v6 includes a range of new features including a suite of live analytics overlays to assist in exposure and focus acuity. The company's micro-contrast focus peaking (patent pending) evaluates focus data on a per pixel level. This allows the operator to identify ares of critical focus in addition to areas in the broader focal plane within the image.



The redesigned camera interface features intuitive dual arc slider controls for fast, synchronous, manual control of focus and exposure including automated focus and exposure pulls. FiLMiC Pro v6 retains support as the only third party video app integrated with the DJI OSMO Mobile handheld stabilizer and support for FiLMiC Remote for wireless control of a FiLMiC Pro camera.

"FiLMiC Pro blurs the line between the capability of a $50,000 cinema camera and the video camera in your pocket," said Neill Barham, founder and CEO in reaction to the launch of v6. FiLMiC Pro v6 is available on the Apple App Store starting today and is compatible with all iOS 10 supported devices. (Some features are device-dependent) Log recording and expanded tone and color behavior controls are available as an optional purchase of the Cinematographer Kit from within FiLMiC Pro v6. This option is for iPhone 7 and 7 Plus only. Press inquiries can be directed to [email protected] Related Images image1.png image2.png image3.png Related Links Corporate Website Electronic Press Kit Related Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5MORHnDHvg This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. For more info visit: http://www.newswire.com To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/filmic-inc-announces-filmic-pro-v6-with-first-ever-log-video-recording-for-iphone-300424614.html SOURCE FiLMiC Inc

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[March 16, 2017] Seqr Launches Seqr Go! an App for Teenagers

STOCKHOLM, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --Seqr announces the launch of Seqr Go!, the first of its kind prepaid mobile payment app designed mainly for teenagers. As we move gradually to a cashless society, introducing an accessible mobile payment solution for teenagers is both an innovative and logical next step. Thanks to Seqr Go!, there is no need for youths to carry cash or cards anymore: all they need is their smartphone, making it a safe and secure alternative for handling money. "Seqr Go! represents a major leap forward for Seqr and the mobile payment market in general. For the first time someone (Seqr) has provided a safe, smart, and youth friendly mobile payment technology. The youth segment is a large group of consumers that has effectively been shut out of this market and capabilities until now.", says Peter Fredell, CEO of Seamless. "It replaces the need for a wallet or to carry pockets full of cash making it safer for teens when out and about. It also enables teenagers to send money to or receive money in real time from other Seqr users whether home or abroad, anywhere in the world, free of charge." The application is easy to manage and helps teenagers responsibly manage their finances. The in-app payments activity log gathers all purchases and receipts so Seqr Go! users (and their parents) can keep track of their spending in real time. The application provides a secure alternative to carrying cash and/or cards and is quick and easy to get up and running with the only thing being required is a name, date of birth, email address and telephone number - in comparison to the more complicated and often lengthy process of getting a bank account. Seqr Go! also provides a smart way to help teens to manage their spending and learn more about budgets and finances. Money can be transferred instantly to a Seqr Go! account via person-to-person transfer by another Seqr user. Seqr Go! users don't need to link a bank account because the funds are transferred to their prepaid Seqr Go! account. Thanks to the prepaid technology Seqr Go! users can only spend what is in their account, so there is no risk of teens being overdrawn. As with the classic Seqr application, contactless is enabled for faster and more convenient payments. This is possible wherever contactless payments are accepted, currently around 30 million point-of-sales worldwide. The Seqr Go! user simply holds his or her phone up to the contactless card terminal in every shop where a contactless card terminal is installed. For low value transactions, there's no need to enter a PIN code, making it a quick and easy alternative to cash and/or cards. The smart technology of Seqr uses encrypted payments so personal details are secure at all times. Seqr Go! will be available to download in the Google Play Store on the 16th March 2017. Invitation to live broadcast about Seqr Go! We are delighted to invite you to our live broadcast on the 16th March 2017 at 2 PM (CET). Our CEO, Peter Fredell, will introduce to you our new app, Seqr Go!. Please click the here to watch the live broadcast. We look forward to welcoming you! About Seqr Seqr is the standard way to pay. Developed by Seamless, Seqr is the safe, fast and easy way to pay by mobile. The only thing the user needs is the Seqr app to scan a QR code or tap on the NFC terminal. Globally, over 30 million contactless card terminals now accept Seqr. The low investment and transaction fees for merchants and among others ensure that Seqr is the most widely used mobile payment solution in Europe. www.seqr.com About Seamless Seamless is one of the world's largest suppliers of payment systems for mobile phones. Founded in 2001 and active in 35 countries, Seamless handles more than 5.3 billion transactions annually through 675 000 active sales outlets. Seamless has three main business areas including the transaction switch, the technology provider for the distribution of e-products and the mobile payment platform Seqr. www.seamless.se For more information, please contact: Dominique Tilleman - Head of Communications +32-473-27-04-90 This information is information that Seamless Distribution AB (publ) is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. This information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact person set out above, at 08.50 a.m. CET on March 16, 2017. Seamless Distribution AB, Box 6234, 102 34 Stockholm | Visiting address: St Eriksgatan 121 D | Org. no: 556610-2660 Phone: 08-564-878-00 | Fax: 08-564-878-23 | www.seamless.se This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

http://news.cision.com/seamless-distribution-ab/r/seqr--launches-seqr-go--an-app-for-teenagers,c2215819 The following files are available for download:







http://mb.cision.com/Main/4815/2215819/643473.pdf PR Release

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/seqr-launches-seqr-go-an-app-for-teenagers-300424701.html SOURCE Seamless Distribution AB

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[March 16, 2017] Leosphere Speeds up Backups and Increases System Availability with Arcserve and Nimble Storage

MINNEAPOLIS, March 16, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Arcserve, LLC, whose breakthrough data protection and availability solutions deliver enterprise power with small team simplicity, today announced that Leosphere, a world leader in ground-based and turbine-mounted Lidars (light detection and ranging) for atmospheric observation, has deployed a solution integrating Arcserve and Nimble Storage technology to reduce backup times and improve system availability. Arcserves Unified Data Protection (UDP) Appliance is tightly integrated with the Nimble Storage Predictive Cloud platform. Leosphere has implemented both the UDP appliance and a Nimble Adaptive Flash array to offer a high-performance data protection solution, thanks to automatic storage snapshots. This integrated Arcserve backup and Nimble storage solution has already increased backup and recovery processing speeds by 30 percent.

Founded in 2004, Leosphere designs and markets Lidars, atmospheric remote-sensing instruments, which allow wind measurement, aerosol characterization and localization, clouds height and atmospheric structure. With more than 900 Lidars currently in service in over 50 countries, the company develops and fully manufactures all systems in France. In the last 10 years, Leosphere has experienced major international growth and expansion. For its backup, the company had a half-manual, half-automated system relying on hard drives attached directly to the servers. The system was no longer suitable to the companys needs, according to Rudy Maron, CIO at Leosphere, who explains that Leospheres legacy backup solution had become obsolete and was time-consuming to manage and expensive to maintain. Leosphere decided to migrate to a virtualized infrastructure, currently supported by 12 physical servers. This infrastructure hosts part of Leospheres information systems, including its intranet site and file servers. The company called on its IT partner, Cap Antigone, to define, supply and implement the new infrastructure. The plan was also to replace Leospheres nearly saturated storage environment, as well as assess and select a secure, automated backup solution for superior performance.



Cap Antigone worked alongside Arcserve and Nimble Storage to define, test and implement a data backup and storage set up that perfectly met Leospheres requirements and satisfied three key objectives: Supported virtualization of the architecture

Effectively enhanced performance

Ensured secure backups Using a series of workshops and tests, the companies demonstrated an especially effective approach for backing up and storing Leospheres data.

Today, Arcserve UDP backs up hourly for critical servers and daily for all servers, while utilizing the snapshots taken by the Nimble Storage Adaptive Flash array. By using the array for backups, the hypervisors are completely free to manage all of the servers, increasing system availability even when the backup process is running. Backups are performed automatically based on predefined settings that vary according to each server, and since all backup processes are automated, the companys IT team spends less time on administrative tasks and focuses on improving IT service performance. Integrating Arcserve and Nimble Storage solutions has reduced backup times and improved system availability, said Maron. Only a few clicks are needed to obtain an overview of all backup processes and schedules across our architecture. With Arcserve UDP, Leosphere no longer needs to carry out full backups each time, as the data protection solution continuously performs incremental backups, reducing the overall storage footprint. Data deduplication ensures fast backup times and reduces the amount of required storage, which will help us avoid spending time on additional IT hardware for the coming three years, Maron explains. Most importantly, the storage solution can be scaled to support Leospheres future growth. The company can add virtual servers and deliver new services to users and customers without needing additional hardware for the backup solution. Increasing system and data availability will stimulate a higher productivity as the storage solution and the new infrastructure deliver greater flexibility and scalability. Consequently, Arcserve UDP will enable Leosphere to: Free up time within the IT team

Improve IT productivity

Support the companys growth Follow Arcserve Blog

Twitter

LinkedIn About Arcserve UDP

Arcserve Unified Data Protection (UDP) is the only data protection solution to uniquely combine enterprise-grade capabilities with the simplicity required by small and over-stretched IT teams, proving power and resilience can coexist with simplicity and elegance. As the first of its kind to seamlessly unify data protection across multi-platform cloud, virtual and physical environments, it enables organizations to cost-effectively apply the right level of protection to vital, critical and basic systems with a complete range of RTOs and RPOs. Users configure and manage all aspects of data protection through a single, elegantly simple web-based user console and easily turn on additional capabilities without burdensome forklift upgrades. Arcserve UDP is available through software, appliance and cloud deployment modalities. About Arcserve

Arcserve is a leading provider of data protection and recovery software that provides organizations with the assurance that they can recover their data and applications when needed. Launched in 1990, the company provides a comprehensive solution for cloud, virtual and physical environments, on premise or in the cloud, backed by unsurpassed support and expertise. Arcserve has a customer base of 45,000 end users in more than 150 countries and partners with over 7,500 distributors, resellers and service providers around the world. Arcserve is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota with offices around the world. Visit www.arcserve.com. About Leosphere

Leosphere, founded in 2004, and its subsidiary Avent Lidar Technology are world leaders in ground-based and turbine-mounted Lidars (Light Detection And Ranging) for atmospheric observation. The companies design, develop, manufacture, sell and service new turnkey remote-sensing instruments allowing wind measurement and aerosol characterization.



Leosphere has deployed several hundreds of Lidars throughout the world in severe environments with the same concern of reliability, accuracy, return on investment, and dedication to atmospheric hazards control. Company also provides tests, delivery, training, warranty, maintenance of all equipment and customers assistance. Visit http://www.leosphere.com/. Media Contacts: Leslie Keil Arcserve 952.903.5434 [email protected]

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[March 16, 2017] Swap.com Reveals Who is Making Good on Their New Year's Resolutions

CHICAGO, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Swap.com, the largest online consignment retailer, is reporting on which cities and states seem to be most successful when it comes to achieving their New Year's resolution for a more fit and healthier lifestyle. In fact, experts predict approximately 80 percent of these resolutions fail by mid-February, according to U.S. News. To see how the country was measuring up, Swap.com dug into their customer's shopping behavior to get a glimpse of which cities and states seem to be moving on the right trajectory for achieving their New Year's goals. The Swap.com analysis is based on their customers' purchasing patterns from Nov/Dec 2016 to Jan/Feb 2017. "Our customers tell us all the time that they often go through changes in their size, and they come to us first so they can replace lots of clothes at once," explained Rich Lesperance, Chief Marketing Officer of Swap.com. "Now that we're about two months into 2017, we thought it would be interesting to analyze changes in the sizes we sell. What we found was striking: a major shift downwards in sizes compared to late 2016." On a national level, the report showed a significant 12 percent drop in purchases of women's size 18+ and an even bigger 25 percent decrease in purchases of men's sizes 3XL+. When drilling down to the state-level, residents of New Hampshire topped the list followed by Connecticut and Missori.



The top 15 states with the biggest decrease in plus sizes sold are: New Hampshire : -43.7% Connecticut : -31.1% Missouri : -29.7% Indiana : -29.5% Mississippi : -23.5% Nevada : -18.4% Wyoming : -16.3% Louisiana : -16% Maryland : -14.6% New York : -14.2% Rhode Island : -11.3% Michigan : -10.5% Florida : -10.4% South Dakota : -9.4% Kentucky : -8.3% Using the same logic, Swap.com also identified the top 15 cities with the biggest decrease in plus sizes:

Charleston, SC : -85.8% Troy, PA : -81.5% Philadelphia, PA : -78.3% Baton Rouge, LA : -76.4% Louisville, KY : -76.3% Kansas , MO: -76.2% Holland, MI : -69.5% Wilmington, DE : -63.2% Dover, NH : -62.5% Roswell, GA : -60% New York City , NY: -58.5% San Diego, CA : -56% Gainesville, GA : -55.5% Auburn, IN : -54.1% Atlanta, GA : -51.6% "The findings speak for themselves," said Dr. Juha Koponen, CEO & Co-founder of Swap.com. "When looking at purchasing patterns across the country, it's easy to see our customers love to shop Swap.com, especially when they are in between sizes. Whether it's a personal goal or they're facing an unexpected transition in life, we're happy to provide them with an easy and affordable option that, hopefully, keeps them looking and feeling great. Swap.com commends those who are working toward a healthier version of themselves and are proud to be able to offer secondhand-shopping lovers with a convenient and cost-effective way to dress confidently, at every stage of their lives." Source: Analysis of women's and men's tops and bottoms sold by size at Swap.com, from Nov/Dec 2016 to Jan/Feb 2017. About Swap.com

Swap.com, recently recognized by Internet Retailer as one of the Hot 100 innovative e-tailers in the industry, is the largest online consignment and thrift shop with 2 million unique items. The company strives to redefine consignment services by making the process of buying and selling pre-owned goods more convenient, safe, and profitable. Preventing waste by saving pre-owned clothes and accessories from ending up in landfills, shoppers can feel good about the purchases they make on Swap.com. Offering clothes, accessories, toys and games for babies, children, women and men, Swap.com is a one-stop shop the whole family can enjoy. Swap.com is based in Chicago and Bolingbrook, Illinois. The service was launched in 2012. To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/swapcom-reveals-who-is-making-good-on-their-new-years-resolutions-300424296.html SOURCE Swap.com

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[March 16, 2017] Protalix BioTherapeutics Reports 2016 Full Year Results and Provides Corporate Update

Current Cash is projected to Fund the Company through Three Clinical Trial Read-Outs and into 2019 CARMIEL, Israel, March 16, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Protalix BioTherapeutics, Inc. (NYSE MKT:PLX) (TASE:PLX), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of recombinant therapeutic proteins expressed through its proprietary plant cell-based expression system, ProCellEx, today announced its financial results for the full-year ended December 31, 2016, and provided a corporate update. Recently, our Executive Vice President, Research and Development and two Principal Investigators that have been involved in our clinical trials of pegunigalsidase alfa for Fabry disease each gave presentations at the 13th Annual WORLDSymposium in San Diego on the data generated in our phase I/II clinical trial of pegunigalsidase alfa for the treatment of Fabry disease, and received very positive feedback from physicians and patient advocacy groups, said Moshe Manor, Protalixs President and Chief Executive Officer. Looking ahead into 2017, we anticipate reporting results from both the phase II clinical trial of alidornase alfa for the treatment of Cystic Fibrosis and the phase II clinical trial of OPRX-106 for the treatment of ulcerative colitis. In 2018, if we generate positive interim results from the pegunigalsidase phase II trial, we expect to begin the filing process for approval with the European Medicines Agency. Following a note exchange and private placement completed in December 2016, we have a strong cash position of approximately $63.3 million, said Yossi Maimon, Protalixs Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. We anticipate these funds will be sufficient to fund our operations into 2019. 2016 and Recent Clinical and Corporate Highlights Pegunigalsidase alfa (PRX-102) for Fabry Disease Announced positive six and twelve-month interim phase II data in March 2016 and reported final results of the trial in August 2016. This data was presented at the Society of Inborn Errors of Metabolism Annual Symposium in September 2016 and the 13 th Annual WORLDSymposium in February 2017.





Annual WORLDSymposium in February 2017. Enrolled the first patient in a global phase III clinical trial to support filings in the United States (U.S.) and Europe in October 2016. Completion of enrollment is expected during the second half of 2017, with interim data analysis anticipated in 2018 to support European Medicines Agency and other regulatory filings outside of the United States, which comprise approximately two-thirds of the market. Alidornase alfa (PRX-110) for Cystic Fibrosis Reported positive interim results from the first 13 patients treated in our phase II clinical trial in January 2017. Full results for all 16 patients enrolled in the study are expected in the first half of April 2017. Data from the study was accepted as an oral presentation at the 40th European Cystic Fibrosis Conference to be held in June 2017. Oral anti-TNF (OPRX-106) for Ulcerative Colitis Enrolled the first patient in a phase II clinical trial in November 2016. Full results are expected around year end. Alfataliglicerase for Gaucher Disease Granted pediatric approval of alfataliglicerase in Brazil for the treatment of Gaucher disease in children four years of age and older in November 2016.





Received letter detailing and confirming purchases of approximately $24 million of drug product from Fundacao Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), an arm of the Brazilian Ministry of Health in December 2016. Full-Year 2016 Financial Results For the year ended December 31, 2016, Protalix reported a net loss of $29.4 million, or $0.29 per share, basic and diluted, compared to a net loss of $27.3 million, or $0.29 per share, basic and diluted, for the year ended December 31, 2015 from continuing operations.





Protalix recorded total revenues of $9.2 million for the full-year 2016, compared to $4.4 million during the same period of 2015. The increase is attributable mainly to increased sales of drug substance to Pfizer Inc. for inventory build up.





Research and development expenses for full-year 2016 were $24.6 million, compared to $20.0 million for the same period in 2015. Selling, general and administrative expenses for the full-year 2016 were $9.4 million, compared to $7.3 million incurred for the full-year 2015. The increase is mainly attributable to increased activities in Brazil.





At December 31, 2016, Protalix had $63.3 million of cash and cash equivalents, compared to $76.4 million at December 31, 2015, which is currently projected to fund operations into 2019.



- Protalix exchanged $54.1 million principal amount of the Companys $69.0 million 4.50% Senior Convertible Notes due 2018 for $40.2 million principal amount of newly issued 7.50% Senior Secured Convertible Notes due 2021 and approximately 23.8 million shares of common stock in December 2016.



- Concurrent to the note exchange, the Company sold $22.5 million principal amount of the 7.50% Senior Secured Convertible Notes due 2021 in a private placement. Conference Call and Webcast Information The Company will host a conference call on Thursday, March 16, 2017, at 8:30 am ET to review the clinical, corporate and financial highlights. To participate in the conference call, please dial the following numbers prior to the start of the call: United States: +1-844-358-6760; International: +1-478-219-0004. The conference call will also be broadcast live and available for replay for two weeks on the Company's website, www.protalix.com, in the Events Calendar of the Investors section. Please access the Company's website at least 15 minutes ahead of the conference to register, download, and install any necessary audio software. About Protalix BioTherapeutics, Inc. Protalix is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of recombinant therapeutic proteins expressed through its proprietary plant cell-based expression system, ProCellEx. Protalixs unique expression system presents a proprietary method for developing recombinant proteins in a cost-effective, industrial-scale manner. Protalixs first product manufactured by ProCellEx, taliglucerase alfa, was approved for marketing by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in May 2012 and, subsequently, by the regulatory authorities of other countries. Protalix has licensed to Pfizer Inc. the worldwide development and commercialization rights for taliglucerase alfa, excluding Brazil, where Protalix retains full rights. Protalixs development pipeline includes the following product candidates: pegunigalsidase alfa, a modified version of the recombinant human alpha-GAL-A protein for the treatment of Fabry disease; OPRX-106, an orally-delivered anti-inflammatory treatment; alidornase alfa for the treatment of Cystic Fibrosis; and others. Forward-Looking Statements To the extent that statements in this press release are not strictly historical, all such statements are forward-looking, and are made pursuant to the safe-harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The terms expect, anticipate," believe, estimate, project, plan, should and intend and other words or phrases of similar import are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual future experience and results to differ materially from the statements made. These statements are based on our current beliefs and expectations as to such future outcomes. Drug discovery and development involve a high degree of risk. Factors that might cause material differences include, among others: risks related to the ultimate purchase by Fundacao Oswaldo Cruz of alfataliglicerase pursuant to the stated purchase intentions of the Brazilian Ministry of Health of the stated amounts, if at all; risks related to the successful conclusion of our negotiations with the Brazilian Ministry of Health regarding the purchase of alfataliglicerase generally; risks related to our commercialization efforts for alfataliglicerase in Brazil; risks relating to the compliance by Fundacao Oswaldo Cruz with its purchase obligations and related milestones under our supply and technology transfer agreement; risks related to the amount and sufficiency of our cash and cash equivalents; risks related to the amount of our future revenues, operations and expenditures; failure or delay in the commencement or completion of our preclinical and clinical trials which may be caused by several factors, including: slower than expected rates of patient recruitment; unforeseen safety issues; determination of dosing issues; lack of effectiveness during clinical trials; inability to monitor patients adequately during or after treatment; inability or unwillingness of medical investigators and institutional review boards to follow our clinical protocols; and lack of sufficient funding to finance clinical trials; the risk that the results of the clinical trials of our product candidates will not support our claims of safety or efficacy, that our product candidates will not have the desired effects or will be associated with undesirable side effects or other unexpected characteristics; risks related to our ability to obtain stockholder approval prior to issuing 20% or more of our pre-refinancing outstanding shares of common stock, in compliance with certain listing standards of the NYSE MKT; risks relating to our ability to make scheduled payments of the principal of, to pay interest on or to refinance our outstanding notes or any other indebtedness; our dependence on performance by third party providers of services and supplies, including without limitation, clinical trial services; delays in our preparation and filing of applications for regulatory approval; delays in the approval or potential rejection of any applications we file with the FDA or other health regulatory authorities, and other risks relating to the review process; our ability to identify suitable product candidates and to complete preclinical studies of such product candidates; the inherent risks and uncertainties in developing drug platforms and products of the type we are developing; the impact of development of competing therapies and/or technologies by other companies and institutions; potential product liability risks, and risks of securing adequate levels of product liability and other necessary insurance coverage; and other factors described in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The statements in this press release are valid only as of the date hereof and we disclaim any obligation to update this information, except as may be required by law.

PROTALIX BIOTHERAPEUTICS, INC. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (U.S. dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts) December 31,

2015 2016 ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS: Cash and cash equivalents

$ 76,374 $

63,281 Accounts receivable  Trade 693 Other assets 1,667 2,321 Inventories 5,767 5,245 Assets of discontinued operation 2,073 327 Total current assets 85,881 71,867 FUNDS IN RESPECT OF EMPLOYEE RIGHTS UPON RETIREMENT 1,628 1,677 PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET 9,744 8,703 Total assets $ 97,253 $ 82,247 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY (NET OF CAPITAL DEFICIENCY) CURRENT LIABILITIES: Accounts payable and accruals: Trade $ 3,629 $ 4,007 Other 5,534 7,496 Convertible notes 53,872 Deferred revenues 504 837 Liabilities of discontinued operation 1,568 Total current liabilities 11,235 66,212 LONG TERM LIABILITIES: Convertible notes 67,796 19,343 Deferred revenues 744 Liability for employee rights upon retirement 2,304 2,348 Promissory note 4,301 4,301 Total long term liabilities 75,145 25,992 Total liabilities 86,380 92,204 COMMITMENTS (Note 6) SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY (CAPITAL DEFICIENCY): Common Stock, $0.001 par value: Authorized - as of December 31, 2015 and 2016, 150,000,000 and 250,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding, respectively - as of December 31, 2015 and 2016, 99,800,397 shares





100 124 Additional paid-in capital 194,064 202,575 Accumulated deficit (183,291 ) (212,656 ) Total shareholders equity (capital deficiency) 10,873 (9,957 ) Total liabilities and shareholders equity (net of capital deficiency) $ 97,253 $ 82,247

PROTALIX BIOTHERAPEUTICS, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (U.S. dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts) Year ended December 31, 2014 2015

2016

REVENUES $ 3,523 $ 4,364 $ 9,199 COST OF REVENUES (630 ) (730 ) (8,398 ) GROSS PROFIT 2,893 3,634 801 RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT EXPENSES (27,352 ) (24,889 ) (30,412 ) Less  grants 5,128 4,864 5,804 RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT EXPENSES, NET (22,224 ) (20,025 ) (24,608 ) SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES (9,228 ) (7,279 ) (9,356 ) OPERATING LOSS (28,559 ) (23,670 ) (33,163 ) FINANCIAL EXPENSES (4,935 ) (3,735 ) (10,665 ) FINANCIAL INCOME 196 123 589 GAIN ON EXTINGUISHMENT OF CONVERTIBLE NOTES 14,063 FINANCIAL INCOME (EXPENSES)  NET (4,739 ) (3,612 ) 3,987 LOSS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS (33,298 ) (27,282 ) (29,176 ) (LOSS) INCOME FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS 3,355 85,319 (189 ) NET INCOME (LOSS) FOR THE YEAR $ (29,943 ) $ 58,037 $ (29,365 ) NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCK  BASIC AND DILUTED

Loss from continuing operations $ (0.36 ) $ (0.29 ) $ (0.29 ) Income from discontinued operations 0.04 0.90 (0.00 ) Net (loss) income per share of common stock $ (0.32 ) $ 0.61 $ (0.29 ) WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES OF COMMON STOCK USED IN COMPUTING LOSS PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCK, BASIC AND DILUTED 92,891,846 94,922,390 101,387,704



Investor Contact Marcy Nanus The Trout Group, LLC 646-378-2927 [email protected]

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[March 16, 2017] Lexia Learning Releases White Paper on Choosing Educational Technology That Helps, Rather than Hinders, Students' Intrinsic Motivation

Boston, March 16, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- While student motivation in traditional classroom settings is well researched, materials on how digital tools are enhancing or undermining this essential factor for academic performance are harder to find. Lexia Learning, a Rosetta Stone Inc. (NYSE: RST) Company, has released a white paper titled, The Importance of Intrinsic Student Motivation When Selecting Educational Technologies, which not only focuses on well-researched methods of supporting students intrinsic motivation but also applies that research to educational technologies.

Lexia logo



The white paper, written by Dr. Elizabeth R. Kazakoff, senior researcher at Lexia, highlights the three characteristics identified in Self Determination Theory that are critical to spark intrinsic motivation in learners: Autonomy

Competence

Relatedness to the contexts of a students community, personal goals, interests, or knowledge base Dr. Kazakoff points out that instead of cultivating these three pillars of motivation, many people, including some educators and makers of educational technologies, opt for external motivators, such as rewards and punishments, to drive desired beaviors. Although these solutions may be effective in the short-term, they often undermine students long-term intrinsic motivation for learning, she writes. That is especially problematic since intrinsic motivation supports lifelong learning, a vital competency in the 21st century workplace.



To help educators ensure that intrinsic motivation is supported by the educational technology solutions they choose, the white paper shares questionsbased on the three characteristics identified in Self Determination Theory of autonomy, competence and relatedness/meaningthat educators can ask themselves. For example, Dr. Kazakoff recommends that educators ask, Is it clear to the student that their work online relates to their world offline? because students perception of the value that a digital programs goal will add to their lives can greatly influence the degree to which those students will be motivated. Educational technology products should be rich in elements that support intrinsic motivation, rather than chocolate covered broccoli which simply sweetens the learning with a sugar coating of badges and stickers, said Dr. Kazakoff. Remembering the questions shared, as well as the tenets from Self Determination Theory of competence, autonomy, and relatedness, can help parents and educators navigate the digital landscape to find educational technology tools that are engaging and effective in generating authentic learning, not just providing edutainment.

A complimentary copy of The Importance of Intrinsic Student Motivation When Selecting Educational Technologies can be downloaded at http://www.lexialearning.com/download-motivation-wp.





About Lexia Learning

Lexia Learning, a division of Rosetta Stone, empowers educators through adaptive assessment and personalized instruction. For more than 30 years, the company has been on the leading edge of research and product development as it relates to student reading skills. With a robust offering that includes solutions for differentiated instruction, personalized learning and assessment, Lexia Learning provides educators with the tools to intensify and accelerate literacy skills development for students of all abilities. For more information, visit www.lexialearning.com. About Rosetta Stone

Rosetta Stone Inc. (NYSE: RST) is dedicated to changing peoples lives through the power of language and literacy education. The companys innovative digital solutions drive positive learning outcomes for the inspired learner at home or in schools and workplaces around the world.



Founded in 1992, Rosetta Stones language division uses cloud-based solutions to help all types of learners read, write, and speak more than 30 languages. Lexia Learning, Rosetta Stone's literacy education division, was founded more than 30 years ago and is a leader in the literacy education space. Today, Lexia helps students build fundamental reading skills through its rigorously researched, independently evaluated, and widely respected instruction and assessment programs.



For more information, visit www.rosettastone.com. Rosetta Stone is a registered trademark or trademark of Rosetta Stone Ltd. in the United States and other countries.

Charlotte Andrist | Nickel Communications [email protected] | 770-578-8007

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[March 16, 2017] Active Implants LLC Secures First Tranche of a $40 Million Equity Financing

Active Implants, LLC, a company that develops orthopedic implant solutions, today announced that it completed the first $10 million tranche of a $40 million Class D Units financing. The financing is to be comprised of $30 million from first-time investor LS Health Science Partners, L.P., with another $10 million to be contributed by existing investors. "This investment reflects our enthusiasm for the NUsurface technology and its potential to fill a large unmet need in the market," said Haynes Morris, managing partner for LS Health Science Partners. "We are pleased to participate in this new infusion of capital to help carry the company through this important phase of product development." An initial investment of $10 million has been received from LS Health Science Partners, with the remaining $30 million to be funded in tranches. The company intends to use the proceeds to continue funding two clinical trials of the NUsurface Meniscus Implant - an investigational treatment for patients with persistent knee pain following medial meniscus surgery. "Recruitment for the SUN and VENUS clinical trials for our NUsurface Meniscus Implant is going extremely well, and we expect to complete enrollmnt by the end of the year," said Ted Davis, president and CEO of Active Implants. "This additional investment will allow us to continue our research and clinical development programs as we progress in and work toward bringing the first artificial meniscus to market."



About Meniscus Injuries A damaged meniscus has a very limited ability to heal itself, which can eventually lead to knee replacement surgery. It has been estimated that from 700,000 to over 1 million arthroscopic partial meniscectomies are performed annually in the U.S., with annual direct medical costs estimated at $4 billion. Active Implants estimates that in the U.S. alone, more than 130,000 meniscectomy patients per year would be appropriate candidates for the NUsurface Meniscus Implant.

About the NUsurface Meniscus Implant The NUsurface Meniscus Implant is an investigational treatment for patients with persistent knee pain following medial meniscus surgery. It is made from medical grade polymer and, as a result of its unique materials, composite structure and design, does not require fixation to bone or soft tissues. The NUsurface Meniscus Implant mimics the function of the natural meniscus and redistributes loads transmitted across the knee joint. Clinical trials are underway in the U.S., Europe and Israel to verify the safety and effectiveness of the NUsurface Meniscus Implant, which has been used in Europe under CE Mark since 2008 and in Israel since 2011. About Active Implants Active Implants LLC develops orthopedic implant solutions that complement the natural biomechanics of the musculoskeletal system, allowing patients to maintain or return to an active lifestyle. Active Implants is privately held with headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee. European offices are in Driebergen, The Netherlands, with R&D facilities in Netanya, Israel. For more information, visit www.activeimplants.com. CAUTION Investigational device. Limited by United States law to investigational use. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170316005491/en/

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[March 16, 2017] Argentina Extends Mobile Number Portability Service Contract

APA, a subsidiary of Telcordia Technologies dba iconectiv (News - Alert), an authoritative partner of the global communications industry connecting more than two billion people every day, announced a two-year extension for its data administration contract for mobile number portability (MNP) in the Republic of Argentina. Argentinian subscribers will continue to easily transfer their existing mobile number from one service provider to another with APA serving as a neutral verifier during the number process. The iconectiv subsidiary, APA, was first selected and awarded the contract in 2011 on behalf of the four service providers known collectively as the Regulatory Authority and was assigned administrator of portability data and verifier of numbering transactions. From the beginning of the implementation of the number portability service in Argentina, there has been a steady increase in porting rates and overall market growth. Argentina is now the third-largest mobile market in Latin America with 61 million mobile connections. The country's mobile market now has 90% unique subscribers, higher than Europe (85%) and the U.S. (80%). In 2015, Argentina's mobile sector contributed over $21 billion USD in value-added terms equivalent to about 3.7% of the country's total GDP.1 "APA has been a tremendous partner to Argentina since number portability services were first introduced to consumers five years ago," said Agustin Garzon, Executive Manager, Ente Nacional de Comunicaciones (ENACOM). "APA has worked closely with the country's service providers to enhance the portability process with simplicity and security for subscribers and improve porting rates to the benefit of the entire mobile industry." ENACOM serves as Argentina's official regulator for all teecommunication services and broadcasting within the South American nation.



"The rapid success of Argentina's mobile market is due in part to the strong commitment by service providers to aggressively deploy networks, with an important component being this trusted and efficient porting process provided by APA that allows subscribers to choose between different service providers within the mobile ecosystem," said Scott Puopolo, Executive Vice President, Information Solutions, iconectiv. "Our mobile number portability service gives consumers and businesses alike the flexibility to easily change providers as needed. Additionally, number portability aids business growth as start-ups can maintain the same telephone number as they expand." In addition to Argentina, number portability solutions from iconectiv and its subsidiaries have been implemented in 18 countries worldwide, including the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Chile, Peru, Brazil, India, Thailand, Malaysia, Pakistan, Greece, Egypt, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Nigeria, Tunisia and South Africa.

About iconectiv

At iconectiv, we envision a world without boundaries, where the ability to access and exchange information is simple, secure and seamless. As the authoritative partner of the communications industry for more than 30 years, our market-leading solutions enable the interconnection of networks, devices, and applications for more than two billion people every day. Working closely with private, government and non-governmental organizations, iconectiv has intimate knowledge of the intricacies and complexities of creating, operating and securing the telecommunications infrastructure for service providers, governments and enterprises. iconectiv provides network and operations management, numbering, registry, messaging and fraud and identity solutions to more than 1,200 customers globally. A US-based company, Telcordia Technologies, doing business as iconectiv, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ericsson (News - Alert). For more information, visit www.iconectiv.com. 1 GSMA Intelligence - Country overview: Argentina; Impact of the mobile ecosystem: perspectives and opportunities (April 6, 2016) View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170316005623/en/

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[March 16, 2017] iPhone App Helps IT Engineers and System Administrators Stay on Top of Their IT Infrastructure

NEW YORK, March 16, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- An iOS app from server monitoring company Server Density is available on the iTunes app store that makes it easy and efficient for IT engineers and system administrators to receive real-time system status updates and alerts for major cloud services throughout the world, via their iPhone and iPad. Cloud Status was created by Server Density, the cloud-based server monitoring service. It provides automated status updates of most of the major cloud services, including Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, Linode, Rackspace, DigitalOcean and others. No account or ID is required. Just install the app, select any providers and regions that require monitoring, and the app will provide notifications if there are any issues. Just as we did when we founded Server Density to create our core server monitoring service, we created the Cloud Status app to solve a problem that we were having in our own lives around keeping our cloud assets up and running and healthy, said David Mytton, CEO and founder at Server Density. All of our products and services are designed with the goal of making lfe easier and more productive for IT folks, and the Cloud Status app is an incredibly handy tool that really does make a difference. It continuously monitors the cloud so you dont have to. No more compulsive checks throughout the day (and night). If something is off-kilter, a timely notification will let you know.



The Cloud Status app is an extension of Server Densitys cloud-based monitoring service, which is used by businesses large and small to keep track of their IT assets and make sure they are running to meet current and future needs.



Pretty much everyone setting up shop these days will invariably store and compute on the cloud, said Mytton. If we can make a tiny impact on our customers workflows, that means a lot in terms of both helping their businesses grow as well as keeping the IT staff sane. Both are, or should be, priorities for any business operating in the cloud.





Specifications

The Server Density Cloud Status app monitors status and delivers alerts for the following cloud services:

AWS

DigitalOcean

Google Cloud

Joyent

Linode

Microsoft Azure

Rackspace

Salesforce It runs on all iOS devices, including iPhone, iPad and iPod touch running iOS version 8.4 or higher.

Pricing and availability

Cloud Status is available for free now on the App Store at https://www.cloudstatusapp.com/. About Server Density

Server Density offers SaaS-based scalable infrastructure monitoring to help businesses save time and money. With advanced server and website monitoring alerts, graphing tools and integrations with all major cloud service providers, Server Densitys robust and scalable solution helps businesses and IT operations teams be more responsive to issues, make their websites faster and minimize downtime. Founded by David Mytton in 2009 and based in London and New York, Server Density monitors hundreds of thousands of servers across more than 700 customers.



Bill Baker, Baker Communications Group, LLC [email protected]

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By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Mar 16 (PTI) Actor Akshay Kumar has donated Rs 9 lakh each to the families of the 12 CRPF personnel who were killed in a recent Naxal ambush in Chhattisgarh.

Officials said, soon after the incident, the actor approached the Union Home Ministry with a request to obtain the bank account numbers of the family members of the jawans who were killed in the March 11 ambush as he wanted to make a monetary donation to them.

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They said the Ministry, accepting Kumars request, directed the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) to share the bonafide bank account numbers of the families of the slain personnel.

Kumar, they said, transferred Rs 9 lakh each in the bank accounts yesterday.

"Kumars gesture exhibits his patriotism and devotion towards the country in general and CRPF in particular," the paramilitary force said in a statement.

12 personnel were killed in a deadly ambush in Chhattisgarhs worst Naxal-hit district of Sukma on March 11 when they were out on a patrol.

The deceased CRPF personnel have been identified as Inspector Jagjit Singh, Assistant Sub-inspectors H B Bhatt and Narender Kumar Singh, head constables Jagdish Prasad Vishnoi and P R Minde and constables Mangesh Pal Pandey, Rampal Singh Yadav, Goraknath, Nand Kumar Patra, Satish Kumar Verma, K Shankar and Suresh Kumar.

The troops belonged to the 219th battalion of the force deployed in the state for conducting anti-Naxal operations.

The Khiladi fame actor had also recently met Union Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi expressing his desire to contribute to the security forces and also with a plan to develop an smartphone app (application) so that any citizen can donate money to the family of those needy jawans or officers who get killed in the line of duty. PTI NES SMJ

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[March 16, 2017] OneWeb Satellites breaks ground on the world's first state-of-the-art high-volume satellite manufacturing facility

OneWeb Satellites LLC is breaking ground at 2 p.m. ET today to mark the beginning of construction on its estimated $85 million high-volume satellite manufacturing factory in Exploration Park, Florida. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170316005775/en/ OneWeb Satellites breaks ground on a first-of-its-kind satellite manufacturing facility designed to produce 15 satellites per week and create more than 3,000 jobs across the U.S. (Photo: Business Wire) During a ceremony with Florida Governor Rick Scott, OneWeb Satellites CEO Brian Holz and Airbus Defense and Space Inc., President Mike Cosentino, it will be announced that the factory near NASA's Kennedy Space Center is set to begin its full series, autonomous assembly line production, integration and satellite testing later this year. OneWeb Satellites is a joint venture between OneWeb, a satellite-based internet provider, and Airbus, the world's second largest space company, with its first order to include the production of 900 communications satellites for OneWeb's low Earth orbit constellation. "This facility is a pivotal step toward our mission to build a new global knowledge infrastructure, accessible to everyone," said OneWeb founder and Executive Chairman Greg Wyler. "Over the past year, and thanks to the energizing support of our partners, we've greatly accelerated our technical progress. With this facility, we will be able to continuously iterate on the design of our satellites, launch new satellites within hours of completion and create significant opportunity in the U.S." The high-volume satellite factory is being built in partnership with the state of Florida and Space Florida. The initiative is anticipated to create nearly 250 direct, highly skilled manufacturing and engineering jobs, as well as thousands more throughout a broad supplier base across the nation that will support production. It will bring further growth and development to the world's leading space industry in Florida and continue to draw suppliers and subcontractors to the area.



"This new American-built manufacturing facility is the latest example of Airbus' commitment to expanding our manufacturing footprint in the U.S.," said Allan McArtor, Chairman of Airbus Americas. "We already build civil and military helicopters in Texas and Mississippi, as well as commercial aircraft in Alabama. So, building satellites in Florida with our partner OneWeb continues the Airbus trend of growing U.S.-based manufacturing and jobs and staying close to our American supply chain, within which we invest $17 billion annually." The first 900 production satellites will weigh only 150 kg, and will have better performance than much larger, more costly communications satellites today. The satellites will be used primarily by OneWeb for its global internet services, but the new low-cost, ultra-high performance satellites will be available for other commercial satellite operators and government customers globally as early as 2018. The satellites are designed with modularity in mind and are well-suited for multiple mission configurations. By using aircraft manufacturing technologies from Airbus, up to three satellites per day can be produced at the new factory on short schedules, at significant cost savings and without affecting the high levels of quality and technology.

"This factory will usher in a new era of innovation for satellite design and manufacturing that will enable us to lower overall program costs and shorten acquisition timelines for our customers to less than a year," said Holz. "These advancements will allow our customers to get to market and create value much faster than today." The factory will include state-of-the-art automation, test equipment and data acquisition capabilities to shorten assembly times and provide a means to analyze factory performance and process improvements. Local contractors in Florida will support the project, and additional capability is expected to move into the region. This will be the first satellite manufacturing facility in Florida and the first in the U.S. located in close proximity to a launch site. "Today's groundbreaking for OneWeb Satellites' new manufacturing facility here at Exploration Park is yet another milestone in the not-so-distant future of the commercial space industry at the Cape Canaveral Spaceport," said Frank DiBello, president and CEO of Space Florida. "It is remarkable that the state of Florida will be home to OneWeb Satellites' first-of-its-kind manufacturing capability. Space Florida looks forward to watching OneWeb Satellites' facility change the landscape of aerospace manufacturing and welcomes the company to Exploration Park." LIVESTREAM: Watch the event here on YouTube Live Stream. About OneWeb Satellites OneWeb Satellites is a joint venture, equally owned by OneWeb and Airbus Defence and Space, to design and build the 900 satellites of the OneWeb constellation, which will offer high-speed internet with global coverage. About OneWeb OneWeb's mission is to enable affordable Internet access for everyone, connect every school on Earth, and bridge the digital divide by 2027. OneWeb is building a communications network with a constellation of Low Earth Orbit satellites that will provide connectivity to billions of people around the world. It will transparently extend the networks of mobile operators and ISP's to serve new coverage areas, bringing voice and data access to consumers, businesses, schools, healthcare institutions and other end users. www.oneweb.net About Airbus Americas Airbus Americas is the U.S.-based operation of Airbus, a global leader in aeronautics, space and related services. Airbus contributes $17 billion to the U.S. economy annually and supports more than 264,000 American jobs through its network of suppliers. In addition to corporate offices, engineering centers, training facilities, MROs and spare parts distribution centers, Airbus has manufacturing facilities producing commercial aircraft, helicopters and now satellites throughout the U.S. www.airbus.com/company/americas About Space Florida Space Florida was created to strengthen Florida's position as the global leader in aerospace research, investment, exploration and commerce. As Florida's aerospace and spaceport development authority, we are committed to attracting and expanding the next generation of space industry businesses. With its highly trained workforce, proven infrastructure and unparalleled record of achievement, Florida is the ideal location for aerospace businesses to thrive - and Space Florida is the perfect partner to help them succeed. www.spaceflorida.gov View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170316005775/en/

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[March 16, 2017] March 27 Deadline Alert: Law Offices of Howard G. Smith Reminds BT Group plc Investors of Upcoming Lead Plaintiff Deadline and Encourages Investors to Contact the Firm

Law Offices of Howard G. Smith reminds investors of the upcoming March 27, 2017 deadline to file a lead plaintiff motion in the class action filed on behalf of a class of investors who purchased or otherwise acquired BT (News - Alert) Group plc ("BT" or the "Company") (NYSE: BT) securities between May 23, 2013, and January 23, 2017, inclusive (the "Class Period"). BT investors have until March 27, 2017 to file a lead plaintiff motion. On January 24, 2017, BT disclosed that an internal accounting investigation identified a significant overstatement of earnings in BT's Italian business, that would require adjustments of approximately 530 million. The Company further disclosed that, "The improper behavior in our Italian business is an extremely serious matter, and we have taken immediate steps to strengthen the financial processes and controls in that business. We suspended a number of BT Italy's senior management team who have now left the business. We have also appointed a new Chief Executive of BT Italy who will take charge on 1 February 2017. He will review the Italian management team and will work with BT Group (News - Alert) Ethics and Compliance to improve the governance, compliance and financial safeguards in our Italian business."



On this news, BT shares fell over 20%, or nearly $5.05 per share, to close on January 24, 2017 at $19.38. The complaint filed in this class action alleges that Defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) BT's Italian division had engaged in improper accounting practices; (2) BT thus significantly overstated its earnings; (3) the above mentioned would likely cause BT to cut its revenue, earnings, and free cash flow forecasts; and (4) consequently, BT's public statements were materially false and misleading.

If you purchased BT shares, you may move the Court no later than March 27, 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 Howard G. Smith, Esquire, of Law Offices of Howard G. Smith, 3070 Bristol Pike, Suite 112, Bensalem, Pennsylvania 19020 by telephone at (215) 638-4847, toll-free at (888) 638-4847, or by email to [email protected], or visit our website at http://www.howardsmithlaw.com. 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/20170316005345/en/

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[March 16, 2017] March 20 Deadline Alert: Tostrud Law Group, P.C. Reminds Investors of Upcoming Deadline in the Class Action Lawsuit Against OneMain Holdings, Inc.

Tostrud Law Group, P.C. reminds investors of the March 20, 2017 deadline to file a lead plaintiff motion in the class action filed on behalf of a class of investors who acquired OneMain Holdings, Inc. ("OneMain" or the "Company") (NYSE: OMF) securities between March 3, 2015 and November 7, 2016, inclusive (the "Class Period"). OneMain investors have until March 20, 2017 to file a lead plaintiff motion. Injured investors are encouraged to contact Jon Tostrud, Esq. to discuss their legal rghts.



OneMain, through its subsidiaries, provides consumer finance and insurance products and services. The Company has historically focused on providing credit to subprime borrowers, and as a result spends considerable amounts of time and effort on its collection practices. According to the complaint filed in this lawsuit, defendants made materially misleading representations and/or omitted material information regarding the net income and potential synergies achievable through the combination of OneMain with Springleaf. When the combined entities failed to perform as promised, investors suffered damages.

OneMain investors have until March 20, 2017 to move the Court to appoint you as lead plaintiff if you meet certain legal requirements. If you have information or would like to learn more about these claims, or if you wish to discuss these matters or have any questions concerning this announcement or your rights or interests with respect to these matters, please contact Jon Tostrud, Esquire, of Tostrud Law Group, P.C., 1925 Century Park East, Suite 2100, Los Angeles, California 90067, at (310) 278-2600 or by e-mail at [email protected]. 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/20170316005395/en/

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[March 16, 2017] SYNNEX Corporation Receives 2016 Google Cloud Partner Award for Devices Ecosystem Customer Success

GREENVILLE, S.C., March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- SYNNEX Corporation (NYSE: SNX), a leading Technology Solutions distributor, today announced that it has received the Google Cloud 2016 Global Partner Award for Devices Ecosystem Customer Success. The award was presented at Partner Summit, an event that brought together Google Cloud partners spanning G Suite, GCP, Maps, Devices, and Education in San Francisco. This award recognizes SYNNEX for its demonstrated sales, marketing, technical and support excellence to help customers of all sizes transform their businesses and solve a wide range of challenges using the Google Cloud product suite. "We are honored to receive this recognition from Google Cloud, which is the result of the energy and resources we dedicate to our Google Cloud business," said Rob Moyer, Vice President, Cloud Services and Software, SYNNEX. "Our Chrome Ecosystem provides the full spectrum of solutions, devices and licenses, delivering the results for our resellers and their customers that keep SYNNEX in a leading position." "Partners are a vital contributor to Google Cloud's growing ecosystem, helping us meet the needs of a diverse range of customers, from up-and-coming startups to Fortune 500 companies," said Bertrand Yansouni, VP Global Partner Sales and Strategic Alliances at GoogleCloud. "We are proud to provide this recognition to SYNNEX and its CLOUDSolv team, who have consistently demonstrated customer success across its Devices Ecosystem."



For more information about Google at SYNNEX, visit www.synnexcorp.com/us/google/. For more information about SYNNEX, visit www.synnex.com. About SYNNEX

SYNNEX Corporation (NYSE: SNX), a Fortune 500 corporation and a leading business process services company, provides a comprehensive range of distribution, logistics and integration services for the technology industry, as well as outsourced services focused on customer engagement strategy to a broad range of enterprises. SYNNEX distributes a broad range of information technology systems and products and also provides systems design and integration solutions. Concentrix, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SYNNEX Corporation, offers a portfolio of strategic solutions and end-to-end business services around customer engagement strategy, process optimization, technology innovation, front and back-office automation and business transformation to clients in ten identified industry verticals. Founded in 1980, SYNNEX Corporation operates in numerous countries throughout North and South America, Asia-Pacific and Europe. Additional information about SYNNEX may be found online at www.synnex.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

Statements in this release that are forward-looking, such as service and product features and capabilities and general success of the collaboration, involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause the Company's actual results in future periods to be materially different from any future performance that may be suggested in this release. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this release. Copyright 2017 SYNNEX Corporation. All rights reserved. SYNNEX, the SYNNEX Logo, CONCENTRIX, CLOUDSOLV, and all other SYNNEX company, product and services names and slogans are trademarks or registered trademarks of SYNNEX Corporation. SYNNEX, the SYNNEX Logo, CONCENTRIX, and CLOUDSOLV Reg. U.S. Pat. & Tm. Off. Other names and marks are the property of their respective owners. SNX-G To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/synnex-corporation-receives-2016-google-cloud-partner-award-for-devices-ecosystem-customer-success-300424900.html SOURCE SYNNEX Corporation

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[March 16, 2017] Accenture Wins Six Oracle Excellence Awards in Europe

Accenture (News - Alert) (NYSE: ACN) was recently awarded six prestigious country-level Oracle Excellence Awards, earning a current total of 19 Oracle (News - Alert) Excellence Awards across North America, EMEA and Asia Pacific in the last 12 months alone. These six newest awards recognize Accenture for its contributions across various areas of IT, specifically in the European region: This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170316005960/en/ Accenture wins six Oracle Excellence Awards across Europe, bringing its total number of awards over the past 12 months to 19 (Graphic: Business Wire) Specialized Partner of the Year, Engineered Systems - Denmark

Specialized Partner of the Year, Cloud PaaS - Finland

Specialized Partner of the Year, Business Analytics - Norway

Specialized Partner of the Year, Systems Integrator - Sweden

Specialized Partner of the Year, Infrastructure-as-a-Service - Germany

Systems Integrator of the Year, Cloud CX - Italy In the past year, Accenture's Oracle practice has added Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) offerings to its existing Software-as-a-Service (SaaS (News - Alert)) and Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) capabilities, and achieved Oracle Global Cloud Elite status - one of the highest levels attainable in the Oracle PartnerNetwork. Accenture also became the first Oracle Cloud Managed Service Provider (MSP) and was recognized as a leader in both The Forrester (News - Alert) Wave: Services Providers For Next-Generation Oracle Application Projects, Q3 2016 and the IDC (News - Alert) MarketScape: Worldwide Oracle Implementation Services 2016 Vendor Assessment (doc #US40140016, September 2016) reports.



As an example of its growing Oracle IaaS capability, Accenture recently helped DNA, a Finnish telecommunication company, to set-up the Infrastructure Oracle Cloud environment that enabled DNA to test the performance and scalability of Oracle's Public Cloud. Thomas Antila, database manager, DNA said,"Accenture created for DNA a 12c container in the Oracle IaaS Cloud with three databases in less than a day." "These awards are a testament to the contributions of the Accenture team, making it a banner year for the Accenture and Oracle relationship, which now spans more than two decades," said Terri Strauss, managing director of Oracle business for Accenture. "Our efforts to drive innovation and automation, develop ideal solutions and build expertise in the New IT have made Accenture a leader in cloud delivery."

The Oracle Excellence Awards for Specialized Partner of the Year reflect Accenture's capability in various segments of innovation. The award for engineered systems was won in Denmark for Accenture's contributions to Oracle's strategy to generate new business with engineered systems, while the system integrator award won in Sweden was the result of favorable implementations related to engineered systems, industry applications and cloud. Finland was recognized for its Riga, Latvia Oracle Innovation Center, which helped customers implement Oracle IaaS and PaaS solution benefits, and Norway was rewarded for a series of successful projects with the advanced use of analytics. Finally, most recently, Accenture was recognized in Germany for its expertise in IaaS and in Italy for its systems integration expertise with the Oracle CX Cloud suite. "Accenture has shown tremendous dedication to driving innovation by accelerating implementation of Oracle solutions for customers all over the world," said Camillo Speroni, vice president, Worldwide Strategic Alliances, Oracle. "Accenture's many recognitions, along with their latest expansion to IaaS offerings, highlight their practice's expertise and leadership as a top global system integrator for Oracle solutions and services." Accenture has teamed with Oracle for more than two decades and is a Global Cloud Elite and Diamond and level member of Oracle PartnerNetwork. Accenture has more than 52,000 Oracle-skilled consultants around the world who help accelerate digital transformation by implementing Oracle-based business solutions and new business processes that can develop and evolve as their digital business grows. For more information on the Accenture and Oracle relationship, please visit www.accenture/oracle. About Accenture Accenture is a leading global professional services company, providing a broad range of services and solutions in strategy, consulting, digital, technology and operations. Combining unmatched experience and specialized skills across more than 40 industries and all business functions - underpinned by the world's largest delivery network - Accenture works at the intersection of business and technology to help clients improve their performance and create sustainable value for their stakeholders. With more than 394,000 people serving clients in more than 120 countries, Accenture drives innovation to improve the way the world works and lives. Visit us at www.accenture.com. About Oracle PartnerNetwork Oracle PartnerNetwork (OPN) Specialized is the latest version of Oracle's partner program that provides partners with tools to better develop, sell and implement Oracle solutions, OPN Specialized offers resources to train and support specialized knowledge of Oracle's products and solutions and has evolved to recognize Oracle's growing product portfolio, partner base and business opportunity. Key to the latest enhancements to OPN is the ability for partners to differentiate through Specializations. Specializations are achieved through competency development, business results, expertise and proven success. To find out more, visit: http://www.oracle.com/partners. Trademarks Oracle and Java are registered trademarks of Oracle and/or its affiliates. Accenture, its logo, and High Performance Delivered are trademarks of Accenture. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170316005960/en/

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[March 16, 2017]

Impartner EMEA Business Development Director Pierre Poggi Shares Channel Revenue Acceleration Secret at Cloud Expo Europe

LONDON, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- In a presentation today at Cloud Expo Europe, Europe's largest cloud and digital transformation show, global Partner Relationship Management (PRM) leader Impartner's European Business Development Director Pierre Poggi shared the revenue secret its customers who are exhibiting at the show already know: companies with a contemporary PRM solution deliver an average of up to $9 million more in incremental revenue than those without.

"Despite early concerns that cloud technologies would make channel partners less, not more, important, the opposite is true," said Poggi, citing analyst firm IDC's stat, that by 2020, 75 percent of cloud partner's revenue will be touched in some way by the channel. "As we exhibit at this show, we're surrounded by our customers who already know that a world-class Partner Portal ensures that you can meet your partners' expectations for a frictionless, consumer-grade partner experience and truly harness the power of your indirect channel."

In his presentation, Poggi also shared a number of other key statistics about the power of contemporary PRM solutions to accelerate channel revenue. "From every angle, from attracting the best partners to scaling your channel program, there is no metric that doesn't point to the criticality of PRM as the capstone technology for your channel program," Poggi said, noting that full 86 percent of partners choose their vendors based on the partner portal, every dollar invested in a PRM saves $10 in manual labor costs and companies will find it difficult to scale beyond 50 partners without automating the partner management process."







This is the second year in a row Impartner has attended Cloud Expo, which draws leading SaaS companies from around the world, including Impartner customers Ciena, Splunk and SunGard Availability Services. For more information on how Impartner and PRM can help companies increase revenue by up to 120 percent, click here.

About Impartner

Impartner delivers one of the industry's most advanced SaaS-based Partner Relationship Management solutions, helping companies worldwide manage their partner relationships and accelerate revenue and profitability through indirect sales channels. Impartner PRM is the industry's most award winning PRM technology and one of the industry's only turnkey solutions that can deploy a world-class Partner Portal in as few as 30 days, using the company's highly engineered, three-step Velocity onboarding process. For more information on Impartner, which is based in Utah's tech hotbed, the Silicon Slopes, visit www.impartner.com, or in the United States call +1 801 501 7000, for EMEA general call +33 1 40 90 31 20, for London call +44 0 20 3283 4465, and for LATAM call +1 954 364 7883.

Follow Impartner on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

Contact:

Kerry Desberg

Impartner

425-231-9529

[email protected]

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/impartner-emea-business-development-director-pierre-poggi-shares-channel-revenue-acceleration-secret-at-cloud-expo-europe-300424955.html

SOURCE Impartner
[March 16, 2017] Rising Demand for Cosmetic Dentistry to Boost the Global Dental Polishing Market Through 2021: Technavio

Technavio market research analysts forecast the global dental polishing market 2017-2021 to grow at a CAGR of close to 6% during the forecast period, according to their latest report. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170316005635/en/ Technavio has published a new report on the global dental polishing market from 2017-2021. (Photo: Business Wire) The market study covers the present scenario and growth prospects of the global dental polishing market for 2017-2021. The report also lists clinics, and hospital and research institutes as the two major end-user segments, of which the clinics segment accounted for close to 62% of the market share in 2016. According to Amber Chourasia, a lead analyst at Technavio for health and wellness research, "EMEA is the market leader in the global dental polishing market, followed by the Americas and APAC. The rise in the incidence of periodontal diseases, dental caries, and tooth decay due to changing food habits and lifestyle will broaden the patient pool." Request a sample report: http://www.technavio.com/request-a-sample?report=57219 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 analysts highlight the following three market drivers that are contributing to the growth of the global dental polishing products market: Changes in lifestyle

Rising demand for cosmetic dentistry

Rising cases of oral diseases worldwide Changes in lifestyle Increaing work pressure and busy schedules have forced people to adopt unhealthy eating habits such as fast food and meals-on-the-go. The urban lifestyle has become hectic, which has decreased the consumption of home-cooked meals due to the lack of time. Often, the food served at homes is from fast-food stores, restaurant takeouts, or supermarket takeouts. Continuous unhealthy food habits can stain tooth enamel. Dental polishing is less painful and easier for individuals to understand and tolerate and has tangible benefits. Also, the duration of the dental polishing procedure is minimal, which largely depends on the extent of deposit on the teeth.



Rising demand for cosmetic dentistry Cosmetic dentistry is a dental specialty that has gained acceptance over the past years. While traditional dentistry focuses on oral hygiene and treatments, cosmetic dentistry enhances the appearance of the client. Also, cosmetic dentistry has a larger customer base among female population in comparison to the male population.

The current focus on appearance has led to the popularity of smile makeovers. The increased customer awareness drives the demand for cosmetic dentistry via social media platforms, improved marketing of dental practices, and media coverage. "With the growth in cosmetic dentistry, the demand for dental polishing products will also rise exponentially. Dental polishing services form an integral part of cosmetic dentistry," says Amber. Rising cases of oral diseases worldwide Oral care and dental hygiene are one of the major concerns today with the changing consumer habits. The oral health burden had been increasing over the years and is expected to grow due to the shift in consumer habits. There is a rise in the incidence of periodontal diseases among pediatric as well as the adult population. About 10-15% of the total world population have severe periodontitis. Bangladesh, Canada, Germany, India, Chile, and Belarus recorded the highest prevalence of this disease. The lack of awareness about oral hygiene, excessive consumption of alcohol, and tobacco intake has been the leading causes for the rise in the incidence of periodontal diseases. This is regarded as one of the key drivers of the dental polishing market that will contribute to increased patient inflow. Browse Related Reports: Dental Services Market in China 2016-2020

Global Dental Services Market 2016-2020

Global Dental Cone Beam Computed Tomography 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 home, kitchen and large appliances; lab equipment; and outdoor gear. 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 [email protected]. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170316005635/en/

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[March 16, 2017]

Dell Technologies to Conduct Investor Meeting April 5 in New York

ROUND ROCK, Texas, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Dell Technologies (NYSE: DVMT) will host an investor meeting in New York April 5, 2017, at 1:30 p.m. EDT. Dell Technologies' Chief Financial Officer Tom Sweet, Infrastructure Solutions Group President David Goulden and Treasurer Tyler Johnson will review the company's strategy, integration efforts and capital structure.

A live webcast and a replay of the meeting will be available on the event page of Dell Technologies Investor Relations website at nvestors.delltechnologies.com.







About Dell Technologies

Dell Technologies is a unique family of businesses that provides the essential infrastructure for organizations to build their digital future, transform IT and protect their most important asset, information. The company services customers of all sizes across 180 countries  ranging from 98 percent of the Fortune 500 to individual consumers  with the industry's most comprehensive and innovative portfolio from the edge to the core to the cloud.

Copyright  2017 Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries. All Rights Reserved. Dell, Dell Inc. and the Dell logo are trademarks of Dell Technologies in the United States and/or other jurisdictions. All other marks and names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective companies.

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dell-technologies-to-conduct-investor-meeting-april-5-in-new-york-300425123.html

SOURCE Dell Technologies
[March 16, 2017] Application Specific Integrated Circuit Market, and Programmable ASIC; Application - Telecommunication, Industrial, Automotive, and Consumer Electronics - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2016 - 2024

NEW YORK, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Global Application Specific Integrated Circuit Market: Overview



The report covers the analysis and forecast of the Application Specific Integrated Circuit market on a global and regional level. The study provides historic data of 2015 along with the forecast for the period between 2016 and 2024 based on revenue (US$ Bn). A comprehensive analysis of the market dynamics that is inclusive of market drivers, restraints and opportunities is included in the purview of the report. Additionally, the report includes potential opportunities in the Application Specific Integrated Circuit market on the global and regional level. Market dynamics are the factors which impact the market growth, thereby helping to understand the ongoing trends of the global market. Therefore, the report provides the forecast of the global market for the period from 2016 to 2024, along with offering an inclusive study of the Application Specific Integrated Circuit market.



Global Application Specific Integrated Circuit Market: Segmentation Analysis



The study provides a detailed view of the Application Specific Integrated Circuit market by segmenting it based on product type and application. On the basis of product type, the Application Specific Integrated Circuit market has been further segmented into full custom design ASIC, semi custom design ASIC and programmable ASIC. Semi custom design ASIC is further segregated into standard cell based ASIC and gate array based ASIC. On the basis of application, the Application Specific Integrated Circuit market is segmented into telecommunication, industrial, automotive, consumer electronics and others. Others application segment includes auto emission control, medical, military and aerospace, sensors, environmental monitoring and personal digital assistants (PDAs) among others.



Global Application Specific Integrated Circuit Market: Regional Outlook



Regional segmentation includes the current and forecast demand for North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East & Africa (MEA) and Latin America. These have been further sub-segmented into countries and regions with relevance to the market. The segmentation also includes demand for individual product and applications in all regions.



The report provides the size of the Application Specific Integrated Circuit market in 2015 and the forecast for the next nine years up to 2024. The size of the global Application Specific Integrated Circuit market is provided in terms of revenue. Market revenue is defined in US$ Bn. The market size and forecast for each product and application segment are 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 products. Maret dynamics prevalent in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific have been taken into account for estimating the growth of the global market.







Global Application Specific Integrated Circuit Market: Scope of the Report



Market estimates for this study have been based revenue being derived through regional pricing trends. The price for commonly utilized quality of Application Specific Integrated Circuit in each application has been considered. Demand for Application Specific Integrated Circuit has been derived by analyzing the global and regional demand for Application Specific Integrated Circuit in each application for its respective functions. The global Application Specific Integrated Circuit market has been analyzed based on expected demand. Average selling price of Application Specific Integrated Circuit products in the major countries has been taken into consideration to estimate regional and global revenue. Forecasts have been based on the expected demand from Application Specific Integrated Circuit applications. We have used the bottom-up approach to estimate the global revenue of application specific integrated circuit market, split into regions. We have initially determined the price in every region for the Application Specific Integrated Circuit market. Revenue has been determined with the help of volume and price derived from every region.





Based on product type and application, we have summed up the individual revenues from all the regions to achieve the global revenue for Application Specific Integrated Circuit. The application split of the market has been derived using a bottom-up approach for each regional market separately, with the global application 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 Application Specific Integrated Circuit of several privately held companies, calculated assumptions have been made in view of the company's product portfolio and regional presence along with the demand for products in its portfolio.



Key Players Mentioned in this Report are:



The competitive profiling of the key players in the global Application Specific Integrated Circuit market across five broad geographic regions is included in the study. These include different business strategies adopted by the leading players and their recent developments as in the field of Application Specific Integrated Circuit.



The 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 are Texas Instruments Inc., Infineon Technologies AG, Analog Devices, Maxim Integrated Products Inc., NXP Semiconductors N.V., ON Semiconductor, Qualcomm, Inc., Linear Technology Corporation and Intel Corporation among others.



The global application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) market has been segmented into:



Global Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) Market: By Product Type



Full Custom Design ASIC

Semi- Custom Design ASIC

Standard Cell Based ASIC

Gate Array Based ASIC

Programmable ASIC



Global Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) Market: By Application



Telecommunication

Industrial

Automotive

Consumer electronics

Others



Global Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) Market: By Geography



North America

U.S.

Canada

Mexico

Europe

U.K.

Italy

Germany

France

Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

India

China

Japan

Rest of Asia Pacific

Middle East and Africa

UAE

South Africa

Rest of Middle East and Africa

Latin America

Brazil

Rest of Latin America

Read the full report: http://www.reportlinker.com/p04772286-summary/view-report.html



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Intl: +1 339-368-6001 To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/application-specific-integrated-circuit-market-and-programmable-asic-application---telecommunication-industrial-automotive-and-consumer-electronics---global-industry-analysis-size-share-growth-trends-and-forecast-2016---2-300425206.html SOURCE Reportlinker

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[March 16, 2017] Thermi Defends Against Viveve's Claims of Patent Infringement

Almirall, a global pharmaceutical company based in Barcelona, states that it will use its strong cash position to fund Thermi as it continues to aggressively defend itself against the patent infringement suit brought by Viveve in the Eastern District Court of Texas. Thermi filed a motion to dismiss Viveve's complaint for the reason that Viveve's patent was invalid for claiming non-patentable subject matter. Oral argument was heard on Thermi's motion on February 27, 2017. Thermi will continue to seek to invalidate Viveve's patents. Paul Herchman, CEO of Thermi stated, "Thermi believes this complaint has no merit and will vigorously defend itself. We are looking forward to our day in court and we are confident that Thermi will be vindicated." Paul Herchman also stated "This complaint has no effect on the over 1,000 Thermi physician's offering the ThermiVa procedure in their practices. According to US patent law medical practitioners are not liable for infringement of medical treatment method- patents and thus, we are confident the suit will not negatively impact physicians continued use of the ThermiVa product." A typicl doctor treating patients, attending advisory council meetings, participating in advisory boards, and exchanging treatment information with other physicians would have immunity under Section 35 U.S.C. Sec. 287(c). Physicians' use of the patented method on their own patients within their professional medical practice would be immune under the statute.



Thermi believes the litigation initiated by Viveve is a response to Thermi's significant success in the fast growing and highly competitive women's health and wellness marketplace. About Almirall

Almirall is a global company based in Barcelona dedicated to providing valuable medicines and medical devices through its R&D, agreements and alliances. Our work covers the whole of the drug value chain. A consolidated growth allows us to devote our talent and efforts towards specialty areas and particularly to further grow as a leading dermatology player. Our size enables us to be agile and flexible so that we can accomplish the purpose of taking our innovative products wherever they are needed. Founded in 1943, Almirall is listed on the Spanish Stock Exchange (ticker: ALM) and it has become a source of value creation for society due to its vision and the commitment of its long-standing major shareholders. In 2014, its revenues totaled 1,407 million euros and, with more than 2,100 employees, it has gradually built up a trusted presence across Europe, as well as in the US and Mexico. For more information, please visit www.almirall.com About Thermi Almirall announced in February of 2016 that it had completed the acquisition of ThermiGen. This acquisition represents the commitment and the definitive entry of Almirall into the aesthetics market, an industry with potential global sales in high growth dermatological indications. The Thermi flagship product is the ThermiRF, Temperature Controlled Radio Frequency Generator System, which is FDA cleared for dermatological and general surgical procedures for electrocoagulation and hemostasis, and to create lesions in nervous tissue. ThermiRF, is an advanced technology using finely controlled thermal energy. It is a multi-use platform which uses proprietary hand pieces designed for specific medical applications and promotes increased patient safety and clinical effectiveness, while providing versatile solutions for physicians serving the aesthetic market. The Thermi250 also employs temperature-controlled radio frequency using a specially designed thermistor's regulated hand piece, which delivers precise heating to the skin's surface. For more information, please visit www.thermi.com EDITOR'S NOTE: Nancy Trent or Pam Wadler at Trent & Company, Inc. (212)-966-0024 or [email protected] View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170316006365/en/

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By India Today Web Desk: She is 24, and is already busy working with the best in film industry. With a career spanning over only four years, Alia Bhatt has delivered some of her best performances, and has become the next big thing in Bollywood. From filmmakers to co-actors, all hail her hard work and dedication.

Things changed for her after the Bollywood debut Student Of The Year. Karan Johar roped in Alia, then a 19-year-old, for his directorial venture, and as they say, the rest is history.

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And the powerhouse of talent will take on the stage at India Today Conclave 2017 on March 18 where she will speak on 'The Paternity Podcast Unlessons from My Father Myth and Reality.'

On the other hand, her mentor Karan, who recently became a daddy to twins, will also grace the conclave on the same day. The 44-year-old filmmaker, who recently came under the radar for opting for surrogacy, will indulge in a heart-to-heart koffee talk at the conclave. 'Heart to Heart Koffee with Karan Love Beyond Boundaries' will be the subject of his speech.

His last film Ae Dil Hai Mushkil invited the wrath of Shiv Sena for including Pakistani actor Fawad Khan in the star cast. The filmmaker later released an apology video. But he later revealed that he felt terrible about putting out that video.

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[March 16, 2017] Millennium Corporation Wins Multiple Award IDIQ Contract from SPAWAR SSC PAC for Cyberspace, Research, Engineering, and Technology Integration

ARLINGTON, Va., March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Millennium Corporation, an award-winning provider of professional services and technical solutions to the Federal marketplace, has been awarded a prime contract on the Navy SPAWAR SSC PAC for Cyberspace, Research, Engineering, and Technology Integration multiple award contract. Support to be provided includes innovative technology assessment and development; rapid software development and prototyping; training; security engineering; and cybersecurity risk management. This five-year contract includes one two-year option ordering period which, if exercised, would bring the potential value to $28.5M. This work will be performed in San Diego, California and at other locations in the U.S. and abroad. "This contract is an integral part of our strategy for the growth of our IT and Cyber Security business and our service to the NAVY" said Keith Cromack, Millennium Corporation VP Business Development. "We look forward to expanding our professional services support to Navy C4ISR, cyber, and space systems as we continue to serve one of our most valued customers." In support of our Navy customers, Milennium also provides systems engineering, IT and sustainment advisory services to the Navy through the PMW 240 SEA WARRIOR PROGRAM OFFICE.



About SSC PAC

SSC PAC is the Nation's Technical Leader for Integrated Information Warfare Solutions. SPAWAR is the Navy's Information Warfare Systems Command and the designated Technical Authority for information technology. SSC Pacific is SPAWAR's primary lab for research and development, test and evaluation, and the nation's only full spectrum, full life cycle C4ISR, cyber, and space technical center. SSC PAC conducts research, development, delivery, and support of integrated command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C4ISR), cyber, and space systems across all warfighting domains. About Millennium Corporation

Millennium Corporation is a strategic management and technology consulting firm, and committed partner to the Government. Results driven and people focused, we strive daily to lead the industry in providing Cybersecurity Full Spectrum Solutions, Systems Engineering, IT Consulting, and Program and Project Management Services. We have a proven record of performance supported by successful contract results with a broad customer base within the ARMY, NAVY, OSD, DHS and other civilian agencies. We offer large company capabilities with the agility and flexibility of a small business  meeting and exceeding evolving requirements. Millennium is headquartered at 1401 South Clark Street, Suite 810 Arlington, VA 22202.

For more information, please visit: http://www.millgroupinc.com. Media Contact:

Keith Cromack, Vice President Business Development

703.447.6711

[email protected] To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/millennium-corporation-wins-multiple-award-idiq-contract-from-spawar-ssc-pac-for-cyberspace-research-engineering-and-technology-integration-300425270.html SOURCE Millennium Corporation

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[March 16, 2017] NXTKey Corporation Acquires Magnus Management Group

CHEYENNE, Wyo., March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- NXTKey Corporation, an "as-a-service" solution provider across cloud, mobile and open source in the federal and commercial markets, today announced its acquisition of Magnus Management Group, a Bristow, Virginia-based consulting services organization focused on information security, and project and operational management, primarily in the cyber security arena. The transaction will help Magnus focus on key compliance and growth areas, while continuing its tradition of delivering demonstrable value to customers. This is the first of many envisaged acquisitions for NXTKey, which is emerging as a leading provider of cyber, enterprise information management, healthIT, digital, and information communication technology (ICT) consulting services. "What's unique and critically important about this new partnership is that both companies will retain a focus on what has made them each successful: solving hard problems for customers within their respective areas of expertise," NXTKey CEO Shivaji Sengupta said. "When our services complement each other, or complete a solution set for a customer, we will partner seamlesly."



"Collectively, we will be able to leverage synergies between our two organizations to better address growing security concerns and strengthen the cyber security posture of our customers," said Magnus CEO Raed H. Hammad. "I look forward to growing our cyber practice under this new arrangement." Magnus will maintain its locations and operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of NXTKey Corporation.

About NXTKey Corporation: NXTKey Corporation helps companies think ahead in today's competitive business environment. Founded in 2013, the company takes an outcomes-based approach to consulting and professional services work in the federal and commercial domains. Its customers span industries including manufacturing, healthcare, telecom, distribution, pharmaceuticals, media and publishing, and more. NXTKey helps these organizations strategically and tactically drive their businesses machines faster and more efficiently and with better, more successful outcomes. http://www.nxtkey.com/ About Magnus Management Group: Magnus Management Group, LLC is a small business committed to providing solutions with a comprehensive and overarching vision. Magnus emphasizes quality, service and intellect while employing cutting edge technologies to keep clients ahead of the curve. Its strong business values and tested best practices, coupled with a creative technological edge, ensure that it delivers expert consulting services in Information Security Management, Project Management and Operation Management. http://magnusmanagement.com/ Contact: Caryn Alagno Phone: 202-236-9073 To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nxtkey-corporation-acquires-magnus-management-group-300425274.html SOURCE NXTKey Corporation

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Election day information: voting times, polling centers and races

Residents will have their final chance to cast votes in local races on Nov. 8, including seats on both the NLCS and MCS boards and Sheriff.
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...
Captain Amarinder Singh's Pakistani friend Aroosa Alam was in Chandigarh to witness his oath taking ceremony as Punjab chief minister for the second time.

By Manjeet Sehgal: Among the Indian guests who were invited by the Maharaja of Patiala and Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh to witness his swearing in ceremony in Chandigarh today was also a special guest from Pakistan.

Captain's close friend Aroosa Alam was among the guests who were to occupy the VVIP seats in advance. Accompanied by a woman who did not allow people to click selfies with the former journalist, Aroosa said she came to Chandigarh only to witness the swearing in ceremony of 'Maharaj Saahab'.

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Aroosa, who arrived in Chandigarh on Sunday said there is need to ameliorate the relations between the India and Pakistan as people from both the sides want peace.

"Everybody wants peace and both the countries should strive to maintain the calm. Rather fighting in Siachin both the countries should focus on eradicating poverty and illiteracy besides improving the health amenities," Aroosa Alam said.

WHO IS AROOSA ALAM

This is Aroosa's second visit to the City Beautiful within a month this year. She was also here on February 21 to witness the launching of Captain's biography 'The People's Maharaja'.

Aroosa had met Captain Amarinder Singh in 2004 when he was in Pakistan. A former journalist, Aroosa is daughter of Akleen Akhtar (Rani General) a socialite who influenced Pakistan's polity in 1970s.

Eyebrows were raised on both the sides when Aroosa was linked to Captain Amarinder Singh way back in 2007. Both were seen together a number of times but Aroosa had clarified that both were 'just friends'.

THE STORY OF AROOSA, AMARINDER'S FRIENDSHIP

Interestingly, Captain's biography 'The People's Maharaja' has a chapter on his relationship with Aroosa who had openly said that her friendship with Amarinder Singh was beautiful, will last long and she was proud of this relationship.

"My relationship is a sensitive issue even back home, I am a Muslim woman and you know how people back home think," Aroosa had said when she last visited Chandigarh in February.

WATCH: Punjab: Captain Amarinder Singh takes oath as CM, no deputy CM post for Navjot Sidh

Amarinder Singh is Punjab Chief Minister for the second time, no deputy CM post for Navjot Sidhu

How AAP, Akali Dal missteps helped Congress rebound in Punjab

--- ENDS ---
Winning Punjab Assembly election and bringing back Congress to power would not have been much difficult for Captain Amarinder Singh, but the challenges that he faces in the state are enormous and require urgent attention of the new government.

By Prabhash K Dutta: With Captain Amarinder Singh taking oath as the Chief Minister of Punjab, Congress has regained its lost ground in the state after 10 years. It is also being cited within the Congress as an example as to how to challenge the resurgent BJP, which is ousting the party in one after another state across the country.

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Given the anti-incumbency against the Akali-BJP alliance over ten years, winning the Punjab Assembly election was not as difficult for Captain Amarinder Singh, whose real challenge will be to deal with the problems that are plaguing the state.

The seven challenges that the newly appointed Chief Minister of Punjab, Captain Amarinder Singh will have to face are dealt with in the following paragraphs.

1. ECONOMIC SLOWDOWN

Punjab is known for its robust agriculture and agri-based industries, which have attracted workers from across the country over the years. But, of 10 years under the Akali-BJP rule in Punjab, the rate of agriculture growth has declined in the last nine years.

The agriculture growth was 0.95 per cent in 2004-05, which according to the Punjab government figures went into negative, -3.4 per cent in 204-15. Nearly 65 lakh people engaged in agriculture have been adversely affected by this decline.

However, the latest government figures suggest that the agriculture growth rate could be higher than the national average for 2015-16.

Between 2005-06 and 2015-16, the net GDP growth rate slowed down to almost half the pace. It was 10.18 per cent in 2005-06 and according to the Central Statistics Office (CSO), the net GDP growth rate of Punjab has come down to 5.96 per cent for 2015-2016. In a decade's time it has fallen far below the national average.

2. FARMERS' SUICIDE IN PUNJAB

Even though, the per capita income has registered an increase of about five per cent from Rs 96,638 in 2014-15 to Rs 101,498 in 2015-16, it does not reflect the real picture of farm crisis in Punjab.

According to the last Agriculture Census data, the average farm sizes have reduced from 3.9 hectares in 2005-06 to 3.7 hectares in the 2010-11. The deteriorating farm crisis is reflected in the rising number of suicides in Punjab, where such a thing was almost unheard of earlier.

The last Akali-BJP government commissioned three universities to study the instances of farmers' suicide between 2010 and 2013. The report has not been made public with many accusing the ousted government of holding back the data due to Assembly election.

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The same universities had studied farmers' suicide cases between 2000 and 2010 and put the number of farmers and farm labourers committing suicide during the period at 6,926. More than half of the victims were farmers- 3,954 ended their lives. The average number of farmers committing suicide per year was 692.

Many believe the situation has worsened in recent years. In 2015, cotton crop failure in Malwa belt resulted in a spate of suicide by farmers. The NCRB data put the figure at 124 while the Centre told the Lok Sabha last year that 449 farmers and farm labourers committed suicide in Punjab in 2015.

3. RISING UNEMPLOYMENT

Rising unemployment is another big challenge before Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh. The unemployment rate in Punjab stands at 16.6 per cent for young workforce aged between 18 and 29 as against the national average of 10.2 per cent.

Punjab is also among the states having highest rural youth unemployment rate.

According a government report, 18,770 factories were shut down between 2007 and 2014 under the Akali-BJP rule leading to huge loss of employment opportunities. The Congress manifesto in Punjab promised an unemployment allowance of Rs 2,500 per month. But, CM Amarinder Singh will have to find a more feasible solution to the problem of unemployment.

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4. DRUGS

The scale of drug addiction in Punjab can be gauged by the fact that Aam Aadmi Party based its election campaign in Assembly election.

According to the Punjab Opiod Dependence Survey for 2015, there are nearly 2.30 lakh opioid dependent and 8.60 opioid users in the state.

The report says that about 80 per cent of the drug addicts tried to quit but only about 35 per cent of the willing users received professional help from the state government.

The Punjab Opiod Dependence Survey estimated that approximately Rs 7,575 crore is spent on drugs in Punjab every year. The survey also linked the drug use to poverty and unemployment.

5. OBESITY AND ANAEMIA

Healthcare infrastructure in Punjab is in shambles. According to a 2014 Princeton University study, unfilled vacancies and absenteeism are the basic problems of Punjab's public-health facilities.

It found that Punjab has highest average medical expenditure per episode of hospital admission in India. About 83 per cent outdoor and 66 per cent patients are dependent on private healthcare infrastructure.

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Besides, Punjab is grappling with a unique problem. It faces the challenges of obesity and anaemia at the same time. Obesity among men is pegged at 27.8 per cent and among women at 31.3 per cent.

Simultaneously, percentage of anaemic men has doubled between 2005 and 2015 from 13.6 per cent to about 26 per cent. In 2005, 38 per cent women were anaemic. Their proportion increased to 53.5 in 2015.

The health ministry data shows that one of four children are having stunted growth in Punjab. The number of underweight children has increased from 9.2 per cent in 2005 to 15.6 in 2015.

6. CRUMBLING SCHOOL INFRASTRUCTURE

Punjab is facing an acute problem of school rising drop-out rate. The average annual drop-out rate at the primary school level has increased 1.3 per cent in 2014-15 to 3.1 per cent in 2015-16.

According to District Information for System Education (DISE) data, 84 per cent of primary-age students were enrolled in primary school in 2015-16.

But, only 51.6 per cent of secondary-age school students were enrolled in secondary school. Over 32 per cent students dropped out at the primary school level.

7. PRO- KHALISTAN VOICES

Nabha jailbreak last year brought back focus on attempts by disruptive forces to revive Khalistan movement in Punjab.

Khalistan Liberation Force chief Harminder Singh Mintoo escaped from the Nabha jail in Punjab along with five other dreaded gangsters. The state was put on high alert.

They were later arrested but pro-Khalistan voices remain a concern for Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh.

The Khalistan movement is being revived by Canada-based separatists, who are looking to exploit the unrest in Punjab. Interestingly, Punjab witnessed one-third of all the protests by government employees across India in 2015. Khalistani separatists see a breeding ground among such protests.

ALSO READ|

Amarinder Singh is Punjab Chief Minister for the second time, no deputy CM post for Navjot Sidhu

WATCH VIDEO: Punjab: Oath taken by Captain Amarinder Singh, no deputy CM post for Navjot Sidhu

--- ENDS ---
By Press Trust of India: From Lalit K Jha

Washington, Mar 15 (PTI) Application for H-1B work visas, which is highly popular among Indian IT companies and professionals, for fiscal year 2018 can be filed from April 3.

Unlike previous years, the official announcement by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) did not say till when it would continue accepting the H-1B petitions.

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The department normally has been accepting the application for the first five business days.

In the last few years, the department has received enough petitions to fill in the Congressional mandated 85,000 H-1B visas.

This 85,000 Congressional mandated limit on H-1B visas include 65,000 in the general category and another 20,000 for those foreign students who have masters or higher degree from a US academic institution.

Those coming to the US on H-1B visas in certain categories for research and scientific institutions are exempted from this limit, but their visa processing is handicapped this year as the premium processing has been suspended by USCIS for six months.

USCISs announcement also reflects that there is no changes in H-1B visas this year as was being anticipated in view of some media leaks of a proposed executive order on this work visa.

White House says this would be part of a comprehensive immigration reform.

In its statement, USCIS said it begin accepting H-1B petitions subject to the fiscal year 2018 cap on April 3.

"All cap-subject H-1B petitions filed before April 3, for the FY 2018 cap will be rejected," it said.

Fiscal year 2018 begins on October 1, 2017.

USCIS said H-1B programme allows companies in the US to temporarily employ foreign workers in occupations that require the application of a body of highly specialised knowledge and a bachelors degree or higher in the specific speciality, or its equivalent.

H-1B speciality occupations may include fields such as science, engineering and information technology.

"Congress set a cap of 65,000 H-1B visas per fiscal year. An advanced degree exemption from the H-1B cap is available for 20,000 beneficiaries who have earned a US masters degree or higher. The agency will monitor the number of petitions received and notify the public when the H-1B cap has been met," it said.

USCIS had recently announced a temporary suspension of premium processing for all H-1B petitions starting April 3 for up to six months.

"H-1B petitioners must follow all statutory and regulatory requirements as they prepare petitions to avoid delays in processing and possible requests for evidence," it said.

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The filing fee for Form I-129 has increased to USD 460, and petitioners no longer have 14 days to correct a dishonoured payment. PTI LKJ UZM

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Google has announced a new service for parents who want to get kids 13 and under into the digital world more quickly.

Dubbed Family Link, the service will allow parents to get their child a Google account, including email, apps access, and more. While that might sound scary in its own right, Google will also offer several tools through the service that will let you govern which apps they can see, when their devices can be used, and more.

How Google Family Link Works

To get Family Link up and running, Google recommends you buy an Android device running Android 7.0 (Nougat) or later. However, the service will also work with some Android 6.1 Marshmallow devices, like Sony's Xperia XZ. Family Link is only compatible with Google's operating systems, so iOS users are out of luck.

Once you have the device you need, you download Family Link onto the product of your choice. From there, you need to set up your child's Google account and use the service's built-in tools to decide when the handset will be locked and when it'll be accessible to your kids. You can also get notifications about what your child is doing on Family Link and you can decide on your own handset whether to allow them to download the app they want or not.

MORE: Best Parental-Control and Cell Phone-Monitoring Apps

Additionally, Family Link comes with some handy tracking information so you can see how often your kids are on the device and which apps they're most likely to use.

Family Link is specifically designed for kids under the age of 13. Kids 13 years and older can sign up for a Google account without parental intervention. (Of course, kids under 13 who lie about their age can technically do it, as well.)

If you're hoping that the app will be the panacea that keeps your child safe online, think again. Google itself has said that it's just one element in protecting children and noted that Family Link does not automatically block all inappropriate content your child might find during his or her smartphone use. In other words, the sometimes-scary Internet is readily accessible to your kids, even with Family Link installed.

"While Family Link can help you set certain ground rules around how your child uses their device, it can't make the apps or services on their phone that were designed for adults kid-safe; it's up to parents to choose what's right for their kid," Google vice president of engineering Pavni Diwanji said in a statement. "When you make the decision to give your child their own device, Family Link can serve as a tool that keeps you in the loop as they begin to explore."

If you're interested in trying out Family Link, it's available now in the U.S. by invite only. You can see if you're eligible to receive an invitation here.
VR video is one of the primary attractions of virtual reality, but the technology has a glaring problem: Image quality. You may think that higher resolution is the solution, but thats not strictly the case. VR (and 360-degree) video suffers from a distortion problem, and Googles trying to solve it with a new projection technique.

The image quality issue that plagues spherical video sources is a perspective problem. A traditional 2D video records a predetermined frame and is played back on a display of the same shape and perspective. VR/360-degree video doesnt offer that luxury.

Although you can choose which perspective you wish to see, your view is always a fixed resolution and shape, no matter where you look. The image is technically flat, which means the source feed must be warped to fit a flat plane. The process is comparable to what cartographers go through when trying to map the globe to a flat surface. In order to fit the spherical earth map onto a flat image, the perspective must be altered.

Map makers use a process called Equirectangular Projection to warp a sphere onto a rectangular surface, which works well enough for a paper map, but it doesnt work with video to the same degree. Equirectangular Projection distorts the equatorial regions of the video (read: where your eyes are looking) and lets the extremities enjoy higher pixel density.

Game developers often use a technique called Cube Mapping to deform the image, which offers better image quality than equirectangular projection. The process involves putting the sphere inside a cube and projecting the surface of the sphere out to the edges of the cube faces. Cube maps leave the video distorted because the distance between the sphere and the cube grows larger as you approach the corners, which makes the cubemap samples appear longer on the outer edges.

Googles Daydream and YouTube engineers came up with a new projection technique called Equi-Angular Cubemaps (EAC) that offers less disruptive image degradation. EAC keeps the pixel count even between cubemap samples, which produces balanced image quality across the board.

EAC isnt a catch-all solution for spherical video image quality. Google said that if you choose to preserve one important feature of the mapping you invariably give up something else. EAC provides an even balance of image quality, which improves the crucial focal area of spherical video. In the image above, you'll see the pixel count saturation maps of Equirectangular projection (left), Cube Map projection (center), and Equi-Angular Cubemap projection (right). The blue shows where extra resources were wasted unnecessarily, the orange and yellow represent insufficient pixel density, and the green section offers optimal pixel density. Googles warping technique doesnt waste resources by rendering extra pixels where it doesnt need to (at the extremities). The upshot is that EAC uses the available bandwidth more efficiently, which can pave the way for higher pixel density across the full image, not just isolated locations.

Google is already putting Equi-Angular Cubemap projection to work. Spherical video playback from YouTube with EAC support is now available on Android devices, and Google said support for iOS and desktop is coming soon. If you want to know more about EAC, Googles blog offers a deeper explanation of the technology, and the YouTube Engineering and Developers blog has additional details.
By Press Trust of India: in Tel

Hyderabad, Mar 16 (PTI) Banks in Telangana have disbursed loans under the Mudra Scheme to as many as 1.98 lakh beneficiaries till March 10, Union Labour Minister Bandaru Dattatreya said here today.

"The banks have disbursed 1.20 lakh loans under Sishu (category), 67,235 (loans) under Kishore, and 11,427 under Tarun. The total beneficiaries are 1,98,131 as on March 10," the minister told reporters.

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The Micro Units Development and Refinance Agency (MUDRA) Bank was set up by the Central Government for development and refinancing activities relating to micro units. The scheme was announced by the Finance Minister while presenting the Union Budget for FY 2016.

Dattatreya also reviewed the credit situation in a meeting held here with the officials of Reserve Bank of India and State Level Bankers Committee.

Responding to a query on the currency shortage in ATMs across the state, he said of the total 8462 ATMs in the state, 7425 are working "actively".

He said the RBI will supply Rs 5000 crore worth of currency notes to Andhra Pradesh and Rs 4000 crore to Telangana by the end of this month.

Of the Rs 4000 crore, the RBI will be issuing Rs 1150 crore on March 20, the minister added. PTI GDK NSK SRE

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Microsoft suspended updates for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 users with Intel's 7th generation (Kaby Lake) processors, AMD's 7th generation (Bristol Ridge) processors, and Qualcomm's 8996 processor or newer. The company said before that it wouldn't release new drivers for older Windows versions to support new hardware, but now it's stopped Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 users with these new CPUs from scanning or downloading from Windows Update.

The decision makes sense for Microsoft. Windows 7 debuted in 2009, and Windows 8.1 was released in 2013. Neither was made with current generation processors in mind, and in the years since, Microsoft has shifted its focus away from those older operating systems and towards Windows 10. But as we explained in our review of Intel's Kaby Lake lineup after we experienced problems with HD Graphics 630 on both Windows 7 and Windows 8.1:

This may be a minor concern to enthusiasts who already keep up to date. But the estimated 47% of worldwide computer users who still use Windows 7 (and the 8% on Windows 8.1) need to account for the cost of Windows 10 as part of a Kaby Lake upgrade. Microsoft allows a limited number of component changes before invalidating your OS license, so it is a valid concern if you plan to upgrade an existing system with a 100-series chipset. It's noteworthy that Microsoft's official mainstream support for Windows 7 expired in January 2015, but the company has obviously not convinced a majority of users to upgrade. Interestingly, Microsoft still offers 'mainstream support' for the unpopular Windows 8 until Jan 2018, though that's misleading since it isn't supporting modern processors with the OS.

Not that Microsoft hasn't tried to warn those people about its decision. The company said in a January 2016 blog post that it would only support new silicon with Windows 10--older operating systems would be restricted to older processors. Here's what the company said about its plans:

Going forward, as new silicon generations are introduced, they will require the latest Windows platform at that time for support. This enables us to focus on deep integration between Windows and the silicon, while maintaining maximum reliability and compatibility with previous generations of platform and silicon. For example, Windows 10 will be the only supported Windows platform on Intels upcoming 'Kaby Lake' silicon, Qualcomms upcoming '8996' silicon, and AMDs upcoming 'Bristol Ridge' silicon.

Microsoft reiterated that point in August 2016. The question is how many Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 users read the company's blog posts--many of which are unlikely to appeal to the average consumer--or care about the company's seemingly arbitrary decision not to update currently supported operating systems to support the latest-and-greatest processors. And the problem is exacerbated by the company's messaging via Windows Update.

Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 users with new processors who try to scan or download updates via the Windows Update tool are greeted with one of two messages. The first is straightforward: "Unsupported Hardware [...] Your PC uses a processor that isnt supported on this version of Windows and you wont receive updates." The second message isn't quite as clear:

Windows could not search for new updatesAn error occurred while checking for new updates for your computer.Error(s) found:Code 80240037 Windows Update encountered an unknown error.

So the company published a support article (opens in new tab) to explain that the way its new support policy was implemented means that "Windows 8.1 and Windows 7 devices that have a seventh generation or a later generation processor may no longer be able to scan or download updates through Windows Update or Microsoft Update." The company (naturally) advised users affected by this problem to upgrade from their current operating system to Windows 10.

If you planned to upgrade to Kaby Lake, AMD's Ryzen, or another new processor, then you'll also finally have to move to Windows 10. This might have been implied by Microsoft's previous statements--it has repeatedly said that Windows 10 would be the only operating system to support the new processors--but now it's clear that some people didn't get the message (hence the support article) and that "will require the latest Windows platform at that time for support" really means "you won't even be able to search for updates if you buy a new CPU without moving to Windows 10."
Wire updated calls in its secure communications app to be more reliable, to feature verifiable end-to-end encryption, and to not send call logs to company servers. The changes are supposed to make it easier for you to protect your privacy without having to fuss around with any complicated services. And, of course, it will help the service compete with the recently improved Signal app whose protocol is used by WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and others.

These improvements are currently restricted to one-on-one calls; Wire said group calls will be updated soon. Many users probably won't notice most of these changes, and that's a good thing, because it means the company has successfully created a service that can help keep you safe without much effort on your part. Wire merely wants you to check key fingerprints--alphanumeric strings unique to each device--to verify the connection's safety.

Not that the service has been without its flaws. University of Waterloo researchers said in December 2016 that there are some concerns about how Wire authenticated calls and accounts, implemented its various protocols, and used a closed-source server. This update seems to address the first issue: Wire said in a blog post that calls "now take advantage of the same authentication that we have in place for chats and sending media  pics, videos, files."

Other concerns were addressed with an independent security audit by the Kudelski Security and X41 D-Sec auditing firms. They found several low- and medium-severity vulnerabilities that were later addressed in the Wire apps for Android and iOS, but no high- or critical-severity issues were found. (Wire also said it would fix the problems found in its web and desktop apps.) The company said it plans to accompany future updates with independent audits.

It's also said that it will open-source its server code by the end of Q1 2017. The client code is already open-source. Combine all that with the company's decision not to store any call logs, instead of collecting "minimal call data" and storing it for 72 hours, and Wire becomes a much more compelling app. The company's apparent commitment to being open about its development process, like with the blog post about its updating call protocol, also helps.



Wire's announcement came shortly after Open Whisper Systems, the nonprofit behind Signal and its protocol, announced that encrypted video calls were available via its Android and iOS apps. Competition in the secure communications ecosystem is a good thing--not only does it give you more options for encrypted calls and texts, but it also pushes these organizations to constantly improve their products. Better to have many options than to have none.


Now this is a lineup we can get behind. Announced this morning, triple j will be putting on quite a live music bash, led by huge names in Tash Sultana, The Smith Street Band, Thundamentals and San Cisco.

Its all part of this years One Night Stand, which sees triple j take some of the best Aussie bands to regional areas that dont always get their fair share of gigs. Even better, the One night Stand is free and all ages, so its a win all round.

The bash has previously headed to secluded spots like Alice Springs in Central Australia, Geraldton in WA, or Mildura in VIC, and this years location will be revealed next Tuesday by brekkie presenters Ben & Liam.

This years lineup is pretty exceptional, too. Tash Sultanas shows are sold out across the country, so we may see some die-hard fans make the trip to see her, wherever it ends up taking place. The Smith Street Band are back with a swag of new songs from their record, as are one of our fave hip hop groups Thundamentals, and San Cisco also have a new record on the way ready to be unleashed live.

Youll also get the chance to catch some rising local talent as an Unearthed competition winner will also get a slot on the crammed lineup.

It all goes down on Saturday April 22, with more info here. If you cant make it out of the city, youll be able to hear it all broadcast live on triple j, along with various other bits and pieces of coverage throughout the event.
Ministry Of Sound pretty much defined a decade of electronic music, and theyre back to celebrate that fact with a monster hit of nostalgia featuring Sneaky Sound System and plenty more.

The Reunion Tour: The Annual 2005  2008 is of course named after the yearly compilation CDs that many of us probably still have jammed in a CD player somewhere, and follows on from last years tour, which covered 2001 to 2004.

Repeated hitmakers Sneaky Sound System will be joined by a host of other genuinely awesome additions plucked from a fruitful decade of Aussie electro, Pedestrian reports, some of which may evoke a feeling of shit, that takes me back!.

John Course, Bang Gang DJs (rest in piece to Ajax), Kid Kenobi, The Pot Belleez, Goodwill, Mark Dynamix, Tonite Only, Riot In Belgium, Stafford Brothers and Van She Tech  ringing a few bells? Thats actually one hell of a lineup, and will sum up a few years of nights out and backyard parties for a lot of punters out there.

The tour will head to Brisbane, Sydney, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth, Newcastle, Adelaide and Townsville, although not all acts will be playing in every venue unfortunately.

Dates and venues are below, and ore info on each show is available here, with tickets going on sale at 9am Friday March 17. Time to jump back in time for an evening.

Ministry of Sound Reunion Tour

Fri May 19  Eatons Hill Hotel, Brisbane

Sat May 20  Greenwood Hotel, Sydney

Sun May 21  Night Quarter, Gold Coast

Fri May 26  The Forum, Melbourne

Sun May 28  The Court/The Overflow, Perth

Sat June 3  The Cambridge, Newcastle

Sun June 11  Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide

Sat June 17  Magnetic Island, Townsville
Following the untimely death of stuntman Johann Yogi Ofner on the set of a Bliss N Eso music video in January, the hip hop act have released a touching tribute video.

As triple j report, Ofner died while filming a robbery scene for a video clip for this very same track, but was fatally shot by a weapon loaded with blanks. Now, the song is accompanied instead by footage of a tribute show from last month that raised over $40,000 dollars, along with heartfelt words from his friends, family and colleagues, including his six-year-old daughter Kyarna.

Further money was raised by generous crowdfunding campaigns in the weeks that followed Ofners death, with the money intended to support his young daughter and her mother in the years ahead.
A robbery victim remained in critical condition at hospital Thursday morning after being shot during a street robbery in Kansas City. The shooting happened about 7 p.m. Wednesday as the victim was walking in the 5100 block of Linwood Boulevard. A person armed with a firearm approached the victim and demand the victim's wallet, said Sgt.
Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., discusses why she believes the House GOP health care bill is a disaster. Sen. McCaskill also discusses the fight to stop online harassment in the military.

Recent interview from the top political lady in Missouri regarding her strident opposition to repealing Obamacare and worthwhile crusade toYou decide . . .
TONI ANDERSON WAS MURDERED

KANSAS CITY POLICE ARE UNDERTAKING A MASSIVE EFFORT TO SEARCH THROUGH SURVEILLANCE VIDEO FROM SOURCES ALONG THE ROUTE OF TONI ANDERSON'S FATAL FINAL KNOWN JOURNEY!!!

"Private investigators reviewing street surveillance video from locations along the final mile into Platte Landing Park. Downtown Parkville businesses, Park University, etc., cooperating with archived video from hard drives."

AND NOT

on St. Paddy's Day most locals are preoccupied chasing leprechauns.

The fake news about a young woman driving to a desolate location and then plunging into the river of her own volition has been DEBUNKED .

The mysterious disappearance and death of stripper Toni Anderson is now part of a Kansas City Police murder investigation.Once again, this fact of life is worth repeating in order to contradict insane Internets conspiracy theories and help promote a productive conversation about public safety . . .Credit where it's due, while the smarter denizens of our TKC blog community have always believed that. . . Here's Fox4 offering an impressive bit of journalism on evolving police commentary regarding this tragic topic. Check thequote which sheds light on the latest developments . . .Perour blog community made this callwith the help ofand now we want to put the latest developments on blast . . .To wit . . .The mostsent us a map of the path that. . .Here's the word . . .Like it or not, the last known whereabouts of Toni Anderson offer an indication of the young woman moving almost directly North near the final location where her dead body was discoveredbouncing around the downtown area lost as some previous news reports indicate.Brief aside . . . As national news outlets start to pick up the story again, we notice thatdespite the very likely possibility that her treacherous lifestyle played a part in her tragic demise.But now let's get even more real . . . We're hoping for more info on this topic later today or sometime next week given that a KCPD presser on ST. Paddy's Day is a very obvious way to dump this information in part of the news-cycle that is typically overlooked.While there are a great many supportive and good people in Kansas City . . . After 3PM on Friday just about everybody and their grandma is gonna be drunk. Forget about Jack the Ripper for a moment,Nevertheless . . .The aftermath . . .It's encouraging to Kansas City police using resources and meeting withdespite the assertions of Internet trolls and more timid souls who don't want to know theof life in Kansas City.As always, there's concern that this murder investigation of a beautiful, young, white woman will overshadow so many homicides in the urban core among minority residents . . . And while that viewpoint deserves respect and acknowledgment, the case of Toni Anderson helps to shed light on the escalating level of homicide throughout the metro and expose the dangerous underworld of Kansas City which has claimed so many lives.Developing . . .
Super Dave Update On Toni Anderson Story

Today was the 60th day of the mysterious disappearance of Toni Anderson. At approximately 55 days after her disappearance a car was pulled from the Missouri River that was registered to Toni Anderson and contained a female body inside it.While many were more than positive it was Toni herself, I wasnt buying into that at this point yet. Could as easily been another female wearing Tonis clothes she was last seen in. Wouldnt be the first time deceiving tricks have been done with the body to throw investigators off. But positive identification has now been made and we all know whose body was found in the car.But what is still unknown at this time is just what happened. So far Ive seen about as many theories as to what happened to Toni Anderson as to who shot Kennedy. And just as easily we may never ever know what happened. Its not 100% known when the car went into the water. There is no positive proof the car went in the water the morning of the 15th of January any more than there is proof the car went in the water seven days later.Depending on how the two vehicles located together were spaced and sitting in what positions might provide some clues to what and when. Right now the identity and circumstances of the SUV have not been made public. There have been rumors that Toni wasnt a good driver, I know many people that fit that description but they dont possibly drive off the end of boat ramps in the wee hours of the morning. This was a young woman sitting in a car supposedly on the morning when the outside temperature was around 30 degrees. Most women I know wont sit in a car if its 50 degrees outside with the window down.What role the seatbelt not being on plays will maybe not be known? Maybe she was the anti-seatbelt wearing type person who didnt do such. It would be interesting to know if the officer that had pulled her over earlier had noticed whether or not she had a seat-belt on. Talking to her friends, find out if she was a person that wore her belt all the time or not. If she did wear her seatbelt all the time wasnt known to drive around with the window down or hung around down by the river in the wee hours of the morning I would find those three things of a very suspicious nature. Then again she may have rolled the window down, unhooked her seatbelt wanting to get out of the car and the force of water entering made that impossible. A toxicology report might be limited and not be able to show much after her being that long in the water. So far there has not been any proof she didnt maybe take something after seeing the police officer. But to be honest that one bothers me because if she has just been pulled over and it freaked her some, I would thing getting high or something related is rather moot while still in her car.It does appear that possibly she may have been sneaking around for some reason and for what reason we may never know. Maybe she had some boyfriend action on the side that nobody really knew about yet that was why she was at that location and it could be something as simple as meeting up with a girlfriend who hasnt come forward yet that was looking to escape an abusive boyfriend or such. Any way you look at it I think she was attempting to do something that she didnt want everybody to know about which as long as its not against the law isnt against the law. But I cannot buy into the theory that she just absentmindedly drove to this location and off into the water. Too many different things dont make any sense and could not have happened unless Toni Anderson herself was the biggest idiot to ever hit Kansas City. Im not going to sit here and pick apart each and every one of those things, because I dont have the time and I dont want to turn this into a four-part story. But working at a gentlemens club does not make you any less of a person or someone who is entitled to be a victim of a crime.The part that I have to laugh at, grunt, giggle or whatever is the part about the bruise on her leg from the GPS in the car. Whoever made that statement is for sure the biggest idiot in Kansas City in my thoughts. After approximately 55 days in 30 degree or thereabout water a fair amount of decomposing of the body would have taken place. One of those things is after just a couple of weeks in the water at cool temperatures the fatty tissues of the body start coming out of the body in a waxy type way of appearance that is also known as grave wax. The skin of the body would have also started breaking away from the tissue under the skin due to the long-term exposure of the water. The only reason the body was in the shape it was in was due to the cool temperature of the water. Any underwater animal life would have been minimal compared to if it had been say July. Turtles, catfish, carp and gar were all in semi winter hibernation due to water temperatures so their activity was very minimal. Everybodys body contains bacteria that upon death starts eating the body from within but exposed to cool temperatures this process is greatly inhibited requiring months to take place over what might happen in three weeks in warm temperatures. So for any non-forensic pathologist to make a comment about a bruise was not only inappropriate, but as far as Im concerned leads to a dismissible action against such person. Furthermore I seriously doubt there is a forensic pathologist located in Kansas City that is an expert on dealing with bodies pulled from the river after being submerged for over 50 days. But I could be wrong. But so far all the report has said is that they have identified her as being Toni Anderson but they did not make a statement regarding cause of death.So far nobody has decided who has jurisdiction over this case. It appears that we may have 2 to 3 different cities involved in this case but nobody's really sure what happened where. Are the two tweets about being pulled over that Toni supposedly made of a significant nature or was it just the fact she repeated an earlier tweet for getting pulled over? We dont know that nor have we been allowed to see the official phone records. Nor the records from the phones these tweets went out to. Theres a lot of evidence that shouldve been taking into evidence I hope and a lot of statements that should have been taken and checked. At this point in time due to the fact that we have multiple jurisdictions taken place here it almost leads me to believe what should have been done might not have been done. Trust me; no police department wants to get involved in a murder investigation. So are all the police departments just sitting around waiting to see what and how might have taken place before anybody would put any effort into doing anything? I really dont know the answer to that question but I think its a question that really needs to be answered. The only other reason that I can think the Kansas City Police Department is taken an active role in this is because they have reason to believe she was murdered in Kansas City and taken to Parkville to be dumped. There again Im only guessing as to what might be happening. But you know sometimes its all the second-guessing that takes place that in the end provides the thoughts, which seek the clues, that finds the answers. But then again we may never know the answers. The only answer I feel comfortable with is the one where I feel reasonably comfortable Toni didnt just drive off the end of a boat ramp at some point in time.###################
If we humans were to have a collective hobby, itd probably be polluting the heck outta stuff. As a species we chuck so much stuff into the atmosphere that there are arguably no pollution-free places left on Earth. Every year car exhausts, coal plants, forest fires and cow farts (seriously) wind up choking our atmosphere and heading the planet towards what were gonna call Climate-ageddon.

But whos really to blame for this planet-sized catastrophe? Well, its hard to tell, exactly. If you measure pollution per capita, then Canada is far and away the biggest emitter. On the other hand, if you measure environmental impact in terms of those killed by pollution, then the tiny nation of Georgia outstrips even China. On the other hand, if you look at it in terms of actual greenhouse house gas emissions, then there is one clear winner scroll down to see it. But first, the 10 worst polluters in real terms, according to the Global Carbon Atlas.

10. Canada (557 mtCO2 emitted per year)

The second biggest nation on Earth, Canada is essentially an icy wilderness ringed by a tiny human population clinging desperately to its slightly-less frozen parts. Its a land of virgin forest, desolate mountain ranges, crystal blue lakes, and enough pollution to suffocate a herd of buffalo. Sorry, what?

Yep, despite its squeaky-clean image, Canada is actually kinda dirty. And we dont mean in the way yo momma is. Like the weed-addicted younger brother of Americas beer-swilling older sibling, Canada is puffing out more clouds of smoke than even the biggest bong-addict. Want the numbers? In 2015, Canada sent 557 mtCO2 (million tonnes of CO2) spewing into the air, from a population of 35.9 million. For comparison, the 11th biggest polluter, Indonesia, sent 537 mtCO2 into the atmosphere from a population of over a quarter of a billion. And these guys have deadly annual smogs that have killed 100,000 people.

Yet Canada may not keep its less-than-coveted 10th ranking for long. In October 2016, the government signed up for a carbon tax plan that could put the country on a path to a cleaner economy. Failing that, Indonesias pollution output is increasing like mad, so theyre probably about to overtake North Americas answer to Denmark pretty soon anyway.

9. South Korea (592 mtCO2 emitted per year)

On a peninsula half-occupied by the country of a demented fat man armed with nuclear weapons, South Korea can seem like a breath of fresh air. Its clean, safe, modern, rich and very, very dirty. Yeah, that breath of fresh air we just mentioned? That was only metaphorical. Visit Seoul in spring, and it can feel like youre trying to outdo your uncles four-pack-a-day habit with a single breath.

Partly, this is Chinas fault. The neighboring super-polluter sends its toxic gunk spewing over both Koreas like an annoying kid repeatedly chucking his carcinogenic deathball into your yard. But the Global Carbon Atlas doesnt track pollution caused by other countries. Plenty of Seouls clean air problems come from the Republic of Korea itself. As NPR has pointed out, the country is powered by 50 coal plants, with more on their way. Then theres the sheer size of their capital. Seoul has a bigger population than New York or London, and everyones driving cars. For comparison, dystopian nightmare LA recorded 7 days of air ranked unhealthy in 2015. Seoul recorded 53.

So whats South Korea doing to tackle this problem? Umm, nothing actually. Theyre one of the few countries in smog-choked Asia Pacific that are increasing their carbon output.

8. Saudi Arabia (601 mtCO2 emitted per year)

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) the Saudi capital of Riyadh is one of the most polluted cities on Earth. Even Beijing doesnt rank so highly in terms of horrifying stuff thatll get into your lungs and make you feel like youve swallowed a cheese grater. While some of this is thanks to stuff beyond human control  namely, the regions terrifying sandstorms  plenty can be laid squarely at the feet of the ruling classes. Across Saudi Arabia, industrial waste is let into the environment like its going outta fashion.

Part of this may be to do with the fact that the Wahhabist kingdom is a petro-state that bungs its 31 million citizens subsidized gas. Until recently, you could fill-up a medium-sized car from empty for about $7. While prices have gone up, thats still a massive incentive to drive everywhere. Add lax rules with industrial waste and plenty of oil flowing, and it all adds up to a state where environmental concerns are ranked by the government as a slightly lower priority than literally anything else.

Like South Korea, Saudi Arabia is not interested in cutting its current output by much. Although they signed up to a 50% clean energy target a while back, this was recently reduced to only 10%.

7. Iran (648 mtCO2 emitted per year)

A short hop over the Persian Gulf from Riyadh, and you arrive in one of the planets other super-polluters. The Islamic Republic of Iran is home to Ahvaz, a city with the unfortunate claim to fame of being literally the most polluted place on Earth. Air quality is so poor in this city of a million that the WHO cant even measure how dangerous it is. Their official scale calls any place with over 20 micrograms of tiny, health-destroying PM10 particles per cubic meter of air a hazard. Ahvaz has over 372 micrograms of PM10s per cubic meter. You might as well just wire your lungs up to a sewage pipe as breathe this stuff.

But its not just Ahvaz. All across Iran, from Tehran to Qom, blankets of smog severely screw with peoples lives. In November 2016, all the capitals schools had to be shut down due to clouds of killer fumes strangling the city. We arent using the word killer lightly. Over 400 people died from the pollution in just 23 days.

Aside from a reliance on petrochemical industries, one big reason for Irans bad air is the sanctions placed on it following the Islamic Revolution. Fume-belching cars and low-grade fuel were all anyone could afford for decades, contributing to the current situation.

6. Germany (798 mtCO2 emitted per year)

So, were probably all pretty surprised to see Germany on this list. The economic powerhouse of the EU, Germany is also supposed to be unfailingly clean and efficient. Which it totally is provided you just concentrate on visible dirt. Focus on those pesky invisible PM10s, and wandering through Germanys cities is like stepping into a blizzard of flying death.

Stuttgart, for example, has been called Germanys Beijing. While you wont get the same clouds of smog you get in China, youll still get pretty unhealthy air. Hazardous particles exceeded the legal limit for 64 days in 2014, more than Seoul and Los Angeles combined. Elsewhere, things are just as bad. 28 areas of Germany, including Berlin, Hamburg and Munich, have levels of air pollution considered dangerous. In 2013 alone, hazardous amounts of nitrogen dioxide were estimated to have killed over 10,600 Germans.

Things have gotten so bad that the EU recently threatened to hit Germany with a hefty fine if it didnt clean up its act (literally). Not that they can really talk. Taken as a single nation, the EU would be the 3rd biggest polluter on Earth.

5. Japan (1,237 mtCO2 emitted per year)

Leaping upwards a few hundred million tonnes of CO2 per year, orderly Japan emits enough bad gas per annum to make it Asia Pacifics 2nd biggest polluter. Man, what is it with these supposedly clean countries and terrible air quality?

Actually, were being pretty unkind here. Japan may be a high-level emitter today, but its a squeaky-clean utopia compared to what came before. In the 1960s, Japan was what China is now: a smog-choked industrial powerhouse that was raking in billions, even as it killed hundreds of thousands of its citizens with horrifically unsafe air. Some pollution-related illnesses, such as Minamata Disease, are still known globally after the Japanese cities where they were first identified. It was only after a massive push to curb emissions in the 1970s that Japan started its slow climb down from smog-filled dystopia to the relatively clean place it is today.

In fact, things would likely be even better, were it not for Japans recent reliance on coal fired power stations. 2014 was the countrys second-worst year for emissions on record. For that, you can thank the Fukushima disaster of 2011. The only nuclear disaster in history to come within touching distance of Chernobyl, it resulted in nearly all of Japans nuclear plants being shut down and replaced with coal fired ones.

4. Russian Federation (1,617 mtCO2 emitted per year)

If you need an illustration of how polluted Russia is, look no further than the town of Karabash. A small town 100 miles north of Kazakhstan, Karabash is home to only 13,000 people possibly because no one else is fundamentally insane enough to live there. The river water is orange. The lake is dead and red. A mile-long ridge of black slag runs through the town. The air is so nasty it causes your eyes to sting and your throat to burn. Children have multiple birth defects. In 1996, the government declared it a disaster zone.

Of course, most Russians dont live in a city even remotely approaching this bleak state. But even in the richer, western cities, things can still get bad. Moscow occasionally records pollution at especially dangerous levels, and, in 2010, was hit by a suffocating smog more like something youd see in Beijing. Still, its the Siberian industrial towns that are really to blame for Russias impact on climate change.

Interestingly, the Kremlin doesnt seem too bothered about combatting this. Although Moscow announced a recent carbon reduction plan, some analysts have said itll actually increase emissions in the long term.

3. India (2,274 mtCO2 emitted per year)

When youre emitting as much gunk into the air as Russia and Iran combined, you know youve got a problem. At least, you probably should. But India is something else. Home to five of the worlds most polluted cities, its insane population levels are contributing to an ecological bomb that could threaten the entire region. Its estimated that up to 1.2 million people die in India each year due to air pollution. Thats equivalent to the entire population of Prague dropping dead every 12 months.

Although India has signed up to cut emissions and move towards clean energy, economists are asking whether this will be possible in a practical sense. Indias economy is booming, but its still a long, long way behind even China in terms of supplying a decent standard of living for its poorest citizens. Hundreds of millions still lack electricity. Tens of millions are stuck in poverty so dire most of us cant even imagine it. Central to Indias recent economic gains have been its reliance on cheap, atmosphere-destroying coal. Take that away, and Delhi worries it will be condemning its citizens to an eternity of moneyless misery.

On the other hand, India is also one of the countries that will be most affected by climate change, with its coastal cities being flooded and crops destroyed. Huh. Some choice.

2. USA (5,414 mtCO2 emitted per year)

Sorry to any frat bros out there hoping to start up a chant of USA! USA! when America snagged the top spot. The good ol US-of-A aint even close to being the planets number one emitter. Thats not to say theyre a slouch, though. With over 5,000 million tonnes of CO2 being released into the atmosphere each year, the USA is laying into the atmosphere with more gusto than nearly any other country on Earth.

But hang on, you may be thinking, the US doesnt have any of the post-apocalyptic pollution wastelands youve written about for most other entries. Well, no, maybe not. But that doesnt mean bad stuff isnt happening. A 2016 report by the American Lung Association found more than half the countrys population lives at risk of breathing in dangerous air pollution. Thats 166 million Americans at risk of asthma, cancer, heart disease and reproductive problems, all thanks to the air theyre breathing.

To be fair, the USs air problems dont all start in Washington. The smog in Western states frequently starts life in China and India, before drifting into the USA and causing misery for millions. Still, America isnt totally innocent. According to the Global Carbon Atlas, its still one of the biggest emitters, however you cut it. Yet even this pollution behemoth has nothing on

1. China (10,357 mtCO2 emitted per year)

Be honest: you saw this coming, didnt you? No other country on Earth emits as much smoggy nastiness as China. If the USA, India, Russia and Japan were all to suddenly decide to conglomerate into a single state (were not exactly sure why or how), that new super-nation would still only be emitting the same amount of greenhouse gas as China. If polluting was an Olympic sport, China would bring home gold every single time.

You hardly need us to repeat all the stories of Chinas toxic air. The deadly smogs that suffocate entire regions. The impenetrable haze that makes seeing more than a few meters in front of your face an impossibility in Beijing. The studies that have compared breathing the countrys air to being as bad for you as smoking. Its all grim stuff thats pretty well known.

But hey, at least China signed up to the Paris Agreement, right? And Beijing seems pretty down with combating this whole toxic air thing. Not quite. Recent data has shown that Chinas air crisis is actually getting worse as time goes by. Expect them to stay at #1 for some time yet.

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By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Mar 16 (PTI) Ashoka Buildcon today said its subsidiary has emerged as the lowest bidder for Rs 1,187.10 crore road project in Andhra Pradesh.

"The companys subsidiary Ashoka Concessions Ltd (ACL) had submitted its bid to National Highways Authority of India for six laning of Ranastalam to Anandpuram in Visakhapatnam (from km 6,34.000 to km 6,81.000) section of NH-5 {New NH-16} in the state of Andhra Pradesh under NHDP Phase-V on Hybrid Annuity Mode Project," Ashoka Buildcon said in a BSE filing.

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It further said: "ACL emerged as the lowest bidder at the financial bid opening meeting. The bid project cost quoted by ACL is Rs 1,187.10 crore."

Shares of Ashoka Buildcon were trading 5.86 per cent higher at Rs 197 on BSE. PTI SVK JM

--- ENDS ---
he Greek Minister of Culture Ms Lydia Koniordou stated that the restoration of the Parthenon can send a message about Europes commitment to democracy

he Greek Minister of Culture Ms Lydia Koniordou stated that the restoration of the Parthenon, which is the foundation of the Western values, can send a message about Europes commitment to democracy at a time when many believe it is threatened by the rise of nationalism.

The reunification of the Parthenon Marbles will be a symbolic act that will highlight the fight against the forces that undermine the values and foundations of European case, against those who seek the dissolution of Europe. The Parthenon is a symbol of the Western culture. It is the icon of democracy, dialogue and freedom of thought said the Minister.

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
Greece is caught in a self-reinforcing recessionary spiral caused by its high and unsustainable debt, which must be deeply restructured in order to allow recovery, according to an interim report published by the Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO) on Wednesday under the title "The Debt Trap". At the same time, it stressed the need for reforms to sustain the benefits of any debt "haircut" and avoid a return to financial crisis.

In the preface to the PBO's 5th Interim Report, PBO Coordinator Prof. Panagiotis Liargovas said it was prepared in response to the importance of the debt issue.

"Over the last years, the relation between public debt and growth has drawn the interest of the academic community due to the increase of public debt levels (both at a European and international level) which - as some researchers argue - can negatively affect growth rates, creating a 'debt trap'."

"Using empirical investigation, the present research analyzes the impact of the Greek debt on the growth rates of Greece. In this context, we attempt to contribute to the workings of the competent Parliamentary Committees and to inform the Hellenic Parliament and the Greek citizens," he said.

The research was conducted by two PBO researchers, Orestis Vathis and Dimitra Mitsi, using empirical analysis techniques and regression models based on annual observations for the 28 EU countries over the period 1995-2014 and AMECO data. Their findings showed that debt and growth have a "statistically significant negative relation" - confirming the conclusions in international literature - and that, in Greece's case, "the overhang debt reduces its real GDP per capita growth rate by almost 3 pct (annually)."

Positive impact of growth

The report also found that a primary surplus has a positive impact of growth, with real GDP per capital growth increasing by 0.32 pct for a 1 pct increase in the primary surplus. It further cited a positive relation for Total Factor Productivity (TFP) and participation in monetary union.

"What does all this mean for Greece? First of all, it is argued that the debt overhang constitutes a huge burden for the Greek economy, hindering growth prospects, thus a debt restructuring is necessary. On the other hand, the necessity for the continuation of structural reforms (related to productivity, State functions, institutions) is also evident, so as to establish the foundations for economic recovery," the report's summary concluded.

The report's authors pointed out that the current state of Greek financial affairs was a "dead-end" for both Greece and its creditors, while a substantial debt haircut would benefit both.

"An extensive debt 'haircut' is a prerequisite so that Greece can enter a growth trajectory," the authors state in their conclusions. This would allow the country to escape a recessionary vicious cycle and creditors "could escape from the current dead-end, where loans are being repaid by new loans," they said.

"However, a debt haircut per se, without further reform implementation will be ineffective; in a few years, Greece will be again on the brink of a financial crisis. Thus, the implementation of reforms (in various sectors, such as in Justice, in fighting corruption, tax evasion, concerning States functioning etc.) should continue, ruling out the possibility of Greece being in a similar distress situation in future, the report said.

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
It is not to our interest to meddle in the EU-Turkey crisis, said Greek Deputy Defense Minister

It is not to our interest to meddle in the EU-Turkey crisis, said Deputy Defense Minister Dimitris Vitsas talking on Hellenic Parliament Television. Mr. Vitsas noted that this situation afflicts the European orientation of Turkey, which is in the interest of geopolitical stability and creates new conditions that are impossible to overcome from one day to the next. Therefore, we should be very cautious.

Mr. Vitsas also spoke out against the idea of a multi-speed Europe, stressing, This would mean a bleak future for Europe and the European idea.

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
Greece could face a sudden influx of refugees and immigrants, not from the east but from the rest of Europe, following a decision by the EU that allows the EU28 member states to send back to Greece migrants that have applied for asylum. The competent EU committee issued a recommendation-decision on Wednesday that effectively reinstates the previous Dublin Accord regulations, according to which immigrants that used Greece as an entry point into the EU could be sent back to the original point of entry, in this case Greece.

After the complete failure of the EU relocation program, which aimed at a fairer distribution of migrants across the EU member-states, the new decision will mean that Greece would have to bear the burden of a larger number of people in its already overflowing hotspots. The number of migrants that entered the EU in 2015 via Greece is estimated at 1 million. The new charter concerns any migrants applying for asylum after Wednesday, March 15, with the exception of unescorted children and vulnerable people.

The recommendation is based on the decisions reached by the EC in December. It should be noted that any migrants that have applied for asylum before March 15, continue to enjoy any rights acquired in the countries of application. This could place Greece under enormous pressure, given the current tensions between Turkey and the EU, which could seriously affect the refugee agreement.

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
Alan Stocker has been appointed as general manager of Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah, a luxurious hotel in the UAE emirate.



Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah will be Stockers third Waldorf Astoria property since joining Hilton in 2011, having previously managed an island resort in the Maldives and a city hotel in Beijing. Stocker has also supported various projects for the regional offices in Singapore for Thailand, Bali and Malaysia hotels.



A British national, Stocker graduated with a degree in Hotel Catering and Institutional Management from South Devon College of Arts and Technology in 1989 and has successfully built his career by gaining significant experience working in luxury hotels across the world throughout his nearly three decades in hospitality.



Stocker, a highly visible and well-respected business leader, said: My leadership style is founded on ensuring high service levels and brand standards while maintaining a fun environment. I strongly believe that it is the team that makes the guest experience.



With a wealth of operational and managerial experience, business acumen and strong leadership skills, Stocker brings important assets to further enhance the hotel's already prestigious image. He added: My mission is not only to ensure Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah continues to be recognised as the leading luxury hotel in the Middle East but also to expand the brand awareness in this competitive market.



I am immensely looking forward to the challenge of further advancing Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimahs enviable reputation as the ultimate choice of leisure and business travellers from around the world by delivering its signature True Waldorf Service through exemplifying discreet personalised attention and bespoke service. - TradeArabia News Service
Riyadh Travel Fair (RTF) 2017, the largest travel and tourism exhibition & congress in Saudi Arabia, will for the first time, this year, shine a spotlight on medical tourism.



Medical service providers, hotels, destinations, spas and wellness resorts from around the world will present their latest products, services and special offerings at the four day event, which will be held from the April 7  10, at the Al Faisaliah Hotel, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. During the event, presentations and workshops will be held for both medical tourism professionals and the general public alike, so that visitors will be able to learn more about the latest trends and developments in this growing market.



Medical tourism is growing exponentially each year with an increasing number of patients choosing to travel overseas for cosmetic and specialised care. There is an estimated $20 billion in outbound medical tourism coming from GCC countries alone. Increasingly, Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, India and the Philippines are becoming popular choices for patients from the Middle East, in addition to the traditional medical tourism destinations within Europe and the US.



Demand and enquiries for this new form of travel are high. Sheikh Imran Hafeez, director of Sales and Marketing, said: Medical tourism is becoming an important element in the global economy. Travelling abroad to seek medical care is increasing steadily as medical tourists are seeking new technology, expertise and a serene environment to recover and rejuvenate. Riyadh Travel Fair 2017 will showcase the potential of medical tourism along with its plethora of health and wellness offerings from various destinations from around the world. It will also offer a marketing platform for health and wellness providers to discuss prospective business deals with medical tourism facilitators and travel agencies from across the globe.



Some of the key exhibitors to showcase their medical tourism products include: the Slovenian Tourist Board; Health Spa Terme in Sarajevo, Bosnia Herzegovina; Health Spa Piestany in Slovakia; and the Tourism Authority of Thailand.



Chalermsak Suranant, director, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Dubai and Middle East Office, said: Thailand is a medical tourism destination with world-class, internationally-recognised medical facilities. Due to Thailands excellent facilities, skilled medical professionals and the renowned hospitable and caring nature of our qualified nursing staff, Thailand has cemented a reputation for being a quality medical destination.



A destination well known for its therapeutic retreats is Slovakia. Health Spa Piestany is a leading medical centre in Central Europe providing treatments for rheumatism and disorders of the locomotive apparatus and nervous system. Our facility has been known in the Middle East for over 60 years. Recently, a number of refurbishments to our four star hotel premises were undertake in order to better welcome and serve our guests, said Dr. Michaela Kobzova, director of Sales and Marketing, Slovenske Liecebne Kupele Piestany.



This year the Riyadh Travel Fair (RTF) will open its doors for ninth consecutive year. The four day event will become the focus of business networking opportunities, insightful seminar sessions, ministerial discussions and recognition of twelve months of the tourism industrys achievements.



Riyadh Travel Fair is organized by ASAS Exhibition and Conference Organizing Company and is supported by the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority as a Strategic Partner. - TradeArabia News Service
Filmmaker SS Rajamouli, actors Prabhas and Rana Daggubati were snapped at the trailer launch of the much-anticipated Baahubali: The Conclusion.

By Ashish Pandey: After keeping the fans with bated breaths, the makers of Baahubali: The Conclusion have finally released the theatrical trailer from the film.

The 2 minutes and 20 seconds trailer was launched on a big screen in Hyderabad with packed house. Filmmaker SS Rajamouli, producer Raghavendra Rao, actors Prabhas and Rana Daggubati unveiled the much-awaited trailer, which was welcomed with huge hooting and cheering from the audience.

SS Rajamoouli, Prabhas, Rana Daggubati

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The trailer gives an insight into the kingdom of Bahubali and magnificent visual effects and war scenes.

SS Rajamoouli, Prabhas, Rana Daggubati

Baahubali: The Beginning, which hit the screens in 2015, was highly successful and grossed Rs 600 crore worldwide.

Also starring Rana Daggubati, Anushka Shetty, Tamannaah, Sathyaraj and Nassar, Baahubali: The Conclusion will hit the screens on April 28.

ALSO READ: Baahubali 2 trailer: SS Rajamouli, Prabhas recreate magic

ALSO READ: Before Baahubali 2 trailer, 5 things to look forward to in SS Rajamouli's film

ALSO READ: Baahubali 2 trailer gets U/A certificate, to be screened across 300 screens

WATCH: Baahubali 2 Trailer

--- ENDS ---
Equatorial Guinea is coming off the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) blacklist.



(TRAVPR.COM) NEW YORK - March 16th, 2017 - Cieba Intercontinental Airlines will soon jumpstart their entry into European and other gateways around the world. With the mandate by the President of Equatorial Guinea, H. E. Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, in 2012, marking the inauguration of the Boeing 777, the country zeroed in on compliance with ICAO regulations.

From 2012, the Government has been working to overhaul the National Civil Aviation system, with the approval of the new law governing this issue; the creation of the Aeronautical Authority; the creation of a governing ministry; the training of teams; the creation of regulations and procedures; the assessment of operators, and the carrying out of inspections at all levels; actions which have raised the level of compliance with all international standards to 44.04% in September 2015, and 62.68% in the month of February 2017.

The Horizonte 2020 Development Plan was set in motion to diversify the country's economy with tourism development identified as a key component of this strategy. Visitor's flying on Ceiba Intercontinental Airline from abroad will now feel assured that this airline and country is in compliance with global aviation standards.

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is a UN specialized agency, established by member states in 1944 to manage the administration and governance of the Convention on International Civil Aviation.

visitarGE.com, is a travel agency promoting Equatorial Guinea as Africa's premier destination for family travel, ecotourism, deep-sea fishing and adventure.

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Filmmaker SS Rajamouli has finally unleashed his heroes- Prabhas and Rana Daggubati in the much-anticipated trailer of Baahubali: The Conclusion. Here are five unanswered questions the trailer gives answers to.

By India Today Web Desk: After waiting badly for two years, SS Rajamouli has released the trailer of the highly expected Indian film Baahubali: The Conclusion. Much to everyone's expectations, the trailer, with its spectacular visuals and poignant moments, has wooed the audience. But after watching the trailer, what strikes the most is Rajamouli's knack to subtly weave in a hardcore story. Unarguably, the trailer of Baahubali: The Conclusion is by far the best trailer we have in Indian cinema today. However, speaking of which, let's revisit Baahubali, perhaps?

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Sivagami's guilt:

After a blast of an entry scene with Sivagami (Ramya Krishnan), Rajamouli ushered us straight into the plot. However, in the first scene, Sivagami says, "Amarendra Baahubali's son has to live. Let me succumb to my sins." Going by what Sivagami said, Baahubali: The Conclusion is likely to establish a backdrop of what happened between Sivagami and Baahubali. Even in the trailer, after Baahubali's voice-over, saying, "I will never step back from laying down my life...I swear in the name of Queen Sivagami," the director cuts to a visibly moved Sivagami. Did Sivagami have a hand in Baahubali's death? Also, Sivagami declares Mahendra Baahubali as the rightful heir of Mahishmati after Baahubali's death.

A screen grab from Baahubali 2 trailer

Sub-plot between Devasena, Baahubali and Bhallala Deva:

Although Baahubali had prominent female characters, it didn't have screen space for Anushka Shetty and Tamannaah. From the trailer, it's pretty evident that the sequel has more in the offing. Remember that scene in the first part where Bhallala Deva (Rana Daggubati) says to Devasena (Anushka Shetty) that the latter chose Amarendra Baahubali (also played by Prabhas) over him? Rajamouli hinted the possibility of a sub-plot between Devasena and Bhallala Deva.

War within:

There's a subtle portion in the trailer where Sivagami alerts everyone. She says, "War within the kingdom." After which, the director cuts to Devasena and Baahubali prepping for war. Though the reason behind Sivagami's statement is unclear, it hints at the possibility of a betrayal. Which subsequently leads to a battle within the kingdom.

A screen grab from Baahubali 2 trailer

Why did Katappa kill Baahubali?

Of course, SS Rajamouli will finally reveal the reason for the most sought-after question, which has often been the butt of jokes on the internet. If you watch the trailer closely, Rajamouli hints the reason why Katappa killed Baahubali. In the film, Baahubali (Prabhas) looks at Katappa and says, "As long as you are by my side, a man who can kill me hasn't been born, uncle."

A screen grab from Baahubali 2 trailer

Now, this is the most important revelation in the trailer as it unfolds a lot of questions. In Baahubali 2, the first half is likely to give answer to the mind-boggling question, followed by how Shivudu claims the throne of Mahishmati.

A screen grab from Baahubali 2 trailer

Shivudu takes the throne of Mahishmati?

In the climax of Baahubali, Katappa reveals himself as the murdered and pleads guilty. Going by the trailer, Shivudu seems to have pardoned Katappa, as the latter can be seen fighting alongside him in the final battle of Mahishmati. Shivudu already has his own tribal army. He has the support of the rebellious warrior group led by Avanthika (Tamannaah). Now, he has the support of Katappa, the mighty warlord too. Of course, the face-off between Shivudu and Bhallala Deva in the last shot is the major highlight of the film.

A screen grab from Baahubali 2 trailer A screen grab from Baahubali 2 trailer

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ALSO READ: Why SS Rajamouli's Baahubali 2 is by far the best in Indian cinema

ALSO READ: Baahubali 2 trailer- SS Rajamouli's film clocks 7 million views in less than 6 hours

ALSO READ: SS Rajamouli- Baahubali 2 trailer leaked due to bug in Facebook

ALSO READ: Baahubali 2 trailer- Rana Daggubatti to RGV, all hail Rajamouli's 'masterpiece'

WATCH: Baahubali 2 Trailer

--- ENDS ---
The Baahubali 2 trailer has received a thumbs up from everyone, including celebrities.

By India Today Web Desk: For the last few months, the question on everyone's minds is why Katappa killed Baahubali, making SS Rajamouli's period saga one of the most awaited films of the year. After teasing fans with sneak-peeks, the makers have finally unveiled the trailer, and it has already taken the internet by storm. Celebrities are also going gaga over the film's trailer, from RGV to Rana Daggubatti.

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Rana Daggubatti, who also plays the menacing baddie, Bhallala Deva, shared the trailer on his Twitter account with the caption, "The MIGHTY is here!! #BaahubaliTheConclusion."

Ram Gopal Varma, who is usually quite critical, had nothing but praise for the second installment of the Baahubali series. "Trailer of not the Mother of Movies,but the Fucking Grandmother of Movies..A MegaBahubalian Salute to @ssrajamouli," the filmmaker wrote.

Trailer of not the Mother of Movies,but the Fucking Grandmother of Movies..A MegaBahubalian Salute to @ssrajamouli https://t.co/OoFY4lm3R1- Ram Gopal Varma (@RGVzoomin) March 16, 2017

Tollywood actor Allu Sirish wrote, "Spellbinding. Fireworks. It's stunning & I'm waiting for 28th April 2017. Here's the trailer of #Baahubali2."

Spellbinding. Fireworks. It's stunning & I'm waiting for 28th April 2017. Here's the trailer of #Baahubali2 https://t.co/Qx85yFUGeY- Allu Sirish (@AlluSirish) March 16, 2017

Composer SS Thaman was also in awe of Baahubali 2. "This is not the conclusion this is the beginning of @ssrajamouli the master piece of Indian cinema," he tweeted.

#Baahubali2 ?This is not the conclusion this is the beginning of @ssrajamouli the master piece of Indian cinema ???????https://t.co/c1tsCPH8rz- thaman S (@MusicThaman) March 16, 2017

ALSO READ: Before Baahubali 2 trailer, 5 things to look forward to in SS Rajamouli's film

WATCH: Baahubali 2 Trailer

--- ENDS ---
The security forces in Bangladesh have killed four suspected JBM militants in Chittagong during the overnight raid. According to police, slain militants include a woman.

By Sahidul Hasan Khokon: At least four militants have been killed and several others injured including police officials in an overnight raid by the Bangladesh police in what is considered as a militant den in Sitakunda upazila of Chittagong district.

Police also rescued 20 members of seven families trapped in the zone of gunfight. Police had raided a building in which suspected Islamist militants were hiding.

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The security forces had launched operation Assault 16 and cordoned off the area yesterday. The operation ended this morning.

BANGLADESH'S OPERATION ASSAULT 16: THINGS TO KNOW Chittagong Police superintendent Noor-e-Alam Mia told India Today Dhaka correspondent that the operation was called off this morning. Mia confirmed that slain militants include a woman and three men. Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Chittagong range Shafiqul Islam said, "Operation Assault 16 was called off after four militants hiding in the building were killed. The operation lasted four hours." The identities of the slain militants could not be known immediately, Islam said. They are suspected to be the members of Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JBM). The DIG also said that 20 members of seven families were trapped inside the building during the overnight raid. They were taken to safety before the joint force started their final knock down around 6:00 am today. Bombs were found inside a flat in the building at Premtala and members of bomb disposal unit were still working to defuse the bombs inside that house. The DIG told the reporters that two policemen, a member of Special Weapon and Tactic Team (SWAT) and a fire fighter are among the injured. The operation Assault 16 was jointly conducted out by Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime unit, SWAT, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and Chittagong district police. Three handmade grenades, a suicide vest, a pistol, bomb making circuits and 12 round bullets were recovered from the spot. Chittagong police had tracked down the hideout of the militants at Premtala area yesterday after getting some crucial tip-offs. Hours ago, the security forces had cracked down another militant hideout in Amirabad area only a kilometre away from the latest spot of operation and arrested two suspected militants.

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Tribune News Service

Amritsar, March 16

The Amritsar airport received its third flight to the tinsel town as IndiGo today launched its Mumbai-Amritsar-Mumbai flight and 10th flight to the national capital as the low-cost carrier also launched the Delhi-Amritsar-Delhi flight.

Earlier, on March 8, Vistara airlines launched its Mumbai-Amritsar-Mumbai and Delhi-Amritsar-Delhi flights.

Popularity of Amritsar-Delhi route can be gauged from the fact that already three airlines collectively operate eight flights daily on this route. The national carrier, Air India, and Jet Airways operate three flights each daily. Besides SpiceJet is flying two flights daily on the route.

A hospitality player, Piyush Kapoor, said, There is invariably high traffic between Amritsar and Delhi as the majority of all branches of trades deal with their peers in Delhi. In addition, a huge Sikh and Punjabi population with ties in Amritsar are settled in Delhi.

Traders dealing in dry fruit, cereals, food, FMCG, ready made garments, spices and other material frequently travel between Amritsar and Delhi.

He said, Demand of passengers to fly on the Amritsar-Delhi sector is good and the average fair is coming down with intense competition among the airlines after the arrival of new players, he added.

Gunbir Singh, running a tour and travel company, said there are plenty of other reasons making the circuit popular among the passengers. A large number of Sikh populace resides in Delhi and surrounding areas. They frequently visit the city to pay obeisance at Golden Temple.

Similar is the case with Mumbai. This circuit also provides convenient access to Sikh pilgrims, coming here from around the world, to also travel to Nanded Sahib, seat of one of the five holiest Takhts, which is near Mumbai.
New Delhi, March 16

State-owned ONGC will invest over Rs 21,500 crore to develop Indias deepest gas discovery by 2022-23, helping it more than double output from its prime KG Basin block.

ONGC, which had last year firmed up an investment of Rs 34,012 crore in bringing to production 10 oil and gas discoveries in its Bay of Bengal block KG-DWN-98/2 (KG-D5), plans to invest another Rs 21,528.10 crore in developing the ultra-deepsea UD-1 find.

We have submitted to the Directorate General of Hydrocarbons a declaration of commerciality (DoC) for the UD-1 find. We will submit a final investment plan, called the field development plan, by end-2017 and hope to bring the discovery to production by 2022-23, ONGC Director (Offshore) Tapas Kumar Sengupta said.

ONGC plans to drill nine wells on the discovery that lies in water depths of 2,400-3,200 metres and will produce a peak output of 19 million standard cubic metres per day.

The company had previously decided to develop other discoveries in KG-D5 block and leave the UD-1 find in the same block for a later date as it thought there was no technology available to produce gas from such water depths.

Sengupta said there are consultants who have showed to ONGC that discoveries deeper than UD-1 have been put to production in recent times, particularly in Gulf of Mexico.

A recent expression of interest (EoI) meeting we had for developing the KG finds saw several consultants offering solutions for such water depths, he said.

ONGC is in the process of appointing a consultant who will assist in developing the UD-1 discovery.  PTI

HPCL merger on cards

"The talks on merger of fuel retailer HPCL with ONGC are going on at ministerial level. The Petroleum Ministry wants this to happen because if integration takes place, there will be value creation."  Ved Prakash Mahawar, Director (onshore), ONGC
Upendra Baxi

THOSE made more anxious by the Supreme Courts decision invalidating the constitutional amendment and the law in the NJAC (National Judicial Appointment Commission) case may find no solace in the American constitutional alternative of the Senate confirmation method. Last year, a Republican 54-46 seat majority refused to consider President Obamas nomination (upon Justice Scalias death) of Judge Merrick Garland for 293 days, lest it may swing the delicate balance of judicial vote towards a liberal direction. Senator Merkley (Oregon) was to describe the vacant seat on the SCOTUS (Supreme Court of the United States) as a stolen seat! It was, however, insisted that the Senate was within its rights to refuse to consider a nominee until the inauguration of a new President.

One of the first acts of the new President Donald Trump was to announce the nomination of Judge Gorsuch, described by one columnist as Scalia:2! While the description may not quite hold true (as many distinguished Justices of SCOTUS have shown that constitutional reason does not always follow political reason), the bargaining in nomination by the President and the ensuing process in the Senate confirmation proceedings shows the strength of the distinctive American political belief that what matters is judicial political ideology, or orientation.

The Senate Judiciary Committee decides after hearings to send nominations to the full Senate for a final confirmation vote. The 11 Republican and nine Democratic Senators chaired by Republican Chuck Grassley will decide on Judge Gorsuchs confirmation (scheduled beginning March 20, 2017). At issue, more than ever before the full Senate, is the use of a filibuster  roughly, a form of prolonged speaking which obstructs progress in a legislative assembly but is not regarded as technically contravening the required procedures.

Overcoming filibuster requires a 60-vote super-majority. Because the Republicans hold 52 seats in the 100-seat chamber (and a further potential tie-breaking vote in Vice-President Mike Pence), the use of filibuster means blockade of the nomination. President Trump has urged the use of the nuclear option abolishing the filibuster altogether. However, informed opinion suggests this as an unlikely move and empirical estimates place Gorsuchs confirmation potential vote between roughly April 17 and May 11, 2017. It remains to be seen whether the nuclear option is still invoked.

While in theory a filibuster move is possible, in practice the judicial confirmation is the most likely result. Of course, the hearings will intensely engage aspects of Gorsuchs record: especially his perspectives on womens rights, his apperceived anti-trade union decisions, and disinclination to promote campaign finance reform. But Opponents argue fiercely that the elevation will jeopardise the independence of judiciary.

Neil Gorsuch, at 49, is no doubt a distinguished Justice of the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit. But he is often compared with Justice Antonin Scalia, whose death caused the vacancy now being filled. Gorsuch was part of an appellate panel, in the Hobby Lobby case, that ruled in favour of the owners of a chain of craft stores who entertained a moral objection to providing an insurance plan that covered contraception. This was a decision that partially undermined the Affordable Care Act, an Obama flagship legislation. A wider implication of this decision may affect future laws under the banner of religious freedom. In his concurring opinion, Gorsuch defended religious freedom which doesnt just apply to protect popular religious beliefs: rather, most importantantly, the task lies in protecting unpopular religious beliefs, vindicating this nations long-held aspiration to serve as a refuge of religious tolerance. He argued that the Act would force businesses to underwrite payments for drugs or devices that can have the effect of destroying a fertilised human egg.

Gorsuch has not so far directly ruled on abortion rights, but some suggest that he would militate against Roe v. Wade. And his adherence of originalism (looking only at the text of the Constitution), so favourite of Justice Scalia, raises a spectre of a conservative agenda.

As a former clerk to the Justice Anthony Kennedy, traditionally a swing voter on the court, the governance hope is that Justice Gorsuch will be able to sway Justice Kennedy, and even persuade him to retire (he is already 80) thus causing another apex vacancy.

No doubt, Justice Gorsuch would be questioned closely about his views at the Senate hearings, especially by the Democratic Senators. The questions will extend to his views on gun control, racial discrimination, torture, and even on military matters such as decisions to invade foreign lands in the name of preserving democracy or fighting terror (the so-called policies of putting boots on the ground). Such grilling may not affect the outcome, not just because of political arithmetic but because justices do not respond to hypothetical questions. And very often what Justices say during confirmation hearings is not necessarily what they will do at the apex court in adjudicating constitutional disputes.

But the Senate hearings will witness deep controversy on the independence of the judiciary. President Trump did not do full justice to his exalted constitutional position when he, in an infamous tweet, describes the opinion of this so-called judge, which essentially takes law-enforcement away from our country, is ridiculous and will be overturned! And he went further: What is our country coming to when a judge can halt a Homeland Security travel ban and anyone, even with bad intentions, can come into US? He also told his almost 24 million Twitter followers that he, Just cannot believe a judge would put our country in such peril. If something happens blame him and court system. People pouring in. Bad! Apparently, the President overlooked that Judge Robart (who stayed his order) was an appointee of Republican President George W Bush and won Senate confirmation in 2004 by a vote of 99 to zero!

Incidentally, it must be said no Indian political incumbent has gone so far as Trump despite deep differences over the supremacy of adjudicative power. There is a grudging respect, even political grace, in the Indian acceptance of robust judicial independence as a constitutional virtue.

Justice Gorsuch is reported to have critiqued the action of the President as disheartening and demoralising. He will most certainly be probed to enunciate further his perspectives on judicial independence, so far taken for granted in the US. The majority NJAC discourse of the Supreme Court of India may well be meaningful for the Supreme Court of the US.

The writer is a jurist and a legal luminary
Prateek Chauhan

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, March 16

In the matter of fake law degree of the former Law Minister Jitender Singh Tomar, the Hauz Khas police have filed a fifty thousand page chargesheet against him besides former and present teachers and employees of Tilka Manjhi Bhagalpur University (TMBU).

Apart from Tilka Manjhi Bhagalpur University (TMBU), the names of Biswanath Singh Institute of Legal Studies officials are also there in the FIR. The chargesheet has been filed in Saket Court. Delhi Police will soon take permission from the court to arrest the alleged people and will be going to Bhagalpur (Bihar) for the arrest.

The Hauz Khas Police last month itself would have filed the chargesheet, but the letter related to the action issued by the university was in the name of Hauz Khas police station SHO instead of the court. Also there were some mistakes in the papers.

Therefore, the court instructed the persons concerned to rectify the mistake and bring the papers. Thereafter, the Delhi Police came to TMBU and took the papers written in the name of the court. Subsequently, the fifty thousand pages chargesheet was prepared and submitted, according to a senior Delhi Police officer.

After taking advice of the Advocate General, the TMBU gave the sanction on February 2 for taking action against the alleged university employees. For cancellation of Tomars degree, the university top officials' meeting has been called on March 20. Tomars degree will be cancelled if the university orders so.

The former Law Minister Jitender Singh Tomar had claimed that during 1994-97, he had studied in Munger (Bihar) Vishwanath Singh Law College. It was revealed that with connivance of TMBU employees who did false registration, Tomar was issued the Law Degree.
Mukesh Tandon

Tribune News Service

Panipat, March 16

Education Minister Ram Bilas Sharma today said consensus had been reached on almost all seven demands of the Jat community and the details would be disclosed during a joint press conference of Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and AIJASS chief Yashpal Malik to be held at the Haryana Bhawan in Delhi tomorrow.

Sharma was interacting with mediapersons after the third round of talks with Malik and other members of the AIJASS here today. The meeting lasted over four hours.

The samitis seven-point agenda was discussed in detail with Malik and other members. Almost everything has been decided, said Sharma.

Jats are our yajman (patron) and we have made them agree, he added.

The state government delegation, led by Ram Bilas Sharma, comprised Minister of State Krishan Bedi, Chief Parliament Secretary Kamal Gupta, Shamsher Kharkhara from Meham, Sombir Sangwan from Dadri, Chief Secretary DS Dhesi and others. Around 105 members of the AIJASS were led by Malik.

Sources present in the meeting said six points had been openly discussed in the meeting hall. However, the demand of cancellation of the criminal cases was discussed in a closed room, in which only the state government delegation and some members of the Jat community were present, said the sources.

Malik too said the third round of talks was successful. All points have been discussed in a peaceful manner with the state delegation. The ball is in the court of Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar now. Whether the dharnas will be lifted or not, we will disclose this tomorrow after the AIJASS core committee meets the Chief Minister, he said.
Sushil Manav

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, March 16

Former Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda is confident that new Punjab CM Capt Amarinder Singh will respect the federal set-up enshrined in the Constitution and respect the Supreme Courts judgment on the SYL canal.

Hooda, who attended the Captains swearing-in ceremony despite having stayed away during electioneering due to the anti-SYL stance of Punjab Congress leaders, said the ball was now in the Centres court since the SC had asked the Central government to get the construction of the canal completed.

Talking to The Tribune at his residence in the MLA Flats here after the swearing-in ceremony, Hooda said that participating in occasions of happiness and sorrows of people is a culture in Haryana and he had come to attend the ceremony with this in mind.

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Even otherwise, the Punjab government has no role in the construction of the canal as it is for the Central government to execute the Supreme Court orders. So far as Amarinder is concerned, I am confident that unlike the Parkash Singh Badal government, which always showed disrespect to the Constitution, the Congress government believes in the federal structure of the country and will never do anything against the spirit of the Constitution, Hooda asserted.

When his attention was drawn to the fact that it was during Amarinders tenure that the controversial Punjab Termination of Agreements Act, 2004, was enacted, Hooda said the issue was now a thing of the past since the Supreme Court had already given its verdict in Haryanas favour and the order had attained finality.

Hitting out at the INLD that held a demonstration in Delhi on the issue on Wednesday, Hooda said he did not believe in political drama and his party would force the Centre to honour its responsibility to build the canal.

Our party will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi shortly and ask him to get the construction completed, though Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has not been able to get appointment with him despite the assurance given by him at the all-party meeting, he said.

He said the Congress would not hesitate from any sacrifice for the SYL if the Centre did not show a positive intent.
Sushil Manav

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, March 16

Former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda is confident that new CM of Punjab Capt Amarinder Singh will respect the federal set-up enshrined in the Constitution and respect the Supreme Courts judgment on the Sutlej Yamuna Link canal.

Hooda, who attended Captains swearing-in ceremony today despite having stayed away during electioneering due to the anti-SYL stance of Punjab Congress leaders, said the ball was now in Centres court since it had been asked by the SC to get the canal completed.

Talking to The Tribune at his residence in MLA Flats here after the swearing-in ceremony, Hooda said participating in the occasions of happiness and sorrows of people was a culture in Haryana and he had come to attend the oath ceremonies with that in mind.

Even otherwise, the Punjab Government has no role in the construction of the canal as it is for the Centre to execute the SC orders. So far as Amarinder is concerned, I am confident that unlike the Parkash Singh Badal government, which always showed disrespect to the Constitution, the Congress government believes in the federal structure of the country and will never do anything which is against the spirit of the Constitution, Hooda asserted.

When his attention was drawn to the fact that it was during Capt Amarinder Singhs term as CM that the controversial Punjab Termination of Agreements Act, 2004, was enacted, Hooda said the issue was the thing of past since the Supreme Court has already given its verdict in Haryanas favour.

Hitting out at the INLD that held demonstration in Delhi on the SYL issue yesterday, Hooda said he did not believe in political dramas and his party would force the Centre government to honour its responsibility to build the canal.

Our party will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on this issue shortly and ask him to get the construction completed. Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has not been able to seek appointment with him despite an assurance given by him at the all-party meeting, said Hooda.

He said the Congress would not hesitate to sacrifice anything for the SYL if the Centre did not show positive attitude towards the issue.

Abhay flays Hooda, Tanwar for taking part in Capts swearing-in

Gurugram: The Haryana Congress is nothing but a bunch of hypocrites. Former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda and state Congress chief Ashok Tanwar, who have been crying hoarse over the SYL issue, went to attend the oath-taking ceremony of new Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh, who threatens to keep Haryana thirsty, said INLD leader Abhay Singh Chautala. Expressing angst over police action against INLD workers, who were protesting near the Parliament yesterday, Chautala said their party were single-handedly fighting for the cause while other senior leaders of the state were sitting quiet. Capt Amarinder had said on more than one occasion that he will not give us a drop of water. Rather than boycotting him, Congress leaders are supporting him by attending his swearing-in. Those in power, including Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, are sitting quiet and discouraging our efforts as well. People of state will teach them a lesson, added Chautala. He announced that the party would start protests over the issue in Delhi on April 6. Later, party members will continue protests in every block till the issue was resolved, he said.
Panipat, March 16

Haryana minister Ram Bilas Sharma who held talks with agitating leaders of the Jat community on Thursday claimed that both sides had reached an agreement and indicated that the deadlock may end tomorrow.

We held talks with them (the Jat leaders), which were held in a cordial atmosphere. The talks were positive and we have arrived at an agreement. Tomorrow, a formal announcement will be made," Sharma said, emerging after a long meeting with Jat community leaders.

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He, however, did not divulge details of what demands of the community would be met. "Jats are part of our big family and we have convinced them," the minister said.

The All-India Jat Aarakshan Sangharsh Samiti (AIJASS) led by Yashpal Malik is spearheading the agitation in the state, which entered its 47th day today.

Malik also said that talks remained "positive".

"Tomorrow, we will be meeting Chief Minister (Manohar Lal Khattar) in Delhi," Malik said.

About the talks held today, Malik said, "We put all our demands before them and government also gave its point of view. Tomorrow, when we meet the Chief Minister, we will make a formal announcement (take a final decision on the ongoing stir)".

Asked about community leaders' threat to lay siege to the national capital next week, Malik said, "regarding this too, we will make our stance clear tomorrow in Delhi".

Besides seeking quota, 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.

Yesterday, Chief Minister Khattar had formed a three-member panel and invited the community leaders for a fresh round of talks at Panipat.

Besides Sharma, the other two members of the panel were Krishan Bedi, a state minister, and Kamal Gupta, the Chief Parliamentary Secretary who is an MLA from Hisar.

Last month, talks between the protesters and a five-member committee, which included the Chief Secretary, the Additional Chief Secretary, Home, the Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) of the state, had remained inconclusive.

Earlier this month, AIJASS had announced that it would lay siege to the national capital from March 20 if their demands for reservation in government jobs and education institutes are not met.

Jat community members have been sitting on dharna in various parts of Haryana since January 29 over their demands.

During the stir in February last year, 30 people were killed and property worth crores of rupees was damaged.  PTI
Tribune News Service

Shimla, March 16

Senior BJP leader and local legislator Suresh Bhardwaj today charged Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh with trying to undermine the importance of Shimla as the state capital merely for vote bank politics.

Participating in the debate to discuss the budget proposals for the year 2017-18 in the Vidhan Sabha today, Bhardwaj said the Chief Minister has done injustice to a historical city like Shimla by declaring Dharamsala as the second capital. The significance of the town which was the summer capital of the British who ruled five countries of  India, Pakistan, Myanmar, Bangladesh and Ceylon from here  is clearly being undermined for petty political gains, Bhardwaj said. He added that Dharamsala was favoured over Shimla even in the selection of Smart City by fudging scores.

It is a government of tired, retired and hired people having no accountability with ministers also not being taken into confidence on important issues like declaration of the second capital, he remarked. The administration is top heavy and the chairmen and vice chairmen of boards and corporations are more powerful than the elected MLAs.

Bhardwaj said the announcements made in the budget remain confined to paper with governance being the biggest casualty. The biggest achievement of the government is rampant corruption. During the heavy snowfall the residents suffered without power and water for a week with disaster management preparedness being a big disaster in itself, he stated.

He also expressed concern over poor financial health of the state with most part of the budget being used for meeting salaries, pensions and loan liabilities. Had it not been for liberal Central funding, the development of Himachal Pradesh, which has slowed down immensely, would have some to a total standstill, he said.

Participating in the debate, Virender Kanwar lamented that budgetary allocation is not made on need-based criterion but on political considerations. We expected a man with such a long experience to exhibit vision, statesmanship and experience in the budget but it is so unfortunate that all he is driven by is narrow political considerations, he remarked. He said lack of vision had resulted in the government failing to tap the immense power, tourism and horticulture potential the state has.

Presenting the government perspective Irrigation and Public Health Minister Vidya Stokes said the Opposition was criticizing the budget merely to perform a ritual. The budget reflects able financial management of the Chief Minister who has tried to keep in mind the welfare of every section of society, she said. She said a lot of schemes had been started in the irrigation and horticulture departments for the welfare of the people.]

Chief Parliamentary Secretary Nand Lal appreciated the financial acumen of the Chief Minister saying he kept the welfare of every section of society in mind despite financial constraints. Our regime inherited a lot of liabilities but it is the prudent fiscal management of the Chief Minister which has ensured that the heels of development do not slow down he said.

Others who participated in the debate included Sohan Lal Thakur, Govind Thakur, Ajay Mahajan, Vijay Agnihotri, Ram Kumar and KL Thakur.
The three accused identified as Danish Akhtar, Syed Mir Hussain and Atish Mohhammed were arrested by the Madhya Pradesh ATS hours after a bomb exploded in the Ujjain bound Bhopal-Ujjain train near the Javdi railway station in Shahjapur district of Madhya Pradesh.

One of the accused in the Bhopal-Ujjain train bomb blast. Photo: Hemender Sharma

By Hemender Sharma: Bhopal Additional District Judge (NIA) Girish Dixit on Thursday remanded the three accused of triggering an IED blast on the Bhopal-Ujjain passenger train on March 7 to NIA custody till March 27.

The three accused identified as Danish Akhtar, Syed Mir Hussain and Atish Mohhammed were arrested by the Madhya Pradesh ATS hours after a bomb exploded in the Ujjain bound Bhopal-Ujjain train near the Javdi railway station in Shahjapur district of Madhya Pradesh. The three were arrested from a toll booth in Piparia in Hoshangabad district. 10 people were injured in the blast.

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The Madhya Pradesh ATS initially investigated the case and reportedly recovered incriminating material from the mobile phones of the three accused that suggested that they were inspired by the ideology of terrorist organisation ISIS and were in touch with their handlers in Syria.

One of the accused in the Bhopal-Ujjain train bomb blast. Photo: Hemender Sharma

The MP ATS interrogation of the three accused arrested from Piparia led the investigators to Mohammad Saiful of Lucknow who was believed to be part of an ISIS module preparing to trigger blasts across the country. Mohammad Saiful was killed by the UP police in an encounter that lasted for over 12 hours in the Thakurganj area of Lucknow on March 7 and 8.

The UP police, however, later denied Saiful's association with terrorist organisation ISIS and said he was self inspired. Also the UP police claimed that Danish Akhtar, Syed Mir Hussain, Atish Mohammed lived together in a rented property in Lucknow.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, however, had gone on record claiming the three arrested by the MP ATS were terrorists having links with terror organisation ISIS.

The Union government handed over the investigations of the Bhopal Ujjain train blast and UP ISIS module to the NIA which took over the respective case diaries on March 15.

Also Read:

Bhopal-Ujjain train blast a terrorist attack, says Madhya Pradesh top cop

--- ENDS ---
Tribune News Service

Shimla, March 16

The state BJP will organise five more rallies under its Mafia Raj hatao, Himachal Pradesh bachao campaign, said BJP vice president Randhir Sharma. In a statement issued here today, he informed that the rallies would be organized at Haroli Assembly constituency in Una on March 18 and Jaswan Pragpur on March 19 which would be addressed by former Chief Minister P K Dhumal, state party chief Satpal Singh Satti and MP Hamirpur Anurag Thakur.

In Dharamsala the rally will be organised on March 22, which will be addressed by former Chief Minister and MP Kangra Shanta Kumar besides Dhumal and Satti. Rallies would be organized at Indora and Hamirpur on March 23 and 24.

The rest of the rallies would be organized after the Bhoranj by elections. The BJP had decided to organise 100 rallies in the state under this campaign. Seven rallies have been already organized.

Meanwhile, BJYM state president Vishal Chauhan said that the one booth 10 youth campaign would be completed by March 30. BJP chief spokesperson Rajiv Bindal, while addressing the BJYM members, exhorted them to take the development policies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to public and said youth would play an important role in the coming Assembly elections.
Srinagar, March 15

Three Lashkar-e-Toiba militants and a minor girl were killed in a fierce gunfight in Kupwaras Jugtiyal village in north Kashmir today. The girls brother and a police constable were injured.

Acting on specific intelligence inputs, the police cordoned off the village and launched a search operation this morning. Cornered, Lashkar militants hiding inside a house opened fire on a search party. An encounter ensued and three of them were shot. Their identity is yet to be ascertained, a police spokesperson said.

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Constable Danish, who was the first to spot the militants, killed one of them but was injured in the retaliatory fire.

Kaneeza and her minor brother Faisal were hit by stray bullets, more than 100 metres from the encounter site, a senior police official claimed. They were taken to a hospital where Kaneeza succumbed to her injuries. The boy is recuperating, sources said.  TNS
Arteev Sharma &Sumit Hakhoo

Tribune News Service

Jammu, March 16

Undeterred by Pakistan warnings, India has expedited work on six major hydropower projects in Jammu and Kashmir to be constructed on the Chenab river flowing into the neighbouring country.

The installed capacity of these six power projects will be around 6,000 MW and these schemes will enhance the hydropower generation of water-abundant J&K approximately by three times from the current level of 3,220.96-MW, including 2,009 MW under the Central sector.

The six projects winning technical approvals in the past few months are 1,856-MW Sawalkote, 560-MW Kawar, 1,200-MW Bursar, 1,000-MW Pakal Dul and 390-MW Kirthai-I and 930-MW Kirthai-II to be constructed on the Chenab river, a tributary of the Indus, in the Jammu region. The Indian move to fast-track the hydropower projects in J&K could prove a flashpoint between India and Pakistan, with the latter objecting to any violation of the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) on the sharing of the Indus and its tributaries.

These projects have been held up for the past many decades awaiting multiple clearances but got swift approvals from the Centre after Prime Minister Narendra Modi made it clear last year that blood and water cannot flow together following the terror attack on an Army camp in Uri on September 18, 2016.

Our major power projects, including Sawalkote and Kirthai-II, have been given technical approvals by the Central Electricity Authority. We are moving with good pace. After the techno-economic clearance, the procurement and tendering process will begin which is a time-consuming exercise. There are a lot of technical issues attached to hydropower projects which need tobe addressed thoroughly after proper consultations, said NA Kakroo, General Manager (Technical), Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation (JKSPDC).

The Sawlakote project, which was awaiting technical approval for the last 57 years, is expected to be set up with an estimated cost of Rs 22,000 crore while Kirthai-II will be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 5,500 crore. The Central Electricity Authority has fixed 10-year term for the construction of the Sawlakote project and 6.5 years for the Kirthai-II project. Both projects have also been given environmental clearance by the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests.

India has rejected the Pakistan governments concerns that the projects were being set up in violation of the IWT, arguing that these projects were run-of-the-river schemes that use the river flow rather than large reservoirs to generate electricity.

Jammu and Kashmir has the hydropower potential of 20,000 MW (one megawatt can power-feed more than 200 families). At present, J&K has been able to harness only 3,200 MW both from the state and Central sectors.
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, March 16

It was a scene in contrast as MPs on the ruling coalition benches and across the political spectrum reacted to the presence of PM Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.

Modi, whose day is earmarked on Thursday for questions pertaining to the PMO and ministries under his charge, came to the Rajya Sabha some 15 minutes into the Question Hour amid slogans from the ruling party benches: Dekho, dekho kaun aaya (Look who is here) and then chose to respond: Hindustan ka sher aaya (Indias tiger is here). The slogan was an adaption from how Modi was welcomed when he addressed public meetings in Gujarat during his days as the CM.

The slogan was an apparent welcome to Modi who came to the House for the first time after the BJPs spectacular showing in the UP poll and was more vociferous than in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.

Congress BK Hariprasad said: It was comical yet autocratic as MPs like slaves sung praises for their master. They pulled down the RS to panchayat level. Revolutionary Socialist Party MP NK Premachandran, too, did not appreciate the manner in which MPs in the LS acted, stating that such action was against the etiquette and the rules of the House.

On the contrary, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj was welcomed warmly by members across the political spectrum with many wishing her good health. She attended Parliament after long absence following a surgery.
Simran Sodhi

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, March 16

Seven years after an invitation was extended to her, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will pay a state visit here from April 7 to 10. As India gets ready to woo Dhaka, President Pranab Mukherjee has extended the rare gesture of inviting Hasina to stay in the Rashtrapati Bhawan during her visit here.

India and Bangladesh are expected to sign a defence pact during Hasinas visit. The development is being seen as a sign of Indias unease as China steps up the ante to forge closer ties with Dhaka.

It is reliably learnt that the defence pact will include training, sale of military hardware and military-to-military cooperation between the two countries. India is also willing to commit up to $500 million in line of credit for military cooperation with Dhaka. The urgency for the pact comes from the Indian side.

Chinese President Xi Jinpings stopover in Dhaka last year, en route to Goa for the BRICS Summit, saw China sign pacts with Dhaka for an investment amounting to $25 billion. India would find it hard to match the Chinese generosity.

It is also significant that Hasinas visit here comes after the electoral victory of PM Modi in domestic polls. The Teesta water-sharing agreement has not been signed with Dhaka because of the objections of West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee. The PM is likely to find it easier to press ahead with the Teesta agreement now.

Dhaka has complained privately that even though their government has been pro-India in its policies, the reciprocation from Delhi has been low. The Teesta pact will help Hasina showcase to her people that she managed to get a good deal from India.
New Delhi, March 16

The BJP top brass set the tone for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls at its Parliamentary Party meeting on Thursday with Prime Minister Narendra Modi asking party leaders to reach out to the youth.

BJP chief Amit Shah said the parliamentary elections are the next big challenge for the party following its win in the recently concluded state polls.

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The first BJP Parliamentary Party meeting after the announcement of the assembly polls results was an occasion for celebration, thanksgiving and mapping out the path ahead for the party.

Keeping up with its outreach to Dalits, a substantial chunk of whom is believed to have voted for the BJP in the Uttar Pradesh polls, it has decided to launch various week-long events from Bhim Rao Ambedkars birth anniversary on April 14.

The party will observe the week-long exercise in every panchayat and ward. It will also celebrate its foundation day on April 6 during which its leaders and workers will take part in Swachh Bharat campaign.

Modi asked party leaders to work during the week to give a boost to the use of BHIM app, a digital payment application, by educating the masses about it and helping them download it, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar told reporters after the meeting.

They were also asked to publicise Ambedkars works and contributions.

The Prime Minister said the youth should be made ambassadors of the Union governments public welfare works and good governance.

Modi said youngsters depend on mobile phones more than on newspapers and TV channels to get information and stressed on the need to use this medium of communication to tap them. He also asked the party leaders to contact them while they are in Class XII.

Shah said the partys win in the recently concluded assembly polls was an outcome of peoples vote against casteism, family rule and corruption and in favour of Modis leadership under which public welfare and good governance is the agenda.

Noting that the five-state elections were cited as the BJPs biggest electoral challenge following the 2014 Lok Sabha polls victory, he asserted that the next parliamentary elections in 2019 is the next big challenge and asked the party leaders to prepare for it.

The BJPs win underlined peoples support for the welfare schemes launched by the Central government and a brave decision like demonetisation, Shah claimed.

The BJP Parliamentary Party also passed a resolution thanking voters for their support and also party workers for their efforts under the leadership of Modi and Shah.

It also expressed hope that the BJP governments in these states would provide good governance and run public welfare programmes.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh proposed the resolution and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley supported it, which was passed unanimously, Kumar said. PTI
R Sedhuraman

Legal Correspondent

New Delhi, March 16

The Delhi High Court on Thursday upheld the Centres ban on Mumbai-based Islamic Research Foundation with immediate effect as there was material to show that the organisations president Zakir Naik delivered speeches extolling terrorists like Osama Bin Laden and posted comments on the Internet against Hindu Gods and claiming that Golden Temple may not be as sacred as Mecca and Medina.

The governments November 17, 2016 notification banning the foundation records that the activities of the organisation and its president Zakir Naik are highly inflammatory in nature and prejudicial to the maintenance of harmony between various religious groups and communities and there is every possibility of many youth being motivated and radicalised to commit terrorist acts, Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva ruled.

Some of the arrested terrorists and ISIS sympathisers had confessed that they were inspired by the fundamentalist statements of Zakir Naik which was indicative of the subversive nature of his preachings and speeches, the HC noted.

The foundation had gone to the HC, challenging the instant ban under Section 3(1) and 3(3) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act 1967.

The record that was made available by the central government clearly shows that there is material in possession of the central government which necessitated the declaration of the petitioner organisation as an unlawful association with immediate effect, the HC held.

The notification clarified that by his speeches and statements Zakir Naik had been promoting enmity and hatred between different religious groups and inspiring Muslim youths and terrorists in India and abroad to commit terrorist acts, the court pointed out.

Thus, it cannot be held that the impugned notification insofar as it relates to, the exercise of power under proviso to section 3(3) of the Act and the declaration of the petitioner association to be an unlawful association with immediate effect, is an arbitrary and unreasonable exercise of power, the HC ruled while dismissing the foundations writ petition.
New Delhi, March 16

India has fast-tracked hydropower projects worth $15 billion in Kashmir in recent months, three federal and state officials said, ignoring warnings from Islamabad that power stations on rivers flowing into Pakistan will disrupt water supplies.

The swift approval of projects that had languished for years came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi suggested last year that sharing the waterways could be conditional on Pakistan clamping down on anti-India militants that New Delhi says it shelters.

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Pakistan has opposed some of these projects before, saying they violate a World Bank-mediated treaty on the sharing of the Indus river and its tributaries upon which 80 per cent of its irrigated agriculture depends.

The schemes, the largest of which is the 1,856 MW Sawalkote plant, will take years to complete, but their approval could prove a flashpoint between the nuclear-armed neighbours at a time when relations are at a low ebb.

"I say the way you look at these projects, it is not purely a hydro project. Broaden it to a strategic water management, border management problem, and then you put in money," said Pradeep Kumar Pujari, the top ranking official in the power ministry.

Pakistan's foreign ministry spokesman, Nafees Zakaria, said he would confer with the Ministry of Water and Power on the proposed Indian projects, saying it was a technical matter.

He noted, however, that India would be attending a regular meeting of the Indus Commission later this month in Lahore, even though the broader peace dialogue was on hold.

Six hydro projects in Indian Kashmir either cleared viability tests or the more advanced environment and forest expert approvals in the last three months, two officials in India's Water Resources Ministry and the Central Electricity Authority said separately.

Together these projects on the Chenab river, a tributary of the Indus, would triple hydropower generation in Jammu and Kashmir from the current level of 3,000 MW, the biggest jump in decades, added the officials, declining to be named because the approvals had not yet been made public.

"We have developed barely one-sixth of the hydropower capacity potential in the state in the last 50 years," the senior official at the Water Resources Ministry said.

"Then one fine morning, you see we cleared six to seven projects in three months; it definitely raises concern in Pakistan."

Pakistan's water supply is dwindling because of climate change, outdated farming techniques and an exploding population.

A 2011 report by the US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations said New Delhi could use these projects as a way to control Pakistan's supplies from the Indus, seen as its jugular vein.

"The cumulative effect of these projects could give India the ability to store enough water to limit the supply to Pakistan at crucial moments in the growing season," it said.

India says the projects are "run-of-the-river" schemes that use the river's flow and elevation to generate electricity rather than large reservoirs, and do not contravene the treaty.

Environmental groups have questioned whether the government has followed proper procedures in fast-tracking projects located in a highly seismic area. Reuters
Police is still on the lookout for main accused Manju but are confident of arresting him soon.

By Nolan Pinto: Last night information trickled in that the police had made arrests in the killing of a BJP municipal councillor. Five persons, including a woman municipal councillor, were arrested by Hebbagodi police in connection with the murder of 45-year-old Prasad, also known as Kithaganahalli Vasy.

He was hacked to death in Anekal by unidentified assailants, sparking off protests by BJP activists who alleged it was politically-motivated. This was immediately denied by the state Home Minister who said that his department will get to the bottom of the case.

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Today BJP workers led by senior leaders took out a protest at Mysore Bank circle and also blocked the main road. They were later briefly detained by the police for obstructing traffic in the area. Former Deputy CM R Ashoka claimed that the Congress is targeting BJP leaders and demanded a CBI or judicial enquiry into all the 18 killings that have taken place so far.

Alleging that Karnataka is fast walking in the footsteps of Kerala where political murders seem to be the order of the day, BJP spokesperson Malavika Avinash says, "Whenever there is political activism by either a BJP or RSS worker, our political adversaries believe that finishing them off will be the end of their social work".

The deceased BJP municipal councillor was the in the race for the President of the Bommanahalli TMC and this could have led to his murder is what BJP leaders now allege. Vasu had filed a case in the Karnataka High Court when subsequent to a gazette order that a SC male is eligible for the top post, the state government changed it to SC woman.This is the premise in which all of this has happened and yesterdays arrests only assert our position that the murder was politically-motivated, Malavika added.

Police is still on the lookout for main accused Manju but are confident of arresting him soon. Inspector General of Police (Central range) Seemanth Kumar Singh formed five special teams and within hours of the murder picked up four men which led to the arrest of Sarojamma, a municipal councillor. "The motive will be known when all are arrested and it will take time. As of now, there is no clear motive but there are 2-3 angles we are looking into," IGP Seemanth Kumar Singh tells India Today.

Also read:

Murder of BJP member Kithaganahalli Vasu: 5 arrested, including woman councillor

Bengaluru: BJP leader Kithaganahalli Vasu hacked to death by unidentified assailants

--- ENDS ---
Satya Prakash

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, March 16

Controversial Calcutta High Court judge CS Karnan  who is facing a bailable warrant for failing to appear before the Supreme Court to respond to a contempt notice  on Thursday demanded a compensation of Rs 14 crore from the seven top judges who heard the case for disturbing his mind and normal life.

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In a letter addressed to the seven seniormost judges of Supreme Court, including Chief Justice of India JS Khehar, Justice Karnan said, You (Supreme Court judges who heard the contempt case against him) have insulted me in the general public consisting of a population of 120 crore in India..."

Justice Karnan ordered the top court judges to pay the compensation amount in seven days, failing which he threatened to restrain them from performing judicial and administrative work  an order the Supreme Court has passed against him.

A copy of his two-page order is available with The Tribune.

He alleged that the contempt order was issued with malafide intention to harass a dalit judge.

Justice Karnan requested the top court to cancel the seven-judge bench constituted to hear the contempt case terming it unconstitutional. He also demanded that his judicial and administrative work be restored.

In a first, the Supreme Court had on Friday issued a bailable warrant against Justice Karnan after he failed to appear before it for the second time to answer a contempt notice.

A seven-judge Bench headed by Chief Justice JS Khehar had ordered West Bengal Director General of Police to execute the warrant to secure the presence of Justice Karnan before the top court on March 31. He has been ordered to furnish a personal bail bond of Rs 10,000.

The Bench had said no other alternative was left as despite having been served notice, Justice Karnan neither appeared in person nor through his counsel.

If Justice Karnan fails to appear on March 31, the Bench might issue a non-bailable warrant against him.

Contempt proceedings have been initiated against Justice Karnan for writing letters to various authorities, including the Prime Minister, accusing several judges of corruption.

Veteran lawyer Ram Jethmalani had advised him to withdraw his utterances against judges and apologise to the top court.

In a letter addressed to Justice Karnan, Jethmalani wrote: I am sorry to tell you that I am convinced that you have lost your mind. Your behaviour is that of a lunatic and some day, that may be the only defence available to you though with no bright chance of success.

As a senior member of the Bar and living in the departure lounge of Gods airport, I am advising you to withdraw every word that you have uttered and humbly pray for pardon for every stupid action you have so far indulged in, the former law minister wrote.

If you do not know the enormity of your madness, do meet me and (I) might put some sense in your head, read the letter dated March 11.

Jethmalani had written that in this corruption-dominated country, the judiciary was the only protection. Do not destroy it or even weaken it, he had advised Justice Karnan.
Ravi S Singh

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, March 16

Riled by government not conceding to the demand of farm loan waver, the Opposition and NDA ally Shiv Sena staged a walkout out from the Lok Sabha today.

MPs from the region made their presence felt during a debate on demand for grants for the agriculture, which was approved by the House. The debate had commenced yesterday.

Replying to the debate, Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh made no commitment to demand from the Opposition benches.

The Opposition built the case for loan waiver on Prime Minister Narendra Modi assurances during his Uttar Pradesh Assembly election campaign for waiver farmers loans in that state.

Taking part in the debate, INLD MP from Hisar Dushyant Chautala summed up the mood of the Opposition members sa ying the benefit should be extended to farmers across the country. He got support from Congress Mallikarjun Kharge on the issue.

Flaying government for slipshod implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, he said the premium regarding the scheme was deducted from farmers Kisan Credit Card accounts.

Also, there is inordinate delay in dispensing the claims under the scheme.

SAD MP from Anandpur Sahib Prem Singh Chandumajra also demanded waiver of farm loans. He also suggested that all subsidiesbe it on fertiliser, seed diesel or powershould be given directly to the farmers.

Demanded infrastructure status for irrigation, he also batted for merger of all ministries germane to the farming community. Bring Rural Development, Food Processing, Food and Civil Supplies under one umbrella of the Agriculture Ministry. This will bring better synergy, he said. Taking party line, BJPs Jammu MP Jugal Kishore Sharma lauded the government for its policies, including the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and Soil Health Card Scheme.
Mumbai/Panaji, March 16

The Manohar Parrikar government today proved its majority on the floor of the Goa Assembly by winning the trust vote with the support of 22 legislators in the 40-member House.

The Congress, the single largest party with 17 MLAs, suffered a jolt as its legislator Viswajit Rane resigned from the Assembly after refusing to vote against the trust motion defying the party whip.

Edit: Goa for BJP

Viswajit, son of Congress veteran and former chief minister Pratap Sinh Rane, said, I am resigning from the Congress. I am fed up with the party. He is expected to join the BJP. Sources said Rane might be inducted by Parrikar into his Cabinet immediately. At least two more Congress MLAs are expected to resign from the party and contest as BJP candidates.

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The Congress, which accused the BJP of horse-trading and other unfair means to retain power in the state, could mobilise only 16 votes.

The 61-year-old Chief Minister proved his majority with 12 legislators from the BJP, three from the GFP, three from MGP, three Independents and one from the NCP. One BJP MLA was made the protem Speaker.  TNS/PTI
KV Prasad

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, March 16

The sudden transfer of Manohar Parrikar to Goa and Arun Jaitley holding additional charge of the Defence Ministry resulted in a string of speculation on who all could be in or out at the Centre, even as the BJP leadership got down to the task of selecting new Chief Ministers in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

Given the nature of mandate in both states, the BJP leadership  PM Narendra Modi and party chief Amit Shah  is working on getting a leader in place for UP, where the newly-elected BJP legislature party is scheduled to meet at 5 pm on Saturday.

The party also scheduled the Uttarakhand legislature party meeting at 3 pm on Friday and the swearing-in of the new CM is slated for the next day, party sources said here. The names of Prakash Rawat, Trivender Singh Rawat and Satpal Maharaj are doing the rounds.

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The speculation of Home Minister Rajnath Singh as the possible leader in UP, which gained ground earlier, receded amid a strong statement from the former UP Chief Minister about his preference to stay at the Centre. The pre-poll talk of the possibility of the task being given to Union Minister Manoj Sinha, who represents Ghazipur in the Lok Sabha, continues to re-surface amid other names, including that of BJP state chief Keshav Prasad Maurya, who was admitted to a hospital today following health issues.

However, since both are from the Lok Sabha and eastern UP, the party also needs to maintain a balance since it won seats from other parts, including Western UP.

Meanwhile, reports of Rajnath being shifted triggered a speculation in the corridors of power with some suggesting Jaitley may be given the charge and the Finance portfolio may go to Power Minister Piyush Goyal.

Another string in the series was that Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis might be shifted to Delhi as the new Defence Minister with Chandrakant Patil taking his place. However, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari ruled it out in Panaji, squashing reports about a change of guard in Maharashtra. For the PM, while the Defence portfolio would have to be filled up soon, it remains to be seen whether the decision is taken during the Budget session of Parliament that ends on April 12 or in the last week of May, when his government completes three years in office.
Gagandeep Singh

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, March 16

Three ministers of the Punjab Government, including Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh and Cabinet Ministers Rana Gurjit Singh and Aruna Chaudhary, have drawn flak for not taking oath in Punjabi.

The crusaders for Punjabi language and Punjabi writers condemned these ministers for not using Punjabi while taking oath. They said it conveyed the anti-Punjabi language stance of the newly elected government.

Capt Amarinder and Rana Gurjit took oath in English, whereas Chaudhary took oath in Hindi.

Dr Joginder Puar, former VC, Punjabi University, said, It seems that the government has no political will to work for the betterment of Punjabi language.

He said, It shows that the elite sections of society dont consider the mother language as their own language.

Sahitya Akademi Award winner Waryam Singh Sandhu said, I have no hope that these leaders will do anything for the betterment of Punjabi language, therefore it didnt surprise me. It shows the mighty royal attitude of Capt Amarinder.
Capt Amarinder Singh, CM

Portfolios: Home; Agriculture; General Administration; Industry and Investment Promotion; and Excise and Taxation

Challenges: Capt Amarinder needs to depoliticise the police force, an issue that contributed to the ouster of the Akali-BJP government. In the agriculture sector, he has to tackle rural indebtedness, which has touched Rs 80,000 crore, and curb increasing incidence of farmer suicides. Ensuring smooth procurement of wheat will be his immediate challenge. Revving up the excise revenue and coming up with a transparent excise policy are among the other challenges.

Brahm Mohindra

portfolios: Health and Family Welfare; Parliamentary Affairs

Challenges: A five-time MLA, he has remained Health Minister earlier. The public sector health system in Punjab is in a shambles. Though the previous government set up infrastructure in the form of hospitals, there was staff shortage in government-run hospitals and health centres. Making healthcare affordable will be among his biggest challenges. In the Parliamentary Affairs Department, he faces a daunting task trying to pull an aggressive Opposition along. Mohindra says he will have a roadmap ready soon and get cracking on improving public healthcare.

Navjot Singh Sidhu

Portfolios: Local Govt, Tourism & Cultural Affairs

Challenges: The former BJP MP, who had switched over to the Congress just before the elections, has to first put the Urban Mission, meant to rejuvenate basic amenities in cities, back on track. Getting more funds for the local bodies in order to make these self-sufficient; dealing with the stray cattle menace and setting up more gaushalas are his immediate challenges.

Manpreet Singh Badal

Portfolios: Finance, Planning and Employment Generation

Challenges: The five-time MLA and former Finance Minister knows he has the most challenging job in the Cabinet. Harsh decisions will have to be taken to curb expenditure and the revenue needs to be revved up to save the states fragile economy, he says.

The Congress government has inherited a debt of Rs 1.78 lakh crore and there are unpaid bills to the tune of Rs 3,000 crore. About 1.5 lakh new employees are to be recruited. It has to be ensured that the salaries are paid on time and committed liabilities met.

Sadhu Singh Dharamsot

Portfolios: Forests; Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes

Challenges: The four-time MLA and second-time minister will have to take major steps to increase the state's thinning forest cover. Seasonal afforestation drives won't suffice. In the SC and BC Welfare Department, getting due legal share for SCs in the cultivation of panchayat land, which has been a flashpoint for past several years, will be his biggest task. I will do as directed by the Chief Minister and work to the best of my ability, he says.

Tript Rajinder Bajwa

Portfolios: Rural Development and Panchayats; Water Supply and Sanitation

Challenges: The seniormost Congress leader from Majha and former minister has to clean up the mess left by the previous government while executing the Rural Mission. Many of the 12,500 villages across the state, where roads have been dug up and yet to be relaid, will need his immediate attention. Getting more aid from international agencies for better water supply and sanitation will also be on top of his agenda. Its a huge responsibility and I am confident of delivering the results, he says.

Rana Gurjit Singh

Portfolios: Irrigation & Power

Challenges: The lone minister from Doaba says his priority will be to strengthen the age-old irrigation channels and canals and get funds for the same from Central reserves. As Power Minister, he has to come out with a new tariff policy, take decisions regarding cross subsidy to agriculture and ensure that the state-run power generators are put to optimum use.

Charanjit Singh Channi

Portfolios: Technical Education and Industrial Training

Challenges: With employment generation being a key agenda for the Congress government, upgrading technical education institutes and industrial training institutes, by bringing in courses in accordance with the demands of the industry is an immediate task ahead of the former Leader of the Opposition. He will need to coordinate with the industry and seek the latters help in framing courses for the youth, especially those seeking employment opportunities in the MSME sector.

Aruna Chaudhary

Portfolios: Higher Education and Schools

Challenges: Ensuring transparency in postings and transfers of staff in the two departments; setting up higher education institutes in the government sector; taking a call on the sustainability of Adarsh/ meritorious schools; improving standards of teaching and bringing new teaching aids in schools will be her biggest challenges. I propose to revamp the government education sector, she says.

Razia Sultana

Portfolios: PWD (B&R), Social Security and Development of Women and Children

Challenges: The three-time MLA will have to come out of the shadow of her husband, senior cop Mohammad Mustafa. She has to ensure that work on road infrastructure is completed on time. Despite the cash crunch, social security pension will have to be paid (after effecting the hike promised in the manifesto). Malnutrition in women and children is another area of concern.

 Ruchika M Khanna
Rajmeet Singh

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, March 16

Capt Amarinder Singh took oath as Punjabs 26th Chief Minister at a simple ceremony at the Raj Bhawan here today. Seven MLAs were sworn in as Cabinet Ministers and two as Ministers of State with Independent charge.

It will be Capt Amarinders second stint as CM, having headed a Congress government in 2002-07. The first Cabinet meeting is scheduled for March 18. The CM assured to set up a Special Task Force to eliminate drugs as one of the first steps to be taken.

Edit: Capt has team in place

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi and former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh were among those who attended the ceremony. Himachal Pradesh CM Virbhadra Singh, Anand Sharma, Kapil Sibal, Sachin Pilot, Rajiv Shukla and Raj Babbar too were present. Security personnel had a tough time tackling a stream of Congress leaders trying to get through the security cordon.

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With five-time MLA Brahm Mohindra placed at number two and Navjot Singh Sidhu at number three in the ministry, ahead of Manpreet Singh Badal, all speculation on Sidhu being given the post of Deputy CM has been put to rest, at least for the time being.

Patiala seems to have got a lions share with the CM and three of his ministers Mohindra, Sidhu and Sadhu Singh Dharamsot (Nabha)  hailing from the district.

Sources said Capt Amarinder had a word with Rahul on portfolios. Sidhu was reportedly keen on getting Excise and Taxation, but the CM chose to keep the portfolio with himself.

The CM, accompanied by ministers, later took charge at the Secretariat amid a multi-faith prayer ceremony.
Jupinderjit Singh

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, March 16

Newly appointed Finance Minister Manpreet Singh Badal today became the first in the new government to shun security cover and decline an official car, which he is entitled to as a Cabinet Minister and MLA.

Other Congress ministers and MLAs have taken security.

Manpreet reached Raj Bhawan for the swearing-in ceremony in his Toyota Fortuner without any police guard. In the SAD-BJP regime, ministers, some MLAs and halqa in-charges, who had not even won the elections, used to roam around with 10 or more gunmen.

Even some Akali leaders in Delhi had up to 20 gunmen. To end the VIP culture was one of the main issues in the Assembly elections. The Congress and AAP had promised in their manifestoes not to follow the VIP culture.

Manpreet, who drafted the Congress manifesto, said he did not take police security and government vehicle during his tenure as the Finance Minister in the SAD-BJP government as well.

As for AAP, its 20 MLAs will convene a meeting soon to decide whether or not take security. Dakha MLA HS Phoolka said that so far, none of the MLAs had taken security and official vehicle.

We are against the VIP culture and show of power. Having said that, some MLAs may face difficulty as they dont have a vehicle of their own. We will meet soon and take a call, Phoolka told The Tribune.

AAP chief whip Sukhpal Khaira said party MLAs would decide soon. On a personal note, I feel government vehicle might be required. Moreover, an MLA can have gunmen, but it should not become a show of power, he said.

Some AAP MLAs said SHOs of their areas had attached a constable with them. They said the party used minimum police security in New Delhi, but the situation in Punjab was different. Here, you have to travel a lot. In light of recent attacks and sacrilege incidents, security cover may become a necessity, a legislator said.

On government vehicles, AAP MLAs alleged the Transport Department offered them Maruti Gypsy, which was in poor condition. The government has Toyota Camry and Innova, besides Gypsy for MLAs. Congress MLAs have opted for the luxurious vehicles, leaving Gypsy for AAP and Akali MLAs.

AAP MLAs have retuned Maruti Gypsy as their official vehicle. They may accept Innova.

Channi: No red beacon

chandigarh: Keeping his word, newly appointed Technical Education Minister Charanjit Singh Channi ordered his staff to remove the red beacon atop his official car after the swearing-in ceremony at the Punjab Raj Bhawan here on Thursday. Channi said, I have asked my driver not to keep any red beacon, because I will be travelling to the Secretariat as a common resident of the state. I have always told my voters that I am one among them. Speaking to his supporters, Channi said, I come from a middle-class family. I have seen the misuse of power associated with symbols such as red beacon and security guards. I will carry my office as simple and as open as I promised my voters during my campaigning. Channi had avoided carrying a red beacon even when he was the CLP leader during the tenure of the SAD-BJP government in spite of being entitled to it. Sanjeev Singh Bariana
Jupinderjit Singh

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, March 16

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs today alleged that seats were not reserved for them at the swearing-in of the Capt Amarinder Singh-led Congress government, even the Akalis skipped the ceremony, claiming that the ruling party had already unleashed political vendetta.

The AAP legislators, led by HS Phoolka, Leader of the Opposition, alleged breach of protocol. Phoolka told The Tribune, Our MLAs represent lakhs of people, but we were not given seats. We all stood in the last row in the pandal throughout the ceremony.

Party chief whip and Bholath MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira said such treatment of the main opposition party was unprecedented. He said the swearing-in depicted the feudal mindset of the Congress and Amarinder.

AAP MLA Nazar Singh Manshahia said the Chief Minister should have extended an invitation to the Leader of the Opposition.

AAP MP Harinder singh Khalsa, however, was seen sitting in the VIP enclosure

Meanwhile, pointing out incidents of violence against its workers in Amritsar and Mansa, SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal asked Amarinder to rein in the police and Congress leaders.

Sukhbir stated that soon after the poll result, two men were killed in a clash between rival truck unions owing allegiance to the SAD and the Congress in Bareta (Mansa). He said Akali worker Gurbachan Singh Khalsa had been murdered earlier this week by alleged Congress activist Col Surjit Singh (retd) in Pherochichi village of Amritsar district.

Reacting to the AAP allegation, the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) said it was a mischievous attempt to undermine the Governors office. A PPCC spokesperson said a panic-stricken AAP was trying desperately to defame the newly-formed government by making baseless allegations.

Ex-CM Badal stays put in Lambi

Lambi: SAD patron and former Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal preferred to remain away from the oath-taking ceremony of PPCC chief Capt Amarinder Singh as the new Chief Minister. All other functionaries of the previous regime were also conspicuous by their absence. Badal spent most of the day at his native village residence here. He, however, saw the entire ceremony from home, said sources. Later, he went to the residence of a party leader at Lalbai village in his home turf Lambi to condole the demise of the latters family member. During the day, he also met a few party workers at his mansion. Meanwhile, SAD chief Sukhbir Badal visited Faridkot and Kotkapura Assembly constituencies in Faridkot district to hold meetings with party activists and to boost their morale. Later in the evening, the father-son duo left for Rajasthan for a wedding.  Archit Watts

Sidelights

Decorated soldier: Capt Amarinder Singh came dressed in a full-sleeve kurta with a black jacket, sporting all his medals

Showing the way: Brahm Mohindra, immediately after taking oath, walked up to Dr Manmohan Singh and Rahul Gandhi to take their blessings. Other ministers followed suit

Early bird: Tript Rajinder Bajwa arrived at the venue at 9 am sharp, while others reached half an hour before the auspicious time of taking oath at 10.17 am

Attraction of the day: The cynosure of all eyes was Aroosa Alam, Amarinders Pakistani friend. She was seated in the first row along with her elder sister. Most leaders made it a point to exchange pleasantries with her

Parking woes: Though the Congress sent invitation cards to the dignitaries and mediapersons, parking passes were not enclosed. Party MLA Brahm Mohindra was among those initially stopped at the entrance, where cops insisted on seeing his invite first. He had to convince them to take his family along. Former PPCC HS Hanspal failed to get entry

Damage done: At the tea party, some Congress workers, who were eager to meet vice-president Rahul Gandhi, broke a windowpane and damaged the fire-fighting equipment

Warm hug: Just after the ceremony, as Rahul Gandhi and Dr Manmohan Singh were leaving, Amarinder rushed towards them and gave a bear hug to Rahul

Reading trouble: Brahm Mohindra, while taking the oath, forgot to wear his glasses and fumbled. He then took out his glasses and continued to read out his oath

Sidhu bloopers: Navjot Sidhu forgot to shake hands with the Governor after taking oath and was politely prodded by Governors secretary to do so. He also forgot to shake hands with Amarinder and was called out by the latter

VIP seat row: Most MLAs, including those of the ruling party, were made to sit outside the VIP enclosure. Mohali MLA Balbir Singh Sidhu was heard strongly protesting for being excluded

Selfie stars: The most favourite persons for getting selfies clicked with were Aroosa Alam and Rahul Gandhi. Though Rahul did not oblige many, Aroosa was more than glad to do so.
Berlin

Mona Lisa is unquestionably smiling in one of the world's most famous paintings despite the intangible sadness that imbues her face, a new study suggests.

The ambiguous facial expression of Italian polymath Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa was long thought to be one of the main reasons for its great appeal.

Now, scientists at the University of Freiburg in Germany have demonstrated that test subjects almost always perceive Mona Lisa as happy.

They also determined that the emotional assessment of the image depends on which other versions of it are shown.

Researchers presented the test participants with the original painting and eight image versions in which the corners of Mona Lisa's mouth are slightly raised or lowered to create a sadder or happier facial expression.

"We were very surprised to find out that the original Mona Lisa is almost always seen as being happy. That calls the common opinion among art historians into question," said Jurgen Kornmeier, a scientist at University of Freiburg.

Scientists began by creating eight versions of the Mona Lisa that differed only in gradual changes to the curvature of her mouth.

The researchers then presented the original, four versions with a sadder face, and four with a happier face in random order.

Their participants indicated for each version whether they perceived it as happy or sad by pressing a button and then rated how certain they were of their response.

The responses were added up to form a percentage on a scale from sad to happy and a rating for the certainty of the responses.

The original and all of the more positive versions were perceived as happy in nearly 100 per cent of the cases.

The participants identified happy faces more quickly and with a higher degree of certainty than sad faces.

"It appears as if our brain is biased to positive facial expressions," said Emanuela Liaci, PhD student and first author of the study.

In a second experiment, the researchers kept the image with the least mouth curvature as the saddest version, took the original Mona Lisa as the happiest version, and chose seven intermediate versions, three of them from the first experiment.

They found that the participants tended to perceive the various versions of the image as sadder when the range of images they had been shown had overall sadder facial expressions.

"The data show that our perception, for instance of whether something is sad or happy, is not absolute but adapts to the environment with astonishing speed," said Kornmeier.

The study was published in the journal Scientific Reports.  PTI
By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Mar 16 (PTI) Setting the tone for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today told a BJP Parliamentary Party meeting he will not take rest nor will let others while party chief Amit Shah asked leaders to prepare for the next challenge ahead.

Fresh from BJPs recent electoral triumphs, Modi unveiled a slew of programmes for important events ahead, including over a week-long exercise between the partys foundation day on April 6 and Bhim Rao Ambedkars birth anniversary on April 14, and urged leaders to make youths "ambassadors" of his governments works.

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The first BJP Parliamentary Party meeting after the partys landslide victories in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand and heading a government in Goa and Manipur was an occasion for celebration, thanksgiving and mapping out the path ahead for the party after Modi entered the venue to a standing ovation.

As he asked them to take up various programmes, including spending 72 hours to reach out to people when his government completes three years on May 26, he said, "na baithunga na baithne dunga (Neither will I rest nor will let you)".

Keeping up with its outreach to Dalits, a substantial chunk of whom is believed to have voted for the BJP in the UP polls, the party has decided to launch week-long events leading to Ambedkars birth anniversary on April 14, Union Minister Ananth Kumar told reporters after the meeting.

The party will observe the week-long exercise in every panchayat and ward. It will also celebrate its foundation day on April 6 during which its leaders and workers will take part in swachh Bharat campaign.

Modi asked party leaders to work during the week to give a boost to the use of BHIM app, a digital payment application, by educating the masses about it and helping them download it.

He said the app can liberate small traders from clutches of money lenders and can be a tool of social transformation. Those using it most will also be incentivised, he said.

Leaders were also asked to publicise Ambedkars works and contributions.

Asking them to make youths "ambassadors" of the Union governments public welfare works and good governance, Modi said youngsters depend on mobile phones more than newspapers and TV channels to get information.

He stressed on the need to use mobiles communication to tap them. He also asked the party leaders to contact them while they are in Class XII, Kumar said. Modi asked parliamentarians to submit their suggestions ahead of his governments third anniversary on May 26. Calling polling booths power centres, he said everybody, from ministers to others, should visit them.

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Shah said the partys win in the recently concluded assembly polls was an outcome of peoples vote against casteism, family rule and corruption and in favour of Modis leadership under which public welfare and good governance is the agenda.

The massive vote for the BJP has broken the shackles of the politics of caste, family rule and appeasement, he said.

Noting that the five state elections were cited as the BJPs biggest electoral challenge following 2014 Lok Sabha polls victory, he asserted that the next parliamentary elections in 2019 is the next big challenge and asked the party leaders to make preparations for it.

He asked them to not sit complacent. "The next target is 2019," he said.

The BJPs win underlined peoples support for the welfare schemes launched by the Central government and a brave decision like demonetisation, Shah claimed.

The BJP Parliamentary Party also passed a resolution thanking voters for their support and also partys workers for their efforts under the leadership of Modi and Shah.

It also expressed hope that the BJP governments in these states will provide good governance and run public welfare programmes.

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Home Minister Rajnath Singh proposed the resolution and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley supported it, which was passed unanimously, Kumar said.

The party leaders also distributed prasad of the popular Tirupati temple. PTI KR GSN GSN

--- ENDS ---
IN Burma, as in the Punjab, crimes have been increasing and the necessity to reform the criminal population has been felt. A new proposal has been made to establish two criminal villages where ticket-of-leave men could be sent and given an opportunity to settle down in agriculture or industries. It is proposed to establish these villages on a co-operative basis under supervision. Objections are raised that the experiment would prove costly, that other people would not live in the villages so formed, and that their administration would offer difficulties. But it is clear that the Government should undertake some scheme of reforming those people who are clearly addicted to crime.
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, March 16

The BJP legislators will meet tomorrow to decide the new Chief Minister of Uttarakhand. The oath-taking ceremony of the Chief Minister along with his Cabinet colleagues will take place on March 18. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP national president Amit Shah and other leaders of the party will attend the ceremony.

State BJP president Ajay Bhatt has asked all 57 BJP legislators to be present in Dehradun tomorrow for the meeting. Around 30 BJP MLAs are said to have already reached Dehradun.

Significantly, the state BJP continues to maintain suspense over its chief ministerial candidate by first announcing the date for the oath taking ceremony and much later the date for the BJP legislatures party meeting.

The top contenders for the chief ministerial position in the BJP include Trivender Singh Rawat from the Doiwala Assembly seat, Satpal Maharaj (Chaubattakhal) and Prakash Pant (Pithoragarh). The name of state BJP president Ajay Bhatt is also doing the rounds along with former Chief Ministers BS Koshyari and BC Khanduri.

In Dehradun, the houses of Trivendra Singh Rawat and Prakash Pant have been witnessing unprecedented crowds of visitors and well-wishers. All visitors are being looked after well by the staff of the leaders, who do not fail to offer sweets, tea and even lunch.

Meanwhile, District Magistrate Ravinath Raman today inspected the Parade Ground located in the centre of the city to assess the preparations underway for the oath-taking ceremony. In all, 30,000 chairs would be placed at the venue. There would be separate arrangement for the Prime Minister and other dignitaries at the dais.
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, March 16

Outgoing Chief Minister Harish Rawat has questioned the credibility of electronic voting machines (EVMs) being used by the Election Commission of India in the General and Assembly elections throughout the country.

Rawat, after attending the Ganga aarti at Har-ki-Pauri here yesterday, said various political parties were raising doubts and questions over the Assembly elections results in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Goa and Manipur. The Election Commission should hold an independent review to ascertain if there was any technical glitch, tampering or other loophole in the EVMs.

Bahujan Samaj Party president Mayawati, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Uttar Pradesh outgoing Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav have questioned the credibility of EVMs. As an independent agency, the Election Commission should seriously consider the charge and hold a technical probe in the matter. Its for better only as if the charge of EVM tampering is proved wrong, such doubts will not be raised in future, said Harish Rawat, who lost the elections from both Assembly seats.

On his defeat from the Haridwar (rural) and Kitcha Assembly seats, Rawat said he had done mass development works but still was not able to convince voters, particularly in the Haridwar (rural) constituency.

During my tenure as Chief Minister, I paid maximum visits to Haridwar. I am still available to people of the district as a dedicated Congress worker. The electoral results will not dent my strong connection with the people of Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar districts, said Rawat, who was elected MP from Haridwar in the 2009 Lok Sabha elections with a record margin of votes.

He added that as a politician he had quite early in his life learned to take in his stride victory and loss.
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, March 16

Newly elected BJP legislator from Kotdwar Harak Singh Rawat today blamed outgoing Chief Minister Harish Rawat for the Congress eloctoral debacle.

Harak Rawat spoke to The Tribune during a brief halt here today on way to Dehradun from Kotdwar. He alleged that Harish Rawat had brought misfortune upon the Congress due to his ill-governance, autocratic working style, close proximity to the quarrying and liqour mafia and discrimination against senior party leaders.

He exuded confidence that the state would witness speedy development during the BJP rule. He said under the able leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, people of the state had voted the BJP with a hope of development and ousted the Congress for its involvment in corruption, scandals and misuse of power.

Since the creation of Uttarakhand, no party has got such an absolute majority. The credit goes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, party national president Amit Shah and all dedicated workers who toiled during the election campaign. A new era of development will herald once the BJP forms government and starts working on the development agenda,said Harak Rawat.

On his chances of becoming Chief Minister or Deputy Chief Minister, he said he never eyes posts but if the party gives him any responsibility he would take it up with all sincerity.

Former Agriculture Committee Jwalapur chairperson Sanjay Chopra welcomed Harak Rawat. He urged the Prime Minister to make Harak Rawat Deputy Chief Minister considering his vast experience in politics and government.
Washington, March 16

Two American judges have halted Donald Trumps revised travel ban on citizens of six Muslim-majority nations, stating that his own comments suggested religious bias, in a blow to the US President who has vowed to take the legal battle to the Supreme Court.

The order by the federal judge in Hawaii late last night came after the state sued the Trump administration over the revised travel ban issued last week. Hawaii argued that the revised travel ban was still unconstitutional.

The illogic of the government's contentions is palpable. The notion that one can demonstrate animus toward any group of people only by targeting all of them at once is fundamentally flawed, judge Derrick Watson wrote in his 43-page court order.

A second federal judge in Maryland issued a separate block on just the core provision concerning travel from the Muslim world, ruling it would cause irreparable harm were it to go into effect. US District Judge Theodore Chuang issued a partial injunction on a separate complaint filed by advocacy groups claiming that the amended order discriminates against Muslims.

The revised travel ban on people from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen for 90 day was scheduled to come into effect midnight of March 15.

Trump, commenting on the ruling by the Hawaii judge, said it makes us look weak and vowed to challenge the order in the Supreme Court.

Were going to take our case as far as it needs to go, including all the way up to the SC, Trump said. Appearing in a combative mood, Trump alleged that the decision of the Ninth Circuit court was an example of unprecedented judicial overreach.  PTI
Amsterdam, March 16

Dutch centre-right Prime Minister Mark Rutte fought off the challenge of anti-Islam and anti-EU rival Geert Wilders to score an election victory that was hailed across Europe on Thursday by governments facing a rising wave of nationalism.

The euro gained as the results of Wednesdays vote showed a clear win for Rutte, albeit with fewer seats than in the last parliament.

He declared it an evening in which the Netherlands, after Brexit, after the American elections, said stop to the wrong kind of populism.

The result was a disappointment for Wilders, who had led in opinion polls until late in the campaign and had hoped to pull off an anti-establishment triumph in the first of three key elections in the European Union this year.

A win for him would have been seen as a boost for French far-right leader Marine Le Pen, running second in opinion polls before a presidential election in April and May, and for populist parties elsewhere that want to curb immigration and weaken or break up the EU.

The sense of relief among European leaders was palpable. The Netherlands are our partners, friends, neighbours. Therefore I was very happy that a high turnout led to a very pro-European result, a clear signal, said German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who will run for re-election in September.

French presidential candidate Emmanuel Macron, expected to face Le Pen in a two-way run-off on May 7, said: The Netherlands is showing us that a breakthrough for the extreme right is not a foregone conclusion and that progressives are gaining momentum.

The risk premium demanded by investors to hold French government bonds rather than safe-haven German bunds sank in early trade to its lowest level in two weeks, although the move proved temporary.

At 80 per cent, turnout was the highest in a decade in an election that was a test of whether the Dutch wanted to end decades of liberalism and choose a nationalist, anti-immigrant path by voting for Wilders and his promise to de-Islamicise the Netherlands and quit the EU.

With 97 per cent of votes counted, Ruttes VVD Party had won 33 of parliaments 150 seats, down from 41 at the last vote in 2012. Wilders was second with 20, and the CDA and centrist Democrats 66 tied for third with 19 each, data provided by the ANP news agency showed.

Rutte is now virtually guaranteed a third term, leading a government that can be expected to continue tightening immigration policy in the Netherlands, already among the strictest in the EU.

A number of parties including Ruttes and the third-placed Christian Democrats (CDA), have already adopted most of Wilders anti-immigration platform, if not his fiery anti-Islam rhetoric.

With his strong second-place finish, Wilders warned Rutte that he had not seen the last of his Party for Freedom. He added that he wanted to participate in coalition talks, even though mainstream parties have ruled out working with him.

Rutte got a last-minute boost from a diplomatic row with Turkey, which allowed him to take a tough line on a majority Muslim country during an election campaign in which immigration and integration have been key issues. Turkey has been locked in a deepening row with the Netherlands after the Dutch barred Turkish ministers from speaking to rallies of overseas Turks.  Reuters

Focus next on Le Pen
Honolulu/New York, March 16

Just hours before President Donald Trump's revised travel ban was set to go into effect, a US federal judge in Hawaii on Wednesday issued an emergency halt to the order's implementation.

The action was the latest legal blow to the administration's efforts to temporarily ban refugees as well as travelers from six predominantly Muslim countries.

(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)

The new ban, signed by the president on March 6, had aimed to overcome legal problems with a January executive order that caused chaos at airports and sparked mass protests before a Washington judge stopped its enforcement in February.

US District Judge Derrick Watson put an emergency stop to the new order in response to a lawsuit filed by the state of Hawaii, which argued that the order discriminated against Muslims in violation of the US Constitution. President Trump has said the policy is critical for national security and does not discriminate against any religion.

Judge Watson concluded in his ruling that while the order did not mention Islam by name, "a reasonable, objective observer ... would conclude that the Executive Order was issued with a purpose to disfavor a particular religion." Watson was appointed to the bench by former Democratic President Barack Obama.

Trump said the judge's legal block "makes us look weak" and represented "unprecedented judicial overreach," speaking at a rally in Nashville, Tennessee. He said he'll take case "as far as it needs to go" including to the Supreme Court.

Paul Ryan, the Republican Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, said the ban was needed to improve vetting of people entering the United States and he had no doubt that it would be upheld by higher courts.

The legal battle is likely to move now to the federal appeals circuit and could eventually get to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Rebuke

Hawaii and other opponents of the ban claimed that the motivation behind it was Trump's campaign promise of "a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States." Trump later toned down that language and said he would implement a policy of "extreme vetting" of foreigners coming to the United States.

Watson's order is only temporary until the broader arguments in the case can be heard. He set an expedited hearing to determine if his ruling should be extended.

Trump's first travel order was more sweeping than the second revised order. Like the current one, it barred citizens of Iran, Libya, Syria, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen from entering the country for 90 days, but it also included Iraq, which was taken off the list of banned countries in the subsequent order.

Refugees were blocked from entering the country for 120 days in both orders, but an indefinite ban on all refugees from Syria was dropped in the new one.

The revised ban also excluded legal permanent residents and existing visa holders. It provided a series of waivers for various categories of immigrants with ties to the United States.

The government has maintained in court that the changes resolve any legal issues with the original order and maintained that it was not discriminatory.

The government, in its court filings cautioned the court against looking for secret motives in the executive order and against performing "judicial psychoanalysis of a drafters heart of heart."

Watson said he did not need to do that, because evidence of motive could be found in the president's public statements. He said he did not give credence to the government's argument that the order was not anti-Muslim because it targeted only a small percentage of Muslim-majority countries.

"The notion that one can demonstrate animus toward any group of people only by targeting all of them at once is fundamentally flawed," the judge wrote.

Several cases

The case was one of several moving through U.S. courts on Wednesday that were brought by states' attorneys general and immigrant advocacy groups.

In Maryland, refugee resettlement agencies represented by the American Civil Liberties Union and the National Immigration Law Center argued in court for a restraining order.

In Washington state, a group of plaintiffs applying for immigrant visas asked U.S. District Judge James Robart in Seattle - who suspended the first ban - to stop the new order.

Robart was appointed to the bench by Republican President George W. Bush.

Washington state, joined by California, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York and Oregon, said in court filings they supported the plaintiffs in Seattle.

Various groups and companies said they would be harmed by the travel restrictions.

A group of 58 tech companies, including Airbnb, Lyft and Dropbox, filed a "friend of the court' brief in the case saying the order hurt their ability to recruit the best talent from around the world. A longer list of companies - that included giants like Apple, Facebook and Alphabet Inc's Google - filed a brief opposing the first ban in a different court challenge brought by Washington state, which is ongoing.

Both judge Robart and US District Judge Theodore Chuang said they would issue written rulings in their cases, but did not specify a time line.

If more judges side with Watson, the government's case may be harder to make at higher courts. The 9th Circuit US Court of Appeals upheld Robart's ruling against the first ban and Watson referenced that decision in his order.

Reuters
LONDON/EDINBURGH, March 16

British Prime Minister Theresa May told the Scottish government on Thursday "now is not the time" for a second independence referendum, saying it would be unfair to ask people to vote without knowing the result of Brexit talks.

While May fell short of saying her government would block a second independence referendum, her Scottish minister David Mundell was more forthright. He ruled out any discussion on the procedure to launch a vote now and immediately raised hackles north of the English border.

Scottish nationalists have called for a new referendum and accuse May of all but ignoring their demands in her preparations for divorce talks with the European Union.

Scotland voted to remain in the EU last June and Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said after May spoke that blocking an independence referendum would be undemocratic.

The remarks upped the ante in a war of words over Scottish independence as Britain prepares for intense EU exit talks.

"Right now we should be working together, not pulling apart," May told British television.

"We should be working together to get that right deal for Scotland, that right deal for the UK. That's my job as prime minister and so for that reason I say to the SNP (Scottish National Party) now is not the time."

Mundell said there would be no negotiations on Section 30, a procedure that allows the Scottish Parliament to legislate for an independence referendum.

"We will not be entering into discussions or negotiations about a Section 30 agreement, and any request at this time will be declined," Mundell told a news conference.

He declined to clarify if or when a vote could take place.

Sturgeon hit back, accusing May's government of being frightened of listening to the Scots.

"Any bid by the UK Government to block the people of Scotland from making a choice will be untenable, undemocratic and totally unsustainable  and clearly shows that the UK Government recognises it is out of step with the Scottish people," she said in a statement.

"It would be outrageous for the Scottish Parliament to be frozen out of the process."

No guarantees

Sturgeon said Scotland should have the chance to stay in the EU's lucrative single market and keep an open-door policy to immigrants after voting to remain, and has criticised May for failing to consult the Scottish government on her strategy.

The Scottish Greens, another pro-independence party, said May risked boosting support for independence if she wanted to veto a decision expected to be made by Scotland's devolved parliament next week.

Sturgeon is by no means guaranteed of winning a referendum just 2-1/2 years after Scots voted to keep the union, but she has managed to put pressure on May just days before Britain is expected to trigger Article 50 of the EU's Lisbon Treaty and start the formal divorce procedure.

May is a unionist and will fight hard to keep Britain together but her government will be stretched in trying to negotiate a "good deal" with the EU and keeping vocal eurosceptics in her ruling Conservatives onboard.

Britain's vote to leave the bloc last June deepened geographical and social divisions in the country, with Scotland and Northern Ireland voting to stay in the bloc while England and Wales backed an exit.

May says her government is committed to engaging with the whole of Britain over Brexit to negotiate a good deal for everyone, suggesting there should be no independence referendum until after a final deal is reach with the EU.

"To look at this issue at this time would be unfair because people wouldn't have the necessary information to make such a crucial decision," May said.  Reuters
By Vidya : The Bombay High Court today refused to grant bail to five members of the same family who had been convicted by a lower court for the murder of a political rival Pandurang Ghanekar in 2008. The incident is of Mahad area of Raigadh where after a gram panchayat election, a fight had erupted between two factions.

Convicted Vijay Ghurup and his brothers told the Bombay High Court through their lawyer that the lower court had not appreciated the evidence as the public pleader told the division bench of Justice Ranjit More and Justice Shalini Phansalkar Joshi that Ghanekar's daughter was an eye witness in the case and she had deposed in the case against the accused.

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Ghurups' lawyer Subodh Desai told the court that the election in the village was held on 16th March while the counting was on 18 March 2008. Four members of Dhamne group to which the deceased belonged were elected while three from the rival Pathne group were elected to which the convicts belonged. Soon after the counting, stone pelting and fight had broken out between both the groups and cross FIRs were also lodged. However, the fight continued even after this due to which Vijay Ghurup and his brothers entered the house of Ghanekar and before his daughter hit him with an axe due to which he later died.

All these people were convicted in May last year by a lower court and had been on bail during the trial of the case, however, Justice More was of the view that appreciation of all the evidence can be done only at the time of hearing of the appeal and thus it was not a case for bail to be granted. The petitioners then withdrew the bail application and have been ordered to file an application for expeditious hearing of the appeal only after six months.

Also read:

MCOCA slapped against accused in Manoj Mhatre murder case

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American Trucking Associations promoted four longtime staffers and hired a new vice president of creative services and creative director, and a new director of marketing as part of the federations continued retooling.

ATAs members count on the professional staff in Washington to be an advocate on their behalf and on behalf of the industry, said Chris Spear. ATA president and CEO. Being able to recognize and promote people  and add to our roster of first-class staff is an important part of representing this industry.

ATA promoted four staffers  Dan Duggan, Henry Hanscom, Joe Hite and John Lynch  to new leadership positions within the association.

Duggan was promoted to director of sponsorships and exhibits from his previous position of manager of sponsorships and exhibits. Duggan came to ATA in 2013 and recently received his Certification in Exhibition Management.

Hanscom was named new vice president of legislative affairs. An ATA staffer since 2013, Hanscom has been promoted twice, starting as a manager of legislative affairs and has been since 2014 director of legislative affairs. Prior to joining ATA, Hanscom worked for Senator Olympia Snowe for eight years.

Hite was named new vice president of business development. He has been with ATA since 2007, working with ATAs councils and events staff, most recently as director of event development.

Lynch was named new senior vice president of federation relations and industry affairs. Lynch has been with ATA since 2006 in a variety of positions, most recently as vice president of federation relations and intergovernmental affairs.

In addition to these promotions, ATA hired Tim Smith as ATAs new vice president of creative services and creative director and Julia Grove as director of marketing.

Smith was previously an award-winning art director with the National Restaurant Association, where he spent two decades. Grove joins ATA after spending more than seven years at member company SkyBitz, where she was most recently the telematics companys senior marketing manager.

ATAs members benefit greatly from the efforts of the top notch team these people belong to, said Kevin Burch, ATA Chairman and president of Jet Express. Id like to thank these individuals, and the entire staff at ATA, for the work they do for us and our industry.
By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Mar 16 (PTI) The UK-based Bullitt Group, license holder for Land Rover, JCB and Kodak brands for phones and audio products, has launched a new smartphone in India for Rs 64,999, aimed at tapping into the premium rugged segment.

The Cat S60 -- which is the worlds first smartphone with an integrated thermal camera -- will be available from tomorrow across high end multi-brand outlets and Amazon India.

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"We see an immense opportunity for our devices in the rugged smartphone category in India. While, we estimate the annual demand to be about a million units, this is a premium segment and we see a lot of potential in it," Bullitt Group Chief Marketing Officer Linda Summers told PTI.

She added that the company would look at tapping into both consumers and B2B segments for the product.

Globally, Bullitt has sold over one million units of Cat phones. The phones will be distributed in India by Brandeyes.

Powered by Android Marshmallow operating system, the Caterpillar-branded phone features a 4.7-inch multi-touch display with auto wet finger and glove support, 3,800 mAh battery, underwater 13MP main camera with dual flash and 5MP front facing camera.

The dual SIM 4G phone has a Snapdragon octa-core processor, 3GB RAM and 32GB memory. The US-based Caterpillar is a global leader in the construction and mining equipment space.

Last year, Bullitt had partnered Tata Motors-owned automotive brand Jaguar Land Rover to launch smartphones and accessories.

While, Summers did not comment about the expected launch dates of the Land Rover-branded smartphone, she said the company would look at bringing a Kodak-branded smartphone to India soon.

"We do not compete in the mass products market. Our products are designed to meet unmet or underserved needs of specific consumer segments," she said. PTI SR SRK MKJ

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Of late, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has also shown interest in taking the case to its logical end and instructed the agency to probe the complaint.

By Virendrasingh Ghunawat: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has decided to look into the written complaint filed by employees of Cambata Aviation and will examine whether the now-defunct ground handling company was involved in any financial irregularities or money laundering activities in early years and who were the beneficiaries.

In the next few months, the ED team would gather all required documents and details against Cambata Aviation and its directors, and also those individuals who were directly or indirectly associated with 2700 employees.

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"Once, we get crucial evidences and details in our hand against the company, then only ECIR would be filed to begin an in-depth probe and to take action", the source told Indiatoday.in

Started in 1954, Cambata Aviation shut its operations in August 2016 leaving in lurch the families of its 2,700 employees who had not been paid salaries, provident fund and other dues for months, running into Rs 110 crore.

Of late, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has also shown interest in taking the case to its logical end and instructed the agency to probe the complaint.

Social activist Anjali Damania, an authorised representative of workers for Cambata Aviation, has alleged that the Cambata family which owns and manages the defunct entity has transferred hundreds of crores from the ground handling business to their other off-shore companies registered in tax havens.

In a written complaint, Damania has sought investigations and arrest of Nelson Cambata, Albert Cambata, Bruce Cambata, Patrick Casserly (all directors) for fraud and money laundering done by the Cambata family via Cambata Aviation and also against all those union leaders (affiliated with Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress) for allegedly deceiving the workers.

Cambata family - guilty of tax fraud in US

The major allegation against the company is that it has moved crores of money into the associate companies and later routed the money through Dragonflyer Ltd (Hong Kong based company), which was established by Albert Cambata with the help of Swiss bankers and authority in 2006.

Albert opened an account in the name of Dragonflyer as beneficial owner. In the same year, Cambata received $12 million from Hummingbird Holdings Ltd, a Belizean company. The $12 million originated from a Panamanian aviation management company called Cambata Aviation SA and was deposited to the Dragonflyer bank account at Swiss Bank 1 in November 2006.

As per the court documents in United States, in 2007 and 2008, Cambata failed to report his interest income earned on his Swiss financial account in the amounts of $77,298 and $206,408, respectively.

In April 2008, Cambata caused the Swiss attorney to request that Swiss Bank 1 send 5 million Euros from the Swiss financial account to an account Cambata controlled at the Monaco branch of Swiss Bank 3.

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In June 2008, Cambata closed his financial account with Swiss Bank 1 in the name of Dragonflyer and moved the funds to an account he controlled at the Singapore branch of Swiss Bank 2.

In 2012, Cambata, who lived in Switzerland since 2007, went to the US Embassy in Bratislava, Slovakia to renounce his US citizenship and informed the US Department of State that he had acquired the nationality of St.Kitts and Nevis by virtue of naturalisation.

However, a press release issued by US Court on February 3, 2016 said, Albert Cambata, a former US citizen residing in Switzerland pleaded guilty to tax fraud related to Swiss financial account. He had used Hong Kong entity and foreign accounts in Switzerland, Monaco and Singapore to conceal funds.

Queries sent by Indiatoday.in to Nelson Cambata, currently, staying at Florida in USA, remained unanswered.

Financial irregularities with political support

Back in India, allegations are that Cambata family had diverted crores of money from its associate companies to offshore entities. These associate firms are: Suvarna Film Enterprises, Eros Theatre & Restaurant Pvt Ltd, Cambata Industries Pvt Ltd, Shivax C. Cambata & Company Pvt Ltd, Hirdagarh Colliers Pvt Ltd, Galaxy Aviation Pvt Ltd, Cambata Helicopters Pvt Ltd, Aviation Solution Ltd, Cambata Aviation Services and Cambata Aviation - S.A.

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Damania has requested the agency to investigate all the bank accounts of the directors/shareholders in India. These associate companies have opened minimum 30 bank accounts in Deutsche Bank (Chennai), Bank of India, HDFC Bank, SBI Bank, Oriental Bank of Commerce, State Bank of Travancore, United Bank of India and Axis Bank.

In a complaint sent to ED and Chief Minister, names of some key persons have been shared, seeking thorough probe against them, for allegedly ditching the workers.

These names are: Prashant Kakade (employee of Cambata Aviation) and his family; Sarosh Contractor (shareholder of Cambata Aviation) and his 10 companies; Sanil Nair (responsible for ensuring the transfer and use of equipments of company); Patrick Casserly (Irish official of the company); Vinayak Raut (Shivsena MP, who was heading union Bhartiya Kamgar Sena of Cambata); Kiran Pawaskar (former union leader of Bhartiya Kamgar Sena and now NCP MLA) and his 6-7 companies; and Nitesh Rane (Congress MLA) for his union Maharashtra Samarth Kamgar Sena and his 7-8 companies.

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Allegation has been made that that there is some close association between the new company Bird Worldwide Freight Services (BWFS), Cambata management, Shiv Sena executive president Uddhav Thackrey (allegedly having indirect stake in BWFS) and GVK. BWFS has claimed to have purchased Cambata Aviation's equipment, prompting the workers to approach the court.

"Cambata Aviation has been systematically shut. The money was moved out of the country and left the employees at the mercy of political bosses like Shiv Sena who left them in a pitiable state. The new company BWFS, which did not have equipment in place was brought in by GVK in connivance with the Union Bharatiya Kamgar Sena. The entire money laundering and the involvement of the union needs to be probed and hence ED inquiry was required," Damania said.

As the matter of fact, early this year, Damania, who is fighting for the rights of the workers of Cambata Aviation had met Uddhav Thackeray and the Chief Minister to sort out the issue of pending dues, but met with no success.

Also read:

Enforcement Directorate questions AirAsia CFO in Rs 22 crore fraud case under FEMA

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On Monday SBS premieres a 2 part UK series, The Doctor Who Gave Up Drugs.

This features Dr Chris van Tulleken from Trust Me, Im a Doctor.

Last year, doctors in the UK handed over a billion prescriptions, a 50 percent rise in the last 10 years. Dr Chris van Tulleken (Trust Me, Im a Doctor) knows drugs save lives, but he believes Britains prescription drug binge is dangerous. To find solutions, he takes over part of a busy GP surgery in East London to try and take patients off their pills and treat them in other ways  but this can be dangerous.

Filmed over six months, Dr van Tulleken embarks on the experiment of his life, taking his patients on tough physical and emotional journeys. With worried doctors and a reluctant public, the results are dramatic. Persuading Britain to go cold turkey from their prescription pill habit could be the hardest thing this doctor has ever done.

Episode One:

Dr van Tulleken starts his experiments by seeing what the steep rise in prescription rates means for patients, and discovers that a person born today might easily consume 100,000 pills. His first patient, Wendy, has been taking painkillers for the last 20 years to deal with chronic pain in her shoulder. Chris is determined to prove to her that the drugs dont work, but Wendy will need a lot of convincing. He devises an experiment  two weeks worth of medication with a twist: some of the pills are placebos, and some are the real thing. She doesnt know which is which and she must record her pain levels.

Monday, 20 March at 7.30pm on SBS.
Is it essential the Indigenous documentaries and dramas are produced by Indigenous filmmakers, writers and creatives?

Or can they be produced by non-Indigenous filmmakers too?

Our three public broadcasters adopt different views, in part influenced by specialist funding.

Last week at the Australian International Documentary Conference, execs from ABC, SBS and NITV tackled the question.

NITV:

Tanya Denning-Orman, Channel Manager NITV.

In the early days NITV said All Indigenous, thats it,' she explained.

Our sector needed those breaks, and if we didnt give them those breaks they wouldnt be out and about now, doing what they are doing.

They are coming back to us now and delivering us gold.

So we cant underestimate (its importance). Its not just a tick in the box, it really helps your film and to get that collaboration right at the beginning is the perfect recipe for NITV.

ABC:

Kelrick Martin, Head of Indigenous ABC.

I think its about giving Indigenous filmmakers a chance to breathe. Its so dense out there, everyone is trying to tell their story, he said.

There are plenty of opportunities for mainstream Australians through international broadcasters to have those platforms. But for an Australian Indigenous person the avenues are very few and far between.

Theres been an incredibly strong and concerted effort not just by ABC, SBS and NITV but also screen funding agencies Screen Australia, ScreenWest, SAFC, Screen Queensland, Screen Territory to really push for Indigenous voices. It is so difficult to be heard when you are a minority in your own country.

(ABC Indigenous) is not the whole ABC. Were just a tiny pocket of it, and thats why we exist.

To be honest if those strategies werent put in place a couple of years ago, would we have the depth of talent that we see now? Would we have Steven McGregor, Ivan Sen, Warwick Thornton, Rachel Perkins making those films? Maybe. At least we can give them a chance to come through, and the next gen as well.

He added, Its pretty simple. If youre looking for a firm definition from the ABCs perspective its Indigenous stories, by Indigenous people.

SBS:

Joseph Maxwell, Head of Documentaries, SBS.

It really depends on the project, he said.

First Contact was made by Blackfella Films which is an Indigenous production company.

As a broadcaster with something like that we want to be provocative but with a real purpose. It allows us to tackle some pretty difficult issues and I think we can bring some really broad audiences to that. First Contact was a massive ratings success.

But other shows tackle all sorts of issues in the natural diversity of casting.

We want Indigenous content across all of our shows. I think our shows need to reflect a natural Diversity and one of the key things we try and do is make sure that on screen you see that.

Were not saying Here is an Indigenous story, but here are Australian stories that we are exploring, with Indigenous angles to them. Shows like Who Do You Think You Are? are great for that and we have a history series made by Joined Up in WA that explores the history of our suburbs and the land.

(It) explores immigration stories and Indigenous stories. We really want them woven into the fabric of everything were doing.

SBS also has a Diversity Talent Escalator which offers paid experience for emerging screen practitioners. on SBS productions across multiple roles.

I dont think its necessarily about giving someone a directorial break. I think its (about) bringing them up through the industry and doing that on a broad level, he said.

(SBS Escalator) is our biggest commitment and all the screen agencies have come in on it.

I think everyone in the room has the common purpose of what were trying to do here: making sure there is Diversity behind the camera.
Foxtel and AFTRS have announced the recipient of the inaugural $20,000 Foxtel Diversity Screenwriting Scholarship to AFTRS student Melissa Lee Speyer.

The scholarship, to be awarded each year for the next three years, will enable her to complete the AFTRS Master of Arts Screen: Screenwriting, and carries the opportunity to undertake a work attachment at Foxtel.

Born in the UK to Chinese-Malaysian parents, Melissa moved to Australia with her family as a child. In her application for the Scholarship, she expressed an ambition to write drama where the cultural diversity of Australia  as represented within her own family  is represented.

I dont just want one role model on screen for my children, I want five, I want 50, I want 500. What role will I play in shaping the world so that as women of colour, their way is a little easier, as mine was made a little easier for me? she says.

Bruce Meagher, Foxtels Group Director  Corporate Affairs said: At Foxtel we work to create a positive future for Australian media, arts and film and we invest in and empower the next generation of Australians working to enter our industry. We also strongly believe that the rich diversity of Australian society should be represented on our screen. Our long-standing relationship with AFTRS allows us to support talented screenwriters through this new annual scholarship. We look forward to building a relationship with the Melissa over the course of her Masters.

AFTRS CEO Neil Peplow said: Melissa is an outstanding recipient of this first Foxtel diversity scholarship. She has already shown immense talent and I look forward to seeing the work she produces and the impact shell have at the School and in industry.

AFTRS values Foxtels commitment to nurturing exceptional new talent in our industry and we are delighted to extend our partnership with this new scholarship initiative. AFTRS and Foxtel are both committed to encouraging the development of diverse Australian stories and so a preference will be given to scholarship applicants from diverse backgrounds.



The purpose of this scholarship is to expand and enrich AFTRS student community by recognising and supporting an outstanding Master of Arts Screen: Screenwriting student, selected on the basis of merit from eligible students from diverse cultural, ethnic or socio-economic backgrounds, or from otherwise underrepresented minority groups.

Disclaimer: AFTRS advertises at TV Tonight.
The Turnbull government is considering doing a deal with independent senator Nick Xenophon which could reduce gambling ads during TV sport.

Fairfax Media reports the government may agree to slashing TV gambling ads in exchange for the support of the three Nick Xenophon Team (NXT) senators on media ownership deregulation.

But banning gambling ads during sporting events would hit networks hard, worth approximately $120 million last year.

That loss of revenue would be offset by a reduction or abolition of TV licence fees, worth around $112 million a year.

Labor and the Greens remain opposed to changes to current media reform proposals, including axing the 2 out of 3 rule, on the grounds it could reduce media diversity.

Senator Xenophon has also expressed his own concerns about changes to media ownership.

A spokeswoman for Senator Fifield said the Minister continues to have constructive discussions with his crossbench colleagues.

Licence fees are being examined in the budget context and the Government does not comment on Budget speculation.

Free TV has previously said, Commercial broadcasters already have the most comprehensive, targeted set of restrictions on the promotion of betting services of any media platform in Australia.
The Chinese government wants the young population of the country to focus on local literature and not be distracted by its foreign counterparts.

By India Today Web Desk: Books like Winnie the Pooh, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Peppa Pig among others might be considered harmless jewels of Children's literature in other parts of the world, but not in China. Reportedly, under a Communist Party "crackdown" that currently faces China, these books are now subject to a stern ban in the nation's book industry.

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According to a report by The Guardian, "an aggressive Communist Party campaign" that stands against "supposedly hostile western ideas" wants the Chinese book market to be free of foreign influence and focus on local literature instead.

In fact, such is the seriousness of the order that e-commerce website, Alibaba, has declared that China's prominent online shopping site, Taobao, would entirely stop the sale of literature from other countries.

A post shared by Winnie The Pooh (@disney_pooh_bear) on Nov 22, 2016 at 5:31pm PST

While top leaders like Chinese education minister, Yuan Guiren, see deem the ban necessary--or unavoidable even, some have their doubts intact.

"I can't imagine this restriction to be possible because its implementation is so difficult, and it also has no benefit whatsoever for the people of the country," a Chinese editor was quoted as telling The Financial Times.

The move is being seen as Xi Jinping's effort to wash out any form of ideologies that aren't in sync with the country's Communist party and to steer away foreign elements from influencing the nearly 220 million young population of the country.

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Hi, my name is Scott C. Waring and I wrote a few books and am currently a ESL School Owner in Taiwan. I have had my own UFO sighting up close and personal, but that's how it works right? A non believer becomes a believer when they experience their first sighting. You witnessed it, your perceptual field changes, so now you need to share it.





I created this site to help the UFO community get a little bit organized. I noticed that there was a lot of chaos when searching for UFO sighting reports, so I hope this site helps. I wanted to support those eyewitnesses who have tried to tell others about what they have seen, yet were laughed at by even closest of friends.





More and more each day the governments of the world leak bits and pieces of UFO information to the public. They have a trickle down theory in hopes of slowly getting citizens use to the idea that we are not alone in universe and never have been. The truth is being leaked drop by drop until one day we look around and find ourselves neck high in it.





The discovery of alien species in existence is the most monumental scientific event in human history, suppression of that information is a crime against humanity.





About me:

I live in Taiwan. I OWN MY OWN ENGLISH SCHOOL, AND ONCE HAD 5 SCHOOLS.

Am Former USAF at SAC base (flight line).

Age: 42

Educ: BA in Elem ed. Masters in Counseling ed.





I had two UFO sightings, (30+bus size orbs) in military and in 2012 personally saw the UFO over Taipei 101 building on New Years Day (and recored it).
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Published March 16, 2017

MONROE, La. - A video that recently went viral of CNN contributor and best-selling author, Mel Robbins, argues that, at some point, people bought into the lie that they need to feel ready in order to change their lives. She advised instead, that your life comes down to your decisions, and if you change your decisions, you will change everything.

Siddhartha Dhakal, a University of Louisiana Monroe (ULM) international student from Kathmandu, Nepal, lives by this philosophy. He believes that to achieve your dreams in life you must be motivated, take action and find opportunities rather than waiting for them to find you.

His dream of coming to ULM in the spring of 2013 was to excel as a student and achieve his lifetime goal: to enroll in a graduate program at an Ivy league school. This year, that dream has been realized with his acceptance into the Ph.D. program in Biomedical research at Yale University upon completion of his Bachelors in Biology this May at ULM.



Not only has he been accepted, but he has earned a full-tuition scholarship with a very generous stipend to cover living expenses.

When Dhakal went to Yale for his on-campus interview, he said the candidates came from some of the worlds finest schools, including Harvard University, University of California Berkeley, Kings College London, United Kingdom, and more. This, however, didnt discourage him, but only made him prouder. I could not be more excited because making it there was a reflection of my passion, hard work, and self-discipline, which I practiced diligently since the day I stepped on campus at ULM, Dhakal said.

His journey from ULM to Yale wasnt easy as Dhakal had financial challenges and rigorous admission standards he had to meet. Although tough at times, his burning passion and determination motivated him to overcome those challenges and succeed. A great GRE score along with a 4.0 GPA doesnt guarantee placement into a great school. I knew I had to do more, said Dhakal. The search committee wants to see a well-rounded candidate; someone who was involved in organizations, held leadership positions, has teaching experience, and most importantly, someone who knows how to conduct great independent research.

He engaged in academic research as a freshman at ULM through the Emerging Scholars program, a program that joins students and professors in cooperative research and other professional activities. It was this very program that helped him realize that medical research is something he wanted to pursue for the rest of his life. In the next three years, he conducted several additional research studies with different professors at ULM.

In pursuit of his dream of attending an Ivy league school, Dhakal held several leadership positions at ULM, including Vice-President of the Nepalese Student Association during his freshman year, and President of the same organization during his sophomore year. During his junior year, he became President of the International Student Association at ULM.

Dhakal also managed to find time to work as a tutor and eventually as a chemistry instructor. Both positions helped him gain much-needed teaching experience, while also providing funds to cover living expenses. Since my parents couldnt financially support my studies, I had to work and go to school, Dhakal said. While this was a challenge, it also led to other opportunities.

The opportunities materialized through acceptance into many different summer research programs. These programs provide the needed experience in research, but they also pay, Dhakal said. He spent each day of his winter break writing and submitting summer research applications.

I was never afraid to apply because if you dont apply, you are automatically rejected, Dhakal said. I was formally rejected over 80 times in the past three years of applying, but I never lost hope. I was sad, but being sad and losing hope are two completely different things.

He managed to secure summer research internships at three universities, including the State University of New York Upstate Medical University in Syracuse in the summer of 2016. He was also waitlisted at both Harvard and Princeton.

Dhakal never went home during his time in the United States. His summer breaks were spent in labs, not on beaches. While his friends used their phones for Facebook, he explored applications that would help him excel in the classroom. His time off was often spent in the pharmacy lab where he would learn from his fellow Nepali friends, Ph.D. students, or study in a lab environment, which he found inspirational.

Dr. Timothy Foster, Associate Professor at the Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology at LSU School of Medicine, with whom Dhakal worked in the summer of 2015, best describes Dhakals fearlessness and thirst for knowledge. Nothing stood in his way, Foster said. His dedication to the lab was such that he found ways of overcoming locked security doors after-hours on the evenings and weekends in order to ensure experiments were completed on time.

Dhakals journey from ULM to Yale is one of hard work and dedication on his part, but also wouldnt have been possible without the mentors who guided him along the way. He believes that inspiration is a very positive force, and would be the first to acknowledge that the learning environment he was in, along with his mentors and ULM biology program helped him find the inspiration needed to fulfill his goals.

Ive always had positive experiences from my first day at ULM. At larger universities, professors dont have time to focus much on students, but here at ULM, if you really want to focus and learn more, professors will work with you and they really care about you, Dhakal said. Dr. Joydeep Bhattacharjee, Associate Professor of Biology at ULM, is the first person Dhakal asked for additional research work. Their collaboration started immediately, and they are currently working on a scientific paper to be published. Bhattacharjee said Dhakals passion for learning and not being deterred by anything to keep him from reaching his goal is something he could relate to from his own college days. I put him [Dhakal] in charge of the Carbon Tower data, Bhattacharjee said. Analyzing data is not easy and what is more difficult is making sense of it. This is done by Masters or Ph.D. students at other universities, but Dhakal surprised me by being able to not only work on it, but also explore it further.

Dhakal presented this very data at a conference and won an award, among many others he received for his excellence in academics and research.

Dr. Srinivas Garlapati, Associate Professor of Biology at ULM and one of Dhakals mentors said Dhakals acceptance to Yale University is a big achievement for the ULM biology program. Garlapatis and Dhakals collaboration began in December of 2014 when Dhakal helped the newly-hired at the time, Garlapati, set his molecular biology lab, and the two have also been working on a project Dhakal will present as his Honors thesis. Even though he had a challenging course-load and a part-time job, he was able to find time to do experiments in a research laboratory with enthusiasm and pride, Garlapati said. I have been impressed with his passion for science and motivation for doing research.

After Yale, Dhakal plans on pursuing his medical degree, which will allow him to conduct experiments at the patient level. His passion is science, and he hopes to devote his life to answering some of the most fundamental scientific questions that have not been answered yet. He wants to help his home country of Nepal one day through research, and hopes to stay humble, believing that humbleness is a mark of good education and deeper knowledge.

While reminiscing on his campus visit to Yale, Dhakal said, although being experts and world leaders in their fields, the professors I interacted with were some of the most down-to-earth people I have ever met, but what really sold me on their program was when they said, we can teach you anything if you come to Yale, but what we cant teach you is motivation because that comes from you.
By Press Trust of India: Naidu

New Delhi, Mar 16 (PTI) Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu today trashed the Congress allegations that the BJP used money power to form governments in Goa and Manipur, terming those as "absurd".

Naidu hit back at the Congress for questioning the BJP over forming governments in the two states despite not emerging single largest party there.

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He stressed that the saffron party came to power "as per precedents" set in the past.

"Now after this massive victory (of the BJP) in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and even in Manipur, the Congress is yet to learn lessons and is making absurd allegations.

"It could not find support to stake claim in Goa, Manipur," Naidu told reporters on Parliament premises.

The Information and Broadcasting Minister stated the BJP formed governments in the two states after the Congress failed to stake such claim.

"And when the BJP has mobilised the support, other parties have started questioning... this is not acceptable in a democracy, it will be a mockery of democracy," he retorted.

The senior BJP leader also pointed out that even the Supreme Court did not entertain the Congress plea of stopping Manohar Parrikar from being sworn-in as Goa Chief Minister.

He hoped the Congress adopts approach of a constructive opposition party Parliament and public discourse.

The Congress emerged single largest party in assembly polls held in Manipur and Goa, winning 28 and 17 seats respectively.

The BJP emerged second largest party there winning 21 and 13 seats in Manipur and Goa, respectively.

The Congress could not muster support in Goa, where Parrikar government sailed through trust vote on floor of the 40-member House with support of 22 legislators today.

In Manipur too, the BJP formed its first-ever government under the leadership of N Biren Singh, who was sworn-in yesterday. PTI NKS ENM KIS

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Working as a seamstress, this refugee from the DRC manages to supplement her income in Mayukwayuka refugee settlement in Zambia.  UNHCR/Kelvin Shimoh

LUSAKA, Zambia  A recent study on refugee economies shows that refugees and former refugees are contributing positively to Zambias economy in various ways and have the potential to contribute even further if legal and other obstacles are removed. The study was conducted by the Institute of Economic and Social Research (INESOR) of the University of Zambia in technical partnership with the Refugee Studies Centre of the University of Oxford during October 2016  January 2017.

The study targeted mainly Congolese, Burundian, Somali, and Rwandan refugees as well as former refugees from Rwanda and Angola in urban areas and the two rural refugee settlements, Mayukwayukwa (Kaoma District/Western Province) and Meheba (Kaulumbila District/North-Western Province).

The economic activities of refugees and former refugees range from farming, running small businesses such as trading shops, artisans, animal husbandry to providing services through formal and informal employment. The refugees and former refugees are also employing Zambians  especially in urban areas.

The findings indicate that refugees and former refugees have the capacity to transfer skills to locals as evidenced by the new farming and consumption patterns of growing cassava and rice in the settlement areas as well as handcrafting clay roofing tiles that is commonly practiced by the Rwandans and Burundians in Zambia. Furthermore, skills on how to run small business used by Rwandans and Burundians in the Zambian urban markets is something that Zambians could learn from.

The study also highlights a number of challenges that hinders refugees and former refugees to flourish economically and fully contribute to Zambias economy. These include Zambias reservations to 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees (right to work and freedom of movement) and some regulations of the 1970 Refugee Act (encampment of refugees). Refugees are also treated like other foreigners  who can only be granted work permits if no qualified Zambian is able to fill a vacancy. The fees of investment and business permits as well as work permits, also available for refugees, are often just too high. The study recommends removing several reservations that Zambia has made to the 1951 Convention to facilitate the full integration of refugees and to promote the full potential of refugees to contribute positively to Zambias economy.

The study provides useful information to the government, UNHCR and other stakeholders in understanding the refugee economies in Zambia. The study is timely as it comes when the Government of Zambia is drafting a new Refugee Bill. UNHCR's Representative describes the study findings as landmark. The findings will help UNHCR with information as we make livelihoods interventions. Furthermore, it is our hope that the Government of Zambia would consider the findings of this study to guide the future policies on refugees  especially with regard to the various reservations to the 1951 Convention, she says.

Zambia has a long history of welcoming refugees since 1966 and it is currently hosting 57,200 refugees and former refugees residing in settlements and in urban areas.

You can read the full report here.
UNHCR's Special Envoy Angelina Jolie gives the Annual Sergio Vieira de Mello Memorial Lecture at the Palais des Nations, in memory of the UN diplomat killed in a terror attack in Iraq in 2003.  UNHCR/Mark Henley

We are here in memory of Sergio Vieira de Mello and the 21 other men and women, most of them UN workers, who died with him in the bombing of the UN Headquarters in Baghdad in August 2003.

We remember all those who died, to acknowledge each valuable life cut short, and the families who share, even today, in their sacrifice.

We also remember them for the power of the example they set: brave individuals from 11 different countries, working to help Iraqi people, at the direction of the United Nations Security Council, and on behalf of us all.

This is sometimes forgotten: that in serving under the UN flag they died in our names, as our representatives.

At their head was Sergio Vieira de Mello, a man of extraordinary grace and ability, as so many who knew him testify.

A man who gave 30 years to the United Nations, rising from a field officer to High Commissioner for Human Rights and Special Representative to Iraq.

From Bangladesh and Bosnia to South Sudan to East Timor, he spent the majority of his career in the field, working alongside people forced from their homes by war, and assisting them with his skill as a diplomat and negotiator.

Perhaps the greatest testament to his contribution, is how much his advice would be valued today.

As the Syrian conflict enters its seventh year, as we live through the gravest refugee crisis since the founding of the United Nations, as 20 million people are on the brink of death from starvation in Yemen, Somalia, South Sudan and northeast Nigeria, I cannot imagine that there is anyone in the leadership of the United Nations who would not welcome the opportunity to consult Sergio, or send him into the field once more. He is truly missed, even today.

It is humbling for me to speak tonight in the presence of members of Sergios family and his former colleagues.

I never knew Sergio, but I have stood before the plaque in the place where he died.

I felt profound sadness at the fact that the conflict in Iraq  the source of so much Iraqi suffering to this day - had claimed the lives of men and women whose only intention was to try and improve a desperate situation.

But I also saw clearly the value and nobility of a life spent in service of others.

Sergio was a man who never turned down an assignment, no matter how difficult and dangerous - or as others have put it, was handed one impossible task after another.

He was a man, to borrow the words of Thomas Paine, whose country was the world, and whose religion was to do good.

He will always remain a hero and inspiration to all who follow in his footsteps.

The UNs work did not end there, in the rubble of the Canal Hotel, 14 years ago.

Hundreds of UN staff have served, and continue to, serve in Iraq, as they do from Afghanistan to Somalia, because the task of building peace and security can never be abandoned, no matter how bleak the situation.

My thoughts on Sergios life and legacy derive from my 16 years with UNHCR, the Agency he spent so much of his career serving and representing.

But I also speak as a citizen of my country  the United States.

I believe all of us who work with the UN preserve this duality. The United Nations is not a country, it is a place where we come together as nations and people to try to resolve our differences and unite in common action.

As a citizen, I find myself looking out on a global environment that seems more troubling and uncertain than at any time in my lifetime. I imagine many of you may feel the same.

We are grappling with a level of conflict and insecurity that seems to exceed our will and capabilities: with more refugees than ever before, and new wars erupting on top of existing conflicts, some already lasting decades.

We see a rising tide of nationalism, masquerading as patriotism, and the re-emergence of policies encouraging fear and hatred of others.

We see some politicians elected partly on the basis of dismissing international institutions and agreements, as if our countries have not benefited from cooperation, but actually been harmed by it.

We hear some leaders talking as if some of our proudest achievements are in fact our biggest liabilities  whether it is the tradition of successfully integrating refugees into our societies, or the institutions and treaties we have built rooted in laws and human rights.

We see nations that played a proud role in the founding of the International Criminal Court withdrawing from it, on the one hand, and on the other, we see arrest warrants for alleged war crimes issued but not implemented, and other crimes ignored altogether.

We see a country like South Sudan ushered by the international community into independence, then largely abandoned  not by the UN agencies and NGOs  but effectively abandoned, without the massive support they needed to make a success of sovereignty.

And we see resolutions and laws on the protection of civilians and the use of chemical weapons, for instance, flouted repeatedly, in some cases under the cover of Security Council vetoes, as in Syria.

Many of these things are not new  but taken together  and in the absence of strong international leadership, they are deeply worrying.

When we consider all this and more, as citizens, what is our answer?

Do we, as some would encourage us to think, turn our backs on the world, and hope we can wait for storms to pass?

Or do we strengthen our commitment to diplomacy and to the United Nations?

I strongly believe there is only one choice, demanded by reason as well as by conscience, which is the hard work of diplomacy and negotiation and reform of the UN.

This is not to say that that is any way an easy road. And there are reasons people feel insecure today.

The level of conflict and lack of solutions combined with the fear of terrorism; the reality that globalization has bought vast benefits to some but worsened the lot of others; the sense of a disconnect between citizens and governments, or in some countries the lack of governance; the overall feeling that for all our gains in technology and connectedness, we are less in control of forces shaping our lives  all these factors and more have contributed to a sense of a world out of balance, and there are no easy answers.

And despite the millions of people who have lifted themselves out of poverty in our lifetimes, the difference between the lives of those of us born in wealthy, democratic societies and those born into the slums and refugee camps of the world is a profound injustice. We see it and we know it to be wrong, at a simple human level. That inequality is contributing to instability, conflict and migration as well as to the sense that the international system serves the few at the expense of the many.

But again, what is our answer, as citizens?

Do we withdraw from the world where before we felt a responsibility to be part of solutions?

I am a proud American and I am an internationalist.

I believe anyone committed to human rights is an internationalist.

It means seeing the world with a sense of fairness and humility, and recognizing our own humanity in the struggles of others.

It stems from love of ones country, but not at the expense of others - from patriotism, but not from narrow nationalism.

It includes the view that success isn't being better or greater than others, but finding your place in a world where others succeed too.

And that a strong nation, like a strong person, helps others to rise up and be independent.

It is the spirit that made possible the creation of the UN, out of the rubble and ruin and 60 million dead of World War Two; so that even before the task of defeating Nazism was complete, that generation of wartime leaders was forging the United Nations.

If governments and leaders are not keeping that flame of internationalism alive today, then we as citizens must.

The challenge is how to restore that sense of balance and hopefulness in our countries, while not sacrificing all we have learnt about the value and necessity of internationalism.

Because a world in which we turn our back on our global responsibilities will be a world that produces greater insecurity, violence and danger for us and for our children.

This is not a clash between idealism and realism.

It is the recognition that there is no shortcut to peace and security, and no substitute for the long, painstaking effort to end conflicts, expand human rights and strengthen the rule of law.

We have to challenge the idea that the strongest leaders are those most willing to dismiss human rights on the grounds of national interest. The strongest leaders are those who are capable of pursuing both.

Having strong values and the will to act upon them doesnt weaken our borders or our militaries  it is their essential foundation.

None of this is to say that the UN is perfect. Of course, it is not.

I have never met a field officer who has not railed against its shortcomings, as I imagine Sergio did in his darkest moments.

He, like all of us, wanted a UN that was more decisive, less bureaucratic, and that lived up to its standards. But he never said it was pointless. He never threw in the towel.

The UN is an imperfect organization because we are imperfect. It is not separate from us.

Our decisions, particularly those made by the Security Council, have played a part in creating the landscape we are dealing with today.

We should always remember why the UN was formed, and what it is for, and take that responsibility seriously.

We have to recognize the damage we do when we undermine the UN or use it selectively - or not at all - or when we rely on aid to do the job of diplomacy, or give the UN impossible tasks and then underfund it.

For example today, there is not a single humanitarian appeal anywhere in the world that is funded by even half of what is required. In fact it is worse than that. Appeals for countries on the brink of famine today are 17%, 7%, and 5% funded, for example.

Of course, emergency aid is not the long-term answer.

No one prefers that kind of aid. Not citizens of donor countries. Not governments. Not refugees. They do not want to be dependent.

It would be far better to be able to invest all our funds in infrastructure and schools and trade and enterprises.

But lets be clear, emergency aid has to continue because many states cannot or will not protect the rights of citizens around the world.

It is what we spend in countries where we have no diplomacy or our diplomacy is not working.

Until we do better at preventing and reducing conflict, we are doomed to be in a cycle of having to help feed or shelter people when societies collapse.

As another legendary UN leader, who was also killed in the line of duty, Dag Hammerskold, said Everything will be all right  you know when? When people, just people, stop thinking of the United Nations as a weird Picasso abstraction and see it as a drawing they made themselves.

The UN can only change if governments change their policies. And if we as citizens ask our governments to do that.

It is moving, if you think about it: We are the future generations envisaged in the UN Charter.

When our grandparents resolved to spare future generations the scourge of war, as written in the Charter, they were thinking of us.

But as well as dreaming of our safety they also left us a responsibility.

President Roosevelt, addressing the US Congress in January 1945, six months before the end of Second World War, said this:

In the field of foreign policy, we propose to stand together with the United Nations not for the war alone but for the victory for which the war is fought.

He went on:

The firm foundation can be built- and it will be built. But the continuance and assurance of a living peace must, in the long run, be the work of the people themselves.

Today, we have to ask ourselves, are we living up to that mission?

They gave us that start. What have we done with it?

It is clear to me that we have made huge strides. But our agreements and institutions are only as strong as our will to uphold them today.

And if we do not, for whatever reason, we bequeath a darker and more unstable world to all those who come after us. It is not for this that previous generations shed blood and worked so hard on behalf of all of us.

The memory of those who came before us holds us true to our ideals.

Resting unchanging in time, they remind us of who we are and what we stand for.

They give us hope to stay in the fight, as Sergio did, until his last breath.

14 years since his death, there is a stronger need than ever before for us to stay true to the ideals and purposes of the United Nations.

That is what I hope his memory holds us to today.

We cant all be Sergios. But I hope all of us can determine that we shall be a generation that renews its commitment to unite our strength to maintain international peace and security, and to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom.

But in the final analysis, even if we do not, even if that level of vision eludes us and we continue to simply manage rather than to try to overcome our generations challenges, we have to keep working determinedly and patiently.

And you can be certain, as you do, that you follow the example of one of the UN's finest sons: and that to do even a little of his good, to apply ourselves to the work he left unfinished, in whatever way we can, is a worthy task for any one of us.

Thank you
When Chetan Cheeta was first taken to a hospital in Srinagar after the encounter with militants in Jammu and Kashmir in February, he had severe head injuries. His jaw and eyes also took a big hit and along with that, he had a fractured hand. But now, his condition is improving. And here is all you need to know about him.

By India Today Web Desk: 'Finally our prayers were answered. Chetan Cheeta's condition is improving and he has been shifted to a normal ward from the ICU. He has been off ventilator for the last five days,' CRPF released a statement.

Finally our prayers got answered,Chetan Cheeta's condition is improving, shifted to normal ward from ICU & off ventilator since 5 days: CRPF pic.twitter.com/be05cCM4XP- ANI (@ANI_news) March 16, 2017

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Forty-two-year old Chetan Kumar Cheeta is a CRPF Commanding Officer of the 45th battalion.

Cheeta, in February 2017, was severely injured by bullets, while fighting militants in Bandipora district of Jammu and Kashmir.

FYI || Holi hangover: 15 Gwalior cops suspended after viral video shows them drinking inside police station ||

WHAT HAPPENED IN FEBRUARY?

Chetan Cheeta got information from Jammu and Kashmir police that two terrorists were hiding in the Hajin village of Bandipora district in Jammu and Kashmir. Upon receiving the information of militants hiding in the district, a joint operation by Jammu and Kashmir police, CRPF and Army was carried out.

According to The Week report, in an operation where the Army led from the front, the paramilitary trooper Chetan Cheeta of the 45th battalion of CRPF was alone.

Chetan Cheeta even fired 16 rounds even after he sustained injuries. Chetan Kumar Cheetah led to the killing of the top Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander Abu Musaib, according to The Week report.

FYI || Air India flight loses ATC contact over Hungary, escorted by fighter jets ||

CHETAN KUMAR CHEETAH AND HIS BRAVERY

He has been battling for his life ever since he was first taken to a hospital. When he was first taken to the Base Hospital in Srinagar, he had severe head injuries. His face, jaw and eyes also took a big hit along with a fractured hand, according a Hindustan Times report.

He was then airlifted from Srinagar to AIIMS Trauma Center in Delhi.

When he was brought to the hospital in the Capital, he was also suffering from acidosis which is a condition of accelerated acidity in blood and tissues in the body.

Today, the Central Reserve Police Force released a statement saying Chetan Cheeta is on a road to recovery and that his condition is improving. He has given a tough fight to both terrorists, and his injuries.

Wish Chetan makes a quick recovery.

Also Watch || WATCH TILL THE END: Madhya Pradesh cops play Holi, singing and dancing and then...boom! ||

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Google has already confirmed the uncertainty of Andromeda OS when the search giant announced the discontinuation of Chromebook Pixel laptop. However, recent reports suggest that Andromeda OS has not literally discontinued as well but has been renamed into Fuchsia OS that is reportedly replacing all Android OS versions.

All the Speculations About Fuchsia OS

Everyone has settled down when Google announced the uncertainty of Andromeda OS' fate but a known tech analyst has revealed some of the evidences that the impending OS has not been totally scratched off. Daniel Matte, a tech blogger claims that Android and Chrome OS is actually merging and will be called Fuchsia OS, Android Authority reported.

Furthermore, Matte suggest that the purported Google's Fuchsia OS will work on different devices may it be smartphones, smartwatches, tablets or even laptops for that matter. The presumed OS will be Google's response to Apple's iOS where seamless updates are expected through building a certain environment.

Will Fuchsia Replaced Android Immediately

When it comes to laptops and PC, Fuchsia OS is also presumed to be more like the Chrome OS only that it has backward compatibility with Android applications. Also, the new OS is said to provide solutions to the recurring carrier/OEM problems on Android's fragmentation issue.

While Fuchsia OS is reportedly under development, Android OS versions are unlikely to be scraped off from the picture immediately. In fact, according to BGR, the impending Andromeda OS is reportedly based on Android platforms; thus, the new OS aims to expand the popular mobile operating system's reach.

Although Daniel Matte's revelation about Fuchsia OS has not been totally accepted by the tech world, there are others who believe that the Google is certainly finding ways to solve the fragmentation issues of Android. While others believe that Android and Chrome OS should be fine working separately, other believe that Fuchsia OS (if translated into reality) will be the next big thing about Google, Android Police reported.
The Google Nexus 7 (2017) is expected to have the brand new Android and Chromebook OS hybrid, the Andromeda that brings with it PC-like execution capabilities. The new tablet edges other contenders like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 and iPad Pro 2 with an exciting new feature, the Daydream View VR compatibility.

Google Nexus 7 (2017) Gets Andromeda OS

The Google Nexus 7 (2017) will feature the brand new Andromeda OS which will give the tablet execution capabilities just like a PC. It will also herald a milestone for Google, which hopes to copy what Microsoft did with Windows 10 and Windows mobile. Andromeda OS could be the universal OS for all Google devices according to GigJets. However, the only downside is that it may cause problems with third party developers who are more familiar with Android affirming other rumor that the tablet may stick to the Android Nougat 7.1.1.

Google Nexus 7 (2017) Adds VR Capability

The latest report indicates an exciting new feature in the upcoming tablet, which is the Daydream View VR compatibility. As of present, the tablet is too large for the current headset and Google is reported to be working on a new and much bigger one. This is, in fact, causing a delay in the unveiling of the latest Nexus tablet, which is expected to arrive more or less at the same time with its closest rivals. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 will have a March 24 release while the iPad Pro 2 lineup may arrive at the end of this month or by April.

Google Nexus 7 (2017) Tablet Revives The Nexus Brand

The high-end tablet market gets more interesting as Google may be joining the fray with a Nexus revival. The Google Nexus 7 (2017) has been making the rounds ever since Google decided to drop the Chromebook Pixel laptops to focus more on smartphones and tablets. The said device did not appear in 2016 but the Google Pixel and Pixel XL did, which brings 2017 as the most likely year to unveil the much awaited Google Nexus 7 (2017).

The Nexus brand has far more recognizability in the global scene than the Pixels, which are struggling to get a strong foothold in the international market. Moreover, the recent security updates for the Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X further fuels speculations of a Nexus brand revival that started with an Evan Blass leak last year. The renowned leakster with an impeccable record of making accurate predictions has uploaded a document revealing the specs of an unannounced Google Nexus 7.

The reported specs and features on the upcoming Google Nexus 7 (2017) starts with a 7.0-inch AMOLED display with 2560x1440 pixels alongside a large pixel density. It is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 chipset or higher with 6GB of RAM, 64GB of built-in memory, and up to 2TB of expandable memory according to Neurogadget. It also supports a USB Type-C port with a 13MP rear camera and 8MP selfie camera. More than just the specs, the latest Nexus iteration captured the interest of the Android community for being a "pure" Android tablet versus those offered by Samsung and Apple.
Georgetown University and the University of Maryland have agreed to offer partial scholarships to federal employees. This comes through an agreement with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).

The new agreements went into effect on Tuesday, Mar. 14, Federal Times reported. Georgetown University School of Continuing Studies and the University of Maryland Robert H. Smith School of Business were two of the four colleges and universities who carried on with the agreement.

The other schools are College for America at Southern New Hampshire University and Drexel University Online. The agreement is intended to help federal workers develop mission-critical job skills in areas such as acquisition, human resources, financial auditing and economics. It also aims to equip employees in information technology, specifically in cybersecurity and STEM-related fields (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).

The OPM noted that SNHU and Drexel have extended the benefits to the spouses and dependents of federal employees. The University of Maryland will extend the partial scholarship's benefits to spouses of the workers.

The four schools have offered online programs in addition to Georgetown's and the University of Maryland's on-campus classes. The former announced that it would offer 10 percent of scholarships to all federal employees enrolled in its School of Continuing Studies.

Georgetown also added that it is building a new center of excellence in program management. This came after the enacting of the Program Management and Improvement Accountability Act, which developed best practices for federal projects.

In a press release, it was confirmed that Georgetown SCS currently offers 14 Master of Professional Studies programs in diverse focus areas like Project Management, Technology Management and Urban & Regional Planning. Students can enroll on either a full-time or part-time basis and several of these programs are available online.

Georgetown also offers three Executive Master of Professional Studies degrees in Emergency & Disaster Managemetn, Global Strategic Communications and Program & Portfolio Management. The new program by OPM offers certificates, master's degrees and executive master's degrees based on program and portfolio management skills.
It has been a widely-held belief that when people feel sad, they listen to sad music strengthening the feeling of sadness. However, two separate studies revealed that listening to sad music actually evoke positive emotions rather than negative ones. The studies also explain why people love listening to sad music.

Researchers from the Tokyo University of Arts and the RIKEN Brain Institute asked 44 volunteers to listen to two pieces of sad music and one happy music. They then instructed participants to rate their emotional state as well as how they perceive the songs.

The participants of the study experienced contradictory emotions when they listened to sad music because they perceive it to be less romantic and more tragic than what they were feeling at the time they were listening to it.

The researchers explained that sad music generally makes people sad, which is perceived to be negative. However, they argued that if sad music only induces sadness, why do people love listening to it.

The researchers explained the phenomenon saying that since music is a form of art, the sadness conveyed through music is pleasant. Simply put, sad music is art and art is pleasant; thus, sad music is pleasant as well.

Moreover, the sadness conveyed in sad music does not really pose any threat to their safety, unlike the sadness they feel. In fact, it can even help them cope with the negative emotions they feel as they traverse daily life.

Another study at the University of Kent and Limerick said that 'beautiful, sad music' can, in fact, help people feel better. Just like the Tokyo University study, participants were asked to describe the effect of the sad music they were listening to during moments of sadness.

The researchers found out that even though the participants chose sad music, they also classify that music as beautiful because their goal was to enhance their mood through that music.
Filmmakers have come out in support of Padmavati director Sanjay Leela Bhansali, the set of whose film was torched in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, yesterday.

By Press Trust of India: Padmavati star Shahid Kapoor, directors Karan Johar, SS Rajamouli and Vikramaditya Motwane have come out in support of Sanjay Leela Bhansali following the vandalism on the set of the film Padmavati in Kolhapur.

Yesterday, around 20 unidentified people torched the costumes and the animal feed kept there for the horses featuring in the period drama.

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Bhansali had faced a similar problem in January when members of the Rajput Karni Sena disrupted the shooting in Jaipur and allegedly misbehaved with him.

Shahid Kapoor, who plays the role of Raja Ratan Singh in the period drama, said it was "unfortunate" that the crew had to go through something like this again.

"I am aware of the fact that there has been some disruption that happened, I am aware that a certain amount of costumes got burnt. I am aware that everybody is safe and nobody got harmed. The shooting has been wrapped up and the team is coming back," Shahid said.

"What I am not aware of is who has done it. It is unfortunate that something like this has happened for the second time," said Kapoor.

Johar and Rajamouli spoke about the incident during the trailer launch of Baahubali 2 The Conclusion today.

Johar, who was targeted during the release of his film Ae Dil Hai Mushkil for casting Pakistani actor Fawad Khan, said what happened with Bhansali was "deeply saddening".

"It is deeply saddening to me as a filmmaker, as a human being and as a citizen of our prestigious and wonderful country that we have to endure something like this. All my support, thoughts and ideologies are with Sanjay," Johar said.

"Every time I read something like this, it really saddens me. We at our own level at the producers' guild are with Sanjay and his entire cast and crew. We hope adequate measures can be taken to ensure something like this never happens to another filmmaker again," the filmmaker added.

Rajamouli said freedom of speech is a fundamental right and as an artiste, Bhansali should have the liberty to realise his dream.

"He is an artist and should be able to express his views. Freedom of speech is a fundamental right of the people of this country and any artiste, any filmmaker should be able to express his views," Rajamouli said at the trailer launch of Baahubali 2.

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Vikramaditya Motwane also slammed the incident, saying creative freedom of filmmakers should not be curbed.

"No one has the right to curb creative freedom... let the law take care of it in its due course. You can't take the law in your own hands, you cannot vandalise and slap someone. That is not vigilante, that is just stupid," Motwane told PTI.

Rajkummar Rao, who stars in Motwane's next film Trapped, which releases tomorrow, said violence cannot be an answer to anything.

"There are other ways to solve a problem than vandalise. One should talk it out. Violence is not the answer to anything," he said.

ALSO READ: Padmavati set burnt in Kolhapur

ALSO READ: We are broken emotionally, say Padmavati designers

WATCH: Padmavati director Sanjay Leela Bhansali attacked by Karni Sena in Jaipur

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Oct. 26, 2022

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo.  Cadets got the unique experience of interacting with and learning from the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2022 at the U.S. Air Force Academy Sept. 27-29. The National Character and Leadership Symposium sponsored the visit and three days of activities.The 12
Sources told India Today that the hard disk of CVC's portal crashed on November 28 and all data stored online till that date has been lost. The problem has been compounded as the data was not backed up.

the portal of the country's anti-graft watchdog Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) has not been functioning for about four months.

By Kumar Shakti Shekhar: In a severe setback to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's fight against corruption in public places and his mission to promote Digital India, the portal of the country's anti-graft watchdog Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) has not been functioning for about four months now.

Sources told India Today that the hard disk of CVC's portal crashed on November 28 and all data stored online till that data has been lost. The problem has been compounded as the data was not backed up.

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The portal was maintained by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). To make matters worse, CVC's contract with TCS expired in December. There is no annual maintenance contract either between CVC and TCS.

The sources said after the grave tragedy, the Centre's web services organisation, National Informatics Centre (NIC), took over the maintenance of the CVC's portal this year. NIC has also been trying to retrieve the old data but without much success.

All efforts to talk to senior officials of CVC such as vigilance commissioners Rajiv and TM Bhasin, secretary Nilam Sawhney, additional secretary Salim Haque and director Jyoti Trivedi were in vain.

Though new complaints can now be made with CVC and their details would be available, the particulars of almost all the previous cases have been permanently erased.

ALLEGATIONS OF CORRUPTION IN NTC

One of those cases pertain to alleged massive corruption in National Textile Corporation (NTC) under the Union Ministry of Textiles, now headed by Smriti Irani.

Mumbai-based whistleblower HR Kosia had filed an RTI application with CVC in 2013 demanding action taken report in an alleged corruption case. He had accused NTC chairman-cum-managing director (CMD) PC Vaish of selling a godown for a song to a private party in 2013.

According to Kosia's complaint, Vaish, then NTC's director, finance, had sold off Mumbai-based Poddar Process Malharvadi Kalbadevi worth crores to private builders Om Vastu Shanti for mere Rs 75 lakh. The transaction was allegedly done without due tendering process or without approval from Textiles Ministry and NTC's Board of Directors.

The deal was done despite the fact that NTC had won a case against lease holder (Poddar Process) in 2013 when Vaish was finance director.

Kosia, who was deputy manager (security and vigilance) with NTC, had to pay a heavy price for bringing to light this corruption and several other cases of irregularities in the Corporation. He was dismissed from service in July, 2016.

Kosia's grievance is that the Textiles Ministry neither filed any chargesheet against him nor lodged an FIR nor had a 'panchnama' done.

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SORRY STATE OF AFFAIRS IN CVC

Finally, Kosia filed an RTI in the Commission. After several communications, CVC director and Central Public Information Officer (CPIO) Jyoti Trivedi replied on December 22, 2016, saying that "due to technical problem in the working of complaint portal of the Commission, it is not possible to provide the action taken on your complaint at this stage".

She added that the appellate authority in the matter was CVC additional secretary Praveen Sinha.

Kosia petitioned Sinha, saying that the CPIO's response was not legally valid as per RTI Act 2005. Sinha replied to Kosia on January 24, and admitted that the "corruption case lodged with CVC required action taken reports copy".

In his decision, Sinha said, "I have gone through the relevant records and find that at the time of giving a reply to the appellant (Kosia), the complaint portal was not functioning and this position was intimated to the appellant by the CPIO.

"I direct the CPIO concerned (Jyoti Trivedi) to confirm the position regarding complaints mentioned by the appellant in his RTI application and provide an appropriate reply to him within 15 days of the receipt of these orders," he said.

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Sinha further said, "The issues raised by the appellant have thus been addressed appropriately. However, if the appellant is not satisfied with the above decision, he can make an appeal with the Central Information Commission (CIC). The appeal is accordingly disposed (of)."

Following the appellate authority's decision, Jyoti Trivedi sent a second reply to Kosia. In her letter dated February 9, she said, "TCS system of the Commission is still not working. It is not possible to provide the action taken on your complaints at this stage."

Kosia has now made a second appeal to CIC. He also apprehends some major conspiracy behind the whole episode. "The portal crashing on November 28, CVC's contract with TCS ending just next month, no AMC either between the two and there is no back up of data - all these cannot be coincidences. There is more to it than meets the eye. The PM should have an inquiry ordered into it," he said.

The fate of Kosia's application is uncertain and so does that of thousands of such cases. While the whistleblowers struggle, action against several alleged corrupt government officials may not be taken ever, dealing a severe blow to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's crusade against corruption.

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WATCH: Modi government has zero tolerance on corruption, says his minister

ALSO READ:

PM Modi thanks diaspora for supporting war against black money, corruption

No report of RTI activist murder during last 3 years with CVC

Companies paid crores to Modi: Rahul Gandhi's explosive corruption charge on PM

Opposition trying to disrupt PM Modi's war against corruption: Amit Shah at BJP's office-bearers' meet

Vijay Mallya targets Modi: 'Corruption-free PM must ensure agencies under him are impartial'

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Support Veterans through COMBAT Color Run April 22

Participants in the 2016 COMBAT Color Fun Run throw color as part of the event. (COMBAT Color photo)

A University of Wyoming student group wants to celebrate military veterans with a community event in April.

UWs Students Supporting Veterans (SSV) will host the seventh COMBAT Color Fun Run in Laramie Saturday, April 22, at Optimist Park.

COMBAT Color is a 3-mile run or 1.5-mile walk, and game of color tag. Runners are encouraged to wear camouflage and a white shirt to make the color more visible. At the finish line, runners are incited into battles with their family and friends. Volunteers along the run route battle runners by throwing handfuls of color (cornstarch dyed with food coloring) at runners as they pass. Runners battle volunteers by throwing color back.

Pre-registration for the COMBAT Color Fun Run is $30 for adults, $25 for students, $20 for children between ages 10-15 and free for children under 10. Prices will increase after April 1, but registration is available on the day of the event. The entry fee includes an event T-shirt, a pair of sunglasses, a package of color and water.

The event features music and food and drink vendors. Extra color and T-shirts will be available for purchase. Because the event is organized by United States veterans, all proceeds will go to benefit the SSV, the Connor Cloud Scholarship for Veterans and the Meghan Gable Scholarship for Involvement.

Luke Cloud, a Ph.D. student in electrical engineering at UW, initiated the Wyoming event years ago in Sheridan, when he was the president of the local veterans club. Cloud is a Marine Corps veteran. He served from 2001-08, with deployments to Iraq in 2004 and to Africa in 2007. Originally from Alabama, he has been at UW since 2013 and in Wyoming for more than a decade.

Cloud says he struggled after his deployments and was fortunate to find assistance, so he created the event to give back and help other veterans.

Help us remember our nations warriors and all their sacrifices have provided us, he says.

For more information, click here or contact Cloud here. Invite your friends on Facebook here.
UW Energy Resources Council to Meet March 31

The University of Wyoming Energy Resources Council (ERC) will meet at 8 a.m. Friday, March 31, at the BP Collaboration Center in the Energy Innovation Center on the UW campus.

Council members will undertake the nomination of a new vice chairman and hear updates on fundraising strategies, legislative actions and the High Bay Research Facility. The council will conduct a strategic planning session during the second half of the meeting.

The ERC was established by the Wyoming State Legislature in 2006. Made up of representatives from industry, state government and academia, the council advises the UW School of Energy Resources (SER) on priorities for research and outreach.

The SER provides undergraduate and graduate education; conducts research on existing and emerging industry resources; and disseminates scientific, engineering and economic information to support Wyomings near- and long-term energy future.

People with disabilities requiring special accommodations to attend this meeting should contact the SER at (307) 766-6897. Information about the SER is available at www.uwyo.edu/SER.
By Press Trust of India: Gupta

New Delhi, Mar 16 (PTI) BJP leader Vijender Gupta today demanded the dismissal of AAP MLA Jitender Singh Tomar, an accused in a fake law degree case, from the Delhi Assembly.

Gupta, the Leader of Opposition in the House, said the AAP is "losing credibility" due to its defence of "corrupt MLAs".

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"The charge sheet filed by Delhi Police in Court in the case involving Tomar has exposed hollowness of the truth of Aam Admi Party to give Delhi a corruption-free Government," he claimed.

Tri Nagar legislator Tomar was arrested and later released on bail in 2015 in the law degree issue and had to resign from the Arvind Kejriwal ministry. PTI SBR IKA

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By Press Trust of India: Melbourne, Mar 16 (PTI) Eating more servings of fruits and vegetables every day may lower your risk of stress, a new study has claimed.

The study of over 60,000 Australians aged 45 years and above measured participants fruit and vegetable consumption, lifestyle factors and psychological distress at two time points, 2006-08 and 2010.

Researchers at University of Sydney in Australia found that people who ate 3-4 daily serves of vegetables had a 12 per cent lower risk of stress than those who ate 0-1 serves daily.

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Those who ate 5-7 daily serves of fruit and vegetables had a 14 per cent lower risk of stress than those who ate 0-4 serves daily.

The study also found that women who ate 3-4 daily serves of vegetables had an 18 per cent lower risk of stress than those who ate 0-1 serves daily.

Women who ate 2 daily serves of fruit had a 16 per cent lower risk of stress than women who ate 0-1 serves daily.

Women who ate 5-7 daily serves of fruit and vegetables had a 23 per cent lower risk of stress than women who ate 0-1 serves daily.

"This study shows that moderate daily fruit and vegetable consumption is associated with lower rates of psychological stress," said Melody Ding of the University of Sydneys School of Public Health.

"It also reveals that moderate daily vegetable intake alone is linked to a lower incidence of psychological stress. Moderate fruit intake alone appears to confer no significant benefit on peoples psychological stress," said Ding.

Psychological distress was measured using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, a 10-item questionnaire measuring general anxiety and depression.

Usual fruit and vegetable consumption was assessed using short validated questions.

"We found that fruit and vegetables were more protective for women than men, suggesting that women may benefit more from fruit and vegetables," said first author and University of Sydney PhD student, Binh Nguyen.

The study was published in the British Medical Journal Open. PTI SAR SAR

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HEXX at Paris Las Vegas will celebrate Easter with a decadent themed menu at HEXX Kitchen + Bar and a signature bean-to-bar chocolate gift basket at HEXX Chocolate + Confexxions, offered exclusively on Sunday, April 16 (Pictured: HEXX Easter Basket).

Photo credit: Anthony Mair.

Created by Executive Chef Matthew Piekarski, HEXX Kitchen + Bars decadent Easter menu will feature a tender honey-glazed ham, served with warm parsley butter potatoes, roasted carrots and whole wheat Parker House rolls. Offered for dinner, the meal will be priced at $21.95.

HEXX Chocolate + Confexxions, the adjacent retail shop and cafe, will offer festive chocolate gift baskets, featuring HEXXs signature bean-to-bar chocolate. The baskets include items such as plush bunnies, marshmallow kabobs, chocolate-covered eggs and mystery boxes with surprise treats. HEXXs Easter baskets start at $50.
By Press Trust of India: Nepal

New Delhi, Mar 16 (PTI) India today assured Nepal that it will expedite the enquiry into the killing of a Nepalese national at the India-Nepal border allegedly by the Indian border guarding force.

This was conveyed by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj during a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs of Nepal Bimalendra Nidhi.

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Apart from holding discussion on bilateral matters of mutual interest, including high-level exchanges between the two countries, the two sides put stress on their commitment to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in diverse sectors and to deepen traditional bonds of friendship and kinship between the two peoples.

"The External Affairs Minister expressed condolence over the death of a Nepalese national on India-Nepal border. She conveyed that the inquiry into the incident will be expedited by the Indian side," an official release said here.

The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu on March 9, however, had said that there was no incident of firing by the SSB, Indias border guarding force.

Govinda Gautam of Kanchanpur district was killed in alleged firing by the SSB at Nepal-India border last week following a dispute over building a culvert over the Sano Khola river in Kanchanpur district. However, India has denied there was any incident of firing by the SSB.

Nidhi mentioned about developments in Nepal, it said.

Swaraj also reiterated Indias support to the initiatives of the Government of Nepal in taking the constitutional process forward through dialogue and meeting the aspirations of all sections of the society.

Briefing reporters, MEA Spokesperson Gopal Baglay said that peace and stability in Nepal are of paramount interest to India.

"it has been our consistent view that the political leaders in Nepal address the constitutional issues through dialogue and consultations with participation of every section of its society. India will continue to support efforts for peace, progress and stability in Nepal," Baglay added. PTI PYK SC

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"We have decided to move forward together, in particular with the Asia-Pacific countries," Mexico's Foreign Minister Luis Videgaray Caso, seen Mar 9, 2017, said. (AFP/Brendan Smialowski)

After two days of high-level meetings in Chile, officials from the 11 other countries in TPP - plus China and South Korea - wrapped up their talks with no clear plan to replace the defunct deal but a dogged determination not to throw out years of painstaking negotiations.

"We have decided to move forward together, in particular with the Asia-Pacific countries," Mexican Foreign Minister Luis Videgaray told a news conference, without specifying which ones. "The withdrawal of a very important member of TPP opens up new opportunities," he said.

Negotiated under former US president Barack Obama, who wanted to counter China's rising influence, TPP was to have slashed tariffs and tightened trade ties between countries accounting for some 40 per cent of the world economy.

But Trump's decision to pull out of the deal killed it before it could even be implemented - the Republican president's biggest blow yet to the free-trade deals he blames for shipping American jobs overseas.

Chilean Foreign Minister Heraldo Munoz, who hosted the meeting in the Pacific resort town of Vina del Mar, said the idea was to "generate more certainty" at a time of "protectionist tendencies in some parts of the world."

China was represented at the meeting by its special representative on Latin American affairs, Yin Hengmin.

The US ambassador to Chile, Carol Perez, also attended - although she was not invited to a side meeting of the 11 remaining TPP members.

Videgaray said any future trade deals had to meet two criteria.

One is to be of the same "high quality" as TPP or higher in terms of labour regulations, environmental regulations, intellectual property protections and other requirements.

The other is that any replacement deals would have to come "in the short term," he said.

Officials did not rule out a "TPP 2.0" with China. "It would be up to China to decide, within its strategy, whether it can adopt the (regulatory) discipline of TPP," Mexican Economy Minister Ildefonso Guajardo told AFP.
A possible cost hike

Samsung Electronics HCMC CE Complex (SEHC) said this kind of PCM/VCM is different from the kind used in construction in both technical specs and purpose, so they do not cause harm to the domestic industry.

It said that the anti-dumping tariff, if applied, will make the companys goods less competitive globally, and will limit the possibility of the company raising investment in Vietnam.

SEHC estimated that the tariff would increase costs by about $25 million. We proposed leaving PCM/VCM out of the scope of the anti-dumping tariff. We will work with the MoIT on controlling imports, the company said in its speech at the session.

LG Electronics Vietnam Haiphong said the PCM/VCM it is currently importing is not yet produced domestically. The domestically produced version does not meet PoHS standards and the technical specs the company needs, while imported PCM/VCM is more durable.

LG has been importing zinc-coated unalloyed steel sheets (PCM/VCM), with the HS code 7210.7010 from China and South Korea in order to produce washing machines. Though domestically produced and imported goods have the same HS code, according to the company, the technical specs are largely different. LG proposed the same as Samsung.

A representative from Panasonic also said that there should be another HS code for PCM/VCM used to produce appliances and it should be excluded from the scope of the anti-dumping tariff, explaining that the PCM/VCM produced domestically for construction does not meet PoHS standards and cannot be used to produce refrigerators.

Panasonic said it planned to export more products made in Vietnam, to destination like Japan, but the anti-dumping tariff would force them to reconsider these plans and they may have to move the factory to another Asian country.

Plight of domestic players

Nghiem & Chinh Law Office proposed a 30 per cent tariff to be implemented for the duration of four years. The firm and steel companies that supported this tariff said that in 2013-2015 there was an unusual growth in colour-coated steel imports and there were signs of significant harm to the domestic industry.

In 2015, the total revenue of colour-coated steel producers decreased by 11 per cent on-year. Production costs rose by 4 per cent. Net profit per product unit decreased by 82 per cent. The market share of domestic companies decreased by 10.66 percentage points. In 2013-2015, the decrease was an annual 8.5 percentage points on average.

Inventory in 2016 also rose 3.5-fold of the 2013 volume, to 120,000 tonnes. Due to competition from imports, the price of similar domestically-produced colour-coated steel products decreased sharply in 2013-2016. In 2016, the price decreased by 35 per cent on-year.

Vietnam Steel Association (VSA)s data showed that in 2016 imports of colour-coated steel was 592,860 tonnes, up 91 per cent on-year and 357 per cent compared to 2013. The VSA also proposed the MoIT to consider the tariff in order for the Vietnamese steel industry to grow sustainably.
OPEC countries are complying with a landmark deal to reduce a worldwide glut in oil, the International Energy Agency says. (Photo: AFP/Prakash Singh)

"The implementation of the OPEC production agreement appears in February to have maintained the solid start seen in January, the IEA said in its latest monthly report.

"OPEC kept up robust adherence to its ... supply cut. For the first two months of the deal the compliance rate averaged 98 percent," it said, adding that "global oil supplies rose in February as (both) OPEC and non-OPEC producers pumped more."

At the end of November, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries agreed to cut output by 1.2 million barrels per day (bpd) from Jan 1, initially for a period of six months.

Then in December, non-OPEC producers led by Russia agreed to cut their own output to 558,000 bpd.

The aim was to reduce a glut in global oil supply that has depressed prices, which currently stand at around US$48-US$51 per barrel.

Nevertheless, global oil supplies increased by 260,000 bpd to 96.52 million bpd in February, the IEA calculated.

OPEC increased output by 170,000 bpd to 32 million bpd and non-OPEC oil production increased by 90,000 bpd to 57.8 million bpd, largely due to higher US output.

This meant that OPEC's compliance rate with the agreed output cut stood at 91 per cent, down from 105 per cent in January.

And after a compliance rate of 40 per cent in January for the 11 non-OPEC countries, there was still little information available on production levels in February, the IEA said.

Nevertheless, the non-OPEC output was seen "slightly higher following rising output from Kazakhstan and Sudan/South Sudan and with Russian production essentially unchanged," it added.

SHOULDERING THE BURDEN

The IEA said that Saudi Arabia was shouldering the bulk of the cuts in overall OPEC production and while it actually increased output by 180,000 bpd to 9.98 million bpd in February, it kept below the agreed limit of 10.06 million bpd.

"The market needs time for the full impact of the big supply cuts under the output reduction agreements to be felt," the report said.

"If current production levels were maintained to June when the output deal expires, there is an implied market deficit of 500,000 bpd for the the first half of 2017, assuming, of course, nothing changes elsewhere in supply and demand," the agency stated.

"It is unclear at this stage whether OPEC will extend its six-month supply pact to the end of the year," the IEA said.

"For those looking for a re-balancing of the oil market the message is that they should be patient, and hold their nerve. In the meantime, the volatility that suddenly broke out last week will probably recur, as the IEA has regularly warned."

Investors are nervous because of a surprisingly big jump in US stockpiles reported last week and increased shale production.

Overall, OECD stocks jumped for the first time in six months in January, increasing by 48 million barrels to 3.03 billion barrels "and preliminary data for February suggests they have fallen back again only modestly," the IEA said.

Turning to demand, the IEA estimated that "having expanded by 1.6 million bpd in 2016, global oil product demand growth is forecast to decelerate to 1.4 million bpd in 2017."
The foreign ministry in Jakarta said the damage caused by Caledonian Sky could amount to a criminal act. (AFP/Ruben SAUYAI)

The foreign ministry in Jakarta said the damage caused by Caledonian Sky could amount to a criminal act, and that authorities may try to seek the extradition of the ship's captain to Indonesia.

Raja Ampat in eastern Indonesia is one of the most biodiverse marine habitats on Earth, and attracts intrepid travellers and divers to its palm-fringed islands surrounded by coral and fish.

The accident happened this month when the 4,200-tonne ship smashed into the reefs at low tide around Kri, one of hundreds of small islands in Raja Ampat, after taking tourists on a bird-watching expedition.

The boat, which was carrying 102 passengers and 79 crew, became grounded on the reefs and only refloated later on a high tide. Numerous attempts to free it using a tug boat failed, and only caused further damage to the corals.

Residents of Raja Ampat, located in the remote eastern region of Papua, have expressed anger at the impact on tourism and livelihoods of fishermen, while the government has reacted with fury.

"This will not be tolerated," Indonesian foreign ministry spokesman Arrmanatha Nasir said. "The government is very concerned and very worried about this incident and certainly all steps will be taken to ensure accountability."

He added one step the government could take was to seek the extradition of the ship's captain back to Indonesia. Authorities say destruction of coral reef is against the law, and someone found guilty of deliberately carrying out such an act could be jailed for up to 10 years.

After Indonesia, the vessel sailed on to the Philippines and officials have expressed anger the captain did not stay in the country while the damage was still being assessed.

Martin Makusi, a local tourist guide and owner of a homestay in Raja Ampat, said he was "devastated" by the destruction of the reefs.

"This incident makes me sad, disappointed and angry because the coral reefs in Raja Ampat are like paradise for us," he told AFP.

Ricardo Tapilatu, a marine researcher from the University of Papua who headed a team assessing the impact, has said the Mar 4 accident damaged an estimated 13,500 square metres of coral reef which could cost up to US$16.2 million to restore.

Noble Caledonia, the British-based company that operates the Caledonian Sky, said in a statement they were "very upset" by the damage to the coral reef and were working to reach a settlement with the government.
President Trump is set to announce that the Environmental Protection Agency's emissions limits for 2022-2025 will be put on hold during a new review period. (Photo: AFP/Josh Edelson)

During a visit to auto manufacturing hub Detroit, Trump is set to announce that the Environmental Protection Agency's objectives for 2022-2025 will be put on hold during a new review period.

"We are going to hold back the EPA determination" that automakers can meet the Obama administration's strict curbs on greenhouse gas emissions, the official said.

The Trump White House says the rules were issued in an 11th hour move by the Obama administration without taking into consideration the realities of the market, the constraints of various actors in the field and consumer expectations.

"I don't think the public really had an opportunity to weigh in," the official said.

In a February letter to EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt, US auto manufacturers had asked the new president to suspend the Obama administration's restrictions, saying they could threaten employment.

Trump is set to meet with auto industry leaders and union representatives in Detroit.

"Will be going to Detroit, Michigan (love), today for a big meeting on bringing back car production to State & U.S. Already happening!" he wrote in a tweet hours before the meetings.

Since his Jan 20 inauguration, Trump has repeatedly indicated he wants to remove a number of federal environmental regulations he considers futile, saying they are hurting job creation in the United States.

Pruitt, the former attorney general of Oklahoma, was one of the EPA's fiercest opponents prior to being named by Trump to head the agency.

Last week, Pruitt sparked outrage when he went against scientific consensus in claiming that increasing greenhouse gas emissions were not a determining factor in climate change.
Staff work at the Ha Noi Stock Exchange. The HNX-Index inched up 0.34 per cent to end at 87.45 points.-VNA/VNS Photo Huy Hung

The benchmark VN-Index edged down 0.22 per cent to close at 713.14 points. The southern market increased 0.64 per cent on Tuesday. On the Ha Noi Stock Exchange, the HNX-Index inched up 0.34 per cent to end at 87.45 points.

Blue chips led the downturn as 18 of the 30 largest shares by market value and liquidity slumped and only eight advanced.

The results of the two-day Fed meeting will be revealed today in Vietnamese local time. However, according to analysts, this rate hike, if any, is forecast to have little impact on the emerging and frontier markets.

Unlike the previous two rate hikes, currencies in emerging and frontier markets have maintained positive movements since the end of December until now and there has been no sign of foreign capital withdrawal from these markets.

Investors were calm before Feds announcement due to advance warning from the US central bank and stable developments in emerging markets are expected to keep foreign capital inside these countries, said Nguyen The Minh, head of the capital market analysis division at Saigon Securities Inc.

When the decision is announced, the market will be able to fluctuate. But in my opinion, such volatility will be short term and the market will soon be back to normal, Minh told the website ndh.vn.

After a surge in the past rallies, shares in developed markets in the EU and United States have become more expensive in comparison with counterparts in emerging markets and foreign funds will unlikely sell off here, Minh added.

Yesterday, a total of 178 million shares worth nearly VND3.9 trillion (US$171 million) were traded in the two Vietnamese exchanges. Foreign investors were net buyers for a combined value of VND56 billion in the two markets.

Losers included market-leading stocks in financial, energy and steel sectors such as Vietinbank (CTG), Vietcombank (VCB), Military Bank (MBB), Saigon Securities Inc (SSI), PV Gas (GAS), PetroVietnam Drilling and Wells Service (PVD), Hoa Phat Group (HPG) and Hoa Sen Group (HSG).

After a hot rising streak, many realty shares corrected down, including Hoa Binh Construction (HBC), Novaland Investment (NVL) HCM Infrastructure and Investment (CII), Kinh Bac City Development (KBC), Tan Tao Investment Industry (ITA) and Coteccons Construction (CTD).
In a case before the Delhi High Court in 2009, the issue of all possible ways in which EVMs could be rigged was raised.

The court after hearing a detailed reply of the poll panel on why EVMs could not be rigged and after learning about EC's efforts on developing voter verified paper audit trail (VVPAT) decided to dispose of the case in 2012. The court said that VVPATs could be used in consultation with the political parties.

As explained above, the poll panel has put in place an elaborate technical and administrative system of safeguards to ensure error-free functioning of EVMs during elections.

The Election Commission said that it did not receive any specific complaints or concrete material from political parties, alleging tampering of polling machines in the recently-concluded assembly elections and that it was fully satisfied with the integrity of the electoral process.

The poll panel has assured all citizens that its EVMs are tamper-proof. It has added that it will enhance confidence of citizens in the electoral process by deploying VVPAT in a phased manner.

It is pertinent to mention at this point that such allegations and suspicions have not been raised for the first time. Even earlier, parties have brought up this issue, but no one has been able to demonstrate or give conclusive evidence to prove that that these machines can be tampered with. Hence, finding no merit in such charges, the poll panel has consistently rejected them.

However, if any specific allegation with material facts is presented before the ECI, the same will be looked into with all seriousness on administrative sides.

"To date, no one has been able to actually demonstrate that EVMs used by the Election Commission can be tampered with or manipulated. What has been demonstrated or claimed to have been demonstrated is on a privately assembled 'look-alike of ECI-EVMs' and not the actual ECI-EVM", the poll panel said.
Tradition and Spirit Behind the Day of the Dead

Remembering the deceased has been at the core of many traditional rituals and celebrations. This especially rings true in Mexico, where family and friends gather annually to pray and tell anecdotes about the departed, build altars to encourage their souls to visit the human realm, and even dress up as
For almost 10 years, former casino croupier Ly* has been locked up by his own family.

Lys life was turned upside down when, amid increasingly erratic behavior, residents of his village in Prey Veng province found him hanging from a palm tree by his legs. With little understanding of the mental health issues that had driven the once normal man to do such a thing, they and his relatives believed that restraining him was the best way of ensuring his safety.

Now 38, Ly could soon be free.

Do you want to get out? Dr. Ang Sody, clinic manager and senior psychiatrist at the Transcultural Psychosocial Organization (TPO), asked Ly on a recent visit to his home.

It is up to you, doctor, Ly replied, before whispering that he had found a mythical path to Phnom Penh.

Sody has been attempting to convince Lys family to free him, and is hopeful that this may happen within the year.

Lys father, Un Srun, 58, said he decided to chain his son up, and then lock him inside a small hut in a pagoda after a number of concerning episodes that included jumping out of a window in the middle of the night, and pulling an 80-year-old woman out of bed when she was asleep at her home.

Ly is believed to suffer from schizophrenia, a mental disorder characterized by disturbances in thought, perception and behavior.

For sufferers, the boundaries between imagination and reality can often become disrupted.

I feel better, doctor. I am feeling more peaceful, Ly told Sody, who has visited the home several times over the last six months.

Ly is one of 56 people suffering from mental health issues in Cambodia who have been reported locked up by TPOs Operation Unchain project.

However, the real number of people in this situation is unknown.

Lys family has long considered the reasons behind their smart relatives sudden change in behavior.

His aunt Kry Srim, 58, told VOA Khmer she believed financial difficulties led to the deterioration in his mental health.

While Srun Leng Sreang, Lys younger brother, said the lack of sleep endured by his sibling while working at the casino, possible drug use, and the rejection of a marriage proposal may all have been contributing factors.

But Sody of TPO said the causes of mental illness are difficult to understand, and has attempted instead to focus the family on efforts to help Lys recovery.

The familys decision to lock Ly up was not an easy one.

I used to buy a chain to lock him [with]. I locked it with tears rolling down, Leng Sreang explained.

While Ly used to be well liked in the community, his erratic behavior caused rifts between the family and their neighbors.

Leng Sreang said the family, most of whom work in Phnom Penh, worried that if they didnt lock Ly up the neighbors would be angry and do something bad to him.

We have no better choice, he said.

When Lys family made the tough decision to imprison him, they sought the advice of their local commune chief.

I asked the commune chief for approval, and they (commune officials) helped us in the process too, when we built the cage, said Leng Sreang, adding that the whole community took part in constructing Lys cage.

The hut that Ly lives in contains a small bed with a mosquito net, a toilet and a water tank for showers.

Every meal time, Lys aunt brings him food and medicine, which she says he always rejects. His father attempts to comfort him by talking through the walls.

A lack of knowledge about mental health issues and treatments in Cambodia means that people often dont know where to turn for help.

Lys family took him to traditional healers in an effort to cure him before Leng Sreang found out about TPO on Facebook.

Cambodia has modeled its mental health system on a decentralized, community-based model that rejects institutionalization.

In practice, however, such community-based approach requires a network of mental health treatment and support services, which Cambodia currently lacks, said TPO Director Chhim Sotheara.

Officials at the Department for Mental Health and Substance Abuse could not be reached for comment.

In 2015, King Norodom Sihamoni donated $5,000 to TPO, allowing the NGO to initiate the Operation Unchain project, which focuses on helping people suffering from serious mental illness who have been locked up.

Sotheara said the project has now received almost $20,000 in donations, helping to reduce the burden on patients families who have long been in need of professional support.

While working on one case, he said the team often hear of another similar situation in a village nearby, while many more people are continuing to suffer in silence.

Lys brother urged the government and donors to do more to address the issue.

Its not just here. There are a lot more who are just like my brother, and I can find them in almost every village I have been to, even in Kampong Cham, our prime ministers hometown, he said.

*Not his real name
In the wake of the death on Wednesday of ruling Cambodian Peoples Party stalwart Sok An, a deputy prime minister, the party said it was not shaky and that his death would not provoke any security concerns amid speculation of a power struggle.

Sok An, known as the minister of many arms, was a close ally of Prime Minister Hun Sen since the 1980s and served for almost four decades in post-Khmer Rouge governments. He died in a hospital in Beijing at 6.32 pm on Wednesday, according to the CPP sources. He was 66.

Sok Eysan, CPP spokesman, said that the party had lost a valuable leader, adding that despite Ans central role in CPP politics the party had many up-and-coming officials who could replace him.

The CPP is strong and unified; the storm cannot make the party shaky, he said.

Sok An was one of 10 deputy prime ministers, the minister for Hun Sens cabinet, the Council of Ministers, and had led numerous government committees, agencies and commissions since 2004.

A former teacher, Ans close relationship with Hun Sen was cemented with the wedding of his eldest son and Hun Sens second daughter, Hun Maly.

The CPP leadership is collective. When Samdech Sok An was alive and led, he did not decide anything on his own. He made collective decisions, Eysan said.

Chheang Vun, a ruling party lawmaker, said he considered An a brother who had contributed a great deal to the development of the nation and was an honest colleague.

We lost an important hero of the party, he said.

We have prepared a successor, he added, without elaborating.

Another CPP lawmaker, Pen Panha, said any successor to An would have big shoes to fill.

Ans death came at a tense time for the CPP and Cambodia, with commune elections scheduled for June and general elections drawing close.

Hun Sen, who has held power for more than three decades, has been criticized for attempting to silence all dissent ahead of the polls.

Phay Siphan, government spokesman, said Bin Chhin, another deputy prime minister and the head of the body charged with resolving land disputes, would temporarily assume Ans duties.

There is nothing happening apart from the continuance of normal administration and there are no concerns about national security, he said.

Siphan added that An was the right person with a lot of experience to take on the large workload he assumed.

Ans career was not without controversy. He began to work closely with Hun Sen after the fall of the Khmer Rouge when Hun Sen was foreign minister. He was central to the peace talks that led to the signing of the Paris Peace Agreement in 1991 and in the late 1990s had spearheaded the formation of the Khmer Rouge tribunal.

He has come under fire for alleged nepotism as his sons have received promotions and lucrative positions in the foreign ministry, Apsara Authority, the Cambodia Rice Federation and parliament.

The CPP has defended the family, saying Ans sons had the experience and skills needed to fill the roles.
Dutch voters rejection of populists in the Netherlands this week gives hope to European centrists as Europes big players  Germany and France  head to elections this year with a very real possibility of victories by anti-immigrant nationalists. But as VOA Europe Correspondent Luis Ramirez reports, there are questions of whether the Netherlands can truly serve as a test for what is to come in Europe.
Speaking to India Today, Manish Sisodia demanded that paper trail of Punjab ballots must be done to settle the issue of alleged EVMs 'ghotala'.

By Devina Gupta: It's a stand-off between the AAP and the Election Commission.

What one could call a case of sour grapes, after political parties alleged tampering of the electronic voting machines in the recent Assembly polls, Delhi's Deputy CM Manish Sisodia has upped the ante.

Speaking to India Today, Manish Sisodia demanded that paper trail of Punjab ballots must be done to settle the issue of alleged EVMs 'ghotala'.

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"If EVMs are fool proof then why not get a paper trail done? If EVM is a holy cow, then is paper trail a cow dung?," said Manish Sisodia, deputy CM, Delhi.

AAP has demanded that Election Commission must reveal the number of votes to the voter verified paper audit trail, alleging that their party's votes were 'stolen' in Punjab by Shiromani Akali Dal.

BSP chief Mayawati had first claimed a foul play alleging that EVMs were tampered which lead to the loss of her party in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly election.

AAP and Congress have now joined hands to demand the return of the paper ballot system in the upcoming MCD polls.

However, the Election Commission of India has today rejected all claims of tampering of EVMs.

"There is no merit in the claims that EVMs can be tampered with and these are wild and baseless allegations," the EC said in a statement.

Also read:

For MCD election in Delhi, use ballot paper, not EVMs: CM Arvind Kejriwal to Election Commission

AAP was sweeping Punjab, even BJP's Advani doubted EVMs: Kejriwal asks EC to probe alleged tampering

EVM machines were manipulated, claims BSP supremo Mayawati daring Modi, Shah for re-elections

WATCH THE VIDEO: In a 5-page reply, EC rubbishes Mayawati's 'EVM tampering' charges

--- ENDS ---
U.N. refugee agency special envoy Angelina Jolie made an impassioned plea Wednesday for internationalism in the face of wars driving people from their homes and a "rising tide of nationalism masquerading as patriotism."

The Hollywood actress, speaking at the United Nations in Geneva, called for a renewed commitment to the "imperfect" world body and to diplomacy to settle conflicts.

"If governments and leaders are not keeping that flame of internationalism alive today, then we as citizens must," Jolie said in the annual Sergio Vieira de Mello lecture honoring the veteran U.N. aid worker killed in a Baghdad bombing in 2003.

"We see a rising tide of nationalism, masquerading as patriotism, and the re-emergence of policies encouraging fear and hatred of others," she warned.

Jolie did not refer directly to U.S. President Donald Trump, whose administration is reviewing its funding of the United Nations and its participation in the U.N. Human Rights Council.

"A lot of the fear we observe today of refugees, of foreigners, is produced by ignorance, often fueling politicians as well," she said in response to a question.

"We have to recognize the damage we do when we undermine the U.N. or use it selectively  or not at all  or when we rely on aid to do the job of diplomacy, or give the U.N. impossible tasks and then underfund it."

Not a single humanitarian appeal to donor governments worldwide has received even half the amount needed, she said.

Operations in four countries where 20 million people are on the brink of death from starvation  Yemen, Somalia, South Sudan and Nigeria  are severely underfunded.

Jolie, who described herself as "a proud American" and "an internationalist," has worked since 2001 for the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), visiting uprooted civilians from Iraq to Cambodia and Kenya.
Nobel peace laureate Adolfo Perez Esquivel and other Argentine human rights activists have visited a Falklands Islands cemetery ahead of planned efforts by Britain and Argentina to identify the remains of 123 Argentine soldiers buried after their 1982 war.

The two nations agreed last year to have a team of forensic experts from the International Committee of the Red Cross identify the remains. Esquivel, Nora Cortinas of the Mothers of Plaza de Mayo group and other activists visited Darwin Cemetery on Tuesday.

For me it is all about looking to rebuild a bridge between the habitants of the islands and us, as human beings, as peoples. After all we have shared roots, Perez Esquivel said.

Falklands or Malvinas?

Argentina lost a brief but bloody war with Britain after Argentine troops invaded the South Atlantic archipelago. Argentina still claims the islands, which it calls the Malvinas. Britain says the Falklands are a self-governing entity under its protection.

In all, the war claimed the lives of 649 Argentines and 255 British soldiers. The bodies of the Argentine war dead are expected to be exhumed from their individual graves in June so DNA samples can be taken. Some fear the identification could lead others to ask that the remains be moved to Argentina's mainland, though that is not part of the plan at this point.

I think every one of the families has the right to decide where the bodies of their sons should finally rest, Cortinas said. We have to keep strengthening bonds among our communities and maintain respect among out peoples. In this case, this country has been colonized and we have to end with that colonization and let these people be free.

Visit concerns islanders

Some islanders have already expressed concern about the visit, saying the Argentines ignore the wishes of the Falklands' 3,000 residents who have expressed a desire to remain British.

They seem to be stuck with the idea that we are directly under colonial rule and in fact, they keep talking about our government, if they talk about our government at all, as a colonial government, said John Fowler, a former editor of the islands' weekly newspaper, the Penguin News.

In a breakthrough after decades of tense relations, Argentina and Britain also agreed last year to lift some restrictions on the extraction of natural resources, shipping and fishing industries in the Falklands and increase the number of flights between the islands and South America.
An Australian aid worker, kidnapped in Afghanistan in November, has been released.



Najib Danish, the deputy spokesman for the Afghan Ministry of Interior, confirmed that the woman was released in Kabul Monday.



Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade issued a statement confirming the release. "We thank the authorities in Afghanistan for their support and assistance," the statement said.



"Her family welcomes her safe return and asks that the media respect their privacy at this time," it added.



The woman was kidnapped at gunpoint in one of Kabuls upscale neighborhoods.



Neither the Australian embassy, nor anyone in the Afghan government has provided any information on how and why the woman was released.



Kidnappings, mostly for ransom, are considered one of the biggest risks for foreigners working in the country. Criminal gangs often kidnap people and sometimes sell them to insurgent groups like the Taliban.



Another Australian, a professor at the American University of Afghanistan, remains a hostage, along with an American colleague. Both were seized last August in Kabul.



In January, the two appeared in a video begging the American government to negotiate with their captors. The video was the first sign that the two were alive.



Another Australian aid worker was rescued last August by Afghan special forces.



Similarly, an Indian aid worker from the Aga Khan Foundation was kidnapped in Kabul last June.



While foreigners are a prime target, wealthy Afghans also face the risk of kidnapping. The Afghan Taliban also sometimes kidnap people using illegal check points.
Expanding ties between China and the United States form the backdrop of Lisa Sees latest novel, The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane, a book about Chinas growing prosperity, cross-cultural adoption and, the author says, the enduring bond between mothers and daughters.

See chronicled the Chinese experience in California in a 1995 book, On Gold Mountain, and she says the West Coast state remains a cultural crossroads. It is also the source of ideas for fictional stories like that in her new novel.

My husband and I were walking to the movies, See said, and we saw ahead of us an older white couple with their teenaged Chinese adopted daughter walking between them.

The image of a carefree family, with the daughters long pony tail swaying back and forth, would lead to a tale of inter-cultural adoption amid growing commercial ties between the United States and China.

See is the author of such best-selling novels as Snow Flower and the Secret Fan and Shanghai Girls.

Precise research

Her books are all based on on-the-ground research. A tea-tasting demonstration in the United States would inspire her to visit Yunnan Province, China, a tea-growing region near the Burmese border, which also led to the writing of this novel.

They have more varieties of plant life in that one province of China than all together in the rest of the northern hemisphere, she said. They have more species of animals in that one province of China, which is only 4 percent of Chinas overall land mass.

The biodiversity also applies to human beings: Yunnan is home of half of Chinas 55 ethnic minorities, and includes a tea-growing hill tribe called the Akha. See met an Akha family whose daughter collected stories from village elders, and the writer was fascinated.

She just told us these unbelievable stories about her family, about the neighbors, about her own experience, See said. By the end of one day, she knew that she wanted to write about the Akha.

Not 'precious enough'

Sees novel concerns an Akha woman named Li-yan who gives birth to a daughter out of wedlock. Defying a local custom that calls for the childs death, she takes the infant to an orphanage, and the girl, renamed Haley, is adopted and raised by an American family. Over time, Haley questions her identity, as do the real-life adoptees that See met in her research.

There was one girl who summed it up for me when she said, I know Im lucky and I know my parents love me and I know Im the most precious person in our family, but I wasnt precious enough for my birth parents to keep.

The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane explores this tension as the story unfolds in both America and China, where Haleys birth mother rides a wave of prosperity when Chinese products, including a rare local tea, find a worldwide market.

The separate paths of mother and daughter bring both to Los Angeles, where See says she is inspired in her writing by her own family connections and her partial Chinese background.

I have red hair and freckles, she said, but I actually grew up in a very large Chinese American family here in Los Angeles. I have about 400 relatives here, she said, about a dozen that look like me. The majority are still full Chinese.

Sees books tell the stories of Chinese and Chinese Americans, and her fiction focuses on women. The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane follows these themes as it looks at changes that prosperity has brought to one ethnic community in China.
World Water Day will be observed on March 22 but by far not every country enjoys easy access to the commodity. Among them is Cameroon where residents of major cities suffer frequent water cuts, with schools impacted in particular.

During a noisy morning at the Grace nursery and primary school in the Damas neighborhood in Cameroon's capital city, Yaounde, children all carry water bottles in their bags.

Jannette Nanyongo, the schools head teacher says at times the neighborhood in which their school is located goes for a month without a pipe-borne water supply.

"Children come late because they have to go a distance to look for water. We pity the situation and we cannot punish a child for coming late because he went to carry water. We are in need of water. We sensitize [i.e. educate] our [students] parents. They make the children come to school with their water containers. The water that we have to keep for them in school is not all that sufficient," Nanyongo said.

At a stream situated at Tam Tam Week End, three kilometers from the Damas neighborhood, hundreds of people are assembling to fetch water. Animals are drinking from the same source and families are also washing their clothes there.

Among the people there was Fabian Tantoh who said he would filter the water before drinking it.

"I am telling you that it is two weeks today in Tam Tam Week End that there is no [pipe-borne] water supply. We capture water from the rain and then we filter it before [we] drink it. There are even people that take water from the streams to drink directly without having a filter because the filter is not given to everybody. So you must drink water the way that you have seen it. You drink it," Tantoh said.

Those who have the means get bottled water.

Yaounde has a population of over three million. Residents need a daily supply of about 300,000 cubic meters of pipe-borne water but barely 35 percent of it is supplied. People have resorted to unsafe sources to get the precious liquid.

Others rely on rainfall, but dry seasons are now longer and rainy seasons shorter than they were 30 years ago. Augustine Njamshi of the environmental non-governmental organization Bio-Resource and Development Center in Cameroon says constant changes in weather patterns are impacting water supply.

"We have the issue of climate change which is making rainwater harvesting very, very difficult for communities that have been depending on rainwater harvesting to have their source of fresh water for use. So it is a big concern and we think that this has to be redressed as soon as possible. We are endowed with fresh water resources, but we do not have water to drink," Njamshi said

Cameroon plans to increase Yaoundes water supply to 500,000 cubic meters in two years by tapping into the Sanaga, one of the country's largest rivers.The move should increase potable water supply from more than 30 percent to 60 percent of the population.

Cameroon is not alone in this. U.N.-Water, which coordinates the annual World Water Day campaign, reports that there are over 663 million people in the world living without a safe water supply close to home, spending countless hours queueing for or trekking to distant sources, and coping with the health impacts that come with using contaminated water.
On a cold winter morning in the Iranian capital recently, a homeless dog lay basking in the sun's rays for warmth. Suddenly, the canine moaned  it had been shot with an anesthetic dart from a blowpipe. It ran several steps, then fell immobilized.

The cream-and-gray colored dog was collected by a worker for a new shelter where it will be given a medical check, neutered and microchipped  the first such initiative in this country where strays in the street are usually killed.

The Aradkouh Stray Dogs Shelter has been hired by the Tehran city government to take a new, more humane approach to deal with the burgeoning problem of stray dogs in the capital. It's a sign of changing attitudes among officials in a country where Islamic authorities have long seen dogs as "un-Islamic" and at times still confiscate them from people who have dogs as pets and walk them in public or drive with them in their cars.

Although there are no official numbers, in some Tehran neighborhoods  especially in poorer districts  strays are rampant and a nuisance and the shelter captures 30 to 40 dogs per day. District 18, for example, a poor neighborhood in Tehran's southwest known for its farmland, brick furnace towers, junkyards and factories, has some of the most stray dogs in the city.

"This area has a countless number of dogs and sometimes they pass by in hordes," said Einollah Ardalanisaid, a garage owner in southern Tehran who hailed the initiative that began less than a year ago. "I think it is great if these dogs can be collected in a managed way so that neither the dogs nor the citizens are harmed."

The shelter, located near the small town of Kahrizak, caters to the captured dogs' needs, including feeding them and examining them for disease. Shelter workers vaccinate the dogs and sterilize them to control the stray population. After about two weeks, the dogs are microchipped and registered in a data bank so they can be tracked down later. The facility is equipped with surgery rooms, sonography machines and a kitchen.

On a recent day, there were 500 mature dogs and 145 puppies being looked after by the shelter's staff. All the dogs are available for adoption.

Urban animal control vehicles set off in the mornings to hunt for strays, their destination determined by reports from citizens or places where the population of the animals is conspicuously large. The staff's hunting tools are blowpipes or guns armed with dart syringes filled with anesthetic drugs.

The workers are trained to try to catch the animals as gently as possible and are advised not to use force.

In Islam, dogs are seen as unclean. However, police dogs, shepherd dogs and rescue dogs are common, and there have been no reports of clerical backlash against the shelter's operations.

Prior to the shelter's arrival, the preferred method of dealing with stray animals was to shoot them dead.

In one horrific case in 2015, dogs were injected with a deadly substance, presumably acid. Videos were published on social media showing dogs dying while moaning in agony. The videos quickly went viral, sparking widespread outrage and prompting protests by animal rights activists and celebrities.

An animal activist who filmed the dog killings in the city of Shiraz in central Iran claimed that private contractors were paid about $4 for each dog they killed. Local authorities denied having any role in the incident.

Since the advent of the shelter, municipal authorities claim that not a single dog is killed inhumanely and that the animals are being treated in a far more civil manner.

Hassan Heidari, director of Tehran's Urban Animal Control Department, told The Associated Press that killing dogs or any other animals is against Islamic teachings and animal rights.

"From a moral and Islamic point of view, we are not allowed to treat these animals violently," he said. "Observance of animal rights was another motive that made us stop killing dogs.

"We are now catching them alive despite its costs and troubles," he added. "Today, with God's grace, we have accomplished a very useful and pleasant achievement."

After shooting the dogs with the darts, the animals are placed in the air-conditioned rear compartments of the dog-catcher vehicles.

Upon arrival at the shelter, after being fed and checked for illness, some dogs are neutered or treated with medicine in the facility's clinic and can spend 15 to 45 days there recovering. The dogs are then given to animal supporters who adopt them, or they are released into the wild.

Dogs that are not adopted receive a collar and a microchip that contains the dog's full history.

Dr. Hamid Ghahremanzadeh, the Canadian-educated veterinarian who runs the shelter, says staffers make an effort to find the dogs a home.

"We make arrangements to give [adopters] a registered dog with an ID," he said. "If there is no adopter, we will release the sterilized dog at the same spot where we took them."
China's special envoy for Asian affairs met with two groups of ethnic armies Tuesday in an attempt to quell fighting along the Myanmar-China border.

Recent fighting in the Kokang Region in Myanmar's Northern Shan State, near Chinese territory, has left dozens dead and sent a host of refugees fleeing across the border.

At the sessions in Kunming, the capital of China's Yunnan Province, Sun Guoxiang met with the United Wa State Army (UWSA)  the largest armed ethnic group  on Tuesday morning before meeting with members of the Northern Alliance. That includes the Arakan Army (AA), the Kokant or Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA).

The AA's Colonel Nyo Tun Aung told VOA Burmese that Sun urged an end to fighting, which was causing instability along China's border.

The groups that met with Sun had urged China and the United Nations to join the internal peace process overseen by Myanmar's de facto leader, Noble Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi. She wants to bring all ethnic armed groups into the government-sponsored peace process through the signing of a nationwide cease-fire agreement. None of the groups that attended the Tuesday sessions have signed the agreement.

China's concern about the fighting arises in part from its "One Belt, One Road" initiative, designed to improve regional access to world markets. Part of the multi-billion-dollar infrastructure project is expected to cross Myanmar on the way to a deep-water port in the Indian Ocean. Fighting in the Kokang region between the ethnic armies and the Myanmar military is disrupting the plan.

At both meetings, Nyo said Sun asked "what he could do" to mediate among the three parties  the Myanmar military, the ethnic groups and the Myanmar government.

"It's kind of a bridge process ... mainly because China wants the conflict resolved," Nyo said.

Hla Kyan Zaw, a Myanmar analyst based in Kunming, said, "I assume China will do whatever they can to have peace in the area."

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 Kunming, but talks fell through soon after the participants arrived.

Tension between the central government and ethnic militias in the northern region near China's Yunnan province erupted March 6 in Laukkai, capital of the Kokang special region and an important trading town on the Salween River, which forms Myanmar's border with China.

China has offered $3 million to support peace talks, and its diplomats are urging the government and all ethnic-group armies to sign an inclusive nationwide cease-fire.
The Trump administration went to work rolling back another Obama-era environmental regulation Wednesday.

Regulators announced they would review strict vehicle fuel efficiency standards finalized days before President Donald Trump took office.

Trump calls the rules "industry-killing regulations." But environmental and doctors groups say they are cleaning the air and helping Americans at the pump.

The rules now under review require an average of 54.5 miles per gallon (23 kilometers per liter) from an automaker's entire fleet by 2025.

"No conventional vehicle today meets that target," the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, an industry trade group, said in a February 21 letter to EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt. Hybrid and electric vehicles do, but they make up less than 3.5 percent of vehicles made today, the group said.

And with gas prices low, consumers are buying more trucks and SUVs and fewer fuel-efficient vehicles. That makes it harder to reach the fleetwide gas mileage target.

Automakers fear they will be punished for selling what consumers want to buy. They said it would cost $200 billion between 2012 and 2025 to comply with the rules.

"These standards are costly for automakers and the American people," said Pruitt.

Ahead of schedule

But supporters of such efficiency standards noted that the industry was already improving them ahead of schedule.

"There's no doubt that the current standards are reasonable and achievable," said Kristin Igusky at the World Resources Institute. "In fact, the industry as a whole has surpassed the vehicle standards in each of the last four years, while creating jobs and selling more vehicles than ever."

The EPA announced last November that more than 100 vehicles on the market already met 2020 efficiency standards, even as the industry hit a sales record.

"Rolling back vehicle fuel standards would make Americans spend more at the pump, leaving them with less for their families and basic needs," Igusky added.

"It's not an economic issue alone. It's a health issue," added Jonathan Patz, head of the University of Wisconsin Global Health Institute.

Patz spoke at Wednesday's launch of the Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health, a new alliance of physicians groups representing more than half of the nation's doctors.





"To roll back these standards is going to harm our health, Patz added. An estimated 58,000 people die each year from car and truck pollution "To roll back these standards is going to harm our health, Patz added.

The transportation sector releases about a quarter of the greenhouse gases in the United States, according to the EPA.

Low-hanging fruit

Although manufacturers are meeting fuel efficiency targets now, it may get harder as the 2025 deadline gets closer, according to industry analyst Kevin Riddell with LMC Automotive.

Riddell said automakers had "picked up a lot of the low-hanging fruit" in terms of increasing efficiency. "The newer technologies that they're looking at now are starting to add some considerable cost."

Plus, regulators have allowed truck efficiency to improve at a slower pace than that for cars. That changes in 2022, when the pace of truck improvements will have to increase.

"That's going to be a bigger challenge," Riddell said.

The industry says it is not opposed to raising fuel efficiency standards. But it says the Obama administration rushed them into place without considering the impact.

Review set for 2018

A midterm review of the rules is not due until April 1, 2018. The EPA finalized its decision not to change them on January 12, just before Obama left office.

With the Trump administration's announcement, Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers chief Mitch Bainwol said, "Now we will get back to work ... in carefully determining how we can improve mileage and reduce carbon emissions while preserving vehicle safety, auto jobs, and affordable new cars and trucks."

But in a global marketplace, automakers have more to think about than just EPA rules, Riddell noted.

"Even if these targets are eased up a bit," he said, "Europe is not going to ease up on their targets. China is not going to ease up on their targets."
President Donald Trump's proposed budget for the coming fiscal year  released early Thursday  outlines an aggressive immigration-related plan that focuses on building a wall on the border with Mexico and bolstering the removal of undocumented immigrants.

Trump's budget would boost military and security spending at the expense of many government agencies, with the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of State facing cuts of roughly 30 percent.

In keeping with those priorities, the budget calls for freeing up billions of dollars for border security and immigration enforcement, which the Trump administration has linked to national security.

The bulk of the immigration-related spending, if Congress approves a budget similar to what Trump proposes, would be for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) whose budget would grow by almost 7 percent. DHS is the primary agency overseeing immigration and border protection. The president also called for increasing staffing of immigration judges through the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Since his first week in office in January, Trump has sought to push through campaign promises targeting the country's undocumented immigrant community  drawing the ire of immigrants' rights groups.

"[The budget] is a blueprint that advances a mass deportation agenda," said Kamal Essaheb, director of policy and advocacy at the National Immigration Law Center.

Watch: White House 2018 Budget Draws Mixed Reactions

Trump's proposed budget would:

* Add $2.6 billion for the border wall and "border security technology" (DHS)

* Add $1.5 billion for expanded detention, transportation and removal of undocumented immigrants (DHS)

* Add $314 million to recruit, hire and train 500 new Border Patrol Agents and 1,000 new Immigration and Customs Enforcement law enforcement personnel, plus support staff (DHS)

* Add $171 million for additional short-term detention space to hold federal detainees, including criminal aliens, parole violators, and other offenders awaiting trial or sentencing (DOJ)

* Add $80 million to hire 75 additional immigration judge teams (bringing total number of teams to 449) (DOJ)

* Add $15 million to make the E-Verify system mandatory nationwide (DHS)

* Add 60 additional border enforcement prosecutors and 40 deputy U.S. Marshals for the apprehension, transportation and prosecution of criminal aliens (DOJ)

* Add 20 attorneys to pursue federal efforts to obtain the land and holdings necessary to secure the southwest border and another 20 attorneys and support staff for immigration litigation assistance (DOJ)

* Cut $210 million for the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program (DOJ)

* Cut the Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance account (Department of State)
The government spokesman in the Democratic Republic of Congo has criticized the United Nations after two U.N. officials were kidnapped in the center of the country Sunday. The spokesman says his government had not been informed of their movements.

Michael Sharp, an American, and Zahida Katalin, a Swedish citizen, as well as the four Congolese nationals accompanying them, were kidnapped in the province of Kasai Central in central DRC.

The U.N. mission in the DRC, known as MONUSCO, and the Congolese security forces have been looking for the six since being informed of their abduction, but so far without success.

DRC's communications minister, Lambert Mende, told VOA on Wednesday that the government did not know Sharp and Katalin were in the country, which is not acceptable. Mende says U.N. officials are free to carry out their inquiries and humanitarian work, but that it is necessary to inform authorities of their presence.

The Kasai region, where the kidnapping took place, has been the scene of an escalating conflict between the DRC's security forces and militiamen since August of last year when the Congolese military killed a customary chief, known as Kamwina Nsapu. A militia of his followers is now active in the three provinces of Kasai and in Lomami Province. More than 400 people have been killed and 200,000 displaced by the violence, according to the U.N.'s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

The DRC's interior minister told Jeune Afrique, a French magazine, that members of that militia had carried out the attack.

Mende told VOA that if local authorities had been informed of the officials' presence, they could have provided an escort or warned the U.N. group that the area is an operational zone where militants are active.

Sharp and Katalin are members of the U.N.'s Group of Experts on the DRC, which carries out research into conflict in the country and reports directly to the Security Council. The U.N. has more than 19,000 peacekeeping troops in the DRC, but most are deployed in the east rather than the country's center.
India is also considering a nationwide "fat tax" for so-called "junk foods", a senior government official said, although that is unlikely to be rolled out in the near term.

By Reuters: Several food and drink multinationals and trade groups met in recent weeks to discuss how to lobby more effectively against Indian proposals for higher taxes and stricter labelling rules on fatty or sugary foods, sources familiar with the talks said.

According to officials, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration has begun to look closely at policy proposals under discussion since at least 2015, raising concerns over the possible impact on the $57 billion sector.

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Alarmed by rising rates of obesity and diabetes, India plans to frame draft rules within a month requiring manufacturers to display the fat, sugar and salt content of products on packaging.

FAT TAX IN OFFING?

It is also considering a nationwide "fat tax" for so-called "junk foods", a senior government official said, although that is unlikely to be rolled out in the near term.

Last month, executives from companies including PepsiCo, Nestle and Indian consumer firm ITC met trade groups in New Delhi to coordinate efforts and urge the government to resist pressure from health advocates, according to an industry source aware of the meeting.

The attendees, who felt their efforts to push back had been too piecemeal, talked about forming a core group to unify their message when engaging the government, the source said.

PepsiCo and Nestle in India did not comment directly on the meeting or its outcome. ITC did not respond to requests for comment.

Trade group All India Food Processors' Association (AIFPA), whose members range from street vendors to global conglomerates, said two industry-wide meetings were held in February.

Its members, who also discussed ways to offer more nutritious products, plan to send a joint representation to the government and approach health and food officials to express concerns about stringent regulations.

PROMISING GROWTH

The stakes are high for companies like PepsiCo, Coca-Cola, Nestle and McDonald's, which have collectively committed billions of dollars to expand in the world's fastest growing major economy.

India's carbonated drinks sector is estimated to grow an average 3.7 percent annually between 2017 and 2021, while the packaged food sector will grow by 8 percent a year during the same period, Euromonitor International estimates.

Government pressure comes in various forms

Modi recently told PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi that her company needed to focus more on public health, an aide to the prime minister said.

Separately, the prime minister's office asked PepsiCo to outline how it would reduce sugar in beverages sold in India, the aide added.

PepsiCo did not comment on those remarks by Modi and his office. It referred Reuters to its October 2016 global commitment "to transform its portfolio and offer healthier options". Modi's office did not respond to an email seeking comment.

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A Coca-Cola India representative referred questions on proposed regulatory changes to the Indian Beverage Association, which said their impact was "under evaluation".

Nestle corporate affairs executive Sanjay Khajuria said the company was "working to improve the nutrient profile" of their products.

"These are complex public health issues which require (a) holistic multi-stakeholder approach and we are committed to work with authorities," Khajuria said in an email.

The CEO of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), Pawan Kumar Agarwal, welcomed industry concerns about tougher rules.

"It is a good thing if it helps in providing healthier options," he told Reuters in an interview.

PLANNED REGULATIONS

The number of obese men and women in India rose to about 30 million by 2014 from 1.2 million in 1975, according to a study by British medical journal The Lancet, although the comparative figure for China was around 90 million.

Concerns about the health effects of fast food and soda drinks have been growing globally in recent years.

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Mexico imposed higher taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages, for example, while South Korea placed television advertising restrictions on specific food items.

But India has been slow to finalise rules on products high in fat, sugar and salt, whose consumption health advocates say urgently needs to be checked to safeguard public health.

Agarwal denied industry pressure was affecting the implementation of tighter regulations, adding that India was nudging companies to make healthier products while working on new rules.

The FSSAI is considering advertising norms to check on health claims made by companies and is working on educating consumers about the health effects of foods containing high levels of sugar or fat.

One government official said the regulator was deliberating whether disclosures about the nutritional value of food should be placed on the front of packages.

Another labelling proposal under review was a "traffic light" system, where red, yellow and green colours depict nutritional value, similar to one used in the United Kingdom.

"Traffic light is making (reading labels) simple," Agarwal said. "Red people associate with danger, green is okay".

But trade body AIFPA said such labelling was of no use.

"Most Indian foods will be red. So what purpose does it serve?" said the group's president, Subodh Jindal.

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Potentially more significant for major brands would be a nationwide "fat tax", which authorities are discussing and was last year announced by the southern state of Kerala.

There, branded restaurants like McDonald's and Domino's Pizza face a 14.5 percent tax, higher than that applied to smaller, indigenous outlets serving the same fare or Indian cuisine often high in sugar and fat.

"It makes the larger players nervous," said an industry executive, calling the discourse on "junk food" in India discriminatory and unscientific.

McDonald's India did not comment on the government's discussions on a nationwide "fat tax". Domino's India said its spokesman was not available.

Also read:

FSSAI relaxes guidelines that got Maggi in trouble, issues order on defying MSG related norms

--- ENDS ---
Dutch voters' rejection of populists in the Netherlands this week gives hope to European centrists as Germany and France head to elections this year with a very real possibility of victories by anti-immigrant nationalists.

But there are questions of whether the Netherlands can truly serve as a test for what is to come in Europe.



Dutch voters on Wednesday gave a second chance to the centrists, despite a wave of anger over an immigration policy that some believe has allowed the tiny, but influential, nation to become flooded with Muslim newcomers.



Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte celebrated his center-right VVD party's victory in parliamentary elections that won him 33 out of 150 seats, enough to retain control. Rutte praised his supporters for rejecting what he called the "wrong kind of populism."





Few expected a victory for the Freedom Party, or PVV, of anti-Islam crusader Geert Wilders. He conceded losing this battle, but not the war he is fighting against a culture he believes oppresses women and gay people.



"I would have rather been the largest party in this election. It is a pity that we did not succeed in that . We have to wait until the next election, but we are a party that did not lose," Wilders told supporters after the majority of the votes were counted.



Coming in second with control of 20 seats in parliament, Wilders did not win a majority but his party gained five seats in parliament, while the center-right party lost ground overall.





Symbolic example



"These elections matter in the broader picture because the Netherlands is a founding member of the EU, and it used to be a country that set the benchmark for liberal open governance in Europe," said Angelos Chryssogelos, a teaching fellow in International Relations and Politics at King's College London.



The Netherlands is a tiny nation with a population of only 17 million people, but is seen as an economic and cultural giant and a symbol of modern Western liberalism.



Europe had reason to be watching the Dutch elections.



"They are a big deal because in a sense they are the hors d'oeuvres to the main course, which is the French presidential election, so they come at a critical juncture," Chryssogelos said.



Wilders' party's showing may not necessarily mean a defeat for nationalists in France and Germany.



France was hit by a wave of terrorist attacks, including ones that killed 137 people in Paris in 2015 and a truck attack in Nice that claimed 86 lives last July. Germany has also suffered much-publicized attacks including one at a Christmas market in Berlin last December that left 12 dead.





The wave of violence has galvanized support for French right-wing candidate Marine Le Pen and her National Front, while in Germany, Angela Merkel's decision to accept more than one million refugees at the peak of the migrant crisis was blamed for her Christian Democratic Union's losses in elections in her home state last year.



Anti-immigrant sentiments have fueled support for the new Alternative fur Deutschland, or ADF, party.







The middle way



The Dutch experience has been different.



In the Netherlands, the election campaign further exposed tensions and anger over the country's rising population of Muslim immigrants. That was a key theme for Wilders, who faced a court battle for inciting hatred after asking supporters at a rally whether they want more or fewer Moroccans in the Netherlands and drawing a resounding response of "Fewer!"



But the Netherlands has not been the scene of major terrorist attacks recently, and analysts say that made for a more civil election than Wilders' campaign rhetoric might have suggested.



"In general Dutch democracy functioned well; high turnout, clear choices on the ballot and a campaign that was less negative than feared," tweeted Pepijn Bergsen, a Netherlands analyst writing for The Economist Intelligence Unit.



Analysts say it may also explain why Dutch voters have, once again, chosen the middle road.
President Donald Trumps blueprint budget calls for a dramatic increase in defense and homeland security spending, offset by deep cuts to foreign aid and federal agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency.

But could there be another way to build up the military without taking money away from other valuable programs? Americans for Tax Fairness (ATF) thinks so.

American multinational corporations owe $700 billion in U.S. taxes on profits they are holding offshore - much of it earned in the United States, said ATF spokesman Ron Eckstein. Before cutting spending on important services that affect people's lives, President Trump should make these giant corporate tax dodgers pay what they owe.

Tax deferral explained

Multinational corporations, like their domestic counterparts, are taxed at the rate of 35 percent. If a company operating overseas pays taxes to a foreign government, these are deducted from its U.S. tax bill, which means that its effective tax rate may be much lower.

Through a nearly century-old provision in the tax code known as deferral, the U.S. doesnt tax multinationals on their overseas income until they repatriate the money back to their parent companies on U.S. soil.

Deferral was originally intended as a way to encourage overseas investment and provide relief for U.S.-based multinational companies paying taxes to foreign governments.

But it didnt take long for multinationals to figure out that by setting up subsidiaries in overseas tax havens, they could avoid paying tax indefinitely by stashing profits in those subsidiaries - a process known as inversion.

Today, U.S. multinationals hold more than $2.4 trillion offshore  thats more than Trumps $1.15 trillion budget - and currently owe the U.S. government about $700 billion in back taxes on all that money.

The Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy (ITEP) released a report March 9 showing that 100 Fortune 500 corporations paid no federal income taxes at least once in the last eight years. Eighteen corporations, including General Electric, International Paper, Priceline.com and PG&E, even received tax refunds from the IRS on their combined profits from 2008 to 2015.

ITEP says 48 corporations paid an effective tax rate of less than 10 percent over the same period. On average, large, profitable corporations in the United States paid an effective federal income tax rate of 21.2 percent over the eight-year period, significantly below the statutory 35 percent tax rate.

Theres a huge tax advantage to multinationals with deferral, said Frank Clemente, executive director of Americans for Tax Fairness in an earlier interview. Essentially, they get to use this money for free without paying any taxes on itindefinitely. It makes them look more profitable; the more profitable they are, the higher the value of their stock.

And these companies apparently work hard to see that the loophole stays in place. According to Oxfam America, between 2008 and 2014, the top 50 U.S. multinationals spent about $2.7 billion on lobbying against any changes.

How to bring funds back

Over the years, lawmakers have floated a number of proposals for either ending deferral outright or encouraging corporations to bring their profits back home.

In a 2004 experiment, Congress enacted a voluntary tax holiday, offering corporations that brought their profits home a highly-discounted tax rate of 5.25 percentwith one caveat: The repatriated funds should be spent on research, development and new jobs.

More than 840 companies took advantage of the holiday, bringing back about $312 billionthats a tax break of about $100 billion collectively.

But studies have since shown that most of the money wasnt reinvested; it ended up in the pockets of executives and shareholders. Pharmaceutical giant Pfizer, for example, brought back $35.5 billion, but cut more than 11,000 jobs over the following two years. Hewlett-Packard repatriated $14.5 billion and, a year later, laid off more than 14,000 workers and purchased about $4 billion of its own stock.

Worse, said Clemente, the holiday encouraged corporations to continue stashing profits offshore in the hopes of another tax holiday in the future.

Thats the irony of this whole thing, he said. Between 2008 and 2013, U.S. multinationals nearly doubled their offshore holdings to more than $2.1 trillion.

Even so, lawmakers have continued to consider repatriation holidays as a remedy to offshore tax avoidance. In 2014, Rep. John Delaney (D-MD) proposed a mandatory repatriation at an 8.75 percent tax rate. Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) and his former Democratic counterpart Barbara Boxer proposed a 6.5 percent tax on funds voluntarily repatriated, to help encourage companies to bring money home.

Trump position

Trumps 2015 tax plan called for ending deferral altogether: Corporations will no longer be allowed to defer taxes on income earned abroad, but the foreign tax credit will remain in place because no company should face double taxation, it read.

Later, his language shifted, according to Scott Greenberg, an analyst at the Tax Foundations Center for Federal Tax Policy.

In fact, the latest version of his tax plan, released in September 2016, makes no mention of ending deferral, or any other changes to how income earned overseas will be taxed going forward, he said.

To try and keep companies from deferring offshore profits, Trump indicated he would lower the corporate income tax from 35 percent to 15 percent. He would also would enact a deemed (that is, compulsory) repatriation of foreign profits, which would be taxed at 10 percent.

House Republicans, however, appear to have different ideas. In June 2016, they released a tax reform proposal that would move the U.S. from a worldwide tax system, meaning that companies pay taxes on both domestic and foreign earning, to a territorial system, by which they would only pay taxes on profits they earn at home. And they would lower the corporate tax rate to 20 percent. Ending deferral appeared not to be an option.

Last week, Senators Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) introduced a bill to end the deferral loophole.

The truth is that we have a rigged tax code that has essentially legalized tax-dodging for large corporations, Sanders said during a press conference.

The Corporate Tax Dodging Prevention Act would tax all funds currently held offshore at the full corporate tax rate of 35 percent. Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.) introduced a companion bill in the House.

Trump had promised to make tax reform a priority during his first 100 days in office and in February said he hoped to release a plan sometime this month. But analysts say that between debates over Obamacare, the federal budget, Trumps travel ban, and allegations of wiretapping by the previous administration, that tax plan will likely be many more months in coming.
One woman will make history next week as the first female Marine to join the infantry through the traditional entry-level training process that was previously unavailable to women, officials tell VOA.

The Marine is finishing up her training as a mortarman and will graduate next week from the U.S. Marine Corps School of Infantry at Camp Geiger in eastern North Carolina, said Marine Capt. Joshua Pena, a spokesman for the Marine Corps Training and Education Command.

"More women will follow her from this moment forward," added U.S. Marine Corps Communication Capt. Philip Kulczewski.

Officials say the newest woman in the infantry will go to 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment in Camp Pendleton, near San Diego, California.

The Marines now have a total of four women in the infantry. Three female Marines joined 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, in January after making a lateral move request to join the infantry.

Those three were among 144 female Marines who graduated from the Marine Corps' School of Infantry in 2013-2015, when it was temporarily opened up to women in order to study how gender integration would affect combat readiness. Each of the three women has entered the infantry under the specialty she successfully trained for while attending the school.

The results of the Marine Corps' gender integration study showed that male-only Marine units were faster and more lethal. When it came to critical thinking, however, the joint male-female units outperformed the male-only groups.

Female Marines were given the opportunity to join an infantry unit after former Secretary of Defense Ash Carter ordered that all military positions, including all combat positions, be opened to women beginning in 2016.

The Marine Corps had requested an exemption for infantry and armor positions, but Carter overruled the request, saying the military should operate under a common set of standards.
The new documentary Trophy opens in a sprawling corner of South Africa run by John Hume, who is praised by some as protecting the continents rhinos from extinction and vilified by others for trying to turn the animals into cash spinners.

Trophy, shown this week at the South by Southwest film festival in Austin, examines how efforts to commercialize wild animals and encourage big-game hunting in Africa can generate funds for conservation, while also arousing criticism.

We want the viewer to go through a roller coaster of being challenged and being confused, filmmaker Shaul Schwarz said in an interview, adding there were no easy answers for protecting Africas big game.

How to protect wildlife

Trophy looks at people like Hume, the worlds largest private rhino breeder, who has spent large sums to protect the animals from poachers seeking to kill them for their horns.

Hume trims the tips of the horns from his 1,500 rhinos every two years, building a stockpile worth tens of millions of dollars that he wants to sell. He is lobbying to make the trade legal and use proceeds to protect more rhinos.

Some conservationists criticize him for wanting to turn a wild animal into a commodity, similar to the treatment of livestock.

Rhino horns, which can grow back, sell for prices higher than gold in parts of Asia where there is a belief, unfounded by science, that they can cure cancer.

Because of Asian demand, rhino poaching in South Africa surged to a record 1,215 animals in 2014. South Africa has about 20,000 rhinos, or about 80 percent of the worlds rhino population.

Game resorts and hunting

The film also asks questions about the role of game resorts sustained by hunting that can restore African ecosystems.

Tourists on photo safaris may spend a few hundred dollars a night to stay at an African game lodge, while a hunter can be paying several thousand dollars a night to kill game.

Data is scarce on how much money hunting generates across Africa. But in South Africa, the Environment Ministry has said the hunting industry is worth about 6.2 billion rand ($485 million) a year.

A license to hunt a lion in southern Africa can go for about $50,000. International agencies regulate some of the hunts and direct that proceeds be used to support conservation efforts in impoverished parts of the continent.

During filming, hunting became a global issue after an American trophy hunter in 2015 killed a lion named Cecil, provoking an international outcry.

After that, Schwarz and fellow filmmaker Christina Clusiau lost access to some sources who feared backlash.

It is hard to wrap your head around the idea that to conserve something, sometimes we may have to kill, Clusiau said.
U.S. President Donald Trump has vowed to get tough on trade partners like China, Mexico and Germany. Now his Treasury chief, Steven Mnuchin, will get his first opportunity to confront them all in one room.

The meeting of the 20 most powerful economies finance ministers in Germany this week is likely to be dominated by talk about whether to commit to free trade, as previous meetings have, or implicitly accept that some countries may put up barriers, like tariffs, as Trump has promised.

The officials are also scheduled to discuss their longstanding ban on manipulating currencies to gain economic advantage. Weakening a currency can help a countrys exporters, but can also end up dumping its troubles with business costs and competitiveness on its trade partners.

Focus on final statement

The gathering Friday and Saturday in the southern German resort town of Baden-Baden will help set the tone for international commerce and finance and will give Mnuchin a chance to clarify what the U.S. position is.

The focus will be on the final statement issued jointly by the finance ministers Saturday.

Last years gathering of the Group of 20 finance ministers in Chengdu, China, issued a statement opposing all forms of protectionism. This time, such unequivocal language could be softened to refer to trade that is open and fair, without the absolute opposition to import restrictions to benefit domestic workers.

Trump has repeatedly emphasized that the U.S. needs a tougher approach to trade that would put American workers and companies first. He has pulled the U.S. out of the proposed Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement with Japan and other Pacific Rim countries and he has started the process to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement with Mexico and Canada, both of whom are G-20 members.

Additionally, Britain is preparing to pull out of the European Union and its free-trade zone that permits cross border business without import and export taxes, or tariffs, after voters chose to leave in a referendum last year.

What changes does US want?

We are committed to open and fair trade, said a senior U.S. Treasury official this week, who briefed reporters only on condition of anonymity to discuss the U.S. position ahead of the talks. That means a trading system that has a level playing field for our firms and our workers globally. We will be encouraging policies that lead to that level playing field.

The official would not comment on what language might be in the finance ministers final statement this week.

He also did not want to discuss what changes if any the United States might be seeking to the G-20s statement on currency policy but said Mnuchin would press counterparts to live up to their commitments to refrain from manipulation. During the campaign, Trump said he planned to name China a currency manipulator right after he took office. But since taking office, he has not discussed the topic.

Federal Reserve chair Janet Yellen will join Mnuchin in representing the United States. Other prominent participants will be European Central Bank President Mario Draghi, Chinas finance minister, Xiao Jie, and the host finance minister, Wolfgang Schaeuble of Germany.

Greater focus on jobs

The G-20 is also to discuss ways to strengthen the global economy and create more jobs. Other issues include international financial regulation and efforts to crack down on tax avoidance and evasion.

The summit is taking place with the global economy in relatively good shape: the International Monetary Fund predicts growth of 3.4 percent this year and 3.6 percent next year, compared with 3.1 percent last year.

Yet the election results in Britain and the U.S. have underlined discontent with trade and globalization and a sense among many that the benefits of a globalized economy  that is, fewer barriers to trade and business  do not reach enough people.

Ahead of the summit, IMF head Christine Lagarde said that it was clear that highly educated workers benefit more from globalization and called for the G-20 to focus on greater efforts to equip lower-skilled workers with the tools they need to seek and find better-paying jobs. Those could include targeted job training and education.

The G-20 calls itself the premier forum for cooperation on international economic issues. Its members make up more than 80 percent of the world economy. The finance ministers meeting will pave the way for a meeting of national leaders in Hamburg, Germany, July 7-8.

The G-20s decisions and statements are not legally binding on member countries. The group depends on the individual leaders commitments to follow through back home, and the degrees and speed of compliance can vary.


By the time a lawsuit over pollution from a nuclear weapons plant had reached Judge Neil Gorsuch, it had crawled through the courts for more than two decades, outliving some of the landowners who said the contamination destroyed their property values.

That pace didn't sit well with Gorsuch, a judge for the Denver-based 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, and now President Donald Trump's nominee for the U.S. Supreme Court.

This long lingering litigation deserves to find resolution soon, Gorsuch wrote for the panel, which sent the case back to a lower court to be handled promptly in favor of the landowners.

Many conservation groups say Gorsuch is too conservative and too much like the man he would replace, the late Justice Antonin Scalia, to be considered a friend of the environment. But when it comes to his record on issues like pollution and environmental regulations, he can't be painted as someone who always finds in favor of businesses, according to an Associated Press review of his rulings.

Sides with EPA



In 2010, Gorsuch sided with the Environmental Protection Agency when a magnesium company challenged the EPA's new interpretation of a rule regulating byproducts created by the company's mining operation in Utah. The company argued the EPA couldn't change the rule without public notice and comment. It said the byproducts were exempted under a previous interpretation, but Gorsuch said that interpretation was at best tentative, so the agency was free to change its mind and issue a new one.



In 2015, he voted to uphold a Colorado law that requires 20 percent of electricity sold to consumers in the state to come from renewable sources. The law was challenged as a threat to out-of-state coal companies under a federal provision known as the dormant commerce clause, which is related to interstate commerce.

Gorsuch conceded the law would hurt some energy producers.

But as far as we know, all fossil fuel producers in the area served by the grid will be hurt equally and all renewable energy producers in the area will be helped equally. If there's any disproportionate adverse effect felt by out-of-state producers or any disproportionate advantage enjoyed by in-state producers, it hasn't been explained to this court, Gorsuch wrote.



Rules against EPA

He has ruled against the EPA, too, as in a 2010 case in which he wrote for a majority of the court that the agency was wrong to classify a company's land in New Mexico as Indian country when the company sought to obtain a permit for mining. If the land, which was not on a reservation, was classified as Indian country, the company would have needed to obtain a permit from the EPA rather than the state.

More broadly, Patrick Gallagher, legal director of the Sierra Club, said Gorsuch would try to limit conservation groups' access to the courts, which the judge has shown a willingness to do when organizations have sought to be heard in some cases involving the use of public lands.



His limited record, and I have to stress it is very limited, supports our position that he would limit access to the courts, Gallagher said.

Not a staunch business ally

Pat Parenteau, a professor at Vermont Law School, said he wouldn't call Gorsuch a staunch ally of business, but I think he's certainly going to require the government to justify the costs of what they are imposing through regulations.

Parenteau said Gorsuch might frustrate those on either side of an issue, depending on the case, and noted that the judge is a fly fisherman, a hobby that often comes with a keen awareness of the importance of a healthy environment.

A ruling that most worries some environmental groups came in a case that had nothing to do with the environment. In a much-noted immigration case, Gorsuch was critical of the longstanding Chevron doctrine, which gives deference to federal agencies' interpretations of ambiguous statutes. Conservationists say that could be trouble for agencies like the EPA, which have the task of interpreting and implementing rules.

If you look back at the Supreme Court's rulings involving Chevron, most of those are environmental cases, said Billy Corriher, deputy director of legal progress at The Center for American Progress, a nonprofit liberal advocacy group. And I think that's because the EPA really enforces a lot of statutes that are pretty broad, it gives them broad authority to regulate certain pollution and it leaves it up to the experts to determine exactly what threshold of pollution is acceptable and what threshold is dangerous. Judge Gorsuch would want to get rid of that standard and basically allow judges to substitute their own judgment for the judgment of the agency experts.

Rocky Flats plant lawsuit

As for the long-running class action lawsuit over nuclear waste at the Rocky Flats plant, the case is notable for its duration, and as Gorsuch observed, a legal twist that put the defendants in a pickle.

The lawsuit was filed in 1990 by people who lived near the plant northwest of Denver, which had produced triggers for nuclear weapons during the Cold War. The plant was originally operated under a government contract by Dow Chemical Company and later Rockwell International Corporation.

Federal authorities raided the facility in 1989, finding years of haphazard handling of plutonium waste that polluted the ground and water.

Property values crashed, and nearby landowners sued.

Gorsuch wrote that after the titanic fifteen years it took to reach a trial, the landowners won more than $900 million in damages and interest based on a federal law, a verdict that was thrown out on appeal.

Nuclear incident?

The issue was whether the pollution should have been considered a nuclear incident covered by the federal law, which the companies' lawyers argued it should not. An appeals court panel vacated the award.

But that's when things took an interesting turn, Gorsuch wrote in 2015. Trying their hand at a little judicial jiu-jitsu, the plaintiffs sought to turn the defendants' victory against them.



The landowners argued that once the federal law was out of consideration, the companies were liable under Colorado state law.

Gorsuch and the three-judge panel agreed and sent the case back to the trial court.



Writing for the panel, Gorsuch lamented the staggering delay and (no doubt) equally staggering expense the parties endured from the long-enduring litigation.



Injustice not only in the needless financial expense and the waste of judicial resources, but injustice in the human costs associated with trying to piece together faded memories and long since filed away evidence, the emotional ordeal parties and witnesses must endure in any retrial, the waste of the work already performed by a diligent and properly instructed jury, and the waiting  the waiting everyone would have to endure for a final result in a case where everyone's already waited too long, Gorsuch wrote.

Brilliant judge

Merrill Davidoff, the landowners' attorney, said Gorsuch was a well-prepared and brilliant judge who helped move the case toward a conclusion.



He follows the law, Davidoff said. And in this case the law favored the plaintiffs  the landowners  not the government or the government contractors.

An attorney for the companies did not respond to messages.

The plant contractors settled last year for $375 million, to be split among thousands of property owners. Under provisions in their contracts, the companies have been reimbursed by the Department of Energy. A public hearing is scheduled for April 28 about distribution of the funds to homeowners.
Haitis prime minister-designate has cleared the first major hurdle toward reaching office.

Jack Guy Lafontant was approved early Thursday in the Senate by a vote of 20-0, with seven lawmakers abstaining. He still has to be approved by the lower house and its 119 members. A date has not been set for the balloting.

The Senate vote came at roughly 6:30 a.m. local time, capping nearly 17 straight hours of deliberations about Lafontants record and his proposed policies.

A physician, he has never previously held public office; like new President Jovenel Moise, hes a member of the Bald Heads Party (PHTK).

Lafontants tax history came up briefly during the Senate debate. He had been delinquent on his taxes for five years, paying only when he was nominated.

A Senate confirmation hearing on Lafontant initially had been scheduled for last Monday, but four lawmakers  including three from his own party  walked out, eliminating the possibility of a quorum and delaying the hearing. The four reportedly were seeking more of a power-sharing arrangement. It is not clear whether they were successful  but they were among the seven who refrained from casting votes Thursday.
U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson says he is willing to accept the "fairly dramatic" cuts President Donald Trump is proposing to make to his department's budget, saying "the level of spending" it has been undertaking "particularly in this past year, is simply not sustainable."

The White House's "America First" budget proposal for the federal government proposes to significantly boost defense spending and offset the increase with steep cuts in funding for the State Department, other foreign aid programs, the agency responsible for enforcing environmental regulations, and other domestic programs.

Office of Management and Budget Director Mick Mulvaney acknowledged some of the reductions, including at the State Department, are "fairly dramatic." The State Department would see more than one-quarter of its funds stripped away, but Mulvaney said "we believe that we have protected the core diplomatic function of the State." The cuts would shrink the role of government and improve efficiencies, Mulvaney added.

Tillerson reportedly protested even deeper cuts to his department's budget. But Tillerson has since expressed a willingness to accept the reductions that were eventually proposed, noting the "historically high level of budgetary resources" in the agency's current budget.

"The State Department is coming off an historically high level of budgetary resources in the 2017 budget, and this is reflective of a number of decisions that have been taken over the past few years, in part driven by the level of conflicts that the U.S. has been engaged in around the world as well as disaster assistance that's been needed," he said.

The $3 billion of annual foreign aid to Israel will remain intact, according to administration sources.

WATCH: Tillerson Says State Department Budget is Not Sustainable

'Tough choices'

The possibility of a smaller State Department budget, meanwhile, has raised concerns at the United Nations. In a statement Thursday, the U.N. said it is "totally committed" to efficiency and cost-effectiveness, but cautioned "abrupt funding cuts can force the adoption of ad hoc measures that will undermine the impact of longer-term reform efforts."

Wednesday, in a letter to Congress, the president said the proposed budget is aimed at making "safety of our people its number one priority  because without safety, there can be no prosperity."

The budget proposes a $54 billion increase in defense spending and cuts in non-defense programs, including congressional favorites such as medical research and help for homeless veterans.

"We have tough choices that have been put off for too long," Trump wrote in the letter.

"There's no question that this is a hard-power budget, it is not a soft-power budget," proclaimed Mulvaney. "That's what our allies can expect, that's what our adversaries can expect. That's what the president wanted us to relay and I think we've done an effective job of that."

The first Trump budget, which covers the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1, features more money for defense, enforcing security at the border, and general law enforcement, as well as private and public school choice, according to Mulvaney.

Possible battle ahead

But legislative approval will require 60 votes in the Senate. The president's party has a slim majority of 52 seats there, but there is no guarantee all Republicans will support the budget, and nearly all Democrats are likely to oppose it.

The senior Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, Patrick Leahy, told VOA the president's budget proposals may appear reasonable to many Republicans in principle, but he predicts many of them will view the cuts differently after studying the details.

"I think you are going to hear a lot of people, Republicans and Democrats, going 'Whoops! Does he really mean that?'"

Leahy cautioned against bolstering the military at diplomacy's expense, saying "if we don't have a diplomatic outreach, what's going to happen? That [void] will be filled by the Russians and the Chinese. We don't want that."

The senior Democratic congressman on the House Budget Committee, John Yarmuth, also told VOA the proposals may not receive blanket Republican support.

"These are categories of expenditures that form the backbone of the economy  education, the environment, foreign aid and infrastructure," he said. "I think it's going to be very hard for Republican members to support some of these draconian cuts."

As for the Environmental Protection Agency, Mulvaney said despite the proposed budget cut of more than 31 percent, its "core function" will not be endangered.

The head of the union representing 9,000 employees of the EPA disagrees, saying the proposed cut is "devastating to the point where it's not going to be functional."

John O'Grady, the president of the executive board of Council 238 of the American Federation of Government Employees, said the overall attack by the administration on a supposedly bloated government work force is nonsense.

"Federal civilian employment is about the same number today as it was in 1962 under President John F. Kennedy," O'Grady said, explaining it is the number of contracted workers, not staffers, which has swelled.

Blueprint only

Thursday's proposal only looks at discretionary spending. It does not address taxes and contains no revenue projections. It also excludes major programs such as Social Security, Medicaid and Medicare. It is designed as a blueprint for department and agency heads.

While much of the budget spotlight will be on the military getting a $54 billion boost, to a total just exceeding $600 billion, the Department of Homeland Security is to see a proposed six percent increase. But one high-profile DHS component, the Coast Guard, is expected to have its budget streamlined.

Mulvaney denied any entity is being targeted to provide equivalent funding for Trump's frequently touted "wall" along the Mexican border. The 2017 supplemental budget will include $1.5 billion for the border structure and $2.6 billion in the 2018 budget. The combined $4.1 billion is significantly higher than earlier estimates of initial funding for the structure, but much lower than its estimated total cost of $22 billion.

Cuts also are being made to the Department of Housing and Urban Development to eliminate what White House officials call wasteful, duplicative programs.

Government money also is to be eliminated for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which distributes federal funds to 1,500 local non-commercial radio and television stations.

The White House intends to have a final budget finished by the first part of May.
Iraqi forces on Thursday continued their advance in western Mosul, reaching the outskirts of a historic mosque where Islamic States leader declared the establishment of its self-styled caliphate in 2014, Iraqi commanders told VOA.

Iraqi military leaders reported fierce battles with IS fighters in a dense neighborhood of old Mosul near the Grand Mosque of al-Nuri.

"We are only 300 meters away from the Grand Mosque in a major operation to liberate Mosul," Ammar al-Musawy, the spokesperson of Iraqi Special Operations brigade known as Rapid Response Forces, told VOA.

Al-Musawy said heavy rains delayed Iraqi forces.

"IS fighters are hiding in buildings while our forces are marching forward," he said. "We are unsure how long this operation is going to take."

The taking of the mosque would be a major symbolic victory for Iraqi forces and the U.S.-led coalition backing them. For months, coalition bombers have pounded IS targets in Mosul, paving the way for Iraqi forces to rout IS from Mosul.

"We have effectively sealed Mosul so that they cannot escape from the city," Marine Maj. Adrian J.T. Rankine-Galloway, a Pentagon spokesman, said during an interview with VOA.

"We are increasingly seeing the ISIL forces turning on each other," Rankine-Galloway said, using another acronym for IS. "Their foreign leaders are turning on their Iraqi leaders. We see difficulty in them paying their forces, we see preferential treatment, we see increased intimidation within Mosul, of the innocent population there. These are behaviors of an enemy which knows that its days are numbered."

The mosque has been at the heart of the IS message of establishing a state strictly run by the tenets of radical Islam. In a fiery speech from the mosque steps in July 2014, IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared IS's self-proclaimed caliphate stretching across eastern Syria and much of northern and western Iraq.

"I was placed as your caretaker, and I am not better than you," he told a congregation of supporters in the mosque asserting his position as caliph, or spiritual leader, of the Muslims, and calling himself "Khalifa Ibrahim."

"Do jihad in the cause of God, incite the believers and be patient in the face of this hardship," he said. "If you knew about the reward and dignity in this world and the hereafter through jihad, then none of you would delay in doing it."

The mosque became an unofficial IS headquarters where the group ruled this city of a half-million with brutality and savagery.

Losing control of the mosque "will be a major blow to IS," Iraqi commander al-Musawy said.

Built in 1173 by Nur ad-Din Zengi of the Turkish Zengid dynasty during the Ottoman Empire, the mosque is considered one of the most important historical sites of Iraq. Its leaning minaret, known as al-Hadba-Arabic for "hunchback," is often used as the nickname for the city of Mosul.

The builder of the mosque, Nur ad-Din Zengi, is recognized among Muslims for his bravery and efforts to unite his people against Crusaders. Throughout his reign, he waged military campaigns to expel Crusaders from Syria and what is currently Lebanon, Israel and the Palestinian territory. His rule shortly expanded from Syria and Iraq to include parts of Egypt and Asia Minor.

Because of the historical significance of the mosque and its value to IS, Iraqi forces say they are facing a stiff resistance from IS fighters who want to hold the mosque at any cost.

"It is a bloody fight there because IS fighters know it is the last place for them in Mosul," al-Musawy said. "They are all fighting to death. The options for them are either death or death."

Coalition commanders are fearful IS has prepared bombs inside the mosque to inflict heavy casualties on Iraqi forces and possibly destroy the building.

"One can say that IS might have planted booby traps in the mosque and any building they leave behind," Hassan Mneimneh, an analyst with the Middle East Institute in Washington, told VOA. "The notion of victory for them now is to leave rubble and destruction. IS has already internalized this notion and is acting beyond it. They want to give the Iraqis a bitter victory and prepare itself for what comes after."

It's likely, Mneimneh said, that IS knows it will ultimately lose control of the mosque and Mosul, so is planning to revert to its roots as a guerrilla insurgency in the region.

"This mosque is important to them as long as they keep it," he said. "It loses its significance when they lose it."
While shamrocks and smiles typically define the Irish prime ministers traditional St. Patricks Day visit to the White House, with President Donald Trump the celebration could turn more serious.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has signaled that he will use the meeting, scheduled for Thursday, one day before St. Patricks Day, to talk about Brexit and Trumps immigration policies. Kenny, who labeled Trumps language dangerous during the campaign, has said it is important to keep the standing date, which some critics have suggested he should cancel.

Speaking to The Irish Times, Kenny said, European leaders need to be over here talking to Republicans, Democrats and the administration about what membership of the European Union means and the relationship that it can have with as powerful an entity as the United States.

Earlier this year, Trump said Britains decision to leave the European Union would end up being a great thing and predicted the bloc would continue to break apart. The comments echoed Trumps rhetoric during his presidential campaign.

Kenny will be the first European Union politician to meet with Trump after British Prime Minister Theresa May. German Chancellor Angela Merkel was scheduled to come to the White House Tuesday, but that visit was moved back to Friday because of the snow.

Illegal immigrants

Kenny also plans to push Trump on his plans for Irish people living in the country illegally.

We will of course raise with Congress and with President Trump himself that the necessary work will be done for our undocumented to be allowed to come in from the cold, feel the warmth of this great country and relieve the burden of having to live in that limbo land, Kenny said at a dinner in Washington Wednesday night.

Trump ran on a promise to curtail illegal immigration. His revised travel ban, affecting travelers from six Muslim-majority nations, was set to go effect Thursday before it was put on hold Wednesday by a federal judge in Hawaii.

Richard Haas, president of the Council on Foreign Relations, a nonpartisan think tank, said this meeting is more serious than in past years largely because of the fallout from Brexit, which is raising concerns about Irelands economic prospects and the future for Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom.

You add all this up and this has become a much more substantive meeting, he said.

Kenny spokesman Feargal Purcell said Kenny wants to discuss ways to find positive outcomes for an estimated 50,000 Irish people in the country illegally, and he will outline the positive engagement there can be between Europe and the United States, especially in a post Brexit context.

An Irish tradition

The St. Patricks Day White House event dates back to the 1950s and has become an important standing engagement for Ireland, which has strong emotional and ancestral ties to the United States. The prime minister is set to have a one-on-one meeting with Trump Thursday, as well as attend a luncheon at the Capitol and an evening reception at the White House.

Traditionally, the prime minister presents the president with a bowl of shamrocks to mark the occasion.

Last year, Kenny was greeted warmly by a green tie-wearing President Barack Obama, who gave an affectionate speech, calling it one of his favorite events of the year, because I get to welcome my people.

According to Census data, 32.7 million United States residents claimed Irish ancestry in 2015, making it the second most commonly cited European ancestry, following German. Trump earlier this month proclaimed March as Irish-American Heritage Month, as the president does every year.

Pressure to cancel

This may be the last year Kenny, Irelands leader since 2011, makes the White House pilgrimage on behalf of Ireland. Kenny, who has faced pressure from party colleagues to resign over a stumbling response to a police scandal, has said he will address his political future when he returns from America.

Some political critics in Ireland called on Kenny to cancel this years meeting and a number of petition campaigns urged a boycott, including one from former Maryland Gov. Martin OMalley, an Irish American. But The Irish Times editorialized in favor of attending, saying, no matter how gratifying to our sense of moral superiority, a boycott will be seen as a lost opportunity for face time with the worlds most important leader.

Kenny has to walk a tightrope, said Henry Farrell, a professor of political science and international affairs at George Washington University. Farrell said Kenny does not want to be seen as too close to Trump or to be identified with Trump and the same time he wants to preserve a relationship with a guy who is going to be president of the United States for the next four years.
While three people were injured in shooting at the Tocqueville high school in Grasse, a female employee with the IMF office in Paris was hurt as a letter bomb went off as she opened it.

Police cordoning off the area outside the IMF office in Paris. Photo: Reuters.

By India Today Web Desk: Three people were injured in shooting on Thursday at a high school in Grasse town of southern France. The school principal was one of the victims.

The gunman, a 17-year-old student, stormed into the Tocqueville high school and started firing, according to sources.

The student who has not been publicly identified, was arrested in possession of multiple weapons after the attack, a police official said.

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The principal and two others were hit by bullets and five other people were being treated for shock, police said. None of the injuries was life-threatening.

The shooting attack at the Alexis de Tocqueville school left the town of Grasse - France's picturesque perfume capital - in shock, since school shootings are rare in the European nation. A national police official said authorities had no reason to suspect that the incident was terrorism-related, and said there did not appear to be any other suspects, although police were working on all possibilities to "remove all doubt."

LETTER BOMB EXPLOSION OUTSIDE IMF OFFICE

Meanwhile, in another incident, a female employee at the International Monetary Fund office in Paris suffered injuries to her face and arms when a letter bomb addressed to the organisation blew up as she opened it, police said.

The letter, which had arrived by mail, exploded as it was opened by a secretary at the institution's office in an upscale part of Paris. The blast caused little damage to the office and the injuries to the female employee were not of a critical nature, Paris police chief Michel Cadot told reporters.

The explosion was caused by a device that was fairly home-made, "like a big fire cracker," Cadot said.

Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve has cut short a trip to the northern Somme area because of two incidents.

IMF chief Christine Lagarde, a former French economy minister, condemned the explosion as "a cowardly act of violence."

French government has issued a nationwide terror attack alert.

France is already a state of emergency following deadly attacks in Paris in 2015 and an attack last year in the city of Nice, which is 40 kilometers (25 miles) away from Grasse.

(WITH INPUTS FROM AP AND AGENCIES)

--- ENDS ---
Ivana Trump, the first wife of President Donald Trump, is writing a memoir that will focus on the couple's three children.

Raising Trump will be published Sept. 12, Gallery Books told The Associated Press on Wednesday. According to Gallery, Ivana Trump is writing a story of "motherhood, strength and resilience" and also will reflect on her "childhood in communist Czechoslovakia, her escape from the regime and relocation to New York, her whirlwind romance, and her great success as a businesswoman."

"As her former husband takes his place as the 45th president of the United States, his children have also been thrust into the media spotlight  but it is Ivana who raised them and proudly instilled in them what she believes to be the most important life lessons: loyalty, honesty, integrity and drive," the statement reads.

Donald and Ivana Trump divorced in 1992 amid revelations that Donald Trump had been having an affair with Marla Maples, who became his second wife. (They divorced in 1999 and six years later Donald Trump married Melania Knauss.) Gallery is calling the book "non-political," and it's also unlikely to be critical of the president, whose candidacy Ivana Trump supported. Her divorce from him included a nondisclosure agreement, and her children with him  Donald Jr., Ivanka and Eric  are close to their father and are contributing memories to the book.

The three younger Trumps said in a statement that they were "excited" about Raising Trump and called Ivana an "amazing mom, teacher and inspiration to all of us." Ivana Trump said in a statement that Raising Trump was, in part, a response to compliments she receives about her children.

"I was a tough and loving mother who taught them the value of a dollar, not to lie, cheat or steal, respect for others, and other life lessons that I'll share now in Raising Trump, along with unfiltered personal stories about Don, Eric, and Ivanka from their early childhood to becoming the `first sons and daughter,"' she said.

Ivana Trump has written books before, including The Best Is Yet to Come: Coping with Divorce and Enjoying Life Again and the novel For Love Alone, which led to a legal battle with her ex-husband. In 1992, Donald Trump sued Ivana for $25 million, claiming the novel was based on their marriage and violated the nondisclosure portion of the divorce decree. Ivana Trump countersued over other parts of the divorce agreement and, in 1993, the two settled their differences.

Gallery is part of Simon & Schuster, which under its Threshold Editions imprint published Donald Trump's campaign book Crippled America, released in paperback as Great Again.
A federal immigration judge in the northern U.S. state of Minnesota has granted a rarely used waiver to a Cambodian who arrived legally in the United States as a child refugee and was detained for deportation as an ex-convict.

The judge based her decision on the extreme hardship his forced return to a homeland he hardly knows would cause the multi-generational family he supports, according to activists who attended the hearing.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers detained Ched Nin, 37, in August 2016. In 2010, he was sentenced to two years in prison after being convicted on charges that included second-degree assault, according to court records.

Under the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, his conviction meant he lost his legal permanent residency, or green card, and faced deportation, until Judge Susan Castro of the federal immigration court in Bloomington, Minnesota, granted what is known as a Section 212(h) waiver on February 24.

Ched was released immediately and said that while he was happy to be home, he was saddened that ICE was continuing to detain seven other Cambodian former convicts.

"I want to help keep families together," he said in his only public remarks.

No naturalization without pardon

With the waiver, he will regain full legal permanent resident status, "but unless he gets a governor's pardon, his crime bars him from naturalizing," said Katrina Dizon Mariategue, the immigration policy manager at the Southeast Asia Resource Action Center in Washington.

Once an immigration judge grants such a waiver, "it is rare for the government to appeal," Jayesh Rathod, an immigration law professor at American University's Washington College of Law, told VOA.

An ICE spokesman said he could not comment on the decision because of privacy laws protecting U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents.

Reacting to the waiver, Dan Kesselbrenner, executive director of the National Immigration Project, told VOA, "There are many people who deserve the waiver. I hope judges are able to maintain independence to judge each case on its own."

Section 212(h) waivers can be applied except in cases of "murder or criminal acts involving torture or an attempted or conspiracy to commit murder or criminal acts involving torture."

Linus Chan, a University of Minnesota Law School professor whose practice specializes in immigration detentions, led Ched's legal team. Its argument was based on the extreme hardship that deportation would cause his family because he is their sole support, said Dizon Mariategue. Key is the hardship that would be caused to an American citizen, Ched's wife, who brought the petition, and his children.

Although the extreme hardship "can be a high bar, it is not meant to be an impossible bar," said Chan.

Judges can weigh a variety of factors in making a decision, including the seriousness of the crime, the chance of reoffending, the person's length of time in the United States and previously granted permanent residency status.

According to Dizon Mariategue, the immigration judge found extreme hardship in Ched's case. One child with a rare heart condition who is not expected to live past age 25 would have lost health care and access to surgeries without his health insurance. Child Protective Services recommended that two of his children from a previous marriage be placed with him so that they could have a better home or risk being placed in foster care. He is the sole family member with strength to lift and care for his immobile, elderly father, a legal permanent U.S. resident. Without his income as a union carpenter, the family faced foreclosure on their home.

Strong evidence needed

"I think the hardest thing to prove in a 212(h) waiver is that extreme hardship," said Rathod. It requires strong evidence of "some kind of hardship to a qualified relative," which is almost impossible to prove without strong legal support, he added.

Given that the 1996 law makes it very difficult for individuals to have legal representation after they have been detained, "there is a problem," said Rathod.

"Really, this victory is a combination of not only the really good legal strategy, but a lot of the support from the community as well," said Dizon Mariategue.

Ched's wife, Jenny Srey, and other family members organized legal support from local and national organizations.

Danielle Robinson Briand, who represents two of the remaining seven Cambodian men detained by ICE, said the fight for their release would be more difficult under the administration of President Donald Trump. They were transferred from ICE detention in Minnesota to the Oakdale Federal Detention Center in Oakdale, Louisiana, on Wednesday.

Socheata Pharseth, whose husband is now in Louisiana, said that while she was happy for Ched's family, "my husband started to lose hope and has given up. But I am not giving up. I continue to fight and hope that one day we can be reunited."
White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer has confirmed that the Trump administration plans to appeal rulings from two federal judges blocking the presidents revised travel ban on people from six Muslim majority countries.

During Thursdays daily briefing with White House reporters, Spicer called the rulings flawed and confirmed that the White House plans to appeal. President Trump has vowed to take the matter to the Supreme Court, if necessary.

The ban was supposed to go into effect at 12:01 a.m. Eastern time (0401 UTC) Thursday.

Watch: Trump Administration Vows to Enforce Travel Ban

But instead, two U.S. federal courts issued temporary restraining orders against the presidents second attempt at a travel order that would limit who can enter the country.

A judge in Hawaii blocked both the order's suspension of refugee admissions and its ban on issuing new visas to people from a group of six countries. A federal judge in Maryland also cited Trump's comments in issuing a separate injunction Thursday, but that ruling applies only to the visa ban portion of the executive order, and not the section on the refugee program.

Judge Derrick Watson found Wednesday that the legal challenge brought by the state of Hawaii was likely to succeed on the merits of an argument that the executive order violates the Constitution's Establishment Clause, which requires government actions to have a primarily secular purpose.

He pointed to statements made by Trump and his associates both before and after the president was elected in November. Trump's campaign once included a call to ban all Muslims from entering the United States, a policy that was later changed to advocating "extreme vetting" for people from countries with a link to terrorism.

Judge Watson said the case before him included "significant and unrebutted evidence of religious animus driving the promulgation of the executive order and its related predecessor."



Watch: Trump Tells Tennessee Crowd of Court Ruling Against Revised Travel Ban

The Trump administration says the ban is necessary to protect the country from the threat of terrorism.It features a four-month ban on admitting any refugees and a three-month freeze on issuing visas to people from Iran, Syria, Yemen, Libya, Somalia and Sudan.It was due to go into effect Thursday before its enforcement was frozen.

An earlier version of the order included Iraq in the targeted countries, as well as a clause that exempted religious minorities from the ban.

All of the countries involved are overwhelmingly majority-Muslim.Judge Watson rejected the government's argument that because the listed countries do not include all the world's Muslim population, the order is not a ban on Muslims.

"The notion that one can demonstrate animus toward any group of people only by targeting all of them at once is fundamentally flawed.The court declines to relegate its Establishment Clause analysis to a purely mathematical exercise," Watson wrote.

The Justice Department, which represents the government in the case, said it does not agree with Wednesday's ruling, calling it "flawed both in reasoning and in scope."

"The president's executive order falls squarely within his lawful authority in seeking to protect our nation's security, and the department will continue to defend this executive order in the courts," said a DOJ statement.

Trump said the court's ruling makes the United States look weak, and that he will continue the legal battle.

"The danger is clear, the law is clear, the need for my executive order is clear," he told supporters at a rally in Tennessee."I was elected to change our broken and dangerous system and thinking in government that has weakened and endangered our country and left our people defenseless."

Leon Fresco, an immigration attorney who served as deputy assistant attorney general for the DOJ Civil Division's Office of Immigration Litigation during President Barack Obama's administration, said the key question in the case going forward is the president's authority to suspend entry of people he finds would be detrimental to the country.

"I think it was an interesting ruling in the sense that the court is taking a very bold statement on saying that the actions in the administration have basically irrevocably tainted any effort to move forward with this travel executive order," Fresco told VOA via Skype.

"I do think that the order is not going to be very persuasive as it moves its way up to the 9th Circuit or to the Supreme Court for the reason that it did not even engage in any analysis whatsoever regarding Section 212 (f), which is that actual statute that the president cited for giving him the authority to create the executive order in the first place."

The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals last month upheld a similar lower court ruling to prevent the government from enforcing Trump's original executive order.Hawaii is part of the same circuit, so if the Justice Department does appeal, the issue will again land there.

Fresco said he thinks the president's statutory authority to ban people is "absolutely vital to the country," and shouldn't be weakened by what he called "an ill-conceived travel ban with ill-conceived statements."

"If you think someone is dangerous, just deny their visa.You don't need a ban," he said."And the fact that they created these waivers just shows you that they basically are implementing a normal visa system.They're saying deny it unless there's some reason to grant it.There's no reason you couldn't do that now, just don't have a categorical ban."

Watch: Hawaii Attorney General Doug Chin on Travel Ban Ruling: 'Context Matters'

Civil rights groups, which opposed Trump's original order as unconstitutional, side with the several states that are challenging the new order, in addition to Hawaii.

"No matter how far President Trump tries to run away from his initial statements that this was a ban on Muslims and discrimination against Muslims, he can't erase where this order originated - in an effort to discriminate against Muslims on the basis of their religion," said Cecillia Wang, deputy legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union, on a call with reporters Tuesday.


The Kenya Association of Manufacturers says the government's directive to ban plastic bags beginning in September will hurt more than 170 companies and put at least 60,000 people out of work.

The problem is not plastic bags, but consumer behavior, says Phyllis Wakiaga, the association's chief.

"Issue of waste management is an issue we must admit as a country because all of us are responsible for it," Wakiaga said. "How we manage our waste at the individual level, at a household level, at the business level, is a concern that all of us. As Kenyans, we should be part of the solution in charting the way forward."

Many countries in the world, including Kenya, have faced challenges in disposing of the used bags. Many are thrown in the garbage and water streams, though the waste does not break down.

Geoffrey Wahungu, the National Environment Management Authority director general, says the best way to deal with the plastic bags issue is to ban them.

"It takes a generation to change consumer behavior," Wahungu said. "We do not have that time since there are alternatives, and we do not have to deal with this problem all over until it gets out of hand. We think we need to ban plastic and explore alternatives."

According to the United Nations environment agency, Kenyan supermarkets use 100 million plastic bags every year. The agency has welcomed the government ban.

The ministry of environment said it had banned the manufacture, use and importation of plastic bags used for commercial and household packaging.

The government tried to ban plastics bags 10 years ago, but the ban failed to be implemented after resistance from the public and manufacturers.

Wahungu says the ban will work because the population is better informed and more supportive.

"In the previous times, Kenyans had not seen the  pollution effect of plastic," Wahungu said. "Right now, plastic has encroached into the lives of Kenyans. The pollution from plastic and even economic losses from clogging of drainage, flooding, killing livestock; Kenyans are tired of plastics."

Tanzania and Rwanda have banned plastic bags and called for the total prohibition of them in East Africa.
Malawian Airlines made history Thursday with an all-female operated and supported flight from Blantyre, Malawi, to Dar-es-Salaam in Tanzania. The two-hour flight by a Bombardier Q400 aircraft that took off from Chileka International Airport was the first of its kind in Malawi's aviation history.

All flight-related operations such as security checks, customer service, check-in, air traffic control and cabin procedures were conducted by women.

Even airport staff such as police, immigration and ground control officers were women.

And the cockpit was under the control of Malawis first female captain, Yolanda Ndala-Kaunda, and her assistant, Lusekelo Mwenifumbo.

Joseph Josiah, spokesman for Malawian Airlines, told VOA the venture was intended to promote womens empowerment and encourage more girls to pursue careers in aviation.

Somehow they think maybe aviation is only for boys [or] its only for men because it is too technical. So we are trying to show to them [that] women too are as capable to succeed in these fields.

Josiah says about 36 percent of the company's employees are women but that the number is much smaller when it comes to female pilots  only two of the companys 12 pilots are women.

But Josiah added that authorities have taken deliberate measures aimed at training more women in order to narrow the gender gap.



Captain Ndala-Kaunda says she was excited to have another woman as an assistant pilot.

I have been flying for nine years. And in the nine years, I was the only woman in the flight bag, so for me I am really happy that there is someone else who can join me and [Im] hoping that there will even more in the coming years.



Lizzie Tchokhotho, a duty officer for passenger and baggage services at the airline, told VOA she appreciates the company's commitment to women.

I am excited, honestly, to be honored. Its an honor for women to handle this flight. I have been in this service for long but maybe it was two years ago when we had a similar flight by Kenya Airways, so its an honor to us.

The flight had a two-hour layover at Kamuzu International Airport in the capital, Lilongwe, for a reception where the nation's first lady, Gertrude Mutharika, met with the crew.



Mutharika said the time is now over for girls to think they cant make a breakthrough into careers previously considered male-dominated.



The 67-seat aircraft was expected to return from Dar-es-Salaam the same day.
Mexican presidential hopeful Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador filed a complaint Wednesday with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights against U.S. President Donald Trumps planned border wall and his administrations treatment of immigrants.

Lopez Obrador, a fiery leftist who has led recent polls for the 2018 election, said he expects the commission to speak out in accordance with the law to protect immigrants from the harassment they are suffering since Trump took office.

Trump has ordered a wall built along the nearly 2,000-mile (3,200-kilometers) U.S.-Mexico border, has moved to strip federal funding from sanctuary states and cities harboring illegal immigrants, and expanded the force of U.S. immigration agents.

During his election campaign, Trump described Mexican illegal immigrants as rapists and criminals and insisted that Mexico would pay for the wall. That caused simmering diplomatic tension and angered everyday citizens south of the border.

Lopez Obrador, a former Mexico City mayor and two-time runner-up for the presidency, said he hoped the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights would view Trumps moves as a violation of human rights and discriminatory.

The commission, an autonomous organ of the Organization of American States (OAS), is tasked with promoting and protecting human rights in the American hemisphere.
Morocco's King Mohammed VI has ousted Prime Minister Abdelilah Benkirane because of his failure to form a government five months after elections.

A surprise palace statement late Wednesday said the king is expected to name another member of the Party for Justice and Development to replace Benkirane.

The PJD won the October election, but didn't garner enough of a majority to govern alone.

But the PJD's relations with a former coalition partner, the conservative Istiqlal party, soured over economic reforms, and talks over formation of a government with the center-right National Rally of Independence have stalled.

The royal statement said the king made the decision "in the absence of signs that suggest an imminent formation" of a government and due to "his concern about overcoming the current blockage" in political negotiations.

Benkirane told Reuters he accepts the king's decision.

"This is our king and he came to a decision under the framework of the constitution, which I've always expressed support of," he said.
Provisional results from the Netherlands election say Prime Minister Mark Ruttes party has won the most seats in parliament, defeating that of anti-immigrant, anti-Islam nationalist Geert Wilders by a larger margin than expected.

With more than half the votes counted so far, Ruttes center-right Peoples Party for Freedom and Democracy is expected to take 32 of 150 seats, far ahead of any other party.

Three parties are expected to win 19 seats each, including Wilders anti-immigration Freedom Party, as well as the Christian Democrats and the D66.

The final makeup of parliament will be announced with the official results March 21.

Officials say voter turnout was the highest in three decades, at 81 percent.

'Wrong kind of populists'

Andre Krouwel, associate professor in comparative politics at the Free University in Amsterdam, says the turnout shows that Dutch citizens saw the vote as very important.

It was, I think, a very exciting race because for a long time it looked like Geert Wilders would be the largest party, and I think that mobilized a lot of people, he told VOA.

But Krouwel said even with Ruttes party winning the most seats, gains by Wilders party took away seats from natural coalition partners, so forming a government will be more complex than in the past.

Usually, you can easily form a three-party coalition. Now, youll need at least four and maybe five parties, so that is a complicated situation, he said.

Those negotiations could take months, and the largest parties have all indicated they will not be working with Wilders.

Rutte, poised for a third term as prime minister, called the results a celebration of democracy. He said the Netherlands has said no to the wrong kind of populists.

Rutte may have profited from the hard line he drew in a diplomatic standoff with Turkey over the past week.

The fight erupted over the Netherlands refusal to let two Turkish government ministers address rallies in Rotterdam about a referendum that could give Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan more powers. It gave Rutte an opportunity to show his statesmanship by refusing to bow to foreign pressure, a stance with widespread backing in the nation.

But Wilders, lately seen as a much bigger threat to Rutte than he turned out to be, has warned that the prime minister has not seen the last of me! He also expressed his satisfaction that at least his party had gained seats.

Europeans relieved, cheered

Various European leaders are voicing their approval of the outcome.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel congratulated Rutte by phone, while French President Francois Hollande released a statement praising the values of openness, respect for others, and a faith in Europes future as the only true responses to nationalism and isolationism. Luxembourgs Prime Minister Xavier Bettel took to social media to tweet his support.

Wilders run was seen as the latest test of a wave of populism to sweep across Europe, extending as far as the United States across the Atlantic Ocean. After Britain sent shock waves across Europe by voting to leave the EU, Wilders climb to prominence was seen as further warning that cooperation among European nations could be threatened.

A number of parties are represented in the Dutch parliament, so no matter which party wins the most seats, a coalition is needed to form the next government. Those negotiations could take months, and the largest parties have all indicated they will not be working with Wilders.

Wilders campaigned on pledges of banning Muslim immigrants, closing mosques, prohibiting the sales of the Quran and a desire to withdraw from the European Union.

Greens surge

In a subplot of the elections, the Green Left party registered a historic victory, turning it into the largest party on the left wing of Dutch politics, together with the Socialist Party.

The provisional results showed the Greens leaping from four seats to 14 in Parliament after a strong campaign by charismatic leader Jesse Klaver, who invites comparisons to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

The Dutch vote will be followed by two others this year in Europe that feature prominent right-wing nationalist figures. France picks its new president in April, while Germany holds elections in September.

Reuters contributed to this report.
Africas rising youth population is outpacing available jobs in the public and private sectors, leaving would-be workers vulnerable to exploitation, terrorism and human rights abuses. Nigerian entrepreneur Tony Elumelu believes the solution to Africas unemployment problem is for the private sector to lead and drive growth, a philosophy he calls africapitalism. He was on a two-day working visit to Ghana.

The president of Coca-Cola, Central, East and West Africa, Kelvin Balogun, says almost 50 percent of graduates churned out by universities in Africa each year do not find jobs.



The International Labor Organization (ILO) estimates the youth unemployment rate in sub-Saharan Africa is nearly 12 percent. A World Bank report in 2016 said nearly half, (48 percent) of Ghanaian youth are unemployed. Analysts blame the countrys poor macroeconomic performance and a surge in population growth for the problem.



African leaders have committed to reduce poverty in the continent to below 20 percent by 2030, but the entrepreneur Tony Elumelu said this cannot be achieved if entrepreneurs are not empowered.



Elumelu believes the solution to unemployment is his 'africapitalism' philosophy- a concept in which the private sector leads and transforms development in Africa.



Elumelu says African entrepreneurs must partner to create more jobs for its youth. VOA caught up with him after he gave a lecture to students at the University of Ghana.



Partnerships dont work well in Africa and we must address this because collective effort is better than singular effort," said Elumelu. "From my experience I think trust is very important. So alignment of interest is key panacea for addressing partnership failures in Africa.



VOA: And africapitalism is the solution?



Elumelu: "Africapitalism is the solution because (of) Africans coming together from (the) private sector perspective to address the development of our continent. Africans realizing that (there is) no one but us to develop Africa. Africans realizing that saving our monies abroad is not the solution. We need to let our governments know that what is good for private sector is good for the society.



In Accra, John Amoah Kusi, enrolled in a masters degree program in business at the University of Ghana, hoping to be more employable. But if a job doesnt come his way Kusi says hell go back to school again.



One other option is trying to look for PhD programs outside Ghana or probably in Ghana," said Kusi. "It's not just about the jobs. Yes, I want to get the experience but . . .

VOA: So if the job doesnt come youll further your education?



Kusi: "Sure."



VOA: And youre certain that with the PhD youll get a job?



Kusi: "Thats a high possibility.



Parry Allotey, a freshman at the University of Ghana, is also worried about not finding a job after graduating.



I feel very worried because being unemployed is not a good thing," said Allotey. "So I think going for leadership roles or you can go for internship or your masters. Like doing something that would make you look solid (for work).



In Ghana, the unemployment problem was worsened by four years of interrupted electricity supply, which resulted in the loss of thousands of existing jobs and closure of many businesses.
Under the Trump administration, there will likely be challenges for the U.S. tech industry when it comes to attracting foreign talent.

But it's never been a better time to start a company, said Dave McClure, a prominent Silicon Valley venture capitalist.



"The general trend for start-ups under Trump or anyone else is still fantastic," according to McClure, who was interviewed on stage this week at South by Southwest, the tech, music, gaming and film conference and festival in Austin, Texas.

McClure is a founding partner of 500 Startups, a global venture capital seed fund firm. Since its inception in 2010, the firm has invested in more than 1,500 technology companies in more than 60 countries.



It also takes investors, start-up founders and Silicon Valley executives on several tours each year - dubbed "Geeks on a Plane" - to burgeoning high-growth technology markets. Its next trip will be later this month to four cities in Africa  Lagos, Nigeria; Accra, Ghana; Johannesburg and Cape Town, South Africa.

Some aspects of 500 Startups work have become more uncertain since President Donald Trump took office, such as whether the firm can bring foreign entrepreneurs to the United States, as it does for its four-month seed program, McClure said. The United States is "shooting ourselves in the head by limiting immigration," he said.

But when McClure looks out across the world, he sees entrepreneurship as a global phenomenon not relegated just to U.S. tech industry hubs or even hot spots such as China and Western Europe.

One sign of whether a region has the potential to take off is whether there are large investors beyond those offering an entrepreneur initial funding. Another sign is whether there have been successful exits, which can be when a company is bought by a larger firm or has a successful public offering.

Some countries might tout their number of entrepreneurs or point to high tech industrial parks as signs of a growing innovation ecosystem. But McClure looks at another measurement - the number of venture capitalists per capita. The United States and China have the most venture capitalist per capita, he said, whereas countries such as Brazil and Mexico have just a handful.

But as the U.S. government helped plant the seeds of Silicon Valley, foreign governments can step in and help a regions start-up culture take root, he said.Get that cycle going, he said. And that's what gets the cycle going in other parts of the world.

As for people interested in investing globally, by all means, write the checks, he said. The key is patience.

"If you are going to do international investing, you have to do it for the long haul," McClure said. "You need to wait three to five years before it takes off."
Sansa might not make it to Season 8 of the show.

By Indo-Asian News Service: Game of Thrones actress Maisie Williams, who plays the role of Arya Stark in the fantasy series, seemingly announced the death of a major character---Sansa Stark, played by Sophie Turner.

The 19-year-old was at the South by Southwest Film Festival in Texas on Sunday with on screen sister Turner.

WATCH: GoT Season 7's first teaser looks pretty incredible

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Discussing the upcoming final seasons alongside showrunners David Benioff and Dan Weiss, the actress revealed to the crowd that Sansa might not make it to season eight, reports express.co.uk.

Turner, 21, was sporting her natural blonde hair when an audience member asked why she doesn't have her character's bold red locks.

According to a Twitter page, A Storm of Spoilers, Williams responded: "She's dead."

The social media profile said a moment went by until producer Benioff said: "Don't worry, they won't tell anyone."

The seventh season of the popular fantasy drama series Game of Thrones will premiere on July 16. It will be back in India on Star World, Star World HD and Star World Premiere HD.

--- ENDS ---
The number of cases of Zika, dengue and chikungunya reported in Brazil during the first 6 weeks of the year is nearly 90 percent less than in the same period in 2016, the Health Ministry said Wednesday.



The ministry said in an email that 60,124 cases of the three diseases were reported between Jan. 1 and Feb. 18, against 549,510 cases one year earlier.



The ministry attributed the drop to increased efforts to eradicate the Aedes aegypti mosquito that carries the three diseases. Well-adapted to humans, it lives largely inside homes and can lay eggs in even a bottle-cap's worth of stagnant water.



Brazil is also battling an outbreak of yellow fever, with Rio de Janeiro state's Health Department confirming the first two cases of the disease in the state. It said that one of the patients died and the other is hospitalized.



More than 370 cases of yellow fever have been confirmed since the beginning of this outbreak, the Health Ministry has said. Of those, more than 130 have died.



Even before it had confirmed its first case, Rio's Health Department announced that it planned to vaccinate its entire population as a preventative measure. The state said it will need 12 million doses to reach a 90 percent vaccination rate by the end of the year.
European security watchdog OSCE on Thursday prolonged its monitoring mission to Ukraine by one year until March 2018.

Three years after Moscow annexed the Crimean region, tensions between Ukraine and separatists in the Russian-held area are still high and a 2015 cease-fire agreement is violated regularly.

Fighting has claimed the lives of at least 20 civilians since the start of the year, and wounded over 91 more, according to the United Nations.

The 57 member states of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, which include Ukraine, Russia and the United States, decided by consensus to extend the mandate of the mission until 31 March 2018, the OSCE said in a statement.

The unarmed, civilian mission with more than 700 international observers seeks to reduce tensions and report on the situation on the ground.

In recent weeks, the observers have reported a deteriorating security situation in eastern Ukraine and an increase in the number of cease-fire violations.

The mission was first deployed in 2014 and is extended for the third time. It will have a budget of 105.5 million euros ($113.2 million), which should provide for better equipment for the staff.

Austria's Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz, who chairs the OSCE until the end of the year, has called for thermal imaging cameras and other equipment upgrades.
Pakistan is cracking down on "blasphemous" content on social media, with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif urging swift punishment for those involved in "a nefarious conspiracy" against the country's Muslim majority.

But critics claim the real goal is silencing dissent that has flourished online about everything from politics and the military to freedom of speech and women's rights. Being labeled as "blasphemous" in Pakistan can make a person the target of violence.

The crackdown has caused concern, particularly after five bloggers critical of the government vanished in January. When they re-emerged, clearly shaken, they refused to talk about what had happened to them amid speculation they were kidnapped and tortured by Pakistan's powerful military intelligence service.

Living in the Netherlands, one said he felt he could never return to Pakistan after being called a blasphemer by a TV host.

WATCH: Pakistan Cracking Down on 'Blasphemous' Social Media

Criticizing injustice

Some rights activists, who asked not to be identified because of fears for their lives, said the bloggers were only criticizing social injustices and identifying ills in Pakistan's powerful establishment and their material was not intended to hurt any religious belief.

Last week, Islamabad High Court Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui ordered blasphemous content removed from social media and broke down in tears while issuing his ruling.

The National Assembly passed a resolution Tuesday condemning such material and authorized a special committee to suggest measures to block "sacrilegious and blasphemous" content on social media. Sharif posted on Twitter that he expected daily updates from officials and told them to contact international social media platforms, such as Facebook, to seek their cooperation. The government has requested help from Interpol in tracking the sources of questionable content.

Established with a secular government, Pakistan has steadily leaned toward conservative Islamic policies in recent years, reflecting a social trend.

"All relevant institutions should trace the perpetrators behind such content and ensure they are handed out strict punishment in accordance with the law," Sharif's tweet said. "Love and affection of the Holy Prophet is the most precious asset for every Muslim."

Effort to silence seen

Advocates of free speech in Pakistan think the government is trying to shut up its critics.

Osama Khilji, an internet freedom activist, said the government and the court seemed unable to deal with specific social media outlets and that the court order had created fear among users of all such platforms.

"Blasphemy is a tag and a label to silence critical views, since the government knows it is a tool that can stifle voices," he told VOA's Deewa service.

"Political dissent occupies a genuine space in democratic societies and is thus encouraged and not discouraged," added Haroon Baloch, an Islamabad-based social media activist. "Such restrictions on social media create an atmosphere of fear, and this is what we see being done in Pakistan."

The crackdown also is leading to questions about what's blasphemous and what isn't, and whether the government might be behind any of the hundreds of pro-administration voices on Facebook and Twitter that blast dissidents and neighboring Afghanistan and India.

"I think in presence of stringent laws, no one would do anything deliberately that might fall under the definition of blasphemous content," rights activist Mehdi Hassan told VOA's Urdu service. "The new order is a matter of concern as blasphemy is a hugely sensitive issue in Pakistan, where even unproven allegations can provoke beatings and mob violence."

Governor slain

Salman Taseer, the liberal governor of the country's largest province, was killed six years ago by his own security guard, Mumtaz Qadri, after voicing support for amending Pakistan's already stringent blasphemy laws.

Qadri was hanged after being convicted of murder, but an estimated 100,000 people attended his funeral, and his gravesite has become a shrine for conservatives who believe he gave his life for Islam's Prophet Muhammad. A mosque is under construction alongside the site.

A critical issue is how far the government will go.

"The government has to make sure that our civil liberties are not compromised," said Sadaf Khan, a digital rights activist. "The internet is being seen globally as a fundamental right. And anything that restricts access to the internet and restricts access to social media basically puts our people at a disadvantage. They won't be able to compete in the global market."

Khan, director of the nonprofit Media Matters for Pakistan group, added, "We have to ensure that the other activities of political speech are not affected. It is an era of digital technology. [If] the government bans or restricts access to the social media, our people, and particularly our youth, will be isolated."
Tin, her husband and five children have cleared years of refugee hurdles to come to the U.S.: blood tests, interviews, DNA and fingerprints, background checks. She has her one must-bring possession within reach, a well-worn Bible, and keeps their phone charged for the U.S. Embassy to call.

But the odds of that happening dropped precipitously.

President Donald Trumps 16-page travel ban to keep the bad dudes out bars new visas for people from six Muslim-majority countries and shuts down Americas refugee program through mid-July. His executive order had been set to take effect Thursday, but a federal judge put it on hold hours before it was to take effect.

The order also includes a 55 percent reduction in refugee visas overall, from a planned 110,000 to 50,000 this year. This means, in some of the most desperate places in the world, 60,000 refugee visas are not going to be issued after all.

Who is shut out?

Who are the 60,000 people who may have lost their chance to resettle in the U.S. by September? An Associated Press analysis of 10 years of refugee data suggests that their most common country of origin is not any of the six nations in the travel ban, but Myanmar, also known as Burma. Thousands, like Tin and her family, are Christians who were persecuted in their native country.

They expected to resettle before September in the U.S., a place they consider home. More than 160,000 Burmese have resettled in the U.S. in the past decade, more than any other group. They account for nearly 25 percent of new U.S. refugees since 2007.

America is really our fatherland in terms of religion, said Tin, 38. They sent their missionaries to our country and taught us to be Christians. And now we had to escape. All we want is to be safe.

Under an authoritarian regime in predominantly Buddhist Myanmar, Christians face religious and political discrimination. Tin and her community fled Chin state, where Human Rights Watch says more than 90 percent of the residents were adhering to the tenets the American Baptist Church by 2009, pitting them against a military campaign to elevate Buddhism over all other religions.

Tin and others said that when they gathered for family prayers, people threw rocks at them. Soldiers busted into church services. They hid their precious Bibles for fear of attack.

We only seek safety

School teacher Sang, 29, a Burmese refugee who learned English as a theology student, meticulously read through a copy of Trumps executive order last week and then looked up, nodding.

He said that while he agreed with the need to keep terrorists out of the U.S., We are not terrorists, we are Christians. We will never be a problem in the United States. We will get educations, we will work hard. We only seek safety.

Tin and Sang are among more than 100,000 Christian Burmese refugees forced to flee in recent years. They live out of suitcases in abject poverty in Malaysia. Their kids cant go to school, and they risk deportation or detention if they try to report a crime.

And its not just Christians. Hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims have also been forced to escape the country of 51 million, where soldiers torched homes, raped women and killed them in a crackdown that began in October.

Trumps Executive Order Protecting The Nation From Foreign Terrorist Entry Into The United States, says lowering the cap is necessary to U.S. interests. But the swift reduction in refugee visas interrupts work under way by federal law enforcement agencies and nonprofits around the world to vet 110,000 people in 2017, the highest number in decades. It was an attempt to put a small dent in the record 65 million refugees, asylum seekers and internally displaced persons worldwide.

More from the seven countries

Nearly 38,000 have been admitted so far. Another 72,000 were preparing to arrive before the fiscal year ends in September. Instead, under Trumps order just 12,000 more will be allowed in. Exceptions can be made if the secretaries of State and Homeland Security agree.

The safety and security of the American people is our highest priority, said a State Department official who provided a statement on condition of anonymity because he wasnt authorized to talk on the record about it.

The U.S. defines refugees as people of special humanitarian concern who have been persecuted because of their race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.

An AP analysis found that nearly half the refugees who have arrived in fiscal year 2017 came from the seven majority Muslim countries named in an earlier executive order. Refugees from Syria, in particular, have arrived in greater numbers in the past 12 months. Burmas share has dropped from 26 percent of all spots in 2015 to 8 percent of the refugee caseload so far this fiscal year.

The AP also found refugees from Bhutan and Afghanistan make up a smaller proportion admitted in 2017 than in previous years.

In 1980s, Southeast Asians

About 210,000 refugees, largely Vietnamese and Cambodians, came to the U.S. in 1980, the most in any year. Refugee arrivals dropped to less than 30,000 after September 11 prompted strict new immigration rules. But they have increased fairly steadily since 2004, and overall refugee admissions reached 85,000 last year.

The journeys of Burmese refugees begin in some of the poorest places on Earth: remote villages in strife-ridden regions. They pay smugglers upward of $500 for the harrowing two-week journey. Some end up in Thailand, where an estimated 100,000 live in refugee camps, known locally as temporary shelters. Thai officials did not allow AP to visit.

In Malaysia there are about 130,000 Burmese refugees awaiting resettlement. They live in Kuala Lumpurs poorest neighborhoods, their makeshift plywood walls dividing ordinary two-bedroom apartment into a half dozen stifling family units, a stark contrast to citys glimmering skyscrapers. They can stay for years, their belongings packed in baggage, so they can be near the United Nations and U.S. Embassy if called to get stamps on documents or meet with officials.

Earlier this week, Tin, the mother waiting for the Embassy to call, dropped off her youngest son at a volunteer-run school. A teacher wrote words on the board, and asked students for three descriptive phrases.

Bauri Ram, 11, stared at his word, President.

Donald Trump, someone had written. Help other people.

Bauri Ram took up the blue marker: They help refugees.
Their health care overhaul imperiled from all sides, the White House and top House Republicans acknowledged Wednesday that they would change the legislation in hopes of nailing down votes and pushing the party's showpiece bill through the chamber soon.

Speaker Paul Ryan of Wisconsin declined to commit to bringing the measure to the House floor next week, a fresh indication of uncertainty. Republican leaders have repeatedly said that was their schedule, but opposition mushroomed after a congressional report concluded this week that the measure would strip 24 million people of coverage in a decade.

Ryan told reporters that GOP leaders could now make "some necessary improvements and refinements" to the legislation, reflecting an urgency to buttress support. The measure would strike down much of former President Barack Obama's 2010 overhaul and reduce the federal role, including financing, for health care consumers; Democrats uniformly oppose it.

At an all-hands meeting Wednesday evening of House GOP lawmakers, Vice President Mike Pence and party leaders urged their rank and file to rally behind the legislation.

"It's our job to get it out of here and get it to the Senate,"' Pence told the Republicans, according to Representative Dennis Ross of Florida. That would let President Donald Trump pressure "Democrats in these red states to come on board,"' Ross said, referring to Republican-leaning states where Democratic senators face re-election next year.

Price calls governors

Health Secretary Tom Price was using phone calls to lobby Republican governors, some of whom  with home-state GOP members of Congress  oppose the bill's phase-out of Obama's expansion of Medicaid to 11 million additional lower-income Americans.

Amid the maneuvering, a government report said more than 12 million people have signed up for coverage this year under the very statute that Trump and congressional Republicans want to repeal. That figure underscored the potential political impact of the GOP's next move.

Pence met repeatedly with House Republicans, but rebels still abounded. Conservatives were unhappy the measure doesn't erase enough of Obama's law, while at the other end of the party's spectrum, moderates were upset the bill would strip millions of health coverage.

"Oh, heck, yes," said one conservative leader, Representative Jim Jordan of Ohio, when asked whether the GOP legislation needed changes to win his support.

Conservatives want to end the Medicaid expansion next year, not in 2020 as the bill proposes. They say a GOP proposed tax credit to help people pay medical costs is too generous, and they want to terminate all of Obama's insurance requirements, including mandatory coverage of specified services such as drug counseling.

Moderates' objections

Moderates, however, feel the tax credits are too stingy, especially for low earners and older people. They oppose accelerating the phase-out of the Medicaid expansion and are unhappy with long-term cuts the measure would inflict on the entire program.

Terminating the Medicaid expansion in 2020 and not 2018 "is sacrosanct to me," said moderate Representative Tom MacArthur of New Jersey.

In a new complication, Senator Charles Grassley, an Iowa Republican, said the measure lacked the votes to pass in the Senate, where Republicans hold a precarious 52-48 majority. That left House members angry about being asked to take a politically risky vote for legislation likely to be significantly altered.

Moderates "don't like the idea of taking a vote in the House that may go nowhere in the Senate," said Pennsylvania Republican Representative Charlie Dent.

Pence told House conservatives earlier that the administration was open to changes.

"He gave us a lot of hope," said Representative Mark Walker of North Carolina, a conservative leader.

The bill would enfeeble Obama's individual mandate, the requirement that Americans buy coverage, by abolishing the tax fine on violators. It would end subsidies that help low-income people with high insurance premiums the most and replace them with tax credits that are bigger for older people. It would cut Medicaid, repeal the law's tax increases on higher-earning Americans and require 30 percent higher premiums for consumers who let coverage lapse.

Coverage, costs

GOP support became scarcer when the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office projected the legislation would push 24 million Americans off coverage in a decade and shift out-of-pocket costs toward lower-income, older people. That's 4 million more than the 20 million who've gained either Medicaid or insurance coverage under Obama's law.

Hundreds of conservative activists rallied outside the Capitol in subfreezing weather to call on congressional leaders and Trump to abandon the GOP bill and fully repeal Obama's law. The rally was organized by FreedomWorks, a conservative group backed by the billionaire Koch brothers.

The latest government sign-up numbers missed Obama's target of 13.8 million people for 2017. But experts said the report undercuts Republican claims that the health law's insurance markets are teetering toward collapse, which they say makes repealing the law crucial.
The United States has the world's largest stock of robots, and the number is growing fast.

A report published Wednesday by Redwood Software and the Center for Economics and Business Research said investment surged to $86 billion in 2015 as more, better and cheaper robots were deployed.

The authors, whose firms are based in the Netherlands and Britain, said robotics plays an outsized role in boosting worker productivity and economic growth worldwide.

The surge in robot workers in the U.S. follows the loss of millions of American manufacturing jobs, which many experts blame on the rising tide of automation in factories. Discontent over these lost jobs helped upend U.S. politics last year and raised concerns that job losses to robots would spread from manufacturing to the far larger services sector of the U.S. economy.

In a VOA interview, Redwood Software's Neil Kinson said such fears were misplaced. He noted that Germany's economy is highly automated but nevertheless has a shortage of human workers.

Redwood, which is based in the Netherlands but also operates in other European countries and in the United States, specializes in crafting automation to handle business processes, particularly those that are repetitive, rule-bound and tedious.

Kinson said that leaves the more complex, rewarding and interesting work for people. He said the jobs least likely to be automated were those that require dealing with people.
Russia says it was not involved in any unlawful cyber activities, a day after the U.S. Justice Department announced indictments for two Russian spies and two other people suspected of stealing personal information of millions of people in a 2014 hack of Yahoo.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters Thursday that no Russian office, including the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) was involved.

U.S. Assistant Attorney General Mary McCord said the four indictments include two FSB officers and two hackers who helped them in the intrusion.

The FSB officers, identified as Dmitry Dokuchaev and Igor Sushchin, protected, directed, facilitated and paid criminal hackers to collect information through computer intrusions in the United States and elsewhere, she said.



WATCH: McCord on Yahoo hack



McCord said the hackers targeted the accounts of government officials from both Russia and the United States, as well as journalists, financial services employees and military personnel.

The hackers



One of the co-conspirators, Alexsey Belan, has been indicted twice before by the United States for similar hacking exploits, and has been on the FBIs most wanted cyber criminals list for more than three years.

The other hacker, Karim Baratov, was arrested Tuesday in Canada, McCord said.

The FSB is Russias intelligence agency. The unit within the FSB where the two defendants work, known as Center 18, is the main point of contact in Moscow for cyber-crime matters, according to McCord.

The involvement and direction of FSB officers with law enforcement responsibilities makes this conduct that much more egregious, she said. There are no free passes for foreign state-sponsored criminal behavior.

In 2014, Yahoos security team uncovered evidence that a hacker backed by an unnamed foreign government had pried into user accounts, but executives failed to act sufficiently on that knowledge, according to the results of an internal investigation. At that time, Yahoo only notified 26 people that their accounts had been breached.





500 million affected



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.

The companys investigation into the mishandled hack led to the loss of an annual bonus for CEO Marissa Mayer and the resignation of Yahoos general counsel, Ronald Bell.
Michael Flynn, the retired Army lieutenant general whom U.S. President Donald Trump ousted as his national security adviser in February, was paid nearly $68,000 by Russian interests in 2015, according to newly released documents.

The amount that Flynn received, higher than previously known, largely came from a $45,386 fee he was paid by the Kremlin-funded RT television network. Flynn traveled to Moscow to help promote RT's 10th anniversary  a trip that included a gala dinner at he was seated at the same table as Russian President Vladimir Putin.

In addition, Flynn received two $11,250 payments, one from the U.S. subsidiary of a Russian cybersecurity firm and another from Volga-Dnepr Airlines, a Russian carrier that runs charter flights.

The extent of the payments to Flynn added a new chapter into a string of contacts Trump aides had with Moscow in the months before Trump's victory in the U.S. presidential election in November, as well as during the transition period before he took office in January.

Since then, federal investigators and lawmakers have been poring over documents compiled by the U.S. intelligence community, which concluded that Russia meddled in the election to help Trump defeat former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, his Democratic opponent.

Worked for Turkey, too

Flynn, 58, also was paid $530,000 last year to lobby for Turkey while he was advising Trump during the billionaire real estate mogul's campaign. After his resignation from Trump's Cabinet, Flynn retroactively registered his activities as an agent representing Turkey in a filing earlier this month.

Trump had named Flynn as his national security adviser before the president was sworn into office. However, Flynn served as head of the National Security Council for just 24 days before he was forced to step down  not specifically because of his Russian and Turkish ties, according to Trump administration officials, but because he'd misled Vice President Mike Pence by failing to declare his meetings with Russia's ambassador to the U.S.

Flynn had met with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak during the post-election transition period without advising the administration of former President Barack Obama, who was still in office at the time. Flynn also gave other White House officials a false version of his contacts with the Russian envoy.

Flynn's meetings with Kislyak were discovered through routine surveillance of the ambassador, sources familiar with U.S. intelligence operations have said.

Congressman's disclosure

Trump said he was not concerned about Flynn's contacts with Kislyak, but that he asked for the NSC director's resignation because he had misled and embarrassed Pence. The Flynn case, with many details emerging from information leaked by White House officials and others, was one of a series of chaotic episodes during the first weeks of the Trump presidency.

Details of the Russian payments to Flynn were disclosed by U.S. Representative Elijah Cummings of Maryland, the top Democrat on the House Government Oversight Committee.

In a letter he addressed to Trump, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and FBI Director James Comey, Cummings asked whether Flynn fully disclosed his links to Russia and Turkey before he received a national security clearance and was named to the White House post.

"I cannot recall any time in our nation's history when the president selected as his national security adviser someone who violated the Constitution by accepting tens of thousands of dollars from an agent of a global adversary that attacked our democracy," Cummings said. "I also cannot recall a time when the president and his top advisers seemed so disinterested in the truth about that individual's work on behalf of foreign nations, whether due to willful ignorance or knowing indifference."
Two people in the Somali town of Haabo were wounded Thursday as naval forces traded fire with men trying to ferry supplies to a hijacked oil tanker off the coast.

Witnesses tell VOA's Somali service that the navy of Somalia's Puntland region intercepted a boat it believed was bringing food to gunmen who are holding the Aris 13 and its eight-man Sri Lankan crew.

The exchange of fire Tuesday occurred near the shore and both people wounded were on land.

Earlier, a maritime official said the owners of the hijacked tanker had made contact with the ship and reported the crew members are safe.

We know from the owners of the ship that they have spoken to the captain and that the crew are all OK and they are safe, John Steed of the non-profit Oceans Beyond Piracy told VOA. They are being held under guard in a single compartment in the ship.

The Sri Lanka-flagged ship is owned by Armi Shipping SA and is operated by Aurora Ship Management, both companies based in the United Arab Emirates.



The Aris 13 was hijacked Monday by gunmen in two skiffs off the coast of Somalia as it traveled from Djibouti to Mogadishu carrying fuel and gas.

The hijackers, who insist they are fishermen, not pirates, say they want "compensation" for illegal fishing off the coast of Somalia but have yet to issue specific ransom demands.



Maritime and Somali regional officials say the hijackers moved the ship to Haabo from its original location off the coast of Alula to the west.

We dont have facts but we heard perhaps they moved away from Alula because they received hostile reception from their locals and they felt under pressure to move, Abdirazak Mohamed Dirir, Puntland counter-piracy director told VOA.

Steed says there is nothing unusual about the move. Haabo is a bit more difficult to get out and so they may have felt its a safer anchorage for them, may be theyll have a better support where they can get additional guards from," he said.

Officials in Somalia's Puntland region say they have dispatched officials and maritime police to the area to achieve a "peaceful solution."

We are engaged in an effort to convince these men to free the ship and the sailors without condition and let it continue its journey, said Dirir.

Dirir says the region wants no ransom paid to the hijackers.

Paying ransom encourages more hijackings; principally we object to it," he said.

Steed says he is not aware of any ongoing negotiations and suggests a delay may be because there are technical problems.

It could just be that the pirates have not found their negotiator or translator or dont know what they want, he said. So I would expect over the next couple of days the negotiations to start in earnest.



Negotiations with pirates aren't always easy. In October of last year, 26 Asian sailors were released after almost five years in Somali pirate captivity.

A group of eight Iranian sailors has been held for more than two years.

Steed, who was involved in the talks that freed the Asian sailors, says the product on the hijacked ship and type of insurance the ship carries influences length of the negotiations.

Normally where there is a ship with a valuable cargo with a proper insurance the negotiations are a bit swifter, he said.

Steed says the world cannot afford to see the re-emergence of piracy off the coast of Somalia.

At their height in 2010, bands of Somali pirates hijacked nearly 50 ships and captured more than 1,000 sailors, causing an estimated $7 billion loss to the shipping industry.

Since then, piracy has virtually vanished, as ships adopted better security measures and international navies stepped up their patrols of Somali waters.

Steed says ships near Somalia should follow recommended safety practices, which include avoiding high-risk areas, sailing at high speed, and in some cases carrying armed guards.
China is retaliating over South Korea's agreement to host the U.S. THAAD missile defense system because it does not understand it is aimed only at defending against North Korea, South Korean Vice Foreign Minister Lim Sung-nam said on Thursday.

South Korean firms feel they are being retaliated against in China because of China's objections to the deployment of the missile system, which China sees as a threat to its security.

Lim, answering questions from members of parliament, said South Korea had explained to China the system was to defend against North Korea's missile threat but China did not appear to fully understand that point.



South Korean Defense Minister Han Min-koo told parliament China's concern about the THAAD system's radar was unfounded.

"The THAAD system is the most minimum defense mechanism

against North Korea's nuclear missile threats. China has been overly assessing the radar and excessively protesting against its deployment," Han said.

Beijing has complained strongly against the THAAD deployment in South Korea, but has not officially said the government has been pressuring South Korean businesses in China in retaliation.

Lim told lawmakers Lotte Group had seen pressure from China with several of its stores closed, while South Korea's flight and tourism operators have also experienced discriminatory tactics from China.

"We have not made an official calculation on the financial damage that could potentially result from China's actions, but if this continues it could have a significant impact," the vice foreign minister said.

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said in Tokyo on Thursday that China had a major role to play in reining in North Korea's nuclear and missile programs, carried out in defiance of U.N. resolutions and sanctions.
Parrikar was appointed by Goa Governor Mridula Sinha on Monday after he staked claim on Sunday to form the government.

By India Today Web Desk: The BJP-led coalition of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar today won the floor test during the one-day session of the Goa assembly with 22 MLAs voting for it. The Congress got 16 votes. LIVE UPDATES

Manohar Parrikar after winning the trust vote said, "We have proved before the people of India, we had support of 23 and we proved it on the floor of House," adding "Congress leader Digvijaya Singh's claims that they have numbers, debunked. Right from the beginning they didn't have numbers."

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Parrikar said, "It was only hype possibly because there was a demand that was coming that Digvijaya step down as general secretary."

Goa CM Manohar Parrikar when asked about the need of deputy CM said, "It is a government of coalition & decision in this regard will be taken by the coalition."

"Wild allegations being made, those with coloured glasses make those allegations. Everyone voluntarily came and voted, none of them were kept in a hotel room or secluded common place as was the case of opposition, " Parrikar said on allegations of horse-trading.

NCP's Churchill Alemao supported the Parrikar motion in Goa Assembly.

Congress MLA Vishwajit Rane son of former chief minister Pratap Singh Rane skipped the voting. The Congress MLA skipped the voting. He had been disgruntled on various issues with the party.

Parrikar was appointed by Goa Governor Mridula Sinha on Monday after he staked claim on Sunday to form the government.

The move came amid controversy and allegations of horse-trading and violation of constitutional norms and precedent by the Congress party, which had emerged as the single largest party with 17 seats in the 40-member assembly.

While the BJP won 13 seats in the February 4 elections, after votes were counted on Saturday (March 11), the saffron party leaders were quick off the block and garnered support of three MLAs each from the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) and Goa Forward (GF) as well as two Independent legislators, before meeting the Governor.

WATCH: Manohar Parrikar sworn in as Goa Chief Minister

--- ENDS ---
Prosecutors questioned three officials linked to South Koreas third-largest conglomerate, SK Group, Thursday as part of a widening corruption scandal that led to the dismissal of President Park Geun-hye.

The Constitutional Court dismissed Park last Friday when it upheld a December parliamentary impeachment vote. An election for a successor will be May 9.

Park, South Koreas first democratically elected president to be removed from office, has been accused of colluding with a friend, Choi Soon-sil, to pressure big businesses to contribute to nonprofit foundations backing the presidents initiatives. Both denied wrongdoing.

Three conglomerates

The Samsung Group, South Koreas largest conglomerate, is embroiled in the scandal and its head, Jay Y. Lee, is in jail on bribery, embezzlement and other charges.

Lee denies all charges, and Samsung denies wrongdoing.

A spokesman for the Lotte Group, a third South Korean conglomerate, said Wednesday it was cooperating with the prosecutors investigation.

The three officials linked to the SK group include Kim Chang-geun, the former chairman of the semiconductor-to-telecom groups top decision-making committee, an SK Group spokesman confirmed.

We will actively straighten out suspicions that are different from facts, the spokesman said.

Park has been summoned for questioning next Tuesday.

Private meetings

Kim had a private meeting with Park in July 2015, around the time Park was holding a series of meetings with heads of conglomerates, the Yonhap news agency reported.

The SK Group controls companies such as the worlds second-biggest memory-chip maker, SK Hynix Inc, and South Koreas biggest telecoms company, SK Telecom. Prosecutors have not said how long they think their investigation would last.

The political turmoil comes at a time of rising tension with North Korea over its nuclear and missile programs, and with China over the deployment of a U.S. anti-missile system in South Korea that China sees as a threat to its security.

Tillerson and THADD

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson will visit South Korea, as well as Japan and China, this week.

The scandal has undermined support for the ruling conservatives and bolstered the chances of a prominent liberal, Moon Jae-in, who is leading in opinion polls.

The prospect of an opposition election victory has raised questions about the future in South Korea of the U.S.-made Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) anti-missile system, which China opposes because it says its radar can penetrate its territory.

Tillerson will meet Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn, who has been acting president since the impeachment vote, and Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se in Seoul Friday.

He is not scheduled to see opposition figures, a U.S. State Department official said, raising questions about the durability of any agreements.

The aircraft carrier the USS Carl Vinson is in South Korean waters this week for exercises with South Korean forces.
Each year, aspiring tech entrepreneurs from all over the world head to the South by Southwest (SXSW) conference in Austin, Texas, to prove their worth. But what does it take to stand apart from the competition?

Anna Skaya, chief executive and co-founder of Basepaws, a DNA home test kit for cats, secured some seed funding at the conference. Seed funding is a form of securities offering in which an investor invests capital in exchange for an equity stake in the company.

"People are really excited about this idea of pet genetics. It hasn't really been done before, we're one of the first companies to do it," said Skaya, who is originally from Russia.

International perspectives can lead to breakthrough products such as the biodegradable eco-bags from Indonesian startup, Avani.

Kevin Kumala is an avid surfer who studied biochemistry in the United States before returning to Indonesia. "When I came back to Bali, no longer I was surfing in waves, I was literally surfing in a wave of plastic, and it's really disgusting," he said.

Kumala's bio-based bag is made with cassava root that dissolves in water and can even serve as food for marine life.

Representatives from Chinese startup Philm were demonstrating their mobile picture and video filters app. Co-founder Yin Zhang discussed the challenges of running a startup in China.

"If you are a small startup in the U.S., if you do one thing well, you can live very well," he said. "But in China, there's a lot more competition, so every idea you work on, there may be 10 other startups working on similar things."

His key for keeping ahead of the pack? Staying on top of technologies like machine learning, which powers the Philm app.

No matter where they come from, at South by Southwest (SXSW), the passion for technology and innovation is a global cause.
The top U.S. diplomat Friday visited the heavily armed Demilitarized Zone, or DMZ, dividing North and South Korea.

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is on the second leg of his Asia tour with his arrival in South Korea Friday. He is scheduled to meet with acting president Hwang Kyo-ahn and Tillerson's South Korean counterpart Yun Byung-se in Seoul.

Tillerson said Thursday in Tokyo on the opening leg of his first trip to Asia that it is clear that a different approach is required after 20 years of failed diplomatic efforts to prevent North Korea from having nuclear weapons.

The top U.S. diplomat said part of the reason he is in the region is to exchange views with Japan, South Korea and China on other ways forward.

North Korea and its people need not fear the United States or their neighbors in the region who seek only to live in peace with North Korea, Tillerson said at a joint news conference with Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida. With this in mind, the United States calls on North Korea to abandon its nuclear and ballistic missile programs and refrain from any further provocations.

Pledge to allies

He further pledged that U.S. commitment to defending Japan and other allies is unwavering.

The final leg of Tillersons tour is China, where his agenda includes a meeting with President Xi Jinping.

China's role

The secretary of state said Thursday China plays a very important role in efforts to encourage North Korea to abandon its nuclear program, and he encouraged China to fully implement U.N. sanctions meant to pressure the North Korean government.

We will be having discussions with China as to further actions we believe they might consider taking that would be helpful to bringing North Korea to a different attitude about its future need for nuclear weapons, Tillerson said.

Japan and South Korea, which host U.S. troops and are within range of North Korean missiles, support U.S. efforts to increase diplomatic and economic pressure on North Korea. A statement by the U.S. Navys 7th Fleet said the three allies were conducting drills Wednesday in seas east of the divided Korean Peninsula and north of Japan to promote interoperability.

Tillersons talks with Xi will also lay the groundwork for a summit between Xi and U.S. President Donald Trump, which is expected to take place in early April in Florida.

Media coverage limited

Only one reporter is traveling with Tillerson, instead of the usual larger group from news organization that traditionally have gone with the secretary of state.

Erin McPike of the conservative leaning website the Independent Journal Review, was chosen to travel with Tillerson on this trip. Under intense questioning from beat reporters Wednesday, acting State Department spokesman Mark Toner said McPike was selected by a group of decision makers in an attempt to look at outside the box approaches to how we handle coverage of the secretary.

Toner tried to reassure inquiring reporters the media will have broad access to Tillerson. He said 23 journalists, including 17 from the U.S., will have access during media availabilities.

But when asked if McPike will have access to Tillerson when other reporters will not, Toner could not respond definitively.

I cant speak to what additional access may be provided to this reporter, he said.

The State Department originally said Tillerson would not take journalists with him because the plane he was traveling on was too small. He ended up taking a Boeing 737, which could have accommodated some of the regular agency reporters, each of whom is required to cover his or her own costs.
Tompkins Conservation signed an agreement with Chile's government Wednesday to donate 1 million acres for new national parks in the largest private donation of its kind for the South American nation.



Chilean President Michelle Bachelet signed the deal with Kristine McDivitt Tompkins, the widow of American conservationist Doug Tompkins, who built a legacy protecting threatened ecosystems in Argentina and Chile.



"This is a key step to treasuring this giant source of biodiversity and safe keep it in the public interest,'' Bachelet said at a ceremony in southern Chile.



The agreement will provide land to create three new national parks, expand three existing national parks and unite some national forests into two national parks. Bachelet is expected to sign the decrees to create the parks before she ends her presidential term in March 2018.



The proposal will eventually help create the "Route of Parks,'' a network of 17 parks spanning more than 1,500 miles from Puerto Montt to Cape Horn. In all, the plan ultimately seeks to increase Chile's national parkland by more than 10 million acres. Tompkins Conservation said the area that will be protected is three times the size of the United States' Yosemite and Yellowstone national parks combined.





Tompkins, co-founder of the North Face and Esprit clothing companies, used much of his fortune to buy large tracts of land in Patagonia, a sparsely populated region of untamed rivers and other natural beauty straddling southern Chile and Argentina.



At first, his purchases of land to preserve swaths of wilderness stirred suspicion and opposition by local politicians, loggers, power companies and nationalists who stirred rumors that he was trying to steal water resources. But he shrugged off the protests, insisting he would eventually return the land to both governments to be preserved as nature reserves or parks.



Since her husband's death in a kayaking accident last year, McDivitt Tompkins had been working non-stop to permanently protect from development the millions of acres the couple acquired over a quarter century.



"I wish my husband, Doug, whose vision inspired today's historic pledge, were here on this memorable day. Our team and I feel his absence deeply,'' she said. "But I know that if Doug were here today, he would speak of national parks being one of the greatest expressions of democracy that a country can realize, preserving the masterpieces of a nation for all of its citizenry.''
The European Union's enlargement commissioner urged Balkan leaders Thursday to stop stoking regional tensions and fully embrace their European future.

Johannes Hahn addressed the prime ministers of Albania, Bosnia, Kosovo, Montenegro, Macedonia and Serbia, who met in Sarajevo as part of preparations for a summit of some EU and western Balkan nations to be held in Trieste, Italy on July 12.



Hahn said the EU understood it was in its hard-headed self-interest to promote the troubled region's future within the bloc when U.S policy for that part of the world is unclear and there are unprecedented levels of involvement from further east  an apparent reference to Russian meddling in the Balkans.

We now have one of those windows of opportunity where either the region as a whole picks up momentum and we generate a genuinely positive narrative, or we end up in a really awkward spot, with a stream of bad news slamming the window firmly shut, he said.

Many issues hamper EU membership



The Balkan countries are at different stages of being integrated into the bloc. Domestic politics and sluggish national economies have long hampered the EU integration of a region still recovering from the brutal wars of the 1990s.



Between an unresolved political crisis in Macedonia, a failed coup attempt in Montenegro, and growing discord between Bosnia's ethnic leaders, the western Balkans now appear to be at their most tense in at least a decade.



Relations between Kosovo and Serbia have also grown increasingly hostile, while an opposition boycott of Parliament in Albania is hampering that country's ability to integrate with the EU.

Future is in Europe



Hahn acknowledged that the Sarajevo meeting was taking place at a point when several countries are undergoing severe domestic political crises, sometimes heading toward serious ethnic tensions.

However, he said the EU has unequivocally confirmed that the western Balkan countries have a future in Europe.

I don't think you can afford to squander this positive climate through domestic confrontations and blaming neighbors, Hahn said. This is playing with fire.
The first time a U.S. federal court issued a temporary restraining order against President Donald Trumps travel ban, the government filed an appeal the next day.

After Wednesdays court ruling against Trumps second executive order, which temporarily suspends refugee admissions and the issuance of new visas to people from six countries, an appeal to the same San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals is also expected.

Trump himself said Wednesday the legal challenges will continue, beyond the 9th Circuit, if necessary.

Trump: Hawaii Judge's Ruling Against Revised Travel Ban Was 'Political'

We are going to fight this terrible ruling, he told supporters in Tennessee. We are going to take our case as far as it needs to go, including all the way up to the Supreme Court. We are going to win, we are going to keep our citizens safe and regardless, we are going to keep our citizens safe, believe me.

Back to the 9th Circuit

Wednesdays ruling came from the U.S. District Court that covers the state of Hawaii, one of nine Western U.S. states where cases are appealed to the 9th Circuit.

In February, a three-judge panel upheld a lower courts ruling that prohibited the government from enforcing the original executive order. The members of the panel change every month, according to a rotation, so a new appeal could be heard by a new set of judges. Their choices would again be to uphold the lower court, strike down its ruling, or send the case back for some kind of review.

Leon Fresco, an immigration attorney who served as deputy assistant attorney general for the Justice Department Civil Divisions Office of Immigration Litigation during President Barack Obamas administration, says the focus for the appeals court will be the question of Trumps authority to issue an entry ban.

1952 law

A law enacted in 1952, the Immigration and Nationality Act, says in Section 212(f) that if the president finds that allowing any noncitizens, or any group of noncitizens, to enter the United States would be detrimental to the country, then he may suspend entry for a period of time he deems necessary.

Fresco said the District Courts decision Wednesday did not address that authority, and that the courts could provide much needed guidance for the Trump administration, and for future presidents as well.

Ultimately the court is going to have to grapple with the key question, which is, does Section 212 (f), and the combination of the fact that its being applied to people abroad with no ties to the United States, mean that even if the president had a discriminatory intent it still couldnt be challenged in a court, he told VOA via Skype.

Can the order be challenged

The next question, Fresco said, is can the order be challenged in court. Do statements by the president irrevocably taint the order, even if it is written in a way that does not specifically mention any religion.

The District Court acknowledged in its ruling Wednesday that the second version of Trumps order does not facially discriminate for or against any particular religion. But it went on to say that because the countries involved are at least 90 percent Muslim, it is no leap to conclude the ban targets Islam.

A ruling at the 9th Circuit would set up a potential appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. The Supreme Court usually has nine members, but because of the death of Justice Antonin Scalia last year, there are currently only eight justices.

Given the history of immigration decisions by those on the court, a 4-4 tie is the widely expected outcome of a challenge under the current Supreme Court. If that happened, whatever the 9th Circuit decided would remain in place, making that courts actions even more important.

However, an appeal may also reach the Supreme Court after a Trump-appointed justice is seated, and that justice may tip the courts ruling in the administrations favor. Trumps nominee to the Supreme Court, Neil Gorsuch, a federal appellate judge on the Denver-based 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, is considered a solid conservative jurist who has strong Republican support in the Senate.

James Thurber, a distinguished professor in the Department of Government at the American University, believes that seating Gorsuch may not guarantee a victory for the Trump administration on the travel ban issue.

Even though it is going to be a conservative court if Mr. Gorsuch is confirmed, and he probably will be confirmed eventually, it will be a five to four thing (margin for conservatives), they believe in limits of power for the president.

Same words, different president

Fresco said he believes that if an order with the exact same words as Trumps were issued by another president in a different context it would be upheld in 99 percent of cases. He expects in this case the 9th Circuit would again side with the lower courts ruling suspending the measure.

I think they want to send the message to the president that he should not start operating under the belief that he has unlimited authority to do whatever he wants on immigration, he said. I think this is a message the 9th Circuit wants to send. I dont know if thats a message the Supreme Court wants to send, but I am quite confident that this is a message that the 9th Circuit wants to send to the president.

Fresco added that he believes the statutory authority in question is an important tool for a president, and it is not worth potentially weakening that authority over what he called an ill-conceived travel ban.

It seems so misguided from a policy standpoint. Why you would take this all the way up to the Supreme Court and potentially ruin much-needed authority for the future?

Jim Malone in Washington contributed to this report.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau  along with first daughter Ivanka Trump as a guest  welcomed a new Broadway musical that celebrates Canadian compassion and openness to international travelers following the Sept. 11 attacks.

Trudeau and Trump and some 120 ambassadors from around the world attended the show Come From Away on Wednesday night at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre, in a city where the bulk of the 3,000 people on 9/11 died and in a country furiously discussing borders and immigration.

The musical is set in the small Newfoundland town of Gander, which opened its arms and homes to some 7,000 airline passengers diverted there when the U.S. government shut down its airspace. In a matter of a few hours, the town was overwhelmed by 38 planeloads of travelers from dozens of countries and religions, yet locals went to work in their kitchens and cleaned up spare rooms.

In remarks before the show, Trudeau got on the stage and said he was pleased that, "the world gets to see what it is to lean on each other and be there for each other through the darkest times."

The show got a standing ovation, including from Trump, who sat near Trudeau, his wife and U.N. ambassador Nikki Haley. Also in attendance was Jean Chretien, a former Canadian prime minister, and the mayor of Gander. Trump was seen clapping along happily as the band played at the curtain call.

There for each other

The actors did not make any changes to the script or acknowledge the special audience, but one afterward was still buzzing.

"When do we have the opportunity to share a story about kindness, gratitude and love that takes place in a country that is known for opening their hearts to people?" said actor Rodney Hicks. "It just meant the world to all of us."

Trudeau, who champions global free trade and has welcomed 40,000 Syrian refugees, was celebrating the 150th anniversary of Canada's confederation and also hoped to reaffirm the special friendship between Canadians and Americans.

"Our friends are there for those tough times, when you lose a parent or a loved one, when you get knocked off your path at a difficult moment in your life. Where you go through difficult times, that's when you turn and you lean on your friends," he said. "That ultimately is what this story is all about  being there for each other."

In the show, a cast of a dozen play both residents and marooned passengers, telling true stories of generosity, compassion and acceptance, while fear and suspicion reigned in America. The show arrives just as a debate over immigration and open borders has reignited following the Trump administration's push for a ban on travelers from six predominantly Muslim nations.

Warm welcome

Canadian husband-and-wife writing team Irene Sankoff and David Hein wrote the book, music and lyrics, and it was directed by Christopher Ashley, the artistic director of the La Jolla Playhouse. The musical veers its focus from weighty matters  a mother anxious about her missing firefighter son in New York  to more silly events, like a rowdy evening at a local bar where visitors are urged to kiss a cod.

Security at the theater was intense and theatergoers had to navigate through frozen snow drifts as well as black SUVs. But Trudeau seemed comfortable on the stage.

"I have to sort of personally say, on behalf of all Canadians, thank you for making us so welcome with the snow," he said. "It's a nice touch. You really went out of your way."

Trudeau's warm reception was in contrast to the ones that greeted two other world leaders who recently attended the Broadway smash Hamilton  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Vice President-elect Mike Pence. Both received more than a smattering of boos.

Captain and fan

One woman in attendance on Wednesday was seeing Come From Away for the 58th time, having followed it as it made its way from California to Seattle to Washington, D.C., then Gander and now Broadway.

That was Beverley Bass, the first female captain at American Airlines, who was at the helm of Flight 49, going from Paris to Dallas-Fort Worth, when she ended up in Gander on 9/11. She was interviewed by the musical's creators for her story and is portrayed onstage by Jenn Colella.

After almost 60 performances, might she at some point just step in for Colella one night and play her own life? Bass laughed: "I can't sing and dance, so her role is safe from me," she said. Then she thought for a moment and added: "But I guess she can't fly jets."
Tin, her husband and five children have cleared years of refugee hurdles to come to the U.S.: blood tests, interviews, DNA and fingerprints, background checks. She has her one must-bring possession within reach, a well-worn Bible, and keeps their phone charged for the U.S. Embassy to call.



But the odds of that happening dropped precipitously.



President Donald Trump's 16-page travel ban "to keep the bad dudes out" bars new visas for people from six Muslim-majority countries and shuts down America's refugee program through mid-July. His executive order had been set to take effect Thursday, but a federal judge put it on hold hours before it was to take effect.



The order also includes a 55 percent reduction in refugee visas overall, from a planned 110,000 to 50,000 this year. This means, in some of the most desperate places in the world, 60,000 refugee visas are not going to be issued after all.



Who are the 60,000 people who may have lost their chance to resettle in the U.S. by September? An Associated Press analysis of 10 years of refugee data suggests that their most common country of origin is not any of the six nations in the travel ban, but Myanmar, also known as Burma. Thousands, like Tin and her family, are Christians who were persecuted in their native country.



They expected to resettle before September in the U.S., a place they consider home. More than 160,000 Burmese have resettled in the U.S. in the past decade, more than any other group. They account for nearly 25 percent of new U.S. refugees since 2007.



"America is really our fatherland in terms of religion," said Tin, 38. "They sent their missionaries to our country and taught us to be Christians. And now we had to escape. All we want is to be safe."



Christians face religious and political discrimination in predominantly Buddhist Myanmar. Its nascent democracy is heavily influenced by a military that ruled for half a century and remains at war with several ethnic groups, some of which are majority Christian.



Tin and her community fled Chin state, where Human Rights Watch says more than 90 percent of the residents were adhering to the tenets the American Baptist Church by 2009, pitting them against a military campaign to elevate Buddhism over all other religions.



Tin and others said that when they gathered for family prayers, people threw rocks at them. Soldiers busted into church services. They hid their precious Bibles for fear of attack.



School teacher Sang, 29, a Burmese refugee who learned English as a theology student, meticulously read through a copy of Trump's executive order last week and then looked up, nodding.



He said that while he agreed with the need to keep terrorists out of the U.S., "We are not terrorists, we are Christians. We will never be a problem in the United States. We will get educations, we will work hard. We only seek safety."



Tin and Sang are among more than 100,000 Christian Burmese refugees forced to flee in recent years. They live out of suitcases in abject poverty in Malaysia. Their kids can't go to school, and they risk deportation or detention if they try to report a crime.



And it's not just Christians. Hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims have also been forced to escape the country of 51 million, where soldiers torched homes, raped women and killed them in a crackdown that began in October.



Trump's "Executive Order Protecting The Nation From Foreign Terrorist Entry Into The United States," says lowering the cap is necessary to U.S. interests. But the swift reduction in refugee visas interrupts work underway by federal law enforcement agencies and nonprofits around the world to vet 110,000 people in 2017, the highest number in decades. It was an attempt to put a small dent in the record 65 million refugees, asylum seekers and internally displaced persons worldwide.



Nearly 38,000 have been admitted so far. Another 72,000 were preparing to arrive before the fiscal year ends in September. Instead, under Trump's order just 12,000 more will be allowed in. Exceptions can be made if the secretaries of State and Homeland Security agree.



"The safety and security of the American people is our highest priority," said a State Department official who provided a statement on condition of anonymity because he wasn't authorized to talk on the record about it.



The U.S. defines refugees as people of "special humanitarian concern" who have been persecuted because of their race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.



An AP analysis found that nearly half the refugees who have arrived in fiscal year 2017 came from the seven majority Muslim countries named in an earlier executive order. Refugees from Syria, in particular, have arrived in greater numbers in the past twelve months. Burma's share has dropped from 26 percent of all spots in 2015 to just 8 percent of the refugee caseload so far this fiscal year.



The AP also found refugees from Bhutan and Afghanistan make up a smaller proportion admitted in 2017 than in previous years.



About 210,000 refugees, largely Vietnamese and Cambodians, came to the U.S. in 1980, the most in any year. Refugee arrivals dropped to less than 30,000 after 9/11 prompted strict new immigration rules. But they have increased fairly steadily since 2004, and overall refugee admissions reached 85,000 last year.



The journeys of Burmese refugees begin in some of the poorest places on Earth: remote villages in strife-ridden regions. They pay smugglers upward of $500 for the harrowing two-week journey. Some end up in Thailand, where an estimated 100,000 live in refugee camps, known locally as ``temporary shelters.'' Thai officials did not allow AP to visit.



In Malaysia there are about 130,000 Burmese refugees awaiting resettlement. They live in Kuala Lumpur's poorest neighborhoods, their makeshift plywood walls dividing ordinary two-bedroom apartment into a half dozen stifling family units, a stark contrast to city's glimmering skyscrapers. They can stay for years, their belongings packed in baggage, so they can be near the United Nations and U.S. Embassy if called to get stamps on documents or meet with officials.



Earlier this week, Tin  the mother waiting for the Embassy to call  dropped off her youngest son at a volunteer-run school. A teacher wrote words on the board, and asked students for three descriptive phrases.



Bauri Ram, 11, stared at his word, President.



"Donald Trump," someone had written. "Help other people."



Bauri Ram took up the blue marker: "They help refugees."




President Donald Trump's own words have come back to haunt him as he tries to launch an executive order on travel that will stick.

Wednesday, two U.S. federal courts issued temporary restraining orders against the president's second attempt at a travel order that would limit who can enter the country.

Watch: Trump Administration Vows to Enforce Travel Ban

A judge in Hawaii blocked both the order's suspension of refugee admissions and its ban on issuing new visas to people from a group of six countries.

Judge Derrick Watson pointed to statements made by Trump and his associates both before and after the president was elected in November as justification to halt the order, which was to take effect hours later, because of a constitutional clause that requires government actions to have a primarily secular purpose.

Trump's campaign once included a call to ban all Muslims from entering the United States, a policy that was later changed to advocating extreme vetting for people from countries with a link to terrorism.

Watch: Trump Tells Tennessee Crowd of Revised Travel Ban Ruling

Judge Watson said the case before him included significant and unrebutted evidence of religious animus driving the promulgation of the executive order and its related predecessor.

A federal judge in Maryland also cited Trump's comments in issuing a separate injunction later Wednesday, but that ruling applies only to the visa ban portion of the executive order, and not the section on the refugee program.

If I were legal counsel, any kind of counsel, to the president, I would tell him to stop with the inflammatory rhetoric because he is undermining his own goals, said David Abraham, professor of immigration and citizenship law at the University of Miami (Florida) School of Law.

Abraham said as recently as Wednesday's rally in Nashville, Tennessee, the president was using rhetoric that could hurt him in court by indicating that the new travel order is not really different from the old one.

As he did again last night in his address, the president said, Well we cleaned it up. It's basically what I wanted before; it's the same thing. In fact, I like the other one even better. So in some ways so the president is creating his own bad static.

WATCH: Spicer Gives Trump Statement on Blocked Travel Ban

Next Stop, Ninth Circuit

The Trump administration says the travel order is necessary to protect the country from the threat of terrorism. It features a four-month ban on admitting any refugees and a three-month freeze on issuing visas to people from Iran, Syria, Yemen, Libya, Somalia and Sudan.

An earlier version of the order included Iraq in the targeted countries, as well as a clause that exempted religious minorities from the ban.

Trump said the court's ruling makes the United States look weak, and that he will continue the legal battle.

The danger is clear, the law is clear, the need for my executive order is clear, he told supporters at the Tennessee rally. I was elected to change our broken and dangerous system and thinking in government that has weakened and endangered our country and left our people defenseless.

The first step in the appeals process would be filing a claim with the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, which upheld a hold on the original travel order by a Washington state court. Hawaii is also in the Ninth Circuit.

But Leon Fresco, an immigration attorney who served as deputy assistant attorney general for the DOJ Civil Division's Office of Immigration Litigation during President Barack Obama's administration, expects the order to have little success at the appeals level and even eventually at the Supreme Court level.

I think it was an interesting ruling in the sense that the court is taking a very bold statement on saying that the actions in the administration have basically irrevocably tainted any effort to move forward with this travel executive order, Fresco told VOA via Skype.

However, Fresco said he thinks the president's statutory authority to ban people is absolutely vital to the country, and shouldn't be weakened by what he called an ill-conceived travel ban with ill-conceived statements.

If you think someone is dangerous, just deny their visa. You don't need a ban, he said. And the fact that they created these waivers just shows you that they basically are implementing a normal visa system. They're saying deny it unless there's some reason to grant it. There's no reason you couldn't do that now, just don't have a categorical ban.
The White House is continuing to stand by President Donald Trump's insistence that former President Barack Obama wiretapped his phones at Trump Tower in New York, despite a complete lack of evidence.

Spokesman Sean Spicer faced off Thursday against a roomful of reporters who wanted to know why Trump keeps insisting it is true, even after top lawmakers on the House and Senate intelligence committees say it never happened.

Spicer accused the journalists of "mischaracterizing" what happened in the Senate committee.

WATCH: Spicer on wiretapping allegations

WATCH: Spicer, CNN reporter have terse exchange over wiretapping allegations

He also accused reporters of "cherry picking" what they choose to cover, and of ignoring House Intelligence Chairman Devin Nunes, who said it was "very possible" there was surveillance of Trump.

But Nunes said he does not believe Trump's phones were tapped.

Spicer said Trump put the word "wiretap" in quotes in his original Twitter accusation. Spicer said that means there was widespread surveillance if not actual phone taps.

But the two top senators on the Senate Intelligence Committee, Republican Richard Burr and Democrat Mark Warner, said Thursday: Based on the information available to us, we see no indications that Trump Tower was the subject of surveillance by any element of the United States government either before or after Election Day 2016.

WATCH: Ryan says no evidence of wiretapping

Their statement followed one from House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan, who also dismissed the president's explosive claim March 4 that Obama ordered the eavesdropping. "We've cleared that up, that we see no evidence of that," Ryan said.

Trump, however, told Fox News late Wednesday that he "very soon" will produce evidence of Obama's actions.

Top leaders of the House Intelligence Committee said Wednesday that Trump's allegation is unfounded, but the president said his administration "will be submitting things" to the panel and that he perhaps will be speaking about his claim next week.

"You're going to find some very interesting items coming to the forefront over the next two weeks," Trump said.

Numerous congressional leaders, both opposition Democrats and Republicans, have sharply rebuked Trump's claim that Obama wiretapped Trump Tower, the skyscraper where the billionaire real estate mogul ran his campaign, and his home before winning the White House.

Trump made the wiretapping charge against his predecessor two Saturdays ago in a string of Twitter comments. One of them said: "Terrible! Just found out that Obama had my 'wires tapped' in Trump Tower just before the victory."

Obama dismissed the allegation as "simply false," and Trump since then has not substantiated his claim. Until the Fox interview, Trump dodged reporters' questions about the allegation.

Trump told Fox his Twitter comment "really covers surveillance and many other things. Nobody ever talks about the fact that (the words 'wire tapped') was in quotes, but that's a very important thing."

WATCH: Nunes denies evidence of wiretapping

On Wednesday, House Intelligence Committee Chairman Republican Devin Nunes, who has been supportive of Trump, held a news conference about Trump's wiretapping allegation.

"We don't have any evidence that took place," he said. "I don't think there was a tapping of Trump Tower."

The committee's top Democrat, Congressman Adam Schiff, agreed, saying: "To date, I see no evidence (of Obama ordered wiretapping), no basis for that whatsoever."

WATCH: Schiff says Trump's allegations 'irresponsible'

Nunes and Schiff said they are waiting for information from the Department of Justice by next Monday about whether the agency knows of any court ordered wiretaps of Trump, but said they have learned of no such bugging in their investigation.

The congressional probe was requested by the White House after Trump made his wiretapping allegation.

The House Intelligence Committee also is looking at links between Trump campaign aides and Russian officials during the billionaire real estate mogul's long run for the White House, and in the weeks after he won the election.

Nunes said James Comey, director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the country's top law enforcement agency, will testify next Monday before the Intelligence Committee about the wiretapping allegation and the agency's investigation of Russian meddling in the election aimed at helping Trump win.

One key U.S. senator, Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, said, "I'm going to get to the bottom of this. Congress is going to flex its muscle."

He vowed, if need be, to subpoena the FBI to determine whether any U.S. judge issued a secret wiretapping edict that the FBI carried out.
A very disgruntled Vishwajeet Rane told India Today that "people will never ever give a mandate to the Congress again. Congress is heading for a vertical split. Senior leaders who should have helped form the government were busy enjoying in Goa. Is this is what should have been done?"

By Rohini Swamy: The Congress in Goa is in doldrums. Not only did the party lose an opportunity to form a government due to the slow paced reaction of the party, but now Congress leader and Valpoi MLA Vishwajeet Rane has decided to resign from the party.

He also abstained from voting during the trust vote that was held on the floor of the Goa legislative Assembly.

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A very disgruntled Vishwajeet Rane told India Today that "people will never ever give a mandate to the Congress again. Congress is heading for a vertical split. Senior leaders who should have helped form the government were busy enjoying in Goa. Is this is what should have been done?"

Rane went on to say that he will step down from his MLA'ship and will go to the people again as they are ones who told him to resign. "The Congress is not a party for me," Rane added.

Meanwhile, the 16 other MLAs of the Congress are very upset with the lackadaisical attitude of the AICC observers and will now be writing to Rahul Gandhi.

A very upset Jennifer Monseratte said, "They have definitely delayed in communication and we suffered because of that. We will definitely write to Rahul Gandhi."

Manohar Parrikar, however, enjoys the support of 22 MLAs and the Speaker too is from the BJP.

Churchill Alemao of the Nationalist Congress Party, who used to be a Congress loyalist before and has also served as the chief minister of Goa, said that "I have been badly treated by the Congress. I have gone with the BJP because there is some respect there. It doesn't matter who the CM is, be it Parrikar or anybody, but I am not with the Congress."

The big test for Parrikar will not be to elect himself from a constituency and sources say that he may fight from the Mapusa seat or take the challenge and fight from the Panjim seat which was his previous constituency.

Watch the video here:

Also read:

Goa's BJP-led government wins trust vote by 22-16 in 40-member Assembly

--- ENDS ---
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says "the spirit of fascism is running wild" in Europe, and he is threatening to tear up last year's migrant deal with the European Union.

Erdogan is seething with anger after two key EU members, Germany and the Netherlands, prevented officials of his government from holding political rallies for Turkish emigres living and working in Europe. The rallies were intended to build support for a constitutional referendum next month in Turkey that would greatly expand the president's powers.

"Europe is heading toward being drowned in its own fears," Erdogan said in a televised speech Wednesday. "Turkophobia is mounting. Islamaphobia is mounting. They are even scared of migrants who take shelter there."

Erdogan said Turkey may back out of last year's agreement with the EU, which guaranteed Turks visa-free travel across Europe and promised to accelerate the pace of long-running talks on Turkey's bid to join the EU. In return, Turkey had pledged that it would take back migrants and refugees who crossed into Greece - the main portal to Europe for families displaced by conflict and poverty in the Middle East and Africa.

Turkey has already stopped re-admitting refugees turned away from Europe, because the EU's promised visa-free travel for Turkish nationals has not yet come to pass.

The deal on refugees had been praised as a way to prevent any repeat of the surge of hundreds of thousands of migrants who poured into Europe in 2015. The refugee tide two years ago caused political controversy in a number of EU states - and indirectly led to the rise of far-right movements in a number countries.

Erdogan's free-wheeling comments about "vestiges of the Nazis" still visible in Europe have hugely offended the Dutch, according to media reports, particularly since their country was bombed and occupied by Nazi forces during World War II, when the death toll among Dutch citizens surpassed 200,000.

Analysts both in Turkey and abroad believe the Turkish president is exploiting his political dispute with the EU in order to drum up a strong vote of support for his proposed new constitution, enshrining presidential powers that Erdogan's critics believe will give him near absolute power in Turkey.

Estimates of the number of expatriate Turks living in Europe range up beyond 4.5 million people, with many of them having the right to vote in their homeland's referendum.
U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson will visit Turkey on March 30, Turkish foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Thursday, in what is likely to be the most high-level meeting with Ankara since U.S. President Donald Trump took office in January.

Ties between the United States and Turkey - which has the second largest army in the NATO alliance and is key to the U.S.-led fight against Islamic State in Syria and Iraq - deteriorated sharply in the last year of the Barack Obama administration.

"Rex Tillerson has said that he would like to come to Turkey on March 30," Cavusoglu said in an interview with broadcaster Haberturk. "I have told him that we will be in Ankara and available and would happily host him," Cavusoglu said.

Tillerson was likely to also meet with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and Prime Minister Binali Yildirim, he said.

Erdogan and the Turkish government want the United States to extradite Fethullah Gulen, a U.S.-based Islamic cleric who Ankara blames for orchestrating last year's failed coup. Gulen denies involvement in the coup attempt.

Ankara has also been angered by U.S. support for the Kurdish YPG militia fighting Islamic State in Syria. It is adamant that Washington should switch support for the planned Raqqa offensive from the YPG militia to Syrian rebels that Turkey has trained.

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.

Erdogan believes ties will improve under Trump. A phone call between the two earlier last month was positive, sources in Erdogan's office have said.
Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu is warning of religious wars coming to Europe in response to the re-election of Mark Rutte as Dutch Prime Minister.

Cavusoglu said Thursday there is no difference between Rutte and the losing right-wing candidate Geert Wilders, whom Cavusoglu referred to as a fascist.

"Where are you going, where are you taking Europe? You have begun to disintegrate Europe and take Europe to the cliff. Soon religious wars will begin in Europe," Cavusoglu said.

Wilderss anti-Islam Party for Freedom came in a distant second to Ruttes Peoples Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) with 20 seats, compared to 33.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Thursday during a speech that Rutte had lost Turkey as a friend, even though he beat out Wilders.

"Hey Rutte! You may have emerged as the number one party in the election, but you must know that you have lost Turkey as your friend," Erdogan said.

He also accused the EU of engaging in an anti-Islam "crusade" after a court ruled earlier this week that European companies can ban religious head-covering at work.

"The European Union's court, the European Court of Justice, my esteemed brothers, have started a crusade struggle against the [Muslim] crescent," he said. "Europe is swiftly rolling back to the days before World War II.

Earlier Thursday, Cavusoglu threatened to scrap a deal made last year to stem the tide of refugees pouring into the European Union. He said Turkey could unilaterally block the deal, though he hadn't yet spoken to his EU counterparts about the possibility.

"From now on, we can say 'we will not apply it and it will be over,'" he said.

A European Commission spokesman said Thursday the bloc expects Turkey to honor the deal.

Turkeys diplomatic rift with European leaders deepened last week when Turkish diplomats were blocked from holding political rallies in Germany and the Netherlands.

The relationship between Turkey and the European Union has been on edge since Turkey began engaging in a post-coup crackdown last year.

Cavusoglu was scheduled last Saturday to hold a rally in favor of a Turkish constitutional amendment in Rotterdam, but Dutch authorities withdrew permission for his plane to land, setting off a series of violent clashes in the city.

In April, Turkey will vote on a constitutional amendment that will cede more power to Erdogan. The Dutch and German rallies were meant to shore up support for the amendment among the millions of Turkish citizens living in Europe.

Erdogan repeatedly has referred to European politicians as "Nazis" and said Wednesday the "spirit of fascism" is widespread in Europe.

French President Francois Hollande and German Chancellor Angela Merkel issued a joint statement calling Erdogans Nazi comments unacceptable.
The United Nations says half of the population in Central African Republic is in need of humanitarian assistance after an increase in violence since September has displaced more than 400,000 people.

The U.N. humanitarian office said Thursday that funding has been low, with only 5 percent of the nearly $400 million requested met so far this year. It says people in need have received half-rations of food.



The U.N. says the low funding means humanitarian agencies, which manage 56 percent of the country's health infrastructure, are reviewing their presence there.



Violence continues in parts of Central African Republic, which descended into fighting between Christians and Muslims in 2013. The country held successful democratic elections last year, though many remote areas remain outside the government's control.


There was a rise in reports of sexual assault at U.S. Navy and Army military academies in the last year, the Department of Defense said on Wednesday.

An annual report, based on anonymous surveys, said reports of sexual assault in total across the military academies had decreased slightly in the last year, and the Air Force Academy specifically saw a decrease from 49 reports to 32.

But the Military Academy at West Point received 26 reports of sexual assault, up from 17 in the previous year, and the Naval Academy in Annapolis saw three more reports compared to last year.

"This year's survey results underscore the unique challenges the academies face in sustaining long-term decreases in the occurrence of sexual assault," an accompanying Pentagon statement said.

U.S. Senators grilled the Navy and Marine Corps' top leaders on Tuesday about a scandal involving a Facebook group called "Marines United" for sharing explicit pictures of female members of the armed forces.

The Naval Criminal Investigative Service has opened an inquiry into the matter.
The White House has released its budget blueprint Thursday, with President Donald Trump on record that he intends to boost military spending at the expense of the State Department, foreign aid and U.S. contributions to international organizations like the United Nations.

Foreign service officers and other staff members at the State Department and at U.S. embassies and consulates around the world are bracing for massive cuts.

George Ingram, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and an expert on global development, told VOA the cuts may be phased in gradually.

"What I've heard is the cuts are likely to be in the nature of 30 percent, that the original OMB [Office of Management and Budget] proposed cut was 37 percent and that the secretary pushed back and said: 'Don't do 37 percent in the first year. Phase it in over three years,' and that what we're likely to see is a budget cut in the range of 30 percent," Ingram said.

30% cut would 'gut' programs

Ingram said cuts of 30 percent or more would undercut America's role as a world leader on development and foreign policy issues, and gut crucial programs.

"It would defund and take money away from programs like PEPFAR, the HIV/AIDS program, which last year kept 11.5 million people alive," he said. "We're talking about programs that save lives, that keep people from famine, from disease."

Cuts of that magnitude would also target "programs like business support, water, fresh water, sanitation and education," Ingram continued, "that are the foundation for helping countries move from poverty to economic development and beyond. Programs that help stabilize and promote stability in those countries."

Human rights and humanitarian aid groups said massive cuts in U.S. foreign aid would be devastating for refugees and other vulnerable people around the world.

Adotei Akwei of Amnesty International USA told VOA people worldwide are alarmed.

'Would shrink US role in world'

"Civil society organizations, governments, I think, are all extremely concerned about not only the withdrawal of resources or the cutting of resources, but I think they are also concerned about the vacuum left by the absence of the United States as a partner, as a generator of innovation, of creativity and also, of course, as a voice on human rights," Akwei said.

He pointed out what a small percentage of the U.S. budget currently goes toward foreign aid.

"You may be aware that the budget is  the foreign assistance budget  is less than 1 percent of the U.S. budget itself," Akwei said. "So it's miniscule. And yet here is a little investment that goes a long way, that is doing critical work in different parts of the world, and it's under threat."

Some analysts disagree, saying the State Department is a bloated bureaucracy that could be made more efficient through budget cuts.

"I think there's plenty of room to reorganize, to make the State Department really a better, more efficient, more effective player as a representative of the American people," former diplomat James Robert, now a fellow at the conservative-leaning Heritage Foundation, told VOA. He said a leaner State Department would be "a player overseas because it's going to have simplified lines of authority and where money will be spent."

Will Congress oppose cuts?

The Brookings Institution's Ingram has worked as a senior staff member on Capitol Hill. He said he does not think Congress will go along with such dramatic cuts to the State Department and foreign aid.

"What we've seen in the last month is a bipartisan outcry from members of the House and the Senate that a drastic cut to the international affairs account is unacceptable. So I think you're going to see some real push-back by the Congress this year," he added.

Ingram said he expects that, in the end, international affairs spending will be cut, but not as deeply as suggested.

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham has spoken out against suggestions that the State Department will face deep budget cuts.

Fight to defeat IS at risk

Graham said the global fight to defeat the Islamic State group would suffer if there are drastic cuts to U.S. diplomacy.

In a tweet, Graham said, "Any legislation we pass that guts [the State Department] budget, we will never win this war [against extremists]. In fact, ISIS will be celebrating." ISIS is another acronym for the militant group.

Trump's budget also is expected to call for $10 billion to $20 billion to build a wall along the southern U.S.-Mexico border. The full spending plan likely will be the focus of fierce debate on Capitol Hill in the months to come.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin is headed Friday to his first G-20 meeting of the world's top financial leaders in Germany with a message that the new administration of President Donald Trump won't tolerate any countries that try to devalue their currencies to gain an unfair trade advantage.

The U.S. ran a trade deficit of $502 billion last year, the difference between the value of U.S. exports compared to the bigger worth of products it imports. Even as Trump has vowed to end multi-national trade deals, it is a figure that could grow with the strong U.S. dollar, boosting U.S. manufacturing costs and making it more difficult to sell U.S. products overseas.

Trump has complained during his long run to the White House that China's yuan currency and the eurozone's euro currency are too weak, giving Beijing and the 19-nation euro currency bloc an unfair trade balance with the U.S. The new president has been particularly vocal in his attacks on China's currency valuation, even as he is planning a two-day summit next month at his Florida retreat along the Atlantic Ocean with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Mnuchin, aides said this week, plans to push hard at the two-day meeting in the German spa resort of Baden-Baden with his finance chief counterparts to reaffirm previous G-20 commitments to avoid competitive currency devaluations.

But European Central Bank President Mario Draghi said last week that it is the U.S. dollar that is overvalued, rather than that the euro is undervalued. China's premier Li Keqiang, representing the world's second biggest economy after the U.S., said this week that Beijing does not want a trade war and would not devalue its currency.

Mnuchin could face tough questions from his counterparts about Trump's withdrawal from the proposed 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership that was championed by former U.S. president Barack Obama and his announced intention to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement with Mexico and Canada. The new president says he favors one-to-one trade deals between the U.S. and other individual countries.

Trump also has said he wants to impose stiff tariffs  perhaps 35 percent  on products manufactured by American businesses at overseas locations that the companies then bring back to sell in the United States. Congress would have to approve such a tariff, which almost certainly would boost the cost of foreign-made goods for American consumers and could ignite a tit-for-tat tariff war with other countries importing U.S. goods.
Zimbabwe has opened its 2017 tobacco-selling season with hopes the golden leaf will change the economic fortunes of the southern African nation. Officials say the tobacco yield has been increasing after a downward turn in 2000 when the government chased white commercial farmers off their land.

Zimbabwean farmers applauded after the 2017 tobacco selling season began Wednesday in Harare at the countrys biggest auction floor.

Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Governor John Mangudya saluted the farmers.

Producers of tobacco are indeed our heroes. You are important to this economy. The foreign currency you produce is above $800 million a year. That amount is enough to [buy oil for] Zimbabwe throughout the whole year. Zimbabwe spends about $60 million in fuel per month. You do produce enough fuel in this economy, therefore your importance can never be underestimated, Mangudya said.

This year, the government says it expects 205 million kilograms, three million kilograms more than last year. That is more than in the early 2000's when the agriculture industry took a nosedive after President Robert Mugabes government took white commercial farmers' land and replaced them with black farmers.

Zimbabwe Minister of Agriculture Joseph Made said the yield and quality of tobacco are due to good rains.

As a result, the nation is naturally elated by the prospects of growth in the agriculture sector. Already the minister of finance [Patrick Chinamasa] has revised his [national] projections on the back of that anticipated performance [to 3.7 percent]. I really commend farmers for doing so well, Made said.





Farmers still face uphill battle

But farmers at the auction said they do not feel enough gratitude from the government. Besides delays in payments, the farmers said they spend days queueing to withdraw cash from banks, due to a national cash shortage.

Farmer Laina Magombedzi says she can spend up to a week at the auction floors waiting to be served.

She says the farmers get "a raw deal" because the buyers re-sell the tobacco on the black market for more money. She says she has been waiting five hours and the farmers are not told how the sales are progressing and are not allowed at the auction of their tobacco. She adds that a new electronic auction system has not improved the process.

No improvement is what many Zimbabweans have been saying for years.

Independent economist John Robertson says this years tobacco yield is higher, but will not quickly improve Zimbabwes economy.

We need to  greatly broaden the agriculture aspect. We need to bring the large commercial farmers back. Small-scale farmers cannot feed the nation. Now that half the nation is nearly urbanized, we need [to get] large-scale farmers into wheat growing, cotton growing, soybean growing, all the things we used to do better than we are doing now. We will be importing food this year, in spite of a better season.

Before Mugabe's land reform, Zimbabwe was a breadbasket of southern Africa. The United Nations says about five million Zimbabweans are now relying on food handouts.
Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe says foreign companies that comply with his indigenization law are guaranteed security. His comment is a deviation from his earlier promise that he would revise the policy, which analysts repeatedly have said scares away investors.

At the official launch Thursday of an $82-million cement manufacturing plant by a South African company, PPC Zimbabwe, a frail looking 93-year-old Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe said he was happy the company had not resisted the indigenization law, as other foreign companies have done.

"By so doing, PPC Zimbabwe has demonstrated what so many companies are struggling to put in place," said Mugabe. " And it has demonstrated also that the indigenization policy and philosophy is no hindrance to foreign investment. But instead the policy guarantees security of such investment.

The southern African nation passed the controversial indigenization law in 2008, which forces foreign companies to cede 51 percent of their stake to black Zimbabweans. Mugabe argues that indigenization policy is meant to correct colonial imbalances that marginalized blacks in Zimbabwe.

On Thursday, PPC Zimbabwe managing director Kelibone Masiyane did not want to be drawn into the politics of the controversial law while speaking to reporters after Mugabes speech.

I always say the cement business is a 30-year business," said Masiyane . "So whatever we might be encountering at the moment is only short-term. We are looking into the future, so we are here in Zimbabwe for the long run.

Last year, indigenization minister Patrick Zhuwawo gave a 90-day ultimatum to foreign companies that had not submitted plans for how they would comply with the indigenization law. He did not implement his threat of revoking their licenses when the deadline passed, which made investors jittery.

Before that, Zimbabwe had nationalized all diamond mining, but some took the matter to court and the cases are still pending.
Amid rapid urbanization, the HIV epidemic and increasing rates of non-communicable diseases, people in sub-Saharan Africa are especially vulnerable to kidney disease.

Medical experts are meeting in Cameroon to examine ways of reducing the rising incidents of chronic kidney disease.



A dialysis machine at the hemodialysis center in Cameroon's capital city, Yaounde, extracts blood from kidney patients, then filters and measures it before it is returned to the body.

Among the hundreds of dialysis patients at at the center is Ngalla Priscilia.

"I started dialysis in 2002. What damaged my kidney was high blood pressure. The dialysis itself is not expensive. What is killing us here is the drugs and the [laboratory] tests that we have to do," she said.

Priscilia says her condition was detected early enough, thanks to her cousin, who is a nurse.

Cameroon's Kidney Foundation reports a majority of kidney patients in the country go to the hospital when the disease is at an advanced stage. Many others die without ever being diagnosed.

Maintenance issues



Bertrand Balagock, president of the Yaounde Association of People Living with Kidney Defects in Yaounde, says regular treatment is not always possible because most of the machines are not maintained properly. He says instead of the four hours of treatment, patients may undergo just three hours of dialysis.

He says only seven of the 20 machines at the center are functioning and that is greatly destabilizing patients. He says a patient who had to be treated on Monday is treated on Wednesday or Thursday and the water room that is very vital in dialysis treatment is not functioning regularly and people can not be treated effectively for dialysis.

Cameroon has about 2,000 patients with acute kidney infections, up from 400 in 2012.

Gloria Ashungtantang, an official of the dialysis center, says the number of people with kidney problems is growing.

"Any severe infection would cause the kidney to shutdown," she said. "Acute kidney failure linked to pregnancy is a major cause in our environment. Chronic kidney failure, what are the causes? Diabetes, hypertension and chronic infections. Avoid obesity. Exercise to lose weight. Avoid smoking, avoid taking non-prescribed drugs. Sugary drinks are very dangerous."

Lack of access



According to the U.S.-based National Kidney Foundation, 10 percent of the world's population is affected by chronic kidney disease and millions die each year because they do not have access to affordable treatment.

Kitty Jager, a nephrologist from the Netherlands, says another contributing factor to the increase in kidney disease is that most medical staff, especially in developing countries, are not learning new treatment methods.

"Many doctors have been trained by universities and end up at a particular level of medical knowledge, but then all the new knowledge that they will gain after their graduation will be from reading the literature, listening to presentations where people report on their scientific data," said Jager. "They need to know very well how they should interpret results of particular studies so that they can use this for their medical work."

Jager says one of goals at the meeting in Yaounde is to find ways of training as many nephrologists as possible to enable them to do scientific research and be able to read scientific publications so that they can interpret the data.

Experts are calling on the population to encourage early screening, saying that kidney disease often has no symptoms, and can go undetected until very advanced. But a simple urine test can detect the disease.
By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Mar 16 (PTI) The government today said it has formulated a scheme to provide incentives and concessions to loom weavers to utilise solar energy to increase production.

Minister of State for Textiles Ajay Tamta said that for the development of the powerloom sector, the government has formulated the Solar Energy Scheme.

"The scheme will come into force from April 1," he said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.

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Under the scheme, the government will provide financial assistance and capital subsidy to the extent of 50 per cent, 75 per cent and 90 per cent of the basic cost of the solar energy plant to applicants.

To a separate question, he said the government has conducted a study on the Scheme for Integrated Textiles Parks.

The study has indicated that many of the parks have done well, but "the parks are yet to attain their planned investment levels due to lower occupancy rates". PTI RR ARD

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A senior United States Embassy official in Harare has called for sterner reaction to individuals and companies involved in human trafficking, among other measures to stamp the scourge that has plagued humanity.

In a statement, Jenifer Savage, Charge d Affaires at the United States Embassy, said, We as individuals can make a difference by being aware of our own habits, by understanding the background and practices of the companies we use when we purchase our clothing, our food

When profits stop, so will the practice of trafficking in persons, she added.

Savage, a career foreign service officer, was giving a keynote address during a Food for Thought discussion session on trafficking in persons at her Embassys Eastgate auditorium on Tuesday.

The public discussion included presentations from the United Nations Office of Migration (IOM) and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

Human trafficking is a $150 billion illicit industry and it touches millions of lives across, not just the United States, not just Zimbabwe but across every country in the world, she said. We must treat this as a problem not to be managed but as a crime that has to be stopped.

LUCRATIVE INCENTIVES

Savage, whose career as a diplomat saw her serve in Mexico and Vietnam, narrated two classic examples of human trafficking, the first involving a veterinary student in Mexico, and the second involving a budding female musician in Vietnam. Both were lured to the United States with a promise for lucrative incentives - internship and a musical contract respectively - but later found they were surviving in unimaginable conditions with little to no pay, sexual exploitation and dependence on traffickers with no hope of getting out of their situations.

Broadly defined, human trafficking is the acquisition of people by improper means such as force, fraud or deception, with the aim of exploiting them.

It is a form of modern day slavery and constitute human rights violations against the individual and the State, said Daniel Sam of IOM.

He told the audience that there is exploitation in all stages of the process - from recruitment to destination.

It is an abusive process; that is why we need to counter it. He, like the United States, his organization is working with other international partners at every level to attack the root causes of trafficking; to alert potential victims to lurking dangers, to take perpetrators off the streets and to empower the survivors as they rebuild their lives.

ELIMINATE TRAFFICKING

Savage said the United States was exploring ways of working with Zimbabwean authorities to eliminate trafficking in persons citing a recent meeting between Ambassador Harry Thomas and Home Affairs Minister Ignatius Chombo.

Our countries agreed to work together to combat trafficking in persons in Zimbabwe, she said. This is an important development in our diplomatic relationship and one we hope will lead to greater mutual trust and dialogue.

According to IOM, there are about 250 million international migrants globally while 760 million people migrate within countries and at any one point in time there are one billion individuals on the move.

Samantha Munodawafa, a crime prevention and criminal justice officer at UNODC, told the audience that more cases of trafficking in persons crimes were being prosecuted as 13 out of 15 countries in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region had legislation on the crime.

She said the region had to contend with unique cases such as trafficking in body parts for albinos, girls being trafficked as a result of cultural beliefs, child labor and child marriages.

No sector has been spared, she said citing the case of a church musical group that was trafficked in one of the SADC countries.

TRAFFICKED WOMEN AND GIRLS

According to the U.S. Department of State Trafficking in Persons report, 55 per cent of trafficked people are women or girls, and 26 per cent of trafficked people are children. The report notes that Zimbabwe is a source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and children subjected to sex trafficking and forced labor.

Women and girls from Zimbabwean towns bordering South Africa, Mozambique, and Zambia are subjected to forced labor, including domestic servitude, and sex trafficking in brothels catering to long-distance truck drivers on both sides of the borders.

The report also notes that there are continuous reports of Zimbabwean women lured to China and the Middle East for work where they are vulnerable to trafficking. - ZimPAS
Gibraltar International Drama Festival - Notice of Change

Gibraltar Cultural Services are informing the general public that due to unforeseen circumstances The White Light Company entry The American Dream, which was going to be performed as the third play on the evening of Thursday 23rd March, has had to withdraw from the Festival.

The rest of the evening will see the other two plays performed on schedule. If any member of the public has purchased tickets for this day and prefers not to attend they may wish to have their tickets price refunded at the John Mackintosh Hall, from Monday to Friday between 9am and 4:30pm.
Just because youre staying in Missouri this spring doesnt mean you cant have an exciting vacation. Now is your chance to step out of town and explore new places that are affordable and within a two-hour drive. These destinations offer activities such as cave diving and appreciating state history. Vox rounded up experts from the Missouri Division of Tourism, Missouri Municipal League and Missouri Life magazine to track down four nearby places that offer a variety of adventures. Pick a place, grab some pals, and make a vacation (or day trip if you prefer) out of one of these staycation spots.

If you want to experience history...

Boonville

Drive from CoMo: 30 minutes by car or about 2 hours and 40 minutes by bike on the Katy Trail

Recommended by: Sarah Hackman, creative director from Missouri Life magazine

Where to stay: Hotel Frederick is a must-stay. It really has a Casablanca feel, Hackman says. The hotel, built in 1905, has a rich history with modern luxuries.

What to do: Embrace the historic town and head to the Rivers, Rails, and Trails Museum, which features the towns transportation history. Boonville also boasts a year-round self-guided walking history tour. The tour includes historical sites such as The Old Jail and Roslyn Heights, a home built back in 1895.

Don't miss: Warm Springs Ranch, the world breeding headquarters for the Budweiser Clydesdales, is located in Boonville if you want to see some famous horses. If youre more into shopping, Hackman says there are some cheap finds at Savvy Seconds, a local thrift store. It is definitely a must-stop shop on your list.

If you want to hike among ruins...

Ha Ha Tonka State Park, Camdenton

Drive From CoMo: 1 hour and 30 minutes

Recommended by: Scott Pauley, outdoor marketing and outreach representative from the Missouri Division of Tourism

Where to stay: There are a variety of resorts and lodges overlooking the Lake of the Ozarks. Hawks Landing Resort errs more on the affordable side with cheaper motel room options and plenty of on-site activities such as sand volleyball and shuffleboard.

What to do: Ha Ha Tonka State Park is a popular hiking spot for those who want to appreciate the outdoors. When you hike the trails, you are walking through a beautiful oak forest, Pauley says. Ha Ha Tonka State Parks nature and trails won USA Todays Top 10 Readers Choice award for best state park in 2015.

Don't miss: Oak trees open up to the stone ruins of a castle built at the turn of the 20th century. A 1942 fire left nothing standing from the castle but the stone walls.

If you want to row near Route 66...

Pulaski County

Drive From CoMo: 1 hour and 50 minutes

Recommended by: Stephen Foutes, public relations specialist from the Missouri Division of Tourism

Where to stay: The county offers plenty of inns that have all the amenities to keep you comfortable.

What to do: Route 66 runs from Chicago to Santa Monica, and 300 miles go right through Missouri. Along the way are St. Robert and Waynesville in Pulaski County. You can fish or canoe on the Big Piney River, a top fishing stream in the state. If youre a certified cave diver, you can even scuba dive in Roubidoux Spring Cave, but make sure to plan ahead for this adventure.

Don't miss: After your days of adventuring, Foutes suggests refueling at the Elbow Inn Bar & BBQ in St. Robert. This historic bar has been serving travelers since 1929 and is a mouthwatering stop along Route 66.

If you want to explore cave formations...

Versailles

Drive from CoMo: 1 hour and 15 minutes

Recommended by: Laura Holloway, communications specialist from the Missouri Municipal League

Where to stay: Try camping. Jacobs Cave has RV parking and campsites so you can experience nature under the stars or in the comfort of your own camper.

What to do: Holloway suggests Versailles because of the abundance of nature destinations in the town such as Jacobs Cave. I have two kids, 8 and 10, and we are always looking for something to do, Holloway says. This is a great place to dig in and get dirty. The regular walking tour is about an hour long and features evidence of six ice ages and three earthquakes. On your tour, youll find cave formations galore, including large stalactites and reflective pools, which make for eye-catching photo opportunities.

Don't miss: Make the trip to Versailles complete at the market stalls and souvenir shops along the road. The purchases will be a great way to remember your trip.

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As Maurer puts the finishing touches on In the Wake of Ire, he reflects on the seven years it took to make this film a reality
Photo: Paul Drinkwater/NBC/Getty Images

Amy Schumers new stand-up special for Netflix, The Leather Special, is filled to the brim with the comedians signature humor that slowly builds to one great joke. However, you wouldnt really know that if you were looking at user reviews on Netflix  because a community of alt-right trolls on Reddit have made it their mission to tank reviews of the special. This coordinated effort, first reported by Splitsider, has now been brought to Schumers attention, but instead of getting annoyed at the Redditors hell-bent on tanking her project, shes instead criticizing the group of people giving them the platform to speak: journalists. I am the first female comic who is selling out arenas all over the world and so grateful for that, Schumer wrote on Instagram. I am embarrassed for the journalists who report on trolls activities as if its news. Its indicative of [the] administration right now. Anyone who reported that viewers arent happy with my special, it would have been cool if you did a moment of research before posting.

As shes done many times in the past, Schumer writes nothing but kind words about the people trolling her, going so far as to thank them for making her feel powerful, dangerous, and brave. It reminds me what Im saying is effective and brings more interest to my work and their obsession with me keeps me going, she writes. I am only alarmed by the people printing their organized trolling as news. This is what the current administration wants. So this post has nothing against the trolls. I thank you trolls so much. It fills me with hope and power to see you all furiously posting so as always accuse me of whatever lies you want  Journalists do better, its embarrassing. Trolls see you on the next one! No fourth-wall breaking needed this time around.
Huppert/Jenkins 2020. Photo: Christopher Polk/Getty Images

On this day 64 years ago, Elle actress Isabelle Huppert was born. And somewhere between March 16, 1953 and March 16, 2017, it has become overwhelmingly clear that she and Moonlight director Barry Jenkins are destined to make a movie together. Jenkinss affection for Hupperts work is well-documented: Every few weeks during the awards-season campaign for his Best Picture winner, hed praise Hupperts work in Elle or post an old photo of her on his Instagram. More than once, she reciprocated the admiration. See that photo of them above, where they were caught taking a selfie on the Oscars red carpet? Thats not a look of love, its a look of Im ready for my close up, Mr. Jenkins or even Can we call HBO or A24 for some cash to make this happen? This duo has teased their friendship long enough. And so, in honor of Hupperts birthday and Jenkinss early morning Instagram celebration of this holy day, we give you Barry Jenkins and Isabelle Hupperts tale of mutual affection. The heart wants what it wants, and our hearts humbly request a movie from the two of them.

Barry Jenkins and Isabelle Huppert are friends IRL. He doesnt even have to seek out cutesy Instagrams like this. Totally unstaged moments of Huppert-fanning just fall into his lap. Their collaboration is simply what nature intends.

Damien Chazelle has an Oscar. What he doesnt have is a clue that hes the Jenkins-Huppert third wheel.

As if all the Instagrams were not enough, Jenkins even finds a way to sneak in some Huppert praise while discussing his own work. Per the Irish Times:

I was looking for a combination of masculinity and vulnerability, he says. It needed to be concurrent and in opposition. Rhodes  as the adult Chiron  offers the most crystalised version of it. I wanted performers who could emote without speaking. Im a big fan of French actresses like Isabelle Huppert and Valeria Bruni Tedeschi, who can do so much with just silence.

Think about what Huppert could do with silence in a Barry Jenkins production. The mind reels.

Heres what were not gonna do: Were not just going to call this a love story (Huppert, by the way, is married). Were requesting a partnership more in the vein of ScorseseDe Niro, Pedro AlmodovarPenelope Cruz, or Paul Thomas AndersonPhilip Seymour Hoffman. We need them to make a movie together just to keep the Earth spinning on its axis.

Barry Jenkins: Its always a proper time to salute the queen.

Us, a group of intellectuals: Yes, and its also always a proper time for you to start preproduction on the movie that wins you both Oscars.
Beauty and the Beast. Photo: Disney

Disney has decided against censoring out Beauty and the Beasts gay moment for the films Malaysian release. The decision comes after Disney initially made a cut of the film without the contested scene available to the countrys Film Censorship Board, and the board approved the edited version for release. Malaysia has strict laws prohibiting homosexuality, and the boards chairman said of the minor scene in question, It is only one short scene, but it is inappropriate because many children will be watching this movie. On Wednesday, Disney announced that it will not allow Beauty and the Beast to be released without the moment, but it will delay the films release date until March 30 to give the board additional time to come to a final decision.
Donald Trump. Photo: SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images

Donald Trump has proposed eliminating the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as the National Endowment for the Humanities, in his administrations first federal budget plan. The New York Times reports that it is the first time a president has called for such cuts. Trump also wants to get rid of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting  a major revenue source for both PBS and NPR  in addition to the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. Together, Trumps proposed cuts would total $300 million out of the $1.1 trillion available in annual discretionary spending.

The inclusion of such measures in the White Houses budget plan is a far cry from their implementation; its unclear whether Congress, which is in charge of the budget, will follow the presidents recommendations. Trumps proposal, regardless of its ultimate consequences, still marks a dismal sign for the arts. And it comes the morning after Ivanka Trump took in a musical, Come From Away, on Broadway.
This weeks Legion returns to Clockworks Psychiatric Hospital and stays there far too long. The pacing for this series has been inconsistent  largely as a consequence of the fractured storytelling structure  but the narrative has never lagged like it does in Chapter 6. After last weeks terrifying climax, Lenny has sent the main cast into a psychic reconstruction of Clockworks, where mutants powers are negated and considered metaphors for various mental illnesses. As Dr. Busker, Lenny is now the therapist working with the Clockworks patients, keeping them trapped by feeding them false information about their mental conditions.

Olivers cryogenic stasis is interpreted by Dr. Busker as a delusion that Melanie has created because she cant accept that her husband is dead. Shes actually the person who is emotionally frozen, keeping Olivers voice on her answering machine and holding on to this hope that hes still alive in the astral plane. Rather than the literal ability to travel into his memories, Ptonomy has an eidetic memory that allows him to remember every little detail of his past, and hes constantly reliving his mothers sudden death when he was a child. He considers himself a time traveler because he can relive the past, and hes Dr. Buskers most severe case, given his dark-blue-and-red jumpsuit  a visual signifier that hes a Clockworks lifer, as per series costume designer Carol Cases insights into the uniforms.

Cary and Kerry have an unhealthy personal connection, according to Dr. Busker, and while the episode doesnt really delve into this, the age difference implies a statutory rape angle. The idea of the two of them sharing a body has sexual undertones  but their relationship in this episode doesnt address that, instead focusing on their emotional connection and general need to maintain close proximity. Cary gets pulled away from Kerry when hes approached by Oliver in his standard diving dress, taking him out of Clockworks and into the astral plane. This throws Kerry off for the remainder of the episode. The Eye preys on her in a half-baked and derivative subplot, complete with references to Little Red Riding Hood, as the Eye lurks around her.

Olivers astral form guides Cary and Melanie out of Lennys illusion, but Syd doesnt need his help to realize that something is wrong with this situation. From the very start, shes aware that reality isnt what it seems in Clockworks  its a dream, but not an interesting one. Her words actually function well as a critique of this episode, which achieves a dreamlike ambience but falls short in terms of pacing, plotting, and character beats. The pacing issues are especially disappointing because Nathaniel Halperns last episode, Chapter 4, was the strongest of the series, with a thrilling momentum that kept me engaged for the entire story. Chapter 6 is very flat by comparison, with minimal tonal variation and a plot that doesnt really go anywhere.

The script is repetitive to a fault, and while there are intentional callbacks  like Ptonomy and David watching Rudy drool uncontrollably, like the Clockworks patient in the pilot  there are also plenty of other scenes that cover territory the show already visited in the past. The repetition can be seen as an attempt to make the audience feel trapped in the Clockworks routine, but that doesnt make for a satisfying viewing experience. Its more frustrating than anything else. Frustration can be an effective emotion if used properly, but Chapter 6 overstays its welcome by keeping the audience in that mode for its entire length. Legion has constantly gone over the hour-long running time, and this episode doesnt earn those extra minutes. I found myself wishing that the final moment, which has Cary appearing before Syd in Olivers diving suit, was the midway point instead.

While I appreciate Legion stepping back to explore how each mutants power can be viewed as a metaphor for a real mental illness, the script doesnt do much with those concepts beyond the opening sequence. It also needlessly complicates Davids situation by making him believe that hes manic-depressive, rather than a paranoid schizophrenic. This is a tactic used by Lenny to keep David distanced from his real circumstances; by changing the nature of his mental illness, shes able to keep him complacent and lull him into a false sense of security at Clockworks. But with Legion already struggling to carry the baggage of Davids paranoid schizophrenia, its an odd choice to add even more weight with the manic-depressive angle, which goes under-explored because its not rooted in the reality of Davids life.

The scene with Lenny telling David about the fungus that grows on ants is creepy, but plays like a retread of what was shown in Chapter 5. Its also puzzling that she would go out of her way to create this elaborate fiction for the entire group when she could just as easily get rid of Davids friends and seize control of his body  and when Lenny realizes as much, it makes the rest of the episode inconsequential. From a larger plot perspective, it doesnt make sense for Lenny to go through all this extra work to keep the people that pose the greatest threat to her in a comfortable, albeit heavily restricted, place. Its an opportunity for Halpern to use the Clockworks environment more, but it doesnt add much to the overall narrative.

There is some interesting material in Lenny and Davids final conversation, when she talks about God as the only being that matters in life  because God is power, and power is everything. She begins to make a connection between God and Davids father as she talks about this holy man who gave up his son; with Charles Xavier as the person at the foundation of the X-Men mythos, he could be viewed as the god figure in this instance. (This is especially interesting in the wake of Logan, which classified Xaviers mind as a weapon of mass destruction, much like Davids mind on Legion.) The mystery of Davids father is officially a major plot point now, and knowing Davids comic-book lineage has me concerned that the reveal will be anticlimactic if Xavier isnt the father. Were getting a lot of buildup to that discovery, and Im very interested in how it will play out (and if either James McAvoy or Patrick Stewart will cameo if Xavier is indeed his father).

This episode is a spotlight for Aubrey Plazas Lenny, who shows a very different face in the first scene, as she plays the stern therapist trying to give her patients a different perspective of themselves. In my Chapter 2 recap, I wrote that I wanted to see this show give Plaza the opportunity to show more of her range, and tonights episode definitely delivers in that regard: it allows her to tone down Lennys personality as Dr. Busker while still keeping a sinister edge. Lenny is bottling up that manic energy that she showed in her earlier appearances, but she lets it all loose during a dance number set to Nina Simones Feeling Good, which has her strutting across the screen in blood-red silhouette before dancing wildly through the different areas of Davids mind.

The Feeling Good sequence is an ecstatic moment, and director Hiro Murais extensive experience directing music videos is very evident. (As it was in several episodes of Atlanta, which Murai also directed.) Theres an energy here that isnt in the rest of the episode, which comes from a mix of the heavily stylized imagery, the rousing music, and Plazas joyfully frantic performance. Its a jarring shift from the happenings at Clockworks, but not an unwelcome one  adding some humor to a mostly dreary chapter, as Lenny basks in the glory of everything going exactly as planned.
The UTGST (Union Territory GST) and sGST (state GST) enables a likely rollout of the new indirect tax regime from July 1 this year.

By India Today Web Desk: With the Goods and Service Tax (GST) Council today approving the remaining two draft bills - UTGST (Union Territory GST) and SGST (state GST) - all the five enabling draft bills stand approved to enable a likely rollout of the new indirect tax regime from July 1 this year.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley today said that the supporting GST laws will now be taken to the Union Cabinet and then to Parliament for approval. He said the Council will now meet on March 31 for the framing of the rules for the ambitious Goods and Service Tax regime.

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The UTGST (Union Territory GST) and sGST (state GST) enables a likely rollout of the new indirect tax regime from July 1 this year.

"The tax rates for various goods and services will be taken up after the framing of rules. Hopefully GST will be implemented from July 1," Jaitley said.

The cess on demerit goods has been capped at 15 per cent, Jaitley said after he emerged from the GST Council meeting in New Delhi.

The other three draft laws -- central cGST (cGST), integrated GST (iGST) and compensation draft laws -- have already been approved by the Council.

sGST DRAFT LAW NEEDS APPROVAL

Meanwhile, the sGST draft law will have to be approved by the legislative assemblies of states and union territories (Delhi, Puducherry).

The UTGST draft law is for the union territories like Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Daman and Diu and Dadra and Nagar Haveli, which do not have legislative assemblies.

With the approval of the five draft laws, the legislative action of the GST Council will be over, after which there will be another meeting for fitment of the goods and services in the tax slabs - 5 per cent, 12 per cent, 18 per cent, 28 per cent.

The Council has approved raising the cGST, sGST peak tax rate from 14 per cent to 20 per cent each, amounting to a peak rate of 40 per cent, though Revenue Secretary Hasmukh Adhia has assured that the maximum ceiling is only for future contingencies.

Also read | GST: Why Modi-Jaitley team will face challenges in Parliament and outside

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Trementina. Photo: Future Popes

As South by Southwest kicks into full gear in Austin this week, theres been a gloomy cloud overshadowing the general merriment of the festival: Numerous musicians have been detained (and even deported) trying to make their way to the Texas city, with the confusion stemming from the exact visa needed to perform at the festival. In short, a B-1 or B-2 visitor visa is sometimes used by musicians who enter the country to perform  theyre technically classified as tourists, and they cannot be paid, whether or not tickets are sold for their concerts. (Since SXSW is considered a showcase event, these visas have, in the past, been acceptable for musicians performing at the festival.) However, border-patrol agents are seemingly eschewing those acquired visas, and seeking P-1 or P-2 visas from SXSW performers instead, which is a performance visa most commonly used by musicians coming into the country. (Though it can be difficult for newer performers coming to SXSW for exposure to prove that they can qualify as big enough artists worthy of the P visa.)

So far, this has affected numerous musicians who planned to perform at the festival, with some of their experiences shedding a very unflattering light on the U.S. immigration system. Below are the stories of every band that has thus far been unable to make it to SXSW due to visa issues.

Massive Scar Era

Genre: Egyptian-Canadian post-hardcore

Three members of the band were denied entry into the country at the U.S.-Canadian border in Vancouver. The border-patrol worker claimed that they didnt have the correct visas  they tried to enter with B-1s  although the bands vocalist and guitarist commented that she had used that visa twice in recent years. This was the third time, the vocalist, Cherine Amr, explained. And [the border guard] said, Just because this happened before doesnt mean its lawful. So I dont know whats lawful anymore.

Trementina

Genre: Chilean rock

The band says they received an email a few days before their flight to the U.S. to inform them that their Visa Waiver Program visas had been canceled; they apparently did not obtain the correct visas. We tried to contact the U.S. embassy, and they didnt give us any answer or solution. Weve lost our plane tickets, a month and a half of shows, and a lot of work and time we invested in it, they said in a statement. The U.S. wont accept us so were staying in Mexico where there are a lot of amazing people offering their help.

Soviet Soviet

Genre: Italian post-punk

The three members of the band were detained overnight in jail by border-patrol agents at the Seattle-Tacoma Airport, before being sent back to Italy. They tried to enter under the Visa Waiver Program, which permits Italian citizens to come into the U.S. for up to 90 days as nonworking tourists. The problem, though, seems to stem from the interpretation of unpaid performances as work  Soviet Soviet seemed to believe not being paid for their performances meant they werent classified as work; CBP disagreed. They declared us illegal immigrants even if our intention was by no means to look for work in the United States nor never go back to Italy, the band wrote in a statement. They took our digital fingerprints and took mugshots of us for their file. They confiscated our cell phones and we were denied the possibility of contacting our families and loved ones. Two prison officers frisked us, handcuffed us, and brought us to jail in a police car. We spent the night in jail and had been escorted there as though we were three criminals. The following day, after having completed all jail-related procedures (mugshots, declaration of good health and signatures), two other agents came to get us.

Yung Beef

Genre: Spanish rap

Before getting on his Texas-bound flight, the rapper was stopped at an airport in Barcelona, and he was denied entry to board the flight due to his Visa Waiver Program application. His record label says this was done without any prior notification, with him tweeting after the event: Now its not that theyre not letting me in at the club, now theyre not letting me enter a country. He, too, apparently did not have the correct visa.

United Vibrations

Genre: English shoegaze

The bands three brothers  the Dayes  were all denied entry into the U.S. with the drummer, Yussef, saying his visa was revoked at the 11th hour due to discrimination based on religion and race. Per a statement from their recording company, the brothers have had their status under the Visa Waiver Program revoked. We were looking forward to connecting with our brothers and sisters stateside to share our music, they explained in a separate statement. Why werent we let in? Our Names? The music? The color of our skin?

Dan Bettridge

Genre: Welsh folk-rock

Despite being valid until October, the singer-songwriters ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) was unexpectedly changed to a status of not advised to travel, with no explanation for the switch, a few days before he was supposed to fly to Texas. We attempted to re-apply and it was declined within 10 minutes of submitting the new application online, Bettridges manager said in a statement. Wed made certain Dan was performing all official SXSW showcases to ensure he doesnt breach the festival performance contract and only planned to be in the U.S. for one week.
When Harriet Tubman was a teenage slave, an overseer hit her in the head with a heavy weight. The injury proved traumatic, leading to a lifetime of narcoleptic, hallucinatory episodes and painful headaches. On Underground, Rosalee has witnessed her friend and guide slip into these states for months now, and she can assure Georgia that  while the condition and any corresponding visions might contribute to Harriets mystique  they are definitively not the stuff of rumors. Early on in Things Unsaid, Harriet rouses from one such spell surer than she was before that Rosalee will soon find herself at the Ohio Rivers edge, on the precipice of freedom. Its hard for Rosalee to fathom  having just lost John, failed to rescue Noah, and fallen short of her goal to locate Ernestine and James. Not to mention that the only padding between a pursuers buckshot and her pregnant (surprise!) belly is a crude mess of turkey feathers and medical wrap.

Harriet isnt wrong, despite the doubts of Rosalees male cargo. They make it to that rivers edge, but only on account of her physical strength and hunger to survive. What none of them anticipate is that infamous slave hunter Patty Cannon stands armed on the opposite bank, eager to corral the Macon 7 member known as Black Rose. (Rosalee, who detests nicknames, would certainly take no pleasure in that notoriety.) The episode concludes with a rifle blast and Rosalee narrowly escaping capture, thanks to her makeshift bulletproof vest. But shes stuck in the woods, terrified, cradling her swollen stomach, her fate uncertain and faith shaken.

Much as Harriet compelled Rosalee to head north toward independence, rather than south in the name of saving Noah, these young lovers seem destined to endure all manner of hell until being delivered back to one another  a new family, born of the old horrors that bound Rosalee to her mother, father, brothers and John. (And if history is telling, Harriets lack of romantic sentiment may come from a real-life attempt to find her husband after escaping, only to discover hed remarried.)

The sight of Rosalee risking it all for her unborn child is in powerful, purposeful contrast to Clara  a Roe Plantation slave impregnated by Ernestines lover/abuser Hicks  who is dazed and bleeding by the sacred tree. Her pregnancy was terminated against her will by a scared, monstrous Hicks, who was in turn abetted by Ernestine at her most unfeeling. Ernestines hallucinations have manifested in more vivid dimension than Harriets, only theyre fixed on ghosts and self-loathing rather than a way forward. The device of Pearly Mae and Ernestines deceased husband  who we gather was murdered by a slave owner  taunting her and tilting her toward no-way-out is a dramatic one, though useful in spelling out the complex set of circumstances that has sent Ernestine into a suicidal spiral. But something about the way she sets eyes on Clara  with streaks of red against the white of Claras dress all that is offsetting the darkness  foreshadows a slow journey back to life. At minimum, Hicks and Mr. Roe better watch their backs.

Elizabeth still has some ways to go  her descent has only begun. Stunned and simmering in the wake of Johns death, she meditates on grief with Georgia, Valentine, and Rosalee. They are all sympathetic and kind, and no doubt also hopeful that this will mean Elizabeth  who confesses that she initially supported the railroad as an emotional response to her own infertility  will begin to feel the abolitionist cause with something closer to their essential urgency. Georgia intervenes with great concern when she finds Elizabeth camped out on a bench across from the steps where John was slain with a pistol in her purse, glaring at his former colleagues with the intent to disrupt their happy little lives. Its an instinctive rage against victimization, but more constructive when meted out patiently, in accordance with what the sewing circles been planning so carefully for so long. Theres no sense to be made of what Elizabeth rightly terms a senseless act, but Georgia  who watched her husband die slowly from illness  reminds her that impulsive action will only cloud any hope of real justice.

One neednt look further than Noah as proof positive of Georgias pleadings for patience. His current captors  a group of Scottish nitwits who couldnt carry Noahs intellectual luggage  think their bountys a fool for wasting away in jail all that time, mistaking his diligence for complacency. Noah, however, is the only one laughing as they try and fail to repair the wagon hed spent three days expertly disassembling, en route to God knows where. After a prolonged series of scenes at Roe Plantation, the relative lightness and bracing action of Noahs efforts to upend and shake off the boys from Edinburgh (buoyed by frequent Banshee director Greg Yaitanes at the helm, plus Apashes breakneck trap banger Battle Royale) was a nice change of pace in an hour that was somewhat all over the place. Tragically, Noah  much like Rosalee  is being unwittingly led into hostile territory that will once again test his resolve. There, beckoning to him at the conclusion of his trip, flashing a wicked smile, is Cato. Hes alive, flush with cash, and has set a trap for his former ally far more sinister than the one Noah declined to help him escape. As Rosalees forced to retreat behind the wrong side of freedoms line, Noah may well have crossed over into unchained territory  only to be subdued by another slave.

Apart From All That

 Daniel hasnt come out of the margins just yet, but like all of Undergrounds downtrodden and disenfranchised, hes merely biding his time.

 And Daniels wife better not die. Its foreseeable, but it would be heartbreaking.

 Thumbs up for encouraging weekly reasons to read up on figures like Josiah Henson and Arthur Tappan.

 Cannons reign of terror predated the period of Undergrounds action in real life, but she was a character too tempting to not resurrect.

 Heres a very interesting read on one of Canadas popular railroad destinations.

 Listen to your instincts echoes were a bit too if you build it, they will come for my tastes.

 Something tells me that the journalist following Cannons gonna be compelled to join the abolitionists.

 Seriously, wheres James?
TBSs Search Party has made its mark with its self-aware brand of dark comedy. In fact, we might say the series is one of our top 10 favorites of 2016. At the center of the Brooklyn-based part mystery, part satire sits a tight-knit friend group of unapologetically millennial (and not particularly likable) characters. In the video above, YouTuber Anna Schatte grills the cast  John Reynolds, Alia Shawkat, Meredith Hagner, and John Early  from SXSW on messy relationships, dream co-stars, and more.



Bonus: In celebration of Search Partys pop-up storefront at SXSW, TBS is making the binge-worthy first season available to watch for free on tbs.com and the TBS app from now until March 21.
By Hemender Sharma: Gwalior Superintendent of Police suspended 15 police officers, including two ASIs, on Thursday for consuming alcohol inside Chawni Police Station on Tuesday, a day after Holi.

The action was taken after a video of the men consuming alcohol inside the station in police uniform went viral. The Gwalior district SP also ordered a Deputy SP level officer to look into the authenticity of the video.

#CaughtonCam Policemen drinking beer inside a Police station in Madhya Pradesh's Gwalior. (14.3.17) pic.twitter.com/tYW9F0GvCX- ANI (@ANI_news) March 16, 2017

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Policemen in Madhya Pradesh celebrate Holi one day after the festival. "The police Holi is celebrated with colours and water in police stations across the state but no one (is) supposed to consume alcohol," a senior police officer told India Today. "The decision to celebrate holi a day after the actual celebrations was taken because no police man is allowed leave on Holi day. Often there is a law and order problem and also people indulge in drunken driving and revelry while celebrating this festival," he added.

Ironically, Gwalior Police itself had run a campaign in the city asking people not to consume alcohol while celebrating on streets. Police had also warned strict action against those indulging in drunken revelry.

People, it appears, heeded to the police's advise, but those posted at the Chawni police station could not resist the temptation.

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In 2006, a gunman entered a one-room Amish schoolhouse in Nickel Mines, Pennsylvania, took the girls in class hostage, then shot 11 of them before committing suicide. Five girls died.

In the days after the trauma, the Amish community responded in a way true to their Christian beliefs: They forgave the gunman, consoled his widow and their three children, attended his funeral and used part of money others sent for a victims fund to care for his family.

That event underlies Jessica Dickeys play The Amish Project, whose Baylor Theatre production opens its seven-performance run Tuesday night at Hooper-Schaefer Fine Arts Center.

Director John-Michael Marrs saw Dickeys one-woman drama in New York in 2009, found it deeply moving and kept in touch with the playwright after meeting her. Marrs joined the Baylor theater faculty five years later as an assistant professor of theater and acting. While looking for a play he could direct for the 2016-17 season, he discovered Dickeys solo work had been expanded to an ensemble piece and decided on it.

What struck the director about The Amish Project was its human dimension, a look at the people affected by the shooting and its aftermath and its compassionate eye to the Amish.

Theres a dignity and grace with which she treats Amish culture, he said. Im sure the act of forgiveness is different than the feeling of forgiveness ... but they take the words of Jesus about pacifism and forgiveness very literally.

The fictional characters in The Amish Project cut across the small farming community of Nickel Mines: Sherry Local, an English  the Amish term for the non-Amish  resident (Rebecca Janney); Amish girls 14-year-old Anna (Haley Evans) and 6-year-old Velda (Autumn Hodge); Bill North, an Amish scholar and spokesman for some of the Amish families (Josiah Bender); Amish parents (Victoria Holloway, Nick Carlin); an Amish elder (Graham Bryant); America, a young Hispanic woman working in towns grocery store (Nicole Johnson) and her mother (Lauren Salazar); the gunman Eddie Stuckey (Dylan Flynn); and his wife Carol (Leah Beth Etheredge). Theres also an eight-woman Amish girls chorus. The Amish Project also has a little music, with Lauren Weber as music director and an original composition by Guilherme Almeida.

The thing that Dickey seems to be driving at is what comes after (the shooting) ... Its equally light and dark, but still incredibly hopeful, Marrs said. This is not a play about guns or, really, violence, but people trying to find their way after something tragic. Talk-back sessions with cast members will follow each performance.

The dramatic action takes place on a largely bare stage framed by wooden beams whose angle suggests an Amish barn raising  or, perhaps, a razing. Dominating the space, however, are some 250 wooden chairs that rise from two jumbled stacks to form crossing tendrils suspended from above. The chairs, objects symbolic of the ordinary and the useful, move from chaos to order, the director noted.

The Amish Project runs Tuesday through March 26.
By Press Trust of India: Shimla, Mar 15 (PTI) The Himachal Pradesh government is considering returning a piece of land at Sadhupul in Solan district to Yoga Guru Ramdevs Patanjali Yogpeeth.

HP Revenue minister Kaul Singh Thakur informed state Assembly this during the Question Hour today while replying to a question of Anirudh Singh (congress).

The minister said 96.02-bigha land in Sadhupul near Kandaghat in Solan district was given to Patanjali Yogpeeth after payment of Rs 17,31,214 under the lease rules by the previous government in January 2010 for token lease of Rs 1 per month for a period of 99 years.

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The land was given to the Yogpeeth for development of medical science, health tourism and production of herbal plants.

The lease was cancelled by the present Cabinet on February 19, 2013. The matter regarding giving the land again to Patanjali Yogpeeth is under consideration and the technical and legal aspects are being taken into consideration, he said.

Meanwhile, Rural Development minister Sudhir Sharma defending the smart city status for Dharamsala, said the population of the town was 55,543 and it fulfilled the criteria of 50,000 population while Solan and Mandi towns did not meet the population yardstick.

Replying to a question of Rajiv Bindal (BJP), the minister said under the Smart City project Dharamsala would get grant of Rs 500 crore and Rs 190 crore had been received by February 15. PTI PCL DIP

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By Press Trust of India: Chinese media

From K J M Varma

Beijing, Mar 15 (PTI) The entry of India and Pakistan into China-led SCO may help boost anti-terrorism cooperation between the two countries and provide a platform to resolve their differences, the official media here said today.

India and Pakistan are expected to be admitted into the six-member Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) during its next summit to be held at Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, in June this year.

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"In a bid to become members of the SCO, India and Pakistan, which have a long-time rivalry concerning the issues of anti-terrorism and Kashmir, will need to sign a number of documents and pledge to perform in accordance with the SCO laws, including the SCO Member States Agreement on Border Defence Cooperation that was signed in 2015," an article in the state run Global Times said.

"The entry of the two nations into the SCO may help boost cooperation between India and Pakistan in areas such as infrastructure and anti-terrorism efforts," the article said.

As per the framework of the SCO, a third party could step in to prevent an outbreak of conflict between the two countries, it said.

"Though New Delhi may try to seek fairly flexible multilateral agreements with the SCO countries, both India and Pakistan will have to adhere to the principle and basic framework under the SCO to strengthen security and anti- terrorism cooperation," it said.

"The hostility between India and Pakistan is unlikely to be dispelled in a short time, but the SCO is likely to provide a fresh platform for the two nations to gradually resolve disputes," it said.

"Additionally, a third party could step in to mediate the situation within the SCO framework to prevent an outbreak of conflicts between Pakistan and India," it said.

The SCO, which is headquartered in Beijing, focuses mostly on security related issues like counter-terrorism cooperation in Central Asia.

It is comprised of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan as full members. Afghanistan, Belarus, India, Iran, Mongolia and Pakistan have observer status.

Its 2015 summit in Ufa, Russia, the SCO formally adopted a resolution which started the procedures to admit India and Pakistan into thegrouping.

"The entry of the two nations into the SCO is likely to contribute to the stability and security of the region, thus boosting economic growth and speeding up regional economic integration," it said.

The admission of India and Pakistan into the SCO may accelerate the South Asias highway network construction, it said.

"Improving Pakistans transportation infrastructure is a major aspect of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and hopefully the entry of Pakistan and India into the SCO will bring new momentum to the development of the CPEC," it said.

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"Pakistans entry will also likely offer convenience for attracting new partnerships into the CPEC," it said. PTI KJV NSA

--- ENDS ---
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wacotrib.com at least one week before an event.
A Bellmead junkyard has blown past another deadline for a cleanup that state regulators ordered more than four years ago, and the city of Bellmead also has been cited for its part in the mess.

Kelleys Used Auto Parts at 2401 Bellmead Drive had until Wednesday to clean up junk, including about 2,000 tires, under an extension the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality agreed to last fall. A Jan. 12 inspection showed most of those tires were still there, and the TCEQ has not received documentation since then of further cleanup.

The junkyard now faces a variety of possible additional enforcement remedies that could include a new administrative order or referral to the Texas attorney general, who could seek court penalties, TCEQ spokesman Brian McGovern said. In addition to the $5,400 penalty it already has paid, the business also will have to pay $1,350 in penalties that were previously deferred.

Co-owner Beverly Kelley declined comment except to say that the business has been in contact with the TCEQ.

Meanwhile, the TCEQ has told the city of Bellmead to remove more than 200 tires and other debris a state inspector found in a city right of way within the 100-acre junkyard in February. The agency has given the city a cleanup deadline of April 14.

City Manager Bo Thomas said he hopes the city can meet that deadline, though it could be difficult. City staff has been getting estimates for the work while trying to confirm the boundaries of the city property, Thomas said.

We need to make sure its actually our right of way, Thomas said. Its not just a matter of picking up a couple hundred tires. . . . If were going to do this, we need to go back there and move back vegetation so we can delineate and see our right of way.

Kelleys Used Auto Parts has received numerous notices of violations from the TCEQ during the past 12 years for improperly storing automotive fluids, junked cars and tires. The current case dates back to May 2012, when investigators responded to a complaint from neighbor Toby Monrrial. During the next two years, the junkyard presented evidence of removing about 175 tons of scrap metal. But as of May 2014, some 2,000 scrap tires still remained, and Kelleys received an enforcement notice with penalties. An inspection this January found there were still more than 2,000 tires onsite, many under trees and brush.

Monrrial said this week he is disappointed at the slow progress of TCEQ enforcement but still hopes to see the problem resolved. Monrrial is also the complainant who sparked the February inspection that led to the notice of violation to the city of Bellmead.

Monrrial said Bellmead leaders are part of the problem, not the solution.

The best I could

With no help from the city, Ive done the best I could, he said. Until me and the regulators of the state of Texas get this cleaned up, were on our own. Everyone should take extra caution with mosquito season coming up.

The junk tires also have been a concern for Donna Wiley, a Waco resident whose Bellmead grandfather died of West Nile virus in 2012. In correspondence with TCEQ officials in February, Wiley said shes 90 percent confident that most of the West Nile-carrying mosquito population in Bellmead is coming from the junkyard.

Im not saying thats the only reason, she said in an interview this week. But 2,000 tires? Come on. Thats the No. 1 breeding ground for mosquitoes. No matter how you turn a tire, the water doesnt come out. It drives me crazy. This year is going to be really bad, because we didnt have much of a freeze. Thats not going to be good with over 2,000 tires.

Wileys grandfather, Raymond Finn, 88, lived less than a mile from the junkyard when he died.

My grandfather had no health issues prior to that, she said. He was at the hospital for seven days. No family wants to have to go through that. At the time, we had just had our very first granddaughter, and that made me very nervous, because West Nile virus is worse for children.

Wiley, a secretary at the McLennan Community College library, said the ordeal inspired her to organize the annual Buzz Off mosquito awareness event in collaboration with the American Mosquito Control Association to educate the public on the need to prevent mosquitoes.

This years event will be held at the Waco Downtown Farmers Market, 510 Washington Ave., from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 22.
A fast-food restaurant cook who officials say assaulted a deputy after being implicated in a prostitution sting was indicted Wednesday.

A McLennan County grand jury indicted Kirk Anthony Richard, 25, of Waco, on a charge of assaulting a public servant in a January incident in which he reportedly punched McLennan County Sheriffs Detective Joseph Scaramucci.

According to reports, Richard answered an ad on craigslist.org and thought he was going to an apartment in downtown Waco to meet a woman for sex. Instead, Richard had been speaking with Scaramucci, who was posing as a prostitute online and arranged for Richard to pay for sex.

When Richard arrived at the apartment, deputies tried to arrest him, but Richard bolted and tried to flee, reports state. As he was running and being chased by Scaramucci, Richard turned and struck the detective in the face with his fist, according to reports.

Other deputies intervened and discharged an electronic stun gun against Richard after he continued to resist arrest, officers reported.

Richard was jailed on a Class B misdemeanor prostitution charge and a third-degree felony assault of a public servant charge.
A doctor testified Wednesday that Jeffrey Place Rehabilitation Center employees hastened the death of a 79-year-old Waco man by failing to properly care for an infected toe.

Greg H. Byrd, the son of Homer Gallagher Byrd, who died a month after being admitted to Jeffrey Place, 820 Jeffrey St., is suing the health care center on wrongful death and negligence claims.

The trial of the lawsuit started Monday in Wacos 414th State District Court and is expected to continue through Friday.

Byrds attorneys, Jack Modesett and Vic Feazell, called Dr. Loren Lipson, a geriatric specialist from California, as an expert witness Wednesday. The doctor told jurors that Jeffrey Place officials breached the ordinary standard of care by failing to notice and treat an infection on Byrds big toe until it turned black, had a foul odor and was 4 centimeters by 5 centimeters.

Byrd, a diabetic on dialysis, already had toes amputated on his left foot, so the nursing center should have been keenly aware of his circulatory issues, Lipson said.

Byrds family is claiming Jeffrey Place caregivers should have not allowed the pressure sore to develop and to become infected, that they failed to notice it in a timely manner and then failed to seek prompt treatment for Byrd.

The toe was gangrenous, which led to Byrds right leg being amputated near his knee and, ultimately, to his death in November 2015, the family alleges.

Lee Cameron, who represents Jeffrey Place, declined comment Wednesday about the trial.

Lipson said Jeffrey Place employees also failed Byrd by not notifying a doctor soon enough and by not immediately transferring him to a hospital.
Leaning all his weight on a cane, Billy reached for Ruths shoulder and asked how she did it.

How did she have the ability not to break down after watching friend after friend waste away?

How did she have the ability to sit at someones bedside on their dying day, when no one else would?

Ruth shrugged, looked into the young 20-something female impersonators eyes and said, I do it, so you can do what you need to do.

Not long after that conversation, Ruth Coker Burks sat at Billys bedside and watched him also fade away. He weighed only 55 pounds and asked her if hed ever be clean again, if hed ever be forgiven for contracting the debilitating and immune-destroying virus known as AIDS, if hed ever be forgiven for being gay.

In the scene painted by Waco High School senior Nick Atkins and junior Emily Hines, the two students and at least a dozen of their peers portrayed Burks story more than 20 years after it started.

Burks helped hundreds of people rejected by their families in Little Rock, Arkansas, during the height of the AIDS epidemic in the 1980s and early 90s, before advances in medication and care.

Atkins played four men and died four times onstage that night, and Billys moment was just one part of the schools one-act play, The Red Door. The original production debuted Tuesday night at the Waco High Performing Arts Center as part of Waco ISDs Night of One-Act Plays. It also will be performed during UILs one-act play district competition, starting at 2 p.m. Tuesday at College Station High School.

Waco Highs technical director, Cory Garrett, wrote the script. He intertwined news broadcasts of Burks between scenes and wanted to develop something that would reach an audience well beyond the competition stage, whether the cast wins or loses, Garrett said.

Since we cant control whether or not were going to advance, were just going to have fun and give the kids the experience of creating a new work, Garrett said.

Originally, we had this idea about a circus trainer in 1918, so it was this creepy circus thing. We were working on that, and almost a year ago now, we were sitting in the classroom when we saw on Facebook, there was an article about her.

In attendance

What Garrett didnt entirely know of is the likelihood that Burks would be sitting on the front row of their first local, live performance to see her life played before her. They had planned for it from the beginning, by connecting to Burks through Facebook, but donations from other high school one-act play directors and teachers made the dream a reality just in time for the curtains to open, director KLynn Childress said.

They told me she was here when she first arrived, but I wanted to meet her afterward. But in the last scene of the show, I actually started crying, Hines said. And when we came out, I immediately saw her sitting in the front row. I waved to her and immediately started crying all over again. Ive been nervous this entire time to meet her because I wanted to make her proud.

And Hines did.

Hines, Atkins and other cast members met with Burks after the show for the first time. Their jaws dropped and they applauded when she entered the room, and she immediately told them how grateful she was for the honor.

You all did an amazing, amazing job. You hit the nail on the head, Burks said to the students. When I was in high school, no one would even mention the word gay, and no one even knew anything about it. If you knew, you couldnt talk about it at all. It just blew me away how comfortable you were with the subject.

Burks continues to serve in an advocacy role, speaking at colleges across the nation and raising awareness about HIV and AIDS, she said. But as she shared stories from her past with the students, she said The Red Door brought back memories of the struggles her friends in the LGBT community face.

I have a dear friend, and it was so obvious to me, to everybody. Johnny was really picked on. It was horrible what people said and did, and it was just awful, Burks said. The other night, I was talking to him on Facebook, and he asked if I was going to a reunion. I said I didnt know if I am or not, and hes 57 years old and afraid to go home because hes afraid of what people will say and do because hes gay.

Burks efforts started in 1984 while she paced a hospital hallway in Little Rock, waiting for a friend who was being treated for cancer. She noticed a door with a red bag over it, meant to quarantine an AIDS patient named Jimmy Cook who had been in the hospital for six weeks and wasnt getting any better.

Back then, six weeks was the average life span of a person once they had been diagnosed with AIDS, she said. Nurses argued who would treat Cook during rounds for fear of contracting the illness themselves. When Cook asked for his mother in his last days, a nurse slipped his mothers phone number to Burks. Cooks mother told Burks her son died a long time ago because of his lifestyle choices.

After that, Burks took on the role of managing AIDS patients doctors appointments, picking up medication, giving men and women a shoulder to cry on when necessary and even delivering Christmas cards and decorations when they had no one.

And when they passed on, she buried their bodies in her familys cemetery of 262 plots passed down from her mother after a family disagreement, she said. She often prayed over them, citing the power of Gods forgiveness during funerals. Burks, who is also a childhood friend of former President Bill Clinton, served as a White House consultant on AIDS education after Clinton was elected, according to the Arkansas Times.

Garrett said the reaction to the play from the audience has been as reassuring as that of Burks.

The amount of storytelling that happened last night, the people telling their stories of the people who are gay or died of AIDS in their lives after the show was really special, Garrett said.

There was a student who will be here next year, and her mom couldnt really get words out, and she just bearhugged me and kept repeating in my ear over and over again, something along the lines of: Ive lost so many friends. Ive lost so many friends. Thats what Ill take away. And having Ruth here, all of it just intensified.

For each life lost during the performance, the Waco High actors donned white shirts and handed Hines a rose to place in a holder onstage, representing each person Burks helped.

Though Atkins said he didnt know much about the AIDS epidemic before auditioning for the show, he recognized the opportunity to show how many different kinds of people the crisis impacted, he said.

Important lessons

The lessons Waco High students were able to learn by telling Burks story are still just as important as they were in the 80s, Burks said. Medical advances have made HIV and AIDS easier to address, but the nation still deflects on conversations about understanding the LGBT community, she said.

We couldnt have done this in Arkansas. It wouldnt have happened. They wouldve gotten their federal funding pulled. But I was shocked and so delighted at how it turned out and how it was so accurate, Burks said. Weve gone backwards in education, because now its like: Dont talk about it. Abstinence only. Thats great if it was a fairy tale we lived in, but its not, and the rate of new HIV infection is so high in young people.

I get people all the time who call me, and theyve just found out theyre (HIV-) positive and thought it was an old mans disease. I think part of what happened is everyone died, and there wasnt anybody to teach the young people and to warn them.

Burks buried more than 40 AIDS victims in her familys cemetery, and others would call her and tell her a lover had died and asked for permission to bury them in one of the plots, she said. But she doesnt know how many people may have ultimately buried someone there, because she would tell people to just go pick a spot, she said.

The moments played out onstage involving Billys life define it all, she said. Those memories hit her the hardest, down to the scene where Billy handed her his slim, red dress he often donned for shows at a local club and the time she took him to ride an elephant at Little Rocks zoo a few weeks before his death, she said.

I called a friend last night at like midnight when I got back to the (hotel) room and I said: These kids are so brave and so talented. They took it to heart,  she said. We need to educate everyone.
Heavy smoke spread throughout a south Waco neighborhood after a reportedly vacant home caught fire late Wednesday afternoon.

Firefighters went to the 2700 block of Primrose Drive shorty after 4 p.m. after a report that a vacant home was on fire, Assistant Waco Fire Chief Patrick Kerwin said. As the first firefighters arrived, flames and heavy smoke was rising from the single-level home.

"The house was reported vacant, and it was heavily involved when the first unit got on scene," Kerwin said. "Crews said the house was well boarded up."

The home had an utility meter on the outside, but it was unclear if any utilities were working. Firefighters did a preliminary search to look for occupants of the home and did not find anyone inside, Kerwin said.

Firefighters extinguished the majority of the fire within a few minutes. Heavy fire damage was seen in the back portion of the home.

Kerwin said firefighters reported the fire damaged every room.

No injuries were reported. Kerwin said a fire marshal was called to investigate.
President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former President of France Nicolas Sarkozy will address the India Today Conclave 2017 over the next two days.

By India Today Web Desk: The India Today Conclave 2017 is here. It has almost arrived. Once again the eminent speakers from around the world and across spectrum are converging.

This time, India Today Conclave has travelled to Mumbai, where great minds will debate, discuss and share their thoughts tomorrow and the day after on The Great Disruption- the theme of the India Today Conclave 2017.

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The theme will be discussed threadbare by the politicians, who make headlines, frame policies for us and shape our future. You can watch Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Conclave 2017.

Modi will address India Today Conclave 2017 live in the concluding session. Modi, in Conclave 2017, will speak on the Politics of Disruption Setting India's New Agenda.

President Pranab Mukherjee will also grace the India Today Conclave 2017 with this presence and by sharing his thoughts. You can watch Pranab Mukherjee in Conclave 2017 delivering special address as the chief guest tomorrow.

You can watch BJP president Amit Shah's speech for Conclave 2017. Amit Shah will be addressing the India Today Conclave tomorrow. Amit Shah will deliver the keynote address, The One to Beat New Pole of Indian Politics.

You can also watch former president of France Nicolas Sarkozy's speech in Conclave 2017. Amit Shah's speech in Conclave 2017 will be followed by another keynote address by Sarkozy, who will share his ideas, experience and thoughts on Globalism in the Age of Protection: The Balance of Interests in the fast changing world.

There will a host of other politicians of great repute and distinction who will take part in the India Today Conclave 2017. They include Union Ministers M Venkaiah Naidu, Ravi Shankar Prasad and Dharmendra Pradhan among others.

Speaking about India Today Conclave 2017, 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. This specially designed multisensory experience, spread across two days will be a great opportunity to listen to some of the sharpest minds across the world, get inspired and take some meaningful memories back home."

India Today Conclave was started as part of India Today's 25th anniversary and was designed to attract the best minds from around the world to debate the existing challenges. The theme of the inaugural year was India Tomorrow 2022: Opportunities and Threats. The then US vice-president Al gore was the chief guest.

In its 16th edition, India Today Conclave 2017 is being hosted in Mumbai with theme The Great Disruption.

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India Today Conclave 2017 is here. Your chance to witness the confluence of great minds and speakers

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One man has died, and five young men were seriously injured in a single-vehicle rollover crash on State Highway 6 near Marlin on Wednesday evening, officials said.

A 19-year-old Houston-area man died early Thursday morning. He was one of six occupants traveling south on Highway 6 at about 6 p.m. Wednesday when the Ford Explorer they were in had a tire blowout, Texas Department of Public Safety Sgt. D.L. Wilson said. Five of the six occupants were ejected when the vehicle rolled several times.

Falls County Sheriff Ricky Scaman said several agencies in the region assisted at the crash site. Three men were taken to Baylor Scott & White Hillcrest Medical Center in Waco, and three were taken to Baylor Scott & White Medical Center in Temple, Scaman said.

At each hospital, one man was listed in critical condition and two were listed with serious injuries as of Wednesday night, Scaman said.

At about 1:45 a.m. Thursday, authorities were notified that the 19-year-old listed in critical condition in Temple had died of his injuries. The two other men at the Temple hospital were listed in stable condition Thursday morning.

By Thursday morning, Wilson said the three men taken to the Waco hospital had been treated and discharged. All six occupants range in age from 17 to 19 years old and live in the Houston area, officials said.

The investigation is ongoing, Wilson said. Names of the victims will be released after family has been notified.
Last week, President Trump told Republicans in a private meeting that if they dont succeed in repealing the Affordable Care Act, the 2018 midterm elections will be a bloodbath. Speaker Paul Ryan was asked for his thoughts Sunday on Face the Nation, and heres what he said:

John Dickerson: The president has said there will be a bloodbath in 2018 if this isnt passed through the House and Senate. Do you agree?

Ryan: I do believe that if we dont keep our word to the people who sent us here, yes. Look, the most important thing for a person like myself, who runs for office and tells the people we are asking to hire us, this is what I will do if I get elected. And then, if you dont do that, you are breaking your word.

Trying and failing to do what you said you would isnt exactly breaking your word, but you get the point. Ryans main concern, at least as he expresses it here, is with the people who deeply want to see the ACA repealed: the Republican base. He and the rest of his party have been terrified of them for the past eight years, so its no surprise the bases wrath is still foremost in their minds.

But theres a problem: 2018 is probably going to be a bloodbath for Republicans whether they pass repeal or not.

Lets quickly run through the possible scenarios for the midterm elections as they relate to this effort, which will be the most dramatic and vividly emotional of all the legislative battles of the next few years. Ryan is almost certainly right that if they fail to pass repeal, the GOP base will be disgusted with its leaders. For eight years, Republican candidates told them, Turn out to vote, and then as soon as we get the chance well destroy this law that Barack Obama cast forth from the very fires of hell. The base responded, delivering Republicans the House in 2010 and the Senate in 2014.

Yet, 60 or so repeal votes notwithstanding, the law remained in place. Donald Trump became the partys presidential nominee largely because of the bases dissatisfaction with a Republican establishment it saw as ineffectual. And now, if they cant pass it with complete control of government, it could be even worse. Youd likely see depressed turnout among Republicans who see no reason to rush to the polls to re-elect representatives who cant seem to do what they promise.

Thats Bloodbath Version No. 1.

Version No. 2 is just as dangerous, if not more so. In this scenario, they pass the bill, and what everyone who knows anything about health care is predicting does indeed come true. Millions lose their coverage, out-of-pocket costs rise, premiums go up, the individual market is destabilized, and the kind of security the ACA has offered to those with pre-existing conditions vanishes. Not only is the broader public angry but Democratic voters in particular are enraged. The surge of grass-roots energy weve seen on the left gains even more momentum. We know that what drives turnout in off-year elections is anger  and most of the anger is going to be on the left.

Not only that, the Republican base wont be so happy about the promise that was kept once they see the results. One of the things thats becoming increasingly clear is that the GOP reform bill is going to hit many of their key constituencies especially hard. The bill allows insurance companies to charge older patients more, while giving them a tax credit that in many cases will be worth far less than the ACA subsidies theyre getting now. Working-class voters will find it harder to afford insurance. The suffering will be particularly acute in rural areas.

The presidents party almost always loses seats in Congress in midterm elections. Thats the base line from which Republicans start. Add in a catastrophic rollout of their repeal, and it could get much worse.

There is one scenario in which Republicans can avoid a bloodbath. Thats if they pass repeal and it turns out to be as great as they claim. More people get coverage, costs come down, premiums plummet, and the free market delivers us to the paradise weve been waiting for.

If theres anyone, even Republicans, who sincerely thinks thats going to happen, Id be shocked. Even Paul Ryan is preparing for millions to lose coverage; his unique spin on that possibility is that when they do, itll actually be a sign of success. Heres another exchange he had with John Dickerson:

Dickerson: How many people are going to lose coverage under this new -

Ryan: I cant answer that question. Its up to people. Here  heres the premise of your question. Are you going to stop mandating people buy health insurance? People are going to do what they want to do with their lives because we believe in individual freedom in this country. So the question is, are we providing a system where people have access to health insurance if they choose to do so? And the answer is yes.

Unlike some Republicans, Ryan isnt promising that no one will lose coverage. Hes saying that when they do, it will only be because they chose to go without it, once they were led into the glorious light of liberty.

Theres a theory going around that Republicans want their bill to fail so they can avoid the disaster that will come with implementing it and just move on to cutting taxes, which is their top priority anyway. I cant say if thats what theyre thinking, but they may come to realize that while the scenario in which they fail to repeal the ACA could produce a bad result in 2018, the real bloodbath will come if they succeed.

Paul Waldman is a contributor to The Plum Line blog and a senior writer at The American Prospect.
BRAINARD  East Butler Public Schools will get a cost estimate to demolish the old portion of the Prague school building.

Gana Trucking and Excavating of Lincoln has been tasked with that thorough demolition estimate.

The Board of Education approved March 8 having Gana Trucking and Excavating of Lincoln provide estimation no later than the boards next monthly board meeting, April 12. Cost for service is $1,000.

East Butler Superintendent Sam Stecher said that the action was not a bid for demolition, and that the school board would still have the authority to bid out that process after being provided an estimate.

Last weeks action followed the boards ongoing discussion surrounding the disposition of the Prague facility.

At Februarys meeting, the board agreed to hold on to the bid submitted by Dan Havlovic of Prague, pending further information.

In the meantime, an additional sealed bid made its way to the district, past the advertised Feb. 8 deadline.

Stecher said he conferred with the district attorney and the board could not open or examine the late bid unless they terminate the present proposal and start over, which the board does have the authority to do.

Should the board terminate the current proposal, they would have the authority to opt to open bids on a month by month basis.

I dont think its a good idea for us to terminate and examine on a month by month basis. I think that puts anybody that wants to put in a proposal in a very sticky situation, anybody that has put in a proposal in a sticky situation and certainly does not make your job any easier, he said.

He added, however, that opting to leave the late sealed bid unopened also put that one in a sticky situation.

But we had a deadline, and thats why we have deadlines, he said.

Havlovic told the board the process could go on for months if the board continues to open bids past the original deadline.

You have these bids, and theyre made public in the newspaper. Theyre made public everywhere, Havlovic said. Now everyone knows what the original bids were, and now someone has the opportunity to come in and create a different bid. This could go on forever.

Board Secretary Dan Zysset said the board does not want to prolong the process longer than necessary either.

We want to move on it too, but until we have a number on (demolition), I dont think we really can, Zysset said.

Havlovics bid was one of two opened at the February board meeting. His $30,000 bid, including a $3,000 down payment, was for the facilitys elementary, gym and shop, with the stipulation the district demolish the remaining old portion of the school.

The second bid was from George Duncan of Meadville, Mo. The $11,100 proposed amount was for the entire school facility without stipulation.

At the March 8 meeting, Havlovic asked the board if they would sell the facility for the cost of asbestos removal.

We dont know what that is going to cost, responded Board Member Kim TePoel.

Stecher said he will pro-

vide Gana Trucking and Excavating a copy of their asbestos plan.

So going forward with this we should have not only a knowledge of what it will cost for demolition, but itemized for what asbestos removal would be, he said.

Based on the information the board receives regarding an estimated demolition cost, they can still opt to proceed with the current proposal and demolish the old portion, negotiate the proposal or reject and begin again.

The board discussed the potential of holding a special meeting should Gana provide an estimated demolition cost sooner than the April 12 meeting.
VALPARAISO  Mary Davis brought her message of supporting youth programs and supporting veterans to Valparaiso Sunday.

The American Legion Auxiliary national president was a special speaker during the Auxiliarys District 7 Convention, held at the Valparaiso Legion Hall and hosted by the Valparaiso American Legion Auxiliary Unit 371.

Davis hails from Lacey, Washington and has been serving as the Auxiliarys national president since last September.

She said her three-day stay in Nebraska was a bit of a whirlwind, but it gave her the opportunity to see the good work that units in the state are doing.

There are a lot of childrens and youth programs, she said about what she learned once arriving in the state. There is also a lot of pride in being an American, which is huge.

Davis was one of the featured speakers for Sunday afternoons program.

The emphasis that she saw on youth programs fits in well with her goals for her year as president.

Education and youth programs top her list of priority projects. She spoke about updating both the Children of Warriors scholarship program and the junior mentoring program.

Her second goal is to increase awareness about planned giving and the Auxiliary Foundation.

For me and a lot of folks, finances are tight from month to month, Davis said.

She said there is a misgiving about setting money aside for an estate gift.

The fact was I didnt think I would be able to donate to an organization through my estate, Davis added.

She said people want to give, but they also want to make sure their heirs are also taken care of.

But, an option that many people dont consider is doing a percentage donation. That is more feasible for many people, she said.

Davis also pointed out that Auxiliary Units may also apply for project grants from the foundation and encouraged them to do so.

They are open for the taking. You just need to apply, she said.

Davis encouragement extended to reaching out to inactive and new members.

Just because someone doesnt attend a meeting, she said, may not mean they cant find a way to participate.

For example, someone with financial experience might be able to help with the clubs audit. Or, someone busy with five children in school may be able to help with the American essay contest in the school.

By involving them now, they are the people who can carry on our legacy, carry on our unit, she said.

Membership was a theme stressed by National Committee Member Barb Washburn of Ashland too.

They are more than just numbers, Washburn said about the Auxiliarys membership. They are feet on the street, helping to accomplish our mission.

Another message left by both Washburn and Davis for District 7 membership was to share their ideas, projects and successes. Units were encouraged to submit articles to the state and national publications.

What you all are doing in Nebraska might not be what they are doing in Florida. But, it would work in Florida, give them a great idea, Davis said.
By Press Trust of India: From Yoshita Singh

United Nations, Mar 16 (PTI) India has fared moderately in a global ranking of countries as per the percentage of women appointed in ministerial positions, but was at a bleak position in another list on number of women parliamentarians.

The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and UN Women launched the Women in Politics 2017 Map, a visual representation of womens political empowerment on the sidelines of the ongoing session of the Commission on the Status of Women here.

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India ranked 88th out of 186 countries in the list with of 18.5 per cent of women appointed in ministerial positions as of January 1, 2017. Countries like Rwanda, Kenya, Mozambique and South Sudan fared better than India in the ranking.

However, it did not score well in the ranking of nations according to number of women elected or appointed to parliaments as on January 1.

It ranked 148 out of the 193 nations, with only 11.48 per cent women in the Lower House of Parliament and 11 per cent in the Upper House. Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Pakistan, China and Iraq were ranked higher than India.

According to the data presented by the Map, the number of women in executive government and in the parliaments worldwide has stagnated, with only marginal improvements since 2015.

The number of women heads of state or heads of government fell from 19 to 17 since 2015, and progress in the number of women in the parliaments continues to be slow, the data said.

"What is democracy? Is it people for the people, or men for the people," UN Women Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka told reporters here yesterday at the launch of the data.

The Union, established in 1889, is the focal point for world-wide parliamentary dialogue and works for peace and co-operation among peoples and for the firm establishment of representative democracy.

The IPU supports the efforts of and works in close cooperation with the UN on relevant objectives. Its data shows that the global average of women in national parliaments increased just slightly from 22.6 per cent in 2015 to 23.3 per cent in 2016. The number of female Speakers of the House, however, is up to the highest so far, with 53 out of 273 posts.

"Political campaigns are expensive," Mlambo-Ngcuka said identifying some of the challenges faced by women who run for office.

"Political parties are male dominated. When there isnt a specific measure in place, women fall off the ground. Men tend to choose those who are made in their own image," she said.

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Womens participation in parliaments rose to 25 per cent from 22.4 per cent in 2015, even as the heads of state of Brazil and Argentina left office.

Number of women ministers in Africa declined after years of steady growth. About 19.7 per cent of the regions ministerial posts are held by women.

In Asia, women held 11 per cent of ministerial posts (from 10.6 per cent in 2015). Indonesia became the country with the highest participation of women in government (25.7 per cent) in the region, while Vietnam and Nepal experienced steep declines drifting below five per cent.

In Europe, the total percentage stood at 22.5 per cent. A surprise came from the Nordic countries which have traditionally led the global stage in politics, but whose number of female ministers fell by more than six per cent to 43.5 per cent. PTI YAS ASV

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Malaysia Police requested Interpol's help last month to apprehend North Korean suspects who they believed had fled Malaysia shortly after the murder of Kim Jong Nam, the estranged half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

By Reuters: Interpol has issued a red notice, the closest to an international arrest warrant, for four North Koreans wanted in connection with the murder of Kim Jong Nam, Malaysia's police chief said on Thursday.

The estranged half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was murdered on February 13, when Malaysian police say two women - an Indonesian and a Vietnamese - smeared super toxic VX nerve agent on his face at Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

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The two women were charged with murder earlier this month, but police are looking for seven North Korean suspects in connection with the killing, including four who are believed to have made their way back to Pyongyang.

Police requested Interpol's help to apprehend the suspects last month.

"We have obtained a red notice for the four North Korean nationals who were at the airport on the day of the incident and who have since left... we are hoping to get them through Interpol," police chief Khalid Abu Bakar told reporters.

An Interpol red notice is a request to find and provisionally arrest someone pending extradition.

DIPLOMATIC MELTDOWN

The murder has resulted in a diplomatic meltdown between two countries with once strong ties.

North Korea has questioned the Malaysian investigation into the murder and refused to acknowledge that the man murdered is Kim Jong Nam.

Speaking at the North Korean embassy in Beijing at an unusual and hastily arranged news conference, diplomat Pak Myong Ho blamed the United States and South Korea.

"The recent incident that occurred in Malaysia was clearly a political scheme by the US and South Korea aimed at hurting the DPRK's reputation and overthrowing the DPRK regime," Pak said, using the North's formal name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

"The only parties that will benefit from this incident are the enemy countries," Pak told a hand-picked audience of reporters in a small, sparsely decorated room inside the embassy.

At the time of the killing, Kim was carrying a diplomatic passport bearing another name, but Malaysian authorities said on Wednesday Kim Jong Nam's identity had been confirmed using DNA samples taken from one of his children.

Malaysia has also refused demands by the North Korean government for Kim Jong Nam's body to be released, saying that the remains can only be handed over to the next-of-kin under local laws. No family member has come forward to claim the body.

KIM JONG NAM'S REMAINS

State news agency Bernama, quoting Malaysian deputy police chief Noor Rashid Ibrahim, said on Thursday that the family had given consent for Malaysia to manage Kim Jong Nam's remains. Noor Rashid did not say when or where the consent was given.

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Kim Jong Nam had been living in the Chinese territory of Macau under Beijing's protection after the family went into exile several years ago. He had been known to speak out publicly against his family's dynastic control of North Korea.

A man claiming to be the son of Kim Jong Nam appeared in video footage last week, saying he was lying low with his mother and sister.

An official at South Korea's National Intelligence Service confirmed the man in the video was Kim Han Sol, the 21-year-old son of Kim Jong Nam.

Malaysia is one of the few countries outside China that has for decades maintained ties with North Korea.

But as relations soured, Malaysia recalled its envoy from Pyongyang and expelled the North Korean ambassador.

North Korea then barred nine Malaysians - three diplomats and their six family members - from leaving the country, prompting Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak to describe the action as "hostage" taking. The Southeast Asian country followed with a tit-for-tat action stopping North Koreans from leaving.

Najib told reporters Malaysia will begin formal negotiations with North Korea "when the time is right", clarifying previous reports saying that talks between the two countries had begun on Monday.

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B-25 Mitchell bombers from around the country will once again take to the skies before landing at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force as part of a two-day tribute commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the Doolittle Tokyo Raid, April 17-18. Current plans call for 17 B-25 bombers to land on the runway behind the museum on April 17 and be placed on static display from 10 a.m.  4:30 p.m. The aircraft will remain available for public view on April 18 from 9 a.m.  12 p.m., before departing for a flyover prior to the start of a memorial service in the museums Memorial Park at 2:30 p.m.

The memorial service is scheduled to conclude with a flight of two B-1 bombers from the 34th and 37th Bomb Squadrons at Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, which were two of the four Army Air Corps Squadrons from which the B-25 aircrews were selected for the Doolittle Raid. These events are free and open to the public. (Note: All outdoor events are weather dependent. The memorial service will still take place indoors in the event of inclement weather.)

Of the 80 Raiders led by James H. Jimmy Doolittle in 1942, only one survives today  Lt. Col. Richard Dick E. Cole  who served as Doolittles co-pilot on Crew No. 1. Cole, now 101 years old, plans to be at the museum to commemorate the anniversary and will privately honor fellow Raider SSgt. David Thatcher, who passed away last year.

On the evening of April 18, the Air Force Museum Foundation will present Doolittles Raiders: The Final Toast, as part of the Mr. W. Craig Willan Living History Film Series in the Air Force Museum Theatre at 6:30 p.m. The event will be opened by Cole and following the film screening, two of the Raiders children  Cindy Cole Chal and Jim Bower  will share stories and insight and conduct a question and answer session with the audience. Tickets for this event can be purchased by calling (937) 253-4629. A limited number of packages, which include the book Dick Coles War: Doolittle Raider, Hump Pilot, Air Commando, signed by Cole and an event ticket are also available for sale.

In addition, the Air Force Museum Store will host several authors including Stan Cohen (Destination Tokyo); Frank Goldstein (The Last Reunion: A Salute to The Jimmy Doolittle Tokyo Raiders); and Dennis Okerstrom (Dick Coles War: Doolittle Raider, Hump Pilot, Air Commando), who will be available to sign copies of their books. The store will also have commemorative merchandise available to purchase. (Federal endorsement is not implied.)

Additional information on the entire event schedule, along with photos and videos of past Raider events at the museum is available HERE.

Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, Americas morale had slumped from numerous Japanese successes, and the country desperately needed a victory. President Franklin Roosevelt wanted to strike Japan as quickly as possible to bolster American spirits, and U.S. Navy and Army Air Forces planners settled on a bold plan to launch large bombers from an aircraft carrier to attack the Japanese mainland.

The top secret plan called for 16 B-25s to take off from the USS Hornet about 450 miles from Japan, bomb targets at locations such as Yokohama and Tokyo, and then fly another 1,600 miles to friendly airfields in China. At dawn on April 18, 1942, the task force encountered and sunk an enemy patrol boat 650 miles from Japan, forcing the raid to launch early in case the boat had radioed a warning. The Raiders dropped their bombs on Japanese oil storage facilities, factories, and military installations, then headed out across the East China Sea. With the help of the Chinese people, most of the Raiders safely reached friendly forces. However, eight were captured by the Japanese and held as prisoners of war and three of the eight were executed.

News of the attack lifted American optimism significantly and stunned the Japanese populationtheir embarrassed leaders had promised the mainland would never be attacked. The Japanese shifted forces to protect their home islands, which foretold increasing Allied pressure in the Pacific, the eventual turn of the tide against Japan, and its final defeat in 1945.According to National Museum of the U.S. Air Force Historian Dr. Doug Lantry, the Raiders were given a bold and unprecedented mission. However, the daring raid greatly succeeded in uplifting the nation. The Raid was an extremely risky operation because medium bombers had never been flown from a carrier before, and the fact that they were so far into enemy territory endangered the entire task force, said Lantry. While the attack caused little physical damage, its psychological impact on the Japanese military and American public was immense and provided Americans with a much-needed morale boost.

Each year since the end of World War II, with the exception of 1951, the Doolittle Raiders held an annual reunion. The museum had the privilege of hosting the Raiders in April 1965 (23rd), 1999 (57th), 2006 (64th), 2010 (68th) and 2012 (70th), before Cole, Thatcher and Lt. Col. Ed Saylor had a final toast to their fallen comrades on Nov. 9, 2013. On April 18, 2015, Cole and Thatcher returned to the museum and were presented with the Congressional Gold Medal, which is now on display as part the Doolittle Tokyo Raiders exhibit in the museums WWII Gallery.

The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio, is the worlds largest military aviation museum. With free admission and parking, the museum features more than 360 aerospace vehicles and missiles and thousands of artifacts amid more than 19 acres of indoor exhibit space. Each year about one million visitors from around the world come to the museum. For more information, visit www.nationalmuseum.af.mil.

The theatre and store are operated by the Air Force Museum Foundation, Inc., a Section 501(c)(3) private, non-profit organization that assists the Air Force in the development and expansion of the facilities of the National Museum of the United States Air Force. For more information on the Air Force Museum Foundation, visit www.airforcemuseum.com. The Air Force Museum Foundation is not part of the Department of Defense or any of its components and it has no governmental status.



NOTE TO PUBLIC: For more information, contact the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force at 937-904-9881.


HONOLULU, HI  Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor will commemorate the 75th anniversary of the World War II Doolittle Raid with special presentations for youth and the general public by Jonna Doolittle Hoppes, author, educator and granddaughter of General Jimmy Doolittle, leader of the famed Doolittle (Tokyo) Raid that took place, April 18, 1942.

On April 17, from 10  11 am, students and their teachers are invited to a free youth presentation by Hoppes entitled, Calculated Risk: Jimmy Doolittle and the Tokyo Raid. The presentation is named after Hoppes first book. Hoppes will discuss the Doolittle Raid and the brave men who, under her grandfathers leadership, inspired a nation and changed the course of WWII. This youth event is provided at no cost, and teachers who register their classes will receive a free copy of one of Hoppes books, Just Doing My Job or Calculated Risk, as well as corresponding curriculum to use before or after the event.

Funding for bus transportation will be provided if requested on the registration form. Seating is limited and registration is recommended by emailing Education@PacificAviationMuseum.org or calling 808-445-9137.

On April 18, at 2:30 pm, Hoppes will conduct a Hangar Talk for the general public, followed by a book signing and meet and greet reception. Admission for the Hangar Talk is free with Museum admission, free to Museum members, and free to military and military families with valid ID.On April 18, 1942, following the attack on Pearl Harbor, eighty men from all walks of life volunteered to fly B-25 bombers (normally land-based aircraft) that took off from the deck of the USS Hornet. The dangerous and unorthodox mission, led by (then Lt. Colonel) Jimmy Doolittle, represented the first air strike by the United States on Japanese homelands. The raid provided a much-needed boost to American morale and changed the course of WWII. It bolstered American morale to such an extent that on April 28, 10 days after the attack, Lt. Colonel Doolittle was promoted to Brigadier General and was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Theodore Roosevelt upon his return to the United States in June.

Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor is located on Historic Ford Island, where bombs fell during the attack on Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941. Visitors to the Museum can see remnants from that day of infamy, including the 158-foot tall, red and white iconic Ford Island Control Tower, Hangars 37 and 79, and bullet holes in Hangar 79. Through its preservation and restoration of World War II fighter planes and accompanying artifacts in the Museums historic hangars, Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor shares the story of the vital role aviation played in the winning of World War II, and its continuing role in maintaining Americas freedom.

Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization. Its mission is to develop and maintain an internationally recognized aviation museum on Historic Ford Island that educates young and old alike, honors aviators and their support personnel who defended freedom in The Pacific Region, and to preserve Pacific aviation history. Contact: 808-441-1000; Marketing@PacificAviationMuseum.org
Police on Wednesday had claimed to have cracked the case with the arrest of a history-sheeter identified as Vikas Bhagat.

By Rohini Swamy: The Irish woman who was found murdered in south Goa was assaulted sexually, according to a medical report.

India Today has accessed the cause of death report which says that she died of asphyxia leading to compression of back with cranio-cerebral damage caused to head and face.

There is evidence of genital injury in the vaginal walls suggesting penetration which means sexual assault.

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Police on Wednesday had claimed to have cracked the case with the arrest of a history-sheeter identified as Vikas Bhagat.

According to the police, the 25-year-old woman had come with a friend and has been identified as Danielle McLaughin. She had participated in Holi celebrations in coastal Canacona village, known for its popular beaches, before being found dead on Tuesday.

Police, suspecting rape, had sent the body to the Goa Medical College near Panaji for post-mortem.

Bhagat has been booked for murder.

Also read:

Goa: Police arrest man accused of Irish tourist's rape and murder

Also watch:

Goa: Accused confesses to murder with beer bottle after raping Irish woman

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Empty and derelict pubs in Waterford can now be converted into houses without the need for planning permission. The Minister for Housing Darragh OBrien has...
According to security forces, the duo was nabbed on March 14 after specific intelligence about their movement at a border check post at Khudengthabi, while travelling to Moreh.

By Indrajit Kundu: Two suspected Islamic State (IS) "agents" have been apprehended by Assam Rifles (AR) personnel from the India-Myanmar border area in Manipur.

According to security forces, the duo was nabbed on March 14 after specific intelligence about their movement at a border check post at Khudengthabi, while travelling to Moreh.

The two suspects have been identified as Nazir Mohamed and Abu Bakir, both of them are residents of Tamil Nadu. After initial interrogation, security agencies have found that the duo reached Manipur on the 12th after starting from Chennai on March 9th.

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According to security agencies, the two suspects first traveled to Dimapur via Kolkata on the Kanchenjunga Express on March 11 and reached Manipur the next day. During interrogation, there were several inconsistencies which led to their arrest. In fact, it is learnt that this was the second visit to the border town of Moreh.

Four mobile handsets, two Aadhaar cards and 14 sim cards including six international cards were recovered from the two men. According to the AR, there were contacts of people in Dubai, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, Sri Lanka and Qatar on their mobile phones.

An FIR has been filed by police in Manipur at the Moreh police station. The FIR states, "the possibility of them working for ISIS outfit and of them being a part of ISIS recruiting nexus cannot be ruled out".

Also read:

Delhi on high alert, 2 ISIS Khorasan terrorists may be hiding in the city, say reports

Lucknow encounter: Home grown ISIS Khorasan module was planning big strike. All you need to know

22 Kerala men receiving training at ISIS terror camp in Afghanistan, NIA tracks missing youths

WATCH THE VIDEO:

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Petroleum retailer and refiner Caltex Australia's planned purchase of a chain of independent petrol stations in Victoria has run into competition concerns with the consumer watchdog, the ACCC, warning the move could lead to motorists paying more for their petrol.

And with the proposed $1.8 billion BP acquisition of Woolworths-run petrol stations before the watchdog, the concerns with the planned Caltex deal in Victoria signals a tough road ahead in winning government approval for this deal which will have a much larger impact on the national fuel market.

Caltex plans to acquire the Milemaker chain of petrol stations in Victoria, but the ACCC is threatening to derail the deal Credit:Sasha Woolley

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission Thursday morning warned that the planned purchase by Caltex of the Milemaker Petroleum outlets in Victoria "may substantially lessen competition".

"Milemaker generally has average prices which are lower than Caltex, is quick to discount and often slow to respond to the large price increases that characterise the retail petrol price cycle," the ACCC chairman Rod Sims said in a statement.
We've heard a lot about warming oceans in the past couple of decades, and it's always sounded so distant and technical. Even to me a 2-degree jump in sea temperature sounded harmless. But that was before I saw what it meant. That's when it got personal, when it literally hit me where I live.

During the summer of 2010-11, Western Australia had an unprecedented marine heatwave. One morning not far from where I live, beach-walkers saw seabirds massed along the shoreline. Birds as far as the eye could see. When they got closer they saw the tide-line covered with dead and dying abalone  thousands of them. The sea had suddenly gotten too hot for these molluscs to endure. So they climbed out off the limestone reefs to escape, only to find themselves  out of the frying pan and into the fire  roasting to death on the sand. A mass stranding of abalone  no one had ever seen the like before.

Just think of it for a moment, a creature so desperate to escape its own intolerable world it casts itself ashore to die. The pathos of that. And consider what it might mean for all those other creatures, unseen and unnoticed, beneath the sunlit surface.

This event really shook me because abalone has been such an important part of my life. When I was a kid the shellfish was a local staple, growing in such abundance I could fill a string bag with them in 10 minutes before school. We called it muttonfish. On our honeymoon my wife and I dived for them. Abalone was our first meal as a married couple, and in time we showed our kids how to collect them and cook them, just as our parents had taught us. But now, in our part of the world, the population is decimated and the fishery closed.
Auckland Airport officials say they had no option but to ask police to fatally shoot a dog on Friday morning after he ran from his handler and on to the tarmac.

The runaway airport service dog, called Grizz, was shot dead after he delayed more than a dozen flights.

Grizz the dog was shot dead at Auckland Airport. Credit:Facebook/Avsec

The airport earlier said the dog had been caught but later confirmed he had been fatally shot.

Airport spokeswoman Lisa Mulitalo said Grizz was only killed as a last resort.
The swift approval of projects that had languished for years came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi suggested last year that sharing the waterways could be conditional on Pakistan clamping down on anti-India militants that New Delhi says it shelters.

A dated photo of the 450-megawatt hydropower project located at Baglihar Dam on the Chenab river, which flows from Indian Kashmir into Pakistan. Photo: Reuters

By Reuters: India has fast-tracked hydropower projects worth $15 billion in Kashmir in recent months, three federal and state officials said, ignoring warnings from Islamabad that power stations on rivers flowing into Pakistan will disrupt water supplies.

The swift approval of projects that had languished for years came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi suggested last year that sharing the waterways could be conditional on Pakistan clamping down on anti-India militants that New Delhi says it shelters.

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Pakistan has opposed some of these projects before, saying they violate a World Bank-mediated treaty on the sharing of the Indus river and its tributaries upon which 80 per cent of its irrigated agriculture depends.

The schemes, the largest of which is the 1,856 MW Sawalkote plant, will take years to complete, but their approval could prove a flashpoint between the nuclear-armed neighbours at a time when relations are at a low ebb.

"I say the way you look at these projects, it is not purely a hydro project. Broaden it to a strategic water management, border management problem, and then you put in money," said Pradeep Kumar Pujari, the top ranking official in the power ministry.

Pakistan denies any involvement in the 28-year armed insurgency in Indian Kashmir and has repeatedly urged New Delhi to hold talks to decide the future of the region.

Pakistan's foreign ministry spokesman, Nafees Zakaria, said he would confer with the Ministry of Water and Power on the proposed Indian projects, saying it was a technical matter.

He noted, however, that India would be attending a regular meeting of the Indus Commission later this month in Lahore, even though the broader peace dialogue was on hold.

"It seems that finally India has realized the importance of this mechanism under the IWT (Indus Waters Treaty) for resolving water disputes related to the Indus water and its tributaries."

TRIPLE POWER

Six hydro projects in Indian Kashmir either cleared viability tests or the more advanced environment and forest expert approvals in the last three months, two officials in India's Water Resources Ministry and the Central Electricity Authority said separately.

Together these projects on the Chenab river, a tributary of the Indus, would triple hydropower generation in Jammu and Kashmir from the current level of 3,000 MW, the biggest jump in decades, added the officials, declining to be named because the approvals had not yet been made public.

"We have developed barely one-sixth of the hydropower capacity potential in the state in the last 50 years," the senior official at the Water Resources Ministry said.

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"Then one fine morning, you see we cleared six to seven projects in three months; it definitely raises concern in Pakistan."

Pakistan's water supply is dwindling because of climate change, outdated farming techniques and an exploding population.

A 2011 report by the US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations said New Delhi could use these projects as a way to control Pakistan's supplies from the Indus, seen as its jugular vein.

"The cumulative effect of these projects could give India the ability to store enough water to limit the supply to Pakistan at crucial moments in the growing season," it said.

India says the projects are "run-of-the-river" schemes that use the river's flow and elevation to generate electricity rather than large reservoirs, and do not contravene the treaty.

Environmental groups have questioned whether the government has followed proper procedures in fast-tracking projects located in a highly seismic area.

"BLOOD AND WATER"

Modi told a meeting of government officials on the Indus treaty last year that "blood and water cannot flow together", soon after India blamed Pakistan-based militants for a deadly attack on its troops in Kashmir.

Modi's message was two-fold, Indian foreign ministry spokesman Gopal Baglay said. Terrorism had to stop and India must fully utilise the economic potential available to it within the Indus treaty.

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The projects that have won technical approvals in recent months are Sawalkote, Kwar, Pakal Dul, Bursar and Kirthai I and II.

Most of the projects have been held up for at least a decade awaiting multiple clearances. Sawalkote, which was cleared by a government-constituted environment committee in January, was first given techno-economic approval in 1991.

It is now up for forest clearance from the state authorities, after which the government will finalise financing and begin construction.

Some projects like Pakal Dul were stuck in litigation, but that has been resolved, Jammu and Kashmir's Power Minister Nirmal Singh told Reuters in the summer capital Srinagar. "Things are now in a position of take-off," he said.

In January, senior federal officials made a presentation on energy security to Modi in which they proposed interest subsidies and long-term loans for hydroprojects above 100 MW, according to the document seen by Reuters.

But Himanshu Thakkar, coordinator of South Asia Network on Dams, Rivers & People, said some projects had been cleared without impact assessment studies and public consultation.

"It's on one river, the Chenab, where you are doing so many projects. This is a very vulnerable region. It's landslide-prone, it's flash flood-prone, earthquake-prone."

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Also Watch: Pakistan exposed in UN even as terrorist Hafiz Saeed's JuD spreads lies with magazine 'Invite'

--- ENDS ---
George Brandis has again been forced to deny he is London-bound, dismissing claims he will leave the government mid-year as "a very, very old piece of gossip".

But some colleagues are still discussing the move and believe Senator Brandis is headed to Australia House, despite the Attorney-General's public denials.

Senator Brandis was first tipped to replace Alexander Downer as Australia's High Commissioner to Britain last year, amid a public conflict with former solicitor-general Justin Gleeson.

Speaking to Sky News from New York, Senator Brandis scoffed when asked about his plans.
Former top diplomat Peter Varghese has warned of headwinds in Australia's most critical relationships, saying "navigating the US and China is going to get harder for us".

Mr Varghese, who retired as head of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade last year, will say in a speech on Friday night that the US alliance remains overwhelmingly in Australia's interests. However, he says, the relationship may entail hard decisions that "attract China's ire, even retaliation" as competition between the two great powers intensifies.

His remarks are significant because they represent the weight of opinion within Australia's foreign policy establishment at a time of intensifying public debate about how to balance these relationships, especially given the uncertainty following Donald Trump's election as US President.

In contrast to some calls for Australia to seek closer ties with Beijing as a response to Mr Trump's ascendancy, Mr Varghese will tell a University of Queensland audience that while China is a vital economic partner, it is also an autocratic regime that wants to displace the US as the predominant power in Asia.
The actress has previously revealed that, days after giving a powerful speech on gender equality to the UN in 2015, a website was created which threatened to release "nude pictures" of her.

"I knew it was a hoax. I knew the pictures didn't exist," Watson later said in a HeForShe Facebook livestream. "But I think a lot of people that were close to me knew gender equality was an issue but they didn't really think it was that urgent or particularly, you know, 'We live in Great Britain, this is a thing of that past'... and then when they saw that the minute I stepped up and talked about women's rights, I was immediately threatened - I mean, in less than 12 hours I was receiving threats - and I think they were really shocked and particularly one of my brothers was very upset."

However, the experience certainly did not make the actress shy away from speaking about feminism in her role as the ambassador of the UN's HeForShe campaign, which aims to engage men with the fight for gender equality.

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"If anything, it made me so much more determined," she said. "I was just raging. it made me so angry that I was just like...'This is why I have to be doing this!' So if anything, it actually, if they were trying to put me off it, they did the opposite."
Think about your dad dancing at a club. Have you got a mental picture? He's probably brought out the lawnmower. Maybe the shopping trolley. And at some stage, just like Prince William in a club in Verbier this week, he will 'raise the roof,' given that it is perhaps the pinnacle move in the dad dancing repertoire.

Prince William was captured grooving (sorry but there's no other word for it) to I Got 5 On It by hip hop duo Luniz at the Farinet nightclub in the ski resort of Verbier. The footage was published by TMZ.

Prince William unleashed his signature dance move while away with friends for the weekend. Credit:Reuters

The Prince skipped out on a service at Westminster Abbey to mark Commonwealth Day for the boy's weekend ski trip with a group that includes nightclub owner (and Prince George's godfather) Guy Pelly. They were joined for lunch by 24-year-old Australian model Sophie Taylor.

It's not the first time that Prince William has busted out his signature move. He did a rather marvellous variation of it while visiting the Pacific island of Tuvalu with his wife, the Duchess of Cambridge, while on a Royal Tour in 2012.
Lou Kenny is one of Australia's most in-demand models. At 179cm tall, she has piercing blue eyes and wears a size 10 dress.

And she also happens to have grey hair and be 58 years old.

Model Lou Kenny appeared to rapturous applause in Wednesday night's show. Credit:Lucas Dawson Photography

On Wednesday night, Kenny stole the spotlight in the Premium Runway 1 at the Melbourne Fashion Festival.

Appearing in an Albus Lumen top and skirt, Kenny received rapturous applause as she took to the runway.
Camilla and Marc could be the next Australian label to launch a major overseas assault, with the designers hinting a US expansion is on the cards.

Speaking to Fairfax Media on the eve of the Melbourne Fashion Festival, Marc Freeman, whose partner is his sister Camilla Freeman-Topper, said the company was experiencing substantial growth.

"Domestically our big focus has been expanding our retail network, while internationally, we have spent a lot of time in North America, which has delivered some great wins, particularly the growth of our business with [department store] Neiman Marcus," he said.

"That's probably all I can say at the moment about our international expansion."
A Perth man who stands accused of drugging and raping an 11-year-old girl at a Scarborough park will remain in custody after making a brief appearance in Perth Magistrates Court on Thursday.

Liam Jon Dreja, 32, of Woodvale, was charged last month over the alleged sexual assault of an 11-year-old girl.

Courts.

The offence is alleged to have happened between 8pm and midnight on February 14.

Police will allege the 32-year-old, who is also a father, did not know the victim.
"I had to explain to my 11-year-old son what a rapist is and I'm not happy about that... I shouldn't go through that."

Those were the words of a concerned mother who has pulled her son and eight-year-old daughter out of a school after learning a convicted child sex offender and accused child rapist were among the students.

Parents are considering removing their children from a WA school after learning a convicted child sex offender is among the students. Credit:AFR

Parents are lobbying for WA state laws that prevent anyone, including schools, from being able to publish details about a student's criminal convictions.

The two boys, aged 17 and 12, are accused of separate child rapes - with teachers, students and parents unaware of their alleged offences.
Amsterdam: Dutch anti-Islam, anti-EU firebrand candidate Geert Wilders conceded defeat in parliamentary elections on Wednesday, congratulating Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte on his victory, but promising not to go away.

The right-wing populist promised firm opposition if he does not end up, as is likely, in the ruling coalition.

"I would rather have been the largest party," the leader of the Party for Freedom told reporters after exit polls showed Rutte's centre-right VVD Party to win 31 of parliament's 150 seats, down from 41 in 2012 but ahead of Wilders' party, which tied in second place with two other parties at 19 each.

"[But] we gained seats. That's a result to be proud of," Wilders said adding his party's influence on Dutch politics had been enormous.
Washington: President Donald Trump will send a budget to the US Congress on Thursday that sharply reorders the nation's priorities by spending billions of dollars on defending the Mexican border and bolstering the military while severely cutting funds for foreign aid, poverty programs and the environment.

The budget would fulfil Mr Trump's campaign promise to shock Washington by slashing the government work force - but it is virtually ensured to be discarded by Republican lawmakers who see many of Mr Trump's cuts as too rushed, indiscriminate and reckless.

"You can't drain the swamp and leave all of the people in it," Mick Mulvaney, the White House's budget director, said during a briefing on Wednesday.

The budget would cut the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) by 31 per cent, the State Department by 28 per cent and Health and Human Services by 17.9 per cent. Funding to several smaller government agencies that have long been targets of conservatives - like the Legal Services Corporation, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the National Endowment for the Humanities and the National Endowment for the Arts - would be axed entirely.
By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Mar 16 (PTI) Seven major real estate players have shown keen interest in developing Jammu and Faridabad railway stations as iconic landmarks with world class facilities for passengers.

Construction of hotels, eateries, parking lots are part of the redevelopment plan for Jammu station while opening of malls, restaurants, and multiplex are being considered at Faridabad station.

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Jammu has great potential for more hotel rooms to cater to the growing demand of ever increasing pilgrims coming to visit Vaishno Devi shrine.

According to the plan, the selected developers are expected to pay railways about Rs 75 crore for Jammu and Rs 70 crore for Faridabad.

Railways has offered 23 stations including Jammu and Faridabad stations to be redeveloped with private participation in the first phase.

There are a total of 407 stations on offer for private players in the mega redevelopment plan. Habibagunj and Gandhinagar stations have already been handed over for redevelopment.

"Representatives of seven developers today participated in the pre-bid conference here. They had some queries which was addressed in the meeting," said a senior Northern Railway official.

Bids for the two stations will open on May 17 this year.

The selected developers will get lease of stations for 45 years after bagging the contract. PTI ARU KUN

--- ENDS ---
Patrick Norman Pat Chapman is a 34-year-old, Caucasian male who was last known to be in Piedmont which is near the area of Greenville, Missouri on May 10, 2020.

Pat had stayed the night with a friend and his wife at their home. In the early morning when the friend woke to go to work.

Pat was gone in his own Burgundy color 1995 Ford Escort. That is the last anyone was known to have seen him. The vehicle was later recovered on May 29, 2020 in Mill Spring, Missouri.
On Wednesday, a five-member medical board constituted to conduct the autopsy said in its preliminary report that the death was due to hanging.

By Mail Today Bureau: Following the central government's order to urgently file an FIR in the mysterious death of JNU student Muthukrishnan, Delhi Police on Wednesday registered a case of abetment to suicide, even as the post-mortem report rules out any foul play.

"An FIR under section 306 of IPC and relevant sections of Prevention of SC/ST Atrocities Act has been registered against unknown persons," said Chinmoy Biswal, additional DCP (South).

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On Wednesday, the five-member medical board constituted to conduct the autopsy stated in its preliminary report that the death was due to hanging and no injury marks were present on the body.

"The death was due to asphyxia (a condition of severely deficient supply of oxygen to the body due to abnormal breathing) as a result of ante-mortem hanging. No injury mark has been found in any part of the body," said Dr. Sudhir Gupta, head of AIIMS forensic department.

BODY TAKEN TO CHENNAI

Meanwhile, in the evening, his body was taken to Chennai and the Tamil Nadu government had made special arrangements to transport his body from Chennai airport to Salem.

"There were signs of dribbling of saliva on the face of the deceased which is a sure sign of ante-mortem hanging. Viscera has been preserved for chemical analysis," Gupta said. The body of the JNU student was embalmed and handed over to police, he said, adding the autopsy procedure was videographed.

In a statement given to police on Tuesday, Jeevanandhaam, Muthukrishnan's father said: "After looking at the posture of the body in AIIMS for the second time, I am not convinced that he had committed suicide. The photograph showing him hanging from the ceiling fan shows his knees bent and his foot touching the ground. His tongue was not protruding and his eyelids were not drooping."

LOCAL GUARDIAN SLAMS COLLEGE

Talking to Mail Today, Muthukrishnan's local guardian N Sukumar said he is shocked at the 'inefficiency' of the college administration who did not not bother informing his parents and it was only after a call from a friend that the family came to know about the suicide.

"I had received a call from one of Muthukrishnan's friend two days before he took the extreme step. They told me they want to speak to me about Muthu. I was not in the city that time and the next call I got was on Monday, informing that Muthu has committed suicide," Sukumar said, rueing that even till the time of post mortem, the JNU administration had not informed the parents, who were also informed by their son's friend in Delhi.

Complaining about elitism being practised in the Centre of Historical Studies, Pradeep Shinde, another professor of JNU, who was present at the AIIMS mortuary to pay his last respects, said, "Elitism and caste discrimination is practised in JNU. There are professors who do not even attend students who speak in vernacular language. This pushed Muthukrishnan to take the extreme step."

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ALSO READ | Family of JNU scholar found dead suspects foul play, wants FIR registered

ALSO WATCH | JNU student's suicide: Politicians, activists question Muthukrishnan's death

--- ENDS ---
The minister said that foreign nationals involved in drug cases often tend to extend their stay even after their visa expires. To facilitate their deportation the cases needs to be withdrawn.

By Arindam De: Karnataka Home minister G Parameshwar said that the state government is planning to deport Nigerian nationals who have been charged with drug related criminal offences.

The minister said that foreign nationals involved in drug cases often tend to extend their stay even after their visa expires. To facilitate their deportation the cases needs to be withdrawn. He cited a similar move by Goa. "I shall get details from Goa and if needed, it can be implemented here too," Parameshwar said.

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In November 2013, the Manohar Parrikar-led Goa government announced the withdrawal of all cases, except those related to heinous crimes filed against Nigerian nationals and pending in various courts in Goa to facilitate the process of their deportation.

The home minister said that "Since 2015, 23 cases have been registered against Nigerian nationals for involvement in the marijuana peddling in Karnataka. Besides, 31 persons have been arrested. This is an international network and is potentially dangerous."

Parameshwar said that educational institutions in the state are lax, especially when it came to verifying documentation of foreign students. He added that the state government has now ordered colleges to furnish details of their foreign students to the police stations of their area.

According to the data released by the Overseas Centre for Foreign Students, which is a branch of the Karnataka State Higher Education Council, there are around 14000 foreign students across the State as of June 2016. In November 2015, this number was 10,100. This translated to more than 37% of the total foreign students studying in India.

Also read:

Bengaluru: Nigerian drug peddler arrested, cocaine worth Rs 13 lakh seized

Rs 2.5 lakh worth cocaine seized from Nigerian

WATCH THE VIDEO:

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Buzz has it that Sunjay Kapur will tie the knot with longtime girlfriend Priya Sachdev in New York this year.

By India Today Web Desk: In June last year, Karisma Kapoor and Sunjay Kapur's turbulent marriage ended when the ex-couple was granted a divorce. And the two have already moved on in their lives. While Karisma is often spotted with businessman Sandeep Toshniwal, Sunjay Kapur is also reportedly dating Priya Sachdev.

And if reports are to be believed, Sunjay and Priya are set to tie the knot this April. According to a report in BollywoodLife.com, the wedding will take place in New York in the presence of family and close friends. And the preparations have already begun in full swing.

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A close friend of the couple was quoted as telling the website, "Sunjay and his family do not want to talk about any kind of marriage. For them, this divorce (with Karisma) war has not been easy."

It's been a while since Sunjay and Priya have been dating each other. The two made a few public appearances and soon enough the rumours of them dating began.

Karisma's dad Randhir Kapoor in an earlier interview had accused Sunjay of being a "third-class" man. He had said, "He has debauchery in his system and never cared for his wife. He has been giving bull*** to her and living with another woman. All of Delhi knows how he is."

Priya was earlier married to hotelier Vikram Chatwal. If things go as planned, this will be Sunjay's third wedding.

ALSO READ: Karisma's ex-husband Sunjay throws a fit on seeing her with Sandeep Toshniwal

ALSO READ: Karisma Kapoor and Sunjay Kapur are officially divorced now

ALSO WATCH: Sunjay's father's Mumbai house transferred in Karisma's name

--- ENDS ---
Pirate Republic Brewing are gearing up for St. Paddys Day with a Green Beer Ale flowing off the taps complementing the best bar menu around. Add to that some great live music, and you're in for a real treat.

Enjoy a sunset session with Tim Daniels & Pineapple down in the ally!

Then move inside for more live music from Skylarkin' for a Bahamian St Patrick's Day Celebration.

Get your Irish on!

Great beer, great food and great live music. What more can you ask for?
By Press Trust of India: Mumbai, Mar 16 (PTI) Engineering major Larsen & Toubro (L&T) today said its electrical and automation business has bagged a contract worth Rs 500 crore from Qatar Rail Company for phase 1 of Doha metro.

L&T Electrical & Automation FZE, the competency centre for L&Ts automation business in UAE, has bagged the Rs 500 crore contract from Qatar Rail Company (QRAIL), the company said in a statement issued here.

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The scope of the order encompasses supply, installation, testing, integration, commissioning and 5 years maintenance of a network-wide Building Automation and Control Systems (BACS) for 37 stations.

"LTEAFZEs core strengths for project management, domain knowledge and application engineering will enable us to offer distinctly superior and proven system integration solutions by leveraging L&Ts capabilities built over four decades," companys Senior Vice President and Head of E&A Business SC Bhargava said.

The Frame Agreement awarded by QRAIL to LTEAFZE is through nine contracts with design and build contractors for the stations and tunnels under multiple lines and a 5-year maintenance contract directly with Qatar Rail.

The metro system will be built in two phases: the first will see the construction of three out of the four lines (Red, Gold, and Green) and 37 stations spanning 111 km of tunnels and 8.7 km of viaducts.

The Phase 1 has to be completed on a fast paced project schedule for handing over all the 37 stations by August 2018 with scheduled start on revenue period by end 2019. These lines are expected to be open to the public by 2020.

The second phase will be completed by 2026, and will involve the expansion of the Phase 1 lines, and the construction of an additional Blue Line and another 72 stations. PTI PSK NRB RDS

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In the violence that erupted after this incident one person identified as Sushil Kumar was killed. In the aftermath of the violence, a curfew was imposed which lasted for 14 days before normalcy could be restored.

By Hemender Sharma: In a first of its kind verdict, a Khandwa district court in Madhya Pradesh has sentenced one person for three years in prison for inciting communal violence on social media. The accused identified as Nitesh Verma has also been fined Rs 2100.

The incident was first reported three years ago when the city started witnessing communal clashes after a derogatory post hurting religious sentiments of the minority community went viral on social media. The derogatory post was made from an account that featured the name of BJP leader Amar Yadav who was also the chairman of the Khandwa Municipal Corporation at that time.

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FAKE FACEBOOK PROFILE

After violence erupted in the city Amar Yadav complained to the police saying someone had created a fake Facebook account in his name and used his picture before posting the derogatory comments and pictures.

The IT cell of the Khandwa police investigated Yadav's complaint and reached Nitesh Verma through the IP address of the computer that was used for creating the social media profile through which the derogatory comments were made.

In the violence that erupted after this incident one person identified as Sushil Kumar was killed. In the aftermath of the violence, a curfew was imposed which lasted for 14 days before normalcy could be restored.

According to public prosecutor Vinod Patel Amar Yadav had registered a complaint against unidentified person at the Meghat police station on July 30, 2014.

Nitesh Verma who is a resident of Bhagat Singh Chowk in Khandwa has been granted bail.

Also read:

Communal violence in India declined in 2016; Uttar Pradesh tops the list

Kerala: How cult of political violence became new normal in God's own country

--- ENDS ---
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By West Kentucky Star Staff

Mar. 15, 2017 | PADUCAH, KY

By West Kentucky Star Staff Mar. 15, 2017 | 04:45 PM | PADUCAH, KY

Five people were arrested Wednesday morning on drug charges following the execution of a search warrant at a Paducah home.



The McCracken County Sheriff's Department says deputies received complaints of alleged drug use/trafficking occurring at a home on Seneca Lane in Paducah. Detectives with the departments drug division executed a search warrant Wednesday morning, and arrested five people inside the home after seizing about 185 grams of crystal meth, with an estimated street value of $18,500. They also seized marijuana, a handgun and drug paraphernalia.



Detectives arrested 28-year-old Jennifer Carpenter of Paducah on charges of firearm enhanced trafficking in methamphetamine greater than two grams, firearm enhanced trafficking in marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. 36-year-old Michael Ward of Paducah was arrested on charges of firearm enhanced trafficking in methamphetamine greater than two grams, firearm enhanced trafficking in marijuana, possession of a handgun by a felon and possession of drug paraphernalia. 31-year-old Craig Battoe of Benton was arrested on charges of trafficking in methamphetamine greater than two grams and possession of drug paraphernalia. 28-year-old Jamie Sawyers of Paducah was charged with possession of methamphetamine, and possession of drug paraphernalia, and 42-year-old Shawn Buttrum of Paducah faces charges of possession of methamphetamine, and possession of drug paraphernalia.



Battoe and Sawyers were on felony probation at the time of their of arrests for prior drug offenses. Ward was also wanted at the time of his arrest on two outstanding warrants.



Deputies say more charges are likely.
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By West Kentucky Star Staff

Mar. 16, 2017 | PADUCAH, KY

By West Kentucky Star Staff Mar. 16, 2017 | 10:42 AM | PADUCAH, KY

Crews from all five Paducah fire stations responded last night to a fire at Dudley Court Apartments located along the 800 block of McGuire Avenue. Crews were on the scene for three hours, according to Paducah City PIO, Pam Spencer. The call came in at around 9:30 pm in Building "L". No one was injured in the fire, according to Spencer.



All eight apartments in the building had to be evacuated due to smoke damage with three of the apartments receiving heavy damage from the fire. None of the apartments can be occupied until repaired, Spencer says. At least twenty residents lived in those apartments. The Western Kentucky Chapter of the American Red Cross is assisting those residents.



The Paducah Fire Prevention Division says the fire started due to an unattended pan of grease on a hot stove.




Astros take World Series title over Phillies in six games
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By Richard Nelson, Commonwealth Policy Center

Mar. 15, 2017 | CADIZ, KY

By Richard Nelson, Commonwealth Policy Center Mar. 15, 2017 | 05:22 PM | CADIZ, KY

The Fear Within the Fairness Debate - by Richard Nelson



Participating in a city council meeting can be intimidating. And the intimidation factor is magnified when a controversial issue is on the agenda. Such was the case in Bowling Green last Tuesday when the city commission had a special working session to discuss the proposed sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) nondiscrimination ordinance.



I was one of a dozen that spoke against it. Fifty-two, including many college students and a mostly younger demographic, argued that without the law people could be arbitrarily fired from a job or kicked out of their rented dwellings for simply being homosexual or identifying with the sex opposite of their biological gender.



It was interesting that both sides resorted to Scripture to support their case. One young college student who identified as a Christian felt that his religion was being "weaponized"to use against him. It was was a tense moment.



I stayed as long as possible, but with 30 more speakers to go and with my family waiting for me at home over an hour away, I needed to leave. Many friends left during the break and I hate to admit, left me a little afraid. Earlier in the evening, my face was plastered on a screen in the overflow room downstairs where proponents gathered and saw me testify. I'd have to walk through that crowd and back to my car. In the dark. Alone. I managed a few glares but made it safely back to my car.



It dawned on me that I wasn't the only person who was afraid. My opponents were fearful as well. Real fear of losing a job, of being kicked out their rental, being maligned in society. There is no doubt many believe the proposed ordinance would shield them from such threats.



As real as their fears, I argued that the ordinance was unnecessary and actually strikes fear into another class of people. Graphic designers, florists, photographers and bakers fear they will lose their businesses if they stand for their convictions. All across the country some choose to stand while others give in to the fear.



Speaking in favor of the ordinance was a young man who suffered a hostile work environment and ended up losing his job. I was moved as I listened to his story. In his suffering, I discovered common ground where I can stand with him when it comes to hostility in the workplace. Shouldn't we all stand in the gap if presented with a similar situation? Wouldnt the better solution be for each of us to act as an immediate ally against injustice in the workplace and stand with a co-worker bullied or maligned on the job?



The common bond every person in the council meeting shared is that each are created in the image of God and endowed with dignity. People of goodwill may disagree on whether special SOGI protections are needed, but all can agree that no human being should be demeaned, ridiculed or marginalized.



We can learn from Jesus' story of the Good Samaritan where two Jewish religious leaders passed a wounded man lying on the side of the road. He was eventually helped by a Samaritanthe people group despised by Jewish leaders. Jesus challenged the prevailing definition of a true neighbor and upended their categories by using someone different than them to make a point about true righteousness. Jesus shows that active compassion for the suffering is tantamount to the faith and integral to being a good neighbor.



In the end, isnt this battle about being a good neighbor?



The people I know that have spoken against this ordinance in Bowling Green dont want to see anyone marginalized or hurt because of their sexual orientation. But they dont want to see people of faith compelled to violate their conscience when it comes to participating in an event that violates their religious convictions either. SOGI laws make no room for such distinctions. I hope others can see this too.



Richard Nelson is the Executive Director of the Commonwealth Policy Center, a nonprofit public policy group. He resides in Cadiz with his wife and children. CPC Assistant Director Brandon Porter contributed to this column.


By Press Trust of India: Mumbai, Mar 16 (PTI) A joint team of officials from various departments in Maharashtra will be formed to inspect hospitals to curb the menace of female foeticide, state Health Minister Deepak Sawant has said.

The team, to function at the district-level, would comprise of officials from the departments of health, revenue, police and Food and Drug Administration (FDA), he said.

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The decision was taken in a meeting between Sawant and health department officials held yesterday in the wake of 19 aborted foetuses found recently at Mhaisal village in the states Sangli district.

The Sangli police suspect that all the 19 were female foetuses.

The discovery of the foetuses came to light after a homoeopathic doctor, Babasaheb Khidrapure, was arrested from Mhaisal in connection with the death of a 26-year-old patient on March 1 at a hospital run by him.

"A team of officials from police, health, revenue and FDA will be set up in every district which will inspect all hospitals and health facilities," Sawant said in the meeting.

"The team will have to submit its report to the respective district Collector," he said.

The move is aimed to find out the doctors who are working and running hospitals illegally and performing sex-selective abortions, the minister said.

"The teams report would be helpful in keeping a check on such malpractices," he said. PTI ND ARS GK BAS

--- ENDS ---
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The Shiv Sena is still adamant on its stand of loan waiver or else they will not allow government to present its budget.

By Mayuresh Ganapatye: Loan waiver for farmers has become a major issue in Maharashtra where along with the opposition, partner in the coalition government Shiv Sena is also adamant on its stand. But the recent statement by SBI chief Arundhati Bhattacharya has not gone well with Maharashtra politicians.

Today before the session of Maharashtra Assembly commenced a united opposition protested against SBI chief at the steps of Assembly. They also hurled slogans against the SBI chief for her comment over loan waiver. The aggressive opposition even protested outside SBI HQ near Vidhan Bhavan.

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"There was no need for her to comment on policy making. If banks can waive off loans or give more loans to wilful defaulters. Also why SBI chief was quite when PM commented on loan waiver to UP farmers?," asked Sanjay Dutt , Congress leader. The party also demanded that SBI chief should apologise or else be ready to face privilege motion against her.

Sena was also seen aggressive over the farmers issue. Today when CM made a statement on farmers loan waiver in the lower House somewhere he indicated that immediate relief to farmers is not possible. Sena is still adamant on its stand of loan waiver or else they will not allow government to present its budget.

Maharashtra chief minister reacts

"We are not against loan waiver. We are for loan waiver. We should not just make announcement of loan waiver but must see how farmers will really get benefited by this. Loans of 31 lakh farmers have crossed Rs 30500 crore. We are spending 19435 crore on farmers. After loan waiver will farmers suicide stop? Is opposition taking responsibility of this?" Asked CM Devendra Fadnavis to opposition on the floor of the House.

But united opposition who wants loan waiver again stalled both the Houses of Maharashtra Assembly. On the other hand Sena who is also demanding the same asked the government to declare how much amount they are going to give to farmers in this year's budget and how much would be share of state government and Centre. Sena wants state government to get help from Centre and provide relief to Maharashtra farmers.

Yesterday's untimely rain and hailstorm has destroyed the crops due to which opposition fears that many more farmers will get hit and will be in need of such help from the state government.

Also read:

Deadlock continues in Maharashtra Assembly over demand for a loan waiver for farmers

Also watch:

Maharashtra: Farmers throw onions on streets to demand minimum support price

--- ENDS ---
By Press Trust of India: Mumbai, Mar 16 (PTI) Under pressure to announce a farm loan waiver, the Maharashtra government is looking at ways to boost agricultural output, help cultivators come out of debt trap and transfer subsidy directly in their bank accounts.

Finance minister Sudhir Mungantiwar today said the government is looking at options like increasing agricultural production, freeing farmers from debt trap and moving subsidy in their accounts under the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme as part of its efforts to alleviate farm distress.

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To improve agricultural productivity, he said the government is mulling steps like completing pending irrigation projects, constructing cement bunds and providing more power connections for agricultural pump sets.

"Setting up agricultural produce processing units, marketing farm produce and giving soil health cards to farmers are some of the other steps that will help in improving the condition of cultivators," the minister said.

On the budget to be presented on March 18, Mungantiwar said with the GST expected to come into effect from July, the state has to plan for taxes for barely three months.

"(In the budget) the government intends to improve the agricultural sector infrastructure and provide relief to the common man," he told reporters here.

Mungantiwar said post-GST implementation, the state will focus on increasing its non-tax revenue income.

"The government intends to increase non-tax income by mopping up revenue on lotteries, raising money from fine on traffic violations and improving collection from lands given on lease. The revenue from stamp duty registration which had seen a dip after demonetisation has now stabilised," he said.

About the oppositions demand for agri debt waiver, he said most of the loans have been taken from district central co-operative banks and agricultural credit cooperatives which are controlled by the Congress and the NCP.

"The real reason behind the demand was to make these banks and credit cooperatives clear their dues," he said.

Referring to the DBT, he said, "the Centre had saved Rs 37,000 crore after it began giving subsidies through the scheme. If the state adopts the scheme, it can save Rs 4,500 crore." PTI MM RSY

--- ENDS ---
The Shiv Sena, which is ruling the Bombay Municipal Corporation (BMC) since the last 20 years, has also decided to field candidates in all MCD wards, elections for which are scheduled on April 22.

By Abhishek Anand: The battle for three MCDs in Delhi is going to be a multi-corner contest as the Shiv Sena and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) have decided to field candidates on all 272 seats.

These parties are organising meetings at block level and shortlisting candidates, some of whom are turncoats from AAP, BJP and Congress, for the MCD elections.

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"In the last MCD elections, the NCP had fielded 22 candidates out of which six had won the elections. That was not a bad start. We are hopeful for winning more seats this time. We have already selected many candidates and the final list will be out very soon," said Tariq Anwar, MP and general secretary, NCP.

The Shiv Sena, which is ruling the Bombay Municipal Corporation (BMC) since the last 20 years, has also decided to field candidates in all MCD wards, elections for which are scheduled on April 22.

"See what has the MCD become in Delhi. No party has done anything for the poor condition of the MCD. We are here with an experience of 20 years in Mumbai and we will bring change in the functioning of the corporations," said Shiv Sena's Delhi chief Neeraj Sethi.

Other small and regional parties like union minister Upender Kushwaha's Rashtriya Lok Samta Party (RLSP), Bihar CM Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal United (JDU), Yogendra Yadav's Swaraj Party and Lalu Yadav's Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), are also planning to contest on all 272 wards of the three municipal corporations.

Also read:

Congress to use Punjab Assembly elections results against AAP in MCD poll campaigns

Delhi MCD polls: BJP won't field a single sitting councillor for re-election

For MCD election in Delhi, use ballot paper, not EVMs: CM Arvind Kejriwal to Election Commission

Also watch:

Paper ballot system over EVM is the need of the hour: Sanjay Singh on MCD polls

--- ENDS ---
The tweet read, "@realdonaldtrump You are actually a disgusting excuse of a President and we would love to have @BarackObama back, also you have tiny hands."

McDonald's deleted the tweet soon after it was posted (Reuters photo)

By India Today Web Desk: US-based fast food giant McDonald's quickly deleted a tweet that criticised President Donald Trump and made fun of his 'tiny hands.'

The company said that it was notified by the micro-blogging platform that its account had been compromised.

The tweet, which was temporarily pinned to the top of the McDonald's Twitter page, read, "@realdonaldtrump You are actually a disgusting excuse of a President and we would love to have @BarackObama back, also you have tiny hands."

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"Twitter notified us that our account was compromised. We deleted the tweet, secured our account and are now investigating this," the burger chain said in a statement.

Click here to Enlarge McDonald's deleted the tweet but not before it was shared on Twitter

Trump, interestingly, is one of the more fast-food friendly US presidents in recent years, and is also known to be a prolific Twitter user. He had even tweeted pictures of himself eating food from McDonald's and other chains during the US election campaign.

LARGER ATTACK ON TWITTER?

It remains to be seen how the account was compromised. Twitter follows two-factor authentication, a security feature that would deter attempts to hack into someone's account.

The McDonald's-Trump development came on the same day when several high-profile Twitter accounts were hacked to send anti-Nazi messages in Turkish in the midst of a diplomatic spat between Turkey, the Netherlands and Germany.

The San Francisco-based company later clarified that the source of the anti-Nazi attacks was a third-party app whose permissions have since been removed.

(With inputs from Reuters and AP)

ALSO READ | Donald Trump made over $150m, paid $38m in taxes in 2005: White House

ALSO READ | Here's what Donald Trump eats in a day

ALSO WATCH | Indian government engaging with Trump administration on hate crimes in US: Sushma Swaraj

--- ENDS ---
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 15/03/2017 (2063 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A young Winnipeg company is wading into the multibillion-dollar luxury smart home market, which already includes big-time players such as Google and Amazon, with a do-it-yourself system that is already turning heads.

Two years after taking a prototype to the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Salman Qureshi and his two founding partners at Umbrela Smart Inc. hunkered down and worked out the kinks so that Umbrela is now taking pre-orders with manufacturing queued up to start in a couple of months.

Its been a roller-coaster of a ride and a busy two years, Qureshi said. There has been lots of ups and downs but its been a great journey for us.

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Salman Qureshi, along with his Umbrela partners, are just about to launch a slick smart home system that just plugs into the wiring of the house allowing the user to control many electrical functions in the house like lights, music, thermostat etc. with the flick of one switch or from their smart phone and does not rely on WiFi.

Their market-ready product features a wall monitor that anyone can install over top of any normal light switch that will control many of the electrical switches in the home as well as provide video and motion sensor security, play music and do many other things.

The sleekly designed Umbrela unit contains a wide angle HD video camera, light and motion sensors, temperature and humidity sensors, high-fidelity speakers that are easily controlled and easily customizable. And rather than compromise security and suck up precious bandwidth, Umbrela moves data through the homes electrical system. (It can also be connected to the homes router making remote, online connection also possible.)

Regardless of the elegance of their technology and its low cost  starting from as low as $300 to $3,000-plus  Qureshi knows it will not be easy breaking into the market.

We know we have our work cut out for us, but were already getting good responses from the local companies that weve talked to, he said. Because of the way the product works, its great for retro-fit applications. Anyone can buy it and put it in an existing home without re-wiring or complicated programming.

Qureshi and his partners, Filipe Fernandes and Ryan Ramchandar, are all veteran mechanical, electrical and computer engineers from Winnipeg who bootstrapped the business to the point where they were able to raise more than $400,000 last year. Now they have de-risked the technology to the point where its ready for another round of financing to help with the market push.

Jeff Ryzner, the CEO of North Forge Technology Exchange, knows a thing or two about what a start-up needs to succeed  and hes a big fan of Umbrela.

I love this company, Ryzner said. I think it is a winner.

Among other things, it does not require the consumer to also be an electrical or computer expert to use it.

And once you have it installed it looks like you are an electrical genius and an IT genius, Ryzner said. It is remarkable what they have done. Theyve got that smart home convenience down to the level of the average consumer.

Umbrela plans to enter the market via homebuilders and electrical product suppliers and eventually would like to see it on the shelves of the home supply retailers alongside other more common home improvement products such as flooring tiles or kitchen cabinets.

Bruce Balliet, the head of business development at TriWest Construction, said homebuilders like it because not only does Umbrela not require specially designed wiring configuration, it can also be upgraded when the inevitable new technology arrives.

These guys are smart, Balliet said. If you bought an existing piece of property that was not wired-up for home automation, you dont need to redo it.

Three years ago, when Google paid $3.2 billion for a company called Nest, the general public might not have been too familiar with the smart home market.

Now its a multibillion market with more than 100 million installations in the United States. But some industry analysts say growth has slowed a little now that the early adapters have all installed their systems.

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Umbrela's smart home system that just plugs into the wiring of the house allowing the user to control many electrical functions in the house like lights, music, thermostat etc. with the filch of one switch or from their smart phone and does not rely on WiFi.

Blake Kozak, who follows the sector for IHS Consulting out of Denver, said it is an incredibly fragmented market with more than 400 different players.

He worries that Umbrelas decision to not depend on WiFi may make it less attractive because its technology might not work with other smart home devices. But he applauds the comprehensive service offering and the ease of use.

They are ticking off many of the boxes that people are going to want in terms of flexibility, Kozak said.

He also points out that while it is a good strategy as a start-up to sell the system without any monthly fees attached, thats something that may hurt the company in five or 10 years.

They will need to find some sort of recurring revenue model, he said.

Meanwhile, he said the industry as a whole needs to come up with some compelling reason to own this type of home automation technology for it to continue growing.

Last year, Telus commissioned a study that wishfully suggested that smart home devices are on their way to becoming as prevalent as smartphones and tablets.

The study found 63 per cent of people predicted they will own at least one smart home device  including a smart TV - by 2018, with half of those predicting they will own three or more. More than half of them said they would be willing to spend up to $5,000.

With a bunch of new features already in development, Qureshi believes Umbrela will be able to keep making consumers look like geniuses.

martin.cash@freepress.mb.ca
Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 16/03/2017 (2062 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Canadians, especially Manitobans, are great givers  see the record $8.8 billion the country donated to charity last year.

But are we giving as smartly as we could?

I suspect most of us rely on our personal preferences and our emotions when we give to charity, but theres a decade-old organization that employs dispassionate analytics to rate Canadas top registered charities according to the bang for your buck. Toronto-based Charity Intelligence has done that kind of metrics measuring for a decade, by assessing transparency and accountability, need for funding and cost efficiency. Recently, it has given the most weight  40 per cent of the score  to the amount of social good achieved for the money spent.

WAYNE GLOWACKI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Canadians are generous, but not every charity wrings the most out of your donation. Charity Intelligence crunches the numbers and rates charities based on their performance.

Its most recent survey of more than 650 Canadian charities might offer those of us who still havent given this year a reason to pause before we do so. You might want to take a look at the Charity Intelligence website because some of what I learned surprised me, particularly when it came to our local registered charities.

For example, of the more than to 166 charities that earned an A-plus rating and four stars based on the 2015-16 fiscal year, a scant few are based in Winnipeg. They are the Canadian Foodgrains Bank  an international aid organization self-described as a Christian response to hunger  Habitat for Humanity Winnipeg, United Way Winnipeg and the University of Manitoba.

That was enlightening.

The surprise came when I compared the ratings of charities that do similar work across the country with some local groups and what that suggested  that a number of our best-known and -loved charities need to improve.

Take Winnipeg Harvest and the Winnipeg Humane Society, for instance. Both have A-minus ratings, which isnt that shabby. But compare those rankings with the national four-star list that includes the Toronto and Calgary humane societies. Or providers of food for the hungry in Calgary, specifically the Calgary Food Bank, that not only earned four stars, but made Charity Intelligences Top 10 Impact Charities of 2016. To reach the top 10, charities are expected to generate $1,100 in value for every $100 donated.

Actually, judging by the national list, when it comes to the social service charities, something special seems to be happening in Cowtown. Three Calgary charities that help the homeless earned four stars, among them Inn From The Cold, which also made the most impactful list.

Then theres Winnipeg.

The local Salvation Army isnt singled out because its covered by the national organization, which received an A-plus and four stars.

So what about Siloam Mission?

Well, it was rated B-minus last year. Why? The Charity Intelligence website doesnt explain that without charging a fee and I couldnt ask directly because I couldnt locate a phone number for the organization. But, when I looked at the Siloam Missions most recent financial statement thats available on its website, something stood out.

Siloam spent $968,940 on fundraising in 2015-16, which mostly went to advertising. Thats nine per cent of revenues. And while that isnt outside the norm, the nearly $1 million devoted to attracting charitable dollars seems excessive when Siloams cause is appreciated, well-known and covered by local media. I didnt even get into spending more than $750,000 on administration. What Im suggesting is that given all the heart-felt giving Siloam receives  and all the free advertising  does it really have to spend that much to raise what it needs?

Late last year, when I raised the B-minus rating with acting mission CEO Garry Corbett  and the growing cost of fundraising  he suggested the organization was trying to get that spending under control. When I spoke Wednesday with new CEO Jim Bell, who took over in January, he appeared to be unaware of that.

I appreciate the call, he said, because youve given me a little homework.

Dont get me wrong. Siloam Mission does important work for the homeless. But, judging by its rating, it could do better. As for homework, I suspect most of us could spend more time checking out our chosen charitys bottom line.

If, that is, what youre giving matters to you.

gordon.sinclair@freepress.mb.ca
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 16/03/2017 (2062 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Internet isnt killing small-town newspapers despite the recent demise of the Grandview Exponent, says Ken Waddell, president of the Manitoba Community Newspapers Association.

Fake news has been the best thing to happen to newspapers, because were reliable, said Waddell, who owns three rural papers: the Neepawa Banner, Neepawa Press and Rivers Banner.

If its not true, we dont print it. And if we did print it, wed hear about it.

After 117 years, the Grandview Exponent ceased publication on Feb. 28. There was no warning. Owner Clayton Chaloner could not be reached for comment, and has not been granting interviews.

However, area residents are speculating that the newspaper just ran out of steam and there was no one willing to take it over.

Grandview, located 45 kilometres west of Dauphin, has a population of about 650.

Judy Riess, of the Park-View Motel, said the closing caught people by surprise. Im very sorry to see it go. Its been good for local news.

But Waddell, whose association represents 49 community papers, said its not part of a trend, adding he cant remember the last time one pulled the plug.

The Internet isnt really hurting us that much, he said.

There has been some loss of bigger advertisers, but some are also coming back, he said.

The first Grandview Exponent rolled off the presses on March 7, 1901, under founder George A. Graham.

The weekly was owned by James Chester Adair starting in the 1920s. His son, Tom, who lives in Winnipeg, said his grandfather bought the Exponent for Toms dad in the 1920s, in return for a promise not to enlist in the army. James, an avid musician, wanted to enlist as a bandsman but his father wanted to keep him out after what transpired in the First World War.

The Chaloners took over the paper on March, 26, 1936, under brothers W.G. (Garf) and T.L. (Tom), and it has been in the family ever since.

The founder, Graham, had strong views about the newspaper business.

Newspaper publishing, while a business enterprise, is a business enterprise of a peculiar character  depending far more, under ordinary circumstance, upon the personality or individuality of its head for success than upon any other factor, he once wrote.

There are 13 small town newspapers in the century club, including two of Waddells papers. The Neepawa Press launched in 1896 and the Rivers Banner in 1905.

The Boissevain Record, Carberry News-Express, Killarney Guide, Stonewall Argus and Teulon Times are some of the community papers more than a century old. The Minnedosa Tribune which published its first edition on March 31, 1883, is the oldest community newspaper in Western Canada.

None is older than daily broadsheet the Winnipeg Free Press, however, which launched in 1872.

bill.redekop@freepress.mb.ca
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 15/03/2017 (2063 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Its no secret that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his Liberal government are forging ahead to legalize marijuana.

And its also no surprise that the Pallister Conservatives are concerned about that move  so much so that they are planning to introduce legislation today to address health and safety issues in advance of the federal legislation.

But what wasnt known was the degree to which Manitobans were under the influence while driving until a controversial Manitoba Public Insurance survey released on Wednesday showed that one in ten drivers had drugs in their system.

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Of the 10 per cent who tested positive for drug use, slightly more than half tested positive for marijuana use, 31 per cent for cocaine, and 12 per cent showed opioid use. In total, 124 people tested positive for drug use.

More than 1,200 drivers were voluntarily and anonymously surveyed by MPI last fall. Of the 10 per cent who tested positive, slightly more than half showed marijuana use, 31 per cent tested positive for cocaine, and 12 per cent showed opioid use. In total, 124 people tested positive for drug use. But while the MPI report offers the province a statistical starting point, it doesnt actually clarify how many Manitobans are too drugged to drive and getting behind the wheel anyway.

The results are concerning, said Ward Keith, vice-president at MPI, but these results are not the number of drivers who were necessarily impaired by drugs.

Drivers were surveyed over four nights across five cities  Winnipeg, Brandon, Steinbach, Portage la Prairie and Thompson  as part of the automobile insurers controversial roadside survey program. Police officers conducting routine Checkstops asked drivers if they wanted to participate, but critics called the police invovlement coercive, saying it would skew the results. Researchers also came under fire for offering free gas coupons to participants. Ultimately, Keith said nearly 500 people declined. The 1,230 people who said yes then underwent a breathalyzer test and a saliva sample. Prairie Research Associates conducted the research at a cost of $150,000. MPI says all results were destroyed after testing.

While researchers tested for a variety of drugs, they were only able to quantify the concentration of marijuana, meaning that drivers who tested positive for cocaine or opioid use could have been almost entirely sober or dangerously high. If a driver tested positively for marijuana, researchers would then test the concentration of THC, the drugs psychoactive ingredient.

Keith called those results the surveys most compelling.

Sixty-two per cent of drivers, about 40 people in total, who tested positive for marijuana showed THC levels of 10 nanograms or higher, he said, which is sufficient to impair their driving ability. In Colorado, where marijuana is legal, drivers can be charged with drugged driving if they show just five nanograms. But even then, a spokesman with Colorados department of transportation said he wasnt sure if that standard is scientifically based.

In Colorado, spokesman Sam Cole said police test for drugged driving using a blood test, the results of which can take weeks to come back. Similarly, Keith said the saliva analysis takes time, making it less than practical for cops pulling over drivers they suspect of being impaired.

The kind of testing that was done through this survey was not replicable, he said, and was not probably done in a cost-effective way.

The Trudeau government says it is committed to severely punish those who operate a motor vehicle under the influence of marijuana. Roadside drug testing is one of the rools that can help law enforcement officers assess impaired drivers and get them off the road.

Public Safety Canada is currently spearheading a pilot project across the country looking at ways to more effectively test for drugs roadside. Multiple police services are participating, including the Ontario Provincial Police, the Toronto Police Service, the Vancouver Police Department, Halifax Regional Police Service, and select RCMP detachments. Similar to the MPI survey, no volunteers will be held accountable for their results. The pilot project is expected to help set standards for police across the country.

A report on the pilot program will be released in the coming months, a Public Safety Canada spokesman said. It will provide information on how the devices work in the context of Canadian climate and law enforcement practices However, legislative changes will be required before police forces can begin using the devices in actual enforcement situations.

Currently, when a police officer suspects that a person is impaired by alcohol or drugs, he or she conducts a series of behavioural and physical tests If there are probably grounds, a toxilogical test is performed, the spokesman said.

Manitoba RCMP did not return requests for comment about drugged driving and the WInnipeg Police Service said it was not aware of MPIs survey.

That roadside drug testing is still in pilot phases across the country should serve as a warning to the Manitoba government to go slow with future legislation, said Arthur Schafer, director of the Centre for Professional and Applied Ethics at the University of Manitoba and an early critic of the MPI survey.

We really want evidence-based policy, Schafer said. The public will want to know, does the evidence exist and do we have effective means of enforcing such a law? Because just to have the law if we cant easily measure the impairment  if we cant agree on what counts as impairment, if we cant measure it accurately  that could cause more harm than good.

with files from Mia Rabson

jane.gerster@freepress.mb.ca
As India positions itself as the economic power to watch out for under a new political leadership, hear from the titans of the industry on their expectations from the government.

Mukesh Ambani (right) and Anand Mahindra will speak at the India Today Conclave 2017.

By India Today Web Desk: The India Today Conclave 2017 will see the sharpest minds talk, debate and dissect issues from around the world over two days in the country's financial capital.

The dates for the India Today Conclave, the India Today Group's signature event, are March 17 and March 18.

With each year, the India Today Conclave has raised the bar in getting the best and brightest names from different walks of life share stage and ideas with each other.

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This year, the upcoming event in Mumbai, will have some of the country's biggest industrialists coming to the Conclave 2017 at Grand Hyatt and speaking on and around 'The Great Disruption'.

WHAT IS NEW AT THE CONCLAVE?

In a break from tradition, the India Today Conclave for the first time is travelling to Mumbai for its 16th edition.

As India positions itself as the economic power to watch out for under a new political leadership, hear from the titans of the industry on their expectations from the government.

You will have Reliance Industries Chairman and Managing Director Mukesh Ambani speak on 'Why Technology Will Change India' at the Conclave 2017.

Godrej Group Chairman Adi Godrej and HDFC Chairman Deepak Parekh will have a conversation on how to make India an investment-friendly country.

Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra will be in conversation with CEO, Niti Aayog Amitabh Kant at the India Today Conclave. The two will speak on the challenges for an emerging economy like India in the session 'The New Fault Lines: Global Economy, Local Flux'.

YOUNG BUSINESS LEADERS TO SHARE STAGE

Rubbing shoulders with the established names from the industry will be the next-generation leaders who have gone beyond their famous surnames to earn their place among the heavyweights. Some of the brightest disruptors will share stage at the India Today Conclave 2017.

Rohan Murty's speech will be the one to watch out for at the Conclave 2017. A Ph.D in Computer Science from Harvard University and the founder of Murty Classical Library of India, Rohan Murty is the son of Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy and Sudha Murty.

Don't miss out on young entrepreneur Ananya Birla's speech at the Conclave 2017. The founder of microfinance company Svantantra Microfinance, Ananya Birla is the daughter of Kumar Mangalam Birla and Neerja Birla. The 22-year-old sixth-generation scion of the Birla family, Ananya Birla is also the co-founder of e-commerce venture Curocarte. Besides acing business, Anayna Birla made her music debut with the international release of her single 'Livin' the Life'.

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The registration for India Today Conclave 2017 is open and all you have to do is visit our registration page.

India Today Conclave 2017 is here

--- ENDS ---
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 16/03/2017 (2062 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

When Canada begins sweeping up after its 150th birthday party this summer, Rivers West Red River Corridor Inc. will turn out the lights.

The organization  incorporated in 1999 with the purpose of facilitating sustainable tourism, economic development and conservation along the Red River corridor from Emerson to Lake Winnipeg  is winding up operations due to a lack of funds, Rivers West chairman Wayne Arseny said Tuesday.

Funding cuts by the government basically put us in a position of unsustainability. We havent had any core funding from the province since 2013 With no core funding, it is just impossible for us to continue, he said. We attempted to look at a different government (the PCs came to power in 2016) having a different view on our viability but what were being told (by MLAs the group approached) is there is no new funding and we would have to do it on our own.

WAYNE GLOWACKI / Winnipeg FREE PRESS Files Rivers West chairman Wayne Arseny hopes member communities will continue the organizations work.

In 2005, Rivers West received an investment of $750,000 spread over three years under the Canada-Manitoba Economic Partnership Agreement. According to its annual reports, Rivers West received $125,000 from the province in 2010-11, dropping to $62,500 in 2011-12.

The organization, which released its Vision 2030 long-term strategic action plan in 2014, had been operating on a membership-based contribution where the 12 communities and rural municipalities involved paid to keep it active. Rivers West had previously ceased renting office space and is down to one employee (executive-director Anne-Marie Thibert, who took the job in 2015) and was not looking to fill any summer positions this year, Arseny said.

After Rivers West board representatives went back to their respective councils with the question of continuing for another year in the hope of acquiring outside funding, the writing was on wall that we have to cease operations, he said. You cant operate and sustain any type of organization if you dont have core funding and access to monies with which to do projects.

In January, the Rivers West board voted to shut the doors following the completion of plans for participating in local events celebrating Canadas 150th birthday this summer and finishing its river access community signage project. (The Winnipeg Trails Association, for which Rivers West provided administrative assistance, will continue operations under a newly formed Winnipeg Trails board of directors, Rivers West said in a news release Tuesday.)

It wasnt an easy choice, said Arseny, a former mayor of Emerson, as the members believe in the vision of the Red River and its capacity of being a major tourism attraction.

To that end, the organization helped lead the drive to have the Red River added to the Canadian Heritage Rivers System (CHRS) list in 2007 based on the outstanding cultural values of the waterway. (The Red is one of four Manitoba rivers with a CHRS designation, and one of 39 in Canada.)

The designation brought attention to the fact there is potential here for all kinds of development, but it just never was achieved, Arseny said.

Rivers West also developed curriculum and interpretive guides, tourism literature and assisted member communities with strategic development and conceptual planning.

Our goal and our mandate has always been to look at what to do on the water, in the water and next to the water with development projects, he said, adding he hopes some of the 16 partnership projects listed on the Rivers West website  ranging from installing trailhead markers to marina development to a church restoration in St. Andrews  and elements of the Vision 2030 plan will continue on in the hands of the community stakeholders.

Weve met with all the communities. Weve created action plans for each. These plans will be turned over to the communities in the hopes they can realize some of them.

scott.emmerson@freepress.mb.ca
Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 16/03/2017 (2062 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Hilton Smee never thought hed wear the red serge next to the yellow and blue of the Ukrainian flag in central Kyiv, but now he has.

Smee, who joined the RCMP in 1981, and his colleagues have been in Ukraine since June as part of Canadas new $8.1-million, three-year police mission to Ukraine. Theyre here to try to help turn Ukraines police from a much-maligned symbol of post-Soviet corruption into more modern, trustworthy protectors of law and order.

Misha Ozick is one of the Canadian advisers here helping train Ukrainian police officers  both new and experienced  in how to effectively deal with any situation they might encounter on the job.

CANADIAN POLICE MISSION IN UKRAINE Canadian advisers have been in Ukraine since June as part of Canadas new $8.1-million, three-year police mission in the country.

The Ukrainian police over the years have not been receiving proper training, the Ukrainian-born Ozick says.

Ozick and his colleagues are working both with the National Police (known as the militsiya, the Soviet-era name, before the revolution in 2014) and the newer patrol police brought in as part of a package of reforms in 2015 to deliver a train-the-trainer course to police officers across Ukraine. The hope with the course, Ozick says, is to standardize the basic skills police officers in Ukraine use on the beat in dealing with all sorts of everyday and not-so-everyday situations.

The four-week course is an intense one. The Ukrainian officers spend the first few days in a classroom before moving into the gym for hands-on training, where theyre taught everything from proper handcuffing to use of physical force against a suspect. From the gym they move to scenario-based training, where instructors play a variety of roles and teach officers how to deal with everything from an aggressive individual holed up in a government office to someone intoxicated in the park.

The old police officers were not properly trained on the same defensive tactics, Ozick says. In this course weve combined old and new officers and teach them one thing so that everyone across the board uses the same practices.

Canadian police officers are also trying to introduce the concept of community-based policing to Ukraine, including helping set up a neighbourhood-watch-style program in the city of Vinnytsia. But as Sarah Drummond tells me, it isnt easy to shift the mindset of Ukrainian officers away from the more traditional, top-down model of policing to one that asks them to be proactive and form strong relationships and partnerships with their communities.

She even sees it on Khreshchatyk, Kyivs sprawling central boulevard.

You see the officers there, Drummond says. They sit in their car and if you walk by and say hello, they dont say hello back.

Still, Drummond and her colleague Beth Rolston feel attitudes are changing, particularly with the newer recruits in the patrol police.

They look at situations like domestic violence calls, Rolston says, and are looking at it beyond safety to society, asking themselves What resources are there in the community? Now theyre trying to find the resources they can work with, like social services, and work together rather than in silos.

The key to community-based policing, Rolston says, is building and developing trust, and recent poll data suggests things are moving in the right direction. A poll done at the end of 2016 shows that Ukrainians trust in the National Police, while still low, has improved since 2014, and the new patrol police has become one of a minority of institutions Ukrainians actually tend to trust more than distrust. Another survey last year found most cities that introduced the new patrol police forces in 2015 and 2016 have seen a surge in public satisfaction with the police.

Still, the Canadian officers here in Ukraine know the next few years wont be easy.

The challenge is that we have we only have 12 Canadian cops here who are trying to meet this extensive need, to help (Ukraine) reform quickly, Smee says, adding that he thinks the progress Ukraine has made over the past two years with police reform has been extraordinary.

Canada needs to understand what these guys are doing, how much effort theyre putting in, he adds.

Smee and his team stress its important to focus on the longer-term effects of Canadas work in Ukraine long after the three-year mission ends.

Dont expect results right away, says John Lamming, one of the police advisers. If you support reforms and give Ukraine the tools to continue that once this missions over, thatll be the real success.

Michael Colborne is a Canadian journalist and writer.
Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 16/03/2017 (2062 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau doesnt much like to hear people comparing Canadas defence spending with that of other members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Look how we agreed to send troops to the NATO operation in Latvia, he said when the matter came up in Berlin last month. Dont just count how much we spend; consider what dependable allies we are.

That is a reasonable argument, up to a point. But Canada is far behind the rest of the alliance in putting its money where its military mouth is. Moral rectitude and willingness to serve are great qualities, but the bills also have to be paid.

The NATO member countries, including Canada, agreed in 2014, at the NATO summit in Wales, that cuts in defence spending should cease and all members that are spending less than two per cent of gross domestic product on defence should move toward that target, so as to reach it within a decade. They also agreed that 20 per cent of annual defence spending should be applied to major new equipment so that the forces NATO puts in the field will be equipped with modern weapons.

MURRAY BREWSTER / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Princess Patricias Canadian Light Infantry

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg reviewed members military spending in his annual report, published this week. He found the glass half full in the sense that 23 of the 28 member states increased their defence spending in 2016; 16 of these, including Canada, increased the percentage of gross domestic product spent on defence.

As a result of those increases, Canada now ranks 24th among the 28 members in the share of its national wealth applied to defence. Canada is roughly tied with Hungary and Slovenia in spending 1.02 per cent of GDP on defence. These countries would have to double their defence spending to reach the agreed NATO standard.

The United States always enjoys this discussion because it far outspends all its allies. By NATO reckoning, U.S. defence spending amounts to 3.61 per cent of U.S. GDP, far ahead of the next biggest spender, Greece, whose reported GDP shrank dramatically in recent years. Estonia, the United Kingdom, Poland and France all spend about two per cent of GDP on defence, as the NATO governments have agreed they should all eventually do.

Spending more money is not always a good thing in itself. Governments can use the defence budget as an employment program, putting people in uniform to take them off the jobless rolls, without regard to military effectiveness. Once NATO develops a way of comparing cost-effectiveness among the defence forces of its member countries, the public will understand better which countries are helping with the collective security effort and which are just getting in the way.

For the time being, however, the measure we have is defence spending as a share of GDP. Its a crude kind of measuring stick. Canadas failing grade on this test is so bad that Mr. Trudeaus excuses cannot explain it. He should order and announce a plan for bringing Canadas defence spending closer to the NATO norm. Canadas diplomatic weight will rise accordingly. He could also ask NATO to shine a light on waste, corruption and inefficiency in military procurement and military administration of the member countries. How much of this money is defending us and how much is merely lining someones pocket?
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 15/03/2017 (2063 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Reporters are generally uncomfortable when their own first-person experiences start to bleed into the third-person narratives theyre creating.

That is evidently not the case with journalist-playwright Annabel Soutar of the Montreal theatre company Porte Parole when it came to her play The Watershed.

Like her work Seeds (seen last year at Prairie Theatre Exchange), the two-hour-and-45-minute opus (including intermission) is a verbatim play, in which the dialogue has been transcribed from real interviews, or real life.

By necessity, Soutar inserted herself into Seeds on occasion in a necessary acknowledgment that the story of Saskatchewan farmer Percy Schmeisers battle with agri-giant Monsanto did not happen in a vacuum. The character of Annabel Soutar was duly seen arranging and conducting interviews, and also interjecting here and there to helpfully correct any inaccurate or misleading statement uttered by a character.

Soutar promotes herself to the harried heroine of The Watershed, a work that examines the issue of water stewardship. It centres on the dispute that arose when Stephen Harpers Conservative government pulled the plug on the Experimental Lakes Area project in 2013, a decision that appeared to be motivated by sheer spite rather than conscientious cost-cutting, especially given the world-class research being conducted there.

Soutars expanded role, encompassing her husband, her two daughters and her parents, should not be considered a vanity move. The issue is one of posterity. In a world facing many scary crises due to climate change, Soutar is simply offering herself up to provide a vital sense of context as a parent deeply concerned with the environmental/economic legacy we will leave our children.

The two-hour-and-45-minute opus (including intermission) is a verbatim play, in which the dialogue has been transcribed from real interviews, or real life. (Boris Minkevich / Winnipeg Free Press)

Soutar (Liisa Repo-Martell, once Ophelia to Keanu Reevess Hamlet at Royal MTC some years ago) has booked a commission by the 2015 Pan Am Games to do a work on the subject of water resources.

To that end, we see her arrange a visit by a plumber to educate her two daughters as to how water gets to their house. Once Soutar hears of the imminent closure of the Experimental Lakes Area, she uncovers a tangled system of conflicting agendas, where access to safe water bumps up against the voracious needs of the oil industry, and the benign pursuits of science crash against the rocks of political expediency.

The second act, which details a Montreal-to-Alberta road trip with Soutars family, feels like a distraction  as if an earnest eco-documentary has been interrupted by a PG-rated road comedy. It takes a while before it gets back on track, but its a credit to director Chris Abraham of Torontos Crows Theatre that we stick with it. As he did with Seeds, Abraham sets an urgent pace for the eight actors on stage, most of them playing multiple roles. (One cant help admire the way Abraham portrays himself as a character, an artistic director of a theatre company who comes to the unnerving realization that federal funding for his own organization is in the hands of a political party with a penchant for payback.)

The cast is superb. Bruce Dinsmore plays multiple roles, but he is especially funny as former PM Harper, a man who tried to present as a non-threatening authority figure but always radiated as being somehow off. Eric Peterson also plays multiple roles, including a bombastic Fox News anchor and a water scientist whose unfiltered candour on the subject of the oil sands may have turned the Harper government in vengeful mode. He is especially affecting as Soutars Tory father, respectfully trying to make his liberal daughter understand the conservative viewpoint without a hint of anger or condescension. (Its an especially civilized pleasure to witness this dialogue in an age of puerile libtard name-calling.)

Molly Kidder is also notable in her multiple roles, including Soutars eldest daughter, but she is especially poignant as a student-scientist whose reaction to the ELA closure is one of deeply felt betrayal.

If anyone is cynical enough to think Kidder was stunt-cast because her Peterson happens to be her father, she puts that notion to rest with a combination of emotional availability and consummate skill. She deserves to be on that stage.

randall.king@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @FreepKing

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Actors Liisa Repo-Martell (left) and Eric Peterson in The Watershed, the latest documentary play from Montreal playwright Annabel Soutar. (Boris Minkevich / Winnipeg Free Press)
Donna Jeanne Helble, of Winona died after a short illness Monday, March 13, 2017, at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis.

Donna, the adored only child of Donald and Helen (Krause) Helble was born Dec. 17, 1948, in Davenport, Iowa. She spent her childhood in De Witt, Iowa, which always held a special place in her heart. She graduated from Simpson College with a B.A. in elementary education and French, received a M.S. in remedial reading from Winona State University, and an Ed.D. in language arts education from the University of Northern Colorado.

Donna was professor emerita of Winona State University. Education and childrens literature were her passions. Following in her mothers footsteps, she began her teaching career at Minnesota City Elementary School as a second grade teacher. In 1973, she moved to Goodview Elementary School, where she taught grades one through four in the Program for Learning in Accordance with Needs.

In 1988, Donna began her career at Winona State University as a professor of education. She served as adjunct professor at St. Marys University of Minnesota, and the University of Northern Colorado. She also served as teacher intern for the Hon. Tim Penny, First District Minnesota U.S. Congress.

While at W.S.U. Donna chaired the popular community-wide Reading on the Mall event for 25 years. Through activities designed by her W.S.U. Childrens Literature classes, the event promoted childrens literacy in Winona and the surrounding communities. A booklet of activities was published for parents, teachers and day care providers. The day-long February event attracted over 2,000 people annually, and each child who attended received a new book to take home.

As a proud and dedicated member of the Rotary Club, for 26 years Donna was chairperson of the Rotary Readers program, which sent Rotarians into elementary classrooms monthly to read to the children. Three books were donated to the classrooms each month and once a year, Rotary gave a book to each student. Donna also worked with Books for Babies, another Rotary Club project, to donate board books that community health nurses could take to visits with new parents to encourage them to begin reading orally to their children. Over 5,000 books were donated through the program.

Through Rotary Club, Donna chaired the Shadow Program for over 28 years, matching high school students with Rotarians or community members in a profession in which they were interested. She was also a multiple Paul Harris Fellow of the Rotary Club.

Donna designed the model for the Maxwell Math Club, an after-school enrichment program for elementary students held on the W.S.U. campus. She was co-founder and co-advisor for the Student International Reading Association on the W.S.U. campus, and Kappa Delta Pi, an education honorary at W.S.U.

In the wider community, Donna served as president and board member of the following: Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Winona, Winona Rotary Club, United Way of the Greater Winona Area, the Winona County Unit of the American Red Cross, the Winona County Cancer Society, the Winona Friends of the Library, the Winona Community Foundation, and the Winona branch of the American Association of University Women. She also served on the boards of the Winona State University Foundation, where she was heavily involved in planning for the Education Village, and the Winona Area Public Schools Foundation. Donna was a member and held offices in the following: the Southeastern Minnesota Reading Council, Phi Delta Kappa Chapter, Delta Kappa Gamma, Chapter CS of the PEO Sisterhood, the D.A.R., Sequoia Club, and the Ruskin Study Club. She attended the Blandin Community Leadership Program, as well. It must be mentioned that Donna was an avid bridge player.

For these and other professional and community contributions, Donna was the recipient of many awards, including: Winona Teacher of the Year, inclusion in Whos Who Among American Teachers, the Thomas Stark Award from the United Way, the Celebrate Literacy Award from the International Reading Association, the Athena Award for women in leadership from the Winona Chamber of Commerce, the Ben and Adith Miller Tribute from Winona Health, Rotary International Distinguished Club President (awarded in Barcelona, Spain), a Certificate of Appreciation from the city of Winona for increasing literacy among community youth, and a certificate from the Minnesota Senate for promoting literacy. Her name was also included in Whos Who of American Women, the international Whos Who of Professional Business Women, and Outstanding Young Women of America.

Beyond her professional and civic contributions, Donna will be remembered as an energetic, witty, loving and giving friend to many people locally and around the world. She never stopped learning through her many activities, friendships, and her extensive travel to Europe, India, Australia and all over the world and United States. Donnas willingness to host myriad public and private events, her generosity of spirit as well as treasure, love of educating children (even teaching them to swim), her ready laugh, her appreciation of beauty and humanity will all be missed by a community that has benefited from her full and benevolent life. As Donnas mother would say, we will miss Donnas personality plus!

Donnas survivors include her cousins, Steve Duffy and Lynn Enlow; special friend, Brian Williamson of Australia; and many, many other friends.

Funeral services for Donna Jeanne Helble will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 18, with visitation starting at 9:30 a.m. at her church, Wesley United Methodist, in Winona, Minn. Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. Friday, March 17, at Fawcett Junker Funeral Home.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, March 20, with visitation one hour prior at the United Methodist Church, 222 12th St., De Witt, Iowa, 52742, 562-659-5624.

Interment will be in the Elmwood Cemetery, De Witt, Iowa.

Memorials may be directed in Donnas name to any of the local foundations or charities with which she worked, and to Simpson College, Indianola, Iowa, and Winona State University for scholarships.

Services entrusted to Fawcett Junker Funeral Home, Winona, and Fountain City, Wis. Words of sympathy or remembrance may be left at www.fawcett-junkerfuneralhome.com.
MINNEAPOLIS  Environmentalists say Republicans who control the Minnesota Legislature and their allies are pressing a slate of bills that add up to bad news for the environment.

Those bills include one to eliminate the state Environmental Quality Board. Another would create new ways to challenge environmental regulations. Others would weaken one of Democratic Gov. Mark Daytons signature environmental accomplishments, a law requiring buffer strips of vegetation between farm fields and waterways to trap pollutants.

This is the week where all the policy bills are going to get hashed out, said Aaron Klemz, spokesman for the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy.

The GOP controls both the House and Senate for the first time since 2012. Thats given Republicans new opportunities for advancing legislation, and theyre hoping to use this session to push back against what they say is overregulation and governmental overreach.

Their majority in the Senate is only a seat, and the governor can veto any bill he thinks goes too far.

The bill to eliminate the quality board came from the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. Its already passed five committees in the two chambers and faces a sixth Wednesday. The board is made up of nine agency heads and five citizens. Its duties include coordinating state agencies on environmental issues and creating opportunities for the public to be involved, such as the Minnesota Environmental Congress it organized last month.

The board probably was a good idea when it was created 44 years ago, but its now duplicative and redundant, said Tony Kwilas, director of environmental policy for the Chamber. State agencies give ample opportunity for public input, he said, and if a governor wants more coordination among agencies on a particular issue he can just order it.

But Klemz said the board provides a critical function for dealing with environmental issues across agency lines and as a place where citizens can still weigh in.

Ive always supported the theory that if it aint broke, dont fix it ... and I dont believe the Environmental Quality Board is broken at all, Agriculture Commissioner Dave Frederickson, who chairs the board, said at a recent hearing.

The bill on challenges to environmental rules is backed by the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities. It would allow new ways to force reviews of Minnesota Pollution Control Agency decisions. The Senates version would also suspend until 2019 water quality standards adopted in 2014 that require some local governments to upgrade or replace their wastewater treatment facilities.

Several measures seek to change the 2015 buffer strips law, which is unpopular among farm groups. The Department of Natural Resources has said those several measures could weaken protections for more than 48,000 miles of streams and ditches. One version already awaits a Senate floor vote.

But Sen. Carrie Ruud, R-Breezy Point, who chairs the Senate environment policy committee, said shes not sure what lawmakers will ultimately decide to do about buffers.

At the end of the day it has to be something the governor will sign, and it has to be something that makes sense, Ruud said.

Some legislation that environmentalists hoped to enact this session has already been defeated. Agricultural committees in both the House and Senate last week stripped provisions from their main policy bills that would have given the state authority to regulate seed coatings that use neonicotinoid insecticides, a proposal Dayton made last August to protect bees and other pollinators.

But some ideas that environmentalists support are making headway. Ruud is sponsoring the Senates main overall environmental policy bill, which gets a hearing Wednesday. It includes a proposal Dayton made at the quality board congress for a nonbinding goal of improving water quality by 25 percent by 2025.

Those bills include one to eliminate the state Environmental Quality Board. Another would create new ways to challenge environmental regulations.
Almost a year after starting out, Island City Brewing Company will open its doors to the public on St. Patricks day to show off the fruits  or rather the beers  of their labor.

Partners Colton Altobell and Tommy Rodengen have been working since April 2016 on their new space at 65 E. Front St., in the previously-unused portion of the Jefferson Pub and Grill building.

Their first four beers on tap cover a range of styles, well as a grapefruit soda made in house as a non-alcoholic option.

We wanted to cover the drinkers pallet, Rodengen said. Covering the gamut was important to us.

The pair emphasized their goal of reaching a wide-swath of Winonans, and it can be seen in their collaborations as well.

The tap room features artwork by Minnesota artists as well as garlic bread chips made by Winona Bread and Bagel out of their used grains.

Theyre also scheduled to feature music during the upcoming Midwest Music Fest.

Altobell said they are hoping to create a public house-type feel, with something for everyone.

We wanted to be family friendly, Altobell said. Beer shouldnt be exclusive at all.

Altobell said he felt like Fridays opening isnt the end of a process, despite a year of working on the building and waiting for permits, but the start of something bigger.

Were excited to share the beer, get it out there, Altobell said.

Altobell and Rodengen first met working at Camp Olson and got together to form the brewery after discovering they had complimentary sets of skills, Altobell said.

Altobell said he had been fermenting the idea of opening a taproom and brewery since Minnesota legalized it in 2011 after years of negotiation. The so-called Surly Bill  named for the Minneapolis brewery that lobbied heavily for it  allowed breweries to sell by the pint on sight.

Both partners had previous experience in the industry.

Rodengen worked in several capacities with Lucid Brewing, now named Northloop Brew Co. and located in Minneapolis. Altobell also worked at Lucid Brewing and with Lakes and Legends Brewing Co. in Minneapolis.

Rodengen, who oversees the brewing, said the process has been lengthy but worth it, and theyve that theyve received a lot of support from the community.

In addition, both owners said they had a similar inclusive goal for the tap room, and aimed for an open, unpretentious feel.

Welcoming is our goal, Rodengen said. We want to show people this process.

The Brewery

The 5,000-square-foot space is split almost halfway between the tap room and brewery, and gives visitors a clear view of the operation while they appreciate the results.

The brewery can make around 1,000 barrels a year, making it a midsized brewery right from the start, Rodengen said.

So far theyve put out four 15-barrel batches, which equates to 30 kegs of each of the four initial styles theyre debuting Friday.

Theyre shooting for increasing their operation within three to six months to include canning. Currently they produce kegs and have growlers (64-ounce bottles) available for takeaway.

An expansion to sale in stores would also increase their staff in the future, which currently consists of around a dozen people.
By Virendrasingh Ghunawat: In one of the biggest cases of gold smuggling involving foreign nationals, officers of the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport have arrested six Chinese passengers with 6 kg gold worth Rs 1.85 crore.

On Wednesday, the AIU officials intercepted six passengers carrying Chinese passports on their arrival. While three passengers had arrived from Hong Kong by a Jet Airways flight, the other three had come from Beijing by Air China.

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"The personal search of these passengers resulted in recovery of crude gold chains with pendant depicting lord Buddha, buckles made of crude gold attached to the leather belt worn around their waist and crude rectangular gold plates depicting Tibetan deities, all collectively weighing 6.176 kgs and totally valued at Rs 1,85,28,000", the official said.

All the gold items were seized and statements were recorded under Section 108 of the Customs Act, 1962.

ALSO READ| Mumbai: Gold worth Rs 61 lakh seized at CSI Airport

ALSO READ| Mumbai: Foreign currency and gold valued Rs 80 lakh seized at airport

--- ENDS ---
This St. Patricks Day, Catholics looking to add some variety to six weeks of fried fish on Fridays have found a reprieve.

Local bishop John Quinn granted the Winona area Catholics off, saying in a letter that he was granting the dispensation for meat and meat products so that all may freely celebrate.

Most Minnesotan Catholics  save for the poor souls in the Diocese of New Ulm  were offered a dispensation for St. Patricks Day, which happened to fall on one of the traditionally meatless Fridays of Lent,

So, with celebration in mind, here are some of the local restaurants that will be serving up the traditional corned beef and cabbage and other Irish dinner specials:

The Blackhorse Bar and Grill, 34648 Old Homer Rd.

Winona Family Restaurant, 1611 W Service Dr.

Green Mill Restaurant and Bar, The Plaza Hotel & Suites, 1025 Hwy 61.

Ground Round, 405 Hwy. 14.

Bubs Brewing Company, 65 E 4th St.

Jeffersons Pub and Grill, 58 Center St.

Blue Heron Coffeehouse, 162 W 2nd St.

The Monarch Public House, 19 N Main St, Fountain City

Sullivans Supper Club, W25709 Sullivan Rd, Trempealeau
So this driver is stopped at an intersection. A pedestrian is dawdling in the crosswalk. Driver leans out the window and yells, Get out of the street, you damned liberal!

Its been years since I read that in a magazine. I cant remember if it was a true story, though I think it was. But even if only apocryphal, the picture it paints of American acrimony in the post-millennial years is true beyond mere facts.

As such, it leaves me questioning the likely impact of two recent well-intentioned pleas for ideological outreach. Joan Blades, co-founder of the liberal activist group Moveon.org, wrote an essay for The Christian Science Monitor, asking progressives to stretch beyond their left-wing comfort zones and love thy neighbor. And New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof warned the left against a tendency to otherize Donald Trump voters.

Ive got no real argument with Kristof or Blades. Its a noble gesture theyre making. It occurs to me, though, that none of this addresses a question that has come to seem obvious:

What if the problem is simply that we just dont like each other?

As Ive said often, our acrimony is not political. Its not about tax rates, government regulation or even abortion rights. No, this is elemental. This is about the city versus the country, higher education versus a mistrust thereof, Christian fundamentalism versus secular humanism. And it is about social change versus status quo.

Consider for a moment how often in history that change has been forcefully imposed on conservatives. It has been done by statute, by court decision, by executive order and, once, by war.

This is not an apology for that. In every instance, force was necessitated by the intransigence of those who defended that status quo because they were not ready for change. If change must wait until all parties are ready for it, then change will never come.

So no, the foregoing is just an observation: Resentment is the residue of forced change. And this particular resentment is old, deep and festering. Worse, it is useful. Republicans have found the maintenance and exploitation of that resentment to be a political gold mine. For instance, it helped elect Donald Trump.

But resentment is not identity. Or at least, it never was before. These days, people seem to wear their resentments  and more to the point, the ideological labels that give them voice  the way they wear gender or ethnicity, i.e., as an immutable marker of self. Suddenly, conservative is not about what you believe, but what you are. Small wonder the feud between ideologies comes to seem as mindless  and about as amenable to amicable resolution  as the one between the Hatfields and the McCoys.

Then you see a George W. Bush cozy up to his friend Michelle Obama and it stirs some vague, vestigial hope, some reminder that none of this is destiny, some realization that we must resolve this hate  it is not too strong a word  if we want to continue as one nation, indivisible. You see them buddied up across their vast ideological divide and you wonder why we cant all be like that.

Still, with due respect to Kristof and Blades, I dont know that progressive outreach alone can get us there. I find it noteworthy that Ive seen no prominent conservative columnist or activist issue a similar call to the political right. Maybe I missed it. If so, I look forward to the correction. It would be a hopeful thing.

Because its a fallacy to believe progressives can fix Americas acrimony by changing their attitudes. I am all for reaching out.

But it helps to have someone else reaching back.
The legislature in my home state of Connecticut is considering a bill that would raise the age of legal marriage to 18. Right now, like 26 other states, Connecticut sets no minimum age: 16- and 17-year-olds can marry with parental consent, and younger children  15, 14, heck, 8 or 9  can marry with parental consent and a judges approval. Between 2000 and 2014, there were 14 marriages in Connecticut involving 14-year-old girls.

As it happens, Connecticut is part of a trend. Eight states are considering similar bills, an explosion of interest due to the work of activist Fraidy Reiss, who entered into an arranged marriage with a fellow ultra-Orthodox Jew when she was 19, later divorced, and now runs a nonprofit called Unchained at Last.

Setting aside the merits of her movement  and I think there are many  the bill raises a larger question: Who counts as an adult? Our federal and state laws are an inconsistent patchwork of mixed messages. You can drive at 16 in most places, although not in New Jersey, where you have to be 17, or South Dakota, where you can get a license with some restrictions at 14 1/2. You can vote for president at 18, the same age at which you have to register for the draft. But if you are drafted at 18, you cant have a beer after a rough day of basic training  you have to wait until youre 21. Also at 18, you can buy a rifle or a shotgun from a licensed dealer  but not a handgun. For that, you have to wait until youre 21.

Want to change these laws? You can run for the House of Representatives at 25, the Senate at 30, the presidency at 35. You can be mayor of most cities at a far younger age, usually 18, which means you could theoretically run a town without being able to drink in its bars.

These inconsistencies arent our countries most pressing problem. But our cultures inability to agree on when adulthood begins contributes to some awfully infantile behavior, or at least our tolerance of it.

When the writer Charles Murray visited Middlebury College recently, students who disagreed with his views on race shouted him down, yelled obscenities, banged on windows, set off fire alarms and, after his talk, grabbed the hair of the professor who had debated against him. Some liberals said, in the students defense, They are children! Thats an odd way to think about adults old enough to vote and enlist in the Army, but perhaps a rational take on man-boys too young to drink.

We need to figure out who counts as an adult. It makes no sense to expect people to die for their country but not drink for their pleasure. By the same token, its absurd to say that people who arent old enough to vote are old enough to get married  if you cant vote for town government, you shouldnt be able to form your own household. There should be one age of majority when all of these rights are bestowed at once.

Of course, its not easy to determine the right age. Research suggests that our brains dont reach cognitive maturity until we are well into our 20s  a strong argument for not letting 18-year-olds buy liquor or, for that matter, letting 18-year-olds drive cars or buy guns. Conversely, because 16-year-olds (and younger) can have babies, theres a good argument for letting them marry the babies fathers, with the hope of creating stable families.

But the fact that any age of maturity we choose will necessarily seem arbitrary shouldnt blind us to the common-sense wisdom of having a uniform one. Eighteen  when most people are done with high school  seems as good an age as any.

If we raise the marriage age to 18, and lower the drinking age to 18  where it used to be in most states  then wed have one meaningful age of majority for marriage, voting, drinking and military service.

Not to mention signing contracts. We dont allow children to enter into significant binding contracts before 18, said Derek Slap, a Democratic legislator from West Hartford who said hell probably vote for the Connecticut marriage bill.

But what, I asked, about a couple of 17-year-olds who are truly in love? Maybe once in a while Romeo and Juliet would have to cool their jets for a year, Slap said. But I am OK with that.
All we seek is help to get the basic broadband services that you all take for granted, Justin Fortney from Clifton Township in Pierce County wrote to me. It has been frustrating for us families to watch the digital revolution pass us byWe oftenpack the family into the car and drive to a relatives house or commercial business to use their Internet.

According to the federal governments most recent information, Wisconsin ranks last in the Midwest in both rural and urban broadband access with only 44 percent of rural folks accessing download speeds of 25 Mbps.

Both federal and state governments responded with grant programs to expand broadband but there are problems with assuring that residents actually receive the promised services.

With much fanfare, Governor Walker recently announced his plan to add money for broadband to schools and rural areas. Later, Senator Marklein released a different bill. The Senators bill was voted out of his rural affairs committee and is headed for final passage soon.

Sen. Markleins bill is false advertising. The bill is neither rural nor broadband. As now written, nearly every Wisconsin county would be eligible for expansion grants. Broadband for awardees is defined at the turtle-slow speed of 5 Mbps download and .6 Mbps upload. In addition, such a paltry amount of money is used for grants that would not cover my small rural county with broadband even if we used all the statewide funds.

More problems exist with the federal grant programs.

Mr. Fortney described the problem in his email. He refers to one federal program known as CAF-II.

Our area is CAF-II Subsidized Area, but still no Internet. These limited funds are being used by thecompany to further increase the speed of areas that already have broadband. Mr. Fortney described how both large companies near him said they have no plans to provide services to him. Yet both companies received large grants to expand broadband.

The two large companied mentioned by Mr. Fortney sent representatives to a community meeting I attended last year. Neither company would commit to expanding service in Pierce County. In the words of one company representative, I dont want to promise you fiber where fiber is not going to comeIts not a great business investment to put in copper or fiber, and Were not going to go trenching through a bluff[we are looking for] where can we grab the low hanging fruit.

What can Wisconsin do if these large companies do not intend to use federal dollars to bring the 21st Century to rural Wisconsin?

First, we should agree on WHAT IS broadband. The federal definition  25 Mbps download speed and 3 Mbps upload is a good place to start. Unfortunately, Senate Bill 49 (the bill speeding for hasty passage) will award grants to those providing much less.

Second, money for Rural broadband should go to rural areas. Senate Bill 49  and the current state grant program  makes nearly the entire state eligible for awards. The Public Service Commission has broad latitude to send the money to just about any county in the state. This should change.

Third, Wisconsin must invest enough money to actually make a difference in the problem. To date, the state awarded 42 grants totaling approximately $3.9 million. This money is not enough to provide broadband for just my small home county. In comparison, Minnesota appropriated $65.5 million and Governor Dayton is proposing spending another $100 million.

Finally, Wisconsin should independently verify that companies keep their promises to the state (in their grant applications) and to consumers. I frequently hear of companies promising one speed and delivering another, of broadband maps that show an area as served and it is not, and of companies using poor service in an area to apply for a grant and then not delivering services to the neighbors.

Broadband is the 21st Century equivalent of electricity. Someday most of us may plan a visit to a rural area or are going to need to contact someone in a rural area. All of us are going to eat something grown in a rural area and these days you need broadband for farming. We need to make sure the promised Rural Broadband bill is the Real Deal for rural Wisconsin.
JUNEAU  A 45-year-old Mayville man pleaded not guilty Wednesday to charges that he had images containing child pornography on his computer.

Marlon Kegel is facing 10 counts of felony possession of child pornography. If convicted of all charges he faces up to 250 years in prison and $1 million in fines.

He appeared Wednesay in front of Judge Steven Bauer to enter the plea. A telephone scheduling conference was set for April.

According to the criminal complaint, the Wisconsin Department of Justice obtained a search warrant to search a residence on Donald Street in Mayville.

When the warrant was executed Feb. 7, officers made contact with Kegel as well as a woman and a 9-year-old girl who all lived at the residence.

Officers confiscated multiple USB drives, external hard drives, multiple laptops, a Playstation 3, assorted cell phones and a digital camera. The items were reviewed by the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation where 10 images containing child pornography were discovered.

According to the criminal complaint, when Kegel was questioned by officers he said that he may have downloaded something but that the images he downloaded were mislabeled. Kegel allegedly told officers he did not like viewing child pornography and would delete the files within two hours of downloading them.

Kegel later allegedly admitted to officers that he would intentionally search for child pornography and had been viewing it for three to five years. Kegel allegedly said he viewed the images out of curiosity and was interested in images specifically depicting females from the ages of 10 to 13.

When questioned by officers Kegel allegedly denied assaulting a girl who lived at the residence.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 18, at 2 p.m. at Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam. A memorial gathering will also take place Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the funeral home.
Madison Mayor Paul Soglin defended banning guns on public buses Thursday as a matter of the citys private property rights, but acknowledged there may be nothing besides legislative action that can restore the citys policy after the state Supreme Court struck it down.

One option may be exploring an alternative policy that requires anyone carrying a gun to notify a bus driver, Soglin said, but even that might not comply with last weeks court order.

That solves the problem of the bus driver having knowledge of whos carrying a weapon on the bus, Soglin said. It does not solve the core problem.  Were responsible for the passengers and we ought to have the right to determine what to do with our private property.

Soglin joined three Democratic lawmakers introducing a bill Thursday that would allow local governments to ban guns on buses.

The bill comes in response to a 5-2 Wisconsin Supreme Court decision last week striking down Madisons previous ban. It is unlikely to pass a Republican-controlled Legislature that in recent years has allowed civilians to carry concealed weapons and proposed expanding places where guns can be carried legally.

Under current law, guns are prohibited in certain state and local government buildings, such as schools. The bill authored by Rep. Lisa Subeck, D-Madison, would allow the state or local governments to extend the ban to vehicles that are part of a public mass transportation system. Under the bill, those who carry a firearm on a posted vehicle would be subject to a fine of up to $1,000.

Some GOP lawmakers have proposed allowing firearms to be carried in college campus buildings, but Republican leadership has been noncommittal about the proposal.
One of the Columbia County Boards longest-serving members plans to step down in May because hes moving out of his district.

Supervisor Kenneth Hutler has been on the County Board since 2000. His District 7 includes wards 2 and 4 of the city of Portage.

Hutler said Wednesday that he plans to sell his house in Portage. But even though hes staying in the city, he will no longer reside in District 7.

Hutler is chairman of the County Boards Information Services and Property Committee and a member of the Highway Committee. He also sits on the Eastern Wisconsin County Railroad Consortium, along with Supervisor James Foley of the town of Arlington.

Because Hutler set his resignation to be effective on May 1, next months County Board meeting, on April 18, will likely be his last, said County Board Chairman Vern Gove.

After that, Gove said, he will advertise for a successor.

Any qualified elector who lives in the district may apply to be appointed to fill the remainder of Hutlers term  which, like all supervisors terms, will end in April 2018.

Candidates for the post will be interviewed by the County Boards Executive Committee, which will recommend one candidate to the County Board. The board has the final say on supervisory appointments.

Hutler was on the Executive Committee the last time that a supervisory seat was filled  in May 2014, when there was a vacancy to fill in District 8 (wards 1 and 3 of the city of Portage). Matt Rohrbeck and his father, Steve Rohrbeck, both vied for the spot, and Matt got the committees unanimous endorsement and the appointment.

Hutler, at the time, praised both for their willingness to undertake the post, saying, Its hard enough to find one person willing to do this job, and here we have two in the same family.

Hutler said hes talked to some of his neighbors about the possibility of filling his supervisory seat, but no one has said yes yet.

Meanwhile, he joined his fellow supervisors Wednesday in a tour of the nearly completed Administration and Health and Human Services buildings, under construction on opposite sides of the Portage Canal.

When one of his fellow supervisors said that Hutler would be welcome to attend County Board meetings in the new board room, Hutler replied, Yes, but Ill have to sit in the back.
By Press Trust of India: From Sajjad Hussain

Islamabad, Mar 15 (PTI) Pakistans former dictator Gen Pervez Musharraf has said he will end his self-exile and return to Pakistan to face trial if he is provided security by armed forces.

Musharraf, 73, had left the country for Dubai in March last year after the interior ministry issued a notification to remove his name from the exit control list (ECL).

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Dawn reported that his counsel submitted an application in an anti-terrorism court (ATC) in which he said Musharraf will face the stalled judges detention trial if he is given security by the Ministry of Defence.

The former president had earlier requested the ATC to direct the authorities concerned to provide foolproof security for his appearance in court in the judges detention case.

The court had then ordered the Inspector-general of police and the Interior secretary to make arrangements for the provision of security to the former general to ensure his presence in court.

He has now specifically asked for security from the Defence Ministry. His counsel told the court that his client did not trust the interior ministry, which had filed a complaint under Article 6 of the Constitution for treason.

Musharraf has sought exemption from personal appearance till arrangements are made.

In the application, the counsel has said the petitioner intends to appear before the court if provided adequate security.

Given the situation in the country, the counsel said, security threats are more serious now.

He has said Musharraf is under constant watch of doctors, is being treated and has been advised not to travel.

The prosecutor said the interior ministry had time and again submitted that Musharraf would be provided security if he was ready to appear before the court. However, he said, Musharraf submits a new application at every hearing and has not appeared before the court for one reason or the other.

He said being a fugitive of law, Musharraf could not seek relief nor would any lawyer represent him unless he surrenders before the court.

Musharraf is facing treason charges in Pakistan for imposing emergency rule in November 2007, arresting judges and limiting their powers. Besides, he is also being tried in murder cases of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, Baloch leader Nawab Akbar Bugti and Ghazi Abdul Rasheed, who was killed during the operation on Lal Masjid in Islamabad which was carried out on the orders of Musharraf. PTI SH UZM

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The National Health policy will provide free medicines and "assured" health services to all and aims to reduce out of pocket health expenditure, Nadda said.

By Press Trust of India: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today described National Health Policy as a "futuristic" document which places the interests of the citizens foremost.

"National Health Policy marks a historic moment in our endeavour to create a healthy India where everyone has access to quality healthcare," he tweeted.

"#NationalHealthPolicy2017 is comprehensive & futuristic, placing the interests of the citizens first & foremost," he added.

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The policy, which was cleared by the Cabinet yesterday, was unveiled today in Parliament by Health Minister J P Nadda.

It sets ambitious targets like raising of public expenditure on health care to 2.5 per cent of GDP from the current level of about 1.5 per cent.

It also entails introducing yoga much more widely in schools and work places. The policy also envisions increasing life expectancy to 70 years from 67.5 years and proposes free diagnostics and drugs at all public hospitals.

FREE MEDICINES

The National Health policy will provide free medicines and "assured" health services to all and aims to reduce out of pocket health expenditure, Nadda said.

He said the newly unveiled policy unlike the earlier one stresses on "preventive and promotive" healthcare and also has a "target-oriented" commitment for elimination of diseases for which an implementation framework has also been envisaged.

The policy envisages the creation of National Health Care Standards Organisation which will formulate guidelines and protocols for healthcare while there is a provision of establishing a separate empowered tribunal for speedy resolution of disputes and complaints, the minister said.

"In order to provide access and financial protection at secondary and tertiary care levels, NHP 2017 proposes free drugs, free diagnostics and free emergency care services in all public hospitals," he said.

"Every one in the country will be given assured health services. Every section of the society belonging to any financial status, whosoever comes to our public health facility, will get assured services. This policy is patient centric and the patient has been empowered," Nadda told reporters.

DIGITISATION

The Health Minister said that under the policy, family health card will be made which will be connected to Public Health care facility so that a patients history can be digitally accessed.

"There will be a periodic measurement of all the health institutions, both public and private which has been envisaged in the policy. What is their (institutions) grading, facilities provided and their quality levels will be checked," Nadda said.

As a crucial component, the policy proposes raising public health expenditure to 2.5 per cent of the GDP in a time-bound manner, Nadda said while asserting that the health budget has increased in the last two years, nearly 27 per cent this time. The real problem is that we are not able to spend the entire amount, he said.

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"Resources are never a problem. Its governments wish that health be given priority. Initially, budget estimates were always a larger number and later slashed leading to the revised estimates being less.

"It is for last two years, the revised estimates have increased and expenditure too has been more than 95 per cent. There is no dearth of money. Problem was of intention. Money was not a problem," he said, adding that the the target of 2.5 per cent will be reached by 2025 in a phased manner.

He said that the earlier policy focused on Communicable Diseases but over the last 15 years the focus has shifted to Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs) which cause 60 per cent deaths presently and leads to increase in out of pocket expenditure of people on health which is why the new policy was required.

He said that while the earlier policy was a "sick" care policy, this policy talks about preventive and promotive health care and stress has been given an early screening at primary and secondary health centres which includes NCDs and chronic illness, adding that primary health care has to be comprehensive and universal.

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"In Primary and Secondary Health Centres, our effort will be to provide facilities ourselves but at places where we cannot provide it, we will engage the private sector. This is one of the processes through which we want to take forward the idea of decreasing out of pocket expenditure.

Also read:

Cabinet approves National Health Policy aimed at affordable health care for everyone

5 reasons Indian Health Ministry's latest youth programme deserves an applause

Watch: Here are 6 very practical ways to be healthier in 2017

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By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Mar 16 (PTI) Home Minister Rajnath Singh today said countries and state-supported groups, which violate the definition of terrorism as prescribed by the United Nations, should be punished by the international community.

Addressing the Counter Terrorism Conference 2017 here, the Home Minister said coastal borders of 36 countries touch Indian Ocean and nations, including India, need to work together to ensure safety and protection of maritime domains and trade and economic activities through sea routes.

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"To achieve this, we have to accept the comprehensive definition of terrorism given by the United Nations. The nations which violate this definition should be punished and ostracised," he said.

Singh said the "comprehensive definition of terrorism" should include state-supported groups and nations which are supporting such groups and they should be brought under this definition.

"Identification of state-sponsored terrorism and isolating such state-sponsored groups will certainly be most important encouraging factors," he said at the conference which was discussing Terrorism in the Indian Ocean Region.

The Home Minister said programmes on terror in Indian Ocean region should not be limited to statements and there is a need to undertake concrete measures and put in place strong mechanisms which can help friendly countries and regions in ensuring constant flow of information.

Referring to the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks and 1993 serial blasts in the metropolis, Singh said the perpetrators and material for both attacks came from Pakistan using sea routes.

"We keep getting inputs that Lashkar-e-Taiba have been trying to send terrorists again through sea," he said.

Singh said due to the growing influence of Middle-East terror group ISIS, the nearby seas of West Asia and North Africa have been vulnerable to maritime terrorism. PTI ACB ABS KUN

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Graduate students present research at symposium March 24-25

At last years symposium Erin Schwartz, a Ph.D. student in anthropology, answers questions at a poster session at the 2016 Graduate Studies Research Symposium. This years event promises to be even bigger and better with the addition of a 3 Minute Thesis event. Photo by Marisa Spyker Photo - of - Hide Caption

William & Marys 16th Annual Graduate Research Symposium will be held at the Sadler Center on the William & Mary campus March 24-25.

A Three Minute Thesis competition in Commonwealth Auditorium will kick off the symposium on March 23 from 6 to 8 p.m. The 3MT event is new to the symposium this year. The competition will give a bakers dozen of researchers the opportunity to present their work in a format thats like a mini TED Talk. The 3MT rules call for one slide, no props and three minutes to explain years of work to an audience, with $500 in prizes at stake.

The symposium is a two-day, broadly themed academic conference designed to bring together graduate students in differing areas of study. Graduate students from William & Mary and visiting institutions, including as Clemson University, College of Charleston, George Mason University, Harvard, James Madison University, Stanford, University of Connecticut, University of Miami, University of North Carolina, University of Pennsylvania and Virginia Commonwealth University will give presentations on their current research in fields ranging from American studies to physics.

Symposium highlights:

150 total graduate student lectures and poster presentations during the two days

34 presenters from 11 visiting institutions

$9,000 given in Awards for Excellence in Scholarship in the Humanities and Social Sciences and in the Natural and Computational Sciences plus $1,000 given in Awards for Excellence in Undergraduate Mentoring in the Humanities and Social Sciences and in the Natural and Computational Sciences

W&M graduate student presentations from each of the 11 Arts & Sciences graduate departments/programs

The symposium is hosted by William & Mary's Graduate Student Association of Arts & Sciences and the Arts & Sciences Office of Graduate Studies and Research. It is free and open to undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, staff, alumni and the general public. For more information, visit the symposium website
Hart's book explores the little-known Robert Frost

Young love Robert Frost's dogged courtship of Elinor Miriam White ended with her hand in marriage, but also caused one of the most traumatic moments of his life.

Mutual interests One reason Professor Henry Hart was drawn to write about Robert Frost was because he shared Frosts passion for nature and farming activities. Photo - of - Hide Caption

{{youtube:medium:center|83l5FOJF1sc, W&M Professor Henry Hart discusses his new book}}

Who was Nicholas Frost, and how many were there?

Frost's lowest romantic moment

According to amazon.com, there have been at least 67 books written about Robert Frost.Theres a 68th on the way.William & Mary English Professor Henry Hart expects his biography  titled The Life of Robert Frost  to be available in early April.The question is: If one of the most famous poets in history has had 67 books written about him, can a 68th really break new ground?Yes, Hart answered confidently, and publisher Wiley-Blackwell agreed. Harts book, he said, distinguishes itself from other biographies by focusing on the psychological aspects of Frosts life and on the importance of his family to his poetry.I wrote about facets of Frost that werent all that well known or touched on, he said. You look at the poetry; theres a lot of darkness that comes out of Frosts depressions.I did a lot of research, read almost all of the published letters, and sometimes hes quite candid about his own psychological problems - and definitely the problems in his family.When Hart, the Mildred and J.B. Hickman Professor of English and Humanities at W&M, was approached to do the work by a former professor of his at Dartmouth whod written one Frost biography and didnt want to do another, the assignment was merely to plow through the existing biographies and compile an updated, scholarly biography. No original research was required.And thats how I [initially] approached it, he said.But that changed.Hart, who taught Frost for years, felt a kinship with the poet in part because they had a New England background in common. He was drawn to Frost because he shared Frosts passion for nature and farming activities, but also because he was always interested in how Frost wrote about those activities in such engaging ways.So many of the poems of Robert Frost were about activities I knew well growing up [in New England], he said. Frost wrote about  [harvesting] Christmas trees, a lot of poems about sawing and chopping wood. I used to sell firewood, and on [our] Christmas tree farm we often had to cut down big trees because they shaded the Christmas trees and they wouldnt grow. Frost had some poems about mowing; I spent a lot of time mowing [around the trees].Hart buttressed his research by developing relationships with two of Frosts descendants, granddaughter Lesley Lee Francis, who wrote two books on Frost, and grandson John Cone, a Roanoke architect whose firm helped renovate Blow Hall.He also became very interested in the genealogy of the Frosts. When he did research on their family tree, he found information that shed new light on parts of Frosts life that will surprise his fans.That included investigating the mystery of the two Nicholas Frosts who supposedly hit American shores in the early 1630s.One Nicholas was arrested and charged with stealing from Native Americans, as well as fornicating with them  thats the word they used to describe his behavior, Hart said.The crimes were considered so serious that he was banned by a magistrate and told that if he ever returned to America he would be executed. Some Frost historians say he fled, but stayed in hiding in New England. Others say he returned to England, retrieved his family, and then came back to America. Two Frost relatives maintain in an extensive genealogical book that one Nicholas Frost was a criminal who was banished from New England and a second Nicholas Frost was the dignified, prosperous patriarch of the Frost family.Nobody is quite sure what happened.What is known is that someone named Nicholas Frost had a wife and daughter kidnapped and then killed by Native Americans in 1650. One of Nicholass sons dedicated the rest of his life to fighting Native Americans, and was ultimately killed by them. That man, Maj. Charles Frost, became a hero in early New England.I maintain that there was only one Nicholas Frost and other historians have come to that conclusion, too, Hart said. The initial Frost had kind of a split personality, and its odd in that in the Frost family there was a lot of schizophrenia. I think he was a Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde character.The information is relevant, Hart said, because at the beginning of his career Frost wrote a long poem Genealogical in which he expressed disapproval of his famous New England ancestors and approval of their enemies  the Native Americans. And now there are two camps with substantially different views of Robert Frost.The Frost admirers still perpetuate the myth of Robert Frost as a very down-to-earth, healthy-minded, sane, kind, sort of grandfatherly character, Hart said. There are still a lot of people who want to believe that. Others say theres a darker Frost that you can see in his poetry.John Cone and Hart spent time discussing schizophrenia and its impact on the Frost family. Cones mother, Irma  Robert Frosts daughter  was schizophrenic. When she got older, Frost committed her to a mental hospital. The illness impacted other members of the family as well, such as Frosts sister, who died in a mental hospital.Hart delves deeply into an episode in Frosts life that occurred in 1894, when he was 20. He desperately wanted to marry his high school girlfriend, Elinor White, pressuring her to quit St. Lawrence University as he had Dartmouth. She refused.Frost calculated that the best way to win her over was to present her with a volume of his first poems. He put them together in a pamphlet, had them printed on fine paper and bound in leather with gold print. When he got to the front door of her boarding house in Canton, New York, Hart said, She basically shut the door in his face.They ultimately married in 1895.He was devastated, Hart said. He always was extremely sensitive to any kind of rebuff or criticism.Frost boarded a steamship from New York to Norfolk, and walked into the Great Dismal Swamp where, Hart maintained, he planned to commit suicide in the woods by a canal. Some biographers have scoffed at the idea that Frost wanted to throw [his] life away in the swamp.But thats what he said when he was candid in interviews, Hart said, that he wanted to put an end to his life in the Great Dismal Swamp. He went in with his street clothes, a little satchel, no food or gear. He was rescued by a couple of guys in a boat who were going down the canal [to pick up some duck hunters].Hart said it was an episode Frost never forgot.One of the last poems he wrote was called Kitty Hawk, and the first part was all about being rejected by Elinor and going to the Great Dismal Swamp ... I think he was like a devastated Romeo who was going to end his life.Hart doesnt understand why other biographers seem averse to broaching the subject. He points to the fact that Frosts son, Carol, committed suicide, that depression and schizophrenia ran through the family, and that some of Frosts poems express a death-wish.A lot of biographers didnt want to go into that subject, Hart said, shrugging. Maybe they thought they would turn away readers.
The Commission, which began its inquiry into trafficking of seventeen children in the state, has alleged that Jalpaiguri administration is not cooperating in its probe.

By Atir Khan: National Commission for Protection of Child Rights says West Bengal child trafficking racket thrived due to failure of the local administration. The Commission is not being allowed to probe the trafficking racket and there is a high possibility that the real culprits behind the racked will not be caught.

The Commission, which began its inquiry into trafficking of seventeen children in the state, has alleged that Jalpaiguri administration is not cooperating in its probe. If a proper probe is allowed to be carried out then several other officers will be sent to jail.

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On 7th March, a NCPCR fact finding team had visited Jalpaiguri to probe the matter. It had then sought information from the district administration on thirteen points. However, the district administration did not provide the "relevant" information.

"The child trafficking happened due to administrative failure. The matter needs a deep probe however administration has not provided us the relevant documents,'' said Priyank Kanoongo, member NCPCR.

The Commission has now sent another letter to Jalpaiguri administration in this connection.

The Commission says proper records of children free for adoption were not maintained between June 2013 to August 2015. Since there was no Child Welfare Committee during this period it is not known how many children were illegally declared free for adoption.

It is suspected it was during this period that the irregularities took place. When efforts of the racketeers failed to register children with Child Adoption Resource Authority, the entire racket was unearthed.

CARA had tipped off West Bengal police CID to probe the suspected racket. Thereafter Chandna Chakravorty, who was running three children homes in the state, BJP Mahila wing leader Juhi Chowdhary and several other persons were arrested in the racket. Chowdhary was later removed from the party position. The West Bengal CIB has claimed that at least 17 children, inmates of the homes, were trafficked over the past one year. Some of them were illegally sent abroad for adoption.

Also read:

West Bengal child trafficking scandal: BJP Mahila Morcha leader in police net

Another arrest in child trafficking case

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What is stopping the BJP from announcing the name of the next chief minister of Uttar Pradesh is a question that many have asked since the party's landslide win in the state on March 11.

By Brijesh Pandey: When Home Minister Rajnath Singh was entering Parliament from Gate No. 4, a group of journalists rushed to ask him that one question which is on everyone's mind from Delhi to Lucknow.

Is he going to be the next Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh? An ever-smiling Rajnath Singh got mildly irritated at the question and called such speculations "rubbish and baseless" and went inside Parliament.

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What is stopping the BJP from announcing the name of the next chief minister of Uttar Pradesh is a question that many have asked since the party's landslide win in the state on March 11.

AN EXTRA-CAUTIOUS BJP

The BJP has shown considerable alacrity when it came to Goa and Manipur. However, in Uttarakhand, government formation has taken a back seat as the BJP's Parliamentary Board meeting, scheduled for March 16, has been postponed.

In Uttar Pradesh, the BJP is extra cautious and party insiders say there are reasons for it. The appointed observers for Uttar Pradesh were expected to reach Lucknow on March 15 and the meeting with newly-elected MLAs was scheduled for March 16 but was cancelled at the last minute.

According to sources in the BJP, the party does not want to take one wrong step when it comes to Uttar Pradesh. The party observers too are playing safe. Several MLAs have been called to Delhi to have a free and frank talk on what should be done.

Not just this, observers and other senior leaders sitting in Delhi are calling up MLAs to gauge the mood. Unlike in other four states, when it comes to Uttar Pradesh all consultations have so far happened in Delhi.

WHAT IS TOP BRASS THINKING?

The meticulous caste calculus, carefully stitched by BJP President Amit shah and his team, which helped the BJP win is a major consideration for deciding on the next Uttar Pradesh chief minister.

There are also talks on how after a stupendous win in the Assembly election, the party has is now eyeing the 2019 General Elections. Uttar Pradesh, given that it sends 80 MPs to Parliament, is extremely important in the BJP's strategy for 2019 and party insiders feel that the overwhelming mandate has posed a fresh challenge for the BJP.

A senior BJP leader in the thick of things said it is not possible for an MLA to handle more than 300 legislators, nor has any MLA the aura needed to be on the hot seat in Uttar Pradesh. "You have to keep in mind the mandate which we have received and 2019... a strong leader from Centre can be sent to UP," the senior party leader said.

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"This is because the kind of support people have given to us, we have to rise to their sky-high expectations, and it will be a challenge to fulfil those," he said.

The top contenders for the UP chief minister's post.

WHO WILL CLINCH IT?

The senior BJP leader said that while in Maharashtra and Haryana, Narendra Modi and Amit Shah went against the grain to pick a candidate who was not leading the race, but following the same model in Uttar Pradesh is fraught with danger.

The party also knows that given the kind of bumper voting it has seen from both forward caste as well as non-Yadav OBC, it would not want to upset the caste balance. There are talks that if the chief minister is made from one community, the deputy chief minister can be chosen from another community.

So, will the BJP appoint the next Uttar Pradesh chief minister from the list of strong contenders like Rajnath Singh, Minister of State Manoj Sinha, BJP's UP president Keshav Prasad Maurya or will an ML Khattar moment hit the state?

ALSO READ:

Who will be the next Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister? Home Minister Rajnath Singh leads the race

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Keshav Prasad Maurya: Another chaiwallah rising as BJP discusses next UP chief minister

BJP's top leadership comes together to brainstorm over CM picks for UP and Uttarakhand

ALSO WATCH

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IAEA reviews operational safety at Olkiluoto

16 March 2017

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The operator of the Olkiluoto nuclear power plant on Finland's southwestern coast has demonstrated a strong commitment to safety, an expert team from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has concluded. However, the mission made recommendations to Teollisuuden Voima Oyj (TVO) to reinforce some safety measures.

Units 1 to 3 of Finland's Olkiluoto plant (Image: TVO)

An Operational Safety Review Team (OSART) today completed a 17-day mission to the plant, which comprises two operating 880 MWe boiling water reactors, the first-of-a-kind EPR nearing completion and a used fuel repository under construction. The EPR and repository were not included in the review. The 16-member team consisted of experts from Bulgaria, China, France, Germany, Hungary, South Africa, Sweden, the USA, as well as four IAEA experts.

OSART missions aim to improve operational safety by objectively assessing safety performance using the IAEA's Safety Standards and proposing recommendations for improvement where appropriate.

The review at Olkiluoto covered the areas of leadership and management for safety; training and qualification; operations; maintenance; technical support; operating experience; radiation protection; chemistry; emergency preparedness and response; accident management; human, technology and organisation interactions; long-term operation; and probabilistic safety assessment.

The OSART team noted the plant management's commitment to continuously improving the leadership, motivation and well-being of staff.

The team said it identified a number of good practices at the Olkiluoto plant that will be shared with the nuclear industry globally. These include strong capabilities to perform comprehensive probabilistic safety assessments to estimate risks and use the results to improve plant safety. The plant also participates with others in the Nordic region to share operating experience. Olkiluoto also provides extensive support to research institutes on studies related to the management of potential severe accidents.

The mission also made a number of proposals to improve operational safety at the Olkiluoto units 1 and 2. These include: the plant should evaluate the effectiveness of recent organisational changes and implement any needed corrective actions; it should enhance maintenance practices to ensure equipment deficiencies are resolved in a timely manner; and, the plant should ensure adequate resources and expertise to secure the safe and reliable operation of the units beyond their original design lifetime.

The OSART team leader, Vesselina Ranguelova, said: "The plant is going through a challenging transition period because of organizational changes required by the commissioning and future operation of both the new unit and a deep geological repository for long-term used fuel storage on the Olkiluoto site." She added, "Safety is considered a priority in all decision-making processes and the plant will benefit from the recommendations and suggestions provided by the IAEA team."

The OSART team provided a draft of its report to Olkiluoto plant management and will submit the final report to the Finnish government within three months.

Olkiluoto plant management said it would address the areas identified for improvement and requested the IAEA schedule a follow-up mission in about 18 months' time.

"TVO considers international peer reviews as an important element of improving nuclear safety," Olkiluoto plant manager Mikko Kosonen said. "The exchange of experience between experts in different fields is also a great opportunity for TVO to share our good practices and to get similar good practices from other plants."

Finland is planning to host OSART missions over the next year to the Olkiluoto EPR and the two units at Loviisa, the IAEA said.

Liisa Heikinheimo, deputy director general of the Finnish Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment's energy department, said: "For the ministry, the timing of the OSART missions is good because we have operating licence processes for Olkiluoto units under consideration and the OSART missions will support these as an external review."

Researched and written

by World Nuclear News

Related topics
A sculpture "in situ" refers to sculptures which are carved in place, many during ancient times. Here are some examples of the most notable sculptures in situ in Europe.

7. Wieliczka Salt Mine, Poland

Located in the Polish town of Wieliczka, the Wieliczka Salt Mine, opened in the 13th century, was used to mine table salt. The mine stayed in operation until 2007 when it was one of the oldest salt mines in the world still in operation. The Zupy krakowskie Salt Mines company owned the salt mine from the beginning.

The mine is not only a site for salt extraction but its builders have ensured that it appeals to the aesthetic sense of visitors to the mine. Dozens of statues and four chapels have been carved into the walls of the mine. The artistic wealth of the salt mine has been supplemented over the years by sculptures by modern, contemporary artists. Today, the Wieliczka Salt Mine is regarded as a Historic Monument of Poland and is maintained by the National Heritage Board of Poland.

6. Vardzia, Georgia

A cave monastery in southern Georgia, Vardzia has been excavated from the Erusheti Mountains slopes on the Kura Rivers left bank that is about 30 km from Aspindza. The major construction period was during the latter half of the 2nd century. The caves here extend for a distance of about 500 meters and up to 19 tiers. After the Ottoman siege of the region in the 16th century, the site was largely abandoned.

Rock villages and cave churches feature at the site. The central monumental and spiritual feature of Vardzia is the Church of the Dormition. The paintings of the church inspired Medieval Georgian mural painting in the future and are thus of crucial significance. Episodes from the life of the Christ are painted on the upper walls and vaults of the Church.

5. Rock sculpture of Decebalus, Romania

The rock sculpture of represents the face of the last king of Dacia, Decebalus, who fought against the Roman emperors to ensure the freedom of his kingdom which is modern-day Romania. The carving is 42.9 meters high and 31.6 meters wide. The sculpture, a relatively recent one, was carved out on a rocky outcrop of the Danube River at the Iron Gates, Romania, between 1994 and 2004. It is Europes tallest rock relief. The sculpture was commissioned by Iosif Constantin Dragan, a Romanian businessman.

4. Madara Rider, Bulgaria

The Madara Rider, also known as the Madara Horseman, is a notable rock relief carved on the Madara Plateau in northeastern Bulgaria. The monument belongs to the early medieval period and was probably built in the late 7th or early 8th century when Bulgar Khan Tervel ruled the region. The site was enlisted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.

The Madara Rider sculpture, 75 feet above sea level in a nearly vertical 328 feet high cliff, represents a majestic horseman thrusting a spear into a lion at the feet of his horse. A dog is shown running behind the horseman. Erosion has denuded certain other features of the sculpture like the bird in front of the horseman and the garments of the horseman. There is uncertainty surrounding the purpose and symbolism of the sculpture and the actual masonry tradition behind the work. The rock below the image of the rider bears three partially preserved texts written in Medieval Greek that conducts important information related to Bulgaria during the Medieval Times.

3. Devil Heads, Czech Republic

Hikers exploring the forest above the Czech village of Zelizy in the countrys Protected Landscape Area Kokorinsko are bound to meet a disturbing yet noteworthy sight: the Certovy Hlavy or the "Devil Heads" monument, one of Europes most iconic colossal sculptures in situ. Two enormous demonic faces with empty eyes stare back at those who visit the site.

The monument was the work of Vaclav Levy in the mid-1800s. The stone heads are about 30 feet tall and although they have suffered slightly from the ravages of time, and the features have become less distinct, they are still the most prominent features of the entire landscape.

2. Hypogeum of al-Saflieni, Malta

Editorial credit: EQRoy / Shutterstock.com.

A Neolithic subterranean structure, the Hypogeum of al-Saflieni dates back to around 3,300 to 3,000 BC (Saflieni phase as per Maltese prehistory) and is located in Maltas Paola. The Hypogeum, meaning underground in Greek was possibly a necropolis and an underground sanctuary during its time. The remains of more than 7,000 individuals have been discovered at the site.

The Hypogeum was accidentally discovered by workers who cut through its roof while on a housing development project. They tried to hide the news initially but soon the news of the discovery spread, and excavations started. The site was opened to public visitors in 1908. Currently, only 80 visitors are allowed inside per day.

The Hypogeum was possibly built into an underground cave that was extended using crude tools. There are three superimposed levels of the Hypogeum that have been hewn into the globigerina limestone of the cave walls. Halls and chambers are interconnected via a labyrinthine series of steps, doorways, and lintels. The upper level was possibly first constructed and subsequently extended further down. Ceilings and walls bear paintings and carvings and a wide range of objects like pottery, clay beads, carved figures, axe-heads, etc., have been recovered from the site.

1. Lion Monument, Switzerland

Also known as the Lion of Lucerne, the Lion Monument is a rock relief in Switzerlands Lucerne city. The monument was designed by the Danish sculptor, Bertel Thorvaldsen, and executed by Lukas Ahorn between 1820 and 1821. The Lion Monument was built to commemorate the Swiss Guards who lost their lives during the French Revolution in 1792.

An officer of the Swiss Guards, Karl Pfyffer von Altishofen took the initiative to build a memorial to commemorate the massacre of the Swiss Guards. In 1818, he started collecting money for the purpose. The sculpture was hewn in a former sandstone quarry and is 10 meters long and 6 meters high. The sculpture represents a dying lion impaled by a spear that covers a shield bearing the symbol of French heraldry. Another shield with the Swiss coat of arms also lies beside the lion. The names of the officers and the number of soldiers who lost their lives in the massacre are inscribed below the sculpture.
The Wonders Of The Megalithic Temples Of Malta

Historians have always put emphasis on Egypt, Greece, and Mesopotamia when talking about ancient temples. However, the small country of Malta has become a focal point of discussion after the discovery of the Megalithic Temples of Malta. The Megalithic Temples of Malta are ancient temples built over a period of 2900 years with construction commencing in 3600BC, and this makes them one of the oldest free-standing artificial structures in the world. Carbon dating conducted on some of the temples have indicated their date of construction as being 5,500 BC making them the oldest temples in the world, and older than the popular Stonehenge or the Egyptian Pyramids.

The total number of Megalithic Temples in Malta is eleven temples with seven of the temples being inducted in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. According to the local folklore, it is believed that the mega structures were constructed by giants, a legend from which one of the biggest temples derives its name; Ggantija (The Giants Tower). The presence of pottery, charcoal, and remnants of human skeletons has established that Malta had a bustling population whose origin is traced to the Early Bronze Age. The Megalithic Temples of Malta attract archeologists who are astonished of the architecture employed in their construction, a huge feat for the technology of the era. The temples were constructed in several phases with each phase featuring a distinct technology from the next. Archeology and carbon dating have classified the stages of constructions into three phases.

Ggantija Phase

The Megalithic Temples constructed during the Ggantija Phase are among the oldest in Malta and by extension globally. The construction of these temples is estimated to have commenced in 5000 BC to about 3200BC.

Saflieni Phase

The Saflieni phase of Megalithic Temple construction is estimated to have begun in 3300 BC and ended in 3000BC and is named after the site on which temples from this period are located, The Hypogeum of Hal-Saflieni.

Tarxien Phase

The Tarxien phase represents the most recent period of the temples construction and is estimated to have begun in 3150BC to 2500BC. The temples built during this period showcase the peak of technological advancement of the ancient island dwellers. The Tarxien phase is named after a location where such temples are found called Tarxien.

Appearance Of The Temples

The temples usually have an entrance located at the center of the facade leading through a passageway to a paved court. The walls consist of stone slabs some of which are set on beams.The temples were built using local stones and had excellent masonry skills evident in the arrangements of the stone slabs. The masons then coated the exterior walls with limestone to make the temples dazzling white.

UNESCO World Heritage Site listing

A few of the Megalithic Temples of Malta have been listed as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO with the two temples located in Ggantija being listed in 1980. Later, in 1992 temples from five other sites were listed as World Heritage Sites by the international body and consist of the Hagar Qim temple, the Mnajdra temple, the Skorba temples and the Tarxien temples.
Bill Passed

On March 16, 2017, the New Zealand parliament made history by becoming the first country in the world to recognize a river as a living entity, essentially giving it the same rights as a human. The honor was given to the Whanganui River, the nation's third longest. It had been a matter of debate between the government and New Zealand's Maori people since the year 1840. The Whanganui will be represented by two representatives. One will be selected from the Maori community (known as Iwi), and one will be appointed by the government.

What Does It Mean?

One of the main implications of this ruling is that the Whanganui River will now be given representation in court proceedings. It is an effort to ensure its environmental protection. It is not the first time that New Zealand has granted personhood to a non-person: in 2014, the Te Urewera national park was granted the same rights by the government.

The Significance of the Whanganui

The Whanganui is an extremely sacred site for the Maori people of New Zealand. There is a saying in the Maori language which roughly translates to "I am the river and the river is me." Much of the Whanganui River is located in Whanganui National Park.
By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Mar 16 (PTI) The NIA today took over the custody of three persons arrested in connection with the blast in a passenger train at Shajapur in Madhya Pradesh last week to ascertain their role and the group they were working for.

The probe agency had swung into action immediately after reports about the train blast came in the morning of March 7 as anti-terror squads of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh police started a probe after getting leads in the case.

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Three persons Atif Muzaffar, Mohammad Danish and Syed Mir Hussain were arrested jointly by the two police forces, while Uttar Pradesh police killed Saifullah after a 12-hour-long gun-battle at Thakurhunj area of densely populated old Lucknow.

The NIA took over their custody at a special court in Bhopal for 11 days so that they could be interrogated at length, an official spokesperson said.

Ten people were injured, three of them seriously, in an explosion on Bhopal-Ujjain passenger train near Jabdi station on March 7.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan had claimed that the blast was the handiwork of the ISIS as some of the accused had uploaded pictures of the blast on social networking site.

However, the police teams engaged in the probe said there was no direct evidence linking the three arrested persons as well as Saifullah to the ISIS. PTI SKL NSD SC NSD

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Alcohol (illustration)

By: Mason White WorldWideWeirdNews.com

A couple was sentenced to death after they were caught violating the law and serving alcohol to foreigners and to residents in Iran.

The couple was not named, but it was revealed that the man holds dual American-Iranian citizenship.

The husband and wife of Tehran, have been sentenced to death by an Iranian court after being found guilty of aproviding alcoholic drinks, and encouraged corruption and debauchery by holding mixed parties,a prosecutor Abbas Jafari Dolatabadi said.

The court heard that the couple attracted aindividuals who were active in sexual deviationa to their parties.

Dolatabadi claimed that the couple had also stored over 1,000 gallons of alcoholic beverages in the basement of their home, which is a violation of Iranian law.

According to court records, the woman owns an art gallery in Tehran, where the couple had been aexhibiting and selling obscene images.a

The couple was found guilty of the charges and were sentenced to death.
Live cat being fed to hungry dog

By: Tanya Clark WorldWideWeirdNews.com

A group of men sparked outrage in the United Arab Emirates, after recording themselves feeding a live cat to a starving dog.

The three men, who were not identified, were arrested on a charge of animal cruelty after being accused of starving the dog because it ate their food.

After the dog was starved for several days, the men captured a cat and fed it to the hungry dog. The men recorded themselves feeding the live act to the dog, and uploaded the video to the Internet, where it went viral.

The video was eventually forwarded to the police, and the men were arrested. In court, the men were sentenced to clean zoos for 4 hours every day for the next three months.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said that the men were punished as their cruel act against animals goes against the teaching of Islam to be kind to Godas creations.

The video showed the men placing the cat in a cage and placing it near the starving dog. They then opened the cage, and when the poor cat walked out, it was attacked by the dog.

The dog then ate the cat alive.
By Press Trust of India: in Pak

Islamabad/New Delhi, Mar 16 (PTI) Two Indian clerics, including the head priest of New Delhis Nizamuddin Dargah, have gone missing in Pakistan, prompting India to take up the matter with the Pakistani government.

According to official sources in New Delhi, Asif Nizami, the chief priest, and Nazim Nizami had gone to visit the famous Daata Darbar shrine in Lahore and were to catch a flight from there to Karachi yesterday.

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"As per their families, while Asif was allowed to go to Karachi, Nazim was stopped at the Lahore airport on grounds of incomplete travel papers.

"While Nazim went missing from Lahore airport, Asif went missing after arriving at the Karachi airport," a source said.

The matter has been taken up with the Pakistan government both in New Delhi as well as through the Indian mission in Islamabad, the source said.

The duo had gone to Karachi to meet their relatives on March 8 before travelling to Lahore to visit the shrine.

Exchanges between clerics of the Nizamuddin Dargah and the Daata Darbar are part of a regular tradition. PTI PYK ASK ZH AKJ ASK

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At a special meeting held last week, the governing board for Southeast Alaska Power Agency reconfirmed its approval of a contract for transmission line maintenance through 2019.

The bid was awarded at the boards regularly scheduled February 8 meeting. The scope of work includes bucket truck inspections and guy thimble installations.

SEAPA chief executive Trey Acteson explained there were three bidders on the project. Two packets came in comparably, while a third had come in really high, he said. The lowest bid was submitted by Electric Power Constructors of Anchorage, at around $1,...
By Press Trust of India: From Aditi Khanna

London, Mar 16 (PTI)Oxford University will begin a 10-million-pound research project into the medical benefits of marijuana, the prestigious institution said today.

The project is a partnership between the university and private equity firm Kingsley Capital Partners, who are investing the funds in an effort to create a global centre of excellence in cannabinoid research.

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Neil Mahapatra, the Indian-origin managing partner at the firm, said the strategic partnership with Oxford University would support the development of "innovative new therapies to help millions of people around the world".

"Medical cannabis and cannabinoid medicine is already helping patients with some of the most distressing conditions across the world. However, research into the specific pathways and mechanisms that create this benefit is limited and long overdue," he was quoted as saying by the Financial Times.

Kingsley Capital Partners claims to be the only Europe-based company to make a concerted effort in the field and has also set up Forma Holdings in the US to work on medical marijuana in the region.

The UK study will source cannabis from Europe to examine the role of cannabis medicines in treating pain, cancer and inflammatory diseases.

It follows calls from MPs in Britain for legalisation of cannabis on medical grounds.

Cannabis is a controlled substance as a drug but it has been increasingly used for therapeutic purposes across the world.

The latest project is aimed at exploring medicines based on cannabis, which could also impact legislation around it.

"This field holds great promise for developing novel therapeutic opportunities for cancer patients," said Ahmed Ahmed, Professor of Gynaecological Oncology at Oxford University.

Zameel Cader, a clinical neuroscientist at the university who will be taking part in the research, said his lab will investigate how the effect on the nervous system of cannabinoid compounds extracted from marijuana compares with that of "endocannabinoids" ? similar compounds produced naturally within the human body. PTI AK AJR AKJ AJR

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Queen Death Plan Revealed By Wrexham Council

This article is old - Published: Thursday, Mar 16th, 2017

On the same day the most read story on The Guardian is Operation London Bridge explaining plans for the death of The Queen, Wrexham Council have published their own plans for her death.

The lengthy in-depth article on TheGuardian.com describes the protocol in place for dealing with the Queens death, including how and where announcements are made through to funeral routes and preparations depending on her location. King Charles, assuming that is his title, will also conduct a mini-tour taking in Cardiff. The article was the most read on the website today, and is viewable in full here.

This afternoon with coincidental timing saw the Full Council agenda for Wednesday published by Wrexham Council  with an item entitled Protocol for the marking of the death of a Senior National Figure or Local Holder of High Office.

The protocol document covers the deaths of various royals including the death of the Soverign, councillors and local elected representatives.

When the Queen dies the Mayor will announce on the Councils website, and via Twitter and Facebook it has been announced by Buckingham Palace / Downing Street that

Immediately the County Borough, Welsh and Union flags to be flown at half mast at the Guildhall.

For those who read the Guardian article today the references to D+1, the day after the date of death, in the Councils guides matches the national plan timing.

On Proclamation Day, D+1 the day following the death of the Queen, when the new Sovereign is proclaimed flags will be raised to full mast at 11am and flown throughout the day at full mast. However on D+2 at 1pm the flags will return to half mast, and stay like that until 8am on the day following the funeral.

On the Proclamation Day it appears the Mayor and the Chief Executive of Wrexham Council will get a police escort to Mold as the proclamation is cascaded across the UK. This occurs in Mold at 12:45pm, with a trip then back to Wrexham for the same event to take place from the Guildhall balcony at 2pm.

On the day following the announcement of the death of the Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh, The Prince of Wales or The Duchess of Cornwall, a Book of Condolence will be opened in the Guildhall. An online book will also be made available on the Councils website.

For those who are not keen on the royals a gentle censorship for any protests is noted, with a guide that reads: Pages that have been defaced or include offensive or other questionable comments should be quietly removed until such time as a decision can be taken at senior level on whether or not they should be permanently excluded.

Somewhere in Wrexham Council is a stock of relevant equipment to facilitate the Book of Condolence including a stock of loose-leaf black folders, a supply of black edged paper, table cloths and framed photographs of members of the Royal Family.

A designated area will be marked out on Llwyn Isaf for those who wish to pay their respects by laying flowers.

During the period from the death announcement to funeral all male Councillors and Senior Officers are to wear black ties. Black mourning rosettes to be worn by female Councillors, the Chief Executive and senior officers. The Mayor will not wear his or her chains of office, and the mace will have a black ribbon tied in a bow around the shaft.

The full document with guidance and the different grades of mourning protocol can be found here on the Councils website.

For those wondering about the cost implications of some of the plans, the report before councillors on Wednesday notes: It is possible that some additional spend might be associated with the Death of the Sovereign. The budget for this would be found from within the Customer and Corporate Services cash limited budget.

Pic: Queen outside the scruffy looking Buckingham Palace ahead of its 369,000,000 refurb funded by her subjects.
The chief of the US African Command (AFRICOM), General Thomas Waldhauser, warned last week in an annual report to Congress that resource constraints on his forces are threatening to undermine Washingtons influence over Africa.

Headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, AFRICOM was created with the mission of exerting greater military influence over Africa in order to maintain and facilitate Western capitalisms exploitation of the continents vast economic resources and its working masses.

In his testimony before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, General Waldhauser warned that AFRICOMs inadequate surveillance, poor supply chain networks, and lack of personnel are putting US interests at increased risk. These constraints risk our soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, Coast Guardsmen, and civilians executing activities on the African continent. General Waldhauser stated.

Waldhauser testified further that AFRICOMs capability restraints are most grave in relation to its support for the Department of State-led mission to protect US personnel and facilities.

Waldhauser also stated that only 20-30 percent of the commands intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance requirements are being met, due to a lack of resources. To offset this shortfall, AFRICOM has relied primarily on private security contractors (mercenaries).

Further highlighting AFRICOMs resource constraints, the US maintains one military base overseeing the entire continent, Camp Lemonnier, a base shared jointly with France in the tiny nation of Djibouti on the Horn of Africa. Washington is keen to upscale its military presence on the continent.

Waldhauser outlined before the Senate committee potential problems for the United States exertion of power in Africa, specifically in relation to Washingtons military debacles in Somalia and Libya.

In Somalia, Washington is carrying out a bloody campaign for control of the Horn of Africa, which fronts the waterway for the flow of the worlds oil traffic through the Gulf of Aden originating in the Middle East. Somalia is currently experiencing the worst famine in its history, which is largely the result of Washingtons imperialist violence against the nation over several years.

In Libya, Washington in 2011 carried out a US-NATO campaign for regime change that left the country an apocalyptic wasteland with no central government, resulting in the rise of various rival tribal factions vying for control over the countrys vast oil reserves.

Waldhauser underscored the necessity for AFRICOMs continuing role in perpetuating these crimes by appealing to the Senate committee for more resources and an escalation of militarism.

In a reflection of the crisis and divisions within the US ruling class over the direction of US foreign policy, Waldhauser invoked the threat of Russias influence in Libya: Russia is trying to exert influence on the ultimate decision of who becomes, and what entity becomes, in charge of the government inside Libya.

Addressing the committees Republican chairman Senator John McCain, Waldhauser stated that General Khalifa Haftar, head of the Libyan National Army, has been engaged in talks with various representatives from Moscow. General Haftar has visited, as you said, on the carrier with the Russians. Hes also visited in the country of Russia. Also, this week its reported in the open press, Serraj from the Government of National Accord has also visited Russia, Waldhauser said.

The statement expresses the fear of growing Russian involvement in Libya. Last week, there were reports that Moscow deployed special forces troops to Egypt near the Libyan border. Russian Ministry of Defense spokesman Igor Konashenkov denied the deployment, telling the RIA Novosti news agency , Certain Western mass media have been stirring up the public for years with such false information from anonymous sources.

When Senator Lindsey Graham asked General Waldhauser his thoughts on the importance of the involvement of Secretary of State and former Exxon-Mobil CEO Rex Tillerson in influencing the outcome of the AFRICOMs mission, Waldhauser stressed, Very important.

Waldhausers testimony before the US Senate underscored the desire to escalate Washingtons military role in Africa under the new Trump administration. Washingtons aim is to neutralize Chinas and Russias influence on the continent. Fueling the mounting concern within the US ruling class over Beijings influence on the continent, China is set to complete later this year the construction of a naval base in Djibouti, a mere four miles from the US/French base.

In recent years, China has massively increased its economic influence in Africa, with Beijing investing heavily in mining, infrastructure, oil and agriculture. Alongside this, European imperialism is also asserting itself on the continent, with Germany and France desperate to not be left behind in the resource grab in Africa.

The crisis of world capitalism has directly resulted in the explosive growth of militarism on the continent. Germany has constructed a military base in Niger, and has its troops deployed across the sub-Saharan region.

France not only maintains several military bases in Africa, but has an ongoing deployment of several thousand troops in Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Chad and Mauritania, where French forces are engaged in bloody conflicts. In 2015 in Burkina Faso, France played an influential role in the removal of President Blaise Compaore. Underlying these developments, the two European nations are attempting to assert a greater imperial role on behalf of their national capitalist interests at the expense of their rivals.

The Scramble for Africa coincides with a resurgence of working class struggles across the continent.

In South Africa, strikes by the working class have increased exponentially, with 6,000 social workers going on strike against the government this week and both the National Union of Metalworkers and National Union of Mineworkers threatening to follow suit to oppose the shutting down of six power plants and the wiping out of 6,000 jobs. The mining sector has remained roiled by conflict since the 2012 Marikana massacre, which resulted in government forces killing dozens of striking miners.

In Kenya, doctors and medical personnel have been on a nearly four-month strike protesting low pay and deplorable working conditions; Kenyan university lecturers have also struck over similar conditions.

In February, five people were killed in Guineas capital of Conakry following a teachers strike against the governments decision to cut salaries for educators.

In Egypt last week, hundreds took to the streets in protests over the military regimes threat to end bread subsidies, upon which the mass of the poorest Egyptians rely.

Additionally, an historic famine is ravaging several African countries, including Somalia and South Sudan, areas that are most deeply affected by decades of US imperialist intervention.

For the African masses, already ravaged by war, poverty, and diseaseintolerable social ills that are themselves the malodorous by-product of capitalismthe plans of US imperialism to escalate military intervention on the continent pose a grave new threat.
President Donald Trump made a strident appeal to nationalism, corporatism and militarism in a speech Wednesday in the Detroit suburb of Ypsilanti, where he signaled his readiness to provide the Big Three US automakers with a massive profit windfall by weakening fuel economy standards.

The CEOs of General Motors, Ford and Fiat Chrysler offered workers free transportation and lunch and a work holiday, in the cases of GM and Fiat Chrysler with full pay, to attend the rally, demonstrating their enthusiastic support for Trumps gutting of corporate regulations and plans for sweeping corporate tax cuts. Trumps gift to the auto bosses reflected the real class interests underlying his pseudo-populist demagogy about rebuilding US manufacturing and restoring industrial jobs.

So did his silence on mass layoffs carried out in recent weeks by General Motors, including the elimination of 1,300 jobs through the closure of a shift at the Detroit-Hamtramck plant and the slashing of 1,100 jobs in Lansing, Michigan. Instead, Trump praised the auto bosses for recent announcements of several hundred new jobs in Michigan and Ohio.

The presence of United Auto Workers President Dennis Williams, who sat next to Trump on a panel with Ford CEO Mark Fields, underscored the support of the union bureaucracy for Trumps America First trade war and militarist agenda. Following Trumps election, Williams declared his support for the new administrations opposition to the Trans-Pacific Partnership and his promise to renegotiate North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Williams announced last month that the union would be reviving its chauvinistic Buy American campaign.

Some local UAW officials, well aware of growing disillusionment and anger against Trump among the rank-and-file, sought to distance themselves from the UAW Internationals participation in the rally. UAW Local 372 in Trenton, Michigan distributed fliers headlined Trump Rally Not Endorsed by the UAW, urging workers at Fiat Chryslers Trenton Engine Plant not to attend the event. The president of UAW Local 1700 at Fiat Chryslers Sterling Heights Assembly Plant publicly turned down an invitation to attend the rally.

Trump gave his remarks at the decommissioned Willow Run manufacturing complex 30 miles west of Detroit before a staged audience of several hundred employees. Non-union salaried employees as well as UAW production workers were bussed to and from the event by the automakers. The former General Motors facility, shuttered in 2010 as part of the Obama administrations restructuring of the auto industry, is being transformed into a proving ground for automated vehicles, to be known as the American Center for Mobility.

My administration will work tirelessly to eliminate the industry-killing regulations, to lower the job-crushing taxes, and to ensure a level playing field for all American companies and workers, Trump promised.

Present along with Trump, the Big Three CEOs and Williams was Environmental Protection Agency Director Scott Pruitt, a long-time opponent of restrictions on corporate pollution and other restraints on profit-making.

In his remarks, Trump called on the assembled corporate and union leaders to pledge to Buy American and Hire American, and declared that US industries would soon see war-time levels of production.

Ominously alluding to his plans for a huge military build-up, Trump noted, Seventy-five years ago, during the Second World War, thousands of American workers filled this very building to build the great new airplanes--the B-24 Liberator. At peak production--listen to this--its not the country that weve been watching over the last 20 years--they were building one B-24 every single hour. We dont hear that. We dont hear that anymore, do we? Well be back. Well be back soon.

Reprising the fascistic themes of his inaugural address, he said, We must embrace a new economic model. Lets call it The American Model... Under this system, we will reduce burdens on our companies and on our businesses. But, in exchange, companies must hire and grow in America That is how we will succeed and grow together--American workers and American industry side by side. Nobody can beat us, folks. Nobody can beat us. Because whether we are rich or poor, young or old, black or brown or white, we all bleed the same red blood of patriots.

The UAW has officially embraced this doctrine of corporatism since the 1980s, espousing the supposed unity of interests between workers and their own American bosses in the struggle for markets and profits against American capitalisms foreign rivals. It has not called a major nationwide industrial action in nearly four decades while working to convince US autoworkers that their fellow workers in Mexico, Canada, Europe, Latin America and Asia are their enemies. The result has been the loss of hundreds of thousands of jobs and a catastrophic decline in wages, benefits and working conditions.
By India Today Web Desk: According to a recent research by the University of Copenhagen, common painkiller tablets, Ibuprofen, increase the chances of a heart attack by 31 per cent.

Believed to belong to the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) category of medicine, Ibuprofen is easily available at supermarkets. But if the researches were to have it their way, this common drug "should only be sold in pharmacies, in limited quantities and in low doses, " a report in The Independent UK reads.

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The report further goes on to quote the lead of the study, Gunnar Gislason, as saying,"NSAIDs should be used with caution and for a valid indication. They should probably be avoided in patients with cardiovascular disease or many cardiovascular risk factors. I don't think these drugs should be sold in supermarkets or petrol stations where there is no professional advice on how to use them."

This kind of scrutiny within the universe of NSAIDs isn't new, as a 2013 study was indicative of similar effects with regard to another common drug called Diclofenac. The drug that was easily available over the counter till 2015, became a prescription-only medicine after it was found that it increases the risk of a cardiac arrest by 50 per cent.

As per researchers, the increased risk of heart attacks can also be attributed to the effects drugs like Ibuprofen and Diclofenac have on the cardiovascular system.

--- ENDS ---
On 16 January, Governor Bruce Rauner of the state of Illinois signed into law legislation mandating testing water sources for lead at Illinois elementary schools and daycare centers. The plan requires only a one-time testing of schools with students up to fifth grade and facilities built before 2000. The cost of testing and notifying parents will be paid by schools and facilities, which could run into hundreds of thousands of dollars.

If the water sources tested show contamination above five parts per billion (ppb) the school is required to notify parents. There are no provisions in the law that require action be taken by the school if contamination is discovered. At present, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends schools shut off water facilities when results show 20 ppb or greater of lead. The law allows districts to use property tax dollars levied for school safety to cover testing and remediation costs.

The impetus for this legislation was based on earlier testing that had been conducted in April-May of 2016 as a pilot project. Citing concerns after learning of tainted water in Flint, Michigan, the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) hired private companies to test drinking water in elementary schools deemed at greatest risk because of their pre-K programs, or because kitchens and or other facilities were built before 1987. The use of lead pipes in construction was finally banned by an act of Congress in mid-1986. Other schools that did not fit the criteria paid for their testing. Thirty-two schools were tested, obtaining 236 samples.

Twenty-five schools had no traces, six had levels below EPA standards and one school, Henry O Tanner, had elevated levels. CPS was prompted in May 2016 to order the testing of drinking water in all their schools, comprising 527 campuses, with 470 campuses built before 1987.

As an initial measure, the three water fountains at Tanner were removed, and water coolers were brought in. Lead levels at these three fountains ranged from 19.8 to 47.5 ppb. The one fountain with the highest level had been turned off for some time. Standing water in lead pipes tends to leach the metals out of the piping. By June, 327 schools had completed testing. Of 6,167 fixtures tested, 184 fixtures (3 percent) from 113 different schools returned levels above the EPAs action levels of 15 ppb.

Scientific research shows that even the most minute amounts of lead, under five ppb, can cause significant neurobehavioral damage, especially in children. There is no threshold where lead does not cause injury to the brain and other biological systems, including the immune, cardiovascular and reproductive systems. Much of this damage is considered irreversible and untreatable.

A group of environmental organizations, citing the results discovered in the Chicago Public Schools, pushed for a law requiring schools throughout Illinois to test for high lead levels in drinking fountains, sinks, and other water sources. However, the Illinois Municipal League, an advocacy group for local governments, opposed the bill out of concern that municipalities which supply public water would be on the hook for cost of problems that stem from a buildings internal plumbing.

School administrators and superintendents were worried about unfunded mandates that would place on the schools the cost burden of testing and possible repairs to old pipes and fixtures that may be required. Current financial conditions in state governments, public schools and municipalities are considerably stretched. Some schools are reportedly borrowing against next years tax levy to finish off the school year. In all, there are approximately 2,600 public and 1,200 private schools across the state serving preschool through fifth grade, and it is unclear how many of those were built before 1987.

Chicago finally began replacing and updating miles of the citys aging water lines in 2012. There are more than 4,000 miles of water mains under the city and the 10-year plan will replace 900 miles of water pipes. Though the mains are not made of lead, 80 percent of the service lines that connect up to the water mains from homes, businesses and schools are made of lead pipes. The process of replacing these water mains actually disturbs the lead service lines and increases the amount of lead in the citys drinking water.

On February 18, 2016, Chicago residents filed a class-action lawsuit against the city , claiming that the city started a construction project that exponentially increased the risk of toxic levels of lead in residents' tap water and the city failed to warn residents. When lead service lines are disturbed, they can release lead for weeks, months or even years after the disturbance.

Lead has no essential role in the human body. It is an environmental toxin of the industrial age. With the urbanization of the US, specifically after World War II, much of the lead toxicity witnessed was due to leaded gasoline used in cars and lead paint for homes. It was only in the late 70s and 80s that lead-containing products were phased out and use of lead in pipes was federally prohibited.

However, as much of the infrastructure of the last several decades is deteriorating, despite national blood lead levels dropping drastically, hot spots of lead toxicity and poisoning persist. Many of these are located in impoverished city neighborhoods in Baltimore and Philadelphia or rural regions outsided South Bend, Indiana or St Joseph, Missouri.

Chicagos overall rate of lead poisoning, like in many of the nations cities, has dropped steadily during the past two decades. But the disparities between rich and poor grow wider. Some census tracts, smaller geographic areas within neighborhoods, havent seen a case of lead poisoning in years. Children ages five and younger continue to be harmed at rates up to six times the city average in corners of impoverished, predominantly African-American neighborhoods, according to a Chicago Tribune analysis of city records. These areas endure chronic violence and struggling schools.

Over the last five years, in more than 20 percent of the citys census tracts the rate of lead poisoning has risen. There are insufficient funds to inspect properties, fix lead hazards and aid families. Chicago has cut funding for their anti-lead programs by 50 percent to $4 million.

The city blames the steep reductions in federal and state grants to local health departments for this problem. In 2011, President Barack Obamas administration moved to merge lead poisoning and asthma prevention programs and cut the Center for Disease Controls budget for this purpose by half. Congress went even further by slashing such funds 94 percent. After three years without funding, Chicago received $347,000 last year compared to $1.2 million yearly between 2005 and 2010. It remains to be seen how Chicago Public Schools will confront these realities in light of the new legal mandated for testing.

The response by Republican Governor Bruce Rauner, state legislators as well as the silence on the matter by the Democratic mayor of Chicago and the Chicago Teachers Union is emblematic of the nature of bourgeois politics and its inability to address the real concerns that affect the population. Any genuine effort at tackling the crisis of lead poisoning requires major funding, organization, and long term planningimperatives that go against the capitalist profit system. Meanwhile, the citizens of Flint, MI, continue to buy bottled water and pay for water they cannot use and lead still seeps into the water of Chicago.
Corporate freedom stands higher than the freedom of religion: this is the key content of two judgments made Tuesday by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) on the Muslim headscarf, which will serve to strengthen the Islamophobic and xenophobic tendencies that are growing throughout Europe.

The court ruled that companies may prohibit Muslim women from wearing a headscarf at work, especially if they have contact with customers. However, companies cannot justify such a ban based on complaints from individual customers, or on the basis of prejudices against Muslims. Companies must adopt a method of work that projects the employers desire for an image of neutrality towards both its public and private sector customers, the judgment reads.

That desire relates to the freedom to conduct a business, which is recognised in the Charter, argues the ECJ. This objective justifies prohibitions of ideological symbols notably where the only workers involved are those who come into contact with customers.

In other words, religious discrimination is permitted if all religions are discriminated against. The court is quite aware that, in practice, it is Muslim women who are particularly affected by the judgment. It acknowledges that the commitment to neutrality can also conceal an indirect discrimination against Muslims. Nevertheless, the freedom of business stands higher than their rights.

A commentary in the Suddeutsche Zeitung recalls the famous phrase of Anatole France to the effect that, the law in its majestic equality prohibits both the rich as well as the poor from sleeping under bridges, begging on streets and stealing bread. The same sentiment is expressed in the ECJ rulings, i.e. the law, in its majestic equality, forbids Christians, atheists and Muslims alike, from wearing a headscarf.

If companies were to make broad use of this corporate freedom, it would exclude Muslim women from a wide range of professions, preventing them from working as salespeople, supermarket cashiers, and service counter employees.

The two judgments were based on the case of a software designer from France whose company called upon her to discard her headscarf, and a receptionist from Belgium, who had been dismissed because she had worn a headscarf.

The judgments of the European Court of Justice apply throughout the EU. They will serve to intensify attacks on religious freedom in many countries that have hitherto given priority to religious freedom in the workplace.

Thus, in 2002, the German Federal Labor Court ruled on a saleswoman who had been sacked by a department store because she had decided to wear a headscarf. The judgment contained a number of exception clauses. Thus, the court declared a ban on the headscarf to be admissible if there was a definite disturbance of the working peace or the turnover of the department store suffered. Nevertheless, a more liberal practice with regard to headscarves has prevailed in Germany since then.

In 2015, the German Federal Constitutional Court ruled that a headscarf ban in schools is only possible in exceptional cases. It thus raised the individuals right to freedom of belief above the states commitment to neutrality. Now the ECJ has overturned this principle to the benefit of private companies.

Experts assume that German jurisprudence will quickly apply the new line and abolish religious freedom in the workplace. The Federal Labor Court will take over the verdict from Luxembourg in identical form, said Gregor Thusing, Professor of Labor Law in Bonn.

The second-highest European court, the European Court of Human Rights, also recently ruled against religious freedom for Muslims. In 2014, it approved a general ban on burkas in France, a French ban on headscarves in public services in 2015, and in 2016 ruled against exempting Muslim girls from obligatory swimming lessons.

The right to freely choose and practice a religion is, like the right to freedom of opinion, a fundamental democratic right. It is not the task of the state to determine what someone should believe, think or do.

The restriction of this right by the supreme European court is an integral part of a shift to the right by the entire ruling class, which is reacting to growing social and international tensions by promoting militarism at home and abroad, and fostering right-wing, xenophobic sentiments.
Chronically underfunded public hospitals are increasingly depending on privately insured patients, a practice encouraged by state and territory governments to help cut public health spending. Between 2008 and 2015, the number of private patients rose by 50 percent, and the number of services provided to private patients nearly doubled.

A report by the Australian governments Independent Hospital Pricing Authority (IHPA) examined the impact of the Activity Based Framework (ABF) on the use of public health services by private patients. The ABF is the funding model for public hospitals nationwide, with funds directly tied to national efficient prices for the procedures performed by a given hospital or health service.

This casemix system was implemented by the Rudd-Gillard federal Labor government in 2011 to reduce health care expenditure by effectively forcing public hospitals to increase workloads to maintain funding. As a result of this and other cost-cutting measures, health care spending accounted for less than 16 percent of the federal government budget in 201617, down from 18 percent in 200607.

The Private Patient Public Hospital Service Utilisation report released this month by the IHPA, which oversees the ABF, made no mention of declining funding, but noted certain perverse incentives to promote the private utilisation of public hospitals.

Though the public system is free for all Medicare card holders, privately insured individuals can seek treatment, and have the option to receive additional services, a private room and choice of treating physician, along with shorter waiting times for some so-called elective procedures.

As public hospitals can charge a private patients health insurance fund for services provided, this offers a source of income to cash-strapped institutions. The IHPA report documents that the number of services provided to private patients rose from 450,000 to 815,000 hospital separations (a metric used to measure hospital activity) between 2008 and 2015.

This is not a new practice, as shown by a 2013 report on the same issue by the Australian Centre for Health Research (ACHR). It noted a near 10 percent per year rise in private patients since at least 2005, even before the ABF was implemented, and blamed this trend on inadequate federal and state funding for public hospitals.

A key incentive for admitting private patients is that the ABF does not account for payments received from health funds when determining federal and state contributions, allowing hospitals to treat private patients while maintaining public funding.

Hospitals are also exploiting a loophole that allows them to persuade public patients to use their private insurance during their stay. Hospitals are hiring private liaison officers to pressure patients with private insurance for contributions, or even charging their health funds without informed consent.

The ACHR notes that hospitals go further, with physicians leaned on to increase the number of private patients they admit, and some hospitals setting informal quotas for how many public patients a doctor can admit, with only private patients accepted after. Such practices are facilitated by state and territory governments, which often set targets for public hospitals to acquire private funding.

These practices have resulted in a marked increase in the proportion of privately insured patients seen in public hospitals, a trend seen in every state and territory, except South Australia. There was a national average increase of 10.3 percent per year, leading to 14.1 percent of public hospital patients being privately funded in 201415, up from 9.7 percent in 200809.

In the most populous states, New South Wales (NSW) and Victoria, one-fifth and one-seventh respectively of all public hospital patients are privately insured, while Queensland has seen a three-fold increase in the number of such patients since 2008. For individual hospitals, the figures can be higher. An article in the Age noted that the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Royal Childrens Hospital in Melbourne are expected to privately charge roughly 30 percent of their patients this year.

That public hospitals are turning toward privately insured patients reflects the severity of their funding crisis, the effects of which have been documented by the Australian Medical Associations (AMA) 2017 public hospital report card. As the WSWS article on that report noted, there has been a blowout in public hospital waiting times for both urgent and elective treatment, as a result of the cuts initiated by the 200713 Labor government, and continued by the Abbott-Turnbull Liberal-National Coalition government.

With the corporate elite demanding further social spending cuts, the situation can only worsen. Proportions of private patients will rise, with those who can pay favoured. This will almost certainly see waiting times worsen further for public patients, expanding the inequality of the already two-tiered health system.

The ACHR report seems to view this as most likely in NSW, where apparently doctors are often leaned on by hospital managements to admit larger numbers of private patients, which guarantees less time and ability to admit public ones.

The rising numbers of private patients will be used to justify further attacks on the basic social right to free, high quality healthcare. An article in the Australian, titled States urge hospitals to bill insurers, criticised public hospitals for using private funds as a means of thwarting efforts to make hospitals more efficient in their use of public funds, thus effectively demanding further cost-cutting.

Despite cuts to health spending being the primary cause of the problem, the ACHR and IHPA reports recommend adjusting the funding schemes to reduce public funding if private patients are taken on, a proposal that would exacerbate the situation.

Private health insurance funds have also accused public hospitals of hurting their bottom lines, complaining that over $1 billion a year is being spent in additional charges incurred by private patients in public hospitals.

Undoubtedly the funds will exploit this trend to further raise premiums. Shaun Larkin, managing director of health fund HCF, told the Australian: For HCF this is the fastest growing cost portion of our portfolios and its having a significant impact... If it continues to grow at the rate that it is, its going to be responsible for a significant part of the premium rate increases.

Such increases would force working class households to drop out of the ever-more expensive insurance funds, leaving them no choice but to wait even longer for treatment in public hospitals.
Southeast London council guilty of house fire deaths

Last month, Londons Southwark Council was found guilty of egregious safety breaches that led to the deaths by fire of six Lankanal House Council Estate residents. The court assessed a paltry sum of 300,000 for the violations.

The charges resulting from the 2009 inferno include a failure to carry out a suitable and sufficient risk assessment, failure to take general fire precautionsincluding in relation to safety of employeesand a failure to ensure that premises were subject to a suitable system of maintenance.

The deaths may have been prevented had appropriate fire safety measures been taken in a recent upgrade of the estate. Additionally, there is evidence that the property may not have had regular visits by London Fire Brigade (LFB), which meant that when LFB arrived on the scene of the blaze they had little knowledge of the property layout, including emergency exits and potential fire hazards. The residents that died were left trapped in their units.

A Freedom of Information request found there are 114 London tower blocks rated high risk by local councils, yet only four of these received the four annual familiarisation visits recommended by the LFBs own guidelines. The information showed that 21 of the highest risk buildings received zero visits.

In recent years, London Fire Brigade has been gutted with relentless cuts, including the 2014 closure of 10 fire stations across London, which resulted in the loss of 552 firefighters and 14 fire engines.

London house prices second most overvalued in the world

According to UBS Wealth Managements housing bubble Indexa report of 18 housing markets around the worldLondon is the second most bubble risk city in the world, after Vancouver, Canada, with a 50 percent price increase since 2011.

London is also the second least affordable city after Hong Kong when house prices are compared with average earnings. Houses in London are 15 percent higher than the market peak in 2007, while real incomes have fallen a staggering 10 percent over the past 10 years.

Londons inflated prices are likely to continue due to the dire shortage of new housing. The housing crisis is spreading beyond London with the North and Midlands becoming increasingly unaffordable. Home ownership in England stands at its lowest level since 1986.

London borough of Westminster tops homelessness hotspots

Analysis by the Shelter homeless charity found that more than 255,000 people are homeless in England and that the nations top homelessness hotspot is Westminster, the London borough in which the UK Parliament is located. Of the 50 homelessness hot spots identified, 32 are in London.

Westminster is the capitals wealthiest borough, where a one bedroom apartment rents for an average 456 per week. 7,794 residents live in temporary accommodation and one in 25 residents is homeless. According to the Greater London Authority, the median income in London is 39,100, which means that most London boroughs are becoming completely unaffordable for the citys workers.

Shelters analysisbased on government data and information from social servicesdoes not include hidden homelessness such as staying with friends. Greater London Authority reports that rough sleeping has doubled in the past five years.

The Department for Communities and Local Government said the agency does not recognise Shelters figures, before claiming that the actual level of homelessness is less than half of what it was 2003.

London medical student sleeps rough to raise awareness

Over Christmas last year, Aberdeen medical student James Beavis lived on the streets for 31 days to raise funds for homeless charity Crisis and to raise awareness about the conditions of homeless residents in the capital city.

More than 8,000 people sleep rough in London, with 80 percent of them reported to have some form of mental illness.

In his blog documenting the experience, Beavis observed the reality is that society has dehumanised homeless people. They are seen as intimidatingbut during my time on the streets, its not the homeless community Ive felt afraid of; its some of the general public who have made me feel intimidated and vulnerable. Ive been spat on, and endlessly ignored. There have been times when not a single person has looked at me for at least two hours.

A recent study by Crisis found that the homeless are nearly 17 times more likely to be a victim of violence and 15 times more likely to suffer verbal abuse.

UK rents expected to rise 20 percent by 2022

The February United Kingdom Residential Markey Survey by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) reveals that rents are expected to rise by 20 percent over the next five years, further squeezing lower income tenants and potentially pushing homeless people and those on welfare benefits out of the rental market.

The survey shows a growing shortage of rental properties, with an increasing margin, for the 38th consecutive month.

One-third of the RICS survey respondents said they believe that rental access has fallen among tenants on housing benefits and 55 percent said they would consider letting properties to households on benefits and/or the homeless if the government guaranteed deposits and rent, as well as provided ongoing support for landlords and tenants. Some 29 percent of respondents cited housing benefit caps as the key reason those on lower incomes are being pushed out of the rental market.

Rents in London are by some distance the most expensive in the UK. According to HomeLets latest Rental Index, rents on new tenancies in Greater London rose by 2 percent over the year to December to reach an average of 1,508.
The conflict between the Turkish government and European governments has escalated in the past few days. In an unprecedented diplomatic affront, the Dutch government denied the Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu entry to the country last weekend. The Turkish Family Minister Fatma Betul Sayan Kaya was then escorted back across the border to Germany by armed police units.

Both ministers had planned to address Turkish residents in the Turkish consulate in Rotterdam about the upcoming constitutional referendum. Following the ban on both politicians, the Dutch police used water cannons and batons to disperse a protest demonstration in front of the Turkish consulate.

In Germany the Left Party responded immediately, heartily welcoming these undemocratic measures. Left Party leader Sahra Wagenknecht called on the German government to learn from the firm approach of the Dutch government.

On Saturday, she wrote on Twitter: In the Netherlands the Turkish Foreign Minister has been refused permission to land in the country for a planned election campaign, but so far, here in Germany, we have been waiting in vain for Chancellor Merkel and Foreign Minister Gabriel to show as much backbone. My proposal: combined pressure for a ban on all appearances.

In a Monday morning post on the Facebook page of the Left Party parliamentary faction, she wrote: Austria and the Netherlands have decided they will not allow Erdogans propaganda tour for dictatorship and the death penalty to take place on their territory. The determination to implement this decision could be witnessed yesterday in the Netherlands: the Turkish Foreign Minister did not receive landing permission for a planned election campaign! Unfortunately, the German government is still far removed from such a clear stance.

The Left Party then proceeded to welcome the decision of the Federal Constitutional Court, which on Friday had fortunately provided legal backing for a ban on any appearances in Germany by Erdogan and his entourage. The court acknowledged that such a ban was a foreign policy decision, which the federal government could easily take. With this, Merkel and Gabriel can no longer hide behind some spurious excuses, concluded the Left Party.

The former head of the Left Party parliamentary faction, Gregor Gysi, also warned against continuing to obey or cuddle up to the Turkish despots. Instead, Chancellor Merkel and Foreign Minister Gabriel would finally have to bring the Turkish regime and its campaign for dictatorship and the death penalty into line. According to Gysi: We cannot allow ourselves to be blackmailed on a daily basis by Turkey because of the refugee issue.

The utterly reactionary consequences of the demand for a ban on appearances and speeches by Turkish politicians is shown by recent events in Holland. Just one day before parliamentary elections on Wednesday, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, a right-wing neo-liberal, is striving to whip up anti-Kurdish and anti-Muslim sentiments and outdo the right-wing extremist Geert Wilders, who was close to his heels in the pre-election polls.

Newspaper reports on the Dutch election make clear that Wilders is calling the shots in the campaign--with Rutte now seeking to outdo his main rival from the right. Prior to the latest ban, Wilders had accused Rutte of being too weak to prevent the appearance of Turkish politicians in the Netherlands.

Rather than posing any sort of defence of democracy and freedom of expression in Turkey, the Dutch ban on appearances by Turkish politicians serves to completely undermine democratic rights in the Netherlands. Rutte deliberately provoked the Turkish government in order to divert attention from the extreme social tensions in his country and to whip up racism. For his part, Turkeys President Erdogan is using the Dutch offensive to whip up nationalist sentiments in Turkey and advance his own campaign for an authoritarian presidential system.

The fact that the Left Party now welcomes Ruttes approach and praises it as a role model speaks volumes about the right-wing character of the party. It has long supported budget cuts and cuts to social gains and jobs, wherever it has assumed governmental responsibility. One example is the Berlin Senate led by former Mayor Klaus Wowereit (SPD). For 10 years, Wowereit ruled in a coalition with the Left Party, which became notorious for a ruthless policy of cuts.

However, with its support for a racist campaign, which is uniformly praised by the Christian Social Union, the far right the Alternative for Germany (AfD) and Wilders own PVV, the right-wing policy of the Left Party assumes a new quality. It thereby strengthens right-wing parties across Europe and clearly emerges as a xenophobic party of law-and-order".

Declaring Whoever abuses the laws of the host country has forfeited the right of hospitality, Sahra Wagenknecht had already lined up with the right-wing campaign against refugees and demands for an authoritarian state. At the time, she was praised by the AfD. Ms. Wagenknecht has summed up the situation very well, responded AfD deputy chairman Alexander Gauland who repeated Wagenknechts demand: Anyone who comes to us voluntarily has to behave as a guest or leave Germany.

Today the right-wing extremist and opponent of the EU Geert Wilders can also register his approval when Wagenknecht celebrates the expulsion of Turkish politicians as a role model for the German government. The right wing of the CSU is also thrilled. When its foreign and security policy spokesman, Florian Hahn, demanded the withdrawal of the Bundeswehr from the Turkish military base of Incirlik in the Bild am Sonntag, Wagenknecht proclaimed her support: In view of current developments in Turkey it is time to withdraw the Tornadoes and Bundeswehr soldiers from Incirlik and immediately stop arms deliveries to Turkey.

The Left Partys backing for the policy of the extreme right results from the bourgeois character of the party. Like all other bourgeois parties, it reacts to growing social divisions and tensions by moving to the right.

The rise of Trump in the US with his policy of America first! has accelerated this development. The German government has responded with a program of rapid military rearmament. This development is driven by the insoluble crisis of world capitalism. The ruling classes in every country respond to growing social and economic tensions with a fierce struggle for the global redistribution of economic and political power.

As in the thirties, the flare-up of militarism is linked to the spread of racist poison. At that time, anti-Semitism served to incite backward social strata; today anti-Islamism plays a similar role. The right-wing shift of the Left Party is an integral part of this reactionary development.
An Alabama police officer who shot at an unarmed man during a routine traffic stop in 2014 was recently cleared of any wrongdoing by the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals. The dashcam video of the shooting was released this month three years later and only after the officer was cleared of any wrongdoing.

The federal court upheld a decision by the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Alabama that the officer in question, Opelika Police Officer Phillip Hancock, acted reasonably in shooting Michael Davidson after he exited his car on the night of March 6, 2014. Both Davidson and Hancock are white.

The night of the shooting, Davidson had gotten into an accident with a truck on the interstate highway. Both vehicles pulled over to the side of the road to wait for police.

Officer Hancock then pulled up to the scene prompting Davidson to suddenly come out his car, which was difficult for him to do since his car was parked on an incline. The video shows Davidson with a black object in his hands, which later turned out to be his wallet. Hancock can be heard yelling, Show me your hands. Within a matter of seconds, Officer Hancock shoots Davidson twice, hitting him in the abdomen.

In the video, Davidson can be seen writhing in agony as a small pool of blood collects around him. As other officers gather to the scene, not one applies first aid. In a revealing moment, one of the officers has his hands on the hood of the police car and begins shaking his head in frustration.

Davidson survived the shooting but suffered a severed artery and extensive internal bleeding. He subsequently filed suit against the officer involved as well as the Opelika Police Chief John McEachern and the City of Opelika for failure to properly train its officers.

In its decision to uphold the lower federal court ruling, the three-judge panel stated, we conclude that a reasonable officer in Hancocks position would have feared for his life. Accordingly, we affirm the district courts grant of summary judgment based on qualified immunity in favor of Hancock on all claims.

North Carolina police settle lawsuit for $1 million in case of teen shot dead in his home

Mary Wilsey, the mother of 18-year-old Keith Vidal, shot dead in his own house by police in Charlotte, North Carolina in 2014, has settled a wrongful death lawsuit against Officer Bryon Vassey, Boiling Springs Lake, Southport and Brunswick County Sheriff John Ingram for $1 million. The dismissal with prejudice prevents Wilsey from filing a second lawsuit over the killing of her son.

On January 5, 2014, Vidals parents called the police for help because their son was in the middle of a schizophrenic episode and they wanted him committed for mental health care.

Wilsey told investigators that within moments of entering their home Vassey shot and killed Vidal for holding a screwdriver. The shooting happened within inches of Vidals mother and stepfather and other police officers who were already on the scene.

After a two-week bench trial in May, Vassey was found by a judge to be not guilty of voluntary manslaughter. Vassey contended that he feared for his life and the lives of his fellow officers when he shot Vidal in the chest at close range.

Wilseys attorney, David Ventura, stated that the defendants did not accept responsibility for the settlement but decided to settle the case during mediation in December for whatever reason.

As part of the settlement, Brunswick County Sheriff John Ingram agreed to make a worthless public statement offering support for state legislation that would require police officers to undergo further training for dealing with the mentally ill.

California police use fire hose on man to get him out of his car, then shoot him dead

Police in Orange, California fatally shot a man who had barricaded himself in his van following a routine traffic stop. Michael Anthony Perez, a 33-year-old father of six, was identified as the man shot and killed on Sunday night.

Lovina Perez, Michaels sister, told KTLA, He is not just another person shot by the police. He is a son, brother and father.

According to police, Perezs van was pulled over for a broken taillight and a warrant associated with the license plate number around 11:15 p.m. He pulled into a parking lot but allegedly refused to leave his vehicle.

Authorities said that Perez stayed in his car for about half an hour before he produced a lighter and a gas container. The Orange Fire Department arrived to flush out Perez from the van with a powerful stream of water while police can be seen in the video breaking the windows with a hatchet and a baton.

Police said that Perez got out of the car and was armed with a knife, prompting officers to shoot him once in the upper torso, killing him.

Officials did not say whether he lunged at officers or tried to harm them but were quick to point out that Perez had an extensive criminal history, as if to absolve themselves of any wrongdoing after the fact.

Whatever the exact circumstances, the video clearly demonstrates that the cops escalated the situation wildly out of control and needlessly killed Perez.

Rose Becerra, Perezs aunt, told KTLA, Its a big loss because Im going to really miss him, adding, He loved his kids. Thats what I want the world to know. I want the world to know that he was funny.
The new overhaul in the US health care system that is being prepared is a highpoint in a war against the working class in the United States. The debate in Washington and the media obscures the basic motivation guiding both big business parties: to restrict access to affordable health care and sharply reduce the life expectancy of American workers.

The divisions between the Democrats and Republicans are over secondary and tactical questions. Far from repealing and replacing Obamacare, the Republican proposal builds on its basic framework while driving up the number of uninsured workers, making health care unaffordable for older, lower- and middle-income workers, and accelerating the destruction of Medicaid and Medicare.

The aim is to free up resources for a massive increase in military spending, while funneling even more money to the stock market and the financial aristocracy. It is a continuation of a decades-long social counterrevolution, pursued regardless which party controlled the White House and Congress.

According to the Congressional Budget Office report released Monday, 21 million Americans will lose coverage by 2020, and 24 million by 2026. How many of these people will die as a consequence?

Under the Republican House plan, a 64-year-old worker earning $26,500 will see his or her premium increase from $1,700 to $14,600 by 2026 due to the disproportionate cuts in tax credits for older consumers. A 21-year-old earning the same amount would see his or her premium drop from $1,700 to $1,450.

In so far as overall premiums drop, this is because older workerswhose health care costs are higherwill simply leave the market because they can no longer pay for insurance. The result will be a sharp increase in mortality and fall in life expectancy, which is already on the decline in the US due to the rise in suicides, drug abuse and other social ills.

These changes are only a prelude to raising the eligibility age for Medicare to 67 and beyond and transforming it into a voucher program. At the same time, the Republican plan would slash funding for Medicaidthe federal entitlement program for the poorby 25 percent by 2026, reducing the number of Medicaid beneficiaries by 17 percent, or 14 million people. Trumps appointee to head the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Seema Verma, has already tested out work requirements for Medicaid and health savings accounts in Indiana.

When Medicare was passed in 1965, a byproduct of a powerful wave of social struggles, the average life expectancy of a male in the US was 66.8 years, and for working class men it was even lower. At the time, the government program was designed to provide a couple of years of health care. But to the growing horror of the American ruling class, increased access to health care and major advances in science and medicine led to a significant increase in life expectancy, with the government paying out benefits for a decade or two longer than had been anticipated.

The mid-1960s was also the period when many workers secured pensions and won retiree health care benefits, which enabled them to live many years after they stopped producing profits for corporate America.

This has provoked ever-greater anger and bitterness in the ruling class. By the 1990s, there was a chorus of complaints about the aging population, and how out-of-control health care costs were undermining the global competitiveness of US businesses. In 2005, Delphi CEO Steve Miller complained that people are living longer these days. He declared that employer-paid benefits made sense only in an era when you worked for one employer till age 65 and then died at age 70

Obamacare was the first significant effort to reverse this trend by undermining the system of employer-paid health benefits and shifting the costs of medical care from the corporations and the government onto the backs of workers. The plan, drawn up by insurance and medical business interests, rationed care and dumped low-income workers into barebones plans.

In opposition to all of those who claimed Obamacare was a progressive social reform, the World Socialist Web Site explained that it was the opening shot of a health care counterrevolution aimed at stripping the working class of access to affordable and decent coverage, and substantially reducing life expectancy. This assault is now being vastly expanded.

The war against the working class in the US is inseparable from the criminal wars being fought abroad. In a major article in Foreign Affairs magazine in 2016, entitled, Preserving Primacy: A Defense Strategy for the New Administration, House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mac Thornberry and national security strategist Andrew F. Krepinevich Jr. concluded that expanding US military operations against China, Russia, Iran and preserving US military domination would require taking on the expanding cost of entitlement programs. The main confrontation the next administration would have would be on the domestic front, they wrote.

The assault on health care, like the attack on jobs and living standards, the attack on immigrants and democratic rights, and the drive to war, will provoke enormous social opposition. The fight against Trump requires a fight against the bankrupt capitalist system and both big business parties, which laid the groundwork for the most reactionary government in US history.

This requires the building of a revolutionary leadership to unite every form of social opposition in mass political movement of the working class for a workers government and socialism. This is the only way that profit can be taken out of health care and high quality medical coverage established as a social right for all.
A three-day strike is underway by 900 bus drivers, paraprofessionals and food service workers for the Rockford Public Schools (RPS). Contract negotiations between RPS and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 31 failed to produce a new agreement before the strike deadline Wednesday at midnight. The strike, launched yesterday, is expected to be called off tomorrow by AFSCME officials.

Negotiations over a new contract between the school district and AFSCME began in June 2016, when the previous contract expired. Rockford, which is located 90 miles northwest of Chicago, has the third-largest school district in the state of Illinois with 28,500 students.

From the eyes of the AFSCME bureaucracy, the purpose of the three-day strike is not to mount any kind of struggle against the RPS administration, let alone the Republicans and Democrats who are imposing austerity throughout the state, but to allow workers to blow off steam. The union is seeking to buy more time to reach a sellout deal with RPS while it seeks to use the strike to delude workers into believing AFSCME is fighting in their interests.

The strike is a definite expression of a growing and determined combativeness among RPS workers. Waging a fight against the growing attacks against their livelihoods is no longer a question, but a necessity. But such defiance will not be tolerated by AFSCME. Behind the backs of workers, the union is conspiring with local politicians to impose the bulk of managements demands.

The RPS school board in January foisted upon RPS workers a new contract that included a huge increase in health insurance costs and paltry wage increases amounting to poverty wages. Under the imposed contract, bus drivers start at $14.00 an hour, food service workers start at $9.91 an hour, and paraprofessionals start at $10.63 an hour.

According to AFSCME, before the imposed contract, the average annual pay for a bus driver was $16,181, for a paraprofessional it was $14,280 and $11,373 for a food service worker.

Posturing as a determined opponent of these demands, AFSCME Council 31 representative Ed Sadlowski declared, School board members seem to think its OK to pay poverty wages, 14 or 16,000 dollars a year. The board members seem to think its OK to raise workers costs for health care, putting health insurance out of reach for many workers.

Donna Henderson, president of AFSCME Local 692, whose membership includes RPS paraprofessionals, said of the imposed contract, We need fair wages so we are able to pay our bills. Right now, a lot of us qualify for food stamps and other government assistance. Its not fair for the board to demand so much from us when we are some of the lowest-paid employees in the district.

The poverty wages of the RPS workers were negotiated and implemented by the AFSCME leadership in the previous contract in 2013, which AFSCME officials hailed as a fair contract.

AFSCME, like the United Auto Workers, AFL-CIO and other unions, are allied with the Democratic Party. During the eight years of the Obama administration, hundreds of thousands of school employees lost their jobs, while Obamas Race to the Top program was used to expand charter schools, siphon off money from public education and to attack the wages and benefits of teachers and other school employees. In Chicago, Mayor Rahm Emanuel has spearheaded the attack on public education, closing scores of schools and funneling millions to private charter operators.

At the same time, Republican Governor Bruce Rauner is carrying out a frontal assault on tens of thousands of state workers. AFSCME officials have repeatedly blocked any fight by state workers despite the overwhelming support for a strike by rank-and-file workers.

The struggle for good-paying jobs, affordable and high-quality health care, and a secure retirement, places the striking RPS workers in irreconcilable conflict with the RPS administration, both big-business parties and AFSCME.

Rockford workers must take the fight into their own hand by establishing rank-and-file committees, independent of AFSCME and both big-business parties. RPS workers should call upon and unite with Illinois state workers, Caterpillar workers, Rockford and Chicago teachers, parents and students to wage a common struggle to fight for the living standards and social rights of all workers.

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[23 November 2015]
Tamil diaspora groups sent delegations to Geneva during the recent United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHCR) sessions to appeal for Washington and the other major imperialist powers to re-launch international investigations of Sri Lankan government war crimes.

The Global Tamil Forum (GTF), the National Council of Canadian Tamils (NCCT), the Tamil Youth Organization in Canada (TYOC), the Tamil Coordinating Committee (TCC) and the Transitional government of Tamil Eelam (TGTE) participated in the lobbying. At the same time, despite the coming to power of the far right Trump administration in Washington, these groups are deepening their alignment with the US Pivot to Asia, which is aimed at bullying and preparing for war with China.

They could not hide, however, that Washington has abandoned any push to investigate Sri Lankan war crimes, and impotently voiced pious wishes that Trump's election would help them. Last Sunday, a GTF official told media in Geneva: In our meeting with them, America said that the Sri Lankan government may need time. The political changes in America could turn out to be in our favor. For now we cannot say anything clearly. To a certain extent, we have to wait and see.

The collapse of these groups' authority among the Tamil workers and youth in North America and Europe is revealed in the poor attendance in their March 6 demonstration in Geneva. Despite a month-long TCC campaign, only a handful of people attended the protest, which in previous years was attended by Tamils from across Europe who came in dozens of chartered buses and trains.

Their claims that the Trump administration will be moved by the fate of Tamils in Sri Lanka are a contemptible fraud. Proceedings of the latest UN sessions indicate that it will soon adopt a resolutionco-authored by the United States and Britain, in consultation with Sri Lankathat would extend by a further two years the deadline to fulfill the recommendations of the previous October 2015 UNHCR resolution.

More broadly, the entire international war crimes probe, which the Tamil nationalist groups have continued to promote long after Washington effectively dropped the matter, was a cynical maneuver to advance US imperialist interests in the Indian Ocean. The United States, Britain and other imperialist powers, along with India, militarily and diplomatically supported the Sri Lankan government's relaunching of the Sri Lankan civil war in 2006 through the final onslaught in 2009, which resulted in the mass slaughter of thousands of Tamil civilians.

Washington, moreover, has systematically flouted international law in launching and waging wars of aggression that have led to millions of deaths in the Middle East, Afghanistan and Africa.

In 2012, however, Washington sponsored a UN resolution demanding an international probe of war crimes during the Sri Lankan civil war. The Tamil nationalist groups, both in Sri Lanka and in the diaspora, hailed Washington's UN probe as a defense of human rights and a means of securing justice for the Tamils.

At the time, the World Socialist Web Site warned that this was a cynical ploy: Washington was threatening to shed light on some of the crimes perpetrated by the Colombo regime so as to pressure then-President Mahinda Rajapakse to align his government with the recently-launched US Pivot to Asia and curtail Sri Lankas economic ties with China.

When Rajapakse failed to fall into line, Washington decided to topple him. The Tamil nationalists backed the US-led regime change operation in January 2015 that evicted Rajapakse and installed Maithiripala Sirisena as presidentplacing Sri Lanka in the orbit of US foreign policy.

Once the political and military officials who led the 2009 offensive and oversaw the mass killings of Tamils were no longer working under Rajapakse, but in a pro-US government under Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, Washington lost any interest in investigating these crimes. In September 2015, it moved a resolution abandoning the international probe, whitewashing the Sri Lankan governments and militarys atrocities, summary executions, and illegal detentions.

Washingtons pullback from an international probe and its support for a resolution recommending local mechanisms for war crimes inquiry exposed the bankruptcy of the Tamil nationalists. In Sri Lanka, the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) officially sanctioned calls to give the Sirisena-Wickremesinghe government two more years to implement the last UN resolution's recommendations. The Sri Lankan government, however, has failed to fulfill any of the recommendations.

Tamil diaspora groups' claims that their annual pilgrimage to Geneva will get justice are empty rhetoric. These groups, founded after the massacre of the Tamil-separatist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in 2009, are based on layers of academics and businessmen hostile to the working class, including Tamil workers. In the political tradition of the LTTE, they vehemently oppose a joint struggle of Tamil and Sinhalese workers against the Sri Lankan bourgeoisie and unifying diaspora Tamil workers with their class brothers and sisters in the countries where they live.

They manipulate the sympathy of workers and students towards Tamils in Sri Lanka for their own political endssecuring a political settlement giving the Tamil elite a larger share of the profits extracted from the workers and toilers of the island-state and political influence in the countries where they live.

Their leaders are deeply integrated into the ruling elites of the imperialist powers where they live, and through which they pursue their business and professional interests. They are the organizers of countless groups promoting reactionary imperialist politicians, such as Tamils for Trump, Tamils for Obama, Tamils for Clinton and Tamils for Corbyn.

They are indifferent to the war crimes committed by Washington and its European allies. They are desperate to serve imperialism and the Sirisena government and are complicit in the cover-up of war crimes not only in Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya, but also in Sri Lankathose both of the Colombo regime, which initiated the three-decade civil war after years of escalating discrimination against the Tamils, and of the LTTE.

The diaspora Tamil nationalist groups lobbied and held protests to demand US military intervention in Sri Lanka at the end of the civil war, and recklessly promoted Obama's anti-China Pivot to Asia. Insofar as the Trump administration gives them a basis to advance their business and political interests, they are now ready to support Trump's America First strategy that intensifies the war threat against China and goes hand in hand with mass deportations and other drastic attacks on immigrant rights in the United States.

They do not try to hide their alignment with US, Canadian, and European imperialism. GTF leader S. J. Emmanuel boasted in Geneva, I often used to go to the US State Department. Last year, I also went there and spoke to State Secretary Nisha Biswal. She said that Sri Lanka would be on their agenda. Now the government has changed. However, generally we cant do anything without the help of international countriesBritain, Canada, Australia, America, and Europe.

Similarly, V. Uruthirakumaran, the leader of the Philadelphia-based TGTE, boasted that In the 21st century, the Indian Ocean would be the backbone of world trade. He explained that the TGTE therefore hopes to sell itself to the imperialist powers as a well-placed servant.

In this strategically important part of the Indian Ocean, Eelam Tamils and Tamil Nadu Tamils live, he said. The challenge before us is how to translate this strategically and geographically important location into political strength. The TGTE is currently involved in this work. In this regard, we have set up a research center and certain courses are being conducted by professors.

The Canada-based NCCT works with the Conservative, Liberal and New Democratic parties alike. In a Lanka Sri radio interview at the UN, its representative Mohan Ramakrishnan said that after Trump's election, There are discussions taking place at the very highest levels. Good times will come. He added, America is very conscious, it will not allow China to set foot in Sri Lanka.
By Press Trust of India: From K J M Varma

Beijing, Mar 16 (PTI) Chinas top leadership has assured Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa that they completely understood the geo-political, economic and security situation in the region and its implications for the two "all- weather" friends, the Pakistan Army said today.

The assurance was given to Gen. Bajwa as he met senior Chinese leaders and the military leadership on his maiden visit to Beijing where he discussed a range of issues, including defence cooperation, regional security situation and the ambitious China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Pakistan military spokesman Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor said.

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"COAS arrived in China on a 3-day official visit. Meets Chinese senior political & military leadership. Pak-China friendship is unique with no parallel," Ghafoor tweeted.

Bajwa called on Chinese Executive Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission, Gen Fan Changlong, Chief of Joint Services Department, Gen Fang Fenghui and Commander of the Peoples Liberation Army Gen Li Zhuocheng and discussed topics like regional security, economy defence cooperation and other issues of mutual interest.

"The Chinese leadership expressed complete understanding of the geo-political and economic-cum-security environment of the region and its implications for both the countries," a statement issued by the Pakistani military said.

"They acknowledged the positive role being played by Pakistan towards peace and stability in the region with special mention of Pakistans role in eliminating terrorist groups including Al Qaeda, Tehreek-e-Taliban and the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM) from Pakistan," it said.

The ETIM is an Islamic extremist separatist organisation founded by Uyghur jihadists in western China. It has training camps in Pakistan and Beijing has been pressing Islamabad to destroy the units operating in the country, posing a threat to the stability of Chinas restive region of Xinjiang.

During the meetings, the Chinese leadership also expressed their concern on the security situation in Afghanistan and the growing potential threat of Islamic State and ETIM in that country, the statement said.

"The Chinese leadership expressed their confidence in security arrangements for the USD 46 billion CPEC and satisfaction on progress made on the project, it said.

During the meeting between Vice Premier Zhang and Gen Bajwa, the two sides agreed to advance the CPEC project, Chinas state run Xinhua news agency reported. Zhang lauded the rapid development of China-Pakistan ties, saying bilateral cooperation not only benefits the two peoples, but also contributes to regional peace and stability. He called on the two sides to maintain close high-level contact and strengthen coordination on international and regional affairs, to lift bilateral ties to new heights.

Zhang also suggested that the two countries should enhance defence and security cooperation and push forward the building of the CPEC in an orderly manner, the report said. (More) PTI KJV/AKJ AKJ

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - Florida Gov. Rick Scott is sidestepping questions on a Republican health care bill that has set off an intense reaction in Washington.

But Scott is also so far refusing to endorse the measure crafted by top GOP legislators in the U.S. House as a replacement to President Barack Obama's health care law.

Scott previously urged President Donald Trump to move quickly on health care. He would only say Tuesday that he's encouraged that there's a real good conservation going on up in D.C.

Scott also would not answer specific questions on the new study by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office that estimates the GOP plan would increase the ranks of the uninsured by 14 million people next year alone, and 24 million over a decade.

(Copyright 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
CARTERSVILLE, Ga. (AP) - An energy company's plans to construct a pipeline to carry natural gas through northwest Georgia has been met with resistance from some land owners.

The Daily Tribune News reports (http://bit.ly/2mtwp4m ) that Tim Denson's property is in the pipeline's path.

Caterpillars crawl where Denson's horses once grazed.

Big yellow Caterpillars, their steel blades slicing through the red clay, shoving anything green into a heap of dead vegetation.

Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Co. is constructing the 112-mile pipeline transporting natural gas to the southeastern United States.

Company spokesman Chris Stockton said it negotiates with property owners, and pays them in some cases. Other times it goes to court, as in Denson's case.

An affiliated company, Williams Partners LP, says it's committed to working with landowners and government agencies to minimize impacts.

___

Information from: The Daily Tribune News, http://www.daily-tribune.com/

(Copyright 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
ST. PETE BEACH, Fla. (AP) - Authorities in Florida are searching for a college student on spring break and a charter boat crew member who went missing in turbulent Tampa Bay-area waters.

The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office said 15 Colorado State University students were on a charter boat anchored Tuesday evening off Shell Key when five male students went swimming off its side.

Four students made it back. Coast Guard officials said Wednesday a crew member saw the fifth student struggling and jumped into the water to help.

The Coast Guard identified the crew member as 27-year-old Andrew Dillman of New York, and the student as 21-year-old Jie Lou of China.

Deputies told the Tampa Bay Times (http://bit.ly/2msBoiD ) that neither man wore a flotation device.

Colorado State University spokesman Mike Hooker expressed concern for the students and Dillman in a statement Wednesday.

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Information from: Tampa Bay Times (St. Petersburg, Fla.), http://www.tampabay.com.

(Copyright 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
ALBANY, Ga. (AP) - Police say two more arrests have been made in the shooting death of a 21-year-old man in southwest Georgia.

WALB-TV (http://bit.ly/2mN7IjQ ) reports that the Albany Police Department said late Tuesday they are still searching for three other suspects in the March 4 fatal shooting of John Lewis Jr. Police arrested 20-year-old Eric Davis and 26-year-old Markell Brown, who are each charged with felony murder.

Police are looking for 24-year-old Jamarious Wright, 26-year-old David Luke and 23-year-old Vontravious Jones.

On March 9, a 15-year-old boy was arrested and charged with murder in connection to Lewis' death.

A Dougherty County district attorney believes the shooting was gang related.

(Copyright 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
By Press Trust of India: From Sajjad Hussain

Islamabad, Mar 16 (PTI) Pakistan today urged Facebook and other social media platforms to help in combating blasphemy while vowing to lead the fight against it at the global level.

Pakistans Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar said his county would lead the global Muslim community in combating the blasphemous content on social media platforms.

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He made the remarks while addressing the media on the issue of alleged prevalence of blasphemous material on social media.

"I have asked the Foreign Office to appoint a representative in the US to liaison with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and these social media websites on a daily basis," he said.

Nisar instructed the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to hire an international lawyer on the issue.

"They (FIA) have been instructed to find a lawyer that understands international law and can advise us on these matters," he said.

Nisar urged the popular social media websites like Facebook to provide information about blasphemous material.

"Facebook and other service providers should share all information about the people behind blasphemous content with us," he said.

Nisar said such content has been posted on social media websites for years and expressed surprise that no other Muslim country had raised the issue till now.

"We will take any steps necessary to make sure that our message against such content gets across to those websites as well as the rest of the world," he said.

Nisar said Pakistan cannot stop posting of blasphemous material from abroad but the FIA has identified such posts from within the country.

"We would ensure that those who have committed these crimes do not get away scot-free," he said.

His remarks came after Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif earlier this week ordered authorities to take immediate action against blasphemous content on the social media and remove sacrilegious contents and punish the perpetrators, days after a high court order.

The Islamabad High Court judge Shuakat Siddiqui last week had directed the interior ministry to take actions against Facebook pages with alleged anti-Islam material.

Blasphemy is very sensitive issue in Pakistan and those accused of it become an easy target for extremists. PTI SH ASK ASK

--- ENDS ---
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) - A Florida businessman is raising scholarship money for gay students to honor the 49 patrons killed last June in Orlando's gay nightclub shooting massacre.

Barry Miller said Monday that The 49 Fund is to award 10 scholarships annually, each worth $4,900. Students would have to self-identify as "out," have a GPA of 3.0 and attend an institution of higher learning fulltime.

Survivors of the Pulse nightclub attack or deceased victims' relatives would receive special consideration, said Miller, who is working on the project with the GLBT Community Center of Central Florida and the Central Florida Foundation.

Gunman Omar Mateen pledged allegiance to the Islamic State in the attack last June 12. The deadliest mass shooting in recent U.S. history also left dozens wounded in addition to the 49 killed.

(Copyright 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
SANFORD, Fla. (AP) - Authorities say a student was shot and wounded near a central Florida high school shortly after classes ended for the day.

The Orlando Sentinel (https://goo.gl/7aQGTM) reports that the shooting occurred Wednesday afternoon near Seminole High School. Sanford police say the boy was taken to a nearby hospital. It wasn't immediately clear where the boy was hit, but his injuries weren't considered life-threatening. Police didn't release his name or age.

Police say a 16-year-old boy was taken into custody, but it wasn't clear what charges he might face. Authorities say the shooting was an isolated incident.

Seminole High and nearby Millennium Middle schools were both placed on lockdown for a short time.

___

Information from: Orlando Sentinel, http://www.orlandosentinel.com/

(Copyright 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - A group of students from Florida A&M University took a trip across the big pond to learn all about "health care systems" in other countries while helping others.

Close to 40 students, mostly from the "College of Pharmacy" spent their spring break in Dubai and South Africa.

These students enjoyed their spring break but they also made an impact on the world and a difference in South African communities.

"In short it gives us the opportunity through the various partnerships to do internships and do a lot of research," said James Moran, the director of career development services. "We had the opportunity to conduct two health fairs while we were."

James Moran took the trip with the students as part of a global initiative and for the center of health equity that was formed in 2012. Students had the opportunity to study healthcare systems. Moran says the students, pharmacists, and professors reached hundreds of people at the health fairs in Soweto, a township in Johannesberg.

"Many of the individuals in the township were not aware of their health status we had an opportunity to check their BMI their weight as well as their glucose levels, diabetes also runs rapid there," said Moran.

The students also visited the Orlando Children's Home. Moran says they adopted the orphanage last year, donating funding for food and clothing.

"It's about 60 children ages 5 months to 18 or 19 many of those students have been misplaced because of the passing of their families to HIV/AIDS which are prevalent in that area," said Moran.

Moran is proud of the FAMU students, saying their work abroad doesn't go unnoticed.

Dr. James Moran looks forward to the next delegation of students to embark on the "Cultural Immersion Trip".

Community members can also join in.
By Press Trust of India: From Sajjad Hussain

Islamabad, Mar 16 (PTI) Pakistan Navy today said it conducted a successful test of a land-based anti-ship missile, bolstering the operational reach of the countrys navy to launch long-range, anti-ship missiles from land.

The trial of the missile was conducted from the coastal region and the missile secured a hit on a target placed at sea, a press release from the Navy said.

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The missile is equipped with advanced technology and avionics, which enable engagement of targets at sea with a high degree of accuracy, it said without giving more details.

The test-launch was witnessed by Vice Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Khan Hasham Bin Saddique and senior officers of Pakistan Navy.

Admiral Saddique commended the accomplishment of the objectives of the trial, the release said.

Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah in his message said that the weapon system has added a new dimension to the operational reach of Pakistan Navy, allowing it to bolster seaward defences by giving the Navy the capability to launch long-range, anti-ship missiles from land.

On January 24, Pakistan had test-fired 2,200-km range indigenously-developed surface to surface nuclear-capable missile Ababeel. The missile is capable of delivering multiple warheads, using Multiple Independent Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology.

The Ababeel test flight was aimed at validating various design and technical parameters of the weapon system.

During the same month, submarine-launched cruise missile Babur-III was successfully test-fired. Babur weapons system incorporates advanced aerodynamics and avionics that can strike targets both at land and sea with high accuracy at a range of 700kms.

Babur-III is a low flying, terrain hugging missile, which carries certain stealth features and is capable of carrying various types of warheads. PTI AKJ/SH AKJ

--- ENDS ---
A friend of Deborah Bailey testified that she had seen Bailey with a gun that Beckford bought for her.

Testimonies have wrapped up for the day. The trial will resume Monday morning. Jeff Gillespie, the first lead detective on the case, is expected to testify.
You are the owner of this article.
By Press Trust of India: Panaji, Mar 16 (PTI) The Manohar Parrikar government today proved its majority on the floor of the Goa Assembly by winning the trust vote with the support of 22 legislators in the 40-member House.

The opposition Congress could muster only 16 votes against the government with one of its legislators absenting from the crucial floor test.

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The special Assembly session was convened to conduct the floor test following an order by the Supreme Court.

Parrikar, who resigned as Defence minister earlier this week, was sworn-in as the Chief Minister along with nine other MLAs by Governor Mridula Sinha on March 14.

The 61-year-old BJP leader proved his majority with 12 legislators from the BJP, three from the Goa Forward Party (GFP), three from the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP), three Independents and one from the NCP voting in favour of the trust motion.

The opposition benches included 16 MLAs from Congress, while its newly-elected member Vishwajit Rane remained absent during the voting.

The test was passed through a clear division which was ordered by Pro-tem Speaker Siddharth Kuncolienkar, a BJP member.

Senior Congress leader Pratapsinh Rane sought to raise a point of order when Parrikar moved a motion seeking vote of confidence.

The Speaker, however, did not allow Rane to raise the point of order and continued the voting process.

The Congress, despite emerging as the single largest party in the elections, could not form the government while the BJP made deft moves by securing support from regional outfits and independents.

Riding on the charisma of Parrikar, the BJP managed to cobble up an alliance of GFP, MGP and Independents.

An aggrieved Congress moved the Supreme Court on March 13 to stall the swearing-in of Parrikar with the claim that it should have been invited to form the government since it was the single largest party.

But the apex court refused to stop the swearing-in and ordered to hold the floor test today.

Ahead of the trust vote, all the 40 legislators took oath.

Later, the session was adjourned till March 22 when it will meet again to elect the Speaker. This would be followed by the Governors address on March 23 and presentation of the state budget on March 24. PTI RPS GK NM DV

--- ENDS ---
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Only four months ago, Education Minister Naftali Bennett announced the establishment of an ethics committee for universities and appointed Prof. Asa Kasher as its chairman. One of the committees tasks was to deal with unusual statements made by academics.

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Should the state keep quiet in light of irritating, anti-Zionist comments which slander the State of Israel? Can every comment be protected by academic freedom of speech?

We are committed to ensuring the students right to study in a higher education institution without being forced to listen to political preaching which has nothing to do with the specific field being studied, Bennett said at the time. We must prevent a situation in which students or lecturers suffer rejection, silencing, exclusion or discrimination due to their identity or due to their personal views, including their political opinions.

Professors, mostly left-wing, immediately launched a major protest: Over our dead bodies! No one will tell us what to say.

Rabbi Levinstein teaches his students to hate perverts and oppose military service for women. But because he isnt a leftist, Bennett is okay with it

This is not a simple issue. Many minds have dealt with it, and quite a few committees as well, in Israel and around the world. But Bennett has a firm opinion about it, and I believe he is also right. Academic freedom of speech doesnt include the right to publish libels against the State of Israel, and it doesnt give lecturers the right to harm a certain group of studentsreserve soldiers, for examplejust because they serve in the occupation army. That happened, by the way, and the lecturer was reprimanded.

If this is the rule regarding lecturers, why isnt it applied to heads of other educational institutions? Why should an educator in a pre-military academy be allowed to preach against drafting girls? The answer is hypocrisy. Pure hypocrisy.

Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman decided, in a bold move, to demand the resignation of Yigal Levinstein, the man with the big mouth who serves as rabbi of the Eli Yeshiva and teaches his students to hate perverts and oppose military service for women.

But Bennett is lashing out at Lieberman. He is only against it when it involves leftists. When it involves rightists, he is all in favor of it.

The leftists are no better in this context. They are all demanding measures against Levinstein. They are right. Why should this person keep inciting at the states expense?

But woe to anyone who voices a similar stance regarding leftists who incite against the state. When that happens, freedom of speech becomes a sacred cow, and woe to anyone who dares to even doubt the right to incite.

So the Bennetts on the right and on the left should be told that one uniform rule must apply both to inciters on the left and to inciters on the right. And if the Left doesnt understand thatand it doesntthat doesnt mean that Bennett has the right not to understand that either. This indulgence in hypocrisy must be stopped.
Shas Chairman and Interior Minister, Aryeh Deri, issued a threatening message during a cabinet meeting, saying that if the government continues on the path of internal animosity over the Israel Broadcasting Authority (IBA), he would drag the nation into elections.

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"I do not intend on staying in a malfunctioning government which lives on mistakes and on (members) destroying one another.' If everyone doesn't come to their sense, it is better to hold elections," he warned.

Deri continued with his remarks, saying, "Governments don't fall apart from big things, but rather the smaller things. What a shame. I see this getting worse."

Minister of the Interior, Aryeh Deri (Photo: Mark Yisrael Salem)

His warning comes against a backdrop of widening fissures between Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon (Kulanu) and Prime Minister Netanyahu over the fate of the IBA and the new Israel Public Broadcasting Corporation (IPBC).

On Wendesday evening, Netanyahu called on Kahlon to assist him in delaying the closure of the IBA for six months before it is replaced by the IPBC.

For his part, Kahlon expressed his suspicion of the request, claiming that Netanyahu is attempting to direct the anger of soon-to-be former IBA employees onto him.

Netanyahu and Kahlon (Photo: Alex Kolomoisky)

As a result, Kahlon unleashed a fierce rebuke of Netanyahu in which he referred to the 2015 elections, when IBA employees were compared to Hamas members by Likud.

The two are currently engaged in an ever increasing public spat, which has now escalated further, causing Deri to throw his hat into the ring and threaten to bring the government down.

The confrontation between the two had been simmering since Monday, when during a meeting, Netanyahu asked Kahlon to support a law he was trying to push through the legislative bodies which would give the Israeli government control over public broadcasting.

"You aren't really interested in public broadcasting, but rather control," said Kahlon. "You need to understand, I left the Likud and you won't be doing things like this to me. When things become difficult, you disappear. When there are achievements, you appear."

In comments made during a coalition event Wednesday in Givat Olga, Netanyahu said, "I want to tell you all openly that the decision to establish the Israel Public Broadcasting Corporation was taken by the previous government and was not taken by this government. I was the prime minister and I am saying to you, I ultimately take responsibility for the decision, which I am now telling you was an incorrect one.

Netanyahu during his comments in Givat Olga

Netanyahu then addressed Kahlon directly, saying, "I say to my friend Moshe, let us join hands and fix this. It isn't too late to make this correction, even within the confines of the budget. These employees are ready, they've told us, and we're ready to fix everything, to shrink, to cut. What we need to do is take six more months and find the solution to this thing. It is appropriate and it is necessary."

The Ministry of Finance issued a statement in response saying that Netanyahu is continuing to exploit the emotions of IBA employees.

"He obviously forgot who called them (IBA employees) Hamas men during an election campaign and passed a law restricting their absorption into a corporation," read the statement.

Moshe Kahlon (Photo: Motti Kimchi)

The feud between the two became even more vocal Thursday morning, when Kahlon, who was speaking at a conference in Tel Aviv, said, "How is it said these days? Kahlon and Netanyahu are no more."

As for the employees of the IBA, Kahlon said he spoke with the Chairman of the Histadrut (Israel's organization of trade unions), Avi Nissenkoren, saying, "We agreed on a process of voluntary retirement for IBA employees who will be able to retire under fair conditions," said Kahlon. "We agreed that an effort was going to be made to absorb as many IBA employees as possible into the IPBC."

Currently, the IPBC is expected to begin broadcasting at the end of April.

(Article translated and edited by Fred Goldberg)
As it happens to so many, approaching the Western Wall provides visitors with a sense of perspective and understanding of Israel that will stay with them long after they leave. For my students from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the experience provided them with an understanding of the connection between Israels booming startup scene and the countrys sense of culture and history.

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Our visit to the Western Wall took place during an Old City tour in the second week of an intensive on-site collaboration between students and Israeli startups as part of MIT Sloan School of Managements Israel Lab program. Launched last year, the program aims to connect teams of MIT students with Israeli companies to help them solve critical strategic challenges.

As a country, Israel continues to be the Start-Up Nation. Everybody exudes an entrepreneurial spirit. The country and the companies created and operating within its borders have an insatiable quest to change the world. While Israel also hosts many established global companies, the startup scene is extraordinary. Young companies seem to be just about everywhere; from Raanana to the Beer Sheva Advanced Technologies Park.

Photo: PR

For students interested in learning how to start and grow a business, theres no greater laboratory. I worked with my colleagues to oversee eight project teams made up of 31 international students representing 13 countries. The students used the opportunity to apply their classroom learnings to solving real-world business challenges, and to gain a better understanding of the diverse entrepreneurial opportunities that exist in Israel and around the world.

What they discovered is that Israels start-up community is full of committed teams with a deep sense of culture and sophistication. Businesses are scrappy and determined to triumph against the odds in a global marketplace. They seek innovative ways to finance and launch new enterprises. My students saw the multi-level support the ecosystem offers entrepreneurs by meeting with investors, touring co-working spaces, and visiting MassChallenge, a startup accelerator founded by an MIT alumnus, and now operating in Jerusalem.

While many of these elements can be found in other countries, Israels compact intensity provides an immersive experience of culture and industry that creates an energy like nowhere else.

Photo: PR

There are many classes in which students can learn the sequence of steps to build a company, but without the opportunity to apply these learnings firsthand in real world action, they can fail to discover what makes a venture come alive. Israel Lab challenges students to learn by doing. My students experiences working with Israeli companies helped them experienceand contribute tothe magic, focus and grit that successful companies need to thrive in the marketplace; something these students wont forget.

As MITs Israel Lab continues with new students, projects and companies in the future, these shared learnings and experiences will continue to grow and flourish, just as Israels innovative and entrepreneurial ecosystem continues to evolve.

Ken Zolot is a senior lecturer for Massachusetts Institution of Technologys Office of Digital Learning and the founder of the Innovation Teams Initiative at MITs Deshpande Center for Technological Innovation.
Prominent rabbis affiliated with the Religious Zionist sector set out their conclusions in a new position paper on Wednesday evening stating that male and female conscripts cannot serve together in combat roles.

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Unlike the head of the Bnei David pre-military yeshiva academy in Eli, Rabbi Yigal Levinstein, who ridiculed female combat soldiers and who represents the more stringent stream of the religious sector, the paper was authored by heads of yeshivas and educators who are associated with the more liberal strand in the Orthodox community.

Photo: AFP

The general stance taken by the rabbis however, contained no undertones of mockery, in contrast to the remarks made by Levinstein, and they even expressed their appreciation for all male and female soldiers guarding the security of the State of Israel.

There are a number of combat units in the army, including mixed units, in which we have yet to find a solution to how to implement the required separation. Thats why today it is not permissible to serve in them, the conclusion stated.

Rabbi David Stav (Photo: Yossi Zleiger)

The position paper, which is aimed at people who are about to be conscripted into the IDF, bore the signature of, among others, Rabbi David Stav, who heads the Tzohar organization, Har Etzion Yeshiva head Rabbi Yaakov Medan, Efrats Rabbi Shlomo Riskin and Rabbi Ohad Taharlev, the head of the Lindenbaum Seminary in Jerusalem.

The latter two are chief proponents of drafting religious women into the IDF and run a pre-military academy catered to their requirements.

The rabbis also address in the paper the changes that began following the order regarding mixed service and determined that soldiers should object to being consigned to units in which they identify excessive mixing of women and men.

Rabbi Levinstein

Furthermore, they stated that they should not engage in activities that involve close physical contact betwen the sexs.

They drew a distinction, however, between office jobs and combat jobs.

Mixed roles of male and female soldiers, which do not include physical activities or close contact is an inseparable part of modern life, both in the army and in civil life, and this is fitting and totally permissible they wrote.

The IDF was called on by the rabbis to show sensitivity for the religious sector and to enable its members to preserve their values and beliefs in order to prevent them from becoming a ghetto within the army.

The request was being made, they continued, out of a belief that the IDF is a place for unity, not division. All tribes of Israeli society join the IDF and unite for the sake of the security of the State of Israel. We oppose any attempt to divide and tear the IDF, any harming of the respect for male and female soldiers in the IDF.

(Article translated and edited by Alexander J. Apfel)
Graffiti espousing hate against police, labelling them as "Zionazis," and Arabs was discovered by police Tuesday evening during operations being conducted near Givat HaBaladim in the Mateh Binyamin Regional Council.

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Since the evacuations of Amona and the nine homes in Ofra, police have stepped up activities in the area out of fear that young, far-right activists will attempt to carry out revenge attacksalso called 'Price Tag' attacksagainst Arabs in the area.

Inciting graffiti discovered by police

Detectives, often working with Shin Bet officials, regularly arrive and question suspicious young people from settlements in the area.

During one such occasion, police discovered inciting graffiti including an image of a swastika combined with a Star of David. Police also found graffiti calling for death to Arabs, police, the Israeli left and "Zionazis."

Combining the swastika and the Star of David

Police also found threatening graffiti depicting a hanged effigy of a detective from the National Crimes Unit and the nickname given to the officer by area youth.

In response, police have opened an investigation and issued a statement, saying, "Police will act firmly and harshly against any violence directed at police and security forces responsible for law enforcement."

Givat HaBaladim is considered one of the more extreme strongholds of the so-called "Hilltop Youth." Dozens of young people from the area have been evacuated and/or arrested on suspicion of conducting "Price Tag" attacks.

(Translated and edited by Fred Goldberg)
By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Mar 16 (PTI) Alibaba-backed Paytm today announced its foray into the Canadian market with the launch of its bill payments service in the North American country.

"Users in Canada will now be able to pay for their cell phone, cable, internet, electricity and water bills. In addition to this, users will also be able to pay for their insurance and property taxes by using the new Paytm Canada app," Paytm said in a statement.

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The app will be available for both Android and iOS users in Canada, it added.

"We are excited to announce that starting today, consumers in Canada will be able to access the seamless Paytm experience that is already well-known in India for its convenience. We are confident that Canada will be a very successful market for us," Paytm Labs CEO Harinder Takhar said.

Toronto Mayor John Tory, who was present at Paytms headquarters in Noida, said the city has been home to the Paytm Labs team since 2014.

Paytm Labs, located in Toronto, Canada, is the research and development division of Paytm.

"Toronto is the city for a company looking to locate in North America with our multisector strength and our exceptional diverse talent pool. With the Canadian app launch, we look forward to Paytms success and being an integral part to its growth story globally," Tory said.

Paytm has expanded its team, growing from a two-person operation to a full-fledged team of data scientists and engineers.

In India, Paytm is one of the largest financial technology platforms. With a current user base of over 200 million, Paytm offers services like payments/recharges, mobile wallets, e-commerce and will soon launch payment banking services.

Its investors include Ant Financial (Alipay), Alibaba Group, SAIF Partners and Mediatek. PTI SR SRK MKJ

--- ENDS ---
TAIPEI -- Taiwan says it is planning to upgrade its F-16 fighter jets and will seek cutting-edge stealth aircraft from the United States in the face of a growing military threat from rival China.

Defense Minister Feng Shih-kuan told lawmakers that Taiwan is focusing on inexpensive but effective "asymmetric warfare" techniques to combat threats in the air and seas.
BERLIN -- Federal prosecutors say they have charged a 23-year-old German man with membership in a terrorist organization for joining the Islamic State group in Syria.

In a statement Thursday, prosecutors said Anil O. traveled to Syria in August 2015 with the intention of working as a medic for the group.

Prosecutors said O., whose last name wasn't published due to German privacy law, soon became disillusioned with IS after seeing how it treated fellow Muslims.

They said he tried several times to flee IS-held territory, succeeding in January. He returned to Germany in September last year and was arrested at Duesseldorf airport.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed his second meeting with the special envoy of President Donald Trump.

Netanyahu's cabinet meeting noted that Israel is in the process of dialogue with the White House, and intends to reach an agreement for policy on settlement construction.

Netanyahu also referred to Amona residents, saying he will honor his commitment to build them a new community.
PARIS -- A letter exploded when it was opened at the offices in central Paris of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Thursday and one person was slightly injured, police sources said.

The Paris police department said on Twitter an operation was ongoing at the offices of the IMF and World Bank after a person was hurt following the apparent explosion of a suspect package.

"An envelope exploded after it was opened and one person was slightly injured in the offices of the IMF," one police source told Reuters.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will, on Sunday, leave on an official visit to China.

The visit follows an invitation by Chinese President Xi Jinping and will mark 25 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The Chinese President will meet with Prime Minister Netanyahu and host him for an official dinner.

The Prime Minister will also meet with his Chinese counterpart, Li Keqiang.
Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman and Education Minister Naftali Bennett exchanged blows on Thursday over Lieberman's call for Rabbi Yigal Levinstein to step down after the rabbi made disparaging remarks about women in the IDF.

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Lieberman set an ultimatum to Rabbi Levinstein, threatening to stop the Defense Ministry's recognition of the rabbi's Bnei David pre-army preparatory yeshiva in Eli, leading to an exchange of accusations and insults between the two on social media.

Lieberman and Bennett (Photos: Yair Sagi, Alex Kolomoisky)

On Thursday, Bennett to call on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to interfere. "In the moment of truth, you have abandoned Religious Zionism," Bennett charged against Netanyahu, adding that in his conspicuous silence on the issue, the prime minister "forgot to take care of one of country's most glorious institutions (the yeshiva), whose contributions serve all of Israel."

While Bennett made sure to say that Levinstein's comments about women and gays are extremely serious and that he categorically rejects them, he did clarify that "there is no place for silence or restraint in the matter of closing a pre-military yeshiva, and he (Netanyahu) should step in immediately to prevent it."

Bennett and Netanyahu during a cabinet meeting (Photo: Emile Salman)

Bennett also took a sarcastic swipe at Netanyahu during Thursday's cabinet meeting. After Netanyahu reiterated his intent to stand behind his commitment to build former residents of Amona a new community, Bennet wryly remarked, "We didn't think otherwise for a minute."

Responding to the latest provocation, Lieberman wrote on Facebook that "those who truly want the yeshiva and pre-army prep school to continue succeeding understand that this cannot happen if Rabbi Levinstein remains at its head."

The defense minister accused Bennett of "sacrificing the yeshiva and prep school in Eli on the alter of the primaries at Bayit Yehudi," the education minister's party. "All of this for a man who already had to apologize twice after having offended entire sectors of people and has now once again offended in a blatant and disgraceful manner the IDF's female soldiers and the women of Israel."

Lieberman went on to say that he was "sorry to see that instead of joining me in this demand (for Levinstein's resignation), Naftali Bennett chose to support Rabbi Levinstein due to petty political considerations."

The clash between Bennett and Lieberman broke out on Wednesday, when the education minister dismissed the defense ministers ultimatum as yet more political nonsense, just like (when he) supported annexation of Judea and Samaria, opposed annexation of Judea and Samaria, (spoke about) revoking citizenship of Arab Israelis, taking out (Ismail) Haniyeh within 48 hours of becoming defense minister.

Lieberman hit back on Twitter, stepping up the level of the invective as he accused Bennett of protecting someone who is trying to turn Israel into Iran. But we wont allow that, In Israel, women are equal to men and military service is for everyone, he said.

Bennett countered on his Twitter page, accusing Lieberman of playing politics at the expense of IDF soldiers. "Lieberman, don't play politics on the backs of IDF fighters. The academy in Eli will not close down."

(Translated and edited by Fred Goldberg & Yaara Shalom)
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday vowed to keep his promise to build the first new official West Bank settlement in two decades amid discussions with a US envoy on reviving the peace process with the Palestinians.

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Netanyahu said he would meet with US envoy Jason Greenblatt for a second time this week on Thursday to try to reach an "agreed-upon policy" on settlements, one of the most contentious issues in decades-old peace efforts.

Netanyahu and Greenblatt (Photo: Kobi Gideon, GPO)

US President Donald Trump voiced support for Israel's position on the campaign trail but has since asked it to " hold off " on settlement construction as he seeks to restart the peace process, which last collapsed in 2014.

Netanyahu said reaching an understanding with Washington on the settlements would be "good for Israel," but said he would honor a promise made last month to build a new settlement to replace Amona , an illegal settlement outpost built on private Palestinian land that was forcibly dismantled following a ruling by Israel's Supreme Court

Greenblatt meanwhile met with the chief foreign envoy of the Yesha council, which represents the settlements. The council said it was a "fruitful and positive" meeting, without providing further details.

Trump campaigned on promises that he would depart from decades of US foreign policy on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

(Photo: Kobi Gideon, GPO)

His platform made no mention of Palestinian statehood, a key goal of the US and international diplomacy for more than two decades, and he vowed to move the US Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

However, he seems to have backed off on both since assuming office. At a White House meeting with Netanyahu last month, Trump said he was open to a two-state solution and urged restraint on settlement construction. Plans to move the embassy appear to have been put on hold.

The international community views settlements built in the West Bank and east Jerusalemterritories seized by Israel during the 1967 Six-Day War and claimed by the Palestinians as part of their future stateas illegal.

Israel says the issue of settlements should be resolved along with other core disputes in direct peace negotiations with the Palestinians.
Sarit Fefta, a 23 year old from Petah Tikva, died on her post-army trip to India, where she apparently choked on her own vomit on Monday.

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Fefta left for India two months ago with her boyfriend. She took ill in their hotel and began vomiting profusely. Her boyfriend contacted the front desk and asked them to call an ambulance, but Fefta had died by the time professional aid arrived.

Sarit Fefta

On Wednesday, her body was autopsied, and it came to light that she had choked to death.

A relative of Fefta claimed that the ambulance took 40 minutes to arrive in the poverty-stricken city of 22 million people. She also said that Fefta and her boyfriend had eaten a pasta dish earlier in the day, though there is as of yet no evidence if there is a causal link between the food and the young woman's death.

The Israeli Consulate in Mumbai is arranging to have her body returned to Israel.

(Translated and edited by Joseph Herzog)
Col. (res.) Tzvika Levy, known as "the father of lone soldiers," is one of the recipients of this year's Israel Prize for Lifetime Achievement along with the more controversial David Beeri.

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Minister of Education Naftali Bennett announced the honor on Thursday after having accepted the recommendations of the prize committee. The latter commented that Levy, a resident of the Yifat Kibbutz in the Jezreel Valley, had made a significant contribution to the country in his support for soldiers who have no immediate family in Israel.

Levy with a group of lone soldiers (Photo: Elad Gershgoren)

They added that he has supported hundreds of thousands of such soldiers for decades. Bennett wrote that the laureate is one "of the beautiful sons of our country: a shining example of Zionism, and above all else, a father of thousands of lone soldiers."

Later in the day, Levy expressed his appreciation in a recorded audio message. "Hello to all my friendsI want to thank each one of you," he said in part. "You also have a part (in this prize). Keep contributing. (Bennett) spoke with me for a half hour, and I couldn't contain my excitement."

Levy visiting lone soldiers before falling ill

Levy was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy about a year ago. He shortly thereafter lost mobility, and speaking became more difficult. He was hospitalized for several months, when IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot visited his hospital bed to promote him to the rank of colonel in reserves in appreciation for his contribution. Levy was later released, but he remains bound to a wheelchair.

A controversial laureate

The other recipient of the lifetime achievement gong is Elad Foundation founder David Beeri. His foundation was condemned by the Obama administration for stoking Israeli-Palestinian tensions.

David Beeri (Photo: Noam Moshkevitz)

Elad has come under criticism for settling Jewish nationalists in the heart of Arab neighborhoods in Jerusalem. The foundation says the areas are central to Jewish heritage.

In 2014, then-White House spokesman Josh Earnest condemned the purchase of 25 apartment units in an Arab neighborhood of Jerusalem, a settler takeover that Elad helped oversee.

Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat lauded Beeri as "a man of vision as he is a man of action."

Shahar Chai & Ahiya Raved contributed to this report.
An album containing never-before-seen candid photos of German Nazi party leader Adolf Hitler and party members was auctioned on Wednesday. According to the New York Times , the album was sold for $41,000 to an unidentified bidder.

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The photo album was found in April 1945 in the bedroom of Hitler's longtime companion Eva Braun.

Hitler picture album

X

"The pictures are very personal," said C&T Auctions consultant Tim Harper, who noted the item was owned by an unnamed collector.

The auction took place at Royal Tunbridge Wells, a town in Kent, England.

Harper explained that Hitler kept tight control over what information could be released publicly in order to protect his image, and that of the Nazi party.

(Photo: German Federal Archive)

"Hitler's image, particularly his photographs, were controlled. They had to be approved," Harper explained.

Gesturing toward the album, Harper said, "The shots you are seeing in this album are natural, relaxed, a number of them are amusing and almost certainly they would not have been allowed to be published. They are quite revealing."

The photo album includes images of Hitler alongside other leading members of the Nazi party such as Joseph Goebbels, Hermann Goering and Heinrich Himmler.

It also features photos of Hitler traveling in his motorcade past crowds of people cheering and saluting them. One of the images shows Hitler smiling next to a group of cheerful children. Photos of the Swastika symbol are seen in many of the photographs.

"They had to be taken by someone who had clearance to get close to the Fuehrer and close to that inner circle," Harper said.

The album was discovered by British photographer Edward Dean and English broadcaster Richard Dimbleby, both of whom entered Hitler's bunker in April 1945.

"A Russian soldier, very obligingly took them round and they broke into a room which was Eva Braun's bedroom and the Russian soldier prized open her draw and got the album from there," Harper said.
An emboldened Modi government post-UP was likely to adopt a "firm and tough" posture in both domestic policy and diplomacy, the Global Times, a Communist Party-run tabloid, said.

By Ananth Krishnan: The BJP's election victory in Uttar Pradesh will lead to a more "hard line" Narendra Modi government which will be good for India's development, a commentary in China's media said today. An emboldened Modi government post-UP was likely to adopt a "firm and tough" posture in both domestic policy and diplomacy, the Global Times, a Communist Party-run tabloid, said in today's commentary.

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This would yield for China "an opportunity to give more consideration over how to make breakthroughs in Beijing-New Delhi relations with a hard-line Indian government", the paper suggested. The Global Times is published by the official People's Daily, but is not an official newspaper and often puts forward views that are not government policy but reflective of certain sections in the party.

The commentary said: "It will likely mean more difficulties in making compromises in rows with other countries. Take the border disputes between Beijing and New Delhi. No silver lining has yet emerged and Modi demonstrated his firm stance over the issue by celebrating Diwali, India's biggest holiday, with soldiers at the Sino-Indian border," said the commentary.

"But while seeming inflexible on the surface, hard-liners also have powerful strength in coming to an agreement with others once they make up their mind, given their executive ability and high efficiency. That said, we can still be optimistic in resolving our divergences, including border disputes, with New Delhi during Modi's term as long as both sides are willing."

With Modi in pole position for the 2019 elections, it was for China "an opportunity to give more consideration over how to make breakthroughs in Beijing-New Delhi relations with a hard-line Indian government."

The paper said relations between India and China had "recently entered a subtle and delicate phase".

It noted that Modi's government had changed India's diplomacy, chiefly by being more confident and changing "India's previous attitude of trying never to offend anyone and started to take a clear stance in controversies among other nations to maximise its own interests".

It said Modi had enhanced ties with China and Russia, and pushed India's entry into the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). At the same time, he had also deepened security ties with the U.S. and Japan.

On the home front, the paper suggested Modi's popularity would continue to surge and leave him in an advantageous position. "Modi was elected for his pursuit of development," the paper said. "His latest triumph also stems from his firm stance on development as well as efforts to carry out economic reform and attract foreign investment. Even though some actions failed to deliver good results, still, he proved that he is a man of action, rather than a politician with only slogans."

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ALSO READ:UP election 2017: BJP's win a vote for construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya, says RSS ideologue

ALSO WATCH: Post election results: Could BJP's win in Uttar Pradesh impact rest of country?

--- ENDS ---
SEWARD  Concordia University, Nebraskas Wind Ensemble, chosen from the 85-member University Symphonic Band, will wrap up their spring tour with a performance at 7 p.m. on March 17, 2017, at St. John Lutheran Church in Seward, Nebraska.

The ensemble will be performing the works of Frank Ticheli, Leroy Anderson, Thomas Knox, John Philip Sousa and Jay Bocook, to name a few. The program includes songs such as, Amazing Grace, Lead On, O King Eternal, Precious Lord, Take My Hand, and God of Our Fathers, among others.

We are certainly looking forward to performing our home concert to conclude the tour, said Andrew Schultz, director of the ensemble. Our stirring setting of Amazing Grace and Thomas Knoxs setting of God of Our Fathers, which was written for the inauguration of President Reagan, are sure to wow those in attendance. I am so proud of the ensemble and all of the hard work and preparation they have put into this tour.

Members of the University Wind Ensemble from the York area include: Cole Berry of Seward, senior, trombone; Rebecca Hoffschneider of Utica, freshman, flute and Caleb Ristvedt of Utica, sophomore, trombone.
YORK  As readers may have noticed, they are able to see photographs and video from inside the York County District Courtroom during Wednesdays mediation hearing for Sydney Thieszen.

In the past, this was not allowed because of a law that prohibited all recordings from inside Nebraska courtrooms.

Some exceptions were made in recent years in which news agencies could make requests for very specific courtroom situations that had been deemed pilot projects.

Then, the law changed in Nebraska and expanded news media coverage of court proceedings became allowable, upon request . . . effective March 1.

This is for new media coverage only  the general public cannot randomly record happenings inside courtrooms.

And there are rules and regulations that must be followed by the media. All members of the media who make a request or do the recording must be credential to do so.

Requests to video, photograph or record audio court proceedings must be submitted to the presiding judge and the designated clerk of that court within a certain timeframe.

Only if the judge allows the expanded coverage can the coverage be done.

And the requests must be submitted on a case by case basis.

There are certain situations that cannot be recorded, which include proceedings involving juveniles and grand juries.

Everything that is recorded by the assigned media outlet is at the discretion of the presiding judge.

Staff members of the York News-Times have become credentialed for expanded news coverage (as required by law) and have attended training sessions through the Nebraska Press Association with cooperation of Nebraska judges and clerks throughout the states judicial system.

The intent is to provide for the public a look into the states court system, for better transparency into this extremely important process.

The News-Times will continue to apply for these expanded coverage opportunities as they are warranted and bring the public a better view of how the judicial system works.
Editors note: This is the second in a series regarding the mitigation hearing for convicted child killer, Sydney Thieszen, which was held in York County District Court this week.

YORK  Sydney Thieszen was 14 years old when he killed his 12-year-old sister, Sacha, in their Henderson-area home.

No one disputes that.

He was convicted twice in York County and sentenced to life in prison both times, without the possibility of parole.

The facts of the case were weighed at length and no one disputes he is responsible for taking the young girls life.

But a recent Supreme Court ruling, which says juvenile offenders cannot be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, has brought the Thieszen situation back to the York County District Court.

Judge James Stecker will be re-sentencing Thieszen.

That new sentence could mean two things: Thieszen will continue to be in prison for a set amount of years; or he could be transitioned into society if the new sentence is off-set by the three decades he has already served.

The intent of the mitigation hearing was to allow the defense the opportunity to make their case that Thieszen has changed over time, is not a threat to society or the Thieszen family, that he has matured and would be capable of being a productive member of the community. This effort was led by Thieszens attorney, Jeffery Pickens.

The prosecution is led by Corey OBrien, an attorney with the Nebraska Attorney Generals office.

Pickens called several witnesses to the stand, including Dr. Kirk Mewring, a clinical psychologist who reviewed all the reports, mental health evaluations and transcripts of this case as well as conducted two separate interviews with Thieszen himself. Dr. Mewring then compiled an evaluation.

Dr. Mewrings first interview with Thieszen was in 2014 (when the Supreme Court ruling first came into play) and he had a follow-up interview with him earlier this month.

Pickens and Dr. Mewring made it clear to the court that the doctor had been retained by the defense as an expert witness and that he has worked with Pickens in other cases involving the re-sentencing of other such juvenile offenders with life sentences.

They referred to these types of defendants as Miller guys, because the case of Miller vs. Alabama was the catalyst for the Supreme Court change regarding life sentences for juveniles.

It was established that Thieszen was abused (physically, mentally and sexually) by his biological mother from birth to the age of four when he was placed in foster care. After several foster placements, he was placed with the Thieszen family in the Henderson area. They later adopted him.

Dr. Mewring said Thieszen had misgivings around his placement (with the Thieszens) and then the family structure changed while he was with that family.

Dr. Mewring said Thieszen currently has no family support from the outside, although he does have a list of visitors who call him and physically visit him at prison. He noted that Thieszens grandmother, a woman named Esther, had been a support for him until her recent death.

His transition plans are a little bit different than they were in 2014 and he acknowledges he has anxiety about his future, Dr. Mewring said. He told me that he is the second or third youngest Miller defendant in Nebraska, as he was 14 at the time of the offense and most of the others were 17 years or so old. All of the Miller defendants have demonstrated anxiety about the uncertainty of the law and of their futures.

It was established that Thieszen has had 214 misconduct reports during his incarceration. Dr. Mewring said he doesnt recall any of those acts of misconduct involving violence  many were for swearing, mouthing off to officers. Thieszen was once placed in segregation for gambling and has been written up for having extra items in his cell, such as too many socks and/or magazines.

Do you remember his last write-up for using marijuana or alcohol? Pickens asked.

I think that was back in 2000, Dr. Mewring said, acknowledging that Thieszen had confirmed with him that he had used marijuana in prison prior to that, as it helped him with his anxiety.

It was noted that Thieszen had been written up for inappropriately touching female visitors, but Dr. Mewring said there were no other citations involving sexual activity.

Did he talk to you about romantic relationships with women? while he was in prison, Pickens asked.

Yes, he has had sexual intimacies with female staff members who worked at the prison, Dr. Mewring said. He said he had fond memories of those interactions. I saw these as potentially unhealthy relationships and unfortunately these situations with inmates are not as uncommon as I would like it to be. He said he did not consider himself to be a victim in those situations.

OBrien, during cross examination, asked about Thieszens sexual encounters with female prison guards.

He reported to you that he had numerous liaisons with female staff, between five and seven, while he has been in prison, OBrien said. They would sneak off to a closet or the chapel or wherever and he said these brought him a degree of fondness?

He said he hadnt expected any opportunities to do so, as he has been incarcerated since 14, and called it good fortune, Dr. Mewring said.

The doctor also said Thieszen indicated one relationship with a female staff member at the prison was what the defendant classified as long-term.

Are you saying those relationships were healthy or not? OBrien asked.

They are considered unhealthy for an inmate that is being exploited, Dr. Mewring said. He said he did not feel victimized or taken advantage of.

And now his only idea of a relationship are these closet encounters, OBrien said, referring to the earlier point that Thieszen has never had a real world, free life relationship.

I can see him benefitting from counseling regarding relationships, Dr. Mewring said.

It was also established that Thieszen said he has access to pornography in prison, which he categorized to Dr. Mewring as being Playboy style without degradation to women, and he possessed no child pornography.

Have you talked with him about the murder? Pickens asked the doctor.

Yes, in essence he conveyed that he planned to run away and she (sister Sasha) thwarted his plans, by trying to talk him out of it and/or saying shed call someone to stop him. He tried to render her unconscious by hitting her with a dowel, that did not work, he panicked and he shot her. Then he had concern that he wanted no more trouble, he moved her to the tub so as to not make a mess with her blood, Dr. Mewring continued, summarizing what Thieszen told him. Then he ran out, to the family vehicle . . .

Did he say he shot her twice, while she was in the tub? Pickens asked.

Yes, he said he shot her again and then he took off and listened to the radio to see if they were after him and he went to Kansas, Dr. Mewring said.

The doctor said, from his conversations with Thieszen, that he had been thinking of running away for a while and on that day he thought heres an opportunity to go, as there were a lot of family stressors. He was worried about getting in trouble for not doing something right.

Do you recall the pathologists testimony (at trial) that he found no evidence of head trauma other than the gunshots? OBrien asked. Did you ask him about that?

Dr. Mewring didnt recall if they had that conversation.

So he enters the bathroom and he has a revolver in his possession that he told you he got from another relatives bedroom? OBrien asked.

Yes, a handgun of some kind, yes, Dr. Mewring said. He said he had it in his waistband because he was preparing to run away and he would use it to hunt (for animals).

Did you ask him to describe what happened when she was shot? OBrien asked.

Yes, he said he shot her, moved her, shot her some more and then ran away, the doctor responded.

Did he give a reason for placing her in the tub? OBrien asked.

I dont know how he explained it to himself later, but he told me he had a concern with making a mess.

Did you ask him how many times he shot her? OBrien pressed.

I dont know his exact words but he said it was again and again, the doctor responded.

Do you know how many times he shot her? the attorney asked.

I believe three, said the doctor.

It was confirmed that Sacha was shot at very close range.

They also established that Thieszen was in some sort of a trance-like state when he left the murder scene and that at some point he decided to run.

Back to the line of defense questioning, Dr. Mewring acknowledged that he has diagnosed Thieszen as having an anti-social personality disorder, but he also said that in risk assessment testing, Thieszen scored 12, which is higher than the community average of 6 but lower than the typical inmate at 22. The doctor testified that Thieszen had a middle to low score even though also taken into consideration was that he has a conviction of homicide, was adjudicated of a sexual offense against a younger foster child that had been in the Thieszen home (prior to the murder) and the infractions he committed while in prison.

Dr. Mewring also said he did not consider Thieszen to be a psychopath, based on his evaluation and extensive testing.

The doctor acknowledged Thieszen had behavioral problems and misconduct as a younger person, but that he believed he has since matured which has led to no anti-social behavior in recent years.

He has engaged in substance abuse (in prison), but not recently, the doctor said. As far as the personality disorder, there is a bit of a problem with putting a 15-year-old in prison. These young men have to learn to stand up for themselves so it is not unlikely for them to have more write-ups as they establish themselves in the prison community.

Reflecting back to the murder itself, the doctor said Thieszen explained to me that this was very much a reactive chain of events, that he maybe contemplated killing someone or himself, but he had not contemplated killing someone that day. There was emotional arousal that he was going to be in trouble and he wasnt rationally thinking.

Dr. Mewring said that in looking at Thieszen today, he sees no active signs of psychosis, no major mental illness, no indications that his emotions are out of whack. And he said there are no indications that he is at a high risk of violence.

OBrien asked about concerns regarding Thieszens sexual tendencies, including the sexual assault situation with his younger foster sister (who was not the murder victim), reports of voyeurism (prior to the murder), inappropriate touching of females while he was in school, sexual conduct in prison . . .

You also mentioned that her (the murder victims) pants were unbuttoned and yet you tended to steer clear from saying there was any sexual motivation there, OBrien said to Dr. Mewring.

It should be noted that sexual motivation regarding the murder had not necessarily been established at trial and there was no conclusive evidence of sexual assault.

Shouldnt we consider there are sexual concerns and I question why there hasnt been risk assessment for being a sex offender, OBrien said.

The doctor had said he felt sexual issues were part of Thieszens juvenile years.

Is there any fantasizing of the murder? OBrien asked.

He did not report that to me, Dr. Mewring said, except to say that it is distressing for him to recall, he doesnt feel good when thinking about it. He feels helpless because he cant undo it and if he doesnt talk about it he doesnt have to encounter those feelings.

You asked him if he could change one thing and he said when the judge asked him if he wanted to be adopted by the Thieszens he would have said no, OBrien said, reading from Dr. Mewrings report.

Yes, he did, the doctor said. We discussed that he didnt opt out of the Thieszen house when he could.

He was forced to be adopted? OBrien asked.

He said he didnt feel like he had a choice, Dr. Mewring responded. Again, this is an adult recollection of a child experience.

He said he was not a murderer and this was not a planned act? OBrien asked. He said this never would have happened if he had not been adopted by the Thieszens?

The doctor said Thieszen indicated those things to him.

Doesnt that mean that he is minimizing this? OBrien asked.

I didnt see it that way, Dr. Mewring said. His definition of murder is that you would have to plan to kill. His description to me was that on that day his plan was to run away, so compared to others at his current address (murderers in prison), he didnt plan or contemplate to commit murder. He is saying that was a spur of the moment action.

Now, apparently, he has remorse? OBrien asked. That has now changed? in reference to past reports that as a younger person Thieszen lacked remorse or sympathy.

Yes, that is something that developed over time, Dr. Mewring said.

Maybe now because of the Miller cases? OBrien asked.

I cant say thats not possible, the doctor responded.

OBrien also touched on Thieszens behavior prior to the murder, in which he killed his mothers chicken, set fires, destroyed property and demonstrated sexual deviance. OBrien said there are suggestions in society that these early demonstrations can possibly be predictive factors of serial killers . . . and asked if there is any validity to that theory.

Dr. Mewring said that is not necessarily the case.

Do you think he sees himself as a victim? OBrien asked.

Yes and no, the doctor said. No, not a victim, because he committed a crime of violence and killed someone. Yes, because he was 14 years old without the same life experience or mental capacity he now has as a 44-year-old. He has never said that he didnt do it or that she wasnt dead. Hes trying to understand how that came to be.

You can see why the Thieszens are apprehensive (about his possible release from prison), because he said (to other kids at school, prior to the murders) that he wanted to kill his family, OBrien said.

He has indicated to me that he doesnt want to hurt anyone else and he said he doesnt hold any ill will against the Thieszen family, the doctor responded.

Is there any science out there that all child murderers have underdeveloped brains? OBrien asked. Dr. Mewring said there isnt.

They could be psychopaths?

The doctor said they could.

They might just like to kill?

Yes, the doctor said.

Why is it that all kids with underdeveloped brains dont kill?

The doctor explained that a combination of factors led to the choice Thieszen made.

Did he express remorse to you?

Remorse, regret and sorrow, Dr. Mewring said.

Was that because he got caught or because he cut her life short?

That she didnt deserve this and it wasnt her fault, the doctor said.

Was his response genuine?

The doctor said there was no indication that Thieszen was not being genuine in his responses or during their conversations.

Editors note: In the Saturday publication of the News-Times, we will document the testimony from a prison guard at Tecumseh, regarding Thieszens behind-bars behavior.
YORK  Austin J. Dean, 21, of York, has denied accusations that he sold methamphetamine to a confidential informant in a church parking lot in York.

Dean appeared in York County District Court this week, with his attorney, York County Public Defender Nancy Waldron.

According to court documents, the sale was allegedly pre-arranged between Dean and the informant.

Officers with the Rural Apprehension Program (RAP) allegedly provided the cash to the informant who made the transaction.

Investigators allege the transaction was witnessed and recorded.

And they allege that the substance that was involved in the transaction tested positive as methamphetamine.

Judge James Stecker told Dean that he could be facing a possible maximum sentence of 1-50 years in prison if he is found guilty, because it is a Class 2 felony.

Upon Deans not guilty plea, a jury trial was set for late July.
Sitting in a small Mexican restaurant in Centennial, Colorado, during the waning hours of the final day of an Air Force career that touched five decades, Chief Master Sgt. Tom Kimball exercises a craft he has spent his entire life perfecting - storytelling.

Kimball, who told the Air Forces story as a public affairs Airman during his 22-year military career, retired as the Individual Mobilization Augmentee to the Air Force Space Command public affairs chief enlisted manager, Jan. 26.

Reflecting on his early career over corn chips and salsa, Kimball talked about how the Air Force he joined in the late-1970s was much different than the one he leaves in 2017.

Growing up in the farmlands of northeastern Maryland, Kimball said he was drawn to the self-sufficient lifestyle of a warrior. At the same time, a part of him marveled at the beauty and spirit behind life; he found that art reflected this in an amazing and respectful way. The warrior part of him felt the need to defend the artists voice. This led him to the Air Force.

His life as an Airman began in the late 1970s as an ROTC cadet with a pilot slot. However, he soon discovered he wasnt much like the pilots he met and the thought of one day joining their ranks put his warrior and artistic sides at odds. He left ROTC after two years and it would take the storytelling he found in the public affairs career field to rectify his two halves.

In 1979 he returned to the Air Force as an enlisted man. He was initially slotted to learn Russian at the Defense Language Institute. However, thanks to an administrative error that had him starting his studies six weeks behind his classmates, he convinced his leadership to send him to the Defense Information School, then located at Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indiana, to learn the craft of public affairs instead. After graduating technical training, a mix-up in his orders landed him at RAF Lakenheath, where the personnel-strapped PA office fought to keep him. He would spend the remainder of his enlistment there, learning the ins and outs of storytelling as an Air Force journalist.

Storytelling is much more to Kimball than his Air Force career, however. Its a skill he holds in near-mystical regard, much akin to the force in the Star Wars film saga. Stories, he said, are what connect us as humans.

Born into a family of storytellers, Kimball said his parents and grandparents passed the skill down to him during his childhood. Stories, for them, were a way of teaching, entertaining and connecting, especially around the dinner table. In an era without glowing screens to distract, his parents also put an emphasis on shared experiences, which created even more stories.

Stories, for me, are the only thing you can take from one place to the next, he said. You can lose your house but you cant lose your stories.

In 1983, Kimball left the Air Force. During a protracted break in service, he pursued a wide variety of professional artistic endeavors and education. He spent 17 years as an art director in theater, produced television, commercials and corporate communication videos, worked in casting for shows like Perry Mason and the Father Dowling Mysteries, and writing scripts. He built his reputation on the script writing, which eventually led him to freelance producing.

Without the writing Im sure I would not have done well, he said of the craft that he cut his teeth on as a first-term Airman.

After nearly two decades of honing and studying his craft in the civilian world, Kimball found himself considering a return to service. It was 1999 and his son, Ben, had just graduated high school and wanted to enlist. As they worked through the process, Kimball began speaking with an Air Force Reserve recruiter who told him about a public affairs position near his home in Colorado. In 2000, he returned to the Air Force as a traditional reservist, bringing with him a lifetime of talent and storytelling experience.

I was probably the most senior, senior airman ever, joked Kimball, who was 44 at the time of his re-enlistment.

After a year and a half as a traditional reservist at the 302nd Airlift Wing, he found a job as an Individual Mobilization Augmentee at the 460th Space Wing public affairs office. His experience, skills and hard work quickly earned him rank and he made master sergeant before the end of his first six-year enlistment. Two enlistments later, he was a senior master sergeant serving as an IMA at the Air Reserve Personnel Center public affairs office. In 2013 he was invited to apply for what would be his final Air Force position as a chief at Air Force Space Command.

Throughout his years as a reservist, he continued with his civilian endeavors and, in 2006 started Kimball Productions with Ben. The boutique production company primarily focuses on business-to-business communications, such as videos, websites and other communication collateral. Ten years on, they serve a global clientele and the business supports the two Kimball families, as well as the families of two other colleaguesa fact he takes pride in.

That pride hints at the fact that people matter to Kimball. Approachable and optimistic with an easy smile, he said he has always had a chiefs mindset of mentorship and views people with a perspective he said is best summarized by a C.S. Lewis quote he shared at his retirement ceremony on Feb. 17:

There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal. Nations, cultures, arts, civilizations - these are mortal, and their life is to ours as the life of a gnat. But it is immortals whom we joke with, work with, marry, snub and exploit - immortal horrors or everlasting splendors. This does not mean that we are to be perpetually solemn. We must play. But our merriment must be of that kind which exists between people who have, from the outset, taken each other seriously - no flippancy, no superiority, no presumption.

It is from this vantage he draws his inspiration for storytelling. He encourages others, especially those telling the Air Force narrative, to do the same. By looking for the extraordinary angles that draw people into a story you can inspire them by making a personal connection, by driving them to a place of decision, as he puts it.

The value of telling the Air Force story is that it humanizes a very serious business and brings it to a place that is depoliticized, creating a sense of belonging and putting a relatable face on the uniform for the U.S. taxpayer, he added.

Kimball emphasized that it is simply not important to cram every detail into a story, or worry about reaching the whole world. Finding one or two strong nuggets, sticking to them and then focusing on connecting people within your circle of influence is more than sufficient, he said.

As the final dinner plates are bussed away, Kimball says there are things hell miss about the Air Force but hes looking forward to turning his focus to other endeavors. He hopes to spend more time with his family, including his three grandchildren, and also has plans to pursue new artistic endeavors with his son. Between Kimball Productions, several documentary-reality style television series and an independent film or two in the pipeline, Kimball isnt pushing back from the table any time soon.

I dont really think of this as retirement, he said. Its more like refocusing, retargeting and retooling. And frankly, that sounds like a lot more fun to me than retiring!
By Press Trust of India: Panel to Centre

New Delhi, Mar 16 (PTI) A parliamentary panel has asked the Centre to formulate a blueprint for extending financial assistance to HIV/AIDS patients and to family members of those infected persons who died.

The Committee of Petitions on Health Ministry in its 28th report submitted in Lok Sabha today said the government should undertake consultations with states to formulate a blueprint as there is an absence of a universal policy or integrated approach for providing such assistance to HIV/AIDS patients.

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"In the absence of a universal policy and an integrated approach for providing financial assistance to HIV/AIDS patients and later on to the family of the deceased, the Committee urge the government to undertake an extensive consultation process with all state governments to formulate a blueprint for extending some financial assistance to HIV/AIDS patients and to the family members of the deceased HIV/AIDS infected patients," the committee chaired by Bhagat Singh Koshyari said.

The committee asked the Health Ministry to apprise it of the renewed efforts in this regard.

The committee noted that in the "resource deficient" scenario, illness could impose a major financial burden on the HIV/AIDS patients and their families. PTI TDS DIP

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If approved for construction, the new airport would serve one-third of Victorias population, and would connect tourists to nearby attractions like Phillip Island and the Mornington Peninsula. The new airport would also supplement the existing main international airport at Tullamarine, as well as the secondary, low-cost option at Avalon, near Geelong.

The Andrews Labor Government, which supports the project, has pledged to identify land for the new airport in the next five years. It has also pledged to preserve this future option by incorporating planning protection for flight paths and noise contours.

A third airport is a key proposal of Plan Melbourne 2017-2050, a metropolitan planning strategy that aims to manage growth in the city and its surrounding suburbs to the year 2050.

A spokesperson for Planning Minister Richard Wynne said the future airport had been earmarked for operation beyond 2030, should demand deem it necessary. Melbourne Airport and Avalon Airport still have capacity to take more flights, but nevertheless we wont make the same mistakes Sydney has made, the spokesperson said. We need to plan ahead for aviation to avoid being blindsided as Victoria grows.

Despite all the positive talk, it would be up to the Commonwealth Government to grant aviation approvals for the project to push through. The private sector would also be required to fund the development.

To add to these challenges, the project is not without its detractors.

The Green Wedges Coalitions Rosemary West said her group was against the project, citing environmental concerns. We dont want another airport covered in shopping centres and other commercial developments not normally allowed in the Green Wedges, she said.

Brett Owen, mayor of Cardinia Shire, said the council welcomed the state governments commitment to identifying and selecting a suitable location for the new airport.

Our region will continue to experience significant growth over the coming years and SEM believes the development and operation of an airport will be a major economic and employment driver for our communities, Owen said. We also welcome the commitment by the State Government to incorporate a connection to the rail line at Clyde as part of their investigation into possible sites.

With Melbournes population projected to increase significantly in the coming decades, a world-class airport would support the citys future development. It would also help attract new investors, property developers, and businesses to the southeast, ensuring the continued dynamism of greater Melbourne for years to come.

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By Press Trust of India: Mumbai, Mar 16 (PTI) State Bank of India and Qatar Airways today entered into a partnership to offer the banks corporate and retail cardholders up to 15 per cent discount on business class tickets and up to 10 per cent discount on economy fares to the US, Europe and Africa.

The offer is on both debit and credit cards and is valid for bookings done on or before April 7 for travel until September 30, the national carrier of Qatar said in a statement.

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Naveen Chawla, Qatar Airways senior manager for the Subcontinent said this partnership provides them a platform to leverage SBIs massive corporate customer base.

Qatar Airways, which had last week said was planning to set up a domestic airline here, was set up 20 years ago and has a fleet of 195 aircraft flying to 150 international destinations across six continents. PTI BEN NRB

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- As part of its NATO commitments Romania will train Ukrainian paramedics, including in tactical wartime medicine; the relevant agreement was signed on Monday by representatives of the Interior Ministry's Emergency Department and of NATO's Euro-Atlantic Disaster Response Coordination Center (EADRCC),

- wo men, 21 and 35 years old respectively, were confirmed with monkeypox, the Ministry of Health informed on Monday. Fii la curent cu cele mai noi stiri. Urmareste stiripesurse.ro pe Facebook stiripesurse.ro  Help your friends know more about Romania! Share this

- Prime Minister Nicolae Ciuca said on Wednesday that the Romanian officials do not take into account any "gloomy scenario" regarding the provision of natural gas and electricity for the next winter season. Fii la curent cu cele mai noi stiri. Urmareste stiripesurse.ro pe Facebook

- The Romanian tennis player Irina Begu qualified on Sunday in the eighths of the WTA 250 tournament in Cleveland (Ohio/USA), worth USD 251,750, after defeating the American Peyton Stearns, 6-4 6-3. Fii la curent cu cele mai noi stiri. Urmareste stiripesurse.ro pe Facebook stiripesurse.ro

- The turnover in Romania's wholesale trade, except of motor vehicles and motorcycles, increased in nominal terms by 28.7% unadjusted in H1 2022, y-o-y, according to data with the National Institute of Statistics (INS) published on Thursday. Fii la curent cu cele mai noi stiri. Urmareste

- Most of the proposals of the Romanian Alliance of Universities of Technology (ARUT) developed in order to improve the Educated Romania Higher Education draft law were approved following a meeting held on Friday with Minister of Education Sorin Cimpeanu, informs a press release sent to AGERPRES.

- Approximately 244,000 people, Romanian and foreign nationals, and over 57,900 means of transport underwent border checks at all of Romania's crossing points on Wednesday, on both the inbound and the outbound, the General Border Police Inspectorate (IGPF) reports. Fii la curent cu cele mai

- Vasile Tarateanu was a prominent cultural personality of the Romanian community in Ukraine, which aspirations and natural rights he promoted, Foreign Minister Bogdan Aurescu says in a message on the death of the academician. Fii la curent cu cele mai noi stiri. Urmareste stiripesurse.ro
By Press Trust of India: Mumbai, Mar 16 (PTI) State Bank of India and Qatar Airways today entered into a partnership to offer the banks corporate and retail cardholders up to 15 per cent discount on business class tickets and up to 10 per cent discount on economy fares to the US, Europe and Africa.

The offer is on both debit and credit cards and is valid for bookings done on or before April 7 for travel until September 30, the national carrier of Qatar said in a statement.

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Naveen Chawla, Qatar Airways senior manager for the Subcontinent said this partnership provides them a platform to leverage SBIs massive corporate customer base.

Qatar Airways, which had last week said was planning to set up a domestic airline here, was set up 20 years ago and has a fleet of 195 aircraft flying to 150 international destinations across six continents. PTI BEN NRB SRE

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By India Today Web Desk: Bollywood and Switzerland have had a long-standing friendship. From women in flimsy sarees to men in colourful sweaters--most of our actors have found romance against the pristine backdrop of Switzerland's snow-capped mountains and green terrains.

Taking this love and affection a step further is Ranveer Singh, who is now officially the Indian brand ambassador for Switzerland Tourism.

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In the new advertisement released by Switzerland Tourism for India, Ranveer Singh can be seen making the best of the sights and sounds of Switzerland, and the campaign this year is being called 'InLoveWithSwitzerland'.

"Our new campaign is to show people that a holiday in Switzerland can be anything you want it to be. It does not matter which age group you belong to because in Switzerland there is something for everyone. A holiday in Switzerland is all you need to get back to nature with their fun filled activities and impeccable views," Claudio Zemp, director, Switzerland Tourism India, told mediaindia.eu.

About the campaign, Ranveer Singh said, "I love travelling and experiencing everything that a country has to offer and with Switzerland that list never ends. People know Switzerland for its beauty and serenity, but it is also a wonderland for adventure enthusiasts like myself. As you can see in the TVC, my trip to Switzerland showcases a whole new side of the country; a fun and adventurous side complete with adrenaline filled activities, unique experiences and picture perfect panoramic views! I would recommend the experience to everyone and encourage everyone to add Switzerland as a must visit destination on their bucket list."

When your heart starts racing & adrenaline starts pumping, then youve truly discovered Swiss like @RanveerOfficial! #inLOVEwithSWITZERLAND pic.twitter.com/bExWwZBnUf- Switzerland Tourism (@MySwitzerlandIN) March 9, 2017

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The RSS is holding its annual Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha meet in Tamil Nadu for the first time in its 92-year-old history. The meet is aimed at boosting the morale of its cadre in the south.

By Prabhash K Dutta: After Assembly election results announced on March 11, the BJP is ruling over more than 60 per cent population of the country. The Congress and its alliances are ruling over little less than 9 per cent (8.9) population including that in Punjab.

The BJP is ruling over six of the 10 most populous states of India- Uttar Pradesh , Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Gujarat. Remaining four are Bihar, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

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In political sense, the BJP is the master of the north and the west while spreading fast in the northeast. The east remains a challenge. But, the current of the RSS seems to be in the south, where BJP is not controlling even one state.

BJP's Kerala dream fell flat last year. Tamil Nadu went with the late CM Jayalalithaa in 2015. Karnataka will go to the polls later this year.

The RSS seems to be preparing ground for the BJP in the south and in the process for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to retain power in 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

RSS ANNUAL MEET

The RSS is holding its annual Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha (ABPS) meet in Coimbatore between March 19 and 21. In its 92 year old history the RSS will be holding its annual meet for the first time in Tamil Nadu.

The ABPS is the highest decision making body of the RSS. The RSS bigwigs will analyse the activities of all its organizations and wings the ABVP, the Sevabharati, the Samskrita Bharati, the Vidya Bharati and the Bharatiya Majdoor Sangh.

About 1,500 office bearers from all the states will take part in the ABPS meet, which will also be attended by BJP president Amit Shah and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari among others.

TIMING IS CRUCIAL

The RSS' ABPS meet is being held at a crucial time in the south. There have been reports of clashes between the RSS and the ruling CPI-M in neighbouring Kerala.

Kannur has been the epicentre of political violence in Kerala. More than 400 cases of violence have been reported from Kannur since Assembly election in Kerala last year.

The incidents of political violence have seen an increase of about 30 per cent in over the last three years. The RSS meet is likely to be a morale booster for its cadre in Kerala and rest of the south.

Tamil Nadu is passing through a phase of uncertainty after Jayalalithaa's demise and conviction of AIADMK chief Sasikala. AIADMK has barely succeeded in quelling a rebellion.

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With both Jayalalithaa and Sasikala out of political equation for practical purposes the RSS senses a chance for the BJP in a state where main opposition party is no longer actively taken care of by its strongest leader.

Karnataka is going to polls later this year.

KARNATAKA IS KEY TO SOUTH

Karnataka was the BJP's first outpost in the south. But, a mishandling by BS Yeddyurappa pushed it back to the Congress's fold. However, Yeddyurappa is back in action again and making every attempt in Karnataka to exploit weakness of the Congress under Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

Siddaramaiah is considered by many Karnataka Congressmen as outsider, a non-Congress blood ruling the roost. The BJP has opened its tent for all the disgruntled Congressmen in Karnataka.

Former Congress Jayaprakash Hegde and senior party leader Rathan Singh are the latest of the lot who joined the BJP recently.

Two more former senior Congress leaders SM Krishna and SK Bangarappa are said to be waiting in the wings to join the BJP. They are likely to meet BJP president Amit Shah soon.

While the BJP is on spree to poach leaders of some reckoning in Karnataka, the RSS is busy preparing the ground for the party.

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The RSS-BJP combine is working hard to make inroads into Congress's support base in Vokkaliga community while keeping its own core among the Lingayat community intact.

With the background work being done by the RSS in the south, it is only likely that the parent organisation is trying to cover extra grounds before 2019 parliamentary elections with the aim of making it easier for Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2019 Lok Sabha elections even if the BJP takes a hit in the north owing to anti-incumbency.

ALSO READ|

Can't say attacks on BJP, RSS workers politically motivated: Karnataka govt

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Hi there, reader! Yes you, my dear, ogling at this bright page spilling into red. Its because of you that we at Zee News are all worked up! From the bossy types (hey boss its just a blog!) to the <I> chai chors</I> (the peon who is too busy looking at Mallika Sherawat on site)! All excited and taking a deep breath before plunging into the spicy world that the new India- Your India, my India- has come to live in.<br/><br/>Welcome to the heady times of a youngistan India. Where the gentlemens game has turned into a sporting orgy incomplete without a bevy firang beauties jiggling what they got, where your fav stars are willing to shake what they got with YOU on a reality show, where blogs have replaced eyes as the window to ones soul, and where the letter S truly represents everything we love- silver spoons, saucy curves, sushi, sex, street food, style, smooth skin, saree, spotlight, speaking (arguing, if a certain Sen is to be believed), soul-searching, sparkling drinks and spice.<br/><br/>Lots of the last S.<br/><br/>Its not for nothing that our land is often called the spice bowl. Since the time our ancients found spices to churn the curry culture, our <I>mirch-masala</I> has tickled many a-nose and made them stream with tears of gluttonous gratitude.<br/><br/>You see, we are like that only.<br/><br/>Celebrating birth and death, kindling a thousand lights on a moonless night, squeezing lemon into our soft-drinks, making our <I>sati-savitris</I> drench on screen with proper <I>jhtakas</I> in my-white-is whiter-than-your-white sarees, throwing colours at none other than Godthe spice train just goes on.<br/><br/>Spice is truly the way of life in India. And in such a charged atmosphere, how could we ignore the amount of fun you are having and, indeed, want to have?<br/><br/>After all underneath us all Indians is a <I>chaat </I>loving foodie who just cant do without his daily mouthful of <I>golgappa</I>. No, not even the hard news nosed nosey types (us) who like to drown themselves under the Sethusamudram or periodically choke themselves with nuclear deal dramas.<br/><br/>So it was that we decided to add some <I>tadka</I> in your- and our- life. Smelling it already? Well thats Spicezee.com brewing!<br/><br/>Its your adda, dhaba, lounge, pub, disc, mehfil- call it what you will- of glamour, glitz and girls. From Rakhi Sawants latest nakhra to Britneys newest revelation (not just the sans underwear type), from movies and music ratings to whats happening at a theatre near you, from the latest offering from Salman Rushdie to Sri Sri Ravishankars enlightening musings- Spicezee is your first and last stop on the entertainment trail.<br/><br/>Basically spicezee.com puts anything and everything about the well heeled and sought after trendsetters from India and across the world just a click away.<br/><br/>Television, Fashion, fads, funny & weird stories from around the world, Bollywood/Hollywood gossip, hotties on the dating circuit, latest pictures & videos, blogs, interviews, reviews & previews, fitness & yoga- you ask it, Spicezees got it.<br/><br/>And oh I hope you didnt miss the main ingredient of this mouth watering salami of a site, its main <I>masala</I>- You. This offering is made entirely with you in mind. You can have your say on every story posted, every picture shown, every video played- you type it, we make it live instantly.<br/><br/>Believe me you, feedback is something taken very seriously here. So bring on the compliments/<I>Wah Wahs</I>, the brickbats/<I>Chi Chis</I>- we are all ears dear reader.<br/><br/>And in the end, well a statutory warning:<br/><br/>Logging on to Spicezee.com can be intoxicating. You may feel like abandoning the eggs simmering on your pan or the sandwich grilling in the oven and find your eyes & ears glued to the computer screen. We take no responsibility for sudden wardrobe changes due to the fashion tips offered on site nor would the company be liable in case of your sudden urge to karaoke your neighbours deaf just to be published on the website. We will entertain no complaints about any rise in the number of gossip aunts who know why Katrina has become such a cat or why Amy Winehouse craves for pills. In short, click at your own risk.<br/><br/>Happy snee..ee.e.aAAAcChHOOOO..zing!<br/><br/><br/><br/><br/>
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. <br><br> 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. <br><br> 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 <i>yaar</i><br><br> Theres none to laugh at my poor jokelet me keep it to myself<br><br> 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! <br><br> 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. <br><br> 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? <br><br> 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. <br><br> 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! <br><br> 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.<br><br> 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! <br><br> 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. <br><br> 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.<br><br> 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<br><br> 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! <br><br> What did you think?
By India Today Web Desk: A few years ago, it looked like Bollywood's most eligible bachelor Salman Khan may give up his tag for Katrina Kaif, who he was with in a relationship back then. Although they are no longer together, Salman and Katrina continue to be the best of friends. With the former couple coming together in Tiger Zinda Hai and an endorsement deal for the Middle-East based fashion brand Splash, rumours are rife that they might give their relationship a second chance.

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Filmfare reports sources as saying that Salman has made it clear that he is not going to settle down with his rumoured girlfriend, Iulia Vantur. With Katrina having parted ways with Ranbir Kapoor and Salman having no long-term plans with Iulia, it is being speculated that the Ek Tha Tiger co-stars might rekindle their love.

The two are currently shooting for Tiger Zinda Hai in Austria, and Salman is reportedly making sure Katrina, who has badly injured her back, is comfortable and only shooting easy scenes.

ALSO READ: Exes Ranbir and Katrina were shooting together. Then Salman Khan arrived

ALSO WATCH: Salman Khan says Katrina is a friend, all animals are friends

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The Baadshah and Shahenshah of Bollywood are set to come together at the India Today Conclave 2017.

By India Today Web Desk: Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan are all set to bring the house down at the India Today Conclave 2017. The superstars will address the atendees at the Conclave this year, on March 18, at the Grand Hyatt in Mumbai.

Big B and SRK are to speak at a session called Unforgettables The Dream Makers Lessons from the Spotlight. The Conclave will see the two superstars discussing their life in front of the arclights, dealing with a life of stardom and more.

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Recently, Amitabh had taken to Twitter to express his admiration for SRK's performance in Raees. The original 'angry young man' of Bollywood, Big B lauded Shah Rukh's "anger." SRK, in turn, said that his inspiration was the senior actor, who perfected the act in films like Deewar and Zanjeer.

Shah Rukh and Amitabh have shared screen space in films like Mohabbatein, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham and Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna.

PHOTOS: Shah Rukh Khan with Amitabh Bachchan

ALSO WATCH: Big B, SRK and Kat groove Gangnam Style

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The release occurred after negotiations by local elders and officials with the pirates, who seized the tanker on Monday.

By AP: Somali pirates who seized a Comoros-flagged oil tanker earlier this week after five years without a major hijacking in the region have released the ship and its crew without conditions, officials said late Thursday.

Security official Ahmed Mohamed told The Associated Press the pirates disembarked the ship, which was heading to Bossaso port, the region's commercial hub, with its eight Sri Lankan crew members aboard.

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Mohamed said the release occurred after negotiations by local elders and officials with the pirates, who seized the tanker on Monday.

Naval forces from the semiautonomous state of Puntland and the pirates clashed earlier Thursday after the pirates opened fire.

FIRST HIJACKING IN 5 YEARS

The hijacking of the Comoros-flagged tanker Aris 13 was the first such seizure of a large commercial vessel off Somalia since 2012. International anti-piracy patrols on the crucial trade route had calmed such attacks, which once numbered in the hundreds.

Abdirizak Mohamed Ahmed, the director of Puntand's anti-piracy agency, confirmed the release of the ship Thursday night and said naval forces had boarded it to escort it to port.

The European Union anti-piracy operation in the region had said the pirates had been holding the crew captive and demanding a ransom.

Ahmed said the Puntland naval forces had been dispatched to the area not to free the ship by force but to cut off any supplies to the pirates.

"Attacking the ship will not help, but instead it will endanger the lives of the crew," he said.

Families of the crew members had tearfully pleaded for the men to be released unharmed. Somali pirates usually hijack ships and crew for ransom. They don't normally kill hostages unless they come under attack.

The ship had been carrying fuel from Djibouti to Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, on Monday when it was approached by men in two skiffs and the tanker issued a call for help.

The pirates told authorities that the only reason they seized the ship was in protest of the illegal fishing in the area that has threatened livelihoods, not for ransom, Mohamed said.

ALSO READ | Somali pirates hijack first commercial ship since 2012, 8 Sri Lankan sailors held hostage

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YEREVAN, MARCH 14, ARMENPRESS. The first day of President Sargyans visit to the Russian Federation concluded with the meeting at the Embassy of Armenia in Russia with the doctors and students residing in Moscow. Present at the meeting was also His Eminence Ter Ezras Archbishop Nersissian, Primate of the New Nakhijevan and Russia Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church.

The press service of the Presidents Office informed Armenpress that the President underscored in his welcoming remarks that during his foreign visits he pays special attention to the meetings with our compatriots as they present a strong base for Armenias cooperation with other countries. The President said that this is particularly true in case of Russia where the Armenian community is among the most powerful in the world.

Serzh Sargsyan noted that he was proud that the Armenian doctors of Moscow are true to their calling and continue to have a great input to the development of the area of health care and regardless of where they are at the moment, are always ready to unite for the benefit of Armenia. In that context the President recalled how last April, at the difficult for Armenia and Artsakh moment, the Armenian doctors of Moscow came to aid and stood by the young soldiers, providing medical and also moral support.

Serzh Sargsyan in his remarks spoke also of the formed and successfully developing Armenian-Russian cooperation in the area of health care. At the meeting, the participants presented their views on the works aimed at the strengthening of the Armenian-Russian cooperation, including in the area of health care and, at the Presidents suggestion, offered their views on the processes underway in Armenia.



In the evening, President Serzh Sargsyan met in the Armenian Embassy with the Russian state and political figure Sergei Stepashin. The President of Armenia awarded Sergei Stepashin with the Order of Honor for his contribution to the deepening of the allied cooperation between the Republic of Armenia and the Russian Federation, and for the strengthening and development of the Armenian-Russian friendship.
YEREVAN, MARCH 16, ARMENPRESS. President of the Central Bank of Armenia Artur Javadyan departed for Frankfurt to take part in the regular session of the Supervisory Council of the German-Armenian Fund Programs, press service of the CBA told Armenpress.

During the session the implementation process of the ongoing joint programs with the KfW Bank, as well as other issues related to the German-Armenian partnership in the financial field will be discussed.

Artur Javadyan will also have meetings with the leaders of several partner structures.
YEREVAN, MARCH 16, ARMENPRESS. A large passenger flow is expected to Armenia ahead of Novruz (Iranian New Year).

Satenik Hovhannisyan  press secretary of the General Department of the Civil Aviation, told Armenpress on March 15 292 Iranians arrived in Armenia with Tehran-Yerevan flight, 168 of which with Mahan Air airlines, and 124 with Aseman Airlines.

Today as well a flight will be carried out with the same route. 270 more passengers are expected to arrive in Yerevan, she said.

Several Iranian airlines increase the number of flights ahead of Novruz, when a big passenger flow from Iran to Armenia is expected.

Iranian airlines will operate 67 regular and charter flights March 15- April 4 from Tehran, Mashhad, Tabriz and Sari.

An average of 22 flights per week will be operated in the abovementioned period. It is expected the upcoming passenger flow will boost tourism and economic development.
YEREVAN, MARCH 16, ARMENPRESS. Deputy Speaker of Armenias Parliament Eduard Sharmazanov on March 16 held a meeting with the delegation led by Deputy Chairman of the CIS Executive Committee Viktor Guminsky who arrived in Armenia to carry out observation mission during the upcoming parliamentary election, press service of the Parliament told Armenpress.

Sharmazanov presented the guests the legislation harmonization processes after the Constitutional reforms, in particular, the discussion and adoption stages of the new Electoral Code. He assured that the Electoral Code was adopted as a result of mutual agreement between the leadership and opposition.

The Deputy Speaker stated that Armenia took the way of parliamentary system, and attached importance to the works conducted by observation missions on this path. In this context he particularly highlighted the role of CIS observers.

Mr. Sharmazanov attached importance to holding elections in accordance with the democratic standards and stated: All preconditions exist for holding transparent election which are political and civil will, new Electoral Code and new Constitution. Equal conditions are also created for all political forces on holding an election campaign.

In his turn Viktor Guminsky said their major goal is to maintain political neutrality. He stated that the changes made in the Electoral Code are revolutionary and democratic. Guminsky presented in-detail the goal of their mission and the upcoming steps.
Sonia Gandhi went abroad on March 8 night. She took ill in August last year during a road show in Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh and has remained out of public gaze ever since.

By Supriya Bhardwaj: Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi will be leaving for the United States today to be with his ailing mother Sonia.

A statement released by senior Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala said, "Congress President Smt Sonia Gandhi is travelling abroad for a health check-up. Congress Vice President, Shri Rahul Gandhi, shall travel there today to be with her and accompany Congress President on the return journey."

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Usually, it is either Rahul or daughter Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who accompany their mother for her treatment abroad, but due to the Assembly elections this year, the Congress president travelled alone to the US.

Sonia Gandhi went abroad on March 8 night. She took ill in August last year during a road show in Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh and has remained out of public gaze ever since.

Because of her illness, Sonia Gandhi did not even campaign during the recent elections in five states, including Uttar Pradesh.

RAHUL'S TRIP AMID CONGRESS INTROSPECTION

Rahul's trip abroad comes amid calls within the party for "structural change" after the Congress's disastrous showing in the crucial election in Uttar Pradesh, where the party won just seven seats.

Earlier today, veteran Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar also said there is a need to bring change in the Congress leadership.

"The place that we once had in India's polity is now diminished," Aiyar said. He suggested that young leaders should be made Congress General Secretaries while "the old experienced people" should be in the Congress Working Committee.

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YEREVAN, MARCH 16, ARMENPRESS. The Russian side will provide 50 million USD to the Armenian-Russian investment Fund at the initial stage, Minister of Economic Development and Investments Suren Karayan told reporters after the Cabinet meeting, reports Armenpress.

In the first stage the Russian side will provide at least 50 million USD and we as well will allocate respective funds. Depending on investment programs these funds can constantly increase, the Minister said.

Asked what information are there from Russian businessmen, who promised to make investments in Armenia, the Minister urged to wait a little. If you wait a little, they plan to visit Armenia in late March and will issue a statement, Suren Karayan said.

The Minister said during the recent visit in France 2-3 companies expressed a wish to make investments in Armenia. They will visit Armenia soon to make investments mainly in the pharmaceutical, food industry field. Minister Karayan added that the foreign investors are interested in Armenia since they are having a chance to enter big markets. That is the market of the Eurasian Economic Union, that are the privileged regimes we use, that is GSP+ liberalized regime with the EU, he said, adding that this year at least 850 million USD investment is going to be carried out in Armenia.

These investments are already carried out, and we will present a quarterly public report, Suren Karayan said, expressing hope that the construction works of Meghri free economic zone will launch in upcoming two or three months.

As a result of the agreements reached between Armenia's Minister of Economic Development and Investments Suren Karayan and Russia's Minister of Industry and Trade Denis Manturov on March 3, the Russian Direct Investment Fund and Armenias SME investments universal credit organization signed an agreement on March 14 to establish Armenian-Russian investment fund.
YEREVAN, MARCH 16, ARMENPRESS. 2.2 billion AMD agricultural equipment will be sold in Armenia under the leasing program, and the state will subsidize 120 million AMD, Agriculture Minister Ignati Arakelyan told reporters after the Cabinet session on March 16, reports Armenpress.

This is not the total money that can solve modernization of agricultural equipment in Armenia, but this is the beginning, we will see the demand, the reality and will move forward based on this, the Minister said, adding that they are discussing to launch centralized machinery station program which will provide service to small businesses that do not have an opportunity to buy agricultural machinery.

The Minister said nearly 70% of Armenias agricultural machinery is old since it is being used for more than 20 years. By this program we are trying to solve an issue of an initial stage. Of course, the issue will not be totally solved since more money and investments are needed, but this is the beginning, he said.

On March 16 the Government approved the draft state support program for leasing of agricultural equipment.
YEREVAN, MARCH 16, ARMENPRESS. The construction works of Meghri free economic zone will launch in one-two months, Minister of Economic Development and Investments Suren Karayan told reporters after the Cabinet session on March 16, Armenpress reported.

The Government will soon approve the draft of free trade zone, the Minister said.

It is expected that during 10 years 100-120 companies will be involved and 350-400 million USD investment will be made in free economic zone. Those companies are expected to increase Armenias export by 100-120 million USD mainly to the countries of the Eurasian Economic Union, Iran, the Middle East and Central Asia.

As a result of their activity, it is expected to have 2500 new jobs. The free zone will be on the border with Iran, on 35 ha of land, with the possibility to be expanded by 10 ha.
YEREVAN, MARCH 16, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs that on March 16 the USD exchange rate was 483.95 AMD which is a decrease of 0.21 AMD compared to the previous day.

Armenpress reports that the Euro increased by 3.84 AMD forming 518.41 AMD. British pound increased by 2.16 AMD forming 592.84 AMD, Russian ruble increased by 0.14 AMD standing at 8.34 AMD on March 16.

The prices for precious metals are as follows: the price for silver per gram is 263.11 AMD, gold-18,652.55 AMD, and platinum-14,516.88 AMD.
YEREVAN, MARCH 16, ARMENPRESS. In the negotiations over Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement we must adopt a policy that will never harm the dignity of the people of Artsakh and will rule out any possibility of a military solution, Prime Minister of Armenia, deputy chairman of the ruling Republican Party Karen Karapetyan told the citizens of Yerevans Arabkir district in the sidelines of the electoral campaign.

First of all we should have a strong and combat ready army so as to kill the desire of our adversary to solve the issue through military ways, Armenpress reports Karapetyan saying.

He added that in the negotiations over Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement Armenia must adopt a policy that will never harm the dignity of the people of Artsakh.

According to the PM, they also have a rationale option of solving the issue through negotiations by evading any military escalation.
YEREVAN, MARCH 16, ARMENPRESS. At the initiative of the Center for Mediterranean, Middle East and Islamic Studies of the University of Peloponnese, the ARF Armenian National Committee of Greece, and the Institute of International Relations of the Panteion University, an event entitled "Stability and Security in the Caucasus: the Situation in Nagorno Karabakh" took place on March 15. It was attended by Patriarchal Vicar Archbishop Komitas Ohanian, Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to Greece Fadei Charchoghlyan, independent member of the Greek Parliament Haris Theoharis, representatives of the Armenian community organizations, lecturers, students, and journalists.

The keynote speaker at the event was Foreign Minister of the Republic of Artsakh Karen Mirzoyan who briefed on the processes taking place in Artsakh, the history of the Azerbaijani-Karabakh conflict, the current stage of its settlement process, as well as a range of issues related to regional security.

In his speech, the Foreign Minister stressed that the stance of Azerbaijani authorities that has been based on the use of force and threat of force is the main reason for maintaining tension in the region and is one of the principle obstacles in the conflict settlement process. In this context, he noted that Azerbaijani actions aimed at the consistent escalation of the situation, especially in the recent period, and its full unwillingness to achieve a peaceful and lasting settlement of the conflict prove that Azerbaijan for advancing its political interests is ready to resort to extreme measures, right up to launching military operations, and that is exactly what happened in April 2016.

The Minister stressed that only thanks to the resolute actions of the Defense Army of Artsakh it was possible to prevent the further expansion of the military aggression and to force Azerbaijan to observe the ceasefire. This indicates the important role of the Republic of Artsakh as an integral part of the regional security system and a security provider.

Touching upon the conflict settlement process, Karen Mirzoyan noted that the April aggression cast doubt on the prospects for the peaceful settlement and stressed that in this situation, the priority is to create conditions for the resumption of full-fledged negotiations, in particular, the full restoration of the ceasefire provided for by the 1994 and 1995 agreements, as well as the immediate implementation of the agreements reached in Vienna on May 16, 2016 and in St. Petersburg on June 20, 2016.

Speaking of the state-building processes in Artsakh, the Foreign Minister said, "The democratic development of the statehood of Artsakh is an irreversible process, a vivid evidence of which is the adoption of the new Constitution on February 20, 2017. Regardless of the challenges we face, the Republic of Artsakh will not deviate from its democratic path and will continue the struggle for the recognition of its self-determination by the international community".

At the end of the event, Karen Mirzoyan answered the numerous questions of the participants.

The working visit of the Foreign Minister of Artsakh to Greece has ended.
On August 7, Britain's Serious Fraud Office said it had opened a criminal probe into alleged fraud, bribery and corruption "concerning third-party consultants"

Airbus said on Thursday that a British corruption probe into the aerospace giant had now been extended to France.

On August 7, Britain's Serious Fraud Office said it had opened a criminal probe into alleged fraud, bribery and corruption "concerning third-party consultants."

"Airbus has now been informed that the French authorities... had also opened a preliminary investigation into the same subject and that the two authorities will act in coordination," Airbus said in a statement on Thursday.

"Airbus will cooperate fully with both authorities," it added.

Airbus last year said it had informed the British authorities of irregularities in April.

The same month the UK Export Finance agency decided to suspend export credits to the firm, a move followed by France and Germany.

On February 16, Austria filed a lawsuit against Airbus over a two-billion-euro ($2.15-billion) 2003 order for Eurofighters, saying it had been a victim of "fraudulent deception."

It is claiming 1.1 billion euros in damages.

In 2012, Austrian and German authorities launched a probe into Airbus, previously called EADS, to investigate whether officials had been paid millions of euros through advisory firms to secure the contract.

The Eurofighter Typhoon is a major prestige product for the European defence industry, with 475 aircraft delivered so far to Germany, Britain, Italy and Spain, as well as to Austria and Saudi Arabia.

The four founding nations in the consortium -- Germany, Spain, Britain and Italy -? all use the planes in their own air forces. Other contracts have been signed with Oman and Kuwait.

Austria was the first country outside the consortium to sign up, ordering in 2003 18 of the aircraft, which then dropped to 15 because of budgetary constraints.

In late January, Airbus agreed to pay tens of millions of euros in additional taxes in Germany over a 90-million-euro payment linked to the Austrian Eurofighter contract.
German airline group Lufthansa said Thursday it achieved a record net profit in 2016, but offered only modest forecasts for the current year, squeezed between falling prices and higher costs.

The Frankfurt-based firm reported net profit of 1.78 billion euros ($1.9 billion) for last year in a statement, a 4.6-percent increase on 2015's figure and in line with its own and analysts' expectations.

"In a very demanding market environment, we successfully kept the Lufthansa Group's margins at their record prior-year levels," chief executive Carsten Spohr said at a Munich press conference.

Spohr pointed to a successful cost-cutting programme as one of the main factors supporting the group's performance.

And a pay and pensions deal executives struck with cabin crew made up a large share of 2016's profit, adding some 650 million euros to Lufthansa's bottom line.

Lower fuel costs during 2016, relating to a trough in oil prices towards the start of the year, also lent the group a tailwind visible in its profits.

- Between two fires -

That lift now belongs to the past, with Lufthansa expecting to be squeezed in 2017 as intense competition drives down airline ticket prices, while more expensive oil pushes fuel costs back skywards.

The group will have to "further reduce our costs," Spohr said, warning that he expects underlying, or operating profits to come in "slightly lower" this year than last.

At 31.7 billion euros, Lufthansa's revenues in 2016 remained at around the same level as the previous year, when it brought in 32.1 billion.

Adjusting for the one-off effect of the cabin crew deal showed operating profit at 1.75 billion euros, a decrease of 3.6 percent on 2015's figure and slightly shy of the firm's 1.8-billion-euro forecast.

But there are bright spots in the future outlook as well, with Lufthansa hoping the full integration of Brussels Airlines, which it bought at the end of 2016, and a deal to lease 38 aircraft from struggling German competitor Air Berlin will make a "positive contribution to the results".

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- Peace in the skies -

Spohr also believes that the end of a long-simmering battle with pilots over pay and pensions -- with a provisional deal struck on Wednesday this week -- will perk up performance for the airline.

The five-year wage agreement will slash pensions costs and bring "savings of 150 million euros a year," Lufthansa finance director Ulrik Svensson said.

"It's a great joy for us that this conflict is finally at an end," Spohr added.

Multiple walkouts by pilots belonging to union Cockpit cost Lufthansa 351 million euros in 2014 and 2015, while a fresh wave of industrial action in November 2016 alone cost 100 million euros.

Investors in Frankfurt bought up shares in Lufthansa in the wake of the on-target results, shooting the firm to the top of the Dax index of leading German companies.

The stock was up 5.17 percent at 1310 GMT to trade at 15.16 euros.

Lufthansa plans to offer shareholders a dividend of 50 euro cents per share, the same level as last year's payout.
Newly-installed US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin came to Washington after a career in the private sector that took him from Wall Street to Hollywood

US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, on the eve of his maiden outing with the G20, insisted on Thursday that Washington had no desire to have "trade wars" with other economic powers.

Mnuchin said US President Donald Trump's administration would keep a close eye on the levels of key global currencies, but pursue policies in the interest of "economic growth that is good for the US and the rest of the world".

"It is not our desire to enter into trade wars," he said after talks with Germany's powerful finance minister, Wolfgang Schaeuble.

Their talks came on the eve of a ministerial meeting of the Group of 20, gathering the 20 biggest developed and developing economies, in the west German spa town of Baden-Baden.

"Our desire is that? when there is imbalances in trading relationships that we have a need to address that," Mnuchin said.

Schaeuble described the talks in Berlin as "friendly and constructive", calling it a "good beginning" ahead of the G20 gathering.

He admitted that Berlin and Washington did "not have consensus" on all points.

"We won't be able to solve all problems in Baden-Baden but we have a clear, mutual position, that we want to solve all problems together," he said.

"Sustainable growth and prosperity need global solutions. We established a good foundation on which to solve problems."

Germany, which holds the G20 presidency this year, is concerned Trump could upend the global economic order with his "America First" policy.

Chancellor Angela Merkel will hold her first meeting with the new US leader in Washington Friday.

Trump has already torn up the trans-Pacific free trade pact, threatened punitive tariffs against multinationals with factories outside the United States and attacked "currency manipulation" by export giant China.

White House economic advisor Peter Navarro in January accused Germany and China of taking advantage of weak currencies to build a trade surplus with the United States.

A statement is produced at the end of the two-day G20 meeting that has in past sessions consistently committed signatories to rejecting protectionism and refraining from competitive currency devaluations.

But fears are running high that this year's communique may have to sidestep the issue.
From Girlsway studioproducer of Missing: A Lesbian Crime Story, winner of Best All-Girl Movie at the 2017 AVN AwardsThe Faces of Alice shows directors Bree Mills and Stills by Alan in a lighter vein, as evidenced by its cover tagline: A Lesbian Comedy  With Personalities. After exploring the heavier genres of horror, sci-fi, film noir and fairy tales, Faces of Alice is pure funa teen comedy laced with supernatural trappings.

Ably carrying the movie is Sara Luvv as Alice, a college student whos hooking up hot and heavy with Dina (Bree Mills) but cant bring herself to make their love public by attending the Queer Prom. After a hot romp that starts out warm and cuddly but heats up to boiling, Dina calls Alice on her hypocrisy and breaks things off.

Trying to make sense of her feelings, Alice dials a crisis hotline and gets the lowdown on a local lesbian power circle from counselor Ellen (Serena Blair). But when Alice tries to conjure up the goddess Aphrodite (Adriana Sephora) to help her win Dina back, things get wildnot only in the sack with the goddess of love, but also afterward, when Alice finds herself with a double dose of split personality, alternating between the ultra-butch Al, who favors flannel, and lipstick lesbian Alicia, who prefers a satin corset.

Luvv takes great care with portraying her three personalities, changing up not only how each one looks and talks, but also how she fucks. When Al comes upon Alices bicurious roommate Christy (Cadence Lux), she totally takes charge, strap-on and allthen the dom/sub dynamic abruptly changes when Alicia enters Alices body. It makes for an exciting, varied sex scene. Even more dynamic is the final group scene, where Al, Alicia, Alice and even Dina meld with the lesbian power circle.

This is Luvvs show, and she pulls off the demanding multiple roles, buoyed by a good script by Mills, the usual polished Girlsway production values and a cast of luscious co-stars. What more could a fan of girl/girl porn want?
China said on Tuesday that it was waiting for an official word on why Japan plans to send the warship on the tour through the South China Sea, but that it hoped Japan would be responsible.

By Reuters: China on Thursday pledged a firm response if Japan stirs up trouble in the South China Sea, after Reuters reported on a Japanese plan to send its largest warship to the disputed waters.

The Izumo helicopter carrier, commissioned only two years ago, will make stops in Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines and Sri Lanka before joining the Malabar joint naval exercise with Indian and US naval vessels in the Indian Ocean in July, sources told Reuters.

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The trip would be Japan's biggest show of naval force in the region since World War Two.

"If Japan persists in taking wrong actions, and even considers military interventions that threaten China's sovereignty and security... then China will inevitably take firm responsive measures," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said at a regular press briefing.

SOUTH CHINA SEA TOUR

China said on Tuesday that it was waiting for an official word on why Japan plans to send the warship on the tour through the South China Sea, but that it hoped Japan would be responsible.

Hua did not say on Thursday if China had received confirmation of the plan, but said that the South China Sea issue did not involved Japan and that the country should "reflect deeply" on its "disgraceful" past invasion of the Paracel and Spratly Islands.

Japan controlled the islands during World War Two until its surrender in 1945.

China claims almost all the South China Sea and its growing military presence in the waterway has fuelled concern in Japan and the West, with the United States holding regular air and naval patrols to ensure freedom of navigation.

Taiwan, Malaysia, Vietnam, the Philippines and Brunei also claim parts of the sea which has rich fishing grounds, oil and gas deposits and through which around $5 trillion of global sea-borne trade passes each year.

EAST CHINA SEA DISPUTE

Japan does not have any claim to the waters, but has a separate maritime dispute with China in the East China Sea.

China regularly states that the dispute should be resolved without interference from non-claimants.

Beijing has been speaking with 10 members of the Association of South East Asian Nations since 2010 to agree to a set of rules aimed at avoiding conflict in the South China Sea.

Addressing a news conference at the end of the annual meeting of China's parliament on Wednesday, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said that China hopes to push forward with the negotiations for the code of conduct to maintain stability.

--- ENDS ---
FILE PHOTO: An oil pump jack pumps oil in a field near Calgary, Alberta, Canada on July 21, 2014. REUTERS/Todd Korol/File Photo

By Ethan Lou

CALGARY, Alberta (Reuters) - The Canadian crude-producing province of Alberta will post a higher-than-expected budget deficit of C$10.3 billion (US$7.73 billion) in the coming fiscal year, it said on Thursday, raising spending as its economy recovers.

Alberta, home to Canada's oil sands and the No. 1 exporter of crude to the United States, has benefited from higher global crude prices since a long decline bottomed out at $26 a barrel last year.

That recovery, along with a pickup in manufacturing exports, have boosted Alberta's economy, which will grow by 2.6 percent in 2017, according to the province.

Nonrenewable resources revenue, including from oil and gas, will increase to C$3.8 billion. The projected deficit for 2017-18 was higher than the C$10.1 billion forecasted last year, but lower than 2016-17's C$10.4 billion, which itself had been revised to become lower than expected.

But the province's left-leaning New Democratic Party government, which swept to victory in 2015, said it was prepared to tolerate deficits. Thursday's budget, with C$29.5 billion in capital spending over four years, reiterated that the province would protect public services.

The budget is for fiscal 2017-2018 which begins on April 1.

Finance Minister Joe Ceci told a news conference an increase of 2.2 percent of the province's operating expenses to C$55 billion was more than previously forecast, but the government may have a lower deficit for 2017-18 if it does not encounter unexpected spending.

"We will continue to bring the deficit down to balance and we will do so without sacrificing the supports and services families need," Ceci said.

Alberta will borrow heavily to fund its fiscal plan, with total debt hitting C$71.1 billion, or 19.5 percent of nominal GDP, by 2019-20. The province's target of 2024 for balancing the books remains, it said.

Alberta forecast newly approved pipelines that move its landlocked crude will spur production, boosting revenue from royalty payments by up to C$9 billion between 2017 and 2022.

The province will earn more than C$1 billion from a new carbon levy in 2017-18, the first full year the measure is in place. By 2020 Alberta expects the levy to raise C$5.4 billion, all of which would be funnelled into green projects, consumer rebates and a small-business tax reduction.

(Additional reporting by Nia Williams in Calgary, Alberta; Editing by Matthew Lewis)
This is how Americas newest restaurants are giving us healthy, affordable fast food

For decades, fast in the restaurant world was largely the domain of Ronald McDonald and the Burger King. The food was cheap in pricetwo burgers for a buck!and, as we would come to learn, equally skint when it came to nutrition. Thirty years ago, however, a national awareness of the high cost of this cheap food began to percolate (if slowly). In addition to the launch of this magazine, 1987 was also the year Congress proposed the Fast Food Ingredient Information Act. It died in Congress, but the seeds of a revolution had been planted.

Today, those seeds are sprouting: Health-conscious fast-food and fast-casual restaurants are on the fast track to places that would have seemed very unlikely to Reagan-era America.

In the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles, two high-powered chefs have taken on fast food and fortified it with high-quality ingredients, swapping feedlot beef for patties with a pasture pedigree and incorporating other nutritional nuggets in hopes of showing an underprivileged community that a $4 cheeseburger need not be a passport to obesity.

The problem is, in a lot of our communities, junk food is the real food and the real food is few and far between, says Roy Choi (@RidingShotgunLA), the LA food truck superstar who, along with his business partner Daniel Patterson (@dcpatterson), recently opened LocoL (@welocol), a fast-food outlet with a health-food mission. Healthy means more than nutrition, adds Choi. It means honest dialogue and taking action. Every little thing matters.

A post shared by LocoL (@welocol) on Mar 12, 2017 at 12:30pm PDT

The star of LocoLs menu is the Cheeseburgan upgrade to the ubiquitous, traditional fast-food burgerwhich comes sandwiched in a golden-brown griddled bun that has a slightly tangy flavor due to long fermentation. The meaty, umami-rich patty is 70% Niman Ranch ground beef mixed with a 30% whole-grain mixture, including quinoa, thats been enhanced with chef-y staples such as fish sauce, seaweed, and tofu. The patty comes slicked with melted jack cheese, scallion relish, crunchy lettuce, and a spicy tomato concoction called Awesome Sauce. The menu includes other Burgs and Bowls, including turkey chili and a chopped salad.

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LocoLs offerings check all of the fast-food boxes: cheap, filling, and craveablebut without the narcotic sodium, sugar, and fat bombs that spike blood sugar in the usual order. In other words, you dont walk away from LocoL in need of a nap.

The origin story of LocoLa mash-up of the words local and loco, which means crazy in Spanish begins in 2013, some 5,590 miles from Watts, in Copenhagen, Denmark, at the MAD Symposium, the premier international culinary conference. Choi gave an emotional talk about poverty and hunger in Los Angeles and challenged some of the most influential chefs in the world to provide better food in inner cities. His talk inspired Patterson, the two-Michelin-starred Bay Area chef-owner of Coi and director of The Cooking Project, a nonprofit designed to make good food more accessible in San Francisco. Within a year, the duo had hatched the concept of the first-ever chef-owned and operated fast-food chain. They secured investment and recruited other culinary stars to sit on the board.

A post shared by Papi (@ridingshotgunla) on Mar 1, 2017 at 8:43am PST

Choi and Patterson engineered a menu and breezy space designed to change the perceptions about what cheap, accessible food can look, feel, smell, taste, and sound like. (That sound? Buoyant 90s-era hip-hop.) They opened first in Watts, a veritable food desert where the median household income is $25,161, and hired from within the neighborhood in an attempt to revolutionize a notorious industry.

Since LocoL opened its screen doors in early 2016, Choi and Patterson have added a food truck (naturally, given Chois four-wheeled Korean taco empire) and bakery commissary, and the team launched a second LocoL outpost in the Uptown neighborhood of Oakland, California. The model: Sell affordable, nourishing food in neighborhoods where it can be the hardest to find. Eventually, scale up to enter more communities in need of local jobs and good fresh food.

Which would be a dream come true for Tamika Lang.

I hope its the future of fast food, says the 36-year-old Angeleno, who lunched with her husband, Yoshado Lang, over a Fried Chicken Burg and Chili on LocoLs sunny back patio. Why would you want to go to McDonalds when you have this?

Recently, The New York Times flew its chief restaurant critic Pete Wells out to Oakland to answer that question. He answered with a zero-star review of LocoL, comparing its menu to hospital food: The most nutritious burger on earth wont help you if you dont want to eat it, Wells wrote.

The takedown sparked a passionate defense of LocoL as a social movement on the Times comments section. Choi didnt punch back. The truth is that LocoL has hit a nerve, he shared with his followers on Instagram. Doesnt mean all people love it, some hate it. But no one is indifferent by it.

LocoL may be just the tip of the iceberg. Fourteen miles north of LocoL sits Sqirl, a tiny, delicious, all-day restaurant with an outsize influence on how The New Healthy set eats today. Jessica Koslow (@SQIRLLA), Sqirls chef-owner, spins a pantry of jams, sprouted whole grains, fermentations, and local produce into deceptively layered dishes like her iconic Sorrel Pesto Rice Bowl. Koslow, who is opening a new restaurant this summer, is a star of New California cooking in a city that has long been the beachhead for healthy food trends. She is also helping to push forward the new take on fast food: Last fall, trendy fast-casual salad outfit Sweetgreen, which had relocated its HQ from Washington, D.C., to Los Angeles, offered a limited-edition Sqirl Dinner Bowl punctuated with that sorrel pesto.

A post shared by Sqirl (@sqirlla) on Feb 25, 2017 at 7:28am PST

Other big-deal chefs are also embracing the trend. In Washington, D.C., Spanish-American chef Jose Andres, a National Humanities Medal winner, launched the veg-focused fast-casual chain Beefsteak (named after the tomato). The startup recently hired a chief of produce to source seasonal, sustainably grown produce as the chain expands (it currently has five locations across D.C. and Philadelphia). And in New York City and Boston, the expansion-minded Dig Inn, a scratch cooking outfit, will open its 18th location soon. The chainlets founders preach mindful sourcing from local farmers and a menu of mostly vegetables, with meat used for flavor rather than filler.

Of course, maturing chains like the Mediterranean-leaning Zoes Kitchen (190 locations in 22 states), founded in 1995 in Birmingham, Alabama, helped pave the way for new kids on the block. Now, even traditional casual chains, such as The Cheesecake Factory, are acquiring minority stakes in healthy fast-casual brands to get in on the action.

The industry favors better for you over healthy. Whatever you call it, whats driving the growth is a turning of the tide against mass-produced and processed food.

What middle America appreciates is the fact that the food is made on the premises. You can tell the quality of the food by how it tastes, says Jason Morgan, managing partner of Hargett Hunter Capital Partners, a Raleigh, North Carolinabased firm that invests in fast-casual concepts like Original ChopShop Co., based in Arizona. You feel better after you eat the food. You feel good because the food is clean, the food is fresh, it is made from whole ingredients.

A post shared by Original ChopShop (@originalchopshop) on Feb 27, 2017 at 9:00am PST

Variety, from items like protein shakes, chopped salads, and bowls, bring people back multiple times a week, Morgan says: Theres nowhere else to get the food theyre getting unless theyre cooking it in their own house.

The shifting plate tectonics from upstarts like LocoL and Sweetgreen can be felt by the fast-food giants, who are retooling their own menus in order to catch up with consumer demand for all things fresh. In the past two years, McDonalds has announced its eliminating high-fructose corn syrup from its buns, ending the use of certain antibiotics in its chickens, and switching to cage-free eggs by 2025. A dozen more brands, including Taco Bell and Starbucks, followed with their own pledges to use cage-free eggs.

Meanwhile, at LocoL, Choi defines progress in the long term: Healthy food is getting back to reeducating ourselves and pressuring the corporations and the companies to stop infiltrating these empty calories [into] our communities, says Choi. [We need] to really focus on our family structure. Life structure. Educational structure.

This article originally appeared in CookingLight by Hunter Lewis.

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Canada's Finance Minister Bill Morneau speaks during Question Period in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, March 6, 2017. REUTERS/Chris Wattie

FRANKFURT (Reuters) - Canada's finance minister opened the door on Thursday to changing the North American Free Trade Agreement and said "anxiety" over the demands of new U.S. President Donald Trump was fading after positive meetings.

"Trump said... (NAFTA) needs to be tweaked. Our view is that something can always be improved," Canada's minister of finance Bill Morneau told a conference in Frankfurt, Germany.

He later added: "That anxiety is diminishing over time (after) positive meetings with President Trump and his team just a few weeks ago."

(Reporting By Francesco Canepa; Editing by Hugh Lawson)
A logo of Indian Oil is picture outside a fuel station in New Delhi, India August 29, 2016. REUTERS/Adnan Abidi

CALGARY, Alberta/NEW DELHI (Reuters) - Indian Oil Corp (NSE:IOC.NS - News) became India's first refiner to buy light sweet Hibernia crude from Canada's largest oil company, doing the deal after the opening of the arbitrage for Canadian oil to flow to Asia.

A decision by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to cut output strengthened Middle East benchmark Dubai against other regional markers, allowing oil from the Americas and Europe to be shipped to Asia at competitive prices.

Production in North America, led by U.S. shale output, is increasing after supply cuts by OPEC and non-OPEC countries pushed oil prices to above $50 a barrel.

This was also the first time that Suncor Energy (Toronto:SU.TO - News) has sold a cargo of offshore Canadian crude to IOC, a Suncor spokeswoman Sneh Seetal said on Wednesday.

Seetal declined to say how big the cargo was or when it would load, but confirmed Canada's biggest oil company had won an Indian Oil Corp tender.

"We do market our offshore crude production globally on an opportunistic basis," she said.

Trade sources said Suncor sold the 1 million barrel cargo of Hibernia crude to IOC on a free on board basis. Separately, IOC has also bought its first Russian Urals crude cargo in about a year in another tender.

IOC previously bought a cargo of Canadian White Rose oil in November 2013. State-refiners like IOC were last year given the freedom to draw up the crude import strategies that would allow them to make swift gains from changing market dynamics.

News of the Suncor cargo comes after market sources this week said two other vessels carrying Atlantic Canadian crude are on their way to China.

The Stena Suede and the Jag Lalit, both Suezmaxes, loaded at Whiffen Head terminal, Newfoundland, according to Reuters ship tracking data. At least one of them was sold by Husky Energy (Toronto:HSE.TO - News) to buyer PetroChina (Shanghai:601857.SS - News), two sources said.

Husky had said in February it sold its first one-million-barrel cargo of offshore Atlantic Canada crude bound for China from its White Rose field.

At the time a Husky spokesman said low shipping rates helped make the transaction worthwhile.

(Reporting by Nia Williams in CALGARY and Nidhi Verma in NEW DELHI; Editing by Leslie Adler, Sandra Maler and Tom Hogue)
By Elaine Lies and Kiyoshi Takenaka TOKYO (Reuters) - The escalating threat from North Korea's nuclear program shows a clear need for a "new approach," U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said on Thursday, although he did not say what the Trump administration planned. It was the first time that Tillerson, who was speaking at a joint news conference in Tokyo after talks with Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida, had taken questions from the media since taking office in early February. Two decades of diplomatic and other efforts, including U.S. aid for North Korea, had failed to achieve the goal of denuclearizing Pyongyang, said Tillerson, a former oil executive with no prior diplomatic experience, at the start of his first trip to Asia as secretary of state. "So we have 20 years of failed approach," Tillerson said. "That includes a period where the United States has provided $1.35 billion in assistance to North Korea as an encouragement to take a different pathway." "In the face of this ever-escalating threat, it is clear that a different approach is required. Part of the purpose of my visit to the region is to exchange views on a new approach," he said. A Japanese foreign ministry official said U.S. officials had discussed potential new approaches regarding North Korea, but he declined to elaborate. As Tillerson presses the Chinese to do more to rein in North Korea's nuclear and missile programs, he is expected to tell them the United States intends to increase missile defense in the region, despite Beijing's strong opposition, a U.S. official told Reuters in Washington. An advanced U.S. anti-missile system is being installed in South Korea, and the official said the Trump administration wants to discuss similar improvements with Japan. Tillerson visits South Korea and China later in the week. Tillerson is also likely to raise the prospects for imposing "secondary sanctions" on Chinese banks and other firms doing business with North Korea, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. It is among the options being considered in a full review of North Korea policy expected to be completed by late March or early April, the official said.State Department spokesman Mark Toner said on Wednesday Tillerson will have "substantive, hard" talks on next steps in dealing with North Korea but that his visit was not likely to produce an immediate specific response. In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying repeated Foreign Minister Wang Yi's proposal last week that North Korea should stop its nuclear and missile tests and South Korea and the United States should stop joint military drills and seek talks instead. "We welcome all parties, including the United States, to come up with their own proposals," Hua told a daily news briefing. "As long as these proposals are conducive to ameliorating the present tense situation on the Korean peninsula and are beneficial to maintaining regional peace and stability ... China will have an open attitude." Tillerson made it clear he expected China, North Korea's sole major ally, to do more. "We will be having discussions with China as to further actions we believe they might consider taking that would be helpful to bringing North Korea to a different attitude about its future need for nuclear weapons," he said. SEEKING CLUES Tillerson's comments in Japan were eagerly watched by international observers for indications as to what they meant for the Trump administration's foreign policy. Japan is seeking clues to Washington's policies both on North Korea and China's increasing military and economic clout while hoping to steer clear of trade rows. Tillerson also held talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and had dinner with Kishida. U.S. President Donald Trump made it a hallmark of his campaign to call on allies, including Japan, to pay more for hosting U.S. forces and other elements of American protection. Tillerson issued a far gentler message at the conference, underscoring the "long-standing" U.S.-Japanese alliance. "While the security environment in this region can be challenging, the United States is committed to strengthening our role, and we welcome an increased Japanese commitment to their roles and responsibilities in our alliance," he said. Tillerson is the second member of Trump's cabinet to visit Japan. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis visited last month, and Vice President Mike Pence is due in April, underscoring U.S. concerns surrounding North Korea's missile and nuclear programs. Abe was the first foreign leader who met Trump after his November election win. North Korea last week launched four ballistic missiles, the latest in a series, and is developing nuclear-tipped missiles that can reach the United States, in defiance of U.N. Security Council resolutions and sanctions. Washington has said all options, including military, are on the table in its review of policies toward North Korea. In the final months of the Obama administration, U.S. officials warned it would blacklist Chinese companies and banks that do illicit business with North Korea if Beijing failed to enforce U.N. sanctions against Pyongyang. The United States has begun deploying the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense missile defense system in South Korea, a move China objects to strongly because it sees the system's radar as a threat to its security. Pak Myong Ho, a North Korean embassy official speaking in Beijing on Thursday, said the deployment "will destroy the balance in Northeast Asia and the Pacific region." "The radar is not aimed at just us," Pak said. "It is also aiming for China and Russia." China's assertiveness in the East China Sea, where it has a territorial row with Japan, and the South China Sea, where it has disputes with the Philippines and several other Southeast Asian nations, were also on the agenda. (Additional reporting by Christine Kim in Seoul, Matt Spetalnick and David Brunnstrom in Washington and Ben Blanchard in Beijing; Writing by Yeganeh Torbati; Editing by Nick Macfie and James Dalgleish)
Haul trucks move coal as seen during a tour of Peabody Energy's North Antelope Rochelle coal mine near Gillette, Wyoming, U.S. June 1, 2016. REUTERS/Kristina Barker

By Tracy Rucinski

ST. LOUIS (Reuters) - Peabody Energy Corp was set to receive court approval on Thursday to exit its Chapter 11 bankruptcy amid dramatically improved short-term prospects for its business compared to a year ago, when it sought Chapter 11 protection.

U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Barry Schermer said he was ready to sign an order to approve Peabody's exit from bankruptcy, pending discussions with the U.S. Department of Justice.

Alan Tenenbaum, an attorney for the U.S. government, told the court he expected to resolve differences over the plan within a half hour.

Peabody expects to emerge from bankruptcy next month with about $2 billion of debt.

Schermer overruled objections to Peabody's reorganization plan, including from a small group of creditors who complained about the company's estimated valuation of its business and the terms of a $750 million private stock sale.

A lawyer for the creditor group said they planned to appeal.

The company struck a series of last-minute deals with some opponents of its plan before Thursday's hearing, including with a group of individual investors who had argued they were wrongly blocked from a private stock sale meant to raise financing for the company.

Peabody also reached a $75 million deal to resolve a dispute with a mine workers union retirement plan.

The company settled earlier this month objections over its environmental liability policy by agreeing to cover $1.14 billion of future mine cleanups with third-party bonds.

The reorganization plan also includes a stock bonus plan for its employees with sizeable packages for Chief Executive Officer Glenn Kellow and his top five directors.

(Reporting by Tracy Rucinski; Editing by Cynthia Osterman, Bernard Orr)
By Press Trust of India: Colombo, Mar 16 (PTI) The US today said Sri Lanka has agreed to co-sponsor a resolution at the UNHRC and welcomed Colombos efforts to seek reconciliation with the minority Tamil community.

The US and other nations have tabled a draft resolution at the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) promoting reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka that reflects our enduring commitment to lasting peace and justice for all the people of Sri Lanka, a statement issued here said.

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The US worked in close consultation with the UK, Montenegro and Macedonia as well as in partnership with the Sri Lankan government to draft the resolution.

"We look forward to the adoption of the text, which will support reconciliation and justice in Sri Lanka, help ensure a non-recurrence of conflict, and strengthen democratic governance and freedoms for all Sri Lankans," the statement said.

The United States is pleased that Sri Lanka has agreed once again to co-sponsor the resolution, and invites like-minded UN members to demonstrate support for reconciliation and peace in Sri Lanka by adding their names to the list of cosponsors, it said.

The US applauds the administration of President Maithripala Sirisena for his continuing efforts to promote reconciliation, it added.

The statement comes at a time when former President Mahinda Rajapaksa has blamed the Sirisena government for negating Sri Lankas interests.

However, Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera in a sharp reaction to Rajapaksa has defended the governments action.

Rajapaksa group wants Sirisena to sack Samaraweera for agreeing to the terms in the original resolution where the UNHRC prescribed a hybrid court with local and foreign judges to probe war crimes allegations against Sri Lankan troops.

The UNHRC had adopted a US-sponsored resolution on human rights violation in Sri Lanka with 25 countries, including India, voting in favour of the document in the 47-nation strong body in March last year.

A UN rights expert asked exhorted the Lankan government to return military-occupied land and reduce the role of the army in northern areas, a long-pending demand of the ethnic Tamils since the end of the nearly three-decade-long separatist war led by the LTTE in 2009 in which thousands of civilians were killed. PTI CORR MRJ AKJ MRJ

--- ENDS ---
A Wells Fargo logo is seen in New York City, U.S. January 10, 2017. REUTERS/Stephanie Keith

By Tina Bellon

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Wells Fargo & Co's board of directors awarded Chief Executive Timothy Sloan $12.8 million for his work last year, a 17 percent increase, despite scrapping executive bonuses in light of an accounts scandal that rocked the bank last year, according to a proxy filing on Wednesday.

Sloan was CEO for only a few months in 2016. He took over after his predecessor, John Stumpf, resigned in light of revelations that thousands of Wells Fargo employees had opened perhaps millions of unauthorized customer accounts.

Sloan, 56, had been president and chief operating officer until October. Though his promotion came with a higher base salary and more long-term stock awards, his total package was less than the $19.3 million Stumpf received for 2015.

Finance chief John Shrewsberry and David Carroll, who heads wealth and investment management, also received bigger pay packages for 2016 despite the absence of bonuses.

Wells Fargo reached a $185 million settlement with regulators in September over creating what it then said could be as many as 2.1 million accounts in customers' names without their permission. The third-largest U.S. bank has since encountered more government probes and lawsuits, and its board recently said an internal review may uncover more problematic accounts.

The board plans to release its findings ahead of Wells Fargo's annual meeting on April 26, where shareholders will vote on matters in the proxy, including the election of directors, executive pay and shareholder proposals.

This year's proxy includes a proposal submitted by a group of mostly religious-affiliated activist investors who want the board to produce a report into the root causes of the sales scandal. Employees have said they were pressured by supervisors to hit aggressive sales targets that were ultimately put in place by top management.

Shareholders also submitted proposals urging the bank to consider divesting businesses, prepare a report on the gap between what it pays men and women and adopt a policy on the rights of indigenous people in light of its involvement in financing the controversial Dakota Access Pipeline.

Story continues

Wells Fargo's board urged shareholders to reject the shareholder proposals. Responding to the call for the root cause report, the proxy stated that the Wells Fargo board believes the topics that would be covered are already being addressed by other reviews underway.

A representative of the lead filer of the proposal, Nora Nash of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia, said via e-mail the group was "disappointed" by the bank's opposition since the resolution seeks information that would "set the course for real systemic change in culture, ethics, values and financial sustainability" at the bank.

"We believe that we will get a strong YES vote from shareholders," Nash wrote.

(Reporting by Tina Bellon and Ross Kerber; Editing by Bernard Orr and Himani Sarkar)
The Immigration and Refugee Board has agreed to release, with conditions, an asylum seeker who nearly died crossing into the country from the United States earlier this month.

Mamadou, 46, is originally from Ivory Coast, but had been living in the United States for ten years. He appeared Thursday at a detention review hearing at the IRB offices in Montreal.

CBC News is referring to Mamadou by his first name only because of a publication ban, which also prevents us from reporting the reasons why he fled his country of origin and why he is now seeking protection.

A New York cabbie until just weeks ago, Mamadou lived in a state of legal limbo.

When Donald Trump became president, he feared for his safety and fled north.

First he tried to enter Canada legally at the Lacolle, Que., border crossing, but he was turned back.

Under the Safe Third Country Agreement, which has been in effect since 2004, asylum seekers must make refugee claims in the first safe country in which they find themselves. Refugees who first arrive in the U.S., therefore, can't then receive asylum status in Canada.

The day after being turned away at Lacolle, Mamadou crossed into Canada illegally, nearly freezing to death in the process. He was found unconscious and taken to hospital, where he was arrested and detained.

Mamadou still faces deportation to the Ivory Coast, although it's unclear when that will happen.
By Ben Blanchard BEIJING (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia's King Salman oversaw the signing of deals worth as much as $65 billion on the first day of a visit to Beijing on Thursday, as the world's largest oil exporter looks to cement ties with the world's second-largest economy. The deals included a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between giant state oil firm Saudi Aramco [IPO-ARMO.SE] and China North Industries Group Corp (Norinco) [CNIGC.UL], to look into building refining and chemical plants in China. Saudi Basic Industries Corp (SABIC) and Sinopec, which already jointly run a chemical complex in Tinajin, also agreed to develop petrochemical projects in both China and Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia's octogenarian monarch, who has overseen the launch of an ambitious economic reform plan since his accession two years ago, is on a month-long Asian tour. The visits to countries that are some of world's fastest growing importers of Saudi oil aim to promote investment opportunities in the kingdom, including the sale of a stake in Aramco. Saudi Arabia has sought to boost oil sales to China, the world's second-largest oil market, after losing market share to Russia last year, by working mostly with China's top three state oil firms. In Beijing's cavernous Great Hall of the People, President Xi Jinping told Salman that China was a reliable and stable oil export market and the two countries should deepen cooperation. "For a long time, China and Islamic countries have respected each other and had win-win cooperation, and have created a model of the peaceful coexistence of different cultures," Xi said, according to China's Foreign Ministry. Salman told Xi he hoped China could play an even greater role in Middle East affairs, the ministry added. "Saudi Arabia is willing to work hard with China to promote global and regional peace, security and prosperity," Salman said. 'OLD FRIENDS' Deputy Chinese Foreign Minister Zhang Ming said the memorandums of understanding and letters of intent were potentially worth about $65 billion, involving everything from energy to space. "President Xi Jinping and King Salman are old friends," Zhang said. "Practical cooperation between China and Saudi Arabia has already made major achievements, and has huge potential." A statement later posted on Saudi state news agency SPA said the documents included an MoU for the kingdom to participate in China's Chang E-4 moon mission and a partnership agreement for manufacturing drones. Besides the MoUs agreed between the two governments, Saudi and Chinese companies signed 21 deals, ranging from exploring investments in oil and petrochemical plants to ecommerce and co-operating in renewable energy markets. For Saudi Aramco, the potential investments fit with its strategy to expand its refining and chemicals portfolio in its bid to diversify assets and secure long-term agreements for its oil. Beijing, for its part, has recently loosened its grip on a sector long dominated by the country's top three energy giants in an effort to boost private investment as the economy cools.The Norinco deal could involve exploring the possibility of a greenfield refinery and chemical plant in Panjin, Liaoning province, while also upgrading an existing refinery and petrochemical facility in the same location, an industry source said. "This MoU shows Aramco is determined to expand its market share in the Far East by looking beyond oil majors and working closely with new independent clients within its biggest market," said Sadad al-Husseini, an energy consultant and former senior Aramco executive. Aramco said in written statements the MoU was for the development of refinery and chemical facilities. The state oil giant also signed an MoU with Aerosun Corp for the manufacture of reinforced thermoplastic pipes and components. 'HONEST BROKER China has traditionally played little role in Middle East conflicts or diplomacy, despite its reliance on the region for oil. But it has been trying to get more involved in efforts to end Syria's six-year-old civil war, where Riyadh supports rebels battling President Bashar al-Assad. Last year China also offered support for Yemen's government, which is backed by a Saudi-led Gulf Arab coalition in a war against the Iranian-aligned Houthi movement that controls much of the country. Zhang said both the Yemen and Syria crises were discussed by Salman and Xi, and both leaders agreed that these issues must be resolved politically via talks. China has had to tread a careful line, though, as it also has close relations with Iran. Xi visited both Saudi Arabia and Iran in January last year. Next week Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visits China. One Beijing-based diplomat from a Muslim-majority country told Reuters that China was trying to play the role of "honest broker" in the Middle East, as it lacks the historical baggage of the Americans or the Europeans. "China does not take sides and that is appreciated," said the diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity. (Story corrects 18th paragraph to read "...clients within its biggest market.." instead of "...clients with its biggest market...") (Additional reporting by Reem Shamseddine in KHOBAR, Katie Paul in RIYADH and Meng Meng and Chen Aizhu in BEIJING; Editing by Clarence Fernandez, Greg Mahlich)
Like most support workers, she is highly-trained and ready to help people through tough times. But Dandy does it in a way that only a dog can, with a wagging tail and unwavering loyalty.

That makes all the difference for the people she meets, says her handler Meagan Phelps.

"That scary experience of having to relive or talk about circumstances that brought them into this situation, it's now like, 'It's going be okay, because I have a dog by my side and they're not going judge me,'" she told CBC Toronto.

The two-year-old golden Labrador retriever is Victim Services Toronto's first and only trauma dog. Her job? Providing comfort for victims of crime and sudden tragedy, one cuddle at a time.

"Right away, it was very clear that she loves people," said Bobbie McMurrich, Dandy's owner and the associate executive director at Victim Services.

McMurrich wanted a Lab of her own, but thought maybe her clients would benefit from a dog's presence. She started training Dandy for this role at just nine weeks old, bringing her into the downtown office and starting with basic obedience training. But it quickly advanced from there to prepare her for a lifetime of visits.

"Soon she was in full-time training Monday to Friday, and I'd have her on weekends," McMurrich said.

Victim Services provides support for about 20,000 people each year, including some 7,000 children and youth, McMurrich says. To ensure Dandy was properly prepared, they exposed her to various busy and loud environments, asking her to stay put through it all until told otherwise.

"She was taken on subway rides, where there were lots of crowds ... pots and pans were being dropped on the floor all around her," McMurrich said.

Toronto police's canine unit certified Dandy as a trauma dog after she passed 18 obedience requirements in January.

Since then, Dandy's handler has brought her to and from appointments with clients.

Story continues

"It makes people genuinely happy," Phelps said.

In order to pass certification, Dandy mastered these three so-called "grounding techniques" that help reduce victims' stress and anxiety:

Hug

Dandy jumps up and wraps her front legs around clients waists, and snuggles in close to their chests.

Go visit

This one is less paws-on. Dandy walks up and places her head on the person's lap and stays there for petting.

Over

Dandy gets either completely or partially on top of someone for grounding.

City needs more therapy dogs

Using dogs to treat trauma victims has increased in popularity across the country, but McMurrich says this trend is still relatively new. She says there are several dogs in Ontario alone, but Toronto only has Dandy.

Right now, Dandy can only handle two visits a day as the emotional impact on the dog can be tiring, McMurrich says.

"So as an agency that serves the entire city of Toronto, [one dog] isn't going to be enough."

In the future, McMurrich says the service will look at getting another dog, but added that it's a long process.
ASTANA (Reuters) - Syrian peace talks in Kazakhstan closed on Wednesday without any substantive negotiations taking place, after rebels boycotted the meeting that took place as a deadly double suicide bombing marked the start of the civil war's seventh year. The only concrete outcome from the third round of talks in Astana was an agreement between Russia, Turkey and Iran, who are sponsoring the negotiations, to meet again in early May, according to a joint statement. The rebels, who attended the previous rounds in the Kazakh capital refused to join this week's talks, accusing Russia of failing to uphold December's shaky ceasefire. Kazakhstan's foreign ministry said that a rebel delegation was expected to arrive in Astana on Wednesday. A rebel official confirmed that a "technical delegation" was on its way but said it was not a negotiating team. Alexander Lavrentiev, the head of the Russian delegation, told reporters that a proposal to set up commission to draft a new Syrian constitution had been discussed. This was swiftly denied by Syria's lead negotiator. "We did not discuss this at all," Bashar al Ja'afari, head of the Syrian government delegation, told reporters. U.N. Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura, who is mediating a parallel process in Geneva, told Reuters negotiations to end the war needed to speed up. He said the conflict was becoming "one of the nastiest and most cruel wars of recent years". His comments coincided with a double suicide bombing in the Syrian capital Damascus the targeted the Palace of Justice and a restaurant, killing at least 31 people. The kazakh talks come at a time when Turkey, which backs the rebels, and Russia, which supports Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, each want to disentangle themselves from the fighting. This has led them into an ad-hoc alliance, though barbs are still traded between the two. Ja'afari accused Turkey of "impeding the Astana process". Russia, Turkey and Iran agreed to hold the next meeting in Astana on May 3 and 4. Six years since the start of the uprising, Assad is winning on the battlefield but Syria's civil war is far from over, with his once stable country broken into fiefdoms ruled by rebels and warlords. A Kazakh diplomat said that Russia had been the only side to have face-to-face meetings with both the Syrian government and the rebels throughout the Astana process. In a closing statement, Kazakh Deputy Foreign Minister Akylbek Kamaldinov said: "What is important is that the ceasefire is still holding and the Geneva meetings are talking place without overt hostility or derailment of the talks." (Reporting by Olzhas Auyezov and Raushan Nurshayeva; Additional reporting by Tom Perry in Beirut; Editing by Richard Lough)
Data Analytics

Intellify and Learning House Partnership Focuses on Data and Retention

Intellify Learning and The Learning House are collaborating to expand data analytics for online learning programs. The companies say they will tap into "data from systems across the student lifecycle to transform online learning programs and services" and support student retention.

Intellify's cloud-based analytics solution collects and analyzes data from a variety of campus systems, including the LMS, student information system and digital learning apps. Learning House will use the data to "assess student lifecycle activities in real time and deepen their understanding of students' needs," and apply that information to online program development, according to a news release.

"With ever-growing student expectations, providing exceptional online programs is more crucial than ever. Learning House is excited about our partnership with Intellify Learning to extract greater insights for student retention and success," said Todd Zipper, CEO of Learning House, in a statement. "Using Intellify to collect and analyze live data, Learning House will be able to take our retention services and our online programs to another level for universities and their students."

For more information, visit the Intellify and Learning House sites.
THURSDAY, March 16, 2017 (HealthDay News) -- Researchers say an experimental blood test has shown promise as a novel way to diagnose autism in children.

The test appears to be nearly 98 percent accurate in kids between the ages of 3 and 10, the researchers claimed.

"The test was able to predict autism, regardless of where on the spectrum an individual was," said study co-author Juergen Hahn, referring to varying degrees of autism severity.

"Additionally, the test indicates with very good accuracy the severity of certain autism-related conditions," added Hahn, who is head of the department of biomedical engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in Troy, N.Y.

The study was small, involving just 83 children with autism and 76 children without the disorder. More follow-up research is planned, the researchers said.

And a senior official with a leading autism advocacy group said he had some concerns about the new study.

In the United States, it's estimated that 1 in 68 children has an autism spectrum disorder. This is the term for a range of conditions that may involve problems with social skills, speech and nonverbal communication, and repetitive behaviors, according to Autism Speaks. Boys seem at higher risk than girls.

The current standard approach to diagnosing autism typically entails a consensus drawn from a group of medical professionals, including pediatricians, psychologists, occupational therapists, and speech and language experts.

But the new blood test takes a different approach, focusing instead on identifying the presence of key metabolism markers.

To test the idea, the study authors collected blood samples from all 159 children. The analysis turned out to be nearly flawless in diagnosing autism cases, the researchers said. It was also more than 96 percent accurate in identifying those children who did not have autism, the researchers added.

The findings were published March 16 in the journal PLOS Computational Biology.

Hahn said it remains unclear if the test's preliminary success would extend to children younger than 3.

"Ideally, one would like to test this on children 18 to 24 months of age," he said. "But this has not yet been done, and as such we do not know where the limits are."

Hahn added that it's also unknown whether the test might forecast the onset of autism among children who have not yet developed any clinical signs of the disorder.

Other researchers have made headway on both fronts.

A study published last month in Nature by researchers at the University of North Carolina reported that brain scans had shown early promise at predicting whether an infant under the age of 1 might develop autism in his or her second year of life.

Mathew Pletcher, vice president and head of genomic discovery at Autism Speaks, expressed reservations about the way the current blood test study was designed.

"There has been considerable work done in this area, and a number of studies have produced preliminary data suggesting the presence of a single or a combination of molecular changes that could differentiate individuals with autism from those without autism," Pletcher said.

But while the blood test study "follows very much in the footsteps of this previous work," he took issue with some of the methodology used.

Pletcher also cautioned that "it would be surprising if there was a single molecular diagnostic test that would work for all the various subtypes of autism."

Regardless, Pletcher said it would be worth repeating the analysis in a more rigorous manner, and with a larger number of participants.

More information

There's more on autism screening at U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
THURSDAY, March 16, 2017 (HealthDay News) -- How can public schools entice teens to use salad bars in the cafeteria? Promote them, researchers say.

There are about 4,800 salad bars in public schools across the United States, according to the Let's Move Salad Bars to Schools initiative. About 50 percent of high school students, 39 percent of middle school kids, and 31 percent of elementary school children now have access to salad bars at schools.

The challenge is to get students to use those salad bars, according to study author Lori Spruance. She's a health sciences professor at Brigham Young University, in Provo, Utah.

"The value of a salad bar program depends on whether students actually use the salad bar," Spruance said in a university news release. "But few studies have examined how to make that happen more effectively."

Spruance and her colleagues looked at students at 12 public schools in New Orleans, and found that teens at schools that made more effort to market their salad bars were nearly three times more likely to use them.

Examples of successful salad bar marketing to students included signs throughout the school, information in school publications and newsletters, and promoting the salad bar on a school's digital presence, such as the school website.

It's also important for parents to promote healthy eating at home, the study authors noted.

"It takes a lot of effort and time, but most children and adolescents require repeated exposures to food before they will eat them on their own," Spruance said.

"If a child is being exposed to foods at home that are served at school, the child may be more likely to eat those fruits or vegetables at school," she said.

The researchers also found that girls used salad bars more often than boys, and kids who say they prefer healthy foods used salad bars more frequently.

The study was published recently in the journal Health Education and Behavior.

More information

The American Academy of Pediatrics has more on nutrition.
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New York, March 15, 2017Russian authorities should immediately release Yuriy Baranchik, chief analytical editor of the pro-Kremlin Russian news agency Regnum, and allow him to work unobstructed, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today.

Security forces arrested Baranchik, a Belarusian citizen, in his Moscow apartment today at the request of the Belarus authorities, according to Russian and Belarusian news reports. If extradited and convicted, the journalist faces a maximum sentence of 12 years in prison on charges of inciting ethnic hatred, the reports said. Regnum reported that Baranchik had asked Russia to grant him political asylum following his arrest.

In a statement published on its website today, Belarus Investigative Committee, a law-enforcement agency, confirmed Baranchiks arrest in Moscow and accused him of having commissioned and paid for articles by Regnum contributors Sergey Shiptenko, Yuriy Pavlovets, and Dmitry Alimkin, whom Belarusian security forces arrested in December 2016 on similar charges. The journalists, whom the Investigative Committee called a criminal gang, were also critical of Lukashenkos policies. They are jailed in Belarus pending the conclusion of the investigation, according to media reports.

Belarusian state media today claimed that Baranchik, Shiptenko, Pavlovets, and Alimkin denied in an insulting manner that Belarus is a sovereign state, that Belarusian is a national language, and that they had tried to create aggression toward the Russian diaspora.

Yuriy Baranchiks only crime is to have reported critically on the administration of one of the most authoritarian countries in Europe, CPJ Deputy Executive Director Robert Mahoney said. Russian authorities should release him immediately and refuse to send him back to Belarus where he would face unjust imprisonment.

Baranchiks work for Regnum often criticized Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko and argued for a greater Russian influence in Belarus.

Modest Kolerov, Regnums editor-in-chief, called the accusations against Baranchik unscrupulous and far-fetched and the case politically motivated in an article published by Regnums website today. Following the December arrest of the three Regnum contributors, Kolerov called the journalists political prisoners.

Lukashenkos wide-ranging anti-press tactics have included broad legal restrictions on the press; politicized prosecution of journalists; imprisonments; travel bans against critical reporters; debilitating raids on independent newsrooms; and the wholesale confiscation of newspapers and seizure of reporting equipment.
12 CRPF jawas were killed after a company of the force walked into an ambush set by Maoists rebels in Chhattisgarh's Bheji area.

By Kamaljit Kaur Sandhu: Calling the ambush an intelligence and tactical failure, senior CRPF officials admit that '112 personnel of its troops of A/E 219 battalion deployed on a road opening duty' in Bheji walked into a trap laid by Maoists.

The soldiers were providing security for road construction in the area when they were ambushed by 60 heavily armed Maoists.

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The Naxals used explosive-tipped arrows to distract the attention of security forces, while attacking with landmines.

A senior CRPF officer told Mail Today, "It is not a question whether the forces were following the SOP which meant that they walk at a distance. The Maoists knew the forces would walk right in (to an L shape trap) for construction of road. Even though the road had plains around it. There was heavy vegetation, an effective camouflage for Maoist. Maoist fired from front and from one side, even as 12 soldiers were martyred. Ten weapons looted in the first 15 minutes."

With 12 soldiers killed, the 100 odd soldiers could not respond effectively, giving Maoist time to loot weapons, and disappear into the plains.

'INTEL, TACTICAL FAILURE'

A top officer of the force conceded the ambush was an intelligence and tactical failure combined with poor training. The deputy commandant was 30 minutes away, the commandant 2 hours away.

Both responded as per top CRPF officer but the ambush was over in first 15 minutes. A bruised CRPF officer faced loss and humiliation at the hand of Naxals who disappeared minutes after the encounter

The 208 Cobra battalion that was sent to recover looted weapons, found nothing but remains of a bloody ambush.

Following the episode, internal security advisor K. Vijay Kumar was amongst eight top guns who travelled on bike to visit Bheji ambush site. Accompanied by top CRPF officials and Chattisgarh police,the officials used bikes over Mine Proof Vehicle (MPV) to reach the site in order to avoid risk of being a target of IEDs.

ALSO READ | Sukma ambush: CRPF jawan from Kashmir fights for life in Raipur, family alleges government apathy

ALSO WATCH | CRPF won't celebrate Holi to pay tribute to 12 martyrs of Sukma ambush

--- ENDS ---
Donald Trump

President Donald Trump confirmed the precise reason why his new travel ban was blocked on Wednesday.

During a campaign-style speech in Nashville, Tennessee, Trump railed against a Hawaii federal judge who put his revised travel ban on hold. The new executive order was set to take effect on Thursday.

"The order he blocked was a watered down version of the first order that was also blocked by another judge and should have never been blocked to start with," Trump told the crowd.

Those words were seen as problematic, since the US Justice Department is tasked with defending the president's executive order in court.

Trump's wording is nearly identical to what critics challenging the ban have said, noting that Trump's new executive order did not do enough to address the constitutional concerns of Trump's first action on immigration. One of the most prominent changes in the order removed Iraq from the list of majority-Muslim countries from which travel to the US would be restricted.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said of Trump's new executive order last week: "A watered-down ban is still a ban." Schumer added: "Despite the administrations changes, this dangerous executive order makes us less safe, not more; it is mean-spirited, and un-American. It must be repealed."

"The ruling makes us look weak," Trump said during his Nashville speech.

California's attorney general Xavier Becerra sounded off the revised ban on Monday, saying "The Trump Administration may have changed the text of the now-discredited Muslim travel ban, but they didn't change its unconstitutional intent and effect."

"It's still an attack on people  women and children, professors and business colleagues, seniors and civic leaders  based on their religion and national origin."

NOW WATCH: People on Twitter are mocking Trump's claim that his administration is a 'fined-tuned machine'





More From Business Insider


Iran: Medieval and barbaric punishments

Iran Human Rights (MAR 15 2017): Four prisoners were reportedly hanged at Darya, Urmia's central prison (West Azerbaijan province, northwestern Iran), on drug related charges.





According to the human rights news agency, HRANA, the executions were carried out on Tuesday March 14. The prisoners have been identified as Chengiz Badozadeh, Akram Hassanpour, Vahed Hamedi, and Kiumars Freydan (also known as Delawar).





According to the report by HRANA, Mr. Freydan was sentenced to death twice in two separate case files. In one of the files, he was charged with trafficking under 100 grams of narcotics, in the other, he was charged with trafficking under 500 grams of narcotics.





One of his death sentences was reportedly commuted to life in prison. Mr. Freydan's wife is reportedly currently held in the women's ward of Urmia's central prison on drug related charges.





Mr. Freydan's father, Effendi, was reportedly hanged by Iranian authorities in September 2016.





Mr. Freydan's brother is reportedly held in Ward 14 of Urmia's central prison. Mr. Freydan's mother was reportedly released from the same prison recently.





The recent wave of executions in Iran comes at the same time time that the Iranian Parliament is reportedly reviewing a proposed bill to limit the use of the death penalty for drug related offenses.





Iran Human Rights (MAR 15 2017): Three prisoners at Zahedan Central Prison and a prisoner at Chabahar Prison were hanged on drug related charges. Both prisons are located in Iran's Sistan & Baluchestan province (southern Iran).





THREE PRISONERS HANGED





According to the Baloch Activists Campaign, three prisoners were hanged at Zahedan Central Prison on Sunday March 12 on drug related charges. The prisoners have been identified as Yar Mohammad Reigi, Ismael Reigi, and Rahim Reigi. Dozens of the family members of these prisoners reportedly gathered outside the prison the night before their executions calling on the Iranian authorities to stop their execution sentences.





ONE PRISONER HANGED





On Saturday March 11, a prisoner, identified as Manouchehr Abkhiz, was reportedly executed at Chahabar Prison on drug related charges.





Iranian official sources, including the media and the Judiciary, have not announced these four executions.





The increase in the execution of Sunni prisoners is believed to be as a result of an alleged confidential order given by Iran's Judiciary Chief to "accelerate the execution of Sunni prisoners". Molana Abdul Hamid, a Sunni Friday Prayer Imam in Zahedan, has reportedly written a letter to Iran's leader, Ali Khamenei, expressing worry about the Judiciary Chief's alleged execution order and called for a follow up into the matter.





PRISONER HANGED IN PUBLIC





Iran Human Rights (MAR 11 2017): An unidentified prisoner was reportedly executed in public on murder charges.





According to a report by the state-run news agency, Jaame Jam Online, the public execution was carried out on Thursday March 9 in the city of Yazd in front of the parking lot of Mullah Ismail mosque. The report claims that the unidentified prisoner and his brother robbed a jewellery store in August 2015 and killed the jewellery store owner's son in the process.

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Source: Iran Human Rights , March 11-15, 2017
Zaw Lin (left) and Win Zaw Htun

The Myanmar government is sending a special legal team to file a second appeal of the verdict against two migrant workers from the country who were sentenced to death in Thailand for the 2014 murder of a British couple at a Thai resort, their lawyer said Wednesday.





Zaw Lin and Win Zaw Tun, both in their early 20s, were sentenced to death by a Thai court on Dec. 24, 2015, after being found guilty of the murder of British backpacker David Miller, 24, and the rape and murder of his companion Hannah Witheridge, 23, on the resort island of Koh Tao in September 2014.





A government legal team had filed an appeal with a lower court but it was rejected on Feb. 23 of this year, though the news was not made public. The mens lawyers and activists found out about it a week later.





The death sentences can be revoked under an amnesty or be changed into a minimum punishment because the highest court in Thailand cannot impose capital punishment without solid evidence, their lawyer Aung Myo Thant told RFAs Myanmar Service.





The state is giving us full support, he said. It is sending a legal advisory team to provide assistance for when the new appeal is submitted to Thailands highest court. Right now, we are translating the documents from the First Appeals Court from Thai into the Burmese language.





A Thai Foreign Office official said the Myanmar legal team must submit new facts in its appeal, Aung Myo said, adding that those working on the case are studying a 4,000-page report about the crime.





We need to request that the deadline for the new appeal be postponed because the 30-day deadline for filing it after the sentencing is not enough time, he said.





We are working with the Myanmar Lawyers Network to extend the deadline, Aung Myo said. Under Thai law, the appeal deadline can be extended a month at a time based on reasonable facts.





One of the questionable facts in the case is the principal murder weapon, which court documents list as a hoe, he said.





But the DNA of the two suspects was not found on that hoe, he said, adding that a Thai doctor told the court that DNA could be found if a person holds something for just five seconds.





We can take up this issue in our new appeal, Aung Myo said. We know this highest court where we are submitting our appeal is a very free and impartial court, and we expect to get the truth and a fair result.





Though Zaw Lin and Win Zaw Tun at first admitted to the crime, they later recanted, saying they had made their confession under duress.





Hundreds in Myanmar staged protests in late December 2015 calling for the pair to be freed, saying the men were scapegoats in a botched Thai police investigation of the crime.





At the same time, Myanmar human rights officials appealed to their counterparts in Thailand to ensure that two remained protected by the law while they appealed their verdict.

 | Report an error, an omission, a typo; suggest a story or a new angle to an existing story; submit a piece, a comment; recommend a resource; contact the webmaster, contact us: deathpenaltynews@gmail.com



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This week, the Congressional Budget Office released its cost estimate of the House Republicans' American Health Care Act. CBO concluded that the proposal would reduce deficits by $337 billion over the next decade, but would result in an increase in the uninsured of 14 million people in 2018 and 24 million in 2026 when compared to current law.

CBO has a poor record of predicting coverage. In 2013 CBO predicted that 24 million people would be on the Obamacare exchanges, that law's health insurance marketplaces, in 2017. This year, 9.5 million are enrolled.

CBO's new estimate neglects the behavioral effects that would result from the Republican plan. By dismantling Obamacare, insurance companies would be able to offer a wider variety of plans and people would be more enthusiastic about buying them. CBO states that average premiums would decline after 2020, and this would lead to more enrollment.

Those who recall the outrage over canceled plans after passage of the Affordable Care Act, and the fury over the increased premiums over the past two years, will realize that insurance companies are not being permitted to offer plans that people want to buy. Giving them that ability again will increase coverage.

Under Obamacare, insurance companies are limited in what plans they can offer on the exchanges. All plans must contain broad, generous coverage, including maternity care, mental health coverage, drug abuse coverage and pediatric dental coverage  even for those with no children.

Grace-Marie Turner of the Galen Institute tells me, "Americans want health insurance, but they have rejected being forced to purchase the Ferrari-level coverage Obamacare requires."

The Republican plan will roll back many of these requirements so that insurance companies, subject to state regulation, will offer plans that people want to buy. Insurance companies will need to compete to attract customers. This will keep the costs down and the quality up. Just as food stamp recipients can choose their grocery stores and their food, people will be able to choose their insurance companies and their preferred policies.

Low- and middle-income Americans who are not covered by government health care programs would receive an advanceable, refundable tax credit so they could go out and buy their own insurance. The credits increase with age, and are capped at $14,000 per family.

The CBO report states that many "reductions in insurance coverage between 2018 and 2026 would stem in large part from changes in Medicaid enrollment  because some states would discontinue their expansion of eligibility." However, states would receive funds to cover low-income residents, and to cover those with serious health conditions. People could be covered at lower cost with state programs than under Medicaid. Seema Verma, architect of Indiana's successful Healthy Indiana Plan for low-income residents, has just been confirmed to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and will be able to spearhead this effort.

Repeal of the employer mandate will reduce the cost of employing workers at the low end of the income scale, resulting in more employment and fewer jobs offshored. Middle- and upper-income Americans could see higher cash wages, as employers return to these workers some of the higher cost of health insurance.

More young people will enroll under the Republican plan. Under Obamacare, older Americans were not allowed to be charged more than three times as much as younger Americans for health insurance premiums. Before 2014, older people paid five times the premium. The new bill moves the ratio back to five to one, and gives states the option to set their own ratios. This will lower the cost of insurance for young Americans, raising their voluntary participation.

Insurance companies don't want to sell Obamacare-compliant plans and people don't want to buy them. Under the Republican plan companies will offer plans people want to buy and enrollment will rise. Only a Moscow central planner could believe that coverage will fall.

This article originally appeared on U.S. News.

Diana Furchtgott-Roth is a senior fellow and director of Economics21 at the Manhattan Institute. Follow her on Twitter here.

Interested in real economic insights? Want to stay ahead of the competition? Each weekday morning, E21 delivers a short email that includes E21 exclusive commentaries and the latest market news and updates from Washington. Sign up for the E21 Morning Ebrief.
Photos of a bride kissing her crying mother at her wedding have been trending online.

Adesope met her mother in tears at some point during the ceremony.

A Nigerian bride, Adesope Patrick-Okoh, recently had her traditional wedding ceremony and during their celebration, she came in contact with her crying mother.

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It seems her mother was so overwhelmed overwhelmed with the joy of the daughter getting married that it brought tears to her eyes. The daughter, who shares a deep bond with her, then planted a kiss on her crying mothers lips to comfort her.

She kissed her mother as a sign of love and comfort.

READ ALSO: Mercy Johnson's husband responds to her new political appointment and it's so sweet

The touching photos soon started trending online. Other photos show the bride enjoying her ceremony as well as she and her husband kissing.

READ ALSO: This romantic proposal at a shopping mall in Lagos will make you blush (photos)

READ ALSO: Daniel Ademinokan explains why he married Stella Damasus

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Love comes in many forms and that between a mother and her daughter is one that never ends.

Watch the video below that discusses how age is a factor when it comes to marriage:

Source: Legit.ng
Kemi Olunloyo's location has finally been known after over 48 hours. She is being jailed in a Port Harcourt prison on the order of the Inspector General of Police over her story of actress Iyabo Ojo and Pastor David Ibiyeomie in adultery mess.

Kemi Olunloyo jailed in Port Harcourt prison, refused bail

Controversial journalist Kemi Olunloyo was picked up by men of the Nigeria Police on Tuesday, March 14 to an unknown location

For days many were concerned about her where about until she got the opportunity to have access to her phone on Thursday, March 16 through which she connected to her instagram page and disclosed that she was taken driven to Port Harcourt on the order of the Inspector General (IG).

She claimed the IG ordered from her arrest after Port Harcourt based pastor of Salvation Ministries Pastor David Ibiyeomie. Kemi had earlier put up a post alleging the pastor was involved in corruption and adultery mess with actress Iyabo Ojo.

READ ALSO: Nollywood actress Georgina Onuoha ready to arrest noisy journalist Kemi Olunloyo

Kemi Olunloyo alleges her arrest was over Iyabo Ojo, Pastor Ibiyeomie adultery mess

In her first post she wrote:

Dear Media, friends, fans. I was driven by the NPF to Port Harcourt on orders of the IG. Pastor David Ibiyeomie says I criminally defamed him because I posted a letter his church member sent to me alleging corruption and adultery. Both newsmakers refused to answer the allegations but Ibiyeomie called me several times to threaten me with lawsuits, death from above and misfortune. Church spokesman did the same with Danielle Ogbeche of Daily Post too. I have been charged with a cybercrime along with a Rivers state journalist who simply syndicated my story. 500 blogs did. Cybercrime? in the Nigerian constitution and remanded in prison. Next week 23rd I appear in court again for a second bail attempt. I will be in this Port Harcourt prison till then. THE PEN IS MIGHTIER THAN THE SWORD. #Journalism is not a crime. I love you all. Pls trend #FreeKOO #FreeMadamHNN. @ludovicca_iacinno pls tell the world. Tweet it to the Toronto Sun's @Joe_warmington. Pls every one let Joe know. I'm in high spirits. The NPF recommended NO bail. Police is never your friend in Nigeria. I will always be a proud international investigative journalist. I will not see my phone again for a week. Off to a Nigerian prison. Mass Comm students never give up. I don't need my powerful connections. I want the law to run its course. GOD BLESS #FREETHESHEEPLE #KEMIOLUNLOYO

READ ALSO: Kemi Olunloyo calls Seyi Laws daughter fat

Pastor David Ibiyeomie

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In another post, Kemi fondly called Madam HNNAfrica reveals Femi Fani-Kayode is her spokesman in this saga. She wrote:

FFK is my spokesman. All media to contact him. I am in Port Harcourt prison. Driven here Tuesday on orders of the IG. David Ibiyeomie of Salvation ministries says I defamed him cos I posted a letter a church member sent me alleging corruption and adultery with Iyabo Ojo. Both newsmakers will not confirm or deny the allegations. The pen is mightier than the sword. #Journalismisnotacrime. I will continue to be the best investigative journalist. #Freekoo

Kemi has been denied bail by the police and she will be arraigned in court on March 23 for a second bail attempt.

The embattled journalist has been in the habit of unveiling those she felt her corrupt and also jumps on trending topics. She also boasts of being an investigative journalist.

Can you marry somebody who is older or younger?

Source: Legit.ng
Tamil Nadu Finance Minister Jayakumar has presented a tax-free Budget while focusing more on the schemes announced during Jayalalithaa's tenure as Chief Minister.

By Pramod Madhav: Finance Minister for Tamil Nadu Jayakumar presented the Budget for the 2017-2018 after dutifully placing briefcase at Jayalalitha memorial to symbolically acquire her blessings.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister E Palanisamy also dutifully finished this duty. Even before Jayakumar could begin his Budget speech, he irked the opposition MLAs.

Jayakumar began his Budget speech by thanking jailed AIADMK chief Sasikala and her deputy TTV Dhinakaran for which Opposition leader MK Stalin immediately stood and raised objection.

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SHARP EXCHANGES IN ASSEMBLY

Stalin stated that it was not acceptable to the DMK that the Finance Minister spoke of a convict during Budget speech and sought the references to be expunged from the Assembly proceedings.

Tamil Nadu's Education Minister Sengottaiyan responded to Stalin's comments by saying that this was not the first time when such references were made.

Sengottaiyan said that he could cite instances where DMK did the same and quote what DMK leaders have said in the past. Sengottaiyan said that Sasikala is the general Secretary of the AIADMK and her name would be definitely used in context to thank her.

Speaker Dhanapal had to intervene who then requested Stalin to allow Jayakumar to finish his speech.

TAMIL NADU BUDGET 2017: HIGHLIGHTS Jayakumar began to read a 99-page copy of the Budget 2017-2018. The initial mention was given to the five schemes signed by Chief Minister Edapadi Palanisamy referring to PWF schemes announced by Jayalalithaa during the Assembly election. The highlight of Tamil Nadu Budget is its tax-free nature for 2017-18. It has been tax-free budgets for past three years in Tamil Nadu. However, the AIADMK government had already increased the VAT for petrol from 27 per cent to 34 per cent and of diesel from 21.4 per cent to 25 per cent prior to presentation of Budget. Apart from a repeat of the schemes announced last year by Jayalalithaa, Jayakumar assured that temporary accommodation facilities would be constructed for migrant labourers. The Budget proposes to distribute 10,000 units of special canes free of cost for the visually impaired. Diesel tax exemption for fishermen has been increased from 15,000 litres to 18,000 a boat. Rs 75 crore has been earmarked for the next global investors meet for Tamil Nadu. Finance Minister Jayakumar proposed to establish a world class Tamil Cultural Heritage Museum at Madurai. The total revenue for Tamil Nadu was projected at Rs 1,59,363 crore and the revenue expenditure was put at Rs 1,75,293 with a revenue deficit of Rs 15,930 crore. The excise duty collection has been projected at Rs 6,903 crore after factoring in the loss to be incurred on account of closing down 500 TASMAC shops. The fiscal deficit has been projected to be Rs 41,977 core or 2.79 of GDP. Jayakumar concluded by stating that the economy is slowly picking up evidently seen by increase in the GDP growth rate from 4.85 per cent in 2012-2013 to 7.94 per cent in 2016-2017.

--- ENDS ---
By Dan Levine and Mica Rosenberg HONOLULU/NEW YORK (Reuters) - Just hours before President Donald Trump's revised travel ban was set to go into effect, a U.S. federal judge in Hawaii on Wednesday issued an emergency halt to the order's implementation. The action was the latest legal blow to the administration's efforts to temporarily ban refugees as well as travellers from six predominantly Muslim countries, which the President has said is needed for national security. Trump lashed out at the judge's ruling, saying it "makes us look weak." Trump signed the new ban on March 6 in a bid to overcome legal problems with a January executive order that caused chaos at airports and sparked mass protests before a Washington judge stopped its enforcement in February. U.S. District Judge Derrick Watson put an emergency stop to the new order in response to a lawsuit filed by the state of Hawaii, which argued that the order discriminated against Muslims in violation of the U.S. Constitution. Judge Watson concluded in his ruling that while the order did not mention Islam by name, "a reasonable, objective observer ... would conclude that the Executive Order was issued with a purpose to disfavour a particular religion." Watson was appointed to the bench by former Democratic President Barack Obama. Speaking at a rally in Nashville, Trump called his revised executive order a "watered-down version" of his first. "I think we ought to go back to the first one and go all the way, which is what I wanted to do in the first place," Trump said. Trump called the judge's block "unprecedented judicial overreach" and said he will take the case "as far as it needs to go," including to the U.S. Supreme Court. The Department of Justice called the ruling "flawed both in reasoning and in scope," adding that the president has broad authority in national security matters. "The Department will continue to defend this Executive Order in the courts," it said a statement. The nation's highest court is currently split 4-4 between liberals and conservatives with Trump's pick - appeals court judge Neil Gorsuch - still awaiting confirmation. Paul Ryan, the Republican Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, said the ban was needed to improve vetting of people entering the United States in order to prevent attacks and said he had no doubt that it would be upheld by higher courts. REBUKE Watson's order is only temporary until the broader arguments in the case can be heard. He set an expedited hearing schedule to determine if his ruling should be extended. Trump's first travel order was more sweeping than the second revised order. Like the current one, it barred citizens of Iran, Libya, Syria, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen from entering the country for 90 days, but it also included Iraq, which was subsequently taken off the list. Refugees were blocked from entering the country for 120 days in both orders, but an indefinite ban on all refugees from Syria was dropped in the new one. The revised ban also excluded legal permanent residents and existing visa holders. It provided a series of waivers for various categories of immigrants with ties to the United States. Hawaii and other opponents of the ban claimed that the motivation behind it was Trump's campaign promise of "a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States." The government, in its court filings cautioned the court against looking for secret motives in the executive order and against performing "judicial psychoanalysis of a drafters heart of heart." Watson said he did not need to do that, because evidence of motive could be found in the president's public statements. He said he did not give credence to the government's argument that the order was not anti-Muslim because it targeted only a small percentage of Muslim-majority countries. "The notion that one can demonstrate animus toward any group of people only by targeting all of them at once is fundamentally flawed," the judge wrote. SEVERAL CASES The case was one of several moving through U.S. courts on Wednesday that were brought by states' attorneys general and immigrant advocacy groups. In Maryland, refugee resettlement agencies represented by the American Civil Liberties Union and the National Immigration Law Center argued in court for a restraining order. In Washington state, a group of plaintiffs applying for immigrant visas asked U.S. District Judge James Robart in Seattle - who suspended the first ban - to stop the new order. Robart was appointed to the bench by Republican former President George W. Bush. Both Judge Robart and U.S. District Judge Theodore Chuang in Maryland said they would issue written rulings in their cases, but did not specify a time line. Washington state, joined by California, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York and Oregon, said in court filings they supported the plaintiffs in Seattle. If more judges side with Watson, the government's case may be harder to make at higher courts. The 9th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals upheld Robart's ruling against the first ban and Watson referenced that decision in his order. Various groups and companies said they would be harmed by the travel restrictions. A group of 58 technology companies, including Airbnb Inc, Lyft Inc and Dropbox Inc, filed a "friend of the court" brief in the case saying the order hurt their ability to recruit the best talent from around the world. A longer list of companies, including Apple Inc , Facebook Inc and Alphabet Inc's Google - filed a brief opposing the first ban in a different court challenge brought by Washington state, which is ongoing. It was not immediately clear why fewer tech companies signed on to the brief this time around. (Reporting by Dan Levine in Honolulu and Mica Rosenberg in New York; Additional reporting Ian Simpson in Greenbelt, Maryland, Jonathan Allen in New York and Tom James in Seattle; Writing by Mica Rosenberg; Editing by Sue Horton and Bill Rigby)
somatik coffee

A Bay Area pot startup has made it even easier to "wake and bake," with a new marijuana-infused cold-brew coffee.

Somatik, an artisanal pot-products company founded in 2016, teamed up with boutique roaster Ritual Coffee to create the drink, which hit cannabis dispensary refrigerators in January. An eight-ounce bottle retails for $12.

"Cannabis is a lot like coffee in that ... everyone has their routine. I wanted to show that you could actually build a routine around cannabis that [keeps you] functional and does help you," says Christopher Schroeder, founder of Somatik.

Somatik Featuring Ritual Coffee uses coffee beans grown in western Colombia  steeped for 12 hours in cold water to produce a robust, silky concentrate  and 15 milligrams of tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, the ingredient in marijuana that gets users high. Drinking the whole bottle would be the (very) rough equivalent of taking a few hits off a joint.

The Bay Area has long been a breeding ground for innovative coffee roasters, from venture-capital darling Blue Bottle Coffee to family-run Philz Coffee. More recently, another industry the area is famous for  marijuana  has moved towards artisanal products as the market matures. Entrepreneurs like Schroeder are optimistic that craft weed will become the new specialty coffee  a lucrative business.

Somatik Featuring Ritual Coffee pairs the two trends in a product that aims to be high-quality and discreet. Schroeder, a former product manager at wearables company Jawbone, wanted to create something his family and friends would find approachable.

"You could have it at your desk and no one's going to be like, 'Oh, what are you doing?' But also, you could talk about it and it does help normalize it. You're not smoking a joint or ripping a dab. You're just drinking something that tastes really good," Schroeder says.

marijuana pot weed flower bud dispensary store

Story continues

He also hopes Somatik helps entrepreneurs like him rein in their anxiety.

"Living in San Francisco and being in Startupland, there is a lot of stress, a lot of long hours, and a lot of things to be serious about," Schroeder says. "Cannabis helps me to lighten up, and I wanted to convey that in the brand."

In partnership with Eileen Rinaldi (founder of Ritual Coffee) and her team, Schroeder tasted 40 test batches before landing on the winning formula. He says the drink has subtle notes of cherry, bright lemon, and chocolate. "Nine out of 10 people" don't taste the cannabis, in part because the manufacturer deliberately strips the plant of its terpenes, or fragrant oils, during processing, according to Schroeder.

The coffee drink is currently available in six dispensaries in the Bay Area.

Californians voted in favor of legalizing marijuana for recreational use last November. The adult-use market is expected to roll out in 2018, though cannabis cafes and other public consumption areas will likely be further out.

Schroeder hopes to someday see his brew on shelves in cafes like Ritual Coffee. "My dream is to be on tap," he says.

NOW WATCH: We went inside a Colorado 'Bud & Breakfast' where you can legally smoke marijuana





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VANCOUVER, British Columbia, March 16, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pure Energy Minerals Limited (TSX-V:PE) (FRANKFURT:A111EG) (OTCQB:PEMIF) (the Company or Pure Energy) is pleased to announce the appointment of Walter Weinig as Vice President of Projects and Permitting effective April 1, 2017. This appointment continues the transition of the Company from exploration to development activities at the Clayton Valley South Lithium Project (the CVS Project) while helping to launch the exploration stage at the Terra Cotta Project in Argentina.



Mr. Weinig brings nearly 30 years of experience in mining hydrogeology, permitting, and project management at sites around the globe to Pure Energy. He has managed multi-disciplinary engineering and scientific teams to accomplish complex design and permitting projects in surface and underground mining, industrial, and environmental arenas. Mr. Weinig has led and performed groundwater and environmental investigations throughout the southwestern United States, including mining-related baseline studies and assessments for several projects in Nevada. He has also provided oversight and input to the resource quantification for a lithium-brine project in Argentina (unrelated to Pure Energy). He is currently involved with the Company in a consulting capacity, focusing on the resource evaluation at the CVS Project.

Mr. Weinig earned a B.Sc. degree in geology from the University of Wisconsin and an M.Sc. in hydrology and water resources from the University of Arizona. He is a registered Professional Geologist, a certified Project Management Professional, and is a Qualified Person as defined in National Instrument 43-101.

Pure Energy also announces that Dr. Andy Robinson will resign from his position as Chief Operating Officer of the Company effective March 31, 2017. Dr. Robinson joined Pure Energy as Chief Operating Officer in November 2014 and was appointed a Director in September 2015. He presided over considerable growth of the Company during the early stages of the CVS Project. Dr. Robinson remains a Director of the Company.

Pure Energy CEO, Patrick Highsmith, commented about the evolution of the team, This will be a year of transition at the Clayton Valley South Project as we progress from exploration to development. At the same time we launch an important exploration program at the new Terra Cotta Project. We are very excited that Walter Weinig is joining our team at Pure Energy. Not only does he have specialist hydrogeology and lithium experience, but he is also a professional project manager. This skill set will keep us focused on the timely delivery of important milestones at the CVS and Terra Cotta Projects. Walter is a great communicator and extremely organized. I look forward to his leadership in the field and in the boardroom.

Mr. Highsmith continued with respect to the resignation of Dr. Andy Robinson, It has been a pleasure working alongside Andy for the last year. We have learned a lot from him in the field during the drilling campaigns. He did an excellent job in leading the engineering team through the mini-pilot plant and to the production of the first flowsheet for the CVS Project, which was released in December of last year. We wish him success and good fortune in his future endeavors.

About Pure Energy Minerals Ltd.

Pure Energy is a lithium resource developer that is driven to become a low-cost supplier for the burgeoning lithium battery industry. The Company is currently focused on the development of the CVS Lithium Brine Project and the adjoining Glory Lithium Clay Project in Clayton Valley, Nevada. Pure Energy also recently announced the acquisition of a purchase option on a major new lithium brine project in the Lithium Triangle of South America, the Terra Cotta Project (TCP). The TCP is located on Pocitos Salar in Salta, Argentina, where it enjoys some of the best infrastructure and access of any lithium brine exploration project in the country.

Pure Energy has developed core strengths in innovative development and processing technologies for lithium brines and lithium mineral deposits. The Companys key attributes and activities include:

Generating positive results on a large land position with excellent infrastructure in a first-class mining jurisdiction: approx. 11,000 acres in four main claim groups in Clayton Valley, Esmeralda County, Nevada;

The only lithium brine resource in North America except for its neighbor, which is the only producing lithium operation in the United States (Albemarles Silver Peak lithium brine mine);

An inferred mineral resource containing approximately 816,000 metric tonnes of Lithium Carbonate Equivalent (LCE) at an average grade of approximately 102 mg/L lithium, reported in accordance with NI 43-101 (see July 2015 Inferred Resource Report);

An advanced program of testing the efficacy and economics of modern environmentally-responsible processing technologies to convert the CVS brines into high purity lithium products for new energy storage uses;

A new early stage exploration program on the 13,000 hectare Terra Cotta Project (TCP), located on Pocitos Salar in Salta Province; and

An active business development program, applying its expertise to the evaluation of new lithium targets around the world.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,



Patrick Highsmith

Chief Executive Officer

Forward Looking Statements: The information in this news release contains forward looking statements that are subject to a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in our forward looking statements. Factors that could cause such differences include: changes in world commodity markets, equity markets, costs and supply of materials relevant to the mining industry, change in government and changes to regulations affecting the mining industry. Forward-looking statements in this release may include statements regarding the fulfilment of the Companys obligations under the Agreement, the preparation of the technical report in respect of the Properties, the approval of the Agreement by the TSX Venture Exchange, mineral processing, adaptation of test work to larger scale and/or future operational scales, estimates of reduced future capital and operating expenses, delivery of a preliminary economic assessment, future exploration programs, operation plans, geological interpretations, and mineral tenure issues. Although we believe the expectations reflected in our forward looking statements are reasonable, results may vary, and we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Mar 15 (PTI) More than 150 farmers from Tamil Nadu have staged a protest in the national capital, demanding that the Centre declare a drought relief package and loan waiver for peasants from the southern state.

Already into the second day of their protest at Jantar Mantar, the farmers from Tanjavur and Tiruchirapalli in the states Cauvery belt have warned that they will continue with their stir until the government gives them a hearing.

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"We started our protest yesterday, but no one is ready to hear our issues. We are not planning to give up the protest until we are invited for talks by the Centre," said Iyyakannu of Desiya Thenninthiya Nathigal Inaippu Vivasayigal Sangam.

"We have no option other than protesting till our demands are met," he said.

Around 170 half-naked farmers arrived at the PMs residence on Lok Kalyan Marg yesterday with skulls of farmers who allegedly committed suicide and begging bowls to mark their protest.

"We want the Centre to announce Rs 40,000 crore of drought relief package, announce farmer loan waiver and assure us better support price for our produce," Iyyakannu said.

The protesters also demanded for unification of river.

"Though the state had sanctioned a drought relief package, it does not provide any relief as we are in deep crisis," said Iyyakannu.

Early this year, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) had sought a detailed report from Tamil Nadu after it took suo motu cognisance of media reports regarding the deaths of 106 farmers during a period of one month in Tamil Nadu.

On February 22, Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswami sanctioned a sum of Rs 2,247 crore as drought relief to more than 3.2 million farmers. PTI CPB IKA

--- ENDS ---
DmitryFarber wrote:

To put the problem with A/C/E succinctly, you don't want to compare "did" & "had" here. Let's look at a different example:



As I did, my father had majored in English in college.



At first glance, this might seem fine. We have two events: I majored in English, and earlier on, my father majored in English. One objection, however, is that there is no clear event that "had majored" precedes. Sure, we can figure that my father attended college before I did, but we generally want a clear, explicit reference to justify past perfect. ("He had majored in English before the department experienced its decline.") Anyway, this might not seem like a big problem in my example, but it's certainly a problem in the original. How do we know Watson's work preceded Skinner's? If anything, it appears that they both were forced to stop at the same time.



In any case, there's another problem. Even if one event did precede the other (yes, my dad really did go to college before I did), that doesn't necessarily mean that we should use the past perfect. What if I said "I have been to Spain and France"? One of those trips must have preceded the other (unless I hiked the border!), so should I use the past perfect? No! Not unless I definitely want to stress the order of the trips--"I had already traveled extensively in Spain when I visited France, so I felt prepared for my return to Europe." Let's rewrite my example:



As I did, my father majored in English in college.





This is better! Both events happened in the past, but the point of the sentence is to point out a similarity between them, not to show how one preceded the other.



"But wait a minute!" you say. "The past perfect isn't there to compare Watson to Skinner. It's there to show how Watson did this work before people questioned the ethics of it!" Yeah, that might work, except . . . why is Skinner in the simple past, then? This gets us back to the beginning--we're making a comparison between what two people did. They both did some work until it was questioned. Why put one in the simple past and the other in past perfect? No reason! Cut A/D/E.



Okay, maybe I spoke to soon when I used the word "succinct," but I hope folks find this helpful.

Hi DmitryI have one concern about B. The prepositional phrase "in the 1950's" seems to modify practice. This seems to change the meaning that the peers questioned the ethics and validity of the practice "in the 1950's" as though they wouldn't have questioned it if it were in the 1960's. This seemed illogical.Giving priority to meaning i chose C as it seemed to have more clarity when compared to all the other options. Apart from the tense which i thought wasn't causing too much harm.
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By Press Trust of India: From Lalit K Jha

Washington, Mar 16 (PTI) President Donald Trump in his first budget is seeking to cut the foreign aid by a whopping 28 per cent which is likely to have an impact on top recipients like Pakistan.

The budget will also call for a dramatic shift from the "soft power" diplomacy of the Obama era to a "hard power" military buildup. It would propose an increase the country?s defence budget by USD 54 billion.

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The US is expected to spend more than USD 40 billion on foreign aid in the current fiscal year, with about 60 per cent of that for economic and development assistance and 40 per cent on security, a media report said.

This is likely to have an impact on Americas foreign aid to countries like Pakistan, which has been one of the top recipients of America?s foreign aid post 9/11.

The top recipients are Afghanistan, where 8,400 US troops are deployed, about USD 4.7 billion; Israel, USD 3.1 billion; Egypt, USD 1.4 billion; Iraq, USD 1.1 billion; Jordan, USD 1 billion and Pakistan, USD 742 million. Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania and Ethiopia each received more than USD 500 million, the report said.

"You will see a fairly dramatic reduction in State Department (budget). That is not a commentary on the President?s policy towards the State Department," Mick Mulvaney, the Director of the Office of Management of Budget, said.

He said that the foreign aid line items in the budget happens to fall within the State Department functions.

During his campaign, Trump, had said he wants to spend less money overseas and more money back home.

The budget proposals tries to accomplish this goal.

The proposals being released by the White House later today is a "budget blueprint" and not a complete budget. The full budget would be introduced in May.

Mulvaney said despite the reduction in the State Department budget, the White House has protected the core diplomatic function of the State.

"What you see in the State Department budget is the reduction in the foreign aid program," he said.

"This is the America First Budget. We rolled it by using president?s own words, through articles that have been written about his policies, we talked to him, we wanted to know what his policies were and we turned those policies into numbers. There will be more money on defence, USD 54 billion." Mulvaney said. PTI LKJ NSA AKJ NSA

--- ENDS ---
This week many women, mostly ex-employees of an online video site The viral fever (TVF) had complained on various networking sites as to how they had been sexually victimised by the CEO of the company Arunabh Kumar.

By Vidya : Mumbai Police had decided not to register a complaint until any of the women who had been posting incidents of sexual harassment on social networking sites came forward to register an FIR.

However advocate Rizwan Siddiqui took it upon himself to register a complaint with the police as well as the Maharashtra Commission for Women to investigate the case. He shot complaint letters to the Mumbai Police Commissioner's office, Andheri police station as well as MSCW.

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"Except for certain sections of Indian Penal Code which are governed by sections 195 to 199 of criminal procedure code, any third person can set the law into motion," with this Rizwan says he is inclined to make police investigate all cases where women do not come at the forefront to register cases against culprits.

PRECEDENCE

In his complaint letters Rizwan has cited a couple of Supreme Court judgements to support his right as a third party to set legal actions moving against any accused.

This week many women, mostly ex-employees of an online video site The viral fever (TVF) had complained on various networking sites as to how they had been sexually victimised by the CEO of the company Arunabh Kumar.

The company had claimed a day later when the issue went viral that they were internally investigating the case with their human resource and legal team jointly. The company too had appealed that the complainants should formally register the issue.

Mumbai police too had appealed on the same lines but had refused to register complaint on its own. Siddiqui says, "so many girls have complained on social media, just because no one is able to come in the forefront to register a complaint does not mean that police will sit on the fence and just watch the issue? Discussions will happen and everyone will forget? All these should be investigated by police and that is the only reason for which I have registered this complaint."

Siddiqui had earlier registered a similar complaint against film actor Kamal Rashid Khan in Versova police station last year. A month after his complaint police lodged the FIR against Khan for posting obscene messages and photos on micro-blogging site Twitter.

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TVF CEO Arunabh Kumar accused of molestation, start-up rubbishes allegations

--- ENDS ---
On 3-5 October 2017 Kyiv is going to host the Space and Future Forum to network international experts and youth, many of whom will also participate at the first CosmoHack in the world. Joinfo provides media coverage of the Forum, and some of its topics were already discussed ...
British PM May now has the legal authority to trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, the laid down procedure within the EU for a member state wishing to leave.

By Indo-Asian News Service: Britain's Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday granted royal assent to the Brexit bill, giving Prime Minister Theresa May the legal power to start negotiations with the European Union.

House of Commons Speaker John Bercow announced that the European Union (Notification of Withdrawal) Bill was signed by the Queen after it was cleared by both chambers of the Parliament earlier this week, the Guardian reported.

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"I have to notify the house in accordance with the Royal Assent Act 1967 that her Majesty has signified her royal assent to the following acts... European Union (Notification of Withdrawal) Act 2017," Bercow told lawmakers.

The bill gives May the legal authority to trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, the laid down procedure within the EU for a member state wishing to leave.

TWO-YEAR PROCESS

Once Article 50 is triggered, it kickstarts a two-year process for negotiating a new relationship between both sides.

The Prime Minister is now free to trigger the exit clause, but is not expected to do until as late as March 29, the newspaper reported.

A Downing Street spokesman said: "The legislation has been passed un-amended, we are pleased that's the case. The legislation has got Royal Assent and we look forward to triggering negotiations by the end of March."

Brexit Secretary David Davis said: "The Queen has today given royal assent to the Article 50 bill, giving the government the formal power to it and deliver on the will of the people."

Indian-origin lawyer in Britain Sarosh Zaiwalla said: "The biggest headache for the Prime Minister now is the announcement by Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon calling for a second referendum on the independence... If Scotland becomes independent, the UK will break up, and England will become little England. This has to be kept in mind."

ALSO READ | Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon demands new independence vote before Brexit

ALSO WATCH | UK PM Theresa May encounters first parliamentary defeat over Brexit talks

--- ENDS ---
Of 690 MLAs elected in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Manipur and Goa, 27.8 per cent (192) have a criminal record, while 20 per cent (140) face serious criminal charges, such as murder, kidnapping and extortion.

By Indo-Asian News Service: There has been a decrease in the number of members of legislative assembly (MLAs) with criminal records in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Goa of the five states that elected new state governments, according to our analysis of data compiled by Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), an advocacy.

Of 690 MLAs elected in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Manipur and Goa, 27.8 per cent (192) have a criminal record, while 20 per cent (140) face serious criminal charges, such as murder, kidnapping and extortion, the data show.

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ASSEMBLY ELECTIONS 2017: FULL COVERAGE

While the number of MLAs with criminal records declined in three of five states, the number of MLAs with serious criminal charges increased in all states, except Manipur.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) swept Uttar Pradesh with a record 312 of 403 seats, and the Congress emerged as the single largest party in three of five states.

As many as 1,000 candidates contesting the elections in the five states had criminal charges against them and 850 candidates had serious criminal charges.

There was a 19.2 per cent rise in the number of MLAs without a criminal record in Uttar Pradesh in 2017 over 2012, the largest increase in crime-free lower-house legislators among the five states.

GOOD NEWS: LESS TAINTED MLAs

The new Uttar Pradesh assembly will have 260 MLAs (of 403) without a criminal record. The state saw a decline in the number of MLAs with a criminal record, from 189 in 2012 to 143 in 2017.

However, the number of MLAs with serious criminal records in Uttar Pradesh has gone up from 98 in 2012 to 107 in 2017.

Punjab reported a three per cent increase in the number of MLAs without criminal records in 2017 over 2012, with 19 MLAs with a clean record elected in 2017 compared to 16 in 2012.

Goa saw an increase of 10 per cent in MLAs without criminal records, with 31 MLAs with no criminal record being elected in 2017 compared to 28 in 2012.

Manipur and Uttarakhand saw a decline in the number of MLAs with no criminal records. But Manipur, which had no MLAs with criminal records in 2012, elected two MLAs with serious criminal charges. In Uttarakhand, these numbers more than tripled, from four in 2012 to 14 in 2017.

Of the 690 MLAs whose records were analysed by ADR, 192 had criminal cases registered against them and 140 had serious offences registered: 540 are crorepatis.

Of 140 candidates in five states, 10 faced murder and 37 attempt-to-murder charges. There was a decline in the overall proportion of MLAs facing criminal charges across these states, from 33.6 per cent in 2012 to 27.8 per cent in 2017.

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Of 403 MLAs in Uttar Pradesh, 36 per cent have a criminal record and 26 per cent face serious criminal charges; the BJP has 83 (of 312) MLAs with criminal charges -- compared with 25 of 47 in 2012 -- followed by 11 of the Samajwadi Party.

In Uttar Pradesh, eight MLAs have declared cases related to murder against themselves and 34 MLAs have declared cases related to attempt to murder. These declarations are required by the Election Commission of India. Criminal cases do not debar anyone from contesting elections.

In Punjab, the number of MLAs with serious criminal records went up from five to 11 between 2012 and 2017. Punjab had 11 MLAs with criminal charges, of which seven were from the Congress, including Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh (four charges relating to cheating and forgery).

Goan MLAs with serious charges over the same period (2012-17) rose from two to six, according to the ADR data.

WATCH: Assembly Election Results 2017: How Uttar Pradesh turned 'gerua' on election day

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Uttar Pradesh: As BJP prepares to announce CM candidate, MLAs scramble for Cabinet portfolios

Assembly election results a 'political earthquake', Congress 'rudderless', says Wall Street Journal

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Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar proves majority in Goa Assembly: As it happened

CM Amarinder Singh: 7 challenges Captain faces in Punjab

--- ENDS ---
What if your family's DNA could become the blueprint for your very own precise and personalized treatment for colorectal cancer? Or, better yet, what if it could be used to help doctors screen you earlier for the disease, before it has a chance to strike?

This isn't a science-fictional, futuristic ideal. Cutting-edge research at Penn State College of Medicine and the Penn State Colorectal Diseases Biobank is revealing how genetics play a role in treating this disease.

The team at the biobank takes things one step further, too: They empower patients. Combating illness is as much a psychological battle as it is a physical one, says Dr. Walter Koltun, chief of the Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery and director of the biobank. By filling patients with knowledge about genetic causes of disease and the subsequent care for their life-threatening conditions, they can take an active role in their own treatment.

"For patients, the stress is the unknown and the lack of control. If you incorporate their concerns and their responses, they become more compliant with treatments. They understand the rationale for what we're doing," Koltun says. "I call that, 'patient-centered care.' It really means the patient is the director of the symphony. What they need and how their disease affects them, comes back to geneticswhat disease they have and how it is interacting with their body's physiologyis different for each patient and is in large part related to their genetics."

Colorectal cancer is the third most-common life threatening cancer in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. During 2017, it is expected to cause 50,260 deaths in the nation. If everyone age 50 and older were screened, six out of 10 deaths could be prevented, says the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

But genetics research at the Colorectal Diseases Biobank is advancing the battle for prevention and treatment.
States where Medicaid coverage was expanded under the Affordable Care Act have had a significant increase in prescribing of buprenorphinea medication that plays an important role in addressing the opioid epidemic, reports a study in the April issue of Medical Care.

"Our findings suggest that Medicaid expansion has the potential to reduce the financial barriers to buprenorphine utilization and improve access to medication-assisted treatment of opioid use disorder," write Hefei Wen, PhD, of University of Kentucky College of Public Health, Lexington, and colleagues. The study also highlights the need for adequate numbers of physicians approved to prescribe buprenorphine.

Increased Buprenorphine Prescribing in States with Medicaid Expansion

The researchers analyzed trends in Medicaid-covered prescriptions for buprenorphine in states that did and did not expand Medicaid coverage under the Affordable Care Act. Buprenorphine is an "opioid partial agonist" that is effective in reducing opioid use, promoting abstinence, and aiding recovery.

Twenty-six states (and the District of Columbia) implemented Medicaid expansion in 2014. These states showed "upward trends" in Medicaid-covered buprenorphine prescriptions after the expansions. In contrast, buprenorphine prescribing did not significantly increase in states that did not expand Medicaid or expanded it after 2014.

After adjustment for other factors, Medicaid expansion was associated with a 70 percent increase in buprenorphine prescriptions. The increased number of prescriptions was accompanied by a 50 percent increase in Medicaid spending on buprenorphine.

In addition to Medicaid coverage, the number of physicians approved to prescribe buprenorphine was also an important contributing factor in access to buprenorphine. Because buprenorphine is a controlled substance, there are strict federal regulations on the qualifications of the physicians who can prescribe it for patients with opioid use disorder and the number of patients they can treat.

For each ten percent increase in the number of physicians approved to treat up to 100 patients in a given year, there was a 45 percent increase in buprenorphine prescriptions and a 31 percent increase in buprenorphine spending associated with the increase in the number of approved physicians. In areas with fewer approved prescribers, Medicaid expansion had a limited impact on buprenorphine prescribing.

Buprenorphinethe most commonly prescribed medication for opioid use disorderis an important part of strategies to combat the ongoing opioid epidemic in the United States. Lack of health insurance coverage has been a major barrier to buprenorphine treatment. Medicaid expansion has the potential to increase availability of medication-assisted treatment to low-income groups with disproportionately high rates of opioid use disorder.

The new study provides evidence of a substantial increase in buprenorphine prescribing in states that expanded Medicaid. Further improvement is expected as states implement additional measures to facilitate access to Medicaid coverage and medication-assisted treatment for low-income patients with opioid use disorders

Dr. Wen and colleagues also emphasize the importance of physician prescribing capacityincreasing access to health insurance seems to have a limited impact on buprenorphine use in areas where there are not enough approved prescribers. The authors conclude, "Sufficient physician prescribing capacity is necessary for ensuring that Medicaid expansion achieves its full potential in improving buprenorphine utilization."

More information: Hefei Wen et al. Impact of Medicaid Expansion on Medicaid-covered Utilization of Buprenorphine for Opioid Use Disorder Treatment, Medical Care (2017). Journal information: Medical Care Hefei Wen et al. Impact of Medicaid Expansion on Medicaid-covered Utilization of Buprenorphine for Opioid Use Disorder Treatment,(2017). DOI: 10.1097/MLR.0000000000000703
By Siddhartha Rai: The tables have turned in Uttar Pradesh's politics. And how!

In the land of the state's strongmen, known as Poorvanchal, people want the widow of a murdered MLA to become UP's jail minister after the BJP's stunning assembly election victory last week.

Alka Rai won the "communally charged" seat of Mohammadabad in Ghazipur, defeating none other than the brother of dreaded gangster-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari. The don, who is behind bars, is accused of killing her husband, strongman and Bhumihar-Brahmin magnate Krishnananda Rai. Now Alka is the hot favourite of the people to head the jail ministry.

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DEMAND FLOATED ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Social media users who have floated this demand want the erstwhile housewife, who never thought she would be pushed into public life and the role of leading men in an essentially patriarchal society, to head jails as a matter of avenging her husband's death.

Ansari is the head of the Quami Ekta Dal and won the Mau seat in Poorvanchal, that too from behind bars. QED's merger with the Samajwadi Party (SP) was one of the vexed issues that ignited a feud between outgoing chief minister Akhilesh Yadav and his uncle Shivpal Yadav. While Shivpal had facilitated the union just before elections to garner Muslim votes, Akhilesh had annulled it owing to the "tainted" background of the Ansaris.

'A FIGHT FOR JUSTICE'

Speaking exclusively to Mail Today on the eve of the final phase of elections in which the seat went up for a verdict, Alka Rai had underlined that hers was a fight for justice for her husband's murder. "I want those responsible for the murder of my husband to be brought to justice. As the politics of the state has unveiled in the last decade, goons, such as Mukhtar Ansari, have terrorised and traumatised the people. They need to be brought to justice," she had said.

Criminals and strongmen have long been a feature of Indian politics. Their dirty money provides easy campaign cash, and they often control constituencies with strong caste or religious fidelities. On being asked if she was willing to join the government, Alka had told Mail Today that she was a social worker and would "serve the party and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in whichever capacity" she was expected to.

Another MLA from Ghazipur district said: "It will be in the order of things that she is made the jail minister. This sends a strong message to anti-social elements in the districts as well as the state. See how just when results were declared and BJP came to power, SP's Gayatri Prajapati, who was absconding for so long, was suddenly arrested." The leader did not wish to be named.

"It had become a norm in the SP and BSP regimes that criminals such as Mukhtar Ansari were given all the facilities they might enjoy at their homes in jails cells of UP. When he was lodged in the Ghazipur jail, Ansari had everything - from cellphones to his stooges at his beck and call," said another MLA from the same district.

The Delhi high court scuttled Mukhtar Ansari's attempts to come out on parole just before the polls. The court stayed the custody parole granted to Mukhtar by a trial court as the Election Commission had moved the HC citing the possibility that Mukhtar might influence witnesses in the ongoing Krishnanand Rai murder case.

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This time, the circumstances in which Alka Rai won the seat too had heightened the adversarial feelings between the two camps. As nominations of SP and Congress candidates were cancelled before elections, it had made the face-off between Alka and Sibakatullah Ansari a straight one. The outcome too is being seen as a call to direct action.

At another level, the Rai-Ansari feud had strong undertones of communal fault lines. A clear corroboration of this was the fact that BSP supremo Mayawati found Mukhtar and his QED ideally cut out for fitting her pro-Muslim strategy. After Akhilesh Yadav scuttled QED's merger with SP, Mayawati not only took the Ansari family under her wing but also gave them three tickets. This is the second stint of the Ansaris in BSP. They had formed QED in 2010 after being ousted from the party.

ALSO READ | Gangster Mukhtar Ansari joins BSP, Mayawati says he has been wrongly framed

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ALSO READ | UP Assembly polls: BJP-BSP fight for 'seat of mafias' after nominations of Cong, SP candidates cancelled

ALSO WATCH | Race for UP CM: Rajnath Singh front-runner, decision likely today

--- ENDS ---
A majority of Floridians would like to expand the Affordable Care Act (commonly referred to as Obamacare) or keep the law as is, while nearly three-quarters of them are concerned that people would lose their health insurance if the law is repealed, according to a statewide survey by the Florida Atlantic University Business and Economics Polling Initiative (FAU BEPI).

When asked about the Affordable Care Act, 46 percent of respondents said they approve of the healthcare law, while 39 percent said they disapprove. Similarly, 39 percent of Floridians would like to expand Obamacare and 14 percent want to keep it as is, while 18 percent want to repeal the law and 29 percent said they would like to replace the law.

Overall, 73 percent were concerned that people would lose their health insurance if Obamacare were repealed. When asked if government should be responsible for ensuring all Americans have healthcare coverage, 64 percent said "yes" while 19 percent disagreed.

Respondents also were asked about six healthcare proposals put forth by Republican lawmakers. Only one of the proposals, lifting the $2,600 cap on flexible spending accounts to allow workers to set aside more pretax money to pay out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, had net positive support with 43 percent approving and 29 percent opposing.

A proposal to repeal the 3.8 percent tax on investment income, which helps fund Obamacare and affects households making more than $250,000, garnered 31 percent support compared with 40 percent opposition. Likewise, a proposal to replace healthcare subsidies with a refund tax credit of $2,000-$4,000 depending on an individual's age and income had 26 percent support and 38 percent opposition.

Respondents strongly opposed other proposals as well, including reducing federal funding to the Medicaid program, which was opposed by 74 percent and supported by only 16 percent. Only 15 percent of respondents support a proposal to increase premiums by 30 percent for a year for those who let their insurance lapse for at least 63 days, while 60 percent oppose. A proposal to allow insurers to increase what they charge older consumers was the least popular, with 76 percent opposing and only 8 percent supporting.

"It is evident that Floridians oppose the new healthcare proposals," said Monica Escaleras, Ph.D., director of the BEPI. "These proposals are perceived to be hurting low-income and older people, while benefiting those with incomes higher that $250,000."

U.S. President Donald Trump's approval rating among respondents was 36 percent.

The online survey, which polled 500 Florida residents from March 10-13, was administered through Survey Sampling International (SSI), a Worldwide Leader in Survey Sampling and Data Collections. The survey has a margin of error of +/- 4.3 percentage points. Responses for the entire sample were weighted to reflect the statewide distribution of the Florida population by gender, race/ethnicity, region, education and age according to latest American Community Survey data. The polling results and full cross-tabulations are available at http://www.business.fau.edu/bepi.
Analysis of the largest American cancer database indicates that racial disparities persist in the treatment and outcomes of patients diagnosed with stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Despite increased availability of potentially curative treatments for early stage NSCLC, African Americans and American Indians were less likely to receive these treatments and more likely to die from the disease. The study will be presented tomorrow at the 2017 Multidisciplinary Thoracic Cancers Symposium.

Although NSCLC is the most fatal cancer in men and women combined, experts estimate that a quarter of NSCLC patients are diagnosed at an early and potentially curable stage. Over the past two decades, definitive treatment options for early-stage NSCLC, which include surgery and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), have become more widely available and contributed to higher survival rates. Many studies have shown, however, that these advances have not benefited all patients equally.

"Racial disparities in the management of stage I NSCLC, such as less frequent rates of curative treatment with African Americans, have contributed to disproportionately lower survival rates for specific minority groups," said Andrew M. Farach, MD, senior author of the study and a radiation oncologist at Houston Methodist Hospital in Houston. "Our study is the first to confirm that, even with widespread growth in the availability and adoption of advanced therapies, disparities in treatment and survival persist for early-stage NSCLC. These findings bring attention to the importance of the medical system actively addressing racial disparities on pace with advancements in medical science."

Researchers examined records from the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database for patients age 60 and older diagnosed with biopsy-proven stage I NSCLC between 2004 and 2012, the most recent data available. Patients without definitive records for local therapy were excluded from analyses.

The 62,312 eligible patients were grouped by race/national origin into one of five cohorts: Caucasians (86.6 percent, 53,872 patients), African Americans (8.0 percent, 4,947 patients), Asian/Pacific Islanders (5.0 percent, 3,101 patients), American Indians (0.3 percent, 198 patients) and patients with unknown racial classification (0.02 percent, 95 patients). Treatment and survival outcomes were compared using chi-squared tests, the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox multivariate analysis.

Patients received one of four types of primary treatment for stage I NSCLC, including surgery only (67 percent), radiation only (19 percent), both surgery and radiation (3 percent) or no treatment/observation only (12 percent). The type of treatment patients received varied by race; while 67 percent of Caucasian patients and 72 percent of Asian/Pacific Islander patients underwent surgery, these rates were 56 percent and 58 percent for African-American and American Indian patients, respectively (p < 0.05).

Treatment type directly influenced the likelihood of surviving early-stage lung cancer. On multivariate analysis, patients who received definitive treatment for stage I NSCLC, whether surgery or SBRT, had improved survival rates, regardless of race, age or gender (compared with observation, surgery Hazard Ratio (HR) = 0.44, radiation HR = 0.70, surgery and radiation HR = 0.48, p < 0.05).

Overall survival (OS) and lung cancer-specific survival (CSS) also varied among the racial groups. At a median follow-up of 23 months after treatment, OS rates were highest for Asian/Pacific Islander patients (76 percent) and Caucasians (70 percent) and lowest for African Americans (65 percent) and American Indians (60 percent) (p < 0.05). Similarly, CSS was highest for Asians/Pacific Islanders (84 percent), followed by Caucasians (79 percent), African Americans (76 percent) and American Indians (73 percent) (p < 0.05). The median CSS for African Americans and American Indians was 80 months and 49 months, respectively, compared to an overall population median of 107 months (p < 0.05).

Even after accounting for differences in age, T stage, gender and treatment type, race influenced CSS. On multivariate analysis, CSS rates were lowest for American Indians (compared with Caucasians, HR = 1.35, p < 0.05) and highest for Asian/Pacific Islanders (HR = 0.77, p < 0.05). Although the median CSS for African-American patients was more than two years shorter than the population median, the difference was no longer statistically significant after controlling for patient, disease and treatment factors.

Several patient and disease characteristics, in addition to race, also independently influenced CSS. Outcomes were worse for male patients (compared with females, HR = 1.17, p < 0.05), older patients (unit Risk Ratio (RR) = 1.01, p < 0.05) and patients with stage T2 tumors (compared with T1, HR = 1.25, p < 0.05).

"Unfortunately, our findings are not particularly surprising. Multiple studies have documented racial disparities in the management and outcome of different cancers. As physicians, it becomes our responsibility to understand and address these inequalities," said Dr. Farach. "Most importantly, we must improve access to care and get patients to treatment. Other steps include investigating the biology of lung cancer in understudied groups andat the individual leveltaking more time to educate and build trust with our underserved patient populations."

The abstract, "Racial disparities in the treatment & outcome of stage I non-small cell lung cancer," will be presented in detail during the oral abstract session at the 2017 Multidisciplinary Thoracic Cancers Symposium in San Francisco.
The way doctors examine the bladder for tumors or stones is like exploring the contours of a cave with a flashlight. Using cameras attached to long, flexible instruments called endoscopes, they find that it's sometimes difficult to orient the location of masses within the bladder's blood vessel-lined walls.

This could change with a new computer vision technique developed by Stanford researchers that creates three-dimensional bladder reconstructions out of the endoscope's otherwise fleeting images. With this fusion of medicine and engineering, doctors could develop organ maps, better prepare for operations and detect early cancer recurrences. See video here.

"The beauty of this project is that we can take data that doctors are already collecting," said Audrey Bowden, assistant professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering. She is a co-senior author on a recent paper published in Biomedical Optics Express that describes the method.

Bladder cancer has among the highest recurrence rates of any cancer. From 50 percent to 70 percent of tumors return after removal, according to Joseph Liao, an associate professor of urology at the School of Medicine and co-senior author on the paper. Being able to see each patient's bladder as a three-dimensional model could improve surgical planning and monitor cancer recurrence.

"Endoscopy of the bladder, called cystoscopy, is an integral part of cancer management. Anything you can do to improve endoscopy is helpful," Liao said. "Surgeons are always looking for better ways to see cancer in order to remove it more effectively."

Broadly applicable technique

One of the technique's advantages is that doctors don't have to buy new hardware or modify their techniques significantly. Through the use of advanced computer vision algorithms, the team reconstructed the shape and internal appearance of a bladder using the video footage from a routine cystoscopy, which would ordinarily have been discarded or not recorded in the first place.

"In endoscopy, we generate a lot of data, but currently they're just tossed away," said Liao.

Although the team developed the technique for the bladder, it could be applied to other hollow organs where doctors routinely perform endoscopy, including the stomach or colon. "We were the first group to achieve complete 3-D bladder models using standard clinical equipment, which makes this research ripe for rapid translation to clinical practice," said Kristin Lurie, lead author on the paper, a recent PhD graduate and postdoctoral fellow at Stanford, and a current software engineer at Google.

According to Liao, these three-dimensional images could help doctors prepare for surgery. Lesions, tumors and scars in the bladder are hard to find, both initially and during surgery.

"Sometimes you don't have a sense  where was I in the bladder?" Liao said. Seeing a three-dimensional rendering of an organ before operating, like having a map before embarking on a trip, could make the procedure easier for doctors. Other potential applications include using the 3-D reconstruction as a visual medical record.

Accurate rendering

To test the accuracy of their bladder reconstruction, the team first created a model based on endoscopy images taken in a 3-D-printed bladder, known as a tissue phantom. Because the details of the tissue phantom are known, the researchers could directly compare their rendering to the real thing. According to Bowden, tissue phantoms provide a standard for biological modeling analysis. The team found that its three-dimensional rendering matched the tissue phantom with few errors.

This technique is the first of its kind and still has room for improvement, the researchers said. Primarily, the three-dimensional models tend to flatten out bumps on the bladder wall, including tumors. With the model alone, this may make tumors harder to spot. The team is now working to advance the realism, in shape and detail, of the models.

Future directions, according to the researchers, include using the algorithm for disease and cancer monitoring within the bladder over time to detect subtle changes, as well as combining it with other imaging technologies.

"The technology has immense potential, not to mention the fun factor to be able to navigate around a virtual organ," Liao said.

More information: Kristen L. Lurie et al. 3D reconstruction of cystoscopy videos for comprehensive bladder records, Biomedical Optics Express (2017). Journal information: Biomedical Optics Express Kristen L. Lurie et al. 3D reconstruction of cystoscopy videos for comprehensive bladder records,(2017). DOI: 10.1364/BOE.8.002106
The latest Career Junction Index (CJI) report reveals that software development is the most in-demand skill in the South African job market.

It is followed by departmental management, and sales consulting.

The CJI uses data gathered from the Career Junction website to represent labour dynamics in South Africa.

According to the report, software development remains the most sought-after skill set on Career Junction.

Since the beginning of 2017, over 27% of job postings were allocated to IT professionals, the report states.

Great employment prospects are also evident across South Africa within the field of department management, particularly for finance managers.

Job advertising for sales representatives and sales consultants also peaked during February 2017.

The report added that the job market in the sales sector is very competitive.

IT and Telecoms Jobs

The CJI report showed that the IT industry has experienced a year-on-year growth of 23%.

Things do not look as rosy in the telecoms market, where job ad volumes remain significantly lower year-on-year.

The graphs below show volume trends for IT and telecommunication job adverts published on the Career Junction website over the past year.
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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

Iranian Parliament Speaker's visit to Azerbaijan postponed

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

Civilian exploded on mine in Artsakh

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
The president of Poland Andrzej Duda is ready to begin a new phase of relations with the European Council President Donald Tusk, said the president's press service director Marek Magerovski. Magerovski stressed that the Polish president plans to restore the unity of the EU together with Donald Tusk, the Polish Radio reports.

"There are no barriers between the president and the head of the EU Council. Such a meeting will take place, though not in the near future. It is important for them to have a possibility to talk calmly about the future of the Europe and the role of Poland, which is apparently also important for Tusk. Polands president is ready for the talks with the President of the Council of Europe. There are neither political nor personal obstacles for their future cooperation, " announced the press service of the Polish President.

On March 10, the President of Poland Andrzej Duda sent a letter to Donald Tusk, congratulating him on his reelection as the head of the Council of Europe.
The negotiations over the settlement of the Ukrainian conflict do not produce results, said the Polish Foreign Minister Witold Waszczykowski.

Waszczykowski criticized negotiations implemented in Minsk and Normandy formats. After the meeting with the head of the Ukrainian diplomacy Pavel Klimkin, Polish Foreign Minister expressed the need to define a new format for peaceful negotiations, informs Polish Radio.

"Sooner or later we would realize, that we need a new format, perhaps with the Americans. Probably, this format may make it more likely to resolve the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. However, it is Kiev, that needs decide on this issue, "he said.
STEPANAKERT.  The adversary violated the ceasefire along the line of contact between the Karabakh and Azerbaijani opposing forces 40 times, from late Wednesday night to early Thursday morning.

During this time the Azerbaijani armed forces fired more than 550 shots toward the position-holders of the Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh Republic/NKR) Defense Army, and with different-caliber shooting weapons, the defense army informed Armenian News-NEWS.am.

But the Artsakh defense army vanguard units mostly refrained from taking actions in response, and they continued confidently carrying out their military watch.
Rane went missing from the Assembly during the vote on the confidence motion moved by Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar even as Congress leader Chandrakant Kavlekar claimed he could not be traced.

By India Today Web Desk: Congress MLA Vishwajit Rane has resigned from the party shortly after skipping the crucial trust vote in Goa Assembly today. The Manohar Parrikar-led BJP government won the floor test by 22-16 in the 40-member Goa Assembly

"Reason behind my decision is that I am disillusioned. The manner in which the situation was handled in spite of people of Goa giving Congress the mandate. Congress has given up the mandate given by the people to govern. It is a total mismanagement of Congress leadership," Rane told India Today.

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RANE SLAMS DIGVIJAYA SINGH

"People managing Goa affairs mismanaged the whole thing. I think the Congress is heading towards a vertical split in Goa. People within the party are frustrated as they are unable to voice their concern to those at the top. These people come here on a holiday. They can say what they want about my cup of tea with Manohar Parrikar, I am not bothered," Rane said referring to Congress' Goa in charge Digivijaya Singh's charge that he was touch with the CM.

RANE SKIPS TRUST VOTE

Earlier, Rane went missing from the Assembly during the vote on the confidence motion moved by Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar even as Congress leader Chandrakant Kavlekar claimed he could not be traced.

Over the last few days, Rane had been accusing the Congress leadership, including state president Luizinho Faleiro and Congress General Secretary Digvijaya Singh, of sabotaging the party's attempts to come to power though the Congress emerged as the single largest party in the February 4 polls. Rane's father, Pratapsingh Rane, is also a Congress legislator and a former chief minister.

Watch the video here:

ALSO READ :

Goa's BJP-led government wins trust vote by 22-16 in 40-member Assembly

Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar proves majority in Goa Assembly: As it happened

Goa: From being the single-largest party to sitting in Opposition, how Congress lost the plot

--- ENDS ---
Six prison guards and one inmate were injured in a riot at California Correctional Center in Susanville, AP reported.

According to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, an inmate attacked an officer in the dining hall and about 30 other prisoners rushed to the scene and began punching and kicking the officers.

The staff of prison used physical force, pepper spray and non-lethal projectiles to quell the riot in minutes.
Assimilation of Muslims to be very difficult in Western countries, U.S. President Donald Trump told Fox News.

During the interview the host of the Fox News TV channel asked the president whether it is possible to integrate Muslims into Western civilization, CBS News reported.

The assimilation has been very, very hard, Mr. Trump said. Its been a very, very difficult process. I want this country to be safe. 

Trump also added that many Muslims love our country.

At the same time the head of the state suggested to look at whats going on in Germany, Sweden, Brussels and many other places.

It has been a very hard process. We are going to try very, very hard to make it work, he said.

The interview was recorded before the news of the court ruling to suspend Trumps immigration order broke shortly before Trump addressed supporters at an evening rally in Nashville, Tennessee.
YEREVAN.  Chairman of the Central Bank of Armenia (CBA), Arthur Javadyan, has left for Frankfurt, Germany, where he will attend the regular session of the Supervisory Council of the German-Armenian Fund programs.

The joint projects with the German government-owned KfW Development Bank, and some other matters of German-Armenian financial cooperation will be discussed at the event, CBA informed Armenian News-NEWS.am.

In addition, Javadyan will meet with the heads of several partner organizations.
Russia is ready to assist Armenia and Turkey whenever they decide to sit at the negotiating table, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said in an interview published Thursday, reported RIA Novosti news agency of Russia.

Lavrov told the Regional Post - Caucasus bimonthly that Russia played an important rolefrom 2007 to 2009in the thawing of Armenia-Turkey relations, but this normalization process was suspended sometime thereafter.

He expressed confidence, however, in the two countries ability to resolve existing issues.

When Yerevan and Ankara sit at the negotiating table, Russia will be ready to extend them the most active assistance, noted the Russian FM, in particular.

Also, Sergei Lavrov stressed that Moscow would welcome the opening of the border between Turkey and Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) member Armenia.

Of course, we would only welcome that the Armenian-Turkish part of the EAEUs external border was open for the free movement of people, goods, and services, stressed the Russian FM.
By Press Trust of India: London, Mar 16 (PTI) Stimulating the brain with electricity may improve short-term working memory, an advance that could help treat people with traumatic brain injury, stroke or epilepsy, a new study has found.

Researchers at Imperial College London found that applying a low voltage current can bring different areas of the brain in sync with one another, enabling people to perform better on tasks involving working memory.

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They hope the approach could one day be used to bypass damaged areas of the brain and relay signals in people with traumatic brain injury, stroke or epilepsy.

The brain is in a constant state of chatter, with this activity seen as brainwaves oscillating at different frequencies and different regions keeping a steady beat.

The team found that applying a weak electrical current through the scalp helped to align different parts of the brain, synchronising their brain waves and enabling them to keep the same beat.

"What we observed is that people performed better when the two waves had the same rhythm and at the same time," said Ines Ribeiro Violante, a neuroscientist at Imperial, who led the research.

In the trial, carried out in collaboration with University College London, the team used a technique called transcranial alternating current stimulation (TACS) to manipulate the brains regular rhythm.

They found that buzzing the brain with electricity could give a performance boost to the same memory processes used when people try to remember names at a party, telephone numbers, or even a short grocery list.

Violante and the team used TACS to target two brain regions - the middle frontal gyrus and the inferior parietal lobule - which are known to be involved in working memory.

Ten volunteers were asked to carry out a set of memory tasks of increasing difficulty while receiving stimulation to the two brain regions at slightly different times (unsynchronised), at the same time (synchronous), or only a quick burst (sham) to give the impression of receiving full treatment.

In the working memory experiments, participants looked at a screen on which numbers flashed up and had to remember if a number was the same as the previous, or in the case of the harder trial, if the current number matched that of two-numbers previous.

Results showed that when the brain regions were stimulated in sync, reaction times on the memory tasks improved, especially on the harder of the tasks requiring volunteers to hold two strings of numbers in their minds.

"The classic behaviour is to do slower on the harder cognitive task, but people performed faster with synchronised stimulation and as fast as on the simpler task," said Violante.

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"We can use TACS to manipulate the activity of key brain networks and we can see what is happening with fMRI," Violante said.

The study was published in the journal eLife. PTI SAR MHN

--- ENDS ---
AI (Artificial Intelligence) is the buzzword among people involved in technology. Most global IT experts, including PicsArt CEO and Co-founder HovhannesAvoyan, emphasize the role of AI in our futures. PicsArt, being a leading photo editor, collage maker and drawing app with a social network of more than 350 million users, also uses AI in its app.

According to Mr. Avoyan, Artificial Intelligence has been considered a dead science for a long time, but currently we are witnessing the renaissance of the sphere, already impacting different aspects of our lives and businesses. Around $1 billion has been invested in startups dealing with Artificial Intelligence over the last 5 years and the amount is growing every year, proving the concept of the growing importance of AI.

Some experts compare the era of Artificial Intelligence with that of the invention of electricity, which became a driving force for the industrial revolution in the 19th century. Artificial Intelligence is also changing our lives and affecting our economies. It can be used in almost all spheres, contributing to the increase in efficiency and living standards. This is why Mr. Avoyan believes that the countries and companies introducing AI now will be more competitive in the future.

According to Mr. Avoyan, in order to be competitive, Armenia has to train artificial intelligence experts and implement artificial intelligence in different areas. Government and the business sector have to cooperate on the matter and define a roadmap to fill the niche. Moreover, they have to act right now: AI is still new; and we have been traditionally strong in science and math. This is why, now is the right time to use the strengths and potential we have and to build competency in AI. This is our unique chance to be competitive in the global market.

In this regard, Mr. Avoyan suggests to create professional schools and educational programs, to encourage the creation and growth of Armenian IT companies that can assure global presence and positive reputation for our country. These actions aim to develop Armenian economy and enable Armenia to become a strong global player in AI.

There are companies in Armenia that are already involved in AI. In particular, PicsArt organizes courses, works with educational institutions to help develop AI in Armenia.

For example, last week, PicsArt invited renowned international professional trainers to run a week-long advanced courses on Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. Earlier, PicsArt together with Microsoft, organized a hackathon on Artificial Intelligence.

MrAvoyan notes, that PicsArt is ready to become the driving force for introducing new technologies and AI in Armenia, making it internationally competitive.

You can download the free PicsArt photo editor for iOS, Android, and Windows phones.
YEREVAN.  Russia will extend the period for providing technical assistance to the government of Armenia.

The draft of such amendments to the respective Armenian-Russian agreement was approved at Thursdays cabinet session of the Armenian government.

In May 2015, Russia agreed to provide technical assistance to Armenia, so as to improve its state oversight procedures that were needed for the countrys joining the Eurasian Unionthe Customs Union, at the time.

But the term of this agreement expired on December 31, 2016.
GYUMRI.  Opposition Prosperous Armenia Party Chairman and businessman MP Gagik Tsarukyan, who heads Tsarukyan Alliance in the upcoming parliamentary election in the country, on Thursday was welcomed in Gyumri with the releasing of peace doves into the sky.

Theater Square of Gyumri is jam-packed, the Armenian News-NEWS.am reporter informed from the second largest city of Armenia.

Tsarukyan on Thursday is holding an election campaign in Shirak Province.

Before arriving in Gyumri, however, he met with voters in Artik town.

The parliamentary election in Armenia will be conducted on April 2.
YEREVAN.  Violence is bad and we hope very much that the violence will be prevented and avoided, head of EU delegation to Armenia Piotr Switalski told reporters when asked about the recent shooting in Jrarat village of Armavir province.

The Ambassador said he hopes that very high emotions would not turn into violence during the election campaign. He emphasized that the emotions are running high during campaign in many countries.

Big responsibility is on the law enforcement agencies, because as we know from other countries, if violence is not reacted and there is no proper response, it will prompt more violence. So we are paying close attention to the activities of law enforcement agencies, police, investigation committee. I hope they will do their job, it is their responsibility to prevent further acts of violence. So far reports speak about isolated cases which are deplorable, we can only hope that there will be no violence during election campaign, Switalski said in an interview to several Armenian media outlets, including Armenian News-NEWS.am.

Asked whether he had discussed the case with Armenian authorities, the diplomat said: We have not discussed at a political level, we leave it to the law enforcement agencies. We discussed it at a technical level, as EU has a special election adviser. She is in daily contact with police and law enforcement agencies, this is how we monitor it.

Switalski said Brussels is very worried over violence in Armenia.

We have witnessed in other countries that violence has a snow ball effect. We are monitoring the situation, examining what law enforcement and police are doing. We understand that some people were detained and an investigation has been initiated. I think the police they know their job, it would be there responsibility, he added.

Asked whether he is aware of the involvement of one of high police officials and his family in the case of violence, the diplomat assured that he knows everything.

We know everything, almost everything, because in our involvement in preparation of elections, we have to examine every signal. Yesterday I spent the whole day by discussing elections in Armenia. We are very serious, never before the EU has paid so much attention to election campaign not only in Armenia. We are doing it not by our own initiative. We were invited to help, we did not impose ourselves, he added,

The shooting in the village occurred between the Republican Party of Armenia and opposition Ohanyan-Raffi-Oskanian alliance.
YEREVAN.  Head of the European Union (EU) Delegation to Armenia, Ambassador Piotr Switalski, and political officer of the delegation, Andrea Chalupova, on Thursday visited the central office of Yelk (Way Out) Bloc, and met with several of its members.

The interlocutors discussed the forthcoming parliamentary election in the country, Yelk informed Armenian News-NEWS.am. In particular, they conferred on the current election campaign season and domestic political situation.

The parliamentary election in Armenia will be conducted on April 2.
YEREVAN.  Artur Sargsyan, a.k.a. the Food Provider, has died at Armenia Medical Center in capital city Yerevan.

Arsen Grigoryan, deputy director of the hospital, confirmed this information by Armenian News-NEWS.am.

Artur Sargsyan, who was charged with aiding the Sasna Tsrer armed group, was released from prison on December 31, 2016, since he had an illness that was incompatible with imprisonment.

On February 9, however, he was arrested yet again.

Subsequently, Sargsyan went on hunger strike, and demanded that his preventive measure of arrest be commuted.

Several days ago, and with a written guarantee by several dozen MPs, he was released from prison and immediately taken to hospital.

A few days ago, he had left the hospital on his own volition. But had been hospitalized again, on Wednesday evening. He did not regain consciousness after his surgery.

The Sasna Tsrer armed group took over a police patrol regiment building in Yerevan, took hostages, but later surrendered, in July 2016.

On July 26, Artur Sargsyan had broken through a police wall with a vehicle loaded with food, and delivered food to members of this armed group.
YEREVAN.  Head of EU delegation to Armenia Piotr Switalski urged Armenian citizens not to be exposed to temptation of selling their vote during parliamentary elections.

The diplomat conveyed five messages to Armenian voters: The first message is: go and vote. I know that many Armenians do not have confidence that their vote can account, they are disillusioned having bad experience in the past. I want to say openly this time we will do everything so that your vote can count. Secondly, believe strongly that your vote will be secret and anonymous. There is nothing in voter identification and cameras that will disclose your choice. Your choice will remain secret, the diplomat said.

The third message of the Ambassador is not to be exposed to temptation of selling your vote: You may be approached by people offering money, services, and promises. I hope very much that they will refuse such temptation, there is no money that can be really worth selling your vote, it is your future.

The fourth message is be brave and do not let be intimidated. You may be exposed to threats and violence, be smarter than the guys who think they can manipulate you.

And finally, if the voters see something wrong, Mr. Switalski calls not to be afraid to speak up, approach law enforcement agencies, even if you do not believe that they will take resolute action.

But it is their duty, and I know they feel responsibility. They have to react in order to stay credible. Share it with observers. There will be plenty of observers, as unprecedented number of international and domestic observers will be present. Every polling station will have observers, he added.
YEREVAN.  Numerous people on Thursday assembled outside the intensive care unit department at Armenia Medical Center, in Armenias capital city of Yerevan, where Artur Sargsyan, a.k.a. the Food Provider, died several hours ago.

Opposition MP Nikol Pashinyan, actress Tamara Hovhannisyan, numerous activists, and Sargsyans relatives also are among those present, the Armenian News-NEWS.am reporter informed from the hospital.

Artur Sargsyan, who was charged with aiding the Sasna Tsrer armed group, was released from prison on December 31, 2016, since he had an illness that was incompatible with imprisonment.

On February 9, however, he was arrested yet again.

Subsequently, Sargsyan went on hunger strike, and demanded that his preventive measure of arrest be commuted.

A few days ago, and with a written guarantee by several dozen MPs, he was released from prison and immediately taken to hospital.

Several days ago, however, he left the hospital on his own volition.

But his health grew worse on Wednesday evening. He was taken to Armenia Medical Center, where he underwent surgery, but he did not regain consciousness after this operation.

The Sasna Tsrer armed group had taken over a police patrol regiment building in Yerevan, taken hostages, but later surrendered, in July 2016.

On July 26, Artur Sargsyan had broken through a police wall with a vehicle loaded with food, and delivered food to the members of this armed group.
Armenian Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports to receive more than 250 billion drams in 2023

Borrell says EU is dependent on supplies from China

Armenia official: Peace treaty implies restoration of sovereign territory

Guterres thinks mankind is heading for climate hell

Dollar, euro gain value in Armenia

General: Iran riots were US plan to derail nuclear deal

Minister: 'Lydian Armenia' may start exploitation of gold mine on Mountain Amulsar

Armenia political scientist: Balance is formed in region thanks to Iran

Minister: 70 schools will be repaired or newly built in Armenia in 2023

UAE lifts most COVID-19 restrictions for tourists

Political scientist: There is no Armenian-American agenda

President of Finland says country has no plans to host nuclear weapons

Russian Ambassador to Armenia: We are not used to making PR and playing games

Flight restrictions extended to 11 airports in Russia

Kopirkin: Spiritual core will help Armenia, Russia overcome difficulties, challenges

Armenia ranks among top 5 CIS countries for winter tourism

Envoy: Russian president awarded Armenian philologist with medal

Iranian intelligence arrests 26 terrorists: an Azerbaijani citizen among them

Russian Defense Ministry confirms: Azerbaijan fired at Khramort village in Artsakh

Number of oil and gas drilling rigs is up in US

Economy minister: Azerbaijan aggression prevented increase of Armenia wheat sowing areas

Gegharkunik governor: There are observers who recorded that Azerbaijan carried out aggression against Armenia

The National Interest: Iran turns attention to the Caucasus

Tokayev: Kazakhstan is ready to use other measures, besides diplomacy, for its defense

Economy minister: Primary agricultural products ensure 11%-13% of Armenia GDP

FAO: World grain prices rise in October

Kremlin urges Yerevan and Baku to refrain from destabilization

Governor of Armenias Tavush on possible handover of enclaves to Azerbaijan: Not being discussed now

Governor of Armenias Vayots Dzor: We have pastures that are monitored by Azerbaijan

WSJ: Sullivan is in contact with Ushakov and Patrushev on Ukraine

Vayots Dzor governor: Azerbaijan military that infiltrated Armenia can be seen with naked eye from Jermuk city

Armenia President: Military clashes, hostilities have direct impact on soil, air pollution

IRGC seizes over 1,500 weapons in Iran riots

Minister: $879 million worth of agricultural products exported from Armenia

Japan to exterminate 150 thousand chickens because of bird flu outbreak

Armenia informational online platform for promoting highly qualified specialists engagement is launched

South Korea's president apologizes for crush in downtown Seoul

Documento: Greek PM Mitsotakis used intelligence services to spy on dozens of people

Close to $98M to be allocated from Armenia state budget for agricultural projects in 2023

Man who set self on fire near Armenia government mansion is in severe condition

Anti-Iranian action to take place in Baku

UN promises to lift restrictions on Russian grain exports in near future

Fighter jet crashes in Saudi Arabia

About $770M to be assigned to Armenia territorial administration, infrastructure ministry next year

Armenia parliament vice-speaker: There is very important note in Sochi statement

Copper falls in price

New York bank robberies up 42% this year

Armenia President to attend climate change convention in Egypt

Gold prices change slightly

World oil prices falling

Mirzoyan, Blinken, Bayramov to meet in Washington today

How long will it take to know US midterm elections results?

Iranian Armenian MP: Iran-Armenia trade is expected to reach $1B

U.S. National Park Service urges against licking the Sonora desert toad

Azerbaijan army units open fire in direction of Armenia positions

Minister: Britain's government faces tough decisions

Pashinyan: Teachers in Armenia must get 800,000, 1,000,000 and 1,200,000 drams wages

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

U.S. arms sales in Europe are soaring

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

Iranian Parliament Speaker's visit to Azerbaijan postponed

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

Civilian exploded on mine in Artsakh

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
YEREVAN.  Elections held according to good standards will open new possibilities of cooperation between Armenia and EU. EU will consider how to increase its assistance in term of money and project, and good elections will boost relations with Armenia, head of EU delegation Piotr Switalski told reporters on Thursday.

He said a detailed technical action is needed before the framework agreement between Armenia and EU is signed.

Lengthy period of examining the text from legal and technical point of view, and it will take months. It will be signed only after the clear approval of the EU Council. I cannot specify the date of signing but I encourage to look to previous experience, sometimes the period is very long, in case of Kazakhstan it took more than a year, the Ambassador said.

However, signing of the agreement is not linked to the elections, the head of EU delegation emphasized.

But of course, the climate for the implementation will depend on how democratic processes and economic reforms are proceeding in Armenia. The more democracy and economic freedom, the more European reforms, the better climate for our cooperation. It is clear, Mr. Switalski said.
YEREVAN. - Doctors ofFood ProviderArtur Sargsyan offered him several times to move to a normal hospital, which he refused to do.

Spokesperson for the ruling Republican Party of Armenia (RPA), Eduard Sharmazanov, told the aforementioned after the RPA Executive Body session on Thursday.

As far as I am aware, during his disease Artur Sargsyan was offered several times by his doctors to move to a normal hospital but he refused. As far as I know, this was recorded. I have already learnt about the statement of Artur Sargsyans attorneys: it contains doubts related to the doctors and causes of his death. I am not a doctor and cannot say what caused his death, but since the attorneys insist on an expert examination, we dont see any problem here. If the expert examination establishes that unconsciencious actions were carried out and a law was violated, those guilty will immediately be held liable,the Spokesperson said.

He also added that certain forces are trying to speculate the circumstance of Artur Sargsyans death during the election campaign in order to win dividends.

Apparently, I said that I am sorry. Of course, there are people who are more sorry, however I cannot but mention that these are not the relatives and friends but those who are trying to take advantage of the incident in order to win pre-election dividends. This is unacceptable. Nevertheless, it is a fact that there has been an offer to move him to hospital and that he turned it down. This has been recorded by the Prosecutor Generals Office.

Artur Sargsyan, who was charged with aiding the Sasna Tsrer armed group, was released from prison on December 31, 2016, since he had an illness that was incompatible with imprisonment.

On February 9, however, he was arrested yet again.

Subsequently, Sargsyan went on hunger strike, and demanded that his preventive measure of arrest be commuted.

A few days ago, and with a written guarantee by several dozen MPs, he was released from prison and immediately taken to hospital.

Several days ago, however, he left the hospital on his own volition.

But his health grew worse on Wednesday evening. He was taken to Armenia Medical Center, where he underwent surgery, but he did not regain consciousness after this operation.

The Sasna Tsrer armed group had taken over a police patrol regiment building in Yerevan, taken hostages, but later surrendered, in July 2016.

On July 26, Artur Sargsyan had broken through a police wall with a vehicle loaded with food, and delivered food to the members of this armed group.
FDA Wins Permanent Injunction in Salmonella Case

The decree and injunction resolve the seizure action and prohibit further use of the seized product unless specifically approved by the FDA; it also permanently enjoins the defendants from manufacturing milk powder products at their facility unless they comply with certain remedial provisions.

A U.S. District Court judge in Virginia has entered a consent decree of condemnation and permanent injunction against Valley Milk Products LLC, Michael W. Curtis, Robert D. Schroeder, and Jennifer J. Funkhouser, ordering the condemnation of certain seized milk powder products and preventing further distribution of adulterated milk powder products, the Department of Justice announced March 15. DOJ filed a seizure action last November at the request of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which alleged certain milk powder products of the defendants were manufactured under insanitary conditions and may have been rendered injurious to health. The complaint sought to seize and condemn certain adulterated milk powder products at Valley Milk Products' Strasburg, Va., facility.

The decree and injunction resolve the seizure action and prohibit further use of the seized product unless specifically approved by the FDA; it also permanently enjoins the defendants from manufacturing milk powder products at their facility unless they comply with certain remedial provisions.

"The Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act is designed to bolster public confidence in food safety by protecting consumers from unsafe food, including food produced under visibly insanitary conditions," said Acting Assistant Attorney General Chad A. Readler of DOJ's Civil Division. "The Department of Justice will continue to work cooperatively with the FDA to ensure that food facilities employ proper precautions, so that our food is safe for consumption."

Valley Milk Products LLC manufactures Grade A and non-Grade A milk products, including milk powder products, condensed milk products, and butter. The permanent injunction named Valley Milks' General Manager Michael W. Curtis, Plant Manager Robert D. Schroeder, and Quality Control Compliance Officer Jennifer J. Funkhouser.

"As alleged in the complaint, during a 2016 inspection of Valley Milk, FDA confirmed the presence of Salmonella meleagridis in the Strasburg facility," DOJ's news release stated. "Salmonella strains were nearly identical to Salmonella strains found at the firm in 2010, 2011, and 2013. In addition, the complaint alleged that Salmonella meleagridis was also present in the firms undistributed finished product samples. The complaint also alleges that, in addition to the presence of Salmonella, the defendants milk processing facility had insanitary conditions, including dripping brown fluids and old product residue within the processing equipment. The complaint alleges that this evidence demonstrates that the firms sanitation practices were inadequate to control or eliminate Salmonella meleagridis in their processing environment. The seized milk powder products have been condemned and forfeited to the United States. Under the provisions of the consent decree entered by the Court, Valley Milk may attempt to bring the condemned products into compliance with the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act under the supervision of the FDA. Valley Milk is prohibited from disposing of any part of the condemned food until FDA determines that the food has been safely reconditioned. If the food cannot be reconditioned, it will be destroyed by a method approved by FDA."

If the defendants want to resume manufacturing milk powder products at the Strasburg facility, they must notify FDA in advance and comply with certain remedial provisions in the decree, which requires that they create and implement a written sanitation control program.

DOJ said this action does not affect Valley Milk's liquid milk products.
Radiation and Worker Health Advisory Board to Meet March 22-23

The NIOSH advisory board will meet in Naperville, Ill.

NIOSH has announced that its Advisory Board on Radiation and Worker Health will meet March 22-23 in Naperville, Illinois. The board will discuss site profiles for General Steel Industries, as well as the Argonne National Laboratory-East, and the Kansas City Plant.

The meeting will take place at the Embassy Suites by Hilton, Chicaoo Naperville. Public comments will begin at 5 p.m. CDT on March 22.

Special Exposure Cohort (SEC) petitions also are on the agenda for these work sites: Carborundum Company, Niagara Falls, N.Y.; Idaho National Laboratory, Scoville, Idaho; Rocky Flats Plant, Golden, Colo.; and Savannah River Site, Aiken, S.C.
"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!

This young Walker's Point hot spot also nabbed the title of Milwaukee's best new bar in the first readers' poll reveal at the start of bar month.

Surely, folks love the fact that Drink Wisconsinbly Pub has a classic Milwaukee bar vibe but with a modern, updated style, and that it's located in the heart of one of the hottest neighborhoods in Brew City. That is has a bubbler dispensing Soul Boxer old fashioneds ain't hurting things, either.

OnMilwaukee editors' pick: Three Lions Pub



Runners up:

2. Nomad World Pub

3. Highbury Pub

4. Milwaukee Brat House

5. Three Lions Pub

This year we also asked a variety of prominent Milwaukeeans to weigh in on their pick for specific categories. For this category, we consulted Fox6 Milwaukee anchor Ted Perry.

Perry's pick: Three Lions Pub & The Nomad

I offered to recuse myself from judging this list because candidly, I have not been to most. However, of the one's I've attended, two stick out. The first is Three Lions Pub. My old man always said don't live too far from a pub you can't walk home from. Three Lions is clearly on periphery of my neighborhood, but I don't love it simply for location. It's clearly authentic thanks to the British-born wait and bar staff and reminds me of the time I lived in London during my junior year abroad. Finally, the brunch is the most comforting thing you can find on a cold Saturday morning.

I also have a fondness for The Nomad. I always felt it stressed inclusion in its clientele in a city where inclusion is sometimes lacking. Always a great vibe in there.
"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!

While the city of Milwaukee is relatively small geographically, the number of diverse neighborhoods certainly adds to its perceived size.

Each corner of this town has a unique history. The Polish influences are still apparent on the citys South Side, with Kosciusko Park, the Polish duplexes and the statuesque Catholic churches serving as reminders of an era gone by. The German settlers left their mark on the North Side of Milwaukee, namely the Gothic architecture and the Germania Building Downtown. The Third Ward  once home to Italian immigrants  now offers luxury living spaces, river views and upscale nightlife.

Todays residents who live in the dozens of Milwaukee pockets are a 21st century reflection of that rich history. Make no mistake, this is still a segregated place. However, as time goes on and as some of the institutional barriers erode, the glorious cities within the city are revealed.

When talking about historic Milwaukee, the Bay View neighborhood is worthy of note. Its modern day renaissance has transformed this urban enclave into a real destination for locals and tourists alike.

One of my favorite bars in Milwaukee is in the heart of that neighborhood. Revel Bar, located at 2246 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., is a dimly lit hookah lounge with subtle Middle Eastern details that asserts it as a unique destination. While there is a time and a place to kick back in one of Milwaukees many dive bars, Revel offers something more upscale without being pretentious. I really enjoy this establishment because, above all else, the staff makes you feel right at home  even if youve never been there before.

Upon entry, the first thing youll notice is the ample seating. Tall, cushiony stools line the custom epoxy bar. The Cream City brick and copper-tiled ceiling is a 19th century throwback to Milwaukees world class architecture. Along the walls and to the rear of the establishment, youll find high-back booths and wide ottomans which encourage group conversation.

Determined not to be boring, Revel changes the drink list frequently. Special cocktails, however, are a mainstay on the menu. Meanwhile, the wine and beer selections highlight each of Wisconsins seasons. Eight taps featuring beers by local micro-breweries offer options for even the most discriminating of tastes.

If exciting attractions are what you crave, then Revel has you covered, as the Bay View spot hosts a mix of special events on a regular basis. Do you love to cut a rug? Youll enjoy listening to some of the hottest DJs in the area play all your favorite jams. For your more cultured side, Revel is the only bar in Bay View to host monthly gallery nights. Works by local artists provide a tasteful aesthetic to an already classy interior design.

If youre like me, then you'll enjoy the elegant simplicity of a classic highball cocktail. And at Revel, you can expect a heavy pour.

As the only hookah bar in Bay View, its daily happy hour goes from 5 to 9 p.m. offers combination deals on drinks and water-cooled, flavored smoke.

If youre looking for a laid-back atmosphere, courteous staff and a variety of satisfying spirts, then give Revel Bar a try. Im sure Ill see you there soon.
Chef Jason Gorman has accepted a position as the culinary director for the historic Ambassador Hotel, 2308 W. Wisconsin Ave.

Gormans career includes work at a variety of notable establishments including The Iron Horse Hotel, The Art Institute of Chicago, Mangia Wine Bar in Kenosha and Dream Dance (now Dream Dance Steak), where he earned honors as a James Beard semifinalist for Best Chef Midwest. Most recently, he was executive chef at the Milwaukee Art Museum, where he enhanced the menu at Cafe Calatrava with both Italian-influenced cuisine and an eye for artful presentation.

But, at the Ambassador, Gorman says hell be hanging up his Italian chef hat for a while.

"Ive had a lot of fun making Italian food for the past few years. But I dont want to be that chef who takes the same 10 dishes with him everywhere I go. So Im moving on from pizza and pasta for a while," he says. "But Im really looking forward to crafting a menu thats very creative but also personal."

He says the opportunity to take the helm of both the food and beverage programs is one hes excited to tackle.

"Im thrilled to partner with such a great destination," Gorman says. "Theres so much history in the space. And, as a chef, that gives me a great reference point for my cooking. Ever since I left Dream Dance, Ive been searching for the right place in Milwaukee, for me and for my food. And I feel like the Ambassador Hotel is really a place where I can make the sorts of dishes that Milwaukeeans have gotten to know me for."

Thoughtfully, Gorman adds, "Theres a great quote from [Bob] Dylan. He came out on stage with his electric guitar and people asked What is that music? Is it folk? What is it? and he said: Its just rock 'n roll. And thats how Im approaching this."

Rick Wiegand, owner of the Ambassador, reflected a similar sentiment in a press release about the leadership change.

"We are ecstatic to have Chef Jason bring his award-winning talents to our hotel," Wiegand said. "Hes at the forefront of regional cooking in Wisconsin, and we are looking forward to unveiling more exciting changes for Envoy in the weeks ahead."
According to a report in BizTimes on Wednesday, Riverwests Art Bar, 722 E. Burleigh St., has applied for a $187,000 loan from Milwaukee Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to fund a restaurant in the building next door.

That building, at 732 E. Burleigh St., was long home to Vietnamese restaurant, West Bank Cafe, which closed on May 1, 2015. Art Bars Don Krause bought the building soon after.

According to MEDC documents, reports BizTimes Media reporter Corri Hess, Krause estimates the total cost of the restaurant project at $680,000.

There is no word on the concept or potential opening date of the new restaurant, and Krause did not immediately respond to a request for comment. He also told Hess that he would have no comment until his loan was approved by MEDC.

Speak up, Riverwesterners, what kind of restaurant do you hope Krause will open in the former West Bank Cafe space?
Jochen Hilz, Dr.-Ing. Jochen Strohle, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Bernd Epple (from left to right) in the CO2 testing facility, which houses the 1 MW experimental pilot plant. Credit: Katrin Binner

In the course of Project SCARLET, scientists at the TU Darmstadt have succeeded in developing the so-called Carbonate Looping process for the reduction of CO2 emissions during power plant operations almost to the point of market readiness.

By the time Professor Bernd Epple of the TU Darmstadt's Institute for Energy Systems and Energy Technology opens the final symposium of the European-wide Project SCARLET these coming days, several milestones will have been reached. Over the past three years, Professor Epple, a mechanical engineer, and his ten German and international project partners have developed the technical prerequisites for the industrial deployment of the Carbonate Looping process. This process can be used to separate more than 90 per cent of the CO2 released during the combustion of fossil fuels. Retrofitting existing power generation facilities and industrial plants with this technology would allow them to be operated in a much more environmentally-friendly manner.

Based on data measured at a 1 Megawatt (MW) experimental facility, Professor Epple and his team have developed scaling tools for industrial plants with which they have conducted model calculations and computer simulations. They have proven that the new process is more cost effective and energy efficient than competing processes. They presented plans for a complete pilot project plant for the coal-fired power plant Emile Huchet in Saint-Avold in France, with a total output of 20 MW.

"If the funding details were already clarified at this point", says Dr. Jochen Strohle, Senior Research Scientist at the Institute for Energy Systems and Technology at the TU Darmstadt and Project SCARLET coordinator, "then this could be the first industrial scale pilot project to be launched. "All the necessary planning, including a cost schedule and a risk assessment are already on the table". The acronym "SCARLET" stands for "Scale up of Calcium Carbonate Looping Technology for Efficient CO2 Capture from Power and Industrial Plants". The European Union has provided five million euro in project funding, and the overall budget was over seven million euro.

How does the carbonate looping process work?

Carbonate looping process. Credit: Table: Prof. Bernd Epple / Desgin: Ulrike Albrecht

Carbonate Looping involves two chemical reactions continuously running in two interconnected fluidized bed reactors. In the first fluidized bed reactor, the absorber, a powder of burnt lime or calcium oxide (CaO) is contacted with the CO2 in the power station exhaust to form calcium carbonate (CaCO3). The calcium carbonate then is transferred in the second of the two fluidized bed reactors, known as the regenerator, where high temperatures force out the CO2 bound as the calcium carbonate thereby producing burnt lime and CO2 once again. The released CO2 can then be used for other purposes or stored whilst the burnt lime is returned to the first fluidized bed reactor. The material needs to be replaced after several dozen cycles, but the depleted lime can then be used in cement production making it a valuable raw material rather than a waste product.

"We need 80 kilograms of lime to capture one tonne of CO2", Professor Epple explains. "The current process costs amount to around 20 to 27 euro per tonne of CO2. Other processes are more expensive and less efficient. Through SCARLET we have succeeded in moving the Carbonate Looping process a major step forward towards market readiness".

What did the project partners do in particular? First, it was necessary to discover the conditions and prerequisites for the continuous operation of the 1 MW pilot plant within grounds of the TU Darmstadt. Only under stable operating conditions it is possible to extrapolate from the measured data to calculate the necessary scaling factors. The pilot plant was built six years ago with funding from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs, the European Union, and various industrial partners. "Today, we operate the 1 MW facility for several weeks at a time with a constant level of CO2 sequestration", explains Jochen Hilz, a doctoral candidate who has been supporting the project right from the outset. "The reactivity of the lime declines as the number of cycles increases, which necessitates operating periods lasting up to several days, to be able to draw reliable conclusions to its long-term behaviour. We now know the conditions necessary for steady operations. The more empirical data we have from continuous operations, the fewer assumptions we need to make and the better are models and computer simulations that we calculate."

For SCARLET, it was necessary to upgrade the 1 MW experimental facility. "For example, we built a silo for 30 tonnes of fuel", Professor Epple reports, who developed the concepts for the process based on his professional work for an industrial corporation. "You see, we need a constant supply for continuous operation. We also had to improve the transfer of particles from one fluidized bed reactor to the other in addition to adapting existing measurement systems. What we wanted to know was how the particles move inside the fluidized bed reactors; their relative densities in various zones, and what velocities they can achieve. Also", Epple continues, "we wanted to analyse the gas at the different levels. That's the only way we can understand how fast the CO2 has been separated in the absorberand then set free again in the regenerator". Because temperatures of 900 degree Celsius are reached within the fluidized bed reactors, measuring this data is anything but trivial. "Basically", Epple explains, the "reactor contents are like molten lava".

It was not easy to measure what actually happens within the reactors during the Carbonate Looping process. As Dr. Strohle explains: "We knew how the process behaves in general, and that high CO2 absorption efficiencies are possible. On the other hand though, we knew very little about the long-term behaviour of the lime under real operating conditions. That has now changed following SCARLET." This knowledge was used in collaboration with the project partners to develop models for larger facilities and various plant types. The process can also be used for industrial cement and steel plants as well as waste incineration facilities.

So, what's next? "We'll be taking various approaches" says Professor Epple, "Including, for example, planning a facility that separates out the CO2 produced during waste incineration." The project team is also discussing concepts for the utilization of the recovered CO2. The price per tonne of CO2 is currently very low on the global markets. At this point, any power plant operators making use of the process would not be in a position to be able to sell the captured CO2 at a rate that would enable them to break even, let alone make a profit. It would have to be stored or reprocessed. "We're considering using the CO2 directly for the production of methanol", says Professor Epple. "Global market prices for methanol are higher than those for CO2." He and his team have developed the process even further to the point where pure oxygen will no longer be required for combustion within the regenerator and the overall efficiency level will be increased. They are determined to bring the project to a successful conclusion.
Credit: contains modified Copernicus Sentinel data (2017), processed by ESA

Just over a week after being lofted into orbit, the European Union's Sentinel-2B satellite delivered its first images of Earth, offering a glimpse of the 'colour vision' it will provide for the Copernicus environmental monitoring programme.

With a swath width of 290 km, the satellite's first acquisition began over the Baltic Sea and made a strip-like observation through eastern Europe, ending in northern Libya.

The data were relayed in real time to the Matera ground station in Italy, where the images were then processed.

While eastern Europe was mostly cloudy, Italy's sunny skies allowed the teams to get their first glimpse of the multispectral instrument's capabilities over southern Italy's Calabria and Apulia regions, the latter often referred to as the 'heel of the boot'.

One of more distinctive features of this first acquisition is Apulia's port city of Brindisi  appropriately the same word for the 'toast' ritual in Italian. Other areas captured in the first pass include the town of Crotone in Calabria and part of Albania's coast.

The multispectral imager is being calibrated during the commissioning phase  which will take about three months.

Sentinel-2B is the second in the two-satellite mission for Europe's Copernicus programme. Its twin Sentinel-2A was launched in June 2015. Now that both are in orbit, Sentinel-2 provides repeat coverage every five days.

Crotone, Italy. Credit: contains modified Copernicus Sentinel data (2017), processed by ESA

In addition to demonstrating the high resolution of 10 m per pixel, these initial data foreshadow the mission's land-monitoring applications in areas such as agriculture, coastal waters and land-cover mapping.

"Sentinel-2B will be one of the workhorses of Copernicus, as it will enable a whole range of applications with a focus on land," said Josef Aschbacher, Director of ESA's Earth Observation Programmes.

"With the second Sentinel-2 satellite in orbit, we now have much better coverage  which is especially important for monitoring areas frequently covered by clouds.

"This will further improve data availability of the Copernicus Services and increase the usage of the Copernicus data."

"The Copernicus Services in the areas of land and coastal monitoring rely on Sentinel-2 data," said Philippe Brunet, Director for Space Policy, Copernicus and Defence at the European Commission.

"With the launch of the B-unit, the quality of the data products will increase and Copernicus can better manage and protect the environment and natural resources, as well as improve civil security.

Six families of Sentinel satellites will make up the core of EU's Copernicus environmental monitoring network. An EU flagship space initiative, Copernicus provides operational information on the world's land surfaces, oceans and atmosphere to support environmental and security policymaking, and meet the needs of citizens and service providers.
This 2013 photo by RSPB and Birdlife Cyprus shows a Red-backed Shrike (Lanius collurio) caught on a limestick

Poachers in Cyprus killed an estimated 2.3 million birds in autumn 2016, including 800,000 on a British military base, conservation groups said Thursday.

Poaching is banned on the Mediterranean island but songbirds including robins and blackcaps are regularly trapped and served as an illegal delicacy called "ambelopoulia".

The birds, including several species that use Cyprus as a key stop-off point on their migration between Europe and Africa, are trapped with nets or glue-covered perches called limesticks.

BirdLife Cyprus and Britain's Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) said poaching rates were around their highest ever, with criminal gangs earning millions from the activity.

Britain's Dhekelia military base was "the worst bird killing hotspot in the whole of Cyprus", the RSPB said.

The group's Jonathan Hall called on the UK government "to crack down on this activity and end the illegal killing of songbirds in Dhekelia".

Britain retained sovereignty over two military base areas when Cyprus won independence in 1960 and has a police force in Dhekelia that tackles poachers.

But the conservation groups said it was not doing enough, saying poachers were making "blatant and extensive use of electronic calling devices" on a firing range there.

They said the most effective weapon against poaching was the removal of non-native Acacia trees, planted by trappers to lure in the birds. But they said British authorities had largely abandoned efforts to remove the trees after protests from the illegal trapping community.

Britain's defence ministry said it was committed to tackling illegal bird trapping, with "a record number of arrests, equipment seizures, prosecutions and fines".

"For the second year running we have halted the rising trend in numbers of birds killed," a spokesperson said.

BirdLife Cyprus chief Martin Hellicar also urged the Cypriot government to take "serious action against restaurants illegally serving ambelopoulia".

 2017 AFP
3-D representation of the internal structure of a microchip (an Intel processor). The view shown is exactly at the level where the transistors are. The material in yellow is copper  showing the processors circuit connections which link the individual transistors with each other. To illustrate, several interconnections whose lines could be followed through the volume examined have been coloured. The lines shown individually are around 45 nanometres wide (45 millionths of a millimetre); in all, a piece of the processor of around 10 micrometres (10 thousandths of a millimetre) in diameter was examined. Credit: Paul Scherrer Institute/Mirko Holler

Researchers of the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI have made detailed 3-D images of a commercially available computer chip. This marks the first time a non-destructive method has visualized the paths of a chip's internal wiring (just 45 nanometres45 millionths of a millimetrewide) and its 34-nanometre-high transistors clearly without distortions or deformations. It is a major challenge for manufacturers to determine if, in the end, the structure of their chips conforms to the specifications. Thus these results represent one important application of an X-ray tomography method that the PSI researchers have been developing for several years. In their experiment, the researchers examined a small piece that they had cut out of the chip beforehand. This sample remained undamaged throughout the measurement. The goal now is to extend the method in such a way that it can be used to examine complete chips. The researchers conducted the experiments at the Swiss Light Source SLS of the Paul Scherrer Institute.

They report their results in the latest edition of the journal Nature.

The electrical wiring in many of the electronic chips in our computers and mobile phones are just 45 nanometres wide, the transistors 34 nanometres high. While it is standard practice today to produce structures this delicate, it remains a challenge to measure the exact structure of a finished chip in detail in order to check, for example, if it is built according to the specifications. Nowadays, for such examinations, manufacturers mainly use a method in which layer after layer of the chip is removed and then, after each step, the surface is examined with an electron microscope; this is known as FIB/SEMfocused ion beam/scanning electron microscope imaging.

Now researchers of the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI have used X-rays to achieve non-destructive 3-D imaging of a chip, so that the paths of the conducting lines and the positions of the individual transistors and other circuit elements became clearly visible. The image resolution we were able to produce is comparable to the conventional FIB/SEM examination method, explains Mirko Holler, leader of the project. But we were able to avoid two significant disadvantages: Firstly, the sample remained undamaged, and we have complete information about the three-dimensional structure. Secondly, we avoided distortions of the images that arise in FIB/SEM if the surface of the individual slice is not exactly planar.

3-D representation of the internal structure of a microchip (an Intel processor). Shown in yellow are the chips copper interconnects, which link the individual transistors with each other. The smallest lines shown individually are around 45 nanometres wide (45 millionths of a millimetre); in all, a piece of the processor of around 10 micrometres in diameter (10 thousandths of a millimetre) was examined. The animation is based on X-ray measurements conducted at the Swiss Light Source SLS of the Paul Scherrer Institute. Credit: Paul Scherrer Institute/Mirko Holler

Positioned with nanometre precision

For their study, the researchers used a special tomographic method (ptychotomography) that they have developed and enhanced over the course of recent years, and which today offers the worldwide best resolution of 15 nanometres (15 millionths of a millimetre) for examination of a comparably large volume. In the experiment the object to be studied is X-rayed at precisely determined places with light from the Swiss Light Source SLS of the Paul Scherrer Institutefor each illuminated spot a detector then measures the X-ray light pattern after its passage through the sample. The sample is then rotated in small steps and then X-rayed again step-wise after each turn. From the whole set of data obtained, the three-dimensional structure of the sample can be determined. With these measurements, the position of the sample must be known to a precision of just a few nanometresthat was one of the particular challenges in setting up our experimental station, Holler says.

In their experiment the researchers examined small pieces of two chipsa detector chip developed at PSI and a commercially available computer chip. Each piece was about 10 micrometres (that is, 10 thousandths of a millimetre) in size. While the examination of an entire chip with the present measurement setup is not possible, the method's advantages are brought to bear even in this form, so that the first prospective users have already expressed an interest in conducting measurements at PSI.

PSI researchers Mirko Holler (right) and Manuel Guizar-Sicairos at the cSAXS beamline of the Swiss Light Source SLS of the Paul Scherrer Institute. Here they made the three-dimensional structure of a microchip visible. Credit: Paul Scherrer Institute/Markus Fischer

The goal: to examine entire microchips

We are currently starting to extend the method in such a way that it can be used to examine entire microchips within an acceptable measurement time. Then it will also be possible to study the same area of a chip multiple times, for example to observe how it changes under external influences, explains Gabriel Aeppli, head of the Synchrotron Radiation and Nanotechnology Division at the PSI.

A second 3-D representation of the internal structure of a microchip (an Intel processor). Credit: Paul Scherrer Institute/Mirko Holler

More information: Mirko Holler et al. High-resolution non-destructive three-dimensional imaging of integrated circuits, Nature (2017). DOI: 10.1038/nature21698 Journal information: Nature
Researchers studying a deal in which Google's artificial intelligence subsidiary, DeepMind, acquired access to millions of sensitive NHS patient records have warned that more must be done to regulate data transfers from public bodies to private firms.

The academic study says that "inexcusable" mistakes were made when, in 2015, the Royal Free NHS Foundation Trust in London signed an agreement with Google DeepMind. This allowed the British AI firm to access sensitive information about 1.6 million patients who use the Trust's hospitals each year.

The access was used to create monitoring software for mobile devices, called Streams, which promises to improve clinicians' ability to support patients with Acute Kidney Injury (AKI). But according to the study's authors, the purposes stated in the agreement were far less specific, and made more open-ended references to using data to improve services.

More than seven months after the deal was put in place, an investigation by New Scientist then revealed that DeepMind had gained access to a huge number of identifiable patient records and that it was not possible to track how these were being used. They included information about people who were HIV-positive, details about drug overdoses and abortions, and records of routine hospital visits.

As of November 2016, DeepMind and the Trust have replaced the old agreement with a new one. The original deal is being investigated by the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), which has yet to report any findings publicly. The National Data Guardian (NDG) is also continuing to look into the arrangement. DeepMind retained access to the data that it had been given even after the ICO and NDG became involved, and the app is being deployed.

The new study reviews the original agreement in depth, with a systematic synthesis of publicly available documentation, statements, and other details obtained by Freedom of Information requests. It was carried out by Dr Julia Powles, a Research Associate in law and computer science at St John's College, University of Cambridge, and Hal Hodson, who broke the New Scientist story and is now Technology Correspondent for The Economist.

Both authors say that it is unlikely that DeepMind's access ever represented a data security risk, but that the terms were nonetheless highly questionable, in particular because they lacked transparency and suffered from an inadequate legal and ethical basis for Trust-wide data access.

They say the case should be a "cautionary tale" for the NHS and other public institutions, which are increasingly seeking tech companies' help to improve services, but could, in the process, surrender substantial amounts of sensitive information, creating "significant power asymmetries between citizens and corporations".

"Data mining and machine learning offer huge promise in improving healthcare and clearly digital technology companies will have a major role to play," Powles said. "Nevertheless, we think that there were inadequacies in the case of this particular deal."

"The deal betrays a level of naivety regarding how public sector organisations set up data-sharing arrangements with private firms, and it demonstrates a major challenge for the public and public institutions. It is worth noting, for example, that in this case DeepMind, a machine learning company, had to make the bizarre promise that it would not yet use machine learning, in order to engender trust."

Powles and Hodson argue that the transfer of data to DeepMind did not proceed as it should have, questioning in particular its invocation of a principle known as "direct care". This assumes that an "identified individual" has given implied consent for their information to be shared for uses that involve the prevention, investigation, or treatment of illness.

No patient whose data was shared with DeepMind was ever asked for their consent. Although direct care would clearly apply to those monitored for AKI, the records that DeepMind received covered every other patient who used the Trust's hospitals. These extended to people who had never been tested or treated for kidney injuries, people who had left the catchment area, and even some who had died.

In fact, the authors note that, according to the Royal Free and DeepMind's own announcements, only one in six of the records DeepMind accessed would have involved AKI patients. For a substantial number of patients, therefore, the relationship was indirect. As a result, special permissions should have been sought from the Government, and agencies such as the ICO and NDG should have been consulted. This did not happen.

Such applications of "direct care" have been queried before. In December 2016, Dr Alan Hassey of the NDG, which provides national guidance on the use of confidential informationwrote that: "an erroneous belief has taken hold in some parts of the health and care system that if you believe what you are doing is direct care, you can automatically share information on a basis of implied consent". Dr Hassey noted that direct care is not "of itself a catch-all... The crucial thing is that information sharing must be in line with the reasonable expectations of the individual concerned".

The researchers' survey also criticises the lack of transparency in the agreement, pointing out that neither party made clear the volume of data involved, nor that it involved so many identifiable records. How that data has been, and is being, used, has never been independently scrutinised. Last week, DeepMind announced plans to develop a new data-tracking system, to make such processes more transparent, at an unspecified future stage.

The authors liken the relationship overall to a one-way mirror. "Once our data makes its way onto Google-controlled servers, our ability to track it - to understand how and why decisions are made about us - is at an end," they write.

The paper says that an obvious lesson is that no such deal should be launched without full disclosure of the framework of documents and approvals which underpins it. In light of the 2013 Caldicott review of sharing of patient information, they write that: "The failure of both sides to engage in any conversation with patients and citizens is inexcusable."

They also suggest that private companies should have to account for their use of public data to properly-resourced and independent bodies. Without this, they argue that tech companies could gradually gain an unregulated monopoly over health analytics.

"The reality is that the exact nature and extent of Google's interests in NHS patient data remain ambiguous," the authors add. Powles notes that while Google has no stated plans to exploit the data for advertising and other commercial uses, its unparalleled access to such information, without any meaningful oversight, does not rule out the possibility in future.

"I personally think that because data like this can get out there, we are almost becoming resigned to the idea," Powles added. "This case stresses that we shouldn't be. Before public institutions give away longitudinal data sets of our most sensitive details, they should have to account to a comprehensive, forward-thinking and creative regulatory system."

Powles and Hodson are working on a second paper, analysing the terms of the revised DeepMind-Royal Free arrangement since November 2016 and the ongoing regulatory investigations. Their current study is published in the journal Health and Technology.

More information: Julia Powles et al, Google DeepMind and healthcare in an age of algorithms, Health and Technology (2017). DOI: 10.1007/s12553-017-0179-1
The nation's top transportation experts see rapid change in transportation as a result of three major technology revolutions: shared, electric and automated vehicles. That's according to a survey by the Institute of Transportation Studies at UC Davis. The group also released a set of policy briefs, described below, which were guest-authored by leading transportation policy experts.

Forty policymakers, researchers, and representatives from government, nonprofit organizations and the technology and auto industries participated in the survey, which was developed in connection with the launch of ITS-Davis' new policy initiative, 3 Revolutions: Sharing, Electrification and Automation.

"For the first time in half a century, real, transformative innovations are coming to the world of passenger transportation," said Dan Sperling, director of ITS-Davis and the new 3 Revolutions policy initiative. "This survey shows us that without thoughtful collaboration and community-facing policies, these changes would lead to increased inequities, vehicle travel and greenhouse gas emissions. We need to be creative in order to steer these innovations to the public interest."

The 3 Revolutions Policy Initiative addresses the big policy questions related to these new technologies, and the partnerships needed to bring the greatest social and market benefit.

Survey highlights

Seventy percent of survey participants think fully driverless vehicles will account for more than 20 percent of vehicles sold by 2040.

Eighty-eight percent think commercially offered shared rides will make up more than 5 percent of all U.S. passenger miles by 2030, and 78 percent think commercially offered shared rides will account for more than 20 percent of U.S. passenger miles traveled by 2040.

Seventy percent also think that by 2050, the majority of vehicles used commercially for ride and car sharing in the nation will be zero-emission vehicles, including battery, plug-in hybrid, and fuel-cell electric vehicles.

Almost all of the survey participants selected California as the state most likely to embrace all three transportation trends.

When respondents were asked to specify which companies are best positioned to capitalize on the revolution in autonomous, shared and electric vehicles, 67 percent listed Google, 64 percent named Tesla and Uber, and 48 percent chose Lyft and General Motors.

"The results of this survey suggest that disruptive technologies are coming from both inside and outside automotive," said Peter Kosak, executive director, Urban Mobility at General Motors. "In the end, partnershipsincluding working relationships with governments and communitiesare likely essential to a rapid and successful transition."

Policies could help avoid inequalities and emissions

Without policy actions, 77 percent of survey respondents said that the benefits of shared, automated vehicles will not be evenly distributed across income levels, and 80 percent said that sales of automated vehicles will result in more greenhouse gas emissions.

"The state of California has programs in place to fully support the rapid transition of the vehicle fleet to zero-emission vehicles, both battery electric and fuel cell," said Richard W. Corey, executive officer of the California Air Resources Board. "This new survey underscores the need for the state to continue to work closely with research institutions like ITS-Davis and others. We will have a growing need for robust data and analysis to develop the incentives and programs needed to ensure that the inevitable shift to driverless cars and more shared-transportation choices works hand-in-glove with the expanding zero-emission vehicle market to help California achieve our climate and air quality goals."

More information: The policy briefs are available online: 3rev.ucdavis.edu/policybriefs/
Governments benefit if they provide housing for the homeless. Credit: University of Melbourne

It is cheaper to provide last resort housing to homeless people than to leave them sleeping rough, a new report from the University of Melbourne has found.

Each bed provided by the government provides an average net benefit of $10,800 per year, according to the comprehensive cost-benefit analysis, commissioned by the University of Melbourne's Sustainable Society Institute (MSSI). The University partnered with consulting firm SGS Economics and Planning, which undertook the analysis.

"We found that governments and society benefit more than they spend by providing last resort housing to homeless individuals," said Ellen Witte, director of SGS, the report's lead author. "This is mainly through reduced healthcare costs, reduced crime, and people getting back into employment or education."

"There is much to gain in economic and social terms, both for government and society, by assisting the homeless," Ms Witte added. "The supply of last resort housing has actually dropped in inner Melbourne while demand continues to peak. Demand is primarily driven by housing unaffordability, people escaping domestic violence and a structural lack of social housing."

Brendan Gleeson, director of MSSI and an expert adviser to the report, said:

"Homelessness is getting worse in Melbourne  but the good news is that governments come out ahead if they provide last resort housing for those sleeping rough."

"It's time for governments to step up, provide new housing for the homeless, and make sure that existing emergency housing stays open to those in desperate need."

Key points in the report, "The Case for Investing in Last Resort Housing" and issued by MSSI in March 2017, are:

The number of people sleeping rough in Melbourne's streets has increased by over 70 per cent in the last two years.

There has been a reduction in the supply of "last resort housing". Last resort housing refers to legal rooming and boarding houses, and emergency accommodation.

On average, more than 40 requests for last resort housing are turned down across Victoria every day.

The analysis shows that the government providing one last resort bed will generate a net benefit of $216,000 over 20 years. That averages to a net benefit of $10,800 per year.

For every $1 invested in last resort beds, $2.70 worth of benefits are generated for the community (over 20 years).

The paper calls for governments to build more new, permanent last resort housing to help the homeless.

More information: The report is available online at: sustainable.unimelb.edu.au/last-resort-housing
Chapman University has published the results of a state-wide study on the communication campaigns California has been employing to address its ongoing drought. The study looked at current message strategies aimed to reduce residential water use in California.

"What we learned was counterintuitive to what we expected," said Jake Liang, Ph.D., assistant professor in Chapman's School of Communication, and lead author on the study. "Conservation campaigns, regardless of the strategy - in general - led to participants having an attitude change in a negative directionmeaning they were less inclined to take action to conserve water after seeing the messages. This calls for a re-examination of the conservation strategies that the state is currently using."

The study was conducted in three phases. The first phase identified 12 strategies of ongoing water conservation messages in California. These were: conservation tips, loss aversion, evidence of drought, social norms, social comparison, social identity, referrals and redirections, policies, goal setting, commitment, humor and direct requests. The most common strategies were conservation tips, which refer to messages that directly provide the individual with any type of content, tips and/or strategies to save water; and referrals and redirection, which refers to messages that aim to direct a person to another source of information about conservation.

The second phase looked at current California conservation campaigns, such as Save Our Water, and categorized them according to the strategies used in phase 1. In phase 3 participants' attitudes were assessed before reading a water conservation message and again afterward. In this phase the researchers focused specifically on three strategies: loss aversion, evidence of drought, and conservation tips and how effective they were individually and used in combinations. These three strategies were chosen for testing because they are directly related to message design. They can be implemented by campaign practitioners immediately after reading the study. Other strategies require additional information or efforts such as legislation if a campaign practitioner is to employ policies.

Surprisingly, the data revealed that exposure to pro-conservation messages actually decreased participants' attitude toward water conservation. These results suggest that initial attitudes are generally highly favorable toward conservation but can be negatively affected after message exposure. Given this finding, campaign practitioner may need to reconsider using these strategies or at least monitor if their use indeed leads to the well-intended results.

Although their study did not test directly for the specific reason for the negative effect, they discussed some possibilities:

People feel that conservation messages threatened their freedom to choose,

Which message strategy is used,

The possibility that an individual simply cannot conserve water,

The source's credibility is questioned.

"Communication messages remain a golden opportunity to influence people's attitudes and water use without incurring the high financial costs of legislating or retrofitting water systems in the midst of such an ongoing crisis," said Dr. Liang.

"If carbon emissions continue to increase, NASA projects a dramatic increase in the likelihood of a mega-drought in the Southwest and Central Plains within the next 35 years," said Kerk Kee, Ph.D., associate professor in Chapman's School of Communication and a co-author on the study. "Therefore the need to develop effective message campaigns for water conservation is more crucial than ever."

The study called, Running out of Water! Developing a Message Typology and Evaluating Message Effects on Attitude toward Water Conservation, is published in the journal Environmental Communication. The sample of participants was 180 U.S. adults who reside in California. The average age was 49 and 50 percent of the participants were female. Conservations messages were randomly sampled from campaigns in 2014 and 2015. The dataset reflects a sample of 23 conservation organizations, with a total of 100 conservation messages.
A suspected meteor lit up the skies above Pakistan's mountainous north late Wednesday, officials said, with panicked residents reporting a mysterious light whizzing past and the sound of multiple, powerful blasts.

The incident occurred around 9:00 pm, when citizens in the city of Gilgit and the surrounding Ghizer and Diamer districts saw the bright object racing through the night sky above the region's remote, soaring mountains.

"I saw a light flash through the sky and then there were multiple blasts," Ghizer district resident Javed Iqbal told AFP Thursday.

"I felt as if something had hit the roof of my house. I rushed outside with my family members and saw everyone getting out of their homes. The blasts had shaken the whole valley," he said.

His story was echoed by others, including Shabir Mir of Gilgit, who said he saw the object "disappear into the mountains", followed seconds later by what sounded like more than one explosion.

"I thought the object might have hit the mountain," Mir told AFP.

Social media was also flooded with reports of the incident, with some users posting unverified images they said were of the strange light.

Sibtain Ahmed, a senior administration official in Gilgit, on Thursday confirmed the object had been seen in all three areas, followed by the sound of loud explosions.

"According to our investigation, the flying object was a meteor flying low," he told AFP.

The apparent blasts were the sonic boom created as the meteor ripped through the sky faster than the speed of sound, he said.

"It did not hit the ground," Ahmed said, claiming it had crossed Pakistan's territory headed towards Afghanistan's Wakhan Corridor, which borders the Gilgit-Baltistan region to the north.

Meteors are pieces of comet or asteroid from outer space that create a fireball as they hit the Earth's atmosphere.

Those that survive the intense heat and friction and reach the surface without breaking up are known as meteorites, and are sought after by scientists for the information they can give about the early solar system.

It was not clear if the meteor crashed or broke up in the sky. The terrain between the city of Gilgit and the Wakhan Corridor is extremely remote and home to some of the highest mountains in the world.

There were no immediate reports of any meteor in Afghanistan.

Pakistan's powerful military released no official statement on the incident, and authorities from Pakistan's space agency, the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), could not immediately comment.

 2017 AFP
For many plant species, such as the thale cress, which is often used in research, but also for food crops such as corn, rice and wheat, there are now initiatives currently mapping the genome of many subspecies and varieties. Credit: Regnault/ TUM

Plants possess molecular mechanisms that prevent them from blooming in winter. Once the cold of win-ter has passed, they are deactivated. However, if it is still too cold in spring, plants adapt their blooming behavior accordingly. Scientists from the Technical University of Munich (TUM) have discovered genetic changes for this adaptive behavior. In light of the temperature changes resulting from climate change, this may come in useful for securing the production of food in the future.

Everyone knows that many plant species bloom at different times in spring. The time at which a plant blooms in spring does not follow the calendar, but is instead determined by environmental factors such as temperature and day length. Biologists have discovered that plants recognize these environmental factors via genetically determined programs and adapt their growth accordingly.

In order to adapt to new climate zones and to ensure the evolutionary success of the species, these genetic programs may be adapted over the course of evolution. These adaptive processes take place passively: Minor changes (mutations) take place in the genetic material (DNA sequence) of the genes involved. If an adaptation proves successful over the following years, a new population establishes itself as a genetically distinct subspecies.

Comparison of Biological Adaptations with Genetic Changes

In order to find out which mutations were used particularly frequently over the course of evolution, scientists compare biological adaptations such as shifts in the point in time at which blooming takes place with existing genetic changes. For many plant species, such as the thale cress (Arabidopsis thaliana), which is often used in research, but also for food crops such as corn, rice, barley and wheat, there are now initiatives currently mapping the genome (entire DNA sequence) of many subspecies and varieties. This makes comparisons at the DNA level particularly simple and efficient.

In the journal eLife, Ulrich Lutz from the Chair of Plant Systems Biology at the TUM and his colleagues from the Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen jointly describe the results of a comparative sequence analysis of the FLM (FLOW-ERING LOCUS M) gene from over a thousand Arabidopsis genome sequences.

FLM binds directly to DNA, allowing it to influence the creation of other genes (transcription), which delays bloom-ing. Via comparisons of the FLM DNA sequence from over a thousand subspecies, Lutz was able to determine which genetic changes occurred frequently as this plant evolved: Generally speaking, these are the changes that provide the plant with an adaptive advantage found in a large number of subspecies. Mutations that did not pro-vide an advantage, on the other hand, were lost over time. The frequency of the changes is therefore an indication that these mutations were the most successful from an evolutionary point of view.

For the FLM gene he characterized, Lutz was able to demonstrate that the genetic changes that occur worldwide have an influence on how frequently and efficiently the FLM gene is read. As FLM is able to delay the point in time at which blooming occurs, a more intensive reading of the gene directly corresponds to later blooming. FLM be-haves much like a light dimmer that the plant uses to regulate gene activityand hence bloomingon a continuous scale.

FLM Gene Acts Like a Controller

The underlying gene changes influenced this reading of FLM. Modified DNA was found in the area of the gene 'switch' (promoter), which regulates how much of the FLM gene is produced. In addition, the mechanism of gene splicing could also be observed: As part of this process, parts are cut out of the interim gene product. The quantity of active FLM can also be adapted via genetic changes that impact gene splicing. Hence, a direct dependency was found between the point in time of blooming and the quantity of the FLM gene, which in Arabidopsis can be finely adjusted via DNA sequence changes.

"The FLM variants we identified are ideal candidate genes that thale cress can use to adapt the point in time at which blooming takes place to the temperature changes caused by climate change," said Professor Claus Schwechheimer from the Chair of Plant Systems Biology at TUM.

Findings May Help Plants Adapt to Climate Change

Temperature changes of just a few degrees Celsius during the growth phase of crop plants such as canola or sugar beets have a negative impact on agricultural production. In the future, the findings obtained by the team including the TUM scientists may allow the FLM gene to be used as a regulator to help adapt the blooming period to different temperatures as a result of climate change. With this knowledge, the goal of efficient food production over the long term is now within reach.

More information: Ulrich Lutz et al, Natural haplotypes ofnon-coding sequences fine-tune flowering time in ambient spring temperatures in Arabidopsis, eLife (2017). DOI: 10.7554/eLife.22114 Journal information: eLife
























































































TO BE HOPEFUL in bad times is not just foolishly romantic. It is based on the fact that human history is a history not only of cruelty, but also of compassion, sacrifice, courage, kindness. What we choose to emphasize in this complex history will determine our livesIf we remember those times and placeswhere people have behaved magnificently, this gives us the energy to act, and at least the possibility of sending this spinning top of a world in a different direction. And if we do act, in however small a way, we dont have to wait for some grand utopian future. The future is an infinite succession of presents, and to live now as we think human beings should live, in defiance of all that is bad around us, is itself a marvelous victory.

--Howard Zinn



I refuse to accept despair as the final response to the ambiguities of history. I refuse to accept the idea that the "isness" of man's present nature makes him morally incapable of reaching up for the eternal "oughtness" that forever confronts him.

--Martin Luther King Jr.

True religion consisted in an inward life, wherein the heart does love and reverence God the Creator, and learns to exercise true justice and goodness...I found no narrowness respecting sects and opinions, but believed that sincere, upright-hearted people, in every society, who truly love God, were accepted of him.

--John Woolman



Love each other as I have loved you.. I call you friends because I have made known to you everything I heard from my Father.

--Jesus in John 15: 12-15



...Love God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind and your neighbor as yourself.



You have answered right, said Jesus, do this and life is yours...



Who is my neighbor?



Jesus replied with the Parable of the Good Samaritan [heretic, outsider, enemy].

--from Luke 10:27-37

Religion has been emphatically embodied, not in speculative theories, but in practical righteousness, in active virtues, in reverence to God, in benevolence to man- the latter being the only sure test of the former.

--Thomas M'Clintock



...It is safer to approach God through the Holy Spirit than through the door of theology. We can identify the Holy Spirit whenever it makes its presence felt. Whenever we see someone who is loving, compassionate, mindful, caring, and understanding, we know that the Holy Spirit is there.

--Thich Nhat Hanh


Monitoring of amphibian populations and their pathogens in the French Pyrenees. Pic Rouge can be seen in the background. Credit: Dirk Schmeller

Whether orchids or mammals, insects or slugs and snails: nowadays there are a large number of animals and plants under observation. Researchers and dedicated activists work meticulously to record their distribution, count their numbers, and document every increase or decrease. Unfortunately, the collection of this data began only very recently. For this reason, it is very difficult for ecologists to assess how much biological diversity has actually been lost due to modern civilisation. The fact that the human impact on biodiversity is likely to be greatly underestimated is the warning sent out by an international research team headed by the UFZ in a recent study published in Scientific Reports.

Some of them count the birds at a winter feeder, others walk along a stipulated route, summer after summer, to identify the butterflies they discover along the way. For a long time now, numerous nature enthusiasts have been contributing to the inventory count of biological diversity. Similarly, universities, research institutes and authorities participate in extensive monitoring programmes to assess the state of fauna and flora. There is a clear aim to all of this effort: the objective is to document any changes and, to the extent possible, stop the loss of biodiversity. Where can which species be found? Are the populations increasing or decreasing? Which animals and plants are experiencing serious difficulties? And are the measures taken to protect them actually achieving the desired result? "Questions of this nature can only be answered if there is good monitoring data available," emphasises UFZ ecologist Dr Dirk Schmeller.

State-of-the-art methods enable ecologists to use such information to obtain a fairly accurate picture of biological diversity and how it is changing. To this end, they observe various facets of biodiversity, such as the size of populations, the characteristics of species or the functioning of ecosystems and analyse how they change. To be able to obtain meaningful results, however, they need adequate data harvested over long periods of time. After all, they are only able to put a realistic figure on the loss of diversity and the role of humans by comparing different epochs: What was the world like before Homo sapiens transformed it completely? And what has changed since then?

The work by Dirk Schmeller and his British, French and Spanish colleagues now poses the question as to whether the monitoring programmes, which were launched only recently in most cases, can provide sufficient information. After all, humans started exerting pressure on modern fauna and flora and permanently altering them centuries ago. "In contrast, changes in society, such as more leisure time, higher environmental awareness and better education only comparatively recently brought about a situation where biodiversity data is being collected in a systematic way," the researcher explains. Is it therefore possible to use the information available to discern the consequences for biodiversity of the industrial revolution in the 19th century or the massive changes in agriculture since the 18th century?

Observing and counting birds in wintry Duben Heath. Credit: Dirk Schmeller

In order to get a better assessment, Dirk Schmeller and his colleagues scrutinised for the first time the timeframe of European monitoring programmes. For this purpose, they consulted primarily the DaEuMon online database, which contains detailed information on the various monitoring programmes throughout Europe. It reveals, for instance, which methods are (or were) used to record data on which species in which countries. They additionally analysed information from other publicly accessible databases.

Even centuries ago, hunters, amateur naturalists and other enthusiasts began keeping records on the diversity of life. In this way, Dirk Schmeller and his colleagues came across studies on birds and plants dating from 1634, while the information on mammals even goes back just under a hundred years more than that. "There were no systematic data collections back then, however," the researcher explains. Instead, observers noted information on certain species in a rather arbitrary way and mostly limited themselves to relatively small areas and specific regions. In Great Britain, for example, there is a long tradition of birdwatching so that more is known about the history of the feathered inhabitants of the British Isles than about their relatives in other parts of Europe. This means that old data can provide only a very incomplete picture of the past diversity of the continent.

It is not until the second half of the 20th century that better information becomes available. Around 88 percent of European monitoring programmes were not kicked off until sometime after 1950. Just under half did not become operational until the beginning of the 1990s when the EU's Habitats Directive placed obligations on its member states to collect such data. But by that time Europe's ecosystems had already been under massive pressure for a long time. This is revealed by the history of human impact that the research team analysed and compared to the timeframe of the monitoring programmes as part of its study. Whether population growth or the emission of greenhouse gases, overfertilisation or pollution: all these issues have their origins long before the boom in monitoring.

Dirk Schmeller summarises: "As a consequence, we lack the correct baseline for all comparisons." People who are interested in the decline in the diversity of insects, for example, can indeed look back a few decades into the past. But they might then see only a fraction of the actual loss. They will find out little or nothing of all those species that were already unable to cope with the industrial revolution or the rapid changes in agriculture in the 18th century. "This means we are likely to massively underestimate the human impact," says Dirk Schmeller. This has far-reaching consequences. For example, when it comes to setting targets for nature conservation. It would appear to easily make sense if the objective is to preserve all bird and reptile species typical for a given area. The only question here is how to define "all". The list of species from the first instance of monitoring is, in all probability, incomplete, even if it does date back to the 1950s. Large numbers of the region's inhabitants were probably already long gone even by that stage.

Dirk Schmeller and his colleagues therefore argue that other sources of information should also be tapped in order to be able to look further back into the past. Firstly, they identify possibilities from a systematic evaluation of the extensive collections brought together by museums worldwide. "Secondly, palaeobiology can also supply very useful information," states Dirk Schmeller. This discipline attempts to reconstruct landscapes and ecosystems that have long disappeared. As an example, by drilling deep down into lake beds, researchers obtain sediment cores that can be examined for ancient pollen, seeds and microorganisms. More information on the biological diversity of bygone ages can also be found in fossils and old DNA. "These methods can be used to look back thousands of years," says Dirk Schmeller. "But we would content ourselves with as little as 250 years in order to be able to understand modern fauna and flora."

More information: Jean-Baptiste Mihoub et al. Setting temporal baselines for biodiversity: the limits of available monitoring data for capturing the full impact of anthropogenic pressures, Scientific Reports (2017). DOI: 10.1038/srep41591 Neil Brummitt et al. Taking stock of nature: Essential biodiversity variables explained, Biological Conservation (2016). DOI: 10.1016/j.biocon.2016.09.006 Journal information: Scientific Reports , Biological Conservation
Drum oscillator. Credit: University of Jyvaskyla

Research groups at Aalto University and the University of Jyvaskyla have demonstrated a new microwave measurement method that goes to the quantum limit of measurement and beats it. The new method can potentially be used for example in quantum computing and measurement of gravitational waves. The results were published in Physical Review Letters on 6.3.2017, one of the most prestigious journals of physics.

According to the Heisenberg uncertainty principle in quantum mechanics, an observer cannot simultaneously obtain accurate information of both the position and the momentum of a particle. This principle sets a fundamental limit to any measurement. In quantum mechanics even light, or more generally electromagnetic waves, can be represented by particles, photons, and thus their detection is subject to the uncertainty principle. Without any uncertainties, even faintest signals could be measured and for example mobile phone network would operate anywhere in the world with a single access point.

For radio- and microwaves used in telecommunication, the measurement uncertainties result from the technical imperfections. They pose much more serious limitations to the measurement of signals than the quantum limit. However, quantum limit of microwave measurement has so far been reached with superconducting circuits used in quantum computing. In earlier related research, Aalto and Jyvaskyla groups closely approached it by combining microwave resonators with vibrating nanodrums.

To the quantum limit and beyond with nanodrums

The groups use a novel technique to drive their nanodrums to realize a measurement that even goes beyond the quantum limit. For the particle this would be possible by measuring only either the position or momentum, and completely discarding the information about the other property. "For a light wave, accessing only part of the wave and discarding the information in the other part realizes an analogous measurement", explains Caspar Ockeloen-Korppi, who did the measurement using the nanodrums.

The research groups have patented the measurement scheme. Professor Mika Sillanpaa, who lead the research, highlights the possible application areas: "It can be used in accessing tiny signals for example in quantum computing and perhaps also in measurement of gravitational waves."

In addition to Ockeloen-Korppi and Sillanpaa, the research team consisted of Juha-Matti Pirkkalainen, Erno Damskagg, Tero Heikkila and Francesco Massel. The work was done in the Academy of Finland Center of Excellence on Low Temperature Quantum Phenomena and Devices, and it was also partially funded by the European Research Council.

More information: C. F. Ockeloen-Korppi et al. Noiseless Quantum Measurement and Squeezing of Microwave Fields Utilizing Mechanical Vibrations, Physical Review Letters (2017). DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.118.103601 Journal information: Physical Review Letters

Provided by University of Jyvaskyla
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

(Phys.org)Over the past several years, physicists have developed quantum shortcuts that speed up the operation of quantum systems. Surprisingly, some of these shortcuts theoretically appear to enable systems to operate nearly instantaneously while using no extra energya clear violation of the second law of thermodynamics. Although physicists have known that something is amiss, so far the solution to this predicament has been unclear.

Now in a new study, physicists have shown that quantum shortcuts are subject to a trade-off between speed and cost, so that the faster a quantum system evolves, the higher the energetic cost of implementing the shortcut. In accordance with the laws of thermodynamics, an infinitely fast speed would be impossible since it would require an infinite amount of energy.

The physicists, Steve Campbell at Queen's University Belfast in the UK and the University of Milan in Italy, along with Sebastian Deffner at the University of Maryland Baltimore County in the US, have published a paper on the trade-off between cost and speed in quantum shortcuts in a recent issue of Physical Review Letters.

"Some recently proposed methods to control quantum systems, called shortcuts to adiabaticity (STA), appear to be energetically for free, and even more concerning there was nothing to say they couldn't be achieved in vanishingly small times," Campbell told Phys.org. "That something wasn't quite right led us to more explicitly consider what happens when these techniques are applied."

To do this, the scientists applied the quantum speed limita fundamental upper bound on the speed at which a quantum system can operate, which arises due to the Heisenberg uncertainty principle. Since the quantum speed limit is a consequence of this fundamental principle, it must apply to all STAs, and so it should prohibit them from operating in arbitrarily short times.

"By calculating the quantum speed limit, we showed that the faster you want to manipulate a system using an STA, the higher the thermodynamic cost," Campbell. "Moreover, instantaneous manipulation is impossible since it would require an infinite energy to be put in."

As the scientists explained, the results are not particularly surprising, just something that took time to figure out.

"I believe this is another case of 'if something seems too good to be true, it typically is,'" Deffner said. "There was probably a general sense in the community that one will have to quantify the cost. We were just the first to work it out."

To demonstrate the usefulness of this trade-off, the physicists applied it to two practical systems. The first is harmonic oscillators, which have a wide range of uses, including in tests of quantum thermodynamics. The second is the Landau-Zener model, which has applications in adiabatic quantum computing, as used in the D-Wave machine.

In both models, the tradeoff places practical limits on the ultimate speed-up of these systems offered by STAs. The scientists expect that these limitations will help guide the design and implementation of these and other quantum systems in the future.

"We would also like to look into the other techniques for STA that have been developed, and see whether we can find similar trade-offs," Deffner said. "Another important route will be to generalize our work to non-standard quantum mechanics, such as Dirac materials and nonlinear systems."

More information: Steve Campbell and Sebastian Deffner. "Trade-Off Between Speed and Cost in Shortcuts to Adiabaticity." Physical Review Letters. DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.118.100601

Also at arXiv:1609.04662 [quant-ph] Journal information: Physical Review Letters

 2017 Phys.org
Cassini captured this mosaic of images showing the northern lakes and seas of Saturn's moon Titan on Feb. 17, 2017. The mission's final close Titan flyby is planned for April 22. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/Space Science Institute

A recent NASA-funded study has shown how the hydrocarbon lakes and seas of Saturn's moon Titan might occasionally erupt with dramatic patches of bubbles.

For the study, researchers at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, simulated the frigid surface conditions on Titan, finding that significant amounts of nitrogen can be dissolved in the extremely cold liquid methane that rains from the skies and collects in rivers, lakes and seas. They demonstrated that slight changes in temperature, air pressure or composition can cause the nitrogen to rapidly separate out of solution, like the fizz that results when opening a bottle of carbonated soda.

NASA's Cassini spacecraft has found that the composition of Titan's lakes and seas varies from place to place, with some reservoirs being richer in ethane than methane. "Our experiments showed that when methane-rich liquids mix with ethane-rich onesfor example from a heavy rain, or when runoff from a methane river mixes into an ethane-rich lakethe nitrogen is less able to stay in solution," said Michael Malaska of JPL, who led the study.

The result is bubbles. Lots of bubbles.

The release of nitrogen, known as exsolution, can also occur when methane seas warm slightly during the changing seasons on Titan. A fizzy liquid could also cause problems, potentially, for a future robotic probe sent to float on or swim through Titan's seas. Excess heat emanating from a probe might cause bubbles to form around its structuresfor example, propellers used for propulsionmaking it difficult to steer or keep the probe stable.

Magic Island Mechanism?

Radar images from Cassini showed a strange island-like feature in one of Titan's hydrocarbon seas that appeared to change over time (series of images at left). One possible explanation for this "magic island" is bubbles. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/Space Science Institute

The notion of nitrogen bubbles creating fizzy patches on Titan's lakes and seas is relevant to one of the more enchanting unsolved mysteries Cassini has investigated during its time exploring Titan: the so-called "magic islands." During several flybys, Cassini's radar has revealed small areas on the seas that appeared and disappeared, and then (in at least one case) reappeared. Researchers proposed several potential explanations for what could be creating these seemingly island-like features, including the idea of fields of bubbles. The new study provides details about the mechanism that could be forming such bubbles, if they are indeed the culprit.

"Thanks to this work on nitrogen's solubility, we're now confident that bubbles could indeed form in the seas, and in fact may be more abundant than we'd expected," said Jason Hofgartner of JPL, who serves as a co-investigator on Cassini's radar team and was a co-author of the study.

Freezing Fizz and Breathing Lakes

In characterizing how nitrogen moves between Titan's liquid reservoirs and its atmosphere, the researchers also coaxed nitrogen out of a simulated ethane-rich solution as the ethane froze to the bottom of their tiny, simulated Titan lake. Unlike water, which is less dense in its solid form than its liquid form, ethane ice would form on the bottom of Titan's frigid pools. As the ethane crystalizes into ice, there's no room for the dissolved nitrogen gas, and it comes fizzing out.

While the thought of hydrocarbon lakes bubbling with nitrogen on an alien moon is dramatic, Malaska points out that the movement of nitrogen on Titan doesn't just move in one direction. Clearly, it has to get into the methane and ethane before it can get out.

"In effect, it's as though the lakes of Titan breathe nitrogen," Malaska said. "As they cool, they can absorb more of the gas, 'inhaling.' And as they warm, the liquid's capacity is reduced, so they 'exhale.'"

Credit: Jet Propulsion Laboratory

A similar phenomenon occurs on Earth with carbon dioxide absorption by our planet's oceans.

Results of the study were published online in February by the journal Icarus.

Final Titan Flyby Nears

Cassini will make its final close flyby of Titanits 127th targeted encounteron April 22. During the flyby, Cassini will sweep its radar beam over Titan's northern seas one final time. The radar team designed the upcoming observation so that, if magic island features are present this time, their brightness may be useful for distinguishing between bubbles, waves and floating or suspended solids.

The flyby also will bend the spacecraft's course to begin its final series of 22 plunges through the gap between Saturn and its innermost rings, known as Cassini's Grand Finale. The 20-year mission will conclude with a dive into Saturn's atmosphere on Sept. 15.
The bite of the forest cobra, whose scientific name is Naja melanoleuca, can induce a severe neurotoxic envenomation that is potentially life-threatening. Credit: UA Health Sciences

Venomous snakebites kill an estimated 150,000 people around the world each yearamid severe shortages of fair-priced antivenom and health providers trained to use the lifesaving treatment.

Now, an international alliance with experts from the United States, Mexico and Africa has come together to address the issue with a project to improve access to quality antivenoms and to save lives in regions with high snakebite incidence.

The African Society of Venimology (Societe Africaine de Venimologie, SAV-ASV)

The Institute of Biotechnology of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (Instituto de Biotecnologia, IBt/UNAM)

The VIPER Institute, University of Arizona

The alliance partners are developing a series of educational videos, with English, French and Spanish subtitles, to educate African health professionals about the appropriate use of antivenom and the best practices for the care of snakebite patients. A preview module is available online in French, English and Spanish.

French, English and Spanish.

The alliance also is working with government, industry and other collaborators to develop and introduce high-quality, fair-priced antivenom treatments to sub-Saharan Africa.

"In short, the world lacks sufficient antivenom for those who need it most; most doctors lack training to use it; and the per-dose cost to provide antivenom in low quantities is extremely high," said Leslie Boyer, MD, director of the UA Venom Immunochemistry, Pharmacology and Emergency Response (VIPER) Institute. Correcting the problem will require simultaneous effort by physicians, patients, ministries of health and drug companies, she said.

Dr. Sibabe Agoro, of Togo, examines a snake bitten boy on the morning after his treatment with antivenom. Credit: UA Health Sciences

Ensuring sub-Saharan Africa has sufficient fair-priced antivenom also will benefit the United States and other Western nations. "The United States needs a legal and affordable way to obtain successful world antivenoms for the rare cases where our citizens are bitten by snakes from other places," Dr. Boyer explained.

Dr. Achille Massougbodji, president of the African Society of Venimology, said, "Roughly 5 million people are bitten by venomous snakes each year worldwide, of whom about 150,000 die. The problem is especially severe in sub-Saharan Africa, where we have had shortages of good antivenom for many years. Experts in the African Society of Venimology are working to reduce the number of people who die or are disabled, but we need safe, effective antivenom."

Dr. Alejandro Alagon, professor at IBt/UNAM, said, "Making good antivenom for a region - such as sub-Saharan Africa - depends on excellent collaboration and communication. We need to know exactly which snake venoms to use, how big a dose is required and what the pharmacy storage conditions are like. The biotechnology alliance needs to have the best possible information from experts in Africa."

Antivenoms developed by Alagon and colleagues within the alliance are used to treat 1,000 patients per day around the world.

"Modern technology makes it possible to manufacture sufficient quantities of high-quality, heat-stable antivenom, but market conditions in Africa can be very challenging. Certification of good products by trusted authorities, and large-scale purchases by governments, have helped to bring quality up and costs down," said Juan Lopez de Silanes, president of Inosan Biopharma, which manufactures antivenom for use in Africa, the Middle East, Europe and North America, including a coral snake antivenom currently in clinical trials in the United States.

A dose of antivenom is injected, very slowly, into the vein of a young boy in sub-Saharan West Africa. Credit: UA Health Sciences

"Even a certified, high-quality antivenom won't save lives unless it is properly used," Dr. Boyer said. "Effective education of doctors, nurses, public health professionals and the public has to happen in advance - because an incorrectly treated snakebite can kill in a matter of hours. And making it possible for doctors to treat a cobra or mamba bite effectively is doubly difficult in North America, where the smaller number of cases means that medical teams are less-prepared than in Africa," she added.

To help meet these challenges, the international snakebite treatment alliance is collaborating with Ray Morgan, producer of the acclaimed documentary, "The Venom Interviews," which details the activities of U.S. herpetologists involved in venom production and research. Together, the group is producing the series of short training videos, which will become available over the coming year.

"Today's video technology allows international experts to share information fast, anywhere in the world. Doctors, scientists, government representatives and businesses in Africa, Mexico and the United States can work together like never before, and they can post their knowledge online, where colleagues and students can find it at a minute's notice, whether they speak English, French or Spanish," Morgan said.

Noted physician and epidemiologist Dr. Jean-Philippe Chippaux, founder of the SAV-ASV, said, "By working together and applying modern communications and manufacturing technology, we can overcome the vicious circle of antivenom shortage that has plagued sub-Saharan Africa for decades. One of the greatest needs is for the training of health personnel at all levels. The African Society of Venimology is enthusiastic to share our knowledge with the Institute of Biotechnology at UNAM and the VIPER Institute at the UA and to create a set of training modules for the benefit of medical professionals in Africa and around the world."
A research team investigating the mental health burden and treatment-seeking behaviors of student veterans attending rural community colleges in the southern United States has found that this population has difficulty integrating into the campus community and needs support to help it succeed.

The study, published in the Journal of Postsecondary Education and Disability, is the first, to the authors' knowledge, to report on the mental health burden faced by veterans at the community college level.

"Of the 211 student veterans who participated in our study, we heard the stories of 23 veterans who struggled with the aftermath of trauma exposure, and suffered from sleep disturbance, hypervigilance, irritable or aggressive behavior, and difficulty concentrating," said Ann Cheney, an assistant professor in the Center for Healthy Communities in the School of Medicine and a coauthor on the study. "Student veterans often have physical and mental injuries, deployment- and combat-related stress, and family/relationship disruption after deployments. Our findings underscore the need for supportive services in higher education to integrate student veterans into campus communities and refer them to mental healthcare resources toward improving their academic success."

Veterans returning from overseas combat often struggle with trauma-related psychological distress that can affect their daily lives and academic performance. Because of this mental health burden, student veterans are more likely to show lower academic achievement and are at higher risk of dropping out of college.

The research paper notes that returning veterans with psychological trauma often experience recurrent or involuntary memories, flashbacks, and negative alterations in mood. The authors write that student veterans may have difficulty relating to others, and may perceive student peers as immature and/or their comments as disrespectful. They add that veterans feel separate from the rest of the student body because of their extended gap between high school and college, older average age, and deployment experiences, thus creating additional challenges for them to integrate with the rest of the classroom. Student veterans also may struggle to find a sense of belonging, leading to feelings of isolation.

Cheney and her colleagues did their research in Arkansas, where, by 2010, more than 5,500 veterans used the post-9/11 GI Bill to obtain a higher education. Many veterans attended two- and four-year colleges in rural, underserved areas of the state. Because rural areas have limited resources and healthcare services, the researchers conducted the study at 11 community colleges in rural regions throughout Arkansas, including the medically underserved areas of the Mississippi Delta Region and the Ozark Mountains.

The study was supported by a Department of Defense grant to senior author Geoffrey Curran at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

"Understanding the impact of psychological trauma on classroom performance and integration is critical," Curran said. "Events or situations on campus can trigger combat-related traumatic memories. Crowded situations, classroom discussion topics, on-campus accidents, such as someone having a seizure, can trigger traumatic memories and interfere with classroom integration and academic success."

Many of the veterans in the study returned from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and were involved in combat patrols. The researchers used screening tools self-administrated through online surveys to identify student veterans who screened positive for PTSD, generalized anxiety disorder, and/or depression. They used in-depth interviews and conducted focus group discussions to arrive at their results. The main conclusions of the research paper are:

Many student veterans struggle to relate with the civilian world and their student peers.

Many struggle to successfully juggle the demands and expectations of marriage and parenthood, employment, and education.

Events or situations on campus that trigger memories related to combat further complicate the ability of veterans to integrate into the classroom and achieve academic success.

Student veterans' combat-related trauma exposures do not always fade with the passing of time and can leave enduring psychological scars.

By following guidelines put forth in VA campus toolkits, higher education can help student veterans who have psychological trauma histories.

"What surprised us was that, even though veterans in our study received GI benefits - full tuition, monthly housing stipends, and textbook money - it was not enough," Cheney said. "They struggled to get by. Consequently, many sought full- or part-time employment, which made it challenging to make it to class, complete homework assignments, and study for tests."

Curran stressed that as veterans increasingly transition from the battlefield to the classroom, more colleges and universities will need to address the unique needs of this student population.

"College and university service providers need to be aware of local VA services and resources so they can refer veterans appropriately," he said.

Cheney and Curran were joined in the research by Joshua Medley (first author) at Harding University; and VA health services investigators Tracy Abraham, Kathleen Grubbs, Liya Lu, John Fortney, and Justin Hunt. Medley, who was a student veteran at the time of the study, was mentored by Cheney. Today he is a captain in the Army National Guard.

"Josh's insight as a student veteran was critical to the interpretation of our data," said Cheney, who led the qualitative component of the study, including the analysis. She worked on the study when she was on the faculty at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences from 2011 to 2014. She joined UC Riverside in 2015.
Quendas are common visitors to backyards near bush areas in Perth. Credit: Murdoch University

A new digital information and advice hub will tackle the unintentionally harmful human behaviour that puts Australia's incredible native wildlife at risk.

The Healthy Wildlife Healthy Lives website features advice on how to keep wildlife healthy and information on the types of diseases that can be transmitted from people and pets to native species.

"Healthy wildlife means healthier environments for all of us, so it is important we interact with our native species in the correct way to protect their health and wellbeing, as well as our own," said Murdoch University's Associate Professor Alan Lymbery, who is working on the project with his colleague Emeritus Professor Andy Thompson.

"As human populations increase and more of our living spaces overlap with bushland, we will see more wildlife in our backyards. This is wonderful for us but we must be careful not to pass on disease and parasites that might be easy for us to shake off, but deadly for native animals and birds."

Professor Lymbery and Professor Thompson helped to develop the new Healthy Wildlife Healthy Lives website, which also features user-friendly practical tips, easy-to-understand information about species and the diseases that affect them and a guide to upcoming workshops for the public.

The academics came up with the idea for the project while volunteering at wildlife rehabilitation centres.

"We could see first-hand the impact that people have on wildlife, by unintentionally exposing them to increased risk from parasitic diseases," said Professor Thompson.

"For example, a study of quendas living in the hills by our colleague Alison Hillman found they host a number of parasites. Most were native, having no harmful effect on the quenda, but several parasites probably came from people's pets. Stickfast fleas, for example, are likely to have been transmitted to quenda from backyard poultry.

"Alison's study also found a link between quenda obesity and being fed by humans. Those found in urban setting were bigger than their bushland counterparts. Alison found this impacted their reproductive activity."

Professor Lymbery added: "We know that educating the public on how parasitic diseases may be spread from people and pets to wildlife can play a major role in helping our precious native species.

"Healthy Wildlife Healthy Lives is very much a One Health project," he said. "This is a global initiative that recognises that the health of people, animals and the environment are all directly linked.

"Although we usually concentrate on the diseases that people or our domestic animals can contract from wildlife, in fact there are many parasitic diseases that are transmitted in the opposite direction; from us or our pets to wildlife."

The website is a major part of the overall Healthy Wildlife Healthy Lives project, which has been developed by the Eastern Metropolitan Regional Council (EMRC), in partnership with the Murdoch Professors, Kanyana Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre and Native Animal Rescue. Support for the project has come from Lotterywest.

This project is currently being piloted in Perth's eastern region, with the aim of rolling it out across the Perth metropolitan region in the future.

The next steps in the project will see 400 information packs sent out to veterinarians, community groups, local government and wildlife rehabilitation centres. Upcoming workshops are advertised on the Healthy Wildlife event page here.
Mobile Payments Conference  Aug 28-30 2017

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Editor's note: Last week, a crisis between Yorubas and Hausas in Ile-Ife, and ancient city in Osun state led to the killing of many and destruction of property worth millions.

In this piece, the former minister of aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode writes on the history of crisis in the city and individuals - notable politicians - who contributed to the crisis which has ravaged the city.

Fani-Kayode has blamed the crisis in Ile-Ife on some notable Nigerian politicians

I have been reluctant to write anything about the clash between the Yoruba and the Hausa Fulani in the ancient city of Ile-Ife and in which far many more people were killed than anyone cares to publicly admit.

I was reluctant because Ile-Ife happens to be the home of my ancestors and indeed my hometown and for four generations my family have had a stake there and have been making meaningful contributions to the affairs and development of the community.

Consequently I have an emotional attachment to the town and when I hear that a son or daughter of Ife is in trouble or is in any way hurt or harmed it hurts me to the marrow.

This is because the Ifes are more to me than just my kinsmen. I consider them to be part of my family and deep down I love each and everyone of them whether they be friend or foe.

Yet despite all this, on this occasion, I am constrained to set emotion aside, look at the cold facts and write about this ugly and tragic episode.

READ ALSO: Ooni of Ife in full traditional regalia as he meets with British royalty, Prince Charles (Photos)

I am compelled to do so out of a sense of loyalty, honor and morality. This is especially so given the fact that the victims in this conflict appear to have no voice and no-one appears to be ready to speak for them. I am ready to be that voice. I owe my people, history and posterity that much and I have no apology for doing so.

The crisis in Ile-Ife started when a group of Hausa Fulani men molested and physically abused a young Yoruba woman by the name of Kubura and almost killed her in the process.

She went home covered in blood and when her husband, Akeem (a leading member of the NURWT in Ile-Ife) found out what she had been subjected to he went back to the Hausa-Fulani quarters (commonly known as Sabo) with her in tow to find out why she had been subjected to such barbaric treatment and who the perpetrators were.

On getting there instead of being received with sympathy and remorse the husband himself was viciously stabbed and almost lost his life.

After that the Hausa Fulanis in Sabo went on the rampage killing many sons and daughters of Ile-Ife their host community and in the process they proceeded to behead a young Yoruba man and they paraded his head on a pole through the streets.

This infuriated the people of Ile-Ife and they retaliated by attacking the perpetrators. After that all hell broke loose and many Hausa Fulanis were killed.

I have been reliably informed that at the end of the day approximately 300 Hausa Fulani's were killed and buried in mass graves whilst over 70 per cent of the houses in Sabo were burnt down. The Ifes lost about 30 in the conflict. This is a tragedy of monumental proportions for each and every one of us.

READ ALSO: Ife killings: When media's loud silence becomes too discomforting

The casualty rate on both side is unacceptable and I wholeheartedly condemn the taking of human life for ANY reason unless it is in self-defence.

As sad and tragic as this event may be we must point the fingers at the right places and place the blame for the conflagration where it belongs. Many have failed in this respect.

For example instead of blaming the aggressors for the crisis and the carnage and warning them to stop killing our people and raping and beating our women, Governor Rauf Aregbesola has been shamelessly begging the Hausa Fulani and saying such an attack will never take place again.

It is right and proper for him, and indeed all responsible leaders, to call for restraint, to sue for peace and to encourage people not to break the law or take the law into their own hands in the name of retaliation and I must commend the efforts of our most reverred traditional ruler, his Imperial Majesty, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja 11 in this respect.

However it is equally important for Aregbesola to condemn the aggressors, the wife-beaters, the rapists and the murderers and to tell them in simple and clear language that Ile-Ife, the source and cradle of the Yoruba race, or indeed anywhere else in Osun state or the south west is NOT the sort of place that they can commit such atrocities and get away with it.

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We are not Southern Kaduna or Agatu in Benue state. We find it difficult to sit by idly and watch our people being slaughtered in cold blood. And neither do we bow down before our oppressors.

There is something deep in the Yoruba spirit and soul and particularly that of the Ifes that resists and rebels against injustice, brutality, barbarity and subjugation and the history of the Yoruba proves that.

We are slow to anger but irresistible in battle and the fact is that for one hundred years before the British colonial masters arrived on our shores we were fighting brutal civil wars against one another.

READ ALSO: Ile-Ife Crisis: It was not a clash, we were attacked but we won't retaliate - Hausa leader

We know the tragedy, the pain, the terror, the evil and the horrendous sacrifice that comes with war and conflict and though we avoid it as best as we can, we never shy away from it once it is forced upon us.

Worse still the youth of Ile Ife, many of whom are veterans of numerous Ife-Modakeke wars, are hardened and battle-ready any day and any time.

This is indeed a potentially volatile and dangerous mix. In this respect relevant and insighful are the words of Oloye Gani Adams, the leader of the Odua Peoples Congress (OPC), when he said, just yesterday, that "the Yoruba cannot be conquered!".

And if anyone has any doubts about that they should consider the sheer courage and unconquerable spirit of a loyal and faithful son of the Yoruba like Ayo Fayose, the Governor of Ekiti state.

This is where Aregbesola missed it. This is what he appears to have forgotten and this is what slipped his mind.

This is the point that he failed to appreciate and instead of doing so he chose to tread the disgraceful path of servility and appeasement whilst sacrificing the lives and interests of his own people.

Though I am a firm believer in the right of self-defence, I do not seek to incite anyone to violence and neither do I advocate, condone or encourage it in any shape or form.

I am simply stating the facts and pointing out that it is important to call an aggressor an aggressor and call a spade a spade.

My old friend Senator Rabiu Kwakwanso who is the former Governor of Kano state then entered the ring and made matters worse.

He went to Ile-Ife, met with the Hausa Fulani community and had the nerve and effrontery to tell Aregbesola that our people must pay compensation for the killing of his people: sounds familiar?

I remember General Muhammadu Buhari's words to Governor Lam Adesina in 2001 when, after a conflict between the Hausa Fulani and the Yoruba in Oyo, he asked "why are your people killing my people?"

READ ALSO: Yoruba race will never be a conquered nation!  Yoruba groups issue threat over Haisa/Ife clash

Kwakwanso came to Ile-Ife 16 years later, demanded an answer to the same question and asked for compensation!

What a gratuitous insult this is delivered at a time when everyone is suing for peace and calling for calm. If the truth be told who should pay compensation to who? Who is accommodating who? Who did the attacking? Who killed first?

Who drew first blood? Whose land and soil is it and who are the guests and visitors? You come into a man's house and enter his land and you start killing members of his family and people and then you ask him to pay you compensation?

Does this make sense? How many people did the Fulani compensate after they slaughtered the indigenes of Southern Kaduna, Benue, Enugu, Abia, Delta,Taraba, Lagos, Plateau, Kwara, Kogi, Adamawa, Nassarawa, Niger, Edo, Ebonyi, Ondo, Ekiti and numerous other states in the country in their own land?

How many did they compensate after the sectarian and barbaric killings of Christians and southern Muslims all over the north over the last 56 years?

How many did they compensate after the pogroms, mass murder and genocide perpetuated against the Igbo all over the north just before the civil war in 1966?

Who should apologize and who should compensate who?

Honestly I cannot stomach all this. It would have been better for Kwakwanso to start with an apology for the beating, raping, carnage and barbarity that his Hausa Fulani brothers indulged in and unleashed on their generous and accommodating hosts before the fighting started.

Do some people have a greater right to life than others in Nigeria? Is the blood of some more precious than the blood of others?

Do the lives of the Ife people mean nothing to these people? Does anyone not feel a deep sense of outrage about what the Hausa Fulani did and how this whole thing started?

Are we supposed to brush it under the carpet out of fear and our accursed desire for peace at ANY price?

How do we expect the woman that was beaten and whose husband was almost stabbed to death for attempting to defend her honor to feel? How do we expect the family of the young man that was beheaded and the families of the other Yorubas that were killed to take all this?

Are we not dancing on the graves of those that were slaughtered for no just cause? What does that say about us as leaders and as a people? Are we not meant to defend the weak and stand up for the oppressed and the defenceless?

Do the people of Ile-Ife, a proud, gentle, kind and accommodating people with a rich and distinguished heritage, deserve to be visited with such violence from their guests and such contempt from their leaders? (TO BE CONTINUED).

Source: Legit.ng
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
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
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP)  Tin, her husband and five children have cleared years of refugee hurdles to come to the U.S.: blood tests, interviews, DNA and fingerprints, background checks. She has her one must-bring possession within reach, a well-worn Bible, and keeps their phone charged for the U.S. Embassy to call.

But the odds of that happening dropped precipitously.

President Donald Trump's 16-page redone travel ban "to keep the bad dudes out" aims to stop people from six Muslim countries from entering the U.S. this year and suspends refugees from arriving for 120 days. But the order also includes a sweeping 55 percent reduction in refugee visas overall, from a planned 110,000 to 50,000 this year. Trump's executive order had been set to take effect Thursday, but a federal judge put it on hold hours before it was to take effect.

Who are the 60,000 people who may have lost their chance to resettle in the U.S. by September? An Associated Press analysis of 10 years of refugee data suggests that their most common country of origin is not any of the six nations in the travel ban, but Myanmar, also known as Burma. Thousands, like Tin and her family, are Christians who were persecuted in their native country.

These are people who can't imagine living anywhere but the U.S.

"America is really our fatherland in terms of religion," said Tin. "They sent their missionaries to our country and taught us to be Christians. And now we had to escape. All we want is to be safe."

Christians face religious and political discrimination in predominantly Buddhist Myanmar. Its nascent democracy is heavily influenced by a military that ruled for half a century and remains at war with several ethnic groups, some of which are majority Christian.

Tin and her community fled Chin state, where Human Rights Watch says more than 90 percent of the residents were adhering to the tenets the American Baptist Church by 2009, pitting them against a military campaign to elevate Buddhism over all other religions.

Story continues

Tin and others said that when they gathered for family prayers, people threw rocks at them. Soldiers busted into church services. They hid their precious Bibles for fear of attack.

Tin is one of more than 100,000 Christian Burmese refugees who fled the country of 51 million in recent years because of their beliefs. The family has been living out of suitcases in abject poverty in Malaysia ever since.

AP is only using single names of some individuals in this story out of concern for their security.

More than 160,000 Burmese, mostly Christian, have resettled in the U.S. in the past decade, more than any other nationality. They account for nearly 25 percent of new U.S. refugees since 2007.

In addition, hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims await resettlement after being forced to flee Myanmar or be killed. Rights groups say that soldiers have killed Rohingya, raped women and torched homes in waves of violence against them that began in 2012.

Trump's original order, and now his revamped "Executive Order Protecting The Nation From Foreign Terrorist Entry Into The United States," both say that allowing more than 50,000 refugees into the U.S. this year "would be detrimental to the interests of the United States."

There have been isolated incidents of refugees later accused in terror-related plots. An Iraqi refugee who entered the U.S. in 2009, for instance, pleaded guilty in Houston in October to attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State group. Two Iraqi refugees who lived in Kentucky are now in prison after having been convicted in a plot to send sniper rifles, Stinger missiles and money to al-Qaida operatives waging an insurgency back home. And the man accused in the November car-and-knife incident that injured 11 people at Ohio State University was a refugee originally from Somalia who, as an adolescent, moved with his family to the United States in 2014 after living in Pakistan.

There have been no terror attacks by Burmese in the U.S.

The reduction interrupted work that had been underway by federal law enforcement agencies and nonprofits around the world to issue 110,000 refugee visas to the U.S. in 2017. That would have been the highest number in decades. It was an attempt to put a small dent in the record 65 million refugees, asylum seekers and internally displaced persons worldwide.

Nearly 38,000 have been admitted so far. Another 72,000 were preparing to arrive, hopefully before the fiscal year ends in September. Under the executive order, just 12,000 more would be allowed in, and only after a four-month suspension on all refugee arrivals.

The U.S. defines refugees as people of "special humanitarian concern to the United States" who have been persecuted because of their race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a particular social group.

An AP analysis found that nearly half the refugees who have arrived so far in fiscal year 2017 came from the seven majority Muslim countries named in the original executive order. Refugees from Syria, in particular, have arrived in greater numbers in the past twelve months. As they've taken up a greater number of resettlement visas, Burma's share has dropped from 26 percent of all spots in 2015 to just 8 percent of the refugee caseload so far this fiscal year.

For the Burmese to make up the same proportion of refugees as they did last year, they'd have to receive roughly one-third  more than 4,000  of the remaining refugee visas. In the first five months of fiscal year 2017, 3,000 Burmese resettled in the U.S.

The AP also found that Burmese refugees may not be the only ones shut out by the visa change. Data from the State Department show that refugees from Bhutan and Afghanistan have made up a far smaller proportion of people admitted to the U.S. in 2017 than in previous years, and would need to secure thousands of the remaining visas to match last year's numbers.

"What we will see is that more and more people will be stuck in situations for even longer and literally be stranded," said Julia Mayerhofer, acting secretary general of the Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network. "The human suffering of this will be tremendous."

Exceptions can be made on a case-by-case basis if the secretaries of State and Homeland Security agree.

"The United States is committed to assisting people of all ethnicities, religions and nationalities who are fleeing persecution, violence, and other drivers of displacement," said a State Department official in a statement issued on the condition of anonymity because he wasn't authorized to speak publicly.

The official said the fact that Trump didn't just set the limit at the number already admitted implies an openness to allow refugees into the U.S.

"The safety and security of the American people is our highest priority," he said.

Critics are concerned the policy may backfire.

"Barring these or other refugees into the U.S. will not make us safer, but it will make us less credible as a leading democracy and will fuel recruitment by terrorist organizations," said political sociologist David Cook-Martin, a Grinnell College professor who studies migration and citizenship policy.

U.S. policy toward refugees has been historically inconsistent. But Becca Heller, who directs a refugee assistance project at the New York-based Urban Justice Center, says recent acceptances have allowed America to lead by example in matters of global humanitarian concern.

"Restricting refugee resettlement sends an alarming message to our nation's international allies," she said.

About 210,000 refugees, largely Vietnamese and Cambodians, came to the U.S. in 1980, the most in any year. Refugee arrivals dropped to less than 30,000 for a few years after 9/11 prompted strict new immigration rules. But they have increased fairly steadily since 2004, when President George W. Bush began admitting thousands of Somalis who lost homes to war or tsunami.

Refugee admissions rose to 85,000 last year; 45 percent were Muslim, 40 percent Christian. Since Trump took office in January, more than 7,700 have been admitted, and the religious breakdown has remained the same.

Major Burmese resettlement in the U.S. began in Bush's last year, as they didn't have ties to anti-American terrorism, were easy to vet, and were subject to brutal military rule in their Texas-sized Southeast Asian country wedged between Thailand and Bangladesh.

The journeys of these refugees begin in some of the poorest places on earth: remote villages and towns in strife-ridden regions of Myanmar. Some pay human smugglers upwards of $500 each for the two-week harrowing journey out.

Sang, 29, who learned English while studying for a theology degree, was put on a boat on the Myanmar coast with 18 people when he left seven years ago. The engine stopped mid-journey, he said, and they began taking on water in an area where refugee-laden vessels have capsized before.

"I thought, if we go down, no one in the world will ever know we existed," he said.

Reaching Thailand's shore, they hid in the jungle for days without food. Then, he said, they were squeezed into a car  he and another man shoved into the trunk  and driven for hours, starved for oxygen and terrified, to Malaysia. There, they were unceremoniously told to walk away.

His U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees card, he said, is his safety. It's his key to resettling in the United States, and he doesn't let it out of his sight.

At a cluttered desk in the cramped room that serves as a classroom by day and his home at night, Sang carefully read a copy of the executive order and then looked up, nodding slowly.

He said that while he agreed with the need to keep terrorists out of the U.S., "We are not terrorists, we are Christians. We will never be a problem in the United States. We will get educations, we will work hard. We only seek safety."

In Thailand, an estimated 100,000 Burmese live in refugee camps near the border the countries share. The Thai government refused The Associated Press' request to visit what they call "temporary shelters," saying they are a restricted area.

In Malaysia there are about 130,000 Burmese refugees awaiting resettlement, about half Christian, half Muslim. They mostly live in the poorest neighborhoods of Kuala Lumpur, where makeshift plywood walls divide an ordinary two-bedroom apartment into a half dozen tiny, stifling family units, a stark contrast to city's glimmering skyscrapers and posh shopping malls. They stay in the city for years, their meager belongings still in their baggage so they can be near U.N. offices and the U.S. Embassy if called in to get stamps on documents or meet with officials.

The fear and anxiety are constant, says Lidia, a 30-year-old single mother, holding back tears. She lives in a tiny, third-floor room with her 10-year-old daughter, Sarah, whose own suitcase pops open to reveal four teddy bears and a baby doll. These are Sarah's daily companions, as her mother works 60 hours a week washing dishes in a restaurant.

They had hoped to go to the U.S. this year. Relief comes Saturday night at worship services, when they sing and pray with their pastor, also a refugee, in a nearby church that loans out the space.

Malaysia hasn't signed the U.N. Convention on Refugees, so these people are living in the country illegally. Few are allowed to have jobs, though most work in a sub-official capacity. Their children cannot go to public schools, so volunteers, including refugees also waiting for visas, run their own education centers.

Earlier this week, Tin  the mother waiting for the embassy to call  dropped off her youngest son for a Saturday tutorial. A teacher wrote several words on the board, and asked students to come up with three descriptive phrases for each one.

Bauri Ram, 11, stared at his word, President.

"Donald Trump," someone had written. "Help other people."

His teacher nodded. A fan blew warm air around the room. Torn curtains fluttered. His classmates, on the floor, watched.

Bauri Ram picked up the blue marker. It squeaked as he formed his careful letters: "They help refugees."

___

Hoyer reported from Washington. Associated Press journalist Maureen Linke in Washington contributed to this report.
Praphutta Sukanya pleaded guilty to stomping her Singaporean lover to death on Thursday (16 March) (Yahoo Singapore file picture)

He saw his Thai lover dancing with a male stranger in a club and became jealous. This led Lee Yang Boo, a 55-year-old Singaporean, to quarrel with Praphutta Sukanya in their rented flat and his death after his 43-year-old lover stomped on his head.

For the offence committed on 1 March 2015, Sukanya, who is a Singapore permanent resident, was jailed five and a half years on Thursday (16 March) after she pleaded guilty to one charge of culpable homicide not amounting to murder at the High Court. She entered the plea in Thai before Judicial Commissioner Foo Chee Hock.

Reading from the statement of facts, Deputy Public Prosecutor Mohamed Faizal said that the couple were cohabiting in a rented flat in North Bridge Road when the incident happened.

The court heard that Sukanya and Lee were drinking with another friend at a club near Jalan Sultan Road the night before the incident.

Lee got jealous after he saw Sukanya dancing with a Chinese male stranger. He intervened and pulled Sukanya back to their table before scolding her for her action.

Sukanya then left the club first to meet a friend at Golden Mile Complex and returned to the rented flat at midnight. Lee returned a while later with a few cans of beer and the couple continued drinking in the flat.

The lovers got into an argument while drinking because Lee suspected that Sukanya was having an affair with the man who danced with her earlier.

Sukanya claimed that Lee had cursed at her and her elderly parents. She brought her lover to bed and he fell asleep shortly afterward.

The fatal fight

After waking up a while later, Lee continued to berate Sukanya, who claimed that her lover punched her.

The couple got into a fight during which Sukanya kicked Lees thigh, causing him to lie sideways on the floor. Sukanya then stomped on his head with her right foot at least once. The impact of the stomping was so forceful that it caused fractures in Lees skull, the prosecution said.

The court heard that Sukanya helped Lee onto the bed but he kept slipping down and ended up lying on the floor with his face facing the bed. Lee cursed at Sukanya and her parents again. This made Sukanya lose her temper again and she hit him repeatedly on his face, body and limbs despite Lee begging her to stop.

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After the assault, Sukanya helped Lee back to bed but noticing that he had difficulty breathing, she ran out of the flat to seek for help.

A neighbour that Sukanya met at a lift landing called the police. Lee was conveyed to Tan Tock Seng Hospital and was pronounced dead at 6.43 am.

Pushing for a minimum jail term of six years, DPP Faizal pointed out that Sukanya brutally assaulted her victim, which caused him to sustain multiple injuries. An autopsy on the victim showed that he suffered from 47 injuries and succumbed to fatal head injuries.

Sukanyas lawyer, Michelle Ng, said that her client had come clean a day after the crime and that she immediately went to get help from a neighbour after the incident.
Google stated that there are three top factors that go into their search ranking algorithm: RankBrain, their artificial intelligence system, content and links. They also then clarified that the top two factors were content and links. Not trying to put words in Googles mouth, but I would venture to say that links are the most important and powerful part of SEO.

Links are how search engines determine what a site is, how relevant the site is, how pages are related, etc. They show search engines how to rank your page, so you want to make sure that you have a strong link building strategy as part of your SEO plan. Links are one of your most powerful assets, and they take time and dedication. Below are four tips to help you acquire higher quality backlinks for your site.

Sources of Higher Quality Backlinks

Trustworthy Sites

Not all links are created equal. Some sites provide better SEO juice than others. Think about it this way. Lets say that you are up for a promotion at work. You would rather have your manager or direct supervisor tell your boss how good of an employee you are instead of the intern who has been there two days. Why? Because a manager or supervisor has more authority than the intern. Thats not to say that the intern is useless or unwanted. Its just their opinion is probably going to hold less weight in the eyes of your boss.

Same goes for SEO. A link from a site that has been deemed authoritative on its topic, like the Wall Street Journal, is going to give you better results than a link from a newspaper source that has been around for two months. These high-quality sites are more trust worthy to search engines and will give you more of an increase in the SERPs. Reach out to newspaper sites, education sites, .gov sites and .org sites to see if they would take your content, which will give you a backlink.

Guest Posting

Guest posting or guest blogging is when you offer to write content for another site in order to get yourself in front of their audience and then get a link back to your site. Guest posting is perhaps the best way to generate high-quality, lasting inbound links. You get more control over the links and URLs and over the content in general. However, this takes a little more effort than some other techniques.

Make sure you find well-known and trusted blogs to send your content to. Write a relevant, and quality piece of content and send it to these publishing sites. If it works for their audience, they will post it and you get your name in front of people you never otherwise would have and you get a backlink pointed at your own site. Also, guest posting helps you to build relationships with other sites and their readers.

Competitors Links

One great way to increase your link building strategy is to analyze your competitors links. This will give you ideas of sources that you should be using for links for your own site. You can use Monitor Backlinks to examine their links.

After seeing what links your competitors have, make a list of those sites and try to get links from those sites or similar ones. Maybe take a piece of content they have on another site and rewrite it to make it better, and then send it out and try to get a link back.

Social Media

Even though many social media sites use no follow tags, I still believe that social media can definitely help you acquire better links for your overall strategy. Social media links might not increase your placement in the SERPs, but they are still links that are pointed to you that search engines can crawl, and as search engines continue to get better about using social sites to rank websites, it is something you want to use to your advantage.

However, one piece of advice. Make sure that you use the links on your social profile wisely. You want to send your viewers back to your website. Thats the end game.

Conclusion

Links are one of the top three factors that Google considers when deciding ranking, therefore, it is imperative that you have quality backlinks pointing to your site. If you work hard on your links, you should see real improvement to your rankings and your overall SEO.
Robert Gilpin, R.I.P. - The Washington Post : His greatest book was written in 1981, but the main theory in it is perhaps more trenchant now...
If parliament upholds cabinet decision and unblocks Kovac Jr. case, more than justice will be served.

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The governments decision to overturn the amnesties blocking investigation of the 1995 Michal Kovac Jr. kidnapping may go down as one of the most constructive political decisions in this countrys short history.

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Many Slovaks will suspect the cabinets motives  why now? what are they trying to hide?  and of course parliament first has to find a two-thirds majority in favor before the kidnapping case can proceed. And even if the police do get another time at bat, and witnesses havent forgotten what they saw, and the court cases arent delayed by scheming lawyers, and the judges do rule fairly and promptly, and the statute of limitations isnt found to have expired  even then, it may be that none of the alleged kidnappers get sent to jail. Anyone who lives in this country and has seen how the justice system operates knows better than to expect the law to be enforced when it has been broken by politicians.

And yet.

If the tale of the Kovac Jr. kidnapping is thoroughly exposed, we may finally be able to have a public conversation in this country about who really wields the power, and to what ends.

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No longer will former SIS boss Ivan Lexa be able to live an untroubled existence at his horse ranch in Pezinok, hobnobbing with rich friends and sneering at the rest of us; many of the court verdicts he has won since being returned from his South African hideout will be erased. And new ones may not prove so easy to buy or influence.

The thugs who allegedly carried out the kidnapping  including former SIS agent Michal Hrbacek and former policeman Lubos Kosik  may also warrant another look. Not only at their alleged roles in the heist, but also at their wider activities these past 20 years, both legal and illegal. Because a serious police investigation, one that uncovers solid evidence as to how the kidnapping was organized, will again force us to consider the links between politics and organized crime. And how the state for two decades conspired to obscure these ties.

No less important, we will finally be able to honor the loss of Anna Remiasova, whose son was slain in 1996 apparently to help obscure the identities of the kidnappers. A full investigation of Robert Remias assassination will lay bare the relationship between underworld thugs and the secret service during the 1990s, and the extent to which these thugs parlayed muscle and dirty work into tidbits from the privatization feast.

In short, if the amnesties that have muzzled the truth for so long are actually overturned, it will go a long way towards healing the paralysis that still afflicts public morals in Slovakia. No longer will we be forced to declare of gangsters and thugs, there go innocent men.

Who knows, perhaps it will improve our discernment regarding current politicians as well.

Sme
Roaming cats are very useful, because they act as the most efficient form of rodent control.

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A total of 114 roaming cats were rounded up, spayed or neutered, and checked by participating veterinarians in Bratislava this past weekend in what was the citys largest ever initiative of this kind. Volunteers behind the trap-neuter-release effort are hoping for more iterations of the programme in the future.

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The stray cats were caught in various parts of Bratislava, said Lenka Ucnikova, one of the programmes main organisers, as cited by the TASR newswire. Special entrapment cages were used that did no harm to the animals.

A total of 55 female and 52 male cats were sterilised, while four kittens and one senior tomcat were placed into temporary foster care and will await adoption once they fully recover. Each cat was registered, sterilised and dewormed before having its ear lightly clipped as a convenient identification marker.

6,000 to 8,000 stray cats are estimated to live on Bratislavas streets.

The roaming cats arent very popular with the public but theyre very useful, because they act as the most efficient form of rodent control, said Ucnikova. A cat will catch up to 20 mice per day, and an adult cat will not balk at catching rats, which is an area where the use of poisons often falls short. This is why we shouldnt drive cats away from the streets but should instead control their population in a humane way  that is, by sterilisation.

Spring is the best time of the year for such sterilisation programmes, she said. The spaying of 55 female cats will prevent  during the first year alone  unwanted litters of up to 400 kittens, which would face grim prospects and a likely early death on the street.
President criticized Slovak foreign policy.

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The fight against hybrid threats, the Slovak presidency of the EU Council, strategic communication about European problems, development aid, the Visegrad group and democratic values were the main topics of president Andrej Kiskas speech at the 17th Annual Conference on Slovakia's Foreign and European Policy.

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The President admits that consensus about Slovak foreign policy is not complete.

Slovakia has an officially pro-European and pro-NATO government but in parliament there are too many deputies with lukewarm or alternative relationships to our priorities. Confusing signals even come from from the government itself, according to Kiska.

The EU and NATO cannot become victims of any political interests or ambitions, said Kiska, as quoted by the SITA newswire.

Kiska used as an example, the sanctions against Russia, which Slovakia supports but at the same time is questioning. It is impossible not to respond to such an attitude, according to Kiska.

The head of state also said that the fact that politicians speak different things in Bratislava and Brussels does not contribute to trustworthiness.

The schizophrenia at home and abroad questions and weakens our policy, said Kiska as quoted by SITA. We have to keep our priorities and precisely form our interests and goals and communicate them consistently outside as well as inside the country, according to the president.

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In his speech Kiska also focused on the hybrid war which uses social media and half-truths and aims at people's weakest point  the inability to protect their values.

The info-war is one of the serious threats to Slovakia, and unfortunately, the state bodies are doing almost nothing, he said, reported by SITA. "We are the target which is not fighting back," he added. This behaviour is irresponsible and the V4 neighbours are doing more about this, according to him.

These aspects should also reflect the security strategy which Slovakia is updating now.

I expect a strong political document and not an indefinite administrative one; a document where we dont trivialise anything but show the truth and whether the political power and braveness is within us, the president added as quoted by SITA. Slovakia not fulfilling its obligations with its security policy .

Its essential to prove that we care about common defence as much as our allies do, stated the president, as reported by SITA.

The Visegrad group is a useful institution and our first choice when searching for allies, Kiska thinks, but on the other hand people should not get lost in the issues in which they have no interest.

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When talking about a multi-speed EU, Kiska agrees with the government that Slovakia should be at the core but he would be glad if Slovakia could more comprehensibly participate in the debate on what that core should look like.
Milan Mazurek could face 1-5 years in prison for attacking a public official.

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When president Andrej Kiska was meeting Ruzomberok's Mayor, Igor Combor on March 16, the MP of Marian Kotlebas party LSNS, Milan Mazurek, attacked a police officer. The man was allegedly a member of the unit protecting the state officials.

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The punishment for attacking a public official is imprisonment from one to five years.

The police originally told the Sme daily only that they are investigating an attack against a public official. Later LSNS revealed that it was its MP, Mazurek.

He was defending his father Milan Mazurek Snr. who was trying to record the face of a police officer wearing civilian clothes with his cell phone. This was because the police officer was recording Mazurek's father with his camera, according to Mazurek Snr.

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The police officer, allegedly, aggressively pushed Mazureks cell phone away, breaking his glasses. Then his son became involved. It was only then that we both learned that the man is a police officer, Mazurek Snr. claims in his criminal complaint. He filed it against an unknown offender for disorderly conduct and abusing the power of a public official.

Kiskas office confirmed that it knows that the incident happened though they did not identify the people involved.
Prime Minister again praised the Slovak presidency of the EU Council.

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It would be a pity for Slovakia to pass up the opportunity to make the most of its current momentum and its major accomplishments in the transformation process thus far, or if it failed to join the list of EU countries advancing at a brisker clip than the remainder, said Prime Minister Robert Fico on March 16.

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Fico was speaking at the 17th Annual Conference on Slovakia's Foreign and European Policy, which was taking place in Bratislava. The event is organised annually by the Slovak Foreign Policy Association along with Slovakia's Foreign and European Affairs Ministry.

"It's plain to see that the EU countries that aim for a faster pace of progress will be disinclined to be held back by countries that won't be able to keep up," said Fico, as quoted by the TASR newswire, drawing on a line of reasoning informed by the current discussions among EU leaders.

Fico noted that Slovakia has attained the greatest possible measure of integration, and the country's Presidency of the Council of the EU in the second half of last year, demonstrated that the country has what it takes to engage in, and even manage, complex processes.

"A formal remark must, therefore, be worked out into a clear-cut strategy and priority in foreign policy for Slovakia to be part of the very core of European affairs  a circle of countries that is sound economy-wise and is pressing ahead with fiscal discipline; that is, in areas in which we feel comfortable," said the Fico.
3D Printing

Dremel Trains Veterans to Assist K12 Classrooms With 3D Printers

Dremel, a manufacturer of digital fabrication tools like the Dremel 3D Idea Builder 3D printer, has teamed up with 3D Veterans, a training and veteran support organization, to bring more United States veterans into K12 schools to inspire students to pursue STEM-related technologies.

Image Credit: Dremel.

Developed with a grant from the VA Center of Innovation, America Makes and Google.org, the company's new 3D VetSquad initiative trains unemployed and underemployed veterans for careers in tech. U.S. veterans will complete a six-week boot camp and receive a Training Badge upon completing the program. After receiving the badge, veterans will travel to schools nationwide to assist educators in setup, maintenance and everyday classroom use of the Dremel Idea Builder 3D printers, according to a prepared statement from Dremel.

To learn more about the tech the trainees will use, watch the video below.
By Dmitry Zhdannikov

LONDON, March 16 (Reuters) - BP has reshuffled its exploration and production division as the oil company readies for the biggest jump in output in its history.

The British firm is launching a record number of projects this year and plans steep growth in production through 2021.

http://tmsnrt.rs/2m3xeiD

The chief of the production, exploration and development unit or upstream division, Bernard Looney, has appointed several executives including a new head of production and a new head of drilling, BP told Reuters.

Gordon Birrell, who previously headed BP in Azerbaijan, will become chief operating officer for production, transformation and carbon in the BP upstream segment, reporting to Looney.

Based in London, he will be responsible for global operations, global wells, global procurement, supply chain management and upstream engineering.

He will also be accountable for upstream modernisation and lead the development of the upstream approach to a low-carbon future, BP said.

Andy Krieger will become the new head of drilling. Krieger, previously vice-president for drilling in the Gulf of Mexico, will report to Birrell.

The previous head of drilling, Gary Jones, will lead operations in Azerbaijan. The country is a key global growth area where the company wants to expand the giant ACG oilfields and the Shah Deniz gas development.

Jones will report to Andy Hopwood, chief operating officer for strategy and regions in BP's upstream segment.

"Project execution followed by an underlying cashflow inflection will be the key steps (for BP) combined arguably with oil above rather than below $50 per barrel," analysts from JP Morgan wrote this week after meeting BP's chief financial officer, Brian Gilvary.

They said BP's production growth was due to accelerate through 2017/18, pause thereafter and then see another step-up in 2020/21.

The key start-ups this year are the Zohr gas field in Egypt, Juniper in Trinidad, Khazzan in Oman, Quad 204 in Britain and Persephone in Australia, JP Morgan said. (Reporting by Dmitry Zhdannikov; Editing by Dale Hudson)
SANTIAGO, March 16 (Reuters) - The striking union at BHP Billiton's Escondida mine in Chile (Stuttgart: 704599.SG - news) , the world's biggest copper mine, said on Thursday that it would return to the negotiating table if the company gave a written guarantee that it would only discuss the union's three key demands.

The union's three demands are that it wants Escondida not to trim benefits in the existing contract, not make shift patterns more taxing, and to offer the same benefits to new workers as those already at the mine.

(Reporting by Fabian Cambero, Writing by Rosalba O'Brien; editing by Diane Craft)
(New (KOSDAQ: 160550.KQ - news) throughout, adds union comments, background)

SANTIAGO, March 16 (Reuters) - The striking union at Escondida mine in Chile (Stuttgart: 704599.SG - news) , the world's biggest copper mine, said on Thursday it would return to the negotiating table if the company gave a written guarantee that it would only discuss the union's three key demands.

Escondida did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

During the strike, which started on Feb. 9, Escondida's 2,500-member union has repeatedly said it has three non-negotiable demands mine owner BHP Billiton (NYSE: BBL - news) must commit to before workers return to talks.

It wants Escondida not to trim benefits in its existing contract, not make shift patterns more taxing, and to offer the same benefits to new workers as those already at the mine.

The 35-day strike is the longest in Escondida's history, driving up global copper prices on expectation of tighter supply, and leading economists to increasingly forecast a gloomy quarter for Chile, the world's top copper exporter.

Government-mediated talks failed in February after a few hours, and two invitations for talks from the company over the last week were rejected by the union, citing a failure to mention its key demands.

"The union directorate has decided to give the company another opportunity to rectify its opposition on the three base points that are preventing us arriving at an agreement," the union said in a statement. (Reporting by Fabian Cambero, Writing by Rosalba O'Brien; editing by Diane Craft and David Gregorio)
By Suleiman Al-Khalidi

AMMAN, March 16 (Reuters) - Attarat Power Co (APCO), a Jordanian affiliate of Estonian-owned Enefit, announced on Thursday that its plan to build a $2.1 billion oil shale-fired power plant in Jordan had secured financing from a consortium of Chinese banks.

The financial-closure agreement will allow the company to start construction of the 470-megawatt plant, which is scheduled to begin generating electricity for local consumption in mid-2020, a company official said.

Oil shale is a sedimentary rock that can be burned directly in furnaces to generate electricity.

The move comes after the power utility last year signed initial agreements with Bank of China and the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China for $1.6 billion in debt financing.

The debt financing will also be supported by state-run China Export and Credit Insurance, which acts as an underwriter.

The project was initially agreed in 2014, but it had faced delays and discord over the price proposed to sell electricity from the plant and connect it to the national grid.

The project, spurred at the outset by high gas and fuel prices, was hit as cheaper oil in recent years led to delays in securing finance, an energy official said.

The consortium that owns the project is YTL Power International Bhd of Malaysia and Yudean Group of China, which each hold a stake of 45 percent, with 10 percent owned by Enefit.

China's Guangdong Power Engineering Corp was selected to lead the engineering, procurement and construction of the plant under a turnkey contract.

The firm has reached a 30-year power purchase agreement with Jordan's National Electric Power Co (NEPCO).

The plant will utilise Jordan's vast reserves of oil shale and help reduce the kingdom's imports of oil products for power generation, energy officials said.

The plant is expected to consume around 10 million tonnes of oil shale per year.

Enefit is the worlds largest oil shale energy company. It is also one of the largest producers of kerogen shale oil in the world, and has been processing oil shale for 35 years. (Reporting by Suleiman Al-Khalidi; Additional reporting by David Mardiste in Estonia; Editing by Dale Hudson)
By Helen Murphy BOGOTA (Reuters) - Colombian Vice President German Vargas Lleras has announced he will step down on Wednesday, fueling speculation that he will run in presidential elections next year. President Juan Manuel Santos nominated former national police chief General Oscar Naranjo as Vargas' successor, stating he wanted Naranjo to strengthen security and the drive to stamp out coca cultivation. Vargas, a member of the center-right Cambio Radical party, has said he has not decided whether to run for president, but Wednesday is the last day a government official must resign to be eligible to compete for the presidency in 2018. In announcing his decision to step down in a speech on Tuesday night, Vargas, 55, said he was keeping his options open. A growing number of media commentators and political analysts believe Vargas will become a presidential contender and run against the candidate of Santos' ruling U party. As vice president since 2014, Vargas focused on infrastructure projects, spearheading improvements to roadways and building subsidized housing for the poor. He has not publicly criticized Santos' 2016 peace agreement with the leftist Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). But local news media has reported he was against the deal's terms allowing rebels to enter politics and receive no jail time. Like Santos, Vargas comes from one of the most powerful families in Colombia. He is the grandson of former president Carlos Lleras Restrepo and nephew of former presidential candidate Carlos Lleras de la Fuente. He was unharmed in a 2005 car bomb in Bogota, which authorities blamed on the FARC. In 2002 he lost fingers on his left when he opened a letter bomb at his congressional office. Santos' nomination of Naranjo as vice president needs to be approved by Congress. "The new Vice President @Gr_Naranjo will be in charge of strengthening citizen security and to eradicate 100,000 hectares (247,000 acres) of coca," Santos said from his Twitter account on Tuesday night, referring to the raw material for cocaine. Naranjo, 60, was part of the government negotiating team in Havana that worked for four years to clinch a peace agreement with the FARC. The accord ended the 52-year war with the guerrillas, who are beginning to hand in their weapons. He served as head of the national police force between 2007 and 2012. (Reporting by Helen Murphy; Additional reporting by Luis Jaime Acosta; Editing by W Simon)
By Helen Murphy BOGOTA (Reuters) - Colombian Vice President German Vargas Lleras resigned on Wednesday, a move widely expected to herald his push for the presidency next year even as he says he is undecided. President Juan Manuel Santos has nominated former national police chief General Oscar Naranjo as Vargas' successor, stating he wants Naranjo to strengthen security and the drive to stamp out coca cultivation. In his resignation letter to the Senate, Vargas, 55, said he had not yet decided whether to run for president, but would leave office to make sure he was eligible to compete in 2018. He will step down on Tuesday, according to his letter. A growing number of media commentators and political analysts believe Vargas, a member of the center-right Cambio Radical party, will run against the candidate of Santos' ruling U party. As vice president since 2014, Vargas focused on infrastructure projects, spearheading improvements to roadways and building subsidized housing for the poor. He has not publicly criticized Santos' 2016 peace agreement with the leftist Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). But local news media have reported he is against the deal's terms allowing rebels to enter politics and receive no jail time. Like Santos, Vargas comes from one of the most powerful families in Colombia. He is the grandson of former President Carlos Lleras Restrepo and nephew of former presidential candidate Carlos Lleras de la Fuente. He was unharmed in a 2005 car bomb in Bogota, which authorities blamed on the FARC. But in 2002 Vargas lost fingers on his left hand when he opened a letter bomb at his congressional office. In 2015 Vargas had surgery to remove a benign brain tumor. Santos' nomination of Naranjo as vice president needs to be approved by Congress. Naranjo, 60, was part of the government negotiating team in Havana that worked for four years to clinch a peace agreement with the FARC. The accord ended the 52-year war with the guerrillas, who are beginning to hand in their weapons. He served as head of the national police force between 2007 and 2012. (Reporting by Helen Murphy; Additional reporting by Luis Jaime Acosta; Editing by W Simon and Leslie Adler)
TARGU SECUIESC, Romania (AP)  Thousands of ethnic Hungarians in Romania dressed up, saddled up horses and then paraded in the northwest Transylvania region on Wednesday to celebrate Hungary's national holiday.

In Targu Secuiesc, a city in central Romania, Hungarians wearing traditional costumes rode horses and carried large Hungarian flags. Crowds turned out to admire the parade.

Elsewhere in the region, Hungarians dressed in vintage Hussar uniforms and raised the blue and yellow flag of the Szeklers, an ethnic Hungarian group living in eastern Transylvania.

There are around 1.4 million ethnic Hungarians living in Romania, mainly in Transylvania which was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire for centuries until 1918.

Some are seeking greater territorial autonomy and privileges for the community, a desire that has become more vocal since Viktor Orban became Hungary's prime minister in 2010.

More than 90 percent of the residents Targu Secuiesc, a city of 18,500, are ethnic Hungarians. The 15th-century city became part of Romania after World War I and briefly returned to Hungary in 1940 before reverting to Romanian control after World War II.

After communism ended in 1989, ethnic Hungarians have traditionally held parades in Transylvania on March 15 to celebrate the Hungarian national holiday, which marks the anniversary of the 1848 revolution against the Habsburg empire.
The Syrian regime carried out multiple artillery strikes on opposition-held areas of East Ghouta on March 15 amid an ongoing ground offensive against local rebels. Several were wounded in the town of al-Hamuriya, according to activist reports.

This video, captured by activists in al-Hamuriya, shows a completely smoke-filled street and open-market area. A number of armed men, likely local rebels, can also be seen running towards the origins of the explosion. Credit: YouTube/Qasioun News via Storyful
An estimated 20,000 Hungarians have taken part in rallies in central Budapest, upholding the traditional way to commemorate their 1848 revolution against the Habsburgs. Many of them, opposition activists, blew whistles and sounded horns in an attempt to drown out a speech by Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Hundreds of police were deployed to keep pro and anti- government supporters apart. When he did get to address the crowd Orban directed his fire at the European Union criticising its lack of concern about Hungarys future: We must stop Brussels. We must protect our borders. We must block the relocation (of migrants). Orban call for European nation to protect their borders against the invasion. https://t.co/dcr7sY8zZt #Hungary RAMZPAUL (@ramzpaul) March 15, 2017 One opposition speaker and former presidential candidate Laszlo Majtenyi drew parallels with Hungarys past. A liberty-loving nation can become a free nation not only by fighting off foreign oppression, but when it chases away its own leaders. Reporting for euronews Andrea Hajagos said: Hungarys national holiday is traditionally a day on which the people focus on political issues. Perhaps this will be extended next year when the country will be facing an election campaign as well. 1st demand of #Hungary revolutionaries in 1848: freedom of press, abolition of censorship. Yet, press freedom today restricted pic.twitter.com/dSQZ65CSBU Lydia Gall (@LydsG) March 15, 2017
VILNIUS (Reuters) - A member of Lithuania's parliament is facing impeachment proceedings and an investigation into whether his ties to Russian business and media posed a threat to national security. Lithuania's parliament voted on Thursday to initiate the impeachment of Social Democrat Mindaugas Bastys after the country's secret service refused to issue him with top security clearance. Bastys has denied any wrongdoing. The decision emphasised the nervousness in Lithuania about a perceived disruptive Russian influence in the country, which was annexed into the Soviet Union in the 1940s but regained independence as the union broke apart in the early 1990s. The secret service said Bastys is vulnerable to influence due to his close personal relationships with people representing Russian state nuclear monopoly Rosatom, Russian gas trade monopoly Gazprom and Russian state television. "Our conclusion is that Bastys's ties and other circumstances give ground to doubt the trustworthiness of this person," the head of the secret service said in a letter to the speaker, published on parliament's website. Bastys resigned from his post as deputy speaker following the allegations, but said he had not broken any laws and refused to give up his seat. "I know that I did not commit any offences that would violate Lithuanian laws," he was quoted as saying by the BNS news agency. Bastys did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment. The secret service said Bastys has acted to further the interests of his acquaintances, such as working in 2012-2013 to arrange a meeting between a Rosatom officer and then-Prime Minister Algirdas Butkevicius, a Social Democrat. Rosatom is developing a nuclear power plant in Belarus next to the Lithuanian border. The Lithuanian government strongly objects to the plant. (Reporting By Andrius Sytas; Editing by Toby Davis)
The man on the receiving end of US Rep Joe Bartons command to shut up during one of the Texas Congressmans town hall meetings on Saturday, March 11, has since told one of the states leading newspapers he probably deserved it.

In a widely circulated clip on YouTube thats now been seen more than 160,000 times, a man at the event in Frost, Texas, can be heard shouting over Barton, and then the Congressman saying, You, sir, shut up!

Chris Lewis, a local fine arts teacher, said he wasnt upset by Bartons rejoinder. Ive heard worse, he told a columnist at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. He went to Bartons town hall to oppose federal school vouchers and House Resolution 610, which would weaken the U.S. Department of Education, he said.

Passions were rising. Honestly, I was speaking out of turn. Im very concerned about the public schools and the impact of vouchers.

Barton was answering a question about a civil-rights bill at the time, relating to preventing violence against women.

Several people in attendance responded angrily to Barton, with one person saying, What is that? You dont tell anybody to shut up! You work for us!

In a statement about the incident, Barton said Lewis continued to speak over myself and many others who were seeking recognition in orderly fashion. Credit: YouTube/Bryan Stewart via Storyful
Two people in San Francisco ended up in intensive care after taking a herbal remedy, it was reported last week. The incident is likely to raise questions about the safety of herbal medicines. But are they any more dangerous than the drugs dispensed by your doctor or those sold over the counter without a prescription?

It is a common belief that herbal medicines are safe and research suggests that they are used by at least a third of people in some countries, such as the UK.

To better understand the relative risks involved, it is helpful to put herbal medicines and pharmaceutical drugs into context. It is generally accepted that pharmaceuticals cause side effects. But, as part of licensing requirements, a risk-benefit analysis is undertaken to determine whether the benefits outweigh the potential harms. In other words, is the possible harm caused by the drug acceptable? If it is, the drug may be granted a marketing authorisation (product licence) by a regulatory authority, such as the Food and Drug Administration in the US or the European Medicines Agency in Europe.

Undeniably, pharmaceutical drugs kill people. In the US, it is estimated that pharmaceuticals kill around 100,000 people every year. For certain conditions, however, there may be no alternative to drug therapy and certain medicines can prolong life, such as drugs used to treat diabetes, heart disease and cancer.

By contrast, herbal medicines are considered by many to be a safer alternative and are preferred by a sizeable section of the public for treating non-life-threatening conditions. And there is some evidence to support the idea that herbal medicines are safer for minor ailments. For example, drugs to treat mild to moderate pain, such as paracetamol and aspirin, are known to cause side effects, including some that  although rare  can be serious, such as gastric bleeds. Whereas with herbal equivalents, such as devils claw, the risks of side effects are reportedly lower.

Story continues

A tricky comparison

Adverse events associated with herbal remedies are reported far less often than those associated with pharmaceuticals. For example, in the UK, between 2006 and 2008, there were only 284 such reports for herbal medicines compared with 26,129 for pharmaceuticals in a similar two-year period.

The reasons for this vast difference are complex, and it has been suggested that adverse events of herbal medicines are unrecognised or underreported. Also, there are many more drugs consumed than herbal remedies so it is to be expected that the figures for pharmaceuticals are higher. However, the enormous difference does suggest that adverse events are far more common with pharmaceuticals than herbal remedies.

When serious side effects are triggered by herbal remedies it is often due to poor quality products, products containing newly discovered plant ingredients, or products that have been adulterated  including with pharmaceutical drugs.

For the public, buying herbal products that are regulated offers some assurance that the medicines are both safe and of acceptable quality. For instance, in the UK, traditional herbal remedies are manufactured to a high standard and include a patient information leaflet, which lists known side effects and, importantly, warns of possible interactions with pharmaceuticals, another cause of adverse reactions.

For example, St Johns wort  a herbal remedy used to treat mild depression  is known to have side effects when taken alongside fluoxetine (Prozac). The makers of these products also have a legal obligation to monitor any adverse reactions and report them to the regulators.

Voluntary regulation

Another way to help avoid adverse reactions, especially when dealing with conditions that are not always suitable for self-treatment with over-the-counter drugs, is to visit a qualified herbalist. The training and regulation of herbalists varies widely from country to country and without government regulation of these practitioners, it is difficult for the public to assess who is legitimate.

However, voluntary regulation by professional associations does exist and is effective in many countries, including the US, Canada, the UK and Australia. This regulation helps to ensure that practitioners are appropriately educated and safe.

Herbal medicines are relatively safe compared with pharmaceuticals provided that they are regulated products or that they are prescribed by herbal practitioners who are registered with an appropriate governing body. But consumers need to be better informed about the dangers of obtaining herbs from unregulated sources if further cases of serious side effects are to be avoided.

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.

The Conversation

Anthony Booker receives funding from Dr. Willmar Schwabe GmbH & Co. Germany and Comision Nacional de Investigacion Cientifica y Tecnologica, Chile. He is affiliated with The British Herbal Medicine Association's Herbal Practitioner Suppliers Section and The Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (UK).
By Samia Errazzouki RABAT (Reuters) - Moroccan King Mohammed VI is replacing Prime Minister Abdelilah Benkirane and will ask another member of the Islamist Justice and Development Party (PJD) to form a government after five months of post-election deadlock, a statement from the royal cabinet said on Wednesday. The king took the decision "in the absence of signs that suggest an imminent formation" of a government and due to "his concern about overcoming the current blockage" in political negotiations, the royal statement said. It did not say who he would name to replace Benkirane. Benkirane had been reappointed after the PJD, which first came to power in 2011, increased its share of the vote in October elections, maintaining its position as the biggest party. Under Morocco's election law no party can win an outright majority in the 395-seat parliament, making coalition governments a necessity in a system where the king still holds ultimate power. But the PJD's relations with a former coalition partner, the conservative Istiqlal party, soured over economic reforms, and talks over formation of a government with the centre-right National Rally of Independence (RNI) stalled. Benkirane's efforts have met with resistance from parties that critics say are too close to the palace. Royalist supporters have been reluctant to share power with Islamists since the king ceded some powers in 2011 to ease protests. The palace says the king maintains the equal distance from all parties and dismisses claims of royal interference. Concern has mounted about the impact of the political impasse on Morocco's economy. This year's budget, which should have been approved by parliament by the end of 2016, cannot be passed until a government is in place. Speculation had been building that King Mohammed would attempt to break the political deadlock following his return on Tuesday from a tour of African states. The palace statement said the king would receive the new prime minister soon, and would task him with forming a government. The king thanked Benkirane for his service as prime minister, praising him for his "effectiveness, competence and self-sacrifice". A source in the PJD told Reuters the party will be meeting Thursday morning to discuss the king's decision, which Benkirane said he accepted. "This is our king and he came to a decision under the framework of the constitution, which I've always expressed support for," he told Reuters. "I'm going to perform ablution, pray, and continue working on the ground." (Writing by Aidan Lewis; Editing by James Dalgleish and Lisa Shumaker)
Former Navy SEAL Clint Emerson, author of 100 Deadly Skills: The SEAL Operative's Guide to Eluding Pursuers, Evading Capture, and Surviving Any Dangerous Situation, explains why it can be healthy for you to end a shower with cold water. Following is a transcript of the video.

Clint Emerson: Cold water will wake you up, without a doubt, and it will keep you awake. But it has more health benefits than anything else. In SEAL training you spend a lot of time in cold water and theres actually some science to the madness of putting us in cold water. One, the reason professional athletes do it all the time after a workout is it increases recovery. It vasoconstricts the entire body, squeezing out all of that lactic acid so that you can feel good to go the next day and be ready for the next day training.

That cold water is therapy. Even though it was torture, its therapy so that it keeps you healthy, keeps your joints and inflammation down, vasoconstricts everything down and allows you to keep moving forward, hopefully without any more injury.

This video was originally published March 16, 2017.

See Also:
By Antonio De la Jara VINA DEL MAR, Chile (Reuters) - Peru's foreign minister called a proposal to suspend Venezuela from the Organization Of American States (OAS) "extreme" and said on Wednesday it likely would not have sufficient support of member states. Luis Almagro, secretary general of the OAS, said on Tuesday Venezuela should be suspended if it does not hold general elections as soon as possible. Venezuelan authorities last year blocked a referendum sought by the opposition to recall President Nicolas Maduro, and they have also delayed local elections where the ruling Socialists were expected to fare badly amid an economic crisis. "In principle such initiatives have to be taken by member states and the suspension approach is extreme," Peruvian Foreign Minister Ricardo Luna told Reuters on the sidelines of a meeting in the Chilean city of Vina del Mar. "If you add up the numbers there is not a majority, and the vote is by consensus," he said. Luna's comments do not bode well for Almagro's proposal. Under President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, Peru has been one of Latin America's more vocal critics of Venezuela's government, expressing concern about an erosion of democracy and economic problems. Two-thirds of the 34 countries in the OAS General Assembly would have to vote in favour of Venezuela's suspension for it to take effect. Almagro has been studying a potential expulsion of Venezuela since last year. The OAS suspended communist-ruled Cuba from 1962 to 2009. Havana has still not returned, given its view - like Venezuela - that the body is servile to Washington. Venezuela's foreign minister, Delcy Rodriguez, lashed out at Almagro at a news conference on Wednesday, calling him a pawn of "imperialism." "Luis Almagro is a moral and ethical midget," she said. Mexico, another OAS member, is holding a meeting to analyse Almagro's proposal, Foreign Minister Luis Videgaray told Reuters in Chile. Even as Caracas loses allies in South America after Peru, Argentina and Brazil elected right-leaning leaders recently, it still has stalwart allies among the leftist ALBA bloc and can count on sympathy from small Caribbean states that have benefited from cheap Venezuelan oil in the past. The region is still divided over how to deal with Venezuela, said Teneo Intelligence in a report on Wednesday. The OAS is still seen as a tool of U.S. diplomacy by some in the region, and U.S. policy toward Venezuela does not necessarily play well in Latin America, particularly at a time when U.S. policy toward Mexico threatens to create region-wide rifts, Teneo Intelligence said. (Additional reporting by Andrew Cawthorne in Caracas; Writing by Caroline Stauffer; Editing by Leslie Adler)
By Tom Miles GENEVA (Reuters) - Negotiations to end the war in Syria must speed up, U.N. Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura told Reuters on Wednesday, on the sixth anniversary of the start of the conflict. So far talks to end the war, which has killed hundreds of thousands, driven 5 million into neighbouring countries and left 13.5 million in urgent need of humanitarian aid, have gone almost nowhere. "Its becoming one of the longest and most cruel wars of recent years," de Mistura said. "Thats why there is a need for an acceleration of any type of negotiations - in Astana, in Geneva, in New York, wherever." De Mistura is trying to mediate a political agreement between Syria's warring sides, and after a procedural round of talks in Geneva ended on March 3, he plans to bring the negotiators back for in-depth discussions on March 23. U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley called for a negotiated "path to peace" on Wednesday and said Washington stands beside de Mistura's efforts to end the war. "A political solution must bring the Syrian people peace and stability, free from the threat of terrorism, the despotism of their own government, and interference from self-serving foreign states," Haley said in a statement. Complementary talks on Syria's shaky ceasefire and confidence-building measures such as prisoner releases are now nearing the end of a third round in Kazakhstan's capital, Astana. They have made no real progress either. The Astana talks are run by Russia, Turkey and Iran, backers of the warring sides, and have little U.N. involvement. Britain's special representative for Syria Gareth Bayley said the Astana talks were never meant to replace Geneva, but were a good thing if they reduced violence, improved the humanitarian situation and freed detainees. "That means the pressure is now on the Astana process to ensure any ceasefire holds," Bayley said in an emailed statement to mark the anniversary. Rebel groups say they cannot be expected to negotiate if the ceasefire is not observed. They blame forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad for continually breaking it. "The forced surrender deal on the besieged areas of Al-Waer this week, as well as continued pressure on opposition-held areas in the Damascus suburbs, are not encouraging. They highlight the need for Russia to pressure the Assad regime to uphold the ceasefire," Bayley said. Assad has made major advances on the battlefield with Russian and Iranian help, but the U.N. has repeatedly warned there can be no military solution to the war, and U.N. investigators say pro-Assad forces have continued to commit war crimes despite the supposed ceasefire. De Mistura has said the Geneva talks are not hostage to progress in Astana, but they go hand-in-hand: the ceasefire needs to take hold to support the political process, and political progress is needed to make the ceasefire last. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on the warring sides to "enhance (the ceasefire) further" and to make the Geneva talks succeed, while U.N. humanitarian chief Stephen O'Brien urged them to "regain their sense of humanity". "We join Syrians in hoping that 2017 will be the year the carnage finally ends," O'Brien said in a statement to mark the anniversary. (Additional reporting by Michelle Nichols at the UNITED NATIONS; Editing by Toby Davis and Phil Berlowitz)
By Elias Biryabarema KAMPALA (Reuters) - Uganda acknowledged on Wednesday that its security forces killed more than 100 people in an assault on a tribal leader's palace last year, revising the death toll upwards by dozens, but denied a rights group's accusation that children were among the dead. Security forces killed scores of people in November when they stormed the palace of Charles Wesley Mumbere, a tribal leader of the Bakonzo people, who was later accused of leading a secessionist movement. The palace was torched and Mumbere was detained along with dozens of his guards. He and some of the guards have since been charged with treason, murder, terrorism and other offences, which they deny. He is free on bail. Officials had previously said 62 people died in the assault. Government spokesman Ofwono Opondo said on Wednesday 103 people had been killed. However he denied the findings of a new report by Human Rights Watch that the death toll was even higher, at least 155, including 15 children between the ages of 3 and 14. "Human Rights Watch found evidence, including accounts by confidential sources and medical personnel who witnessed the events, that security officials had misrepresented the number of people killed and eliminated evidence of the childrens deaths," said the report, released earlier on Wednesday by the New York-based watchdog. The children were last seen in the palace compound, according to their families, the report said. The accounts of violence worse than previously reported could raise concern among Uganda's Western allies. The United States and Britain help fund Ugandan security forces and see the country as a reliable bulwark against militant Islam in East Africa despite frequent complaints of abuses by state forces. In a statement responding to the Human Rights Watch report, Opondo denied children were killed. "There is no evidence to back this falsehood," he said. The population of the area near the palace, in the foothills of Mt Rwenzori in western Uganda, favors the opposition. Uganda's veteran leader, President Yoweri Museveni, lost to his rival Kizza Besigye there in the last polls in February 2016. Museveni, 72, has been in power for more than three decades. His critics accuse his government of deliberately stoking violence in the region as retribution for its residents' rejection of the ruling party, a charge the government denies. A group of Ugandan legislators have petitioned the Hague-based International Criminal Court to investigate the violence. One lawmaker accused the security forces of committing "crimes against humanity." Opondo ruled out an international investigation since the attack is the subject of an ongoing criminal trial. (This version of the story corrects spelling of first name of military spokesman) (Editing by Katharine Houreld and Peter Graff)
This dramatic video shows a woman pulling herself out of fast-moving muddy floodwaters in Punta Hermosa, Peru, on March 15. A cow is also seen being swept along by the floodwaters, eventually reaching a safer area.

According to reports, the 32-year-old woman was dragged for around 50 meters and was taken to hospital with cuts and bruises.

RPP Noticias reported that a six-year-old girl died in Punta Hermosa. The floods, which were brought by torrential rains, also caused damage to property and eroding sections of coastline, leaving at least one home close to collapse.

Elsewhere in Peru, heavy rains filled the streets of Chosica with mud, and Peruvian Army helicopters carried out evacuations for residents stranded by floodwaters in the northern Lambayeque region. Credit: Christian Jesus Hidalgo Medina via Storyful
WASHINGTON  Tensions between congressional Republicans and the Trump administration are rising over Russia, as lawmakers probing alleged ties between the presidents team and the Kremlin accused officials of trying to block their efforts.

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, whose committee is one of several where investigations are fully underway, accused Justice Department officials Wednesday of lying when they promised to share information about ongoing department probes with lawmakers conducting oversight.

It doesnt matter whether you have a Republican or Democrat president, every time they come up here for their nomination hearing . . . I ask them, Are you going to answer phone calls and our letters, and are you going to give us the documents we want? And every time we get a real positive yes! And then they end up being liars! Grassley said, screaming into the phone during an interview with The Washington Post. Its not if theyre treating us differently than another committee. Its if theyre responding at all.

Grassley spoke as he awaited a meeting with FBI Director James Comey to determine whether the bureau is investigating alleged Russia interference in last years elections. Grassley has threatened to block the nomination of Rod Rosenstein as deputy attorney general until his committee receives an FBI briefing. Late Wednesday afternoon, his committees ranking Democrat, Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif.  who also attended the private briefing with Comey  credited Grassleys tough language and the strength of his written warnings to the Justice Department for getting the briefing to happen.

Grassley is not alone in voicing frustration at how the administration is interacting with lawmakers trying to investigate allegations of links between the Trump team and Russia. Several key lawmakers are threatening to subpoena the administration for evidence backing up President Donald Trumps charges that the Obama administration wiretapped his phones during the campaign.

The tension could break into the open Monday during a House Intelligence Committee public hearing on Russia. The hearing will feature Comey and Adm. Mike Rogers, head of the National Security Agency. It will provide a rare chance for lawmakers to grill the FBI director and other officials in a public setting on the allegations that Russia intervened in the campaign in an attempt to tilt it toward Trump.

House Intelligence Committee leaders Devin Nune, R-Calif., and Adam Schiff, D-Calif., said Wednesday they were prepared to subpoena the Justice Department for evidence to back up Trumps wiretap claim if the administration does not meet a Monday deadline.

Nunes, who served on Trumps transition team, declared flatly Wednesday that there was no evidence that Trump Tower was wiretapped while Trump was a candidate.

I dont think there was an actual tap of Trump Tower, Nunes said. He added that if you are taking Trumps tweets literally  which he advised people not to do  then clearly the president was wrong.

But Trump is defending the explosive charge, arguing during an interview with Fox News on Wednesday night that the term wiretap covers a lot of different things.

I think youre going to find some very interesting items coming to the forefront over the next two weeks, Trump said, according to a partial transcript of the interview.

Trumps wiretapping claims, first made on Twitter, were a pivotal episode for many Republican lawmakers, who are losing patience with the president and his administration as they await proof that few believe exists.

Sens. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., and Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., leaders of the Senate Judiciary Committees crime and terrorism subcommittee, also sent Justice Department officials a letter last week asking for evidence of any wiretapping warrants or applications. Graham threatened Wednesday to subpoena that information until he heard that Comey would soon brief them privately on the subject. It was not clear when that briefing would happen  or whether it will satisfy senators threatening to block Rosensteins nomination until they receive more information.

Delaying Rosenstein from starting his job could end up hurting those looking to get to the bottom of allegations about Russia. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, a close Trump ally who served as a campaign adviser, has recused himself from investigating anything related to the president  meaning it would fall to the deputy attorney general to take charge of such inquiries, and determine whether to appoint a special prosecutor for the case.

As lawmakers begin to dig into their investigations related to Russia, the rhetoric between them  including many Republicans  and the Trump administration has become more charged.

Nunes and Schiff complained Wednesday that their investigation was being slowed by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, which has not supplied committee members and staffers with a computer to use while they review documents  forcing them to take notes by hand.

This has become a bit of a stumbling block for our investigators to actually be able to compile and get through the information, Nunes said.

We feel a real sense of urgency about conducting this investigation not only thoroughly but as swiftly as possible, Schiff said. So anything that slows us down is a problem.

An ODNI spokesman said Wednesday that the intelligence community was working to address the logistical challenges inherent in protecting the security of sensitive intelligence sources and methods.

Nunes and Schiff also sent Comey, Rogers and CIA Director Mike Pompeo a letter Wednesday demanding a complete list of people whose names have been unmasked after popping up in other surveillance  the way, they noted, authorities discovered that former national security adviser Michael Flynn had contacts with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak. If that information isnt provided by Friday, Nunes said he would likely subpoena those records.

Nunes added that it was a possibility that Trumps name could appear on such a list. He maintained, however, that he has seen no evidence of improper contact between the president or his affiliates and Russian officials  a conclusion Schiff declined to endorse.

In the course of their investigation, Nunes and Schiff have had fairly regular access to Comey as members of the Gang of Eight, the group of senior lawmakers who receive the highest-level intelligence briefings. House Intelligence Committee members were recently cleared to receive access to the same intelligence as the Gang of Eight; the Senate Intelligence Committee has received briefings from Comey as well.

But in the Judiciary Committee, Comeys attention has been late in coming, and promises of briefings materialized only after Grassley and Graham threatened to hold up Rosensteins nomination.

That seems to have gotten their attention, Grassley said during the interview.

Grassley and Graham stress that there are pragmatic reasons for them to be resorting to such measures to get a briefing.

If there is a criminal investigation regarding the Trump campaign and ties to Russia, I want to know about it because were doing congressional investigations of all things Russia, Graham said in an interview. I dont want to run into a criminal investigation not knowing its out there.

For several weeks, the Senate Judiciary panel has asked the FBI for additional information and briefings on allegations of links between the Trump administration and the Kremlin, reiterating the request when Flynn resigned and when Trump made his wiretapping allegations. Grassley said Comey has told him he was awaiting clearance to update his committee, even as he made trips to Capitol Hill to huddle with Intelligence Committee members.

Grassley said hes unsure how Republican colleagues feel about Comeys reluctance to explain the FBIs ongoing investigations, but he added: I imagine a lot of them are much more frustrated than Ive just demonstrated to you.
SANTA FE  A proposal to divert more money from New Mexicos largest permanent fund for education spending  especially home visiting and other early childhood programs  was stymied Wednesday in a Senate committee, marking the latest chapter in a string of defeats for backers of the idea.

The measure was tabled on a 6-5 vote in the Senate Rules Committee, with two Senate Democrats  Clemente Sanchez of Grants and Mary Kay Papen of Las Cruces  joining the panels four Republican members in casting yes votes to table the bill.

The tabling motion was made by Papen, the Senates president pro tem, who said she would support an alternative measure that would provide less money for early childhood programs.

I will support early childhood, but I will not support taking money from the permanent fund, Papen said.

Backers of the proposed constitutional amendment, House Joint Resolution 1, expressed disappointment after Wednesdays vote but vowed not to give up.

We will not stop fighting for New Mexicos future until this resolution goes to the voters, said Rep. Antonio Moe Maestas, D-Albuquerque. The hardworking people of New Mexico deserve the opportunity to have a say in the future of their families and their state.

There have been years of debate over how New Mexicos Land Grant Permanent Fund  and the roughly $15 billion it contains  should be properly used.

Backers of the plan to earmark more money for home visiting and other early childhood programs say a cash infusion is needed now, with the state struggling with poverty and a string of high-profile child-abuse cases.

However, opponents of the proposal say diverting more dollars from the fund, which gets income primarily from oil and natural gas taxes and investment gains, would stunt the funds growth and lead to less money being available for future generations to finance public schools and other basic programs.

The proposal tabled Wednesday, which passed the House 37-32 last week, called for an additional 1 percentage point distribution  or 6 percent total  from the Land Grant Permanent Fund.

If approved by voters in 2018, the additional funding would have initially been split between general education spending and early childhood programs. After a three-year phase-in, the entire amount would have been funneled to early childhood programs, though it would flow through the states 89 school districts.
Three women with macular degeneration became permanently blind after undergoing an unproven stem-cell treatment touted as a clinical trial at a south Florida clinic. Medical experts said the episode raises questions about whether the government and doctors are doing enough to protect patients from the dangers of unapproved therapies.

The episode, described Wednesday in an article in the New England Journal of Medicine, represents one of the most egregious examples of patient injury involving a stem-cell clinic. These facilities have sprung up by the hundreds across the country over the past several years. Many offer supposed experimental treatments for ailments ranging from hip problems to autism to ALS.

Of special concern, said Jeffrey Goldberg, professor of ophthalmology at the Stanford University School of Medicine and one of the authors of the report, was the clinics ability to list its study on ClinicalTrials.gov, a comprehensive database of clinical trials run by the National Institutes of Health. At least one of the patients  and maybe more  believed that she was taking part in a government-sanctioned study, he said.

Goldberg called the incident a wake-up call across the spectrum  for patients, physicians and government regulators. Surely, he said, its an opportunity for the FDA to increase patient safety for these unapproved clinical trials.

Thomas Albini, a University of Miami ophthalmologist and another one of the authors, said that he and his colleagues at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute had treated two of the patients for severe complications in 2015, shortly after they had undergone the stem-cell procedures at a clinic in Sunrise, Florida. The severe complications included detached retinas, hemorrhages and vision loss.

Its a disaster, Albini said, noting that the patients, before the stem-cell treatments, had only moderate vision loss. Buyer beware: These stem-cell clinics that function in this very unregulated way are doing procedures that are not approved . . . and they can be quite dangerous.

The NEJM article did not identify the clinic or the patients, but its listing on the ClinicalTrials.gov website shows the sponsor as Bioheart Inc., also known as U.S. Stem Cell Inc., and says that the study was withdrawn before patients were enrolled. The clinic still has other stem-cell studies listed on the site, including for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and degenerative disc disease.

Repeated calls to U.S. Stem Cell and to Kirstin Comella, who is listed as the chief scientific officer, have not been returned. In a NPR story last year, Comella said that two of the clinics patients had suffered detached retinas following treatments, prompting the clinic to stop doing eye procedures.

According to Florida court filings, two of the patients involved, ages 72 and 78 at the time, sued the clinic and some individuals involved in the procedures. Their attorney, Andrew Yaffa of Coral Gables, said that the case was resolved to the mutual satisfaction of the parties but that neither he nor his clients could comment beyond that. The third patient was an 88-year-old Oklahoma resident who sought medical help a week after the stem-cell procedure at the Dean McGee Eye Institute in Oklahoma City.

Albini said the eye damage could have been the result of contamination during preparation of the stem cells. He also said it was possible that the stem cells could have changed into cells that are associated with scarring. Even if the solution had been prepared correctly, he said, theres no evidence that it could have helped restore the patients vision.

Albini said the three patients paid $5,000 each for the stem-cell procedure, which involved conducting mini-liposuction procedures to remove fat from the abdominal area, isolating the stem cells from the fat and injecting those cells directly into eyes. Charging the patients was a red flag, he said, that this was not a traditional clinical trial. A second was treating both eyes at the same time, rather than seeing how one eye responded before treating the other.

Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss in people older than 75 in the United States. While researchers are making tremendous progress using stem cells to treat the disease, the field requires careful study with meticulously designed trials, the authors of the paper said. The FDA has approved only a few stem-cell therapies, mostly for blood disorders.

The proliferation of stem-cell clinics  there are more than 570 of them, according to a study published last year  has ignited a fierce debate among physicians, patients and scientists about how they should be regulated. FDA rules allow the use of patients own stem cells for treatments, without agency approval, but only if the procedures meet stringent conditions. The stem cells, for example, cannot be more than minimally manipulated and must be intended for the original function. That would not typically include using stem cells from fat to repair eye cells.

Albini said that the FDA had started an investigation into the case but a spokeswoman said the agency does not discuss potential or ongoing investigations. She added that consumers are encouraged to contact the FDA and state authorities to report any potentially illegal or harmful activity related to stem-cell-based products. The FDA has issued several drafts of guidance for the stem-cell industry to try to outline its thinking on the matter, but the documents have not been finalized, and many clinic operators oppose FDA regulation.

Paul Knoepfler, a stem-cell scientist at the University of California at Davis who is a frequent critic of the clinics, said he didnt understand why the FDA and the NIH have not moved more aggressively to ensure patient safety.

Its puzzling and concerning, he said. He said that allowing the clinics to list their trials on ClinicalTrials.gov is almost like a form of advertising for products that dont have FDA approval. Thats really problematic.

In a statement, the NIH said that the information on ClinicalTrials.gov is provided by study sponsors and that posting on the site doesnt reflect endorsement by the NIH, which doesnt independently verify the scientific validity of the trial. It also said that every study includes links to an NIH disclaimer. However, we agree that such caveats need to be clearer to all users and we will be adding a more prominent disclaimer in the future.
SANTA FE  Legislation that would have allowed terminally ill New Mexico adults to seek a doctors help in ending their lives failed tonight on the Senate floor.

The End of Life Options Act was defeated on a 20-22 vote, with seven Senate Democrats voting with most of the chambers Republican members to thwart the bill.

Several senators expressed concern the legislation, Senate Bill 252, could open the door to potentially thorny legal issues and undue influence being exerted on ailing individuals.

This is dangerous, said Sen. Craig Brandt, R-Rio Rancho. Doctors make mistakes every day.

The issue has emerged as one of the most emotional issues facing lawmakers during this years 60-day session, with lawmakers hearing dozens of stories from New Mexicans about relatives who died after prolonged suffering.

Backers say the legislation is only intended to provide options  not requirements  for those with terminal illnesses.

The problem with being ill on this level is the lack of control over your own life, said Sen. Bill ONeill, D-Albuquerque.

This years Roundhouse debate was prompted by a state Supreme Court ruling last year that said terminally ill patients dont have a right to a physicians help in dying under the law as it stands now.

The bill would allow competent, terminally ill adult patients to obtain prescriptions from doctors for drugs the patients would have to self-administer. Death certificates for patients opting to use the program would list their underlying illness as the cause of death, not the prescribed medication.

Even if the measure had passed, it likely would have faced long odds in the House, as a similar measure has been stalled for several weeks in the House Judiciary Committee.
Julie Morgas Baca says the 18 months shes served as Bernalillo County manager have been challenging, but she and her staff have tackled problems head on and moved the county forward in key areas.

Were going to make the financial footprint of this county as efficient as possible, Morgas Baca pledged Tuesday during her State of the County address to the County Commission.

Now theres just this new normal. Its about looking at ourselves. Its about self-analysis by all of the divisions and all the departments  

Among the accomplishments she cited was voter approval for a home-rule charter that grants Bernalillo County government the same power as a municipality. That includes the authority to establish its own procurement ordinance.

Thats huge, she said. Thats going to make us efficient and transparent. Were going to be able to serve our public in a better fashion, in a more efficient fashion.

Morgas Baca said securing the countys AAA bond rating was another achievement, particularly given the financial challenges the county is facing.

Another big accomplishment she cited was reaching a draft settlement agreement with a federal court that outlines a path to ending more than 20 years of litigation over conditions inside the Metropolitan Detention Center.

The county has also signed a $2.7 million purchase agreement for the Alvarado Square office building in Downtown Albuquerque. Morgas Baca said the county is currently conducting its due diligence on the purchase, but if it goes through, the county will be able to consolidate staff, who are currently housed in more than five buildings.

We will be able to provide a one-stop shop for our community, she said.

Morgas Baca said there are also challenges the county is facing.

Were challenged by the operating budget, as you know, and getting the county back on stable financial footing, she said. Those financial challenges include dwindling reserves, rising costs for insurance premiums and deferred building maintenance. The county manager said the county is working on scheduling tools to reduce overtime, particularly in public safety. She said the county is also planning to tighten qualifications for temporary pay increases.

Morgas Baca drew praise from county commissioners for her work ethic, and for what she has done in the past 18 months.

Commission Chairwoman Debbie OMalley told Morgas Baca shes glad that she is questioning things.

Im glad that we hired you, OMalley said. Youre doing a good job.

You are an excellent role model for our employees, added Commissioner Maggie Hart Stebbins. I know that you are working night and day, week in and week out. Thank you for that.
aHELENA, Mont.  The publics right to know who is involved in this countrys election and public policy processes is a bedrock ideal of our democracy. Yet, some folks just dont seem to get that. Instead of focusing on the principle involved, they want to sue or demonize public officials.

Two recent cases in point: the Feb. 27 ruling on Independence Institute v. FEC by the U.S. Supreme Court turned back yet another attack on disclosure, and the resignation of Federal Election Commission Commissioner Ann Ravel in frustration over the commissions inability to do  anything.

With Independence Institute v. FEC, the court ruled that groups that run candidate-focused advertising just prior to elections must disclose who sponsors those ads. Since these disclosure requirements apply only to groups that spend more than $10,000 on advertising, its not onerous to mom-and-pop outfits who are supporting their local or state candidate. Pretty simple, right?

The history of such disclosure dates back to the U.S. Supreme Courts 1996 landmark ruling in Buckley v. Valeo, in which the court balanced the publics right to know who is involved in elections with an individuals right to free speech and freedom of association. The court found that when it came to politics and campaign finances  which have a direct bearing on the public policies decided by lawmakers and paid for by taxpayers  knowing who supports candidates is important because it helps voters evaluate candidates, helps deter corruption and the appearance of it, and helps detect violations of laws. The court upheld these basic principles in McConnell v. FEC in 2003 and again in Citizens United v. FEC in 2010.

Disclosure helps provide transparency in our elections and public policy processes and ultimately supports a more healthy democracy.

So, when FEC Commissioner Ravel, a longtime and ardent advocate for disclosure and transparency, stepped down recently and expressed her frustration with the election commissions partisan gridlock, she became a target for those who see disclosure as an ill that weighs down our democracy. The Wall Street Journal in a Feb. 26 editorial accused Ravel of the weaponizing of campaign-finance law, despite the long and constitutionally tested reasoning behind such laws.

Instead of demonizing disclosure as an ill on our democracy, we should be celebrating it. It is one of the things that makes our democracy so resilient and respected. The Journals editorial brought to mind a personal conversation I had with an elected leader from Algeria who was visiting our country to understand more fully how our democracy works. When offered assistance with educating lawmakers in his country, he cast a serious smile and said, No, thank you. People who do what you do in my country get shot.

Disclosure is a powerful weapon. Lets protect it and use it wisely.

The nonprofit, nonpartisan National Institute on Money in State Politics collects and analyzes campaign contribution information on state and federal candidates, political party committees, and ballot committees. Its free, searchable database of contributions is online at www.FollowTheMoney.org.
U.S. Attorney Damon P. Martinez tendered his resignation Friday, ending 34 months of admirable service as our districts top federal prosecutor.

He was one of 46 U.S. attorneys around the country U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions asked to resign last week.

Martinez, like all 93 U.S. attorneys, is a political appointee, so its not unusual to be replaced when a new administration moves into the White House. In 1993, for example, Attorney General Janet Reno demanded the resignations of all 93 U.S. attorneys in the early days of the Clinton administration. Other administrations have spread out their requests for resignations over several months to ensure continuity.

Prior to Sessions request last Friday, 47 U.S. attorneys had already stepped down.

Martinez, an Albuquerque native and graduate of St. Pius X High School, has two bachelors degrees, a masters in business administration and a Juris Doctorate from the University of New Mexico. He was a judge advocate in the U.S. Army Reserve until 2009, when he transferred to the New Mexico National Guard. He has been a federal prosecutor since 2000, when he started in the Las Cruces branch office as a special assistant U.S. attorney. He was nominated for U.S. attorney by President Obama in November 2013, confirmed by the Senate and sworn in as U.S. attorney for New Mexico in May 2014.

During his tenure, Martinez focused on targeting the states Worst of the Worst offenders, making them a priority for federal prosecutions. He and his prosecutors have partnered with state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to identify the most dangerous repeat criminals in our communities and build federal cases against them. Its been an effective strategy because certain crimes carry much longer prison sentences in federal, as opposed to state, courts.

Successful prosecutions of career criminals include: Thomas Martinez, a one-man crime wave who racked up multiple robberies, three carjackings in one day and a home invasion before he was arrested. He was sentenced to 27 years; Gabriel Mirabal, a crack dealer who got 36 years; and Elias Atencio, who robbed four Santa Fe businesses in 12 days and was sentenced to 20 years.

Those same community partnerships have yielded prosecutions against drug dealers through the New Mexico Heroin and Opioid Prevention and Education Initiative, also known as HOPE. As part of that program, federal prosecutors target heroin and opioid trafficking suspects. Its an important initiative because of the states high rate of opioid-related addiction and overdoses.

And just recently, his office has agreed to certify four attorneys from the local district attorneys office as federal prosecutors so they can file cases in federal court.

Martinez also oversaw the Department of Justices investigation and settlement agreement with the city of Albuquerque over the Albuquerque Police Department, whose officers had been involved in 24 shootings over a four-year period. The DOJ found that APD had a pattern of violating peoples rights through the use of excessive force. The department is undergoing a yearslong reform effort that is being overseen by a federal judge.

New Mexicans owe Martinez a debt of gratitude for his accomplishments toward making this a safer place to live. We wish him luck in his future endeavors which, we hope, will keep him in his home state.

First Assistant U.S. Attorney James D. Tierney will serve as Acting U.S. Attorney until a new U.S. Attorney is nominated by President Trump and confirmed by the Senate.

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.
An innovative health care initiative developed in New Mexico will start tackling one of the countrys leading killers  cancer  thanks to a new $10 million grant.

Project ECHOs grant from the Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation is designed to help prevent, detect and treat cancer in rural and under-served areas around the U.S. and South Africa.

Based out of the UNM Health Sciences Center, Project ECHO works to improve health care in remote areas by connecting health care providers in those communities to specialists at academic institutions. The specialists impart their knowledge via internet-based and video-conference training, helping local primary care doctors and other practitioners better treat patients complicated medical conditions.

ECHO originated in 2003 as a method of expanding hepatitis C treatment around New Mexico, and the model is now used by 117 partners around the world to address more than 55 conditions. But this is the first time it will focus on cancer  the second-leading cause of death in the U.S., according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention figures.

Dr. Sanjeev Arora, Project ECHOs director, said universities and other major medical centers like MD Anderson have participated in pilot projects using ECHO for cancer care over the last year and a half. He said it was very successful and set the tone for the larger rollout.

A UNM-based team will train peer institutions how to use ECHO to become hubs that can more easily share their cancer care expertise with other mid-level providers in surrounding communities.

They already know how to treat cancer, he said of the hospitals and universities. We train them how to do ECHO.

The new $10 million could help establish ECHO-model cancer hubs at 25 academic medical centers around the U.S. and at least one in South Africa.

ECHOs potential to strengthen and heal gaps in systems of care for the most vulnerable patients and expand the idea of a cancer-care team across space and health-care organizations is enormous, John Damonti, the president of the Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation, said in a statement.
Copyright  2017 Albuquerque Journal

Five months before 10-year-old Victoria Martens was raped and killed, the state Children, Youth and Families Department received a call that her mothers then-boyfriend had tried to kiss the girl.

CYFD forwarded the call to the Albuquerque Police Department.

APD spokespersons said in January, which was reported in a front-page story by the Journal, that their detectives followed up and spoke with Victoria and her mother, Michelle Martens, about the allegation.

But on Monday, Celina Espinoza, an APD spokeswoman, said that is not correct.

She said they didnt look into the complaint because it didnt meet certain criteria. She said APD standard operating procedure calls for a follow-up if there is a report of neglect, abuse or a crime. An attempted kiss is not a crime, she said.

Espinoza said the incorrect information was due to a miscommunication on her part.

On Aug. 24, police say Michelle Martens watched as her boyfriend, Fabian Gonzales, and his cousin, Jessica Kelley, raped and strangled Victoria. Officers found the girls dismembered body wrapped in a burning blanket in the bathtub of her mothers apartment. All three have been charged in her murder.

The investigation into Victorias death showed she had been sexually abused sometime before the night she was killed. According to an autopsy report, she had a sexually transmitted disease, indicating she had been raped at least a month earlier.

And in her interview with detectives, Martens admitted to allowing at least two other men to rape Victoria, according to documents filed in the case.

The killing and the horrifying details surrounding it shocked the community and led state and local government officials to promise self-reflection and change.

Report of a kiss

The public first learned that APD had been made aware of earlier allegations of potential abuse against Victoria in January 2017 after CYFD released results of an internal investigation.

In an interview in late January, APD spokesman Fred Duran told the Journal that detectives had looked into the allegation that one of Martens boyfriends had tried to kiss Victoria.

He said detectives had talked to the mother and daughter.

The mom had told us that there was nothing going on in the home and that she removed the boyfriend, Duran said in an interview at the time. When detectives spoke to the kid she didnt make any allegations that anything had happened.

Although Espinoza initially said that CYFD had investigated the claim, she later agreed with Duran that it was APD who followed up even though no dispatch logs or any other records existed that could verify the officers visited the family.

I do not have any documentation about what the actual interaction between our detectives and the family was for that talk, Espinoza said.

When asked about the discrepancy between what APD said in January and what she said this week, Espinoza said a reporter had misunderstood her and Durans comments.

Officer Duran said that investigators had followed up on the allegations, Espinoza said. There was a miscommunication between (the reporter) and my office that inferred it was APD investigators.

She said that at the time she thought CYFD investigators had followed up, and that was who she and Duran were referring to.

In the previous interviews, which were taped, both Espinoza and Duran referred to the investigators as detectives, and Espinoza referred to them as our detectives. APD has detectives; CYFD does not.

It turns out that CYFD did not investigate, according to Henry Varela, a spokesman.

The agency sent the case to APD as is policy with cases that dont involve a parent, guardian or custodian who lives with the child, he said.

When asked why APD did not attempt to correct the misinformation published in the January story, Espinoza issued a statement that said, in part, We do our best to answer media questions in a timely, factual manner even under submersible pressure and copious criticism.

Yellow flags

Although CYFD said the caller reported that a then-boyfriend tried to kiss Victoria, the details of the allegation are unclear because the call is confidential under the New Mexico Childrens Code.

Espinoza and Duran have said attempting to kiss a child is not a crime, but several retired and current police officers say they believe the call was serious enough to look into.

Somebody saw something that made them feel uncomfortable and they reported it, said Shaun Willoughby, the president of the Albuquerque Police Officers Association. On the surface it doesnt sound like a criminal act took place, but I think its a little premature to make that determination before youve done the investigation.

Attorney Thomas Grover, a former APD sergeant, said sexual allegations involving minors should be taken seriously because seemingly small accusations can lead to more grave discoveries.

We all know that in (Victorias) case there were yellow flags before red flags, Grover said. It is probable that something would have been observed.

He said it sounds like the case fell through the cracks when it wasnt looked into.

Marie Sisi Miranda, a former sergeant with the Crimes Against Children Unit, said its likely the allegation was given a lower priority because APD has to investigate more serious cases.

There are so many false reports, its understandable why this didnt get attention it needed, Miranda said.

She said although its unclear exactly what the caller told CYFD, one of the agencies should have investigated it.

Espinoza said all calls referred from CYFD to APD are screened on a daily basis, and if a case does not meet the criteria of a crime, abuse or neglect, no one from the Crimes Against Children Unit or a field officer would respond.

A request for comment from the mayors office was referred to APD.

Espinoza responded that APD could not have prevented Victorias death.

A complete, thorough review of both CYFD and APDs involvement has provided no evidence that could have helped prevent or alerted investigators to such an appalling tragedy, she said.

Attempt at reform

After the high-profile case of child abuse resulting in the death of 9-year-old Omaree Varela in 2013, the city commissioned a task force  Miranda prepared the report  to recommend ways APD could improve its response to child abuse cases.

One of the reforms the task force recommended was to train a special group of uniformed officers to detect and investigate child abuse cases. There are currently 35 care officers, and Espinoza said they hope to increase that number to 50.

But Willoughby questions why these officers didnt take this call and if they  like other officers  are overwhelmed with other cases.

He said the department doesnt have enough officers to investigate these types of calls, and APD officials should continue asking themselves how to mend possible cracks in the system.

How do we become better as a police department in the wake of such tragedy to make sure we do everything we can to prevent it in the future? Willoughby said.

The Journal sent questions to police chief Gorden Eden and Espinoza responded in writing.

When asked whether  going forward  an allegation of the attempted kiss of a little girl by an adult boyfriend of the mother raises enough flags to warrant looking into, she said:

The information that was provided to APD was that the attempted kiss was initiated by a former boyfriend who no longer had access to the child or contact with the family. This is exactly why our agency reviews the cross referenced cases from CYFD. Due to the details provided, this does not meet our SOP in correlation to State Law.
Rep. Jason Harpers sweeping tax reform proposal  viewed by many as part of a possible compromise in the budget debate  deals with corporate income tax, business-to-business tax pyramiding and disbursement of the liquor excise tax, but its treatment of the food tax might be its most disputed element.

The bill, sponsored by the Rio Rancho Republican and co-signed by Democratic Sens. John Arthur Smith of Deming and Carlos Cisneros of Questa, proposed reinstating the gross receipts tax on food for most New Mexicans.

A food tax proposal has been brought up frequently in recent years, only to be shot down by critics, many of whom argue the tax would disproportionately affect lower-income families.

A House-approved version of Harpers bill removed the food tax reimposition from the bill, among other changes aimed at narrowing its scope, but the food tax remains a focus of ongoing discussions over the proposal.

Harper said House Bill 412, in its original form, had provisions to protect the states poorest residents. In fact, he said he believes they  and most New Mexico families  would come out ahead under this legislation.

Families benefit when there are jobs, he said.

His proposal called for those who get food stamps, a program formally called the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, to not pay the food tax  even on groceries they buy beyond their SNAP benefits. The first bill also would have bolstered a separate tax rebate program for low-income families.

And because the bill would lower the overall gross receipts tax rate, it would create savings on other expenditures.

But one nonprofit organization opposing the bill says the food tax protections might not be enough for low-income households.

Amber Wallin, Kids Count director at New Mexico Voices for Children, said the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates 24 percent of New Mexicans who qualify for food stamps are not receiving the benefits for various reasons.

Eligibility for SNAP varies by household size, but a family of four can qualify for some benefits with a gross monthly income of $3,342.

Wallin also argues that the tax rebate is not a silver bullet, because it comes only once a year.

People need to eat every single day, she said.

Wallin said the organization has not analyzed how the many provisions of Harpers bill would play out across incomes.

Neither has the Legislative Finance Committee. Thats because of the bills complexity and the resources such a study would require, the LFCs chief economist Jon Clark told the Journal.

Clark said that initial analysis indicates SNAP recipients would likely benefit due to the protections Harper built into the bill.

For other population categories, the impact becomes less certain without thorough analysis, he said in a written statement.
With four sprawling military bases in New Mexico, crashes of military aircraft are not uncommon but deaths are rare.

The latest, Tuesdays crash of a U-28A single-engine surveillance aircraft near Clovis, killed three airmen from Cannon Air Force Base.

In November 2015, a pilot from Holloman Air Force Base safely ejected from an F-16 jet during a training mission. The jet crashed near Salinas Peak on White Sands Missile Range, about 25 miles south of Trinity Site.

In September 2015, a military training aircraft crashed in the desert northwest of Las Cruces International Airport. Two people, an instructor and student, both ejected and sustained minor injuries. The type of aircraft was not identified and all questions were referred to the Corpus Christi Naval Air Station in Texas.

A QF-4 Phantom fighter jet flying out of Holloman Air Force Base in July 2011 crashed into a grassy field southwest of Roswell. That pilot also ejected safely, but the crash sparked a range fire that burned 28 acres before it could be contained.

An Air Force HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopter crashed on a knoll at the National Vietnam Memorial near Angel Fire in August 2005. One of three crew members from the 512 Rescue Unit, 58th Special Operations Wing at Albuquerques Kirtland Air Force Base was killed. The crash happened during a high-altitude training mission.
JONESBORO, Ga. (AP)  Police in Georgia are searching for an unhappy customer who threw her takeout order at restaurant workers.

Clayton County Police Det. Sefan Schindler told WSB-TV (http://2wsb.tv/2n15MVn ) Wednesday the woman was upset because she said there wasn't enough seasoning salt on her French fries at a Zaxby's restaurant in suburban Atlanta. The woman took two takeout containers filled with food and tossed them over the counter.

Restaurant video shows the woman leaving with her order and then returning with a man to complain to a manager. The unhappy woman punched the register monitor. Schindler says she spewed curse words toward employees.

The man with her stood in silence during her tirade. News reports say the incident occurred March 10.

Schindler says the woman could face charges for damage to the property.

 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Learn more about our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
WASHINGTON  President Donald Trumps first budget blueprint would dramatically boost 2018 spending next year on military and nuclear weapons programs that account for billions of federal dollars in New Mexico, but it would slash the budgets at a dozen agencies, including the departments of Interior and Agriculture.

The $1.15 trillion preliminary spending blueprint  referred to in Washington as a skinny budget  was officially released Thursday and contained overall proposed funding levels for all federal agencies, but very little line-item detail.

The budget includes no money for the controversial Albuquerque Rapid Transit project.

The Trump budget proposal is just that  a suggestion. The White House is expected to submit a more detailed budget to Congress in the coming weeks. Congress must ultimately approve federal spending, and early reactions Thursday included objections to at least parts of the presidents plan from Republicans, who control both the House and Senate, and Democrats.

The president cast his proposal to boost military spending by 10 percent  the largest increase since President Ronald Reagans first term in 1981  as critical to Americas future.

A budget that puts America first must make the safety of our people its No. 1 priority  because without safety, there can be no prosperity, Trump said in a message accompanying his budget proposal that was titled America First: A Budget Blueprint to Make America Great Again.

The Trump proposal would eliminate budgets for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and the National Endowment for the Arts, and could dramatically cut some social programs such as Meals on Wheels and Head Start.

The proposal would also slash funding for the Environmental Protection Agency by 31 percent.

Sen. Tom Udall, a New Mexico Democrat who sits on the Senate Appropriations Committee, called the budget proposal unconscionable and predicted it would be dead on arrival in Congress.

President Trumps proposed budget would affect nearly every aspect of life and the economy in New Mexico, Udall said. Deep cuts to science, clean energy research and development, space programs, health research, the Land and Water Conservation Fund, and the arts and humanities would cripple engines for job creation in New Mexico. His cuts to affordable housing and his complete elimination of heating assistance and community development block grants would literally leave New Mexico families in the cold.

Rep. Steve Pearce, the New Mexico delegations only Republican, called the Trump budget plan a great first step that takes appropriate action to rein in our nations growing debt and deficit. But he also noted that the budget could have a negative effect on lower-income, rural states, like New Mexico.

This year, as in the past, Congress will work to eliminate unnecessary and duplicative programs within the government, while protecting the vital services that support the most vulnerable in our communities, Pearce said.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said Thursday that proposed increases for the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs are a step in the right direction, but he said late last month that dramatic cuts to the State Department, also included in Trumps budget released Thursday, would not have enough support to clear the Senate.

The suggested budget cuts would finance a massive increase in defense spending and make a down payment on a wall along the Mexican border.

Law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, would be spared, while the border wall would receive an immediate $1.5 billion infusion in the ongoing fiscal year, with another $2.6 billion planned for the 2018 budget year, which starts Oct. 1.

Trump has repeatedly said Mexico would pay for the wall, but this budget proposal would send American taxpayers the bill, at least initially.

The budget for the National Nuclear Security Administration, which oversees Los Alamos and Sandia national laboratories in New Mexico, would increase by 11 percent under Trumps proposal. The budget blueprint for 2018 includes a suggested $6.5 billion for Department of Energy environmental management, including nuclear waste cleanup  up $300 million from 2017 spending levels.

Both Los Alamos National Laboratory and the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant, near Carlsbad, could potentially benefit from this suggested increase, if it is adopted by Congress.

The DOE budget would also jump-start the long-mothballed Yucca Mountain nuclear waste repository in Nevada.

Sandia National Laboratories scientists and officials played a key role in development of the proposed Nevada waste site in the past. But the overall DOE budget would shrink by roughly 5 percent under the Trump proposal, primarily because of cuts to clean energy research.

Other agencies with a large footprint in New Mexico and the West, including the departments of Interior and Agriculture, would be cut significantly under the presidents proposal.

The Interior Departments budget would be reduced by 12 percent, partly by cutting funding for land acquisition by $120 million, cutting or eliminating some Native American programs and reducing the payments the federal government makes to counties for federal lands that cannot be taxed at the local level.

The budget of the Agriculture Department, which has a large presence in New Mexico, would be slashed by 21 percent, largely through cuts to rural water projects and county-level department staffing reductions.

The proposed agriculture budget reflects a nearly half-billion-dollar reduction by eliminating a rural water and wastewater loan and grant program that helps fund clean water and sewer systems in communities with fewer than 10,000 people.
GANADO, Ariz.  Authorities say an infants remains have been found on the Navajo Nation in Arizona.

The Gallup (New Mexico) Independent (https://goo.gl/RZlBna ) reports that Navajo Police Chief Phillip Francisco said a childs severed head was found Monday in field near Ganado.

Francisco told the newspaper the FBI is investigating and he didnt have additional details.

Franciscos office says hes unavailable for comment Thursday because of the funeral of a Navajo Nation police officer killed on duty.

The FBI told The Associated Press in a brief statement Thursday that partial remains of an infant child were found in the Ganado area.

FBI spokeswoman Jill McCabe said no additional information is available.

The FBI previously told the Independent that authorities had information they hoped would lead to a rapid resolution to the investigation.
President Donald Trumps new deal with Saudi Arabia is really good  for the Saudis. After publicly bashing the kingdom for years, Trump completely reversed course Tuesday and rolled out the red carpet for the Saudi royals. He gave them a huge publicity boost and a highly sought-after U.S. commitment to improve and elevate bilateral relations. And what did Trump get in return? Not much at all.

The hastily arranged meetings between Trump and his top White House aides with a high-level delegation from Riyadh, led by Saudi Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, was hailed by the Saudi side as a historical turning point in U.S.-Saudi relations after eight contentious years with the Obama administration. A statement from the Saudis said that the prince considers Trump a true friend of Muslims and that the meeting marked a significant shift in relations across all fields.

A White House statement, issued Wednesday, said that Trump and Salman had directed their teams to find ways to further strengthen and elevate the United States-Saudi strategic relationship on the political, military, security, economic, cultural and social fronts. The two sides agreed to cooperate more in the economic, commercial, investment and energy fields and start a new U.S.-Saudi program worth potentially more than $200 billion in direct and indirect investments within the next four years, the statement said. No details were provided.

For the Saudis, cozying up to the Trump White House is an obvious play. Relations with Washington had gotten so bad that at their final meeting in Riyadh last spring, President Barack Obama got into a contentious argument with King Salman, Prince Salmans father, according to two sources briefed on the meeting, insisting that Riyadh should open up more to diplomacy with Iran and rely less on the security and support of the United States.

The Saudi leadership saw Hillary Clinton as more aligned with them on regional issues, but still worried that she would have insisted on Saudi political reform and respect for human rights, even conditioning U.S. military and financial support on progress on those fronts. But with the Trump administration, thats no longer an issue.

Saudis have actually expressed marked optimism about the Trump administration and its America first approach to foreign policy, Andrew Bowen, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, wrote in a paper this week. Trumps disdain for meddling in the internal affairs of foreign nations and his tough, no-nonsense approach to ISIS and Iran are music to their ears.

Trumps Cabinet picks also are longtime friends of the Saudi government and their Persian Gulf allies. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis has worked with Gulf governments for decades on military issues, and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has deep ties from his time as an executive at ExxonMobil. Both Mattis and Tillerson are reportedly agreed that political reform and human rights concerns should be discarded as conditions for U.S. military aid.

By becoming the first Arab leaders to be greeted at the White House, the Saudis have pulled off a diplomatic coup, beating out one of Trumps favorite leaders, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi. They also blunted years of criticism by Trump of U.S. military support for Saudi Arabia.

During the campaign, Trump repeatedly railed against Saudi Arabia, one of the countries he described to his supporters at rallies across the nation as freeloaders who were relying on American protection without paying their fair share.

At a rally last April in Wisconsin, Trump laid out exactly how he would deal with Saudi Arabia if elected president.

They are loaded with money to the gills. The U.S. protects them. We get practically nothing. Do you know why? Because our leaders dont have business instinct, Trump said. Heres whats going to happen. Well say to Saudi Arabia, Fellas, youve got to help us out. Theyll say, No. Well say, Bye bye. About two days later, theyll call and say, Get back here fast, somebodys going to make a raid. Well go back. Theyll pay us so much money. And you know what? Thats fine.

In a June rally in Las Vegas, Trump asserted that without U.S. defense support, the Saudi regime would have collapsed a long time ago, a claim Trump has been making for years.

We defend Saudi Arabia. They dont pay us nearly what they should be paying. So essentially we are subsidizing all of these countries, Trump said at the rally. How stupid are we? A country like Saudi Arabia wouldnt exist for a week.

The White House didnt respond to requests for comment, but theres no indication that Trump or any of his aides raised the issue of Saudi reimbursement for American defense in any of this weeks meetings.

The White House is touting Saudi Arabias plans to increase U.S. investment, but as with many of the foreign leaders promises to Trump about future American jobs, theres not much detail to be had. Brian Katulis, a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress, met with Salman in Riyadh in late February and said that the Saudis were enthusiastic about new economic programs to offer Trump, but were light on specifics.

The Saudis are thinking about how to scratch itches in terms of infrastructure and job creation issues, he said. The question for team Trump is, do the Saudis have a clear plan? Thats where the devil is in the details. I was left with a lack of clarity.

On the security side, the White House touted increasing collaboration on counterterrorism, military cooperation in Yemen and increasing pressure on Iran. But on the thorny issue of Saudi Arabias own complicity in spreading radical Islamic ideology, the Trump administration has said exactly nothing, and the Saudis have promised the same.

Politically, this is very tough for the Trump administration. If the president is talking about his fundamental opposition to radical Islam, for many of his supporters radical Islam has a return address, and its Saudi Arabia, said Jon Alterman, senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. How does Steve Bannon explain this to his base?

In the end, Trump is not wedded to any particular foreign policy ideology and has no set policy for any bilateral relationship, other than that he wants to make sure America gets a good deal. From what we know about this visit so far, the Saudis got the better end of the bargain this time.
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said unequivocally in an interview that aired Thursday that Russia should never be trusted  a far tougher stance than the one taken by her boss, President Trump.

Asked by NBCs Matt Lauer what she thinks Trump should do in response to Russias cyber attacks meddling in the 2016 U.S. election, Haley said, Take it seriously. We cannot trust Russia. We should never trust Russia.

Haley went on to say that the Trump administration should take some sort of action against Russia once investigations are completed regarding Russias work to influence the election.

She also sought to distance herself from Trump, who has said he hopes to build warm relations with Russia, perhaps by partnering to defeat Islamic State terrorists, and who has refused to speak critically of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

When Lauer asked whether she considered herself on the same page as the president in their level of distrust of Russia, Haley said she did not.

I would not say that, she said. Im not going to talk about where the president is because I dont know. I have always made it very clear, from my confirmation and in the words that Ive said from the U.N., that I dont trust Russia.

Haley said Trump is very open-minded about working with everyone, including the Russians, but that the president has allowed her to call them out when she sees something wrong.

Haley said she does not have any questions about the relationship between Trump and some of his associates and Russians.

I really dont, and Ill tell you why: Because Ive talked to him about it, Haley said. And while they know of people, youve got to look at the fact that ambassadors jobs are to talk to everyone. Thats what I think weve seen the Russian ambassador do. At the same time, not once has he told me not to slam Russia. Hes not once told me, Go and be nice to Russia. Hes letting me do my job.

Haley has emerged as a frequent and pointed alternative voice on U.S. foreign policy, beginning with Senate confirmation hearings in which she parted ways with past Trump statements on Russia, the value of the NATO alliance and any ban on Muslim immigration.

As U.N. ambassador, she has stepped ahead of the White House with forceful statements on subjects including North Korea. Her statement that all options are on the table with the nuclear-armed country was widely read as a threat of military action opposed by China, a fellow U.N. Security Council member and the last stop for Secretary of State Rex Tillersons Asia debut trip this week.



The Posts Anne Gearan contributed to this report.
Almost exactly 100 years ago, the United States embarked on a century of interventionism  with a big assist from Russian revolutionaries.

In 1917, World War I had been raging in Europe for 2 1-2 years. President Woodrow Wilson had been casting around for a way to broker a peace; white civilization, as he put it, was in danger of destroying itself. German submarine warfare against merchant ships was pushing the United States closer to joining the fight, but plenty of Americans, including Wilson himself, resisted the notion.

Then came street protests in Russia and the overthrow of Czar Nicholas II on March 15. Almost all Americans greeted the upheaval as the dawning of a new age of democracy, and the United States was the first nation to recognize Russias new Provisional Government.

Ambassador David Francis donned his formal diplomatic attire and rode in a sleigh across snowbound Petrograd  todays St. Petersburg  to bestow Americas blessing on Russias grateful new authorities. In American eyes, the United States was extending a hand of friendship from the worlds oldest democracy to its newest.

Americans seized on the revolution in Russia as a call to arms  a crusade to defend democracy, and to extend it. In a twinkling, the world war was no longer about a clash of imperial powers, but about an ideal. Russia, allied with Britain, France and Italy in the war, gained a new partner just three weeks after the czars abdication: On April 6, the United States declared war on Germany and its kaiser.

You have done a great thing nobly! wrote Wilsons son-in-law, Treasury Secretary William McAdoo, the day after the presidents war message. I firmly believe that it is Gods will that America should do this transcendent service for humanity throughout the world and that you are his chosen instrument.

In Paris, Georges Clemenceau, soon to be named prime minister, was struck by Wilsons audacity in placing human rights at the heart of his policy. Raymond Poincare, the president of France, sent Wilson a warm and heartfelt message. This war, he wrote, would not have had its full significance if the United States had not been drawn into it.

In Rome, a joint letter signed by 68 members of Parliament read, Your message is not addressed to the United States alone but to all humanity and awakens noblest instincts among free nations. Your message is the hymn of freedom.

As it turned out, Russias democratic  if unelected  government lasted less than eight months, overcome by a Communist coup. But Wilsons declaration continued to resonate. Americans learned to talk about preserving Western values, rather than white civilization.

For sure, there have been plenty of moments since then when the United States fell considerably short of the ideal in its foreign affairs, when accusations of hypocrisy had real sting  but the essence of the hypocrisy was that the ideal itself remained. When Wilson proclaimed that the world must be made safe for democracy, he set what has been the objective of American foreign policy ever since  at least until 2017.

Trump tweeted: Do you believe that Secy. KERRY just went to Egypt to talk about human rights problems and this as everything is being blown up around him



Now, under President Donald Trump, the promotion of democracy and human rights appears to have been taken off even the back burner. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson was absent when the State Department published its annual human rights report last month. As my colleague Amanda Erickson points out, American embassies under Trump are not pushing a human rights agenda. Trump publicly admires strong leaders, Russias Vladimir Putin foremost among them.

Over the years, Putin has been quick to see an American hand fomenting popular protests in Libya, Syria, Georgia, Ukraine and even Russia itself. He overstates the matter, but those claims are a bit of a backhanded compliment to administrations in Washington. The lesson Russian authorities took from the overthrow of the czar in 1917 is that mass protests from below are the most dangerous threat to those in power, and that helps explain why Putin has reacted so vehemently to potential uprisings.

But the days when that accusation of American meddling had at least some plausibility seem to be over. Trump has said nothing to suggest that the conditions of people living in other countries are of any concern to the United States or its government. In short, the prospects for serious, effective U.S. engagement by Trump to support democracy and human rights abroad look dismal, wrote Thomas Carothers, a democracy and rule of law scholar at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, in January.

The country is now embarking on a new chapter in its relations with the world.



Englund is an editor on The Post foreign desk and author of the just released March 1917: On the Brink of War and Revolution.
The flamingo fathered eight children, lived 16 years, and survived a plight that made international headlines: the massive 2002 flooding in the Czech Republic that left the entire lower half of a Prague zoo completely underwater and forced a number of its inhabitants to be put down.

The flamingo had been hastily transferred to its most current home, the Jihlava Zoo, located in a small Czech city by the same name, about 80 miles south of Prague.

It was here that the pink-feathered bird was stoned and beaten to death Friday by a trio of young boys, zoo officials told The Washington Post, marking the latest in a string of attacks around the world on zoo animals.

The boys, ages 5, 6 and 8, broke into the zoo and scaled a fence to reach the indoor flamingo exhibit. Then they attacked the 60-bird flock, throwing rocks and sticks at them.

First, they pelted them with stones and then one of them kicked it, resident zoologist Jan Vasak told the Prague Morning.

One of the birds, the 16-year-old father of eight, bled to death after suffering a broken leg bone and severed arteries. Another bird is recovering from serious but not life-threatening injuries, according to a zoo statement obtained by The Washington Post.

A technician who worked near the flamingo exhibition heard an unusual sound and noticed the group of boys, but they quickly ran away from the area, according to the statement. Another employee immediately called the police, who identified the children through CCTV footage.

Fortunately, one of them had a distinct yellow sweatshirt, Vasak said. We immediately phoned police officers and so two of the villains we managed to catch far from the park. The third escaped.

The children were taken into custody but refused to speak with investigators. They face criminal offenses in connection to the attack, according to zoo officials, but could not be punished because of their young ages. Their parents may have to compensate the zoo for material damages, which amount to about $2,000.

The price of a breeding piece also coming from wild nature is incalculable, according to a zoo statement.

Martin Malac, a spokesman for the zoo, told local press the boys had expressed no remorse for what they had done. He also questioned why the children were not in school, given the time of day.

Staff at the Jihlava Zoo, which is surrounded by a high fence and several other exhibit barriers, said the attack in the flamingo exhibit has left the other birds terribly frightened and suffering from severe stress shock. Zoologists worried the incident could also affect breeding of the flamingos.

It took many years for the zoo to establish a group of flamingos that would reproduce naturally. Now there has been a breach of this delicate balance, Eliska Kubikova, the director of the zoo said initially.

But Vasak told The Post in an email that as of Wednesday, the flocks behavior was getting normal. Since it is almost spring, zoologists observed pairs of flamingos displaying early mating and nesting activity.

I believe the group will get to normal soon and we will again breed successfully several chicks like every year, Vasak wrote.

The deceased flamingo originated from Tanzania, Malac said in a statement. He was a great and successful father, Malac wrote. Taking into consideration the fact that flamingos live in captivity about 30-40 years, this male was rather young.

The death of the flamingo follows a number of other fatal attacks on zoo animals worldwide.

Last week, poachers broke into a French zoo, killing a 4-year-old white rhinoceros and sawing off its horn in a brutal attack that prompted international outrage. In the wake of the attack, a Czech zoo in the central town of Dvur Kralove nad Labem said it would use a chain saw to remove the horns from its herd of rare rhinos.

Earlier this month, a group of visitors at a Tunisian zoo stoned a crocodile in the head, causing internal bleeding that would kill it, AFP reported. Authorities called it a savage act.

This week has been really awful, at least from the perspective of animals in zoos, Malac said.
Its not exactly news that President Donald Trump would prefer a more circumscribed news media, which he has described as the enemy of the American people. And despite his previous success as an entertainer, he apparently doesnt think much of artists freedom of expression, either.

Early on March 15, as is his wont, Trump tweeted grumpily, Can you imagine what the outcry would be if @SnoopDogg, failing career and all, had aimed and fired the gun at President Obama? Jail time!

Now, if the West Coast rapper and Martha Stewart collaborator had, in fact, discharged a weapon at the president of the United States, he would be in custody right now (if, in fact, he had made it out alive). But Snoop Dogg did nothing of the sort: Instead, the president was responding to a new music video in which the rapper fires a revolver at a clown who resembles Trump. The only thing that comes out of the barrel is a flag that says Bang! The clown is seen a moment later, wrapped in chains, pointedly being denied a hit of marijuana by his captors.

In so much that the video, for a remix of a song called BADBADNOTGOOD, is any threat to Trump, its to his dignity. The clowns boxy suit, flapping tie and overly large shoes are so close to what Trump actually wears that it calls attention to the presidents lack of style, in the same way that Alec Baldwins Trump impersonations suggested that Trumps florid personality and style needed no embellishment to be ridiculous.

Klump, as the stand-in is called, seems dopey and ineffectual; his car is full of scantily clad women in clown makeup, and hes taken aback by the ambush. He wants to Deport all Doggs, according to a fictional cable news chyron, but the emphasis is less on Klumps menace than his goofiness.

This isnt a depiction of an assassination, even a silly one. And even if it were, Snoop Dogg would have an absolute right to make it.

When it comes to politics, one thing art can do that the conventional news media and politicians themselves cant is create space to talk about the impossible and the unsayable. That can mean imagining the worst possible consequences of a Christian theocracy without being labeled a hysteric, as Margaret Atwood did in The Handmaids Tale. It could include laying out a vision for the colonization of Mars at a moment when governments were showing less interest in space exploration, as Kim Stanley Robinson did in his Mars trilogy, which began publication in 1993.

And art could also explore the motivations a character might have for wanting to kill the president of the United States, the means by which they might be successful and the ramifications of that assassination. This would be a legitimate enterprise no matter who the president is, helping audiences look at everything from sharpening political cleavages and a deteriorating national climate, to the security arrangements around the president, to the potential fallout of such a dreadful crime.

Its entirely appropriate to harbor grave worries about what it meant that Americans were lynching effigies of the first African-American president, or to consider what it means that someone might fantasize about Trumps death. But any liberal who suggested that artists should go to jail for depicting Obamas assassination would be just as wrong as Trump was this week.

Now, as art goes, BADBADNOTGOOD doesnt actually hit exceptionally high marks; if Snoop Dogg wants to create a genuinely effective alternate universe, he might take notes from Outkast or Janelle Monae. But he is perfectly free to make mediocre art as well as good. As usual, Trump would be better off leaving questions of law and criticism to the professionals.
JERUSALEM  If being an apartheid state means committing inhumane acts, systematic oppression and domination by one racial group over another, then Israel is guilty, a U.N. panel has determined in a new report.

The findings from an Arab-led group were not cleared or fully backed by U.N. leadership and does not set new policies toward Israel. Yet it reflects another attempt to use a U.N. forum to denounce Israel and seek to put its Western allies on the defensive at a time when some have questioned Israels hard-line approach, including expansion of settlements in the West Bank.

Apartheid was a term once associated with South Africas white-rule system, but now represents a broad term for crimes against humanity under international law and the Rome Statute that set up the International Criminal Court, said the report in its executive summary made public Wednesday.

Israelis, who find the term apartheid inaccurate and inflammatory when applied to their conflict with the Palestinians, immediately slammed the report. One government spokesman even compared it to Nazi tabloid Der Sturmer, which promoted Nazi propaganda and was virulently anti-Semitic.

The report, published by the U.N.s Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), also drew sharp criticism from the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, who called it anti-Israel propaganda.

U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres distanced himself from the findings, with spokesman Stephane Dujarric saying the report was published without any prior consultation with the U.N. secretariat.

The report as it stands does not reflect the views of the secretary general, said Dujarric.

Headquartered in Beirut, ESCWAs membership comprises 18 Arab states, two of which  Jordan and Egypt  have peace treaties with Israel.

A statement released by Rima Khalaf, a U.N. undersecretary general and executive secretary of the committee, said concluding that a state has established an apartheid regime is not an easy matter for a United Nations entity.

In recent years, some have labeled Israeli practices as racist, while others have warned that Israel risks becoming an apartheid state. A few have raised the question as to whether in fact it already has, she said.

Entitled Israeli Practices toward the Palestinian People and the Question of Apartheid, the report was authored by Richard Falk, a former U.N. special rapporteur to the Palestinian territories known for harsh criticisms of both Israel and America, and Virginia Tilley, professor of political science at Southern Illinois University.

The two concluded that Israel has indeed established an apartheid regime aimed at dominating the Palestinians. Their recommendations include reviving the U.N. Center against Apartheid, which closed in 1994 after South Africa ended its apartheid practices. It also urges support for a boycott, divestment and sanctions campaign against Israel.

Dividing the Palestinian people into four distinct groups, the authors write that although they are treated differently by Israel they all face the racial oppression that results from the apartheid regime.

The first group identified is the roughly 1.7 million Palestinians who are full citizens of Israel, but who, the report found, live under martial law and are subjected to oppression because they are not Jewish.

The second group highlighted in the report is the estimated 300,000 Palestinians who live in East Jerusalem, a mostly Arab area. The report said these Palestinians experience discrimination in access to education, health care, employment, residency and building rights.

Thirdly are the 4.6 million Palestinians who live in the West Bank and Gaza. In the West Bank, the Jewish residents known as settlers are governed by Israeli civil law, while Palestinians live under military rule.

This dual legal system, problematic in itself, is indicative of an apartheid regime, said the authors.

The final group discussed in the report are the millions of Palestinian refugees who live outside Israeli territory and who are prohibited from returning to their homes in Israel or the occupied Palestinian territory.

Israel defends its rejection of the Palestinians return in frankly racist language: alleging that Palestinians constitute a demographic threat and that their return would alter the demographic character of Israel to the point of eliminating it as a Jewish State, wrote Falk and Tilley.

The report also attempts to refute Israeli explanations as to why this situation exists, namely its claims that Israel has the right to remain a Jewish State or that Israel does not owe Palestinian noncitizens equal treatment precisely because they are not citizens. Some Israelis also claim the countrys treatment of Palestinians reflects no intention to dominate, because it is a temporary situation derived from the realities of ongoing conflict and security requirements.

The report shows that none of those arguments stands up to examination, wrote the authors.

Saeb Erekat, secretary general of the Palestine Liberation Organization, welcomed the report.

The problem is not the report but the facts that it contains. Theres no other word to define what is going on here other than apartheid, said Erekat, a longtime peace negotiator.

Emmanuel Nahshon, spokesman for Israels Ministry of Foreign Affairs, tweeted that it was a Der Sturmer like report, NOT endorsed by the U.N. secretary general.

The attempt to smear and falsely label the only true democracy in the Middle East by creating a false analogy is despicable and constitutes a blatant lie, said Israels ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, also in a tweet.

The U.N.s top donors, including the U.S., U.K., France, Germany, Italy, and Canada, must stop funding U.N. bodies obsessed with demonizing Israel, said Gilad Erdan, Israels minister of public security and strategic affairs.

This obsession with condemning Israel does nothing to advance peace or help the Palestinians. All countries concerned with promoting a peaceful solution should stop funding bodies which discriminate against Israel, and insist that the U.N. undergo fundamental reforms, Erdan said.

In recent weeks, the U.S. administration has indicated that it would consider halting participation in various U.N. programs due to its perceived anti-Israel stance.

The United States stands with our ally Israel and will continue to oppose biased and anti-Israel actions across the UN system and around the world, wrote the U.S. ambassador Haley.
WASGHINGTON  At least two sets of internal data that have been available to the Trump administration  but which have never been publicized  appear to undercut the governments argument for a travel ban that it had hoped would take effect Thursday, according to several officials familiar with the documents.

One internal report, titled Most Foreign-Born US-Based Violent Extremists Radicalized After Entering Homeland, analyzed roughly 90 cases of suspected or confirmed foreign-born terrorists, finding that most of them likely embraced extremist ideology after they arrived in the United States, not before.

Another report, drawn on classified FBI data, has been used by the Trump administration to bolster its claims that refugees pose a risk of terrorism. But the figures that are the basis for that report undermine a key premise of the travel ban because most of the suspects cited in the report came from countries unaffected by President Trumps executive order, according to officials familiar with the report.

Taken together, the two reports show there is a significant amount of internal government data that suggests the travel ban Trump wants to implement is not likely to be effective in curbing the threat of terrorism in the United States, these people said. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because some of the data is classified and none of it has been approved for public dissemination.

White House spokesman Michael Short said the justification for the travel ban is not in any way diminished by these selective and potentially criminal leaks being carried out by disgruntled government officials. The president is 100 percent committed to keeping this country safe from terrorism and thats exactly what this order will help achieve.

A Department of Homeland Security spokesman defended the travel ban executive order, saying it is a prudent response to security concerns about six countries where state-sponsored terror and unstable governments make thorough investigation difficult. The Justice Department, which has defended the travel ban in court, declined to comment.

The Trump administration had hoped to implement a new executive order this week that would have temporarily halted the resettlement of all refugees in the United States for the next four months and ban the issuance of new visas to citizens of six majority-Muslim countries. Administration officials have justified the ban as a necessary national security measure to exclude people from countries that pose heightened concerns about terrorism.

The new travel ban did not take effect Thursday morning as planned because a federal judge in Hawaii on Wednesday issued a sweeping freeze of the executive order hours before it would have temporarily suspended the admission of new refugees and barred the issuance of new visas to citizens of Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen.

In the 43-page ruling, U.S. District Judge Derrick Watson said past comments Trump and his advisers have made indicated the executive order was issued with a purpose to disfavor a particular religion and therefore likely violated the Constitution.

In nearly half of the radicalization cases studied for the governments internal report, officials found that the individuals came to the United States when they were younger than 16 and in many instances the terrorism charges filed against them came more than 10 years after their arrival, according to officials who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive material.

The report was finalized this month after work on it began in the summer, when the issue of radicalization was a hot topic in the presidential campaign and Trump had spoken publicly about his desire for a Muslim ban and extreme vetting. The analysis focused on 88 cases between March 2011 and December 2016, citing examples including a Bangladeshi terrorism suspect who came to the United States as a baby, and another suspect who was born in Cuba and didnt show signs of embracing an extremist ideology until 26 years after moving to the United States.

The report on radicalization argues that tailored domestic de-radicalization programs would be the most effective way to fight the trend, according to people familiar with its contents. So far, the Trump administration has favored suspending refugee programs or visitors from specific countries.

A federal appeals court suspended an earlier version of the ban order, which targeted a broader range of people from seven countries  including Iraq  after ruling that it violated the due process rights of affected travelers.

Civil rights advocates and state governments, who argue that the order still constitutes a Muslim ban and would be harmful to U.S. interests and national security, filed legal challenges to the new ban, leading to the court ruling Wednesday. The new ban removes Iraq from the list of countries, allows for the entry of current valid visa-holders, and institutes a series of waivers for new visa applicants from the banned countries.

To try to build support for the new travel ban, the Trump administration has said  and the Justice Department has argued in court  that there are more than 300 terror-related investigations into people who came to the United States as refugees. The administration has declined to provide the nationalities of the people in question or any other details about that claim, which officials cited in support of the temporary provision to ban all refugee arrivals.

But officials familiar with the list say that at least 70 percent of the people under review are from countries not targeted by the new travel ban. More than half are or were at one time Iraqi nationals. Officials familiar with the data said roughly two-thirds of the people on the administrations tally also arrived seven or more years ago, before the government significantly tightened its vetting procedures for Iraqis entering the United States.

Roughly 20 percent of the individuals came to the United States from Somalia, which is covered by the ban. Others hail from a range of countries, including several that the Trump administration has never indicated as national security threats. For example, there are more nationals from Ethiopia, Uzbekistan and Bosnia that are subjects in counterterrorism investigation than there are from some of the banned countries, such as Yemen, Iran and Libya.

The list refers to people who are currently under some form of investigation, but officials familiar with the data cautioned that the classification of those people varies widely from individuals who have aroused serious suspicion to those who might have a relative who is a convicted or suspected terrorist. None of the individuals on the list has been charged with a terrorism-related crime, and the number of people under investigation by the FBI at any given time fluctuates regularly as investigations are started and concluded.

Inside the Department of Homeland Security, some view the data and analysis as a refutation of the rationale behind the travel ban  both the original version and the new reworked one. Another official who has read the documents said they do not present a convincing enough argument to dismiss the administrations concerns about refugee terrorism risks.

DHS prepared the report on radicalization, with input from the FBIs National Counterterrorism Center, people familiar with the report said. The FBI compiled the data on current or former refugees under investigation.

Seamus Hughes, deputy director of the Program on Extremism at George Washington University, said the reports findings generally match his own research.

There are still going to be individuals who want to come here and do us harm, but the data is the data, and you should adjust your policy based on the data, Hughes said. Even the individuals who were refugees generally came here at a very young age and were arrested 20 years later. Thats not a sleeper cell, thats a coma cell.

Hughes said most of the terrorism in the United States brews from within, fueled partly by online activity and partly through face-to-face contacts with like-minded people that lead to radicalization.

Youre mostly talking about U.S. citizens and permanent residents who are largely brought into it by connections they made online  which doesnt have a border, he said.

Hughes said its not surprising that of the more than 300 refugees or former refugees who came under law enforcement scrutiny that Iraqis make up a large percentage, given the previously known cases.

The data points to the central question about the travel ban, which is are you addressing the issues you need to address when it comes to the threat? he said. In the U.S., youre talking about much more of a homegrown terrorism problem, and because ISIS attracts such a wide swath of individuals, its very hard to do a nationality-targeted approach.
When WikiLeaks released more than 8,000 files about the CIAs global hacking programs this month, it dropped a tantalizing clue: The leak came from private contractors. Federal investigators quickly confirmed this, calling contractors the likeliest sources. As a result of the breach, WikiLeaks editor Julian Assange said, the CIA had lost control of its entire cyberweapons arsenal.

Intelligence insiders were dismayed. Agencies take a chance with contractors because they may not have the same loyalty as officers employed by the government, former CIA director Leon Panetta lamented to NBC.

But this is a liability built into our system that intelligence officials have long known about and done nothing to correct. As I first reported in 2007, some 70 cents of every intelligence dollar is allocated to the private sector. And the relentless pace of mergers and acquisitions in the spies-for-hire business has left five corporations in control of about 80 percent of the 45,000 contractors employed in U.S. intelligence. The threat from unreliable employees in this multibillion-dollar industry is only getting worse.

The five market leaders are Booz Allen Hamilton, CSRA, SAIC, CACI International and Leidos. All of them are based in Virginia and are deeply involved in developing cyber and hacking tools. Other players in the cyber realm include Accenture, Raytheon and Northrop Grumman. The CIA, which has historically hired retired agents for its clandestine contractor force, has increasingly turned to corporations for its hacking teams.

Despite the trust placed in them by the government and the public, private contractors  including the big ones  continue to make catastrophic mistakes in overseeing their employees. The most high-profile contractor leak was from Edward Snowden, who worked for Booz Allen at the National Security Agency. But the problems have persisted well after he absconded in 2013 with tens of thousands of classified documents about the NSAs global surveillance programs and the Pentagons top-secret operations.

Last month, a federal grand jury indicted Harold T. Martin III, a Maryland contractor with Booz Allen, in the theft of a massive cache of classified material from the NSA and other spy agencies over 18 years. Prosecutors called the theft breathtaking in its longevity and scale. Martin pleaded not guilty.

Also last month, William Evanina, the nations top counterintelligence officer, disclosed that U.S. officials had recently discovered two more private-sector breaches. In one incident, a contractor stole more than 200 gigabytes of classified information from an unspecified agency and sold it to a foreign country, Evanina said in a public talk at the National Press Club. And in December, he added, government investigators learned that a contractor working for a company making engines for stealth fighter planes had stolen unclassified data that could allow adversaries of the United States to reverse-engineer the engines to understand U.S. capabilities.

So contractors have been responsible for at least five major security lapses in four years. Even if some of these leaks revealed government wrongdoing (as some of the Snowden and WikiLeaks documents clearly did), shouldnt the companies be held responsible when secrets are disclosed?

I put the question to Evanina, the director of the National Counterintelligence and Security Center in the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI). Were all accountable, he shot back. Neither the Martin nor the Snowden case, he said, should make Booz Allen or any other contractor subject to special oversight. This could happen to anyone, he said. Instead of focusing on contractors, Evanina said, we need to find common solutions to ferreting out inside threats that are applicable to all players in U.S. intelligence.

And its true that leaks come from inside as well: Chelsea Manning was a U.S. Army soldier when she provided WikiLeaks with nearly 1 million military documents in 2010. And just this month, a government imagery scientist was sentenced to federal prison for exfiltrating classified documents to his home in Maryland.

Evanina was once the CIAs top counterintelligence officer. He described the recent leaks as an inevitable result of a spy culture in which, he pointed out, contractors employ 800,000 of the 4 million U.S. citizens holding security clearances. When were in the shop, were all agnostic, he said. We look at contractors as co-workers, not green-badgers. He was referring to the identification cards that distinguish contractors from government employees.

That rosy view of U.S. intelligence as one big, happy family is part of the problem. In 2015, a year before Martin was arrested, Evanina shared a podium at a high-level intelligence conference in Washington with Art Davis, Booz Allens director of corporate security. In his presentation, which I observed as a reporter, Davis boasted that his company had undergone a metamorphosis of security as a result of the Snowden leaks in 2013.

Booz, he said, had doubled its spending on security and adopted a full-scale counterintelligence program focused on 2,500 employees with access to the kingdom  a reference to the highly classified documents that Snowden and Martin routinely handled. Such employees are subject to continuous evaluation, he said. If they dont pass, they leave their jobs. Evanina then took the microphone. He praised Boozs security plan and noted that he had met with Thomas a lot about these issues.

Clearly, that joint plan failed. Yet after Martins arrest, Evanina explained that the government had done all it could to prevent leaks. I dont believe theres anything new that we have to incorporate in government oversight, he told The Washington Post. With the latest leak at the CIA, that sounds hollow, if not downright risky.

The crux of the problem may be privatized intelligence itself. Thats the view of veteran intelligence reporter Edward Epstein in his contentious but informative new book, How America Lost Its Secrets. Snowden chose Booz Allen specifically for its vulnerability, Epstein said at a recent talk. He switched jobs to get access to the list of computers NSA had penetrated and even took a pay cut to do so. Booz overlooked the fact that Snowden lied about education courses he was supposedly taking when he applied for his position at the NSAs National Threat Operations Center, Epstein claims.

But Booz Allen didnt try to verify that claim and didnt change its mind on Snowdens job even after it found out about the subterfuge, Epstein said. As the holder of an NSA contract, he argued, the company had a financial incentive to hire people as cheaply as possible, so its personnel and clearance system broke down. For example, Snowden fraudulently obtained passwords from fellow Booz employees to gain access to 24 separate, highly classified NSA compartments. (Snowden has not denied these specific charges, but on his Twitter feed, he has hotly disputed other material from Epsteins book. Booz has said little more than an assertion that Snowden did not share our values. Lately it has been silent as it awaits the results of an external review of its security practices by former FBI director Robert Mueller, whom it hired for the probe.)

The case of Martin, a hoarder who allegedly snatched more than 75 percent of the NSAs software tools to hack foreign computers, may be even worse. According to his 20-count indictment, eight of his thefts took place while he was employed by Booz Allen from 2009 to 2016. Before that, he worked for Tenacity Solutions, a Virginia company founded by former CIA officers that specializes  ironically  in training intelligence agencies and contractors in operational security. While working for Tenacity in the ODNI, which oversees the entire intelligence bureaucracy, he committed seven major thefts, the indictment says, including a document from the secretive National Reconnaissance Office that included details of an unacknowledged ground station for intelligence collection. He worked for seven companies during the alleged 18-year crime spree, including CSC, an important NSA contractor that is now part of CSRA.

During that time, his employers and their agency overseers missed numerous red flags, including serious drinking problems, unpaid taxes, public accusations of computer harassment and other episodes. Under clearance rules, such events should have triggered closer scrutiny by the security agencies where he worked as a contractor, the New York Times concluded after an investigation. Martins employers, too, are sworn to protect national security secrets as part of their highly profitable work for the government.

* * * * * * *

Anybody with a security clearance, including government employees, is a potential risk. But government supervisors first loyalty is to the government they serve, not the companies that employ them  and therefore, they are ultimately responsible for managing security risks.

Surely the time has come to make private contractors directly accountable for leaks of classified material by canceling contracts or charging executives with negligence when leaks happen. Until the government and its intelligence leaders are willing to use their oversight powers to patch security holes in this manner and enforce greater separation between spy agencies and their contractors, privatized workers will never be a reliable way to accomplish the countrys intelligence goals. Without legal and financial accountability, the only way to strengthen security is to restrict high-level national security work to civil servants sworn to protect the Constitution.

That may be disruptive to intelligence-services companies such as Booz Allen and would undoubtedly require a huge infusion of government workers. But it may be the safest option if the CIA wants to keep its secrets. Simply put, the outsourcing of U.S. intelligence operations has gone far enough.

 Shorrock is the author of Spies for Hire: The Secret World of Intelligence Outsourcing.
If youre a poor person in America, President Donald Trumps budget proposal is not for you.

Trump has unveiled a budget that would slash or abolish programs that have provided low-income Americans with help on virtually all fronts, including affordable housing, banking, weatherizing homes, job training, paying home heating oil bills, and obtaining legal counsel in civil matters.

During the presidential campaign last year, Trump vowed that the solution to poverty was giving poor people incentives to work. But most of the proposed cuts in his budget target programs designed to help the working poor, as well as those who are jobless, cope.

And many of them carry out their missions by disbursing money to the states, which establish their own criteria.

This is a budget that pulled the rug out from working families and hurts the very people who President Trump promised to stand up for in rural America and in small towns, said Melissa Boteach, vice president of the poverty to prosperity program at the Center for American Progress, a liberal think tank in Washington.

The White House budget cuts will fall hardest on the rural and small town communities that Trump won, where one in three people are living paycheck to paycheck  a rate that is 24 percent higher than in urban counties, according to a new analysis by the center.

The budget proposes housing reforms that add up to more than $6 billion in cuts while promising to continue assisting the nations 4.5 million low-income households. If enacted, the proposed budget would result in the most severe cut to the Department of Housing and Urban Development since the early 1980s, according to the National Low Income Housing Coalition.

It would also eliminate the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, which coordinates the federal response to homelessness across 19 federal agencies.

The administrations reforms include eliminating funding for a $3 billion Community Development Block Grant program, one of the longest continuously run HUD programs thats been in existence since 1974.

The program provides cities with money to address a range of community development needs such as affordable housing, rehabilitating homes in neighborhoods hardest hit by foreclosures, and preventing or eliminating slums and community blight. It also provides funding for Meals on Wheels, a national nonprofit that delivers food to homebound seniors.

Robert Rector, a senior fellow who focuses on welfare at the Heritage Foundation, a conservative Washington-based think tank, calls the community block grants a slush fund for urban government.

The White House touts its cuts to what the administration characterizes as a number of lower priority programs as a way to promote fiscal responsibility. In actuality, it guts federal funding for affordable housing and kicks the financial responsibility of those programs to states and local governments.

Gone would be $35 million in funding for well-known programs such as Habitat for Humanity and YouthBuild USA, fair housing planning, and homeless assistance, among other housing help for needy Americans.

Other targets include funding for neighborhood development and a home-buying program through which low-income individuals help build their own homes. Trump also plans to cut the Home Investment Partnership Program, the largest federal grant to state and local governments that is designed to create affordable housing.

There is no coordinated plan for how to fulfill the same mission. Saying states, local governments and philanthropy are going to help is just passing the buck, said a HUD official who is not authorized to speak to the media.

The official said workers at the agency Thursday morning were feeling demoralized and worried.

This is just a tough, tough time, the official said. HUD is no different than any other domestic agency in just feeling as though these cuts are all very arbitrary and unnecessary.

Poor people need not lean on community banks for financial help either, because Trump plans to eliminate the $210 million now dedicated towards Community Development Financial Institutions. The program, administered through the Treasury Department, invests in community banks that provide loans and financial services to people living in some of the most distressed communities of the country.

Cutting that program would be nothing short of a disaster and the ripple effect would be felt in urban areas and some rural areas all over America, said Michael A. Grant, president of the National Bankers Association, a lobbying group for black-owned banks.

The administration would also eliminate the Energy Departments weatherization assistance program, which dates back to 1976 when Gerald Ford was president. Since then, it has given grants to states that have helped insulate the homes of about 7 million families with low-cost techniques that have large payoffs, saving money for those families and curtailing U.S. energy consumption. It has also helped establish weatherization job training centers in states such as Utah and New York.

Also on the chopping block: the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, known widely by its acronym LIHEAP. This program, part of the Health and Human Services budget, helps homeowners cover monthly energy costs, or repair broken or inefficient furnaces and air conditioners. The program is usually underfunded; LIHEAP says that on average, only about 20 percent of the households that qualify for assistance receive benefits before the money run out. Congress sometimes adds funding during emergencies or energy shortages when costs spike.

Trumps proposed budget would eliminate the Community Services Block Grant, a $715-million program within HHS that funds more than 1,000 local anti-poverty organizations around the country. The organizations provide services ranging from job training to food assistance to more than 16 million people in 3,000 counties. The grants also help communities respond quickly to natural disasters, plant closures and other economic shifts.

Without the grants, there would be little coordination between faith groups, local governments, private companies and nonprofits in addressing the needs of the poor  just a few unconnected programs that dont have nearly the impact they have now, said David Bradley, who founded the National Community Action Foundation and wrote the legislation behind the grants in the early 80s.

Bradley, though, is absolutely confident that Congress will reject the proposal.

This is the work of a radical right that goes hard after anti-poverty programs, he said.

The Trump budget would also target the Legal Services Corp., an independent agency that provided $343 million to 134 legal aid organizations for the poor who are tangled up in cases of wrongful eviction, custody disputes, child support or domestic violence.

Legal Services was launched as part of Lyndon B. Johnsons war on poverty with the support of the American Bar Association led by Lewis F. Powell, Jr., who later served on the Supreme Court. Later, President Nixon created a free-standing corporation to administer legal aid funds.

Here each day the old, the unemployed, the underprivileged, and the largely forgotten people of our Nation may seek help, Nixon wrote in a 1971 message to Congress. Perhaps it is an eviction, a marital conflict, repossession of a car, or misunderstanding over a welfare check  each problem may have a legal solution. These are small claims in the Nations eye, but they loom large in the hearts and lives of poor Americans.

In 2015, Legal Services offices closed 755,774 cases  more than 100 for every lawyer and paralegal employed. About 70 percent of its clients are women, and the majority of its clients are white and between the ages of 36 and 59. The program provides lawyers only to people earning no more than 125 percent of the federal poverty guideline, which is currently $15,075 for an individual and $30,750 for a family of four.

We have a legal system that was created by lawyers for lawyers and assumes you have a lawyer, said James J. Sandman, president of Legal Services Corp. If youre a tenant facing eviction and youre up against a landlord who has a lawyer, if youre the victim of domestic violence from someone who has a lawyer, you are not playing on a level field. Legal aid is about fairness in the justice system.

Alaskas rural poor get hit by the budget proposal too, despite having two Republican senators. The Agriculture budget would eliminate the Denali Commission, designed to deliver services to remote, rural communities in Alaska, including Native Americans. The commission, established in 1998, contributes to the construction of healthcare facilities, water and sewer systems, power generation and communication systems.

The budget would also zero out funds to help native Alaskan villages obtain access to clean drinking water and modern sewage systems.

Cuts to the Agriculture budget alse eliminates the Appalachian Regional Commission and the Delta Regional Authority that encourage economic growth in distressed rural communities. And while the budget allocates $6.2 billion to serve all projected participants in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women Infants and Children, that is $150 million less than USDA had budgeted.

The White House proposed shrinking Job Corps, a program administered by the Labor Department that provides education and job training to more than 60,000 young and disadvantaged youth. The proposal called for closing centers that do a poor job of preparing students for the workforce, but did not elaborate how many of the 125 centers nationwide would be targeted.

Job Corps, which was created in 1965 as part of President Lyndon B. Johnsons anti-poverty agenda, helps young adults between the ages of 16 and 24 earn high school diplomas and receive vocational training.

The program faced scrutiny several years ago for going over budget and has been forced to freeze enrollment multiple times since 2011 because of the monetary shortfalls. In 2013, a report from the Office of Inspector General found the budgetary missteps were caused by inaccurate cost estimates and inconsistent monitoring of actual costs. But since then, the program has taken several steps to keep better track of costs and payments.

The Trump administration would also ax the Senior Community Service Employment Program, which aims to help low-income job seekers age 55 and up find work by pairing them with nonprofit organizations and public agencies. The loss of the program could serve as another setback for older Americans who are still struggling to find steady work after the Great Recession.

The unemployment rate for workers 55 plus was 3.4 percent in February, according to the most recent jobs report. But the rate rises to 7.1 percent if workers with part-time jobs who want to be working full time, and those who have given up on the job search within the past year are included, according the Schwartz Center for Economic Policy Analysis at the New School.

The goal of the senior employment program is to help participants find permanent work by providing them with training and job experience. Workers are assigned part-time jobs and paid the minimum wage, with the hope that the experience can help them find jobs that are not subsidized by the government. In its budget proposal, the Trump administration called the approach ineffective because up to one-third of participants dont complete the program. Of those who do finish, about half succeed in finding more permanent jobs.

Not everyone, though, believes the cuts will be a disaster for the poor.

Rector, of the Heritage Foundation, said the cuts cannot be evaluated in isolation when they represent less than 1 percent of the $1.1 trillion the government spent on more than 80 poverty programs last year.

The basic line from the left is this program alone is standing between the poor and destitution,' Rector said. We have a very large welfare state, and there is waste in that welfare state. Its important to prune the waste and make these programs much more effective.



The Washington Posts Jonnelle Marte and Caitlin Dewey contributed to this article.
PHOENIX  The Arizona Court of Appeals on Thursday rejected a challenge from Republican state lawmakers to the Medicaid expansion pushed through the Legislature four years ago by former Gov. Jan Brewer.

The unanimous three-judge panel ruled that a hospital assessment that pays the state costs of insuring more than 400,000 low-income residents is constitutional.

Brewer battled fellow Republicans in the Legislature for months in 2013 over the expansion, finally calling the Legislature into special session to push through the measure.

Republican lawmakers who sued said the fee funding expansion was really a tax requiring a two-thirds majority vote to pass under a provision in the state Constitution. The measure didnt meet that threshold, netting only a slim majority in the House and Senate as a handful of Republicans joined with minority Democrats to pass the law.

The court flatly rejected that argument.

The courts ruling comes as Congress considers legislation that would vastly change former President Barack Obamas Affordable Care Act that allowed the expansion. The proposal would lower payments to states in 2020 in a change the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office said earlier this week would lead to the an estimated 14 million Medicaid recipients losing coverage by 2026. The CBO analysis didnt do a state-by-state analysis, but the measure would likely have major impacts on Arizona.

A trial judge in 2015 sided with Brewer and state Medicaid director Tom Betlach, with a judge ruling the assessment was not a tax. The Goldwater Institute, representing 22 GOP lawmakers, appealed.

The Court of Appeals agreed with the trial court, with Judge Paul J. McMurdie writing that because Betlach sets the hospital assessment rate, it is a fee, not a tax.

The appeals court held a hearing in mid-February that appeared to show the challenge was in trouble.

McMurdie got nods from the other two judges when he said the argument brought by the Goldwater Institute lawyer appeared illogical. Christina Sandefur had argued that the exception for fees in the Constitutions requirement for a two-thirds vote to pass a tax increase rarely applies.

You wouldnt need the exception if they did it by a supermajority, McMurdie said. That is the most circular argument I think Ive ever heard.

Sandefur said she was disappointed in the ruling and promised an appeal to the state Supreme Court. She said it essentially guts a 1992 Constitutional amendment known as Proposition 108 that requires a supermajority to enact tax increases.

This ruling now really does allow a bare majority to vote to get around Prop 108, Sandefur said. Its a very serious ruling with potentially disastrous consequence for future revenue-raising measures.

Brewers law restored coverage for childless adults earning less than 100 percent of the federal poverty level who had been covered in Arizona before the Great recession sapped state revenues, and extended coverage to all Arizonans legally in the country who earn up to 138 percent of the poverty level.

Brewer surprised many when she embraced the expansion, and angered many other Republicans with her efforts, which included calling the special session after Republican legislative leaders stalled a vote on the measure for weeks.

Brewer praised the ruling, which came from judges appointed by her, current Republican Gov. Doug Ducey and former Gov. Janet Napolitano, a Democrat.

It cant get any more bipartisan than that, Brewer said.

She has said expanding Medicaid insured the most vulnerable, brought money into the state and helped steady the finances of hospitals.

I am so deeply grateful for the Arizona Court of Appeals for affirming the states decision to restore and expand Medicaid coverage through a hospital assessment that very carefully complied with the law, she said.
SANTIAGO, Chile  Tompkins Conservation signed an agreement with Chiles government Wednesday to donate 1 million acres for new national parks in the largest private donation of its kind for the South American nation.

Chilean President Michelle Bachelet signed the deal with Kristine McDivitt Tompkins, the widow of American conservationist Doug Tompkins, who built a legacy protecting threatened ecosystems in Argentina and Chile.

This is a key step to treasuring this giant source of biodiversity and safe keep it in the public interest, Bachelet said at a ceremony in southern Chile.

The agreement will provide land to create three new national parks, expand three existing national parks and unite some national forests into two national parks. Bachelet is expected to sign the decrees to create the parks before she ends her presidential term in March 2018.

The proposal will eventually help create the Route of Parks, a network of 17 parks spanning more than 1,500 miles from Puerto Montt to Cape Horn. In all, the plan ultimately seeks to increase Chiles national parkland by more than 10 million acres. Tompkins Conservation said the area that will be protected is three times the size of the United States Yosemite and Yellowstone national parks combined.

Tompkins, co-founder of the North Face and Esprit clothing companies, used much of his fortune to buy large tracts of land in Patagonia, a sparsely populated region of untamed rivers and other natural beauty straddling southern Chile and Argentina.

At first, his purchases of land to preserve swaths of wilderness stirred suspicion and opposition by local politicians, loggers, power companies and nationalists who stirred rumors that he was trying to steal water resources. But he shrugged off the protests, insisting he would eventually return the land to both governments to be preserved as nature reserves or parks.

Since her husbands death in a kayaking accident last year, McDivitt Tompkins had been working non-stop to permanently protect from development the millions of acres the couple acquired over a quarter century.

I wish my husband, Doug, whose vision inspired todays historic pledge, were here on this memorable day. Our team and I feel his absence deeply, she said. But I know that if Doug were here today, he would speak of national parks being one of the greatest expressions of democracy that a country can realize, preserving the masterpieces of a nation for all of its citizenry.
DENVER  Rep. Mike Coffman is suggesting he might use the power of the purse to protect Colorados legal marijuana industry.

During a telephone town hall Wednesday evening the Republican congressman was asked about Attorney General Jeff Sessions threat to crack down on states like Colorado that have legalized recreational marijuana.

Coffman noted that he opposed the ballot measures that legalized both medical and recreational marijuana in the state. But he added that since voters approved them they are now Colorado law. He said the federal government should not interfere and he hopes Sessions doesnt follow through on his warning.

If Sessions does take action Coffman said hed have to fight the Attorney General on this. He suggested hed do so through congress power to appropriate money for the administrations budget.
SANTA FE  A day after a proposal to earmark more money from New Mexicos largest permanent fund for early childhood programs stalled in a Senate committee, the states top Roman Catholic official urged senators to revive it.

Archbishop of Santa Fe John C. Wester, at a news conference today in the state Capitol, called it morally unacceptable for lawmakers not to divert more money from the $15 billion Land Grant Permanent Fund for child-focused programs in a state with one of the nations highest poverty rates.

We cannot wait another year, Wester said. Our children cannot wait another year.

With just two days left in the 60-day session, it appears unlikely the proposal, House Joint Resolution 1, could be revived and win full Senate approval.

However, backers pointed out during todays news conference the Senate has acted quickly in past years to advance legislation deemed necessary.

The measure was tabled Wednesday via a 6-5 vote in the Senate Rules Committee, with two Senate Democrats  Clemente Sanchez of Grants and Mary Kay Papen of Las Cruces  joining the panels four Republican members in casting yes votes to table the bill.

The tabling motion was made by Papen, the Senates president pro tem, who said she would support an alternative measure that would provide less money for early childhood programs.

I will support early childhood, but I will not support taking money from the permanent fund, Papen said.

Proponents have been trying for years to increase the annual distribution amount from the permanent fund, but have encountered determined resistance from lawmakers wary about tapping the fund. Overall state spending on home visiting and other early childhood programs has increased in the meantime.

This years proposal calls specifically for an additional 1 percentage point distribution  or 6 percent total  from the Land Grant Permanent Fund.

But backers indicated today theyre willing to consider a lower distribution rate in order to get the proposal to the Senate floor.

We are open to negotiate that 1 percent in order to take this to the voters in 2018, said Rep. Javier Martinez, D-Albuquerque, one of the measures co-sponsors.
SANTA FE  A proposal to create an independent New Mexico ethics commission to look into complaints against elected officials, lobbyists and others is just one step  albeit a potentially tricky one  from going before voters in November 2018.

In a landmark vote Thursday, the Senate approved the proposed constitutional amendment by a 30-9 vote. It was then sent back to the House, which refused to sign off on Senate changes.

That set up a legislative conference committee, in which appointed lawmakers from both chambers will try to reach a compromise.

Rep. Jim Dines, R-Albuquerque, the proposals primary sponsor, said he was concerned about transparency requirements for the ethics commission that were stripped out of the proposal in the Senate.

But House Speaker Brian Egolf, D-Santa Fe, said there was still plenty of time to reach an agreement.

Were going to make sure this gets passed, he told House members late Thursday.

Earlier in the day, the Senate passed the measure by an overwhelming margin, with backers saying it would improve the publics confidence in government after a spate of recent scandals involving elected officials.

There is a perception in some corners that this is a state where who you know can trump what you know, said Sen. Jeff Steinborn, D-Las Cruces, who called the perception damaging to state economic development efforts.

The measure, House Joint Resolution 8, advanced to the Senate floor after a committee removed language dealing with both transparency requirements and the commissions makeup.

Those details apparently would have to be figured out by lawmakers in 2019, provided statewide voters approve creation of the ethics commission next year. Because its a constitutional amendment, the proposal would not have to be signed by Gov. Susana Martinez.

New Mexico is one of eight states without an ethics commission, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures, and ethics complaints against legislators are handled internally through a largely secretive process.

Some lawmakers defended that setup during Thursdays hourlong debate on the Senate floor and expressed concern that a more transparent system could lead to false smear claims being lodged.

I think this is just a scary place to go, said Sen. William Sharer, R-Farmington.

Under the Senate version, the proposed constitutional amendment calls for the creation of a seven-member independent ethics commission to review complaints against elected officials, candidates, lobbyists and certain government employees.

The body would have certain set powers, including the authority to subpoena witnesses and records, but other details about the commissions day-to-day operations would have to be determined in the Legislature.

That uncertainty didnt dampen the spirits of legislative backers, who have seen numerous previous ethics commission proposals fizzle at the Roundhouse.

The stars aligned, said Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth, D-Santa Fe, after the vote. Its not done yet, but its at a good place.

Journal Capitol bureau reporter Dan McKay contributed to this report.
Experts say that the underlying reason for Trumps interest, is because Yemen figures into his plans to counter Irans influence. However, doing so may create space for al-Qaeda.

As far back as his presidential campaign, Trump has taken a hardline stance against Tehran, calling the nuclear deal, the worst deal ever negotiated. Still, he hasnt torn it up. He has surrounded himself with hawks, like Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and CIA Director Mike Pompeo, who think rolling back Tehran is a top priority.

And now theyve focused on Yemen, who has been in a civil war since 2015. Just like the six year Syrian conflict before it, the fight for Yemen involves multiple regional and global forces struggling for control.

Nancy Youssef, national security correspondent, and Hayes Brown, world news editor and reporter, in an article for BuzzFeed News, write, The US under the Obama administration became involved in aiding a Saudi Arabia-led coalition intended to restore Yemens internationally-recognized government after a coup attempt from the Houthi rebel group. The Houthis are considered an Iranian proxy by the US, due to both the fact that the groups members practice a form of Shia Islam, despite being a different model than practiced in Iran, and increased weapons shipments from Tehran to the Yemeni rebels over the months.

So it seems that the US believes that even more support is needed for the Saudis. The State Department approved the renewed sale of guided munitions to Saudi Arabia, Washington Post reported on Wednesday, a sale that was suspended last year. It also reported that a policy review on Yemen is underway at the White House. A senior US official told the Post, Well be looking for ways to blunt Iranian malign influence in the region. And well be looking for all the tools that the US government has. In that context, I think you have to look at Yemen.

The Trump administration also wants to counter the political fallout in Arab capitals after the nuclear deal, when the its traditional Arab allies became convinced that the US was attempting to pivot towards Iran as part of a new long-term strategy. This boosts Yemens importance.

Things are more complicated that they would seem, though.

If the Obama administration was all about Iran in a good way, its not weird that Trump administration would be all about Iran in a bad way, Danielle Pletka, senior vice president for foreign policy at the conservative American Enterprise Institute, told BuzzFeed News in a phone interview. The problem is that the mirror image of [the Obama White Houses] policy is not going to solve the problems that were caused by that one-dimensional policy, Pletka said.

Trumps administration seems to have increased its campaign to defeat al-Qaeda in the Arab Peninsula, or AQAP. AQAP is a regional, independent branch of the terror group that seeks to attack the West but is also trying to build an Islamic emirate in Yemen. The complexity of fighting AQAP lies in the fact that it is both a ground force in the ongoing civil war in Yemen and a transnational threat to the West, said Daveed Gartenstein-Ross, a senior fellow at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies.

The US under Trumps administration, conducted more than 45 airstrikes in Yemen, including at least 15 last week, according to the US military.

Gartenstein-Ross warns, If you weaken the Houthis, you strengthen AQAP and vice versa.

AQAP and the Houthis feed off each other. And violence begets violence, said Thomas Joscelyn, senior editor of Long Wars Journal, adding, Without a strong government that can fight these actors, you have different insurgencies jockeying to take over whats left.

No one in the administration has answered how the US can weaken AQAP while not strengthening the Houthis.

Part of the problem is that the US is currently viewing the conflict from a Saudi point of view, Pletka said, including Riyadhs view that the battle is part of its broader struggle with Iran in a Sunni-Shia battle for dominance in the Middle East.

Youssef and Hayes write, A US defense official told BuzzFeed News that the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia will still attack the Houthis as part of their ongoing strike campaign on behalf of the government. With the US attacking AQAP that may allow the UAE and Saudi Arabia to more aggressively attack the Houthis. But US defense officials concede that approach is precarious, given that the Gulf states have in several instances struck the wrong target. A Saudi strike in October on what turned out to be a Yemeni funeral prompted the Obama administration to attempt to distance itself further from the ongoing campaign.

How to tackle two foes in Yemen has already presented challenges in Trumps administration. Former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn suggested that the US priority was stopping Iranian expansion. It was Flynn who now infamously put Iran on notice during a White House press briefing, but didnt explain just what that meant.

The first US military campaign in Yemen focused on AQAP, but days after a Jan. 29 raid targeting a suspected AQAP compound, which killed Chief Petty Officer William Ryan Owens, a Navy SEAL, and as many as 30 civilians, the US military turned back to the Houthis. Two defense officials told BuzzFeed News that the US military considered intercepting an Iranian ship bound for Oman, suspected of carrying weapons to the Houthis.

Under the Obama administration, US strikes focused on AQAPs leadership, using a containment strategy. But the group is a counterinsurgency that has survived the loss of leadership. Trumps administration has given US Central Command a broader range to attack the terror group, opening a new front against AQAP, saying it is the biggest threat to the West.

If we go in there looking at it as an Iran only problem, the only thing thats going to happen is this is going to come back and bite us in a year or two, Pletka said.
WASHINGTON  The Latest on the Republican legislation to overhaul the health care law (all times EDT):

6:30 p.m.

Some Republican governors are telling their partys congressional leaders that the House GOP health care bill doesnt work for their states.

Govs. John Kasich of Ohio, Rick Snyder of Michigan, Brian Sandoval of Nevada and Asa Hutchinson of Arkansas said Thursday in a letter that the beleaguered legislation provides almost no new flexibility for states, fails to ensure enough resources to protect vulnerable residents, and shifts significant new costs to states.

A copy of the letter to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Speaker Paul Ryan was provided to The Associated Press.

Instead, the governors are presenting their own proposal, which tracks with a plan GOP governors developed earlier this year. Like the House plan, it calls for fundamental changes to Medicaid, but states would have many more options.

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5:45 p.m.

Rank-and-file Republicans want tax credits in their partys troubled health care overhaul to become more focused on lower earners.

The GOP-run House Budget Committee voted Thursday to advance the bill erasing much of former President Barack Obamas health law.

The panel voted to urge Republican leaders to allow House floor amendments tightening Medicaid spending more than the bill does. But it also backed a proposal by California GOP Rep. Tom McClintock to aim the measures tax credits at the population they are intended to serve.

Right now the credits begin phasing out for people earning $75,000. McClintock called that a glaring defect and predicted that without a change, the Senate would reject the measure.

The proposals could foretell changes GOP leaders will seek to win House passage of the bill.

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11:10 a.m.

House Speaker Paul Ryan says President Donald Trump is deeply involved in efforts to scrap Barack Obamas Affordable Care Act and helping GOP leaders persuade reluctant lawmakers.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Ryan insisted that he and the White House are working together on the issue, dismissing reports that the two are at odds.

No palace intrigue, Ryan said.

The Wisconsin Republican said the goal is to get a bill that can pass and the president is making it easier and better for us to pass their health care bill.

Republicans have been scrambling to salvage their bill after Congress analysts said some 24 million would be shoved off insurance in the next decade under the GOP bill.

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10:39 a.m.

The House Budget Committee has voted to advance the troubled Republican health care bill.

Three conservative GOP lawmakers voted against the measure. Thats one vote shy of what would have been needed to deal a damaging and embarrassing  but not fatal  setback to the partys showpiece legislation.

Even so, the tally underscored the challenge Republican leaders face in trying to round up votes for the measure. They hope to bring it to the full House next week.

The committee is planning to debate a slew of non-binding proposals suggesting changes in the measure. They may provide clues about the types of changes the legislation will need for it to win House approval.

All Democrats voted against the measure.
Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research

Bern, 16.03.2017 - Lino Baranao, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovative Production in the Argentinian government, paid Federal Councillor Johann N. Schneider-Ammann a courtesy visit on 16 March 2017. The discussion with the head of the EAER and talks at a previous working session with the state secretary of Education, Research and Innovation Mauro DellAmbrogio, focussed on scientific cooperation between the two countries, which is based on a joint statement signed in 2015.

During their talk in Bern, Federal Councillor Schneider-Ammann and Minister Baranao paid tribute to both countries recently reinforced commitment to research cooperation.

The joint statement on promoting research cooperation, signed in June 2015 in Argentina, resulted in a first joint call for proposals from the Swiss National Science Foundation and its Argentinian counterpart, the National Scientific and Technical Research Council, and the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovative Production. The applications received in the fields of biology, medicine and mathematics are currently being evaluated.

The joint statement also welcomes interest in cooperation between the Paul Scherer Institute (PSI) and the Balseiro Institute. In the meantime, several workshops and projects have already been carried out, and others are planned.

Cooperation between Swiss and Argentinian researchers is also carried out under regular funding instruments, including the EU's research framework programmes, which Argentina participates in as an associated country, or in the CERN programme.

In the years 2011-2016, the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) funded 14 Swiss projects with a direct Argentinian cooperation component. During the same period, researchers worked with Argentinian partners on nearly 30 SNSF-funded projects, mainly in mathematics, the natural sciences and engineering.

Argentina, along with Bolivia, Chile and Columbia, belongs to the South American pool of countries eligible for federal Excellence Scholarships awarded to foreign researchers and artists. Up to twenty such scholarships are awarded to this pool every year.

Swiss President Doris Leuthard is scheduled to travel to Argentina in April on a presidential visit.

Address for enquiries

Evelyn Kobelt, press officer, EAER,

Tel. +41 58 462 20 59, evelyn.kobelt@gs-wbf.admin.ch



Roger Swifcz, SERI, advisor, International Relations

Tel. +41 58 462 48 81, roger.swifcz@sbfi.admin.ch

Publisher

Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research

http://www.wbf.admin.ch




Federal Department of Foreign Affairs

Bern, 16.03.2017 - The Week of the French Language and La Francophonie, which is celebrated every year worldwide to reflect and showcase the diversity of the French-speaking world, was launched this year in Bern on 16 March. It will be observed in over 15 cities until 26 March, featuring about 100 events combining culture, celebration and conviviality. In the German-speaking part of Switzerland, the events will bring together French-speakers and students of the French language.

The 22nd Week of the French Language and La Francophonie was officially launched on 16 March 2017 under the auspices of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) and the Intercantonal Conference of Public Education of French-speaking Switzerland and Ticino (CIIP). The inaugural evening took place at the Dampfzentrale in Bern, in the presence of Ambassador Jean-Frederic Jauslin and Monika Maire-Hefti, president of the Cantonal Council of the Republic and Canton of Neuchatel and president of CIIP.

To mark the occasion, the francophone ambassadors in Bern presented their annual award. The award honours an individual who has worked on behalf of La Francophonie in Switzerland and has distinguished him or herself as a bridge between the countrys linguistic communities. A highlight of the evening was a performance by the winners of the weeks official song contest  secondary school pupils from the German-speaking part of Switzerland and from Ticino.

The Week of the French Language and La Francophonie is celebrated every year around 20 March, the International Day of La Francophonie. This year a variety of events celebrating the French language and the diversity of French-speaking cultures will be held in Switzerland between 16 and 26 March. Over fifteen cities will host a varied programme of events, including shows, lectures, advanced film screenings, concerts, opportunities to sample French cuisine and African dance classes.

Another highlight of the programme will be a small film festival, including a screening of the French film Heaven will Wait (2016), about teenagers recruited by ISIL, with its young protagonist in the audience. Lovers of the great outdoors can take part in walks with a guide dressed in period costume, singing French songs and stopping at historic sites that have been a source of inspiration for writers and poets across the length and breadth of our country.

Address for enquiries

FDFA Communication

Federal Palace West Wing

CH-3003 Bern, Switzerland

Tel. Communication service: +41 58 462 31 53

Tel. Press service: +41 58 460 55 55

E-mail: kommunikation@eda.admin.ch

Twitter: @SwissMFA

Publisher

Federal Department of Foreign Affairs

https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home.html




Chinese variant of the Samsung Galaxy S8 could ship with 6GB of RAM, at least according to a new rumor. This information comes from Kevin Wang, a China-based analyst which works as a Research Director over at IHS. In addition to that, he said that the international variant of the companys upcoming flagship will ship with 4GB of RAM, just like a number of rumors / leaks suggested.

Now, Samsung will introduce the Galaxy S8 on March 29 internationally, but a Chinese variant of the phone will probably be announced during a separate event a bit later, at least thats what the company did in the past. It is also quite likely that a Chinese model will ship with the companys Exynos 8895 SoC, instead of the Snapdragon 835 which is expected to fuel the device in the US and some other markets. Last years Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge flagships were fueled by the Exynos 8890 in China, in case you were wondering. Samsung had already confirmed that the Galaxy S8 will arrive on March 29 during the companys New York event, and the company even released a dedicated app for it, its called Unpacked 2017, and you can read more about it here. That being said, the Galaxy S8 is probably not the only smartphone that will launch on March 29, Samsung will almost certainly release the Galaxy S8 Plus as well, at least thats what rumors and leaks have been suggesting for weeks now.

The Galaxy S8 will be made out of metal and glass, while it will sport a curved display, and very thin bezels all around. The device will likely ship with a 5.8-inch QHD Super AMOLED panel, and a fingerprint scanner will be placed on the back of the device. The Galaxy S8 will feature a dedicated Bixby AI button on the left, and the device will come with Android Nougat out of the box, on top of which youll be able to find Samsungs very own UI. Samsung is allegedly planning to include some sort of a facial recognition technology in the Galaxy S8, while an iris scanner will also be included in the package.
Despite some concern over whether there are sufficient motivation and uniformity for carriers to push for 5G implementation, AT&T has announced some headway this week. Speaking via the companys official blog on March 14, President of AT&T Labs and CTO, Andre Fuetsch, said that a new decision regarding acceleration in the 5G new radio timeline from the 3GPP has allowed the provider to accelerate its own timeline. The company now plans to launch customer services that adhere to 5G standards by as early as late 2018. To that end, the carrier is following up on earlier business-customer trials  which took place in Austin Texas  with a new trial and the expansion of its mobile-first video service. The second trial is scheduled to take place in April of 2017 and will utilize Ericssons 5G RAN and Intels 5G Mobile Trial platform. For that trial, residential and small-to-medium business customers in Austin will be able to stream DIRECTTV NOW and access enhanced broadband services. More plans are also in the works for cities and AT&T labs in multiple cities and will be revealed over the next year.

The decision by the 3GPP to accelerate the standards process also has implications for 5G hardware, which Fuetsch points out is the most lengthy part of implementing a new standard for networking. Until the standards are completely set for both stand-alone and non-standalone 5G, with regards to hardware, the company to runs the risk of having to backtrack on its previous implementations if those standards change. Those standards are expected to be set by June 2018 under the accelerated timeline, which likely explains the companys current timeline. By accelerating components of the standards to do radio technology, chipset development could begin as early as December of 2017. Thats 6 months earlier than previously expected but he is quick to explain that, while AT&T is as aggressive as any other carrier in its approach, the company is being careful not to get ahead of itself.

Fuetsch says that AT&Ts standards team found the company to be the top North American wireless carrier contributor to the 5G standards since 2016. The company also claimed that more than 137 petabytes  thats 137 followed by 15 zeros  stream across its network on an average business day. When coupled with the companys claimed 250,000 percent growth in data traffic over just the last decade, it becomes easy to understand why 5G is going to be required to keep up with demand and why AT&T is so excited about the newly accelerated standardizations
With the Republican administration in Washington grappling with new disputes seemingly on a daily basis, two Democratic Congressmen, known to be technologically savvy and vocal about cybersecurity issues, are now demanding answers from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) about why its dragging its feet over the reported Signaling System 7 (SS7) security flaws in the countrys mobile phone networks, potentially leaving millions vulnerable to the threat of cyber-attacks. Oregon Senator Ron Wyden and California Representative Ted Lieu have sent an open letter to the newly-appointed secretary of Homeland Security, Gen. John F. Kelly, asking him to reveal the steps taken by his department to address the vulnerabilities found in the SS7 protocol years ago.

SS7 was reportedly designed way back in the 1980s, and according to reports, is used primarily to interconnect cellphone networks. Having been designed that far back, experts argue that it falls way short of security standards expected in the 21st century. Just how inherently vulnerable the technology can be, was demonstrated back in 2014 when German researchers detailed their findings at the Chaos Communication Congress hacker conference in Hamburg. The vulnerability can apparently be used by sophisticated attackers with access to a carriers internal infrastructure to obtain a victims location, harvest their messages and eavesdrop on their calls. What it means is essence, is that a compromised carrier anywhere in the world could potentially become a security nightmare for all mobile users around the world.

With the controversy surrounding the hacking of the Democratic National Convention by alleged Russian spies and its subsequent electoral fallout refusing to go away, the focus on cybersecurity and state-sponsored cyber-attacks has become stronger and more glaring than ever before. Which is exactly why many cybersecurity experts are already praising the move by these two Democratic Congressmen for taking measured, considered positions on highly technical and complex issues such as encryption and law enforcement hacking. While these debates and discussions around the SS7 vulnerabilities are certainly welcome, some cybersecurity analysts seem to believe that governments around the world are unwilling to do much about this issue as it helps them keep an eye on private citizens. That being the case, it will be interesting to see how Gen. Kelly and his department responds to this letter from Sen. Wyden and Rep. Lieu.
Connected Neato robot vacuums gain Google Assistant support as Neato has just officially announced that you can now use Google Assistant on Google Home to control the Neato robot vacuums with your voice, which is going to make cleaning your home a whole lot easier if you have a Google Home smart speaker. This means that, while controlling a Neato Botvac robot vacuum was already fairly simple using the companion app, its now even easier, and what could be easier than telling your vacuum when to actually vacuum your home?

Naturally, the hotword for kicking things off starts with the Ok Google command, and following that up with tell Neato robot to start cleaning will initiate the robot vacuum to turn on and move away from its home base to get started. Neato didnt just make it possible to initiate a clean with your voice though, they also integrated other functions into the voice capabilities with Google Assistant, and its possible to use your voice to set up a cleaning cycle as well as check the battery levels of the vacuum, or if youre simply curious to know where in the home the vacuum is you can use your voice to activate the FindMe functionality and locate the vacuum at a moments notice.

Neato states that Google Assistant will work with all of their connected robot vacuum models including the Botvac D3 Connected, the Botvac D5 Connected, and the Botvac Connected. Consumers with any of those models and a Google Home speaker will be able to start using their voice to control their robot vacuums from today as Neato states the support for Google Assistant is already live in the U.S., though they dont mention when this support might reach other regions outside of the U.S. Additionally its also going to be possible to use the Amazon Alexa skill for controlling Neato robot vacuums with your voice as support for the skill will be hitting the U.S., the UK, and Germany in the near future. That being said, they dont mention a specific date for this either so consumers with an Amazon Echo or another speaker with Alexa will need to wait just a little bit longer.
Google, Facebook, and Apple are some of the biggest names in the Silicon Valley that chose not to challenge President Trumps new travel ban that he signed earlier this week. The three companies werent among 58 tech giants that co-signed a legal brief against the travel ban that was filed with a federal court in Hawaii on Tuesday. President Trumps original ban was opposed by a similar brief in early February, though that document was signed by 127 Silicon Valley-based companies. Both briefs were seeking to block the travel bans theyve been opposing, which ultimately ended up happening.

Apart from the aforementioned trio, Microsoft, Intel, Netflix, Twitter, and eBay also didnt sign the latest legal brief against Trumps efforts to suspend immigration from six Middle Eastern countries despite the fact that all of them co-signed the document that was opposing the original ban. The U.S. tech giants that did sign the latest legal brief against President Trumps travel ban include the likes of Dropbox, Kickstarter, and Airbnb. Despite having less support, the legal brief filed on Tuesday may achieve its goals as Judge Derrick Watson from Honolulu suspended the controversial executive order yesterday. The 45th U.S. President criticized the decision and labeled it as an unprecedented judicial overreach.

The U.S. tech industry traditionally relied on foreign workers more than other sectors, which is why most industry watchers and politicians werent surprised when the Silicon Valley fiercely opposed Trumps original ban. Its currently unclear what happened in the meantime, though some companies who officially withdrew their support told Reuters that their positions on the issue havent changed. Just like before, the current U.S. administration is claiming that the controversial travel ban was meant to protect the country from terrorism and is just a temporary measure designed to buy them enough time to come up with a stricter procedure for vetting immigrants. Critics of the ban claim that the measure will negatively reflect on the countrys economy and stifle innovation, while some of them are even saying that President Trumps efforts to suspend immigration from certain countries are unconstitutional. An update on the situation is expected to follow in the coming days.
According to reports, at least four Sony devices, including the Xperia XZ, Xperia X Performance, Xperia X and Xperia X Compact, have started getting the latest Android security patches, dated March 1, 2017. While the incoming updates for the Xperia XZ and X Performance come with build number 39.2.A.0.442, the software for the Xperia X and Xperia X Compact happen to have version number 34.2.A.0.333. The incoming update is said to be available as a FOTA (Firmware Over-the-Air) download for the aforementioned devices in Russia, Thailand, Vietnam and the U.K. Sadly, neither the exact size of the downloads nor a detailed changelog can be found on Sonys support pages for any of the devices at this point in time. Theres also no word on how long it might take for Sony to roll out this latest update to users located elsewhere in the world.

The incoming software is reportedly only the monthly security update and will not bring any new feature to any of the four devices. That being said, the updates are expected to make the devices more secure, so theyre still fairly important and should be installed as soon as possible. As is the case with most update rollouts, this update is also being rolled out in batches and it may take a little while for you to get the update notification on your handset. You can also check manually for the availability of the update by heading over to the Settings menu, tapping on About Phone and choosing Software Updates. From there, selecting the Check for Updates option should reveal whether or not an update for your device is currently available.

Sony introduced its first-generation Xperia X lineup last year as a replacement for its now-defunct Xperia Z series that never really took off the way Sony would have hoped for. While the Xperia X and the Xperia X Performance both come with 5-inch 1080p displays, the Xperia XZ offers a slightly larger screen at 5.2-inches. The Xperia X Compact, as is evident from the name, comes with the smallest form factor and features a 4.6-inch screen with a 720p resolution. The first-generation Xperia X devices are powered by different Qualcomm SoCs and originally shipped with Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) out of the box.
According to leaked internal documents, Spotify either has, or is, considering ending its app partnership with Uber. This information comes by way of documents seen by The Verge, which highlight that internally, Spotify is finding it difficult to decide whether they should continue to partner with Uber, while the company remains the subject of various controversies. This is specifically in relation to the likes of the API that allows a Spotify user to connect and dictate the content that is played in an Uber car during a ride.

According to the information coming through, Spotifys Head of Product, Gustav Soderstrom, sent out an internal email to the company explaining that due to the practices that have been on display it was proving difficult for Spotify to remain interested in a joint partnership with the ride-sharing company. Although, Soderstrom was also noted in the email stating the decision of whether to stick with Uber is not a straightforward one. It seems while Spotify have seriously considered ended the partnership, the streaming company is hesitant to do so as they do not want to punish users by ending support for the API. It is this latter point (more so than actually any commitment to Uber), that seems to have been the driving force behind Spotify holding off on ending the partnership already.

While the information that has become publicly available so far doesnt specially note which of the Uber controversies have raised the most concern for Spotify, Uber has been the subject of a few recently. Most notably, accusations of sexism in the workplace which were alleged by a former Uber engineer. Then there was another issue which resulted in the resignation of the companys SVP of Engineering, Amit Singhal, for not fully declaring accusations of sexual harassment before joining Uber. As well as an issue where Ubers CEO, Travis Kalanick, was recorded on video engaging negatively with one of the companys drivers. Not forgetting of course, an issue that has been raised recently where Uber has been accused of stealing self-driving car tech from Alphabets Waymo. One which now looks likely to be decided by the courts.
Marjan Davari, a 50-year-old researcher and translator, has been convicted of spreading corruption on earth and sentenced to death by Branch 15 of Tehran Revolutionary Court. Charges such as liaison, association and collusion against the state, membership in Eckankar religious group through translating their books, are also mentioned in court order.

Trial of the convicted translator was held in October and December 2016 in Branch 15 of Tehran Revolutionary Court presided by Judge Salavati.

It should also be noted that Davari was transferred from Evin to Shahre-Ray Prison in February this year.

Marjan Davari was arrested in her parental house in Mehrsahhr, Karaj, on September 24, 2015. She was then taken to Ministry of Intelligences ward 209 in Evin Prison, held in solitary confinement for three months while being interrogated without having access to a lawyer or any kind of legal consultancy. Ms. Davari was then transferred to womens ward of Evin Prison after investigations ended on January 3, 2016.

As for the reasons and activities that led to Ms. Davaris arrest, an informed source had told in a previous interview that Ms. Davari is a translator. She has translated several books, mostly related to psychology, mysticism, and metaphysics. She also used to teach in an institution named Rah-e Marefat (the road towards knowledge), a registered and legal institution belonging to her husband. Ms. Davari, however, separated both from her husband and the institution in early 2015. Following her ex-husbands arrest six months later, she herself was also arrested, with all her activities as a translator and teacher being raised as charges.

Marjan Davari is a Graphic Arts graduate from Al-Zahra University in Tehran. Her activities in Rah-e Marefat Institution were focused on mystical and metaphysical studies. Talons of Time by Paul Twitchell, The Seeker by Phil Morimitsu, and The Spiritual Exercises of Eck by Harold Klemp are among her published translations.
Nokia had introduced three Android-powered smartphones at this years Mobile World Congress (MWC), but it seems like two additional models are on their way. According to a new report, the Nokia 7 and Nokia 8 are on the way, even though those names are still not final, the source says. The two devices could be called differently once they launch, but well see about that. That being said, these two smartphones are said to be fueled by the Snapdragon 660 SoC, a processor that Qualcomm still did not announce.

The Snapdragon 660 is expected to succeed the Snapdragon 653, which means it will be the companys mid-range offering. The Nokia 7 is expected to ship with a fullHD (1920 x 1080) display, while the Nokia 8 will come with a QHD (2560 x 1440) panel, it seems. According to the provided info, both of these smartphones will sport very thin bezels, and will be made out of metal. The two devices will sport a somewhat different design to the Nokia 3, Nokia 5 and Nokia 6. The Nokia 7 and Nokia 8 will sport fingerprint scanners, though the source does not say whether theyll be front or back-facing. Fast charging will be included here as well, and the two devices will also sport larger camera sensors compared to the three devices that the company already announced this year. The Nokia 8 is also rumored to ship with Zeiss optics, which is quite interesting.

Now, we still dont know when will these two smartphones get announced, but if rumors are to be believed, they could launch in May or June. That being said, the companys upcoming flagship is expected to carry the Nokia 9 name, and will be fueled by the Snapdragon 835 64-bit octa-core SoC, if previous rumors were accurate. All in all, it seems like Nokia is preparing to launch some pretty interesting smartphones, and if the Nokia 7 and Nokia 8 intend to ship with the Snapdragon 660, then Qualcomm will probably announce this processor in the near future, so stay tuned for that as well. While were waiting for more info, feel free to read more about the Nokia 3, Nokia 5 and Nokia 6, HMD Globals first trio of Android-powered smartphones.
According to a new rumor out of China, the upcoming Xiaomi Mi 6 may well come with the Snapdragon 821 instead of the Snapdragon 835, because of continuing low yield of the 10nm chip that has already forced companies like LG and HTC to launch their latest premium smartphones with the older 14nm SoC from Qualcomm. However, the report also suggests that a Snapdragon 835-powered variant of the Mi 6 may well be launched at a later date. While it will be interesting to see if Xiaomi will have to make a compromise with its upcoming flagship like LG and HTC, it is important to remember here that this is still a very early rumor that is yet to be confirmed by reliable sources, so a pinch of salt may well be in order.

Some of the recent reports regarding the Xiaomi Mi 6 have already claimed that the Snapdragon 835 scarcity may eventually affect the launch schedule of the device. It was just yesterday that reports out of the Peoples Republic suggested that the launch of the Mi 6 will be delayed until May because there just isnt enough Snapdragon 835 units to go around, what with leading manufacturers such as Samsung and Sony believed to have booked massive quantities of the chip for their respective 2017 flagships. While the Samsung Galaxy S8 will be officially announced at a special Unpacked event in New York City on March 29th, the Xperia XZ Premium was unveiled at the MWC 2017 recently, and has already gone up for pre-order on Amazon in the UK.

Meanwhile, even as Sony and Samsung have managed to call dibs on the first few batches of the brand new chip from Qualcomm, companies like LG and HTC are having to deal with the fallout of the low yield of the 10nm chips that are plaguing both Qualcomm and MediaTek. While LG has already launched the LG G6 with the Snapdragon 821 because of unavailability of Qualcomms latest silicon until later this year, Taiwanese manufacturer HTC also found itself in a similar predicament earlier this year, having to release its HTC U Ultra with the Snapdragon 821 instead of the newer, faster and more efficient chip.
US Cellular has announced the availability of the LG G6 on its network from March 24th at $10 per month for a period of 30 months. LGs latest smartphone will launch officially on April 6th, but the carrier will start taking pre-orders for the device from the 24th of this month. Customers pre-ordering the handset will get a promotional bill credit worth $297.60, which should bring the actual cost of the device down to $300. Without the promo offer, the device will cost $597.60 overall. US Cellular also claims to offer some of the most affordable plans including, the newly-launched Total Plans with No Hidden Fees that starts at just $40 per month per line for 2GB of LTE data along with unlimited talk and text.

As for the LG G6, the South Korean company is also offering a $129 Google Home smart speaker for early birds who sign up for the phablet between March 24th and April 30th. This offer comes straight from LG, meaning, it is applicable for everyone buying the device within the stipulated time frame, and is independent of the carrier or third-party retailer. Google Home, of course, is a smart speaker and personal digital assistant developed by the Mountain View, California-based tech giant, and is sold as part of its Made by Google product line that includes the likes of the Pixel phones and Google Wifi router. The device is powered by Google Assistant, and is a direct competitor to Amazons wildly popular Echo line of speakers that come with the Alexa voice assistant.

The LG G6 is the latest flagship smartphone from LG Electronics, and was unveiled at the recently-concluded MWC trade show in Barcelona, Spain. The device features a 5.7-inch touchscreen display with a resolution of 2880 x 1440 pixels, and is powered by the Snapdragon 821 SoC from Qualcomm. The phone comes with 4GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage that can be expanded by way of a microSD card. The handset runs Android 7.0 Nougat out-of-the-box and carries a 3,300mAh non-removable battery with support for Qualcomms Quick Charge 3.0. Imaging options on the LG G6 include dual 13-megapixel cameras on the back and a single 5-megapixel shooter on the front.
An historic turning point in relations with the US has been claimed by Saudi Arabia, after President Donald Trump welcomed Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the White House.

According to a Bloomberg report, in a statement after Tuesdays meeting a senior adviser to the Crown Prince said that relations had undergone a period of difference of opinion. However, todays meeting has put things on the right track, and marked a significant shift in relations, across all political, military, security and economic fields.

Trumps great understanding of US-Saudi relations shows the enthusiasm for a renewed alliance after the strains that came from the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran.

Saudi Arabia is viewed by Trumps administration as a crucial part of the Middle East and an important country to have a positive relationship with  even if there are irritants in the relationship, said Simon Henderson, a fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy and director of the institutes Gulf and Energy Policy Program. This is at odds with the Obama administration, so they want to make that clear distinction.

Its reported that Salman lunched with Trump and aides at the White House on Tuesday. It was a higher-profile meeting than the originally planned photo opportunity, according to Henderson.

Salmans visit comes after a trip he made to Washington in June following the unveiling his Saudi Vision 2030. Saudi Arabian Oil Co., known as Aramco, is also planning potentially the worlds biggest initial public offering, with as much as $100 billion in shares expected to be sold, the report said.

The Saudis said Trump and the deputy crown prince share the same views on the gravity of the Iranian expansionist moves in the region.
He said, nuclear file is a concern for everyone. Turkey is as concerned as Jerusalem about Irans regional ambitions and nuclear potential. They only differ in terms of strategy.

He stated that Ankara believes the best way forward is through containment, not isolation. We have had a common border [with Iran] for hundreds of years which remains unchanged. They see us as a strategic competitor We saw the need for engaging and containing their ambitions, he said.

Regarding Irans involvement in Syria, he said he sees a little bit of progress in that Iran has assumed some of the responsibility. However, on the topic of Russia in Syria, he told the Israelis, Good luck, you have a new neighbor.

The ambassador pointed out that the threat from terrorism and Islamic State can be found in Berlin and Istanbul, and that Turkey is part of the international battle against extremism and ISIS. He said that both Muslims and Jews should be fighting this battle. Terrorism is a global phenomenon it is always there and it wont go away without a global fight, adding that this is one of the reasons Turkey must continue its cooperation with Europe.

Explaining that his country was not shifting away form the Western World, Okem said, There are some misperceptions about Turkeys role and policies and this should be corrected.

On the issue of Gaza, he said Turkey supported its people but not Hamas. We do not accept the linear analogy that is trying to be established that every one living in Gaza belongs to Hamas and is a terrorist. We do not accept this. We have to distinguish between people who are suffering and people who happen to be members of Hamas as a political party, he said.

It is important for Turkey to provide financial assistance to Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza, as part of its return to normalized diplomatic ties with Israel following a five-year freeze, he explained. He added that he is thankful to Israel for the help and cooperation it has shown in helping Ankara with this mission, which includes support for an industrial park in Jenin and a hospital in Gaza.
The company just announced a new motorcycle tour in its offer comprising an amazing tour of Mongolia, one of the coolest and most isolated places you can visit on this planet where locals live in an untainted oldfashioned way.This is definitely one of the most exciting, remote and rarely visited regions left on Earth, its true last frontier stuff, says Compass Expeditions director Mick McDonald, Mongolia is always a standout highlight for our riders on the epic 105 day Road of Bones Expedition.In case you didnt know, Mongolia has one of the last surviving nomadic societies left in the world with over 50 percent of the population still living a nomadic lifestyle totally dependent on the remote summer pastures.This makes riding through the region a unique experience giving the tourists the last glimmer of total riding freedom on Earth as well as a wonderful disconnect from the manic world we live in today.Compass Expeditions says it has a vast knowledge of Mongolia and is offering a 14-day all-inclusive ride through the stunning landscape of towering mountains, crystal-clear lakes, vast open grasslands dotted with ger camps, and Buddhist monasteries.All you need is money, a valid motorcycle license, and around two years of riding experience. Accommodation is included on all nights of the advertised itinerary but it is not included if you arrive early or depart later in your joining and departing cities. All accommodation is on a twin shared basis and very occasionally multiple share hostels.Air flights to and from your point of arrival and departure are your responsibility. You should ensure that you allow a couple of days before the scheduled tour departure to get over jet lag or just to appreciate the joining city.
More than 600 kilometers (373 miles) to discover the land of engines on the streets where they get developed and tested in Borgo Panigale. You will be able to get in the saddle of bikes like the Ducati Multistrada 1200 S and Multistrada 950, SuperSport, Monster 1200 and Monster 797 to enjoy three unforgettable days and share your Desmodromic passion.Former dakar star Beppe Gualini and his qualified staff will guide the riders on the paths of Ducati Dream Tour 2017 to offer a safe and entertaining all-road experience.To make it even more special, Ducati throws in the opportunity to stay at the Borgo Conde Resort. Set in an 110-hectare vineyard, the relay is located on the hills around Forli, where hospitality, culture, great food, and, of course, good wine offer participants a hefty dose of immersion into the Italian lifestyle.In order to participate in the Ducati Dream Tour you must hold a valid driving license for motorcycles, issued in any of the EU states. The driving license holders issued in countries outside the EU must take action to have an international driving license recognized in Italy.Although it is recommended to arrive there with your own riding equipment, the organizer offers the possibility to rent (in limited numbers) complete sets of Ducati apparel, which can be booked directly on the website at the moment of the tour.The dates for the Ducati Dream Tour in 2017 are set for May 22 to 24, June 30 to July 2, July 21 to 23, and September 1 to 3. The first day starts with a visit to Borgo Panigale and the new Ducati Museum, followed by a 180 km riding route in the area. The following two days are equally offering just over 200 km of riding experience.
This is the first time when the Turbo incarnation of the rear-engined coupe shows up, following the Coupe and the Cabriolet incarnations of the Carrera models, which we've shown you on previous occasions.For now, we're dealing with a test mule, one that mixes the current 991.2 body with engine and chassis components set to go into the next-gen model.Even so, it's obvious that the generation change will make the supercar wider - the 911 line-up now offers three possible widths, with the Turbo being on the list of models that get the most aggressive version. It's way too early to try and peek inside the cabin of the thing, so we'll stick to mentioning the classic Neunelfer t-shirt of the passenger.Zuffenhausen will replace the current 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged heart of the current model and, since the current Turbo and Turbo S sit at 540 and 580 hp, respectively, we can expect the "standard" version to sit around the 600 hp mark.As for the Turbo S, this might just morph into the Turbo S E-Hybrid, as we explained in a story delivered last month. Rumors about the German carmaker building 700 hp super-hybrids for the Panamera and the 911 line-up have been floating around since 2014.Now that hybrid propulsion has been confirmed for the 992 Neunelfer and the second-generation Panamera has mixed the Turbo S and the E-Hybrid badges, we could expect a 700 hp gas-electric 911.Given the fact that the 911 line-up usually holds over 20 models, we'd bet on Porsche offering two hybrid powertrains for the Neunelfer, but this is another story for another time.
SUV

Originally based on the platform of the W163 M-Class, the Rexton never did it for SsangYongs attempt to be taken seriously in competitive markets such as Western Europe. The South Korean automaker has been at it since 2001, but it never succeeded. Theres a glimmer of hope for the new model, though.

Spied in near-production form many times since spring 2016, the model SsangYong refers to as Y400 is touted as a bit of a renaissance for the brand. Its creator labeled it as being a Premium Authentic SUV, while its physique is said to be inspired by the Parthenon, the Greek temple located in Athens.Beyond the marketing jibber-jabber, just look at it. In no way is this a beautiful, but it looks tough and modern, rugged and dependable. Its a step in the right direction for SsangYong, Ill give you that. The interior isnt shabby either, with brushed aluminum surfaces, wood trim, perforated leather upholstery, and a generously sized touchscreen infotainment system. The dashs design has a few Skoda Kodiaq cues to it, but only a little bit.SsangYong further mentions that the chassis of the all-new Rexton or whatever this thing will be called is rear-wheel-drive by nature, which is the proper way to do it in the mid-size sport utility vehicle segment. 63 percent super-high tensile steel is used for the frame and body shell, a detail that should pay dividend in terms of safety, handling dynamics, and weight.But will the Y400 wash away the bad publicity coming courtesy of 16 years of dreary Rextons? Only time will tell. Chief executive officer Choi Johng-sik certainly thinks so: We will further increase our global sales based on our strengthened lineup including the facelifted cars and all-new models such as the Y400, a large premium SUV slated to be launched this year.On that note, 2016 was an important year for SsangYong for a very simple reason. For the first time since 2007, Mahindra-owned SsangYong turned back to profit, with total sales of 155,844 units and a net profit of 58.1 million won. The Tivoli -branded models sold best in 2016 (85,821 units).
CVT

You see, the pre-facelift Active three-door starts from 11,970, and can be had today for the special price of 11,495. The redesigned Yaris is a five-door affair across the range, and the Active kicks off from 12,495 packing the same 1.0 three-cylinder mill and five-speed manual transmission as ever.That makes it cheaper than the Ford Fiesta and Honda Jazz, but heres the thing. The 2017 Kia Rio starts from 11,995 and its better equipped than the Yaris, whereas the Hyundai-branded equivalent costs 11,295 sans any sort of customer saving. Thats a bit risky from Toyotas part, and the same can be said about the Active 1.5 Hybrid with thebox. However, 15,995 still represents good value for money for a hybrid vehicle in this segment.Customers who would rather the all-new 1.5-liter ESTEC VVT-iE engine will have to pony up at least 15,295, but its well worth it considering that its both frugal and punchy. In terms of equipment, the entire lineup comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense. The suite of safety systems consists of a pre-collision feature, automatic high beam, and lane departure warning.Also standard, the entry-level Active gets rain-sensing wipers, power front windows, Bluetooth connectivity, as well as a six-speaker audio system. The Yaris Active in Hybrid guise further adds automatic air conditioning and projector headlamps. At the upper end of the range, Excel models offer 16-inch alloys, chrome side sills, LED lighting all around, and part-leather and Alcantara upholstery. Mind you, the Excel is mighty expensive at 17,495.All UK -spec Yaris variants for 2017 are backed by a five-year/100,000-mile warranty, which equals trouble-free motoring for the next half decade.




First up, Joe Biden is thinking about dropping tariffs against China. But theres a spy in prison this morning that helps us understand why he shouldnt. Ill explain.





Your second brief, If youre looking for a good paying job, you might consider being a CEO for a health insurance company. One executive made $142M dollars last year. Let's talk about that.





And as always, Im keeping an eye out for developing stories. Put this one on your radar. Mexican cartels are grooming American kids online and paying them cash to traffic illegals or run drugs across the border. Ill share details.





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Its a remotely piloted small boat filled with explosives, a weapon designed by the Iranians. The amount of explosives this drone boat carries is not known, but the rebels are believed to have enough to threaten ships that pass through the strategic sea lanes off the Yemeni coast. The boats were first detected after one was used in an attack January 30th on a Saudi frigate in the Red Sea. Although the Navy has intelligence photos of these deadly boats, it has declined to release them.

As part of a strategy to encircle its rival, Saudi Arabia, Iran is backing Houthi rebels. Its ultimate goal is to take control of the peninsula.

One of Irans objectives is to control the strategic Bab el-Mandeb or Mandeb Strait on the southern Red Sea that is a major shipping passage. Iran has, in the past, threatened to shut down shipping in the Persian Gulf by targeting traffic passing through the Hormuz Strait.
Through the years the Revolutionary Guards (IRGC), has become the main backbone of Irans political, military, economic and social crackdown apparatus.

Establishing the IRGC

The original motive behind the formation of the IRGC on May 5th, 1979, meaning less than three months after Irans revolution, can be described as the regime intending to establish an ideologically-motivated military entity parallel to the classic army.

The IRGCs main and sole duty is to protect the ruling establishment. Looking back to the early days, the IRGCs raison detre can be summarized in the two pillars mentioned in the introduction.

The guard is placed just under the upper hand of the supreme leader which positions it at a place of unconstrained jurisdiction and power and just above Irans national army, a read explains.

IRGC role in domestic crackdown

From day one of its foundation the IRGC has carried out a terror campaign of purging dissident, intellectual, journalists, literary figures and opposing politicians. The main target was and has been the main Iranian opposition, Peoples Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK), especially the 1988 massacre of 30,000 political prisoners, mostly PMOI/MEK members and supporters.

The orders for the systematic execution of dissidents came from Khomeini himself, in the form of a fatwa (religious edict). His intention was to purge the country of any opposition, notably the main dissident organization, the Peoples Mojahedin of Iran (PMOI/MEK), said Hamid Yazdan Panah, an Iranian human rights activist and lawyer in piece in The Hill.

Throughout the 1980s the IRGC also carried out numerous campaigns targeting any and all dissent, including ethnic minorities, specifically the Baluch and Kurdish communities. In the 1990s the Iranian society witnessed how the notorious Ministry of Intelligence carried out the infamous chain murders and other cases of human rights violations.

Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei ordered the IRGC and its paramilitary Basij militia to crush the 1999 student uprisings, enjoying the blessing of President Hassan Rouhani, then the regimes secretary of the Supreme National Security Council.

The IRGC was once again unleashed during the 2009 uprisings to quell any pro-democracy demands. They Guards went on a spree of arresting thousands, torturing hundreds and secretly executing dozens.

The IRGC has through the years relentlessly targeted the main Iranian opposition Peoples Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK), both following the 1979 revolution, and afterwards when the group went into exile abroad, mainly in Iraq. MEK members were also kidnapped and/or assassinated in Europe.

Meddling and terrorism, an IRGC motto

The regime in Iran considers meddling in other countries internal affairs, and most specifically its use of terrorism and encouraging fundamentalist viewpoints are not policies of mere marginal importance. Alongside the repression of all domestic protests, Tehrans very survival fully depends on remaining loyal to this practice.

At least 8 other countries, including Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria and Yemen have become targets of Irans meddling in their internal affairs. The IRGC has also reached the point of establishing terrorist affiliates, cells or networks in as many as 12 countries.

Tehrans terrorist activities have expanded to 13 countries and the IRGC is also known to have established spying cells or networks in 12 different countries, while most have seen authorities apprehend members of such groups.

IRGC aggravating sectarian tension

One very lethal method explored by Iran has been enflaming sectarian divide across the Middle East, especially in its western neighbor of Iraq. A cruel irony, however, lies in the fact that while the IRGC is known to recruit Shiite to establish militia groups, it has also fueled support for Sunni terrorist groups.

Indeed, the bipartisan 9/11 commission report, which investigated the Sept. 11, 2001 al Qaeda terror attacks  the largest mass casualty terrorist attack in U.S. history  pointed out that there was strong evidence that Iran facilitated the transit of al Qaeda members into and out of Afghanistan before 9/11, and that some of these were future 9/11 hijackers, The Washington Times reported.

This is aimed at realizing Tehrans ultimate objective: engulfing the entire region into chaos, and utilizing such a situation to advance their field of influence. Iran is securing an arc of influence across Iraq and Syria that would end at the Mediterranean Sea, according to The Guardian.

The IRGC can be described as Irans asset to establish the first Islamic Caliphate by taking first measures in this blueprint in 1979, long before Daesh (ISIS/ISIL).

In fact, the violence promoted by Iran across the Middle East under the banner of Shiite Islam, parallel to the horrific crackdown imposed on Sunni communities in various countries, have inspired the rise of Daesh.

Hidden occupation by the IRGC

The broad extent of the IRGCs meddling makes undeniable its involvement in covertly occupying four specific countries in the region: Iraq, Lebanon, Syria and Yemen.

In Syria the past six years have made the IRGCs deadly role crystal clear. Reports indicate up to 70,000 IRGC foot soldiers were roaming the Levant launching killing sprees.

The Iranian regimes military incursion in Syria came at a great cost to Tehran. According to reports obtained by the NCRI from within the regimes own ranks, Irans death toll in the Syrian war are estimated to be over 12,000, according to a research report.

The IRGC has also established a vast network of training camps inside Iran and abroad for new recruits to provide fresh members for its proxy militia groups. Each month hundreds of future soldiers arrive from Afghanistan, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria and Yemen to undergo such training courses.

The IRGC pursues also a parallel effort of establishing cultural branches across the Middle East to expand the Iranian regimes influence.

14 different countries have experienced the IRGC sending large, varied supplies of weapons and explosives to their soil. Such a practice has become known as the IRGC trademark and revelations have also clarified how the Guards has established a network of 90 secret docks, mainly on Irans southern shores, involved in both shipping arms to countries across the region, and smuggling goods into the country and abroad. The revenue accumulated from such activities are all channeled to fund the IRGCs foreign campaign.

The IRGC Quds Force has also gone far beyond the Middle East in this regard.

The world should rest assured the IRGC will soon establish branches in the U.S. and Europe, said IRGC Brigadier General Salar Abnoush.

IRGC influence in Iranian foreign policy

The IRGC is also infiltrating into Irans political affairs, establishing a major role in defining the regimes foreign policies. While Khamenei has the final word on all major national security and foreign affairs, the IRGC enjoys vast authority in implementing Khameneis will abroad.

The IRGC has taken full control over Irans embassies in Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria and Yemen.

The IRGC also enjoys a specific type of foreign policy dominance in affairs related to Armenia, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Regarding the countries of Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria, due to their significant importance, the IRGC, not the Foreign Ministry, has appointed their ambassadors. The motive is to maintain all activities and agendas under IRGC control and exploit all diplomatic immunity opportunities.

Irans current ambassador in Iraq is IRGC Brigadier General Iraj Masjedi who previously chaired the IRGC Iraq desk. He is also a senior advisor of IRGC Quds Force chief Qassem Suleimani, who commands all of Irans operations in Iraq and Syria. Masjedi supervised attacks against the U.S.-led coalition forces in Iraq, leaving scores killed and wounded.

Economy & a growing IRGC grip

Following the Iran-Iraq War the IRGC began its economic activities, and around 30% of all the IRGCs engineering resources were tasked for this purpose. The IRGC especially gained significant control over Irans economy during the tenure of former Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad from 2005 to 2013.

As all IRGC activities are in need of enormous funds, and considering the international communitys long-running sanctions against Iran, the force set its sight on establishing on becoming a major economic powerhouse.

The IRGC has gained an increasing amount of influence on Irans economy, even the highly important oil and gas industry. The exact number of IRGC-affiliated front companies remains very fluid.

The IRGC has also ironically benefited enormously from the nuclear deal Iran sealed with world powers.

Of nearly 110 agreements worth at least $80 billion that have been struck since the deal was reached in July 2015, 90 have been with companies owned or controlled by Iranian state entities, a Reuters analysis shows in reference to the IRGC.

IRGC controlling Irans nuclear program & ballistic missiles

The IRGC is now considered a huge conglomerate of different companies and assets controlling Irans missile drive, parallel to the controversial nuclear program with sites spread across the huge country. Dozens of companies are involved in procuring the technology needed to master ballistic missiles and sensitive nuclear products.

The IRGC is also entrusted to pursue the ballistic missile program and senior Iranian officials have boasted acquiring the worlds sixth missile production line, including the Shahab-3/3B enjoying a range of over 2,100 kilometers.

Irans IRGC is unquestionably a serious threat not only for the Middle East, but also Eastern Europe.

Final word

The mullahs regime is a dictatorship with the IRGC used as the main leverage to maintain this entity in power through domestic crackdown. However, the IRGCs driving force is to export this regimes extremist mentality and warmongering.

The IRGC is dedicated to protecting the Islamic Revolution, not the state of Iran. As guardians of the Islamic Revolution, it supports terrorist activities by the Quds Force and its other military divisions. The IRGC finances these terrorist activities through its business activities, making the overall organization simply the paymaster for terrorist activities by its constituent elements, wrote Raymond Tanter and Ed Stafford in The Hill.

The IRGC has spread its influence throughout the region like cancer, using Iraq as a springboard to reach the entire Middle East and rendering a scourge of deadly wars and terrorist attacks. A fundamentalist ideology energizes this armed force, with no other purpose other than protecting the mullahs establishment through fueling terrorism and extremism abroad.

As the decades have passed since 1979, the IRGC has resorted to more advanced methods of domestic crackdown and foreign provocations, threatening the Iranian people, and nations across the Middle East and beyond.
By Rui Kanyena on 16 March 2017 for Civil Beat-

Image above:

U.S. District Court Judge Derrick Watson in front of the US Federal Court in Honolulu, Hawaii speaks to media about his ruling on Trump travel ban. From original article.

Image above:

Hawaii Attorney General Doug Chin (center) discusses the decision by U.S. District Court Judge Derrick Watson to block the travel ban with Gov. David Ige and other local lawmakers. From original article.

Religious Discrimination

Last-Minute Challenges

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SUBHEAD: Judge says executive order was issued with a purpose to disfavor a particular religion.In a case of legal deja vu, President Donald Trumps new executive order on immigration suffered a major setback Wednesday, when a federal judge in Honolulu issued a temporary restraining order to keep the travel ban from taking effect nationwide.n a 43-page opinion, U.S. District Court Judge Derrick Watson ruled that Hawaii met the burden of establishing a strong likelihood of success on the merits of its claims against the travel ban  which suspends refugee resettlements and temporarily halts the issuance of new visas to citizens of six Muslim-majority countries.A reasonable, objective observer  enlightened by the specific historical context, contemporaneous public statements and specific sequence of events leading to its issuance  would conclude that the executive order was issued with a purpose to disfavor a particular religion, in spite of its stated, religiously neutral purpose, Watson wrote.Watsons ruling was a resounding victory for Hawaii, which mounted the first legal challenge against the new order on grounds that it unconstitutionally targets Muslims and discriminates based on national origin.Hawaii Attorney General Doug Chin, who first sued the Trump administration in February to challenge the original travel ban, hailed the ruling.This is what the checks-and-balances system is all about, Chin said. The president might make certain decisions, but the way our government works, we also need to be able to take our own stance to check and balance out that whole process.Watsons ruling was also the second major setback for Trump, who has long argued that the travel ban is necessary for national security.Trumps original travel ban, issued January 27th, triggered a flurry of legal challenges across the country and ended in a defeat at the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, whose three-judge panel unanimously upheld an injunction issued in Seattle.Speaking at a rally in Nashville, Tennessee, Trump called Watsons ruling an unprecedented judicial overreach and noted that it came from a judge within the much-overturned 9th Circuit Court.To the cheers of supporters in a campaign-style setting, Trump vowed that were going to fight this terrible ruling and eventually prevail at the U.S. Supreme Court.The dangers clear; the law is clear, Trump said, adding, The best way to stop radical Islamic terrorists  is to stop them from entering the country in the first place.In his ruling, Watson directed much of his attention at assessing whether the new order, like the original travel ban, is a Muslim ban dressed up in legal garb  in violation of the First Amendments establishment clause.At a hearing Wednesday, acting U.S. Solicitor General Jeffrey Wall argued that Trump was simply exercising his broad authority to address national security concerns.Wall also told Watson that the travel ban had been revised to address the concerns raised by 9th Circuit Court, noting that it applies only to visa applicants who have yet to travel to the U.S., removes a provision that singled out Syrian refugees for an indefinite ban and no longer gives preferential treatment to the refugee claims of religious minorities.But Watson was having none of it.Watson ruled that, despite the revisions, the new order still amounts to religious discrimination  a step toward the total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States that Trump promised on the campaign trail.Watson chided the Trump administration, in particular, for suggesting that, since the travel ban doesnt apply to all Muslim-majority countries, it has no religious animus.The illogic of the governments contention is palpable, Watson wrote. The notion that one can demonstrate animus toward any group of people only by targeting all of them at once is fundamentally flawed. The court declines to relegate its establishment clause analysis to a purely mathematical exercise.Watsons ruling came on a day in which two other judges held hearings to decide whether to issue an injunction against the travel ban.Six hours before Watsons hearing, U.S. District Judge Theodore Chuang in Greenbelt, Maryland, heard oral arguments on a lawsuit brought by refugee aid groups but declined to issue a ruling from the bench.Chuang indicated that his ruling, when it does come, might not be nationwide in scope.In Seattle, U.S. District Judge James Robart, who blocked the original travel ban, held a hearing to consider the claims of four Washington residents who are concerned that the new order will bar their relatives from entering the U.S. But he has yet to issue a ruling.Meanwhile, Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson cheered Hawaiis success.A win for Hawaii is a win for all of us, Ferguson said. Trump is piling up defeat after defeat after defeat. And well all be here working to make sure his streak continues.Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum, who was in Honolulu to attend the meeting of the Conference of Western Attorneys General , said Watsons ruling reflected Hawaiis aloha spirit.Were so happy to stand together today with your state with this very, very significant victory for inclusivety and for saying loud and clear against discrimination, said Rosenblum, who, along with attorneys general from 13 states and the District of Columbia, filed an amicus brief in Hawaiis lawsuit.Hakim Ouansafi, president the Muslim Association of Hawaii , said Watsons ruling will protect all the families affected by this Muslim ban.They say precious things come in small packages and, in this case, great things for America and the world came from this small state of ours, Ouansafi said. Very proud of the great work (Attorney General) Doug Chin and his team did and hope that President Trump can concentrate on truly protecting this country as opposed to concentrating on fulfilling an unconstitutional and un-American campaign pledge.
Published On Mar 16, 2017 07:40 PM By Khan Mohd. for Honda WRV 2017-2020

The Honda WRV was launched in India today at Rs 7.75 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). Of late, Honda has been struggling to keep up with the fast shifting preferences of Indian buyers. However, after a delay, it finally managed to take a berth in the compact SUV segment with the WRV. With an aggressive price tag, the vehicle looks promising but where does its two variants stand when compared to its rivals -- the Maruti Vitara Brezza, Ford EcoSport, Hyundai i20 Active and Toyota Etios Cross. Lets find out in this story.

Honda WRV S Variant

Among the two variants on offer, the Honda WRV S is the base variant. As there are only two variants, both of them are decently loaded. Among the competition, its only the Vitara Brezza which isnt available with a petrol option. With respect to prices, this WRV variant is comparable to the i20 Active S, Etios Cross G and the EcoSport Trend trims. The entry level variant gets headlamp integrated signature LED DRLs & position lamps, tilt and telescopic adjustable steering, all power windows with key-off time lag, rear windshield defogger, fully foldable rear seat, key-off reminder, dual SRS airbags, ABS with EBD and many more.

On the other hand, the i20 Actives S trim offers most of these features along with some additional ones such as rear parking sensors and rear AC vents. However, it misses out on the tilt and telescopic feature in this variant. The Etios Cross G trim also misses out on the telescopically adjustable steering. The adjustable rear headrests are offered in the Etios Cross and the Vitara Brezza, while the WRV and the i20 Active give it a miss.

Given the price to feature quotient, the Ford EcoSports Trend variant in petrol is the most sensible choice as it comes with good amount of features and is priced a little higher - by Rs 11,000 to be precise - compared to the WRVs S trim. However, if you are looking for a diesel option, the Maruti Vitara Brezzas ZDI version appears to be a good choice as it is adequately loaded and is priced lesser than the WRVs base diesel trim by Rs 8k.

Honda WRV VX Variant

The Honda WRV VX is the top-end trim and with a price tag of Rs 8.99 lakh for petrol and Rs 9.99 lakh for diesel, it competes with other range-topping versions of the rivals like the i20 Active SX, Etios Cross V/VD, EcoSport Titanium+ and the Vitara Brezza ZDI+.

The WRV VX gets a plethora of features including electric sunroof with one-touch open/close function & auto reverse, rear wiper and washer, 17.7cm advanced infotainment with capacitive touchscreen, voice commands for media, navigation and calling, power adjustable and foldable ORVMs and multi-view rear camera with guidelines among others. There isnt a cooled glove box in the Vitara Brezza, EcoSport and the WRV, whereas the i20 Active and Etios Cross do offer the same. The convenient features such as the rain-sensing wipers (available in Ecosport, Brezza), 60:40 rear seat split (available in the i20 Active, Ecosport and the Brezza), front & rear 12V power socket (available in the EcoSport) are absent in the WRV.

The only standout feature of the Honda WRV is the sunroof which is also the standout feature of its cousin, the Honda City.

If you wish to compare Honda WRV Vs Ford EcoSport Vs Maruti Vitara Brezza feature by feature, you can head over to our spec comparo page.

Let us know which cars variant suits you the best through our comments section below.

Recommended Read:

Honda WR-V: Is It Priced Right?

Honda WR-V Review

Read More on : WRV
Modified On Oct 11, 2017 11:00 PM By Khan Mohd. for Toyota Corolla Altis

This year, Toyota Motors gave a facelift to its charismatic Corolla Altis while Skoda brought in its new-generation Octavia. Both the cars are decently loaded with comfort and convenient features. Falling in the segment of mostly chauffeur-driven cars, the Toyota and Skoda sedan carry adequate traits to continue their global legacy. Its the reliability, durability and their respective badges which make them one of the most sought-after sedans worldwide. Between the two fresh offerings lies another executive sedan  the Hyundai Elantra. Lets pit all the three cars against each other to know where each car stands. Scroll down to go deeper into the details.

Engines and Performance

Petrol Engine

Speaking of the Corolla Altis, it gets the same powerful 1.8-litre petrol motor while the Elantra and the Octavia entail a 2.0-litre and optional 1.4-litre or 1.8-litre engines, respectively. While the Octavia churns out top figures of 180PS and 250Nm from its larger pot, the Elantra stand second with 152PS and 192Nm while the Altis settles at the last spot with numbers of 140PS and 173Nm. All the cars are available with manual as well as automatic options. The mileage figures of the Toyota sedan read 14.3kmpl while the Octavia triumphs all with 16.8kmpl of fuel economy. The Elantra delivers 14.59kmpl with its manual version.

Diesel

The oil burners of the trio are quite different in their capacities: Corolla Altis  1.4-litres, Octavia  2.0-litres and Elantra  1.6-litres. The higher capacity mill of the Octavia takes the crown with 143PS of power and 320Nm of torque. The Elantra comes second while the Corolla Altis rests at the third spot. Unlike the Octavia and the Elantra, theres no automatic option in the diesel Altis. The Elantra leads the way in the fuel efficiency with figures of 22.54kmpl, while the Czech follows next with 21kmpl. The Toyota scores yet another last grade.

Dimensions

The Skoda Octavia beats the other two by being the longest, widest and the tallest sedan in the reckoning here. Though it has the least ground clearance (155mm), it boasts on the boot-space front (massive 590-litres). The Toyota Corolla Altis finally gains the top spot in terms of standing above the ground, at 175mm, while the Korean beau stands at a decent 165mm. While the Toyota and the Hyundai share the same figures of the wheelbase (2700mm), the Octavia shrinks down to 2688mm. That said, interior space would be certainly more in the other two as opposed to the Octavia.

Features

Since all three belong to the executive saloons segment, the features provided are decent and match the price point at which they are offered. The Hyundai Elantra offers front-seat ventilation  a boon in summers, alongside dual-zone climatic control. Offering a dual-zone climate control mechanism, the Octavia offers 12-way power adjustable drivers seat while the Altis comes with automatic air-conditioning and eight-way electrically adjustable drivers seat. The infotainment systems in the trio are touchscreen and connect most of the gadgets. The safety has been upped in the new Corolla Altis with seven SRS airbags whereas the Elantra and the Octavia offer six and eight, respectively.

Prices

The Toyota Corolla Altis prices start from Rs 15.87 lakh while Octavias prices start from Rs 15.83 lakh. The most aggressive pricing is done by Hyundai with the Elantra being the cheapest, by almost Rs 2.7 lakh, starting at Rs 12.99 lakh. All prices are ex-showroom, Delhi. Given the present scenario, the Toyota leads the pack -- lets see if the new avatar is able to further accelerate its sales or not.

Read More on : Corolla Altis price
Our portfolio of high quality UK commercial property is focused on London Offices and Retail around the UK. We own or manage a portfolio valued at 13.7bn (British Land share: 10.3bn) as at 30 September 2020 making us one of Europe's largest listed real estate investment companies. Our strategy is to provide places which meet the needs of our customers and respond to changing lifestyles - Places People Prefer. We do this by creating great environments both inside and outside our buildings and use our scale and placemaking skills to enhance and enliven them. This expands their appeal to a broader range of occupiers, creating enduring demand and driving sustainable, long term performance. Our Offices portfolio comprises three office-led campuses in central London as well as high quality standalone buildings and accounts for 65% of our portfolio. Our Retail portfolio is focused on retail parks and shopping centres, and accounts for 31% of our portfolio. Increasingly our focus is on providing a mix of uses and this is most evident at Canada Water, our 53 acre redevelopment opportunity where we have plans to create a new neighbourhood for London. Sustainability is embedded throughout our business. Our places, which are designed to meet high sustainability standards, become part of local communities, provide opportunities for skills development and employment and promote wellbeing. In April 2016 British Land received the Queen's Award for Enterprise: Sustainable Development, the UK's highest accolade for business success for economic, social and environmental achievements over a period of five years.
Bill de Blasios 2013 mayoral victory unsettled New Yorks urban reformers. Over the course of five mayoral terms, Rudolph Giuliani and Michael Bloomberg had shown the Big Apple that crime and welfare could be dramatically reduced, education improved, and economic opportunities for people of all races and backgrounds enhanced. De Blasios win, despite his open repudiation of the Giuliani-Bloomberg legacy, raised a disturbing question: Were New Yorkers turning their backs on the policies that had brought the city back from decline?

So far, though de Blasio has made many high-profile symbolic moves to the left, New York remains healthy. Crime, despite a much-publicized spike in murders in 2015, is at near-record lows. Welfare rolls are up by about 8 percent, which is troubling, but theyre still well below historical highs. And the citys economy keeps chugging along, employing a record number of people and adding jobs at roughly the national average. Reformers could take solace in this and tell themselves that the citys politics are essentially unchanged.

A close look at electoral and demographic data, however, shows that the tenuous political constituency that backed Giuliani and Bloomberg at key moments has dissolved. The political path that reformers used in the 1990s and 2000select a strong mayor on the Republican line with backing from dissident Democrats and Independentsis no longer a reliable option. New Yorkers who wish to protect and expand the Giuliani- and Bloomberg-era innovations must experiment with other political tools if they want to ensure that the city does not slide back into decay, disorder, and decline.

As the chart on page 42 shows, Giuliani and Bloomberg relied on winning large majorities in ethnic white communities in Queens and Staten Island, areas that were both the bastions of the Republican Partys strength in the city and where the white, working-class Reagan Democrats lived. Elsewhere, Giuliani and Bloomberg ran even in Brooklyn to offset losses among nonwhite and upscale liberal whites in the Bronx and Manhattan. Both men received nearly identical shares of the citywide vote in their initial, close victories, while winning similar shares of the vote in each of the five boroughs.

Unfortunately, the kinds of voters Giuliani and Bloomberg relied on have strikingly declined in number since the early 1990s. Census data compiled by New York Universitys Furman Center show that non-Hispanic whites constituted 43 percent of the citys population in 1990 but only 33 percent in 2010. The decline was even more precipitous in the two boroughs that formed the Giuliani-Bloomberg coalitions base. In 1990, 85 percent of Staten Islanders and 48 percent of Queens residents were non-Hispanic white. By 2010, non-Hispanic whites made up only 73 percent of Staten Islands and 28 percent of Queenss residents. Their nonwhite replacements, largely Hispanic and Asian, are much likelier to back Democrats, regardless of the circumstances.

One can see the effect of these changes on the citys partisan proclivities by comparing the gubernatorial-election results of the two Cuomos: Mario and Andrew. Both father and son had relatively easy reelection campaigns at the bookends of the era were examining, 1990 and 2014. Both won nearly identical shares of the vote at the statewide level: Mario got 54.3 percent in 1990, and Andrew garnered 53.2 percent in 2014. Yet their shares of the vote in New York City differed in important ways. The chart on page 43 shows how Andrew Cuomo received significantly higher shares of the vote in four of the citys five boroughs than his father did two decades earlierand this with a Green Party candidate siphoning between 2 percent and 7 percent of the vote away from him. (Mario Cuomo faced no significant left-wing opposition in his 1990 race.) The conclusion is clear: New York Citys underlying demographic changes have turned an already-liberal city sharply left.

These changes dont simply apply to partisan races where city issues are irrelevant. Their effect was already apparent in Mayor Bloombergs surprisingly close 2009 reelection. While he won nearly the same share of the citywide vote (50.7 percent) that he received in 2001 (50.3 percent), the distribution among the boroughs was very different. Bloombergs vote share dropped in four of the five boroughs, including an 11-point drop in Staten Island. He won reelection only because he carried Manhattan, with 55.8 percent of the votemuch more than the 50.9 percent that Giuliani got on the island in his landslide 1997 reelection.

Gothams demographics have continued to change since 2009. The Census Bureau estimates that New Yorks population has increased by 375,000 people since the census of April 2010. More than 452,000 people have emigrated from foreign countries to the city since then, while more than 400,000 people left New York to live elsewhere. No accurate estimates of the citys racial and ethnic composition currently exist, but these data suggest that the decline in the white percentage of the population and, with it, New Yorks drift to the Democrats continue apace.

These data also show that determined reformers need to find new ways of influencing politics and building coalitions. They have several options from which to choose.

The first might be called the Club for Growth approach. The Club for Growth is an advocacy group that contributes to the campaigns of fiscally conservative candidates for national offices, including in the House and Senate. The Club has been most active in Republican Party primary elections, but a New York version would take the citys partisan leanings as a given and seek to build reform constituencies within the Democratic Party. Like the national Club for Growth, the New York Club would focus its efforts on primary elections. It would target non-mayoral racesincluding those for borough president, city council, and other citywide electoral officesand seek to elect promising candidates.

Such an effort could work only if the leaders and campaign staff are themselves active Democrats. People like Eva Moskowitz, Ray Kelly, and Joel Kleinall Democrats but not de Blasiostyle progressivescome to mind. All are civic leaders in important reform efforts that Republicans and Independents can also support. They and others like them could form an urban version of the Democratic Leadership Council of the 1980s and 1990s, which organized moderate and center-left Democrats to take back their party from the Left. A New York Club for Growth would have the same goal and presumably attract similar supporters.

Wealthy Republicans and Independents could contribute to this effort, but most of the support must come from those perceived to be loyal Democrats. Any effort by non-Democrats to tip the outcome of Democratic primaries would be viewed as a hostile takeover and hence be less likely to succeed. The New York Club would also need a clearly defined statement of principles and an agenda. The national Club offers a clear philosophy and uses a rigorous screening process to assess prospective candidates on key issues. Donors and candidates know exactly what theyre signing on to.

The necessarily partisan focus of a New York Club for Growth might discourage many participants. New Yorks election laws, however, provide an almost unique way for individuals to influence elections: third-party cross-endorsement. New Yorkers have used this approach for decades to pressure Democrats and Republicans to select nominees amenable to the third party.

New York is one of only two states that permit a party to endorse a candidate running on another party line and place the candidates name on its own ballot line, as well. This gives these smaller parties power: if one of the major parties wants its voters support, that party must nominate a candidate amenable to those voters views. This, in turn, gives the major parties the ability to broaden their appeal without watering down their core views. Liberal Party members who would never vote Republican, for example, voted, on the Liberal Party line, for Republican mayoral candidates in many twentieth-century elections.

A Republican has never been elected in New York City without the cross-endorsement of an important third party. Fiorello La Guardia enjoyed crucial support from the American Labor Party, while the Liberals provided the needed cross-endorsement for John Lindsay and Rudolph Giuliani. Even Michael Bloomberg required the cross-endorsement of the Independence Party to gain enough votes to outpoll his Democratic rivals. The fact that de Blasios 2013 opponent, Joe Lhota, received the cross-endorsement only of the small Conservative Party was an early signal that he would fall well short of winning.

Those considering the third-party option must decide whether it is easier to start a new party or work within an existing one. Starting a new party is daunting; state law only grants a party automatic ballot status if its gubernatorial candidate wins 50,000 votes. Reformers who wish to use the third-party approach would probably meet with more success by building support within a third party that already has ballot status. They could then endorse suitable gubernatorial candidates, ensuring their spot on city ballots, and focus on using cross-endorsement to influence candidates for city office.

The party likeliest to be open to such cooperation is the conveniently named New York Reform Party. Formed by 2014 Republican gubernatorial candidate Rob Astorino as the Stop Common Core Party, the Reform Party has qualified for ballot status through 2018 because Astorino received the required 50,000 votes on its party line. Yet the Reform Party currently has almost no registered members. Only 900 people in the entire stateand only 138 in the citywere registered as of November 1, making Reform easily the smallest party in the state. Even the party that Governor Andrew Cuomo created for his 2014 reelection, the Womens Equality Party, has nearly 2,300 statewide registrants.

An expanded Reform Party could operate like the union-backed Working Families Party doesusing the resources at its disposal to encourage major-party candidates to seek its endorsement or risk losing votes to its own candidate. In most areas of the city, an active Reform Party could become the dominant source of opposition to city hall, going to the tiny Republican Party for its cross-endorsement, rather than vice versa. An active Reform Party could also be the best vehicle to build a political constituency among New Yorks new nonwhite voters, who might find the national Republican brand off-putting and prefer a less ideological brand of politics at the local level.

While potentially more effective than a New York City Club for Growth, the Reform Party option has its own downsides. Helping to run and maintain a political party, even a small one, demands lots of work and commitment, as well as a ground presence that enrolls and organizes voters. The Working Families Party uses its constituent unions to provide the manpower and the organizing muscle, while the New York Conservative Party relies on its status as the only party firmly committed to pro-life and social conservative causes to recruit members. Unlike the Club approach, the Reform Party option requires more than a few well-heeled citizens and an effective campaign staff: it calls for sustained, passionate citizen involvement.

One can envision the charter school movement providing some of the necessary backing and manpower. Charter schools are always under assault from progressives and unions, and charter school parents and advocates currently rely on lobbying officeholders to maintain support. Combining in a third party could strengthen their hand politically and give them a regular voice in city affairs. More than 95,000 children currently attend charter schools, and that number has grown by an average of 10,000 per year for each of the last four years. There could be enough politically interested parents and activists to form the backbone of a third party committed to expanding educational choice.

Police officersif not their unioncould also provide crucial support. De Blasios tenure should show cops that their honored place in New Yorks civic lifeand the job perks that go along with itis not secure. Using the Reform Party as their vehicle would give the police leverage with any mayor. Citizens involved with the Police Foundation could offer additional manpower and financial backing.

Small-business people represent yet another possible constituency. They presumably pursue their interests via their elected council members, but a vibrant, pro-small-business Reform Party would give them political clout in every district in the city. Since many small-business people are also recent immigrants, especially Chinese and Koreans, focusing a party on their concerns would help address the citys demographic changes, incorporating newly arrived New Yorkers into a civic-minded philosophy.

A serious organizational effort would likely succeed in taking over the Reform Party. Indeed, Curtis Sliwa, founder of the Guardian Angels and talk-radio host, has already mounted a takeover challenge that party founder Astorino is challenging in court. Given the partys minuscule size, however, a second, more serious, challenge would easily swamp any resistance from Sliwa or Astorinoassuming that theyre not included in the new, potentially much more significant, organization.

Some Giuliani-era supporters might wonder why a revitalized Republican Party couldnt play a leading role in these efforts. Theoretically, it could, of course, but the citys GOP has become primarily a platform for local leaders to cut deals. They would likely resist efforts to make the party more open and issue-driven, so any such battle would be an uphill one. And, like it or not, national partisan identity has a role in civic politics. Many reformers are national Democrats and find committing to a new Republican Party unacceptable for reasons that extend far beyond New York Cityespecially with Republican Donald Trump assuming the presidency.

Another option exists: changing the citys elections from a partisan to a nonpartisan system. Nonpartisan elections for local office are the norm in more than 80 percent of American cities, according to Randy Mastro, former deputy mayor under Rudy Giuliani. Twenty-three of the 30 largest U.S. cities elect their mayors via a nonpartisan system. Partisan identification is perhaps the strongest weapon in the progressive arsenal: many Democrats simply wont vote for a Republican, making the Democratic Party primarywhere progressives have more impactthe effective general election. Remove the partisan barriers, however, and voters could focus more on the candidates and less on their affiliations. This would probably help reform-oriented candidates.

Advocates for nonpartisan elections will need to garner more support than Mayor Bloomberg did when he attempted to push this change through in 2003. Despite spending millions of dollars of his own money, Bloomberg couldnt convince New Yorkers, who rejected the proposed change by a 71 to 29 margin. A close examination of the results, though, shows that partisanship was an important predictor of opposition. Queens and Staten Island voted against the proposal by significantly lower margins than did the other three boroughs. Moreover, within each borough, a yes vote for nonpartisan elections tracked closely with opposition in the prior year to the Democratic nominee for governor, Carl McCall. The worse McCall did, the higher the support for nonpartisan elections. This strongly suggests that even Bloomberg-supporting Democrats and Independents perceived the measure as a Republican power play. When push came to shove, these voters, crucial to the Giuliani-Bloomberg coalition, backed their party over their mayor.

Any attempt to reintroduce nonpartisan elections must overcome this obstacle. A significant faction of Democrats would need to conclude that their interests are better served by reducing the power that progressives hold within the party-primary system and endorsing a new election framework that allows them to join with Republicans in an informal coalition.

Similar considerations led Chicago to abandon its partisan mayoral-election system in 1995. The victory of progressive African-American Harold Washington in the 1983 and 1987 Democratic primaries meant that more moderate Democratic officeholders found themselves shut out of the mayoralty. Richard M. Daley, who eventually became mayor after Washingtons untimely death in office, backed changing the system in 1986 precisely to end the potential lock that Washingtons faction would otherwise have on the mayors office. No candidate backed primarily by progressive elements has won Chicagos mayoralty since the change; nor has any significant Republican even run for the office. Both Daley and current mayor Rahm Emanuel were therefore able to count on support from the citys small Republican base and fend off opponents from their left. This GOP support was essential to Emanuels 2015 reelection in the face of an aggressive challenge from progressive Democrat Jesus Chuy Garcia. A nonpartisan mayoral-election system wont guarantee that a reform-minded mayor would win, but it would presumably increase his or her chances.

One might take issue with this argument by pointing out that Chicago, which hasnt elected a Republican mayor since 1927, is a mess, while New York voted for five consecutive Republican mayoral terms in the 1990s and 2000s and saw substantial positive change as a result. Yet with the accelerating demographic shifts in the city, it seems more probable that reform efforts will come in the future from centrist Democrats, who might find nonpartisan elections just the vehicle they need.

Any of the foregoing proposals requires significant ongoing effort and political cooperation. Reformers might find it easier to create temporary coalitions around specific issues. In these cases, they should consider aggressive use of voter-sponsored initiatives to amend the city charter.

Voters last exercised this power in 1993 to impose term limits on the mayor and city council. The process itself is complicated; but essentially, an initiative endorsed by 45,000 registered voters can be placed on the ballot for approval. Any initiative receiving a majority of votes then becomes part of the citys charter, and its provisions have the effect of law.

This method of political influence avoids some of the problems inherent in the other approaches. Reform groups need not settle on a common, comprehensive platform, as would be required to launch a third party or to follow the Club for Growth model, nor would they have to put aside partisan interests, as would be necessary to change the municipal-election system. They need only agree on a single, specific proposal and go their separate ways after the measure wins or loses.

Voters from left and right have taken this route to influence government policy in cities around the country. Conservatives have used voter initiatives, for example, to enact tax and spending limitations or crime-control measures. Liberal groups have used them to pass targeted tax hikes for spending programs or to ensure specific funding levels for public schools.

Reformers who close their eyes to the citys new political and demographic realities wont have much success.

Under current state law, New Yorkers can put this tool to use only for matters deemed to be of local concern. Courts have kept some voter initiatives off the ballot on grounds that such proposals covered matters of state, not local, interest. This limitation kept two measures seeking to reduce class sizes in city schools off the ballot in 2003 and 2005. Advocates for specific reforms, therefore, cant be certain in advance that their measure will be permitted to go forward for a vote.

The looming vote on a statewide constitutional convention could offer a way to circumvent this barrier. The state constitution requires that a vote be held every 20 years to evaluate the need for a constitutional convention. The vote will occur this year. City reformers could push for a convention and, if one takes place, use the process to revamp the constitution to expand the role of voter initiatives and referenda. This would offer greater leeway to protect and extend effective policies on a case-by-case basis.

Reformers might also propose structural changes that would reduce mayoral power. These could include, say, making police commissioner an elected position, thus removing policing policy from the mayor and placing it effectively with the people. This would not be an untested innovation: 98 percent of the nations county-level sheriffs are elected, and police commissioners are elected directly in England and Wales. Should a majority of New Yorkers want a tougher crime policy than the mayor does, moving to an elective arrangement could prove effective in maintaining Giuliani-Bloomberg-style policing. Recall initiatives, in which citizens can remove officeholders before their terms expire, offer another option. A recall would let a majority of voters overcome partisan divisions to issue a strong negative verdict when a mayor strays too far from widely shared values.

New Yorkers who love their city have every reason to be worried. While Mayor de Blasio has so far respected many of the policies that turned the city around, his rhetoric and history indicate that he is an ardent foe of the vision of government pursued by Mayors Giuliani and Bloomberg. One can read too much into de Blasios 2013 victory. As with all elections, personality, tactics, and circumstances mattered. De Blasios clever campaign ads had as much to do with his primary win as any voter endorsement of his broader progressive philosophy. Yet its also possible to read too little into that win. The citys demographics have changed a lot, weakening the political coalition that elected Giuliani and Bloomberg. Politics remains the art of the possible, but it requires art and skill to discern what is possible and how to achieve it at any given time. Reformers who close their eyes to the citys new political and demographic realities wont have much success. Bold new approaches, combined with an appreciation for the values of the citys new residents, would give reformers a fighting chance. All those who love the vibrant, innovative, cultured place we call New York should eagerly join the fight.

Photo: Rudolph Giuliani and Michael Bloomberg defeated Democratic opponents for mayor in five consecutive elections with backing from important third parties. (RICHARD B. LEVINE/NEWSCOM)
03/16/2017

The agrochemical industry and its supporters often portray so-called anti-GMO activists as an unduly powerful force whose influence has prevented people in poor countries from accessing nutritious food.

Even news publications such as the New York Times have claimed that the global scientific consensus holds that existing genetically engineered crops are no riskier than others and that at stake is how to grow healthful food most efficiently, at a time when a warming world and growing global population make that all the more urgent.

But industry critics, such as the advocacy group the Center for Food Safety, have long counter-argued that debates over whether GMOs are safe to eat or not, along with claims that GMOs can feed the world if activists stopped fighting them, are only a distraction from the real controversy at hand.

Genetic engineering is used primarily to develop seeds that dramatically increase use of pesticides the [seed] companies also sell, the Center for Food Safety wrote in a post last year, in which the group was urging the Department of Justice to reject an impending merger of former competitors Bayer and Monsanto.

Just five companies  Monsanto, DuPont, Syngenta, Dow and Bayer  account for 62% of world seed sales, the Center wrote. The justice department allowed the merger to happen anyway, putting control of world seed sales in the hands of even fewer companies.

And now internal company documents, recently unsealed thanks to a lawsuit that cancer patients have filed against Monsanto, point to the potential dangers that such a heavy corporate influence may bring. The documents indicate that an Environmental Protection Agency official may have allowed Monsanto to taint scientific debate about glyphosate, the key ingredient of Monsantos best-selling Round-up herbicide and the most used agriculture chemical in the world.

Monsanto describes helping hand from EPA official

With 220 million pounds of glyphosate sprayed in 2015 alone, people who live near farms as well as consumers everywhere have ample reason to demand more data into the herbicide's safety, as a United Nations report recently argued. But the science continues to be debated even as the herbicide is heavily sprayed. Government agencies all over the world have taken conflicting views on the matter, and United States regulators continue to assert that glyphosate is safe.

Many consumers are still not convinced. Nearly two dozen lawsuits have been filed in the United States against Monsanto over concerns that glyphosate can cause cancer. The litigation, now pending, claims that Monsanto has known but failed to warn its consumers or federal regulators about the risks that glyphosate brings.

The federal judge overseeing the litigation this week unsealed documents suggesting a close relationship between Monsanto and one federal regulator. When, nearly two years ago, a World Health Organization panel determined that glyphosate is a probable carcinogen, the EPA regulator gave Monsanto advance warning, the records indicate.

The newly unsealed records, all emails between Monsanto executives, show that Jess Rowland, a director in the Environmental Protection Agencys pesticide division, tipped Monsanto off to the WHOs findings ahead of time.

"I should get a medal"

The emails between Monsanto executives also describe an attempt by the United States Department of Health and Human Services to evaluate the cancer-causing potential of glyphosate. Rowland, however, said he would try to kill that review, according to the emails between Monsanto officials. If I can kill this, I should get a medal, Rowland had said, according to the description of his comments in Monsanto company emails.

The Monsanto executives also described Rowland as someone who could be useful as we move forward with ongoing glyphosate defense when he retires. Sure enough, the review never took place and Rowland left his high-level job last year.

The emails also show that Monsanto executives made plans to ghost-write academic papers asserting that glyphosate is safe and put real researchers names on them. (The researchers in question, reached by the Times, denied that they allowed the company to do any ghostwriting on their behalf).

In a statement to news outlets, Monsanto stood by its previous claims that glyphosate is safe. The allegation that glyphosate can cause cancer in humans is inconsistent with decades of comprehensive safety reviews by the leading regulatory authorities around the world, Monsanto told Bloomberg.

But some researchers and advocates continue to say that there are not nearly enough comprehensive safety reviews affirming that glyphosate is safe. "I think the evidence that glyphosate is carcinogenic is very strong and the EPA just refuses to acknowledge it, Bill Freese, science policy analyst for the Center for Food Safety, told ConsumerAffairs last year.

EPA bent to industry demands last year

The EPA last year did organize a panel to once again review the carcinogenicity of glyphosate. Included among the nearly dozen scientists to be in the panel was Dr. Peter Infante, an epidemiologist, researcher, and consultant who spent over two decades working in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The EPA included him in the panel, the agency had said, because he "played a major role in determining cancer and other risks to workers posed by toxic substances such as lead and formaldehyde.

But after learning of his inclusion, CropLife America, the trade group that represents Monsanto and other agrochemical companies, wrote a letter to the EPA complaining that Infante "has taken radical anti-pesticide positions. In particular, the industry did not like Infantes past criticisms of industry-funded research. Its what I call prostituted science, Infante had apparently said once. Shortly after CropLife complained about Infante, the EPA dropped him from its panel with little public explanation, as ConsumerAffairs reported last year.

Infante showed up to the EPAs panel late last year anyway--as a public speaker. He reportedly said there is impressive evidence linking glyphosate to cancer. "Is it conclusive? No, I don't think so, Infante had told one reporter after the meeting. But I think that EPA is concluding that there is no evidence. And that's exactly wrong, according to their own criteria."

The meeting ended with the EPA's panelists remaining divided over glyphosate's safety. Afteward, law firms and advocates accused the EPA of showing favoritism to industry researchers at the meeting. When the EPA released a report last year also claiming that glyphosate is safe, a senior scientist with the National Resources Defense Council similarly told Reuters that the EPA had based its findings on industry-funded studies.
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New York, March 15, 2017Iranian authorities should immediately release Ehsan Mazandarani, Hengameh Shahidi, and all journalists jailed for their work, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. The arrests come ahead of presidential elections scheduled for May.

Security forces detained Mazandarani, a reporter for the reformist daily newspaper Etemad and the former editor of the daily newspaper Farhikhtegan, from his home in Tehran on March 12, according to media reports. The reasons for Mazandaranis latest detention were not immediately clear, the reports said. The reformist website Kalame reported that Mazandarani phoned his family from Tehrans Evin Prison to say he was beginning a hunger strike.

The journalist was released from prison on February 11, having served 15 months of a two-year prison sentence on charges of propagandizing against the state and collusion against national security.

Security forces in the northern Iranian city of Mashhad on March 9 detained Hengameh Shahidi, who also contributes to Etemad and the news website Gooya, according to media reports, which said she had traveled to Mashhad to attend her grandmothers funeral.

Mostafa Turk Hamedani, Shahidis attorney, told the official ILNA news agency that he had requested permission to visit his client, but needed court approval first, because she is being charged with unspecified national security crimes.

In addition to her work as a journalist, Shahidi is a member of the National Trust Party. In 2009, she was an adviser to opposition presidential candidate Mehdi Karroubi, who has been under house arrest since 2011.

Ehsan Mazandarani and Hengameh Shahidi are journalists, not criminals. They should be freed without delay, CPJ Middle East and North Africa Program Coordinator Sherif Mansour said from Washington, D.C. If Iran wishes the coming presidential elections to be seen as free and fair, it must release its hold on the media and allow journalists to work without fear of reprisal.

In a separate incident, officers assaulted imprisoned journalist Issa Saharkhiz on his hospital bed in Tehran Heart Center on March 11, Mehdi Saharikhiz, the journalists son, told CPJ. Mehdi Saharikhiz told CPJ that two officers overturned his fathers bed as they searched underneath it.

After my father protested, the officers physically assaulted him, Saharkhiz said.

Issa Saharkhiz was arrested in November 2015, three months before parliamentary elections. In September 2016, he was sentenced to 21 months in prison for insulting the Supreme Leader.

Iran is scheduled to hold presidential elections in May. Iranian authorities have cracked down on independent or critical journalists ahead of past elections, CPJ research shows.
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The Committee to Protect Journalists today joined 40 human rights groups calling on the U.N. Human Rights Council to support the resolution to renew the mandate of the U.N. Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran. A vote on the resolution is scheduled to take place during the 34th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, which ends March 24.

The letter highlights Iranian authorities use of arbitrary detention to stifle and punish dissent, including among journalists, lawyers, human rights defenders, and others who are simply exercising rights protected under international law. Renewing the special rapporteurs mandate would send a powerful message to Iran that its actions are a concern and that improvements are expected, the letter says. Eight journalists were jailed in Iran at the time of CPJs most recent prison census. Nearly all of them are held on anti-state charges.

A copy of the letter can be viewed here.
Celebrity Cruises has launched new Galapagos website, offering in-depth insights into its three-ship program in the region.

Our award-winning Galapagos vacations have always highlighted the ultra-premium experience Celebrity Cruises is renowned for, said Dondra Ritzenthaler, Senior Vice President, Sales, Trade Support and Service, Celebrity Cruises, so its exciting that we have a new website to show what we offer. Celebrity has always been revered as an authority of the Galapagos Islands, and those that have been to this magical place know that it is a must-do, one-in-a-lifetime experience.

The website allows for internet bookings and also displays in-depth information from local experts on each itinerary, with data on packages, perks and details into the companys Galapagos program.

Sailings in the region are open through 2019. Vacation packages range from 10 to 16 nights, and feature a 7-night cruise with a variety of itineraries.
1.4 million Pennsylvanians asked to vote by mail. How fast will ballots be counted?
Mushrooms, or Agaricomycetes, are common, conspicuous and morphologically diverse fungi. Most agaricomycete fruiting bodies are ephemeral, so they are extremely rare in fossils. Up to now, all described species of gilled mushrooms, or Agaricales, have been known exclusively from amber. Among them, two forms are from the Mesozoic, including the earliest mushrooms, Palaeoagaracites antiquus from 99-million-year-old Burmese amber, and the slightly younger Archaeomarasmius leggetti from New Jersey amber (about 90 million year old). The remaining three species are known from early Miocene Dominican amber, some 20-million-year-old. Evidence indicating the origin and early diversification of Agaricomycetes is very limited.

Recently, a research team led by Prof. HUANG Diying from Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology (NIGPAS) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences reported a diversity of gilled mushrooms and mycophagous rove beetles from Burmese amber, the latter belonging to Oxyporinae, modern members of which exhibit an obligate association with soft-textured mushrooms. The results were published in Nature Communications on 16th March, 2017.

All the mushrooms they studied are very well-preserved and can be grouped in four forms. A stalk and a complete intact cap containing distinct gills are visible in most of these amber mushrooms. The new discovery suggests a long-term evolutionary stasis of body form for at least 99 million years and highlights the palaeodiversity of mushrooms, pushing back the presence of agarics by at least 25 million years.

More interestingly, the mouthparts of these early oxyporine rove beetles, including enlarged mandibles and greatly enlarged apical labial palpomeres with dense specialized sensory organs, match those of modern taxa and indicate a mushroom feeding habit of these beetles. The diverse and morphologically specialized oxyporine beetles had also been appeared by the Early Cretaceous, some 125 million years ago. Their finding displays an ancient ecological community assembling diverse mushrooms and beetles and established on specialized trophic interaction by this early date.

###

This study was jointly supported by the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the National Natural Science Foundation, the Natural Sciences Foundation of Jiangsu Province, and the Ministry of Science and Technology of China.

Reference: Chenyang Cai, R. A. B. Leschen, D. S. Hibbett, Fangyuan Xia, Huang Diying, 2017: Mycophagous rove beetles highlight diverse mushrooms in the Cretaceous. Nature Communications doi: 10.1038/ncomms14894.
Palo Alto, CA--New work from a joint team of plant biologists and ecologists from Carnegie and Stanford University has uncovered the factor behind an important innovation that makes grasses--both the kind that make up native prairies and the kind we've domesticated for crops--among the most-common and widespread plants on the planet. Their findings may enable the production of plants that perform better in warmer and dryer climate conditions, and are published by Science.

All land plants take in carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere and "exhale" oxygen and water vapor. This exchange is required for plant growth; the carbon dioxide is made into sugars by photosynthesis, the process by which plants turn the sun's energy into food. But it also is a major driver of global climate cycles.

A plant needs to balance its ability to take in CO2 with the potential to lose water. To achieve this balance it uses tiny, cellular valve-like pores on the surfaces of its leaves called stomata (after the Greek word for mouths). In grasses, these valves are particularly well-tuned; they can open wide to maximize CO2 uptake and shut down quickly when the surrounding conditions would lead to increased water loss.

Because grass crops like corn, wheat, and rice are a major food source, the Carnegie-Stanford group wanted to know why the stomata in these particular plants work so much better than stomata in other plants. One obvious feature is that in most plants, stomata are made up of just two so-called "guard cells", but grasses have an additional pair of cells on either side, which are called "subsidiary cells." These subsidiary cells enable the guard cells to open and close especially quickly.

In addition, while the guard cells of many plants have a kidney shape, grass guard cells are an unusual "dumbbell" shape. The subsidiary cells alongside these dumbbell-resembling cells provide a mechanical boost to enable them to open wide.

In this study, led by Dominique Bergmann, an honorary adjunct staff member at Carnegie's Department of Plant Biology and Professor at Stanford University's Biology Department, the researchers used a relative of wheat called Brachypodium to demonstrate that all grass stomata with a four-cell configuration, including the two subsidiary cells, are indeed more responsive to changing environmental conditions, and have a wider range of apertures for pore opening and closing. This sensitivity likely enhances the plant's performance, particularly in high temperatures or drought conditions.

Furthermore, the team--including lead author Michael Raissig of Stanford and Carnegie Global Ecology's Acting Director Joseph Berry--used sophisticated research techniques to identify a specific gene that enables Brachypodium to form the lateral subsidiary cells. The gene, called BdMUTE, encodes a protein that is considered a "master regulator" of cell behavior by turning on and off other genes that give cells their unique properties. Without this master regulator, Brachypodium stomata resemble the more primitive two-celled stomata found in other plants, and the research team showed that grasses with these two-celled stomata perform poorly.

What was particularly interesting and surprising is that BdMUTE isn't a brand-new protein found only in the grasses. Rather, it is a slightly modified version of protein that, a decade ago, was shown to have a different role in making two-celled stomata in the broadleaf mustard plant Arabidopsis. When an Arabidopsis cell is exposed to this version of the MUTE protein, it gets the message that it should commit itself to making guard cells. In Brachypodium, however, the protein moves out of the guard cell precursors into the neighbor cells and then induces these neighbors to become subsidiary cells in the four-celled complex.

"Could the mobility of the grass version of MUTE be the key to this master regulator's ability to set up these physiologically improved, four-celled grass stomata?" Raissig asked.

"And could this finding be utilized to make crops more resistant to warm climates and water-scarce conditions?" added Bergmann. "This presents an interesting target for further research that aims at engineering stomatal form and function to help crops cope in a changing climate, and ultimately, provide food for our ever-growing population."

"This elegant work from Dominique and colleagues is a beautiful illustration of how plants evolved developmental solutions to tackle physiological problems." said Sue Rhee, Director of Carnegie's Plant Biology.

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Other co-authors on the study were Juliana Matos, Ximena Anleu Gil, Emily Abrash, Akhila Bettadapur, and Hannah Allison of Stanford; Ari Kornfeld and Grayson Badgley of Carnegie's Department of Global Ecology, and John Vogel of the Department of Energy's Joint Genome Institute.

This work is supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation and the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation through a grant to Life Science Research Foundation, and the U.S. National Science Foundation. Dominique Bergmann is a Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation investigator of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.

The Carnegie Institution for Science is a private, nonprofit organization headquartered in Washington, D.C., with six research departments throughout the U.S. Since its founding in 1902, the Carnegie Institution has been a pioneering force in basic scientific research. Carnegie scientists are leaders in plant biology, developmental biology, astronomy, materials science, global ecology, and Earth and planetary science.
DURHAM, N.C. -- If you've ever suffered through a nightmare date and were hesitant to try again, fruit flies can relate.

Female fruit flies that have been coerced into sex by invasive males of the wrong species produce fewer offspring and are less likely to reproduce with their own kind, finds a new study.

Invasive species are known to threaten native biodiversity by bringing in new diseases, preying on resident species, or outcompeting them for food or other resources. But this study shows invasives pose a risk through unwelcome romantic advances, too.

"We don't tend to think about misdirected mating attempts driving animals to extinction," said study author Mohamed Noor, a biology professor at Duke University.

When you're a female Drosophila persimilis fruit fly, a blind date horror story goes something like this:

A stranger approaches and gives you a tap. He flashes a wing and offers up a drop of vomit. You try to sidestep or turn away, but he badgers you from front to back. Eventually he chases you down and climbs on your back. You try to resist his ardent advances and kick him off, but he persists.

When it's over, persimilis females are done with love. Not even males of their own kind can woo them again, at least for a while, the researchers report. "These aren't voluntary matings," Noor said.

Noor was collecting wild fruit flies in Washington state in the 1990s when he noticed something odd: a species called Drosophila persimilis, once abundant in the area, was almost nowhere to be found. In its place was a small brownish-black fly called Drosophila subobscura.

Native to the Mediterranean, subobscura was first spotted in North America in the early 1980s. It started breeding and quickly spread up and down the west coast of Canada and the United States. By the mid-1990's, it had become one of the most common fruit flies in the area, outnumbering its native cousins.

Subobscura males aren't choosy about their mates. They will even attempt to copulate with tiny fly-sized lumps of wax, provided they're jiggled to look alive. Perhaps, Noor reasoned, these invaders' romantic blunders were contributing to the decline of native flies.

Back at Duke, Noor and his team put 66 native persimilis females in one of two situations. Forty-two females were placed in vials with non-native subobscura males, one pair per vial. The rest were paired with persimilis males.

After watching each vial for an hour, the researchers documented 14 forced copulations among the mixed trials. Despite the females' best efforts to fend off their foreign suitors, forced matings between species were just as frequent and lasted twice as long as consensual sex between persimilis pairs.

The misdirected mating attempts produced no offspring, but a second round of trials revealed that native persimilis females that had been sexually harassed by non-natives were less likely to remate with their own species several hours later.

Though the exact reasons for their reluctance are unknown, many fruit fly females have an allergic reaction to other Drosophila species' sperm, suffering abdominal swelling and sometimes infertility.

The researchers also put flies of both species in vials and counted the number of offspring produced over 28 days. They found that persimilis females confined with males of both species produced fewer offspring than those confined with their own males alone.

In contrast, native persimilis males take little interest in invasive subobscura females, so the invaders aren't affected in the same way, Noor said.

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The results were published last week in the journal Ecology and Evolution. This research was supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation (DEB-1545627).

CITATION: "Reproductive Interference by Male Drosophila Subobscura on Female D. Persimilis: a Laboratory Experiment," Brenda Manzano-Winkler, Alexander Hish, Emily Aarons and Mohamed Noor. Ecology and Evolution, March 6, 2017. DOI: 10.1002/ece3.2855
Sophia Antipolis, 16 March 2017: Delirium is associated with a five-fold increase in mortality in acute cardiac patients, according to research published today in European Heart Journal: Acute Cardiovascular Care.1 Delirium was common and affected over half of acute cardiac patients aged 85 years and older.

Delirium is a clinical syndrome caused by a disturbance in the normal functioning of the brain. Delirious patients are less aware of, and responsive to, their environment. They can be disorientated, incoherent, and in a dream-like state, with hallucinations, disordered speech and memory disturbances.

Delirium affects at least one in ten hospitalised patients and is more common in the elderly. These patients have worse long-term prognosis and more complications during their hospital stay.

"Among hospitalised patients, those admitted to an intensive care unit are more likely to develop delirium and there are strategies to limit its consequences," said lead author Dr Giovanni Falsini, interventional cardiologist, San Donato Hospital, Arezzo, Italy. "Less is known about delirium and its significance in patients admitted to cardiac intensive care units. This study investigated the incidence and clinical impact of delirium in patients with acute cardiac diseases."

The study included all patients aged 65 years and older admitted to two cardiac intensive care units during a period of 15 months. Only non-intubated patients were enrolled. Validated score systems and questionnaires were used to detect and diagnose the presence of delirium at admission or during the hospital stay.

Delirious patients were closely followed by nursing and medical staff who used a flowchart for delirium treatment. This included treating pain and anxiety, and discontinuing medications known to cause delirium. Patient survival at six months was determined by telephone call.

The investigators found that delirium was a frequent condition among elderly patients with acute cardiac diseases. The study population consisted of 726 patients with an average age of 79 years, of whom 15% had delirium (at admission or during the hospital stay). More than half (52%) of patients aged 85 years and older were delirious.

Patients with delirium had a worse prognosis, with a five-fold increase in both in-hospital and 30-day mortality and a two-fold increase in six-month mortality. Delirium was not only a strong and independent factor in predicting mortality, but was also associated with longer hospital stay and more frequent rehospitalisations during follow-up.

"Delirium is a common and serious condition in acute cardiac patients," said Dr Falsini. "They stay in hospital longer, return to hospital more often, and are more likely to die in the short- and long-term."

Dr Falsini said elderly patients may be at higher risk because they usually have pre-existing issues that can predispose to delirium such as dementia, visual and hearing impairments, depression, use of psychoactive drugs, infections, or electrolyte disturbances.

He said: "The more complex and frail the patient is, the higher the rate of delirium and subsequent worse outcomes. It is unknown whether delirium can be treated to improve prognosis in critically ill patients, or whether it is a marker of organ dysfunction or systemic disease and an early sign that complications are likely. Monitoring delirium has been linked with reduced in-hospital mortality in mechanically ventilated patients and it is possible that similar benefit might occur in acute non-intubated patients."

Dr Falsini concluded: "Delirium is common, serious, costly and under-recognised. A protocol is needed to identify and treat delirium in high-risk settings, like cardiac intensive care units."

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The Genetics Society of America (GSA) is pleased to announce that Sally G. Hoskins, PhD is the 2017 recipient of the Elizabeth W. Jones Award for Excellence in Education. This award recognizes her role in developing and promoting the transformative CREATE (Consider, Read, Elucidate hypotheses, Analyze and interpret data, and Think of the next Experiment) method. This innovative approach uses primary literature to engage students and help them understand the collaborative problem-solving process that is real science. Hoskins is a Professor in the Department of Biology at City College of the City University of New York.

Originally a developmental neurobiologist, Hoskins has a strong interest in science education research. To enhance students' critical thinking skills and give them a firmer grasp of how science research projects build understanding, she developed CREATE at City College CUNY. Instead of mostly memorizing facts, students analyze data from selected primary scientific literature as if it described their own projects. Students learn about the research process by experiencing for themselves the creativity of study design and the challenges of data analysis and interpretation. They propose potential follow up projects during in-class peer review activities such as grant panels, which encourage the collaborative discussions and debate typical of real research labs.

"CREATE courses provide students with transferable skills that will help them navigate STEM developments in the 21st century, while stimulating their excitement about research careers," says Shubha Govind, PhD, (City College of the City University of New York).

Hoskins and collaborators have comprehensively evaluated the effectiveness of the CREATE method and consistently found that students taking CREATE courses improve in difficult-to-teach skills like critical thinking and experimental design. At the same time, taking the course improves students' attitudes and beliefs about science. This is true of students of all levels. One of the many strengths of the CREATE method is that it is flexible enough to be adopted in introductory or advanced level courses at all types of institutions, from community colleges to the Ivy League. Over 100 faculty members have taken part in multi-day intensive CREATE workshops led by Hoskins with support from the National Science Foundation and brought the method back to their own classrooms across the country.

"It is rare for an educational innovation developed at a minority-serving institution to become a national model," says Gillian Small, PhD (Provost, Fairleigh Dickinson University). "Professor Hoskins's CREATE project has had significant impact on STEM teaching and student learning at many institutions right across the country."

The Elizabeth W. Jones Award for Excellence in Education recognizes significant and sustained impact on genetics education. Recipients of the award have promoted greater exposure to and deeper understanding of genetics through distinguished teaching or mentoring, development of innovative pedagogical approaches or tools, design of new courses or curricula, national leadership, and/or public engagement and outreach. The award was named posthumously for Elizabeth W. Jones (1939-2008), the recipient of the first GSA Excellence in Education Award in 2007. She was a renowned geneticist and educator who served as the 1987 GSA president and as Editor-in-Chief of GSA's journal GENETICS for almost 12 years (1996-2008).

The award will be presented to Hoskins at the 58th Annual Drosophila Research Conference, March 29-April 2, 2017, San Diego, CA..

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To learn more about the GSA awards, and to view a list of previous recipients, please see http://www.genetics-gsa.org/awards.
Boulder, Colo., USA: The end-Paleozoic witnessed the most devastating mass extinction in Earth's history so far, killing the majority of species and profoundly shaping the evolutionary history of the survivors. Echinoderms are among the marine invertebrates that suffered the most severe losses at the end-Permian extinction.

At least that was the consensus until a team of European paleontologists -- Ben Thuy, Hans Hagdorn, and Andy S. Gale -- cast a critical eye on some poorly studied Triassic echinoderm fossils. The fossils turned out to belong to groups that supposedly went extinct by the end of the Paleozoic.

Some ancient echinoids, ophiuroids, and asteroids had slipped the bottleneck and coexisted with the ancestors of modern-day sea urchins, brittle stars, sand dollars, and relatives, for many millions of years. These echinoderm hangovers occurred almost worldwide and had spread into a wide range of paleo-environments by the late Triassic.

This discovery challenges the fundamentals of echinoderm evolution with respect to end-Permian survival and sheds new light on the early evolution of the modern clades, in particular on Triassic ghost lineages of the crown-group look-alikes of the Paleozoic hangovers.

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FEATURED ARTICLE

Paleozoic echinoderm hangover: Waking up in the Triassic

Ben Thuy, Natural History Museum Luxembourg, Department of Palaeontology, 24, rue Munster, 2160, 4 Luxembourg; nebyuht@yahoo.com; Hans Hagdorn, Muschelkalkmuseum Ingelfingen, Schlossstrasse 11, 74653 Ingelfingen, Germany; and Andrew Scott Gale, 6 School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Burnaby Building, 7 Burnaby Road, Portsmouth PO1 3QL, UK. OPEN ACCESS, doi: 10.1130/G38909.1.

GEOLOGY articles are online http://geology.gsapubs.org/. Representatives of the media may obtain complimentary articles by contacting Kea Giles at the e-mail address above. Please discuss articles of interest with the authors before publishing stories on their work, and please make reference to GEOLOGY in articles published. Non-media requests for articles may be directed to GSA Sales and Service, gsaservice@geosociety.org.

http://www.geosociety.org/
Some of them count the birds at a winter feeder, others walk along a stipulated route, summer after summer, to identify the butterflies they discover along the way. For a long time now, numerous nature enthusiasts have been contributing to the inventory count of biological diversity. Similarly, universities, research institutes and authorities participate in extensive monitoring programmes to assess the state of fauna and flora. There is a clear aim to all of this effort: the objective is to document any changes and, to the extent possible, stop the loss of biodiversity. Where can which species be found? Are the populations increasing or decreasing? Which animals and plants are experiencing serious difficulties? And are the measures taken to protect them actually achieving the desired result? "Questions of this nature can only be answered if there is good monitoring data available," emphasises UFZ ecologist Dr Dirk Schmeller.

State-of-the-art methods enable ecologists to use such information to obtain a fairly accurate picture of biological diversity and how it is changing. To this end, they observe various facets of biodiversity, such as the size of populations, the characteristics of species or the functioning of ecosystems and analyse how they change. To be able to obtain meaningful results, however, they need adequate data harvested over long periods of time. After all, they are only able to put a realistic figure on the loss of diversity and the role of humans by comparing different epochs: What was the world like before Homo sapiens transformed it completely? And what has changed since then?

The work by Dirk Schmeller and his British, French and Spanish colleagues now poses the question as to whether the monitoring programmes, which were launched only recently in most cases, can provide sufficient information. After all, humans started exerting pressure on modern fauna and flora and permanently altering them centuries ago. "In contrast, changes in society, such as more leisure time, higher environmental awareness and better education only comparatively recently brought about a situation where biodiversity data is being collected in a systematic way," the researcher explains. Is it therefore possible to use the information available to discern the consequences for biodiversity of the industrial revolution in the 19th century or the massive changes in agriculture since the 18th century?

In order to get a better assessment, Dirk Schmeller and his colleagues scrutinised for the first time the timeframe of European monitoring programmes. For this purpose, they consulted primarily the DaEuMon online database, which contains detailed information on the various monitoring programmes throughout Europe. It reveals, for instance, which methods are (or were) used to record data on which species in which countries. They additionally analysed information from other publicly accessible databases.

Even centuries ago, hunters, amateur naturalists and other enthusiasts began keeping records on the diversity of life. In this way, Dirk Schmeller and his colleagues came across studies on birds and plants dating from 1634, while the information on mammals even goes back just under a hundred years more than that. "There were no systematic data collections back then, however," the researcher explains. Instead, observers noted information on certain species in a rather arbitrary way and mostly limited themselves to relatively small areas and specific regions. In Great Britain, for example, there is a long tradition of birdwatching so that more is known about the history of the feathered inhabitants of the British Isles than about their relatives in other parts of Europe. This means that old data can provide only a very incomplete picture of the past diversity of the continent.

It is not until the second half of the 20th century that better information becomes available. Around 88 percent of European monitoring programmes were not kicked off until sometime after 1950. Just under half did not become operational until the beginning of the 1990s when the EU's Habitats Directive placed obligations on its member states to collect such data. But by that time Europe's ecosystems had already been under massive pressure for a long time. This is revealed by the history of human impact that the research team analysed and compared to the timeframe of the monitoring programmes as part of its study. Whether population growth or the emission of greenhouse gases, overfertilisation or pollution: all these issues have their origins long before the boom in monitoring.

Dirk Schmeller summarises: "As a consequence, we lack the correct baseline for all comparisons." People who are interested in the decline in the diversity of insects, for example, can indeed look back a few decades into the past. But they might then see only a fraction of the actual loss. They will find out little or nothing of all those species that were already unable to cope with the industrial revolution or the rapid changes in agriculture in the 18th century. "This means we are likely to massively underestimate the human impact," says Dirk Schmeller. This has far-reaching consequences. For example, when it comes to setting targets for nature conservation. It would appear to easily make sense if the objective is to preserve all bird and reptile species typical for a given area. The only question here is how to define "all". The list of species from the first instance of monitoring is, in all probability, incomplete, even if it does date back to the 1950s. Large numbers of the region's inhabitants were probably already long gone even by that stage.

Dirk Schmeller and his colleagues therefore argue that other sources of information should also be tapped in order to be able to look further back into the past. Firstly, they identify possibilities from a systematic evaluation of the extensive collections brought together by museums worldwide. "Secondly, palaeobiology can also supply very useful information," states Dirk Schmeller. This discipline attempts to reconstruct landscapes and ecosystems that have long disappeared. As an example, by drilling deep down into lake beds, researchers obtain sediment cores that can be examined for ancient pollen, seeds and microorganisms. More information on the biological diversity of bygone ages can also be found in fossils and old DNA. "These methods can be used to look back thousands of years," says Dirk Schmeller. "But we would content ourselves with as little as 250 years in order to be able to understand modern fauna and flora."

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BAR HARBOR, MAINE -- Scientists at the MDI Biological Laboratory and Novo Biosciences have identified a drug candidate to restore heart muscle function following a heart attack. Their research on the role of MSI-1436 in regenerating heart muscle tissue in zebrafish and mice was described in a paper in the peer-reviewed journal, npj Regenerative Medicine.

Cardiovascular disease is the world's leading killer, taking the lives of 17.5 million people annually, according to the World Health Organization, and disabling millions more. Currently, no drug exists to restore heart muscle function after a heart attack.

"The potential impact of MSI-1436 is enormous," MDI Biological Laboratory scientist Viravuth P. Yin, Ph.D., one of the paper's authors, said. "If it shows similar results in humans, it will be a game-changer for patients who suffer a heart attack and/or are living with heart disease."

The institution is seeking to move the drug into human clinical trials through a spinoff company, Novo Biosciences. The next step is to test the drug in pigs, the animal whose heart most closely resembles that of humans.

The drug has two advantages that are expected to smooth the path to the clinic. First, MSI-1436 stimulates tissue regeneration in zebrafish and mice, which are separated by approximately 450 million years of evolution. This increases the likelihood it will work in humans too. Second, it has already been shown to be well tolerated by patients in Phase 1 and 1b clinical trials for an unrelated indication. The maximum well-tolerated human dose is 5 to 50 times higher than the dose shown to be effective in stimulating heart repair in zebrafish and mice.

"The previous clinical trials of MSI-1436 make a big difference in bringing this drug to market," said Kevin Strange, Ph.D., president of the MDI Biological Laboratory and one of the paper's authors. "The path from laboratory bench to patient bedside can be long and difficult. But the fact that MSI-1436 has been shown to be safe for use in humans shaves years off the drug development process."

Strange is also the CEO and co-founder of Novo Biosciences and the co-inventor of MSI-1436, along with Yin and collaborator Michael A. Zasloff, M.D., Ph.D. Yin is the co-founder and chief scientific officer of Novo Biosciences. The scientists have been issued a patent on the use MSI-1436 for the treatment of heart disease.

The original research on MSI-1436 was conducted by Yin in zebrafish, an organism that can regenerate the form and function of almost any body part. He found that the administration of MSI-1436 increased appendage regeneration by 200 to 300 percent. Follow-up research showed that MSI-1436 also stimulated zebrafish heart regeneration to the same degree.

"That was definitely a 'Eureka!' moment," Yin said of the day in the laboratory when the appendage study was conducted. He was so astonished by the results that he repeated the study several times and under different conditions.

Yin followed the studies in zebrafish with studies in adult mice, which, like humans, have a limited capacity for regeneration. The goal was to see if MSI-1436 could stimulate regeneration in higher organisms. Though mammals such as mice and humans share the genetic pathways for regeneration with zebrafish, they have been largely deactivated for reasons that are still unclear.

The results in mice, which are detailed in the paper, show that the administration of MSI-1436 24 hours after an artificially induced heart attack increased survival; improved heart function two- to three-fold; reduced the size of the infarct or scar tissue by 53 percent; reduced ventricular wall thinning; and stimulated heart muscle cell proliferation in the infarct border zone by six-fold.

When a patient suffers a heart attack, part of the heart muscle dies and the associated scarring interferes with the heart's ability to effectively pump blood. The authors believe MSI-1436 to be the first drug candidate that has been shown to reduce scarring and induce heart regeneration in an adult mammal.

Strange and Yin view their MSI-1436 results as a validation of the MDI Biological Laboratory's and Novo Biosciences' unique approach to regenerative medicine. Regenerative medicine has focused on complex stem cell, gene and tissue-engineering approaches for the last 15 years or more, but thus far these approaches have failed to deliver on their promise, despite the investment of hundreds of millions of dollars.

By contrast, MDI Biological Laboratory and Novo Biosciences scientists are focused on decoding the instruction manual for repair and regeneration that has been conserved by evolution in human DNA for hundreds of millions of years. This approach has been very effective: in only a few years and at modest cost, they have identified three potential regenerative medicine drugs.

"If we can decode the instruction manual for regeneration in highly regenerative species," Yin said, "we can use drug therapies to reignite our own dormant regenerative capacity. Our research in these highly regenerative species is showing that regenerating damaged or lost tissues and organs could be as simple as taking a drug."

MSI-1436 also has potential applications for the regeneration of skeletal muscle tissue in Duchenne muscular dystrophy, which is characterized by progressive muscle degeneration and untimely death due to heart and/or respiratory failure. Other potential applications include stimulation of wound healing and regeneration of multiple other tissues, including nervous tissue.

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The research was supported by Center for Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE) and Institutional Development Award (IDeA) grants from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences, part of the National Institutes of Health. Additional support was provided by a grant from the Maine Technology Institute, by an American Heart Association Scientist Development Grant and by private philanthropy.

About the MDI Biological Laboratory

Our scientists are pioneering new approaches to regenerative medicine focused on developing drugs that activate our natural ability to heal, and that slow age-related degenerative changes. Our unique approach has identified new drugs with the potential to treat major diseases, demonstrating that regeneration could be as simple as taking a pill. As innovators and entrepreneurs, we also teach what we know. Our new Center for Science Entrepreneurship prepares students for 21st century careers and equips entrepreneurs with the skills and resources to turn great ideas into successful products. For more information, please visit mdibl.org.
Muhammad Elgammal, P.E., PMP, a 27-year-old associate civil engineer at The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, will be honored tonight at an American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) gala in Arlington, Va. as one of the organization's 10 "New Faces of Civil Engineering" for 2017.

ASCE describes the honorees, all professionals under 30, as engineers who "don't excel in merely one aspect of their job or one area of life. They are the best and brightest in virtually everything they do."

Elgammal is currently part of the design team for the $2.3 billion redevelopment of Terminal A at Newark Liberty Airport, where he has already designed and directed more than 20 projects since joining the agency in 2012. He also works with up-and-coming STEM students in area high schools as a mentor, while teaching an upper-level course at his alma mater.

He got his start with the agency as an intern at the World Trade Center the summer before his senior year. He recalls peering into the 200-ft.-deep construction pit of the future 3 World Trade Center on his first day, and hearing the sounds of the super-strength concrete that would form the core of another tower on the site sounding "like an explosion" when crushed in the materials testing lab where he worked.

For a young engineer hoping to design airports, bridges and tunnels capable of surviving whatever challenges the 21st century can conjure, working for the agency responsible for the region's major trade and transportation networks puts him at the epicenter of critical infrastructure design.

"Hoping for the best and planning for the worst, as engineers we overdesign for safety and unexpected situations," says Elgammal, with his customary cheerfulness.

Elgammal says he's excited to be working on airports, which are increasingly "a huge public priority" and in dire need of repairs and redesign. The United States recently received a grade of D+ in ASCE's 2017 Infrastructure Report Card. http://www.infrastructurereportcard.org/aviation/conditions-capacity/

"As more and more people rely on air travel, we need to make sure we can sustain the growing volume and even improve service," he says. "The airfield is a critical place, where we have to operate, construct and repair faster than anywhere else. Decisions can affect thousands of people by the minute. And anything that happens on an airfield can snowball - from a foreign object that damages a plane to an inspection that takes longer than it should. So we have to consider the consequences from many angles."

A big part of the challenge is reducing existing delays.

"So we've come up with strategies to limit queue times for planes waiting to take off, to land and to get to gates," he says. "Engineering comes into play here, too, with innovations like high-speed taxi routes that allow schedulers to shave a few seconds off every cycle and make the runway available to other aircraft sooner. This has a ripple effect on arrivals and departures."

As part of his BS/MS program at NJIT, Elgammal completed a master's degree in critical infrastructure that combines two essential civil engineering concerns: protecting and rehabilitating aging buildings, roadways and transportation hubs, while also developing new ones.

"How we approach these problems is something we all need to think about. The health of our infrastructure and our economy depend on it," he notes.

At the Port Authority, Elgammal recently took on a new role as an agreement project manager, working with outside firms building and rehabilitating agency facilities. His current task is to coordinate smoothness testing for 13 runways at the region's five airports.

"When I graduated, I wanted to work in construction. Like a lot of college graduates, it felt like a form of freedom not to be tied down to a desk," he recounts. "But I also knew the importance of design. Fortunately, I didn't have to choose as the Port Authority's trainee program allowed me to do both. And I'm really glad I did. What makes a good engineer is a well-rounded perspective. You're a better designer if you've watched someone build it first - to grasp the how - and you know what to inspect if you understand the design considerations behind it - the why."

These are some of the on-the-job experiences he shares with middle and high school students at the Future City and ACE Mentor Program, whose roles are to expose more students to engineering concepts through hands-on projects and design charrettes.

This semester, he is also teaching a 400-level course for NJIT on construction scheduling and estimating.

"I love this," he says. "It's a way of quantifying risk, managing seemingly unpredictable elements such as money and time. The challenge of balancing practical application and theory with 33 students has made me appreciate my time at NJIT, and even more so, my time outside of it."

"The projects I work on affect millions of people from all over the world," he says. "And it's pretty cool that I can see them from Google Earth."

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About NJIT

One of the nation's leading public technological universities, New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) is a top-tier research university that prepares students to become leaders in the technology-dependent economy of the 21st century. NJIT's multidisciplinary curriculum and computing-intensive approach to education provide technological proficiency, business acumen and leadership skills. With an enrollment of 11,400 graduate and undergraduate students, NJIT offers small-campus intimacy with the resources of a major public research university. NJIT is a global leader in such fields as solar research, nanotechnology, resilient design, tissue engineering, and cybersecurity, in addition to others. NJIT is among the top U.S. polytechnic public universities in research expenditures, exceeding $130 million, and is among the top 1 percent of public colleges and universities in return on educational investment, according to PayScale.com. NJIT has a $1.74 billion annual economic impact on the State of New Jersey.
The size and shape of the nose in different human populations is not simply the result of chance, but evolved, at least in part, in response to local climate conditions, report Arslan Zaidi and Mark Shriver of Pennsylvania State University, in a study published March 16th, 2017, in PLOS Genetics.

The nose is one of humanity's most distinctive facial features, which also has the important job of conditioning the air that we breathe, to ensure that it is warm and moist when it reaches the lungs, which helps to prevent infections. Previous studies suggest that people whose ancestors lived in hot, humid places tend to have wider nostrils than people whose ancestors came from cold and dry environments, but whether these differences arose in response to local climates or just due to chance was unknown. In the current study, researchers examined the size and shape of noses on people with West African, South Asian, East Asian, or Northern European ancestry and found that differences in nose shape across these populations are greater than can be explained by chance alone. Additionally, wider nostrils are correlated with ancestors who evolved in warmer temperatures and with greater absolute humidity, suggesting that climate was one factor driving nasal evolution. The nose has had a complex evolutionary history, however, and researchers suspect that additional factors, such as cultural preferences when picking a mate, have also played a role in shaping the nose.

Investigations into nose shape evolution and climate adaptation may have medical as well as anthropological implications. Studies of human adaptation are essential to our understanding of disease and yield insights into why certain conditions, such as sickle cell anemia, lactose intolerance or skin cancer, are more common in certain populations. The researchers suggest that it may be worth investigating whether the shape of the nose and the size of the nasal cavity impact one's risk of contracting a respiratory disease when living in a climate that is different from one's ancestors.

Arslan A. Zaidi adds: "Even though there are substantial differences in nose shape among human populations, much of this variation can be explained by random genetic drift alone. This finding is in line with the consensus that most human variation is shared among populations and primarily due to genetic drift. Traits like skin pigmentation and nostril width are exceptions rather than the rule. Having said that, these traits are important to study because they are likely tied to our health, especially as we become more of a global community and migrate to new climes."

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In your coverage please use this URL to provide access to the freely available article in PLOS Genetics: http://journals.plos.org/plosgenetics/article?id=10.1371/journal.pgen.1006616

Citation: Zaidi AA, Mattern BC, Claes P, McEcoy B, Hughes C, Shriver MD (2017) Investigating the case of human nose shape and climate adaptation. PLoS Genet 13(3): e1006616. doi:10.1371/journal.pgen.1006616

Funding: This work was supported in part by the United States National Institute of Justice, the United States Department of Defense, the University of Illinois Interdisciplinary Innovation Initiative Research Grant, the Flemish Institute for the Promotion of Innovation by Science and Technology in Flanders (IWT Vlaanderen), the Research Program of the Fund for Scientific Research -- Flanders (Belgium), and the Center for Human Evolution and Development at Penn State. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.

Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.
A study of a deal which has allowed Google DeepMind access to millions of health-care records argues that more needs to be done to regulate such agreements between public sector bodies and private technology firms

Researchers studying a deal in which Google's artificial intelligence subsidiary, DeepMind, acquired access to millions of sensitive NHS patient records have warned that more must be done to regulate data transfers from public bodies to private firms.

The academic study says that "inexcusable" mistakes were made when, in 2015, the Royal Free NHS Foundation Trust in London signed an agreement with Google DeepMind. This allowed the British AI firm to access sensitive information about 1.6 million patients who use the Trust's hospitals each year.

The access was used to create monitoring software for mobile devices, called Streams, which promises to improve clinicians' ability to support patients with Acute Kidney Injury (AKI). But according to the study's authors, the purposes stated in the agreement were far less specific, and made more open-ended references to using data to improve services.

More than seven months after the deal was put in place, an investigation by New Scientist then revealed that DeepMind had gained access to a huge number of identifiable patient records and that it was not possible to track how these were being used. They included information about people who were HIV-positive, details about drug overdoses and abortions, and records of routine hospital visits.

As of November 2016, DeepMind and the Trust have replaced the old agreement with a new one. The original deal is being investigated by the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), which has yet to report any findings publicly. The National Data Guardian (NDG) is also continuing to look into the arrangement. DeepMind retained access to the data that it had been given even after the ICO and NDG became involved, and the app is being deployed.

The new study reviews the original agreement in depth, with a systematic synthesis of publicly available documentation, statements, and other details obtained by Freedom of Information requests. It was carried out by Dr Julia Powles, a Research Associate in law and computer science at St John's College, University of Cambridge, and Hal Hodson, who broke the New Scientist story and is now Technology Correspondent for The Economist.

Both authors say that it is unlikely that DeepMind's access ever represented a data security risk, but that the terms were nonetheless highly questionable, in particular because they lacked transparency and suffered from an inadequate legal and ethical basis for Trust-wide data access.

They say the case should be a "cautionary tale" for the NHS and other public institutions, which are increasingly seeking tech companies' help to improve services, but could, in the process, surrender substantial amounts of sensitive information, creating "significant power asymmetries between citizens and corporations".

"Data mining and machine learning offer huge promise in improving healthcare and clearly digital technology companies will have a major role to play," Powles said. "Nevertheless, we think that there were inadequacies in the case of this particular deal."

"The deal betrays a level of naivety regarding how public sector organisations set up data-sharing arrangements with private firms, and it demonstrates a major challenge for the public and public institutions. It is worth noting, for example, that in this case DeepMind, a machine learning company, had to make the bizarre promise that it would not yet use machine learning, in order to engender trust."

Powles and Hodson argue that the transfer of data to DeepMind did not proceed as it should have, questioning in particular its invocation of a principle known as "direct care". This assumes that an "identified individual" has given implied consent for their information to be shared for uses that involve the prevention, investigation, or treatment of illness.

No patient whose data was shared with DeepMind was ever asked for their consent. Although direct care would clearly apply to those monitored for AKI, the records that DeepMind received covered every other patient who used the Trust's hospitals. These extended to people who had never been tested or treated for kidney injuries, people who had left the catchment area, and even some who had died.

In fact, the authors note that, according to the Royal Free and DeepMind's own announcements, only one in six of the records DeepMind accessed would have involved AKI patients. For a substantial number of patients, therefore, the relationship was indirect. As a result, special permissions should have been sought from the Government, and agencies such as the ICO and NDG should have been consulted. This did not happen.

Such applications of "direct care" have been queried before. In December 2016, Dr Alan Hassey of the NDG, which provides national guidance on the use of confidential information wrote that: "an erroneous belief has taken hold in some parts of the health and care system that if you believe what you are doing is direct care, you can automatically share information on a basis of implied consent". Dr Hassey noted that direct care is not "of itself a catch-all... The crucial thing is that information sharing must be in line with the reasonable expectations of the individual concerned".

The researchers' survey also criticises the lack of transparency in the agreement, pointing out that neither party made clear the volume of data involved, nor that it involved so many identifiable records. How that data has been, and is being, used, has never been independently scrutinised. Last week, DeepMind announced plans to develop a new data-tracking system, to make such processes more transparent, at an unspecified future stage.

The authors liken the relationship overall to a one-way mirror. "Once our data makes its way onto Google-controlled servers, our ability to track it - to understand how and why decisions are made about us - is at an end," they write.

The paper says that an obvious lesson is that no such deal should be launched without full disclosure of the framework of documents and approvals which underpins it. In light of the 2013 Caldicott review of sharing of patient information, they write that: "The failure of both sides to engage in any conversation with patients and citizens is inexcusable."

They also suggest that private companies should have to account for their use of public data to properly-resourced and independent bodies. Without this, they argue that tech companies could gradually gain an unregulated monopoly over health analytics.

"The reality is that the exact nature and extent of Google's interests in NHS patient data remain ambiguous," the authors add. Powles notes that while Google has no stated plans to exploit the data for advertising and other commercial uses, its unparalleled access to such information, without any meaningful oversight, does not rule out the possibility in future.

"I personally think that because data like this can get out there, we are almost becoming resigned to the idea," Powles added. "This case stresses that we shouldn't be. Before public institutions give away longitudinal data sets of our most sensitive details, they should have to account to a comprehensive, forward-thinking and creative regulatory system."

Powles and Hodson are working on a second paper, analysing the terms of the revised DeepMind-Royal Free arrangement since November 2016 and the ongoing regulatory investigations. Their current study is published in the journal Health and Technology.

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They are able to predict how much the on-board battery will in fact be utilized in the course of the satellite's mission. The efficiency achieved here is about five times greater than with conventional systems. And electric cars on Earth are already benefiting from the procedure as well. The researchers will present their methods at the Cebit computer fair in Hannover (Hall 6, Stand E28).

"As far as we know, there is nothing like it in Earth orbit so far," says Holger Hermanns, professor of Computer Science at Saarland University. In collaboration with his doctoral student Gilles Nies and student Marvin Stenger, Hermanns has developed a procedure that allows for far more accurate predictions of the amount of battery power needed for a particular operation in space. Until now, space logisticians have tended to plan with overly large and heavy batteries, conceding valuable space needed for other equipment and experiments. "Amongst other things, not enough attention has been paid to the recovery effect, a phenomenon well-known from mobile phones. If the phone dies due to an empty battery, it often takes just a few minutes of waiting, then you can turn the phone back on again and use it, for a short time at least," Hermanns says. The new battery model can be used to monitor the exact amount of energy currently available, and determine how much of it is present in chemically bound form, that is, not immediately usable. This lets the computer scientists calculate the probability of the battery being discharged at any given moment.

The Saarbruecken computer scientists' findings can also be applied on Earth. "Batteries are ubiquitous -- and a good battery model helps in a lot of situations," says Holger Hermanns. Consider, for instance, the energy demands of an electric car: "So far, we could only answer the following question: Under ideal conditions, will the battery charge be enough for this electric car to make it to Frankfurt Airport? Now we can see whether the air conditioning system can be operated in such a way that you have a chance greater than 99 percent at all times to make it to your plane in time with the current charge", explains Hermanns.

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Further Information:

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Please observe the terms of use.

Media Inquiries:

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COLLEGE STATION - Flock, muster ostentation, cluster, lek, pulchritude, pride or bawl, no matter what a group of peacocks is called, Texas A&M University at College Station is now home to 40 of them, thanks to a Texas A&M AgriLife Research scientist.

Dr. Jessica Yorzinski with the university's wildlife and fisheries sciences department, said her research flock arrived in College Station last fall and are settled in and happily enjoying Texas weather.

Yorzinski uses the birds to conduct a variety of behavioral studies. She trapped the original set from feral populations in Florida and California about eight years ago.

"I chose peafowl as study subjects because I was looking for a species in which males exhibited elaborate ornaments that females could use to assess their mates and other males could use to assess their rivals," she said. "That was one reason, and the other reason was they are relatively large birds, so they are able to easily sport the equipment I use in my studies."

One such study, Selective Attention in Peacocks During Assessment of Rival Males, was published in the Journal of Experimental Biology on March 15. The work and list of authors is available http://jeb.biologists.org/content/current. In the study Yorzinski looks through the eyes of the birds to actually see what the animals are paying attention to, in this particular case, how males size up their competition.

"It is important to understand how males are evaluating each other during the breeding season because their ability to compete with other males can impact their chances of copulating with females," she said.

She found the males look at the lower regions of the other male's display, mostly looking at the lower eyespot areas as well as the body of the rival. They also pay more attention to their rivals when said rivals are moving around or shaking their wings, but not when they are shaking their long train of decorative tail feathers. That particular movement apparently only interests the "girls."

Yorzinski said peacocks set up territories, which they defend against rivals, and peahens visit these territories to check out potential mates.

"What we learned is that the males are evaluating similar traits when inspecting their rivals as females are evaluating when choosing their mating partners, but they are doing this, of course, for very different reasons.

"Competition among males can be costly in terms of energy expended and injuries, so males tend to spend a good amount of time, almost a third, sizing up the competition," she said. "However, unless they are actively courting a peahen, the girls only get a glance from the males about 5 percent of the time."

So how does one look through the eyes of a peacock? Yorzinski said that's done through a novel approach called eye-tracking. The birds are equipped with cameras able to monitor their precise gaze behavior. The cameras were left on the birds about an hour as called for in the trial, so they didn't have to wear the equipment continuously.

"Peafowl only mate a few months out of the year," she said. "The males generally start displaying in early spring and continue until mid summer when they drop all their feathers and start growing a new set for the next season.

Since in the wild, being eaten by a predator is always a risk when one is distracted by too many stimuli or by a rival or prospective mate, the birds, both male and female, have likely evolved the ability to selectively shift their gaze among competing interests.

"It would be fascinating to extend this work to other species, including our own, to determine how animals are checking out their competition," she said.

In the meantime, Yorzinski said one of the next projects she's working on is using a system that tracks both of the birds' eyes at the same time.

"So far, we've had to put a patch over one of their eyes due to technological limitations, so the next step is to look at all the visual information that the birds use and extend this current work into other contexts like navigation and foraging."

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Contact Yorzinski at 979-845-5777, jyorzinski@tamu.edu or visit her website at http://www.jessicayorzinski.com/.
The Journalists in Aging Fellows Program -- run jointly by The Gerontological Society of America (GSA) and New America Media (NAM) since its launch in 2010 -- has received renewed grant support to welcome its eighth cohort of fellows. The 2017 funders include AARP, The Silver Century Foundation, The Commonwealth Fund, The Retirement Research Foundation, and The John A. Hartford Foundation.

For the past seven years, this program has been responsible for more than 450 news stories by 118 alumni to date. It has two goals: to educate journalists about issues in aging, better allowing them to spread a new awareness both to ethnic and general-audience populations; and to disseminate information about new scientific findings, policy debates, innovations, and evidence-based solutions.

"We are grateful to our grant partners for continuing to support the award-winning coverage that our program has produced," said Karen Tracy, GSA's senior director of strategic alliances and communications. "We help the participating reporters build bridges to expert sources on aging, to each other, and to their communities."

The program is co-directed by Todd Kluss, MA, GSA's senior manager of communications, and Paul Kleyman, the senior editor of NAM's ethnic elders newsbeat and national coordinator of the Journalists Network on Generations.

As in previous years, half of the fellows will be selected from general audience media and half from ethnic media outlets that serve communities within the U.S.

The centerpiece of the program will be the fellows' participation in the World Congress of Gerontology and Geriatrics, which GSA will host from July 23 to 27 in San Francisco, California -- with the theme of "Global Aging and Health: Bridging Science, Policy, and Practice." The fellowship requires participating reporters to deliver a story from the conference and a major piece or series in the following months.

"At this time of demographic turmoil, it's increasingly important for the media to tell the stories of ethnic elders, including so many immigrants, in their own voices and those of experts from diverse backgrounds," said NAM Executive Director Sandy Close, a MacArthur Foundation "genius grant" fellow and Academy Award-winning documentary producer. "This year's World Congress should give our journalism fellows ample opportunities to report more deeply on how global aging is impacting communities throughout America."

On arriving in San Francisco, the fellows will participate in a daylong workshop before the World Congress begins. This session will showcase research highlights from the meeting and host discussions with veteran journalists on how to position aging stories in the current media environment.

All applications for the fellowship program will be reviewed by a selection committee of journalists and experts in aging. The criteria will include clarity and originality of proposed in-depth story projects; quality of samples of published or produced work; and high-impact potential of proposals geographically and across different ethnic or racial populations. The 2017 application deadline is Friday, April 14.

Previous fellows also will be eligible for support to attend the World Congress to cover the newest developments in the field of aging. A continuously updated list of stories from the fellows is available at http://www.geron.org/journalistfellows.

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The Gerontological Society of America (GSA) is the nation's oldest and largest interdisciplinary organization devoted to research, education, and practice in the field of aging. The principal mission of the Society -- and its 5,500+ members -- is to advance the study of aging and disseminate information among scientists, decision makers, and the general public. GSA's structure also includes a policy institute, the National Academy on an Aging Society, and an educational branch, the Association for Gerontology in Higher Education.

New America Media (NAM) is the country's first and largest collaboration and advocate of 3,000 ethnic news organizations. Over 60 million ethnic adults connect to each other, to home countries and to America through their ethnic media outlets, the fastest growing sector of American journalism. Founded by the nonprofit Pacific News Service in 1996, NAM is headquartered in California with offices in New York and Washington, DC, and partnerships with journalism schools to grow local associations of ethnic media.
WASHINGTON -- A silicon optical switch newly developed at Sandia National Laboratories is the first to transmit up to 10 gigabits per second of data at temperatures just a few degrees above absolute zero. The device could enable data transmission for next-generation superconducting computers that store and process data at cryogenic temperatures. Although these supercomputers are still experimental, they could potentially offer computing speeds ten times faster than today's computers while significantly decreasing power usage.

The fact that the switch operates at a range of temperatures, offers fast data transmission and requires little power could also make it useful for transmitting data from instruments used in space, where power is limited and temperatures vary widely.

"Making electrical connections to systems operating at very cold temperatures is very challenging, but optics can offer a solution," said lead researcher Michael Gehl, Sandia National Laboratories, New Mexico. "Our tiny switch allows data to be transmitted out of the cold environment using light traveling through an optical fiber, rather than electricity."

In The Optical Society's journal for high impact research, Optica, Gehl and his colleagues describe their new silicon micro-disk modulator and show that it can transmit data in environments as cold as 4.8 Kelvin. The device was fabricated with standard techniques used to make CMOS computer chips, which means it can be easily integrated onto chips containing electronic components.

"This is one of the first examples of an active silicon optical device operating at such a low temperature," said Gehl. "Our device could potentially revolutionize technologies that are limited by how fast you can send information in and out of a cold environment electrically."

Optics excels at low temperatures

For low-temperature applications, optical methods provide several benefits over electrical data transmission. Because electrical wires conduct heat, they often introduce heat into a system that needs to stay cold. Optical fibers, on the other hand, transmit almost no heat. Also, a single optical fiber can transmit more data at faster rates than an electrical wire, meaning that one fiber can do the job of many electrical connections.

The micro-disk modulator requires very little power to operate -- around 1000 times less power than today's commercially available electro-optical switches -- which also helps reduce the heat the device contributes to the cold environment.

To make the new device, the researchers fabricated a small silicon waveguide (used to transmit light waves) next to a silicon micro-disk only 3.5 microns in diameter. Light coming through the waveguide moves into the micro-disk and travels around the disk rather than passing straight through the waveguide. Adding impurities to the silicon micro-disk creates an electrical junction to which a voltage can be applied. The voltage changes the material's properties in a way that stops the light from moving into the disk and allows it to instead pass through the waveguide. This means that the light signal turns off and on as the voltage switches on and off, providing a way to turn the ones and zeroes that make up electrical data into an optical signal.

Although other research groups have designed similar devices, Gehl and his colleagues are the first to optimize the amount of impurities used and the exact placement of those impurities to allow the micro-disk modulator to operate at low temperatures. Their approach could be used to make other electro-optical devices that work at low temperatures.

Low error rate

To test the micro-disk modulator, the researchers placed it inside a cryostat -- a small vacuum chamber that can cool what's inside to very low temperatures. The micro-disk modulator converted an electrical signal sent into the cryostat to an optical signal. The researchers then examined the optical signal coming out of the cryostat to measure how well it matched the incoming electrical data.

The researchers operated their device at room temperature, 100 Kelvin and 4.8 Kelvin with various data rates up to 10 gigabits per second. Although they observed a slight increase in errors at the highest data rate and lowest temperature, the error rate was still low enough for the device to be useful for transmitting data.

This work builds on years of effort to develop silicon photonic devices for optical communication and high performance computing applications, led by the Applied Photonics Microsystems group at Sandia. As a next step, the researchers want to demonstrate that their device works with data generated inside the low temperature environment, rather than only electrical signals coming from outside the cryostat. They are also continuing to optimize the performance of the device.

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The research is supported by the U.S. Department of Energy's Laboratory Directed Research and Development program.

Paper: M. Gehl, C. Long, D. Trotter, A. Starbuck, A. Pomerene, J.B. Wright, S. Melgaard, J. Siirola, A.L. Lentine, C. DeRose, "Operation of High-Speed Silicon Photonic Micro-Disk Modulators at Cryogenic Temperatures," Optica, Volume 4, Issue 3,374-382 (2017). DOI: 10.1364/optica.4.000374

About Optica

Optica is an open-access, online-only journal dedicated to the rapid dissemination of high-impact peer-reviewed research across the entire spectrum of optics and photonics. Published monthly by The Optical Society (OSA), Optica provides a forum for pioneering research to be swiftly accessed by the international community, whether that research is theoretical or experimental, fundamental or applied. Optica maintains a distinguished editorial board of more than 40 associate editors from around the world and is overseen by Editor-in-Chief Alex Gaeta, Columbia University, USA. For more information, visit Optica.

About The Optical Society

Founded in 1916, The Optical Society (OSA) is the leading professional organization for scientists, engineers, students and business leaders who fuel discoveries, shape real-life applications and accelerate achievements in the science of light. Through world-renowned publications, meetings and membership initiatives, OSA provides quality research, inspired interactions and dedicated resources for its extensive global network of optics and photonics experts. For more information, visit osa.org/100.

Media Contacts:

Rebecca B. Andersen

The Optical Society

randersen@osa.org

+1 202.416.1443

Joshua Miller

The Optical Society

jmiller@osa.org

+1 202.416.1435
For more than a year, Tom Hobman and his research team have devoted most of their waking hours to a headlong pursuit of knowledge about the Zika virus. Hobman, a professor of Cell Biology in the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry is one of thousands of researchers across the globe racing to stop the rapid spread of the mosquito-borne virus that first came into the global spotlight in late 2015. His focused efforts have not gone unnoticed.

Hobman has been announced as one of three Canadian scientists who have received funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) for their teams to study the Zika virus. Hobman's lab has been awarded $500,000 over three years to investigate how the virus changes host cells during infection, with the goal of developing antiviral therapies that can be used against the pathogen. There are currently no antivirals or vaccines available to protect against Zika.

The three Canadian teams will collaborate with South American and Caribbean researchers who are funded by Canada's International Development Research Centre. Hobman's team will work closely with a group from the Oswaldo Cruz Institute in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

"They have really been at the forefront of the Zika virus epidemic. They have access to thousands of clinical samples and have been studying viral genomics. So they really have been at the front lines of the battle," says Hobman of his international research partners. "We are going to do what we're good at--cellular imaging and protein interactions--and they are going to do what they are good at. But the idea is to synergize our efforts and to accomplish more than we could individually."

As part of the project, Hobman is also interested in understanding one of the key characteristics of the Zika virus?it's ability to persist in the body for months at a time. The trait makes it unique from other mosquito borne viruses such as Dengue and West Nile viruses which are typically cleared out by the immune system in a week or two.

"By understanding the process, possibly one can develop some way to block persistence. Obviously the longer it can persist, the bigger the window of time in which the virus can be transmitted from person to person," says Hobman.

"In collaboration with their counterparts in South America and the Caribbean, these Canadian scientists will help answer some of the many outstanding questions we have about the Zika virus, ultimately providing evidence that will inform public health policy and improve how governments respond to outbreaks of the virus," said Jane Philpott, Canada's Minister of Health, in a statement.

The CIHR grant is the second to be awarded to Hobman to research the Zika virus over the past calendar year. In July 2016 he received more than a million dollars over a five-year period to screen for antiviral compounds, as well as develop research tools and diagnostic tests for the virus. As part of the project, Hobman and his collaborators hope to gain a better understanding of how the virus spreads throughout the body.

Hobman says his team's success in attracting major funding to further the research stems from the early support of the U of A's Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology and the Women and Children's Health Research Institute. Both provided early seed funding to the team.

"The seed funding was critical and allowed us to start doing experiments right away. With the support from Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology and the Women and Children's Health Research Institute funding, we were able to generate a lot of preliminary data that allowed us to secure long-term funding."

While the work that is required to stop the Zika virus remains daunting, Hobman is encouraged by the progress made over the past year as much of the world's scientific community has turned its attention to the virus.

"The scientific response to this virus has been enormous. The pace of discovery is absolutely breathtaking," says Hobman. "It's just fantastic to see how quickly things move when there is funding available. It's really remarkable. I don't think I've ever seen anything like this."

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About the Zika virus:

Zika virus disease is caused by a virus transmitted primarily by Aedes mosquitoes.

The virus is spread by mosquito bites and can also be sexually transmitted.

The current outbreak of Zika virus began in 2014 in South America and has since quickly spread. It has now reached the Gulf Coast of the United States.

Zika virus disease is usually mild and requires no specific treatment. People with Zika virus disease can have symptoms including mild fever, skin rash, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise or headache. These symptoms normally last for two to seven days.

There is now scientific consensus that Zika virus infection in pregnant women can lead to microcephaly--an often fatal congenital condition associated with incomplete brain development in newborns. It is also linked to Guillain-Barre syndrome -- a disorder in which the body's immune system attacks part of the peripheral nervous system. Links to other neurological complications are also being investigated.
A potential new drug to tackle the highly aggressive 'triple negative' breast cancer - and a nanoparticle to deliver it directly into the cancer cells - have been developed by UK researchers.

The drug is a peptide (fragment of a protein) discovered by Professor Mohamed El-Tanani at the University of Bradford's Institute for Cancer Therapeutics. Professor El-Tanani has shown in computer models that the peptide blocks a protein called RAN which helps cancer cells to divide and grow. High levels of RAN have been linked to aggressive tumour growth, cancer spread, resistance to chemotherapy and poor prognosis in a number of cancers, including triple negative breast cancer (TNBC).

"We knew we'd need a novel delivery mechanism for this drug because peptides on their own are unstable and they can degrade too quickly to be effective," explains Professor El Tanani. "Using a nanoparticle as a delivery mechanism was the perfect solution."

Working with colleagues from Ulster University, Sunderland and Queen's University Belfast, the team developed a nanoparticle from a biodegradable polymer that could encapsulate the peptide. They tested various different polymers in order to determine which was most effective at helping the protein enter the cancer cells and attack them.

Laboratory tests showed that when this nanoparticle, loaded with the peptide, was added to the triple negative breast cancer cells, the cells would actively take it in. Their growth rate then reduced, they stopped replicating and around two thirds of the cells died within 24 hours. This compared with the peptide on its own, or an empty nanoparticle, which had no impact on the cells' growth.

The researchers also confirmed that the drug was killing the cancer cells through the mechanism they had seen in their computer models - by blocking the action of RAN which plays an important role in cell division and growth.

Previous research by Professor El-Tanani has shown that blocking RAN can also prevent or even reverse resistance to chemotherapy in small cell lung cancer.

Between 10-20 per cent of breast cancers are found to be triple negative - which means the cancer does not have receptors for the hormones oestrogen and progesterone or the protein HER2. This limits the range of treatments that can be used, resulting in poorer prognosis and increased risk of recurrence.

"By developing a nanoparticle that can help this peptide enter triple negative breast cancer cells and block RAN we've brought this potential new treatment a step closer to the clinic," said Professor El-Tanani. "We're already working on in vivo tests of the nanoparticle in a triple negative breast cancer model and are thinking ahead to taking this drug into clinical trials."

Professor El-Tanani is also working on a number of other potential RAN inhibitors, including a 'repurposed' drug that has been already pre-clinically validated in breast and lung cancer and is ready for clinical trials. The University of Bradford is actively seeking further funding and investor support to support the development of these drug candidates.

The findings are published in the International Journal of Pharmaceutics.

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Should a military doctor obey an order to not treat an enemy combatant? Or certify a sick soldier as fit to fight? Should a nurse take part in interrogations? Ride along on medical caravans to build trust with locals? Violate patient privacy for military ends? These and other questions are being studied by Canadian researchers with the Ethics in Military Medicine Research Group, led by University of Montreal bioethicist Bryn Williams-Jones with colleagues at McGill and McMaster universities.

Their latest paper, published in December in the winter issue of the Journal of Law, Medicine & Ethics, compares the ethics codes of the Canadian Medical Association and the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces. At issue: the ongoing debate over the "dual loyalty" of military healthcare professionals' and whether the two codes - civilian and military - are "necessarily incompatible."

"To put it bluntly, how can the military profession, whose mission of defending state interests can involve the use of deadly force, be compatible with the medical profession whose primary mission is to heal and save lives?" asks lead author Christiane Rochon. Her conclusion, with co-author Williams-Jones, her PhD thesis supervisor: The two codes are not mutually exclusive. In fact, they support each other, with the military one turning out to be even more comprehensive than the medical profession's.

The researchers studied the issue for three years, interviewing over 50 Canadian military health professionals - physicians, nurses, physiotherapists, medical technicians, almost all of them high-ranking officers. "We wanted to understand the perspectives of health professionals working in a range of very challenging environments, from combat missions to humanitarian and peacekeeping missions," Williams-Jones told UdeM Nouvelles.

"They have a lot of tools to help them think through the ethical challenges they face, but those tools are not specifically adapted to their role as health professionals. As non-combatants they face different sorts of challenges." For instance, what is a military physician to do if asked by a commanding officer not to provide care to an enemy combatant? The easy answer: Obey medical ethics codes and international humanitarian law and treat the enemy; health care is a human right.

But some military medical personnel do feel they have a conflicting loyalty to their patient and their employer, and that feeling can be very complex, said Williams-Jones, director of the bioethics program at UdeM's School of Public Health. "It's not just whether they're healer or humanitarian or soldier; it's all of that mixed up."

In combat, a non-professional like a medic is first and foremost a soldier, someone who carries a weapon while dispensing care in the thick of the action. A physician typically operates further back: at a forward-operating base or the main base hospital. As such, the physician may be frustrated in not being able to provide the same level of care as he or she could back home, or by not being able to offer adequate follow-up, or by not being able to treat civilians," the study's authors found.

In combat zones like Afghanistan and Mali, on humanitarian missions in places like Haiti and the Philippines, and on peacekeeping missions in Rwanda or Kosovo, the challenges are accentuated with each new case, telescoped in a short period of time "This isn't M*A*S*H," said Williams-Jones. "Physicians and other personnel are not there for years at a time; they're going in for maybe six weeks or six months, into a very tense environment and making resource-allocation decisions, deciding who gets care and who doesn't: our soldiers versus friendly soldiers versus enemy combatants versus civilians, children. These are real tensions."

In the military, health professionals are much more aware of their social mission as purveyors of public health than they are normally as civilians treating individual patients, Williams-Jones added. "The physicians come from a very wealthy environment, most working in public hospitals as clinicians who are one-on-one with a patient. But in combat or on a humanitarian mission, they're much more in public-health mode."

The Canadian military has had an ethics code since 1997; it was last updated in 2013. The CMA's dates back much further, with major revisions after the Second World War and in the 1970s and '90s; the latest was in 2004. Unusually for a modern military, the Canadian Forces Code of Values and Ethics says it's more important to respect human dignity (the first principle of the code) than it is to follow orders (its third principle). The Canadian Medical Association Code of Ethics, by contrast, "is more duty-oriented," the study says. The CMA code "is more focused on the physician's relationship with the patient and the medical community, so it is in general more individualistic than the [Canadian military's], which recognizes from the start the social role of the military and its responsibility towards society," Rochon and Williams-Jones argue.

But isn't the military's principle of "legitimate use of force" incompatible with the physician's principle of "do no harm"? No, the authors say. "This is a false dichotomy that does not reflect the military and medical realities of today," they write. "The principle of 'do no harm' in medicine is increasingly recognized as being intimately related to other principles such as beneficence and autonomy (i.e., in debates about euthanasia and assisted suicide). "In the same way, the use of force (and so doing harm to others) by soldiers is heavily circumscribed and controlled by international laws [...] For example, recent international peacekeeping missions have been heavily criticized for not allowing soldiers to intervene when witnessing rape, murder, and even genocide (e.g., in Rwanda). "[...] These kinds of situation have shown that the appropriate use of force needs to be evaluated in relation to other principles (e.g., preventing harm to civilians, justice) and so is not by definition negative or wrong."

Those perceptions are also a generational thing. In their interviews with the researchers, younger health professionals most often didn't identify any significant ethical challenges they faced, whereas those with 15 or 20 years experience said they had many. One thing they did agree on: They need more "downtime" to discuss ethics as a team and hash out solutions. To that end, the researchers hope to get new funding to develop practical working tools - case studies, situation-specific and targeted ethics training, special versions of ethics guides annotated for military medical personnel, such as the one the British Medical Association published in 2012 called Ethical Decision-Making for Doctors in the Armed Forces.

The goal, concluded Williams-Jones, is simple: To make sure "that people have the ethics skills to handle situations on the ground. Ultimately, that's the most important thing."

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PHILADELPHIA - Treating the brain with a preventative course of radiation may help Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) patients - whose tumors often spread to their brain -- live longer, according to a new study from researchers in the Abramson Cancer Center and Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. A separate study revealed that the most commonly-targeted mutation of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) is most likely to result in progression at the primary site. Both projects will be presented this weekend at the 2017 Multidisciplinary Thoracic Cancers Symposium in San Francisco.

The first study (Oral Abstract Session, Presentation #11) deals with SCLC, which is a type of lung cancer with the strongest ties to smoking. It's particularly aggressive, with between 60 and 70 percent of patients diagnosed at advanced stages of the

disease. The disease will spread to the brain in more than half of the patients.

Penn researchers looked into a treatment called Prophylactic Cranial Irradiation (PCI), which involves treating the brain with radiation before the cancer has spread there in hopes of preventing the disease's spread and prolonging survival.

"PCI is controversial for patients with extensive stage disease because two past randomized control trials have looked at this question but came to conflicting results," said the study's lead author Sonam Sharma, MD, chief resident of Radiation Oncology.

The group studied 944 propensity score matched patients in the National Cancer Database who had metastatic SCLC but whose disease had not spread to the brain, making this the largest study to ever examine the question of PCI.

They found PCI had a positive impact on survival. Among patients who survived at least six months, those who underwent the preventative brain radiation treatment lived an average of almost three months longer than those who did not receive PCI. Among patients who had a minimum overall survival of at least nine months, survival among patients receiving PCI was about two and a half months longer.

The data also shows certain patients were more likely to receive PCI than others. African Americans, patients 75 or older, and those with additional diseases were less likely to receive the treatment.

"Our study demonstrates that PCI has a significant impact on overall survival for patients with metastatic small cell lung cancer," Sharma said. "It also highlights existing healthcare disparities in potentially life prolonging therapies."

The second study (Presentation #162) focuses on NSCLC, the most prevalent form of lung cancer. There are multiple known genetic mutations within NSCLC tumors, each of which affects treatment in different ways. The idea is to identify the specific genetic change that has occurred - called drivers - then use an inhibitor drug to precisely target the mutation instead of using general chemotherapy. The most common driver mutation physicians are currently able to target is known as EGFR.

Researchers from Penn focused their study on NSCLC patients with EGFR mutations who had been treated with inhibitors - specifically a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) like afatinib, gefitinib, or erlotinib-- which target the specific enzyme that is mutated in this subtype of lung cancer. They hoped to learn how the disease in these cases is likely to progress even in the face of drug treatment.

"It's sometimes hard to identify patients when you're being this specific," said David Guttmann, MD, MS, assistant chief resident of Radiation Oncology and one of the study's authors. "Fortunately, using the database available through Penn's Center for Personalized Diagnostics, we were able to identify 74 patients who fit our criteria."

Abigail Berman, MD, MSCE, an assistant professor of Radiation Oncology and the associate director of the Penn Center for Precision Medicine, was the study's lead author.

Of the patients treated with a TKI whose cancers did progress, almost half (46 percent) experienced that progression at the primary tumor site within the lung. Guttmann noted patients who also have metastatic liver disease seemed to have a particularly high rate of progression at their primary site, something he says warrants further investigation. The team's analysis also showed that upfront treatment to their primary tumor was associated with improved progression-free survival. Patients who had received prior treatment to the primary tumor prior to initiating TKI therapy survived an average of 20 and a half months without progression, while patients who had no upfront therapy average 11 months.

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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.
[March 16, 2017] Cell Medica: 60 Million Series C Financing to Advance Multiple Cancer Programmes

Cell Medica (or 'the Company'), a leading cellular immunotherapy company, has closed a 60 million Series C investment round with participation from existing investors Touchstone (News - Alert) Innovations, funds managed by Invesco Perpetual, and funds managed by Woodford Investment Management. Cell Medica will use the investment capital to continue to progress its three proprietary technology platforms for cell-based immunotherapy products. The Company's lead oncology product, baltaleucel-T (CMD-003), is currently under investigation in the CITADEL Phase 2 clinical trial for the treatment of patients with advanced lymphomas associated with the Epstein Barr virus. Comprised of the patient's own immune cells, baltaleucel-T offers the potential for a targeted approach to cancer treatment with very limited side effects or toxicities. The US FDA granted fast track designation to baltaleucel-T in February 2017 in recognition of the product's potential to address an important unmet clinical need. Over the last year, Cell Medica has significantly expanded its technology base through two strategic collaborations and the acquisition of Delenex Therapeutics. The Company has established a product development partnership with Baylor College of Medicine to develop genetically engineered chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) to reprogramme human immune cells to recognise and kill cancer cells while also preventing cancer escape mechanisms. This extensive partnership will explore the use of NKT cells, a powerful class of immune cells, to target solid tumors. This approach may also allow the use of an allogeneic off-the-shelf cell product to increase the convenience and reduce the manufacturing cost of cell-based immunotherapy treatments. The Delenex Therapeutics acquisition has provided Cell Medica with an in-house technology platform to generate antibody fragments (scFvs) which enable CAR-NKT products to target new cancer antigens. The Delenex know-how also provides the capability to engineer immune cells to secrete blocking antibodies which prevent cancer cells from triggering inhibition pathways to down-regulate the immune response. Cell Medica has also partnered with University College London (UCL) to develop a new approach to improve the expression of T cell receptors (TCRs) which naturally recognize cancer markers. Referred to as the Dominant TCR technology, this greatly increases the number of cancer-detecting TCRs expressed on human T cells, thereby enhancing the natural potency of these cells. Gregg Sando, Cell Medica's Chief Executive Officer, commented:



"With the strong support of our key shareholders, Cell Medica will implement the next phase of our development programme, bringing a new generation of cell-based immunotherapy products into Phase 1 clinical trials as well as completing our Phase 2 programme for baltaleucel-T. This funding enables us to continue our efforts to unlock the full potential of cellular immunotherapy for the benefit of cancer patients." About Cell Medica

Cell Medica is a cellular therapeutics company engaged in the development, manufacturing and marketing of cellular immunotherapy products for the treatment of cancer. Cellular immunotherapy is a novel form of medical treatment which has the potential to transform the treatment of cancer in the years ahead. Cell Medica is developing a range of cell-based immunotherapy products using three proprietary technology platforms including activated cytotoxic T cells, chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) and engineered T cell receptors (TCRs). Additional information can be found at www.cellmedica.co.uk. About Touchstone Innovations - www.touchstoneinnovations.com Touchstone Innovations plc (formerly Imperial Innovations Group plc or just "Innovations") creates, builds and invests in pioneering technology companies and licensing opportunities developed from outstanding scientific research from the 'Golden Triangle', the geographical region broadly bounded by London, Cambridge and Oxford, which is a world-class science cluster and home to four of the world's leading universities. Innovations supports scientists and entrepreneurs in the commercialisation of their ideas through protecting and licensing out intellectual property (through its Technology Transfer subsidiary, Imperial Innovations), by leading the formation of new companies, by recruiting high calibre management teams and by providing investment and encouraging co-investment. Since becoming a public company in 2006, Innovations has invested 306.7 million across its portfolio companies, which have collectively raised investment of 1.5 billion. About Invesco Perpetual Invesco Perpetual is part of Invesco Ltd, an independent investment management firm - NYSE: IVZ; www.invesco.com. It is the business name of Invesco Fund Managers Limited, a company registered in England and Wales with number 898166 and authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. About Woodford Investment Management Woodford is a fast-growing asset management company built on a founding philosophy of transparency and simplicity. Launched in May 2014, the company has 16bn assets under management. Further information can be found at https://woodfordfunds.com View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170316005141/en/

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Next-generation steel and metal alloys are a step closer to reality, thanks to an international research project involving a University of Queensland scientist.

The work could overcome the problem of hydrogen alloy embrittlement that has led to catastrophic failures in major engineering and building projects.

UQ Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis Director Professor Roger Wepf said the problem had been recognised for almost 140 years.

"The current generation of these metals can suffer hydrogen embrittlement, where they become brittle and fracture due to the accidental introduction of hydrogen during manufacture and processing," he said.

"A major example of alloy embrittlement occurred in 2013, when bolts in the eastern span of the San Francisco-Oakland bridge failed tests during construction."

Professor Wepf said hydrogen was extremely volatile and diffused quickly.

"Our research collaboration has, for the first time, localised and visualised hydrogen in steels and alloys," he said.

"This is essential for the development of new alloys with greater endurance."

"We have shown that it's possible to localise hydrogen at atomic resolution -- at the scale of a single atom -- or at a nanometre (less than one-billionth of a metre) scale by combining different technologies in a closed and protected workflow.

"These include state-of-the-art cryo electron microscopy freezing techniques, low-temperature sample preparation in a cryo focused ion beam microscope, and inert cryo-transfer.

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The research, published in Science, involved scientists from the Oxford and Sheffield universities in the UK and ETH Zurich in Switzerland.

The UQ Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis will present two Microscopy and Myscope outreach sessions at the World Science Festival Brisbane on March 25 and March 26. Details at https://world-science-festival.event.uq.edu.au/
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- Paying bills, creating a budget and reading a paycheck are fundamental skills children need as they become working adults. However, these skills are not commonly provided through the standard education curriculum. That's why the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture (UTIA) has entered into a partnership with the SunTrust Foundation to increase financial literacy across Tennessee.

"We believe strongly in the importance of investing in our youth," said UTIA Chancellor Tim Cross. "Our partnership with SunTrust Foundation will allow us to expand our reach and prepare even more of tomorrow's leaders for personal financial success."

The SunTrust Foundation recently approved a $75,000 grant to grow UT Extension's "On My Own" financial literacy program in Tennessee. UT Extension's Family and Consumer Sciences Department, a part of UTIA, has been dedicated to supplementing financial literacy in Tennessee's schools for more than a decade. Its simulation-based program currently reaches more than 30,000 middle school and high school-age children in approximately 250-300 schools.

"We've been looking for a partner to expand our reach," said Dena Wise, the state coordinator for the UT Extension "On My Own" program. "Partnering with the SunTrust Foundation allows us to provide the needed personnel and time to make this program a continued success. We've never had a financial partner so eager to have such an active role in our programs before."

In addition to financial support, the SunTrust Foundation will provide volunteers to help staff classroom simulations. SunTrust Foundation hopes to target Tier 1 schools, as well as other private schools across the state.

"Building strong communities and partnering with organizations that align with SunTrust's purpose of Lighting the Way to Financial Well-Being is a fundamental goal of the SunTrust Foundation. We are honored to partner with UTIA to help grow the 'On My Own' financial literacy program," said David Fuller, president of the SunTrust Foundation. "This unique program provides middle school and high school-age children with the tools and skills they need to become financially confident later in life."

According to Wise, the goal of the program is to help students understand the connection between education, salary and lifestyle. The program provides real-life situations for students to encounter armed with a simulated education-level, career and salary. Students must choose options for transportation, childcare, education and other real-world monthly expenditures. Students are introduced to the differences between net and gross pay and how deductions and taxes impact a take-home salary.

Wise reports that students indicate a greater understanding of financial issues after each simulation. Most learn to write their first check, and many indicate that they are changing educational decisions because of the program. Wise hopes to expand these impacts across the state as the partnership between SunTrust Foundation and UT Extension continues.

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Through its mission of research, teaching and extension, the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture touches lives and provides Real. Life. Solutions. ag.tennessee.edu.
One out of every four children admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) for critical illness develops delirium, according to an international study led by Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian investigators. The researchers also found the prevalence of delirium nearly doubles after five days of hospitalization in a pediatric ICU, underscoring the need for routine monitoring of delirium in children.

The study, published March 14 in Critical Care Medicine, describes the first-ever, large international study on delirium prevalence in critically ill pediatric patients admitted to the ICU. Delirium, a disturbed mental state characterized by changes in alertness, cognition or awareness known to occur in adults with critical illnesses, has only recently been recognized in children and its prevalence and effects on recovery are not well understood. Adult patients with delirium do poorly when they are in the hospital and are more likely to die; those who survive their critical illness tend to do worse after discharge compared to those without delirium.

"Our study shows that delirium in children is more common and more widespread than previously recognized," said Dr. Chani Traube, an associate professor of clinical pediatrics in the Division of Critical Care Medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine and a pediatric intensivist at the Phyllis and David Komansky Center for Children's Health at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center. "Monitoring children for the development of delirium should be a routine part of the care we provide, just as we monitor children for the development of fevers when they are sick."

The research team conducted the study at 25 pediatric ICUs in the United States, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Australia and Saudi Arabia. Over the course of two designated study days, nurses screened 994 children for delirium using the Cornell Assessment for Pediatric Delirium (CAPD), a rapid, bedside tool developed by Dr. Gabrielle Silver, a child psychiatrist at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, and the investigative team. The CAPD questionnaire enables ICU nurses, who have multiple interactions with a child during the course of a day, to evaluate the child's awareness of his environment, ability to make eye contact, and ability to communicate needs or wants, among other factors. Of those screened, the researchers determined the mental status of 835 children.

The researchers found that 209 out of the 835 patients, or 25 percent, had delirium. Delirium prevalence rates varied significantly with the underlying medical reason for patients' ICU admission, with highest delirium rates found in children admitted with an infectious disease or inflammatory disorder. In addition, while delirium was common throughout hospitalization, the prevalence increased to 38 percent after six days, which Dr. Traube attributes to hospital-based risk factors, including use of physical restraints, medications for sedation (benzodiazepines), immobility and sleep deprivation. Children 2 years old or younger were especially vulnerable to the health effects of these hospital-based risk factors.

The study, which was funded in part by the Clinical and Translational Science Center at Weill Cornell Medicine, shows the feasibility of using CAPD to screen for delirium in children, Dr. Traube said.

"Most of the ICUs participating in our study don't routinely screen for delirium, and they were able to do so without much difficulty in nearly all their patients," Dr. Traube said. "You don't need to buy expensive equipment or do extensive training."

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Wednesday, March 15, 2017

Need an expert who actually knows the latest business trends in China and the rest of Asia?

Learn how the "Six Cs" apply to Asia.

Details about David Morey in both English and Chinese

www.learningfromasia.com

Today, in every industry and every market, insurgent brands are challenging the traditional market leading incumbents. And they are succeeding. While the incumbents continue to waste billions on obsolete mass manufacturing, mass distribution, sales and marketing strategies, the insurgents are beating them, often bringing them down on a shoestring.

If you want to win in today's markets with today's consumers, you have to learn to think, plan and act like one of these insurgent brands; no matter the size of your brand and company and no matter your place in the market. Needless to say, insurgents hold the trump cards today not just in business, but also in politics, warfare, sports, the arts and everything else.

Speed and mobility beat size and scope in this new age. Vision beats heritage. Authenticity kicks the crap out of mass marketing. In fact, if there's one thing that separates the rising insurgents from the endangered incumbents, it's the issue of change. Established leaders hate change. Change means threat. But true insurgents love change. Change means opportunity. It means the molecules are in motion.

The Importance of Discovery

Early adopters love to find new ideas for themselves. Discovery is central to insurgent marketing. They want to find it, and they want to find it rubbing elbows with other brands that give the same vibe of newness, distinctness and authenticity. Then, they want to tell their friends about it. Although a lot of early adopters are highly digital, they prefer to share in person rather than clicking on it. That's where they get their social currency.

The Six Cs:

We've done a lot of studying of consumer decision-making across a myriad of categories of products and brands. And we've found that six factors drive most decisions, whether trivial or seriousand these six particularly drive the decisions pushing the success of insurgent brands

Control: Consumers want to make decisions that give them a greater sense of controlcontrol of their personal security, economic well being and health, and protection from large and powerful institutions.

Choice: More choices in any market give the consumer more of a sense of control.

Change: Consumers now anticipate the disruptions of all markets by change. And they like that. Change creates more choices, and Steven Jobs taught consumers that change most often means better, faster, easier and sometimes cheaper choices.

Customization: As we said, one-size-fits-all is over. Search guarantees you can eventually find that one size that fits just you.

Connection: Though consumers are more individualistic in behavior these days, they continue to want to associate with brands for "people like me, people I like and people I'd like to be like." Social media provides the glue for these connections.

Convenience: Ease of accessibility and ease of use are still the code breakers for the entry of new products into most categories

More information:

www.thebestinnovationspeaker.com
Thursday, March 16, 2017

(NewsUSA) - Affordable mobile telecommunications in Africa are expanding through a joint venture between two Virginia-based companies.

"Our 20-20-20 goal is to serve 20 million Africans in 20 countries by 2020," says Paul Delkaso, managing member of the Virginia-based Artilium-Africa, and president and CEO of Tristar and Tritente Global Energy Group.

"Africa's population across 54 countries is 1.2 billion. To be able to reach the maximum number of people most cost-effectively, our strategy is to partner with existing mobile operators to expand their customer base, while also looking for strategic opportunities," he says in a statement.

Artilium-Africa is a collaboration between an established Belgian telecommunications company and the Tritente Global Energy Group (TSMPG.com), an organization launching $4.6 billion worth of renewable energy and transmission infrastructure in Africa. Artilium-Africa has initial arrangements in place with mobile operators in five African countries to provide cloud and telecom services.

Artilium provides software to network operators and service providers. One of the key benefits of the service is Artilium's signature product, the ARTA Mobile Applications Platform. The platform enables network operators to open networks to third party developers and launch new services with elements from both telecom and web environments. The service is designed to optimize the way customers in Africa use mobile technology, whether to pay bills, manage data, or connect with the world.

Artilium-Africa has the potential to leapfrog over mobile competitors Facebook and Google in pursuit of the African audience, according to a company statement. The Artilium software allows for 80 percent to 90 percent cost savings and fast connectivity, while the decentralized design allows for inexpensive deployment of cloud, telecom, and value-added services. In addition, the company's credibility with many Sub-Saharan countries has facilitated several contracts that comply with the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. University partnerships also may help build the Artilium network capacity in Africa.

Artilium-Africa has an exclusive license for Africa to deploy its disruptive 700-terabyte, 15-kwh micro data center, which requires about as much power as a vacuum cleaner and takes up about as much space as a small refrigerator. The company is integrating this micro data center with its "All-in-One-App," with features that include bill paying, chatting, and connecting with services such as hallo doctors or hallo taxis. "Think PayPal, WeChat,Viber, WebMD et. al., rolled into one All in-one App and tailored to Africa," says Delkaso.

Visit artilium-africa.com to learn more about the company's partnerships and potential.

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HARRISBURG, Pa.  The Center for Dairy Excellence Foundation of Pennsylvania and Pennsylvania Dairymens Association are offering up to 10 $3,000 Student Leader Scholarships to undergraduate students for the 2017-2018 academic year.

To qualify, students must demonstrate a commitment to working in the dairy industry. The purpose of these scholarships are to provide recognition, encouragement, and financial assistance to outstanding students enrolled in academic programs that support the dairy industry.

One scholarship will be designated for an incoming freshman. Consideration for this scholarship will be given to Pennsylvania residents who are full-time undergraduate students planning to enroll or currently enrolled in a qualifying field of study which includes: dairy and animal Science, ag marketing and business, nutrition, food science, ag and Extension education, ag Business management, and ag engineering.

Student can only receive the $3,000 scholarship one time during their undergraduate academic career. Students employed by the Center for Dairy Excellence as an intern or in another capacity are not eligible.

Application must be made using the Student Leader Scholarship Application form provided by the Center for Dairy Excellence Foundation of Pennsylvania and Pennsylvania Dairymens Association. All applications must be typed, and word count requirements observed.

Scholarship application forms are available at centerfordairyexcellence.org. Visit the Student & Educators tab and select Scholarships from the left side menu. Applications must be received by June 1. For more information, call 717-346-0849, or email mfoote@centerfordairyexcellence.org.
The NFU brought together many leading experts from across the country to discuss the scientific basis for eradicating bovine TB with farmers battling against the disease.

Speakers at the event, held at the NFUs headquarters at Stoneleigh, included Defras Chief Scientific Adviser Professor Ian Boyd; Professor Glyn Hewinson, lead scientist for TB at the Animal and Plant Health Agency; Professor Christianne Glossop, Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales; and Gareth Enticott, senior lecturer in the School of Planning and Geography at Cardiff University.

NFU Deputy President Minette Batters, told the event: This conference is not about policy. It's about the best science that is going to pave the way to beating bovine TB. It is a unique opportunity for scientists to engage with farmers. It is very much about understanding the basics and really trying to appreciate the complexities.

Beating this disease is going to hurt, it's not going to be easy and the science and investment in the science is going to be crucial for success. I strongly believe that the Government strategy - which was launched in April of this year - offers a much needed opportunity for looking forwards.

I have driven the length and breadth of the country, and we've come such a long way. There is a real understanding that we can't beat this disease with cattle movement measures alone and farmers realise that taking out endemic disease in badgers is essential. It is about using every tool in the box.

The NFU is leaving no stone unturned in its mission to beat this disease and is not prepared to wait until after next years election to see further action taken. We absolutely take on board the message from across the country that eradicating bTB has to be de-politicised, Ms Batters said.

Farming Minister George Eustice said the government would use all of the options available to fight the disease, 'which has been out of control for 20 years,' the Minister said.

Eustice came under fire from Labour MPs who claimed the recent pilot culls in Gloucestershire and Somerset had failed to achieve the minimum number of badgers to be shot and was condemned by many groups as a 'miserable failure.' It prompted the Badger Trust to challenge the legality of the cull.

A cull target of 615 badgers in Gloucestershire and 316 in Somerset was given, but no official indication was given as to how many were killed. Eustice said the government was analysing the data from the recent culls.

The Humane Society International claimed 253 badgers had been killed in Gloucestershire, 362 animals short of the minimum kill target of 615.

Batters said: TBEAG  the TB Eradication Advisory Group - at present is an advisory group which reports to Ministers and includes vets, farmers, scientists, and civil servants. The NFU is suggesting a rewriting of the terms of reference for TBEAG to become the TB Eradication Board for England, an independent body equipped with the teeth that will be needed.

We are also working with Dairy Co and Eblex to roll out the South West TB Farm Advisory Service across the country. It will be funded by Rural Development Programme for England and provide a once in a lifetime opportunity to provide specialist knowledge and help to all regions in the fight against this terrible disease.

Recently, a group of 26 scientists wrote to Prime Minister David Cameron urging him and his government to abandon further plans to cull badgers in England and Wales and instead focus on other measures to control the spread of the disease.

In the letter, the group said they were concerned that whilst Wales has nearly halved the number of cattle slaughtered due to bovine tuberculosis (bTB) over the last five years, there has been 'little change to the levels of the disease in England during this time.'

Wales has reduced the number of cattle slaughtered per annum from 11,671 in 2009 to 6,102 in 2013 and the decline is continuing. Similarly the number of new herd incidents in Wales since 2008/09 has reduced by approximately 36%.

By contrast, the letter said, the UK government and Defra have expanded considerable time and effort on the promotion of badger culling as a means of controlling the disease in England.

"From the information available so far it is not clear whether the forecast net reduction of 12-16% in new herd incidence of bTB over the next nine years will be achieved or how this will be measured.

"While Defra has been steadily increasing the areas under annual and pre-movement testing in the South West and West of England since 2009, these measures were only extended across all the counties in the High Risk and Edge Areas in 2013. It is important to note that in the West Region of England, which has been under annual and pre-movement testing since 2010/11, the number of cattle slaughtered due to bTB fell by 12% between 2012 and 2013 and this decline is continuing in 2014," the scientists said.

Under the testing regime there is no way of accurately knowing what the disease status of the so called Low Risk Area actually is and there is a high probability of onward transmission of undetected disease

"If we are to control bTB in England, as Wales is showing it is able to do, we consider that a fundamental change in emphasis and direction is needed.

The time, effort and resources directed at the badger cull should be re-directed into a) a TB Health Check for England to establish the true extent and distribution of the disease in our cattle herds; b) considerably more testing in the Low Risk Area with the implementation of nationwide annual testing and c) the introduction of mandatory pre-movement testing and risk-based trading across the whole country.

At the same time the livestock industry, NFU and farmers must be made aware that such cattle controls are essential if bTB control is to be achieved.

"We therefore urge that no further badger culling takes place and that Defra now moves swiftly to implement an intensive cattle testing programme, as detailed above, across the whole of England. Only then will the UK begin to achieve the substantial reduction in bTB that we all wish to see. If it would be of any assistance to discuss these matters further representatives from the signatories would very much welcome the opportunity to do so."
Scottish farmers are calling on the Government to commit to continued funding of Greylag goose management schemes.

With large populations of geese establishing themselves in Scotland, NFU Scotland has asked Scottish Government to make provision for supporting 'new but necessary' pilot schemes in other parts of the country.

Farmers have given support to calls from the Orkney, Tiree & Coll and Uist goose groups regarding the funding of adaptive management pilot schemes for Greylag geese.

NFU Scotland has stressed the urgent need for a clear plan for the long-term management of Greylag and Barnacle geese.

'Vital but resource intensive'

In the letter to Scottish Government, NFU Scotlands Vice President Martin Kennedy also highlighted that the proposed winding down of the adaptive management pilot on Orkney would not only affect farmers and crofters but impact on efforts to improve water quality on the islands.

Mr Kennedy added: Goose management continues to be a vital but resource intensive exercise in many of the most economically fragile parts of Scotland where grazing by large populations of geese challenges the viability of farmers and crofters.

We are acutely aware of the competing pressures on all public-sector budgets, but we firmly believe that existing funding levels for each goose management scheme or pilot project must be maintained until ways can be found to effectively and efficiently manage goose populations to sustainable levels and keep them there.

We are calling on the Scottish Government to provide new funding to sustain the Greylag adaptive management pilots to avoid losing the benefits of previous investment and to protect farmers, crofters and others.

And, with large populations of geese establishing themselves elsewhere in Scotland, it is also important we pIan for the future. If existing or new areas provide appropriate evidence on the need for new management schemes, then NFU Scotland believes, in the interests of fairness, that new funds should be allocated rather than being top sliced from existing goose schemes.
The loss of another important herbicide is feared growers could be left without an alternative chemical.

But levy-board AHDB has reassured growers of an alternative weed control solution, which is apparently in the pipeline.

The EU recently decided not to renew authorisation of pre-emergence herbicide linuron.

The EU-approved herbicide metobromuron has given good results in AHDB-funded trials. UK authorisations for use of the product on horticultural crops are not expected until at least 2018, but AHDB is working to obtain earlier authorisations in key crops.

AHDBs SCEPTREplus, a new four year programme of crop protection product trials, will launch in April 2017. It aims to deliver applied research on high priority disease, pest and weed problems in fresh produce and ornamental crops in order to support approval of products and devise and develop IPM programmes.

Non-chemical solutions are also being sought by AHDB through investment in innovative technology, including Eyespot, an automated system for applying herbicide droplets to individual leaves of weeds in row crops.

Linuron loss blow to growers

The decision not to renew linuron was announced in January and the Chemicals Regulation Division (CRD) has confirmed the final sale and distribution date as 3 June 2017 and 3 June 2018 for the disposal, storage and use of existing stocks.

Ian Holmes, research and development chair at the British Carrot Growers Association (BCGA), said the loss of linuron in carrot and parsnip crops 'cannot be understated'.

As there are currently no direct alternatives to cover the gaps the loss of linuron will leave, its removal is a blow to growers both in terms of efficacy and the relative cost of the alternative strategies we will need to look to employ.

Joe Martin, crop protection senior scientist at AHDB, said: We know from our crop protection gap analysis work in 2016 that weed control is a high priority in 38 crops or crop groups and one of the biggest challenges growers face is overcoming their reliance on chemical herbicides as the number of products available continues to decline. We have recently announced the launch of SCEPTREplus which will consider weed control as a central part of its programme.

Herbicides for testing

Manufacturers will offer herbicides for testing within SCEPTREplus trials to address some of the key industry priorities.

At the BCGA we are looking to work closely with AHDB Horticulture to develop new strategies to deal with the loss of linuron through the SCEPTREplus project, both in terms of finding new chemical solutions but also to look for improved cultural or non-chemical techniques for weed control.

This work is vital in providing an independent view on products that could be available to us as an industry and in liaising with the chemical companies to help develop approvals, added Mr Holmes

The future for weed control may look uncertain but by researching new technologies and working closely with manufacturers and growers, AHDB is at the forefront of developing solutions for growers, added Mr Martin.
The Netherlands has more than doubled the number of dairy cows to be culled from the national herd during the first phase of its plan to reduce phosphate emissions.

The initial instalment of the Farmers Stoppers section of the plan has been oversubscribed with farmers looking to leave the dairy industry.

As a result, the government intends to accept all eligible applications for this first phase and cancel the second instalment of the scheme.

The overall number of cows expected to be removed under the scheme is likely to be unchanged, at around 90,000, but the bulk of the cull could come earlier than expected.

This will depend how quickly applications are processed, given that numbers have greatly exceeded the initial limit, and how many successfully meet the eligibility requirements.

Applications have totalled 38,000 cows, whereas initially around 15,000 were expected to be removed in the first phase. If all applications are accepted, this equates to around a 2% reduction in the Netherlands milk production, based on average yields.

At EU level, the impact is much less significant, giving a 0.2% reduction in EU-28 milk production. The effect could be even less, given that farmers will have the option to slaughter or export cows, so some may be retained in the EU-28 herd.

A three-pronged approach has been proposed to the Dutch government to reduce phosphates from 2017. At present, the Dutch phosphate limit is 172.9 million kg, which has been exceeded for the past three years.

The Nitrates Directive has been in place since 1991. It aims to protect water quality from pollution by agricultural sources and to promote the use of good farming practice.
The Ulster Farmers Union has claimed dairy prices are falling short, with positive gains from a favourable exchange rate not being shared with farmers.

UFU dairy chairman William Irvine said dairy farmers feel short-changed.

Local dairy prices are still below what the market can return. A weak pound means our exports are more competitive yet the gains that delivers are not being shared with farmers, said Mr Irvine.

The UFU believes that the exchange rate should be boosting prices by between 2.5 and 3 pence a litre.

We raised this with processors and were told forward selling was why farmers werent seeing an immediate boost in prices. This was months ago. These contracts will have run their course now.

Processors must explain why the gains made from the exchange rate have not been shared with farmers. There is no excuse  action must be taken and farmers treated fairly, said Mr Irvine.

A recent report highlighted that since the drop in the value of sterling, there is around 200 million unaccounted for in the agricultural supply chain.

The NFU has called for milk buyers to recognise the strength of current markets and start paying fair, sustainable prices to their milk suppliers.

Gains are being made but not shared. This is unacceptable, warned Mr Irvine.
The starting gun has been fired on a possible second Scottish independence referendum and campaigners have hit the ground running.

Already Yes and No groups are seeking support - ranging from petitions, slogans and crowdfunding to projects for fact-checking and documenting the referendum.

Membership of the EU, access to UK and non-UK markets and currency arrangements have been listed as concerns for farming union NFU Scotland.

Although NFU Scotland remained neutral during the last referendum, a number of prominent farmers came out for and against independence.

Among the group in favour of independence were former NFUS presidents John Cameron, John Kinnaird, John Ross and Jim Walker.

They argued Scottish agriculture had been ill-served in EU negotiations by Defra ministers and having its own representation in Brussels would aid the sector.

The group against independence, named Rural Better Together and led by former NFUS presidents George Lyon and Sir Ian Grant, argued that independence would hinder the success of Scottish agriculture.

Trade fears

One of Scotland's biggest farmers has expressed trade fears over Scottish independence.

Glenrath Farms chairman John Campbell says he fears for the future of his business if Scots vote for independence in country's second referendum.

Glenrath, which is the biggest Scottish Borders-based agricultural employer with more than 200 workers, sells more than 1.5 million eggs every day to customers like Asda, Sainsburys and Tesco.

Some 80 per cent of the companys output goes to other parts of the United Kingdom, and Campbell says he is worried about the implications of separating Scotland from Glenraths main market.

Campbell fears that Glenrath could lose access to the Lion mark if Scotland leaves the Union. And losing use of the Lion mark could result in Glenrath being excluded from supermarket supplier lists because the Lion is an absolute requirement to sell eggs to Britains major high street retailers, he says.

A petition opposing a second Scottish independence referendum has reached more than 126,000 signatures.
Bird flu: Poultry in England must now be housed indoors
CHARLESTON -- Messiah in the Passover, a vivid and exciting demonstration showing how Jesus fulfilled the ancient feast of Passover, will be held on Sunday beginning at 5 p.m. at the Charleston First Baptist Church.

Messiah in the Passover will be conducted by Michael Herts from Chosen People Ministries. Chosen People Ministries is an over 100-year-old mission that was founded in 1894 by Leopold Cohn, a Hungarian rabbi who came to believe that Jesus is the Messiah promised in the Hebrew Scriptures. From humble beginnings in Brooklyn, N.Y., Chosen People Ministries has grown into a worldwide ministry to "the Jew first and to the Gentile."

Messiah in the Passover begins with a traditional Passover Seder table -- complete with all the articles of this important Jewish celebration. The speaker will explain the symbolic meanings of the various items of the Passover feast and highlight their relationship to the Last Supper that Messiah celebrated with the disciples, giving special emphasis on the redemptive significance of the crucifixion.

Messiah in the Passover gives the Christian community insight into Jewish traditions so that the Jewish roots of Christianity can be better understood. This program also helps the Jewish and Christian communities understand their common heritage.

This meeting is open to the public, and Charleston First Baptist Church would like to invite the community to attend. The church is located at 2800 University Drive. For more information, call 217-345-5081.
With New National Tourism Records Set, I Tour Vietnam Unveils New Tours, Offers

International tourism to Vietnam rose more than 40 percent year-over-year for first two months of 2017, and company's new tours and special offers ensure rewarding adventures, I Tour Vietnam reports

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Vietnam's National Administration of Tourism has just reported that international visitor arrivals for February rose more than 40 percent compared to the year before. In just the first two months of 2017, more than 2 million tourists from other countries visited Vietnam, an increase of 33 percent compared to the year before. With so much interest in visiting the country, i Tour Vietnam is the best way to experience and learn about its largest city and other destinations.

New packages and special offers detailed at https://www.itourvn.com include a huge range of ways to see what makes Vietnam such a vibrant, fascinating destination for so many. From exploring Ho Chi Minh City's s lesser-known neighborhoods or delving into its nightlife to spending time on the Mekong Delta, the new tours and special offers at www.itourvn.com ensure that every visitor can have a memorable, rewarding time in Vietnam.

"Like many others, we were truly impressed by the latest statistics from the National Administration of Tourism," said i Tour Vietnam co-founder and Managing Director Alexis Ly, "Interest in traveling to Vietnam has been growing steadily for years, and these new figures make it clear that the trend is still ramping up. While Vietnam is an incredibly dynamic and vibrant country, it can also be overwhelming for travelers to come to grips with. Our new tour options and special offers are designed to provide every participant with a real feeling for what makes Vietnam so special and exciting."

As part of the country's Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism regularly compiles and publishes statistics covering international travel to the country. A report released in January attracted attention from around the world in revealing that total tourist visits for 2016 had risen 26 percent compared to the year before. An even more recent report including totals for the first two months of 2017 suggests a heightening of this already-impressive trend, with about one-third more international visitors compared to the same part of 2016 arriving to enjoy their time in Vietnam.

i Tour Vietnam is one of the best-reviewed and most popular tour providers anywhere in the country. Headquartered in Ho Chi Minh City and fully licensed by the government, the company provides private tours that immerse participants in Vietnam's authentic culture, history, and everyday life. With a special focus on the bustling metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City, along with the surrounding southern part of the country, i Tour Vietnam also offers entirely customized, multi-day tours that can be arranged to cover anywhere else in Vietnam.

New standard tour options and special offers at the i Tour Vietnam website now make it even easier and more rewarding to experience this spectacular country with the help of some of the most dedicated and experienced local guides to be found anywhere. Visitors to itourvn.com will find the new tour options detailed in full and can even make arrangements for their own customized adventures online.

About i Tour Vietnam:

Offering private tours that put travelers in touch with the real Vietnam, fully licensed i Tour Vietnam provides personal, informed service that always focuses on quality over quantity.

Contact Info:

Name: i Tour Vietnam

Organization: i Tour Vietnam

Address: Ho Chi Minh City 700000 Vietnam

Phone: +84 98 618 88 01

Source URL: http://marketersmedia.com/with-new-national-tourism-records-set-i-tour-vietnam-unveils-new-tours-offers/178482

For more information, please visit https://www.itourvn.com

Source: MarketersMedia

Release ID: 178482

For more information visit r



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Bambinos Cafe Sweeps Springfield, Missouri Restaurant Awards in Local Media

The cafe is honored to have a clean sweep of the Springfield, Missouri restaurant awards that were voted on by the readers of several local publications, BambinosCafe.com reports

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Bambinos Cafe proudly announces they have swept the Springfield, Missouri restaurant awards. Readers of the following local publications voted on their favorite restaurant: Missouri State University's The Standard, 417 Magazine and the Springfield News-Leader. Bambinos was consistently named the best restaurant in Springfield Missouri. Readers of Missouri State University's The Standard proclaimed it to be the best restaurant, stated it offered the best Italian food and declared it the ideal place for date night dinners and for dinner with parents. Springfield News-Leader readers named it Best of the Ozarks in the Best Italian category, and 417 Magazine readers honored it with their Top 5 Springfield Restaurants award, the award for the best place for lunch and the Best Italian Dining award.

We are beyond thrilled that our customers are pleased with our food, atmosphere and service and chose to honor us by voting for our restaurant. This is in part due to our Springfield Missouri restaurant dinner menu favorites, such as the Portobello Ravioli and The Fredo, which is our fettuccine alfredo dish. Whether a person is looking for a place to sit down and have a nice meal, a restaurant where they can get great carry out or someone to call for Springfield Missouri catering, we are always happy to help," Andy Faucett, owner of the restaurant, states.

In addition, the daily specials draw visitors in. Those visiting on Monday can choose from favorites such as Sausage and Peppers or a Chicken Parmesan panini, while Wednesday guests have options including a Chicken Cheddar Ranch panini or Chicken and Pasta soup. There are different specials for every day of the week, so guests can return and try something new every day.

"Visit the website before heading to the restaurant to learn about other available specials. We are currently offering a coupon for a free appetizer with the purchase of any two entrees during our lunch hours Monday through Thursday. Our guests should be able to try a wide variety of foods, without spending a fortune to do so, and our specials are one way we ensure they can," Faucett continues.

When a special occasion rolls around, Bambinos is ready to assist customers in feeding large crowds. The catering menu is designed to meet the needs of a wide range of tastes and includes customer favorites, such as Baked Ziti and Grilled Chicken. Furthermore, customers can choose from side dishes, panini trays, appetizers, desserts and drinks.

"Competition is good in the restaurant industry, as people crave different foods at different times. When they are looking for a good Italian meal, however, we want them to immediately think of us. We do everything we can to keep our customers satisfied and are proud to be honored by the readers of local magazines for doing so," Faucett states.

About Bambinos Cafe:

Bambinos Cafe offers great food and great service and is proud of the reputation they have earned as one of the best restaurants in Springfield, MO. People can find it challenging to locate the original Delmar location tucked back in the Phelps Grove neighborhood, but the cafe promises the food is worth the journey. The were rated Best Hidden Restaurant by 417 Magazine, which declared it a treat. Guests love the large, covered patio, the laid-back atmosphere and the super-reasonable prices. The cafe opened a second location in 2015 at the intersection of Battlefield and Lone Pine in the Half A Hill shopping center. This location offers all of the traditional Bambinos favorites, along with a wonderful selection of bake shop desserts.

Contact Info:

Name: Andy Faucett

Organization: Bambinos Cafe

Address: Springfield, Missouri, 65807

Phone: 417-862-9999

Source URL: http://marketersmedia.com/bambinos-cafe-sweeps-springfield-missouri-restaurant-awards-in-local-media/178471

For more information, please visit http://www.bambinoscafe.com

Source: MarketersMedia

Release ID: 178471

For more information visit r



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The government has rejected calls for a seasonal agricultural workers scheme (SAWS) so people from overseas can fill temporary job vacancies on UK farms.

Immigration minister Robert Goodwill told MPs that reports of a UK farm labour shortage following last years vote to leave the EU were not supported by statistics.

As a result, the government would not introduce a seasonal workers scheme this year, he told the House of Commons environment, food and rural affairs committee.

See also: NFU issues warning over potential labour shortage

The most recent labour market statistics showed 82,000 more workers had come into the UK from Bulgaria and Romania during 2016, said Mr Goodwill.

The number of Bulgarian and Romanian workers increased from 204,000 at the end of 2015 to 286,000 at the end of 2016, he added.

At the moment, we do not believe there is a need for a scheme.

Mr Goodwill rejected the suggestion by committee chairman Neil Parish that he was selecting the statistics that suited his argument against a seasonal workers scheme.

The number of workers coming into the UK from other central and eastern EU countries had also increased, said Mr Goodwill.

We have seen increases, but particularly in those two member states, where large numbers of people come and work in agriculture, he told the committee on Wednesday (15 March).

The government would keep the situation under review but there was not sufficient evidence to support calls for a seasonal workers scheme during 2017, said Mr Goodwill.

Industry concerns

Industry leaders voiced dismay at the comments.

The horticulture sector currently employs 85,000 seasonal workers  but the NFU expects that requirement to rise to 95,000 people by 2020.

NFU deputy president Minette Batters said Mr Goodwills response left her wondering whether the government valued UK farmers as food producers.

The evidence for a scheme is clear, she said.

John Hardman, director of Hops Labour Solutions, which supplies workers to the food and farming sectors, said he was unable to fill 300 vacancies last year.

The 2016 soft fruit season had been the first year in many that one of the UKs largest recruiters had been unable to fill posts during peak times, said Mr Hardman.

We anticipated the changes in the marketplace that we are seeing now, however, not at the speed or magnitude we are currently seeing, much of which is down to the Brexit vote.

Mixed messages

The industry had received mixed messages from the government with regards to a new seasonal workers scheme since the beginning of the year.

It is quite clear that we wont see anything in the near future and growers need to work on that basis, said Mr Hardman.

Hops had seen a significant increase in demand for workers during early 2017  particularly from farms that had been recruiting people directly.

Mr Hardman said: The industry saw significant shortages from mid-July to mid-September last year  a situation that can only be exacerbated as we head toward Brexit in 2019.

The government must realise that some succession planning is needed as we exhaust the current labour pool from Romania and Bulgaria.




Haiti - Justice : Investigation into the causes of Rene Preval's death continues





Monday, March 13, Jean Danton Leger, the Government Commissioner authorized the thorough pursuit of specimens taken from the body of former President Rene Preval, during the autopsy conducted on March 6, https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20293-haiti-flash-autopsy-of-rene-preval-doubt-about-the-causes-of-his-death.html However, he said that due to the lack of appropriate equipment, certain examinations could not be carried out at the Forensic Institute in Haiti but sent to the United States for analysis under the supervision of Haitian Haitian forensic Armel Demorcy and Marjorie Pierre. No date has been announced concerning the publication of the results of these analyzes.



Furthermore, Commissioner Leger has formally denied rumors of poisoning, according to supposed analytical results in the United States, when at the time of these false information he had not yet granted the authorization for in-depth analysis of specimens that were kept under seal.



On Tuesday, at a press conference, Jean Danton Leger said that due to the persistence of doubts about the natural death of Rene Preval, he intended to shed light on the sudden death of the former President of Haiti. n this context, he said he asked the President of the Chamber of Deputies to put at his disposal the deputy of Petion-Ville, Jerry Tardieu for audition, the latter having lunch with Rene Preval a few hours before his death https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20293-haiti-flash-autopsy-of-rene-preval-doubt-about-the-causes-of-his-death.html . He indicated that several people had already been interviewed including the wife of Rene Preval and hospital officials "We are in the process of contacting other witnesses in order to dispel any doubts surrounding this file."



See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20293-haiti-flash-autopsy-of-rene-preval-doubt-about-the-causes-of-his-death.html



TB/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - News : Zapping politics...





Accident Gonaives new Balance

About the accident in Gonaives on Sunday March 12 https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20343-haiti-flash-terrible-road-drama-in-gonaives-at-least-34-dead.html "he Directorate of Civil Protection issued a new report which amounted to "38 dead and 17 wounded. They are cared for at La Providence Hospital".



Jovenel Moise celebrates with Archbishop Nugent

On Monday evening, President Jovenel Moise participated at the apostolic nuncio, Archbishop Eugene Martin Nugent, to the fourth anniversary of the election of Pope Francis at the Vatican.



Accident : towards a collective funeral

Tuesday, Lucien Jura, Presidential spokesman announced that the presidency of Haiti planned to organize a collective funeral for the 38 victims of Gonaives, for the moment no date has been retained but it confirmed the presence of Jovenel Moise at these funerals .



Words of Jovenel Moise

"Our generation must make all the sacrifices necessary to restore to Haiti the status that is its in the concert of nations... A Haiti proud, dignified, prosperous and sovereign," declared President Jovenel Moise.



Modernization work at Toussaint Louverture Airport

Within the framework of the projects initiated by the General Direction of the National Airport Authority (AAN), aiming at the modernization of the airport infrastructures of the country, the engineer Harry Clinton, Director General of the AAN, visited the construction works of "the road-ramp" located next to the Diplomatic Lounge of the Toussaint Louverture International Airport. This 80 m long road-ramp will be covered with "bituminous concrete".



Productivity Workshop

Monday, the Haitian Industries Association (ADIH), together with the International Labor Organization (ILO) and the Caribbean Confederation of Employers (CEC), organized a workshop for Haitian business leaders, a workshop on productivity.



Thank you Plan

Hardly affected by the passage of Matthew last October, the National School of Daughters of Dame-Marie is being repaired by Plan International Haiti, thanks to funding from Plan Canada. Work will be completed in April 2017.



HL/ HaitiLibre


















BLOOMINGTON -- Anyone who misses the behind-the-scenes intrigue of Downton Abbey will want to visit the David Davis Mansion State Historic Site on March 18 for a look at the lives of servants and their employers.

Costumed storytellers will portray Irish servants who worked for the Davis family at their Victorian mansion. Visitors can talk with the servants rushing to complete their chores and then hear what the Davis family members have to say about the staff.

The free, family-friendly Upstairs/Downstairs at Bloomingtons Downton Abbey event runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Meet characters like Bridget, the cook, who occupies a special position in the household because shes an expert with the Magee Range. She will give the stove a workout as she describes how she prepares food and determines how many pieces of coal it takes to bake a cake.

The David Davis Mansion was built in 1872 for U.S. Supreme Court Justice David Davis and his wife, Sarah. Davis, who also served in the U.S. Senate, was a friend and political ally to Abraham Lincoln.

The mansion is open Wednesday through Saturday for free public tours and is located at 1000 Monroe Drive in Bloomington. For more information, call 309- 828-1084 or visit www.daviddavismansion.org.

The site is operated by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. IHPA protects the states historic resources, which contribute to education, culture and the economy. IHPA sites include ancient burial mounds, forts and buildings erected by settlers, and homes connected to famous Illinoisans.
COMMISSIONERS ENDORSE STATE CONTROL OF CITY WATER SYSTEM

The stage is set for an epic battle in the state Legislature between the city of Hendersonville and the Henderson County Board of Commissioners.

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Bill Lapsley, the Henderson County commissioner and civil engineer who came to Hendersonville 40 years ago for a job with the city water department, began a presentation at 12:30 Wednesday afternoon on the future of that city water system. Almost two hours later, on a motion by Commissioner Grady Hawkins, the board voted 3-1 to endorse a proposed bill that would put the Hendersonville city water system under the control of the North Carolina Utilities Commission. The vote came after commissioners devoted an hour and a half to Lapsley's proposal to force the city to agree to a countywide authority and, barring that, subject the water system to control of the agency that controls rates for electric utilities, water systems and railroads across the state.

Tommy Thompson voted no, saying he wanted more time to study the question. Voting yes were Lapsley, Grady Hawkins and Chairman Michael Edney. Commissioner Charlie Messer left the meeting room before the vote.

A handful of people remained at 12:30 p.m., three and a half hours after the meeting started, when Lapsley began what amounted to a public prosecution of his case for forcing the city to cede control of the water and sewer system to a countywide authority.

There are 37 public water systems operating in Henderson County serving 31,000 customers and a population of 70,000. Hendersonville's system has 27,400 accounts serving 60,000 people, a little more than half the total population. With a few exceptions, small systems are under the authority of the N.C. Utilities Commission. City and county systems are exempt, under the philosophy that the governing body is accountable to ratepayers through elections. But beause 75 percent of Hendersonville water customers are outside the city limits, Lapsley argues, those ratepayers have no ability to retain or fire council members at the ballot box.

"This imbalance of the customer base has created a situation where the governing body is not answerable to the vast majority of the system's customers," Lapsley said. "There is no means for the customers located outside of the corporate limits to hold the governing body accountable for its actions."

Of 296 municipal water systems, just 10 have more than 50 percent of customers outside their city limits. Hendersonville has the second highest percentage in the state. Hendersonville's rate for outside users is 50 percent higher than the inside city rate.

"I would submit to you that this differential represents a discrimination of one class of customers against another class of customers," Lapsley said. They are not accountable in any form of fashion to the outside city customer. Only the city voters will get their attention.

The solution, Lapsley said, is to put the city water system under the authority of a new governing body made up of appointees from Laurel Park, Flat Rock, Fletcher, Mills River, Hendersonville and unincorporated Henderson County or to change state law to force Hendersonville's system under the regulatory control of the Utilities Commission. Lapsley said he had talked with Rep. Chuck McGrady about a bill that would put under the state Public Utilities Commission authority local government water systems with more than 50 percent of their customers outside their city boundaries. McGrady said in an interview Tuesday that he's receptive to the idea. One reason is the bill could be structured to apply to the city of Asheville water system, which the Legislature tried to transform into an independent utility authority in a law that the state Supreme Court ultimately was struck down.

Lapsley concluded his 45-minute presentation by saying that the city had refused over a span of 40 years to submit to a joint governance arrangement and had refused one last time, 10 days ago. "The city council informed us about a week ago that they had discussed it and they had declined our request" and had chosen to retain control of the water system, he said. Thus, he called for his fellow commissioners to support a statewide bill that would shift control of the city water system from the City Council to the state regulators. There was some urgency because Legislators face a March 30 deadline for filing bills that change state law.

Thompson, Edney and Messer all said they hoped the city and county could resolve their differences before a bill is adopted and Lapsley said even if the bill becomes law the city could later reverse course and agree to the countywide authority.

"I think we need to sit down with them, maybe in a joint meeting before the deadline passes and come up with an agreement that would work for all the people of Henderson County," Messer said.

"Monopoly has been a problem for the last decade that i've been on the board," Hawkins said. "We discussed when I was chairman a decade ago developing some kind of master plan and that never happened. I do not think the city of Hendersonville ought to be planning water extensions or sewer extensions for the simple reason that those two items control growth in the county and I think that's a county function versus a city function."

Some major investments like a $20-plus million plant upgrade and meter readers that are read remotely have been questionable, Hawkins said.

"The thing that gets passed on to the county water customer is all those costs," he said. "We have tried to deal with municipalities, Asheville and Hendersonville both, over the last decade and it ends up being a flawed agreement and I think one of the overarching reasons is because the county is not in the water business so we come to the table with nothing but an expectation of fairness on the rates and accountability ... I don't know what other information you need but I think we need to get on board with our representatives in Raleigh and get this issue addressed so that the basic issue of fairness will prevail in our county."

Two hours after the meeting, Councilman Jeff Miller struck a more moderate tone about the county board's action and said the next battle is in Raleigh.

No, it didnt surprise me a bit, he said of the outcome. "They already had this worked out. ...Well go forward and see what happens as it goes through.  Some of the things Lapsley said I thought were all uncalled for, like if a person (outside the city) had a complaint the city doesnt care. Thats not true. They cant say one thing theyve asked us to do that we havent done.

"I dont want to be totally negative about what Lapsleys doing," he added. "I think he really figures he should take care of this.  Well just see how it shakes out. I just think its a solution to a problem that doesnt exist at this time and it could do real damage.

Does the threat of a state takeover would motivate him to come to the table on an independent authority? No," he said. "Not one bit. No, we werent ready to just turn around and just give it away"

Lapsley asked and answered a series of questions he's heard since news broke of his ideas on the largest public water system in the county.

Why has there been no uprising against the city regarding their operation of the water system? The answer is, because it does not matter. The outside customers know they have no means of redress. Its a worthless cause to say anything. In fact if they do complain they run the risk of the city taking punitive action against them. This same situation exists with all of the other municipalities in Henderson County. They are afraid to bring up water operations issues for fear of hurting their relationship with the city of Hendersonville and any probably repercussions.

Will this legislation force the city of Hendersonville to give up ownership and control of their water system? No. Absolutely not. The ownership stays with the city of Hendersonville and stays under the governance of the city council. The only change will be in the operation of the water system there will be no possibility of discrimination allowed for any class of customers, particularly those located outside the corporate limits. The North Carolina Utilities Commission under this scenario will oversee the operations and protect the interests of all the customers. Henderson County would have no authority whatsoever.

I think we have a problem," Thompson said. "I think something definitely needs to be done and I would hope that the city of Hendersonville as well as our group can manage to work together for some kind of final solution.

Chairman Michael Edney said the city and county have built a good relationship that he hoped is not damaged by the dispute over the city water system.

"My understanding is Rep. McGrady will file a bill, directed more at Asheville than at us," he said. "Given that Asheville is at 44 percent (outside customers) and we're at 75 percent we'll be caught up in that regardless. It will be a statewide bill. It's not going to be a local bill."

"We've got a very good relationship with the people in Hendersonville right now," Edney added. "I think we all work very well together. It's more of a principal ... . Something needs to be addressed to make sure that the folks receiving the service have a method of redress. I think we as a county need to have some ability to get waterlines for industry outside the city if need be. We can ask but they can say no. I think we all need to sit down and work it out together and quite frankly I think we're going to have to. Given that Asheville is at 44 percent and we're at 75 percent we'll be caught up in that no matter what."

Lapsley said after the meeting that he would be open to renewed talks with the city about forming a countywide authority.

"If this goes through does that forever say permanently the city and the county can't get together? No," he said. "That option, does that come off the table because of this? No. That'll always be there. The question is whether the city of Hendersonville wants to entertain it.

"I think their obligation under the act is to make sure all customers are treated the same, that there's no discrimination of one class of customer against the other," he said. "The first thing I believe they would do is notify Hendersonville and say, 'You will set a uniform rate.'"

In a response it issued Tuesday ahead of Lapsley's presentation. The city said that "Lapsleys facts are misconstrued, taken out of context or simply wrong, the city said in the news release, issued by the city manager. The following are examples of proactive initiatives or improvements made by Hendersonville Water and Sewer over the last four years:

 Development of water system master plan and hydraulic model that will guide system growth and improvements until 2040.

 Water and sewer rates that are lower than Henderson County's Cane Creek Sewer District and most water and sewer utilities in the region.

 Proactive water and sewer extensions at no cost to customers that have resolved public health issues in the Dana community and promoted economic development in Mills River.

 City staff have made presentations to the Henderson County Board of Commissioners and municipal governing boards regarding the water and sewer system and meets regularly with Henderson County staff and other stakeholders to discuss utility issues and concerns.

 The Hendersonville City Council has adopted strong financial policies the require reinvestment of cash reserves into the system.

 There has been no public outcry from customers requesting a change in the governance of the utility system. The City of Hendersonville has a strong customer service focus and all customers are treated fairly regardless of whether they live inside or outside the City of Hendersonville.

In conclusion, the City of Hendersonville believes any action to force the City into a Water and Sewer Authority or under the oversight of the Public Utilities Commission is overreaching and unjustified. Henderson County has never made any significant efforts to build a countywide water system and has indicated that they would like to get out of the sewer business. The City of Hendersonville believes this action is politically motivated and not in the best interest of the Hendersonville Water and Sewer customers."
Henderson County News

A resident who was mauled by a police K9 that got away from his handler has sued the city of Hendersonville and the dog's handler, saying the "egregiousness" of the attack "cannot be overstated." Read Story 
When a company is either starting or expanding a business overseas, one of the first challenges is hiring and managing quality employees to staff their foreign subsidiary. Employees can fall into two categories in this situation: expat workers that are sent on assignment and foreign workers that reside in the new market. Regardless of which type a company hires, there are several key points to remember for recruiting and managing international employees. 1. Compliance is Key Every country has its own laws for employment, taxation, pensions and benefits, and in some cases the rules are different for locals than for expats. The rules of the new market should be researched thoroughly to ensure compliance with local employment and payroll laws. This will help avoid any complications with local authorities. While expat workers may be satisfied with payroll arrangements in the home country, foreign workers will want to ensure that their local benefits and payroll conform to the laws of the host country. 2. Recognize Cultural and Language Differences Whether a company is managing foreign workers or asking expats to integrate into a new country, both language and culture can present challenges. For expats, some language ability will help smooth the transition, as well as cultural training in the business practices and social customs of the host country. Due to cultural differences, foreign workers may have different expectations from th...
What are HR Benefit professionals doing in 2017 to address employees personal security needs? During this event youll discover why HRs role in employee identity theft protection is growing and how human resource leaders are helping employees protect their personal information through voluntary benefits.



A stable rise of full data breaches has been documented over the past six years and its no longer just a cyber-security issue. Most likely, the trend in data theft in 2017 will continue to rise, increasing your employees risk to identity theft, cyber fraud, data breaches, and privacy issues. On average, victims of identity theft spend 30 hours resolving their problems, while victims of fraud spend 60 hours.*



The impact to your organizations productivity is clear when employees must deal with the ramifications and resolution of data breaches and identity theft on their own. Providing identity theft protection as a voluntary benefit can be an effective way to protect your employees financial information, reduce employee stress, retain key staff and avoid unplanned absences.



Attend this webcast to learn steps to help employees protect their identities and your organizations bottom line. Gain insights on why identity theft protection, as a voluntary benefit, is vital to keep up with changing lifestyles and workplaces. And finally, discover how organizations are getting creative and providing ID theft protection benefits as employer-paid and employee-paid options.



In this Webcast, Youll Learn About:



The impact of ID theft on employees

Employer productivity costs related to identity theft

How to prevent ID theft

Protection as a voluntary benefit

Employer-paid and employee-paid options

Predictions of new identity threats and scams in 2017 and beyond

* 2013 study by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission

By registering for this webcast you will receive email communications and notifications from the sponsor(s).
Clear communication is key to every relationship in our lives -- those we work with, spend leisure time with -- and age is not a factor. The most common cause of confusing messages is jumbled thinking. We have an idea we havent thought through, or we have so much we want to say that we cant put it into a clear message. Its also possible we have an opinion that is so strong we cant keep it in. As a result, we arent organized when we speak, and we confuse everyone.

The first rule of plain talk is to think before you speak. Arrange your thoughts so that you can be exact in what you want to communicate. Speak plainly and briefly, using the shortest, most familiar words. Apply the K.I.S.S. Rule  Keep It Simple, Stupid!

When youve said what you needed to, it becomes your turn to listen. True listening requires your full attention and interest in hearing what the other person needs to communicate to you. Most of us only remember approximately 25% of what we hear, so if you dont concentrate and focus on hearing what is being said the conversation is rather meaningless. A sign on the wall of Lyndon Johnsons Senate office put it in a down-to-earth way: When youre talking, you aint learning.

Good listeners make communication easy. Good listeners pay attention and keep their eyes open while listening. They watch the other persons facial expressions and appear to be interested in what the other person has to say. Often when we make eye contact when were having a conversation it makes us feel as though the other person is really thinking and understanding our point  and listening.

Communication is more than just talking and listening -- its also about sending and receiving messages through attitude, tone and voice, facial expressions and body language. As people with Alzheimers disease and other dementias progress in their journey and the ability to use words is lost, families and caregivers need new ways to connect.

Join us at your LifeSpan Center on Tuesday, April 4th at 9 a.m. to explore how communication takes place when someone has Alzheimers. The Greater Illinois Chapter of the Alzheimers Association, in partnership with Coles County Council on Agings Family Caregiver Resource Center, will offer information on how to decode the verbal and behavioral messages delivered by someone with dementia, and identify strategies to help you connect and communicate at each stage of the disease. This program is 1.5 hours, which will include time for questions and answers. Heartland Christian Village will offer a complimentary light brunch to those attending.

There is no charge to attend this program, but prior registration is required. Please call 217-639-5150 to reserve your spot! Need a free ride to your LifeSpan Center? Call Dial-A-Ride 2-10 days in advance to schedule your transportation needs: 217-639-5169 or 1-800-500-5505.

The Coles County Council on Aging offices are located at the LifeSpan Center, 11021 E. Co. Rd. 800N, Charleston. The telephone number is 217-639-5150 for the Coles County Council on Aging and LifeSpan Center. Come join us each weekday at noon for Lunch at LifeSpan.
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
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By Peter Hopkins and Robin Finlay | (The Conversation) |  

Muslim youths tend to be portrayed as politically disengaged or potentially extremist. Debates about the war on terror, and US president Donald Trumps immigration plans are damaging how the world sees young Muslims today.

But the way that Muslim youth are being talked about in the media is only part of the story. That is why we spoke to 35 young Scottish Muslims about how they engage with political debates and stand up for their rights in a positive way. The majority of Muslim youths aged 15 to 27 who took part in our research participate in public and political life. These young people are challenging the idea that they are a threat, or not interested. Instead, they are eager to engage.

However, while there were numerous passionate responses from our study participants, we also found that some young Muslims encounter specific challenges that have the potential to put them off politics.

Everyday experiences of Islamophobia and racism make public and political participation especially challenging. For some young Muslims, there is a fear that it could leave them open to racist hostility. Moreover, Islamophobia makes some anxious about appearing overly politicised.

Some young Muslim women in our study felt that they had to deal with multiple prejudices, too, based not only on their religion but also their gender. Gender norms within communities and stereotypes of Muslim women  such as those associated with the hijab  were emphasised as potential barriers.

But despite this, we have found that young Muslims in Scotland, like many worldwide, are overwhelmingly keen to get involved in both local and global politics. Being interested in politics is not just about voting, or having an opinion. Though we did find that young Muslims participate in conventional electoral politics, many are also involved with social activism, volunteering and charity work.

Scottish politics

For the young Muslims we spoke to, Scottish electoral politics was seen as a key form of political participation. Despite the stereotype of Muslims not wanting to be part of British life, the politics of Scotland are of particular interest to many of the young Muslims living in the country.

Interestingly, the 2014 independence referendum, Scottish nationalism and the Scottish National Party have all captured the attention of many young Muslims. A Pakistani Muslim man from Glasgow told us that he thought the referendum did wonders in Scotland, because, like many young people both Muslim and non-Muslim he wasnt interested in politics before it happened.

Some young Muslims we spoke to believe that the referendum has helped define what it is to be Scottish in a new multicultural society. Many interpreted Scottish nationalism and the possibility of Scottish independence quite differently to the recent comments made by the London Mayor Sadiq Khan.

He warned that Scottish nationalism could be as divisive as racism and religious intolerance. But young Muslims consider Scottish independence as a progressive idea. One Muslim woman from Edinburgh told us:

I find it has been really inclusive. Its not about the colour of your skin, and its not about where you come from, its about what you want for Scotland.

Framing Scottish nationalism in this way was an important factor in motivating young Muslims to engage in electoral politics. It was a political movement many felt they could support and be involved in. Whether they were for or against, everyone could voice their opinion on the independence referendum, regardless of race or religion.

Activism, charity and volunteering

Politics for these Muslims goes beyond the mainstream big issues, and indeed beyond conventional politics. From the 35 we spoke to, we found that the most frequently engaged with forms of activism included protest marching, awareness-raising events and internet activism. Like many young people of all backgrounds, their political concerns were wide-reaching.

Global issues  such as the refugee crisis, concerns about human rights and anti-war activism  came up in discussion. At the same time, more local matters such as concerns about poverty in Scotland, food banks and the Trident nuclear deterrent were on the minds of the study participants, too.

For these young Muslims, engaging with public life went further, into charity, community and volunteering work. The majority of participants volunteered or did some form of charitable work. The activities were varied, ranging from fund-raising for international causes to local community work such as street cleaning.

For some, political participation is a way to respond and challenge difficult prejudices. Understandably, though, prejudices make others cautious about pursuing an interest in politics. Despite our positive findings, young Muslims are willing to play a much bigger role in public and political life in Scotland. But for that to happen, society needs to overcome Islamophobia, racism and other stereotypes about Muslim young people.

Peter Hopkins, Professor of Social Geography, Newcastle University and Robin Finlay, Research Associate, Newcastle University

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.



Related video added by Juan Cole:

Fusion: Young Muslim Americans react to Islamophobia
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TeleSur |  

A far-right Israeli minister said Lebanese civilians must be direct targets in a future war over Hezbollahs rising political sway in Lebanon.

The next war Israel will launch against Lebanon must take the country back to the Middle Ages and should target civilians in the country, far-right Israeli Education Minister Naftali Bennett said over the weekend expressing concern over the rise of Hezbollah within the political scene in Lebanon.

Today, Hezbollah is embedded in sovereign Lebanon. It is part of the government and, according to the president, also part of its security forces, Israeli newspaper Haaretz quoted Bennett Saturday.

Bennett was referring to comments made by Lebanons newly-elected President Michel Aoun to Egyptian media last month saying Hezbollah was a major part of Lebanons defense, and that his government would not seek to disarm the resistance group As long as Israel occupies land and covets the natural resources of Lebanon.

The head of state added that Hezbollah complemented the Lebanese military, which lacks the power to stand up to Israel. Aoun became president as part of a breakthrough deal struck between Hezbollah and other political factions in the parliament after a two-year vacuum.

But Bennett saw Aouns comments as legitimizing the Israeli targeting of Lebanese civilians. Bennett said should war break out with Lebanon, its infrastructure, airport, power stations, traffic junctions, Lebanese Army bases  they should all be legitimate targets, according to Haaretz.

If Hezbollah fires missiles at the Israeli home front, this will mean sending Lebanon back to the Middle Ages, he said, adding that Lebanons civilians  will understand that this is what lies in store for them if Hezbollah is entangling them for its own reasons, or even at the behest of Iran.

Hezbollah was formed in 1985 as a Shiite resistance group born out of repression against the Islamic sect and defines itself through its struggle against the 1982 Israeli occupation of southern Lebanon which ended in the defeat of Israel and its having to withdraw from the country in 2000.

Many experts on the region say Hezbollah managed to defeat Israel for the second time when Tel Aviv launched a campaign against southern Lebanon in 2006, which lasted for 34 days, claimed the lives of more than 1,000 Lebanese civilians and displaced about a million people in Lebanon.

The Israeli army was dealt major losses and could not achieve its objective of disarming Hezbollah, with former senior defense officials calling the campaign a failure and saying that Hezbollah gained more strength and popularity in the country as a result of the war.

The group maintains close ties with the Iranian government and has remained a close ally of Syrian President Bashar Assad. A few years ago the group joined Syrian Army forces in their fight against extremist rebel groups affiliated with al-Qaida and the Islamic State group.

Via TeleSur
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TeleSur |

Many see the Dutch vote as a referendum on the viability of the viciously anti-Muslim, anti-migrant politics represented by Geert Wilders.

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Ruttes center-right VVD Party remained the biggest in Parliament after an election Wednesday with 31 of the 150 seats, the first exit poll said, handing a significant defeat to the far-right Geert Wilders.

Almost 13 million voters went to the polls to choose which of the five major Dutch parties will win the most seats in Parliament in what many see as a crucial vote to determine the future of the rising wave of right-wing anti-establishment populism.

Wilders Party for Freedom was tied in second place with two other parties at 19 seats apiece, according to the poll by national broadcaster NOS based on interviews with voters. The turnout is forecast at 81 percent against 74.6 percent in the last election in 2012, according to NOS.

If confirmed, the result will be a relief to mainstream parties across Europe, particularly in France and Germany, where far-right nationalists are set to make a big impact in elections that will both be held this year.

Rutte got a last-minute boost from a diplomatic row with Turkey, which allowed him to take a well-timed tough line on a majority Muslim country during an election campaign in which immigration and integration have been key issues.

Dutch proportional representation means up to 15 parties could win a parliamentary seat and it could take months for Rutte to build a coalition. Full results are not expected until early Thursday morning. The final official results will be declared on March 21.

Pundits had predicted that Ruttes party would win 24 to Wilders 22 seats, both well below the 76 needed to form a majority. Rutte had called the vote a European quarter-final, before a French semi-final and German final, and warned voters that a Wilders victory would be the wrong sort of populism winning the day.

Each of the main parties have said they would refuse to work with Wilders as part of any coalition  essentially eliminating any possibility that Wilders party will be part of any government.

Indeed, while Rutte has presented himself as an opponent of Wilders brand of Islamophobia, Wilders rhetoric has pushed Ruttes Peoples Party even further to the right, with Rutte taking out full page ads during the election demanding that immigrants act normal or get out.

Perhaps more worrisome still, some see the Dutch vote as a kind of referendum on the viability of the viciously anti-Muslim, anti-migrant politics represented by Wilders throughout Europe.

With upcoming elections in both France and Germany, many are wondering if Dutch voters will  in the words of Rutte in Mondays debate  stop the domino effect represented by the Brexit vote in the U.K. and Donald Trumps victory in the U.S.

In a final debate on Tuesday, Rutte proudly stood behind his decision over the weekend to expel one Turkish government minister and prevent the entry of another over concerns that their presence would incite both the Islamophobic supporters of Wilders as well as the local Dutch-Turkish population.

Via TeleSur



Related video added by Juan Cole:

AP: Raw: Netherlands Votes for Parliament
LAKEWOOD, CO, March 16, 2017 /CNW/ - Energy Fuels Inc. (NYSE MKT: UUUU; TSX: EFR) ("Energy Fuels" or the "Company"), a leading producer of uranium in the United States, is pleased to present the following Letter to Shareholders from President and CEO, Stephen P. Antony:

Dear Fellow Shareholders:

READY TO GO FURTHER. We believe this phrase captures Energy Fuels' positioning in the global uranium sector today. As a shareholder, you already know that Energy Fuels is a proven U.S. uranium producer. But, we believe we are ready to take the next step. Our three production facilities are ready to increase production, as uranium markets improve. Our permitted and developed mines are ready to resume operations. We are ready to compete in global markets and sell more uranium at higher prices. In short, we are ready to be the "go-to" uranium producer in the U.S., as I believe our people, assets, and expertise are second-to-none in the U.S. In other words, we are READY TO GO FURTHER.

I don't have to tell you that the past several years have been extraordinarily challenging in uranium markets. But in December 2016, we just might have turned the corner. 2016 was one of the most challenging years I can remember during my nearly 40-year career, as prices fell by almost 50% amid weak and discretionary utility demand and persistent oversupply. But then in December, things began to look a little different. After hitting a multi-year low of $17.75 per pound on December 1, the spot price started showing some signs of life. Market participants began to recognize that current and future uranium supplies may not be as plentiful as they thought. Demand continues to rise, especially in the long-term where there is significant uncovered utility demand. We are starting to see some tangible production cuts, as weak prices persist and high-priced, long-term contracts expire. And I believe we will see even more production cuts while prices stay low. Indeed, Kazakhstan recently announced 10% production cuts. This is on top of the production cuts announced by Cameco in 2016. I would contend that when the World's largest and lowest-cost uranium producers are feeling the pain of today's prices, you know this current market pricing is categorically unsustainable.

We know the World is going to need a lot of uranium in the coming decades. We also know that the World will need more uranium mines. But, due to very limited investment in our industry, current levels of exploration and new project development are simply not sufficient. Bringing a large, new uranium project from exploration into production takes at least 10 years. In addition, history tells us that many of these new projects will fail to meet expectations  or fail altogether. When this pent-up demand comes to the market, I do not believe the mining industry will be able to respond adequately. All of these factors may finally be converging to create the foundation for the next significant uranium price recovery.

Against this backdrop, the nuclear industry is emerging as a key future source of clean, reliable energy because of its many benefits, including air pollution reduction, carbon emission reduction, sustainability, grid stability, safety and energy resiliency. Nations, particularly in Asia, are turning to nuclear energy to provide clean, affordable electricity to their growing populations and modernizing economies. With citizens  particularly younger generations  demanding cleaner energy solutions like never before, utilizing nuclear power to lower our reliance on fossil fuels makes a lot of sense. And thanks to advances in technology, nuclear power is proving to be a very viable option to complement the rapid growth in renewables such as solar and wind power  an integrated opportunity which can stabilize the electric grid of tomorrow  a thesis expert witnesses from the Electric Power Research Institute recently endorsed on Capitol Hill.

If the U.S. is truly focused on energy independence, as appears to be the case with the new Trump Administration, uranium projects in the U.S. should be considered premium, strategic assets, especially since the Energy Information Administration (EIA) has reported that U.S. uranium production is near historic lows, as we increasingly rely heavily on foreign uranium.

Amid the uranium supply risks I described above, the U.S. remains a global leader in nuclear energy. We have the largest nuclear fleet in the World, and our plants consume huge quantities of uranium. In addition to the four units under construction in Georgia and South Carolina, lawmakers around the country are finally beginning to take action to support our current nuclear fleet. Consider this, the Illinois Legislature passed the Future Energy Jobs Bill in late-2016 that saved three nuclear reactors owned by Exelon. And, lawmakers in Connecticut, Ohio, and Kentucky are considering legislation to support nuclear energy. We would like to see similar action at the federal level. In addition, I'm gratified that NuScale Power recently submitted the very first formal small modular reactor (SMR) design application to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). Finally, here at Energy Fuels, we are looking forward to working with the new Trump Administration on a number of other initiatives to support the domestic nuclear and uranium sectors.

At Energy Fuels, we believe these positive catalysts could energize the uranium market. While I can't say whether the recent upward price move in uranium is the beginning of the "next uranium bull market", I confidently believe there is considerable upside for proven producers of uranium with scalability and high-quality assets like Energy Fuels.

Though the historic drop in uranium prices in 2016 brought challenges for Energy Fuels, we achieved several important milestones that we believe enhance our ability to respond to rising uranium prices:

In June 2016 , we acquired the Alta Mesa Project located in Texas . This highly-coveted, low-cost ISR project is fully-permitted, fully-developed, and ready to resume production once uranium prices rise a little more. We also published a maiden resource estimate for Alta Mesa , showing significant in-ground uranium resources and exciting exploration potential on the nearly 200,000-acres of private land to which we now have access.

, we acquired the Alta Mesa Project located in . This highly-coveted, low-cost ISR project is fully-permitted, fully-developed, and ready to resume production once uranium prices rise a little more. We also published a maiden resource estimate for , showing significant in-ground uranium resources and exciting exploration potential on the nearly 200,000-acres of private land to which we now have access. We are nearly finished developing our Canyon uranium mine in Arizona , which will soon be ready to go into production once prices rise a little more. This is truly an exceptional high-grade, low-cost uranium deposit. We have also discovered very high-grade copper mineralization, and if we are able to profitably produce it, our costs will drop even further.

, which will soon be ready to go into production once prices rise a little more. This is truly an exceptional high-grade, low-cost uranium deposit. We have also discovered very high-grade copper mineralization, and if we are able to profitably produce it, our costs will drop even further. Through financings, extension of our convertible debentures, cost-cutting measures, non-core asset divestitures, and re-establishing our "at-the-market" program, we are maintaining the strength of our balance sheet, so  again  we will be ready for when prices support us increasing production.

When significant uranium demand returns to the market, Energy Fuels will not be able to supply all of it, even if we were to produce at our capacity. However, we will be happy to supply as much as we can  and at prices that recognize the strategic value of our commodity. Today, we are a leading U.S. uranium producer. But, our assets, permits, and production capabilities make us ready to take the next step toward becoming a mid-tier global producer. In short, Energy Fuels is READY TO GO FURTHER.

I'll close by noting that several members of Energy Fuels' Management Team and Board of Directors  including me  have recently purchased more shares of Energy Fuels on the open market. We believe in this Company, we believe in a uranium price recovery, and we thank you for your continued support and investment interest in Energy Fuels.

Respectfully,

Stephen P. Antony

President, CEO and Shareholder in Energy Fuels
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, March 16, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pure Energy Minerals Limited (TSX-V:PE) (FRANKFURT:A111EG) (OTCQB:PEMIF) (the Company or Pure Energy) is pleased to announce the appointment of Walter Weinig as Vice President of Projects and Permitting effective April 1, 2017. This appointment continues the transition of the Company from exploration to development activities at the Clayton Valley South Lithium Project (the CVS Project) while helping to launch the exploration stage at the Terra Cotta Project in Argentina.

Mr. Weinig brings nearly 30 years of experience in mining hydrogeology, permitting, and project management at sites around the globe to Pure Energy. He has managed multi-disciplinary engineering and scientific teams to accomplish complex design and permitting projects in surface and underground mining, industrial, and environmental arenas. Mr. Weinig has led and performed groundwater and environmental investigations throughout the southwestern United States, including mining-related baseline studies and assessments for several projects in Nevada. He has also provided oversight and input to the resource quantification for a lithium-brine project in Argentina (unrelated to Pure Energy). He is currently involved with the Company in a consulting capacity, focusing on the resource evaluation at the CVS Project.

Mr. Weinig earned a B.Sc. degree in geology from the University of Wisconsin and an M.Sc. in hydrology and water resources from the University of Arizona. He is a registered Professional Geologist, a certified Project Management Professional, and is a Qualified Person as defined in National Instrument 43-101.

Pure Energy also announces that Dr. Andy Robinson will resign from his position as Chief Operating Officer of the Company effective March 31, 2017. Dr. Robinson joined Pure Energy as Chief Operating Officer in November 2014 and was appointed a Director in September 2015. He presided over considerable growth of the Company during the early stages of the CVS Project. Dr. Robinson remains a Director of the Company.

Pure Energy CEO, Patrick Highsmith, commented about the evolution of the team, This will be a year of transition at the Clayton Valley South Project as we progress from exploration to development. At the same time we launch an important exploration program at the new Terra Cotta Project. We are very excited that Walter Weinig is joining our team at Pure Energy. Not only does he have specialist hydrogeology and lithium experience, but he is also a professional project manager. This skill set will keep us focused on the timely delivery of important milestones at the CVS and Terra Cotta Projects. Walter is a great communicator and extremely organized. I look forward to his leadership in the field and in the boardroom.

Mr. Highsmith continued with respect to the resignation of Dr. Andy Robinson, It has been a pleasure working alongside Andy for the last year. We have learned a lot from him in the field during the drilling campaigns. He did an excellent job in leading the engineering team through the mini-pilot plant and to the production of the first flowsheet for the CVS Project, which was released in December of last year. We wish him success and good fortune in his future endeavors.

About Pure Energy Minerals Ltd.

Pure Energy is a lithium resource developer that is driven to become a low-cost supplier for the burgeoning lithium battery industry. The Company is currently focused on the development of the CVS Lithium Brine Project and the adjoining Glory Lithium Clay Project in Clayton Valley, Nevada. Pure Energy also recently announced the acquisition of a purchase option on a major new lithium brine project in the Lithium Triangle of South America, the Terra Cotta Project (TCP). The TCP is located on Pocitos Salar in Salta, Argentina, where it enjoys some of the best infrastructure and access of any lithium brine exploration project in the country.

Pure Energy has developed core strengths in innovative development and processing technologies for lithium brines and lithium mineral deposits. The Companys key attributes and activities include:
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - March 16, 2017) - Royal Road Minerals Limited (TSXV: RYR) ("Royal Road" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update of its exploration activities in Colombia and details of the Caza Gold acquisition projects (see press release, March 15, 2017) in Nicaragua.

COLOMBIA

With positive developments and the new political landscape in Colombia, Royal Road is actively expanding its presence by making application for over 450,000 hectares of concession contracts in Narino Province (See Fig. 1) and by reviewing other promising gold opportunities in the region of its La Golondrina and La Redencion gold projects and elsewhere throughout the country.

Figure 1





The Company is liaising regularly and actively pursuing alliances with Colombian Government bodies in order to responsibly align itself with the country's post-conflict aspirations. One such initiative involves the potential joint acquisition of airborne magnetic and radiometric data covering the Company's concession contract applications and areas of state mining reserve in Narino Province. The proposed survey will cover areas known to be prospective for high-grade intrusion-related gold mineralization in the east and for porphyry copper and gold mineralization in the west (see Fig.1). The Company's plan is to rationalize and reduce its application areas and focus on newly generated targets following completion of the airborne survey and subsequent reconnaissance field work and community consultation programs.

NICARAGUA

The Company has acquired more than 90% of Nicaragua-focused Caza Gold Corporation ("Caza") and is currently completing compulsory acquisition of the remaining 10% (see press release, March 15, 2017). Caza holds close to 75,000 hectares of exploration license in the prospective Chortis Belt of western Nicaragua (see Fig.2).

Figure 2





The two key projects in the portfolio of Caza assets which management believe to illustrate significant size-potential are the Los Andes and Piedra Iman projects.

Los Andes Porphyry Cu-Au project

The Los Andes district is located 90 km from Managua in the Department of Boaco. Access is via a major paved highway from Managua. Caza controls 100% of six mineral exploration concessions covering the Los Andes District. The total concession package is approximately 18,500 hectares.

Within the district the dominant rocks are volcanics of andesitic composition belonging to the Late Oligocene to Early Pliocene Coyol Group. Numerous intrusive rocks cut the volcanic sequence, with at least two large dioritic porphyries identified to date. Associated with the intrusive/volcanic activity are numerous breccia pipes and diatremes. Hydrothermal alteration is extensive throughout the licence areas and is typically a combination of argillic (silica-clay), advanced argillic (silica-alunite), and silicification.

In 2015 Caza completed an airborne geophysical survey over the area which highlighted a number of well-defined structural trends and radiometric anomalies. Short exploratory drilling campaigns conducted in 2014-15 targeted silicified lithocaps and localized breccias and intersected strong alteration and anomalous copper, silver, and gold in a number of holes but failed to intersect any potentially economic intervals of mineralization.

Immediately around the lower slopes of Cerro Quizaltepe over 1,500 rock chip samples were collected by Caza geologists with 123 returning values greater than 200ppm copper and 31 greater than 500ppm. A similar halo of elevated gold was also recorded with 82 rock chips returning greater than 50ppb. When viewed alongside the airborne geophysics, this large area of copper-gold anomalous geochemistry is thought to be indicative of a copper-gold mineralized porphyry body at depth. Drilling at Cerro Quizaltepe was too shallow to fully test the deep porphyry potential but it did intersect alteration and anomalous copper mineralization (211.7m greater than 200ppm Cu in hole QZP-003 and 10.95m @ 0.19% Cu in hole QZP-002) supporting the interpretation of potential for an underlying higher grade porphyry copper and gold body.

Recent modelling and interpretation of this data, suggests that the Los Andes area is represented by a circular caldera-style structure located immediately adjacent to and to the north of Cerro Quizaltepe (see Figs. 3 and 4). Management interpret the caldera to be a late-stage feature having developed late in the history of deep porphyry emplacement at Cerro Quizaltepe and hosting alteration that, whilst impressive in its extent, maybe distal to the main mineralized body and thus lower grade and sub-economic.

Figure 3





Figure 4





Managements view is that the principal target at Los Andes is a deep copper or copper and gold porphyry body located beneath Cerro Quizaltepe and at the southern margin of the Los Andes caldera (see Fig. 5). Testing of this body will require further geological modelling and then deep drilling. The Company is actively seeking a joint-venture partner to assist it with drill testing at Cerro Quizaltepe.

Figure 5





Piedra Iman IOCG Cu-Au project

The Piedra Iman licence area is located 100km northwest of Managua via the Pan American Highway and 30 km north of B2 Gold's El Limon Mine. Within the greater region numerous small artisanal gold mines, including over 80 small gold processing plants, have been recorded. Caza, controls 100% of the 7,947.27 hectare Aguas Calientes Concession encompassing the Piedra Iman project

Piedra Iman was initially explored in the 70's by a Noranda subsidiary and included drilling to 200m depth and the completion of one exploration adit. This drilling and underground sampling intersected significant widths of copper mineralization. Most samples were not assayed for gold and results are historic in nature and cannot be verified. A selection of the better historic results included the following (see Fig 6):

DDH_818 9.1m @ 1.50% Cu DDH_846 14.3m @ 1.42% Cu DDH_851 36.6m @ 1.13% Cu DDH_876 14.8m @ 1.65% Cu

Figure 6







Gold and copper mineralization is associated with biotite, quartz veining and brecciation with the presence of magnetite, specularite and rose actinolite having been recorded in both historic drill core and hand specimen.

Recently rock-chip sampling by Caza reported grades of up to 60g/t Au and numerous copper samples grading +1% from Piedra Iman, (see Fig. 7). Royal Road Minerals plans to complete a ground-based magnetic survey as soon as possible to assist in identifying the areal extent of the potentially mineralized magnetic body. If possible, access to the underground adit will also be obtained, this will provide valuable information as to the mineralization style and characteristics at depth.

Figure 7





"2017 will be an exciting year for Royal Road," said Dr Tim Coughlin, Royal Road's President and CEO, "our shareholders have given us a clear mandate to find something new, large and exciting and we are establishing the land package, the team and the structure to ensure we have the best chance of doing exactly that. In Colombia we have a dominant position in the highly exciting region of Narino which is known to be underexplored and prospective for high-grade gold and copper and in Nicaragua, a country best known for vein deposits, we have two of the very few and potentially large bulk-tonnage occurrences currently identified in that region. We look forward to keeping the market informed as we advance our exciting initiatives throughout Latin America."

The information in this news release was compiled, reviewed and verified by Dr. Tim Coughlin, BSc (Geology), MSc (Exploration and Mining), PhD (Structural Geology), FAusIMM, President and CEO of Royal Road Minerals Ltd and a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Royal Road Minerals employees are instructed to follow standard operating and quality assurance procedures intended to ensure that all sampling techniques and sample results meet international reporting standards. More information can be found on Royal Road Minerals web site at www.royalroadminerals.com
TORONTO, March 15, 2017 /CNW/ - AuRico Metals Inc. (TSX: AMI),("AuRico" or the "Company") is pleased to report that the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency ("CEAA") has issued a positive Decision Statement and that the British Columbia Environmental Assessment Office ("EAO") has granted an Environmental Assessment Certificate for the Company's wholly-owned Kemess Underground Project ("the Project").

Chris Richter, President and CEO of AuRico stated; "These positive decisions are the culmination of a comprehensive process which began in 2014, and I would like to thank the many people who worked tirelessly to achieve this successful outcome. We would not be where we are today if it were not for the hard work of the AuRico Metals team and our consultants, along with the extensive efforts and close cooperation from our First Nations partners, the EAO, and CEAA. The Tsay Keh Dene, Kwadacha, and Takla Lake First Nations, collectively Tse Keh Nay, provided letters of support to Federal and Provincial Ministers for Environmental Assessment approval and we are proud to have their support."

"The Kemess Underground Project presents an attractive development opportunity given its strong economics  supported by existing infrastructure, large scale, good jurisdiction, and advanced stage. Today's environmental approval represents a significant milestone for the Project, and we are excited about the opportunity to continue to advance the Project to the benefit of all stakeholders."

The EAO managed the Environmental Assessment for the Kemess Underground Project in a Substituted Process on behalf of British Columbia and CEAA, the latter of which is on behalf of the Federal Government of Canada. The Project will require a number of additional normal course licenses and permits which are expected to be received early in 2018.

About the Kemess Underground Project

The Kemess Underground Project is a large gold-copper development project located in north-central British Columbia. The Kemess South open pit mine operated successfully between 1998 and 2011 and produced approximately 3 million ounces of gold and 750 million pounds of copper. Production ceased when the open pit was depleted.

The Kemess Underground deposit is located approximately 6 kilometres north of the existing Kemess South processing plant. Additional existing infrastructure includes a camp, powerline, all-weather air-strip, access road, as well as other surface facilities including an administrative building, workshop and warehouse. In total, there is approximately C$1 billion worth of existing infrastructure in place.

AuRico published a Feasibility Study for the Kemess Underground Project in March 2016 that contemplates the development of a low-cost panel caving operation with an initial 12-year mine life. Ore would be transported by conveyor to the existing processing facilities, with concentrate transported to a wholly-owned concentrate load-out facility located in Mackenzie, British Columbia.

The Feasibility Study demonstrates that Kemess Underground is a robust project benefiting from extensive existing infrastructure. The Feasibility Study anticipates total life of mine production of 2.6 million gold-equivalent ounces(1) (consisting of 1.4 million ounces of gold, 573 million pounds of copper and 4.5 million ounces of silver). Gold-equivalent production for the first five years is expected to average 238koz per annum and 207koz per annum over the life of mine, with a low All-In Sustaining Cost of US$682/oz over the first five years and US$718/oz over the life of mine. Total up-front capital expenditure for the Project is estimated at US$452 million with a payback period estimated at 3.3 years.

The Company also has a 100% interest in the Kemess East deposit, located 1km east of Kemess Underground. In January, 2017, the Company released an updated resource estimate for Kemess East outlining Indicated Resources of 113.1 million tonnes grading 0.38% Cu and 0.46 g/t Au and Inferred Resources of 63.8 million tonnes grading 0.34% Cu and 0.31 g/t Au. The resource includes a higher grade core estimated to contain Indicated Resources of 67.2 million tonnes grading 0.43% Cu and 0.60 g/t Au as well as Inferred Resources of 15.2 million tonnes grading 0.41% Cu and 0.51 g/t Au. The Kemess East deposit remains open to the south, north and west.

About AuRico Metals

AuRico Metals is a mining development and royalty company with a 100% interest in the Kemess property in British Columbia, Canada. The Kemess property hosts the feasibility-stage Kemess Underground Gold-Copper Project, the Kemess East Exploration Project, and the infrastructure pertaining to the past producing Kemess South mine. AuRico's royalty portfolio includes a 1.5% NSR royalty on the Young-Davidson Gold Mine and a 2% NSR royalty on the Fosterville Mine, as well as a portfolio of additional producing and pre-production royalty assets located in North America and Australia.
There are a lot of officials, past and present, who ought to be ashamed of themselves over the years-long bobbled reassessment of commercial and industrial property in Coles County.

Many property owners, particularly small business operators, are hopping mad, and I don't blame them.

In case you missed it, commercial and business property in the county that hadn't been reassessed since 2001 has been subject to reassessment starting in 2015. If you're like me and not good at math, you'd pick up a calculator and find out that's about 14 years during which the worth of property went unevaluated.

Huh. It's almost as if the typically inept government was handling that. Oh, wait ...

After the many years of someone's -- or a few someones' -- failure to do their job, leaders opted to do the reassessments in phases, dividing Coles County into four segments. Mattoon Township was first on the list.

Those property owners found out about their assessment changes in December, as JG-TC staff writer Dave Fopay has reported, and the jump in their assessed property's value has many of them up in arms.

People have turned out in crowds at the last four county board meetings to protest the "catch up" reassessment process. Board members themselves have had little to say.

Obviously, some county board members weren't in their seats when the ball was dropped -- repeatedly -- on regular property assessments. Current county Supervisor of Assessments Karen Biddle took her post in 2015, so under her leadership, the required assessments are being done.

But it's clear that at least one person didn't do what was supposed to be done: The reassessments weren't done, but now this has all come to a head.

Current Coles County Board Chairman Stan Metzger did say Tuesday that the impact of the reassessment may not be much when it comes to the total of taxes paid and collected. The Property Tax Extension Limitation Law or PTELL is in effect here, and the limits on tax hikes due to that law won't necessarily mean a "windfall" for the county's taxing bodies, Fopay reported.

The fact remains that many property owners will see a sudden jump in their taxes due because of the long-overdue reassessments.

That's not fair.

When I was a kid and encountered various people or situations in life, once in a while my parents would respond with a simple, flat, "Life's not fair."

That didn't make me feel one eensy teensy bit better.

But it's still true. The situation created and enabled by some county officials is a poor one, and the only "good" thing about it is that it proves how frustrating government can be.

Fourteen years?! Seriously, people!

Yet, while I understand and relate to property owners' anger, there is another side to this coin.

All these years, many properties have remained assessed at lower rates than they would have had the re-evaluations been done.

Property owners didn't complain about that.

Perhaps someone owned a plot of land that was surrounded by nothing 14 years ago and now is adjacent to a new shopping mall or popular business that needs additional parking. That land certainly increased in value greatly when its neighbors became hot commodities.

This is my hypothetical example. But you know there are some properties and businesses out there who fit a similar bill.

By the same token, some commercial and industrial properties easily may have lost value over 14 years. It's not fair that they've continued to pay taxes on once-valuable property that is now far less attractive to buyers.

The bottom line is that the county is in quite a mess, and it shouldn't be.

Nonetheless, current officials are trying to steer the ship back in the right direction. And there's likely no good way to do this. Certainly, as they say, you couldn't turn the Titanic on a dime.

I don't know what the county board or supervisor of assessments can do -- what law allows them to do -- but there ought to be room for compromise here.

Reassess all the commercial and industrial property in the county in phases, but don't send out the bills until all the phases of re-evaluation are complete. That keeps the playing field level for all.

I don't know if this is allowed under law, but give property owners more time to go before the Board of Review and contest the reassessments being handed down. After dropping the ball for 14 years, that's the least the county can do, if they are able.

On the other side, property owners are just going to have to accept that they got by without paying accurate taxes for 14 years and now that time is over. For better or worse, many folks got by paying less taxes than they should have for a long time; others paid more than they should have been on the hook for; and I'm sure many will break even. That's just the way it is.

We can all help stop these kinds of snafus by paying closer attention to our local government and its operations. When is the last time you went to a county board meeting? Do you even read the newspaper's accounts of the meetings each month?

Most people don't. That's another reason why reassessments weren't done, and the stalled process didn't get brought to light sooner.

To be fair, this newspaper shares blame as well. Our reporting on the issue over the years could have been more robust, and I can assure you that we'll be fine-tuning what we do, as we strive every day to improve our work for our readers.

Keep an eye on your local governmental bodies, and educate yourself on what they are doing, or should be doing. Then vote accordingly. I bet there is more than one property owner who would be a good candidate for Coles County Board the next go-round. That's may be the best way to fight in this situation.

It's a shame that taxpayers have to create an uproar to get things done right via government. In this case, some county officials are simply caught in the middle: trying to right a wrong that was not of their making, but has now become their responsibility. That's not fair to them, either.

I know, I know. Life's not fair.

But by golly it ought to be.
ST. JOHN'S, NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR--(Marketwired - March 15, 2017) - Altius Minerals Corporation ("Altius" or the "Corporation") (TSX:ALS) reports attributable revenue (1) for the three months ended January 31, 2017 of $14,535,000 or $0.34 per share and adjusted EBITDA (2) of $11,262,000 or $0.26 per share compared to attributable revenue of $7,301,000 or $0.18 per share and adjusted EBITDA of $6,273,000 or $0.16 per share for the prior year comparable period. This represents a new quarterly attributable revenue record and is a 46% increase over the second quarter ended October 31, 2016 and 99% over last year's comparable quarter ended January 31, 2016.

Year to date, the Corporation has recorded attributable revenue of $32,911,000 (2016 - $25,620,000) and adjusted EBITDA of $24,451,000 (2016 - $18,843,000).

The net loss for the quarter was $67,293,000, or $1.55 per share, compared to a net loss of $16,794,000, or $0.42 per share, for the comparable prior year quarter. The year to date net loss is $64,046,000 (2016 - $18,479,000).

The increased quarterly and year to date revenue is as a result of higher realized prices for copper, zinc and metallurgical coal, the first full quarter of revenue from the Chapada copper stream, improved potash royalty production volumes and mine sequencing based volume increases from its thermal coal royalties. These revenue increases were partially offset by lower realized potash prices and a nil payment related to the Voisey's Bay royalty.

The higher quarterly and annual net losses result largely from the previously reported recognition of a non-cash impairment charge of $72,001,000 for the Corporation's Genesee royalty interest during the quarter. This decision was made in response to policy changes in the province of Alberta that are intended to phase out coal fired electrical generation by 2030.

A summary of the financial results is included in the following table.

(in Canadian dollars) For the three months ended January 31, For the nine months ended January 31, 2017 2016 2017 2016 $ $ $ $ Attributable revenue (1) 14,535,000 7,301,000 32,911,000 25,620,000 Adjusted EBITDA (1) 11,262,000 6,273,000 24,451,000 18,843,000 Net earnings (loss) attributable to common shareholders (67,293,000 ) (16,794,000 ) (63,903,000 ) (18,476,000 ) Basic and diluted per share Attributable revenue 0.34 0.18 0.76 0.64 Adjusted EBITDA 0.26 0.16 0.56 0.47 Net earnings (loss) per share (1.55 ) (0.42 ) (1.47 ) (0.46 ) Total assets 403,904,000 422,252,000 403,904,000 422,252,000 Total liabilities 106,301,000 93,482,000 106,301,000 91,482,000 Cash dividends declared & paid to shareholders 1,300,000 1,198,000 3,904,000 3,594,000

Additional information on the Corporation's results of operations is included in the Corporation's MD&A, and Financial Statements, which were filed on SEDAR today and are also available on the Corporation's website at www.altiusminerals.com.

The Corporation also confirms that its board of directors has declared a cash dividend on its common shares of three cents per common share to all shareholders of record at the close of business on April 6, 2017. The dividend is expected to be paid on or about April 20, 2017.

The declaration, timing and payment of future dividends will largely depend on the Corporation's financial results as well as other factors. Dividends paid by Altius are eligible dividends for Canadian income tax purposes unless otherwise stated.

A conference call will also be held to discuss the Q3 F2017 financial results as detailed below.

Fiscal 2017 Third Quarter Financials Call Information:

Time: 9:30 a.m. EST on Thursday, March 16, 2017 Dial-In Numbers: +1 (844) 473-0974 (Canada) +1 (480) 696-7316 (International) Pass code: 77397391 Conference Title: Altius Q3 - F2017 Webcast URL: http://edge.media-server.com/m/p/tzgaegah

The call will be webcast and archived on the Corporation's website for a limited time.

Non-IFRS Measures

Attributable revenue and adjusted EBITDA is intended to provide additional information only and do not have any standardized meaning prescribed under IFRS and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. Other companies may calculate these measures differently. For a reconciliation of these measures to various IFRS measures, please see below.

(1) Attributable revenue is defined by the Corporation as total revenue from the consolidated financial statements and the Corporation's proportionate share of gross revenue in the joint ventures. The Corporation's key decision makers use attributable royalty revenue and related attributable royalty expenses as a basis to evaluate the business performance. The attributable royalty revenue amounts, together with as amortization of royalty interests, general and administrative costs and mining tax, are not reported gross in the consolidated statement of earnings (loss) since the royalty revenues are being generated in a joint venture and IFRS 11 Joint Arrangements requires net reporting as an equity pick up. The reconciliation to IFRS reports the elimination of the attributable revenues and reconciles to the revenues recognized in the consolidated statements of earnings (loss). (2) Adjusted EBITDA is defined by the Corporation as net earnings (loss) before taxes, amortization, interest, non-recurring items, non-cash amounts such as impairments, losses and gains, and share based compensation. The Corporation also adjusts earnings in joint ventures to reflect EBITDA on those assets which exclude amortization of royalty interests as well as adjusting for any one time items. Adjusted EBITDA is a useful measure of the performance of our business, especially for demonstrating the impact that EBITDA in joint ventures have on the overall business. Adjusted EBITDA identifies the cash generated in a given period that will be available to fund the Corporation's future operations, growth opportunities, shareholder dividends and to service debt obligations.

Reconciliations to IFRS measures

(in thousands of Canadian dollars) Three months ended January 31, Nine months ended January 31, Attributable revenue 2017 2016 2017 2016 $ $ $ $ Attributable revenue 14,535 7,301 32,911 25,620 Adjust: joint venture revenue (7,032 ) (4,891 ) (15,357 ) (16,772 ) IFRS revenue per consolidated financial statements 7,503 2,410 17,554 8,848 Adjusted EBITDA 2017 2016 2017 2016 $ $ $ $ Earnings (loss) before income taxes (65,969 ) (17,644 ) (62,049 ) (19,420 ) Addback (deduct): Amortization and depletion 3,169 2,494 8,709 6,068 Exploration and evaluation assets abandoned or impaired 2,000 2 2,000 661 Share based compensation (share settled) 239 228 862 393 Interest on long-term debt 1,422 1,328 6,351 4,180 Unrealized (gain) loss on fair value adjustment of derivatives - (129 ) - (348 ) (Gain) loss on disposal of investments & impairment recognition (232 ) 5,763 (5,773 ) 5,219 Dilution (gain) (566 ) - (566 ) - Share of loss and impairment in associates 95 3,780 95 7,067 Earnings from joint ventures 67,226 5,785 61,471 (1,119 ) LNRLP EBITDA - 265 - 1,086 Prairie Royalties EBITDA 6,852 4,401 14,955 15,056 Foreign currency loss (317 ) - 1,053 - Gain on disposal of mineral property (2,657 ) - (2,657 ) - Adjusted EBITDA 11,262 6,273 24,451 18,843 LNRLP EBITDA Revenue - 381 - 1,430 Less: mining taxes - (116 ) - (344 ) Less: administrative charges - - - - LNRLP Adjusted EBITDA - 265 - 1,086 Prairie Royalties EBITDA Revenue 7,032 4,511 15,357 15,342 Operating expenses (180 ) (110 ) (402 ) (286 ) Prairie Royalties Adjusted EBITDA 6,852 4,401 14,955 15,056

About Altius

Altius directly and indirectly holds diversified royalties and streams that generate revenue from 15 operating mines. These are located in Canada and Brazil and produce copper, zinc, nickel, cobalt, iron ore, potash and thermal (electrical) and metallurgical coal. The portfolio also includes numerous predevelopment stage royalties covering a wide spectrum of mineral commodities and jurisdictions. In addition, Altius holds a large portfolio of exploration stage projects which it has generated for deal making with industry partners that results in newly created royalties and equity and minority interests.

Altius has 43,335,654 shares issued and outstanding that are listed on Canada's Toronto Stock Exchange. It is a member of both the S&P/TSX Small Cap and S&P/TSX Global Mining Indices.
Myeong-dong shopping district in Seoul seems almost empty Wednesday, after the Chinese government banned its people from going on group tours to Korea. / Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk

By Park Jae-hyuk

People speaking Chinese were noticeably absent from the shopping district of Myeong-dong, Seoul, Wednesday morning.

This was the day when the Chinese government's de facto ban on the country's tour agencies from offering group tours to Korea went into effect as part of retaliatory measures against the deployment of a U.S. anti-missile Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery here.

"I think the number of Chinese tourists has declined almost 70 to 80 percent recently," said an information clerk who was helping foreign tourists near Myeong-dong Theater. "There are obviously fewer Chinese tourists here than Japanese visitors these days."

The measure has been enough to make Chinese group tourists almost disappear from their favorite destination in Korea, where they had once crowded to shop for cosmetics and luxury goods.

Missing their most lucrative customers, owners of so-called "road shop brands," such as Nature Republic, The Face Shop and Innisfree, were struggling to attract Japanese visitors who were filling the vacancy left by the Chinese.

Most of store clerks were speaking Japanese, and distributing leaflets and maps in the language. But they said the number of tourists from Japan is not large enough to make up for Chinese shoppers who had literally swept away goods from cosmetics display stands.

"The number of Japanese tourists is almost the same as before," said a Japanese speaking part-timer who was distributing leaflets for a massage parlor. "But the number of Chinese has considerably decreased this year."

A Holika Holika cosmetics store employee said: "Japanese tourists will be hard to find here, when the country's winter vacation season is over. There seem to be relatively more of them than Chinese, but the absolute figure is not that large."

The stores were reluctant to disclose the specific impact on their sales from the THAAD dispute, but most of them admitted that the issue has damaged their profits.

A clerk at a Vprove cosmetics store said, "The number of Chinese customers fell by half after the THAAD issue surfaced and it has affected sales at our store."

Some employees complained about customers who just accept freebies, while being reluctant to buy anything. Currency exchangers also griped about their recent difficulties because of the decreasing number of customers and the small amount of money they change.

"Most visitors these days exchange less than 100,000 won," said one surnamed Shin. "Until last year, there were a lot of customers who exchanged more than 200,000 won."

Still, some tourist buses transported Chinese groups to the main Lotte Department Store branch in the afternoon. However, industry officials expected tourist groups will completely disappear this weekend.

"Those who came to Korea before the measure have yet to leave," one official said. "Myeong-dong district will become quieter, after they leave the country on Thursday and Friday."

The official said duty free shops are struggling to attract tourists from the Middle East and Southeast Asia. But most road shops, which have depended on Chinese tourists, seemed to lack any special measures to cope with the current situation.
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Dear editor: Big changes in government health care are now being proposed in Congress. The TV talkers and others are asking about who will lose their health insurance with the repeal of Obamacare. A larger issue is ignored. Typical. One researcher claims that ten times as many working people were deprived of health insurance under the ACA program as those who gained from it. Working people lost their jobs or had their working hours reduced because of Obamacare rules. The insurance replacement for the ACA should include health care accounts combined with low cost/high deductible insurance to cover costly medical-care events. This would give greater freedom of choice to the consumer and would discourage abuse of the health care system. Freedom from government intrusion should be our main theme. With all change the human condition with its motives does not change. Out of compassion for the unemployable other arrangements can and should be made, but that is a separate topic. In most or all of this, government needs not be the so-called "benefactor." Cradle to grave everything to everybody from government has ruined many nations. Sweden is about to learn.
Fredzania Thompson, a pregnant 19-year-old aspiring model from Navasota, Texas, was fatally struck by a train during a photoshoot on the train tracks in a bid to launch her modeling career, on Friday.

The teen who attended Blinn College in Bryan wanted to put her education on hold to begin modeling, her mother, Hakamie Stevenson told the Eagle.

"That's definitely what she wanted to do," Hakamie Stevenson said. "It's what she had started to do the day she was deceased."

According to authorities, Thompson was standing between two sets of tracks Friday in Navasota when a BNSF Railway train approached. She moved out of the way, but was unaware that a Union Pacific train was coming in the opposite direction and got struck by the train.

The teen passed away from her injuries on her way to the hospital, the photographer was not injured at all.

Fredzania could be seen smiling in a photo taken on the tracks just before the fatal accident.

"Zanie had the most beautiful smile," fiance Earl Chatman, 25, told the Eagle. "I believe she would want everyone to know what a kind and caring person she is."

Her fiance, Chatman, who is already the father of a 7-year-old son, found out in recent weeks that Fredzania was going to give him another child.

He said:

"She said, 'You're going to be a dad again.'"

Fredzania graduated from Navasota High School in 2015 where she had scholarships for being a star volleyball player. She was also a hair and makeup expert.

Shedding light on how the accident had occurred, Union Pacific spokesman Jeff De Graff, told the Navasota Examiner that the train crew had alerted them with the horn as they approached them and began the emergency stop process.

Basically, you have two railroad tracks there, one is Burlington Northern to the west and one is Union Pacific to the east, and she was in between the two tracks, Navasota Assistant City Manager Shawn Myatt said.

Burlington Northern had a train on their track coming and she turned back to the east to walk across the Union Pacific track and walked right in front of the Union Pacific train that was heading south.





The funeral service for Fredzania will be held on Saturday in Brosig Auditorium in Navasota. A graveside service will take place at Oakland Cemetery.She would have turned 20 this past Monday.
The Ghana Culture Forum, in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism Arts and Culture, the National Commission and Culture (NCC) and the National Theatre, on Tuesday, March 17 held the fifth edition of the Ghana Culture Day at the National Theatre in Accra.

Ghana Culture Day celebration is aimed at establishing a platform that brings together civil society organisations and individuals involved in the field of culture.

The event, themed 'celebration 60th anniversary of Ghana's independence: cultural re-orientation for the birth of a new Ghanaian', attracted stakeholders within the Ghanaian culture fraternity and a section of the general public.

Some selected cultural music and dance groups that were invited to grace the occasion thrilled patrons with musical and cultural dance performances, drama, spoken word, readings and storytelling.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Catherine Afeku, said government would review the 2004 Ghana Cultural Policy document to make it even more relevant and purposeful in the face of current modern trends.

According to her, the policy review would take into account such objectives as culture for the youth, culture in education and culture as part of leisure.

She mentioned that the government is determined to see to the completion of all abandoned regional centres of National Culture and commence a programme for establishing fully functional centres for National Culture in all the regional capitals.

National cultural institutions such as the National Theatre, the Du Bois Memorial Centre, the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and others will receive concentrated attention for refocusing the various programmes run by the ministry, she added.

Professor Esi Sutherland-Addy, Convener, Ghana Culture Forum (GCF), said the forum is a network of cultural practitioners, activist and organisations united around a common goal of affirming the cultural foundations of development and enhancing the cultural sector.

She stated that the GCF seeks to ensure the recognition and mainstreaming of issues of culture in national development, monitor and intervene in developments in the cultural sector and co-ordinate and present the views and voices of members, ensuring that they are heard and ventilated.

The forum, she disclosed, is also to support cultural activists and their organisations to promote the best Ghanaian creativity and heritage and to promote Ghanaian identity through its cultural diversity.
You probably havent thought much of certain details about rice, right? After all, all that matter is that its a delicious cooking staple thats readily available, relatively cheap and able to be eaten alongside a variety of dishes.

Jumia Travel , the leading online travel agency shares 9 interesting things you probably didnt know about rice, you never know when the information might just come in handy.

Rice Can Last For Years  Unless its Brown

Uncooked white rice can stay fresh and edible for anywhere between 10 and 30 years (if stored properly). However, uncooked brown rice has a shelf life of just three to six months because of its bran coating which tends to oxidize within this time.

Rice Can Poison You

It can if its not stored properly. When cooked rice is left at room temperature, the spores in the uncooked rice that survived cooking tend to grow bacteria that can eventually cause food poisoning. To avoid this, you it is advisable to cook as much rice as youll eat, or cool leftover cooked rice in the fridge and reheat to steaming hot when you want to eat again.

All White Rice Starts Brown

You probably already knew this, but then maybe you didnt. All white rice is just brown rice that has been rid of its bran coating and polished.

Rice Grows Everywhere except Antarctica

Rice is adaptable and easy to grow, which makes it possible to grow almost anywhere. It also has a very high yield which makes it a terrific crop to grow to feed a large population. Just a seed of rice can result in over 3,000 grains.

Toyota and Honda Are Named After Rice

These two Japanese brand cars were named after rice. Toyota actually means Bountiful Rice Field and Honda means The Main Rice Field.

Rice Needs a Lot Of Water To Grow

Rice cultivations utilize about 5,000 litres of water to produce just 1kg of rice!

Eating Rice Can Actually Make You Happier  Really!

Of course, eating something as delicious and satisfying as rice can typically make you happy, but aside this, carbohydrates like rice trigger the production of serotonin in your brain. Serotonin is a hormone known to boost mood and help reduce your appetite. Plus, rice is additionally easy to prepare, relatively cheap and nutritionally rewarding. Who wouldnt be happy about that?

Wild Rice Exists but It Isnt Actually Rice

Wild rice is a distant relative to every other rice eaten today, most of which are in the Oryza sativa family. Wild rice is part of the Zizania genus and its grains are harvested from marsh grasses grown in North America and China.

The Great Wall of China is Held Together By Sticky Rice

While the Great Wall was being built during the Ming dynasty in the 15th and 16th centuries, workers used a porridge made with rice along with calcium carbonate as a mortar to hold the walls stones together.
The Association of Oil Marketing Companies (AOMCs) have assured the newly appointed Chief Executive of the National Petroleum Authority, Mr Alhassan S. Tampuli of their support towards his administration for a successful tenure.

According to them, there is the need for more consultative meetings with the various committees working under the NPA and those of the AOMCs.

However, the Association of Oil Marketing Companies (AOMCs) pointed out a number of challenges that confront their operation such as the branding of dealers of the OMCs/LPGMs by some state agenvies as criminals instead of partners, delay in the processing of Permits and License applications among others.

The Association of Oil Marketing Companies (AOMCs) also called for urgent and concerted action to be taken to halt immediately the illegal sale of export products on the local market which denies government huge tax revenue and also adversely affects the businesses of the Association's members who do genuine business and pay huge taxes to the state.

The Association also asked for a review of the deregulation policy to allow marketers to be able to vary their ex-pump prices within each OMC and also manage their freight.

'There should be collaboration between the Association and the NPA to educate the Public on siting of fuel stations/outlets as well as the general education on safety', the Association of Oil Marketing Companies (AOMCs) also appealed.

The Association further indicated the need for the implementation of the new products specifications to ensure enhanced fuel quality for its consumers. It thus requested that the NPA makes available a standard fuel quality test tool to be used by its dealers to ascertain product quality before they take delivery of it.

The above issues came to light when NPA officials paid a visit to members of Association of Oil Marketing Companies (AOMCs) to officially introduce the new CEO, Mr Alhassan S. Tampuli and also confer with the AOMCs and its leadership on the challenges in the industry that relate to the operations of the OMCs/LPGMCs.

The newly appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of National Petroleum Authority, Mr Alhassan S. Tampuli assured the AOMCs that the NPA will give all the necessary support to members with regards to safety.

He added that proper decision making has a strong correlation with the availability of meaningful information and called on members to support the regulator by providing timely and useful information.

Mr. Alhassan S. Tampuli reiterated the need to name and shame companies involved in bad practices and indicated that the Authority was ready to do so in order to sanitize the industry.

Other issues discussed included automating the operations of the Regulator with respect to permits and licenses, the need for continuous public education and increasing the standards in the industry.

Mr Alhassan S. Tampuli applauded the AOMCs for the continuous industry education on safety and other issues it has been handling.

Mr. Alhassan S. Tampuli emphasized that all the concerns tabled by the AOMCs would be given the needed attention.

He thanked the leadership of AOMCs for making time to honour the meeting and indicated that the doors of the Regulator are always open for members.

In attendance were the new NPA CEO Hassan S. Tampuli, Jacob Amuah, the Technical Director and other directors. The AOMCs were represented by the Chairman of the Board of Governors and Managing Director of Strategic Energies Limited Mr Johnny Blagogee, Michael Bozumbil, CEO of PETROSOL and Vice Chairman and Kwaku Agyemang Duah, the Industry Co-ordinator/CEO of the AOMCs.

The Industry Coordinator/CEO, Mr. Agyeman-Duah, on behalf of the Board and the general membership, conveyed a message of appreciation to the NPA team for the visit.
The president of policy think tank, IMANI Ghana, says the record appointment of 110 ministers by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo shows he failed to insist on "meritocracy."

Franklin Cudjoe says although government has been honest about requiring the fiscal space to carry out its many programmes, there is no justification for the huge number of appointees.

He said a programme his organisation undertook prior to the December election which was condemned by political parties sought to stop the fanciful promises made by political parties.

Government Wednesday released a fresh list of 50 deputy ministers and ministers of state, bringing the total number of ministers so far to 110.

In a historic move, the President has appointed three deputies for the ministries of Information, Energy, Agriculture and Local Government.

Sections of Social media have condemned the size of government, noting the president promised to protect the public purse.

But Information Minister, Mustapha Hamid said the number is needed to 'assist' the President pursue an 'ambitious' development agenda.

He said the size of the Akufo-Addo government explaining that a lean government was never one of the NPP's campaign promises.

"We never promised a lean government," he addressed a press conference Wednesday minutes after the announcement.

But IMANI Ghana boss has disagreed with Mr Hamid's claim that the President has appointed more Ministers because of the nature of the economy.

"If that is the case then we need to add militia men as well and probably give them spoons instead of shovels to dig holes," he mocked government.

He said he finds it worrying the notion held by several people that because the Constitution enjoins the head of state to apppoint the number of Ministers he deemed fit, it is right to do so.

"There is something called legal blunder, and it is used to waste resources...corruption is not only about spending money but an amorphous entity that manifests in waste," he said, adding the appointments will lead to cronyism which will also result in rent-seeking behaviour.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Abubakar Ibrahim |[email protected]
15.03.2017 LISTEN

By Florence Afriyie Mensah, GNA

Kumasi, Mar 15, GNA - The 'Danquah-Dombo-Busia Tradition', a group aligned with the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) has asked elected party officials not to scramble for public office appointments.

They should stop putting unnecessary pressure on the President and allow him the free hand to pick capable people, who could make things happen - to carry through his development vision.

Nana Kofi Amoh-Gyebi, its National Vice Chairman, making the call through the Ghana News Agency (GNA), in Kumasi, said the group was unhappy with the intense lobbying for positions by some of the leaders.

That, he warned, could prove too costly, counter-productive and likely to make the party to lose its focus.

He reminded constituency, regional and national executives of the party to concentrate on strengthening the party's internal structures to make it more formidable.

The expectation is that together with the rank and file they would work with more energy to sustain the goodwill of the people and support the government to fulfill its election campaign promises, to grow the economy, create wealth and jobs.

He underlined the need to avoid any misjudgment or missteps that could potentially result in apathy and disillusionment among the supporters.

Nana Amoh-Gyebi said it should not be lost on them that four years was not far away and that they could not afford to waste time on absolutely needless distractions.

GNA
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By Dennis Peprah, GNA

Sunyani, March 15, GNA - The Ghana Coalition of NGOs in Health (GCNH) on Wednesday called on the government to increase investment in vaccines and make proactive arrangements to address the equity gaps in national immunization.

It said if the health system was strengthened, and enough resources invested into vaccines, it would not only save the life of more children but also enhance on the growth of the economy as well.

Dr Gabriel Gbiel Benarkuu, the National Chairman of the Coalition who made the call in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Sunyani said members recognised government's interventions to strengthen the health system, but more ought to be done on national immunization.

He explained that as a developing nation, nothing should deny any child irrespective of the location access to life-saving vaccines.

Dr Benarkuu said it was against this background that the Coalition had sought funding from the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation (Gavi) to implement a social health accountability strategy in the country to increase demand for immunization.

He said the coalition would partner with the Ghana Health Service to implement the programme which would also strengthen and scale-up community health interventions aimed at improving the quality of primary health care services and delivery.

Among key objectives of the programme are to strengthen health worker capacity and distribution so as to address equity issues at the district level, and also improve storage, distribution and management of logistics and ensure the availability of potent, quality and safe vaccines, medicines and devices.

It will also empower civil society for increased demand creation for health services at the community level and strengthen governance and health information management for improved health service delivery.

Dr Bernarkuu underlined the need for the government to strengthen and accelerate the new CHPS policy implementation to complement other efforts on service delivery.

'As part of the process of achieving the objectives and also reducing the disparities in access to maternal and child health services, the role of civil society cannot therefore be under estimated, as we bring on board social mobilisation skills, alternative research, influencing data generation, collaboration and demand for quality immunisation services,' he added.

Dr Benarkuu emphasised the importance to increase and sustain the government's domestic investments and funding allocations, including innovative financing mechanisms, to meet the cost of traditional vaccines.

GNA
By Jerry Azanduna, GNA

Zebilla (U/E), March 15, GNA - One hundred and twenty households in the Bogore community of the Bawku West District without electricity have received solar chargeable lamps for their households to generate energy.

The 'Light A Village' a Texas based non-governmental organisation, working to improve the lives of people in deprived communities, also donated teaching and learning materials including foot wear, school uniforms, and T-Shirts, pencils and books to the Bogore Community Primary and Junior High Schools at a cost of GH? 11,000.

Mr James Quartey, the President of the NGO who presented the items to the beneficiaries, said the NGO was helping to alleviate energy problem in deprived communities before they were hooked to the national grid.

The chargeable lamps have storage power units, solar panels, light bulbs and USB cords.

Mr Quartey disclosed that more social interventions programmes were being rolled out to aid communities and urged the beneficiaries to use the gargets for the intended purpose as that would help them to champion the course of fighting poverty in the area.

Mr Stephen Akugri, former Assemblyman for the area, said the intervention would go a long way to improve upon the socio-economic lives of the people.

He called on other non-governmental organisations, philanthropists, the district assemblies and individuals to assist the area with a community library to assist the children in research work.

He appealed to the government to assist the community with a dam so that farmers could do dry season farming.

GNA
By Josephine Nyarkoh, GNA

Kumasi, Mar 15, GNA - Child labour continues to thrive across all 10 regions of the country despite the intense public awareness campaign and interventions by the government and non-governmental organizations to provide protection for children.

Many of them, reportedly are daily exposed to hazards, hunger, exhaustion, neglect, verbal and physical abuse by caregivers and employers.

This is contained in a child protection baseline report published by the Gender, Children and Social Protection Ministry, a copy of which was made available to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Kumasi.

It cited Brong-Ahafo and the Eastern Regions, where children wake up at dawn to start work and as a result arrive at school exhausted and sometimes late.

There is also child migration for labour, with children in the three Northern Regions identified as the most vulnerable to migration during the dry season (July to September), when 'families are unable to adequately feed their children'.

The report said 'children sent to live with members of their extended families are often exploited by being forced into economic activity'.

Many of them have been suffering in different ways - excessive work, lack of food and clothing, being subjected to corporal punishment and in some cases sexual abuse.

It recounted the painful and heartbreaking experience of a girl, who was routinely sexually abused by the uncle in the Western Region, quoting her as saying, 'my uncle used to come to sleep with me every evening, when his wife was not around'.

'I kept everything to myself till one day, when I couldn't take it anymore. He came to my room to have sex with me as usual because he thought the wife was not at home.

This time, I gathered courage and started screaming on top of my voice, with all my strength and my auntie came and saw everything for herself. My uncle could not say anything, he was only standing there ashamed.'

'The next day, my auntie brought me back to my mother. We never spoke about that issue because it brings back painful memories.'

GNA
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From Desmond Davies, London Bureau

London, Mar 14, GNA - The Conrad Hilton Foundation in the US has provided $11.725 million to help eliminate trachoma in Mali and Niger.

This is in addition to the Carter Center, Hellen Keller International and Sightsavers, which are together matching the grant to provide a total of $23.45 million for the campaign.

'The Hilton Foundation has supported efforts toward the global elimination of trachoma for more than 20 years and we are thrilled to be reaching the elimination of this disease as a public health problem in countries like Mali and Niger by 2020,' said Peter Laugharn, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Hilton Foundation.

'I have seen first-hand the devastating effects that neglected tropical diseases have, and no one should have to suffer from a disease that is preventable.

'I believe that through collective compassion, collaboration and smart solutions, we can achieve this goal by 2020.'

The Helen Keller International and The Carter Center already work in both Mali and Niger, while Sightsavers works solely in Mali.

Former US President Jimmy Carter, founder of The Carter Center, praised the teamwork that had gone into the international effort.

'Mali and Niger's strong commitment and hard work have brought them within reach of eliminating blinding trachoma,' Mr Carter said.

'Their progress gives other countries encouragement and incentive to pursue a similar goal.'

Trachoma is the world's leading infectious cause of blindness and one of a group of what are known as Neglected Tropical Diseases, (NTDs).

It affects millions of people in communities that lack access to clean water and sanitation.

Trachoma is spread from person to person through direct contact and by flies that carry the infection from one person's eyes to another's.

Trachoma can be found in over 50 countries, mostly in Africa and the Middle East, and a few countries in the Americas and Asia.

Globally, 200 million people are at risk from trachoma, and over 3.2 million are at immediate risk from blindness.

Although trachoma is easily preventable, figures show that more than two million of the world's poorest people are blind today because they did not have access to eyelid surgery or prevention strategies.

The disease is said to be responsible for an estimated annual productivity loss of up to $8 billion.

GNA
By Albert Futukpor, GNA

Tamale, March 15, GNA - A total of 130 women died during child birth at health facilities in the Northern Region in 2016 as against 92 maternal mortality cases recorded in 2015, according to figures from the Northern Regional Health Directorate.

Madam Joana Quarcoo, Kumbungu District Director of Health, who made a presentation on behalf of the Regional Public Health Nurse on the state of health in the Region during the launch of the Promoting Maternal, Newborn, Infant and Child Sustainable Health Efforts (PROMISE) project in Tamale, said 67 children, who were between zero to seven days old, also died in 2016.

The four-year project (2016 - 2020), being implemented by the Christian Children's Fund of Canada (CCFC), an international non-governmental organization (NGO), with funding from Global Affairs Canada, is to contribute to a reduction in maternal and child mortality in the Savelugu/Nanton Municipality, Nanumba North and Saboba Districts of the Northern Region.

It focuses on three areas including improving delivery of essential health services to mothers, pregnant women, newborns and children under five and utilization of essential health services by mothers, pregnant women, newborns and children under five.

Madam Quarcoo said 325 children, who were from seven days to 30 days old, and 34 others, who were from 30 days to 11 months old, also died in 2016.

She attributed maternal deaths recorded in the Region to various factors including delays in referral of pregnant women to other health facilities, whiles child mortality cases were as a result of malaria and other infections.

She said efforts were being made to improve referrals as well as asking traditional birth attendants to bring pregnant women to hospital for care to prevent maternal deaths.

She also spoke of plans to strengthen emergency transport system to transport pregnant women to hospitals for skilled delivery.

Mr George Baiden, Country Director of CCFC, emphasised the need for all to work to 'Put the high maternal deaths behind us, let's make it possible to attain the lowest rates of child mortality and morbidity and ensure that every child and mother lives to contribute to the development of the country.'

Mr Baiden called on corporate organisations to join hands with development partners in well-planned and coordinated programmes that would produce the greatest impact on women and children in society.

Mr Salifu Saeed, Northern Regional Minister, whose speech was read on his behalf, assured of government's commitment to strengthening health systems including the National Health Insurance Scheme and the Free Maternal Care for improved healthcare for all.

Madam Heather Cameron, Canadian High Commissioner, whose speech was read on her behalf, was confident that the project would make a significant impact on improving the health and nutrition of mothers, newborns, children and adolescents.

GNA
Accra, March 15, GNA - Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has rallied foreign investors and businesses to take advantage of Ghana's new government's pro-business policies to invest in the country.

According to him, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) was determined to make the private sector a major player in the Ghana's economy.

He said there was the need for global partners to set up shop in Ghana for a win-win situation.

Dr Bawumia was speaking at a Breakfast Business Meeting hosted by the Mauritius Minister for Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade in collaboration with the Board of Investment of Mauritius, where he sold the Nana Akufo-Addo government's 'One District One Factory' programme to businesses in Mauritius.

The programme is a public-private partnership for ensuring nationwide spread of industrialisation in all 216 districts in Ghana.

The private sector will provide the investment, although government could partner if such an investment of public funds is adjudged prudent and advantageous.

Dr Bawumia told the meeting that Ghana's main agenda was an industrialisation drive, and that the 'One-District One Factory' was the programme to achieve that aim.

'The 216 districts in Ghana have raw materials and need push up to get value addition to the products. Ghana cannot do it alone, we are in the context of the global economy and need partnersthat is why we cherish the South-South cooperation between Ghana and Mauritius so much,' he said.

'We want to take advantage of the close relationship to make a major mark as far as our respective economies are concerned.

'The government has made a major commitment to build an economy based on production and not taxation. We have abolished a lot of taxes and levies and going to abolish all import duties on raw materials and machinery imported into Ghana,' Dr Bawumia said.

Seetanah Lutchmeenaraidoo, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade commended Ghana for her commitment to business development, and expressed the hope that Ghanaian businesses would also invest in his country.

Mr Michael Okyere Baafi, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Free Zones Board, who was part of a large Ghanaian business delegation at the meeting, expressed confident that the right building blocks had been put in place for rapid take off.

'The Ghana government has introduced the appropriate legislation and we are optimistic that we will soon see several Mauritian businesses counted among those taking up the challenge of the One District, One Factory Programme.

'We at Free Zones Board are ready to partner them and make their businesses successful.'

Vice President Bawumia was accompanied by Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration; Ibrahim Awal, Minister for Business Development; Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, Minister for Communications; Reginald Yoofi Grant, Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Investment Promotion Centre and other government officials.

GNA
Half-Assini (W/R) March 15, GNA - The Jomoro District Assembly in the Western Region, on Tuesday failed to elect a new Presiding Member at a special General Meeting.

The sole candidate vying for the position, Mr John Yankey, a Banker, failed to secure the two-thirds members of the house to get the nod as per Order 10 (1) of the Model Standing Orders of District, Municipal and Metropolitan Assemblies, after two rounds of voting.

He got 19 yes votes with 26 no while one ballot was rejected out of the total of 46 votes cast at the first round of voting.

In the second round, he obtained 20 votes, 26 votes against and one rejected ballot out of the total 47 votes cast.

According to Order 10 (5) of the Model Standing Orders, he was supposed to obtain 34 votes to occupy the seat.

Earlier, Mr Yankey appealed to the house to repose its confidence in him to steer the affairs of the house in the next two years for the development of the District.

The District Coordinating Director and Acting District Chief Executive, Mr Boffour Ahmed Haruna, in his welcoming address, indicated that the seriousness with which the members were going about the election showed they were poised for action.

Mr Yankey expressed gratitude to all and sundry and the Independence Anniversary Planning Committee for their support and a successful Ghana's 60th Independence Anniversary celebration in the area.

GNA
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Sunyani, March 15, GNA - The United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF), on Wednesday expressed concern about high rate of absenteeism in basic schools in the country.

According to the key national development partner, if the practice was not immediately brought under control, most basic schools would score zero percent in Basic Education Certificate Examination in three years time.

Mr Charles Dzradosi, Social Policy Specialist, UNICEF, raised the concern at the Brong-Ahafo Regional launch of the 2016 Ghana District Table (DLT) in Sunyani.

The DLT is a simple ranking tool showing national progress toward delivering development across the country's 216 Districts.

As an independent tool for promoting social accountability, the table is produced on an annual basis by UNICEF Ghana and the Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana).

Mr Dzradosi recommended an urgent directive from the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development to ensure that the various Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies took the lead and tackled the issues in a more proactive manner.

In a speech read for him, Dr Callistus Mahama, the Head of the Local Government Service, lauded the DLT concept and commended the CDD and UNICEF and he was optimistic that the concept would be sustained.

He explained that the local government service recognised the DLT as an objective assessment initiative that had the potential to engender competition among MMDAs, stimulate district level performance and further deepen efforts at decentralization.

Dr Mahama expressed the hope that the table would impact positively on the frontline staff of the MMDAs by stimulating them to enquire and make comparisons on performance and service delivery among themselves.

GNA
By Laudia Sawer, GNA

Ashaiman (GAR), March 15, GNA - Mr Boakye Agyarko, Minister of Energy, has called all Ghanaians to join hands to develop legally and socially binding commitments to ensure the treatment of all human excreta by 2019.

Mr Agyarko said this would address the country's huge sanitation and health problems, as well as create thousands of sustainable jobs, clean energy and improve healthy agriculture practice across the country.

He made the call on Tuesday in a speech read on his behalf during the commissioning of the Safisana Waste to Energy Treatment Plant at Ashaiman in the Greater Accra Region.

The project is supported by the African Development Bank and the government of Netherlands.

He stated that such a decree must be supported with the needed investments from all related Ministries.

The Energy Minister announced that his outfit would consider the allocation of at least 10 per cent of financing facilities for rural electrification under the National Electrification Scheme to renewable energy-based mini-grids and standalone solar home systems in island, lakeside and sparsely populated communities nationwide.

He noted that priority would be given to increasing local content and participation in the renewable energy sector, adding that waste-to-energy would also receive intervention in the National Renewable Energy Master Plan (NREMP) with massive boost through the legally binding commitment.

Mr Agyarko gave the assurance that the government would continue with ongoing renewable energy projects by the previous administration particularly, the 200,000 National Rooftop Solar Programme, the SECO funded mini-grids for the Ada-East District, and the AfDB off-grid project under GEDAP III, among others.

Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, said the treatment of human excreta must start with the provision of toilet facilities for all households as according to him about 75 per cent of households resort to open defecation.

Prof Frimpong-Boateng said it was about time separation of waste policies were enforced to ensure that organic raw materials were made available for treatment.

He gave the assurance that he would push for segregation of waste at the seat of government, ministries, departments and agencies.

Mr Raymond Okrofu, Country Manager of Safi Sana Ghana Limited, said the plant was designed to process 30 tonnes of organic waste consisting of solid organic from the markets, households, restaurants, as well as faecal and slaughterhouse waste daily.

Mr Okrofu added that the 30tonnes translated into 2.2MW of electricity which was fed into the national grid under the feed in tariff arrangement.

The plant, he stated, also produced about two tonnes of organic fertilizer daily, as well as organic vegetable and fruits seedlings in its greenhouse in addition to serving as a research and knowledge centre.

GNA
Executive Management and Board Members of Guinness Ghana Breweries Limited (GGBL) on Wednesday, March 15, 2017 paid a courtesy visit on President Nana Akufo-Addo at the Flag Staff House in Accra.

The meeting was an opportunity for the company to congratulate the President on his inauguration and update him the business operations.

Francis Agbonlahor, Managing Director of GGBL said as the leading beverage business in the country, Guinness Ghana is committed to developing a sustainable supply chain through its local raw material sourcing programme.

"In the past year, for instance, we have invested over GHC1 million to ensure quality and consistent supply of sorghum which is used in the production of many of our premium brands. The company also uses cassava starch from Ayensu Starch factory and maize as part of its raw materials. Through this programme we have impacted about 16,300 farmers including their families in the 3 Northern, Central and Brong Ahafo Regions in Ghana," he said.

"We believe there is an enormous opportunity in this area where industry can collaborate with government on its planting for food and jobs as well as its one district one factory initiatives, he adds.

Attending the meeting with the Managing Director were Martyn Mensah, a Board Member, Isaac Tosu, Supply Chain Director, Helen Opoku-Agyemang, Director of Controls, Compliance and Ethics, Eric Adadevor, Human Resources Director and Rita Agyeiwaa Rockson, Communications and Employee Engagement Manager.

President Akufo-Addo on his part, acknowledged the contribution of GGBL to the socio-economic development of Ghana and expressed the commitment of his government create the enabling environment by developing the appropriate policy framework for businesses to grow and thrive. He also commended GGBL particularly for taking advantage of the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) to export some of its products into the West African sub-region and encouraged other Ghanaian businesses to do same.

Alan KwadwoKyeremanten, Minister of Trade and Industry added the assurance of his Ministry to support the growth of GGBL and industry in total.

GGBL is Ghanas leading total beverage business and a subsidiary of Diageo PLC.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | GN
Rabat (AFP) - The king of Morocco is to appoint a new prime minister, the royal palace announced, after an unprecedented five months of talks on forming a coalition government ended in failure.

"To break the current deadlock, the king has decided to appoint another member of the PJD (Justice and Development Party) to lead the government within the shortest time possible," a palace statement said.

King Mohammed VI tasked Prime Minister Abdelilah Benkirane with forming a new government after the Islamist PJD won the most seats in elections in October 2016.

The party had come to power after the king relinquished some of his near-absolute power following Arab Spring-inspired protests in 2011, with Benkirane heading a previous coalition government for five years.

But this time the PJD failed to form a majority despite five months of intense negotiations -- the longest time Morocco has been without a government in its recent history.

Benkirane proposed to rebuild his outgoing coalition, an alliance comprising a range of parties including other Islamists, liberals and ex-communists.

However he faced opposition from Aziz Akhannouch -- leader of the National Rally of Independents (RNI) and a billionaire former agriculture minister who is close to the king -- and the resulting power struggle quickly led to political impasse.

The king has "repeatedly urged Benkirane to accelerate the formation of the new government," the palace said. But, after returning at the beginning of the week from a long African tour, the sovereign found negotiations "had not succeeded", with little prospect of a break in the deadlock.

The PJD was the first Islamist party to win an election in Morocco and the first to lead a government after the king -- whose family claims descent from the Prophet Mohammed and has ruled Morocco since the early 1600s -- gave up some of his power when thousands took to the streets in peaceful demonstrations inspired by the wave of uprisings across the Arab world.

A senior Moroccan official told AFP "this decision, where the Islamist PJD retains control over the forming of a future government, shows that the sovereign wants to consolidate the democratic change".
16.03.2017 LISTEN

The Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA), in collaboration with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), will organise a Regional Training Workshop on the New FATF Methodology for Mutual Evaluation Assessors. The Workshop will be held at the Holiday Inn Airport Hotel, Accra, Ghana from Monday, March 20, to Friday, March 24, 2017.

The training is targeted at AML/CFT stakeholders drawn from relevant competent authorities: financial intelligence units, regulatory agencies, central banks and law enforcement agencies; in line with the FATF recommended composition of an Assessment Team, comprising the Financial, Legal and Law Enforcement/Operational sectors from the sixteen (16) GIABA member States.

Officials from FATF and the Action Group against Money Laundering in Central Africa (GABAC) member States will also participate in the Workshop. The training will be delivered by a team of experts and practitioners from the FATF and GIABA Secretariats through presentations, experience sharing and group simulation exercises.

A key aspect of GIABAs mandate is to conduct Mutual Evaluation exercises in GIABA member States to determine the technical compliance with acceptable international standards against money laundering, terrorist financing and the financing of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, particularly the FATF Recommendations and the efficacy of measures adopted by member States to prevent the criminal abuse of their financial systems.

The Mutual Evaluation exercise is based on the FATF Recommendations which set out a comprehensive and consistent framework of measures countries should implement in order to effectively combat money laundering, terrorist financing and the financing of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. The process is guided by the Methodology for assessing technical compliance with the FATF Recommendations and the effectiveness of AML/CFT systems, which provides the basis for an integrated analysis of the extent to which a country is compliant with the FATF Standards and the level of effectiveness of its AML/CFT system, as well as the GIABA Mutual Evaluation Process and Procedures.

The mutual evaluation process enables GIABA and its development partners to determine the type of technical assistance required by member States for improving measures against money laundering and terrorist financing. It is of immense benefit to the assessed country as it provides information to the international community about the integrity and soundness of the countrys financial, governance and legal frameworks, and therefore creates a platform for the inflow of foreign direct investment.

The training workshop, which is part of the preparation towards GIABAs Second Round of Mutual Evaluation of GIABA member States, is designed to build the capacities of participants to enable them to conduct mutual evaluations of member States in accordance with the FATF Standards, using the new FATF Methodology for assessing technical compliance with the FATF Recommendations and the effectiveness of AML/CFT systems. The participation of the FATF in the training workshop is to ensure a consistency of training standard across the Global AML/CFT Network to enhance the quality of potential mutual evaluation assessors.

It is expected that the training would provide the GIABA with a pool of efficient and effective assessors for the GIABA Second Round of Mutual Evaluation; increase the number of trained assessors in GIABA member States; improve the quality of on-site mutual evaluation assessments; and ensure the production of objective and accurate mutual evaluation reports of high standard in a timely manner.
16.03.2017 LISTEN

The African University College of Communications (AUCC) will on Thursday, March 16, 2017, launch the first centre in West Africa, designed to develop the creative writing skills of aspiring writers.

Named after iconic Ghanaian writer, Ama Ata Aidoo, the Ama Ata Aidoo Centre for Creative Writing (Aidoo Centre), under the auspices of the Kojo Yankah School of Communications Studies at AUCC, will offer courses in Creative Writing  covering topics such as script-editing, short story writing and speech writing.

It will also house the work of Ama Ata Aidoo and other African writers, develop a world class library for aspiring writers, organise conferences and lectures and nurture excellence in non-academic publishing.

Director of the Centre, Nii Ayikwei Parkes, a Writer and Editor, states: I am particularly encouraged by the support that the management of AUCC have given to the founding of this centre because I believe that competent creative writing and expression is central to the proper development of a society. Better written reviews of cultural production will help raise the standards of cultural production; more clearly articulated policies will improve our engagement with the institutions of government. Creative writing has impacts beyond the obvious and we intend to show that.

With the official launch approaching on March 16, 2017, Ama Ata Aidoo, has expressed her excitement at the honour of having the Aidoo Centre named after her. Apart from the massive size of the honour done me with the decision to establish the Centre, I could not have had a stronger signal of AUCC's intentions by my work and my name.

The launch will be held at forecourt of the Discovery House, African University College of Communications (AUCC), Adabraka on Thursday March 16, 2017 at 10.00am.

It is a free event where patrons will have the opportunity to interact with Ama Ata Aidoo and also visit the Centre to acquaint themselves at first hand, some of her works.

The location of AUCC is No 2 Jones Nelson Link, off Kojo Thompson Road, Adabraka, Accra, Ghana.
Deputy Attorney General nominee, Joseph Kpemka, has reiterated the governments pledge to ensure that people implicated in corrupt scandals face the law.

According to him, he will as part of his mandate ensure that the law is fairly applied even to government officials, to promote justice.

We are going to pursue with all the might at our disposal and the legal arsenals available, and crush any cabal available to ensure that justice is done to this nation. We are dealing with law and not a country of men and might.

He further indicated that, his Ministry will diligently deal with government contracts to ensure value for money.

Challenges with the contractual agreements are triggered when we recklessly disregard the rules of procedure and laid down guidelines and take certain unilateral decisions sometimes in manners I will describe as autocratic. When you do any such and damn the consequences, it is the nation that suffers. We are going to read the contractual agreement and convince ourselves that anybody has not hidden anything.

He further declared his willingness to work with the Minister of Justice if approved, to meet targets set out for the Ministry.

When I go there, I will go there with an open mind, with absolute diligence and care. When I get there, I will take decisions that will help Ghana 

When approved, Mr. Kpemka, a lawyer and Member of Parliament for Tempane in the Upper East Region, will assist the Minister of Justice, Gloria Akuffo.



By: Marian Ansah/citifmonline.com/Ghana

Follow @EfeAnsah
The founding President of Imani Africa, Franklin Cudjoe, has expressed disappointment at the number of ministers appointed by President Akufo-Addo.

According to him, the president has appointed too many ministers to serve in government, arguing this will have negative implications on the public purse.

President Akufo-Addo on Wednesday made new ministerial appointments, bringing the number appointed so far to 110.

Reacting to the news, Franklin Cudjoe told Richard Sky on Eyewitness News that the size of the current government does not reflect the pledge by Nana Akufo-Addo to protect the public purse.

You would have thought that the words used by the president himself in the run-up to the 2016 elections that he will protect the public purse will be minded at least so when I hear the minister for information saying the economy is a weak economy, and so you need a strong army of people, well then you may as well add militia people.

Franklin Cudjoe said although the President had the constitutional right to appoint ministers of a number of his choice, it is not prudent to appoint too many of them.

He described the appointment as a legal plunder in the face of the countrys weak economy.

The second justification for this which tells me that weve completely lost the plot, is this whole business that because the constitution allows it, there is an open-ended opportunity, in my description of prudence, that falls under legal plunder. The fact that the law says that you can go and on does not mean that the very weak fundamentals of the economy that you said you met should be plundered in this manner he said.

An output based governance is based on some serious policy. You take education, for instance, the major deliverable is Free SHS, have you seen any major policy document guiding how this will be deployed? Have you seen a policy called planting for food and jobs? To see that we have a minister of state for Agriculture at the presidency and at the same time we have two deputy ministers for Agriculture, what will they be doing? he quizzed.

Ghana can do with 30 ministers

Meanwhile, Frankling Cudjoe has suggested that the country needs just bout 30 ministers to serve in the various ministries.

According to him, some countries with larger economies have fewer ministries or ministers than Ghana.

This country can do with about 30 ministers and that is set. Ive been to Australia and the UK, and their institutions and ministries that are being collapsed into desks for agency heads. That is a country that is vast like a continent in itself. I think 30 ministers can do for this country, he said.



By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana Follow @jnyabor
This article is a revelation from the Most High God giving a spiritual interpretation of the political battle1 of President Nana Addo as well as a prediction of the future governance of Ghana. The revelation (as outilned is this article) can be divided into four different part, each of them having a significant spiritual impact.

Blessed is he who reads this article, who hears the words of this revelation and who keeps the things which are written in it, for the time of Ghanas spiritual and socio-economic revival is near.

1. THE BATTLE OF THE 2012 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

During the 2012 Presidential Election, Nana Akuffo-Addo showed an exemplary commitment to Ghanas political stability. His decision to contest the electoral results through legal procedures constituted a gateway to the preservation of peace in Ghana.

In addition, it established Ghana as a torch bearer and fervent proponent of democracy throughout the African continent for decades to come. Thus in light of all this, it is important to offer a spiritual insight into the 2012 presidential elections outcome. In fact, despite having lost the elections in the eyes of men, Nana Akuffo-Addo won the victory of peace in the eyes of God. The Bible emphasizes the point without mincing words when it says:

And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness (James 3:18).

Indeed, this Scripture was fulfilled in Akuffo-Addos decision to go through the legal means as well as accepting the subsequent verdict from Ghanas Supreme Court. It was a seed of peace planted thereby establishing in the spiritual realm a harvest of righteousness for both the 2016 election as well as the future elections to come in Ghanaian democracy. Noticeably, this harvest of righteousness through Akuffo-Addos exemplary decisions constitute a stepping stone to redefining Ghanas political arena in the future (both in terms of its institutions as well as the practices of political leaders).

2. THE BATTLE OF 2016 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

1 Akufo-Addos long journey to presidency.

The initial fruits of the harvest of righteousness can clearly be seen in the 2016 presidential election. During the 2016 presidential election, God confirmed the victory that was accredited to him (Nana Akuffo-Addo) in the year 2012 in the eyes of men and God has crowned him as a father of peace. Jesus Christ is the Prince of Peace of all humanity and President Nana Akuffo-Addo is the prince of peace for the country Ghana. The source of this prophecy is founded and enrooted in the book of Isaiah 9:6 (King James Version)

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Glory be to God: Now unto Ghanaians a president is elected and all social and economic problems shall rest upon his shoulder and his name is peace maker and the father of peace. This affirmation is in sync with President Akuffo-Addos behavior demonstrated during the 2012 election by accepting a painful defeat just to avoid any eventual national disturbances.

God is seeking for spirit filled, God fearing and Christ-like leaders to lay the foundation for future leaders who will be a model through the legacy of President Nana Akuffo-Addo as a God fearing and spirit filled leader.

3. TERM OF OFFICE

The third revelation concerns President Akuffo-Addos four years term of office. It is revealed that the President shall encounter some health related problems which will instigate a call to national prayer. Through the prayers of the nation, he will overcome and end his first term of office. The favor of God shall lead him to win the next presidential election that will be in 2020. The end of his term will be a legacy of faithfulness, righteousness and loyalty to future Ghanaian politicians and to leaders in general.

4. FUTURE GOVERNANCE OF GHANA: CHRIST-LIKE POLITICAL LEADERSHIP

The fourth revelation concerns the spiritual status of the future governance of Ghana.

The Lord revealed to me in the year 2014 that about 60 percent of future leaders will be Christ-like (becoming more like Christ is the desire of every believer and it is encouraging to know that God has the same desire for the leaders as well. In fact, the Bible says that God predestined [believers] to be conformed to the likeness of his Son [Jesus Christ] (Romans 8:29). In the same vein, leaders should be conformed to this same Christ-likeness.

There are three things which contribute to being Christ-like: (1) our surrender to God, (2) our freedom from sin and corruption and (3) our spiritual growth.

1) Surrender to God

Becoming more Christ-like is the result of surrendering to God. Romans 12:1-2 says that worship involves a total self-dedication to God. We volunteer our bodies as living

sacrifices, and our minds are renewed and transformed.

2) Freedom from sin and corruption

Becoming more Christlike is the result of freedom from sin and corruption. Jesus lived a sinless and blameless life. So to be Christ-like would mean following his example which can be summed up in the statement : the more we consider ourselves dead to sin and corruption (Romans 6:11) and live a life of purity, the more we become Christ-like. Hence, Ghana is seeking for such Christ-like leaders (leaders filled with the spirit of God such as Joseph and Daniel).

Jesus invites us to follow Him, and we have His example of obedience (John 15:10), sacrificial love (John 15:12-13), and patient suffering (1 Peter 2:19-23). We also have the example of the apostles such as Paul, who modeled Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1).

3) Spiritual growth.

Becoming more Christ-like implies leaders accepting Jesus Christ as the Lord of their lives. It is only then that the Christ-like nature could be reflected in all they do. When we (leaders) are first saved from unacceptable acts (such as corruption, anti-social activites etc.), we are immature in wisdom and knowledge and inexperienced in grace and love. But then, we grow. In the growth process, our charge is to become strongerand more Christ-like. Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18). May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else (1 Thessalonians 3:12).

Conclusion.

God shall put his spirit upon them to carry the economic and social burden of the nation.

As God spoke to Moses concerning the seventy elders of Israel, so is God calling for Christ-like leaders to carry the social and economic burden of our country Ghana.

We have a clear responsibility to be the agents of Christ and his kingdom here on earth. Our goal is to answer Jesus prayer that his will be done on earth as it is in heaven. May our political engagement be as Christians, not as partisans and may we never forget that God always wins.
New York: As Ghana marks the 60th anniversary of its independence, Ghanaians in New York Area also joined the National Council of Ghanaian Associations (NCOGA) to celebrate this historic event in the Bronx. The event attracted many Ghanaians and other African Nationalities across the five boroughs of New York and neighboring States of Connecticut and New Jersey. Ghanas Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Mrs. Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee, who was the Guest speaker of the occasion, reiterated the Presidents message of charging Ghanaians to embrace the selfless attitude of the Nations forebears.

NCOGA and Ghana Permanent Mission in New York have drawn sequence of activities to commemorate Ghanas Diamond Jubilee, throughout the year. The climax of all the four activities outlined for the month of March was Saturday, March 11th fundraising event. The year-round celebration was officially launched at the Mosque in the Bronx, followed by Ghanas flag raising ceremony in Yonkers city Hall and a public lecture at City Hall in NYC. According to the organizers, they expect more programs in the summer. The outgoing Executive Secretary-General, Hon. G. Ofori Annor, in a speech read on his behalf by Ms. Ivy Rose Quarshie, expressed his appreciation to the Board of Directors and his Executives for their hard work during his tenure as ESG. He further challenged the in-coming executives to work harder to sustain the values of the founding members.

The in-coming Executive Secretary-General, Hon. Frederick Ansong-Dwamena, in his speech defined some of the major projects undertaken by NCOGA and its relevance to the community. He further explained that the Tax and immigration town hall meetings, financial and health seminars are all part of the programs NCOGA was established to do. He urged Ghanaian citizens to patronize such meetings and ask relevant questions that would educate and empower them. In paying homage to the founding members of NCOGA, the in-coming ESG asked current members of the organization to emulate the spirit of togetherness and the vision that moved the founding members to inaugurate this noble organization in 1986. He further stressed, NCOGA is 30 years old and we must evaluate our relevance and, maybe, do things differently so that the legacy we leave behind is more meaningful to the younger generation. Im urging all gathered here, tonight, to help raise enough money for our Free SAT and GED classes which begins this July, he added.

He urged member Associations to, also, support the Diamond Jubilee Education Trust Fund by paying their annual membership obligations. The awarding of scholarship will be fair to all and anyone who meets the requirements will be considered, without any discrimination; one of the Board members echoed during an interview with African Christian Network (ACN). Two students, Sasha Somuah and Mesidi Agbenu, who outperformed at NCOGAs annual essay competition, were awarded.

The new Executives for NCOGA (2016-2018 Group) are Hon. Patrick Ohene-Gyan (Deputy ESG), Hon. Victor Quarshie (President), Hon. Napoleon Sefordwi (Vice President) Hon. Emmanuel Asante (Treasurer), Hon. Wisdom Hackman (PRO), Hon. Sophia Obeng (Financial Secretary).

The event was sponsored by companies like, Conti-International, a New Jersey based company, Safe water Network, Kosmos energy; Medishare, South African Airways, Prestige Travel & Marketing, Helping Africa Foundation and other local businesses.
Since time Before Common Era and across all continents of the world, people have always demanded accountability of those in positions of trust, whether public or private. Till this day it still remains one of the requirements to attain, or maintain, certain responsible positions in government. From late 1950, many African countries have experienced political instabilities in the forms of military overthrows and civilian uprisings all in the name of ensuring accountability toward welfare of the proletariat in society.

Ghana cant be said to be out of this bracket of nations where accountability is sought for. There were intermittent coup detats and revolutions from the first republic till December, 1981. Perhaps, the courts were thought to have been weak till 1992, the beginning of the Fourth Republic. Therefrom, the constant tinkering of the law by concerned citizens and the judiciary has brought about the refinement of the Constitution, Acts and other subsidiary legislations.

This has enlightened the population on how to seek justice in the courts regarding issues of probity, accountability, transparency and avoidance of corruption. Ghanaians have always demanded such responsibilities of governments in power and this Nana Addo Danquah Akuffo Addos led one isnt an exception.

The campaign promises made by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) are SMART ones which if implemented as proposed would help the poor by reducing the widening gap between them and the rich and could go further to enhance national growth and development.

Combing through the experiences of the personalities that are forming the NPP government, one would see wisdom, knowledge and experience about to be translated into a fast growing economy which will raise high the name of Ghana in the world economy.

Having experienced and brilliant personalities in ones government alone does not guarantee the growth of a nation as suggested above. Its about how dedicatedly the appointees bring their experiences to bear on the matter of achieving the national goals that assures development.

When a wise and experienced person intends to steal, they steal absolutely, without traces. This is what His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo Addo needs to watch. This is to say that people ought not to be given appointment just per their intellect alone. The high moral standards and fear of God potential of ministers designate should equally be counted as one of the canons for giving appointments.

The government must not be complacent that many people in the run up to the 2016 elections were hailing the party for proposing such realistic and achievable projects. Its no news to Ghanaians that political parties have always proposed same. Theres yet to be a political party in Ghana that will promise the country castles in the air or anything that will seem to beat sane imagination. Social commentators have started raising concerns regarding the timing and simplicity of some of the projects promised to take off this year, 2017.

When parties prepare for elections, they have always made promises out of the needs of the hoi polloi in the best ways that will reflect the expectation of a reasonable man. When these promises, as spelt out in the campaign manifestoes, meet the needs of the good people of Ghana, the given parties are said to have had good or winning messages. Since the first election in the first republic, all political parties have always had good campaign messages that usually sell well to the voter. Nothing has changed. Having a marketable message, whether clearly intended or pretentiously crafted, to campaign with is nothing extraordinaire.

The NPP campaign message didnt serve the partys success any big deal. The serendipity came as a result of negligence, complacency, lack of truth and disregard for real accountability, exhibited by the immediate past government. The NPP didnt win deliberately, they least expected it; the NDC on the other hand deliberately lost. The NPP appreciated in a slow pace while the NDC depreciated at a faster one. This is an indication that the NPP has much more work to do in securing the trust of Ghanaians than ever before. Winning an election these days bothers more on justifying the ability to fight corruption, strengthen supervision and ensure accountability than just rolling out a SMART campaign message.

Accountability is one legitimate thing Ghanaians are beginning to demand of a government in power seeking re-election. Accountability doesnt just mean building schools, roads and hospitals and telling the people that you have done same or showing the then and now video sort of accountability. The electorates need to see for themselves that their lives have improved. Accountability when ensured advertises itself. It cant be bought for a song. Its an offshoot of hard work, selfless service, exhibition of high moral standards and not that of propaganda or mere control of monologic media platforms.

The anti-corruption crusaders wouldnt want to see the government purse being torn apart and its content rushed on by rapacious government appointees and directors who live a lifestyle that shows a promiscuous daily increase in the gap between the standard of living of the poor and the rich. The poor would desire to have just two of three daily meals intact. The better man of the poor class who has saved money and acquired a small piece of land would not want to witness a seizure of his having by someone who has no legitimate title to it but could use his link with top ruling-party men to assume ownership of the property.

The middle class man, who most part of his income is through monthly paid salary, would want to see his widows mite contribution to national development through the high direct tax he pays being used justifiably. For him, judicious spending is his utmost concern. Social intervention initiatives through the office of the president, like YES, MASLOC, YESDEC, LESDEP etc., must not be to the benefit of ruling party fanatics and members alone. Once these expectations are met, to us Ghanaians, theres accountability.

The Ghanaians on the top rung of the social class ladder have no such plight. They are always the ones who suffer the most when as a result of accountability people are to be brought to book. Why? Your guess is as good as the reasonable Ghanaian. They would spend our money as if it were as easy to find as the colour green in the wet season. They care less whether our guinea fowls of interest fly into a neighbouring country and rest there forever or not; or even buying a state property for a song gives no headache at bed time.

They appear meek, docile and somber when called to account by law and before some committee(s) with constituted membership of fellow first class citizens. But remember, unless of course it is done with suspicious intent, the snake cant warn its kind not to hiss. State Ministers, Members of Parliament, MMDCs, Board Members, Government-in-power executive members, Chief Executive Officers and Directors-general of state institutions ought not to spend state funds with gross impunity. Ghanaians are watching.

Supervision is necessary for effective accountability. If this holds, then there are certain pertinent questions to ask: why do government agencies, corporations, schools, hospitals, etc. die while private ones survive? Do they lack the required skilled personnel? Is it financial constraints that cause the failure? Why is VALCO still in operation even when it doesnt generate any reasonable revenue for the government? Why does government fund (subsidize) some cost components of ECG when the company could have covered all of its operational costs through self-generated fund?

To these questions and several others, the reason is one. There is no effective supervision, if it exists at all. For many government outfits the finance isnt the cause of failure, the skilled personnel are in abundance, patriotic Ghanaians are ready to support but governments see the institutions as one route to serving the financial interests of their loyalists, financiers, business partners and party foot soldiers. Thats why weighty-costing contracts are mostly sole-sourced or awarded through restricted tender without the prevailing conditions for such (opaque procurement) manner of acquiring government contracts.

No single campaign promise can be achieved if supervision and accountability on the part of government and appointees are neglected by the Nana Addo led administration. All public office holders, once cited in corruption scandals or suspected to have abused office while in service, must be probed and sanctioned rightly, be they servants in the regime(s) of a settled sun or a rising one. What is meant here isnt political victimization or witch-hunt but due diligence and legitimate sanctioning.

Ghana deserves better.
16.03.2017 LISTEN

The Center for Progressive Governance (CenProG) has been dealt a huge confidence blow in the current government by the number of Ministers of state appointed by President Akuffo Addo.

CenProG is yet to come to the realities of the fact that a country as small as Ghana, with all its economic woes as we are told by the current government, can still afford 110 ministers and deputies which in itself is a departure from the promise of a lean government by the NPP even if it was no captured in their manifesto.

The wanton disregard of the burden of 110 ministers will place on the tax payer is very worrying taking into account that many of these portfolios overlap and some are entirely unnecessary in the day to day activities of government. This exposes the Akuffo Addo government as clueless and a government under pressure to satisfy anybody who contributed to their electoral success.

Competence is judged by how much you can achieve with the little you have and so a government as huge as it is currently has lost the moral right to hold itself as competent and has really let discerning Ghanaians down.

As it stands, increment in National Service Personnel allowance has not been effected due to the state of the country's finances and yet the government finds it prudent to put 110 ministers of state on the country's payroll with all their associated benefits.

CenProG is of the view that the NPP government has effectively surrendered itself as INCOMPETENT and CLUELESS and must as a matter of urgency apologize to Ghanaians for blackmailing us to vote for their INCOMPETENCE!

God Bless our homeland Ghana and make it GREAT and STRONG.

Signed

Sawadogo Mahmoud

Executive Secretary, CenProG

0504607005

Mallam Yahya Mohammed

Executive Director, CenProG

0243728659
It is extremely difficult to end my arousing disgust when I ruminate over the heart-breaking news on the mass destruction going on in our countryside. Indeed, I cannot remit my fury in condemnation of the illegal mining being carried out by the illegal Chinese and their Ghanaian counterparts.

It is indeed heartrending to hear that some Ghanaians, including Chiefs, are allocating mining lands to the illegal miners, notwithstanding the fact that it is the prerogative of the Minerals Commission and therefore it is illegal for any individual to sanction small-scale mining.

Let us, however, remind ourselves that in Ghana, chieftaincy remains an important institution, and has a relevant role in the nation building.

Yes, chieftaincy is a contested tradition in Ghana. However, it has its appeal: for the country, it is a way to define our identity as a nation; for the people it is the only institution left to look up to when the national bureaucratic structures have let them down; and for the elite, chieftaincy legitimizes their social positions by establishing or widening their access to the state while the modern power holders attempt to utilize what is perceived as traditional legitimacy for their own ends.

Despite all the odds, chieftaincy will remain a very important part of Ghanaian governance for a long time to come (We are the People: Ghanaian Chiefs and the Politics of Contestation).

Apparently, in Ghana, Chieftaincy is guaranteed under the Fourth Republican Constitution (1992). And, more importantly, Article 270 (1) of the 1992 constitution states: The institution of chieftaincy, together with its traditional councils as established by customary law and usage, is hereby guaranteed.

Who Is A Chief?

Article 277 of the 1992 Constitution defines a chief as: a person, who, hailing from the appropriate family and lineage, has been validly nominated, elected or selected and enstooled, enskinned or installed as a chief or queen mother in accordance with the relevant customary law and usage.

A Chiefs Responsibilities

A Chief is responsible for the daily administration of the traditional area for its advancement and the growth of its inhabitants. A chiefs ultimate function is the maintenance of law and order as a prerequisite for the growth of the community and the advancement of the people in all spheres of life (Odotei, 2010).

Who Owns Lands In Ghana?

In Ghana, land ownership is complicated. By and large, there are (a) stool lands invested in chiefs; (b) family lands belonging to clans or maximal lineages; (c) private lands belonging to individuals; and (d) state lands usually expropriated from any or all of the above through an executive instrument.

It is also worth noting that compensation may be paid when such lands are acquired. In theory, however, the state has no land in Ghana. The landlessness of the state makes it vulnerable to the dictates of chiefs.

It is, however, worth emphasising that Government often pleads with chiefs to release lands for development. Although this is often done, the feeling that the state must depend on chiefs for land for developmental projects gives the latter some leverage.

In so far as the chiefs and other individuals own the lands in Ghana, every mineral in its natural state in, under or upon land in Ghana, rivers, streams, water-courses throughout the country, the exclusive economic zone and an area covered by the territorial sea or continental shelf is the property of the Republic and is vested in the President in trust for the people of Ghana (Minerals Act 2006).

In practice, however, the 2006 Minerals Act is categorical on the ownership of the natural resources. While the Chiefs and individuals own the lands, the government of Ghana has the absolute ownership of all the mineral resources therein.

In that regard, The Chiefs do not have any audacity to allocate mining lands to individuals who are not in receipt of mining concessions. Nevertheless, some Chiefs are in the habit of colluding with illegal miners from China and other countries to steal our precious minerals.

Somehow, the uncaring Chiefs are colluding with the criminals to steal our natural resources. Thus, going forward, it would only be fair to Ghanaians if such offending Chiefs are prosecuted accordingly.

We cannot and must not allow some greedy Chiefs who do not have the nation at heart, but only harbour ulterior motives to enrich themselves at the expense of the rest of Ghanaians.

Now, let us turn our attention to the mining sector regulators and other law enforcement bodies.

As a matter of fact, they have been carrying out their mandated duties with a stark perfunctory. Indeed, they have not shown true leadership in the fight against illegal mining.

The fact of the matter is that there are laws which govern the small- scale mining sector in Ghana. So, the crucial question is: why are the authorities hesitating to enforce such laws?

I will, however, step forward and asseverate that a number of organisations are complicit with the chaos in the small-scale mining sector.

For if anything at all, we have Ghana Minerals Commission who has been tasked to enforce the rules and regulationsthe 1989 small-scale mining law (PNDC L218) and the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703).

Interestingly, both Acts require any person wanting to engage in any form of mining to obtain the requisite licence from the Minister responsible for Mines.

In addition, the holders of mineral rights and licences are by law required to obtain the necessary approvals and permits from the appropriate quarters, such as Environmental Protection Agency; Forestry Commission, where forests are involved; and Water Resources Commission, where water is involved before the Miners can commence operation.

More importantly, the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006(Act 703), places a duty on the aforesaid organisations to work collaboratively to ensure that the existing miners and the prospective Miners adhere to various regulations.

Disappointingly, however, despite such advantageous policies at the disposal of the regulators, they have woefully failed to regulate the small-scale mining sector.

Now is the turn of the derelict politicians who have failed time and time again to see to it that the wayward regulators and the various enforcement bodies are hitting the ground running.

I am afraid; politicians over the years have not shown concrete commitment in the fight against the illegal mining.

I would like to believe that either some of our politicians do not care about the plight of our rural folks or have personal interests in the galamsey. For, if that was not the case, why no serious efforts have been made so far to halt the menace of galamsey?

K. Badu, UK.
Well, I first of all admit that I may be myopic or too narrow-minded to foresee the brighter side of this gargantuan numerical composition of this current NPP government. Hmm! the last time I checked, babies were not allowed a platform to express their views on relevant matters pertaining to the state of affairs in the country. Maybe I am one of the sharp-teethed anyway so my hot blood could not permit me to remain mouth-tight.

Ghana is a country solidly grounded on modern democracy but the gerontocratic mindedness of our people is sometimes cover block making it difficult to put forward even a constructive opinion.

Before I continue, let me make it clear that I was the number citizen who was so fed up with the erstwhile NDC governments pathological incapacity in the form of their woeful inability to protect the public purse from the scavenging apparatchiks of their party. So fed up was I that, if I were to take part in the December 2016 elections, even Mama Akua Donkor the comedian would have comfortably earned my vote over the NDC should her had made her way successfully into the presidential ballot paper ( thats if I had had no preference at all).

The NDC government demonstrated beyond boundaries a naked insensitivity to the plight of the Ghanaian voter. So legendary was their incurably lukewarm insensitivity that they were handsomely and deservingly rewarded with the humiliating and record-breaking electoral defeat in the December 2016 general elections; for the first time a Ghanaian boldly and logically slapped mediocrity so hard in the face. The secret political potion of the NDC woefully failed to avert their flat fall. Ghanaians resorted to the elephant party for a comforting liberation from political woes.

The question is is the NPP worth the confidence reposed on them by the Ghanaian voter?

Well I personally feel it will be unfair, cynical and premature-concluding to begin passing judgments as to the bloom and doom of a government that is barely 100 days in power. But, the elders say that the early stages of the masculine under-balls determines whether it is ending up with hernia or not (yes poli!).

Away from my blabla is the bigger question Is the NPP laying a foundation for a four year rule?

I had read some news a few days ago attributed to the controversial Kwame A plus in which he purportedly said that the NPP government was in for only a four year term. His reason according news outlets was the fighting over positions (in his own words according my personal verification from his Facebook account).

Although I cannot independently confirm his claim, I think there is some element of sense in his conclusion that the elephants are in for only a four year term. Oh yeah!

My observation may not represent the truth. But, why on earth would the president of the republic His Excellency Nana Akufo-Addo take this unpopular decision to constitute a government comprising one hundred and ten (110) ministers? Ye Kaman how?

Per my own check, the erstwhile NDC government under President John Mahama had in total of 84 ministers and deputies (the highest at the time since Ghanas return to democratic rule in 1992). President Nana Addos appointments in simple arithmetic is in excess of 26 ministers (basically the same population oo!). Of course we should not expect the number of ministers in 1992 when the total population stood around 15million to be the same as 2017 when we are almost headed 30million. But, a ministerial excess of 26 between 2016 and 2017 (you can say 2012) is surely questionable logically. That is not the matter anyway. The matter is the terrible state of the economy (as portrayed by the government) and its relation with wages and salaries for all these ministers as well as all public sector workers. I mean for a party that preached so hard on prudent management, this is surely a contradiction and a total departure from the grounds it stood yesterday. I hear some whopping GHC 20million will be going into ministerial salaries alone annually.

The more worrying aspect is what will become of the government size should they get a second term. Because, the numerical composition of previous governments is generally incremental after every four years since 1992.

Back to the issue of whether the government is laying a foundation for a four year rule! In a logical perspective, this whole scenario appears like a this is our last chance affair where whoever is left out is at a complete lost; the reason for which anyone that matter must at all cost be awarded a ministerial portfolio (I dont just gerrit!).

I hear some people saying that the president is compensating people for helping catapult the party to victory (Like for real? Since when did we start rating political parties over state interest? Its just a claim anyway). Again, if the government does not share this tag, why that 2-3 deputy ministers into some ministries whose roles are as murky as ideal milk? Some of the ministries are even duplications for real (I admitted I may be myopic). This and many others leaves some of us wondering whether the elephants are worried over a second term victory and for which reason they must make hay while the sun shines (your victory is secured anyway if you prove to merit it)

Frankly speaking, I am the number one citizen who hopes to see this government succeed. I really hope to see all the well-architectured campaign melodies coming to fruition. If for no reason at all, the economy will get on track, the ordinary Ghanaian can smile at least for taking breakfast with tea bread again; And of course my dad in the village can reserve some small cash for contingency expenditure on his 1950 phoenix bicycle (oh yeah it is very dear too his heart!) should the economy get better.

On this note I cease this rare chance to congratulate Mr. president on your massive victory and wish the government a Mosaic victory over Pharaoh the great (the big economic woes I mean; what else!.. Mr. President and the gurus are too busy to see this anyway!).

I cannot still sign off without commenting on Mr. Presidents Batakari attire on the 60th Independence Day parade. Someone should tell him for me that he looked awesome. I hope to see him dress more the Ghanaian way. I really do not like him in that always-over-sized suits. God Bless Our Homeland Ghana!

By: Alhassan Abdul-Razak

University Ibn Tofail

email: [email protected]
Mr. William Nyarko , Executive Director of the Africa Center for International Law and Accountability organised a roundtable discussion on African Leaders' quest to withdraw from the ICC. IMANI's Nana Akua Nora Dei-Anang represented me and has written the following report. Thanks William. Enjoy.

The African Centre for International Law & Accountability hosted a roundtable discussion (RTD) on 8 March 2017 to discuss the African leaders strategy for the collective withdrawal from the ICC and the implications for justice for the victims of international crimes.

The panelists of the RTD comprised of Honourable Andrew Mercer, MP for Sekondi and a member of the committee reviewing Ghanas draft ICC bill. Mr Mercer was acting as Chair of this RTD. Justice Emile Short was also present at this event. He was the first Commissioner at the Commission of Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) in 1993. He also served as a judge for the UN International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda. Prof. Henry Kwasi Prempeh, a Legal and Governance Consultant, and Dr. Franklin Oduro, Transitional Justice Expert & Head of Research and Programmes/Deputy Director of CDD-Ghana were also present. Mr. William Nyarko, Executive Director of ACILA, oversaw the proceedings and hosted the event.

Dr Oduro primarily considered the AUs concern with the ICC. These are that cases brought to the ICC are predominantly African related, and that the ICC is an institution that has repeatedly targeted Africans. He highlighted that rather than make these sensational and unfounded claims of bias towards African nations, the AU should fight for reform for best-practices rather than look for strategies to leave the ICC. Africa as a whole is the largest signatory of the statue  if 54 counties leave, the credibility of the ICC will be affected. African countries should instead be concerned about how to strengthen domestic legal institutions in line with international ones. He also asked a very pertinent question  why should African leaders be afraid of the ICC if they have not committed any crimes? He also noted that Ghanas position regarding ICC withdrawal is unclear, and Ghana should state their position and develop a strategy.

Mr.William Nyarko discussed the ICC withdrawal from the point of view of civil society organizations (CSOs) and what stance they should take. He outlined the three main powers of domestic jurisdiction under international law: 1) the punishment of crimes against humanity; 2) the punishment of genocide; and, 3) the punishment of war crimes. Impunity occurs when a state has the responsibility to prosecute these crimes, but fails to do so. The ICC works on a complementarity principle  if a state is willing and able to prosecute, the ICC will not intervene. CSOs must hold governments accountable and understand the role of the ICC and focus on providing justice for the victims, and not the perpetrators. This is because the victims need justice. This can only satisfactorily occur if the public understands and is educated on these issues.

The discourse of placing emphasis on the victims was continued by Prof. Kwasi Prempeh. He questioned priorities of the AU by asking who really counts, the victims or their leaders? He also quite rightly observed that the AU has consistently remained indifferent to issues affecting Africans, for example, the drowning of African migrants in the Mediterranean on their way to seek a better life in Europe. Prof. Prempeh also noted that throughout history, African leaders have always been hostile to international norms and laws that restrict their behaviour.

For example, the drive towards establishing human rights, which started in the 1960s was resisted by Africans. He maintained the sentiments echoed earlier by Dr. Oduro, and the rest of the panel  that it is superficial to claim that the ICC is biased towards Africa. African arguments are not so much about due process and the structure of the ICC, but rather, shifting the attention to others, almost suggesting that other nations are committing similar atrocities, but why are African nations being placed under the spotlight? The issue at stake here is Africas domestic legal systems. If these had been reformed and strengthened, these kinds of reactions would not occur.

Finally, Justice Emile Short started his presentation by questioning the proceedings that occur in AU meetings  are they predominantly led by intellect and logical discussion, or simply led by emotions? Rather than criticise the ICC, African countries should shift their attention to the role of the UN Security Council and the five countries with veto power. In fact, two African ICC cases have been referred by the Security Council. The AU should focus on how the veto powers have not ratified the Rome Statute, suggesting that they want to avoid accountability and responsibility.

They should also highlight the politics at play in the Security Council that no member would refer any case to the ICC involving the other members. In sum, the AU should emphasise the need to reform the Security Council. Justice Short stated that the most paramount interest and consideration of the AU is to create justice for African victims. The AU fails because it concerns itself with immunity for heads of state rather than victims. Instead, African states should support the ICC, because like all institutions, it is not perfect.

The RTD concluded with a reiteration of its main arguments and points: 1) there must be a focus on institutional reform at the UN Security Council, 2) domestic institutional legal systems must also undergo reform, 3) African nations must take advantage of the complementarity principle, and, 4) there must be a constant focus on providing justice for the victims.

Ms Nora Dei-Anang is an IMANI research assistant with the Centres for Political & Economic Affairs and Centre for the Study of Energy & Natural Resources.
Johannesburg (AFP) - The South African government on Wednesday said it was offering to pay 1.17 billion rand ($92 million) in compensation to victims of a 2012 police shooting that left 34 mineworkers dead and dozens wounded.

"The 1.17 billion rand presented here is an amount linked to a certain number of individualsas loss of supportas injuries and of course fatalities," Police Minister Minister Nathi Nhleko told lawmakers.

The amount will cover 652 claims made by families who lost relatives, miners who were injured and those who were unlawfully arrested.

The 34 miners were gunned down after police were deployed to break up a wildcat strike that had turned violent at the Lonmin-owned Marikana platinum mine northwest of Johannesburg in August 2012.

It was the worst police violence in South Africa since the end of apartheid in 1994.

An official inquiry established by President Jacob Zuma put much of the blame for the massacre on police tactics used to disperse the strikers, but it did not go as far as recommending compensation.

Last year Zuma announced that government was ready to pay damages.

The police minister did not state when the claims would be settled saying the process depended on the finalisation of legal processes.

A senior police official, Nashee Sewpersadh, told lawmakers that the offers had in principle been accepted.
Four officers of the Progressive Peoples Party (PPP) will represent the party in a Congress of the African Liberal Network (ALN) in Nairobi, Kenya.

They are Ms Belinda Bulley, the 2nd Vice Chairperson, Richard Nii Amarh Nkunim, the Executive Secretary, Emmanuel Osei, the Coordinator of the PPP Volunteer Group and Faruk, Azaah, an officer at the PPP headquarters.

The six days Congress which starts from March 20th to 25th, 2017, will be attended by all member political parties of the Network.

Messrs Nii Armah and Emmanuel Osei will attend a special two day training programme within the period 20th to 23rd March before joining the main conference.

The two were recently selected to be part of the Maiden Youth Advisory Council of the African Liberal Network.

While Nii Amarh will be serving as the Secretary General, Emmanuel Osei will serve as the West Africa Coordinator of the ALN for the next two years.

The Advisory Youth Council is a Statutory Committee charged with the responsibility of organizing and bringing African youth into the ALN.

The Congress will consider public declaration and promotion of liberal ideals and whether member parties consider these in their manifestoes.

The PPP applied to be member of the ALN in 2014. It was conferred the Observer Status in Morocco in November 2016 and this congress shall decide whether or not the PPP should be granted full ALN membership status.
Abidjan, Cote dIvoire, March 13, 2017  The Chair of the Africa Progress Panel and former UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, and the President of the African Development Bank, Akinwumi Adesina, have called on African governments and their partners to do everything possible to close the continents huge energy gap.

They made the call on Monday, March 13, 2017 in Abidjan, Cote dIvoire, at the launch of the Africa Progress Panel Report on Lights, Power, Action: Electrifying Africa, which calls for the adoption of every available on-grid and off-grid solution to light up and power Africa.

The electricity deficit in Africa is immense, said Adesina. Today, 645 million people do not have access to electricity.

Yet the continent has abundant supply of solar, hydropower, wind and geothermal potential, as well as significant amounts of natural gas and in some countries coal deposits. Africa has energy potential, yes, but we need to unlock that potential. And we must do so quickly, because Africans are tired of being in the dark.

Adesina stated that he drew inspiration from the Panels previous report in developing the Banks High 5 development priorities, which places energy as the top priority, and which has, through the Banks New Deal on Energy for Africa, committed to investing US $12 billion on energy in the next five years and leveraging US $45-50 billion from the private sector and other partners. The goal is to connect 130 million households via the grid, 75 million people via off-grid and provide some 130 million households with access to clean cooking energy.

The AfDB President commended the Africa Progress Panel for another very insightful report which, he said, will help Africa think through how to achieve the off-grid electricity revolution, as part of the comprehensive New Deal on Energy for Africa.

Lights, Power, Action notes that more than 620 million Africans without access to electricity cannot wait for grid expansion. While grid-connected megaprojects such as large dams and power pools are essential to scale up national and regional energy generation and transmission, they are slow and expensive. Therefore, governments must also increase investment in off-grid and mini-grid solutions, which are cheaper and quicker to install, the report says.

What we are advocating is for African governments to harness every available option, in as cost-effective and technologically efficient a manner as possible, so that everyone is included and no one is left behind, said Kofi Annan.

Of the 315 million people who will gain access to electricity in Africas rural areas by 2040, it is estimated that only 30 per cent will be connected to national grids. Most will be powered by off-grid household or mini-grid systems.

Lights, Power, Action is an in-depth follow up to the influential 2015 Africa Progress Report, Power, People, Planet: Seizing Africas Energy and Climate Opportunities. It urges governments to put in place the incentives needed to encourage greater investment in off-grid and mini-grid systems, protect consumers, and facilitate demand among disadvantaged groups.

Above all, governments need to foster an environment in which companies can enter energy generation, transmission and distribution markets, climb the value chain, and build the investment partnerships that can drive growth and create jobs.

Traditional approaches to extending the grid are no longer viable as the main option for African countries, Annan said. They will take too long and will not meet the needs of our growing economies and societies. Instead, governments and their partners need to seize the opportunity to re-imagine their energy futures.
The Writer

16.03.2017 LISTEN

Volatility is the new normal in the mining industry, says pan-African consulting firm africapractice founder and CEO Marcus Courage. Ghanaian Companies must adapt. They must become agile by identifying their core competencies and where to play and manage the politics, he states.

Courage notes that global economic output continued to affect Ghanas mining industry in 2016. Sluggish economic growth among G7 and G20 nations led to weak demand and soft commodity prices. Companies continued to write off debts and make impairments. The capitalisation of the worlds largest mining houses remained less than half of what it was at the start of the decade. Financial discipline remained the order of the day. Companies had no choice but to cut back on new developments and reduce costs.

In addition to this, a number of political events in the country have heightened volatility and regulatory uncertainty.

A Trump administration, Brexit, assertive Russian diplomacy, a leadership contest in South Africa and the Big African economies of Egypt and Nigeria contending with unprecedented currency woes  none of these events give me any confidence about the outlook for political stability in 2017, says Courage.

We are seeing small recoveries in market capitalizations and commodity prices  but theres still a long way to go and a lot of volatility. Politics and regulation temper my confidence in a sustained recovery, he notes.

At the helm of the consultancy, which he founded in 2003 to help African companies and global investors understand shifting political, policy, regulatory and societal trends on the continent and to equip them to identify the opportunities and manage the risks these present for their operations, Courage and his over 75 team members supply risk advisory, public affairs and stakeholder engagement solutions to many of the largest companies, investors and foundations operating in Africa today.

While Ghanas the mining industry will continue to face significant market challenges and constraints in 2017, theres deal-making to be done also, Courage believes. Some of the worlds biggest mining companies  Anglo American, Glencore, Freeport McMoRan and others  have been divesting to shore up their balance sheets, affording newer entrants such as Neal Fronemans Sibanye and Kennedy Bunganes South African based industrial holding company Pembani Group to capture value for their stakeholders.

The onus in 2017 will be on the newly elected government to make the environments for investing more attractive, and for mining firms to identify efficiencies and to carefully manage costs. Those firms with their eyes firmly fixed on the long-term rewards and their corporate radars trained on monitoring and adapting to political risk will be the beneficiaries, Courage notes. Rentier African economies will continue to struggle, says Courage, noting that only those nations which have forged a deliberate industrial policy to build domestic and cross-border value chains and diversify their economies to serve domestic and regional consumers, will flourish.

Firms need to understand what is important to their customers, employees, communities and host government and build their business strategy in a way which delivers value to all. By taking a long-term view and demonstrating authentic commitment to creating what at africapractice we call Shared Advantage (for the many and not for the few), companies can navigate political risk and play a first mover role in markets that others may dismiss as the opportunity doesnt come neatly packaged.

Frontier waters may be choppy but if you understand the winds, youll move quickly, says Courage. He advises that rather than lamenting heavy-handed regulation, firms must proactively engage the government to build understanding of their business models and the contribution that their industry and their company can make towards catalysing economic development and creating new sub-sectors of economic activity. Its a critical step in bridging the trust deficit that often undermines mining investments.

Marcus Courage, africapractice Founder & CEO [email protected]
South Africa is on the right track towards ensuring that all citizens have access to affordable, quality healthcare services regardless of their socio-economic circumstances, says Dr Rolene Wagner, CEO of Frere Hospital in the Eastern Cape.

Speaking at the Distinguished Speakers Programme hosted by the UCT Graduate School of Business (GSB) on Monday, Dr Wagner expressed her support for governments National Health Insurance (NHI) - a multi-billion rand scheme which seeks to radically transform South Africas healthcare system.

With NHI, the government is seeking to improve the health system, with an emphasis on public health, as well as refining the functionality and management of the system through stringent budget and expenditure monitoring.

Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan announced in his budget speech in February that the government would establish an NHI fund this year that may be partly financed by a decrease in the tax subsidy currently given to medical scheme members. The initial priorities of the fund will include maternal health, family planning services, the integrated school health programme and improving the services for people with disabilities, the elderly and mentally ill patients.

The principle of NHI is correct, said Dr Wagner. As someone who works in the public sector. I think that a lot of the money is being diverted to the private sector that could be better utilised in a more equitable way within the public sector.

South Africas health system is made up of a large public sector and a smaller, albeit fast growing private sector.

Healthcare in the country varies from the most basic primary healthcare, accessible largely for free in state hospitals and clinics, to highly specialised and technologically advanced health services available in both the public and private sector.

But the public sector is generally over-stretched and somewhat poorly resourced. While the government contributes just more than 40% of all expenditure on health, the public health sector is under pressure to cater for about 80% of the population.

In contrast, the private sector largely caters to middle- and high-income earners who are usually members of medical aid schemes. The private sector also attracts most of the countrys health professionals as it tends to offer higher salaries and better working conditions.

According to Dr Wagner, this two-tiered system is inequitable and to some degree inaccessible to a large section of the population. The NHI seeks to address some of these imbalances, she said.

In the public sector the emphasis is on how you ensure you produce quality healthcare that is value for money, and we at Frere have demonstrated that its possible to provide that. For me the benefits (of NHI) are that we will be remunerated on the number of patientswhich is far more equitableso we get money which is more in-line with our quality of care, said Dr Wagner.

It will be vital to establish partnerships with the private sector to ensure the success of NHI.

Partnerships between the public and private sectors are of strategic importance. The private sector, generally tends to be over-resourced and is perceived to provide better quality care compared with the public sector; whilst the public sector is perceived to be comparatively inefficient and is reported to provide sub-optimal care, she said.

The private sector on the one hand pursues capital, mainly for their shareholders, and therefore has a focus on cost-effective service provision; whilst the public sector pursues social capital, the beneficiaries being the general public.

Strategic partnerships can result in better utilisation of available scarce resources and more cost-effective strategies being deployed in both sectors. Similarly, through collaboration both sectors can unite in tackling the burden of disease we face as a country. We are blessed that in East London we have a collegiate relationship with our private sector and are already discussing ways of optimising our relative strengths to benefit the people we serve.

However, NHI will become redundant without doctors. For it to be a success the country will have to do much more to address the doctor shortages, said Dr Wagner.

The doctor-to-population ratio is estimated to be 0.77 per 1 000. But because the majority of GPs  over 70%  work in the private sector, some suggestions are that there is in actual fact just one practising doctor for every 4200 people.

A recent study by consulting firm Econex for the Hospital Association of SA notes that up to 17% of newly qualified doctors might be emigrating, while up to 80% doctors prefer not to work for the state because of poor working conditions.

Wagner says the primary and high school education system, particularly maths and science, needs to be improved to boost the number of doctors in the country.

Wagner also spoke about the improvements at Frere hospital. She pointed out that despite years of turbulence, one of the largest regional hospitals in the Eastern Cape had managed to turn the corner. The hospital previously struggled with a high infant mortality rate, slow patient turnaround, and labour instability, but this appears to be a thing of the past. The hospitals finances are looking healthier and it recently received an unqualified audit opinion from the Auditor General.

Wagner, who took over as CEO in 2012, credits her team for improving the operations of Frere. The management team implemented organisation-wide quality improvement projects that addressed the priorities of patient safety, patient care and efficiency of service delivery. Changes were made to the leadership style and structure, with activities consciously focusing on staff engagement and motivation; and transforming the organisational culture from blame and fear to one that promotes teamwork and encourages innovation.

Our focus at Frere will remain our core mandate  that is to cater for those who need our care the most, said Wagner.
The General Secretary of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, has described as senseless justification of President Akufo-Addos 110 ministerial appointments.

The argument that the economy is so destroyed that they need a bigger team to do work also doesn't make sense, he added.

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Wednesday nominated 50 deputies and 4 others to serve as Ministers of State at the presidency and ministries, bringing his total number of ministers to 110.

The appointments have been described as the highest in the 4th Republic.

The announcement was followed by widespread criticism from the public, though government sought to justify the President's decision, explaining that the weak nature of the economy, required a competent army of people to restore it.

Mustapha Hamid

The Minister of Information, Mustapha Hamid, at a press conference said the President was guided by the competencies and experiences of the people he appointed and the legal requirements in making such decisions.

But speaking to Accra based television station, TV3 on Wednesday evening, the NDC General Secretary rubbished governments justification of the large size of the executive and described it as insulting to Ghanaians.

When I heard the list of ministers and I heard they were holding a press conference, I thought they would have some good reasons to tell Ghanaians. But they have just insulted us further by saying that we did not promise a lean government, Asiedu Nketia added.

He further argued that Ghanaians deserved better explanations bordering on value for money and national interests.

They must come out to tell us what it is in terms of value for money that we would gain as a nation out of those appointments. But just to come and say that we didn't promise a lean government so we are at liberty to do whatever we wish, I think it is rather rubbing pepper in the wound. The argument that the economy is so destroyed that they need a bigger team to do work also doesn't make sense.

Muntaka Mubarak shocked by 110 Ministers

The Minority in Parliament also had some harsh words for the Presidents appointment with the Minority Chief Whip, Muntaka Mubarak, describing the ministerial nominations as ludicrous and shocking given President Akufo-Addo was telling the whole country to tighten their belt.

He also bemoaned that, the President had nominated too many committee Chairpersons in Parliament to serve as ministers hence would affect the work of the House.

This leaves the Majority side of Parliament with many first-time Members of Parliament who may not be able to effectively play oversight roles as Chair of the various committees of the house, as most of them have now been appointed ministers, Mr. Mubarak noted.



By: Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Nigeria is a country blessed with attractive, beautiful and amazing tourist destinations. While you are allowed to visit many of these destinations, there are some of them you have to be culturally conscious before you can visit.

This means there are cultural rules on the ground you have to respect or follow. You wont like to know the consequences of disregarding these rules which have been existing for decades. Jumia Travel , the leading online travel agency identifies some of these tourist destinations.

Ogbunike Cave

The Ogbunike cave is a revered cave in Anambra state in Eastern Nigeria. It is located in Oyi local government area and it is just 10km drive from Onitsha. The cave is populated by bats, while the rainforest circling it is inhabited by deer, antelopes, alligators and snakes. The cave features 10 tunnels and main chamber as well as a walkway made of 317 steps. The cultural rules are displayed on a sign at the entrance which reads: remove your shoes before entering the cave, ladies under period banned and herbalist or spiritual ceremony in the cave is banned.

Idanre Hills

Idanre hills sit in the ancient town of Idanre in Ondo state. To get to the peak of the hill, you have to negotiate 667 steps and there are 5 spots for tourist to rest. The hills provided protection against marauding enemies in the past. Amongst the hills, one stands out which is the Agbagba Hill. This is very popular because of the Agboogun footprints. Whether you are an adult or a baby, your foot should fit in because the Agboogun footprints mysteriously expand and contract to accommodate any foot. The cultural rule here is that if your foot doesnt fit in, you are branded a wizard or witch. In addition, there is the house of the Chief Priest where you cant go in with clothes. If you are so bent on going in, you have to go in naked.

The Oba of Benins Palace

Ordinarily, the Oba of Benin is a traditional institution that is highly respected in Nigeria. It is one of the few institutions that has not been desecrated by civilization and religion. So, you can only imagine the rules for visiting the Obas Palace. Some of the things you should never do at the palace include: you must not point, you must not whistle, you must not open an umbrella during festivals, and you must never adorn black attire.

Osun-Osogbo Groove

The Osun-Osogbo groove is a sacred forest on 75 hectares of land along the banks of the Osun River, which is located on the outskirt of Osogbo, the capital of Osun State . It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The groove features prominently in the Osun-Osogbo festival. There are so many cultural rules tourists should be aware of. Among them are, you are not allowed to wear your shoes into the groove (you have to walk barefooted), cameras are barred from the shrine where sacrifices are made and importantly, you should never stay in the groove beyond 4 pm and by extension at night because the groove is strangely dangerous at these times.
16.03.2017 LISTEN

By Samuel Akapule

Bolgatanga, March 15, GNA - The Sector Command of the Bolgatanga Collection of the Ghana Revenue Authority, Customs Division, has mapped out a number of strategies to boost revenue collection.

The Sector failed to meet its set target of 9,650,000 Ghana cedis in 2016 but made 9,376.387.37 Ghana cedis, falling short of 273,612.63 Ghana cedis.

The Sector Commander, Mr Henry Atampugre, who disclosed this during a press soirAe in Bolgatanga attributed the inability of his outfit to meet the set target to the high increase of revenue target in the third quarter of the year, low commercial activities during the period under review and the farming season as well as the preparation for the 2016 general elections.

To address the challenge and to help mobilize more revenue for the government, the Command had instituted a number of pragmatic measures including embarking on intensive patrols, the widening of its surveillance and increasing the staff strength, he said.

'More public tax education fora will also be organized to educate all our stakeholders in order for them to enhance voluntary compliance. We need your contributions very much to enable us realize our dream of contributing to national development,' the sector Commander said.

Mr Mark-Donald Pwawari, the Bolgatanga Manager of the Small Taxpayers Office of the Ghana Revenue Authority, Customs Division, said one of the major challenges confronting the unit was that, some managers of businesses particularly the hospitality industry dodge VAT payment and called on customers to insist on seeing VAT invoices attached to receipts from such businesses before making payment.

He used the occasion to remind the general public to register for the new Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) and warned that henceforth anybody without the number would not be allowed to transact business.

'The TIN has eleven digits and registration is free. Anyone with the following identifications such as Voter ID, Driver's License, or an International Passport is required for the registration in any Ghana Revenue Authority Office,' he said.

Majority of the Customs' staff expressed concern about most of the unapproved routes often used by smugglers and called on government to empower them with equipment particularly vehicles.

They also called for improvement in the manpower needs of the unit to enhance its performance.

Some of the media practitioners took turns to ask questions bordering on the proliferation of fuel stations along the border towns of the Region and how the staffs of Customs were supporting to fight the menace.

GNA
16.03.2017 LISTEN

Accra, March 15, GNA - The Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), on Tuesday began a series of training programmes for exporters on the implementation of a single and shared exporter online registration system for export declaration.

The three-day training programme being organised by GEPA in collaboration with West Blue Consulting will see exporters from the agriculture; manufacturing and handicraft sectors go through demonstrations on how to use the system.

Under the system, all documentation required for exporting would be submitted once and electronically onto a single entry point for onward distribution to other regulatory institutions.

This will mean that exporters would no longer be required to submit same documents to different agencies, instead information can be exchanged and re-used electronically, saving time and effort in the process.

Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr Alan Kyeremanten, in a speech read on his behalf said the new platform was important for Ghana to be integrated into the global trading system through adoption of trade facilitation measures.

He said the new online exporter registration being implemented by the GEPA was a necessary part of the on-going World Trade Organisation (WTO) Trade Facilitation formalities.

Mr Kyeremanten commended West Blue Consulting for the demonstrable commitment to the Single Window programme, commending GEPA for collaborating with West Blue.

'I trust that this training and the follow-up activities by all the parties will prepare us to be globally competitive and improve our balance of trade and our full integration into the global trading system,' he said.

On the recently ratified World Trade Organisation's (WTO's) Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), Mr Kyerematen, said it was a welcome development as it would facilitate the movement, release and clearance of goods, including goods in transit.

He said it would also set out measures for effective co-operation between the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority and other appropriate authorities such as the Ghana Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Ghana Standards Authority on trade facilitation and customs compliance issues.

Mr James Tiigah, the Chief Executive of GEPA in a speech read on his behalf said the implementation of the system would reduce the time and cost of going through the different processes required for making export declarations.

He said the system was an answer to the exporters' perennial concerns about having to visit different agencies to collect permits and certificates needed for their products.

'What this means is that your registration with the GEPA will now be electronic and be automatically connected with all other steps in the chain. Thus making the registration process easy and more effective,' he said.

Mr Tiigah announced that GEPA was in the process of establishing a market hub that would provide exporters with the needed trade information.

This, he said, would help exporters to adapt to the global market trends and ensure their competitiveness in the market.

GNA
Accra, March 15, GNA - Ecobank Ghana has launched Masterpass QR, a smart merchant solution that accepts payments for goods and services from the mobile phone, providing micro, small and medium enterprises the opportunity to move from cash to digital payments.

The Ecobank QR allows merchants to accept payments from any mobile devices without a physical Point of sale (POS) terminal while allowing Ecobank customers to be able to pay for goods and services using Ecobank Masterpass QR, thereby reducing the need to carry cash or bank cards.

Users of Ecobank's mobile banking platform will be able to safely pay for online and in-store purchases by scanning a Quick Response (QR) code displayed at checkout on their smartphones, or by entering a merchant identifier into their feature phones.

'It is clear that any entity involved in commerce, be it the distribution of goods and services, the supermarket, restaurant, your local chop bars, fruit seller by the roadside, waakye seller, barbering shop etc, will benefit from the instant payment solution,' Mr Dan Sackey, Managing Director of Ecobank Ghana said.

Mr Sackey said the Ecobank MasterPass QR was designed together with Mastercard to support Ecobank's retail payment strategy.

He said the ability of the digital payment service to operate without physical POS terminals and internet connectivity made it a suitable payment product for all.

Mr Sackey said shoppers did not need to carry cash or their physical bank cards but could make fast, safe and simple digital payments using Ecobank Masterpass QR via their mobile banking app on their mobile device anywhere that Masterpass QR is accepted.

'The merchant is therefore able to have access to the payment instantly and this bring huge benefits to the merchant by eliminating the costs associated with handling cash and provides the merchant with a record of all transactions,' he said.

Mr Sackey said the bank has plans to use the merchant sales records and volumes to support requests for financial support from the merchants.

Mr Obi Okwuegbunam, Country Manager MasterCard said the company was happy to team up with Ecobank to bring this technology to the country and help consumers leapfrog into the digital age.

He said the solution was going to revolutionise the eco-payment system and advance the move towards a cashless society.

GNA
16.03.2017 LISTEN

By Ken Sackey, GNA

Accra, March 15, GNA - President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Wednesday said if Ghana should succeed, it would be a function of a strong, creative and innovative private sector.

He said his government's policy for the country's growth and development was geared at creating a good business environment that would enable the private sector to flourish.

'That is why we are putting all our cards in that particular basket. We want, therefore, to do all we can to create a good business climate for investors like yourself, not just for you to feel secure but also for you to be able to do good business,' President Akufo-Addo said when the Managing Director(MD) of Guinness Ghana Limited (GGL), Mr Francis Agbonlahor called on him at the Flagstaff House in Accra.

Mr Agbonlahor was at the Presidency to congratulate the President and the people of Ghana on the successful election of 2016, and also the 60th Independence anniversary celebration.

President Akufo-Addo told the Guinness MD that 'we are here (in government) because for some time, our economy was not performing well. So, the Ghanaian people decided they needed a change in direction, and a change in the leadership of the nation in order to revive our economy and put Ghana to the road of progress and prosperity. That is why I am sitting here'.

He applauded the company's decision to expand its operations into the ECOWAS market, stressing: 'I believe that the future of our country is intimately tied up to the regional market that ECOWAS represents.

'It is good to see Ghanaian companies taking advantage of the possibilities of the ECOWAS market. I am also happy about the use of local raw materials in your operations. This is extremely positive news.'

The President continued: 'We want to work together with business so as to develop our country. We are not in the business of business. You are not going to have competition from us. Ours is to govern and provide the regulatory framework and policy framework that will allow you to do business. You have in us honest and loyal interlocutors who are trying to promote business.'

He expressed happiness about the involvement of GGL's 50-year involvement in the development of the country.

Mr Agbonlahor pledged his company's support for government's 'Planting for Food and Jobs' programme.

He said it would boost the use of local raw materials by manufacturing companies, and at the same time help to create jobs for thousands of Ghanaians.

According to him, the company made a key decision some five years ago to use local raw materials for the production of its beverages.

Within a four- year period, the company had increased its use of local raw materials from 12 per cent to the current level of 48 per cent.

He said it was in this vein that Guinness Ghana was excited by government's 'Planting for Food and Jobs' programme, as it seeks to increase the use of local raw materials for its production to 80 per cent by 2020.

With two branches in Achimota and Kumasi, and having invested some $50 million in expanding its productive capacity in the last four years, the Guinness MD noted that the company had also invested heavily in training farmers in planting schemes and farming methods so as to increase their yields.

He also disclosed that the brewery was also exporting its products to neighbouring West African countries such as Cote d'Ivoire, Sierra Leone, Burkina Faso and Togo, and is looking forward to expand exports to other countries in the region.

On the company's corporate social responsibility, Mr Agbonlahor told the President that Guinness Ghana had initiated schemes, which had provided potable drinking water to some 600,000 Ghanaians, and would soon inaugurate a project at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, which would provide water to 35,000 people.

The Guinness MD, in concluding, appealed to government to take a second look at reintroducing the '4-tier system', which would see companies, who use local raw materials in their production activities, benefitting from excise duty concessions.

GNA
16.03.2017 LISTEN

By Gideon Ahenkorah / Deborah Apetorgbor, GNA

Accra, March 15, GNA- Mr Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, the Minister of Information, on Wednesday vowed to revamp the ministry which, he said, had remained dormant due to inadequate logistics.

He said the ministry was the foremost point of call in matters relating to information on all aspects of public affairs and, thus, its maintenance was critical to preserve the country's history.

At a press conference in Accra, Mr Abdul-Hamid expressed regret about the failure of the past government to fully resource the Information Services Department (ISD) which is a subsidiary of the ministry so as to perform its role effectively.

Mr Abdul-Hamid said most of the facilities used at the ISD and the ministry were outdated, thereby, slowing down the operations of the offices, hence the need for a facelift.

'It was around 2004 and 2005 when Kwamina Bartels was the Information minister that we brought information vans for the ISD, since then all the vans have broken down,' he said, adding that the situation hampered the department's ability to circulate information around the country.

This, he said, caused the denial of some villages and towns relevant information to help them make informed decisions.

'My main objective is to retool the ministry and its subsidiary departments so as to make it vibrant again for the execution of its mandate,' the Minister said.

Mr Abdul-Hamid said the Department of Photography was deprived and full of outdated manual photography records which he pledged to transfer onto digital platforms.

The move, he said, would facilitate proper records keeping and accessibility adding; 'our plan immediately is to buy a digitisation equipment to digitise all those records to make them durable.'

Mr Abdul-Hamid said the Government, led by President Nana Akufo-Addo, had development at heart and for which reason it had separated the ministry from the Communication Ministry.

He dismissed concerns raised regarding the seemingly high numbers of ministers appointed by the President and said the decision was appropriate as the government sought to tackle all the challenges that militated against the progress of the country.

'Look at how this ministry and its departments have suffered neglect. If a minister is not appointed to take charge of affairs, it would soon die,' he said.

The Minister said more hands were needed to restructure the economy hence the President's decision of appointing more ministers.

He gave the assurance that the move would not burden the public purse but rather contribute to efficiency and effectiveness in governance.

He urged Ghanaians to maintain their confidence in the Government as it would work for the holistic development of the country.

GNA
The Tema Regional Police Command has arrested a 22-year-old suspected armed robber who claimed he was on a hunting expedition at the time of his arrest.

The suspect, Mohammed Gargo, steel bender, was arrested by the Police Foot Patrol Team at New York, a suburb of Zenu in the Kpone-Katamanso District of the Greater Accra Region.

A search conducted on him revealed a locally manufactured pistol, ammunition and a cutlass.

According to Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Juliana Obeng, the Public Relation Officer (PRO) of the Tema Regional Police Command, in the early hours of Wednesday, March 15, 2017, a Police Patrol Team that was deployed for Zenu-Atadeka observed the suspicious movement of the suspect.

According to her, the suspect, who was on a Royal Sport motorbike with registration number M-16-GR 746 at New York, a suburb of Zenu, near Ashaiman upon spotting the patrol team reversed immediately and moved at top speed in order to escape arrest.

Luck eluded the suspect, as he was surrounded by the police, who subsequently arrested him, she said.

ASP Obeng mentioned that the police discovered the aforementioned weapons, which have been impounded to boost investigations.

When he was asked why he was wielding such offensive weapons, he mentioned that he was going for hunting in the night in the municipality which heightened the suspicion of the police, Tema Police spokeswoman pointed out.

She said the suspect was currently in police custody assisting in investigations.

From Vincent Kubi, Ashaiman


The Acting Executive Director of the National Service Scheme (NSS), Mustapha Ussif, has said that the Scheme deploys over 100,000 graduates to various sectors of the country's economy annually.

According to him, the graduates are deployed to the agriculture, education, rural development and health sectors, among others.

Mr. Mustapha Ussif made the disclosure during a working visit by five Members of Parliament (MPs), a legal practitioner and clerk from Uganda to the NSS Secretariat in Accra on Wednesday.

He explained that the NSS was established in 1973 under National Redemption Council Decree NRCD 208, adding that the scheme gained legitimacy under the 1979 Constitution through the passage of the NSS Law (Act 426, 1980) by Parliament.

The NSS boss further explained that the scheme was mandated to mobilize and deploy Ghanaian youth of 18 years and above to serve their country and improve the lives of Ghanaians for a period of one year.

According to him, the duration for the service was later extended to two years and each service person was to undertake a six-month military training.

The Ag. Chief Executive also lauded former President John Agyekum Kufour for being instrumental in the early stages of the Service while he was a Member of Parliament.

The leader of the Ugandan delegation, Waira Kyewalabje (Majegere), said they were in the country on a tour to learn best practices in youth mobilization.

Mr. Kyewalabje, who is also a MP in Uganda, further mentioned that his country has high graduate unemployment rate, adding that the government was eager to adopt best practices to help solve the problem.

He also commended Ghanaians for holding successful election and transition, which he said was worthy of emulation by other African countries.

By Solomon Ofori


On Wednesday, I ran into Kasey Chambers walking into the Americana Music Association showcase. I shook her hand, leaned down and told her I had interviewed her the first time she came to South By Southwest.

Really? she said. Thats cool. I havent been here since.

That was in 2001 when her album The Captain, brought her from Australia to the U.S. for her first tour here. It was one of the best discs of the then-burgeoning alternative country movement. Alt-country is tagged as Americana these days, and even though Chambers is from Down Under, she remains one of its top practitioners.

She demonstrated that -- and her engaging charm -- to a packed house at Coopers BBQ, where chairs were brought up to very edge of the stage.

If Id have known you were going to sit so close, Id have shaved my legs, Chambers said. Im suddenly very aware of how hairy my legs are.

That quip came early in the 50-minute set she played with a drummer and guitarist that included some favorites, like Am I Not Pretty Enough and Rattlin Bones, with songs taken from her unreleased-in-the-U.S. new album Dragonfly," on which she played dobro.

Those songs included the closer, Aint No Little Girl, a powerful declaration of a tough woman delivered with catharsis by Chambers, who was simply brilliant.

Her show was the third of four superb performances I caught at SXSW Wednesday.

The first two took place in the Austin Convention Center on day stages.

German new music composer Sven Helbig was joined by a small choir from a Texas college for a performance of I Eat the Sun and Drink the Rain, his latest composition. His electronic instruments and the choir brought to mind Philip Glass -- minus the repetition -- and the piece was so strong I almost went to see him again Wednesday night.

Twenty minutes later, Temples took the stage in the room next door, delivering 50 minutes of psychedelia, much of it drawn from the English bands new album Volcano. That means a lot of synthesizers and modern production techniques putting a contemporary spin on the '60s/'70s rock sound.

When Chambers finished, I walked to the Parish to catch A Band of Heathens, an Austin group thats a real American band, and a Texas outfit as well, as it blurs the lines between genres and delivers American music.

That's a sound that bands like the Rolling Stones tried to get, but never quite succeeded and was able to incoporate John Lennons Instant Karma right alongside its rocking originals.

Four great performances out of nine shows is a really high percentage. And that doesnt count three Lincoln bands I saw at the Nebraska Exposed showcase that started the day -- I was typing and talking too much to pay close attention to those sets.
(From left) Susan Namondo Ngongi, Madam Fatimata Alainchar with other dignitaries singing a gender empowerment song at the event

An international programme aimed at eliminating all forms of discrimination against girls and gender inequality in the country has been rolled out.

The programme, 'Girls Alliance Advocacy Programme' will offer the unique opportunity to Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs) to partner government and work towards the country's attainment of gender parity.

The programme, to be piloted in five regions of the country has already been rolled out in 10 countries in Africa and Asia. It will cover topics such as child marriage, violence against girls and women, vocational and technical training of girls to empower them.

The launch of the programme took place at the Ghana NGO Coalition on the Right of the Child (GNCRC) during the commemoration of the International Women's Day in Accra on the theme, Be Bold for Change.

The forum brought children from various first and second cycle schools in the capital and stakeholders from civil society groups, academia, development partners and government agencies together to deliberate on how best girls can be protected from discrimination and activities that are detrimental to their development.

The forum also looked at how girls can be empowered to take up courses in the perceived male dominated fields and make their dreams a reality.

Madam Fatimata Alainchar, Country Director of Plan Ghana, launching the programme said it was the hope of the funding partners that through the Girls Alliance Advocacy Programme, there will be an increased public support for girl-child empowerment.

We hope that the capacity of the girl child will be built and that civil society organizations, policy makers will be enlightened to take up actions in support of anti-gender based violence and improve participation of government agencies in ending gender based discrimination, she said.

Susan Namondo Ngongi, UNICEF Ghana Country Representative, in her speech said history had shown that women are the backbone of strong communities urging stakeholders to invest in girls if the country wishes to create a stronger and more sustainable future.

So I am not advocating more investment in girls that will lead to them enjoying greater development outcomes than boys but we need to ensure investment in both girls and boys that will lead to equal development outcomes, she elucidated.

By Jamila Akweley Okertchiri
The state has withdrawn a subpoena directed at the Head of the Town and Country Planning Department of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) to testify in the case in which it is seeking to confiscate assets purportedly belonging to Ruby Adu-Gyamfi aka Nayele Ametefe.

According to the prosecution, there was a problem with the earlier order requesting the witness  Kwadwo Yeboah  to appear before the court.

Although the case was heard in chambers yesterday, sources say the court granted the application by the state to withdraw the subpoena.

It said another officer from the assembly whose name had not been made public, would be subpoenaed.

The Accra Financial and Economic Crimes Court presided over by Justice Georgina Mensah-Datsa, adjourned the hearing until April 25, 2016.

Witnesses

At the previous sitting, lawyers of the Economic and Organized Crimes Office (EOCO) told the court that the prosecution intended to subpoena its next witness to testify in the case.

Mr Kwadwo Yeboah would have been the second witness in the case in which Madam Adubofour, mother of Nayele Ametefe, is claiming ownership of the two storey buildings situated at East Legon and Dzorwulu in Accra, confiscated by the state.

A Narcotic Control Board (NACOB) investigator (name withheld) who was the first witness of the state at the last hearing, told the court that the properties at East Legon and Dzorwulu are not the only properties belonging to Nayele Ametefe (Ruby Cocaine).

He said under cross-examination by Peter Dadzie, lawyer for Madam Adubofour, NACOB had also pasted seizure notices and filed for confiscation of another property located at Pease in the Ashanti Region.

The NACOB investigator said the recommendation for the confiscation of the said property was based on intelligence in relation to the stated property, adding that verification from state institutions like the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) and the Lands Commission affirmed his suspicion.

Although the witness said he had not obtained any evidence to buttress his claim, the investigator insisted that he (witness) acted within the confines of the law.

In an answer to a question, the NACOB investigator argued that anything the respondent (Nayele) was associated with was under suspicion.

But Mr Peter Dadzie disagreed, indicating that the suspicion was wrong and was not informed by any evidence.

In the view of the lawyer, the owner of the building at Dzorwulu which houses the Night Angels stores of Nayele, had filed for notice of claim and had produced land titles in the court, an assertion the witness said he was not aware of.

For this reason, the lawyer stated, I suggest to you that you did a very bad job because a simple investigation or search at the Lands Commission could have shown that the building housing Night Angel did not belong to the respondent.

The witness said the seizure was for the stores and not the whole property.

Evidence

The NACOB investigator has over the weeks been telling the court among other things, that checks at the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) did not name Adubofour as the owner of the two storey buildings situated at East Legon and Dzorwulu.

Led in evidence by Wendy Yeboah, lawyer at NACOB, the witness stated that after the arrest and subsequent conviction of Nayele in London, UK, he was tasked to identify the assets of the convict.

He said he identified one property at East Legon and the other at Dzorwulu  which is a shop  adding that after that I requested for the property rate from AMA.

The NACOB undercover investigator indicated that he further requested from the AMA how names were placed on property rates and what goes into that.

The witness stated that AMA responded to the said request and got to know Adubofour after NACOB had pasted seizure notices on the stated properties.

Per the checks done at the AMA in relation to the property rate, Adubofour's name is not listed as the owner of the property, he disclosed.

Background

The state has filed a motion on notice for the confiscation of the purported illegal properties belonging to Nayele, who is currently serving a jail term in Britain for transporting 12.5kg of cocaine to that country.

[email protected]

By Jeffrey De-Graft Johnson
The Public Utilities and Regulatory Commission (PURC) says its attention has been drawn to the circulation of an anonymous document concerning monies that have been allegedly spent unlawfully by the Commission.

In a recent press statement, PURC said no staff has so far claimed to be a member of the so-called Concerned Group of Staff of PURC which circulated the false information.

In spite of the anonymity of the document, the Commission said it set up a fact-finding committee to investigate the matter, a report of which was adopted on 7th March 2017.

Transfer of money

Extracts of the report served to relevant authorities touched on the transfer of money into the personal account of Samuel Sarpong, its Executive Secretary.

With respect to this issue, the Committee found that the then Head of Finance, Mr Isaac Kofi Assan advised the Executive Secretary to use his account for the transfer of the money for public hearings in the year 2013. According to Mr. Isaac Kofi Assan, it was the best and most practicable way to get the money to the public hearing team that was already in Kumasi for the public hearings in Ashanti, Brong Ahafo, Northern and Upper East Regions.

The Committee found that all levels of authorization (i.e. Directors, Managers, and Officers) duly involved in the various approval processes from request for payments to approvals, disbursements and retirements were properly done and duly accounted for.

The Committee, it disclosed, also found that the use of the Executive Secretary's bank account was done at the convenience of Isaac Assan, who could not deliver the money to Kumasi because he was writing his professional examination that weekend.

He also disclosed that the money was cashed from the bank late on Friday evening and could only be transported through that account considering the additional risk of transporting the money physically.

Imprest for Organised Labour

The Committee investigated the allegation that though Organized Labour (TUC) boycotted the 2013 Major Tariff Review Public Hearings, the amount allocated was not refunded.

The Committee found that this allegation was not true and that the programme took place despite the TUC's boycott. However, the portion of the TUC imprest amounting to GHS 40,000.00 was duly refunded by the disbursement officer for the function and a receipt issued by the finance department.

Dayzer Ghana model software

The Committee established that the allegations surrounding the procurement of the Dayzer Software was incorrect.

It was well established that the Dayzer Software was procured during the tenure of Stephen Adu, the then Executive Secretary of the PURC, before Samuel Sarpong became the Executive Secretary.

Evidence was also provided to confirm that the Procurement of the Software went through due process and the sole sourcing of the software was duly authorized by the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) in June 2012.

The Committee also established that the software had been installed in the Energy Directorate of the Commission, where it was functionally being used for the technical operations of the PURC.

Christmas Hampers

The allegations on the Christmas hampers relates to the Christmas Hampers for the year 2012 before the President John Dramani Mahama in December 2013 directed all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to desist from using public resources for Christmas and New Year gifts by a letter from the Office of the President and signed by the Executive Secretary to the President, Dr. Raymond Atuguba.

Since this directive was issued no Christmas Hampers have been distributed by the Commission.

Other issues

Commenting on the protocol for Muslim Parliamentarians, workshop on natural gas transportation pricing, 2013, 2015 public hearings, protocol, foreign travel and workshop on automatic adjustment formula for media, PURC said the committee found that the processes and procedures were in conformity with its standard operating procedures.

All levels of authorization (i.e. Directors, Managers, and Officers) duly involved in the various approval processes from request for payments to approvals, disbursements and retirements were properly done and duly accounted for.

Amounts expended were used for the purposes for which they were requested. In instances where procedural issues were raised, these were presented to the Audit Report Implementation Committee (ARIC) and dealt with in the audit by the external auditors. To avoid such occurrences in the future, the ARIC and the External Auditors recommended the opening of regional accounts of the PURC to enhance financial operations which have been complied with.

[email protected]

By Samuel Boadi


Yesterday, I listened to the Minister of Information, Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, on Joy FMs Top Story with Evans Mensah. He was trying to defend the presidents decision to shoot the number of ministers and deputy ministers to a record 110 since this nation was born. After listening to his submission and the tape from his earlier press conference on the matter, one thing stood out: he did not make any sense. It is not because he is a dumb guy. This is a very smart guy trying to defend a very senseless act.

When the president first named his ministers of state, there was an uproar over the creation of six more ministerial portfolios. One of them actually said he would consult the president to define his role when journalists interviewed him after his nomination. Then we had existing ministries split. We had a minister each for Transport, Railways and Aviation. We now have a minister of interior, a national security coordinator and a minister of national security in addition to the existing minister for defence. When we thought the president had shocked us enough, he added four more ministers of state into the lists of 54 deputy ministers of state he released yesterday. Some of the ministries have as many as three deputies.

Every ministry, department and agency have a public relations unit or communication department. All the 216 metropolitan, municipal and district assembly have information service departments. In the immediate past Mahama administration, the information ministry was scrapped and added to the communications ministry and the president was praised for that. Ghanaians have long thought that the information ministry has become a propaganda wing of the government.

But Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addos government has decided to separate the two ministries. As if that is not bad enough, the information ministry now has three deputy ministers. Meanwhile, the Presidency has a director of communication. What will these three deputies be doing that one deputy cannot do?

We have a minister for Agriculture and three deputies. Then there is a minister of state at the ministry of Agriculture. What sense does this make? There is a substantive minister of education and two deputy ministers of education but yesterday, the president announced a Minister of State at the Ministry of Education. The ministries of information, energy, finance, energy, agriculture, local government and rural development have three deputies each.

Why should there be a minister for procurement? All ministries, departments and agencies have procurement entities and arrangements. There is also the Public Procurement Authority, whose head was appointed by the President last week. The procurement process has been spelt out in the Public Procurement Act and there is no role for a minister of procurement. What will the procurement minister be doing?

We know there were issues with the Public Procurement Authority in the past. But it was mainly because of a corrupt government, which decided to abuse the authority. Now a government has come and promises to do things differently. That is why the President has appointed a man he can trust. So what is a minister going to do? Oversee the work of the board?

A politician heading that process can increase the level of corrupt practices there. For instance, if the head of the Public Procurement Authority is a very principled man who will have the balls to deny single-source procurement requests, a dissatisfied minister or political figure will consult the minister in charge of procurement to intervene. If this happens, the PPA loses its authority as an independent entity.

Mr Mustapha Abdul-Hamid asked at the press conference whether Ghanaians wanted a big government that would deliver or a lean government that would loot the nations resources like the previous government did. With all due respect to my good friend, that question is a very senseless one. The previous government was not corrupt because of its size. The two are mutually exclusive.

In any case, Ghanaians are not too naive to think that the NPP are angels when we talk of corruption. In my view, we may have just elected very clever and sophisticated thieves to replace crude robbers. If there will be any difference in corruption, then it will be the stance of President Akufo-Addo toward the act. President Mahama almost endorsed the corruption through his inactions. President Akufo-Addo may decide to be tough on the thieves who will be exposed in his administration. That will be the difference between the NDC government we just witnessed and the NPP government we are bracing ourselves to understand. So the information minister should spare us this absurd justification.

In any case, is Mustapha Hamid telling us that they have the option to have a lean government and steal?

He also retorted sharply and repeated it in the Top Story interview that the NPP never promised a lean government. This excuse is also very lame. Did the NPP promise us a bloated government? Or is there no member of that party and government who knows the definition of prudence?

The nation is crises. The government does not miss any opportunity to remind us about this. Bloating the government comes with a lot of costs. All these people will be housed, fed, transported, fueled and provided with security with the meager resources we have. They will need space to work. And they will have auxiliary staff as well.

We will pay them ex-gratia after four years.

What is happening can best be described as a way to find something for people within the party who feel entitled to some reward. In fact, President Akufo-Addo is sharing the spoils of an electoral victory, the very thing he preached against in his inaugural speech.

The result of this is going to be a huge cost to the taxpayer and diminishing returns in terms of productivity. There are bound to be jostling and frictions among these numerous appointees for, space roles, attention and significance.

This step does not make sense. It is senseless. And it is insensitive to the suffering masses. And no amount of explanation, justification or equalisation will wash.

The writer, Manasseh Azure Awuni, is a journalist with Joy 99.7 FM. His email address is [email protected] The views expressed in this article are his personal opinions and do not reflect, in any form or shape, those of The Multimedia Group, where he works.
A Fifty-Four (54) year old man has reportedly hanged himself to death on a tree behind his house at Saka, a suburb of Zebilla in the Upper East Region.

The deceased, Ayaaba Daduda, was a businessman who sold cattle at the Zebilla Market. He left behind two wives and eight children.

Narrating the incident to Citi News, the Crime Officer at the Zebilla Police Station, Inspector Owusu Boakye, said the facts of the case are that the deceased Mr. Ayaaba Daduda, aged 54 years, alleged to be partially insane from Saka a suburb of Zebilla, on Wednesday 15th March 2017 at about 5:00am, was seen to have hanged himself with a rope on a tree behind his house.

He said the body has since been conveyed and deposited at the mortuary of the Zebilla district hospital awaiting autopsy and subsequent release to his family for burial.

He indicated that, the deceased did not leave behind any note in respect of why he committed the act.

There were a total of 102 attempted suicide cases in the Upper East Region in 2016.

Seven suicide cases in 3 weeks

This suicide brings to about seven the number of suicide cases recorded in Ghana within the last three weeks.

Similar ones happened at New Tafo in the Eastern Region, Half-Assini in the Western Region, the University of Ghana, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and Achimota among other places.

Invest in mental health to reduce suicides  Dr Osafo

A clinical psychologist and suicidologist at the University of Ghana, Dr. Joseph Osafo, has bemoaned the lack of support for mental health related issues in the country.

According to him, this situation has contributed to the increasing trend of suicide in the country.



By: Frederick Awuni/Citifmonline.com/Ghana
Dont be surprised that a whole lot people including foreign investors and their local collaborators have for some time now been invading Ghana to engage in gold mining. Yes, this nation was until 6th March known as Gold Coast because our colonial masters the British and Portuguese explorers found gold in abundance. However, this has remained with us even now that we are known as Ghana.

Though Obuase in Ashanti region used to be known as the major gold mining town since our colonial days but over time other towns in most parts of Ghana from south to north are fast becoming gold mining centers. These are towns where gold mining has affected the rivers and streams of Ghana.

Today through approved and illegal mining alone billions of dollars worth of gold in mined and the proceeds syphoned to countries outside Ghana yes Switzerland alone is reported to have moved out of Ghana 2billion worth of gold.

The question to ask is of what benefit has the current vigorous mining to Ghana? Why is it that with all this our currency is on a downward trend? Why is it that we continue to go out there borrowing huge cash out of Ghana for our development? The time has come for us to consider through the new government of New Patriotic Party to halt the illegal galamsey activities in all parts of Ghana for us to investigate the harm it has done and continues to do to our land and its people.

Nana Dwomo Sarpong of the of Rivers and Water Bodies has recently warned {in a radio discussion} that if action is not taken immediately Ghana would relapse into a situation that the chemicals sprinkled on our food crops and in mining activities would cause the outbreak of diseases with fatal consequences.

Yes, as he said it could cause the death of many people including the coming generations. He revealed that something can be done about the situation adding that we can copy the best practices from nations like United Arab Emirates and others in Africa and Europe to sanitize our use of our land for farming and mining to ensure the safety of our land its waters and people

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

eanfoworld for sustainable development

[email protected]/[email protected]

0244370345/0208844792/0274853710
The family of a 22-year-old man who was shot by a police in the Volta Region following clashes between residents of Adina in the Ketu South District of the Volta Region and workers of a salt mining company are demanding justice from the state.

Atsu Nkegbe died, Wednesday when the police's attempt to restore law and order in Adina turned bloody.

He was one of the many residents protesting the activities of a salt mining company in the area. The residents claim the activities of the company have denied them their livelihood.

Adina, a predominant fishing community has an army of youth, mostly unemployed.

On Wednesday, an army of residents besieged the company's premises demanding that they halt business and relocate.

The invasion turned chaotic when the residents allegedly began looting and destroying machines at the company's premises.

According to Joy News' Volta Region correspondent Ivy Setordjie, the police was called to maintain law and order but that turned disastrous as one person died in the midst of the skirmishes.

The police came in firing in an attempt to maintain law and order resulting in the death of one of the residents and injuring others.

Ivy Setordjie said calm has returned to the area nearly 24 hours after the clashes.

The Regional Operations Commander Ebenezer Apraku Asare is reported to have described the action by the residents as criminal and barbaric.

The police claim it was a rubber bullet fired into the crowd, a claim the residents have disputed insisting it was live bullets.

The police however described as unfortunate the death of the 22-year-old.

The family of the deceased wants justice and would stop at nothing to achieve that.

Meanwhile, the residents are also insisting the salt company must relocate in order for the youth in the area to get jobs to do.

They maintain that ever since the company was established in the area, they have been deprived of their livelihoods.

Ivy Setordjie, who visited the company's premises Thursday reported many properties have been damaged as a result of the invasion by the residents on Wednesday.

Story by Ghana|Myjoyonline.com
Strasbourg (France) (AFP) - The European Parliament on Thursday overwhelmingly approved a law requiring firms to ensure they do not use so-called conflict minerals from Africa and other areas that end up funding warlords.

The law will force companies to track their supply of tungsten, tin, tantalum and gold, which are often used in computers and smartphones.

It was approved after years of delays amid intense opposition by business lobbyists who won a late implementation date of January 2021.

The tracking of mineral sources by companies will now be compulsory, a requirement that also exists in the United States but that the administration of President Donald Trump is working to undo.

"The vicious circle has now been broken," said MEP Iuliu Winkler, who shepherded the bill through parliament, but whose own centre-right European People's Party had opposed binding rules on the issue.

With the law, "compulsory checks for the importers will ensure that minerals or metals sold on the European market are not used to illegally finance conflicts," Winkler added.

Lobbyists that rejected compulsory rules had pointed to tech giants like Apple and Hewlett Packard that previously made efforts to ensure the traceability of their supplies.

Activists however warned that the law, which was first introduced in March 2014, contained a string of last-minute loopholes including exemptions for smaller companies.

"While the EU has sent a strong signal to a small group of companies, it has ultimately trusted that many more will continue to regulate themselves," said Michael Gibb of campaign group Global Witness.

The EU bill is inspired by the Dodd-Frank Act, a vast 2010 US financial reform law under which US companies must inform regulators if they use metals from DR Congo or neighbouring countries.

But Trump last month ordered a review of Dodd-Frank as part of his wish to deregulate the US economy.

"Unfortunately, some of the vibes we are picking up from Washington on this matter are not encouraging," said EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmstroem during the debate.

This "underlines all the more the importance of European leadership here," she added.
A former minister of Information in the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government, Fritz Baffour, has said he finds nothing wrong with President Akufo-Addo appointing many ministers to serve in his government.

According to him, it is within the president 's constitutional mandate to appoint as many ministers as he wishes, hence he must be allowed to do so.

Fritz Baffour's comment is contrary to the views of other members of the NDC who believe that Akufo-Addo's government size was a recipe for disaster for the country.

Ghanaians have expressed varied opinions on Akufo-Addo's appointment of a hundred and ten (110) ministers  including deputies, to serve in his government.

The number is the highest in the country's history, surpassing the immediate past John Mahama government by more than 20 appointees.

Many have criticized Akufo-Addo over the development which they say appears to be a betrayal of trust following pre-election assurances from Akufo-Addo that he will ensure a prudent and efficient government.

But according to the former Ablekuma South legislator, it is too early for Ghanaians to criticize the President on the development. He said it is more appropriate to measure the government's success in honoring its promises rather than judging it by the number of ministers.

The thing is that, we have a constitution and our politics is ruled by our constitution, and if the president decides that it is within the bound of the constitution to appoint many ministers, that is up to him; but the thing is that, it is within his constitutional mandate so there is nothing wrong with that. If you have a very large government, a large number of appointees and you don't deliver, then you are in trouble and that is what I am seeing.

The noise is in retrospect rather than looking at the future. Those who are looking at the future, it hasn't happened yet. The president's agenda, he is going to pursue a certain agenda, and he believes that these are the personnel, and this is the way he is going to go about it, it is up to president, Nana Akufo-Addo to pursue his agenda with this team, and let's see that he does it well. We are waiting for change, we are waiting for the transformation he promised and I don't think that waiting for it, is about now, he added.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Information, Mustapha Hamid , has rejected claims that a large number of ministers to serve in the government will burden the state coffers.

According to him, it would rather help protect the coffers.

Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show, he said, If you need more hands to ensure that we are protecting bigger money, you might do so because it's betterWe all agree that we ought to find ways of protecting the public purse and everybody agrees that in Africa the biggest problem that we face as a continent is not because we don't have resources, often times it's because of corruption. We lose a lot of money to corruption. And we all agree again that the biggest spot of our loss of money is through dubious procurement practices.



By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana

Follow @jnyabor
Mogadishu (AFP) - Coastguards in northern Somalia exchanged gunfire Thursday with armed men aboard a boat heading towards a hijacked oil tanker where pirates are holding eight hostages, an official said.

Armed attackers seized the Aris 13 tanker on Monday as it made its way from Djibouti to Mogadishu, the first hijacking of a large merchant vessel by Somali pirates since 2012.

The tanker was forced to change course and head toward the coastline of the semi-autonomous Puntland region, on the northeastern tip of Somalia.

"There was a brief exchange of gunfire in the coastal area where the boat is being held," said Abdirahman Mohamud Hassan, the director general of the Puntland maritime force.

"Our forces were doing a normal routine patrolling around the area when they came under gunfire from these gunmen who were onboard a small skiff and they returned fire."

Local fisherman Abdulahi Yahya from the town of Habo where the hijacked ship is docked, said the men were "heading towards the hijacked ship when they were intercepted by the coastguards."

John Steed, a former British army officer who heads the Horn of Africa section of the Oceans Beyond Piracy NGO, told AFP the men were believed to be members of the local community delivering food to the hijacked vessel.

The US, UN and EU intervened in 2012 after piracy cost the global economy $5.7 - 6.1 billion

He said an unknown number of people had been injured in the fierce firefight.

Hassan said: "The gunmen aboard the hijacked ship contacted our commanders and asked for the fire to be ceased."

He said efforts were under way to free the ship and a regional governor, whose name was not given, had been appointed to lead negotiations with the pirates.

Mohamed Deeq, a member of the Puntland coastguard, told AFP earlier that if talks to free the vessel and eight Sri Lankan hostages failed, "the forces will possibly engage" the pirates.

Illegal fishing fuels piracy

The Aris 13 was about 18 kilometres off the Somali coast when it was attacked, according to Steed.

He said the vessel was not following the "best practices" put in place to avoid piracy, since it was taking a cost- and time-saving route too close to Somalia's coastline, was travelling too slowly and was without an armed escort.

Village elders of Alula said the pirates had not made clear demands, but claimed to be driven by anger over illegal fishing.

A relative of one of the eight Sri Lankan crewmen taken hostage by Somali pirates, cries as she pleads for his release during a press conference in Colombo, on March 16, 2017

"These are fishermen who are infuriated with the illegal fishing off their coasts. They desperately need to show their grievances by seizing the boat," said Abdiwahab Ahmed, an elder in Alula.

In Sri Lanka, a spokesman for AJ Shipping Private Limited which represents the Greek owner of the Aris 13 met with family members of the hostages.

The spokesman Tyronne Fernando said the owner of the ship had spoken to its captain Nicholas Thangenthren who had assured him that all the hostages were unharmed.

"We are confident that the crew will be released very soon," Fernando told family members in the presence of reporters.

Somali pirates began staging waves of attacks in 2005, seriously disrupting a major international shipping route and costing the global economy billions of dollars.

At the peak of the piracy crisis in January 2011, 736 hostages and 32 boats were held.

Though anti-piracy measures ended attacks on commercial vessels, fishing boats have continued to face attacks.

Illegal fishing has long been used by Somali pirates as an excuse for attacks and Steed has in the past warned that the presence of foreign vessels emptying Somali waters could reverse the gains against piracy.
A disease that has decimated bat populations across the eastern United States has arrived in Nebraska.

A team of biologists recently found several dozen dead bats during a survey of an inactive limestone mine in Cass County. Later testing confirmed they died of white-nose syndrome, a fungal disease which affects hibernating bats.

There's no known threat to humans, pets or livestock. But white-nose syndrome has killed off some 95 percent of the threatened northern long-eared bat population in the eastern U.S., and had similar impacts on populations of little brown bats and tri-colored bats.

In total, the disease has killed more than 6 million bats.

"You're really looking at major impacts to species," said Mike Fritz, natural heritage zoologist for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and a member of the Cass County survey team.

Nebraska is the 30th state to confirm the presence of white-nose syndrome. Its arrival here is no surprise, Fritz said.

The same survey team detected the fungus that causes white-nose syndrome, Pseudogymnoascus destructans, on bats from other Cass County mines in 2015 and 2016.

White-nose syndrome is associated with a distinctive fungal growth around an infected bat's mouth and on its wings.

The disease causes bats to lose sleep during hibernation, using up fat reserves they need to survive the winter. Bats might also stop hibernating too early, then starve or freeze.

White-nose syndrome spreads from bat to bat, and can wipe out entire colonies of animals sharing the same hibernacula.

Healthy bats generally live longer and reproduce more slowly than other small animals, Fritz said: "When they lose numbers like that, it takes them a long time to build those populations back up."

And fewer bats mean more bugs in farmers' fields.

Bats provide an estimated $3.7 billion in unpaid insect control each year for U.S. agriculture, Fritz said. A recent University of Nebraska study found bats regularly forage in fields of row crops just outside Lincoln.

"Even though people don't see them, they are out there," Fritz said.

People who want to help bats can start by not disturbing them during hibernation. Report sick or dead bats to Game and Parks. And, as always, don't touch them.
Mr. Peter Yeboah, Executive Director of CHAG

16.03.2017 LISTEN

The Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG) has sent a distress call to Government to address with dispatch the huge indebtedness of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to its health facilities.

CHAG is a faith-based health network organisation comprising 21 Christian Church denominations and over 183-member health institutions spread throughout the country. Established in 1967, with 25 health institution, the Association which provides about 40 per cent of health care in the country, has most of its facilities located in remote areas, and most of its clients being NHIS subscribers.

According to Mr. Peter Yeboah, Executive Director of CHAG, the Scheme owes its facilities over GH 100 million for services rendered to NHIS Members/Clients, spanning over eleven months.

In an interview, he noted with concern that CHAG was overwhelmed by the level of indebtedness, a situation he described as an eminent humanitarian disaster of massive proportion if the indebtedness of the Scheme was not addressed in time.

We have gone beyond our endurance limit, Mr Yeboah observed, stressing that the situation is so critical that basic healthcare services to mothers, children, aged, poor, needy and the marginalised are affected.

The Executive Secretary bemoaned the situation where suppliers of medicines and other medical consumables were chasing and pestering the facilities and even threatening legal suits to redeem the amounts owed by facilities.

Elaborating further, he noted that our suppliers are unwilling to supply us with essential consumables and medicines, our medical equipment are breaking down due to inadequate funds for repairs/maintenance, medical services has become unbearable, with life-saving infrastructures deteriorating.

Due to this development, he observed that physicians were compelled to issue patients with prescriptions for them to go and buy the medicines from the market.

He said this was seriously affecting the quality of healthcare delivery in the country, adding that it has gotten to the stage where we are unable to guarantee quality of medicines the patients are buying and taking.

On Governments campaign promise to fix the challenges bedeviling the NHIS, the Executive Secretary stated that CHAG appreciates Governments intention, but expressed worry about the fact that there was no road map of repayment plan and settling the debts owed the health facilities three months after the new administration took reins of governance.

He noted that CHAG was more worried about the collateral damage the indebtedness was having on the health care system in the country, as well as the dire consequences it has on the economy, if the situation persists.

As a result of these months of indebtedness to service providers, Mr Yeboah observed that there was a gradual loss of confidence in the health system, as patients, NHIS members/clients are losing hope in health care delivery.

He said what was needed now was an urgent action by Government to salvage the health system from an eminent collapse by settling the debts owed by the NHIS to service providers.

Mr. Yeboah called for an end to the chronic NHIS indebtedness, urging Government to make exigent intervention to restore the health system.
The Chief Executive of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) Mr. Kwasi Agyeman Busia has paid a working visit to the Tema office of the Authority to acquaint himself with activities.

Accompanied by other Directors from the head office, Mr. Busia interacted with the staff on how to put the Authority on a high pedestal and how to deal with the corruption tag slurred on DVLA.

The CE lamented the negative impression saying even though staff do their best, their efforts are not seen, but rather, shrouded by the activities of middlemen popularly called goro boys which dent the reputation of the organisation.

Unfortunately, he said, such acts are fuelled by some staff warning that any staff found meddling in such acts would not be spared when caught.

Mr. Busia said apart from bringing his experiences to bear on the Authority, he is poised to change the negative behaviours that cast a slur on the Authoritys image.

The Tema Regional Manager, Mr. Osei Bio in his remarks, indicated that his outfit is concerned about the negative perception noting that they are determined to work with the Chief Executive to achieve his target of curbing this menace

In a quest to deal with that, he said, his outfit has mounted public address system which repeatedly announce to clients not to transact business with any middleperson but with DVLA staff only.

He took the delegation on a tour of the test ground which was built with support from the World Bank stating that it is the first of its kind in the country.

The Chief Executive with his entourage also visited the Elie Company Limited (ECL), a private vehicle testing station where he interacted with management.

The Executive President of the station, Mr. Samuel Sackey briefed the delegation on the activities of the station and appealed to the Authority to reconsider the sitting of similar stations closer as that could hurt their business considering the huge investments they have made in establishing their station.

He assured the entourage of the stations determination to work with DVLA to ensure that the activities of middlemen were eliminated.

As a measure, he said, his outfit has employed technological means throughout the testing processes and by so doing, he said, they have eliminated any human contact which could influence the process.

Mr. Sackey conducted the delegation to the testing bays and introduced them to the testing processes.

At the Accra (37) office, the CEO interacted with the staff assuring them of his vision of not only transforming the Authority but to help boost its image thereby eliminating the negative impression associated with the Authority.

The Deputy Director in charge of the Regional Office, Alhaji Iddrisu Huseini, assured the CEO and the delegation of their resolve to work with him so as to achieve the target set.

The delay in printing drivers license, the need to prosecute people who fake drivers license and roadworthy documents as well as, the bad road networks particularly the road leading to the Tema office, among others, were the concerns raised by staff during the interaction.
The National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) has urged critics to spare President Akufo-Addo of any backlash concerning the number of ministerial appointments he has made.

According to NUGS, it is very premature in lambasting the government since it is still under formation and the Union wishes to call on stakeholders to remain calm and reserve all ammunitions for the appropriate time.

The union said what was important was for students to have better living standards by way of government delivering on its campaign promises.

This was contained in a statement released by the leadership of the union on March 16.

Mr Akufo-Addo has appointed a record 110 ministers to help him govern the country for the next four years. His critics, mainly from the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), have said the size of the government is too huge and will affect the countrys finances, but NUGS thinks otherwise.

Below is the full statement:

Thurs, 16th March, 2017

NATIONAL UNION OF GHANA STUDENTS (NUGS)

BETTERMENT OF STUDENTS' WELFARE IS MORE IMPORTANT TO US THAN THE SIZE OF GOVERNMENT -- NUGS OPINES

The debate as to the size of government is rather inappropriate and too early for Ghanaians and stakeholders. We believe strongly that what really matters' to Ghanaian students is to have a better living standards by way of government delivering on its campaign promises.

It is very premature in lambasting the government since its still under formation and the Union wish to call on stakeholders to remain calm and reserve all ammunitions for the appropriate time.

HUGE GOVERNMENTAL PROJECTS AND PROGRAMMES

We can agree Nana Addo's administration has come up with so many projects and programmes aimed at bringing about radical transformation that would be felt at every corner of the nation. This naturally calls for the deployment of a lot of resources including human resources with respect to skills, experience and Numbers*.

HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND DIVISION OF LABOUR

Strategically identifying key skills needed to execute the future success of government business. That is why some companies poach employees from other organizations at a huge cost. There are people with some specialities whose skills and experience are urgently needed for specific and Strategic tasks towards speeding up the Ghana project.

Division of labour is highly required for effectiveness and specific tasking. People can be held accountable and responsible for their performance.

OUR MAJOR CONCERNS

As a Union, we have several concerns and what really matter to us are as follows;

1) The unemployed graduate, teachers, nurses and midwifery trainee being employed

2) Reduction of taxes that will ease the tax burden and encourage us into entrepreneurship hence not relying on government for employment.

3) The needy but brilliant student benefiting from free SHS to be able to further his or her education at the second cycle.

4)The poor patient being able to access quality health care at an affordable cost courtesy NHIS reducing child mortality amongst others

FALL OUTS

We however, charge the government to check corruption likewise misuse of state funds since that will go a long way to affect the vision of the government.

We wish to state emphatically that we shall never relent on lambasting the government if impacts are not felt by the ordinary Ghanaian.

CONCLUSION

There is a clear cut difference between a LEADER and a MANAGER.

Managers maintain the status quo but Leaders adjust to suit the situation at hand. Managers act to the rules and lines set but Leaders take bold decisions and always ready to take responsibility.

Nana Addo has shown leadership by not being afraid to take radical decisions that are necessary to achieve results though appear unpopular and we recommend him as we seek for great results that impacts lives.

ALUTA CONTINUA!!! VICTORIA ASCERTA!!

.............signed...

KWASI FRIMPONG

Press and Information Secretary

YIADOM BOAKYE EMMANUEL

Coordinating Secretary

LUQMAN ABUBAKARI

(PRESIDENT)
Creating new regions as suggested by the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) will not be an easy task due to the required voter turnout in the referendum, Deputy Chair of the Electoral Commission (EC), Operations, Amadu Sulley, has said.

Mr Sulley anticipates a major challenge in the sense that the 69.2 percent voter turnout recorded during the 2016 general elections was rather low.

He explained that more than 50 per cent of the voting population are needed to turn up at the referendum, out of which over 80 per cent must vote their approval.

If you want to go into that, there is the need for a referendum. Now its around 69.2, and if I look back on our elections, there was a time that we even recorded 29 per cent and 54 per cent So let us think seriously about that. Voter turnout is key and civil society must help, he noted at a Star Ghana and partners learning event on Election 2016 in Accra on Thursday, March 16.
A former headmistress of Kumasi Girls Senior High School has donated education materials worth thousands of Ghana cedis to the Kwarteng Ankomah Senior High School in Tanoso.

Madam Mary Kraa made the donation as the school launches its SRC week Tuesday.

The educationist who is a native of Tanoso under the Techiman Municipal Assembly was the special guest of honor for the occasion under the theme "Quality education, key to a successful life".

In her address, she shared some of her 50 experience as a teacher which motivated her to donate the items to the school.

She donated thousands of textbooks including science, literature, business and arts course books.

The donation also included about 6,000 answer booklets, 1,000 answer sheets and 8,000 graph sheets for aid the school in their preparation for examination.

Madam Kraa advised the female students to be careful of men who are out to destroy them by playing with their education.

"Some men are well trained to use and dump you anytime, anywhere," she warned.

"When you drop out of school today, tomorrow you will rot and they will dump you because you will not be their match after their degrees and professions," she added.

Headmaster of the school Nyaman Solomon thanked the former headmistress for her kind gesture to the school and called on other parents, stakeholders, NGOs, and philanthropists to be supportive of the school's needs.

He highlighted that the school needs such materials to attain academic excellence.

Also present at the function was Dr. Agyeman Badu, former education director of the Ghana Education Service.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com
In the last few days, there have been a barrage of attacks on the person of Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings. These attacks were in response to a demand made by the former National Democratic Congress (NDC) member of parliament for Ningo-Pampram, E.T. Mensah, who was urging the NDC as a party to apologize to the former first lady and her husband for the ill-treatment meted out to them by party functionaries (Link available here: http://dailypost.com.gh/2017/02/26/apologize-mrs-rawlings-et-mensa-tells-ndc/ ).

In one of the responses to E.T. Mensah, Anthony Nukpenu, Greater Accra Regional Organizer of the party rejected the call, indicating that the return of Konadu will have no bearing on the future of the NDC. (Available at: http://www.ghanaguardian.com/call-beg-konadu-irrelevant-ndc-et-mensah/ ). In another piece on Facebook, one Michael Jarvis Bokor corroborated the position of the Greater Accra Regional Organizer of the party, but not without the usual personality attacks that are associated with how political differences are settled in the Ghanaian political milieu. Even though we are not a spokesperson for the first family, we find the two responses quite impertinent and would like to respond to them in this article.

First, it must be pointed out that what lies ahead of the NDC is not about whether Konadu returns, the manner in which she returns, and when she finally makes that return. The issues are: why and how did she leave the NDC in the first place? Can we confidently say that the conditions that necessitated her departure from the NDC and that of many others have been adequately dealt with or those conditions still exist in the NDC? How can the NDC work to ensure that those conditions are removed from party management and administration? The desire to vote and be voted for is a political right guaranteed by the 4th Republican Constitution of Ghana.

The choice to contest for whatever position one desires to contest for in a political party of which one is a member must therefore be driven simply by the choice of that individual. Except that the individual has infringed on the regulations of that political party or has broken national laws which will make that individual ineligible to vote in any national election and for that matter ineligible to contest for an election in his or her own party.

If these premises or principles hold true, then indeed Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings had done nothing wrong by deciding to contest the late Professor John Evans Atta Mills for the flag-beaership position of the NDC, a party she belonged to, if that was the basis for departure from the NDC. The same can be said of Ekwow Spio-Garbrah and many others, including, recently, George Boateng who wanted to contest the then-candidate John Dramani Mahama.

The culture of entitlement built around some personalities in the NDC party who feel that their turn has come has led to the ways party business has been conducted, especially in handling the attempt by other individuals to pursue their democratic rights of contesting for a position in their own party. The question should not be whether any of these individuals were in a position to beat their opponents. If we base our interrogations on whether these individuals were in a position to beat their opponents, we arrive at a simplistic yes or no answers.

And then what? In the event that we respond to this question either in the affirmative or the negative, then we would have individuals such as Bokor and Nukpenu on the frontlines attacking any suggestions that do not seem to advance their interest, even as the NDC party begins its painful journey in opposition. The question journalists should be asking these individuals is whether Konadu, Spio-Garbar, and Boateng had any rights, by being members of the NDC in good standing, to contest for any position they wished to in any NDC election. If they did, then why the rancor, the hate, and the bullying and intimidation that they had to endure, leading some of them to consider leaving the party and forming their own party?

We think it is too early in the day for Nukpenu and Bokor to continue throwing innuendoes at individuals whose politics they may disagree with. Being in opposition can be both teaching and learning moments, when lessons learned can lead to the correction of mistakes and the closing of the yawning gaps between and among factions within the party. This is not just for the sake of the unity required to confront a ruling government with all the resources at its disposal, but this is also required for the strengthening of party structures for the partys own sake.

To do this, there is the need for the party to reflect on its managerial and administrative process, identify the bottlenecks that created the ground for individuals like Konadu, Obed Asamoah, the late Josiah Aryeh, Bede Ziedeng, Goozie Tanoh and many others to leave the NDC to form their own parties, join other parties, or remain apolitical. Did Bede Ziedeng not follow Dr. Obed Asamoah to form the Democratic Freedom Party? When the NDC won in 2012, was he not rewarded by the Mahama-led administration with a Ministerial appointment? What informed the decision to bring him back even though he contested the 2012 election on the ticket of the DFP, in opposition to the NDC? How much did his work in opposition cause the NDC then? Even today, the NDC continues to make untoward sacrifices for such personalities (Please follow the link to four executives of the party in Lawra who have been deposed because of conflict with Bede Ziedeng here https://citifmonline.com/2017/03/08/lawra-ndc-sacks-four-executives-for-bede-ziedengs-defeat/ ). Is it a matter of selective justice? Or, the hate, the greed, the arrogance that drove the NDC into opposition have combined to blindfold some upstarts who now have the audacity to even control the thought processes of party members. How on earth can a party executive threaten an elder party member in the person of E.T. Mensah of dismissal for simply voicing out what would be considered his opinion on party matters at a time when the party is still soul-searching to come to terms with its recent defeat? Even though we have never been admirers of E.T. Mensah and his kind of politics, it is obvious that the Greater Accra Regional Organizer of the party is not helping the cause of the party with his arrogant and ill-informed posturing!

The NDC in Disarray

Instead of thinking of ways to make the party relevant by offering credible opposition to the ruling party, it is disheartening to watch the leadership that led the party into opposition to continue to foist its poor judgment and decisions on the party. We are not sure these folks appreciate the magnitude of the damage they have done to the NDC as a party, its representation in parliament, and the implications of a weak opposition to the political processes of Ghana. In the Ghanaian political setup where parliamentarians vote en bloc in support of their side, it is obvious that the NDC has handed the NPP a carte blanche legislative process to do whatever it wishes to do with its majoritarian 168 seats against the NDCs 107 (a difference of 61 seats). As if that is not enough, the lack of coordinated management of party affairs, self-conceit among some members of leadership, and poor research even among the ranks of leadership is also threatening to erode the credibility of the party itself. Some of the following statements and events affirm this position:

NPP fast losing integrity due to failed promises - Koku Anyidoho (available at http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/NPP-fast-losing-integrity-due-to-failed-promises-Koku-Anyidoho-50801) February 8, 2017

NPPs 419 budget avoided significant promises  Fiifi Kwetey (Available at http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/NPP-s-419-budget-avoided-significant-promises-Fiifi-Kwetey-515824). March 4, 2017

Ghanaians are fast losing hope in Akufo-Addo  Omane Boamah (Available here http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Ghanaians-are-fast-losing-hope-in-Akufo-Addo-Omane-Boamah-513691). February 26, 2017

Akufo-Addo has already broken five campaign promises - Haruna Iddrisu (http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Akufo-Addo-has-already-broken-five-campaign-promises-Haruna-Iddrisu-515779). March 4, 2017

2017 Budget is 'Kasapa' Budget - Atta Mills (http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/business/2017-Budget-is-Kasapa-Budget-Atta-Mills-515469). March 3, 2017

Free SHS policy will cause NPPs defeat in 2020 elections - Joseph Yamin (Available at http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Free-SHS-policy-will-cause-NPP-s-defeat-in-2020-elections-Joseph-Yamin-515188). March 2, 2017

Mahama would have ended 'dumsor' if NDC was retained  Ofosu Ampofo (Available at http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Mahama-would-have-ended-dumsor-if-NDC-was-retained-Ofosu-Ampofo-515014). March 2, 2017

Be humble and come for advice to fix Dumsor  Koku tells government (Available http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Be-humble-and-come-for-advice-to-fix-Dumsor-Koku-tells-government-514812). March 1, 2017

As one reads some of these tactless, vacuous, and unapprised statements from the current NDC leadership, one begins to wonder what forms of research informed some of these tactless statements. The recent bribery accusation which has divided the NDC in parliament has also exposed the lack of coordination within party leadership even in opposition. Worse of all, it is disheartening to watch the crestfallen national organizer of the party, Kofi Adams, and others calling for the return of John Dramani Mahama to contest the 2020 on the NDC ticket, as he is the only hope for the NDC for the 2020. The question is: WHAT SORT OF RESEARCH INFORMED THESE TACTLESS STATEMENTS? If Kofi Adams and Joseph Yamin are aware of the causes of the NDCs defeat and recognize that only John Mahama can save the party in 2020, what then is the task of the 13 member committee led by the Kwesi Botchway? It must be pointed that the position taken by these individuals is an insult to the committee! Indeed, these are some of the attitudes and behaviors in the management of the party that culminated in its massive defeat in the 2016 general elections. Dont tell us the 2017 budget is 419 or Kasapa budget, give us the economic forecasts that are likely to make the NPP fail in implementing its budget to improve our lives as citizens and offer alternatives. If the NDC were retained in the 2016 general elections, they would have read the budget. What budget would they have presented to ease their ostentatious foist on the poorer Ghanaian? Would they have made trotro fares free instead? Would they have made public toilets free instead? Or, they would have presented every Kayayo with a head pan? Dont tell us Ghanaians are losing hope in the NPP in its one month in office. Tell us what you can do to offer a better alternative to the status quo. And dont tell us the NPP has avoided its promises in its budget, we can read and appreciate that. Tell us why they have avoided those promises and what the alternatives are. For Kofi Adams and Joseph Yamin, it is unfortunate that after leading the NDC to its lowest ebb, they have failed to utilize this learning moments appropriately.

The NDC grassroots must begin to demand accountable leadership from its privileged leadership. Accountable and constructive leadership means conducting research on matters, coordinating efforts of party file and rank to ensure there is consensus on important issues, and understanding the task that is ahead of the party with its lean numbers in parliament and a party in disarray.

Prosper Yao Tsikata, PhD

Mayor Agbleze, Mining Engineer
The Group Chairman UBA Plc, and Founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, Mr. Tony O. Elumelu, has charged young Africans to embrace entrepreneurship in order to attain long term success and develop their ambitions.

In continuation of his strategic vision of engineering a robust economic and business relationship across the continent through Africapitalism as a necessary tool for the socio economic development of Africa, Mr. Tony O. Elumelu addressed students of the University of Ghana Business School at the main Legon campus in Accra including youths, academics and entrepreneurs to think and do entrepreneurship.

Tony Elumelu visited Ghana as the first stop of his tour of Africa propagating the ideal of Africapitalism.

He noted that African leaders must democratize access to economic empowerment and institutionalize long lasting that is not tied to a few people.

According to him, Africapitalism poses that the private sector has the key role to play in the economic and social development of the African continent.

He indicated that this is not just a theoretical philosophy but rather informed by his close to 30years of private sector engagement experience in Africa.

He emphasized that in this 21st century, democratization of access to economic empowerment and economic opportunities in a manner that institutionalizes long lasting so that it becomes inter-generational.

The UBA Group Chairman noted that entrepreneurs dont give up and they are highly ever satisfied because they keep aiming at every little opportunity that brings forth growth and prosperity in their life.

Mr. Elumelu noted that Africans must come out with innovative home-grown and bottom-up solution for the seemingly challenges that entrepreneurs continue to face in accessing capital for setting up businesses.

He stressed that he that wears the shoes knows where it pinches adding that that challenge is more to the young and energetic entrepreneurs in Africa.

You are more daring and so in you must come the solution to our development as entrepreneurs and if this generation of yours does not fix it, it will be difficult for the next generations to come, Group Chairman noted.

Mr. Tony Elumelu explained that this process requires motivation, inspiration and an environment that will bring out the best in people.

He stated that nobody but us can develop Africa and Africa destiny lies in the hands of us as Africans and it is through Africapitalism that we believe we can build resilient, competitive and self reliant economy while empowering the young population.

According to him, they also believe we Africans can increase development that is sustainable by all inclusiveness and in the process we will reduce poverty by creating prosperity for majority of our people.

He added that by broadening opportunities, people can build themselves to become self reliant and maintain the human dignity and not be perpetually dependent.

Therefore, in line with my philosophy and believe in Africapitalism I will like to say that we do not only preach it but practice it by example and my colleagues and I as co-investors invest in key sectors of the African economy such as power, energy, oil and gas, real estate and hospitality, and we aspire to do more in sectors that are catholictic, he intimated.

Mr. Elumelu said investment in these sectors are helping creating jobs, addressing the unemployment, increasing incomes and creating the prosperity that Africans have long deserved.

He noted that these sectors are critical to development of our continent and we must work hard to ensure our businesses are producing the right impact for us and humanities.

Mr. Elumelu indicated that Africapitalism requires that for Africa to develop, long term investment in critical sector of our economy is needed and most of all, it stand to be made by the private sector.

Its hard and difficult for foreigners to come and develop your continent when you decided to keep your money in Swiss accounts or when you dont have the believe in your continent, he intimated.

He emphasized that Africans must embrace certain philosophical mindset which requires that Africans must first lead the way so that development partners can support us with investments across the continent.

And indeed, to a large extend I believe that investment is what will help us as a continent to develop, he posited.

According to him, their philanthropic arm, Tony Elumelu Foundation through our flagship programme, Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship programme has committed 100million dollars to empowering the next generation of African entrepreneurs that will transform Africa for good in a sustainable fashion that recognizes self and human dignity.

The goal of the yearly programme, Tony Elumelu Foundation is to invest $100 million over the next 10 years to identify, train, mentor and seed 10,000 African businesses with a view to creating one million new jobs and $10 billion in additional revenue for the continent by democratising and institutionalizing luck, the UBA Chairman noted.

Mr. Tony Elumelu noted that UBA has done a lot for employment for 25,000 people across Africa, helping to pay taxes in countries we operating, helping to drive development of Smaller and Medium Scale Enterprises with financial because know that our own entrepreneurs cant do much without financial support.

I never attended any school about entrepreneurship, its just by chance and maybe so many other factors we did at the time that made us to become who we are. So why dont we put forward a formalized process that enables the young men and women across Africa who have fire, initiative and energy to realize their full potential and that is why the Tony Elumelu Foundation was opened, the business man noted.

He said in every opportunity he gets he creates an environment that allows SMEs to flourish and trend because government alone cannot create the jobs we are needed to power our economy but through the support of entrepreneurs.

So my young African brothers and sisters, go forth and embrace entrepreneurship and Africapitalism as a philosophy. I want you to develop a keen sense of awareness that Africa is in dire need of leaders both in the public and private sector and your ideas indeed can transform our continent, he stated.

Mr. Tony Elumelu noted, I want you to imbibe this because I have used them in my own journey and I believe they will lead you to greater successes. They will enable you to attain long term success and realize your ambitions while incorporating the principles of African private entrepreneurial commercial or career possibilities.

He urged young entrepreneurs to realize that their success is not only for them and their family, it is for your community, country and all of Africa.

According to him, Arica needs our energy and intellect, creativity, innovativeness so we can transform it together.

In 2004, we came to Ghana helping to democratize banking by creating access for the unbanked as the first bank to introduce zero account. That was driven by action and philosophy or goal which is to democratize banking and access to financial service to the ordinary Ghanaian, he stated.

The serial entrepreneur who at the young age of 34, became the Managing Director of one of Nigerias top banks (Standard Trust Bank), reiterated the usefulness of preparedness.

Earlier during the working visit, Tony Elumelu met with the President of Ghana, His Excellency Nana Akufo-Addo where they held fruitful discussions on matters of mutual benefit as well as deliberated on issues geared towards the growth and development of Finance and entrepreneurship in Ghana.

During the meeting, Elumelu stated I am delighted to be on this historic visit to Ghana which has been a shining light of UBAs business across Africa.

He added that it was a great opportunity to meet the newly elected president of Ghana and how he resolved to partner with his administration in the rapid development of Ghana and Africa at large.

It was also a great moment to meet with young and vibrant Students to share my vision of Africapitalism, Mr. Tony Elumelu concluded.
Juba (AFP) - The International Organization for Migration said Thursday that two people were killed when gunmen attacked one of its aid convoys in South Sudan, where chronic violence has led to famine.

The aid organisation said the convoy was attacked on Tuesday as it was returning from the central town of Yirol where staff and health workers had been assisting communities affected by a deadly outbreak of cholera.

One of the vehicles was ambushed by gunmen who shot dead two people and injured three others, including an IOM health officer, the organisation said in a statement.

It was not immediately clear who the other victims were.

"This tragic attack on aid workers and civilians is appalling," said IOM director general William Lacy Swing.

"In a country overwhelmed by the huge lack of basic necessities due to conflict, famine and health epidemics, these types of attacks undoubtedly harm the ability of humanitarian partners to provide assistance to millions in need of lifesaving aid."

Some 100,000 people are suffering from a man-made famine in South Sudan, where a three-year conflict has made it difficult for aid workers to reach the needy.

Another one million people could tip into famine if there is insufficient rain in the coming months and a total of nearly five million are going hungry.

A biting drought has forced many to turn to unsafe water sources, resulting in diseases such as cholera which has affected 300 and left 10 dead in Yirol.

"Amid an already difficult operating environment, insecurity and access constraints continually hinder the ability of IOM and other aid agencies to reach the most vulnerable in many parts of the country," said the IOM statement.

International aid agencies have criticised South Sudan for raising foreign worker visa fees to as much as $10,000 (9,300 euros) just days after famine was declared, accusing them of seeking to profit from the crisis.

In an unprecedented global food crisis more than 20 million people are facing starvation, with Yemen, Nigeria and Somalia also on the verge of famine.
Marwako Fast Foods Limited will soon have a civil lawsuit on its hands following the alleged incidence of assault by a supervisor on a Ghanaian employee at its Abelemkpe branch.

Lawyer for the assault victim, Francis Xavier Sosu, told journalists he intends to file a civil lawsuit against Mawarko Fast Foods after an Accra Magistrate Court on Thursday, granted bail to Jihad Chabaan, the supervisor who has been charged with assault.

Mr. Chabaan is alleged to have dipped the victims face into blended pepper. The Management of Marwako suspended the supervisor after the allegations emerged.

Clearly, we take the view that this is a very serious violation of the victim. It violates her right to personal dignity under Article 15 of the constitution, Mr. Sosu said.

The Lawyer also revealed that the suit and any related actions will be on the instruction of the victim, Evelyn Aboagye, and her family.

We are doing this on the express instruction of the victim and her family who want us to assist them to ensure that they get justice in this matter.

Jihad Chaaban

The Police granted Mr. Chaaban bail to the sum of GHc 20,000 with two sureties, and as part of his bail conditions, he is expected to report to the Tesano District Police Station every Tuesday and Friday.

The Magistrate court adjourned the case to March 20, 2017, to allow the defence counsel continue the cross-examination of the victim.

The prosecution ended its cross-examination on Thursday, but the defendants lawyer was unable to complete the cross-examination of the victim.



By: Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonline.com/Ghana
16.03.2017 LISTEN

The Peoples Choice Practitioners Honours, an annual corporate-social initiative spearheaded by Media Men Ghana limited, a corporate awards scheme geared towards rewarding diligent and hard working professionals who have outdone themselves and built prominent legacies across the corporate sector, spanning the health, finance, insurance, aviation sectors including the diplomats, whiles focusing on the medical field in the maiden edition.

The scheme has announced Honourable Professor Kwabena Frimpong Boateng as the recipient of the highest Honours among its categories, thus, the PCP Legendary Honours, as being the legend clinician for his continuous significant contribution towards the overwhelming enhancement of the medical field in Ghana and Africa.

This edition of the PCP Honours, which is in association with the Medical and Dental Council, Hope Nest Foundation and Manhyia under the supervision of Professor Sir Osomfour Joseph W. Acheampong made the decision due to the overwhelming nominations the noble cardiologist received when nominations for the event got established. To be graced by the honorable patronage of His Majesty the Asantehene Otumfour Osei Tutu II, the strictly by invitation classic event, is set to become a pioneering distinct platform for practitioners in all the said sectors and associate entities to network amidst selected high profiled personalities worldwide and share trending techniques and other relevant events emanating in their circles, whiles publicly identifying and appreciating the most distinguished.

Dr. Benedicta Ohene-Manu, Managing Director of Media Men Ghana Ltd, who leads the organizing team noted that, the honours is ultimately a golden whisper, to inspire both the most senior and promising/up and coming practitioners to be outstanding, show utmost diligence, character and hard work on all fronts of their rotation and professional practices, uphold in high esteem their professional ethics & regulations over personal gains and aim high to build and achieve legacies for God and country and shall be duly acknowledged and appreciated by God and country. It is also an act to bravo the amazing efforts of some distinguished practitioners who have worked diligently to make the global economy socioeconomically friendly and the corporate industry one of the most distinguished globally.

The awards which has over 40 other prestigious categories in the maiden edition and is currently opened for nomination to the public on http://mediamenghana.com/nominate with some notable categories such as; the PCP Divergent Clinician, PCP Pharmacist, PCP Health Ambassador, PCP International Clinician, PCP Health Advocate Media Institution, PCP Health Advocate & support institution and PCP Private Health Facility etc, which has provoked nominations of giant names like Bishop Dr. Dag Heward-mills, Dr.Omane Boamah, Dr Nyaho Tamakloe, Okyeame Kwame, Kwabena Kwabena including Ernest chemist, UTV, Vodafone Ghana, Holy Trinity Spa & hospital and others, from the deciding public.

The awards which is scheduled for 14th April has also drawn various interest from notable corporate institutions like Voltic Natural Mineral Water, GTP etc.

The noble Medical Practitioner, philanthropist and entrepreneur, Dr Benedicta Ohene-Manu said, Media Men Ghana Limited is a known leading name in media consultancy and the art industry since 2008, with a team of creative, vibrant and dynamic young but experienced results-oriented professionals that has birthed unique world class initiatives and so promises groundbreaking and fulfilling future engagements across board.

For participation or added knowledge and dealings kindly email [email protected] or call +233242548743 or visit www.mediamenghana.com.
Companies that operate energy-related infrastructure had been a top choice for income-seeking investors before the oil market downturn. That's because these entities typically generate gobs of cash flow, which allowed them to offer mouth-watering high-yields at a time when most other investments didn't pay very well. However, the oil price collapse exposed a fatal flaw in the business model of many of these companies, which is that they had enough exposure to commodity prices to cause a problem, especially given their reliance on the debt and equity markets to finance growth.
Fritz Baffour

16.03.2017 LISTEN

A former minister of Information in the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government, Fritz Baffour, has said he finds nothing wrong with President Akufo-Addo appointing many ministers to serve in his government.

According to him, it is within the president's constitutional mandate to appoint as many ministers as he wishes, hence he must be allowed to do so.

Fritz Baffour's comment is contrary to the views of other members of the NDC who believe that Akufo-Addo's government size was a recipe for disaster for the country.

Ghanaians have expressed varied opinions on Akufo-Addo's appointment of a hundred and ten (110) ministers  including deputies, to serve in his government.

The number is the highest in the country's history, surpassing the immediate past John Mahama government by more than 20 appointees.

Many have criticized Akufo-Addo over the development which they say appears to be a betrayal of trust following pre-election assurances from Akufo-Addo that he will ensure a prudent and efficient government.

But according to the former Ablekuma South legislator, it is too early for Ghanaians to criticize the President on the development.

He said it is more appropriate to measure the government's success in honoring its promises rather than judging it by the number of ministers.

The thing is that, we have a constitution and our politics is ruled by our constitution, and if the president decides that it is within the bound of the constitution to appoint many ministers, that is up to him; but the thing is that, it is within his constitutional mandate so there is nothing wrong with that. If you have a very large government, a large number of appointees and you don't deliver, then you are in trouble and that is what I am seeing.

The noise is in retrospect rather than looking at the future. Those who are looking at the future, it hasn't happened yet. T

he president's agenda, he is going to pursue a certain agenda, and he believes that these are the personnel, and this is the way he is going to go about it, it is up to president, Nana Akufo-Addo to pursue his agenda with this team, and let's see that he does it well.

We are waiting for change, we are waiting for the transformation he promised and I don't think that waiting for it, is about now, he added.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Information, Mustapha Hamid, has rejected claims that a large number of ministers to serve in the government will burden the state coffers.

According to him, it would rather help protect the coffers.

Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show, he said, If you need more hands to ensure that we are protecting bigger money, you might do so because it's betterWe all agree that we ought to find ways of protecting the public purse and everybody agrees that in Africa the biggest problem that we face as a continent is not because we don't have resources, often times it's because of corruption. We lose a lot of money to corruption. And we all agree again that the biggest spot of our loss of money is through dubious procurement practices.

-Citifmonline
A political science lecturer at the Kwame Nkrumah university of science and technology(KNUST) Dr. Edward Brenya has described President Akufo- Addo's style of governance as an outmoded model.

President Nana Akufo- Addo has appointed a total of 110 ministers of state making his government the largest in the fourth republic. A decision which has received mixed reaction from the public with some suggesting that it will help in the rapid growth of the state and others who are of the view that it will drain the public purse.

Following which the information minister Mustapha Hamid in response to these criticisms defended the government's decision on the appointment of the 110 ministers of state noting that the country's current economic state requires more people who are competent enough to confront the challenges facing the country and resolve them in a manner that will put the state in the path of progress.

In an interview with Akwasi Boateng on Hot FM, Dr. Edward Brenya indicated that the president is using an old method of increasing labour to improve productivity which in this case will put great pressure on the public purse.

"When the president was giving his inaugural speech, he promised to protect the public purse but the fact is that 110 ministers will put great pressure on the public purse. The president's style of governance is outmoded because even if you want to show value for money, it does not necessarily mean you should appoint many people, if that is so then we should appoint all Ghanaians as ministers of state." He cited.
Mr. Emmanuel Aboagye Didieye

16.03.2017 LISTEN

We, fellows of the Network of Young Mentees of Bagbin, NYMB Ghana, find it extremely repugnant and a mark of brazen hypocrisy for characters like Mr. Emmanuel Aboagye Didieye, former MP for Afram Plains North constituency, to be going round, on a premature campaign for votes towards the yet to be fixed national congress of the great NDC. He is falsely accusing and destroying the hard earned integrity of the very people who are selflessly reorganizing the party for victory 2020.

It is very ironical that Mr. Emmanuel Aboagye Didieye, who caused division within the party in his constituency, would on a Kumasi-based radio-Boss FM and published by mynewsgh.com, openly accuse our spotless mentors and unshakable anchors of the party, Hon. Alban S.K Bagbin and Hon. Johnson Aseidu Nketia, of contributing to the partys regretted loss. The obviously desperate and premature national congress campaigner who underperformed as MP and sorely lost his ticket of candidature at the 2015 NDC primaries to a more credible, competent, and truthful candidate, Ms Betty Crosby Mensah, should have been apologizing to the rank and file of the party. He wasted everybodys time at the Supreme Court with an incompetent suit while the people he has accused were busily mobilizing votes for the partys victory in the 2016 election.

Our mentor, Hon. Alban S.K Bagbin, who many affectionately call Leader1, because of his tried and tested distinct leadership personality, has once again successfully delivered the Nadowli/Kaleo constituency to the NDC for the seventh time. This is an unprecedented achievement for the NDC which was not achieved by chance. He is a man of conscience and integrity who is widely admired across the political divide, by both young and old, for his courage and bravery in speaking and standing by the truth. His political maturity is crisp and never called to question. He speaks to correct. This is the reason why the former President, H. E. John Dramani Mahama, appointed him as one of the three wise men with the responsibility to implement the Presidents special projects like the community senior high schools and many others. Hon. Bagbin also had the oversight responsibility to advise the President which he never reneged on. After completion of their task and a subsequent dissolution of The Three Wise Men ministry, the now Second Deputy Speaker of the Seventh Parliament, was again appointed by the President as Majority Leader and Leader of Government business in Parliament.

We therefore want to use this opportunity to correct Mr. Aboagye Didieye that the time Hon. Bagbin criticized the government, he was occupying a top notched ministerial position. It is therefore out of stack ignorance on the part of Mr. Aboagye Didieye to suggest that Hon. Bagbins mouth was sealed with an appointment and he stopped talking. Granted that Mr. Aboagye Didieye saw the wisdom in what Hon. Bagbin was saying about the government, did he come out to support him? Big no! He remained the coward that he is, frightened by the noise and insults of small boys around the President. Where then lies his moral right to accuse Hon. Bagbin of silence? Did Hon. Bagbin need to be repeating himself every day? What did Aboagye Didieye himself say when he saw that things were not going on well? How does he understand the cliche, a word to the wise is enough?

The frustrated campaigner who is obviously struggling to revive his stressed political career after he was disqualified from contesting the national organizer position of the party by the NDC vetting committee for forgery, shamelessly accused Hon. Aseidu Nketia, and other national officers of the party, without any basis, of arrogance which in his miscalculations, affected the fortunes of the NDC in the 2016 general elections. Mr. Aboagye Dideye failed to recognize and mention that, after the 2015 primaries, his aggressive refusal to concede defeat and the tag of war that he brought between him and the partys elected, endorsed and sponsored parliamentary candidate, impacted negatively on the electoral fortunes of the party.

We hereby state that, Mr. Emmanuel Aboagye Didieye is still on the destructive mission that he started against the party at his constituency. He has ill motives against the unification drive that Hon. Aseidu Nketiah and his colleague elders are pursuing to bring the party back to power. We therefore call on all comrades of the great NDC to ignore Mr. Aboagye Didieye and rally behind Hon. Aseidu Nketiah and Hon. Bagbin and their colleague elders to reorganize the party for victory 2020.

Long live our mentors!! Long live the great NDC!!!! Long live Ghana!!!!!!!!

...Signed

Biekpe Sylvester

(National Comm. Director)

Tel: 0207180414



James Angan-mwine Dabaga

(National Coordinator)

Tel: 0241377973
An attempt to rationalize a hugely unpopular decision to bloat the size of government has set the Information Minister on a collision course with the Civil and Local Government Workers Association.

Mustapha Hamid in justifying why president Nana Akufo Addo appointed 110 ministers and deputies said the large size of government is to make up for a docile, largely ineffective Civil Service.

"The Civil Service has failed us," he said with passion, explaining further that civil servants are not under any pressure to perform.

He told Joy News Wednesday, shortly after a list of 50 deputy ministers and four ministers of state was made public, that whether or not a civil servant performs, he or she gets paid at the end of the month and will not be sacked in the event he or she does not meet the performance target.

The case however is different for the politician, he cited.

According to him, a political appointee has a mandate to deliver or may be sacked by the appointing officer which is the president if he fails to perform.

He reckoned that the large sized NPP government appointees are determined to work with passion to deliver on the promise of the Akufo-Addo government.

His comments about the performance of the Civil Servants have not gone down well with members of the Civil and Local Government Staff Association.

The Deputy General Secretary of CLOGSAG, Benjamin Nyagri told Joy News the comments by the Information Minister have no basis.

He said, perhaps this country would have fared better if the Civil Servants were playing a more prominent role than the politicians.

He cited cases in the military regime where the civil servants run the affairs of the country.

"In the UK the most active of the public sector is the civil service and they are highly paid. In our parts of the world they are not paid well," he lamented.

"When people talk this way they should be fair," he added, pointing out that the suggestion of Civil Service incompetence by the Information Minister was unfortunate.

Story by Ghana|Myjoyonline.com|Nathan Gadugah
Vice President Mahamadu Bawumia paid a surprise visit to the Public Procurement Authority today [Thursday] to familiarize himself with the Autoritys operations.

Mr Bawumia explained that the visit was borne out of governments desire to chart a new course and tackle challenges facing the authority.

 If you look at corruption in the sector, I say probably 95 percent plus of it is from procurement and so we are trying to give the public procurement authority as much as we can to execute its mandate. The Chief Executive has basically made it clear that he wants to chart a new course which is what we want to support, he explained.

Well ensure value for money

The Vice President said the Authority , under the NPP administration will ensure due diligence and value for money in every procurement.

For every procurement, there is going to be due diligence and value for money. This is new and a new team is going to be set up here to do this.We want to bring in a lot of transparency in the procurement process but we want to bring in technology and so we are moving towards e procurement.

Chief Executive has already said that starting in June, we are going to begin the process, which means that every procurement will have its identification number and you can track it from each stage to the end so it is going to be very transparentThere will not be any surprises.

Vice President pays surprise visit to Registrar General, Tema Shipyard

This is the third time Vice President Alhaji Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has paid an unannounced visit to a key government facility since assuming office.

On January 18, 2017, Dr. Bawumia visited the Registrar General's Department to identify the bottlenecks bedevilling the State outfit and also interacted with owners of businesses and Ghanaians who had gone to the Department to register their businesses.

He also paid another surprise visit to Tema port, to familiarise himself with the operations of the port, and hear at first hand the challenges facing players in the sector.



By: Marian Ansah/citifmonline.com/Ghana

Follow @EfeAnsah
A 706-carat diamond is pictured on March 16, 2017 in Freetown, Sierra Leone. By SAIDU BAH (AFP)

16.03.2017 LISTEN

Freetown (AFP) - A pastor working in the mines of eastern Sierra Leone has unearthed a 706-carat diamond, a discovery that experts said Thursday could be the 10th largest stone ever found.

The huge rock was extracted by Emmanuel Momoh, one of thousands who seek their fortunes in the informal mining sector that dominates the diamond-rich Kono region.

As a self-employed miner with a valid government permit, Momoh is entitled to the proceeds of any future sale, except four percent the government takes for valuation and export, according to the law, plus an undetermined level of income tax.

Mines Minister Minkailu Mansaray told AFP the government's stake would be used to fund development projects nationwide.

The diamond was presented to President Ernest Bai Koroma late Wednesday before being locked in Freetown's central bank vault. It awaits an official valuation under the Kimberley Process, which certifies diamonds as "conflict-free".

It will then be sold in Sierra Leone under a transparent bidding process, a government statement said, thanking the chief of the Tankoro area where the stone was found for not smuggling it out of the country.

The government has attempted to crack down on cross-border diamond trafficking to persuade foreign investors that the "blood diamonds" that fuelled its civil war are a thing of the past.

Rarity

US-based diamond expert Paul Zimnisky told AFP that once the gem's quality was assessed it could rank "between the 10th and 15th largest gem-diamonds ever recovered."

Such a find by a so-called artisanal miner, the term for workers who use basic tools or their bare hands to sift the earth, is highly unusual.

"Most recent exceptional diamond discoveries have been made by large commercial miners that mine very large volumes of kimberlite ore and process it with advanced equipment," Zimnisky said.

"Artisanal mining tends to produce smaller, lower quality diamonds because of breakage and erosion," he added.

Zimnisky said the stone would likely be sold outside Sierra Leone, despite the government's assertion, on account of better access to buyers.

Without a professional assessment of the diamond's potential flaws and colouring it is impossible to value the stone.

However, a polished stone cut from the Jonker, which is the 10th largest gem-diamond ever recovered until now at 726 carats, will go on sale in Hong Kong in May.

A single 25-carat portion is likely to sell for $2.2 million to $3.6 million (2 million to 3.4 million euros), or $88,000 to $144,000 for a single carat, Zimnisky said.

A 1,111-carat diamond was discovered at a mine in Botswana in 2015, the biggest find for more than a century.

That gem is second in size only to the Cullinan diamond which was unearthed in South Africa in 1905, at 3,106 carats uncut, according to the Cape Town Diamond Museum.

The Cullinan was cut into several gems, including two set into the sceptre and crown of the British Crown Jewels.

Blood diamonds

Sierra Leone's role in the diamond industry has long been controversial, and Freetown residents are already sceptical they will see any gain from the sale.

"Previous diamonds have not benefited the people and I wonder how this new diamond will make a difference," said Jeneba Kallon, a civil servant.

Another city resident, Mohamed Kamara, said Sierra Leone's diamonds were "more of a curse than a blessing", citing the high rate of poverty and underdevelopment where the minerals are found.

The sale of "blood diamonds" helped finance civil wars across Africa in the 1990s and often funded military dictatorships on a continent that the London Diamond Bourse estimates provides 65 percent of the world's supply.

Sierra Leonean rebels allowed traders to exploit diamond mines and ship the gems abroad via Liberia during the 1991-2002 civil conflict.

Former Liberian warlord Charles Taylor was found guilty of supporting the rebels in exchange for diamonds mined by slave labour.

The death toll from Sierra Leone's civil war is estimated at 120,000 in a country that now has roughly six million people, making it one of Africa's deadliest conflicts in recent history.
Nairobi (AFP) - Somali pirates have handed over an oil tanker and eight Sri Lankan hostages just days after capturing the vessel, the Oceans Beyond Piracy NGO told AFP Thursday.

"The Puntland maritime police force freed the ship. They made (the pirates) an offer they couldn't refuse and the pirates have left," said the former British army officer who has spent years negotiating the release of piracy hostages in Somalia.
Tripoli (AFP) - Dozens of armed factions have battled for control of oil-rich Libya since the 2011 fall of longtime dictator Moamer Kadhafi.

This week, four days of intense fighting saw pro-unity government armed forces expand their control in the capital Tripoli, where dozens of militias operate.

Further east, troops commanded by military strongman Khalifa Haftar said Tuesday they had recaptured two important oil installations seized by a rival Islamist-led force in early March.

Haftar opposes the UN-backed Government of National Accord, instead backing a rival government based in Libya's east.

Here is a run-down of the key militias vying for clout in Libya:

The west

The GNA signed a ceasefire deal Thursday ending four days of clashes with rival militias, including groups allied with former prime minister Khalifa Ghweil.

Ghweil was ousted from power when the GNA took office in March 2016 and has refused to recognise the new administration.

But while Thursday's deal has consolidated GNA control over parts of the capital, dozens of militias still operate there -- including several who support Ghweil.

The GNA's main backers in the capital include: the First Force, operating in Tripoli's east and centre; the Deterrence Force, an Islamist group running police-like operations in the city's east; and the Abu Slim Brigade controlling the southern working-class district of the same name.

The powerful militias of third city Misrata, east of Tripoli, also have major clout in the capital.

They played a vital role in the battle to topple Kadhafi and have been influential power-brokers in Libya ever since. They control swathes of the west including Misrata itself and districts of Tripoli.

Last year they formed the backbone of a pro-GNA coalition that ousted the Islamic State group from its coastal bastion Sirte, which they still control.

But some Misrata militias back Ghweil or Islamist militias who follow controversial Sheikh Sadek al-Ghariani, who opposes both of Libya's rival administrations.

The east

Troops commanded by Haftar this week ousted the Islamist Benghazi Defence Brigades from two key oil export terminals they had seized in early March.

That puts Haftar's self-proclaimed Libyan National Army (LNA) in control of much of Libya's east from the Oil Crescent to the Egyptian border -- except for Derna, which is controlled by pro-Qaeda jihadists.

The LNA includes former Libyan army officers, militiamen, fighters from allied tribes, and some Islamist fighters.

Haftar opposes the GNA, but for two years his main priority has been battling jihadists in second city Benghazi.

An array of Islamist militias have unified ranks to fight him.

Among them are the BDB and the Revolutionary Shura Council of Benghazi, an alliance of Islamist militias that includes the Al-Qaeda-linked Ansar Al-Sharia.

The south

Southern Libya is criss-crossed by smuggling routes for people, drugs and weapons. A mosaic of tribal and ethnic forces are fighting for control of illicit trade and oil fields there.

They include Tuaregs who control the border with southern Algeria. Further east, the Tubu people operates along the borders with Chad and Sudan.

Arab tribes in the region have supported authorities in western Libya but maintain close ties with the both west and east. They regularly clash with the Tubu.
The Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) has implored President Nana Akufo-Addo to downsize his government from the unprecedented 110 ministers and deputy ministers.

The think-tank in a statement Thursday said the President's action sets a "negative record for a country infamous for its oversized ministerial teams."

CDD-Ghana described the move as "obscene" because the United States, a country that is economically and financially strong has only 46 ministers. Also, India, one of the most populated countries in the world with a population of 1.3 billion, has 75 ministers.

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo

The President on Wednesday appointed 54 additional ministers in addition to 36 substantive ministers. This brings to 110 the total number of ministers serving in the government if they are successfully approved by parliament.

The decision has been condemned widely by sections of Ghanaians, civil societies and political opponents.

Related Article: Go ahead; appoint '1 district, 1 minister,'  Asiedu Nketia jabs Akufo-Addo

NDC General Secretary, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, condemned the President for bloating the size of his government adding he can go ahead and appoint "1-minister for every district, and 1-minister for every constituency."

NDC General Secretary, Johnson Asiedu Nketia

But Information Minister, Mustapha Hamid, in response to criticisms said the President had not promised a "lean government" during his 2016 campaign.

He entreated Ghanaians to consider the integrity and honesty the appointees are briging on board to improve on the country's economy and not the numbers.

Related Article: If more men will help fix economy, employ militia men - Franklin Cudjoe to gov't

CDD-Ghana, one of the strong governance advocates in the country, wants the President to reconsider his decision since his "appointments betray inadequate sensitivity to the weak fiscal condition of the country."

Information Minister, Mustapha Hamid

"It is difficult to see how appointing such a large number of ministers, who will all be on ministerial salaries and benefits, can possibly amount to the promise of protecting the public purse," CDD-Ghana said.

It has urged the President to "reduce the number of deputy ministerial nominees sent to Parliament for vetting and approval; and ...to publish the salaries and emoluments of all appointed public office holders."

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Austin Brako-Powers | [email protected]
Mogadishu (AFP) - Somali pirates on Thursday handed over an oil tanker and eight Sri Lankan hostages captured just days ago, the Oceans Beyond Piracy NGO told AFP, bringing to a close the first such attack since 2012.

"The Puntland maritime police force freed the ship. They made (the pirates) an offer they couldn't refuse and the pirates have left," said John Steed, a former British army officer with the NGO who has spent years negotiating the release of piracy hostages in Somalia.

Earlier on Thursday the Puntland coastguard had threatened to use force if the talks to convince the pirates to release the vessel failed.

Armed attackers seized the Aris 13 on Monday as it made its way from Djibouti to Mogadishu, the first hijacking of a large merchant vessel by Somali pirates since 2012.

Steed said the pirates had left the Aris 13 ship, which was under control of the coast guard and on its way to the port city of Bossaso in the semi-autonomous Puntland region, on the northeastern tip of Somalia.

He was not able to provide more details on the conditions for the release of the vessel.

Abdirahman Mohamud Hassan, the director general of the Puntland maritime force, said earlier that a regional governor, who was not named, had been appointed to negotiate with the pirates.

Anupama Sanjeewani, a relative of Sri Lankan hostage Janaka Shamendra uses a handkerchief during a press conference in Colombo on March 16, 2017

The successful release came after a fierce firefight between the coast guard and armed men aboard a boat believed to be taking food and provisions to the hijacked tanker.

"Our forces were doing a normal routine patrolling around the area when they came under gunfire from these gunmen who were onboard a small skiff and they returned fire," said Hassan.

Steed said an unknown number of people had been injured in the exchange of gunfire.

At the time the tanker was taken it was forced to change course and head toward Puntland. The Aris 13 was about 18 kilometres off the Somali coast when it was attacked, according to Steed.

He said the vessel was not following the "best practices" put in place to avoid piracy, since it was taking a cost- and time-saving route too close to Somalia's coastline, was travelling too slowly and was without an armed escort.

Illegal fishing fuels piracy

Village elders in Alula where the hijacked vessel first docked, said the pirates had not made clear demands, but claimed to be driven by anger over illegal fishing.

"These are fishermen who are infuriated with the illegal fishing off their coasts. They desperately need to show their grievances by seizing the boat," said Abdiwahab Ahmed, an elder in Alula.

Somali pirates began staging waves of attacks in 2005, seriously disrupting a major international shipping route and costing the global economy billions of dollars.

At the peak of the piracy crisis in January 2011, 736 hostages and 32 boats were held.

Though anti-piracy measures ended attacks on commercial vessels, fishing boats have continued to face attacks.

Steed says the international community had taken significant steps to improve security, boosting naval forces in the area and requiring ships to take protection measures.

"Hundreds of pirates were arrested, others gave up, and we hadn't had an attack of a commercial ship for five years," he said.

"But the one thing that's not really been addressed is the real root cause of this, which is poverty and the lack of jobs on the ground. There's also a drought, so there's no food, no water."

Illegal fishing has long been used by Somali pirates as an excuse for attacks and Steed has in the past warned that the presence of foreign vessels emptying Somali waters could reverse the gains against piracy.

"The question wasn't really if an attack was going to happen, the question was when," said Steed.
16.03.2017 LISTEN

By Edmund Quaynor, GNA

Kwabeng (E/R), Mar 16, GNA - The Atiwa District Assembly has announced plans to build a biogas plant for efficient liquid waste management to improve environmental sanitation in the area.

It would additionally support the construction of 200 household toilets at Anyinam and Mosiaso.

Mr. Hamidu Osman, the Deputy District Planning Officer, said this would be done under the Sanitation Challenge for Ghana Project (SC4Gh).

The SC4Gh, an initiative of the Local Government and Rural Development Ministry, provides financial reward to Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies, which adopt innovative approach to stop open defecation and promote increased access to basic sanitation services.

It is funded jointly by the Government of Ghana and the Department for International Development (DFID) of the United Kingdom.

Mr. Osman was speaking at a progress monitoring meeting held with the implementing agency - IRC Ghana, at Kwabeng, the district capital.

He said the assembly had started registering households for the construction of the toilets.

It was also intensifying its inspection of buildings to make sure that every new property had washrooms, he added.

Mr. Abubakari Wumbei, the Communications, Learning and Advocacy Coordinator of IRC Ghana, said there should be new ways of doing things to rid the communities of filth.

GNA
16.03.2017 LISTEN

By Godwill Arthur-Mensah, GNA

Accra, March 16, GNA - A local Governance Expert has taken a swipe at the Government for the appointment of deputy regional ministers describing it as irrelevant.

He said the size of the current government would definitely have some implications on the public purse and, therefore, repeated the call for the enactment of a law to put a cap on the number of ministers any president could appoint.

However, he asked Ghanaians to do a cost benefit analysis of the size of successive governments to ascertain whether the number of ministers appointed benefited the nation or drained the public purse.

Dr Eric Oduro-Osae, the Dean of Graduate Studies and Research at the Institute of Local Government Studies, said this in an interview with the Ghana News Agency on Thursday on the 110 ministers appointed by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

He said there must be indicators to analyse the benefits derived by the country as against the size of government.

He said: 'We shouldn't talk about absolute numbers only, but also analyse whether the number of ministers appointed by any particular government delivered on its mandate and met the expectations of the people''.

According to him, the President could not be faulted for appointing many ministers because Article 78 and 79 of the 1992 Constitution permitted him to appoint as many ministers as he wanted since there was no law restricting him.

Commenting on the law that allowed the President to appoint majority of his ministers from Parliament, he said there was the need to scrap that law since it was weakening Parliament as an institution.

He said the legislative arm of government was supposed to serve as a check on the executive, therefore, if the Members of Parliament (MPs) were appointed into Government, it weakened the debate on the floor of the House and also made the executive ''superpower''.

''If the minister is an MP then it's a double jeopardy because he/she will not be in Parliament often to contribute to debate, and also weakened his/her performance at the constituency level,'' he said.

On Wednesday, March 15, President Akufo-Addo, through the Minister of Information, Mr Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, announced four ministers of state and 50 deputy ministers thus, adding to the already appointed ministers and deputy regional ministers, brings the number to 110.

The issue had sparked wide public debate with some arguing that the size of government would be a burden on the public purse while others insist that the President needed that number of ministers to deliver on the campaign promises.

According to political pundits, the number is the highest ever since the country entered into constitutional government in 1992.

The pundits indicate that former President Jerry John Rawlings' Government appointed 83 ministers, President John Agyekum Kufuor had 84 and later increased to 93, while President John Evans Atta-Mills had 75 and President John Dramani Mahama had 85.

GNA
By Kodjo Adams/ Julius K. Satsi, GNA

Accra, March 16, GNA - Professor Justice V. C. R. A.C. Crabbe, a retired Justice of the Supreme Court, has said Ghana must replace the support from the International Monetary Fund and donor partners with a strong sense of responsibility and individual initiatives.

'We cannot build a strong national character, unless each and every one of us builds a strong character for mother Ghana,' Prof Justice Crabbe stated. 'The best measure of our strength is how we accept responsibility.'

Delivering his inaugural address for the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences, on the theme: 'The Philosophy of Man', Prof Justice Crabbe, therefore, urged Ghanaians to embrace responsibility as a means to achieve advancement in all facets of development.

He said, 'We have the duty to develop ourselves to the fullest because no one else would do what we need to do for ourselves', explaining that the most important office in democracy was the Office of the Citizen. 'Each citizen is responsible for what Ghana has as a nation; and what it does not have.'

The eminent jurist noted that the Law of Cause and Effect was always applicable in every facet of life, saying, 'As a nation, we cannot sow corruption, greed and reap economic development for whatever a man sows is what he reaps.'

Prof Justice Crabbe asked; 'Is the President of the Republic of Ghana responsible for the filth that has engulfed us? Is there a set-up or an authority in Local Government that is responsible for the sanitation of our cities, towns?' If there is, whose responsibility is it to see that the city, the town, or the village is cleaned?

The former Constitutional Adviser of the Ugandan Government stated: 'Because we run away from responsibility, we are all sick as a nation looking for salvation outside our nation. The basis of development is responsibility!'.

"We have the responsibility to make our lives better, to keep our honour lighting, but if we want our conditions to improve, we must improve ourselves.'

He, therefore, called for the priority of quality education to facilitate the efforts to develop and become the great nation that the citizens desired.

He explained that failure was the accumulation of opportunities, while progress was the fulfilment of the promises of today.

These, he said, began with the acceptance of responsibilities, while responsibility was another way of opportunity.

'If we want a society of law and order, honest and just living, then we must first be law abiding, to set an example for others to follow,' he said.

Prof Justice Crabbe said nature had provided everyone with the power to resolve and solve his/her own problems, saying, 'Our actions yesterday are what keep us in the quagmire we find ourselves today and in our day-to-day hardships and cries.'

GNA
By Jerry Azanduna, GNA

Zebilla (UE), March 16, GNA - Students of the Zebilla Senior High-Technical School in the Bawku West District of the Upper East Region, attend classes under trees as most of the classrooms have been converted into dormitories.

The two ground floor compound dormitories that housed more than 600 students got burnt in 2014, forcing the school authorities to convert most of the classrooms into dormitories for the boys.

Mr Richard Akumbas Ayabilla, the Headmaster of the School, who said this in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) at Zebilla said even though government had provided some infrastructure, most of it had been abandoned during construction.

He said some the projects included an administration block, two- storey boys dormitory, 12 unit classroom block, a compound boys dormitory, six unit flats for teachers, an assembly hall and a fence wall.

Mr Ayabilla said when completed it would improve teaching and learning and promote quality education in the area.

The Headmaster said the school was a science oriented institution with a student population of 1,604, but could not boast of a well-equipped science laboratory.

He said the situation had over the years been making the teaching and learning of science difficult.

On the part of staff accommodation, the headmaster said 75 per cent of the teacher staff stayed outside the School making the enforcement of discipline difficult.

He pointed out that in the midst of the challenges the School had been performing well in both academic work and the extra-curricular activities.

Mr Ayabilla said about 50 per cent of the students passed and gained admission into the tertiary institutions in the country.

He called on the Old Students Association, non-governmental organisations, and philanthropists to support the School to address its challenges.

The School begun as a community day school in 1982

GNA
By Morkporkpor Anku/ Doris Ablordey, GNA

Accra, March 16, GNA - The Integrated Social Development Centre (ISODEC) has called for the resuscitation and expansion of the Multi-Agency Mineral Revenue Task Force to include the Petroleum Unit of the Ghana Revenue Authority and relevant petroleum sector agencies.

The task force should be mandated to receive reports from the joint field visits and to support any transfer pricing audit that may be initiated by the Transfer Pricing Unit.

Mr Bernard Anaba, a Policy Analyst at ISODEC, said this at a workshop to validate study reports on illicit financial flow and how to address the pitfalls in revenue mobilisation process.

The reports were Tax and Illicit Financial Outflow: A Case in Ghana's Petroleum Sector; and Illicit Financial Outflow: A Case of Commodity Imports in Ghana.

He said the study was to spur official action and sense of urgency in those matters and galvanise the fight against illicit financial inflow in Africa, especially Ghana, to learn about the things that affected the financial health of Ghana.

Mr Anaba said per the findings, there was no records of the Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Commissioning (EPCC) contract making its way to Parliament for consideration and Ministry of Finance did not follow due diligence but were ready to grant tax waivers than ensuring that Ghana saves money.

He said Parliament was lackadaisical in granting tax waivers without sighting the EPCC contract while the Ministry of Finance also breached the Constitution by not seeking Parliamentary approval of Act 181 (5) of the Constitution.

Mr Anaba recommended that Ghana's public sector reform programme be given fresh impetus to focus on institutional collaboration and automatic exchange of information among related entities in every sphere of national economic life.

He said the plan by the Petroleum Unit of the Ghana Revenue Authority to include staff of the transfer pricing on their routine field visits were welcomed and highly encouraged.

Mr Bishop Akolgo, the Executive Director of ISODEC, speaking on: Illicit Financial Outflow; A Case of Commodity Imports in Ghana, said custom officials had no reliable database of goods and services and their comparable cost.

He said observation also indicted that clearing agents sometimes connived with importers and customs officials to assign a low value to an item or even misclassify an item for tax purposes.

Mr Akolgo said to support the transfer pricing regulation, Ghana needed to proactively monitor multinational companies' cost of production in real-time.

He said for solid mineral and petroleum production, processing and marketing, national authorities needed benchmark costs and price-filter model to guide regulators and tax authorities.

'Design, implement, monitor and evaluate a real-time model for tracking and eliminating trade mispricing in commodities and train and resource tax authorities to implement same,' he said.

He called for the institution of an inter-ministerial natural resources co-ordination committee, chaired by the President or the Vice-President, to look at forest, fisheries, solid minerals and petroleum in a holistic, coordinated and harmonious manner.

GNA
We are studying the life and times of former Fed chief Alan Greenspan. Not that we expect to discover anything new. We were more or less awake and alert during his entire public career; there is little that isnt known about the man and his times already.

The best-known public official since Pontius Pilate is how we described him in one of our books.

But its helpful to go back over the story, the flow of historyand the large role he played. Maybe we can learn something.

The man who knew

Mr. Greenspan was  at least on the surface  one of the most influential people of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. He was the top man at the Fed from 1987 to 2006.

The demon door swung open on his watch at the Fed. Thenceforth, Americas central bank would no longer stay in its place, guarding price stability and ensuring full employment. It would ensure a rising stock market, too.

And yet, wouldnt the door have opened without him?

We recently read Sebastian Mallabys new biography of Greenspan, The Man Who Knew .

The man who knew? Greenspan didnt seem to know that the biggest bubble in history was created right under his nose. Nor did he seem to notice that the post-1971 fake-money system had created the very distortions and perversities he had warned about as early as 1966.

On the book jacket, Mallaby attempts to explain the title. He suggests that the financial crisis of 2008 was not Greenspans fault. Apparently, he knew the financial system was threatened by a sharp and painful correction.

If so, why didnt he say something?

Even we knew a bubble had formed. And we said so. We warned readers so often, they got tired of hearing it.

As an important aside, once again we are issuing tiresome warnings. Debt levels are now higher than ever. Total world debt now stands at $217 trillion  or 325% of global GDP.

Meanwhile, US government debt, as officially measured, is closing in on the $20 trillion mark. And last year alone, the Fed added debt equal to more than $12,000 per US household.

It did this, by the way, while household incomes barely rose at all. Were last years national debt increase equally distributed among American households, the typical family would have lost an amount equal to two-and-a-half months pay.

Blinded by ambition

Of course, we cant predict the future any better today than we could 10 years ago. Besides, this is a free service; what do you expect?

But as an act of courtesy, even a total stranger should tell you if he sees your hair is on fire.

So watch out, because stocks are near all-time highs, too.

Wall Street prices no longer reflect a solid and sober assessment of a companys earning potential. Instead, theyre based on insider manipulations (companies have been borrowing heavily to buy back their own stock)or gambles (investors bet that Trumps tax and regulatory cuts will mean higher earnings).

Dont wait for a warning from Madame Yellen; you wont get it. She sees no bubble. In 1996, Mr. Greenspan famously had no trouble spotting irrational exuberance. But by 2006, he wore dark glasses and carried a white cane.

Bubble? I dont see any bubble, he claimed.

(Were going to meet with Mr. Greenspan next week. Hes coming to Baltimore to meet with a group of our analysts from around the world. Well ask him what happened to his eyesight. Watch this space)

He was blinded by ambition, you might say.

Maybe. But maybe what really happened was that he was never a man who made history. Instead, he was bent by it.

Iron orthodoxy

As regular readers will be aware, the worlds money system changed in 1971 when President Nixon ended the ability of foreign nations to convert their dollars to gold at a fixed price.

A few economists  including Alan Greenspan  opposed the move. They said, correctly, that it would lead to imbalances, confusion, and uncertainty.

But within a short time, almost everyone accepted the new, purely paper currency as a worthy successor to the old Bretton Woods-era gold-backed dollar.

It became an iron orthodoxy, taught in every economics department and repeated at every professional gathering: The world economic system was too large and too complex to ever return to the gold standard, they said.

The economy boomed. Worries were forgotten. Reagan brought morning to America again. Clinton brought Monica Lewinsky to the Oval Office. George W. Bush brought mayhem to the Middle East. Who noticed that the new money was doing its damagedistorting and perverting the entire world economy?

But with stock market prices rising, who had a reason to say so?

Regards,

Bill Bonner

[Publishers note: When Vern and Bill met with Dr Alan Greenspan in Baltimore, the former Fed Chairman made a pretty interesting admission about where he thinks the next global crisis will stem from.

Not a stock market bubble (although he would say that, youd have to think.) But from the growing mountain of welfare entitlements. He told those gathered:

I think the real danger here is the fact that weve allowed this issue of a huge amount of entitlements to rise as we age and to keep adding to them.

Huge increases in social security. No source of revenues. This is a non-sustainable outlook

As youll see in Verns new book , this is one thing he firmly agrees with Greenspan on. The non-sustainable outlook for entitlements, and the lack of political willpower to confront this, is one of the key tipping points in The End of Australia . As youll see when you read the book, this is a problem all Western governments, with entrenched social-security safety nets, are facing. But in Australia its particularly acuteand grossly unreported by the media. To get the true facts behind Australias looming entitlement crisis, youll need to read The End of Australia.]

From the Port Phillip Publishing Library

Special Report: Marijuana Mania News.com.au is calling it Australias next billion-dollar industry. Our investigator calls it the biggest legal drug deal in history Dont miss a cent of it.

This ground-breaking medical mega-trend has already spawned levels of wealth we havent seen since the tech boom of the early 2000s. Jaw-dropping stock gains like 1,380%, 1,102% and 13,627%! If youve got the guts  and a few coins in your pocket to play with  this mega-trend has the power to potentially nab you a high-bagger gain of 1,233% by this time next year. But only if you act NOW [More]
What happened to the Tawana Resources share price?

Shares of Tawana Resources [ASX:TAW] gained more than 8% today. The stock is now trading at 18.5 cents.

Why did TAW shares rise sharply?

Tawana Resources is on track to become a producer in 2017. It has lithium projects in Western Australia and Namibia. Today the company announced positive results in regards to the test work its been undertaking on its Bald Hill project.

What now for Tawana Resources?

The company is working on its Definitive Feasibility Study and is on target to release further updates by the end of March. The company is also in discussions with potential offtake partners. Theres continued market interest in companies with exposure to lithium, so its a company to keep an eye on for further updates and newsflow.

Regards

Callum Newman

PS: The single-hottest resource in 2016 was lithium. This has continued into 2017. Except its not just lithium dominating headlines anymore. Its friendly cousin, cobalt, is also a hotspot for investor attention.

But most investors just want to know how to invest in lithium. Small-cap specialist, Sam Volkering, knows the ins and outs of Aussie lithium stocks better than anyone.

Read Sams guide on How to Invest in Lithium Stocks here.

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Do you follow the latest news from the profiles of celebrities like Tiwa Savage according to the pictures the celebrity posts on the Instagrams profile? You definitely should, and here is a list of top 20 pictures of our choice from there!

Tiwa Savage Instagram photos - Top 20

Tiwa Savage is quite popular among users of a popular social media known as Instagram. In fact, she has around three million followers who want to keep up with the latest events in her life. The celebrity posts different things in her profile there from personal life details to professional breakthroughs and victories. So, lets see what exactly she shares with her followers online.

#1

Tiwa Savage Instagram photos - Top 20

Around thirty weeks ago, Tiwa Savage published a picture of her signing a contract with Rocnation. She tagged the Mavin records and RocNation in the picture and said: Signed, Sealed, Delivered. @rocnation 

From what we know, Tiwa Savage and Don Jazzy met with Jay-Z at the Roc Nation office in New York over the signing of management and distribution deal for Tiwa Savage.  They have been discussing the possibility of such a contract for over a year after Jay-Z's cousin Brian "Bee-High" Biggs visited the Mavin Headquarters in Lagos.

#2

Tiwa Savage Instagram photos - Top 20

Another great Tiwa Savage Instagram photo we wanted to share with you is that with her son posted thirteen weeks ago. They are wearing stylish black gowns as a part of a family look image. They say that the style was crafted with love by papaomisore who is the CEO of the Rite Agency. His bio says that he is a PR agent specializing in Artist Promotions and Publicity, Event planning, Celebrities video styling and Consulting.

According to the commentaries of her fans, she is one of the most beautiful mothers of Nigeria. They love her and everything about her motherhood. Here is the picture itself. Enjoy!

#3

Tiwa Savage Instagram photos - Top 20

The third picture is from Tiwa Savage at the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards. That news of how she looked like when on the red carpet went viral on the Internet. Always dressed smart and outstanding, the celebrity surprised everyone by wearing a simple black dress with a bright long jacket.

The dress was quite short, so the star drew so much attention of the journalists that they could not stop talking about her for a long time after the show. And here is the picture itself for you to see and enjoy the stylish view!

#4

Tiwa Savage Instagram photos - Top 20

Our next selected picture is that of Tiwa Savage on an airplane. She is wearing camouflage and looks outside the window. The image was so natural and beautiful at the same time that she got more than eight-eight thousand likes and more than seven hundred comments. The capture to the picture said:

2016 was romantic ... 2017 is about to be HOT. Abidjan I'm ALL yours. Apparently, the celebrity was flying to Abidjan to enjoy a fun vacation.

#5

Tiwa Savage Instagram photos - Top 20

The fifth picture is that of the celebrity in a plane again. She is looking fabulous in her black and white dress, stunning makeup and cheerful smile. She always was beautiful, but she is especially good-looking on this picture. The image got around fifty-seven thousand likes and more than four hundred comments. This time the star is flying back from the vacation she had in Abidjan.

The caption under an image says: Thank you so much for the love Abidjan ... It was too short; I have to come back 2017. Lagos we are back #2Shows #2Countries #1Night #StageToPlaneToStage How can she remain so good-looking under so much pressure in career and personal life will always be a mystery to us!

#6

Tiwa Savage Instagram photos - Top 20

An incredibly beautiful picture comes under number six on our list. On this picture, the celebrity is standing in a perfect long party dress by TopeFnR. The bio of this brand says: There is a story behind every Frock.

The picture was taken before the New Year. The celebrity now only thanked all those who helped her create a great look but also wished everyone a Happy New year. Here is what the caption said: topefnr the classic wrap dress @odirididit gave me that soft look @dfalanaartistry slayed that bounce Congratulations #stephmitide1617 you guys look so beautiful, God bless your home.

#7

Tiwa Savage Instagram photos - Top 20

Around that same time, the celebrity posted another great picture of her and her son in their private jet. They all looked happy and cheerful. The comments mentioned how much they two look alike. Wearing her stylish box braids, Tiwa Savage is hugging her son who looks all excited about flying.

READ ALSO: Tiwa Savage crowned queen of African music in America

The image got almost ninety thousand likes and seven hundred comments.

#8

Tiwa Savage Instagram photos - Top 20

Another bright picture on Tiwa Savage Instagram is that of her with her stylish box braids in a great red dress in a mall. The star s probably shopping and bragging with her new look. And who would not with such a purchase?

#9

Tiwa Savage Instagram photos - Top 20

We were thinking of choosing some Tiwa Savages wedding pictures, but they were so popular at one point that we have decided to post some of her pictures with her cute baby boy. So, the ninth picture on our list is that of her with her son by the sea. She looks gorgeous and peaceful while the son seems to be ready to jump and go for some adventures.

No wonder this post got almost sixty thousand likes and more than two hundred comments, as the mother and son look so sweet and lovely you would not believe! Here is the picture for you to enjoy it too!

#10

Tiwa Savage Instagram photos - Top 20

The next image is also that from the seaside where Tiwa Savage enjoys the warm days of summer together with her beloved son. Even though it is not summer anymore, as the caption says: The calm before the 2017 storm  the family seems to enjoy the warmth of the weather on the beach and him peace they embrace from the last days of 2016 which is about to leave.

#11

Tiwa Savage Instagram photos - Top 20

The next picture is kind of sad, as it was posted as a throwback to holidays, Tiwa Savage had with her son. Now, as they go back to their regular life, the son will see his mother less given her busy schedule and numerous shows to attend.

The caption states Holiday over Hello '17. And almost sixty thousand users liked this picture.

#12

Tiwa Savage Instagram photos - Top 20

Another picture among numerous Tiwa Savages photos is that of a celebrity being extreme;y happy. She is very an incredibly beautiful red dress, as red seems to be her favorite color in clothes. Here is what the star says I'm happy and by His grace will always be #Hello'17.

At least forty-four thousand users liked her image and commented on the way she looks in the picture.

#13

Tiwa Savage Instagram photos - Top 20

On our next picture, Tiwa Savage is all busy and serious. She is casually dressed looks a bit tired. The image was taken after she recovered from malaria. The caption said Been down with malaria. Slowly catching up with work now. #Gucci #KindaDay We hope she is doing fine now after such a stressful period in life.

Around sixty-five thousand people sympathized her about that, and more than a thousand commented and wished her well.

#14

Tiwa Savage Instagram photos - Top 20

Finally a picture from a show Tiwa Savage participated in. She said that By far the best show I've ever been on ... Catch my interview tonight on #HighLitesWithIK on DSTV channel 151 & 153 @ 9:30 pm @ikosakioduwa you are a superstar  The two celebrities including Ik Osakioduwa who is a Producer, TV & Radio Presenter & Compere they totally hit it off. Good job you, guys!

#15

Tiwa Savage Instagram photos - Top 20

Not so long ago, Tiwa Savage started experimenting with her hair. On the fifteenth picture on our list, her hair looks purple.

READ ALSO: Tiwa Savage's biography

The celebrity looks passionate and romantic. And there is nothing else to add here. Just have a look at the picture that more than fifty-two thousand people loved and commented on. That is an absolute purple love!

#16

Tiwa Savage Instagram photos - Top 20

Another change in her appearances she got right after she dyed her hair red. She did not look like a ginger, though, as thanks to a beautiful complexion, this color looked great on her hair. And thanks to a great taste in clothes, on our next picture the star called a blue love almost seventy-four thousand users found her as cute as ever.

#17

Tiwa Savage Instagram photos - Top 20

Around five weeks ago, the celebrity had her Birthday. To celebrate the date, she went shopping and seemed extremely happy about her decision. With her hair long and dark, the fur she got and Guccis bag were an excellent choice. Almost a thousand of users wished her Happy Birthday while more than fifty-three thousand liked the image altogether.

#18

Tiwa Savage Instagram photos - Top 20

A famous picture of a bunch of celebrities Tiwa Savage posted on the Grammy Week. Surrounded by amazing artists, she looked absolutely happy and grateful. Slightly more than forty-six thousand users found this picture cool. So, check it out too! The caption said: In the midst of greatness #Grateful #GrammyWeek #SMD #RocNation #DJKhaled #PDiddy #EmeliSande.

#19

Tiwa Savage Instagram photos - Top 20

A tired Tiwa Savages photo was uploaded a month ago where the celebrity is sitting on her bed looking sleepy and tried. The caption said When your team comes to grab you from your room for another event #GrammyWeek #NoSleep Among three million of her followers, around fifty-one thousand people found this picture great.

#20

Tiwa Savage Instagram photos - Top 20

Finally, a compilation of Tiwa Savages new photos of her baby boy as uploaded two weeks ago. The boy is so cute you could look at him forever. The celebrity stated how happy she is to be a mother of such a sweet baby, while the fans commented on what a great mother she is. Users gave the picture around sixty thousand likes and seemed to be in love with her caption which went as follows: MCM ... I get to wake up to your beautiful face EVERYDAY ... I must be the luckiest in the whole world.

It seems like Tiwa Savage is not only a popular star, talented and beautiful. She is also a happy mother who cannot get enough of her baby. Even though she is a single mother, she never regretted becoming a mother after all. And good for her.

These are all the top pictures we chose for you. You can check out other Tiwa Savages photos on her Instagram. She is quite active on her social media profile. So you will be able to keep up with the latest developments in her life.

Source: Legit.ng
Medical professionals expressed strong opposition Wednesday to proposed legislation that would allow people who are suffering from incurable medical conditions to acquire and self-administer medication that will end their lives.

Representatives of people with disabilities and religious spokesmen also joined in opposing the bill (LB450) introduced by Sen. Ernie Chambers of Omaha.

Chambers told the Legislature's Judiciary Committee that "no third party -- including the government -- has the right to interfere with, impede or countermand the wishes" of a person who is suffering pain and agony with no hope of recovery.

The bill provides that no other person may assist in administering the medication, he said.

Opponents argued that the legislation could lead to "undue influence by others" and "fear of being a burden to others" as pressures that might lead to ending one's life, rather than agony or pain.

There sometimes also may be "economic incentives" in play, Michael Chittenden, executive director of ARC of Nebraska, warned the committee.

His organization advocates for people with disabilities.

Dr. Stephen Doran, an Omaha neurosurgeon who spoke for the Nebraska Medical Association, said the bill "fails to ensure the competence of the patient" and does not eliminate the possibility of coercion.

Some patients "may not have the ability to provide informed consent," he said.

Dr. Lloyd Pierre Jr., a Bellevue family physician, told the committee: "We are there to help, not to kill."

People could change their minds after beginning to yield to pressure to end their lives, he said, and "they need our protection."

The elderly, the disabled and the poor in particular may feel those pressures, Jeff Kanger, representing the Nebraska Catholic Conference, told the committee.

"There is a better way of treating suffering," he said.

Chambers said his bill is written in a way that does not constitute suicide, assisted suicide, mercy killing, homicide or elder abuse.

"Pointless, needless pain -- wholly useless agony -- and suffering and the loss of personal dignity is neither 'good' or 'ennobling,' nor does it comport with the concept of human dignity," he said.

Under terms of the bill, the patient would need to express a request for life-ending medication both orally and in writing and both an attending physician and a consulting physician would need to concur that the patient is competent to make medical decisions and is acting voluntarily.

Amy Miller, legal director of ACLU of Nebraska, supported the proposal as "a personal and private right."
The acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was rejected by the Nigerian Senate thereby stopping his confirmation as the chairman of the anti-graft agency.

The Senate had rejected Magu for the second time in three months on Wednesday, March 15 citing a report by the Department of State Service (DSS).

READ ALSO: Magu cannot be acting EFCC chairman again - Senate

See photos of the DSS report below:

The Senate's decision to reject Magu followed a report from the DSS which again disqualified the EFCC chief based on his failure of an integrity test by the secret police.

The acting EFCC boss looked to be doing well during his screening for the position at the Nigerian Senate on Wednesday, March 15 when Senator Dino Melaye revealed that the upper house of legislature had received a letter saying Magu was not qualified for the job because he failed integrity test. by the secret police.

Melaye read Paragraph 14 of the DSS letter on Magu which stated: In the light of the foregoing, Magu has failed the integrity test and will eventually constitute a liability to the anti-corruption stand of the current government.

Replying Melaye, Magu slammed the DSS saying that the organisation had shown it had a problem when it released two different reports on him to the Senate late last year.

Source: Legit.ng
There are reports that Boko Haram terrorists launched a deadly attack on communities in Borno leading to the death of many people.

According to The Cable, the attack took place at Magumeri local government area of the state with many reported dead according to a witness who managed to escape the deadly attack.

Residents flee Borno after Boko Haram attack

READ ALSO: 30 bodies recovered in Benue community after herdsmen attack

He said some of the people who also escaped where on their way to Maiduguri while others have fled to the bush.

It was reported that houses were being set on fire by the terrorists.

Most part of the town have been torched, while smoke was seen billowing over the area where the police station is.

I cant give the number of casualty, but many must have been killed by the terrorists.

There was claim that the army was informed of the imminent attack but nothing was done about it.

READ ALSO: French ambassador denies his country's involvement in Boko Haram

A military source said he was on his way to Magumeri to ascertain the situation.

Meanwhile, A statement issued by the Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Usman, suggests that troops of 151 Task Force Battalion, 21 Brigade, Nigerian Army on Operation Lafiya Dole, while on fighting patrol, ambushed the terrorists at Borno state College of Business Studies (BOCCOS) along Bama-Ngurosoye road.

Residents abandon their belongins to escape Boko Haram attack

Troops of 151 Task Force Battalion, 21 Brigade, Nigerian Army on Operation LAFIYA DOLE yesterday evening while on fighting patrol, ambushed some fleeing Boko Haram terrorists at Borno State College of Business Studies (BOCCOS) along Bama-Ngurosoye road, Borno State.

Source: Legit.ng
Sens. John Murante of Gretna and Adam Morfeld of Lincoln sparred good-naturedly Thursday over the need for voter identification requirements in Nebraska.

At issue was Morfeld's proposed constitutional amendment (LR15CA) to prohibit voter ID mandates, a proposal that he acknowledged was offered in direct response to Murante's proposal for a constitutional amendment that would clear the path for voter photo ID requirements in Nebraska.

Either proposal would be submitted for voter approval in 2018 if it clears the Legislature with at least 30 votes.

Early in a hearing before the Legislature's Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee chaired by Murante, the Gretna senator offered Morfeld what he described as a compromise: Would he be willing to support placing both proposals on the ballot?

Morfeld rejected that suggestion, arguing that the cost of meeting ID requirements that might be imposed by the Legislature would be tantamount to "a poll tax" and decrease voter accessibility for some identifiable groups.

Among them, he said, might be low-income Nebraskans, people of color, mobile young people, students, people with disabilities and older people, many of whom might have difficulty acquiring or paying for mandated identification.

Unspoken during the hearing was the partisan divide over the issue of voter photo IDs, which opponents say disproportionately suppress Democratic voter turnout and favor Republican candidates.

Morfeld is a Democrat and Murante is a Republican, but they are elected and serve as nonpartisan senators in Nebraska's Legislature.

At issue, Morfeld argued, is "the constitutional right to vote" without hindrance or impediment of any kind. There is no evidence of voter fraud occurring now, he said.

Mike Boyle, former mayor of Omaha and a former Douglas County election commissioner, offered support on behalf of the Douglas County Board.

Claims of voter fraud are "very overblown," he said.

Support for Morfeld's proposed constitutional amendment was voiced by representatives of Nebraska Appleseed and the League of Women Voters of Nebraska.

"There is no evidence of voter impersonation," Omaid Zabih, staff attorney for Nebraska Appleseed, said. "It is a virtually nonexistent problem."

No one testified in opposition to the proposal.

Murante's proposed constitutional amendment (LR1CA) was heard by the committee earlier this month and appears likely to be advanced to the floor of the Legislature.
- The rejection of Ibrahim Magu by the Nigerian Senate is still generating reactions across the country

- The acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was rejected for the second time by the red chamber

- Magu's rejection has now subjected President Muhammadu Buhari to criticisms

Following the Senate's rejection of Ibrahim Magu as the EFCC boss for the second time, Nigerians have now shifted their focus to President Muhammadu Buhari.

Is President Buhari fully in charge of his government?

Many are asking if the president is truly in charge, especially as cited a security report from the Department of State Services (DSS) as reason for its action.

Both the DSS and the EFCC are under the purview of the president, which gives the impression that all is not well in the presidency.

Ibrahim Magu, a victim of power play?

There have been rumours of a powerful cabal around the president, said to be in charge and always have their way, even when it is against national interest.

The cabal reportedly frustrated efforts to get Magu confirmed after the EFCC boss exposed the N500 million bribe the president's chief of staff, Abba Kyari collected from MTN, for helping the South African telecoms giant to reduce their fine.

Senators rejected Magu's nomination through a voice vote

READ ALSO: 8 statements made by Magu during screening by the Senate

Although another report stated that seven governors and some high-profile Nigerians plotted the removal of Magu due to what was described as his very strong stance against corruption.

According to a source, Magu irritated the governors over the ongoing probe of the alleged diversion of N19 billion from the London-Paris Club loan refund.

Is the president truly in charge?

READ ALSO: 11 questions Senate asked Magu during his screening before he was rejected

Meanwhile, human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN) has chided the Nigerian Senate for rejecting EFCC's acting boss, Ibrahim Magu for the second time.

According to Falana, the red chamber by its action, ridiculed the office of President Buhari.

Source: Legit.ng
A Lincoln senator's proposal to eliminate local gun possession laws is headed for another showdown in the Legislature this year.

An amended version of the bill by Sen. Mike Hilgers advanced from the Legislature's Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee on Wednesday. Hilgers made the bill (LB68) his priority this year, meaning it will probably be debated by the full Legislature this spring.

Lawmakers blocked a similar measure through a filibuster in 2016.

The version advanced Wednesday includes significant changes aimed at appeasing Omaha law enforcement, which opposed the bill during a public hearing in February.

It would prohibit most members of the public from open-carrying a firearm in Omaha, but would allow people under age 21 to possess firearms as long as they comply with other restrictions.

When transporting a firearm in Omaha without a conceal-carry permit, the gun would need to be unloaded and stored in a case or disassembled. In a vehicle, firearms would have to be unloaded and stored in the trunk or, if there is no enclosed trunk, placed in a locked container other than the glove box. That restriction is similar to federal law for gun owners traveling between states.

Another provision would make it easier to prosecute people who buy stolen guns, by requiring courts to presume a firearm is stolen if the purchaser can't provide documentation, Hilgers said.

"I think its a really good bill with this amendment," he said.

It advanced from committee on a 6-0 vote by Sens. John Murante, Tom Brewer, Tom Briese, Joni Craighead, John Lowe and Hilgers. Sen. Justin Wayne abstained, and Sen. Carol Blood was not present for the vote.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) on Wednesday, March 15, gave both federal and state governments a 14-day ultimatum to pay the shortfall in their salaries running into millions of naira or face unrest in universities.

The body also gave some state governments owing lecturers their salaries and allowances the same period within which they should commence the payment of the outstanding salaries.

According to ASUU the affected state universities include Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LUATECH), Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti, Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba-Akoko (AAUA) and NDU.

University lecturers under the Akure Zone of ASUU addressing a press conference said the government should not do anything that would plunge the university system into unnecessary chaos over the shortfall in salary payment and the non-payment of salaries.

READ ALSO: FG, Govs have turned universities into constituency projects  Ogunyemi, ASUU President

In a statement jointly signed by Dr Alex Odiyi, Dr Bola Oniya, Dr Caleb Aboriade and Prof Olu Olufayo said virtually all the universities in the country are experiencing different percentages of shortfall in the payment of their salaries.

The statement added that public universities in Nigeria have begun to experience worse reductions in salaries components of their allocation with the consequence of receiving fractions or percentage reduction in their salaries.

Source: Legit.ng
Ekiti state Governor, Ayodele Fayose and his Rivers state counterpart, Nyesom Wike absent as Vice President Yemi Osinbajo meets state governors

Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo is currently presiding over a meeting of the National Economic Council at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Ekiti state Governor, Ayo Fayose

Punch reports that the meeting is being attended by state governors and ministers who are members of the council.

It started at about 10.11am with the arrival of Osinbajo at the Council Chambers venue of meeting.

READ ALSO: Osinbajo writes Senate to approve $500m to fund 2016 budget deficit

While some state governors are attending personally, some others are being res presented by their deputies.

Among those being represented by their deputies are Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State and Nyesom Wike of Rivers State.

The governors, it was learnt, will also meet briefly with President Muhammadu Buhari after the NEC meeting.

Source: Legit.ng
- The Nigeria army is the force keeping the peace within the nation, says Major General John Enenche

- Enenche says the country has survived crisis that has led to the destruction of many other nation

- The military chief says the force will continue to keep the peace, urging Nigerians to continue to support to the army

Major General John Enenche, the new director of information for the defence headquarters, has affirmed that the Nigerian military is the reason the country is still bound as one.

Enenche noted that other nations who faced similar problems like Nigeria had since disintegrated, but all thanks to the military authority for its relentless efforts to keep the nation as one.

READ ALSO: Troops ambush Boko Haram fighters on the run (Photos)

Nigeria military makes revelation on why Nigeria has not imploded

According to Daily Post, the military spokesman made these observations on Wednesday, March 16, at a media chat with defence correspondents, in Abuja.

According to him, Times were even there where people who were armed refused to go to combat because of propaganda or the capability of the enemy which may not be true. Where did it go out from? Of course, the media.

Enenche said the military was ever ready to defend the sovereignty of Nigeria, adding that it was carrying out its responsibility to that effect.

He said: And for the military, our own is to protect the territorial integrity of this nation. Without being told, I would tell you that we are the backbone of the corporate existence of this country. I can confidently tell you that.

So, I will tell you that what has caused others to disintegrate worldwide has happened here and we still remain intact, with the support of the military.

Above all, the military we have now have total loyalty to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

There were times where people that you were even defending turned against the forces defending them because of negative propaganda, he said.

In a similar vein, the Nigerian Army has again warned Amnesty International against issuing reports attacking the Nigerian military in the countrys war against insurgency and insecurity.

In a statement issued on Monday, February 27 by acting director of defence information Brigadier General Rabe Abubakar and posted to PR Nigeria, the military accused Amnesty International of working against the interest of Nigeria.

The military claimed that Amnesty International is siding with terrorists in its reports and clearly working against Nigeria's unity.

Source: Legit.ng
The presidency has reacted to the Senates rejection of Ibrahim Magu as chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFFC) saying this has to be officially communicated to President Muhammadu Buhari.

Magu was screened by the Senate on Wednesday, March 15 three months after his confirmation was first rejected but at the end of the second screening, his confirmation was refused again.

READ ALSO: Ozekhome asks Buhari to shop for another EFCC chairman

In addition, the Senate insisted that Magu had lost the power to continue in the capacity as acting chairman of the EFCC and thus President Buhari should re-nominate another person for the position.

Buhari to respond to Magu's rejection after official letter

Femi Adesina who is the special adviser to the president on media and publicity tweeted that President Buhari would duly respond to the rejection when the Senate sends him an official letter.

The rejection of Magu has raised suspicion that President Buhari has lost some of his powers with speculation that he was not in charge anymore.

Meanwhile, Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN) chided the Nigerian Senate for rejecting Magu for the second time.

President Buhari will respond to the rejection of Magu as EFCC chairman when he gets an official letter

According to Falana, the red chamber by its action, ridiculed the office of President Buhari.

But Falana advised President Buhari to restrain the DSS from sabotaging the fight against corruption.

He also stated that some senators under investigation by the commission ought not to have participated in the screening.

Source: Legit.ng
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- President Muhammadu Buhari met some governors at the Presidential Villa on Thursday, March 16

- The governors are attending a meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC)

- Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo is presiding over the meeting

President Buhari this afternoon met state governors during the ongoing NEC meeting at the Presidential Villa, Aso Rock.

Governors signing the attendance register at the meeting

According to Daily Trust, President Buhari went round inside the Council Chambers to shake hands with all the governors in attendance.

After the president exchanged pleasantires with the governors, journalists were thereafter asked to leave.

Few minutes later, the president left for his office, even as it is not clear what the president discussed with the governors.

READ ALSO: APC leadership to meet President Buhari, others over convention

Cross section of the governors at the meeting

This is the president's first interaction with the state governors since his return to Nigeria on Friday, March 10 from his medical vacation in London.

He also approved some of the requests of the state chief executives at the meeting.

The National Economic Council, headed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, is composed of the 36 state governors, the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and relevant ministers.

Ekiti state governor; Ayodele Fayose and his Rivers state counterpart, Nyesome Wike are however absent at the meeting.

Governor Wike has not visited the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja in the last four months.

One month ago, the governor said he stopped visiting the nation's capital due to thehe stopped visiting the nation's capital due to the excessive prevalence of lies in Abuja.

READ ALSO: APC summon its governors to Abuja for crucial meeting

Source: Legit.ng
Customs boss Hameed Ali is one man who has refused to be intimidated by the Nigerian Senate.

Ali has been defying the Senates directive to wear his uniform as Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Customs Service.

Customs boss Hameed Ali said he was not aware of any law that states he should wear uniform.

According to him, he cannot wear customs uniform as a former Nigerian army colonel and he was appointed to work and reform the custom service and not to wear uniform.

Ali appeared before the Senate today, March 16, and once again defied the directive to wear customs uniform while appearing before the red chamber.

READ ALSO: Senate goes into closed session as Customs boss arrives in mufti

In his defence, he said he was not aware of any law that states he should wear uniform.

The Senate asked him to leave and re-appear before it on Wednesday, March 22 in his uniform.

Some Nigerians are wondering why wearing of uniform is becoming such a huge issue and have taken to social media to share their thoughts.

PAY ATTENTION: Get the latest news on Legit.ng News App

READ ALSO: Customs boss Hameed Ali to take legal action over issue of wearing uniform

Meanwhile, a former comptroller general of the Nigeria Customs Service Bello Haliru has said that wearing uniform of part of the service's regulation.

He said upon his appointment, he was duty bound to obey all the rules and regulations governing the service.

In the video below, a Nigerian on the streets of Lagos says everybody is the Buhari of his life.

Source: Legit.ng
- Civil society groups have asked Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to make new environmental law accessible or face legal action

- The groups wondered why the governor refused to make the law accessible two weeks after he assented to it

Two weeks after it was signed into law by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, the Lagos States law on the environment is still inaccessible to the public.

Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode (middle), signing the Environmental Management and Protection bill into Law, at the Banquet Hall, Lagos House, Ikeja, on Wednesday, March 1, 2017.

The law titled: "Consolidated Laws on the Management, Protection and Sustainable Development on the Environment in Lagos State and Connected Purposes", was signed by Mr Ambode on March 1 after a contentious public hearing organised by the Lagos House Committee on the Environment on February 9 and its subsequent passage by the House on February 20.

READ ALSO: Ambode set to buy 5,000 of these air-conditioned buses to replace Danfo

Premium Times reports that a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Tunde Braimoh said the clean copy of the new law was with the Executive arm.

He said: Its an executive thing, after they sign it they will send it to the Printing Corporation for printing, I dont know how far they have gone about that, said Mr. Braimoh (APC, Kosofe II), Chairman, House Committee on Information, Strategy, and Security. Others are Africa Women Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Network (AWWASHNET)

If you go to Ministry of Justice, they will have it, because they are the people that will send it to the (Corporation).

What I have is the one that was worked on but if you want to get the gazetted one, you have to go to the Ministry of Justice.

At the Ministry of Justice, last week, an official said the gazetted law could be available after one week.

However, the official said the document isnt yet ready.

Just keep checking, well make it available as soon as its ready, he added.

However, environmental activists in the state have said they could also not access the new law.

On Wednesday March 15, civil societies and grassroots stakeholders demanded that Mr Ambode make the new law public.

The groups insisted that the inaccessibility of the document from the relevant ministries of the Lagos State government two weeks after it was signed has fuelled suspicion that its provisions are anti-people as they had alerted immediately the Lagos House of Assembly passed it.

During the public hearing, civil society groups had faulted the process on the premise that the 190-page draft bill was only made available to the invitees a day before the legislative exercise.

In addition, a few civil society organisations were invited and allowed to present memorandum.

In a statement issued by the groups in Lagos, they faulted sections of the law which they describe as corporate buy-over of Lagos in the guise of providing services.

Civil society group protesting against the Lagos new environment law

The groups that signed the statement include: Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN), Peace and Development Project (PEDEP), Joint Action Front (JAF), Friends of the Environment, Climate-aid, and Committee for Defence of Human Rights, the Justice Development and Peace Commission (JDPC) of the Catholic Church andOthers Africa Women Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Network (AWWASHNET).

Akinbode Oluwafemi, Deputy Executive Director of ERA/FoEN, said the haste with which lawmakers organised the public hearing and passed the bill, and the equal speed with which the governor assented to the document is questionable in the face of a near total lack of public input.

We are shocked that more than two weeks after the governor signed a law as far-reaching as the new environment law, no one has set eyes on the document or can say what it contains outside what we saw as a draft by the House of Assembly, Mr Oluwafemi said.

We have suddenly realised that the greatest threat to our people is when a supposed-democratic government now exists only for big business. We are miffed.

Francis Abayomi, Executive Director of PEDEP, described the alleged secrecy surrounding Mr Ambodes assent to the law as controversial and antithetical to the citizens of Lagos as very disturbing.

We are particularly worried that the governor will sign a law that practically wills our right to a free gift of nature which water represents; to private interests whose sole concern is profits. Personally I am shell-shocked, he said.

Veronica Nwanya, chairperson of AWWASHNET, said access to water is a human right that cannot be taken away from the people.

This law, not only violates that right, she said. If allowed unchallenged, it will add to the burden that lack of sustained investment in the water sector has unleashed, and worsen the poverty the people suffer. Women and children and even generations yet born will suffer. It is unacceptable.

The bill passed by the state House of Assembly on February 20 was not made public.

But, the draft at the Public Hearing gave too much power to the Lagos Commissioner for Environment, criminalizes sinking of boreholes, and imposes fines and sets prison terms for any Lagos citizen that sells or transports water, among others.

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Mr Braimoh had said in February that the sections of the bill that criminalised sinking of boreholes in residential areas were removed from the one passed into law.

But the activists called on Mr Ambode to end the regime of speculations on the law by making it public without further delay.

Source: Legit.ng
The Nigerian Senate has told Customs boss Hameed Ali to go and re-appear before it on Wednesday, March 22 in his uniform as Comptroller-General of the body.

The Senate had earlier admitted Ali into the upper house of legislature's chambers on Thursday, March 16 and questioned him on why he has been defying its directive to dress properly for his appearance.

Below are some senators who pleaded with the Customs boss and tried to reason with him

1. Ike Ekweremadu

Ike Ekweremadu, the Deputy Senate President tried and failed to reason with the Customs boss

The current Deputy President Ike Ekweremadu of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) tried to defuse the charged atmosphere by saying: "Please oblige us if you have no reason for not wearing the Customs uniform."

2. Solomon Olamilekan Adeola

Senator Adeola tried to point out the importance of the Customs uniform

Senator Adeola who is also known by the alias Yayi and is representing Lagos West Senatorial District said: "Anyone can wear the Customs uniform and appear as the Comptroller General."

READ ALSO: Senate goes into closed session as Customs boss arrives in mufti

3. Magnus Abe

Magnus Abe pleaded with the CG to consider the image of the Nigeria Customs Service

Source: Depositphotos

Senator Magnus Ngei is the current senator for the Rivers South East constituency of Rivers state and he joined in to plead with the CG to wear his uniform in order to preserve the image of the Customs.

4. Barnabas Gemade

Barnabas Gemade appealed to Ali's respectability during the Senate session

Senator Barnabas Gemade representing Benue North East reasoned with Hameed Ali that it was respectable and important to wear his uniform.

Watch a video below of the former NNPC MD:

Source: Legit.ng
Sen. Chris Ngige, Minister of Labour and Employment, says that the Technical Committee on Minimum Wage and Palliatives will submit its report to the Presidency soon.

Minister of Labour, Chris Ngige says the presidency will receive the technical report on new minimum wage soon

Ngige said this while briefing newsmen on the update of the meeting held between government and labour at the Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF) office, on Thursday in Abuja.

On June 3, 2016 a joint technical committee of the Federal Government and organised labour was inaugurated on palliatives and minimum wage.

It was meant to cushion effects of the increase in the pump price of petrol after the NLC nationwide strike and protest against the increase by the Federal Government from N86.50 to N145.

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The Technical Committee was expected to discuss the minimum wage and other palliatives to cushion the effect of the hike on the workers as well as other Nigerians.

According to Ngige, the committee at its final meeting between the Federal Government and Labour made recommendations on the issue of the review of minimum wage and the prescription of palliatives.

The committee is supposed to put up a framework for the composition, functions and establishment of a minimum wage tripartite committee to review the hitherto existing 2011 minimum wage.

The committee is to prescribe to government the areas of palliatives that will cushion the effect of the increase in pump price of petrol.

The committee has finally finished its work, so we held a meeting to finalise the report.

If everything goes well and date is agreeable to everybody, we may be submitting the technical report sometimes next week to the presidency,  he said.

Ngige said that the presidency is expected to set up a tripartite committee which would include government, employers and Labour.

He noted that the technical committee made far reaching recommendations but subject to the approval of the presidency.

READ ALSO: Man blames wife battering on economic hardship as marriage crashes

For the first time we recommended that three governors should be nominated by their colleagues to represent them in the committee to review the minimum wage.

Because, from the past experience, even some states have not been able to pay the minimum wage, so it does not make sense if we do not involve them as employers.

So, when the National Minimum Wage Committee finishes its work, it will go to the National Assembly because it is an issue on the exclusive list, he added.

He, however, said the technical committee also made some recommendations on palliative, which the Federal Government was already implementing.

Ngige said that the 2017 budget for instant, would tackle the issue of housing deficit head-on.

He also noted that it was part of the recommendation that the Ministry of Power Works and Housing should inject N45 billion for mass housing, while the Ministry of Finance has voted more fund for mass housing

Ngige added that the Office of Head of Service was also doing something on mass housing for workers.

Our recommendations also talk about how the Federal Mortgage Bank will be strengthened through capitalisation by all stakeholders including government to discharge its functions to workers.

We also made recommendations on how the mass transit bus for workers should be strengthened.

Other recommendations on the palliative are N-Power, Conditional Cash, Transfers, School feeding programme, among others, he said.

Meanwhile, Legit.ng has asked Nigerians to react on the possibility of having a female president and their responses will surprise you.

Source: Legit.ng
Lincoln police searched Thursday for two teenage males believed to have robbed the Pinnacle Bank branch at 70th Street and Lincolnshire Road.

No one was injured in the robbery reported at 12:30 p.m., Capt. Don Scheinost said.

One of the robbers was armed with a handgun when they entered the bank, took cash and left on foot southbound, Scheinost said. No shots were fired.

One of the suspects had a backpack, he said.

Just before 2 p.m., investigators were on scene collecting evidence from the bank and interviewing staff in the bank and neighbors.

Lancaster County Sheriff's deputies and Nebraska State Patrol troopers joined police in scouring nearby neighborhoods for the robbers.

Residents should call police if they see anyone suspicious, Scheinost said.
A middle-aged man, Malam Umar, and his teenage son, Abubakar, died inside a well they were digging at Gidan-Filani village, near Wamakko in Sokoto state, on Wednesday.

A similar incident happened in Lagos where a man lost his life while digging a well

An eye-witness in Wamakko on Thursday said that the duo had dug up to nine feet when the well suddenly collapsed on Abubakar, who was inside.

The witness said that a distraught Umar jumped into the well to rescue his son, but that none of them came out alive.

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Alhaji Abu Maitifas, Secretary, Tippers Drivers Association, (Sokoto Chapter), who visited the scene of the incident, also said that their bodies were later retrieved by personnel of the Sokoto state Fire Service.

He said that the two men, who hailed from Lokobi village in Wamakko Local Government, had been buried.

READ ALSO: Governor directs contractors back to site in all 17 LG, spends N2.11 billion on 35 projects (check details)

The Director-General of the Fire Service, Alhaji Ibrahim Dingyadi confirmed the incident, and described it as unfortunate.

Meanwhile, Legit.ng has asked Nigerians to react on the possibility of having a female president and their responses will surprise you.

Source: Legit.ng
Nigeria is the country with the developed oil and gas industry. Therefore, for certain, there are companies in Port Harcourt, one of the centers of oil in Nigeria, propelling the economy. Let's learn a few facts about the most known and expensive companies in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

Companies in Port Harcourt

Oil companies in Port Harcourt

 Chevron

Chevron is a public (CVX) company, which is involved in Oil and Gas Industry. The main office of Chevron company is located in San Ramon, CA. It has more than 10,000 employees. Revenue is more than $10 billion per year. Chevron Corporation is integrated energy company from the USA, the second after ExxonMobil, one of the largest corporations in the world. The company takes the 3rd place in Fortune 500 in 2015, and also enters the Fortune Global 500 list following the results of 2014 (the 12th place). It was founded in 1879 in the city of Piko-Kanyon. In 2001, it bought Texaco company, having received the name ChevronTexaco. In 2005, it returned to the former name. On May 1998, activists made a demonstration and took several people hostage on an oil platform of the company in the delta of Niger. According to unchecked data, Nigerian police officers and soldiers arrived on Chevron helicopters. Soldiers shot at activists, and subsequently, two activists (Jola Ogungbeje and Aroleka Irowaninu) died of wounds. In 2007, the judge of the USA began the legal procedure in the claim to Chevron from victims and families of the dead people, having told that there can be evidence that Chevron provided transport to Nigerian armed forces, famous for use of violence. In December 2008, the federal court of jurors dismisses all charges from Chevron. Chevron claimed that military intervention was necessary for the protection of the life of its workers and considers the judgment of jurors as the proof of it.

Companies in Port Harcourt

 Shell

Shell is the English-Dutch concern having high-quality servicing and good fuel. The group was created in 1907 by the combining Royal Dutch Petroleum Company, Shell Transport, and Trading Company Ltd. This merge was generally caused by the need of the competition in the world market to the American company Standard Oil. In general, the name Shell and a logo of the company (a red-yellow cockleshell) come from 1833 when the English merchant Markus Samuel opened the small shop in London and began to trade exotic bagatelles among which there were caskets decorated with seashells. Further, in 1891 Samuel's son appeared in Batumi where he had the idea to adjust transportation of kerosene from the Caspian Sea through the Suez Canal to the Middle East. In 1892, the tanker of the SS Murex company went from Russia with the freight of 4000 tons of kerosene to Singapore and Bangkok. In February 2016, Royal Dutch Shell finished the purchase of the British BG Group, about which it was declared in April 2015. The amount of transaction has made 70 billion US dollars. According to terms of the transaction, shareholders of BG Group received about 19% of the united company, and Royal Dutch Shell  access to inventories of liquefied natural gas, in the production of which the British company specialized. According to many motorists, this company corresponds to the European standards. Nigeria is the key region for Shell. In the delta of Niger River, it pumps oil already half a century and extracts up to 15% of the raw materials. However, there are also negative facts regarding this company. Thanks to Shell, Nigeria today is one of the leaders in oil leakages. Leakages happen here on average ten times a week. At the same time, the number of accidents over the years only increases: if in the 80th Shell lost here about 30 thousand barrels (in five years), then in five years in the 2000th it amounts reached nearly 300 thousand barrels! The main reason is the deterioration of pipes.

READ ALSO: BREAKING: Panic in Port Harcourt following heavy shootings

Companies in Port Harcourt

 ExxonMobil

ExxonMobil is the American company, the largest public oil company in the world, and one of the largest corporations in the world by the amount of market capitalization ($417.2 billion for January 2013, $336.5 billion in May 2009 according to the rating of the market capitalization of FT 500). In 2007, it took the 2nd place in the list of the largest public American companies of Fortune 1000 and in the list of the largest world corporations Fortune Global 500 (lists were created by the size of revenue of 2006). The headquarters of the company is located in the suburb of Dallas, the State of Texas. The present company was created in 1999 as a result of the merge of the largest American oil companies Exxon and Mobil. Both companies were heirs of Standard Oil trust of John Rockefeller after its forced separation in 1911.

The Standard Oil company was founded in 1870, monopolized the oil industry of the USA and gained so bad reputation that the government stopped its activities and divided it into 34 impartial legal entities. Jersey Standard (Standard Oil Company of New Jersey), Exxon in future, and Socony (Standard Oil Company of New York), Mobil in future were two of these 34 companies. The Standard Oil of New Jersey company (Jersey Standard) sold products in its territory under the name of Esso. After that in 1972, Jersey Standard replaced the name with Exxon Corporation. It began to use a new trademark, Exxon in the territory of the USA. However, in the countries of Europe and in Canada affiliated enterprises kept Esso in the name. In 1998 Exxon and Mobil signed the merger agreement worth $73.7 billion about forming of the new company ExxonMobil Corporation, the largest on the planet. Merge was complete in November 1999.

Companies in Port Harcourt

Construction companies in Port Harcourt

 Lubrik

Lubrik is a major civil engineering firm, which created a strong cooperation with the leading design firms in the industry around the world. They create the joint design with corporations worldwide. The design created by teams of this company is one of the most successful in the territory of Nigeria. The company specializes in a construction of buildings, high-rise towers, the conference centers, hotels, shopping centers and a lot of other public and private projects. In a construction, Lubrik is one of the biggest sectors. It is concentrated on a construction of top-quality roads, high-quality bridges, ports, and other civil projects. The firm pays huge attention to quality, time, and the budget to guarantee the highest level of services and to observe the time for which projects can be made.

Companies in Port Harcourt

 Monier Construction Company

Monier Construction Company (Nigeria) Limited is a Nigerian company with the big reputation, which it gained within five decades. This company is a member of Federation of a construction of civil buildings and contractors of Civil engineering in Nigeria. This company is one of the earliest participants in the construction industry of Nigeria created in 1955 and registered as the contractor of civil buildings and civil engineering with the main office in Mlie 7, Rumuigbo, in 1957. The company uses the modern equipment in road construction and other key sectors of the construction industry.

During consolidation in 1957, the company belonged to German Company, but eventually, Nigerian investors had the interests in MCC. Today MCC is a real Nigerian firm, which belongs to Nigerians and is operated by Nigerians. The purpose of this company is the aspiration to create the environment, which would promote the change of living conditions where people solving problems, create the intellectual equity and meet standards of safety and the quality, which is an integral part of daily business. Work in the different areas of Nigeria is one from benefits of this company. The firm is able to finish projects even in the case of adverse conditions successfully. The company specializes in construction, chemical, and petrochemical areas, electricity generation, and control of erosion.

Companies in Port Harcourt

Marine companies in Port Harcourt

 Oceanwatermarine and Oil Services Ltd

Oceanwatermarine and Oil Services Ltd is the local private sea security service and the sea logistic company created to guarantee observance of severe measures of safety, to provide the full range of services and expert knowledge in the energy sector. The company has the official office in Port Harcourt. It is proud of the unsurpassed relations with government Security forces (navy, sea police, etc.), a rich set of knowledge, the reliable strategy, observance of legal documentation and transaction even in unstable regions.

Companies in Port Harcourt

Drilling companies in Port Harcourt

 ACME Energy Integrated Services Limited

ACME Energy Integrated Services Limited is a representative of the oil and gas industry, which also passed into drilling sector because of the absence of the corresponding personnel and the equipment used in the Nigerian industry of drilling. A founder of the company is Greg Ezenwa. He took the lead, and ACME Energy Integrated Service Limited was founded to create considerable impact in the oil and gas industry, having provided the reliable equipment and services in drilling. ACME Energy Integrated Services Limited connected local and foreign security specialists in the field of the environment, departments for public relations, quality, and administration. For these years, the company executive got wide experience in the field of drilling, collected from around the world for effective and timely project implementation and many joint tasks. The policy of the company is a combination of local knowledge and experience with technical expertise and the principles of quality of worldwide reputable organizations.

Companies in Port Harcourt

Conclusion

As you can see, the number of the companies in Nigeria, in particular, Port Harcourt, is huge. Therefore, it is impossible to learn the whole list of companies in Port Harcourt as it could last for a long time. However, today you learned about the most known of them.

READ ALSO: Powerful Explosion Rocks Port Harcourt

Source: Legit.ng
- Governor Ayodele Fayose challenges former president, Olusegun Obasanjo, to explain to Nigerians the source of his wealth

- Fayose urges the Obasanjo to come out clean on his roles in the controversial $1.09 billion Malabu Oil deal

- The governor reiterates his demand that the former president refunds with interest, the N10 million that he was forced alongside other governors to donate to his presidential library project

Fayose has said Obasanjo lacks moral rights to accuse anyone of corruption.

Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti state has described former president, Olusegun Obasanjo, as the father of corruption in Nigeria, who sits on stolen wealth.

Fayose has also challenged the former president to explain to Nigerians the source of his wealth, adding that Obasanjo lacks moral rights to accuse anyone of corruption.

The Governor, who was reacting to comment credited to Obasanjo that African leaders should ensure that treasury looters are exposed and his warning of former attorney-general of the federation (AGF) and minister of justice Mohammed Adoke, to stop mentioning his name in the controversial $1.09 billion Malabu Oil deal, said the former president should come out clean on his roles in the Malabu Oil deal, instead of warning Adoke to stop mentioning his name in the deal.

Fayose said: It is on record that the out-of-court settlement on the controversial Malabu Oil Block was initiated in 2006 during Obasanjos administration.

The governor likened Obasanjos accusing anyone of corruption to Oyenusi accusing Shina Rambo of armed robbery.

He called on the former president to explain to Nigerians the source of his wealth, saying; We saw how Obasanjo was when he became president and the magnitude of both direct and indirect investments that he has now. Can he in all honesty tell Nigerians that he acquired his wealth through legitimate means?

He said Obasanjo is the father of corruption in the present day Nigeria.

Even the National Assembly affirmed him (Obasanjo) as the grandfather of corruption in Nigeria and it is on record that it was this same Obasanjo, who is always claiming holier than thou that introduced politics of ghana-must-go bags to the National Assembly, Fayose said.

Has Obasanjo forgotten how many billions of naira was deployed to lobby National Assembly members to support his third term agenda?

Has he forgotten so soon that it was during his tenure that sacks of money were displayed on the floor of the House of Representatives, as bribe money given to some Reps members to impeach the then Speaker, Ghali Nabba?

Fayose also reiterated his demand that the former president should refund with interest, the N10 million that he was forced alongside other governors to donate to his presidential Library project.

In other news, Ekiti state Governor, Ayodele Fayose and his Rivers state counterpart, Nyesom Wike, were absent as Vice President Yemi Osinbajo met state governors on Thursday, March 16.

Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo presided over a meeting of the National Economic Council at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Punch reports that the meeting was attended by state governors and ministers who are members of the council.

It started at about 10.11am with the arrival of Osinbajo at the Council Chambers venue of meeting.

While some state governors are attended personally, some others are being res presented by their deputies.

Source: Legit.ng
The Federal Government says it has deployed epidemiologists and vaccines to arrest the outbreak of a new a strain of Cerebro Spinal Meningitis (CSM) in parts of the country.

The presidency under Muhammadu Buhari and Professor Yemi Osinbajo are poised to fight the new discovered meningitis

The Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole said this on Thursday in Abuja that the new strain, which is not common in Nigeria, was imported from Niger Republic.

Adewole said that the new strain requires a different type of vaccine and a team of epidemiologists have been deployed to address the challenge.

He described the outbreak of meningitis in Sokoto and Zamfara states as an unfortunate incidence, stressing that the ministry is working hard to contain the situation.

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It has become an annual ritual under this administration; we would want to put an end to annual outbreak of meningitis in some of the northern states.

I have just spoken with the commissioner for health in Zamfara who is appreciative of what the Federal Ministry of Health has been doing through the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.

We have sent field epidemiologists; they are actually called disease detectives, to support them at the state level, Adewole said.

The minister said that government have provided vaccines and would continue to do more in terms of whatever was needed with respect to material and technical support to overcome the outbreak.

What we know in public health is that there is always an outbreak, but what is uncertain is where and the type.

We want to be ready at any time, he said.

Adewole said he has scheduled a meeting with the commissioners of health from the Northern states to plan a resilient and strong strategy to put an end to meningitis outbreak in the country.

He said all the states in northwest region are prone to the disease and the states would be treated equally when confronted by outbreaks such as this.

READ ALSO: Pay salary now: Buhari orders CBN, finance ministry to release Paris Club refunds to states immediately

While calling for more vigilance, the minister appealed to Nigerians to report all cases of unusual fevers to health facilities and avoid overcrowding.

When people are coughing let them be referred to facilities, open windows and ensure that we do not get infected easily.

Children are more susceptible and when they have unusual fever they should also be referred to the hospital, Adewole said.

According to him, many ailments like Lassa fever, meningitis and other diseases usually occur during the dry season and we expect many health challenges.

Global warming had changed many things; as far as we are concern we would be ready for many things, he said.

An outbreak of CSM has claimed five lives in Gada and Wauru towns of Gada Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Balarabe Kakale, said that the victims died at the Gada General Hospital and Wauru Primary Health Centre.

He said: Three of the deaths were recorded at the Gada General hospital, while two were recorded at the Wauru PHC.

A similar report outbreak was also reported from Zamfara on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, in the video below, Nigerians have continued to speak against the small budget of the FG on health per individual.

Watch video

Source: Legit.ng
Nebraska has asked to drop a 10-state lawsuit it led challenging federal guidance the Obama administration gave to schools on locker room and bathroom use by transgender students.

In a motion filed Thursday, Nebraska Chief Deputy Attorney General David Bydalek said the U.S. Department of Justice and Department of Education last month jointly withdrew the statements of policy and guidance that had been an issue.

The January 2015 and May 2016 letters had directed schools to allow transgender students to use restrooms and locker rooms according to their expressed gender or risk losing federal funding.

Bydalek said the Justice and Education departments made clear they won't rely on the views expressed within the letters.

The move essentially made the lawsuit moot.

Soon after, U.S. District Judge John Gerrard dismissed the case.

"The Department of Justice has restored the proper legal application of Title IX. Therefore, we dismissed our lawsuit. School districts will again have the freedom to fashion policies regarding sensitive privacy issues at the local level," said Suzanne Gage, a spokeswoman at the Nebraska Attorney General's office.

The office filed the legal challenge last July and was joined by nine other states: Arkansas, Kansas, Michigan, Montana, North Dakota, Ohio, South Carolina, South Dakota and Wyoming.
Aero Contractors Airline is said to have fired 900 of its workers which represented about 60 per cent of its workforce in efforts to cut operational costs.

Days after the resumption of the president, Aero Contractors has fired 900 workers in Nigeria

The Airline, which is under the management of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) sacked the workers during the week.

According to the airline's Media Consultant, Mr Simon Tumba, the workers would be paid their pension and gratuity.

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As at last September, the Airline was said to have had about 1,500 workers on its payroll before it suspended flights.

In 2013, AMCON took over the airline.

Tumba reported argued that the airline had been grappling with huge and unrealistic personnel cost as well as other operational challenges, worsened by lack of enough aircraft to keep all the workers meaningfully engaged.

The issuance of notification of redundancy is a business decision that will ensure Aeros survival.

The current situation where over a thousand people are basically not engaged due to lack of serviceable aircraft is not sustainable for the airline.

The huge monthly salary associated with a bloated workforce will eventually kill the airline, which is not the intention of the current government, he said.

According to him, governments intervention in Aero was to save it from total collapse.

READ ALSO: Pay salary now: Buhari orders CBN, finance ministry to release Paris Club refunds to states immediately

This decision will immediately reduce the whopping operational cost, which has been stifling Aero; enable the management bring in more aircraft through savings from overheads and pay for C-checks.

It will also enable Aero have a more manageable and committed workforce in line with international best practices of 50 to 60 personnel to one aircraft unlike what obtains in Aero at the moment.

Meanwhile, in the video below, Nigerians have continued to react to the return of President Muhammadu Buhari after 51 days of absence.

Source: Legit.ng
- House of Representatives remove Kemi Adeosun as chairman of the national council on public procurement following the alterations of the bill for an Act to amend the Public Procurement Act, 2007

- Adeosun will be replaced by a person to be appointed by the president with the introduction of a new section

- Speaker of the House, Yakubu Dogars, says the essence of the bill is to sanitise Nigerias business environment

Kemi Adeosun has been dropped as chairman of the national council on public procurement.

The minister of finance, Kemi Adeosun, has been removed from the post of chairman of the national council on public procurement by the House of Representatives.

READ ALSO: Reps faults NCS for failing to auction seized items

Her removal from the council was done following the alterations passed by the House on a bill for an Act to amend the Public Procurement Act, 2007 as passed by the House, PM News reports.

A major amendment of the bill was the removal of minister of finance as chairman of the national council on public procurement.

The minister will now be replaced with a person to be appointed by the president.

Section 35 (1) of the bill increased mobilisation fee to contractors or suppliers from 15 to not more than 50 percent or more as may be prescribed by the Bureau, while section 35(3) prescribes 2 years jail term as punishment for any person or authority who accesses mobilisation fee and absconds or does not carry out the services or works commensurate to the fee paid shall be guilty of an offence and punishable with 2 years imprisonment or a fine equivalent to the fee paid or both".

Section 25(3) of the law shortens the time provided in the bill for emergency procurement activity to ensure timely execution but the procurement entity acting with respect to paragraph (i) of this section shall notify the Bureau within 7 days of such action".

READ ALSO: Obasanjo lacks moral rights to accuse anyone of corruption  Fayose

Similarly, the new law provides for the establishment of Parastatal Tenders Board in each Federal ministry, extra-ministerial department and all agencies of government, and includes the National Defense and National Security Agencies which hitherto were excluded from the procurement processes.

In an effort to increase public access to procurement activities, the House bill introduced a new section 5 (f) which mandates the Bureau to publish the details of all contracts in the procurement journal, any other national newspapers and in their official website; while subsection (h) states that the Bureau shall maintain a national database of the particulars, classification, and categorisation of federal contractors, suppliers, consultants and service providers".

Commenting on the bill, speaker, Yakubu Dogara noted that the essence of the bill is to sanitise Nigerias business environment and improve the ease of doing business in the country by ensuring that Nigeria has value for money by ensuring smoother implementation of national budgets as passed by the National Assembly.

Explaining the rationale behind the amendment, Dogara said that the extant provision runs contrary to the principle of natural justice, where you sit as a judge on your own matter."

Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has directed the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun and the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, to act appropriately and with dispatch in releasing the second tranche of the London-Paris Club refunds to the states in order to ease their financial hardships.

The president, who addressed the meeting of the National Economic Council made up of state governors and chaired by the vice-president on Thursday in Abuja, however, made a strong case for settlement of unpaid salaries and pension liabilities of their workers.

Source: Legit.ng
Pastor Reno Omokri, the former aide to Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan on electronic media, has lashed out again at Malam Nasir El-Rufai, over his latest statement regarding President Muhammadu Buhari.

Buhari bashing: Reno Omokri attacks El-Rufai

El-Rufai had recently sent a powerful memo to President Muhammadu Buhari arguing that the All Progressives Congress (APC) has made the situation in Nigeria worse than it met it by failing to be proactive in taking key decisions in a timely manner.

In reaction to El-Rufai's memo, Omokri wrote: "The mouth that Nasir El-Rufai used to bite Atiku Abubakar, then Olusegun Obasanjo then Umar Yar'Adua then Goodluck Jonathan has now been used to bite President Buhari!"

Adding: "A backbiter must always bite and a backstabber must always stab! President Muhammadu Buhari should go and buy former President Obasanjo's book, My Watch, to read what he said about El-Rufai. Said Obasanjo "I recognised his weaknesses; the worst being his inability to be loyal to anybody or any issue consistently for long, but only to Nasir el-Rufai." Did Obasanjo lie? You be the judge!""

Omokri further said: "A man who cannot govern his state believes he can advise a man who does not know how to govern a nation.

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Do you see why we are where we are? Parts of Kaduna are like a war zone. The state has not achieved any feat economically.

The governor is in a power tussle with Shehu Sani, a Senator from the state. Kaduna citizens complain about lopsided appointments at the state level. Yet, this busybody leaves all of that to teach the President his business. He cannot carry a rat yet he wants to carry an elephant!"

Recall that earlier today, March 16, Legit.ng reported that Omkri too a swipe at the Kaduna state governor of the scandal involving Apostle Johnson Suleman.

Omokri said If Malam Nasir El-Rufai can make slanderous comments about Jesus Christ, then he can equally do anything to get at Apostle Suleman, just as the General Overseer of Omega Fire Ministries, has alleged.

The former aid to GEJ made a couple of remarks on Facebook regarding the adultery scandal that has continued to evolve and generate great buzz around Nigeria.

He said: "Not that I agree With Omega Fire Ministry's allegation that Nasir El-Rufai is behind Stephanie Otobo, but there are many coincidences and it begs questions. On March 29, 2016, Suleman challenged Elrufai over his Preaching License Bill. On April 3, 2016, Elrufai responded.

"A man who can pay herdsmen (as he himself admitted) instead of arresting them shouldn't be underestimated. What is Suleman accused of? Sleeping with Otobo. Okay, El-Rufai tweeted on January 28, 2013 that if Jesus criticises Jonathans government, Maku, Abati or Okupe will say that he slept with Mary Magdalene.

READ ALSO: Karma! God is now punishing Magu for arresting enemies of Buhari only - Reno Omokri

"That tweet betrays a mindset. If a man can say this about Jesus, one wonders what will happen to a mere mortal. Also, of all the states in Nigeria, why did the second faceless accuser ask for the protection of the Kaduna state govt.

"Does Kaduna have a reputation for peace or security? And why would a govt confirm such a thing to Premium Times?

"Then consider what President Obasanjo, Elrufai's boss of 8 years, wrote about him in his book 'My Watch Vol 2 Nasirs penchant for reputation savaging is almost pathological. What is happening to Suleman today? Is it not 'reputation savaging'?"

Source: Legit.ng
As indications are rife that President Muhammadu Buhari may sack 10 ministers from the cabinet, whom many describe as being ineffective in their ministerial assignments, a group in the Niger Delta has thrown its weight behind the minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Usani Uguru Usani, saying he has done well in the almost two years he has been in office.

The endorsement may be coming out of fear that the president may throw him out of office, although the president is yet to make known who is to go or who remain, even as fears are growing among the ministers in the cabinet.

The Niger Delta group, the National Coalition of Niger Delta Ex-Agitators, in an e-mail to Legit.ng, said among all the ministers so far appointed by the president, Usani performed more creditably than others.

President Muhammadu Buhari and Uguru Usani Uguru, minister of Niger delta affairs

Although the group had, during the protest against the appointment of one Tikari Danjuma to head the Niger delta riverine protection programme, called for the sack of the minister, insisting then that the minister goofed for giving appointment to an impostor, it has now found the minister worthy, perhaps for sacking the Tikari following the wide protest in the region.

READ ALSO: Delta community protests against oil firm, gives 21-day-ultimatum to meet demand

According to the coalitions national president, Eshanekpe Israel, Pastor Uguru is the only political appointee who is living up to the expectations of the people of the Niger Delta region, describing him as President Muhammadu Buhari ' s utter ego.

The endorsement, he said, came after an enlarged meeting of the group in Ughelli where the members x-rayed all the ministers and found him worthy of their support, having met their expectations in the discharge of his responsibilities to the volatile region.

The group held that aside from Pastor Usani Uguru no other minister from the region placed premium on both human and material development in the region other than flaunting their "empty ego and rascality that won't do us any good."

Leader of Niger Delta Ex - Agitators, Israel Eshenakpe, and Usani Uguru

The former militants noted that during the reign of violence occasioned by the bombing of pipelines in a renewed militancy, Usani was handy, a development which culminated into the peace the region is currently enjoying today.

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"Apart from making himself accessible to the people across social divides, Usani is proactively empirical in establishing the cardinal objectives of President Buhari's administration, the statement said.

The group called on the Niger Delta people to sustain their support and love for the minister and by extension President Buharis government, adding that except for those who hate the Nigerian state, Deltans have implicit confidence in the ability of the administration to steer the ship of Nigerian state to safety.

Source: Legit.ng
The Nigerian Army has achieved a major success in the fight against Boko Haram as nine key members of the terrorist organisation have surrendered.

The nine terrorists reportedly surrendered to the Nigerian Army

A statement from Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman, the director of Army public relations, said the nine Boko Haram members were from Tambashe village in Dikwa local government area of Borno state.

READ ALSO: Boko Haram informant arrested as Troops intensify operations against fleeing terrorists

While some unscrupulous elements in the society are conniving with remnants of Boko Haram terrorists to continue to commit atrocities, the reality is dawning on the terrorists in the northern part of Borno state.

Two days ago, nine key Boko Haram terrorists from Tambashe village, Dikwa local government area, voluntarily surrendered to troops deployed along Dikwa-Gulumba Gana road.

The suspects claimed to be tired of the situation under the Boko Haram terrorists group and willingly offer themselves to troops as a mark of repentance.

READ ALSO: Nigerian troops must respect human rights - Theatre commander

Nevertheless, the repentant suspects are further being investigated, the statement from Usman said.

Source: Legit.ng
Elkeyshia Webster, 11, had no interest in going to a program at the Perez Art Museum Miami on a Saturday when she could be home, watching TV. And she was particularly angry when she found out that the event involved working with the police.

I really didnt want to be there, but my mother made me, she said. I havent had a good experience with police. Elkeyshia, known as Shia, was 8 when she and her mother were going out for pizza. She said the police pulled over their car and pointed a gun at them, mistakenly believing they had been involved in a drug deal.

But Art Detectives, a new three-day program scheduled to run on consecutive Saturdays, and whose pilot version took place last year, is directed at young people just like Shia. And it is part of a growing movement across the country to create programs for preteens and teenagers that use innovative art concepts to explore challenging ideas.

A number of art, science and social-justice museums across the country have been running short- and long-term projects for teenagers for decades. But in-school museum field trips are dropping off because of decreased educational funding and an increased emphasis on standardized testing. So museums are seeking more novel ways to make themselves relevant to an adolescent audience.
The ethos of this comes from how the Whitney always engages with artists, said Christopher Y. Lew, a co-curator of the biennial with Mia Locks. We follow what artists are doing. The objects they have created are ones they wanted to produce.

Perhaps appropriately, given that its one of Tiffanys signature materials, silver was the choice for four of the five projects, including Raul de Nievess In the Beginning, a sterling silver box.

They are sensitive and simpatico to the spirit of the institution, Adam D. Weinberg, the Whitneys director, said of Tiffany. Weve had a lot of contact with them. If we say, this doesnt feel so good, They say, O.K., well find something else.

Noting that the biennial has sometimes proved controversial, Mr. Weinberg also applauded Tiffany for taking a chance. You never know what the biennial will look like until it opens, so its very brave of them, he said.

For 180 years, Tiffany has been at the forefront of collaboration with artists, said Frederic Cumenal, who recently stepped down as the companys chief executive. Mr. Cumenal, who helped initiate the project, was on the Whitneys board from 2015 until this year. He added that Tiffany had always pioneered new technology, new materials, new skills.

Charles Lewis Tiffany founded the company as a stationer in 1837; later his son, the celebrated artist Louis Comfort Tiffany, was its artistic director, although he is better known for his own prodigious glassmaking, examples of which are on view around the country. Today Tiffany is a publicly traded company.
A former investment adviser at Oppenheimer Holdings was sentenced on Wednesday to six months imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to insider trading based on information from a childhood friend who worked at Pfizer Inc.

David Hobson, 48, was sentenced by in Federal District Court in Manhattan by Judge Laura Taylor Swain, who recommended that he serve his time at a halfway house. She also ordered him to forfeit more than $385,000.

Prosecutors, who had sought a sentence of at least two years, charged that Mr. Hobson, a Providence, R.I., resident, began engaging in insider trading in 2008 while working at a Royal Bank of Canada unit of RBC Capital Markets, and continued the activity at Oppenheimer & Co.

Mr. Hobson pleaded guilty to the charges in October. He admitted trading on inside information from Michael Maciocio, a director of chemical research and development at Pfizer, who pleaded guilty in May as part of a deal to cooperate with prosecutors.
The Belko Experiment is a grisly, sick-making exercise in sadism that tries to camouflage its base venality in a thought-experiment plot. The movie opens on an unusual day at the Colombian outpost of the Belko Corporation: Heavily armed security guards and bomb-sniffing dogs monitor the gates, and send certain staff members back home.

Shortly after the workday starts, an announcement over the P.A. instructs the staff to kill two people in the next half-hour  or else more will die at the command of an unseen force who can kill with the flick of a switch. Then metal shutters and walls seal off the building, and the 80 nervous employees realize this isnt a practical joke but rather a kill-or-be-killed game. The potheads at the bottom of the corporate ladder start screwing things up for everybody, while upper management (Tony Goldwyn, abetted by some twisted minions) takes the homicidal initiative.

Directed by Greg McLean (whose 2005 film, Wolf Creek, had a similar morbid interest in bullying its audience) from a script by James Gunn (currently relegated to delighting adolescents of all ages with the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise), the movie might have been better served by a director not hellbent on rubbing pretty much every head wound in the viewers face. Mr. McLean, perhaps determined to leave no cliche unturned, also wallows in the cheap and hackneyed irony of choreographed slaughter accompanied by Dvorak and Tchaikovsky.

The Animal Farm meets Texas Chainsaw Massacre climax yields some clever twists. But The Belko Experiment made me think that maybe its time to stop trying to solve the trolley problem (that is, do you sacrifice one life to save five workers from being killed by a runaway train?) and start worrying about the people who invent such conundrums.
Yet the various plans  and the Venn diagram of their overlaps and outliers  offer hints as to what the actual budget will look like when its adopted at the end of March. (If its adopted then: Mr. Cuomo has a six-year record of on-time or close-to-on-time budgets on the line.) Democrats trumpeted social programs, ethics reform and housing, while Republicans pressed on jobs, deregulation and economic development.

Their resolutions, which basically serve as opening bids in the budget talks, also indicate what may be kumbaya compromises  more funding for education (a perennial Democratic priority), a college affordability plan (recently lauded by the governor), and money for water infrastructure and heroin treatment (which Republicans have claimed as issues). The resolutions also reveal what could the major sticking point in negotiations, namely how much the states richest residents will pay in taxes, including the so-called millionaires tax, an extension of which Mr. Cuomo has characterized as critical to funding his agenda, and which the Republicans have resisted.

The debate over the resolutions also gave an outlet for simmering anger between members of the Independent Democrats and the Senate Democratic Conference. Members of the Independent Democratic Conference have been repeatedly accused by fellow Democrats of opportunism, because of their alliance with Republicans  an arrangement that has afforded them perks like larger offices and staffs, and committee chairmanships. That bad blood has only gotten worse since the Independent Democrats lured three new members in recent months, prompting a backlash in some districts.

On Wednesday, that animus erupted as one new member of the Independent Democratic Conference, Senator Marisol Alcantara, called Senator Michael Gianaris, the deputy leader of the Senate Democrats, a white man with a degree from Harvard using his white privilege, after Mr. Gianaris suggested that the Independent Democrats were enabling President Trumps agenda.
The European Court of Justice handed right-wing nationalists a victory on Tuesday that allows employers to ban Muslim women and others who wear signs of their faith. With rising anti-Muslim sentiment in Europe, and elections coming in several nations where the populist right is expected to do well, this decision sends exactly the wrong message.

The courts ruling involved two cases, one brought by a Frenchwoman against her employer, and one by a Belgian woman against hers. In both, the women were fired after refusing to remove their head scarves. In the French case, the woman was fired after a customer complained that he did not want to deal with an employee wearing a head scarf, and she refused to remove it. The court ruled rightly that the company could not fire the woman because of a clients complaint. In the Belgian case, however, the court failed to protect religious liberty and minority rights by permitting discrimination under the guise of neutrality.

The Belgian employer had a policy that prohibited workers from exhibiting outward signs of religious faith. A Muslim employee, who worked as a receptionist, sued after she was fired for wearing a head scarf. The Belgian court handling the case asked the European court for clarification on requirements under European law.
That 2013 site-specific production, which transformed the Marcoses world into a dance floor of ruthless ambition, suggested a new generations answer to that earlier musical portrait of a tyrants self-serving wife, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rices Evita.

As long as were thinking in terms of Lloyd Webber-Rice collaborations, I suppose you could call Joan of Arc Mr. Byrne and Mr. Timberss Jesus Christ Superstar. Like that rock opera from the early 1970s, Joan follows the path to martyrdom of a revolutionary in this case a peasant girl who donned armor and led France to victory over the occupying forces of England  who took her marching orders directly from God.

Now I never thought Id find myself preferring music by Mr. Lloyd Webber to that of Mr. Byrne, whose albums with Talking Heads played throughout my young adulthood. But lets face it. Jesus is a lot more fun than Joan  more impudent, more anarchic and even, in its consideration of the downside of first-century celebrity, more relevant to the present day.

Mr. Timbers, who again directs, and Mr. Byrne, who wrote the new shows book as well as its music and lyrics, might argue that the austere Joan is of even more searing topicality than the materialistic Mrs. Marcos was. In a recent interview in The New Yorker, Mr. Timbers said that with the horrors of the context of today, there was affirmative pertinence in the message that even the most unlikely individual can change the course of history through will and self-belief.
The world gets to see what it is to lean on each other and be there for each other through the darkest times, he said.

Mr. Trudeau, who was seeing the musical for the first time, said he also saw it as a demonstration of the importance of close relations between Canada and the United States.

There is no relationship quite like the friendship between Canada and the United States, he said. This story, this amazing show, is very much about that, and its about friendship as well.
WASHINGTON  Dina Powell, President Trumps senior counselor for economic initiatives, has been named as a deputy national security adviser for strategy, Trump administration officials said Wednesday.

The selection of Ms. Powell is the most prominent appointment on the National Security Council staff since Lt. Gen. H. R. McMaster was picked last month to serve as Mr. Trumps national security adviser.

K. T. McFarland will continue to serve as the principal deputy national security adviser, making her the second-ranking official after General McMaster.

Ms. Powell was asked to take the job by General McMaster, who wants to put a greater emphasis at the council on developing and implementing strategy. Although she does not have extensive experience on national security issues, Ms. Powell has spent 15 years in government, has worked in the private sector and has a broad network of contacts.
The fact that many of Nebraskas schools lack enough teachers, particularly in fields like science, mathematics, and special education, is likely not news to most.

Year after year, nearly all states across the country face similar shortages such that they now seem the norm. But there are steps states can take to at least reduce these shortages.

Nebraska, through Legislative Bill 650, is currently considering one way it can address its shortage challenge, by improving nontraditional routes into the classroom so that they are a more viable tool for districts to recruit talented individuals into teaching.

While the bill is a step in the right direction -- and it would move Nebraska more in line with what most states require of their nontraditional teacher candidates -- there are still many ways Nebraska can improve what it requires of all its aspiring teachers, both those in traditional and nontraditional preparation programs.

Done right, nontraditional pathways -- like alternate routes and making it practical for someone to consider a part-time teaching arrangement -- can bring valuable new talent into classrooms. On the one hand, students can benefit from being taught by actual scientists, mathematicians and others with professional accomplishments and substantial subject-matter expertise.

On the other hand, when teaching is opened up to anyone, without sufficient guardrails in place to ensure that individual has sufficient knowledge and training, students suffer. Across the country, more than half of states require alternative certification candidates to pass a subject-matter test; unfortunately, Nebraska is not one of them. Its mandated basic skills test and coursework requirements are an inadequate substitute.

Nor does Nebraska maintain even minimal content requirements for part-time teachers. Nebraska now has the opportunity to improve this landscape. LB650 would increase Nebraskas content test requirements for alternatively-certified and part-time teachers to ensure they have sufficient command of the topics they will teach.

While this measure would be an important step forward, it doesn't go far enough. Although it is absolutely critical that these non-traditional candidates demonstrate a strong mastery of their content area, schools cannot assume that those with subject-matter expertise automatically know how to teach it.

A scientist who understands physics may not know how best to explain it to a teenager; a mathematicians deep knowledge of algebra may not help motivate students. These new teachers need training, support and meaningful evaluation feedback to help them hone their instructional skills. Preparation for these individuals probably does not need to focus on subject-matter content, but instead on how to teach.

Moreover, alternatively certified teachers are not the only ones who could benefit from a required subject-matter test. Students need the state to ensure that even those in traditional prep programs have mastered their subjects before attempting to teach them.

Currently, Nebraska does not require middle school teacher candidates to pass any subject-matter exam whatsoever, and the content test for elementary candidates allows candidates to fail some subject portions of the test, yet still pass the overall test and, ultimately, obtain a license. Teachers know that teaching requires a complex set of knowledge and skills.

Good teaching requires content mastery, such that teachers are able to answer students questions, prepare students for the next level and convey their own enthusiasm for the subject. Additionally, good teachers must be competent in teaching methods, such that they can find different ways of explaining content, maintain control of the class and guide students to deep comprehension.

The Nebraska Legislature has the ability to help ensure that alternative and part-time teachers have both the content background and teaching techniques to help their students learn.

Lastly, all preparation programs  both traditional and non-traditional  should set a high bar for admission into their programs. Nebraskas students show up to school each morning expecting to be taught by talented educators with content and pedagogical expertise. Nebraskas Legislature has an opportunity and an obligation to ensure that this expectation is met by enacting legislation that requires sufficient preparation for all of Nebraskas teachers.
Here are some highlights from Wednesdays ruling by Judge Derrick K. Watson of United States District Court in Honolulu, who issued a temporary restraining order blocking the Trump administrations revised travel ban from going into effect nationwide.

The case was brought by the state of Hawaii and Ismail Elshikh, an American citizen of Egyptian descent who is an imam and a leader in Hawaiis Islamic community. (You can read the full ruling here.)

Addressing the governments contention that the only concrete injury Mr. Elshikh claims is that the order would prevent his mother-in-law, a Syrian national with no visa, from visiting him and his family in Hawaii:

The Governments premise is not true. Dr. Elshikh alleges direct, concrete injuries to both himself and his immediate family that are independent of his mother-in-laws visa status.

_____

Addressing the governments contention that the text of the executive order was religiously neutral because it applied to people from six countries regardless of their religion:

The illogic of the Governments contentions is palpable. The notion that one can demonstrate animus toward any group of people only by targeting all of them at once is fundamentally flawed.  It is undisputed, using the primary source upon which the Government itself relies, that these six countries have overwhelmingly Muslim populations that range from 90.7% to 99.8%. It would therefore be no paradigmatic leap to conclude that targeting these countries likewise targets Islam. Certainly, it would be inappropriate to conclude, as the Government does, that it does not.

_____

Addressing the governments suggestion that the court should rely only on the text of the executive order to evaluate its purpose:

Only a few weeks ago, the Ninth Circuit commanded otherwise.  The Supreme Court has been even more emphatic: courts may not turn a blind eye to the context in which [a] policy arose.

_____

Suggesting why the government wanted the court to stay focused on the text of the executive order:

The record before this Court is unique. It includes significant and unrebutted evidence of religious animus driving the promulgation of the Executive Order and its related predecessor.

_____

After extensively quoting President Trump:

The Government appropriately cautions that, in determining purpose, courts should not look into the veiled psyche and secret motives of government decisionmakers and may not undertake a judicial psychoanalysis of a drafters heart of hearts.  The Government need not fear. The remarkable facts at issue here require no such impermissible inquiry. For instance, there is nothing veiled about this press release: Donald J. Trump is calling for a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States.

_____

Saying that Mr. Trumps own words, and those of his aides and advisers, betrayed the true intent of the executive order:

Any reasonable, objective observer would conclude, as does the Court for purposes of the instant Motion for TRO, that the stated secular purpose of the Executive Order is, at the very least, secondary to a religious objective of temporarily suspending the entry of Muslims.

_____

Giving credence to plaintiffs contention that national security was merely a pretext for, not the true purpose of, the executive order:

Other indicia of pretext asserted by Plaintiffs include the delayed timing of the Executive Order, which detracts from the national security urgency claimed by the Administration, and the Executive Orders focus on nationality, which could have the paradoxical effect of bar[ring] entry by a Syrian national who has lived in Switzerland for decades, but not a Swiss national who has immigrated to Syria during its civil war, revealing a gross mismatch between the [Executive] Orders ostensible purpose and its implementation and effects.

_____

Leaving open the possibility that the Trump administration could issue yet another revised executive order that finally passes constitutional muster:

Here, it is not the case that the Administrations past conduct must forever taint any effort by it to address the security concerns of the nation.  context may change during the course of litigation, and the Court is prepared to respond accordingly.

_____

Finding that Mr. Elshikh had provided evidence that his First Amendment rights had been impinged:

Dr. Elshikh has made a preliminary showing of direct, concrete injuries to the exercise of his Establishment Clause rights.  These alleged injuries have already occurred and likely will continue to occur upon implementation of the Executive Order.

_____

Concluding:
Cybersecurity experts and the F.B.I. have long suspected that Russian spies employed and protected criminal hackers to a striking degree, but evidence has been scarce. The indictment made public on Wednesday describes this collusion in detail for the first time.

Image Alexsey Belan. Credit... F.B.I.

The Justice Department alleges that the F.S.B. agents provided Mr. Belan with the tools of Russian spycraft to minimize detection by American law enforcement. At their direction, he helped surveil foreign officials and even Russian citizens, including a newspaper reporter and an officer with the Internal Affairs Ministry.

Ultimately, the team stole the subscriber information of more than 500 million accounts in 2014, and used proprietary Yahoo software to gain access to about 6,500 of them.

Exactly what information the Russian spies obtained is not clear from the court papers. But prosecutors noted that some of the accounts that were penetrated belonged to American government officials, including cybersecurity, diplomatic, military and White House personnel, according to the indictment. The court papers also outlined a secondary scheme, in which the F.S.B. officers paid a Canadian hacker to breach individual Gmail accounts.

The indictment reveals varying tactics used by Russian intelligence at a time when officials are still investigating what the American intelligence community has characterized as Russian attempts to meddle in the 2016 election. There were low-tech strategies like the basic spear-phishing attacks that have become a fact of life for anyone online. And more exotic schemes, such as tricking Yahoo into believing that a computer in Russia was in fact a certain users home computer, allowing Russian intelligence officials instant access to an email account without a password.
WASHINGTON  In December 2005, Congress handed President George W. Bush a significant defeat by tightening legal restrictions against torture in a law called the Detainee Treatment Act. Soon afterward, Neil M. Gorsuch  then a top Justice Department official  sent an email to a White House colleague in case he needed cheering up about the administrations setback.

The email from Judge Gorsuch, nominated by President Trump to fill the vacancy on the Supreme Court caused by the death of Justice Antonin Scalia, linked to articles about a less-noticed provision in the act that undercut the rights of Guantanamo Bay detainees by barring courts from hearing their habeas corpus lawsuits.

The administrations victory is not well known but its significance shouldnt be understated, wrote Judge Gorsuch, who had helped coordinate the Justice Departments work with Congress on the bill.

The email about the court-stripping provision  which the Supreme Court later rejected  is among more than 150,000 pages of Bush-era Justice Department and White House documents involving Judge Gorsuch disclosed by the Trump administration ahead of his Senate confirmation hearings next week.
Premiums

THE CRITICISM As evidence that the Affordable Care Act marketplaces are failing, Paul D. Ryan, the House speaker, points to some of the higher premium increases in 2017, as reported by the Obama administration: 58 percent in Alabama, 116 percent in Arizona, 69 percent in Oklahoma, 53 percent in Pennsylvania and 63 percent in Tennessee.

THE REPUBLICAN ANSWER The Congressional Budget Office said that premiums would be 15 percent to 20 percent higher under the House bill than under current law in 2018 and 2019, but would then fall, so that average premiums in 2026 would be about 10 percent lower than under current law. Under the House bill, the federal government would offer grants to the states  $100 billion from 2018 to 2026  and they could use the money to stabilize premiums by paying some of the cost of very large claims.

But the budget office pointed to another reason premiums would decline: Insurers would be allowed to offer skimpier benefits. In the absence of federal standards, the budget office said, insurance plans would cover a lower share of health care costs, on average.

Republicans say this is a way to free people from the straitjacket of federal regulations. Under Obamacare, people have been forced to buy insurance plans they dont want and cant afford, said Senator John Barrasso, Republican of Wyoming.

Under the House bill, the budget office said, premiums would tend to rise for older people and decline for younger people. By 2026, it said, premiums would be 20 percent to 25 percent lower for a 21-year-old and 8 percent to 10 percent lower for a 40-year-old  but 20 percent to 25 percent higher for a 64-year-old.

AARP, the lobby for older Americans, is campaigning against the bill.

Under the House bill, the government would provide tax credits to help people buy insurance. But, the budget office said, the average federal subsidy would be significantly lower under the House bill than under the Affordable Care Act  about 50 percent lower by 2026.
The reports will rekindle a problem that has plagued the military as increasing numbers of women join the armed services. The increase in sexual assault reports in the service academies is similar to what is happening in the military as a whole, and comes at the same time that the Defense Department is grappling with news reports about Marines and other service members sharing nude photos of their female peers on websites.

The Defense Department acknowledged that even as reports of sexual assaults increased, many young men and women who are assaulted do not report it. Results from this years report demonstrate that estimated instances of sexual assault and sexual harassment greatly outnumber reports made to authorities, Anthony M. Kurta, who is performing the duties of the under secretary of defense for personnel and readiness, said in a letter to Congress submitting the report.

The Defense Department did try to put a positive spin on the latest numbers, saying that more people were feeling emboldened to report sexual abuse.

The new study comes as the Marine Corps has been rocked by disclosures that an all-male, invitation-only group on Facebook called Marines United shared thousands of nude and other private photos of Marine Corps women. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis has harshly criticized such violations of privacy and betrayals of trust, and has signaled that he will hold military and civilian officials accountable.

At a congressional hearing on Tuesday, members of the Senate Armed Services Committee sharply rebuked the Marine Corps commandant, Gen. Robert B. Neller, about why nothing had been done since the first reports of online harassment came to light in 2013.
To construct an America First budget, the initial trade-off for President Trump was fairly obvious: The military and veterans would get more of what they want or need, while diplomats and foreign countries would have to make do with less.

But in his first spending blueprint since taking office, Mr. Trump also made choices demonstrating that parts of America will be more first than others  and some of the budget losers, it turns out, may be some of the very constituencies that have been most supportive of the new president during his improbable rise to power.

While border guards will have more prisons to lock up unauthorized immigrants, rural communities will lose grants and loans to build water facilities and financing to keep their airports open. As charter schools are bolstered, after-school and summer programs will lose money. As law enforcement agents get more help to fight the opioid epidemic, lower-income Americans will have less access to home energy aid, job training programs and legal services.

The budget proposal that will be unveiled by Mr. Trumps White House on Thursday represents the most dramatic shift in how national resources are divvied up of any presidential spending plan since Ronald Reagan. In his rhetoric both before the election and since his inauguration, Mr. Trump outlined a vision of a country getting back to basics, tapping into a visceral sense among many Americans that Washington has been too generous with taxpayer money spent wastefully both at home and abroad while doing nothing to alleviate what he called the American carnage. The budget is his first attempt to translate that into concrete reality.
NASHVILLE  President Trump made a plea on Wednesday for his supporters to unite behind the Republican plan to overhaul Americans health care as the only way to squelch Democratic attempts to scuttle the plan. At the same time, facing resistance to the bill from within his own party, House Speaker Paul D. Ryan said it would be refined and improved.

We want Americans to be able to purchase the health insurance plans they want, not the plans forced on them by our government, Mr. Trump told about 10,000 supporters at the Municipal Auditorium in downtown Nashville. He spoke against the backdrop of a giant American flag to a crowd dotted with red trucker caps bearing his signature slogan, Make America Great Again.

Were going to all get together, were going to get something done, Mr. Trump said. Remember this: If we didnt do it the way were doing it, wed need 60 votes, so wed have to get the Democrats involved. So were doing it a different way, a complex way.

Its going to be fine, Mr. Trump added.

The remarks were a nod to the complicated and politically risky approach Republicans have taken in pushing through legislation to repeal the health care law. The House plan championed by Mr. Ryan is coming under strain amid resistance, both from conservative Republicans concerned it is too close to Obamacare and from moderates who fear it will provide insufficient coverage for Americans who lack health insurance.
That same afternoon, the presidents spokesman took a wait-and-see approach, suggesting only that the administrations chief lawyer would review options.

White House counsel is reviewing what options, if any, are available to us.  Sean Spicer, the White House press secretary.

Other officials, speaking on background, suggested that the chief counsel was looking for evidence to back up the presidents claim.

March 5

The second-day response was twofold: criticize the news media coverage and try to shift the responsibility for providing information to Capitol Hill by demanding a congressional investigation.

Everybody acts like President Trump is the one that came up with this idea and just threw it out there. There are multiple news outlets that have reported this. And all were asking is that we get the same level of look into the Obama administration and the potential that they had for a complete abuse of power that theyve been claiming that we have done over the last six months.  Sarah Huckabee Sanders, deputy White House press secretary, on ABCs This Week.

March 7

By the Tuesday after the tweet, administration officials were trying to move past the issue. Several sought to stick to Mr. Spicers previous admonition that the White House would not comment any further until congressional investigations took place.

No, thats above my pay grade. Sean Spicer No comment.  Attorney General Jeff Sessions I dont know anything about it. If the president of the United States said that, hes got his reasons to say it.  John F. Kelly, the homeland security secretary.

March 8

The next day, Mr. Spicer seemed to shift gears, suggesting to reporters in his daily briefing that the White House did not believe that an investigation into the wiretapping of Mr. Trump existed, as the president had suggested on Twitter.

There is no reason to  to believe that he is the target of an  of any investigation. I think thats a very important point to make. The tweet dealt with wiretaps during the thing. The other is an investigation. They are two separate issues. And there is no reason to believe there is any type of investigation with respect to the Department of Justice.  Sean Spicer

March 9

But the day after, presented with the no comment from the F.B.I. about whether there was an investigation, Mr. Spicer backtracked. He suggested to reporters that his previous comments should not have been interpreted as suggesting that the White House knew, one way or the other, whether Mr. Trump was under investigation.

No comment about whether theres an investigation.  Federal Bureau of Investigation I said  right, I said Im not aware and  were not aware and thats why we want the House and Senate to do what the president has asked of them, to look into this. But no, were not aware.  Sean Spicer

March 10

By the end of the week, the presidents spokesman was back to being more careful, refusing to prejudge the possible outcome of any congressional investigation. He declined to say whether Mr. Trump would apologize if it turned out that there was no evidence to support his claim.

Lets not get ahead of ourselves. I think its important to see where that goes, and I dont want to prejudge their work at this time.  Sean Spicer Im not going to get into a series of hypotheticals, prejudging the outcome of a report or an investigation that hasnt occurred yet. I think once thats done, well respond appropriately.  Sean Spicer

March 13

When he faced reporters again on Monday, Mr. Spicer was trying to clarify, in part by trying to broaden the meaning of the presidents initial Twitter post. He urged reporters to look closely at it, saying it very clearly was about wiretapping. Mr. Spicer suggested that news reports supported the presidents claim.

If you look at the presidents tweet, he said very clearly quote  wiretapping  end quote. Theres been reports in The New York Times, in the BBC and other outlets about other aspects of surveillance that have occurred.  Sean Spicer

March 14

On Tuesday, in a snowy Washington, Mr. Spicer went even further, saying that Mr. Trump had  in his initial tweets  used the word wiretap in quotes, and that he really meant to suggest only that there had been a broad program of surveillance during the presidential campaign.

The president used the word wiretap in quotes to mean broadly surveillance and other activities.  Sean Spicer Theres a whole host of tactics that can be used to monitor somebody either through wiretap or other ways.  Sean Spicer

March 15

On Wednesday evening, Mr. Trump himself offered a new assessment during an interview with Fox News. His suggestion that some very interesting items would be revealed in the next two weeks was certain to fuel the story on Capitol Hills, where members of his own party were beginning to angrily demand answers.
RIO DE JANEIRO  The president is accused of running on a ticket that got millions of dollars in illegal donations. One of his closest allies in the Senate is, too. The same goes for some of their bitter enemies in Congress, creating a widening sense of panic across Brazils political establishment.

Now, with new revelations into illegal campaign donations continuing to drop, lawmakers from across the ideological spectrum in Brazil have come up with a plan.

They are scrambling to give themselves amnesty.

Politicians who often spend their time jousting with one another are frantically trying to advance legislation this week to shield lawmakers from jail time.

We have a saying in Brazil: When the jungle is in flames, the beasts unite,  said Gil Castello Branco, the director of Contas Abertas, a watchdog group that tracks political corruption. Well, the fire has been lit, and all these politicians want to do is save their own skin.
THE HAGUE  The far-right politician Geert Wilders fell short of expectations in Dutch elections on Wednesday, gaining seats but failing to persuade a decisive portion of voters to back his extreme positions on barring Muslim immigrants and jettisoning the European Union, according to official results and exit polls.

The results were immediately cheered by pro-European politicians who hoped that they could help stall some of the momentum of the populist, anti-European Union and anti-Muslim forces Mr. Wilders has come to symbolize, and which have threatened to fracture the bloc.

Voters, who turned out in record numbers, nonetheless rewarded right and center-right parties that had co-opted parts of his hard-line message, including that of the incumbent prime minister, Mark Rutte. Some parties that challenged the establishment from the left made significant gains.

The Dutch vote was closely watched as a harbinger of potential trends in a year of important European elections, including in France in just weeks, and later in Germany and possibly Italy. Many of the Dutch parties that prevailed favor the European Union  a rare glimmer of hope at a time when populist forces have created an existential crisis for the bloc and Britain prepares for its withdrawal, or Brexit.
HOLDREGE  Sen. Deb Fischer took a swing through central Nebraska on Thursday, drawing pointed questions and some polite applause in a pair of town hall meetings.

About 400 people in total attended the two events, one a cordial morning gathering at an American Legion post in Kearney, the other a lively afternoon stop 30 miles away at the Holdrege City Auditorium.

Neither crowd was anything like the rowdy bunch of 1,000-plus that greeted Rep. Jeff Fortenberry on Monday at Lincoln Southwest High School.

But concerned Nebraskans, including many who drove from Lincoln and Omaha, challenged Fischer on several fronts, particularly during the Holdrege meeting.

Youre not listening! one woman shouted at the start of the question-and-answer period, accusing the Republican senator of turning a deaf ear to the many people who had urged her to vote against the confirmation of Education Secretary Betsy DeVos.

Fischer drew groans and boos from the crowd for her support of DeVos, her opposition to continued federal funding for Planned Parenthood and her response to a question about the surge in hate crimes since President Donald Trumps election in November.

Hate comes from both sides, Fischer said while condemning racism and other forms of discrimination as offensive to all of us.

DeVos experience in business demonstrates she is a proven manager capable of running the Department of Education, which acts primarily as a pass-through entity for federal education funding, Fischer said. Betsy DeVos does not introduce legislation.

In their conversations, Fischer said, She assured me that she is not going to be mandating vouchers, charter schools, anything school-choice through the Department of Education.

Both audiences took great umbrage at Fischers insistence that any federal funding given to Planned Parenthood could potentially help offset the cost of abortions. While acknowledging none of that money is used directly for terminating pregnancies, she said budgets are like sponges, and help in one place allows other resources to be shifted.

On health care, Fischer says she supports parts of the Affordable Care Act replacement plan being considered by the House of Representatives that protect coverage for pre-existing conditions, allow children to remain on their parents health plans until they reach 26 and prohibit lifetime or annual caps on coverage.

Other issues still need working out, she said, such as how to ensure enough young people enlist in health insurance to reduce the overall cost.

Im not committing on this bill one way or another right now, Fischer said.

At times, the Kearney meeting was downright sleepy.

You have one of the nicest, most-polite audiences that I have ever seen, one woman noted before challenging Fischer for giving moderate answers to questions while being notorious for voting the party line.

Democrats didnt part with Obama on his cabinet nominees, Fischer replied, adding that with Trump, I agree with his nominees.

While mostly defending Trump, telling the Kearney crowd his White House staff has been good to work with in our experience, she said during the afternoon session that Trump should release his tax returns for public inspection.

Fischer said there are some areas of concern with the federal budget proposal Trump submitted to Congress on Thursday. That includes putting additional money into school-choice programs that can be spent better elsewhere, she said, such as on school lunch programs or early childhood education.

She also took issue with the overall methodology for cuts: A better policy would be to look at programs rather than have a number out there that youre going to cut certain departments.

The two events drew a mixed crowd of locals and people from out of town, such as John and Nancy Votta of Lincoln.

She wont go there, so we had to come here, Nancy Votta said.

Fischer said she plans to host more sessions in eastern Nebraska in August. Thursday, fellow Sen. Ben Sasse announced he will host a pair of town hall meetings in Elkhorn and Aurora.

Jerry Horstman of Tecumseh made the 200-mile drive to Fischers meeting in Holdrege with a sign reading, All U.S. Citizens need health care, not just Congress  and LIAR painted on the other side.

Hopefully we wont have to turn that side around too much, he joked.

Fischers supporters didnt stand out as much, but they were there.

We wanted to get the room as full as possible with supporters rather than detractors, said Wayne Karschner, a retired salesman and video producer in Kearney. Rather than have her shouted down.
Israelis, including many of those who disagree with those policies, find the term deeply offensive, describing it as a false and inflammatory analogy aimed at isolating and delegitimizing their country.

An executive summary of the report on the United Nations commissions website called it a study to examine, based on key instruments of international law, whether Israel has established an apartheid regime that oppresses and dominates the Palestinian people as a whole.

The report concluded that the answer was yes, based on what it called the fragmentation of the Palestinian population, Israeli restrictions on Palestinians movements and other limits imposed on Palestinians but not on Israelis.

Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian ambassador to the United Nations, complimented the reports authors and suggested that the criticism of their conclusions had been misguided.

Rather than attacking the report, it would be best to reflect on the realities that the report addresses and how they can be remedied, he said in a statement.

It appeared to be the first time in a United Nations report that the term apartheid had been used as a central description of Israeli policies toward Palestinians. But other critics of Israel at the United Nations have used the term. In 2007, for example, John Dugard, a South African law professor who was a United Nations human rights investigator, said Israeli laws and practices in the occupied territories certainly resemble aspects of apartheid.

Saeb Erekat, a lead negotiator for the Palestinians in negotiations with Israel, has used the term apartheid in referring to the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel. When Israel approved new funding for settlements in June, for example, Mr. Erekat said, It is time for the international community to assume its responsibilities toward this extremist government that openly supports apartheid and stands against the two-state solution.
However much it contributed to the Metropolitan Museums financial woes, the Met Breuer has delivered quality goods since it opened a year ago. Marsden Hartleys Maine is the latest entry in a lineup of exhibitions that the outgoing Met director Thomas P. Campbell can point to with pride.

The show opens with an inspired stroke of scene-setting: a mural-size film projection of waves crashing against a bleak stretch of Maines Atlantic coastline. Despite the artists conflicted feelings about that northernmost New England state, it was his self-proclaimed spiritual home. And he was, indeed, a native Maine-iac (to use his own term), though with origins inland, not on the sea.

He was born Edmund Hartley in 1877 in Lewiston, where his father, an English immigrant, worked in a textile mill. We dont know a lot about Hartleys childhood, but he said its shaping event was loss. It came at age 8, when his mother died. He was inconsolable, and he stayed that way.
A stolen Etruscan vessel will be returned to Italy thanks in part to the efforts of a hunter of looted antiquities.

Last month, Christos Tsirogiannis, a Greek-born researcher who has spent more than a decade poring over auction and antiquities catalogs trying to identify stolen Greek and Roman artifacts, spotted an Etruscan amphora for sale at a Midtown Manhattan gallery.

Mr. Tsirogiannis, of the Scottish Center for Crime and Justice Research in Glasgow, combed through an archive of 13,000 photos and documents seized in 2002 from an Italian antiquities dealer, Gianfranco Becchina, who was convicted in 2011 of trafficking in looted objects. He spotted several photos of the very same vase.

As he has done several times in recent years, Mr. Tsirogiannis contacted the Manhattan district attorneys office, which seized the dual-handled vessel, featuring a nude satyr and draped youth, from the Royal-Athena Galleries. It dates from 470 B.C. and is valued at $250,000.
Since moving downtown, the Whitney Museum of American Art has grown up, thanks to a larger, dashing new building, more ambitious exhibitions and new responsibilities brought by rising attendance and membership. No surprise, its biennial has grown up, too. Perhaps less expected: So has the art in it. This shows strength and focus make it doubly important at a time when art, the humanities and the act of thinking itself seem under attack in Washington.

The 2017 Biennial, the first held in the expansive Renzo Piano-designed structure on Gansevoort Street, is an adult affair: spatially gracious to art and visitors alike, and exceptionally good looking, with an overall mood of easy accessibility. My first thought: It needs a little more edge. Yet this show navigates the museums obligations to a broader public and its longtime art-world audience with remarkable success. Organized by Christopher Y. Lew, the Whitneys associate curator, and Mia Locks, an independent curator, it has some immature inclusions and other letdowns. But once you really start looking, theres edge all over the place.

The show spotlights 63 artists and collectives working at the intersection of the formal and the social, and in this it announces a new chapter of so-called political art  though one already brewing in small museums, galleries and studios. Many of these artists confront such American realities as income inequality, homelessness, misogyny, immigration, violence, hatred and biases of race, religion and class. But they are equally committed to the artistic exploration of media and materials, and to the creation of bold and strange things to see and think about.

Important messages are conveyed through perception. Take Henry Taylors gripping history painting of Philando Castile dying in the passenger seat of his car in a St. Paul suburb, having just been shot by a policeman whose gun, arm and uniform are visible through the car window. We are inside the car, in the drivers seat, bearing witness with Diamond Reynolds, Mr. Castiles girlfriend, as she live-streams his mortal injury on a cellphone. Mr. Castile, a school cafeteria manager, has the noble head of a Greek bronze, complete with a jawline beard and an eye whose flat whites the Greeks would have made from silver or alabaster inlay. His shirt is spattered with paint, not blood. Mr. Taylors style is harsh but it doesnt overplay.
Wednesday was a big day for the New York Philharmonic, both onstage and in its offices.

An exciting new work was introduced at David Geffen Hall that evening when Yo-Yo Ma and the Philharmonic, led by Alan Gilbert, performed Esa-Pekka Salonens restive, cosmic and formidably difficult new Cello Concerto.

That triumph was preceded by a potentially game-changing development for the institution, announced earlier that same day: Deborah Borda, the visionary president and chief executive of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, will be taking on these same dual roles at the New York Philharmonic in September. She was in the audience for Wednesdays concert, though understandably Ms. Borda is hesitant to say anything yet about her specific plans.

During her 17-year tenure in Los Angeles, Ms. Borda turned that Philharmonic into Americas most dynamic and successful orchestra. She hired Gustavo Dudamel, when he was still in his 20s and little-known, as music director and helped him become a charismatic new face of classical music and a fearless artistic leader. She ushered the orchestra into Disney Concert Hall, one of the worlds coolest places for music. She has fostered outreach to Los Angeles residents and stoked curiosity for contemporary music among audiences.

Ms. Borda tried mightily to do such things as the administrative leader of the New York Philharmonic in the 1990s but met resistance from the traditionalist maestro Kurt Masur, then its music director, and a timid board. She returns to New York at a time when the Philharmonic, despite Mr. Gilberts admirable innovations, seems directionless; she also must grapple with a chronic budget deficit.
The news-making police shootings have generally been white officers killing of black victims. Why did you flip that?

GINA PRINCE-BYTHEWOOD There were a couple reasons. During the Zimmerman trial, many people were sending George Zimmerman money to help with his costs, as opposed to focusing on the young boy who was murdered. That lack of empathy and humanity was shocking. We felt inverting it was a good way to allow people to identify with the character and understand what we feel. And because we were dealing with two murders, it was a way to show how the community and the media often treat victims when the race is different. Why one may be painted as a college student and the other as a drug dealer or a thug.

While you shot the show last summer, there was another spate of police shootings. How did that affect the production?

PRINCE-BYTHEWOOD The actors were messed up. After the second shooting, our first assistant director, a black woman named Shawn Pipkin, pulled the entire cast and crew together for a prayer circle. It was really important to ground us, to remember to honor these real people. Tristan Wilds, it was very difficult for him that day. He had to be consoled; he was crying. The things we were shooting on that exact day mirrored what was happening, and that was tough for him. It just reminds you that we have a cause that is bigger than ourselves. Were unapologetically idealistic that art can change the world.

One thing that has dramatically changed since you shot the show is the countrys leadership.

REGGIE ROCK BYTHEWOOD Hes a fan of The New York Times, I hear.
Chelsea Clinton, the daughter of former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and former President Bill Clinton, will release a childrens picture book on inspirational American women titled She Persisted.

The book will share the stories of 13 historical women who relentlessly pursued their goals in the face of opposition, including Harriet Tubman, Nellie Bly, Maria Tallchief and Oprah Winfrey.

Illustrated by Alexandra Boiger, She Persisted will reach bookstores on May 30, and will feature a cameo that is yet to be announced.
Cultural, economic and social divisions dont just spring up overnight  a point illustrated by three books on our list this week: Joan Didions South and West (notes from a 1970s road trip), Marjorie J. Spruills Divided We Stand (the story of the National Womens Conference of 1977 and its aftermath), and Tressie McMillan Cottoms Lower Ed (a deep dive into students who attend for-profit colleges). Iconic buildings dont just spring up either, as Wendy Lessers engaging biography of the architect Louis Kahn makes clear. Philosophy takes time too: in the 35 years worth of essays and fragments that make up Other People: Takes and Mistakes, David Shields establishes himself as a funny, vulnerable and humane 21st-century Socrates. Had it with gravity? Head for outer space: via Jaroslav Kalfars debut novel, Spaceman of Bohemia (for adventurous adults) and Jon Agees picture book Life on Mars (for adventurous kids).

Radhika Jones

Editorial Director, Books

SOUTH AND WEST: From a Notebook, by Joan Didion. Foreword by Nathaniel Rich. (Alfred A. Knopf. $21.) Didions latest is two excerpts from her notebooks, written in the 1970s: a short meditation on California and a more substantial piece about traveling through the Deep South for a month with her husband, John Gregory Dunne. Our critic Michiko Kakutani said: At a remove of more than four decades, she maps the divisions splintering America today, and uncannily anticipates some of the dynamics that led to the election of Donald J. Trump.

YOU SAY TO BRICK: The Life of Louis Kahn, by Wendy Lesser. (Farrar, Straus and Giroux. $30.) This biography covers the best-known works of the architect Louis Kahn  including the National Assembly Building of Bangladesh and the Phillips Exeter Library, in New Hampshire  and his complicated personal life as well (he essentially presided over three families at once). It is not the first biography of Kahn, but our critic Dwight Garner said it is notable for its warm, engaged, literate tone and its psychological acuity.

SPACEMAN OF BOHEMIA, by Jaroslav Kalfar. (Little, Brown and Company. $26.) In this debut novel, a Czech astronaut is sent to investigate a mysterious cloud of dust that has swept in from a neighboring galaxy. While in orbit he meets a giant spider that has ready access to his unconscious. Our critic Jennifer Senior said its not a perfect first effort, but a frenetically imaginative one, booming with vitality and originality.
Rochman explains all manner of genetic tests, but dont expect much enlightenment on the ethics. Many arguments are delineated by juxtaposing quotations from experts without any critical assessment of their merits. Are children really entitled to an open future, and what does it actually entail from parents in terms of genetics? Instead of a deep analysis, Rochman flippantly writes: In actuality, no ones future is truly wide open; everyone is made up of genes, and genes contain the imprint of generations past. True, but surely there is much more to say about degrees of openness and how genetics might or might not fit into those different conceptions. The openness of futures for children born into closed Hasidic, Amish or strict Muslim communities is different from children born into typical Upper West Side households. And that qualitative difference makes a big ethical difference. Rochman never goes there.

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While Rochman acknowledges the ethical issues at the heart of genetic screening, Adam Piore dismisses all such concerns. In The Body Builders, he explores the creation of artificial limbs, memory-enhancing drugs and deep brain stimulation to help people who have medical problems. The stories are engaging, and some are even engrossing, but Piore seems a bit too admiring of his scientists and indifferent to any concerns. He is so enamored with the power of deep brain stimulation that when the F.D.A. required a randomized, placebo-controlled study of its use in depression  which revealed no benefit  he simply dismisses the problem by quoting a researcher as saying: We ended up having a fairly high placebo effect. . . . But it definitely worked in some people. And then Piore confidently predicts advanced technology will solve the problem.

By his own admission, Piore is mesmerized by new technologies and unfazed by any larger concerns such as the ethics of enhancement and whether these technologies might be available only to the well-off. On the last page of the book, he simply says without any argument: I am skeptical that technology will ever fundamentally transform us. . . . The most important story is the one about enhancing not our abilities, but our humanity. This is not the end of an argument. It is just an assertion that seems to border on willful avoidance of any deep thinking about the influences of technology on people and society.

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To Be a Machine is Mark OConnells gonzo-journalistic exploration of the Silicon Valley techno-utopians pursuit of escaping the body and ultimately mortality. Titans of technology  Peter Thiel, Larry Page, Sergey Brin and others  are obsessed by the desire for immortality, and their fixation leads them to pursue a host of science projects: uploading the brains contents into computers, cryopreservation, radical life extension.

We meet a multitude of colorful characters: Aubrey de Grey, with his two-foot beard, who runs the nonprofit SENS Research Foundation (SENS stands for Strategies for Engineered Negligible Senescence) dedicated to finding a way for people to live to 1,000 and then avoid death altogether; Max More, the proprietor of Alcor, a cryopreservation facility in Phoenix that for $80,000 will detach and store your head in medical-grade antifreeze  after you die, of course  with a view to the later uploading of your brain, or your mind, into some kind of artificial body.

The book is a wonderful, breezy romp filled with the beginnings of philosophical reflections on the meaning of the techno-utopians search for immortality, or as OConnell puts it, solving death. He notes that underlying their view is a techno-mechanistic view of humans as simply meat machines that process information  information that can be extracted and exported to a computer or silicon-based robot.
 Dutch voters turned out in record numbers with a majority rejecting the populist platform of the anti-immigrant politician Geert Wilders.

They rewarded parties on the right that had co-opted parts of his hard-line message, including that of Prime Minister Mark Rutte, above, whose party came in first in early results. Forming a coalition will be Mr. Ruttes next challenge, and it could take months, analysts said.

European leaders struggling with a rise of populist forces rushed to cheer the result. In Germany, Chancellor Angela Merkels Foreign Ministry greeted the first estimates with a rare, warmly enthusiastic message via Twitter.
A man killed in a house fire in Cuming County Saturday has been identified as 64-year-old Ernest Warnock of rural Rosalie, County Attorney Dan Bracht said in a news release.

At 2:22 p.m., fire crews from Bancroft, Rosalie and Pender responded to a burning home north of Bancroft.

The Nebraska State Patrol confirmed the fatality Monday and said investigators were working what they described as a crime scene.

An autopsy has been conducted, but the cause of Warnock's death is not being released yet, Bracht said.
1. President Trump has produced an America First fiscal plan that is not even earning much praise from his own allies in Congress.

His $1.1 trillion spending plan does not reduce the deficit. It sharply increases military spending while cutting the budgets of federal agencies and programs, including the Environmental Protection Agency, the State Department and the National Endowment for the Arts.

It is a gamble for a politician whose supporters include low-income workers who rely on many of the programs he proposes to reduce, including grants that feed hungry children and help local law enforcement.
Looking to buy a new television? Youll face an alphabet soup of terms like 4K, H.D.R. and O.L.E.D. but you dont have to be fluent in tech-speak to get a television that is right for your needs and budget.

Should you buy now or wait?

Consider upgrading now if you have not bought a television in the last two years, Stephen Baker, vice president of technology industry analysis at the NPD Group, a consumer research firm, wrote in an email. Improvements in electronics make for superior picture quality, standards have been settled and the technology has been vetted.

It is pretty clear that 2017 is going to be the most compelling year since the introduction of flat-panel models to get a new television, he wrote.

What should you look for?

Your purchase will largely be about resolution and screen size.

An excellent model that will meet the needs of a vast majority of viewers can be had for $500, Chris Heinonen, a staff writer for The Wirecutter, which makes recommendations for electronics and gadgets and that The New York Times Company bought last year, said in an interview.
Wells Fargo and its leaders have expressed much contrition about the banks misdeeds, which included setting up as many as 2 million bank accounts without customers consent. Top executives have surrendered more than $90 million in compensation, fired employees at all levels and vowed to clean house.

But the top executives  particularly the current chief executive and his predecessor, who retired under pressure in October  still took home lavish sums last year, according to a regulatory filing this week.

Wells Fargos former chief executive, John G. Stumpf, realized pretax earnings of more than $83 million by exercising vested stock options, amassed over his 34 years at the bank, and receiving payouts on certain stock awards. That is more than double the $41 million in unvested stock awards that Mr. Stumpf forfeited because of the banks sales scandal.

In a quirk of timing that might raise some questions, one month before regulators announced penalties against Wells Fargo over its long-running fake accounts scheme, Mr. Stumpf exercised 1.5 million options, a significant chunk of his vested holdings.
LONDON  Britain asked regulators on Thursday to investigate whether 21st Century Foxs $14.3 billion deal to take full control of the British satellite television giant Sky would give the media mogul Rupert Murdoch too much control over the countrys media landscape.

The takeover for the 61 percent of Sky that 21st Century Fox does not already own was agreed on in December and is the second such effort to combine the two companies since 2011. The latest attempt quickly raised a wave of criticism in Britain, where Mr. Murdoch already holds several media interests.

Karen Bradley, Britains minister for culture, media and sport, said in a statement to Parliament on Thursday that she had referred the deal to regulators on the grounds of media plurality and commitment to broadcasting standards.

Ms. Bradley said that although 21st Century Fox had contested her position, none of the representations have led me to dismiss the concerns I have regarding public interest issues.
Public radio and television broadcasters are girding for battle after the Trump administration proposed a drastic cutback that they have long dreaded: the defunding of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

The potential elimination of about $445 million in annual funding, which helps local TV and radio stations subscribe to NPR and Public Broadcasting Service programming, could be devastating for affiliates in smaller markets that already operate on a shoestring budget.

Patricia Harrison, the corporations president, warned in a statement on Thursday that the Trump budget proposal, if enacted, could cause the collapse of the public media system itself.

But the power players in public broadcasting  big-city staples like WNYC in New York City  would be well-equipped to weather any cuts. Major stations typically receive only a sliver of their annual budget from the federal government, thanks to listener contributions and corporate underwriters. Podcasts and other digital offshoots have also become significant sources of revenue.
FRANKFURT  German authorities searched the offices of the American law firm Volkswagen hired to conduct an internal investigation of its emissions fraud, the carmaker confirmed on Thursday, raising questions about the credibility of the companys efforts to uncover wrongdoing in its ranks.

The raid targeted Jones Day, which since 2015 has been conducting a wide-ranging inquiry into who at Volkswagen was responsible for an emissions cheating scheme that has already led to more than $22 billion in fines and settlements.

Evidence collected by the law firm and shared with the American authorities formed the basis for Volkswagens guilty plea in the United States last week over charges tied to emissions deception involving diesel engines.

But the search by prosecutors in Munich of Jones Day, which has a large presence in Germany, suggests that the authorities believe the firm has not divulged all documents that may be relevant to the case. If so, it would be a blow to Jones Days reputation while raising the possibility of new revelations that would further tarnish Volkswagen.
Though Ms. Waight Keller, who began her career working at Calvin Klein in New York and with Tom Ford at Gucci, was also in charge of mens wear at Pringle, she has never worked with an haute couture atelier before. Givenchy suspended its formal couture shows in 2012, first holding static presentations of the collection instead, and more recently incorporating some couture looks into its mens wear shows in January and June. But the fact that Ms. Waight Keller has been specifically given responsibility for the highest form of fashions art suggests that a return to a more formal couture offering may be in the future.

It also suggests that the idea was false that Ms. Waight Keller, who has three children and has recently moved her family to London from Paris, was taking time off after Chloe because of the pressures of todays fashion cycle. Her responsibilities at Givenchy, after all, will be significantly greater than her responsibilities at Chloe: She will be overseeing at least eight collections a year, as opposed to four.

LVMH does not break down the performance of individual brands in its financial results, but the Givenchy annual sales revenue is believed to be to around 500 million euros, or more than $530 million,) and there are 72 free-standing stores worldwide. In January, LVMH reported revenue of 37.6 billion in 2016, an increase of 5 percent, beating expectations because of strong sales in the United States and Europe, and a pickup in demand in Asia.

Along with the move of Raf Simons to Calvin Klein from Christian Dior, the switch by Ms. Waight Keller should put to rest the recent theory that designers are rebelling against the relentless demands of the system by stepping off the hamster wheel.

Perhaps most significantly of all, though, her appointment at the helm of one of LVMHs signature brands is further indication that the largest luxury group in the world is increasingly focused on the talents of women designers, and changing a historical pattern that has seen most large brands with significant womens wear profiles run by male creatives. (In June, Christian Dior, the structural owner of LVMH, named Maria Grazia Chiuri as artistic director.)

In her new role  like Phoebe Philo, the creative director of Celine, another LVMH brand (who, when she was creative director of Chloe, became the first designer to ever take a formal maternity leave)  Ms. Waight Keller will move between London and Paris, where the Givenchy atelier is based.
Its been a complicated week for politicians and luxury fashion, on both sides of the Atlantic.

First, Francois Fillon, the embattled conservative candidate for president of France, currently lagging in third place and charged on Tuesday with embezzlement, was accused by Le Journal du Dimanche of having received presents from an unidentified friend in the form of 13,000 euros (about $13,880) in custom suiting from Arnys, the tailor that LVMH acquired in 2012 to merge with Berluti, its mens wear label. Cue multiple headlines along the lines of this one from ledauphine.com: The very expensive clothes of Francois Fillon.

Then it transpired that Ivanka Trumps fine jewelry line was no more, having been, depending on how you look at it, either shut down or transformed into Ivanka Trump Fashion Jewelry (i.e., no longer involving precious gems and metals, created with a different licenser, and instead of costing $428 to $47,000, costing $28 to $198).

Both of these developments underscore an unavoidable reality about life in the public eye: With populism on the rise, what politicians and their families wear (or put their name on) increasingly has a dollar, or euro, sign attached. And therein problems may lie. Price sensitivity isnt limited simply to objects on shelves in stores; it now goes with wardrobes, too. Better take it  well, into account.

Ms. Trump apparently did. After all, though the general attitude toward any Trump-related product these days is to treat sales as a referendum on the president and whether people are buying the lines he (and his family) are selling, note that, according to a statement from the brands president, Abigail Klem, the decision to discontinue the fine jewelry had nothing to do with revenue generation, but rather was made as part of our companys commitment to offering solution-oriented products at accessible price points. In other words, to make the jewelry consistent with the rest of the brands positioning.
Most helpful previous experience: magnetron tube development, large-cavity resonators or magnetron feeds, the ad said. Clearly, this was to be something more than a Mixmaster.

Cooking the new electronic way, was how Raytheon described it. There was nothing new about it. Times readers had waited a decade, having begun salivating over this tantalizing article by Jane Nickerson, our food editor, in 1946:

Within a year housewives may be able to buy a stove operated by the magnetron tube, the basis of radar, that will cook a six-pound beef rib roast in 3 minutes, a hamburger in 35 seconds and gingerbread in 29 seconds, she wrote.

Raytheon called this the Radarange. It was already making Radaranges for commercial use, including the preparation of frozen meals on airliners. The anticipated price for the household version was $600 (roughly $7,500 today).

That wasnt its only drawback. Roasts are gray rather than brown, Miss Nickerson wrote. Eggs scramble well, bake rather than boil and refuse to fry, exploding before the final effect can be achieved.

Image Hammacher Schlemmer sold the Amana Radarange for $495. Those arent lenses mounted in the front. Credit... The New York Times, Sept. 8, 1968

By the end of the '40s, a Radarange had been installed aboard the ocean liner America. The chef, Otto Bismarck, declared it to be revolutionary, according to an account by Joseph J. Ryan. The chef prepared Lobster Americain, two three-inch steaks, weighing two-and-one-half-pounds each, and baked potatoes, all in five minutes, The Times reported. However, the miracle workers in Waltham had not yet trimmed the time needed for gingerbread, which was stuck stubbornly at 29 seconds.
How did you learn about racism? Did you have any conversations with parents or family members at home? What was talked about, and how did the conversation start? Describe what you can remember.

In Are We Raising Racists?, Jennifer Harvey writes:

Last year at this time, my 7-year-old was running around singing the praises of George Washington. I was happy to see her so engaged with what shed learned at school. But I was dismayed that the peace- and diversity-centered curriculum she gets at her public school had left her with such a one-dimensional view of history.

I struggled with how best to respond. Then one morning, she overheard the news on our kitchen radio about a politician charged with ethics violations. Whats that about? she asked.

I told her someone in the government had done something wrong, and she asked how an adult who was a leader could possibly do something bad.

Unfortunately, I responded, a lot of our countrys leaders have done bad things.

When her eyes grew big and she said, Like who and what did they do? I knew I had my opportunity.

Well, I said, you know how youve been running around here celebrating George Washington? We always talk about George Washington fighting for freedom. But George Washington also owned black people as slaves.

Her intrigue turned to horror.

Fast forward, one year. For those of us raising children, the future couldnt be more on our minds. With the news full of reports about vandalized Jewish cemeteries and mosques on fire, police officers who terrorize and endanger black and Latino children, and engineers from India being shot while enjoying a meal after work, its tempting to shut off the radio, turn off the TV and cancel those news alerts on our cellphones. But its more critical than ever that we talk about difficult and morally complex issues with our children.
By now, you're probably familiar with the video of the professor's super-important BBC interview that was hilariously gatecrashed by not one, but two of his young children.

Since Friday, it's littered Facebook feeds across the globe and garnered media coverage from as far as Nigeria and Uruguay.

On Wednesday, the hapless dad and his family were on live TV once again in a press conference from Busan, where they live, south of the South Korean capital Seoul.

Professor Robert Kelly, with his wife Kim Jung-A and two kids, gamely fielded questions on everything from whether the gaffe was staged to whether they plan to make money from it. (The answer to both is definitely not.)

Kelly said he thought the clip had resonated because it was something many working parents could relate to.

"I think the reason why this went viral is because my real life sort of punched through the fake cover I had created for television," he said, as his four-year-old daughter Marion sucked a lollipop in the seat next to him, making good use of the rotating chair.

"I create this veneer of professionalism inside my house. I wear a jacket in front of the camera."

"Then suddenly reality bursts in."

'Wildly unprofessional?'

South Koreans have been just as charmed with the video as everyone else -- perhaps more so for giving the country something to smile about during a political crisis.

Kelly, an expert in Korean politics at Pusan National University, was originally on TV to talk to about Friday's ouster of President Park Geun-hye, which has sparked protests and deeply divided the country.

"Thanks to Prof. Robert Kelly, a sliding wife and two cute kids gave a big smile to the citizens of the world. One good reason to laugh during this impeachment period," said Twitter user @windsook1969.

He initially feared that the gaffe would end his TV career and said he's still "a little bit concerned" it could affect his academic credentials.

"I had assumed that this would end any TV appearances. That people would see this and assume it was wildly unprofessional and no-one would ever call me again."

"If we're still talking about this in six months, I would be genuinely be uncomfortable."

'Hippity-hoppity'

Earlier, the family spoke to the Wall Street Journal and the BBC, which broadcast the original interview.

As Kelly began his TV appearance, his wife Kim was in their living room, watching it with the couple's two kids. She was filming the TV screen with her phone in their living room to ensure he had a copy of clip, the WSJ said.

Marion jumped up and down at the sight of her father on the screen and wandered off -- perhaps to find him. The couple's 8-month-old son, James, followed behind in his baby-walker.

Kelly told the WSJ that his daughter's much remarked upon swagger as she entered his home office was down to her "hippity-hoppity mood" -- the result of a birthday party that day at her kindergarten.

Kim was still concentrating on the screen and told the WSJ that the delay on TV feed she was watching meant she didn't see that the children were in the room for a few seconds.

"He usually locks the door," Kim said. "Most of the time they come back to me after they find the locked door. But they didn't. And then I saw the door was open. It was chaos for me."

Kelly said he was very grateful for his wife's heroic efforts to usher the gatecrashers out of the room.

"My wife deserves a medal," Kelly told the BBC.

CNN's Pamela Boykoff and Journalist Lauren Suk in Seoul contributed to this report
The 33-year-old doctor in training was walking down a hallway of the Stanford Cancer Center when she collapsed. She didnt faint, she told the nurse who hurried to help her. Her legs just seemed to give way. She felt O.K. now, she insisted. Yet when she took another step, once again her knees buckled. It was only the quick reaction of the nurse that kept the woman from hitting the ground again.

The nurse helped the woman into a chair and called 911  it was policy. When the E.M.T.s arrived, a paramedic quickly checked her blood pressure. Normal, he said. As he took the cuff off her arm, the woman saw dozens of tiny red spots underneath. A sharp pang of fear shot through her. Those dots, little bits of blood trapped beneath the skin, known as petechiae, suggested that there was something wrong with her platelets, the components of blood that initiate clotting. She had seen this only on patients who were seriously ill. She scanned her arms and legs and the skin on her chest. The red dots were everywhere.

I am a doctor, she explained anxiously when she arrived at the Stanford Medical Center emergency room. And I think I might be dying.

A Future Baby

Dr. Moon Lee, the doctor assigned to her care, introduced herself, and the young woman immediately began her story. Early that morning, she had a procedure to harvest eggs for future in vitro fertilization. She was sedated for the procedure, and when she awoke, she was told that all had gone as planned. She felt well enough to go to work, and thats where she was when she nearly fainted.
In P.S. Jerusalem, the filmmaker Danae Elon moves back to the city of her youth, where her father, the Israeli author Amos Elon, begged her never to return. But after his death in Italy in 2009, and shortly after learning she was pregnant again, Ms. Elon left Brooklyn for Jerusalem with her partner, the photographer Philip Touitou, and their small sons. Ms. Elons experiences living in Jerusalem as an insider-outsider are the subject of this essay documentary, which ruminates on how Israel has changed since Ms. Elons youth and how Israel changes Ms. Elons family.

An exemplar of how to make the personal political, the movie finds many of its most revealing moments with Tristan, their oldest child, who attends whats described as the only school in Jerusalem where Jews and Arabs study together. (The students occasionally seem like unfiltered mouthpieces for their parents.) Ms. Elon must explain settlements and mandatory conscription to her son. He forms a close friendship with an Arab boy.

Elsewhere, Ms. Elon and Mr. Touitou, a French-Algerian Jew, confront a growing sense of alienation from each other. Initially optimistic, he struggles to find work and denounces the racism that he sees in the country. Being part of this place as a Jew, I feel like Im part of their building, he says. Its like being part of the stones that they put into the new settlements.

But leaving is fraught as well. P.S. Jerusalem reflects not only on lost possibilities for Israel but also on lost friendships.
One of the loveliest images in Song to Song, the latest from Terrence Malick, is of ripples expanding across a small pool of water, echoes of a womans quick step. Mr. Malick, one of cinemas philosopher kings, embraces fluidity as a visual principle and his films are filled with lifes ebb and flow  its swirling waters, swooping birds, stirring trees, billowing curtains, and gliding people and cameras. He loves silence and stillness, and the image of sunlight caressing a womans motionless face. But he is a searcher, and that searching informs his visual style with its restless, moving pictures.

Theres much to take in here, including the films narrative fragmentation, which requires you to go with the flow as you also puzzle together the storys parts, themes and circling characters: Faye (Rooney Mara), a musician trying to find her way in Austin, Tex.; Cook (Michael Fassbender), a music producer and Fayes sometime lover; and BV (Ryan Gosling), a musician and Fayes other lover. A few other lovelies float in as well, including Rhonda (a moving Natalie Portman), a waitress who marries Cook; Amanda (Cate Blanchett), who has an affair with BV; and Zoey (Berenice Marlohe), who has an affair with Faye. Holly Hunter, Iggy Pop, Johnny Rotten and Val Kilmer also drop in.

Mr. Malick began embracing narrative fragmentation years ago and it has increasingly characterized his films. Most movies rely on formulas, employing three or four acts, story beats and character arcs that are so standard you almost intuitively know when something will happen if not what. There will be a crisis; there will be a tidying up. Song to Song has distinct sections, but Mr. Malick frames them his own way. They move the narrative forward, but inside these sections time can seem to stutter, like a song on repeat. Many scenes are so short that they dont seem to be overtly driving the story forward, but instead pile up and nearly swirl, like leaves caught in a gust.
Ghosts of the past, both literal and figurative, haunt T2 Trainspotting, Danny Boyles droll and wistful return to the Scottish reprobates who, 21 years ago in Trainspotting, made heroin addiction a blast and bodily waste a metaphor for squandered lives.

Excremental flourishes notwithstanding, that gloriously scabrous picture also kick-started the careers of its director and stars, most of whom are back to illustrate the consequences of a misspent youth. Renton (Ewan McGregor) has returned to Edinburgh from Amsterdam, ready to face the music for absconding with his pals share of the loot from the previous movies drug deal. Simon (Jonny Lee Miller) is still scraping by on the criminal fringes, trying to transform his rundown bar into an upscale brothel. And Begbie (Robert Carlyle)  whose drug of choice has always been violence  has just wangled an appropriately bloody escape from prison.
Theres a lot to laugh at, and to learn from, in Tickling Giants, a documentary that starts off by telling the story of one man and ends up speaking volumes about satire, freedom of expression and political pressure.

As protests over the president of Egypt, Hosni Mubarak, turned bloody in 2011, Bassem Youssef, a surgeon, sought to aid the injured. What he saw on Cairos streets was different than what was being discussed on television, so with the help of a friend he made an internet show that later became a network program.

That program, The Show, poked fun at current events and politicians and became immensely popular. For comparison, were told that The Daily Show with Jon Stewart averaged about two million viewers in the United States, while Mr. Youssef had an audience of some 30 million in Egypt. The countrys new leadership soon chafed at Mr. Youssefs jibes. Arrest warrants and censorship followed.

Sara Taksler, the films writer and director (and a producer for The Daily Show  Mr. Stewart appears in several scenes here), provides a succinct account of events in Egypt. For those unfamiliar with the fate of The Show, she also leaves a few tense, what-will-happen moments. Interviews with Mr. Youssef and his staff members are both optimistic and anxious, as are the street scenes with those who praise the host and those who seek his execution.
This comes down, then, not to behavior, but to scale. That is why the gold medal goes to the de Blasio team, which was up against a field of strong contenders that included Mr. de Blasios predecessor, Michael R. Bloomberg, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, and the state committees of both the Republican and Democratic parties. All of them engaged in versions of the de Blasio teams tactic of washing big pots of money through state or county party committees in support of individual candidates.

Mr. Vance, in a letter to the Board of Elections, suggested that the de Blasio teams activities contradicted the spirit and intent of the campaign laws.

For this to be true, one would have to believe that the legislature really intended there to be actual limits on how much money could be given to candidates. Mr. Vance is correct that the legislature created limits, but it simultaneously built ways around them; its spirit and intent is like the public piety of a Mafia hitman who makes the sign of the cross when passing a church on his way to work.

Money washed through a county committee is not subject to the limits, thanks to an exception in Article 12-124 of the state election law. Other exceptions have made it possible for the real estate industry to own an entire chamber of the state legislature, lock, stock and gavel.

Limited liability companies, or L.L.C.s, are essentially paper companies used as proxies to let big companies get around limits by channeling money through them. Common Cause New York, the good government group, has reported that tens of millions have been funneled to the state Republicans through L.L.C.s since 1996, when the Board of Elections ruled that an L.L.C. was no different under the law than a person. Consider this testimony from an executive at a major real estate company, Glenwood, during the 2015 federal corruption trial of Dean Skelos, the former majority leader of the state senate.
Before he was sentenced, Mr. Herskovic made a brief statement to the court.

I wish that I could take back what happened to Mr. Patterson, he said. I pray that Mr. Patterson finds peace for what he has suffered and endured.

The beating took place as Mr. Patterson, 26, who was in college studying fashion marketing at the time, was passing through a Hasidic enclave in South Williamsburg on his way home to Fort Greene. Members of the Williamsburg Safety Patrol, who said that they had received complaints about someone damaging cars, chased Mr. Patterson, held him down, then kicked and punched him, breaking his right eye socket.

Up to 20 men took part in the attack, Mr. Patterson testified. The assailants fled when passing motorists intervened. Police officers who responded to the scene spoke with four witnesses and had the license plate number of a car that one attacker used to leave, but closed the case without making any arrests. The police reopened the investigation after Mr. Pattersons mother spoke about what had happened to her son with the news media.

Five men were initially charged in connection with the assault. Prosecutors dismissed charges against two of them, saying witnesses who had identified them had recanted. Two others, Abraham Winkler and Pinchas Braver, pleaded guilty last year to unlawful imprisonment and were sentenced to probation and community service.

One compelling bit of evidence against Mr. Herskovic came when prosecutors presented a black Air Jordan sneaker belonging to Mr. Patterson that was hurled onto a roof during the assault. It was recovered by detectives, and prosecutors said that lab tests showed that it bore Mr. Herskovics DNA. A witness for the defense said that the testing method used on the sneaker had been imprecise. But a prosecution witness countered that it was reliable.
As with any change, there is always resistance but the advantages to having civilian students far outweigh any concerns of nearly 20 years ago, Admiral Alfultis noted. In fact, he said, it enables SUNY Maritime to recruit a more diverse population of students who are interested in the maritime world but not necessarily in obtaining a U.S. Coast Guard license.

Another student who is thriving is Hannah Mutum, 22, who grew up on Long Island in Franklin Square. She is a senior cadet due to graduate in May. She said she was attracted to Maritime because while she was very focused on her studies as a high school student, she also knew she didnt want to go to a normal college.

Yet in her freshman year, Ms. Mutum said, she felt as if she was missing the party life her friends attending other colleges told her about. But now, she noted, Im the only one who has lined up a job. She has been offered a position after graduation as an engineering assistant at Turner Construction, the firm that built the new Yankee Stadium, among many other buildings.

Most cadets earn a Coast Guard license, which enables them to work as mariners. Despite its name, the license does not require the cadet to join the Coast Guard.

In fact, the main connection to the military rests with the 10 percent of students who decide to join the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps. Theyre here pursuing a commission either in the Navy or Marines, Admiral Alfultis said.
Bucking fears that the Netherlands would be the next populist domino after Britains vote to leave the European Union and Donald Trumps election in the United States, the Dutch turned out in record numbers on Wednesday to reject the anti-Muslim platform of the far-right candidate Geert Wilders. The Dutch election was seen as a potential bellwether for elections in France and Germany, where far-right populist parties have gained ground. But it is premature to assume the Dutch result signals the defeat of far-right populism in Europe.

The Dutch parliamentary election was a highly fractured affair, with 28 parties competing for 150 seats. It takes 76 seats to form a government. Though the final result will not be announced until Tuesday, with most of the votes already counted, Prime Minister Mark Ruttes center-right Peoples Party for Freedom and Democracy won with 33 seats. Mr. Rutte will have to seek  as is the usual case in the Netherlands  partners to form a coalition government, which could take weeks or even months.

Mr. Rutte is likely to turn to the conservative Christian Democratic Appeal party and the center-left, pro-European Democrats 66 party, each of which won 19 seats. Even if those parties joined his coalition, he would still need at least one more party to reach 76 seats. That party could be the left-leaning, pro-European Greens, which increased their seats to 14 from just four. But, however the horse trading goes, the Netherlands looks set to form a staunchly pro-European government.
Texas law at the time of Mr. Bucks sentencing in 1995 made a prediction of future dangerousness a necessary predicate for a death sentence. Evidently incited by a romantic breakup, he had gone on a murderous rampage, shooting his former girlfriend to death in front of her children, killing a male friend of hers and wounding his stepsister. Part of the defense argument against a death sentence was that a romantic entanglement of the sort that precipitated Mr. Bucks crime wouldnt happen again because he would be serving a life sentence in prison.

But then the defense lawyer called as a witness a psychologist, Walter Quijano, whom the judge had appointed to evaluate Mr. Buck and numerous other defendants facing a potential death sentence. Dr. Quijano had reported that while on the facts of the case Mr. Buck was not likely to be violent in the future, his race, black, meant an increased probability because there is an overrepresentation of blacks among the violent offenders. Mr. Bucks lawyer had read the report but called Dr. Quijano to testify anyway. While Mr. Buck was unlikely to be violent, the psychologist told the sentencing jury, race was nonetheless a factor known to predict future dangerousness. The prosecution reiterated this testimony at the close of its argument. The jury obliged by returning a death sentence.

Dr. Quijano had testified in similar fashion at the sentencing hearings for eight other black defendants. When the situation came to light in one of the other cases in 1999, the Texas attorney general, John Cornyn (who is now a United States senator), declared that it is inappropriate to allow race to be considered as a factor in our criminal justice system. The state dropped its defense of six of the death sentences, including one in a case that was then pending at the Supreme Court. But in all those cases, Dr. Quijano had been called to testify by the prosecution. This time, the state regarded Mr. Bucks case as crucially different: Not only had the defense put on the testimony, but Mr. Bucks lawyer in his state habeas corpus case had also failed even to raise the question of ineffective assistance of counsel during his trial, thus forfeiting the issue in the eyes of the state and federal courts that subsequently reviewed the case.

Mr. Bucks final effort was a return to Federal District Court in 2014 with a procedural claim that extraordinary circumstances justified reopening the case. The District Court held that the circumstances were not extraordinary, but that even if they were, the case couldnt clear the high bar for proving a violation of the Sixth Amendment right to the effective assistance of counsel. Under the Supreme Courts precedents, a defendant making such a claim must show both cause and prejudice, meaning not only that the lawyers representation was deficient (cause) but also that there was a reasonable probability that, with adequate representation, the outcome would have been different (prejudice). The District Court concluded that while Mr. Bucks lawyer was indeed deficient, the horrific nature of the crime meant that the introduction of any mention of race was de minimis. In other words, it didnt matter. The United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit dismissed Mr. Bucks appeal, finding his case not extraordinary at all.

Ive described the case at length (although greatly compressed, given its procedural complexity) because its important to see the landscape that lay before the justices last month. A web of precedents, statutes and procedural rules ensnares even the best-represented defendants who try to challenge their state-court convictions or sentences through petitions for habeas corpus in federal court. Still, the Supreme Court had agreed to hear Mr. Bucks appeal after relatively brief consideration last spring. That was promising.
To the Editor:

Re Federal Judge Blocks New Ban on Travel to U.S. (front page, March 16):

The continuing saga of President Trumps travel bans beautifully illustrates the difference between sensationalism and governing.

If Mr. Trump were really interested in good governance and taking care of national security, rather than trying to implement an ill-considered and dangerous travel ban, he could certainly in the last two months have had a bipartisan panel review current immigrant and refugee vetting policies and implemented any changes deemed to be necessary for national security.

Its a good, and important, question to ask why he made the opposite choice.

LINDA MURDOCK, SUDBURY, MASS.
One thing that I find fascinating is to go back and reread the transcript of Trumps presidential bid announcement in light of what we now know. So much of it consists of lies or of him criticizing others for things that he would later be proven guilty of doing. It is as damning a document as exists about this man, at least that is publicly available at this point.

Two of the central pillars of that speech, and in fact of his entire candidacy, were the border wall and the repeal of the Affordable Care Act.

Trump said during the speech:

I would build a great wall, and nobody builds walls better than me, believe me, and Ill build them very inexpensively. I will build a great, great wall on our southern border. And I will have Mexico pay for that wall.

First, the price tag for the wall has ballooned by billions of dollars. As Bess Levin noted in Vanity Fair:

According to an internal report by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, its going to cost about $21.6 billion. That number is significantly higher than Team Trumps $12 billion estimate, or Republican leaderships $15 billion estimate, because it takes into account pesky little things the White House did not factor into its back-of-the envelope calculations, like the fact that many areas where the wall would go are privately owned and need to be purchased and paid for.

Then, when Mexico steadfastly refused to pay for the wall, which objective observers knew would happen, Trump changed his tune, saying instead that Mexico would reimburse Americans for the wall after American taxpayers paid for it.

Now this idea of Mexican payments has all but disappeared. When he spoke to a joint session of Congress a few weeks ago, Trump didnt even mention a demand that Mexico pay for the wall.

Trump also said during his announcement speech:

We have to repeal Obamacare, and it can be  and  and it can be replaced with something much better for everybody. Let it be for everybody. But much better and much less expensive for people and for the government. And we can do it.
Punctuation matters.

That might be surprising to hear in an era when semicolons and colons seem more likely to be used for constructing happy-face emoticons than serving their nobler purpose of making sentences easier to read, but a recent labor law case in Maine has brought new attention to the self-effacing comma.

Or more accurately, the serial comma, also known as the Oxford or Harvard comma depending on where youre from, which comes after the penultimate item and before a conjunction in a series. In the sentence, We visited Troy, Rome, and Utica on our way to Lake Placid, the comma after Rome is considered a serial comma. Do you need it?

That may depend on whether youre a judge. In the Maine labor case, three truck drivers sued a dairy for overtime pay in 2014, citing state law. On Monday, the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit sided with them on the ground that a phrase in the law describing categories of work exempt from overtime rules  the canning, processing, preserving, freezing, drying, marketing, storing, packing for shipment or distribution of perishable foods  was unclear. Why? Because it lacked a comma after shipment, so the phrase could mean that packing for shipment or distribution was exempted, but not distribution itself.

For the court, then, a serial comma was a necessity, even though, as Daniel Victor of The Times notes, the writer of the law followed the rules of The Maine Legislative Drafting Manual, which dislikes such commas.
But targeting immigrants and minorities with false and prejudicial rhetoric, as Mr. Trump has done during the campaign and in the early weeks of his presidency, has spurred a surge in hate acts against them. The Southern Poverty Law Center found that hate incidents reported in the first few weeks following Mr. Trumps victory were at levels normally seen over a six-month period. No community appears safe from this rash of hate  with reports like school bullying against Muslim children, stories of Latinos being harassed on the street and told to go back to your country, attacks on blacks and gays, and the desecration of Jewish cemeteries. This is a country that prides itself on neighbors looking out for one another. In Donald Trumps America, we are increasingly at one anothers throats.

As hate incidents surged after the election last fall, I announced a $10 million investment to provide legal and social services to victims of hate crimes, to encourage local organizations across the country to do the same and to propose improvements and new ideas. This week we opened our Hate Incident Database to monitor the scope and depth of hate incidents across the country.

Having survived the Nazi persecution of Jews in Hungary, I escaped from Soviet occupation at age 17 and made my way first to Britain and then to America. This is not the America that attracted me. I have seen the damage done when societies succumb to the fear of the other. And I will do all I can to help preserve the openness, inclusiveness and diversity that represent our greatest strength.

Demonizing immigrants weakens our country. Fighting against hate crimes makes us grow stronger together.
Does green beer taste better laced with hypocrisy? Does shamrock smell sweeter perfumed with historical amnesia?

We may be about to find out, for this years St. Patricks Day jamboree at the White House will be a breathtaking celebration of double standards and the willful forgetting of Americas recent past. Even by the crooked yardstick of the Trump administration, the disconnect is surreal: The president will salute the legacy of one wave of immigrants even as he deploys against other immigrants the same calumnies once heaped upon the Irish.

In the blizzard of executive orders, it was easy to miss a proclamation President Trump issued on March 1. The president declared this Irish-American Heritage Month and called on all Americans to celebrate the achievements and contributions of Irish-Americans to our nation with appropriate ceremonies, activities and programs. The proclamation could hardly be more upbeat in its praise of the Irish for overcoming poverty and discrimination and inspiring Americans from all walks of life with their indomitable and entrepreneurial spirit. Mr. Trump embraced these poor and despised foreigners as the forebears of the more than 35 million Americans of Irish descent who contribute every day to all facets of life in the United States.

The Irish are at least as fond as anyone else of being told how great they are, but as an Irish person, I find this more than a little disconcerting. It is like having your chastity praised by a brothel keeper, or your temperance and thrift eulogized by a drunken sailor. The whole thing would be funny if it did not raise the most uncomfortable question: Is it right to applaud the legacy of mass immigration from Ireland because the Irish are white and Christian?
For nearly a decade, drone strikes have been central to Americas counterterrorism policy. Operated from remote locations, the small aircraft can hover over targets for long periods of time and kill extremists with precision without risking American casualties. President Barack Obama found drones so effective and useful that over two terms, he approved 542 strikes that killed 3,797 people in non-battlefield areas where American forces were not directly engaged, including Pakistan, Yemen and Somalia.

But this seductive tool of modern warfare has a dark side. Seemingly bloodless and distant, drone strikes can tempt presidents and military commanders to inflict grave damage without sufficient forethought, violating sovereign rights and killing innocent civilians. Civilian deaths during Mr. Obamas tenure undermined American counterterrorism operations and became a recruiting tool for more extremists.

Mr. Obama was persuaded to impose sensible constraints on the use of drone strikes between 2013 and 2016. The White House would decide which individuals outside of the traditional war zones of Iraq and Afghanistan could be targeted, and there had to be near certainty that no civilians would be killed. In traditional war zones, military commanders make these decisions without interagency review, and the threshold for acceptable civilian casualties is less strict.

Now comes disturbing news: President Trump and his administration are moving to dilute or circumvent the Obama rules. This could have disastrous outcomes, not least because Mr. Trump seems even more enticed by drone warfare than Mr. Obama was. In the days since his inauguration, the tempo of airstrikes has increased significantly.
LONDON  Whenever I was encouraged by my elders to pick up a book, I was often told, Read so as to know the world. And it is true; books have invited me into different countries, states of mind, social conditions and historical epochs; they have offered me a place at the most unusual gatherings.

I have had access to private rooms, overheard exquisite conversations and been able to observe subtle changes in another persons inner life. Books have shown me horror and beauty. All this is true.

But the most magical moments in reading occur not when I encounter something unknown but when I happen upon myself, when I read a sentence that perfectly describes something I have known or felt all along. I am reminded then that I am really no different from anyone else.

Perhaps that is the secret motive behind every library: to stumble upon ourselves in the lives and lands and tongues of others. And the more foreign the setting, the more poignant the event seems. For a strange thing occurs then: A distance widens and then it is crossed.
To the Editor:

Re 24 Million More Among Uninsured Under G.O.P. Plan (front page, March 14):

As a pediatrician working in a hospital, I care for the most sick and vulnerable children. In the past these children were often uninsured or underinsured, but we have made progress. Childrens health insurance coverage has reached historic levels thanks to Medicaid, the Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and the Affordable Care Act. The American Health Care Act could destroy that.

Children most at risk for poor health outcomes rely on Medicaid and CHIP  those living in poverty, with disabilities or chronic health conditions, and in foster care, as well as very young infants. Half of all Medicaid/CHIP enrollees in the United States are children  and yet we neglect to consider their welfare in the proposed health plan. And neglecting the welfare of children hurts our country and our economy.

Kids enrolled in Medicaid miss fewer school days, are more likely to attend and graduate from college, and grow up to be healthier adults who earn higher wages, pay more in taxes and have lower health care costs.

The American Health Care Act jeopardizes our nations children. We must put kids first in order to ensure the health of our country.
The flaw is found in a provision of the bill with the innocuous title Encouraging Continuous Health Insurance Coverage. Under that provision, individuals who go without coverage for more than two months must pay a penalty the next time they buy health insurance. The penalty is equal to 30 percent of their new plans premium. Significantly, individuals must pay this 30 percent penalty to their new insurer, not to the federal government.

And therein lies the problem. If the penalty were paid to the federal government, as with the individual mandate penalty under the Affordable Care Act, the provision would comply with the Byrd rule because it would have an obvious positive budgetary effect: Penalty payments would increase federal revenues. But the drafters of the repeal-and-replace bill chose not to adopt that approach, lest the penalty look too much like the Obamacare mandate. Instead, they are hoping that the threat of a future penalty averts an insurance market death spiral, in which healthy individuals run for the exits and the sick are left behind.

The logic behind the penalty is clear enough, but the budgetary effects are not. On the one hand, the specter of the penalty will cause some healthy individuals to keep buying insurance, which means they can qualify for refundable tax credits under the Republican plan. More people claiming tax credits means less federal revenue. On the other hand, the penalty will cause some uninsured individuals to remain uninsured even when they become sick, and so will disqualify them for tax credits. Fewer people claiming tax credits means more federal revenue. The penaltys overall budgetary effect is ambiguous  and incidental to the goal of keeping healthy individuals in the market. In other words, its impact goes beyond just taxes and spending.

The problem for Republicans is that the Byrd rule does not allow these sorts of non-budgetary measures to pass through reconciliation and avoid the filibuster. If the repeal-and-replace bill passes the House and reaches the Senate, a Democratic senator will raise a point of order to strike the penalty provision for violating the Byrd rule.

The Senates nonpartisan parliamentarian, Elizabeth MacDonough, will then decide whether the budgetary effects of the provision are merely incidental. Ms. MacDonough has enforced the Byrd rule strictly in the past and will almost certainly say that the penalty provision violates the rule here as well. Indeed, one Senate Republican aide has already acknowledged that the bill will flunk the Byrd rule test.
David Buss, a professor of psychology at the University of Texas-Austin, elaborated on Gearys point in an email, stressing the lower proportion of men than women getting college degrees:

Women have strong mate preferences such that they do not want to mate or marry men who are less educated, less intelligent, and less successful than they are.

And this, Buss said, creates a surplus of men at the low end who are not going to get married.

Millions of these less well educated men are not going to get the benefits of marriage:

Married men live longer, are less likely to become alcoholic, take drugs, commit suicide, etc.

In a phone interview a number of years ago, Richard Freeman, a Harvard economist, was prescient:

Men are really going to have to change their act or have big problems. I think of big guys from the cave days, guys who were good at lifting stuff and hunting and the things we got genetically selected out for. During the industrial revolution that wasnt so bad, but its not going to be there anymore.

Asked to confirm his earlier views, Freeman wrote me that what he predicted

has occurred and continues, and perhaps is linked to the penchant for some male workers to be more favorable to right-wing populism than might have been the case.

David Deming, a professor of public policy at Harvards Kennedy School, suggests that things are not as simple for men as changing their act.

In a 2015 paper, The Growing Importance of Social Skills in the Labor Market, Deming writes:

High-paying, difficult-to-automate jobs increasingly require social skills. Nearly all job growth since 1980 has been in occupations that are relatively social skill-intensive. Jobs that require high levels of analytical and mathematical reasoning but low levels of social interaction have fared especially poorly.

What this means, according to Deming, is that

the economy-wide shift toward social skill-intensive occupations has occurred disproportionately among women rather than men. This is consistent with a large literature showing sex differences in social perceptiveness and the ability to work with others.

Studies of gender differences, according to Deming, show that

Females consistently score higher on tests of emotional and social intelligence. Sex differences in sociability and social perceptiveness have been shown to have biological origins, with differences appearing in infancy and higher levels of fetal testosterone associated with lower scores on tests of social intelligence.

In an email, Deming suggested two reasons that men may be reluctant to take jobs in the growing service sector. The first, he said, is that

if service sector and other pink collar jobs were higher-paying and more secure (perhaps unionized), they would attract more men.

The second reason, in Demings view, is that

many service sector jobs involve serving people of higher social status. I think women are more willing to do this  for cultural or genetic reasons, who knows.

From another perspective altogether, Allan Schore, a professor of psychiatry and biobehavioral sciences at the U.C.L.A. School of Medicine, explores the slower development among boys in right-brain attachment functions.
SOFIA, Bulgaria  As I follow the news and listen to politicians these days, I am struck by the extent to which America and Europe are awash in conspiracy thinking. Conspiracy theories have replaced ideologies at the heart of politics. They mobilize people to take to the streets; they connect political leaders to their followers. They decide the outcome of the elections.

But as the saying goes, Just because youre paranoid doesnt mean they arent after you.

Russian hacking of the servers of the Democratic National Committee was not a conspiracy theory but a fact. Neither was it a conspiracy theory that the United States was snooping on the chancellor of Germany and the president of Brazil. Most of the corruption scandals in the Western world right now are not conspiracy theories, either. They are actual conspiracies.

Yet is the existence of bona fide conspiracies a good enough reason to view everything happening in the world in that light? Is the epidemic of mistrust that is tearing apart democratic societies making us more or less free? And does the rise of a new kind of citizen  lets call him or her the paranoid citizen  imperil our democracies?

In Poland it was the shared belief that the death of President Lech Kaczynski along with 95 other members of the Polish elite in a plane crash near the Russian town of Smolensk in 2010 was an assassination rather than an accident (a claim that was officially rejected) that correlated with voting for the now governing right-wing Law and Justice party in the last parliamentary elections  probably more than education, income level, church attendance or any other factor.
Or is Trump like Franklin Pierce? If you want to check it out, Ill bet people at Franklin Pierces home in New Hampshire would be really, really happy to have more visitors. And since Pierce is usually near the bottom of the charts, its another camp thats hoping the Trump administration just keeps going the way it is now.

Like Trump, Pierce was into cleanliness. And neither man was wiretapped by his predecessor. See, theres a lot of commonality.

Rutherford B. Hayes? I am only bringing him up because nobody ever brings up Rutherford B. Hayes. Hayes did get into office without winning the popular vote. And he installed the first White House telephone. Can you imagine a President Trump with no connection to the outside world but telegraph? Has to mean something.

Ronald Reagan? Dont compare Trump to Ronald Reagan. Youll just encourage him.

Since Trump was channeling Andrew Jackson, maybe we could talk about Richard Johnson, who was vice president under Jacksons successor, Martin Van Buren. Now there was a guy who rose to power with the help of an over-the-top persona. Like Jackson, Johnson presented himself as a man of humble origins. But in reality, he had a dad who owned a ton of real estate. And like Trump, he became a politician with a lot of money who complained about the moneyed class.

He also had a wild hairstyle. Things eventually went south for Johnson financially, and he attempted to recoup by opening up a tavern back home. He spent much of his vice presidency tending bar in Kentucky. While this doesnt really serve our attempts to make a connection, you have to love imagining Donald Trump winding up serving drinks at Applebees.

But about Andrew Jackson. He subscribed to 16 newspapers, so thats a little like spending your evenings staring at Fox. And if Old Hickory had access to a Twitter account, God knows what would have happened. (Henry Clay still plotting against me! Stealing my mail! Hiding in the bushes! Sad!)
The framers considered the Constitution to be the primary protector against authoritarianism. The document is framed in mandatory language and can be amended only by a complex process. Congress cannot simply enact a law repealing a provision of the Constitution. Rather, those who wish to amend it must go through an intentionally difficult process requiring substantial supermajoritarian majorities. The framers knew that throughout history republican governments ultimately degenerated into authoritarian regimes. To preserve democratic government in which those in power remain representative of and accountable to the populace, that government must be subject to the control of a countermajoritarian document  the Constitution. This describes the democratic paradox that underlies American constitutionalism: to preserve democracy, we must limit democracy.

Once we understand the special role played by the Constitution in preserving democratic government, the role of the judiciary in enforcement of that document flows inescapably. Of the three branches of the federal government, only one is explicitly insulated from the dictates of democratic representation and political accountability: the judicial branch. Article III of the Constitution guarantees to federal judges life tenure (subject only to removal through the impeachment process) and protects their salaries from reduction. A nation that only a few years earlier had fought a revolution over the slogan no taxation without representation protected one of the three branches of its federal government against the check of political accountability. Why would the framers have done this?

The answer should be obvious as a logical matter, even if we didnt have the careful words of Alexander Hamilton in Federalist No. 78 to back up that logical inference. The judiciary was insulated from democratic accountability so that it could serve as an effective enforcer of the directives of the countermajoritarian Constitution against the democratically accountable branches.

The logic of judicial review, the power of the judiciary to declare the acts of the other branches in violation of the Constitution, goes something like this: The political branches are explicitly restrained by restrictions and directives imposed in the Constitution, which itself may not be amended or ignored by a simple majority of those democratically accountable branches. If those branches could sit in final judgment on the constitutionality of their own actions, however, the Constitution would be rendered worse than meaningless.
NASHVILLE  Fight the power, the Facebook message said. Get two tix for Donald and let the place stay empty!

I clicked the link, and thats how I learned that the president of the United States was coming to Nashville. As with so many of these scattershot acts of resistance, the call to reserve tickets and leave the seats unoccupied seemed pointless for a first-come-first-served event issuing unlimited tickets. I made my reservations anyway on the off chance I was wrong.

Then I thought, I should just go. Not as a protester  megaphone-to-megaphone combat is a fine American tradition, but its not a great fit for someone who likes pretty much everybody. Most Tennesseans might consider me a Yellow Dog Democrat, but President Trumps people are my people  the people I come from, the people I live among. I believe my people elected the greatest threat to American democracy since the Third Reich, but I havent been able to work up a real us-versus-them way of thinking about my own friends and family.

The president was scheduled to speak at 6:30 p.m., but when I got down to the Municipal Auditorium at noon, the line of people waiting to get in stretched all the way around the building  twice  before crossing the street and continuing farther than I could see. Wow, what time did you get here? I said to a guy near the front of the line. Hed been standing there since before dawn, on a day when it was 23 degrees outside.
Ive long worried whether Ive become a part of this problem. For two years, Id lived in Silicon Valley, surrounded by other highly educated transplants with seemingly perfect lives. Its jarring to live in a world where every person feels his life will only get better when you came from a world where many rightfully believe that things have become worse. And Ive suspected that this optimism blinds many in Silicon Valley to the real struggles in other parts of the country. So I decided to move home, to Ohio.

It wasnt an easy choice. I scaled back my commitments to a job I love because of the relocation. My wife and I worry about the quality of local public schools, and whether she (a San Diego native) could stand the unpredictable weather.

But there were practical reasons to move: Im founding an organization to combat Ohios opioid epidemic. We chose Columbus because I travel a lot, and I need to be centrally located in the state and close to an airport. And the truth is that not every motivation is rational: Part of me loves Ohio simply because its home.

I recently asked a friend, Ami Vitori Kimener, how she thought about her own return home. A Georgetown graduate, Ami left a successful career in Washington to start new businesses in Middletown, Ohio. Middletown is in some ways a classic Midwestern city: Once thriving, it was hit hard by the decline of the regions manufacturing base in recent decades. But the town is showing early signs of revitalization, thanks in part to the efforts of those like Ami.

Talking with Ami, I realized that we often frame civic responsibility in terms of government taxes and transfer payments, so that our societys least fortunate families are able to provide basic necessities. But this focus can miss something important: that what many communities need most is not just financial support, but talent and energy and committed citizens to build viable businesses and other civic institutions.

Of course, not every town can or should be saved. Many people should leave struggling places in search of economic opportunity, and many of them wont be able to return. Some people will move back to their hometowns; others, like me, will move back to their home state. The calculation will undoubtedly differ for each person, as it should. But those of us who are lucky enough to choose where we live would do well to ask ourselves, as part of that calculation, whether the choices we make for ourselves are necessarily the best for our home communities  and for the country.
INTERNATIONAL

An article on Feb. 19 about the growth of the nuclear threat from North Korea misstated the year that the country conducted its second test of a nuclear device. It was 2009, not 2008.

NEW YORK

The Inside The Times article on Wednesday about delivery of The New York Times during the winter storm paraphrased incorrectly from comments by the managing director of production about the success in delivering the newspaper. When the director, Michael Connors, said that all 236,000 copies were delivered in the metropolitan area, he was referring to trucking the papers to distribution centers, not that the papers reached every subscribers home. (Several thousand papers were not delivered on time.)



An article on Feb. 13 about a couple who competed in a worldwide Bible competition in Jerusalem misstated how the Hebrew Bible  the Tanakh  correlates with the Christian Old Testament. The contents of the Hebrew Bible are identical to the Old Testament in some Christian denominations, but the order of the books differs and some books have different titles. (Other denominations use an Old Testament containing a few additional books not included in the Tanakh.) This correction was delayed for research.

THE ARTS

A report in the Arts, Briefly column on Tuesday about the sales of Ed Sheerans album  (pronounced divide), described incorrectly the effect of a rule change in how streams are counted for the British singles chart. The change increased to 150 from 100 the number of streams that equal a single sale of a song, reducing the value of each stream in determining chart positions. Mr. Sheerans success on the chart did not become possible only because of that change. The report also misstated the year when the chart began to incorporate songs popularity on streaming services. It was three years ago, not in December.
On todays episode:

 Mr. Trumps plan to deregulate America is underway. Hes starting in the heart of the country, with one of former President Barack Obamas most cherished regulations. We talk with Eric Lipton, an investigative reporter for The Times whos tracking every regulatory change under the Trump administration.

 Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany and Mr. Trump will soon meet for the first time. One has embraced open borders, the other is proudly closing them. Alison Smale, our Berlin bureau chief, joins us to talk about this relationship.

Background reading:

 More on Mr. Trumps visit to Detroit on Wednesday and his vow to add auto jobs by cutting regulations.

 Is Ms. Merkel the last defender of the liberal west? Ms. Smale and Steven Erlanger wrote in November, after the United States election, about the many directions from which her values are now under attack.

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.
Grace OShaughnessy is from Dutchess County. Omar Lopez grew up in Bushwick.

The two met at the College of St. Rose in Albany when she was a freshman and he was a senior. They dated long distance while he earned a masters degree in education at Harvard; they settled in New York while she worked toward her masters degree at Columbia Universitys School of Social Work.

For four years, the couple  who married two and a half years ago  rented a one-bedroom in a Harlem brownstone, where the monthly rent was in the $1,600s.

For most of that time, they discussed buying a bigger place. Ultimately, we do want to have kids and also be able to host people who can help us, who can babysit and stay over, Mr. Lopez said. When you have limited space, it limits your options.
Ask anyone what the nose does, and the reply will most likely be related to smell. We appreciate our noses because they help us experience flowers and fresh-baked cookies.

In fact, our honkers have another, more important function: They warm and humidify the air we breathe, helping prevent illness and damage in our airways and lungs. Because of this, scientists have long suspected that nose shape evolved partly in response to local climate conditions. In cold, dry climates, natural selection may have favored noses that were better at heating and moisturizing air.

A team led by scientists at Pennsylvania State University has found more evidence of the relationship between the noses we have now and the climates where our ancestors lived.

In a study published in PLOS Genetics on Thursday, the researchers found that nostril width differed significantly between populations from different regions around the world. Moreover, the higher the temperature and absolute humidity of the region, the wider the nostril, the researchers found, suggesting that climate very well may have played a part in shaping our sniffers.
Lincolns 39th annual Mayors Arts Awards will take place June 7 at Pinnacle Bank Arena. For nearly four decades, the Lincoln Arts Council (LAC) has organized this celebratory occasion to honor the best and brightest in the creative community. Everyone is invited to join the party.

Sixteen awardees will be recognized by Mayor Chris Beutler and presented with an original award created by Christian Scott, Best of Nebraska Artist from Lincoln Arts Festival 2016. Twelve of the categories are nominated by the community and selected by a panel of volunteers from the community. Along with artistic achievement, the event honors arts educators, philanthropists, backstage support and volunteers.

Family, friends, colleagues and arts enthusiasts will join elected officials and corporate leaders in a singular and enjoyable evening made all the more so by emcee DeWayne Taylor. Taylor is a dynamic beat boxer and KFRX radio personality as well as a University of Nebraska-Lincoln student.

Reservations are required to attend the Mayors Arts Awards banquet and ceremony. For additional information and registration, see www.artscene.org. Contact the LAC office with any questions: 402-434-2787 or lori@artscene.org.

The 2017 winners are:

Richard Hay Outstanding Arts Organization  Angels Theatre Company

Recognizing an arts group that has made significant contributions to Lincolns arts community over the years.

Artistic Achievement Award  Visual Arts: Amy Smith

Recognizing excellence and accomplishment in any of the visual arts, including theater and film.

Artistic Achievement Award  Youth: Jonah Kelly

Recognizing excellence and accomplishment in any arts discipline by a young person age 18 or younger.

Artistic Achievement Award  Performing Arts: Richard Nielsen

Recognizing excellence and accomplishment in any of the performing arts, including film.

Artistic Achievement Award  Literary Arts: Rex Walton

Recognizing excellence and accomplishment in literary form.

Gladys Lux Education Award: Robert Hillestad

Recognizing special initiatives or dedication to arts education.

The Legacy of the Arts Award: Robert Hall

Recognizing a senior (age 55 and up) actively involved in creating, teaching, sharing or inspiring artistic expression in any discipline.

Heart of the Arts Award: Dean Settle

Recognizing an individual or organization for outstanding volunteer dedication to the arts or for making a major overall impact on the arts in Lincoln.

The ArtScene Backstage Award: Brad Buffum

Recognizing extraordinary service to the arts through behind-the-scenes efforts.

Outstanding Event Award: Standing Bear  A Ponca Indian Contata

Recognizing a performance, exhibition or project in the previous year (2016) that will be notable in the community memory for years to come due to its content or cultural significance.

Benefactor of the Arts Award: Phil Perry

Honoring an individual, family, organization or business making significant financial contributions to the arts.

Lincoln Community Foundation Arts for Kids Award: Kevin Clark, Clark Architects Collaborative 3

Honoring an individual or organization from outside of the arts professions whose leadership has enhanced arts activities and experiences for children.

Mayors Choice Award: Puddin and the Grumble / The Grumble Project

Enersen Urban Design Award: P Street District Improvements

Kimmel Foundation Awards

Winners of the emerging visual artist award and an emerging writer award will be announced soon.
His first collection, which includes a triptych of curved, asymmetrical mirrors, a silver-plated shelf and a smoky resin sconce, is both a natural extension of the studios work and an interesting departure from it. Alcohol notwithstanding, in a bar or restaurant our pieces are used in pretty specific ways, Oliver says. Maybe someone starts dancing on a table, but by and large its pretty scripted. By contrast, the Homework pieces allow for a certain freedom, as utilitarian as they are: Maybe youll reorient the mirrors, or separate them. The shelf is intended for books  it comes with a cast-glass bookend, and Oliver, who was once an editor at Little, Brown, designed its dip to hold large-format art volumes  and yet, he points out, it could easily display other objects, or even just serve as a wall installation. In that way, its collaborative, he says. You cant change what it is, but you can change how it gets used.
Tensions between the United States and Russia have festered for months over the issue of cybersecurity. Russian hackers were identified by American intelligence officials as having tried to aid Donald J. Trump during the presidential election last year, at the expense of Hillary Clinton.

On Wednesday, the Justice Department said Russians were also behind another prominent hacking: a giant breach at the internet company Yahoo in 2014, when 500 million user accounts were compromised.

Federal officials said two Russian intelligence officers were responsible for the breach, along with a Russian hacker and a Kazakh national living in Canada, write Vindu Goel and Eric Lichtblau, reporters for The New York Times. The Russian government then used the information obtained through the Yahoo breach to target American executives and other officials, according to the indictment from the Justice Department.
Heres why the prongs are crucial to the effort to roll back Obamacare: Republicans have chosen to pass their health reform bill using a special budget procedure that limits the policy changes they can make. That means that many of their key policy promises made over the past few years  and even days  cant be achieved in the bill.

President Trumps promise to promote health insurance sales across state lines? Not in the American Health Care Act. Mr. Prices commitment to loosen burdensome benefit rules for private health plans in Obamacare? Also not in the bill. Mr. Ryans favored policy of high-risk pools? Not there either. The goal of giving states more flexibility to run their Medicaid programs according to local conditions? Barely.

There is some debate among Senate experts about exactly what sorts of insurance regulations will be allowed in a bill passed through the special budget procedure. Such bills, which cannot be filibustered and thus can pass with only 50 Senate votes (along with Vice President Mike Pences tiebreaking vote), must adhere to the so-called Byrd rule.

Named after Robert Byrd of West Virginia, who was the longest-serving senator in history, the rule says that senators can stop a bill under this special procedure if it contains matter extraneous to the federal budget. There are many complex details, which is why there is uncertainty about what counts. The House staff members who wrote the American Health Care Act apparently felt that changing Obamacares requirement that all plans cover 10 basic categories of benefits would break the rule. (But, for example, they believed that changing the rules for how much insurance companies could charge older customers was O.K.)
The chaos over the bans rollout has put into flux travel plans ahead of the most important Iranian cultural holiday, Nowruz. The 13-day secular celebration of the Persian New Year begins on the first day of spring, which is Monday. Nowruz (pronounced NO-rooz) dates back thousands of years to the old Iranian solar calendar. Its a part of the cycle of planting and harvesting and renewal.

There is lots of anxiety in the community, said Peyman Malaz, program manager in the Los Angeles office of Pars Equality Center, an Iranian-American advocacy group. Everyone is terrified actually. Everything is uncertain.

Southern California has the nations biggest concentration of Iranian-Americans, numbering in the hundreds of thousands. They arrived here nearly 40 years ago, after the Islamic Revolution in 1979, in search of social, political and religious freedom. Many of them have family members back in their homeland, and fears of traveling are preventing some of them from reuniting, dampening a holiday centered on family, gifts and joy.

If you, your family or friends are members of the Iranian community and are affected by the havoc caused by the travel bans, wed like to hear from you. Please email us at catoday@nytimes.com.
LOS ANGELES  Californias top judicial official asked the Trump administration on Thursday to stop immigration agents from stalking courthouses in the state to make immigration arrests.

Courthouses should not be used as bait in the necessary enforcement of our countrys immigration laws, Tani Cantil-Sakauye, the chief justice of California, wrote in a letter to Jeff Sessions, the attorney general, and John Kelly, the secretary of homeland security.

Enforcement policies that include stalking courthouses and arresting undocumented immigrants, the vast majority of whom pose no risk to public safety, are neither safe nor fair, she continued. They not only compromise our core value of fairness, but they undermine the judiciarys ability to provide equal access to justice.

Justice Cantil-Sakauye did not provide specific examples of immigration agents conducting arrests in courthouses, but several lawyers have reported seeing both uniformed and plainclothes immigration agents in and around courts in Southern California. Lawyers and judges in other parts of the country, including Texas and Colorado, have also complained of immigration agents in courts.
The numbers  while not yet final  are provoking anxiety in some programs that rely on international students, who bring more than $32 billion a year into the United States economy. International enrollment at American colleges has been on the rise over the past decade, and for the first time exceeded one million students last year.

Still, despite the steady increase, the movement of students from one country to another is sensitive to fluctuations tied to political and economic forces. So some officials cautioned that a Trump effect is just one possible explanation for this years application figures. Beyond that, many schools, including New York University, the University of Southern California and Northeastern University, reported that their international numbers are up. Purdue University reported a 1.2 percent decline in graduate school applications.

Mr. Wiewel made his trip to Hyderabad not long after residents of the city held funeral services for a young Indian man who was killed in a bar in Olathe, Kan., where he worked as an engineer. The shooting is being investigated as a hate crime.

Image The universitys president, Wim Wiewel, has worked to reassure foreign students planning to attend Portland State. Credit... Leah Nash for The New York Times

Mr. Wiewel reassured the students  all admitted to Portland States graduate engineering program  that his universitys environment was safe and welcoming. He was a bit surprised by their concerns, he said, because students he visited earlier in New Delhi and Bangalore had been more anxious about financing their graduate studies, apparently a reaction to Indias recent currency shortage. Other economic factors may also be involved in the application declines, Ms. Ortega said, including crude oil prices in Saudi Arabia.

Also at play: uncertainty about the future of a visa program called H-1B that international graduates frequently rely on to remain in the United States to work.

For several graduate schools, the Trump administrations travel ban, which initially affected seven predominantly Muslim countries, could not have been more poorly timed. It was announced in late January as deadlines loomed for applications to some graduate programs, and it came on the heels of Mr. Trumps virulently anti-immigrant rhetoric during the campaign.
Although the Florida authorities have not carried out any executions since January 2016, the state has 381 prisoners on death row. Twenty-two of them were convicted in Orange or Osceola Counties, the two counties within Ms. Ayalas territory.

Ms. Ayala said that the death penalty had failed as a deterrent and that it did nothing to protect law enforcement officers. She also cited the length of time between sentencing and execution, which often exceeds a decade, and the costs of capital cases. I am prohibited from making the severity of sentences the index of my effectiveness, she said on Thursday. Punishment is most effective when it happens consistently and swiftly. Neither describe the death penalty in this state.

Seeking life sentences, she said, would guarantee that violent offenders will never be released.

They will never continue to drain resources from this state with decades of appeals, and we can offer families of the victims more closure and more certainty, she added.

As recently as Tuesday, Ms. Ayalas spokeswoman told The Orlando Sentinel that the office was seeking death sentences in six cases. By late Thursday morning, the office had reversed its stand, throwing into question the potential punishment in a high-profile case against Markeith Loyd, who the police said killed his pregnant ex-girlfriend and then gunned down an officer, Lt. Debra Clayton, as she tried to apprehend him.

After Ms. Ayalas announcement, Mr. Scott called on her to recuse herself from the case, but she declined. He then removed her from it, saying in a statement that she had made it clear that she will not fight for justice.
A second member of the three-judge panel, Judge Nina Pillard of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, asked whether Mr. Clement had failed to disclose a conflict of interest. His name, she said, much resembled the one Mark Twain was born with, Samuel Clemens.

The third member of the panel, Judge Raymond W. Gruender of the Eighth Circuit, in St. Louis, wondered whether Tom had done nothing more than create a microaggression, a term that probably confused the boy.

Chief Justice Roberts bore down on the core legal issues.

Your clients were perfectly happy with their bargain when they finished painting the fence, werent they? he asked Mr. Clement. They just got disappointed that Tom had all of the trinkets of the boys in town.

Among the things the boys had traded for the privilege of doing Toms work were an apple, a kite, a dead rat on a string, 12 marbles, a couple of tadpoles, a fragment of chalk and a kitten with one eye.

Those trades were proof of fraud, Mr. Clement said.

At various points, he made misrepresentations to my clients that induced them to part with their very valuable items, including the aforementioned dead rat, he said. I think that is the essence of a fraudulent misrepresentation.

Chief Justice Roberts suggested another legal theory, one that would entitle the boys to triple what they had lost.
WASHINGTON  It was deja vu on Wednesday: President Trump traveled to Detroit and Nashville for campaign-style rallies, sat down for an interview with Fox News and criticized a federal judge for blocking his travel ban.

Through it all, Mr. Trump repeated a series of misleading assertions and falsehoods, such as when he seemed simultaneously to walk back and yet double down on his accusation that President Barack Obama had wiretapped him.

That really covers surveillance and many other things. Nobody ever talks about the fact that it was in quotes, he said on Fox News before adding, I think youre going to find some very interesting items coming to the forefront in the next two weeks.

Heres an assessment of some of his recent claims.

Mr. Trump cited news reports as evidence for his wiretapping claims.

Ive been reading about things. I read I think it was a Jan. 20 article in The New York Times  they were talking about wiretapping.

This is misleading. The Times article Mr. Trump referred to did use the word wiretap but it did not assert that Mr. Obama had ordered surveillance of Mr. Trump, nor did it even mention Mr. Obama. Rather, the story referred to intercepted information collected overseas.
According to Mr. Cummingss letter, the company came under United Nations scrutiny after allegations of bribery surfaced involving two Russian officials serving at the United Nations. As part of that investigation, the United Nations removed the company in 2007 from its approved list of vendors, the letter said.



In October 2015, Mr. Flynn was paid another $11,250 by the firm, Kaspersky Government Security Solutions, which was founded by Eugene Kaspersky. Mr. Kasperskys Moscow-based Kaspersky Lab has long been suspected of having ties to Russian intelligence services. He studied cryptography at a high school run by the K.G.B. and Soviet Defense Ministry, and later worked for the Russian military.

Mr. Kaspersky founded the lab with his wife in their Moscow apartment in 1997, and since then, it has grown into one of the most well-known and respected cybersecurity firms in the world. That prominence would make interactions with Russian intelligence unavoidable, although no concrete evidence has yet to surface showing any formal cooperation, experts and current and former American officials said.

Kaspersky Lab said in a statement that Mr. Flynn was paid a fee for remarks he delivered at a 2015 cybersecurity forum in Washington.
Kids in Nebraska united against tobacco use March 15, joining thousands of young people nationwide to mark Kick Butts Day. More than 1,000 events are planned across the United States and around the world for this annual day of youth activism, sponsored by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.

No Limits Nebraska bused 75 students from across the state to meet with senators on tobacco prevention and march the streets of downtown Lincoln. The march culminated with a rally at the State Capitol, where youth board members and senators gave speeches.

On Kick Butts Day, kids encourage their peers to be tobacco-free, reject tobacco companies marketing and urge elected officials to help make the next generation tobacco-free.

This year, Kick Butts Day is focusing attention on how tobacco companies are enticing kids with a growing market of sweet-flavored products such as electronic cigarettes and cigars, threatening to addict a new generation. These products have proved popular with kids. From 2011 to 2015, e-cigarette use among high school students jumped from 1.5 percent to 16 percent nationwide, and more kids now use e-cigarettes than regular cigarettes. In addition, more high school boys now smoke cigars than cigarettes. E-cigarettes and cigars are sold in a wide assortment of candy and fruit flavors, such as gummy bear, cotton candy and fruit punch.

In Nebraska, tobacco use claims 2,500 lives and costs $795 million in health care bills each year. Currently, 13.3 percent of Nebraskas high school students smoke.
WASHINGTON  The former president denied it. So did the former national intelligence director. The F.B.I. director has said privately that it is false. The speaker of the House and the chairmen of the House and Senate Intelligence Committees  all three Republican  see no indications that it happened.

But President Trump insists he is right. No matter how many officials, even in his own party, dismiss his unsubstantiated claim that President Barack Obama secretly tapped his phones last year, the White House made clear on Thursday that it would stand by the assertion.

Ultimately, it insisted, the president will be proved correct.

Nearly two weeks after Mr. Trump first accused his predecessor in a series of Saturday morning Twitter posts, the standoff between the president and the available record has come to shadow the White House even as it tries to overhaul the nations health care system and drastically rewrite the federal budget. Much like his longstanding assertion that Mr. Obama was not born in the United States, Mr. Trump dismisses contrary information with undiminished surety.

Indeed, the White House even added a new assertion on Thursday during a fiercely combative and sometimes surreal briefing by the press secretary, Sean Spicer, who berated reporters and read from news accounts that either did not back up the presidents claims or had been refuted by intelligence officials.
Senator Edward M. Kennedy, Democrat of Massachusetts, described Robert Borks America as a land in which women would be forced into back-alley abortions, blacks would sit at segregated lunch counters, rogue police could break down citizens doors in midnight raids, schoolchildren could not be taught about evolution, writers and artists could be censored at the whim of government.

Judge Bork gave extended answers to the senators questions, in tones that struck some as candid and thoughtful and others as prickly and arrogant. Asked why he wanted to serve on the Supreme Court, he said: It would be an intellectual feast just to be there and to read the briefs and discuss things with counsel and discuss things with my colleagues.

The nomination was defeated by a 58 to 42 vote. That was the largest margin by which the Senate had ever rejected a Supreme Court nomination, and it was the last time the Senate voted down a Supreme Court nominee.

William H. Rehnquist: An Unpopular and Unhumanitarian Position

Chief Justice Rehnquist was confirmed twice, first as associate justice in 1971 and again as chief justice in 1986. Both times, he faced questions about a memorandum he had written as Supreme Court law clerk in 1952.
Were not spending money on that anymore, Mr. Mulvaney told reporters at the White House. We consider that a waste of your money to go out and do that.

The approach is a risky gamble for Mr. Trump, whose victory in November came in part by assembling a coalition that included low-income workers who rely on many of the programs that he now proposes to slash. For now, the president and his advisers appear willing to take that risk by casting the administration as better caretakers of taxpayers money. We are trying to focus on both recipients of the money and the folks who give us the money in the first place, Mr. Mulvaney said.

If the president gets his way, funding for the environment, diplomacy, housing, health services and the arts will be cut 20 to 30 percent. In 19 cases, funding will be eliminated, including for the Appalachian Regional Commission, the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Military spending would increase by $54 billion, a 10 percent rise, in 2018, in addition to a $30 billion increase in the current year.

White House officials said steep cuts at the State Department and increases in the military budget would refocus the United States away from helping other nations, sending a message that Mr. Trump intends to make greater use of hard power around the globe.

They also said the presidents budget would increase resources for military veterans.

Military supporters praised Mr. Trump for beginning what they believe is a needed rebuilding of the armed forces, though several key lawmakers said that even his proposed increase would not be enough for a military that they say is too small and unprepared to meet modern threats.

Conservatives hailed his vision as an antidote to decades of bureaucratic growth even as they predicted fierce resistance from the interest groups and lawmakers with deep links to the affected agencies and the beneficiaries of the programs that will see their budgets slashed.
WASHINGTON  Rarely do a presidential candidates own words so definitively haunt his presidency.

For the second time in two months, two federal judges on Wednesday refused to allow President Trump to impose a travel ban, citing his campaign rhetoric as evidence of an improper desire to prevent Muslims from entering the United States.

The judges stunning rebukes were a vivid example of how Mr. Trumps angry, often xenophobic rallying cries during the campaign  which were so effective in helping to get him elected  have become legal and political liabilities now that he is in the Oval Office.

It is a lesson that presidents usually learn quickly: Difficult and controversial issues can easily be painted as black-and-white during a long campaign, but they are often more complicated for those who are in a position to govern.

That is especially true for Mr. Trumps bellicose remarks about immigrants, which animated his upstart presidential campaign but now threaten to get in the way of his broader agenda for a health care overhaul, tax cuts and infrastructure spending.
MOGADISHU, Somalia  Somali pirates who seized an oil tanker earlier this week have released the ship and its crew without conditions, officials said late Thursday.

The pirates left the ship, which was heading to the port of Bossaso, the regions commercial hub, with its eight Sri Lankan crew members aboard, said a security official, Ahmed Mohamed.

Mr. Mohamed said the release occurred after local elders and officials opened negotiations with the pirates, who seized the tanker on Monday. The pirates were not arrested and were allowed to leave, he said.

Naval forces from the semiautonomous state of Puntland and the pirates had clashed earlier on Thursday after the pirates opened fire.
MEXICO CITY  Even as Mexico fumes over President Trumps aggressive stance toward its people, the Mexican government is quietly trying to rip up basic legal protections for its citizens at home and gut longstanding efforts to fix the nations broken rule of law.

Legal experts fear the move will set back human rights in Mexico by decades.

The tool is an innocuous-sounding bill, submitted last month by a close ally of President Enrique Pena Nieto  only a day after his government publicly chided the Trump administration to respect the rights of all Mexicans.

The governing party says the bill, labeled a reform to the criminal code, will make adjustments to Mexicos new legal system, a linchpin of cooperation with the United States that was completed last year with more than $300 million in American aid. It is widely considered Mexicos most important legal advancement in the past century.

But while the American-backed legal system is supposed to enshrine human rights in a nation desperately lacking them, this new bill heads squarely in the other direction. Legal scholars say it will broaden the power of the Mexican government to detain suspects for years before trial, enable the police to rely on hearsay in court and potentially allow prosecutors to use evidence obtained by torture.
TOKYO  The leader of a scandal-tainted Japanese education group known for extreme right-wing views said Thursday that Prime Minister Shinzo Abe had donated money to it in 2015, a claim that directly contradicted accounts by Mr. Abe.

The assertion, if true, has the potential to inflict significant political damage on Mr. Abe. The groups leader, Yasunori Kagoike, did not immediately offer evidence to back up his claim.

Accusations that Mr. Kagoike received improper financial favors from the government have escalated into a scandal that has dominated headlines in Japan and hurt Mr. Abes approval ratings.

Network news crews followed a group of parliamentarians to Mr. Kagoikes home in Osaka in Thursday, broadcasting live as the lawmakers waited to question him.
MANILA  A Philippine opposition lawmaker filed an impeachment complaint against President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday, accusing him of murder and crimes against humanity in connection with his bloody antidrug campaign, as well as corruption.

With Mr. Dutertes allies overwhelmingly dominating the House of Representatives, there was little chance that the president would actually be impeached. But the move could eventually make it easier to bring charges against Mr. Duterte at the International Criminal Court, as at least one Philippine lawyer has pledged to do, by showing that domestic attempts to stop Mr. Dutertes crackdown have failed, a human rights lawyer said.

It is high time that President Duterte is punished for his sins against the country, Gary Alejano, the opposition lawmaker who filed the complaint, said Thursday. We are of the firm belief that he is unfit to hold the highest office of the land and that impeachment is the legal and constitutional remedy to this situation.

Thousands of drug users and dealers have been killed by police officers or vigilantes since Mr. Duterte, who routinely threatens criminals with death and has boasted of killing them personally, took office in June. Human rights groups have said the president may have committed crimes against humanity by inciting such killings, many of which witnesses have described as being carried out in cold blood, despite police claims of self-defense.
SYDNEY, Australia  President Trumps combative phone call with Australias prime minister and his rejection of the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal have left many Australians wondering whether it is time to pay less attention to the United States and engage more with China.

Stephen FitzGerald, Australias first ambassador to China, delivered a speech on Thursday that will only amplify that debate, arguing that the world had reached the end of an era defined by European and American leadership. He called on Australia to make China its primary focus of diplomacy and economic policy and to implant in our education the study of China and Chinese.

We are living in a Chinese world, he said. But we dont have a relationship to match it.

Dr. FitzGeralds comments  delivered as part of a popular lecture series known as the Gough Whitlam Oration, named after the prime minister who sent Dr. FitzGerald to China in 1973  reflect a view that has been gaining momentum in Australia for years, but especially so since Mr. Trumps victory.

After decades of Australia sidling up to the United States, sharing intelligence and fighting alongside the United States in Iraq and Afghanistan, many Australians in the foreign policy and economic establishment are now questioning what some have come to describe as a complacent favoritism for American priorities in the region.
THE HAGUE  If there is one thing the Dutch agree on, it is to preserve the dikes that protect this low-lying country from the ravages of violent seas. That sentiment translates into politics.

For the Dutch, both the British vote to leave the European Union and Donald J. Trumps election in the United States broke political dikes, leaving the Dutch ill at ease with the conflict and uncertainty that has ensued.

That, some analysts said, helps explain why the Dutch ultimately chose to contain the populist surge led by Geert Wilders, the far-right icon, in their elections on Wednesday.

In Europe we all see the developments in the United States, and thats not where we want to go because we see it as chaos, said Janka Stoker, a professor in the School of Economics and Business at the University of Groningen in the north of the Netherlands.
BURLINGTON  The City of Burlington is at its state-imposed liquor license quota, and its getting creative to allow new businesses in need of licenses to continue to locate in the city.

If we start attracting restaurants, which the community wants to have more variety of, they will not come here without a spirits license, Burlington Mayor Jeannie Hefty said.

Hefty has been spearheading an effort to buy up unused liquor licenses from communities that border Burlington, since the city is at its 21-license capacity. Thus far, Spring Prairie in Walworth County has preliminarily agreed to sell one, while the Racine County Village of Rochester heard a presentation from Hefty at a recent village meeting.

Hefty said she has also reached out to and has had preliminary discussions with the citys other two neighbors, Lyons in Walworth County and the Town of Burlington in Racine County.

Debbie Collins, Spring Prairies clerk-treasurer, said the town has agreed to sell a license to Burlington for $12,500, above the minimum allowed sale price of $10,000. The license is one of Spring Prairies reserve licenses, which business owners have to pay municipalities $10,000 to use and only come into play when municipalities are at quota.

The Town of Spring Prairie does not have a business district so to speak, Collins said. We dont have any bars. I can count on one hand how many official businesses we have.

Collins said the money will be put toward the cost of a roadside mower the town purchased recently.

The board looked at it and said theres really no reason not to do this, she said.

The situation in Rochester is more tentative. Hefty spoke to the Village Board on Monday, and the board discussed her request but didnt take any action, according to Rochester Clerk-Treasurer Betty Novy.

They have to think about it because obviously once you transfer it, its gone, Novy said. Now youve reduced your quantity of available licenses.

Novy said the next time the village will consider the issue will be at its April 10 Finance Committee meeting, where she anticipates committee members will take action one way or another.

Theres no immediate need for licenses in the village, but theres no way to know if its something youll regret down the line, Novy said.

Hefty added that Burlington is a few dozen residents from qualifying for an additional license, which it could get if its population increases when the 2016 Census results come out in the fall.
PARIS  A heavily armed student burst into a high school in southeastern France on Thursday, firing at the headmaster and wounding at least two students, officials said.

Pierre-Henry Brandet, a spokesman for the French interior minister, told the BFM TV news channel that the student, who is 17, was arrested shortly after at the school, the Lycee Alexis de Tocqueville in Grasse, about 20 miles west of the seaside city of Nice.

News of the shooting quickly captured national attention in France, where school shootings are rare and where the authorities are still on high alert after a string of terrorist attacks. Interior Minister Bruno Le Roux met with Prime Minister Bernard Cazeneuve on Thursday afternoon to discuss the shooting in Grasse and a letter bomb at the International Monetary Fund office in Paris. Education Minister Najat Vallaud-Belkacem was scheduled to visit the school later on Thursday.
That package contained a mixture of explosives that could have caused considerable damage and injury if anyone had opened it, the Berlin police said.

The German police said that the homemade bomb included material used in the production of pyrotechnics, and the German news media confirmed that the package bore Greek stamps and was sent from Attica, in the Athens area.

The package was marked as if it had been sent by Adonis Georgiadis, a prominent lawmaker and spokesman for the main Greek conservative opposition party, New Democracy. He is broadly perceived as backing some of the painful economic changes imposed on Greece by its international creditors  led by the monetary fund and Mr. Schauble.

A spokesman for the Greek national police, Theodoros Chronopoulos, said it was too early to link the blast at the monetary funds Paris offices to the Greek terrorist group, which calls itself Conspiracy of the Cells of Fire.

But the Greek minister for public order, Nikos Toskas, said on Greek television that the French authorities had found similarities between the Paris and Berlin parcel bombs. Mr. Toskas said the Paris device had also been found to have come from Greece, and that it, too, was marked as if it had been sent by a New Democracy politician  this time, Vassilis Kikilias, a party spokesman and Mr. Toskass predecessor at the ministry.

The militant group that claimed the Berlin attack has described itself as a nihilist guerrilla operation, and it has been designated as a terrorist organization by Europol, Europes law enforcement agency, and by the United States Department of State.

The group has claimed responsibility for sending parcel bombs to several European leaders since the beginning of Greeces economic crisis, including Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany in 2010. It has condemned the austerity measures imposed on Greek society and pledged to fight the system of power. In its statement on Thursday, it claimed that it would continue stronger. But it did not mention the Paris attack.
When the piles of snow predicted for New York City failed to materialize on Tuesday, it wasnt the first time. Since 2008, five of the six largest snow forecasts for Central Park overestimated the snowfall by more than four inches  and one by more than 16.

New York City, Central Park

The 40 largest daily snowfall forecasts since 2008, compared with actual snowfall in a 24-hour period Less snow than predicted Actual Forecast More snow than predicted Forecast Actual

In a statement on Wednesday, the National Weather Service explained that warm air entered the developing storm, changing snow to sleet and rain, and resulting in lower snowfall accumulation. By Monday, the weather service realized this might happen, but it opted to keep the forecast on the high side, it said, because the storm continued to pose hazards to commuters.

Another big miss came in January 2015, when forecasters put out dire warnings predicting two or three feet of snow and one of the worst blizzards in the citys history. But the storm largely spared the city, punishing eastern Long Island and much of New England instead. Only about five inches of snow was recorded in the city. The National Weather Service acknowledged that it was off-target, explaining that rapidly deepening winter storms are very challenging to predict.

But forecasts for New York City have been more balanced than those in Washington, D.C., where the forecasts more routinely call for heavier snow than actually arrives.

Washington, Reagan National Airport

The 40 largest daily snowfall forecasts since 2008, compared with actual snowfall in a 24-hour period Less snow than predicted Actual Forecast More snow than predicted Forecast Actual

Boston is no stranger to big snowfalls over 24 hours, and the forecasts have been as likely to underestimate as overestimate. The last big miss was on Feb. 2, 2015, with a 16-inch total after only 10 was predicted.
Justice

President Trump wants to cut this budget, even as he steps up border enforcement, hires more immigration judges and slightly increases the F.B.I. budget. Most of the cuts come from a budget maneuver in which funds classified as mandatory, like for the Crime Victims Fund, are reduced in order to offset discretionary spending. His budget also relies on cuts to prison construction, which the administration says can be accomplished because of the decline in the prison population under President Obama.One budget item to watch: Mr. Trump wants to hire 20 lawyers to obtain land in the Southwest, foreshadowing bitter legal fights with landowners from Texas to California over the seizure of private property.  MATT APUZZO
Saturday

3) 8 A.M. Get Up  No so Fast

Sweet Brewnette in nearby Madeira Beach is a retro coffee shop/restaurant that serves nitro cold-brewed coffee. The eclectic cafe (chandeliers and local art coexist nicely) offers smoothies, waffles and veggie scrambles for breakfast lovers. Expect to pay about $8 for breakfast. (Consider returning for lunch fare like the Amalfi Love salad, with arugula, Parmesan, grapes, basil, pine nuts and lemon vinaigrette, or the $7 Caprese grilled cheese, with tomato, garlic and basil pesto with a three-cheese blend on grilled Cuban bread.)



4) 10 A.M. A Bit of Everything

Grab the kids and set your GPS to nearby Johns Pass Village and Boardwalk, a Rubiks Cube of restaurants, bars, confectioneries and trinket merchants. In between the T-shirt/flip-flop shops are real gems like the Spice and Tea Exchange and Treehouse Puppets & Treasures. Book a trip to watch dolphins or throw out a line to fish. If time allows, grab some fresh-as-it-gets seafood at Waltz Fish Shak (open at noon Saturdays); Waltz sells fresh catch of the season. Expect to pay from $15 to $35.

5) 1:30 P.M. Time Travel

The Gulf Beaches Historical Museum, in the heart of Pass-A-Grille at the very tip of the main barrier island, is one of those finds that thrill history buffs. Here, in what was the first church in this small coastal hamlet  the property was saved in the late 1950s by the social editor and preservationist Joan Haley, who left the church to Pinellas County to be used as an island museum  are exhibits highlighting life in the early development of the areas beach communities. Read about Silas Dent, the hermit of Cabbage Key, or peruse old postcards, World War II exhibits and photos from the early 1900s. The museums store offers books on local lore as well as a collection of sea-themed childrens books, jewelry and free brochures on local sea life and attractions. Grab one for the walking tour, up next.

A local band, at Jimmy Bs Beach Bar in the Beachcomber Beach Resort Hotel. Credit Zack Wittman for The New York Times



6) 4 P.M. Walking Tour

The community of Pass-A-Grille is recognized as a National Register Historic District and is thought to be named for the 18th-century grilleurs who dried fish on the beach. The self-guided walking tour includes some of the towns earliest buildings, many still functioning in this community, including a home once used for U.S.O. dances during World War II. If biking is more your style, head over to nearby Merry Pier to rent bikes ($8 per hour, $25 for the day); be sure to cruise Eighth Avenue, believed to be one of the tiniest Main Streets in America and seriously charming. Or stay and fish: The pier rents fishing tackle.

7) 6 P.M. Eat Like a Local

Sea Critters Cafe is a rustic, relaxed, fun-but-no-nonsense seafood restaurant on the water that local residents love not only because the food is fantastic but also because those who can prove they live here pay less. Follow your cocktail (say, a tiramisu martini) with blackened grouper, sweet potato fries and French green beans ($23.99). Or opt for the mother lode called the seafood broil: lobster tail, snow crab legs, clams, mussels and shrimp ($27.99).

8) 9 P.M. Boogie Nights

Consistently topping the areas list of best beach bars is Jimmy Bs Beach Bar at the Beachcomber Beach Resort Hotel in St. Pete Beach. The sprawling outdoor space with scattered bars and a dance floor overlooks the Gulf. You can dance, snack on crowd favorites like blackened shrimp tacos ($13) or coconut shrimp with sweet chile sauce ($13). If tropical drinks are on the itinerary, go in for the two-fisted Rum Runner with light and dark rum, blackberry brandy, banana liqueur, pineapple juice and grenadine ($8.95). Make no mistake, this is a party bar  but one with style, and not just of the thatched kind. Music is bouncy enough to get the crowd on its feet without causing tinnitus. Strike out on the sand for a pub crawl to neighboring bars, the Sand Bar Beach Bar at the Guy Harvey Outpost or the Toasted Monkey. Take note of the long boardwalk jutting out from Jimmy Bs; it will be a much-needed landmark heading back. Then let the savory smoked fish spread ($10) from Jimmy Bs get you home full and happy.
For much of the world, visiting the United States means submitting yourself to an application process that can take months or even a year, and often ends with a denial, even from allies like India and many other countries that were not singled out in Mr. Trumps revised travel ban. Here is the typical process:

1. Submit the nonimmigrant visa application online.

2. Pay the application fee at a designated bank and sign up for an interview.

3. Gather documents to show that you have a stable life and are not likely to overstay your visa. Recommended documents: A. A letter of introduction from your employer B. An invitation letter from the U.S. C. Your passport D. Bank statements E. Anything else that might prove that you intend to return home.

4. The interview. In some countries, it can take up to four months to get an interview. On the appointed date, you will meet with a Foreign Service officer. The officer could deny your request, sometimes without even looking at your documents. He or she could also refer your case for a deeper review.

5. Your information is checked against American and foreign databases. Officers from various U.S. agencies will also conduct interviews and do further research into your background.

6. If everything checks out, a visa is issued.

7. At the airport, American customs officers do an additional round of behind-the-scenes screening.

8. Upon arrival, you are questioned by customs officers and may be screened again.

Where Applications Are Denied Most

20% 40% 60% Highest refusal rates in fiscal year 2015 Palau 96% Guinea-Bissau 65 Micronesia 86 Somalia 65 Cuba 76 Syria 63 Gambia 76 Ghana 63 Laos 67 Liberia 62 Syria Afghanistan 63% 61% Mauritania 61% Cuba 76% Laos Haiti 60% 67% El Salvador 46% Ghana Liberia Somalia 62% 63% 65% Refusal rates by country in fiscal year 2015 October 2014 to September 2015 20% 40% 60% Syria 63% Mauritania 61% Cuba 76% Guinea- Bissau Laos Afghanistan Haiti 60% 67% 61% 65% El Salvador 46% Liberia Ghana Somalia 62% 63% 65% Refusal rates by country in fiscal year 2015 October 2014 to September 2015 20% 40% 60% Source: U.S. State Department, Bureau of Consular Affairs | Note: Rates for B visas (tourist and business visitors) shown.

Application denials vary by country, and applicants are typically not told why they are denied. Thirteen countries had a denial rate of over 60 percent in 2015. The highest rates were in African and Middle Eastern countries, including Ghana, Syria and Somalia. Cuba and Laos also had high denial rates.

Entering the U.S. Without a Visa

Visitors from the 38 countries that are members of the visa-waiver program dont have to follow all the steps above. But they still have to provide personal information to the American government before they can board a plane to the United States. Many citizens of Canada and Bermuda can also visit the United States without a visa.

Members of the visa-waiver program Europe 30 Andorra , Austria , Belgium , Czech Republic , Denmark , Estonia , Finland , France , Germany , Greece , Hungary , Iceland , Ireland , Italy , Latvia , Liechtenstein , Lithuania , Luxembourg , Malta , Monaco , Netherlands , Norway , Portugal , San Marino , Slovakia , Slovenia , Spain , Sweden , Switzerland , United Kingdom , Asia and Oceania 7 Australia , Brunei , Japan , New Zealand , Singapore , South Korea , Taiwan , South America 1 Chile ,

Most travelers from countries in the visa-waiver program may visit the United States for up to 90 days without a visa. They go through a shorter process and pay a smaller fee than visa travelers do. They apply for travel authorization by submitting personal information, including employment, communicable diseases and criminal history. After arriving, Customs and Border Protection officers make the final decision regarding entry.

The United States changed waiver eligibility for certain visitors last year, after the 2015 Paris attacks. People who had traveled to Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen since 2011 became ineligible.
YORKVILLE  An Illinois man is facing his second felony possession with intent to deliver narcotics charge after police found an opened bottle of tequila, a bag of prescription pills and marijuana dumped in a McDonald's cup in the vehicle he was riding in.

According to the criminal complaint:

On Sunday at 7:39 p.m., police pulled over a gray Nissan Altima on Interstate 94 because no registration plates were displayed.

When a second officer arrived and approached the vehicle, he noticed an odor of marijuana coming from the car. After speaking with the passenger, 32-year-old Arthur B. Delaney of Tinley Park, Ill., handed the officer a bottle of tequila and admitted to drinking it. Because of the open intoxicant found in the vehicle, a search was conducted.

The search turned up a small, cut plastic bag corner, often used to package drugs, as well as what appeared to be marijuana in a McDonald's drink cup, mixed with the drink.

In the backseat, officers found a black bag with five prescription pill bottles: three oxycodone and two Opana ER bottles, with pills missing from each of the prescriptions. Both pills are controlled substances.

Delaney is scheduled for a preliminary hearing at 8:30 a.m. March 22 at the county Law Enforcement Center, 717 Wisconsin Ave.
From Paul Craig Roberts Website

I am convinced that the US, and probably the entire Western world, that is, the American Empire, has entered an era in which respect for truth does not exist in public and private institutions. We have been watching this develop for some time. Think, for example, back to August 3, 2002, a recent time in terms of our present predicament, but a time prior to political consciousness of anyone younger today than 33 years old.

In the summer of 2002, the world was being prepared by propaganda for a US invasion of Iraq. On August 3 of that year, the prestigious British publication, The Economist, summed up the consensus of ruling opinion in two sentences: "The honest choices now are to give up and give in, or to remove Mr. Hussein before he gets his [nuclear] bomb. Painful as it is, our vote is for war."

As Lewis Lapham, myself and others asked at the time, what bomb? The only evidence of a bomb was fabricated and known to be fabricated. The UN weapons inspectors concluded that the infamous Weapons of Mass Destruction were a creation of US propaganda. President George W. Bush eventually acknowledged that Iraq had no such weapons. US Secretary of State Colin Powell said that the lies he was deceived by the Bush regime into telling the UN about Saddam Hussein's WMD are a stain on his career.

Despite the 2003 US invasion known to have been based entirely on lies, US troops were not pulled out of Iraq until 2011, and whether or not they were pulled out, they are back in Iraq now. None of these facts has had any impact on the good opinion that Washington and the media have of themselves.

Unchastened, Washington and its presstitutes lied about Libya and destroyed that prosperous country. They lied about "Assad's use of chemical weapons against his own people," and would have destroyed Syria also had it not been for the Russians.

Blocked by Russia, Obama, Hillary, and Victoria Nuland turned on Russia, first overthrowing the democratically elected government in Ukraine, and when Crimeans voted practically unanimously to reunite with Russia, the Obama regime and its media whores falsely alleged "Russian invasion of Ukraine."

This false charge, repeated endlessly still today by the Western presstitutes, became the justification for economic sanctions against Russia that Washington imposed on its European vassals, entirely at their expense, which shows what craven cowards European governments are.

If Washington orders "jump," the UK Prime Minister, the German Chancellor, the French President ask,"How High?"

One of the reasons Donald Trump was elected president was his commitment to normalizing relations with Russia and reconsidering the continuation of NATO a quarter century after its purpose ceased to exist with the collapse of the Soviet Union. Trump's commitment constituted a direct threat to the power and profit of the US military/security complex, whose $1,000 billion annual budget requires a major threat that only Russia can provide.

Consequently, Russia and its president have been demonized. American propaganda, bald-faced lies, spread fear of Russia and Putin throughout the American Empire. The Empire's response to those who confront the propaganda with the facts is to denounce those with the facts as "Russian agents" or "Putin's dupes." The hatred of Russia that has been inculcated by the neocons and presstitute media has resulted in Republican Senator John McCain, representing Arizona (to the disgrace of Arizonians), calling on the Senate floor Republican Senator Rand Paul, representing Kentucky, a person who "is now working for Vladimir Putin" for objecting to tiny Montenegro being made a NATO member.

When this website was included on a list of 200 Russian agent/dupe websites by a secret, undisclosed group called PropOrNot, I wondered whose money was behind this entity as well hidden as an offshore money laundering operation. I made a joke of it, which amused the Russians.

As no one knows what PropOrNot is, the site has no credibility. So the forces for war moved up several levels to Harvard University Library. On that website someone posted what is essentially the PropOrNot list. Harvard does not say that the list is vetted or explain why anyone should believe it. The list is attributed to a Melissa Zindars, an assistant professor of communication and media at some unnamed institution. It is a list, she says, that she uses in her class to teach students how to avoid "fake and false news." In other words, the list reflects her own ignorance and biases.

As one reader observed, Melissa tells on her own indoctrination by the presstitute, CIA-serving US media: "I read/watch/listen very widely, from mainstream, corporate owned sources (The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Boston Globe, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes) as well as The Atlantic, National Public Radio, and various local and alternative sources with different political perspectives (Truth-Out)."

So here we have the Western world informed by Harvard University Library of who is safe to read on the basis of an unknown young woman's biases.

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It's what the people want

(Image by Common Dreams) Details DMCA







The Canadian plan also helps Canadians live longer and healthier than Americans. . . . We need, as a nation, to reexamine the single-payer plan, as many individual states are doing. -- Donald Trump, The America We Deserve (2000)

The new American Health Care Act has been unveiled, and critics are calling it more flawed even than the Obamacare it was meant to replace. Dubbed "Ryancare" or "Trumpcare" (over the objection of White House staff), the Republican health care bill is under attack from left and right, with even conservative leaders calling it "Obamacare Lite", "bad policy", a "warmed-over substitute," and "dead on arrival."

The problem for both administrations is that they have been trying to fund a bloated, inefficient, and overpriced medical system with scarce taxpayer funds, without capping its costs. US healthcare costs in 2016 averaged $10,345 per person, for a total of $3.35 trillion dollars, a full 18 percent of the entire economy, twice as much as in other industrialized countries.

Ross Perot, who ran for president in 1992, had the right idea: he said all we have to do is to look at other countries that have better health care at lower cost and copy them.

So which industrialized countries do it better than the US? The answer is, all of them. They all not only provide healthcare for the entire population at about half the cost, but they get better health outcomes than in the US. Their citizens have longer lifespans, fewer infant mortalities and less chronic disease.

President Trump, who is all about getting the most bang for the buck, should love that.

Hard to Argue with Success

The secret to the success of these more efficient systems is that they control medical costs. According to T. R. Reid in The Healing of America, they follow one of three models: the "Bismarck model" established in Germany, in which health providers and insurers are private but insurers are not allowed to make a profit; the "Beveridge model" adopted in Britain, where most healthcare providers work as government employees and the government acts as the single payer for all health services; and the Canadian model, a single-payer system in which the healthcare providers are mostly private.

A single government payer can negotiate much lower drug prices -- about half what we pay in the US -- and lower hospital prices. Single-payer is also much easier to administer. Cutting out the paperwork can save 30 percent on the cost of insurance. According to a May 2016 post by Physicians for a National Health Program:

Per capita, the U.S. spends three times as much for health care as the U.K., whose taxpayer-funded National Health Service provides health care to citizens without additional charges or co-pays. In 2013, U.S. taxpayers footed the bill for 64.3 percent of U.S. health care -- about $1.9 trillion. Yet in the U.S. nearly 30 million of our citizens still lack any form of insurance coverage.

The for-profit U.S. health care system is corrupt, dysfunctional and deadly. In Canada, only 1.5 percent of health care costs are devoted to administration of its single-payer system. In the U.S., 31 percent of health care expenditures flow to the private insurance industry. Americans pay far more for prescription drugs. Last year, CNN reported, Americans paid nearly 10 times as much for prescription Nexium as it cost in the Netherlands.

Single payer, or Medicare for All, is the system proposed in 2016 by Democratic candidate Bernie Sanders. It is also the system endorsed by Donald Trump in his book The America We Deserve. Mr. Trump confirmed his admiration for that approach in January 2015, when he said on David Letterman:

A friend of mine was in Scotland recently. He got very, very sick. They took him by ambulance and he was there for four days. He was really in trouble, and they released him and he said, 'Where do I pay?' And they said, 'There's no charge.' Not only that, he said it was like great doctors, great care. I mean we could have a great system in this country.

Contrary to the claims of its opponents, the single-payer plan of Bernie Sanders would not have been unaffordable. Rather, according to research by University of Massachusetts Amherst Professor Gerald Friedman, it would have generated substantial savings for the government:

Under the single-payer system envisioned by "The Expanded & Improved Medicare For All Act" (H.R. 676), the U.S. could save $592 billion -- $476 billion by eliminating administrative waste associated with the private insurance industry and $116 billion by reducing drug prices . . . .

According to OECD health data, in 2013 the British were getting their healthcare for $3,364 per capita annually; the Germans for $4,920; the French for $4,361; and the Japanese for $3,713. The tab for Americans was $9,086, at least double the others. With single-payer at the OECD average of $3,661 and a population of 322 million, we should be able to cover all our healthcare for under $1.2 trillion annually -- well under half what we are paying now.

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From Consortium News

The Kagan family, America's neoconservative aristocracy, has reemerged having recovered from the letdown over not gaining its expected influence from the election of Hillary Clinton and from its loss of official power at the start of the Trump presidency.

Back pontificating on prominent op-ed pages, the Family Kagan now is pushing for an expanded U.S. military invasion of Syria and baiting Republicans for not joining more enthusiastically in the anti-Russian witch hunt over Moscow's alleged help in electing Donald Trump.

In a Washington Post op-ed on March 7, Robert Kagan, a co-founder of the Project for the New American Century and a key architect of the Iraq War, jabbed at Republicans for serving as "Russia's accomplices after the fact" by not investigating more aggressively.

Then, Frederick Kagan, director of the Critical Threats Project at the neocon American Enterprise Institute, and his wife, Kimberly Kagan, president of her own think tank, Institute for the Study of War, touted the idea of a bigger U.S. invasion of Syria in a Wall Street Journal op-ed on March 15.

Yet, as much standing as the Kagans retain in Official Washington's world of think tanks and op-ed placements, they remain mostly outside the new Trump-era power centers looking in, although they seem to have detected a door being forced open.

Still, a year ago, their prospects looked much brighter. They could pick from a large field of neocon-oriented Republican presidential contenders or -- like Robert Kagan -- they could support the establishment Democratic candidate, Hillary Clinton, whose "liberal interventionism" matched closely with neoconservatism, differing only slightly in the rationalizations used for justifying wars and more wars.

There was also hope that a President Hillary Clinton would recognize how sympatico the liberal hawks and the neocons were by promoting Robert Kagan's neocon wife, Victoria Nuland, from Assistant Secretary of State for European Affairs to Secretary of State.

Then, there would have been a powerful momentum for both increasing the U.S. military intervention in Syria and escalating the New Cold War with Russia, putting "regime change" back on the agenda for those two countries. So, early last year, the possibilities seemed endless for the Family Kagan to flex their muscles and make lots of money.

A Family Business

As I noted two years ago in an article entitled "A Family Business of Perpetual War":

"Neoconservative pundit Robert Kagan and his wife, Assistant Secretary of State Victoria Nuland, run a remarkable family business: she has sparked a hot war in Ukraine and helped launch Cold War II with Russia and he steps in to demand that Congress jack up military spending so America can meet these new security threats. "This extraordinary husband-and-wife duo makes quite a one-two punch for the Military-Industrial Complex, an inside-outside team that creates the need for more military spending, applies political pressure to ensure higher appropriations, and watches as thankful weapons manufacturers lavish grants on like-minded hawkish Washington think tanks. "Not only does the broader community of neoconservatives stand to benefit but so do other members of the Kagan clan, including Robert's brother Frederick at the American Enterprise Institute and his wife Kimberly, who runs her own shop called the Institute for the Study of War."

But things didn't quite turn out as the Kagans had drawn them up. The neocon Republicans stumbled through the GOP primaries losing out to Donald Trump and then -- after Hillary Clinton muscled aside Sen. Bernie Sanders to claim the Democratic nomination -- she fumbled away the general election to Trump.

After his surprising victory, Trump -- for all his many shortcomings -- recognized that the neocons were not his friends and mostly left them out in the cold. Nuland not only lost her politically appointed job as Assistant Secretary but resigned from the Foreign Service, too.

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RACINE  The Archdiocese of Milwaukee, along with the Catholic schools in Racine, are seeking input as to what to call the new Catholic school system.

Parents and stakeholders have until Friday to complete the survey online at racinecatholicschools.org.

This is just one step in a process that is slowly changing how Catholic education in Racine will look in the coming years, according to school administrators and the archdiocese.

Were hoping to accomplish a better educational experience for all of our students, said Bruce Varick, principal of Our Lady of Grace Academy, 1425 Grove Ave. All six schools are going to continue their unique identities.

Varick said none of the schools are going to close, and this is an opportunity to grow that Catholic education and presence in Racine.

Were trying to see if we can put together a system that serves our students better than we can as six separate schools, Varick said. Were looking to work more closely together.

Amy Grau, communication director for the archdiocese, said theyre pleased with the progress being made.

Educational benchmarking data has now been compiled from all our schools to target next-education achievements, Grau stated.

Efforts also continue to establish the governance and the business plan for the collective school system, as well as identifying active roles for each parish and school to help further communicate the effort to their parish and school communities.

The statement said participants in the survey will have several names to choose from for the new school system and based on community feedback received, three of those names will be further vetted and provided to the Archbishop (Jerome Listecki) for his consideration.

Standards and benchmarks

So far there have been various meetings with representatives from the six Catholic schools, the Racine Dominicans (which currently sponsor St. Catherines School grades 6-12), the 10 parishes and the archdiocese.

According to the website Racinecatholicschools.org, the archdiocese wants to create a prekindergarten through 12th-grade Catholic school system in Racine and also create a governance structure that upholds a distinguished academic program, engages justly with all constituencies and models stewardship of resources.

The website also states the archdiocese will implement this system according to the National Standards and Benchmarks for Effective Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools.

The standards and benchmarks are defined by Loyola University Chicago in partnership with Boston College. They broadly outline how Catholic schools should provide a high-quality education which allows for faith formation inside as well as outside the classroom. It also outlines how each school should have a governing body that will collaborate the school and the leader/leadership team.

The archdiocese also is trying to grow the system and increase the capacity of our schools to meet students, family and community needs.

Currently each of the schools follow the same curriculum, Varick said, however the potential changes could mean each of the schools would have the same textbooks, projects and field trips, among other things.

Were looking for opportunities to reduce expenses by sharing costs, Varick said. The more books Im able to order, the better price Im able to get.

Its unclear at the moment when the changes will go into effect.

I believe that there will be more information coming as the process moves forward, Varick said. The biggest thing is: If parents have questions they should ask their school principal.

St. Catherines long-term plan

The archdiocesan plan aims to get each of the schools operating together. However, its unclear at the moment how the changes will affect St. Catherines High School as it looks to make some improvements of its own.

In February, the high school released a long term strategic plan progress report, aimed to have 650 diverse students enrolled in the school by 2020.

The high school has four strategic objectives regarding: school mode, school campus, faculty and staff, and financial.

Members of St. Catherines administration did not return multiple phone calls or emails.

According to the report, the high school has completed internal and external surveys of stakeholders to determine strong and weak areas and has undergone a third-party evaluation of the school.

The high school is currently in the process of creating a five-year facility planning guide, a retention plan, a comprehensive professional development plan, and conducting a climate survey to determine priorities and parameters of current staff, according to the strategic plan.

Since fall 2014, St. Catherines Board of Directors has been going through a process with the aim of establishing the schools direction for the next three to five years, the plan states.

For the last several years task forces, formed by the archdiocese, have guided the development of the collaboration. However, its unclear how that plan will mesh with St. Catherines plans for the future.
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From Strategic Culture



Turkish President Erdogan Declares State Of Emergency

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The extraordinary war of words erupting between Turkey and the European Union is pushing already strained relations to breaking point. Ankara has banned all Dutch diplomats from its territory after the Netherlands banished Turkish ministers from holding political rallies, while deploying heavy-handed policing to break up the rallies.

Now with the rest of the EU expressing solidarity with the Netherlands and Ankara threatening more sanctions, or even walking away from a controversial refugee-holding deal with the bloc, the political schism seems set to become an irreparable chasm. For sure, the long-delayed talks over Turkey's accession to the EU bloc can be said to be finished. Forever.

The Turkish government has dismissed calls by EU foreign policy chief Federica Morgherini for restraint in the escalating row, saying that such appeals were worthless. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan double-downed on his invective attacks by labeling German Chancellor Angela Merkel a supporter of terrorism.

Earlier, Erdogan and several of his government ministers had slammed the Netherlands and Germany as Nazi remnants and fascists. Both Dutch prime minister and Germany's Merkel responded angrily, denouncing Ankara's inflammatory rhetoric and demanding an apology.

Erdogan then went even further with inflammatory rhetoric. He accused Dutch UN peacekeepers of complicity in the Srebrenica massacre in 1995, when some 8,000 Bosnian muslim men were killed by Serb forces.

In truth, it is hard to feel sympathy for either side in this spat. It's a case of plague on both houses.

For Erdogan and his ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) to castigate EU members as a Banana Republic and fascist is beyond irony.

Since the failed coup in Turkey last July, the Ankara government has embarked on a wave of repression, sacking over 100,000 civil servants, judges, academics and journalists. Up to 150 media outlets have been shuttered and some 90,000 suspected coup supporters detained in Turkish prisons.

Erdogan is fast turning Turkey into a one-party state ruled with an iron fist. In a referendum to be held next month, on April 16, his ruling party is pushing for a constitutional change to give greater powers to the presidency. It is part of a drift towards Erdogan assuming dictatorial powers.

So for the staunch Islamist and autocratic Erdogan to label the EU as fascist is like the pot calling the kettle black.

But, as usual, the Turkish leader thrives on polarization. His brandishing of the nationalist and Islamist card in the bust-up with the EU is designed to drum up support at home for the referendum to grant him more centralized powers. Polls indicate that up to recently, most Turks were opposed to granting any constitutional change. But by whipping up public anger against the EU over its seemingly anti-Turkey, anti-Islamic stance, Erdogan is mobilizing chauvinistic support in the referendum for his cause.

Turks who are not backing his desired constitutional amendments can be maligned as unpatriotic or on the side of terrorists. Erdogan claims that the new powers will give him a freer hand to wage war against Islamic State terrorists in Syria, as well as Kurdish separatists belonging to the outlawed Kurdish Workers Party (PKK) and their Syrian affiliates (YPG).

This kind of reasoning lies behind the political rallies that the Turkish government has tried to organize across Europe. There are some 5.5 million Turkish expatriates living in Europe, with major population clusters in Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Austria and Switzerland. In Germany alone, there are 1.4 million Turkish nationals who are eligible to vote in the forthcoming referendum in Turkey. This significant constituency could be decisive in swinging the referendum vote in Erdogan's favor.

However, European governments have lately moved to ban political rallies on their streets addressed by Turkish politicians in support of Erdogan's cause.

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From Consortium News



Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein.

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Former Green Party presidential candidate, Dr. Jill Stein, remains undaunted in her belief that the only real and significant change in U.S. politics will come through a third party that can finally break the headlock that the Democrats and Republicans hold on the electoral system.

Stein, who has been running for state and federal office since her unsuccessful run for Governor of Massachusetts in 2002, has yet to win an election and received about 1.4 million votes (or about 1 percent of the total) in the presidential election of 2016.

I spoke with her on March 10 about what comes next for her and the Green Party, as well as her thoughts on the policies of both Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton.

Dennis Bernstein: You are here in San Francisco, doing a bunch of things. But you're going to be participating a little bit later in an action in support of Standing Rock and indigenous rights. And I want to ask you for your gut reaction to seeing that almost the first thing that Donald Trump did was go after the indigenous communities, and get those pipelines pumping heavy crude.

Jill Stein: It's a sign of what we're up against: this incredibly authoritarian, neo-fascist, anti-human rights predator, and who has pretended to be a friend of the working people, and who has really been revealed in all of his glory with his billionaire cabinet composed of people who are attacking the very cabinet departments that they are said to be head of. Who is enlarging the military, expediting the pipelines, expediting all sorts of destructive fossil fuel projects, attacking immigrants. It's really reigning down on all sides.

The issue of indigenous rights, and pipelines and Standing Rock, brings so many of these issues together. With incredible courage, and vision, and passion, that so engaged the hearts and minds all across America, that we all saw that we are all Standing Rock. That this is where democracy... our rights to protest, indigenous rights, human rights, and our right to air, and water, and the climate that we can live in. They all converge.

And, it's like the match here that lit the fire is just the passion of our indigenous brothers and sisters who are ready to stand up. Not just for them: they're standing up for us all. And that passion is not going away. They may be evicted for now, but the fight is going on. It's continuing in court. It's continuing in the local struggles against, I guess, what's called the Klamath River Pipeline [Pacific Connector Pipeline], and LNG [liquid natural gas] Pipeline, that's going to go under the Klamath River, and put it at great risk.

The important thing here is that we've been successful in stopping fossil fuel projects over the past two years. That has really put the fear of God into this industry. They are in the process of becoming stranded assets. They're trying to hurry up and get them built before they are no longer financially viable.



Protest against the Dakota Access Pipeline in St. Paul, Minnesota on September 13, 2016

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DB: The price is so low, they can't even sell the stuff.

JS: And so, the important thing here is for us to just... to double down. And to be strengthened, to be encouraged, to get past their propaganda of powerlessness, and to know that we still have the numbers, in spite of the election of Donald Trump, which was an obvious distortion of the system.

But even more than that, it's a system that's become so toxic, so predominated by big money, corporate money, and corporate media, that it's become unhinged. We have an unhinged, toxic political system. Donald Trump represents, really, the breakdown of this bi-partisan system that people have lost faith in.

Polls last year, well, early on in the election, showed 90% of Americans have lost confidence in our political institutions, in the bi-partisan system in Congress, the Executive, and the Judiciary. You can't get more explicit than that, 90%.

At the other end, at the very end of the election, it was 80% of the people who described their feelings towards the election as one of disgust. And the American people are ready to move on. Had we... we were like one open debate from totally throwing out the bums, and moving forward to the future we deserve.

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Navy Seals - Danger Close Executive Producer Hans Halberstadt presents US Navy SEALs action -- training, beach operations, small boats, desert training. This program uses photography ...

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Member of Seal Team 6

According to reports from blog Tyler Durden, Zero Hedge [1] , the White House is apparently making plans "to take out Kim Jong-Un, the North Korean leader "in response to recent North Korean acts", including "the possibility of both military force and regime change to counter the country's nuclear-weapons threat".

The South Korean Ministry of Defense reported, "The US Navy's Special Warfare Development Group better known as the Seal Team 6, will arrive in South Korea soon for joint military drills and take part in an exercise simulating the removal of North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un".

The Ministry also said, "F-35 stealth fighters will also fly from US Navy bases in Japan this month and carry out simulations on key North Korean facilities. It will send a very strong message to North Korea, which is constantly carrying out military provocations."

All the above stemming from a March 1 Wall Street Journal article, "White House Options on North Korea Include Use of Military Force [2] this according to "people familiar with the process" after a White House review.

It's hard to pinpoint where to begin:

But the idea the US can openly make known plans of assassinating another country's leader is simply so outrageous, it's stunning.

Such unlawful aggression used to be clandestine with the CIA acting behind the scenes to assassinate a country's leader and bring about regime change-not in any way did that make it acceptable. Then many years later long after the events occurred the truth would come out but by that time it was old news and nobody cared-think the CIA inspired coup overthrowing the legitimately elected leader Mohammad Mossadeq in Iran in 1953. That essentially became known in 2000, many decades later when the New York Times published a leaked CIA report on the 53' coup.

Now the US has become so bold it's openly announcing to the world it is planning to assassinate a country's leader and use military force to bring about regime change. No need to do these things clandestinely anymore. In essence it's we who rule. Any questions?

That's pretty much it in a nutshell. As for most of the American people even if they became aware of what evil deed its government is contemplating doing internationally they'll probably just shrug it off with "what else is new" or some such and just go about their personal business-which almost certainly wouldn't include anything about US foreign intrigues.

But their government- and the Deep State policies it adheres to- know it can do anything with impunity as most people have become so conditioned not to even notice much less say anything.

As for the corporate MSM, it's just a complicit enabler, a stenographer "objectively reporting" what the government is planning.

There is no critique of the government's actions, no questioning the legality of assassinating another country's leader, just report what "people familiar with the process" are saying.

We don't have MSM journalism protected under the Constitution's guarantee of a free press, exercising natural skepticism of the government's actions; something that's an integral part of any truly free democratic society.

Let's be clear, the major provocations in the world are US driven against any country that takes an independent path and refuses to submit to US hegemony.

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From Palestine Chronicle

"We must look back twenty-five years to realize how far Israel has fallen in world support," wrote famed Jewish scholar, Harvard sociologist, Nathan Glazer in 1976.

In the last 40 years since Glazer wrote his piece, which was uncovered and transmitted by Philip Weiss, Israel's global support has fallen much further. The country that once appealed to both United States' capitalism and the Soviet Union's socialism is now militarily powerful but, otherwise, politically isolated on the international stage.

The misleading perception that Israel is a 'beacon of light' among nations has worn off. Worse, the last time this phrase was uttered at an international level, it was made by Geert Wilders, a Dutch populist right-wing politician perceived by many to be a racist and an Islamophobe.

Yet, the more isolated Israel became, the more its dependency on the United States grew.

"Supporting Israel is not in America's interests," Weiss wrote. "In fact, Israel is a strategic liability for the US. That makes American Jewish influence the ultimate pillar of Israel's survival."

Although Zionists often speak of a historical bond between the US and the Jewish people, nothing could be further from the truth.

On May 13, 1939, a boat carrying hundreds of German Jews was not allowed to reach American shores and was eventually sent back to Europe.

That was not a foreign policy fluke. Three months earlier, in February 1939, members of Congress rejected a bill that would allow 20,000 German Jewish children to come to the US to escape the war and possible extermination at the hands of the Nazis.

Not only did Congress shoot it down but the public had no interest in the matter either, as allowing Jews into the US was quite unpopular at the time.

Fast forward nearly eight decades, things have changed in name only.

While most American Jews continue to support Israel, they are opposed to the administration of Donald Trump, which they rightly perceive to be dangerous and hostile to all minorities, Jewish included.

However, Israel does not seem to have much qualms with the new administration. On the contrary, the most ardent Israeli Zionists are particularly pleased by Trump's clique of reviled politicians.

Mere days after Trump won the US Presidential election, American Zionists moved quickly to ensure Israeli interests were fully guarded by the new administration.

The Zionist Organization of America wasted no time, either, by fraternizing with individuals accused of having anti-Jewish agendas. ZOA's annual gala on November 20 hosted none other than Steve Bannon, a leader in the so-called "alt-right," otherwise known as white supremacy in the US.

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From Common Dreams

While President Trump sat down for a sumptuous meal at the White House on Tuesday, March 14 with Saudi Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, millions of Yemenis are going hungry thanks to Trump's lunch guest.

Prince Salman is only 31 years old, but as the king's favorite son, he was put in charge of the nation's two most critical sectors: the economy and the military. A brash defense minister, the young prince made the disastrous decision to interfere in an internal conflict in neighboring Yemen. Starting in March 2015, Prince Salman started a bombing campaign against the Yemeni Houthis, a group the Saudi rulers consider aligned with Iran. The bombing has gone on, relentlessly, for the past two years. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad al Hussein said that possible war crimes had been documented with "alarming frequency" since the Saudis became engaged.

In addition to thousands of Yemeni civilians being killed directly by Saudi bombs, the bombing has also been responsible for the massive destruction of civilian infrastructure, from water facilities to sewage treatment plants to hospitals. Particularly devastating has been the bombing of the port of Hodeidah, where most of the humanitarian aid has been entering the country. Two-thirds of the population now requires food assistance and a Yemeni child dies every 10 minutes from hunger and the lack of medical facilities. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has called Yemen the "largest food insecurity emergency in the world."

The Saudis are threatening to make matters significantly worse by launching a major military campaign in the area of Hudaidah that will make the port totally inaccessible.

It's not just the Saudis and Houthis who are responsible for Yemen's destruction. As Senator Chris Murphy said, the United States also has blood on its hands. President Obama sold massive amounts of weapons to the Saudis and helped the Yemen intervention with logistical support, including refueling Saudi planes in the air.

Towards the end of his tenure, President Obama began having second thoughts due to the mounting civilian death toll, including a strike on a Yemeni funeral in October 2016 that killed more than 100 people. That's why in December 2016, the Obama administration halted a planned sale of $390 million in precision-guided munitions from Raytheon to the Saudi government.

President Trump is considering moving forward with this sale. Human rights groups worry that the sale could allow the Saudis to modify thousands of air-to-ground munitions that could be used in strikes against civilians. In a letter to Trump released the same day as the luncheon, Amnesty International urged Trump not to sign off on the sale. "There is substantial risk that Saudi Arabia...could use new U.S. arms to further devastate civilian lives in Yemen," Amnesty wrote. "This could implicate your administration in war crimes or violations of international humanitarian law. Amnesty International researchers have already found both unexploded U.S. bombs and identifiable fragments of exploded U.S. bombs among the ruins of Yemeni homes and other civilian objects."

Trump's Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has reportedly approved the resumption of the sale, but it needs White House approval before it moves forward. "If approved, this deal would essentially have President Trump throwing gasoline on a house fire and locking the door on his way out," said Amnesty's US Executive Director Margaret Huang. "President Trump must not approve this arms deal."

The Trump administration has signaled a desire to step up the fight against the Houthis in Yemen as part of its plan to get tough on Iran. It cited Iran's support for the Houthi rebels when putting Iran "on notice" in February. The Saudi leaders are enthusiastic about Trump's hawkish position on Iran. They also appreciate his support of the oil industry (proven by naming the CEO of Exxon as Secretary of State) and his lack of interest in human rights. And they are delighted that unlike Yemen, Saudi Arabia was not included in Trump's Muslim travel ban, despite the fact that more Saudis have killed Americans on US soil than any other foreign nationals (remember: 15 of the 19 September 11 hijackers were from Saudi Arabia).

It seems that the admiration is mutual. As Trump and Prince Salman sat for a photo op after lunch, Trump smiled, pointed to the Saudi delegation, and said, "They are nice people."

No, Mr. Trump, they aren't. They behead people for peaceful dissent at home. They export the extreme Wahhabist ideology that fuels terrorist groups. And they are committing war crimes in Yemen. The United States should not be selling them any weapons or helping in their reckless military adventure that has left so many Yemenis dead, displaced and starving.

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WATERFORD  State Sen. David Craig, R-Town of Vernon, is scheduled to hold a series of town hall meetings throughout his Senate district, including one in Waterford.

The Waterford meeting is set for 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Waterford Public Library, 101 N. River St. The meetings are to address constituent comments and questions relating to state government, and Craig will give a legislative update about the budget and other important issues, according to a news release.

"Town hall meetings are an invaluable tool for understanding the concerns of citizens in the 28th Senate District and giving residents a platform to discuss issues of importance at the state level," Craig said in the release. "I look forward to hearing from constituents about the issues they feel should be addressed this session."

The district includes parts of Racine, Waukesha, Milwaukee and Walworth counties. For a full list of meetings, visit legis.wisconsin.gov/senate/28/craig.
Sebastian Gorka is touted as a top counterterrorism advisor to the Trump administration. And now, he might have a developing Nazi problem.

According to reporting from Forward, a far-right Hungarian group known as the Vitezi Rend claims Gorka as a member.

Vitezi Rend, or the Order of Vitez, was established in 1920 by the Hungarian nationalist leader Miklos Horthy and it helped to deport hundreds of thousands of Jews after the German occupation of Hungary in 1944. In the present age, the group is listed by the State Department as a collaborationist criminal organization. And Vitezi Rend continue to promote a racial superiority narrative that says members should practice love of their race, upholding Horthys view that whoever lets another take his place is committing a crime against his race.

In Forwards reporting, those same members now claim that Gorka is a sworn member of the far-right group. Kornel Pinter, a leader of the Vitezi Rend in Western Hungary, alleges that he befriended Gorkas father Pali through Rend activities and that he met with Sebastian in Sopron (which is near the Austrian border).

One bit of evidence that commentators in the Forward story cite is Gorkas usage of the letter v in official testimonials. The letter v is known to be an initial used by members of Vitezi Rend, and Gorka has used the letter in his doctoral dissertation and a 2011 address to the House Armed Services Committee, despite the fact that his full name is Sebastian Lukacs Gorka.

As of now, Gorka, who has appeared on programs to discuss intelligence issues, has refused to comment on the matter, telling Buzzfeed News to Send a request to White House press.
A heavy snow and wind storm shut down travel from Philadelphia to New York City and Boston earlier this week. The conditions of the noreaster will continue developing in the northeastern United States, bringing snow and travel delays for many through Monday.

In addition, another storm has been brewing along the east coast of the U.S., starting early this week. Snow from this storm will quickly move upward through Monday and Tuesday night. The amount of snow could very well bring travel in the affected regions to a halt altogether. Wind will also lead to many airline delays and flight cancellations.

Thousands of miles of roads will become unnavigable. Accumulating snow on the mid-Atlantic and New England highways threaten to leave many drivers stranded. Blizzard conditions are also expected to develop in parts of New England, southeastern New York, northern New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania.

But hey, at least school will be canceled.

Grace Williamson is a travel intern with Paste and a freelance writer based out of Athens, Georgia.
You know when you rock up to an event and you feel a little bit intimidated? Well, that doesnt happen here. Kiwis are just too relaxed! I love New Zealand and everything I admire about the country shines through in this event. They have beautiful scenery, a strong appreciation for nature, some fantastic trails, great food, amazing coffee, brilliant organisation and yet a very modest mentality which creates a chilled and calming atmosphere.This is the fourth time Ive been to New Zealand but somehow, Ive never made it to the North-East of the South Island before except for taking ferry from Picton to Wellington. I therefore hadnt seen the trails and I didnt really know what to expect other than three days of riding with a Heli-drop on Sunday.I arrived in Whites Bay on Friday morning with Greg Callaghan in his recently acquired converted camper car. We had just travelled from Queenstown after a week of riding which left us feeling a little bit tired and run down but still eager to explore some new terrain and take part in the event. At sign-on it was cool to see so many big names and friendly faces as we collected our number boards and tried to come to grips with what we had ahead of us...The weather forecast suggested that heavy rain was due later that afternoon so the organisation decided to switch the order of the first two stages. The fear was that if it started to rain then the clay soil of Double Eagle would become un-rideable so we did that one first to get it out of the way. There was no specific seeding for the race but the pro riders were held back as the last category to leave the arena. We climbed our way up a lovely single track footpath through some dense jungle before reaching the very steep land-rover track which exposed us to the scorching afternoon sun. With approximately 30 second gaps there was a bit of hanging around to do but the stage was well worth the wait. It was short with a winning time of under three minutes and a good one to start us off with. It was relatively simple and swooped its way through the trees with a few steep shoots and catch berms to keep people on their toes. Thick vegetation also added to the challenge by obscuring the trail in places and making the corners hard to predict.We re-joined the same land-rover track climb and proceeded further up the hill onto a steep footpath which took us to the beginning of the next stage  Whites Bay Loop. This was a completely different beast: a fast narrow passageway through dangerously tight gaps in the trees with thick, rough mats of woven roots laid out across the ground. After a few minutes of furious chatter and ninja manoeuvres to squeeze through the trees came the first set of punchy climbs. I had been warned about these and thought I must now be close to the finish only to be welcomed by another set of even steeper, longer drags. I normally consider myself to be good on the pedals but I had nothing more to give and struggled my way up and across to the end of the stage. I managed a stage time of just under 10minutes which is pretty dismal in comparison to Damien Oton's winning time of 8 minutes and 26 seconds.The rain arrived late to the party and came in the middle of the night by which time most people had had their post ride dinner, swam in the sea and moved across to the Pelorus Bridge Campsite which was about an hour drive away.After a relatively sleepless night I got myself ready for action. Feeling slightly dazed and confused, Greg and I followed the flock of vehicles that were migrating to yet another part of New Zealand before the days activities could properly commence. Thankfully the journey wasnt too far as the front left wheel bearing of the car collapsed and quickly became dangerously wobbly! After race briefing and timing chip collection we were bundled into some shuttles and whisked to the top of Day 2 Stage 1  Opouri Saddle. The horror stories from the local riders of the slippery death rocks and sticky mud were quite unsettling so I expected the worse Bizarrely, the riding conditions were quite acceptable in contrast to what I had been told. There werent that many rocks and my tyres didnt clog so I wish I ran a mud guard because my biggest issue was a lack of vision through the spray!After giving the bikes a quick hose-down it was time to commence the long, gradual transition to the next stage. By this time I was feeling really done. I dont know exactly what was wrong with me but I felt totally empty and pushed my bike up the majority of the slippery single track climb. Being the last rider up the hill I began to wonder if I should just call it a day and turn around. Thankfully Max Schumann was there to spur me on and I remembered that this was what these races are all about. The NZ Enduro is a real adventure that requires the riders to be fully prepared for any scenario. Of course its a competition but the whole point of the exercise is to get out there, into the wild, with your friends and ride the most magnificent trails of the most remote areas that you wouldnt choose to ride on a normal day out (let alone three days in a row!). With this concept in mind I continued to plod my way up the hill as I watched Max hop and skip his way over the big holes and gnarly roots. Ironically, the slow and steady approach worked well because it meant I arrived at the top of the hill with a very short queue of riders in front of me and little time to get cold from the wind and rain.The stage that followed was another long trail (winning time of under 13 minutes) which had some very difficult, rocky stream crossings that forced me to get off and carry the bike. There were also some blind, slippery corners with steep drops to the side which desperately needed avoiding.Soon after finishing Stage Two, I found myself at the halfway point in a beautiful lodge with all the other riders huddling 'round the pizza oven trying to stay warm whilst listening to stories of the 50to01 crew blowfishing to keep their hands warm at the side of the trails specific details of their antics are best left unknown. After a hearty lunch break I perked up and really began to enjoy the rest of the day. Transitions were still tough and slow rolling but the last two stages were much more fun with less punches and more flow.With a big grin on my face I didnt mind the next logistical hurdle of returning people back to the start of Day Two to collect their vehicles before returning to the campsite to freshen up.The rain continued to thump down through the night and with poor visibility it seemed clear that the Heli-drop wasnt going to happen as we drove to the start of Day Three in Canvastown. We parked up and when the engine turned off and the windscreen wipers stop wiping the windscreen instantly became opaque with condensation and rainfall. I didnt have much clean kit left and I didnt really want to get out of the car but I knew it would be worth it. It always is in the end.Everyone assembled for the 7:15am rider briefing and Sven Martin greeted us on the Tannoy. I could tell from the way he spoke that he had some bad news to giveracing for Day Three was to be cancelled. A short silence was followed by a comical Yippee and then a wave of applause and relief. The temperature was colder than before and we were expected to be going higher and further into the wilderness than previous days. Without Heli evacuation and limited road access this was the only sensible option from a safety point of view. After a short coffee break it was time to relax and enjoy the prize giving, raffle, buffet and beer laid out in and around the community hall.Compared to how it could have been, this year's NZ Enduro didn't turn out to plan but it's a race I'll always remember and Id definitely do it again - even if it turned out to be exactly the same. Rumour has it that the logistics will be made easier for the next time and it could even be longer than just three days in 2018 So, congratulations to everyone who made it happen this year and lets look forward to the next one!Images courtesy of Sven Martin and the NZ Enduro team of Duncan Philpot, Boris Bayer and Digby Shaw.
Writings on the Wall

Many years ago, I got a phone call from Troy Torres at a political candidates office. He had seen an election estimate I had written and didn Read morePower of polls and weekend talks
"This is a fleecing and betrayal of the United States Navy in epic proportions, and it was allegedly carried out by the Navy's highest-ranking officers."  acting U.S. Attorney Robinson

A defense contractor who has pleaded guilty in a massive case alleging U.S. military officials received bribes  including luxury hotel stays, fancy dinners and services from Manila prostitutes  also tried to undercut a Guam bidder for a contract that provides services to visiting U.S. Navy ships and submarines, a federal indictment states.

The U.S. Department of Justice announced the indictment March 14.

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The Guam part of the case was a small portion of a major bribery scandal that has indicted newly retired U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Bruce Loveless and eight other high-ranking Navy officers. They're charged in a federal indictment with accepting luxury travel, elaborate dinners and services of prostitutes from foreign defense contractor, according to the indictment.

The Guam tie allegedly involves Lt. Cmdr. Stephen Shedd, 48, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, who was among nine people charged with accepting luxury travel, elaborate dinners and the services of prostitutes from foreign defense contractor Leonard Francis, who was the chief executive officer of Glenn Defense Marine Asia. The contract provides services to visiting military ships, including tugboats, and replenishment of ship supplies.

The military officials received the bribes "in exchange for classified and internal U.S. Navy information," according to the Justice Department.

The indictment described instances when some of the indicted military officials helped provide advance information  sometimes months ahead  to Francis on when Navy warships and submarines would make port visits to places like Manila, Singapore, Hong Kong and other destinations.

Guam connection

The Guam mention in the 70-plus page indictment states that on or about Feb. 12, 2008, Shedd, using his cooltoad.com email account, sent Francis an email describing five months of schedules for various U.S. Navy ships and submarines, according to the indictment.

"On or about Feb. 17, 2008, Francis asked Shedd to provide him with proprietary invoice information for (Glenn Defense Marine Asia) competitor "from Vietnam, Cambodia, Honiara and port visits, in Saipan, Palau, Tahiti, Comoros, Madagascar, Seychelles, Mauritius (and) Guam" in 2006 , 2007 and 2008, according to the indictment.

"I need data info to plan for upcoming solicitations," according to an email from Francis to Shedd, the indictment states. The indictment states Shedd replied: "I'll work on the cost reports once I return from Hawaii ... What are your thoughts about a get-together?"

Some of these meetings were paid for by Francis and involved other Navy officers and a Marine Corps officer.

Justice Department: Defendants 'sold their honor and responsibility'

"The defendants in this indictment were entrusted with the honor and responsibility of administering the operations of the U.S. Navy's Seventh Fleet, which is tasked with protecting our nation by guarding an area of responsibility that spanned from Russia to Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean," said acting Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Blanco, in the Justice Department statement. "With this honor and awesome responsibility came a duty to make decisions based on the best interests of the Navy and the 40,000 sailors and Marines under their care who put their lives at risk every day to keep us secure and free.

"Unfortunately, however, these defendants are alleged to have sold their honor and responsibility" in exchange for personal enrichment.

'A staggering degree of corruption'

"This is a fleecing and betrayal of the United States Navy in epic proportions, and it was allegedly carried out by the Navy's highest-ranking officers," said acting U.S. Attorney Robinson. "The alleged conduct amounts to a staggering degree of corruption by the most prominent leaders of the Seventh Fleet  the largest fleet in the U.S. Navy - actively worked together as a team to trade secrets for sex, serving the interests of a greedy foreign defense contractor, and not those of their own country."
PR-Inside.com: 2017-03-16 15:20:02

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, March 16, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cypress Development Corp. (TSX-V:CYP) (OTCBB:CYDVF) (Frankfurt:C1Z1) ("Cypress" or the "Company") reports, further to its News Release on February 14th , that drilling has commenced at the Company's Dean Lithium Claystone Project in Nevada after a delay due to unforeseen maintenance of the contractor's equipment and difficulties in getting the required equipment to the site. Preparations for core logging and a core cutting facility have already been established on-site in the Clayton Valley. Cypress is pleased to get the drilling program underway.

Cypress Clayton Valley, Nevada Lithium Projects location map:

http://www.cypressdevelopmentcorp.com/i/maps/CYP-Clayton-topo-satalite-small.jpg

In other news, detailed lithium extraction work on a series of mini-bulk samples of claystone taken from the Cypress - Pure Energy joint exploration project at the neighboring Glory Project is continuing at SGS Labs in Canada. The results of this work will be reported as data is made available.

About Cypress Development Corp.:

Cypress Development Corp. is a publicly traded lithium and zinc exploration company that continues to acquire and develop potentially viable mineral projects in the State of Nevada, U.S.A.

Cypress is very active in Clayton Valley, Nevada with its team committed to systematically exploring its properties for both a lithium-brine resource and expanding exploration relating to a lithium resource that exists within the large area of non-hectorite "claystone" discovered at surface that has seen recent high lithium assays recovered from these same "claystone".

Cypress Development Corp. has approx. 34.9 million shares issued and outstanding.

To find out more about Cypress Development Corp. (TSX-V:CYP), visit our website at www.cypressdevelopmentcorp.com.

CYPRESS DEVELOPMENT CORP.

"Don Huston"

________________________________

DONALD C. HUSTON

President

For further information contact myself or:

Don Myers

Director

Cypress Development Corp.

Telephone: 604-687-3376

Toll Free: 800-567-8181

Facsimile: 604-687-3119

Email: info@cypressdevelopmentcorp.com

NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THE CONTENT OF THIS NEWS RELEASE.

This release includes certain statements that may be deemed to be "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that management of the Company expects, are forward-looking statements. Although management believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements, include market prices, exploration and development successes, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Please see the public filings of the Company at www.sedar.com for further information.

This announcement is distributed by Nasdaq Corporate Solutions on behalf of Nasdaq Corporate Solutions clients.

The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein.

Source: Cypress Development Corp via Globenewswire


PR-Inside.com: 2017-03-16 14:30:07

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FSCwire / Press ReleaseThe following press release was disseminated by FSCwire for Lithium Corp.--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---Elko, Nevada (FSCWire) - Lithium Corp. (OTCQB:LTUM). has issued a press release with the following headline:Lithium Corporation Engages New York Based Consulting Firm RB Milestone GroupTo view this press release on the FSCwire website, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser:If you would prefer, you can also view this press release as a PDF file, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser:For more information on Lithium Corp., or to see additional press releases issued by this company, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser: http://www.fscwire.com/public-company/Lithium Corp.Source: Lithium Corp. (OTCQB: LTUM, ISIN: A0YJFZ, WKN: US5368041076)Date: March 16, 2017Time: 9:30 AM EDT--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---The story mentioned above was issued on behalf of Lithium Corp. and disseminated through FSCwire.About FSCwireFSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.), is a global newswire dissemination, SEDAR, SEDI, and EDGAR / XBRL service provider.FSCwire is a full service global newswire dissemination company and is fully approved by all exchanges in Canada and the U.S. Press releases can be distributed for all sizes of public, private or not for profit companies and any other organization requiring news distribution. In addition to individual companies; public relations, communications and investor relations firms trust FSCwire to distribute press releases for their respective clients.In addition to newswire dissemination FSCwire also offers EDGAR, XBRL, SEDAR, SEDI, and additional services for publicly traded companies. For more information, please go to our website: http://www.fscwire.com Maximum News Dissemination by FSCwire. http://www.fscwire.com Copyright 2017 - FSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.)
PR-Inside.com: 2017-03-16 06:40:51

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Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery is performed to treat disease occurring in various parts of brain, spinal cord or skull base through a small opening. Diseased area may require repair, removal and in the worst cases replacement which is being done through neurosurgery. Neurosurgical device used for the visualization purpose inside the human brain or spinal cord is known as Endoscope which is kind of a small microscope inserted through minimal invasion. Endoscope helps in magnifying critical anatomical structure and assist the surgeon in the treatment. Endoscopic neurosurgery requires minimal incision thus it is also known as Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery. Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery avoids complication post-surgery, leads to faster recovery, minimal scarring/pain and high accuracy. Recent advancement in endoscope design produced endoscopes that are compact, more efficient with improved resolution and better illumination than the earlier devices.Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery Devices Market: Drivers & RestraintsMinimally Invasive Neurosurgery Devices market is probably the last speciality to move to minimally invasive because of the complexity involved in the surgery however due to continuous advancement in medical technology for the treatment of neurological disorders have raised the demand of Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery Devices. Rise in the ageing population leading to increase in the incidence of neurological disorders are some major factors driving the growth of Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery Devices market. More awareness amongst the surgeons is helping the market to dwell in developed countries however the market of developed countries are more or less saturated and have a limited growth opportunity as compared to developing countries especially Asia Pacific countries where due to large population the market growth can be significant in the upcoming years. Lack of skilled professionals in the developing countries and poor or unstable reimbursement regulations are hampering the growth of Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery Devices in developing countries.Request For Report Sample@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-956 Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery Devices Market: SegmentationMinimally Invasive Neurosurgery Devices market is classified on the basis of product type, surgery type and geography.Based on product type, the global Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery Devices market is segmented into the following:Fiber optic cablesMiniature video cameras (Endoscopes)Special surgical instrumentsExternal video monitorsBased on surgery type, the global Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery Devices market is segmented into the following:Intracranial SurgeryEndonasal NeurosurgerySpinal SurgeryMinimally Invasive Neurosurgery Devices Market: OverviewMinimally Invasive Neurosurgery Devices is a growing market due to various benefits offered like less recovery time, shortened hospital stay, greater accuracy, less pain and muscle sparring which is making minimally invasive neurosurgery a preferred option for the medical practitioners and surgeons. Proliferation of joint ventures and cross utilization of technology in minimally invasive surgical devices market is a plus for different market players as they dont have to invest much on the research and development of different types of products. Introduction of robotic devices to perform the surgery is an alternative for better outcomes and increased accuracy.Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery Devices Market: Region-wise OutlookDepending on geographic regions, global Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery Devices market is segmented into seven key regions: North America, South America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific, Japan, and Middle East & Africa. North America is the leading region in Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery Devices market due to the high volumes of surgical procedures being performed. Also, the availability of established healthcare infrastructure, high contribution of healthcare to economy, patient compliance are the reasons for the high demand in North America. Europe has the second largest Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery Devices market due to vast technological advancement in terms of healthcare sector. Asia Pacific market is expected to grow at a good rate as compared to NA and Europe as there is ample market opportunity in countries like India and China.Visit For TOC@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-956 Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery Devices Market: Key PlayersSome of the key market players in global Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery Devices market are Karl Storz GmbH & Co. KG, Olympus Corporation, Conmed Corporation, Richard Wolf GmbH, Boston Scientific Inc., Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corporation, Aesculap Division, Smith & Nephew Plc, Medtronic and NICO Corp. to name a few.
PR-Inside.com: 2017-03-16 08:07:01

Success with German customers leads to opening of new regional headquarters and hiring of German General Manager

Performance Horizon Expands Private Network and Partner Marketing Platform Business Into Germany

Indicate Media

Peter Moran, 347-880-2895

peter@indicatemedia.com

Performance Horizon, provider of the market-leading enterprise SaaS platform for scaling partnerships in private networks, today announced its official expansion into German-speaking Europe with its new headquarters in Hamburg and key hire Oskar Stenzel as the companys General Manager, Germany. The expansion is a result of the rapidly growing German business and will better serve German customers in the region and across Europe.

Major brands in travel, retail, finance and telecom rely on the Performance Horizon enterprise platform to scale their affiliate and marketing partnerships in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland to drive new customer acquisition, revenue increases and profitability gains. The platform enables customers to manage partnerships at scale, optimize partner performance, automate reconciliation, and integrate data into existing workflows and systems via the open architecture, as well as process partner payments globally.

Oskar Stenzel, General Manager, Germany, leads Performance Horizon GmbH, which will add several customer success and sales employees over the course of 2017. Most recently, Mr. Stenzel led the central European expansion as Executive Director of Sales at MarketShare, a Neustar company. He previously held executive positions at Hootsuite and Efficient Frontier in Germany. Mr. Stenzel studied at University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB) and holds a business degree from DHBW Heidenheim.

Performance Horizons German headquarters and staff expansion builds on the companys existing regional customer support and infrastructure. German customers already receive technical support in German and Performance Horizons Data Center is located in Frankfurt to ensure appropriate privacy protection for German businesses and their consumers.

Performance Horizons technology enables us to manage marketing programs with our key partners to drive profitable revenues and appropriately reward them based on their performance, says Martin Jager, Team Lead Affiliate Management Europe of AO.de and continues, The technology provides us with a competitive advantageespecially in building a strong and direct relationship with our partners in Germany.

For years, Performance Horizon provides German speaking customers with dedicated support during the set up and migration of partners onto the platform. Performance Horizons Customer Success team provides ongoing support to help customers optimise partner performance and drive program growth.

About Performance Horizon

Performance Horizon is the leading provider of SaaS solutions for partner marketing, enabling large enterprises to drive significant business through their marketing partners and affiliates.

The worlds top retail, travel and financial services companies rely on Performance Horizons highly scalable platform with currently more than 200,000 marketing partners in 183 countries around the world. The benefits include highly flexible partner and affiliate management capabilities; real-time measurement and analysis of performance on the web and on mobile apps; payment processing and settlement in 60 currencies.

With offices in the U.S., UK, Germany, Japan and Australia, Performance Horizon is backed by top-tier investors, including Mithril, Greycroft Partners and DN Capital. For more information, visit http://www.performancehorizon.com or follow @tweetphg.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/201703160053
Future Market Insights has announced the addition of the Refractive Surgery Devices Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment 2015-2025 report to their offering.

Refractive Surgery Devices Market Growth

PR-Inside.com: 2017-03-16 06:30:45

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Refractive Surgery is the process of correcting or improving your vision affected by refractive error such as Myopia, Hyperopia, and Astigmatism. The most common procedure for correcting the refractive error is LASIK.Myopia is the most common refractive error in the global population. This indication varies across populations of different regions and ethnicities. It is estimated that 1.45 billion people had myopia in 2010 and it is predicted this number will continue to increase as the worlds population grows. The prevalence of myopia is most common among young adults in South- East Asian countries which is around 80-90% of the population completing high school.Refractive Surgery Devices Market: Drivers and RestraintsAdvancement in Refractive Surgery treatment have provided patient with a number of option to reduce and eliminate their dependency on glasses and contact lenses and take corrective measures for refractive errors. With the rapid increase in procedure volumes since last few years, there is an increase adaptation of laser devices for refractive surgery in healthcare facilities. The technological improvements in LASIK surgery in last few years is acting as a key driver for ophthalmic laser market.Request Report Sample@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-780 Low patient awareness of procedures safety, a limited pool of qualified refractive surgeons, unpredictable regulations are acting as a barrier for this market.Refractive Surgery Devices Market: SegmentationGlobal vascular market is further segmented into following types:Ophthalmic LasersEximer LasersFemtosecond LasersYAG LasersMicrokeratomeRefractive Surgery Devices Market: OverviewWith the increase in patient population suffering from refractive errors and an increased awareness in the treatment options, the global market for refractive surgery devices is expected to witness and healthy growth in the forecast years (2015-2025)Request For TOC@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-780 Refractive Surgery Devices Market: Region- wise OutlookDepending on geographic regions, global vascular stents market is segmented into seven key regions: North America, South America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific excluding Japan, Japan and Middle East & Africa.North America represent the largest market in ophthalmic lasers followed by Europe. In Asia Pacific, China dominates the refractive surgery devices market.Refractive Surgery Devices Market: Key PlayersSome of the key market players in global refractive surgery devices market are Abbott Medical Optics, Inc., Carl Zeiss AG, Alcon, Inc., Bausch & Lomb Incorporated, Nidek Co., Ltd., Ziemer Ophthalmic Systems AG, SCHWIND eye-tech-solutions GmbH & Co. KG, Lumenis Ltd. and Ellex Medical Lasers Limited.
Future Market Insights has announced the addition of the Sleep Apnea Diagnostic System Market:Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment 2016-2026report to their offering.

Sleep Apnea Diagnostic System Market Trends

PR-Inside.com: 2017-03-16 06:34:56

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Obstructive sleep apnea is a common form of sleep apnea disorder across the worldSleep disorders are highly prevailing in majority of regions globally and is affecting the population health severely. Troublesome ill effects of the disorder are important cause for increase in rate of adoption for sleep apnea diagnostic systems. Sleep apnea is a chronic disorder that can be bifurcated in two different types- obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea. Among the two, obstructive sleep apnea is a common form of sleep apnea and around 3%  4% of the population is affected.In terms of revenue, the global sleep apnea diagnostic system market is projected to expand at a CAGR of 7.3% over the forecast period and is expected to be valued more than US$ 600 Mn by the end of 2026.Obesity and rapidly rising aging population play a crucial role in the growth of the global sleep apnea diagnostic system marketRobust growth of wearable sleep apnea diagnostic devices is expected in the near future due to risein adoption of home sleep testing services. Rising prevalence of obesity and rapidly ageing population in developed countries plays a crucial role in supporting growth of the market of sleep apnea diagnostic systems market. Introduction of novel technologies such as wireless screening devices and cloud based recording system are driving growth of the sleep services market. This in turn is expected to create a favourable environment for the global sleep apnea diagnostic system market over the forecast period.Request Report Sample@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-777 Polysomnography segment will be able to achieve moderate growth in the forecast periodAlthough actigraphy monitoring devices of product type segment is expected to be the fastest growing segment over the forecast period, in terms of revenue share, currently the polysomnography monitoring devices sub-segment of product type segment offers the highest contribution in the global sleep apnea diagnostic system market. Polysomnography devices segment holds the largest market opportunity, accounting for a market share of approximately 40%. However, the polysomnography segment is experiencing moderate growth due to its nature and availability as an ambulatory testing device in future.High obesity rate makes North Americas sleep apnea diagnostic market more lucrative than other regional marketsIn terms of value, North America is expected to be the dominant regional market by 2016 end, and is expected to expand at a CAGR of 7.4% over the forecast period. Western Europe is expected to be the fastest growing market in terms of revenue growth in the global sleep apnea diagnostic system market, registering a CAGR of 7.5% during the forecast period. Adoption of sleep services is higher in North America due to high obesity rates and prevalent haphazard lifestyles. Also, new device development and their easy regulatory approval makes the North America sleep apnea diagnostic system market more lucrative as compared to other regional markets.Send an Enquiry @ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-gb-777 Company share analysis of the global sleep apnea diagnostic system marketGlobal sleep apnea diagnostic system market is consolidated and the introduction of novel technologies such as wireless screening devices and cloud based recording systems are driving growth of the global sleep services market. This in turn is expected to create a favourable environment for the global sleep apnea diagnostic system market over the forecast period. In 2015, Koninklijke Philips N.V., ResMed Inc., Becton, Dickinson and Company, Natus Medical Incorporated, MGC Diagnostics Corporation were the top five players dominating the global sleep apnea diagnostic system market contributing to around 83% of the total market share of sleep apnea diagnostic systems. In 2015, Koninklijke Philips N.V. dominated the market with around 38% market share of the global sleep apnea diagnostic system market followed by ResMED Inc. Koninklijke Philips N.V. has a strong foothold in the domestic market of North America, particularly in the rapidly growing respiratory and sleep disorder devices market.
PR-Inside.com: 2017-03-16 10:35:02

Southern Gas Corridor CJSC Successfully Returns to the International Capital Markets with a USD 1bn 144A/RegS Tap of Its Existing 2026 Bonds

Citi

Belinda Marks

+44 20 7508 3082

belinda.marks@citi.com

Following Southern Gas Corridor CJSC's ("SGC") inaugural US$1bn 6.875% 10 year Eurobond offering in March 2016, the issuer successfully returned to the international capital markets with a landmark US$1bn 144A/RegS tap of its existing 2026s bond. The notes are guaranteed by the Republic of Azerbaijan. The transaction priced with a final yield of 5.80%, well inside the original reoffer yield of 7.00%, underlining the improved market sentiment for SGC and the Republic of Azerbaijan. The tap increases the total size of the 2026 notes to US$2bn, making it the largest Eurobond from the country.

The transaction generated significant investor demand with the US taking the largest share at 45%, followed by the UK at 40%, the rest of Europe accounting for 13% and Asia & Middle East accounting for 2% of the orderbook. The issue was well-oversubscribed and enabled a diversified distribution among high-quality institutional investors, with fund managers constituting about 90% of the offering. This transaction marks the 2nd successful Eurobond issuance by SGC in the international capital markets in the past 12 months. This reinforces investors confidence in Azerbaijans strong economic fundamentals and its commitment to develop transportation infrastructure for one of the worlds largest gas fields.

SGC, the issuer, is directly and indirectly 100% owned by the Republic of Azerbaijan and represents the countrys interest in the Southern Gas Corridor Project, an ongoing cross-border gas value chain stretching over 3,500 kilometres, supported by the EU, and aimed at exporting natural gas from Azerbaijan to Europe.

Citi, J.P. Morgan and UniCredit acted as Joint Lead Managers on the transaction and Lazard Freres as Financial Adviser to the issuer. Clifford Chance LLP and Omni Law Firm acted as the issuer's Legal Counsel and White & Case LLP and BM Morrison Partners LLC acted as JLMs Legal Counsel.

This announcement may not be distributed, taken or transmitted in or into the United States, its territories or possessions or any other jurisdiction in which to do so would be unlawful and any forwarding, distribution or reproduction of this announcement in whole or in part is unauthorised. Failure to comply with this notice may result in a violation of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), or the applicable laws of other jurisdictions.

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FSCwire / Press ReleaseThe following press release was disseminated by FSCwire for Tartisan Resources Corp.--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---Toronto, Ontario (FSCWire) - Tartisan Resources Corp. (CSE:TTC). has issued a press release with the following headline:Tartisan Resources Corp. Announces Closing of Private Placement for Proceeds of $161,000To view this press release on the FSCwire website, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser:If you would prefer, you can also view this press release as a PDF file, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser:For more information on Tartisan Resources Corp., or to see additional press releases issued by this company, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser: http://www.fscwire.com/public-company/Tartisan Resources Corp.Source: Tartisan Resources Corp. (CSE: TTC)Date: March 16, 2017Time: 10:43 AM EDT--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---The story mentioned above was issued on behalf of Tartisan Resources Corp. and disseminated through FSCwire.About FSCwireFSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.), is a global newswire dissemination, SEDAR, SEDI, and EDGAR / XBRL service provider.FSCwire is a full service global newswire dissemination company and is fully approved by all exchanges in Canada and the U.S. Press releases can be distributed for all sizes of public, private or not for profit companies and any other organization requiring news distribution. In addition to individual companies; public relations, communications and investor relations firms trust FSCwire to distribute press releases for their respective clients.In addition to newswire dissemination FSCwire also offers EDGAR, XBRL, SEDAR, SEDI, and additional services for publicly traded companies. For more information, please go to our website: http://www.fscwire.com Maximum News Dissemination by FSCwire. http://www.fscwire.com Copyright 2017 - FSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.)
Thermal Printing Market

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Thermal printing is defined as a digital printing process that utilises heat from a thermal print head to produce an image or text on chemically treated paper, also termed as thermal or thermo chromic paper. There are two main types of thermal printers, namely, direct thermal printers and thermal transfer printers. In direct thermal printers, heat sensitive or thermal paper is used, wherein characters are printed onto the thermal paper by applying varying amounts of heat. Thermal transfer printers use ribbon as their cartridges. Thermal paper is fed through the slot located between the roller and the print head and the heat then melts the substance present in the ribbon and prints the character onto the paper.Market Value and ForecastThe global thermal printing market is anticipated to expand at a promising CAGR during the forecast period. Growth of the thermal printing market is mainly driven by expanding retail industry, increasing disposable income, rising global population, rapid industrialisation of emerging markets and strong distribution network of thermal printer manufacturers. Moreover, trends fueling growth of the thermal printing market are transition across various sectors to portable thermal printers, rising adoption in healthcare industry, significant growth potential in developing regions and increasing competition from Chinese vendors.Segmentation by TechnologyThe global thermal printing market can be segmented on the basis of technology into direct thermal and thermal transfer.Request Free Report Sample@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-687 Segmentation by End-use IndustryOn the basis of end-use industry, the global thermal printing market can be segmented into retail, transportation & logistics, healthcare, manufacturing and others. Out of these segments, retail segment dominated the global thermal printing market in 2014, and is expected to continue its dominance in the market through 2025. The healthcare segment is anticipated to record highest CAGR during the forecast period, as utilization of thermal printing technology in this segment is in its early phase of adoption in the emerging economies and is expected to gain traction across various industries in the near future.Segmentation by Printer typeOn the basis of printer types, the global thermal printing market is segmented into POS printer, label & tag printer and RFID printer. Out of these segments, the POS printer segment dominated the global thermal printing market in 2014. However, the POS printer segment is anticipated to lose market share to the RFID printer segment by 2025.Important RegionsThe report provides detailed analysis of the thermal printing market across seven major regions, namely, North America, Western Europe, Asia Pacific Excluding Japan (APEJ), Japan, Eastern Europe, Latin America and the Middle East & Africa. North America dominated the market with over 24% share of the overall thermal printing market in 2014. Western Europe ranked second with over 21% market share in 2014, followed by APEJ. APEJ is anticipated to emerge as the fastest growing region in the thermal printing market over the forecast period.Send An Enquiry@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-gb-687 Key PlayersKey players identified in the global thermal printing market are Zebra Technologies Corporation, Honeywell International Inc, Seiko Epson Corporation, SATO Holdings Corporation, Star Micronics Co., Ltd. Zebra Technologies Corporation and Star Micronics Co., Ltd. These players focus on research and development initiatives to introduce innovative products to attain sustainable advantage over the competition. Moreover, these players also focus on expanding their global presence through strategic mergers and acquisitions and new product development.
When someone gets out of prison or jail, they are up against the world. They are likely behind on bills after time behind bars, unable to make payments.

They also have a lot of family stress going on because of the time lost while they were away.

Then on top of that, they cannot get a job because the second they check the box saying they have been convicted of a felony, their applications are thrown in the trash.

They dont get the chance.

Here in the city of Racine, officials have looked beyond the box and given felons a second change. And now to further help address this issue, the City Council will soon be voting on doing away entirely with the box on city applications that asks about criminal convictions.

To be perfectly clear, this doesnt mean there will not be checks and balances. During the interview process, applicants can be asked about pertinent criminal histories and the city can  and should  still do background checks. But at least it would give all applicants a fair chance at the job. Obviously, someone with a theft or forgery conviction shouldnt be getting a job handling money, and a person with abuse or assault convictions shouldnt work with children.

But as City Human Resources Manager Timothy Thompkins explained it, under the Wisconsin Fair Employment Act, employers can only consider candidates criminal records if the convictions are substantially related to the job that theyre looking at.

Coming out of these communities, theres a lot of drug convictions, Thompkins said. Were asking people to do waste (collection), were asking people to work in the parks. The jobs that theyre doing arent substantially related to the crimes that they committed.

Third District Alderman Mike Shields is one of the aldermen who supports the proposal and said, This would allow someone who might have made a mistake another opportunity to get themselves into the workforce  Racine has high unemployment and this is one way of helping people get a second chance.

People deserve a second chance, and then its on them to embrace that chance, keep the job and not mess up again.

This proposal is one little way the city can help and make a big difference in lives.

Correction: This editorial originally contained incorrect information about the city of Racine. This has been corrected in the version above.
The light industry companies and the manufacturers of automotive components are the main demand driver for industrial space in Bulgaria, shows the latest market overview of Colliers International. A joint research project of Colliers in Bulgaria and Automotive Cluster Bulgaria, conducted in the second half of 2016, showed that Bulgaria

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According to Savills World Student Housing Report 2016/17 the PBSA sector in mainland Europe is growing significantly. It highlights that 'for a globally mobile student population, secure, well managed, quality accommodation from a trusted provider has strong appeal to those unfamiliar with local housing markets.' However, an absence of specialist

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Commercial property investment in Portugal in 2017 continues strong after the very intense activity registered in 2016. Last year 1.3 billion were transacted in commercial real estate assets in Portugal  the second highest value ever achieved. According to Cushman & Wakefield research data, 2017 is expected to reach a

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S-Cross with 140V Hybrid gets a 6-speed AMT only and offers its customers to choose between 2WD and 4WD options even with this new hybrid system
Microscopic marine plankton are not helplessly adrift in the ocean. They can perceive cues that indicate turbulence, rapidly respond to regulate their behaviour and actively adapt. ETH researchers have demonstrated for the first time how they do this .

Plankton in the ocean are constantly on the move. By day, these tiny organisms, one-tenth the diameter of a human hair, actively migrate towards the sunlit ocean surface to carry out photosynthesis. At night, they make their way to depths of tens of metres, where the supply of nutrients is greater.

During their regular trips between well-lit and nutrient-rich zones, plankton cells frequently encounter turbulent layers, which disrupt this essential migratory pattern. It is still a mystery how these minute organisms can navigate through the dangers of turbulent waters. Plankton cells are whirled around by turbulence -- particularly by the smallest, millimetre-sized flow vortices -- as if they were in a miniature washing machine, which can induce permanent damage to their propulsion appendages and cell envelope. In the worst case, they can perish in turbulence.

Migratory behaviour observed in micro-chambers

Certain microalgae have, however, developed a sophisticated response to such turbulent cues. Post-doctoral researchers Anupam Sengupta and Francesco Carrara, together with their advisor Roman Stocker, Professor at the ETH Zurich Institute of Environmental Engineering, have shown this in a study recently published in the journal Nature.

Using laboratory experiments, the three scientists "brought the ocean into the lab" and examined the migratory behaviour of Heterosigma akashiwo, an alga known for forming toxic algal blooms. To examine swimming behaviour, the researchers used a microfabricated chamber, just a few cubic millimetres in volume, in which they introduced the Heterosigma cells. The chamber could be rotated along its axis using a computer-controlled motor, exposing cells to periodic flips in orientation replicating how tiny turbulent vortices flip the cells upside down in the ocean.

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Diving with foresight

The scientists were able to observe that an algal population moving upwards split into two equally sized groups over a period of 30 minutes after the chamber was repeatedly flipped by 180 degrees. One group of cells continued to strive upwards, whereas the other group switched behaviour and began to swim in the opposite direction. This population split did not occur with algae in stationary chambers, in which all swam continuously upwards and accumulated near the top surface.

By zooming into single cells, the researchers discovered the reason for the change in swimming behaviour. When exposed to the turbulence-like cues, the cells were able to actively and rapidly change their shape: from asymmetric pear-shaped cells swimming upwards, the cells morphed into egg-shaped structures swimming downwards. Strikingly, this shift involved changes of less than a micrometre. "It is spectacular that a cell barely 10 micrometres in size can adapt its shape to change its swimming direction," says the study's co-author Francesco Carrara.

Perfect adaptation

Roman Stocker does not view this mechanism as just a coincidence. "The algae have adapted perfectly to their ocean habitat: they can actively swim, they perceive a range of different environmental signals, including turbulence, and they rapidly adapt and regulate their behaviour accordingly." Anupam Sengupta adds: "We now better understand how these microorganisms confront potentially detrimental situations, however, at the moment we can only speculate as to why the cells do this."

The researchers argue that splitting into two groups creates an evolutionary advantage for the population: in this manner, the entire population is not lost when it encounters a layer of strong turbulence, but in the worst case, only half. In avoiding the turbulence by diving, the downward-swimming cells suffer the short-term cost of receiving too little light to carry out photosynthesis, meaning that they cannot grow. The researchers also found evidence that the flipping by turbulence has a physiological impact on the algae. Cells that were flipped in their experiment exhibited higher levels of stress than those in the stationary chambers.

Climate change influences turbulence

The researchers now plan to observe the algae in a larger tank, where they will expose the cells not only to flipping but also to real turbulence. Understanding how these minute cells respond to turbulence holds great importance for our understanding of the ocean. "As we now know that global climate change will modify the turbulence landscape in the ocean, it is particularly important to understand how the organisms that are the foundation of the marine food web respond to it. This work contributes a piece of the puzzle, by demonstrating that phytoplankton are not just at the mercy of turbulence, but can actively cope with it," says the ETH professor.
We need some lessons in U.S. foreign policy and its impact on sending refugees and immigrants to our borders. After our failed invasion of Vietnam, thousands of South Vietnamese families fled fearing for their lives. Now in their third generation, most have become productive citizens.

During the 1980s, Reagan supported the Contra War in Nicaragua and dictatorial governments in El Salvador and Guatemala, whose people were struggling for political and economic rights. More than a million Central Americans fled here.

In 1994, the NAFTA treaty allowed us to dump U.S. government subsidized surplus corn on the Mexican economy, putting 90 percent of their corn farmers out of work and off land their families had owned for generations, starting a flood of Mexican immigrants to this country.

We invaded Iraq and turned a first world country into a landfill. We invaded Afghanistan, which had already been decimated by the Russians and local warlords. Millions have fled both countries, mostly to neighboring Pakistan, Iran and Jordan. We only accepted a small fraction of those who applied to come, combined they are about 200,000.

Most people would choose to stay in their own country if it werent for war and poverty pushing them out. We need to welcome the immigrants and refugees who have been uprooted by our own foreign policy. They are not the bad guys.

Connie Hohlfeld Molbeck

Caledonia
An international team of researchers discovered that inorganic chemicals can self-organize into complex structures that mimic primitive life on Earth.

Florida State University Professor of Chemistry Oliver Steinbock and Professor Juan Manuel Garcia-Ruiz of the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas (Spanish Research Council) in Granada, Spain published an article in Science Advances that shows fossil-like objects grew in natural spring water abundant in the early stages of the planet. But they were inorganic materials that resulted from simple chemical reactions.

This complicates the identification of Earth's earliest microfossils and redefines the search for life on other planets and moons.

"Inorganic microstructures can potentially be indistinguishable from ancient traces of life both in morphology and chemical composition," Garcia-Ruiz said. Scientists had seen hints of this in past lab work, but now through Steinbock and Garcia-Ruiz's research, it is clear that this also happened in nature.

To do this work, the team of scientists collected and analyzed an extreme form of soda water from the Ney Springs in Northern California. Today this type of water is found in only a few spots worldwide, but it was widespread during the early stages of Earth's existence.

By addition of just one other ubiquitous chemical -- calcium or barium salt -- this water produces tiny structures, such as tubes, helices, and worm-like objects that are reminiscent of the shapes of primitive organisms. The water also generates complex mineral structures that are similar to nacre -- the shiny substance of sea shells. The similarities between actual fossils and these inorganic structures go beyond appearance and extend to their chemical nature. This will make it even more complicated for scientists examining early evidence of life on Earth.

"Our findings reveal an unusual convergence of simple biological shapes and complex inorganic structures and make the job of identifying earliest microfossils on Earth and life on other planets even harder," Steinbock said. "It's fascinating. How could I identify a fossil if I went to Mars? How could I convince myself that it was once alive? In the future, scientists will need to be even more alert that everything that looks like life is not necessarily life."
A new noninvasive alternative to colonoscopies is as easy as swallowing a pill.

The patient ingests PillCam Colon 2, a capsule containing two miniature cameras on either end. As the capsule travels through the digestive tract, it captures images and wirelessly transmits them to a recorder the patient wears on a belt.

Loyola Medicine's digestive health program is the first in the Chicago area to offer this latest alternative to colonoscopy. Like a colonoscopy, the system can help identify growths called polyps.

During a standard colonoscopy, a flexible tube (colonoscope) is inserted into the rectum and guided by a physician through the colon. A camera at the end of the colonoscope allows for visualization of polyps which, if left in place, can turn into cancer. The polyps are removed during the procedure. Patients are sedated and need to take a day off from their usual activities.

Colonoscopies are safe and have been proven to be an effective way to screen for colon cancer. However, some patients cannot tolerate the procedure, or may be at higher risk for sedation.

With the new system, the patient swallows the capsule with water. After the non-reusable capsule is excreted, it's flushed down the toilet. The patient returns the recorder to the physician's office. If a polyp is found, the patient arranges to undergo a colonoscopy to remove the growth.

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Colorectal cancer is the third-leading cause of cancer deaths in women and second leading cause in men. Early detection and screening are essential to reduce the rates of colorectal cancer.

"The video capsule system is the only alternative screening method for colon cancer that allows for direct visualization of colon polyps," said Mukund Venu, MD, director of clinical operations and director of diagnostic testing for Loyola Medicine's division of gastroenterology. "Early detection has been proven to save lives, and the video capsule system offers a convenient screening test for people who are unable to have a complete colonoscopy."

Dr. Venu, who has subspecialty training in capsule endoscopy, will perform the test.

A patient who undergoes the capsule technique must do the same bowel-cleansing preparation as a patient undergoing a colonoscopy. But unlike a standard colonoscopy, the pill capsule system is painless and requires no anesthesia. Patients do not have to take a day off work or arrange for someone to drive them to and from the test.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the capsule system for patients who are not candidates for colonoscopies for one of two reasons:

- The anatomy of the colon makes it difficult to guide a colonoscope through the entire colon

- The patient experiences lower gastrointestinal bleeding but is not suitable for a colonoscopy because of an elevated risk of complications due to age or other reasons

Loyola is participating in a multicenter clinical trial to determine whether the capsule system is safe and effective for a broader population of patients who could tolerate a colonoscopy but would prefer to swallow a capsule.
More than 50 million years ago, when the Earth experienced a series of extreme global warming events, early mammals responded by shrinking in size. While this mammalian dwarfism has previously been linked to the largest of these events, research led by the University of New Hampshire has found that this evolutionary process can happen in smaller, so-called hyperthermals, indicating an important pattern that could help shape an understanding of underlying effects of current human-caused climate change.

"We know that during the largest of these hyperthermals, known as the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum, or PETM, temperatures rose an estimated nine to 14 degrees Fahrenheit and some mammals shrank by 30 percent over time, so we wanted to see if this pattern repeated during other warming events," says Abigail D'Ambrosia, a doctoral student at UNH and lead author of the study. "The hope is that it would help us learn more about the possible effects of today's global warming."

In the study, published in Science Advances, researchers collected teeth and jaw fragments in the fossil-rich Bighorn Basin region of Wyoming. Their focus was on several early mammals including Arenahippus, an early horse the size of a small dog, and Diacodexis, a rabbit-sized predecessor to hoofed mammals.

Using the size of the molar teeth as a proxy for body size, the researchers found a statistically significant decrease in the body size of these mammals' during a second, smaller, hyperthermal, called the ETM2. Arenahippus decreased by about 14 percent in size, and the Diacodexis by about 15 percent.

"We found evidence of mammalian dwarfism during this second hyperthermal, however it was less extreme than during the PETM," said D'Ambrosia. "During ETM2 temperatures only rose an estimated five degrees Fahrenheit and it was shorter only lasting 80,000 to 100,000 years, about half as long as the larger PETM. Since the temperature change was smaller, this suggests there may be a relationship between the magnitude of a global warming event and the degree of associated mammal dwarfism."

Researchers propose that the body change could have been an evolutionary response to create a more efficient way to reduce body heat. A smaller body size would allow the animals to cool down faster. Nutrient availability and quality in plants may have also played a role. Previous research shows that both the PETM and the ETM2 hyperthermals coincided with increased levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and that could have limited nutrient quality in plants, which may have contributed to the smaller mammal body size. Hydrological records during the PETM also suggest less precipitation and drought which could have led to drier soils and even fire which may have affected vegetation growth and eventually possibly offspring size. After both hyperthermal events, body sizes on all mammals rebounded.

The carbon dioxide released during both hyperthermals has a similar footprint to today's fossil fuels. Researchers hope that developing a better understanding of the relationship between the change in mammalian body size during those events and today's greenhouse gas-induced global warming may help to better predict possible future ecological changes in response to today's climate changes.

Co-authors include William Clyde, professor of Earth Sciences at UNH; Henry C. Fricke, Colorado College; Philip D. Gingerich, University of Michigan; Hemmo A. Abels, Delft University of Technology, Netherlands.

The preliminary findings were presented earlier at the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology's 2013 annual meeting.
An enormous young planet approximately 300 light-years from Earth has given astrophysicists a rare glimpse into planetary evolution.

The planet, known as HD 106906b, was discovered in 2014 by a team of scientists from the U.S., the Netherlands and Italy. It is 11 times the mass of Jupiter and is extremely young by celestial standards -- not more than 13 million years old, compared with our solar system's 4.6 billion years.

"This is such a young star; we have a snapshot of a baby star that just formed its planetary system -- a rare peek at the final stage of planet formation," said Smadar Naoz, a UCLA assistant professor of physics and astronomy, and a co-author of the study.

Another of the planet's unusual characteristics is its distance from its star. Astronomers believe that the vast majority of planets outside of our solar system exist inside a vast dusty disk of debris relatively close to the center of the solar system. But HD 106906b is far beyond its solar system's disk -- so far away that it takes 1,500 years for the planet to orbit its star. HD 106906b is currently at least 650 times as far from its star as the Earth is from our sun.

"Our current planet formation theories do not account for a planet beyond its debris disk," Naoz said.

The study's lead author is Erika Nesvold, a postdoctoral fellow at the Carnegie Institution for Science whom Naoz mentors. She wrote software called Superparticle-Method Algorithm for Collisions in Kuiper belts and debris disks, or SMACK, that allowed the researchers to create a model of the planet's orbital path -- a critical step because HD 106906b orbits so slowly that the researchers can barely see it move.

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The research, published online in the Astrophysical Journal Letters, suggests that the planet formed outside the disk, where it's visible it today, as opposed to having been formed inside the debris disk and then having been thrust far beyond it.

Naoz said that conclusion helps explain the shape of the debris disk. "It works perfectly," she said.

The planet's orbit is elliptical; it gets much closer to the star on one side of its orbit than on the other side. And its gravity produces an elliptical shape in the disk as well. One side of the disk is closer to the star than the other side, and the dust on that side is warmer and glows brighter as a result.

The debris disk was photographed in 2016 by American and European astronomers. According to Naoz, the disk is an analog to our solar system's Kuiper belt -- an enormous cluster of small bodies like comets and minor planets located beyond Neptune.

The researchers don't know if there are additional planets inside the disk, but using Nesvold's software -- which also been used to study other debris disks in the universe -- they were able to re-create the shape of the disk without adding another planet into the model, as some astronomers had thought would be required.

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Debris disks are composed of gas, dust and ice, and they play a key role in the formation of planets. Typically, Naoz said, planets form after a gas cloud collapses due to its own gravity, forming a disk -- where planets are created -- and a star. As the gas slowly evaporates, the dust and debris rotate and collide around the young star until they form a structure like our solar system's Kuiper belt.

"In our solar system, we've had billions of years of evolution," said Michael Fitzgerald, UCLA associate professor of physics and astronomy, and the study's other co-author. "We're seeing this young system revealed to us before it has had a chance to dynamically mature."

Naoz said the researchers' conclusions do not require any exotic physics or hidden planets to explain them, which is not always the case in studying other solar systems.

"There are no assumptions; this is just physics," she said.

Naoz's research was funded by a research fellowship from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. Nesvold's was supported by a Carnegie Department of Terrestrial Magnetism postdoctoral fellowship.
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Advocates and critics of ban-the-box policieswhich delay questions about an applicant's criminal history until later in the hiring processare reacting to recent research that shows the measures may increase hiring for white men with criminal records but decrease hiring for minority applicants.

Some employers, like Wal-Mart, Target and Home Depot, have voluntarily adopted the measures, while others must comply as part of a myriad of local, state and federal ban-the-box laws.

As of March, there are 25 states and more than 150 cities and counties that have passed laws prohibiting employers from asking about job applicants' criminal history until employers make a conditional job offer.

[SHRM members-only toolkit: Conducting Background Investigations]

"Research on ban the box [conducted in 2016] has shown that it increases callback rates for people with criminal records," said Christina Stacy, senior research associate with the Urban Institute, a Washington, D.C.-based think tank.

Stacy referenced results from researchers at the University of Michigan and Princeton University based on 15,000 fictitious online job applications submitted in New York City and New Jersey, both before and after each jurisdiction adopted a ban-the-box policy.

A 2017 study of public-sector ban-the-box policies conducted by Terry-Ann Craigie, an assistant professor in the department of economics at Connecticut College in New London, found that the likelihood of ex-offenders ages 25 and older securing public-sector employment has risen by nearly 5 percentage points overall, and by up to 8.7 percentage points for states and municipalities that have fully implemented the policies. Craigie's study included nearly 9,000 individuals.

"These estimates may not sound like much, but they actually constitute 40 percent to 67 percent of the outcome mean, underscoring that public-sector ban-the-box policies are doing a great deal to improve the public-sector employment of the correctional population," Craigie said.

But the 2016 research cited by Stacy concluded that ban-the-box policies also reduce the likelihood that employers call back or hire young black and Latino men.

"This is based on the theory that employers, with a distaste for hiring those with conviction records and who are denied information about convictions on application forms, will use other characteristics such as age, gender, race, ethnicity and education to predict whether an applicant has ever been convicted, and weed out applicants according to these predictions," Craigie said. "Based on this theory, young black and Hispanic males with high school diplomas or less would stand to lose the most from ban-the-box policy adoption, whereas young, white, low-skilled males would stand to gain the most."

Craigie, however, found no evidence of racial profiling against young minority males in her study of public-sector employment. "The study finds that ban-the-box policy impacts on the public-sector employment of young, low-skilled minority males relative to young, low-skilled white males are statistically the same," she said.

Advocates for ban-the-box policies are calling for stronger enforcement of anti-discrimination laws as a way to mitigate any impact such policies may have on protected groups.

Stacy recommended that policymakers and employers coordinate their efforts on a combination of the following:

Improving anti-discrimination enforcement by increasing government oversight of employer practices and data and mandating employers follow the 2012 Equal Employment Opportunity Commission guidance on the use of arrest and conviction records in hiring decisions.



Expanding employer training about ban-the-box policies.



Removing information that could be interpreted as an indication of a person's race from job applications, such as a candidate's name and address, to help avoid implicit bias.



Expunging more criminal records, which would prevent some records from being discovered during background searches.



Time to Start Over?

Others however, say the unintended consequences of ban-the-box laws are greater than the employment benefits to ex-offenders.

"I think it's time to repeal and replace ban the box," said Jennifer Doleac, an assistant professor of public policy and economics at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, and the author of another 2016 study showing that ban-the-box policies reduce employment rates for minority applicants.

"The fundamental problem with ban the box is that when employers can't ask job applicants about their criminal histories, many assume that young, low-skilled black and Hispanic men are likely to have criminal records and, as a result, don't call them in for interviews," Doleac said.

"Using race as a proxy for criminality is of course illegal, but it's notoriously difficult to enforce our anti-discrimination laws. We'll never be able to completely prevent employers from considering race in their hiring decisions so we should consider this consequence when making policy."

Doleac and Michael Stoll, a professor of public policy at the University of California, Los Angeles, are among a group of experts who argue that employers and policymakers should come up with alternative measures to increase the employment of ex-offenders.

"If the goal is to increase employability and employment rates of those with records, my research indicates polices other than ban-the-box are likely more effective at achieving this goal," Stoll said.

Doleac said that employability certificates provided by a court or parole board could provide a valuable signal about an applicant's work-readiness and also help shield employers from negligent-hiring lawsuits. "Early research shows that having an employability certificate completely wipes out the effect of having a criminal record," she said.

She also advised more investment in job-training programs for people leaving incarceration.

Stoll suggested these additional steps to boost ex-offender employment rates:

Limit information gleaned from background checks to convictions, since arrests may not lead to convictions.



Turn to intermediaries who can provide vouching services to employers and case management services to ex-offenders.



Indemnify employers with bonding to insure them against the financial liabilities that may result from hiring ex-offenders. "Such bonds are underutilized by employers at the moment, even though many indicate that legal liabilities are among their greatest concerns when hiring from this population," Stoll said. "An outreach effort to increase awareness of them, and to make these bonds more easily available to employers, should be undertaken."


Reverse Culture Shock Overview

This section will discuss reverse culture shock -- the psychological, emotional and cultural aspects of reentry. While the phenomenon of culture shock is increasingly well known (and relatively well prepared for in the foreign affairs community), reverse culture shock is not as recognized and understood. This is due in part to the fact that people are returning home. So why should "returning home" result in culture shock?

It may be helpful to think of Reverse Culture Shock in terms of the culture shock one experiences when moving overseas. Many of the same events and circumstances that create stress when adapting to a foreign culture also create stress in the return trip. Craig Storti, in his book, The Art of Coming Home, notes that both stresses - culture shock and reverse culture shock - tend to follow the U-curve pattern explained later in more detail.

As with culture shock, many aspects of reverse culture shock are subjective, therefore each person will have a unique experience in readapting to his or her home culture. Research does, however, indicate some common patterns existing among most sojourners' reentry experiences. While reading about these common patterns, remember to keep an open mind about reverse culture shock and the various ways it may affect you and your individual family members. Issues specific to spouses and kids are also included at the end of this section.

Culture Shock: A Refresher Course

We are familiar with things where we live. We know the streets and which sides of them to drive on. We know what type of food we like to eat. We also generally follow routines. Many of our daily actions are done without even thinking about them. We know the people we live and work with. We know the patterns of how we communicate with others. We know the cracks in the ceiling and the creaks in the floor. We may not pay conscious attention to all of these little details, but we are accustomed to them.

These customs, routines and communications are cues that we depend on to direct our behavior. Over time, these cues have become second nature and predictable to us. In a sense, our culture actually helps define who we are.

As we immerse ourselves into a new culture, we become familiar with new practices. We learn the smells, the sounds, and the feel of our new location. We learn to interact with new people. All of this is incorporated into our new identity. Eventually, we become accustomed to our new way of life, not realizing that these little changes or customs define what we now find familiar. New routines become our norm. We create new identities through these routines and practices, immersing ourselves into the customs of our new "host" country.

Our concept of "home" is built on these ideas of familiarity, routine, communication and identity. Home is more than the physical place in which we live. Home is associated with all of the people, actions, feelings, emotions and cues that make us feel "at home." Craig Storti, says the following: "The essence of home can be described in three key elements: familiar places, familiar people and routines, and predictable patterns of interaction." These three elements associate the feelings of security, understanding, trust, safety and belonging.

The Culture Shock U-Curve

Some scholars have noted that culture shock follows a U-curve pattern. Upon arrival in a foreign country, people tend to experience a "honeymoon" period where the new culture is exciting, fresh and fun. Soon after however, as differences surface and mount, sojourners fall into the pit of culture shock. Gradually, as one adapts to the new culture and accepts differences, they regain their emotional and psychological stability.

For some, this experience is over in a matter of weeks; for others it may take months. Nonetheless, researchers maintain that if you have spent a significant amount of time in a foreign country, chances are that you have experienced some of the stresses common to culture shock.

Reverse Culture Shock

As with cross-cultural adaptation stress, change of routine and a lack of familiarity contribute significantly to reverse culture shock. As you've settled into your foreign location (sometimes staying outside the United States for as many as three tours / 8 or 9 years), you've spent less time in your home culture. Upon return, not only is home different from what you are now used to, but it may be different from what it was when you left, and different from what you expect it to be like.

Craig Storti's book The Art of Coming Home presents key variables that affect reentry stress. In his "Figure 2.1: Some Variables Affecting Reentry," he includes the following:

Voluntary versus involuntary reentry: involuntary is worse Expected versus unexpected reentry: unexpected is harder Age: reentry may be easier for older people who have been through more life transitions. Previous reentry experience: the first time is worse. Length of the overseas stay: the longer the sojourn, the greater the chance for adaptation; hence the harder it may be to leave and come home. Degree of interaction with the overseas culture: the more involved you become in the local culture the harder it may be to leave it behind. The reentry environment: the more familiar and supportive the easier the reentry. Amount of interaction with the home culture during the overseas sojourn: the more familiar the returnee is with changes in the home culture the easier the reentry. Degree of difference between the overseas and the home culture: the greater the difference, the harder the reentry.

Change and Adaptation

In contemplating your return, consider these three main points:

Home has changed.

You have changed.

You have adapted to another culture and now you must readapt.

Home Has Changed

Often repatriates expect their home to be just the same as it was when they left. While you were outside the country, events and new developments, however, have changed the fabric of your old community. These natural changes can be shocking and disorienting upon return. You may be surprised by how much your hometown has grown (or shrunk). They're building a new strip mall here and tearing down your old elementary school there. It may seem both crowded and empty at the same time. There may be new members of your extended family  babies born to siblings  whom you have never met. Your relationships with people may haved changed too, and your friends lives may have evolved. Friends may have changed their social group. Relationships that were once strong may no longer be the same. Additionally, you may not be going home to the same hometown location. Chances are you're probably moving to the Washington, D.C. metro area. Wherever you come home to, expect to see and feel changes.

You Have Changed

From our review of culture shock, we know that "home" is much more than just the "house" you live in. Home involves feelings, relationships, routines, and predictable patterns of interaction. Home is also significantly related to a person's identity - home is where you are most yourself. As you evolve as an individual abroad and adopt the culture practices of your foreign post, your perception of home changes. Living overseas can be a life-changing experience and may affect your attitudes, feelings and relationships with the home you left many years ago.

You Have Adapted to a New Culture, and Now You Have to Re-Adapt

In a way, any place that you adapt to becomes "home." Being a member of the foreign affairs community adds significance to the phrase "Home Is Where the Heart Is." As you adjusted to your host country, you brought home with you. As Americans, most of us share a common language, celebrate holidays like Thanksgiving, and know our National Anthem. And these things most likely don't change. As you assimmilated into a new culture, you might have incorporated new traditions -- those learned overseas -- into your daily life. You became familiar with the routines and customs of your new culture, you immersed yourself in this culture, and in doing so, "back home" became more distant.

As you return home, you will have to relearn routines and patterns that you have forgotten. The more comfortable you were abroad in your foreign home, the harder the transition back. Your family might have expectations -- frequent visits to your parents or in-laws or help in caring for a family member. Your friends might expect you to join in their already established book club or community service project. Your commute to work might be more time consuming. You may need to spend more time in the car for shopping, picking up kids at school or playdates, or running errands. These are not necessarily bad things; you simply have to adjust to a new routine.

Challenges of Reverse Culture Shock

In addition to the change and adaptation issues, there are several challenges that sojourners face on reentry:

General Challenges

American-Culture Challenges

Myths/Misconceptions About America

Changes in Attitudes/Values

General Challenges

People at home arent as interested in hearing about your foreign experience as you are in telling them about it .

You arent as interested in hearing about what has happened at home as they are in telling you about it.

You miss being abroad.

You miss the celebrity status of being an American overseas  at home, you dont stand out as much.

You miss the royal treatment, lifestyle and social status you may have enjoyed abroad.

You miss the tight-knit foreign affairs community you were a part of.

Challenges of American Culture

Many repatriates also observe a few characteristics of mainstream American culture:

Materialism/Abundance/Waste  Compared to many citizens of the world, Americans have expendable income. While this statement might not be true for al Americans, the majority tend to spend money on items that appear "material" to other cultures. Coming into this American environment from a culture that is less affluent may be a shock. Enter any well-stocked U.S. supermarket and the hundreds of food choices can boggle the mind if you have just arrived from a country with limited supplies and/or selection of goods.

 Compared to many citizens of the world, Americans have expendable income. While this statement might not be true for al Americans, the majority tend to spend money on items that appear "material" to other cultures. Coming into this American environment from a culture that is less affluent may be a shock. Enter any well-stocked U.S. supermarket and the hundreds of food choices can boggle the mind if you have just arrived from a country with limited supplies and/or selection of goods. High-speed pace of life  America (for the most part) is a fast-paced place. People seem to always be in a hurry. While this "fast-paced existence" may be true in many cities around the world, if you come home from a laid-back culture to the land of fast food, 24/7 connectivity, and non-stop activities, it takes some time to get used to.

 America (for the most part) is a fast-paced place. People seem to always be in a hurry. While this "fast-paced existence" may be true in many cities around the world, if you come home from a laid-back culture to the land of fast food, 24/7 connectivity, and non-stop activities, it takes some time to get used to. Values/Attitudes  The values and attitudes of some of your family and friends may surprise you, especially if you have adopted new ways of thinking about the world from your experience living abroad.

Myths & Misconceptions About the United States

Many people have misconceptions concerning life in the United States. Some of these myths include:

Everything works better back home.

People are more efficient.

Everything is clean.

Things are basically the same as when I left.

Personal relationships can be resumed easily.

I can cope easily in my own culture.

New Attitudes & Values of Sojourners

Americans often develop new attitudes, values and perceptions as a result of their travels. These can often cause stress on reentry.

I see America through a sharper lens, both its strengths and weaknesses. I no longer take this country for granted and I really resent unbalanced criticism by Americans who haven't experienced the rest of the world.

I see the validity of at least one other culture. That makes me realize that the American way is not always "right" or "best." I am impatient with people who criticize other countries and blindly accept everything American causing them to never question anything.

I have an unclear concept of home now.

I place more value on relationships than other Americans seem to. People here are too busy for one another.

Everyone in America is always so stressed and frantic. They never relax. I feel like I can't relate to others.

Effects of Reverse Culture Shock

How do all of the stresses of reverse culture shock manifest themselves in the repatriate? Often the same way they do in initial culture shock. Aside from the obvious frustrations, returnees may experience a number of mental/emotional side-effects, such as criticality, marginality, overexertion/exhaustion, and resistance/withdrawal/self-doubt/depression.

Craig Storti notes the following effects in his book, The Art of Coming Home, summarized here:

Criticality - At the depths of reverse culture shock, you may notice yourself making a lot of critical judgments about home. Your renewed unfamiliarity with the home culture and your unfamiliarity with the routines can lead to unpleasant and frustrating experiences. Furthermore, this frustration can be displaced, often onto others. It becomes easy to be impatient with others and hard to be objective -- even when the problems are actually insignificant. You may remember all of the wonderful things about your foreign post, and compare them against the least pleasant aspects of being home. Understand that it is normal to critically assess and compare your experience abroad with your experience at home.

- At the depths of reverse culture shock, you may notice yourself making a lot of critical judgments about home. Your renewed unfamiliarity with the home culture and your unfamiliarity with the routines can lead to unpleasant and frustrating experiences. Furthermore, this frustration can be displaced, often onto others. It becomes easy to be impatient with others and hard to be objective -- even when the problems are actually insignificant. You may remember all of the wonderful things about your foreign post, and compare them against the least pleasant aspects of being home. Understand that it is normal to critically assess and compare your experience abroad with your experience at home. Marginality - Your overseas experience has significantly impacted your identity. As you immersed yourself in a new culture, you broadened your perspective and opened your mind to new ideas. Once you return home, you realize that tensions exist between your new identity and mainstream society. You no longer feel like you fit in. Many families and individuals in the foreign affairs community make a life for themselves when "back home," are able to function in and adapt to multiple settings, but do not feel completely comfortable.

- Your overseas experience has significantly impacted your identity. As you immersed yourself in a new culture, you broadened your perspective and opened your mind to new ideas. Once you return home, you realize that tensions exist between your new identity and mainstream society. You no longer feel like you fit in. Many families and individuals in the foreign affairs community make a life for themselves when "back home," are able to function in and adapt to multiple settings, but do not feel completely comfortable. Overexertion/Exhaustion - Because many of the routines, patterns and customs of U.S. culture are new to you, you must consciously pay attention to performing basic functions. Add to that the stress of the logistical tasks of your return, and you may begin to feel overwhelmed by this experience. Exhaustion is a commonly reported effect of reverse culture shock.

- Because many of the routines, patterns and customs of U.S. culture are new to you, you must consciously pay attention to performing basic functions. Add to that the stress of the logistical tasks of your return, and you may begin to feel overwhelmed by this experience. Exhaustion is a commonly reported effect of reverse culture shock. Resistance/Withdrawal/Self-Doubt/Depression - As you become discontented with your home culture, a common reaction is to resist adapting to it. Many returnees withdraw or escape, dwelling on fantastical thoughts of the foreign culture and avoiding contact with people from the home culture. With all of the frustrations and disillusionment of "home," it can be easy to question and doubt yourself. Not surprisingly, then, reverse culture shock is often accompanied by a dose of depression.

The Reverse Culture Shock W-Curve

The reverse culture shock W-curve was developed by John and Jeanne Gullahorn. Upon arrival in the "home" culture, the returnee experiences a "honeymoon" period where all that is grand about home seems to shine through. Visits with old friends and family are refreshing, and you may notice some exciting changes. The honeymoon period doesn't last long, though, as cultural differences and the stresses of reentry continue to mount. For people not expecting reentry stress, the challenges can be even more severe, plunging repatriates into the pit of reverse culture shock. As returnees cope with the cultural differences of their home culture and manage the logistical tasks, they climb up the slope of re-adaptation and again regain their psychological stability. As with initial culture shock, the duration of this phenomenon varies from person to person, but the phenomenon itself is prevalent among returning members of the foreign affairs community. To view more information about Reverse Culture Shock, follow these helpful links:

Special Considerations: Spouses and Kids

Through their extraordinary experiences together, the expatriate family can learn to depend upon each other and work together as a team. In the experience of reentry, family members can help each other to deal with the various challenges each will face. Anyone who adapts to a foreign culture and then readapts to his or her own culture is liable to experience culture shock and reverse culture shock. And each person's experience will be unique. Special consideration should be paid to the reentry issues faced by spouses and children of employees working abroad.

Spouses/Partners

Young Children

Teens

Note: The Managing Reverse Culture Shock section also includes information for helping spouses and kids in managing reverse culture shock.

Spouses/Partners

The psychological/cultural aspect of reentry for spouses/partners is essentially the same as that of the employees themselves. However, the main consideration is simply to EXPECT MORE. Depending on the situation, spouses/partners who work in the home or in the local community should expect more reentry stress than their counterparts. Those who generally spend more time interacting with the local culture open themselves up for a more difficult transition home. Additionally, as previously discussed, the member of the family largely responsible for managing more of the practical aspect of the family's reentry will likely incur a greater amount of stress.

Other members of the family should recognize the additional stresses of these family members, and should be understanding, supportive and helpful. The Managing Reverse Culture Shock and Resources for Managing Logistical Tasks of Reentry sections of this site also give a wealth of information and resources to help spouses/partners prepare for and deal with the additional challenges they may face.

Young Children

Expatriate parents may or may not be familiar with both the benefits and downsides of raising a family abroad. While the frequent transitions are not always easy, overall the experience can result in a positive upbringing. Children raised in these environments are "third culture kids" who eventually see themselves as global citizens. Moving from place to place is obviously difficult for all children, but less difficult for young children than for teenage children. School-aged children may also face different challenges than pre-school-aged children.

The challenges young children face are similar to the challenges adults face - just tailored to their situation. Familiarity and routine are important during a move with big changes. For little children, moving to a new house in a new town, being without some of their favorite toys during the transition, and leaving behind people that they may have become close to (such as a nanny) can be especially hard to handle. School-aged children face similar trials, but with additional school-related challenges, such as saying goodbye to friends, and learning to "fit in" at a new school and in a new neighborhood. Regressive behavior and illness may reflect children's stress.

The Managing Reverse Culture Shock and Resources for Managing Logistical Tasks of Reentry sections of this site include many resources for helping parents bring their young children through the stressful challenges of reentry.

Teenagers

Teens may have the most difficult time of any in the experience of reentry. For anyone, "fitting in" is a psychologically and emotionally challenging task, and at a time where the feeling of belonging is crucial, having to tear away and begin again can be a daunting prospect. Being accepted by others for teens also involves several different aspects, including contemporary fashion, communication (teen-talk), popular music and culture, and peer groups or cliques. These aspects can greatly range from culture to culture. Fitting in is also challenging for the repatriating teen because his or her life-context seems so much broader than the stateside counterpart; they may have a difficult time finding others worth fitting in with, and their stateside peers may actually feel intimidated by them because of their foreign experience. It is important to remember that while parents may feel like they are returning to their home, often times children do not have the same ties to their parent's country.

The effects of reverse culture shock for teens are similar to that of adults, just on a larger scale. Criticality, marginality, exhaustion, resistance, withdrawal, self-doubt and depression  added to the other normal stresses of teenage life  create a difficult situation for teenagers. The Resources for Managing Logistical Tasks of Reentry section includes many resources for returning teens.
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Low-income families, seniors and people with disabilities on Wisconsins $9 billion Medicaid program could see more premiums, co-payments, eligibility requirements and efforts to reduce costs if President Donald Trump and Congress follow through on a pledge to give states more flexibility to manage the state-federal health program for the poor.
The U.S. Air Force has revived an original mission for the A-10 ground attack aircraft; destroying small boats. Experiments have been conducted recently and, while no details were made public, the tests were considered successful. There were basically two tests. One had had experienced civilian boat operators in typical (for Iranians and others) small boats with a dummy heavy machine-gun mounted on it, sent out to use typical Iranian swarming tactics while A-10s (and some other aircraft) make simulated attacks. These attacks were electronically recorded for later analysis. The other tests had the A-10s firing training (non-explosive) ammo at remotely controlled boats. All this data can be used to prepare a training scenario for flight simulators and that scenario can also be used to develop new tactics and possible modifications to the A-10s autocannon.

The A-10 is a 23 ton, twin engine, single seat aircraft whose primary weapon is a multi-barrel GAU-8 30mm cannon originally designed to fire armored piercing shells at Russian tanks. These days the 1,174 30mm rounds are mostly high explosive. The A-10 can carry up to 1,350 rounds. The 30mm cannon fires 363 gram (12.7 ounce) rounds at the rate of about 65 a second. The cannon usually fires in one or two second bursts. Most A-10 pilots have at least some (and many a lot) of combat experience with the A-10 and have learned how to get the most out of the GAU-8 by using short, but accurate, bursts. Experienced pilots can get as many as 30 brief but accurate bursts. The GAU-8 originally had variable rate-of-fire that could be set as low as 35 rounds per second allowing up to 40 very short bursts. A few of these 30mm rounds hitting a small boat will put it out of action.

The Iranians were first seen conducting large-scale small boat swarm attacks in 2006. These training exercises tried several different swarming tactics. Many seemed to involve one or more separate squadrons each consisting of about a hundred small boats approaching U.S. warships. The boats involved were 6- 21 meters (20-70 feet) long moving at speeds of 70-90 kilometers an hour. Some 10-20 percent of the Iranian boats would be equipped with anti-ship missiles like the six meter long, 680 kg (1,500 pound) Chinese C-802. Some smaller boats have been seen equipped with anti-tank missiles. The idea is that some of these boats would make it to the American ships, 50-100 kilometers away, and inflict some damage. China was thought to be planning on the same tactics, but has apparently abandoned it as impractical for combat. Iran, however, now has several thousand of these small boats and continues to buy more. Ever since 2006 the U.S. navy has been practicing defending itself against such swarms. Combat simulations indicate the swarms would lose, but you never know. The Iranian preference for "swarm tactics" has a lot to do with their inability to build or buy anything much better. Moreover, all those small boats keep thousands of Islamic conservative militiamen occupied and that makes for great propaganda videos. The Iranians have since bought faster small boats and equipped their swarms with better missiles. Some of the boats are apparently equipped with explosives and operated by zealots willing to be a suicide boat bomber. So the swarms are still a threat.

In response the U.S. Navy added more autocannon (similar to the GAU-8 but usually 20mm or 25mm) to ships and adapted existing ones (like the 20mm Phalanx anti-missile system) to handle small boats. More 12.7mm heavy machine-guns were added as well. Having A-10s on call, which is quite common in the Persian Gulf, gives the navy another weapon available to deal with any large scale use of swarming tactics in an effort to, for example, close the Hormuz Strait by sinking some large tankers at key points or simply to make a point..

In addition to the GAU-8 the A-10 can carry seven tons of bombs and missiles. These days the A-10 goes out with smart bombs (GPS and laser guided) and Maverick missiles. It can also carry a targeting pod, enabling the pilot to use high magnification day/night cameras to scour the area for enemy activity. Cruising speed is 560 kilometers an hour and the A-10 can slow down to about 230 kilometers an hour. In Afghanistan two drop tanks are usually carried, to give the aircraft more fuel and maximum time over the battlefield. The A-10 entered service in 1978 and 716 were built between 1972 and 1984. The A-10 didnt see combat until the 1991 Gulf War and has been worked hard ever since. When first designed the A-10 was expected to be available for attacking coastal shipping but rarely got a chance to do so. The latest such opportunity was in 2011 off Libya and that was successful.

The increased popularity of the A-10 with the air force leadership did not become official until late 2016 when Air Force finally admitted that the A-10 was actually worth keeping and since then a lot of uses that have been kept quiet are now not only out in the open but getting more financial support. Chief among these is CSAR (Combat Search and Rescue). To that end the air force has, so far, equipped 19 A-10Cs with the LARS V-12 emergency radio signal locator. All American warplanes are equipped with an emergency radio that pilots carry and when they eject and are on the ground this handheld radio broadcasts a special signal. Rescue aircraft (usually air force CSAR helicopters) have LARS and the latest (V-12) version quickly tells the LARS user what direction the signal is coming from and how far away it is. Even before the 2016 decision to stop trying to retire A-10s there were plans to equip a lot (perhaps all) A-10s with LARS.

The air force leadership, during the decades they were very anti-A-10, did not like to discuss the usefulness of A-10s in CSAR (or any other) missions. Yet this was a very popular use of the A-10 because when a pilot had to eject and was on the ground, they quickly learned that if you had the enemy nearby looking for you what you wanted to see first was not a rescue helicopter, but an A-10. The GAU-8 would make sure the rescue chopper and the downed pilots were not hurt. The A-10s regularly came in low and slow seeking out enemy troops and was, unlike most aircraft, designed and armored to deal with a lot of enemy fire.
An overhaul of the Domestic Violence Act is being welcomed by a Bay of Plenty MP.

Todd Muller is welcoming the introduction of The Family and Whanau Violence Legislation Bill to overhaul the Domestic Violence Act and amend five Acts and make consequential changes to over thirty pieces of legislation.

In New Zealand we have an unacceptably high rate of family violence. This Government is drawing a line in the sand and making it clear that enough in enough. This needs to end, says Todd.

Family violence is one of the most difficult and challenging social issues we face as a nation. While the Government acknowledges that there is no quick fix, we are looking to make changes that will provide a framework to break this vicious cycle.

Todd says it destroys families, deeply impacts our young, and takes up more than half of our police time.

We need a system that allows us to act early, protects victims, and breaks the cycle of reoffending to stop the perpetrators hurting their families.

The reforms will strengthen family violence laws in New Zealand significantly, and are an important first step in building a strong legal framework to keep communities safe, says Todd.

Justice Minister Amy Adams says family violence is one of the most concerning and difficult social issues facing the country, partly because of the ingrained and insidious nature of the problem, but also because there is no easy or quick fix.

To properly tackle family violence we need to create an effective, integrated system for addressing it. We need a system that acts early to stop perpetrators hurting their families, protects victims, and breaks the cycle of re-offending.

The omnibus Family and Whanau Violence Bill is an important part of building a new way of dealing with family violence. It implements our Safer Sooner reforms announced in September 2016 aimed at breaking the pattern of family violence and reducing the harm and cost inflicted on those who suffer violence and on the wider New Zealand society.

These reforms will strengthen family violence laws and build the legal framework necessary to deliver the wider component of the work programme.

Key provisions of the Bill include:
Is the iCloud hacker still on the `prowl? The new Fappening 2.0 suggests more Hollywood celebrity explicit photo leaks

If you have been following Techworm you must have read the news of latest Fappening 2.0 leaks of explicit images of Harry Potter movie series star Emma Watson, Jennifers Body star, Amanda Seyfried and The Sixth Sense star, Mischa Barton among others. Before this NSFW Celebgate leak, we had the hackers releasing similar explicit images of Supermodel Emily Ratajkowski in last week of February.

In all the above cases, unknown hackers hacked the Hollywood celebrities iCloud account and leaked their explicit images and videos.from private albums. Like the earlier Fappening leaks, this time too, the images and videos were leaked by unknown hackers on the image boarding website, 4Chan and Reddit. For those who are new to Fappening, this name was given by the image borders of 4Chan when the unknown hacker started leaking the celebrity images.

Who is leaking the images if Fappening hacker is serving a prison sentence?

The United States premier law enforcement agency, FBI had claimed that the original Fappening hacker was identified and sentenced to 9 months in jail. Edward Majerczyk, 29, from Illinois, Chicago has confessed to hacking the iCloud accounts of Jennifer Lawrence, Kate Upton, Kaley Cuoco and Kirsten Dunst among others. Majerczyk said that he had hacked nearly 300 celebrity iCloud accounts using phishing and leaked the explicit celebrity images. Majerczyk was found guilty by a US Court and is currently serving the sentence.

So this brings us to the question of who is behind the latest iCloud nude image leaks of Emma Watson, Mischa Barton, Amanda Seyfried. Are we to believe that the FBI and authorities were not able to arrest some unknown partners of Majerczyk. Or is another hacker group behind the latest iCloud hackers and Fappening 2.0. Mind you, many members on 4Chan have suggested that the current leaked images and videos are from a private collectors album.

But the question remains! Was Majerczyk really behind the Fappening 1.0? Was Majerczyk alone in his hacking adventures? Or there were some partners who have still not been identified by the authorities.

The clue to this come only in coming weeks. Because, earlier during the Fappening 1.0, the iCloud hackers released a tranche of images every Friday on 4Chan and Reddit. If the current Fappening 2.0 images are leaked next week, we can safely assume that a new hacker group is behind the latest iCloud hacks. If not, we can deduce that the images and videos currently leaked are from the previous Fappening hack.

This is a developing story and we will update it as soon as we receive some updates.
The following companies are subsidiares of ABB: ABB (China) Investment Limited, ABB (China) Ltd., ABB (Hong Kong) Ltd., ABB (Namibia) (Pty) Ltd., ABB (P.J.S.C.), ABB (Private) Ltd., ABB (Pty) Ltd., ABB (Pvt) Ltd., ABB A/S, ABB AB, ABB AG, ABB AS, ABB AUTOMACAO LTDA, ABB AUTOMATION AND ELECTRIFICATION (VIETNAM)COMPANY LIMITED, ABB AUTOMATION HOLDINGS (THAILAND) CO. LTD., ABB Algeria SpA Asea Brown Boveri, ABB Algerie Produits SpA, ABB Asea Brown Boveri Ltd, ABB Asea Brown Boveri SRL, ABB Ausbildungszentrum Berlin gGmbH, ABB Australia Pty Limited, ABB Automation (Thailand) Co. Ltd., ABB B.V., ABB Bailey Beijing Engineering Co. Ltd., ABB Bailey Japan Limited, ABB Beijing Drive Systems Co. Ltd., ABB Beijing Switchgear Limited, ABB Beteiligungs- und Verwaltungsges. mbH, ABB Bulgaria EOOD, ABB Business Services Sp. z o.o., ABB Cable Management Products Ltd, ABB Canada EL Holding GmbH, ABB Capital AG, ABB Capital B.V., ABB Centroamerica y El Caribe S.A., ABB Chargedot Shanghai New Energy Technology Co. Ltd, ABB Colombia Ltda, ABB Construction (ABACON) S.A.E., ABB E-MOBILITY INC., ABB E-MOBILITY PTE. LTD., ABB E-mobility AB, ABB E-mobility AG, ABB E-mobility AS, ABB E-mobility GmbH, ABB E-mobility Holding Ltd, ABB E-mobility QFZ LLC, ABB E-mobility S.p.A., ABB E-mobility SAS, ABB E-mobility SL, ABB E-mobility Technology Shenzhen Co. Ltd, ABB E-mobility UK Limited, ABB ELECTRICAL & AUTOMATION W.L.L, ABB ELECTRIFICATION HOLDINGS (THAILAND) CO. LTD., ABB ELETRIFICACAO LTDA, ABB Ecuador S.A., ABB Electrical Control Systems S. de R.L. de C.V., ABB Electrical Equipment (Xiamen) Co. Ltd., ABB Electrical Equipment Ltd., ABB Electrical Industries Co. Ltd., ABB Electrical Machines Ltd., ABB Electrical Products (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., ABB Electrification (Thailand) Co. Ltd., ABB Electrification Canada ULC, ABB Electrification Norway AS, ABB Electrification Sweden AB, ABB Elektrik Sanayi A.S., ABB Engg. Technologies Co. (KSCC), ABB Engineering (Shanghai), ABB Engineering Trading and Service Ltd., ABB Equipo de Control Y Distribucion S. de R.L. de C.V., ABB Equity Limited, ABB FZ-LLC, ABB Finance (USA) Inc., ABB Finance B.V., ABB For Feeding Industries SAE, ABB France, ABB GLOBAL BUSINESS SERVICES AND CONTRACTINGINDIA PRIVATE LIMITED, ABB Global Industries and Services Private Limited, ABB Global Marketing FZ LLC, ABB Group Holdings Pty. Ltd., ABB Group Investment Management Pty. Ltd., ABB Guangdong Sihui Instrument Transformer Co. Ltd., ABB Hangzhou Winmation Automation Company Limited, ABB Holding AS, ABB Holdings (Pty) Ltd., ABB Holdings B.V., ABB Holdings Inc., ABB Holdings Limited, ABB Holdings Sdn. Bhd., ABB INDUSTRIAL SOLUTIONS (LODZ) S.A. W LIKWIDACJI, ABB Inc., ABB Inc., ABB India Limited, ABB Industrial Solutions (Australia) Pty Ltd, ABB Industrial Solutions (Belgium) BV, ABB Industrial Solutions (Bielsko-Biala) Sp. z o.o., ABB Industrial Solutions (Canada) Inc., ABB Industrial Solutions (Klodzko) Sp.z.o.o., ABB Industries (L.L.C.), ABB Industries FZ, ABB Information Systems Ltd., ABB Installation Products Caribe LLC, ABB Installation Products European Centre S.A., ABB Installation Products Inc, ABB Installation Products International LLC., ABB Installation Products Limited, ABB Installation Products Monterrey S. de R.L. de C.V., ABB Installacios Keszulekek Kft., ABB Investment Holding 2 GmbH, ABB Investments (Pty) Ltd, ABB Inzeniring d.o.o., ABB Jiangjin Turbo Systems Company Limited, ABB K.K., ABB Kaufel GmbH, ABB LAFRENZE PROPERTY (PROPERTY) LIMITED, ABB LLC, ABB LLP., ABB LV Installation Materials Co. Ltd. Beijing, ABB Limitada, ABB Limited, ABB Limited/Jordan LLC., ABB Lineage Power Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., ABB Logistics Center Europe GmbH, ABB Ltd., ABB Maghreb Services S.A., ABB Malaysia Sdn Bhd., ABB Management Services Ltd., ABB Mexico S.A. de C.V., ABB Motors and Mechanical Inc, ABB N.V., ABB Norden Holding AB, ABB Operations Center Ltd., ABB Orange B.V., ABB Oryx Motors and Generators Service LLC, ABB Oy, ABB Panama Sales S.A., ABB Power & Automation (Private) Limited, ABB Power & Automation Limited, ABB Power Electronics (Germany) GmbH, ABB Power Electronics (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., ABB Power Electronics (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., ABB Power Electronics Inc., ABB Pte. Ltd., ABB Reinsurance AG, ABB Robotics (Zhuhai) Ltd, ABB Robotics Machine Tending Limited, ABB Robotics Solutions NV, ABB S.A., ABB S.A. de CV, ABB S.p.A., ABB SARL, ABB SAS, ABB SIA, ABB Schweiz AG, ABB Shanghai Free Trade Zone Industrial Co. Ltd., ABB Shanghai Motors Co. Ltd., ABB South Africa (Pty) Ltd., ABB Sp. z o.o., ABB Stotz-Kontakt Gmb, ABB Striebel & John GmbH, ABB Susa Inc., ABB Technologies Ltd., ABB Technologies S.A., ABB Technology SA, ABB Tianjin Switchgear Co. Ltd., ABB Transmission & Distribution Limited LLC, ABB Treasury Center (USA) Inc., ABB Turbo Systems (Hong Kong) Limited, ABB Turbochargers S.A.E., ABB UAB, ABB Verwaltungs AG, ABB Wirtschaftsbetriebe GmbH, ABB Xiamen Corporation Management Service Co. Ltd., ABB Xiamen Low Voltage Equipment Co. Ltd., ABB Xiamen Smart Technology Co. Ltd., ABB Xiamen Switchgear Co. Ltd., ABB Xinhui Low Voltage Switchgear Co. Ltd., ABB d.o.o., ABB eMobility Digital Venture GmbH, ABB for Electrical Industries (ABB ARAB) S.A.E., ABB for Electrical Solutions and Technologies K.S.C.C., ABB s.r.o., ABB s.r.o., ABBNG Limited, APS Technology Group, ASEA BROWN BOVERI Portugal Unipessoal Lda, ASTI France SAS, ASTI Mobile Robotics, Asea Brown Boveri Electrica SGPS (Angola) Limitada, Asea Brown Boveri Industrial Technical & CommercialCompany of Imports  Exports S.A., Asea Brown Boveri Lanka (Private) Limited, Asea Brown Boveri Ltd., Asea Brown Boveri S.A., Asea Brown Boveri S.A. de C.V., Asea Brown Boveri S.A.E., Asti Mobile Robotics GmbH, Asti Mobile Robotics Group SL, Asti Mobile Robotics SAU, B & R Automazione Industriale S.r.l., B & R Industrial Automation Ltd., B + R Industrie-Elektronik GmbH, B&R Automatyka Przemyslowa Sp.z.o.o., B&R Automacao Industrial Ltda., B&R Holding GmbH, B&R Industrial Automation, B&R Industrial Automation (China) Co. Ltd., B&R Industrial Automation A/S, B&R Industrial Automation AB, B&R Industrial Automation Co. Ltd., B&R Industrial Automation Corp., B&R Industrial Automation GmbH, B&R Industrial Automation Iberica S.L.U., B&R Industrial Automation Inc., B&R Industrial Automation Pte. Ltd., B&R Industrial Automation Pvt. Ltd., B&R Industrie-Automation AG, B&R Industriele Automatisering B.V., B&R K.K., B+R Automation Industrielle SARL, B+R Industrial Automation OOO, B+R automatizace spol. s.r.o., BR Endustriyel Otomasyon Sanayi ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Baldor Electric Company, Busch-Jaeger Elektro GmbH, Chargedot, Cherokee India Pvt. Ltd., Codian Robotics, Codian Robotics B.V., Codian Robotics of the Americas, Combustion Engineering Inc., Cylon Controls, Cylon Controls Limited, Cylon Energy Inc., DynaMotive Ltd., ELBI Elektrik, Edison Holding Corporation, Enervalis NV, Envitech Energy, Epyon, GE Industrial Solutions, Gomtec, Gresin Grupo Estudios Industriales, IMV Invertomatic Victron UK Limited, In-Charge Energy, Industrial C&S Hungary Kft., Industrial C&S of P.R. LLC, Industrial Connections & Solutions LLC, Industrial Connections of SA Pty. Ltd., Intrimmo BVBA, Jinan ABB SRI Rail Transit Equipment Technology Co. Ltd., Jordan Acquisition Group, KEYMILE - Business, Kaufel S.A., Kuhlman Electric Corp., Lineage Overseas LLC, Lineage Power (Argentina) S.R.L., Lineage Power (Luxembourg) S.A.R.L., Lineage Power China Co. Ltd., Lineage Power Holdings Inc., Lineage Power Matamoros S.A. de C.V., Lorentzen & Wettre, Los Gatos Research, Mincom, NUB3D S.L., Newave Energy Holding, Newron System, PT ABB Sakti Industri, Pinghu Zhuangbest Technology Development Co. Ltd., Power-One, Powercorp, Powertel India Pvt. Ltd., RGM - Rail vehicle power business, RMI Automation Co. Ltd., SVIA, SWISS TURBOCHARGERS SA DE CV, Saudi Industrial Solutions Ltd., Shanghai Zhuangbest Technology Development Co. Ltd., Shantou Winride Switchgear Co. Ltd., Sirius Holdings B.V., Smart Power Technology Co. Ltd., Spirit IT, Swissturbo (Shanghai) Investment Limited, SynerLeap powered by ABB AB, TURBO SYSTEMS AUSTRALIA PTY LTD, TURBO SYSTEMS ITALY S.P.A., TURBO SYSTEMS RUS LLC, TURBO-SUPERIOR SYSTEMS INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED, TURBOCHARGING GREECE SINGLE MEMBER SA, Thomas & Betts, Thomas & Betts Saudi Arabia Limited Liability Co., Trasfor, Tropos Networks, Turbo Systems Argentina S.A., Turbo Systems Canada Inc, Turbo Systems Colombia SAS, Turbo Systems Dominican Republic SRL, Turbo Systems Finland Oy, Turbo Systems Germany GmbH, Turbo Systems Holding Ltd, Turbo Systems Iberia S.L., Turbo Systems Korea Ltd., Turbo Systems Myanmar Limited, Turbo Systems Pakistan (Private) Limited, Turbo Systems South East Asia Pte. Ltd., Turbo Systems Switzerland Ltd, Turbo Systems The Netherlands B.V., Turbo Systems Turkey Muhendislik Makine Sanayi Ve TicaretAnonim Sirketi, Turbo Systems US Inc., Turbo Systems United Co. Ltd., Turbo Systems Verwaltungs Ltd, Turbocharging Bangladesh Limited, Turbocharging Brasil Ltda., Turbocharging Systems Co. Ltd., Turbocharging Systems France SAS, Turbocharging UK Limited, Turbosystems Nigeria Limited LTD, Validus DC Systems, Vectek Electronics, Ventyx, Verdi Holding Corporation, W.J. Furse & Co. Ltd., Yangzhou SAC Switchgear Co. Ltd, and Zhejiang Chargedot New Energy Technology Co. Ltd..

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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.
Chloe Breakwell is a 26-year-old, newly minted veterinarian who has devoted her life to saving animals - in the middle of a desert. Among her favorite patients is a lion couple who fell in love after being rescued - Simba and Bella.

After graduating from vet school in Melbourne, Australia, Breakwell began donating her expertise to save wild animals in Africa and around the globe.

Breakwell administering medicine to one of her animal patients | Chloe Breakwell

"I have been working and volunteering my time independently this year, trying to get as much experience with wildlife as possible - particularly in Africa," Breakwell told The Dodo.

Breakwell with one of her animal patients | Chloe Breakwell

Being in the trenches with injured and ill animals also means getting pretty attached to them. Last April, Breakwell spent a lot of time with a lion named Simba, and the two formed a special bond.

Dodo Shows Adopt Me! Scared Little Dog Is So Full Of Joy Now  And Looking For A Family

Simba during a check-up | Chloe Breakwell

"I met Simba when I was working with the veterinary team at the Lilongwe Wildlife Centre in Malawi," she said. "I instantly fell in love with him, and even more so after I heard about his history of how he came to live there."

Simba, born in a French zoo in 2005, was rescued from an animal trainer in 2012 - he'd been living in a small trailer, and was only given access to fresh air and exercise, albeit in a cage, while the trailer was being cleaned, according to the Lilongwe Wildlife Centre.

Eventually, officials in France ordered Simba's release and he was brought to Lilongwe in 2014.

While training at Lilongwe, Breakwell treated Simba directly during a health check-up, as well as administered pain meds for a condition resulting from Simba's time in captivity as a circus animal.

Breakwell with Simba | Chloe Breakwell

"He is an older lion and has the signs of a difficult past, but loves nothing more than roaming around finding the sunniest spots to lie in," Breakwell said. "There is no doubt that Simba has been a very memorable patient of mine. His gentle nature, combined with his very impressive presence and heart-wrenching past make him truly unique and special." Despite winning over Breakwell, Simba's heart belongs to another lion named Bella, who came to the sanctuary in 2009. The first lioness to enter Lilongwe, Bella also has an unhappy past - she was rescued from a Romanian zoo where she had lived completely alone for years.

That all changed once she met Simba. "[Simba] and Bella are almost always found together and are the best of friends," said Breakwell. "He is very protective over her and has been known to charge the fences if volunteers on monitoring duties are getting too close to her!"

And Breakwell had plenty of time to get to know the dynamics of the loving pair during her time as a vet at Lilongwe. "Simba is gentle and really just a big softie. He is a proud and regal lion, but is always kept in his place by Bella!" she said. "She is definitely in charge."

"He is almost always found side-by-side with Bella. They are the only two in their bush enclosure and will live out their days together," she said. "I have to say, [Simba] and Bella are undoubtedly the stars of [Lilongwe] and everyone's favorite pair!" "Simba has a very relaxing life now and is free to do as he pleases in his huge bush enclosure. That is, of course, if it's OK with Bella!" Breakwell said. "It was an absolute honor to work with [Simba]," she said. "To know that he has been rescued from such a horrific life to live out his days free and back in Africa where he belongs brings me so much happiness and heightens my faith in people."

Though hanging out with big cats may seem like a dream job, it's not without its challenges, and not all stories turn out so well, as any medical professional knows. During her time in Africa, Breakwell treated many victims of poaching and the wildlife trade. But she also shared some tender moments with injured and sick newborn animals who will eventually get to rejoin their moms in the wild once they heal.

Breakwell with one of her animal patients | Chloe Breakwell

Overall, Breakwell finds solace in the happy endings.

Chloe Breakwell

"It can be very emotionally challenging to constantly work with so many cases of animal abuse, so a happy story like Simba's is really uplifting and refreshing," she said. "Especially when so many people have contributed to giving him a better life."

Simba taking a nap | Chloe Breakwell

"I think almost every vet will agree that the rewards of the job far outweigh any challenges," Breakwell said. "I am loving every minute of it and feel very lucky to be in a profession as diverse and opportunity-filled as mine."

Breakwell with one of her animal patients | Chloe Breakwell
Envy and Zain are rescued border collie siblings who love being photographed by their mom. She turned her own Instagram account into theirs, and it seemed like just a regular, adorable dog account - until they learned to hug each other.

Kelly Bove

After teaching her dogs the command "stay" and realizing how good they were at it, Kelly Bove began photographing them a ton and posting the photos on Instagram for the whole world to see.

Kelly Bove

Both Zain and Envy are incredibly photogenic, and after mastering posing together, their mom started teaching them to hug while posing, too. "With hugging, I actually taught Zain to hug other objects (a tree!) first before asking him to hug Envy," Bove told The Dodo. "Once he was solid and knew what 'hug' meant, he had no problem hugging Envy."

Dodo Shows Odd Couples Dog Is So Gentle And Patient With Her Foster Kittens

Kelly Bove

Now Envy and Zain hug each other all the time ...

Kelly Bove

... and it's probably the cutest thing on the internet. For the past few months, Bove and her husband had been contemplating adopting a puppy into their family, but were hoping for another border collie like Zain and Envy. They waited a while to see if any border collie puppies were in need of rescuing - and then they met Trek.

Kelly Bove

"Trek's mom was surrendered two weeks before giving birth in November," Bove said. "I was able to follow along with the litter as they grew up, driving four hours to meet them at 3.5 weeks old and 6.5 weeks old, before bringing Trek home at 8 weeks."

Kelly Bove

Trek is a tiny, fluffy ball of pure energy, and his new siblings loved him immediately. They took him under their wing, and so far he's been the perfect third addition to an already perfect little family.

Kelly Bove

"Envy LOVES to play with him so much," Bove said. "Zain also gets along great with him - he is the most tolerant dog I've ever met with him." Trek, of course, immediately started making appearances on the family Instagram, but wasn't exactly the biggest fan of posing in the beginning. Now that he's a little bigger and is shedding some of that puppy energy, though, he's quickly becoming Instagram's newest star.

Kelly Bove

"Trek is always on the move, so photo time was interesting up until a few weeks ago when I finally taught him how to stay," Bove said. "But now that he knows how to stay, he is turning into a pro when it comes to modeling for the camera." Now Trek has totally picked up on the family tradition and loves to pose with Zain and Envy, and looks absolutely adorable nestled in between them.

Kelly Bove

The little puppy hasn't learned the art of hugging just yet ...

... but that doesn't mean his older siblings can't hug him until he learns how. Envy and Zain are clearly the best big sister and brother to Trek, and will teach him all their adorable ways as he grows up.
The moment a shark is taken out of the water, he begins to suffocate. The process would be painful, unbearable and terrifying. Yet a restaurant called Playa Tiburon, located on an island off the coast of Cancun, Mexico, does exactly this - it allows tourists to lift nurse sharks out of the water and pose with them for photos.

"My new pet shark," a tourist wrote next to her Instagram photo, in which she grins as she holds a shark high out of the water. "Here with the shark - haha," another person wrote next to his Instagram shot.

Dodo Shows Odd Couples Kitten Isn't Sure About His Pittie Brother  At First

While these shark encounters might look like fun, George Burgess, program director at the Florida Program for Shark Research, believes this kind of activity would be detrimental to the animals. "Sharks are aquatic animals - they're not made to be out of the water, anymore than we're made to be living under the water," Burgess told The Dodo. "Taking them out of their natural habitat is not good for them. They have to breathe through the inhalation of water into their gills, so if you take them out of the water, you're starting the process of suffocation."

Heather Rally, a wildlife veterinarian with the PETA Foundation, tends to agree. "Sharks cannot breathe out of the water and, on top of that, their blood doesn't carry oxygen that well," Rally told The Dodo. "So that means they could easily suffocate if they're removed from the water for any period of time, especially if it's repeatedly. They actually have muscles that run water over their gills all the time, and that's how they extract oxygen from the water. So they can't actually physically do that from the air."

But it's not just suffocation that these sharks would be subjected to. Their bodies could also be injured when lifted out of the water, according to Rally. "Their organs, their musculature, their skin - everything is susceptible to damage under the force of gravity, and with manipulation from human hands, especially untrained hands like members of the public who are manipulating them for photo ops," Rally said.

The Dodo could not reach Playa Tiburon for comment. But a recent petition claims that "many tour boats and catamarans take hundreds of tourists to this famous dock daily" to swim with the sharks. It also notes that the tourists can swim inside the sea pen with the sharks for free, but have to pay $20 for a photograph. Living in a small sea pen would be stressful enough - but encountering multiple people each day would make it even worsel, Rally explained.

"Sharks have highly specialized sensory systems that allow them to detect tiny vibrations in the water, electrical impulses and even odors from quite a great distance away," Rally said. "These sensory systems aren't just on their noses and their heads - they're all along the shark's entire body. So you can imagine how that would be a great advantage to a shark out in the ocean, but a disadvantage in a tank, especially when being manipulated and chased by tourists."

"Swimming with tourists, being removed from the water for photo ops, would be a literal nightmare for these sharks," Rally added.

While nurse sharks are docile, gentle creatures, Burgess also worries that, sooner or later, they might get agitated enough to bite someone. In the photographs, it appears a "keeper" has the job of holding the shark's head, perhaps to prevent injury. But Burgess doesn't think this is good enough.

"Although it is a very docile animal, it has its limits," Burgess said. "If it gets pissed off enough to bite you, it is very bulldog-like, and won't let go ... and then there will be a big headline about a shark attack in Cancun."
Bad guys, beware  there's a new cop in town. And he's adorable.

Nicolas Alejandro Walteros

This sweet little schnauzer, named Azul, has built a reputation as both the furriest and cuddliest police officer in the Suba district of Bogota, Colombia. It is there that, each day, he can be found patrolling the streets  keeping things safe from one worrisome threat in particular: a potential lack of cuteness.

Nicolas Alejandro Walteros

To see Azul today, cooly strutting along in his tiny uniform, you might never guess that there was once a time that it was he who needed saving. Four years ago, a military reservist named Nicolas Alejandro Walteros found the pup living on the street, where he'd been injured in a fight with another dog. That's when he decided to help by welcoming Azul into his life. "I told him I would give him everything he needed," Walteros recalled to The Dodo. "And he adopted me as his dad."

Dodo Shows Faith = Restored Couple Meets A Beach Dog In Mexico Who Changes Their Life

Nicolas Alejandro Walteros

It wasn't long after Azul was rescued that he proved himself to be a particularly skilled companion. Walteros, who often travels by motorcycle, even taught the dog to ride comfortably with him. Having many friends in the police department, Walteros decided to outfit Azul with a little patrol cop uniform to wear when they were out and about, in honor of them. And in so doing, the dog quickly became a friendly ambassador for local law enforcement. "It was something they did not expect," Walteros says. "They were astonished by his dedication to the institution." Naturally, the police welcomed him into the team as their mascot.

Nicolas Alejandro Walteros

Fortunately, Azul was already equipped with the perfect cop mustache to complete the look of his new role.

Nicolas Alejandro Walteros

While Azul might not be an official member of the police force, like the brawnier German shepherd officers working the beat ...

Nicolas Alejandro Walteros

... that doesn't mean he isn't making a big difference in the community in his own way.

Nicolas Alejandro Walteros

Azul's position as lil' canine cop has made him a celebrity of sorts around town which, Walteros says, he hopes will strengthen police-community relations, as well as inspire a newfound respect for animals who are less fortunate. These days, Azul can be seen traveling the streets of Suba with Walteros, or one of his police force colleagues, to visit with civilians and other officers alike  spreading goodwill and bringing smiles to the faces of everyone they meet.

Nicolas Alejandro Walteros

Nicolas Alejandro Walteros
AUSTIN, TEX.Theres a chill in the air at the South by Southwest festival this year, but it has nothing to do with the weather.

Talk to any musician or member of the music industry attending North Americas largest and most influential festival from another country this year, and the conversation invariably turns to their concerns about crossing the border  particularly if their skin tone or cultural background marks them as a potential threat under a Donald Trump presidency obsessed with the comings and goings of anyone who might be of Muslim lineage.

SXSW organizers wont talk numbers but the unofficial buzz is that international attendance is going to be a bit down this year, and blame for that can be laid squarely at the feet of Trump and his recent executive orders curtailing travel from seven predominantly Muslim countries in Africa and the Middle East.

Not that there would have been a lot of bands from, say, Yemen among the 2,000-plus acts attending the music end of this years SXSW gathering  which also includes a film festival and a thriving Interactive/tech component  but a further implication of the Trump administrations xenophobia is that no one from anywhere is terribly excited about facing down U.S. customs and immigration officials these days. At least one band, Italys Soviet Soviet, has already detailed a nightmare experience of being detained and deported on its way to play the festival, and more such stories might surface.

In any case, amongst this writers circle of friends there are a few conscientious objectors sitting out the festival this year simply because they have no interest in visiting (and spending money in) the States at this point in time. As the manager of one of Torontos most famous venues put it to me: I wouldnt come visit your house if you suddenly banned Muslims.

Heading into this years music meetup  which began on Monday and runs through Sunday in every nook and cranny of downtown Austin  theres already been one major controversy over a so-called immigration clause in the SXSW contract that could be interpreted as meaning that international acts playing the myriad unofficial gigs going on around the city could have immigration authorities brought down on them, and then be deported and denied entry to the U.S. in the future.

Several acts announced they would be pulling out of this years festival after Brooklyn indie band Todd Slant posted the relevant portions of the contract online, although festival director Roland Swenson told the Austin Chronicle the language had been in the document for five years and was only intended for someone who does something really egregious like disobeying our rules for pyrotechnics, starts a brawl in a club or kills somebody. You have to really f--- up for us to do this stuff.

In SXSWs defence, the festival has issued a statement condemning the Trump travel ban and a showcase called CONTRABANNED: #MUSICUNITES @ SXSW featuring artists from countries specifically named in the Trump travel ban  including Iranians Mamak Khadem and Ash Koosha and Somalian sister duo Faarrow  is planned for Thursday at the Palm Door.

In any case, many bands are of the opinion that the best thing they can do is come down here and play as a simple act of resistance in itself.

I dont think we necessarily had second thoughts about coming here, says Jasmyn Burke of Toronto art-punk quartet Weaves. Weve always talked to people on the ground level and it seems at our shows, especially, its liberal people who dont know what the hell is going on in their country but they also want to come together with music.

So, in a way, this is actually the time when you go and play and you make people feel good and you show them that you cant have fear. If youre afraid to come to the U.S., that just creates more of a blockade.

Sometimes now during the live shows I feel like I want to connect more with people of colour or women and say, like, This is our time to have a voice. I feel a drive to be more out in the public and representing. I feel kind of the opposite of being afraid. I feel like I just have to get out there and show other women and women of colour that they have to push forward and that there needs to be more representation at our festivals, at music labels and all of those places.

At least Weaves are in the States now. A Moroccan-born musician and booking agent from Montreal who declined to be named for this piece  lets just say his name is conspicuously Muslim  is incredibly nervous about flying down to Austin this Thursday for a run of gigs.

Its crazy. I go to the United States fairly often  seven times in 2016  and I hadnt realized the situation before, really, until like a week ago. It was getting closer and friends were sending me articles and I started getting a bit more stressed out . . . this is pretty serious.

As the only non-white person and African-born member of his band, he now worries that hes going to be a liability for the band as touring duties for a new record and festival season approach. Their ability to make a living could be impacted.

And hes not alone; one of the bands hes booking has two Arabic members and theyre worried a tour routing that will take them from Mexico to the U.S. later this month could be interrupted, even though everyone has active U.S. work visas and one member even lived in New York for a time.

I realize the people at the border are just doing their jobs, he says. But you already have so many things to take care of. You have your tour, you have your shows. Do you really want to spend weeks freaking out about this before doing it? . . . I wonder, frankly, where this is all going.

Canadian booking agent Zaed Maqbool, who works with United Talent Agency  which notably cancelled its Oscar party earlier this month in protest of Trumps policies and donated money to the American Civil Liberties Union instead  points out that its not just international acts coming to the States who are worried. American acts with the kinds of backgrounds that get them singled out for suspicion by the authorities are concerned that if they leave the country to tour, they wont get back in.

For his part, Maqbool says he received a slightly more thorough going-over during his most recent entry into the U.S.

My mom thought they were going to send me to Guantanamo, he jokes. I kind of made light of the situation a little bit, but they certainly were not friendly and they certainly were not as easy going as they had been prior to Trump. You could see it . . .

Any time a political situation makes you worried its something you have to think about. But hopefully it makes for some great music. Every single time theres been dissent, theres been amazing music.

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Irish whiskey used to be the liquor worlds original two-party system. You could have a Jameson. Or you could have a Bushmills.

Those days are well and truly over. With 30-something choices at the LCBO, alone, lucky revellers this St. Patricks Day will have no shortage of options for when they want to raise a glass of Irish. Thats a fraction of whats available globally, of course. Abroad, wed be able to sample one of several new releases: Roe & Co, a premium blend, Trader Joes own brand or, for music fans, the Pogues own signature brand, which was launched in 2015, but still hasnt reached our shores.

But back to Jameson for a moment. To a sizable degree, Jameson is responsible for the Irish whiskey boom. Many bartenders still make it their shot of choice because of its blue-collar appeal (its like Pabst Blue Ribbon for beer drinkers). And its because of that blue-collar thing that Jason Masse, head bartender at Allens on the Danforth, one of Torontos best-known Irish bars, says Jameson was always more popular than Bushmills.

I think Jameson is still the go-to in that its the original and I think it was most peoples first foray into Irish whiskey, Masse says.

Irish has certainly come a long way, though, and theres certainly a much more diverse selection now.

Masse has seen a tremendous uptick in patrons looking to try something new. With roughly 20 different Irish whiskeys on his back bar, theres something for everyone. He says you cant ever go wrong with Redbreast, which he calls quintessential Irish, and for those looking for something with a little more meat on it, he recommends smoky Tyrconnell.

Like something more complex and creamy? Then Green Spot is your ticket. And for people who favour simplicity, a straight-up, classic, sweet flavour profile of Writers Tears is perfect. Overall, though, Masse says its hard to err with Irish, which is why, whenever he has a guest who wants to learn about whiskey for the first time, he almost always starts them with that spirit.

The great thing about Irish whiskey is that its generally very smooth, since its distilled a couple of times and is really easy-drinking, he says. Its the perfect gateway whiskey.

New and noteworthy Irish whiskeys

Launched last fall in Spains Jerez de la Frontera, Redbreast Lustau (LCBO 481218; $89.95) is a partnership between Lustau, one of the top sherry bodegas, and acclaimed distiller Redbreast, which had a custom-designed and conditioned barrel produced to bring out the very best of this Irish spirit. In stores now, this elegant and subtle special release wont last. After that, youll have to console yourself with the other expressions (the 12-, 15- and 21-year-old Redbreast can often be found year-round), all of which are perfectly excellent.

The LCBO is keeping Writers Tears fans happy with the Writers Tears Limited Cask Strength (463786; $179.95), a bolder version of the honey/vanilla modern classic. If thats too steep, look to the original Writers Tears (271106; $50.10), a more affordable, crowd-pleasing, lower-octane version.

Green Spot Irish Whiskey (699827; $85.40) isnt actually new to the LCBO, but its been out of stock seemingly forever. Shortages can be blamed on Green Spots rich, creamy, complex character  pure deliciousness. The LCBO just got a shipment, so get it while you can.

Although its an underdog, Bushmills Black Bush Whiskey (61374; $36.95) is an astounding bargain. Its robust and smooth, with plenty of character and easily beat out two far more expensive craft distillery offerings at a recent informal tasting.

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Cutting waste is one of the food worlds top priorities. Up to 40 per cent of all the food we produce ends up in the trash, and there are programs up and down the supply chain to try to pare that down.

But theres a simple step consumers can take to cut waste: Rethink fresh.

Its a word we associate with food thats wholesome and good-tasting. And theres no argument about a just-picked tomato or a just-caught striped bass; those are the tastes that drive me to grow tomatoes and catch fish. But most tomatoes and fish dont come to us just-picked or just-caught. They come to us after having been picked or caught, packed and shipped, warehoused and displayed.

Because fresh signifies perishable, especially when it comes to produce and seafood, theres a lot of waste in that system.

According to JoAnne Berkenkamp, senior advocate for the food and agriculture program of the U.S. Natural Resources Defense Council, freezing and canning can cut back significantly on produce waste  a huge problem, since slightly more than half of U.S. fruits and vegetables go uneaten. The savings start within hours of picking. The vegetables are typically shipped straight from the farm to processing facilities and frozen or canned within hours, and then stabilized for months or years, she says.

The logistics are closely managed. Farmers contract to grow the produce, and planting dates are coordinated with processing plant availability, so when the peas are ready to harvest, the plant is ready to receive. With fresh, Berkenkamp says, you could be moving from farm to packing shed to warehouse to truck to distribution facility to supermarket. Each of those steps has the potential for loss.

But the biggest loss is our own fault. About 43 per cent of all food waste occurs in consumers homes, says Berkenkamp. Its the largest single contributor to food waste, and much of that will be fresh product. When was the last time you threw out fresh produce that turned bad in your crisper? If youre like most people, it was recently. I am shamed every time the greens get slimy or the broccoli goes limp.

And when was the last time you threw out frozen produce? You probably have  I know theres been some freezer-burned sweet corn in my compost  but probably not nearly as often as fresh.

Freezing and canning cut down on waste in another way, too. Because the processing generally involves chopping and blanching, it doesnt matter if some of the produce isnt picture-perfect. The imperfect specimens go right in with the perfect ones, without the need to establish a separate chain for selling the rejects. Eat frozen, eat ugly.

Produce isnt the only food we waste, of course, and theres an argument that the problem of throwaway seafood is even more acute, given that seafood is a more limited resource. Among all the food categories, seafood comes in second only to produce in the amount consumers waste  about half of it, according to Berkenkamp, with much of waste coming at the retail level.

Some retail waste comes from a downright ridiculous practice that exists solely because of our prejudice against frozen food: thawing it at the fish counter.

Youve undoubtedly seen it. You go to the fish market, or the fish department at the supermarket, and the fish are spread out on ice in the case. Some of the fish are labeled fresh. Others are marked previously frozen.

Now why on earth would the fish market take a frozen product that is only moderately perishable and turn it into one that is extremely perishable, thereby dramatically raising the probability that it will go to waste, either at the market or once you take it home? Because, and only because, we consumers dont like the idea of frozen fish. Even if our rational brain knows it used to be frozen, our reptile brain still thinks its more appealing in its thawed state.

Nobody seems to track how much fish goes into the garbage because we are ruled by our reptile brain. But of all our food waste problems, this seems to me to be some of the lowest-hanging fruit. Can we just stop?

The preference for the thawed fish arises from a perfectly rational objection, of course: Frozen fish can be downright disgusting. I remember buying scallops that were the size of marshmallows when I took them out of the bag and the size of pencil erasers after I sauteed them. And mealy, nasty-tasting pencil erasers they were.

But heres the thing. Fresh fish, too, can be downright disgusting, as anyone who has ever left one in the fridge a couple days too long can attest. The quality of any particular piece of fish isnt as much in the frozen or fresh as in the devilish details. Fish thats frozen on the boat in low-temperature flash-freezers, then packaged to reduce moisture loss, can reach our table all but indistinguishable from the fresh version. When we at The Post did a salmon tasting a couple years back, a frozen sample won top honours.

So what do we do about all this waste?

Im not going to plug canned vegetables, because, other than tomatoes, which are a kitchen staple, I find very few that Im willing to put on my table  although I know people who grew up with them and actually enjoy them, and power to you. But Im a big fan of frozen vegetables and fruit, and not just because they reduce food waste. Some vegetables, such as peas and corn, are often better than what you find fresh. (Starchy vegetables freeze well because they have a lower water content, and its water, which expands when you freeze it and breaks down cell walls, that destroys texture.) Others, such as kale and collards, are pretty close seconds. Ive found a brand of baby Brussels sprouts that dont get all mushy when I microwave them, and frozen edamame are a standard accompaniment when we make sushi at home. (Nutritionally, by the way, freezing is a wash; some nutrients get lost as foods are blanched, but others are retained because the foods get processed just after harvest, before the nutrients have been lost to deterioration.)

And then there are fruits. For smoothies, it doesnt matter much that their texture has been compromised, because youre using them in a way that compromises their texture anyway. Ditto for compotes or sauces or even some kinds of pie. I always have frozen cherries in the house because I snack on them, right out of the freezer.

One of the biggest problems with frozen, though, is simply that it isnt fresh. I talked with Sean Cash  an economist who studies consumer behavior when it comes to food and nutrition, and an associate professor at Tufts Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy  and asked him about the allure of fresh.

Its the closest thing to our ideal of what food should be, and rightfully so, he said. We love the taste. We love the smell. If its fresh, we can connect with it, in the absence of growing it or buying it from someone who grows it. But it can turn into something emblematic of some ideal picture of the food system, which can, in turn, become a tendency to look at anything that isnt fresh as inferior.

Its that pesky reptile brain again, getting in the way. Show it whos boss. Fight food waste and visit the freezer aisle.

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BANGKOK, THAILAND-Watching disco lights illuminate the spires of Wat Arun temple from a rooftop bar over the Chao Phraya River, it dawns I am one exceedingly bland farang.

This white foreigner, a blob of plaid and blue jeans, is a virgin of the world. Delicious irony, given Bangkoks promiscuity.

Its been 14 hours since Smiling Albino guide Kob Kachonsittinoppakun melodically greets me sa-wa-dee-ka, like the do-re-mi scale. She and Canadian expat Andrew Clark, Smiling Albino marketing director, take me on the Canadian-owned company's multi transport tour, ambitiously compressing the city's tourist sights and hidden spots into just one day.

Her lyrical chatter crescendos as she orders juicy pineapple and fried banana from street stalls. Each conversation bursts with sincere exuberance. Theres no menu; theyre too organized and impersonal.

People dont spend time inside, says Andrew Clark, Smiling Albino marketing director. Im never depressed here because theres so much more interaction. Everything happens on the street.

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An insiders guide to the perfect day in Bangkok

Clark first worked in Bangkok as a graphic designer. I was producing nice burgundy designs. They wanted bright green, like the rice paddies.

Transport routes, which Kachonsittinoppakun negotiates far easier than I can alone, are resplendent, reminiscent of Pride festival parades. Gleaming hot pink taxis. Lime tuk tuks zig-zag and sputter fumes. Rainbow tarpaulin protects rickety, grumbling long-tail boats.

In Bangkok, you have to guess a lot, she says, deliberating over the correct dock. Without her, this farang gets lost more than Waldo. Google Maps offers little respite. Bargaining with tuk tuk and boat drivers takes more patience than I can muster. Kachonsittinoppakun does it for sport.

On the khlongs (canals), the main highways when this was Asias Venice 100 years ago, dismembered juice cartons become DIY mailboxes nailed to lonely island trees.

Kids splash worryingly close to a red-handed monitor lizard that clambers from a porch.

A wide straw hat wearing a tiny woman floats past offering beers. For VIPs, Clark plans to have Champagne flutes delivered.

Outside shimmering temples that emerge with no warning, where its forbidden to fish, throngs of catfish thrash for morsels and soak tourists.

At the Golden Mount, Wat Saket, crystallised flames flick from gilded lacquer roofs. I climb 344 steps beside orange-robed monks to strike a gong three times, hoping to summon a mythical beast. Beneath a 58-metre chedi, a giant bell tipped like a skyscraper, I look over the structureless city.

Its a teenagers bedroom. Piles of buildings thrown here and there. Dabs of colour need a power wash. Theres a strange odour in the corner.

Aromas U-turn from stagnant protein shaker to fresh jasmine and coriander at Pak Khlong Talat market.

We walk single file and I become a poor mans Indiana Jones. Instead of dodging rolling boulders, its stampedes of chuckling Thais wheeling baskets giant enough for them to sit in.

Inside a sterilized mall next door, Clark mourns the former lofty dock warehouse destroyed to build another Starbucks.

We reach Chinatown. A strangler fig tree wrapped in tie-dye scarves envelops another tree. At a decadent spirit house, red Fanta bottles and intricate figurines are offered to the lands former inhabitants.

We show clients a lot. Sometimes they need a place to think, Kachonsittinoppakun says. The 17-year veteran tour guide and former archaeology student swings open clunking doors to uncover a fossil, a 240-year-old ancestral home thats now a cafe and scuba school.

Cheerful owners look surprised weve found it. Its the kind of down-an-alley-round-a-corner-through-a-door-knock-twice secluded spot everyone loves to call their own.

I want to shout and tweet about it but Im afraid Ill destroy it, Clark says.

Sheets of corrugated metal reinforce the roof. Like the strangler fig, new layers suppress old.

You need a whole life to see Bangkok, Kachonsittinoppakun says. Five years later, everythings different.

By night, our guide treats Chinatown food stalls on Yaowarat Rd. like an all-inclusive hotel buffet to be abused.

I struggle to finish noodles and make the delightful mistake of mentioning I love duck. Kachonsittinoppakun wheels and orders a plate of it, crispy-lined and pink inside. One of the benefits and faux-curses of this intimate tour is how rapidly Kachonsittinoppakun customises experiences to guests tastes.

When you meet friends, you ask how are you? We ask are you hungry? Have you tried this? she explains.

I try bird nest, apparently a dessert delicacy. For me, an ice-cream flavour other than strawberry is bold. Under gentle protest, I slurp the sugary soup of dried bird saliva. It could be worse. It could be the sulphuric durian fruit. Coconut and mango sticky rice cleanses my palette.

We eat mid-stride except at Krua Apsorn. The menu is laminated plastic and dishes cost roughly 160 baht ($6 Canadian).

Eating family style, I reluctantly share the masaman beef.

Cooking this is the test of a Thai woman, Kachonsittinoppakun says. Fifteen spices. I cannot do it.

Its a comforting Sunday dinner stew and punchy Asian curry in one spoonful. The spices dont compete, they complement to an equilibrium.

Thai food is all about balance, she adds.

Extremes co-exist everywhere else. Massage parlours and Buddhist temples. Murky khlongs and bright decorations. Even our last two stops clash  Khaosan Rd., a year-round student initiation party, and the tranquil bar atop Sala Arun Hotel.

Exhausted, nursing a ginger and lemongrass Thaijito, I look to Wat Arun, a mashup of the Eiffel Tower and a Giza pyramid by night.

Like a virgin partaking a bewildering new experience, Bangkok changes your world view.

Colours seem bolder, innocence is lost, and you just want to do it again, a little better prepared.

David Bateman was partially hosted by Smiling Albino, which did not review or approve any aspect of this story.

When you go

Do this trip: Canadian-owned company Smiling Albino (smilingalbino.com) caters to adventurers, honeymooners, food aficionados, cyclists and high-end tourists, such as rock stars Steven Tyler and Mick Jagger, and Hollywood couple John Krasinski and Emily Blunt. Smiling Albino offers customizable Bangkok, Thailand and Southeast Asia trips starting from $125 a day.

Get there: Fly from Toronto to Bangkok via several airlines. Air Canadas (aircanada.com) route includes a stopover in Hong Kong.

Get around: Its cheap and easy to travel via bike, train, taxi and motorbike. Khlong boat and tuk tuk are slightly trickier unless you have a guide who can give specific directions and negotiate fair prices.

Stay: At any hotel on the river. Most will have their own personal khlong boat to take you to central areas. If money is no issue, the Mandarin Oriental (mandarinoriental.com) is a good choice. For a reasonable, moderately priced hotel, try the Chatrium (chatrium.com).

Eat: Everywhere. Krua Apsorn and Baan Phadthai for a sit-down meal. Chinatowns Yaowarat Rd. for street food, although tasty on-the-go food is available on every second street corner.

Do your research: The Bangkok section of Thailands tourism website (tourismthailand.org) offers information on transportation and what to do.

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GANDER, N.L.-I think this is the best airport on the island, declares Jerry Cramm during a behind-the-scenes tour of the frozen-in-time portion of Gander International Airport. Matter of fact, best in Canada.

Its an iconic place, all right. This is the airport that took in 38 international planes and about 6,600 people, 11 dogs, nine cats and two Bonobo apes when flights were diverted as a result of the 9/11 attacks.

Gander and neighbouring communities rallied to get free food, shelter, clothing, medicine and telephones for the stranded travellers. They made a heartwarming musical about all that  Come From Away, which finished its triumphant Toronto stint and has stormed Broadway.

The airport, though, is in need of some love. Its not seeing the traffic it used to, since planes no longer have to refuel here before crossing the Atlantic Ocean, and Newfoundland has other airports.

This airport is mid-century modern, raves Gander artist Janet Langdon. Theres probably not many buildings in Canada that would rival this. Its really quite amazing.

The domestic area of CYQX isnt much to look at  its the international area youre after. Find Cramm, the long-serving site manager/commissionaire, and ask for a tour between flights to Cuba, Mexico and the Dominican Republic when the space is empty.

No mans land, is how Cramm affectionately refers to the vintage area with Italian marble floors and retro, designer furniture.

Queen Elizabeth II officially opened the airport building in June 1959. The airport drew defectors, movie stars and world leaders, such as Fidel Castro (who tobogganed in Gander).

When Langdon was a teenager, she often hitchhiked to the airport just to see international people. It was always exciting. You never knew who would get off.

The provinces first escalator is here. The famous Big Dipper Lounge, which held Newfoundlands first 24-hour liquor licence, is long gone. Apparently rivals in town didnt like the all-hours competition.

The original yellow, orange and navy furniture is deliciously retro. Cramm will even show you the spacious womens washroom, where the Queen is said to have sat in one of six seats in front of a long makeup mirror.

Now you can say youve been in the room where the Queen powdered her nose, he enthuses. There is a shower that nobody uses and a room, with peeling, animal wallpaper, for mothers to feed their babies.

Its good luck to rub the heads of the Birds of Welcome, a metal sculpture by artist Art Price. Cramm will share the symbolism behind Kenneth Lockheads 22-metre long mural made with egg-tempered paint to evoke our feelings about flying.

Cramm has worked here since 1986, which means he was here on Sept. 11, 2001. He was supposed to be moose hunting, but got a frantic call from his wife. Better do a couple of uniforms for me, he told her. (She still presses his clothes). He worked 36 hours, took a four-hour nap and then worked some more.

Cramms tour continues in the cosy crew lounge, with a pool table, shuffleboard, TV room with reclining chairs, massage chair room and two bedrooms. Theres a DVL, too  distinguished visitors lounge.

Personally, I think everybody should fly out of Gander instead of St. Johns, muses Cramm. Better weather. Its very rarely foggy.

That said, he knows the town must evolve beyond its role as a regional service hub and capitalize on its rich aviation history.

I tour the North Atlantic Aviation Museum with retired teacher Diane Davis, who co-inspired the Beulah Davis character in Come From Away (along with another local, Beulah Cooper).

The museum covers 1935 to 2001, from the time when Gander was a strategic base during the war to the attacks on America that brought so many people to this town of 10,000. It houses a piece of steel from the World Trade Center and a binder full of thank you letters from stranded travellers.

I think the story is very useful at this time, says Davis. The whole idea of having compassion and helping where you can. Theres an island culture that you have to depend on each other and have to be dependable, too. As Claude (Elliott, the Gander mayor) says, a tray of sandwiches and a blanket and a pillow and people are still talking about it 15 years later.

Langdon chimes in: I think Come From Away is going to rock New York without even being political. People need to hear that theres a lot of goodness still in existence.

I also hang out with Langdon, who is the Fogo Island Inns community host for Gander. The luxury inns guests often spend a night in Gander (usually at the Comfort Inn), en route to the island, and she takes them on a themed tour.

We decide not to trek to the Silent Witnesses Memorial just outside of town, because its snowed in. Its a park dedicated to the 256 U.S. troops and crew who died in a 1985 Arrow Air Crash.

There are plans for a walking tour of several dozen plane-crash sites.

I dont find time to drive Earhart St., Lindberg Rd. and other streets named for famous aviators. I do dine at Alcock & Browns Eatery in the Hotel GanderAlcock & Browns Eatery in the Hotel Gander, named for British aviators John Alcock and Arthur Brown, who made the first non-stop transatlantic flight in 1919 from Newfoundland to Ireland.

And I have dinner at Bistro on Roe with Bonnie Harris, the Gander and Area SPCA manager who inspired a Come From Away character for her work caring for the cats and dogs during 9/11.

Harris regrets not leaving notes on the kennels, but did hear from two owners. This may sound strange, but she has even had a few animal lovers come to see the animal shelter just because of Come From Away.

Call it the Come From Away effect. Hopefully it will help preserve the retro part of the airport, too.

Jennifer Bain was hosted by Adventure Central Newfoundland and Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism. They didnt review or approve this story.

When you go

Get there/around: I flew Air Canada from Toronto to Deer Lake and then home via Gander. Youll need to rent a car.

Stay: I stayed at the Hotel Gander (hotelgander.com). Be warned that it is open while undergoing major renovations.

Eat: I ate at Bistro on Roe (bistroonroe.com), Ganders most upscale restaurant, and Alcock & Browns Eatery in the Hotel Gander.

Do your research:adventurecentralnewfoundland.ca, newfoundlandandlabrador.com

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OTTAWACanada plans to take steps to strengthen its cyber-warfare arsenal, according to documents released by the Department of National Defence.

The documents are a rare public admission from National Defence that it is developing offensive cyber-weapons in addition to tools to defend against such attacks.

Cyber ... (is) increasingly prominent among the security and defence challenges facing Canada and its allies, read the documents, posted to the departments website.

(In 2017) we will advance our research in the future of cyber warfare to improve and strengthen both our defensive and offensive capabilities.

There is some debate over what actually constitutes a cyber-weapon or an act of cyber-war. The most commonly cited example is a virus dubbed Stuxnet, widely attributed to the United States, which in 2010 sabotaged Irans nuclear program before spreading to the wider Internet.

More recently, Russia was accused of launching a cyberattack against Ukraines power grid in 2015, causing a blackout in the capital city of Kyiv.

When it comes to cyber-warfare, the Canadian government typically likes to talk about defence more than offensive capabilities. But that appears to be changing, with former members of Canadas defence and intelligence agencies openly musing about future cyber-war.

In an interview with Postmedia earlier this month, Brig.-Gen Paul Rutherford said Canada will be sending cyber-warriors to Latvia this June to protect that countrys networks from Russian cyberattacks.

First and foremost, we recognize cyber as a domain of warfare  We are constantly under attack, Rutherford told Postmedia.

We want to bring people into the trade to become what I call cyber-warriors.

The documents posted by the department state the Canadian Forces will create a new military occupation called Cyber Operators to bring in employees with the skills required to conduct complex cyberattacks and defence.

Its maybe about time, said Alex Wilner, a professor of international affairs at Carleton University.

I think implicitly what (National Defence) is saying here is that in Canada we see the cyber-domain as a military domain. Thats the way the Americans see it, thats the way the Russians see it.

Other academics studying these issues stress that caution is needed before Canada fully embraces cyber-warfare  and note the challenges in even defining what cyber-war is.

Cyber-war is challenging all of our previously held notions of warfare, said Stephanie Carvin, a former intelligence analyst who also teaches at Carleton. Who is and isnt a combatant? What is an armed attack?

The department raised the question of cyber-warfare in their sweeping Defence Review project, the results of which are expected later this year.

Wesley Wark, a professor focusing on security and intelligence issues at the University of Ottawa, said he read the documents as a go-slow approach on these issues

Clearly there is a feeling that this is a future for Canadian military operations that the (Canadian Forces) is going to have to prepare for, Wark said in an email. But best that it do so openly rather than in the shadows.

Wark told the Star in September that escalation and proliferation of cyber-weapons was also a concern  a point that even John Adams, the former head of the Communications Security Establishment who has pushed for the Canadian government to prepare for cyberwarfare, conceded at the time.

Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan was travelling Thursday, and was not available for an interview. In a statement, his spokesperson said any use of cyber-weapons would be approved by the government on a mission-by-mission basis, and would adhere to domestic and international law.

In a statement, the Department of National Defence called developing a cyber-component a key priority for the Canadian Forces.

As cyberspace evolves and expands, it is critical that we look to the future and determine the optimal approaches to strengthen our ability to defend mission-critical military systems, building the future cyber force, and integrating cyber operations into broader military operations, wrote DND spokesperson Daniel LeBouthillier.

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IQALUITA Nunavut court says public money should pay for a lawyer to argue the appeal of a former priest serving a 19-year sentence for sexually abusing dozens of Inuit children.

Eric Dejaeger was convicted on 32 counts of sexually abuse 22 Inuit children stemming from his time in Igloolik, Nunavut, as an Oblate priest and missionary more than 35 years ago.

I am of the view that Mr. Dejaeger could not effectively present his appeal in an organized and coherent fashion without the assistance of counsel, wrote Justice Neil Sharkey of the Nunavut Court of Appeal.

Dejaeger has said hes too broke to pay for a lawyer and legal aid in Nunavut has turned him down.

Sharkeys written ruling said Dejaeger has not entered specific grounds for his appeal or referred to any errors of law he feels were made during his trial.

The trial went ahead in early 2015 after he was returned from Belgium. The defrocked priest was initially slated to face his accusers from Igloolik in 1995, but instead left Canada for his Belgian homeland.

Oblate officials have said that Canadian justice officials turned a blind eye to his leaving the country. He was eventually returned to Canada when Belgian officials realized he was living in that country illegally.

Testimony was often disturbing and marked by tears and outcries from the witnesses and observers. It stirred old ghosts in Igloolik and territorial officials sent extra mental-health workers to the community to help people deal with the memories.

Before he was sentenced, Dejaeger addressed the court and apologized to his victims for his actions.

Within weeks of the verdict, he filed a so-called prisoners appeal of his conviction and his sentence.

Later that fall, Dejaeger pleaded guilty to four additional counts of indecent assault and gross indecency related to his time living in Edmonton.

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Two hazardous chemical spills Tuesday caused by pile-ups on major highways in Ontario and Quebec are being described as rarities by transportation industry representatives.

A 30-vehicle crash on Hwy. 401 east of Kingston left one person dead and 27 others in hospital after fluorosilicic acid being transported by one of the trucks spilled from the vehicle.

Some people were treated at a decontamination bay after being exposed to the hazardous material, which is commonly used in water fluoridation, and can cause irritation to the nose, throat and respiratory system, swelling of the skin and severe eye irritation.

Spills are unusual when trucks are carrying dangerous materials, according to Stephen Laskowski, president of the Ontario Trucking Association.

He said there are about 2,200 products classified as dangerous under federal transportation regulations, ranging from household goods such as soap or paint to more dangerous chemicals such as those spilled on Tuesday around 2 p.m. on Hwy. 401.

For every 10,000 shipments by Ontario truck companies, there are about 20 spills, according to numbers provided by Laskowski.

So it is very few incidents, Laskowski said. When youre dealing with such a low percentage, I think the statistics bear out that the system is working very well. There are all kinds of rules and regulations in place for how commodities are handled and shipped.

In Quebec, two people were taken to hospital with serious injuries after a crash involving about a dozen vehicles on Hwy. 20, near the community of Saint-Zotique.

The pile-up caused a tanker-truck to spill about 20,000 litres of sodium hypochlorite, a toxic, concentrated substance similar to bleach. The substance was contained in the highway median and was easily recovered, emergency officials said.

Anyone importing, handling or transporting dangerous goods must comply with the federal Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act and the Dangerous Goods Transportation Act in Ontario.

The federal act requires dangerous goods to be properly classified and transported to Transport Canadas approved standard, according to Natasha Gauthier, a spokesperson for the department.

Additional requirements include proper documentation, safety marks, reporting, and training, she said in an email.

But even if the statistics Laskowski provided are taken at face value, Brian Patterson, president and CEO of the Ontario Safety League, said they are still cause for concern.

Its not an issue of stats in my view but an issue of driver training and competency, Patterson said. The fact of the matter is you and I are paying for the spills. Its all part of the insured cleanup. Is 20 (collisions in 10,000 shipments) an acceptable number? I dont think it is at all.

The other people that were within range of that incident, its the same scenario. Are they prepared for that? The answer is no.

Patterson said he worries many drivers have little or no understanding of the hazardous materials theyre carrying.

Drivers, carriers, shippers and manufacturers must be retrained every three years, according to Laskowski. He described the rules as living regulations, continually updated as new products, techniques and standards are introduced.

Each category of dangerous goods has its own rules related for being securely loaded and handled in transit to prevent danger to the public.

Everything is planned out to the finest detail, Laskowski said. In this case, when people are exposed to it, they are immediately brought to the hospital.

The regulations also require those transporting certain dangerous goods, such as explosives, flammable substances, toxic gases or radioactive and nuclear substances, to carry an Emergency Response Action Plan which has been approved by the federal government.

The plan, visible on the side of a truck, outlines what dangerous goods are on board and how to ensure public safety if theyre released during transporting.

That assists emergency responders, because the trucker could be injured in the accident, or non-communicative when the emergency responders arrive on the scene and they need to know what kind of a toxic or corrosive substance it is that theyre carrying, said James Tomlinson, an insurance lawyer with experience in cases involving highway spills.

Neither chemical spilled Tuesday in Ontario nor Quebec required such a plan, said Gauthier.

Tomlinson said the regulations do a good job of preventing chemical spills from harming other drivers when they do happen, but sometimes exposure can be unavoidable.

I think theres a tendency on, maybe, to think somebody obviously was negligent, because these things were not properly stored or that kind of thing, he said. Accidents do happen despite the regulations. There can be situations where all proper procedures are followed and still a problem occurs.

With files from The Canadian Press

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Mike and Jesse are adding interesting stuff to the blog in our spare time, so pardon the miscellany and lack of any organization.



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Pinchas Gutter vividly recalls his experiences during the Holocaust.

He remembers living happily in Lodz, Poland with his parents, who were winemakers, and his twin sister until the war broke out when he was 7.

Thats when the nightmare began.

My father was almost beaten to death by the Nazis almost immediately, he says.

Gutter recalls surviving the Warsaw Ghetto and six concentration camps, even the time he risked his life to have a secret Bar Mitzvah, one of countless religious acts that were strictly prohibited and punishable by death at the hands of the Nazis.

He remembers being liberated at 13 and living in an orphanage before moving to Toronto when he was older.

Gutter doesnt want the next generation to forget.

Thanks to a project by the University of Southern Californias Shoah Foundation and Institute for Creative Technologies, members of the public can now not only listen to Gutters Holocaust testimony, but also ask him questions without him even being in the room.

Five years ago, Gutter, now 84, recorded answers to upwards of 1,500 questions about his experiences before, during and after the Second World War and even his opinions on lessons of the Holocaust.

The technology, on loan to The Sarah and Chaim Neuberger Holocaust Education Centre in Toronto until May, allows people to simulate conversations with Gutter by speaking into a microphone and watching him answer their questions on a screen.

The experience is almost like talking to Siri on your cellphone, but more personal. Gutters answers havent been edited, which brings out his personality and preserves both his emotion and conversational tone.

Gutter was the first of 12 survivors, and the only Canadian, to participate in the project, called New Dimensions in Testimony. For five days, he sat in a chair surrounded by 57 cameras answering question after question, sometimes twice, for eight hours straight.

Holocaust education and Holocaust study is very much an academic thing. Historians are busy with it, researchers, scientists of different kinds, Gutter told the Star of why he participated. But all of them have got their own subjective way of looking and seeing things. The Holocaust survivor tells you the way it was.

Gutter said it was important to him to fight against Holocaust denial.

As far as Im concerned, today you still have Holocaust survivors who can go along and prove to them their experiences, he said. They are living witnesses of what happened. In the time to come, they wont be there.

The Neuberger centre is one of many Holocaust education centres that will be testing out the technology, currently in the pilot stage. It still has a few kinks  certain keywords in a question might accidentally trigger a somewhat unrelated answer  but this will be fed back to USC to iron out.

Its open to the public by appointment during weekdays at the centres North York office near Bathurst St. and Sheppard Ave. W.

Michelle Fishman, education co-ordinator and interim manager of public programs for the Neuberger centre, said the technology provides an innovative solution to the challenge of keeping Holocaust education relevant with fewer and fewer survivors left.

Many Holocaust organizations right now are facing a pivotal turning point with Holocaust survivors, of course, unfortunately passing away, Fishman said. I think many organizations are sort of deciding now how will we move forward without Holocaust survivors, especially in a way that will actually engage future generations.

Once refined, the hope is to eventually have a permanent exhibit in Toronto that would allow students to interact with survivors like Gutter in hologram form, making it feel even more as though he is actually in the room.

After visiting the exhibit this week along with representatives of Torontos Board of Rabbis, Rabbi Elyse Goldstein of the downtown City Shul said she hoped to bring her synagogues Hebrew school for a visit.

The only way the younger generation can relate to anything is through technology and I mean that not as a judgment, said Goldstein. I think its going to be great for kids who have to have this technology all the time for everything they do.

The group asked Gutter questions about what his life was like before the Holocaust, whether he had any friends in the concentration camps and how he wound up in Canada.

The session concluded as Gutter described his hope for future generations.

That is to tolerate each other and to accept different cultures and different religions and different ways of life, he says onscreen. Just live together, you know? Your prayers to god, you do it this way, I do it my way. I say psalms, you read the Quran. Why cant we live together?

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A lawyer for an Ancaster man of Kazakh origins arrested as one of four suspects in a massive hack of Yahoo emails says the charges against his client may be politically motivated by the U.S.

Jag Virk suggested Thursday that his client, 22-year-old Karim Baratov, is being used as a scapegoat by American authorities.

I believe (U.S. President) Donald Trump is using this to make it appear as if he is going after Russian hackers, said Virk, one of two lawyers representing Baratov.

These allegations are from three years ago.

Baratov maintains his innocence and has no prior criminal record, his lawyer said. He added that people should wait for all the facts to emerge in the case.

The Kazakh-Canadian man is expected to appear in Hamilton Superior Court Friday afternoon by video as part of an extradition process that is likely to unfold over several months.

As of Wednesday afternoon, an extradition hearing hadnt yet been scheduled.

Extradition hearings are heard before a judge, who reviews a collection of documents called the record of the case outlining the evidence, said Daniel Brown, a Toronto criminal lawyer who practises extradition law.

While the hearing, itself, could take place in a few months time, there are a number of post-hearing applications that could be brought forward if a judge orders extradition, which could delay the process  sometimes by years, he added.

Before Canada will participate in the extradition process, it has to be established that a related charge exists here and carries with it a potential sentence of two years or more, Brown said.

Very rarely do they go ahead and arrest somebody and hope theyre going to get the evidence to support the arrest, he added.

Baratov is accused of being paid by two Russian spies to break into the email accounts of targeted individuals, U.S. Department of Justice alleges.

The U.S. government says a grand jury in California has indicted Baratov and three others, two of them allegedly officers of the Russian Federal Security Service, for computer hacking, economic espionage and other criminal offences.

Also indicted in the alleged conspiracy, which authorities said began in January 2014, were Dmitry Aleksandrovich Dokuchaev, 33; Igor Anatolyevich Sushchin, 43, and Alexsey Alexseyevich (Magg) Belan, 29, all Russian nationals and residents.

Dokuchaev and Sushchin are said to be Russian intelligence agents who allegedly masterminded and directed the hacking, the justice department said.

The two men allegedly tasked Baratov with hacking more than 80 accounts in exchange for commissions, according to U.S. authorities, who submitted a provisional arrest warrant to Canadian authorities Mar. 7.

Belan, who had previously been indicted in 2012 and 2013, was named one of FBIs most wanted cybercriminals in November 2013 but escaped to Russia before he could be extradited from Europe, the department said. Its not clear whether he or Dokuchaev and Sushchin, will ever step foot in an American courtroom since theres no extradition treaty with Russia.

Dokuchaev has been in custody in Russia since his arrest there on treason charges in December, along with his superior and several others. He is accused of passing information to the CIA.

Yahoo, which is based in California, sent an email in September alerting users that their account information  including email addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth, passwords and security questions  had been stolen in a cyberattack two years earlier.

The company said at least 500 million user accounts were affected.

Yahoo is also facing a proposed $50-million class action lawsuit related to the personal information of Canadian users. The representative plaintiff, Natalia Karasik, of Barrie, Ont., heard from the company late last year that her information was stolen in a hack in 2013.

Yahoo also faces class actions in the United States.

Baratov was arrested at his Ancaster home Tuesday morning under the Extradition Act at the request of American authorities and handed over to the RCMP.

Property records for a house on Chambers Dr. show it was purchased by Baratov and Akhmet Tokbergenov and Dinara Tokbergenova in 2015 for $642,500. A mortgage was taken out for $514,000, which has not yet been paid off.

A three-minute drive away, a home on Moorland Cr., in the same quiet, well-to-do neighbourhood, lists two people with the virtually identical names as the owners on property records: Tokbergenov and Tokbergenova.

That home was purchased in 2011 for $550,000; a $131,000 mortgage was taken out on the property in 2016, records show.

One neighbour said he thought Baratov lived in the Moorland house because he would often see a blue Lamborghini in the driveway that he thinks belonged to him.

Kevin Anstee said he would see the 22-year-old walking up and down the street with friends in the evening and described him as a friendly enough guy who said hello when they crossed paths.

While driving a flashy car at his age raised flags, most people in the neighbourhood are well-off and some dont work, Anstee added.

For him to be young and have that kind of car, either he came into money or he had money somehow.

Another neighbour on Moorland, who didnt want to be named, said he never talked to Baratov, but he recalled speaking once to a man who lived in the house.

He said the man, who he believed was Baratovs father, told him his son worked in online investing and web design.

Read more:

Hacker arrests show depth of Trumps isolation when it comes to Russia

Social media posts detail lavish lifestyle of alleged Yahoo hacker from Canada

Canadian, 22, arrested over massive Russian hack of 500 million Yahoo accounts.

With files from The Canadian Press, Toronto Star and The Associated Press

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As sage smoke spiraled into the rafters at the University of Torontos Hart House, Cayuga elder Cat Criger offered a teaching.

A hawk is still a hawk, whether it lives in the city or it lives in the forest, Criger said.

For Ashley King and the two dozen other youth gathered around Criger, that message is a comfort.

As indigenous students they are significantly underrepresented at post-secondary schools across the country.

According to the most recent Statistics Canada data, only about 10 per cent of indigenous people in Canada between the ages of 25 and 64 have a university degree at the bachelor level or higher, compared to almost 30 per cent of non-indigenous Canadians.

Jonathan Hamilton-Diabo runs U of Ts First Nations House. Indigenous students face a lot of barriers accessing post-secondary education, he said, not the least of which is a well-earned distrust of the education system.

We have students who have been to residential school, he said. That whole idea of education and how it was used as a different tool than it is now. Theres a trust factor.

King and her group spent Wednesday at Hart House, one of the most illustrious buildings on U of Ts campus. The tour was part of the universitys SOAR program, which aims to help break down barriers for indigenous students who want to pursue a post-secondary education.

Smoke from Crigers smudging ceremony drifted around the room, past a wooden throne, a stone lions head and other trappings of the schools  and Canadas  colonial past.

Hart house first opened in 1919, a year before Indian Affairs deputy superintendent Duncan Campbell Scott made attendance at residential school mandatory for every indigenous child between 7 and 16 years old.

There was a time not so long ago when sacred indigenous ceremonies were banned outright, Criger said. That students can now smudge inside a place like Hart House speaks to how far the school and the country have come, but there is still farther to go.

While there are many other systemic barriers indigenous students must overcome getting to university  like an on-reserve school system that routinely fails them  once theyre here, the environment can feel very intimidating.

People feel like, will I be lost here? explains Hamilton-Diabo.

Now in its 25th year, First Nations House is a place where indigenous students can access peer support, network with a community and stay connected to their culture.

Hamilton-Diabo said the students who come in are seeking support for everything from help with childcare to loneliness and isolation.

For some of our students, they may be one of the first in their family entering into post-secondary, Hamilton-Diabo said.

Theres so many different pressures and they sometimes dont have family experiences to draw on.

U of Ts total enrolment is around 87,000. Of those, only about 880 students identify as indigenous, according to the university.

Thats where U of Ts SOAR program comes in. Over March break, the university hosted King and about two dozen other indigenous youth for a week. They toured the campus, the Royal Ontario Museum and the Eatons Centre, and got a feel for what university life can be like.

To know that you can find a community and practice your culture here, thats really important, King said.

King and her friend Sagatay Penagin are both from Kiashke Zaaging Anishinaabek, also called Gull Bay First Nation. Its a small community north of Thunder Bay where life is both beautiful and challenging, Penagin said.

Its good because youre surrounded by family, but it has its disadvantages as well. Weve been under a boil water advisory for like 30 years, she said.

At home, Penagin is surrounded by lakes and immersed in her culture.

She says she could see herself having a career in Toronto when shes older, but the idea of moving to the big city right now scares her.

I think it would be too much of a transition for me, she said. Im not sure Im ready to take that next step yet, she said.

Unlike Penagin, King is surer of her intentions. Her mother went to university, but didnt finish. Her grandparents, however, both have masters degrees in social work from the University of Toronto. She hopes to keep that tradition alive.

Im interested in coming to Toronto for school, she said. Doing this program shows me what kind of community I could have.

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HONOLULUFor the second time, a federal court on Wednesday blocked U.S. President Donald Trumps efforts to freeze immigration by refugees and citizens of some predominantly Muslim nations, putting the presidents revised travel ban on hold just hours before it was to take effect.

This time, the ruling came from a judge in Hawaii who rejected the governments claims that the travel ban is about national security, not discrimination. U.S. District Judge Derrick Watson also said Hawaii would suffer financially if the executive order constricted the flow of students and tourists to the state, and that Hawaii was likely to succeed on a claim that the ban violates First Amendment protections against religious discrimination.

Watson criticized what he called the illogic of the governments arguments and cited significant and unrebutted evidence of religious animus behind the travel ban. He also noted that while courts should not examine the veiled psyche and secret motives of government decision-makers, the remarkable facts at issue here require no such impermissible inquiry.

For instance, there is nothing veiled about this press release: Donald J. Trump is calling for a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States,  Watson wrote, referring to a statement Trump issued as a candidate.

Read the latest news on U.S. President Donald Trump

Trump called the ruling an example of unprecedented judicial overreach and said his administration would appeal it to the U.S. Supreme Court. He also called his new travel ban a watered-down version of the first one, which he said he wished he could implement.

Were going to win. Were going to keep our citizens safe, the president said at a rally in Nashville. The danger is clear. The law is clear. The need for my executive order is clear.

The judge issued his 43-page ruling less than two hours after hearing Hawaiis request for a temporary restraining order to stop the ban from being put into practice.

The hearing was one of three held in federal courts around the country on Wednesday. U.S. District Judge James Robart in Seattle, who blocked the initial travel ban last month, did not immediately rule on a request from an immigrant-rights group to block the revised version. Neither was there a ruling from U.S. District Judge Theodore Chuang in Maryland in a challenge brought by the American Civil Liberties Union and other groups.

In all, more than half a dozen states are trying to stop the ban. A case brought by Washington state argues that the new order harms residents, universities and businesses, especially tech companies such as Washington state-based Microsoft and Amazon, which rely on foreign workers. California, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York and Oregon have joined the claim.

Trumps initial travel ban, issued on a Friday in late January, brought chaos and protests to airports around the country as travellers from seven nations  Somalia, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Libya and Yemen  were barred from entering even if they had prior permission to come to the U.S. The State Department cancelled up to 60,000 visas.

Robart ordered the government to stop enforcing the ban, which also suspended the nations acceptance of refugees from around the world, and a three-judge panel from the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously declined to reinstate the ban.

The administration subsequently rewrote the ban, emphasizing more of a national security rationale, dropping Iraq from the list of banned countries and spelling out some reasons that travellers from the listed nations might be granted waivers allowing them into the U.S. despite the policy. The new ban does not apply to travellers who already have visas.

Critics of the ban said the changes made it more palatable, but they still argued that it violated both the Constitution and federal immigration law, and they tweaked their lawsuits to target the revised order.

Watson is a 2012 appointee of president Barack Obama. He is the only Native Hawaiian currently sitting as a federal judge and the fourth in U.S. history. He received his law degree from Harvard in 1991.

In his order, he found little evidence the travel ban would aid national security, noting a point brought up by the state: that a draft report from the Department of Homeland Security found nationality to be an unlikely indicator of terrorism threats.

Arguments at the federal court in Seattle focused on whether the travel ban is permitted by immigration law. Robart grilled the lawyers about two seemingly conflicting federal laws on immigration  one that gives the president the authority to keep any class of aliens out of the country, and another that forbids the government from discriminating on the basis of nationality when it comes to issuing immigrant visas.

In Maryland, the judge weighed whether the measure discriminates against Muslims.

Read more:

Trumps revised travel ban still faces multiple legal hurdles

No, Barack Obama didnt wiretap Donald Trump, says Republican intelligence committee chairman

Advocates doubt Trump administration will act to stem flow of migrants across Canada-U.S. border

Generally, courts defer on national security to the government, Chuang said. Do I need to conclude that the national security purpose is a sham and false?

In response, ACLU attorney Omar Jadwat pointed to Millers statement and said the government had put out misleading and contradictory information about whether banning travel from six specific countries would make the nation safer.

Arguing for the Justice Department, Jeffrey Wall said: It doesnt say anything about religion. It doesnt draw any religious distinctions.

The Maryland lawsuit also argues that its against federal law for the Trump administration to reduce the number of refugees allowed into the United States this year by more than half, from 110,000 to 50,000. Attorneys argued that if that aspect of the ban takes effect, 60,000 people would be stranded in war-torn countries with nowhere else to go.

Watson made it clear that his decision applied nationwide, ruling that the ban could not be enforced at any U.S. borders or ports of entry or in the issuance of visas.

In the Hawaii case, the federal government said there was no need to issue an emergency restraining order because Hawaii officials offered only generalized allegations of harm.

Wall, arguing by telephone, challenged Hawaiis claim that the order violates due-process rights of Ismail Elshikh as a U.S. citizen who wants his mother-in-law to visit his family from Syria. He said courts have not extended due-process rights outside of a spousal relationship.

Neal Katyal, a Washington, D.C., attorney representing Hawaii, called the story of Elshiskh, an Egyptian immigrant and naturalized U.S. citizen, the story of America.

Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson, who filed the lawsuit that succeeded in blocking the first ban, cheered the Hawaii judges ruling.

Its very exciting, Ferguson said. At this point its a team effort  multiple lawsuits and multiple states.

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The Great Barrier Reef in Australia has long been one of the worlds most magnificent natural wonders, so enormous it can be seen from space, so beautiful it can move visitors to tears.

But the reef, and the profusion of sea creatures living near it, are in profound trouble.

Huge sections of the Great Barrier Reef, stretching across hundreds of kilometres of its most pristine northern sector, were recently found to be dead, killed last year by overheated seawater. More southerly sections around the middle of the reef that barely escaped then are bleaching now, a potential precursor to another die-off that could rob some of the reefs most visited areas of colour and life.

We didnt expect to see this level of destruction to the Great Barrier Reef for another 30 years, said Terry P. Hughes, director of a government-funded centre for coral reef studies at James Cook University in Australia and the lead author of a paper on the reef that is being published Thursday as the cover article of the journal Nature. In the north, I saw hundreds of reefs  literally two-thirds of the reefs were dying and are now dead.

The damage to the Great Barrier Reef, one of the worlds largest living organisms, is part of a global calamity that has been unfolding intermittently for nearly two decades and seems to be intensifying. In the paper, dozens of scientists described the recent disaster as the third worldwide mass bleaching of coral reefs since 1998, but by far the most widespread and damaging.

The state of coral reefs is a telling sign of the health of the seas. Their distress and death are yet another marker of the ravages of global climate change.

If most of the worlds coral reefs die, as scientists fear is increasingly likely, some of the richest and most colourful life in the ocean could be lost, along with huge sums from reef tourism. In poorer countries, lives are at stake: Hundreds of millions of people get their protein primarily from reef fish, and the loss of that food supply could become a humanitarian crisis.

With this latest global bleaching in its third year, reef scientists say they have no doubt as to the responsible party.

They warned decades ago that the coral reefs would be at risk if human society kept burning fossil fuels at a runaway pace, releasing greenhouse gases that warm the ocean. Emissions continued to rise, and now the background ocean temperature is high enough that any temporary spike poses a critical risk to reefs.

Climate change is not a future threat, Hughes said. On the Great Barrier Reef, its been happening for 18 years.

Corals require warm water to thrive, but they are exquisitely sensitive to extra heat. Just two or three degrees Fahrenheit of excess warming can sometimes kill the tiny creatures.

Globally, the ocean has warmed by about 1.5 degrees Fahrenheit since the late 19th century, by a conservative calculation, and a bit more in the tropics, home to many reefs. An additional kick was supplied by an El Nino weather pattern that peaked in 2016 and temporarily warmed much of the surface of the planet, causing the hottest year in a historical record dating to 1880.

It was obvious last year that the corals on many reefs were likely to die, but now formal scientific assessments are coming in. The paper in Nature documents vast coral bleaching in 2016 along a 500-mile section of the reef north of Cairns, a city on Australias eastern coast.

Bleaching indicates that corals are under heat stress, but they do not always die and cooler water can help them recover. Subsequent surveys of the Great Barrier Reef, conducted late last year after the deadline for inclusion in the Nature paper, documented that extensive patches of reef had in fact died, and would not be likely to recover soon, if at all.

Hughes led those surveys. He said that he and his students cried when he showed them maps of the damage, which he had calculated in part by flying low in small planes and helicopters.

Hughes said he hoped the die-off this time would not be as serious as last years, but back-to-back bleaching is unheard-of in Australia. The central and southern part of the reef had already been badly damaged by human activities like dredging and pollution.

The Australian government has tried to combat these local threats with its Reef 2050 plan, restricting port development, dredging and agricultural runoff, among other risks. But Hughes research found that, given the high temperatures, these national efforts to improve water quality were not enough.

The reefs in muddy water were just as fried as those in pristine water, Hughes said. Thats not good news in terms of what you can do locally to prevent bleaching  the answer to that is not very much at all. You have to address climate change directly.

With the election of Donald Trump as the American president, a recent global deal to tackle the problem, known as the Paris Agreement, seems to be in peril. Australias conservative government also continues to support fossil fuel development, including what many scientists and conservationists see as the reefs most immediate threat  a proposed coal mine, expected to be among the worlds largest, to be built inland from the reef by the Adani Group, a conglomerate based in India.

Read more:

Great Barrier Reef sees record coral deaths in 2016, scientists say

Coral death devastates northern Great Barrier Reef, map shows

The fact is, Australia is the largest coal exporter in the world, and the last thing we should be doing to our greatest national asset is making the situation worse, said Imogen Zethoven, campaign director for the Australian Marine Conservation Society.

Australia relies on the Great Barrier Reef for about 70,000 jobs and billions of dollars annually in tourism revenue, and it is not yet clear how that economy will be affected by the reefs deterioration. Even in hard-hit areas, large patches of the Great Barrier Reef survived, and guides will most likely take tourists there, avoiding the dead zones.

The global reef crisis does not necessarily mean extinction for coral species. The corals may save themselves, as many other creatures are attempting to do, by moving toward the poles as the Earth warms, establishing new reefs in cooler water.

But the changes humans are causing are so rapid, by geological standards, that it is not entirely clear that coral species will be able to keep up. And even if the corals do survive, that does not mean individual reefs will continue to thrive where they do now.

Within a decade, certain kinds of branching and plate coral could be extinct, reef scientists say, along with a variety of small fish that rely on them for protection from predators.

I dont think the Great Barrier Reef will ever again be as great as it used to be  at least not in our lifetimes, said C. Mark Eakin, a reef expert with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, in Silver Spring, Maryland.

Read more about:

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MIAMIProsecutors will get more time to investigate the Miami lawyer whose pants burst into flames during an arson trial, while the judge suggested the mans client may need to get a new attorney.

Lawyer Stephen Gutierrez, who blamed a faulty electronic cigarette battery, appeared in court Wednesday and again told the judge the spectacle was an accident during closing arguments  not a stunt for the jury that backfired.

I think this all being blown out of monumental proportions, Gutierrez told reporters after the brief hearing on Wednesday.

The hearing came one week after Gutierrezs pants caught fire in front of jurors and bewildered courtroom spectators, a story first reported by the Miami Herald. The case drew mocking headlines across the world, mostly variations of Lawyer, lawyer, pants on fire.

Gutierrez represents Claudy Charles, who was accused of torching his own car for insurance money. The defence strategy: The car caught fire because of spontaneous combustion.

Just as Gutierrez began his closing arguments, witnesses reported he was fiddling with his pocket when smoke began billowing from his right pants pocket. Gutierrez ran out of the courtroom to the bathroom to douse the flaming battery with water.

With a singed pocket, Gutierrez was eventually allowed to finish his arguments. Jurors convicted his client anyway.

Charles, who remains jailed, has yet to be sentenced.

With millions of users across the country, e-cigarettes deliver vapourized nicotine through a heated liquid solution. But questions about the health and fire risks of the products have mounted, with the U.S. Department of Transportation recently banning e-cigarettes from checked bags on airplanes.

That day, Miami-Dade police officers seized several frayed e-cigarette batteries from Gutierrez as evidence.

The Miami-Dade state attorneys office has now assigned two of its top prosecutors, Gail Levine and Christine Zahralban, to investigate what happened. Circuit Judge Michael Hanzman on Wednesday allowed them 60 days to conclude their investigation.

As he did on the day it happened, Hanzman again stressed skepticism that the fire was an accident.

I find it highly improbable that during an arson trial, when your defence is spontaneous combustion, that all of a sudden within a minute of your closing argument, your pants start on fire, Hanzman said Wednesday.

Still, Hanzman called the whole episode a side show and told Gutierrez that his client may want to change lawyers, to see the case through a fresh set of eyes.

Charles was not brought to court Wednesday but will make a decision by Friday, when another hearing is to be held.

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WASHINGTONPresident Donald Trump has fallen over himself to defend Russia from allegations of criminal hacking, military mischief and general malevolence.

The rest of the U.S. government has carried on as if he wasnt around.

As Trump makes an effort to improve relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, everyone from congressional Republicans to federal legal authorities to top members of his own administration have taken the kind of hard line that had been foreseen under a Hillary Clinton presidency  leaving Trump isolated and the world struggling to figure out where America actually stands.

In the absence of a clear Russia policy from the executive branch, our domestic political processes are effectively becoming our Russia policy. That is not how you want to manage relations with the worlds second-largest nuclear power. This could get dangerous, said Matthew Rojansky, a Russia expert and director of the Kennan Institute at the Woodrow Wilson Center think-tank in Washington.

The Department of Justice decision to charge two Russian intelligence officers for a massive hack of 500 million Yahoo accounts came as a result of an FBI investigation. The charges were announced the same day FBI director James Comey briefed top senators on a separate FBI probe into possible links between Russia and associates of the Trump campaign.

Those possible links, and Trumps effusive praise of Putin, have raised bipartisan fears that the president might reorient American policy for personal reasons  perhaps because Putin allegedly ordered a hacking campaign to help get him elected, perhaps something more nefarious.

But theres growing signs that, in fact, there isnt going to be some huge new thaw, said Mark Galeotti, a Russia security expert at the Institute of International Relations Prague. Whatever Trump may be doing, its clear that, on the whole, the American national security establishment is frankly going ahead with its own policy.

The charges are in line with an Obama-era policy of deploying the criminal justice system against state cybercriminals. They demonstrate, Galeotti said, that whatever the on-again, off-again Trump-Putin bromance, the underlying reality is that Russia still regards the United States as its primary antagonist, and indeed this is reciprocated.

The charges may increase the mistrust between the two countries; the two intelligence officers charged were allegedly from the very unit with which the FBI discusses cybercrime issues. But it was not as if there was evidence of a real reset under Trump.

At the UN, Ambassador Nikki Haley has denounced Russian aggression in Ukraine. In visits to Europe, Defence Secretary James Mattis and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, the recipient of Russias Order of Friendship, have expressed a deep commitment to NATO and pledged to stand with Ukraine.

Trump has mostly stayed quiet.

Michael McFaul, a U.S. ambassador to Russia during the Barack Obama presidency, said the hack demands a vigorous response from the White House, noting on MSNBC that the Obama administration sanctioned Russian officials for the election hacking.

Obama also sanctioned North Korea for its alleged role in a 2014 hacking of Sony, which was making a comedy about the assassination of Kim Jong-un, and indicted five members of Chinas military for a hacking of major companies.

But it was entirely unclear whether Trump would even consider sanctions. His press secretary, Sean Spicer, said he was not sure whether Trump had even been informed in advance about the charges.

Russia is widely known to be engaging in aggressive hacking, as is the U.S. Megan Stifel, a director for international cyber policy in the Obama-era National Security Council, said the case is unusual in that the Russians appear to have been caught.

While Comey has likened Chinese hackers to drunk burglars, behaving with reckless abandon, in the past the Russian actors have been very sophisticated in their efforts to cover their tracks and go undetected, Stifel said.

Their problem, she said, might have been their alleged use of less-sophisticated hackers from outside the intelligence service  one of whom was Karim Baratov, a 22-year-old Kazakh-Canadian from Ancaster, Ont., who boasted on Facebook of the money he was making from online projects.

The other one, Alexsey Belan, is a notorious figure who has been indicted twice before. This time, he allegedly created an illegal side project to make even more money from the initial illegal project.

The Russian government appeared most interested in using the hack to spy on government officials, journalists and businesspeople. Belan, though, was stealing gift cards and credit cards from users accounts.

This is the new world in which we live: the boundaries between espionage and crime are increasingly blurred, said Galeotti. And therefore, not only is that a problem, but it also in some ways gives you an opportunity. It gives you an opportunity to use the law against spies.

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MILANSicilys Mount Etna volcano unleashed an explosion Thursday, hurling molten rocks and steam that rained down on tourists, journalists and a scientist who scrambled to escape the barrage. Ten people were reported injured.

The tourists, who were drawn to Etna to observe the spectacle of the active volcano erupting, were caught by surprise when its flowing magma hit thick snow, causing a phreatic explosion that rained rock and other material down upon them.

A BBC journalist and camerawoman on assignment at the volcano were among the injured. Their film shows an explosion of steam followed by a second explosion of boiling rocks and people running away. The clip continues in a snowcat, where a man holds a paper towel to stanch the bleeding from his head as he hugs his wife.

Authorities say about 35 tourists were on the volcano when the explosion occurred around midday, and that the guides who accompanied them helped bring them to safety.

Umberto Marino, president of the Italian Alpine Club chapter in Catania, said he was travelling up the volcano in a snowcat when injured people started running in his direction.

The material thrown into the air fell back down, striking the heads and bodies of people who were closest, Marino told the Catania Today website.

According to Italian news agency ANSA, four people including three German tourists were hospitalized, mostly with head injuries. None of the injuries was listed as grave.

Italys volcanology institute said the explosion took place at about 2,700 metres above sea level, putting the tourists at more than 500 metres below the base of the newest southeast Mount Etna crater, where the lava flow originated.

Among those present when the explosion occurred was Boris Behncke, a scientist from Italys volcanology institute, who said on his Facebook page that he had suffered a bruise to his head.

I am generally fine and having a good, well-deserved beer in this moment, he added.

Rebecca Morelle, the BBCs global science reporter, was on assignment on Etna and described the experience in a series of tweets.

Running down a mountain pelted by rocks, dodging burning boulders and boiling steam  not an experience I ever, ever want to repeat, Morelle wrote.

The BBC crew was shaken but physically OK, despite having suffered cuts, bruises and burns, she wrote. Morelle later showed the camerawomans jacket on the air with a big hole in the back where the material had melted.

Morelle said the explosion was a reminder of how dangerous (and) unpredictable volcanoes can be.

Mount Etna has been active for the past two days, creating a visual spectacle as it spews lava and ash into the air. A new lava flow started from the southeastern crater on Wednesday, and was advancing with a temperature above 1,000 C in an area covered by snow, creating the explosion.

Officials at nearby Catania airport announced Thursday they would reduce arrivals by half, to five flights an hour, due to Mount Etnas ash clouds. Departures were continuing as scheduled.

Thousands of tourists each year visit Etna, one of the worlds most active volcanoes located on the eastern coast of Sicily. Eruptions occur frequently, although incidents that injure tourists are rare.

A similar phreatic explosion, caused when lava hits water, in 2002 on Etna injured 32 people, mostly firefighters and other emergency workers responding to a series of eruptions.

Authorities limited access to riskier areas on Mount Etna following a deadly eruption in 1979 that killed nine tourists who were standing at the volcanos rim. Reports indicate that the tourists who experienced the eruption Thursday were in a zone where access is permitted with a guide.

The volcanology institute said it was continuing to monitor the situation.

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The mother of B.C. teen Amanda Todd praised a Dutch court for sentencing a man, wanted in Canada for alleged online abuse, to nearly 11 years in prison for cyberbullying dozens of young girls and gay men.

I felt a sense of relief that he was found guilty and that he got the maximum sentence that was possible, Carol Todd said in a telephone interview from Port Coquitlam, B.C.

The court in The Hague, Netherlands convicted Aydin Coban, 38, on Thursday for fraud and blackmail via the Internet, according to a statement from the Dutch legal authorities.

It gave the Dutch citizen the maximum possible sentence of 10 years and eight months, because of the devastating consequences his behaviour has on the young lives of the girls in particular, and out of fear that he could commit new offences if released, the statement said.

Coban faces a separate trial in Canada for the cyberbullying of Amanda Todd, 15, whose suicide drew global attention to online abuse.

Carol Todd said it was emotional but satisfying to attend Cobans trial for three days earlier this month, and see him face-to-face.

Amanda Todd brought cyberbullying to mainstream attention in 2012 by posting a video in which she told her story with handwritten signs, describing how she was lured by a stranger to expose her breasts on a webcam.

A photo ended up on a Facebook page made by the stranger, and her friends were added to it.

She was repeatedly bullied, despite changing schools, before finally taking her own life weeks after posting the video.

People ask me if I am angry, Carol Todd said. I feel more sad that someone has to go to this extent to bring pleasure into their life  to victimize and torment.

I certainly hope that he gets some rehabilitation . . . and thinks deeply about what he has done, she said.

Read more:

DiManno: The web has lot to answer for in Amanda Todd suicide

In the Dutch case, Coban pretended to be a boy or girl and persuaded his victims to undress for him in front of a webcam.

Once Aydin C. obtained the images, his tone became threatening, and he threatened to show them to parents, relatives and school friends if they did not do as told.

This included performing sexual acts and in the end the girls became trapped in his web, Dutch public prosecution service spokesman Lars Stempher told reporters during the trial.

He was accused of abusing 34 girls and five gay men, from Britain, Canada, Norway and the United States. In some cases, the abuse lasted years.

A Dutch court has approved Cobans extradition following his trial in Amsterdam. He has appealed that decision and denies involvement in any cyberbullying. In the Canadian case, he faces charges including extortion, possession of child pornography and attempting to lure a child online.

Carol Todd said that seeing Coban face-to-face helped prepare her for the upcoming Canadian case.

I definitely took a good look at him, she said. It actually empowered me  to go over and see him and hear him.

She told Dutch broadcaster NPO last month that her daughter would have "wanted to be face-to-face with him, and tell him what his actions did to her. But she can't. So I'm going to be the one who is sort of standing up for my daughter."

Court in The Hague heard Coban used dozens of aliases including Tyler Boo and Kelsy Rain. He also had a computer program that fooled young girls into thinking they were chatting live to a girl of a similar age.

Court heard investigators found some 204,000 images on computer discs belonging to Coban.

During the trial, Coban leaned back in his chair, his long, greying hair slicked back behind his ears, and ignored questions posed by the judge.

With files from Associated Press

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MOGADISHU, SOMALIASomali pirates who seized a Comoros-flagged oil tanker earlier this week after five years without a major hijacking in the region have released the ship and its crew without conditions, officials said late Thursday.

Security official Ahmed Mohamed told The Associated Press the pirates disembarked the ship, which was heading to Bossaso port, the regions commercial hub, with its eight Sri Lankan crew members aboard.

Mohamed said the release occurred after negotiations by local elders and officials with the pirates, who seized the tanker on Monday. The pirates were not arrested but instead were given passage to leave once they disembarked, he said.

Naval forces from the semi-autonomous state of Puntland and the pirates had clashed earlier Thursday after the pirates opened fire.

The hijacking of the Comoros-flagged tanker Aris 13 was the first such seizure of a large commercial vessel off Somalia since 2012. International anti-piracy patrols on the crucial trade route had calmed such attacks, which once numbered in the hundreds.

Abdirizak Mohamed Ahmed, the director of Puntands anti-piracy agency, confirmed the release of the ship Thursday night and said naval forces had boarded it to escort it to port.

The European Union anti-piracy operation in the region had said the pirates had been holding the crew captive and demanding a ransom. The ship had been anchored off Somalias northern coast, known to be used by weapons smugglers and the extremist group al-Shabab.

Ahmed said the Puntland naval forces had been dispatched to the area not to free the ship by force but to cut off any supplies to the pirates.

Families of the crew members had tearfully pleaded for the men to be released unharmed. Somali pirates usually hijack ships and crew for ransom. They dont normally kill hostages unless they come under attack.

The ship had been carrying fuel from Djibouti to Somalias capital, Mogadishu, on Monday when it was approached by men in two skiffs and the tanker issued a call for help.

The pirates told authorities that the only reason they seized the ship was in protest of the illegal fishing in the area that has threatened livelihoods, not for ransom, Mohamed said.

Coastal Somalis, including pirates who quit as international patrols increased and became fisherman, have complained of growing harassment by illegal fishermen and attacks by large foreign trawlers.

They have blamed Yemeni, Chinese, Indian, Iranian and Djibouti-flagged fishing boats and trawlers, and some have threatened to return to a life of piracy to make money.

Meanwhile, experts on piracy say some in the region have let down their guard as the number of hijackings decreased in recent years. In December, NATO ended its anti-piracy mission off Somalias waters.

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TOKYODiplomacy has failed and its time to take a different approach to North Korea, U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said here Thursday, as the North Korean embassy in China warned that American military threats were bringing the region to the brink of nuclear war.

Tillersons comment  that 20 years of diplomacy has been unable to persuade the regime in Pyongyang to abandon its pursuit of nuclear weapons  will fuel fears in the region that military options might be on the table to deter North Korea. That could prove devastating for Seoul, where more than 20 million people live within North Korean artillery range.

Read the latest news on U.S. President Donald Trump

And in a sign of mounting tensions, the North Korean embassy held an extraordinary news conference in Beijing to issue its warning of nuclear war while vowing to continue with its own nuclear test program as a legitimate form of self-defence.

The U.S. secretary of state, in Japan on his first major trip abroad since taking office, put North Korea and its dangerous and unlawful weapons programs at the top of the agenda.

I think its important to recognize that the political and diplomatic efforts of the past 20 years to bring North Korea to the point of denuclearization have failed, he said at the news conference with his Japanese counterpart, Fumio Kishida, after their talks but before he went to see Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

His reference to 20 years of failure alluded to the 1994 deal between the United States and North Korea that would have seen Pyongyang receive aid and two proliferation-resistant nuclear power plants in return for freezing and eventually dismantling its nuclear weapons program.

That deal collapsed in 2002 and years of stop-start efforts to reach a new deal have amounted to little, with North Korea actively pursuing nuclear weapons and the missiles with which to deliver them.

Over that time, the United States had given North Korea a total of $1.35 billion in assistance as an encouragement to take a different pathway, Tillerson said, but it had been met with continued weapons development.

In the face of this ever-escalating threat, it is clear that a different approach is required, he said. Part of the purpose of my visit to the region is to exchange views on a new approach.

He declined to go into specifics about what a different approach might entail. The Trump administration is now conducting a review of North Korea policy and some in Washington are advocating kinetic options  a euphemism for military action.

Meanwhile in Beijing, the North Korean embassy summoned journalists to complain about annual U.S.-South Korea military exercises, which it warned could be a prelude to military action or invasion.

The joint military exercises by the hostile forces are aimed at pre-emptive strikes against the DPRK, Minister Pak Myong-ho said, referring to the official name of his country, the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea.

Therefore, the peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula is under serious threat, he said. Now the situation is already on the brink of nuclear war.

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While strident North Korean warnings about the annual military exercises are not unusual, calling a news conference in a third country to drive the message home was an dramatic step.

Last week, Chinas Foreign Minister Wang Yi warned that the United States and North Korea were like two accelerating trains on a collision course, while Premier Li Keqiang warned on Wednesday that tension may lead to conflict.

North Koreas Pak said the exercises could turn into real combat at any time, and said that remaining on high alert in the face of such a critical situation is a sovereign states legitimate right of self-defence.

As long as the United States unceasingly threatens force at the DPRKs door step, the DPRK will consistently conduct nuclear tests, he said.

Tillerson also plans to visit South Korea and China on his trip, his itinerary taking in countries that are all trying to find ways to persuade the regime led by North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un to stop firing missiles and pursuing nuclear weapons.

But there are sharply different views in the region about how to achieve that goal, with China in particular unwilling to do anything that might destabilize its ally and neighbour.

In his opening remarks in Tokyo, Tillerson did also sound something of a conciliatory note. North Korea and its people need not fear the United States or their neighbours in the region who seek only to live in peace with North Korea, he said.

For his part, Kishida said he had conveyed Japans views to Tillerson for consideration during the policy review, but he didnt go into details. Japan recognizes threats from North Koreas provocations have entered a new stage, Kishida said.

In Tokyo, some ruling party lawmakers are openly pushing for Japan to develop the capacity to pre-emptively strike North Korea. Kishida declined to answer an American reporters question on whether the government is actively considering this, a move that could prove tricky given Japans pacifist constitution.

North Korea last month tested a missile that uses solid fuel, a big leap in its technological development, then this month fired a salvo of four missiles, part of what it said was a drill to practice hitting American military bases in Japan. Three of the four missiles landed within Japans exclusive economic zone.

Yanmei Xie, a foreign policy expert at Gavekal Dragonomics in Beijing, said Tillerson had a dearth of good choices when it came to putting more pressure on Pyongyang.

Pre-emptive airstrikes would have little chance of destroying all of North Koreas nuclear and missile facilities, she wrote in a report. Many are deep underground, while its latest missiles are solid-fueled and therefore more mobile and more easily hidden.

Instead, Xie predicted a combination of tighter U.S. sanctions on the regime and secondary sanctions against its commercial allies.

The United States and Japan in particular have long been urging China, North Koreas ally and economic conduit, to use its influence to punish the regime.

CNN, citing senior U.S. officials, said Tillerson will tell his counterparts in China this week that the United States is prepared to increase financial penalties against Chinese companies and banks that do business with North Korea.

China has imposed a ban on coal imports from North Korea, a move that  if fully implemented  would deprive the regime of a crucial stream of revenue. But many analysts doubt Beijing will uphold the ban, given the instability it could create on Chinas borders.

China has instead put the ball in the U.S. court, with the foreign minister suggesting a deal whereby North Korea agrees to stop testing missiles and the United States and South Korea stop joint military exercises.

The USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier arrived in the South Korean port of Busan on Wednesday to join the drills, prompting North Korean threats of merciless ultraprecision strikes on it. The guided-missile destroyer USS Wayne E. Meyer had arrived in Busan earlier in the week.

But in a move sure to anger China as well as North Korea, the powerful X-band radar component for the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) antimissile system was due to arrive in South Korea on Thursday, public broadcaster KBS reported. Two THAAD launchers arrived earlier in the month.

Beijing has strongly protested the deployment of the system to South Korea, concerned that the radar will be used to keep tabs on China as well as North Korea. China has sought to make the government in Seoul rethink the deployment by ordering painful economic boycotts.

Streets in Seoul that are usually crammed with Chinese tourists were reportedly almost empty Wednesday, when a ban on tour groups from China travelling to South Korea took effect.

Tillerson will head to South Korea on Friday to meet the countrys foreign minister and acting president, both remnants of the Park Geun-hye administration. Park was impeached last week, triggering snap elections in early May. A change in South Koreas government toward an administration that wants engagement with North Korea looks likely.

Then he will travel to China on Saturday. North Korea will also be at the top of the agenda, but trade will also be a key topic of discussion.

Tillerson also backed President Donald Trumps proposed cuts to his departments budget, saying that the current State budget was simply not sustainable and that he would take the challenge on willingly.

Tillerson was already in Tokyo when the Trump administration unveiled its proposed budget, which would cut combined spending for the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development by $10.1 billion, or nearly 29 per cent.

The planned cuts to the State Department reflected expectations that the United States would become involved in fewer overseas conflicts, the secretary added. The proposed budget would increase defence spending by $54 billion.

Tillerson is the former chairman and chief executive of Exxon Mobil and has no previous diplomatic experience. He has kept a low profile since assuming his new job and has not attended some meetings with foreign leaders in the Oval Office, leading to speculation that he has little influence within the Trump administration.

Tillerson did not go to the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo to meet staff Thursday morning, as is often customary, but instead stayed in his hotel, where he read and received briefings from embassy officials, a spokesman said.

Like his boss, Tillerson holds the media in low regard and in another break with past practice, Tillerson did not allow the press corps to travel with him to Asia, instead choosing just one journalist  from the conservative Independent Journal Review  to fly on his plane.

Thursdays news conference in Tokyo also looks to be the new secretarys only forum for speaking to the media during this trip, and even then, he took questions from only four, pre-selected reporters.

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WASHINGTONThe top two U.S. senators overseeing the intelligence community joined on Thursday the chorus of lawmakers debunking President Donald Trumps claim that President Barack Obama wiretapped his phones last year, issuing a bipartisan statement that they had seen no evidence supporting the accusation.

Based on the information available to us, we see no indications that Trump Tower was the subject of surveillance by any element of the United States government either before or after Election Day 2016, said Republican Sen. Richard Burr and Democratic Sen. Mark Warner.

The blunt statement by the leaders of the Senate intelligence committee means that all four congressional leaders who oversee intelligence-based surveillance by the government have rejected Trumps claim. On Wednesday, their counterparts on the House intelligence committee, Reps. Devin Nunes, a Republican, and Adam B. Schiff, a Democrat, made similar statements; both are from California.

Later Thursday, in a set of testy exchanges with reporters, the White House press secretary, Sean Spicer, said Trump still stands by it, while arguing, as he has in recent days, that Trump meant wiretapping in a broad sense, that there had been some kind of surveillance-related activities.

The bottom line is the investigation by the House and the Senate has not been provided all the information, Spicer added.

But a spokesperson for Warner, Rachel Cohen, replied, The bipartisan leaders of the Intelligence Committee would not have made the statement they made without having been fully briefed by the appropriate authorities.

Read the latest news on U.S. President Donald Trump

Trump made his claim in a series of Twitter postings on March 4, announcing that he had just found out about the wiretapping by Obama, whom he called a bad (or sick) guy whose purported campaign surveillance was comparable to Watergate.

But the president offered no evidence for his claims, and suspicion quickly emerged that he had based it on a theory  circulating in some conservative circles  that Obama had conspired to sabotage Trump using government surveillance.

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As days passed without evidence emerging to back Trumps assertion, his administration first asked Congress to investigate his allegation, then refused to comment on it, and then tried to redefine what he said to have been merely a reference to some kind of general surveillance activity by investigators last year.

Trump made similar comments Wednesday evening in an interview on Fox News, when the host, Tucker Carlson, pressed him about why he had made his statements without offering evidence. Carlson suggested that the president was devaluing his own words.

Trump said the word wiretapping covers surveillance and many other things. He also said that his administration will be submitting things before the committee very soon that hasnt been submitted as of yet  but its potentially a very serious situation.

In the same interview, Trump cited news reports that he said supported his claim, including a Fox News segment on March 3 that discussed months-old reports that there had been a Trump-related surveillance order in October; reporters from the New York Times have been unable to corroborate the existence of such an order.

Trump also brought up a January article in the Times about surveillance data being used in an investigation into possible links between his aides and Russian officials.

Ive been reading about things, Trump said. I think it was a Jan. 20 article in the New York Times  they were talking about wiretapping.

That Times article, however, did not discuss Obama ordering the wiretapping of Trump Tower. Nor did it say whether the intercepted conversations in question were the result of surveillance targeting Trumps aides, as opposed to surveillance that targeted Russian officials but incidentally picked up conversations with Trumps aides.

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GREENBELT, MD.Rejecting arguments from the government that U.S. President Donald Trumps revised travel ban was substantially different from the first one, judges in Hawaii and Maryland blocked the executive order from taking effect as scheduled on Thursday, using the presidents own words as evidence that the order discriminates against Muslims.

The rulings in Hawaii late Wednesday and in Maryland early Thursday were victories for civil liberties groups and advocates for immigrants and refugees, who argued that a temporary ban on travel from six predominantly Muslim countries violated the First Amendment. The Trump administration argued that the ban was intended to protect the United States from terrorism.

In Greenbelt, Maryland, U.S. District Judge Theodore Chuang  who was appointed by then-president Barack Obama  called Trumps own statements about barring Muslims from entering the United States highly relevant. The second executive order removed a preference for religious minorities from the affected countries, among other changes that the Justice Department argued would address the legal concerns surrounding the first ban, which was also blocked in court.

Read the latest news on U.S. President Donald Trump

Despite these changes, the history of public statements continues to provide a convincing case that the purpose of the Second Executive Order remains the realization of the long-envisioned Muslim ban, Chuang said.

The initial ban sparked chaos at U.S. airports and widespread criticism around the world when it was signed in January. It was later blocked by a judge in Washington state, a ruling that was upheld by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

In Honolulu, U.S. District Judge Derrick Watson criticized what he called the illogic of the governments arguments and cited significant and unrebutted evidence of religious animus behind the travel ban. He also noted that while courts should not examine the veiled psyche and secret motives of government decision-makers, the remarkable facts at issue here require no such impermissible inquiry.

Watson also wrote, referring to a statement Trump issued as a candidate, For instance, there is nothing veiled about this press release: Donald J. Trump is calling for a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States.

The White House had no immediate comment on Thursday. The Justice Department said it would continue to defend the ban.

The presidents executive order falls squarely within his lawful authority in seeking to protect our nations security, Justice Department spokeswoman Sarah Isgur Flores said in a statement.

The case was argued in court by acting U.S. Solicitor General Jeffrey Wall, who said the ban doesnt say anything about religion. It doesnt draw any religious distinctions.

Speaking Wednesday evening at a rally in Nashville, Tennessee, Trump called the ruling in Hawaii an example of unprecedented judicial overreach and said his administration would appeal it to the U.S. Supreme Court. He also called his new travel ban a watered-down version of the first one, which he said he wished he could implement.

Were going to win. Were going to keep our citizens safe, the president said. The danger is clear. The law is clear. The need for my executive order is clear.

While the Hawaii ruling temporarily blocks the travel ban, a temporary ban on refugees and a cap on the number of refugees who can enter the country, Chuangs ruling in Maryland applies only to the travel ban. The Maryland ruling took the form of a preliminary injunction, which will remain in effect indefinitely as the case is litigated. Chuang was also the first judge to stop the ban outside the 9th Circuit, which has a liberal reputation.

Unless and until the president realizes that this is a battle in which hes going to keep losing and decides to do the right thing and abandon this course, for as long as hes on it well keep litigating it and I think were going to keep winning, said Omar Jadwat, who argued the case for the American Civil Liberties Union in Maryland.

Read more:

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Chuang wrote that the plaintiffs didnt sufficiently develop their argument that a temporary ban on refugees discriminates on the basis or religion. Plaintiffs in the Maryland case also had sought to stop a portion of the order that would reduce the number of refugees allowed to enter the country this fiscal year from 110,000 to 50,000.

Still, the judges order is hugely meaningful for many plaintiffs, including a man in Texas whose same-sex fiance is seeking a visa to enter the United States from Iran, said Justin Cox, an attorney with the National Immigration Law Center who also argued the Maryland case.

This Muslim ban was threatening to either separate or continue to separate families whove already been separated for months and years, Cox said. It has real-world consequences and we were obviously very glad to see that Judge Chuang recognized those and rejected the governments frankly callous argument that our clients have already been waiting and another few months couldnt possibly be irreparable.

If the administration appeals Watsons decision at the 9th Circuit level, the matter would likely be heard by different judges from the three who ruled on the case last month. The panel of judges assigned to such cases rotates every month, said court spokesman David Madden.

The 9th Circuit on Wednesday declined to reconsider the 3-0 decision not to reinstate the original ban. In a dissent, five judges said they considered that decision incorrect and wanted it vacated.

An appeal to the 4th Circuit in Richmond, Virginia, would not necessarily be easier for the Trump administration, said Carl Tobias, a law professor at the University of Richmond who is following the cases. The 4th Circuit has a conservative reputation but has become more moderate in recent years, he said.

The hearings in Maryland and Hawaii were two of three held Wednesday in federal courts around the country. U.S. District Judge James Robart in Seattle, who blocked the initial travel ban last month, did not immediately rule on a request from an immigrant-rights group to block the revised version.

In all, more than half a dozen states are trying to stop the ban.

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Rarely do a presidential candidates own words so definitively haunt his presidency.

For the second time in two months, two federal judges on Wednesday refused to allow U.S. President Donald Trump to impose a travel ban, citing his campaign rhetoric as evidence of an improper desire to prevent Muslims from entering the United States.

The judges stunning rebukes were a vivid example of how Trumps angry, often xenophobic rallying cries during the campaign  which were so effective in helping to get him elected  have become legal and political liabilities now that he is in the Oval Office.

Read the latest news on U.S. President Donald Trump

It is a lesson that presidents usually learn quickly: Difficult and controversial issues can easily be painted as black-and-white during a long campaign, but they are often more complicated for those who are in a position to govern.

That is especially true for Trumps bellicose remarks about immigrants, which animated his upstart presidential campaign but now threaten to get in the way of his broader agenda for a health care overhaul, tax cuts and infrastructure spending.

It all seemed so simple before.

Five days after terrorists in California killed 14 people in December 2015, Trump whipped up his supporters at a rally by vowing to impose a complete ban on entry by Muslims until our countrys representatives can figure out what the hell is going on.

The crowd roared its approval.

Later in the campaign, Trump backed away from calling for a total Muslim ban. But a judge in Hawaii who ruled on Wednesday appears to have concluded that Trumps true motivations could be found by looking at his earlier remarks.

These plainly worded statements, wrote Judge Derrick Watson of Federal District Court in Honolulu, betray the executive orders stated secular purpose.

Hours later, a second judge in Maryland also ruled against the core portions of the new travel ban, also citing Trumps promise as a candidate to enact a ban on entry into the United States by Muslims.

Judge Theodore Chuang of Federal District Court in Greenbelt, Md., wrote that the likely purpose of Trumps new order was the effectuation of the proposed Muslim ban.

The president and his aides deny that the president is targeting Muslims and have insisted that a temporary ban on travel for refugees and visitors from predominantly Muslim nations  seven that were singled out in Trumps first order and six in his most recent revision  is necessary so that security officials can ensure proper vetting is conducted to prevent threats.

The courts have not agreed.

Trumps first attempt to impose a travel ban was blocked by a federal judge in Washington state after several days of chaos in which travellers, including permanent residents and those holding valid U.S. visas, were prevented from entering.

The judge in the first case said there was no support for Trumps argument that we have to protect the U.S. from individuals from these countries. An appeals court later agreed that the government had provided no evidence of a threat from those countries.

In the White House, Trump and his advisers say those courts were wrong, but they chose to write a narrower travel ban in the hopes of avoiding a lengthy legal battle that might take them all the way to the Supreme Court.

Now, the decision by the two judges to block even that narrower ban raises new questions about the administrations legal acumen and undercuts its political strategy of seeking to move quickly to make good on the presidents promises.

Enraged, Trump lashed out during a rally in Nashville on Wednesday, accusing the Honolulu judge of ruling against him for political reasons and lamenting that the decision makes us look weak.

For Trump, being made to look weak by the court system may be the most infuriating part of his repeated legal losses.

During his campaign, the president displayed little patience with the courts, questioning one judges impartiality by accusing him  incorrectly  of being a Mexican. And after the judge in Seattle blocked his first travel ban in February, Trump called him a so-called judge on Twitter.

The White House may yet be vindicated. An appeals court might decide that the judge in Honolulu erred in his assessment of the new, more narrowly drawn travel ban. Or the Supreme Court could eventually intervene on his behalf.

But the political damage may already be done.

The first attempt at a travel ban by Trump and his senior aides  including Stephen Miller, his top adviser on immigration issues  was seen by many as a botched attempt to rush a complicated policy into effect with no planning.

Now, their second attempt, which was drafted with more care and was vetted with experts throughout the agencies, has been called into question as well.

It is unclear how the government will respond to the legal challenge. The judge in Hawaii conceded that Trumps past statements would not forever taint any effort by the administration to address security concerns.

He left open the possibility that another version of a travel ban might pass muster with the court.

But Trumps frustration was evident at the rally in Nashville, where he mused about returning to the first version of his travel ban  without explaining how he would get around the courts earlier rulings.

Let me tell you something, Trump told his enthusiastic supporters, echoing the simpler days of the campaign, when courts did not get in the way. I think we ought to go back to the first one and go all the way. The danger is clear, the law is clear, the need for my executive order is clear.

And yet, even now, the president may not fully appreciate the power  and the implications  of his words.

At the rally, Trump offered more verbal ammunition to support the critiques of the travel ban. The president called his latest effort to restrict entry merely a watered-down version of his first attempt, which was also blocked by the courts.

Those words could easily serve to undermine his own lawyers, who have argued strenuously that Version 2.0 of the travel ban is different enough that it should pass legal muster.

In the near future, the president may find an appeals court judge once again citing his words in support of a ruling that he doesnt like.

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Last week another nail was pounded into the coffin of free speech. And, once again, university students were wielding the hammer. Most regrettably, it happened on the Brantford campus of Wilfrid Laurier where I teach.

The campus Criminology Students Association (CSA) had arranged for Toronto lawyer, Danielle Robitaille, to be the keynote speaker at their annual conference. Robitaille is most well-known for being part of the legal team that successfully defended former CBC radio host Jian Ghomeshi against charges of sexual assault.

The keynote address was slated for March 8th but on March 7th the CSA informed its 800 student members that the event was cancelled. CSA leadership discovered that another campus group had organized efforts to disrupt (Robitailles) presentation and they became concerned for group and personal safety.

The group planning the disruption call themselves Advocates for a Student Culture of Consent (ASCC). On a Facebook page they created they list their reasons for wanting the speech cancelled. The reasons all centred around the notion that because Robitaille had advocated on behalf of an alleged sex offender, Ghomeshi, anything she said, even her presence, could be traumatizing for those who had experienced sexual violence and anyone else sensitive to the issue.

In their words: WLUs choice to amplify (Robitailles) voice has caused harm and makes us feel unsafe, invalidated and not believed.

Also explicit in their demands was the idea that they should be able to choose which topics are appropriate to discuss on campus and which are not. For example, they wrote: During the (Ghomeshi) trial it was hard enough to find spaces momentarily free from these debates, but to actively choose to bring this debate to campus is very different and actively signals that this is up to debate when it is not.

Where would these students of the ASCC get the idea that it is legitimate practice to shut down views that they personally find offensive? Mostly from their professors. I am ashamed to say that many of my colleagues, almost exclusively in the Arts, Humanities, and the Social Sciences, are promoting a virulent brand of cultural Marxism (under the guise of social justice) that preaches any idea they deem oppressive is a legitimate target for censorship.

Ironically, it used to be the case that the Liberal Arts programs of universities were the promoters of free expression, steeped as they were in the classical liberal tradition of John Locke, Adam Smith, and John Stuart Mills. But now theyre leading the charge in the opposite direction. And it couldnt have happened at a worse time.

Currently, the Arts and Humanities and to a lesser extent the social sciences are trying to combat a perception that our degrees are less valuable than degrees in science, technology, engineering and math (the so called STEM fields). It used to be the case that we in the soft disciplines could justify our existence by claiming our degrees teach students to think critically, a valuable skill in any career.

The ability to think critically comes, we used to argue, from our students being exposed to competing ideas, wrestling with the logic and evidence of each, and then deciding which is best. Unfortunately, the truth of that argument is called into question when significant numbers of our students demand not to be exposed to competing ideas.

Despite having accomplished their goal of getting Robitailles speech cancelled, the members of the ASCC and their supporters did not emerge from their battle free from emotional scars. At least that is what one is led to believe when one reads the congratulatory message sent to the group by Lauriers Diversity and Equity Office (DEO)  an official administrative body of the university with the mandate to cultivate a culture on campus that respects and promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice.

The DEOs letter to the group, also found on the ASCC Facebook page, promised support because: Though Robitaille cancelled her address, The Diversity and Equity Office recognizes that survivors and their support networks in our community have been impacted  We recognize the range of impacts this can have on members of our community, including impacts on feelings of safety and belonging.

As far as I know the DEO sent no support letter to the more than 800 members of the Criminology Students Association who had their event abruptly cancelled. I suppose the DEO thought those students could deal with their hurt feelings on their own. After all, in the real world, thats what adults sometimes have to do.

David Millard Haskell is associate professor in the Faculty of Liberal Arts at Wilfrid Lauriers Brantford Campus.

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I remember how Canadians cried for Alan Kurdi, a refugee who didnt survive a voyage he never should have been forced to make. The image of the Syrian toddlers lifeless body, face down on a Turkish beach, shook the entire world and shifted the focus of our 2015 federal election.

One photograph came to symbolize our collective failure to help refugees, and Canadians were especially touched when we learned the Kurdi family hoped to find safety here.

Kurdi drowned, as so many refugees have drowned, in the Mediterranean Sea. He was one of 16 passengers on a boat designed for eight people. Western nations know that people seeking safety will risk their lives to reach our shores, even if we do not invite them. But we deny our responsibility to most refugees, and ensure that their path to us remains as dangerous as possible.

Asylum seekers have been entering Canada from the United States in greater numbers lately. Many have been avoiding official border crossings  based on an agreement between Canada and the United States, we reject most people who try to apply for refugee status at regular crossings. But we generally allow people to make a refugee claim if they find another way to cross our invisible border line.

People are risking their lives to cross on foot through forests and fields in Manitoba and Quebec, some with very young children. Razak Iyal and Seidu Mohammed, both refugee claimants from Ghana, suffered severe frostbite while crossing into Canada near Emerson, Man., on Christmas Eve. Mohammed, 24, lost all his fingers and thumbs, and parts of his ears; Iyal, 35, had all his fingers amputated.

This week, a 46-year-old man from Ivory Coast, who gave his name as Mamadou, was rescued by police in the woods near Lacolle Que. Mamadou lost consciousness after wading through two bodies of water in -15 C temperatures. He told the media his thought upon collapsing was, Thats OK, I want to die. Let me just die on my way. I dont want to go back.

Just as the Greek, Italian, Spanish and other European governments know that desperate refugees will keep coming, Canadas government must suspect our own increase in asylum seekers will continue, especially because refugees see the United States as an increasingly unsafe place. The U.S. administration has lately, among other things, taken to boasting about immigration raids and deportations, and President Donald Trump has mused about publishing lists of immigrants who commit crimes.

Canadian officials continue to cover their eyes and ears, and stubbornly uphold the dubiously named Safe Third Country Agreement that forces refugee claimants into danger. Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen denies U.S. policy is fuelling the increase in refugee claims. Of those who are risking their lives to cross into Canada, Hussen said last month, I personally sympathize with those who are seeking safety and security in our country for themselves and for their families, and I know that folks sometimes go through a lot to get to that point.

Mamadou, Iyal, Mohammed, and so many others have risked everything, with no guarantee they will be accepted as refugees. While I share minister Hussens respect for the courage of asylum seekers, they shouldnt have to face death to receive a refugee hearing.

We should not wait for a photograph of a dead African child in the Canadian wilderness to move us, especially since we have not been moved by the daily images of Africans who have perished in the sea in the last decade, just as Kurdi did.

A refugee claims is, by its nature, an emergency. Metro columnist Vicky Mochama highlighted this critical point recently in a piece entitled No such thing as queue jumping for refugees. Mochama dismissed the idea that asylum seekers can line up and wait for safer nations to acknowledge their plight. There is no lineup when youre fleeing a fire, writes Mochama, the only requirement is to get out alive.

By defending the Safe Third Country Agreement, the Liberal governments is turning its back on the fire that is the global refugee crisis.

The Atlantic and Pacific oceans have made Canadians believe we can mostly ignore the global refugee crisis. Where oceans and seas are not barrier enough, we enforce arbitrary rules across imaginary borders to deny people safety. While we cannot guarantee all refugees claimants safe passage, its telling that we refuse to acknowledge those who make it all the way to our doorstep.

Desmond Cole is a Toronto-based journalist. His column appears every second Thursday.

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Hold the champagne. Wednesdays Dutch election wasnt quite the victory over populism that it is said to have been.

Indeed, the results in full suggest that Dutch resistance to immigrants, particularly Muslim immigrants, remains high.

The rest of the world rarely pays attention to elections in the Netherlands. It is a small country. It has no nuclear weapons. It is usually governed by a coalition of political parties that are largely unknown to outsiders.

But this election was different. It was billed as a bellwether event that would indicate where the anti-immigrant right in Europe stands.

In Freedom Party leader Geert Wilders it featured a villain of almost cartoon proportions. The strikingly blond Wilders vowed to ban the Quran, close mosques and pull Holland from the European Union. His platform called for an end to Muslim immigration and the expulsion of Muslim asylum seekers already in the country.

In the lead-up to the election, his party was ahead in the polls. The fact that it didnt come first Wednesday was greeted with cheers by more liberal political leaders in the rest of Europe.

A good day for democracy, said German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

But Wilders Freedom Party still did well. It came a strong second, winning five additional seats in the 150-person legislature, for a total of 20.

More important, other parties felt compelled to ape Wilders, at least in part.

Prime Minister Mark Ruttes Peoples Party for Freedom and Democracy ran on a platform of economic liberalism and cultural nationalism, warning immigrants to adopt Dutch values or leave.

In the waning days of the campaign, Rutte prevented Turkish politicians trying to drum up votes among their compatriots for a referendum back home from electioneering in Holland.

It was a blatant attempt by a prime minister on the ropes to pander to the anti-Turkish mood. And it worked. Ruttes party lost eight seats but still managed to come first with 33.

The Christian Democratic Appeal, another conservative party, campaigned on a nationalist platform that included banning dual citizenship and requiring schoolchildren to sing the national anthem.

That, too, worked. The Christian Democrats saw their seat total rise from 13 to 19, virtually guaranteeing them a central role in whatever coalition government emerges.

Much has been made of Jesse Klavers Green Left party, which saw its seat share rise from four to 14.

The 30-year-old Klaver is of Moroccan and Indonesian heritage. He supports immigration, the EU and efforts to combat climate change. With his movie-star looks and dark, wavy hair he has been called Hollands Justin Trudeau.

His success, as well as that of the pro-Europe D66 party, which went from 12 to 19 seats, underlines just how complicated the new populism is.

There is a left populism (although its adherents dont always use the term). Left populists reject the traditional social democratic parties, in large part because they see them as complicit in the rights austerity agenda.

In his election, the venerable Labour Party, which had been part of Ruttes governing coalition, saw its seat share collapse from 38 to nine.

The less venerable Socialist Party saw its seat share drop by only one, to 14. But the Socialists have followed a more explicitly populist agenda, criticizing the EUs central bureaucracy and opposing CETA, the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement between Canada and the European Union.

In Canada, they would be treated as cranks. But in Holland, they won as many seats as Klavers Green Left party.

In short, populism continues to thrive in Europe. It takes many forms. As in Canada (think Kellie Leitch), right populism is influencing mainstream conservatism. Left populism focuses on the economic. To date, it has had less success.

We shall see what happens with the Dutch, as they try to cobble together a functioning coalition government out of all of this. On Wednesday, an animal rights party won five seats, up from two. That also is part of the populist revolt.

Thomas Walkom appears Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

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The good news, according to the signals early childhood education advocates are getting out of Ottawa, is that next weeks federal budget will include multi-year funding for child care.

The bad news, they say, is that it could be as little as $500 million a year for the next 10 years.

Thats not good enough.

The Trudeau government must change course if it is to create the affordable, high-quality, flexible and fully inclusive child care program that the Liberals promised in the 2015 election campaign. It is, after all, a commitment that study after study has shown would improve the economic well-being of families, boost the countrys economy, and enhance the health of children.

The problem isnt with the initial promise of $500 million. Thats enough to get started, experts agree. But it must be ramped up considerably each year over the next decade to build the necessary infrastructure, increase the number of child care spaces each year, and educate and hire enough teachers.

Indeed, Ottawa should be looking at spending billions, not millions, on early childhood education each year.

First, the $500 million is only half of what was promised in a five-year plan the previous Liberal government of Paul Martin committed to way back in 2005. (Sadly, that billion-dollar-a-year plan was scuttled by the Harper government in 2006.)

Second, it is nowhere near the 1 per cent of GDP that UNICEF and European Union countries agreed decades ago should be spent on educating children up to the age of 5. Currently, various levels of governments in Canada spend about 0.34 per cent of GDP (or $6.8 billion a year) on that, leaving a gap for the federal government to fill of $13.2 billion, says David Macdonald of the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives.

While that may seem like a lot, some other countries are spending more than 1 per cent of their GDP on early childhood education. In fact, under the Harper government the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development ranked Canada dead last out of 25 countries for the quality and accessibility of its child care programs.

It should be no surprise, then, that anyone with young children knows how tough it is to access affordable, licensed child care. Thats because while three-quarters of mothers of young children are in the workforce, there are licensed spots available for less than a quarter of children under 5.

And those that are available are incredibly expensive. A 2015 study found that average families with two children in Toronto were paying a staggering 48 per cent of after-tax income on child care. Its no surprise, then, that there are currently 17,000 children on the waiting list for subsidized daycare in this city.

Its not just families that suffer. The economy would also benefit from an accessible, affordable child care network. A TD Bank study found that for every dollar invested in child care, provincial and federal governments receive $1.50 in increased tax revenues alone. And an Ontario government study found that every dollar invested in child care adds $2.47 to the provinces economy.

Most importantly, children would benefit. How bad is it? The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada says the lack of affordable child care is actually putting the health and well-being of children at risk.

And the Atkinson Centre for Society and Child Development points out that quality daycare can reduce inequalities that result from poverty and decrease the number of children in special education classes by identifying problems and encouraging early intervention.

Its long past time that Canada joined other countries by creating an affordable, accessible, quality child care network. Ottawa should commit now to a long-term plan to achieve it.

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Re: Tory warns against ignoring city needs, March 14

Tory warns against ignoring city needs, March 14

John Tory is wastefully spending billions on a one-stop subway in order to pander to voters in one corner of Toronto. It doesnt seem to dawn on him that the majority of voters from the rest of Toronto are watching and will remember a few things when the next election comes around.

A one-stop subway costing (at last count) $3.35 billion, which will cost Toronto taxpayers a surtax for the next 30 years, will replace a $1.48 billion LRT that was fully funded by the province. With the one-stop subway, it will be next to impossible to add any new stops in the future, no matter the need, whereas the above-ground LRT could easily have stops added or moved as future needs develop.

Tunnelling the subway requires moving thousands of tons of earth and rock, lining the tunnels with thousands of cubic yards of concrete, all of which have been shown to greatly contribute to carbon dioxide buildup  ironic, since the point of mass transit is to reduce it. By comparison, the above-ground LRT can be finished much faster and contributes far less to climate change during its construction.

Mr. Tory justifies spending over one billion dollars to relocate the Gardiner Expressways eastern end because it will save a few thousand drivers about eight minutes a day. Anyone who has visited San Francisco will recall how beautiful the waterfront Embarcadero is. It was created by tearing down their waterfront expressway. And more irony, some of the streetcars running along the waterfront, on their own right-of-way, are old restored TTC streetcars, still proudly displaying their TTC logos.

Mr. Tory is an intelligent man, and I know that in his heart he knows the plans he is promoting are wrong, but the realities of political life are forcing him into a corner. I thought when I voted for him he would rise above this, but I was wrong.

I believe that when Scarborough voters realize the one-stop solution will not give them the transit options that the original seven-stop plan would have given them, years sooner  and the rest of Toronto voters see that useful additions to the expansion of public transit cannot be funded because our council has thrown billions into a hole in the ground  this council and this mayor will see their support vanish.

Lorie Marangoni, Toronto

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Global oil prices rebounded Wednesday after Goldman Sachs dismissed fears surrounding a sharp increase in Saudi Arabian output in February and noted that OPEC's adherence to its self-imposed production cuts was on track.

Prices were given a further boost when official figures from the Energy Information Agency showed U.S. crude stockpiles fell by 237,000 barrels last week, the second consecutive surprise fall. The draw was narrower than the 531,000-barrel draw the American Petroleum Institute reported late Tuesday.

Energy stocks followed suit as the Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) that follows the sector rose 1.3% by midday.

Southwestern Energy SWN rose 4.1% Chesapeake (CHK) added Transocean (RIG) added 3.2% and Hess (HES) and Halliburton (HAL) both rose about 3%.

Trade publication Upstream Online reported last week that Borr Drilling, 'is understood to be close to finalising a deal to acquire the jack-up fleet of Transocean as the cash-rich rig start-up capitalises on low asset prices amid a drilling market slump.'

According to the report, the deal would include all Transocean's10 operating jackup rigs, plus five rigs under construction.

The report said the deal is expected to be worth about $1.20 billion, or, 'an average price of only $80 million per rig.'

Weatherford shares rose 3.4% on Wednesday as the follow-on positive sentiment about the firm's new CEO, former Halliburton CFO Mark McOllum.

Bruce Kamich, a technical analyst for Real Money, The Street's premium site for active traders, said on Wednesday, "Weatherford dipped 5.38% yesterday, and maybe some fundamental analysts are looking for some "news" to explain the decline. As a technical analyst, I don't need to do that. To me, WFT just pulled back to filled an upside gap earlier in the month. Some gaps get filled, and some do not. The fundamental analysts will ignore the fact that when WFT soared to over $7 it was on heavy volume of over 100 million shares. Yesterday, when WFT pulled back, is was on only 40 million shares. Technicians like when a stock rallies on strong volume and pulls back on lighter volume as it tells us that the bulk of the people who bought WFT in the rally did not bail out on this decline."

Brent Crude futures for delivery in May climbed 1.3% to $51.58 a barrel in early trading, erasing falls on Tuesday after Saudi Arabia said it had pumped 10.11 million barrels per day (mb/d) in February, up about a third on its January figure. The U.S. benchmark West Texas Intermediate futures for delivery in April climbed 1.7% to $48.48 a barrel in afternoon t

Goldman dismissed the increase out of Saudi Arabia, noting that secondary sources, which are typically used to track output, showed Saudi production had fallen in February compared to January. Saudi Arabia also noted late Tuesday that any extra production was destined for its domestic reserves, which have declined by 57 million barrels since the end of 2015.

"We believe that data available across sources for February continues to show rising compliance to the cuts," Goldman analysts wrote. "We, therefore, reiterate our view that the oil market rebalancing is still progressing with continued evidence of strong demand over the past weeks comforting us in our forecasts that oil demand is finally set to overtake supply in 2Q17."

OPEC producers and Russia last year agreed to cut production by 1.8 million barrels over the first six months of 2017 in a bid to drain inventories and support prices that had fallen over 50% since the start of 2014. The plan succeeded in pushing oil above $56 per barrel earlier this year but has faltered in recent weeks due to stubbornly high stockpiles in the U.S. where a rebound in output from shale gas fields is evidenced by a rig count that it at its highest level since Sept. 2015.

OPEC has said that it could extend the production cuts for another six months if that were necessary to rebalance the market.

"We believe it is not in OPEC's interest to extend its cuts beyond six months as its goal is to normalize inventories, not support prices," noted Goldman. "Our base case remains that the production cuts will be followed by new production highs."

The combination of record OPEC output, with the increase in U.S. shale production and new projects among global oil companies, is likely to push oil back below $50 a barrel in the long term, according to the broker.

*Tony Owusu contributed to this story.
The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) will take its complaints about Canada Goose' (GOOS) animal rights policies to the boardroom after the luxury coat maker became a public company on Thursday.

Canada Goose, backed by Bain Capital, saw its first trade at $18 around 10:45 a.m. on the New York Stock Exchange. That was above its IPO offering price at C$14 to C$16 ($10.40 to $11.88) per share. The company is selling 7.149 million shares, while the selling shareholders are offering 12.851 million shares. Shares finished the session at $16.08.

Bain will control about 70% of the company.

Meanwhile, more than a dozen activists for PETA planted their feet in front of the New York Stock Exchange to complain about the company's animal rights policies (see Periscope below). One protester said she believes Canada Goose is a "sad" investment, and expects shares to "tank" as more people learn about Canada Goose's animal rights policies.

PETA, which objects to Canada Goose's use of coyote fur trim and goose down, plans to spend about $4,000 on Canada Goose shares. PETA spokesman Ben Williamson toldTheStreet the final amount depends on the ultimate offering price, but PETA will buy the minimum number of shares required to attend Canada Goose's annual general meeting.

Buying shares is "a strategy that's worked in the past," Williamson said, noting that Tesla (TSLA) adopted vegan leather for its car interiors "as the result of us asking a question of Elon Musk at its AGM." Similarly, SeaWorld's (SEAS) decision to stop breeding orcas prompted PETA, a SeaWorld shareholder, to withdraw a resolution proposing just that.

PETA first turned to shareholder activism in 1987, buying shares in Procter & Gamble (PG) and Armour-Dial (now part of Henkel).

"Quite often, it brings management to the negotiating table," he said. "They'll ask us to withdraw the resolution in exchange for closed-door meetings, and that has meant real policy changes." PETA has withdrawn shareholder resolutions, in exchange for closed-door meetings, at such companies as Denny's (DENN) , Safeway (now owned by Albertsons), McDonald's (MCD) , 3M (MMM) , DuPont (DD) and GE (GE) .

The financial performance of PETA's holdings isn't a factor. "We'll sell the shares when we think the progress has been taken for animals," Williamson said. "We recently bought more shares in SeaWorld after the share price collapsed." While the SeaWorld investment was successfulfor PETA, the organization plans to urge SeaWorld to move all its animals to a "coastal seaside sanctuary."

PETA is running several shareholder campaigns at luxury clothing companies. Shortly after unveiling videos of alligator and crocodile farms supplying exotic animal skins, PETA bought shares in Hermes, the owner of the tanneries. PETA representatives also spoke in support of a shareholder resolution at Lululemon (LULU) banning down feathers and bought Prada shares to push for the end of ostrich-skin accessories.

While many activists urge divestment from stocks of companies engaging in activities they deem unethical, Williamson said PETA hasn't received any complaints from donors about the strategy, adding that PETA encourages donors and supporters to disclose positions in companies and donate shares if possible.

And according to Canada Goose, "protestors or activists" could easily "adversely affect" its business.

PETA protests Canada Goose IPO. Source: Brian Sozzi

"We have been the target of activists in the past, and may continue to be in the future," Canada Goose said in its S-1. "Our products include certain animal products...which has drawn the attention of animal welfare activists. In addition, protestors can disrupt sales at our stores, or use social media or other campaigns to sway public opinion against our products. If any such activists are successful at either of these, our sales and results of operations may be adversely affected."

So far, Canada Goose has been "unresponsive," Williamson said, adding that The North Face, Timberland and Patagonia have now adopted fur-free policies and offer products with PrimaLoft synthetic insulation instead of down. Patagonia is privately held, while The North Face and Timberland are both owned by VF Corp. (VFC) .

"We're hoping to bring them to the negotiating table," he said. "No one wants adversity."

But PETA isn't abandoning its time-honored tactics of public protest. Along with animal rights group DxE, they are planning to protest outside the New York and Toronto exchanges wearing coyote masks on Thursday morning.

General Electric is a holding in Jim Cramer's Action Alerts PLUS Charitable Trust Portfolio. Want to be alerted before Cramer buys or sells GE? Learn more now.

WATCH MORE:Jim Cramer On The Canada Goose IPO "This Is Weather Dependent"

Updated from March 15 with new details.

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Euronet Worldwide Inc. CEO Michael Brown is arguing that regulatory risk is one big reason electronics payments provider MoneyGram International Inc. (MGI) should accept its unsolicited offer rather than stick with a current sale to Hangzhou, China-based -based Ant Financial Services Group.

In a conference call Tuesday, March 14, with analysts, Brown argued that his deal enjoys an easier path to regulatory approval whereas Ant's faces a "very complicated and uncertain path to closing."

Euronet, an industry peer of MoneyGram based in Leawood, Kan., on Tuesday offered to pay $15.20 per share for MoneyGram, a 15% premium over MoneyGram's existing $13.25 per share agreement with Ant Financial, an offshoot of Alibaba Group Holdings Ltd. (BABA).

He predicted Euronet will have an easier route to winning approval for transferring money transfer licenses in various locations around the globe. "Euronet already holds money transfer licenses in all the material jurisdictions where MoneyGram operates," he said. "This is a process that we know very, very well."

Unlike Ant, which isn't currently in the money transfer business, "We have worked closely with domestic and international regulators in securing these change-of-control consents in three previous acquisitions."

Brown also noted that winning approval by the national security regulators at the Committee on Foreign Ownership in the U.S. may be difficult for Ant. "Members of Congress, members of a congressional commission and others have raised concern about the Ant Financial transaction," he said.

Finally, he argued that the $17.5 million regulatory breakup fee Ant is offering, versus the $69 million Euronet is offering if necessary regulatory approvals aren't secured, shows Ant is afraid to put too much on the line because Ant knows the odds before regulators are dicey.

Ant dismissed concerns about regulatory approval in a statement late Tuesday. "MoneyGram and Ant Financial continue to work cooperatively under the terms of our merger agreement, and together, we are making progress on schedule towards obtaining all required regulatory and shareholder approvals," the company said. "We continue to anticipate closing our transaction with MoneyGram in the second half of 2017."

Indeed, CFIUS has already approved one Ant purchase, last year's $70 million purchase of Kansas City, Mo.-based EyeVerify Inc., a provider of biometric authentication technology for securing consumers' online data and transactions, an indication that CFIUS officials know Ant Financial's ownership structure and are comfortable with it.

Although some on Capitol Hill and outside advocates of broader authority for CFIUS to block deals have questioned Ant's transaction, enactment of legal changes that might eliminate the national security panel's ability to approve Ant's acquisition are likely a long way off.

The real wild card regarding CFIUS approval may be the view of President Donald Trump and his new appointees at the Treasury Department and other agencies that comprise CFIUS. Trump has called for the U.S. government to take a tougher stand against business dealings with China, both on national security and economic grounds, and the MoneyGram deal may be the first indication of how far his team is willing to go.

It also should be noted that Euronet may not have as easy a time before U.S. regulators, particularly antitrust enforcers, as Brown suggested. Euronet already has a presence in the transfer business and that could raid raise concerns with them. Brown characterized his company's willingness to pay a higher reverse breakup fee as a sign of confidence that Euronet's deal would get approved but it also could be viewed as a sign he thinks MoneyGram might want a higher level of assurance it will be compensated for its efforts if antitrust officials shoot Euronet down.

Editor's note: This article was originally published by The Deal, a sister publication of TheStreet that offers sophisticated insight and analysis on all types of deals, from inception to integration. Click here for a free trial.
The International Monetary Fund said Thursday that one person was injured when a letter exploded after it was opened at its offices in central Paris.

The BBC has reported that a group called "Conspiracy of Fire Cells", which is linked to far-left extremists in Greece, has claimed responsibility for the letter, but police made no link between Thursday's explosion and any organization.

"The package appears to have contained a large firework ... it was a home-made device," said a spokesman for the Paris Police. "One person was injured but there is no risk to her life or urgency to her condition."

The letter, which contained a device described as a black tube about 15 inches long, was delivered by post to the IMF's Paris office located on Avenue Iena in the 16th 'arrondissement' in the south west of Paris. Police established a perimeter around the building and were blocking traffic on surrounding avenues, while an investigation into the incident continued.

The IMF has had a increasingly hostile relationship with Greece and its Syriza-led government over the fate of the country's 85 billion bailout and the austerity demands liked to emergency loans. Managing Director Christine Lagarde condemned the act as "cowardly" in a statement issued from Frankfurt and vowed to work with investigators in the French capital.

"I have been informed about the explosion in the IMF's Paris office, which has caused injuries to one of our staff," she said. "I have been in touch with the office, and my compassion goes to colleagues there. I condemn this cowardly act of violence and reaffirm the IMF's resolve to continue our work in line with our mandate."

The incident follows the Wednesday discovery of a suspect package in an area where mail is processed at Germany's Finance Ministry in Berlin that police said contained explosive material. The package was found, and diffused, however, and no one was injured.

"The first investigation results show that the package contained a so-called explosives mixture, which is frequently used to produce pyrotechnics," German authorities said in a statement Wednesday. "It was designed to cause considerable injuries when the package was opened."

Germany has also been accused of holding back efforts to reduce Greece's debt burden, and its controversial Finance Minister, Wolfgang Schaeuble -- who himself was paralysed in a terrorist attack when he was shot at a political rally in 1990 -- has repeatedly rejected calls for haircut on Greek debt.

The explosion comes just weeks before France heads to the polls in an election in which security is a central issue and has helped rally support to the far-right candidate Marine Le Pen.

France has suffered a series of devastating terrorist attacks in recent years, including mass murders at the Bataclan concert hall in paris and on the shore front of the southern town of Nice.

Those attacks have been linked to the militant Islamic group ISIS, which is involved in civil wars in Syria, and Iraq.
Police stated on Thursday that the Conspiracy of Fire Cells, a Greek militant group, has claimed responsibility for a bomb mailed to the German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble on Wednesday.

The package was mailed to Schaeuble from an Athens post office but ultimately intercepted by the German Finance Ministry's mail department.

"We still have the rage. We sent the package to Germany's finance minister as part of the second act of Nemesis Plan," the group said in a statement. "Nothing is over, everything continues."

It did not clarify what Nemesis Plan was, but police consider the claim as credible.
Twenty-First Century Fox (FOX) responded today to the British government's decision to refer the planned $14.4 billion takeover of Sky to Ofcom, a regulator.

The British government has asked the regulator to determine whether the deal is in the best interest of the public and if the deal gives too much control of Britain's media to Fox.

"21st Century Fox looks forward to working with UK authorities in the review of our proposed transaction to combine with Sky," 21st Century Fox said in a statement. "We look forward to continuing to work with all stakeholders and are confident that the transaction will be approved."

Ofcom was given a 40-day timetable to investigate, and expects to have its report by May 16.
The following companies are subsidiares of Barclays: Adler Toy Holding Sarl, Aequor Investments Limited, Alymere Investments Limited, Alynore Investments Limited Partnership, Analog Analytics, Analog Analytics Inc, Analytical Trade Holdings LLC, Analytical Trade Investments LLC, Analytical Trade UK Limited, Archstone Equity Holdings Inc, Ardencroft Investments Limited, B D & B Investments Limited, B.P.B. (Holdings) Limited, BB Client Nominees Limited, BBAIL SAS, BCAP LLC, BIFML PTC Limited, BMBF (No.24) Limited, BMI (No.9) Limited, BNC Brazil Consultoria Empresarial Ltda, BNRI ENG 2013 Limited Partnership, BNRI ENG 2014 Limited Partnership, BNRI ENG GP LLP, BNRI England 2010 Limited Partnership, BNRI England 2011 Limited Partnership, BNRI England 2012 Limited Partnership, BNRI Limehouse No.1 Sarl, BNRI PIA Scot GP Limited, BNRI Scots GP LLP, BPB Holdings SA, BVP Galvani Global S.A.U., Barafor Limited, Barclay Leasing Limited, Barclaycard Funding PLC, Barclaycard International Payments Limited, Barclays (Barley) Limited, Barclays Aldersgate Investments Limited, Barclays Alzin Investments S.a r.l., Barclays Asia Limited, Barclays Asset Management Limited, Barclays BR Investments S.a r.l., Barclays BWA Inc., Barclays Bank (Suisse) S.A., Barclays Bank Delaware, Barclays Bank Ireland PLC, Barclays Bank Ireland Public Limited Company, Barclays Bank Mexico S.A., Barclays Bank PLC, Barclays Bank UK PLC, Barclays Bayard Investments S.a r.l., Barclays Bedivere Investments S.a r.l., Barclays Bordang Investments S.a r.l., Barclays Brasil Assessoria Financeira Ltda., Barclays CCP Funding LLC, Barclays Cantal Investments S.a r.l., Barclays Capital (Cayman) Limited, Barclays Capital Asia Holdings Limited, Barclays Capital Asia Limited, Barclays Capital Canada Inc., Barclays Capital Casa de Bolsa S.A. de C.V., Barclays Capital Derivatives Funding LLC, Barclays Capital Effekten GmbH, Barclays Capital Energy Inc., Barclays Capital Equities Trading GP, Barclays Capital Finance Limited, Barclays Capital Futures (Singapore) Private Limited, Barclays Capital Holdings (Singapore) Private Limited, Barclays Capital Holdings Inc., Barclays Capital Inc., Barclays Capital Japan Securities Holdings Limited, Barclays Capital Luxembourg S.a r.l., Barclays Capital Mauritius Limited, Barclays Capital Nominees (No.2) Limited, Barclays Capital Nominees (No.3) Limited, Barclays Capital Nominees Limited, Barclays Capital Principal Investments Limited, Barclays Capital Real Estate Finance Inc., Barclays Capital Real Estate Holdings Inc., Barclays Capital Real Estate Inc., Barclays Capital Securities Client Nominee Limited, Barclays Capital Securities Limited, Barclays Capital Securities Mauritius Limited, Barclays Capital Trading Luxembourg S.a r.l., Barclays Claudas Investments Partnership, Barclays Claudas Investments S.a r.l., Barclays Commercial Mortgage Securities LLC, Barclays Converted Investments (No.2) Limited, Barclays Corporation Limited, Barclays Direct Investing Nominees Limited, Barclays Directors Limited, Barclays Dryrock Funding LLC, Barclays Electronic Commerce Holdings Inc., Barclays Equity Holdings Limited, Barclays Equity Index Investments S.a r.l., Barclays Europe Client Nominees Designated Activity Company, Barclays Europe Firm Nominees Designated Activity Company, Barclays Europe Nominees Designated Activity Company, Barclays Executive Schemes Trustees Limited, Barclays Financial LLC, Barclays Financial Planning Nominee Company Limited, Barclays Funds Investments Limited, Barclays Funds and Advisory Japan Limited, Barclays Global Service Centre Private Limited, Barclays Global Shareplans Nominee Limited, Barclays Group Holdings Limited, Barclays Group Operations Limited, Barclays Group US Inc., Barclays Index Finance Trust, Barclays Industrial Development Limited, Barclays Industrial Investments Limited, Barclays Insurance Guernsey PCC Limited, Barclays Insurance Services Company Limited, Barclays Insurance U.S. Inc., Barclays International Luxembourg Dollar Holdings S.a r.l., Barclays Investment Management Limited, Barclays Investment Solutions Limited, Barclays Investments & Loans (India) Limited, Barclays Korea GP Limited, Barclays Lamorak Investments S.a r.l., Barclays Leasing (No.9) Limited, Barclays Leto Investments S.a r.l., Barclays Long Island Limited, Barclays Luxembourg EUR Holdings S.a r.l, Barclays Luxembourg Finance S.a r.l., Barclays Luxembourg GBP Holdings S.a r.l., Barclays Luxembourg Global Funding S.a r.l., Barclays Luxembourg Holdings S.a r.l., Barclays Luxembourg Holdings SSC B, Barclays Marlist Limited, Barclays Mauritius Overseas Holdings Limited, Barclays Mercantile Business Finance Limited, Barclays Merchant Bank (Singapore) Ltd., Barclays Nominees (George Yard) Limited, Barclays Nominees (Guernsey) Limited, Barclays Nominees (Jersey) Limited, Barclays Nominees (Manx) Limited, Barclays Oversight Management Inc., Barclays Payment Solutions Inc., Barclays Pelleas Investments Limited Partnership, Barclays Pelleas Investments S.a r.l., Barclays Pension Funds Trustees Limited, Barclays Principal Investments Limited, Barclays Private Asset Management (Monaco) S.A.M, Barclays Private Bank, Barclays Private Clients International Limited, Barclays Receivables LLC, Barclays SAMS Limited, Barclays Securities (India) Private Limited, Barclays Securities Japan Limited, Barclays Security Trustee Limited, Barclays Services (Japan) Limited, Barclays Services Corporation, Barclays Services Jersey Limited, Barclays Services LLC, Barclays Services Limited, Barclays Shea Limited, Barclays Singapore Global Shareplans Nominee Limited, Barclays Switzerland Services SA, Barclays Tenedora De Immuebles SL., Barclays Term Funding Limited Liability Partnership, Barclays UK Investments Limited, Barclays US CCP Funding LLC, Barclays US Funding LLC, Barclays US GPF Inc., Barclays US Investments Inc., Barclays US LLC, Barclays Unquoted Investments Limited, Barclays Unquoted Property Investments Limited, Barclays Wealth Management Jersey Limited, Barclays Wealth Nominees Limited, Barclays Wealth Services Limited, Barclays Wealth Trustees (India) Private Limited, Barclayshare Nominees Limited, Barclaytrust Channel Islands Limited, Barcosec Limited, Barsec Nominees Limited, Blossom Finance General Partnership, Branchcall Computers (Pvt) Limited, Braven Investments No.1 Limited, CP Flower Guaranteeco (UK) Limited, CP Newco 1 Limited, CP Newco2 Limited, CP Newco3 Limited, CP Propco 1 Limited, CP Propco 2 Limited, CP Topco Limited, CPIA Canada Holdings, CPIA England 2008 Limited Partnership, CPIA England 2009 Limited Partnership, CPIA England No.2 Limited Partnership, CPIA Investments No.1 Limited, CPIA Investments No.2 Limited, CRE Diversified Holdings LLC, CREW Tahoe Holdings LLC, CREW Tahoe LLC, Calthorpe Investments Limited, Capton Investments Limited, Carnegie Holdings Limited, Central Platte Valley Management LLC, Chapelcrest Investments Limited, Charles Schwab Europe, Claudas Investments Limited, Claudas Investments Two Limited, Clydesdale Financial Services Limited, Cobalt Investments Limited, Compania Regional del Sur S.A., Compania Sudamerica S.A., Condor No.1 Limited Partnership, Cornwall Homes Loans Limited, Crescent Crown Land Holding SPV LLC, Crescent Legacy LLC, Crescent Plaza Residential L.P., Crescent Plaza Residential LLC, Crescent Plaza Residential LP LLC, Crescent Real Estate Member LLC, Crescent Resort Development LLC, Crescent TRS Holdings LLC, Crescent Tower Residences GP LLC, Crescent Tower Residences L.P., Curve Investments GP, DBL Texas Holdings LLC, DMW Realty Limited, Desert Mountain Development LLC, Desert Mountain Properties Limited Partnership, Develop Training Group Limited, Dorset Home Loans Limited, Durlacher Nominees Limited, EWRD Summit LLC, Eagle Financial and Leasing Services (UK) Limited, East West Resort Development V L.P. L.L.L.P., East West Resort Development VII LLC, Equity Limited Partnership, Equity Value Investments No.1 Limited, Equity Value Investments No.2 Limited, Erimon Home Loans Ireland Limited, Expobank, FIRSTPLUS Financial Group Limited, Finpart Nominees Limited, First Assurance, Foltus Investments Limited, Full House Holdings Limited, Gallen Investments Limited, Global Dynasty Natural Resource Private, Globe Nominees Limited, Gracechurch Services Corporation, Grays Station LLC, Grupo Financiero Barclays Mexico S.A. de C.V., Hawkins Funding Limited, Heraldglen Limited, Holding Stuttgarter Strae GmbH, Hurley Investments No.1 Limited, Imalivest Mineral Resources LP, Investors In Infrastructure Limited, J.V. Estates Limited, JV Assets Limited, Kirsche Investments Limited, LTDL Holdings LLC, La Torretta Beverages LLC, La Torretta Hospitality LLC, La Torretta Operations LLC, Lagalla Investments LLC, Leonis Investments LLP, Liability Partnership, Long Island Assets Limited, Long Island Holding A LLC, Long Island Holding B Limited, MK Opportunities GP Ltd, MK Opportunities LP, MVWP Investors LLC, Maloney Investments Limited, Marbury Holdings LLC, Menlo Investments Limited, Mercantile Credit Company Limited, Mercantile Leasing Company (No.132) Limited, Meridian (SPV-AMC) Corporation, Mintaka Investments No. 4 Limited, Mira Vista Development LLC, Mira Vista Golf Club L.C., Mountainside Partners LLC, Murray House Investment Management Limited, Naxos Investments Limited, Nile Bank, North Colonnade Investments Limited, Northstar Mountain Properties LLC, Northstar Trailside Townhomes LLC, Northstar Village Townhomes LLC, Northwharf Investments Limited, Northwharf Nominees Limited, OGP Leasing Limited, Oakes Millers Ltd, Ownership Trustee Limited, PIA England No.2 Limited Partnership, Palomino Limited, Pecan Aggregator LP, Pelleas Investments Limited, Pelleas Investments Two Limited, Pippin Island Investments Limited, Preferred Liquidity LLC, Preferred Liquidity Limited Partnership, Procella Investments LLC, Procella Investments No.1 LLC, Procella Investments No.2 LLC, Procella Investments No.3 LLC, Protium Finance I LLC, Protium Master Grantor Trust, Protium Master Mortgage LP, Protium REO I LP, R.C. Grieg Nominees Limited, RVH Limited, RVT CLO Investments LLP, Razzoli Investments Limited, Real Estate Participation Management Limited, Real Estate Participation Services Limited, Relative Value Holdings LLC, Relative Value Investments UK Limited, Relative Value Trading Limited, Roder Investments No. 1 Limited, Roder Investments No. 2 Limited, Ruthenium Investments Limited, SPM GP Limited, Securitized Asset Backed Receivables LLC, Servicios Barclays S.A. de C.V., Societe Civile Immobiliere 31 Avenue de la Costa, Solution Personal Finance Limited, Southern Peaks Mining LP, Standard Life Aberdeen, Surety Trust Limited, Surrey Funding Corporation, Sussex Purchasing Corporation, Sutton Funding LLC, Swan Lane Investments Limited, TPLL LLC, TPProperty LLC, Tahoe Club Company LLC, Tahoe Club Employee Company, The Logic Group Enterprises Limited, The Logic Group Holdings Limited, Third Energy Holdings Limited, US Real Estate Holdings No. 2 Limited, US Real Estate Holdings No.1 Limited, US Real Estate Holdings No.3 Limited, US Secured Investments LLC, Union Center LLC, United Counties Bank, Verain Investments LLC, Walbrook Group Ltd, Wedd Jefferson (Nominees) Limited, Wessex Investments Limited, Westferry Investments Limited, Wilmington Riverfront Receivables LLC, Woolwich Homes Limited, Woolwich Plan Managers Limited, Woolwich Qualifying Employee Share, Woolwich Surveying Services Limited, Woori BC Pegasus Securitization Specialty Co. Limited, and Zeban Nominees Limited.

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Tyler Technologies, Inc. provides integrated information management solutions and services for the public sector. The company operates in three segments: Enterprise Software; Appraisal and Tax; and NIC. It offers financial management solutions, including modular fund accounting systems for government agencies or not-for-profit entities; utility billing systems for the billing and collection of metered and non-metered services; products to automate city and county functions, such as municipal courts, parking tickets, equipment and project costing, animal and business licenses, permits and inspections, code enforcement, citizen complaint tracking, ambulance billing, fleet maintenance, and cemetery records management; and student information and transportation solutions for K-12 schools. The company also provides a suite of judicial solutions comprising court case management, court and law enforcement, prosecutor, and supervision systems to handle multi-jurisdictional county or statewide implementations, and single county systems; public safety software solutions; systems and software to automate the appraisal and assessment of real and personal property, as well as tax applications for agencies that bill and collect taxes; planning, regulatory, and maintenance software solutions for public sector agencies; software applications to enhance and automate operations involving records and document management; and data and insights solutions. In addition, it offers software as a service arrangements and electronic document filing solutions for courts and law offices; software and hardware installation, data conversion, training, product modification, and maintenance and support services; and property appraisal outsourcing services for taxing jurisdictions. The company has a strategic collaboration agreement with Amazon Web Services for cloud hosting services. Tyler Technologies, Inc. was founded in 1966 and is headquartered in Plano, Texas.
New York Community Bancorp, Inc. is the bank holding company for New York Community Bank. New York Community Bank is the nations 47th-largest financial institution and its largest thrift. As a thrift, the bank specializes in real estate and consumer accounts specifically real estate loans and savings accounts and has limited exposure to other forms of business banking. Among the benefits to consumers are interest-bearing checking and saving accounts that come with higher-than-average interest rates.

New York Community Bank was founded in 1859 to serve Queens County, New York. It operated under that name, growing all the while, until 2000 when it changed its name to better reflect the business. The company IPOd in 1993 and has made multiple acquisitions in the time since. As of 6/30/2022, the bank had $63.1 billion in assets and $41.2 billion in deposits.

New York Community Bank operates in greater New York City, New Jersey, Ohio, Florida, and Arizona. The company provides deposit products ranging from interest-bearing checking and money market accounts to savings accounts, IRAs, and CDs. Brands under the companys umbrella include AmTrust in Florida and Arizona, Ohio Savings Bank, Garden State Savings Bank, and Atlantic Bank.

The bank offers a wide range of real-estate-related loans including but not limited to multi-family loans, commercial real estate loans, construction loans, and consumer loans and mortgages. Investment products include annuities, mutual funds, and life insurance. Customers include individuals, small businesses, and organizations and are served through a network of more than 230 branches, and 300 ATMs, online, mobile, and by phone. Many of the locations are open 24 hours and 6 days a week although those hours are not available at all branches. Clients can access their accounts digitally 24/7.

New York Community Bancorp and its underlying business carry investment-grade credit ratings from all the major rating agencies. The credit outlook in the 4th quarter of 2022 was stable as it had been for some time. In New York, it is a leader in the multi-family market specializing in lower-cost housing in rent-controlled areas. As of June 30, 2022, the multi-family loan portfolio accounted for more than 75% of all investments. The company has a stock purchase and dividend reinvestment plan that help to sustain a high level of ownership.






Plans First-Ever Itineraries in New England and Canada, with Highlights of Boston, New York, Montreal, Quebec City, and More.

Windstar Cruises will be sailing into (and out of) Manhattan on its first-ever itineraries in New England and Canada beginning summer/fall 2018. Windstar's 212-guest all-suite yacht Star Pride will embark on four new sailings (with five sail dates) that span nine to 16 days, offering leisurely opportunities to enjoy fall foliage and discover charming New England coastal towns, historic gems like Boston and Newport, and the seductively old world appeal of the Canadian Maritimes and Quebec. Star Pride will arrive in New York for the first time via Iceland.

This announcement comes on the heels of news that the small ship cruise line, headquartered in Seattle, will be sailing to Alaska and along Canada's west coast aboard Star Legend, a sister ship to Star Pride, in spring/summer 2018. The company has not sailed in North America in recent years, so the addition of both regions is a major development for the company, which operates primarily in Europe, the Caribbean/Central America, and French Polynesia.

"New York is a city of legendary over-achievers, and we have every intention of over delivering on our brand's New England and Canada experiences, including our maiden call to Manhattan with Star Pride," said Windstar President John Delaney. "New York is one of our major markets, a key gateway, and one of the world's great destination cities in its own right. We are thrilled to make Windstar so easily accessible to such a large national and international audience by being in New York."

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2018 Voyage Collection  Canada & New England

North Atlantic Odyssey: Reykjavik to New York City  16 Days

The journey from Iceland to Manhattan is best experienced by small ship, with scenic cruising through fjords in southern Greenland's Prince Christian Sound  only 1,500 feet wide at some points and aweing visitors with steep granite mountains that stretch from sea to sky. A chance to see polar bears in Nanortalik is followed by time in the quaint towns of Newfoundland, along with the UNESCO sites of Red Bay and L'Anse Aux Meadows and their whaling and Viking pasts. The itinerary will also allow tours to Gros Morne National Park (an UNESCO World Heritage Site) and Acadia National Park, accessed via charming Bar Harbor, Maine. A final day sailing through Cape Cod Canal, inaccessible to larger ships, brings guests into the heart of Manhattan for disembarkation.

The Maritimes & Manhattan: New York City to Montreal (or reverse)  12 Days

From the spectacular scenery of Gaspe and Saguenay Fjord to vintage towns like Newport and Bar Harbor, the cruise captures the best of New England and Southeast Canada. Guests can explore the Gilded Age mansions of Newport, Rhode Island, and a unique stop in Provincetown, Massachusetts  the site of the landing of the Mayflower. Other highlights include the autumn spectacle of Acadia National Park and an overnight in Quebec City, perfect for taking advantage of the vibrant city's nightlife.

Southeast Canadian Explorations: Montreal to Boston  9 Days

Cruising from one postcard-perfect scene to another in waters alive with whales and fishing boats paired with French-Canadian ports oozing Old World charm, this itinerary brings an excellent blend of bucolic and urbane. Guests will enjoy watching for rare beluga whales in spectacular Saguenay Fjord or falling under the spell of historic Charlottetown on Prince Edward Island, best seen via horse-drawn carriage to truly understand how it inspired Anne of Green Gables. Time on Portland, Maine's waterfront and sampling its hot restaurant scene is followed by historic Boston.

Postcard Ports of Cape Cod & Canada: Boston to Montreal  12 Days

This voyage from Boston to Montreal gives a taste of historic beach towns, quaint lobster fishing villages, and cosmopolitan cities that reflect their French heritage. Stopping in Provincetown means guests can explore the site of the pilgrims' Mayflower landing and interesting art galleries in town. Other highlights include time in Rockland, Maine, known as the lobster capital of the world; ample opportunity for a visit to a local pub (thanks to Windstar's late night departure) in vibrant Halifax, which boasts the highest pub to person ratio in Canada; a fascinating transit through the 79-foot-wide Canso Canal; and an overnight in Quebec City.

Exploring Canada & New England Aboard the All-Suite 212-guest Star Pride

All Windstar sailings in Canada & New England in 2018 will take place aboard the 212-guest Star Pride, boasting all-suite accommodations. In 2016, Star Pride underwent a major interior renovation, including the refurbishment of public spaces and revitalization of two stunning Owner's Suites. The suites underwent million-dollar structural makeovers to offer sweeping views, along with new modern decor. In addition to the Owner's Suites, guests may choose among four spacious Classic Suites; 36 popular Balcony Suites with French balconies; and 64 Ocean View Suites with large picture windows. The yacht's WindSpa, Fitness Center, two whirlpools, pool, Lounge, Star Bar, multiple dining options, and casino pamper and entertain guests, while its small size means it can tuck into small ports and hidden harbors that other cruise ships can't reach.

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 2022 Travel Industry Wire
- New report, titled "Track, Capture and Kill", claims the government is pressurising telecommunication companies to provide access to crucial customer data

- The report from Privacy International reveals that intelligence agencies have placed enforcement agents within telecom operators' facilities to circumvent the law and protocol to access information

- The report further claims that law enforcement units now have the ability to spy on, profile, locate, track, and ultimately arrest, torture, kill or disappear suspects". And here is what the giant telecom company in Kenya has to say about this damning dossier

A new report claims the Government of Kenya is spying on ordinary citizens through the telecommunication companies in the country.

READ ALSO: Raila sends CHILLING warning to Uhuru over assassination claims

Government of Kenya is allegedly spying on ordinary citizens

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The report alleges that Kenya's security and intelligence agencies are pressurising telecom companies to give them access to crucial customer data and information, which amounts to gross human rights violation according to Privacy International, a UK-based human rights watchdog.

The agencies, the report states, have placed their agents within the operator's facilities in attempts to circumvent the law and protocols to access information and directly intercept communications among and between ordinary citizens.

"The unfettered access has given law enforcement units the ability to spy on, profile, locate, track, and ultimately arrest, torture, kill or make suspects disappear," the report claims.

READ ALSO: Why President Uhuru was forced deport the controversial British journalist

Report claims Govt. wants to access your mobile data

According to the human rights watchdog, the report was compiled after investigation based on interviews and testimonies from military officials, the telecom operators, regulators and lawyers.

Privacy International further points out that communication surveillance in Kenya has become even more stringent in the wake of increased terrorism attacks that have been witnessed in the country over the past five years.

"The anti-terrorism agencies are now deeply immersed within the system that operators have little to no knowledge of the interceptions taking place within their own networks," says the report, adding that existence of controversial security laws, such as the National Intelligence Service Act and the Prevention of Terrorism Act, are being used as excuse to spy on citizens.

However, Safaricom, the biggest telecom company in the country, has disputed the report. The telecom giant is reported saying it has always maintained deep respect and commitment to ensuring that its customers' data remain private.

The company also reportedly said that only authorised staff had access to its systems and that it did not have any intelligence officers employed, formerly or otherwise, at Safaricom, and that none of the mentioned intelligence agencies has access to its system.

The damning dossier comes a few days after the Communication Authority of Kenya (CAK), the country's telecom industry regulator, refuted similar claims that the government was planning to spy on Kenyans via their mobile phones.

READ ALSO: Former Citizen TV reporter reveals HEARTBREAKING last words of policeman who died in tragic shooting

CAK boss denies Government is planning to spy on Kenyans.

Watch video of CAK boss denying Government is not spying on citizens:

Have something to add to this article? Send to news@tuko.co.ke

Source: TUKO.co.ke
The mandate of the Special Monitoring Mission of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) to Ukraine has been extended for a year.

An Ukrinform correspondent learnt this from the organization's headquarters.

"The mandate of the OSCE SMM to Ukraine has been extended for one year - until March 31, 2018," the statement reads.

The decision was approved on March 16 by consensus at a meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council.

The mission budget was determined in the amount of 105.5 million euros for the period from April 1, 2017 to March 31, 2018.

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The leadership of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe has welcomed the extension of the mandate of the OSCE SMM to Ukraine and promised to increase the number of its monitors and their equipment.

Ukrinform learnt this from the OSCE Headquarters in Vienna.

"I am convinced that the missions footprint can now be enlarged, which will increase the reach and accuracy of monitoring," OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and Austrian Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz said.

He praised the fact that the close consultations with both the Ukrainian and the Russian Foreign Ministers yielded the intended common result." In particular, he welcomed the increased number of monitors and the plan to procure additional technical equipment including thermal cameras, acoustic sensors and unmanned aerial vehicles. This will sharpen the eyes and ears of the international community in eastern Ukraine, highlighted Kurz.

Currently, more than 700 OSCE SMM monitors from 44 countries are working in eastern Ukraine every day.

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Ukraine and the United States have signed Agreements aimed at promoting stable economic development and more transparent management processes in Ukraine.

On behalf of the Ukrainian government, the Agreement was signed by Vice Prime Minister - Minister of Economic Development and Trade Stepan Kubiv on Tuesday, March 14, the press service of the Economic Development Ministry reports.

The signing of two documents is aimed at increasing the volume of international technical assistance from the US Government for a total amount of over $54 million. Thus, the total amount of assistance under these Agreements will total over $123 million, reads the report.

Kubiv thanked the US Government for supporting Ukraine, as well as for significant contribution to the economic and social development of Ukraine over the last 25 years.

This assistance is aimed at the key directions of reforms that Ukraine is carrying out: increasing fiscal transparency in the energy sector, functioning of independent and transparent system of justice; transparency and accountability of public administration and services; development of agricultural production, Kubiv stressed.

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The U.S. Government has allocated $54 million in additional assistance to Ukraine.

This is reported by the Voice of America.

As reported, the intergovernmental agreement was signed by First Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine Stepan Kubiv and USAID Mission Director Susan Fritz. The tranche will be directed at the conduct of reforms in Ukraine.

"According to these agreements, Ukraine will be granted additional $54 million to support the critical reforms, namely, fight against corruption, economic transformation and democracy development. I am convinced that this additional assistance will bring the Ukrainian people one step closer to that level of welfare and democracy, they deserve and aspire to," U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch said.

Kubiv added that the funds would be spent on three areas: energy, compliance with the rule of law and "the most important one  the accountability of the Ukrainian Government to the citizens of Ukraine."

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Odesa customs in five days of its work in March fulfilled a monthly income plan, it indicates that corruption has been eliminated there.

Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman stated this at the 13th annual investment conference, an Ukrinform correspondent reported.

Odesa customs over five days of work fulfilled a monthly income plan. Just imagine what a scale of corruption was at Odesa customs, "Groysman said.

The Prime Minister also assured that Government will manage to battle corruption schemes at all customs in Ukraine.

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Ukraine could receive the second tranche of the macro-financial assistance from the European Union worth EUR 600 million in the coming weeks.

Head of the EU Delegation to Ukraine Hugues Mingarelli said this at the 13th Annual Investment Conference, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"Now we are implementing the second phase of the macro-financial assistance. The European Commission approved the decision to allocate the second tranche in the amount of EUR 600 million six weeks ago... These funds will be allocated in the coming weeks," Mingarelli said.

As reported, the European Union decided to grant Ukraine the second tranche of the macro-financial assistance as the Government of Ukraine had submitted to the Verkhovna Rada the bill to cancel the ban on round timber exports.

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President of the Republic of Poland Andrzej Duda at a meeting with Foreign Minister of Ukraine Pavlo Klimkin in Warsaw confirmed the continued support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine.

The meeting between Klimkin and the Polish President took place in the framework of the visit of the Head of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry to Poland, the Governments portal reported.

"Within the framework of the working visit to Warsaw, Foreign Minister of Ukraine Pavlo Klimkin met with President of the Republic of Poland Andrzej Duda. The Head of the Polish state confirmed the unchanged support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine," the statement reads.

During the meeting, the parties discussed topical issues of the bilateral relations and the international agenda.

ish
The European Parliament calls for further personal restrictive measures against the persons involved in human rights violations in the Russia-occupied territories of Ukraine and demands the immediate release of Ukrainian political prisoners held by the Kremlin.

This is said in the resolution "Ukrainian prisoners in Russia and the situation in Crimea", adopted on Thursday, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

The document, prepared on the basis of the proposals of five largest political groups of the EU legislative body, was supported by the overwhelming majority of the members.

"The European Parliament calls on Russia to immediately release all the illegally detained Ukrainian citizens in Russia as well as in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine and ensure their safe return," the document says.

European parliamentarians also mentioned Ukrinform journalist Roman Sushchenko in the list of Ukrainian political hostages held by the Kremlin.

The MEPs emphasized the special responsibility of the Russian leadership for terminating the military operations in Donbas, releasing and exchanging hostages.

"The European Parliament calls for the introduction of further restrictive measures, including the freezing of assets in the EU banks, against the persons responsible for gross human rights violations," the document says.

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Turkish citrus fruits for Crimea could not meet competition with the Ukrainian aircraft industry.

Yesterday, on the first day of the visit of Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman to Turkey, the Ukrainian side received a note prohibiting any Turkish vessels to visit Crimea. "This is a very powerful signal," the head of our government said in this regard. And Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim assured his Ukrainian counterpart that Turkey condemned the annexation of Crimea and supported the territorial integrity of Ukraine.

Turkish ports have stopped to take ships from the occupied Crimea since the beginning of the month, but no one understood why this happened. For three years Turkish companies traded with Crimea seized by the Russian Federation - they transported citrus fruits, vegetables, construction materials and consumer goods to Crimea. And here is a decisive and unexpected ban, without warning. As a result it was impossible to discharge cargo from ships that arrived from Crimea, as the customs did not accept documents from the Crimean ports, and no one knew what to do. And now, when Groysman arrived in Turkey, the situation has cleared up: the official Ankara in support of the territorial integrity of Ukraine has decided to end a three-year practice.

Obviously, this is a kind of gift or an advance to Ukraine from Turkey. There is a prospect for fruitful cooperation between our countries, such an important prospect that the Turks have decided for its implementation to sacrifice profits from citrus trade with Crimea. So what does Turkey need from Ukraine right now?

Right now we see that Turkey's relations with the European Union are rapidly deteriorating. In such situation Ankara has to seek rapprochement with as many countries as possible in order to avoid an international semi-isolation. In particular, with Ukraine, why not? Ukraine is Turkey's neighbor, a big country with a potentially large market and a producer of many goods that Turkey needs. This is, so to speak, the general reason of the Turkish interest in establishing close economic and political contacts with Kyiv. That is why the Free Trade Agreement between Ukraine and Turkey is being prepared, and this issue was, of course, discussed during the visit of the Prime Minister of Ukraine. At least, Executive Director of the Center for Middle Eastern Studies in Kyiv Ihor Semyvolos explained a "very strong signal" in this way in comments to Ukrinform.

However, there is a very specific and important reason. Turkey really wants to develop its own aircraft construction. In the early 2000s it set an ambitious goal - to have a national aviation industry by the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Turkey (in 2023). Money is not a problem, the main problem is technology. Ukraine has technologies and is ready to sell them. And we already trade in technologies (we mean the Antonov agreement with Saudi Arabia). Most likely, the aviation issue was the main one in the conversations of the head of the Ukrainian government with the Turkish leaders.

We should also note that own aircraft industry for Turkey is not only a matter of ambition. Ankara wants to be an absolute regional leader in the Middle East, and the leadership is ensured not only by the strength of the army or the number of people but primarily by the economic power. The Turkish economy needs the newest industrial technologies. Ukraine has something to share with in such areas. This determined the unconditional success of Volodymyr Groysman's visit to Turkey.

Yuri Sandul, Kyiv

ish
03/15/2017

By Karen Angelo

As a high school teacher from the central Asian country of Uzbekistan traveling to the United States for the first time, Feruza Erkulova wondered what Americans were really like.

After all, her perceptions were shaped by the American films she watched, which she says portrayed people as unfriendly. However, once she arrived at UMass Lowell to participate in a six-week intensive education and cultural experience, her fears evaporated.

American people are very helpful with big hearts, says Erkulova. Most of all, I liked their manners and how they behave in public places. Even though people may not know you, they look at you and smile, as if you are close friends.

Erkulova is one of 21 international teachers who arrived on campus in January to participate in the Teaching Excellence and Achievement Program (TEA). It provides the educators with opportunities to develop expertise in their subject areas, enhance their teaching skills and increase knowledge about the United States.

A.J. Angulo, a professor in UMass Lowells School of Education, received a $205,508 grant from the U.S. State Department to fund the program.

Phearun Kohm from Cambodia, one of 21 international teachers who arrived on campus for the Teaching Excellence and Achievement Program, poses with Prof. AJ Angulo. This exciting global-education program introduces these teachers to methods and ideas that they can integrate into their classrooms, but it also opens all of our minds and hearts to each countrys distinctive differences and similarities, he said. We all have something to learn from each other.

At a poster session on campus, the teachers looked like the whos who of the United Nations. Wearing their traditional dress, they represented their countries of Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Cameroon, Costa Rica, Estonia, Ghana, India, Jordan, Kazakhstan, the Lao Peoples Democratic Republic, Latvia, Mongolia, Niger, Nigeria, Panama, Rwanda, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

I am very happy and lucky to participate in this program to learn from UMass Lowell faculty and teachers from all over the world, says Erkulova.

The teachers took professional development workshops taught by UMass Lowell faculty, learned about American history by traveling to Boston and New York City and participated in field experiences in the Andover and Chelmsford school districts. Biology teacher Lawrence Ajayi Oguntoye from Nigeria, who teaches classes of more than 65 students, learned useful teaching strategies from his experience at Chelmsford High School.

The movement of students from one laboratory or classroom to another for lessons, while the teacher remains, is worthy of emulation, he says. I learned how technology can enhance the learning process in science and how managing by objective can solve common problems through the democratic process of regular staff meetings at the end of the day.

He carefully observed the interactions between teachers and students: Students here are guided to use their intuition, and teachers treat students as part of their family by meeting their needs for proper guidance and counseling. I would like to emulate this approach at home in Nigeria.

During the six-week program, the long-term goal is to build lasting, meaningful relationships around the world  one teacher at a time.

This program is a welcome gesture from the American Government to assist the world in breaking the poverty level through education, says Oguntoye, whose students often come to school hungry. It helps to foster world peace and give other nations the belief that the American government wishes every human being on earth well and cares for the peaceful coexistence of all.
UNICEF/UN048838/Ergen

ANKARA, 16 March 2017 - The European Union and UNICEF have launched the largest ever EU humanitarian contribution to Education in Emergencies, valued at EUR 34 million. The Conditional Cash Transfer for Education (CCTE) project aims to increase the number of refugee children enrolled in and attending school in Turkey.

The new commitment reflects the objectives of the "No Lost Generation" initiative to provide children affected by the conflict in Syria with access to education and other vital services, and builds on the significant efforts by the Government of Turkey to support refugee children.

Out of the almost 3 million Syrian refugees in Turkey, 1.3 million are children, of whom nearly half a million are already enrolled in school. However, despite this achievement and the firm commitment of the Government of Turkey, significant challenges remain to provide all refugee children with access to education.

The CCTE project will build on the Emergency Social Safety Net (ESSN), which was launched by the European Commission in September 2016, by providing families with targeted cash transfers to encourage some 230,000 children to attend school regularly.



"The EU is committed to supporting refugee children in Turkey and beyond. Education in emergency situations is a top EU priority. Our moral duty is to save this generation of refugee children and invest in their future. We have teamed up with experienced humanitarian organisations to make this programme a real success." stated Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management, Christos Stylianides.

Children do not need education even in emergencies, they need education especially in emergencies so they can someday rebuild their lives  and their countries, said UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake. Thanks to the EUs generosity and Turkeys leadership, UNICEF and our partners are already helping thousands of children to go to school and learn. The CCTE will help us reach 230,000 children  a major step in preventing a lost generation.



In order to improve access to education for vulnerable children in both Turkish public schools and Temporary Education Centres (TECs), the CCTE project will extend the national CCTE programme to reach a large number of refugee children. The existing CCTE programme has been open to children born outside Turkey since its inception in 2003.



As of May 2017, bimonthly cash-transfers will be made to vulnerable refugee families whose children attend school regularly. The project also includes a strategic child protection component in order to ensure the continued school enrolment and attendance of the most vulnerable refugee children as well as their referral to complementary child protection services as required.

The CCTE project will be implemented jointly by the Government of Turkey, UNICEF and the Turkish Red Crescent.



I am very glad that the Turkish Red Crescent (Kizilay) Card is changing the lives of Syrian children who are our guests, the President of the Turkish Red Crescent, Kerem Kinik, stated. I thank the European Union and UNICEF for their joint effort for Syrian students in Turkey. In order not to have a lost generation in our region, the whole world should do whatever it can. In this respect, I consider this project as a very important one.



The project will build upon the expertise and systems of the Turkish Ministry of Family and Social Policy and the Ministry of National Education, with the support of the Directorate General for Migration Management and under the coordination of the Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency. Turkeys Integrated Social Assistance Information System will serve as the backbone of the CCTE project implementation. The CCTE project has been designed to uphold the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence while being anchored on sustainable government systems with countrywide reach.

Background



Turkey is currently host to more than three million refugees, almost half of whom are children. Education for school-age children is a key challenge, with almost 500,000 children enrolled in formal education across the country (in Turkish schools and Temporary Education Centres), while an estimated over 370,000 remain out of school.

The CCTE project is funded by the EUR 3 billion made available by the EU and its Member States under the EU Facility for Refugees in Turkey (2016-2017) to provide assistance to refugees and host communities in Turkey. It is designed to promote school enrolment and attendance and is complementary to the multi-purpose transfer scheme under the Emergency Social Safety Net (ESSN) launched by the EU Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) in September 2016.



The contract with UNICEF is in addition to EUR 517 million already contracted for humanitarian aid for refugees in Turkey. It increases the total amount contracted for humanitarian and non-humanitarian actions under the EU Facility for Refugees in Turkey to 1.5 billion. Out of this, 777 million has been disbursed to date.



For more information:

FACTSHEET: The Facility for Refugees in Turkey

FACTSHEET: EU humanitarian aid to Turkey

Website: The Facility for Refugees in Turkey



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The Trump administration is proposing to cut $43.2 million, or about 5 percent, of the Small Business Administrations budget.

The new plan would eliminate $12 million worth of technical assistance grants and other programs for areas in which the administration thinks the private sector already provides efficient mechanisms for small-business development and growth. Among the initiatives on the cutting block are PRIME technical assistance grants, growth accelerators and regional innovation clusters.

The SBAs $826.5 million budget would also include $45 million worth of loan guarantees to small-business owners, down from the current level of $46 million. The agency works with a number of banks and credit unions to provide funding.

The president is committed to assisting small businesses succeed through reducing the regulatory tax burdens that can impede the development of small firms, the Trump administration said.

[Trump taps wrestling executive to lead Small Business Administration ]

Linda McMahon, the professional wrestling magnate and current head of the SBA, once called for the agency to be merged with the Commerce Department to cut costs. This year during her confirmation hearing, McMahon said she had made those remarks during her Senate run in Connecticut to make a broader point about government waste. It is important, she said, to reduce duplicative programs to cut costs.

That seems to be what the Trump administration is trying to do with the SBA as well. It says it plans to make a number of responsible reductions to redundant programs.

But for the most part, the SBA will remain focused on helping Americans to start and maintain small businesses. The administration will continue to provide more than $1 billion in disaster relief loans to businesses and property owners, and it will offer $28 million in microloan financing and technical assistance to start-ups.

[McMahon touts job creation at confirmation hearing]

In addition, the agency  which rejoined the Cabinet in 2012  will continue to offer training and support for veterans and transitioning service members who are interested in starting small businesses.

These programs help to fulfill the presidents commitment to support the nations veterans by providing business counseling, lending and contracting assistance, the administration said.
President Trump on Thursday will unveil a budget plan that calls for a sharp increase in military spending and stark cuts across much of the rest of the government including the elimination of dozens of long-standing federal programs that assist the poor, fund scientific research and aid Americas allies abroad.

Trumps first budget proposal, which he named America First: A Budget Blueprint to Make America Great Again, would increase defense spending by $54 billion and then offset that by stripping money from more than 18 other agencies. Some would be hit particularly hard, with reductions of more than 20 percent at the Agriculture, Labor and State departments and of more than 30 percent at the Environmental Protection Agency.

It would also propose eliminating future federal support for the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Within EPA alone, 50 programs and 3,200 positions would be eliminated.

The cuts could represent the widest swath of reductions in federal programs since the drawdown after World War II, probably leading to a sizable cutback in the federal non-military workforce, something White House officials said was one of their goals.

You cant drain the swamp and leave all the people in it, White House Office of Management and Budget Director Mick Mulvaney told reporters.

Many of Trumps budget proposals are likely to run into stiff resistance from lawmakers on Capitol Hill, even from Republicans, whose support is crucial because they must vote to authorize government appropriations. Republicans have objected, for example, to the large cuts in foreign aid and diplomacy that Trump has foreshadowed, and his budget whacks foreign aid programs run by the Education, State and Treasury departments, among others.

The administrations budget isnt going to be the budget, said Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.). We do the budget here. The administration makes recommendations, but Congress does budgets.

Trumps budget would not take effect until the new fiscal year on Oct. 1, but the president must still reach a separate agreement with Congress by the end of April, when a temporary funding bill expires. If they cant reach an agreement, and if Trumps new budget plan widens fault lines, then the chances would increase for a partial government shutdown starting on April 29.

The president and Congress must also raise the debt ceiling, which has become a politically fraught ritual. Although the ceiling was extended until March 15, budget experts say the government should be able to continue borrowing money by suspending or stretching out payments through August or September.

White House budget proposals are often changed by lawmakers, but they serve as a marker for how the president plans to govern and as an opening bid on budget talks. Mulvaney said the White House was open to negotiation, but he was unapologetic about the size and scope of the reductions.

This budget represents a president who is beholden to nobody but the voters, Mulvaney said. He is following through on his promises. We did not consult with special interests on how to write this budget. We did not consult with lobbyists on how to write this budget. The presidents team wrote this budget and thats what youll see in the numbers.

The 53-page budget plan offers the clearest snapshot yet of Trumps priorities. Yet it is also far shorter and vaguer than White House budget plans normally are. One of the missing details is precisely where and how many jobs would be eliminated across the federal government.

1 of 0 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad  See what President Trump has been doing since taking office View Photos The beginning of his term has featured controversial executive orders and frequent conflicts with the media. Caption Wait 1 second to continue.

[Read President Trumps first budget proposal]

Parts of the budget proposal also appear to contradict Trumps agenda. Trump has said he wants to eliminate all disease, but the budget chops funding for the National Institutes of Health by $5.8 billion, or close to 20 percent. He has said he wants to create a $1 trillion infrastructure program, but the proposal would eliminate a Transportation Department program that funds nearly $500 million in road projects. It does not include new funding amounts or a tax mechanism for Trumps infrastructure program, postponing those decisions.

And the Trump administration proposed to eliminate a number of other programs, particularly those that serve low-income Americans and minorities, because it questioned their effectiveness. This included the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which disburses more than $3 billion annually to help heat homes in the winter. It also proposed abolishing the Community Development Block Grant program, which provides roughly $3 billion for targeted projects related to affordable housing, community development and homelessness programs, among other things.

The budget was stuffed with other cuts and reductions. It calls for privatizing the Federal Aviation Administrations air traffic control function, cutting all funding for long-distance Amtrak train services and eliminating EPA funding for the restoration of Chesapeake Bay. Job training programs would also be cut, pushing more responsibility for this onto the states and employers.

Many Republicans have criticized these programs in the past as wasteful and ineffective, but supporters have said the programs are vital for communities in need.

The proposed budget extensively targets Obama programs and investments focused on climate change, seeking to eliminate payments to the United Nations Green Climate Fund  one key component of the U.S. commitment to the Paris climate agreement  and to slash research funding for climate, ocean and earth science programs at agencies such as NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. At the same time, clean-energy research, heavily privileged by the Obama administration, would suffer greatly under the budget with the elimination of the ARPA-E program (Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy) at the Energy Department and an unspecified cut to the agencys Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.

I think one of the reasons theyre proposing them [big spending cuts] is that they know they wont ever get through Congress, said Sen. Patrick J. Leahy (D-Vt.). They know theyd be a disaster for their own party if they did. It makes for a great talking point. It actually fits on a tweet.

There were several areas in which Trump proposed increasing spending. He proposed, for example, $168 million for charter school programs and $250 million for a new private-school choice program, which would probably provide tuition assistance for families who opt to send their children to private schools.

The biggest increase in spending would be directed at the Pentagon, but the budget plan does not make clear where the new $54 billion would go. The budget plan would boost funding for the Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force. It would, among other things, acquire new F-35 Joint Strike Fighters and rebuild what it says are depleted munitions inventories. But it stops short of saying how these new funds would support new tactics to combat the Islamic State.

The bump in defense spending was a marked contrast to the cuts Trump proposed in diplomatic and international programs. He proposed cutting combined spending for the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development by $10.1 billion, or nearly 29 percent. It would cut an unspecified amount of funding from U.N. peacekeeping efforts. It would also cut spending for Treasury International Programs, foreign assistance programs that have been supported by Republican and Democratic administrations, by $803 million, or 35 percent.

Trump directed funding to meet several of his campaign pledges as well.

He proposed new money to hire border security agents and immigration judges.

And he requested $1.7 billion in new funding this year and an additional $2.6 billion in new funding in 2018 to begin construction of a wall along the border with Mexico. Trump proposed creating this wall during his campaign and had said Mexico would pay for it. A number of congressional Republicans appear to be cooling on the idea.

The federal government is expected to spend more than $4 trillion in the fiscal year that begins in October, and Trumps budget proposal would deal with slightly more than 25 percent of this funding. The government is expected to spend $487 billion more than it brings in through revenue during the next fiscal year, and to avoid widening the deficit, Trump proposed steep cuts across the budget to compensate for the new defense spending.

Trump will propose a more comprehensive budget plan in May, which could include changes to programs such as Medicaid and also offer economic forecasts. But that proposal will come after the deadline for reaching an agreement to avoid a partial shutdown. So Thursdays budget proposal from Trump will factor squarely into those negotiations.

Read more:

Proposed budget for Commerce would cut funds for NOAA

Trump would increase Energy Department funds to manage nuclear stockpile

Labor Dept. cuts target job training programs for seniors, disadvantaged youths

Kelsey Snell and Philip Rucker contributed to this report.
U.S. President Donald Trump talks with auto industry leaders including Ford chief executive Mark Fields, seond from right, and Fiat Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne, right, at the American Center for Mobility in Ypsilanti, Mich., on March 15. (Jonathan Ernst/Reuters)

President Trump opened the door Wednesday to rolling back fuel efficiency standards that were adopted during the Obama administration, a move that could lead to a legal fight with state regulators and environmental groups in the coming years.

In January, the Environmental Protection Agency reaffirmed that automakers must achieve an average 54.4 mpg across their fleets by 2025. But Trump pledged Wednesday to review those standards in a speech at the American Center for Mobility in Ypsilanti, Mich. He told auto plant workers there that his administration will ensure the regulations do not lead to job losses and factory closures.

Were going to work on the [fuel] standards so you can make cars in America again, Trump said.

The announcement does not change existing regulations, butDemocrats and environmentalists fear it signals the administrations desire to weaken rules they view as critical to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

They also worry that the administration could eventually target an EPA waiver that allows California and a dozen other states to set stricter emissions standards than the federal government. Automakers will still be compelled to produce more fuel efficient cars so long as the regulations in California, the countrys largest car market, remain in place.

Making this U-turn on fuel economy is the wrong way to go for our security, economy and environment, Sen. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) said in a statement .

The three major entities that regulate automobile emissions  the EPA, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the California Air Resources Board  agreed to the fuel economy standards in 2012 and vowed to conduct a review in 2017 and 2018 to determine whether they remained technologically and economically feasible. The standard is 35.5 mpg.

Last year, the EPA determined the industry was on track to reach the goal and that the standards remained appropriate. After Trumps election in November, the agency moved to make that judgment final ahead of schedule despite the industrys request to adhere to the reviews original timeline.

Even before Trumps announcement, the Auto Alliance, a trade association, challenged the EPA ruling in court, claiming it was arbitrary and capricious and exceeded the agencys legal authority. California filed a motion late Tuesday in support of the EPAs decision, and other states have indicated they will do the same.

Trump criticized the Obama administration for expediting its review of the standards, and a senior White House official said Tuesday that the EPA ignored a voluminous record of data when it reached its conclusion.

The EPA formally rescinded that decision Wednesday.

Before the speech, Trump met with auto executives who took turns pitching Trump on the efforts their companies are making to build vehicles in America.

UAW President Dennis Williams, who also attended the meeting, told Trump that we have to deal with the environment and we have to do it in a responsible way.

Trump nodded and replied that he agreed 100 percent, adding that he didnt think that lower standards should prevent automakers from making new cars.

If it takes an extra thimble of fuel, we dont want that to stop you, Trump said.

Automakers eagerly welcomed the announcement. Many contend that the regulations place a financial burden on automobile makers, which is likely to result in employee layoffs or more expensive cars.

After all, these decisions impact the more than 7 million Americans dependent on autos for employment, as well as the driving public seeking affordable transportation, Mitch Bainwol, president and chief executive of the Auto Alliance, said in a statement.

Rebecca Lindland, senior director at Kelley Blue Book, said that meeting the existing standards will be extremely challenging, because sales of electric vehicles have been tepid and Americans are buying large numbers of less-efficient SUVs and trucks.

Automakers would certainly like this standard to be more closely representative of what consumers are already buying, Lindland said, adding that she expects the industry will continue to develop vehicles with more efficient combustion engines.

Abby Phillip in Ypsilanti, Mich. contributed to this report.
On Thursday, the Trump administration released a preliminary 2018 budget proposal, which details many of the changes the president wants to make to the federal governments spending. The proposal covers only discretionary, not mandatory, spending.





To pay for an increase in defense spending, a down payment on the border wall and school voucher programs, among other things, funding was cut from the discretionary budgets of other executive departments and agencies. The Environmental Protection Agency, the State Department and the Agriculture Department took the hardest hits. The proposal also completely defunded 19 agencies.





Discretionary spending limits, addressed by this proposal, are set by congressional budget resolutions. Congress typically makes changes to the presidents proposal  last year, lawmakers disregarded Obamas budget altogether. Mandatory spending, by contrast, is set by other laws and is often determined by the size of the benefit and the eligible population.

See how each agencys discretionary funding would be affected by Trumps proposal, in detail, below:

AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENT

The Trump administration is seeking to cut 21 percent of the Agriculture Departments discretionary spending budget, though it hasnt detailed what precisely will be cut. The vulnerable programs include rural development and research grants but exclude SNAP (food stamps) and crop subsidies. The USDA will also reduce staff by an unspecified amount at various service center agencies around the country.

- Eliminates the $200 million McGovern-Dole International Food for Education program

- Eliminates the $500 million Water and Wastewater loan and grant program

- Cuts Women, Infants and Children nutrition assistance from $6.4 billion to $6.2 billion

- Unspecified staff reductions at USDA service center agencies around the country

- Cuts $95 million from the Rural Business and Cooperative Service





COMMERCE DEPARTMENT

As part of a 16 percent reduction to the Department of Commerces budget, the Trump administration is proposing sharp cuts to climate-change and ocean research at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

- Cuts $250 million from coastal research programs that ready communities for rising seas and worsening storms

- Eliminates the popular $73 million Sea Grant program, which operates in conjunction with universities in 33 states

- Eliminates the Economic Development Administration, which gives out grants in struggling communities

- Cuts federal funding to the Manufacturing Extension Partnership





DEFENSE DEPARTMENT

Under the Trump administration budget, the Defense Department would get a 10 percent increase in discretionary funding  but only about 3 percent more than what it spent last year. President Trump has cast it as a historic increase in defense spending, but critics say it is actually more of an incremental boost and much smaller than what he promised on the campaign trail.

- Increases the size of the Army and Marine Corps

- Increases the number of ships in the Navys fleet

- Buys F-35 Joint Strike Fighters more rapidly

- Increases spending to keep Air Force combat planes ready to fly





EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

The Education Department faces a 14 percent cut under the Trump administration budget, which would downsize or eliminate a raft of grants, including for teacher training, afterschool programs, and aid to low-income and minority college students. The cuts would be coupled with a historic investment  $1.4 billion  in charter schools, private schools and other school-choice initiatives.

- Cuts $3.7 billion in grants for teacher training, after-school and summer programs, and aid programs to first-generation and low-income students

- Significantly reduces federal work-study aid to college students

- Increases charter school funding by $168 million

- Creates new private-school choice program with $250 million

- Spends $1 billion to encourage districts to allow federal dollars meant for low-income students to follow those students to the public school of their choice





ENERGY DEPARTMENT

The Trump budget proposal, which cuts the Energy Departments budget by 6 percent, would boost spending on managing the nations nuclear stockpile and revive the controversial Yucca Mountain storage facility for nuclear power plant waste. It would slash spending on a host of science and climate areas.

- Cuts $900 million from the Office of Science

- Eliminates the Energy Star, Weatherization Assistance Program, ARPA-E, Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing Program, and Title 17 loan guarantees

- Gives the Yucca Mountain project $120 million to restart licensing operations





DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

The Trump administration proposed an 18 percent decrease for HHS, one of the largest and most sprawling departments within the government. That sum excludes funding for the insurance provided by Medicare and Medicaid, two vast entitlement programs for older and lower-income Americans. In a rare move, those programs were omitted from the brief budget description the Trump administration has released.

- Increases funding for efforts to prevent and treat opioid addictions

- Decreases funding for the National Institutes of Health and certain programs to train health professionals





National Institutes of Health (part of HHS)

The 19 percent cut would affect the billions of dollars NIH gives out to researchers around the globe, as well as studies at its sprawling Bethesda, Md., campus.

- Eliminates the Fogarty International Center, which builds partnerships between U.S. and foreign health research institutions





DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

The proposal would increase funding to DHS by 7 percent. This money primarily goes toward big boosts in spending on border and immigration enforcement  for a border wall, for 500 new Border Patrol agents, and 1,000 new Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.

- Cuts $667 million from grant programs to state and local agencies, including pre-disaster mitigation grants and counterterrorism funding

- Raises the TSA Passenger Security Fee, currently $5.60 for a passenger flying out of a U.S. airport





DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT

The 13 percent cut in funding for HUD will put tremendous strain on housing authorities across the country, which manage public housing and rely heavily on federal funding.

- Eliminates the $3 billion Community Development Block Grant program

- Eliminates the HOME Investment Partnerships Program, the Choice Neighborhoods program and the Self-help Homeownership Opportunity Program

- Raises funding for lead-hazard reduction from $110 million to $130 million

- Eliminates the $35 million of funding for Section 4 Community Development and Affordable Housing





INTERIOR DEPARTMENT

Under the Trump administration proposal, the Interior Department faces a 12 percent cut. That could strain everyday maintenance of national parks and historic sites, as well as enforcement of activity such as illegal wildlife trafficking at the nations borders.

- Eliminates funding for the 49 National Historic Sites

- Decreases funding for land acquisition by $120 million

- Wildfire suppression funding is likely to see a marginal increase





JUSTICE DEPARTMENT

The budget proposal boosts the DOJs tough-on-crime and anti-immigration efforts  putting money toward targeting criminal organizations and drug traffickers, and hiring immigration judges, border enforcement prosecutors and additional deputy U.S. marshals. The DOJ budgets overall 4 percent decrease appears to come from a reduction in federal prison construction because of a reduced prison population and reducing spending on mostly unnamed outdated programs.

- Cuts funding to reimburse state and local governments for costs of incarcerating certain undocumented immigrants

- Cuts almost $1 billion of funding for federal prison construction

- Adds $249 million of funding for the FBI, largely aimed at counterterrorism, cyber threats, more timely firearms purchase background checks and more crime data

- Adds $80 million to adjudicate immigrant removal proceedings and hire more attorneys





LABOR DEPARTMENT

The 21 percent proposed cut in the Labor Department reduces funding for job training programs that benefit seniors and disadvantaged youth. The proposal would also shift funding responsibility to states for certain job placement programs.

- Eliminates the Senior Community Service Employment Program, which helps low-income seniors find work

- Closes poor-performing centers for Job Corps, a job-training program for disadvantaged youth

- Eliminates grants that help nonprofit groups and public agencies pay for safety and health training

- Expands efforts to reduce improper payments made to people receiving unemployment benefits





STATE DEPARTMENT, USAID AND TREASURY INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM

The 29 percent proposed cut to the State Department refocuses economic and development aid to countries of the greatest strategic importance to the U.S., and it shifts some foreign military aid from grants to loans. It also requires State and USAID to reorganize and consolidate.

- Eliminates climate-change prevention programs, including pledged payments to U.N. climate-change programs

- Reduces funding for U.N. peacekeeping

- Reduces funding for development banks such as the World Bank

- Reduces most cultural-exchange programs, but keeps the Fulbright Program





TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT

The Transportation Departments budget would shrink by 13 percent. The spending plan would move what has been a core government function  air traffic control  outside of government hands, and push responsibility for many transit and other projects to localities.

- Shifts air traffic control outside the government

- Eliminates funding for many new transit projects and support for long-distance Amtrak trains

- Eliminates $175 million in subsidies for commercial flights to rural airports

- Cuts $499 million from the TIGER grant program, which has funded dozens of road, transit and other projects





TREASURY DEPARTMENT

The Treasurys budget would shrink by 4 percent, with other funds reallocated toward the departments security missions: preventing hacking, seizing terrorists bank accounts and enforcing sanctions on foreign adversaries.

- Reduces funding for the Internal Revenue Service by $239 million

- Eliminates grants for Community Development Financial Institutions, which provide financial services in economically distressed neighborhoods





DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

VA would be one of the few departments to see its budget grow, by 6 percent to $78.9 billion. Most of the increase would improve veterans access to doctors and support services following a scandal in 2014 over patient wait times. The money would also help fill some of the agencys more than 45,000 vacant medical positions. Veterans Choice, a program that gives patients the option to see private doctors outside the VA system, would also expand.

- Adds $4.4 billion in new funding to expand health services and modernize VAs benefit claims system and other services





ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

Trumps budget begins to dismantle the EPA, shrinking its funding by 31 percent and eliminating a fifth of its workforce. More than 50 programs would be eliminated altogether, including Energy Star; grants that help states and cities fight air pollution; an office focused on environmental justice and cleanup efforts in the Chesapeake Bay and Great Lakes; and infrastructure assistance to Alaskan native villages and along the Mexican border. Funding for drinking water infrastructure would remain intact, but the agencys scienctific research would suffer massive cuts.

- Eliminates more than 50 programs and 3,200 jobs

- Discontinues funding for international climate-change programs

- Cuts funding for the Office of Research and Development in half

- Cuts funding for the Superfund cleanup program and the Office of Enforcement and Compliance

- Prioritizes drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects.





NASA

NASA will see only a small cut  about 1 percent of its 2017 budget. But the cuts come almost entirely from Earth-observing and education programs, suggesting that Trump aims to make good on campaign promises to shift NASAs focus away from our planet. The budget also directs NASA to find ways to collaborate with the commercial space industry. It makes no mention of the Journey to Mars, which is likely to add to speculation that Trump wants to shift NASAs focus to the moon.

- Cuts $102 million of funding from Earth science, terminating four missions aimed at understanding climate-change

- Eliminates the $115 million Office of Education

- Cuts $88 million from the Robotic Refueling Mission, which develops techniques to repair satellites





SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

The Trump administration is proposing to cut about 5 percent of the Small Business Administrations budget. The new plan would eliminate $12 million worth of technical-assistance grants and other programs where the administration thinks the private sector already provides efficient mechanisms for small-business development and growth.

- Eliminates PRIME technical-assistance grants, Growth Accelerators and Regional Innovation Clusters, saving about $12 million

- Cuts $1 million of $46 million of loan guarantees currently available to small-business owners





ARTS AND CULTURAL AGENCIES

The Trump administrations proposal calls for eliminating four cultural agencies and their collective $971 million budgets. Most of the funds support nonprofit groups across the country, such as dance companies, radio stations, orchestras and theaters.

- Eliminates all $148 million for the National Endowment for the Arts and all $148 million for the National Endowment for the Humanities

- Eliminates the $230 million Institute of Museum and Library Services

- Eliminates the $445 million for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which supports public television and radio, including PBS and NPR





In total, the budget proposes to eliminate funding for these 19 agencies:

- African Development Foundation

- Appalachian Regional Commission

- Chemical Safety Board

- Corporation for National and Community Service

- Corporation for Public Broadcasting

- Delta Regional Authority

- Denali Commission

- Institute of Museum and Library Services

- Inter-American Foundation

- U.S. Trade and Development Agency

- Legal Services Corporation

- National Endowment for the Arts

- National Endowment for the Humanities

- Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation

- Northern Border Regional Commission

- Overseas Private Investment Corporation

- U.S. Institute of Peace

- U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness

- Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars

Source: Office of Management and Budget

Devlin Barrett, Lenny Bernstein, Abha Bhattarai, Emma Brown, Jose A. DelReal, Brady Dennis, Max Ehrenfreund, Darryl Fears, Amy Goldstein, Sari Horwitz, Sarah Kaplan, Dan Lamothe, Michael Laris, Jonnelle Marte, Peggy McGlone, Chris Mooney, Carol Morello, Steven Mufson and Lisa Rein contributed to this story.
Both printed copies and digitized copies of historic newspapers are seen on display at the Newseum in Washington, Tuesday, June 16, 2009, as The National Endowment of the Humanities and the Library of Congress announce their one millionth digitized newspaper page on their 'Chronicling America' website at the Newseum. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) (Gerald Herbert/AP)

Things could get worse, much worse. The presidents proposed budget eliminates much of the governments long-standing commitment to the arts, to science, to education, to culture, to public broadcasting and community development. It calls not only for the elimination of the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and the Institute of Museum and Library Services, but also proposes the elimination of groups such as the Woodrow Wilson Center, a highly respected think tank that studies national and international affairs and just happens to be hosting a program Thursday called The Muse of Urban Delirium: How the Performing Arts Paradoxically Transform Conflict-Ridden Cities Into Centers of Cultural Innovation. Its almost as if someone tried to fit as many dirty words  dirty in the current administrations way of thinking  into one evening: Arts, Cities, Culture, Paradox, Innovation.

These cuts arent about cost savings  theyre far too small to make even a ding in the federal budget. They are carefully calculated attacks on communities, especially those that promote independent thinking and expression, or didnt line up behind the Trump movement as it swept to power through the electoral college in November. But the presidents proposed budget also includes attacks on communities that did indeed support Trump but that are too powerless to resist. Among the independent agencies set for elimination: the Appalachian Regional Commission, which supports things such as job training, economic diversification (including the arts), tourism initiatives and Internet access in states like West Virginia, Alabama and Kentucky.

The strategy, perfectly calculated for a new era of rancor and resentment amplified by social media, is to focus people not on what will be lost, but who will lose. Why attack communities that support you? Because losing isnt just a question of what side, what arguments, what ideology prevails in the political debate. Rather, losing is a stigma, a scarlet letter to hang on the necks of people who are losers. Losers are essential to the project of building a new political coalition, a coalition that celebrates winning. Winners are strong; losers are sad. If your aversion to being branded a loser is strong enough, you may even embrace policies that cause you harm.

[Cuts to the NEA and NEH are all about eliminating the public square]

(Erin Patrick O'Connor/The Washington Post)

Read through The Washington Posts coverage of the budget proposal, and you hear what begins to sound like a broken record: These cuts will primarily affect marginalized or minority communities, people on the losing end of the American Dream. From an article about the Interior Department: Historic-sites funding is important, according to one expert, because it supports tribal preservation officers and provides grants to underrepresented communities. Or from the Labor Department: The Trump administration proposed $2.5 billion in cuts for the Labor Department in a plan that would significantly reduce funding for job training programs for seniors and disadvantaged youth.

Just in time for todays announcement is an op-ed by Washington Post columnist George Will, who also calls for the elimination of the NEA. Wills article would be a risible period piece  he is still seething over culture-war debates from more than a quarter century ago  if his hostility to the arts were not politically empowered by the democratic peculiarities of the last election, which brought into office a deeply unpopular president allied (for now) to a Congress pursuing deeply unpopular policies because many of its members are protected by gerrymandering.

Will rehashes the usual arguments: He reminds readers of a handful of grants that were deemed offensive by some in the early 1990s; he asserts that people will pay for the arts if they want the arts, and that state and local arts agencies will step up if the federal government (which helps fund these agencies) forsakes them; and argues that the arts are no different, no more a social good, have no more utility or spiritual value than macaroni and cheese. He not only fails to understand the nature of the arts, he also fails to understand the uniquely American three-legged stool system of federal stimulus allied to state and local support and bolstered by private donations that has enriched the arts and the country for more than half a century.

But the striking thing in Wills column is his barely disguised vitriol not against the arts, but against what he sneeringly calls the arts community. It is a grasping, needy, self-interested coalition  not a community but a collection of infantilized losers.

The myriad entities with financial interests in preserving the NEA cloyingly call themselves the arts community, a clever branding that other grasping factions should emulate, he writes, cloyingly. The arts community has its pitter-patter down pat. The rhetorical cotton candy  sugary, jargon-clotted arts gush  asserts that the arts nurture civically valuable dispositions and a sense of community and connectedness. And, of course, diversity and self-esteem. 

[A Dystopian future for the arts in America]

The arts have a powerful economic effect on our society and employ vast numbers of people, but the arts community is hardly an assemblage of cynical, self-interested, deep-pocketed financial interests (for that, look to the presidents Cabinet). The pitter-patter of this rapacious arts juggernaut is indeed well practiced by now, but only because attacks on the arts are now a seasonal performance from a determined minority political faction. The arts do indeed foster a sense of community and connectedness . . . in places like Nebraska, Alaska, Missouri, Nevada, Georgia, Tennessee and Alabama. And the other 43 states of the Union. And not only do they nurture diversity, they also express and preserve the variegated richness of culture celebrated in that musty old Latin phrase E pluribus unum (its on the money, if you want to check).

But the most jejune moment of Wills extraordinary performance is this: What, however, is art? We subsidize soybean production, but at least we can say what soybeans are. For a few centuries now, it has been the nature of art to wonder what art is. Thats how the arts think, how they operate, how they define the parameters of aesthetic experience. And for the entire history of the species, art has been fundamentally different, less tangible, less utilitarian in its function, than soybeans. These things are obvious, if youve ever spent time with the arts community, which in fact exists and adds immeasurably to the stability, cohesion, intelligence, beauty and resilience of the nation.


Paul McCartneys album Flowers in the Dirt was originally released in 1989. ( Bill Bernstein/Copyright 1988 MPL Communications)

The 1980s had not been going well for Paul McCartney. A series of commercial flops left even the artist taking stock. It was time to prove something to myself, McCartney said back then. That he did. Flowers in the Dirt, released in 1989, marked a rebirth.

But the most intriguing element of Flowers was shelved for decades. In 1987, McCartney had invited Elvis Costello to work with him. Four of their songs ended up on Flowers, but a few others never came out. And both McCartney and Costello agree that their nine initial demo recordings remain the best part of their collaboration. On March 24, those demos are being released as part of an elaborate, box-set reissue of Flowers in the Dirt.

We spoke recently with McCartney and Costello, separately and by phone, about their intense writing spurts, the challenges of turning the demos into a polished album and about their obvious differences over a certain synth-pop group.



A half-inch analogue stereo mixtape from the Flowers In the Dirt recording sessions. (MPL Communications Ltd./Copyright 1987 MPL Communications Ltd. )

In 1986, McCartney released his sixth solo studio album, Press to Play, working with producer Hugh Padgham, known for his work with Phil Collins and the Human League.

McCartney: Sometimes you get caught up in trying to be the current flavor, trying to go along and flavor your cooking with the food of the month, and I think Press to Play was certainly that. . . . I remember the records I listened to. Lets Dance. Or Drive by the Cars. Records that were of the time and I probably just thought, Yeah, itd be quite nice to get into a bit of that.

McCartneys manager suggested he call Costello. Costello, then 33 , came to McCartneys Hog Hill Mill Studio in East Sussex, England. Costello grew up loving the Beatles. But he didnt bring his fan club card.

Costello: Ive seen people, quite eminent people, completely lose their mind in his company. I didnt want to turn up and be kind of bothersome in that way. I wanted to get something good done. Something that justified the invitation.

McCartney: I do get a bit of that in life generally, but Ive adapted, Ive developed a way of trying to put people at ease that kind of eliminates the vast majority of this syndrome. With Elvis, I didnt need to do it. Hes sensible enough to know that. Wed sit around and talk and have a cup of tea. By the time we got down to songwriting, we knew the deal.

We just sat on these couches. Each of us got an acoustic guitar. Sat across from each other. I said to him, The way Im used to working with a collaborator is really, mainly with John. And the way we used to do it is sit opposite like this. And the thing for me that was kind of nice . . . because I was left-handed and he was right-handed, as was the case with Elvis, too, it was as if I was looking in the mirror.

Costello: I was sort of a little startled when he made that reference. I think its more to just try to explain the immediacy of the way we worked rather than put me in the same bracket as Lennon. I dont see myself like that. In terms of the immediacy and just the musical role. . . . I cant sing above him so I would naturally harmonize below. Which is often the relationship of Lennon and McCartneys harmonization. That would draw some comparison. Hey, I sing through my nose some of the time. What can I do?

McCartney: The thing about working with John is that we started songwriting virtually together. We had written a little bit separate from each other. But we grew into songwriting together. . . . You know, the bottom line is Ive never had a better collaborator than John and I dont expect to. Because we were pretty hot.

Working with Costello created a sound that was decidedly Beatles-like, something McCartney had tried to avoid for years.

McCartney: By that point, it seemed okay to reference the Beatles, so with Elvis, we tried to keep away from it, but if we did fall into anything  like, I think My Brave Face has a sort of Beatle-y thing to it  we didnt try to avoid it.

Costello: I learned how to sing two-part harmonies from singing along with Beatles records. So of course, the minute I put my voice next to his, with the somewhat harder edges in my voice, it naturally created some sort of regional echo. I call it the Mersey cadence. I wasnt even born in Liverpool. My familys from Liverpool. But Ive got a lot of those sounds in my voice.



Elvis Costello and McCartney at the MPL Communications office in 1995. (Linda McCartney/Copyright 1995 Paul McCartney)

Costello and McCartney during a recording session for Flowers in the Dirt. (Linda McCartney/Copyright 1988 Paul McCartney)

When critics heard of the collaboration, they developed a story line  that Costello, the punk-rocking bad boy, represented the darker Lennon. He would push McCartney, the softy who sang Silly Love Songs. Costello dismisses that.

Costello: Oh, Pauls the ballad guy, the same guy who sang Im Down, Shes a Woman and Helter Skelter. You can find a contrary thing when people talk about Lennon/McCartney and those simplifications. Yeah, you can go Instant Karma and Revolution and these things and Help. But you can also go Julia and Beautiful Boy.

McCartney: The funny thing is, I think a lot of people assume that John and I pushed each other in those ways. . . . That never occurred. We had a very easy manner where both of us knew that the other was only in it to help and we were pooling our resources. So many times I would help John out with a problem in his song, but conversely, hed do exactly the same with me. We knew that we would do that, and it was perfectly allowed. Its not a question of pushing. Its a question of just being. Im writing, Its getting better all the time and John comes in with, Couldnt get no worse. Instead of going, Oh, youre spoiling my lovely song. I go, Genius, great. I would do the same thing for him. . . . John famously brought in Come Together sounding very much like a Chuck Berry song called You Cant Catch Me. I said, Thats Chuck Berry. He went, Yeah. I said, No, no, no. And we swapped it out and slowed it down and made a genius record. Im allowed to say that now.

From left, McCartneys Hofner, Rickenbacker and Wal 5 bass guitars at Londons Olympic Studios in 1989. (Linda McCartney/Copyright 1989 Paul McCartney)

Costello did politely urge McCartney away from the instrument he was using, a modern bass with five strings. (A perversion of nature, says Costello.) He asked McCartney to pull out his old Hofner. The bass still had a Beatles set list taped to it.

Costello: I wasnt being funny or being in any way sentimental. I honestly thought [the new bass] disguised his musical personality when he was playing. He actually played his Rickenbacker on a lot of the tracks. He played the Hofner on Veronica, that he played on my session [for Costellos album Spike]. Because he knew I liked the sound of it. But he flew around on that Rickenbacker, and it was suddenly like, My God, this is one of the great instrumentalists of the rock-and-roll era. His voice comes through. Its as if you gave Louis Armstrong a plastic horn to play.

There was no great strategy as they wrote. It was organic. Costello points to Tommys Coming Home, a beautiful, poetic song about a war widow torn between mourning and temptation. (The demo is being released for the first time on the Flowers box set.)

Costello: Paul made the first musical statement. But if you listen to that song, who do you think wrote that? Probably me, less known as a melodist than him. But I think I was the one who suggested [hums the chorus]. Often we exchanged the role as we were doing it because it wasnt considered. All these theories, they dont exist because of who I am. They exist because of who he is and all these associations that people want to read into. None of that was any part of writing any of these songs. It was almost fun really. It was really seeing what we could get. . . . The image of the hawk hovering over the little animals in that song. I said, How do we get that in the story? And I had the idea of a war widow on a train, and somehow both of those images ended up in that song. Thats proper collaborating. Its not theoretical. Its actual practical work.

In 1988, Costello and McCartney returned to the studio. The idea is that Costello would co-produce the new record. As they worked, they realized they had different ideas. One day, they were talking about That Day is Done, a gospel-inspired ballad. Costello wanted to use New Orleans brass. McCartney referenced the Human League. Costello left the studio to calm himself down.

McCartney: This is one of the rules of my game. I will say stuff, any idea that comes into my head. And if you dont like it, you just tell me and Ill probably agree. But my method is to throw out a lot of stuff and whittle it down. [Pause.] Actually, he was really not a fan of the Human League. I like Dont You Want Me. [Hums the chorus.] I think thats, like, a classic pop record. . . . I can now see now that me even mentioning the words Human League would send him off in the wrong direction.

The final studio recording of That Day is Done, on Flowers, was actually true to Costellos original idea.

Costello: I think I was just overly sensitive, to be honest, because I did feel so attached to the lyrics.



Costello and McCartney at Hog Hill Mill in 1988. (Linda McCartney/Copyright 1998 Paul McCartney)

So why did Costello and McCartney eventually part ways?

McCartney: Thinking back to the time, I didnt just want to just make an Elvis Costello album. There were other things I was interested in. I also wanted to work with this fabulous arranger, Clare Fischer, which may not have happened if I had been working with Elvis. I think I wanted to work with Trevor Horn and Steve Lipson, and things like Rough Ride and Figure of Eight wouldnt have been there. I wanted some variety, and that led to the decision of writing some stuff with Elvis. And things like Put It There, I think those were pretty successful.

Of the demos, though, he and Costello agree. They are, indeed, the best versions of their songs. That doesnt mean McCartney has any regrets.

McCartney: Man, are you kidding? Its being reissued like a gazillion years afterward, and people are loving it. And the great thing is that we can now release these hidden treasures. Its actually worked out really well.


Hannah Yelland as Valerie Plame and Lawrence Redmond as Joseph Wilson in Jacqueline Lawtons "Intelligence" at Arena Stage. (C. Stanley Photography)

The weekly feature of whats happening on Washington stages.

The musical Ragtime hasnt lost its relevance yet, and the inside-the-Beltway Intelligence revisits the Plame affair. Lots to see in the ETC. category as international works appear briefly at the Kennedy Center.

Already looking ahead? Keep up with the latest, most comprehensive guide to D.C. theaters 2017-18 season here.

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PREVIEWING

Back to Methuselah. From the Shavian specialists at the Washington Stage Guild, the final third of George Bernard Shaws epic-length futuristic saga, following Part 1 in 2014 and Part 2 in 2015. March 23-April 16 at the Mount Vernon Place United Methodist Church, 900 Massachusetts Ave. NW. Tickets $25-$60. Call 202-347-9620 or visit stageguild.org

[Years in the doing: Wrangling Shaws Methuselah]

Dry Land. A drama about two teen girls --one of them pregnant  by young writer Ruby Rae Spiegel. Part of Forum Theatres Nasty Women Rep with What Every Girl Should Know. March 17-April 15 at the Silver Spring Black Box Theater, 8641 Colesville Rd. Tickets $18-$38. Call (301) 588-8279 or visit forum-theatre.org.

Midwestern Gothic. A brand-new musical thriller set in a small town, with music by Josh Schmidt (composer of The Adding Machine) and book by the busy librettist Royce Vavrek. Through April 30 at Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington. Tickets $40-$100. Call 703-820-9771 or visit sigtheatre.org.

[Geoffrey Himes talks with the Midwestern Gothic songwriters]

Mnemonic. Theater Alliance creates its own staging of the 1999 devised piece by Londons Complicite. Through April 9 at the Anacostia Playhouse, 2020 Shannon Pl. SE. Tickets $30-$40. Call 202-290-2328 or visit theateralliance.com.

The Night Alive. Irish playwright Conor McPhersons popular drama of a down-and-outer who takes in a battered woman gets its third D.C. area staging in two seasons, this time from Scena Theatre. March 20-April 9 at the Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St. NE. Tickets $20-$40. Call 202-399-7993 or visit scenatheatre.org.

No Sisters. Aaron Posner (Stupid F-ing Bird, Life Sucks) continues his string of free-spirited Chekhov adaptations; this project shares a cast and runs in rep  and in synch  with Three Sisters. Through April 23 at Studio Theatre, 1501 14th St. NW. Tickets $20-$80. Call 202-332-3300 or visit studiotheatre.org.

Suffrage Plays. Short Edwardian plays connected to the suffrage movement. March 16-April 9 at Venus Theater, 21 C St., Laurel. Tickets $20-$40. Call 866-811-4111 or visit venustheatre.org

Three Sisters. Anton Chekhovs play directed by Jackson Gay and, starting March 16, sharing a cast and running in tandem with Aaron Posners new No Sisters. Through April 23 at Studio Theatre, 1501 14th St. NW. Tickets $20-$80. Call 202-332-3300 or visit studiotheatre.org.

Well. From Lisa Kron (Fun Home, due next month at the National Theatre), an autobiographical play dealing with her mother. Michael Bloom directs. March 23-April 23 at 1st Stage, 1524 Spring Hill Rd., McLean. Tickets $15-$30. Call 703-854-1856 or visit 1ststagetysons.org.

What Every Girl Should Know. Monica Byrnes drama of rebellious girls in a 1914 Catholic reformatory, idolizing Margaret Sanger. Part of Forum Theatres Nasty Women Rep with Dry Land. Through April 15 at the Silver Spring Black Box Theater, 8641 Colesville Rd. Tickets $18-$38. Call (301) 588-8279 or visit forum-theatre.org

CONTINUING



Ragtime at Fords Theatre, with Kevin McAllister at the piano as Coalhouse Walker, Jr. (Carol Rosegg)

Coolatully. Fiona Doyles drama of hard times in a small Irish town post-Celtic Tiger. Solas Nua, D.C.s Irish arts organization, puts a melancholy air on this U.S. premiere, directed by Solas Nua head Rex Daugherty in Flashpoints 50-seat Mead Theatre Lab. Doyles plot isnt fresh, but her details keep you interested as these withering working-class characters fret about how jobs have dried up and how its key to get a visa for the opportunities in Australia, Canada or New Zealand. (Nelson Pressley) Through March 26 at Flashpoint, 916 G St. NW. Tickets $38. Call 202-315-1317 or visit solasnua.org.

[Coolatully reviewed by Nelson Pressley]

Fickle: A Fancy French Farce. Director Eleanor Holdridge appears to lightly nudge it from the top of a hill and watch it race down perfectly laid tracks for 80 minutes. Fickle is a new adaptation by Meg Miroshnik of The Double Inconstancy, a 1723 comedy by Pierre Carlet de Chamblain de Marivaux, and the show (in the Olney Theatre Centers cozy lab space) has the lovely, updated classical feel that has marked such recent Shakespeare Theatre Companys romps as The Metromaniacs. The set and costumes say 18th century, while the jokes so freely hop through time that youll hear the word hashtag in a punchline. (Nelson Pressley) Through March 26 at the Olney Theatre Center, 2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Rd., Olney. Tickets $38-$90. Call 301-924-3400 or visit olneytheatre.org .

[Nelson Pressley on Fickle]

"The Gospel at Colonus, at WSC Avant Bard. (DJ Corey Photography)

The Gospel at Colonus. The Oedipus tragedy told gospel style.  The Gospel at Colonus was a 1980s phenomenon engineered by Mabou Mines ringleader Lee Breuer, who brought his prestige hit from New York to Arena Stage in 1984 with a cast (hold your breath) of 57 that included Morgan Freeman. Director Jennifer Nelsons production is big for its stage, too: The cast of 10 is augmented by seven singers of minister Becky Mays Jenkinss Womens Ecumenical Choir. The grace of the show, though, is that it never feels swollen or pushy. Its as dignified as church, even when it raises the roof. (Nelson Pressley) Through March 26 at the Gunston Arts Center Theater II, 2700 S. Lang St., Arlington. Tickets $30-$35. Call 703-998-4555 or visit wscavantbard.org.

[Nelson Pressley reviews The Gospel at Colonus]

[Gospel at Arena Stage in 1984]

Intelligence. Arena Stage takes on the Valerie Plame affair in this premiere by Jacqueline E. Lawton. That Intelligence seeks with the dignified stoicism of Greek drama to recount some key American policy failures  and also the betrayal of Plame by her employers  is a mark in its favor. Still, the 90-minute piece never develops any galvanizing momentum or a thesis that helps us understand what about the Plame affair requires this particular treatment. As a result, Intelligence proves of little more use in learning about the case than consulting Wikipedia. (Peter Marks) Through April 9 at Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth St. SW. Tickets $90-$110. Call 202-488-3300 or visit arenastage.org.

[Peter Marks reviews Intelligence]

Marx in Soho. The small female-centric troupe Nu Sass Productions presents historian Howard Zinns solo play. Marx is played by Mary Myers, who thoroughly convinces you that she knows each historical twist and theoretical turn in this monologue. It undervalues Myers to say she commands the living-room-size Caos on F, with seating for 30. Yet command it she does, roving the space as her Marx recalls writing Das Kapital while observing the rising rift between workers and industrialists in Londons Soho district. Myers looks you in the eye and expects answers whenever she asks questions. Her lively give-and-take brings wit and personality to what could be a highly wonky talk. (Nelson Pressley) Through April 2 at Caos on F, 923 F St. NW. Tickets $30. Call 315-783-6650 or visit nusass.com.

[Nelson Pressley reviews Marx in Soho]

Mary Myers as Karl Marx in Howard Zinns "Marx in Soho," from Nu Sass Productions. (Tori Boutin )

Mrs. Miller Does Her Thing. The seriocomedy, in its world premiere on Signatures main stage, posits Mrs. Miller  a real-life show business novelty whose egregious LPs climbed the charts in the mid-to-late 1960s  as a touchstone of a national cultural shift. . . . Plucked by irreverent (and perennially stoned) record producers from the obscurity of white bread suburbia, she recorded tone-deaf covers of Top 40 hits by the Beatles, Johnny Mercer and Petula Clark. It made her a star, though one who burned out rapidly. Her seeming obliviousness to her own lack of talent is what did the trick: She whistled into the winds of change, blissfully unconcerned that they would soon blow her away. The achievement in [writer-director James] Lapines efficiently staged production revolves chiefly around the performance of the primly coifed and outfitted Monk, who nails the impersonation in a way thats both funny and sad. (Peter Marks) Through March 26 at Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington. Tickets $40-$100. Call 703-820-9771 or visit sigtheatre.org .

[Peter Marks talks with James Lapine and Debra Monk]

[Mrs. Miller Does Her Thing reviewed by Peter Marks]

Parade. Fascinating to see this Jason Robert Brown-Alfred Uhry musical  fleeting on Broadway in 1998-99, and staged by Fords Theatre in 2011  open at the same time as Fords lavish Ragtime. The heavy thematic lift of Parade, about the 1913 anti-Semitic lynching of Leo Frank in Georgia, is less durable than the comparably serious, comparably epic Ragtime (so many righteous anthems!): the crime is outrageous, but the red-faced mob is brutish and the racist railroading is rote. The songs labor to rouse indignation, but the effort doesnt pay  and Keegans earnest low-budget staging, featuring little more than broad swatches of bland light, lacks style. Nice to hear a nearly 10 peiece orchestra playing the robust score, though, and the two leads  Michael Innocenti as a flinty Frank and Eleanor J. Todd as his wife  are terrific. (Nelson Pressley) April 15 at Keegan Theater, 1742 Church Street NW. Tickets $45-$55. Call 202-265-3767 or visit keegantheatre.com

Ragtime. Make them hear you, goes the climactic chorus in the musical Ragtime, and the new production at Fords Theatre stirringly delivers on the kaleidoscopic shows cries for justice. The setting is 1906, but the issues ring true throughout the 1998 musicals crusading score . . . As its cast of two dozen swarms up and down a three-story set layered with class implications, Peter Flynns production utilizes the full volume of the large Fords stage. Fords keeps displaying a knack for putting local actors into the right big roles, and as a composed, powerful Coalhouse, McAllister emerges as the soul of the show. (Nelson Pressley) Through May 20 at Fords Theatre, 511 10th St. NW. Tickets $18-$71. Call 202-347-4833 or visit fords.org.

[Nelson Pressley reviews Ragtime]

The Select (The Sun Also Rises). Hemingway lovers will find much to savor in this inventive account of The Sun Also Rises, which uses the authors words exclusively, edited down to 3 hours 15 minutes of exposition. The early sequences of the production, brought to Shakespeare Theatre Companys Lansburgh Theatre by New York-based Elevator Repair Service, are a bit slow going: As with many a novel, you have to be willing to stick with it. On Monday night, a sizable chunk of the audience lost patience and left at intermission. Which is a shame, because those who stayed were immersed ever more compellingly in the troupes stagecraft, an enjoyable grab bag of sound effects and other imaginative narrative devices, orchestrated by director John Collins. (Peter Marks) Through April 2 at the Lansburgh Theatre, 450 Seventh St. NW. Tickets $44-$118. Call 202-547-1122 or visit shakespearetheatre.org .

[Peter Marks on The Select]

[Elevator Repair Services John Collins interviewed in 2014]

[Washington Ballets 2013 The Sun Also Rises]

CLOSING



King Charles III: Christopher McLinden as Prince William and Robert Joy as King Charles. (Kevin Berne)

King Charles III. Mike Bartletts play in Shakespearean language imagining the next transition in the British monarchy. The confrontation between Parliament and Buckingham Palace plays out as an entertaining study of the challenge of maintaining a constitutional monarchy in the modern world. A figure like Charles, whom we all imagine to have been champing at the bit all these years as he waited for mum to depart the scene, seems the right sort of personality to upend a governments expectations for royal docility. When Charles takes his principled stand and makes an enemy of the prime minister, the playwright has the opportunity to explore the question of what relevance there is today for a ruler who is not a ruler, who must make his mark not by command, but by intellectual stealth and the fine print in official texts. (Peter Marks) Through March 18 at Shakespeare Theatre Companys Sidney Harman Hall, 610 F St. NW. Call 202-547-1122 or visit shakespearetheatre.org.

[Peter Marks reviews King Charles III]

[Actor Robert Joy on playing King Charles III]

The Taming of the Shrew. Synetic Theater traditionally handles Shakespeare with movement and no words, and the language of Shrew is a parade of pique and fashion as adaptor-director Paata Tsikurishvili sets the story in a tabloid-mad Hollywood (or Paduawood, as Tinseltown is styled in this version). . . . Moving to the electro-pop pings and blips of Konstantine Lortkipanidzes score, Tsikurishvilis Katherina terrorizes the paparazzi and tries to discipline her flirty younger sister, Bianca (the ready-to-dance Nutsa Tediashvili, excellent with the giddy shimmies). Katherinas fits arent especially nuanced, but Tsikurishvilis command makes it hard to look away. (Nelson Pressley) Through March 19 at Synetic Theater, 1800 S. Bell St., Crystal City. Tickets $35-$60. Call 866-811-4111 or visit synetictheater.org.

[Taming of the Shrew reviewed by Nelson Pressley]

[Synetics Shrew reviewed in 2012 by Peter Marks]

TYA (Theater for Young Audiences

Ella Enchanted. A world premiere adaptation of the Gail Carson Levine book (also known as a rather popular movie), written by Karen Zacarias, music by Deborah Wicks LaPuma, directed by Mary Hall Surface. Through March 19 at Adventure Theatre MTC, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo. Tickets $19.50. Call 301-634-2270 or visit adventuretheatre-mtc.org.

[Q&A with the Ella Enchanted creative team]

[Jane Horwitz on whats coming up at Adventure, Imagination and more]

The Freshest Snow Whyte. A new hip-hop version of the fairy tale for kids 5 and older from local writer-director Psalmeyene 24, with music by Nick tha 1 da Hernandez. Through March 18 at Imagination Stage, 4908 Auburn Ave., Bethesda. Tickets $10-$35. Call 301-280-1660 or visit imaginationstage.org.

Grug and the Rainbow. An adaptation with puppets of Ted Priors picture book, from Australias Windmill Theatre. March 18-19 in the Kennedy Centers Family Theater. Tickst $20. Call 202-467-4600 or visit kennedy-center.org.

[Jane Horwitz on theater for the very young]

ETC.

Antigonon, un contingente epico. Sophocless Antigone meets Cuban politics in this work from Havanas Teatro el Publico. Part of the Kennedy Centers Spotlight on Directors series of international performances in March and April. Performed in Spanish, with projected English surtitles. March 21-22 in the Eisenhower Theater. Tickets $29-$69. Call 202-467-4600 or visit kennedy-center.org .

The Capitol Steps. The longtime political satirists, tearing laughs from the headlines. Fridays and Saturdays in the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center Amphitheater, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. Tickets $40.50. Call 202-397-7328 or visit www.capsteps.com.

Kyogen Plays. Japans Shigeyama Kyogen Troupe performs the traditional Japanese comic style. Free. March 21 at the Library of Congress, Coolidge Auditorium. Visit loc.gov

Needles and Opium. Canadas Robert Lepage and his company, Ex Machina, perform the 1991 work about love and addiction involving such artists as Miles Davis and Jean Cocteau. Part of the Kennedy Centers five Spotlight on Directors series of international performances in March and April. March 16-18 in the Eisenhower Theater. Tickets $29-$69. Call 202-467-4600 or visit kennedy-center.org.

Nufonia Must Fall. A futuristic robot tale concocted by scratch DJ/music producer Kid Koala, based on a 2003 graphic novel, performed with puppets, live music and video. Presented by Washington Performing Arts Society March 18 at Lisner Auditorium, 730 21st Street NW. Tickets $25-$45. Call 202-785-9727 or visit washingtonperformingarts.org.

Shear Madness. The indestructible interactive comedy whodunit, at 12,000-plus performances. Ongoing in the Kennedy Centers Theater Lab. Tickets $50-$54. Call 202-467-4600 or visit kennedy-center.org.

Where Can I Find Someone Like You, Ali? The Kennedy Centers brief three-show series of Palestinian works, presented in partnership with the Sundance Institute, continues with a personal solo show written and performed by Raeda Taha  at one point a secretary to Yasir Arafat. In Arabic, with projected English surtitles. March 23-24 in the Terrace Gallery. Tickets $15. Call 202-467-4600 or visit kennedy-center.org.

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2 held with 7 kg gold from Rasuwa

Police arrested two persons in possession of seven kg gold from Rasuwa district on Thursday.
People walk along the Mall during warm weather on February 23. A new study links the months warm weather to man-made climate change. (Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images)

March has provided an unexpected dose of winter, but a freakishly balmy February broke more than 11,700 local daily records for warmth in the United States.

The average temperature last month was 41.2 degrees  7.3 degrees warmer than normal but three-tenths a degree behind the record, the federal National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reported last week.

Oklahoma hit 99 degrees, Chicago, Illinois, had no snow and it was unseasonably toasty for most of the country east of the Rocky Mountains. A cool Pacific Northwest kept the national record from falling, said NOAA climate scientist Jake Crouch.

An international science team calculated that man-made global warming tripled the likelihood for the nations unusually warm month. The team, known as World Weather Attribution, uses accepted scientific techniques to figure if climate change plays a role in extreme events based on computer simulations of real-world conditions and of a world without heat-trapping gases.

I dont recall ever seeing a February like this, said Princeton University climate scientist Gabriel Vecchi, who was part of the World Weather Attribution team that performed the study. We expect this to happen with more and more frequency over time.

Magnolia trees bloomed early in Washington this year. Flowering trees, including the citys beloved cherry blossoms, are at risk of dying during the March frost. (Cliff Owen/AP)

Several outside scientists praised the study, including Pennsylvania State University meteorology professor David Titley, who was on a National Academy of Sciences panel that certified the accuracy of climate change attribution science.

This is the new climate normal that we all need to come to grips with, Titley said. And its stunning how quickly our climate has changed.

Natural random weather variations and climate change combined to make it a weird February, meteorologists said.

Overall, NOAA said it was the sixth warmest U.S. winter on record, about 3.7 degrees warmer than the 20th century average.

Oklahoma University meteorology professor Jason Furtado said he worries that the lack of deep Arctic cold plunges in February means the Gulf of Mexico never cooled down. And when severe weather season in the spring starts, the moisture coming north from warmer Gulf waters will increase the probability of nasty spring storms and tornadoes. Massachusetts already had an unprecedented February tornado.

A March frost could kill early blooming trees and flowers and the lack of a proper winter could lead to more mosquitoes and ticks this year, Vecchi said.

What is lurking behind the corner while were outside throwing a Frisbee might be looking to make our lives less pleasant, he said.
(Nathaniel Koch for The Washington Post/The Irish Walk in Alexandria has been in business for 45 years. Just about everything to do with Ireland is on its shelves. )

This is a busy season for The Irish Walk, the Washington areas singular Irish specialty goods store.

Theres a lot of green in here right now, says owner Patricia (Patty) Theobald. The Irish Walk has been in business for 45 years; Theobald, a former payroll manager in the District, has owned it for nine.

This might be the month for St. Patricks Day, but the shop, at 415 King St. in Alexandria, celebrates all things Irish all the time. Among the most popular of its 13,000-plus items are Claddagh rings and other jewelry, hand-knit sweaters (which start at $250) and candy. There are also Irish dance shoes, tea, soda-bread mixes, Inis colognes and lotions, and Guinness shirts, caps and housewares. The Irish Walk also carries a few Scottish items.

First Communion season, in the spring, drives up sales, too, Theobald says. So does wedding season. Ireland sporting events, televised at two nearby Irish bars  Murphys and Daniel OConnells  help sell jerseys and other items.

The Mullingar pewter comes from the County Westmeath town of the same name. The Belleek china comes from Northern Ireland.

What we dont get directly from Ireland, Theobald says, we get from Irish companies.

Her sources include the Showcase trade fair in Dublin and another in Secaucus, N.J. The Irish Walk takes part in Alexandrias Ballyshaners Irish Festival, usually held in August, and the Celtic festival held in September in Shirlington.

We try to support Ireland in any way we can, says Theobald, who became her own boss after previous owner Bernadette Troy offered her the opportunity to do something fresh and new.

Theobald was looking for a change, she says. Shed had some retail management experience during her college years. She decided that buying the store was a shot worth taking.

Newlyweds Aaron and Melissa Reed were on a first visit recently. They bought chocolates, Aaron said, and looked at jewelry. He has a Scottish background. Melissas heritage is Welsh.

Its a unique store, Aaron added. It has personality. ... The personality is what makes Alexandria.
Reader: I work for a large employer. We do not get sick or annual leave. Instead, we get this odious thing called PTO  paid time off. That means if I take leave for being sick, I lose a day of vacation. As a result, I come to work whenever I am sick, unless I am bedridden, because I dont want to lose any vacation.

My state governor and legislature have talked about making five days of sick leave mandatory for all employers in our state. If this becomes law, does this mean that my employer will be forced to give us actual sick leave instead of PTO? Or will the employer be able to argue that PTO serves the same purpose as sick leave, and therefore it will be exempt from the new law?

Karla: Or your employer could comply with the law by converting five of your all-purpose PTO days to sick leave only. Not sure thats a win for you.

The problem with consolidated PTO programs, as you note, is that workers want to preserve as many hours as possible for happy fun leisure time. (I get it; Id rather save my dollars for a beach getaway than for car repairs.) So they drag their contagious carcasses to work, infecting colleagues, delaying their own recovery and giving less than a days work for a days pay.

But whats worse is that an estimated 40 percent of U.S. workers without access to any kind of paid sick leave are forced to calculate whether their fever or their childs upset tummy is severe enough to warrant losing part of their paycheck  or even their job.

Thats why an increasing number of state and local governments are passing laws requiring paid sick leave for private-sector workers, similar to that granted to federal government workers and contractors.

The laws vary across jurisdictions, but the general intent is to allow and encourage workers to take time to recover from personal illness, care for family members, attend doctors appointments  even seek protection from domestic violence, harassment or stalking  without fear of penalty.

Of course, even the best-intentioned policies have pits. Complying with these mandatory sick leave laws and keeping track of balances can be tricky for employers that have workers in multiple jurisdictions with different rules.

And, as noted above, depending on how each law is written and how generous the employer can afford to be, it could mean workers who are hoping for bonus benefits will instead be subject to new restrictions on their existing leave. But if that means they can pay their bills without subjecting cube neighbors to endless phlegmy hacking, that would seem to be a net win.

Thanks to employment attorney Carla Murphy of Duane Morris.

Ask Karla Miller about your work dramas and traumas by emailing wpmagazine@washpost.com. Read more @Work Advicecolumns.

For stories, features such as Date Lab, Gene Weingarten and more, visit The Washington Post Magazine.

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Email us at wpmagazine@washpost.com.


Gary Russo smokes a cigar in front of Taberno Cigars, a shop on Seventh Avenue, the main drag in the Ybor City neighborhood of Tampa. ( Andrew Innerarity )

A sultry morning in Ybor City feels like a good time for a cigar. Thats what I told myself around 10:45 on my third day in this old quarter of Tampa, as I sweated out the previous night in front of the King Corona Cigar Bar and Cafe, sipping a milky iced Cuban coffee and puffing on a particularly robust, particularly expensive Nicaraguan stogie.

Okay, who am I kidding? Every minute of every day in Ybor City is a good time for a cigar. In fact, by my count Id smoked at least 15 cigars during the previous 48 hours. And to be clear, I am no cigar aficionado: These days, in my normal life, I smoke maybe two cigars per year. Like many of us in this enlightened age, Ive internalized the surgeon generals warning on smoking as intensely as the Pledge of Allegiance or the Lords Prayer. Yet in Ybor City, it seems as if  whether perversely or refreshingly  one enters a parallel universe where smoking cigars is still a totally natural part of life.

At King Corona, I had perused the rows of hundreds of tightly stacked cigars in dozens of garishly labeled boxes inside the humidor before I settled on a box-pressed Padron 1964 Anniversary Series.

Thats one of the few cigars that I like the secondhand smell of, the guy behind the counter said. I could have smoked it right inside the cafe, blowing my smoke in his general direction, but I chose to take my coffee and cigar at a table outside in the too-bright Florida sunshine. I joined a group of men  old and young, black and white, Tommy Bahama shirts, suits and tank tops  smoking away.

I exhaled a pungent cloud of smoke and gazed down Seventh Avenue, Ybor Citys calle principal, at the old Centro Espanol, at the wrought-iron balconies reminiscent of Spanish-inflected New Orleans, at signs that read Tabacos Hechos A Mano, at storefront windows where, all day long, you can watch Cuban men and women rolling fermented tobacco leaves and dried filler into cigars. On my first visit to King Corona a couple of days earlier, I was a novice. The clerk asked me, Do you want a straight cut, V-cut or punch cut? When I stared at him dumbly, he said, Straight cut, and snipped the top off with a guillotine-style cutter. When I grabbed a box of wooden matches and tried unsuccessfully to light my cigar, he said, I think youre going to need this, and fired up a butane lighter the size of a blowtorch with a blue flame that smoldered the tip in seconds. By day three, I had bought my own proper blowtorch lighter and guillotine cutter, and had acquired just enough knowledge  Can you give me a V-cut on this box-pressed Nicaraguan with the sun-grown Maduro wrapper, please  to be really annoying.

Now a draw of my cigar was like a strange version of Prousts madeleine and brought me back to the mid-1990s, to the memories of the once-trendy-but-now-vaguely-embarrassing cigar-bar craze. I thought about summer evenings on patios smoking cigars with my brother Tyler, once the greatest of cigar aficionados, who gave away the contents of his humidor several years ago after having developed health issues.

But I was beginning to see Ybor City as a sort of spiritual home, like a Bordeaux of cigars. Here, cigar people are as serious as wine or cocktail connoisseurs, and my head was swimming with new knowledge and terms. Did I want a cigar with a shade-grown or sun-grown wrapper? Box-pressed (i.e., square) or round? A wrapper grown in Connecticut or Ecuador? What size of ring gauge did I want: a thinner lancero or a thicker Churchill or Presidente? I learned that Nicaraguas volcanic soil created a more complex, peppery tobacco, while in Honduras, planted near sugar cane, tobacco had more sweetness. Call it the wine-ification of cigars.

Yet even with all cigar connoisseurship happening up and down Seventh Avenue, it was hard to ignore that Ybor City  a National Historic Landmark District  had seen better days. In the early 20th century, Tampa had been the undisputed cigar capital of the world, outproducing even Havana. In its heyday, the city had more than 150 factories, employing about 10,000 workers and rolling more than 500 million cigars each year. Now, beyond the small storefront producers still rolling premium handmade cigars, only one large cigar factory remains.

To me, Ybor City exudes an attractive seediness, of the kind that someone like Graham Greene reveled in and once described: There seemed to be a seediness about the place you couldnt get to the same extent elsewhere, and seediness has a very deep appeal. ... It seems to satisfy, temporarily, the sense of nostalgia for something lost; it seems to represent a stage further back.

I took a final puff of my Nicaraguan cigar and left a third of it smoldering in the giant ashtray on my table  a deliberate act of self-preservation. As I wandered away from the smoky tables and into fresh air, I could still smell the cedary aromas as I passed each cigar shop on Seventh Avenue. And I wondered how to be properly nostalgic about cigars, as well as this strange corner of America.



Eugenio Gonzalez takes rehumidified, previously dry tobacco leaves from this machine in the steam room at the J.C. Newman cigar factory. ( Andrew Innerarity )

Tampa just wouldnt be Tampa without the cigar industry, Patrick Manteiga told me. But this history is ignored because it doesnt fit with a certain narrative. You have to understand that in the early 20th century, Tampa was just as exotic as Havana.

We sat at the Manteiga familys private table, on ornately carved wooden chairs, in a corner of La Tropicana Cafe, which for decades has been a gathering place on Seventh Avenue for Ybor Citys immigrant community. Over a lunch of Spanish bean soup, Cuban sandwiches and deviled crab (a dish created by striking cigar factory workers in the 1920s), we chatted a bit about Tampa foodways and its ultimate fusion dish, crab chilau  blue-crab meat in a spicy enchilada sauce, often served over spaghetti  which perfectly represents Ybor Citys cultural mix. But mostly we talked history.

Manteiga is the editor and publisher of La Gaceta, the trilingual 18,000-circulation weekly newspaper covering Ybor City that his grandfather founded 95 years ago. Earlier hed been at the nearby Circulo Cubano, a grand 1917 building that was home to the Cuban immigrants social clubs and mutual-aid society much like the Centro Espanol, the Centro Asturiano and LUnione Italiana, all still standing in downtown Ybor City. This was the Deep South, Manteiga said. It was hostile territory with an angry white population. But the Latin community had money, and so they could create these mutual-aid societies.

The Latin communitys money, of course, came from cigars. Vicente Martinez Ybor was a Spaniard whod made his fortune in Cuba but was forced to leave by Spanish colonial powers because he sympathized with Cuban independence. Ybors partner came to Tampa looking for a source of guavas, since guava jelly had become very popular in the United States during the 1880s . Instead, they saw the potential to transform Tampa into the worlds cigar capital. Ybor created modern Tampa out of a marshy backwater, and the population grew from about 700 in 1880 to more than 37,000 residents in 1910. The best cigar rollers left Cuba for Tampa by the thousands. Ybor brought an expanded port, paved roads, hundreds of new homes and businesses, streetcars, insurance companies and health clinics. Miami was not even spit in the eye when Tampa was doing business with Havana, Manteiga said.

The Manteiga family history is intertwined with the heyday of the cigar business. His grandfather Victoriano was a lector in a cigar factory, a revered position in the community. Lectors were hired by a cigar factorys workers, out of their own pockets, to read news, history and serialized novels to them while they rolled cigars all day long. The Pulitzer Prize-winning play Anna in the Tropics depicts an Ybor City lector who reads Tolstoys Anna Karenina to the workers, the kind of reading material Manteiga said was typical.

A lector was like the village priest without the religious aspect, he said. Victoriano Manteiga was also deeply committed to Cuban independence and was no stranger to Jose Marti, the poet and revolutionary who visited Tampa more than 20 times to raise money for the Cuban rebels. The message to start the revolution, according to legend, was smuggled into Cuba hidden in a cigar rolled in Tampa. My grandfather had a pretty good-sized FBI file, Manteiga said.

Manteigas father, Roland, took over publishing the newspaper in the mid-20th century. A flashy character who wore white suits, lots of gold and a trim mustache, he held court in the very corner of La Tropicana where we ate lunch  except that Roland kept a private phone at the table so he never missed a news tip, gossip or rumor. A framed, yellowing newspaper on the wall behind the table bears the headline, Get the feeling Roland Manteiga hears everything? Manteiga assumed the role of publisher in 1998 and has taken after his grandfather, crusading to end the U.S. embargo against Cuba.

Eric Newman, president of J.C. Newman, one of the last remaining active cigar factories in Tampa. (Andrew Innerarity/For The Washington Post)

Near the end of our lunch, I asked Manteiga if he spoke Italian, the newspapers third language. He laughed. I dont even speak Spanish!

Two blocks up from La Tropicana, in front of Centennial Park, where a pack of wild roosters roams, I met 63-year-old Wally Reyes  a historian with a PhD from the University of Florida and a master cigar roller  at the Ybor City State Museum . Reyes also held a Guinness World Record for rolling the worlds longest cigar, until 2011, when someone in Cuba broke the record.

Reyes guided me on a fascinating historical walking tour of Ybor City. On our tour, we visited a typical cottage from the turn of the 20th century, where a cigar worker might have lived. These were good jobs, Reyes told me: A good cigar maker might have earned $20 per day, which back then was more than a teacher or doctor.

Reyes talked about the dark days of the 1960s and 1970s, when the cigar industry largely collapsed. Some of the abandoned factories have been repurposed, but many still sit derelict. One landmark, V. Guerrieri, burned down in 2015. A revival of Ybor City began in the mid-1990s, coinciding with the cigar fad of that era. But mostly the district has become known as a nightlife area. Only about 3,200 people live in Ybor City now, compared to more than 20,000 in its heyday.

In a quiet area a block off Seventh Avenue, near a former Spaghetti Warehouse, sits Jose Marti Park. Before we walked through the gate, Reyes stopped me. If you stand here, youre in the U.S., but if you walk into this park, youre in Cuba, he said. Thats because this 0.14-acre park with a bright white statue of Marti and Cuban flags has actually been owned by the Cuban government since 1956, before Fidel Castro came to power. It has been the scene of clashes between pro- and anti-Castro groups over the years.

We wandered past Vicente Martinez Ybors original cigar factory, where Marti delivered a speech in 1893, and which since 2010 has been owned by the Church of Scientology. Reyes told me that since he had consulted on the multimillion-dollar historical restoration, he was allowed inside. We walked past the security guards with crisp white shirts and earpieces, past the framed photos of L. Ron Hubbard and copies of Dianetics, and toward the glassed-in testing room  the infamous area, with timer clocks on desks, where recruits to Scientology are put through a 200-question personality test, the Oxford Capacity Analysis.

This is where the cigar gods reside, Reyes said, seeming to ignore the creepiness. Thats because the Scientology testing area is literally where Senor Ybors desk used to be. On one wall, amid quotes from Hubbard, is a plaque announcing that, according to legend, the first Cuban sandwich was created in this building. People in Miami might, of course, take huge issue with this, but Reyes insists its true. He said he has documentation, a diary, that confirms Ybors company executives invented the Cuban sandwich because they believed the cigar rollers were eating too much at lunch and they wanted to curtail the afternoon siesta.

Back at the museum, Reyes showed me the working reproduction of a traditional cigar rollers station. This was station 149, my station, he said. I was assigned to this table in 1968. I was 14.

Reyess family had come from Puerto Rico in 1917 to work in the cigar business. By age 29, Reyes himself had become a master roller. But this was a hobby, he said. My grandfather always told me I had to go to school. Yet while Reyes pursued a PhD and taught and conducted research, he also ran one of the last cigar factories to operate in Tampa, Gonzalez Habano Cigar Co., which closed its local factory in 2008. The company moved to Honduras, where production costs are cheaper  a familiar story in Ybor City. A few months after Gonzalez Habano closed, the iconic producer Hav-A-Tampa also closed (putting 500 people out of work) and moved operations to Puerto Rico.

Reyes sat down at his old workstation. This was the last table we used, in the last month of production. As he talked, he idly flattened out a dark tobacco leaf, with a motion hed clearly used thousands of times before. The saddest day was when I had to turn in the key, Reyes said. I never realized Id be one of the last.

Certainly a number of small artisan shops  traditionally called buckeyes or chinchales  still make hand-rolled cigars in Ybor City. Just walk down Seventh Avenue on any day and you can see them at work in the windows, at buckeye shops like Tabanero Cigars or Ybor Cigars Plus. At the end of our tour, Reyes took me to perhaps the best producer of hand-rolled cigars on Seventh Avenue, Nicahabana. There, I met the young owner, Yordany Ogando, who arrived in Ybor City from Cuba 17 years ago with his family when he was teenager. Ogandos grandfather had started this shop but died suddenly a few years ago, and Yordany had to step up to keep the tradition alive. Yordany is like my son, said Reyes. His grandfather asked me to help him out.

On this day, three people were rolling cigars in the shop. I ordered a Cafe Bustelo coffee and chose a robusto with light Connecticut wrapper. Reyes suggested a punch cut. I asked if hed join me in a cigar. No, no, he said.  Its too early. I only have one after 3 p.m.



Rollers work near the front window at Taberno Cigars, on Seventh Avenue. ( Andrew Innerarity )

A major reason for the decline of the cigar business  and one largely unspoken in the telling of Ybor Citys history  is, of course, our societys realization that smoking of any kind is not a healthy pastime. For decades, and for good reason, smoking has been targeted by the government. Premium cigars, however, have largely skirted the same kind of strict regulation faced by cigarettes because of the assumption that cigars are much less addictive, theyre not to be inhaled and, since good cigars are expensive, they are never marketed to kids and sold mostly in adults-only artisan shops. But several large cigar companies ruined this narrative by selling cheap flavored cigars  strawberry, vanilla, tropical fruit, chocolate, Irish cream, etc.  targeted at young consumers, and these products opened the door for a crackdown by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

In 2009, Congress authorized the FDA to regulate cigars, pipes and e-cigarettes, and just before my trip to Tampa last year, the agency issued a wide-ranging ruling, declaring premium cigars would now be regulated like cigarettes and chewing tobacco. The FDAs ruling requires cigar makers to obtain costly testing and approvals before they can sell any new products, and to relabel cigar boxes with health warnings. Further, any cigar that came on the market since 2007 will have to be tested, a massive industry undertaking. While many health experts applaud the move, the cigar industry says that the new rules will put many cigar makers, especially small- to mid-size producers, out of business. Last year, three trade groups filed a lawsuit against the FDA, and since January bills that would exempt traditional hand-rolled cigars have been reintroduced in Congress. But the regulatory future under the Trump administration is uncertain.

One late afternoon while I was in Ybor City, I visited J.C. Newman Cigar Co.  which has been in business since 1895 and is now the last remaining cigar factory in Tampa. Eric Newman, the company president and grandson of the founder, gave me a tour of their El Reloj, a clock tower that is a Tampa landmark.

This is walking back in time, Newman said as we strolled the creaky wooden floors of the factory, built in 1910. This company has been through two world wars, the Great Depression and the Cuban embargo, Newman said. But our biggest threat now is from our own government.

Newman took me into dimly lit blending rooms with 10-foot piles of dried tobacco filler and into humid rooms where huge burlap sacks of dark, moist wrapper leaves sit in wooden bins. A premium cigar is 100 percent natural  theres no slurry like in a cigarette. Were not putting chemicals into them. Yes, there is nicotine in a cigar, but the way you get nicotine into your system is to inhale it. Ninety-five percent of cigar smokers do not inhale.

Most cigar industry people I spoke with feel fairly confident that, sooner or later, there will be some type of exemption or compromise for those who produce hand-rolled cigars, such as the buckeye shops like Nicahabana on Seventh Avenue. But the issue is more complicated for J.C. Newman, which uses old-time machines from the early 20th century to assist in its cigar making. Newman insists his companys process is still hands-on and artisan  his machines make about 840 cigars per hour, compared with mass-market machines that make 225,000 per hour  but so far the government doesnt agree.

We passed a burlap sack of tobacco with stenciled letters spelling out ESTELI, NICARAGUA. Some of the first cigars I ever smoked came from this town. Newman said they already have 625 employees making cigars in Nicaragua. In the end, we could just make all our cigars in Nicaragua, and it would be cheaper. But we are determined to keep the cigar industry alive here. Cigars are the heart and soul of Tampa.



At Lions Den, a cigar bar, a dancer accepts flowers from an admirer. ( Andrew Innerarity )

On my last evening in Ybor City, I began at Tampa Sweethearts cigar shop. I also met the owner, who shook my hand and said: Hi, Im Arturo Fuente. For a cigar smoker, this is the equivalent of meeting, say, Jim Beam or Jack Daniel in a whiskey bar. When I asked Fuente why hes in Tampa and not the Dominican Republic, he said, Were from Tampa!

After the sun set, Seventh Avenue went from sleepy to lively, with lots of revelers crowding the bars. Around 10 p.m. I ended up at Lions Den, a popular speakeasy-style cigar and cocktail bar. It happened to be Burlesque Night. Every half-hour or so, a tattooed hipster named Gwendolyn with a Betty Boop bob, and sometimes a flapper headdress, came out to dance.

Lions Den has a huge humidor with an overwhelming number of cigars from around the world. Next to me in the humidor, I heard a guy who seemed like a regular speaking with the sales assistant, named Carly, who carried five types of cigar cutters on a chain. I always forget the names of the ones I like! said the regular. I know the one I had was nutty and floral.

Was it more cashew or peanut? Carly asked.

I think it was more like a sweet flower.

A half-dozen young men wearing black T-shirts that read Maduro Marauders stood at the bar. I spoke with one of them, and he told me the group was sort of like cigar sommeliers and puts on cigar-related events. People are experts in wine and spirits or theyre experts in cigars, he said. But no one knows how to pair drinks and cigars. And if you dont pair them correctly, you ruin both.

Later, for my second cigar, I spent time with K.J. Chordis, Lions Den cigar manager, who explained that bigger isnt always better. Everyone thinks they want a big fat cigar, but the thin ones with the smaller ring gauge have more flavor, he said. For my last cigar in Ybor, I chose a long, thin Dominican lancero called Long Live the King, from hip boutique producer Caldwell Cigar Co.

I returned to the bar with my lancero (which actually was kind of nutty ... cashews?). I watched a man and woman smoking cigars and chatting with Gwendolyn, the dancer, about her haircut. At one point, the woman literally blew smoke into Gwendolyns face, then realizing her faux pas, said, Oh my god, Im so sorry! I didnt mean to blow it in your face!

Gwendolyn shrugged and said, Oh honey, Im used to it.

I sipped my rum and smoked my final cigar of the trip  and probably the last cigar Id be smoking for quite some time once I returned home and recommitted to fresh air and running and healthy living. Taking in the scene at Lions Den, I thought about Graham Greene and seediness and the sense of longing for something lost. Im still wondering how to be properly nostalgic for cigars, but I sincerely hope Ybor City survives long enough for us to figure it out.

If You Go

Take a tour through Ybor Citys cigar history with author, historian and master cigar roller Wally Reyes. Begins at Ybor City Museum State Park. Call 813-428-0854 for more information.

Wander along Seventh Avenue, Ybor Citys main drag, and watch expert Cuban rollers in the storefront windows transform tobacco leaves into cigars.

Tampa claims that the Cuban sandwich was created in Ybor City, not Miami. Sample classics at La Tropicana Cafe, a landmark of the citys Cuban community. Call 813-247-4040.

Sample classics at the century-old, Spanish-tiled Columbia Restaurant or at La Tropicana, a landmark of the citys Cuban community.

Jason Wilsons next book, Godforsaken Grapes, will be published in 2018 by Abrams Books. He is the series editor of The Best American Travel Writing. To comment on this story, email wpmagazine@washpost.com or visit washingtonpost.com/magazine.

Email us at wpmagazine@washpost.com.

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Marcus Bullock, 35, is chief executive of Flikshop and leads apprenticeship programs for former inmates through the nonprofit Free Minds Book Club. He lives in the District with his wife and two children.

Flikshop is an app you created to send postcards to people in prison, right?

Yes, you can literally post a picture, add text and press send. Instagram for prisons.

Where did the idea come from?

Im blessed  kind of, sort of  to know that market very well. I was 15 when I was arrested, so I grew up in prison. You know, people have their high school friends, college friends. Those were my friends; I grew up with these men. And after I got out, I wanted to be able to keep in contact with them. Because I know when I was in prison, the one thing that got me through was communication with my family: the calls, letters, pictures. When I started to travel the world and have fun, my boys that were back in would say, Marcus, we want to see this stuff. We want to see the Bahamas that youre going to. We want to see this new girlfriend youre dating. I thought it would be so much easier if I could just text them and be like, Yo, hey. ... But there were no apps for that. I was like, Theres got to be a way. Theres millions of people in prison, and I know Im not the only one that wants to share these moments.

So how did you go about making it happen?

Id started a painting company, was learning what it was to be a business owner, and now I had the audacity to try to launch a tech company. I was scared to death. But Im so that guy that jumps out the window and then builds his parachute on the way down.

Stepping back, tell me about the early days. Tell me about how you ended up 

With a gun in my hand carjacking somebody at a mall?

Well, yes.

Heres the thing, I grew up in the inner city, KK. I grew up in the hood. A really, really rough neighborhood, and everybody in my neighborhood sold drugs. What happened was I wanted to be able to have the Jordans and the nice car, so I began to sell drugs.

What is your biggest dream now?

I want every person, in every cell, to receive mail every day. Simply keeping people connected is a better reentry tool than anything out there.

Do you have any regrets?

No. Because my failure has been my tutor my entire career. And the thing is, I never would be able to be in the markets I am, with this technology, had I never gone to prison. Obviously, I wouldnt, you know, give anyone advice to go to prison so you can come home with a good idea. [Laughs.] But what I will say is I was able to somehow take the adversity of a situation and really build out the next steps of my life.

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Kazuhisa Miyasaka, left, and Yoshio Tsuchiya retrieve arrows as they practice Kyudo archery at Miyasak's archery dojo, in Yamanouchi, Japan. (Matt McClain/The Washington Post)

Buddha has perfect posture, but Im awkwardly hunched in the earthen alcove were sharing. The street lanterns of Yamanouchi, Japan, dont illuminate much, so Im grateful for the bulbs of this shrine. Ive just traveled 6,738 miles  nearly nonstop  but I dont know where to go from here.

Yamanouchis geothermal waters attract people from all over the country  as they have for thousands of years. In a nearby tourist district, visitors are strolling around in yukata robes and wooden sandals, seeking hot springs that are rumored to be healing. But in this neighborhood I havent seen another soul on the street.

My cellphone isnt working, and my damp paper map is beginning to disintegrate.

I suppose it wont be a great loss, since  under Buddhas electric halo  I just noticed it doesnt list street names. The path to my intended ryokan, or traditional inn, is marked only with arrows. I try to convince myself thats a good sign, since Ive come to learn Japanese archery: kyudo, the Way of the Bow.

Moments later, she appears.

The woman is young. Maybe 25. I dont call out as she passes, but I consider following her back to the train station, where I saw a rotary phone. Before I can adjust the wheels of my rolling suitcase, shes turned back toward me, the disheveled traveler at Buddhas feet.

Can I help you? she asks.

I sputter the name of my ryokan. I will take you, she says.

Her kindness feels like a tangible gift, and its weight grows with every block we walk into darkness, in silence. Through narrow streets. Across a bridge. Under a metal arch guarded by snow monkeys.

Finally we reach Uotoshi Ryokan. The stucco-sided building is more traditional than most structures in the area, where even at night you feel the presence of mountains pressing against sky.

This is where youre supposed to be, she says.

Then, without another word, shes gone.



Kazuhisa Miyasaka runs this inn next to his dojo. (Matt McClain/The Washington Post)

I inherited my interest in archery from my grandfather, Richard Earl Henion, a retired military man covered in faded blue tattoos. His passion for bows stretched back to the South Pacific during World War II. One day, on an Army scouting mission, he walked around a mountain pass and came upon a tribesman traveling in the opposite direction. My grandfather had his gun drawn. The local had a bow and arrow raised. They could not speak each others language, but they somehow managed to persuade each other to lower their weapons.

Richard Earl accompanied the man to his village, where they spent the night cavorting around a campfire. Before leaving, he bestowed upon the local a pack of smokes. The man, in return, gave him the bow that could have killed him.

My grandfather and I never found time to pursue archery together. But years after his death I started shooting traditional long and recurve bows under the guidance of a neighbor in the Appalachian Mountains. We live not far from where the Hunger Games movies were filmed, and my teacher  a mountaineer who can make bowstrings out of tree bark  encouraged the instinctive shooting style made famous in the films.

Japanese archery seems as far from Appalachias intuitive, wild-woman approach as I can get, geographically and metaphorically. Kyudo is one of Japans oldest martial arts, and it remains one of the most respected. The practice was banned by occupation forces after World War II. But in 1949, the All Nippon Kyudo Federation introduced a standardized method. Suddenly, anyone could study it.

The samurai-warrior practice is closely associated with Zen Buddhism, and it draws from Confucianism, Taoism, Shinto and onmyodo. Its ancient formality runs against my shoot-from-the-hip nature, which makes it all the more important for me to be here. Im only 5-foot-2, but I take up a lot of space. The first word I learned, by necessity, while navigating crowded stations to get here: Sumimasen. Excuse me.



Kazuhisa Miyasaka was the authors archery instructor. (Matt McClain/The Washington Post)

My kyudo teacher, or sensei, Kazuhisa Miyasaka, didnt set out to be an archer  or an innkeeper.

Like me, hes at Uotoshi Ryokan because of his grandfather.

Miyasaka  a man with bushy eyebrows and unruly wisps of gray hair  studied archry briefly when he was a child. But it wasnt until much later that he started to take it seriously. When he left to attend university in Tokyo, he never thought hed return to the inn, which was founded by his grandfather and later run by his parents. But that changed when their health failed.

It was around that time that he encountered a kyudo teacher on campus. The sensei told him that  if he was going to return to the ryokan, which uniquely included a shooting place  he should study kyudo and become master of his own dojo. Ultimately, archery inspired Miyasaka to come home.

Destiny? he says of the timing. I dont know.

Miyasaka has changed into the formal kimono he wears for demonstrations. We walk to the shooting hall, which is sided in rusty metal. The entire town of Yamanouchi is alive with surface streams that run alongside roads like veins. You can hear them, even when you cannot see them.

The entryway of the dojo, or training place, is a bridge.

Matos  hollow targets made of round wooden frames and black-and-white paper  line the interior of the shooting hall. One side of the building is composed of garage-style sliding doors. Miyasaka rolls one open to reveal a hidden courtyard. Were across from a target house, where a roof protects the sand dune that holds matos in place. To reach it requires shooting over a kudzu-trimmed pond, approximately 90 feet.

Almost same as battlefield space, Miyasaka says.

When Miyasaka first took up archery, he was only interested in winning competitions. At one point, when performing an examination to advance to the next level of kyudo he consistently made his target. Still, he did not pass.

My teacher said I was hitting very well. But my form was not beautiful, Miyasaka says. To some, archery looks like sport. To some, it looks like spirit. If you ask one hundred people, you will find one hundred different answers. ... Body remembers correct action. If we are not thinking, we get the target natural.

Its a case of matter over mind. And Miyasaka takes the challenge seriously. Sometimes, as a test of muscle memory, he turns off the dojo lights and shoots in the dark.



Leigh Ann Henion went to Japan to elevate her archery skills. (Matt McClain/The Washington Post)

One of the dojos kerosene heaters has a teapot on top of it, so archers might warm themselves from the inside. Im here, wearing every sweater I packed, because Miyasaka told me that it would be visual training to watch the masters night practice.

Twang goes the string. Thwak goes the target.

Still jet-lagged, lulled by the song of the bow, I fall asleep sitting up. Then, an arrow.

My whole body jolts, as if startled by an alarm clock.

In kyudo, the sound of a pierced target is meant to awaken the archer from a dream-world clouded by ego and cultural conditioning, revealing the interconnectivity of self, nature, everything. When I realize that Ive had a literal awakening, I chuckle quietly. Miyasaka notices.

Japanese archery is serious, he says. You have to have poker face at all times.

Because if your mind is empty, theres no expression to read? I say.

Exactly, Miyasaka says, nodding. If enemies can read your face, they know what you might do next.

He invites me to shoot an asymmetrical yumi, or bow, for the first time  not at an outdoor target, but at the traditional makiwara, a rice-straw bale positioned at eye level. Unfortunately, Im only adept at dropping my arrow.

When Im finally able to hold it correctly, I hit the straw bales center. Lucky, Miyasaka says, pointing to a hole near the ceiling. Sometimes, beginners do not do so well.

Miyasaka says of my next attempt, I would call that good, but you did not follow through.

Outside, in the arrow path, rain on the pond sounds like tiny arrows beating a drumhead. As if he can hear me wonder what would happen if a projectile was lost to the water, Miyasaka says, If you worry about pond, that is not correct. So we practice more. Training mind.

Another arrow hits the floor. I laugh at myself. Miyasaka is not amused.

There is no laughing in Japanese archery! he says.



A macaque is engulfed in steam at Jigokudani Monkey Park. (Matt McClain/The Washington Post)

Sore from hours of archery practice, I take a break to explore the surrounding mountains. Locals have long called this place Hell Valley. Now, its sometimes referred to as Paradise of the Monkey.

Jigokudani Monkey Park , within walking distance of Miyasakas dojo, was founded by an outdoorsman who saw that human development had pushed Japanese macaques into agricultural and resort areas where they werent welcomed. The wild animals now relax in their own man-made onsen, or hot spring.

A resident macaque wanders over to me, and we sit together for a while. When he falls asleep, I study his heart-shaped face. Another macaque is facedown in the onsen, sipping the water like steaming coffee. In an attempt to capture the scene, I crouch with my camera in hand. Then, suddenly, a blur of fur and pink hands reaching. I fall backward, and the human crowd takes a collective step back from the flying monkey that almost landed on my back.

Then they begin to laugh, some of their faces shrouded in surgical masks.

Walk through any crowd in Japan and youll encounter a handful of women, men and children with their mouths and noses covered. Mostly because, in close proximity, theyre protecting others from their illnesses. Increasingly, studies find that citizens  particularly teenagers  wear them to avoid revealing feelings. But even masks cant hide unified amusement.

Im a little shaken. But I laugh with them, momentarily forgetting the advice Id received from a friend once cornered by granola-thieving monkeys. The gist: Dont look monkeys in the eye. And do not, under any circumstances, smile at them.

I remember the warning too late. Thankfully, the macaques dont notice my faux pas.

Im poised, ready to shoot during my last scheduled lesson. But Im not looking at the target as Im supposed to. Im looking at Miyasaka. Why? he says. No one is going to help you! I cannot know what is in your mind. Only you!

Thats what worries me.

Even non-archery-related aspects of Japanese culture have me concerned about my ability to adhere to protocol. Take, for instance, the attention given to shoes: Remove upon entry. Put on slippers. If you go to the bathroom, remove those and put on special bathroom slippers. Take off, put on. Continually.

It seems simple enough, but I keep finding myself in my bedroom wearing red shoes marked toilet. I forget my slippers and end up in the lobby wearing socks. And the dojo has its own footwear-related etiquette. When I reach the shooting hall after retrieving arrows, I no longer casually kick off my borrowed slippers, as Ive done in the past. I carefully place them near the door.

Make the target, dont make the target. It doesnt matter, Miyasaka says. Action is the same. I nod and go through my forms again. When I release, my arrow comes so close to the target that the ping of the string is followed by a hollow knocking. Ive grazed the matos wooden rim.

Miyasakas tone softens. Im sorry I teach you so strongly, he says. I do this because I know you can do well. You have problems, but you have the ability to clear them. I know, because you accept everything. Ive been watching you. You are better than some Japanese students. How, I do not know. I thought you would hit the target. Lessons, everything too compressed.

This apology, folded into a compliment I didnt see coming, makes my eyes sting.

When I first contacted him to ask if hed consider offering a kyudo intensive, hed agreed, even though hed been characteristically modest. In a country of kyudo masters, hed asked: Why me? Then, hed answered his own question: Your family has long history with archery. My family has long history with archery. I feel a strange relationship.

We have not talked about the fact that, when our grandfathers were alive, our nations and families were adversaries. Or that when I asked him to introduce kyudo in just a handful of days, I was making an impossible request. But we both knew.

Too little time, Miyasaka says. I beg of you, stay one more day.

Arrows in Kazuhisa Miyasaka's archery dojo. (Matt McClain/The Washington Post)

There is a well-known story in Japan about a man who goes in search of an archery teacher.

When he finds one, the master agrees to be the mans sensei and advises that proficiency will take 10 years. The prospective archer is impatient. What if I practice every day? he says. What if you tell me everything you know, and I practice into the night, twice as hard as any other student?

If you do that, the master says, it will take 20 years.

The next morning, Miyasaka and I take our positions. His sweeping hand instructs me to pick up arrows. I play my forms out in my mind before I take a step. If I lead with my left, itll all fall into place.

Left. Right. Left. Slip across hardwood, slick as ice.

Flip the bow. Raise the arrow. Turn to the target.

Its difficult to not look at Miyasaka to read his face for clues about how Im doing. Its hard to resist the urge to seek approval. But, as hours pass, the impulse falls away.

All that exists is my bow, this arrow, that target, pulled together by unseen threads.

Miyasaka touches my arm, tightening my actions like the precise folds of origami. My projectiles hit sand, nearer and nearer the target. Until. Twack. I pierce paper. The target is so far away Id need binoculars to see exactly where my arrow rests.

Ive achieved an obvious goal. But my release felt no more important than my stance, this arrow no more special than the one sent before it. I arrived in Japan hoping to understand why hitting a target isnt the most important part of this tradition. Now, I know the closest Ill come is the realization that it doesnt matter to me whether I hit.

When I hear the target rip again, from a second arrow, I realize that I had not been listening for it.

Miyasaka has been recording my final day with a video camera. He turns my attention to a flat-screen television, which seems out of place in front of the chalkboard where he sketches feather patterns. When he pushes play, I see a woman I do not recognize. She moves through the stages of kyudo form with deceptive ease. At one point, she closes her eyes.

When I see the pale cocoons of my eyelids, I think to myself: Seriously? I remember none of it.

Miyasaka looks out at the target and says, You did that yourself. You have real skill now.

But the sound of my target-slaying was not one of accomplishment.

It was a signal that, as long as Im alive, I will not be done.



Archers from the Takeda School of Horseback Archery make their way to an area to perform a Yabusame archery demonstration on the grounds of the Meiji Shrine, in Tokyo. (Matt McClain/The Washington Post)

From Miyasakas dojo, it takes a handful of trains to reach Tokyos Meiji Shrine . As soon as I enter the grounds, a jungle crow swoops so closely that I can hear the thwa, thwa of its wings. Together, the bird and I move toward the planned location of a Momote-shiki Shinto ceremony.

When I step from pebbled path to soft earth, I notice that the crow has dropped a feather.

It marks the field where ceremonial archers will enter.

Were surrounded by a 170-acre, human-designed forest. Its composed of diverse tree species that were sent from all over Japan to honor the spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife in the early 1900s. Each cypress and camphor arrived with the promise of what it might become in the presence of others: a sanctuary.

Today, traditional culture is on display as part of the shrines annual fall festivities. On a far-off stage, flutists are turning their breath into a processional song for 66 bow wielders. Theyre led by a Shinto priest in white. He holds a freshly clipped sakaki branch that will be used to bless the participants  and me, as a member of the audience.

The ceremony is being overseen by the Ogasawara-ryu school of archery. Its headmaster, Kiyotada Ogasawara, is in attendance to witness the manifestation of lessons whispered by his grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather  on and on for more than 850 unbroken years.

Despite kyudos patriarchal origins, roughly half the archers participating are women. Through the Way of the Bow, theyre claiming their cultural ancestry.

When the events last arrow has been sent, I head out for a mounted archery, or yabusame, demonstration thats scheduled elsewhere on the grounds. There, masters on galloping horses will shatter clay targets that discharge confetti.

I hurry past dozens of picnicking cosmopolitans. Men in full samurai armor are leaning against trees, eating apples. Women and girls  wearing kimonos and flowers in their hair  weave through the crowds with me, trailing the scent of nectar.

The pageantry is gorgeous. Its also distracting. I take a wrong turn. Then another.

Soon, Im lost in the emperors forest.

Through trees, I see a uniformed man standing guard. Ive somehow ended up back at the entrance. When I approach him, I dont even attempt to speak English. Instead, I make the universal gesture for drawing a bow.

The soldier laughs at my antics.

Then, using his arm as an arrow, he shows me the way.

If You Go

Kaede-no Yu foot bath

At Yamanouchis Yudanaka Station, a free foot bath flows by a 400-year-old maple tree. snowmonkeyresorts.com

Jigokudani Monkey Park

If you visit, Caution: Resident monkeys may swim away with unattended cellphones. en.jigokudani-yaenkoen.co.jp

Meiji Jingu, a Shinto shrine

Take in displays of kyudo and traditional music that honor enshrined deities. meijijingu.or.jp/english/index.html

Leigh Ann Henion is the author of Phenomenal: A Hesitant Adventurers Search for Wonder in the Natural World. To comment on this story, email wpmagazine@washpost.com or visit washingtonpost.com/magazine.

Email us at wpmagazine@washpost.com.

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The Exxon Baton Rouge, smaller ship, attempts to off load crude oil March 26,1989 from the Exxon Valdez. (AP Photo) ( / )

Beach clean-up worker Bill Scheer shows off his oil-covered gear while working on the Exxon Valdez oil spill at Prince William Sound, Alaska, April 13, 1989. (AP Photo/John Gaps III, File) ORG XMIT: AKJG801 ( / )

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March 24, 1989 The Exxon Valdez oil tanker was carrying more than 50 million gallons of crude oil when it left Valdez, Alaska, on March 23, 1989. Around midnight, the vessel struck a reef, releasing roughly 11 million gallons of oil into Prince William Sound over several days. It was the worst oil spill in North America until the 2010 explosion at the Deepwater Horizon oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico.

Chuck Meacham, a regional biologist for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, told The Washington Posts Bill McAllister at the time of the Exxon spill: Its very difficult to know what ultimately will happen. The potential for serious problems is just staggering. Cleanup efforts began almost immediately. But aides to President George H.W. Bush later said the federal government and oil industry response was wholly insufficient.

The state of Alaska sued Exxon over the spill, and the federal government indicted the company for violating the Clean Water Act. Exxon paid $1 billion in settlements to the state and federal governments, and $300 million in voluntary settlements with private parties. A lawsuit was also filed against Exxon Mobil on behalf of more than 32,000 fishermen, native Alaskans and landowners, resulting in an award of $5 billion in punitive damages. In 2008, the U.S. Supreme Court reduced it to $507.5 million. By 2014, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reported most of the affected species had recovered, but the sound had not fully returned to pre-spill conditions.
At the Ireland Funds dinner on March 15, Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny, left, and Vice President Pence study a copy of the school roll of Pences grandfather, an Irish immigrant to the United States. (Caitlin Myler Taylor/Caitlin Myler Taylor)

On the same day that a Hawaii judge blocked the administrations second travel ban for six Muslim countries, Vice President Pence made a heartfelt, impassioned case for his Irish grandfathers immigration to the United States.

He was right about America, Pence told the audience at Wednesdays 25th Ireland Funds dinner. He was right to summon the courage, as generations did before and since, to come here and follow their dreams and make the contributions that they did.

He recalled that on Inauguration Day, I just kept thinking of that day in April in 1923. That was the day when Richard Michael Cawley stepped off the boat on Ellis Island. He was in his early 20s when he steamed into Upper New York Bay aboard the Andania, the ship that carried him here. I cant imagine what the sight of the Statue of Liberty meant to him that day, holding aloft the torch of freedom.

The vice president is named for his maternal grandfather, who emigrated from County Sligo on the northern coast of Ireland. The family legend is that Cawleys mother told him that he needed to go to America because theres a future there for you.

Pences grandfather was a bus driver in Chicago for 40 years; the two were very close, the vice president said, until Cawley died when Pence was in his 20s.

Pence speaks during a March 16 breakfast at the Naval Observatory hosting Prime Minister Enda Kenny. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

So it was a sentimental night for Pence, who was honored at the annual dinner for his service to his ancestral homeland. He brought along his wife, Karen, his sisters Annie and Mary, and his daughter Charlotte. His mother had planned to be there, too, but this weeks snowstorm prevented her from making the trip.

All that I am, all that I will ever be, and all the service that I will ever render is owing to my Irish heritage, Pence said. I will summon what is the best of it as I serve the people of this country with the faith, the determination, the cheerfulness, the humility and the humor that is characteristic of the great people of the Emerald Isle.

At the end of his speech, Pence was presented with a large framed copy of his family tree and a copy of the school attendance rolls in County Sligo when his grandfather was a student there.

More than 34 million Americans claim Irish ancestry, including half of the nations presidents. Pence said that the story of the Irish in America is the story of America itself. On a night awash in sentiment and nostalgia, there was no mention of the discrimination and suspicion that the Irish faced when they first arrived in this country.

Pence posted a tweet during the dinner:

We may be separated by an ocean, but the American people have always been bound by kinship to the Irish people.

Some students of history didnt take it well.

@VP uh, what? When the Irish first came here en masse they were feared and persecuted. It was thought that they wouldnt assimilate, responded one tweeter.

@VP My grandparents emigrated from Ire. amid religious prosecution/terrorism/civ unrest. Youve destroyed same opportunity for thousands, wrote another.

The 700 guests at the National Building Museum included Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny, Anne Anderson, Irelands ambassador to the United States, and former senator George Mitchell, who brokered Irelands historic peace agreement in the 1990s, aimed at ending the decades-long strife between Catholics and Protestants.

Kenny told the crowd that one of the issues he hoped to discuss with administration officials is undocumented Irish people in the United States. They work hard, they give to America, they love America, and many have died for America, he said. They just want the chance to be given the opportunity to do their bit and have it recognized officially by the United States as part of overall immigration reform.

Kenny had breakfast at the vice presidents residence Thursday morning and was scheduled to attend a White House reception with President Trump later in the day.

The United States now gives another immigrant son the opportunity to contribute to the well-being of our common humanity, Kenny said of Pence during the dinner. I know, sir, that you will grasp that unique opportunity with both hands and open arms.
The rumble of a jet engine is a comforting sound to some air travelers, making it easy to sleep on virtually any flight. For others, just the thought of being trapped in a pressurized aluminum tube is enough to send massive doses of adrenaline into their bloodstreams, ensuring alertness for days.

Pamela Wagner falls somewhere in the middle. Though not a white-knuckled flier, she says the noise makes rest impossible.

Im used to super silence when Im sleeping, she says. Not exactly what you get on a flight.

True. The interior of an aircraft is anything but silent, with noises ranging from chatty passengers to screaming children and, of course, the constant whine  of the engines. Its also uncomfortable, even if youre in one of those lie-flat business-class seats, which dont always lie all the way down. Try falling asleep in a sitting position, even when youre not on an aircraft, and youll know why sleeping on a plane can be a pipe dream.

Having a snooze on a plane is not getting any easier. You dont have to be a passenger on a long-haul or overnight flight to know that. Flights are operating at capacity, and everyone seems to be a little more anxious these days.

The FaceCradle is an adjustable pillow with five different sleeping modes to make sleeping in economy class more comfortable. (FaceCradle)

[Will the long airport lines of spring break 2016 be back again this year?]

Fortunately, there are ways to rest amid the pandemonium. The latest methods involve a combination of sensory deprivation and relaxation techniques. If they dont put you to sleep, theyll at least make you a little calmer in the air.

Wagner, an advertising consultant who lives in New York and often flies long distances, figured out the best way to block the noise. I invested in a noise-canceling headset, she says. She also loaded her smartphone with calming music, which can induce sleep.

Headsets are a key component to unraveling the sleep mystery on commercial aircraft. The interior of a plane is about as loud as a diesel train passing you at a distance of 100 feet. That sustained noise can be cut with earplugs or noise-canceling headphones. Wagner prefers Bose QuietControl 30 wireless headphones (bose.com, $299.95) with a specially designed headset that reduces the pressure and aches often caused by conventional in-ear headphones.

If you dont toss and turn, on-ear headsets can offer even more protection and noise cancellation. The AKG N60 NC (us.akg.com; $249.95) offers up to 30 hours of battery life and weighs a bit more than 5 ounces, so it wont clutter up your carry-on luggage. Libratones Q-Adapt On-Ear headphones (libratone.com; $249) feature four levels of noise cancellation and a soft earpiece, which is useful for extended wear, but has only 20 hours of battery life. But if you sleep on your side, you should probably consider a pair of SleepPhones (sleepphones.com; $49.95) flat speakers embedded inside a plush, machine-washable headband. The unit is designed to be used by travelers who are sleeping on their sides.

Either way, if youre planning more than one long-distance flight this year, a noise-cancellation headset should be at the top of your wish list.

There are a few other essentials to sleeping, including the right attire and a few accessories. Think soft and oversize. A good example is the One Man Commuter Jacket (onemanouterwear.com; $189), an all-weather, lightweight jacket with a hood, which gives you a little extra privacy on a long flight and doubles as a cover. Only it doesnt look like a cover and can be worn for the rest of your trip.

The Bose QuietControl 30 headphones feature tiny earbuds that integrate six microphones and a neckband that houses the rest of the electronics system. It also features controllable noise cancellation. (Bose)

The right eye mask is important, too. The Midnight Magic Sleep Mask (cabeau.com; $19.99) is about as comfortable as it gets. It adjusts to your face and offers a full blackout, so you dont have to worry about light leaking in and interrupting your rest. You can also try the Wrap-a-Nap, a multi-use combination travel pillow and eye mask (wrapanap.com; $24.99). It looks like a fuzzy snake and it wraps around your head.

[Every travelers eternal question: Its 2017, why dont we have WiFi on all planes?]

In the travel pillow category, the Trtl (thegrommet.com, $29.95) offers lots of comfort plus neck support without the bulk of those inflatable pillows. The Swiss Army knife of travel pillows is the new Facecradle (facecradle.me, $49) which adjusts to several positions and is created specifically for sleeping in economy class seats. Ive been following this campaign on Kickstarter, and think this one shows a lot of potential.

Perhaps even more critical than having the right pillows or headsets are these sleep strategies that experienced air travelers use:

Plan ahead: Choose the right seat for sleep. In economy class, that would be the window seat. Its ideal for sleeping, says Robert Oexman, director of the Sleep to Live Institute, which conducts sleep research. Use a sweater or jacket against the wall as a pillow, which can help create a makeshift sleeping surface.

Meditate before you fly: Anyone can meditate almost anywhere by simply practicing a technique that uniquely works for each individual, says Jeffery Martin, a meditation and sleep expert at Sofia University in Palo Alto, Calif. He recommends a mantra, or silently repeating love, peace or another word or phrase for 20 minutes while waiting at the gate.

[If youve always wanted to try meditation, use this guide to get started]

Stay hydrated: Avoid alcohol and pack a reusable water bottle and fill it up at any water fountain. To make it more interesting, add a peppermint teabag in room-temperature water, advises Tieraona Low Dog, an integrative medicine specialist and chief medical officer of Well & Being, a resort spa. It imparts a lovely mint flavor to the water, while gently settling the stomach and any travel nerves, helping to calm the body and mind and induce sleep.

Take deep breaths: One of the best ways to fall asleep without pills is to quiet the mind with deep-breathing exercises, says sleep researcher Craig Sim Webb, author of The Dreams Behind the Music. Inhale as deeply as you can without being uncomfortable, he says. Hold the inhalation as long as you can comfortably and then focus your attention on parts of your body, starting with your feet. Breathe out normally. Do not pause or hold the exhalation at all, but breathe in again immediately and repeat steps, he says.

Of course, there are also pharmaceutical methods of ensuring sleep, including an Ambien prescription and an over-the-counter solution such as Good Day Chocolate sleep supplements (gooddaychocolate; $36.99).

Im not making that up. Chocolates that make you sleep  theyre a thing. Each piece of the milk chocolate contains one milligram of melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep.

And, if none of this works? Well, dont feel left out. Enjoy the in-flight movie and get some sleep when you arrive, like the other half of the passengers on your flight.

Elliott is a consumer advocate, journalist and co-founder of the advocacy group Travelers United.

Email him at chris@elliott.org.


Spis Castle  a vast, 13th-century structure that is now a UNESCO World Heritage site  is the largest in Central Europe. (Erica Rosenberg)

I always search for the road less touristed. Yet it was not without trepidation that I drove with my spouse across the Hungarian plain from Budapest into Kosice, Slovakias second-largest city. As the industrial outskirts gave way to a skyline dominated by Communist-era block apartment buildings, I grew convinced that I had made a terrible vacation choice.

The windowless entrance to our pension on a grimy block was equally discouraging. The room was unremarkable, with modular furniture that transformed twin beds into a double, but left metal bars protruding from the walls. When I reported to the concierge that our refrigerator was not working, she answered, Most of them dont.

I couldnt say I hadnt been warned. A Europe-savvy friend advised me to skip Slovakia and head to Krakow. The country gets scant coverage in guidebooks; travel writer Rick Steves deemed it the West Virginia of Europe, which I did not take as an endorsement, although he did note its rustic beauty. A 2015 DK Guide to Eastern and Central Europe describes Slovakia as a relatively little-known country, with few visitors, and Lonely Planet devotes more than half of the thin coverage in its six-year-old Czech/Slovak guidebook to Slovakias capital, Bratislava. Only about 40,000 American tourists visit Slovakia each year, while its more illustrious neighbor and bordermate, the Czech Republic, draws hundreds of thousands. The majority of those who visit probably only stop in Bratislava en route to Vienna or Budapest.

[Lucky 13: The unsung arrondissement you need to visit in Paris]



Early-morning bikers on Kosices main street, Hlavna Ulica. The cafe terraces that line the street are bustling most other times of the day. (Erica Rosenberg)

Nevertheless, I had opted to bypass the relatively more touristed Bratislava and Western Slovakia to head for Eastern Slovakia  where I arrived despondent.

But just around the corner, down a graffiti-defaced block with a single cafe, stood a stunning and massive Gothic cathedral anchoring the unexpectedly lovely and lively town center. For several car-free blocks, Hlavna Ulica (Main Street) was lined with dramatic monuments  including its Baroque Plague Column, erected in 1722 to offer thanks for the plagues end  fountains, shops and buildings from the 13th to the 19th century. Cafes, serving up chocolate and ice cream treats as delectable and sophisticated as any in Western Europe, and restaurants, predominantly Eastern European but also Indian and Irish, offering permutations of dumplings and meat doused in sour-cream -and-mushroom sauce, bustled with activity. Although the restaurants were typically staffed by tattooed, English-speaking waiters, rarely, if at all, did I hear English spoken by the patrons.

Between the cathedral and the Baroque Revival State Theatre, a tree-encircled musical fountain played Yesterday and other familiar tunes; after sunset, colored lights illuminated jets of water pulsing to the music while families with gelato cones strolled by. Climbing the cathedrals steep, cramped stone spiral staircase afforded a birds-eye view of the mosaic roof and the happenings below; one day, the plaza at the foot of the cathedral hosted a bike-stunt competition, the next, a protest of a corrupt official. Just off Hlavna Ulica, the repurposed synagogues were a poignant reminder of Slovakias past. As part of the Axis in World War II, it rounded up and deported tens of thousands of Jews, most of whom perished in the Holocaust.

[Norway in the offseason: Overcast and underappreciated]

Kosice exceeded my modest expectations, but Levoca was a small-scale medieval marvel by any standard. Two hours to the northeast, through increasingly pleasant countryside, Levoca makes a great base for exploring castles and national parks. Founded in 1249, this walled town of 14,500 people has an intact center of Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance structures painted in pastels.

In the town square sits a circa-1550 Gothic town hall and the St. Jamess Church, with an altar carved by Levocas famous (well, relatively) native son, Master Pavol. A 16th-century wrought-iron cage of shame for unlucky locals also sits in the square.



Colorful umbrellas are creatively suspended over an arcade in Kosices center, a medieval downtown with modern touches. (Erica Rosenberg)

Despite its iconic status in Slovakia, youve probably never heard of Spis Castle. A 20-minute drive east of Levoca, the sprawling ruins of one of Central Europes largest fortresses  a UNESCO World Heritage site  first appeared in the distance as a mysterious white smudge in the lush hills. Gradually, the walls and ruins perched on a ridge became discernible. The castle, parts of which date from the 11th century and which housed 2,000 people in the 17th century, overlooks multihued fields, red-roofed villages and rolling hills with a backdrop of snowy mountain ranges. Traipsing around the 10 acres of atmospheric ruins and taking in the views can take several hours.

Nearby national parks, although not exactly untrammeled wildernesses, showcase Slovakias significant natural assets. Swarming with local hikers, Slovak Paradise National Park (also called Slovensky raj) is loaded with user-friendly amenities and covered with signage and hiker assists. We did the popular Sucha Bela trail, which follows a stream and waterfalls via hair-raising gorge-side catwalks and metal ladders. Acrophobics, beware. As I nervously waited in a line of 50 or so people to climb the first intimidating 90-foot ladder, mere inches from a waterfall, I watched fearless 5-year-olds and dog-toting adults scampering up. This was my last chance to turn back: Heading the wrong way on the trail henceforth could incur fines.

[In Portugals mountains, an ecotourist haven rises from abandoned stone villages]

I somehow mustered the courage to continue. After several hours of hoisting myself up on chains and praying that the ladder rungs would hold, I emerged at the top of the canyon where, to my delight, mountain bikes awaited. For about $10, you could rattle down the mountain on squeaky-braked, rusty bikes and be back at the base in no time to enjoy a fried dough snack at any of the parks several cafes.

Thirty minutes northwest of Levoca, the ski resort town and former Soviet playground of Stary Smokovec serves as a gateway to hikes in the rugged, Alp-like mountains of Tatra National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. For less ambitious hikers, a funicular railroad delivers you (and hordes of others) to a closer base to access delightful walks to waterfalls and into the mountains.



Climbing the tower stairs of St. Elizabeths Cathedral in Kosice rewards visitors with views of the citys architecture, ranging from 12th-century structures to Communist-era high rises. (Erica Rosenberg)

And the best was yet to come. Pushing southeast to complete the Slovak circuit, we arrived in Banska Stiavnica. (Not to be confused with Banska Bystrica, which is rumored to be worthy of a visit and unlike Banska Stiavnica, made it into DKs guidebook.) It is a perfectly preserved medieval town whose main street winds its way up to the cobblestoned town center, Trinity Square, and whose charms, culture and food rival those of any Italian hill town.

Set in a valley, it has two small-scale castles on either side  the 13th-century old castle and the 16th-century new castle  both with panoramic views. The town celebrates its mining history with museums. Because our pension was built over a mini-mine museum of its own, we skipped them. But we did take in an organ concert of Bach compositions in a 15th-century church and a medieval festival that fittingly took over the town square, complete with armored knights, blacksmiths, stilt-walkers and makers of chocolates and dumplings, all of them dressed in period garb.

Medieval towns, natural beauty, cultural riches, magnificent castles, great food, a thriving cafe culture  all at affordable prices and with no tourist crowds. Maybe its time those guidebooks got an overhaul.

Rosenberg is a writer based in the District.

More from Travel:

On a remote Russian peninsula, one of the worlds most celebrated Atlantic salmon fisheries

A former communist neighborhood showpiece offers a history lesson in Krakow, Poland

On horseback through the symbolic heart of Hungary

If you go Where to stay Hotel U Leva Namestie Majstra Pavla 25, Levoca uleva.sk/en 011-421-53-450-23-11 U Leva sits on the square in a modernized 14th-century burghers house. The small hotel has spacious rooms, great staff and an on-site restaurant. Rooms start at $60. Penzion Cosmopolitan II Andreja Kameta 18, Banska Stiavnica 011-421-918-601-147 penzioncosmopolitan.sk Centrally located in a 16th-century building, this pension is built over a mine shaft, the entrance to which you can view right off the dining room. Rooms start at $50. Where to eat Med Malina Hlavna 81, Kosice 011-055-622-03-97 medmalina.sk/ This cozy restaurant on Kosices main street serves up exceptionally delicious Central European and Polish food. Entrees start at $6. Taj Mahal Hlavna 121/5, Kosice 011-421-944-113-048 tajmahal.sk/ This testament to the increasingly cosmopolitan cuisine in Kosice sits in quiet arcade off the main square and offers a nice break from Slovak standards. Entrees start at $5 Planeta Levoca Namestie Majstra Pavla 38, 054 01 Levoca, Slovakia 011-421 -534-512-100 planetalevoca.sk/sk_uvod.html Right off the main square, this restaurant and bar has eclectic decor and a huge menu of Greek and Italian specialties, and makes for a good breakfast and lunch spot. Entrees start at $4. Monarchia Restaurant A. Sladkovica 2, Banska Stiavnica 011-0905 360 307 monarchia.stiavnica.sk This eatery, which serves traditional Slovak fare in a 16th-century building, is worth the uphill climb required to reach it. Entrees start at $8. What to do Spis Castle Spisske Pohdradie slovakia.travel/en/spissky-hrad-castle A UNESCO World Heritage site and a national icon, the ruins of this sprawling castle dominate the hills for miles around. Open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in April; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. May through September; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in October; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in November. Closed December through March. Admission: $6 for adults; $3 for children. Slovensky Raj National Park Spisska Nova Ves slovakia.travel/en/national-park-of-slovensky-raj With waterfalls, gorges, caves, dense spruce forests and meadows, this national park is truly, as the name implies, a hikers paradise. The park has more than 300 kilometers of trails, many of which feature catwalks and ladders. Admission costs $2. Tatra National Park Near the resort town of Stary Smokovec slovakia.travel/en/national-park-of-high-tatras Stunning snow-capped peaks and miles of trails to lakes and waterfalls make the this natural destination for hikers and skiers; features chairlifts, cable cars and a funicular railroad. Free admission. Information slovakia.travel/en  E.R.
4 nabbed with IC 2.04 m from Nepalgunj

Police arrested four persons for their alleged involvement in trading Indian currencies from Nepalgunj on Thursday.
MARYLAND

Capitol Heights man charged with murder

A Capitol Heights man was arrested in the fatal shooting of a man found dead in a parking lot, according to Prince Georges County police.

They said Kevin K. Fleming Jr., 27, was charged with first- and second-degree murder in the death of Timothy Wimbush, 31, of Southeast Washington.

Wimbush was found shot shortly before 11:30 p.m. March 8 in the 5200 block of Marlboro Pike and was pronounced dead on the scene, police said.

Detectives said they think the shooting stems from a dispute between the men. Fleming is being held without bond.

 Lynh Bui

Man fatally shot

in Largo is identified

Prince Georges County police have identified a man found fatally shot Wednesday evening as Gregory Anthony Taylor, 25, of Largo.

Officers responded to the report of a shooting about 7:15 p.m. in the 10100 block of Campus Way South in Largo, police said. Taylor was pronounced dead at the scene.

Detectives said the shooting does not appear to be random and are working to determine a shooter and motive.

 Lynh Bui

VIRGINIA

Deadly feud ends

with guilty plea

A feud in Alexandria that left two people dead ended Thursday with a guilty plea to second-degree murder.

Dijuan Clark, 30, admitted to killing Saquan Hall, 23, in North Old Town last summer. Police were investigating Hall in the death a month earlier of Clarks 28-year-old brother Pierre.

Hall has never officially been named as Pierre Clarks killer, but police have said they are no longer looking for a suspect in that case.

Patrice Hall, Saquans mother, said she was disgusted and disappointed that Clark was not found guilty of first-degree murder in her sons death, but trusting that Gods will be done.

Clarks sentencing is set for June 15. He could be sent to prison for anywhere from five to 43 years for second-degree murder and using a firearm in the commission of a murder.

An attorney for Clark did not immediately return a request for comment.

 Rachel Weiner

Alleged plow thief gets

into a heap of trouble

Perhaps the alleged thief was prepping for the much-anticipated snowstorm that was expected to hit the D.C. region the next day.

Police said William Sanchez, 26, stole a snowplow truck on Monday from Fairfax County and drove it into Manassas. He hit a vehicle in the 8600 block of Liberia Avenue, then fled, Manassas City police said.

When the officer stopped him, he was arrested and charged with driving under the influence, hit-and-run and other charges. Sanchez, who lives in Manassas, was held without bond at the Prince William County jail. No one was reported injured.

 Dana Hedgpeth

Arlington unveils potential cuts

Arlington County Manager Mark Schwartz, who last month proposed a 2-cent hike in the property tax rate, on Thursday identified $11.1 million in budget cuts that would halve the potential tax increase.

In response to a County Board request, Schwartz said the county could eliminate 18 vacant positions and about seven existing jobs, as well as about $2 million in such services as housing grants, mowing and landscaping, and hours at the Glencarlyn Library. Schwartz said he would also ask the schools superintendent and School Board to find reductions of $3.5 million in continuous funding and $1.7 million in one-time-only funding.

The County Board plans to pass a final budget and tax rate on April 22.

 Pat Sullivan
These cases were handled by the Humane Rescue Alliance, which operates its shelters at 71 Oglethorpe St. NW and 1201 New York Ave. NE. For information or assistance, call 202-576-6664 or 202-726-2556, or go to humanerescuealliance.org.

Injury time out: Hamilton St. NW, 600 block, Feb. 27. An officer responding to a report of an injured bird found a Coopers hawk that was unable to fly and took it to the shelter. It was transferred to City Wildlife for rehabilitation.

Cat rescued: New Jersey Ave. NW, 600 block, March 2. Using a trap, an officer removed a cat that had fallen into a deep window well and transported the animal to the shelter. After an evaluation, the cat was treated by the CatNiPP program and released to the area where it was found.

Hawk detained: Rock Creek Church Rd. and Webster St. NW, March 3. Responding to a report, an officer found a red-tailed hawk that was unable to fly. The hawk was taken to the shelter and transferred to City Wildlife for rehabilitation.

Adoptable pet: New York Ave. NE, 1200 block, Jan. 28. An owner surrendered a 7-month-old dog because he could no longer care for it.

 Compiled by Ria Manglapus
Wings for Kids provides after-school programs for poor children in Atlanta, Charlotte, Charleston and rural Lake City, S.C. Trump's budget would eliminate funding that the organization relies on. (Wings for Kids)

Every weekday, 700 children from some of the poorest parts of the Atlanta area stay after school for three hours with Wings for Kids, a program that aims to bolster not only academic performance, but also social skills, relationships with caring adults and a sense of belonging at school.

The kids get a safe and enriching place to spend the afternoon and early evening, and their working parents get child care. But now, Wings for Kids and thousands of programs like it are on the chopping block, threatened by President Trumps proposal to eliminate $1.2 billion in grants for after-school and summer programs.

Its heart-wrenching, said Bridget Laird, chief executive of Wings for Kids, which serves 1,600 children in Atlanta; Charlotte; Charleston, S.C.; and rural Lake City, S.C. She said Thursday that without federal aid, those programs would be eliminated or gutted. I cant imagine if that were turned off  all of those kids running around the streets.

The program Trump is seeking to ax  known as the 21st Century Community Learning Centers  helps school districts, churches and nonprofit groups serve more than 1.6 million children nationwide.

The administration argues that there is no evidence the program has been effective. But Heather Weiss of the independent Global Family Research Project  who has studied after-school programs for nearly 20 years  said thats not true.

There is a lot of evidence, she said. Engaging kids in high-quality after-school programs, many of which are supported by 21st Century Community Learning Centers grants, results in kids doing better in school. Theyre more likely to graduate and to excel in the labor market.

[Trump seeks to slash Education Department but make big push for school choice]

The proposal is one cut among many in a budget that would slash federal education spending by $9 billion, or 13.5 percent, in 2018. Trump aims to eliminate billions for teacher training and scale back or end several programs that help low-income students prepare and pay for college.

At the same time, Trump is seeking to shift a historic amount of money  $1.4 billion  into charter schools, private-school vouchers and Title I portability, a controversial form of choice that would allow $1 billion in federal funds to follow poor children to the public school of their choice.

Advocates hope it would give poor children access to better schools and critics fear it would dilute funds available to the nations neediest schools.

The budget places power in the hands of parents and families to choose schools that are best for their children, Education Secretary Betsy DeVos said in a statement. It is the first step in investing in education programs that work.

Some conservatives hailed the budget as a sign that Trump intends to make good on his campaign pledge to downsize the Education Department.

I see this as a good step toward limiting federal intervention in education and restoring state and local control, said Lindsey Burke of the Heritage Foundation. Its not appropriate for the federal government to be funding and managing after-school programs.

But the budget proposal drew condemnation from many in the education world, including teachers unions, superintendents, school boards, and representatives of state education chiefs and urban school systems.

John King Jr., who was education secretary under President Barack Obama, called the proposal an assault on the American Dream that would disproportionately harm the poor and children of color. Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, said it would take a meat cleaver to public education.

Even some advocates for charter schools  which would get a 50 percent funding increase  rejected the blueprint: Charter schools are part ofnot a substitute fora strong public education system, Greg Richmond, president of the National Association of Charter School Authorizers, said in a statement. Charter schools cannot succeed without strong teachers and a seamless, affordable path to college for their graduates.

[School choice advocates divided over Trump and his education pick, Betsy DeVos]

Adding to the unease is the fact that more reductions have yet to be identified. Those disclosed in the two-page budget summary do not add up to the $9 billion total proposed by the administration.

There are a bunch of cuts we dont know about, said Chris Minnich, executive director of the Council of Chief State School Officers.

Minnich said state education chiefs are deeply concerned that the budget prioritizes school-choice experiments over existing programs that serve all students. Among the chiefs top priorities is saving the money for teacher training. The administration proposed eliminating the $2.4 billion program, arguing that it is poorly targeted and spread thinly across thousands of districts with scant evidence of impact.

Minnich said there are obviously ways to improve how the money is spent. But it doesnt mean we cut the money, he added. We should be talking about using that money to make sure every kid has a great teacher.

Michael Casserly, executive director of the Council of the Great City Schools, a coalition of 68 urban school systems, said his members rely on the fund mostly to reduce class size, which is allowed under current rules.

Casserly estimated that schools in his coalition, including those in the District, receive about $600 million from the program, which pays the salaries of thousands of teachers.

Several observers said its too soon to predict how Trumps proposal will play in Congress. Despite the Republican zeal for shrinking the Education Department, lawmakers are likely to face pressure to preserve funding for their constituents.

Trumps push for choice is also likely to face political head winds: Democrats almost uniformly oppose vouchers. So do some Republicans. And the presidents proposal to allow $1 billion in federal funds to follow poor children to the public schools of their choice  while thin on details  sounds a lot like a proposal that failed to pass the GOP-led Senate in 2015.

Its unclear to me that the politics of that has changed just in the last year and a half, Casserly said.
Protester Ann Bristow talks to a Maryland Capitol Police officer while being arrested for blocking the entrance to the Maryland State House in Annapolis on March 16. Protesters are asking the state Senate to ban fracking in Maryland. (Linda Davidson/The Washington Post)

Maryland Capitol Police arrested about a dozen anti-fracking activists who blocked an entrance to the State House on Thursday and called on Senate leaders to allow a vote on a bill to ban fracking, a controversial gas-extraction method.

The bill easily passed the House of Delegates last week, but has not moved out of a Senate committee.

We cannot love God with all our heart if we destroy Gods creation . . . nor can we frack and love our neighbor as ourselves, said Mike Tidwell, director of the Chesapeake Climate Action Network and a Sunday-school teacher at a Presbyterian church, who was among those arrested. Dozens of other activists chanted, sang and waved signs.

The protest came four days before crossover day, the date by which bills must pass out of at least one chamber to have a realistic chance of landing on the desk of Gov. Larry Hogan (R).

Participants said they were concerned that state Sen. Joan Carter Conway (D-Baltimore), who heads the Senate Education, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee, will not allow a vote on the ban bill in time for that deadline.

Fracking protesters stand in front of the Maryland State House in Annapolis on March 16. Lawmakers are considering two bills in the Maryland Senate that would decide the fate of fracking in Maryland. (Linda Davidson/The Washington Post)

A two-year state moratorium on fracking, technically known as hydraulic fracturing, is due to expire in October. Conway has proposed legislation that would extend the hold for two years and require each county and Baltimore to hold voter referendums next year on whether to ban the practice locally.

Hogan said Wednesday that he would review any fracking bill that passes out of the legislature. But he has stated in the past that he supports fracking, with strict safeguards to protect public health and the environment.

Marylands Department of the Environment proposed hydraulic fracturing regulations last year that would bar drilling in four watersheds and require four layers of steel casing and concrete around fracking wells to prevent water, gas and other fluids from migrating to other areas. Hogan said the rules would be the most stringent in the nation.

Sens. Paul G. Pinsky (D-Prince Georges) and Cheryl C. Kagan (D-Montgomery), both of whom support the proposed fracking ban, showed up at the demonstration to cheer the activists efforts.

Taking a stance is crucial, Pinsky said. Theres an old phrase, Dare to struggle, dare to win, and I think that applies today. Keep up the struggle.

Also Thursday, the state Senate approved a paid sick leave bill by a vote of 29 to 18, a veto-proof majority, a day after Hogan (R) said he would veto the measure if it reaches his desk. Four Democrats joined the Republican senators voting against the bill.

The measure would require companies with 15 or more employees to provide five days of paid sick leave a year. It now heads to the House, which passed a version requiring seven days of paid sick leave. The two bills will have to be reconciled.

Senators who oppose the measure said it will be crippling to small businesses that are already trying to adhere to the 2014 law that has gradually increased the states minimum wage. Sen. Thomas M. Middleton (D-Calvert), chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, said other states have not experienced the devastating consequences that many are predicting.

Meanwhile, the House of Delegates gave preliminary approval to legislation that would require the governors budget to include at least $1 million a year for the state attorney generals office to sue the federal government for actions that threaten the public interest and welfare or residents, beginning with the states fiscal 2019 spending plan.

The action came one month after the Democratic-majority legislature approved a resolution giving the attorney general blanket authority to take legal action against the federal government, partly in response to the Trump administrations executive orders dealing with undocumented immigrants, refugees and health care.

The House also passed a bill Thursday that would bolster funding for family planning in response to the GOPs federal health-care plan, which would cut off Medicaid reimbursements and family-planning grants to Planned Parenthood for one year, but then reinstate them if the organization stops providing abortions.

The Maryland legislation, backed by dozens of Democrats, would direct $2.7 million toward family planning programs at health centers including Planned Parenthood clinics. The Senate will take up the bill next.

The House also passed Hogans $43.5 billion budget, restoring about $81 million in cuts Hogan made to annual spending requirements. The measure now moves to the Senate, where the Budget and Taxation Committee began work on its own changes Thursday.
The fight over whether bail unfairly harms poor defendants seems unlikely to be settled in the Maryland General Assembly this year, leaving in place a recent court rule change that greatly reduces the use of bail.

Del. Curtis S. Anderson (D-Baltimore), the lead sponsor of a House bill that would essentially reverse the rule imposed by the Maryland Court of Appeals, said Thursday that he plans to withdraw the measure so lawmakers can assess the impact of the courts decision on the states criminal-justice system.

He and Del. Erek L. Barron (D-Prince Georges), who sponsored a competing bill that would enshrine the rule change into state law, sent a letter Wednesday to the politically powerful Legislative Black Caucus, urging members to essentially kill all of the major pieces of legislation that deal with pretrial release.

On Thursday morning, a divided caucus voted 18 to 13 to encourage the relevant House and Senate committees to take no action on bail-reform measures this year.

I think its positive, Attorney General Brian E. Frosh (D), a strong opponent of imposing bail on poor defendants, said after the meeting. We have to continue to be vigilant to make sure that the good work of the Court of Appeals doesnt get reversed.

Attorney General Brian E. Frosh (D) (Jonathan Newton/The Washington Post)

The vote by the Black Caucus, one of the largest groups in the state legislature, is likely to carry considerable weight in the General Assembly. However, it does not mean the bail proposals are dead.

The Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee on Thursday night approved a bill, sponsored by Sen. C. Anthony Muse (D-Prince Georges), that is similar to the one Anderson is withdrawing in the House. It would redesign the states bail system, allowing only those charged with misdemeanors to be released on personal recognizance.

Frosh says the legislation would essentially undo the courts landmark rule change, which requires judges to impose the least onerous conditions when setting bail for a defendant who is not considered a danger or a flight risk.

Del. Joseph F. Vallario Jr. (D-Prince Georges), chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, said Thursday that if a bill moves out of the Senate, his committee will take a look at it. In other words, even if the House version of the bill is killed, the Senate version could be considered in both chambers.

Still, Andersons decision to withdraw his bill is a significant blow to the powerful bail bond industry, which has been lobbying to preserve bail.

We cant win, said Vinnie Magliano, president of East Coast Bail Bonds. They are putting us out of business.

Magliano said he has lost about 70 percent of his customers since October, when District Court Chief Judge John P. Morrissey advised judges and commissioners to impose the least onerous conditions on defendants who cannot be released on their own recognizance.

Magliano said his industry will continue to fight. Bail is needed, he said. Were going to keep holding people accountable. . . . If they dont pass it and crime goes up, I dont want to hear it. The blood will be on their hands.

Anderson, who introduced his bill before the Court of Appeals ruling, said he decided to withdraw it after talking to Morrissey.

Anderson said he was told that the ruling, which officially takes effect in July, already is having the effect the courts thought it would, with more poor defendants who cannot afford bail being released and violent offenders who pose a safety risk to the public remaining jailed.

Last year, bail bondsmen tried to stop the Court of Appeals from considering the rule change, suggesting that any modifications to the pretrial system should instead come from the General Assembly.

Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr. (D-Calvert) and Sen. Robert A. Zirkin (D-Baltimore County) joined their effort, sending a letter to the Standing Committee on Rules of Practice and Procedure of the Maryland Court of Appeals that urged the judges to leave any changes in the hands of lawmakers.

Miller expressed support for bail bondsmen this week and said he expects Muses bill to move to the full Senate.

I think we need bail bondsmen to go after the bad guys, he said. These people with the ivory tower and pie in the sky dont realize that there are bad people in the world, and when they disappear we need somebody to find them. . . . The bail bondsmen, theyve got a role to play.

Over the past month, lobbyists for bail bondsmen have wined and dined Baltimore City and Prince Georges County lawmakers at Ruths Chris Steak House, hoping to persuade them to vote for the legislation that the industry had a hand in crafting.

Theyre all over the place talking to legislators, trying to persuade them that this is important for the people who are in the criminal justice system, Frosh said during a recent interview. The opposite is true. . . . Its a dangerous bill that lines the pockets of the bail bond industry.
Waterman Bubby Powley, 66, goes crabbing on the Chesapeake Bay near Hooper Island, Md., in June. (Linda Davidson/The Washington Post)

President Trumps proposed budget would eliminate federal funding for the cleanup of the Chesapeake Bay, the largest program to restore a body of water in U.S. history, just as the effort reaches its halfway point.

The Environmental Protection Agency awards millions in grants each year to the District, nonprofit agencies and six states in the bay watershed  Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York and Delaware  to pay for restoration.

The programs budget has increased to $73 million from its low point at the end of the administration of President George W. Bush. Last year, Virginia and Maryland and its local governments received about $9 million each from the program.

If enacted, Trumps budget threatens to derail the cleanup efforts, accomplishing a goal opponents of the program could not.

Weve been reliant on this money to make sure the bay is restored. Without it, there is no cleanup, said Chante Coleman, director of the Choose Clean Water Coalition.

Eighteen million people live in the 64,000-square-mile bay watershed. Its a source of recreation, including boating and fishing, and sustains a large commercial fishing and crabbing industry.

In 2010, the watershed states and the District agreed to take specific cleanup steps by 2025, including upgrades to deteriorating sewer facilities and fences to limit chemical runoff from farms. Numerous studies have shown that water quality in the bay was improving.

The biggest sources of pollution have been nutrients and sediment that flow from cities and farms. There was a time when oysters nearly vanished from the bay because of the pollution, and crabs and fish suffocated by the hundreds.

Farmers, home builders and chemical companies unsuccessfully fought the plan in court, saying a cleanup should be governed by the states, not the EPA.

Scott Pruitt, Trumps EPA administrator, was attorney general of Oklahoma at the time. He joined opponents who feared the government would use the bay program as a model to regulate the Mississippi River watershed.

Although Pruitt recently said he supported multi-state solutions to improve the health of the bay, Sen. Benjamin L. Cardin (D-Md.) opposed his confirmation, in part because of his stance on the bay.

Last month, 12 Democrats and five Republicans in the House wrote a letter to Trump urging him to maintain the bay cleanup budget.
A video surveillance camera shows two thieves breaking into a gun shop in Fredericksburg, Va. (Courtesy of Fredericksburg City police)

Two men broke into a gun shop in Fredericksburg, Va., police said, following two similar crimes in Fairfax and Montgomery counties.

The most recent crime happened around 5:40 a.m. Tuesday, when a U-Haul van pulled in front of the SSG Tactical store in an office park in Fredericksburg.

Police said two men in hooded jackets used a tool to break the glass and tried to break a lock on a door with a cage-like grill on it. But 90 seconds later, they got back into the van and drove away.

The stores owner said no items were taken.

The incident comes after two other break-ins at gun shops in Rockville, Md., and Chantilly, Va.

Police in Fairfax County put out this surveillance video picture that shows an alleged robber who broke into a Chantilly gun shop and helped steal weapons. (Courtesy of Fairfax County police)

It is very possible, Sarah Kirkpatrick, a spokeswoman for the Fredericksburg city police said, when asked whether the incidents were related. She said her agency is working with police in the other jurisdictions and with the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

In Chantilly, authorities said nearly three dozen firearms, worth an estimated $19,000, were stolen over the weekend from a gun store. The break-in at the store in the 13900 block of Metrotech Drive was captured on a surveillance video, according to police.

[Dozens of firearms stolen from Virginia gun store over the weekend]

The Rockville burglary happened March 9. In that case, more than 30 guns were stolen by two thieves from the United Gun Shop on Randolph Road, police said.

Fairfax County police said in an emailed statement that they cant say for certain that we think they are related. Spokesman Don Gotthardt said detectives there are working with the other jurisdictions where other burglaries have happened.

Montgomery County police they are aware of the burglary in Fredericksburg and are looking into the possibility that they may be related, according to Rebecca Innocenti, a spokeswoman there.

A surveillance video that police released shows two robbers breaking glass and stealing weapons inside the store.

(WUSA9)

[More than 30 weapons stolen from gun shop in Rockville]

Anyone with information in the latest case is asked to call Fredericksburg police at 540-373-3122.
A feud in Alexandria, Va., that left two people dead ended Thursday with a guilty plea to second degree murder.

Dijuan Clark, 30, admitted to killing Saquan Hall, 23, in North Old Town last summer. Police were investigating Hall in the death a month earlier of Clarks 28-year-old brother Pierre.

The murders shocked a city where violent deaths are few and far between and raised concerns in the North Old Town neighborhood, where expensive new apartment buildings and restaurants abut long-standing public housing.

Since those deaths, city leaders say they have worked to improve lighting in alleys and put police on foot patrol in the area. Former police chief Earl Cook and other local leaders also met with friends of both young men to try to prevent retaliation.

Hall has never officially been named as Pierre Clarks killer, but police have said they are no longer looking for a suspect in that case.

Patrice Hall, Saquans mother, said she was disgusted and disappointed that Clark was not found guilty of first degree murder in her sons death, but trusting that Gods will be done.

An eyewitness reluctantly testified in September that she saw Clark shoot and kill Hall.

Clarks sentencing is set for June 15. He could be sent to prison for anywhere from five to 43 years for second degree murder and using a firearm in the commission of a murder.

An attorney for Clark did not immediately return a request for comment.
Inside jails in Newport News and Norfolk, inmates would get a recommendation for a bail bond company that could give legal help.

But the company recommended, FamUnited, was fake, federal prosecutors in Virginia say. They say the inmates identities were stolen, along with their cellphones, wallets and credit cards, in exchange for promised bonds that never came.

According to an indictment in federal court, the conspirators sent forged property release forms to the jails even for inmates who didnt go along with the scam.

The fake bondsmen also forged power-of-attorney forms and used them to drain inmates bank accounts, according to the indictment. With stolen identity cards, they opened new bank accounts in inmates names.

One of those charged, 31-year-old Delanio Vick, of Norfolk, was an inmate at the jail who spread word of the fake company, according to federal prosecutors.

Vick, Teresa Gallop, 49, of Norfolk and Jessie Davis, 20, of Portsmouth were indicted Thursday by a federal grand jury on charges of conspiracy, mail fraud, wire fraud, bank fraud, making false statements in an application to a federally insured institution, and aggravated identity theft.
Amendment bill wont be endorsed, says Khanal

CPN-UML senior leader Jhala Nath Khanal has said that his party will not let the constitutional amendment bill endorsed at any cost.
A lawsuit that claimed Virginia targeted poor-people for license suspensions has been dismissed, although the judge ruled it has merit. (Nikki Kahn/The Washington Post)

A federal court dismissed a class-action lawsuit this week that claimed Virginia suspends the drivers licenses of some poor people in an unconstitutional scheme.

The suit, filed last year in U.S. District Court in Western Virginia by the Legal Aid Justice Center, which represents low-income Virginians, said more than 940,000 people in the state had their licenses suspended for nonpayment of fees and fines. On Monday, Judge Norman K. Moon ruled that the claims may be meritorious but said Virginias state courts were the proper venue for the case.

[Virginia suspends drivers licenses in unconstitutional scheme, class action says ]

Virginia law leads state judges to automatically suspend a defendants drivers license for nonpayment of court fees and fines, regardless of his ability to pay, the opinion read. That unflinching command may very well violate plaintiffs constitution rights to due process and equal protection. But the Constitution does not allow a federal district court to decide the matter.

The suit claimed hundreds of thousands of Virginians have lost their licenses because they cannot pay fines and court costs, effectively depriving them of reliable, lawful transportation necessary to get to and from work, take children to school, keep medical appointments, care for ill or disabled family members, or, paradoxically, to meet their financial obligations to the courts.

The Justice Department and the Virginia NAACP filed briefs in support of the suit, which detailed the claims of Damian Stinnie, a 24-year-old Charlottesville man diagnosed with lymphoma who fell into homelessness after failing to pay about $1,000 in traffic fines.

Mr. Stinnie has been and still is unable to get on a payment plan in any of these courts because they each have highly restrictive payment plan policies that prevent his entry, the lawsuit said.

[DMV is not responsible: Va. denies claim it unfairly suspends drivers licenses]

The federal court also said that state courts, not Virginias Department of Motor Vehicles commissioner  the defendant named in the lawsuit  were legally responsible for suspending the licenses.

Angela Ciolfi, a Legal Aid Justice Center senior attorney, said the organization was considering its options, which include appealing the decision or filing a new complaint.

Although we are disappointed in the courts decision, we stand steadfast with our clients and the nearly one million long-suffering Virginia drivers who will continue to endure a never-ending cycle of debt and incarceration, so long as the law forces them to choose between driving illegally and forsaking the needs of their families, the Legal Aid Justice Center said in a statement.

The Department of Justice and the Virginia NAACP did not respond to a request for comment.
Authorities are investigating a fatal shooting at Largo apartment complex that left one man dead, a spokesman said. (Prince George's County Police Department)

A man died Wednesday evening after he was shot multiple times at a Largo apartment complex, said a Prince Georges County police spokesman.

He was not immediately identified by authorities.

Officers were called to the 10100 block of Campus Way South around 7:15 p.m. for the report of a shooting. Investigators found the man laying in an outside stairwell at the apartment, said Officer Tyler Hunter.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene, added Hunter, who said officers are searching for a gunman.

Police did not release any further details.

Authorities ask anyone with information regarding this incident to call Prince Georges County Crime Solvers at1-866-411-TIPS (8477) for a cash reward.
President Trump said at a rally in Nasvhille he ought to restore his first travel ban, after a federal judge blocked a revised version of the measure. (Mark Humphrey/AP)

A second federal judge issued an injunction Thursday blocking enforcement of one of the critical sections of President Trumps revised travel ban, using Trumps own comments against him in deciding that the ban was likely to run afoul of the Constitution.

The decision from U.S. District Judge Theodore D. Chuang in federal court in Maryland marks another win for challengers of the presidents executive order, which had been slated to take effect at 12:01 a.m. Thursday. Earlier, a different federal judge in Hawaii stopped it.

Chuangs order did not sweep as broadly as the one in Hawaii, but he similarly declared that even the revised travel ban was intended to discriminate against Muslims. He said those wanting evidence of anti-Muslim intent need look no further than what the president himself has said about it.

Chuangs ruling wont upend or call into question the decision in Hawaii, instead offering some measure of reinforcement, and a different appeals court through which the government would likely have to pass.

The history of public statements continues to provide a convincing case that the purpose of the Second Executive Order remains the realization of the long-envisioned Muslim ban, Chuang wrote.

(Bastien Inzaurralde/The Washington Post)

[Read the federal judges ruling in Md. on Trumps revised travel ban]

Lee Gelernt, an ACLU lawyer representing those challenging the ban in Maryland, said the ruling in his case was significant in that two judges have looked at the revised order, and both have come to the same conclusion that it continues to be a Muslim ban. He said he was also encouraged that yet another judge was willing to look beyond the order itself to the presidents comments and other potential evidence of discriminatory intent.

The Justice Department said that it strongly disagreed with the ruling in the Hawaii case, and that the executive order Trump issued falls squarely within his lawful authority in seeking to protect our nations security.

The governments next legal step is unclear. The Justice Department has said only that it will continue to defend this Executive Order in the courts.

[Whats next for Trump travel ban 2.0]

At a rally in Nashville on Wednesday, Trump said he was prepared to take the case to the Supreme Court. He also mused about a return to his original executive order, which imposed a more sweeping ban than the second.

Let me tell you something. I think we ought to go back to the first one and go all the way, Trump said. The danger is clear, the law is clear, the need for my executive order is clear.

The first order temporarily barred entry for citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries and suspended the U.S. refugee program. When it was implemented, the State Department provisionally revoked tens of thousands of visas, and some travelers affected while in transit were detained and deported from U.S. airports.

Officials had hoped the revised version would be more defensible in court. It reduced the list of countries affected to six  removing Iraq, while keeping Iran, Somalia, Sudan, Libya, Yemen and Syria. It also applied only to those seeking new visas, and spelled out a robust list of those who might be exempted. The new order maintained the suspension of the refugee program.

[Federal judge in Hawaii freezes President Trumps new entry ban]

On Wednesday, with the order set to go into effect in just hours, federal judges in three states heard urgent challenges to the measure. The case in Maryland was brought by three organizations and six people, claiming the order affected their work or prevented their family members from the affected countries from getting visas to enter the United States.

Chuang blocked only the provision of the new order affecting the issuance of visas to those from the six affected countries. He said those suing had not provided a sufficient basis for him to declare the other sections invalid.

In Hawaii, U.S. District Judge Derrick K. Watson went further, also suspending the portion of the order that affected refugees.

His ruling will be undisturbed by Chuangs, and appeals courts would ultimately have to decide to what extent each of them was right.

Justice Department lawyers had argued that the ban was necessary for national security. As evidence to support their claim, they pointed to a request from the U.S. attorney general and homeland security secretary  penned March 6, after the first ban had been frozen  asking for the measure. They also pointed to more than 300 people who they said entered the United States as refugees and were the subjects of counterterrorism investigations

Chuang wrote that he should not, and will not, second-guess the conclusion that national security interests would be served by the travel ban, but if the national security rationale was secondary to an attempt to disfavor a particular religion, he had no choice but to block the executive order.

In this highly unique case, he wrote, the record provides strong indications that the national security purpose is not the primary purpose for the travel ban.

The same federal district court judge in Washington who blocked Trumps first travel ban is also considering challenges to the new one.
FILE - In this May 21, 2015 file photo, the Newark Liberty International Airport the air traffic control tower in Newark, N.J. (Julio Cortez/AP)

President Trump is seeking to shift one of the federal governments most vital safety functions  making sure airplanes reach their destinations safely  outside government hands, according to his new budget proposal.

The presidents proposal calls for moving the air traffic control function of the Federal Aviation Administration and its 14,000 controllers to an independent, non-governmental organization. The plan says, This would benefit the flying public and the taxpayers overall.

Airline executives, citing government inefficiencies and lagging technology efforts, have long pushed to privatize the nations air traffic control system, and they pressed their case in a White House meeting with Trump last month. The idea is opposed by some Senate Republicans.

The presidents 2018 budget, outlines of which were released Thursday, also seeks to stop federal funding of many new transit projects, saying local governments should take the lead.

Despite Trumps push for new spending on transportation and other infrastructure, his $16.2 billion proposed Transportation Department budget represents a 13 percent decline from current funding. A host of rural and urban communities nationwide would lose popular programs.

The plan would end federal support for Amtraks long-distance train service, which budget documents said incur the vast majority of Amtraks operating losses. This would allow Amtrak to focus on better managing its state-supported and Northeast Corridor train services.

The core of the Northeast Corridor stretches from Washington to Boston, though that term also encompasses several other offshoots.

Amtrak officials have long resisted calls to pare back service to just the most heavily traveled routes, saying people throughout the country deserve the benefits of a nationwide train system. Among the long-distance routes Amtrak runs as are the Empire Builder, which runs from Chicago to Seattle.

Trumps budget also eliminates funding for the Essential Air Service, which subsidizes flights to rural airports. Many of the flights are not full and have high per-passenger costs, according to the proposal. The cut would save $175 million.

The Federal Transit Administrations Capital Investment Program, known as New Starts, would also be curtailed. Only projects that are already locked in with formal federal commitments, known as full funding grant agreements, would get money.

(Jenny Starrs/The Washington Post)

The budget would also cut nearly a half-billion dollars from one of the most popular federal transportation programs, known as TIGER grants. The department has wide discretion in awarding the competitive grants, which have funded highway improvements in South Dakota and a rail station in Rhode Island, among dozens of other projects.
TSA agents work at the security checkpoint as Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.) addressed the media about, President Trump's budget crisis, at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International airport on March 14, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

The Trump administration wants to eliminate three airport security programs put in place after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, diverting the money to help build a wall along the U.S. border with Mexico.

The White House budget released Thursday prioritizes frontline border security and President Trumps commitment to construct a physical wall along the southern border.

The proposal says that $80 million could be saved by cutting grants that pay for local police in airports, eliminating a program that sends uniformed armed officers to sweep public facilities and ending the training for Transportation Security Administration officers in how to recognize unusual passenger behavior.

[Heres a look a whats getting cut in President Trumps proposed budget]

It would shift the burden for funding police in airports to state and local governments. TSA officers do not have police authority and must summon local officers when issues arise.

The budget document describes the three programs slated for elimination as underperforming, a description at odds with the assessment of a former TSA administrator and a former senior official at the Department of Homeland Security, parent agency to the TSA.

These are important programs, said the former DHS official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to speak candidly. Its hard to quantify it, because all of this is about risk. This is about security, so the more security elements we have in place, the more secure the traveling public in railroad stations and airports are going to be.

John S. Pistole, the former FBI deputy director who headed the TSA from 2010 to 2014, said the TSA is in a better position to find ways to economize its efforts than the White House.

If I were still administrator, I would say, give me a bottom line of how much you want to cut, and then let me work the agency and do some reductions that would not just be wholesale, Pistole said. What outcome are they trying to achieve other than just reduce the budget?

Although the TSA frequently has been criticized on Capitol Hill, program cuts may face pushback in Congress, where most members rely on airport security in their weekly trips to and from their districts.

The budget proposal does not appear to reduce the number of TSA officers assigned to airport security checkpoints. It increases the overall discretionary budget for the DHS by 6.8 percent, to more than $44 billion.

The Trump budget proposal would cover 75 percent of TSAs costs by bumping up the current $5.60 charge for each leg of a flight by $1, an increase intended to ensure that security is not subsidized by taxpayers who do not benefit directly.

Its outrageous, said Peter A. DeFazio (D-Ore.), ranking Democrat of the House Transportation Committee. Youre going to charge another dollar for security, but youre going to divert the money to building a wall. Every time you fly youre going to contribute a buck to Trumps Maginot Line on the Mexican border.

[TSA struggles with balancing speed and security at airport checkpoints]

In addition to the 2 million passengers who pass through airports each day, the TSA is responsible for the security of 28 million passenger rail riders, 1.2 million trucking companies, 3,000 privately owned pipeline companies, 106 million ferry passengers and 11 million cruise ship passengers, according to a TSA report in December.

What has not changed is that terrorists still consider airlines and airports high-value targets, former TSA administrator Peter V. Neffenger said in a report in December, shortly before he stepped down as administrator. The U.S. air transportation system, especially passenger airplanes, remain a primary target of every global terrorist network. That has not changed since before 9/11 and will define the threat environment for years, maybe decades, to come.

One program slated for elimination, at a savings of $57 million, according to an earlier budget document, is one that sends teams of armed uniformed TSA officers on random sweeps through airports and other modes of transportation. Commonly known as the VIPR program (for Visible Intermodal Prevention and Response teams), its intent is to create a highly visible police presence.

For example, VIPR teams were deployed to Reagan National Airport, Dulles International Airport, Baltimore-Washington International Marshall Airport, Amtraks Union Station and the Washington Metro system to guard against terrorist attacks during Trumps inauguration.

Pistole questioned the decision to eliminate VIPR teams.

That, I believe, creates a vulnerability, but theres no way of giving it any objective analysis to say, Okay, if you eliminate VIPR teams, what does that do?  he said.

The former DHS official pointed out that last year a bipartisan Congress doubled the number of VIPR teams, both in airports and in train stations.

[Your flight is boarding and the security line is long. Get used to it]

An additional $65 million, according to an earlier White House budget document, could be saved by eliminating the Behavior Detection Officer program. The value of the program was questioned by the Government Accountability Office in a 2013 report, but Pistole responded at that time that it provided a crucial layer of security that brought 2,116 passengers to the attention of law enforcement in 2012, resulting in 30 boarding denials and 183 arrests.

They may see it as a luxury. I would argue that its another good layer of security, Pistole said last week. They identify a number of people who are criminals, either drug smugglers or money smugglers, even a couple of human traffickers. They havent detected any terrorists because, to our knowledge, no bomb-totting terrorists have tried to get on a plane.

The proposed Trump budget would eliminate $45 million in grants to local police who patrol airports, contending that would incentivize local law enforcement patrols that should already be a high priority for state and local partners.

Pistole said the 2013 shooting at Los Angeles International Airport that killed TSA officer Gerardo Hernandez and wounded two other TSA officers might not have happened had uniformed Los Angeles police officers been patrolling the area. The grants to local law enforcement agency programs began after that shooting.

Two years later a New Orleans sheriff working the airport under the federal grant program fatally shot a man waving a machete at a checkpoint and carrying a bag with six gasoline-filled molotov cocktails and a barbecue lighter.

Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) registered her complaints about the effect of proposed cuts on her home state in a letter to DHS Secretary John F. Kelly on Monday.

The screening that [TSA] agents provide is integral in maintaining passenger trust and confidence in traveling safety, and it is an important stopgap in preventing acts of violence, Cortez Masto said. Failing to provide TSA with adequate resources to perform security screenings efficiently will undoubtedly have adverse effects on travelers.

She said more than 47 million passengers passed through the Las Vegas airport last year and that long TSA lines elsewhere could have a dramatic and adverse impact on travel to Nevada, which adds $18.5 billion to the states GDP and supports up to 487,500 Nevada jobs.
President Trumps support for a plan to lop more than 30,000 Federal Aviation Administration workers from the federal payroll gives fresh momentum to an effort that stalled in Congress last year.

The proposal is included in Trumps 2018 budget, which would cut funding for the Transportation Department by 13 percent.

The move would address two themes at the core of White House strategy: contracting the size of the federal workforce and putting a costly federal program in private hands.

[Proposal shifts air traffic control outside government, cuts funding for transit]

The more than 30,000 federal workers comprise 14,000 air traffic controllers and about 16,000 other FAA employees, many of whom work on a project called NextGen. The NextGen program is a combination of several projects intended to speed air travel, save airline fuel and accommodate a 20 percent increase in passengers in the next two decades.

View Graphic What's getting cut in Trump's budget

Congress has become increasingly frustrated by the pace at which the FAA has progressed and by regular criticism of NextGen in reports from the inspector general and the Government Accountability Office. A House committee last year voted to spin off the controllers and the NextGen program into a federally chartered nonprofit organization run by a board of directors. The bill was never called up on the House floor, perhaps because Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.) knew there was strong bipartisan opposition in the Senate.

[Heres a look at what gets cut in Trumps budget]

Now, the White House has endorsed a transfer to that nongovernmental organization as a benefit to the flying public and taxpayers overall.

The issue has divided the airline industry, won surprising union support for leaving the federal workforce and drawn comparisons with other nations that have privatized their air traffic control networks. If it wins congressional support this year, the FAA would lose more than 65 percent of its workers and be reduced to the role of a regulatory oversight agency, much like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which issues auto regulations and recalls faulty vehicles.

[New year, new president, renewed debate over fate of federal workers]

For too long, the federal government has been the impediment in updating our [air traffic control] operation to a world-class, state-of-the-art system, said House Transportation Committee Chairman Bill Shuster (R-Pa.), applauding Trumps proposal. Like any transformative change in Washington, entrenched interest groups will do and say anything to protect their parochial interests. But the facts are not on their side.

Rep. Peter A. DeFazio (D-Ore.), a committee member, said the proposal was included in Trumps budget as a political favor to the chairman, who was an early [Trump] supporter.

(Video: Jenny Starrs/Photo: Melina Mara/The Washington Post)

The chairman will have the same problem he did last time, DeFazio said. If Trump wants to actually put forward a proposal along these lines, hes going to have to put a lot of personal juice behind it. And then you get to the Senate, and they have pretty much said, We are not interested in this. 

That belief was echoed by Senate Commerce Committee member Bill Nelson (D-Fla.).

Scrapping our nations air traffic control system is an idea that died in the Senate last year, and itll die again this year  with or without the administrations support, Nelson said.

About a dozen years ago, the FAA was looking for a catchy descriptor for its multifaceted program to modernize a system that had undergone minimal enhancements since radars introduction during World War II, one in which commercial jetliners still move around the country from one designated way point to the next, rather than flying in a straight line to their destination.

The point was to sell Congress on funding several expensive projects, and the name they came up with to cover all of them was NextGen.

Giving multiple programs one name has been a blessing and a curse. It gave the FAA a single name to use when it sought modernization money from Congress. But it also gave Congress a single program to hold accountable when elements of NextGen moved slowly or not at all.

With the FAAs current authorization set to expire on Sept. 30, the White House and Shuster have a ready vehicle in the reauthorization bill to convey the privatization plan.

[Report: FAA isnt delivering what was promised in $40 billion project]

The FAA already has spent about $7 billion on elements of the NextGen program and estimates a total cost of $35.8 billion, split between federal taxpayers and the airlines, which will have to install new equipment on their planes. But some airlines have been reluctant to invest, perceiving the FAA as moving slowly and subject to uncertain funding and occasional government shutdowns.

That led to a split in the industry last year, when Delta broke away from the trade group Airlines for America, which supported the privatization plan. Delta rebelled, issuing a white paper that said no evidence has yet been produced to show that privatization would reduce costs.

The other major airlines say that privatization will infuse the NextGen program with a level of certainty that will give them confidence to make the required capital investments.

Details of the Trump proposal were not available Thursday, but if the White House follows last years Shuster plan, funding for the nonprofit corporation would come from charges and fees imposed on passenger and cargo airlines, exempting military aircraft and the general aviation community.

Shuster and advocates for moving the controllers and NextGen to a nonprofit corporation have studied several foreign systems where such a transfer has been achieved, most notably the Canadian system, which was transferred to a nonprofit 20 years ago.

Critics of a the U.S. transfer proposal point out that the Canadian system is far less complex and heavily used as the U.S. system.

[Air traffic controllers ready to break away from FAA]

A surprising turn in Shusters push for the formation of the nonprofit corporation came a year ago, when the controllers union, the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, supported the move to separate its members from the federal payroll.

The unions president, Paul Rinaldi, cited the 2013 sequestration, government shutdowns and the lack of funding to hire new controllers in testimony before Shusters committee.

Unfortunately, we no longer have a stable, predictable funding stream, and this uncertainty has caused serious problems in the system, Rinaldi testified. We have experienced 24 short-term extensions of authorization, a partial shutdown of the FAA, a complete government shutdown and numerous threats of government shutdowns.

Rinaldi laid out terms that he said his members found acceptable  ensuring that our employees are fully protected in our employment relationship and maintaining our members pay benefits, retirement, health care, along with our negotiated agreements for our work rules.

NATCA supports this bill because it provides a stable, predictable funding stream, he said. A not-for-profit, independent organization run by the board of stakeholders could deliver results similar to those we have seen in Canada.
Republican candidate for governor Denver Riggleman chats with attendees after a forum hosted by the Smith Mountain Lake Republicans at the Westlake Golf and Country Club Tuesday, March 7, 2017. He dropped out of the race Thursday. (Erica Yoon/AP)

Denver Riggleman, a populist running as a Republican for Virginia governor, announced Thursday that he was suspending his campaign.

Based on business considerations, resource shortages, and family health issues, I have no other choice but to suspend my campaign for Governor effective today, he said in a written statement. I want to thank everyone who has supported me, and particularly those that were willing to donate to our cause.

Riggleman, who turns 47 Friday, declined to elaborate in a brief telephone interview.

A former Air Force intelligence officer and distillery owner, Riggleman was one of four Republicans seeking the nomination in the partys June 13 primary.

[Outsider running for Virginia governor finds out its hard to run as a rebel, even in the Trump era]

He had based his outsider campaign on the tale of regulatory woes he and his wife encountered as they opened Silverback Distillery outside of Charlottesville in 2014. He also had highlighted his battle with Dominion Power, which at one point planned to route a large natural gas pipeline through his property.

His populist message and lively delivery  he called his campaign the Whiskey Rebellion  had ardent fans, including veterans of Donald Trumps Virginia campaign. But Riggleman struggled to raise funds.

His exit leaves three Republicans in the primary race: former Republican National Committee chairman Ed Gillespie; Corey Stewart, chairman of the Prince William Board of County Supervisors; and state Sen. Frank Wagner (Virginia Beach).

The impact of his departure will likely be minimal given that Riggleman remained relatively unknown, said Bob Holsworth, a former Virginia Commonwealth University political scientist.

He had an entertaining shtick, that was for sure, Holsworth said. And to the small group of people he was able to meet without spending much money, he was always quite an appealing character. But at the same time, he just didnt have enough visibility, didnt have enough name recognition, didnt have enough resources.

Without Riggleman, Republicans energized by Trump will have to choose from among two establishment figures (Gillespie and Wagner) and a guy who was fired from Trumps campaign (Stewart).

The Trump folks are in quandary, said Mark Lloyd, a Riggleman backer who was Trumps Virginia campaign director. Ed Gillespie, hes reached out to everybody and their mamas dog. Hes done it. But right now, I dont know where Im at.
Kanchanpur firing: Ballistics indicates bullet belongs to SSB

The ballistics of a bullet which killed Gobinda Gautam of Punarbas in Kanchanpur district indicates that it was fired by Indian security forces, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) confirmed on Wednesday.
New Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke (2nd from R) rides on horseback with a U.S. Park Police horse mounted unit while reporting for his first day of work at the Interior Department in Washington, U.S., March 2, 2017. (Reuters)

The Interior Departments budget would be slashed by nearly $2 billion compared with last years budget, according to a proposed spending plan from the Trump White House.

A proposed 12 percent decrease to $11.6 billion would cause pain in the offices that purchase public lands. That part of Interior would lose $120 million in funding under the proposal. Money for National Heritage Areas would be eliminated. The budget synopsis was not clear about whether that includes National Historic Parks, such as the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal in Virginia and Maryland.

After his confirmation this month, Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke said in an address to his staff that he had seen the White Houses budget proposal, disagreed with what was then thought to be a 10 percent budget cut and would express his displeasure.

I looked at the budget. Im not happy, but were going to fight about it, and I think Im going to win at the end of the day, Zinke said.

It appears he failed; President Trumps proposed cut is even higher. Interiors budget has grown steadily since 2012 to $13.1 billion. Trumps proposal is about $100,000 lower than what Congress granted the agency five years ago.

[Here are The Washington Post reporters covering federal agencies]

Interior employs 70,000 people at more than 2,000 locations to fulfill its mission, managing 530 million acres  20 percent of U.S. territory. It controls even more resources underground, 700 million acres of minerals.

The budget synopsis said the White House will increase funding for extracting energy on land and offshore but does not provide a figure. It promises to make sure taxpayers get a fair return on revenue from energy development but does not cite a percentage.

According to the synopsis, funding cuts to major land acquisition will be diverted to national parks, which have a maintenance shortfall of more than $12 billion. There was no indication of how the Trump administration will attack that problem, which Zinke listed as his top priority at his confirmation hearing.

[How to share news tips securely with The Washington Post]

Land-acquisition funding has enjoyed bipartisan support in Congress because it protects national parks from harm.

Large parcels of land inside parks are privately owned, said John Garder, director of budget and appropriations for the National Parks Conservation Association. When owners sell, parks can work to acquire the land.

In President Obamas last budget, funding of $2 billion was requested for coastal resilience. Obama asked for $24 million more for land acquisition than the $324 million Congress provided in 2016.

Heritage area funding is important, Garder said, because it supports tribal preservation officers and provides grants to underrepresented communities.

The synopsis provided by the White House offers little information about the fate of key Interior programs, such as the Climate Action Plan, which helps vulnerable coastal communities such as Miami prepare for the impact of sea-level rise and other effects of climate change.

An earlier version of this article said the proposed budget cuts would eliminate National Historic Sites. They would eliminate National Heritage Areas.
KENTUCKY

Push for neighborhood schools fails, for now

A Republican push to return to neighborhood schools in Louisville and its surrounding suburbs  an effort that would have dismantled one of the nations leading desegregation efforts  appears to have failed, at least for now.

The GOP-led Kentucky House easily passed House Bill 151, which would have required school districts to allow children to attend the school closest to their home. The measure applied to the whole state but mainly targeted the Jefferson County school system, which encompasses Louisville.

But with the end of the legislative session fast approaching and a vote required by Wednesday night, the Senate had yet to hold a hearing on the measure. A key Senate leader and the bills sponsor both indicated that it will not pass this year. The bill would have effectively ended a long-standing effort to promote school diversity in Louisville and surrounding Jefferson County, where desegregation efforts have survived Ku Klux Klan demonstrations and a defeat at the U.S. Supreme Court.

 Emma Brown

CALIFORNIA

Ex-sheriff convicted of obstructing FBI probe

Former Los Angeles County sheriff Lee Baca has been convicted of obstructing an FBI investigation into his jails and lying to federal authorities.

A jury reached the verdicts Wednesday on charges that Baca conspired with underlings to hinder a probe into jail guards taking bribes and beating inmates and lied about his role in the conspiracy. He could face 20 years in prison.

The 74-year-old, who is in the early stages of Alzheimers disease, headed the nations largest sheriffs department for 15 years before resigning in 2014 as the scandal grew. It was Bacas second obstruction trial after another jury deadlocked, 11 to 1, in favor of acquittal.

Prosecutors said the corruption went from deputies all the way to the top. Bacas lawyers said he gave no instructions to obstruct the FBI.

 Associated Press

3 from Air Force killed in crash: Three service members assigned to a special-operations unit were killed after a single-engine reconnaissance and surveillance plane crashed in eastern New Mexico during a training flight, the Air Force said. Officials at Cannon Air Force base said the U-28A crashed Tuesday night in a field three miles east of the base.

Okla. Senate votes to punish member for disorderly behavior: The Oklahoma Senate has voted to punish a state senator who police say was found with a teenage boy in a motel room in the Oklahoma City suburb of Moore last week. No charges have been filed against Sen. Ralph Shortey (R). The Senate voted 43 to 0 Wednesday for a resolution that accuses Shortey of disorderly behavior and imposes punishments.

 From news services
Bhattarai explains Maoist transition

The highly sensitive geopolitical positioning of Nepal, sandwiched between India and China, is one of the important factors for the timely transition of the Maoist party, Naya Shakti Nepal Coordinator Baburam Bhattarai said on Wednesday.
Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.), left, and Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) hold a news conference with people who say they were harmed by the decisions of Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Senate Democrats are requesting more information about Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuchs role defending the George W. Bush administration in lawsuits over terrorism policies and interrogation of detainees.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, said the information provided by Gorsuch about his 2005-2006 employment at the Justice Department has raised more questions.

With your hearing only six days away, it has come to my attention that your response via the Department of Justice to my letter of February 22 is incomplete and must be supplemented immediately, Feinstein (Calif.) wrote, setting a deadline of 5 p.m. Thursday.

Hundreds of thousands of document pages provided cryptic descriptions of the work of Gorsuch, who served as a high-ranking Justice Department official before he was confirmed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit in July 2006.

Feinstein requested documents covering all litigation related to the Bush administrations anti-terrorism, intelligence, detention, interrogation, military, or related efforts in which you drafted or reviewed a legal filing.

The request signaled a potential new avenue of questioning for Gorsuch by the committees Democrats and came as the partisan and ideological battle over Gorsuchs nomination began to heat up on Capitol Hill.

Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) held a news conference with people who said they had been harmed by Gorsuchs rulings, and the senator accused President Trumps nominee of enacting a right-wing, pro-corporate, special-interest agenda as a judge.

Given the chance, I have no doubt hell do it again on the Supreme Court, Schumer said.

Schumer also called out Gorsuchs ties to conservative businessman Philip Anschutz, detailed this week in a New York Times article. Gorsuch represented Anschutz as a private lawyer, and Anschutz has contributed to the Heritage Foundation and Federalist Society, two groups that recommended Gorsuch and 20 others to Trump as potential Supreme Court nominees.

Besides portraying Gorsuch as harmful to the little guy, Democratic senators and aides have also explored his involvement with issues of executive privilege and terrorism-related cases.

Feinstein said Tuesday that she was sending a team of Democratic staffers to the Justice Department to review about 11,000 pages of documents that department officials said were too sensitive to be copied or sent to Capitol Hill.

Sen. Patrick J. Leahy (D-Vt.) said that on areas of surveillance and torture, what Ive seen so far, his views are a lot different than mine.

When Judge Gorsuch was working for the administration, at least based on the initial things Ive looked at, he appears to be a cheerleader for President Bushs views on executive powers, Leahy said, declining to specify which documents he had seen.

But Sen. Charles E. Grassley (R-Iowa), who leads the Judiciary Committee, disputed accusations that Gorsuch or the Trump administration have been withholding information on the nominee.

Theyre asking things of Gorsuch that they didnt ask of Kagan, Grassley said, referring to Justice Elena Kagans tenure as solicitor general in the Obama administration.

Grassley said that Democrats should be satisfied with the amount of information released so far.

In the documents released to the committee, Gorsuch provides a list of the work he did at the Justice Department in the form of a self-evaluation.

Helped coordinate litigation efforts involving a number of national security matters  including the Darby photos litigation and FOIA case seeking a poll of Guantanamo Bay detainees, he wrote, referring to the 2004 release of graphic pictures of prisoners being abused by U.S. military personnel in Iraqs Abu Ghraib prison.

Gorsuch said he also drafted speeches on terrorism and national security efforts for the Attorney General and helped draft the motion to dismiss the first set of suits by detainees authorized by a Supreme Court decision.

Feinstein was also interested in a reference to a proposal for a seminar on torture policy at the Council on Foreign Relations. Please provide to the committee any materials related to any involvement you had in the issue of torture (including so-called enhanced interrogation techniques), including this proposal, she wrote.

The hundreds of thousands of pages submitted by the Justice Department has provided intriguing glimpses of the nominee, but its sheer volume has frustrated researchers.

The documents do show that, if confirmed, Gorsuch would become the first justice to have visited the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay. He wrote a thank-you to his hosts:

I was extraordinarily impressed, he wrote. Being able to see first hand all that you have managed to accomplish with such a difficult and sensitive mission makes my job of helping explain and defend it before the courts all the easier.

Gorsuch also took an active role in developing talking points for the administration on detainees, including whether enhanced interrogation works.

Yes, is handwritten next to a typed question: Have the aggressive interrogation techniques employed by the Admin yielded any valuable intelligence?

At the top of the page, which contains actual or anticipated questions from Sens. John McCain (R-Ariz) and Lindsey O. Graham (R-S.C.) is written: TO DO  Examples of Intell relating to GTMO.

Gabe Roth, whose organization Fix the Court filed a lawsuit after receiving no action on a Freedom of Information Act request for Gorsuchs records, said the documents appear incomplete.

The picture these documents paint is that from the outset of his agency tenure, Judge Gorsuch was intimately involved in a range of administration initiatives, from detainee treatment to surveillance to judicial nominations, Roth said. Im looking forward to the release of additional documents, whether in response to the senator or to our FOIA lawsuit.
The Trump administration is seeking to cut $4.7 billion from the U.S. Department of Agricultures discretionary spending budget, according to a budget outline obtained by The Washington Post, but the administration so far has provided little information about how it will carry out the cuts.

The White House Office of Management and Budgets 2018 spending blueprint requests $17.9 billion in funding for the USDA, down $4.7 billion from its 2017 funding level, or a reduction of about 21 percent. The programs facing cuts fall under discretionary spending, which includes food safety, rural development and conservation funding, research grants and international food aid. The cuts will not affect mandatory spending programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program  SNAP, also known as food stamps  and crop subsidies for farmers.

The administration plans to eliminate its water and waste-disposal loan and grant program, which helps with rural water and waste infrastructure, for a savings of nearly $500 million. It also will seek to eliminate aspects of the Rural Business-Cooperative Service, which supports business development and job opportunities, because the administration called it duplicative. That cut would save $95 million.

Rural communities can be served by private sector financing or other Federal investments in rural water infrastructure, such as the Environmental Protection Agencys State Revolving Funds, the budget document states.

(Jenny Starrs/The Washington Post)

The administration plans to spend $6.2 billion on the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, down from $6.4 billion in 2017.

The McGovern-Dole International Food for Education Program, which distributes food aid to children living in poverty abroad, would be eliminated under the budget proposal, saving about $200 million. The document says the program  named after former U.S. senators George McGovern (D) and Bob Dole (R), who pushed for it  lacks evidence that it is being effectively implemented to reduce food insecurity. The program estimates that it helped feed more than 2 million people in developing countries in fiscal 2016, including in Cambodia, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Haiti, Kenya, Laos, Malawi and Tanzania.

The document says funding for the National Forest System will be reduced, but it does not indicate by how much; the administration is focused on maintaining existing forests and grasslands rather than pursuing new land purchases.

The Agricultural Research Service might also face cuts to focus departmental research on the highest priority agriculture and food issues, such as increasing farm productivity, sustaining natural resources . . . and addressing food safety and nutrition priorities, the document says. The budget also says the USDA will reduce staffing by an unspecified number at various service centers.
TURKEY

Hackers post Nazi slurs amid row with Europe

Hackers apparently sympathetic to the Turkish government posted Twitter messages Wednesday on hundreds of public accounts deriding Germany and the Netherlands as Nazis, opening a new front in an escalating war of words between Turkey and its European allies.

It was not clear who was responsible for the tweets, posted on the accounts of Amnesty International, UNICEF and the BBC, among others. But the messages suggested backing for Turkish views, echoing recent rhetoric by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Erdogan has accused Germany and the Netherlands of Nazism after officials in those countries prevented Turkish ministers from holding campaign events to court expatriate Turks.

Turkey is weeks away from a referendum that could shift its system of government and grant Erdogan broad new presidential powers while extending his tenure in office. With polls showing an evenly divided electorate, Erdogans supporters have been anxious to sway millions of Turkish voters living in Europe.

After more than half a dozen Turkish campaign rallies in the Netherlands and Germany were canceled, Turkish officials accused the Dutch and German governments of caving to domestic nationalist fervor.

 Kareem Fahim

UKRAINE

Rebel-held territory hit by transport blockade

Ukraine on Wednesday announced a transport blockade of rebel-held areas that is likely to cause major economic disruption and could threaten a precarious cease-fire in the countrys east.

It will be in place until the occupiers return stolen Ukrainian industry to Ukrainian jurisdiction, President Petro Poroshenko said in Kiev.

The move represents a dramatic U-turn by Poroshenko, who had earlier tried to end a transport blockade on the rebel east imposed by nationalists.

Many economic links have been preserved between separatist-held areas and government-held areas despite a three-year-old conflict. But the new measures appeared to amount to a full-blown trade ban.

All rail and road connections with the rebel-controlled areas will be cut from Wednesday, according to an official quoted by the Tass news agency.

The only exception will be for humanitarian deliveries by Ukrainian organizations, the United Nations and the Red Cross.

 Associated Press

MALAYSIA

Child DNA helps verify Kim Jong Nam identity

Malaysian police were able to confirm the identity of Kim Jong Nam, killed last month at Kuala Lumpurs airport, using a DNA sample from one of his children, Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Wednesday.

Zahid also said negotiations began Monday to resolve a diplomatic standoff over the death of Kim, the estranged half brother of North Koreas leader.

Malaysian authorities say Kim was killed Feb. 13 when two women smeared his face with the banned nerve agent VX in a airport terminal. He was carrying a passport bearing the name Kim Chol. Police said last week they had confirmed the victim was Kim Jong Nam, but refused to say how.

North Korea, suspected of being behind the attack, continues to call the victim Kim Chol.

Zahid said police confirmed that the identity of the body is Kim Jong Nam based on the sample taken from his child. He did not say when and where the DNA sample was taken.

Ties between Malaysia and North Korea have deteriorated sharply since Kims death.

 Associated Press

Death toll in Ethiopia landfill collapse tops 100: The death toll from Saturdays collapse at a landfill outside Ethiopias capital has risen sharply to 113, an official said. The landfill has been a dumping ground for Addis Ababas garbage for five decades. Meanwhile, Ethiopias government lifted parts of a state of emergency imposed in October, the state broadcaster reported. It quoted the defense minister as saying that arbitrary arrests without court orders and searches without court papers will stop.

 From news services
SYRIA

At least 35 are killed in airstrike on mosque

An airstrike on a mosque in a rebel-held area of northern Syria on Thursday killed at least 35 people, first responders and activists said.

The Syrian Civil Defense, volunteer paramedics known as the White Helmets, said first responders were racing to the scene after the airstrike in the Jeeneh area, near the rebel-held province of Idlib. It said at least 35 people were killed.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said at least 42 people were killed, mainly civilians.

Jeeneh is in the western Aleppo countryside, which along with Idlib is home to hundreds of thousands of Syrians displaced by fighting in other areas.

Russian and Syrian aircraft are known to operate in the opposition-held region.

The U.S. Central Command, based in Tampa, said separately that U.S. forces killed several terrorists in a strike at an al-Qaeda meeting place in Idlib. It said in a statement that Idlib has been a significant safe haven for al-Qaeda in recent years. The United States has struck dozens of locations in northwestern Syria in the past, targeting al-Qaeda-linked militants.

The airstrike on the mosque came a day after suicide attacks in the capital, Damascus, killed at least 30 people on the sixth anniversary of the start of the Syrian conflict.

 Associated Press

ISRAEL

Court affirms Arabs ties to Jerusalem

Israels high court has recognized the special ties of Jerusalem-born Palestinians to their city  a precedent-setting ruling that could help protect their residency rights.

Since capturing traditionally Arab East Jerusalem in 1967, Israel has stripped 14,500 Palestinians of their residency rights. Reasons included prolonged absence from Jerusalem, even in cases where Palestinians moved to the outskirts because of housing shortages in the city or went abroad to study.

This week, three Supreme Court judges ordered the state to restore the residency of a Jerusalem native who spent years in the United States but returned to the city. The judges referred to Palestinians from Jerusalem as native-born residents.

 Associated Press

SOMALIA

Officials: Pirates free oil tanker and crew

Somali pirates who seized a Comoros-flagged oil tanker this week after five years without a major hijacking in the region have released the ship and its crew without conditions, officials said late Thursday.

Security official Ahmed Mohamed told the Associated Press that the pirates left the ship, which was heading to Bossaso port, the regions commercial hub, with its eight Sri Lankan crew members aboard.

Mohamed said the release occurred after negotiations by elders and officials with the pirates, who seized the tanker Monday. The pirates were not arrested and were allowed to disembark, he said.

 Associated Press

ITALY

10 hurt in explosion on Mt. Etna volcano

Volcanic rocks and steam injured at least 10 people, including tourists and a scientist, in an explosion on Sicilys Mount Etna on Thursday, witnesses and media reported.

The tourists, who were on Etna to observe the volcano erupting, were caught by surprise when flowing magma hit thick snow, causing an explosion that rained rock and other material down upon them.

Authorities say about 35 tourists were on the volcano when the explosion occurred.

According to Italian news agency ANSA, four people including three German tourists were hospitalized, mostly with head injuries.

 Associated Press

Mexican cartels moving drug crops into Oaxaca state: Mexicos army is coming under fire from drug traffickers protecting opium poppy plantations as the cartels increasingly move production into the state of Oaxaca. The state is better known for its colonial capital, its beaches and its large impoverished Indian population, but its mountainous terrain favors opium production. Gen. Alfonso Duarte Mujica said army patrols were fired at twice this week as they tried to cut down poppy plantations in the western part of the state.

Fillon probe widened to include gift of fine suits: The fraud investigation into French presidential candidate Francois Fillon has been widened to include a gift of luxury suits from a friend, a judicial source told Reuters on Thursday, confirming an earlier report by Le Parisien newspaper. Fillon, the conservative candidate of the Republicans, came under formal investigation Tuesday on suspicion of misusing public funds linked to payments to his wife and children for work they may not have carried out. Fillon, a 63-year-old former prime minister, denies wrongdoing and has refused to abandon his bid for the presidency.

Malta makes major drug bust on ship heading to Spain: Customs inspectors in Malta have seized more than 660 pounds of cocaine worth millions of euros on a container ship heading from Ecuador to Spain, Maltese officials said Thursday. Prime Minister Joseph Muscat hailed the find as the biggest drug seizure in the history of the Mediterranean island.

Recently discovered Egyptian statue is not Ramses II: Egypts antiquities minister said a massive statue recently discovered in Cairo and thought to be of one of the countrys most famous pharaohs may actually be of another ancient Egyptian ruler. Minister Khaled el-Anani told a news conference that the colossus discovered last week in an eastern Cairo suburb almost certainly depicts Psamtek I,

who ruled Egypt between 664 and 610 B.C.

 From news services
Megan Shade and Victoria Rivera participate in a protest outside the office of Rep. Carlos Curbelo (R-Fla.) in Miami to ask the congressman to protect the Affordable Care Act. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

In 2012, Barack Obama won Macomb County, Mich., by 16,000 votes. Four years later, Hillary Clinton lost the same county by three times that  a 64,000-vote swing in a state that Donald Trump won by only 10,000 votes overall. In February, Democracy Corpss Stan Greenberg conducted a focus group in Macomb with Democrats and independents who shifted to Trump after voting at least once for Obama to see whether they might return to the Democrats in the future. What issue came up most? The cost of health care dominated the discussion in these focus groups, Greenberg writes. They speak of the impossibly high costs and hope Trump will bring affordable healthcare. 

The GOP leaderships disastrously designed replacement for Obamacare has only highlighted the fact that millions of Americans struggle with the rising costs of health care. Instead of offering their own plan to fix and build on Obamacare, though, Democrats have opted to simply let the Republicans fail. The strategy could cost them in the long run.

Even before the new president and Congress were sworn in, Democrats had settled on stay quiet. Politico reported in February that although Democrats will publicly goad Trump on subjects hes clearly sensitive about . . . on other issues, like Obamacare and tax reform, theyll get out of the way and let Trump and House Republicans fall on their face. With some exceptions, such as Sens. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), most of the Democratic caucus has stuck to that plan.

There is a certain logic to this approach. In a debate, you dont interrupt while your opponent is floundering. Creating a Democratic alternative would give the GOP something to unite against. It could also alienate health-care-industry interests  doctors, hospitals, pharmaceutical lobbies and so on  that might otherwise rally to Democratic candidates.

But the cost of health care is not a news cycle to be won. It is a major, everyday problem that represents a key test for voters of whether a politician or party is serious about addressing their concerns. Its not just Macomb voters who want answers: Two-thirds of Americans believe lowering health-care costs should be a top priority for lawmakers.

The Affordable Care Acts defenders will point out that the main goal of the law was to reduce the number of uninsured, that the law probably slowed the rise of premiums and that most people with plans purchased on the ACA exchanges are happy with their premiums and deductibles (though that majority has shrunk since the exchanges opened). All these arguments are true. They are also cold comfort to people facing still-rising costs, with premiums for employee plans climbing 50 percent in the past eight years. This is reflected in the fact that, even as the ACAs approval rating ticks into positive territory for the first time, few believe the law is perfect. In a February NBC/Wall Street Journal poll, only 4 percent of respondents said they thought the law was working well the way it is. In poll after poll, most who support the law still say it needs fixing.

This is where Democrats will shout: Clinton did have a health-care policy! Thats true, but her campaign didnt make much use of it. A recent study found that more than 60 percent of the ads Clinton and her allies ran were focused solely on the candidates personalities, rather than policy, a huge difference from every other presidential campaign since 2000. (Yes, that includes Trump  70 percent of his sides ads had at least some mention of policy.) It should not be surprising that Clintons health-care plans didnt move most voters.

Even some conservatives recognize that the GOP rollout leaves an opening. On Tuesday, Trump ally Christopher Ruddy, chief executive of the conservative media company Newsmax, wrote that Trump should be sticking to his guns on healthcare reform  i.e., his repeated support for universal coverage  instead of following the House GOPs plan. Ruddy goes so far as to suggest that Trump back a Medicaid-for-all plan. After all, Ruddy points out, that position helped him win Democratic states like Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania.

Rather than stay on the sidelines, Democrats in Congress should introduce and promote a new health-care plan. The outlines of such a plan are straightforward: expand Medicare and Medicaid, create a public option for everyone else that can use those programs pricing power, push regulatory reforms to lower drug prices, and give Medicare the power to negotiate prescription drug prices. Many progressives would prefer a Medicare-for-all system, but this plan would satisfy most of the party, and it has the political advantage of being closely tied to the extremely popular Medicare program.

More important, its a real policy solution that could appeal to millions of struggling Americans, regardless of whom they voted for in November. Voters want solutions, not silence.
Continued uncertainty

Recent incidents have yet again exposed Nepali societys vulnerability to conflict
How to account for President Trumps new thing for Old Hickory?

Trump flew to Nashville on Wednesday afternoon and visited the tomb of Andrew Jackson, the first of Trumps predecessors he chose to so honor, in celebration of Jacksons 250th birthday. He placed a wreath, pronounced himself a big fan, asserted that he had much in common with Jackson and sent a thank-you tweet to a man who died 160 years before Twitter.

This followed Trumps decision in January to move a portrait of Jackson into the Oval Office, his position during the campaign against replacing Jackson on the $20 bill in favor of Harriet Tubman, and frequent attempts by top Trump strategist Steve Bannon to liken Trump to Jackson.

Most Americans probably dont much care about the homage to the Hero of New Orleans and populist father of the Democratic Party. But one group sees the Jackson worship as an important sign from the president  the same people Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa) has been speaking to lately when he talks about somebody elses babies. By accident or by design, Trump is delighting the white nationalists.

The Daily Stormer, a neo-Nazi website, applauded as fitting Trumps honoring of this white supremacist extremist, as it calls Jackson. The group created a poster for supporters to display featuring a portrait of Jackson underneath a reference to a quote from Bannon: Like Andrew Jacksons populism, were going to build an entirely new political movement. Beneath the Jackson portrait the poster says, with adorning swastikas, The new face of the Republican Party: DailyStormer.com.

(Jenny Starrs/The Washington Post)

Jackson belongs to all America, both the good (his common touch) and bad (his Indian killer nickname and the Trail of Tears), and several presidents visited his tomb before. But white nationalists are attempting to appropriate Jackson the way the tea party commandeered the Dont Tread on Me flag, and they see Trump encouraging them. The fact that he put up a portrait of Andrew Jackson in the Oval Office shouldve sent a huge signal, white nationalist James Edwards said on his radio show, Political Cesspool.

Theres political reason for Trump to send such signals. The number of white nationalists and overt racists is small, but, as Ive noted before, feelings of racial resentment strongly predict support for Trump. A new analysis this week underscores the relationship.

Researchers from San Francisco State University and the liberal think tank Demos, writing in the Nation, said they did regression analyses comparing voters presidential preferences with their reaction to being told that the United States will become a minority-majority nation. The likelihood of supporting Trump increased sharply among those with negative views of racial diversity  but there was no similar effect seen among supporters of John McCain in 2008 or Mitt Romney in 2012. Views on whites declining share of the population were a more powerful indicator of Trump support than other factors.

This powerful fear of racial diversity explains why King, always a provocateur (he spoke of immigrants with calves the size of cantaloupes from drug-running), feels safe being more overtly racist (and why GOP leaders have been timid in response).

On Sunday, tweeting his approval of far-right Dutch politician Geert Wilders, King wrote: We cant restore our civilization with somebody elses babies.

He defended his remarks Monday on CNN, calling Western civilization a superior culture, and, in an Iowa radio interview, he predicted that Hispanics and the blacks will be fighting each other before whites lose their majority.

King, naturally, favors keeping Jackson on the $20 bill and said putting Tubman on the currency would be racist.

Another thing King has in common with Trump: Both mens actions help embolden racists.

David Duke, the former Klan leader, this week celebrated Kings babies remark. Likewise, Duke, who fought last year to keep an iconic statue of Jackson in New Orleans, has been praising Trumps actions, tweeting: President Trump is off to an amazing start, God bless him for it!

Richard Spencer, of the white-nationalist National Policy Institute, has praised Trump for, among other things, his border-wall plans and the choice of a white Protestant for the Supreme Court.

Spencer also posted a video Sunday defending Kings babies remark. If this is a signal that conservatives are moving in the right direction under Trump, Spencer said, then Im very happy.

A continuing source of white nationalists happiness is Trumps fascination with Jackson, who forcibly relocated Indians from the South. Established in the midst of another and a superior race, and without appreciating the causes of their inferiority or seeking to control them, they must necessarily yield to the force of circumstances and ere long disappear, President Jackson told Congress in 1833.

Such thinking wasnt unusual then, but todays racists are trying to claim Jackson (and Trump) as their own. We are in serious need of some more trails of tears just about now, Andrew Anglin wrote on the Daily Stormer. And its look[ing] like Trump may well deliver in spades.

Twitter: @Milbank

Read more from Dana Milbanks archive, follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook.
SIX YEARS after the people of Syria rose up against the dictatorship of Bashar al-Assad, reports of the carnage there can be numbing, from the attacks on hospitals with shrapnel-filled barrel bombs to the starvation sieges imposed on hundreds of thousands of civilians. But a report issued this week by the United Nations offers fresh perspective. It concerns Syrian children, who it says suffered their worst year in 2016. The losses it chronicles are staggering, and heartbreaking.

At least 652 children were killed, according to the U.N. childrens agency UNICEF, a 20 percent increase over the previous year. An additional 647 were maimed. Many died in the systematic bombing by the Assad regime and Russia of schools and pediatric hospitals; there were at least 87 attacks on schools and their personnel, and more than 255 children were killed in or around educational facilities.

In one week during the government assault on Aleppo in September, 96 children were killed and 223 injured. In an Oct. 26 attack on a complex of schools in Idlib province, 21 children between the ages of 7 and 17 died; others lost limbs or were blinded. According to the U.N. Syria commission, the schools had more than 2,000 students but stopped functioning out of fear of future attacks.

Many children were gang-pressed into the conflict  more than 850, according to UNICEF. Its report said, Children are being recruited at an ever younger age and are increasingly taking part in combat roles, including in extreme cases as executioners, suicide bombers or prison guards.

A generation in what was one of the Arab worlds most cultured nations is being lost. UNICEF says 1.7 million children in Syria are out of school, and 2.3 million are living as refugees in Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt and Iraq  almost half the overall refugee total. Six million kids depend on humanitarian assistance  and they are the lucky ones not trapped in villages and towns that are systematically deprived of food and medicine by government sieges.

Syrias revolution began with children. A group of boys in the southern town of Daraa who painted anti-government slogans on walls were arrested and tortured, touching off popular demonstrations that started in March 2011 and soon spread to other cities. From the beginning, the Assad regime responded brutally, gunning down peaceful marchers who called for democratic reforms. Six years later, as U.N. Human Rights Commissioner Zeid Raad al-Hussein put it on Tuesday, the entire country has become a torture chamber: a place of savage horror and absolute injustice. It is, he said, the worst man-made disaster the world has seen since World War II.

Having abandoned feeble attempts to stop the slaughter, Western governments  including the Trump administration  are trying to literally screen it out, blocking the flows of increasingly desperate refugees. Peace talks promoted by Russia and Turkey are going nowhere, while the Assad regime is proclaiming its intention to continue its scorched-earth tactics until it gains control over the entire country. So far, 2017 looks to be another worst year for Syrian children.
When you live in the English-speaking world, its easy to see the rest of the world through populist-colored glasses. And no wonder: We are absorbed by the daily drama of Brexit and the Trump presidency, both of which feature (to varying degrees) badly behaved men with bad haircuts; attacks on experts and immigrants; and disdain for domestic and international institutions that have kept the peace and promoted prosperity for decades. When we look at other countries, we naturally look for those same phenomena.

For that reason, the elections in the Netherlands, not normally a topic of great interest to the English-speaking world, drew an unusual amount of attention this year. For there, right in the center of the political scene, stood Geert Wilders. A Dutch politician who has actually been around for many years  he was first elected to parliament in 1998, and his party has backed government coalitions before  he recently restyled himself as a badly behaved man with a bad haircut who could pick up the populist torch and carry it to The Hague. A friend of Stephen K. Bannon and Nigel Farage, Wilders turned up at the Republican National Convention last year, cheered Brexit and made visible efforts to align himself with what seemed to be an international trend.

(Michael Birnbaum,Jason Aldag/The Washington Post)

For a brief moment, when he stood high in the polls, it did look as if Wilderss Party for Freedom might emerge as the largest party in what has long been a fragmented Dutch parliament. But an exceptionally high turnout in Wednesdays elections produced quite a different result. Wilderss vote went up slightly, and he will now have 20 seats out of 150. But there was no populist surge. Instead, the center-right prime ministers party remains the largest in the parliament, and the vast majority of voters preferred parties that want to stay inside the European Union.

Because we were looking at the Netherlands with populist-colored glasses, we missed the bigger story: the implosion of the unified center-left  the Dutch Labor Party  which is a story that really does have pan-European significance, affecting electorates in almost every country. Though temporarily halted in some places by centrists such as Tony Blair, this slow-motion collapse has been going on for two decades, ever since the end of communism removed the dream of the state-run economy and economic change undermined the trade unions, as well as the working-class solidarity they created.

Across the continent, disillusioned ex-left-wingers have often drifted into the arms of xenophobes, particularly since many of them  most notably Frances Marine Le Pen, but also the Austrian Freedom Party and the Polish Law and Justice Party  now advocate what one might call Marxism Lite or, less politely, national socialism: Elements include the re-nationalization of industry, curbs on trade and bigger social-welfare states. But others who have left the Left have taken a different route. Some support liberals such as Emmanuel Macron in France, or Greens such as Alexander Van der Bellen, the president of Austria. In the Dutch elections, support for social and economic liberals, as well as for the Green party, went up dramatically.

In the end, the demise of the Old Left, and the story of what replaces it, may turn out to matter more than the rise of the New Far Right. Its true that this Populist International understood much earlier that the dramatic changes wrought by the Internet, social media and automation, as well as trade and globalization, meant that the democratic West needed new political parties with new philosophies. Its answer was negative, angry and in some cases undemocratic radical nostalgia: rejection of the present in favor of a revolutionary return to some idealized, all-white, fully employed past.

There could be other answers, too. Maybe disillusioned voters can also be mobilized around positive projects. Maybe they will be attracted to new parties, or new leaders, who offer a vision of a better future instead of an unattainable past. Lately, that hasnt worked so well in the English-speaking world. But that doesnt mean it cant happen at all.

Read more from Anne Applebaums archive, follow her on Twitter or subscribe to her updates on Facebook.
As a resident and mother of two school-age sons in Virginia, I am terrified that we live in Gun traffickers favorite state [editorial, March 11]. I am resolute, though, because we know how to solve the problem of being gun traffickers favorite state: We must hold our legislators accountable and vote for candidates who care about protecting citizens from gun violence.

Virginias lax gun laws may only get worse depending on the outcome of this Novembers gubernatorial and legislative elections. Virginians should elect officials who prioritize our safety over the interests of illegal gun traffickers. Our childrens lives depend on it. According to the Gun Violence Archive, as of March 12, eight children in Virginia have died and 18 have suffered gun injuries this year. We should be doing everything we can to reduce these numbers.

Mary Ann Ressin, Vienna
The exterior of the J. Edgar Hoover Building, headquarters for the Federal Bureau of Investigation, in Washington. (Matt McClain/The Washington Post)

In his March 12 Local Opinions essay, The FBI building belongs in Prince Georges, Prince Georges County Executive Rushern L. Baker III made a point that bears repeating: The government should not haphazardly disperse its national-security agencies across the area. Perhaps it is worth highlighting where those facilities are. Theyre in Virginia  for a reason.

Thus, using that logic  and any number of transportation efficiency studies that have been published  one cant help but conclude what Northern Virginia has been saying all along: Relocating the FBI headquarters to Springfield is the best solution and the only solution that makes sense.

In addition to providing the shortest travel time for FBI employees (including more convenience for some who call Prince Georges home), the Springfield site has existing infrastructure to facilitate the new headquarters and relieve congestion on our highways.

Additionally, where slight transportation improvements are needed, such as the extension of Frontier Drive to further improve access to the site, Fairfax County and Virginia have agreed to fund these at no cost to the FBI.

Im confident that decision-makers in the federal government will realize that this is no time to place an agency as important as the FBI just anywhere. Springfield remains poised and ready to welcome the FBI to Northern Virginia, alongside its fellow national- security agencies.

Jeff C. McKay, Alexandria

The writer is the Lee District supervisor for the

Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.
David Spence is a professor of law, politics and regulation at the University of Texas at Austin.

Some of the recent news coverage of executive-branch resistance to the Trump agenda has invoked the notion of the deep state, a phrase hinting at sinister, unelected bureaucrats undermining the agenda of an elected president. But bureaucratic resistance to presidential control does not necessarily subvert democracy. To the contrary, it often affirms it.

Executive-branch careerists  bureaucrats  have long been the whipping boys of our political discourse. Whenever voters, commentators or politicians dont like agency policies, it is easy to blame unelected bureaucrats acting in anti-democratic ways.

(Adriana Usero/The Washington Post)

But remember, Congress and the president use statutes to define the missions of executive-branch agencies, and agency staff consists mostly of people who are committed to that mission. The people who work at the Securities and Exchange Commission are dedicated to policing capital markets to ensure that they are fair. The people who work at the Food and Drug Administration are dedicated to protecting consumers from harmful drugs. And the people who work at the Environmental Protection Agency are dedicated to environmental protection.

Sometimes presidents appoint agency heads who try to subvert that statutory mission from within. This is nothing new. Anne Gorsuch Burford, mother of current Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch, was forced to resign her position as Ronald Reagans first EPA administrator partly because agency careerists effectively mustered public and congressional opposition to her leadership. This dynamic is sufficiently common that academics have studied it for decades.

The crucial point is this: In our democracy, public preferences get translated into policy through lawmaking, not simply through elections. The election of any president does not necessarily signify a public desire to change an agencys mission or repeal any particular law.

Meanwhile, executive-branch agencies remain obliged to implement the securities laws, food and drug laws, environmental laws and the various other statutes that define the modern administrative state. This is part of what we mean by the rule of law, and it is entirely consistent with the Framers desire for government to produce policy decisions that resist the kind of temporary passions that loom so large in todays polarized politics, and instead reflect the permanent and aggregate interests of the community, as James Madison framed it in Federalist No. 10.

To be sure, it is the presidents constitutional role to oversee agencies as they discharge their statutory duties. But that process must always remain within statutory boundaries. If a president is unhappy with the basic mission of the SEC, FDA or EPA, the appropriate remedy is to redefine that mission through legislation. When the president instead tries to undermine that mission by appointing an agency head willing to try to subvert it, resistance by careerists doesnt undermine democracy or the rule of law  rather, it vindicates those principles.

Certainly, overzealous agencies sometimes stretch their statutory authority beyond recognition. In those instances we rely on the courts to keep agencies in their jurisdictional lanes and to enforce the rule of law. Hence all the litigation reviewing the Obama administrations implementation of the Affordable Care Act, the Clean Air Act and other laws.

But courts will also discipline presidents who try to steer an agency away from its statutory mission. That is how President George W. Bushs EPA lost a succession of high-profile court cases challenging its interpretations of the Clean Air Act. The Trump administrations recent promise not to replace the Clean Power Plan may meet the same fate.

The Trump administration has made clear its intent to roll back regulation in ways that may contradict agencies enabling legislation. When that happens, expect courts to push back. If Republicans want to deconstruct the administrative state, as Trump senior adviser Stephen K. Bannon says, changing presidents is not enough. They will have to change the law.
The law, in its majestic equality, forbids the rich as well as the poor to sleep under bridges, to beg in the streets, and to steal bread.

Novelist Anatole Frances mischievous observation came to mind when the Congressional Budget Office released its analysis of the Republican cut-taxes/gut-Medicaid bill and its defenders went into a continuous loop talking about freedom. Conservatives are fond of saying that freedom isnt free. This is entirely true, especially when it comes to health care.

Republicans speak of the wondrous things that will happen if they succeed in slaying the monster known as Obamacare.

House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) offered this rush of animated words to conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt: You need to have an individual market where people care about what things cost, where people have real freedom, where those providers of health-care services, be they insurers, doctors or hospitals and everybody in between, compete against each other for our business based on value, based on price, based on quality, based on outcome.

Ryan spoke to Hewitt shortly before the CBO concluded that under his legislative contraption, 24 million fewer people would be insured over the next decade. Ryan dismissed the CBO in advance by accepting that the coverage numbers would, indeed, drop because people would be able to exercise a newfound right to be uninsured, much as they might be liberated to sleep under bridges or beg in the streets.

Were going to have a free market, and you buy what you want to buy, Ryan said. Theyre going to say not nearly as many people are going to do that.

Left-wingers are often cast as dreamy utopians, but its Ryan and his allies who pretend they can create a capitalist paradise in health care  something that not one wealthy capitalist country has ever done, because the health-care market is not like any other.

Older people, for example, are not an ideal market for private insurance companies. Thats why we have Medicare. Lower-income people cant afford to pay the full cost of a decent insurance policy. Thats why we have Medicaid, and why the Affordable Care Act subsidizes policies from private insurance companies.

Slash Medicaid and take away the subsidies and, presto, the ranks of the uninsured mushroom. There is thus something unseemly about Ryan declaring that he is so excited about eviscerating Medicaid. We are de-federalizing an entitlement, block-granting it back to the states and capping its growth rate, he told Hewitt. Thats never been done before.

Of course, maybe its never been done before because enough politicians stood up to resist the cruel idea of tossing so many people overboard.

Defenders of this proposal try to argue that health care is radically different from coverage. They must think the American people are dunderheads.

Coverage is not the end, Mick Mulvaney, the director of the Office of Management and Budget, said Tuesday on MSNBCs Morning Joe. People dont get better with coverage. They get better with care.

(Video: Jenny Starrs/Photo: Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post)

Well, sure, but try taking your kids to get care from a pediatrician if you dont have insurance coverage . Or do backers of the Coverage Destruction Act of 2017 just want people to get sicker and sicker until they have to get really expensive care in an emergency room  which may come too late?

Ryan urges people to read his bill. If you do, youll realize how many of its pages are devoted not to health care but to tax cuts. According to the CBO, the bill takes $1.2 trillion out of helping people get health care (including $880 billion from Medicaid) and then hands out about $600 billion of that in tax cuts, mostly for the well-to-do and various interest groups, the beleaguered tanning industry being my favorite. This could also be called the Make Inequality Worse Act of 2017.

In his youth, Ryan was a devotee of Ayn Rand, whose philosophy is nicely summarized by the title of her book The Virtue of Selfishness. She would be proud of her onetime disciple. She excoriated the draining, exploitation and destruction of those who are able to pay the costs of maintaining a civilized society, in favor of those who are unable or unwilling to pay the cost of maintaining their own existence.

In other words, government should never take money from the better-off to help lesser souls. In the glorious future created by Ryans bill, they will now be even freer to try maintaining their own existence without health insurance.

Read more from E.J. Dionnes archive, follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook.
Former national security adviser Michael Flynn, right, shakes hands with Russian President Vladimir Putin, in Moscow on Dec. 10, 2015, while attending the 10th anniversary of the Russian television network RT. (Ruptly/via AP)

Michael Flynn, who was forced to resign as national security adviser amid controversy over his contacts with Russias ambassador, collected nearly $68,000 in fees and expenses from Russia-related entities in 2015, a higher amount than was previously known, according to newly released documents.

The records show that the bulk of the money, more than $45,000, came from the Russian government-backed television network RT, in connection to a December 2015 trip Flynn took to Moscow. Flynn has acknowledged that RT sponsored his trip, during which he attended a gala celebrating the networks 10th anniversary and was seated near Russian President Vladimir Putin. His speakers bureau took a cut of the fee.

The newly released documents show that Flynn was also paid $11,250 that year by the U.S. subsidiary of a Russian cybersecurity firm, Kaspersky Lab, and another $11,250 by a U.S. air cargo company affiliated with the Volga-Dnepr Group, which is owned by a Russian businessman. The cyberfirm and the airline said the payments were made for speeches Flynn delivered in Washington.

The new disclosures come as Flynns interactions with Russia have been under scrutiny. Flynn resigned 24 days after taking office amid reports that he misled Vice President Pence about the nature of his contacts in December with the Russian ambassador.

The retired Army lieutenant general has also drawn criticism for his acceptance of foreign payments during a stint in the private sector after stepping down as director of the Defense Intelligence Agency in 2014.

This month, Flynn filed paperwork indicating that he had been a foreign agent during the months when he was a top adviser to Trumps campaign. Flynns company was hired by a Dutch company owned by a Turkish businessman to do work related to Turkish government interests.

Price Floyd, the Flynn spokesman, said the general, like many other government officials, signed up with a speakers bureau when he left government service. What you are seeing is the result of that. These are speeches that he made after leaving government. He said that Flynn reported the December 2015 Moscow trip to the Defense Intelligence Agency before and after it occurred.

The newly disclosed documents were released by Rep. Elijah E. Cummings (Md.), the top Democrat on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. He included the additional payments to Flynn in a letter to Trump, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and FBI Director James B. Comey, questioning whether Flynns fees violated prohibitions on retired military officers accepting payments or gifts from foreign governments.

Cummings also asked for the release of documents Flynn filed to get a security clearance for his White House job, to examine whether Flynn was candid in response to detailed questions about his contacts with foreign governments.

I cannot recall any time in our nations history when the President selected as his National Security Advisor someone who violated the Constitution by accepting tens of thousands of dollars from an agent of a global adversary that attacked our democracy, Cummings wrote.

A White House spokeswoman did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Flynn first acknowledged in a July interview with Yahoo that he had been paid for the RT event in Moscow but said he didnt take any money from Russia, instead indicating that he had received payments from his speakers bureau. He later acknowledged to The Washington Post that RT had paid for the trip.

(Jason Aldag/The Washington Post)

The documents show that representatives for Flynn at the speakers bureau, Leading Authorities, negotiated with RT officials in Moscow regarding the event. They ultimately directed that the bureau be paid $45,386 through its London office. The bureau collected $11,250 while Flynn was paid $33,750  a fee that was reduced after RT balked at paying Flynns original asking price.

Sorry it took us longer to get back to you but the problem is that the speaking fee is a bit too high and exceeds our budget at the moment, Alina Mikhaleva, RTs head of marketing, wrote a Flynn associate about a month before the event. She said that RT hoped Flynn would be front and central at a conference associated with the gala if there is a chance to reconsider the fee. The emails do not show how much Flynn had originally requested.

In its invitation for Flynn to participate in a panel on Geopolitics 2015 and Russias changing role in the world, an RT producer wrote that Flynn was being invited because he was one of the worlds leading voices on national security issues. She added that the event would provide exceptional networking opportunities for high-level media and political influencers from Russia and around the world.

The emails show that in addition to paying for Flynns speaking fee, RT paid for business-class travel and accommodations at the luxury Metropol hotel while covering expenses for Flynns son, Michael G. Flynn, who served as a chief of staff. After the logistics were nailed down, a staffer for Flynns speakers bureau wrote to an RT staffer, Im so happy we were able to work everything out and get you exactly what you wanted!

The U.S. government has said RT, which receives Kremlin funding, is part of a network of propaganda outlets that help popularize a pro-Russian perspective on the news and has issued warning about the network dating to before Flynn entered the private sector. In January, the U.S. intelligence community concluded that RT propaganda played a role in Russias effort to influence the U.S. presidential election and help Donald Trump defeat Democrat Hillary Clinton.

In an August interview with The Post, Flynn dismissed concerns about the news networks Kremlin ties, comparing the network to independent U.S. outlets. Whats CNN? Whats MSNBC? Come on! he said.

In recent years, Flynn has advocated for closer ties with Russia to bolster the U.S. coalition to fight Islamist terrorism.

He has suggested other generals have failed to speak out with potentially unpopular opinions because they were afraid to lose out on corporate board seats or other lucrative business opportunities. Others, he said, had used their rank after leaving the military for themselves, for their businesses.

Kaspersky Lab makes some of the worlds most popular anti-virus software. The U.S. intelligence community has long suspected that Kaspersky is used by Moscow to assist Russian espionage efforts  a charge Kaspersky has denied. In a twist, though, in December, a top Kaspersky Lab official was arrested by Russian authorities and accused of spying for U.S. companies and intelligence services.

A Kaspersky spokeswoman said in a statement that the companys U.S. subsidiary paid Flynn to speak at a Washington forum in 2015 that brought together other military, government, technology and policy experts.

As a private company, Kaspersky Lab has no ties to any government, but the company is proud to collaborate with the authorities of many countries, as well as international law enforcement agencies in the fight against cybercrime, she said.

According to Cummingss letter, Volga-Dnepr was removed from a list of approved U.N. vendors in 2007 following corruption allegations against two Russian officials who steered contracts to the firm.

Colon Miller, who works in the Volga-Dnepr office outside of Houston, said Flynn was paid to speak at an event co-sponsored by the airlines U.S. affiliate, Volga-Dnepr Unique Air Cargo. The event was titled Middle East and Africa Logistical and Regional Security Conference.He said payment was made to the speakers bureau by the Houston-based affiliate of Volga-Dnepr Group, which has offices in Moscow, London and other cities.

Greg Miller contributed to this report.
Green water sits in a fountain for St. Patrick's Day on the South side of the White House on Thursday, March 16. (Olivier Douliery/Bloomberg)

Three leading Irish musicians said they turned down offers to perform at the White House St. Patricks Day celebration Thursday because they are opposed to President Trumps stance on immigration and his proposed budget cuts to arts programs.

I just cant bring myself to do it, said Billy McComiskey, who was born in the United States after his father immigrated to New York from Northern Ireland. My father would be disgusted with me if I supported this administration in any way.

Instead of playing the Irish accordion for Trump, McComiskey  and two other acclaimed musicians, Laura Byrne and Donna Long  entertained students at Howard Community College in Maryland.

The musicians said the Culkin School of Traditional Irish Dance asked them to accompany their dancers at the White House event; the dancers did perform. A White House official said the White House invited the Culkin School to provide entertainment and they graciously agreed. It was up to Culkin to choose the musiciansto accompany the young dancers.

I felt like I would be a hypocrite, said Byrne, who plays the Irish flute and tin whistle. She said she always wanted to perform at the White House, but felt she couldnt, especially after Trump on Thursday proposed cutting funding to the National Endowment for the Arts and other cultural programs.

(The Washington Post)

[Trump federal budget 2018: Massive cuts to the arts, science and the poor]

At the Friends of Ireland Luncheon on Capitol Hill, Trump praised Irish immigrants.

Were here today to celebrate Americas commitment to Ireland and the tremendous contributions, and I know it well, the Irish immigrants and their descendants have made right here in the United States and throughout the world, Trump said.

Trump has surrounded himself with Irish Americans, including Vice President Mike Pence, spokesman Sean Spicer, and adviser Stephen K. Bannon. Many in the diverse Irish American community  estimated to include nearly 34 million people  support the Republican president.

But millions of others are fiercely opposed to him, making this St. Patricks Day like no other, said Niall ODowd, publisher of the Irish Voice newspaper and Irish America magazine.

Normally, St. Patricks Day is a lighthearted day full of flattery between Dublin and Washington. But ODowd said this year has a different feel to it. I have never seen tension like now.

Enda Kenny  Irelands prime minister, who met with Trump at the annual White House reception that the musicians boycotted  was under pressure from home to bring up the issue of undocumented Irish people in the United States. Trumps hard line stance on immigration and his attempts at a travel ban have been deeply unpopular in Ireland. More than 39,000 people signed an online petition that said if Kenny went ahead with his trip to meet Trump, he is not traveling in my name.

President Donald Trump awaits the arrival of Irish Taoiseach Enda Kenny outside the West Wing of the White House on March 16, 2017. Kenny and Trump attended the annual Friends of Ireland Luncheon at the U.S. Capitol. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Kenny himself was in an unusually awkward position because of his own words. During the U.S. presidential campaign, Kenny criticized Trump for his racist and dangerous language. Asked about this before his meeting with Trump, Kenny tried to walk that back.

The language that was used [by Mr. Trump] on that occasion was in my view not that language that I would use but it was not related to his personality, according to the Irish Times

The situation is so tense for Irish musicians, Byrne said, that some are opting not to play together because of how they voted. There is a bit of a divide, yes.
Documents on air safety submitted to EC

The government on Wednesday formally submitted documents related to the air safety improvements that Nepal has made to the Delegation of the European Union to Nepal requesting it to remove Nepali airlines from the blacklist of the European Commission (EC).
Some of President Trumps best friends in Congress sharply criticized his first budget Thursday, with defense hawks saying the proposed hike in Pentagon spending wasnt big enough, while rural conservatives and others attacked plans to cut a wide range of federal agencies and programs.

The bad mood among Republican critics was tempered by a consensus that the presidents budget wasnt going very far on Capitol Hill, where lawmakers reminded everybody that they ultimately control the nations purse strings.

While we have a responsibility to reduce our federal deficit, I am disappointed that many of the reductions and eliminations proposed in the presidents skinny budget are draconian, careless and counterproductive, Rep. Hal Rogers (R-Ky.) the former chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, said in a statement. We will certainly review this budget proposal, but Congress ultimately has the power of the purse.

Weve not had our chance yet, he added in an interview.

Rogers was one of several GOP lawmakers to dismiss Trumps budget as a pie-in-the sky wish list with little hope of surviving negotiations in Congress. Most Republicans gave passing support to Trumps general goal of increasing defense spending while reducing costs elsewhere in the budget. But none of the Republicans interviewed would embrace the specific White House blueprint.

(Bastien Inzaurralde,Jayne Orenstein,Alice Li/The Washington Post)

Ive never seen a presidents budget proposal not revised substantially, said Sen. Charles E. Grassley (R-Iowa). As a member of the Budget Committee, Ill carefully scrutinize and assess priorities as the president has with his proposal.

The upcoming budget clash between Congress and the president has emerged as another obstacle in Trumps young presidency. Just this week, a federal judge in Hawaii issued a sweeping freeze of Trumps latest travel order.

The House GOP plan to revise the Affordable Care Act is embattled, as is Trumps push to build a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border. His tax reform and infrastructure plans have yet to get off the ground.

As he passes the halfway mark of his first 100 days, Trump is under increasing pressure to show that he can make good on his ambitious promises.

[The cost of failure on health care? It may be the rest of Trumps agenda.]

Some of Trumps closest allies said his budget has virtually no chance in Congress, pointing to what they expect to be vociferous opposition from Democrats.

The left is not going to let him decrease nondefense discretionary to the extent that he wants to, Rep. Raul R. Labrador (R-Idaho) told reporters on Thursday. Were going to have to find a different way to balance the budget.

(Jenny Starrs/The Washington Post)

It is not uncommon for Congress to disagree with some priorities in a White House budget. But the blueprint risks putting GOP lawmakers on a collision course with Trump over demands for spending cuts they cannot deliver. Even those fiscal conservatives who do want to cut spending dont necessarily think slashing major domestic programs is the answer.

In the past, the White House has worked directly with congressional leaders to agree on an overall spending number for the whole government, which is then passed to Appropriations Committee members to divvy up among different departments and agencies.

White House budget director Mick Mulvaney defended the presidents proposal on Thursday, acknowledging that the next challenge will be to sell it to lawmakers.

The message were sending to the Hill is, we want more money for the things the president talked about, defense being the top one, national security, he said. And we dont want to add to the budget deficit. If Congress has another way to do that, were happy to talk to them about it.

One reason for the tepid response on the Hill is lawmakers are mired in high-level negotiations to craft an interim budget before the current one expires on April 28. Talks so far have centered on sticking to the two-year bipartisan spending agreement with an overall spending level of $1.07 trillion for 2017.

Republicans expect the spending targets for 2018 to stay about the same, according to several aides familiar with the negotiations.

Trump has proposed spending more next year  upward of $1.15 trillion  by tapping into a separate war fund account as well as other funds.

Many lawmakers also want to increase spending, but doing so would require a bipartisan agreement. Republicans have a slim 52-to-48 majority in the Senate, and any spending deal will require support from Democrats who will not back increased defense spending without corresponding hikes in domestic spending.



Democrats and some Republicans are worried that the $54 billion hike in defense spending will cripple the operations of 18 other federal agencies  most prominently the Environmental Protection Agency and the State Department.

Several Republicans also said they were wary of the deep cuts Trump proposed for foreign aid.

As General [Jim] Mattis said prophetically, slashing the diplomatic efforts will cause them to have to buy more ammunition, Rogers said, referring to the defense secretary. There is two sides to fighting the problem that were in: There is military and then theres diplomatic. And we cant afford to dismantle the diplomatic half of that equation.

Rogers predicted the foreign aid cuts will not stand, adding: This too shall pass.

Conservatives are also skeptical that Trumps budget will significantly reduce the deficit. The only way to accomplish that, they argue, is to overhaul entitlement programs like Social Security and Medicare. Those programs, along with other mandatory spending, help make up nearly two-thirds of all federal spending while Trumps proposal only targets a third of it.

But Trump promised during the campaign that those programs, including Medicaid, would not be touched.

I can tell you that I brought up entitlement reform [with Trump] a week or so ago, [and] the pushback was a little stronger than I expected, said Rep. Mark Meadows (R-N.C.), chairman of the House Freedom Caucus. Its going to take a lot more encouragement in terms of actually tackling entitlement reform.

Republicans also worried that some of Trumps cuts would undermine critical environmental programs in their states. Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) said he plans to oppose major cuts to the $300 million Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.

Im committed to continuing to do everything I can to protect and preserve Lake Erie, including preserving this critical program and its funding, Portman said in a statement.

The same could be said for Republicans from rural and agriculture-heavy states that stand to lose big under Trumps proposed cuts. House Agriculture Committee Chairman K. Michael Conaway (R-Tex.) raised concerns that farmers could be hit hard at a time when farm income is already down 50 percent compared with four years ago.

Agriculture cuts are a particularly sensitive issue because periodically lawmakers spend months, if not years, hammering out the details of a comprehensive farm bill.

Agriculture has done more than its fair share, Conaway said in a statement. The bottom line is this is the start of a longer, larger process. It is a proposal, not THE budget.

One of the greatest pockets of opposition to the Trump blueprint can be found among defense hawks. Defense and national security programs would see the biggest boost in funding under the presidents budget.

But these military-minded members are not satisfied, accusing the president of everything from accounting gimmicks to playing fast and loose with the lives of soldiers in war zones to follow through on his campaign promises.

Republicans have long contended that defense cuts introduced during the last administration damaged the military and hampered its war readiness. Many supported Trumps call for a dramatic increase in military investment  but they dont believe this goes far enough.

The Administrations budget request is not enough to repair that damage and to rebuild the military as the president has discussed, House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mac Thornberry (R-Tex.) said in a statement, noting serious shortcomings that will worsen without immediate action.

It is morally wrong to task someone with a mission for which they are not fully prepared and fully supported with the best weapons and equipment this nation can provide, he added.

Trumps budget puts $603 billion toward defense  but Thornberry and Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman John McCain (R-Ariz.) are both asking for $640 billion.

They also stress that the $54 billion proposed by Trump is misleading because it is only $19 billion more than what the country spent on defense last year  a rise of just 3 percent.

Read more at PowerPost
Republicans are showing increasing reluctance to build a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border, even as President Trump prepares to ask Congress to include billions for one of his signature campaign promises in his first budget proposal since taking office.

Key GOP senators expressed concerns this week about who would foot the bill for the wall, with some bluntly voicing doubts that Mexico will cover it, as Trump has vowed. Even among those open to the idea of a wall, many spoke about it in less than enthusiastic tones.

I dont care at all as long as Mexicos paying for it  its neither here nor there for me, said Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), whose state has a nearly 400-mile border with Mexico. But if were paying for it, its a significant concern.

On Thursday, Trump will unveil a budget plan that calls for about $1.5 billion in immediate funding to start planning and building a wall along the Mexican border  and another $2.6 billion to fund border security next year.

The emerging split is likely to add tension to upcoming budget negotiations designed to keep the government open past the end of April. Democratic leaders have said they are prepared to block that interim spending bill if it contains funding for the wall. That could leave Republicans having to choose between helping Trump fulfill one of his core promises and securing enough votes to avoid a shutdown.

It may not be possible to do everything we want to do by April 28, said Sen. John Cornyn (R-Tex.), noting the date through which the government is funded. Asked whether he supports constructing a wall, the second-ranking Republican senator said, I support border security, but I think we need a little more definition of exactly what the plan is.

Trump on Thursday will unveil his first official budget proposal to fund federal agencies in the 2018 fiscal year. Trump is also expected to ask Congress to authorize additional money for the wall as part of a separate spending package for border security and military readiness.

In the Senate, where Republicans hold a narrow 52-48 advantage over the Democratic Caucus and funding bills need to clear 60-vote procedural thresholds to pass, there is little eagerness among Republicans to dive quickly into erecting a wall amid uncertainty about how it will be financed. It could cost between $8 billion and $25 billion, according to some estimates.

Asked if he thinks Mexico will pay for the wall, Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) responded simply: No. His comments echoed similar skepticism Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) has voiced in the past.

Trump has said he wants to put up a wall to curtail the flow of illegal drugs and undocumented immigrants into the United States. But even wall backers said they dont view a physical barrier as the only line of defense.

I believe a border wall is part of our security needs, but that alone isnt going to achieve the goal, said Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.).

Rubio acknowledged that building a wall means forcing some Americans to sell private land along the border to accommodate construction. That process, known as eminent domain, allows the federal government to require land owners to choose between accepting an often below-market value price for their home or risk having the government seize the land without permission.

(Video: Jenny Starrs/Photo: Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post)

Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) and other top Democrats warned GOP leaders this week that they are willing to risk a shutdown fight to block the wall.

I think that wall would be an awful symbol for the United States, said Sen. Richard J. Durbin (D-Ill.), Schumers top deputy. He added: Its really an issue that we feel strongly about in the Democratic Caucus.

Schumer is betting that Republicans will take the blame if the border wall fight gets that far. But thats a perilous proposition that could backfire on them.

Some Republicans believe that combining the wall request with other military spending could be an effective way to pressure Democrats to vote for the bill. The logic, according to GOP aides, is that most lawmakers will feel uncomfortable voting against the wall if the funding is combined with money necessary to help troops fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Im amused by the Democrats apparently warming up to the idea that threatening to shut down the governments a good idea, McConnell told reporters this week.

At a congressional GOP retreat in late January, McConnell and House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.) said they were prepared to move ahead with legislation to provide $12 billion to $15 billion to pay for a wall. But they left rank-and-file members wondering whether the costs would be offset by spending cuts elsewhere in the government, unnerving fiscal conservatives.

The White House created uncertainty that same day as it raised the prospect of taxing imports differently as a technical way of securing payment from Mexico, but the administration later stressed that position was not final.

Since that time, Republican senators have treaded lightly around the wall issue.

Ill make comments regarding the budget after I see it, Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said when asked earlier in the week how much of a priority building a wall was to him.

Hes doing his research  I definitely support that, was as far as Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.) would go when asked whether he supports Trumps calls to build a wall.

In the House, Republicans hold a wider advantage over Democrats and need only a simple majority to pass legislation. Still, the idea of a wall is not without its GOP critics there.

Rep. Will Hurd (R-Tex.), whose district spans more of the border than any other, called a wall the most expensive and least effective way to secure the border in a January statement.

Trump signed an executive order that month calling for the immediate construction of a physical wall. Mexicos government has said it will not pay for a wall.

During the campaign, Trumps supporters would regularly break into enthusiastic chants of Build that wall! at rallies when the candidate would discuss his plans for border security and immigration.

But in the Senate, its increasingly clear that is not a widely shared sentiment.

My focus is on defense spending. Not the fence  defense, said McCain.

Ed OKeefe contributed to this report.

Read more at PowerPost


A surprisingly high number of millennials around the country and in the Washington region earn a high enough income to afford a $1 million residence. (Amanda Voisard/For the Washington Post)

Millennials Dan and Diana Stoltzfus, the owners of a nearly $1 million mansion in Great Falls, Va., are among a small but growing number of young people in the Washington region who have the means to buy a luxury home.

We owned a condo in Glover Park and wanted to buy a house so we could start a family, said Diana Stoltzfus. Everything we found in the city was small and would need renovation or an addition, so we started looking at Potomac and Great Falls for something that would fit in our budget of around $900,000. The house we found in Great Falls was originally priced at $1.1 million, but it had been on the market for almost a year, so we were able to buy it for just under $1 million.

A surprisingly high number of millennials around the country and in the Washington region earn a high enough income to afford a $1 million residence. According to research by Zillow, Arlington has more millennials with a household income of $350,000 or more than any other jurisdiction in the country, with 8.7 percent of millennials among that wealthy cohort.

The District is also on the list, tied at eighth place with New York City, both places where 2.8 percent of millennials have a household income of $350,000 or more.

There are lots of dual-income young couples in the D.C. area with high levels of education and good jobs who together can afford a luxury home, said Jeff Detwiler, president and chief operating officer of Long & Foster Real Estate in Chantilly.

[For millennials ready to buy a home, the pickings are slim]

Stoltzfus works at an accounting firm, where she met her husband, Dan, who now is head of finance at Fundation Group, a small-business lender.

Most of the millennials we see who have the money to buy a $1 million home are households with two lawyers, said Daryl Judy, an associate broker with Washington Fine Properties. Some also work for tech companies or are associated with bio-tech research. A surprising number of people in their early 30s that weve worked with are taking over their parents businesses.

1 of 15 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad  Millennials opt for upscale housing View Photos A growing number of people in this age group are buying $1 million-plus homes. Caption A growing number of people in this age group are buying $1 million-plus homes. Millennials Dan and Diana Stoltzfus, the owners of a nearly $1 million mansion in Great Falls, Va., are among the many young people in the Washington region who have the means to buy a luxury home. Amanda Voisard/for The Washington Post Wait 1 second to continue.

Rob Sanders, a senior vice president with TTR Sothebys International Realty in Washington, said that while millennial luxury buyers occasionally have a trust fund or other help from their parents, most of the ones he works with are using their own money.

Theyre quick to point out that they are a lobbyist or a venture capitalist or have been working as a lawyer for seven years even though they are young, he said. Theyve made their money on their own and are proud of it.

Down payment challenges

A common challenge for even high-income earners is coming up with the cash for a down payment. Even a low 5 percent down payment on a $1 million purchase is $50,000, and a 20 percent down payment would be $200,000.

The down payment issue causes some highly paid younger people to back away from a luxury home because if they only have the cash for a smaller down payment, then their monthly housing payment will be big, said John Coplen, a real estate agent with Evers & Co. Real Estate in Washington.

However, Coplen said, many luxury millennial buyers have help from their parents or grandparents for the down payment or save the cash they receive as wedding gifts. One young attorney received a small inheritance that supplemented the money she saved for her home purchase.

Some parents view providing their children with the money for a home purchase as a transfer of wealth rather than a gift, said Leonard Steinberg, the New York-based president of Compass real estate brokerage.

[Opinion: Millennials arent buying homes. Good for them.]

He said they look at it as a chance to teach their children about the responsibility of homeownership and recognize that the money is something their kids would have received anyway as a future inheritance.

Some high-earning millennials save money until they are in their early 30s to buy a place and just skip over that starter-home phase, Judy said. Theyll stay in an apartment until they can afford to pay for the place they want.

Coplen worked with a couple who bought and renovated a condo in LeDroit Park when they were in their 20s and leveraged the profit from the sale to buy what will be a $1 million house in the H Street corridor once they finish renovating it.

These are very savvy guys, one of whom is a lawyer, and they spent $100,000 on their first renovation project, Coplen said. Its a very large condo, and they sold it in one day for $850,000. They were able to ride the wave of rising prices there and hope to do it again, but they also wanted to be in a house with a yard instead of a condo.



Millennials Dan and Diana Stoltzfus, the owners of a nearly $1 million mansion in Great Falls, Va., are among the many young people in the Washington region who have the means to buy a luxury home. (Amanda Voisard/For the Washington Post)

Sanders and his business partner, Brent Jackson, an associate broker with TTR Sothebys, worked with a young couple, both attorneys, who purchased a home in the Navy Yard neighborhood four years ago for $785,000, which increased $250,000 in value.

The sale of that property gave them a big down payment for their next place, plus their combined income is over $1.2 million, Sanders said.

Judy said some of his millennial buyers are people relocating to D.C. from San Francisco or New York who have sold a property or are accustomed to paying astronomical rent, so purchasing a $1 million home can seem like a bargain to them.

Young luxury buyers outside D.C.

According to Christies Luxury Defined 2016 report, young, high-net-worth individuals, particularly entrepreneurs and tech industry employees with high incomes, are increasingly buying luxury-level real estate in New York City, San Francisco, Seattle and Miami, as well as in resort communities and the D.C. metro area.

The places where the luxury market is strongest, such as the Pacific Northwest, San Francisco and New York City, have a lot of buyers with money from the tech industry, said Dan Conn, chief executive of Christies International Real Estate in New York City. The market is a little softer in Miami because of reduced demand from foreign buyers, but even that market is still okay.

[How policymakers can help more millennials become homeowners]

Conn said that in New York City, competition is particularly heated in the affordable luxury-category condos because inventory is low in that range.

Most millennial luxury buyers in New York are more likely to be on the lower end of the luxury market there, which Christies defines as homes priced from $3 million.

Steinberg said his company sees a strong wave of wealthy millennials buying property in large cities, particularly places known as tech hubs.

These are well-educated, tech-savvy buyers who do a lot of research and know what they want, he said.



According to Christies Luxury Defined 2016 report, young, high-net-worth individuals, particularly entrepreneurs and tech industry employees with high incomes, are increasingly buying luxury-level real estate. (Amanda Voisard/For the Washington Post)

Steinberg said that one unifying theme among millennials is their individualism, but the generation also shares common interests such as an emphasis on living in an interesting location with plenty of restaurants and nightlife.

They like to cook so they want a good kitchen in their new place, Steinberg said. Theyre also health-conscious, so they want a fitness center in their condo building or in the neighborhood. They also like spaces where they can socialize or collaborate, such as a roof terrace and indoor room where they can congregate.

The youngest home buyers tend to prefer urban-style living, although some of the older millennials want the larger homes they can find more easily in the suburbs.

In the D.C. area, millennials are focused first on being close to outside activity and to Metro, Detwiler said. Walkability scores that measure how easy it is to get places without a car are extremely important to this generation for both luxury buyers and other buyers. Higher prices also correlate to proximity to Metro.

The Stoltzfuses bucked the trend of staying in the city once they realized how much more space they could get with their money in Great Falls, which is also within easy commuting distance of Dans job in Reston and Dianas in Tysons Corner.

We have three kids now and realized that our city lifestyle wouldnt be the same once we had kids, Diana Stoltzfus said. We decided that if we werent going to live in the city, it would be better to have a country feel like we have in Great Falls.

The Stoltzfuses home has nearly 5,000 square feet and sits on a one-acre lot, the minimum lot size allowed by zoning laws in Great Falls.

Stoltzfus has plans to build an outdoor kitchen on their property and update some spaces, which Coplen said is typical of his luxury millennial buyers.

The younger buyers I work with have a keen design sense and are comfortable understanding a space and what can be done with it, he said. I call them the HGTV generation. One young attorney I worked with bought and renovated one of the oldest homes in Logan Circle.

More commonly, though, young wealthy millennials do not have time to renovate a property and want something new or newly renovated, Judy said.

Young buyers often ask about resale values and are more concerned than some other generations about whether or not they are making a good investment, he said.

Neighborhood preferences

In the past, $1 million properties were mostly found in Georgetown and Upper Northwest Washington, but today, millennials are purchasing luxury-priced homes all over the city.

The choice of neighborhood often depends on whether someone can bike to work and get to the gym easily, Judy said. The buyers I work with are willing to pay more for a great condo rather than have to drive home and mow the grass.

Jackson said some millennials are still buying in traditionally wealthy neighborhoods such as Georgetown, Dupont Circle and Capitol Hill, but they are also finding $1 million properties elsewhere.

Some millennial-age luxury buyers want to be in a high-end condo with all the amenities, while about 50 percent want an attached or detached house where they can start a family, Jackson said. Theyre buying all over the city from new penthouses at the Wharf in Southwest to new condos at the Westlight in the West End. They want to be near 14th Street or in Shaw or Eckington or near the H Street corridor or in Bloomingdale or Brookland because there are great restaurants and bars all over the city.

Jackson said all four units at a new development in Shaw at 5th and O streets NW recently sold for $1.5 million each, and he recently worked with buyers who purchased a $1.5 million single-family house in Brookland, all prices unheard of in those neighborhoods just a few years ago.
Thong (right), 34, a transgender woman serving time in a mens prison for car theft, applies make up to Ao (left), a 28-year-old transgender woman serving an 8-year sentence for smuggling 24 kilos of cannabis. (Axel Kronholm/For The Washington Post)

It has been a while since Ao recognized herself in the mirror. Her voice is still gentle and light, but her skin has become tougher, her muscles bigger and facial hair thicker.

Everything is changing. I used to have a very feminine figure and long, flowing hair. It is all very scary, said the 28-year-old, who is serving an eight-year prison sentence for smuggling 24 kilos of marijuana.

Like many transgender women, Ao had been taking hormones so that her physical appearance would better match her gender identity. In prison, however, such medications are not allowed.

Changing takes a long time, Ao said. I started [taking] hormones when I was 13 years old. My family was always very supportive of me. But now I am being transformed back into someone I have not been for a very long time.

Denial of medication is only one of the challenges transgender prisoners face, not just in Thailand but in prison systems worldwide. Transgender inmates, especially women, are more likely to be victimized by other inmates and by prison guards than other groups, global research suggests  including in the United States.

You worry a lot about how to fit in with the other prisoners, said Thong, But this is my second time in prison, so it is somewhat easier this time. (Axel Kronholm/For The Washington Post)

The heart of this issue is the basic problem of housing LGBT inmates within the strictly binary gender partition of prisons. Because there is no option in Thailand for people to legally change the gender assigned to them at birth, transgender women such as Ao are still men in the eyes of the corrections system and therefore incarcerated with men.

You worry a lot about how to fit in with the other prisoners, said Aos friend Thong, 34, also a transgender woman, who is serving time for car theft. (The family names of both are being withheld out of consideration for their relatives.) But this is my second time in prison, so it is somewhat easier this time.

Thirty trans women are here at Minburi prison just outside central Bangkok. Across the country, an estimated 1,200 transgender prisoners identify as women. In an attempt to better accommodate them and address some of the problems LGBT people face in prison, the Thai Department of Corrections is conducting a pilot project at Minburi prison. A special wing that will have the capacity to house 150 prisoners has been renovated and painted pink.

Anyone, including people in other prisons, can apply to be relocated to this wing, said Pongchai Chaiyapong, a corrections officer at Minburi. They will then go through a physical and psychological evaluation where we can assess if that person is suited to live here.

Pongchai struggled to explain the need for separate detention without acknowledging problems with abuse in the current system.

This new wing is necessary to protect the rights of these prisoners, he said, although I have been working here for seven years and [have] never seen any problems between them and the rest of the prison population.

Thai LGBT organizations have been in talks with the Department of Corrections since the conception of this project. Wannapong Yodmuang at the Rainbow Sky Association of Thailand said she is glad to see the government take an interest in transgender issues.

I started [taking] hormones when I was 13 years old. Ao said,  My family was always very supportive of me. But now I am being transformed back into someone I have not been for a very long time. (Axel Kronholm/For The Washington Post)

These problems have been going on for a long time. We have heard so many stories of violence and rape, especially from trans women who have undergone genital corrective surgery but are still incarcerated with male prisoners, she said.

Jetsada Note Taesombat, the head of the Thai Transgender Alliance, hopes that the project at Minburi will lead to a broader debate about how transgender people are treated in Thailand.

We, as transgender, cannot marry or enter into civil unions. We run into problems everywhere in society where there are binary gender divisions: at school, in hospitals and so on. This is about more than just prisons, she said.

The Thai activists recognize there can be problems associated with separate detention, too. A planned pink prison in Turkey was widely criticized for being too remote, making it harder for inmates to stay in touch with their families or travel to court. Having LGBT prisons that are publicly known may also lead to involuntary outing and to stigma for families.

Ao and Thong, however, said they are eager to be relocated to the new LGBT wing at Minburi. They have asked the prison administration if they will have access to hormones in the new segregated unit. Pongchai, the corrections officer, said prison authorities are still looking into it.

Ao unfolded a creased photo of what she used to look like before prison. She lost her long hair on the first day, forced to shave her head just like the other prisoners. Since then, her cheeks have gotten bonier and her breasts smaller.

My appearance is deteriorating, she said. It feels horrible. You lose all your confidence. And it is frightening not to know what I will look like when I get out of here.

Thong flexed her biceps, showing that her muscles are coming back. On her upper lip, a stubble of dark, coarse hair has returned.

I feel embarrassed, Thong said. It is such a sad loss of time, of my life.

Read more:

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Limited booze, no strip clubs: The party is on hold after Thai kings death.

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Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

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Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, left, answers questions during a joint news conference with Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida after their talks in Tokyo on March 16. (Pool photo by Toru Yamanaka/AFP/Getty Images)

The Trump administration made a clear break Thursday with diplomatic efforts to talk North Korea out of a nuclear confrontation, bringing the United States and its Asian allies closer to a military response than at any point in more than a decade.

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said that 20 years of trying to persuade North Korea to abandon its nuclear program had failed and that he was visiting Asia to exchange views on a new approach.

Soon after Tillersons remarks, in a sign of mounting tensions, the North Korean Embassy held an extraordinary news conference in Beijing to blame the potential for nuclear war on the United States while vowing that its homegrown nuclear testing program will continue in self-defense.

North Korea has amassed a sizable nuclear stockpile and appears at the brink of being able to strike the U.S. mainland and American allies in Asia. The rising threat from the isolated military dictatorship has prompted the Trump administration to begin assessing its options for how to respond and serves as an early test for how the president will confront an increasingly volatile international situation.

[Tillerson says all options are on the table when it comes to North Korea]

One potential immediate response would be to strengthen existing South Korean missile capabilities or to provide Japan with new offensive missile ability. Japans defense chief told parliament this month that he would not rule out first strike capability, which would be a major departure from Japans postwar pacifist traditions.

The United States could also field the same THAAD missile defense system in Japan that it is now installing in South Korea or take the potentially provocative stop of reinstalling American nuclear weapons at U.S. bases in South Korea. The North Korean threat could also rekindle the largely dormant idea of a domestic U.S. missile defense system.

North Korea has boasted of an intercontinental ballistic missile, and experts on Asia security generally agree that such a capability is within Pyongyangs reach. Preventing it outright would probably require a military strike on North Korean facilities, something the United States has considered an option of last resort because it would almost certainly result in an attack on South Korea and U.S. forces stationed there, perhaps with chemical or biological weapons.

I think its important to recognize that the political and diplomatic efforts of the past 20 years to bring North Korea to the point of denuclearization have failed, Tillerson said.

[As Tillerson makes his debut in Asia, North Korea to be No. 1 issue]

The secretary of states reference to decades of failure alluded to the carrot-and-stick diplomacy that began with a 1994 deal between the United States and North Korea. Under it, Pyongyang would have received aid and two proliferation-resistant nuclear power plants in return for freezing and eventually dismantling its nuclear weapons program.

That deal collapsed in 2002, and North Korea achieved its first atomic test in 2006. The George W. Bush administrations efforts at a new deal collapsed, and Pyongyang has managed to build up its stockpile of nuclear material as well as refine its missiles despite what on paper look like crushing international sanctions.

North Koreas nuclear and missile efforts have intensified under dictator Kim Jong Un, who took power in 2011, and appear to have escalated further since Donald Trumps election.

The country last month tested a missile that uses solid fuel, a big leap in its technological development, then this month fired a salvo of four missiles, part of what it said was a drill to practice hitting American military bases in Japan. Three of the four missiles landed in waters within Japans exclusive economic zone.

Tillersons remarks reflected growing agitation in Washington that a tougher stance on North Korea is required.

Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) said during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing last month that the United States has three choices: what he called proactive regime change, to topple Kim; sanctions and other coercive measures; or military cooperation with Japan and South Korea that could include a preemptive strike on missile facilities. Otherwise, were staring down the barrel of an ICBM, Corker said.

[N. Korea says it was practicing to hit U.S. bases in Japan with missiles]

Tillerson made a version of Trumps argument that the United States will demand clear benefits for its diplomacy and foreign aid and will walk away when necessary. Tillerson scoffed at the U.S. expense for trying to entice North Korea to drop its nuclear program  $1.35 billion by his count.

That encouragement has been met with further development of nuclear capabilities, more missile launches, including this month and last, Tillerson said. In the face of this ever-escalating threat, it is clear that a different approach is required.

On Friday, Tillerson will be in South Korea, where more than 20 million people live within range of North Korean artillery. South Korea is conducting joint military exercises with U.S. forces, and installation of the THAAD system begins this month.

The joint military exercises by the hostile forces are aimed at preemptive strikes against the DPRK, North Korean Embassy official Pak Myong-ho said, referring to the official name of his country, the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea. Therefore, the peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula is under serious threat, he said. Now the situation is already on the brink of nuclear war.

Pak said the exercises could turn into real combat at any time.

While strident North Korean warnings about the annual military exercises are common, calling a news conference in a third country to drive the message home was a dramatic step. China is North Koreas protector and only ally, and Beijing is the only capital where the North could so quickly summon Western reporters.

Tillersons last stop on his six-day trip will be in China, which remains skeptical of any U.S. military response.

[China wants to avert head-on collision in Koreas, but will Trump sign on?]

Last week, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi warned that the United States and North Korea were like two accelerating trains on a collision course, while Premier Li Keqiang cautioned Wednesday that tension may lead to conflict.

There are sharply different views in the region about how to lower the North Korean threat, with China in particular unwilling to do anything that might destabilize the desperately poor agrarian nation on its border.

Under discussion in addition to potential military moves are tighter U.S. sanctions on the regime and secondary sanctions against its commercial allies. Those steps are considered largely symbolic unless China uses its economic leverage to slow or end North Korean import of critical missile parts.

The Trump administration has signaled that it could increase financial penalties against Chinese companies and banks that do business with North Korea.

China has imposed a ban on coal imports from North Korea, a move that  if fully implemented  would deprive the regime of a crucial revenue stream. But many analysts doubt Beijing will uphold the ban, given the instability it could create on Chinas borders.

Tillersons remarks seemed to shut the door on any rekindling of international talks that had involved Japan, South Korea and China to persuade the dynastic regime to stop firing missiles and pursuing nuclear weapons.

The failed diplomatic outreach had coincided with U.S. efforts to reassure North Korea that it did not plan an unprovoked attack  something the North has long claimed is a Washington plot.

In his opening remarks in Tokyo, Tillerson appeared to give a nod to those reassurances, however. North Korea and its people need not fear the United States or their neighbors in the region who seek only to live in peace with North Korea, he said.

Tillerson is the former chairman and chief executive of ExxonMobil and has no previous diplomatic experience. He has kept a low profile since assuming his new job and has not attended some meetings with foreign leaders in the Oval Office, leading to speculation that he has little influence within the Trump administration.

Tillerson did not go to the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo to meet staff Thursday morning, as is often customary. He instead stayed in his hotel, where he read and received briefings from embassy officials, a spokesman said.

Simon Denyer in Beijing contributed to this report.

Read more:

As North Koreas arsenal grows, experts see heightened risk of miscalculation

U.S. military deploys advanced defensive missile system to South Korea

After impeachment, South Korea may reset relations with China and North

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

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EC urges all to follow election code of conduct

The Election Commission has urged all to abide by the election code of conduct in view of the local level election. The local poll is scheduled for May 14.
The Dutch anti-Islam leader Geert Wilders acknowledged Thursday that voters denied him a chance to rule his nation. But to many Dutch Muslims, his victory was secured long before his nations nail-biter election.

The reelected Dutch prime minister told immigrants to fit in or get out. A likely coalition partner wants to impose restrictions on refugees. A nation once known for its laid-back tolerance is now focused on its divisions. And while European leaders breathed a sigh of relief that a raucous populist had been beaten back ahead of elections this year in France and Germany, many Muslims say that Wilderss raw racism is still ascendant.

Europe has a new face, they say  and its that of the blond-haired bomb thrower from the Netherlands.

I was a bit surprised at how disappointed I was this morning, said Sabri Saad El Hamus, 59, an actor and theater producer in Amsterdam who migrated from Egypt in 1978. Despite the loss for Wilders, the future ruling coalition will still move to the right on immigration, Hamus said.

We were all expecting the Trump effect and it didnt happen, but were not done with it, he said.

(Michael Birnbaum,Jason Aldag/The Washington Post)

He still fears that Wilders will eventually capture the prime ministers office.

[Right-wing websites find foothold amid European populism]

Overall, Dutch voters rewarded right-wing parties, many of which delivered tough lines on immigration.

The Netherlands fractious political system makes some parties hard to classify, but parties that hold traditionally left-wing views on the economy won only 37 of 150 legislative seats following a wipeout by the center-left Labor Party.

Prime Minister Mark Rutte took a hard line against immigration during the campaign, in a bid to capture some of the Wilders vote. But having tacked rightward, Rutte is now on the hook for the campaign rhetoric, giving many Dutch Muslims little comfort in his victory. And Ruttes Peoples Party for Freedom and Democracy still shed nearly a quarter of its seats in parliament.

Wilders harvested electoral gains even as he fell short of projections that once positioned him as the front-runner. After a campaign to ban the Koran and shut down mosques across the Netherlands, he captured 13 percent of the vote Wednesday, compared with 10 percent in the previous elections, and boosted his seats by a third. The showing made him the leader of the second-largest party in the Netherlands.

Now we are the 2nd largest party. Next time we will be nr. 1! he wrote on Twitter on Thursday. Earlier in the day, immediately after the results started coming in, he declared that a patriotic spring had begun in Europe and vowed to continue fighting.

Rutte began the difficult work Thursday of forming a governing coalition, a process that is expected to take weeks or even months. Dutch citizens spread their votes across a wide spectrum of parties, electing 13 of them to parliament. Rutte will have to persuade at least three other parties to join his side, coming to office with a weak coalition whose main unifying principle is that it is anti-Wilders. That could be a long-term benefit to the right-wing firebrand if he can convince his voters that mainstream politicians are unjustly shutting their voices out of government.

The entire situation makes the old, accepting Netherlands feel like a distant dream, Hamus said.

When he moved to Amsterdam, he reveled in the Dutch tolerance  a tolerance so pronounced that many people would try to speak a few words of Arabic to him rather than expecting him to speak Dutch, he said.

But over time  and hastened by Wilders  Dutch society has turned in on itself, he said. The splits have grown so deep that at a recent holiday gathering with the family of his Dutch-born wife, people could barely hold a conversation about Black Pete, a Christmastime blackface tradition that many immigrants find deeply offensive.

The whole family was divided, he said.

And the nations divisions will keep getting worse, said a politician, Bouchra Dibi, whose Labor Party was reduced to rubble in Wednesdays vote.

We are a society in a sort of crisis, said Dibi, who is of Moroccan descent. Dutch Muslims are very afraid for their future in Holland now.

Those fears are manifest in the electoral success of Denk, or Think, she said, a mostly Muslim party that has taken many of the same aggressive pages from Wilderss playbook and flipped them on end, in a register of immigrant disgust for mainstream politics. The party won three seats.

[The global wave of populism that turned 2016 upside down]

We live in a society now that is splintered, the Dutch against the Muslims, she said.

Not all Dutch Muslims were so pessimistic. Some said that the Netherlands had dodged a bullet by keeping Wilders away from the prime ministers office.

He left his mark on the decent parties. Thats undeniable, said Tofik Dibi, 36, a former lawmaker from the center-left Green-Left party who is not related to Bouchra Dibi. But Wilders was first in the polls for a long time. People were really thinking about what the Plan B was if he became prime minister.

He said that he had been pulling together his papers, getting ready to apply for a Moroccan passport in case his Dutch one was taken away. Other friends were stockpiling savings in case they needed to build a life somewhere else.

Now, he said, Wilders may have hit a ceiling.

He has gone very far in the things he said. Its almost impossible to go further than he does, Dibi said. I think he has reached the limit of his influence.

But if mainstream politicians across Europe were calmer on Thursday after the election result, Wilderss ideological allies in France and Germany were taking notes  yet another way he is leaving his imprint on the continent.

Wilders raised the right issues in the election campaign, but perhaps not always struck the right tone, said Frauke Petry, the leader of the anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany party, which is poised to capture seats in the German Parliament in elections in September. People want to have a clear message, but not a harsh tone.

Annabell Van den Berghe contributed to this report.

Read more:

Meet Europes far-right leaders

With 28 parties, Dutch voters had to use these really huge ballots

In Maastricht, Dutch voters weigh history against rising nationalism

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news
Activists of the AVAAZ network celebrate the election results in the Netherlands in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin on March 16. (Markus Schreiber/Associated Press)

After Donald Trumps presidential victory, energized European nationalists hailed the start of a new world order. But when it faced a key electoral test in the Netherlands, the outcome showed the true, long-shot chances of a populist sweep in Europe.

The Dutch vote on Wednesday  to the relief of centrist politicians across the region  amounted to a political reality check. Like many Americans, Europeans remain deeply concerned about immigration and security, and are frustrated by traditional politicians. More of them are indeed prepared to vote for rhetoric-wielding firebrands, such as the anti-Muslim Geert Wilders.

Yet, as the Netherlands vote indicated, such parties are still significantly short of the support needed to rise to power.

Next up are two bigger electoral showdowns. In France, a centrist candidate has gained ground heading into next months vote. And in Germany, a far-right surge appears to have tapered off ahead of elections in September.

The trend further suggests that Western Europe may not be as close to a nationalist tipping point as some had predicted after Trumps November surprise.

(Michael Birnbaum,Jason Aldag/The Washington Post)

[How the anti-Muslim message faded in the Netherlands]

For the Trump administration, meanwhile, it rolls back the prospect of a new generation of powerful allies on this side of the Atlantic. At the same time, it heightens the odds that the White House will become an international outlier on issues as diverse as climate change and foreign trade.

In fact, the biggest gainers in the Dutch vote were the progressive forces of the Green Green-Left Party  whose fresh-faced, Justin Trudeau-look-alike leader, Jesse Klaver, could emerge as the future of Dutch politics.

The main centrist candidate, Prime Minister Mark Rutte, held onto power and now will try to build a government coalition that snubs Wilders  despite his partys second-place showing.

The Netherlands shows us that the breakthrough of the extreme right is not inevitable and that European progressives are growing stronger, Emmanuel Macron, the leading centrist candidate for the French presidency, wrote on Twitter on Thursday morning.

One subtle factor in the far-right fizzle may be Trump himself.

In the Netherlands, voters seemed largely swayed by domestic issues. Yet doubts about the temperament and true governing skills of politicians such as Wilders have long stood as some of the strongest barriers holding back Europes nationalist tide.

Witnessing the erratic start of Trumps tenure in Washington may only be reinforcing those fears, analysts say.

Trumps tumultuous beginning, for instance, appears to have taken its toll on the appeal of populism in France. According to opinion polls, nearly 80 percent of French voters have a negative opinion of the new American president, who insisted that France is no longer France in the wake of terrorist attacks that have killed 230 people since 2015.

[German nationalists make broad pitch]

This, analysts say, presents a challenge for French nationalist Marine Le Pen, who has aligned herself with Trump to try to ride his momentum. In the Netherlands, Klaver, the Green-Left Party leader, repeatedly cited Trump as a disquieting harbinger in the event of a win by Wilders  who was once the front-runner before fading.

Trumps election victory was frenetically celebrated by Europes radical right. Wilders himself tried to adapt the slogan Make America Great Again for the Netherlands, said Alexander Hausler, an analyst of the far right at the University of Applied Sciences in Dusseldorf, Germany. But the Dutch results, he said, showed how walking in Trumps footsteps can potentially backfire.

It would be wrong, however, to dismiss the chances of major far-right victories to come.

In France, Le Pen is still leading the pack ahead of the first round of voting on April 23. But polls have shown a narrowing in recent weeks between Le Pen and her closest rival, the independent Macron. And even if she comes out on top at first, virtually all polls  although perhaps not as reliable as they once were in the light of Trumps win and vote in favor of Brexit  still show her being easily crushed in a second and decisive round on May 7.

In Germany, meanwhile, the once-surging Alternative for Germany (AfD) party also has stumbled in recent weeks. That may in part be a reflection on Trump  who polls show is as deeply unpopular in Germany as he is in France. But it also reflects a scandal involving a leading AfD politician who seemed to defend Adolf Hitler and stood accused of playing down the Holocaust. One recent poll showed the AfD slipping to only 8 percent support  its lowest level in 14 months.

Should such trends continue, it would reduce the partys chances of even playing a spoiler role in Septembers national elections.

Speaking in Berlin, German Chancellor Angela Merkel welcomed the Dutch outcome, calling it a good day for democracy.

Said Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel: We have seen that more than 80 percent of the Dutch took a stand against the enemies of Europe and Islam. . . . It is a clear pro-European signal at a time when many had expected something else.

Yet far-right forces could find some solace in the Dutch vote, too.

Wilderss far-right party gained five seats in parliament and is now the second-largest party in the body. Although nowhere near earlier predictions of a first-place finish, it was not an insignificant bounce.

Perhaps more important, Rutte, the Dutch prime minister, moved resoundingly to the right on a host of issues including immigration in a bid to fend off the right-wing challenge.

That strategy is being adopted throughout Europe.

Ahead of elections in Germany, Merkel  accused by her critics of being soft on Muslim immigration  has floated a partial ban on full Islamic face coverings known as the burqa.

[Frances Marine Le Pen refused to wear a headscarf to meet with Lebanese religious leaders]

If other parties take over our agenda, this is nothing negative per se, said Marcus Pretzell, head of the Alternative for Germany party in the state of North-Rhine Westphalia. Merkels party is already doing it, so far only in terms of its rhetoric. The next step is that they will also implement practical policies that we have pushed. I would welcome that.

And while Muslims in Europe celebrated the tempered far-right performance in the Netherlands, they nevertheless warned that the issues brought to the surface have created a new and worrying atmosphere of xenophobia and hate.

The genie is out of the bottle, said Aiman Mazyek, chairman of Germanys Central Council of Muslims. He continued, The danger in Holland, but also in other parts of Europe, is that the narrative of fear and hatred will piece by piece erode liberal rights.

McAuley reported from Paris. Stephanie Kirchner in Berlin contributed to this report.

Read more

Dutch leaders begin coalition talks after blow to anti-immigrant populists

Everyone is worried Trump will ruin the world order  but it never really existed

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news
The Trump budget blueprint calls for the elimination of the U.S. Institute of Peace, which works for conflict resolution. (Jon Elswick/AP)

The U.S. Institute of Peace has dispatched staffers from its ultramodern building near the Mall in Washington to some of the worlds most dangerous places, but now the federally funded organization is facing its own demise at the hands of the Trump administration.

The USIP, created by Congress and signed into law by President Ronald Reagan to engage in conflict resolution around the world, is among more than a dozen independent agencies slated for elimination under the budget blueprint unveiled Thursday. Axing the USIP would save taxpayers $35.3 million.

[Trumps military bump could fund the Corporation for Public Broadcasting for 121 years]

But the deep spending cuts proposed for foreign aid prompted an immediate backlash across the spectrum in Congress and among humanitarian organizations and religious groups. Rep. Eliot L. Engel (N.Y.), the senior Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, called the cuts a catastrophic mistake, while Rep. Edward R. Royce (R-Calif.), the committee chairman, expressed concern that cuts in diplomacy will hurt efforts to combat terrorism. Mercy Corps called the foreign aid cuts reckless, dangerous and irresponsible.

Like other agencies on the chopping block, the USIP has supporters in Congress and the military who can be expected to fight for it, and its death is not a sure thing. But the institute, with its mission of peace building, underscores the budget trade-offs the administration is making as it shifts resources from civilian programs to a military buildup.

Its removing tools that there has been a consensus, across both parties in successive administrations, are critical to our international efforts, said Gayle Smith, the former administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development. It leaves us less to work with in a world that is growing more complex.

The Institute of Peace is considered one of those tools, not only for USAID and the State Department, but also for the Defense Department.

A nonpartisan and independent institution, it trains U.S. diplomats and members of the armed forces heading for unstable parts of the world so they can be prepared to help avert conflicts before they mushroom. It also trains local facilitators to mediate local disputes.

Even the conservative Heritage Foundation, which has called for many of the cuts that the Trump administration has adopted, has said the USIP deserves to survive, calling it a do-tank as opposed to a think tank.

The amounts being saved are trivial, but they have disproportionate benefits, said Eric S. Edelman, who worked in senior positions at the State and Defense departments and is a USIP board member. Just ask any warfighters who worked with USIP folks in the field. They know there are things that arent done by diplomats or the military, but helped in Iraq and Afghanistan advancing the success of military operations and reducing conflicts.

The USIP is far better known in Baghdad and Kabul than it is in Washington.

USIP-trained mediators arrived in Tikrit, Saddam Husseins home town in Iraq, in 2015, after the city was emptied of Islamic State fighters who had slain 1,700 Shiite military cadets. The mediators were instrumental in helping arrange a truce between Sunni and Shiite residents. They got leaders of the two communities together in a hotel room paid for by the USIP, along with a few meals, until the Sunnis agreed to turn in the perpetrators and the Shiites vowed not to seek revenge.

(Jenny Starrs/The Washington Post)

In the town of Mahmoudiya, the U.S. Army asked the USIP to help end warfare among rival tribes. After the Iraqis trained by the USIP helped calm the tensions, the army withdrew most of its troops, saving money and arguably lives.

Despite a record of success, this is not the first time the institute has come under financial threat. In 2011, Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah) and Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-N.Y.) teamed up to argue it be defunded. They co-wrote an opinion column in the Wall Street Journal, calling it a case study in how government waste thrives. Ultimately, Congress gave the USIP $39.5 million of the $46.5 million it requested.

[Not at peace with the buildings style]

Now, the congressional allocation has dropped another 10 percent. By law, all funding for USIP programs and salaries must come from the federal government. It raises roughly $1 million a year for building maintenance, largely by selling books, charging its 300 employees parking fees and renting out space in its airy Constitution Avenue NW building, designed by architect Moshe Safdie, for private parties.
At least two sets of internal data that have been available to the Trump administration  but that have never been publicized  appear to undercut the governments argument for a travel ban that it had hoped would take effect Thursday, according to several officials familiar with the documents.

One internal report, titled Most Foreign-Born US-Based Violent Extremists Radicalized After Entering Homeland, analyzed roughly 90 cases involving suspected or confirmed foreign-born terrorists, finding that most of them probably embraced extremist ideology after they arrived in the United States, not before.

Another report, drawn on classified FBI data, has been used by the Trump administration to bolster its claims that refugees pose a risk of terrorism. But the figures that are the basis for that report undermine a key premise of the travel ban, with most of the suspects cited in the report coming from countries unaffected by President Trumps executive order, according to officials familiar with the report.

Taken together, the two reports show there is a significant amount of internal government data that suggests the travel ban Trump wants to implement is not likely to be effective in curbing the threat of terrorism in the United States, these people said. The officials spoke on the condition of anonymity because some of the data is classified and none of it has been approved for public dissemination.

[Federal judge in Hawaii freezes President Trumps new entry ban]

(Daron Taylor/The Washington Post)

White House spokesman Michael Short said the justification for the travel ban is not in any way diminished by these selective and potentially criminal leaks being carried out by disgruntled government officials. The president is 100 percent committed to keeping this country safe from terrorism, and thats exactly what this order will help achieve.

A Department of Homeland Security spokesman defended the travel-ban executive order, saying it is a prudent response to security concerns about six countries where state-sponsored terror and unstable governments make thorough investigation difficult. The Justice Department, which has defended the travel ban in court, declined to comment.

The existence of the DHS document was previously reported by MSNBC.

The Trump administration had hoped to implement a new executive order this week that would have temporarily halted the resettlement of all refugees in the United States for the next four months and banned the issuance of new visas to citizens of six majority-Muslim countries. Administration officials have justified the ban as a necessary national security measure to exclude people from countries that pose heightened concerns about terrorism.

The new travel ban did not take effect Thursday morning as planned. A federal judge in Hawaii on Wednesday issued a freeze of the executive order hours before it would have temporarily suspended the admission of new refugees and barred the issuance of new visas to citizens of Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.

In the 43-page ruling, U.S. District Judge Derrick K. Watson said that past comments Trump and his advisers have made indicated the executive order was issued with a purpose to disfavor a particular religion and therefore probably violated the Constitution.

[Federal court blocks deportation of Afghan special-visa recipient]

(Bastien Inzaurralde/The Washington Post)

In nearly half of the radicalization cases studied for the governments internal report, officials found that the individuals came to the United States when they were younger than 16 and in many instances the terrorism charges filed against them came more than 10 years after their arrival, according to officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive material.

The report was finalized this month after work on it began in the summer, when the issue of radicalization was a hot topic in the presidential campaign and Trump had spoken publicly about his desire for a Muslim ban and extreme vetting. The analysis focused on 88 cases between March 2011 and December 2016, citing examples including a Bangladeshi terrorism suspect who came to the United States as a baby and another suspect who was born in Cuba and did not show signs of embracing an extremist ideology until 26 years after moving to the United States.

The report on radicalization argues that tailored domestic de-radicalization programs would be the most effective way to fight the trend, according to people familiar with its contents. So far, the Trump administration has favored suspending refugee programs or visitors from specific countries.

A federal appeals court suspended an earlier version of the ban order that targeted a broader range of people from seven countries  including Iraq  after ruling that it violated the due-process rights of affected travelers.

Civil rights advocates and state governments, arguing that the order still constitutes a Muslim ban and would be harmful to U.S. interests and national security, filed legal challenges to the new ban, leading to the court ruling Wednesday. The new ban removes Iraq from the list of countries, allows for the entry of current holders of valid visas, and institutes waivers for new visa applicants from the banned countries.

To try to build support for the new travel ban, the Trump administration has said  and the Justice Department has argued in court  that there are more than 300 terrorism-related investigations into people who came to the United States as refugees. The administration has declined to provide the nationalities of the people in question or any other details about that claim, which officials cited in support of the temporary provision to ban all refugee arrivals.

[As Indiana governor, Pence failed to exclude Syrian refugees]

But officials familiar with the list say that at least 70 percent of the people under review are from countries not targeted by the new travel ban. More than half are or were at one time Iraqi nationals. Officials familiar with the data said roughly two-thirds of the people on the administrations tally also arrived seven or more years ago, before the government significantly tightened its vetting procedures for Iraqis entering the United States.

Roughly 20 percent of the individuals came to the United States from Somalia, which is covered by the ban. Others hail from a range of countries, including several that the Trump administration has never indicated as a national security threat. For example, there are more nationals from Ethiopia, Uzbekistan and Bosnia that are subjects in counterterrorism investigation than there are from some of the banned countries, such as Yemen, Iran and Libya.

The list refers to people who are under some form of investigation, but officials familiar with the data cautioned that the classification of those people varies widely from individuals who have aroused serious suspicion to those who might have a relative who is a convicted or suspected terrorist. None of the individuals on the list have been charged with a terrorism-related crime, and the number of people under investigation by the FBI at any given time fluctuates regularly as investigations are started and concluded.

Inside the Department of Homeland Security, some view the data and analysis as a refutation of the rationale behind the travel ban  the original version and the new reworked one. Another official who has read the documents said they do not present a convincing-enough argument to dismiss the administrations concerns about refugee terrorism risks.

The DHS prepared the report on radicalization, with input from FBI personnel at the National Counterterrorism Center, people familiar with the report said. The FBI compiled the data on current or former refugees under investigation.

Seamus Hughes, deputy director of the Program on Extremism at George Washington University, said the reports findings generally match his research.

There are still going to be individuals who want to come here and do us harm, but the data is the data, and you should adjust your policy based on the data, Hughes said. Even the individuals who were refugees generally came here at a very young age and were arrested 20 years later. Thats not a sleeper cell  thats a coma cell.

Hughes said most of the terrorism in the United States brews from within, fueled partly by online activity and partly through face-to-face contacts with like-minded people that lead to radicalization.

Youre mostly talking about U.S. citizens and permanent residents who are largely brought into it by connections they made online  which doesnt have a border, he said.

Hughes said it is not surprising that of the more than 300 refugees or former refugees who came under law enforcement scrutiny, Iraqis make up a large percentage, given the previously known cases.

The data points to the central question about the travel ban, which is, are you addressing the issues you need to address when it comes to the threat? he said. In the U.S., youre talking about much more of a homegrown terrorism problem, and because ISIS attracts such a wide swath of individuals, its very hard to do a nationality targeted approach.

Correction: An earlier version of this article incorrectly referred to the National Counterterrorism Center as being part of the FBI; personnel with the FBI work at the center. The article has been updated.

Read more:

New rationale for travel ban: National security officials asked for it

Report: U.S. lacks system for spotting, defusing homegrown extremist threats

Whats next for Trump Travel Ban 2.0
State Department employees listen to newly-appointed U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson in the lobby of the State Department. (Jim Lo Scalzo/EPA)

The State Department faces cuts of nearly 29 percent, with $10 billion shaved off its core program funding under proposals to eliminate climate-change initiatives and to slash foreign aid, contributions to the United Nations and cultural exchanges.

The basic budget for the State Department and USAID, which houses many U.S. development and economic aid programs around the world, will shrink from $36.7 billion to $25.6 billion. The Trump budget also calls for $1.5 billion for Treasury International Programs, a 35 percent reduction from the previous year, a figure the White House included in its discussion of States budget. The administration also proposes $12 billion for operations in war-torn areas such as Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan, down from more than $20 billion this year. Overall, the budget would shrink from $52.8 billion to $37.6 billion.

The proposal reflects a dramatic shift in U.S. foreign policy to an America First focus on whether programs meet specific U.S. interests. Many of the spending cuts are in programs whose missions are deemed poorly managed or insufficient in advancing U.S. foreign policy goals.

Many programs advanced by the Obama administration will be devastated.

The Global Climate Change Initiative, a $350 million USAID program that helps countries invest in renewable energy and land management, would be eliminated. The same with a U.N.-affiliated Green Climate Fund, which the Obama administration gave $1 billion of $3 billion pledged, including $500 million transferred just days before President Trumps inauguration.

The budget assumes there will be reduced U.S. contributions to the United Nations, and other countries will be expected to chip in more. The United States is currently assessed 22 percent of operating costs  not just for running the New York headquarters but also for related groups such as the International Atomic Energy Agency, which monitors Irans compliance with the nuclear deal, the World Health Organization and dozens more. The proposal notes that in future, Washington will cap its share of peacemaking costs at 25 percent, down from 28 percent.

The United States will also contribute less to international development banks, including the World Bank, which runs anti-poverty programs in developing countries. But the reduction is not huge, about $650 million over three years.

While money will be set aside for humanitarian aid, including disaster relief and helping refugees, the budget pointedly notes that the rest of the world will be asked to pay its fair share. The $50 million Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance account is judged duplicated, and is eliminated.

U.S. economic and development aid will in future be directed to countries of the greatest strategic importance to the United States. During the campaign, Trump vowed to stop sending aid to countries that hate us.

Some military aid is slated to undergo a dramatic shift from grants to loans. However, the budget maintains $3.1 billion in security aid President Barack Obama committed to Israel, a historically high amount. Virtually all foreign military aid comes with the mandate that it be spent on U.S. military equipment, so it is unclear whether recipients will balk at borrowing the money if they are required to spend it on American-made goods.

In one set of cuts that can be expected to draw resistance from Congress, the budget calls for reduced funding for educational and cultural exchange programs. Many of these programs are considered long-term goodwill investments, bringing foreign athletes, scholars, teachers, journalists and students to the United States and sending their U.S. counterparts to some 160 countries.

The most well-known of these exchanges is the Fulbright Program, which was founded 70 years ago and includes alumni in the U.S. Congress and in senior levels of governments around the world. Initially, the Trump administration considered eliminating the entire Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, which oversees the exchanges, according to former and current State Department officials. But in the budget proposal released Thursday, reductions will be made and the cost savings will be used to keep the Fulbright Program going.
The recent removal, and reinstatement, of the National Security Councils senior intelligence director is a telling illustration of the ongoing animosity between at least some sectors of the Trump White House and the CIA and may be an early sign of problems for new national security adviser H.R. McMaster.

On Friday, McMaster told Ezra Cohen-Watnick, a 30-year-old former Defense Intelligence Agency operative brought on board by McMasters ousted predecessor, Michael Flynn, that he was being moved to another job from his position as senior NSC director for intelligence programs.

McMaster had been told by CIA Director Mike Pompeo that some intelligence officials had problems with Cohen-Watnick and didnt think he was up to the job, according to U.S. officials familiar with the matter. The intelligence director provides White House interface with the intelligence community and is a filter for information to the president.

Cohen-Watnick, who worked on the Trump transition and is close to Jared Kushner, a top adviser and President Trumps son-in-law, immediately consulted Kushner and Stephen K. Bannon, Trumps chief White House strategist. The two subsequently spoke with Trump, and by Sunday, Cohen-Watnick was back in place.

The sequence of events, first reported by Politico, appeared to contradict public pledges made by the White House that McMaster would have full leeway to choose his own staff.

Chief of Staff Reince Priebus said in mid-February that Trump had made clear, after the first choice to replace Flynn had turned down Trumps offer in part because of staffing issues, that the new director will have total and complete say over the makeup of the NSC and all of the components of the NSC.

That status quickly led to the departure of David Cattler, another Flynn protege, who McMaster determined was in a job that was superfluous as coordinator of the NSCs regional directorates. By all accounts, that decision was not controversial.

Asked about the flap over Cohen-Watnick, spokesmen for both the CIA and the NSC declined to discuss it but said the two institutions were getting along fine.

CIA is focused solely on providing the President and other policymakers with the best intelligence possible to protect the nation against adversaries, CIA Public Affairs Director Dean Boyd said in an email. Thats a full-time job. Were working quite well with the National Security Council on a range of issues confronting the nation and foresee no change in this collaborative relationship.

NSC spokesman Michael Anton said the agencys professional briefers do a phenomenal job; their work is not only necessary, its essential. Ive been in many meetings with Director Pompeo and others in which they interact with senior White House officials. . . . Theyre very professional, and their work is deeply appreciated.

But supporters of Cohen-Watnick, among several people who discussed the issue on the condition of anonymity to talk about intelligence and personnel, say the CIA resents him for several reasons. He is young, brash and ambitious. He worked for the Defense Intelligence Agency in a job that the CIA sees as its rightful possession, and he has shown more affinity for the FBI and its counterintelligence operations against spies at home than for the CIAs counterterrorism tasks overseas.

As part of his duties, Cohen-Watnick has briefed Trump, Kushner, Bannon and others, and he is seen as loyal to Trump and his agenda. In possession of a high-level security clearance from his Defense Intelligence Agency days, Cohen-Watnick was one of the few incoming officials who could attend intelligence briefings early in the transition.

Trump frequently vilified the CIA during the transition, accusing intelligence officials of conducting a Nazi-like campaign to smear him and rejecting its assessment that Russia hacked Democratic Party emails to disrupt the electoral process and benefit his campaign against Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton. When he visited the agency on his first full day in office, in an apparent attempt at fence-mending, many agency officials were put off by what they saw as a self-aggrandizing, disrespectful speech delivered in front of a wall of stars representing those who had lost their lives in the intelligence service.

Denying that he had ever criticized the agency, Trump blamed it all on the media and told intelligence officers that there is nobody that feels stronger about the intelligence community and the CIA than Donald Trump.

Overall, the high institutional tensions between Trump and the CIA seem to have died down since the tumultuous transition and early days of the administration.

But on some issues, uneasiness remains on both sides. Chief among them is Iran, where the intelligence community and some within the NSC have sharply different opinions on reality and how to drive policy. Cohen-Watnick is seen as among those who say that upheaval and possibly even regime change should be the goal.

This group of influential Iran hawks, organized within the NSC as a strategic assessment cell, maintains that the United States has nine to 12 months to roll back Iranian influence inside Iraq or risk permanently losing influence there to Tehran.

Theres definitely a perception in the White House among certain people  and I mean the National Security Council  that the counter-ISIS campaign was essentially making Iraq safe for Iran, said one senior U.S. official, who said that view was not shared by Secretary of State Rex Tillerson or Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, and I dont think McMaster sees it that way. . . . What the President thinks, I cant characterize. ISIS is an acronym for the Islamic State.

I think the people who have that view come by it honestly, so I dont want to sound dismissive or disrespectful, the official said. But the longer you are in government, the more nuanced your view will become.

Cohen-Watnick, said one official who has worked with him at the NSC, is very big on how we can get more aggressive against Iran, and very dismissive that [Tehran] might escalate. . . . Ezra is really a big fan of covert-y action stuff.

He and others have balked at CIA assessments that escalation is indeed the likely response to direct U.S. confrontation and that the best way to get results from Iran is through slow and steady economic and diplomatic pressure.

Greg Jaffe contributed to this report.
SC puts off final hearing on IGP appointment case for Sunday

The Supreme Court (SC) has put off the final hearing on the appointment of Nepal Police Inspector General of Police for Sunday. Prior to this, the final hearing on the case was scheduled for today.
The Department of Homeland Security would get a significant spending increase in the Trump administrations new proposed budget  a nearly 7 percent boost to expand a wall along the nations southern border and hire more federal agents to catch, deport and deter illegal immigrants.

The budget plan envisions a $2.6 billion expenditure on border security enhancements, much of that for the design and construction of a larger wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. Overall, DHS spending would grow by $2.8 billion, reflecting President Trumps repeated calls to get tougher on illegal immigration.

The administration wants $314 million to pay for the hiring of 500 new Border Patrol officers and 1,000 new Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers. In addition, it wants to spend$1.5 billion more than the current fiscal year on the detention and removal of undocumented people.

Paying for that beefed-up immigration enforcement would mean significant cuts to other parts of the department, particularlythe Federal Emergency Management Agencys grants to state and local agencies.

The budget would cut $667 million from such programs, including disaster mitigation grants, which are designed to make communities more resilient before disasters occur. Also facing major reductions is the Homeland Security Grant Program, which includes the Urban Area Security Initiative. Its funds are distributed to major U.S. cities to help them pay for counterterrorism work, and previous efforts to restrict those payments have met stiff resistance in Congress.

The budget would also seek to have air travelers pay for more of the cost of securing the nations airports by raising the TSA Passenger Security Fee. The fee, now $5.60 per one-way trip for a passenger flying out of a U.S. airport, was instituted after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks to help pay for increased security for airline passengers.

The budget would also scale back some of the security that takes place around airports and other major transit hubs. It would cut back the Visible Intermodal Prevention and Response program, which places heavily armed officers at airports as a public deterrent to terrorism, and eliminate TSA grants to state and local police to help patrol around airports.

Customs and Border Protection agents at the San Ysidro Port of Entry on Friday, February 10, 2017 in San Ysidro, California. (Sandy Huffaker/AFP/Getty Images)

The agency would also spend $1.5 billion on cybersecurity measures designed to boost the computer defenses of federal agencies, allowing for better information sharing on threats and faster responses to hacking attacks.
The Trump administration touts its new proposed budget for the Defense Department as one of the largest single-year increases in defense spending in U.S. history, fending off comparisons to earlier spending sprees by saying that they occurred during the countrys largest wars.

The administration argues in 2018 budget documents that spending $639 billion on defense, a $52 billion increase from the previous year, would lead to a stronger military and address concerns about how well-equipped and cared for the military is.

The budget request comes after Sen. John McCain (R.-Ariz.), chairman of the Armed Services Committee, criticized the president last month for not boosting defense spending enough. The Trump administration had said it was planning to boost defense spending to $603 billion, after McCain proposed spending about $640 billion in January.

The Trump administration said in new budget documents that its proposed increase is exceeded only by the peak increases of the Reagan Administration and a few of the largest defense increases during the World Wars and the conflicts in Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Unlike past spending increases, the money proposed would primarily invest in a stronger military, rather than being consumed in combat operations, the administration said.

But the president must make that case while also expanding operations in several combat zones. Since Trump took over, the military has sent hundreds of troops to Syria in anticipation of an offensive on the city of Raqqa, launched dozens of airstrikes and a controversial ground raid in Yemen, and considered giving Special Operations units authority to launch missions in Somalia and Libya. Hundreds more U.S. troops may still be sent to Syria in coming weeks, and senior military officials are debating sending thousands more to Afghanistan.

The budget proposal documents include few specifics about how defense spending will be allocated but repeat administration promises to accelerate the military campaign against the Islamic State and boost cyberwarfare capabilities.

View Graphic Trump's defense spending increase isn't extraordinary, but its impact could be

A senior military official, speaking on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the budget ahead of its rollout, said Pentagon officials also are anticipating the release Thursday of a budget amendment that will add $30 billion in defense spending in 2017.
Police officers control traffic near the Tocqueville high school in Grasse, France, where a student opened fire on March 16. (Valery Hache/AFP/Getty Images)

A heavily armed student opened fire and wounded four people Thursday at a high school in the southern French city of Grasse, officials said.

Six others were slightly injured in the clamor to escape the school building, officials said.

The student, whose identity was not released, was subsequently arrested, a spokesman for Frances National Police confirmed to The Washington Post.

An Interior Ministry spokesman, speaking on French television, said the suspect is a 17-year-old male student at the Lycee Alexis de Tocqueville in Grasse. He was in possession of a rifle, two handguns and two grenades when arrested, the spokesman said.

At a news conference late Thursday afternoon in Grasse, French Education Minister Najat Vallaud-Belkacem called the attack the crazy action of a fragile young man fascinated by weapons.

The Grasse prosecutor also told reporters that the suspects motivations seem to be related to poor relationships with other students. It seemed to be difficult to integrate.

Among the wounded was the heroic principal of the Lycee Tocqueville, who, according to Vallaud-Belkacem, rushed to the scene to try to reason with the student when he saw him pull a gun.

The four victims who suffered gunshot wounds were taken to hospitals, officials said.

Grasse is about 20 miles inland from the French Riviera.

Another student at Lycee Tocqueville, identified only as Benjamin, 16, told the Nice-Matin newspaper that the shooting occurred Thursday during the schools lunch hour, just before 1 p.m.

Around 12:40, I was sitting down, finishing eating, he told the newspaper. I heard this loud bang and then two more. I turned around, and I saw someone in the courtyard with a shotgun, shooting. He was firing on the windows of the classrooms overlooking the courtyard. When I saw that, I ran away.

Interviewed on Frances BFM Television, Andreas, another student at the school, described a scene of total panic that began with four loud shots.

We started running, he said. We would have thought we were in a film. In the hall, there were traces of blood.

The suspect was of European origin, a spokesman for the National Police told The Post.

There was no immediate word of any link to Islamist terrorism. Christian Estrosi, president of the Provence-Alpes-Cote dAzur administrative region, which includes Grasse, said Thursdays shooting was absolutely not a terrorist attack.

According to a report in Frances Le Monde newspaper, which analyzed the suspects YouTube history, the young man appears to have harbored a particular fascination with the 1999 massacre at Columbine High School in Colorado, as well as a fondness for a violent video game, Hatred, produced by a Polish firm suspected of ties

to radical-right and neo-Nazi groups.

France, set for a highly contentious presidential election next month, has remained under a constant state of emergency after terrorist attacks claimed by the Islamic State group killed 130 people in Paris in November 2015.

One of the presidential candidates, Marine Le Pen, the leader of Frances far-right National Front, has run on a campaign that many have called xenophobic and Islamophobic. Le Pen  whose father, Jean-Marie Le Pen, has been convicted of Holocaust denial in French courts has been quick to decry perceived security failures in the aftermath of every recent attack perpetrated by Islamic State operatives or sympathizers. But she was silent Thursday afternoon, when no such connection could be established to a terrorist of Muslim background.

By contrast, rival Emmanuel Macron, the increasingly popular centrist candidate, tweeted his thoughts for the injured and respect for the efficiency of the authorities, as well as the calm of the teaching staff at the school.

In a separate incident Thursday, a letter bomb exploded in the Paris offices of the International Monetary Fund. The employee who opened the letter was wounded in the hand and face, police said.

Christine Lagarde, the French director of the Washington-based IMF, condemned what she called a cowardly act of violence against her staff.

French President Francois Hollande has been frequently criticized for the countrys perpetual state of emergency by both the right and the left. Conservatives often insist that the precautions have failed to prevent attacks, such as the July assault on the Riviera city of Nice, while liberals often say the state of emergency has led to many violations of civil liberties, especially for French Muslims.

On Thursday afternoon, Hollande  a Socialist whose historic unpopularity precluded him from standing for reelection this year  defended the state of emergency, insisting it should be extended through July 15.

It will be up to my successor to decide what he will do next, Hollande said. But for now, the state of emergency is adapted to a certain number of risks.

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MS-13 gang members languish in one of the three 'gang cages in the Quezaltepeque police station in 2013 in San Salvador, El Salvador. These overcrowded cages were designed to be 72-hour holding cells for common criminals and rival gangs. (Giles Clarke/Getty Images)

On a dusky evening last spring, Jorge Alberto Martinez Chavez was tossed into the hell that is El Salvadors prison system: a holding cell barely bigger than the bed of a pickup, where more than 50 prisoners were crammed together, some on the sweat-soaked floor and others spilling out of thin hammocks crisscrossed from ground to ceiling.

The air was hot and humid, and prisoners half-naked bodies reeked of urine and ulcers from a recent outbreak of bacteria, according to a guard. A few weeks later, Martinez collapsed, foaming at the mouth. He was the fifth inmate from that cell to die in four months.

He never should have been there in the first place. Police, prosecutors and a judge mistook him for a different Jorge Alberto Martinez Chavez, a man eight years younger with a gang tattoo across his chest and a criminal history that includes charges of extortion, illegal gun possession and murder.

Martinezs death exposes deep flaws in El Salvadors justice system, with implications that go well beyond this tiny nation of 6 million. At a time when thousands of Central Americans are fleeing toward the United States, and border control is at the top of President Trumps agenda, the weaknesses of this regions courts and cops have assumed outsize importance. The same institutions that allowed an innocent man to die have failed to prevent street gangs from turning the country into one of the most violent in the hemisphere.





The U.S. government has spent hundreds of millions of dollars in recent years to help Central American countries capture and prosecute gang leaders and corrupt officials. Although there have been some advances, the system remains dysfunctional. Police in El Salvador frequently dont use forensic evidence, prosecutors handle several hundred cases at once, and prisons are so bad that the Supreme Court has ruled them unconstitutional.

The combination of these failings  during a crackdown in the streets and a lockdown in the prisons  was fatal for Jorge Alberto Martinez Chavez, 37, a bus dispatcher, volunteer first-responder and father of two with little in common with the fugitive authorities sought.

His only sin was having the same name, said public defender Saul Sanchez.

A chain ending in death

The crime that would land Martinez in jail occurred in October 2014 in San Pedro Masahuat, a town with cobblestone streets in the region of La Paz an hour southeast of San Salvador. Five men with guns ambushed a sixth man, who ducked behind cars to avoid the bullets. He survived, and later described his assailants to prosecutor Guillermo Molina: four low-level gang members and a leader called Wisper.

The victim knew Wispers name: Jorge Chavez. He had an idea where he lived  a sheet-metal shack on the edge of town  and his age: about 26. Chavez was covered in gang tattoos, including MS (for Mara Salvatrucha) across his chest and an eagle on his back.

The prosecutors investigation was based almost entirely on the victims testimony. This is common in El Salvador. Despite U.S.-led efforts to introduce scientific evidence to the judicial system  starting during El Salvadors 1980-1992 civil war and continuing with the current Alliance for Prosperity aid package, which includes a $4 million forensic training program  reform has been sluggish, according to legal scholars and watchdog groups.

The legal system was created to serve the oligarchy, and continues to favor the rich and powerful, said anthropologist Juan Jose Martinez. These days, corrupt business executives and politicians often escape scrutiny while gang violence overwhelms police and prosecutors.

Authorities in San Pedro Masahuat caught the four lower-level gang members but couldnt find the notorious Wisper. They photographed his house but, according to the case file, didnt do much else to locate him.

Prosecutors needed more details, so they consulted a federal database of citizens and learned of a 37-year-old man named Jorge Alberto Martinez Chavez. A week later, on Dec. 17, prosecutors checked online prison records and found another, 29-year-old man with the same name.

The differences between the two men were sweeping: Not only were they eight years apart but they hailed from different towns. The younger man was a Mara Salvatrucha gang member who had been imprisoned for extortion in 2010 and was wanted in connection with several slayings. He went by Jorge Chavez  the same name offered by the victim.

The older man was known as Jorge Martinez. He had no criminal record.

Despite the disparities, prosecutors filed charges against 37-year-old Jorge Martinez. Molina said the witness identified Martinez in a photo lineup. However, the same witness later identified the other man, Jorge Chavez, in another photo reel.

This was the start of the chain that ended in Martinezs death.

In early 2015, Wisper was accused of killing two young men in San Pedro Masahuat. After a series of blunders, these charges, too, would end up following the other Jorge Alberto Martinez Chavez to the grave.

Until April 25, 2016, he had no idea about any of this.

Judges arent investigators

That day, a typical scorcher in San Salvador, capital police stopped Martinez at the gas station where he worked dispatching buses; they later said he had looked suspicious. They ran his name through a database and couldnt believe their luck. They thought they had stumbled upon Wisper, a gang leader and one of the 100 most sought-after criminals in the country, and promptly detained him.

Although Martinez was arrested on a single, erroneous warrant, when Judge Daniel Ortiz in San Pedro Masahuat received news that Wisper had been captured, he tacked on the double murder. He didnt notice the discrepancies with the description of that suspect.

We judges arent investigators, Ortiz said. He never saw Martinez in person but sent him

to jail anyway. With heavy caseloads, judges often dont see prisoners until they have spent weeks or months locked up  in Martinezs case, in a disease-ridden, gang-controlled police holding cell in the nearby town of San Juan Talpa.

Martinez kept insisting he was innocent. He swore to his public defender, Sanchez, that he was not a gang member, stripping off his shirt to show he had no tattoos. His job as a bus dispatcher required him to travel through territory dominated by the 18th Street gang, which would have been impossible if he were a Mara Salvatrucha member.

Everything might have been settled by a police lineup, in which the victim would have to identify Martinez as the man who tried to kill him. That was postponed twice, first on May 16 because the judge called in sick, and then on May 23 because the prosecutors office forgot to arrange transportation for the victim.

And then time ran out. Martinez, who had spent a month in jail without ever seeing a judge, died May 25 in a San Salvador hospital.

On July 11, Judge Ortiz archived the attempted murder case, citing a police report that Wisper had died.



Jorge Martinez Sr. holds a picture of his son. Nothing can bring him back, he said. (Lissette Lemus /Courtesy of El Diario de Hoy)

Inmates literally rotting

When Martinez arrived in San Juan Talpa in late April, the holding cells built for 20 people housed more than 110. The jail had become a petri dish for outbreaks of scabies, pneumonia and tuberculosis. In one instance, after 50 sick inmates were quarantined with an unidentified virus, police scrubbed the cells with bleach. Then the inmates were moved right back in.

In April, two prisoners died in the cell in the span of 48 hours. A police officer told the daily newspaper La Prensa Grafica that inmates attributed the deaths to ghosts. But the officer also said prisoners shouted and threw each other against the walls.

Investigators from the national human rights office suspect the men were beaten to death by their fellow prisoners. One was covered in bruises; the other had deep scars on his wrists and ankles. They were among at least 25 inmates who died in Salvadoran police holding cells between January and June 2016. Ninety-six more died in the same period in prisons, hospitals and transport vehicles; nearly one-third were murdered, and the rest died of illness or suicide.

According to the Institute for Criminal Policy Research, El Salvadors prisons are the most jam-packed in the Western Hemisphere except for Haitis. The populations began to swell in the mid-2000s as a result of President Francisco Floress Strong Hand policy, a series of tough-on-crime measures that included increased police raids and longer sentences. Now a prison system built for 10,000 inmates houses more than 37,000, not including about 5,000 held in police jails.

The Strong Hand policy didnt consider what would happen when all these people got locked up, said Rodil Hernandez, the national prisons director. Gangs are using the prison system as a rent-free corporate office, directing murders and extortion rings with phones sneaked in by guards and visitors.

Last March, Hernandez declared a state of emergency in seven prisons. Since then, thousands of prisoners have been barred from visits with relatives, doctors and judges. Human rights advocates have documented a spike in tuberculosis and other contagious diseases. We found prisoners who were literally rotting, said Gerardo Alegria of the human rights office, describing oozing ulcers, infected gunshot wounds and limbs that needed to be amputated.





Judicial processes have ground to a halt, and the total prison population has increased 10 percent in the past six months, sending the government scrambling to build new penitentiaries. On Feb. 9, legislators extended the lockdown until 2018, crediting it with a 20 percent drop in killings over the past year.

El Salvadors Supreme Court found in an investigation that prisoners have as little as three square feet of space, lack adequate food, water and medical care, and could spend months or years locked up without trial.

Despite the diseases and the violence, Martinez seemed fine when his father went to the jail on May 19. Family members dropping off food can catch a glimpse of inmates through the iron bars of the police station door.

Four days later, just hours after the canceled police lineup, Martinez collapsed and was taken to a hospital. He died on May 25.

Meanwhile, deaths continue

The police report listed suspected tuberculosis as the cause of death. The autopsy reported pneumonia, although it found that Martinez had a burst liver. Autopsies in El Salvador are often unreliable, according to international forensic experts; coroners may perform half a dozen on a single shift.

Police at the San Juan Talpa holding cell suspect Martinez was poisoned. Imprisoned gang members sometimes kill non-gang cellmates as a way to ensure they dont tattle once they leave jail.

The human rights office is investigating how Martinez died and why he was arrested in the first place.

In an interview, Judge Ortiz said he realized only after Martinez died that there were two men named Jorge Alberto Martinez Chavez. They had almost the exact same characteristics, he said.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Jose Luis Mancia claims officers acted correctly in detaining Martinez, because there was a warrant for his arrest. The address on the warrant, however, belongs to the other man. Wisper is still at large.

Martinezs widow, Maritza Garcia, struggles to support two sons on the $15 to $25 a week she makes cleaning a school. Jorge Martinez Sr. doesnt expect to learn the truth from the investigation into his sons death.

A better use of time would be to investigate the cases of all the innocent people imprisoned who are still alive, he said.

Last fall, three more prisoners died in the San Juan Talpa holding cell.

Read more

El Salvadors conflict is beginning to look like a war

Why El Salvador became the hemispheres murder capital

Fearing Trumps wall, Central Americans rush to cross the U.S. border

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

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The Trump White House has secretly authorized the Central Intelligence Agency to resume drone assassination strikes that in the latter years of the Obama administration had been largely reserved for the US military, the Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday.

The Journal cited unnamed US officials revealing that the authorization was granted shortly after Trump visited CIA headquarters in Langley, Virginia on January 21, the day after his inauguration. No announcement has been made as to the change in policy, and the White House as well as the CIA and the Pentagon have declined to comment on the matter.

According to the report, the authorization initially provided to the CIA was in relation to drone strikes in Syria, where the agency killed Egyptian Al Qaeda leader Abu al Khayr al Masri in an airstrike late last month.

It appears, however, that the policy has already been expanded globally, with an apparent CIA drone strike in Pakistan that killed two men, and a wave of strikes in Yemenmore in a single week this month than in any single year under the Obama administrationfor which the Pentagon failed to take responsibility.

The return to drone assassinations by the US intelligence agency is part of a broader turn by the Trump administration toward jettisoning cosmetic restrictions imposed by Obama during his second term. These measures were aimed at providing a veneer of legality for the drone murder program, which had been greatly expanded by the CIA and the Pentagon under Obama, while firmly institutionalizing it as an instrument of the US state.

During the final years of the Obama administration, the CIA and the Pentagon worked in tandem in the drone killing program, with the intelligence agency providing surveillance and location of targets and the military sending in killer drones to fire the missiles.

The Obama White House presented this arrangement as a bid to lend the drone program a pretense of transparency, as the Pentagon would issue reports on its strikes, while the CIA routinely refuses to confirm or deny actions by its own operatives.

In reality, the Pentagon routinely ignores or grossly underestimates its own slaughter of civilians in countries like Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria. And the Obama administration issued a secret order allowing the CIA to continue its covert drone war in northwestern Pakistans Federally Administered Tribal Areas near the Afghan border, as part of the attempt to quell the Taliban and other insurgents challenging the US puppet regime in Kabul.

In July 2016, when the Obama administration issued its executive order purporting to sanitize the drone assassination program, the Director of National Intelligence provided an accompanying estimate of the number of civilians killed in drone strikes since Obamas inauguration in January 2009. The figure givenbetween 64 and 116was less than a tenth of the deaths conservatively estimated by independent monitoring groups.

The other consideration in shifting the responsibility from the CIA to the Pentagon was the blatant illegality of intelligence agentswho are not considered legitimate combatants under international lawcarrying out lethal operations abroad. By 2013, court cases had been initiated in Pakistan charging CIA personnel with murder and terrorism, while a class action lawsuit by relatives of drone strike victims was also brought against the US government and the CIA. The change in policy was also initiated with an eye toward the threat of possible war crimes prosecutions.

In May of 2013, Obama delivered a speech at the National Defense University vowing that drone strikes would be launched only against terrorists who posed a continuing and imminent threat to the American people, and only under conditions of near-certainty that no civilians will be killed or injured. The pretense of concern for civilians being blown to pieces as collateral damage inflicted by drone strikes was meant merely to provide a humanitarian cover for cold-blooded assassinations and massacres.

The executive order issued by Obama in July 2016 repeated this language, while institutionalizing the drone assassination program and reaffirming the supposedly inalienable right of the US president to order state murder by means of Hellfire missiles of anyone in any part of the world, including US citizens.

This is the criminal political legacy that Obama has handed off to the Trump administration. Trump is now dispensing with the pretense of humanitarian concern, while also satisfying the demands of the Pentagon and the CIA to streamline the killing process to allow commanders and operatives on the ground to order drone strikes without having them vetted through Washington.

This shift may signal a departure from the Obama administrations signature terror Tuesdays, in which the Oval Office was turned into a headquarters for approving kill lists and organizing targeted killings, with the responsibility instead being delegated to US military commanders and CIA agents.

Citing senior US officials, the Washington Post reported on Tuesday, The Trump administration is close to finishing a review that would make it easier for the Pentagon to launch counterterrorism strikes anywhere in the world by lowering the threshold on acceptable civilian casualties and scaling back other constraints imposed by the Obama administration.

The changes, the Post reported, would empower the Pentagon to make decisions on targets without approval from the White House and potentially scrap the near-certainty standard of no civilian deaths for strikes outside war zones.

As part of the move to waive such restrictions, Trump has signed off on a request to designate three provinces of Yemen as areas of active hostilities, i.e., free-fire zones, where the rules on civilian deaths do not apply. His administration is reportedly about to grant similar approval in relation to Somalia.

Again, this is not an innovation on the part of the Trump administration, but follows similar dispensation granted by Obama in Libya during the bombardment of the coastal city of Sirt last summer.

Whatever the tactical differences between the Democrats and the Republicans over US foreign policy, both defend Washingtons right to murder people indiscriminately in every corner of the planet.
Photo: Facebook/Jaylon Sewell

Another day, another bit of dress code drama at a high school thats having real-life repercussions.

This time, its a story about 16-year-old Jaylon Sewell, a student at Neville High School in Monroe, La., who dyed his hair blond to mimic the hairstyle of New York Giants player Odell Beckham Jr. But Sewell, reported the New York Daily News, got much more than hed likely bargained for once he showed up for school with his new do.

Odell Beckham Jr. (Photo: Getty Images)

According to Sewells mother, Bonnie Kirk, her son and a few other young black male students were sent to the principals office for having their hair dyed a different color from their natural hues.

They sent kids with dreads, maybe three or four that had some brown dye in. All were black boys, Kirk tells Yahoo Beauty. Some had a dark reddish-looking dye, darker than my sons, in their hair. Some had Afros, and he said that was too nappy, and if he couldnt get a comb through it, they couldnt stay in school. The students were allegedly taken out of class and told that they were not allowed to return until they dyed their hair back to its original color or cut it off. Kirk adds that white students with blond streaks or even green-colored hair were not included in the group.

The school handbooks rules on hair are as follows: Hair shall be neat, well-groomed, and clean all times and shall not obstruct the face. Shaved parts in the hair shall be limited to two (2) and each part shall not exceed three (3) inches in length. Numbers, designs, symbols, words, and phrases cut in the hair which are offensive or disrupt the educational process shall not be allowed. Hair styles and hair dyed outlandish colors which cause a disruption to the educational process shall not be allowed.

According to the Daily News, Sewell spent the day of punishment outside of class and was also barred from class the next day, when he returned to school with the same hairstyle. But Kirk doesnt agree that her sons hair was causing a disruption.

Story continues

I told [Superintendent Brent Vidrine] Jaylons hair was not causing a disruption to the educational process, but he was causing a disruption to Jaylons educational process by denying him the right to attend classes, she says.

The Neville High School administration did not return Yahoo Beautys request for comment.

But Kirk, who teaches English language arts at a juvenile detention center, alleges that the superintendent eventually admitted that the school could not bar kids from classes simply for dye jobs  but still suggested that Sewell change his hairstyle so as not to seem obstinate. Meanwhile, Kirk says, her son has since repeatedly been harassed by the school for other infractions, which the school has allegedly used as a tool to get him to cut his hair.

Kirk filed a complaint against the school in November, which is currently under investigation by the Department of Educations Office for Civil Rights.

Stories about students  black students in particular  being harassed by schools over hairstyles make headlines regularly. As Shaun King noted, Ive said it before in other cases, but the familys allegations reveal black culture itself being targeted. This is akin to Native Americans being told to cut their hair and change their names to look and sound more like Europeans.

And administrators, some of whom are black themselves, often argue that the students look unkempt wearing their hair the way it grows out of their heads, or that it is distracting.

But too often it seems that the actual enforcement of the rule has caused an even bigger distraction than the hair.

According to Kimberly Seals Allers, founder of MochaManual.com, a parenting website for African-American families, This is another outrageous example of black children being unfairly targeted and criminalized for doing routine things that white kids get to do all the time without an assumption of disruptive or rebellious behavior. This is the impact of institutional racism on our educational system, where unconscious bias makes some hairstyles, disruptive and others creative.'

Seals Allers tells Yahoo Beauty that the schools reaction to discipline and silence black children for being expressive, mimicking a favorite athlete, or experimenting with their own hair is knee-jerk, simply because such behavior is viewed as a threat. Further, she believes its not the job of administrators to police such expression.

All children should be free to reasonably express their individuality with their clothes and hair as a normal course of childhood, she says. To be denied that, is simply unjust.

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Pramod Mishra is a biweekly columnist for The Kathmandu Post. He is the department chair of English Studies at Lewis University in the United States.
DOCTV, a centerpiece financing system for documentary production in Latin America, will sink $1.3 million into 18 documentaries for its sixth and soon-to-launch edition.

The announcement was made at this weeks Guadalajara Festival in Mexico by Ibermedia, the regional film-TV fund for Latin America, Spain and Portugal, Caci, an Ibero-America film and TV agency umbrella, and heads of two Latin America public broadcasters.

Submissions are open to country members of CACI. The call for applications for the 6th DOCTV will begin on March 30, running through May 30.

This new edition of DOCTV will be devoted to documentaries on music. Through music, we can connect societies and cultures, said Emile Vandoorne, Perus Director of Audiovisual at its Culture Ministry, adding that the initiative aims to boost a cooperative spirit and increase mutual knowledge of all our countries. The Dominican Republic will oversee the organization of the sixth edition, with Tanya Valette its co-ordinator.

Project recipients will be selected by two juries, with every project receiving $70,000. Grant winners have a year to make their documentaries, Valette explained. After completion, documentaries will be aired by 22 public broadcasters in Latin America.

Valette confirmed that a documentary workshop will be hosted by the Dominican Republic and include tutors such as Ignacio Aguero (One Hundred Children Waiting for a Train) and Everardo Gonzalez , director of Devils Freedom, one of the frontrunners to win Guadalajaras Mezcal Prize for Best Mexican Feature at the March 17 prize awards.

Latin America has a robust documentary tradition. According to the 2016 Statistical Yearbook of Mexican Cinema presented at Guadalajara Festival, 66 Mexican documentary features were produced last year. DocTVs $70,000 per feature may not seem a lot of money. But it is manna from heaven for Latin Americas documentary filmmakers who are often forced to make their works with own financial resources. Documentaries also help restore a collective memory, which has been destroyed or warped by decades of dictatorship is many countries, Adelfa Martinez Bonilla, director of Colombias cinema division, pointed out at Guadalajara.

Story continues

In parallel news, Ibermedia head Elena Vilardell confirmed at the Guadalajara presentation that Italys membership of CACI and the Ibermedia program, achieved as an honorary guest, will be put into place with certain safeguards.

One is that the 600,000 ($641,100) Italy brings to the table each year, should mostly be spent on movies from emerging markets in Latin America, another that Italian bilateral co-productions with other Ibermedia members in Europe would not be eligible for funding. Only Italian creative co-productions, with artistic elements from all co-producing countries, can draw down Ibermedia moneys, Vilardell added.

On another front, Pantalla CACI and Ibermedia are restructuring their film-TV education initiatives in high schools and universities. Deals have been closed with the OEI, Ibero-Americas Organization for Education, Science and Culture, as well as its culture ministries, Vilardell said.

Founded in 1998, Ibermedia has a $7 million budget to support Ibero-American features via incentives and support schemes for their development, co-production, distribution and broadcast.

Out of the 12 features in Guadalajaras main international competition, five received grants from Ibermedia: Licinio Azevedos Train of Salt and Sugar, Alex de la Iglesias The Bar, Fernando Perezs Last Days in Havana, Carlos Lechugas Santa & Andres and Mariano Cohn and Gaston Duprats The Distinguished Citizen, which won Oscar Martinez a best actor award at the Venice Festival, Emma Stone taking best actress.

Ibermedia has also announced some of the features included in Nosso Cinema, a showcase of Ibero-American films to be aired in prime by the regions public channels. Among titles selected: Jayro Bustamantes Ixcanul, Alicia Schersons The Future, Juan Carlos Maneglia and Tana Schemboris 7 Boxes, and Salvador del Solars Magallanes.

John Hopewell contributed to this article


James Madison, the father of the Constitution, has a birthday today. How much do you know about the fourth president?

Madison, who was born on March 16, 1751 in Virginia, was one of the most influential of all the Founding Fathers. He was a driving force behind the Constitutional Convention of 1787 and presented the first version of the Bill of Rights to Congress.

Madison and Alexander Hamilton also wrote most of the Federalist Papers, which played a key role in getting the Constitution ratified.

Serving as Thomas Jeffersons secretary of state, Madison helped to negotiate the Louisiana Purchase. And as President, Madison served two terms and held office during the War of 1812.

But what else do we know about Madison?

1. Madison was introduced to his wife Dolley by Aaron Burr. Yes, in yet another Founding Father connection to Burr, Madison was taken with the young widow Dolley Payne Todd. Burr was staying at the Payne boarding house in Philadelphia (about three blocks from the current National Constitution Center) and asked Burr to arrange an introduction. The rest is history.

2. Madison and Burr were Princeton classmates. Madison graduated one year before Burr. The men were in rival debating societies at Princeton. Madison graduated in 1771; his roommate was poet Philip Freneau.

3. There was a 17-year difference in age between James and Dolley. The couple dated for just four months before their marriage in 1794. James was 43 years old; Dolley was 26. The couple was inseparable after the marriage.

4. Madison didnt fight in the Revolutionary War. Small in stature and sometimes sickly, Madison served briefly in the Virginia militia and then entered politics at a young age. He was also the youngest delegate at the 1780 Continental Congress in Philadelphia.

5. Madison really was the Father of the Constitution. He arrived 11 days early for the event, presented his Virginia plan of checks and balances as the foundation of the Constitution, and then worked tirelessly to get the Constitution ratified. Toward the end of his life, a modest Madison said the Constitution ought to be regarded as the work of many heads and many hands.

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6. Madison wasnt keen on writing the Bill of Rightsat first. Madison feared that actually listing individual rights in the Constitution would possibly limit other, unlisted rights. He had a change of heart when it became apparent that a Bill of Rights was needed to get the Constitution ratified. During the 1st Congress, Madison presented the first draft of the Bill, which he had written. It had nine articles with 20 amendments.

7. Madison retired for about four years at the height of his political powers. After serving in the House for eight years, Madison walked away from national politics in March 1797 and returned to his estate at Montpelier. But Madison, along with his mentor, Thomas Jefferson, had formed an opposition party to the Federalists, and Madison wrote the Virginia Resolution (in opposition to the Alien and Sedition Acts) during his time off.

8. Madisons likeness did appear on U.S. currency. If you have a Madison in your purse or wallet, it is a very rare $5,000 bill. Some are still in circulation; a bill in very good condition went for more than $100,000 at an auction in 2010.

9. We really dont know what Madison liked to eat. Biographers know a lot more about the meals that Dolley Madison served at social functions. One theory is than Madison liked Virginia ham. But he only weighed about 100 pounds and stood about 5 feet 3 inches tall.

10. Madison was a man of few hobbies. Unlike George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, who had numerous pursuits outside of work, Madison stuck with playing chess and reading Latin and Greek literature in their original languages.

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Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today:

1. TRUMP SUFFERS SECOND TRAVEL BAN SETBACK

This time, the ruling comes from a federal judge in Hawaii who rejected the government's claims that the ban is about national security, not discrimination.

2. WHO IS HURT MOST BY TRAVEL BAN

An AP analysis of 10 years of refugee data suggests that their most common country of origin is not any of the six nations in the travel ban, but Myanmar.

3. 'THANK GOD WE HAVE LANDED HERE'

Nadia Hanan Madalo and her family fled an onslaught from the Islamic State group on their Christian village in Iraq's semi-autonomous northern Kurdish region and hope to begin anew in San Diego.

4. TRUMP UNVEILING $1.15 TRILLION BUDGET

The proposal slashes spending at a dozen departments to finance a significant increase in the military and make a down payment on a U.S.-Mexico border wall.

5. GOP HEALTH BILL FACING FRESH HOUSE PANEL TEST

The bill would eliminate the tax penalty that pressures people to buy coverage and the federal subsidies that let millions afford it. It would also cut Medicaid.

6. WHAT YAHOO BREACH INDICTMENTS MAY LEAD TO

U.S. authorities may be in a better position to figure out if Russian hackers and Russian spies swayed last year's presidential elections.

7. US ARMY PRACTICING JUNGLE WARFARE

For the first time in decades, the American military is renewing its focus on Asia and the Pacific after years of war in the Middle East.

8. CANINE SHELTER TAKES ON TEHRAN STRAY DOG PROBLEM  HUMANELY

It's a sign of changing attitudes among officials in a country where Islamic authorities long saw dogs as "un-Islamic."

9. WHO TOOK IN BROADWAY SHOW

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau  with Ivanka Trump as a guest  welcome a new musical that celebrates Canada's compassion and openness during 9/11.

10. BUSTED: TEAMS AT TOP OF NCAA BRACKETS TROUBLED OFF-COURT

No. 1 seed Kansas has been beset by a series of run-ins with the law while No. 2 seed Louisville is awaiting the latest from the NCAA on an escort scandal.
Photo credit: Getty

From Redbook

Moms are constantly told to be selfless givers and nurturers all the time - but moms are also human beings with needs of their own. And as any mom who's tried to go to the bathroom by herself with the bathroom door closed can attest, kids are not great at recognizing or respecting their parents' basic needs. So what's a mom desperate to have a little something for herself to do? Get creative - and without any guilt, thankyouverymuch. These 14 moms know that all too well.

1. "These are Mommy's special vitamins."

"I have a private stash of all my favorite treats. After bedtime, I can sneak them no problem, but not so much during the day. My 4-year-old daughter has eagle ears, especially when it comes to the crinkling sound of wrappers being opened. So now whenever she catches me, I tell her that these are Mommy's special vitamins and I can't share them with her because she has her own vitamins. She seems to be fooled so far!" -Marianne F., 37, Martinsburg, WV

2. "I have a 'meeting.'"

"I teach at the school where two of my kids attend. The other teachers think it is funny that my kids have to go directly to the gym in the morning and ride home on the bus after school because I have a 'meeting.' That way, in the morning, I have time to get ready for the day with no interruptions. And in the afternoon, with them on the bus headed home, I head to the gym or store by myself or even to McDonald's for a Shamrock Shake. And then I eat it all by myself!" -Ramona D., 40, Ringgold, GA

3. "I schedule my 'mommy time' on the calendar."

"I schedule my 'mommy time' on the calendar, just like any appointment. Each week I go to the early service at church followed by swimming laps at the gym and then I grab something a treat and a soda at my favorite cafe afterwards. Even though it's 'fun' stuff, I need it to keep my sanity. So if anything else comes up, like a playdate for my kid or a school conference, I just say 'Sorry, I'm already booked at that time and it's super important so I can't reschedule it.' It works great! No one ever questions what my super important meeting is every week." -Mary R. , 32, Westerville, OH

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4. "I tell my boss that my son needs me, and then I tell my son he has to leave me alone."

"I do part of my work from home which is stressful enough with kids and sometimes I just need a break - from both work and children. So I tell my boss that my son needs me and then I tell my son he has to leave me alone because I'm answering work emails. What am I actually doing? Zoning out on BuzzFeed." -Pam E., 33, Burlington, Ontario

5. "I took all of my kids to get me a Puka Dog."

"When we were in Kauai last month on vacation, I really wanted a Puka Dog (if you haven't had one, you have never had a real hot dog, they are that good!). Because they're so expensive - $8 for the Puka Dog and $4 for freshly squeezed lemonade - getting some for everyone was out of the budget, especially when I knew my kids wouldn't appreciate them. They think 50-cent hot dogs are amazing, so why waste a gourmet one on their taste buds? The whole trip I tried to sneak off alone to get one, but was never able to make it happen. Finally, on the last day, after doing what everyone else wanted, I took all of my kids to get me a Puka Dog! They watched me eat every single bite! With the help of that sweet pineapple sauce, I didn't feel even the tiniest bit selfish. Although I did get them all shaved ice, so it's not like they were suffering." -Dayna B., 39, Issaquah, WA

6. "'Nope, these are mine!""

"Every year for Christmas, I get a big box of my favorite candies: Sees Rum Nougats. And every year, my kids watch me open the box and eat one, enjoying every last bite. This year, my kids finally knew not to even ask to try one after all the years of me saying, 'Nope, these are mine! All mine!' After working so hard to make sure they get what they what for Christmas, I don't feel the least bit bad about making sure there's a little something special just for me under the tree." - Carol S., 30, Highland, UT

7. "We drink 'mommy juice.'"

"My kids used to get sad every time I took an evening off to go out with my girlfriends. Now I tell them that they are 'mommy's playdates.' When they ask what I do on my playdates, I explain how we drink 'mommy juice' (ahem), play boring 'mommy games,' and eat lots of vegetables. It works, and now they get why my 'playdates' are so important to me and don't fuss as much when I leave." -Taneka C., 37, Westminster, CO

8. "I tell them I'm going to see a documentary about kids in Africa."

"Sometimes I want to go see a movie by myself, preferably one that isn't a cartoon and doesn't have T-shirts promoting it at Target. So about once a month I'll sneak off to the theater alone. When my kids ask to come I tell them I'm going to see a documentary about kids in Africa and I'm probably going to cry a lot so they should stay home. Of course one of the movies I saw was Magic Mike. I might have cried a little for different reasons." -Melissa J., 29, Dallas, TX

9. "I told her you have to be 18 to go into nail salons."

"Ever since high school, I've loved to get my nails done and make it a point to get a mani every few weeks. My 3-year-old daughter loves my nail art and always wants to come with me, but I'm not paying $50 for someone to paint those itty bitty nails that she'll chew off. When I told her no, she started sobbing. So I told her that you have to be 18 to go into nail salons and they check your ID at the door. Since she doesn't have an ID card, she can't come yet. That made perfect sense to her, I guess, because she doesn't ask anymore. I probably should feel bad but I don't." - Leah F., 26, Miami, FL

10. "I designated a room as my room that no one can enter."

"I have a craft room (AKA: my 'crap room' because it is a constant mess and, let's face it, who has time to craft when you have 4 kids?) that I have designated that as my room that no one else is ever allowed to enter. Not only can I relax in peace, but I can eat my treats to my heart's content without the threat of being caught. I may or may not have 10 Costco-sized bags of dark chocolate-covered pretzel thins up high on the shelves." -Kacy M., 39, San Diego, CA

11. "I told them it's my 'mommy medicine.'"

"I buy special chocolate-covered graham crackers and have 2 or 3 with my afternoon coffee every day as my special treat. When my kids asked if they could have some too them I told them it's my 'mommy medicine' and just for grown-ups." -Micki K., 28, Seattle, WA

12. "I assign my kids the chores I should be doing."

"Sometimes I assign my kids the chores I should be doing but don't want to do. Then I go 'run errands' or do other 'chores' some place they can't see or find me. I use that as my 'me' time to read a new book, visit friends, watch a movie, or do anything but my mom duties. I get a break and they have learned to cook dinner, do laundry, and winterize the yard. Really, it's a win all around!" -Shanna F., 40, Salt Lake City, UT

13. "I repurposed a Saltine cracker box in the pantry to hide my treats."

"I repurposed a Saltine cracker box in the pantry to hide my treats. I took all the crackers out, except for a top layer, and put my treats underneath. My kids all hate Saltines so they never touch the box. They wonder why I love them so much, haha!" -Temple T., 32, Ontario, Canada

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UPDATED: 11:02 p.m. EST -- The person of interest surrounding a double police shooting in Detroit Wednesday night has reportedly been taken into custody, according to local news outlet 7 Action News.

Details surrounding the apparent arrest of Raymond Durham were scarce, but one local reporter tweeted that he was shot in the process.

However, the Detroit Police Department tweeted that he was arrested "without incident."

Police have also reportedly found the gun Durham allegedly used to shoot the two officers.

Another photo purportedly of Durham has surfaced on social media. Previously police had circulated another image of him.

The officers who were shot -- one in the neck and the other in the ankle and bulletproof vest -- were reportedly in stable condition following their hospitalizations.

UPDATED: 10:41 p.m. EST -- The police officers who were shot in Detroit Wednesday night were reportedly working the case of another officer who was shot and killed in the area months ago, according to a tweet from a local reporter. Wayne State University Sgt. Collin Rose was shot in November while investigating some off-campus activity, the Detroit Free Press reported March 8. Video footage linked to Rose's shooting was released to the public last week.

The two officers shot Wednesday night were hospitalized with gunshot wounds. One was shot on the neck while the other was shot on the ankle and in his bulletproof vest. Their names were not immediately announced, not was their conditions.

Police have named Raymond Durham as a "person of interest" in Wednesday night's shooting. While authorities stopped short of calling him a suspect, they believe he was involved in some way.

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Original story:

Two police officers were shot in Detroit on Wednesday night, prompting law enforcement to launch a manhunt on the west side of the city in search of the shooting suspect. Authorities identified a man named Raymond Durham as a "person of interest." The condition of the officers was not immediately available, but they were taken to a local hospital for treatment following the shooting, the Detroit News reported.

The Detroit Police Department released an image of a man said to be Durham, who officials said could be "involved" in the shooting.

The shooting took place at around 8:30 p.m. local time. The manhunt efforts involved multiple officers with their guns drawn, at least one police dog as well as a helicopter shining a spotlight in parts of the neighborhood in an effort to locate a suspect, the Detroit Free Press reported.

The officers, who were not immediately identified, were shot near the intersection of Ash and Tillman streets before reportedly being admitted to Detroit Receiving Hospital. One of the officers was shot in the neck while the other was shot in the ankle as well as his bulletproof vest, local ABC affiliate WXYZ reported. The suspect fired shots at the officers after he was confronted.

One officer has been a member of the force for 20 years and the other for four years, Detroit Police Chief James Craig said.

The area of the shooting was known for drug activity and was the same location where another Detroit police officer was shot and killed in November.

Durham is 60 years old and black, local news outlet WDIV-TV reported. He has a criminal past that includes breaking and entering, but nothing violent. Authorities were careful not to name him as a suspect but rather a person of interest. The suspect was reportedly wearing a tan jacket and tan pants.

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Good Morning America

For the past three months, Lauryn Bosstick, a Texas-based mom of two, has added a new step to her nightly routine: taping her mouth shut. Bosstick, an entrepreneur and founder of The Skinny Confidential -- a lifestyle product line, book and podcast -- said she considers the technique, called mouth taping, a positive addition to her wellness routine. Bosstick said she first heard about mouth taping at night from multiple wellness experts she interviewed for her podcast, who each praised it as a way to reap the health benefits of nose breathing.
The results are in for one of the most-watched Dutch elections in recent memory. Prime Minister Mark Rutte is likely to keep his job after his Peoples Party for Freedom and Democracy won 33 seats in Wednesdays parliamentary elections. Though his party lost eight seats, it is nevertheless widely considered a victory for Rutte  and a loss for Geert Wilders, whose far-right Party for Freedom came in second with 20 seats.

But what does any of that mean beyond election night? Here are three takeaways:

Far-right populism was beaten backbut the center didnt hold. Wilders didnt win. His openly anti-Islam party is almost certainly not going to be in the governing coalition. That cheered leaders across Europe, as many in the continent nervously watch populist movements gain power. European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker called the result good for free and tolerant societies in a prosperous Europe, German Chancellor Angela Merkel hailed it as a good day for democracy, and Francois Hollande claimed it was a clear victory against extremism. Rutte himself said The Netherlands said Stop to the wrong sort of populism.

But Wilderss party picked up seats and finished second, even after having successfully pushed Rutte to the right over the course of the campaign. Many mainstream parties in the Netherlands have incorporated elements of the nationalist discourse, Matthijs Rooduijn, who researches the populist radical left and radical right at Utrecht University, told Foreign Policy, adding, Ruttes party strongly focused on the issue of national identity. Indeed, it was not Wilders but the once and likely future prime minister who said, just weeks before the election, If you dont like it here, then leave. If voters said stop to the wrong sort of populism, it is perhaps now Ruttes turn to do the same.

The center-left is down, the far(ther) left is up and coming. The big loser of the night was Ruttes current coalition partner, the Labor Party, which fell from 38 seats to a paltry nine. Party leader Lodewijk Asscher admitted it was an unbelievably disappointing result, and that the center could not hold because it lost votes to the far-left party, Green Left. Led by Jesse Klaver, who is all of 30 years old, the party  whose voters are comprised of self-described communists, pacifists, and radicals  won 14 seats, up from just four in the 2012 parliamentary election, suggesting that in the Netherlands, as elsewhere, left-leaning voters are moving away from traditional, center-left parties.

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We turn now to the coalition building, and to France. Now its up to Rutte to cobble together a coalition, needing at least 76 seats of the 150 in the Dutch parliament. Though Wilders said on election night that he was ready to talk coalition building, Rutte is highly unlikely to take him up on that. Instead, hell need to find three other parties with which to work  perhaps including the Christian Democrats and the left-leaning D66, both of which won 19 seats. But, while the Christian Democrats joined Rutte in using increasingly nationalistic discourse over the course of the campaign, D66 emphasized European integration and a more open stance toward refugees.

When it comes to issue of immigration, theres a huge difference between them, Rooduijn said. D66 might want GreenLeft in the governing coalition, because it sees immigration similarly  but GreenLeft has a completely different economic policy than the others. And a larger, compromising, slow-moving coalition might eventually give ammunition to Wilders and his anti-establishment politician stance.

As for the near future of Europe? That rests now with the next major test of the continents ability to fend off anti-European, xenophobic populism: France, where the first round of elections, prominently featuring National Front leader Marine Le Pen, are in late April. Le Pen is currently leading the polls for the first round.

Photo credit: JOHN THYS/AFP/Getty Images
WASHINGTON (AP)  Three federal judges on Thursday asked Congress not to break up the vast, San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, a longtime target of Republicans and a recent foil to President Donald Trump.

The 9th Circuit in February refused to immediately reinstate Trump's ban on travelers from seven predominantly Muslim nations, prompting the administration to release a new, narrower ban. On Wednesday, Trump renewed his criticism of the court, saying at a Nashville, Tennessee, event that "people are screaming" to break up the 9th, which encompasses nine Western states.

"Take a look at how many times they have been overturned with their terrible decisions," Trump said. "Take a look. And this is what we have to live with."

Republicans have floated efforts to split the circuit for decades, arguing that the court has a liberal slant, a high caseload and distances that are too far for judges to travel. The circuit is the largest of the federal appellate courts, representing 20 percent of the U.S. population. It includes California, Alaska, Hawaii, Washington, Oregon, Montana, Idaho, Nevada, Arizona, Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands.

All of the proposals to split it, including the last in 2005, have failed in Congress. Those battles have often pitted lawmakers from California against members of the smaller, more conservative states.

"Circuit division would have a devastating effect on the administration of justice in the western United States," said Sidney Thomas, the chief circuit judge for the court. "A circuit split would increase delay, reduce access to justice, and waste taxpayer dollars."

Thomas, who is based in Billings, Montana, was appointed by former President Bill Clinton. The other two judges who testified against the split were Pasadena, California-based Judge Alex Kozinski, appointed by former President Ronald Reagan, and San Francisco-based Judge Carlos Bea, appointed by former President George W. Bush. None were involved in the hearing on Trump's travel ban.

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"I think you should take into consideration the views of people on the ground  the litigants, practitioners and judges in the circuit," Bea said. "The overwhelming majority of the people directly involved is against a split of the Circuit."

Rep. Darrell Issa, a Californian and a conservative, led the Judiciary subcommittee hearing to examine ideas for restructuring the court.

"We are all trying to figure out whether to split the court for reasons that should not be ideological," he said.

But some of his Republican colleagues were more partisan, confronting the judges about their court's decision on Trump's ban and other immigration decisions.

"There are a lot of us who are outraged," said Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah.

The circuit has 29 judges, many more than the 5th, which is the next largest circuit with 17 judges. It was created in 1891 when the American West was much less populated.

The hearing did not focus on specific bill, but there are at least four bills that would create a split. Lawmakers have been hoping for some momentum since the court's high-profile decision on Trump's ban.

Arizona Sen. Jeff Flake, a Republican, has introduced one of the bills. His would carve out Arizona, Nevada, Washington, Idaho, Alaska, and Montana and create a new so-called mountain circuit.

"I have no doubt that the 9th Circuit works well for its judges," Flake said in a statement submitted for the hearing. "My concern is whether or not it works well for the people of Arizona. It does not."

Democrats have opposed the split. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., was a leading opponent in the 2005 push, which she said was politically motivated. She has suggested adding judges to the court instead.

At the hearing, New York Rep. Jerrold Nadler said he believes Republican attempts to break up the circuit are dangerous.

"Like clockwork, we see proposals to split up the 9th Circuit whenever it delivers a controversial decision with which conservatives disagree," the Democrat said.
The lights go off, the projector whirls,and for the first time in years Afghan families find themselves sharing popcorn and soda as Hollywood and Bollywood stars romp across the silver screen.

A family-friendly cinema has opened in Kabul, creating a rare venue in Afghanistan's war-torn capital where women, usually confined to the home, can spend time in public with their husbands and children.

Kabul's movie halls are popular with raucous male audiences who clap and whistle at screens wreathed in clouds of hashish and cigarette smoke.

As Zahra Sozan, a 25-year-old mother-of-one told AFP, it is not "traditional" for women or children to go to the movies.

But when the Galaxy was built last year it became the first cinema in Kabul to ban single men for certain hours when families are inside, sheltering women and children from harassment, smoke, and unsuitable behaviour.

"It's my first ever experience visiting a cinema in Kabul, and the experience has been great," Sozan told AFP, smiling despite having just emerged from watching the 2016 Hollywood supernatural thriller Lights Out.

"When the families are inside the hall nobody else is allowed to get inside, the families feel secure," said Abubakar Gharzai, one of the Galaxy's owners.

Sixteen years ago this simple pleasure would have been impossible, with the cinema halls destroyed by civil war and the Taliban regime forbidding nights at the movies.

The queue at the Galaxy is an echo of a time before the Taliban's dark era, when Afghan men, women and children openly attended films, theatre and concerts.

Young couples wait for tickets, enjoying the novelty and boldness of being in public together -- though many are still cautious, shying away from being interviewed.

Its higher prices -- 300 Afghanis ($6) for a ticket, six times the cost of other cinemas in Kabul -- also puts it beyond the reach of many in the capital, where unemployment is rampant, adding to the sense of security for those who can afford it.

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"There aren't many places for women in Afghanistan to hang out, they have a tough life, and this is a secure place," Sozan's husband Hamed said.

- Defying tradition -

Samira Sozan, visiting the Galaxy with her brother, agreed.

"We have a bowling club, recreational park, and Kabul zoo," the 22-year-old embassy worker told AFP, ticking off the public places suitable for women in the capital.

Even at home women are usually too busy washing and cooking to enjoy time with husbands and children, she said.

Then, her brother heard about the Galaxy. "We will come again and again," she told AFP.

"It is not tradition to visit the cinema, but we do not care what people say. It is one of the few places for us to spend time with our families... We cannot ask for a better place to come."

Her happiness sums up why Gharzai chose to run his cinema the way he has.

"We want to show the world the positive side of Afghanistan," he told AFP. "That Afghanistan is not about bombs and attacks, but there is also something which makes our people happy."

The biggest threat to the cinema, he said, is piracy and online streaming.

Afghan audiences prefer US and Indian movies to those produced by a homegrown film industry stunted by nearly four decades of war.

However, by the time the Galaxy screens recent high-definition offerings such as Dangal, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil and Sultan, many would-be spectators have already watched them online.

Horror films, Gharzai said, are popular. "We could not air horror movies because of the children, but the demand was very high, so now we show them."

Afghanistan is still at war with a resurgent Taliban, and security fears at the Galaxy, located inside a Kabul shopping centre guarded by armed police, extend beyond protection from wolf whistles and shame.

Islamist militants have long villified Hollywood and Bollywood as vulgar and sinful, although no cinemas have been attacked in Kabul in recent years.

"There are threats," admits Gharzai. "But we rely on the Almighty."
Justice, compensation elude family of man killed by SSB seven years ago

On the evening of May 25, 2010, two plain-clothed officers from the Indian border security force, Shasastra Seema Bal (SSB), crossed the India-Nepal border on a motorcycle and reached Amahi Bariyati village in Morang.
Prague (AFP) - Chinese dissident artist Ai Weiwei on Thursday slammed "shameful" politicians who ignore refugees as he launched a giant art installation centered on their fate at the National Gallery in Prague.

Called "Law of the Journey", the show features a 70-metre-long (230-foot-long) inflatable boat with 258 oversize refugee figures.

A tribute to the thousands who have drowned crossing the Mediterranean, the piece is Ai's biggest-ever installation. It will be on display until the end of the year.

"My message is very clear: being a politician or a political group, you cannot be so short-sighted, you cannot have no vision, you cannot sacrifice human dignity and human rights for political gain," Ai told AFP.

"I think this is very, very shameful behaviour," he added.

The Czech Republic and the other post-Communist central European members have rejected EU plans to allow Muslim refugees on their territories throughout the migrant crisis.

Immigration from Muslim countries has become a hot political topic in these states, although most refugees have opted for wealthier western countries like Germany or Sweden.

"If we see somebody who has been victimised by war or desperately trying to find a peaceful place, if we don't accept those people, the real challenge and the real crisis is not of all the people who feel the pain but rather for the people who ignore to recognise it or pretend that it doesn't exist," said Ai.

"That is both a tragedy and a crime," said the 59-year-old painter, sculptor and photographer.

Ai spent the last year visiting such migrant and refugee hotspots as the US-Mexican border badlands to the Turkish-Syrian frontier and crowded holding camps on Greek islands.

An outspoken critic of the Chinese government, Ai was detained in 2011 for 81 days and had his passport confiscated for four years.

He later travelled to Berlin where his wife and son live.

Recently he has staged several high-profile exhibitions inspired by migrants, including decking out the columns of Berlin's Konzerthaus with 14,000 orange life jackets from Lesbos.

Last month, he said he looked on in dismay at the Trump presidency, the US entry ban on Syrian refugees, the attempt to deny visas to citizens of several mainly Muslim nations, the pledge to build a wall with Mexico and invoke mass deportations.
Paris (AFP) - Airbus said on Thursday that a British corruption probe into the aerospace giant had now been extended to France.

On August 7, Britain's Serious Fraud Office said it had opened a criminal probe into alleged fraud, bribery and corruption "concerning third-party consultants."

"Airbus has now been informed that the French authorities... had also opened a preliminary investigation into the same subject and that the two authorities will act in coordination," Airbus said in a statement on Thursday.

"Airbus will cooperate fully with both authorities," it added.

Airbus last year said it had informed the British authorities of irregularities in April.

The same month the UK Export Finance agency decided to suspend export credits to the firm, a move followed by France and Germany.

On February 16, Austria filed a lawsuit against Airbus over a two-billion-euro ($2.15-billion) 2003 order for Eurofighters, saying it had been a victim of "fraudulent deception."

It is claiming 1.1 billion euros in damages.

In 2012, Austrian and German authorities launched a probe into Airbus, previously called EADS, to investigate whether officials had been paid millions of euros through advisory firms to secure the contract.

The Eurofighter Typhoon is a major prestige product for the European defence industry, with 475 aircraft delivered so far to Germany, Britain, Italy and Spain, as well as to Austria and Saudi Arabia.

The four founding nations in the consortium -- Germany, Spain, Britain and Italy -a all use the planes in their own air forces. Other contracts have been signed with Oman and Kuwait.

Austria was the first country outside the consortium to sign up, ordering in 2003 18 of the aircraft, which then dropped to 15 because of budgetary constraints.

In late January, Airbus agreed to pay tens of millions of euros in additional taxes in Germany over a 90-million-euro payment linked to the Austrian Eurofighter contract.
By Syed Raza Hassan KARACHI, Pakistan (Reuters) - Pakistan has barred the German chief executive of Pakistan International Airlines from leaving the country due to an investigation into corruption at the loss-making carrier, the interior minister said on Wednesday. Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said Bernd Hildenbrand has been put on the "exit control list" (ECL), which forbids individuals from leaving the country, due to an ongoing probe into the lease of planes from a Sri Lankan carrier. "(Hildenbrand's) name was placed on ECL some two or three days back," Khan told reporters in Karachi, outlining concerns about management of PIA. "Whatever I have seen in the initial report is painful. At one side PIA is drowning financially, on the other side some people, a mafia, are sucking it like leeches," Khan added. Hildenbrand, who had been tasked with stemming losses at PIA so the government can privatize the carrier, said there appears to be some confusion within the ministry about how airplane leases work. "My conscience is clear. I havent done anything wrong. Theres no question of any corruption on my part," Hildenbrand told Reuters. The government had spent several years attempting to sell PIA, which has accumulated losses of more than $3 billion and has become the butt of jokes in Pakistan due to its outdated airplanes and poor customer service. PIA has also been battling concerns about flight safety since a domestic flight crashed in the mountainous Chitral region in December, killing all 47 people on board. The company's chairman resigned soon after the crash. "A lot of wrong doings are taking place with respect to PIA and it is spoiling Pakistans image abroad," Khan said, adding that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has been appraised about the inquiry findings. Hildenbrand said airplane lease prices have come down since the deal was struck with a Sri Lankan airline last year and pointed out "all major transactions were made with the approval of the Board of Directors" and according to the rules. "Whatever I did was to the best of my ability and in the best interest of PIA," he added. (Writing by Drazen Jorgic, editing by Pritha Sarkar)
Research from Cardiff University in the UK suggests that it could be time to stop using antibiotics to treat moderate eczema in children and to focus instead on corticosteroid and emollient creams.

According to the study, 40% of eczema flare-ups in children are currently treated with topical antibiotics. However, the scientists found no meaningful benefit from using oral or topical antibiotics for milder types of eczema. The study is published in the journal Annals of Family Medicine.

Eczema is an inflammatory skin disease that causes patches of skin to become itchy, red and cracked. It can also cause spots and blisters. It is often associated with food allergies, allergic rhinitis and asthma.

The researchers studied 113 children, who were given oral antibiotics (flucloxacillin) or topical antibiotics (fusidic acid) or placebos. All the children also received emollient creams and steroid creams.

The results showed no significant difference between the two groups in the resolution of eczema symptoms after two weeks, four weeks or three months.

As a result, the scientists don't recommend the use of antibiotics in children with mild eczema, even if there are signs of infection. What's more, "their use can promote resistance and allergy or skin sensitization," explains Dr Nick Francis, who led the study.

Instead, the scientists advise using steroid creams and applying emollient creams (moisturizers) on a daily basis for long-term treatment.

The study is available here: http://www.annfammed.org/content/15/2/124
WASHINGTON (AP)  President Donald Trump says the border with Mexico is already "getting extremely strong" and would-be illegal crossers are giving up because they think, "we can't get in." All without the wall he promises to build, or any reported boost in deportations, or any surge in patrol agents.

The boast was one of a number at a Tennessee rally Wednesday night that did not track with the facts. A look at some:

TRUMP: "And by the way, aren't our borders getting extremely strong? ... We've already experienced an unprecedented 40 percent reduction in illegal immigration on our southern border, 61 percent  61 percent since Inauguration Day. Sixty-one percent; think about it. And now people are saying we're not going to go there anymore 'cause we can't get in, so it's going to get better and better."

THE FACTS: There's not much evidence yet that Trump is driving down illegal immigration. It's true that the number of border arrests dropped about 44 percent from January to February. But it's too early to know if that will hold or what prompted it. Monthly and seasonal fluctuations are common.

Trump hasn't expanded the ranks of the Border Patrol or any other immigration or border-security agency. His orders haven't yet changed the way the Border Patrol operates and so far there is no evidence that more people are being deported. The wall he's promised to build isn't up.

The number of border arrests is the primary measure of the flow of illegal immigration at the border, though an imperfect one. If fewer people are arrested, that's taken to mean fewer people are trying. Over recent decades, presidents have tried to have it both ways. They cite low arrest numbers to illustrate how their policies are dissuading people from crossing illegally. When arrest numbers are high, they say that's because they're being aggressive in enforcing the border.

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TRUMP: Speaking of the appeals court that on Wednesday overturned his latest action limiting immigration from six Muslim-majority countries, "That 9th Circuit  you have to see. Take a look at how many times they have been overturned with their terrible decisions. Take a look."

THE FACTS: Other appeals courts have seen their decisions overturned at a higher rate than the 9th Circuit.

In the most recent full term, the Supreme Court reversed eight of the 11 cases it heard from the San Francisco-based court. But the Atlanta-based 11th Circuit went 0 for 3  that is, the Supreme Court reversed all three cases it heard from there. And over the past five years, five federal appeals courts were reversed at a higher rate than the 9th Circuit.

The 9th Circuit is by far the largest of the 13 federal courts of appeals. In raw numbers, more cases are heard and reversed from the 9th Circuit year in and year out. But as a percentage of cases the Supreme Court hears, the liberal-leaning circuit fares somewhat better, according to statistical compilations by the legal website Scotusblog. The very act of the Supreme Court's agreeing to hear a case means the odds are it will be overturned; the high court reverses about two-thirds of the cases it hears.

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TRUMP: "Even liberal democratic lawyer Alan Dershowitz, good lawyer, just said that we would win this case before the Supreme Court of the United States."

THE FACTS: Not exactly. Dershowitz predicted Trump would win a Supreme Court showdown over his immigration action if the court focuses heavily on the law that gives him broad authority on the matter. If the court takes Trump's campaign statements into account, though, Dershowitz told CNN, "he will lose."

Many experts think the case would be close because the president does have a lot of leeway in immigration. But if a policy is seen as having a religious test, that could run afoul of the First Amendment in the eyes of the justices. In the campaign, Trump openly called for keeping Muslim visitors out of the country. As president, his executive action is not explicitly against Muslims but would apply to people coming from six countries with mainly Muslim populations.

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TRUMP: Speaking of the request in his new budget for a $54 billion increase for the Pentagon, "Our budget calls for one of the single largest increases in defense spending history in this country."

THE FACTS: Trump's proposed increase, 10 percent higher than the Defense Department's current budget, is large, but a long way from the highest boost ever. In just the past 40 years, there have been eight years with larger increases in percentage terms than the one he's now proposing.

In the early 1980s, for example, defense spending was increased dramatically as the Cold War with the Soviet Union intensified. The 1981 Pentagon budget saw a nearly 25 percent increase.

And the proposed expansion pales in comparison with earlier times. Military spending consumed 43 percent of the economy in 1944, during World War II, and 15 percent in 1952, during the Korean War. It was 3.3 percent in 2015, says the World Bank.

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TRUMP: "I've already authorized the construction of the long-stalled and delayed Keystone and Dakota Access pipeline. I've also directed that new pipelines must be constructed with American steel. They want to build them here, they use our steel. We believe in two simple rules. Buy American and hire American."

THE FACTS: His executive action calls for U.S. steel and pipes to be used "to the maximum extent possible and to the extent permitted by law." With all that wiggle room, it's not a guarantee of U.S. content. It's also not the final word on the matter  the memorandum gives the commerce secretary until July to deliver a plan supporting the initiative.

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TRUMP: "We are going to repeal and replace horrible, disastrous Obamacare. If we leave Obamacare in place, millions and millions of people will be forced off their plans" as insurers flee the market. "It's a catastrophic situation. And there's nothing to compare anything to because Obamacare won't be around for a year or two. It's  it's gone."

THE FACTS: President Barack Obama's health care law has problems, including premium increases and decisions by some insurers to leave the marketplace. But Trump's dire characterization is overblown in the eyes of many, including the Congressional Budget Office, which this week described the market for individual policies in most places as "stable." It said the market also would be likely to remain stable under the proposed GOP replacement legislation.

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Associated Press writers Mark Sherman and Jim Drinkard contributed to this report.

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Find all AP Fact Checks at http://apne.ws/2kbx8bd

EDITOR'S NOTE _ A look at the veracity of claims by political figures
By Brendan Pierson

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Judges in a federal appeals court on Thursday sharply questioned whether the corruption conviction of Sheldon Silver, former speaker of the New York State Assembly, could stand in light of a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision.

During oral arguments before the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan, Silver's lawyer, Steven Molo, said the jury in Silver's case was wrongly instructed, citing the Supreme Court's later overturning of the corruption conviction of former Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell.

In McDonnell's case, the Supreme Court ruled last June that routine political activities like arranging meetings generally were not "official acts" that could give rise to a corruption conviction.

Silver, a Democrat, is appealing his November 2015 conviction and 12-year prison sentence for fraud, extortion and money laundering.

Molo said Silver's jury was given an older, broader definition of corrupt acts, and told that any one of a long list of alleged acts by Silver - including meetings and other communications - was enough to convict.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Goldstein, arguing for the government, said that Silver's case was "nothing like" McDonnell's and that the evidence "overwhelmingly established" that Silver abused his power.

Prosecutors said Silver awarded state money to a prominent cancer researcher who in turn referred asbestos patients to Silver's law firm. They also said he steered two real estate developers to a friend's law firm while supporting their interests on rent legislation.

During Thursday's oral argument, U.S. District Judge William Sessions of Vermont, a visiting judge on the panel, pressed Goldstein to explain how the court could know the jury's reasoning.

Later, Circuit Judge Richard Wesley questioned whether some of Silver's alleged actions, like advising a real estate developer go to his friend's firm, were criminal.

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"Then any powerful person who asks someone to do something is committing a federal crime?" Wesley asked.

Goldstein said that Silver's power generally allowed him to pressure others, but conceded that, for some of the government's claims, there was no evidence that he directly threatened to use that power.

A win for Silver could bode well for former state Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos, who was convicted on corruption charges shortly after Silver. Skelos, a Republican, is appealing his conviction and five-year sentence.

The two convictions were major victories for former U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara, who was fired this week by the administration of President Donald Trump, a Republican, after refusing to resign.

(Reporting by Brendan Pierson in New York; Editing by Noeleen Walder and Dan Grebler)
Kantipur Journo feted

Ministry of Supplies has honoured Raju Chaudhary, a journalist with Kantipur Daily, for his reporting on issues related to consumer rights.
A video of heated a town hall meeting in the Navarro County town of Frost, Texas, went viral over the weekend after Rep. Joe Barton told a man to "shut up" amidst rowdy attendees, Dallas Morning News reported.

Barton, a Republican and member of the 6th District of Texas in the House of Representatives, explained at the town hall meeting that he voted against a bill regarding violence against women because he believed it was a state issue, not a federal issue. The audience responded with a mixture of uproar and applause, when a man shouted out "you represent Texas first."

Another attendee followed by shouting "it's violence against women, that's a national issue. That is an issue that impacts everyone everywhere, not only in this country but everywhere." Barton tried to speak over the noisy protests, but became infuriated. He then pointed at the second attendee who shouted over him and said, "you, sir, shut up."

Read: Texas Transgender Bathroom Bill: Senate State Affairs Committee Approves Measure With 7-1 Vote

The crowd reacted in shock and continued to boo while others clapped. "What is that?" one man yelled. "You don't tell anybody to shut up!"

Kirk Lee, a liberal attendee at the town hall meeting who had no intentions of voting for the congressman, took to Facebook afterward to defend Barton.

"Rep. Barton clearly explained before he started that there were ground rules to be followed," Lee wrote. "The same rules he has always used for town halls. As I remember, no cursing, no yelling, no violence or you would be removed."

Local news outlet NBC 5 received a statement from Barton regarding the exchange with the yelling man.

"One gentlemen continued to speak over myself and many others who were seeking recognition in orderly fashion," Barton said. "I did, however, return to him for the last question of the meeting and allow him the opportunity to voice his concerns."

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YEREVAN, Armenia (AP)  Several hundred protesters gathered Thursday in the Armenian capital after an activist died in prison while on hunger strike.

Artur Sarkisyan was detained on charges of aiding terrorists by delivering food to armed men who seized a police compound in Yerevan last year.

Sarkisyan died of heart failure earlier Thursday after being transferred to hospital where he underwent emergency surgery, according to Suren Makaryan, one of the doctors who treated him. He had announced a hunger strike after being re-arrested by police in February.

Demonstrators angry about his death marched through downtown Yerevan despite heavy rain, but were stopped from reaching the Justice Ministry by a police cordon. Some shouted slogans accusing Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan of being responsible for Sarkisyan's death, while others called for the resignations of the justice and health ministers.

The unrest comes ahead of a parliamentary election scheduled for April 2.

Another demonstration in central Yerevan was planned for Friday, protester Shagen Arutyunyan said.

Two people died and several wounded in a two-week standoff in July when about 30 armed members of a radical opposition group took hostages and barricaded themselves inside a police station. Sarkisyan was accused of breaking a police cordon to deliver food to the gunmen.

The violent confrontation triggered political unrest in the Southern Caucasus nation, galvanizing the opposition movement and leading to repeated clashes between protesters and police.

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This story has been corrected from an earlier version to show that Sarkisyan died Thursday, not Wednesday.
JUBA (Reuters) - Gunmen in famine-hit South Sudan killed two people and wounded three when they attacked a humanitarian convoy in the centre of the country, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said in a statement on Thursday. "While a convoy was returning to Yirol from a field mission on 14 March, one of the vehicles was ambushed by unknown armed gunmen. Tragically, two people died of gunshot wounds. Among the injured was an IOM health officer who sustained a gunshot wound but is currently in a stable condition," the statement said. Yirol, where the aid workers had been treating a cholera outbreak, is about 210 km northwest of the capital of Juba. (Reporting by Denis Dumo; Writing by Katharine Houreld; Editing by Alison Williams)
MANILA, Philippines (AP)  Australia urged Southeast Asian nations and China to conclude a legally binding code of conduct in the South China Sea as soon as possible, voicing concern Thursday about the scale of reclamation and construction by China in the disputed territory.

Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, speaking in Manila, urged the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations and China to go beyond ongoing discussions to craft a framework of the code of conduct and rapidly conclude an enforceable regional nonaggression pact.

"We believe that ASEAN should drive for an enforceable code of conduct," Bishop told the forum of the ADR Institute for Strategic and International Studies. "I would urge ASEAN under the Philippines' leadership to go further and conclude a code of conduct as soon as possible."

Acting Philippine Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo said in a separate news conference that diplomats from ASEAN member states and China were progressing in efforts to draft a framework of the code although he refused to provide details.

Negotiations for a stronger code of conduct in the disputed region have dragged on for years with China being blamed for stonewalling while it was quietly transforming seven disputed reefs into islands in recent years.

Critics of China's assertive actions say Beijing may be giving a small concession by agreeing to complete a framework of the code because it has completed its current island-making works. China's once-frosty ties with the Philippines have also turned around under President Rodrigo Duterte, who has sought Chinese investments and aid while putting aside territorial disputes with Beijing.

Duterte holds ASEAN's rotating chairmanship this year and will host its annual summits of its heads of state with other Asian and Western leaders.

Bishop said an enforceable code of conduct could be based on the recommendations made by the Hague-based arbitration tribunal last year when it ruled on a case filed by the Philippines against China.

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The tribunal invalidated China's sweeping territorial claims in the South China Sea and ruled that China violated the rights of Filipinos to fish at Scarborough Shoal, which lies off the northwestern Philippines. Beijing had seized Scarborough in 2012 after a dangerous standoff with Philippine vessels.

China has since allowed Filipino fishermen to return to the shoal, but it does not recognize the tribunal's ruling as valid and insists it has historical claims to almost the entire South China Sea.

"Australia opposes the scale of reclamation and reconstruction that has occurred and certainly we do not support militarization by any party of the islands and the other features in the South China Sea because it would raise tensions, it would raise the prospect of conflict," Bishop said, referring to reports of China installing a missile-defense system in its man-made islands.

A rules-based international order is fundamental to prosperity and stability of countries in the region and "we should all advocate for its preservation and be prepared to defend it, even fight for it, should that be necessary," Bishop said.

Australia supports U.S. leadership to preserve that regional order and safeguard international peace but is also committed to a strong Australian defense force to defend its own security interests, she said.

Australia will spend $195 billion over the next decade on improving its military and intelligence capability, she said.
Sydney (AFP) - Billions of dollars will be pumped into a massive hydro-electric project in Australia, the prime minister said Thursday, as the country faces a growing power crisis after a huge blackout and heatwave strained supplies.

The expansion of the Snowy Mountains Scheme in New South Wales state could provide electricity to 500,000 homes, which Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull described as an "electricity game-changer".

The project, involving new tunnels and power stations, would boost the capacity of the 4,100-megawatt hydro-electric plant by 50 percent and is estimated by local media to cost up to Aus$2 billion (US$1.5 billion).

"Every Australian should be confident that they can turn the lights on when they need them," Turnbull said in a statement.

Although Australia is one of the world's largest producers of coal and gas, there are question marks about its energy security after South Australia suffered a statewide blackout in September and record-high temperatures in recent months put pressure on supplies in the country's east.

The closure of several ageing coal-fired power plants, strong demand for gas exports and a rise in onshore gas drilling bans have fuelled concerns of a looming domestic energy shortage.

"The unprecedented expansion will help make renewables reliable, filling in holes caused by intermittent supply and generator outages," Turnbull said.

But Danny Price, a former energy adviser to Turnbull, said while the hydro technology was robust and viable, it would not fix current power woes.

"I would describe it as a thought bubble, it will be years before anything happens," he told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

"This is not a quick fix, this is a much longer-term plan, people should not get carried away because... it's a complicated system (and) a long way off."

Turnbull on Sunday spoke to US technology star Elon Musk, the entrepreneur behind electric carmaker Tesla, after he offered to fix South Australia's power crisis with a battery farm.

Musk earlier said on Twitter he could to get the system installed and working in 100 days, or it would be supplied free.

The South Australian government on Tuesday unveiled a Aus$550 million plan that included building a new gas-fired power plant and the country's largest battery to store energy from the wind and sun.
MANILA (Reuters) - The Association of Southeast Asian Nations should use an international court's rejection of China's claims to almost all the South China Sea as basis for a code of conduct, Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said on Thursday. Australia did not take sides in the South China Sea disputes, Bishop said, but it wanted to see "de-escalation of tension", reiterating its opposition to China's militarization of man-made islands in the waters. China and the 10-member ASEAN have been discussing for almost 15 years a set of rules aimed at avoiding conflict among rival claimants in the South China Sea. "Given the arbitration has set out some very clear recommendations and findings, that can form the basis of the code of conduct," Bishop said at a forum. "There is a discussion to conclude a framework with China this year. I would urge the ASEAN and the Philippines' leadership to go further and conclude a code of conduct as soon as possible." China claims most of the energy-rich South China Sea, through which about $5 trillion worth of trade passes each year. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also have claims to parts of the sea. Tensions reached a flashpoint after the Philippines filed an arbitration case against China in The Hague and as China started militarizing artificial islands it built up on reefs in the South China Sea. The tribunal ruled last year in Manila's favor, but the election of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has seen a dramatic U-turn in his country's approach. Duterte has said repeatedly he wants to avoid confrontation with China and sees no need to press it to abide by the ruling. Bishop said ASEAN should "recognize the force that it has when it speaks with one voice and it should not take a backward step if it believes that the positions it is putting are in its interest and not be cowed to backing down because of any fears of what might occur". ASEAN's statements of concern often avoid mentioning China by name. Much is at stake from upsetting China, as ASEAN members, to varying extents, need its trade, investment and tourists. (Reporting by Karen Lema; Editing by Nick Macfie)
BEIJING (Reuters) - Baidu Inc said on Thursday it fired the head of its Nuomi group-buying service over ethics violations, at a time when the internet giant is looking to retool its sluggish search business and streamline loss-making units including Nuomi. Zeng Liang profited personally from deals with client representatives during his time at the company, Baidu said in a statement on Thursday, adding Zeng has admitted to the ethical violations and has repaid the company for related losses. Reuters was unable to reach Zeng for comment on Thursday. Zeng is the second high-ranking Baidu executive to be ousted in five months. Li Mingyuan, a rising star in the firm who was widely seen as a potential successor to CEO Robin Li, resigned in November after a company probe discovered serious conflicts of interest. Zeng will be replaced by senior vice president Xiang Hailong, who will work on integrating the firm's artificial intelligence technology to improve the value of existing Nuomi services, Baidu said. Zeng's exit comes as the company is retreating from loss-making ventures outside of search and channeling resources into its autonomous driving and artificial intelligence units. In mid-2015, when appetite for China's online-to-offline services hit a peak, Baidu said it would invest 20 billion yuan ($2.90 billion) over three years in Nuomi, an online platform that offers discounted group-buying services for offline items, including movie tickets and restaurant deals. Months later, two of Nuomi's top competitors in the space, backed by internet giants Alibaba Group Holding and Tencent Holdings, merged to form Meituan Dianping, taking a lion's share of the market. ($1 = 6.8970 Chinese yuan) (Reporting by Cate Cadell; Editing by Biju Dwarakanath)
This weeks TIME cover story, with exclusive data from GLAAD, explores a change taking hold in American culture. The piece explores how you-do-you young people are questioning the conventions that when it comes to gender and sexuality, there are only two options for each: male or female, gay or straight.

Those aspects of identity  how one sees themselves as a man or woman, for instance, and who they are drawn to physically and romantically  are distinct but undergoing similar sea changes, as teenagers and 20-somethings reject notions of what society has told them about who they are supposed to be.

In a new survey from LGBTQ advocacy organization GLAAD, conducted by Harris Poll, those open minds are reflected in the numbers: 20% of millennials say they are something other that strictly straight and cisgender, compared to 7% of boomers. The people in that group may be be a little sexually curious about people of their own gender or may reject the notion that they have a gender in the first place.

There have been the generations that have lived by the rules and those generations that break the rules, says GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis. Young people today, she says, are redefining everything.

TIME interviewed dozens of people around the U.S. about their attitudes toward sexuality and gender, from San Francisco to small-town Missouri. Many said they believe that both sexuality and gender are less like a toggle between this-or-that and more like a spectrum that allows for many  even endless  permutations of identity. Some of those young people identified as straight, others as gay, still others as genderqueer, gender fluid, asexual, gender nonconforming and queer. Several said they use the pronoun they rather than he or she to refer to themselves.

This variety of identities is something that people are seeing reflected in the culture at large. Facebook, with its 1 billion users, has about 60 options for users gender. Dating app Tinder has about 40. Influential celebrities, such as Miley Cyrus (who spoke to TIME for this article), have come out as everything from flexible in their gender to sexually fluid to mostly straight.

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Even young people who dont understand the nuances of gender or sexuality that their peers describe tend to be more accepting of whatever identities they encounter. When market research firm Culture Co-op, which specializes in young Americans attitudes, asked about 1,000 young people whether they think that Facebooks 60 options for gender are excessive, nearly a third of them responded that they believe this amount is just about right or too few.

Not everyone is on board. LGBTQ people continue to be at risk for harassment and assault at school, as well as for attempting suicide. Many experience family rejection, as well as both peers and adults who question whether their feelings about gender or sexuality are real.

In state legislatures, lawmakers are meanwhile debating the very meaning of the words sex and gender in debates over so-called bathroom bills. Lawsuits alleging that sexual orientation and gender identity are covered under bans on sex discrimination are fleshing out the meaning of that word too. But it is clear that for many people these binaries are bedrocks they will fight to defend.

Its not easy when we talk about these issues. Cisgender. Transgender. How many genders are there? Are we created man and woman? Or do we internalize something different? a Texas lawmaker recently asked while defending a bill that would require people to use bathrooms that match the sex on their birth certificate. I think the god I believe in, the cross I wear today, she added at another hearing on the bill, said there was man and woman.

But many experts say that language is more limited than the sum of human experience and that words are important for people in the throes of self-discovery, whether they feel they belong in these binaries or beyond them.

Young people are not just saying Screw you, says Ritch Savin-Williams, a professor emeritus of psychology at Cornell University who studies sexual behavior. Their embrace of a vast array of identities says, Your terms, what youre trying to do, does not reflect my reality or the reality of my friends.
At a Monday-night town hall in West Virginia, deep in coal mining country, Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., criticized Republicans' new health care plan meant to replace the Affordable Care Act.

"What [Trumpcare] should be seen as is a huge tax break for the wealthiest people in this country, he told attendees of the town hall, which was hosted by MSNBCs Chris Hayes. "At a time when we have a massive level of income and wealth inequality, where the rich are getting much richer while the middle-class shrinks, this legislation would provide, over a 10-year period, $275 billion in tax breaks to the top 2 percent."

Read: Bernie Sanders Is Championing Workers Rights, But Organized Labor Keeps Losing Members

People responded to Sanders with applause, which may not have been surprising if it werent for one thing: the location. Over two-thirds of West Virginias voters chose President Donald Trump in Novembers presidential election, and Sanders was speaking to a crowd of people that have historically supported Trump  white, working-class Americans.

Democrats have been criticized for their inability to connect with working class people who feel left behind economically as the rest of the country pulls itself out of the recession that began nearly 10 years ago. Pundits said that was one of the reasons Trump won. Despite his wealth, Trump was able to appeal to white, working-class people during his campaign and election.

Read: Can Bernie Sanders Stop Trump? New Bill Shuts Down Billions In Tax Breaks For Big Businesses

But Sanders, who ran for president as a Democrat, had a similar appeal, and some experts said that appeal was key to snagging back Trumps base.

Only Bernie Sanders Can Save the Democratic Party Now was the headline of one November editorial in The Observer.

The Democratic Party destroyed its best chance at defeating Donald Trump, politics reporter Ben Norton wrote in Salon in November. Sen. Bernie Sanders, Clintons insurgent left-wing opponent during the primaries, repeatedly warned voters and the Democratic establishment that he had a greater chance of defeating Trump.

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And Sanders himself has expressed similar sentiments as well.

We need a total transformation, Sanders said in February on CNN. Weve got to open up the party to working people, to young people, and make it crystal clear that the Democratic Party is going to take on Wall Street.

Sanders' term ends in early 2019.

bernie sanders

Photo: Aaron P. Bernstein/Reuters

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Morcha calls it quits, severs ties with govt

The Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha (SLMM) on Wednesday announced that it had severed its over seven-month ties with the governing alliance, accusing the government of failing to take initiatives to address its five concerns that it had put forth on March 8.
Bette Davis daughter is making shocking claims about her mom following the release of the new miniseries, Feud: Bette and Joan, which recreates Davis' legendary rivalry with fellow Hollywood icon Joan Crawford.

Read: Will the Juice Get Loose in 2017? O.J. Simpson Could Make Parole This Year

Davis daughter, B.D. Hyman, is now 69 years old. She and her mother had a tumultuous relationship throughout most of her life. That troubled bond between mother and daughter is also depicted in Feud.

Davis died in 1989 at age 80. In her will, she disinherited her daughter with the words, "I declare that I have intentionally and with full knowledge omitted to provide herein for my daughter."

Hyman recently posted a YouTube video to promote her Christian ministry. In the video, she makes some shocking claims about her mother.

She practiced the occult witchcraft and when I would not do what she wanted me to do, she vowed to get even with me, Hyman said in the clip. "When she was gutting fish, which she loved to do, she would always get fish whole from the fish monger and she would gut them herself and rip their insides out and mumbled the names of people she wished to do the same."

Hyman also documented her relationship with her mom in her 1985 memoir, My Mother's Keeper, which portrayed Davis as an emotionally abusive alcoholic.

Read: Beyonce Shows Off Baby Bump With Brand New Maternity Photos

Feud stars Jessica Lange as Crawford and Susan Sarandon as Davis, with the star-studded supporting cast of Alfred Molina, Stanley Tucci, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Kathy Bates, Judy Davis and Sarah Paulson. The FX miniseries chronicles the production of the campy classic film Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?

Hollywood journalist Jeanne Wolfe told Inside Edition that the actresses were notoriously competitive" and "competed over men; they competed over parts; they competed over glory.

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Crawfords daughter, Christina, also had a rough ride with her mom. She wrote the memoir, Mommy Dearest, which was made into the classic film starring Faye Dunaway.

Watch: Manhandled by Munchkins? Judy Garland Molested on 'Wizard of Oz' Set, Book Claims

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(Advisory: Strong language in paragraph nine) By Clare Baldwin and Andrew R.C. Marshall MANILA (Reuters) - In the past eight months, a death squad known as the Bonnet Gang has gunned down more than 60 drug suspects in the Philippine town of Pateros. Mayor Ike Ponce has had enough. He has put up banners across Pateros, in the southeast of Metro Manila, to denounce the gang, which is named for the hoods its motorbike-riding gunmen wear to hide their identities. Extrajudicial killings are "not the right process to stop the proliferation of illegal drugs," read the banners. "We value human life and adhere to the rule of law." Ponce knows his actions could anger not just the Bonnet Gang but also someone far more powerful: Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte. More than 8,000 people, mostly petty drug users and dealers, have been killed in the "war on drugs" pursued by Duterte since he took office on June 30. Ponce is the only one of Metro Manila's 17 mayors to publicly oppose the violence. In many cases, local politicians have worked with the police to draw up lists of drug users and dealers, who then often end up dead at the hands of police or vigilantes. He is, though, a symbol of increasing resistance from parts of society, including the country's influential Catholic Church, which has called the campaign a "reign of terror." Duterte has put local politicians and officials under unprecedented scrutiny and pressure. Police have accused those who lack enthusiasm for the campaign, or object to its violent methods, of protecting or profiting from drug traffickers. Duterte has publicly brandished a thick list of what he says are thousands of "narco-politicians" and warned mayors involved in the drug trade to resign or die. "Son of a bitch, if your name is there, you have a problem," he said in January. "I will really kill you." Still, Ponce questions Dutertes methods, even as he repeatedly stresses his support for Duterte's goal. "He is really trying his best to solve the drug problem," he told Reuters. "The manner in which it's being executed - that's what we oppose." In March, a former policeman testified in the Philippine Senate about his role in vigilante-style killings in Davao City, where Duterte was once mayor. Duterte has denied ordering killings, either as president or mayor. Police say they have shot dead 2,555 suspects in anti-drug operations. Human rights groups also blame thousands of vigilante-style killings on the police or people associated with them, a claim the police and government deny. Police operations were halted for much of February after it emerged that an anti-drug unit had killed a South Korean businessman but last week they resumed. PROFESSIONALLY TRAINED Pateros has only 63,000 people, but they are densely packed into a warren of shops, houses and shacks radiating from a 200-year-old church. The Bonnet Gang terrorizes the town with apparent impunity, picking off targets in slick operations usually after dark. Mayor Ponce blames it for all of the 64 vigilante-style killings in Pateros since the drug war began, including three in February. Supporting the president while decrying the violence his policies have unleashed is not Ponce's only dilemma. He must also try to reassure fearful constituents, many of whom say they believe the Bonnet Gang is secretly run and staffed by police. "Why? Because from day one ... we have not arrested anyone," he said. "That is why people are thinking they are police officers." Joven Gatpayat, a city councilor who heads Pateros's anti-drug abuse council, said the killers carry out operations like professionally trained men. "They don't run, they don't panic," he said. Ponce has urged the police chiefs of Pateros and the Southern Police District "to do something" about the Bonnet Gang. Pateros police chief Joel Villanueva told Reuters that one suspected gang member had been arrested and 11 others identified. He attributed the killings to "a feud among drug lords" and denied police involvement. "We are appealing to the public, if the culprit is one of us, to give us information," said Jenny Tecson, a spokesperson for the Southern Police District. "We try to clean up the ranks," she said. "There is no place for evil here." "WE'RE STILL SCARED" One evening in December, Kim, a call-center worker, saw four masked men on two motorbikes stop on a crowded Pateros street, shoot two people and speed away. "I was shaking when I got home," said Kim, 23, who wouldn't give her second name. "We're still scared. We don't know who will be next." Michael Almeda, 39, was sleeping when eight hooded men on four motorbikes arrived outside his family's wooden house at about 2.30 a.m. The men kicked in the door, dragged Michael outside and shot him eight times, said his brother Rey. "The last bullet was in his head," Rey said. Michael died on the spot. Ponce said he attends the wake of every Bonnet Gang victim to comfort the bereaved and explain that "we cannot control these things happening right now." A lawyer by training, Ponce said mayors haven't been shown Duterte's list of narco-politicians, which is kept by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). "I assumed if my name is there they will call on me and invite me to the office," he said. Joel Egco, a DILG undersecretary, said the list was treated with "utmost confidentiality" and he had no way of finding out whether Ponce was on it. Ultimately, says Ponce, only Duterte has the power to halt the activities of the Bonnet Gang. "Whoever these people are," he said, "it's still in the hands of the president to stop this." (Reporting by Clare Baldwin and Andrew R.C. Marshall; Additional reporting by Manuel Mogato and Neil Jerome Morales; Editing by Martin Howell)
By Nick Carey and David Shepardson

DETROIT/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Donald Trump on Wednesday ordered a review of tough U.S. vehicle fuel-efficiency standards put in place by the Obama administration, handing a victory to auto industry executives and provoking criticism from Democrats and environmental groups.

In a move widely seen as a preamble to loosening fuel standards, Trump told an audience of cheering union workers, he would "ensure that any regulations we have protect and defend your jobs, your factories," and promised he would encourage growth in the U.S. auto sector.

"The assault on the American auto industry is over," Trump said, standing in front of a banner that read "Buy American-Hire American."

Trump added that the White House is "setting up a task force in every federal agency to identify and remove any regulation that undermines American auto production."

The backdrop and message underscored Trump's efforts to lock down support in industrial states such as Michigan that put him in the White House. Trump spoke at the site of the former Willow Run bomber factory in Ypsilanti, Michigan, which won fame for building an operational B-24 heavy bomber every 59 minutes during World War Two. Now, the site is being redeveloped as a testing ground for autonomous vehicles.

At a roundtable with industry leaders Trump made clear he expected automakers to hire more Americans in return, a theme that dominated his election campaign.

"We're going to do some wonderful work with you, but you're going to have to help us with jobs," he said.

Trump's event was attended by around 1,000 people, including automotive executives, United Auto Workers union President Dennis Williams - who sat next to Trump - and workers from Detroit's "Big Three" automakers: General Motors Co <GM.N>, Ford Motor Co <F.N> and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV (FCA) <FCHA.MI> <FCAU.N>. Automakers lined up examples of vehicles they build in the United States for the president to see.

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Auto industry executives have said they are hopeful the Trump administration will pursue tax and regulatory policies that would benefit U.S. manufacturers.

Reopening the fuel efficiency rules put in place by Democratic President Barack Obama days before he left office is one of the top items on the industry's agenda. Automakers, through their lobbying groups, have said the Obama rules were too expensive and could cost American jobs.

"These standards are costly for automakers and the American people," said Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt.

After one participant in Wednesday's meetings mentioned environmental concerns, Trump said he agreed but did not want an "extra thimbleful of fuel" to get in the way of growth.

In a meeting with top auto executives from U.S. and foreign automakers, Trump said the government needs to get out of the way of the auto industry building vehicles, a person who attended the meeting said.

Automakers are wary of being seen as out of touch with environmental concerns, or unwilling to invest in new technology. Ford, for example, used its Twitter account on Wednesday to highlight previously announced commitments to develop electric vehicles.

It could take a year for the review process to play out, and Wednesday's event was effectively a starting gun for intense lobbying efforts over how government policy will drive technology investment decisions in the auto sector.

Critics like Democratic U.S. Senator Edward Markey of Massachusetts said Trump's move could hurt consumers.

"Filling up their cars and trucks is the energy bill Americans pay most often, but President Trump's roll-back of fuel economy emissions standards means families will end up paying more at the pump," Markey added.

The president is not seeking to revoke California's authority to set vehicle efficiency rules even stricter than federal rules, including mandated sales of electric vehicles, as part of this move, a White House official said. The official did not rule out seeking to withdraw California's authority in the future. Pruitt, an ally of the fossil fuel industry, would not commit during his Senate confirmation hearing to allowing California to continue its own clean vehicle rules.

A group of 10 state attorneys general led by California and New York said on Wednesday they would fight attempts to weaken the rules.

Californias attorney general late Tuesday filed legal papers in a federal court defending the Obama administrations decision to finalize the determination in January.

Barclays auto analyst Brian Johnson said in a research note that he expects the Trump administration review will lead to reductions in planned hikes in fuel efficiency standards after 2021.

The Obama administration's rules, negotiated with automakers in 2012, were aimed at doubling average fleetwide fuel efficiency to 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025, although the real-world mileage figures would be lower.

'THOUGHTFUL AND COORDINATED'

Automotive industry executives and lobbying groups were quick to praise the administration's announcement.

"The Trump administration has created an opportunity for decision-makers to reach a thoughtful and coordinated outcome predicated on the best and most current data," said Mitch Bainwol, chief executive of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, an industry lobbying group.

Automakers have signaled they want the government to give manufacturers more credit toward achieving fuel efficiency targets for technologies such as "stop-start" systems that shut down a cars engine at a traffic light.

Regulators should also look at whether ride hailing and vehicle-to-vehicle communications systems designed to prevent accidents and alleviate road congestion could be counted toward the industrys greenhouse gas emissions goals, the automaker group proposed in comments to the EPA last year. The group represents a dozen automakers, including GM, Ford and FCA.

Under the 2012 agreement with the industry, the EPA was given until April 2018 to decide whether the standards were feasible under a "midterm review," but the agency moved up its decision to a week before Obama left office in a bid to maintain a key part of his administration's environmental legacy.

An EPA analysis indicated that compared with previous rules, the 2025 standards would result in savings of between $1,460 and $1,620 over the lifetime of a vehicle and payback for new technology required to meet the new standards of around five years.

The Obama administration said the rules would cost the auto industry $200 billion over 13 years, but save motorists $1.7 trillion over the life of the vehicles.

(Additional reporting by Bernie Woodall, Emily Stephenson and Susan Heavey; Writing by Will Dunham; Editing by Lisa Shumaker and Jonathan Oatis)
No, this bird isn't having an existential crisis, despite appearances.

A bird in Queensland, Australia was photographed staring at itself in the window by journalist Nick Wiggins, with a sign above it.

"I'm a bush stone curlew. I'm fine. I just like to stare at myself in the window," the sign reads, penned by "Caitlin from Wildcare Australia."

Of course, Twitter was happy to jump in with a collective "same."

SEE ALSO: Watch this flock of birds form hauntingly beautiful patterns in the sky

We've all been there pic.twitter.com/AKgnF9EoXb  Nick Wiggins (@nick__w) March 13, 2017

Even with that logical explanation, it's hard not to ignore the bird's hilarious introspection, as it stares blankly at its own reflection  perhaps pondering at what's become of its life.

I want someone to put up a sign explaining how I'm okay in spite of my eccentricities. https://t.co/B8nLnVtoTJ  Kathryn (@theladykathryn) March 15, 2017

Or, maybe (like some humans) it possesses a bit of narcissistic streak.

It isn't only we vain & self-centred humans who like to gaze upon ourselves ... https://t.co/o5CL7DMvWM  Royal Literary Fund (@rlfwriters) March 14, 2017

My worst nightmare is for my vanity to go so far that this happens https://t.co/VmcGEAZkuy  Luke Dani Blue (@LukeDaniBlue) March 14, 2017

Narcissus of the bird set. https://t.co/uOejDcZ7kF  Michaela Whitbourn (@MWhitbourn) March 15, 2017

"You often see magpies and crows looking at a window," RSPCA spokesman Michael Beatty told 9 News. "In most cases they're just curious, and they enjoy looking at their reflection."

Ryan Murphy, a councillor in Brisbane, had a curlew staring at the window of his office every few days for a couple of weeks.

"Upon contacting RSPCA to see if they could explain the odd behaviour, we were informed that the bird is, in fact, nocturnal  and as such is fascinated by seeing its reflection in the daytime," he told the Wynnum Herald.

The bush-stone curlew is relatively common in Queensland, but is endangered in the state of New South Wales.

Who knew a bird being fascinated with itself would be equally as fascinating for humans?
"Bling Ring" star Israel Broussard is set to join sci-fi thriller "Extinction" reports The Hollywood Reporter.

Broussard will join Michael Pena and Lizzy Caplan for project, to be directed by "Hounds of Love" helmer Ben Young.

The film will follow Pena's character as he sees his recurring nightmare of losing his family become a possible reality when the planet is invaded by aliens.

Rising star Broussard will next be seen in horror thriller "Half to Death."
Kano (Nigeria) (AFP) - Boko Haram Islamists have raided a town in restive northeast Nigeria, looting food supplies and burning homes after overwhelming troops, residents told AFP on Thursday.

The attack late on Wednesday happened in Magumeri, some 50 kilometres (30 miles) northwest of the Borno state capital, Maiduguri.

It came after a lull in raids on major towns in the remote region following sweeping military offensives which Nigeria has claimed has severely weakened the jihadists to the point of defeat.

Scores of Boko Haram fighters arrived in Magumeri at about 6:30 pm (1730 GMT) in vans, motorcycles and on foot, firing heavy weapons and rocket-propelled grenades, forcing residents to flee.

"They (Boko Haram) broke into shops and homes and took away every food item they came across," said local resident Kulo Sheriff, who fled the town then returned on Thursday morning.

"They set fire to homes and shops as they looted them before heading into the bush hours later."

Before looting, the fighters attacked a military base and a police station where there was a shoot-out, according to a civilian militia member assisting troops with security.

Militants overpowered the security personnel who withdrew, allowing them to loot and burn down the base and the police station, he added.

- 'Famine-like conditions' -

Nigeria's military, however, claimed to have repelled the attack and "neutralised quite a number of the attackers", recovering three vehicles and a "large quantity of arms and ammunition".

Independent verification was not possible given access restrictions for reporters to travel outside Maiduguri without military permission.

Either way, the raid indicated that Boko Haram still has the capacity to attack major towns, despite claims it is in disarray since troops flushed them out of their Sambisa Forest stronghold.

The number of raids has decreased since the camps were routed last December, although there have been sustained attempts at suicide bombings in Maiduguri.

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A civilian militia member in the city maintained Boko Haram have been weakened and their attacks were designed to re-stock dwindling food supplies, as supply lines have been cut off.

"Boko Haram are starving in the bush, they live on very little food," said Babakura Kolo. "They are pushed more by hunger to carry out raids than desire to fight."

Last month Boko Haram fighters went door-to-door seizing food aid distributed days earlier in Gajiram, some 100 kilometres by road from Magumeri, after a battle with police and soldiers.

Boko Haram's insurgency has triggered a major humanitarian crisis in northeastern Nigeria, where 7.1 million people are "severely food insecure", according to the UN.

Aid agencies say parts of Borno state are suffering from "famine-like conditions".

Poor governance and climate change have also been powerful contributors to the crisis in the region.
A 3-year-old boy was found dead on his front porch after he apparently wandered outside in the middle of the night and couldnt get back in, authorities said.

The North Carolina childs body was discovered by Burke County Sheriffs deputies answering a 911 call from a motorist who reported seeing a toddler lying in front of a house.

Read: 97-Year-Old Twin Sisters Die After Falling Outside in Freezing Temperatures

An autopsy conducted Thursday showed no signs of trauma, according to a statement from the Sheriffs office. Toxicology and other tests are pending.

The boy was found Wednesday at about 7:45 a.m., authorities said. Temperatures had dipped to the 20s overnight. The living room door was open, but the storm door was closed and the child was apparently unable to open it, authorities said.

The toddlers mother and her boyfriend were asleep inside the house and had no idea the child had wandered outside, authorities said.

When you come to a tragic situation like this, its always heartbreaking for everyone involved, including the officers that [are] investigating this case, Sheriff Steve Whisenant told reporters.

Read: Mom Who Allegedly Abandoned Toddler Daughter at Grocery Store Arrested

A phone message left for the sheriff on Thursday by InsideEdition.com was not immediately returned.

"Just to hear what happened, its just a tragedy," neighbor David Barrier told WSOC-TV. "Weve been praying for the family and hope things work out for them."

Watch: Bus Driver Saves 5-Year-Old Boy Found at Midnight with No Shoes in the Cold

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Brazil pension reform protests A young man skateboars move in front of a fire set by protesters following a demonstration against proposed federal government reforms, March 15, 2017, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Critics say the changes would reduce job security for Brazilian workers and the pension proposal would force many people to work longer to qualify for pensions and reduce retirement benefits for many. (Mario Tama/Getty Images)

Brazilian civil servants, rural workers and labor unions staged nationwide demonstrations against President Michel Temers pension reform plan, with hundreds of protesters occupying the finance ministry in the capital Brasilia.

Bus and subway services were partially disrupted in Sao Paulo, the countrys biggest city, where small street demonstrations around the city snarled drivers in traffic.

Temer and his allies in the ruling coalition say capping pension benefits and raising the retirement age is key to fixing public finances and pulling the country out of its worst recession in more than a century. Powerful unions have pledged to fight the proposed reform tooth and nail.

In Brasilia more than 1,500 people from peasant and homeless groups protested at the finance ministry, the Landless Workers Movement said in a statement. Protesters invaded the ministry in the dawn hours and some remained nearly eight hours later.

Public transportation workers in the cities of Recife, Belo Horizonte and Curitiba also pledged to join the strike. Striking teachers and bankers shuttered some schools and banks in Rio de Janeiro, where public transport was less affected. (Guillermo Parra-Bernal and Brad Haynes/Reuters)

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London (AFP) - Britain will ban new MPs from employing spouses, relatives or business associates, according to rules announced Thursday in the wake of a scandal that has rocked France's presidential election.

The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) outlined the change in a revised rulebook for MPs' expenses, saying it does not affect existing employees with family or business ties to MPs.

Any member of staff who begins a relationship with an MP while working for him or her will also have their contract terminated after a period of two years.

The rules will apply starting with the next general election, currently scheduled for 2020.

"We believe that the employment of connected parties is out of step with modern employment practice, which requires fair and open recruitment to encourage diversity in the workplace," IPSA head Ruth Evans said.

About 150 of the 650 MPs in the British parliament -- almost a quarter of the total -- employ family members.

Currently, parliamentarians are allowed to employ only one family member, a rule imposed in 2010 following a scandal over expense claims by MPs.

French presidential candidate Francois Fillon, once widely considered a frontrunner in the race, is under investigation for allegedly misusing public funds made available to lawmakers to hire assistants.

Investigators are looking into claims that he used the funds to pay his wife, Penelope, hundreds of thousands of euros over a period of several years as a parliamentary assistant.

French MPs are allowed to employ family members, but Fillon has failed so far to convince investigators that Penelope actually worked for her salary, which exceeded 10,000 euros a month in 2007.

He is also being investigated over payments to two of his children for acting as Senate assistants between 2005 and 2007.
Paris (AFP) - British designer Clare Waight Keller is to take over at Givenchy, the famed French fashion house said Thursday.

The 47-year-old left rival lapel Chloe earlier this month after six years at the helm, having pushed up sales of its floaty, romantic, 1970s-influenced clothes.

Givenchy has been without an artistic director since its long-serving Italian creator Riccardo Tisci left in January.

The designer, known for his love of fiery colours, is tipped to take over at Versace in the next instalment of the dizzying merry-go-round at the top fashion.

Tisci, 43, is credited with reviving Givenchy by cultivating links with a long line of celebrities including Beyonce, Madonna and Kanye West and his wife Kim Kardashian.

Givenchy chief executive Philippe Fortunato said Waight Keller would bring her own "singular sense of elegance and modernity" to the brand.

The label is renowned for its elegant line, epitomised by Audrey Hepburn and Jackie Kennedy who were both fans of its clothes.

During Tisci's 12 years at the brand turnover rocketed to a reported 500 million euros a year ($536 million).

His high-octane streetwear-inspired look has little in common with Waight Keller's more understated style.

Her gift for creating must-have accessories, however, may have been what caught Givenchy's eye.

Waight Keller made her name by turning Pringle of Scotland from a rather staid knitwear maker into a fashion brand.

She also worked for Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren and for Tom Ford at Gucci.

Waight Keller was replaced last week at Chloe by French designer Natacha Ramsay-Levi.
National Geographic puts Pokhara on Best Spring Trips 2017 list

The National Geographic has put Pokhara, the Lake City, of Nepal on its list of Best Spring Trips 2017.
London (AFP) - British Prime Minister Theresa May on Thursday rejected the Scottish government's call for a second referendum on independence before Britain leaves the EU -- but did not entirely rule out a vote.

"Now is not the time," she said, arguing that all of Britain's energies should be put into the forthcoming Brexit negotiations, with the withdrawal process due to begin later this month.

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has been sharply critical of May's plan to pull Britain out of Europe's single market, and on Monday said Scots should have a choice whether to follow that path or go it alone.

The Scottish National Party (SNP) leader suggested the referendum could take place between autumn 2018 and spring 2019 -- before Britain is expected to leave the EU.

"Right now we should be working together, not pulling apart. We should be working together to get that right deal for Scotland, that right deal for the UK," May said.

"That's my job as prime minister and so for that reason I say to the SNP: now is not the time."

However, the Conservative leader refused repeated questions about when the right time might be, leaving the door open for a vote further in the future.

Sturgeon responded with a string of angry tweets, saying May's refusal was "undemocratic" and proof that "the Tories fear the verdict of the Scottish people".

The Scottish leader will seek approval next Wednesday for a new vote in the devolved Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, but May's government has the right to block the request.

- 'Too late to choose' -

May said that talking about an independence vote would make it harder to get a good Brexit deal, saying Sturgeon's proposed timetable "wouldn't be fair" to the Scottish people.

"They'd be asked to make a crucial decision without the necessary information, without knowing what the future partnership will be or what the alternative for an independent Scotland would look like," she said.

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But Sturgeon hit back that she was not proposing a referendum now, "but when the terms of Brexit (are) clear and before it is too late to choose an alternative path".

She pointed out that the SNP government was re-elected last year with a manifesto stating that it could call a second vote if there was a significant change in the country's circumstances -- such as Brexit.

Earlier in the week, Sturgeon had questioned May's own mandate to govern, noting that she took office after the June vote without an election.

In the EU referendum, the majority of Scotland opted to stay inside the bloc but Britain as a whole voted by 52 percent to leave.

In 2014, Scotland held its own referendum on independence, voting by 55 percent to 45 percent to stay within the United Kingdom, and May has insisted there is no appetite for a second referendum on the matter.

But a long-term study of social attitudes published on Wednesday showed a more complicated picture.

The ScotCen survey found support for independence at a record high of 46 percent -- but euroscepticism was also higher than ever, at 67 percent at the end of last year.

May is expected to start the formal Brexit process later this month, although actual negotiations are not expected to start for several weeks after that.

A bill empowering her to trigger Article 50 of the EU's Lisbon Treaty, which starts a two-year countdown to leaving the bloc, passed parliament on Monday and on Thursday received final approval from Queen Elizabeth II.
A Florida mothers worst nightmare appeared to come true when she arrived at her childrens day care at pick-up time and found that one of her daughters was mistakenly given to a complete stranger, officials said.

Staffers at Pathways Early Learning Center in Port Orange told Holly Smith, 32, that her 4-year-old daughter had already been picked up by her mother when she arrived to pick up her little girl at about 5:30 p.m. last Friday, the Port Orange Police Department said.

Insisting that she was her daughters mother and that she had not given anyone permission to pick up her child, Smith called 911.

"Somebody has taken my daughter," she tearfully told the 911 dispatcher. "They said somebody gave them an ID and said that I approved to pick her up and I didnt."

Smith said that she was told her daughter seemed hesitant to go with the woman who arrived for her, noting that someone on the phone claiming to be her mother told the little girl to go with the unknown adult.

Read: Day Care Worker Arrested After She's Caught on Camera Pushing Child, 4, Down Stairs: Cops

[The woman] was saying that Im her [mothers] co-worker and that I was going to watch her today' she was like, 'Weve never met,' [meaning] the girl and her, theyd never met, a staffer said on the 911 call released to InsideEdition.com.

Staffers eventually realized that another child was still at the day care, and when her parents were contacted, they said their child had already been picked up, police said.

They then realized that the adult had taken the wrong child.

The woman later returned to the day care with Smiths daughter.

[The woman] stated she did not know she took the wrong child and she was supposed to pick up [another little girl] but instead left with [Smiths daughter, according to a police report filed by Port Orange Police and obtained by InsideEdition.com.

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Police said no investigation is underway as there was no criminal activity.

Smith removed her children from the day care, telling WKMG-TV she believed the mistake was inexcusable.

"They have all these security measures, and it was still allowed for my child to go home with the wrong person," she told the station.

Read: Day Care Center Shuttered After 3-Month-Old Died On Her Mother's First Day Back at Work

A staffer told the 911 operator that there are no surveillance cameras inside the facility.

"I lost it, because that would have been the only lead in finding whoever took her," Smith told WKMG-TV.

In a statement to InsideEdition.com, the Pathways Early Learning called the incident "an incorrect pairing of parent and child at school dismissal."

"One childs parent had made advanced arrangements to have a friend pick up her child. The friend had never met the child before, the statement said. When she arrived at the center, she provided proper ID to prove she was the parents appointee. Apparently, this appointee retrieved the incorrect child.

Immediately upon discovering the inadvertence, the center was able to effect the correct pairings. All children were safe and accounted for in just over one hour ... The Center is further perfecting its security plan as well as cooperating with all governmental agencies regarding the matter.

"The Center is overjoyed that the day ended with all children in their appropriate homes. Pathways Early Learning Center is an excellent child learning facility and an asset to our community."

The day care could face up to a $500 fine for not following state protocol, officials said.

It has had no violations since it opened in June 2014, a spokeswoman for the facility said.

Watch: Mom Says Day Care Worker Made Her Baby Sick by Breastfeeding Him

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By Ben Blanchard BEIJING (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia's King Salman oversaw the signing of deals worth as much as $65 billion on the first day of a visit to Beijing on Thursday, as the world's largest oil exporter looks to cement ties with the world's second-largest economy. The deals included a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between giant state oil firm Saudi Aramco [IPO-ARMO.SE] and China North Industries Group Corp (Norinco), to look into building refining and chemical plants in China. Saudi Basic Industries Corp (SABIC) and Sinopec, which already jointly run a chemical complex in Tinajin, also agreed to develop petrochemical projects in both China and Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia's octogenarian monarch, who has overseen the launch of an ambitious economic reform plan since his accession two years ago, is on a month-long Asian tour. The visits to countries that are some of world's fastest growing importers of Saudi oil aim to promote investment opportunities in the kingdom, including the sale of a stake in Aramco. Saudi Arabia has sought to boost oil sales to China, the world's second-largest oil market, after losing market share to Russia last year, by working mostly with China's top three state oil firms. In Beijing's cavernous Great Hall of the People, President Xi Jinping told Salman that China was a reliable and stable oil export market and the two countries should deepen cooperation. "For a long time, China and Islamic countries have respected each other and had win-win cooperation, and have created a model of the peaceful coexistence of different cultures," Xi said, according to China's Foreign Ministry. Salman told Xi he hoped China could play an even greater role in Middle East affairs, the ministry added. "Saudi Arabia is willing to work hard with China to promote global and regional peace, security and prosperity," Salman said. 'OLD FRIENDS' Deputy Chinese Foreign Minister Zhang Ming said the memorandums of understanding and letters of intent were potentially worth about $65 billion, involving everything from energy to space. "President Xi Jinping and King Salman are old friends," Zhang said. "Practical cooperation between China and Saudi Arabia has already made major achievements, and has huge potential." A statement later posted on Saudi state news agency SPA said the documents included an MoU for the kingdom to participate in China's Chang E-4 moon mission and a partnership agreement for manufacturing drones. Besides the MoUs agreed between the two governments, Saudi and Chinese companies signed 21 deals, ranging from exploring investments in oil and petrochemical plants to ecommerce and co-operating in renewable energy markets. For Saudi Aramco, the potential investments fit with its strategy to expand its refining and chemicals portfolio in its bid to diversify assets and secure long-term agreements for its oil. Beijing, for its part, has recently loosened its grip on a sector long dominated by the country's top three energy giants in an effort to boost private investment as the economy cools.The Norinco deal could involve exploring the possibility of a greenfield refinery and chemical plant in Panjin, Liaoning province, while also upgrading an existing refinery and petrochemical facility in the same location, an industry source said. "This MoU shows Aramco is determined to expand its market share in the Far East by looking beyond oil majors and working closely with new independent clients within its biggest market," said Sadad al-Husseini, an energy consultant and former senior Aramco executive. Aramco said in written statements the MoU was for the development of refinery and chemical facilities. The state oil giant also signed an MoU with Aerosun Corp for the manufacture of reinforced thermoplastic pipes and components. 'HONEST BROKER China has traditionally played little role in Middle East conflicts or diplomacy, despite its reliance on the region for oil. But it has been trying to get more involved in efforts to end Syria's six-year-old civil war, where Riyadh supports rebels battling President Bashar al-Assad. Last year China also offered support for Yemen's government, which is backed by a Saudi-led Gulf Arab coalition in a war against the Iranian-aligned Houthi movement that controls much of the country. Zhang said both the Yemen and Syria crises were discussed by Salman and Xi, and both leaders agreed that these issues must be resolved politically via talks. China has had to tread a careful line, though, as it also has close relations with Iran. Xi visited both Saudi Arabia and Iran in January last year. Next week Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visits China. One Beijing-based diplomat from a Muslim-majority country told Reuters that China was trying to play the role of "honest broker" in the Middle East, as it lacks the historical baggage of the Americans or the Europeans. "China does not take sides and that is appreciated," said the diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity. (Additional reporting by Reem Shamseddine in KHOBAR, Katie Paul in RIYADH and Meng Meng and Chen Aizhu in BEIJING; Editing by Clarence Fernandez, Greg Mahlich)
For all the buzz that the bike-sharing concept gets, the ill-treatment of these bikes gets just as much attention.

Because people are terrible.

China's Ofo, which has become the first bike-sharing start-up to be valued at over $1 billion in funding, bears a huge brunt of that burden.

SEE ALSO: People are dumping shared bikes in horrible piles

Thousands of its bikes have been thrown in piles, found in rivers or locked up behind fences; some by mean-spirited vandals, others by people meaning to hog the bikes for themselves. You're supposed to ride a bike and leave it by the street corner for the next person, but some bring the bikes into their compounds, intending to keep it as a private ride.

Image: silent hill/imagine china

For that, Ofo has a solution: more bikes.

In an interview with Mashable, its co-founder Yu Xin, and VP of Ofo's U.S. unit, Grace Lin, revealed that the company is dealing with users mistreating its bikes in China by flooding cities with shared bikes.

The idea is to have users realise that the bikes are a common commodity, and that they don't need to hog them because the next one is readily available, said Lin.

Image: Camellia Holt/facebook

"When there are so many convenient bikes that you can use, you don't really think they're like something that is private property you want to occupy or damage," Lin said.

Ofo also claims that less than 1 percent of its bikes gets damaged or misplaced. But with over a million bikes in China already, less than 1 percent is enough to make the news, she added.

Ofo coming to your city

In China, Ofo tussles with another 30-odd bike-sharing competitors in the hot market.

And it's already got its eye on global domination. It plans to be in 10 countries by the end of 2017, Yu said.

In Singapore, where it's launched its first service outside of China, Ofo has already placed 1,000 bikes in the city, with plans to increase that number.

Meanwhile, it's trialing projects in the London area, and also in San Diego, California.

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China bike sharing service @ofo_bicycle spotted all over Austin #China is moving west! pic.twitter.com/SO7k2qxTCJ  Benjamin Duvall (@benjaminduvall) March 13, 2017

But its game plan of flooding cities with bikes isn't likely to please city officials. In San Francisco, regulators had to propose measures to curb bike-sharing companies from placing bikes all over street corners.

And back home, Chinese officials in Shenzhen, Shanghai and Chengdu have also issued similar orders, resulting in thousands of bikes impounded as government workers grapple to clear the streets of these bikes.

Yu said Ofo plans to avoid conflict with regulators by expanding gradually, instead of laying out thousands of bikes at once.

The company aims to introduce 50,000 bicycles in the U.S. by the end of June.

The company could also potentially look forward to better user behaviour outside of China.

"People in America and Singapore have better habits in bicycle usage  [they] always want to park the bikes in the right place," Yu observed. "It is much easier to expand our service in such countries."

Besides, Ofo was never meant to be China-only, he added. The company doesn't have a Chinese name, because he had envisioned its yellow bikes all over busy cities in the world from the start, Yu said.

UPDATE: March 17, 2017, 10:17 a.m. SGT CORRECTION: This article mistakenly referred to Yu Xin as founder Dai Wei. This has been rectified.
REUTERS - U.S. chipmaker Nvidia Corp said on Thursday it was working with truckmaker Paccar Inc to develop autonomous vehicles. Paccar, which manufactures the Kenworth, Peterbilt and DAF lines of trucks, has developed a proof-of-concept self-driving truck using Nvidia's technology, the chipmaker said in a blog post. (http://bit.ly/2m4ChTk) Nvidia, known for making graphics chips for the high-end gaming computers, has been focusing on self-driving systems and makes the DRIVE PX 2 self-driving system used by Tesla Inc. The rapidly growing market for self-driving technology has attracted companies ranging from Alphabet Inc's Waymo to chipmaker Qualcomm Inc. Intel Corp, the world's largest computer chipmaker, also jumped into the fray when it agreed on Monday to buy Israeli autonomous vehicle technology firm Mobileye for $15.3 billion. (Reporting by Supantha Mukherjee in Bengaluru; Editing by Savio D'Souza)
Nepal, fertile land for investment, PM says

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said Nepal is a fertile land for investment.
NEW YORK (Reuters) - New Jersey lawmakers on Thursday passed a bill requiring U.S. presidential candidates to submit their tax returns to have their names listed on the state ballot, reacting to President Donald Trump's refusal to disclose his returns during the 2016 campaign.

The legislation, which also applies to vice presidential candidates, has passed both houses of New Jersey's Democratic-controlled Legislature. It now goes to Governor Chris Christie, a Republican who supported Trump's campaign and had a role on the president's transition team. The governor's office declined to say whether he would sign it.

Trump bucked a tradition that dates back to the mid-1970s by refusing to release his tax returns, either as a candidate or after being elected.

"Donald Trump has eschewed at least 40 years of tradition by refusing to release his tax returns, raising an untold number of questions and possible ethical dilemmas," said Democratic Assemblyman John McKeon, one of the bill's sponsors.

"If Congress is unwilling to address this, hopefully other states will follow our lead," he said.

New Jersey is the first of at least 20 states considering similar legislation to send it to the governor's desk.

The bill passed the General Assembly on a largely party line vote of 49-to-25. The Senate, also controlled by Democrats, passed the legislation on Monday by a vote of 24-11.

The bill would require presidential candidates to release federal returns for at least their last five taxable years as a condition of having their names on the state ballot in general elections.

If Christie were to veto the legislation, it would require a two-thirds vote by the Legislature - comprised of the 40-seat Senate and 80-seat Assembly - to override the veto

Brian Murray, Christie's press secretary, declined to say what action the governor will take on the bill, citing a policy of not discussing legislation until it reaches the governor, and his staff has had "ample time to thoroughly review it."

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If Christie fails to take action on the measure, it will become law after 45 days.

Other state legislatures where similar measures are pending include Arizona, California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania Tennessee and Virginia.

(Reporting by Peter Szekely; Editing by Leslie Adler)
After weeks of speculation, we finally know where one of the industry's most in-demand designers is set to take her talents next.

After six remarkable years at Chloe, in January it emerged that British designer Clare Waight Keller had quit, and now, six weeks later, thanks to an official tweet, we now know that she's heading to one of the world's most storied French fashion houses -- Givenchy, where she will serve as its creative director.

Replacing Italian designer Riccardo Tisci -- who was in the position since 2005, Waight Keller will be bringing a remarkable track record and understanding to the role. As well as Chloe, she has worked at Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren and Gucci and has operated alongside the likes of Tom Ford, Christopher Bailey.
By Kim Palmer CLEVELAND (Reuters) - A Cleveland police dispatcher was suspended for eight days for failing to warn officers in the 2014 shooting of 12-year-old Tamir Rice that a 911 caller had described the scene as probably a child with a fake gun, the boy's family lawyer said on Wednesday. Reports of the suspension published in Cleveland on Tuesday led to criticism of authorities on social media under the Twitter hashtag #TamirRice, including "8 days suspension? How pathetic" and "the 911 dispatcher whose words lead to the terrible death of tamir rice, an INNOCENT 12 year old, should be FIRED, not simply suspended." The shooting of the black child, who was playing with a replica gun that fired plastic pellets, by two white police officers was one of several that fueled scrutiny of police use of deadly force across the United States, particularly against minorities. The family's lawyer Subodh Chandra said the dispatcher, Constance Hollinger, also received a disciplinary letter after a 10-month investigation that ended in February. An off-duty officer at the scene, William Cunningham II, was suspended for two days without pay. Samaria Rice, Tamir's mother, has urged that anyone involved in the shooting be fired and Chandra said the mother considered Hollinger's eight day suspension without pay unacceptable. Chandra publicly released a March 6 letter about the city's decision on Tuesday evening. City and police union officials confirmed the letter's legitimacy. The attorney for Hollinger, Keith Wolgamuth, could not be reached to comment. Hollinger received a 911 call on Nov. 22, 2014 reporting that a man was waving a gun outside a Cleveland Recreation center. Two officers responded and one fatally shot Rice within seconds of arriving. The letter from Public Safety Director Michael McGrath said Hollinger was disciplined because she neglected to tell responding officers that the 911 caller said Rice was probably a juvenile and the gun was probably fake. Officer Frank Garmback had his disciplinary hearing Monday and a decision in his case is pending, police union president Steve Loomis said. The hearing for Timothy Loehmann, who fired the fatal shot, has not been scheduled. A Cuyahoga County grand jury declined to bring criminal charges against the officers in 2015. A lawyer for the off-duty officer Cunningham, Henry Hilow, said he had not spoken to his client since the decision, so it was not yet known whether he would appeal. However, Hilow called it an "administrative violation." Last year, the city settled a civil lawsuit the family filed for $6 million. (Reporting by Kim Palmer, Editing by Ben Klayman and Grant McCool)
Public comments made by allies and advisors of President Donald Trump, as well as Trump himself, have been cited in the decision made by a federal judge in Hawaii, whose ruling temporarily blocked the White Houses revised travel ban targeting six predominantly Muslim countries hours before it would have come in to effect.

The plainly-worded statements from Stephen Miller, Rudy Giuliani and Trump himself all betray the Executive Orders stated secular purpose, wrote Judge Derrick Watson in his decision on Wednesday, which was blasted by Trump as judicial overreach.

Miller, senior White House policy adviser, told Fox News last month regarding the revised order, that fundamentally, youre still going to have the same basic policy outcome as the original. The ban sparked huge protests around the country when it was rolled out, and was later blocked by the Ninth Circuit Court.

Trump supporter and former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani also went on TV in January, after the announcement of the first travel ban, and said: When [Trump] first announced it, he said, Muslim ban. He called me up. He said, Put a commission together. Show me the right way to do it legally.

Read More: Immigrant, Refugee Advocates Cheer Hawaii Court Ruling on Travel Ban

The judge even cited Trumps own words from the campaign trail in December 2015, saying there is nothing veiled about his call for a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States.

Writing that there is nothing secret about Trumps motive regarding the order, Judge Watson concluded that the stated secular purpose of the Executive Order is, at the very least, secondary to a religious objective of temporarily suspending the entry of Muslims.
Hebron (Palestinian Territories) (AFP) - A Palestinian woman gave birth on Thursday to conjoined twin sisters who share a heart, her husband said, as he launched an urgent search for funds to pay for their surgical separation abroad.

"My wife and my two daughters are in hospital and doctors say they are all in good health," Anwar Zyadat told AFP in the Israeli-occupied West Bank city of Hebron.

"The operation that will allow them to be separated is impossible in Palestine, but doctors tell us that it might be doable in Saudi Arabia."

The two sisters, Acil and Hadil, who are joined at the waist, share a single heart and circulatory system, according to medics.

The operation, which would require the girls to reach Saudi Arabia through Jordan, is "very expensive," according to Zyadat.

"We don't know who can help, perhaps private donors, though no one has approached us so far," said the father of 10.

Many Palestinians receive medical treatment abroad, most often in Israel. Much of the costs are passed on to the Palestinian Authority that runs the occupied West Bank.

Last year two conjoined twins were born in the Gaza Strip but the sisters did not survive.
London (AFP) - Britain's ruling Conservatives made "numerous failures" in reporting expenses for several elections and breached campaign spending rules, an independent watchdog said Thursday in an embarrassing blow for Prime Minister Theresa May.

The Electoral Commission slapped its largest ever fine -- A70,000 (80,000 euros, $86,000) -- on the Conservatives after the party misreported expenses for the 2015 general election and three by-elections in 2014.

This was a further blow for May after a difficult week in which her Chancellor was forced into a humiliating budget U-turn and she was wrong-footed by a surprise call for a referendum on Scottish independence.

The head of the Electoral Commission, John Holmes, said the party's failure to follow the rules "undermined voters' confidence in our democratic processes".

The watchdog added that the fine was not "proportionate" to current campaign spending levels and called for tougher measures.

"There is a risk that some political parties might come to view the payment of these fines as a cost of doing business," Holmes said.

The Conservatives said they had complied fully with the investigation and would pay the fine.

"Political parties of all colours have made reporting mistakes from time to time," a party spokesman said.
Everyone loves a good snow day, especially the New Jersey police officers who found themselves in an all-out snowball fight against neighborhood kids on the playground.

Read: Operation Water Fight: Neighborhood Kids Take to Twitter to Challenge Cops to H2O War

Captain Arthur Del of the North Bergen Police Department told InsideEdition.com they had asked more officers to come into work on Tuesday, anticipating extra trouble from the snowstorm.

We beefed up manpower based on projections for the storm, Del said. These guys were patrolling when they came across a group of kids.

The officers then challenged the kids on a playground to a friendly snowball fight, and posted a video of the event to Facebook.

Read: Daredevil Defies New York Travel Ban to Race Around the City on a Snowboard

It doesn't look like a winner was declared in the battle, but it's clear that both sides had their fun.

We had the extra manpower, Del said. They went sledding with them [too].

Watch: 4-Year-Old Boy Hilariously Runs Away From Girl During Wrestling Competition

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Nepali woman gang raped in New Delhi

A New Delhi-based Nepali woman was gang-raped in the Indian Capital on Sunday, reported Hindustan Times.
The creators of the Broadway musical attended Wednesday by Ivanka Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said its especially important right now to tell a story about people being welcomed off a plane.

Trudeau brought Trump to see Come From Away, along with U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley and about 600 others invited by the Canadian consulate general in New York.

The musical, which opened Sunday, tells the story of more than 6,500 passengers who were stranded for days in Gander, Newfoundland when their planes were diverted following the 9/11 attacks. The musical takes its name from a Newfoundland tradition of referring to people not born on the island as Come From Aways.

Canadian husband-and-wife duo David Hein and Irene Sankoff, who were living in New York City on 9/11, began work on the musical years ago. By the time the play premiered in New York, it had taken on new political relevance. The show opened on Broadway this week amid a debate over President Donald Trumps revised immigration ban, which sought to restrict travel from six majority-Muslim countries and cited the 9/11 attacks as justification.

We clearly didnt have a crystal ball. We were telling a story that inspired us, and theres never a bad time to tell a story about human kindness, Hein told TIME. But particularly now, it feels important to us to tell a story about people being welcomed off a plane.

Broadway shows have already stepped into politics this year. The cast of Hamilton, which tells the story of American immigrant and founding father Alexander Hamilton, addressed then Vice President-elect Mike Pence when he saw the show in November.

The arts have always been political, Sankoff said. We werent trying to make any sort of statement with the show. We were trying to report on what happened [in Newfoundland after 9/11] because it was so astonishing.

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Hein noted that the musical opened to a bipartisan crowd in Washington, D.C. last year, and he said everyone in the audience still found something to celebrate. If theres any political statement, its that, he said. Its that we can find common ground and overcome our differences.

Hein and Sankoff said they were happy to have Ivanka Trump in the audience Wednesday. Ivanka was the Prime Ministers guest, and its just like the shows message, we welcome everyone, Sankoff said.

The story inspires us constantly, and we hope it inspires every audience member, Hein said. I hope it does the same for her.

Trudeau, who has pledged to welcome 300,000 immigrants to Canada this year, stands in stark contrast to Trump when it comes to immigration policy. Before the performance Wednesday night, Trudeau praised the close relationship between Canada and the U.S. The world gets to see what it is to lean on each other and be there for each other through the darkest times, he said, according to the New York Times.

Hein said it was powerful to watch Trudeau on Wednesday meet some of the Come From Aways and the Newfoundlanders who helped them in the aftermath of 9/11.

Theres a feeling right now of helplessness  how do we actually bridge the divide in this country? said Hein, who has dual citizenship in the U.S. and Canada. The show doesnt give a concrete example for each problem, but it suggests that common denominators might be a start.
Proposed cuts to a multi-billion dollar federal grant program that helps cities fund neighborhood development may have far-reaching implications for residents health, researchers say.

The Community Development Block Grant program, administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, provided about $3.2 billion last year for cities to renovate buildings, construct housing, and clean up neighborhoods. Additionally, a small portion of the grants fund health-related projects.

But the fund is slated for demolition in President Trumps budget blueprint, released Thursday  which public health researchers say could harm peoples well-being in a number of ways.

We know that having access to safe, decent, affordable housing is one of the key prerequisites for any shot at maintaining your health or your familys health, said Mariana Arcaya, an assistant professor of urban planning and public health at MIT.

In 2016, the federal government gave about $10 million of these grants to cities to clean up lead contamination in homes, for instance, according to HUD data.

Development funds can often bolster health on the community level. For example, earlier this year a grocery store opened in a food desert area of Wichita, Kan., thanks to the grant program.

Read more: Trump budget calls for slashing biomedical and science research funding

And some funding directly impacts health. Last year, about $30 million, or 1 percent of the programs funding, went to local health facilities and programs to provide physical and mental health services, according to HUD data.

A Chicago nonprofit has received $300,000 over the past three years to train police officers on how to interact with individuals experiencing mental health crises.

Without this training, we could be wrongly incarcerating many, many individuals who simply need mental health services, said Kerri Brown, the organizations chief administrative officer.

Tiffany Burnside, who managed the training program, said that the work was only possible because of the grant. The money paid for training the police officers, and also for door-to-door visits to residents, telling them to request a crisis-trained officer when calling 911 if they suspected the individual had a mental health condition.

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One program that has attracted particular attention is Meals on Wheels, an organization that provides low-cost meals to homebound individuals. Its unclear how the program will be impacted  some state programs may not receive federal block grants, while others depend heavily on them, said Jenny Bertolette, the organizations vice president of communications.

For example, block grants make up 30 percent of the budget of a Meals on Wheels program near Detroit. If they lost the money, theyd have to cut the number of meals they provide, or establish a waitlist, Bertolette said.

Asked Thursday about the Meals on Wheels program, Office of Management and Budget Director Mick Mulvaney told reporters at the White House that CDBG-related programs in general have not shown any results.

We cant spend money on programs just because they sound good, Mulvaney said. And great, Meals on Wheels sounds great. Again, thats a state decision to fund that particular portion.  Were $20 trillion in debt. Were going to spend money. Were going to spend a lot of money. But were not going to spend it on programs that cannot show that they actually deliver the promises weve made to people.

In fact, NIH-funded studies have shown that Meals on Wheels results in a number of demonstrable health-related outcomes beyond just reducing hunger. The program has been shown to increase seniors prescription drug adherence rates, reduce loneliness, and may reduce their risk of falls.

The blueprint is one of the first steps in the federal budget-making process. While nothing has been finalized, it indicates who and what the administration thinks is important.

Arcaya said that proposed cuts to this grant program, along with lower budgets for the Environmental Protection Agency, will disproportionately impact vulnerable and low-income residents.

I think that all of the cuts together paint a picture of a vision where the health of the country doesnt matter, and in particular, the health of low-income Americans doesnt matter, Arcaya said.

Lev Facher contributed reporting.
WASHINGTON (AP)  Democrats predictably slammed President Donald Trump's Thursday budget request, which mixed increases for the military and border security with remarkable austerity for many domestic programs. Perhaps more telling, however, was the reaction from Republicans, who gave it polite praise or none at all.

Here's a sampling:

REPUBLICANS

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.: "I'm pleased to see an increased focus on our national security and veterans budgets. These are positive steps in the right direction. I look forward to reviewing this and the full budget when it is released later this spring."

House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis.: "I welcome the president's blueprint for next year's budget, which turns the page from the last eight years .... I look forward to reviewing this with the Appropriations Committee and our entire conference."

House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mac Thornberry, R-Texas.: "The Administration's budget request is not enough to repair that damage and to rebuild the military as the President has discussed."

DEMOCRATS

House Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif: "President Trump is not making anyone more secure with a budget that hollows out our economy and endangers working families. Throwing billions at defense while ransacking America's investments in jobs, education, clean energy and lifesaving medical research will leave our nation weakened."

Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y.: "The President's proposed budget cuts are devastating to the middle class. Once again the Trump administration is showing its true colors: talk like a populist but govern like a special interests zealot. This budget shifts the burden off of the wealthy and special interests and puts it squarely on the backs of the middle class and those struggling to get there.

Rep. Nita Lowey, N.Y., top House Appropriations Democrat: "The $1.4 supplemental request for Homeland Security to construct a wall on the southern border is a nonstarter  it would be a multi-year, multi-billion dollar boondoggle. This unjustified request is based on nothing more than a campaign promise."
Kuala Lumpur (AFP) - Disney has asked Malaysia to overturn a decision to cut a "gay moment" in its film "Beauty and the Beast", a senior official said Thursday, as the studio reportedly postponed its release to resolve the issue.

The film, featuring "Harry Potter" star Emma Watson, has raised hackles worldwide among religious groups angered by its depiction of Le Fou, the sycophantic sidekick to antagonist Gaston, as a gay man, making him Disney's first ever out LGBT character.

After authorities in Muslim-majority Malaysia made cuts to a song featuring Le Fou, Disney initially said it would not show a censored version of the film, effectively shelving plans to release it in the Southeast Asian nation.

But on Thursday, Abdul Halim Abdul Hamid, head of Malaysia's Film Censorship Board told AFP "an appeal was sent by Disney to the home ministry".

Disney has now postponed the Malaysian release of the film, originally slated to open on Thursday, until March 30 to give the authorities time to rule on the matter, The Hollywood Reporter said.

Disney did not respond to AFP's request for comment.

The film's director Bill Condon has revealed that the movie contains Disney's "first exclusively gay moment", although some critics have said the reference is extremely mild and fleeting.

Abdul Hamid said the cuts concerned a song featuring Le Fou.

"The way he dances is... gay and the dialogue and the lyrics of the song are too. In the same scene he also lifts up his shirt and shows a love bite on his tummy," he said.

"Even I wanted to bring my grandchildren to watch it. But there are rules. We don't support LGBT."

Homosexuality is illegal in Malaysia, where laws criminalising sodomy can result in imprisonment, corporal punishment and fines.

Religious groups and Islamic scholars had previously called for the film to be banned over concerns that it would promote "negative values" in the country.

The film has also come under fire from religious figures in neighbouring Singapore, while Russia slapped an adults-only rating on the movie last week following pressure by an ultra-conservative lawmaker who was pushing for a ban.

Despite the controversy, the movie has already become the fastest-selling family film in history, outpacing previous record-holder "Finding Dory," according to online ticket seller Fandango, ahead of its release this week.
Jasmine was sold for sex in the Boston area for years. The primary care doctor she saw during that time had no clue that she was a virtual prisoner, a victim of human trafficking.

Every clinician fears the missed diagnosis. For this doctor, it was hiding in plain sight. Jasmine frequently came into the clinic to be checked for a sexually transmitted disease, worried that she had been infected even though she used a bleach douche every time a condom broke. More often than not she showed up with bruises and bumps. She struggled with addiction. And as a result of a head injury, she experienced chronic headaches.

To a clinician on the lookout for human trafficking, these were telltale signals that Jasmine was a victim of it. But trafficking wasnt on Jasmines doctors radar, who missed critical opportunities to disrupt her cycle of violence.

Human trafficking means using women and men, girls and boys against their will in underpaid and under-regulated industries that include domestic work, restaurants, commercial sex, agriculture, construction, nail salons, and more. Given its clandestine nature, no one knows the true scope of human trafficking. By one estimate, 21 million individuals are victims of this modern-day slavery.

Read more: I was just flabbergasted: This doctor fights human trafficking

At its core, trafficking is treating a human being as a commodity, exploiting him or her for profit. Victims become trapped through combinations of extreme psychological manipulation and shaming, financial bondage, rape, and physical abuse. Today, a growing number are bound to their traffickers by the perfect leash of a heroin or opioid addiction. When victims are no longer profitable to a trafficker, they are discarded; some are left to die.

I didnt have a single aha moment about the connection between human trafficking and health care. I heard about it in medical school, but it blended in with all the other things I was learning. When I heard about it again during my residency in emergency medicine, something clicked and I realized I had probably missed many patients who were being trafficked: the malnourished construction worker, the pregnant woman with unexplained bruises who could speak only Cantonese, the suicidal drug user, and more.

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I still wonder how things would have been different for them had I known about trafficking and somehow tried to stop their exploitation. I dream that I could have been part of their journeys to freedom. Instead, unaware of the true diagnosis  trafficking  I just treated their medical problems and released them from the emergency department back into their living hells.

Many believe there is no way out. After an unsuccessful suicide attempt, a trafficked patient recently told me, I wish it had worked. I wish I were dead.

Once I began to look in earnest for signs of trafficking, I began to see them. The first patient I recall identifying as likely being trafficked was a 20-something woman hooked on heroin who came into the emergency department suicidal and asking for detox from her addiction. Looking at patients through this lens has forced me to interrupt my rhythm of work, which once involved taking care of the medical issue at hand and getting on to the next patient.

The more I realized that human trafficking wasnt a rarity, I wanted to awaken my colleagues to the plight of this vulnerable population that many of them are not truly seeing. So I cofounded HEAL Trafficking in the fall of 2013. Today, HEAL Trafficking unites more than 800 health professionals around the globe to combat trafficking from a public health perspective. My colleague, Dr. Makini Chisolm-Straker, and I recently published a book, Human Trafficking Is a Public Health Issue, to draw attention to the problem.

Why do we need an effort like HEAL Trafficking? Two-thirds or more of individuals who are being trafficked in the US seek health care during their exploitation. Yet most US doctors assume that trafficking is something that happens in European countries, as in the movie Taken. But the reality is that girls, boys, women, and men are being trafficked every day in the US for sex and labor, sometimes in their own homes.

It happens to Americans and immigrants alike. In fact, Jasmine was born in the US to an Italian-American family.

Just as trafficking can take many different forms, so can its signs. Sometimes they are similar to the signs of domestic violence: bruises at multiple stages of healing, stories that dont match up with illnesses or injuries, and possibly a controlling individual  male or female  who demands to be part of the health visit. Victims of trafficking may not know where they are or how they got to the clinic or emergency department. Many dont have access to their identification documents. They may be malnourished, have late-stage cancer, or bear unusual tattoos or scars from being branded.

The health problems of trafficking victims tend to match what they have been exposed to as a result of their abuse. For a sex-trafficked American with a heroin addiction, it may be HIV and a heart infection; for a construction worker from Honduras, tuberculosis and a broken arm; for the Cantonese-speaking nail salon worker, it may be lung disease or other problems from long hours spent inhaling chemicals.

The mental health repercussions of trafficking are especially pernicious. Many survivors suffer from complex forms of post-traumatic stress disorder, struggle from addiction, or experience unexplained chronic pain. Some become suicidal.

Doctors can play a special role in breaking the cycle of human trafficking. We tend to meet people in moments of vulnerability. If we approach them with humanity and humility, they may entrust their deepest, darkest secrets, including something as shameful as being trafficked.

Responding to an admission of being trafficked must be victim-centered, multidisciplinary, trauma-informed, and culturally and gender sensitive. In other words, it isnt something a clinician should make up on the spot when a patient discloses that she or he is being trafficked. Thats why HEAL Trafficking has designed a protocol toolkit to help health systems design their responses. The National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888 is another source of information.

Jasmine was finally able to break free from her trafficker and is now running a ministry for trafficked women. But for every success story like hers, thousands of children and adults remain in captivity. Doctors can help some of them break free.

Hanni Stoklosa, MD, is an emergency department physician at Brigham and Womens Hospital, an instructor in emergency medicine at Harvard Medical School, executive director of HEAL Trafficking, and co-editor of Human Trafficking Is a Public Health Issue (Springer, February 2017).
The pioneering IVF treatment has been approved for the first time in the UK (Picture: REX Features)

British doctors have been granted permission to create babies from two women and one man for the first time ever.

The licence, which was granted to doctors in Newcastle, will see IVF being used to prevent genetic diseases.

Specifically the procedure will protect against mitochondrial diseases, which can leave sufferers with insufficient energy to keep their heart beating.

Responding to the news, medics at the Newcastle Fertility Centre hailed it as a momentous day and said that the first child to be created from the pioneering treatment could be born by the end of 2018.

Mitochondrial disease is only passed down from the mother  but the new technique aims to prevent this by mixing the mothers egg with the unaffected egg of a donor, along with their fathers sperm.

The child will have a tiny amount of the donors DNA  but it the technique has been found to be ethically and scientifically sound.

The first child to benefit from the procedure could be born by the end of the year (Picture: REX Features)

Prof Sir Doug Turnbull, the director of the Wellcome Centre for mitochondrial research at Newcastle University, said: I am delighted for patients as this will allow women with mitochondria DNA mutations the opportunity for more reproductive choice.

Mitochondria diseases can be devastating for families affected and this is a momentous day for patients who have tirelessly campaigned for this decision.

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The disease is caused by defective mitochondria  the tiny structures that exist in every cell which convert food into energy.

It affects one in 4,300 births  and can cause muscle weakness, blindness, learning disabilities, heart and liver failure, deafness and seizures and can also prove to be fatal.

However, the new technique will see the healthy mitochondria being provided by the donor, preventing the condition from being passed down.
After a monumentally messy start to their relationship, Donald Trumps incoming presidential administration has reached a detente  more or less  with an independent government agency in charge of preventing executive branch conflicts of interest.

In the weeks leading up to inauguration, White House Counsel Don McGahn  then leading the legal efforts of Trumps presidential transition team  met several times prior with officials from the U.S. Office of Government Ethics, according to emails and calendar entries obtained by the Center for Public Integrity through a Freedom of Information Act request.

The meetings began only after ethics office director Walter Shaub Jr. in November warned McGahn of imminent danger to Trump and his cabinet nominees, writing: I am not sure whether you are aware that announcing the cabinet without first coordinating with OGE is unprecedented and creates unnecessary risk for both the President-elect and the prospective nominees  [M]y goal here is to protect the President-elect, the prospective nominees and the executive branch ethics program by preventing real and apparent ethics issues.

Then-President Barack Obama nominated Shaub in 2012, and the U.S. Senate, after a confirmation hearing, confirmed him on a voice vote in January 2013. Shaub, a veteran private sector and government lawyer who contributed $500 to Obamas re-election campaign, is in the final year of a five-year term.

The Trump transition-Office of Government Ethics meetings  mostly by phone  took place in December and January and were scheduled for every Monday and Thursday for 45 minutes during the presidential transition period, an email from Matthew Marinec, confidential assistant to Shaub, indicates.

This story is part of Federal Politics. News about ethics, campaign finance, lobbying and influence in the federal government. Click here to read more stories in this series.

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Office of Government Ethics officials confirmed that four meetings with McGahn ultimately materialized, including one in person. In addition to McGahn, a former Federal Election Commission chairman who is now Trumps top lawyer, Jones Day attorney Ann Donaldson took part. Jones Day, a private law firm where McGahn was a partner before going to the White House, provided Trump with legal counsel during his campaign.

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In a statement, the White House described the meetings as routine.

The Office of Government Ethics and Trump, whose high-level political nominees often face significant ethics and financial divestment challenges, at first had no contact at all, routine or otherwise.

After Trump won the White House, Trumps transition team all but ignored the Office of Government Ethics attempts at communication. Shaub at one point lamented that his office had lost contact with the Trump-Pence transition and that reaching McGahn was proving to be difficult.

Then the ethics office  a small, independent agency charged with preventing conflicts of interest in the executive branch  went Twitter-ballistic in a decidedly Trumpian fashion. Armed with interjections and exclamation points, the typically straitlaced @OfficeGovEthics account mock-praised the incoming president for divesting his business empire  something Trump didnt actually do.

Had hackers commandeered the Office of Government Ethics accounts?

No. The tweets proved authentic, ordered up in late November by Shaub himself in hopes of steering Trump toward divestment.

The Office of Government Ethics meetings with the Trump transition team began soon after.

Related story: Two very different Donalds, one White House goal

Throughout the presidential transition period, Shaub remained skeptical of Trumps commitment to avoiding conflicts of interest. On Jan. 11, Shaub called the presidents plans to step back from  but not divest of  his sprawling business empire a meaningless act from a conflict of interest perspective.

The next day, U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Chairman Jason Chaffetz, a Utah Republican, sent Shaub a letter informing him that his agency was under review, citing its November tweets. Your agencys mission is to provide clear ethics guidance, not engage in public relations, Chaffetz wrote. Shaub met with Chaffetz's committee on Jan. 23 in what Shaub described as a candid and extremely useful gathering.

Officials at both the Office of Government Ethics and White House confirmed to the Center for Public Integrity that theyve remained in regular contact since Trumps inauguration.

But some of those exchanges havent been friendly.

In a March 9 letter to Trumps Deputy Counsel Stefan Passantino, Shaub wrote that he remains concerned about White House Special Counsel Kellyanne Conways misuse of position stemming from Conway asking people to buy merchandise made by Ivanka Trump, the presidents daughter. The White House had earlier declined to discipline Conway.

Shaub also rejected what he says is a White House assertion that White House employees are outside OGEs purview.

This story is part of Federal Politics. News about ethics, campaign finance, lobbying and influence in the federal government. Click here to read more stories in this series.

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Copyright 2017 The Center for Public Integrity. This story was published by The Center for Public Integrity, a nonprofit, nonpartisan investigative news organization in Washington, D.C.
By Lisa Rapaport (Reuters Health) - - A drone network could be deployed to speed defibrillators to bystanders trying to help people in cardiac arrest, getting the devices to the patient faster than emergency services, a recent Canadian study suggests. Researchers examined historical data on 53,702 cardiac arrests over 26,851 square kilometers (10,367 square miles) of rural and urban regions surrounding Toronto, Ontario, to see how drones might be deployed to get help to cardiac arrest patients more quickly than typical 911 response times. If drones were spread evenly across the region, researchers calculated that it would require 37 drones spread across 23 bases to get patients started on defibrillator treatment about one minute faster than they would have been if they waited for emergency services. Because the drone can fly in a straight line, potentially avoiding obstacles that the ambulance cannot, the drone can arrive to scene more quickly and be carrying a defibrillator that a bystander can use before the paramedics arrive, said Timothy Chan, director of the Center for Healthcare Engineering at the University of Toronto. Paramedics can take over after they arrive, but because survival from cardiac arrest is so time sensitive, even defibrillating the patient a minute before paramedics get there can make a huge difference, Chan said by email. By concentrating more drones in urban areas instead, it would require 28 drones on 15 bases to get aid to the patients an average of one minute faster, researchers report in Circulation. In their simulations, drones in the most urban areas yielded a best time savings of 6 minutes 43 seconds, and in the most rural areas, the best clocked times got the drone to the patient 10 minutes and 34 seconds sooner than historical 911 response times. In cardiac arrest, the heart stops abruptly, often due to irregular heart rhythms. Cardiac arrest may occur with no warning and is often fatal unless the heart can be restarted quickly. Automated defibrillators are already common in public places like restaurants and airports. These devices typically have electrodes that attach to the chest with sticky pads and deliver shocks based on what a computer in the defibrillator determines the person needs. Several companies and researchers have developed prototype drone technology that might be used to deliver defibrillators to the scene of a cardiac arrest, researchers note. Google, for example, has a patent for drone delivery of defibrillators and other medical supplies, and companies have also proposed using drones to deliver everything from pizza to official documents. In the study, researchers calculated that a regional network of 100 drones on 80 bases would be needed to reduce the time it takes to start defibrillators by three minutes. If they concentrated drones in areas with the most people, they would need 70 drones on 49 bases. If they could get drones to beat 911 times by 3 minutes, 92 percent of cardiac arrest patients would be treated faster under a drone system than they would be by relying on the typical emergency medical services network, the researchers conclude. One limitation of the study is that researchers used data only on confirmed cardiac arrest cases, not every suspected cardiac arrest called in to 911 dispatchers, the authors note. This might mean they underestimated the number of drones needed, because they would still need to be deployed on calls that turned out to be false alarms. Another drawback of the study is it doesnt calculate costs, which the authors note might be considerable. An effective drone delivery network would also require a massive public education effort to make sure enough bystanders know how to use the defibrillators, said Dr. Peter Pons, a professor emeritus of emergency medicine at the University of Colorado School of Medicine who wasnt involved in the study. This concept is in its infancy but there have been some initial efforts in this regard, Pons said by email. Drones were used to deliver small aid packages in Haiti after the earthquake, Pons said. They have also been used in a trial situation to fly laboratory test specimens from a remote location to an urban testing lab. There is certainly the potential for a drone to deliver a defibrillator when needed, Pons added. SOURCE: http://bit.ly/2mxR2dx Circulation, online March 2, 2017.
By Toby Sterling AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - While Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte's election success was hailed as a victory for pro-European forces over the far-right, the result may reflect more the fragmentation of protest votes than the half-hearted support of the EU by mainstream parties. Rutte's stance on the European Union during his campaign was hardly a full-throated endorsement, summarised by his party as "less nonsense from Brussels, and only things that are in the Dutch interest." Both Rutte's pro-business VVD party and his likely coalition partner, the conservative Christian Democrat Party, remain committed to European Union membership - but skeptical towards any increase in Brussels' powers. Pollster Maurice de Hond said a pre-election poll showed a majority of Dutch voters favor the European Union being slimmed down into a free trade zone, without free movement of labor. "Actually they'd like to pick and choose, but of course the reality is it's a two for one deal," he said. On immigration, Wilders' PVV did come in second fighting on a firmly anti-Islam platform, and the VVD and CDA have adopted much of Wilders' immigration platform. Among left-leaning parties, support for migrants is also limited. The Socialist Party, Green Left and Labour all support sheltering refugees, but ideally elsewhere, and are generally opposed to letting in economic migrants. NO LOVE FOR THE MAINSTREAM While mainstream parties may be relieved that Wilders made only modest gains in Wednesday's vote, few of them have cause for celebration. Wilders finished second, but he gained five seats in the 150-member Dutch parliament; Rutte lost eight seats to 33, while his pro-Europe junior coalition partner Labour suffered the worst defeat in its history, falling from 38 to 9 seats. Experts said there were several reasons why more voters didn't flock to Wilders, but chief among them is that unlike with the Brexit vote or the U.S. election, which were essentially binary choices, Dutch voters had a wide array of ways to voice discontent. Boukje Cuelenaere, head of survey Research at Centerdata, said voters' concerns were not confined to support or opposition to migrants or the EU. "In terms of topics, for the people we asked there were a lot of different issues involved," she said. While voters who oppose immigration could chose from among Wilders' PVV, Rutte's VVD or the CDA, a new right wing party also won two seats. Voters angry over inaction on climate change voted for Green Left, while the pro-European D-66 gained as the primary critic of Wilders' anti-Islam rhetoric. The hard-left Socialist Party, the Party for the Animals, and Denk, a party for the country's ethnic minorities were all also able to soak up protest votes. "One votes for the environment, another over immigration, a third over animal rights or the elderly  we have parties for each. Soon there will be one party for each seat in parliament, joked De Hond. (Reporting by Toby Sterling; additional reporting by Philip Blenkinsop)
The Hague (AFP) - Rotterdam's mayor gave his authorisation Thursday for a pro-Turkish protest against the Dutch police's handling of a violent demonstration in the port city last weekend.

The move came in the midst of an increasingly vitriolic dispute between Ankara and the EU after several countries including The Netherlands blocked Turkish ministers from attending campaign rallies to support President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Dutch police on Saturday used dogs, horses and a water cannon against stone-throwing pro-Turkish rioters in Rotterdam who staged an unauthorised protest against the bans.

Rotterdam mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb has given his approval for a new demonstration at 1600 GMT on Friday starting outside Rotterdam's central station.

"The demonstration has been asked for to defend the rights of Turks," said his spokesman Lennart de Jong.

Both Germany and The Netherlands blocked Turkish ministers from staging rallies to court the vote of expatriate Turks in an April 16 referendum on giving Erdogan greater powers.

Ankara was especially angered by The Netherlands which prevented the Turkish foreign minister's plane from landing and expelled the family minister, unleashing a string of Nazi jibes by Erdogan.
Nidhi takes up border killing issue with India

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs Bimalendra Nidhi said on Wednesday that India must express regret at the killing of Gobinda Gautam by Indias Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) in Kanchanpur district on March 9.
The Hague (AFP) - Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte Thursday strengthened his election win over rival anti-Islam MP Geert Wilders, as with almost all votes counted his party was credited with 33 seats.

Wilders celebrated too however as his far-right Freedom Party looked set to emerge the second largest in the 150-seat parliament, with a total of 20 MPs.

According to Dutch news agency ANP, with some 97 percent of votes counted, Rutte's Liberal VVD party had moved ahead from the exit polls issued in the immediate hours after Wednesday's ballot.

His win was eight seats down from the 2012 polls when his party won 41 seats.

But it will put Rutte in pole position to form the next coalition government, with party leaders set to get down to talks soon.

Wilders also boasted of his party's success as he has added five seats since the 2012 elections.

"We were the 3rd largest party of the Netherlands. Now we are the 2nd largest party. Next time we will be nr. 1!" he tweeted.

Earlier predictions had the PVV sharing second place with the Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA) and the Democracy party D66.

But the ANP calculated that they were both just pushed into joint third behind Wilders with 19 seats.

The burning question was now what would be the fate of Wilders and his PVV.

Wilders said early Thursday he was prepared to work with the new government if asked, but Rutte along with most party leaders have vowed to snub him. That would leave Wilders as the largest party in opposition.

The CDA and D66, long-established Dutch parties which have often been in government, would be natural partners for Rutte to form a centre-right coalition.

The three parties combined would have a total of 71 seats and would need a fourth to reach the 76 needed for a majority.
By Philip Blenkinsop AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - Dutch people voted on Wednesday in an election seen as a test of nationalist feeling magnified by a furious row with Turkey in recent days, the first of three polls this year in the European Union where anti-immigrant parties are seeking breakthroughs. The center-right VVD party of Prime Minister Mark Rutte, 50, is vying with the PVV (Party for Freedom) of anti-Islam and anti-EU firebrand Geert Wilders, 53, to form the biggest party in parliament. As many as 13 million voters began casting ballots at polling stations across the country that will close at 9:00 p.m. "I am voting for Wilders. I hope he can make a change to make the Netherlands better," said Wendy de Graaf, who was dropping her children off at school in The Hague. "I don't agree with everything he says...but I feel that immigration is a problem." Wilders, who has vowed to "de-Islamicise" the Netherlands, has virtually no chance of forming a government given that all the leading parties have ruled out working with him, but a PVV win would still send shockwave across Europe. The vote is the first gauge of anti-establishment sentiment in the European Union and the bloc's chances of survival after the surprise victory of EU-skeptic Donald Trump in the United States and Britain's 2016 vote to exit the union. France chooses its next president, with far-right Marine Le Pen set to make the second-round run-off in May, while in September right-wing euroskeptic party Alternative for Germany, which has attacked Chancellor Angela Merkel's open-door refugee policy, will probably win its first lower house seats. In the Netherlands, late opinion polls indicated a three percentage point lead for Rutte's party over Wilders', although these did not fully take into account a rupture of diplomatic relations with Ankara after the Dutch banned Turkish ministers from addressing rallies of overseas Turks. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan accused the Dutch of behaving like Nazis. Early indications are that the dispute may have helped both. NO CLEAR WINNER, WEEKS OF BARGAINING Unlike the U.S. or French presidential elections, there will be no outright Dutch winner, with up to 15 parties having a realistic chance of winning a seat in parliament and none set to gain even 20 percent of the vote. "The real overriding theme of this election campaign has been the splintering of the electorate," said pollster Maurice de Hond. "Although the conflict with Turkey helped the biggest parties, the final polls show that whichever finishes first is likely to do so with a record low percentage of the total vote." Experts predict a coalition-building process that will take months once the final tally is known. Rutte's last government was a two-party coalition with the Labour Party, but with no party polling above 17 percent, at least four will be needed to secure a majority in parliament. It would be the first such multi-party alliance since three in the 1970s. Two of those fell apart within 12 months. In Amsterdam, a special voting station at the Tolhuistuin, a music club, was open from midnight to 3 a.m. to pull in youthful voters, many of whom support Green Left, the environmentalist party expected to book the largest gains in the election. In a final debate Tuesday night, Wilders clashed with Lodewijk Asscher, whose Labour party stands to lose two-thirds of its seats in its worst defeat ever on current polling. Asscher defended the rights of law-abiding Muslims to not be treated as second-class citizens or insulted for wearing headscarves. "The Netherlands belongs to all of us, everyone who does their best" Asscher told Wilders, to applause from onlookers. Wilders shot back that Labour policies permitting immigration had cost the country "buckets of money", with high rates of unemployment and criminality among immigrants. "The welfare state that Labour once stood for - you used to stand for something - and an immigration country, they can't go together," he said. Front-runner Rutte, who is hoping Dutch economic recovery will help him carry the election, has been insistent on one thing - that he will neither accept the PVV as a coalition partner nor rely on Wilders to support a minority government, as was the case in 2010-2012. "I will not work with such a party, Mr Wilders, not in a cabinet nor with you supporting from outside. Not, never, not," Rutte told Wilders. (Additional reporting by Stephanie van den Berg in The Hague; Editing by Hugh Lawson and Dominic Evans)
By Francesco Guarascio and Alastair Macdonald BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Jeroen Dijsselbloem could well lose his role as chair of the EU body coordinating euro zone policy after his party was routed in a Dutch election although there is a chance he could retain it even if he is no longer finance minister in a new coalition. While other euro zone finance ministers may seek the post, there is a lack of obvious contenders, particularly given that many governments will resist appointing a politician from the right because conservatives hold most other top EU jobs. There has also been speculation that the Eurogroup could keep him on as chairman until his second 30-month term ends next January, even if he loses his national job. Even that isn't certain, although liberal Prime Minister Mark Rutte may struggle to retain Dijsselbloem in such a senior cabinet post after the Labour Party crashed from second to seventh place in preliminary results and lost more than three quarters of its seats. Neither man commented on the matter directly on Thursday. Dijsselbloem is due to represent the Eurogroup at a G20 meeting in Germany on Friday and to chair the monthly meeting of the 19 euro zone finance ministers in Brussels on Monday. Either way, he could remain the Netherlands' finance minister for months yet if Rutte -- who has made clear his appreciation of Dijsselbloem's work -- struggles to put together a new coalition. The premier's party lost seats and euroskeptics finished in second place. A future coalition might also cherish the added influence that keeping Dijsselbloem as Eurogroup president gives. In that case, it might opt to leave him in post while replacing the junior minister from Rutte's party that currently speaks for The Hague government within the Eurogroup while Dijsselbloem is chairing with a heavyweight new figure. POPULAR Dijsselbloem, 50, has been popular in the Eurogroup. He has balanced a background on the left with support from conservative Wolfgang Schaeuble, who wields Germany's power in the euro zone and has set strict terms for Greece and other bailed out states. Eurogroup rules do not stipulate the president must be a serving finance minister, though senior euro zone officials say that should generally be the case and doubt Dijsselbloem could secure another term without retaining his national portfolio. Longer term, there is talk of establishing a full-time presidency with its own staff, but that is not yet agreed. Party politics and a quest for influence by governments will play a role in any choice of replacement. The Eurogroup chair is one of four political presidencies of European Union institutions governing the euro currency. Following a shift at the European Parliament in January and the reappointment last week of Donald Tusk at the European Council of national leaders, all three others, including the executive European Commission, are held by the center-right. That complicates the longstanding ambition of conservative Spanish Finance Minister Luis De Guindos to replace Dijsselbloem and might improve the prospects of Slovak leftist Peter Kazimir. The latter said in January that he believed Dijsselbloem should serve out his term, however the Dutch voted. De Guindos told reporters on Thursday he would not speculate on the job. Other center-left ministers are Malta's Edward Scicluna and France's Michel Sapin, who faces elections in May and June. Portugal's center-left government, held up by some in the euro zone as a example of successful management of a bailout, is represented on the Eurogroup by Finance Minister Mario Centena, a politically independent professional economist. (Additional reporting by Anthony Deutsch in Amsterdam and Paul Day in Madrid; Writing by Alastair Macdonald; Editing by Catherine Evans)
HELSINKI (Reuters) - Smaller-than-expected gains for Geert Wilder's anti-Islam party in the Dutch election show that a political group must have a broad agenda to succeed, Finland's eurosceptic foreign minister Timo Soini said on Monday. "It shows how far a party with a narrow agenda can reach in an election... One should define a stance for fiscal policy, education policy, foreign policy and so forth. One must be a general party to succeed in election," Soini told reporters. Soini helped his moderate nationalist Finns party become the second-largest party in parliament and enter government in 2015 by distancing the party from Europe's far-right groups. But compromises in government have angered voters, and the party now ranks fifth in the polls with support of about 9 percent. Soini is due to step down from the party leadership in June in a move that may bring down the three-party government, and steer the Finns party deeper into right-wing populism. (Reporting by Jussi Rosendahl; Editing by Dominic Evans)
Washington (AFP) - National Security Advisor H.R. McMaster has tapped Dina Powell to become his deputy, promoting the Cairo-born banker and policymaker to a key White House role.

McMaster appointed Powell as deputy national security advisor with particular responsibility for developing strategy, a senior administration official told AFP.

She is expected to play a broad role in coordinating between military, diplomatic and intelligence agencies and implementing US foreign policy.

The appointment shows McMaster putting his imprimatur on the National Security Council, which had been run by retired general Michael Flynn until weeks ago.

He was forced to resign abruptly amid revelations that he misled the White House about his meetings with the Russian ambassador in Washington.

But many of his allies remain in office, including deputy national security advisor K.T. McFarland, a former Fox News analyst.

She is expected to remain at the National Security Council.

The deputy national security advisor is a vital position for the functioning of US foreign policy.

Almost all big decisions are run through the so-called "deputies committee" -- which the official chairs -- before framed for "principals," including the secretaries of state and defense and eventually the president.

Current and former NSC staffers complain that process has not been running smoothly under McFarland and has suffered from interference from Trump's political advisors.

Powell -- a former Goldman Sachs partner and assistant secretary of state who speaks Arabic -- had already been advising Trump on economic issues and is well-respected within the administration.

She was one of a handful of US officials who attended a meeting between Trump and Saudi Arabia's powerful deputy crown prince Mohammed bin Salman this week.
By Hadley Keller. Photos courtesy of Rejuvenation.

In a sunlit studio in Portland, Oregon, a man holds a giant glass orb atop a bronze bar while carefully weighting it to balance. No, this is not a high-stakes version of the famous egg-in-spoon lawn game, or some kind of artful magic trick. It's the precise process behind the newest lighting collection from Rejuvenation. The Portland-based company partnered with Sara Ossana and Jonathan Glatt, founders of Providence, Rhode Island's O&G Studio, to produce a line of Shaker-inspired furniture, whimsical hardware, and elegant lighting.

"The great thing about working with Rejuvenation is that we have all of these ideas that we can't necessarily produce in our tiny studio in Rhode Island," Glatt tells AD. In their partnership, the two RISD graduates, who began their company in 2009 and, in 2014, bought out an antique furniture reproduction company in Providence, which serves as their current studio, can use Rejuvenation's tools, factory, and expertise to bring their designs to fruition.

Nowhere is this more evident than in the Contrapesso lighting collection, whose form is a balance of new technology, traditional materials, and elegantly simple form. An 18-inch, handblown glass orb, lit by LED lights, rests on a small ring at the end of a brass rod. At the other end, it's balanced by a brass ball. Since the orbs are handmade, though, each is a slightly different weight, meaning each corresponding brass ball must balance accordingly, necessitating precise adjustments. "This collection really focuses on materiality by celebrating handblown glass and forged brass components which all execute a carefully cantilevered gesture," Ossana explains. Though the process may be complicated, the result is nothing if not graceful. Put simply, she says, "It's a seemingly effortless play on asymmetry, scale, and tension."

More: 5 Design Tips for a Stunning Bathroom Makeover

This story originally appeared on Architectural Digest.

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DUBAI (Reuters) - Passengers from six mainly Muslim countries who would have been barred from the United States under President Donald Trump's latest travel order will be allowed to board U.S.-bound flights on Emirates and Etihad Airways now that a federal judge has blocked it, the Middle East carriers said on Thursday. The executive order banning refugees and nationals of six Muslim-majority countries from traveling to the U.S. was temporarily halted on Wednesday, hours before it was to go into effect, by a federal judge in Hawaii. Emirates will follow guidance by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, issued after the court's decision, that citizens of Iran, Libya, Syria, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen would be accepted for travel to the U.S. if they possessed the necessary travel documents, an airline spokeswoman said by email. Etihad Airways "will continue to accept guests of all nationalities for travel to the U.S. provided they have valid travel documents and, if necessary, visas," an airline spokeswoman said. The Abu Dhabi-based carrier said it would continue to assist passengers affected by the recent executive orders but was advising them to check with their nearest U.S. mission as "U.S. travel requirements are subject to change." The Wednesday court ruling is only temporary, until broader arguments in the case can be heard. Trump said it made the United States look weak, and promised to take the case "as far as it needs to go. A notice on Qatar Airways' website said passengers would still need to have valid travel documents after the executive order was "enjoined." The revised order, which was less restrictive and removed Iraq from Trump's original list, was organized in coordination with airlines, industry group IATA has said, unlike the initial ban which came into immediate effect without notice. Trump signed the new ban on March 6 in a bid to overcome legal problems with the first order in January, which caused chaos at airports and sparked mass protests before a Washington judge stopped its enforcement in February. (Reporting by Alexander Cornwell; Editing by Mark Trevelyan)
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP)  The United Arab Emirates says one of its soldiers has been killed while serving in the Saudi-led war in Yemen.

A short military statement Thursday on the state-run WAM news agency announced the soldier's death, without offering a cause.

The UAE is one of Saudi Arabia's main allies in its war against Yemen's Shiite rebels, known as Houthis.

The war in Yemen has killed more than 10,000 civilians and displaced over 3 million people. It began when the Houthis and allied military units loyal to a former president seized Yemen's capital, Sanaa, in September 2014.

The Saudi-led coalition began its campaign in March 2015 in support of Yemen's internationally recognized government.

The war has ground into a stalemate. Peace efforts by the United Nations have faltered.
The second Counter-Strike: Global Offensive Major of 2017 is going down this July in Krakow, Poland, hosted by PGL.

The main event of the PGL Krakow Major will run from July 16 to 23, featuring the top eight "Legends" from the previous ELeague Atlanta Major  first place team Astralis, Vitrus.pro, SK Gaming, Fnatic, North, Na'Vi, FaZe Clan and Gambit Esports  going up against eight "Challengers" in group stages and playoffs.

Challengers will be decided in an offline qualifier in late-June/early-July. It will consist of teams that placed 9th-16th in the previous Major, and teams that make it through regional Minors in June.

The Krakow Major will be PGL's first CS:GO Major, although the organization has previously hosted minor CS:GO tournaments and the last Dota 2 Major in Boston. Regular CS:GO tournament host and caster Matthew "Sadokist" Trivett tweeted out a pretty positive outlook about the upcoming Major.

I've seen some ideas PGL have drafted. They aren't kidding when they say "you've never seen CS:GO like this." - This will raise the bar.  Matthew Trivett. (@Sadokist) March 15, 2017

ESL, which hosted the last summer Major with ESL One Cologne 2016, seems a bit miffed that they didn't get the Major status this time around.
By Aaron Maasho ADDIS ABABA (Reuters) - Emergency workers in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa searched through a mountain of garbage for the fifth consecutive day on Thursday as the death toll from a landslide at a rubbish landfill site rose to 115. The Horn of Africa country has declared three days of national mourning for the victims of the disaster that occurred at the 50-year-old Reppi dump on Saturday evening. Two bodies were uncovered on Thursday morning, rescue workers and residents taking part in the search said, a day after a government spokesperson raised the toll to 113, 75 of whom were women. "As the number of missing people is still high, we expect to pull more bodies out today and in the coming days," an emergency worker told Reuters. Residents of the area say at least 80 people remain unaccounted for. Dozens of victims have so far been buried at the Abune Aregawi Church nearby since Tuesday. Hundreds of people live near the dump, the city's only landfill site. Some of the victims scavenged for food and items that could be sold, such as recyclable metal. The landslide destroyed dozens of homes. Officials in the capital say they plan to resettle most of the tenants and build a waste-to-energy plant. Ethiopia is one of Africa's fastest growing economies, but the drive to industrialize has also stoked discontent among those who feel left behind. (Reporting by Aaron Maasho; Editing by Clement Uwiringiyimana)
One missing, another injured in Dolpa avalanche

An 11-year-old boy went missing in an avalanche at Chorkhola area in Kaike village council, Dolpa. Another man sustained serious injuries.
Brussels (AFP) - Some 1.2 million people sought asylum in the European Union last year, just slightly lower than in 2015 as conflict and upheaval in Syria and elsewhere keep driving people from their homes, EU figures showed Thursday.

The Eurostat statistics agency said that if the 2016 number was lower than the 1.26 million who came in 2015, it was still more than double the 562,000 of 2014.

Syrians were the biggest single group of first-time asylum seekers last year at 334,800, followed by Afghans on 183,000 and Iraqis 127,000.

Germany, which accepted nearly one million refugees in 2015, took in about 60 percent of the total number of migrants, some 722,300, Eurostat said.

Italy received 121,000 or 10 percent, France 76,000, Greece 49,000, Austria 39,000 and the United Kingdom 38,300.

The fact that the overall 2016 number was only slightly lower than that of 2015 likely reflects delayed recording of asylum requests and the fact that many people do not submit their application immediately on arrival in an EU member state, although under the rules they are supposed to do so.

The main feature of 2016 was the dramatic fall from about one million to around 363,000 migrant arrivals in Greece after an EU-Turkey accord in March that year, according to the International Organization for Migration.

Greece maintains that are still more than 62,000 refugees and migrants stranded in the country, a figure the UN refugee agency called into question Thursday.

A spokesman for UNHCR in Greece estimated the number of migrants at 46,000, saying Greek officials have not taken fully into account the relocation of some refugees while others have been sent back to Turkey or have voluntarily repatriated.
By Stephanie Nebehay GENEVA (Reuters) - The European Union called on Thursday for the United Nations to send an international fact-finding mission urgently to Myanmar to investigate allegations of torture, rapes and executions by the military against the Rohingya Muslim minority. A U.N. report last month, based on interviews with survivors in Bangladesh, said the Myanmar army and police had committed mass killings and gang rapes of Rohingya in a campaign that may amount to crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing. The EU draft resolution, submitted to the U.N. Human Rights Council, strengthens language in an earlier draft circulating that stopped short of demanding an international probe into alleged atrocities. The 47-member forum, currently holding a four-week session, is to vote on resolutions from March 23-24. If adopted, the Council would "dispatch urgently an independent international fact-finding mission" to Myanmar to investigate violations "with a view to ensure full accountability for perpetrators and justice for victims". Some 75,000 people have fled Rakhine state to Bangladesh since Myanmar's military began a security operation last October in response to what it says was an attack by Rohingya insurgents on border posts in which nine police officers were killed. The U.N. Security Council will be briefed behind closed doors on Friday on the situation in Rakhine state, at the request of Britain, diplomats said in New York. The EU resolution calls on the government of Aung San Suu Kyi to "fully cooperate with the fact-finding mission, including by making available the findings of the domestic investigations". Activists say that national efforts have not been credible and have called for an international inquiry. Myanmar has denied almost all allegations of human rights abuses in northern Rakhine and says a lawful counterinsurgency campaign is under way. Yanghee Lee, U.N. special rapporteur on Myanmar, told the rights council on Monday that the government may be using bureaucratic means to get rid of the Rohingya. She cited dismantling of homes and use of a household survey whereby those absent may be struck off the list that could be the only legal proof of their status. A panel led by former U.N. chief Kofi Annan said earlier on Thursday that Myanmar should immediately start allowing Rohingya to return home and ultimately close rundown camps for the displaced. (Reporting by Stephanie Nebehay; additional reporting by Michelle Nichols in New York; Editing by Alison Williams and Pritha Sarkar)
The Hague (AFP) - European leaders heaved a sigh of relief Thursday after the Dutch voted Prime Minister Mark Rutte's Liberal party back into power ahead of the far-right, with all eyes turning to polls later this year in France and Germany.

"The Dutch election carries the hope of success, not just in keeping Europe together but in... bringing together once again all of our citizens," said German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel.

After the Brexit vote and Donald Trump's victory in the US, Wednesday's election was seen as a gauge of the rise of populism in Europe.

It was "a victory for common sense and a great start for Europe's election season," said Holger Schmieding, chief economist with Berenberg bank.

The fact that most Dutch voters had "rebuked the siren songs of the populists may help a little" before a French presidential vote in April and May, and a general election in September in Germany.

After flirting for some months with putting anti-Islam MP Geert Wilders at the helm of the country of 17 million people, in the end Dutch voters, who turned out in droves, opted for stability in one of the eurozone's biggest economies.

With 100 percent of votes counted, Rutte's Liberal VVD was seen as emerging as the largest party in the 150-seat parliament with 33 seats, public broadcaster NOS said according to its own tally.

That is about 21 percent of the vote and eight seats less than in the last election in 2012.

But officials acknowledged that as the largest group in the parliament the VVD had won the right to take the lead in seeking to form the next coalition.

For more news videos visit Yahoo View, available now on iOS and Android.

- 'Far-right fascination over' -

Instead of knocking out Rutte, Wilders and his Freedom Party (PVV) came second with 20 seats, or roughly just 13 percent of the vote, NOS said.

Wilders however had reason to crow.

"We were the 3rd largest party of the Netherlands. Now we are the 2nd largest party. Next time we will be nr. 1!" he tweeted.

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The leader of France's far-right National Front, Marine Le Pen, who called Wilders "a patriot" for his anti-immigration stand, is also seen as doing well enough in her country's presidential poll to reach the second round.

But analyst Hajo Funke, from Berlin's Free University, said the Dutch result showed "the fascination for the rise of right-wing populism in Europe is over".

People had seen right-wing populism "can destroy countries' economies and trigger a chain-reaction of destruction in Europe".

Rutte is unlikely to ask Wilders to join him in the new coalition, having been stabbed in the back in 2012 when the MP withdrew his support for the government over austerity talks, forcing a snap election.

"I think it will be difficult for them to negotiate about lot of issues. But I think within a couple of months we will see a centre-right government being formed with these results," Leiden University analyst Geerten Waling told AFP.

- Coalition talks -

All top party leaders gathered for the first time since the vote at the centuries-old Dutch parliament Thursday as outgoing health minister Edith Schippers was appointed to start the process of trying to see which parties could work together.

Rutte said the coalition-building could be "a complex formation" taking several weeks, as the programmes of different parties have to be married.

Wilders adopted a conciliatory tone, saying he was willing "to talk to everybody including Mr Rutte," and willing "to help govern".

"It's prudent to talk to us, because brushing us aside, as the second-largest party would not be a very good idea."

Rutte has however already ruled out working with Wilders again, and is more likely to turn to natural coalition partners the Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA) and Democracy party D66 which came joint third with 19 seats each.

Rutte plus the CDA and D66 would have 71 of the 76 seats needed for a parliamentary majority.

That means they would have to woo a fourth party for a centre-right coalition. Two contenders could be the Christian Union with five seats or the more orthodox Calvinist Reformed Political Party (SGP) which took three.

One of the biggest winners in the election was Jesse Klaver who has turned around the fortunes of his ecologist, left-wing party GroenLinks.

The charismatic leader appears to have drawn huge support among younger voters, and boosted his party from just four seats to 14. But it remains unclear if he would agree to work in a coalition dominated by centre-right parties.
By Foo Yun Chee BERLIN (Reuters) - Europe's antitrust chief on Thursday warned companies against using algorithms to block rivals or form cartels, saying she may slap heftier fines on them if they use such software to commit wrongdoing. European Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager, who is poised to fine U.S. technology giant Google in the coming months for using its algorithm to unfairly demote rival shopping services in internet search results, said she was vigilant to such illegal practices. "I don't think competition enforcers need to be suspicious of everyone who uses an automated system for pricing. But we do need to be alert," Vestager said at a conference organized by the German cartel office Bundeskartellamt. She pointed to the challenge of tackling sophisticated cartels which use software to fix prices and allocate markets among themselves to the detriment of customers and the economy, saying sanctions should reflect and deter this new tool used by companies. "So as competition enforcers, we need to keep an eye out for cartels that use software to work more effectively. If those tools allow companies to enforce their cartels more strictly, we may need to reflect that in the fines that we impose," Vestager said. The European Commission can penalize companies up to 10 percent of their global turnover for breaching EU antitrust rules. (Reporting by Foo Yun Chee; editing by Robert-Jan Bartunek)
By Brendan Pierson

(Reuters) - A former investment adviser at an Oppenheimer Holdings Inc was sentenced to six months' imprisonment Wednesday after he pleaded guilty to insider trading based on information from a childhood friend working at Pfizer Inc.

David Hobson, 48, was sentenced in federal court in Manhattan by U.S. District Judge Laura Taylor Swain, who recommended Hobson serve his sentence at a halfway house. Hobson was also ordered to forfeit more than $385,000.

Prosecutors had sought a sentence of at least two years.

Prosecutors charged that Hobson, a Providence, Rhode Island resident, began his insider trading in 2008 while working at Royal Bank of Canada unit RBC Capital Markets and continued at Oppenheimer & Co Inc.

Hobson pleaded guilty to the charges last October. He admitted that he traded on inside information from Michael Maciocio, who at the time was a director of chemical research and development at Pfizer.

Maciocio, who pleaded guilty in May as part of a deal to cooperate with prosecutors, no longer works at Pfizer.

Maciocio's duties included evaluating whether Pfizer would be able to manufacture drugs being developed by other companies that Pfizer might buy or partner with, according to prosecutors.

While Maciocio was not typically told the identities of companies in potential deals, he was often able to identify them through his own research, sometimes with Hobson's help, prosecutors said.

Maciocio then passed the information to Hobson, his stockbroker, who executed trades in accounts belonging to himself, Maciocio, and clients of Oppenheimer and RBC, prosecutors said.

Trades by Hobson in the stocks of Medivation Inc, Ardea Biosciences Inc and Furiex Pharmaceuticals Inc resulted in profits of $165,000 for himself, $40,000 for Maciocio and $150,000 for certain of Hobson's clients, prosecutors said.

The case is U.S. v. Hobson, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, No. 16-cr-351.

(This version of the story has been corrected at paragraph 6 to say that Michael Maciocio is no longer a Pfizer employee.)

(Reporting by Brendan Pierson in New York)
By Alexandra Ulmer and Marianna Parraga CARACAS/HOUSTON (Reuters) - Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA has offered Russian counterpart Rosneft a stake in a joint venture in the country's Orinoco Belt extra-heavy crude area, five industry sources said, in a sign of the Latin American nation's dire economic situation and Moscow's growing muscle there. Rosneft , Russia's top oil producer, has been offered a 10 percent stake in the Petropiar joint venture. PDVSA [PDVSA.UL], as Petroleos de Venezuela SA is known, has a 70 percent share, and U.S. oil company Chevron Corp holds 30 percent of the venture, which includes an oil field and a 210,000 barrel-per-day oil upgrader. Two sources said the offer was part of a larger package offered to Rosneft as PDVSA seeks to raise money to pay suppliers and bond holders. It is unclear if Rosneft will accept the offer. Financial details of the potential transaction were not immediately available. PDVSA and Venezuela's Oil Ministry did not respond to requests for comments. Chevron and Rosneft declined to comment. A deal would see California-based Chevron working alongside state-owned Rosneft, which has been affected by U.S. sanctions against Russia. But Chevron's main concern is that accounting and transparency laws are less strict in Russia than in the United States, a source close to the matter said. The proposal highlights Venezuela's need for cash after the nation's oil output fell about 10 percent last year, according to the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries. This has worsened a recession that has millions of Venezuelans skipping meals amid food shortages and spiraling inflation. The opposition-controlled National Assembly says President Nicolas Maduro's unpopular government is resorting to surreptitiously selling strategic assets to weather the unprecedented crisis. "Any deal of national interest must be approved by the National Assembly," tweeted lawmaker Jose Guerra, head of congress' finance commission, in reaction to Reuters' article. "If PDVSA sells 10 (percent) of Petropiar to Rosneft, that sale is null and void." MOSCOW'S MUSCLE Rosneft has already been gaining ground in Venezuela, an OPEC member. Last year, the company paid $500 million to increase its stake in the Petromonagas joint venture from 16.7 percent to 40 percent, the maximum foreign partners are allowed to have under oil sector regulations created under late leader Hugo Chavez. "The ballpark value of the two projects (Petromonagas and Petropiar) probably isn't that different," said Francisco Monaldi, fellow in Latin American energy policy at the Baker Institute in Houston. The Petromonagas sale also raised the ire of the National Assembly, which said the purchase was illegal because Congress did not approve it. Critics have also said the stake was sold too cheaply. In another controversial move, PDVSA last year used 49.9 percent of its shares in coveted U.S. subsidiary Citgo as collateral for loan financing from Rosneft. PDVSA said this month it had received $1.985 billion from an unnamed client in return for future oil shipments, with Citgo shares used as a guarantee. In total, Rosneft has lent PDVSA between $4 billion and $5 billion, but the details of those deals have not been disclosed. "We must thank life that Russia and the world have a Vladimir Putin," Maduro said at a deal-signing event with Rosneft head Igor Sechin last year. "I wanted to be here at this event because of how important relations with the new Russia are." (Additional reporting by Ekaterina Golubkova and Vladimir Soldatkin in Moscow; Writing by Alexandra Ulmer; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)
PARIS (Reuters) - An explosion at the IMF's offices in Paris, which injured one employee, was caused by a homemade device, said the head of the French capital's police force on Thursday. "It was something that was fairly homemade," police chief Michel Cadot told reporters. Cadot said there had been some telephone threats made in recent days, but it was not clear if these were linked to the incident at the IMF's offices. President Francois Hollande said French authorities would do all they could to find those responsible for the incident. (Reporting by Bate Felix and Sudip Kar-Gupta; Editing by Richard Balmforth)
Reinstating fertilizer order could result in Rs1b loss

The Agriculture Inputs Company (AIC) has said that it could lose Rs1 billion if it obeys a court ruling to reinstate an order for fertilizers placed with an Australian company seven years ago.
By Sophie Louet and Bate Felix PARIS (Reuters) - A female employee of the International Monetary Fund suffered injuries to her face and arms on Thursday when a letter bomb mailed from Greece and addressed to the world lender's European representative blew up as she opened it, officials said. The letter, which had arrived by mail, exploded as it was opened by a secretary at the institution's office in an upscale part of Paris. The secretary, whose hearing was also affected, was receiving treatment but her injuries were not life-threatening, Paris police chief Michel Cadot told reporters. The blast caused little damage to the office. The letter was intended for the IMF's European representative, according to police. Jeffrey Franks, a 24-year veteran of the fund, has been director of the IMF's Europe office since March 2015, according to its website. Paris anti-terrorism prosecutors opened an investigation. A militant Greek group, Conspiracy of Fire Cells, claimed responsibility for a parcel bomb mailed to German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble on Wednesday, but there was no immediate claim for the Paris attack. However, a Greek return address was on the envelope which exploded in Paris, Greece's public order minister said in Athens. "French authorities just informed us that it was mailed from Greece," Nikos Toskas told Ant1 Television. The explosion was caused by a device that was fairly home-made, "like a big fire cracker," police chief Cadot said. Asked if the head of the IMF's European office had received threats, Cadot said: "There had been some phone calls in recent days but they don't seem necessarily to be linked to this matter." The IMF has been involved in talks between Greece and its international creditors on disbursing new loans to Athens under a bailout program. In a separate incident, a teenage student opened fire on Thursday at a high school in southeastern France injuring three people, including the headmaster, the interior ministry said. France, which is in the middle of a campaign for presidential elections in six weeks time, has been hit by attacks by Islamist groups in the last few years that have killed scores of people and the country is still in a state of emergency with army units patrolling the streets of Paris. President Francois Hollande said French authorities would do all they could to find those responsible for the attack on the IMF. "I want to tell all those who work for this great institution that we are by their side," he said. IMF chief Christine Lagarde, a former French economy minister, condemned the explosion as "a cowardly act of violence." "I ... reaffirm the IMF's resolve to continue our work in line with our mandate. We are working closely with the French authorities to investigate this incident and ensure the safety of our staff," she said. (Additional reporting by Marine Pennetier, Jean-Baptiste Vey, Emmanuel Jarry and by Lefteris Papadimas, Karolina Tagaris and Michele Kambas in Athens; Writing by Adrian Croft and John Irish; Editing by Richard Balmforth)
By Sophie Louet and Bate Felix PARIS (Reuters) - A female employee of the International Monetary Fund suffered injuries to her face and arms on Thursday when a letter bomb mailed from Greece and addressed to the world lender's European representative blew up as she opened it, officials said. The letter, which had arrived by mail, exploded as it was opened by a secretary at the institution's office in an upscale part of Paris. The secretary, whose hearing was also affected, was receiving treatment but her injuries were not life-threatening, Paris police chief Michel Cadot told reporters. The blast caused little damage to the office. The letter was intended for the IMF's European representative, according to police. Jeffrey Franks, a 24-year veteran of the fund, has been director of the IMF's Europe office since March 2015, according to its website. Paris anti-terrorism prosecutors opened an investigation. A militant Greek group, Conspiracy of Fire Cells, claimed responsibility for a parcel bomb mailed to German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble on Wednesday, but there was no immediate claim for the Paris attack. However, a Greek return address was on the envelope which exploded in Paris, Greece's public order minister said in Athens. "French authorities just informed us that it was mailed from Greece," Nikos Toskas told Ant1 Television. The explosion was caused by a device that was fairly home-made, "like a big fire cracker," police chief Cadot said. Asked if the head of the IMF's European office had received threats, Cadot said: "There had been some phone calls in recent days but they don't seem necessarily to be linked to this matter." The IMF has been involved in talks between Greece and its international creditors on disbursing new loans to Athens under a bailout programme. In a separate incident, a teenage student opened fire on Thursday at a high school in southeastern France injuring three people, including the headmaster, the interior ministry said. France, which is in the middle of a campaign for presidential elections in six weeks time, has been hit by attacks by Islamist groups in the last few years that have killed scores of people and the country is still in a state of emergency with army units patrolling the streets of Paris. President Francois Hollande said French authorities would do all they could to find those responsible for the attack on the IMF. "I want to tell all those who work for this great institution that we are by their side," he said. IMF chief Christine Lagarde, a former French economy minister, condemned the explosion as "a cowardly act of violence." "I ... reaffirm the IMF's resolve to continue our work in line with our mandate. We are working closely with the French authorities to investigate this incident and ensure the safety of our staff," she said. (Additional reporting by Marine Pennetier, Jean-Baptiste Vey, Emmanuel Jarry and by Lefteris Papadimas, Karolina Tagaris and Michele Kambas in Athens; Writing by Adrian Croft and John Irish; Editing by Richard Balmforth)
A federal judge appointed by George W. Bush took President Trump to task for his criticism of judges, even as he was writing a dissent that took Trumps side in the disputed travel ban.

U.S. Appeals Court Judge Jay Bybee did not mention Trump by name, but he did refer to one of the parties in the lawsuit leveling personal attacks on judges.

Such personal attacks treat the court as though it were merely a political forum in which bargaining, compromise, and even intimidation are acceptable principles, he wrote in a dissent. The courts of law must be more than that, or we are not governed by law at all.

After a federal judge in Washington state  also appointed by Bush  ruled against Trumps first executive order barring immigration from seven Muslim-majority countries, Trump called him a so-called judge in a tweet. He later called a panel of judges reviewing the decision so political.

Bybee said the ad hominem attacks didnt help Trump make his case.

The personal attacks on the distinguished district judge and our colleagues were out of all bounds of civic and persuasive discourseparticularly when they came from the parties, Bybee wrote. It does no credit to the arguments of the parties to impugn the motives or the competence of the members of this court.

Confirmed by the Senate in 2003, Bybee previously served as a lawyer in the Bush White House, where he signed the so-called torture memos which permitted enhanced interrogation on detainees.

He was joined by Judges Alex Kozinski, Consuelo Callahan, Carlos Bea and Sandra Ikuta in the dissent.
Ask someone what the moral of the story is for Beauty and the Beast  especially someone whos only ever seen the animated Disney version  and he or she is likely to say that the story teaches audiences not to judge people by their looks. But, ever since its first publication in 1740, the story has had another, perhaps even deeper takeaway: the importance of a womans right to choose her own husband.

That moral is underscored by Emma Watsons reimagining of the character in Disneys live-action version, out Friday. [Belle is] absolutely a Disney princess, but shes not a passive charactershes in charge of her own destiny, Watson told Vanity Fair.

The latest version of Beauty, called Belle in the movie, echoes similarities to the original storys themes of choice, or lack thereof, for 18th century French women.

Its a story written and published by a woman, with a strong female character at its lead, who is very reflective and intelligent and she makes her own choices, which is not something you saw in French literature or in French society at the time, says Paul Young, Associate French Professor at Georgetown, who teaches a course on 17th and 18th century French literature.

The original story was published in 1740 by Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve in the French literary journal La Jeune Americaine et les contes marins, but thats not the most well-known version of the tale. The year after Villeneuves death in 1755, Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont edited and condensed the original version and published it in a journal geared toward children and young adults called Magasin des enfants.

The original text varies from how the story is known today, as readers had more background about Beauty and Beasts families, including Beautys siblings (two of whom are greedy sisters), how she entertains herself in the castle (besides reading), what she dreams about (a handsome prince) and how frightening the Beast is. (In the original, he has an elephant-like trunk.) Some of the themes of the oppression of women were lost in the revised and shorter 1756 version, Young says. Over the years, that message became even more obscured.

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For noblewomen in France in the 17th and 18th centuries, especially in the really important families, women would not be marrying for love, theyd be marrying someone their father would pick out for them because it was a good marriage politically or financially, he says. So in the text, for example, Beauty is 16, which is typical marrying age in the 18th century. And 16-year-old girls would meet their much older husbands-to-be without much time to prepare.

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As Beauty makes the decision to save her fathers life by staying with the Beast, which she does in many versions of the story, shes confronted with her own version of not being prepared for what shes getting into. As such, the story can be read in two different ways. On one side, theres Beautys agency in making the risky choice to be with Beast, rather than a more conventional set-up that her father might have arranged for her. On the other side, theres the fear of the unfamiliar man she entrusts with her life  a feeling that would have been familiar to young readers who lacked that agency.

Shes, like, well now its just me and this creature Ive never met and Im in this chateau and Im scared, Young says. I think that probably resonated with young female readers, and thats a common trope you see in a lot of 17th and 18th century French literature.

Beasts otherness is a crucial element of the fairy tale, says Henriette Goldwyn, a clinical French professor at New York University.

The evolution of Beautys feelings for Beast, from repulsion to love once she discovers his kindness and generosity, Goldwyn says, could relate not only to marriage customs at the time but also to Villeneuves Protestantism. Protestants in 17th century France were very much outcasts from mainstream society, so the message about the hidden charms of outsiders would speak to them. In addition, Protestants were thought by some to represent a more liberal, free-thinking group of people than the Catholics in power, in keeping with Beautys exercise of personal liberty.

And, while the story is certainly sharing a moral for female readers, Young says its clear theres a message for men as well. In fact, theres a scene where Beast asks to sleep with Beauty, quite literally, to sleep beside her. Having a stranger in bed with her is, on its own, terrifying.

She has this moment of trepidation and shes worried most about that he seems like hes really heavy and since hes big shes afraid hell take up all the room, he says. They cant just assume theyve been thrown into a marriage with someone they dont know and they can just act like its a regular marriage right away.

Theres clearly no one moral of the tale as old as time, which is evident even through peripheral characters, too. In fact, the upcoming live action adaption includes a subplot with an openly gay character (Disneys first of this kind), providing a more modern moral. Belles example of choice  whether its choosing the seemingly unconventional husband despite societal norms or choosing to enter a forced marriage with an open mind  will continue to be evident in the live action version and future adaptations as well. Thats especially true in light of how its become a focal point of Watsons publicity campaign around the movie. The actress came under fire by fans who questioned her feminism after she posed for a photo in Vanity Fair that exposed cleavage.

Feminism is about giving women choice, she said. Its about liberation, its about equality.

So, too, is Beautys own story.
MIAMI BEACH, Fla. (AP)  Florida expects to win its fight against flesh-eating maggots that threaten small, endangered deer in a national wildlife refuge, the state agriculture commissioner said Thursday.

"It's too early to declare mission accomplished," Commissioner Adam Putnam said, but he added that no wild screwworm flies have been found in the island chain known as the Florida Keys since Jan. 10.

That amounts to three life cycles of the parasite, and officials have decided it's safe to begin winding down efforts to keep the screwworms from spreading from the island chain onto the mainland, Putnam said.

New World screwworm can eat livestock and pets alive, and once cost the U.S. livestock industry millions every year. There hadn't been a U.S. infestation in over 30 years, until agriculture officials confirmed in September that screwworm was killing the dog-sized Key deer whose range is limited to a national wildlife refuge.

To kill the parasite's population, millions of male screwworm flies sterilized with radiation have been released since October over the Keys and agricultural areas south of Miami.

Putnam said those releases will end in late April. The last batches of sterilized flies will still offer protection through the deer's spring fawning season.

The state also plans as early as next week to shut down a highway checkpoint where animals leaving the Keys were inspected for screwworm infections. A stray dog found near Homestead in early January was the only animal on the mainland to show signs of screwworm.

The Keys' isolation helped control the infestation, Putnam said.

"We had better control of access to the Keys, because we had one road in and one road out," he said. "Unfortunately, the most impacted species was one of the rarest, the Key deer."

The infestation killed 135 Key deer, but none have died and no new infections have been reported since an infected deer was euthanized in early January, said National Key Deer Refuge Manager Dan Clark.

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Only about 650 deer survive in the unique herd. Up to eight deer each day had to be euthanized during the infestation's peak, between October and December, but the infections slowed as sterilized flies saturated the area, Clark said.

"We were concerned with how fast we were losing deer, but things turned after that," Clark said.

Monitoring of the deer will continue, but the animals likely will stop receiving anti-parasite medications over the next month.

It's still unclear where the screwworms came from. A traveler must have brought the parasite into the area around the refuge on Big Pine Key, but the genetic makeup of the flies in Florida doesn't match screwworm populations identified in the Caribbean, Putnam said.
By Dan Whitcomb

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Former Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca was convicted on Wednesday on federal charges stemming from what prosecutors said was an attempt to thwart an FBI investigation into corruption at his department.

Baca, 74, was found guilty on one count each of obstruction of justice, conspiracy to obstruct justice and lying to federal agents by a U.S. District Court jury after less than two days of deliberations.

"The former sheriff has now been held accountable for overseeing a widespread scheme to obstruct justice by issuing orders designed to protect a corrupt culture, acting U.S. Attorney Sandra Brown said in a written statement.

Baca's defense attorney, Nathan Hochman, said in an emailed statement that he expected to prevail on appeal.

"The government took a win-at-all-costs approach and we fought the good fight every day in court," Hochman said in the statement. "The jury system is the hallmark of the American legal system, but the jury is only as good as the evidence they get to hear. Here, key evidence was kept from the jury."

Baca, speaking to reporters outside the court, said, "I also want to say I appreciate the jury system. My mentality is always optimistic. I feel good," according to local City News Service.

He faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, although federal sentencing guidelines typically call for less time. A hearing was set for Monday to schedule his sentencing.

The verdicts came following Baca's second trial on the charges. A mistrial was declared in the first trial in December after a jury deadlocked.

Baca pleaded guilty in February 2016 to one count of lying to federal investigators, but withdrew the plea six months later after a federal judge ruled that the six-month prison term prosecutors recommended as part of the agreement was too lenient.

The case stems from a wide-ranging federal probe of inmate abuse and other wrongdoing by sheriff's deputies, including cover-up attempts, at two downtown Los Angeles jails.

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Baca retired in 2014 in the midst of the investigation, which has led to 17 convictions.

His attorneys contend that Baca was unaware of efforts inside his department to impede the investigation, and sought to blame his former second-in-command, Paul Tanaka.

Baca's lawyers also say he is suffering from the early stages of Alzheimer's disease. They were blocked by the judge from raising that issue as a defense.

Tanaka is currently serving a five-year prison sentence.

(Reporting by Dan Whitcomb; Editing by Grant McCool and Leslie Adler)
The chief of staff for former President Barack Obama says President Trumps claim that Obama ordered wiretapping at Trump Tower ahead of the 2016 the election is just plain wrong.

The president cannot order a wiretap, Denis McDonough, who served as Obamas chief of staff throughout his second term, said on CBS This Morning on Thursday. The president does not order a wiretap. The president did not order a wiretap.

McDonough pointed to Obamas official response to Trumps charge.

The president cannot order a wiretap, does not order a wiretap and did not order a wiretap."  Obama's Chief of Staff @DenisMcDonough. pic.twitter.com/XNZ2w2R85f  CBS This Morning (@CBSThisMorning) March 16, 2017

A cardinal rule of the Obama Administration was that no White House official ever interfered with any independent investigation led by the Department of Justice, Obama spokesman Kevin Lewis said in a statement. As part of that practice, neither President Obama nor any White House official ever ordered surveillance on any U.S. citizen. Any suggestion otherwise is simply false.

At his weekly press briefing Thursday, House Speaker Paul Ryan was asked if he believes Trumps assertion that Obama wiretapped Trump Tower.

Weve seen no evidence of that, Ryan replied.

On Wednesday, Rep. Devin Nunes, R-Calif., the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, which is investigating Trumps explosive allegation, said he has yet to see any evidence, either.

That evidence still remains the same, Nunes said at a Capitol Hill press conference. We dont have any evidence that that took place.

Trump leveled the claim against his predecessor on Twitter earlier this month.

Terrible! Just found out that Obama had my wires tapped in Trump Tower just before the victory. Nothing found. This is McCarthyism! Trump declared.

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Is it legal for a sitting President to be wire tapping a race for president prior to an election? Turned down by court earlier. A NEW LOW! he added.

Trump refused to provide proof when given the chance on Wednesday, telling Fox News Tucker Carlson that he has some very good stuff, that the White House is in the process of putting it together, and that its going to be very demonstrative.

Lets see whether or not I prove it, Trump said. I just dont choose to do it right now.

Terrible! Just found out that Obama had my "wires tapped" in Trump Tower just before the victory. Nothing found. This is McCarthyism!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 4, 2017

Is it legal for a sitting President to be "wire tapping" a race for president prior to an election? Turned down by court earlier. A NEW LOW!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 4, 2017

Trump said he first learned about the alleged wiretapping through media reports, including a New York Times article that mentioned wiretapped communications between Russian officials and at least three Trump campaign advisers, as well as a Fox News report the day before he leveled his explosive charge.

Ive been reading about things, Trump told Carlson. I watched your friend Bret Baier the day previous where he was talking about certain very complex sets of things happening, and wiretapping. I said, Wait a minute, theres a lot of wiretapping being talked about. Ive been seeing a lot of things.

Why not wait to tweet about it until you can prove it? Carlson asked Trump. Dont you devalue your words when you cant provide evidence?

Well, because the New York Times wrote about it, Trump replied. Not that I respect the New York Times. I call it the failing New York Times.'

But the Times did not report that Trump or his aides were the target of the surveillance, nor did it say that the communications were intercepted at Trump Tower.

Trump also repeated White House press secretary Sean Spicers argument that the president wasnt specifically referring to wiretapping when he tweeted it.

Dont forget, when I say wiretapping, those words were in quotes, Trump said. That really covers, because wiretapping is pretty old-fashioned stuff. But that really covers surveillance and many other things. And nobody ever talks about the fact that it was in quotes, but thats a very important thing. But wiretap covers a lot of different things. I think youre going to find some very interesting items coming to the forefront over the next two weeks.

Nunes also said that whether Trump is telling the truth depends on how literally his tweets are taken.

I think the challenge here is, President Obama wouldnt physically go over and wiretap Trump Tower, he said. So now you have to decide, Are you going to take the tweets literally? And if you are, then clearly the president is wrong.

Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, says Trump owes Obama and the American people an apology.

I dont know why President Trump makes these outlandish statements, Leahy said on CNN Thursday. He knows theyre not true. He knows hes not telling the truth. He ought to apologize.

Read more from Yahoo News:
Secondary Education Exam begins today (Photo feature)

The first Secondary Education Examination (SEE), which is replacing the School Leaving Certificate examination with 83 years of history, is set to start from Thursday.
An actor who played one of the Power Rangers in the kids television series pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter for stabbing his roommate to death with a sword.

Ricardo Medina Jr. admitted on Thursday that he killed Josh Sutter in January 2015, the Los Angeles Times reports. The two roommates got into a fight at their home in Green Valley, Calif., according to a statement from the Los Angeles County district attorneys office.

They began fighting over how Medinas girlfriend parked her car, according to the Times, and when Sutter confronted Medina, the former Power Ranger stabbed him multiple times before calling 911.

Now Medina faces up to six years in state prison when he is sentenced later this month, prosecutors said. He entered his plea Thursday in Antelope Valley court, one year after he was charged with murder.

Medina, who played the Red Lion Wild Force Ranger on Power Rangers Wild Force from 2002 to 2003, also played an evil character named Deker in Power Rangers Samurai from 2011 to 2012.
Washington (AFP) - Russian and Russia-linked entities paid President Donald Trump's former national security advisor Mike Flynn $55,500 for work that included attending a gala with President Vladimir Putin, according to documents released Thursday.

The retired general, who once headed the US Defense Intelligence Agency, earned $33,000 just to go to the December 2015 party held by RT, the international television agency that the US now says is an arm of Russian intelligence.

Flynn's Moscow trip, where he sat at the gala's central table together with Putin, was well-known.

But the amount he was paid was revealed for the first time in documents released by Democratic Congressman Elijah Cummings, who called for a probe into whether Flynn broke Defense Department security rules in taking that and other payments from Russian entities.

Flynn was forced to resign as Trump's national security advisor on February 13 after it emerged he had lied about the content of phone calls with Russia's ambassador in late 2016.

Cummings, the senior Democrat on the House Government Oversight Committee, noted in a letter addressed to Trump, Secretary of Defense James Mattis and FBI chief James Comey, that Flynn also received $11,250 from a Russian charter airline and $11,250 from the US arm of Kaspersky, a prominent Russia-based cyber security company.

He also pointed out that Flynn only in recent weeks officially reported that he had been hired late last year to lobby for Turkey, for $530,000.

"I cannot recall any time in our nation's history when the president selected as his national security advisor someone who violated the Constitution by accepting tens of thousands of dollars from an agent of a global adversary that attacked our democracy," Cummings said.

Cummings' letter spelled more trouble for Flynn, a once-lauded army general who fell from grace in February only weeks into his job as a top presidential aide.

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According to reports, he first met Trump in mid-2015 and later became an advisor to his campaign.

After the election Trump named him White House national security advisor -- only to have to ask for his resignation weeks later amid a storm over his calls with the Russian ambassador.

The calls came at a time when the Obama administration was preparing to retaliate against Moscow for its alleged interference in the US election. Flynn later admitted he discussed that retaliation -- new sanctions and expulsions -- with the ambassador.

Cummings said that Flynn, as a retired general, was bound by government rules not to accept payments from rival governments, and called on the Defense Department take steps to seize Flynn's earnings from those deals.
Franky Zapata can no longer fly his jet-powered hoverboard in France.

Zapata, a hoverboard inventor who created Flyboard Air, was told by officials from the French air gendarmerie that he would be placed under criminal investigation if he continued to fly, according to Zapatas French-language Facebook post.

The French news station LCI reports that Zapata was warned about his hovercraft after conducting a flight test last week. Officials have apparently determined his Flyboard to be an unlicensed aircraft that was flown above an urban area, using an unapproved engine. If the inventor continues to fly, he could face steep fines or even jail time.

According to the AFP, the prosecutors office in Aix-en-Provence said Tuesday that it has opened a preliminary investigation into Zapata for failure to comply with the minimum rules for overflight and operation of an aircraft without the necessary qualifications.

That is how innovators are treated in our country. I leave you [to] imagine my disgust after having produced more than 10,000 made in France Flyboards, he wrote on Facebook, adding that he feels obliged to leave France so he can continue his work.

In response, over 15,000 people have signed a Change.org petition in support of Zapata.

The decision comes after Zapata used Flyboard hovercraft  which, according to the Verge, can reach 10,000 feet and can go at a maximum speed of 93 miles per hour  to set a Guinness World Record in April of last year. Zapata rode the hovercraft for 7,388 feet (2,252 meters) along the coast in Southern France.
Paris (AFP) - A 17-year-old pupil was arrested with a cache of weapons after a shooting in a high school in southern France on Thursday that left eight people injured including the head teacher.

Here is what we know about the shooting, which comes with France on high alert ahead of a presidential election and after a string of terror attacks:

- Who was the attacker? -

The suspect is a 17-year-old pupil at the Alexis de Tocqueville high school in the southern town of Grasse.

He was not previously known to police and appears to have acted alone, despite initial reports of a second attacker on the loose.

He was armed with a rifle, two handguns and two grenades.

The head of the regional government, Christian Estrosi, said that early indications pointed to someone with "psychological problems".

- Was this a terror attack? -

Apparently not. Estrosi said they are "not at all" treating it as a terror attack at this stage.

France is still on high alert after a string of attacks by jihadists since January 2015 that has claimed around 230 lives.

Security was bolstered around schools for the new school year in September and more than 3,000 reservists were called up.

- Who was hurt? -

The head teacher and two others suffered gunshot wounds. Another five people were injured during a stampede following the shooting, according to a statement from the interior ministry.

Estrosi said the head teacher's injuries are not life threatening.

There was panic at the school as some pupils escaped to a local supermarket and rumours spread quickly of an attack.

- What was the response? -

Schools in the town were immediately placed on lockdown and a smartphone application was triggered to warn people to stay away.

Terrified parents were also warned not to approach the school as elite special forces moved in to secure the area.

Prime Minister Bernard Cazeneuve broke off a visit to northern France and set off towards the scene in a helicopter.

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Education Minister Najat Vallaud-Belkacem also said she was heading immediately to the school.

- Where did it take place? -

The Alexis de Tocqueville school has a good reputation and specialises in scientific courses.

The town of Grasse, just 40 kilometres (25 miles) from the French Riviera resort of Nice, is a quiet hillside town with a population of some 50,000 is famous for its perfume industry.

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By Geert De Clercq PARIS (Reuters) - The French student who shot his headmaster and pupils in his high school in southeastern France on Thursday was fascinated with the 1999 Columbine massacre in the United States, his social media profiles showed. The 16-year old son of an ultra-conservative local councillor in the Mediterranean town of Grasse, world famous as a center for perfume production, updated his Facebook profile three days ago with the photo of a zombie-like skeleton in a long leather coat, carrying two assault weapons. Armed with a shotgun, handguns, a grenade and possibly a homemade explosive device, he barged into his school, shooting his principal who tried to intervene as he went through the school's hallways. "The first investigations suggest he had consulted videos of mass killings in America," Interior Ministry spokesman Pierre-Henry Brandet told reporters. The background photo of the young man's YouTube page shows a picture of the Columbine shooting and posts a link to American rapper Ill Bill's song "The Anatomy Of A School Shooting". His Facebook page carries several violent and morbid pictures, screenshots of a video of the Columbine shooting and a video of a man with a ghoulish mask shooting an unloaded handgun at the audience and then shooting himself in the head. France's BFM TV station reported he had posted a photo last week of several young people lying in a pool of blood on a Facebook group for his class at the Lycee Alexis de Tocqueville. When his classmates told him this was not funny and that they were shocked, he reportedly said it was "just a joke". Jean-Rene Laget, a member of the same small right-wing party as the youth's father, told Reuters that as far as he knew the young man had never caused any trouble before. "He is a totally normal young man who made no waves, a bit timid. Nobody would have thought he would be able to do something like that," he said. Grasse prosecutor Fabienne Atzori told reporters that the teenager had difficulties integrating in the school and had bad relations with some of his classmates. Fellow student Achraf told BFM TV said the gunman was "not a nasty guy" and hinted that he had been bullied by classmates. "I think it is the persecutions, that is why he blew a fuse," he said. Atzori, who said the teenager could not be named as he was a minor, said he had initially burst into a school classroom carrying weapons and looking for specific students. After failing to find them, he left the room only to be accosted by the headmaster, who had been alerted to his presence. At that point, he shot the school principal in the shoulder and a student in the stomach. Police arrived quickly and he put up no resistance when he was arrested. "This was a crazy act by a fragile young man fascinated by firearms," Education Minister Najat Vallaud-Belkacem told reporters. (Editing by Tom Heneghan)
PARIS (Reuters) - A 17 year-old student arrested at a shooting in a high-school in the French southern town of Grasse was armed with a rifle, two handguns and two grenades, a police source said. "The individual does not seem to be known by police," the source said. A second source said it appeared that two students had opened fire on the headmaster, who had been injured, adding that the suspects did not seem to be militants. "One of the two was arrested and the second fled. There was panic and the students took refuge in the (neighboring) supermarket," said the second source. (Reporting by Sophie Louet and Emmanuel Jarry; Writing by John Irish; Editing by Sudip Kar-Gupta)
Dolphins are cheeky and gorgeous and they know it. Especially these guys.

They were captured in super slow-mo, on high-quality film equipment because they just so happened to begin leaping in front on a film crew out at sea. Show-offs.

Damian Christie and his team were on there way back from New Zealand's Pelorus Sound when the gang of 20 attention-seeking bottlenose dolphins began jumping into the air in front of them.

Look at them, begging for a close-up moment. Get a grip, you guys.

Christie told Storyful the experience, which he also shared to Facebook, was magical! Look, we're not going to lie  it's awesome. Keep being beautiful, dolphins.
Berlin (AFP) - The northern German city of Hanover on Thursday barred a political meeting by supporters of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's Justice and Development Party (AKP) at which a senior party official was to speak.

The move was likely to further hike tensions between Ankara and Berlin sparked by a ban on political rallies to ramp up support for a "Yes" vote in Turkey's April referendum on expanding Erdogan's powers.

The issue has also sparked a major diplomatic crisis between Turkey and the Netherlands as well as a handful of other European states.

"We want to make it very clear that we don't want such electoral meetings in our city," said Stefan Schostok, mayor of this city of 500,000 that is the capital of the German state of Lower Saxony.

"As mayor, I refuse to let an internal Turkish conflict be brought to our city," he said.

According to Hanover city hall, the Union of European Turkish Democrats (UETD) had asked for permission for a gathering which it characterised as a local gathering to discuss internal Turkish issues.

But after the city council discovered that Mehmet Mehdi Eker, one of the AKP's vice presidents, was due to speak, they banned the meeting.

Eker has already spoken at several rallies of AKP supporters in Germany ahead of the April 16 referendum.

The diplomatic crisis erupted after several German towns refused to allow political rallies at which Turkish ministers and officials were due to campaign, sparking a furious reaction from Ankara.

Germany is home to the largest Turkish diaspora, with 1.4 million people who are eligible to vote in the referendum.

- Rotterdam okays rally -

A similar move in the Netherlands went even further, with the Turkish foreign minister's plane blocked from landing ahead of a campaign rally in Rotterdam and another minister expelled, sparking a bitter diplomatic row.

In response, angry pro-Erdogan demonstrators clashed with police outside the Turkish consulate in Rotterdam, with police using dogs, horses and water cannon to disperse them.

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But in a surprise move, the city's mayor on Thursday granted authorisation for a pro-Turkish demonstration outside the train station to protest over the police's handling of Saturday's unrest.

Elsewhere in Europe, an Austrian concert hall cancelled a Turkish music event over its apparently "political" nature, citing the performers' links to Turkish nationalists who are allied with with the AKP.

Austria has also cancelled a series of political events by AKP figures.

There are 250,000 Turks living in the Netherlands who are eligible to vote in next month's referendum and another 109,000 living in Austria, with support for the ruling AKP high among both groups of voters.

Despite German efforts to calm the situation, the crisis has steadily worsened, with Turkey on Wednesday threatening to cancel a key deal with Brussels which has considerably reduced the flow of migrants and refugees to the EU.
MOSCOW (Reuters) - Germany's Angela Merkel will visit Moscow for talks on May 2, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday, for the first bilateral visit since Russia annexed Ukraine's Crimea Peninsula in 2014. There is no immediate prospect that Western sanctions imposed on Moscow over the Ukraine crisis will be lifted, but Merkel's visit sends a signal that Germany, the European Union's foremost power, is willing to engage with the Kremlin. The agenda of Merkel's visit has yet to be made public, but talks are likely to focus on Ukraine, EU sanctions, trade ties and German concerns that Russia may try to meddle in a parliamentary election in September. Germany is also president of the G20 group of leading nations this year and Merkel will need to meet with key members ahead of an upcoming summit. "Give my best wishes to the federal chancellor," Putin told Horst Seehofer, Bavaria's prime minister, who was in Moscow for talks on Thursday. "We are waiting for her to visit on May 2." Seehofer confirmed Merkel was planning to visit that day. Putin and Merkel have met on numerous occasions since the Ukraine crisis, including visits to each other's capitals. But those meetings were on the sidelines of multilateral gatherings. In terms of diplomatic protocol, a bilateral visit carries more cachet. The last bilateral visit was in June 2013, when Merkel came to Russia's second city of St Petersburg at Putin's invitation, according to the Kremlin website and Merkel's official site. Merkel and Putin initially had warm relations but things soured after the German chancellor led the EU condemnation of Russia's actions in Ukraine. She has said EU sanctions, imposed over the annexation of Crimea and Russian support for separatists in eastern Ukraine, must remain in force until Russia changes its behaviour. Merkel has played a pivotal role in keeping European Union states united behind the sanctions but she has come under pressure from industrial lobbies in Germany that say businesses have suffered as a result. (Reporting by Jack Stubbs in Moscow and Scot Stevenson in Berlin; Writing by Andrew Osborn and Christian Lowe; Editing by Tom Heneghan and Robin Pomeroy)
MOSCOW (Reuters) - Germany's Angela Merkel will visit Moscow for talks on May 2, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday, for the first bilateral visit since Russia annexed Ukraine's Crimea Peninsula in 2014. There is no immediate prospect that Western sanctions imposed on Moscow over the Ukraine crisis will be lifted, but Merkel's visit sends a signal that Germany, the European Union's foremost power, is willing to engage with the Kremlin. The agenda of Merkel's visit has yet to be made public, but talks are likely to focus on Ukraine, EU sanctions, trade ties and German concerns that Russia may try to meddle in a parliamentary election in September. Germany is also president of the G20 group of leading nations this year and Merkel will need to meet with key members ahead of an upcoming summit. "Give my best wishes to the federal chancellor," Putin told Horst Seehofer, Bavaria's prime minister, who was in Moscow for talks on Thursday. "We are waiting for her to visit on May 2." Seehofer confirmed Merkel was planning to visit that day. Putin and Merkel have met on numerous occasions since the Ukraine crisis, including visits to each other's capitals. But those meetings were on the sidelines of multilateral gatherings. In terms of diplomatic protocol, a bilateral visit carries more cachet. The last bilateral visit was in June 2013, when Merkel came to Russia's second city of St Petersburg at Putin's invitation, according to the Kremlin website and Merkel's official site. Merkel and Putin initially had warm relations but things soured after the German chancellor led the EU condemnation of Russia's actions in Ukraine. She has said EU sanctions, imposed over the annexation of Crimea and Russian support for separatists in eastern Ukraine, must remain in force until Russia changes its behavior. Merkel has played a pivotal role in keeping European Union states united behind the sanctions but she has come under pressure from industrial lobbies in Germany that say businesses have suffered as a result. (Reporting by Jack Stubbs in Moscow and Scot Stevenson in Berlin; Writing by Andrew Osborn and Christian Lowe; Editing by Tom Heneghan and Robin Pomeroy)
Four SLMM aligned parties withdraw support to govt

Four parties within the Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha (SLMM) have withdrawn their support to the current government led by Pushpa Kamal Dahal after the government failed to address their five-point demand within a week-long ultimatum that ended on Tuesday.
By Kwasi Kpodo ACCRA (Reuters) - Ghana's main opposition party and radio phone-in callers slammed new President Nana Akufo-Addo on Thursday for naming an 'elephant size' team of 110 ministers and deputies despite a campaign promise to cut government waste. Akufo-Addo named 50 deputy ministers and four ministers of state on Wednesday in addition to 56 ministers and deputies previously announced. It is the largest government since the West African country adopted a democratic constitution in 1992. The agriculture ministry now has a minister, a minister of state and three deputies, while four other ministries also have three deputies each and their ministers. "We're confronted with an elephant size of government and Akufo-Addo has proven that he's a politician rather than a president," Haruna Iddrisu, leader of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) in parliament, told Reuters. Top government appointees receive monthly salaries equivalent to around $4,000 in addition to at least two cars, free fuel, a house, free utilities and personal protection, according to parliamentary sources. "It's a case of jobs for the boys," politics lecturer Geoffrey Molu told Reuters. His comment was echoed on social media and by callers to radio phone-in shows. Akufo-Addo's New Patriotic Party defeated the NDC in an election in December with vows to restore fiscal stability, boost private sector growth, create jobs, promote rural development and eliminate wasteful government spending. Ghana exports gold, cocoa and oil and had one of Africa's most dynamic economies, but growth slowed sharply in 2014 due to a fiscal crisis and a slump in global commodities prices. Government spokesman Nana Akomea said the criticism would cease if the government delivers on its ambitious agenda. "For ministerial numbers to cross beyond the nineties into the hundreds will surely alarm and disappoint Ghanaians ... but Akufo-Addo believes he needs these numbers of appointees to deliver," Akomea said on Facebook. (Editing by Matthew Mpoke Bigg; Editing by Tom Heneghan)
ATHENS (Reuters) - An envelope which exploded at the European offices of the International Monetary Fund in Paris on Thursday carried a Greek return address and purported to have been sent by an opposition party official, Greece's public order minister said. "French authorities just informed us that it was mailed from Greece," Nikos Toskas told Ant1 Television. Earlier in the day, a Greek militant group, the Conspiracy of Fire Cells, had claimed responsibility for a similar package containing explosives that was intercepted by German authorities on Wednesday. That package, addressed to German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble, had listed Adonis Georgiadis, vice-chairman of Greece's conservative New Democracy party, as its sender. Public order minister Toskas said Thursday's letter bomb, which injured an administrative worker when it exploded at the IMF in Paris, had been sent in the name of Vasilis Kikilias, a senior New Democracy official. Kikilias, a former public order minister, could not be contacted for comment. "It is not at all pleasant that these parcels originated from our country but the issue of terrorism affects all European countries," Toskas told Antl. The Conspiracy of Fire Cells has previously claimed responsibility for a wave of parcel bombs sent to foreign embassies in Athens in 2010. (Reporting by Lefteris Papadimas and Karolina Tagaris; Writing by Michele Kambas; Editing by Catherine Evans)
By George Georgiopoulos ATHENS (Reuters) - The militant Greek group Conspiracy of Fire Cells has claimed responsibility for a parcel bomb mailed to German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble, police said on Thursday. The parcel was mailed to Schaeuble from a post office branch in Athens but was intercepted by the German finance ministry's mail department. The group has previously claimed responsibility for a wave of parcel bombs sent to foreign embassies in Athens in 2010. "We still have the rage. We sent the package to Germany's finance minister as part of the second act of Nemesis Plan," the group said in a statement on the internet. "Nothing is over, everything continues." It did not specify what Nemesis Plan was. Police consider the claim as credible. Schaeuble is not popular in Greece, perceived as a hardliner on austerity during the country's long financial crisis. Conspiracy of Fire Cells, one in a long line of violent anti-establishment groups in Greece, initially specialized in arson attacks but turned to bombings in May 2009. In 2011, six of their members were sent to prison with sentences ranging from 11 to 37 years. The group has become prominent since the economic crisis erupted in Greece and is accused by police of carrying out about 150 criminal acts since 2009. Its bombs typically contain small amounts of explosives packed into pressure cookers or similar containers. Police have located the post office branch from where the parcel was mailed to Schaeuble and are examining videos from a camera. "The sender did not enter the branch but placed the package inside a box outside that people use when they want to avoid lines," a police official told Reuters, declining to be named. Greek police have been told by their German counterparts that the parcel contained explosives inside a book, connected with cables. It is not clear if the device could have exploded. Greek post office ELTA said it uses the latest German-made X-ray equipment to detect explosives at Athens airport. A certified company operates the equipment before parcels are loaded onto planes. "There is a thorough investigation to ascertain any possible oversight from the part of the company responsible for checking all air mail that is sent abroad," ELTA said in a statement. While ELTA said that it follows procedures set by the World Post Association and prescribed safety rules on airmail, it noted that "similar incidents have taken place in many postal operators in the world." Police said the sender's name on the package was that of senior conservative politician Adonis Georgiadis, vice president of the New Democracy party, which is currently leading the leftist-led coalition government in opinion polls. Late on Wednesday Georgiadis confirmed that his name had been used as the sender of the parcel. "Unfortunately it is true and not funny at all. My targeting by terrorists is continuous," he said in a tweet. Assailants attacked Georgiadis' bookstore in Athens with gas canisters a day earlier, causing light damage. (Editing by Jeremy Gaunt and Pritha Sarkar)
Athens (AFP) - A Greek far-left group on Thursday claimed it sent a parcel bomb to the German finance ministry, over six years after waging a similar campaign against European officials.

"We claim responsibility for sending a booby-trapped parcel to the German finance minister," the Conspiracy of Fire Nuclei group said in a statement posted on an anti-establishment website.

A Greek police source said the claim was "most probably" authentic.

German police on Wednesday said they had discovered the "explosive" package at Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble's office building, a day before he was due to host his new US counterpart Steven Mnuchin.

"The package contained an explosive mix," Berlin police said in a statement, adding that the substance is often used in the production of fireworks.

"It was designed to cause severe injuries when the package is opened," they said.

The parcel was intercepted in the ministry mailroom.

Greece's interior ministry said authorities in both countries were working together on the case.

Another Greek police source said the package had a Greek stamp. The "sender" of the parcel was given as Adonis Georgiadis, a deputy leader of the opposition New Democracy party -- along with his real address.

Georgiadis, a former far-right politician before he joined New Democracy, said the case was "no joke."

"This is very bad for Greek-German relations," he told Antenna TV, adding that a bookstore he owns in Athens had also been targeted with an incendiary device on Wednesday.

Greek authorities are examining how the package was able to leave the country containing the explosive material.

Schaeuble became extremely unpopular in Greece during the country's crippling debt crisis as he was seen as unyielding in imposing austerity on Athens in exchange for financial aid.

Conspiracy of Fire Nuclei, listed as a terrorist organisation by the United States, in 2010 sent letter bombs to foreign embassies in Greece and to three European leaders -- then European Commission chairman Jose Manuel Barroso, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and then Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi.

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One of the letter bombs, which contained gunpowder, ignited and lightly injured a courier company employee in Athens, but most were intercepted by police.

Police in 2011 carried out several arrests and said they had dismantled the group.

Nevertheless, others have kept the outfit's name alive and in October, they claimed responsibility for a bomb that exploded outside the home of a prosecutor.

Nobody was hurt.

"For every comrade in prison, new comrades are ready to replace him," the Conspiracy of Fire statement said.

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Athens (AFP) - Nearly two years in the dock over an anti-fascist rapper's murder have done little to blunt the swagger of Greek neo-Nazi party Golden Dawn.

The ultranationalist party remains the fourth largest in parliament, and the Greek authorities continue to grapple with how to confront the aggressive actions of many of its leading cadres.

Thirteen Golden Dawn lawmakers -- and another four ex-MPs -- have been on trial since April 2015 accused of membership of a criminal organisation over the fatal stabbing of rapper Pavlos Fyssas in a street clash in 2013.

Fyssas's murder shocked the country and sparked an investigation into the actions of Golden Dawn, which until then had not faced justice despite being linked to a campaign of violence against migrants and political opponents.

First elected to parliament in January 2012, Golden Dawn's lawmakers continue to occupy an ambiguous role in a country that for years denied it had a problem with racism.

In January, Golden Dawn lawmaker Yiannis Lagos stormed into a school in his local Athens constituency of Piraeus to protest at the teaching of refugee children on the premises.

Another lawmaker, Panagiotis Iliopoulos of Volos, was photographed brandishing a wooden rod outside a local TV station where a protest against his party was taking place last week.

- 'Lack of coherence' -

In the Fyssas trial, the prosecution is trying to prove that Golden Dawn operated as a full-blown, tightly regimented criminal outfit that allegedly encouraged beatings and even killings.

But the Greek authorities appear unable to take firm action against party members who have not been convicted of any crimes.

In December, for example, Greek Defence Minister Panos Kammenos, head of the nationalist Independent Greeks (ANEL) party, was not able to prevent a neo-Nazi delegation from making a "patriotic" visit to islands facing Turkey.

The delegation included Golden Dawn's chief ideologue Christos Pappas -- a noted admirer of Hitler -- and party spokesman Ilias Kasidiaris, who has a swastika tattoo on his arm.

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"There is a lack of coherence in the state's response," said Costis Papaioannou, a professor and activist who was until recently the justice ministry's general secretary for human rights.

The trial "keeps pressure on the party but also sends the message that state institutions are not very alert to the problem", he told AFP.

- 'No lines to follow' -

"When it comes to deciding what to do with a parliamentary party whose leadership is on trial for crimes, there are no definite lines to follow," added Papaioannou, who has written a book on Golden Dawn.

Pappas, Lagos, Kasidiaris and Iliopoulos are among the 13 Golden Dawn members on trial including party chief Nikos Michaloliakos. Another four defendants are either no longer MPs or have left the party.

Thanassis Kabayiannis, one of the prosecution lawyers, says the ambiguity has given the accused "room for manoeuvre".

In recent weeks, Golden Dawn lawmakers -- including some of those on trial -- have travelled to Greek islands hosting large populations of refugees to whip up anti-foreigner sentiment.

But other commentators say the murder trial has nevertheless put a lid on the party's momentum, limiting its popularity to around seven percent in opinion polls.

"For the first time, we see a kind of sanitary cordon put in place" against Golden Dawn, said Vassiliki Georgiadou, a political scientist who has also studied the group.

And there are other signs that it is losing clout.

At a February demonstration against austerity measures staged by police, generally seen as some of the party's most enthusiastic supporters, police union members asked Golden Dawn MPs to leave.

And a court in the western city of Patras acquitted the local Communist mayor who refused to grant the party municipal space in the last electoral campaign.

Golden Dawn's top leaders were arrested in 2013 immediately after Fyssas's death but were eventually released after a maximum 18 months in pre-trial detention.

Even the man who confessed to stabbing Fyssas, retired truck driver Yiorgos Roupakias, was conditionally released a year ago.

In the last parliamentary election in September 2015, the neo-Nazis lost about 9,000 votes nationwide from their tally in the previous vote in January, but still finished third with 18 lawmakers.

Golden Dawn recently dropped to 17 lawmakers and fourth place in parliament behind the Socialists after one of its MPs defected over a local constituency row.
By Denis Dumo JUBA (Reuters) - Gunmen have attacked an aid convoy in famine-hit South Sudan, killing two people and wounding three, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said on Thursday. The attack underscored the dangers confronting aid agencies in the world's youngest country at a time nearly half its population, or about 5.5 million people, face food shortages. The United Nations has already declared a famine in some parts. South Sudan has been mired in a conflict that has split the nation along ethnic lines and forced more than three million people to flee their homes. Aid workers have been kidnapped, shot at and had their supplies looted by armed men. The attack occurred on Tuesday near Yirol, in the centre of the country about 210 km (130 miles) northwest of the capital of Juba, where the aid workers had been dealing with a cholera outbreak. In a statement, the IOM said the convoy was targeted as it returned to Yirol, with the gunmen ambushing one of the vehicles. Two people died of gunshot wounds, the aid group said, and an IOM health officer was among the wounded. The identity and motivation of the attackers were unknown, the statement said. Also on Thursday, medical charity Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) said its hospital in Wau Shilluk had been looted during recent heavy fighting. "Wau Shilluk was looted of all medicines including life-saving drugs and essential supplies," Abdalla Hussein Abdalla, the deputy head of mission for South Sudan, said in a statement. "Our hospital is in a terrible condition." Earlier this week, gunmen briefly detained eight local employees of U.S. charity Samaritan's Purse. The civil war erupted in 2013 when President Salva Kiir, an ethnic Dinka, fired his deputy Riek Machar, a Nuer. Machar's rebels, the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (In Opposition), on Thursday criticised a new rebel faction led by an army general who resigned earlier this year. A statement allegedly released by the new rebel faction said that Machar's forces in the Equatoria region, near the Ugandan frontier, had pledged loyalty to former General Thomas Cirillo Swaka. "The SPLA IO is totally amazed and at the same time DISAPPROVES the claim of Thomas Cirillo that its forces in Equatoria region have pledged loyalty to him and his new faction," the statement said. "We urge General Thomas to reconsider his strategy and not play into the hands of Salva Kiir's allies in the region, whose intention is to divide the opposition." (Reporting by Denis Dumo; Writing by Katharine Houreld; Editing by Alison Williams and Richard Lough)
Just hours before President Donald Trumps second ban on travellers from six majority-Muslim countries was to go into effect, a federal judge in Hawaii granted a motion for a nationwide temporary restraining order, dealing the president another defeat on one of his signature issues.

The new travel ban, announced on Mar. 6, addressed some of the glaring problems that led the first ban, issued on Jan. 27, to be blocked by the courts. It removed Iraq from the original list of seven barred countries, lifted an indefinite ban on refugees from Syria, and removed language giving preference to religious minorities. It was due to take effect Thursday.

The Trump administration argued the more recent order had been significantly narrowed after running into a legal quagmire, but maintained the courts did not have the right to review executive power to set immigration policy.

U.S. District Judge Derek Watson begged to differ. Watson ruled late Wednesday that the state of Hawaii demonstrated that universities would suffer financially, the economy would suffer due to lost tourism revenue, and that the executive order was based on religious animus. Public comments by Trump and his advisors touting a Muslim ban apparently helped doom the latest effort.

A reasonable, objective observer enlightened by the specific historical context, contemporaneous public statements, and specific sequence of events leading to its issuancewould conclude that the Executive Order was issued with a purpose to disfavor a particular religion, Watson wrote in the ruling.

The lawyers for the latest case  and others mounting similar challenges across the country  used past statements from Trump and his officials calling for a Muslim ban. That showed, they argued, that the new ban was less about national security than discrimination against one religion. They also argued that the cleaned-up order  which removed some of the more egregious language from the original  could be construed as the admission of a mistake, highlighting the intent behind the original.

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Hawaiis complaint enumerates 11 instances where Trump made statements related to intending a Muslim ban, including statements during his campaign demanding a total and complete shut down of Muslims entering the United States, and pledging If I win, theyre going back! about Syrian refugees. It also highlighted actions from the rollout of the first executive order, such as when Trump read the title of it and said we all know what that means.

The court also focused on similar statements by Stephen Miller, Trumps senior advisor, and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, a Trump ally and advisor. On Feb. 21, Miller said the new ban would have the same effect as the first one. In terms of protecting the country, those basic policies are still going to be in effect, he said.

While the administration maintains the latest order is not a ban on Muslims, since it removes reference to religion and targets only a fraction of the worlds Muslim population, Watson questioned that argument, potentially setting the stage for other ongoing legal challenges even as he puts a nationwide halt on the implementation. It is undisputed, the judge said, that the six countries are overwhelmingly Muslim by population.

The illogic of the Governments contentions is palpable, he wrote. The notion that one can demonstrate animus toward any group of people only by targeting all of them at once is fundamentally flawed.

The judge also echoed some of the skepticism from the California Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals that blocked Trumps first travel ban. Though the administration said the ban is still needed on national security grounds, those six countries remaining on the list have not produced any real terror risks inside the United States. That led the Hawaii judge to push back against the governments argument that the executive order could not be halted by the court without incurring a significant national security risk. The judge said the governments evidence was questionable.

Two other courts considered challenges to the new ban Wednesday but by early evening had not made a separate decision. The Hawaii ruling bars any government official across the country from implementing key provisions of Trumps latest mandate, and sets up an expedited hearing on the restraining order.

When considered alongside the constitutional injuries and harms discussed above, and the questionable evidence supporting the Governments national security motivations, the balance of equities and public interests justify granting the Plaintiffs [temporary restraining order], the ruling said. Nationwide relief is appropriate.

Early Thursday morning, a federal judge in Maryland issued another blow to Trumps travel ban. In a separate case brought by refugee resettlement agencies, U.S. District Judge Theodore Chuang issued a preliminary injunction prohibiting the enforcement of the ban against travelers, but not the temporary halt to the refugee program. He cited similar reasons, including Trumps direct statements of animus toward Muslims and intention to impose a ban on Muslims entering the United States, as well as Giulianis account that the plan had been to bar the entry of nationals of predominantly Muslim countries.

But Trump isnt backing down. On Wednesday night he held a rally in Nashville, Tennessee, and decried the Hawaii courts decision as unprecedented judicial overreach. He vowed to take the fight all the way to the Supreme Court.

Lawyers are likely more focused on Trumps latest comments, adding them them to their list of statements highlighting his intent. At the rally, Trump called the new order a watered down version of the first order.

This new order was tailored to the dictates of the 9th Circuits  in my opinion  flawed ruling, Trump told the crowd. And let me tell you something, I think we ought to go back to the first one and go all the way, which is what I wanted to do in the first place.

Keep talking tweeted Justin Cox, a lawyer at the National Immigration Law Center working on the Maryland case, in response to Trumps latest comments.

This post was updated at 11:00 a.m.

Photo credit: TASOS KATOPODIS/AFP/Getty Images
Three held with red panda hide in Dang

Police recently arrested three persons in possession of a red panda hide from Dang.
By Dan Levine and Mica Rosenberg HONOLULU/NEW YORK (Reuters) - Just hours before President Donald Trump's revised travel ban was set to go into effect, a U.S. federal judge in Hawaii on Wednesday issued an emergency halt to the order's implementation. The action was the latest legal blow to the administration's efforts to temporarily ban refugees as well as travelers from six predominantly Muslim countries, which the President has said is needed for national security. Trump lashed out at the judge's ruling, saying it "makes us look weak." Trump signed the new ban on March 6 in a bid to overcome legal problems with a January executive order that caused chaos at airports and sparked mass protests before a Washington judge stopped its enforcement in February. U.S. District Judge Derrick Watson put an emergency stop to the new order in response to a lawsuit filed by the state of Hawaii, which argued that the order discriminated against Muslims in violation of the U.S. Constitution. Judge Watson concluded in his ruling that while the order did not mention Islam by name, "a reasonable, objective observer ... would conclude that the Executive Order was issued with a purpose to disfavor a particular religion." Watson was appointed to the bench by former Democratic President Barack Obama. Speaking at a rally in Nashville, Trump called his revised executive order a "watered-down version" of his first. "I think we ought to go back to the first one and go all the way, which is what I wanted to do in the first place," Trump said. Trump called the judge's block "unprecedented judicial overreach" and said he will take the case "as far as it needs to go," including to the U.S. Supreme Court. The Department of Justice called the ruling "flawed both in reasoning and in scope," adding that the president has broad authority in national security matters. "The Department will continue to defend this Executive Order in the courts," it said a statement. The nation's highest court is currently split 4-4 between liberals and conservatives with Trump's pick - appeals court judge Neil Gorsuch - still awaiting confirmation. Paul Ryan, the Republican Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, said the ban was needed to improve vetting of people entering the United States in order to prevent attacks and said he had no doubt that it would be upheld by higher courts. REBUKE Watson's order is only temporary until the broader arguments in the case can be heard. He set an expedited hearing schedule to determine if his ruling should be extended. Trump's first travel order was more sweeping than the second revised order. Like the current one, it barred citizens of Iran, Libya, Syria, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen from entering the country for 90 days, but it also included Iraq, which was subsequently taken off the list. Refugees were blocked from entering the country for 120 days in both orders, but an indefinite ban on all refugees from Syria was dropped in the new one. The revised ban also excluded legal permanent residents and existing visa holders. It provided a series of waivers for various categories of immigrants with ties to the United States. Hawaii and other opponents of the ban claimed that the motivation behind it was Trump's campaign promise of "a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States." The government, in its court filings cautioned the court against looking for secret motives in the executive order and against performing "judicial psychoanalysis of a drafters heart of heart." Watson said he did not need to do that, because evidence of motive could be found in the president's public statements. He said he did not give credence to the government's argument that the order was not anti-Muslim because it targeted only a small percentage of Muslim-majority countries. "The notion that one can demonstrate animus toward any group of people only by targeting all of them at once is fundamentally flawed," the judge wrote. SEVERAL CASES The case was one of several moving through U.S. courts on Wednesday that were brought by states' attorneys general and immigrant advocacy groups. In Maryland, refugee resettlement agencies represented by the American Civil Liberties Union and the National Immigration Law Center argued in court for a restraining order. In Washington state, a group of plaintiffs applying for immigrant visas asked U.S. District Judge James Robart in Seattle - who suspended the first ban - to stop the new order. Robart was appointed to the bench by Republican former President George W. Bush. Both Judge Robart and U.S. District Judge Theodore Chuang in Maryland said they would issue written rulings in their cases, but did not specify a time line. Washington state, joined by California, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York and Oregon, said in court filings they supported the plaintiffs in Seattle. If more judges side with Watson, the government's case may be harder to make at higher courts. The 9th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals upheld Robart's ruling against the first ban and Watson referenced that decision in his order. Various groups and companies said they would be harmed by the travel restrictions. A group of 58 technology companies, including Airbnb Inc, Lyft Inc and Dropbox Inc, filed a "friend of the court" brief in the case saying the order hurt their ability to recruit the best talent from around the world. A longer list of companies, including Apple Inc , Facebook Inc and Alphabet Inc's Google - filed a brief opposing the first ban in a different court challenge brought by Washington state, which is ongoing. It was not immediately clear why fewer tech companies signed on to the brief this time around. (Reporting by Dan Levine in Honolulu and Mica Rosenberg in New York; Additional reporting Ian Simpson in Greenbelt, Maryland, Jonathan Allen in New York and Tom James in Seattle; Writing by Mica Rosenberg; Editing by Sue Horton and Bill Rigby)
President-elect Donald Trump meets with House Speaker Paul Ryan at the U.S. Capitol on Nov. 10, 2016. (Photo by Zach Gibson/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  Paul Ryans leadership has long been questioned by Republicans who think hes politically naive, and the current health care fight is raising new concerns about Ryans political savvy, as the Republican speaker of the House faces the toughest test of his career.

The Wisconsin Republican has always prioritized ideas and policy details above political strategies, and thats often been part of his appeal. The latest example: As the GOP health care bill came under fire last week, Ryan held an on-camera briefing with reporters and conducted a half-hour seminar on the details of the legislation.

The effort failed to impress some critics. Pauls so earnest. Who thought it was a good idea for him to do a 35-minute Power Point presentation? scoffed one Republican consultant with years of experience in congressional campaigns.

Ryans presentation fell far short of the way vote-counters on the Hill think about getting legislation passed. It takes 218 votes to pass a bill in the House, and lawmakers charged with rounding up support, called whips, take years to hone the skills and mindset needed to count votes and keep members in line.

Former House Speaker John Boehner did not acquire those skills before taking the post of speaker, in contrast to the House majority leader at the time, Eric Cantor. Boehner rose to a leadership position by becoming a committee chairman, where he learned how to build consensus around a set of ideas. Cantor, meanwhile, came up through the whip operation. Some, particularly those who worked for Cantor, considered that Boehners lack of experience counting votes made him a less effective speaker.

Like Boehner, Ryan made a name for himself by staking a claim on bold policy ideas, and by chairing first the House Budget Committee and then the Ways and Means Committee, which oversees tax policy. He was the first Republican to propose a detailed plan publicly for sweeping changes to Medicare and Social Security, in 2008, and he was successful in getting the GOP to follow his lead on these issues. His stature was sealed in 2012, when the GOP presidential nominee, Mitt Romney, chose Ryan as his running mate.

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But since he became speaker in the fall of 2015  a job the 47-year old Ryan did not really want  he has ignored suggestions from some Republicans to bring a seasoned political operative or two into his operation, according to one source familiar with the discussions. Ryans chief of staff, Jonathan Burks, is a policy expert. His top adviser, Brendan Buck, has spent most of his career on Capitol Hill, and his focus is largely on Congress, rather than developing a long-term or nationalized political strategy, which is what many of the speakers allies think he needs. Kevin Seifert, who runs Ryans political arm, has spent most of his young career working for Ryan.

Paul Ryan (Photo: Aaron P. Bernstein/Reuters)

But Ryan often spurned making decisions based on political calculations. Rather, he has felt that that if he figures out what he believes is the right thing to do, states it clearly and leads the way forward, others will follow. Ryan learned that lesson after seeing how Boehner and other GOP leaders initially shunned his entitlement reform plan (because it was too politically risky), but then ultimately embraced it. That experience has shaped his leadership style.

Ryans lack of guile was evident in his approach to Trump during the Republican primary. He made no secret of his distaste for Trump, unlike Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., who kept a low profile and kept his comments  positive or negative  to a minimum. Ryan adopted a moral stand, essentially saying, after the Access Hollywood tape surfaced, that he would not consider supporting Trump. However, he was ultimately pulled into Trumps orbit by the force of political gravity. In taking a position that he couldnt maintain, he did damage both to his own image and to his relationship with the incoming president.

Ryan has also never been inclined to crack the whip on recalcitrant House members who defy the priorities of their leadership. Hes not inclined, by temperament, to be confrontational or punitive.

As evidence of Ryans political skills, his office pointed to the passage of four budget proposals under his leadership, as well as Trade Promotion Authority, the budget deal he shepherded through Congress in bipartisan fashion with Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., in 2013, and legislation last year to avoid a debt crisis in Puerto Rico.

Ryan is well-liked and respected by most Republicans in the House, and has some goodwill among Democrats too. Ryans deputies  House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., and House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, R-La.  are an effective pair. But on a major effort like the repeal and replacement of President Barack Obamas health care law, Ryan will have to be just as involved in whipping votes as the rest of his team.

When Democrats passed the Affordable Care Act in 2010, then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., were intimately involved in rounding up support. They knew the vote counts, said Faiz Shakir, a former Reid adviser. When it was a major, put-all-your-chips-on-the-table-moment, they were 100 percent involved, they knew what the vote counts were, were making the calls.

Tensions with Trump persist and are driving concerns that the president will back away from the current effort and leave Ryan holding the bag. Whether Trump could get away with simply blaming Ryan for a failed effort is an open question, but Breitbart News, a pro-Trump website, published a piece this week clearly laying the groundwork for such a move.

Trumps top adviser, Steve Bannon, ran Breitbart News until joining the Trump campaign last summer, and his hostility to Ryan is no secret. He often referred to Ryan as the enemy during Breitbart conference calls, and discussed his hopes of driving Ryan out of the speakership.

Even without the prospect of a Republican president turning against him, Ryan has never faced a challenge on the scale of the current health care bill. The bill has been attacked by conservatives for too-generous subsidies, by moderates for its cuts to Medicaid, and is now facing increasing criticism from Trumps allies outside the White House, who are blaming Ryan for the bills rocky rollout.

Trump figures things out pretty quickly, and I think hes figuring out this situation, how the House Republicans did him a disservice, Christopher Ruddy, the publisher of Newsmax and a personal friend of Trumps, told the Washington Post.

Paul Ryan (Photo: Aaron P. Bernstein/Reuters)

Even those who are friendly to Ryan see much that could have been done differently. Theres some questions about sequencing, timing, preparation, approach that political professionals might say, Ahhh, maybe you should do it this way, said one Republican who oversaw a 2016 presidential campaign. There are a lot of people talking about that, not just in D.C. but in big state governors mansions, being like, What the f*** are they doing?

Multiple high-level Republican political figures told Yahoo News that the key to passing health care is getting Trump to get fully and publicly behind it, and that the bill should have been presented at the White House, with Trump as the chief salesman, from the beginning.

The real solution is to say, OK, Mr. President, youre either going to own this and demand that this goes through, or Im pulling it, said another Republican operative who ran a 2016 presidential campaign. If Trump does not decide to embrace the bill, the Republican said, then Ryan should go back and start over with something more palatable to the right wing, even if that means the bill might pass the House but fail in the Senate.

If you get into that kind of contest with Trump, I think hell blink, the Republican said.

On Wednesday night in Nashville, Tenn., Trump made supportive comments about the Ryan-led effort. The House has put forward a plan to repeal and replace Obamacare, based on the principles I outlined in my joint address, he said.

But his remarks wandered across a number of different topics, and the president has yet to devote the full focus of his rhetorical firepower on pushing the bill toward the finish line.

In a television interview that aired late Wednesday, Trump equivocated when asked if he stands by the details of the health care bill. Fox News Tucker Carlson pressed him about a Bloomberg News study that showed that the legislation would benefit counties that voted for the Democratic presidential nominee, Hillary Clinton, more than it would benefit those that voted for Trump.

We will take care of our people, or Im not signing it. OK, just so you understand, this is very preliminary, Trump said of the legislation.

Carlson also questioned whether Ryan was sufficiently loyal. Are you confident that you share enough in common that  hes on board with your interests? Carlson asked Trump.

I think he is on board with the American people. I do believe that strongly. I think he is on board with my presidency. I think he wants to make it very successful. I like him, Trump said. We had our run-ins, as you probably have heard, initially. But I think he is very much  he wants to do the right thing. That I believe 100 percent.
Beijing (AFP) - China and Saudi Arabia signed agreements potentially worth tens of billions of dollars on Thursday, Beijing said, as President Xi Jinping welcomed Saudi King Salman on a state visit.

The visit by the 81-year-old king comes as China pursues a charm offensive towards the Middle East, where it has previously kept a low profile.

The trip returns the favour after Xi visited the kingdom last year as part of the first state visit to the Middle East by a Chinese leader in seven years.

No specifics were given about the 14 memoranda of understanding that were signed at Beijing's Great Hall of the People, which included agreements in energy, and a range of other spheres.

But China's Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Ming told reporters various projects could be worth up to $65 billion.

King Salman arrived Wednesday with a reportedly massive entourage of around 1,000 people following stops in Japan, Malaysia and Indonesia as part of a month-long Asia tour.

Local media in countries they visited have fixated on Salman's lavish travelling party, which is said to have included luxury vehicles, an 80-inch (200 centimetre) television and hundreds of tons of luggage.

China is pivoting towards the Middle East, and Saudi Arabia is strengthening its alliances in east Asia, as the United States' global diplomatic stance under President Donald Trump remains unclear.

China depends on the volatile Middle East for oil supplies but has long taken a back seat in its disputes.

- A new approach -

But over the past year Xi has taken a new approach, with steps that include offering to host talks between the opposing parties in the Syrian conflict.

Zhang said both the Syrian and Yemen wars were discussed on Thursday, with the two parties agreeing that the crises should be resolved through political discussions.

China is also pushing Xi's signature "One Belt, One Road" policy, a strategy to increase trade links and market connectivity between China, Europe and regions in between, based loosely on the ancient "Silk Road" trading route.

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"This visit will push forward and continue to improve the quality of our relations and bear new fruit," Xi told the king, who entered their meeting walking gingerly with a cane and later arrived at the day's closing ceremonies in a small green motorised cart.

China has been Saudi Arabia's largest trading partner since 2015 and the kingdom was for years the biggest source of crude oil for the fuel-hungry Chinese economy.

Russia last year supplanted the Saudis as China's top oil source, according to official Chinese statistics.

The visit is the monarch's first to China since taking the throne in 2015.

Ties between Riyadh and Washington were strained during the Obama administration, and although they are expected to improve under Trump, the Saudis are keen to solidify east Asian ties as a hedge.

"Past (China-Saudi) ties were good, but at least from a Saudi perspective, can use a significant boost," said Joseph Kechichian, a senior fellow at Riyadh's King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies.

In an interview with Chinese state news agency Xinhua, Saudi ambassador Turki Bin Mohamed Al-Mady emphasised his country's potential role in the "One Belt, One Road" initiative.

"In terms of strategic location, Saudi Arabia serves as the central hub connecting three continents -- Asia, Africa and Europe -- and has been an important part of the initiative," Al-Mady said.

Zhang said Salman pledged Saudi Arabia's enthusiastic participation in the trade project.
The chairman of the House Intelligence Committee said Wednesday he has seen no evidence backing up President Donald Trumps allegation the administration of former President Barack Obama wiretapped Trumps personal offices in New York City before the November election.

We don't have any evidence that that took place, Rep. Devin Nunes, R-Calif., told reporters at a news conference in Washington. I don't think there was an actual tap of Trump Tower.

It was obvious that Obama didnt personally implore his national security advisers to install listening devices inside Trump Tower, where Trump's primary office and residence are, Nunes said.

Read: Just Kidding? Trump Spokesman Rolls Back Obama Wiretapping Claim

If the White House or the president want to come out and clarify his statements more, it would probably, probably be helpful, Nunes said, in reference to the presidents March 4 tweets, where he called Obama "sick" for ordering the alleged wiretaps.

It was unclear on what Trump based his tweetstorm. Speculation centered on a conspiracy theory proffered on the alt-right website Breitbart News.

FBI Director James Comey is scheduled to testify publicly before the committee Monday and will be questioned about Trump's wiretap claims in addition to whether the FBI had any information regarding members of the Trump team meeting with Russian government officials during the presidential election, USA Today reported Wednesday.

Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., a senior member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, threatened Wednesday to subpoena Comey if he failed to answer whether the FBI received a federal warrant to conduct surveillance on Trump, his campaign or his Manhattan headquarters.

Sean Spicer, the White House press secretary, insisted Monday there were numerous reports from a variety of outlets over the last couple months that seemed to indicate that there has been some kind of surveillance that occurred during the 2016 election," but at the same time softening Trump's allegation by explaining Trump didn't think Obama installed the alleged wiretaps personally.

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Senior White House adviser Kellyanne Conway contentiously said in an interview Sunday the federal government had several means of spying on Trump aside from a traditional wiretap, suggesting that the Obama administration could have snooped on Trumps conversations via several electrical appliances like microwaves. Subsequent reports revealed there are no microwaves manufactured with listening devices incorporated.

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Gambling giant Tabcorp was Thursday slapped with the largest civil fine in Australian corporate history for breaching anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing laws.

The Australian-listed firm, which has a betting shop network, online wagering business and a broadcasting and media arm built around Sky Racing, was ordered to cough up Aus$45 million (US$34 million).

The firm was hit with the penalty after the Federal Court found Tabcorp broke the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 108 times over five years in a case brought by financial intelligence body AUSTRAC.

"Failing to uphold a robust AML/CTF programme creates opportunities for serious and organised crime and terrorist groups to conceal the movement and use of illicit funds for attacks and crimes against Australian citizens," said AUSTRAC chief Paul Jevtovic.

"In our view, Tabcorp had a corporate culture indifferent to meaningful AML/CTF compliance and risk mitigation until we intervened."

Among the breaches were a failure to report suspicious behaviour relating to money laundering and credit card fraud in a timely manner, and not having a compliant programme to manage the risks.

Tabcorp chief executive David Attenborough said the company was "focused on being the industry leader in regulatory compliance across all of our operations".

"We remain firmly committed to continuing to work co-operatively with AUSTRAC into the future," he added.

Tabcorp shares fell 0.44 percent in afternoon trade.
Immigrant and refugee advocates are cheering a Hawaii judges decision to block President Trumps revised ban on travel and refugee resettlement from going into effect.

Becca Heller of the International Refugee Assistance Project, who argued against the order in a Maryland court on Wednesday, said the ruling is especially good news for hundreds of refugees.

On a conference call hosted Wednesday night, Heller said there are at least 250 refugee families that are in the process of trying to get into the U.S. The judges ruling also restores the 110,000 refugee cap set by President Obama, which means some 60,000 more refugees could be resettled into the U.S. if the judges ruling holds. President Trump had ordered that that number be knocked down to 50,000.

Yes, it will be some work on the part of civil society to build back up, but not nearly as much work as it would have been to knock everything down, she said.

Advocates said the ruling impacts people across all sectorsfrom students hoping to return home to doctors starting residency programs and family seeking to reunite with spouses, siblings, and children.

At the crux of this so much of the fight has been about the court cases, said Marielena Hincapie of the National Immigration Law Center. But really this is about human beings who are risking their lives to come to the United States.

After the previous battle over the travel ban, the White House spent weeks crafting a new version to address the issues raised in federal court. There was even a 10-day delay in its implementation, which officials said was meant to ensure a smooth roll-out. But Judge Derrick Watson of Hawaii found that the revised order would have the same effect as the old one, and cited Trump administration officials who said so to justify his conclusion.

During a rally on Wednesday night, Trump decried the ruling and defended a previous version of the executive order that was also stalled by the courts.

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A judge has just blocked our executive order on travels and refugees coming in to our country from certain countries, he said. The order he blocked was a watered down version of the first order that was also blocked by another judge that should have never been blocked to start with. This new order was tailored to the dictates of the 9th circuits, in my opinion, flawed ruling.

Trump went on to argue that the previous order should have been kept in place, saying he reluctantly ceded requests to revise it.

He should just keep talking because he is making our arguments for us, Hincapie said in response to Trumps statements on Wednesday nights call.

The saga of the refugee and travel executive order is far from over. Trump said Wednesday he plans to appeal, vowing to take it to the Supreme Court if necessary.
Mumbai (AFP) - A young Irish woman who was murdered in the popular Indian tourist destination of Goa was also raped, police said Thursday.

The body of 28-year-old Danielle McLaughlin was discovered naked in a field near a beach in the south of the picturesque state on Tuesday.

"We had sent the body for a post mortem examination. Reports have confirmed that Danielle was raped before the murder," deputy superintendent Sammy Tavares of the Goan police told AFP.

Police have charged 23-year-old Indian man Vikat Bhagat with the murder of McLaughlin, who was from Donegal in the north of Ireland.

"Besides the earlier charge of murder we have also booked him for rape. The accused will be in police custody until March 22 after which he'll be produced in court," said Tavares.

McLaughlin had been celebrating the Indian spring festival of Holi at Goa's popular Palolem beach on Monday night, according to police. Her badly bruised body was found a few kilometres away in Canacona by a farmer early the next day.

Several foreigners have died in Goa over the past decade or so, including 15-year-old British schoolgirl Scarlett Keeling, whose bruised and semi-naked body was found in shallow water on a beach in 2008.

The deaths, many in suspicious circumstances or from drug or alcohol abuse, have blighted the resort state's reputation as a tourist haven.

Last September, two Indian men were cleared of the rape and murder of Keeling, whose death became international news, shining a spotlight on the seedy side of the resort which is popular with Westerners and drawing attention to India's sluggish justice system.
Who knew memes could cause this much damage?

One tiger statue in front of an Indonesia military base has been destroyed after it became the butt of jokes online.

SEE ALSO: 'Ghost in the Shell' gets brutally dragged in its own viral campaign

The tiger sat in front of the Siliwangi Military Command in the province of Cisewu.

I mean, just look at it.

It's not hard to see why, tbh

Image: @acengnasir/twitter

It wasn't long before the term #MacanCisewu, or Cisewu tiger, started trending.

Of course, people had to mention Harambe.

RIP macan cisewu, now up there with Harambe and the other legends in heaven. pic.twitter.com/W2yQkZ8J87  Evri Febrian (@evrithings) March 14, 2017

On Monday, military officials decided they had enough, and demolished the statue with chisels.

Terima kasih telah menghibur netizen bang Hari Mau, semoga diterima semua amal baiknya.. Amin pic.twitter.com/Nr5bXv4fTa  FLUTULANG (@flutulang__) March 13, 2017

The Commander of the military base told the BBC that the statue had been made a "long time ago" in Cisewu.

"Every unit has their own decision on how the statue was made, but sometimes the artist was not that good," said Siliwangi military commander Maj Gen Herindra.

The moral of this story? People are savage.
ROTE NDAO, Indonesia (AP)  An Indonesian court sentenced a people-smuggling kingpin to six years in jail on Thursday for organizing a trip for migrants to New Zealand in early 2015.

Abraham Louhenapessy, known as Captain Bram, was arrested in September in western Jakarta and was convicted by the Rote Ndao District Court on Rote, a remote island on the southern end of the Indonesian archipelago.

The judicial panel led by Hiras Sitanggang also ordered Louhenapessy to pay 500 million rupiah ($37,400) to the state or serve six more months in prison.

"Based on the facts and evidence revealed during the trial, the defendant has been legally and convincingly found guilty of committing the smuggling of 65 migrants to New Zealand in 2015," Sitanggang said. He said the defendant had violated both the 2011 Law on Immigration and the Criminal Code.

Both the defendant and prosecutors, who sought a nine-year jail sentence, have not said whether they will appeal.

Prosecutors said Louhenapessy was paid 1.5 billion rupiah ($112,500) for the failed voyage, for which he bought a boat and found a crew to take the migrants from Bangladesh, Myanmar and Sri Lanka to New Zealand.

The Australian navy stopped the boat as it passed through Australian waters. It was turned back to Indonesia, with the crewmen saying they were paid by Australian officials to return to Indonesia.

The ship's captain and five crewmen were sentenced last year to jail terms ranging from 66 to 68 months.

Louhenapessy has allegedly been involved in smuggling more than 1,000 people to Australia since 1999. He was convicted and sentenced in a similar case in 2014.

Indonesia is a key transit point for migrants fleeing conflict-ridden countries to Australia.

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This story has been corrected to fix spelling of court, amount of fine.
Frances version of the Rust Belt is just two hours north of majestic Paris, but when TIME photographer Christopher Morris and I traveled around the area it felt, in parts, like another country. Here, amid the shuttered factories and for-rent signs on the storefronts, regular folk  like the ones in these photographs  told us their leaders had abandoned them in the rush towards globalization and a more powerful E.U. In this weeks magazine we describe The Power of Le Pen.

For French right-wing politician Marine Le Pen, their exasperation is fertile terrain for her anti-immigrant, France-First presidential campaign. We found among Le Pens followers longtime left-wing voters, business people, union activists, and even African immigrants. After years of stunted dreams and economic prospects, many told us they had given up waiting for mainstream politicians to bring relief. This is our Detroit, explained one local historian, who sees similarities between this voter anger and the frustration that brought Donald Trump to power.

Le Pen hopes for a Trump-like shock victory in the two-round presidential elections, on April 23 and May 7. Polls suggest a wave of opposition from left- and right-wing voters will defeat her in the second round; then again, polls suggested Trump would lose, and that Britain would reject the Brexit vote. And at 49, Le Pen is still relatively young, and could inch her way slowly towards the Elysee Palace in the years ahead. If she does, shell have some of the people in these photos to thank.

Michelle Molloy, who edited this photo essay, is a senior international photo editor at TIME.

Christopher Morris, an award winning TIME contract photographer since 1990, is a founding member of the VII photo agency. He is the author of the books My America and Americans.
Kuala Lumpur (AFP) - Interpol has issued an international arrest warrant for four North Koreans wanted by Malaysian investigators in connection with the assassination of Kim Jong-Nam, the country's police chief said Thursday.

The estranged half-brother of North Korea's leader Kim Jong-Un was poisoned with the lethal nerve agent VX in a brazen Cold War-style killing on February 13 at Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

Two women -- one Vietnamese and one Indonesian -- have been arrested and charged with the murder. Airport CCTV footage shows them approaching the victim and apparently smearing his face with a piece of cloth.

Investigators are also seeking seven North Korean suspects, four of whom left Malaysia on the day of the murder. The police chief has said he believes they fled to Pyongyang while the other three are hiding in North Korea's embassy in Kuala Lumpur.

"We have... obtained a red notice for the four North Korean nationals who were at the airport on the day of the incident and who have since left," police chief Khalid Abu Bakar told reporters.

"We... are hoping to get them through Interpol."

The red notice alerts police in Interpol member countries to share any information on the suspects with a view to potentially arresting and extraditing them to face justice. North Korea is not part of that network.

The Interpol notice posted online shows four North Korean men aged between 32 to 56 years old. They are named as Hong Song Hak, Ri Ji Hyon, O Jong Gil and Ri Jae Nam.

Pyongyang has denounced the Malaysian investigation as an attempt to smear the secretive regime, insisting that the 45-year-old most likely died of a heart attack.

Seoul has blamed Pyongyang for his death, but the North has rejected those claims and has never confirmed the identity of the victim, who was carrying a passport bearing the name of Kim Chol when he was attacked.

Malaysia officially confirmed his identity on Friday, later revealing that authorities used his fingerprints and a DNA sample from one of his children to do so.

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The killing has triggered a bitter row between Malaysia and North Korea, which have expelled each other's ambassadors.

Three Malaysian embassy staff and six family members are stranded in Pyongyang after North Korea barred Malaysians from leaving the country last week, prompting a tit-for-tat move by Kuala Lumpur.

Kim's wife and children, who were living in exile in the Chinese territory of Macau, went into hiding after the murder. There are fears his 21-year-old son, Kim Han-Sol, could be targeted next.
If you're a pet owner, there's a high chance that your phone is flooded with pictures of your pet. And that's completely understandable. How can you resist that adorable face? Answer: You can't.

That's also the reason why pictures play a huge role in pet adoption.

Photography is critical in appealing to human emotion. People connect with pets through pictures," Cathy Bissell, CEO of Bissell Pet Foundation, told us. "Every picture tells a story to the viewer and often it is the face of a pet that motivates someone to adopt."

This is why the Bissell Pet Foundation has partnered with photographer Pei Ketron, who specializes in iPhone photography, to capture some of Berkeley Humane Society's fluffy friends at their cutest prior to the Empty the Shelters adoption event, happening in various locations across Northern California on March 18.

Hi, I'm Peanut.

Image: Pei ketron

SEE ALSO: Aubrey Plaza gives charming, adoptable puppies fantastic backstories

"My motivation behind Empty the Shelters is to get people to understand that there are wonderful pets in shelters, and that should be the first place they go to look for a pet," Bissell explained. "By creating a big impact with many shelters participating on the same day, the public becomes curious about adoption."

The Bissell Pet Foundation will also be covering all adoption fees at participating shelters on the day of the event, providing prospective pet owners with another incentive to adopt.

The biggest incentive, though, are the sweet animals themselves.

King looks for some royal treatment.

Image: pei ketron

And deserves all the pets.

Image: pei ketron

Picard, a two-month-old puppy, is here to be your captain.

Image: pei ketron

"When I look at photos of animals, I generally want to see their eyes nicely in focus and some of their character captured, whether it be in a movement or an expression," said photographer Ketron, who took all of the photos displayed here. "I also love to see animals in action - playing or running around."

Ketron's involvement in pet adoption started when she adopted a dog of her own, describing it as the best decision she has ever made.

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"During the process and since then, I've paid a lot more attention to organizations that do animal rescue and am really motivated to be active in the process of finding homes for other animals who are down on their luck."

Guinness is a five-month-old kitten.

Image: pei ketron

So soft, so cuddle-worthy.

Image: pei ketron

"I loved shooting the dogs more than the puppies, because we could take them outside and because they were better at sitting and staying still for treats," Ketron said of her experience with Berkeley Humane Society's cats and dogs.

Ketron also gave a special shout out to Shannon, a cute pup with a cleft snout.

Shannon has the adorable lopsided-tongue look nailed.

Image: pei ketron

She also could be a model, just saying.

Image: pei ketron

All of Ketron's photos were shot on an iPhone 7 Plus, giving those of us with no DLSR hope that it is possible to still capture high-quality photos of our pets napping in various positions. We asked Ketron for some iPhone pet photography tips, and here are some of the things she recommends:

Faerie has the most magical kitten nose ever.

Image: pei ketron

Diamond fancies herself a lap dog.

Image: pei ketron

California's Empty the Shelters will be the fourth time the event has been held within the calendar year. In total, Empty the Shelters has accounted for 2,842 adoptions and each time an animal is adopted, more space opens up in the shelter for a new animal in need.

So go forth and adopt. And then after you adopt, give your new pet the Instagram fame he or she deserves.
The process for parents of college-bound students to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid known as the FAFSA, just became a lot more complicated after the IRS suspended a certain tool.

The FAFSA which many schools use to determine financial aid awards, uses an IRS data retrieval tool called DRT, which automatically transfers a family's tax information to the online application.

During the middle of last week, the IRS suspended the use of this tool for the online FAFSA.

"The IRS decided to temporarily suspend the data retrieval tool as a precautionary step following concerns that information from the tool could potentially be misused by identity thieves," the IRS said in a statement to U.S. News.

But some government officials concede there was no formal announcement to the suspension of this tool.

The FAFSA application is still available online. But families will have to fill out the information on the application from their 2015 tax returns manually. Taxpayers who don't have a copy of their return will have to retrieve a copy from their tax preparer or by requesting a tax transcript.

"The IRS anticipates the online data tool will be unavailable for severals week," the IRS said in an email.

Fred Amrein, founder of Pennsylvania-based EFC Plus and author of "Financial Aid and Beyond: Secrets to College Affordability" said in his newsletter that there's isn't a rush to fix the tool because tax verifications on the form don't happen until the "May/June timeframe."

Farran Powell is an education reporter at U.S. News, covering paying for college and graduate school. You can follow her on Twitter or email her at fpowell@usnews.com.
Jerusalem (AFP) - Israel's Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman on Thursday labelled the Palestinian National Fund, which provides assistance to Palestinians held in Israeli jails, a "terrorist organisation", his office said.

In a statement, it said the decision "stems from (the fund's) continuing and ongoing activity in providing massive support for elements responsible for committing severe acts of terrorism against Israel".

Around 7,000 Palestinians are currently detained in Israeli prisons, according to Palestinian rights groups.

Lieberman's office said the fund acts "as a significant financial pipeline for tens of millions of shekels that are transferred on a monthly basis to security prisoners held in Israel for committing acts of terrorism and to members of their families.

"As of today, all necessary actions will be taken in Israel and overseas in order to seize and confiscate property and assets designated for, or belonging to, the fund," it added.

Based in Amman, the fund is operated by Mahmud Abbas' Palestinian Liberation Organisation.

Hardliner Lieberman, defence minister since May, has been a fierce critic of the Palestinian president, regularly accusing Abbas of supporting extremism.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was in New York City Wednesday night, inviting Ivanka Trump to join him at a Broadway musical that celebrates immigration.

Read: 'Hamilton' Fan Proposes to Girlfriend by Recreating Hit Musical Number on Stage

Trudeau introduced the show, Come From Away, which tells the story of American citizens trapped in Canada following the September 11 attacks.

"There is no relationship quite like the friendship between Canada and the United States, Trudeau said as he introduced the play. "The deep ties of business, of friends, of culture, of people traveling back and forth, families of all these connections. This story, this amazing show is very much about that. And its about friendship as well."

Ivanka's invitation came a month after photos of her gazing at the hunky PM went viral on social media.

According to reports, more than 100 world ambassadors were invited to the play.

Read: The Messed Wing: Video Emerges of Trump's Purported Tirade Against Steven Bannon, Reince Priebus

Earlier in the day, Trudeau was spotted in Harlem having lunch at Red Rooster.

A blizzard can't stop a Canadian Prime Minister from making it to Red Rooster! Thanks, @justinpjtrudeau for coming in yesterday!  #blizzard2017 A post shared by Red Rooster (@roosterharlem) on Mar 15, 2017 at 9:02am PDT

Watch: Ivanka and Melania Trump Raise Eyebrows With Fashion Choices at Congressional Speech

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Two policemen among 4 held for abduction

Sleuths deployed from the Metropolitan Police Crime Division (MPCD) have apprehended four persons including two Nepal Police sub-inspectors for their alleged involvement in abducting a foreign employment entrepreneur.
Sen. John McCain of Arizona accused fellow Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky Wednesday during a senate floor speech and stated that Paul was "achieving the objectives of" and "working for Vladimir Putin."

McCain's statement accusing Paul came after Paul objected to a unanimous consent on a bill to support Montenegro's bid to join NATO.

In January, the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee approved of a resolution that supported Montenegro's membership in NATO and sent it to the full senate for a vote. Two-thirds majority votes in the Senate are required for the approval of a new NATO member. Last year, the committee supported the small Balkan state's bid to join NATO; however a full senate vote did not take place. In January, McCain also assured Montenegro's Prime Minister Dusko Markovic over the phone that the Senate will approve of the accession soon, according to Business Insider.

Read: John McCain On Trump's Attack On Press: 'This Is How Dictators Get Started'

During the speech Wednesday, McCain spoke about this resolution and showed his support and also warned his colleagues that anyone who would object it would be "carrying out the desires and ambitions of Vladimir Putin, and I do not say that lightly."

Referring to Paul he then said:"You are achieving the objectives of Vladimir Putin. ...trying to dismember this small country, which has already been the subject of an attempted coup."

Paul left the chamber after he objected to the unanimous consent on the bill.

Following this McCain said: "I note the senator from Kentucky leaving the floor without justification or any rationale for the action that he has just taken. That is really remarkable, that a senator blocking a treaty that is supported by an overwhelming number, perhaps 98 at least, of his colleagues would come to the floor and object and walk away. And walk away! The only conclusion you can draw when he walks away is he has no argument to be made. He has no justification for his objection to having a small nation be part of NATO that is under assault from the Russians. So, I repeat again: The senator from Kentucky is now working for Vladimir Putin."

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Paul put forward his argument regarding his objection later in the evening Wednesday, CBS News reported. "Currently, the United States has troops in dozens of countries and is actively fighting in Iraq, Syria, Libya, and Yemen (with the occasional drone strike in Pakistan). In addition, the United States is pledged to defend 28 countries in NATO. It is unwise to expand the monetary and military obligations of the United States given the burden of our $20 trillion debt," Paul said.

Paul and McCain never really agreed on issues, specifically the ones related to foreign policy.

In 2015 when Paul ran for GOP president, McCain called him "the worst possible candidate" on national security issues.

"John McCain is the guy that has advocated for war everywhere. Were very lucky John McCain is not in charge because I think we would be in perpetual war," Paul said in an interview on ABC News last month.

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Tripoli (AFP) - Dozens of armed factions have battled for control of oil-rich Libya since the 2011 fall of longtime dictator Moamer Kadhafi.

This week, four days of intense fighting saw pro-unity government armed forces expand their control in the capital Tripoli, where dozens of militias operate.

Further east, troops commanded by military strongman Khalifa Haftar said Tuesday they had recaptured two important oil installations seized by a rival Islamist-led force in early March.

Haftar opposes the UN-backed Government of National Accord, instead backing a rival government based in Libya's east.

Here is a run-down of the key militias vying for clout in Libya:

- The west -

The GNA signed a ceasefire deal Thursday ending four days of clashes with rival militias, including groups allied with former prime minister Khalifa Ghweil.

Ghweil was ousted from power when the GNA took office in March 2016 and has refused to recognise the new administration.

But while Thursday's deal has consolidated GNA control over parts of the capital, dozens of militias still operate there -- including several who support Ghweil.

The GNA's main backers in the capital include: the First Force, operating in Tripoli's east and centre; the Deterrence Force, an Islamist group running police-like operations in the city's east; and the Abu Slim Brigade controlling the southern working-class district of the same name.

The powerful militias of third city Misrata, east of Tripoli, also have major clout in the capital.

They played a vital role in the battle to topple Kadhafi and have been influential power-brokers in Libya ever since. They control swathes of the west including Misrata itself and districts of Tripoli.

Last year they formed the backbone of a pro-GNA coalition that ousted the Islamic State group from its coastal bastion Sirte, which they still control.

But some Misrata militias back Ghweil or Islamist militias who follow controversial Sheikh Sadek al-Ghariani, who opposes both of Libya's rival administrations.

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- The east -

Troops commanded by Haftar this week ousted the Islamist Benghazi Defence Brigades from two key oil export terminals they had seized in early March.

That puts Haftar's self-proclaimed Libyan National Army (LNA) in control of much of Libya's east from the Oil Crescent to the Egyptian border -- except for Derna, which is controlled by pro-Qaeda jihadists.

The LNA includes former Libyan army officers, militiamen, fighters from allied tribes, and some Islamist fighters.

Haftar opposes the GNA, but for two years his main priority has been battling jihadists in second city Benghazi.

An array of Islamist militias have unified ranks to fight him.

Among them are the BDB and the Revolutionary Shura Council of Benghazi, an alliance of Islamist militias that includes the Al-Qaeda-linked Ansar Al-Sharia.

- The south -

Southern Libya is criss-crossed by smuggling routes for people, drugs and weapons. A mosaic of tribal and ethnic forces are fighting for control of illicit trade and oil fields there.

They include Tuaregs who control the border with southern Algeria. Further east, the Tubu people operates along the borders with Chad and Sudan.

Arab tribes in the region have supported authorities in western Libya but maintain close ties with the both west and east. They regularly clash with the Tubu.
Moscow (AFP) - The Kremlin on Thursday denied any official Russian involvement in cybercrimes after the US indicted two FSB intelligence agents over cyberattacks on Yahoo that compromised 500 million accounts.

"As we have said repeatedly, there can be absolutely no question of any official involvement by any Russian agency, including the FSB, in any illegal actions in cyberspace," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists.

The US Justice Department on Wednesday charged two Russian intelligence operatives and a pair of hackers over one of the largest cyberattacks in history, which began in 2014 with the apparent twin goals of espionage and financial gain.

It was the first time Washington had filed criminal charges against Russian officials for cyber-related offences, and came amid a separate high-stakes investigation into alleged Russian cyber-meddling in the US election.

The Russian agents accused of directing the attack that targeted both US and Russian officials were identified as Dmitry Dokuchaev and Igor Sushchin, both members of the FSB, the successor agency to Russia's KGB.

The US said Dokuchaev was an officer in the FSB's Center for Information Security, known as Center 18, which is tasked with investigating hacking and is the FBI's point of contact in Moscow for cybercrimes.

Dokuchaev, 33, was reported last year to have been arrested in Moscow by Russian authorities on treason charges linked to the US. He is accused of directing the Yahoo hacking along with his superior, the 43-year-old Sushchin.

The two officers "protected, directed, facilitated and paid criminal hackers to collect information through computer intrusions in the United States and elsewhere," acting US assistant attorney general Mary McCord told reporters.

They are accused of hiring two hackers, Alexsey Belan and Karim Baratov, to carry out the attacks, which continued until late 2016.

Baratov, described as a 22-year-old Canadian-Kazakh citizen, was reportedly arrested this week on a US warrant in Canada.

Kazakhstan on Thursday said that he had officially given up his citizenship in 2011.
PARIS (Reuters) - International Monetary Fund chief Christine Lagarde condemned an explosion at the IMF's Paris office on Thursday as "a cowardly act of violence." The explosion, after a letter was opened, "caused injuries to one of our staff," Lagarde said in a statement. "I condemn this cowardly act of violence and reaffirm the IMF's resolve to continue our work in line with our mandate. We are working closely with the French authorities to investigate this incident and ensure the safety of our staff," she said. (Reporting by Adrian Croft; Editing by Richard Balmforth)
The Latest on legal challenges to the Trump administration's revised travel ban (all times Pacific unless noted):

6:30 p.m.

A federal appeals court judge says President Donald Trump has the authority to block foreign travelers and courts must defer to the president's judgment in decisions about who should be allowed in the United States.

Judge Jay Bybee of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said in court documents filed Wednesday that his appeals court colleagues were wrong when they refused to immediately reinstate Trump's original travel ban.

The Trump administration later revised the ban. A federal judge in Hawaii blocked that version on Wednesday. Bybee is a nominee of President George W. Bush.

Bybee says judges cannot investigate the president's motive for the ban as along as he provides a bona fide and legitimate reason for it. Bybee says the president had done that.

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5:45 p.m.

President Donald Trump is blasting a court for halting what he's calling a "watered-down version" of his travel ban.

Trump told supporters Wednesday at a campaign-style rally in Nashville, Tennessee, that he learned that a district judge in Hawaii had halted his order, which temporarily suspends the U.S. refugee program and bars the entry of people from certain Muslim-majority countries.

Trump says the ruling is unprecedented judicial overreach" and "makes us look weak."

He says he's going to fight the decision and take it all the way to the Supreme Court, if necessary. And he says, "We're going to win."

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4:40 p.m.

The federal judge in Hawaii who put President Donald Trump's revised travel ban on hold cited "questionable evidence supporting the government's national security motivation."

U.S. District Judge Derrick Watson also said Hawaii would suffer financially if the executive order goes into effect and blocks the flow of students and tourists to the state.

Watson issued his 43-page ruling less than two hours after hearing arguments on Hawaii's request to block the ban that was to have gone into effect Thursday.

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The judge says Hawaii is likely to succeed on a claim that the ban violates the First Amendment right protecting people against religious discrimination.

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4:10 p.m.

The judge in Hawaii who put President Donald Trump's revised travel ban on hold was nominated to the federal bench by President Barack Obama.

U.S. District Judge Derrick Kahala Watson got his nod in 2012 and is currently the only Native Hawaiian judge serving on the federal bench and the fourth in U.S. history.

He received his law degree from Harvard Law School in 1991.

His 43-page decision Wednesday was released less than two hours after the hearing ended.

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4 p.m.

Washington state Attorney General Bob Ferguson was attending a hearing in federal court in Seattle in his efforts to block President Donald Trump's revised travel ban when he got word that a judge in Hawaii had put the ban on hold.

"Fantastic news," Ferguson said afterward. "It's very exciting. At this point it's a team effort  multiple lawsuits and multiple states."

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3:50 p.m.

A federal judge in Hawaii has put President Donald Trump's revised travel ban on hold.

U.S. District Judge Derrick Watson issued his ruling Wednesday after hearing arguments on Hawaii's request for a temporary restraining order involving the ban.

His ruling prevents the executive order from going into effect Thursday.

More than half a dozen states are trying to stop the ban, and federal courts in Maryland, Washington state and Hawaii heard arguments Wednesday about whether it should be put into practice.

Hawaii argued that the ban discriminates on the basis of nationality and would prevent Hawaii residents from receiving visits from relatives in the six mostly Muslim countries covered by the ban.

The state also says the ban would harm its tourism industry and the ability to recruit foreign students and workers.

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3:30 p.m.

A federal judge in Seattle said after a hearing that he will issue a written order about whether to block President Donald Trump's revised travel ban but didn't say when he would make his decision.

Judge James Robart told lawyers for an immigrant rights group and for the Justice Department that he's most interested in whether the ban violates federal immigration law, and whether affected immigrants would be irreparably harmed should the ban go into effect.

The judge spent much of the Wednesday hearing grilling the lawyers about two seemingly conflicting federal laws on immigration  one which gives the president the authority to keep any class of aliens out of the country, and another that forbids the government from discriminating on the basis of nationality when it comes to issuing immigrant visas.

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2:55 p.m.

Hawaii Attorney General Doug Chin says he's cautiously optimistic that a federal judge will rule in the state's favor and issue an injunction against President Donald Trump's revised travel ban before it goes into effect.

Chin spoke at a news conference Wednesday after U.S. District Court Judge Derrick Watson heard arguments regarding the injunction request.

The judge said he would issue a ruling before the ban is scheduled to go into effect at 9:01 p.m. PDT Wednesday.

Chin wasn't the only state attorney general at the hearing.

Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum is in Honolulu for a conference, and sat in to hear the case. Oregon filed a brief supporting Hawaii's lawsuit.

Rosenblum says it's helpful that challenges to the travel ban are being held in so many jurisdictions, with the hope that at least one judge will issue a temporary restraining order.

Other hearings were held Wednesday in federal courts in Maryland and Washington state challenging the ban.

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2:15 p.m.

A hearing on President Donald Trump's revised travel ban is underway in federal court in Seattle.

Judge James Robart began the session Wednesday by questioning a lawyer for the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project about two seemingly conflicting federal laws on immigration.

One gives the president the authority to keep any class of aliens out of the country, and another forbids the government from discriminating on the basis of nationality when it comes to issuing visas.

Attorney Matt Adams responded that while the law does give the president broad authority, Congress later clarified the law to say the government can't discriminate on the basis of nationality any more than it could bar people based on their race.

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2 p.m.

A federal judge in Hawaii is considering a request to issue a temporary restraining order against the revised travel ban ordered by President Donald Trump.

U.S. District Judge Derrick Watson says he will issue a written order by 9:01 p.m. PDT, when Trump's executive order is set to take effect.

Watson made the statement Wednesday after hearing arguments by both sides in the case.

The ban blocks new visas for people from six predominantly Muslim countries and temporarily halts the U.S. refugee program.

Hawaii was the first state to file a lawsuit challenging the revised ban.

Its motion for a restraining order contends the ban discriminates on the basis of national origin.

The state also argues that the ban would prevent Hawaii residents from receiving visits from relatives in the six mostly Muslim countries covered by the ban.

The government says Hawaii's concerns are speculation.

More than half a dozen states are trying to stop the ban.

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4:45 p.m.

A Justice Department attorney is arguing that there's no need for a judge in Hawaii to issue an emergency restraining order against the revised travel ban issued by President Donald Trump.

Jeffrey Wall of the Office of the Solicitor General said during a hearing Wednesday that plaintiffs have said little about harm from the ban that was not speculative.

He said Hawaii is making generalized allegations.

Wall said if the judge is inclined to issue an injunction, it shouldn't be nationwide and should be tailored to the claims raised by Hawaii.

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1:25 p.m.

Washington state has filed a backup motion in an effort to keep President Donald Trump's revised travel ban from taking effect as scheduled Thursday.

In a new court filing Wednesday, Attorney General Bob Ferguson said the state supports the arguments made in a related case filed by an immigrant rights group based in Seattle that alleges the ban discriminates against Muslims and violates federal immigration law.

U.S. District Judge James Robart is hearing arguments in that case later in the day.

Ferguson said Robart should consider Washington state's new emergency motion for a temporary restraining order if he doesn't see fit to issue an order in the case by the rights group or to rule immediately on a prior motion by Washington state.

The Justice Department says Trump's action is a lawful exercise of presidential authority.

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1:15 p.m.

The state of Hawaii says an imam from Honolulu has legal standing to assert the First Amendment claim of religious discrimination when challenging President Donald Trump's revised travel ban.

Hawaii's case for a temporary restraining order to block the ban is being heard Wednesday in federal court in Honolulu.

The judge told lawyers that he is more interested in constitutional claims and wanted to know who had such standing in the lawsuit.

Attorney Colleen Roh Sinzdak says a Muslim plaintiff in the lawsuit, Ismail Elshikh, has such standing to challenge the ban. Elshikh says the ban prevents his mother-in-law, who lives in Syria, from visiting family in Hawaii.

Sinzdak says Elshikh and all Muslim residents in Hawaii face higher hurdles in reuniting with family members because of their faith.

She says that harm applies to all residents, not just Muslims.

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3:15 p.m. EDT

Hawaii Attorney General Douglas Chin has arrived in a Honolulu federal courtroom, ready to challenge President Donald Trump's revised travel ban.

Chin arrived about 30 minutes before the start of Wednesday's hearing as legal efforts to overturn the ban now shift to Honolulu.

Chin's lawsuit claims the ban harms Hawaii by highlighting the state's dependence on international travelers, its ethnic diversity and its welcoming reputation as the Aloha State.

Hawaii's lawsuit includes a Muslim plaintiff, Ismail Elshikh, the imam of a Honolulu mosque. He says the ban prevents his mother-in-law, who lives in Syria, from visiting family in Hawaii.

In response, the Justice Department says Hawaii's claims are mere speculation.

It's not clear when U.S. District Judge Derrick Watson will rule on the state's request for a temporary restraining order.

Attorneys from the Washington, D.C., law firm Hawaii has hired will participate by phone. Justice Department attorneys are also phoning in for the hearing.

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12:30 p.m. EDT

Legal efforts to overturn President Donald Trump's travel ban now shift to Honolulu, where a hearing will be held later Wednesday.

The lawsuit claims the ban harms Hawaii by highlighting the state's dependence on international travelers, its ethnic diversity and its welcoming reputation as the Aloha State.

Hawaii's lawsuit includes a Muslim plaintiff, Ismail Elshikh, the imam of a Honolulu mosque. He says the ban prevents his mother-in-law, who lives in Syria, from visiting family in Hawaii.

In response, the Justice Department says Hawaii's claims are mere speculation.

It's not clear when U.S. District Judge Derrick Watson will rule on the state's request for a temporary restraining order.

Hawaii Attorney General Douglas Chin plans to argue before the court, but attorneys from the Washington, D.C., law firm Hawaii has hired will participate by phone. Justice Department attorneys are also expected to phone in for the hearing.

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11:50 a.m. EDT

A federal judge in Maryland says he will issue a ruling in a lawsuit challenging President Donald Trump's revised travel ban.

However, U.S. District Judge Theodore Chuang did not promise that he would rule before the ban takes effect at 12:01 a.m. Thursday. He also said Wednesday he may issue a narrow ruling that does not address the ban nationwide.

The lawsuit in Maryland was filed by the ACLU and other groups representing immigrants and refugees, as well as some individual plaintiffs. They argue banning travel from six majority-Muslim countries is unconstitutional discrimination on the basis of religion. They also say it's illegal for Trump to reduce the number of refugees allowed into the United States this year by more than half.

Government lawyers argued the ban was revised significantly to address legal concerns and no longer singles out Muslims.

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11:20 a.m. EDT

The Seattle federal judge who blocked President Donald Trump's original travel ban will hear a challenge to the new order by an immigrant rights group.

U.S. District Judge James Robart will hear arguments Wednesday in the lawsuit brought by the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project. The group says the new version of the travel ban discriminates against Muslims and raises the same legal issues as the original.

Robart also is overseeing the legal challenge brought by Washington state. He also issued the order halting nationwide implementation of the first ban. Among the plaintiffs in the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project case is a legal permanent resident who has been trying to bring her 16-year-old son from war-torn Syria.

The Trump administration says it believes its revised order is legal. The travel ban is scheduled to go into effect next Thursday.

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10:50 a.m. EDT

Airbnb, Lyft and Wikimedia are among 58 technology companies backing a lawsuit seeking to block the Trump administration's revised travel ban from taking effect.

The tech companies signed onto a friend-of-the-court brief filed in federal court on Tuesday claiming the White House's planned travel restrictions "would inflict significant and irreparable harm on U.S. businesses and their employees, stifling the growth of the United States' most prominent industries."

The filing supported a legal challenge from the state of Hawaii, which is trying to derail Trump's executive order affecting travelers from six Muslim-majority nations.

The tech companies signed onto the new brief also include Kickstarter, Dropbox Inc., Electronic Arts, Meetup, Pintrest, Square and TripAdvisor. Last month, nearly 100 tech companies signed a similar amicus brief opposing Trump's first proposed travel ban.

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9:30 a.m. EDT

Virginia's attorney general is supporting Hawaii's lawsuit against President Donald Trump's revised travel ban.

Attorney General Mark Herring said in a statement Tuesday that he joined 13 other attorneys general in filing an amicus brief Monday in the District Court for Hawaii. Hawaii has asked for a temporary restraining order blocking the enforcement of the revised travel ban. A hearing in the case is scheduled for Wednesday.

The attorneys general argue that the revised ban retains the unconstitutional components of the original order, including a broad ban on entry by nationals from several predominantly Muslim countries and a suspension of the refugee program.

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2:15 a.m. EDT

A Maryland judge is scheduled to hold a hearing on a lawsuit stemming from President Donald Trump's travel ban.

Several individuals and groups including the American Civil Liberties Union originally filed the lawsuit in February over the initial ban, which was blocked in court and later revised. On Wednesday, the groups will be asking a Maryland judge to issue an order that would keep the revised ban from taking effect. It's scheduled to take effect Thursday.

A federal judge in Hawaii has also scheduled a hearing Wednesday on the revised ban.

In Maryland, the groups are arguing that the revised ban has the same legal flaws as Trump's first executive order.
NEW YORK (AP)  The Latest on prosecutors' announcement that state and federal investigations of Mayor Bill de Blasio's fundraising will not result in criminal charges against him or others acting on his behalf (all times local):

3:45 p.m.

Mayor Bill de Blasio says he isn't surprised by the decision not to prosecute anyone in his administration in an elections fundraising probe.

De Blasio said Thursday his only feeling is "we can finally put this behind us and focus on the needs of everyday people."

The yearlong investigation by state and federal prosecutors looked into allegations of misconduct by and on behalf of the Democratic mayor for his 2013 election campaign and the 2014 state Senate effort. It centered on solicited donations from individuals who sought official favors from the city.

De Blasio said he disagreed with some of how the case was characterized. But he said the end result remains the same: No criminal charges were brought because no one did anything criminal.

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11:45 a.m.

A New York City Hall spokesman says it has always "been confident" that the actions of Democratic Mayor Bill de Blasio and his administration are "within the law."

Prosecutors said Thursday that state and federal probes of de Blasio's fundraising will not result in criminal charges for the mayor or others acting on his behalf.

City Hall press secretary Eric Phillips said in a statement that New Yorkers "deserve honest, progressive government" and "will always get it" while de Blasio is mayor.

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10:20 a.m.

Prosecutors say state and federal probes of New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio's fundraising will not result in criminal charges for the mayor or others acting on his behalf.

Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance said the facts were insufficient to successfully argue a provable violation of election laws. But he said the actions appear to be "contrary to the intent and spirit of the law."

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Acting U.S. Attorney Joon Kim announced no charges against Mayor Bill de Blasio or others acting on his behalf.

Kim and Vance made the announcements Thursday.

Kim said federal prosecutors and the FBI had been investigating fundraising by and on behalf of the Democratic mayor for his 2013 election campaign and the 2014 state Senate effort.
TOKYO (AP)  The Latest on Secretary of State Rex Tillerson's Asian tour (all times local):

6.48 p.m

A North Korean diplomat in China says Pyongyang must act in self-defense against the U.S. and South Korea's joint military drills, which he said have brought the region to the brink of nuclear war.

Minister Pak Myong-ho (Bahk My-ung Ho') has told reporters in a rare briefing at the North Korean Embassy in Beijing Thursday that the joint exercises are aimed at carrying out pre-emptive strikes against North Korea.

Pak says the drills were the reason the North had to take "extremely tough measures" to guard itself against such joint exercises that could "evolve into actual combat."

Tensions have escalated over North Korean moves to accelerate its weapons development.

Top U.S. diplomat Rex Tillerson said Thursday the isolated nation "need not fear" the United States.

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5.50 p.m.

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson says he is "willingly" taking on the challenge of a sharp cut in funding for the State Department.

The White House is unveiling a federal government budget Thursday in Washington. The department and the U.S. Agency for International Development are among the hardest-hit agencies, with funding reduced by 28 percent, or $10 billion.

Tillerson said the current level of spending is "not unsustainable." He said the cut reflects expectations the U.S. will be involved in fewer military conflicts and its aid programs can become more effective and attract resources from other countries.

He expressed confidence that the department can become more efficient and "do a lot with fewer dollars."

Tillerson was speaking in Tokyo, at the start of a three-nation tour of North Asia.

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4:30 p.m.

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has called on North Korea to abandon its nuclear and ballistic missile programs, saying the isolated nation "need not fear" the United States.

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Tillerson made that declaration after meeting his Japanese counterpart Thursday in Tokyo, where they discussed possible new approaches in dealing with the isolated nation.

Tillerson said that 20 years of U.S. diplomatic and other efforts to get North Korea to denuclearize have failed, but gave no specifics about how the Trump administration, which is currently doing a policy review, would tackle the issue.

Tillerson is making his first trip to Asia as the top U.S. diplomat.

Both Tillerson and Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida urged China to push Pyongyang to change.

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2:49 p.m.

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson says cooperation with allies Japan and South Korea is "critical" to addressing the threat from North Korea's nuclear and missile programs.

Tillerson was speaking as he met with Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida on his first trip to Asia as the top U.S. diplomat.

North Korea is expected to top the agenda at Tillerson's talks in Tokyo. Last week, North Korea test-fired four missiles that landed in ocean off Japan.

Tillerson will also meet with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

Japan and South Korea both host tens of thousands of U.S. troops. Washington has been urging the two nations to step security cooperation despite their historically strained relations. This week, the nations' three navies have conducted missile defense information-sharing drills in the region
When bugs get stronger than drugs

In December 2009, a Swedish national of Indian origin fell ill with an antibiotic-resistant infection that he acquired in India.
By Chris Prentice NEW YORK (Reuters) - More than 20 senators pressed President Donald Trump on Thursday to reject requests from oil refiners to overhaul the U.S. biofuels program, weighing in on a debate that has roiled markets from soybeans to gasoline in recent weeks. Oil refiners have requested that the U.S. government change the program to push the burden of meeting annual biofuels use requirements downstream, a move that has been met with criticism and backlash from ethanol producers, fuel retailers and others. The change would be "unwarranted and indefensible," said the bipartisan group of senators that included Charles Grassley from Iowa and Amy Klobuchar from Minnesota in a letter to Trump. The White House said last week it was considering the changes, whose supporters include billionaire investor and special advisor on regulations Carl Icahn. Icahn is a majority stakeholder in oil refiner CVR Energy Inc. The news shook the market for biofuels compliance credits and whipsawed some grain prices as traders fretted over how to position ahead of any changes. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under former President Barack Obama in November proposed denying the requests from refiners, but opened the issue up for public comment. "This type of change would not only wholly undermine the intent of the program, but would also result in a massive, costly, time-consuming shift in compliance," the letter dated March 16 said. The U.S. Renewable Fuel Standard, signed into law by former President George W. Bush, was designed to boost use of biofuels like ethanol and biodiesel in gasoline and diesel in a bid to curb greenhouse gas emissions, boost rural economies and reduce dependence on foreign oil. The program has been stymied by regulatory delays and become a battleground between the oil and corn industries in Washington. (Reporting by Chris Prentice; Editing by Richard Chang)
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP)  A federal judge has dismissed criminal charges against the lawyer for the leader of the armed occupation at an Oregon wildlife refuge.

U.S. marshals tackled Marcus Mumford and zapped him with a stun gun as he argued with a judge last fall over releasing his client, Ammon Bundy, shortly after his acquittal in the standoff.

The Oregonian/OregonLive reports (https://goo.gl/GNYJyX ) that U.S. District Judge John C. Coughenour on Wednesday carried out a request from prosecutors. Acting U.S. Attorney John Harrington declined to explain why they wanted to dismiss the case now.

Mumford had been charged with failing to comply with official signs that prohibit the disruption of federal officers' work and failing to comply with a federal officer's direction to stop resisting.

His lawyer said the marshals engaged in "outrageous" misconduct.

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Information from: The Oregonian/OregonLive, http://www.oregonlive.com
Tripoli (AFP) - Clashes broke out Thursday in Tripoli hours after armed groups signed a ceasefire deal ending a four-day battle for control of the Libyan capital.

Gunfire could be heard in Tripoli's southern neighbourhood of Hadba al-Khadra, residents and a Facebook page dedicated to informing citizens on unrest said.

A woman, who declined to give her name, said all the main roads in Hadba al-Khadra were closed and that residents were staying indoors.

It was not immediately clear who was responsible for the clashes, but Tripoli is rife with heavily armed militias.

The new fighting came hours after two powerful armed groups, Thowar Tarabulus and the Abu Slim Brigade, denounced the ceasefire announced by the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA).

Thowar Tarabulus controls the city centre of Tripoli while Abu Slim controls the southern working-class district of the same name.

Both groups denied agreeing to the truce that put an end to four days of fierce fighting in Tripoli.

The city had been paralysed amid exchanges of rocket and artillery fire between pro-unity government forces and rival militias including groups allied with former prime minister Khalifa Ghweil.

Clashes on Wednesday night rocked the southern Salaheddine district, where several rival militias occupy barracks.

The truce deal -- signed by the GNA, local mayors and militias from Tripoli and third city Mistrata, was aimed at cementing the UN-backed government's control over large parts of the capital.

It provided for an "immediate ceasefire" and called for armed groups that do not recognise the GNA to leave Tripoli within 30 days.

It also demanded the release of people arrested since Monday, the GNA's defence ministry said.

But Thowar Tarabulus, in a statement on their Facebook page, said the "agreement signed in the presence of the presidential council does not represent us".

The Abu Slim Brigade said, in a separate online statement, "we did not sign the (ceasefire) agreement... we will only accept full solutions".

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- Operation well-prepared -

Militias have been key power brokers in a country plagued by violence and lawlessness since the NATO-backed ouster of longtime dictator Moamer Kadhafi in 2011.

The battle, triggered Monday night after the killing of a bank guard, saw pro-GNA forces expand their clout in the capital.

They took several districts from rival militias including groups allied with Ghweil, who was forced from power when the GNA arrived in Tripoli.

The GNA operation appeared to be well-prepared and coordinated. Thursday's deal charges GNA forces with securing areas controlled by rival groups.

Observers said it was in line with an inter-Libyan political deal backed by the UN and signed in December 2015.

That agreement, which gave rise to the GNA, called for armed groups to leave Tripoli and other Libyan towns.

But the capital remains home to dozens of militias. Since taking office, the unity government has secured the backing of several, but many parts of Tripoli remain out of its control.

The GNA wants to see heavy weapons withdrawn to allow its security forces to operate effectively.
Vilnius (AFP) - Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite on Thursday urged NATO's top general to create new alliance command centres on its eastern flank to deter Russia, calling their current location in Europe a relic of the Cold War.

"In light of the changing geopolitical dynamics, NATO is too slow; therefore, changes are needed in reforming and speeding up decision-making and relocating military commands closer to the eastern borders of the alliance," Grybauskaite said in a statement after talks with NATO Supreme Allied Commander US General Curtis Scaparrotti.

"The current NATO command structures and military forces were positioned according to the Cold War logic - in Europe's West and South," Grybauskaite said.

With the "growing threat from Russia, it is necessary to redeploy allied forces to the Eastern flank," he said.

In recent years, NATO has activated small command centres in eight central and eastern European nations.

However, NATO has only major headquarters behind the former Iron Curtain -- Szczecin in western Poland.

Asked by reporters to comment the request, Scaparrotti said he had confidence in current structures, and advanced technologies enabled the US-led alliance "to command and control from different locations".

The alliance is currently deploying four multinational battalions to the Baltic states and Poland on a rotational basis to counter frequent Russian military exercises near the region.

The move is designed to reassure Lithuania and other NATO eastern members that were once part of the Soviet bloc and are rattled by Russia's intervention in Ukraine and military buildup in the region.

As part of the deployment, the US and Germany have recently moved hundreds of troops along with tanks and heavy equipment to reassure Lithuania, a nation of three million.

Similar units are being set up in neighbouring Latvia, Estonia and Poland.

Moscow denies any territorial ambitions and has slammed NATO reinforcements in eastern Europe as a threat.
By Mike Stone WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Nearly half of President Donald Trump's 2017 $30 billion supplemental defense budget proposal would go to buy and modernize warplanes, warships and missiles, a down payment on Trump's promises to boost military spending. Although Congress must approve the $13.5 bln request and is likely to make changes, Boeing Co would be one of the biggest beneficiaries of the administration's proposal, which included $2.3 billion for 24 F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet jet fighters. This is 10 more than the U.S. House of Representatives approved on March 8 in its 2017 base spending bill. The Navy will use the additional money to bolster its aging fleet of fighters, Lieutenant General Anthony Ierardi, the director of Force Structure, Resources and Assessment for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told Reuters. In a Dec. 22 tweet, before he was inaugurated, Trump had suggested buying more Boeing F/A-18s, which he called "comparable" to the Lockheed Martin F-35, despite the fact that the F-35 is a stealth aircraft difficult for enemy radar to detect. The 1990s-vintage F/A-18 is does not use stealth technology. The Navy also proposed $920 million to buy six Boeing P-8 submarine-hunting aircraft. The Army requested $708 million for 20 Boeing Apache attack helicopters. Lockheed Martin is also one of the big winners in the administration's proposal. Pentagon officials said the request for additional 2017 funds would help accelerate planned acquisitions of F-35 Joint Strike Fighters. The Pentagon budgeted $596 million to buy five of the stealthy jets, which cost between $95 million and $123 million each, depending on the model. In the past, President Trump had complained about the "tremendous cost and cost overruns" of the F-35 program, which is the Pentagon's most expensive weapons program. The Pentagon budgeted $151 million for Lockheed's THAAD missile defense and $376 million for 17 Blackhawk helicopters made by Sikorsky Aircraft, a Lockheed subsidiary. The proposal also requested $433 million to complete the third version of the DDG-51 Navy destroyer being built by General Dynamics Corp at Bath Iron Works in Maine. A General Accounting Office report published on Aug. 4 said the Navy "has not demonstrated sufficient acquisition and design knowledge" to provide an accurate estimate of the vessel's cost. The administration's supplemental request takes the base Pentagon budget for fiscal 2017 to $541 billion, analyst Robert Stallard of Vertical Research said in a report on Thursday. Congress will likely consider the request before April 28, when the current Defense Department funding expires. (This story has been refiled to correct data in paragraphs 2 and 10.) (Reporting by Mike Stone; Editing by John Walcott and Dan Grebler)
To Jay H. and Susie Shah, the addition of an in-law suite over the garage of their Main Line mansion was a necessary project to house elderly parents from India  and one for which they are sorry they had not sought building permits.

To neighbors and critics, the major addition to the brick manor home was an egregious abuse of local regulations by a wealthy hotel developer and CEO who should have known better.

And to the Lower Merion Township Board of Commissioners, it was a problem for which they had to accept the Shahs' apology and move on.

The commissioners voted unanimously Wednesday to have the Shahs remove some of the unauthorized projects done in the last decade at their brick manor home, including a patio and part of their driveway, and pay more than $13,000 in fees and fines. Their proposed in-law suite and garage addition can move forward.

The vote came nearly a year after a stop-work order was issued to the Shahs for their unauthorized garage and in-law suite project, and after months of vigorous negotiations, closely watched by neighbors and community groups, that included the discovery of years of unauthorized work at the home.

Shah, CEO of Hersha Hospitality Trust, spoke publicly about the issue for the first time Wednesday, offering an apology to the commissioners.

"We acknowledge our mistake and fully understand the position the township has taken," he said.

Shah heads the $466 million company that has 53 hotels, including the upscale Rittenhouse Hotel in Philadelphia. He grew up living and working in his family's motel in Lancaster, and now runs Hersha Hospitality Trust alongside his brother.

His home on Gypsy Lane, with 8 bedrooms and 7,300 square feet, reflects his success in the family business. The Shahs purchased the house for $1.95 million in 2005. Built by architect Frank Miles Day, the century-old house was featured on the cover of a 2006 Builder/Architect magazine, which described it as "a magnificent manor home situated along Philadelphia's prestigious Main Line."

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Susie Shah, a radiologist at Chestnut Hill Hospital, told a township committee last week that their in-law suite project began after she had to fly to India to bring back her sick mother. They needed a place for her parents to live, she said, so she talked to her husband about turning the attic above their garage into a residence.

"Originally conceived, it was a small and not very ambitious project and we should have gotten permits," she said. "The scope of the improvements got bigger than we anticipated."

The dispute is also one between neighbors -- Susie Shah and her neighbors, A.K. and David Johnston, traded accusations at a committee meeting last week.

The Johnstons hired their own lawyer to fight the project and argue that the Shahs should not be permitted to proceed with their unauthorized work, which they claim has infringed on the view from their home and brought a steady stream of work crews to a shared driveway.

Susie Shah said the Johnstons had turned down offers to be reimbursed for their legal bills, and have entered the Shah property to take photographs. A.K. Johnston countered that the Shahs have accused her of harassing them, because she stopped people entering the Shah property via the shared driveway.

Weve received a threatening notice charging us with harassment and saying that theyre going to call police, Johnston said.

Commissioners on Wednesday said they were unhappy that the Shahs flouted township regulations, but insisted that they did not receive special treatment because they are wealthy. Commissioner Philip Rosenzweig said he accepted the Shahs' apology.

And I dont want anyone to take away, notwithstanding the unhappy neighbor, that this is somehow a path around our process, he said.

The commissioners also left residents with a bit of advice: Township staff cannot constantly monitor every building project, so watch what your neighbors are doing.

If you see something thats going on, it doesnt hurt to pick up the phone and made a phone call. For 10 years (the Shahs) built and no one called, said Commissioner Paul McElhaney. Simply put, staff cant be everywhere. You all have the responsibility to make phone calls.

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By Michel Rose BERLIN (Reuters) - French presidential frontrunner Emmanuel Macron said in Berlin on Thursday his priority if elected would be to reform the French economy since that was the only way to restore trust with Germany and move Europe forward. "If you want to have the credibility, you have to take care of business at home," Macron said at a panel discussion in the German capital after meeting Chancellor Angela Merkel. "The key for me is to restore a level of trust that no longer exists." The meeting with Merkel, which lasted over an hour, was a coup for the former investment banker, 39, who is running as an independent after serving as economy minister under Socialist Francois Hollande. He did not get a meeting with the center-right German leader when he visited Berlin two months ago as a long shot to enter the Elysee Palace. Since then, his conservative rival Francois Fillon has become engulfed in a scandal over his wife's employment as a parliamentary assistant. Berlin now sees Macron as the candidate most likely to defeat Marine Le Pen, leader of the far-right National Front. Speaking at an event with German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel, a Social Democrat (SPD) who was once his counterpart as economy minister, Macron offered a vigorous defense of the European project, saying it had stalled because of a lack of new ideas to move it forward. "In the national debate, we need to promote a European agenda and take responsibility for this. If you are a timid European, you are already a defeated European," he said. CONTRAST Macron's insistence that France should reform first stands in stark contrast to the messages of recent French presidents, who have argued that Paris needs to push back against Berlin's budget discipline and focus on economic reform. "Frankly, I don't want to come and tell the Germans to make more investments and lecture them like many people in France have done before me," Macron said. Gabriel noted that Germany has only managed to successfully reform its own economy by loosening European Union budget rules and increasing its deficits. He said the narrative that Germany was shouldering the biggest load in Europe needed to be broken. Instead, he said Germany had benefited more than other countries from the EU. "The truth is that Germany is the big winner from the EU - both economically and financially," Gabriel said. Polls show Macron will make it into second round of the election and face off against Le Pen, whose party ridiculed him for traveling to Berlin to be "anointed" by Merkel. "Mr. Macron is in a competition with Mr. Fillon to be Mrs. Merkel's top vassal," said Florian Philippot, Le Pen's deputy. Macron responded: "I am not here to be anointed. In a French campaign, only the people can anoint." (Reporting by Noah Barkin and Michel Rose; Editing by Tom Heneghan)
A decade ago, few outside the academy would have noticed Jonathan Browns lecture on slavery. A Washington native who looks a good bit younger than his 39 years, Brown is now a professor of Islamic studies at Georgetown University, where he directs the Prince Alwaleed bin Talal Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding. Hes also a convert to Islam. Much of his work is aimed at making Islamic thought more accessible to general audiences.

But Browns attempts to explain the faith have made him a hate figure for the American right. A flood of articles accuse him of being an apologist for slavery and rape. His family has received death and rape threats.

It all started with good intentions. Brown is one of the majority of Muslims around the world who believes the Islamic State practices a warped interpretation of Islamic thought that blesses slavery, rape, and other crimes. But Brown also knows that not all Muslims are so quick to dismiss the jihadi groups theology. Certainly the hundreds of foreign fighters who have trickled into Syria and Iraq to join its ranks find its ideas seductive. For some others, the veneer of religious authenticity used to justify Islamic State atrocities has led to a crisis of faith. And the cacophony of violence plaguing much of the Muslim world tends to drown out the voices of those most qualified to referee the religious confusion.

But Brown felt that he was called to try, hence his public lecture at the International Institute of Islamic Thought in Herndon, Virginia, on Feb. 7. In the first of what he intended as a three-part series, Brown addressed slavery in Islam, hoping to combat the idea that Islam could ever condone the subjugation and exploitation of human beings.

That was when he encountered a cacophony of a different sort  Americas far-right, anti-Muslim ecosystem that has adopted the same twisted interpretations of Islam that the Islamic State promotes. After the lecture, Brown endured a cascade of online attacks from conservative and alternative-right heavyweights such as Ann Coulter, Robert Spencer, and Milo Yiannopoulos, who claimed that he had actually condoned the acts he had set about to condemn. His university department was flooded with demands that he be fired.

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Brown is the victim of an increasingly empowered industry of Islamophobia that constricts the space for balanced and open dialogue, sidelining the very Muslims who are doing the most to promote peaceful, orthodox interpretations of Islam. The United States has powerful protections for speech and religious liberty that have allowed faith traditions to hammer out their theological debates in a free and protected environment. But a targeted network now seeks to deny Muslims that freedom and to treat Islam as a dangerous political ideology rather than a religion  and, like the McCarthyites of the 1950s, to silence and discredit any Muslims who disagree.

* * *

The Quran does not condemn slavery. Mohammed is said to have encouraged manumission of slaves as a virtuous act, but other teachings traditionally attributed to him establish guidelines for the treatment of slaves. These limit the scope of slavery, not condemn it absolutely.

By the 20th century, most Islamic thinkers rejected the practice, and countries throughout the Muslim world abolished it. Ahmad Bey, the ruler of Tunis, outlawed the practice in 1846. Numerous regions followed suit, with Saudi Arabia finally abolishing it in 1962. But how are modern believers reading ancient texts, which they hold to be inerrant and timeless, to take a passage such as Surah 24:32, And marry those among you who are single and those who are fit among your male slaves and your female slaves? The verse appears to accept slavery as an institution and could even be seen as encouraging nonconsensual sexual relations. It is troubling and problematic for anyone who believes in freedom and universal human rights, particularly when a self-proclaimed Islamic caliphate invokes such passages to justify the enslavement of Yazidi women and girls.

Yet this is a problem that Christians have long faced as well. The United States once battled its own militant pseudo-state that invoked religion to justify institutionalized slavery. [Slavery] was established by decree of Almighty God, said Jefferson Davis, the president of the Confederate States of America. It is sanctioned in the Bible, in both Testaments, from Genesis to Revelation  it has existed in all ages, has been found among the people of the highest civilization, and in nations of the highest proficiency in the arts.

The Gettysburg Museum of History in Pennsylvania describes the Civil War as a theological crisis in American Christianity. One exhibit features an 1857 pamphlet called Slavery: Ordained of God, written by the Rev. Fred A. Ross of Huntsville, Alabama. Nearby is a painting of John Brown, the famed Christian abolitionist, holding a Bible in one hand and a gun in the other.

The Bible mentions slavery, but Jesus never condemned it. Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, enjoins the New Testament book of Colossians. The Old Testament has numerous verses regulating the treatment of slaves, and permitting masters to marry or have sexual relations with slave women.

These days, of course, American Christianity comes down firmly on the side of abolition. Bible-based arguments in support of slavery are dead outside of a lunatic fringe of Christian nationalists. Christians in America have ample private space to discuss the meaning and implications of these passages, and to engage in discursive reinterpretation of their sacred book.

The accepted answer to the question of slavery in the Bible now goes like this: Slavery as practiced in biblical times was a different kind of slavery from the totalitarian, race-based institution practiced in the American South. Slaves had many rights. And society at that time was different from what it is now. Social class was heavily constricted, few people enjoyed freedom and social mobility, and slaves had a known social status that ensured them a certain position in society. The Bible contains many verses indicating that a true system of exploitation would be wrong.

Sermons along these lines are common in Sunday morning church as well as in youth group meetings. John Piper, the hugely popular Christian pastor and writer, devotes an entry on his website to slavery in the New Testament. The early church leader Paul encouraged slaves to obey their masters, but, as Piper writes, Paul does encourage slaves to gain their freedom if they can. One blog on the website of the major evangelical publication Christianity Today put it like this: The Bible is the Word of God but it was written at a certain time in history where slavery was normal. Thus, the Bible talks about it as if its just the reality of the world.

Theres even a popular Christian worship song called Pierce My Ear, which refers to an Old Testament verse in which a slave asks his master to allow him to serve him for the rest of his life, and to pierce his ear with an awl as proof of that promise. The website of a Christian youth camp in Wisconsin explains it this way: The verse isnt intended to reinforce the institution of slavery but it recognizes that a slave who was scheduled to be set free after seven years might choose to stay with a master (and his family) especially if freedom had no prospects. The song is an allegorical approach that highlights a moral lesson rather than a literal interpretation meant for todays world.

As a result of this iterative process, enabled by free speech and a protected space for discussion, the overwhelming majority of Christians who believe slavery is wrong are able to hold on to their faith, and even to use it as a justification for modern interpretations of human rights.

Islam in the United States today is increasingly  and systematically  denied that free and respected space for discussion.

Browns 80-minute lecture (available here) was a case in point. He approached slavery in the same way that Christian ministers often have  by putting slavery in a historical context. In a manner familiar to historians and anthropologists, he deconstructed the 21st-century English-language word slavery and the institution to which it typically refers  an extreme, abusive, violent, and racialized system of exploitation over which America fought a war to finally abolish. Freedom and exploitation come in shades of gray, Brown said. They exist on spectrums. He gave historical examples that challenge a modern understanding of slavery  of slaves who rose to high rank in the Ottoman Empire, of slaves who themselves owned slaves, of how in some societies wives had few more rights than concubines, of free women in 19th-century Britain who were not permitted to own property and whose legal rights were tied to their husbands.

What matters, Brown concluded, was not the label slavery in and of itself, but whether or not a society engaged in exploitation or subjugation of human beings. It was such exploitation and subjugation that Islamic law aimed to prevent, a subject Brown said he would address further in his next lecture.

What Brown was attempting to do was build a bridge for American Muslims between their sacred scripture and their human rights sensibilities, as many Christian thinkers before him have done. For his efforts, he attracted the attention of an Islamophobic ecosystem designed to marginalize any Muslim who speaks out. Browns straightforward academic lecture was quickly transformed into fodder for a flood of unscrupulous articles painting him as someone who justifies slavery and the rape of female slaves, leaving him with a horrific online footprint that is likely to trail him for decades.

In the years after 9/11, a small but powerful network of funders and ideological activists has waged a major misinformation campaign, seeking to cast Islam as a diabolical threat that must be eradicated. Their concerted efforts have resulted in an influential infrastructure of websites, activists, lawmakers, and grassroots organizations that hold sway in municipal councils and state legislatures  and now have the ear of the president of the United States.

Between 2001 and 2009, seven charitable foundations donated $42.6 million to think tanks that promoted anti-Muslim rhetoric, as a 2011 report by the Center for American Progress revealed. These organizations include Frank Gaffneys Center for Security Policy; Stop Islamization of America, founded by Pamela Geller and Robert Spencer; the website Jihad Watch, directed by Spencer; and the David Horowitz Freedom Center, which hosts Jihad Watch. These organizations came up with several talking points about Islam that they promoted among lawmakers, grassroots networks, and the Christian right. Chiefly among these ideas was the belief that sharia, or Islamic law, is a totalitarian political ideology that presents the greatest domestic threat facing the United States today; that the Muslim Brotherhood, a loosely organized international Islamist movement, has infiltrated the U.S. government; and that Islam commands believers to lie about their motives. In other words, no Muslim can be trusted; you must infiltrate their private spaces to learn what they think.

This campaign has been wildly successful. Gaffney is now a senior advisor to the Donald Trump White House. Gaffneys influence extends throughout the administration. Kellyanne Conway, who ran Trumps campaign and now serves as counselor to the president, managed polling for the Center for Security Policy. Stephen Bannon, former head of the alt-right website Breitbart and now White House chief strategist, frequently invited Gaffney to appear on Breitbarts radio show.

Spencers website Jihad Watch, which received more than $500,000 in donations between 2001 and 2009 from those same seven foundations, has brought him global influence as well. He has published two New York Times bestsellers. The ideas he has promulgated on his site have resonated in the U.S. Tea Party movement and abroad: Anders Breivik, the self-styled Christian conservative who murdered 77 people in the worst mass killing Norway has seen since World War II, referred to Spencer and his website Jihad Watch 162 times in his manifesto, in which he justified his actions as necessary to combat the ongoing Islamic Colonization of Europe.

Jihad Watch even has a correspondent whose primary beat appears to be attending academic lectures around the Beltway, particularly at Georgetown, and publishing articles exposing the creeping ideology of radical Islam.

Websites like Jihad Watch have proliferated, including sites such as Religion of Peace and Answering Islam, and sites that often repost their content, including World Net Daily, the Daily Caller, Heat Street, and, of course, Breitbart.

The effect has been to create a self-reinforcing online ecosystem that churns out frenzied headlines and constructs alternate online biographies, often displayed in first page results from any search engine, in which normal American Muslims are painted as Muslim Brotherhood-linked, jihad-loving, rape-defending threats to the American way of life. Browns lecture lasted like chum in shark-infested waters.

It started with a blog post titled Georgetown Professor Jonathan Brown Defends Slavery as Moral and Rape as Normal in Virginia Lecture on a website called Student Voices. The author is a former cabdriver from St. Louis and a Muslim convert named Umar Lee, with a long history of flip-flopping between Christianity and extremist Islam who had attended the lecture. Not knowing what to expect from Brown I was shocked when he basically went into a 90 minute defense of slavery which included an explicit endorsement of non-consensual sex, Lee wrote. Its unclear how that was Lees takeaway from a lecture explicitly intended to do the opposite.

Lees blog was quickly picked up by the website Jihad Watch, with its founder Robert Spencer getting into a round of Twitter sparring with Brown. On Feb. 10, Ann Coulter retweeted a related article from Heat Street to her 1.4 million followers, which read, A Georgetown Islamic Studies professor defends slavery and says rape is okay because consent is a Western concept.

On Feb. 11, in an attempt to stem the bleeding, Brown tweeted, Islam as a faith and I as a person condemn slavery, rape and concubinage.

But it was too late. Soon dozens of articles were published proclaiming that Brown had defended slavery and rape as acceptable. Pamela Geller wrote about him; Milo Yiannopoulos featured Brown on his website and Facebook account. Brown received dozens of voice messages on his office phone telling him to pack his bags and leave the country, implying that people were coming to look for him and threatening to rape his wife.

By Feb. 15, the relatively mainstream conservative National Review had piled on, suggesting that Browns supposed defense of slavery may be related to his endowed chair, which is funded by a Saudi. By Feb. 20, it was on Fox News. On Feb. 22, Gaffney wrote a public letter to Georgetown University President John DeGioia calling for Browns termination. Brown told Foreign Policy that the university had remained very supportive; other academics have come out to back him.

* * *

Brown knew in advance that in Americas political climate, such a lecture would be easy fodder for Islamophobes. He referred to this several times, joking about misleading articles that could possibly come from his talk. He even took precautions; his entire talk was simply him reading from a written paper so that his language was precise and cautious. A Jihad Watch correspondent who had written sensationalist pieces about Georgetown events was in the audience; the institute that organized the lecture asked him to leave before it began.

In the end, none of that mattered.

On Feb. 16, in the middle of the fray, Brown wrote a long response on the blog Muslim Matters. First, I want to apologize to those hurt by how I addressed the topic of slavery in Islam, Brown wrote. I should listen to my wife more. She always tells me that I talk about things too much like a scholar and not enough like a normal person. Topics like slavery are felt with the heart; I shouldnt talk about them like a disembodied brain.

His apology demonstrated a sense of humility, but also, perhaps, a mistaken sense of control over the situation  that if he had acted differently it might have changed the outcome. In reality, American Muslims are reacting to forces far beyond their control  a feverish paranoia that echoes the anti-Communist Red Scare in the decade after World War II. Virtually any Muslim who has chosen to speak out or to become active in politics has faced a torrent of similarly unscrupulous smearing.

Ideologues are seeking to marginalize Muslims by making their speech and their activism relating to their religion come at a very high price. They believe that Muslims are malevolent, duplicitous, and dangerous, and these Islamophobes will bend the truth to fit their claims. In the process, they are denying Islam the same functional rights that Christianity enjoys and silencing the very people best poised to reconcile Islam with modern American life. Which may be the very point.

Photo Credit: PATRICK LUX/Getty Images
KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - Interpol has issued a red notice, the closest to an international arrest warrant, for four North Koreans wanted in connection with the murder of Kim Jong Nam, Malaysia's police chief said on Thursday. The estranged half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was murdered on Feb. 13, when Malaysian police say two women - an Indonesian and a Vietnamese - smeared super toxic VX nerve agent on his face at Kuala Lumpur International Airport. The two women were charged with murder earlier this month, but police are looking for seven North Korean suspects in connection with the killing, including four who are believed to have made their way back to Pyongyang. Police requested Interpol's help to apprehend the suspects last month. "We have obtained a red notice for the four North Korean nationals who were at the airport on the day of the incident and who have since left... we are hoping to get them through Interpol," police chief Khalid Abu Bakar told reporters. An Interpol red notice is a request to find and provisionally arrest someone pending extradition. The murder has resulted in a diplomatic meltdown between two countries with once strong ties. North Korea has questioned the Malaysian investigation into the murder and refused to acknowledge that the man murdered is Kim Jong Nam. Speaking at the North Korean embassy in Beijing at an unusual and hastily arranged news conference, diplomat Pak Myong Ho blamed the United States and South Korea. "The recent incident that occurred in Malaysia was clearly a political scheme by the U.S. and South Korea aimed at hurting the DPRK's reputation and overthrowing the DPRK regime," Pak said, using the North's formal name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. "The only parties that will benefit from this incident are the enemy countries," Pak told a hand-picked audience of reporters in a small, sparsely decorated room inside the embassy. At the time of the killing, Kim was carrying a diplomatic passport bearing another name, but Malaysian authorities said on Wednesday Kim Jong Nam's identity had been confirmed using DNA samples taken from one of his children. Malaysia has also refused demands by the North Korean government for Kim Jong Nam's body to be released, saying that the remains can only be handed over to the next-of-kin under local laws. No family member has come forward to claim the body. State news agency Bernama, quoting Malaysian deputy police chief Noor Rashid Ibrahim, said on Thursday that the family had given consent for Malaysia to manage Kim Jong Nam's remains. Noor Rashid did not say when or where the consent was given. Kim Jong Nam had been living in the Chinese territory of Macau under Beijing's protection after the family went into exile several years ago. He had been known to speak out publicly against his family's dynastic control of North Korea. A man claiming to be the son of Kim Jong Nam appeared in video footage last week, saying he was lying low with his mother and sister. An official at South Korea's National Intelligence Service confirmed the man in the video was Kim Han Sol, the 21-year-old son of Kim Jong Nam. Malaysia is one of the few countries outside China that has for decades maintained ties with North Korea. But as relations soured, Malaysia recalled its envoy from Pyongyang and expelled the North Korean ambassador. North Korea then barred nine Malaysians - three diplomats and their six family members - from leaving the country, prompting Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak to describe the action as "hostage" taking. The Southeast Asian country followed with a tit-for-tat action stopping North Koreans from leaving. Najib told reporters Malaysia will begin formal negotiations with North Korea "when the time is right", clarifying previous reports saying that talks between the two countries had begun on Monday. (Reporting by Nguyen Ha Minh and Joseph Sipalan; Additional reporting by Christian Shepherd in Beijing, and Christine Kim in Seoul; Writing by Rozanna Latiff; Editing by Nick Macfie)
Was this New Jersey parking garage entrance too low for an ambulance to get to one womans dying husband after a fatal carjacking?

Read: Widow Recalls Her Terror After Husband Was Shot in Fatal Carjacking: 'Stay With Me!'

Dustin and Jamie Friedland were Christmas shopping at the Short Hills Mall on December 13, 2013, when they returned to their Range Rover in the mall parking lot and were ambushed.

The horrifying incident was caught on surveillance cameras.

Dustin was shot before the alleged thieves stole their car. In a lawsuit, she alleges she called 911 but waited more than a half hour for an ambulance to arrive.

Why? Because during the emergency, the ambulance could not get to the scene of the incident fast enough because the parking garage entrance did not have enough clearance for the vehicle to pass through.

The entrance was only seven feet tall but the ambulance was about 10 feet high.

Inside Edition rented an ambulance, which was about the same height as the one responding to the Friedlands' emergency, and went to the same mall.

The ambulance Inside Edition rented could not get into the parking garage because the vehicle was too tall, just like on the night of the New Jersey lawyers death.

The parking garage is part of a wrongful death lawsuit Jamie has filed against the Short Hills Mall. The suit also claims a lack of security.

"If the ambulance were to get in on a timely basis, it would have given him a chance," her attorney, Bruce Nagel, told Inside Edition.

The Short Hills Mall denies being negligent regarding security or the height of the parking garage entrance.

On Wednesday, Jamie spoke for the first time publicly about the instance, when she took the stand inside a New Jersey courtroom and recalled: "I was screaming, Stay with me! Stay with me!'"

She gave the tearful testimony at the trial of the alleged getaway driver, Basim Henry. He is one of four men accused in the slaying of her husband.

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Henry has pleaded not guilty.

"I saw the struggle, I saw the taller man. I saw him put the gun to Dustin's head," she said as she then mimicked the sound of gun shots going off.

Read: Bus Driver Rescues 5-Year-Old Boy Running Down Street at Midnight With No Shoes in Brutal Cold

She said the gunman then opened the car door, pointed the gun at her and told her to get out.

There will be four separate criminal trials for each of the suspects. The victim's widow will be testifying at every one of them.

Watch: Calm Teen Calls 911 After Train Severs Feet: 'I Think It Cut Them Off'

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By Gina Cherelus

NEW YORK (Reuters) - A Massachusetts man has been indicted on hate crime charges after assaulting a female Muslim employee at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport in January, yelling that President Donald Trump "will get rid of all of you," prosecutors said on Thursday.

Robin Rhodes, 57, of Worcester, attacked Rabeeya Khan, who was wearing a hijab, or head scarf, for no reason other than her religion while she was working at Delta Airlines' Sky Lounge, Queens District Attorney Richard Brown said in a statement.

"Crimes of hate will never be tolerated in Queens County and when they do, regrettably occur, those responsible will be brought to justice," Brown said.

A defense attorney for Rhodes did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Civil rights advocates have sounded the alarm over an apparent rash of hate crimes since Donald Trump was elected president last November.

Trump's attempt to temporarily ban citizens from several Muslim-majority nations from traveling to the United States, which has been blocked by federal courts, has sparked protests from civil liberties and immigration rights groups across the country.

According to prosecutors, Rhodes, who was waiting for a connecting flight home after arriving from Aruba, approached the door of the office where Khan was working and said: "Are you sleeping? Are you praying? What are you doing?"

He kicked her in the right leg and then blocked her from fleeing, prosecutors said.

When Khan managed to escape the office, Rhodes followed her, got down on his knees and began to bow in imitation of a Muslim praying, prosecutors said.

"Trump is here now," Rhodes shouted, according to Brown's statement. "He will get rid of all of you. You can ask Germany, Belgium and France about these kind of people. You will see what happens."

When police placed him under arrest, Rhodes allegedly said, "I guess I am going to jail for disorderly conduct."

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Rhodes was charged with assault, unlawful imprisonment, menacing and degree aggravated harassment.

He faces up to four years in prison if convicted and was released on a $50,000 bond or $30,000 cash bail. Rhodes is expected to return to court in June.

(Editing by Alistair Bell)
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Police arrested a man after he left a crude explosive device in a briefcase during rush hour at a busy New York City bus terminal, according to a criminal complaint filed on Thursday. The device did not detonate.

Arsenio Mason, 39, is accused of leaving the briefcase on a chair inside a deli at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey bus terminal on Wednesday evening.

The case contained what appeared to be a "flash bang grenade," as well as a knife, bolt cutters and screwdrivers, the Port Authority Police Department said.

Police arrested Mason after he returned to retrieve the bag. They say he was carrying methamphetamine, an illegal stimulant, in a pipe.

There has been a visible increase in police officers patrolling the bus terminal, one of the main entry points into Manhattan, in recent months in the wake of deadly attacks on civilians in European cities.

Mason, of Jersey City in New Jersey, is facing charges of possession of a weapon and possession of a controlled substance, according to a complaint provided by the Manhattan district attorney's office.

Mason's attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A court set bail at $750,000 on Thursday. Mason is due back in court on March 21.

(Reporting by Jonathan Allen; Editing by Lisa Shumaker)
Cops in Southern California arrested a man this week who they say impersonated a police officer... when he pulled over a real law enforcement officer.

A Riverside County Sheriffs Deputy was driving in his personal vehicle Tuesday when he reported a white Dodge Dart had pulled up behind him and activated emergency lights and a siren.

Read: Teen Allegedly Sets Fire to Car She Thought Was Her Ex-Boyfriend's - It Wasn't

The Riverside Sheriff's Office said the deputy called dispatch to report that the driver of the Dodge Dart had activated two flashing lights in the upper windshield area of the vehicle with an audible police style siren.

The deputy said he was suspicious of the vehicle and did not pull over, at which point the driver of the Dart passed him, but not before the deputy snapped a photo with his phone.

According to a release from the Riverside County Sheriff's Office, officers conducted an investigation into the apparent impersonation of a police officer using the photo.

The vehicle captured in the photograph by the deputy was located within the City of Hemet, cops say.

Read: Oops! Alleged Police Impersonators Pull Over Off-Duty Officer, Cops Say

Upon inspecting the vehicle, sheriffs deputies say they located LED light strips in the upper windshield area and a public address system installed on the vehicle.

The owner of the car, Johnnie Sellers, was arrested on suspicion of impersonating a police officer. The 21-year-old has since been charged and released.

Watch: After Deaf Man Is Killed by Cop in Traffic Stop, How Drivers With Hearing Loss Can Stay Safe

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By Lisa Rapaport (Reuters Health) - One in five patients who have the most common type of stroke dont get recommended screenings to see if the episode damaged their ability to swallow, a recent study in Canada suggests. Under widely endorsed treatment guidelines, stroke patients are supposed to be screened for whats known as dysphagia, or an inability to swallow, before they receive any food or drink. Stroke patients with dysphagia have a higher risk of pneumonia, dehydration, disability and death than people who dont have difficulty swallowing, previous research has shown. For the current study, researchers examined data on 6,677 patients hospitalized with whats known as ischemic stroke, which results from an obstruction in a blood vessel supplying the brain. None of the patients were getting support like feeding or breathing tubes that would make them ineligible for dysphagia screening. Within 72 hours of arriving at the hospital, 1,280 patients, or about 19 percent, didnt get screened, researchers report in Stroke. Omission of screening mainly occurs in patients with mild strokes, who are only half as likely as patients with more severe strokes to receive screening, said lead study author Dr. Raed Joundi, a neurology researcher at the University of Toronto. Failing a dysphagia screening test increases the risk of poor outcomes - death, disability, complications - as much as other major prognostic factors like older age and severe stroke, and is true even in people with mild strokes, Joundi said by email. Elderly people who were at least 80 years old were 44 percent more likely to get checked for dysphagia than patients under 60. People admitted to the intensive care unit were 56 percent more likely to receive screening, and patients on a stroke unit had more than double the likelihood compared to those on a regular ward. Among the 5,144 patients who had a documented dysphagia screening in their medical records, nearly half failed the test. After a severe stroke, 83 percent of patients failed dysphagia screening, compared with 63 percent of patients who had moderate stroke and 33 percent with mild stroke. Individuals who failed the screening tended to be older and have more chronic medical issues including dementia prior to the stroke. When they failed the tests, patients were more than four times as likely to develop pneumonia. They also had more than five times the odds of severe disability and were more than twice as likely to be sent to a nursing home or rehabilitation facility after they left the hospital. One limitation of the study is that medical records might have failed to document screenings done for some patients or any tests done outside the 72-hour window examined, the authors note. Still, its likely the results would be similar for patients outside of Canada and for people who have less common hemorrhagic stroke, which occurs when a weakened blood vessel ruptures, Joundi said. And the findings suggest that screening efforts need improvement, said Dr. Daniel Lackland, a neurology researcher at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston who wasnt involved in the study. Patients and families should ask about screening, and they should alert doctors immediately to symptoms of dysphagia like difficulty starting to swallow, coughing or gagging while swallowing, drooling, weak voice, lost gag reflex or whats known as aspiration - food or drink getting into the lungs, Lackland advised. Early identification of dysphagia and aspiration risk is critical to avoid adverse health consequences including aspiration and pneumonia - as well as dehydration, malnutrition, weight loss, and ultimately increased risk of death, Lackland said by email. Furthermore, these dysphagia-related adverse health consequences from stroke may lead to reduced patient satisfaction caused by longer length of hospital stay, reduced ability to participate in rehabilitation, and reduced level of independence at discharge, Lackland added. SOURCE: http://bit.ly/2nsyjRo Stroke, online March 8, 2017.
A week ago, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles' merger-minded CEO, Sergio Marchionne, said that he fully expected Volkswagen to come a-courtin' "at the relevant time". This week, Volkswagen CEO Matthias Muller confirmed that, yeah, he might be interested in a hook-up, too.

That's a rapid about-face for Muller. Last week, as Marchionne was making his comments from the floor of the Geneva Motor Show, Muller was elsewhere in the room, insisting that Volkswagen "wasn't ready" to discuss such matters.

But as anyone who's ever flirted knows, nothing's quite as attractive as being wanted. We don't know precisely what altered Muller's attitude--maybe it was Marchionne's unabashed interest, or maybe it was something in Volkswagen's annual report that Muller had shared with the press just before making his comments. Whatever brought about the change, though, it appears the door is now open for a European meeting of the minds.

That said, Muller was a bit miffed to be hearing about Marchionne's comments through the media instead of from CEO himself. Maybe that will persuade Marchionne to pick up the phone--or perhaps fire off an email, as he did to General Motors' Mary Barra two years ago.

Our take

As we said before, a Volkswagen/FCA merger could be a win-win for both companies. FCA would gain market share in Europe, Volkswagen would see growth in the U.S., and both would benefit from improved economies of scale. Volkswagen would also have access to FCA's Ram and Jeep platforms, upon which it could build much-needed trucks and SUVs for American consumers.

Also, while neither company has been at the forefront of developments in electric vehicles or self-driving technology, if the two pooled their resources (and reached out to FCA's new BFF, Waymo), they might be able to do some catching up.
Just a few years after Mitt Romney threatened Big Bird with his life, Donald Trump is offering to finish the job.

Trump's newly proposed budget will rip away all federal funding for public broadcasting. In the budget, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), which funds both PBS and NPR, is on the chopping block, as are other arts organization like the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH).

SEE ALSO: Donald Trump is killing Meals on Wheels and it's a serious problem

As has been pointed out many times, the CPB's portion of the federal budget  around $445 million  is an incredibly small percentage (about one one-hundredth of a percent) of the entire budget. And while the cut would have an effect on PBS and NPR budgets, those aren't where the most drastic cuts would be felt.

Context: The Corporation for Public Broadcasting's budget is only about 0.01 of the federal budget https://t.co/KAG8kqWlKz https://t.co/okrSgxQuqU  Michael Calderone (@mlcalderone) March 16, 2017

As the Washington Post reports, of the $442 million distributed by the CPB in 2014, only around $43 million went to those PBS and NPR. The funding makes up around seven percent of PBS's annual budget and less than one percent for NPR.

But the YUGE chunk of that funding  nearly $400 million  actually went to local public broadcast stations. And the Post notes that nearly half of that funding, $186 million, went to stations in states that voted for Trump in 2016.

It's another case of the GOP shooting themselves in the foot, though it'd be hard to feel bad for the same group that wants to cut funding to Meals on Wheels.

.@IvankaTrump Hello dear - at what point will u be telling ur children that your father killed Snuffleupagus?  billy eichner (@billyeichner) March 16, 2017

Stations in large urban areas, like Los Angeles and San Francisco, would be less affected by those cuts because of a larger, more-giving donor base. On the flip-side, stations in poorer rural areas that depend on federal funding for a higher percentage of their annual budget would be more significantly affected.

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Patricia Harrison, president and CEO of the CPB, emphasized this in a statement on Thursday: "The elimination of federal funding to CPB would initially devastate and ultimately destroy public medias role in early childhood education, public safety, connecting citizens to our history, and promoting civil discussions  for Americans in both rural and urban communities."

It seems insane to have to defend the arts but here we are. The #RighttoBearArts is what makes us great. Without science & arts who are we  Josh Gad (@joshgad) March 16, 2017

The same goes for organizations who stand to lose out big thanks to cuts to like the NEA. Speaking to KPCC, a public radio station in California, Los Angeles County Arts Commission executive director Laura Zucker pointed out, Small-sized organizations with budgets under $350,000 a year receive 30 percent of the National Endowment for the Arts direct grants."

Zucker notes that many smaller organizations that rely on federal funds are located in poor neighborhoods. This makes them not only more susceptible to cuts (because they can't rely on heavy private donations), but also to experiencing a larger negative effect on the community when they're forced to close.

In a statement, NEA chair Jane Chu said of the proposed cuts, "We are disappointed because we see our funding actively making a difference with individuals of all ages in thousands of communities, large, small, urban and rural, and in every Congressional District in the nation."

Of course, conservatives don't see it that way, lumping all of these organizations into the group of liberal bias as many media outlets they dislike.

There simply is no legitimate reason for government to fund left-wing media. #DefundNPR #DefundPBS  Dan Gainor (@dangainor) March 16, 2017

#budget It is a step in the right direction. I hope 2019 cuts are even more drastic. "Arts" and @NPR just propoganda arms of @DNC.  Red Pill Science (@RedPillScience) March 16, 2017

I haven't seen anything in @POTUS Budget that I don't approve of. Especially like cuts to NEA, NPR, PBS & other artsy fartsy money pits.   MAMADOXIE  (@Mamadoxie) March 16, 2017

The CPB is preparing to fight the budget cuts just as they've had to do in the past. But it'll be an uphill battle with not very much time left. The current budget expires April 28, meaning a short-term budget will need to be in place by then to prevent at least a partial shut down.

The deadline for the 2018 budget to be passed is October 1 and there's a sense of pessimism that the budget won't be passed in time. But those feelings are just par for the course in the wake of these proposed cuts.
Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., and fellow Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky have exchanged sharp public blows this week.

The most recent shot came from Paul on Thursday.

I think he makes a really, really strong case for term limits. I think maybe hes past his prime. I think maybe hes gotten a little bit unhinged, Paul said on MSNBCs Morning Joe in reference to the 80-year-old Arizona senator.

Paul was addressing McCains comments about him on the Senate floor the day before. McCain was speaking in support of a bill that would help Montenegro, a small country bordering Serbia, take steps to join NATO. Noting Pauls opposition to the measure, McCain mentioned the alleged attempted coup in Montenegro in late 2016, which the government said was orchestrated by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

If there is objection, and I will note the senator from Kentucky is on the floor, and I will say before I read this, if there is objection, you are achieving the objectives of Vladimir Putin, McCain began.

You are achieving the objectives of trying to dismember this small country that has already been the subject of an attempted coup. I have no idea why anyone would object to this, except that I will say, if they object, they are now carrying out the desires and ambitions of Vladimir Putin, and I do not say that lightly.

In response, Paul repeated his objection to the bill and then immediately left the chamber. McCain then launched into a direct attack on the Kentucky senator.

I note the senator from Kentucky leaving the floor without justification or any rationale for the action he has just taken. It is really remarkable that a senator is blocking a treaty that is supported by an overwhelming number  perhaps 98, at least, of his colleagues. To come to the floor and object and walk away  walk away!

The only conclusion that can be drawn when he walks away is that he has no argument to be made. He has no justification for his objection to having a small nation that is under assault from the Russians be part of NATO. So I repeat again: The senator from Kentucky is now working for Vladimir Putin.

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Though both men, former presidential candidates, belong to the same political party, they often differ on foreign policy, with Paul advocating for a noninterventionist approach much of the time, often citing the financial burden of the more hawkish foreign policy that McCain favors.

I do think that when we talk about NATO there can be a rational discussion about the pros and cons of expanding it, Paul argued on Morning Joe.

One of my favorite articles of that last couple years was one that talked about the angry McCains and if we put active troops and got involved in combat where McCain wants us to be  its virtually everywhere, he continued. So his foreign policy is something that would greatly endanger the United States, greatly overextend us, and there has to be the thought whether or not its in our national interest to pledge to get involved with war if Montenegro has an altercation with anyone.

In a February interview on ABCs This Week, Paul made a similar point about his Senate colleague.

John McCain is the guy that has advocated for war everywhere, he said. He would bankrupt the nation. Actually were very lucky John McCain is not in charge because I think we would be in perpetual war.
The McDonalds Twitter account on Thursday sent a quickly deleted message calling President Donald Trump a disgusting excuse of a president.

The tweet, which came from the fast-food giants official corporate account, also said the company would love to have Barack Obama back as president, and that Trump has tiny hands, the Associated Press reports.

Shortly after the tweet was posted, McDonalds said it was notified by Twitter that its account had been compromised.Twitter notified us that our account was compromised. We deleted the tweet, secured our account and are now investigating this, McDonalds wrote.

Twitter notified us that our account was compromised. We deleted the tweet, secured our account and are now investigating this.  McDonald's (@McDonaldsCorp) March 16, 2017

Heres a screenshot of the original tweet:
Philadelphia rapper Meek Mill was charged with misdemeanor assault following a fight at a Missouri airport, according to reports.

The altercation occurred at St. Louis Lambert International Airport after an employee asked Mill for a picture, according to TMZ. Sources told the site that shortly after that interaction, a fight broke out between Mill and his entourage and two men on the airports staff.

Police later arrived to break up the scuffle, and charged both men and Mill with misdemeanor assault. The three men were given court summons in lieu of arrest.

Justin Card and DeAngelo Webb, the airport employees involved in the altercation, tell TMZ that Mill denied Cards request for a photo, which led to Card complaining about rappers treatment of fans. The situation escalated from there: Card claimed Mill and his entourage approached him and threw the first punch. Webb, Cards cousin, jumped in as well.

Now, Card and Webb say they have been fired from their jobs at the airport, but their employment status is unclear. They took our badges and everything, Card told TMZ. I think were out of a job all the way.

The charges could cause more serious problems for Mill, who is currently on probation in connection with a 2008 drug and weapons conviction. Mill was sentenced to house arrest last year for a 2015 probation violation in connection with that case, and also received an additional six years of probation. This latest incident could potentially put Mill in violation of his probation, which, as TMZ points out, could lead to jail time.

Mill, however, appeared unworried on social media. He posted numerous times to Instagram on Wednesday following news of the airport altercation breaking:

Locked in the slammer nope popped up in Miami  A post shared by Meek Mill (@meekmill) on Mar 15, 2017 at 6:31pm PDT

Just stop it...... cut that internet off for a few hrs and go achieve something  A post shared by Meek Mill (@meekmill) on Mar 15, 2017 at 6:04pm PDT

Mills reps have not yet responded to request for comment.

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BERLIN (Reuters) - German Chancellor Angela Merkel ruled out trading provocations with Turkey on Thursday after President Tayyip Erdogan sharply criticized bans on planned rallies by Turkish ministers in Germany and the Netherlands. Erdogan's mounting criticism of the two countries, part of a drive to win support among Turks living abroad for a referendum to widen his powers, has strained Ankara's ties with European capitals concerned about what they see as an increasingly authoritarian and insulting tone from Turkey. Merkel told regional newspaper Saarbruecker Zeitung that Erdogan's accusation this week that she supported terrorists from the Kurdish PKK militant group was absurd. "I don't intend to participate in this race to trade provocations," she said. Referring to his attacks on the Netherlands, she added: "The insults need to stop." Erdogan has accused Germany of "fascist actions" for cancelling several planned rallies by his cabinet ministers and has branded the Netherlands "Nazi remnants" for banning a rally in Rotterdam at the weekend. Merkel has hit back at Erdogan for the Nazi comparisons, saying they are "unworthy" both of the close ties the two countries share and of their people. She reiterated that Turkish politicians wanting to make appearances in Germany needed to openly disclose who wanted to appear and for what purpose and then stick to the laws and principles of Germany's constitution. "Furthermore, we're looking at the situation afresh every day and are not giving anyone a carte blanche for the future," she said. (Reporting by Michelle Martin)
BERLIN (Reuters) - German Chancellor Angela Merkel told a newspaper she was looking forward to meeting U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington on Friday. "It's always better to talk with each other than about each other," Merkel told regional newspaper Saarbruecker Zeitung. Asked if both sides were curious, Merkel said: "There's definitely curiosity. And also pleasure at meeting each other. At least from my side." Merkel was on her way to the airport on Monday to fly to Washington for her first meeting with Trump when he rang her to postpone the trip due to the approach of a winter storm. Merkel said she wanted to speak with Trump, who was elected in November, about security and economic issues as well as about future international cooperation. Regarding concerns about a trade war between the United States and Germany or Europe, Merkel said: "Our countries benefit when we work together well and fairly." The United States has repeatedly criticized Germany's large current account surplus, but Merkel said there was also a lot of direct German investment in the United States. Carmaker BMW's U.S. plant exports "more cars than GM and Ford together" from the United States, Merkel said. "I'll make that clear," she added. (Reporting by Michelle Martin; Editing by Catherine Evans)
Mexico City (AFP) - Juicy contracts or patriotic pride?

That was the dilemma facing Mexican construction firms Thursday as conservative lawmakers ramped up the pressure on companies tempted to help build US President Donald Trump's planned border wall.

Senator Gabriela Cuevas of the opposition National Action Party was due to introduce a bill barring the government from doing business with any Mexican firm that participates in building the wall, a deeply reviled project in Mexico.

"It's essential that government purchases, at all levels of government, exclude any kind of contract with any company that participates in building the wall," she told AFP.

Cuevas, the head of the Senate foreign relations committee, said negotiations were also under way to amend existing laws on public works projects and government purchases to exert similar pressure.

Trump's plan for a "big, beautiful" wall on the US-Mexican border -- a central campaign pledge -- could cost $21.6 billion, according to a Department of Homeland Security estimate.

His insistence that Mexico pay for the wall, together with his attacks on Mexican immigrants as "criminals" and "rapists," have caused a diplomatic row between the two neighbors.

Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto canceled a White House visit over the wall issue in January.

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But the opposition has sought to portray the president as too soft on Trump, capitalizing on a nationalist backlash against the Republican billionaire.

According to the US Customs and Border Protection agency, construction companies are lining up to get a piece of the wall project.

It postponed its call for bids Wednesday, saying more time was needed because "industry interest has been high."

No new date has been set yet. So far some 650 businesses have answered a "pre-solicitation" call.

Mexican cement giant Cemex said earlier this month it was ready to supply materials for the wall and "all types of infrastructure projects" in the United States -- a nod to Trump's other big plan to ramp up infrastructure spending.

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But another construction giant, Elementia -- partly owned by Mexican billionaire and Trump critic Carlos Slim -- has said it wants nothing to do with the wall.

On Tuesday, a company in the central Mexican state of Puebla called Ecovelocity raised eyebrows when it said it wanted to install lighting for the wall.

But owner Theodore Atalla later backtracked, telling AFP he had "already withdrawn the proposal."

"I don't see how any Mexican company could be interested in participating" in the wall, said the president of the Mexican Construction Industry Chamber, Gustavo Arballo, calling the project "absurd."
Coatzacoalcos (Mexico) (AFP) - The top prosecutor for the blood-stained Mexican state of Veracruz accused authorities here Thursday of being complicit in recently discovered mass graves containing at least 242 bodies.

The gruesome find in a remote field in the eastern state was made over a six-month period, starting in August when mothers searching for their missing children discovered the first of the clandestine graves.

So far, forensic experts have found 242 skulls in 124 graves.

"It's impossible that nobody realized what was happening here, with vehicles coming and going," said the prosecutor, Jorge Winckler Ortiz.

"If this wasn't done with authorities' complicity, I don't know how else it could have been done," he told a press conference in the open field outside the port city of Veracruz where the bodies were found.

Winckler took office in December after the state's previous governor, Javier Duarte de Ochoa, stepped down. Duarte is now a fugitive from justice suspected of embezzling hundreds of millions of dollars.

The prosecutor has taken over the investigation into the graves, a shocking discovery even by the standards of Mexico, where grisly killings by drug cartels are common currency.

He said it would take until May for investigators to receive the funds needed to carry out DNA testing on the bodies.

The field where the graves were found is covered with small iron crosses placed by the families of the missing.

Of the 124 graves, investigators had excavated 121 as of the last official update, on March 10.

They have nicknamed one grave "The Reservoir" because it is so big, Winckler told AFP.

"It's a terrible place, where a lot of bodies were found piled very close together," he said.

Veracruz is the scene of bloody disputes between the Los Zetas and Jalisco Nueva Generacion drug cartels.

Elsewhere in Mexico, mass graves have been found containing hundreds of bodies. In January, 56 bodies were found in a grave in the northern state of Nuevo Leon, where drug cartels vie for control of the routes toward the United States.
MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Mexican presidential hopeful Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador filed a complaint with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights on Wednesday against U.S. President Donald Trump's planned border wall and his administration's treatment of immigrants. Lopez Obrador, a fiery leftist who has led recent polls for the 2018 election, said he expects the commission to "speak out in accordance with the law to protect immigrants from the harassment they are suffering since Trump took office." Trump has ordered a wall built along the nearly 2,000-mile (3,200-km) U.S.-Mexico border, has moved to strip federal funding from "sanctuary" states and cities harboring illegal immigrants, and expanded the force of U.S. immigration agents. During his election campaign, Trump described Mexican illegal immigrants as rapists and criminals and insisted that Mexico would pay for the wall. That caused simmering diplomatic tension and angered everyday citizens south of the border. Lopez Obrador, a former Mexico City mayor and two-time runner-up for the presidency, said he hoped the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights would view Trump's moves as a "violation of human rights and discriminatory." The commission, an autonomous organ of the Organization of American States (OAS), is tasked with promoting and protecting human rights in the American hemisphere. (Reporting by Anthony Esposito; Editing by Paul Tait)
By Karolina Tagaris and Alkis Konstantinidis ATHENS/CHIOS, Greece (Reuters) - Refugees and migrants stuck in Greek camps, including children as young as nine, are cutting themselves, attempting suicide and using drugs to cope with the "endless misery", international charities said on Thursday. In reports marking one year since the European Union struck a deal with Turkey to stem the flow of refugees and migrants to Greece, Save the Children and Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) found anxiety, depression and aggression were on the rise. Mental health was "rapidly deteriorating due to the conditions created as a result of this deal", Save the Children said. "One of the most shocking and appalling developments Save the Children staff have witnessed is the increase in suicide attempts and self-harm amongst children as young as nine," it said. One 12-year-old boy filmed his suicide attempt after witnessing others trying to kill themselves. "Save the Children staff have seen children ... turn to substance abuse as a way of coping with the seemingly endless misery they face," it said. The EU-Ankara deal came into force on March 20, 2016 after a million refugees and migrants from Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan and beyond reached Europe in 2015, crossing over to Greek islands from Turkey. Under the deal, anyone who crosses into Greece without documents can be deported to Turkey unless they qualify for asylum in Greece. But long asylum procedures and a huge backlog have stranded 14,000 asylum seekers on five Greek islands, double the capacity. The EU has hailed the deal as a success for stemming the tide of refugees and migrants to Europe through Greece. The problems arising from the logjam do not just apply to children. Save the Children described conditions in overcrowded camps as "degrading", forcing asylum-seekers to fight for basics such as blankets, a dry place to sleep, food and warm water. "The living conditions have made them lose hope and made them feel like animals and objects," it quoted a staff member of Praksis, its partner organization, as saying. On the island of Lesbos, where more than 3,000 asylum-seekers live, MSF recorded a 2.5-fold increase in the percentage of patients with symptoms of anxiety and depression. Symptoms of psychosis and cases of self-harm and suicide also rose. On nearby Samos, it found an escalation in suicide attempts in recent months based on 300 mental health consultations. "They are losing any hope that they will find a safer, better future than the one they fled," said Jayne Grimes, an MSF psychologist on Samos. In a bleak seaside tent camp on Chios island, hundreds more asylum-seekers wait for months with no clarity on their future. "Why I cannot leave? How long more I must wait?" asked Jafar, an 18-year-old from Pakistan who arrived in Greece a year ago, on his way to the doctor to treat a cold. "The conditions are turning children from young people who are calm and full of dreams to people who want to harm property, others and themselves," another Praksis member said. (Editing by Alison Williams)
By Matthias Williams CHISINAU (Reuters) - Two months ago, Moldova's Deputy General Prosecutor Iurie Garaba traveled to Moscow with an invitation to attend an official function for Russia's General Prosecutor's Day. The visit didn't go as planned. Garaba was stopped by border guards at Moscow's airport and taken in for questioning. He said one guard rifled through his passport for 15-20 minutes while another asked what he was doing in Russia - despite his official invitation and a document naming him as the head of the Moldovan delegation. "I was asked questions that have absolutely nothing to do with border document checks. For example, 'How do I pronounce my last name?', or 'How to write it correctly?', Garaba told Reuters by telephone. Reuters was unable to independently confirm his version of events. But some Moldovan officials say the incident is part of a campaign by members of Russia's security apparatus to humiliate officials from the ex-Soviet state as they travel to or through Russia. The primary aim, four top Moldovan officials including Garaba's boss Eduard Harunjen told Reuters, is to derail a Moldovan probe into a Russian-led money laundering operation that funnelled $22.3 billion of Russian money through the Moldovan financial system between 2011-2014. Russia has countered by saying its own citizens, including lawmakers, journalists and military personnel, had been subjected to "detention and zealous searches" or outright bans at the hands of the Moldovan authorities. "We confirm our readiness for constructive cooperation with the Moldovan side to resolve all complex issues," Russia's foreign ministry said in an emailed statement to Reuters. Moldovan investigators have probed a scheme under which Russian shell companies took fictitious loans from offshore companies based in Britain. The transactions were guaranteed by Moldovan citizens, a move designed to allow Moldovan judges complicit in the scheme to order the fake loans be paid out, thus ensuring the transfer of money out of Russia, according to Moldovan prosecutors who have been investigating the matter. Moldova, Europe's poorest country, borders EU member Romania, with which it has close linguistic and cultural ties, but remains heavily reliant on Russian energy supplies. As in Ukraine and Georgia, moves by Chisinau to forge closer ties with the EU have been strongly resisted by Moscow. Moldova signed a political and trade pact with the EU in 2014, prompting Russia to slap a retaliatory ban on Moldovan produce. The Moldovan officials interviewed by Reuters said Moldovan intelligence had detailed knowledge of individuals in Russia's FSB security service who allegedly ran the scheme together with a Moldovan businessman called Veaceslav Platon. Platon's wife told Reuters by phone that he denies any wrongdoing. A spokeswoman for the Russian Interior Ministry, in response to written questions submitted by Reuters, said the ministry could not comment on Moldova's complaints of harassment because the Garaba case and others described in this article were not within its remit. Reuters also sent requests for comment on the harassment to the Federal Security Service (FSB) and the General Prosecutor's office, but received no response. PRO-MOSCOW PRESIDENT The row comes at a time when Moldova's recently elected president, Igor Dodon, is looking to pull the country away from the European Union's orbit and back towards Moscow, in opposition to the country's staunchly pro-Western government. After months of waiting for Russia to change its behavior or for Dodon to intervene, the Moldovan government went public with its grievances last Thursday and announced that no officials would travel to Russia until the issue was resolved. Its March 9 press statement said "all this abuse, harassing Moldovan officials at the entry into the Russian Federation and putting them on international monitoring, took speed and size once the (money laundering) investigation progressed." Russia's foreign ministry responded in its email: "With regard to the recommendation of the Moldovan government to Moldovan officials to refrain from trips to Russia, in our view such actions do not facilitate the restoration of bilateral relations and the activisation of cooperation." The Moldovan officials said they do not believe the harassment is orchestrated from the Kremlin but by people in the interior ministry and the security service. In Russia, the FSB oversees the border guards service. They believe FSB officials used part of the money from the money-laundering to further Russian state interests. The Moldovan government has not specified an exact number of cases or when the abuse started, but estimates 25 officials had been harassed just in the last few months, and one officer at the Interior Ministry was stopped and questioned 35 times. "We have tens of such cases," Interior Minister Alexandru Jizdan told Reuters. One interior ministry official said she had been stopped three times at Moscow airport, most recently in January. On the third occasion, she said she jokingly told the Russian guard she could find her own way to the interrogation room. "RUSSIAN LAUNDROMAT" The complaints of harassment comes as Moldovan prosecutors have launched criminal cases against 14 judges as well as 10 senior bank managers, senior central bank officials and four bailiffs in the money-laundering investigation. Russian law enforcement authorities also say they have been investigating the Moldova scheme for several years. Some lawyers who work in the Russian criminal justice system say it is common for one arm of Russian law enforcement to investigate a crime while another arm resists that effort because they have competing interests. Moldova says it has sent repeated requests to Russia over the past six years for help getting to the bottom of a scheme dubbed by local press as the "Russian Laundromat" which allegedly washed money from more than 100 Russian companies and 21 Russian financial institutions. The Russian Interior Ministry said in response to inquiries that it could not comment on the money-laundering case itself because of the on-going Russian investigation into it. Last week Moldova's Prime Minister and the President of the Moldovan parliament met the Russian ambassador in Chisinau to send a note of complaint to Moscow about the way Moldovan officials were being treated. The note also said that the Russian authorities had repeatedly ignored Moldovan requests for help to trace the origins of the laundered money and information to piece together how the scheme was carried out and who was involved. (Additional reporting by Christian Lowe, Maria Tsvetkova, Svetlana Reiter and Tatiana Ustinova in MOSCOW and Alexander Tanas in CHISINAU; editing by Mark John; update edited by Peter Graff)
By Matthias Williams CHISINAU (Reuters) - Two months ago, Moldova's Deputy General Prosecutor Iurie Garaba travelled to Moscow with an invitation to attend an official function for Russia's General Prosecutor's Day. The visit didn't go as planned. Garaba was stopped by border guards at Moscow's airport and taken in for questioning. He said one guard rifled through his passport for 15-20 minutes while another asked what he was doing in Russia - despite his official invitation and a document naming him as the head of the Moldovan delegation. "I was asked questions that have absolutely nothing to do with border document checks. For example, 'How do I pronounce my last name?', or 'How to write it correctly?', Garaba told Reuters by telephone. Reuters was unable to independently confirm his version of events. But some Moldovan officials say the incident is part of a campaign by members of Russia's security apparatus to humiliate officials from the ex-Soviet state as they travel to or through Russia. The primary aim, four top Moldovan officials including Garaba's boss Eduard Harunjen told Reuters, is to derail a Moldovan probe into a Russian-led money laundering operation that funnelled $22.3 billion of Russian money through the Moldovan financial system between 2011-2014. Russia has countered by saying its own citizens, including lawmakers, journalists and military personnel, had been subjected to "detention and zealous searches" or outright bans at the hands of the Moldovan authorities. "We confirm our readiness for constructive cooperation with the Moldovan side to resolve all complex issues," Russia's foreign ministry said in an emailed statement to Reuters. Moldovan investigators have probed a scheme under which Russian shell companies took fictitious loans from offshore companies based in Britain. The transactions were guaranteed by Moldovan citizens, a move designed to allow Moldovan judges complicit in the scheme to order the fake loans be paid out, thus ensuring the transfer of money out of Russia, according to Moldovan prosecutors who have been investigating the matter. Moldova, Europe's poorest country, borders EU member Romania, with which it has close linguistic and cultural ties, but remains heavily reliant on Russian energy supplies. As in Ukraine and Georgia, moves by Chisinau to forge closer ties with the EU have been strongly resisted by Moscow. Moldova signed a political and trade pact with the EU in 2014, prompting Russia to slap a retaliatory ban on Moldovan produce. The Moldovan officials interviewed by Reuters said Moldovan intelligence had detailed knowledge of individuals in Russia's FSB security service who allegedly ran the scheme together with a Moldovan businessman called Veaceslav Platon. Platon's wife told Reuters by phone that he denies any wrongdoing. A spokeswoman for the Russian Interior Ministry, in response to written questions submitted by Reuters, said the ministry could not comment on Moldova's complaints of harassment because the Garaba case and others described in this article were not within its remit. Reuters also sent requests for comment on the harassment to the Federal Security Service (FSB) and the General Prosecutor's office, but received no response. PRO-MOSCOW PRESIDENT The row comes at a time when Moldova's recently elected president, Igor Dodon, is looking to pull the country away from the European Union's orbit and back towards Moscow, in opposition to the country's staunchly pro-Western government. [nL5N1F74SB] After months of waiting for Russia to change its behaviour or for Dodon to intervene, the Moldovan government went public with its grievances last Thursday and announced that no officials would travel to Russia until the issue was resolved. Its March 9 press statement said "all this abuse, harassing Moldovan officials at the entry into the Russian Federation and putting them on international monitoring, took speed and size once the (money laundering) investigation progressed." Russia's foreign ministry responded in its email: "With regard to the recommendation of the Moldovan government to Moldovan officials to refrain from trips to Russia, in our view such actions do not facilitate the restoration of bilateral relations and the activisation of cooperation." The Moldovan officials said they do not believe the harassment is orchestrated from the Kremlin but by people in the interior ministry and the security service. In Russia, the FSB oversees the border guards service. They believe FSB officials used part of the money from the money-laundering to further Russian state interests. The Moldovan government has not specified an exact number of cases or when the abuse started, but estimates 25 officials had been harassed just in the last few months, and one officer at the Interior Ministry was stopped and questioned 35 times. "We have tens of such cases," Interior Minister Alexandru Jizdan told Reuters. One interior ministry official said she had been stopped three times at Moscow airport, most recently in January. On the third occasion, she said she jokingly told the Russian guard she could find her own way to the interrogation room. "RUSSIAN LAUNDROMAT" The complaints of harassment comes as Moldovan prosecutors have launched criminal cases against 14 judges as well as 10 senior bank managers, senior central bank officials and four bailiffs in the money-laundering investigation. Russian law enforcement authorities also say they have been investigating the Moldova scheme for several years. Some lawyers who work in the Russian criminal justice system say it is common for one arm of Russian law enforcement to investigate a crime while another arm resists that effort because they have competing interests. Moldova says it has sent repeated requests to Russia over the past six years for help getting to the bottom of a scheme dubbed by local press as the "Russian Laundromat" which allegedly washed money from more than 100 Russian companies and 21 Russian financial institutions. The Russian Interior Ministry said in response to inquiries that it could not comment on the money-laundering case itself because of the on-going Russian investigation into it. Last week Moldova's Prime Minister and the President of the Moldovan parliament met the Russian ambassador in Chisinau to send a note of complaint to Moscow about the way Moldovan officials were being treated. The note also said that the Russian authorities had repeatedly ignored Moldovan requests for help to trace the origins of the laundered money and information to piece together how the scheme was carried out and who was involved. (Additional reporting by Christian Lowe, Maria Tsvetkova, Svetlana Reiter and Tatiana Ustinova in MOSCOW and Alexander Tanas in CHISINAU; editing by Mark John; update edited by Peter Graff)
MONACO (Reuters) - Monaco swept into the Champions League quarter-finals and left Manchester City to pick up the pieces of another failed European campaign after a 3-1 victory on Wednesday sent them through on away goals. Monaco needed to overturn a two-goal first leg deficit but French prodigy Kylian Mbappe, Fabinho and Tiemoue Bakayoko scored on a memorable European night for the principality club, who underlined their growing status as one of the continent's most exciting sides. City, who won the first leg 5-3 in Manchester, were completely overwhelmed in the first half and fell two goals behind, but reacted after the break and Leroy Sane reduced the arrears as Monaco seemed to run out of steam. Bakayoko, however, headed home in the 77th minute to ensure the Ligue 1 club were celebrating at fulltime after the tie finished 6-6 over two enthralling encounters. "We deserve this. There is a lot of pride," said Bakayoko, whose goal ensured Monaco are the only French side left in the competition after Paris St Germain were knocked out by Barcelona. It was the first time City boss Pep Guardiola had been eliminated in the competition's last 16, while City became the first team to exit the Champions League after scoring five goals in the first leg. City, who have consistently been one of Europe's biggest spending clubs, have now failed to get past the last 16 in four of the last five years. "The second half we had the chances and we didn't take them and that is why we are out. And set-pieces are so important at this level," said Guardiola. "Barcelona and Real Madrid scored from them last week. We were not there." Leonardo Jardim's team, who were without the injured Radamel Falcao, started brightly and pressed high as Mbappe's pace forced City to sit deep. The 18-year-old then opened the scoring, turning in Silva's low cross from the left from close range after eight minutes. City barely set foot in Monaco's half and in the 29th minute, Fabinho fired home from Benjamin Mendy's inch-perfect centre. City were looking to hit Monaco on the break, but the hosts managed to keep wingers Sane and Raheem Sterling in their own half. The visitors, who failed to have a shot in the first half, gained some control early in the second as they played higher up the pitch and pegged their opponents back. Andrea Raggi made a crucial interception to deny Sergio Aguero, who had been teed up by Sterling, and keeper Danijel Subasic then produced a superb save to deny the Argentine striker in a one-on-one. Monaco were suffering before City reduced the arrears in the 71st minute when Sterling's shot was parried by Subasic into the path of Sane, who fired into the roof of the net. That put City in front on aggregate, but Monaco, who eliminated Manchester United in the quarter-finals in 1998 and Chelsea in the semis in 2004, turned the tie back in their favour when Bakayoko headed home from a Thomas Lemar free kick. (Writing by Julien Pretot; Editing by Toby Davis)
The Trump administration on Thursday nominated six civilians to fill critical slots in the Defense Departments leadership, positions which have been staffed since January by holdovers from the Obama administration.

The nominations come after months of hard-fought battles between Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and the White House over staffing the Pentagon, and after the rejection of a list of names Mattis put forward that were nixed by Trump advisor Stephen Bannon, son-in-law and confidant Jared Kushner, and Mira Ricardel, who has been running the defense transition effort.

The most significant nomination is longtime Boeing executive Patrick M. Shanahan to be the Deputy Secretary of Defense, essentially the No. 2 civilian official at the Pentagon. If confirmed by the Senate, he would succeed Robert Work, a widely-respected Obama administration holdover that Mattis had asked to retain until a replacement could be found.

Shanahan, who has no previous experience working in the federal government, has been working on the commercial aircraft side of Boeing operations, but in the past served as vice president for both Boeing Missile Defense Systems and had a role in the companys helicopter manufacturing division, where he oversaw several U.S. Army programs.

For the deputy job, the administration really wanted someone with industry experience, said Mackenzie Eaglen, national security analyst at the American Enterprise Institute.

One person with knowledge of the deliberations said that Mattis had wanted a deputy who could effectively argue policy differences at the White House and on Capitol Hill. But they pointed out that Trump defense transition head Mira Ricardel spent years as a Boeing executive, leading to some speculation that she pushed the Shanahan nomination.

Thursdays nominations of David Norquist to serve as the Pentagons comptroller and Elaine McCusker as his deputy, originated with Mattis, the source said.

Though Trump has directed some barbs at the aerospace and defense giant  he criticized the cost of the new Air Force One  lately he has expressed more affinity for the firm. He ended a rally at a South Carolina Boeing manufacturing plant last month with May God bless the United States of America, and God bless Boeing.

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Having a defense executive in the number-two position may help in some respects, said Barry Pavel, former senior White House and Pentagon official under Presidents Obama and George Bush. The deputy position is traditionally one of the key positions liaising with defense industry, so if he has no direct government or military experience, someone coming out of the defense industry could be an advantage in terms of running the building.

The tricky part, Pavel said, will be the day-to-running of the massive Pentagon bureaucracy.

Youre at the top of a large organization with a hefty inbox and you have to learn quickly, Pavel said. Shanahans ability to do so depends on how quickly hell get up the learning curve.

People close to Mattis had said he was frustrated with the blanket ban that the Trump administration placed on anyone associated with the Never Trump movement within the Republican national security establishment, which severely limited the pool of potential nominees. And Mattis in turn refused to accept some of the names White House staffers offered him.

In a statement on Thursday, Pentagon spokesman Capt. Jeff Davis said the nominees were personally recommended by Secretary Mattis to the President for nomination.

Thursday also saw the nomination of David Joel Trachtenberg, a former congressional staffer and defense official, as Principal Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Policy. That follows reports that Mattis withdrew his recommendation of Ambassador Anne Patterson for the job, after opposition from Sens. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) and Ted Cruz (R-Tex.). Patterson was U.S. ambassador to Egypt from 2011 to 2013 and interacted with its elected government, which had with ties to the Muslim Brotherhood. Earlier, Mattis had wanted to nominate Mary Beth Long, who served as assistant secretary of defense in the Bush administration, but was blocked by the White House.

Trachtenberg, a former House Armed Services Committee staffer and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Policy from 2001 to 2003, is currently President and CEO of Shortwaver Consulting, LLC, a national security consultancy.

Part of the slow roll out of nominees for the Pentagon harkens back to the failed nominations of Vincent Viola for secretary of the Army and Philip Bilden for secretary of the Navy, after both pulled out of the running due to conflicts with their business interests. The Trump administration is now doing background vetting and financial disclosure reviews of all nominees, something that most administrations had done much earlier in their term.

Foreign Policys Robbie Gramer contributed to this report.

Photo Credit: Department of Defense
Baghdad (AFP) - Iraqi authorities said Thursday that more than 150,000 people have fled fighting in and around west Mosul since security forces launched an operation to retake it from jihadists last month.

The International Organization for Migration released displacement figures on Wednesday indicating that nearly 100,000 had fled, but those statistics included fewer people residing outside of camps.

According to Iraq's ministry of migration and displaced, 152,857 people have fled the west Mosul area since the battle to recapture it from the Islamic State group began on February 19.

More than 98,000 are housed in camps, while more than 54,000 are staying in areas that have been recaptured from IS, the ministry said.

IS overran large areas north and west of Baghdad in 2014, but Iraqi forces backed by US-led air strikes have since retaken most of the territory they lost.

Iraqi forces launched the operation to recapture Mosul from IS in October, retaking the east of the city before setting their sights on the smaller but more densely populated west.

They have made steady progress against the jihadists, retaking a series of neighbourhoods and important sites including the airport, the train station, Mosul museum and the provincial government headquarters.

But the pace of the advance has been periodically slowed by bad weather, which makes air strikes more difficult and turns dirt streets into avenues of thick mud.
New York (AFP) - The White House clashed with environmentalists over President Donald Trump's retreat from tough future auto emission standards, with both sides predicting potentially big consequences for America's car fleet.

Appearing in Detroit, Trump ordered a review of the Obama administration's decision in January to finalize stiff fuel economy standards for the 2022-2025 period.

Trump cast his decision as a defense of American jobs, while his new Environmental Protection Agency administrator, Scott Pruitt -- an avowed skeptic of climate-change science -- decried the rules as "costly for automakers and the American people."

But the Natural Resources Defense Council warned the move would lead to a proliferation of gas guzzlers, while Senate Democratic leader Charles Schumer called the decision "one of the first steps in an all-out assault by the Trump administration to dismantle important environmental protections."

Although Trump's action opens the door to a potentially big change, auto industry experts said it is more likely the actual consequences will turn out to be less monumental than suggested by the rhetoric on both sides.

"It's safe to assume, I imagine, we'll have a less strict proposal sometime in the future," said David Whiston, an auto industry equity analyst at Morningstar who predicted major investments in hybrid and more efficient internal combustion technology would have lasting impacts.

"Long term, companies are still going to invest in electric, and plug-in hybrids and hydrogen regardless of what these rules are."

- Big investments -

US automakers have already sunk large amounts into factories and technology programs to meet tough fuel economy standards in America and other key markets, such as Europe and China, the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) said.

"Anything that puts the US 2025 standards at risk carries with it the risk that the US could once again become a relative technology laggard in the industry, with clear implications for US-based companies' competitive position," the think-tank said.

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Trump's move on Wednesday concerns a deal originally struck between Obama and many leading automakers in 2011 that envisioned a series of gradual increases through 2025, when average fuel economy would rise to 54.5 miles per gallon.

To meet the standards, automakers have adopted lighter-weight materials such as aluminum and structural tweaks to promote better aerodynamics, among other moves.

As part of the agreement, the auto industry won a promise for a "midterm evaluation" of the deal scheduled for 2018 to assess the standards in light of technological changes and business conditions.

Obama administration officials finalized the review and upheld the standards in their final days in office, drawing criticism from the industry, which argues the rules are costly and out of step with current market dynamics, including the rising popularity of light trucks in the United States.

Automakers cheered Trump's move Wednesday.

"By restarting this review, analysis rather than politics will produce a final decision consistent with the process we all agreed to... for greenhouse gases and fuel economy standards," said Mitch Bainwol, president of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers.

Efraim Levy, an auto industry analyst at the research group CFRA, said relaxing the rules should result in lower costs for automakers that can be passed on to consumers, boosting sales.

- Clash with California -

At the same time, analysts predict automakers will continue to invest heavily in hybrids and other fuel-efficient and electric vehicles to meet changing consumer tastes in an era when companies like Tesla are pushing the envelope with electric cars.

Pressure is also coming from US states that have adopted tough environmental rules, especially California, which has taken advantage of a provision under the Clean Air Act that permits states to set fuel emissions standards that go beyond federal rules.

An effort by the Trump administration to challenge California's authority would almost certainly wind up in court, where it would create a legal quagmire.

"As much as automakers might want some leniency from the standards, they don't want leniency with much greater uncertainty," ICCT program director Nic Lutsey said.

One outcome of the review could be greater leniency in how automakers are tested for fuel economy, he said, permitting more technologies that boost fuel economy but are difficult to account for during the rule-setting process.
Rabat (AFP) - The king of Morocco is to appoint a new prime minister, the palace announced, after an unprecedented five months of talks on forming a coalition government ended in failure.

"To break the current deadlock, the king has decided to appoint another member of the PJD (Justice and Development Party) to lead the government within the shortest time possible," a palace statement said.

King Mohammed VI tasked Prime Minister Abdelilah Benkirane with forming a new government after the Islamist PJD won the most seats in elections in October 2016.

The party had come to power after the king relinquished some of his near-absolute control following Arab Spring-inspired protests in 2011, with Benkirane heading a previous coalition government for five years.

But this time the PJD failed to form a majority despite five months of intense negotiations -- the longest time Morocco has been without a government in its recent history.

Benkirane told AFP on Thursday that he would also step down from leadership of the PJD in the months ahead.

"We cannot comment on decisions taken by the leadership. All I can say is that of course I accept this decision, which falls in line with the constitution. One cannot say no to His Majesty," he said.

Benkirane had proposed to rebuild his outgoing coalition, an alliance comprising a range of parties including other Islamists, liberals and ex-communists.

However he faced opposition from Aziz Akhannouch -- leader of the National Rally of Independents (RNI) and a billionaire former agriculture minister who is close to the king -- and the resulting power struggle quickly led to political impasse.

The king has "repeatedly urged Benkirane to accelerate the formation of the new government," the palace said in its statement issued late Wednesday.

But, after returning at the beginning of the week from a long African tour, the sovereign found negotiations "had not succeeded", with little prospect of a break in the deadlock.

The PJD was the first Islamist party to win an election in Morocco and the first to lead a government after the king -- whose family claims descent from the Prophet Mohammed and has ruled Morocco since the early 1600s -- gave up some of his power when thousands took to the streets in peaceful demonstrations inspired by the wave of uprisings across the Arab world.

A senior Moroccan official told AFP "this decision, where the Islamist PJD retains control over the forming of a future government, shows that the sovereign wants to consolidate the democratic change".
Former National Security Adviser Gen. Michael Flynn. (Photo illustration: Yahoo News; photo: Carlos Barria/Reuters)

RT, the Russian state-owned television network described by U.S. intelligence officials as the Kremlins principal international propaganda outlet, paid $45,386 for former Defense Intelligence Agency Director Michael Flynn to fly to Moscow to speak at its 10th anniversary celebration in December 2015, according to documents newly obtained by a congressional committee and provided to Yahoo News.

At the Russian governments expense, Flynn  who was fired last month as President Trumps national security adviser  was accompanied by his son, Michael Flynn Jr., on the three-day, all-expenses-paid trip, where they both stayed at the five-star Hotel Metropol in Moscow next to Red Square, according to documents obtained from Flynns speakers bureau, Leading Authorities.

The agency took a 25 percent commission, leaving $33,750 for Flynn. The Moscow booking was one of three speaking engagements the ex-DIA chief received from Russian interests after being fired from his Pentagon post in 2014 and before joining the Trump campaign as its principal national security adviser, the documents turned over to the committee show.

Documents on Flynn Payment Sources and Amounts

The other payments, of $11,250 each, were by two Russian companies, Volga-Dnieper, a cargo airline, and Kaspersky Government Security Solutions, a computer firm. Both talks appear to have been to U.S. subsidiaries of the companies, which are privately owned.

Still, congressional Democrats charge that the funds Flynn collected from government-funded RT (formerly known as Russia Today) appear to violate Pentagon rules that subject retired military officers to the emoluments clause in the U.S. Constitution, prohibiting them from accepting any consulting fees, gifts, travel expenses, honoraria or salary from a foreign government.

I cannot recall any time in our nations history when the President selected as his National Security Advisor someone who violated the Constitution by accepting tens of thousands of dollars from an agent of a global adversary that attacked our democracy, Rep. Elijah E. Cummings, D-Md., the ranking minority member of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, wrote in a letter sent Thursday to President Trump, Defense Secretary James Mattis and FBI Director James Comey.

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Flynn did not respond to a request for comment from Yahoo News on Thursday.

Cummings asked the president to turn over forms Flynn filled out to obtain his White House security clearance to determine if he fully disclosed his Russian government payment as well as any contacts he would have had with Russian government officials during the trip. (While in Moscow, Flynn was seated at a black-tie dinner next to Russian President Vladimir Putin.) Cummings also asked that Mattis implement a clause in Pentagon rules that directs officials to retrieve any funds that retired military officers received from foreign governments and turn them over to the U.S. Treasury.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, sits next to retired U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn at an event marking the 10th anniversary of RT (Russia Today) in Moscow in 2015. (Sputnik/Mikhail Klimentyev/Kremlin via Reuters)

The new disclosure about Flynns RT payment comes a week after the retired lieutenant general retroactively filed documents with the Department of Justice registering as an agent of the government of Turkey, under a $530,000 contract with a Dutch front company owned by a political ally of the Turkish president. While being paid under the contract, which was signed last August, Flynn was also a top national security adviser to the Trump campaign and sat in on intelligence briefings Trump received as the Republican nominee.

The disclosure also comes a month after Flynn was fired for misleading White House officials  including Vice President Mike Pence  about his conversations with Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak last December and whether they discussed U.S. sanctions imposed by President Obama over Moscows efforts to influence the 2016 election.

Questions about Flynns 2015 appearance in Moscow first arose last July during an interview at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, when Yahoo News pressed him on who paid for the trip.

I didnt take any money from Russia, if thats what youre asking me, Flynn said at first. Then when asked who did him pay him, Flynn replied: My speakers bureau  ask them.

In a later interview with the Washington Post, Flynn was asked about why he had made regular appearances on RT, given that it was state run. His reply: Well, whats CNN?

The House committee, in a letter signed by Cummings and the panels chairman, Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah), last month, took up Flynns suggestion of inquiring of his speakers bureau: It asked Leading Authorities to turn over all documents about Flynns speaking engagements, including the Russia trip. In a move that surprised even some staffers, the speakers bureau complied, including providing the committee with a series of emails from RT officials and producers as well as copies of the contracts Flynn and leading authorities signed with the Russian network.

As one of the worlds leading voices on national security issues, your presence will be invaluable to RTs Changes in the Global News Media Landscape International Conference, an RT producer wrote in an email to Flynn on Oct. 14, 2015, that was initially forwarded to Leading Authorities.

The documents show the trip was financed by RT TV-Russia, the networks Moscow headquarters, and paid through a London bank used by the network.

Email Chain

Flynns trip has drawn criticism from some former national security officials as a case of bad judgment, at a minimum, given RTs key role in promoting Russian government interests and working against the U.S. U.S. intelligence officials had been raising red flags about the issue for years  including while Flynn was serving as director of the DIA, the Pentagons top intelligence official. A Dec. 12, 2012, report, published by the CIAs Open Source Center five months after Flynn took over at DIA, described RTs U.S. branch as a Russian government messaging tool, part of a Kremlin-directed campaign to undermine faith in the U.S. government and fuel political protest. The report also noted that the Kremlin had committed significant resources to expanding RTs global reach, spending $190 million a year to distribute its programming to hotels and on cable stations around the world. The networks editor in chief had close ties to top Kremlin officials, the report said, and Putin had personally intervened to protect the network station from any budget cuts.

An updated version of that report was attached as an appendix to the Jan. 7, 2017, U.S. intelligence community assessment concluding that Putin had ordered a multifaceted influence campaign  including cyberattacks  to disrupt the 2016 presidential election by discrediting Hillary Clinton and boosting Trump. The U.S. intelligence assessment noted that RT has actively collaborated with WikiLeaks. It said the networks editor in chief had visited Julian Assange at the Ecuadorian Embassy in London in 2013 to discuss renewing his broadcast contract with RT and that Russian media later reported that RT had partnered with the organization to receive access to new leaks of secret information.

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Read more from Yahoo News:
Even though just 10% of the US population are officially Irish American, it won't stop more than three-in-four Americans raising a glass or dressing in green on March 17.

According to a study of 1200 US adults by MFour Mobile Research, when asked, 28.2% of those polled said that they identify as Irish-American (almost three times the amount recorded in the most current US Census) and 78% of all respondents said that they will be actively celebrating Saint Patrick's Day this year.

When questioned, most said that they would mark the occasion by wearing green -- correctly identified as Ireland's national color.

However, when quizzed upon the man himself, only 42.3% knew that Saint Patrick is Ireland's patron saint and only 25.3% knew that he spread Christianity to the country, that's almost the same amount (23.8%) that incorrectly believe he actually liberated Ireland from the British.

Meanwhile 18.8% were familiar with the legend that Saint Patrick drove snakes from Ireland, while 11.8% thought he invented green beer.
Rome (AFP) - Mount Etna has burst into life for the third time in just under three weeks, spitting molten lava nearly 200 metres (650 feet) into the sky above Sicily.

This latest phase of activity at Europe's highest volcano follows the first eruption in more than a year at the end of February.

The eruption came from a relatively new crater on the southeastern side of the 3,000-metre peak.

The eruption, captured on film by Italy's Geology and Vulcanology Institute (INGV), was not expected to pose any problems for nearby residential areas or for flights at the closest airport at Catania.
New York (AFP) - More than a century after a long-hushed genocide took place in Namibia while under German colonial rule, descendants of the victims had their day in court in New York for the first time Thursday.

In one of the darkest chapters of African colonial history, tens of thousands of Herero and Nama people were killed from 1904 to 1908.

Germany and Namibia have been in talks for the past two years about a joint declaration on the massacres.

The tribes filed their class-action lawsuit in January seeking compensation for "incalculable damages" and demanding that they be included in the negotiations between the two countries.

The 15 or so tribal representatives at the hearing -- who came from Namibia, Canada and midwest America, some wearing colonial-era traditional dress -- won their first victory Thursday when Judge Laura Taylor Swain scheduled another hearing for July 21.

"When I heard that she said the hearing can take place -- that was the greatest success we have achieved. This is the sign that we are the winners," said Ida Hoffmann, 69, a Namibian MP and Nama representative.

- Reparations refused -

While some German officials have acknowledged that a genocide occurred, the government has fallen short of an official declaration.

And Berlin repeatedly refused to pay direct reparations, saying that its development aid worth hundreds of millions of euros since Namibia's independence from South Africa in 1990 was "for the benefit of all Namibians."

A foreign ministry spokesman described the aid as "generous," saying it includes "record" amounts per individual and points to Germany's "responsibility."

German settlers grabbed land, cattle and other means of subsistence from the locals, triggering a Herero revolt on January 12, 1904 in which they killed 123 German civilians.

In the bloody Battle of Waterberg in August 1904, around 80,000 Herero fled with women and children toward Botswana. German troops went after them across what is now known as the Kalahari Desert. Only 15,000 Herero survived.

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In October 1904, colonial military commander General Lothar von Trotha ordered that the Herero be exterminated.

The smaller Nama tribe faced a similar fate. Around 10,000 of them were killed as they sought to rebel against the Germans during the conflict.

- 'Blind eye to rape' -

The lawsuit alleges that from 1885 to 1903, about a quarter of Herero and Nama lands -- thousands of square miles -- were taken without compensation by German settlers with the explicit consent of German colonial authorities.

It also claims that those authorities turned a blind eye to rapes by settlers of Herero and Nama women and girls, and the use of forced labor.

In addition to land and property grabs, there were concentration camps, exterminations and scientific experiments on "specimens" of what the settlers considered to be an inferior race -- as if setting the stage for the major genocides of the 20th century.

"What happened to the Jews was only a perfection of what happened (to us)," said Vekuii Rukoro, identified as the paramount chief of the Herero people, who attended Thursday's hearing.

"I'm sure Germany will ask, 'How many billions?' I don't know, we need to sit around a table and hammer this out on the basis of give and take."

The lawsuit was filed under the Alien Tort Statute that allows non-US citizens to make claims in US federal court for international law violations.

Berlin has been tight-lipped about details of the deal being negotiated with Namibia, but the two tribes claim that their exclusion from the talks violates a United Nations declaration on indigenous people.

Kenneth McCallion, lawyer for the tribal groups, said he hoped Germany would "reconsider its position" on including them in the negotiations, and respond to the lawsuit if possible before the July hearing.
Paris (AFP) - European leaders heaved a sigh of relief after Dutch voters backed pro-EU liberals over the far-right. but analysts warned that populism on the continent had yet to peak.

France and Germany, which are also facing key elections this year, heralded the defeat of the anti-immigration anti-EU Freedom Party of Geert Wilders in the Netherlands as a defeat for extremism.

Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault of France, where far-right leader Marine Le Pen is forecast to win the first round of the presidential election in April, congratulated Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte with "stopping the rise of the far-right".

In Germany, where the anti-immigration AfD aims to become the first hard right party to win seats in parliament since World War II in September, Chancellor Angela Merkel welcomed the victory of fellow "friends, neighbours, Europeans."

In Brussels too the relief was palpable with EU Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker hailing the result, which comes as Britain prepares to secede from the European Union, as a "vote for Europe".

Wilders' defeat is the second setback in three months for rightwing populists in Europe, coming after the defeat of the far-right in Austria's presidential election in December.

But Wilders's European allies took a mostly upbeat view, pointing to his party's gain in parliamentary seats which have catapulted it to the Netherland's biggest opposition force.

"It proves that the ideas we share are advancing in the various European countries," said France's Le Pen, who aims to emulate Donald Trump's upset in the US election by beating her mainstream rival in May's presidential runoff.

Rutte's VDD meanwhile dropped eight seats and the Labour Party was decimated, mirroring the demise of the mainstream left across the continent.

"The right ideas are progressing," the head of Italy's far-right Northern League, Matteo Salvini, said, listing them as "changing Europe, saving jobs and blocking the invasion (of migrants)."

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Alternative for Germany (AfD) co-chief Frauke Petrym however, admitted to having hoped for a "better" score by Wilders, who had vowed to pull the Dutch out of the EU, shut mosques and close its borders.

It showed that voters were turned off by policies seen as "too hardline", Petry, who presents her anti-immigrant party as an acceptable nationalist force, told German news agency DPA.

- 'Wrong kind of populism' -

"This was the evening when The Netherlands, after Brexit and the American elections, said 'stop' to the wrong kind of populism," a jubilant Rutte told his supporters.

Analysts however warned against treating his win -- sealed in part by a spat with Turkey that allowed him to outshine Wilders -- as a sign that rightwing populism was a spent force.

"One election does not foretell another in a different country with a very different electoral system," Jean-Yves Camus, a French expert on far-right movements told AFP.

While the far-right has yet to win the keys to power in Europe the election showed they were increasingly setting the agenda, Camus said.

"Would Mr Rutte's reaction to the Turkish meetings have been the same had he not been in an election with Wilders nipping at his heels? Undoubtedly not," he said.

"When you win 46 percent in Austria (the score achieved by far-right FPOe presidential candidate Norbert Hofer) and score like Wilders in the Netherlands, you influence the course of events."

The FPOe has pressed home that point, claiming credit for the tough stance taken by the ruling social democrat-conservative coalition on migration, among other issues.

Harald Vilimsky, an FPOe member of the European Parliament, said those who saw the election as a defeat for Wilders were suffering from a "denial of the truth".

- Waiting at the gates -

Stephane Rozes, head of French political consultancy Cap, said that populists were still at the gates of power in several countries, "even if voters are for the moment still blocking the door".

"The danger in the Dutch result is that European governments fail to attack the root causes of the populist rise, which is that people have the feeling, because of European and international governance, that they no longer control their destiny."

Scandal-hit French conservative candidate Francois Fillon, who has been knocked off his frontrunner perch by an expenses scandal, said it showed a united right was "the best defence against populism and extremism".

Like former president Nicolas Sarkozy, Fillon has been accused of chasing after FN voters on Islam and immigration.

For Leonardo Molino, political science professor at Luiss University in Rome, Rutte owed his success in part to such a strategy.

"If the traditional parties can take up themes that are usually populist," he said, "they can beat them, or at the very least, contain them."
HONOLULU (AP)  The judge who halted President Donald Trump's revised travel ban is the only Native Hawaiian serving on the federal bench.

U.S. District Judge Derrick Kahala Watson, who was nominated by former President Barack Obama in 2012 and confirmed by the Senate with a 94-0 vote, is the fourth Native Hawaiian federal judge in U.S. history.

"I am confident he will continue to serve our country well, and with Native Hawaiians being underrepresented on the federal bench, his confirmation is a big step in the right direction towards diversifying the court," U.S. Brian Schatz said in a statement when Watson's confirmation was announced in 2013.

Watson isn't fixated on being a Native Hawaiian jurist, said Keith Lee, corporate counsel for the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center.

The judge is a play-by-the-book kind of man and isn't influenced by politics, Lee said.

Lee first got to know Watson in 2012 the soon-to-be judge was still an assistant U.S. attorney while they worked on a settlement together. "He was super fair," Lee said.

They crossed paths again at a Washington D.C. conference for the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association.

"He doesn't have a big ego," Lee said. "If anything, he's kind of understated."

Honolulu lawyers refer to Watson as a "double Harvard" for where he received his undergraduate education in 1988 and his law degree in 1991.

But his roots are in Hawaii, where he attended a private school that gives admission preference to Native Hawaiians.

"I am proud to welcome this Kamehameha Schools graduate to serve in such a prestigious capacity," U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said when Watson was confirmed.

Honolulu defense attorney Michael Green has had numerous cases before Watson. "The man is extremely strict and principled," Green said.

That strictness was evident during a sex assault trial last year, which Watson tried to keep on a tight schedule, Green said. But when Green's wife suffered a stroke during the trial, Watson showed kindness. "He slowed the trial down so I could be there for closing argument and to finish my examination of key witnesses," Green said. "He can be deemed a very tough sentencer. If you look between the lines, there's compassion."

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While at the U.S. attorney's office in Hawaii Watson was chief of the civil division. Before that he was partner at a San Francisco firm, where he focused on product liability, toxic tort, and environmental cost recovery litigation, according to his biography posted on the Honolulu federal court's website.

Watson was an assistant U.S. attorney in the Northern District of California from 1995 to 2000, including serving as deputy chief of the civil division from 1999 to 2000, the bio said.

"The only thing I don't like about him is that he's a hardcore Dodger's fan," Lee said with a laugh.
By Gopal Sharma KATHMANDU (Reuters) - Nepal's ruling Maoists on Thursday offered to hold talks with minority ethnic parties that withdrew support for the coalition because of long-standing differences over a new constitution. The minority Madhesi in the southern plains say that the new charter consolidates the power of the country's hill elite and marginalizes them in the way new states will be created in a federal structure. Nepal has been struggling to establish a stable republic following the abolishment of a 239-year-old Hindu monarchy in 2008 and is set to hold local polls in May that will be followed by national elections under the charter adopted in 2015. But seven Madhesi parties issued a statement late on Wednesday saying they were cutting off support for Prime Minister Prachanda's government for failing to amend the constitution to reflect their grievances and vowed to disrupt the elections. Govinda Acharya, an aide to Prachanda, said the former Maoist rebel commander was ready to meet Madhesi leaders to bring them on board but would not cancel the polls. "There is no chance of calling off the polls. The prime minister is firm on this," Acharya said. The government remains in majority in parliament despite loss of support. The elections for village assemblies and city municipalities are scheduled for May 14, the first such poll in 20 years. Hridayesh Tripathi, of the Tarai Madhes Loktantrik Party (TMLP), campaigning against the constitution, warned of trouble in the plains where more than half of Nepal's 28.6 million people live if the polls went ahead without amending the constitution. Five people were killed last week when police opened fire to break up protests against the constitution in the Tarai. (Reporting by Gopal Sharma; Editing by Sanjeev Miglani and Nick Macfie)
By Elizabeth Piper and Elisabeth O'Leary LONDON/EDINBURGH (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Theresa May told the Scottish government on Thursday "now is not the time" for a second independence referendum, saying it would be unfair to ask people to vote without knowing the result of Brexit talks. While May fell short of saying her government would block a second independence referendum, her Scottish minister David Mundell was more forthright. He ruled out any discussion on the procedure to launch a vote now and immediately raised hackles north of the English border. Scottish nationalists have called for a new referendum and accuse May of all but ignoring their demands in her preparations for divorce talks with the European Union. Scotland voted to remain in the EU last June and Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said after May spoke that blocking an independence referendum would be undemocratic. The remarks upped the ante in a war of words over Scottish independence as Britain prepares for intense EU exit talks. "Right now we should be working together, not pulling apart," May told British television. "We should be working together to get that right deal for Scotland, that right deal for the UK. That's my job as prime minister and so for that reason I say to the SNP (Scottish National Party) now is not the time." Mundell said there would be no negotiations on Section 30, a procedure that allows the Scottish parliament to legislate for an independence referendum. "We will not be entering into discussions or negotiations about a Section 30 agreement, and any request at this time will be declined," Mundell told a news conference. He declined to clarify if or when a vote could take place. Sturgeon hit back, accusing May's government of being frightened of listening to the Scots. "Any bid by the UK Government to block the people of Scotland from making a choice will be untenable, undemocratic and totally unsustainable  and clearly shows that the UK Government recognizes it is out of step with the Scottish people," she said in a statement. "It would be outrageous for the Scottish Parliament to be frozen out of the process." NO GUARANTEES Sturgeon said Scotland should have the chance to stay in the EU's lucrative single market and keep an open-door policy to immigrants after voting to remain, and has criticized May for failing to consult the Scottish government on her strategy. The Scottish Greens, another pro-independence party, said May risked boosting support for independence if she wanted to veto a decision expected to be made by Scotland's devolved parliament next week. Sturgeon is by no means guaranteed of winning a referendum just 2-1/2 years after Scots voted to keep the union, but she has managed to put pressure on May just days before Britain is expected to trigger Article 50 of the EU's Lisbon Treaty and start the formal divorce procedure. May is a unionist and will fight hard to keep Britain together but her government will be stretched in trying to negotiate a "good deal" with the EU and keeping vocal eurosceptics in her ruling Conservatives onboard. Britain's vote to leave the bloc last June deepened geographical and social divisions in the country, with Scotland and Northern Ireland voting to stay in the bloc while England and Wales backed an exit. May says her government is committed to engaging with the whole of Britain over Brexit to negotiate a good deal for everyone, suggesting there should be no independence referendum until after a final deal is reach with the EU. "To look at this issue at this time would be unfair because people wouldn't have the necessary information to make such a crucial decision," May said. (Additional reporting by William James; Editing by Toby Davis and Pritha Sarkar)
BETHPAGE, N.Y. (AP)  A New York City police officer who became a social media sensation dancing with a marcher at a gay pride parade has died.

The Arthur F. White Funeral Home in Bethpage, New York, says Michael Hance died Sunday of cancer. He was 44.

A video of Hance dancing in uniform and getting a kiss on the cheek at the 2015 Gay Pride parade has been seen by more than 8 million YouTube viewers.

Paige Ponzeka, who shot the video, says she was impressed someone not in the LGBT community displayed a positive outlook. The Gay Officers Action League says Hance represented the best of what police officers are about.

The 17-year NYPD officer is survived by two children.

GOAL and others are raising money to benefit Hance's family.
The NYPD said Thursday that President Donald Trumps enormous slate of proposed budget cuts would take away critical funding the department uses to fight terrorism in New York.

The cuts could impact everything from active-shooter training to intelligence analysis to bomb squad equipment, police said at a briefing with New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio on Thursday.

Under the presidents proposal, nearly all federal funding to the NYPD would be eradicated, James P. ONeill, the New York City police commissioner, said during the briefing. This funding is absolutely critical. It is the backbone of our entire counter-terrorism apparatus.

As the nations largest city, New York has long been a target for terror attacks. Law enforcement officers have also had to work to protect First Lady Melania Trump and her son Barron, who still live at Trump Tower in Manhattan.

Under @POTUS budget, virtually all fed funding to #NYPD eradicated. Entire counterterrorism apparatus in nation's top terror target hobbled. pic.twitter.com/Vetyv1aZrH  Commissioner O'Neill (@NYPDONeill) March 16, 2017

The Trump administration has defended its budget cuts as getting rid of unnecessary programs to accomplish his campaign promises. But ONeill says the proposed changes would make the presidents home town less safe.

It is the cornerstone of effective preparedness and prevention against terrorist threats, and enables us to do all we can do to keep this city secure, ONeill said. Everyone who lives in, works in, and visits New York City  this moneys critical to keeping everybody safe.

ONeill said the proposed federal budget would cost the NYPD about $110 million, which it receives annually through the Homeland Security Grant Program, according to the Washington Post.

He added that New York City continues to be a top terror target, and said: Simply put, we cannot afford to cut corners in fighting terrorism.
Former "Playboy" Playmate Kendra Wilkinson has said that she would let her 6-year-old son see her Playboy pictorial. Is it healthy to share THIS much intimacy with our kids?

Watch: Nude Photos

Dermatologist Dr. Sandra Lee thinks its fine for kids to see their parents nude  if youre sensitive to the child. You really have to pay attention to the cues of the children. Psychologist & sex therapist Dr. Chris Donaghue agrees. Attorney Areva Martin, however, how finds the whole idea inappropriate.

The Doctors agree that seeing provocative nude photos of your mother in a magazine is a little different than seeing family members changing clothes.

Watch: Teacher Defends Bikini Photos Posted Online

The Doctors' takeaway is that family nudity is probably not harmful, if everyone involved is comfortable with it. But its better to keep your sexy pictures to yourself until your kids are old enough to deal with idea  if they ever are!
By Jon Herskovitz (Reuters) - An Oklahoma Republican state senator who campaigned as a champion of family values was booked on felony prostitution charges on Thursday after police found him in a motel room with a teenage boy and drugs, court documents showed. Ralph Shortey, 35, was charged with three felony counts, including engaging in child prostitution, court documents filed in Cleveland County showed. Shortey, who has served since 2010, has not spoken to media about the incident. According to an arrest affidavit, police found Shortey and a 17-year-old male, who was not named, in a motel room in Moore, south of Oklahoma City, on March 9. "Officers present observed a strong odor of marijuana coming from the room and inside the room at the time of their contact with the defendant," the affidavit said, adding the officers also "found an opened box of condoms in the defendant's backpack." According to court records, Shortey was booked at a local jail on Thursday afternoon. His bond has been set at $100,000 and local media said he was released about two after he surrendered. Oklahoma politicians from both major parties called on Shortey to resign, including Republican Governor Mary Fallin. "The charges against him do not reflect the character and decorum that we expect of an elected official," Fallin said in a statement. A guns rights advocate who has taken a hard-line stance against abortion, Shortey was sanctioned by the Republican-dominated state Senate on Wednesday on a 43-0 vote for "disorderly behavior." The sanctions imposed penalties such as stripping him of his office space, removing him from committee positions and canceling his reserved parking space. (Reporting by Jon Herskovitz in Austin, Texas and Lenzy Krehbiel-Burton in Tulsa, Oklahoma.; Editing by David Gregorio)
By Ronnie Cohen (Reuters Health) - Aging doesnt bother Laura Milvy. The 55-year-old San Franciscan doesnt mind that her hair is gray or her skin is wrinkled. But she does suspect that her age, combined with her gender, have made finding a job tough. A new study corroborates Milvys suspicion that she might have been a victim of age discrimination. Older workers, particularly women, face an increasingly difficult time getting jobs, according to a new report in Research from the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco. In the largest study of its kind, three economists created about 40,000 fictitious applications and submitted them online for some 13,000 lower-skilled jobs as sales people, administrative assistants, security guards and janitors. The experiment uncovered compelling evidence that women experience age discrimination in hiring, and the inequity intensifies with age. The older the woman, the less likely she was to hear back from potential employers, the study found. For administrative assistant jobs, older women must apply to almost twice as many jobs to get the same number of interviews, the study found. Women between 64 and 66 years old were 47 percent less likely to hear back from prospective employers than women between 29 and 31. In sales, the picture was only a bit sunnier: women ages 64 to 66 were 36 percent less likely to hear back than women ages 29 to 31. Milvy spent a year unemployed and searching for work before landing her current job as assistant to the CEO at the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco. She has no way to know if her callback rate was lower than younger applicants. But she does believe she was less likely to be chosen for jobs after in-person interviews. What worries me is if were all living so much longer, how are we going to survive? Are we going to be on the streets? asked Milvy, who was not involved with the research. Her questions echo those of the studys authors. By 2050, the U.S. Census Bureau expects the number of Americans age 65 and older to almost double from 2012, taxing the Social Security retirement system and putting pressure on older workers to continue working. The government, broadly speaking, is encouraging older workers to work longer, partly to reduce strain on Social Security, said one of the study authors, Patrick Button. Efforts to try to get older workers into the labor force are going to be frustrated by discrimination, he said in a phone interview. Button is a professor at Tulane University in New Orleans. If policymakers want to keep older adults in the workforce longer, they must begin to address labor-force discrimination, sociologist Pamela Herd said in a phone interview. A professor of public affairs at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, she was not involved in the new study. Were living longer; people need to work longer. Thats all well and good, but if people are going to encounter discrimination we have to at a minimum understand that they are likely to be discriminated against, she said. The first thing we need to get people to do is acknowledge its a problem, she said. She believes men also are vulnerable to age discrimination. The data on men in the new study hinted at possible age discrimination, but it was murkier. Button hopes the study will spark a dialogue about ways to keep older people, especially women, in the workforce. We have to rethink policy and think about how we can support older women, he said. Changes to state and federal anti-discrimination laws might counter prejudice, as might tax incentives for firms that hire older workers, he said. I think there need to be policy changes, Milvy said, but more than that, there needs to be more awareness that when you reach 50, you dont need to be put out to pasture. SOURCE: http://bit.ly/2ng24nE Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco Economic Letter, February 27, 2017.
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) -- Florida's governor took a case involving the killing of a police officer out of the hands of its prosecutor Thursday, hours after she announced that her office would no longer seek the death penalty in any cases.

The unusual and firm stance against capital punishment by State Attorney Aramis Ayala in Orlando surprised and angered many law enforcement officials, including the city's police chief, who believed suspect Markeith Loyd should face the possibility of execution. Civil liberties groups, though, praised Ayala's position.

Sending a clear signal that he wanted Loyd prosecuted in a capital case, Gov. Rick Scott signed an order to transfer Loyd's first-degree murder to State Attorney Brad King in a neighboring district northwest of Orlando.

Loyd is charged with killing his pregnant ex-girlfriend and Orlando Police Lt. Debra Clayton.

Ayala said she would follow the governor's order.

Ayala said she made the decision after conducting a review and concluding that there is no evidence to show that imposing the death penalty improves public safety for citizens or law enforcement. She added that such cases are costly and drag on for years.

Ayala was elected last fall in a judicial district that has grown from being moderately conservative to liberal over the past two decades.

"I have given this issue extensive, painstaking thought and consideration," Ayala said at a news conference. "What has become abundantly clear through this process is that while I do have discretion to pursue death sentences, I have determined that doing so is not in the best interests of this community or in the best interests of justice."

Buddy Jacobs, who has been general counsel for the Florida Prosecuting Attorneys Association for more than four decades, said no other prosecutor in recent memory has opted out of seeking the death penalty.

After Ayala announced her decision, Scott asked her to recuse herself from the case, but she refused. The reassignment applies only to Loyd's case and not Ayala's other duties since under Florida law, a governor can only suspend an elected official for "malfeasance, misfeasance, neglect of duty, habitual drunkenness, incompetence, or permanent inability to perform official duties."

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Florida law allows a governor to reassign a case for "good and sufficient" reasons.

"She has made it clear that she will not fight for justice and that is why I am using my executive authority to immediately reassign the case," Scott said in a statement.

Ayala's decision ignited condemnation from some law enforcement leaders.

Orlando Police Chief John Mina said in a statement that he was "extremely upset."

"The heinous crimes that he (Loyd) committed in our community are the very reason that we have the death penalty as an option under the law," Mina said.

Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi called the decision "a blatant neglect of duty," saying it sends a dangerous message to residents and visitors.

But Adora Obi Nweze of the Florida state conference of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, said it was a step in the right direction.

"Ending use of the death penalty in Orange County is a step toward restoring a measure of trust and integrity in our criminal justice system," she said.

A spokeswoman for the Association of Prosecuting Attorneys, Tasha Jamerson, said the national association doesn't keep track of prosecutors who opt out of seeking the death penalty.

Ayala's decision comes just days after Scott signed a bill requiring a unanimous jury recommendation before the death penalty can be imposed.

The legislation was aimed at restarting death penalty cases, after questions about Florida's death penalty law during the past year brought executions to a halt.

The U.S. Supreme Court in January 2016 declared the state's death penalty sentencing law unconstitutional because it gave too much power to judges to make the ultimate decision.

The Legislature responded by overhauling the law to let the death penalty be imposed by at least a 10-2 jury vote.

In October, however, the state Supreme Court voted 5-2 to strike down the new law and require unanimous jury decisions for capital punishment.

___

AP writers Gary Fineout and Curt Anderson contributed to this report.
Sen. Rand Paul said his colleague Sen. John McCain has become unhinged, extending a heated war of words between the two Republicans.

You know, I think he makes a really, really strong case for term limits, Paul said of McCain on MSNBC Thursday morning. I think maybe hes past his prime. I think maybe hes gotten a little bit unhinged.

Pauls comments come after McCain claimed on the Senate floor Wednesday the Kentucky senator is now working for Vladimir Putin. McCain had asked for unanimous consent to establish a vote for a treaty that would allow Montenegro to join NATO. Paul had objected to consenting.

He has no justification for his objection to having a small nation be part of NATO that is under assault from the Russians, McCain said. The senator from Kentucky is now working for Vladimir Putin.

McCain also said anyone who blocked his request would be now carrying out the desires and ambitions of Vladimir Putin.

Paul defended his decision on MSNBC, calling McCains accusations over the top.

To call someone somehow an enemy of the state or a traitor might be considered by most reasonable people to be a little over the top, Paul said.

Paul also said he objected to McCains proposal because he did not want U.S. troops to to pledge to get involved in war if Montenegro has an altercation with anyone.

His foreign policy is something that would greatly endanger the United States, greatly overextend us, Paul said.
By Gene Emery NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Researchers are warning consumers to be wary of doctors who claim to be able to cure illness using stem cells after three women, at least two who thought they were enrolling in a government-registered trial, were left legally blind when the unproven therapy failed. "The patients paid for a procedure that had never been studied in a clinical trial, lacked sufficient safety data, and was performed in both eyes on the same day," said the research team, led by Dr. Ajay Kuriyan, assistant professor of ophthalmology at the University of Rochester Medical Center in New York. Experimental injections into both eyes at the same time "are both atypical and unsafe." "We don't mean to say all stem cell clinical studies are dangerous," coauthor Dr. Thomas Albini of the University of Miami told Reuters Health in a telephone interview. "There is solid clinical data backing up its use for a number of conditions. But the studies need to be done in traditional fashion with FDA (Food and Drug Administration) oversight so we can know whether these treatments actually work and are safe." An estimated 600 clinics around the country are claiming to use stem cells to treat a wide variety of disorders, sometimes without rigorous testing. "In this case these women participated in a clinical enterprise that was off-the-charts dangerous, said Dr. Albini, an associate professor of clinical ophthalmology. The unnamed women ages 72 to 88 were slowly losing their eyesight through age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in the elderly. They sought treatment at a Florida clinic that had announced a study to treat the condition on clinicaltrials.gov, a federal database of research studies. The analysis of their cases, published in Thursday's New England Journal of Medicine, does not name the treatment clinic. The announcement says it was sponsored by Bioheart Inc. of Sunrise, Florida. The company is now known as U.S. Stem Cell Inc. It released a statement Wednesday saying it no longer treats eye patients and would not comment on specific cases "due to patient confidentiality or legal confidentiality obligations." Dr. Albini said at least two of the three women sued and their cases were settled out of court. Each woman paid Bioheart $5,000 to have fat removed from their body through liposuction. Extracted cells and blood plasma were then injected into each eye during the same visit. Legitimate medical research seldom requires patients to pay and, in the case of eye treatments, only one eye is treated at a time so doctors can gauge its effectiveness, the Kuriyan team said. All three women ended up with detached retinas that left them blind or virtually blind. "Although numerous stem-cell therapies for medical disorders are being investigated at research institutions with appropriate regulatory oversight, many stem-cell clinics are treating patients with little oversight and with no proof of efficacy," Dr. Albini and his colleagues warned. The fact that the doctors giving the injections were not eye specialists and the study group was not affiliated with an academic medical center should also have been warning flags for the patients, he said. Such clinics charge between $5,000 and $50,000 per treatment, something that is never done in a major research study. SOURCE: http://bit.ly/2mtwnWU New England Journal of Medicine, online March 15, 2017.
Photo credit: US Army photo, Sgt. Kyle Fisch.

From Popular Mechanics

A leading U.S. Army general has revealed a multi-million-dollar air defense missile was recently used to shoot down a consumer-grade quadcopter drone. The downing calls into question the adequacy of government anti-drone defenses worldwide and a lack of cost-effective responses to the emerging weaponized drone threat.

The incident was announced by General David Perkins at the Association of the U.S. Army's Global Force symposium in Alabama. A former brigade commander who led the famous "Thunder Run" into Baghdad in 2003, Perkins now leads the Army's Training and Doctrine Command.

The Islamic State has been using quadcopters for reconnaissance and lately rigging them to drop hand grenades and other small explosive munitions. They are typically available from sites such as Amazon, costing $200 and up.

Photo credit: Roberto Machado Noa / Getty

The Patriot missile, meanwhile, was originally designed in the 1970s to provide air defense over U.S. Army units. Patriot first came to prominence in 1991, when it was used to shoot down several Scud missiles fired at U.S. forces in Saudi Arabia, the success of which is disputed. The version of the missile used in the incident, PAC-2, costs between $2 and $4 million each.

Perkins didn't provide any details, but there were several places the whole thing could have taken place. It could have been a Hezbollah or Hamas drone shot down by Israel, or a Houthi rebel drone shot down by the United Arab Emirates.

On technical grounds, the shootdown is impressive. Although Patriot PAC-2 missiles a range of nearly 100 miles, but quadcopters fly quite low to the ground, a few hundred feet up and rarely more than a few thousand. A quadcopter also has a tiny radar signature that can be difficult to pick out. The tiny consumer drone is almost certainly the smallest target ever engaged by Patriot.

Photo credit: NATO image.

On economic grounds, the shootdown is a hot mess. As Perkins is quoted as saying, "If I'm the enemy, I'm thinking, 'Hey, I'm just gonna get on eBay and buy as many of these $300 quadcopters as I can and expend all the Patriot missiles out there'."

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The threat of weaponized drones has forced the United States to outfit its forces fighting ISIS with anti-drone weaponry, including a rifle-like device invented by Battele Labs. The DroneDefender weapon uses RF signals to jam a drone's control mechanism. It also costs mere thousands of dollars (and is reusable) compared to the multi-million-dollar Patriot missile.

The drone shootdown highlights the speed of innovation in warfare, and how non-state groups such as ISIS can take advantages of existing technologies to quickly field new weapons. Larger organizations like NATO move much more slowly, struggling to keep up with emerging threats, and often have no choice but to respond to them with existing resources, no matter how economically inappropriate.

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Peruvian Air Force helicopters crews rescued residents trapped by floodwaters in the rural Lambayeque region of northwestern Peru on March 15.

Aside from Morrope, RPP Noticias reported that as of March 15, the Peruvian Army and Air Force had managed to rescue more than 400 people from rural villages in Jayanca, Illimo and Pacora, all other districts of Lambayeque.

Andina reported that armed forces would remain in the area to carry out further rescues, citing Defense Minister Jorge Nieto.

This footage shows an evacuation in Lambayeques Morrope district. Credit: FAP  Oficial via Storyful
By Martin Petty and Manolo Serapio Jr MANILA (Reuters) - An opposition lawmaker filed an impeachment complaint in the Philippine Congress on Thursday against President Rodrigo Duterte, calling for his removal for what he said were high crimes, betrayal of public trust and abuses of power. Lower house representative Gary Alejano accused Duterte of a laundry list of what he said were impeachable offences, from conflicts of interest and assets concealment to drugs-related extrajudicial killings and operating a "death squad" during the 22 years he was Davao City mayor. Duterte's lawyer, Salvador Panelo, called it baseless "black propaganda", adding the impeachment bid "will not fly, nor will it make a dent on the overwhelming popularity" of the president. Alejano said his aim was to give Filipinos a chance to speak up against a powerful president who had overstepped the mark. "Our goal with this complaint is to be a vehicle for Filipinos to have a voice to oppose and fight against the abuses and crimes of President Duterte," Alejano told a televised news conference. "We know it's an uphill battle ... but we believe that many will support this." The impeachment effort is the first against Duterte since he took office eight months ago. Former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo survived five such motions. Duterte has few powerful opponents and challenges against him have come from the same people. Though the allegations are serious and attract media attention, none have stuck. POPULAR MANDATE Critics say the lack of dissent is due to a climate of fear that has prevailed under the popular, no-nonsense leader, who is defended fiercely by his huge online support base. The government often cites his high approval rating and his electoral mandate in rebuffing international criticism about his bloody war on drugs, during which more than 8,000 people have been killed. About 2,500 of those were in police raids and sting operations and the authorities vigorously deny involvement in thousands of mysterious killings of drug users. Alejano accused Duterte of having a state policy of killing drug suspects and a "culpable violation of the constitution, engaging in bribery, betrayal of public trust, graft and corruption and other high crimes". Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said the move was part of a wider plot to undermine the Duterte administration. "It seems rather dramatic that everything seems to be so coordinated at this stage," Abella told reporters. "It looks like they're scraping the bottom of the barrel." Duterte has been fast consolidating power in the bicameral Congress and Alejano accepted his impeachment bid may not get much traction. He submitted it just as Congress goes into a six-week recess. He wants the complaint to embolden the church, civil society, academia and Filipinos who did not vote for Duterte or favor his policies to know they can take on the president. "We know the numbers are against us, and we are facing a big challenge," he said. Lower house speaker and Duterte ally Pantaleon Alvarez said Alejano would fail, but should still be allowed to exercise his rights. "We are all entitled to our own stupidity," he added. (Additional reporting by Karen Lema; Editing by Simon Cameron-Moore)
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's ruling party stripped a dozen lawmakers of congressional leadership posts for voting against the death penalty, which critics warned Thursday was part of a "dangerous slide towards authoritarianism".

In a rare move local media dubbed a "purge", ex-president Gloria Arroyo was on Wednesday dumped as deputy speaker of the House of Representatives and 11 legislators -- all members of Duterte's ruling coalition -- lost committee chair positions.

This fulfilled a threat by the House of Representatives' speaker to punish anyone who voted against a bill this month to introduce the death penalty for drug-related crimes.

"Kicking out the 'No' voters from House leadership positions betrays the administrations intolerance to dissent, a disturbing indicator of a dangerous slide towards authoritarianism," the rival Liberal Party said in a statement on Thursday.

The Liberal Party cited the arrest last month of Senator Leila de Lima, one of its senior members and a top Duterte critic, on drug trafficking charges as another example of government intimidation.

However house speaker Pantaleon Alvarez had previously insisted his threat to punish dissenting lawmakers was because the death penalty was a firm position of Duterte's ruling coalition and not open to a conscience vote.

Duterte's aides had also rejected charges that De Lima was the victim of political persecution, insisting the drug trafficking charges against the former human rights commissioner were valid.

Duterte is aiming for the death penalty to be re-introduced by May, as he views it as a vital part of his controversial campaign to eliminate illegal drugs in society.

Since Duterte took office in the middle of last year, about 7,000 people have been killed in a crackdown on crime, prompting accusations by rights groups that the president could be overseeing a crime against humanity.

An overwhelming majority of lawmakers in the lower house passed the bill, which allows for the death penalty for drug related crimes.

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However even some who voted for it said they did so because they did not want to lose funding and other benefits the president or his congressional allies can dole out.

The Senate, in which Duterte's coalition has a majority, is expected to vote on the issue in the coming months.

After the death penalty, one of Duterte's top legislative priorities is a bill to lower the age of criminal responsibility from 15 to nine.

Duterte has said the criminal age of responsibility must be lowered because drug traffickers are using children to peddle their wares.

Critics have warned the death penalty and criminal child bills are part of a major step backwards for human rights in the Philippines.

The Philippines abolished the death penalty in 2006, when Arroyo was president.
EAST HARTFORD, Conn. (AP)  A 3-year-old girl lived alone with her dead mother for several days in their apartment with nothing to eat but cereal that had spilled on a floor, police officials said.

Authorities said the child's 37-year-old mother was found dead in a bedroom of the East Hartford home on Monday when a social worker went to check on the girl because she hadn't been in day care for several days. Police identified the mother on Thursday as Twanna Toler.

Lt. Joshua Litwin said investigators do not know exactly how long the girl had been living alone but said it was "definitely more than a couple of days." The girl was dehydrated but is expected to be OK, Litwin said. She was taken to Connecticut Children's Medical Center in Hartford.

Police said they found no evidence of a crime or break-in. Investigators are awaiting results of an autopsy by the medical examiner's office.

A neighbor, Susan Tash, said the television in Toler's apartment was very loud over the past week, and she heard the girl scream and cry. She said she just thought the child was being fussy. She said she had no idea anything was wrong.

"I was mortified," Tash said after Toler's body was found. "It hit me hard because the noise upstairs and I felt kind of responsible."

The social worker who went to the apartment Monday knocked on the door and got the child to unlock it, Litwin said. The girl believed her mother was sleeping, the officer said.

It wasn't immediately clear who has custody of the child. The state Department of Children and Families was called in.

Court records show Toler had a criminal record that included narcotics possession. Records show she was arrested on a misdemeanor larceny charge in October and was supposed to appear in court for the case Thursday. She had pleaded not guilty.
Istanbul (AFP) - Turkish police on Thursday detained two suspected members of the Islamic State group who were allegedly planning a "sensational attack" similar to the massacre at an Istanbul nightclub on New Year's night, state run media reported.

The Istanbul police raided a suspected IS cell in the Kagithane district on the European side of the city, detaining two men identified as C.C. and I.D. who are said to be of Uzbek origin, the news agency Anadolu said.

The two "were readying for a sensational attack like the one" at the Reina night club that killed 39 people, mainly foreigners, and was claimed by IS jihadists, it said.

Police seized two Kalashnikov rifles, ammunition magazines, 500 bullets, IS-related documents and digital materials.

The suspected attacker of the Reina club, Abdulgadir Masharipov, an Uzbek national, was captured on January 16 in an Istanbul neighbourhood after more than two weeks on the run. He is currently under arrest.

Commentators had said that the capture of Masharipov and his interrogation would provide the authorities with valuable intelligence on IS cells in the city.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP)  Police say an officer was shot in the hip in Ohio's capital city at a home where the gunfire suspect was arrested and another man was shot in the leg.

Columbus police say a 22-year-old man shot at police entering an apartment house to search for illegal drugs under a warrant Wednesday night. They say the officer returned fire, and the man dropped his weapon.

The officer was hospitalized in stable condition.

Police say suspect Shawn Toney Jr., of Columbus, was treated for unspecified injuries sustained as he was arrested. He's charged with assault of an officer. Court records listed no attorney for him before arraignment Thursday.

It wasn't immediately clear who was responsible for the gunfire that wounded the other victim, a 61-year-old man, who was treated and released.
By Marcin Goettig WARSAW (Reuters) - Poland's constitutional court gave its final approval on Thursday to a bill that could be used to ban certain demonstrations and is part of a wider crackdown on opponents by the right-wing government. The government-sponsored freedom of assembly bill gives officials the power to ban counter-demonstrations that take place within 100 meters of a rally deemed to be of national importance by state authorities, such as historical anniversaries. Critics have said the new law could be used to restrict unwanted protests by a government that has already been accused by the European Commision of undermining the rule of law and democracy in Poland. The nationalist-minded Law and Justice (PiS) party has already passed several laws that make it more difficult for the court to challenge new legislation, in moves criticized by the EU and Poland's western allies. Under Poland's current rules on demonstrations, local authorities give precedence to whichever organization filed the first request to stage a rally or protest. The right-wing PiS faced mass protests last year over its overhaul of the constitutional court and a plan to ban abortion that was later dropped. Thursday's ruling obliges President Andrzej Duda, a close ally of PiS, to sign the bill into law. Duda had at first refused and sent it to the Constitutional Tribunal. PiS-appointed Judge Mariusz Muszynski announced the verdict to an empty chamber via a video feed, after the court had banned media from attending. "They allow certain socially-important values to be shown and make them a subject of public debate," he said, referring to rallies deemed to be of national importance. The opposition, however, denounced the ruling as illegal, citing concerns over the composition of the court. PiS-appointed judges had earlier excluded from ruling on the case three others who had been chosen by the previous parliament. The three were excluded following a complaint by Justice Minister and Prosecutor General Zbigniew Ziobro. They had been expected to vote against passing the bill. Another judge appointed by the previous parliament, Stanislaw Biernat, was sent on compulsory leave by the PiS-appointed head of the tribunal, Julia Przylebska, who argued Biernat had amassed a large number of unused days off. Only eleven out of 15 judges, therefore, ruled on the bill, which passed with the backing of seven, who were all PiS-appointees. Three of the four judges who opposed the bill were appointed by the previous parliament. "Today's proceedings are a violation of the right to a fair trial," said Michal Szczerba, a lawmaker of the largest opposition party Civic Platform (PO). Przylebska said at a news conference that the composition of judges was legal. (Reporting by Marcin Goettig; Editing by Toby Davis)
By Carolyn Crist (Reuters Health) - Neighborhoods with a high proportion of black residents or high poverty tend to have the greatest density of stores selling cigarettes and tobacco products, U.S. researchers say. Poverty explained some of the association, but an urban planning concept, neighborhood stability - including the proportion of homes that are rented versus owned - accounted for most of the link, the study team reports in Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health. The neighborhood you live in shouldnt determine how much cancer-causing product is present in your day-to-day life, said lead study author Joseph Lee of East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina. The tobacco industry spends a large portion of its advertising budget at retailers, so when we see differences by neighborhood, thats a big investment by the tobacco industry, he told Reuters Health. There are about 375,000 stores in the U.S. that sell tobacco products, Lees team writes. In 2014, U.S. stores contained an average of 30 tobacco ads, they add. Cigarette smoking causes about 480,000 deaths each year in the U.S., which is about one of every five deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Previous studies looking at the density of tobacco stores have mostly focused on small geographic areas, so its difficult to tell if the patterns are widespread the authors write. They calculated the density of 90,400 tobacco outlets in 97 counties across the nation to get a broader picture. These 97 counties contain 79 million people, or about a quarter of the population, the authors note. Across all counties, the average density of tobacco shops was 1.3 per 1,000 people. But as neighborhood income fell, density of tobacco shops rose. It also rose as the proportion of the neighborhoods residents who were African American increased. In addition, a high proportion of vacant housing units or a high proportion of rental units were tied to sharp rises in the density of stores selling tobacco. Neighborhoods with a high proportion of Hispanic, white or Asian/Pacific Islander residents did not display changes in tobacco store density relative to race or ethnicity. Environmental factors, including the location and density of tobacco retailers, have an influence on behaviors, said Joanna Cohen, director of the Institute for Global Tobacco Control at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore, who wasnt involved in the study. The more accessible a product is, the more likely consumers are to purchase it, she told Reuters Health by email. This further contributes to the high toll of tobacco on racial and socioeconomic health disparities. Plus, Lee said, in neighborhoods with more tobacco outlets, stores are more likely to run price discounts and promotions, which boosts the advertising exposure and often prompts smokers who are thinking about quitting to buy another pack. Each time kids go to the store for a snack, to pay for gas, or to pick up bread and milk, theyre getting a dose of advertising, Lee added. Any gas station has a wall of tobacco products behind the register, and that makes them present, visible and normalized. One limitation of the study is that it doesnt differentiate between types and sizes of stores, such as gas stations, grocery stores, pharmacy chains, alcohol stores, convenience stores, newsstands and the discount department store Walmart, which could affect density, the authors write. In recent years, policy changes have aimed to prevent the sale of menthol and flavored cigarettes near schools in Chicago, San Francisco and Baltimore. Other policies have suggested removing cigarettes from pharmacies and selling little cigars and cigarillos in bundles rather than singles to increase cost, said Phillip Gardiner of the University of California in Oakland, who wasnt involved in the current study. Smokers - especially young kids - are price sensitive, he said. We know that as price goes up, consumption goes down. When used as advertised, smoking kills, Gardiner said. The tobacco industry is promoting it, and thats not right. SOURCE: http://bit.ly/2m6xiRW Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, online March 1, 2017.
A 19-year-old pregnant woman who was struck and killed by a freight train while posing for photos on a set of train tracks in eastern Texas last week was an aspiring model, trying to build up her portfolio, her family and authorities said.

Fredzania Zanie Thompson had enlisted a friend to take snapshots of her standing at the intersection of two tracks in Navasota last Friday when an oncoming train barreled into her, The Eagle reported Wednesday, citing her family and local police. She had just discovered she was pregnant about two weeks ago, her fiance Darnell Chatman told the newspaper.

~Funeral Services for Fredzania Thompson~ will be Sat. March 18, 2017 at the Brosig Auditorium at 11:00 A. M. Interment Posted by Psalms Funeral Home on Monday, March 13, 2017

Zanie had the most beautiful smile, said Chatman, 25. I believe she would want everyone to know what a kind and caring person she is.

The photographer was reportedly not injured.

Thompsons mother Hakamie Stevenson told The Eagle that her daughter was a stellar athlete in high school but had dreamed of becoming a successful model. Thats definitely what she wanted to do. Its what she had started to do the day she was deceased, Stevenson said. Im very hurt about the situation because she was so young, but this is what she wanted. She wanted to become a model, Stevenson also told ABC 13.
President Donald Trump blasted a federal judges temporary restraining order preventing the enforcement of key sections of his latest travel ban, calling it an unprecedented judicial overreach.

Speaking at a campaign rally in Nashville Wednesday evening just hours after a Hawaii judge blocked his executive order restricting travel from six Muslim-majority countries and suspending the nations refugee program, Trump lashed out at the courts, suggesting the ruling was a political act.

You dont think that this was done by a judge for political reasons, do you, Trump asked, before drawing out a dramatic and sarcastic, Noooo.

This ruling makes us look weak, Trump said of the latest judicial rebuke, as a crowd of supporters booed the judges order. Trump promised to appeal the terrible ruling, even up to the Supreme Court. The White House has maintained that federal immigration law grants presidents the ability to close off immigration from certain countries.

A Department of Justice spokesperson echoed Trumps stance.

The Department of Justice strongly disagrees with the federal district courts ruling, which is flawed both in reasoning and in scope, they said in a statement. The Presidents Executive Order falls squarely within his lawful authority in seeking to protect our Nations security, and the Department will continue to defend this Executive Order in the courts.

Wednesday evenings order marks the latest setback for Trumps effort to implement extreme vetting of immigrants from Muslim-majority countrieswhich spun out of his campaign pledge to suspend Muslim immigration to the U.S.

Trumps first executive order, signed in January, was greeted by chaos at the nations airports and outrage from Congress, business-leaders, and even members of his own party. That order was blocked first by a federal judge in Washington and then by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, which took note of statements suggesting the ban was put in place to target people of the Muslim faith.

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Trump criticized the first federal judge to block his order as a so-called judge, an assault that prompted his nominee for the Supreme Court, Judge Neil Gorsuch, to bemoan attacks on the federal judiciary. Rather than appeal the Ninth Circuits ruling, as Trump himself wanted to do, the White House went back to the drawing board, working with lawyers, bureaucrats and allies on Capitol Hill to devise a scaled-back order that could withstand legal scrutiny. Thwarted again, on Wednesday, Trump seemed to embrace longstanding GOP calls to explore splitting the Ninth Circuit, one of the nations most liberal.

This is a watered-down version of the first one, Trump maintained. This is a watered-down version.

The Hawaii judge, Derrick Watson, criticized illogic in the governments arguments and cited comments by Trump aide Stephen Miller that the second order would have the same basic policy outcome as the first.

Let me tell you something, Trump told his supporters, I think we ought to go back to the first one and go all the way, which is what I wanted to do in the first place.

Trump, who has argued that the travel ban is necessary to mitigate the threat of radical Islamic terrorism, argued that his order was necessary to keep the country safea suggestion that has drawn fierce criticism from opponents who argue data doesnt support Trumps claims.

The danger is clear, the law is clear, the need for my executive order is clear, Trump said.
Republican lawmakers expressed skepticism about some of the cuts proposed in President Trumps budget.

As the Trump Administration unveiled proposed cuts to programs about the environment, public broadcasting and foreign aid while boosting border security and defense spending, some in Congress suggested the final budget they pass may look much different.

Its unrealistic to think were going to pay for a defense increase entirely on the backs of non-defense discretionary spending, Republican Rep. Charlie Dent of Pennsylvania said.

Dent was concerned about cuts to medical research at the National Institutes of Health. Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, meantime, was concerned about cuts to the State Department.

Its dead on arrival  its not going to happen, Graham said, according to NBC News. It would be a disaster.

Republican Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida said he was concerned about cuts to foreign aid.

The administrations budget isnt going to be the budget, he said. We do the budget here. The administration makes recommendations, but Congress does budgets.

Republican Rep. Mike Simpson of Idaho said he was concerned about cuts to the Army Corps of Engineers.

Cuts there could be difficult to accept, he told TIME.

And Republican Sen. Rob Portman of Ohio said he would fight a proposed end to the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.

I have long championed this program, and Im committed to continuing to do everything I can to protect and preserve Lake Erie, including preserving this critical program and its funding, he said, according to Bloomberg News.

Meantime, Dent cited an old congressional saying about presidents budget.

Bottom line here is the President proposes and Congress disposes, he said, and we will do our due diligence.

With Sam Frizell
The federal renewable energy program known as ARPA-E has been a hallmark of bipartisan cooperation since it was created less than a decade ago, funding more than 400 early-stage projects and receiving support in Congress from both parties.

Now, President Donald Trump wants to defund it entirely  one many changes in a budget request that prioritizes military spending and slashes support for environmental programs. In eliminating the program, the Presidents budget request to Congress submitted Thursday argues that the private sector is better positioned to finance disruptive energy research.

ARPA-E, formally known as the Advanced Research Projects AgencyEnergy, was launched under President George W. Bush as part of a broader package to encourage American innovation. The structure of the program is derived from recommendations from the non-partisan National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and funds projects too early in development to receive private money.

Read More: Why Republicans Are Embracing Climate Change

ARPA-E was a remarkable bipartisan achievement that we accomplished during the Bush administration and the Obama administration, working in a bipartisan way, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi said at a Thursday press conference. Thats really a very important part of not only our economy, not only our atmosphere, but also our international competitiveness.

The program has funded several successful projects that later commercialized, including Fluidic Energy, an energy storage company, and 1366 Technologies, which created a technology to build a key component of solar cells. Supporters argue that many more will succeed if the government only gives it time to grow with projects making it to the commercial phase paying the government back.

Support for the measure across the aisle is not a relic of a quaint bipartisan past. Last year, Congress voted to increase ARPA-Es funding by $30 million with the measure passing the Senate 70 to 26. We are reducing other spending to increase this spending. This is called setting priorities, said GOP Sen. Lamar Alexander of Tennessee. We should do more of this energy research.

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Read More: EPA Chief Says Carbon Isnt a Primary Contributor to Climate Change. Science Says Hes Wrong

Indeed, even former Texas Gov. Rick Perry, Trumps Energy Secretary, seemed to support the program during his confirmation hearing  or at the very least believed it would be here to stay. Perry told the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee that he would be engaged with ARPA-E.

Hes singing a different tune now. The Presidents budget blueprint outlines a forward looking, mission focused budget for the Department of Energy, he said. Our goal in the budget process is to properly align resources to the important missions of the Department.

Support in Congress may ultimately save ARPA-E. The Trump budget is merely an initial request and Congress could fund the program despite Trumps disapproval. Indeed, many Republicans have already balked at several specific cuts.

The president has suggested a budget, Alexander said in a statement. But, under the Constitution, Congress passes appropriations bills.
PARIS (Reuters) - The fraud investigation into French presidential candidate Francois Fillon has been widened to include luxury suits he received as gifts, a judicial source said on Thursday. The former prime minister had already been placed under formal investigation on Tuesday on suspicion of misusing public funds linked to salaries he paid his wife and children. The expanded investigation came after the financial prosecutor asked judges to include suspicion of corruption to the list of possible charges, the source said, confirming an earlier report by Le Parisien newspaper. Fillon, 63, denies wrongdoing and has refused to abandon his bid for the presidency even though the scandals have hammered his popularity ratings and only one in five voters now say they find him 'credible'. Opinion polls indicate suggest he will be eliminated in the first round of voting on April 23. The Journal du Dimanche newspaper on Sunday reported that Fillon had received close to 50,000 euros worth of suits and clothing since 2012. Fillon acknowledged a friend had given him two suits in February this year, adding: "and so what". He gave no further details on the provider of the gift and said the story was proof of a campaign to wreck his presidential bid. Once the frontrunner, Fillon is battling to rally supporters and keep his center-right alliance on his side. "My battle is about ideas. It has always been so. I have never howled with the wolves", Fillon said on Thursday night at a meeting in Caen. "I have never rummaged through the garbage of my political rivals." (Reporting by Simon Carraud; Writing by Mathieu Rosemain; Editing by Richard Balmforth and Richard Lough)
PBS and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting have pushed back against a White House budget proposal that would drastically cut, or eliminate entirely, funding to the organizations as part of a major realignment of fiscal priorities that includes a big increase in defense spending.

PBS and our nearly 350 member stations, said a statement released Thursday, along with our viewers, continue to remind Congress of our strong support among Republican and Democratic voters, in rural and urban areas across every region of the country. We have always had support from both parties in Congress, and will again make clear what the public receives for federal funding for public broadcasting. The cost of public broadcasting is small, only $1.35 per citizen per year, and the benefits are tangible: increasing school readiness for kids 2-8, support for teachers and homeschoolers, lifelong learning, public safety communications and civil discourse.

The statement also cites one poll showing that only 21 percent of Americans (32 percent of Republicans) favor ending public broadcasting support, and another that found 70 percent of Trump voters (and 83 percent of Americans overall) saying they want Congress to find savings elsewhere.

The Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which distributes federal funding to more than 1,000 radio and 300 television stations nationwide, also issued a statement Thursday morning:

There is no viable substitute for federal funding that ensures Americans have universal access to public medias educational and informational programming and services. The elimination of federal funding to CPB would initially devastate and ultimately destroy public medias role in early childhood education, public safety, connecting citizens to our history, and promoting civil discussion  all for Americans in both rural and urban communities.

The White House budget is essentially a wish list of priorities. Congress must pass a real budget, which often is very different from what was proposed by the president  even presidents of the same party.

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On Thursday morning, Office of Management and Budget Director Mick Mulvaney defended the proposed cuts.

When you start looking at places that we reduce spending, one of the questions we asked was can we really continue to ask a coal miner in West Virginia or a single mom in Detroit to pay for these programs? The answer was no, said Mulvaney on MSNBCs Morning Joe. We can ask them to pay for defense, and we will, but we cant ask them to continue to pay for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

Some West Virginians are currently pushing back against proposed cuts in the state budget for public broadcasting funding. According to the Center for Public Broadcasting, 248 of the 575 stations that receive funding from the CPB are located in rural areas and employ 5,900 people.

Read more from Yahoo News:
The Hague (AFP) - The long and complex process of forming a new coalition government started Thursday after Dutch general elections in which Liberal party Prime Minister Mark Rutte beat his main rival, far-right MP Geert Wilders.

The coalition leader needs a majority of 76 seats in the 150-seat lower house of parliament and must get the ruling coalition to agree on policies to be carried out.

Here are the steps in a complex puzzle that will eventually lead to a new Dutch government:

- 'Scout' to test waters -

The first step is to appoint a "scout" or coalition mediator to test the waters with various party leaders and look at coalition possibilities. Veteran Dutch MP and outgoing Health Minister Edith Schippers was appointed to the task on Thursday.

She is to report her findings to the new parliament which will debate the issue for the first time late next week.

- 'Informer' firm up coalition -

Parliament will then appoint a so-called informer to firm up coalition plans, including the investigation of specific combinations. Until 2012, this role was set aside for the Dutch monarch.

Negotiations are complex and political horse-trading the order of the day, as parties vie to give their policies prominence within the ruling coalition.

A draft agreement is presented to party members in the coalition which then has to approve the plan, serving as a working guide for the next government.

Should an informer fail to get the plan approved, another is appointed until a coalition is agreed upon.

- Actual formation -

Once the draft plan is published, the government can then be put together, usually by the incoming prime minister. This official also has the task of steering the dishing out of cabinet portfolio posts. Again, negotiations may fail at this stage.

- Oath of office -

Once the government is formed ministers and deputy ministers swear an oath of loyalty to Dutch King Willem-Alexander. Until then, the government is run by the outgoing cabinet, except for confidential matters.

In 2012 it took Prime Minister Mark Rutte 54 days to put together a government -- a relatively short time. The longest it took was 208 days in 1977.
By Emma Thomasson BERLIN (Reuters) - Qatar's sovereign wealth fund took a stake in Rocket Internet's loss-making recipe and ingredients business HelloFresh in a December fundraising, the German company said on Thursday. Founded in Berlin in 2007, Rocket has built up dozens of businesses from fashion e-commerce to food delivery, but many investors have become concerned about heavy losses and falling valuations for its key start-ups. Rocket's shares, which dropped last month after major investor Kinnevik sold half its stake in the company, were up 2.3 percent at 1351 GMT. Rocket said in December that HelloFresh had raised 85 million euros ($91 million) from an unidentified leading global investor and existing shareholder Baillie Gifford, at a 2 billion euro valuation, down from a previous 2.6 billion euros. On Thursday, German magazine WirtschaftsWoche cited HelloFresh Chief Executive Dominik Richter as saying that Qatar had been part of the fundraising. A spokeswoman for HelloFresh confirmed the report, saying it was very happy to welcome Qatar as a long-term investor, noting the fund usually only invests in big corporations and listed companies. Founded in 2011, HelloFresh has been investing heavily in marketing and logistics, expanding from its base in Europe to the United States, Canada and Australia. HelloFresh made a loss before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation of 66.3 million euros for the first nine months of 2016 on revenues of 438 million euros. Rocket Internet reports full-year results on April 27. Rocket's stake in HelloFresh now stands at 53 percent. HelloFresh is one of its biggest holdings and is viewed as a potential candidate for an initial public offering, though a previous attempt to list the business stalled in 2015. HelloFresh confirmed a report in WirtschaftsWoche that it agreed a 50 million euro credit line from Rocket in April, which a spokeswoman said would "be used towards expanding our business." Meanwhile, online takeaway firm Delivery Hero, which is Rocket's other major investment, is set to report a loss of 117 million euros for 2016, WirtschaftsWoche reported. A Delivery Hero spokesman declined to comment on the figure, but said the group's marketplace business had turned profitable by last summer, while the Foodpanda business it bought from Rocket in December was still loss-making, although growing fast. ($1 = 0.9324 euros) (Editing by David Goodman and Mark Potter)
London (AFP) - Queen Elizabeth II gave royal assent on Thursday to a bill empowering British Prime Minister Theresa May to trigger Article 50 of the EU's Lisbon Treaty and begin the process of leaving the European Union.

May has said she will send a letter to the European Council informing them of Britain's decision to leave the bloc by the end of March, following a majority vote for Brexit in last year's referendum.

The House of Commons speaker John Bercow announced the final go-ahead in the parliamentary chamber, prompting cheers from ruling Conservative Party MPs.

"Her Majesty has signified her royal assent," he said.

May's spokesman told a daily briefing: "The legislation now has royal assent.

"We look forward to beginning negotiations when we trigger Article 50 by the end of March," he said.

The queen's signature on the bill allows May to invoke Article 50 at any time, starting a process that will take a maximum of two years unless Britain and its EU partners agree to extend the deadline.

May has said she will address the British parliament to inform lawmakers that she has triggered Article 50, and an initial response is expected from the European Commission within 48 hours.

Full negotiations, however, are not expected to start for several weeks or months as both sides prepare.

"This will be a defining moment for our whole country as we begin to forge a new relationship with Europe and a new role for ourselves in the world," May told MPs on Tuesday.

She had been widely expected to trigger Article 50 this week but the plan appears to have been derailed by a surprise announcement by Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on Monday that she would seek a new independence referendum.

During the EU referendum campaign, Buckingham Palace denied a report in The Sun tabloid that the queen was a supporter of Brexit.

The newspaper cited an anonymous "senior source" who said the monarch had "let rip" at pro-EU politician Nick Clegg during a lunch in 2011 when he was deputy prime minister.

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"People who heard their conversation were left in no doubt at all about the queen's views on European integration," the source was quoted as saying.

"It was really something, and it went on for quite a while.

"The EU is clearly something her majesty feels passionately about," the source said.
LONDON (Reuters) - Britain's Queen Elizabeth on Thursday formally granted Prime Minister Theresa May the power to trigger exit talks with the European Union, approving legislation which passed through parliament late on Monday. The announcement, made in parliament by speaker John Bercow, confirms that May can begin divorce talks at any time, although her spokesman hinted on Monday that any such decision was likely to come towards the end of the month rather than in the coming days. (Reporting by William James, Editing by Kylie MacLellan)
Wellington (AFP) - Henry Nicholls answered his critics with a maiden century to rescue New Zealand on a torrid first day for batsmen in the second Test against South Africa on Thursday.

New Zealand, on the back of Nicholls' 118, recovered from 21 for three to be all out for 268 in Wellington. South Africa lost two wickets for 12 runs and moved on to 24 for two at stumps.

The pressure was on Nicholls when he went to the middle with New Zealand three down and with his Test average of 30.12 from 18 innings putting his position as a number five batsman under scrutiny.

"I was just trying to look to be positive and really decisive and that's something that held me in good stead," he said.

"I took a bit of confidence even from the first Test in Dunedin. I wasn't out there very long (12 off 26) but I felt very good out there and it was nice to continue that.

"There's always going to be speculation about your spot, but I just tried to stay really clear in my mind and I've had great support (from the team) who kept reinforcing for me to go out there and play my game."

JP Duminy, a batsman part-time spinner who proved South Africa's most effective bowler with four for 47, said Nicholls showed how to handle the Basin Reserve conditions.

"To play as positive as he did was probably the way to go on a surface like that. Hopefully we can take something out of that and get some success," he said.

With Keshav Maharaj striking twice, the South African spin pair took six wickets between them in conditions that favoured seam and swing bowling.

"It's not a wicket you would think spinners will dominate on. But the plan and strategy we had to get wickets was a good one, to bowl a wider line."

On a day in which 12 wickets fell, Nicholls played an innings of confident drives and cuts against the quicks and sure footwork against spin.

In one notable over from Rabada, a central figure in the top order collapse, Nicholls smacked three fours.

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- Record broken -

The second took him past his previous best 98 and to his breakthrough century, while the next four lifted his partnership with BJ Watling to 103 to better one of the longest-standing New Zealand cricket records.

The previous best sixth-wicket stand by New Zealand against South Africa of 100 was set 85 years ago by Ted Badcock and Giff Vivian.

When South African captain Faf du Plessis won the toss, there were early rewards for the fast bowlers.

After Morne Morkel dismissed Tom Latham for eight, and Kagiso Rabada captured the key wicket of Kane Williamson for two and four balls later had debutant Neil Broom for a duck.

Maharaj removed Jeet Ravel (36) and Jimmy Neesham (15) either side of the lunch break. Watling joined Nicholls to add 116 before New Zealand's batting anchor was bowled by Duminy.

It triggered a brief collapse in which three wickets fell for five before Tim Southee and Jeetan Patel lashed out with a whirlwind 44 off as many balls.

Morkel ended Southee's brief cameo of 27 off 30 deliveries while Patel was left not out 17 off 14.

South Africa in reply lost both openers. First Test centurion Dean Elgar went for nine and out-of-form Stephen Cook was dismissed for three, to trail by 244 at the close of play.

Nightwatchman Kagiso Rabada was on eight with Hashim Amla yet to score.
In a shoebox-sized cage on their own floor in the Anderson Building at the Baylor College of Medicine, two little white mice with pink ears and skinny tails scurry over a bedding of corncob strips. They run from corner to corner, now and again standing on hind legs to press their paws against one of the cages clear plastic walls. Occasionally, they bump into each other and take a sniff. Mostly, they do their own thing.

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On another floor of the same building, larger cages hold white rats that cant seem to stay away from each other. They pounce, wrestle and roll. Its impossible to avoid the comparison: They act like puppies.

You can actually grab the rats and put them in your hand and treat them exactly how you would treat a puppy, says Surabi Veeraragavan, a behavioral geneticist at Baylor in Houston, Texas. Regular handling, she says, helps rats get used to the scientists who study them. You can put them on your shoulder, you can put them on your arms; they will go to sleep right away. You can pet them and play with them.

Recommended: What Your Therapist Doesnt Know

Holding a rat can be like cradling a baby, adds Rodney Samaco, the molecular geneticist who leads the Baylor team. They like to put their head in the crevice of your elbow, he says. They practically purr. You tickle their stomachs; they like that.

They love that! says Veeraragavan.

The Baylor team also studies mice, which were there long before the rats and still outnumber them. But when Samaco and Veeraragavan talk about the labs mice, their words are less affectionate: The mice are less social, their behaviors simpler; they arent nearly as cute.

If you put a mouse on your arm, as you would a rat, it wouldnt end well, says Samaco. They would look very nervous, he says. Then, they would bite you.

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Samaco is in no way anti-mouse: Mice have made countless contributions to autism research. But he is enthusiastically pro-rat. And that puts him and Veeraragavan in a small but growing group of researchers who have begun embracing rats as powerful models for studying autism and related conditions. With their bigger brains and more complex social behaviors shaped by millions of years of evolution, argue the rat advocates, these rodents are a useful addition to research on conditions in which social interactions go awry.

(Leo Espinosa / Spectrum)

People think of rats as big mice, says Peter Kind, a developmental neuroscientist at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. Theyre not.

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This idea hasnt been an easy sell. Despite a growing number of available rat models, along with accumulating evidence from rat studies on the science of autism, some researchers remain hesitant. One reason is practical: Rats are often more expensive to care for than mice are, beginning with an initial investment in bigger cages, new equipment and time spent learning how to work with them. And after building a career on mice, some researchers are just not eager to start over with a different species.

If scientists want to get at the roots of autism and develop effective treatments, though, they may have to get over these qualms, says Michelle Olsen, a neuroscientist at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. After all, most clinical trials for autism drugs have failed so far, even when those trials follow promising results in mice. Maybe, Olsen says, that has something to do with the model systems we are using.

* * *

As the genetic revolution ramped up, it was mice that led the way. Starting in the 1980s, researchers began making mice that lack certain genes. The mouse genome was sequenced in 2002, and technologies for sequencing and manipulating mouse DNA advanced rapidly. Soon, next-generation sequencing began to identify candidate genes for autism in peoplea list that now includes hundreds. Researchers who wanted to probe the genetics of autism-related behaviors in a mammalian model had little choice but to use mice.

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Today, there are dozens of mouse models of autism. Hundreds of published studies have linked genes in mice to repetitive behaviors, learning difficulties, and seizures, among other features. I cant even keep track anymore, Samaco says. Its not like they come out once every three months; this is happening every week.

Also available are mice with genes that can be turned on in subsets of neurons at specific times, and even made to glow when they kick in. Autism research in mice is, without question, far ahead of work in rats.

Mice are the only creatures that look at you like they could take you down, even though they are the size of your thumb.

I guess people thought, Well, mice really arent that different from rats, and were already further along genetically, says Jill Silverman, a behavioral neuroscientist at the University of California, Davis MIND Institute, who studies both mouse and rat models of autism. For a while that was okay, because we needed the mouse.

But mouse research also delivered plenty of frustration. During Silvermans postdoctoral fellowship at the National Institute of Mental Health in 2007, she and a colleague put about 15 first-generation genetic mouse models of autism through an exhaustive battery of more than a dozen behavioral tests. None of the mice showed social deficits that would qualify them for use as a model for studying autism. It was extremely frustrating, she says. It made me not want to study social behavior anymore.

Shes not alone: Even when one lab links a mutation to a behavioral change in mice, other labs have been unable to replicate results. Similarly, drug trials in mice have repeatedly failed to predict how drugs will perform in people. Pharmacological studies have long used rats instead to gauge the potential toxicity or effectiveness of drugs in people, in part because mice metabolize drugs so quickly, Silverman says.

Those kinds of inconsistencies have inspired some researchers to take a fresh look at the rat. This is not a totally new idea: Given the wide and obvious social gulf that separates rats from mice, behavioral scientists have for many decades preferred rats as a model for understanding how the human brain produces behaviors, and how people learn, remember and interact with one another.

Theres good reason why rats, not mice, are the heroes of the Rats of NIMH stories, which chronicle the adventures of a group of rodents that are intelligent enough to read, write, and escape their confinement in a lab, notes Olsen, who works with both mice and rats. Real rats, she says, are also full of personalityunlike mice. Olsen recalls a recent dinner conversation with a colleague about the challenges of working with mice. She was like, Mice are the only creatures that look at you like they could take you down, even though they are the size of your thumb, Olsen says. Mice are like furry little snakes.

Evolution may explain some of the differences between rats and mice, which split from a common ancestor between 10 and 12 million years ago. Thats possibly double the evolutionary gap between humans and chimpanzees, which split about 6 million years ago. As the two rodent groups diverged, rats developed on swamplands and forests while mice adapted to arid plainsfacing different pressures that shaped their behaviors. Rats, for example, are more comfortable in water than mice are.

For behavioral research, a rats size and behavioral repertoire are other major selling points. Up to 10 times larger than mice, rats also have a greater range of behaviors that are easier to observe. Because rat brains are larger, they offer more tissue to work with for biochemical analyses, and provide more information when their brains are scanned. Rats also play more as juveniles than mice do, offering a better analogy of a condition that develops in childhood.

The first rats that lacked specific genes were produced in 2009 by SAGE, a company now called Horizon Discovery. Two years later, at the Society for Neuroscience annual meeting in Washington, D.C., the company unveiled seven rat models of autism.

(Leo Espinosa / Spectrum)

The rats held immediate appeal for some autism researchers. Others were reluctant to make the switch. After Olsen started working with rat models in 2013, she told a mouse-focused colleague about it. I think he kind of got offended, she says. Like, Does this mean this negates everything that has happened in the mouse because its different in the rat?

Samaco, who says he has had a mixed reception from audiences at conferences, is working hard to emphasize that mice are far from obsolete. Were not here to say anyones strategy is better or worse, he says. Were here to say, Lets put this in our toolbox to try to understand autism and related disorders.

* * *

On the rats floor of the Anderson Building at Baylor, the door between the main hallway and the anteroom of the rat suite is kept locked to prevent loud noises from spooking the animals. When researchers come in to clean cages or conduct experiments, they use the anteroom to layer up with protective gowns, booties, caps and gloves. Then they slowly open one of two doors into the rat housing rooms, where racks hold dozens of cages, each containing two or three rats. As soon as the animals sense that visitors have arrived, they rear up on their hind legs to sniff at whomever is there. Then they get put to work.

Out in a testing room that is kept at about 70 degrees Fahrenheit and dimly lit, like a movie theater before the movie starts, a 4-week-old female rat sits in a plastic cylinder, holding a sunflower seed in her front paws. Cameras roll as she nibbles furiously on the seed, a seemingly simple behavior that offers a window into how the animals learn. Rats typically figure out how to open the seeds as juveniles and retain this ability as they grow into adults. But when rats are genetically engineered with a mutation in a gene called MeCP2, the Baylor team reported in 2016, the learning process falters.

In people, MeCP2 mutations cause Rett syndrome, one of the leading causes of intellectual disability in girls. The syndrome shares some features with autism, and typically causes developmental regression by age 2. In the MeCP2 mutant rats, the Baylor study found, learning happens normally until about 9 weeks of age, at which point the rats fall behindtaking an average of more than 200 seconds to get into the seed, compared with less than 100 seconds for controls. That difference persists at least through 13 weeks of age (young adulthood for a rat). The finding suggests that the mutant rats lose motor skills after a period of typical development. Regression also occurs in about 20 percent of children with autism, but scientists have yet to demonstrate it in a mouse model.

The regression finding is one of only a handful to emerge from autism rat research so far. The first study with a rat model of autism was published in 2014, three years after the models became available. It showed that young male rats lacking a functional copy of FMR1, the gene that is mutated in fragile X syndrome, play much less than controls do. One in three people with fragile X syndrome also have autism.

If it doesnt translate from a mouse to a rat  is it likely to translate through to humans?

Another study, published in 2015 by Kinds lab at the University of Edinburgh, added learning and memory deficits to the FMR1 rats profile. In people with fragile X, cognitive symptoms can range from learning disabilities to severe intellectual impairment. Kinds group presented rats with random objects such as candle holders, cups and models of old mailboxes. The mutant rats have trouble recognizing objects they have seen before, the researchers found. Kind says he also has unpublished data showing that the FMR1 rats are slow to learn to fear a sound or light thats paired with an electric shock to the foot.

Together, these studies suggest that rats will offer new insights into autism, even after decades of research on mice with similar mutations. FMR1 mice have been around since 1994, but studies with the mice have produced inconsistent results: Some suggest no behavioral differences from controls, whereas others point to enhanced social behaviors; neither is reminiscent of autism.

Figuring out where rat and mouse studies convergeand where they contradict each othermay also help scientists zero in on where to focus next. If the two rodent models show similar results, that adds confidence that the same will prove true in people. Divergence, on the other hand, might suggest that scientists should be more cautious in making generalizations about the human condition. If it doesnt translate from a mouse to a rat, Kind says, is it likely to translate through to humans?

Getting a behavioral window into the rat brain could also lead to new drug treatments for people with autism. The memory problems the FMR1 rats showed in Kinds study depend on an intact hippocampus, a brain structure that mediates learning and memory. Recognizing that connection, Kind treated the rats with lovastatin, a drug known to affect pathways in the hippocampus in mouse models. Preliminary findings show that with a five-week course of treatment that begins just before the problems would typically show up, FMR1 rats develop normally. The rats retain their cognitive abilities even after they stop getting the drug. If the drug is given during a key developmental period, Kind says, there appears to be a long-lasting or permanent effect.

Kind and his team are testing whether the drug will help rats at ages where the memory problems are already present. They are also trying to figure out how the drug works in the brain. Some labs are probing other treatment options. For example, a group at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York is studying rats with a mutation in a gene called SHANK3. Mutations in SHANK3 cause Phelan-McDermid syndrome, a genetic disorder that often includes autism features.

On a test of attentionin which rats must touch one of five screens when a light appearsthe SHANK3 rats do just as well as controls when the light stays on for a long time. But their performance slumps as the light flashes for shorter durations, says Hala Harony-Nicolas, a molecular neuroscientist at Mount Sinai, who reported the results in January. Unlike controls, the SHANK3 rats also do not remember rats they have met the day before. When these rats receive the hormone oxytocinoften touted as a treatment for autismthe animals recover their social-recognition memory and attention skills.

As with other studies that use models with a single-gene mutation, a larger goal is to gain insights that will also apply to autism arising from other causes. In the case of SHANK3, Harony-Nicolas says, mutations in other genes interfere with the same brain pathways, making oxytocin potentially useful beyond Phelan-McDermid. Some researchers are already studying oxytocin treatment in clinical trials of people with Phelan-McDermid syndrome.

There are still plenty of hurdles yet to overcome, including cost: Rats can be five times more expensive to care for than mice. Overall, though, rat research is on the upswing. There are at least two dozen rat models available, and more being made. Some of the newer ones will likely have point mutations, which alter one section of DNA instead of an entire gene.

Eventually, rat models could become as complex as their mouse counterparts, with mutations that can be manipulated to turn on or off during development. Scientists are also forging new collaborations, often across rodent and mutant lines. Kinds group, for example, is working with researchers in Bangalore, India, to look for behavioral patterns among nine rat models of autism. He has also shipped his rats to numerous other labs in the United States and the United Kingdom.

In another project, the Preclinical Autism Consortium for Therapeutics, three U.S. labs are working together; two use mice, and the third is focused on rats. By combining data from both types of rodents in studies of behavior, electrical activity and molecular pathways in the brain, the team hopes to provide pharmaceutical companies with reliably vetted targets for drug development, says Mustafa Sahin, a developmental neurobiologist at Harvard University. Single laboratory studies on a single mouse model were not providing sufficient confidence in the pharmaceutical industry to invest in autism spectrum disorder, Sahin says.

Rats may never replace mice, nor should they. But together, both types of rodents can offer more to science than either could alone, Samaco says.

His team is betting on it: Last year, Baylors rat lab underwent a major renovation. The lab, expected to reopen by the end of March, will feature more than 1,000 square feet dedicated to following rats into adulthood. There are so many papers were preparing right now on various rat models, Samaco says. This year, he predicts, will be the year of the rat.

This article appears courtesy of Spectrum.

Read more from The Atlantic:

This article was originally published on The Atlantic.
TRUMP: Thank you very much, everybody. Thank you.

(APPLAUSE)

So, were just going to let the other folks come in, fill it up. This is some crowd. You have to see whats outside. You wouldnt even believe it.

(APPLAUSE)

Unbelievable.

(APPLAUSE)

So, Im thrilled to be here in Nashville, Tennessee, the home

(APPLAUSE)

 of country music, southern hospitality, and the great President Andrew Jackson.

(APPLAUSE)

I just came from a tour of Andrew Jacksons home to mark the 250th anniversary of his birth.

(APPLAUSE)

Jacksons life was devoted to one  a very crucial principle. He understood that real leadership means putting America first.

(APPLAUSE)

Before becoming president, Andrew Jackson served your state in the House of Representatives and in the United States Senate. And he also served as commander of the Tennessee Militia.

(APPLAUSE)

Tough cookies. Tough cookies.

So, lets begin tonight by thanking all of the incredible men and women of the United States military and all of our wonderful veterans. The veterans.

(APPLAUSE)

AUDIENCE: USA! USA! USA!

TRUMP: Crazy. Amazing.

Theres no place Id rather be than with all of you here tonight, with the wonderful, hardworking citizens of our country.

(APPLAUSE)

I would much rather spend time with you than any of the pundits, consultants or special interests, certainly or reporters from Washington D.C. (APPLAUSE)

Its patriotic Americans like you who make this country run and run well. You pay your taxes, follow our laws, support your communities, raise your children, love your country, and send your bravest to fight in our wars.

(APPLAUSE)

All you want is a government that shows you the same loyalty in return.

(APPLAUSE)

Its time that Washington heard your voice and, believe me, on November 8th they heard your voice.

(APPLAUSE)

The forgotten men and women of our country will never be forgotten again. Believe me.

(APPLAUSE)

I want to thank so many of your state leaders; State Party Chairman Scott Golden, Congressman Scott DesJarlais

(APPLAUSE)

 Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn

(APPLAUSE)

 Congresswoman Diane Black

(APPLAUSE)

 Congressman Jimmy Duncan, right from the beginning

(APPLAUSE)

 Governor Bill Haslam

(APPLAUSE)

 a great friend of mine, Senator Bob Corker

(APPLAUSE)

 an incredible guy, respected by all, Senator Lamar Alexander

(APPLAUSE)

 and so many more. Thank you all for being here. Were going to be working closely together  thank you; to deliver for you, the citizens of Tennessee, like youve never been delivered for before.

Thank you. Thank you.

(APPLAUSE)

Thank you.

(APPLAUSE)

We are going to reduce your taxes.

(APPLAUSE)

Big league. Big. Big. And I want to start that process so quickly. Got to get the health care got done. We got to start the tax reductions.

(APPLAUSE)

We are going to enforce our trade rules and bring back our jobs, which are scattered all over the world. Theyre coming back to our country.

(APPLAUSE)

Were going to support the amazing, absolutely amazing men and women of law enforcement.

(APPLAUSE)

Protect your freedoms and defend the Second Amendment.

(APPLAUSE)

And we are going to restore respect for our country and for its great and very beautiful flag.

(APPLAUSE)

Its been a little over 50 days since my inauguration and weve been putting our America First agenda very much into action. You see whats happened (ph).

Were keeping our promises. In fact, they have signs, hes kept his promise. Theyre all over the place. I have. We have done far more, I think maybe more than anybodys done in this office in 50 days. That I can tell you.

(APPLAUSE)

And we have just gotten started. Wait till you see whats coming, folks.

(APPLAUSE)

Weve appointed a Supreme Court Justice to replace the late, great Antonin Scalia. His name is Judge Neil Gorsuch.

(APPLAUSE)

He will uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States.

We are proposing a budget that will shrink the bloated federal bureaucracy  and I mean bloated; while protecting our national security. You see what were doing with our military; bigger, better, stronger than ever before. You see whats happening.

(APPLAUSE)

And youre already seeing the results.

Our budget calls for one of the single largest increases in defense spending history in this country.

(APPLAUSE)

We believe, especially the people in Tennessee  I know you people so well

(APPLAUSE)

 in peace through strength. Its what were going to have.

(APPLAUSE)

And we are taking steps to make sure that our allies pay their fair share. They have to pay.

(APPLAUSE)

Weve begun a dramatic effort to eliminate job-killing federal regulations like nobody has ever seen before. Slash, slash. Were going to protect the environment. Were going to protect peoples safeties, but let me tell you, the regulation business has become a terrible business and were going to bring it down to where it should be.

(APPLAUSE)

(BOOING)

(APPLAUSE)

OK, lets go.

One person, and theyll be the story tomorrow. Did you hear there was a protester?

(APPLAUSE)

Were going to put our miners back to work. Were going to put our auto industry back to work.

(APPLAUSE)

Already, because of this new business climate, we are creating jobs that are starting to pour back into our country like we havent seen in many, many decades.

(APPLAUSE)

In the first two job reports since I took the oath of office, weve already added nearly half a million new jobs. And believe me, its just beginning.

(APPLAUSE)

Ive already authorized the construction of the long-stalled and delayed Keystone and Dakota access pipeline.

(APPLAUSE)

A lot of jobs.

(APPLAUSE)

Ive also directed that new pipelines must be constructed with American steel.

(APPLAUSE)

They want to build them here, they use our steel.

We believe in two simple rules. Buy American and hire American.

(APPLAUSE)

On trade, Ive kept my promise to the American people and withdrawn from the Trans-Pacific Partnership disaster.

(APPLAUSE)

Tennessee has lost one-third of its manufacturing jobs since the institution of NAFTA, one of the worst trade deals ever in history.

(BOOING)

Our nation has lost over 60,000 factories since China joined the World Trade Organization; 60,000. Think of that. More than that.

Were not going to let it happen anymore. From now on, we are going to defend the American worker and our great American companies.

(APPLAUSE)

And if America does what it says and if your president does what Ive been telling you, there is nobody anywhere in the world that can even come close to us, folks. Not even close. (APPLAUSE)

If a company wants to leave America, fire their works, and then ship their new products back into our country, there will be consequences.

(APPLAUSE)

Thats what we have borders for. And by the way, arent our borders getting extremely strong?

(APPLAUSE)

Very strong.

(APPLAUSE)

Dont even think about it. We will build the wall. Dont even think about it.

(APPLAUSE)

In fact, as youve probably read, we went out to bid. We had hundreds of bidders. Everybody wants to build our wall.

(APPLAUSE)

Usually, that means were going to get a good price. Were going to get a good price; believe me. Were going to build a wall.

Some of the fake news said, I dont think Donald Trump wants to build the wall. Can you imagine if I said were not going to build a wall? Fake news.

(BOOING)

Fake, fake news.

(BOOING)

Fake news, folks. A lot of fake.

(BOOING)

No, the wall is way ahead of schedule in terms of where we are. Its under design and youre going to see some very good things happening. But the border by itself right now is doing very well. Its becoming very strong.

(APPLAUSE)

General Kelly has done a great job. General Kelly.

(APPLAUSE)

My administration is also following through on our promise to secure, protect, and defend that border within our United States. Our southern border will be protected always. It will have the wall. Drugs will stop pouring in and poisoning our youth.

(APPLAUSE)

And that will happen very, very soon. Youre already seeing whats going on. The drugs are pouring in to our country folks. They are poisoning our youth and plenty of others and were going to stop it. Were not going to be playing games. Not going to be playing games.

(APPLAUSE)

Following my executive action  and dont forget, weve only been here for like, what, 50 days? Weve already experienced an unprecedented 40 percent reduction in illegal immigration on our southern border, 61 percent  61 percent since inauguration day. Sixty-one percent; think about it.

(APPLAUSE)

And now people are saying were not going to go there anymore cause we cant get in, so its going to get better and better. We got to stop those drugs, though. We got to stop those drugs.

During the campaign, as I traveled all across this country, I met with many American families whose loved ones were viciously and violently killed by illegal immigrants because our government refused to enforce our already existing laws.

These American victims were ignored by the media. They were ignored by Washington. But they were not ignored by me and theyre not ignored by you and they never will be ignored, certainly any longer. Not going to happen.

(APPLAUSE)

As we speak, we are finding the drug dealers, the robbers, thieves, gang members, killers, and criminals preying on our citizens. One by one  youre reading about it, right?

(APPLAUSE)

Theyre being thrown out of our country, theyre being thrown into prisons, and we will not let them back in.

(APPLAUSE)

Were also working night and day to keep our nation safe from terrorism.

(APPLAUSE)

We have seen the devastation from 9/11 to Boston to San Bernardino; hundreds upon hundreds of people from outside our country have been convicted of terrorism-related offenses. In the United States courts, right now we have investigations going on all over. Hundreds of refugees are under federal investigation for terrorism and related reasons.

We have entire regions of the world destabilized by terrorism and ISIS. For this reason, I issued an executive order to temporarily suspend immigration from places where it cannot safely occur.

(APPLAUSE)

AUDIENCE: USA! USA! USA!

TRUMP: But let me give you the bad news. We dont like bad news, right? I dont want to hear an alternative to good. But let me give you the bad, the sad news.

Moments ago, I learned that a district judge in Hawaii

(BOOING)

 part of the much overturned 9th Circuit Court

(BOOING)

 and I have to be nice. Otherwise Ill get criticized for

(APPLAUSE)

 for speaking poorly about our courts. Ill be  Ill be criticized by these people, among the most dishonest people in the world.

(APPLAUSE)

I will be criticized

(BOOING)

(APPLAUSE)

Ill be criticized by them for speaking harshly about our courts. I would never want to do that.

A judge has just blocked our executive order on travel and refugees coming into our country from certain countries.

(BOOING)

The order he blocked was a watered down version of the first order that was also blocked by another judge and should have never been blocked to start with.

(APPLAUSE)

This new order was tailored to the dictates of the 9th Circuit, in my opinion, flawed ruling.

(APPLAUSE)

This is the opinion of many, an unprecedented judicial overreach.

(APPLAUSE)

The law and the Constitution give the President the power to suspend immigration when he deems  or she  or she  fortunately it will not be Hillary-she.

(APPLAUSE)

When he or she deems it to be in the national interest of our country.

AUDIENCE: Lock her up! Lock her up! Lock her up!

TRUMP: So we have a lot of lawyers here. We also have a lot of smart people here. Let me read to you, directly from the federal statute, 212(f) of the immigration, and you know what Im talking about, right? Can I read this to you? Listen to this.

Now, were all smart people, were all good students, were all everything. Some are bad students, but even if youre a bad student, this is a real easy one, let me tell you. Ready?

So heres the statute, when they dont even want to quote when they overrule it. And it was put here for the security of our country. And this goes beyond me, because therell be other presidents and we need this. And sometimes we need it very badly for security  security of our country.

It says  now listen to easy  how easy this is. Whenever the president finds that the entry of any aliens or any class of aliens would be detrimental to the interests of the United States, he may, by proclamation and for such period as he  see, it wasnt politically correct, cause they should have said he or she. You know, today theyd say that.

(LAUGHTER)

Thats (inaudible)

(LAUGHTER)

Actually, thats the only mistake they made  as he shall deem necessary, suspend the entry of all aliens or any class of aliens, as immigrants or non-immigrants, or impose on the entry of aliens any restrictions he may deem to be appropriate.

In other words, if he thinks theres danger out there, he or she, whoever is president can say, Im sorry, folks, not now, please. We got enough problems.

(APPLAUSE)

Were talking about the safety of our nation, the safety and security of our people.

(APPLAUSE)

Now, I know you people arent skeptical people, cause nobody would be that way in Tennessee. Nope, nobody. Not Tennessee.

You dont think this was done by a judge for political reasons, do you? No.

(APPLAUSE)

This ruling makes us look weak, which, by the way, we no longer are. Believe me.

(APPLAUSE)

Just look at our borders.

(APPLAUSE)

Were going to fight this terrible ruling. Were going to take our case as far as it needs to go, including all the way up to the Supreme Court.

(APPLAUSE)

Were going to win. Were going to keep our citizens safe. And regardless, were going to keep our citizens safe. Believe me.

(APPLAUSE)

Even liberal democratic lawyer, Alan Dershowitz  good lawyer; just said that we would win this case before the Supreme Court of the United States.

(APPLAUSE)

Remember this. I wasnt thrilled, but the lawyers all said, oh, lets tailor it. This is a watered down version of the first one. This is a watered down version.

And let me tell you something. I think we ought to go back to the first one and go all the way, which is what I wanted to do in the first place.

(APPLAUSE)

The danger is clear. The law is clear. The need for my executive order is clear. I was elected to change our broken and dangerous system and thinking in government that has weakened and endangered our country and left our people defenseless.

(APPLAUSE)

And I will not stop fighting for the safety of you and your families. Believe me. Not today, not ever. Were going to win it. Were going to win it.

(APPLAUSE)

Were going to apply common sense. Were going to apply intelligence. And were never quitting and were never going away and were never, ever giving up.

The best way to keep foreign terrorists or, as some people would say in certain instances, radical Islamic terrorists from attacking our country is to stop them from entering our country in the first place.

(APPLAUSE)

Well take it, but these are the problems we have. People are screaming break up the 9th Circuit and Ill tell you what. That 9th Circuit  you have to see. Take a look at how many times they have been overturned with their terrible decisions. Take a look. And this is what we have to live with.

Finally, I want to get to taxes. I want to cut the hell out of taxes, but

(APPLAUSE)

 but

(APPLAUSE)

 before I can do that  I would have loved to have put it first. Ill be honest. There is one more very important thing that we have to do and we are going to repeal and replace horrible, disastrous Obamacare.

(APPLAUSE)

If we leave Obamacare in place, millions and millions of people will be forced off their plans and your senators just told me that in your state youre down to practically no insurers. Youre going to have nobody. Youre going to have nobody. And this is true all over. The insurers are fleeing. The insurers are fleeing. Its a catastrophic situation.

And theres nothing to compare anything to because Obamacare wont be around for a year or two. Its  its gone. So its not like, oh gee, they this  Obamacare is gone.

(APPLAUSE)

Premiums will continue to soar, double digits and even triple digits in many cases. It will drain our budget and destroy our jobs. Remember all of the broken promises? You can keep your doctor. You can keep your plan. Remember the wise guy?

(BOOING) Remember the wise guy that essentially said the American people  the so-called architect; the American people are stupid because they approved it? Were going to show them. Those in Congress who made these promises have no credibility whatsoever on health care.

And remember this; remember this. If we took  because theres such divisiveness. And Im not just talking now, with me. There was Obama, there was with Bush, the level of hatred and divisiveness with the politicians.

I remember years ago, Id go to Washington. I was always very politically active. And Republicans and Democrats, theyd fight during the day and theyd go to dinner at night. Today, theres a level that nobodys seen before.

Just remember this. If we submitted, the Democrats plan, drawn everything perfect for the Democrats, we wouldnt get one vote from the Democrats. Thats the way it is. Thats how much divisiveness and other things there are, so its a problem. But were going to get it by.

So Ive met with so many victims of Obamacare, the people whove been so horribly hurt by this horrible legislation. At the very core of Obamacare was a fatal flaw. The government forcing people to buy a government-approved product.

(BOOING)

There are very few people. Very few people.

(BOOING)

And by the way, watch what happens. Now you just booed Obamacare. They will say Trump got booed when he mentioned

(LAUGHTER)

Theyre bad people, folks. Theyre bad people.

(BOOING)

(APPLAUSE)

Tonight Ill go home. Ill turn on. Ill say, listen, Ill turn on that television. My wife will say, darling, its too bad you got booed. I said I didnt be booed. This was (inaudible). I said no, no. They were booing Obamacare.

Watch, a couple of them will actually do it, almost guaranteed. But when we call them out it makes it harder for them to do it, so well see.

(APPLAUSE)

Its the fake, fake media. We want Americans to be able to purchase the health insurance plans they want, not the plans forced on them by our government.

(APPLAUSE)

The House has put forward a plan to repeal and replace Obamacare, based on the principles I outlined in my joint address, but let me tell you. Were going to arbitrate. Were going to all get together. Were going to get something done.

Remember this. If we didnt do it the way were doing it, we need 60 votes, so wed have to get the Democrats involved. They wont vote. No matter what we do theyre not going to vote. So were doing it a different way, a complex way, its fine.

The end result is when youre at phase one, phase two, phase three; its going to be great. Its going to be great.

(APPLAUSE)

And then, we get on to tax reductions, which I like.

(APPLAUSE)

The House legislation does so much for you. It gives the states Medicaid flexibility and some of the states will take over their health care. Governor Rick Scott in Florida said, just send me the money. They run a great plan. We have states that are doing great. It gives great flexibility.

Thank you, folks. Thank you.

(APPLAUSE)

Thank you.

(APPLAUSE)

It repeals hundreds of billions of dollars in Obamacare taxes. It provides tax credits to people to purchase the care that is rightfully theirs. The bill that I will ultimately sign, and that will be a bill where everybodys going to get into the room and were going to get it done. Well get rid of Obamacare and make health care better for you and for your family.

(APPLAUSE)

And once this is done, and a step further, we are going to try and put it in phase three. Im going to work on bringing down the cost of medicine by having a fair and competitive bidding process.

(APPLAUSE)

We welcome this health care debate and its negotiation and were going to carry it out and have been carrying it out in the full light of day, unlike the way Obamacare was passed.

(APPLAUSE) Remember, folks, if we dont do anything, Obamacare is gone. Its not like, oh gee, its going to be wonderful in three years. Its gone. Its gone. Its gone. Not working. Its gone.

(APPLAUSE)

What we cannot do is to be intimidated by the dishonest attacks from Democratic leaders in Congress who broke the system in the first place and who dont believe you should be able to make your own health care decisions.

(APPLAUSE)

I am very confident that if we empower the American people, well accomplish incredible things for our country, not just on health care, but all across our government. We will unlock new frontiers in science and in medicine.

We will give our children the right to attend the school of their choice, one where they will be taught to love this country and its values.

(APPLAUSE)

We will create millions and millions of new jobs by lowering taxes on our businesses and, very importantly, for our workers. Were going to lower taxes.

(APPLAUSE)

Big (ph).

(APPLAUSE)

And we will fight for the right of every American child to grow up in a safe neighborhood, attend a great school, and to graduate with access to a high-paying job that they love doing.

(APPLAUSE)

No matter background (ph), no matter our income, no matter our geography, we all share the same home. We all salute the same flag. And we all are made by the same God.

(APPLAUSE)

AUDIENCE: USA! USA! USA!

TRUMP: Its time to embrace our glorious American destiny. Anything we can dream for our country, we can achieve for our country. All we have to do is tap into that American pride that is swelling our hearts and stirring our souls and we found that out very recently in our last election. A lot of pride.

(APPLAUSE) We are all Americans and the future truly belongs to us. The future belongs to all of you. This is your moment. This is your time. This is the hour when history is made. All we have to do is put our own citizens first and, together, we will make America strong again.

(APPLAUSE)

We will make America wealthy again.

(APPLAUSE)

We will make America proud again.

(APPLAUSE)

We will make America safe again.

(APPLAUSE)

And we will make America great again.

(APPLAUSE)

Thank you. God bless you. Thank you.

(APPLAUSE)

God bless you, everybody.
Recently asked to resign by the administration of President Donald Trump, Chicagos onetime top prosecutor Zachary Fardon has called for far-reaching reforms of the citys justice system to fight endemic gun violence.

In a five-page open letter released on Monday, the former U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Illinois condemned inaction from municipal authorities, the local police departments lack of professionalism, and the failure of federal law enforcement agencies to coordinate on addressing the citys recent murder spike.

Chicagos murders jumped nearly 60% in 2016, leaving more than 760 people dead and thousands more injured.

Fardon, who said he was now unshackled by the diplomatic constraints of his position, suggested that up to 20 new federal prosecutors be assigned to Chicago immediately to help with gang and gun-related prosecutions.

Referring to Chicago as a city on fire, Fardon said the citys gangs filled the void created by hopelessness.

Referencing Trumps send in the Feds! tweet, Fardon also called on the government to send in the tech geeks to curb gang members use of social media. Deploying the National Guard, he warned, would tell city residents: This is war, and you are the enemy.

Read the full text of his letter here.
SAN DIEGO (AP)  An Iraqi family has landed in the United States as a federal court blocked a travel ban that would have kept others like them out of the country for 120 days.

Nadia Hanan Madalo and her family arrived in San Diego on Wednesday to be reunited with Madalo's siblings and mother, who arrived as refugees in recent years.

After long emotional hugs, she said she felt lucky. The family waited four years to get into the United States.

The family expected to be among the last let in but a federal court Wednesday blocked the Trump administration's revised ban.
A bipartisan group of 18 U.S. lawmakers are leaping to the defense of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, countering President Donald Trumps attacks that the six-decade-old military alliance is obsolete.

The lawmakers introduced a resolution Thursday that takes aim at the presidents most frequent criticisms of the organization, such as his view that it isnt oriented toward fighting terrorism. The resolution does not explicitly mention the president by name.

Since the end of the Cold War, NATO has evolved to take on new dangers including terrorism, the spread of weapons of mass destruction, and cyber attacks, the resolution states.

Despite concerns that the resolution could be viewed as a swipe against the president, nine Republicans signed on as cosponsors to the legislation, including Reps. Mike Coffman (Co.), Ann Wagner (Mo.), Tom Cole (Ok.), Vicky Hartzler (Mo.), Ted Yoho (Fla.), Doug LaMalfa (Cal.) Leonard Lance (N.J.), John Moolenaar (Mich.), and Andy Harris (Md.).

In describing her support for the resolution, Wagner cited her role as a former United States ambassador to Luxembourg and a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. It is incumbent on the United States and our European allies to reinvigorate our global commitment to international order, she told FP.

The resolution also takes aim at Russia, a country whose president Trump has praised repeatedly and with which he has expressed a desire to have closer bonds.

Russia has continued to threaten the sovereignty of countries in Europe and exhibit threatening behavior toward our own military assets, the resolution states. NATO sends a clear collective message that the Alliance will not tolerate Russias provocation.

During the presidential campaign, Trump warned that that the United States might not come to the defense of NATO allies if they dont shoulder a greater burden for their own security. His criticisms reflected longstanding concerns by military leaders that the vast majority of NATO countries do not meet NATOs target of spending two percent of GDP on defense. But his threat to abandon freeloading NATO members in the time of crisis rattled NATO members.

Story continues

More recently, Trump has softened his criticism of NATO and even claimed that members were beginning to make progress on paying their fair share.

Our partners must meet their financial obligations. And now, based on our very strong and frank discussions, they are beginning to do just that, Trump said earlier this month during his first joint address to Congress. In fact, I can tell you the money is pouring in. Very nice.

In fact, there hasnt been any new money from NATO allies as a result of Trumps criticisms, and there havent been any new commitments since Defense Secretary James Mattis made his case for increased military spending to allies in February.

Democratic Rep. John Delaney (Md.) said the resolution has bipartisan support in part because new language was included in the resolution urging NATO allies to increase defense spending. That is a change from the last resolution, he said. My Republican colleagues have been strong and forceful on that point.

I think Gen. Mattis would read this resolution and hed agree with it, he added.
Rising British star Tom Bateman is joining Liam Neeson upcoming thriller "Hard Powder" reports The Hollywood Reporter.

An adaptation of the Norwegian film "In Order of Disappearance," Bateman is set to play a villainous gangster in the movie, which will also star "Shameless" actress Emmy Rossum and William Forsythe.

Set in a glamorous Rocky Mountain ski town, the film tells the story of an upright snowplow driver, played by Neeson, whose life is turned upside down after his son is murdered by a local drug kingpin.

He then seeks to dismantle the cartel, but his attempt at revenge sets off a turf war between rival gangs, leading to a violent and deadly showdown.

The project will be directed by Hans Petter Moland.

Bateman's previous credits include the British series "Jekyll & Hyde." He will next be seen in Amy Schumer and Goldie Hawn comedy "Snatched," hitting theaters in May, and alongside Daisy Ridley, Penelope Cruz and Josh Gad in Kenneth Branagh's star-studded adaptation of "Murder on the Orient Express," out in November.
Amid growing tensions with NATO, a division of Russias Aerospace Force will practice detecting ballistic missiles during launches carried out by the Strategic Missile Force, Aerospace Force Commander-in-Chief Colonel-General Viktor Bondarev said Wednesday, in an interview with Russian daily Krasnaya Zvezda.

Space Troops, the division of Aerospace Force, is expected to launch 15 carrier rockets this year and about 40 tactical exercises with subordinate military units will also be conducted, Bondarev reportedly said.

Read: Russia Deploys Special Forces In Syria

"The Space Troops will team up with other branches and services of the Russian Armed Forces to practice detecting ballistic missiles, using the forces and resources of the (Special Designation) Aerospace Army during the demonstrative launches of intercontinental ballistic missiles by the Strategic Missile Force," Bondarev told the Russian-language newspaper, according to Tass news agency.

"For the purpose of building up the orbital grouping of satellites, 15 launches of space carrier rockets have been planned to deliver more than 20 satellites into orbit," Bondarev added.

The force is also planning to hold live tests with the launch of an anti-missile system, the commander said.

"Live tests have been scheduled in anti-ballistic missile defense units with the launch of an anti-missile, as well as over ten joint drills for [anti-ballistic missile] system crews to prepare counter-missiles for combat use, and also measures to detect and track the launches of domestic carrier rockets and to monitor space vehicles," Bondarev reportedly said.

This comes after a March 6 report by London-based Royal United Services Institute urged NATO to boost its presence in the North Atlantic Ocean to tackle threats from the Russian navy. However, Nikolai Topornin, an associate professor of European Law at the Russian Foreign Ministry's Moscow State Institute of International Relations dismissed the claims of any Russian threat during an interview with Radio Sputnik.

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Tensions between NATO and Russia have flared up recently, with both sides undergoing extensive military escalations in recent months.

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By Dustin Volz WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States on Wednesday charged two Russian intelligence agents and two criminal hackers with masterminding the 2014 theft of 500 million Yahoo accounts, marking the first time the U.S. government has criminally charged Russian spies for cyber offences. The charges came amid a swirl of controversies relating to alleged Kremlin-backed hacking of the 2016 U.S. presidential election and possible links between Russian figures and associates of U.S. President Donald Trump, and uncertainty about whether Trump is willing to respond forcefully to aggression from Moscow in cyberspace and elsewhere. The 47-count Justice Department indictment includes charges of conspiracy, computer fraud and abuse, economic espionage, theft of trade secrets, wire fraud, access device fraud and aggravated identify theft. It paints a picture of the Russian security services working hand-in-hand with cyber criminals, who helped spies further their intelligence goals in exchange for using the same exploits to make money. "The criminal conduct at issue, carried out and otherwise facilitated by officers from an FSB unit that serves as the FBIs point of contact in Moscow on cyber crime matters, is beyond the pale, Acting Assistant Attorney General Mary McCord said at a press conference announcing the charges. Russias Federal Security Service (FSB) is the successor to the KGB. Yahoo said when it announced the then-unprecedented breach last September that it believed the attack was state-sponsored, and on Wednesday the company said the indictment "unequivocally shows" that to be the case. The charges announced Wednesday are not related to the hacking of Democratic Party emails during the 2016 U.S. presidential election. U.S. intelligence agencies have said they were carried out by Russian spy services, including the FSB, to help the campaign of Republican candidate Donald Trump. The indictment named the FSB officers involved as Dmitry Dokuchaev and his superior, Igor Sushchin, who are both in Russia. Dokuchaev was arrested for treason in December, according to the Russian news agency Interfax. Reuters sent a request for comment to the FSB in Moscow on Wednesday evening but there was no immediate response. The alleged criminals involved in the scheme include Alexsey Belan, who is among the FBI's most-wanted cyber criminals and was arrested in Europe in June 2013 but escaped to Russia before he could be extradited to the United States, according to the Justice Department. Karim Baratov, who was born in Kazakhstan but has Canadian citizenship, was also named in the indictment. The Justice Department said Baratov was arrested in Canada on Tuesday. Mark Pugash of Toronto police later confirmed the Tuesday arrest. McCord said the hacking campaign was waged by the FSB to collect intelligence but that the two hackers used the collected information as an opportunity to "line their pockets." The United States does not have an extradition treaty with Russia, but McCord said she was hopeful Russian authorities would cooperate in bringing criminals to justice. The United States often charges cyber criminals with the intent of deterring future state-sponsored activity. Washington has not contacted Moscow over the charges, Russian news agencies reported on Wednesday, citing a "highly placed" source in Moscow. The administration of former President Barack Obama brought similar charges against Chinese and Iranian hackers who have not been extradited. In a statement, White House spokesman Michael Anton said the charges "are part of a broad effort across the government to defend the United States against cyber attacks and cyber-related crimes." 'RED NOTICE' Yahoo in December announced another breach that occurred in 2013 affecting one billion accounts. Special Agent Jack Bennett of the FBI's San Francisco Division said the 2013 breach is unrelated and that an investigation of that incident is ongoing. The hacks forced Yahoo to accept a discount of $350 million in what had been a $4.83 billion deal to sell its main assets to Verizon Communications Inc . At least 30 million of the Yahoo accounts in the 2014 breach were the most seriously affected, with Belan able to burrow deep into their accounts and take user contact lists that were later used for a financially motivated spam campaign, according to the indictment. Belan also stole financial information such as credit card numbers and gift cards, it said. Yahoo had previously said about 32 million accounts had fallen victim to the deeper attack, which it said leveraged forged browser cookies to access accounts without the need for a password. According to the indictment, FSB officers Sushchin and Dokuchaev also directed Baratov to use the information gained in the Yahoo breach to hack specific targets who possessed email accounts with other service providers, including Google. When Baratov was successful, Dokuchaev would reward him with a bounty, the indictment charged. Examples where Google accounts were targeted include an assistant to the deputy chairman of the Russian Federation, an officer of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs, and a physical training expert employed by the Russian government. Details in the indictment reflect the often murky relationship in Russia between criminal hackers and government intelligence officers. Interpol issued a "red notice" on Belan in relation to an earlier hacking campaign, according to the indictment. Instead of arresting Belan, however, the FSB recruited him to help with cyber espionage and provided tools to evade detection from other authorities. Belan later gained unauthorized access to Yahoo's network that he shared with FSB, the indictment said. (Reporting by Dustin Volz in Washington and Joseph Menn in San Francisco; Additional reporting by Julia Edwards in Washington and Alexander Winning in Moscow; Editing by Jeffrey Benkoe and James Dalgleish)
Samantha Bee's latest spotlight is on the Republican Party's fixation with the "deep state." News clips of Republican leaders and Sean Hannity discuss a "deep state bureaucracy," "deep state media" and "deep state forces" that are "out for blood."

This idea of shadow forces controlling the government is what Bee calls "one of the far-right  and far-left's  favorite conspiracy fever dreams." In reality, Bee explained, the closest thing we have to a deep state are government employees who want to stop Trump from running America over a cliff.

"The deep state is so deeply buried in its deepy deepness, Sean Hannity had to pull it from the depths of his ass," Bee said.

SEE ALSO: Samantha Bee's 'Full Frontal' looks pretty different without women

The segment explained the deep state as a concept that originated in Turkey and Egypt with resistance against authoritarian regimes. The "deep state," as Trump's advocates use it, applies to literally anyone who disagrees with him.

Later in the show, Bee interviewed Egyptian satirist Bassem Youssef, who was exiled from Egypt because of his comedy show, which reached 30 to 40 million people. Youssef repeatedly mocked the Egyptian government and delegitimized its leadership (his comedic timing is also excellent and he should be a regular correspondent).

Full Frontal with Samantha Bee airs Wednesdays on TBS.
Flanked by a thousand-person entourage, Saudi Arabian King Salman traveled to China Thursday to deepen economic ties between the worlds biggest oil exporter and the worlds second-largest oil consumer. Its a key stop in the kings six-week trip to Asia that comes as Riyadh struggles with a slumping oil market and a desperate need to diversify its economy.

During his meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping, King Salman oversaw the signing of up to $65 billion worth of economic and trade deals, spanning sectors from energy to space, though the Chinese government disclosed few specifics. Saudi Arabia and China also deepened their energy relationship with more than 20 agreements on oil investments and in renewable energy. China even discussed taking a stake in Saudi Aramco, the state-owned oil firm, which is preparing for a public listing, Bloomberg reported.

Saudi Arabia limped into 2017 facing grim economic forecasts fueled by a global oil glut. In January, the IMF revised downward its projection for Saudi economic growth from 2 percent to 0.4 percent this year. King Salman, and especially crown prince Mohammed bin Salman, have launched an ambitious campaign to shock the country out of oil-dependency and diversify the economy under the auspices of its Saudi Vision 2030 plan. Its culminated in the unusual six-week trip to Asia that includes stops in Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, and the Maldives as Salman courts foreign investors.

The two leaders also dropped hints that China could boost its diplomatic footprint in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia is willing to work hard with China to promote global and regional peace, security and prosperity, Salman said. He added he hoped China would increase its role in Middle East affairs.

Xi couched Chinas future role in the Middle East in purely economic terms, citing his countrys ambitious One Belt One Road initiative, Chinas state-run Xinhua News reported. He stressed China would continue its longstanding policy of non-interference in the Middle East, in contrast to the United States and European counterparts.

But China has steadily ramped up involvement in the region as its dependence on Middle Eastern oil grows. Beijing began building its first overseas military outpost, a naval base in Djibouti on the Horn of Africa, in 2016. And it funneled thousands of peacekeepers to U.N. missions, including in oil-rich countries like South Sudan.



Beijing has started taking sides in some disputes, hinting at a more committed policy. China backed Bashar al-Assads government in the Syrian war in 2016, boosting military cooperation with the regime. And in January, Xi signaled support for Yemens government in its war against Iran-backed Houthi rebels during a visit to Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia is leading an air campaign against the Houthi rebels.

Photo credit: NICOLAS ASFOURI/AFP/Getty Images
From Popular Mechanics

2017 holds plenty of uncertainty, but great sci-fi movies look like a sure thing. We'll see the return of Rick Deckard in Blade Runner 2049 and finally get some Luke Skywalker in the eighth installment of the Star Wars saga. But 2017 is full of exciting releases, crossing huge franchises, wonderful one-offs, and yes, a few bottom feeders likely not worth your time. We'll walk you through the biggest sci-fi releases of the year, and which ones are worth a skip or a trip to the theater.

Note: We'll be updating this post as more films debut and others are announced for later this year.

Underworld: Blood Wars

Release: January 6, 2017

Verdict: Skip

At this point, the world is divided into people who already love Underworld movies and people who never will-and that's the way it's going to stay. Blood Wars offers nothing new to entice anyone who wasn't interested, but it's more guns-blazing, blue-filtered red meat for Selyne's diehards. Lara Pulver, recently of "Sherlock" fame, shows up here as a villain who could have been much more interesting. Charles Dance from "Game of Thrones" appears, too, and he's great. Despite all the delightful gunfire and violence, however, Blood Wars feels like what it is-a bridge to yet another Underworld movie already in development.

Resident Evil: The Final Chapter

Release: January 27, 2017

Verdict: Skip

Unless you happen to like this franchise already, there is nothing for you here. Just be thankful it's over.

The Space Between Us

Release: February 3, 2017

Verdict: Skip

The Space Between Us comes with an interesting enough premise- sort of a Martian bildungsroman-and it gives viewers respite from human-killing aliens and other explosion-prone films in 2017. Unfortunately, this interesting idea collapses beneath a cast that lacks chemistry, ultimately turning what I think was supposed to be a heart-wrenching drama into a film you can help but chuckle your way through. Time is better spent elsewhere.

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A Cure for Wellness

Release: February 17, 2017

Verdict: Skip

If you like beautiful films with a interesting enough premise, you could spend time with Gore Verbinski's latest sci-fi horror film A Cure for Wellness, but the film is hardly worth the time investment. The film feels like it struggles to be deeper than it actually is, and whatever depth it does have is handled in the most painstakingly obvious of ways. You could see worse films (in fact there are worse on this list), but there are much, much better movies to consider-like this next one.

Logan

Release: March 3, 2017

Verdict: Must watch

"Finally," was the the near-collective response from Wolverine and X-Men fans everywhere after the release of Logan. Although an iconic character since Hugh Jackman's first appearance as Logan in X-Men in 2000, 17 year later the character still didn't have a definitive, rated-R adventure. Now he does. Jackman, Patrick Stewart, and Dafne Keen as X-23 are all excellent. Seriously, you should have seen this film yesterday.

Power Rangers

Release: March 24, 2017

Preliminary Verdict: Looks promising

It's hard to be a kid of the 90s and not be at least a little excited for Power Rangers. Although we see several ways this film could go off the rails (insufferable teenage acting ranks pretty high), Power Rangers looks like a fun beat 'em up film in a high school context. It certainly seems to strip away some of the campiness that made Power Rangers so charming in the first place, and we're not quite convinced whether that's a good thing or a bad thing.

Life

Release: March 24, 2017

Preliminary Verdict: Skip

Although Life looks interesting and comes packed with acting talent, its first trailer has "we've seen this movie before" written all over it. Astronauts discover life beyond Earth and (surprise, surprise) it isn't very friendly. At times, Life looks like an amalgamation of sci-fi greats like Gravity and Alien but without the gravitas or substance. We hope we're wrong, though.

Ghost In the Shell

Release: March 31, 2017

Preliminary verdict: Must watch

Ghost In The Shell is one of the most incredible works of science fiction ever created. Beginning as a manga, and (as most mangas do) becoming a stellar piece of science fiction anime, this Japanese work of art is finally getting a live-action treatment. Although faced with some whitewashing criticism for selecting Scarlett Johansson to play an Asian role, the sets, tone, and mood of the film so far match up nicely with the source material. Let's hope it avoids the horrible "beautiful woman in skin-hugging spandex who kills people" trope that is far too overused already.

The Circle

Release: April 28, 2017

Preliminary Verdict: Looks promising

Base on a novel by Dave Eggers, The Circle may be the first science-fiction thriller about Silicon Valley. Following the steps of dystopian shows like Black Mirror, this film deals with a real world question: What if a tech company becomes too powerful and too pervasive? With a star-studded cast-Emma Watson, Tom Hanks, John Boyega-it's hard to image this film will fail. Then again, Passengers had a pretty good cast, too.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

Release: May 5, 2017

Preliminary verdict: Must watch

Guardians of the Galaxy remains Marvel Studios' greatest sleeper film, a cast of characters more obscure than any of Marvel's previous titles while still being arguably one of the best films they've ever made. From the looks of things, the plot will be business as usual as Star Lord and crew roam the galaxy for more adventure. It's hard to say if the charm of the original will be able to sustain a second film (or an entire franchise for that matter). But one thing is certain, this movie looks fun as hell.

Alien: Covenant

Release: May 19, 2017

Preliminary Verdict: Must watch

Oh my, yes. Ridley Scott returns to Alien. Following the beautifully shot yet tortuously confusing Prometheus, Alien: Covenant brings back Michael Fassbender and an all-new ship-the Covenant. There's a couple things to glean from the recently released trailer. One: It looks brutal. I mean really brutal. Two: It looks somewhat formulaic. Of course, you can't tell much from one trailer, but it looks awfully similar to the original Alien with a crew haplessly stumbling upon a creature of their worst nightmare. There's even a quarantine showdown between two characters, also seen in the 1979 original. Let's hope Ridley Scott found a way to break the mold with this one.

Transformers Whatever

Release: June 23, 2017

Preliminary Verdict: Skip

Michael Bay, haven't you done enough?

War of the Planet of the Apes

Release: July 14, 2017

Preliminary Verdict: Looks promising

We're the first to eye roll when Hollywood creates remakes that no one ever wanted. No, we didn't need a Total Recall remake where they don't even go to Mars. But the new Planet of the Apes franchise is a rare exception, simply because the films are just so damn good. Somehow, the last two films, Rise of the Planet of the Apes and Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, have kept us completely enthralled while also receiving high marks from critics. From the looks of things, War of the Planet of the Apes only wants to continue that trend.

Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets

Release: July 21, 2017

Preliminary Verdict: Looks promising

This film has a lot of things going for it. It's adapted from a French comic and also puts one of the most well-known French sci-fi directors at the helm-Luc Besson, of Lucy and The Fifth Element fame. The trailer is also just packed with weirdness and good, old-fashioned science fiction. These few beautiful minutes alone makes us yearn for an adaptation of The Incal. Who knows? Maybe Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets can be the beginning of a French sci-fi renaissance of sorts.

The Dark Tower

Release: July 28, 2017

Preliminary Verdict: Looks promising

We don't really know much about this film other than Matthew McConaughey will be the Man in Black with Idris Elba as Roland Deschain. Oh, and Stephen King's The Dark Tower series is phenomenal. So far so good, but the film-and likely subsequent films-are more of a retelling than a strict adaptation, so who knows how good the movie will actually be. We'll remain optimistically hopeful.

Blade Runner 2049

Release: October 6, 2017

Preliminary verdict: Must watch

Fresh off from reprising his role as Han Solo in 2015's The Force Awakens, Harrison Ford returns to another one of his most iconic films in Blade Runner 2049. Although Ridley Scott won't behind the helm of Rick Deckard's return to the silver screen, the film is in the very capable hands of a Denis Villeneuve, director of the great 2016 sci-fi flick Arrival. Some puzzling casting choices aside (Ryan Gosling?), we can't help but be agonizingly excited for the return to the grimy world of Blade Runner.

God Particle

Release: October 27, 2017

Preliminary Verdict: Looks promising

Recently confirmed, God Particle will be the third installment in J.J. Abrams Cloverfield universe, following 2016's 10 Cloverfield Lane. We don't know much about the film itself, other than it has a pretty deep cast and that it'll take place on ISS. But a piece of viral marketing (above), made for 10 Cloverfield Lane, gives us a glimpse into what we might can expect from what is quickly becoming on of the most interesting sci-fi franchises out there.

Star Wars: Episode VIII

Release: December 15, 2017

Preliminary verdict: Must watch

Let's start this list off with the obvious. Now that Disney is determined to release a Star Wars film once a year, 2017 will get the eighth installment of the Star Wars saga. Fresh off the success of The Force Awakens and Rogue One, Star Wars currently feels like a franchise that can't fail. With The Force Awakens sticking pretty close to the tone (and even the plot) of A New Hope, could Episode VIII be the Empire Strikes Back of a new generation? Needless to say, we'd be pretty excited.

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The Senate will soon begin the process of considering President Trumps nomination of Dr. Scott Gottlieb, who has close professional and financial ties with the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, for commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration. A trial that began in a federal courtroom in Boston in January is a timely reminder of how the laissez-faire regulatory posture that Gottlieb is expected to promote can harm the publics health.

The Boston trial involves the first of more than a dozen employees of New England Compounding Center (NECC) who distributed steroids contaminated with fungi. These caused infections that led to 64 deaths and more than 700 cases of illness or disability in 20 states in 2012 and 2013. The NECC employees now face charges that include fraud, murder, and violating federal laws. They exploited weaknesses in FDA oversight. The company essentially became a manufacturer of prescription medications without following the FDAs requirements for manufacturers.

As the tragic consequences of the NECC episode fade from our collective memory, the Trump administrations overall deregulatory orientation, deregulatory provisions in newly enacted and proposed laws, and corporate-friendly judicial doctrine constitute a prescription for future public health crises. In this context, Gottliebs documented advocacy for deregulation is particularly troubling. In addition, his close ties to industry may pose untenable conflicts of interest requiring him to recuse himself from many important FDA decisions.

Just six weeks before Trump took the oath of office, President Obama and Congress enacted the 21st Century Cures Act. This law promises to increase federal funding for research and for pressing public health concerns like the opioid addiction epidemic, but at the same time it reduces the evidence required for FDA approval of new drugs and devices.

Read more: Five things we know about Scott Gottlieb, Trumps pick for FDA

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Meanwhile, Trumps executive order requiring that any new agency regulation be accompanied by eliminating two regulations is a simple-minded approach to addressing perceived problems of overregulation. Which regulatory protection  lead levels in drinking water, bacteria levels on lettuce  should we give up for a new regulation to prevent future tragedies like the NECC crisis?

Viewpoints of other candidates reportedly considered for the FDA position make Gottlieb look moderate by comparison. Jim ONeill, whose name was circulated as a possible candidate, advocates for FDA approval of drugs proved safe but would let claims of effectiveness be demonstrated by people using the products at their own risk. Another reported candidate, Balaji S. Srinivasan, once tweeted that the public can do vastly better than the FDA with a Yelp for drugs. Such statements show a disregard for science and the risks involved in medical treatment.

The success of the drug and device industries in persuading the courts that the First Amendment protects commercial speech has limited the FDAs regulation of prescription drug advertising, which may help manufacturers promote off-label uses, a practice that would amplify the harmful effect of reducing the FDAs key role in approving products. Gottliebs writings indicate support for removing some of these restrictions.

Most consumers lack the information or expertise to assess the risks and benefits of drugs and medical devices. Clever marketing could entice some patients to forego using products known to be effective in favor of ones that are less effective and possibly more expensive. Evaluating drugs is not the same as deciding whether one prefers Prego or Ragu.

Proposed federal and state laws that disregard research about the value of multilevel testing before FDA approval would give some patients access to any drug or device that has completed the first phase of clinical investigation and would relieve manufacturers of liability for harm caused by their use.

Read more: Trump order on regulations could create hurdles for FDA, Cures Act

Insurers rely on FDA determinations in deciding what treatments to cover. The pharmaceutical and medical device industries rely on FDA approvals to level the playing field and prevent charlatans from confusing the public with inaccurate claims about substandard products. Physicians and the public rely on the regulatory process to ensure that products will perform as described and that the risks in using them are not unreasonable. Squandering confidence in a system so vital to public health in an ideologically driven and profit-motivated pursuit of reducing regulations defies logic.

The 21st Century Cures Act has already done harm. We should not compound the error.

The Senate should refuse to confirm any candidate to be FDA commissioner who is not committed to maintaining a rigorous scientific process of regulatory approvals for drugs and devices, and to limiting the marketing of those products to FDA-approved uses. In addition, the Senate should work to protect public health by not confirming judicial nominees who would elevate corporate speech over appropriate regulation.

Congress and state legislatures should reject any further weakening of the laws that hold the drug and device industries accountable for demonstrating that their products are safe and effective before they can be sold to the public.

Deregulatory fervor and efforts to weaken the FDAs authority ignore the lessons learned from the NECC crisis that needlessly harmed so many only five years ago.

Renee M. Landers is professor of law and faculty director of the health and biomedical law concentration at Suffolk University Law School. She was deputy general counsel of the Department of Health and Human Services from 1996 to 1997.
If Justice Department lawyers follow through on President Trumps vow to vigorously defend his power to limit immigration from Mideast nations, they could be doing so in more than one appeal in federal courts. Early Thursday morning, a judge in Maryland became the second jurist within a matter of hours to rule against the President, setting the stage for a government appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.

That would be in addition to the path the government would follow if it is going to appeal an enforcement ban issued on Wednesday by a federal judge in Hawaii; that appeal would go to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

The Ninth Circuit Court already has weighed in on the ongoing controversy over the Trump efforts, refusing last month to allow enforcement of the initial White House restrictions, and declining just on Wednesday to reconsider that denial. No case arising out of the dispute has yet reached the Fourth Circuit Court.

The Justice Department, in a statement Wednesday night, said it would continue to defend presidential authority, but it did not announce any immediate specific steps in the wake of the order by the Hawaii judge.

If the Administration wants to continue making the argument in court that controlling immigration from Mideast nations is an urgent national security priority, it would need to move quickly to try to regain the power that has been blocked in Hawaii and Maryland.

The orders by the judges in both states bar enforcement all across the nation. The Hawaii order is broader than the one issued in Maryland, because the judge in Honolulu blocked both the 90-day suspension of entry by foreign nationals from six Mideast nations and the 120-day suspension of entry of any refugees from any nation. The judge in Greenbelt, in a Maryland suburb of Washington, stopped only the 90-day restriction on arrivals from the six specific nations. That judge said that the challengers had not yet made a case against the entry restrictions on refugees.

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In both cases, the judges rejected the government arguments that the entry limitations were required as a matter of national security against foreign terrorism. Instead, each judge found more persuasive the challengers argument that the restrictions were intended to target Muslims because of their religion, which would violate the First Amendments ban on religious discrimination.

The religious bias issue thus would be a key issue in any appeal by the government, along with the question of national security.

Both judges made a part of their rulings a refusal to put their enforcement ban on hold while the government pursued an appeal. That meant that the next step open now to government lawyers would be to seek an emergency order from a court of appeals, to permit enforcement to begin.

Although President Trump told a crowd in Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday night that he wants to take the dispute all the way to the Supreme Court, the more customary approach would be to move next to a court of appeals. There is a procedure for bypassing the court of appeals level and going directly to the Supreme Court, but that is seldom used.

While government lawyers would be expected to make their next move quickly, they also have an incentive not to try too soon to get the Supreme Court involved. Thats because the Court now has only eight Justices, so there is a risk or a 4-to-4 split, and that could frustrate the Administrations legal goal.

The nomination of a potential ninth Justice comes under review on Monday, with the opening of Senate Judiciary Committee hearings for Judge Neil Gorsuch. If that process were to move quickly, Gorsuch could be at work on the Court in time to take part in any review of lower court actions on the immigration controversy, with the possible opportunity to break a tie.

Legendary journalist Lyle Denniston is Constitution Dailys Supreme Court correspondent. Denniston has written for us as a contributor since June 2011 and has covered the Supreme Court since 1958. His work also appears on lyldenlawnews.com.

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TOKYO  U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson called on North Korea Thursday to abandon its nuclear and ballistic missile programs, saying the isolated nation need not fear the United States.

Tillerson made that declaration after meeting his Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida in Tokyo, where they discussed possible new approaches in dealing with Pyongyang.

He said 20 years of U.S. diplomatic and other efforts to get North Korea to denuclearize have failed, but gave no specifics about how the Trump administration, which is currently doing a policy review, would tackle the issue. Tillerson described the weapons programs as dangerous and unlawful.

The former Exxon Mobil CEO is making his first trip to Asia as the top U.S. diplomat. Tensions are running high on the divided Korean Peninsula, and North Korea last week launched four missiles into seas off Japan and where the U.S. is currently conducting annual military drills with South Korea. Pyongyang views this as a rehearsal for invasion.

North Korea and its people need not fear the United States or their neighbors in the region who seek only to live in peace with North Korea, the secretary of state told a news conference in Tokyo. With this in mind, the United States calls on North Korea to abandon its nuclear and ballistic missile programs and refrain from any further provocation.

He later met separately with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

In Beijing, a North Korean diplomat said Thursday that Pyongyang must act in self-defense against the U.S.-South Korea military drills which he said have brought the region to the brink of nuclear war. He said the drills were aimed at using atomic weapons for a pre-emptive strike against North Korea. Washington says the maneuvers are routine and defensive.

The United States holds a joint military exercise every year to push the situation on the Korean Peninsula to a serious situation, and that is the source of the super tough measures we must take, Pak Myong Ho told reporters in a rare briefing at the North Korean Embassy in the Chinese capital. He spoke through a translator.

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North Korea has accelerated its weapons development in violation of multiple U.N. Security Council resolutions and despite tough sanctions levied against it. Last year, the North conducted two nuclear test explosions and 24 ballistic missile tests. Experts say it could have a nuclear-tipped missile that could reach the United States within a few years.

Citing the continued North Korean missile launches this year, Tillerson said that in the face of this ever-escalating threat it is clear that a different approach is required. He said his trip was intended to get input from other governments. Tillerson will travel Friday to South Korea and then China on Saturday.

Both Tillerson and Kishida urged China use its economic leverage with North Korea to push it to change course.

During last years election campaign, presidential candidate Donald Trump called into question U.S. security alliances and called for Tokyo and Seoul to contribute more for their defense. Tillerson, however, stressed that cooperation with Japan and South Korea was critical.

Kishida said the U.S. and Japan had an unwavering bond. In a sign of that, Tillerson reiterated that a U.S.-Japan mutual defense treaty covers Japanese-administered islands in the East China Sea also claimed by China.

Japan and South Korea both host tens of thousands of U.S. troops. Washington has been urging its two allies to step security up cooperation despite their historically strained relations. This week, the nations three navies have conducted missile defense information-sharing drills in the region.

Kishida described the trilateral cooperation as indispensable. But he said the Japan-South Korea relationship has been strained over failure to implement a 2015 agreement in which Japans government consented to compensate South Korean victims of sexual slavery inflicted by the Japanese military during World War II. In return, South Korea was to stop criticizing Japan on the issue.

Earlier this year, Japan withdrew its ambassador from South Korea after activists there erected a statue outside a Japanese consulate to commemorate the wartime victims, known as comfort women.

Tillerson said he appreciated how painful it was to deal with such historical issues, but urged both sides to carry out the agreement and bring the matter to a rapid conclusion. He said it was important for all three nations to maintain a strong alliance in which there is no space between us.
READING, Pa. (AP)  A pastor in a fundamentalist Christian sect that rejects doctors and drugs has been charged in the death of a child  his own granddaughter  from medical neglect. The novel prosecution is raising hopes among some advocates that it might spur change in a church that has resisted it.

Faith Tabernacle Congregation has long told adherents to place their trust in God alone for healing. As a result, dozens of children, mostly in Pennsylvania, have died of preventable and treatable illnesses. Church members reject modern medicine as a bedrock tenet of their faith, even as some have faced manslaughter charges in child deaths dating back 35 years.

Until now, though, no leader in the sect has ever faced charges.

"It could be a new tool to save the lives of these children," said Rita Swan, one of the nation's top experts on faith-based medical neglect. She leads the group Children's Healthcare is a Legal Duty, which works to eliminate religious exemptions in state laws requiring parents to provide appropriate medical care.

With a routine course of antibiotics, 2-year-old Ella Foster would have almost certainly beaten the pneumonia that took her life in November. But her parents refused medical care, and she succumbed shortly after they asked the Rev. Rowland Foster to anoint her.

Foster, 72, pastor of a Faith Tabernacle Congregation church district in eastern Pennsylvania, was charged with a felony this month under a state law requiring clergy members, teachers and other "mandated reporters" to turn the names of suspected child abusers over to authorities for investigation. The law makes no exception for clergy who happen to be related to the abused child, as Foster was to Ella.

Most states have similar laws that require clergy to report abuse.

"He was well aware of the fact that this child was in need of medical treatment and he never reported it, nor do I believe that he ever had the intention to report it," Berks County District Attorney John Adams, whose office is prosecuting Foster, said in an interview.

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Cathleen Palm, of the Pennsylvania-based Center for Children's Justice, said she hopes the prosecution, at a minimum, will spur action in the Legislature to protect children whose parents don't seek necessary medical care based on religion.

"What the district attorney has done is clearly pivotal," she said.

Neither the Rev. Foster nor his attorney returned calls for comment. Foster is due in court next month for a preliminary hearing that will likely attract a heavy presence of church members.

Ella's parents, Jonathan and Grace Foster, were charged earlier with involuntary manslaughter and await trial. Police have said Jonathan Foster attributed Ella's death to "God's will."

The reclusive sect, founded in Philadelphia more than a century ago, does not give media interviews. At the Faith Tabernacle church and school campus in Mechanicsburg, where Rowland Foster is the pastor, an Associated Press reporter who entered the building was quickly ordered to leave. An older man who accepted a letter seeking comment from church officials promised to shred it.

Outside, dozens of Faith Tabernacle kids played during recess.

"People are making them out to be monsters, like they don't care. They do care. They're devastated" by Ella's death, said Denise Houseman, 49, who left the church as a teenager after nearly dying of complications from untreated Crohn's disease. "This is the last thing they want to happen."

But Houseman isn't sure the felony charge against the pastor will deter the faithful or alter teachings.

"You have to start somewhere, but it's not going to be an easy fix," she said. "I think it's going to make them dig in deeper."

Even Adams, while encouraging other prosecutors to follow his example, is skeptical it'll make a wider impact.

"I am concerned that because of their teachings, because of their beliefs, they will continue to violate the law," he said.

Nationally, some two dozen religious sects oppose all or most forms of medical care, according to Swan's group, CHILD. The group has documented more than 300 deaths but says the number is almost certainly far higher because most are not investigated.

In Pennsylvania, more than 25 Faith Tabernacle children have died over the years.

The church operates three schools in Pennsylvania  in Philadelphia, Altoona and Mechanicsburg  that together enroll several hundred students. Teachers at the schools are required by law to report suspected abuse to Pennsylvania's ChildLine system for investigation, but it's unclear whether ChildLine has ever fielded a report from the schools.

One hindrance for prosecutors seeking accountability from Faith Tabernacle pastors and teachers is a lack of clarity in Pennsylvania's child protective services law, which was revamped after the Jerry Sandusky sex abuse scandal at Penn State.

Withholding medical care due to religious belief isn't considered child abuse under the law, which makes a charge of failure to report in that situation legally problematic, said Adams' chief deputy, Jonathan Kurland. The DA's office was able to pursue a charge against Foster because the religious exemption does not apply if medical neglect causes a child's death, Kurland said.

"If our Legislature is interested in protecting children, that needs to be changed," Adams said. "Because, to me, it is outrageous that a church teaches that medical care is not to be sought for children."
DAKAR (Reuters) - A Senegal court remanded in custody two Senegalese and a Malian on Thursday for involvement in the trade of hundreds of animal skins, including a species of crocodile threatened with extinction, according to the NGO WARA. Police seized 91 Nile crocodile skins, 354 African rock python skins and 110 Nile monitor lizard skins among others as part of an operation across the suburbs of the capital Dakar this week. Huge mounds of the skins were then trucked to the police station in central Dakar and piled up on the pavement. "The skins came from Mali and South Africa and, after transformation, are resold to international tourists," said Cecile Bloch, a coordinator for WARA. "It's a large trade with a network that has existed for more than 30 years." WARA is part of a law-enforcement network of nine African countries called Eco Activists for Governance and Law Enforcement (EAGLE). The hearing will open in Dakar next week. Supporters of the accused, who are part of the same family, initially violently resisted their arrest, added Bloch who was present. A fourth man was also arrested for obstructing the police operation and will also appear in court next week alongside the accused, she added. A police spokesman did not respond for a request for comment. Officials found a makeshift laboratory for washing and tanning the skins concealed inside the walled compound of one of the men, Ibrahima Sacko. Photographs from the sting showed the silver skins of reptiles soaking in large cisterns of frothy water to remove the flesh. The skins are thought to be used to make accessories and clothing and several purses were found at one of the raid sites. (Reporting by Emma Farge; Editing by Tom Heneghan)
By Umaru Fofana FREETOWN (Reuters) - A Christian pastor has found one of the world's largest uncut diamonds - weighing 706 carats -- in Sierra Leone's eastern Kono region. The stone, a photograph of which was posted on the president's official website, is being stored in the country's central bank, government sources said. A local chief from Kono handed the stone to President Ernest Bai Koroma on behalf of Emmanuel Momoh who made the discovery. The government plans to auction it. The presidency said in a statement on Thursday that Koroma thanked the chief who acted as an intermediary for not smuggling it out of the country. Diamonds fueled a decade-long civil war that ended in 2002 in which 50,000 people were killed. Rebels forced civilians in the east to mine the stones and bought weapons with the proceeds, leading to the term 'blood diamonds'. "He (Koroma) underscored the importance of selling such a diamond here as it will clearly give the owners what is due them and benefit the country as a whole," the statement said. The stone is yet to be valued but could be worth millions of dollars. Sierra Leone's gross national income per capita stood at $620 in 2015, according to World Bank data. The United Nations lifted a ban on diamond exports from Sierra Leone in 2003. The International Monetary Fund expects the country to export $113 million worth of diamonds this year though the sector remains plagued by smuggling. Despite its size, this week's discovery is considerably smaller than the Cullinan diamond, which was found in South Africa in 1905. That 3,106-carat stone was cut into several polished gems and the two largest pieces are part of Britain's crown jewels. A 1,111-carat diamond was unearthed in a Botswana mine in 2015. (Writing by Aaron Ross; Editing by Matthew Mpoke Bigg and Pritha Sarkar)
By Conor Humphries DUBLIN (Reuters) - Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams will call on leaders of the U.S. Congress on Thursday to support efforts by Irish nationalists to maintain Northern Ireland's place in the European Union after the rest of the United Kingdom leaves. He was also set to ask the Irish government to resist any attempt by Britain to revert to ruling Northern Ireland directly from London for the first time in a decade, which he said would be "an enormous act of bad faith". Sinn Fein has led calls for Northern Ireland to be given a special status within the EU once the rest of the United Kingdom leaves, on the basis that 56 percent of voters in the province voted to remain in the Brexit referendum held last June. Northern Ireland, the only part of the United Kingdom with a land border with the EU, is widely seen as the region most exposed to the economic and political fallout from Brexit. Politicians from all sides have warned that the process of leaving the EU could increase tensions between mainly Catholic Irish nationalists who aspire to a united Ireland and predominantly Protestant pro-British Unionists. They do not, however, foresee a return to the violence that killed more than 3,600 people over three decades before a 1998 peace deal. Both the British government and many pro-British unionists, who form a majority in Northern Ireland, have rejected the idea that parts of the United Kingdom could remain in the EU while other regions leave. "The consequences of Brexit represents the biggest threat at this time to the wellbeing of the people of the island of Ireland," Adams will say in a speech to the Congressional Friends of Ireland in Washington on Thursday. "I presented the Congressional leaders with Sinn Feins proposal 'The Case for the North to achieve Designated Special Status within the EU'," he added, in remarks circulated in advance by Sinn Fein. "I asked the Congressional leaders to support this position." In the speech Adams will also warn the British government against replacing Northern Ireland's devolved administration with direct rule. Sinn Fein withdrew from Northern Ireland's power-sharing government in January in protest at the handling of a scandal over the abuse of a heating subsidy scheme by its partner, the Democratic Unionist Party. Following a hugely successful election for Sinn Fein, which left it just one seat behind the DUP and deprived unionists of their majority in the Northern Ireland assembly for the first time, the two parties are in talks to form a new government. But Adams said the DUP did not appear close to meeting its demands for legal status for the Irish language and the creation of a Bill of Rights for the province, and that securing a deal would be "a challenge". If no deal is struck by March 27 the British Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, James Brokenshire, is obliged to call a fresh election but could also consider a temporary return to direct rule. He said in January he was not contemplating such a move. "It has been suggested that British Direct Rule could be imposed if there is no agreement. This would be an enormous act of bad faith by London and a reversal of the joint position set out by the two governments (of Britain and Ireland) in 2006," said Adams, who is a member of the Irish parliament in Dublin. Reverting to Westminster rule would require legislation, which Adams described as "a very serious step which the Irish government would be compelled to oppose." (Reporting by Conor Humphries; Editing by Catherine Evans)
BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Some 1.2 million people sought asylum in the European Union in 2016, slightly fewer than in the previous year, the bloc's statistics office said on Thursday. The majority of those seeking asylum last year were Syrians, followed by Afghans and Iraqis. The Eurostat data also showed that Germany, Italy and France were their main destinations. In 2015, 1.26 million people claimed asylum in the EU, Eurostat said. The figures relate to first-time asylum seekers in the country where they have applied for refuge. The EU has been seeking to crack down on arrivals of refugees and migrants after taking in some 1.6 million people from 2014 to 2016. Among other measures, it struck a deal with Turkey to stop illegal migrants from crossing into EU member Greece. In an intensifying dispute with the EU, Turkey on Wednesday threatened it could cancel the deal. (Reporting by Farah Salhi; Editing by Toby Davis)
Washington (AFP) - Donald Trump wants to act swiftly, but 55 days after moving into the White House the president has little to show for his hustle, hamstrung by Congress, the courts and his own unorthodox style.

Two of his flagship campaign promises have yet to be fulfilled.

Judges have blocked both versions of the billionaire tycoon's executive order to temporarily close US borders to refugees and nationals from several Muslim-majority nations.

Trump's highly promoted effort to replace "Obamacare," the health coverage law implemented under his predecessor, has lagged in Congress, where some fellow Republicans are opposed to the new plan.

The first two months of the Trump presidency have been a testimony to both the constitutional limits of US executive power and the sluggish pace of on-the-job training for the first-time politician, who has surrounded himself with government novices.

"They simply have fallen far behind their schedule for... the main things that they planned to accomplished during the first few weeks," said Steven Smith, a political science professor at Washington University in St. Louis.

The Republican reform of health care is a case in point.

"The Trump campaign and the Trump transition did not have a plan for replacing Obamacare," Smith told AFP.

Complicating matters, Trump the campaigner promised coverage for everyone, and vowed not to touch key entitlements Medicare and Medicaid.

"All of that simply forced the House Republicans to take more time than they expected to get a bill prepared," the professor said.

- Accomplishments -

The record is not without signs of progress.

"It's been a little over 50 days since my inauguration and we've been putting our America First agenda very much into action," Trump declared at a campaign-style rally Wednesday in Nashville, Tennessee.

"We're keeping our promises."

Among his undeniable early successes is his move to change the culture in Washington by appointing outsiders into his political circle, including several entrepreneurs but also members of the Trump organization and his son-in-law Jared Kushner.

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The stock market has soared into record territory, and unemployment is down.

Trump has kept his word on several commitments: withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade pact, relaunch of the Keystone XL pipeline, and freezing federal hires.

He has given law-enforcement broader discretion in deporting undocumented immigrants.

The number of arrests of people illegally crossing from Mexico into the United States decreased by 40 percent from January to February compared to last year, according to the Department of Homeland Security, which usually sees an increase in the period.

- Slow start -

No major Trump-backed legislation has passed Congress however, aside from a trio of repeals of Obama-era regulations on finance, the environment and firearms.

At this stage of his presidency, in 2009, Barack Obama had signed a massive economic recovery bill into law in response to the financial crisis.

The 30 executive orders signed by Trump are for the most part policy signposts or decrees that concern long term goals.

The saga over the order to bar US entry to nationals of certain mainly Muslim nations illustrates the improvisational nature of several early actions by the Trump White House.

This is attributed in part to the fact that his cabinet is still not fully in place, due to unprecedented obstruction by opposition Democrats in the US Senate.

But the urge to act quickly, bypassing certain institutional safeguards, paradoxically has blurred the presidential message, especially in foreign policy.

"This is a president whose management style is very difficult to figure," Smith said.

"Sometimes he jumps in and gets involved in minutiae, in sometimes unpredictable ways," he added. "In other cases he seems to be disinterested, and it's left to the others."

- 'Deep state' -

Trump expended early political capital by commenting on the issue of Russian meddling in the US election, and refuting any collusion between his associates and Moscow.

His repeated interventions have ruffled feathers among congressional Republicans.

Faced with various hurdles, the president and his supporters have denounced what he sees as partisan judges and biased media.

Trump supporters have spoken out against a so-called "Deep State," the idea that there is a conspiracy of bureaucrats determined to secretly manipulate or control the presidency through the use of intelligence services and leaks to the press.

It is a concept that has seduced some on the far right, but experts remain skeptical.

"From my experience, the great majority of Washington leaks come from the White House and Congress, not from inside the intelligence community," former CIA officer John Sipher wrote on The Cipher Brief.
Mogadishu (AFP) - Coastguards in northern Somalia exchanged gunfire Thursday with armed men aboard a boat heading towards a hijacked oil tanker where pirates are holding eight hostages, an official said.

Armed attackers seized the Aris 13 tanker on Monday as it made its way from Djibouti to Mogadishu, the first hijacking of a large merchant vessel by Somali pirates since 2012.

The tanker was forced to change course and head toward the coastline of the semi-autonomous Puntland region, on the northeastern tip of Somalia.

"There was a brief exchange of gunfire in the coastal area where the boat is being held," said Abdirahman Mohamud Hassan, the director general of the Puntland maritime force.

"Our forces were doing a normal routine patrolling around the area when they came under gunfire from these gunmen who were onboard a small skiff and they returned fire."

Local fisherman Abdulahi Yahya from the town of Habo where the hijacked ship is docked, said the men were "heading towards the hijacked ship when they were intercepted by the coastguards."

John Steed, a former British army officer who heads the Horn of Africa section of the Oceans Beyond Piracy NGO, told AFP the men were believed to be members of the local community delivering food to the hijacked vessel.

He said an unknown number of people had been injured in the fierce firefight.

Hassan said: "The gunmen aboard the hijacked ship contacted our commanders and asked for the fire to be ceased."

He said efforts were under way to free the ship and a regional governor, whose name was not given, had been appointed to lead negotiations with the pirates.

Mohamed Deeq, a member of the Puntland coastguard, told AFP earlier that if talks to free the vessel and eight Sri Lankan hostages failed, "the forces will possibly engage" the pirates.

- Illegal fishing fuels piracy -

The Aris 13 was about 18 kilometres off the Somali coast when it was attacked, according to Steed.

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He said the vessel was not following the "best practices" put in place to avoid piracy, since it was taking a cost- and time-saving route too close to Somalia's coastline, was travelling too slowly and was without an armed escort.

Village elders of Alula said the pirates had not made clear demands, but claimed to be driven by anger over illegal fishing.

"These are fishermen who are infuriated with the illegal fishing off their coasts. They desperately need to show their grievances by seizing the boat," said Abdiwahab Ahmed, an elder in Alula.

In Sri Lanka, a spokesman for AJ Shipping Private Limited which represents the Greek owner of the Aris 13 met with family members of the hostages.

The spokesman Tyronne Fernando said the owner of the ship had spoken to its captain Nicholas Thangenthren who had assured him that all the hostages were unharmed.

"We are confident that the crew will be released very soon," Fernando told family members in the presence of reporters.

Somali pirates began staging waves of attacks in 2005, seriously disrupting a major international shipping route and costing the global economy billions of dollars.

At the peak of the piracy crisis in January 2011, 736 hostages and 32 boats were held.

Though anti-piracy measures ended attacks on commercial vessels, fishing boats have continued to face attacks.

Illegal fishing has long been used by Somali pirates as an excuse for attacks and Steed has in the past warned that the presence of foreign vessels emptying Somali waters could reverse the gains against piracy.
By Abdiqani Hassan BOSASSO (Reuters) - Somali maritime forces have exchanged gunfire with the hijackers of an oil tanker in the semi-autonomous region of Puntland, the head of the maritime force said on Thursday. The incident raised fears that hostages could have been hurt in the crossfire. This is the first time Somali pirates have taken over a commercial ship since 2012 and locals blame the attack on foreign fishermen flooding into their waters. The Somalis are also angry with their government for licensing some of the ships. "We tried to intercept a boat that was carrying supplies to the pirates, but pirates on the ship fired on us and so the pirate boat escaped," said Abdirahman Mohamud Hassan, the director general of the maritime force in Puntland. "We shall kill the crew if Puntland forces fire on us again," pirate Abdullahi told Reuters. Residents near the ship, which was hijacked on Monday with eight Sri Lankan crew aboard, said four civilians were injured by stray bullets from the fight. My brother called and said the coast guards have surrounded the area where they have been held and asked them to leave," the brother of one hostage, who asked not to be identified, told Reuters by phone from Colombo. In their heyday in 2011, Somali pirates launched 237 attacks off the coast of Somalia, data from the International Maritime Bureau showed, and held hundreds of hostages. But attacks fell sharply after crews put safety measures into place and regional naval forces stepped up patrols. Some pirates returned to fishing, and others became involved in smuggling people and weapons. (Writing by Katharine Houreld, additional reporting by Ranga Sirilal in Colombo, editing by Hugh Lawson and Pritha Sarkar)
Mogadishu (AFP) - Somali pirates on Thursday handed over an oil tanker and eight Sri Lankan hostages captured just days ago, the Oceans Beyond Piracy NGO told AFP, bringing to a close the first such attack since 2012.

"The Puntland maritime police force freed the ship. They made (the pirates) an offer they couldn't refuse and the pirates have left," said John Steed, a former British army officer with the NGO who has spent years negotiating the release of piracy hostages in Somalia.

Earlier on Thursday the Puntland coastguard had threatened to use force if the talks to convince the pirates to release the vessel failed.

Armed attackers seized the Aris 13 on Monday as it made its way from Djibouti to Mogadishu, the first hijacking of a large merchant vessel by Somali pirates since 2012.

Steed said the pirates had left the Aris 13 ship, which was under control of the coast guard and on its way to the port city of Bossaso in the semi-autonomous Puntland region, on the northeastern tip of Somalia.

He was not able to provide more details on the conditions for the release of the vessel.

Abdirahman Mohamud Hassan, the director general of the Puntland maritime force, said earlier that a regional governor, who was not named, had been appointed to negotiate with the pirates.

The successful release came after a fierce firefight between the coast guard and armed men aboard a boat believed to be taking food and provisions to the hijacked tanker.

"Our forces were doing a normal routine patrolling around the area when they came under gunfire from these gunmen who were onboard a small skiff and they returned fire," said Hassan.

Steed said an unknown number of people had been injured in the exchange of gunfire.

At the time the tanker was taken it was forced to change course and head toward Puntland. The Aris 13 was about 18 kilometres off the Somali coast when it was attacked, according to Steed.

He said the vessel was not following the "best practices" put in place to avoid piracy, since it was taking a cost- and time-saving route too close to Somalia's coastline, was travelling too slowly and was without an armed escort.

Story continues

- Illegal fishing fuels piracy -

Village elders in Alula where the hijacked vessel first docked, said the pirates had not made clear demands, but claimed to be driven by anger over illegal fishing.

"These are fishermen who are infuriated with the illegal fishing off their coasts. They desperately need to show their grievances by seizing the boat," said Abdiwahab Ahmed, an elder in Alula.

Somali pirates began staging waves of attacks in 2005, seriously disrupting a major international shipping route and costing the global economy billions of dollars.

At the peak of the piracy crisis in January 2011, 736 hostages and 32 boats were held.

Though anti-piracy measures ended attacks on commercial vessels, fishing boats have continued to face attacks.

Steed says the international community had taken significant steps to improve security, boosting naval forces in the area and requiring ships to take protection measures.

"Hundreds of pirates were arrested, others gave up, and we hadn't had an attack of a commercial ship for five years," he said.

"But the one thing that's not really been addressed is the real root cause of this, which is poverty and the lack of jobs on the ground. There's also a drought, so there's no food, no water."

Illegal fishing has long been used by Somali pirates as an excuse for attacks and Steed has in the past warned that the presence of foreign vessels emptying Somali waters could reverse the gains against piracy.

"The question wasn't really if an attack was going to happen, the question was when," said Steed.
By Abdiqani Hassan BOSASSO (Reuters) - Somali pirates released a hijacked oil tanker and its eight Sri Lankan crew on Thursday, a Somali security official and the pirates said, bringing the first hijacking since 2012 to an unusually swift conclusion without the payment of a ransom. The release followed a gunfight earlier in the day between the pirates and the marine force, and then intensive negotiations between the marine force, clan elders and the pirates. "There has been discussion going on after the gunfight of this afternoon ... We pulled our forces back and so the pirates went away," said Abdirahman Mohamud Hassan, the director general of the maritime police force for Somalia's semi-autonomous northern region of Puntland. A pirate confirmed the release was made without a ransom payment. In previous hijackings, many crews remained in captivity for years before a ransom was paid. Eight Iranians are still being held. But the pirates said they agreed to forego a ransom after learning that Somali businessmen had hired the ship, which was taking oil from Djibouti to the Somali capital of Mogadishu. Pirates have traditionally been wary of tangling with Somalia's powerful businessmen. "After we came to know that the Somali traders hired the oil tanker, we released it without a ransom," pirate Abdullahi told Reuters. The release will be seen as a success for the regional Puntland government and its counter-piracy force, which is funded by the United Arab Emirates. The hijacking was the first time Somali pirates have taken over a commercial ship since 2012 and followed an outpouring of anger by locals over foreign fishermen flooding into their waters. The Somalis are also angry with their government for licensing some of the ships. The vessel was hijacked on Monday. Residents living near where it was being held said four civilians were injured by stray bullets during Thursday's gunbattle. In their heyday in 2011, Somali pirates launched 237 attacks off the coast of Somalia, data from the International Maritime Bureau showed, and held hundreds of hostages. But attacks fell sharply after crews put safety measures into place and regional naval forces stepped up patrols. Some pirates returned to fishing, and others became involved in smuggling people and weapons across the Red Sea to Yemen. (Additional reporting by Ranga Sirilal in Colombo; Writing by Katharine Houreld; Editing by Richard Lough)
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP)  Henry Nicholls chose an opportune moment to reach his maiden test century as he led a concerted New Zealand fightback Thursday on the first day of the second test against South Africa.

The left-hander went to the wicket with New Zealand at 21-3 and guided the hosts to 217-6 before he was out for 118. With his steady contribution, B.J. Watling's 34 and Jeet Raval's 36, New Zealand reached 268 before being dismissed in the 79th over.

J.P. Duminy's career-best 4-47 gave South Africa the upper hand at that point but the first day had one last twist when South Africa lost both openers, Stephen Cook (3) and Dean Elgar (9) to end the day at 24-2. Both batsman were caught at second slip by James Neesham  Cook from the bowling of Tim Southee (1-18) and Elgar from Colin de Grandhomme, who unexpectedly shared the new ball and returned 1-2 from three overs.

Nightwatchman Kagiso Rabada was 8 not out at stumps and Hashim Amla on 0.

Nicholls had a near miss three innings ago when he was out for 98 against Bangladesh but discarded any residual baggage from that innings to reach a century from 150 balls.

He first helped Raval steady the innings in a 52-run partnership which lifted New Zealand to 73-3 before Raval was out to the last ball before lunch. He then combined with Watling in a 116-run sixth-wicket partnership  a record for New Zealand against South Africa.

"It was nice after what happened against Bangladesh  getting out in the 90s  to get over that and contribute to a total," Nicholls said. "They put us under pressure with the new ball and it was good through the middle to get a few partnerships."

Part-time spinner Duminy bowled Nicholls with a delivery which dipped under his bat and clipped the pad as he pushed forward impulsively. He then had de Grandhomme (4) caught at first slip and Watling caught by Quinton de Kock, giving the wicketkeeper his second catch and third dismissal. At that stage he had three wickets from two overs and he returned to end the innings with the wicket of Neil Wagner (2), trapped lbw.

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If New Zealand had any great regret on Thursday it was that five of their first eight wickets fell to spinners: almost unheard of on the first day of a test at the Basin Reserve, where fresh, green wickets almost always ensure the pre-eminence of fast bowlers.

"When I got out it was disappointing because I thought B.J. and I had got through when the ball was reversing a little," Nicholls said. "To get out in a pretty soft way was a disappointing and we probably left a few runs out there but those two wickets tonight were massive."

The pitch did enough early to reward the quicks and the equivocal decision of Proteas captain Faf du Plessis to bowl on winning the toss.

Veteran Morne Morkel bowled a lively first spell, including the wicket of Tom Latham (8).

Kagiso Rabada's first spell netted the wickets of New Zealand captain Kane Williamson (2) and Neil Broom for a duck on test debut.

The 33-year-old Broom waited through 165 first class matches to play his first test, then lasted only four balls.
JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - Former South African main opposition leader Helen Zille will face a disciplinary process by her Democratic Alliance (DA) party after saying on Twitter on Thursday that the legacy of colonialism was not all negative. The incident caused a public outcry, with critics saying Zille's comments risked fanning the racial tensions that endure more than two decades after the end of apartheid rule. The ruling ANC denounced her words as reckless. "For those claiming legacy of colonialism was ONLY negative, think of our independent judiciary, transport infrastructure, piped water etc," Zille, a white South African, said on Twitter. "Would we have had a transition into specialised health care and medication without colonial influence? Just be honest, please," she said in a later tweet. South Africa was colonised by the Dutch and the British for about 300 years. The country then experienced white minority rule under apartheid. Zille, who is the premier of the Western Cape province, has apologised but her party leader condemned her comments. "She should face a disciplinary process in the party," Mmusi Maimane told 702 Talk Radio. "Her actions, her statement was completely unacceptable and indefensible," Maimane added. Maimane, who took the reins as the DA's first black national leader in 2015, last year led the party to strong gains in a local election, taking the capital Pretoria and commercial hub Johannesburg from the ruling African National Congress (ANC). The DA has a strong following among white South Africans. The ANC urged Maimane and his party to remove Zille from her position immediately over "her reckless and ignorant claims" on colonialism. The DA last year revoked the membership of Penny Sparrow after a Facebook post in which she referred to black people as "monkeys" went viral. A court later ordered Sparrow to pay 150,000 rand ($11,780) to charity after she was found guilty of hate speech. Standard Bank economist Chris Hart resigned last year after he tweeted in January that black people had "a sense of entitlement and hatred towards minorities". White senior judge Mabel Jansen was publicly criticised over racist comments about black culture and rape. ($1 = 12.7287 rand) (Reporting by TJ Strydom; Editing by James Macharia and Alison Williams)
JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - South Africa's Constitutional Court said it will rule on Friday in a case concerning the unlawful tender of a contract to manage welfare benefits to 17 million people. The Constitutional Court in 2014 ruled that the tender won by Cash Paymaster Services (CPS), a unit of technology company Net1 unit, was illegal. The government had until April 1 of this year to take responsibility for social service payments or find a new provider, but failed to do so. The plaintiffs want the court to take oversight of a new contract, which needs to be settled urgently if April's benefit payments are to be made on time. (Reporting by Ed Stoddard; editing by Richard Lough)
Washington (AFP) - With his department reeling over President Donald Trump's proposed budget cuts and the international community worried, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson insisted Thursday he was happy to try to do more with less.

Though the budget is unlikely to pass Congress in its current form, it underscores Trump's isolationist rhetoric and "America First" promises, urging a cut of at least 28 percent for US diplomacy.

Such a massive whack would be a shock for the State Department, which was founded in 1789 and has about 70,000 staff split between Washington and about 250 embassies and consulates worldwide.

The proposed cuts would see funding for the State Department and USAID, its foreign aid agency, shrivel from $50.9 billion this fiscal year to $37.6 billion next year.

The blueprint would also slash the budget for UN operations, and Washington "would not contribute more than 25 percent of UN peacekeeping costs," as compared with the 28 percent it offers now.

"The UN spends more money than it should, and in many ways it places a much larger financial burden on the United States than on other countries," said the US envoy to the United Nations, Nikki Haley.

A spokesman for UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres quickly fired back, warning against "abrupt funding cuts" that could "undermine the impact of longer-term reform efforts."

France's ambassador to the UN, Francois Delattre, told reporters that the world more than ever needed "a strong UN and an America that stays committed to world affairs."

A number of non-governmental organizations expressed worry: Human Rights Watch lamented that the plan "shows President Trump is intent on undermining US government agencies that address pressing human rights issues" while boosting defense spending.

- 'Not sustainable' spending -

Tillerson, speaking at his first press conference in Tokyo, said he would not oppose deep cuts to his department, saying he would "willingly" accept Trump's challenge to tighten the budget.

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"We are going to construct a way forward that allows us to be much more effective, much more efficient, and be able to do a lot with fewer dollars," he said.

The former ExxonMobil CEO, currently on a trip through northeast Asia, told employees in a letter that the budget request "acknowledges that US engagement must be more efficient, that our aid be more effective."

Tillerson said "advocating the national interests of our country" should always be his department's "primary mission," getting behind Trump's "America first" message.

Americia's top diplomat criticized his predecessor John Kerry for spending too much, "in part driven by the level of conflicts that the US has been engaged in around the world as well as disaster assistance that's been needed."

"Clearly, the level of spending that the State Department has been undertaking in the past -- and particularly in this past year -- is simply not sustainable," he said.

- Dark mood -

The atmosphere was somber Thursday in the sprawling State Department complex in the US capital, where Tillerson has kept a low profile and diplomats were already feeling sidelined by Trump's apparent preference for the military.

But the few Obama-era diplomats still on the job were adopting a wait-and-see approach, counting on the long to-and-fro between the White House and Congress on the $4 trillion budget to restore some of their funding.

The former assistant secretary of state for South Asia, Nisha Biswal, was more outspoken, calling the cuts "destabilizing and irresponsible."

"More drastic cuts than we feared in Trump budget. Impact would be enormous across domestic and international programs," she wrote on Twitter.

"The hardest hit would be the poor in the US and abroad. Rural & urban, Democrats and Republicans, many of whom supported this President," she continued, adding Congress should "just start from scratch" with the budget.

Indeed, several Republican senators recently warned against cutting the State Department budget, with Marco Rubio -- one of Trump's onetime foes -- warning that "foreign aid is not charity."

All Democratic members on the House Foreign Affairs Committee sent a letter to House Speaker Paul Ryan to express their discontent.

"Our diplomats settle disputes so that they do not have to be settled with bombs and bullets," they wrote.

"If we slash our investment in diplomacy and development, we are telling our servicemembers -- and the American people -- that we will take our chances down the road, even if that comes at a much higher cost in blood and treasure."

It wasn't only diplomats incensed by the proposed cuts. Military experts have also warned about how cutting diplomacy can damage security.

"We learned in both Iraq and Afghanistan that our military needs an effective civilian partner if victories on the battlefields are going to be converted into a sustainable peace," Stephen Hadley, the national security advisor under former president George W. Bush, told the New York Times.

"And only a sustainable peace ensures that post-conflict states do not return again to becoming safe havens for terrorists."
As superhero comics creators will tell you, their medium has a proud history of getting political.

Captain America punched Hitler in the face while the U.S. was still officially neutral in World War II. Batman was born of senseless gun violence; he's hardly a cheerleader for the NRA. Superman is literally a refugee created by Jewish immigrants. The X-Men often parallel the struggles of the LGBTQ+ community.

But there's been a lot of talk lately in the industry about de-politicizing comics  especially after Marvel's internal creative summit in February, where the comic giant reportedly discussed backing down from divisive topics.

Some fans were overjoyed about the possibility, such as YouTuber Mundane Matt. The desire to send a message is hindering good storytelling, they say. Even some who agree with politically-motivated writers say they want a distraction from political madness.

Catching up on Arrow, and they're heading the same way that made me stop reading the comics. Full on lefty politics in the show. Sad.  Mike Becker (@Laz3rPanth3r) February 27, 2017

But politically-charged storylines are some of the best in the business. Captain America, for example, has one of the most anticipated arcs of the summer with the "Secret Empire" event.

This event will likely bring an end to Steve Rogers's controversial story arc in which he is working as a double agent for both S.H.I.E.L.D. (a U.S. government agency) and Hydra (a rather anti-American organization.) This arc brought into question what it means to be American, and has been so divisive that writer Nick Spencer has received death threats. At the same time, sales for this book have been stellar.

Another Marvel character with political roots is Kamala Khan, or Ms. Marvel. Writer G. Willow Wilson, a Muslim woman herself, is bringing much-needed representation of her community to the page  not to mention proudly supporting U.S. democracy.

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Image: MArvel comics

To delve deeper into this issue, and the various topics being covered in comics right now, we reached out to some well-known writers and artists  Scott Snyder, Ben Percy, Mark Russell, Cecil Castellucci, Marley Zarcone and Jimmy Palmiotti  who are putting their political hearts on the page.

Jimmy Palmiotti, Harley Quinn

Jimmy Palmiotti has feelings and he isn't afraid to share them:

I get a list each week of people that unfollowed me. Hundreds this week. Sorry, but I am not a fan of Trump. It happens. Bye.  Jimmy Palmiotti (@jpalmiotti) February 28, 2017

Palmiotti is pretty blunt on Twitter, but he's also pretty bold in the Harley Quinn series, which he writes with his partner in work and in life, Amanda Conner. "In my work, hiding in plain sight, is always how I feel about the world," he says.

In a recent issue, Harley took a subtle but deliberate dig at a certain resident of the White House.

Image: DC comics

Palmiotti says that asking artists to leave their opinions off the page is absurd. He feels that the state of the world will always influence artists, and that will always manifest itself in some way. "It would be impossible to avoid [politics] and expect the reader to be engaged," he says. "One of the functions of art is to show the world the way an artist views it, and maybe not how you see it."

Cecil Castellucci and Marley Zarcone, Shade the Changing Girl

Though Shade the Changing Girl is a wild, out-of-this world book, it is based in modern-day America. To remind us of that fact, writer Cecil Castellucci and artist Marley Zarcone put something extremely jarring in a recent issue.

Trump appears in 'Shade'

Image: DC Comics

The word "madness" is used a lot in Shade, and it's a painfully appropriate descriptor of the election cycle during which Castellucci was writing this script. She wanted the president on the TV screen in the background, but it was Zarcone who decided to draw Trump. She had just seen They Live!, the 1988 horror movie in which the president is possessed by an alien.

Castellucci says that even though the book is pretty wild, she "wanted our world to leak in." Zarcone agrees with Palmiotti that removing politics from comics is "impossible."

"Strip a comic down to its lightest fluffiest basics, but it's still going to be filtered through a creator's personal lens," she says.

"All the arts are political by nature," Castellucci says. "Stories are created in a time and we are influenced by the times in which we create."

The pair say they will be exploring social issues going forward. "Teenagers are thinking, radical people who are passionate about the world," Castellucci says. Shade and her friends will also have those conversations.

Zarcone thinks it's an especially ripe time to be working on a book about an alien who possesses the body of a teenage girl. "At this moment, there are politicians actively labeling women as 'host' entities. They're making legislation about it!"

Castellucci says their message is simple: "Peace. Tolerance. Being awake."

Scott Snyder, All-Star Batman

Scott Snyder has been writing books about Batman for years, and politics have always been subtly present. While he's very vocal about his convictions on social media, he strives to find a balance within the books.

"It's very hard to tune out these things that are hitting nerves all over the place," Snyder says. "Every day there's something to get upset about, regardless of what side you're on."

Again, curious. Not attacking. Does the "winter white house" not make you upset? 3 trips in 3 weeks -WE pay millions for him to MAKE $ there  Scott Snyder (@Ssnyder1835) February 18, 2017

Snyder makes a point of translating the real-world issues he cares deeply about  such as police brutality, environmentalism and gun violence  into comic book language. He wants the character to have meaning.

"If Batman is this fictional character who does nothing for the real world," he says, "why does he matter in a time when there's so many entrenched and difficult issues to deal with?"

He's been finding ways to make characters matter since before All-Star Batman. Snyder wrote over 50 issues of Batman during DC Comics's New 52 series, which took place before the recent Rebirth event.

In particular, Snyder wrote an arc called Superheavy, in which Jim Gordon was Batman. The story dealt directly with police brutality and class stratification.

The first story arc of All-Star Batman was a direct response to the rhetoric of the 2016 presidential election, which Snyder thought was "vile." Throughout the story, Two-Face  a stand-in for the two sides of the political aisle  is trying to prove to Batman that all people are capable of this kind of vitriol.

Snyder says the villain is trying to send a nihilistic message about people: "Deep down  they're ugly, they're mean and they don't want to get along."

In the current All-Star arc, Ends of the Earth, four Batman villains are showing the Caped Crusader how the world will end in the next decade. The story addresses what Snyder calls "anxieties in the air"  biological warfare, climate change, isolationism and what the writer refers to as "the madness of subjectivity" where nothing matters.

Batman, continuing to have faith in people despite Two-Face's message

Image: DC comics

Snyder says that he can't be as openly political as he'd like with Batman, because that's just not who the character is. "Captain America is a character who you can make political openly," he says. "Batman's a character who sits in the middle as an independent."

Still, he found a way to make Batman meaningful in the midst of political tension. "Batman is always about saying, 'We're all in this  we're in the same boat,'" Snyder insists. "Get your fists out, get your heart on your sleeve and let's fight through this regardless of our differences."

Ben Percy, Green Arrow

Ben Percy does not have the challenge of writing a character that is not politically inclined. Green Arrow's base function is to be a "social justice warrior"  a loaded term that Percy stole back from Gamergate trolls and brought back to the page with pride.

Image: DC Comics

"Politics are woven into the DNA of my series" Percy explains. "I couldn't write Green Arrow without being political. It would be untrue to the legacy of the character."

Green Arrow, or Oliver Queen, is a very rich white guy spending his life as a vigilante "who fights on behalf of the disenfranchised." The fact that this character was born with privilege is not ignored. Fellow hero and partner, Black Canary, points this out in the first issue of Percy's series: "How can you fight the man if you are the man?"

So far, Percy has addressed human trafficking, referenced the Black Lives Matter movement and introduced a character that he describes as "an analog for Trump."

In the most recent issue, he showed an event similar to the protests surrounding the Dakota Access Pipeline and the militia takeover of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge.

Protesters condemn a pipeline in 'Green Arrow'

Image: dc comics

In an upcoming arc, called The Rise of Star City, Percy will show readers a city he says is very similar to Detroit and Flint, Michigan.

This book is more overtly political that most others, and rightly so. But he isn't just trying to spread one particular agenda.

"I'm trying to raise questions more than answer them," Percy says. He wants to write about these issues from both sides, and have readers view it "through a speculative lens."

"There's something strengthening about fighting back through narrative, and navigating this uncertain landscape through story," Percy adds. "Especially a story where everything turns out alright at the end."

Mark Russell, The Flintstones and Prez

You wouldn't expect The Flintstones to have a political message, but it does in the hands of writer Mark Russell. The book makes you think about everything from economics to gender roles.

Commentary on capitalism in 'Flintstones'

Image: DC Comics

Russell has also written political satire with Prez, a story about a teenage girl elected President of the United States through a series of loopholes and political SNAFUs that are just absurd enough to be realistic.

Prez takes place in an America years after a Trump presidency, and the effects are everywhere. There is a border wall between the US and Mexico. All other countries have isolated and distanced themselves from America, which has become "a playground for the rich."

Even though the book is funny, Russell says, "We have to laugh a little uneasily  Every day that future looks a little more plausible."

'Prez' showing a border wall

Image: DC comics

But Russell's work in The Flintstones isn't so topical. "I try to write more about general trends," he says. "How we make ourselves useful to demagogues, or how good people can be coaxed into doing horrifying things."

He's also going to be writing a comic for another vintage cartoon character  Snagglepuss. This book is going to be more about the creative experience, but it'll definitely have political overtones, too. Russell envisions Snagglepuss as a "gay Southern gothic playwright, in the vein of Tennessee Williams." He's going to insert popular figures from the 1950's into the narrative, and include moments leading up to the McCarthy-led anti-Communist hearings and the Cold War.

The message Russell is trying to send is, he says, a pretty obvious one: "I just want the human race to place nice with itself." He's often surprised that this can become a controversial ideal in some eyes, and is fascinated by the "intellectual gymnastics people will go through" to talk themselves out of treating others with kindness and respect.

As for keeping politics and comics separate? "To expect writers to avoid subjects that gnaw at them is to not really understand what it is to be a writer."
COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP)  The head of Sweden's domestic intelligence agency says there is "a real and serious threat against the security" of the country, which "has an increased military strategic importance."

Sapo head Anders Thornberg says the agency has "never had a bigger and more complex task," adding cooperating with others  at home and abroad  is crucial.

Thornberg didn't release details Thursday but in September, non-NATO-member Sweden stationed permanent troops on the Baltic Sea island of Gotland. The move was described as sending a signal after Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea and its "increasing pressure" in the region.

When presenting the agency's annual report, Thornberg said it had investigated an undisclosed number of cases where people were suspected of giving out classified information to foreign governments.
TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP)  Taiwan is planning to upgrade its F-16 fighter jets and will seek cutting-edge stealth aircraft from the United States in the face of a growing military threat from rival China, the Defense Ministry said Thursday.

The announcement follows the release of this year's $11.4 billion defense budget, an increase of less than 1 percent from last year, reflecting strains on the government's finances resulting from a heavy entitlements burden and slowing growth in the high-tech, export-oriented economy.

That compares to China's 7 percent rise in defense spending, announced this week, bringing its defense budget to about $151 billion, the world's second largest after the United States.

In response, Defense Minister Feng Shih-kuan told lawmakers that Taiwan is focusing on inexpensive but effective "asymmetric warfare" techniques to combat threats in the air and seas.

Feng said the budget amounted to 2.05 percent of Taiwan's economy but that he hoped it would increase to nearly 3 percent next year.

Taiwan's forces are also capable of striking Chinese bases across the 160-kilometer (100-mile) -wide Taiwan Strait, operations planning chief Lt. Gen. Chiang Chen-chung said at the hearing. Asked if that strike ability extended to bases charged with operations against Taiwan as far as 1,300 kilometers (810 miles) away, Chiang said yes.

China considers the self-governing island to be its own territory, to be brought under its control by force if necessary. China has threatened to attack if Taiwan declares formal independence or if it considers peaceful unification no longer achievable. The sides split during a civil war in 1949.

In a quadrennial defense review mapping out challenges and strategies for coming years, the Defense Ministry said Taiwan faces an increased threat from the air, sea and by missiles, thousands of which China has targeted at the island. It said China's immediate goals in a conflict would be to blockade Taiwan, use "diverse military means" to attack, and take control of outlying island groups.

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The report also warned of the threat of cyberwarfare, saying China has the means to attack both military and civilian networks on the island.

Without giving details, the report said Taiwan would also seek fighters able to take off vertically, more surface-to-air missiles and a revitalized navy deploying domestically made submarines and fast attack craft.

President Tsai Ing-wen's government has renewed efforts to develop the domestic arms industry in response to difficulties in procuring weapons abroad because of Chinese diplomatic and economic pressure.
Taiwan said for the first time publicly that it is capable of launching missiles at China, as the government on Thursday unveiled a major defence report warning of increased risk of Chinese invasion.

China still sees Taiwan as part of its territory to be brought back into its fold, by force if necessary, even though the island has been self-governing since the two sides split after a civil war in 1949.

Ties have worsened since Beijing-sceptic President Tsai Ing-wen took power last year, ending an eight-year rapprochement.

Delivering the four-yearly report to parliament, defence minister Feng Shih-kuan replied "yes" when asked by a lawmaker whether Taiwan was capable of firing at mainland China.

"It is the first time the ministry has confirmed this," lawmaker Wang Ting-yu told AFP, saying Taiwanese missiles may be able to travel more than 1,500 kilometres.

The ministry has said in the past that it has produced cruise missiles, but has never publicly stated their capabilities.

The report also pledged to create an enhanced military front that would protect Taiwan.

"Should the enemy insist on invading, we will weaken their capabilities by striking enemy troops at their home bases, fighting them at sea, crushing them as they approach the coastlines and wiping them out on the beaches," it said.

China has more than 1,500 missiles aimed at Taiwan, according to the defence ministry.

The island's military, which consists of around 200,000 troops, is a fraction of China's 2.3 million-strong army.

Defence minister Feng said he hoped to raise spending to three percent of GDP in 2018, up from two percent this year and the highest proportion of Taiwan's budget dedicated to the military for 10 years.

Since Tsai came to power, Beijing has severed all official communications with Taipei and upped its military drills near the island following a protocol-smashing telephone call between Tsai and Donald Trump.

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The United States is Taiwan's most powerful ally and its main arms supplier, even though the two sides do not have official diplomatic ties after Washington switched recognition to Beijing in 1979.

Thursday's report came as Taiwan was also hit by the latest in a string of espionage cases involving China.

Local media said a former bodyguard of former vice president Annette Lu had been arrested for allegedly spying for China and trying to recruit military officials to join him.

National Security Bureau director-general Peng Sheng-chu said in parliament earlier this month that Chinese espionage is "more serious than before" as some reports claimed that up to 5,000 people may be spying for China on the island.
Bangkok (AFP) - Thailand's junta on Thursday said any future civilian government will be legally bound to follow a 20-year "masterplan" for the country as generals seek to entrench their political influence for decades to come.

Soldiers have run Thailand since a 2014 coup, ushering in the country's most autocratic government in a generation.

The military said the coup was needed to end more than a decade of political instability, instigate reform and root out corruption.

But critics decry severely stifled freedoms, as promised deadlines to return to civilian rule keep slipping.

"Reforming the country needs time and a long-term strategy. So the government decided to have a 20-year national strategy as the master plan, as a strategy plan, for the country," Major General Werachon Sukondhapatipak said at a rare briefing for foreign diplomats and media in Bangkok on Thursday.

In an announcement heavy on aims but light on concrete policies, he said the 20-year plan would help Thailand becomes a high income country by tackling, among other things, corruption, a sclerotic civil service as well as boosting the country's flagging economy.

The masterplan would be "legally binding" within the country's military-drafted constitution and any future administration "has to formulate its policies based on the national strategy", Werachon said, without detailing specific sanctions for non-compliance.

The military has launched a dozen successful coups in the last century.

Analysts say the latest plan raises the prospect of a return to the kind of "military-steered" democracy that dominated Thailand for much of the 1980s where the army effectively controlled nominally civilian administrations.

"The plan is not just to control the nation's developmental direction but to control or get rid of elected government they don't like in the future," Puangthong Pawakapan, a politics expert at Chulalongkorn University told AFP.

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Once one of Asia's tiger economies, Thailand has stumbled in the last decade, a period pockmarked by two coups, political violence and successive short-lived governments.

The kingdom already has the lowest growth rate in Southeast Asia with a World Bank report this week warning GDP will dip to 3.0 percent by the year 2021.

"Thailand no longer stands out," the report said. "The pack of other countries has caught up with it on virtually all dimensions."

Thais are divided on the cause of the country's woes.

Supporters of the military accuse the political parties of intransigence, incompetence and corruption.

Detractors say the Bangkok based military elite's repeated meddling in politics ensured civilian administrations remained short-lived and ineffective.
By Alex Bregman

President Trump is vowing to fight the latest legal setback for what he calls the watered-down version of the first order. It comes after his first travel ban sparked protests at airports across the country and was ultimately struck down in federal court as well.

As the second executive order continues to sit in legal limbo after a federal judge in Hawaii halted it Wednesday, how is this order different from the original?

For starters, the original announcement was signed in public for all the television cameras to see. The second, on the other hand, was signed behind closed doors with only a photo tweeted out by the White House. It was followed by a press conference with Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly and Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Sessions explained at the time, This executive order responsibly provides a needed pause, we can  so we can carefully review how we scrutinize people coming here from these countries of concern.

Then there are the countries it affects. The original order banned travel for 90 days from seven Muslim-majority countries: Iraq, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen and Syria. The new ban took Iraq off the list because the Trump administration says the Iraqi government participated by providing new information for screening. That leaves six of the original countries.

The new order also applies only to those seeking new visas, not travelers already in the country or on their way.

Then theres the timing. The first ban went into effect immediately, which some blame for the chaos it caused. The new ban was set to go into effect after 10 days, which would have been this Thursday if the court had not put it on hold.

That delay occurred despite Trumps urgent tweet after the original ban that if there was any delay the bad would rush in.

What about the impact on refugees? The old order banned Syrian refugees indefinitely and all others for 120 days. The new order no longer singles out Syrians, rather keeping the 120-day ban in place for all refugees to the U.S.

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The legal challenges to the new order remain largely the same. As the Oregon attorney general, Ellen Rosenblum, explained after the Hawaii courts ruling, I think what we have heard today loud and clear  and it didnt take the judge very long to rule  is that, when there is intent to discriminate, whether its on the four corners of the document or whether you need to look outside to the context in which the document was prepared, an intent is an intent.

Despite the latest ruling against the president, he insists the order is within his power. He said at a campaign-style rally in Nashville after the ruling, The law and the Constitution give the president the power to suspend immigration when he deems  or she, or she, fortunately it will not be Hillary she.

As the legal battle surrounding the new travel ban continues, and with the president promising to take it all the way to the Supreme Court, at least when it comes to whats in the new order, you can say, Now I get it.
Donald Trump has once again seen his travel ban blocked by a judge  and this time he may only have himself to blame.

The President had hoped to bring in a law to prevent citizens from six Muslim-majority countries from entering the US. But Derrick Watson, a district judge in Hawaii, ordered that it be put on hold.

Trump had hoped the new order, which removed any reference to religion, would be legally more watertight than his initial attempt at a travel ban.

Judge Derrick Watson slammed the brakes on Donald Trumps latest travel ban (Wikipedia)

Reacting to Judge Watsons decision, Trump told a rally in Nashville: A judge has just blocked our executive order on travel and refugees coming into our country from certain countries.

The order he blocked was a watered-down version of the first order that was also blocked by another judge and that should never have been blocked to start with

This is, in the opinion of many, an unprecedented judicial overreach.

MORE: Trump administration unveils budget plans including boost to military  paid for by huge cuts elsewhere

MORE: Grasse shooting: Several injured as gunmen open fire in school near Cannes, France

However, it appears that the Presidents own wording is to blame for the block on the ban.

After calling for a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States, Trump said in December 2015: Until we are able to determine and understand this problem and the dangerous threat it poses, our country cannot be the victims of horrendous attacks by people that believe only in Jihad, and have no sense of reason or respect for human life.

Activists and Judge Watson argued that the ban  and Trumps statements while on the campaign trail  still discriminated on the grounds of nationality and religion, and the intention was to block Muslims, which is in violation of the US constitution.

Donald Trumps travel ban seems to have been blocked because of his own words (Rex)

Judge Watson, who was appointed by President Obama, concluded in his ruling that while the order did not mention Islam by name, a reasonable, objective observer would conclude that the Executive Order was issued with a purpose to disfavour a particular religion.

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Trumps new ban barred citizens of Iran, Libya, Syria, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen from entering the country for 90 days, but Iraq was taken off the list this time.

An indefinite ban on all refugees from Syria was also dropped in the new order.

Top pic: Rex
Three South Jersey companies seeking to move to Camden, including the insurance brokerage firm led by Democratic power player George E. Norcross III, on Thursday got approval from the state Economic Development Authority for tax incentives worth $245 million.

Conner Strong & Buckelew, which is based in Marlton, along with the Michaels Organization and NFI, plan to build a $245 million, 18-story office tower on the waterfront as part of a larger development project underway there.

The proposed project also includes an open-air piazza that would overlook the Delaware River with views of the Philadelphia skyline. It would move almost 900 existing jobs into Camden and could be ready for occupancy by August 2019.

The firms thanked the EDA in a joint statement Thursday, saying the agency's commitment to the state's cities is a crucial factor in the changes coming to Camden.

"We are committed to Camden's future and expect to invest tens of millions of dollars to build The Camden Tower on the city's waterfront, continuing the amazing growth and investment the city has seen in the last decade," the statement said. "Its an exciting time in Camden's history and we look forward to being a key part of its future."

The proposal has been in the works for more than a year. In September 2015, when developer Liberty Property Trust announced plans to transform the city's waterfront into a corridor of offices, shops, a hotel, housing, restaurants and walkways, Norcross indicated he would move his firm there. The Michaels Organization, a housing developer that has done work in Camden, and NFI, a supply firm, both said they would join.

The firms, which bought the Ferry Terminal Building on the waterfront last year, may invest up to an additional $100 million in building apartments and a hotel planned for the area, according to the statement released last week.

The tax credits are contingent on the companies' making capital investments, and on the retention and creation of a certain number of jobs per company. They are paid annually over a decade after the companies open for business.

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The incentives can be recouped by the state for up to 15 years if the terms are not met. They also are subject to depreciation, as well as state and federal taxes, and can be sold to other companies.

The incentives are awarded through the Grow New Jersey law, which was passed in 2013 after being championed by Norcross' brother U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross when he was a state senator. The program has led to an explosion of business development in Camden, and more than $1.5 billion in tax credits promised to companies who are now moving to the city. The law, which rewards companies that invest in struggling cities with tax credits, has attracted Subaru of America, Holtec, Lockheed Martin, and the 76ers, all of whom are building new facilities in Camden. Last month the American Water Co. broke ground on a new headquarters planned for the waterfront.

State and city leaders say the developments will lead to other businesses and jobs and a more robust local economy, as thousands of employees will now be traveling to Camden every day. Critics have said the deals are too generous because they largely involve the relocation of high-paying jobs from a few miles away in other parts of South Jersey, with no strategies aimed at addressing Camden's chronic unemployment.

Jon Whiten of the New Jersey Policy Perspective, a liberal-leaning think tank that has for more than two years argued that the incentives will be costly to taxpayers, said Thursday that the state is depending too heavily on the tax breaks to spur growth.

"New Jersey has put nearly all of its economic development eggs in a single basket: big tax breaks for less than 1 percent of the state's businesses," he said. "This is despite the fact that other baskets  like targeted job training and direct entrepreneurial assistance  are more affordable and provide a much better return on the state's investment."

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CAMP BONIFAS, South Korea (AP)  U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on Friday visited the world's most heavily armed border, greeting U.S. soldiers on guard near the tense buffer zone between rivals North and South Korea. Tillerson touched down by helicopter at Camp Bonifas, a U.S. base about 400 meters (438 yards) from the Demilitarized Zone, a Cold War vestige created after the Korean War ended in 1953. He planned to then move to the truce village of Panmunjom inside the DMZ, a cluster of blue huts where the Korean War armistice was signed. Tillerson is the latest in a parade of senior U.S.

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has called on North Korea to abandon its nuclear and ballistic missile programs, saying the isolated nation "need not fear" the United States. Tillerson made that declaration after meeting his Japanese counterpart Thursday in Tokyo, where they discussed possible new approaches in dealing with the isolated nation. Tillerson said that 20 years of U.S. diplomatic and other efforts to get North Korea to denuclearize have failed, but gave no specifics about how the Trump administration, which is currently doing a policy review, would tackle the issue. Tillerson is making his first trip to Asia as the top U.S.

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP)  Tin, her husband and five children have cleared years of refugee hurdles to come to the U.S.: blood tests, interviews, DNA and fingerprints, background checks. She has her one must-bring possession within reach, a well-worn Bible, and keeps their phone charged for the U.S. Embassy to call. But the odds of that happening dropped precipitously. President Donald Trump's 16-page redone travel ban "to keep the bad dudes out" aims to stop people from six Muslim countries from entering the U.S. this year and suspends refugees from arriving for 120 days. But the order also includes a sweeping 55 percent reduction in refugee visas overall, from a planned 110,000 to 50,000 this year.

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KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP)  A teddy bear. A Bible. A photo of a beloved mother who died years ago. Refugees live for years out of suitcases in poverty, many envisioning their future in America. They own very little and will bring even less, but everyone has at least one precious item that they were planning to bring to the place they call their "fatherland." The odds of that happening just dropped precipitously. President Donald Trump's travel ban "to keep the bad dudes out" aims to stop people from six Muslim countries from entering to the U.S. this year and suspends refugees from arriving for 120 days.

SYDNEY (AP)  Reducing pollution and curbing overfishing won't prevent the severe bleaching that is killing coral at catastrophic rates, according to a study of Australia's Great Barrier Reef. In the end, researchers say, the only way to save the world's coral from heat-induced bleaching is with a war on global warming. Scientists are quick to note that local protection of reefs can help damaged coral recover from the stress of rising ocean temperatures. But the new research shows that such efforts are ultimately futile when it comes to stopping bleaching in the first place. "We don't have any tools to climate-proof corals," said Terry Hughes, director of the ARC Center of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies in Australia and lead author of the study being published on Thursday in the journal Nature.

BEIJING (AP)  A local Chinese government says it plans to build an environmental monitoring station on a tiny uninhabited South China Sea shoal at the heart of a territorial dispute with the Philippines. The top official in Sansha City that administers China's island claims was quoted by the official Hainan Daily newspaper as saying such stations were being built on six islands and reefs, including Scarborough Shoal off the northwestern Philippines. Beijing seized Scarborough in 2012 after a prolonged standoff with Philippine vessels. China has since allowed Filipino fishermen to return to the shoal following Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's calls for closer ties between the countries.

ISLAMABAD (AP)  Pakistan said Thursday it has asked Facebook and Twitter to help it identify Pakistanis suspected of blasphemy so that it can prosecute them or pursue their extradition. Under Pakistan's strict blasphemy laws, anyone found to have insulted Islam or the Prophet Muhammad can be sentenced to death. Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said an official in Pakistan's Washington embassy has approached the two social media companies in an effort to identify Pakistanis, either within the country or abroad, who recently shared material deemed offensive to Islam. He said Pakistani authorities have identified 11 people for questioning over alleged blasphemy and would seek the extradition of anyone living abroad.

KABUL Afghanistan. (AP)  Afghan officials say Islamic State militants killed three Shiite elders as they were returning home from a graduation ceremony at a local religious school. Zabiullah Amani, spokesman for the governor of the northern Sari Pul province, said Thursday that the three men were killed the day before in the Sayad district. Asadullah Kuram, a member of the provincial council, says a local Islamic State affiliate claimed the attack. The Sunni extremist group views Shiites as apostates and has claimed previous attacks targeting the religious minority. The upstart IS affiliate has clashed with the much larger Taliban movement, which has been at war with the U.S.-backed Afghan government for more than 15 years.

SEOUL, South Korea (AP)  South Korea's presidential office has found a home for two of the nine dogs former President Park Geun-hye left behind when she was forced out of office over a corruption scandal. Park's decision to leave the dogs upset the country's dog lovers, who flooded the internet with angry comments. A spokesman from the presidential Blue House said Friday that the puppies were given to an organization that raises Jindo dogs, a valued native breed. The official says five other puppies will be soon sent to two other organizations. Park's neighbors gave her a pair of Jindo dogs when she moved into the Blue House in 2013.

MANILA, Philippines (AP)  Australia urged Southeast Asian nations and China to conclude a legally binding code of conduct in the South China Sea as soon as possible, voicing concern Thursday about the scale of reclamation and construction by China in the disputed territory. Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, speaking in Manila, urged the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations and China to go beyond ongoing discussions to craft a framework of the code of conduct and rapidly conclude an enforceable regional nonaggression pact. "We believe that ASEAN should drive for an enforceable code of conduct," Bishop told the forum of the ADR Institute for Strategic and International Studies.
Washington (AFP) - Senior US lawmakers say they have seen no evidence to support President Donald Trump's claim that his predecessor Barack Obama wiretapped his New York home and office building.

"We don't have any evidence that that took place," Devin Nunes, the Republican head of the congressional committee looking into the allegation, said at a press conference Wednesday.

"I don't think there was an actual tap of Trump Tower," said Nunes, whose House Intelligence Committee is also investigating suspected Russian interference in last year's US presidential election.

Nunes's conclusion was echoed by the panel's top Democrat, Adam Schiff.

"To date I've seen no evidence that supports the claim that President Trump made that his predecessor had wiretapped he and his associates at Trump Tower," Schiff said at the press conference.

"Thus far, we have seen no basis for that whatsoever."

On March 4, Trump sparked a furor when he wrote on his Twitter account that Obama had put a wiretap on communications at Trump Tower, the New York home of the president and first family, before the November 8 election.

"Terrible! Just found out that Obama had my 'wires tapped' in Trump Tower just before the victory. Nothing found. This is McCarthyism!"

"Is it legal for a sitting President to be 'wire tapping' a race for president prior to an election? Turned down by court earlier. A NEW LOW!" he wrote in a second tweet.

- Trump: words were 'in quotes' -

The tweets set off a fierce controversy, in part because it was unprecedented for a US president to accuse a predecessor of a felony crime.

The allegation was also remarkable because Trump -- known for making bombastic and often unsubstantiated claims on Twitter -- would have access to secret law enforcement and intelligence inquiries containing such information.

In an interview late Wednesday with Fox News, Trump was asked how he found out about the alleged wiretapping.

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"I had been reading about things," he said, before making a reference to a New York Times article from January 20 and "other things" that he read where wiretapping was discussed.

Trump also mentioned by name a Fox News reporter who "the day previous" - presumably March 3 - "was talking about certain, very complex sets of things happening. And wiretapping. I said 'wait a minute, there's lot of wiretapping being talked about.' I'd been seeing a lot of things."

Trump told Fox "don't forget: when I say wiretap, those words were in quotes... because wiretapping is pretty old-fashioned stuff. But that really covers surveillance and many other things."

He added, however, that "for the most part I'm not going to discuss it because... we will be submitting things before the committee very soon that hasn't been submitted as of yet."

- FBI chief to testify -

During the press conference with Nunes and Schiff, they said they did not expect to hear evidence backing up Trump's claim when James Comey, director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, testifies to the House Intelligence Committee on Monday.

But the two congressmen said they were hoping to make progress on the issues of Russia's interference in the 2016 election, including how many people linked to the Trump campaign might have been wiretapped in the course of that or other inquiries.

Also testifying Monday will be Michael Rogers, director of the National Security Agency, the government's electronic spying body.

Another intelligence hearing, with testimony from other witnesses, is scheduled for March 28.
Washington (AFP) - Just weeks into his new administration, President Donald Trump is mired in a political and diplomatic mess of his own making after leveling unsubstantiated accusations via Twitter that Barack Obama authorized wiretaps on him.

The early morning tweets he sent out from his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida on March 4 now threaten to derail the White House's wider agenda and have sparked a spat with close ally Britain.

"Terrible! Just found out that Obama had my 'wires tapped' in Trump Tower just before the victory. Nothing found. This is McCarthyism!" Trump wrote.

"Is it legal for a sitting President to be "wire tapping" a race for president prior to an election? Turned down by court earlier. A NEW LOW!" he continued, accusing Obama of crimes comparable to those of Richard Nixon's Watergate scandal.

The accusations -- flatly denied by Obama -- were at first seen as frivolous, spur-of-the-moment comments after a politically bruising week, which Trump and his team could later retreat from without much damage.

But two weeks later, the White House has doubled down on the extraordinary accusation against a former president despite calls from his own Republican Party to recant and apologize, and despite a stern rebuke from London.

On Thursday, White House spokesman Sean Spicer, defending his boss, cited a Fox News report that Obama had recruited Britain's signals intelligence agency GCHQ last year to wiretap Trump Tower in New York, a luxury office and residential skyscraper that serves as both Trump's home and offices.

In an uncommonly blunt rebuff, GCHQ branded the Fox claims that Spicer repeated as "nonsense."

"They are utterly ridiculous and should be ignored," a spokesperson said.

After calls from British officials, the White House issued a statement saying Spicer had only mentioned the report and did not mean to suggest it was true.

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"Mr Spicer was simply pointing to public reports, not endorsing any specific story," the statement said.

- Trump not backing down -

Yet the White House still has not backed down from Trump's original claims -- nor has it offered any evidence to support them.

The tweets remain online, and Trump told Fox News late Wednesday that he was going to produce evidence -- eventually.

"Let's see whether or not I prove it. I just don't choose to do it right now," he said. "I think we have some very good stuff. And we're in the process of putting it together, and I think it's going to be very demonstrative."

Yet few in Washington are expecting he can do that.

This week, the top four lawmakers in Congress dealing with intelligence issues, Republicans and Democrats, all said that they have been given no evidence to support Trump's allegations.

Spicer, struggling with intense questioning on the issue at each media briefing, has also not provided any proof.

Federal Bureau of Investigation Director James Comey has so far been silent on the issue, but he is due to testify on Capitol Hill on Monday.

- Republicans press for Trump apology -

On Friday, Republicans in Congress, having earlier skirted the issue, showed concern that it was overwhelming the need to focus on major policy issues.

Several called on Trump to admit his blunder and apologize to Obama.

"I see no indication that that's true," Representative Tom Cole told CNN. "Frankly, unless you can produce some pretty compelling proof, then I think president Obama is owed an apology."

"It's inexplicable," said Representative Charlie Dent. "I think he should simply retract it."
Berlin (AFP) - US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, on the eve of his maiden outing with the G20, insisted on Thursday that Washington had no desire to have "trade wars" with other economic powers.

Mnuchin said US President Donald Trump's administration would keep a close eye on the levels of key global currencies, but pursue policies in the interest of "economic growth that is good for the US and the rest of the world".

"It is not our desire to enter into trade wars," he said after talks with Germany's powerful finance minister, Wolfgang Schaeuble.

Their talks came on the eve of a ministerial meeting of the Group of 20, gathering the 20 biggest developed and developing economies, in the west German spa town of Baden-Baden.

"Our desire is that when there is imbalances in trading relationships that we have a need to address that," Mnuchin said.

Schaeuble described the talks in Berlin as "friendly and constructive", calling it a "good beginning" ahead of the G20 gathering.

He admitted that Berlin and Washington did "not have consensus" on all points.

"We won't be able to solve all problems in Baden-Baden but we have a clear, mutual position, that we want to solve all problems together," he said.

"Sustainable growth and prosperity need global solutions. We established a good foundation on which to solve problems."

Germany, which holds the G20 presidency this year, is concerned Trump could upend the global economic order with his "America First" policy.

Chancellor Angela Merkel will hold her first meeting with the new US leader in Washington Friday.

Trump has already torn up the trans-Pacific free trade pact, threatened punitive tariffs against multinationals with factories outside the United States and attacked "currency manipulation" by export giant China.

White House economic advisor Peter Navarro in January accused Germany and China of taking advantage of weak currencies to build a trade surplus with the United States.

A statement is produced at the end of the two-day G20 meeting that has in past sessions consistently committed signatories to rejecting protectionism and refraining from competitive currency devaluations.

But fears are running high that this year's communique may have to sidestep the issue.
By Nate Raymond

BOSTON (Reuters) - A federal prosecutor urged jurors on Thursday to find the co-founder of a now-defunct Massachusetts pharmacy guilty of murder over the deaths of 25 people during a meningitis outbreak in 2012 caused by contaminated drugs sold by his company.

Barry Cadden, 50, ran the New England Compounding Center in an "extraordinarily dangerous way," in unsanitary conditions that led to the steroids that it produced being tainted with mold, Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda Strachan told a federal jury in closing arguments in Boston.

Strachan said Cadden knew people could die if they were injected with contaminated steroids, yet ignored the rules, leading to an outbreak that sickened 751 people in 20 states, including 64 who died.

"It was preventable, but it happened, because this man, Barry Cadden, decided to put profits ahead of patients," she said.

But defense attorney Bruce Singal said that while the outbreak was a "terrible tragedy," prosecutors had not established that Cadden acted intentionally and knew people could die if they were injected with the steroids.

He asked jurors why Cadden would have expected any deaths following a 6-1/2-year period during which the Framingham, Massachusetts-based NECC shipped 859,125 vials without any issues.

"This is indeed a tragic death case, but it is not a murder case, and there is a big, big difference between the two," Singal said.

Cadden faces 96 counts and is accused of 25 racketeering acts of second-degree murder.

He is one of two former NECC pharmacists to be accused of murder in connection with the outbreak, and faces up to life in prison if convicted.

The outbreak led to strict regulations on compounding pharmacies, which mix drugs but previously were treated with a lighter hand than registered drug manufacturers. Inspections after the outbreak uncovered bugs, birds and other unsterile conditions at an NECC affiliate.

NECC filed for bankruptcy in 2014. In 2015, it agreed to pay $200 million to victims and creditors, a sum that included funds seized from Cadden.

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In total, NECC in 2012 sent out 17,600 vials of steroids called methylprednisolone acetate contaminated with mold to 23 states, all labeled to indicate they were sterile and all in bags carrying Cadden's initials, prosecutors said.

Supervisory pharmacist Glenn Chin, who also is accused of second-degree murder, will be tried separately.

Lesser charges were filed against 10 other people. Three have pleaded guilty, while a federal judge dismissed charges against two defendants in October. Charges remain pending against the other five.

(This version of the story corrects attorney's name in paragraph 5 to Bruce from Brian)

(Editing by Bill Trott, Bernadette Baum and James Dalgleish)
Jerusalem (AFP) - A top adviser to US President Donald Trump met Israeli settler leaders Thursday in an unusual move likely to raise fresh concerns over future prospects for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The US embassy confirmed the talks between Jason Greenblatt and leaders of the Israeli settler movement took place in Jerusalem as part of the White House official's wide-ranging meetings this week.

The Yesha Council, the main Israeli settler organisation, said it was believed to be its highest level official meeting ever with a US administration.

The meeting was attended by Yesha leaders Oded Revivi and Yossi Dagan, the group said.

"Representatives from Yesha have met with John Kerry and others on the sidelines of events, but we have not had official meetings like this," a spokesman said.

"The previous administration never met like this."

Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank are considered illegal under international law and major obstacles to peace as they are built on land the Palestinians see as part of their future state.

Israeli settlement expansion has been the subject of harsh international criticism, with many warning that it is gradually eating away at prospects for a two-state solution, the basis of years of negotiations.

Greenblatt, Trump's special representative for international negotiations, has met a range of people on both the Palestinian and Israeli side during his visit this week, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas.

He was due to meet Netanyahu again on Thursday.
The Trump administrations plans to fast-track the deportation of millions of undocumented immigrants is running up against a stubborn obstacle: the huge backlog of immigration and asylum cases in U.S. courts.

As of January 2017, immigration courts were jammed with a record 542,411 cases, according to Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse, a data gathering organization at Syracuse University. The group estimates it would take two and half years just to clear the current caseload, a legacy of the Obama administration.

That backlog is now set to grow dramatically as federal agencies gear up to hire thousands more Border Patrol and enforcement agents to comply with President Donald Trumps Jan. 25 executive order. The order greatly expands law enforcement agents power to apprehend and detain undocumented immigrants, and keep them in detention until a judge decides if they are eligible for asylum or can be deported.

Piling more cases onto overloaded courts wont help the administration achieve the goal of shrinking the undocumented immigrant population, several current and former federal officials said. Instead, it could produce a huge surge in asylum seekers stuck in detention on the taxpayers dime for years.

I think its not necessary  if anything its probably counterproductive, Stephen Legomsky, former senior counsel to the Secretary of Homeland Security and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services under President Barack Obama, said. He recommended increased funding be focused on the court system.

Even people who enter the country illegally are entitled to apply for asylum  and many have legitimate claims, he said. But faced with deportation, many more people will choose to express credible fear that they have safety concerns in their country, and try to go through the asylum process. With more law enforcement agents searching for and detaining undocumented people, the number of cases will only climb, threatening to create a huge long-term detention population.

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Nothing in these executive orders will address the backlog or incentive to file for asylum in the United States, even without a valid claim, a Department of Homeland Security employee told Foreign Policy, on condition of anonymity.

The strain on the immigration court system has been building for years. Between 2002 and 2013, there was a 300 percent increase in funding for immigration enforcement, but only a 70 percent increase for immigration courts, according to the Migration Policy Institute, a nonpartisan think tank.

So far, Trump has also focused on immigration enforcement rather than the court system. Plans to achieved Trumps goal of 5,000 additional Border Patrol agents and 10,000 Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, mandated in his Jan. 25 executive order, are already racing ahead.

Last month, DHS Secretary John Kelly directed federal agencies to begin hiring to match Trumps mandate, subject to resources. Meanwhile, Customs and Border Patrol has advised relaxing hiring requirements in order to speed up the process, and estimated it could take five years and cost about $2.2 billion to help fill out CBPs ranks.

The Department of Justice has said it plans to deploy 50 judges to the border to deal with an expected increase in proceedings to quickly deport people. But these judges will be chosen from the existing pool of 300 immigration judges already struggling under a heavy caseload, and doesnt represent any new hirings. The department needs 224 additional judges to reduce the backlog and handle incoming cases, the nonprofit Human Rights First estimates.

A blueprint budget released by the Trump administration Thursday showed clear priorities: It allocates $314 million to help in the border enforcement hiring effort, and $1.5 billion extra towards detention and deportation. It called for much less to go towards the courts, allocating $80 million for hiring more immigration judges, to eventually reach a total of 449. Trump will need Congress to approve funding for these plans.

One problem for the court system is that immigration judges are housed under the Department of Justice and so are funded separately from DHS. Most people dont realize we are a separate agency from DHS, including Congress when they are funding, said Dana Leigh Marks, President of the National Association of Immigration Judges, told Foreign Policy.

There seems to be little appetite among congressional Republicans to increase funding for immigration judges. Im not worried about the backlog, Im worried about securing the borders, Sen. Richard Shelby (R-AL), the chairman of the Senate subcommittee that appropriates funds for the justice department, told FP. In a follow-up email, he said he had supported efforts to provide additional resources to hire more immigration judges in the past.

Hiring new immigration judges is no cakewalk, even with funding. Currently the Justice Department is working to fill 74 open positions, according to a spokesperson. The application process for hiring typically takes 12 months, including background checks, she added.

And the work can be grueling. Judges deal with a breakneck schedule, plaintiffs who must speak through translators about traumatic subjects, and asylum cases centered on horrific abuses, but where documentation is difficult to find and clearly verify. We hear death penalty cases in a traffic court setting, said Marks.

She was heartened that Trumps budget blueprint envisions funding for more immigration judges but remains seriously concerned that even that number will be sufficient over the long run.

Advocates worry that cases that already drag on for years will become far more painful because many more will be kept in detention during that time, instead of being released on bond or parole.

Even under Obama, we saw how demoralizing the detention centers are, and the poor health care, the poor recreational facilities for the children, Bill Hing, a law professor at the University of San Francisco, said.

Detention has real costs for the detained, harming their chances at prevailing in court even when they have legitimate asylum claims. It basically creates barrier to counsel, interpreters, mental health care, witness evidence  all the tools that are necessary to meaningful seek protection, Dree Collopy, an immigration lawyer and asylum expert, said.

Photo credit: JEFF TOPPING/Getty Image
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. State Department said on Thursday that President Donald Trump's proposed budget for the 2018 fiscal year would not reduce U.S. aid to Israel but that assistance levels to other nations, including Egypt and Jordan, were still being evaluated. "Our assistance to Israel is ... guaranteed and that reflects obviously our strong commitment to one of our strongest partners and allies," State Department spokesman Mark Toner said. "With respect to other assistance levels, foreign military assistance levels, those are still being evaluated and decisions are going to be made going forward," Toner added, noting that treaty obligations would be a factor. The United States provides assistance to Jordan and Egypt as part of their peace treaties with Israel. (This version of the story corrects headline by adding dropped word "preserves") (Reporting by David Alexander; Editing by Tim Ahmann)
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Donald Trump will propose beefing up military spending and slashing domestic programs and foreign aid in his fiscal year 2018 budget to be released on Thursday. Here are the highlights: DEFENSE The budget calls for an increase of $52 billion for the Defense Department above the 2017 base budget of about $522 billion, enacted under the Obama administration. There is an additional $2 billion increase in defense spending in other departments, including Energy and State. That is still less than some of Trumps fellow Republicans in Congress have called for, including the heads of the committees in the Senate and House of Representatives that oversee the U.S. military. But at a time of broad cuts elsewhere in the budget, the Pentagon is unlikely to complain. The plan earmarks the new funds to accelerate the fight against Islamic State militants, reverse Army troop reductions, build more ships for the Navy and ramp up the Air Force  including by purchasing additional F-35 fighter jets, built by Lockheed Martin . HOMELAND SECURITY The Department of Homeland Security would get a 6.8 percent increase, with more money for extra staff needed to catch, detain and deport illegal immigrants. Trump wants Congress to shell out $1.5 billion for his promised border wall with Mexico in the current fiscal year - enough for pilot projects to determine the best way to build it - and a further $2.6 billion in fiscal 2018. FOREIGN AID The combined budget for the State Department and U.S. Agency for International Development, or USAID, would fall by 28 percent, with funding cuts for the United Nations, climate change and cultural exchange programs. The plan preserves $3.1 billion in security aid to Israel. The budget also requests $12 billion in so-called Overseas Contingency Operations, or OCO, funding for extraordinary costs, chiefly in war zones such as Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria. No comparison was provided for the current year's OCO spending. Current commitments on HIV/AIDS treatment under PEPFAR, the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, will be maintained. PEPFAR is the world's largest provider of AIDS-fighting medicine and enjoys bipartisan support. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION The Environmental Protection Agency's budget would be cut by 31 percent, eliminating its climate change programs and trimming back core initiatives aimed at protecting air and water quality. The proposal would eliminate 3,200 EPA employees, or 19 percent of the current workforce, and effectively erase former Democratic President Barack Obama's initiatives to combat climate change by cutting funding for the agency's signature Clean Power Plan aimed at reducing carbon dioxide emissions. HEALTHCARE Healthcare companies such as drug makers and device makers will pay more than twice as much in 2018 to have their medical products reviewed for approval by the Food and Drug Administration under the proposed budget. The proposal budgets over $2 billion in fees to be collected from industry, twice as much in 2017. TRANSPORTATION Oversight of air traffic control would move from the federal government to an independent group under the proposals, which include a 13 percent cut for the Department of Transportation's discretionary budget. The plan also calls for cutting the U.S. space agency NASA budget by 0.8 percent to $19.1 billion. ENERGY The budget for the Department of Energy would include $120 million to restart licensing for the proposed Yucca Mountain nuclear waste dump in Nevada, a project that has been stalled for years because of lawsuits and local opposition. AGRICULTURE The Agriculture Department's discretionary spending would be cut to $17.9 billion, a 21 percent drop from the temporary 2017 funding levels approved by Congress late last year. [L2N1GS2K1] (Reporting by Richard Cowan, Roberta Rampton and Caren Bohan; Editing by Nick Tattersall and Peter Cooney)
Miami (AFP) - US President Donald Trump's proposed 2018 budget would slash funding for science, health and environmental programs at home and abroad, sparking an outcry Thursday among experts who say the cuts would endanger the planet.

The blueprint, which also includes sharp cuts in spending on the arts and foreign aid, has yet to undergo scrutiny in Congress and must be approved by lawmakers before it can take effect.

But environmentalists swiftly lashed out at the plan, calling it "shocking," and "drastic," particularly for the way it trimmed science programs while boosting defense spending by $52 billion.

A key target was the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which would get $5.7 billion, a 31 percent cut compared with 2017 levels. Some 3,200 jobs at the agency would be eliminated, about one-fifth of its workforce.

The proposal called for an end to funding both former president Barack Obama's Clean Power Plan and international climate-change programs in order to save $100 million for American taxpayers.

The United States typically contributes about $4-6 million per year to help fund the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, about 20 percent of its budget.

UNFCCC spokesman Nick Nuttall said "we understand that approval of such a budget can be a long and complex process and we will follow it with interest."

- Zeroed out -

Under the EPA cuts, major programs to restore the Chesapeake Bay and Great Lakes would end, along with a popular program to certify environmentally friendly appliances with the Energy Star label.

Some $250 million in programs aimed at protecting coastal life would be "zeroed out" for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, including research and education run by a program called Sea Grant.

Overall, NOAA could reportedly face as much as a $990 million cut from its annual budget.

"The message the budget sends is that our ocean -- the engine that drives an economy worth $359 billion and supports millions of people -- is simply not a priority for the Trump administration," said Addie Haughey, associate director of government relations at Ocean Conservancy.

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"It is cutting bone-deep into the lives, livelihoods and safety of hundreds of thousands of coastal communities from Alaska to Hawaii, Oregon to Florida."

Jacqueline Savitz, senior vice president at the advocacy group Oceana, called on Congress to reject the cuts.

"Funding cuts of this magnitude could cripple key agencies like NOAA and the Coast Guard, which would be devastating to decades of ocean conservation," she said.

"These federal agencies, and the budgets that support them, allow our nation's bedrock conservation laws to sustainably manage our fisheries, protect marine mammals and endangered species, preserve marine habitats, clean up oil spills and so much more."

- Asteroid study axed -

The main engine for US medical health research, the National Institutes of Health, would lose $5.8 billion, or about 18 percent, bringing its 2018 budget to $25.9 billion.

Four NASA Earth science missions would be shuttered.

Three satellite programs aimed at studying climate change and oceans would never launch.

The fourth -- a deep-space Earth observing mission known as DSCOVR which was launched in 2015 and was initially the brainchild of former US vice president Al Gore -- would have its cameras turned off.

NASA would also be forced to abandon its plan to lasso an asteroid and coax it into a lunar orbit for study by a human crew sometime in the 2020s.

Otherwise, NASA's budget was left largely intact. It was trimmed by less than one percent.

NASA administrator Robert Lightfoot described the plan as "a positive budget overall for NASA."

But Greenpeace spokesman Travis Nichols had harsher words for the broader White House plan.

"The Trump administration clearly sees corporations as its true constituents, not the people of this country," said Nichols.

"This is a budget proposal that fully reveals the Trump administration's corruption, cynicism, and small-mindedness."

Manish Bapna, managing director of the World Resources Institute, agreed.

"The latest budget continues the administration's shocking disregard for priorities that are critical for people's health and the economy," said Bapna.

Prior to these proposed cuts, international, environment, science and energy programs combined accounted for only three percent of federal spending, said Bob Perciasepe, president of the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions.

"We urge Congress to avoid drastic cuts," he said.

"We should be enhancing programs that contribute to quality of life and health, US economic leadership, and long-term security. Inaction on climate today will lead to greater costs tomorrow."
By Richard Cowan and Roberta Rampton WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Donald Trump's first budget outline, calling for a security-heavy realignment of federal spending, drew resistance on Thursday from his fellow Republicans in the U.S. Congress as many balked at proposed deep cuts to diplomatic and foreign aid programs. Conservatives have plenty to like in the White House plan, with its 10 percent increase in military spending next year and beefed-up funding to help deport more illegal immigrants and build a wall on the border with Mexico. It also takes steps to downsize government, a central goal of conservatives. But the gaze into Trump's priorities for the next four years proved too savage for many Republicans' taste, foreshadowing an intense battle between Congress and the White House over spending in coming months. Although Republicans control both the Senate and House of Representatives, Congress holds the federal purse strings and seldom approves presidents' budget plans. The administration asked Congress for a 28 percent, or $10.9 billion, cut in State Department funding and other international programs to help pay for a 10 percent, $54 billion hike in military spending next year. "These increases in defense come at the expense of national security," said Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, who has not hesitated to take on Trump. Republican Senator Marco Rubio, who like Graham ran unsuccessfully for president in 2016, leveled similar sentiments, as did some prominent Republicans in the House of Representatives. House Speaker Paul Ryan sidestepped reporters' questions about whether he supported State Department cuts, saying the White House blueprint was just the start of the budget process. The budget also drew criticism internationally. The French ambassador to the United Nations, Francois Delattre, warned that cutting funding of global programs could fuel instability. ELECTION PROMISES The White House shrugged off concerns about the impact, saying Trump was making good on election promises. "The president said, specifically, hundreds of times - you covered him - 'I'm going to spend less money on people overseas and more money on people back home' and that's exactly what we're doing with this budget," Trump's budget director, Mick Mulvaney, told reporters. Democrats, whose votes would be needed later this year to sign off on the spending bills that implement any budget blueprint given the slim Republican hold on the Senate, attacked the proposed reductions to the Environmental Protection Agency and programs that benefit the poor. The White House proposal would inflict a 31 percent, or $2.6 billion, cut on the EPA. Some veteran Republicans, including Senator Rob Portman of Ohio, a White House budget chief during the administration of President George W. Bush, vowed to preserve the EPA's Great Lakes restoration program that Trump wants to eliminate. Moderate Republicans expressed unease with potential cuts to popular domestic programs. Lisa Murkowski, who chairs the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, attacked plans to cut or eliminate programs that help the poor pay heating bills, provide aid for localities to deal with wastewater and subsidize air travel in rural areas like her home state of Alaska. "We need to remember that these programs are not the primary drivers of our debt," Murkowski said. In fact, those "discretionary" programs that must be renewed annually by Congress, account for about $1.2 trillion out of a $3.9 trillion federal budget. The biggest portion of the budget - about $2.4 trillion - is for "mandatory entitlement" programs that provide Social Security retirement benefits and Medicare and Medicaid healthcare for the elderly, poor and disabled. Conservatives have been clamoring for years for reforms to those programs to save money. Trump vowed, however, to protect them as he campaigned for president last year. Trump was silent on those programs in the plan released on Thursday, but they will be included in a fuller fiscal blueprint due out in mid-May that will project spending and revenues over 10 years. It is unclear if any reforms for those programs will be part of that budget. Other discretionary cuts proposed by Trump included community development grants at the Housing Department and more than 20 Education Department programs. Funding would disappear for 19 independent bodies that count on federal money for public broadcasting, the arts and regional programs. "Throwing billions at defense while ransacking Americas investments in jobs, education, clean energy and lifesaving medical research will leave our nation weakened," said House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi. DEFENSE MONEY FOR CURRENT YEAR Trump also asked for $25 billion more for core Defense Department programs for the current fiscal year, as well as $5 billion more for combat operations. A detailed copy of that request seen by Reuters showed some of the funds would be for procurement of technology such as F-35 fighter aircraft and drone systems. About $13.5 billion of the supplemental request was earmarked for aircraft, missiles and ships. It included THAAD missiles, Blackhawk helicopters and F-35s made by Lockheed Martin Corp , as well as F/A-18 warplanes and Apache helicopters manufactured by Boeing Co . Also for this fiscal year, Trump requested $3 billion more for the Department of Homeland Security, with some of that money intended for planning and construction of the border wall that he made a major part of his 2016 election campaign. Congress will likely consider the supplemental request by April 28, when regular funding expires for most federal agencies. The budget outline also does not incorporate Trump's plan for sparking $1 trillion in investments to build roads, bridges, airports and other infrastructure projects. The White House has said the infrastructure plan is still to come. The planned defense increases are mainly matched by cuts to other programs so as to not increase the $488 billion federal deficit. Despite the proposed big cuts to the EPA and the State Department, Mulvaney said their "core functions" would be preserved. Reflecting Trump's repeated election campaign pledge to reduce illegal immigration, the Department of Homeland Security would get a 6.8 percent increase, with more money for extra staff needed to catch, detain and deport illegal immigrants. Trump wants Congress to approve $1.5 billion for the border wall in the current fiscal year - enough for pilot projects to determine the best way to build it - and a further $2.6 billion in fiscal 2018, Mulvaney said. The estimate for the total cost of the wall will be included in the upcoming full budget. Trump has repeatedly said that Mexico will pay for the wall. Mexico has adamantly said it will not. Since Trump took office in January, the White House has said funding would be kick-started in the United States. (Additional reporting by Julia Edwards Ainsely, Patricia Zengerle, Timothy Gardner and Valerie Volcovici in Washington and Michelle Nichols in New York; Editing by Frances Kerry and Peter Cooney)
In an already controversial budget proposal scheduled to be unveiled Thursday, President Donald Trump has told the State Department to cut more than 50 percent of funding to United Nations programs. The budget will likely see a 37 percent cut to the State Department and U.S. Agency for International Development budgets, Foreign Policy reported.

Last week, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) had prepared a draft plan that indicated a considerable percentage of budget cuts for public housing, Coast Guard, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

In an analysis, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office said Monday that a Republican bill to replace Obamacare would lead to 14 million fewer Americans with health insurance by 2018 and 24 million by 2026. The Republican president is already facing an intraparty revolt over proposed legislation to replace Obamacare and the release of the budget could open another fight among Republicans who control both houses of Congress.

Read: New Budget Draft Proposes Cuts In Funds For Coast Guard, FEMA And TSA

Trump wants to boost military spending by $54 billion and is seeking equivalent cuts in nondefense discretionary programs, according to Reuters.

The U.S. spends about $10 billion annually on the U.N., and the reduction in funds could have a big impact on the peacekeeping missions, the U.N. development program and Unicef, which are funded by the State's Bureau of International Organization Affairs, according to Foreign Policy.

Richard Gowan, a U.N. expert at the European Council on Foreign Relations, said the alterations would spark chaos if true.

"Cutting the U.S. contribution would leave a gaping hole that other big donors would struggle to fill. Multiply that across other humanitarian agencies, like the World Food Programme, and you are basically talking about the breakdown of the international humanitarian system as we know it," he said.

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Since becoming the president, Trump has vowed to increase the financial support for the U.S. military before unveiling the budget.

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In an interview given to Fox News Wednesday, President Donald Trump defended unsubstantiated accusations made by him against the former President Barack Obama, through twitter earlier this month. In the interview, Trump said that wiretap covers a lot of different things, while reiterating his claim that the former President ordered the wiretapping of the Trump Tower.

Commenting for the first time since making the explosive and controversial accusation on March 4, Trump referenced two media reports  a NYT article and reporting by Fox News host Bret Baier as his possible sources for wiretapping accusations while speaking to Fox news host Tucker Carlson.

"Well, I've been reading about things. I read in, I think it was Jan. 20, a New York Times article where they were talking about wiretapping. There was an article, I think they used that exact term. I said, wait a minute, there's a lot of wiretapping being talked about," Trump said according to the Hill. The NYT article Trump mentioned, did not say that Obama wiretapped him.

Trump also suggested that he may produce some proof or evidence regarding his claims.

I think youre going to find some very interesting items coming to the forefront over the next two weeks. We will be submitting certain things and I will be perhaps speaking about this next week. But it's right now before the committee and I think I want to leave it there," Trump added.

Trumps comments on the subject comes as bipartisan support demanding proof for his wiretapping claims begins to grow. On Wednesday, two Senators Lindsey Graham, Republican of South Carolina and Senator Charles E. Grassley, Republican of Iowa, threatened to block the nomination of Rod J. Rosenstein as deputy attorney general until the FBI submitted evidence about the Presidents claim.

Senator Lindsey Graham also threatened to issue subpoena if the FBI doesnt fall in line putting pressure on bureau Director James Comey.

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"I want to get to the bottom of it. The FBI would know if a warrant was issued. They would know if a warrant was applied for. I want to answer that question," he said. "If they do not provide the answer to that letter we wrote in a bipartisan fashion, there will be a bipartisan subpoena following the FBI," he told CNN.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions also told reporters Wednesday that he never gave President Donald Trump any reason to believe he had been wiretapped by the Obama administration during the campaign.

The Republican chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, Representative Devin Nunes of California also said that he has seen no evidence backing up President Donald Trumps allegation.We don't have any evidence that that took place, Nunes told reporters at a news conference in Washington. I don't think there was an actual tap of Trump Tower.

Are you going to take the tweets literally? And if you are, then clearly the president was wrong, he added while saying that hearings of the intelligence committee open on Monday.

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By Gabriel Stargardter, Lizbeth Diaz and Anna Mehler Paperny REYNOSA, Mexico/TORONTO (Reuters) - Shortly after crossing the Rio Grande into the gang-infested border city of Reynosa, dozens of Mexicans deported during U.S President Donald Trump's first days in office said they would soon try to head north again - but this time to Canada. In a Reynosa migrant shelter, just yards from the U.S. border, 26-year-old Cenobio Rita said he had earned about $3,000 a month installing playgrounds in Richmond, Virginia, before he was deported on Feb. 15 after police found marijuana in his car. Having left Mexico as a 14-year-old, he fretted about returning to his violent home state of Michoacan. With Trump taking a tough stance on undocumented immigrants, he ruled out a common path for many deportees - back into the United States. "I want to go to Canada with my passport," he said. "For those without documents, I think (the United States) is over. Now it's Canada's turn." As Trump seeks to crack down on undocumented immigrants in the United States, about half of whom are Mexican, there are some nascent signs that more Mexican migrants see a future in Canada, which in December eased travel for visitors from Mexico. Canadian government data shows a tripling of Mexicans seeking to travel to Canada in the three months since the visa requirement was shelved. It is not a firm indicator as many people could be genuine tourists. But tie it to a surge in calls and emails to immigration lawyers from recently arrived Mexicans looking for work permits, as well as the accounts of deportees like Rita and Mexicans already in Canada, and it suggests a new migration pattern may be emerging. Seven immigration lawyers, consultants and activists told Reuters that requests for legal advice from Mexicans who had entered Canada since Dec. 1 had roughly tripled compared with the same period in 2015-2016, while Mexico's Canadian consulates are also receiving more requests for help. Between December and late February, Canada has granted more than 61,500 eTAs (Electronic Travel Authorization forms) to Mexicans, about triple the number of quarterly tourist applications received in the year before the visa requirement was scrapped, official Canadian data shows. The true scale of Mexican immigration will only become fully apparent in June, when early arrivals on these eTAs are due to leave. Flight bookings from Mexico to Canada also swelled 90 percent in January and February versus the same period in 2016, according to travel analysis company ForwardKeys, which reviews all major travel agency bookings. It is unclear what percentage of those bookings were made by people looking to work illegally in Canada. Marcela Gonzalez's telephone and Facebook page may be a good indicator. The immigration paralegal in Toronto used to receive four calls a month from Mexicans in Canada, before Trump's election and the new visa-free travel. "Now I get four in less than 10 minutes," from people wanting to know how to get work permits and permanent residency, she said. Gonzalez said 200 Mexicans looking for immigration advice wrote to her on Facebook on a recent day, including parents already in Canada asking her how to enroll their children in local schools. Mexico's foreign ministry said it, too, had noticed an uptick. "Between January and March 2017, our consulates in Canada received more requests for assistance and protection than were seen in the same period of the previous year," it said. The ministry, which estimated 90,000 Mexicans live in Canada, said it did not think Trump's election win was driving the surge, adding it was too early to detect a definitive trend. Canada is closely monitoring "migration trends regarding Mexican travelers to Canada, including asylum claim rates," said Camielle Edwards, spokeswoman for Immigration and Refugee Minister Ahmed Hussen. Reuters spoke to about 30 Mexicans in Reynosa who had been deported the previous night. More than half said they wanted to head to Canada. While it is unclear how many will succeed, almost nobody envisaged a future in the United States. But tough border checks, hard-to-find jobs and fine-tuned enforcement policies mean it can be hard to enter and harder to stay. In 2015, Victor Avila, a 37-year-old architect from Oaxaca, returned home voluntarily from the United States after five years working illegally in Freehold, New Jersey. Shocked by the low wages in Mexico and traumatized by the local murder of his brother, he applied for an eTA. Avila arrived in Toronto a few weeks ago and found work in a restaurant. He was in the process of applying for a work visa, but said he would stay on illegally for a year if it wasn't granted. "I think for many of us in Canada, there's no other option but to stay and work illegally," he said. CAUTIONARY TALE Many Mexicans believe the eTA is all they need to set up in Canada, but in almost all cases they are wrong, immigration lawyers said. The eTA does not even guarantee entry. Even if they get past the airport, many low-skilled Mexicans hoping to work illegally are likely to be disappointed, lawyers said, noting that it's difficult for those entering on tourist visas to get work permits without an employer's sponsorship. Some Mexican visitors told Reuters that Canadian immigration officials went through their phones and asked tough questions designed to trip up those seeking to stay and work illegally. While some got through, others were sent home. Canada says those convicted of crimes, as well as gang members, are inadmissible, making it hard for criminally convicted Mexicans deported from the United States to enter. Some 313 Mexicans with eTAs were denied access to Canada in January, according to official Canadian data obtained by Reuters, more than the total number rejected each year in 2012, 2013 and 2014. (For a graphic on the number of Mexicans blocked from entering Canada see http://tmsnrt.rs/2n5egvh) Alejandro Becerra's experience is a cautionary tale for Mexicans dreaming of a new life in Canada. The 30-year-old former bankteller from Mexico City got a job offer to work in construction in Toronto and flew to the city on Feb. 7 on an eTA. Becerra told a border official at the airport that he was coming as a tourist and showed him his return flight. The official didn't believe him and examined his phone, where he found messages discussing Becerra's job in Toronto. Becerra spent the night in a detention center, and the next morning he was taken in handcuffs to a plane that would return him to Mexico. ($1 = 19.6240 Mexican pesos) (Writing by Gabriel Stargardter; Additional reporting by Jeffrey Dastin in San Francisco; Editing by Frank Jack Daniel and Ross Colvin)
Amid the chaos President Donald Trump's 2005 tax returns created following Tuesday night's "The Rachel Maddow Show," Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter David Cay Johnston said that Trump may have leaked his own tax returns. Johnston, who claimed that he obtained the document by mail, said, "By the way, let me point out that it's entirely possible that Donald Trump sent this to me. Donald Trump has, over the years, leaked all sorts of things," according to CNBC.

To add to the suspicion of Trump being the one who mailed his own tax returns, the second page of the document obtained by Johnston was stamped "Client Copy," leading many to speculate that those were Trump's own copy.

Read: Do Trump's Tax Returns Reveal About His Financial Ties With Russia

Many suggest that Trump had leaked his own tax returns to divert attention from wiretrapping claims and Obamacare.

Trump, reportedly the first president in 40 years to refuse to release his tax returns, claimed he could not release them while he was under audit. Yet, he did so partially Tuesday night in a preemptive statement by the White House. Zac Petkanas, a senior adviser to the Democratic National Committee, said: The White Houses willingness to release some tax information when it suits them proves Donald Trumps audit excuse is a sham. If they can release some of the information, they can release all of the information. The only reason not to release his returns is to hide whats in them such as financial connections with Russian oligarchs and the Kremlin.

Last month, a draft copy of Trumps revised immigration executive order was leaked to the Associated Press that mentioned about targeting the same seven Muslim-majority countries as the original, but clarified that travelers who already have an approved visa were exempt.

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Earlier last month, a copy of Trump's draft executive order titled, Establishing a Government-Wide Initiative to Respect Religious Freedom, was obtained by the Investigative Fund and the Nation.

Read: All You Need To Know About The Reporter Who Got Hold Of Trump Tax Documents

Among the many leaks, the most controversial for Trump has been the Russian conspiracy allegations. Although Trump has refuted the allegations, he has failed to take adequate steps to eliminate the accusations, according to Washington Times.

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The ranking member of the House intelligence committee says it appears President Trump revealed classified information during a Fox News interview on Wednesday while refusing to disclose evidence that former President Barack Obama wiretapped his phones at Trump Tower.

In the interview with Fox News Tucker Carlson, Trump said that the Central Intelligence Agency had been hacked during Obamas tenure.

I just want people to know, the CIA was hacked, Trump said. That was during the Obama years. That was not during us.

In his effort to once again blame Obama, the President appears to have discussed something that, if true and accurate, would otherwise be considered classified information, Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., the ranking member of the committee, said in a statement Thursday. It would be one thing if the Presidents statement were the product of intelligence community discussion and a purposeful decision to disclose information to the public, but that is unlikely to be the case.

.@POTUS appears to have discussed something that, if true & accurate, would be classified. Had it been anyone else he would call it a "leak" pic.twitter.com/XedWH4CTNF  Adam Schiff (@RepAdamSchiff) March 16, 2017

Earlier this month, WikiLeaks published a trove of documents that it said were leaked from the CIA. But the agency did not publicly confirm the authenticity of those documents nor discuss how they were obtained. Its not clear if Trump, or Schiff, was referring to the WikiLeaks documents or another incident.

Trump has repeatedly condemned the leaks coming out of the intelligence community, particularly when they involve him or his administration.

For anyone else to do what the President may have done, Schiff added, would constitute what he deplores as leaks.'

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Schiffs comments came a day after he and Rep. Devin Nunes, R-Ariz., the House intelligence committee chairman, said they have yet to see any evidence of Trumps wiretapping claim.

That evidence still remains the same, Nunes told reporters at a press conference Wednesday on Capitol Hill. We dont have any evidence that that took place.

On Thursday, Schiff and Nunes counterparts on the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence released a similar statement.

Based on the information available to us, we see no indications that Trump Tower was the subject of surveillance by any element of the United States government either before or after Election Day, Senate Select Committee on Intelligence chairman Richard Burr, R-N.C., and vice chairman Mark Warner, D-Va., said in a joint statement.

Addressing the wiretapping allegations, Trump told Carlson that he has some very good stuff, that the White House is in the process of putting it together and that its going to be very demonstrative.

The president said he may make a statement on the matter before or after the Senate and House committees conclude their investigations.

Lets see whether or not I prove it, Trump said. I just dont choose to do it right now.

Read more from Yahoo News:
President Donald Trump is likely to pressurize China in a bid to stop North Korea's nuclear advancements and provocation, a South Korean think tank predicted Thursday. The Trump administration may impose secondary sanctions on Chinese companies to increase pressure on Beijing.

Tensions between North Korea and the United States escalated amid the reclusive country's missile tests, which it says were in response to the U.S.-South Korea military drills. The U.S. is also planning to build its military power amid North Korea's growing threats.

"The U.S. nuclear and military buildup has the potential of frustrating China's nuclear deterrence capability, thus it may pose tremendous pressure on China," Asan Institute for Policy Studies' researcher Go Myong-hyun said, according to Yonhap News Agency. "For a while in the future, the U.S. policy toward North Korea will be led by the Department of Defense, not the Department of State, putting military pressure to hold China in check rather than diplomatic means."

"For its part, South Korea should also continue its pressure on China under a solid South Korea-U.S. defense alliance, increasing strategic dialogue with China over what benefits or losses a unified Korean Peninsula may bring to China," the researcher said.

Read: Will Kim Jong Un Start A War With Trump?

The U.S. has sent an advanced military defense system to South Korea in response to North Korea's series of missile launches earlier this month. The move angered China as it believed that the deployment of the Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense system (THAAD) was a threat to its security.

"We solemnly object to South Korea and the U.S.' deployment of THAAD and will resolutely take necessary actions in order to safeguard our security interests," the Chinese foreign ministry said last week, hinting at a military response to the move. "Any consequences to follow the necessary actions should be bore by South Korea and the U.S. We strongly demand that the parties halt the THAAD deployment process immediately and not deviate to the wrong path any further."

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The South Korean think tank believes that the Trump administration will use missile defense and economic sanctions against North Korea, but may newly add the element of pressuring China, which is likely to enhance the effectiveness of the U.S.' North Korea policy.

On Wednesday, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang called on his U.S. and Russian counterparts to resume intergovernmental discussions on how to address North Korea's nuclear missile, capable of targeting South Korean, Japanese or U.S. military bases in the region.

"Its just common sense that no one wants to see chaos on his doorstep," Keqiang said during his annual press conference Wednesday. "So what we hope is that all the parties concerned will work together to de-escalate the situation, get issues back on the track of dialogue and work together to find proper solutions."

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One of the National Institutes of Healths only programs devoted to global health research and training is on the chopping block as part of President Trumps vision for an overhaul of some government agencies.

The administrations budget blueprint, released Thursday, lays out sweeping cuts, including the elimination of the NIHs Fogarty International Center. Public health experts say the closure of the center, if approved by Congress, could hamper future responses to the spread of infectious diseases that slow research that could help Americans.

Since the late 1960s, Fogarty has worked to bring together thousands of the best scientific minds around the world to address critical global health research problems including HIV/AIDS, Ebola, and other viral diseases. The center has a budget of $69.1 million  a fraction of the $6 billion in proposed NIH cuts  that today funds 400 research and training projects that involve more than 100 U.S universities.

Through these efforts, US scientists gain experience in developing countries and, in turn, help train foreign scientists based in developing countries.

Taxpayers are reaping such benefits for a ridiculously small amount of money, Peter Jay Hotez, dean of Baylor Universitys National School of Tropical Medicine and a former Fogarty advisory board member, told STAT.

In its budget proposal, the administration said the elimination of the center was part of a larger NIH reorganization that would help focus resources on the highest priority research and training activities.

But Chris Bryrer, a public health professor at Johns Hopkins, said the plan to cut Fogarty is extraordinarily foolish, considering how it has bolstered the global fight against AIDS/HIV.

Bryrer received Fogarty grants to fund his large-scale AIDS research program, which works in over half-a-dozen countries  benefiting local researchers and investigators as well as American scientists and medical students. People in those countries, including Uganda, Ethiopia, Vietnam, and China, are now better equipped to fight AIDS, he said.

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In addition, Fogartys funding has helped African nations stave off what could have been a widespead Ebola outbreak, according to Bryrer. In countries like Liberia and Sierra Leone, ones ravaged by the outbreak, Fogarty-funded researchers are now helping local partners design training programs to develop expertise in fighting viral diseases.

By training local researchers in epidemiology and lab skills, and helping them form networks with US scientists, we believe future disease outbreaks can be better contained, Fogarty Director Dr. Roger I. Glass said in a recent statement. (A Fogarty spokesman declined to make Glass available for an interview or provide comment.)

Hotez said he believes Fogarty is being targeted for ideological reasons rather than budgetary reasons. In doing so, he says, Trump administration could undercut a key part US foreign policy and threaten the nations reputation as a leader in the fight against global health problems.

Its been the secret sauce against global health problems, he says. Its programs have saved tens of millions of lives saved getting people on antiretroviral drugs. But it has to be done with people in Africa. The US cant go at it alone.
Washington (AFP) - President Donald Trump braced Thursday for a long legal battle over his ban on travel from six mainly-Muslim countries after two federal judges ruled against the measure, saying the Republican's own comments suggested religious bias.

It was a humiliating setback for Trump, who saw his first attempt at limiting travel from the Muslim world halted by the federal courts last month after it had caused chaos at airports both in the US and abroad.

The White House said the Republican administration would "vigorously defend" its travel ban, after Trump vowed to challenge the "terrible" decision to suspend it, before the Supreme Court if necessary.

"We intend to appeal the flawed rulings," said the president's spokesman Sean Spicer.

The revamped executive order had been due to take effect at midnight (0400 GMT), but a federal judge in Hawaii froze Trump's efforts to close US borders to nationals of Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen for 90 days.

Trump argues that his immigration order is needed to ensure national security and described the rulings against it as "unprecedented judicial overreach."

The Hawaii ruling also halted a 120-day suspension of the US refugee admissions program.

A second federal judge in Maryland issued a separate, more narrow nationwide block on just the core provision concerning travel from the Muslim world, ruling it would cause "irreparable harm" were it to go into effect.

Trump, who used anti-Muslim rhetoric on the campaign trail in his successful run for the White House, will now have to account for those statements in court, with both judges saying the order raised the specter of religious bias.

- Muslim ban? -

Trump's revised ban signed on March 6 had a reduced scope, exempting Iraqis, permanent US residents and valid visa holders -- an effort by the administration to ensure the order passed legal muster.

The White House said the other six countries were targeted because their screening and information capabilities could not meet US security requirements.

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In Hawaii, Acting Solicitor General Jeffrey Wall, defending the government's position, said: "This order doesn't draw any religious distinction at all."

Questioned about Trump's tweets and statements during the campaign in which he promised to enact a "Muslim ban," Wall said: "There is a difference between a president and a candidate."

But District Judge Derrick Watson rejected the idea that the order was not a Muslim ban, ruling it was plausible "to conclude that targeting these countries likewise targets Islam," given their Muslim populations all topped 90 percent.

The judge said "a reasonable, objective observer... would conclude that the Executive Order was issued with a purpose to disfavor a particular religion, in spite of its stated, religiously-neutral purpose."

He referred to several examples of Trump explicitly framing proposed action on immigration in religious tones, including a March 2016 interview during which the then president-elect said: "I think Islam hates us."

Watson indicated that the court would not stay its decision in the event of an appeal.

In Maryland, US District Judge Theodore Chuang echoed Watson's argument, as he issued a partial injunction on a separate complaint filed by advocacy groups claiming that the amended order discriminates against Muslims.

- Three strikes and you're out? -

Trump, addressing supporters late Wednesday in Nashville, assailed the Hawaii judge.

"The law in the Constitution gave the president the power to suspend immigration when he deems it to be in the national interest of our country," he said.

"We are going to take our case as far as it needs to go, including all the way up to the Supreme Court. We are going to win."

The Justice Department called the Hawaii ruling "flawed both in reasoning and in scope."

The Hawaii and Maryland rulings came after a trio of hearings Wednesday on the ban.

In Seattle, Washington state's attorney general filed an emergency motion for a temporary restraining order that would last up to 14 days in order to halt the travel restrictions, also citing "irreparable injuries."

Rights groups and states contesting the ban welcomed the rulings.

"The Constitution has once again put the brakes on President Trump's disgraceful and discriminatory ban," said Omar Jadwat, director of the immigrant rights project at the American Civil Liberties Union.

New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, who has joined the case in Washington state, said: "Today's order by the federal District Court of Hawaii marks yet another victory for the Constitution and the rule of law."

Cornell University Law School professor Stephen Yale-Loehr warned Trump against a protracted battle.

"President Trump and his advisors should think long and hard before trying to impose a travel ban a third time. They may strike out," he said.
Riyadh (AFP) - US President Donald Trump may not be popular in much of the Muslim world but he has been embraced by Saudi Arabia and, in turn, has reached out to the oil-rich kingdom.

A meeting Tuesday in Washington between Trump and the powerful Saudi Deputy Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, confirmed that the new government in Washington sees Riyadh as a critical partner for both security and investment, analysts say.

Prince Mohammed, 31, whose country is the birthplace of Islam, was one of the first foreign leaders to visit Trump, who has vowed to fight "radical Islamic terrorism".

His trip followed a series of laudatory comments towards the new administration from Saudi Arabia, whose relations were increasingly frayed under former president Barack Obama.

Trump "recognises the Saudi leadership as the primary conduit to the Muslim world," said Salman al-Ansari, president of the Saudi American Public Relation Affairs Committee (SAPRAC).

The Washington meeting was an affirmation by Trump's team that the main source "for Middle Eastern stability, security and untapped mutual economic prosperity is Saudi Arabia," Ansari told AFP from Washington.

His committee is a private initiative to strengthen Saudi-US ties.

Anwar Eshki, a retired Saudi general and founder of the independent Middle East Centre for Strategic and Legal Studies in Jeddah, said Trump invited Prince Mohammed "to make the plan for the Middle East" together.

He said they want to counter both Shiite Iran and the Islamic State group of Sunni extremists who control territory in Syria and Iraq and have claimed attacks in other countries.

Leaders in Sunni-dominated Saudi Arabia have welcomed the Trump administration's views toward their regional rival Iran.

US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis has described Iran as "the biggest destabilising force in the Middle East".

Trump has opposed the July 2015 nuclear deal between world powers and Iran that saw international sanctions lifted in exchange for guarantees that Tehran will not pursue a nuclear weapons capability.

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Riyadh regularly accuses Tehran of interference throughout the region, including in Syria where it backs the regime of President Bashar al-Assad, and in Yemen.

Saudi Arabia has for two years led an Arab military coalition assisting the Yemeni government against Iran-backed insurgents.

Washington gives intelligence, aerial refuelling and weapons to the Saudi alliance, although Obama in December blocked the transfer of precision-guided bomb kits to Saudi Arabia because of concerns over civilian casualties.

- 'Critical strategic partner' -

Eshki said Trump's administration could step up military assistance for the Saudi coalition to help pressure the rebels into returning to peace talks.

Anthony Cordesman, of the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, said it remains unclear "whether there will be practical plans" to better contain Iran and improve counter-terrorism.

But Washington clearly sees Riyadh as "a critical strategic partner," Cordesman said.

The United States is not the only target of the Saudi charm offensive.

While his son was in Washington, King Salman was in Asia on a month-long tour that has included stops in China, Japan, Malaysia and Indonesia to strengthen alliances in the region.

Second in line to the throne, Prince Mohammed holds the post of defence minister, although much of his focus is on efforts to diversify the economy.

A White House statement said Trump and Prince Mohammed seek "to further strengthen and elevate the United States-Saudi strategic relationship" in security, economic and other areas.

They "noted the importance of confronting Iran's destabilising regional activities while continuing to evaluate and strictly enforce" the nuclear deal with Tehran, it added.

Much of the statement focused on potential economic ties, which it said could create jobs in both countries.

Prince Mohammed was joined in the US by his ministers of energy, commerce and information, a foreign diplomat told AFP.

The US and Saudi Arabia have a decades-old relationship based on the exchange of American security for Saudi oil.

While Trump's proposed 90-day ban on the entry of nationals from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen has prompted criticism in much of the Muslim world, there has been no outcry from Riyadh.

"Each country has the right to secure its borders," Arab News chief editor Faisal Abbas wrote on Thursday.

Cordesman said dialogue such as that between Trump and Prince Mohammed is critical "to make the president and the people around him aware of the fact that extremism is not Islam, that you can work with trusted partners" in the region.
Washington (AFP) - President Donald Trump proposed drastic cuts in spending on the arts, science, foreign aid and environmental protection Thursday, in a military-dominated budget blueprint that has already met fierce Congressional opposition.

The Republican leader -- translating hardline campaign promises into dollars-and-cents commitments -- proposed scrapping dozens of agencies and programs, from public broadcasting to bioscience, to pay for $52 billion in new military spending.

Trump described the plan as "a budget that puts America first" -- one that would help the military "win" and "set free" the dreams of Americans.

The Environmental Protection Agency -- which helps enforce air, water and other standards -- and the State Department would be the biggest losers, seeing their funding slashed by around a third.

The latter could bring steep reductions in foreign aid and funding to UN agencies, with knock-on effects around the world.

An alarmed UN warned against "abrupt funding cuts" that would undermine its longer-term reform efforts.

In the United States, the national endowments for the arts and humanities would be scrapped entirely, and funding for the National Institutes of Health -- a globally respected research facility -- would see funding cut by almost $6 billion.

"This is a hard-power budget, it is not a soft-power budget," said White House budget chief Mick Mulvaney, who said he trawled through Trump's campaign speeches for inspiration.

- Pentagon up, State down -

The Pentagon would be the major winner if Trump's proposed spending priorities go through, with a nearly 10 percent boost for a defense budget that is already bigger than that of the next seven nations combined.

Separately, Trump would earmark around $4 billion in the next two years to start building a wall along America's border with Mexico.

Trump has repeatedly claimed that Mexico will pay for the wall -- which will cost at least $15 billion, according to estimates by Bernstein Research, a consulting firm.

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Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, speaking in Tokyo, said he would not oppose deep cuts to his department, and would "willingly" accept Trump's challenge to tighten the budget.

"Clearly, the level of spending that the State Department has been undertaking in the past -- and particularly in this past year -- is simply not sustainable," Tillerson said. "We are going to be able to do a lot with fewer dollars."

Although politically explosive, Trump's broad-brush proposal covers only a small fraction of the $3.8 trillion federal budget -- which is dominated by health care, pension and other baked-in costs.

The text will be heavily revised and fleshed out by Congress, before a full budget is released around May.

In that sense, the plan is as much a political statement as a fiscal outline, a fact not lost on the White House.

Trump's top advisor Steve Bannon promised the administration would bring about the "deconstruction of the administrative state."

- Playing to the base -

More immediately, the budget is meant to be a signal to Trump's supporters that he is a man of action, and not a typical Washington politician.

Trump is looking to rally his base amid multiple controversies including his Twitter outbursts, Russian meddling in the election that brought him to power and a simmering rift with Congressional Republicans over health care reform.

According to Gallup, Trump has approval ratings of 40 percent, a low for any modern president at this point into his tenure.

But security has been a major vote winner. An Economist/YouGov poll found that 51 percent of Republicans believe the United States will be safer from terrorism at the end of his term.

The budget may also be seen as a signal to the world that Trump's United States will be less engaged internationally and will put "America first."

Diplomats and some former defense officials have already warned that less spending on areas like democracy promotion and humanitarian aid will spell more trouble, and military spending, down the road.

More than 120 retired generals and admirals recently signed a letter warning that "many of the crises our nation faces do not have military solutions alone."

All Democratic members on the House Foreign Affairs Committee sent a letter to the chamber's speaker, Paul Ryan, echoing those concerns: "Our diplomats settle disputes so that they do not have to be settled with bombs and bullets," they wrote.

- 'Drastic cuts' -

Trump's spokesman Sean Spicer defended the blueprint as focused on a search for "efficiencies" -- not blind cuts.

"There's this assumption in Washington that if you get less money it's a cut," he said. "I think that the reality is that in a lot of these there's efficiencies, duplicity, ways to spend money better."

But the plan, under fire from Democratic lawmakers, also received a markedly cool response from Trump's Republicans, with House Speaker Ryan saying he looks forward to reviewing the document.

The budget "turns the page from the last eight years," Ryan said.
In a speech in Nashville, Tenn., on Wednesday, President Trump railed against a nationwide temporary restraining order that has put a halt to the revised version of his travel ban. Trump described the decision by a federal judge in Honolulu a few hours earlier as a flawed ruling and as unprecedented judicial overreach that he suggested was politically motivated. He also declared that he is willing to take the legal battle all the way to the Supreme Court and predicted that he will ultimately emerge victorious.

Were going to fight this terrible ruling. Were going to take our case as far as it needs to go, including all the way up to the Supreme Court, he said. Were going to win. Were going to keep our citizens safe, and regardless, were going to keep our citizens safe. Believe me.

Trump began discussing the ruling by announcing that he had to deliver some bad news and assuring his audience that he would turn it into good. He noted that the decision by Hawaii District Judge Derrick Watson came from part of the much overturned Ninth Circuit court. Trump also pointed out that the ban in question was a watered-down version of his initial executive order of Jan. 27, which was also blocked by a federal judge.

A judge has just blocked our executive order on travel and refugees coming into our country from certain countries. The order he blocked was a watered-down version of the first order that was also blocked by another judge  and should have never been blocked to start with, Trump said.

The new version of the travel ban was issued on March 6. It was designed to meet the objections to the first executive order, which blocked travelers from seven predominantly Muslim nations  Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen  from entering the United States. It also barred all refugees from entering the country for 120 days and indefinitely halted the entry of all Syrian refugees.

Trump and government attorneys have argued that the orders are necessary security measures, focusing on countries that they consider pose elevated risks of terrorism to the United States. The January order sparked widespread protests and legal challenges, including one from the states of Washington and Minnesota that resulted in a temporary restraining order by a federal judge in Seattle. After that ruling was upheld by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, the Trump administration dropped the case and drew up a more limited order.

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Among other changes, Trumps revised ban removed Iraq from the list of countries singled out and exempted permanent residents and current visa holders from the restrictions. Speaking in Nashville, Trump described the second version of the executive order as tailored to the dictates of the Ninth Circuit.

Trump also said that he wished he had never revised the order.

Remember this, I wasnt thrilled, but the lawyers all said, Oh, lets tailor it. This is a watered-down version of the first one, Trump explained. This is a watered-down version, and let me tell you something, I think we ought to go back to the first one and go all the way, which is what I wanted to do in the first place.

When the first executive order was suspended, attorneys arguing against it suggested the ban violated the Constitutions ban on religious discrimination and pointed to statements Trump made during his campaign last year calling for a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States. In the lawsuit against the revised ban, Hawaiis attorney general similarly pointed to previous statements by Trump and his aides. Government lawyers have argued that those comments should have no bearing on the legality of the ban.

In his decision Wednesday, Judge Watson cited Trumps call for a total and complete shutdown of Muslims, and statements made by former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, a top Trump ally, who claimed that the president had approached him to find a legal way to implement a Muslim ban.

These plainly worded statements, made in the months leading up to and contemporaneous with the signing of the Executive Order, and, in many cases, made by the Executive himself, betray the Executive Orders stated secular purpose. Any reasonable, objective observer would conclude  that the stated secular purpose of the Executive Order is, at the very least, secondary to a religious objective of temporarily suspending the entry of Muslims, Watson wrote in his ruling.

Trump and others in his administration defended the earlier order by arguing that U.S. immigration law grants the president broad authority to decide who may or may not enter the country. As he has in the past, Trump read a section of a 1952 law that states that in any instance where the president thinks the entry of any aliens or of any class of aliens into the United States would be detrimental to the interests of the United States, he may by proclamation, and for such period as he shall deem necessary, suspend the entry of all aliens or any class of aliens as immigrants or nonimmigrants, or impose on the entry of aliens any restrictions he may deem to be appropriate.

Trump argued that the law is so simple it would be easy to understand, even if youre a bad student.

In other words, if he thinks its dangerous out there, he or she, whoever is president, can say, Im sorry, folks. Not now please, weve got enough problems. Were talking about the safety of our nation, the safety and security of our people, he said.

President Trump addresses a rally in Nashville, Tenn., on March 15, 2017. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Trump went on to suggest that the judge in Hawaii halted the order for political reasons rather than on legal grounds.

Now, I know you people arent skeptical people, because nobody would be that way in Tennessee, not Tennessee, Trump said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. You dont think this was done by a judge for political reasons, do you?

Trump has previously criticized politicians for refraining from using the phrase radical Islamic terrorism due to concerns about political correctness. Although government attorneys have tried to make the case that the travel ban does not focus on religion, Trump in his Tennessee speech said stopping Islamic terrorists was a major focus of the order.

The best way to keep foreign terrorists, or as some people would say, in certain instances, radical Islamic terrorists from attacking our country, is to stop them from entering our country in the first place, he said.

Apart from the reaction to the ruling in Hawaii, Trumps speech in Tennessee resembled the freewheeling rallies that defined his presidential campaign last year. It featured all the signature elements of his stump speeches, including promises to cut taxes, build a wall on the United States Southern border, and to repeal and replace horrible, disastrous Obamacare. There was even a shot against his election opponent, Hillary Clinton, and the chant of Lock Her Up! that was a staple of his campaign for the White House.

The Tennessee rally, hosted by Trumps campaign organization rather than by the White House, is the second such event he has held since taking office. Speaking to reporters on Air Force One after he left Nashville, Trump said he would like to do these rallies every two weeks. A source in the campaign told Yahoo News that the rallies will continue regularly for several reasons: because they enable the president to deliver his messages directly to the people, they are a way of collecting data and contact information from potential supporters, and because billing them as campaign speeches is more honest than making the taxpayers pay for them. Trump concluded the event in Nashville with his campaign slogan.

Together we will make America strong again. We will make America wealthy again. We will make America proud again. We will make America safe again! And we will make America great again!
If you thought President Donald Trump might be softening his views on climate change since taking office, think again.

At Thursday's White House press briefing, a Trump official declared climate change initiatives "a waste of your money." As in, the single-greatest threat to life on Earth as we know it isn't worth spending a dime.

SEE ALSO: Trump really doesn't want to face these 21 kids on climate change

Mick Mulvaney, director of the Office of Management and Budget, was outlining Trump's budget proposal, which would add $54 billion in defense spending while gutting billions of dollars from other agencies.

The blueprint is far from a done deal, and Congress will have the final say on the federal budget. But it makes painfully clear what the Trump administration's priorities are: more walls and weapons, less work to avoid dangerous global warming.

"Regarding the question as to climate change, I think the president was fairly straightforward," Mulvaney told reporters at the briefing. "We're not spending money on that anymore. We consider that to be a waste of your money."

Yes, he actually said that. Just watch:

Nearly all of the world's Earth scientists agree that climate change is happening, and that human activity is primarily to blame. Burning fossil fuels, clearing forests and eating inordinate amounts of meat increases greenhouse gas emissions, which then trap the sun's heat and disrupt the planet's climate systems.

As a result, rising seas are eating away at coastlines and drowning island nations. Chronic droughts and punishing monsoons are threatening the food supplies of billions of people. Air and water pollution are both made worse by global warming.

Trump's budget proposal slashes $100 million from climate change programs within just the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), along with gutting more funding marked for climate change research and programs in other spheres of government.

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The EPA  which would lose about $2.6 billion according to the budget blueprint  would halt much of its work to research climate impacts and limit emissions. The blueprint cuts any funding to enforce the Clean Power Plan, which requires states to reduce carbon emissions and is the cornerstone of America's pledge to cut emissions under the Paris Climate Agreement.

Trump also wants to cut some of NASA's Earth-monitoring programs, which provide essential data on the planet's changing climate. At the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, gone is the Sea Grant program to help coastal communities adapt to rising sea levels and more extreme weather events.

If Trump gets his way, a handful of key Energy Department programs to accelerate clean energy and electric cars will completely vanish.

The State Department also takes a hit in Trump's budget proposal  and it's not because the president wants less diplomacy. Rather, the department and its $10 billion foreign aid budget are losing money because of its efforts to protect the environment.

"It just so happens that much of the foreign aid that the president talked about in campaign  much of the money that goes to climate research, green energy, that sort of thing  are actually in the State Department budget," Mulvaney said.

"If those line items had been in the department of commerce, you would see the Department of Commerce go down by a similarly large percentage," he added.

Erasing taxpayer funding from multiple agencies to address climate change makes it more clear than ever how Trump feels about environmental protection.

"You now have an America first president, and it shouldn't surprise anyone we have an 'America First' budget," Mulvaney said.

"America First," in Trump's eyes, seems interchangeable with "Earth Last."
Miami (AFP) - Under US President Donald Trump's proposed budget, NASA's funding would stay largely intact but the space agency would abandon plans to lasso an asteroid, along with four Earth and climate missions.

The 2018 budget -- which must be approved by Congress -- asks for $19.1 billion for NASA, a 0.8 percent decrease from 2017, allowing the the space agency to emerge unscathed compared to the deep cuts laid out for other federal science and environmental agencies.

The proposal "focuses the nation's efforts on deep space exploration rather than Earth-centric research," it said.

Plans to keep building the Orion deep space capsule and what will be the world's most powerful rocket, known as the Space Launch System (SLS), remain intact, and are designated to receive $3.7 billion.

On the chopping block are four Earth science missions, saving around $102 million.

These include shutting off the cameras on a deep space climate observatory called DSCOVR that launched in 2015 -- and was initially a project of former vice president Al Gore -- and three other satellites to track global warming and ocean health, and have not yet launched.

The proposed budget also axes a multi-billion plan championed by former president Barack Obama to lasso an asteroid and move it into orbit around the Moon for study in the 2020s.

NASA's $115 million Office of Education is "duplicative" and would be eliminated, "resulting in a more focused education effort through NASA's Science Mission Directorate," said the budget proposal.

The US space agency would get $1.9 billion for planetary science, including a mission to fly by Jupiter's icy ocean moon Europa and a Mars rover that would launch in 2020.

"This is a positive budget overall for NASA," said acting administrator of the US space agency, Robert Lightfoot.

"As with any budget, we have greater aspirations than we have means, but this blueprint provides us with considerable resources to carry out our mission, and I know we will make this nation proud."

Experts said the budget proposal released Thursday acts as a starting point. A more comprehensive budget plan is still in the works and should be ready in the coming months.

The figures must be debated in the House and Senate and sent back to the president for approval.
President Trump has unveiled a skinny budget that calls for a major boost in spending on defense and border security, while slashing funds spent on foreign aid, environmental protection, public housing, medical research, arts and humanities and programs Trump feels are a poor use of taxpayer money.

Mick Mulvaney, director of the Office of Management and Budget, described Trumps spending blueprint as the America-first budget, in a briefing for reporters. We wrote it using the presidents own words, he said.

The skinny budget is typically sent to Congress by first-year presidents who havent had the time or staff to develop a full budget request, which the White House normally delivers to Congress by early February. Trumps skinny budget outlines spending priorities for fiscal year 2018, which will start Oct. 1. Most provisions would have to be approved by Congress, with legislation involving cutbacks likely to be highly contentious. The White House should deliver a fuller budget request for FY2018 by May.

President Donald Trump

Trump has already said he wants to increase defense spending by $54 billion per year, including an extra $2 billion in the Energy Dept. budget for nuclear weapons. He wants to fund that increase by a like amount of cutbacks in other agencies, so theres no net addition to the 2018 deficit, which is forecast to be nearly $500 billion. The additional defense spending would be a 10% hike for the Pentagon. Trump also wants to boost spending on border security by about 6% in 2018. Besides the requests for 2018, Trump also wants to ask for some additional funding in the current fiscal year, including $30 billion for defense and $1.5 billion to get started on the border wall Trump promised while campaigning.

[Related: Test Trumps budget using our aircraft-carrier index]

The biggest cutbacks would come from the State Department, which would lose $10.1 billion in funding, mostly for foreign aid. This is a hard power budget, Mulvaney told reporters. It is not a soft power budget. This president wants to send the message to allies that this is a strong power administration.

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The Environmental Protection Agency is slated for a $2.6 billion cut, or 31% of its 2017 budget. You can expect reductions in parts of the EPA that dont line up with the presidents views on things like global warming and alternative energies, Mulvaney said. Trump would slash $5.8 billion from the National Institutes of Health, an 18% cut, and $6.2 billion from Housing and Urban Development, a 13% decline. Heres a breakdown of Trumps budget by agency, with 3 agencies that would get more funding highlighted in green and 15 agencies that would lose money highlighted in yellow:

Source: Office of Management and Budget

Trump also wants to eliminate funding for 19 small programs, including arts and humanities endowments and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which helps fund public TV and radio stations. Such programs typically garner less than $1 billion each in annual funding, yet some conservatives view them as activities that should be funded by the private sector, not by taxpayers.

The Trump cuts would come entirely from the discretionary portion of the federal budget, which includes things Congress must fund on a year-to-year basis. That excludes so-called entitlement programs such as Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security, which pay out money to beneficiaries automatically, without the need for regular appropriations by Congress. Trumps budget doesnt touch any of those programs, although the Republican health-reform bill drawn up by House Speaker Paul Ryanwhich Trump supportswould sharply cut Medicaid payments during the next decade.

The skinny budget excludes other big Trump priorities, such as tax reform and a plan to boost infrastructure spending. Those plans are coming later, although Mulvaney did say the skinny budget will include some cuts to infrastructure programs sprinkled throughout various agency budgets, because we believe those programs to be less efficient than the package were working on for later this year.

Key legislators, including some Republicans, have already shot down some of the spending cuts Trump is pushing. Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham said any plan to slash foreign aid would be dead on arrival, for instance, and even Sen. Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said such a bill probably wouldnt pass. But boosting defense spending without corresponding cuts elsewhere would rouse Republican budget hawks who insist Trumps budget must not add to the national debt. The skinny budget is likely to get a lashing by the time 2018 finally arrives.

Read more:

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
Health and Human Secretary Tom Price, on Wednesday night, spent an uncomfortable hour in a CNN-hosted town hall Wednesday night, answering questions from stony-faced cancer patients, medical professionals and others demanding an explanation of how Americans -- particularly poor and low-income Americans -- will be able to afford health care coverage under the Republicans proposed replacement for the Affordable Care Act.

His appearance was largely overwhelmed by the furor over massive budget cuts proposed by the Trump administration and a federal court ruling that struck down the presidents second attempt to institute a ban on people from six majority-Muslim countries entering the United States. And thats a shame because the difficulty he had offering clear answers to the concerns his questioners raised suggests future struggles as the GOP tries to sell the bill to the American people.

Related: How Republicans Got Trapped by Their Health Care Promises

Price, a physician himself who Represented Georgia in Congress before accepting a spot in the Trump cabinet, sat down with hosts Wolf Blitzer and Dana Bash just days after the Congressional Budget Office released its estimate predicting that 24 million fewer Americans would have health insurance coverage by 2026 if the AHCA becomes law.

Bash brought up the agencys finding and asked how the GOP could claim that its proposal increases access to health coverage in the face of a number like that.

This is very interesting and it's an important question, Price acknowledged, before going on to largely avoid answering it. The HHS secretary fell back, as other supporters of the bill have done in recent days, on claiming that additional regulatory changes and further legislation removing restrictions on the health insurance markets will generate so much choice and competition that the markets will drive costs down to make insurance affordable for everyone.

However, he didnt specify a single regulation that he would do away with, and the only legislative priorities he identified were removing barriers to the sale of insurance across state lines and reform of the medical malpractice laws, neither of which, according to experts, would have a large impact on the price of coverage.

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Related: How Health Care Is Crippling the Speaker of the House

Price then faced a question from Brian Kline, a Pennsylvania man in recovery from colon cancer, whose care was paid for by the Medicaid expansion that the Affordable Care Act created.

Medicaid expansion saved my life and saved me from medical bankruptcy, Kline said. Now, I earn $11.66 an hour at my retail job. And obviously, I cannot afford to pay for my cancer care out of pocket. My life really depends on having access to my doctors and medical care.

Getting a cancer diagnosis is bad enough. But Medicaid expansion gives me the economic security in knowing that funding is always going to be there for my cancer care. So my question for you, Secretary Price, is pretty straightforward. Why do you want to take -- why do you want to take away my Medicaid expansion?

The fact of the matter is that we don't, Price replied. We don't want to take care away from anybody. What we want to make certain, though, is that every single American has access to the kind of coverage and care that they want for themselves.

Related: Scrambling to Save Their Health Plan, Republicans Consider a Major Change

Kline indicated that he was unsatisfied by Prices answer, but the discussion eventually moved on.

A West Virginia physician, after pointing out that the AHCA would throw one in five of his low-income patients off the Medicaid rolls, asked, Do you think the members of Congress really understand the hardship that patients will have, particularly those on the edge if they lose their health insurance? And how can we help those patients who don't have health insurance?

Yeah, we're not interested in having anybody lose health insurance, Price said. But instead of addressing the people who would lose insurance under the GOP plan, he pointed out that there are 20 million Americans who chose to pay a penalty rather than comply with the ACAs individual mandate.

Bash then pointed out that the AHCA would massively cut Medicaid spending, lopping about 25 percent. How, she asked, can he promise that these people can continue to get the care that they got under Obamacare?

Related: Why the House GOP Health Care Replacement Plan Is Collapsing

The premise of that question is that the way that you measure the success of Medicaid is by how much money goes into it, he said. We believe the way that you measure the success of a program is whether or not it takes care of the individuals, the beneficiaries that are actually needing that program.

He continued, The fact of the matter is that we believe there's a better way to provide the kind of care and services for Medicaid patients and said that is the states, not Washington, D.C. are allowed to design the programs, the levels of care will be improved despite the hundreds of billions of dollars in funding the system would lose over the next ten years if the AHCA were approved.

Price faced a question from a former US Marine, now in recovery from opioid addiction, who worried that the AHCA eliminated the requirement that Medicaid provides care to addicts.

Price insisted that care would still be available, though not necessarily through Medicaid, and returned to the idea that returning authority for designing treatment to the states will work wonders on the system.

Related: How the GOP Health Plan Would Devastate Mentally Ill, Addicted

Many of them have been hamstrung by the federal government, not being able to do what they believe is most helpful for their vulnerable population, he said. So there are wonderful ways I believe in addressing this in a positive way if we keep our focus on the patient -- not on government, but on the patient.

One of the more dramatic moments of the night came when Price was confronted Karen Santana, of Brooklyn, who was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 30.

Pointing out that the Republican plan would eliminate the individual mandate, allowing young and healthy people not to purchase health insurance if they are willing to risk a temporary 30 percent surcharge if they get sick and decide they need coverage.

If the mandate is removed, how will insurance companies be able to afford to pay for people with pre-existing conditions, just like me?

Related: How the Tea Party Could End Up Killing the GOP Health Care Plan

Price answered with a litany of complaints about the Affordable Care Act and repetition of the promise that prices will come down so dramatically under AHCA that even a cancer survivor would be able to afford good coverage with the relatively small tax subsidies available under the plan.

Blitzer pushed back, pointing out the reason insurance works is that people who buy it and dont wind up needing coverage subsidize those who do.

So I think what you just said is that you want to force young individuals to purchase coverage so that they can participate in a government program.

Price was falling back on the freedom argument that House Speaker Paul Ryan has used to defend the AHCA, insisting again that unspecified future changes to the system would create so many great plans that young and healthy consumers will happily purchase coverage.

Related: Now Its the Democrats Turn to Threaten a Government Shutdown

But Santana pushed back, saying that most young people really dont feel that they need coverage. I want to say that when I was diagnosed, I was 30 years old, and, you know, in the prime of my life, and I had a 9-month-old son. You know, I never thought -- I was very young. I never thought I was going to be diagnosed with this, especially at such a young age. And I know people that are in their 20s and are diagnosed with very severe diseases.

And we want them all to have health coverage, Price insisted. Every single one of them.

How thats going to happen, though, was still a mystery at the end of the night.

Top Reads from The Fiscal Times:
Relations between Turkey and the European Union soured after several EU nations prevented Turkish politicians from holding rallies in favor of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's sweeping new powers in a referendum. In a further deepening of diplomatic row, Turkey blocked some military and political operations with NATO's partner countries, Reuters reported Wednesday citing sources.

The differences between Turkey and other European countries have spilled over to NATO, complicating operations even there, official Austrian sources said Wednesday in Vienna, Europe Balkan Latest News reported. The sources said that NATO member Turkey has begun to block cooperation between the alliance and partner countries like Austria, which had hindered Turkey's efforts to get included in the EU last year.

Turkey's decision to stop military work with NATO "partner countries" will reportedly affect all 22 NATO partner states, including Sweden and Georgia, some of which contribute troops to NATO missions in places like Afghanistan and Kosovo.

A senior diplomat from another non-NATO state said: "The longer this continues, the bigger the volume becomes of canceled and postponed activities between NATO allies and partners and the more problematic all this becomes," Reuters reported.

Turkey is also considering canceling a migrant readmission agreement with the EU. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said in a televised interview late Wednesday that the country is reevaluating a $6 billion refugee deal with the bloc, according to Reuters.

Read: Dutch Warn Citizens Against Traveling To Turkey Amid Erdogan Nazi Comments

This week amid the escalating row with the Netherlands, Erdogan had described the Dutch government as "Nazi remnants and fascists," following which Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said Erdogan's remark was "way out of line," BBC reported Saturday. This move has reportedly put a halt to Turkey's yearslong negotiation for the EU membership.

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Even without anyone saying it, Turkeys EU membership talks will go into an irreversible coma now, said Marc Pierini, who served as the EUs ambassador to Turkey from 2006 to 2011. That will suit everybody, except Turkeys democrats," he said, according to Bloomberg.

European politicians have expressed their concerns regarding Erdogan's persecution of opponents. In November, the European Parliament voted to suspend Turkey's EU membership talks because of the Turkish government's crackdown since a coup attempt in July. However, Turkey still remains a key player in Europe's efforts to curb the influx of non-EU migrants and to contain the threat from the Islamic State group, according to a BBC report.

Related Articles
Ankara (AFP) - Turkey is planning to ban popular television dating shows as they do not fit in with Turkish traditions and customs, the deputy prime minister has said.

Numan Kurtulmus was referring to matchmaking reality television shows which are very popular in Turkey but receive thousands of complaints every year.

"There are some strange programmes that would scrap the institution of family, take away its nobility and sanctity," Kurtulmus said in comments to a provincial TV channel published by the Hurriyet daily on Thursday.

"We are working on this and we are coming to the end of it. God willing, in the near future, we will most likely remedy this with an emergency decree," Kurtulmus added.

"God willing, we will meet these societal demands," he said in the interview which took place on Wednesday.

His comments are set to raise concerns in a country whose political system rests on the secular foundations laid by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk at its creation in 1923.

Opponents of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) government frequently voice fears that Turkey is sliding toward conservative Islam.

Kurtulmus described such programmes as counter to Turkey's "customs, traditions, beliefs, the Turkish family structure and the culture of Anatolian lands".

He hit back at those who claimed they were ratings successes: "So what the ratings are very high and thus the advertising revenue is high? Let there not be that kind of advertising revenues."

The deputy premier said he had been told there were 120,000 individual cases of complaints against such programmes.

Last year, Turkey's audiovisual authority RTUK said it received comments from 10,691 citizens about such programmes, most of which were complaints.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan previously caused controversy when he likened abortion to murder in 2012 when he was prime minister.

Critics also claim education reforms, including the increase in religious schools, show the country's secular foundations are being undermined.

The Turkish religious affairs agency Diyanet criticised matchmaking shows last month saying they "exploited family values and desecrated the family institution by stepping on it with (their) feet".

The Turkish authorities insist there is full freedom of religious belief in the country's diverse society.
Ankara (AFP) - Turkey said on Thursday there was "no difference" between the ruling Dutch liberals and the "fascist" anti-immigration politician Geert Wilders, after Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte defeated the far-right in a closely-watched election.

With Turkey locked in an explosive crisis with the European Union that erupted in the run-up to the polls, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu predicted that "religious wars" will start in Europe.

"You look at the social democrats and the fascist Wilders, there is no difference, they have the same mentality," Cavusoglu said, quoted by state-run news agency Anadolu, referring to the ruling Liberals who won the most seats against Wilders and his Freedom Party in Wednesday's election.

Turkey and Europe have been locked in a diplomatic spat after The Netherlands and Germany blocked Turkish ministers from holding rallies to secure a 'yes' vote in next month's referendum on expanding President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's powers.

While Erdogan has repeatedly accused the countries of acting like "Nazis", the European Union has warned Ankara to show moderation in its language.

"Where are you going, where are you taking Europe?" asked Cavusoglu, addressing Europe's leaders.

"You have begun to disintegrate Europe and take Europe to the cliff. Soon religious wars will begin in Europe," Cavusoglu warned.

"Because they were of different faiths, they killed each other for 100 years," he said, without elaborating further.

"But they learned a lesson from this and the European Union, the Council of Europe was set up," he said. "Europe is going back to those old days."

Cavusoglu questioned The Netherlands' understanding of "humanity, democracy and freedom", insisting Turkey would not remain passive against such actions.

"You will see in the coming period, we will take further steps," the minister added without giving further details.

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The Istanbul municpality also announced it would break off its sister city protocol with the Dutch port city of Rotterdam -- in place since 2005 -- after Erdogan had called for the move.

Turkish ministers had wanted to hold pre-referendum rallies in Rotterdam but were blocked from doing so by Dutch police, prompting clashes in the city.

On April 16, Turks will decide whether to approve constitutional changes to create an executive presidency, which the government insists will be like the system in France or the United States but critics say it will lead to one-man rule.

On Wednesday, Cavusoglu threatened to unilaterally scrap a March 2016 deal that has substantially reduced the flow of migrants and refugees to the EU.
Istanbul (AFP) - Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday accused the EU of starting a "crusade" against Islam and said his country was no longer friends with The Netherlands, further souring relations.

Turkey and the EU are locked in their most explosive row in years after Germany and The Netherlands blocked Turkish ministers from campaigning for a 'Yes' vote in a April referendum on expanding Erdogan's powers.

Ankara has expressed dismay over the rise of the anti-immigrant far-right in Europe but showed no pleasure over Wednesday's election win by liberal Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte.

And on Thursday, the Turkish president accused the EU's top court of starting a "crusade struggle" against Islam after a ruling allowing European firms to ban employees from wearing political or religious symbols -- including the Islamic headscarf.

"Europe is swiftly rolling back to the days before World War II," he said in a televised speech.

- 'Europe on the brink' -

Dutch voters on Wednesday returned Rutte's liberals to power, seeing off a challenge from the anti-Islam party of Geert Wilders.

But, embittered by a Dutch move to block Turkish ministers from holding rallies several days earlier, Erdogan offered no congratulations, instead saying The Netherlands had lost a friend.

"Hey Rutte! You may have emerged as the number one party in the election but you must know that you have lost Turkey as your friend," Erdogan said.

Earlier, Turkey's top diplomat Mevlut Cavusoglu said there was "no difference" between Rutte's liberals and the "fascist" Wilders, and predicted the start of "religious wars" in Europe, saying the bloc was being pushed to the edge of "the cliff" by the rise of the far right.

The row erupted at the start of the month when several German towns refused to allow political rallies at which Turkish ministers and officials were due to campaign.

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And there appears to be no end in sight with the German city of Hanover on Thursday barring a rally by the Union of European Turkish Democrats (UETD) at which a senior official from Erdogan's ruling AKP party was to speak.

"We don't want such electoral meetings in our city," said Hanover mayor Stefan Schostok.

And an Austrian concert hall cancelled a Turkish music event over its "political" nature, citing the performers' links to Turkish nationalists who are allied with the AKP.

But in a surprise move, the mayor of the Dutch city of Rotterdam approved a pro-Turkish protest over the police's handling of clashes which erupted outside the Turkish consulate on Saturday.

- 'Unacceptable' -

Over the past fortnight, the row has escalated, with Erdogan repeatedly accusing Dutch and German politicians of acting like "Nazis" and claiming the "spirit of fascism" is rampant in Europe.

Analysts say the Turkish strongman wants to be seen as standing up to Europe so he can sweep up nationalist votes ahead of the April 16 referendum on constitutional changes.

But his volcanic rhetoric has raised questions about the continuation of Turkey's half-century bid to join the EU.

However, Cavusoglu said in an interview with the HaberTurk broadcaster late Thursday that there was "no reason" for Turkey to "move away from Europe".

French President Francois Hollande and Germany's Angela Merkel on Thursday issued a joint statement denouncing as "unacceptable" Erdogan's remarks on Nazism and his aggressive statements against Berlin and other EU nations.

Turkey has also raised alarm in Brussels by threatening to unilaterally scrap a 2016 agreement that has substantially reduced the flow of migrants to the EU.

"We can stop (the deal) unilaterally... all of this is in our hands," Cavusoglu told 24 TV, lambasting the EU for failing to make good on a promise to allow Turks visa-free travel.

The EU Commission said that it expected Turkey to implement the accord. But Cavusoglu has said Turkey is no longer taking back migrants who landed on the Greek islands in what had been a key part of the deal.

The minister later insisted Turkey was "not using refugees as a weapon".
Montreal (AFP) - Two US snowshoers appear to have been caught in an avalanche in Banff National Park in the Canadian Rocky Mountains and are feared dead, a Canada Parks official said Wednesday.

A GPS signal from tags worn by the two tourists was picked up by a rescue team traveling in a helicopter north of the tiny town of Lake Louise, 180 kilometers (112 miles) from Calgary in the western province of Alberta.

"We can't confirm anything at the time, but all the evidence points to the likelihood that they were buried in avalanche debris," Canada Parks spokeswoman Tania Peters told AFP.

Federal police were alerted to the missing pair from Boston after they did not return to the hotel where they were supposed to check out.

Canada Parks, the federal agency that manages the country's national parks, launched a search-and-rescue mission for the missing people, whose identities have not been released.

"They likely were buried in the avalanche," Peters said. "We were able to find snowshoe track into the avalanche debris with no tracks out of that debris."

"The avalanche danger right now is too high to put a cruiser on the ground to search," she added, saying officials hope to be able to search the area in the coming days.

The authorities closed several roads in the region because of the high avalanche risk, she said.
Tokyo (AFP) - The United States on Thursday vowed a fresh strategy to counter the North Korean nuclear threat, admitting that all previous efforts had failed.

During a visit to Japan at the start of an Asian tour, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said he would urge China to play its part in reining in its neighbour.

In his first foray into crisis diplomacy, the new US envoy wants to reassure key Asian allies that Washington stands with them in the face of the accelerating nuclear and missile threats.

But he warned that past policies and punishments have had virtually no effect on Pyongyang's ambitions.

"I think it's important to recognise that the diplomatic and other efforts of the past 20 years to bring North Korea to a point of denuclearisation have failed," he told a press conference with Japan's Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida.

North Korea has a long-standing ambition to become a nuclear power and conducted its first underground atomic test in 2006, in the teeth of global opposition. Four more test blasts have followed, two of them last year.

It has continued to defy the international community, even after two rounds of UN-backed international sanctions, and last week test fired a salvo of ballistic missiles that fell in waters off Japan.

"In the face of the ever-escalating threat it is clear that a new approach is required," Tillerson said, offering no details.

But he reiterated Washington's vow to face down the North Korean threat and back regional friends Japan and South Korea.

"The US commitment to the defence of Japan and its other treaty allies through the full range of our military capabilities is unwavering," he promised.

US President Donald Trump stirred concern in the region during his White House campaign by suggesting allies like Japan and South Korea need to do more to defend themselves.

But since his victory he has twice met with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and has been careful to offer complete support, as Tillerson reiterated.

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Kishida and Abe thanked the former oil man for the US backing, and the Japanese prime minister fondly remembered a golf round last month with Trump.

- 'Bring it out' -

After Tokyo, Tillerson flies to Seoul for talks with South Korea's acting leader and at the weekend heads to Beijing to finalise plans for Chinese leader Xi Jinping to visit Trump in April.

US officials have been spooked by North Korea's accelerating progress towards building an intercontinental ballistic missile that could threaten US mainland cities.

China is perhaps the last country with significant leverage over Kim Jong-Un's isolated regime.

"We do believe they have a very important role to play," Tillerson said of Beijing. "We will be having discussions with China as to other actions that they should be undertaking."

Beijing shares US concerns over Pyongyang's attempts to build an arsenal of nuclear devices, but has also blamed Washington for escalating tensions.

It called last week for North Korea to suspend its nuclear and missile activities in exchange for the US and South Korea halting military exercises to avert a dangerous confrontation -- the latter rejected by the US.

Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said at a briefing Thursday that Beijing stood by the idea.

"If the US or another country has a better plan, a better proposal, they can bring it out," she said.

In the absence of specific details on how to increase pressure on Pyongyang from either Tillerson or Kishida, observers see several options.

They include a pre-emptive strike against missile and nuclear facilities, dialogue the US has currently made conditional on tangible commitment by Pyongyang to stop the programmes, and stepped-up sanctions, according to James Kim from the Seoul-based Asan Institute of Policy Studies.

"The US Congress has shown great interest in tougher sanctions," Kim said. "That means the US could implement stronger sanctions which could be, in my view, similar to those previously imposed on Iran."

Iran came to an agreement with world powers to rein in its nuclear program after US secondary sanctions punished European banks that were dealing with the Tehran regime.

Some Washington policy experts have called for similar measures to deal with Chinese banks working with North Korea, but others hope Beijing will come on board without a clash.
Juba (AFP) - The International Organization for Migration said Thursday that two people were killed when gunmen attacked an aid convoy in South Sudan, where chronic violence has led to famine.

The aid organisation said the convoy was attacked on Tuesday as it was returning from the central town of Yirol where staff and health workers had been assisting communities affected by a deadly outbreak of cholera.

One of the vehicles was ambushed by gunmen who shot dead two people -- a civilian and a person "involved in the health response", according to the IOM.

Three others were injured, including an IOM health officer, the organisation said in a statement.

"This tragic attack on aid workers and civilians is appalling," said IOM director general William Lacy Swing.

"In a country overwhelmed by the huge lack of basic necessities due to conflict, famine and health epidemics, these types of attacks undoubtedly harm the ability of humanitarian partners to provide assistance to millions in need of lifesaving aid."

Some 100,000 people are suffering from a man-made famine in South Sudan, where a three-year conflict has made it difficult for aid workers to reach the needy.

Another one million people could tip into famine if there is insufficient rain in the coming months and a total of nearly five million are going hungry.

A biting drought has forced many to turn to unsafe water sources, resulting in diseases such as cholera which has affected 300 and left 10 dead in Yirol.

"Amid an already difficult operating environment, insecurity and access constraints continually hinder the ability of IOM and other aid agencies to reach the most vulnerable in many parts of the country," said the IOM statement.

International aid agencies have criticised South Sudan for raising foreign worker visa fees to as much as $10,000 (9,300 euros) just days after famine was declared, accusing them of seeking to profit from the crisis.

In an unprecedented global food crisis more than 20 million people are facing starvation, with Yemen, Nigeria and Somalia also on the verge of famine.
By Susan Cornwell WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Deeply divided Republicans squeezed their U.S. healthcare overhaul, backed by President Donald Trump, through a key House of Representatives panel on Thursday despite defections by three conservatives who consider it too similar to the Obamacare law it is intended to replace. Trump's first major legislative initiative still faces an uphill battle in the full House and later the Senate despite ongoing efforts by the White House and Republican leaders to satisfy conservative opponents. The Budget Committee vote was 19 to 17, with Republican Representatives David Brat, Gary Palmer and Mark Sanford - all members of the conservative House Freedom Caucus - joining the panel's Democrats in voting against it. The committee brought provisions approved last week by two other panels into a single bill, helping pave the way for a later vote on the House floor. Republicans, who control Congress and the White House, could not afford to lose more than three from their ranks on the committee for it to pass. "I don't think we are anywhere near passage," Brat said after the vote, noting that Republican conservatives as well as moderates had problems with the bill. The 2010 Affordable Care Act, the signature legislative achievement of former President Barack Obama, enabled about 20 million previously uninsured Americans to obtain medical coverage. About half of those were through the law's expansion of eligibility and increased funding for the Medicaid government health insurance program for the poor. The close vote illustrated the problems Republican leaders may encounter in corralling enough votes in their party to win passage on the House floor amid unified Democratic opposition. The measure now goes to the Rules Committee before reaching the House floor. The Congressional Budget Office, a nonpartisan congressional agency, forecast on Monday that the legislation would increase the number of Americans without health insurance by 24 million by 2026, while cutting $337 billion from federal budget deficits over the same period. The bill faces opposition from leading healthcare providers, including doctors and hospitals. "We are on track and on schedule," House Speaker Paul Ryan, who unveiled the legislation last week and is its chief champion in the House, said after the committee's vote. He added that while the main parts of the bill "are going to stay exactly as they are," Republicans were making unspecified "improvements and refinements." Ryan told a news conference that Trump was "deeply involved" and "helping bridge gaps" among Republican lawmakers to get a consensus plan. 'CONSTITUENCY OF ONE' Conservatives were unmoved. "There's no natural constituency for this bill," said Republican Representative Raul Labrador, another Freedom Caucus member. "The Left is really mad about it. The Right is really mad about it. The middle is really mad about it. And so far it just seems to be a constituency of one, which is Washington insiders, people that are just trying to get something passed so they can get to the next issue." Trump administration officials and House Republican leaders have said they hope to get the bill to the House floor by the end of the month so it can go to the Senate before lawmakers' mid-April recess. Conservatives want a quicker end to the Obamacare Medicaid expansion, which the bill has set for 2020, and want to add work requirements for some Medicaid recipients. They also call the age-based tax credits to help people buy insurance on the open market an unwise new entitlement. The White House said it was discussing changes with House Republican leaders. Trump told a Fox News interviewer on Wednesday that much of the bill would still be negotiated, especially as it moves from the House to the Senate. Conservative advocacy groups praised the Republicans who voted "no." Club for Growth President David McIntosh said it makes no sense for Ryan and Budget Committee chair Diane Black to force Republicans "to walk the plank and vote for a bad bill that they've already admitted needs to be changed." Black asked fellow Republicans who had doubts not to "cut off the discussion" by voting no. After approving the legislation, the panel adopted four non-binding Republican recommendations for changes before it moves to the House floor, including one by the conservative Palmer on adding work requirements for able-bodied, childless Medicaid recipients. The other recommendations called for no longer encouraging people to sign up for insurance through Medicaid, giving states more flexibility in designing Medicaid programs, and changing the bill's tax credits to help lower-income people more. Democrats have called the Republicans' plan a blow to the elderly and the poor while giving tax cuts to the rich. Representative John Yarmuth, the committee's top Democrat, said the legislation was "not a healthcare bill; it is an ideological document." He said the bill imagined a "fantasy land where young people don't get sick, and apparently they don't grow old either, because they don't have to worry about being priced out of the market." (Additional reporting by Susan Heavey, Doina Chiacu, David Morgan and Yasmeen Abutaleb; Writing by Will Dunham; Editing by Dan Grebler)
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.

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TOKYO (AP)  U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Thursday cooperation with allies Japan and South Korea is critical to addressing the threat from North Koreas nuclear and missile programs.

Tillerson was speaking as he met with Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida on his first trip to Asia as the top U.S. diplomat.

North Korea is expected to top the agenda at Tillersons talks in Tokyo. Last week, North Korea test-fired four missiles that landed in ocean off Japan.

Tillerson will meet later Thursday with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

Japan and South Korea both host tens of thousands of U.S. troops. Washington has been urging the two nations to step security cooperation despite their historically strained relations. This week, the nations three navies have conducted missile defense information-sharing drills in the region

Tillerson said that strengthening U.S. relations with Japan and trilateral cooperation among all three is critical in particular as we address North Koreas nuclear and missile programs.

Kishida said the fact that Japan was Tillersons first stop showed the importance Washington attaches to the relationship. He said the U.S. and Japan had an unwavering bond.

On Friday, Tillerson travels to South Korea, where U.S. forces are engaged in annual military drills that have angered Pyongyang.

He then goes to China. Washington wants Beijing to exert more pressure on North Korea over its provocative behavior.
Ubers 2017 has been off to a rough start.

More than 200,000 users reportedly stopped using the app in late January as part of the recent #DeleteUber movement. Less than a month later, former Uber engineer Susan Fowler wrote a scathing account of her time at the company, citing a sexist and chaotic environment. And just days after Fowlers explosive blog post was published, Bloomberg published a video of CEO Travis Kalanick getting into a heated debate with a driver over fare cuts. (Kalanick has since apologized.)

But Ubers drivers appear unmoved by the recent controversies, according to a series of interviews conducted by TIME. Those who already felt negatively about the company care more about fare cuts than corporate crises. And drivers who still enjoy working for the company say they will continue to do so despite the recent hubbub. I have not considered driving with Lyft and never really have, says Julian Jackson, an Uber driver working in the Columbus, Ohio area. I have always had this loyalty to Uber.

Only two of the half dozen drivers TIME interviewed are even considering changing their relationship with Uber as a result of the companys recent missteps. Other drivers, however, say they have long felt mistreated by Uber, and recent events have done little to change that.

The mixed sentiment highlights the divide between Ubers corporate culture and its drivers. Its also evidence that Uber drivers, like many workers, make employment decisions based on economics more so than other factors.

Brett Stratton, a Walnut Creek, Calif.-based driver for Uber and Lyft who often works in the Bay Area, has considered dropping Uber, but he wants to learn more about the controversies. He specifically mentioned the video of Kalanick arguing with his Uber Black driver. If its as bad as they say and then some, Im out. If its really just because [Kalanick] was having a bad day and it was just a stroke of bad luck, everybody has weak moments like that.

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Carl Johnson, who has been driving for Uber for about eight months in the Kansas City, Mo. area, says he is happy working for the company. He even said he thinks it was the driver, not Kalanick, who acted inappropriately in the video. [Kalanick] is paying a fare to ride in your car just like anybody else would, says Johnson. When were all in our cars, thats our office. [Dropping fares] need to be addressed formally, not informally like that.

Columbus, Ohio-based driver Kat Ellery feels differently. She hasnt activated Uber in three months, preferring Lyft because riders have an in-app option to tip their drivers. (Uber passengers can tip their drivers in cash, but theres no option to do so in the Uber app, a feature long requested by drivers.) For Ellery, it was a 2014 report that a high-ranking Uber executive suggested using private investigators to dig up dirt on reporters critical of the company that led her to favor Lyft.

Ubers business model relies on its controversial relationship with its 1.5 million drivers, who are classified as independent contractors rather than employees. That means that the near $70-billion company isnt financially responsible for benefits like health care, car insurance and gas reimbursement, keeping costs down and appearing more attractive to potential investors ahead of an expected initial public offering. But some drivers argue theyre more like regular employees because Uber, not drivers, set rates for passengers. That debate has found its way into courtrooms around the country. Last year, for example, Uber agreed to pay $100 million to settle class action lawsuits in Massachusetts and California brought by drivers seeking changes in employment status. (Uber did not reclassify drivers in these states but did make other changes, such as promising to give more drivers insight about how users rate them on the app). Some Uber drivers, meanwhile, have protested simply to get higher fares.

When contacted by TIME, Uber did not offer new comments about drivers concerns. But company executives have addressed those issues both publicly and privately. Jeff Jones, the companys president of ride sharing, recently sent drivers an email claiming the company is working on helping drivers make more money. Speaking at a Wall Street Journal conference in 2015, Kalanick, the CEO, characterized driving for Uber as a way to fill in the gaps financially rather than providing full-time income (research has shown that most gig economy workers have other part-time jobs). Kalanick has also defended Ubers classification of its drivers as independent contractors rather than employees by arguing that it gives them more choice. Uber is now fighting efforts by labor groups to unionize drivers in the Seattle area, which may further alienate some workers.

Experts like Mike Ramsey, a research director at Gartner specializing in the on-demand economy, say that Ubers recent controversies may have a bigger impact on passengers than drivers. After all, theyre less tied to any one app. But if enough passengers move to rival apps like Lyft, Juno, and Gett, it should hold that drivers will follow. And Ramsey cautions that there are only so many fare cuts and other slights that drivers will tolerate before they, too, will vote with their feet  or their cars. Working for a company where you make less and less money over time  to me that is not sustainable, says Ramsey.
LONDON (AP)  Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair won't face an investigation into whether he misled Parliament before the 2003 Iraq invasion unless new evidence emerges, a committee of lawmakers said Thursday.

A seven-year official inquiry into the war had cleared Blair of allegations that he had made a "personal and demonstrable decision to deceive Parliament or the public," Parliament's Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee said.

The committee said that several probes into the divisive war don't "provide a sufficient basis" for a parliamentary investigation.

The decision to enter the U.S.-led war was the most contentions act of Blair's decade as prime minister between 1997 and 2007. By the time British combat forces left Iraq in 2009, the conflict had killed 179 U.K. troops, almost 4,500 U.S. personnel and more than 100,000 Iraqis.

The Iraq War Inquiry led by retired civil servant John Chilcot concluded last year that Blair led Britain into the war through a mix of flawed intelligence, inadequate planning and poor judgment. But it refrained from saying whether the invasion was legal and didn't accuse Blair of deliberately misleading the public or Parliament.

The parliamentary committee said that there still aren't strong measures to prevent a prime minister from sidelining senior Cabinet colleagues when deciding to go to war.

Committee chairman Bernard Jenkin said that before the Iraq invasion, "there was a lack of collective Cabinet decision-making, at a time when clear thinking and a culture of challenge was most needed."

"The failure to engage Cabinet on such decisions cannot be allowed to happen again, but there is no mechanism to ensure that," he said.
ROME (AP)  Britain's Prince Charles and his wife will meet with Pope Francis during a six-day trip to Italy that includes a visit to an earthquake-destroyed town and a villa once belonging to the mafia.

The March 31-April 5 trip is part of a tour, including Romania and Austria, aimed at boosting relations with European allies as Brexit looms.

In addition to official calls to Italy's president, the U.N. food agency and the pope, the royal couple will spread out across Italy: Charles visits the central town of Amatrice, razed to the ground by an August earthquake.

The British embassy said Thursday the Duchess of Cornwall will wander the ruins of Herculaneum, the ancient city near Naples destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, and visit a villa confiscated from the mafia.
Tehran (AFP) - While Iranians would bear the brunt of Donald Trump's visa ban, if it ever comes into force, international officials say the country has quietly emerged as one of the most generous towards refugees.

"The leadership demonstrated by the Iranian government has been exemplary in hosting refugees and keeping borders open," said Sivanka Dhanapala, who heads the UN High Commissioner for Refugees team in Tehran.

"It's a story that's not told often enough."

Iran has been sheltering a million registered Afghans for almost four decades, and NGOs estimate there are around two million more living under the radar.

That's the fourth-largest refugee population in the world, the UN says.

On Wednesday a federal court in Hawaii halted Trump's new visa ban on six mostly Muslim nations including Iran, with a judge ruling there was a strong likelihood it would cause "irreparable injury" should it go ahead.

If it comes into force, the executive order would have a particularly tough impact on the one million Iranians living and studying in the US, as well as their families.

Foreign NGO workers have noted the irony that Iran is targeted by the ban while it continues to deal with huge numbers who have fled an American-led conflict.

Dhanapala highlighted the 2015 decree by supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei ordering schools to take in all Afghan children, documented or not -- a move that left authorities scrambling to build the equivalent of 15,000 new classrooms.

"We've also worked with the government on incorporating refugees into a government-sponsored health insurance scheme which is a ground-breaking development not just for Iran but globally for refugees," Dhanapala said.

- 'Bitter life' -

Officials are well aware that Afghans still face a harsh existence in Iran.

As in many countries, Iranians are less than pleased to be hosting so many poor foreigners, especially when their economy has been battered by years of sanctions and mismanagement.

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The result is that Iran does a lot to discourage Afghans from staying, rounding up the undocumented and sending them home.

"Even someone like me, who was born in Iran and has lived here 36 years, is not yet an Iranian citizen and the discrimination I face in my education and work is suffocating," said one Afghan, a relatively well-established professional in Tehran, who asked to remain anonymous.

He is still grateful for his residency permit, which must be renewed every six to 12 months.

"I have never seen Afghanistan, except for the bad images on the media and I truly fear returning," he said.

"But for 36 years, I have lived in fear of my residency papers not being renewed and it has made life bitter for us."

Iran has tried to encourage voluntary repatriation, but with a still-raging conflict and moribund economy, only 2,426 went home of their own free will last year -- a record-low figure according to the UN.

- Life in the shadows -

Many Afghans are in Iran for work, and are a perennial sight on the margins of Tehran life as construction workers, parking attendants and rubbish-pickers.

"What else can we do? I have two daughters and a son back in Afghanistan," said an undocumented 40-year-old who works as a cleaner and also asked not be named.

He gave up his refugee card so he could visit his family, and came back to Iran with a three-month visa which he could not renew.

"I haven't visited home for three years. If I go, it takes five to 12 months to get another visa," he said.

He was 14 when he fled the Soviet war in the 1980s.

"When they catch you on the street, it doesn't matter if you've been here one year or 100, they take you to the deportation camp and make you pay for the bus back to the border," he said.

"I've been sent back a few times. Either you wait for a new visa or come illegally with traffickers. I don't use the traffickers -- it's horrible."

- Afghan recruits -

Foreign governments have also accused Iran of rounding up young Afghans to fight in Syria.

Iran denies any coercion or government sponsorship, saying they are volunteers, though the families of those killed are given special privileges.

Meanwhile, some NGO workers privately criticise the rough treatment of Afghans, especially in border regions, but all agree Iran deserves far more credit for the burden it has accepted.

The UN hopes Iran will ease restrictions on which jobs Afghans can do, and would like a formal registration process for the undocumented, although it understands fears that this could attract yet more migrants.

But, said Dhanapala, "in a world where you have multiple bad stories about hosting refugees, I think Iran is really a good news story".
By Tife Owolabi and Libby George PORT HARCOURT, Nigeria/LONDON (Reuters) - The moment a group of Nigerian contractors met executives from Italian oil major Eni to discuss unpaid wages they started shouting, calling them fraudsters and liars until a police commander restored calm. Wenenda Mpi, local manager of Eni unit Agip, blamed the payment delays on debts owed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), a view shared by an Eni spokesman in Rome, and said the government had promised to sort the problem out. The heated meeting, called after hundreds of Eni contractors threatened a protest that police feared could turn violent, highlights the challenge of stabilizing the Niger Delta oil region, even though attacks on oil facilities have halted. Militants were persuaded to stop the attacks by promises of more investment and jobs from visiting officials including Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, a technocrat who stood in for President Muhammadu Buhari this year while he had seven weeks of medical treatment in London. That has helped restore output to close to its former level 2.2 million barrels a day (bpd) from the 1.15 million bpd it hit last year. But it is unclear how long the calm will last. Protests like that against Eni in the region's biggest city Port Harcourt are common, partly because low global oil prices mean oil firms are firing hundreds of workers and cutting back on contractors such as welders, security guards and cooks. The Eni contractors showed up on time at the city's police headquarters for the meeting brokered by a local police commander, and tempers were high by the time three Agip managers and the police boss arrived more than an hour later. "We are giving Agip a two week ultimatum to pay all outstanding debt," said Clement Adaminegbe, head of contractors at Agip, threatening unspecified further action. "In case of failure we will take a clear stand." Mpi promised to look into the grievances but was shouted down by the workers until the Commissioner of Police Zaki Ahmed stepped in - persuading them to meet again next week in the presence of an Italian manager. "I want both parties to resolve the issue amicably," he said, addressing the stone-faced protesters at the meeting attended by a Reuters reporter. EXPECTATIONS Since the start of the year, Vice President Osinbajo has been going back and forth to the swamp lands, promising to drag the region's population out of poverty with a bigger share of Nigeria's huge oil wealth. Residents say Osinbajo, a Christian like most in the southern region, has connected much better with them than Buhari, a Muslim from the north, who last year sent the army to hunt down militants and has only visited the region once. Osinbajo has proposed legalizing illegal oil refineries to ensure employment for angry youths who often join militants, although a military campaign to hunt them down has continued. The future of the fragile peace will depend on whether the government follows up on such proposals at a time when Africa's biggest economy is hit by its first recession in 25 years. State oil firm NNPC has been planning for two years to pay back funds owed to oil majors for joint oil operations. The government said in December a remaining $5.1 billion would be paid back in five years, a time scale which means tensions over payments on the ground will likely continue. An Eni spokesman said payment delays from NNPC had been accumulating for 15 years, but they expected repayments to resume this year. Locals are demanding that oil majors relocate their headquarters to the region  a move that most are loath to make due to security concerns. A spokesman for Eni said 90 percent of its Nigerian subsidiary's workforce were already based in the Delta. A spokesperson for Shell's Nigeria unit said they had no such plans, Chevron and Exxon declined to comment on any relocation. CASH The oil swamps are home to 40 ethnic groups competing for a share of oil money, a major obstacle to reaching an agreement that would put a permanent end to attacks on oil facilities. "There's a kind of cycle of violence in the Delta," said Anthony Goldman of Nigeria-focused Promedia Consulting. "It's not just about paying people off. This money is there  it's in the budget. It's really about what the situation is on the ground." Villages fight for contracts, forcing oil firms to recruit only their youth as guards or risk pipelines being blown up by rejected hires. Or they demand firms to buy food or cement from them and block passage of vehicles if they bring in supplies from other villages, oil workers say. "The issue of surveillance contracts is not working well, we will revisit it," the Agip manager said at the meeting, referring to security contracts with host communities. The protesters handed the Agip delegation a list of 16 demands including a cash payment of 10 million naira ($32,000) to "demobilize" the planned protest. They also want to get 60 percent of future work tendered by Agip. Eni said its contracts were awarded on a competitive basis. Officials have repeatedly visited the biggest Delta group of Ijaw from which the Niger Delta Avengers, the biggest militant group, recruits. That has not gone down well with other groups. "If the people of the upland part of the region are not treated with same level of respect as those in the creeks, there will never be security for the oil assets you so much cherish," the militant group Niger Delta Greenland Justice Mandate said in a statement last week. Shell has been reluctant to reopen the only key pipeline that is still down  Trans Forcados  and oil traders say there are still worries from buyers about the reliability of Nigeria's exports, given the security problems. Locals hope Buhari will allow Osinbajo to continue his peace efforts in the Niger Delta after he resumed work on Monday following his medical leave. "Osinbajo ... was working hard to return peace," said Austin Ozobo, a Delta activist. "Our fear is that things may get worse with the return of President Buhari, certain steps or modalities taken by the (former) acting President Osinbajo to restore peace in the region may be abandoned." (Writing by Libby George and Ulf Laessing; editing by Philippa Fletcher and David Clarke)
HARTFORD, Conn. (AP)  Ousted in a purge of President Barack Obama appointees, U.S. Attorney Deirdre Daly spent the weekend clearing out her office, receiving calls from well-wishers and making tearful farewells. Then, on Sunday night, she learned she would be staying.

Daly, the top federal law enforcement official for the district of Connecticut, is among a small number of career prosecutors who were given more time to reach service anniversaries that are important for retirement benefits.

They now enter lame-duck periods in which experts say they can be just as effective but may not have as much latitude.

"It feels a bit like I've risen from the dead," Daly said in an interview. "I don't at all feel diminished by this. If anything, I feel I've received a lot of support for which I am tremendously grateful."

Attorney General Jeff Sessions, a Republican, on Friday requested the resignations of 46 remaining U.S. attorneys who had been nominated by Obama. It's fairly customary for the 93 U.S. attorneys to leave their posts once a new president is in office, and many had already left or were making plans for their departures.

Daly, a registered Democrat who never has been active politically, submitted her resignation but was given a reprieve until the end of October, when she completes 20 years with the Justice Department. The U.S. attorney for the Northern District of New York, Richard Hartunian, was allowed to stay through June, when he reaches the 20-year mark.

Fifteen-year Justice Department veteran John Huber, the U.S. attorney for Utah, will stay on an interim basis for another four months.

"As a career prosecutor and public servant, this privilege to represent our nation is the pinnacle of my career," Huber said. His office declined to comment on the reasons for his extension.

The new interim status likely will not have much effect on what these prosecutors do in their jobs, but they may have less influence or less latitude compared to those appointed by President Donald Trump's administration, according to Michael Gerhardt, a professor at the University of North Carolina School of Law.

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Daly, who has led the district since 2013, said she loves the job for the ability to improve the quality of people's lives and she's grateful to stay a while longer. Like the other holdovers, she stressed common ground with Sessions on the commitment to fight violent crime.

Daly also has been known for outreach on issues that aligned with the priorities of former Attorney General Loretta Lynch, a Democrat. Her office has provided cultural competency and anti-bias training for local police, developed partnerships with Arab, Muslim and Sikh community leaders and worked to bridge a divide between law enforcement and minority communities.

Daly said she has no trepidation about the transition.

"I am optimistic that there will be no need to trim our sails and that we will continue the work that we are so committed to," she said.

Stanley Twardy, a former U.S. attorney for Connecticut, said he did not expect there would be any loss of standing for Daly.

"She has a lot of respect among the assistants as it is," he said. "That will continue and she is the boss."

A spokesman for Hartunian, in New York's Northern District, said he will not be any less effective.

"He is fully familiar with the cases and important issues in the district," said Richard Southwick, an assistant U.S. attorney. "We have every reason to believe he will be the successful chief prosecutor that he has been in the past."

___

Associated Press writer Michelle L. Price in Salt Lake City contributed to this report.
Tokyo (AFP) - The United States' top diplomat on Thursday reassured key Asian allies that Washington stands with them in the face of the accelerating missile threat from North Korea.

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson began his first Asian tour in Tokyo and held talks with Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida before a scheduled meeting with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

President Donald Trump had caused consternation during his White House campaign by suggesting US allies Japan and South Korea need to do more to defend themselves, but since taking office has been careful to offer complete support.

Tillerson, the former oilman Trump chosen to head his diplomatic team, reiterated that message.

"The US Japan alliance remains the cornerstone of peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region," Tillerson told his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida at the start of their meeting.

But he also stressed the importance of three-way cooperation with South Korea, calling it "critical in particular as we address North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missiles programmes".

Kishida, meanwhile, thanked Tillerson for US backing.

"I highly value the fact that you chose Japan as your first place to visit in Asia," he said, adding that it indicates the "importance" the US attaches to the relationship.

Tillerson travels to South Korea on Friday, before heading to China on Saturday.

There, he will urge his hosts to pressure Kim Jong-Un's regime to halt Pyongyang's nuclear and ballistic missile programs before committing to eventual peace talks.

- Deep cuts -

The tour is Tillerson's first major foray into crisis diplomacy, after brief trips to Bonn and Mexico City, but he has not managed to leave Washington controversy behind him.

A small group of American expats protested outside the US embassy in Tokyo, demanding the former ExxonMobil chief executive respect the Paris climate change accord.

And back home, arguments raged over his decision to break with 50 years of tradition by refusing to allow the Washington diplomatic press corps to fly on his plane.

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Some 20 US-based reporters flew commercially to Japan to follow the visit, but only one, a hand-picked writer from a small conservative outlet, was allowed on his jet.

Back home, Trump will unveil his budget blueprint later Thursday.

Former top diplomats have denounced the plan -- which will call for slashing State Department funding by 28 percent -- as a hammer blow to US influence.

Tillerson, while keeping a low public profile, appears ready however to cautiously support deep cuts.

- 'Head-on collision' -

State Department officials insist that the focus of the trip will be North Korea and efforts to rebalance commerce without provoking a trade war with the Chinese giant.

Acting spokesman Mark Toner told reporters this week that efforts to convince China to pressure North Korea were the "looming challenge" in trans-Pacific relations.

"He's going to have an opportunity at every stop to talk about next steps or what we do now, with respect to North Korea," he said.

After Tokyo, Tillerson will fly on to Seoul for talks with South Korea's acting leader, and at the weekend he heads to Beijing amid reports he will seek to finalise plans for Chinese leader Xi Jinping to visit Trump in April.

In a news conference on Wednesday, Premier Li Keqiang said "there are bright prospects for China-US cooperation."

US officials have been spooked by North Korea's accelerating progress towards building an intercontinental ballistic missile that could threaten US mainland cities.

China is perhaps the last country with significant leverage over North Korea, which has ignored several rounds of UN-backed sanctions targeting its banned weapons program.

Beijing shares US concerns over Pyongyang's attempts to build an arsenal of nuclear devices, but has been much more measured in its reaction to the ballistic missile program.

Xi's government is publicly more concerned about Washington's decision to deploy the THAAD missile defence program in South Korea.

Washington insists THAAD is a defensive system deployed to protect the South and US bases, but China fears its advanced radar system undermines China's nuclear deterrent.

In recent comments, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi implied the United States and North Korea were equally at fault and moving towards a "head-on collision".
Much of the U.S. should expect higher than average temperatures this spring with a region stretching from Texas to New England expected to have the most unusually tepid temperatures, federal climate scientists said Thursday.

Forecasters from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) also warned that communities in the midwest, California and southeastern U.S. could be vulnerable to flooding. North Dakota and Idaho face a particularly high risk of flooding as high levels of snow melt coincide with anticipated spring rain.

The northern Rocky Mountain range, the northern Great Plains and the Gulf Coast should all expect high levels of precipitation, according to the report.

California faces elevated risk of flooding in its Northern and central regions thanks largely to an unusually wet year that broke years of crippling drought in the state. The high water flow has already inundated the states infrastructure and experts warn of the potential for more problems.

The forecast for above-average spring temperatures follows a winter that ranked as the sixth hottest on record despite late-season storms.
It's been almost one week since "BBC Dad" and his adorable kids came crashing into our lives in a hilarious BBC interview blunder. But, after what feels like an eternity of op-eds, memes, parodies and fan art, it's now high time we left this family alone once and for all.

Yes, it was funny. We all laughed. Now, let's move on. Seriously.

SEE ALSO: Man attempts to give serious BBC interview, regrets ever having children

It's safe to say the internet and media organisations (including us) made the most of that moment where Robert Kelly's children, Marion and James, burst into what was intended to be a very serious interview on the impeachment of South Korea's president on Thursday. Almost immediately after, our Twitter feeds were awash with meme after hilarious meme. Social media feeds were dominated with BBC Dad and people just couldn't get enough.

walk into the club like pic.twitter.com/Dp4rcdI0pj  Valerie Loftus (@valerieloftus) March 10, 2017

The hot takes were literally never-ending. "The BBC pundit's children video is NOT FUNNY. It's patriarchy in a nutshell," declared the New Statesman. "Assuming the woman in the BBC dad video is the nanny highlights a dangerous stereotype," proclaimed Romper. Some accused Kelly of "shoving" his daughter out of the way, and others felt that his wife Jung-A used too much force when removing the kids from the room.

Then came the backlash and people (rightly) argued that we shouldn't try and assign meaning to this adorable and deeply funny video. Meanwhile, conspiracy theories swirled, with some postulating that he wasn't wearing trousers and was therefore unable to stand up. Some suggested the entire video was staged.

But, while our social feeds were inundated by an endless stream of questions, theories and comments about the one-minute-long video, the Kelly family went into hiding, switching off their phones and turning off their Facebook and Twitter alerts. When they emerged from digital hiding in a follow-up interview with the BBC, Kelly said they had been "fairly relentlessly solicited on social media, by phone, by email". In the interview, Kelly addressed the fact that many had assumed his wife was a nanny, stating they "were pretty uncomfortable with it".



Kelly addressed the internet's myriad concerns and questions in a blog post, and apologised for their "reticence" in responding to countless media outlets. "We have been deluged with requests since Friday. We were unsure how to respond, and as the attention accelerated, we became genuinely unnerved. We had no idea how to handle this," he wrote. He said that some media outlets had deemed this "dissatisfactory" and that they are "unready" to host at-home interviews.

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But, really, why on earth should the parents of two small children even feel the need to apologise for not responding to relentless media requests? Leave them alone! They also shouldn't have to defend their own parenting methods to anyone, let alone the internet. But, Kelly chose to do so in his blog post. "No, Jung-A did not use too much force in removing the children from the room. It is quite apparent from the video that she is frantically trying to salvage the professionalism of the interview. The children were not injured," wrote Kelly. He also clarified that he was not "shoving" his daughter out of the way.



But, while Kelly was defending his behaviour, the internet was busy gif-ing and meme-ing 4-year-old Marion during the family's appearance at a press conference. We now how enough gifs of Marion to last a lifetime. Now, let's move on. Let Marion go back to being outrageously cute in the privacy of her own home. Find someone else to gif.

"We are hoping to return to normality in the next few days," wrote Kelly in his blog post.

Listen, internet, we've had our fun. BBC Dad and his family are firmly cemented in viral history. It's time to let them go.
Washington (AFP) - President Donald Trump's 2018 budget outline includes an almost 10 percent hike in defense spending, which already surpasses that of the next seven countries combined.

Overall Pentagon funding would swell from about $583 billion budgeted for fiscal year 2017 to $639 billion next year, and would be paid for by deep cuts to other agencies and the scrapping of a plethora of programs.

Trump has asked for $30 billion of the military money immediately, in the form of a supplemental request on the current budget.

The president has offered few specifics, but here are some key reasons he says the Pentagon needs the money:

- Killing jihadists -

The additional funding "provides the resources" needed to increase the tempo of the war against the Islamic State group.

The United States has spent about $12 billion since fall 2014 bombing IS targets in Iraq and Syria, but Trump wants to increase the number of air strikes and possibly put more US forces on the ground.

This year's supplemental budget request calls for an immediate additional $2 billion for the campaign.

- Readiness -

A constant refrain from military leaders has been a lack of "readiness" across the services and generals have warned lawmakers that aging equipment, chronic underfunding and understaffing have impacted how the military can effectively respond to crises.

Trump's budget states it would ensure America is "the best led, best equipped, and most ready force in the world."

- 'Rebuilding' the military -

Trump has promised a "great rebuilding" of the US military and his budget reiterates that pledge, again without specifics.

Trump particularly wants to swell the Army's ranks and the budget "begins to rebuild the US armed forces by addressing pressing shortfalls, such as insufficient stocks of critical munitions, personnel gaps, deferred maintenance and modernization, cyber vulnerabilities, and degraded facilities."

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The budget says America needs to spend more on defense in the air, land and sea -- and also in cyberspace.

- Navy -

Trump in January signed an executive order to begin increasing the size of the US military, promising new aircraft, naval ships and more resources for the Pentagon.

He offered few specifics but has said he envisioned a naval fleet of 350 vessels, up from the Navy's current 274 and more than its 310-vessel target.

The budget "reflects a down payment" on that pledge.

- Opposition -

Despite the apparent bonanza, hawkish Republicans say Trump's military budget doesn't go far enough, and some Democrats are horrified the president wants to fund America's war machine by deep cuts to other programs and agencies.

The result is that the proposed budget will likely look very different from the one that passes.

"It is clear to virtually everyone that we have cut our military too much and that it has suffered enormous damage," Republican Congressman Mac Thornberry said.

"Unfortunately, the administration's budget request is not enough to repair that damage and to rebuild the military as the president has discussed."

Trump also would struggle to get this year's supplemental request passed, given the fiscal year is half done and Congress would need to raise spending caps.
Washington (AFP) - President Donald Trump has tapped top Boeing executive Patrick Shanahan to become deputy defense secretary, the White House said Thursday.

Shanahan is a senior vice president at Boeing, where he is responsible for oversight of the company's manufacturing operations and supplier management functions, the White House said in a statement.

Boeing is a major defense contractor and supplies the military with many big-ticket items, including the F/A-18 Super Hornet, Apache helicopter gunships, Chinooks and Air Force One, which currently is in the early phases replacement and which Trump has said is too expensive.

Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, a retired four-star Marine general, was Trump's first cabinet pick to win Senate confirmation but other "political" positions in the Pentagon have gone unfilled.

According to US media, the White House and the Pentagon have butted heads on several potential nominees.

The White House announced five other intended nominees at the same time as Shanahan, and the Pentagon said all are "highly qualified individuals who were personally recommended by Secretary Mattis to the president for nomination."

Shanahan was previously vice president and general manager of Boeing Missile Defense Systems and vice president and general manager for Rotorcraft Systems in Philadelphia.

If confirmed by the Senate, Shanahan would replace Robert Work, who has remained in his role in a temporary capacity since Barack Obama left office.

Related:

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By Timothy Gardner WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The White House's 2018 budget plan for the U.S. Department of Energy includes $120 million for nuclear waste programs including the restart of licensing for Nevada's Yucca Mountain, a project stalled for years by lawsuits and local opposition. The move signals that President Donald Trump may consider that nuclear waste solutions could extend the lives of existing U.S. nuclear power plants and speed up innovations in next- generation nuclear plants that backers say are safer than previous reactors. Congress will debate the budget and it is uncertain whether funds for waste will remain in the plan. While Yucca Mountain would store waste on a practically permanent basis, the budget money would also support programs for storing waste at interim sites before Yucca opens. "These investments would accelerate progress on fulfilling the federal government's obligations to address nuclear waste, enhance national security, and reduce future taxpayer burden," according to a summary of the budget. Yucca has been studied by the U.S. government since the 1970s as a potential repository for the nation's radioactive waste and billions of dollars have been spent on it. But Yucca has never opened because of legal challenges and widespread opposition from local politicians, environmentalists and Native American groups. In 2010, then-President Barack Obama withdrew the license to store waste at Yucca amid opposition from then-Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, a fellow Democrat from Nevada. Maria Korsnick, the head of the Nuclear Energy Institute industry group, said the industry was encouraged by the plan for waste projects but that nuclear energy innovators were "nervous" about cuts to programs that have supported public-private partnerships to bring new nuclear technologies to market. The budget eliminates funding for the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Energy and an innovative technology loan guarantee program that have been popular with both Democrats and many Republicans. Trump's energy secretary, Rick Perry, told lawmakers at his confirmation hearing that restarting the Yucca Mountain project could not be ruled out, but that he would collaborate with states. "I am very aware that this is an issue this country has been flummoxed by for 30 years. We have spent billions of dollars on this issue," Perry told the hearing in January. "Ill work closely with you and the members of this committee to find the answers to this issue." The White House proposal for the Department of Energy budget calls for an overall cut of 5.6 percent. (Editing by Richard Valdmanis and Peter Cooney)
Washington (AFP) - The White House on Thursday cited unproven media reports that President Barack Obama asked Britain's signals intelligence agency, GCHQ, to monitor Donald Trump in order to "make sure there were no American fingerprints."

Speaking from the White House podium press secretary Sean Spicer quoted at length from a Fox News report, which alleged Obama had used GCHQ to dodge US legal restrictions on monitoring US citizens.

The story was one of several offered by Spicer as evidence to support the president's explosive claims that Obama had moved to "tap my phones."

In a series of tweets on March 4, Trump accused Obama of a "Nixon/Watergate"-like plot that would almost certainly break US law.

Related:

For more news videos visit Yahoo View, available now on iOS and Android.

"Terrible! Just found out that Obama had my 'wires tapped' in Trump Tower just before the victory. Nothing found. This is McCarthyism!" one tweet read.

Members of Congress from both parties who are investigating the claims have found no evidence to support them.

In the Fox report -- which came almost two weeks later -- Andrew Napolitano claimed that "three intelligence sources have informed Fox News that President Obama went outside the chain of command" to order the tap.

"He didn't use the NSA, he didn't use the CIA, he didn't use the FBI, and he didn't use the Department of Justice," Napolitano said, adding that Obama used GCHQ.

Spicer's citation, in front of the White House seal, raised some eyebrows in London and at the Cheltenham-headquartered agency, which has worked closely with US intelligence for decades.

"Recent allegations made by media commentator Judge Andrew Napolitano about GCHQ being asked to conduct 'wire tapping' against the then president-elect are nonsense," one GCHQ spokesperson told AFP.

"They are utterly ridiculous and should be ignored."

Britain and the United States are -- along with Australia, Canada and New Zealand -- part of the "Five Eyes" intelligence sharing alliance forged from the embers of World War II.
Among the legal arguments being presented in various court challenges about the Trump administrations immigration ban is one that has the attention of scholars: Can a presidential candidates campaign statements later be used as evidence in court?

(credit: Gage Skidmore)

At least one rationale advanced by a federal judge in Virginia cited a 2005 Supreme Court decision about the Ten Commandments  and opinion from now-retired Justice David Souter -as the basis for considering candidate Donald Trumps statements about a Muslim immigration ban, made before he was elected President.

On Wednesday night, a federal judge in Hawaii referenced the same arguments as part of a decision to order a national restraining order against a new Trump administration executive order about refugees and about immigrants from six Middle Eastern nations.

To be sure, there are legal scholars and administration supporters who are very skeptical about those arguments. For example, Justice Department attorney August Flentje told a Ninth Circuit appeals court last month that it is extraordinary for a court to enjoin the presidents national security determination based on newspaper articles.

While the Ninth Circuit in February didnt rule on candidate Trumps statements as a factor in upholding a national injunction against his original executive order, it did indicate they could be a factor as evidence of religious discrimination.

It is well established that evidence of purpose beyond the face of the challenged law may be considered in evaluating Establishment and Equal Protection Clause claims, said the three-panel court, citing a 1993 Supreme Court decision called Church of the Lukumi Babalu Aye, Inc. v. City of Hialeah.

The federal judge in Virginia, Leonie Brinkema, went much deeper into that argument citing the Ten Amendments case from 2005, McCreary County v. American Civil Liberties Union of Ky., as part of her opinion in Aziz v. Trump.

Just as the Supreme Court has held that the world is not made brand new every morning, a person is not made brand new simply by taking the oath of office, Brinkema wrote, adding that her court wasnt free to ignore perfectly probative evidence from statements made by Trump before he became President.

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On Wednesday night, Judge Derrick K. Watson in the federal court in Hawaii cited the statements from the Ninth Circuit and Brinkema as part of this reasoning behind the latest injunction against a Trump immigration order. The Court emphasizes that its preliminary assessment rests on the peculiar circumstances and specific historical record present here, Watson said, pointing to conclusions drawn by Brinkema about a dearth of evidence indicating a national security purpose and the evidence in this record focus[ing] on the presidents statements about a Muslim ban and the link Giuliani established between those statements and the [Executive Order].

In the McCreary case back in 2005, Souter wrote the opinion for a 5-4 divided court. Two counties in Kentucky posted visible copies of the Ten Commandments at their courthouses. After objections were raised, the Ten Commandment displays were included in a larger display that added historic documents such as the Declaration of Independence. The additional documents had their references to religion highlighted.

Souter found that the counties couldnt argue that their earlier attempts to get the displays installed for religious reasons, including statements made by public figures to that effect, should be excluded from the case.

They argue that purpose in a case like this one should be inferred, if at all, only from the latest news about the last in a series of governmental actions, Souter said. But the world is not made brand new every morning, and the Counties are simply asking us to ignore perfectly probative evidence; they want an absent-minded objective observer, not one presumed to be familiar with the history of the governments actions and competent to learn what history has to show.

The Counties position just bucks common sense: reasonable observers have reasonable memories, and our precedents sensibly forbid an observer to turn a blind eye to the context in which [the] policy arose, said Souter, citing another case, Santa Fe Independent School Dist. v. Doe.

Northwestern University law professor Eugene Kontorovich had disagreed with that premise, in connection with the Trump case, in a Washington Post editorial, citing it as an unprecedented effort to impede executive power as granted by Congress.

Kontorovich spoke about the brief statement in the Ninth Circuit decision as cause for alarm. There is absolutely no precedent for courts looking to a politicians statements from before he or she took office, let alone campaign promises, to establish any kind of impermissible motive, he wrote.

Kontorovich also said that a look at other, related federal case decisions shows that the idea has been too wild to suggest and that the Ninth Circuits ruling throws open a huge door to examinations of the entire lives of political officials whose motives may be relevant to legal questions.

Three law professors writing for the legal blog Just Security  Nelson Tebbe, Richard Schragger and Micah Schwartzman  make the opposite argument. They believe Trumps campaign statements and his recent press conference statement as President about tailoring the new executive order to pass legal muster present problems.A court performing the McCreary analysis would have room to conclude that the new order is animated by the same religiously discriminatory motive as the first one. This [press conference] statement suggests that the president is trying to do everything he can to implement the Muslim ban in a form that will stand up in court.

These arguments would be one of many made, if or when a lawsuit advances in the federal court system as the executive order is implemented or barred. For now, until the courts act in more detail, the debate will join a broad list of constitutional topics related to the executive orders on immigration.

Scott Bomboy is the editor in chief of the National Constitution Center.

Recent Stories on Constitution Daily

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Turkeys president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan is campaigning to greatly expand his presidential powers in an impending constitutional referendum. To win, he needs votes from the huge Turkish diaspora. His government is going after them with gusto  and in the course of just a few days, those efforts threw up a fully-fledged diplomatic fracas.

The Netherlands, staging an election of its own, stopped political campaigning by Turkeys officials on its own territory, used dogs and water cannons to disperse Turkish demonstrators in Rotterdam, and barred Turkish ministers from addressing rallies.

The Erdogan government was livid. Ministers called the Dutch Nazi remnants, threatened to retaliate in the harshest ways, including with sanctions, and sealed off the Dutch embassy and consulate in Turkey.

The stand-off dragged in other countries, too: Germany, Denmark and France all expressed their strong support for the Dutch, and NATO officials intervened to demand respectful relations among its members.

This is not a normal turn of events. Turkey has been campaigning for several years among the Turkish diaspora in Europe, including on Dutch territory, without any incidents like this. So why did this stand-off take place, and why now?

Part of the reason was of course the overlap with the Netherlands own parliamentary elections, which were already in the international limelight before the Rotterdam incident. Populist candidate Geert Wilders and his Party of Freedom (PVV) have for years been campaigning against what they call the Islamisation of the Netherlands, railing against immigrants and open borders. The sight of Erdogans authoritarian, nationalistic politics playing out on Dutch streets handed Wilders an opportunity to rail against the Dutch governments supposed weakness, and to decry its support for migrants and the EU.

In the end, Wilderss party underperformed at the polls, and the incumbent prime minister won a resounding victory  but the spectacle of the days before the election was sobering nonetheless. And leaving the Dutch election aside, something else is happening, too: while Erdogan has been stirring up foreign voters to win elections for years, the way he is using them is changing.

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Home and away

Large-scale voting from abroad is a relatively new political phenomenon. Its effects are still poorly understood, and it is more associated with the low politics of party dynamics than with the high politics of inter-state relations. In countries that allow dual citizenship and voting from abroad, parties often develop extraterritorial campaigns to harness the diaspora vote.

Many countries solicit emigrants for votes all over the world, and for many reasons. Latin American countries lead the charge. Mexican politicians, for instance, sometimes campaign in California, home to millions of emigrants. Even where they are not fully enfranchised, or where casting an absentee vote is difficult, Latino diasporas are considered important for the resources they can lend to political campaigns, or for the influence they wield over family members who can indeed vote domestically.

Overseas voters are also important for democracies that have emerged from conflict (Croatia, Kosovo), or which have seen many citizens disperse across the EU (Romania, Bulgaria).

This is all a matter of low politics  the nitty-gritty of campaigning and electoral calculation. Turkeys efforts to get its diaspora voting began in a similar vein. Although Turkish leaders were for years interested in maintaining the Sunni Islam religion among emigrants, the diaspora vote really came to the fore with the rise of Erdogans Justice and Development party (AKP) at the turn of the 21st century.

Once in government, the AKP began taking the Turkish diaspora very seriously as an electoral bloc; it not only granted citizens abroad the right to vote in parliamentary elections, but also opened a special agency dedicated to the needs of Turks abroad, the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities. The diaspora vote has duly been a priority in the various elections held since the AKP first took the helm.

But just as Erdogans style of government morphs into something more authoritarian, the role of disapora voters is changing too. His governments pursuit of Turks abroad is moving into the realm of high politics. This is no longer a purely domestic political matter, but a part of Turkeys increasingly contentious foreign relations.

The new era of creeping Turkish authoritarianism sits at odds with the countrys aspirations to join the EU, a project that seems more implausible by the day. Erdogan is also now threatening to break a deal with the EU to accept refugees from the Syrian crisis, in the process both reducing people to bargaining chips and dialling up international tension.

The countries with whom he is sparring cannot have forgotten that they are host to millions of Turks, many of them citizens with the right to vote for a Turkish president. By taking his domestic referendum campaign abroad and getting into rows with foreign governments, Erdogan has not only fired up the Turkish diaspora, but also turned the relatively simple business of getting emigrants to vote into an incendiary foreign policy weapon.

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.

The Conversation

Maria Koinova receives funding from the European Research Council, Starting Grant "Diasporas and Contested Sovereignty" www.diasporacontest.org
For about a month, Tabb Firchau, an entrepreneur living in Seattle, has been wearing a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), a federally approved medical device that tracks blood sugar levels for people with diabetes. The CGM patch has a small needle that probes the inside of his arm, and a sensor that tracks changes to his blood sugar in real-time. The data is then sent to his smartphone.

Firchau bought his CGM off eBay for about $300. I track almost everything, from sleep to exercise, says Firchau. Ive been trying to learn why some days I feel fantastic, and other days I dont. I had a cinnamon roll recently and my blood glucose doubled in 60 minutes. The monitor helps you understand the costs of the decisions you are making.



He couldnt get one from his doctor, because Firchau doesnt actually have diabetes. Rather, hes part of a small but growing group of people who are wearing CGMs to trackand then hackwhat goes on in their own bodies. And if enterprising startups like Sano Intelligence, which Gizmodo wrote about in February, are successful, a CGM marketed to the general public may not that be far off.

A healthy person wearing a diabetes device may seem odd, but in the quantified-self movement, people like Firchau say it makes sense to track their blood sugar, especially given all the recent attention to the risks associated with overconsumption of sugar and processed carbohydrates, like diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.

Everyones blood sugar levels change throughout the day, and especially after they eat, but those fluctuations are important to track for people with diabetes, since their body doesnt regulate blood sugar on its own. For people without diabetes, however, the pancreas naturally releases insulin to keep levels in check.

Since the first CGM was approved in 2005, some people with diabetes have used the devices to help monitor their blood sugar, rather than take finger pricks throughout the day to check it manually. The devices take a measurement every one to five minutes, and people can set alarms to alert them whenever their levels are dangerously high or low.

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I think its chuckle-worthy and interesting that a diabetes tool would make its way mainstream, says Aaron Kowalski, chief mission officer at the diabetes nonprofit JDRF, who also has type 1 diabetes.  But I guarantee if you wore one to McDonalds, your blood sugar would spike and youd learn a lot about nutrition.

Using a CGM, even when its medically necessary, is not cheap. Parts of the device have to be replaced every couple of weeks or months and its estimated that CGMs cost $510 per day, or around $3,000 a year. For people with type 1 diabetes, that can be covered by insurance. But people without the disease must either convince a doctor to prescribe one or purchase them online on sites like eBay. Even if a doctor prescribes one, its highly unlikely insurance would cover it for someone without diabetes.

Five diabetes experts I spoke with for this story do not think the trend is dangerous. Though a CGM is attached to the wearers body, its considered a minimally invasive device. I dont think theres any risk, says Boris Kovatchev, director of the University of Virginia (UVA) Center for Diabetes Technology. Unless people get too fixated.

Some doctors who dont have diabetes even wear CGMs themselves. Dr. Steven Russell, a diabetes expert at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, and his research collaborator Dr. Ed Damiano of Boston University, say they wear CGM monitors semi-regularly for demonstration purposes and to test new versionsand they learn a lot each time.

I am fascinated to see how my blood glucose changes after different meals, says Russell. You look at that muffin and remember what it did your blood glucose, and make a different choice. Theres no reason why people without diabetes wouldnt be interested that.

During a particularly stressful point in his life, Damianowho is quite far along in developing and bringing to market a bionic pancreassays he noticed his blood sugar running higher than normal. It was a clear indication that stress has an impact on you, even without diabetes, he says. It caused me to make a deliberate decision to deal with [the stress].

Exercise is known to be helpful for blood sugar regulation and Damiano says he notices profound drops in his blood sugar while on walks in the woods with his wife. If you have a meal and blood sugar rises, take a walk, its like magic, he says. It can reinforce people to think about exercise after meals.

However, experts admit theres no research showing wearing a CGM can improve a person without diabetes health. So far all evidence is anecdotal. Though its unlikely the devices would cause any major safety problems beyond possible rashes or infections at the injection site, that hasnt been studied in people without diabetes either. UVAs Kovatchev also argues that CGMs could be more helpful for people without diabetes with some fine-tuning. Theres a need for some analytics that could process the data appropriately and provide [actionable] information to people versus a datastream every five minutes, he says.

That reality may not be so far off. As Gizmodo reported in February, the company Sano Intelligence is planning to release a CGM for the general public. The device may be released in beta later this year.

Firchau says he believes monitoring blood sugar via CGM will likely become common practice. It motivates you, he says. I see a future where this is an incredible tool to empower people to take control of what goes into their mouth. Until then, it remains a helpful device for people with chronic disease, and a plaything for personal data enthusiasts.
Estate planning isn't only for the rich or the old. Even the young and broke need to be thinking about how their assets will be distributed in the event of a tragedy.

"It doesn't have anything to do with net worth. It has everything to do with taking care of the people you love," says Meg Muldoon, assistant vice president of advanced markets at Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company. "You don't want your parents to have to go through the probate process for your $5,000 checking account."

Young adults don't need to do anything complicated to plan their estate. Instead, they simply need a few vital pieces of paperwork to ensure a tragic situation isn't made worse.

[Read: 5 Estate Planning Strategies to Keep Your Money in the Family.]

Planning starts with naming a decision-maker. Muldoon says the term estate planning can be misleading since the process encompasses more than making a will. It's also something you should begin as soon as someone becomes an adult. "A lot of parents are surprised they can't make doctor appointments or dentist appointments once their child turns 18," she says.

At 18, a young adult's first priority is to name a durable power of attorney and a health care proxy. These people will then have the ability to make health care and financial decisions in the event a person is incapacitated. The durable power of attorney is also helpful for college students who may be studying abroad and need a parent to assist with taxes or other financial matters while they are gone.

Muldoon understands cash-strapped young adults may balk at the idea of paying for these documents. However, they should not be put off. "Maybe your parents would be willing to gift you money for that," she suggests.

[Read: 5 Reasons Millennials Aren't Saving for Retirement.]

Think about beneficiaries and wills. Once a young adult has his or her first job, the next step in estate planning is to review beneficiaries. A first job may come with benefits such as a 401(k) plan and life insurance coverage. Young adults need to be sure a beneficiary has been named on each account. The beneficiary is the person who will receive the assets or life insurance death benefit after an account holder passes away.

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Next, young adults should create a will. Without one, the court will decide who gets a person's assets, meager as they may be. That could leave some loved ones empty-handed. "If, for instance, you have a long-term romantic partner to whom you are not married, that person will have few, if any, legal rights to your property unless you create a will," says Anthony Criscuolo, a portfolio manager with Palisades Hudson Financial Group in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Scott Schwartz, principal of Bleakley Financial Group in Fairfield, New Jersey, says estate planning should also take into account any debts you carry. "It is not always about the assets you need to plan for," he says. "Depending on what type of student loans you may have taken out, you could be leaving your estate on the hook for the balance."

[Read: A Purple Rain Estate Plan.]

Be smart about keeping costs down. Twenty-somethings don't necessarily have to pay an attorney to get these documents prepared. "With the rise of online resources, I think you can achieve a solid starting point with a DIY [template]," Schwartz says.

However, Muldoon advises caution when going the do-it-yourself route. She's seen some clients use online templates and overlook significant issues because they didn't understand all the nuances involved in their decisions. Even the best template can't provide the personalized guidance of an estate attorney or planning professional.

What's more, not all online forms and templates are created equal. Rather than use the first free form that comes up in an internet search, Muldoon recommends using a service like LegalZoom, which has a network of attorneys behind its forms.

Estate planning in your 20s may seem unnecessary, but finance professionals say getting started early is smart. "You may not need to make many decisions as a young adult, but making those decisions will lay groundwork for the more complex planning that will come later," Criscuolo says. More importantly, having a solid foundation could mean less hassle and heartache if and when the unexpected happens.
House Speaker Paul Ryan, on March 7, uses charts and graphs to make his case for the GOPs plan to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. (Photo: J. Scott Applewhite)



The old Superman comic books used to feature a character named Bizarro, who looked exactly like the Man of Steel, except for his blocky, Frankenstein-like features and the fact that everything about him was reversed. Whereas Superman could burn things with his eyes, the lumbering Bizarro could freeze them; while Supermans X-ray vision couldnt handle lead, Bizarros could penetrate only lead. You get the idea.

Thats the image that kept popping into my head this week as I watched Republicans hurtle their way toward an ill-conceived overhaul of the health care system. In a sense, what Republican leaders are frantically trying to push through Congress is the Bizarro health care plan  a mirror image of the law it would replace, patched together from spare parts and castoff ideas.

They now seem bent on making exactly the same mistakes Democrats did in 2009, but in exactly the inverse way.

At about this time eight years ago, I was hanging around Capitol Hill and the White House, putting together a preview of the looming health care fight for the New York Times Magazine. (The piece holds up pretty well, I think, but judge for yourself.)

The pivotal Democrat on the Hill then was Max Baucus, the Montana senator  and later President Obamas ambassador to China  who chaired the Senate Finance Committee. Like Obama, Baucus thought CEOs, health care providers and politicians who had once opposed reform could now be persuaded to support it, as long as the plan promised to get soaring costs and federal spending under control.

And Baucus told me that any new law had to have at least some measure of bipartisan support, even if that required painful compromises. Thats because no piece of massive social legislation had ever been perfect from the start, and in order to preserve and fix it, you needed at least a few members of the minority to be invested in its success.

A transformational law of this size, Baucus said, would be unsustainable if one party decided to enact it alone.

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The problem for Baucus was that most Democrats, especially in the House, didnt care at all about corporate competitiveness and public debt. They cared about bringing down the number of poorer Americans who couldnt afford insurance, and they werent open to painful fiscal choices in order to get that done.

So while Obama and his congressional allies sold their plan to industry and the public as an economically necessary reform that would bend the cost curve, the law they ultimately passed was really more a wealth transfer program that birthed new regulations and taxes in exchange for expanded coverage for the poor and some middle-class protections  a program very much in the tradition of the Great Society.

The most difficult decisions involving public spending were pushed off years into the future, for some other group of politicians to worry about. And of course, as it turned out, Democrats ended up passing the law along strictly partisan lines, using a budgetary gimmick known as reconciliation to help it along.

This wasnt their call, to be fair; they really werent given a whole lot of choice. But what all of this meant, practically speaking, is that Baucus was right  the law was probably politically unsustainable from the start.

What came to be known as Obamacare was wildly successful in reducing the number of uninsured Americans by more than 20 million, but the public saw little of the economic benefit it was promised. (Although in truth, health care costs have risen more slowly than they might have otherwise.) Democrats couldnt make necessary fixes in the sprawling law, because no one on the Republican side had any interest in seeing the law fixed.

Jump ahead now to where congressional Republicans are this week with their American Health Care Act  which is precisely the upside-down version of where Democrats were eight years ago. Whereas Democrats took a bill that was principally about expanding health care and dressed it up as an economic measure, Republicans are taking a plan thats almost entirely about economics and pretending it has something to do with health care.

They may advertise their bill as a market-based solution to health care inequities, but in fact, what Republicans really care about right now is shedding the new revenue and spending in Obamas health care law  specifically by repealing taxes and eliminating subsidies for the poor and the Medicaid expansion in the states.

President Trump has promised that youll see rates go down, down, down and youll see plans go up, up, up, and, in distinctly Trumpian terms, that the new system will be a thing of beauty.

But the Congressional Budget Office, which is led by a Republican appointee and has a slightly better record than Trump when it comes to veracity, estimates that the plan will cost 24 million Americans their health insurance while saving the government more than $300 billion over the next 10 years.

This time theres not even a question of bipartisanship. Republicans have been plotting a three-stage legislative process, including a reconciliation measure of their own, to pass their plan without a single Democratic vote  although its becoming increasingly unlikely that they will settle anytime soon on a plan that wins over both House conservatives and Senate moderates.

The problem  especially if youre one of those moderates who actually care about governing and have to get elected statewide  is that the Bizarro health care bill wouldnt be any more lasting than its predecessor.

Before long, the public would figure out that the law isnt going to do anything to make coverage more affordable or the choices more vast, as promised, but rather the opposite. Eventually, the popular protections that Republicans say theyll keep are likely to become unworkable without mandates and subsidies.

Mostly the bill would spare some small businesses and wealthier Americans from paying additional taxes and cut back the Medicaid rolls. The issue of what to do about the uninsured would roar back into the public debate.

And good luck trying to amend the bill in ways that would mitigate its harshest effects, because Democrats may well gain seats in the ensuing elections, and theyre not going to feel the slightest motivation to help clean up the mess.

In some ways, Republicans are in a more precarious position with the Bizarro bill than Democrats were in 2009. Obama, at least, managed to cobble together support from insurers and providers, which muted some of the criticism when premiums started to rise. Trump and Paul Ryan, the House speaker, havent even tried to assemble a coalition.

You have to remember, too, that Republicans are playing with something here that neither party has ever attempted on such a scale before: a rollback of benefits the public already has. Its one thing to ram through a program with lots of subsidies and new rights attached. Its an untested proposition to unilaterally take that stuff away.

Heres what we do know: With a policy area as complicated as this one, and as reliant on theories about how the markets and consumers will respond to various incentives, youre never going to pass one law and be done with it. Responsible governing in Washington  if we can still conceive of such a thing  means being able and willing to reassess and adjust to reality as time goes on.

Democrats were never going to be able to do that because of the dubious ways in which they sold and enacted their law. And Republicans wont have that option, either, even if they manage to come up with something that satisfies their dueling factions.

Superman and Bizarro never actually resolve anything. They just retreat to their parallel universes and live to fight again.

_____

Read more from Yahoo News:
What was supposed to be a joyous celebration turned into a day of mourning when a woman ringing in her 21st birthday was killed in a devastating car crash in New York early Thursday, police said.

Amanda Miner, who turned 21 Wednesday, was in the back seat of a grey 2013 Infiniti sedan traveling from Manhattan into Brooklyn when it slammed into the median of the Williamsburg Bridge at 3:14 a.m., officials said.

The driver of the vehicle, 26-year-old NYPD traffic enforcement agent Stefan Hoyte, allegedly lost control of the car, striking the barrier and then a support pillar with such force that it ripped the vehicle in half, a police source told InsideEdition.com.

Miner, who lived in Williamsburg, was ejected from the demolished car and died at the scene, authorities said.

The young woman was a junior at Lafayette College in Pennsylvania and had graduated from the Young Womens Leadership School in East Harlem.

Read: Firefighter Killed In Car Accident While Driving To Fire That Killed Girl, 2

She worked at the Camp Hope charity group in New Orleans during her spring break last year, writing on Facebook of those she volunteered with "beautiful individuals inside and out."

Miner went on to travel to Costa Rica, posting on social medial of her adventures while studying at San Joses Universidad Veritas.

"4 Months to Remember," she posted in December 2016.

Miners mother, Virginia Cabrera-Miner, posted a Happy Birthday card to her daughter on social media, sharing a photo of her on Facebook, where friends shared their condolences.

We will always love you, princess, one friend wrote.

You were always happy and a joy to teach. You made me a better person and teacher. RIP Princess, another person commented on the mothers post.

Cabrera-Miner told reporters that she did not know the driver of the vehicle, Hoyte, who police said had been driving while under the influence of alcohol.

Story continues

Read: Survivor Of Car Crash That Killed Her Friends Leaves Hospital After 6 Months

Hoyte, whose Facebook page was filled with pictures of a grey 2013 Infiniti, was charged with vehicular manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, DWI and was cited for speeding, cops said.

He allegedly took a Breathalyzer test that showed .10, above the .08 legal limit, a police source said.

Hoyte was brought to Bellevue Hospital for treatment of minor injuries, along with a 24-year-old man, identified by a source as Michael Camacho, another NYPD traffic agent who had been sitting in the front passenger seat, cops said.

Authorities said Hoyte joined the force as a traffic agent in December 2013 and was suspended following his arrest.

The Williamsburg Bridges inner lanes were closed early Thursday as the NYPDs Collision Investigation Squad inspected the scene.

Watch: Terrified Girl Calls 911 As Father Drives Drunk: 'Daddy, Stop the Friggin' Car!'

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From Delish

Auntie Fee, a popular YouTube star, is currently on life support after suffering a massive heart attack. Fee, whose real name is Felicia O'Dell, fell ill over the weekend and was rushed to a Los Angeles hospital after she started having chest pains.

Fee first came into the public sphere in 2014 after she began uploading videos to YouTube. As E! News reports, her funny, often expletive-ridden videos were an instant hit, and her video "sweet treats for the kids" video, which featured her making crescent rolls with butter, cinnamon sugar, and raisins racked up 500,000 page views overnight.

Today, Fee's most popular videos include an instructional video on how to feed seven people for $3 and a video on how to make baked chicken. Both have more than 2 million views.

Earlier on Tuesday, TMZ reported the star had died, after being told so by two of Fee's relatives, but they have since updated the story to clarify that they received an update that she's on life support at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center.

Follow Delish on Instagram.

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(GREENBELT, Md.)  President Donald Trumps revised travel ban has suffered another federal court setback after a judge in Maryland rejected a revised measure that bans travel targeting six predominantly Muslim countries.

Judge Theodore Chuang ruled Thursday in a case brought near the nations capital by the American Civil Liberties Union and other groups representing immigrants, refugees and their families. The groups argued that the underlying rationale of the ban was to discriminate against Muslims, making it unconstitutional. Chuang granted a preliminary injunction nationwide basis.

It was the latest ruling against Trumps revised travel ban. On Wednesday, a judge in Hawaii rejected the ban.

Government lawyers argued that the ban was substantially revised from an earlier version signed in January that was later blocked by a federal judge in Washington state. They said the ban was ordered in the interest of national security to protect the U.S. from radical Islamic terrorism.

The Maryland plaintiffs also argued the ban illegally reduces the number of refugees authorized to enter the U.S. this year. Chuang granted a preliminary injunction prohibiting the enforcement of the travel ban nationwide pending further orders from the court. He declined to stay the ruling should an emergency appeal be filed.

The White House did not immediately respond to the Maryland ruling.

The Wednesday ruling came from U.S. District Judge Derrick Watson in Honolulu, who rejected the governments claims that the travel ban is about national security, not discrimination. Watson also said Hawaii would suffer financially if the executive order constricted the flow of students and tourists to the state, and that Hawaii was likely to succeed on a claim that the ban violates First Amendment protections against religious discrimination.

Watson criticized what he called the illogic of the governments arguments and cited significant and unrebutted evidence of religious animus behind the travel ban. He also noted that while courts should not examine the veiled psyche and secret motives of government decision-makers, the remarkable facts at issue here require no such impermissible inquiry.

Story continues

For instance, there is nothing veiled about this press release: Donald J. Trump is calling for a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States,' Watson wrote, referring to a statement Trump issued as a candidate.

Trump called the ruling an example of unprecedented judicial overreach and said his administration would appeal it to the U.S. Supreme Court. He also called his new travel ban a watered-down version of the first one, which he said he wished he could implement.

Were going to win. Were going to keep our citizens safe, the president said at a rally in Nashville. The danger is clear. The law is clear. The need for my executive order is clear.

If the administration seeks an emergency stay of Watsons decision at the 9th Circuit, the matter would be heard by different judges from the three who ruled on the case last month. Thats because the panel of judges assigned to such cases rotates every month, said court spokesman David Madden.

The 9th Circuit on Wednesday declined to reconsider the 3-0 decision not to reinstate the original ban. In a dissent, five judges said they considered that decision incorrect and wanted it vacated.

Whatever we, as individuals, may feel about the president or the executive order, the presidents decision was well within the powers of the presidency, Judge Jay Bybee wrote for the five.

Watson issued his 43-page ruling less than two hours after hearing Hawaiis request for a temporary restraining order to stop the ban from being put into practice.

The hearing was one of three held Wednesday in federal courts around the country. U.S. District Judge James Robart in Seattle, who blocked the initial travel ban last month, did not immediately rule on a request from an immigrant-rights group to block the revised version.

In all, more than half a dozen states are trying to stop the ban. A case brought by Washington state argues that the new order harms residents, universities and businesses, especially tech companies such as Washington state-based Microsoft and Amazon, which rely on foreign workers. California, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York and Oregon have joined the claim.

Trumps initial travel ban, issued on a Friday in late January, brought chaos and protests to airports around the country as travelers from seven nations  Somalia, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Libya and Yemen  were barred from entering even if they had prior permission to come to the U.S. The State Department canceled up to 60,000 visas, but later reversed that decision.

Robart ordered the government to stop enforcing the ban, which also suspended the nations acceptance of refugees from around the world, and a three-judge panel from the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously declined to reinstate the ban.
By Hilary Russ

NEW YORK (Reuters) - New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio on Thursday said the city would suffer huge cuts to a wide array of services and capital funding, jeopardizing everything from housing inspections and senior services to transit projects and counter-terrorism efforts, under President Donald Trump's proposed federal budget.

"New York City is directly in the crosshairs of this budget proposal," de Blast said at a City Hall news conference.

"If this is the opening salvo from President Trump, I can tell you he's about to meet with huge resistance from all over the country," he said. "We're not gonna take it lying down."

The biggest city in the United States, New York would lose 86 percent of its budget for housing preservation and development, or about $136 million, with Trump's proposal on Wednesday to eliminate the Community Development Block Grant program.

The U.S. Conference of Mayors on Thursday said that the proposal would "severely hurt" many people in cities of all sizes, towns, and suburban and rural areas.

New York City would lose as much as $190 million in federal funds to fight terrorism, and the city's public schools would lose about $100 million, officials said.

Proposed reductions to federal transit programs threaten the city's Second Avenue Subway extension and a plan to build a new passenger train tunnel under the Hudson River, part of Amtrak's $24 billion Gateway Program, de Blasio said.

About 700,000 families would lose access to a program that helps pay for heat and energy costs. In addition, the New York City Housing Authority, the nation's largest public housing program, would see its capital fund cut by about two-thirds, or about $220 million, and another $150 million, or 13 percent, of cuts to operations.

(Reporting by Hilary Russ)
In whats believed to be a world first, New Zealands government has granted a river the same rights as a living person.

The Whanganui River, considered part of the living landscape by the indigenous Whanganui Iwi people associated with it, has been granted legal personhood under a parliamentary bill, reports local news service Newshub. Two representatives from the local indigenous community  one appointed by the government, another elected by the community  will be entrusted with acting in the rivers interests.

The Whanganui Iwi have fought for this day for over 160 years, an indigenous MP told Radio New Zealand. From a Whanganui viewpoint the wellbeing of the river is directly linked to the well-being of the people, said Adtian Rurawhe, and so it is really important thats recognized as its own identity

I know some people will say its pretty strange to give a natural resource a legal personality, Treaty Negotiations Minister Chris Finlayson said, according to Newshub. But its no stranger than family trusts, or companies, or incorporated societies.

In the precolonial era, the Whanganui River was a vital communication route for Maori people and it navigability attracted large-scale settlement in the Whanganui River valley. When colonists arrived, it was the most densely populated part of what is today called the North Island. For these reasons, the area is rich in Maori history and culture.




ivanka trump

Ivanka Trump is dropping her fine jewelry line after more than a decade in business.

Trump launched the line  which features rings, necklaces, and bangles for up to $25,000  in 2007 and opened a boutique for selling it in Manhattan's Upper East Side.

It was Trump's first foray into the fashion business.

A couple years after launching the jewelry line, Trump added shoes and handbags to her label, as well as a cheaper line of jewelry with prices under $100.

Dozens of department stores including Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, and Macy's began carrying her line as it expanded.

However, since the presidential election, the company has been forced to deal with President Trump's critics calling for a nationwide boycott against retailers selling Trump-branded products.

Over the last couple months, many department stores  including Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus  have dropped Ivanka Trump's brand, citing declining sales.

Going forward, the brand says it plans to focus on expanding Trump's cheaper line of jewelry, according to Vanity Fair, which first reported that Trump would be discontinuing her high-end jewelry line.

The shift is part of strategy to make Ivanka Trump's brand more appealing to middle America.

"The Ivanka Trump brands target used to mean Madison Avenue and high-end department stores with thousands of dollars of jewelry in a small boutique for sale; it is now about affordable luxury at T.J. Maxx and Zappos and fashion jewelry driving the business forward," Vanity Fair's Emily Jane Fox writes.

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Credit: ANDREW PARSONS/I-IMAGES

Say hello to Professor Angelina Jolie.

The actress and human rights activist gave a lecture at the London School of Economics on Tuesday morning inside the Centre for Women, Peace, and Security, where she spoke about women's rights as they relate to refugee camps. In addition to discussing how displacement and statelessness makes women and girls vulnerable to sexual violence and other crimes, the class also touched on how governments are beginning to intervene.



Credit: ANDREW PARSONS/I-IMAGES

"Angelina Jolie spoke to a class of students taking the postgraduate course 'Women, Peace and Security,' as part of her role as visiting professor in practice in the Centre for Women, Peace, and Security," a spokesperson for LSE told People. "Miss Jolie spoke about her experience and what has motivated her work as UNHCR special envoy and as co-founder of the Preventing Sexual Violence Initiative, and took questions from the class."

When Angelina Jolie is the guest lecturer at LSE pic.twitter.com/oaCBsguor9

-- Lina - ????? (@Lina_Serene) March 14, 2017

In 2012, Jolie co-founded the Preventing Sexual Violence Initiative--which aims to increase international prosecutions for sexual violence and support countries in preventing and responding to the global issue--with then-British Foreign Minister William Hague, and the pair later opened the Centre for Women, Peace, and Security in 2015.

RELATED: Watch Angelina Jolie Discuss Her Kids' Strange Tastes and Her Family's Health

The 41-year-old is set to return to the school as a visiting professor this September, where she will teach a 9-month long master's course on the same subject.
A drone deployed by Iraqi forces carrying two grenades flies over Mosul on March 14, 2017 (AFP Photo/ARIS MESSINIS)

Mosul (Iraq) (AFP) - Inside an armoured vehicle in Mosul, a colonel scans live footage from a drone flying above the Iraqi city, hunting targets for a new weapon deployed against jihadists.

The Islamic State group has used small commercial drones to drop explosives on advancing Iraqi forces since they launched the offensive to retake Iraq's second city in October.

As the battle now focuses on recapturing west Mosul, Colonel Hussein Muayad's federal police forces have adopted the tactic, equipping their own remote-controlled surveillance drones with 40 mm grenades that are usually fired from grenade launchers.

"Residents would stare at the sky" during the Mosul fighting, fearing IS drones, says Muayad, wearing a black jacket over his federal police uniform. "Now it's the enemy whose eyes never leave the sky."

The moustachioed police officer in his 40s is clearly proud of the new military tactic.

"They used to hit us once. But we can hit them up to four times with a single drone," he says.

Lieutenant General Raed Shaker Jawdat of the federal police -- who are taking part in the battle alongside a special forces unit -- says the "new military tactic" has been very effective.

"Dozens of terrorists have been killed and wounded. Jihadist movements have been paralysed," Jawdat says.

Muayad sits surrounded by four television screens, a black drone at his feet. A dozen oblong explosive devices tipped by the small, rounded grenades are nearby, pin near one end and a netted skirt taken from a badminton shuttlecock on the other.

"That's so it keeps its balance as it falls," Muayad says.

Chain-smoking cigarettes, the colonel watches the live footage of a weaponised drone as it slowly buzzes over the devastated streets of west Mosul.

The device slows to a hover above a white car near the front line.

"A vehicle providing logistic support, used to transport fighters or food," Muayad explains.

Story continues

But there is no strike on the car, due to the presence nearby of a device designed to jam drone commands that Iraqi forces set up to protect themselves from IS attacks.

- 'Precise strikes' -

The colonel shows AFP footage of previous attacks. The munitions fall in slow motion on a group of fighters gathered in front of a mosque. More explosives are dropped on a car, small clouds of grey smoke erupting on the screen.

"West Mosul is very populated. The roads are very narrow," Muayad says. "The point with these drones is to have very precise strikes to target the terrorists, not the residents."

"Day and night, there are always 12 drones in the air, ready to strike," Muayad says.

But he refuses to say exactly how many drones -- which can each carry up to four grenades -- the police operate.

The devices have been equipped with an extra battery to prolong their flight time and can now cover a distance of eight kilometres (five miles) up from less than five kilometres (three miles) before.

Inside a ravaged courtyard in a neighbourhood recently recaptured from the jihadists, Captain Baraa Mohammed Jassem from the Rapid Response Division silently observes a surveillance drone about to take off.

He too says his elite interior ministry force has "perfected" drones available commercially so they can drop explosives on the enemy.

"We took the... idea from the Daesh terrorist organisation," he says, using an Arabic acronym for IS.

IS has carried out drone attacks throughout the Mosul operation, with the first record of a deadly attack coming a few days before drive was launched in October, killing two Iraqi Kurdish fighters and wounding two French special forces soldiers.

Over the past months, the jihadist group has posted footage online filmed by the cameras of its own remote-controlled drones of explosive devices being dropped on armoured vehicles and four-wheel-drive convoys.

Jassem says the new technique has been useful to Iraqi forces, particularly when they retook important public buildings earlier this month.

"With a night drone, we found and carried out a strike on a group of eight jihadists, hitting them directly," he says.
NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S.-based venture capital firm Blockchain Capital LLC said on Thursday it plans to raise $50 million for a third fund through capital from its partners and a sale of its own digital tokens. Blockchain Capital invests in companies and start-ups that use blockchain, a ledger of transactions that first emerged as the software underpinning bitcoin and is maintained by a network of computers. The company's co-founder and managing partner, Brock Pierce, told Reuters in an interview that the bulk of the capital will come from the firm's partners, and the rest will be raised through an "initial coin offering" (ICO) of its digital tokens, called BCAP. Over the past year, digital technology start-ups have raised cash by creating and selling their own currencies in offerings without the help of banks or venture capital firms. The sale of Blockchain Capital's BCAP tokens would be the first by a venture capital firm. "Our view is that these ICOs are going to be hugely disruptive to the early stage ecosystem because the biggest problem with early stage ventures, whether you're a limited partner in a fund or an angel investor, or a VC (venture capital) investing in a start-up is just a general lack of liquidity," said Pierce. The firm's co-founder was a former Hollywood child star who has appeared in films like "First Kid" and the "The Mighty Ducks". Pierce said the tokens would be issued by a Singapore entity that will be created by the U.S. venture capital company. The tokens would represent a fraction of ownership in a new fund called Blockchain Capital III Digital Liquid Venture Fund, LP. Details of the token sale will be disclosed in an offering memorandum to be published on April 3. The tokens, when issued, may be traded on digital asset exchanges. "The token issuance will be a small part of our fund," Pierce said. "We're doing it to pioneer the market. We also believe we are democratizing access to an asset class traditionally only available to elite institutional investors." About $225 million has been raised in 2016 in 40 initial coin offerings (ICOs), compared with just $9.8 million in 2015, data from crypto-currency research firm Smith + Crown showed. (Reporting by Gertrude Chavez-Dreyfuss; Editing by Bernadette Baum)
The flag of the Twenty-First Century Fox Inc is seen waving at the company headquarters in the Manhattan borough in New York June 11, 2015. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz/File Photo (Reuters)

By Paul Sandle

LONDON (Reuters) - The British government has referred Rupert Murdoch's planned 11.7 billion pound ($14.4 billion) takeover of European pay-TV group Sky to regulators to decide if the deal is in the public interest.

Media Secretary Karen Bradley told parliament it was important to seek advice from the regulator Ofcom on whether the deal would give Murdoch and his companies too much control of Britain's media, and whether the new owner would be committed to broadcasting standards.

Murdoch's U.S. TV business Twenty-First Century Fox already owns 39 percent of Sky. Murdoch and his family have long coveted full control of Sky, despite the damaging failure of a previous attempt in 2011 when their British newspaper business became embroiled in a phone-hacking scandal.

Bradley has given Ofcom a 40-day timetable to investigate, and expects to receive its report by May 16.

She said Ofcom, as an independent regulator, would assess in the same time frame whether Murdoch's company was a "fit and proper" holder of a broadcasting license.

Twenty-First Century Fox said it was looking forward to working with British authorities in their reviews of the deal, and it believed it would be approved.

"We are confident that a thorough review of our track record over 30 years will underscore our commitment to upholding high broadcast standards, and will demonstrate that the transaction will not result in there being insufficient plurality in the UK," the company said on Thursday.

POLITICAL OPPOSITION

Some opposition lawmakers oppose the deal, saying Murdoch, the owner of The Times and The Sun newspapers, would wield too much influence if he had full control of a pay-TV group present in more than 12 million British and Irish homes.

"Many of us believe if you look at the conduct of the Murdochs and the untrammeled power they already have it is not in the public interest for them to take over Sky and have full control," Ed Miliband, former leader of the opposition Labour Party, said on Thursday.

Story continues

Miliband was a prominent critic of the deal the last time it was proposed.

Murdoch's son James, who is chief executive of Fox and chairman of Sky, was criticized by Ofcom in 2012 over his handling of the phone hacking scandal.

The regulator said his management of the group's UK newspapers at the time "repeatedly fell well short of the conduct to be expected of as a chief executive and chairman", although it said Sky remained a fit and proper owner of broadcast licenses.

Twenty-First Century Fox, which owns cable, film and pay-TV assets around the world, said the media market had changed dramatically in recent years as broadcasters face new challenges from streaming services.

The Murdoch family's newspaper businesses have been split from its television and film assets in a move that helped pave the way for another tilt at Sky.

Sky has also combined its businesses in Britain, Germany and Italy since the previous bid.

James Murdoch has sought industry backing for the deal by recently praising the quality and creativity of British television and the positive contribution made by Sky.

He said a Fox-owned Sky would spend at least 700 million pounds a year on original British production.

Shares in Sky were largely unaffected by the decision, which had been widely expected after Bradley said earlier this month she was minded to intervene.

They were trading up 0.4 percent at 9.89 pounds. The buyout offer is priced at 10.75 pounds.

(Editing by Kate Holton/Keith Weir)
Both devices have been certified by the Federal Communications Commission. The certification is important since it confirms many of the specs of the devices.

Pressure-sensitivity was introduced on smartphones with the 3D Touch feature on the iPhone 7. The technology is expected to be implemented in three flagship phones for the year  the Apple iPhone 8, Samsung Note 8 and Galaxy S8, according to a report.

Korean website the Investor reported Monday that Samsung subsidiary Samsung Display is working on a pressure-sensitive display similar to the Apple iPhone 8. The display will use organic light-emitting diodes to operate pressure-sensitive displays, the report added, citing industry sources.

The latest technology will have a superior level of pressure-sensitivity compared to its predecessor, a source told the Investor. The technology is reported to have been showcased to a limited gathering at the Mobile World Congress 2017 in Barcelona.

For the uninitiated, only the Apple iPhone 7 uses pressure-sensitivity in its displays among current smartphones and calls the technology 3D Touch. How it works is that the display is sensitive to different levels of pressure applied on it. It props up options related to an app on applying pressure on the icon on the display.

Read: iPhone 3D Touch Explained

Apple has already been rumored to employ the technology throughout the body of the iPhone 8  the device is even expected to have pressure sensitive buttons instead of physical ones. The Galaxy S8, meanwhile is expected to incorporate the technology in the form of a virtual home button  a replacement for the traditional physical home button, according to the report. The Galaxy Note 8 is expected to employ the technology throughout the whole display of the device.

While the Samsung Galaxy S8 is expected to launch March 29 according to the report, the Note 8 is expected to launch in the latter half of 2017. Both phones are expected to have Super AMOLED displays, iris scanners, dual cameras and a Snapdragon 835 processor.

Read: Samsung Galaxy S8, S8 Plus Get FCC-Certified

The Samsung Galaxy S8, the companys flagship device for 2017, is the South Korean electronic giants best bet, especially after the Note 7 fiasco of 2016, whose repercussions the company is still suffering from.

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A new report out of Korea indicates that Samsung might be in a hurry to kick off Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ sales, and the company has apparently pushed up the preorder date by a few days.

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Its unclear at this time whether Galaxy S8 preorders will kick off globally on April 7th or just in Korea, But ETNews says that Samsung will make a big deal out of its launch event.

The smartphone giant has partnered up with the three major mobile carriers to hold special Galaxy S8 events on April 7th, complete with contests and prizes for early adopters. Crowds are apparently expected at these events, complete with iPhone-style lines in front of participating stores.

The report notes that its unusual for Samsung and its carrier partners to go through all this trouble for a smartphone pre-launch event in Korea. Apparently, the decision to hold preorder events came about rather suddenly, according to an unnamed official.

Preorder demand for the LG G6 is much stronger than anticipated in Korea, and that might be the reason why Samsung is looking to push up the preorder date in the region. Initially, the S8 was expected to go on sale on April 10th and launch in stores on April 21st. The April 21st launch date has not changed, according to reports. A few days ago, Samsung kicked off a teaser campaign in Korea, to remind buyers that the Galaxy S8 is coming.

ETNews did not mention how much the Galaxy S8 will cost in the region.

The phone will be unveiled on March 29th during a special Unpacked event in New York, at which point Samsung will reveal release details for the handset.

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By Anna Irrera WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation has joined the blockchain consortium led by startup R3, as financial watchdogs around the world seek to better understand the opportunities and risks of the emerging technology. The Illinois regulator will collaborate with approximately 80 financial institutions that are members of R3 who are working to develop blockchain-based applications that are secure and scalable enough to run financial industry processes, the regulator and R3 said on Thursday. While R3's member base includes the Bank of Canada and the Securities & Futures Commission of Hong Kong, this is the first time a U.S. regulator has joined its fold. Illinois, with its large Chicago-based exchanges and trading firms, is one of the leading global hubs for derivatives trading. The Illinois regulator's secretary Bryan Schneider said blockchain's "potential to dramatically lower transactional costs, automate manual processes, and reduce opportunities for fraud and risk are truly promising." Blockchain, which first emerged as the system underpinning cryptocurrency bitcoin, is a shared record of transactions that is maintained by a network of computers, rather than a centralized authority. Financial institutions have been ramping up investments in the technology in the hopes that it can help them cut costs and simplify some of their processes, like the clearing and settlement of securities. As each computer on a blockchain network must agree to changes to the ledger, proponents have argued that it would increase transparency, making it useful for regulators. Yet questions remain as to whether it can meet the standards needed to run mainstream financial services processes. This is leading more global regulators to take a closer look. In late 2016 the Monetary Authority of Singapore announced that it was working with R3 to test using blockchain for interbank payments, while the Bank of England is part of the Hyperledger project, a blockchain consortium. R3 is looking to grow the number of regulators and government entities in its member base, said Charley Cooper, a managing director at R3. The Illinois regulator's decision to join R3 is part of a wider state push about the nascent technology. In November, Illinois formed a consortium of state and county agencies, known as the Illinois Blockchain Initiative, to explore use cases. Speaking at a conference in Washington on Wednesday, Illinois Blockchain Business Liaison Jennifer O'Rourke said the state was working on a series of tests including a system to track university credentials on the blockchain. (Reporting by Anna Irrera; Editing by Phil Berlowitz)
Flat or curved? That's one of the big questions surrounding the iPhone 8's design. After all, an OLED screen would allow Apple to do what Samsung has done with its Galaxy line.

The Galaxy S7 Edge has a curved screen that lets you access shortcuts with a quick swipe in from the side, but a new report says the iPhone 8 won't have similar ambitions, giving the upcoming Galaxy S8 a possible advantage.

A bezel-less iPhone 8 concept. Credit: Phone Arena

A bezel-less iPhone 8 concept. Credit: Phone Arena

According to Nikkei Asian Review (via 9to5 Mac), the "curve will be gentler than screens in Galaxy S7 Edge handsets" and "it will not offer significant new functions."

Nikkei also says that Apple's 10th-anniversary iPhone will have a viewable area of 5.2 inches, which doesn't line up with other iPhone 8 rumors that claim it will sport a much larger 5.8-inch panel.

Ironically, Nikkei claims that Samsung will be the sole provider of the OLED screens for the iPhone 8.

What's curious about this report is that we've heard that the iPhone 8 will sport a function area towards the bottom of its edge-to-edge screen, similar to the MacBook Pro with Touchbar.

That report from Apple Insider, citing KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, said that the function area would replace the iPhone's Touch ID button and that it would give the device a set of "always-on, static system controls into iOS."

Meanwhile, Samsung looks to be pushing even further with its software and hardware innovation. You'll apparently be able to customize the Galaxy S8's software buttons towards the bottom of the screen, and a recent report suggests that the new virtual home button will be pressure-sensitive. In this case, Samsung seems to be taking a page from Apple's 3D Touch technology.

If it turns out that the iPhone 8's gently curved iPhone 8 screen is just for aesthetics, that would be a bummer, but we somehow doubt that Apple won't find a way to make the most of the additional real estate. It just might not be directly related to the curve.

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See also : The Most Amazing iPhone 8 Concepts








FILE PHOTO: The logo of Toshiba Corp is seen behind a traffic signal at its headquarters in Tokyo, Japan January 27, 2017. REUTERS/Toru Hanai/File Photo (Reuters)

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Japan's industry minister said on Thursday he had agreed with the U.S. energy and commerce secretaries to share information on developments involving Toshiba Corp and its troubled U.S. nuclear affiliate, Westinghouse Electric Co, Japan's Kyodo news agency reported.

Toshiba said on Tuesday it was "actively considering" a sale and other strategic options for Westinghouse, as it expanded a probe into problems there that caused the parent group to miss an earnings deadline for a second time.

The Japanese conglomerate said it believed it could findbuyers for a majority stake in Westinghouse but sidestepped questions about a potential Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing for the unit, saying only there were various options. Sources have said bankruptcy lawyers have been hired as an exploratory step.

Kyodo said Hiroshige Seko, Japan's minister of economy, trade and industry, told Japanese reporters after talks in Washington with U.S. Energy Secretary Rick Perry and Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross that he had agreed with them to share information about developments in the case.

According to Kyodo, Seko said the U.S. Cabinet members had said they considered the fiscal stability of Toshiba extremely important.

Kyodo said Seko had a separate meeting on Thursday with Gary Cohn, director of the White House National Economic Council.

A White House official said, "The Westinghouse issue did come up in the meetings and both sides are monitoring it closely."

The U.S. Commerce and Energy departments and the National Economic Council did not respond to requests for comment.

Seko was on a one-day visit to prepare for a high-level bilateral economic dialogue due to start next month led by Japanese Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso and U.S. Vice President Mike Pence.

A sale of Westinghouse would represent the latest in a series of steps Toshiba is taking to grapple with losses stemming from the nuclear unit's ill-fated purchase of a U.S. nuclear power plant construction company in 2015.

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Toshiba has already put up most or even all of its memory chip business for sale to cope with an upcoming $6.3 billion writedown for the nuclear business and to create a buffer for potential losses down the road.

Westinghouse has been plagued by huge cost overruns at two U.S. projects in Georgia and South Carolina, and liabilities related to those projects mean it is unlikely to be an easy asset to sell, despite attractive technology.

Westinghouse has been negotiating a multi-billion-dollar deal to build six nuclear reactors in India after a 2008 civil nuclear accord, a deal supposed to showcase a new era of economic and strategic cooperation between the United States and India.

(Reporting by David Brunnstrom; Additional reporting by Timothy Gardner and Emily Stephenson; Editing by Leslie Adler)
By Tom Bergin LONDON (Reuters) - SWIFT, the inter-bank messaging network which is the backbone of international finance, said it planned to cut off the remaining North Korean banks still connected to its system, as concerns about the country's nuclear program and missile tests grow. SWIFT said the four remaining banks on the network would be disconnected for failing to meet its operating criteria. The bank-owned co-operative declined to specify what the banks' shortcomings were or if it had received representations from any governments. Experts said the decision to cut off banks which were not subject to European Union sanctions was unusual and a possible sign of diplomatic pressure on SWIFT. Belgium-based SWIFT has previously refused to cut off Burmese, Russian or Syrian banks which were subject to sanctions by other countries, such as the United States, citing a policy of remaining politically neutral. SWIFT ignored years of pressure linked to Iran's nuclear program, and only cut off Iranian banks in 2012 after the EU passed specifically tailored sanctions. SWIFT is overseen by the central bank of Belgium which is subject to EU law. The DPRK (Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea) banks remaining on the network are no longer compliant with SWIFTs membership criteria, SWIFT spokeswoman Natasha de Teran said in a statement. "As a result, these entities will no longer have access to the SWIFT financial messaging service. Given the increased ongoing international attention on the DPRK, SWIFT has informed the Belgian and EU authorities," she added. Last week, the Belgian authorities said they would no longer allow SWIFT to provide services to North Korean banks which were under U.N. sanctions. That followed a U.N. report in February that said North Korea was relying on continued access to the international banking system to flout sanctions imposed in relation to its nuclear program. Former SWIFT chief executive Leonard Schrank said the only previous occasions he could remember when SWIFT had cut off banks not subject to EU sanctions was when the banks had lost their banking license or a country's central bank had ceased functioning. This is a very, very serious action, he said, adding it could open SWIFT up to pressure in respect of other countries. A spokesman for the European Commission denied leaning on SWIFT: This is a commercial matter for SWIFT. We do not interfere in the business decisions of any such company, he said. The U.S. Department of the Treasury and Belgian Foreign Ministry did not respond to requests for comment. (Editing by Robin Pomeroy)
We take it for granted that if you pick up a phone and dial 911, someone will pick up at the other end. That hasnt been happening recently in Texas, and T-Mobile is left standing naked in the spotlight after a series of errors left 911 calls on hold, and two people dead.

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The Dallas 911 system has been flooded with ghost calls from T-Mobile subscribers recently. The 911 switchboard records a call from a number that instantly hangs up. It floods the incoming phone lines, but also means that the 911 operators have to dial the number back, as it could be someone in danger. The end result is that legitimate 911 users have been immediately disconnected when they dial 911, or at best placed on hold for 20 minutes.

This has come to a head in two sad incidents. In the first, David Taffet noticed that his husband had stopped breathing and called 911. He was immediately disconnected and it took him 20 minutes to reach a 911 operator. By the time his husband made it to the hospital, he was dead.

In the second case, a babysitter was on hold for 30 minutes while trying to get help for an infant. The baby was eventually taken to two area hospitals, but died.

Talking to KCENTV, Dallas City Manager T.C. Broadnax said This is an unacceptable situation and the citizens of Dallas deserve better. With Mr. Legeres commitment today, Im hopeful T-Mobile can continue to work with the City of Dallas to finally resolve this situation so that we have a reliable 911 system that can properly serve the emergency needs of our citizens.

T-Mobile CEO John Legere has pledged to send top engineers to the city to take care of the problem. This isnt the first time T-Mobile has faced 911 issues; in 2015, it was fined $17.5 million by the FCC for nationwide 911 outages.

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By Alexandria Sage SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - A lawyer for Uber [UBER.UL] told a federal judge on Thursday he intended to file a petition to compel arbitration in the Waymo trade secrets theft case, citing an agreement signed by a former Waymo employee who is at the heart of the case. Waymo, the self-driving division of technology giant Alphabet, sued ride services company Uber last month, alleging it stole proprietary trade secrets and used them to quickly scale up its autonomous vehicle program. In both parties' first appearance before U.S. District Judge William Alsup in San Francisco, Arturo Gonzalez, a lawyer for Uber, said an employment agreement signed by Anthony Levandowski when he worked at Waymo has a "very broad arbitration provision" that should be used. Levandowski now works for Uber. Arbitration is a private process that is a faster and less expensive way to resolve disputes than going to trial. In an arbitration, the case is heard by an arbitrator mutually agreed upon by the two sides. The arbitrator has the sole authority to make a ruling, and generally speaking, the arbitrator's decision cannot be appealed. In its lawsuit, Waymo said that before leaving the company Levandowski downloaded more than 14,000 confidential documents about Waymo's work on Lidar, a key sensor used in autonomous technology. In discussing how Waymo's request for a preliminary injunction to stop Uber from using the contested technology might be affected by a motion for arbitration, the judge told Gonzalez, "This is not a frivolous motion." "You dont get many cases where there is pretty direct proof that someone downloaded 14,000 documents and then left the next day. This is a serious proposition," Alsup said. Gonzalez explained the intent to seek arbitration by saying, "I dont know if the court has wondered why is it that individuals (mentioned in the complaint) are not defendants. Heres the answer, because there is an employment agreement that has a very broad arbitration provision." "We intend to file permission to file arbitration within two weeks" Gonzalez added. Waymo lawyer Charles Verhoeven confirmed that Levandowski had signed such an agreement that included non-disclosure provisions. Waymo's lawsuit set in motion what many in Silicon Valley's self-driving sector predict will be an acrimonious, high-profile trade secrets battle between the two tech rivals. Both are vying to be first to bring self-driving cars to the masses in a highly competitive field that includes established carmakers, little-known start-ups and technology giants. Alsup warned of a "50-50" chance that Levandowski will seek his own attorney when he is eventually deposed by Waymo lawyers, and told Uber to prepare so it would not delay proceedings. After the hearing, Gonzalez would not confirm to Reuters whether Levandowski already has his own attorney in the matter. (Reporting by Alexandria Sage; Editing by Leslie Adler)
A Bay Area food startup just served the worlds first chicken strips made that was cultivated in a lab directly from cells. No chicken was killed to obtain it, and fewer resources were consumed to make it, although its still a pretty expensive process. However, this type of growing meat could revolutionize the meat industry in the future, as different startups are already growing various kinds of meat, not just chicken.

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Clean meat is a new meat-growing concept that promises to fix a bunch of problems. On the one hand, Earths growing population is consuming more and more food. On the other hand, growing said food in the wild can be costly for the environment. Not to mention that animal advocacy groups still take issues with the way animals are raised and slaughtered.

Talking to The Wall Street Journal, Memphis Meats co-founder and CEO Uma Valeti said the clean meat requires a tenth of the water and one hundredth of the land required to raise conventional animals. Theres also no waste, as there arent there arent any real animals to grow.

Memphis Meats hosted a tasting luncheon to demo its lab-grown chicken, a first for the nascent industry. The same company and some of its competitors have already developed beef from bovine cells, which was turned into a burger and meatball. Memphis Meat also offered the testers duck prepared a lorange style.

Chicken is the most popular type of meat consumed in the US and should soar past pork to become the worlds most-consumed meat by 2020.

Those attending the lunch said the chicken strip was spongier than regular chicken breast but has the same flavor.

The meat develops in steel bioreactor tanks where it receives the water and sugars it needs to grow into pieces of meat that could be sold to consumers. Memphis Meat expects to commercialize its meat products by 2021.

The downside of clean meat is that it still requires a lot of money, as it is right now, to make. One pound of chicken meat costs $9,000 to make. But manufacturing costs should go down in the future. It cost double that amount last year to produce beef meatball meat.

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Planet Earth II continues Saturday night on BBC America with the Grasslands episode. As you can see from the exclusive sneak peek above, in which an agile harvest mouse goes full-on Mission: Impossible  with her prehensile tail in an English meadow, swaying on grass stems to snatch food and evade a barn owl  there will be moments of levity in the hour.

Cameraman Jonathan Jones focuses on a harvest mouse. (Photo: Chadden Hunter)

There will also, however, be some truly dramatic survival stories  not just for the animals, but also for Grasslands producer/director Chadden Hunter and his crew behind the scenes. Here, Hunter  who spent three and a half years working on the episode  offers Yahoo TV a preview of five more sequences and the stories about how they were captured.

Lions hunt in the flooded swamps of the Okavango Delta in Botswana. (Photo: BBC)

Swamp Cats

A pride of lions known as Swamp Cats have learned to hunt in the flooded swamps of the Okavango Delta, Botswana. The water adds an extra challenge because the lionesses  who need to make a kill so their 3-month old cubs wont starve  cant get the traction needed to be able to pull down a buffalo. As long as the buffalo  which weighs more than the five lionesses combined and uses its horns as a weapon  remains standing, the odds are it will walk away, albeit bloodied, provided its stamina outlasts that of the pride. The battle of wills (4 heart-pounding minutes in the episode) is one of series executive producer Mike Guntons favorite sequences because it shows the intense struggle of both animals in such a visceral way. The water flying everywhere  its sort of Tarantino-esque, he says. Its almost operatic, balletic, which makes it feel kind of Godfather-esque.

The sequence proved the most difficult for Hunter, starting with the fact that it took him two seasons in the field to witness the behavior. One of our bosses once said, If were not coming back with some failures, were not trying hard enough,' he says. That was a really fantastic piece of management because it encouraged us to get out there and really go after some stories that might be really difficult to get. In this day and age, with the Internet and with cable television and people having so much access to content, its really much tougher for us to blow people away with something new.

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Hunter ventured hundreds of miles into the Okavango Delta on a tiny boat with local cameraman Brad Bestelink. On one trip, the water level was lower than theyd expected and their boat began getting stuck in the vegetation. We had angry hippos in front of us and angry hippos behind us, and the cameraman started casually saying, Oh, dont go near the hippos. They broke my last boat in half with one bite. They can just snap the boat in half,' Hunter says.

So we were trying to dodge the hippos, he continues, and then we had to jump out into the water and push the boat ourselves. We were in armpit-deep black water, pushing this boat above our heads across the top of the vegetation. Then the cameraman said, Oh, we need to take off our shoes now. I was like, What are you talking about? He said, Well, for the crocodiles. He said if you press down on a crocodiles back with your shoes on, you wont know what it is  youll just press down, and the crocodile will spin around and take your leg off instantly. But with bare feet, you can feel the back of a crocodiles skin. Its unmistakable. So we were going through this swamp for hours and hours where every single footstep you put down feeling for crocodiles, thinking, God, is that crocodile skin? Is that a crocodiles back? In terms of just the sheer physical challenge of getting into location, that one was pretty brutal.

Hunter turned the camera on them for some of that trek, which became the BBC Earth Unplugged video above. At the end of this particular day, as he and Bestelink were returning to camp, a hippo stood in the channel between them and home. So as not to not startle and anger it, they waited for it to move on  for more than an hour. They also, as the video shows, cracked open a beer. Yeah, youre not supposed to see that, Hunter says with a laugh. Those are the scenes that we dont often let the viewers see. That was Survival 101 right there. Its kind of a What else can you do now? type thing.

A one-horned Asian rhino emerges from the tall grass of Kaziranga National Park in northeast India. (Photo: Chadden Hunter)

Kaziranga National Park

The Making of Planet Earth II  which airs March 25  takes viewers behind the scenes of Hunters time in the tall Indian elephant grass in the worlds most dangerous national park. Basically, its an impenetrable world of this thick green grass. The elephants push through, and they create these paths, and then other animals follow them over the years  rhinos, tigers, and buffalo. So you get this amazing labyrinth of green tunnels, which very very few humans go into because its so dangerous. More people are killed in Kaziranga than in any other national park in the world, Hunter says.

His crew went in with a guard armed with an old rifle that could fire a warning shot if needed. On foot, when youre that close to the animal, you cant see them. Youve got angry elephants not far from you. Youve got grumpy rhinoceros. Theyre just uncertain of what is in the grass as well. Trying to keep everybody safe is my responsibility as a producer/director. That gave me gray hairs in that long grass in India, he says.

Grasslands producer/director Chadden Hunter. (Photo: Chadden Hunter)

What became clear to Hunter was that setting up remote cameras in the grass was the safer way to go. One small problem: The animals started dismantling those one by one, in quite cunning ways, he says. I dont think it was just sheer vandalism; it was actually quite calculated. These animals really wanted to keep their secrets.

A hidden infrared security camera catches an Indian brown bear vandalizing a remote HD video camera. (Image: BBC)

Ultimately, a local Indian cameraman, Sandesh Kadur  whod become obsessed with getting the shots they wanted  took matters into his own hands. He knew places where he could camouflage fully in grass and sit there for days on end, Hunter says. The animals may not be able to see him now, but he said he was sitting there in that little grass hut and he could hear the rhinos breathing behind him. And then these two male rhinos started getting into a fight and were chasing each other around in the grass right behind him. He just thought, Oh, one footstep and Im killed here. But we got him out alive in the end.

Jacksons Widowbirds Jumping Contest

This sequence will tickle anyone who enjoyed the Wilsons bird-of-paradise in the Jungles episode of Planet Earth II. As you see in the sneak peek above, male widowbirds in Kenya compete for female attention by seeing who can jump the highest above the grass for the longest amount of time. That was Sir David Attenboroughs favorite sequence in the Grasslands film, Hunter says. That was another story that took us a while to get because the widowbirds only really do their courtship dancing when the conditions are absolutely spot-on  when the grasses are nice and high, full of seeds and food. The first season we tried that in Kenya, the rains had failed and we saw one sad male try to jump once, but he was quite limp. Then, the second season, we had good rains, then all the males started going for it. But it was trying to find a patch where you had multiple males dancing near each other and competing, which was tough.

After they found a group of suitors, filming them was easy. The nice thing about those widowbirds is they were a species that lets you get quite close to them. Once those males get obsessed with showing off for the females, theyre pretty bulletproof, and so it allowed us to change camera angles, it allowed us to really build the story of the males and the females and the competitors, Hunter says. What I love about that is really, really building a character out of our animals. I think thats something that people look for in these big series  that kind of emotional connection. I love a story that takes a loser and turns it into a hero. Sometimes our bosses will say, Oh God, not another bird story. You know, birds arent that sexy. But when you can milk that character, and those widowbirds are just so delightful, they really do make you smile. To see a male struggling  we can all sympathize with trying to find a mate or a date. I think it really was a heartwarming sequence, so I always look out for those stories in a film.

Cameraman Brad Bestelink films carmine bee-eaters while strapped into a safety harness on the front of a 4-wheel drive (Photo: Chadden Hunter)

Carmine Bee-eaters Free Ride

Hunter got a tip from locals that when they drove in the tall grass, bee-eater birds would follow the Jeeps because the wheels kicked up insects. Hunter knew his team could use new stabilization technology to get into intimate shots of the birds hunting, as seen in the photo above. But he also knew they could capture elephants serving as the waiters.

An African bull elephant swishes his trunk at the carmine bee-eaters following him through the grassland of Botswana. (Photo: Chadden Hunter)

Hunter admits this story was a hard sell with his bosses. What I loved about it was how connected to grass it was. I was always trying to look for those stories that really told us something about how the animal has to survive in grass and what kind of ingenious solution it has, he says. The bee-eaters cant get to their food at all without a bigger animal to stir it up. So I thought this is a wonderful opportunity to draw multiple species into one story, which is a very Disney-esque way to do storytelling. Its rare that we get that chance, but I knew that wed get some nice character out of them.

The story got even more crowded, to his delight. We were going for the elephants and the bee-eaters, and we knew that if we saw a big bull walk through, then the bee-eaters might follow, but wed have to keep our distance. What we didnt realize is that the ostriches and the kori bustards were coming through, and the bee-eaters were opportunistically following along with those guys and riding on the backs. That was one of those treats where we were just given this little extra layer to the story, which added another smile to your face. Seeing a bird riding on the back of another bird cheekily like that is just one of those wonderful little moments that I think lifts the film.

Thousands of Caribou mothers and calves take part in the animal kingdoms longest overland migration. (Photo: BBC)

Caribou Migration

Every hour of Planet Earth II needs a story of spectacle, and this one is a special one. More than 70,000 caribou calves will be born in the span of a few days in Canadas Barrenlands. When they are just days old, their mothers gather them to begin the longest overland migration in the animal kingdom. The aerial shots are so beautiful, you may tear up. Theres a nobility about them, Gunton says. It reminds you of the power of nature and the extraordinary things that are going on every day on the planet that we have absolutely no idea about.

For Hunter, sequences like this and the similar tale of Saiga antelope calving herds in Kazakhstan at the start of the hour are a nod to the original Planet Earth. I think what really blew people away with Planet Earth was just that it felt so grand and stately and really showed you those vast landscapes. Of course, with Planet Earth II, we were trying to go more intimate, we were trying to get more immersive, but I didnt want to lose sight of the fact that people love those epic landscapes, he says. Caribou have the ultimate grassland story: From the day those little calves are born, theyre up against it. Theyve got to be on their feet and moving, literally on Day One. And then for the rest of their life, its forever trying to deal with the changing nature of grasslands themselves.

The caribou migration is the final sequence in the episode, because Hunter wanted to make people rethink their view of grasslands. Theyre not just this flat, benign habitat where animals go to kill each other; theyre actually a really dynamic landscape that can throw up incredible challenges, he says. So I wanted for that to feel like a big, rousing end that really celebrated grasslands.

Hunter himself had reason to celebrate while in the field for this sequence  he survived an encounter with a grizzly bear. One day, he went out walking alone on the tundra (prepared with bear spray, etc.) in search of the arctic wolves that prey on the caribou and spotted a big male grizzly in the distance. I could see him smelling. I could see that he could tell where I was. I must have had some trail mix in the bag. He started coming straight toward me. Im watching this through binoculars at first. Oh God, okay, here he comes. I knew I wasnt supposed to run. My camp manager said, Dont run. Only prey runs. So I started walking back toward the camp as fast as I could, and I held my video camera up over my shoulder, like a rearview mirror, he says. I was watching on the little side screen on the video camera, so that I could watch the bear behind me get closer and closer, knowing that I couldnt run. If I ran, then that was it  the bear would catch up. Simultaneously, I could give a little message to my loved ones  to my family and fiancee  saying, Look, if I dont get out of here, this has been a fantastic experience. I did make it back to camp, but that was a pretty hair-raising moment.

Planet Earth II airs Saturdays at 9 p.m. on BBC America.

Read more from Yahoo TVs Planet Earth II coverage:

Planet Earth II Preview: Giraffe vs. Lioness in the Desert

Planet Earth II Heads to the Jungles: Producers Preview 7 Moments

Planet Earth II Producers Preview Must-Watch Mountains Moments

Planet Earth II Executive Producer Mike Gunton Previews Top Islands Moments
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ANGOLA  The victim of an alleged rape gave emotional testimony Wednesday afternoon in Steuben Circuit Court.

Trembling, she took the witnesses stand, the first to testify in the trial of Chad M. Farrell, 45, of Angola. Her testimony took up most of the afternoon.

Farrell is charged with a Level 1 felony charge of rape while armed with a deadly weapon, which carries a possible sentence of 40 years in prison, and a Level 3 felony charge of criminal confinement, which carries up to a 16-year sentence.

It took the whole morning to seat a 12-person jury, and while the trial was set to begin at 1 p.m., off-the-record conversations outside the courtroom held up proceedings for an hour.

In his opening statements, Prosecutor Jeremy Musser said the jury would see that Farrell, caught up in anger and jealousy, lured his victim to his trailer where he assaulted her. Farrells court-appointed attorney, James Burns, suggested the victims claims were a way to get rid of her exboyfriend.

Burns laid out facts he said the jury could take for granted: the victim and Farrell had previously been involved in a sexual relationship, Farrell called her the night of Feb. 18, 2016, because he said he was ill, she took him to his trailer, she called 911 and DNA samples were collected at the hospital.

The events of the evening, Burns said, could be the script for a bad horror movie, as the victim escaped from the trailer, waited in her unlocked car for police to arrive, then was again confronted by Farrell, who she said took his car and drove off.

The jury heard a short taped conversation with Steuben County Communications, which started at 12:26 a.m. on Feb. 19, 2016. The victim told the dispatcher, He just raped me and he has a knife.

The dispatcher asked the victims name, and she uttered her first name before exclaiming that he was coming at her again. The blood-curdling screams captured by the 911 recording turned to thunks and scratching sounds, then it ended.

On the stand, the victim appeared traumatized, answering very slowly and shakily. At one point, Burns asked that the jurors be dismissed so he could determine the competency of the witnesses, asking her if she had ingested any drugs or alcohol. With a negative answer, the trial continued, and during more than two and a half hours on the stand, the witness provided a detailed account of the events of that evening at the questioning of Musser and Burns.

According to her testimony, she and Farrell worked at the same factory and started dating in November 2015. They lived together at her apartment for several weeks, then she said she asked him to move out. She told the jury the last time they had consensual sex was in January 2016.

They kept in contact, and the victim would often drive Farrell to work third shift; she works first shift. She said she was just being a friend, just being nice.

The day the alleged crime occurred, Farrell had been texting her and went to her house that afternoon to talk about his doctors appointment. During that time, the victim testified her ex-boyfriend and father of her teenage son knocked on the door, but she did not answer it for fear of a confrontation between him and Farrell.

She then asked Farrell to leave, and said he didnt really want to go. The jury was given a series of text conversations to read.

He sent me so many texts I didnt even read them all, the victim said.

That evening, after Farrell started working, he texted her again.

He said he was having chest pains and he needed to go to the hospital, she said. Once in her car, he instead asked to go to his trailer at Silver Lake, and the victim said she obliged, letting him lean on her for support as they went up the trailer steps.

She said she left her car running with her purse and cell phone inside. She said she helped him to his bed in his bare bones trailer, and once to the bedside, he turned on her, threw her to the bed and removed most of her clothes.

He said that I deserve this, that this is what you get, she said. Im screaming What are you doing? Stop. Stop.

She said she stopped screaming after Farrell produced a knife, which he allegedly held in his hand while he raped her.

She said she asked to leave and that Farrell told her he would not let her go until she saw him slit his wrists.

I said please dont do that, said the victim. I didnt want him to hurt me or himself in front of me.

She got a glass of water, she said, and Farrell leaned against the door. After a short while, the knife fell from his hand and he appeared to pass out, slipping down in front of the door.

The victim testified that she took the knife and hid it in the couch cushions, then pushed the seemingly unconscious Farrell aside and slid out the door. She got in the car and called 911, then realized Farrell had awoken. Though she started driving away, she said he leaped onto the hood of her car, spread eagle across the hood, looking in the windshield.

The event caused her to scream as the 911 operator listened, then she said she threw her cell phone to the floor of the car, got out and ran. Farrell got in the drivers seat and drove away, she said.

The only other witness to take the stand Wednesday was a former neighbor of Farrells, Dakota Caudill, who said the victims screaming woke his dog, and he went outside. Within five minutes, Caudill said, Farrell came driving back into the trailer court followed by two police cars, and Farrell was taken into custody.

Testimony resumes today. The trial was scheduled to last two days.
WEST LAFAYETTE  The Steuben County Tourism Bureau was honored for its digital marketing efforts during the 2017 Indiana Tourism Conference held at Purdue University.

The Bureau was honored for Best Digital Marketing Campaign for bureaus with marketing budgets less than $300,000.

The award honored the Tourism Bureaus campaign done on Twitter and Facebook that promoted Steuben County as the halfway point between Chicago and Cleveland during the World Series. The entire campaign cost about $500.

Its an honor to be recognized as a leader in the state for creativity and the effective use of marketing dollars, said June Julien, executive director of the Tourism Bureau.

The inaugural Indiana Tourism Awards, presented by Midwest Living magazine, honor tourism businesses and organizations that are creative, innovative and maximize the dollars invested, a news release said.

Julien said there were 10 entries in the digital marketing competition, including some larger market bureaus and advertising agencies.

Steuben Countys promotion, which included a graphic created locally by Bill Eyster of Eyster Photo & Graphics showed a map with Chicago and Cleveland on opposite ends and an arrow pointing out the countys location on Interstate 80-90, which connects the two cities.

Potawatomi Inn, restaurants such as Carusos and attractions like Satek Winery reported an uptick in business at a time that is typically slow, Julien said.

The award is a reflection of the Tourism Bureaus current efforts to market Steuben County to visitors. The most recent data available said about 78 percent of visitors to the county use the internet for their information.

The Tourism Bureau has also used some very targeted marketing efforts using traditional online sources and social media, like the World Series ad, which started as a post then evolved into a paid promotion.

The effort also generated a significant amount of free media from area television stations and KPC Media Group.

The Indiana Tourism Conference brought together more than 150 tourism leaders from around the state for networking and educational sessions over a three-day period that ended Wednesday. In addition to Julien, Emily Sattison, manager of Potawatomi Inn, Pokagon State Park, also attended.

The Indiana Tourism Associations mission is advocating the value of tourism in Indiana and supporting the best practices of its members. Established in 1980, the association partners with the Indiana Office of Tourism Development, Association of Indiana Restaurant and Lodging and other statewide associations to support tourism investment and promotion as an economic contributor to the state.
Its not often that a chamber music ensemble gets compared to groups as different as Canadian Brass and the Blues Brothers, but thats just one of the many ways the M5 Mexican Brass is a unique outfit that doesnt take itself too seriously. So much so that critics routinely struggle to find apt comparisons (one likened their shows to vaudeville and classical music combined).

Currently on tour in the United States, the internationally renowned quintet will appear at the Marie W. Heider Center for the Arts in West Salem on Friday, March 24. While virtuoso performances of classical offerings will definitely be on the bill, that is just a fraction of what the audience will hear from this Mexico-based ensemble consisting of two trumpets, a trombone, a French horn and a tuba.

The bands eclectic playlist includes folk tunes, jazz, blues, pop, show tunes and even opera. All this is presented with compelling showmanship  multiple costume changes, elaborate staging, dance routines and storytelling.

Reviews of M5 typically mention the groups considerable charm, their use of humor and their uncanny ability to establish a rapport with their audiences. Describing M5s approach to performance, their founder, Alexander Freund, has said, We like to shake things up, to do the unexpected. Classical music doesnt have to be deadly serious. It can be fun. We figure if we have fun, the audience will, too.

Some might notice that Freund doesnt sound very Mexican. That observation would be correct. Although the other four musicians are natives of Mexico, Freund grew up in Germany in the Weimar region, an area with a strong tradition of brass instrumentation. Both his parents were professional musicians.

Freund began playing the trumpet at age 12 and has since traveled the world with stops in orchestras and classical ensembles in Korea, India and Brazil. His zest for travel eventually led him to Mexico where he became the principal trumpet player for the Morelia Symphony Orchestra.

Thats where Freund met the other four members of his group. He says they not only clicked musically but also became very good friends. Thats so important if youre going to spend hundreds of hours together rehearsing, traveling and performing, he said.
A 0.5 percent tourism tax caught the attention of the Bangor Village Board after a presentation by county board member for district 26, Dan Hesse.

Hesse outlined several concerns governing a proposed tourism tax that would bring in millions of dollars of revenue to the county.

What they want to do is add a half percent to the sales tax, he said.

The tourism tax is being considered as a means to address the nearly $88 million in county road repairs, and alternative to other measures such as property tax increases, borrowing or a wheel tax.

The tax is estimated to raise nearly 5.8 million a year.

Hesses greatest concern was what businesses would be required to charge the extra tax and which wouldnt.

His concern was sparked by the discovery that gas and convenience chain Kwik Trip would be exempt from charging the tax but Lloyds Speed Stop in West Salem would not.

Hesse said they should both be required to charge the tax.

Im trying to figure out what businesses apply and which dont, he said. They really dont tell us much.

Hesse was concerned the tourism tax could hurt local businesses, especially dealerships.

Minnesota are 6.5 percent; were close to Monroe County, I dont know if you are buy a car if it goes on there, he said. Half a percent should be fair to everyone.

Hesse said profits from the tourism tax would support county efforts in each of the municipalities.

In Bangor were struggling, instead of replacing streets, were replacing blocks, board member Jeff Radtke said.

He said the tax dollars couldnt be used for any of the village roads.

Hesse said at the last county board meeting they discussed how to divvy up the profits from the tourism tax.

He said one suggestion was that municipalities could should submit a project providing guidance for how to handle county roads.

Theyre (county roads) bad, theyre really bad, he said.

Village President Gary Althoff said I dont see why you should have to present a project. Were going to be at the tail end.

He said its a messy way to raise taxes.

If they need an extra half percent, it should be half a percent across the board, Althoff said.

Board member John McCue agreed with Althoff.

I personally wouldnt mind paying that because you still have to drive on county roads, he said. A half percent is kind of peanuts.

An informational hearing on the proposed tourism tax will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, March 18, at the Onalaska City Hall and at 6:30 p.m., Monday, March 20, at the Hazel Brown Leicht Memorial Library in West Salem.

The proposed tourism tax will go to an advisory referendum April 4. If passed the tax will not go into effect until after the state approves an exemption allowing the county to charge a tourism tax. If the county receives state approval the tax will go to a second binding referendum next year.

Cracking down

The Bangor Police Department is cracking down on local bars for illicit activities, threatening temporary suspension of alcohol beverage licenses, and revamping the points system for these offenses, after an uptick of citations issued during the last few months.

Police Chief Scott Alo said a recent incident in which one of his officers observed a bartender and patron exchange controlled substances.

He added the most common offense they are finding is sale of alcohol after hours.

When Alo reviewed the villages code of ordinances he found the code only went as far as the sale of controlled substances and did not take into account the exchange or possession of controlled substances.

Alo worked with village attorney Dan Arndt to add new provisions to the ordinance. For consumption after hours, possession or consumption of controlled substances by either a patron, bartender or bar employee.

The changes to the ordinance will not go in to effect until adopted by the board at next months meeting.

The changes will only affect new offenders and will not retroactively affect bar owners.

Board member Amanda OHern expressed concern the new system may hurt bar owners for the digressions of their employees.

Alo argued that it is the responsibility of the bar owner to manage their employees.

He added that the police department will not cite bars that report illicit activity because they are being responsible business owners.
Law enforcement and other first responders to emergency calls in La Crosse County are learning about signals that a person has dementia so they dont mistake erratic behavior for criminal activity and react in the wrong way  such as tasing an elderly man.

Although such extreme reactions from law officers are rare  having been inflicted on a 91-year-old man in a Punta Gorda, Fla., assisted living facility last month and a 91-year-old in a Minneapolis, Kan., nursing home last year  they illustrate the potential for harm when officers dont recognize the symptoms.

Thats the main reason the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Western Wisconsin received a $77,000 Dementia Capable Crisis Response grant from the state last year. Center staffers have trained nearly 150 La Crosse County and city law enforcement officers, first responders and others since it received the grant in January 2016, said Cheryl Neubauer, who supervises the center.

Increasing need as baby boomers age

The need for such awareness will become increasingly important as baby boomers age, she said.

A person with dementia who is driving may appear intoxicated when they actually are just confused, Neubauer said.

The appropriate response can save time and energy not only for the person who as Alzheimers disease or other forms of dementia but also their families and law enforcement, Neubauer said.

Officers always are watching for the safety of themselves and others, so being able to see the signs is helpful to the person and the family, said Sgt. Brandon Penzkover, a member of training unit of the La Crosse County Sheriffs Office.

We brought it into the in-service training, learning the best practices of dealing with (distressed individuals) and guiding other members of the families, he said.

We deal with so many members of the community, and it is so diversified, we need to know how to deal with all members, said Penzkover, who cited a personal experience in which the training helped him.

During a break one day, he went home for lunch and saw an ambulance in the neighborhood. Checking into the situation, he was able to identify what was going on, he said.

Through the class, I was able to contact a family member and provide resources, Penzkover said. It was a good thing all around, because I was able to talk to another neighbor about it.

Much of the time, the response includes pointing people toward resources and assistance they often dont know exists, he said.

Most dementia patients live at home

Roughly 70 percent to 80 percent of the people who have dementia live at home, and the program aims to keep them in their homes as safely as possible for as long as possible, Neubauer said.

The Aging and Disability Resource Center, headquartered at the La Crosse County Health and Human Services Department, serves La Crosse, Jackson, Monroe and Vernon counties.

Some of the topics taught in the classes include:

Employ talk tactics, talking slowly, asking simple questions and maintaining eye contact.

When speaking to a caregiver, determine whether there are firearms in the home. If so, advise removing them altogether or, if not possible, store unloaded guns in a locked container.

Recognize wandering, with clues including blank or confused facial expression, inappropriate attire or lack of awareness of unsafe situations. Wandering often is the result of someone becoming disoriented and merely searching for home  sometimes a home they occupied years ago or even as a child.

When a call involves alleged abuse or neglect, recognize that these can be complicated cases requiring the utmost caution. If someone is injured, take that person to a hospital. If uninjured but in danger, move the individual to a safe place.

When a person with dementia unknowingly walks out of a store without paying, attempt to resolve the issue with the store manager instead of arresting the person and filing charges. Inform the persons caregiver and recommend that the person be accompanied on future shopping trips.

Some people with dementia used to be detained in a hospital under a Chapter 51 hold, but a hospital often isnt the best option, Neubauer said.

The training demonstrates to law enforcement how to defuse crises instead of taking a person to a hospital or jail, she said.

One interesting thing we learned during training is that lots of law enforcement people have neighbors who have dementia, Neubauer said. Who these days doesnt know somebody who has dementia?

Avoid crisis, plan for future

Once a crisis has been averted, another result is planning to avoid such incidents in the future, she said.

After the dust settles, what can we put in place to help the caregivers? she said.

Perhaps most important, she said, is to erase the stigma that causes people to ignore, run from or be embarrassed by people who have dementia  the way people once talked of cancer only in whispers.

Its like its a communicable disease  like youre going to get dementia, she said.

As for those tasing incidents in Florida and Kansas, part of the problem was lack of training, according to authorities involved in the cases.

In Punta Gorda, police responded to an assisted-living facility where a 91-year-old man was agitated.

The man told the officers he wanted them to hurt him, saying, Go ahead and shoot me and Give me your gun and Ill shoot myself. He also threatened police, saying, I want to kill every one of them.

After trying to calm the man, an officer decided to take him into custody to protect other residents and staff members. The man tried to bite an officer, and thats when an officer used a stun gun on him. He was sent to a hospital for medical clearance and later transported to a behavioral health center.

In the Kansas case, a 91-year-old Alzheimers disease patient in a nursing home refused to go to a doctors appointment. In an attempt to get him to cooperate, police tased him, handcuffed him and carried him out on a stretcher, according to news reports.

Police initially told the public that the taser was becoming violent with police. But video from a police body cam released months later showed that he was not being violent, and he crumbled to the ground when tased.

Workers from other nursing homes who reviewed the video said the main problem was lack of training that would have taught the officers that they should have just stepped back and tried to calm him.

A news report quoted one as saying that a de-escalation approach would have worked, saying, The best way to deal with that would have been to back off, give him time to relax, re-approach and explain to him first of all who they are, what theyre coming here for and what theyre doing for his best interest.
The following editorial appeared in the March 12 La Crosse Tribune:

Sunshine Week  the time set aside to celebrate freedom, openness and transparency in our democracy  is a wonderful time to pause for a brief reminder about our rights as Americans.

How brief?

Just 45 words.

Its called the First Amendment.

Congress passed the measure on Sept. 25, 1789, and it was ratified on Dec. 15, 1791. The first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution form the Bill of Rights.

The First Amendment reads: 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 wording is sweeping, inclusive and straightforward, and it protects each of us.

It doesnt differentiate by nation of origin, gender or color of skin.

It doesnt differentiate by political party.a

It guarantees freedom for all, and is a basic tenet of the democracy that makes America truly exceptional.

At a time when the president of the United States insists on framing journalists as the enemy of the American people, the framers of the Constitution had a different view of a free press.

The same constitutional right that the president exercises when he speaks  or Tweets  his mind protects all of us when it comes to faith, freedom of the press, freedom of speech, freedom to assemble and freedom to petition the government for redress of grievances.

Freedom depends on openness  a concept too often attacked by legislators who would prefer the public didnt know what government is up to.

The First Amendment has been a bedrock of our nation for 225 years.

But we dare not take it for granted. We need to guard it and celebrate it  not just during Sunshine Week, but every day.
Ben Brancel, secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, put a happy face on his assessment of how Gov. Scott Walkers budget helps rural Wisconsin.

In an op-ed that ran in Mondays La Crosse Tribune, Brancel lauded the investments in schools, broadband funding, road aids to local governments, and conservation practices  all needed investments and laudable insofar as they are adequate to the need.

But there was a glaring omission from this upbeat picture: There was no mention of how Wisconsin will resolve its so called water wars  the conflict between agricultural practices that are depleting groundwater in some areas of the state and pollluting drinking water in areas where soil is unsuitable for spreading millions of gallons of manure from concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs).

In a special report last year, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinels Lee Berquist wrote: But in a state with an abundance of water, there are growing concerns about the ecological effects of irrigation and the exponential growth of large wells. Those worries were compounded recently when state regulators began exerting less authority over construction of new high-capacity wells, which can take a potentially harmful toll on the landscape.

Those high capacity wells have made agriculture extraordinarily productive in the Central Sands area of Wisconsin. Along with the growth of giant dairy operations, these irrigated farms make up a powerful constituency for the states politicians of both parties and Wisconsin has not taken steps as have neighboring states of Michigan and Minnesota to give more protection to ground water.

Berquist cited George Kraft, hydrologist with the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, saying dozens of lakes, streams and rivers have been negatively affected by high-capacity wells.

What we are really doing is dewatering an entire region, according to Kraft.

Lacking state protection, the town of Saratoga near Wisconsin Rapids has approved regulations aimed at how large farms manage manure. Their lawyer said residents were concerned about the impact of irrigation and manure spreading on shallow wells of the region.

In Kewaunee County at the base of the Door County thumb, more than 30 percent of the private wells in the county are polluted. A research report funded by the Wisconsin DNR last month said that both human and bovine waste contributed to the pollution.

Kim Wright, executive director of the Midwest Environmental Advocates, said, What this study shows is that while there is a presence of both bovine and human sourced bacteria in water wells, it is fundamentally a cause for alarm when spikes in the concentration of manure spread on land have a measurable impact on the sources of drinking water for Kewaunee County families and continues to threaten human health.

MEA, based in Madison, was one of six organizations that petitioned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 2014 to enforce federal laws to ensure that families whose drinking well water may not be safe to drink due to animal manure contamination will have access to clean water.

A legislative hearing was scheduled Wednesday on a bill (SB 76) said to be needed by agricultural interests that opponents say would grandfather high capacity wells regardless of their environmental impacts and allow well approvals to transfer with the land. The bill is opposed by Trout Unlimited, which has asked its members to call for a periodic review of the well permits.

And last June, the Legislative Audit Bureau said that the Wisconsin DNR had failed to enforce its own regulations to protect Wisconsin lakes, streams and groundwater from large livestock farms, factories and sewage treatment plants that discharge liquid waste.

La Crosse County, which has only one of the states more than 200 CAFOs, has demanded more information from DNR regarding the consequences of this. The request was filed last August after the county board heard reports on the potential for groundwater contamination in the county.

The Walker administration has said it intends to create incentives for private enterprises to turn manure into natural gas and other useful byproducts, which, Brancel said at the time, is unlike anything we have done in the past in Wisconsin. Farms and companies have been asked for proposals for renewable energy production, water treatment, pathogen reductions, and transport of manure to and from a centralized location, among other innovations suggested by applicants, according to the Public Service Commission website. Proposals are due July 3.

An update on that idea might have warranted a mention in Brancels op-ed, a recognition of the serious problem the state has with protecting the peoples waters.
The village of Holmen might need to dip into its reserves to pay for the Holmen Drive renovation after the bids for the project came in at a bit more than the village calculated.

The bid is higher than what we bonded, said Holmen Village Administrator Scott Heinig at the Holmen Village Boards March 9 meeting. The increase of $400,000 is mostly for utilities. The street lights will be close to $1 million. About $500,000 needs to be taken out of reserves. We can use some reserve funds temporarily until the TIF (tax increment

finance) starts to pay back over the next two to three years.

Heinig explained the extra cost for the lights were due to the suppliers rates to expedite the materials. He told the board members he would work with the supplier to lower the cost.

Despite the higher than anticipated cost, the board voted to accept the bid submitted by Chippewa Concrete Services Inc. of Chippewa Falls. The company submitted the low bid of $5.28 million for the highway improvement project.

The highway renovation is scheduled to start next month. Holmen Drive/County Hwy HD will be completely redone from Cole Court on the south to a point 1,300 feet north of the McHugh Road intersection.

Gaarder Road will be repaved from the intersection of Holmen Drive east to Main Street. Main Street will also be extended south from Hale Drive to serve new development in TID 3. The project plans include realigning the Hale Drive and Gaarder Road intersections.

The plan also calls for installing traffic signals at the Hale Drive and Gaarder Road intersections as well as upgrading the traffic lights at the McHugh Road intersection.

Among the more notable changes will be raised medians, street lighting and sidewalks along the entire length of the project. Some of access driveways will become right-turn in and right-turn out only.

The portion of the project from Cole Court to Empire Street will have concrete patching where necessary, and the portion of the project from Empire Street to McHugh Road will replace the existing asphalt pavement.

Funding for the project will come from both the village and the county with the county also doing the paving. The countys contribution to the project was part of the agreement reached between it and the village in the jurisdiction transfer agreement.

Trustee Chuck Olson raised concerns over the county paving the roadway, questioning the quality of workmanship.

That was part of the agreement for the transfer, said Heinig. They have to pave the roadway to interstate standards. If they dont, theyll be in breach of contract.

Annexation petition

The village board was informed the Wisconsin Department of Administration found a petition to annex property in the town of Holland to be against the public interest.

Property owner Jim Christenson submitted the petition for about 30 acres bordering Old Highway 93.

The villages planning commission voted at its Feb. 28 meeting to recommend the village board approve the petition contingent on the petition passing state review.

It is a legal annexation, said Heinig. The state is arguing the subdivision would be a town island.

State statutes prohibit creating town islands and claimed the petition would result in the parcel becoming isolated from remaining town areas by the surrounding village.

The state also specified that their island concern would be addressed if the two communities adopted a boundary agreement, and as of Thursday night, we had, said Heinig. Thus, if the state were to review the annexation today, it would now be found in the public interest.
Houston County Sheriff Mark Ingletts 2016 annual report shared departmental increases, as well as the offices spotlight on public-minded programs.

We pride ourselves in serving honesty, integrity and professionalism, Inglett said.

One example of the office involving the public would be the ALICE program. ALICE stands for alert, lock-down, inform, counter and evacuate. The goal of the program is to teach strategies in the case of an active shooter event.

ALICE was implemented at Caledonia High School last May, when the sheriffs office had an active shooter stimulation in the school. This is something that Inglett hopes to continue across the county in the next year.

This was a full-fledged effort, he said. We had the fire department and emergency medical services. We had mock students that simulated injury. This is important safety and was a new way to view the students and teachers response. The old way was to lock-down and hide. That started in the 1980s after the drive by shootings happened. But now, the shooters are in the school. ALICE allows students to take the situation into their own hands.

Along the lines of gun regulation, there were over 600 gun permit applications through the sheriffs office this last year. That is a 49 percent increase from 2015.

I think more and more people are taking advantage of their right to own firearms, Inglett said. There have been steady increase in the past two years. I think its a societal thing.

Civil process also increased at 34 percent since 2014.

Thanks to a September 2016 contract with Winona County, the daily population in the Houston County jail has averaged 28.7 a day. This is a steady increase from 21.8 in 2013, 21.4 in 2014 and 25.3 in 2015.

The Winona County contract came after the countys jail was reclassified as a 90-day holding facility. In order to outsource their inmates, Winona County pays $48 a day to house 15 inmates. Houston County jail currently has a staff of 17 at the detention center.

The contract generated $185,148 in revenue. Due to the increased inmate population, two new jailer/dispatch positions were created. The jail also saw the addition of a jail program coordinator based off department of corrections regulations.

I am proud of the work that the staff has been doing, he said. We have worked on improving customer service. I want to serve citizens, how I would expect to be served.

As it is done every year, narcotics were seized. The total was 58 grams of methamphetamine, 2.15 pounds of marijuanaincluding 88 live plants and 3 grams of psychedelic mushrooms.

There were 18 drug related arrests that resulted in 23 felony level charges. Three small scale clandestine meth labs were found in the county.

In a positive offset, the county collected 184 pounds of unused medications. A prescription drug disposal was introduced inside the sheriffs office in October 2015. The program is free and available seven days a week.

I think this is the most cost effective program we can have to get prescription drugs out of the hands of people that should not have them, he said.

The office received multiple grants in 2016. A donation of $5,000 was given from a private party to be put towards the K-9 program. Chancethe offices only K-9won first place in the region 12 team patrol dog certification. This is the third time he has won first place. The K-9 program, which started in 2008, is mostly funded through private donations.

A federal boat and water grant, along with a state of Minnesota boat and water grant allowed the office to replace a 30-plus-year-old search and rescue boat. The new 2016 Excell flat bottom boat has a surface drive mud motor and cost $19,130.

Through a grant from Homeland Security- Emergency Management the office purchased an incident command trailer.

The maintenance needed for this command trailer will be very minimal compared to a motor vehicle incident command vehicle. There is no motor or transmission to maintain and I would expect this trailer to last for many years to come, Inglett said.

The trailer cost $18,669. Both equipment purchases were at no cost to the county. The revenue the sheriffs office received from grants, donations, reimbursements and fees totaled $237,369. Both revenues and expenditures final numbers were a bit off which gave the overage a total of 1.34 percent.

The cost per citizen for the sheriffs offices services is $88 per year, or $352 for a family of four per year.
The Department of Natural Resources is asking for modest fee and general fund increases for Minnesotas state parks and trails system during the 2017 legislative session, and I want you to know why its important to make an investment in these special places.

For more than 125 years, Minnesotas state parks, trails and public water accesses have served as an outstanding asset to Minnesotans and visitors to our state, providing recreational access; activities and programs; support to local economies; and the ability to simply take a break from everyday life during all four seasons.

They are also core pillars of the states $13.6 billion tourism industry, playing host to some 10.3 million park visitors and 1.8 million summer trail users. Local spending in Greater Minnesota communities from park visitors is approximately $25.50 per person, per day, totaling $246 million each year.

In our 75 parks and along thousands of miles of trails, Minnesotans can experience the peace and well-being associated with fresh air, exercise, and the sights and sounds of our natural resources. In my humble opinion, a day on the lakecanoeing, recreational boating, or fishingis natures best form of stress management.

But even natural beauty requires maintenance. Without careful management and upkeep, the woods, prairies and waterways would fill with invasive species, while time and the elements would reclaim the buildings, trails, boat access ramps, and roads in our parks.

Maintaining state parks and trails is a huge job for the DNR, with 75 state parks and recreation areas; 60 state multi-purpose and water trails; thousands of miles of user-supported snowmobile and off-highway vehicle trails; and more than 2,000 boat ramps and fishing piers. Managing these assets is like running 75 small cities and thousands of miles of narrow roadways.

Throughout our long and proud history, these facilities and services have been funded through a combination of tax dollars and modest user fees. A core value of Minnesotas system has been to provide open or low-cost access to these recreational resources so ALL people could enjoy them.

While the popularity of the state parks has been increasing annually  for example, demand for single-day vehicle entrance permits has increased 34 percent since 2012  the majority of user fees have remained stagnant for more than a decade. To help bridge the funding gap, we have had to shorten camping seasons, decrease office hours, and reduce the frequency of trail maintenance and grooming.

These stop-gaps need a sustainable fix, especially at a time when visitor numbers and expectations are rising. Warmer weather prompts more  not fewer  visits to state parks, trails and boat accesses. Customers want DNR to extend seasons, not shorten them. At current funding levels, we simply do not have the resources to meet that demand.

What we can do is this: seek a permanent general fund (tax dollars) adjustment to replace the previous one-time fixes to the Parks and Trails budget and ask users to pay a little more in fees. About 85 percent of DNR funding comes from user fees, sales of licenses and permits, and dedicated funds from the Legacy Amendment and the State Lottery.

If the governors proposals to increase outdoor recreation user fees and general fund support arent approved by the Legislature, Minnesotans and out-of-state visitors will see further reductions in the amenities and services the state parks and trails system can provide.

In practical terms, this means state park campgrounds open for significantly fewer days; diminished outdoor recreation grant funding for local governments; substantial cuts to trail grooming and repairs; and noticeably longer wait-times for dock maintenance and water level adjustments at boating access sites.

Here is our proposal:

A years worth of family fun in our state parks would increase by about the cost of a bag of cooler ice ($5/annually; $1/daily).

Registration fee increases for ATVs ($5/year), snowmobiles ($10/year), and boats ($1-15/year depending on watercraft size) would increase by less than the cost of a few gallons of gas.

The cross-country ski pass would increase less than the cost of a block of ski wax ($5/annually; $2/daily).

Even with these increases, Minnesotas state parks and trails will continue to be a great value. Compared to the price of taking a family of four to a movie ($35 or more, not including popcorn) or an amusement park ($100 plus), our state parks and trails will remain an accessible option for family fun all across the state.

Minnesota has a strong tradition of publicly supporting outdoor recreation. I hope you will share your support for the outdoorsand these modest fee increaseswith your family, friends and those who represent you in the state Legislature.

For more information, visit mndnr.gov/supportoutdoors.
A La Crosse County jury Wednesday found a Illinois man guilty of robbing a North Side business at gunpoint Sept. 20.

Demario Graham, 24, of Rockford, was convicted of armed robbery as party to the crime during a one-day trial in La Crosse County Circuit Court. He will be sentenced at a later date.

Graham robbed Wisconsin Auto Title Loan, 1751 Rose St., about 11:45 a.m. after demanding money at gunpoint and threatening to shoot an employee, according to La Crosse police. He fled with an undisclosed amount of cash in a Dodge Caravan driven by 34-year-old Robert Cobb Jr., who does not have a permanent address.

Police still are searching for Cobb, who is charged with armed robbery as party to the crime.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call police at 608-785-5962 or La Crosse Area Crime Stoppers 608-784-TIPS. You also can text tips to 274637 or submit them online. Tipsters can remain anonymous.
In some cases, actions speak louder than words, but when it comes to the tolerance and understanding of diverse religions, Wale Elegbede believes communication is key.

Elegbede, of La Crosse, an American Muslim and native of Lagos, Nigeria, shared a brief history of Islam and discussed the presence of Islamophobia during his Wednesday afternoon presentation at English Lutheran Church, My Neighbor is Muslim: What it Means to be Muslim within the Faith of Islam.

The talk was sixth in a series of seven Community Conversation events hosted by the La Crosse Interfaith Leaders Coalition. Session topics have included homelessness, mental health and income inequality.

(Islamophobia) is one of those issues that is prevalent here in our community, said Mark Solyst, pastor at English Lutheran Church and host of the event, attended by more than 100. We can tackle it here respectfully, in a non-partisan setting,

Elegbede, a member of the Interfaith Shoulder to Shoulder Network, defines Islamophobia as the close-minded prejudice against or hatred of Islam and Muslims, with an emphasis on closed minded.

(Islamophobics) believe that nothing good can come out of Islam because they dont understand it, Elegbede said, sharing an image of a man holding a sign reading, All I need to know about Islam I learned on 9-11.

This picture says it all, Elegbede said. You can denounce the crimes committed by an individual, but dont blame or label the majority. There should be no favoritism or discrimination against any religion. Resist the urge to stereotype or scapegoat minorities.

While Elegbede is proud to call La Crosse home, he asserts the area is not immune to prejudice. At times his children have been fearful to speak their minds, and he cites the recent death of Hussain Saeed Alnahdia, a Muslim UW-Stout student, who was killed in a possibly racially motivated assault. He is also distressed by claims that local Muslims fail to address terrorism.

La Crosse area Muslims have communicated numerous times that they denounce terrorist acts committed in the name of Islam, he said. We do stand up  weve been doing that for awhile.

Incidents of Islamophobia around the country are on the rise in this tumultuous time of political divide, but Elegbede believes the problem is not defined by partisanship.

Hate is hate, Elegbede said. This shouldnt be a party-line issue. Muslims love this country as much as anyone else. We need to build bridges and break down Islamophobia ... we need to sit down and talk and promote peace and understanding.

Elegbede encourages citizens to be proactive, to reach out to local politicians with concerns, to be active in inclusive social events such as La Crosse Neighbors Day and La Crosse Global Initiatives week and educate themselves on Islam.

Get to know a Muslim so you can really balance all the negatives you see on TV, Elegbede said. Lets focus on what we have in common. Thats how we get stuff done. As a community, were only as strong as we are together.
LINDSTROM, Minn. (AP)  The Chisago County Board has granted a cemetery permit to a group of Bosnian Muslims, reversing its prior decision to deny the project in the face of a federal investigation into possible religious discrimination and the threat of a lawsuit.

The board voted 4-0 on Wednesday to approve the permit after the boards attorney warned that the county would face religious discrimination claims by the group and the federal government.

I believe the county will lose that litigation, which will be time-consuming and expensive  and there is no insurance coverage for any Department of Justice inquiry. As depositions of yourself and your staff begin, costs will roll up exponentially, Paul Reuvers said.

The Islamic Community of Bosniaks of Minnesota wants to build the cemetery south of Lindstrom.

The board denied the group a permit in December, even though the countys planning commission endorsed the project.

The group threatened to sue, and the Justice Department said March 1 that it was investigating the matter.

Jaylani Hussein, executive director of the Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, said hes happy to see a positive resolution.

Some who live in this rural area north of Minneapolis opposed the Muslim groups arrival.

Commissioner Mike Robinson, who voted in favor of the project both times, said some commenters seemed like they were going more against religion than right and wrong. There was a lot of meanness that came out on Facebook. And it was just a frustrating deal.

Only four of the five commissioners were on hand for the vote. Lora Walker was seriously injured Saturday in a head-on crash that killed the other driver.
Work will soon be ramping up on the final stage of the I-90 reconstruction project.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation held an open house at the AmericInn Wednesday providing details on the Exit 3 construction project. Dozens of area residents filed in to glimpse renderings of how the construction will replace the interchange between I-90 and Rose Street, reconstruct a portion of Rose Street and George Street and add an eagle viewing area along Rose Street near Walgreens.

Poster boards showed detailed information about the proposed detours that will be implemented throughout the construction project as well as what the new access road off of George Street would look like. Traffic will be maintained throughout the work zone with some lane shifts and closures, WisDOT Southwest Region Project Manager Anthony VanderWielen said, except for a short closure of Rose Street during the removal of one of the off-ramp bridges that crosses the street.

VanderWielen said construction crews will begin to set up in the next week or so in order to get a start on the project as the weather begins to warm. Because much of the projects schedule is weather-dependent, VanderWielen couldnt say exactly when the ground would be broken on the project or when specific detours would be put into effect. As the work progresses, he said updates will be sent out through the departments website.

The reconstruction project will also update the interchange between the interstate and Rose Street with Exit 3s clover loop interchange being replaced with a diamond configuration and controlled intersections designed to slow traffic. The stretch of road will also include three new traffic signals: one at the corner of George and West George streets and one each at the two intersections of Exit 3.

Maggie Rauschl, an Onalaska resident, attended the meeting to get more information about the project. She drives through the area a lot, she said, and was glad for the opportunity to see what the proposed detours on I-90 would look like.

She was most excited for the new eagle viewing area, which re-purposes the land used in the current interchange near Walgreens and Burger King. A lot of people want to watch the eagles, she said, but the current roads make it difficult.

There are so many eagles by the river this time of year, she said. But no way to safely watch them from the road.
Time to trade in those red #MAGA caps, Trumpkins. If you want your headgear to fit in with the latest White House fashions, invest in some tinfoil.

From top to bottom, this administration has been infested with conspiracy theorists. Most appear to be true believers. Take Stephen K. Bannon and his anxieties about the deep state, or the recently ousted Michael Flynn and his propagation of suggestions that Hillary Clinton was tied to a child sex ring run out of a D.C. pizza parlor.

Others, such as Kellyanne Conway, appear to just be paranoiacs for pay.

Conway seems convinced that the best way to stay in her bosss good graces is to spread parody-defying crackpot theories, or at least add a dash of color to President Trumps own crackpottery.

You may recall that Trump, with zero evidence, accused President Barack Obama of having the wires tapped at Trump Tower. Trump then called for a congressional witch hunt to find proof that the unfounded allegation is true. Over the weekend, Bergen Record columnist Mike Kelly asked Conway point blank, Do you know whether Trump Tower was wiretapped?

Conways response: What I can say is there are many ways to surveil each other now, unfortunately.  There was an article this week that talked about how you can surveil someone through their phones, through their  certainly through their television sets, any number of different ways. And microwaves that turn into cameras, et cetera.

Yup, Conway suggested that Team Trump may have been surveilled via microwaves and televisions. To be fair, though, if one were to spy on Trump, through the TV would be a good place to start.

In subsequent interviews, Conway acknowledged that she had no evidence for this claim and that she is not in the job of having evidence and is not Inspector Gadget.

Sadly, Conway is not the only White House official to spread conspiracy theories. Shes not even the only White House official to spread conspiracy theories this past weekend.

On Sunday, budget director Mick Mulvaney added his own screwball spin to the latest jobs report.

Weve thought for a long time, I did, that the Obama administration was manipulating the numbers in terms of the number of people in the workforce to make the unemployment rate, that percentage rate, look smaller than it actually was, Mulvaney told CNNs Jake Tapper. Mulvaney declined to say exactly how the numbers were being manipulated, saying the explanation might bore people.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics has been calculating the unemployment rate the same way since 1940. But Mulvaney nevertheless supports the theories of his tinfoil-hat-wearing boss, who throughout the presidential campaign called the unemployment rate a hoax and totally fiction. Most recently Trump relayed through his press secretary that the jobs report may have been phony in the past, but its very real now.

As with Trump, Mulvaneys data trutherism goes back a ways. During the 2015 State of the Union address, for example, then-Rep. Mulvaney (R-S.C.) tweeted that Obamas math on the jobless rate doesnt add up.

Just a few days before Mulvaneys latest bout of irresponsible conspiracy theorizing, Environmental Protection Agency chief Scott Pruitt suggested that  despite the overwhelming scientific consensus  carbon dioxide may not be a primary contributor to climate change.

Its hardly just coincidence that the Trump executive branch is rife with beliefs that are wholly disconnected from reality. Such beliefs were a foundation of his campaign. Of course this would be the talent he attracts. Not scientists, experts or others who believe in weighing evidence, but people who heard Trumps many malicious lies and reckless insinuations  that vaccines cause autism, that Ted Cruzs dad was connected to the JFK assassination, that Mexicans are flooding over the border to rape and kill, that Antonin Scalia and Vince Foster may have been murdered, that 3 million people voted illegally, that our first black president was born in Kenya  and said: Sign me up!

That includes people such as Curtis Ellis, a Labor Department appointee who previously argued that Democrats were engaged in ethnic cleansing of working-class whites. Or Sid Bowdidge, the massage therapist who landed a job as a political appointee at the Energy Department, despite tweeting that Muslims ought to be exterminated.

As Conway has demonstrated, the darker and more sensational your conspiracy theories, the better. For this administration, only one political premise is beyond the pale: that the Russians maybe, just maybe, intervened in the 2016 election to help put Trump in the White House.

Whoa, lets not get carried away.
My son is a proud high school graduate, contributing employee and active participant in his community. A lot of that success is the result of the Medicaid-funded IRIS program that provides long-term supports to people with disabilities in Wisconsin.

IRIS helped my son with his job and some supports he has learned so he could be successful. The health insurance he gets pays for more than our private health-care plan ever would, including therapies when he was younger.

My family and so many others in the disability community cant believe that the Republican-proposed American Health Care Act is moving so quickly with so little time for public input and for no opportunities for public hearings.

Policymakers need to hear stories like ours before they rip $35 billion from Medicaid programs in the next decade. They need to understand the consequences that will harm people with disabilities, frail elders and low-income women and children.

We have tried to call our members of Congress, but many wont have town-hall meetings and arent picking up their phones. Thats wrong. They need to slow down this huge cut, listen to our stories and analyze the consequences.

Families like ours will live with these consequences for decades to come. My son deserves better.
Heres a snapshot of the mission and history of the 19 independent agencies President Donald Trump said he would stop funding entirely under his budget blueprint. Trumps proposal also calls for deep cuts in other agencies and departments, including the Environmental Protection Agency and the State Department, and shifts federal resources to defense.

African Development Foundation

Stated mission: The U.S. African Development Foundation is an independent federal agency established by Congress to support and invest in African0-owned and -led enterprises, which improve lives and livelihoods in poor and vulnerable African communities.

Established: 1980

Appalachian Regional Commission

Stated mission: The Appalachian Regional Commissions mission is to innovate, partner and invest to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in Appalachia.

Established: 1965

Chemical Safety Board

Stated mission: The Chemical Safety Board is an independent federal agency charged with investigating industrial chemical accidents. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the agencys board members are appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate.

Established: Under the Clean Air Act of 1990 (operational in 1998)

Corporation for National and Community Service

Stated mission: The Corporation for National and Community Service serves more than 5 million people at a local level through a wide array of services. These include projects in six priority areas: disaster services, economic opportunity, education, environmental stewardship, healthy futures, and veterans and military families through CNCSs core programs: AmeriCorps, Senior Corps and the Social Innovation Fund.

Established: 1993

Corporation for Public Broadcasting

Stated mission: The Corporation for Public Broadcastings mission is to ensure universal access to noncommercial, high-quality content and telecommunications services. It does so by distributing more than 70 percent of its funding to nearly 1,500 locally owned public radio and television stations. CPB is a private, nonprofit corporation.

Established: 1967

Delta Regional Authority

Stated mission: The Delta Regional Authority works to improve economic opportunity by helping to create jobs, build communities and improve the lives of the 10 million people who reside in the 252 counties and parishes of the eight-state Mississippi River Delta region.

Established: 2000

Denali Commission

Stated mission: The Denali Commission is an independent federal agency designed to provide critical utilities, infrastructure and economic support throughout Alaska. With the creation of the Denali Commission, Congress acknowledged the need for increased inter-agency cooperation and focus on Alaskas remote communities.

Established: 1998

Institute of Museum and Library Services

Stated mission: The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nations 123,000 libraries and 35,000 museums. Its mission has been to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement.

Established: 1996

Inter-American Foundation

Stated mission: To channel development assistance directly to the organized poor in Latin America and the Caribbean. The Inter-American Foundation also encourages partnerships among community organizations, business and local government directed at improving the quality of life for poor people and strengthening democratic practices.

Established: 1969

U.S. Trade and Development Agency

Stated mission: The U.S. Trade and Development Agency helps companies create U.S. jobs through the export of U.S. goods and services for priority development projects in emerging economies. The agency links U.S. businesses to export opportunities by funding project preparation and partnership-building activities that develop sustainable infrastructure and foster economic growth in partner countries.

Established: 1961

Legal Services Corporation

Stated mission: The Legal Services Corporation is an independent nonprofit organization created to provide financial support for civil legal aid to low-income Americans. The LSC promotes equal access to justice by providing funding to 134 independent nonprofit legal aid programs in every state, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories. Grant recipients serve thousands of low-income individuals, children, families, seniors and veterans in 813 offices in every congressional district.

Established: 1974

National Endowment for the Arts

Stated mission: The National Endowment for the Arts is an independent federal agency that funds, promotes and strengthens the creative capacity of our communities by providing all Americans with the opportunity to participate in the arts, exercise their imaginations and develop their creative capacities.

Established: 1965

National Endowment for the Humanities

Stated mission: The National Endowment for the Humanities serves and strengthens the republic by promoting excellence in the humanities and conveying the lessons of history to all Americans. It accomplishes this mission by awarding grants for top-rated proposals examined by panels of independent, external reviewers.

Established: 1965

Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation

Stated mission: The Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation, also known as NeighborWorks America, seeks to promote reinvestment in urban, suburban and rural communities by local financial institutions working cooperatively with residents and local government. It funds 235 organizations, monitors their progress, and provides grants and consulting services.

Established: 1978

Northern Border Regional Commission

Stated mission: The mission of the Northern Border Regional Commission is to catalyze regional, collaborative and transformative community economic development approaches that alleviate economic distress and position the region along the New England-Canada border for economic growth.

Established: 2008

Overseas Private Investment Corporation

Stated mission: The Overseas Private Investment Corporation is the federal governments development finance institution. It mobilizes private capital to help address critical development challenges, and in doing so advances U.S. foreign policy and national security priorities.

Established: 1971

U.S. Institute of Peace

Stated mission: The U.S. Institute of Peace works to prevent, mitigate, and resolve violent conflict around the world. USIP does this by engaging directly in conflict zones and by providing analysis, education and resources to those working for peace.

Established: 1984

U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness

Stated mission: The U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness coordinates and catalyzes the federal response to homelessness, working in close partnership with Cabinet secretaries and other senior leaders across 19 federal member agencies.

Established: 1987

Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars

Stated mission: The Wilson Center, chartered by Congress as the official memorial to President Woodrow Wilson, is the nations key nonpartisan policy forum for tackling global issues through independent research and open dialogue to inform actionable ideas for the policy community.

Established: 1968
New Jersey OKs bill pressuring Trump to disclose tax returns: TRENTON, N.J.  President Donald Trump might not make it on the ballot in 2020 in New Jersey if he doesnt disclose his tax returns under a bill approved by lawmakers. The Democrat-led Assembly on Thursday approved the legislation inspired by the Republican presidents failure to disclose his tax returns despite state Republicans claims the bill was transparently political and blatantly unconstitutional. It now heads to Republican Gov. Chris Christie, a longtime Trump ally, to sign or veto. Christies office declined to weigh in. The bill comes after MSNBC obtained and revealed two pages of Trumps 2005 tax return that showed he earned $150 million that year and paid $38 million in income taxes. Last week, Hawaii became the first state to send similar legislation to a full floor vote. At least 23 states are considering similar bills, according to the National Conference on State Legislatures.

Admitted Al-Qaida fighter convicted in terror case: NEW YORK  An admitted al-Qaida fighter has been convicted in New York of federal charges he was in a firefight in Afghanistan that left two U.S. soldiers dead. A jury in federal court in Brooklyn deliberated for only about two hours Thursday before reaching the guilty verdict against Ibrahim Suleiman Adnan Harun. Harun was extradited from Italy to the U.S. in 2012. Prosecutors told jurors that while in Italian custody, he confessed that he threw a grenade and shot at an American military unit in 2003. He also was convicted of later plotting to bomb a U.S. embassy in Nigeria.

Teenager finds 7.44 carat diamond in state park: MURFREESBORO, Ark.  A teenager has found a 7.44 carat diamond at a state park in southwestern Arkansas. Officials at Crater of Diamonds State Park at Murfreesboro say the rock found Saturday by 14-year-old Kalel Langford is the seventh largest found since the park was established in 1972. The park hasnt provided an estimate of the diamonds value. The teen said in a statement Thursday that he spotted the diamond among rocks near a stream. He has named it Supermans Diamond and plans to keep it as a souvenir. Park interpreter Waymon Cox describes the diamond as pinto-bean sized and similar in color to coffee. The largest diamond ever discovered in the United States, the 40.23 carat Uncle Sam, was unearthed on the land in 1924.

Woman ordered to stand trial in Kansas slaying, abduction: WICHITA, Kan.  A Mexican national charged with killing a Kansas mother and kidnapping the victims newborn daughter has been ordered to stand trial. The Wichita Eagle reports that a Sedgwick County judge heard two hours of testimony Thursday before ordering 34-year-old Yesenia Sesmas to go on trial. Shes charged with first-degree murder, kidnapping and aggravated interference with parental custody. Prosecutors allege Sesmas fatally shot 27-year-old Laura Abarca of Wichita in November and abducted Abarcas 6-day-old newborn. Sesmas and the baby were found two days later at a Dallas home. The child was not injured and was returned to relatives in Wichita.
It is the stories of hardworking Wisconsinites that have been on the forefront of my mind when reviewing the Congressional Republican bill to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act:

Wisconsinites like Jessie, a mom from Amherst, Wisconsin, who has a six-year-old daughter with a heart condition. The ACA gave her the certainty that her daughter wont be denied insurance because of a pre-existing condition. However, with the repeal of the ACA, there is an open question as to whether or not she will be able to keep her health coverage, and if so whether her costs will skyrocket. Jessie has enough worries hanging over her head. The last thing she should be concerned about is Congress taking away her daughters access to health care.

Or Deb from Chippewa Falls. Before the ACA, she didnt go to the doctor for checkups because she wanted to save as much money as possible to make sure that she could afford to take her daughters. The ACA has ensured that she got catastrophic health care insurance that doesnt preclude pre-conditions and allows for her to go in for periodic preventative health checks. When the ACA started covering annual checkups, she finally went to the doctor after avoiding it for ten years.

Sadly the Congressional Republican bill seeks to turn back the progress we have made for people like Jessie and Deb. Their bill will put Medicare in jeopardy, raise insurance premiums for Wisconsinites, jeopardize access to care in rural areas, and make drastic cuts to BadgerCare.

Their bill will do all of this while giving insurance companies huge tax breaks, providing the wealthiest citizens an average yearly tax cut of over $190,000 at the expense of many Wisconsinites who will end up paying more for less coverage, and discouraging people on Medicaid from seeking a job.

Instead of rushing forward a bill, without hearings or debate, that will negatively impact the lives of thousands of Wisconsinites; we need to recognize what works in healthcare, fix what doesnt, and seek to lower healthcare costs for all Americans.

Democrat Ron Kind, La Crosse, represents Wisconsins Third Congressional District.
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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."
Thursday, March 16, 2017

The 2017 Global Legal Skills Awards are being presented this week to individuals and institutions that have worked to promote global legal skills education. Awards are being presented in Monterrey, Mexico at the Facultad Libre de Derecho de Monterrey, the host of the 12th Global Legal Skills Conference. A full list of winners from 2012 to 2017 can be found by clicking here.

Here are the 2017 GLS Award Winners:

Prof. M. Catherine Beck (Department of English, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indiana, United States) is recognized for creating the Legal English Program at the Indiana University Robert McKinney School of Law and for her support of global legal skills education. As a non-lawyer language specialist working in Legal English for more than 15 years, she has enhanced legal skills pedagogy for lawyers and law students who speak English as a second language.

Prof. E. Joan Blum (Boston College Law School, Massachusetts, United States) is recognized for her years of teaching common law legal reasoning in the International Tax Program at Harvard Law School and later directing the Boston College Law Summer Institute for international lawyers, for her many publications in the field of legal writing education, for her service to the legal writing community, and for her work teaching legal reasoning and writing to judges, lawyers, and law students in the former Yugoslavia.

Prof. Lurene Contento (The John Marshall Law School, Chicago, Illinois, United States) is recognized for many contributions to legal skills education around the world, including her interactive and innovative teaching in China, Central America, and Central Europe. She has shared her knowledge and ideas to improve legal writing at many international conferences and through her award-winning publications. She has given years of dedicated service to the Global Legal Skills Conference Series, ensuring its success and a positive experience for the participants. Over the years she has helped thousands of law students, including many non-native speakers of English. She has also contributed to the professionalization of writing centers across the United States through her leadership as Chair of the Association of Legal Writing Specialists.



Prof. Kimberly Holst (Arizona State University Sandra Day OConnor College of Law, United States) is recognized for her efforts on projects that advance legal skills training in the United States and around the world. Her recent scholarship examines the importance of teaching reflective practices to law students so that they can develop those skills in law school and transfer them to practice. She also explores drafting techniques in the context of alternative dispute resolution. She has also served the legal writing community through her leadership of the Association of American Law Schools Section on Legal Writing, Reasoning, and Research. She also enhanced the ability of presenters to make presentation proposals to the Global Legal Skills Conference, deepening the pool of presenters from around the world.



Matthew J. Homewood (Nottingham Trent University, England, United Kingdom) is recognized for his extensive experience in teaching and innovative curriculum development across a comprehensive range of undergraduate, post-graduate, professional, and practitioner programs. He is the Acting Head of Postgraduate Programmes at Nottingham Law School, England. He has significant expertise in the use of educational technology and the impact of such technologies on student engagement. Matthew recently received an HEA National Teaching Fellowship, the most prestigious individual award in the United Kingdom for excellence in teaching in higher education.

Dr. Chantal Morton (Melbourne Law School, Australia) is a senior lecturer at Melbourne Law School, where she develops resources and runs programs with a focus on legal writing and academic skills for law students and graduate law students. She is recognized for her energetic and innovative teaching and for working to improve legal skills education in Australia. Before joining the faculty at Melbourne Law School, she taught at the Osgoode Hall Law School (Canada) where she was also the Director of Career Services. Dr. Morton will be a Co-Chair of the 2018 Global Legal Skills Conference to be held in Melbourne, Australia.

Prof. Rebecca Schillings (Hamad bin Khalifa University College of Law and Public Policy, Qatar) is an Assistant Professor at Hamad bin Khalifa Universitys College of Law and Public Policy (CLPP), where she is responsible for the legal skills component of the curriculum. She created a legal lab that engages law students in experimentation and interactive prototyping to develop new approaches to legal practice.

The International Law Institute in Washington, D.C. was established in 1955 as part of Georgetown University to assist in the building of governmental and economic institutions in post-war Europe. Over the years, the ILI has provided training and technical assistance to thousands of lawyers, judges, and other government officials. It was a pioneer in creating a course in Legal English, publishing the first U.S. Coursebook on Legal English, and in creating a course to introduce the U.S. legal system to law students and lawyers from outside the United States. The ILI is headquarted in Washington DC and has regional offices in Chile, Egypt, Nigeria, Turkey, and Uganda. [2017 Institutional Winner]

The Centro de Estudios sobre la Ensenanza y el Aprendizaje del Derecho, A.C. in Monterrey, Mexico is an independent, non-profit research center. It is recognized for its dedication to improving the quality of the legal education and legal practice in Mexico. [2017 Institutional Winner]

Professors S.I. Strong (University of Missouri School of Law, United States), Katia Fach Gomez (University of Zaragoza, Spain) and Laura Carballo Pineiro (University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain), for their book, Comparative Law for SpanishEnglish Speaking Lawyers: Legal Cultures, Legal Terms and Legal Practices (Edward Elgar Publishing 2017). The book provides lawyers and law students who are conversationally fluent in both Spanish and English with the information and skills to undertake comparative legal research in their second language, and to facilitate communication with colleagues and clients in that language. [2017 GLS Book Award]

More information about the GLS Awards is available by clicking here.

#GLS12FLDM

The next Global Legal Skills Conference will be held in December 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. More information about the Global Legal Skills Conference is available by clicking here.

(mew)

https://lawprofessors.typepad.com/international_law/2017/03/global-legal-skill-award.html
A United States federal judge in Hawaii has suspended President Donald Trump's new travel ban order.

District Judge Derrick Watson announced his ruling Wednesday. The state of Hawaii had appealed to the court for a temporary restraining order on the ban.

The judges ruling prevents the presidents order from going into effect Thursday.

Several states are trying to stop the ban. Federal courts in Maryland and Washington state also heard arguments about the ban on Wednesday.

Hawaii argued that the ban discriminates on the basis of nationality. It said the ban would prevent Hawaiians from receiving visits by relatives from the six mostly Muslim countries included in the ban.

The state also said the ban would harm its tourism industry and the ability to recruit foreign students and workers.

White House spokesman Sean Spicer did not comment when asked about the judge's order.

I'm Caty Weaver.

Caty Weaver adapted this article from Reuters and Associated Press reports. Ashley Thompson was the editor.

________________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

discriminate - v. to unfairly treat a person or group of people differently from other people or groups

tourism - n. the activity of traveling to a place for pleasure

recruit - v. to find suitable people and get them to join a company, an organization, the armed forces, etc.


Just a year ago, the colors were bright under the waves. Now the Maldivian reef is dead, the coral killed by the pressure of rising ocean temperatures.

What is left is gray, a scene repeated in reefs around the world.

Coral reefs are areas underwater where small creatures live. The coral is hard material formed on the bottom of the sea by the skeletons of those creatures. Usually brightly colored fishes swim among the coral.

The world has lost about half its coral reefs in the last 30 years. Scientists are working to prevent their destruction. The health of the planet depends on it.

"This isn't something that's going to happen 100 years from now. We're losing them right now," said marine biologist Julia Baum of Canada's University of Victoria. "We're losing them really quickly, much more quickly than I think any of us ever could have imagined."

Scientists say global warming is causing the rising ocean temperatures.

Global warming is the heating of the planet, which most scientists say is caused by harmful carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases released into the air by human activities. The gases trap heat on the planet and its oceans, causing temperatures to rise. Even if global warming stopped now, scientists still expect that more than 90 percent of corals will die by 2050. Without serious efforts to help the coral, there is the risk of losing all of them.

"To lose coral reefs is to fundamentally undermine the health of a very large proportion of the human race," said Ruth Gates, director of the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology.

Why are coral reefs important?

Coral reefs support a fourth of all marine species, as well as half a billion people worldwide.

The reefs produce some of the oxygen we breathe. They serve as barriers, or walls, to protect coastlines from the storms. They provide billions of dollars from tourism, fishing and other trade. They are also used in medical research for cures for diseases including cancer, arthritis and infections.

"Whether you're living in North America or Europe or Australia, you should be concerned," said biologist Ove Hoegh-Guldberg, at Australia's University of Queensland.

"This is not just some distant dive destination, a holiday destination. This is the fabric of the ecosystem that supports us."

Bleaching

A temperature of just one to two degrees Celsius, can force coral to expel the algae that live there. This leaves their white skeletons uncovered. It is a process called bleaching.

When the water cools, the bleached coral can recover. But when the water rises in temperature, the coral will die.

Sixteen percent of the worlds corals died of bleaching in 1998. The problem became much worse in 2015-2016. That is when the El Nino, a natural weather pattern, warmed Pacific Ocean waters near the equator. The bleaching continues today, even after the El Nino ended.

While stories have been written about damage to Australias famous Great Barrier Reef, other reefs have also suffered, from Japan to Hawaii and Florida.

Julia Baum, the University of Victoria biologist, said the central Pacific has been hit the worst. She has been working, there on Kiritimati, or Christmas Island. For ten months between 2015 and 2016 the water temperatures were warmer and 90 percent of the reef died.

Now the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration scientists are predicting another round of increased ocean temperatures starting next month.

They say models show the return of bleaching in the South Pacific soon, along with the possibility of bleaching in parts of the Indian Ocean. It might not be as bad last year, but it could damage reefs that are still hurting from the last two years.

Some help ahead

Last month, Ove Hoegh-Guldberg helped start a program called 50 reefs. The program wants to educate the public on the issue and to protect the reefs from pollution, overfishing and coastal development.

Other scientists are working on experiments they hope will stop the possible final disappearance of corals.

"We've lost 50 percent of the reefs, but that means we still have 50 percent left," said Ruth Gates, who is working in Hawaii to breed corals that can better withstand increasing temperatures.

She is also trying to "train" corals to survive rising temperatures. Gates says it is time to start thinking outside the box. In other words, it is time to come up with creative ways to help the coral.

Im Anne Ball.

And I'm Kevin Turner.

Anne Ball adapted this story for Learning English from the Associated Press report. Hai Do was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section and find us on Facebook.

____________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

marine  adj. of or relating to the sea or the plants and animals that live in the sea

undermine  v. to make (someone or something) weaker or less effective usually in a secret or gradual way

proportion  n. an amount that is a part of a whole

dive  v. to jump into water with your arms and head going in first

fabric  n. material or the basic structure of something

algae  n. simple plants that have no leaves or stems and that grow in or near water

equator  n. an imaginary circle around the middle of the Earth that is the same distance from the North Pole and the South Pole

breed  v. to keep and take care of animals or plants in order to produce more animals or plants of a particular kind
President Donald Trump Thursday offered his first budget, calling for big increases on military spending and large cuts in foreign aid and other domestic programs.

In his budget message, Trump said the spending proposal carries out his campaign promise to protect the American people.

A budget that puts America first must make the safety of our people its number one priority -- because without safety, there can be no prosperity, Trump said.

But the president needs congressional approval to make the major spending changes he is proposing. And Congress is certain to make changes.

It is clear that this budget proposed today cannot pass the Senate, said Senator John McCain, a Republican from Arizona.

A number of leading Republicans, including McCain, came out against big cuts in foreign aid and diplomatic programs -- even before Trump released his spending proposals on Thursday.

Many budget proposals by American presidents are declared dead on arrival. Norman Ornstein, congressional expert for the American Enterprise Institute, said that will be the case with Trumps budget proposal -- even with Republican majorities in both houses of Congress.

But Jennifer Nicoll Victor, a political scientist at George Mason University in Virginia, expects Trump to get a good part of his spending proposals approved.

The likely prospect of some obstruction in the Senate especially will probably force some compromises, but I would expect them to be on the small side, Victor said.

Trump wants big changes

Trump is proposing big changes in Americas government.

The president wants to add $54 billion in defense spending, a 10 percent increase, and another $2.8 billion to the Department of Homeland Security. The Homeland Security increases will go largely to add more border patrol agents and to build a wall along the U.S. southern border with Mexico.

Those spending increases are offset by cuts of $11 billion from the State Department, $15 billion from Health and Human Services, and $2.5 billion from the Environmental Protection Agency.

The proposed budget cuts affect aid to foreign countries, funding for the United Nations and World Bank, medical research, housing for the poor and money to the arts.

Federal employee unions warned the budget would force the firing of many federal workers. Some said it would be the largest cut in the American federal workforce since World War II.

Trump would end federal funding for 62 agencies and programs, including the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and AmeriCorps.

The Corporation for Public Broadcasting helps fund programs such as the popular childrens show, Sesame Street. AmeriCorps sends volunteers to work on programs that help low-income Americans.

Trumps budget director Mick Mulvaney said the president is putting his campaign proposals into budget numbers.

The President very clearly wants to send a message to our allies and our potential adversaries that this is a strong power administration, said Mulvaney. So you have seen money move from soft-power programs, such as foreign aid, into more hard-power programs.

By strong power, Mulvaney meant mostly military and law enforcement. By soft power, he meant programs such as diplomacy and foreign aid.

Mulvaney said the administration is willing to work with Congress on changes to the presidents budget. But he said the budget provides enough funding for agencies such as the State Department and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to carry out its most important responsibilities.

But critics said the cuts go too far. Environmental groups said that the cuts to the EPA mean the agency will not have enough employees to protect Americans from air and water pollution, or carry out the 2016 Paris Climate Change agreement.

Money talks, and Trumps budget proposal screams that the only thing that matters in his America is corporate polluters profits and Wall Street billionaires, said Michael Brune, executive director of the Sierra Club, an environmental group.

House Speaker Paul Ryan of Wisconsin, a Republican, said he welcomes Trumps proposals to turn the page from the last eight years of the Obama administration.

But Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer of New York said Trumps budget would help the wealthy, while cutting programs that help the middle class and those struggling to get there.

I'm Bruce Alpert. And I'm Jill Robbins.

Bruce Alpert reported on this story for VOA Learning English based on reports by VOA News, the Associated Press, Reuters and other sources. Hai Do was the editor.

We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section and share your views on our Facebook Page.

_________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

domestic - adj. of, relating to, or made in your own country

priority - n. something that is more important than other things and that needs to be done or dealt with first

prosperity - n. the state of being successful usually by making a lot of money

prospect - n. the possibility that something will happen in the future

obstruction - n. something that blocks something else and makes it difficult for things to move through

especially - adv. more than usual

potential - adj. capable of becoming real

adversary - n. enemy

scream - v. to make a very loud sound
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.
The memory of a beloved pet inspires one couple's fight against injustice.
Amazon.com Inc.s website in Japan will start accepting UnionPay cards, as the web retailer steps up efforts to sell more merchandise to Chinese shoppers across Asia.

China UnionPay Co., with more than 6 billion cards in circulation, is now a key rival to Visa Inc., Mastercard Inc. and other issuers and has become an important way for retailers around the globe to attract Chinese tourists and consumers. UnionPay can now be used across Amazon Japans website starting yesterday, the Seattle- based company said.

Amazon, which debuted in Japan in 2000, rolled out a Simplified Chinese-language version of its website last year to cater to booming demand by shoppers seeking everything from Japanese books and music to cosmetics and baby products. The number of online customers from the mainland rose fivefold since early 2016, according to Jasper Cheung, president of Amazon Japan. Amazons revenue in the country rose 31 percent to USD10.8 billion in 2016.

We continue to drive more selection available for export, and weve increased it by 50 percent, Cheung said. The biggest-selling categories have been books, health and beauty, baby products and kitchen appliances.

Amazon Japan is catering to an emerging class of consumers who are willing to shop online within Asia, and offers reduced shipping rates to homes and businesses in mainland China, Macau, Hong Kong, Taiwan and South Korea. E-commerce demand from China to Japan alone is projected to almost triple to 2.34 trillion yen (USD22.5 billion) in 2019, according to Japans Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

Chinese tourists, now a constant presence in Tokyos stores, often stock up on authentic Made-in-Japan products during their visits to the archipelago. The number of Chinese tourists in Japan rose 28 percent last year to 6.4 million visitors. Reed Stevenson, Grace Huang, Bloomberg
Investors trying to make sense of Chinas National Peoples Congress last week and its relation to the more important 19th Party Congress to be held later this year should familiarize themselves with an old saying: The mountains are high and the emperor is far away.

Orders from Beijing are often ignored in the cities and provinces. Instead, important decisions such as whether and how to restructure the debt of insolvent local governments and state-owned enterprises are made locally. Officials on the ground decide whether to actually shut down excess capacity in state-owned enterprises and whether to risk an increase in unemployment because some enterprise or industry (think coal mining, steel, solar panels) has become non-viable, a drain on the public finances and/or an environmental danger.

Its for those reasons that Chinas leadership was largely unable to meet the goals of 18th Party Congress of 2012, which sought to move the nation away from an unsustainable economic development model driven by explosive growth in corporate and local government debt, exports, capital expenditures and the production of often environmentally damaging physical goods to a greener one driven by lower leverage and domestic demand for services. The problem was that the plan gave little regard to the disastrous grow at any cost mindset of local and provincial authorities.

Many markets benefited. In 2016, China imported 33 percent of the worlds total dry bulk commodities, followed by a Japan at a distant second at 8 percent and India at 6 percent. Home values skyrocketed, fueled by the central banks looser monetary policies.

Power may be more centralized under General Secretary Xi Jinping than it has been since Deng Xiaoping  or even Mao Zedong. Xi is the chair of an unprecedented number of committees that span every important aspect of political, military, economic, social and cultural decision making. Indeed, Xi has been granted the designation of Core Leader of the Party, an honorific only ever bestowed before on Mao, Deng and Jiang Zemin. Yet, current developments suggest that even though power is centralized, it is not sufficiently securely held enough for Xi to truly focus on the economy.

Global investors are intrigued by the opportunities held by the sheer size of Chinas markets. But rather than dealing with economic issues, Xis domestic focus is still carrying out the anti-corruption campaign that was launched following the conclusion of the 18th Party Congress. No local government or a SOE leader is willing to pursue economic reform or much of anything else for which there isnt ample officially sanctioned precedent.

Internationally Xi has also focused on regional political and geopolitical issues. His pro-globalization speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos earlier this year wasnt about economics but about regional and geopolitics. The economy was, at best, fourth in the list of priorities.

The 19th Party Congress may, at last, enable Xi to consolidate power to the point that he can give the economy the attention it has been denied but badly needs, and bolstering the confidence of international investors.

Of the seven members of the Standing Committee of the Central Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China  the supreme decision making body in China  as many as five could be replaced peacefully at the 19th Party Congress because they have reached the informal age of retirement of 68. Xi is 64 and PRC Premier Li Keqiang is 61. Only one of the five, Wang Qishan, who oversaw most of the corruption purge, is a clear ally of Xi. That means by the end of 2017, Xi could at last achieve the kind of control that would permit him to focus on the economy.

There is another dimension to Xis political control and tenure. No General Secretary of the Communist Party since Mao has served more than two terms of five years each. Xis first term started on Nov. 12, 2012. According to established norms, Xi would have to retire in 2022, both because he will have served two terms as General Secretary and because he will be 70 years old. If he currently has any designs on staying in office for longer than that, he could try to persuade the Party to let Wang Qishan stay on as a member of the PSC beyond the age of 68.

This will definitely be an NPC worth watching. Junheng Li, AP
Volkswagen AGs Audi brand was raided by German prosecutors as investigations into the manipulation of diesel engines continue to weigh on the automaker more than a year after revelations of emissions cheating.

More than 100 police took part in searches yesterday at the companys main sites in Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm as well as seven other locations across Germany. The probe is focused on potential consumer fraud related to Audis role in developing tainted 3-liter diesel engines in the U.S., with officials seeking information on individuals involved, the Munich prosecutors office said in a statement. The company said it was cooperating fully with authorities.

The raids, which started at 7 a.m. local time, came the same day that Audi was holding its annual press conference and mark a fresh blow to Volkswagens efforts to overcome the cheating crisis that erupted in September 2015. Rather than grappling with renewed allegations, Audi had planned to shift attention to its recovery strategy after its role in manipulating about 80,000 diesel cars led to a 1.63 billion-euro (USD1.73 billion) charge last year from a settlement with U.S. authorities.

I myself have greatest interest in the clarification of the matter, Audi chief Rupert Stadler said yesterday at the brands headquarters in Bavarian town of Ingolstadt, declining to comment on the reason and timing of the raids. The diesel crisis has been the worst disruption in our history, said the executive, who has weathered pressure even after the brand initially denied cheating before backing down.

Volkswagen yesterday had sought to draw a line under the crisis, with CEO Matthias Mueller saying

the company is

back on track and in a position to push ahead with tackling an epochal shift in the auto industry. Still, he acknowledged that legal disputes will continue to preoccupy the company for many years.

Audi, Volkswagens biggest profit maker, is critical for Volkswagen, as the auto giant seeks to absorb 22.6 billion euros in scandal damages. That burden comes on top of more than 10 billion euros in investment needed to shift strategy toward self-driving, electric vehicles. For its part, Audi set up a new subsidiary, dubbed Autonomous Intelligent Driving GmbH, to develop robot cars and plans three battery-powered cars by 2020.

The prosecutors probe adds to Audis woes as it has been losing ground to Daimler AGs Mercedes-Benz, which overtook BMW as the worlds bestselling premium-car maker last year. Audis global sales declined 1.1 percent in February to 125,100 cars as a dispute with dealers in its largest market China escalated. Audis deliveries in China fell 5.8 percent to 32,155 cars last month. Christoph Rauwald, Bloomberg
President Donald Trump earned USD153 million and paid $36.5 million in income taxes in 2005, paying a roughly 25 percent effective tax rate thanks to a tax he has since sought to eliminate, according to highly sought-after newly-disclosed tax documents.

The pages from Trumps federal tax return show the then-real estate mogul also reported a business loss of $103 million that year, although the documents dont provide detail. The forms show that Trump paid an effective tax rate of 24.5 percent, a figure well above the roughly 10 percent the average American taxpayer forks over each year, but below the 27.4 percent that taxpayers earning 1 million dollars a year average were paying at the time, according to data from the Congressional Joint Committee on Taxation.

The tax forms were obtained by journalist David Cay Johnston, who runs a website called DCReport.org, and reported on MSNBCs The Rachel Maddow Show. Johnston, who has long reported on tax issues, said he received the documents in the mail, unsolicited.

Trumps hefty business loss appears to be a continued benefit from his use of a tax loophole in the 1990s, which allowed him to deduct previous losses in future years. In 1995, Trump reported a loss of more than $900 million, largely as a result of financial turmoil at his casinos.

Tax records obtained by The New York Times last year showed the losses were so large they could have allowed Trump to avoid paying taxes for up to 18 years. But Trumps 2005 filing shows that another tax prevented him from realizing the full benefit of those deductions.

The bulk of Trumps tax bill that year was due to the Alternative Minimum Tax, a tax aimed at preventing high-

income earners from paying minimal taxes.

The AMT requires many taxpayers to calculate their taxes twice  once under the rules for regular income tax and then again under AMT  and then pay the higher amount. Critics say the tax has ensnared more middle-class people than intended, raising what they owe the federal government each year.

Were it not for the AMT, Trump would have avoided all but a few million dollars of his 2005 tax bill.

Trumps campaign website called for the end of the AMT, which is expected to bring in more than $350 billion in revenues from 2016 to 2025.

As a candidate and as president, Trump has refused to release his tax returns, breaking a decades-long tradition. AP
The library of Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST) has publicized its possession of more than 500 copies of ancient maps made between the 15th and the 20th centuries. The public can visit MUSTs library to see the maps in person, or see them on the schools website. Many of the publicized maps are manuscripts with great historical value. For four years, the MUST library collected more than 2,000 ancient maps. After cataloguing the maps, the school will present rarer ancient maps for the publics perusal. The maps on display in the library are available between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m, and between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m from Monday to Friday.

New director-general appointed at Customs

Ng Kuok Heng, now former assistant director-general at the Macau Customs Service, has been promoted to deputy-director-general of the department, according to a notice published in the Official Gazette. Ng started his service in the public sector in 1983 as a police officer working for the marine section, where he remained for nearly 15 years. Prior to his appointment, Ng was the head of the Inspection Department of Customs. Ng holds a bachelor degree in law.

CAEAL not to punish Coutinho over SMS

The Electoral Affairs Commission for the Legislative Assembly election (CAEAL) will not punish lawmaker Pereira Coutinho over an SMS sent on Monday (March 13), the president of the CAEAL, Tong Hio Fong said yesterday. In the message, the lawmaker and candidate in the September election reminded the recipients of the September 17 election date and urged the voters to make sure they would be in the region to vote on that day, including their families.

Tong said that any action by the commission is only required in the event of a violation of the law. Otherwise, the cases will only be flagged for a monitoring, noting that the CAEAL will follow up and stay alert since at this stage this situation is not yet a violation of the law.

Nevertheless Tong criticized the use of the SMS during a period not considered a part of the official electoral campaign but noted, so far, no complaints have been made.

Property sales surged over 200 percent in February

The latest data from the Finance Services Bureau (DSF) which was released yesterday shows that the number of residential units sold during the past month surged 204 percent compared to the same month last year. In 2016, February registered a total of 268 residential sales, while this year the figure was 546. Hiking even more were the sales in the Peninsula, accountable for a total of 427 housing units (211 percent year-on-year), followed by Taipa registering 84 sales, and Coloane with 35. In addition, the average price per square meter grew approximately 20 percent from MOP73,733 to MOP88,440. Coloane was where residential units saw the prices rise 30 percent more than the previous years average, from MOP92,914 to MOP139,374 per square meter. However, the average size of units sold has decreased by 2 square meters.

Additional Arts Festival shows

The 28th Macao Arts Festival (MAF) is organizing additional performances for the most sought-after shows, which will be on sale from today. According to the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC), a number of programs were highly sought after, and therefore the organizer offers additional performances for the following shows: The soundscape theatre play Back to the Catastrophic Typhoon of 1874; the childrens musical Metamorphosis under Starry Night, Songs of Migrants and Miss Revolutionary Idol Berserker. Tickets for these additional performances will be available from 10 a.m. today at Macau Ticketing Network outlets. Tickets may also be purchased on the internet or by telephone.

Ho hopes HK localists will not influence Macau

The president of the Legislative Assembly (AL), Ho Iat Seng, said that the latest work report of the Chinese Peoples Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) highlights the topic of Hong Kong Independence as something Macau should be aware of, according to a report by TDM. Ho expressed the hope that Macau will not be influenced by this ideological trend. The AL president noted that Hong Kong Independence would lead nowhere, and voiced the belief that Macaus CPPCC members will be working towards a city that loves the country and loves Macau. Ho declared that Macaus next members of the National Peoples Congress will be required to declare their allegiance to the country and to the SARs basic law.

CC pays attention to online shopping

The theme of this years World Consumers Rights Day, which was marked yesterday, was Building a Digital World Consumers Can Trust. The Macau Consumer Council (CC), which has been a member since 1997, issued a statement claiming it pays attention to issues such as online shopping and relevant consumer rights. According to the Council, consumer education work has been carried out in recent years to teach consumers the right concept, information, and methods of online shopping.
The University of Macau (UM) has launched two new programs, titled 3+2 and 4+X, which will allow participating students to be directly admitted to some of the worlds top graduate schools upon completing their undergraduate studies at UM.

Participants in the 3+2 program will receive a bachelors degree from UM and a masters degree from a top overseas university upon completing the program, according to a UM press release.

The 4+X program reserves places at top overseas universities for qualified

students. UM recently signed agreements for a program with the University of Toronto (UT) and another with Temple University (TU).

According to the agreement with UT, UM students who fulfil the academic criteria will be directly admitted to UTs Faculty of Medicine upon completing four years of undergraduate studies at UM.

The agreement with TU allows qualified students to receive a bachelors degree from UM and a masters degree from TU upon completing three years of studies at UM and two at TU.

The UM is in talks with other world-renowned universities for similar arrangements, including Peking University, Tsinghua University, Fudan University, the University of Lisbon, and George Washington University.

UM said it expects to conclude the negotiations soon.
Earlier this week, the Administrative Committee of Hengqin New Area announced that the Hengqin district received the approval of Chinas post-doc administrative committee to set up a post-doctoral research office and to independently recruit post-doctoral fellows.

The approval marks the first time a post-doctoral research station in Chinas free trade zone has been allowed.

Deng Lianbing, a director at Hengqins post-doctoral administrative office, said, we will explore a work module through which we can introduce post-doctoral fellows from Macau and Hong Kong.

According to Deng, Hengqin will enhance communications between outstanding research supervisors from the two SARs and mainland post-doctoral fellows, all with the intention of creating a lasting connection between talented people living across mainland, Macau, and Hong Kong.

In addition, Deng noted that Chinas top post-doctoral administration granting Hengqin such permission indicates that the country is attempting to push forward the communication of PhD human resources in the two SARs and the mainland.

In the future, Hengqin will study ways to connect the region with overseas post-doctoral fellows, Deng revealed. Looking for more overseas post-doctoral students will help Hengqin train additional high-level and new types of talented human resources.

Hengqin also outlined a regulation regarding the regions post-doctoral administration which grants a maximum of RMB5 million to a single research project to be produced in Hengqin.

Aside from this award, the region will give subsidies primarily for post-doctoral fellows to conduct research and to settle down in Hengqin.

Starting from this year, Hengqin will recruit 40 to 50 post-doctoral fellows. JZ
Staff at Hong Kong Polytechnic University prevented a poll from being conducted on students preference for the next chief executive of Hong Kong, despite the fact that it has been held at the site on two previous occasions.

Students wanted to establish a polling station for a mock Chief Executive election.

According a South China Morning Post report citing Occupy Central co-founder Benny Tai, staff at the institution prevented volunteers from setting up the polling station.

The school said that students did not have the right to use the space, he told the newspaper.

He added that he didnt understand the universitys reaction given a similar poll has been held there twice before.

We also organized the same event in 2012 and 2014 and it was peaceful and completely legal. There is no way to tell if the cancellation had any political motivations behind it or even political persecution [] but the school should come forward with a proper explanation, said Tai.

Its typical, said Scott Chiang, the president of New Macau Association (ANM), who has encountered similar prohibitions in Macau. Academia in Hong Kong is growing more similar to that of Macau with similar results.

This reflects the general trend of universities [in Macau and Hong Kong] becoming less tolerant of freedom of speech. What they are doing is incredible and it makes them less credible in the civilized world, he said.

Indeed, Chiang has faced similar experiences in the past.

ANM was one of three groups that organized a civil referendum on the Macau Chief Executive in 2014. The unofficial referendum caused significant controversy, leading to the arrest of activist Jason Chao for violating personal data protection laws and prompting the MSAR government to brand the activity illegal and invalid.

He was also part of a group of students that once tried to hold a Tiananmen Square vigil at the University of Macau (UM), but authorities at the institution had prevented the event from taking place.

A group of students at the UM tried to hold a memorial of the June Fourth Incident, but we failed to get the venue [booked] because UM said that there was no space available, he said.
The Urban Renewal Committees plenary meeting, which was held yesterday, discussed topics relating to temporary housing, renovation of industrial buildings, and the establishment of a government-

owned company.

The committee proposed to establish subsidies for residents who are being relocated from old buildings into new ones.

Currently, the region is relying on the construction of temporary buildings to house displaced residents while it modernizes, according to Paul Tse, who also explained that this is difficult for Macau to put into practice.

A second choice can be provided to the residents, noted Tse, clarifying the conditions under which the committee deems it appropriate to grant a subsidy.

This is on the basis of maximizing choices for residents and to give them an opportunity to decide how to solve their housing problem during urban renewal, said Tse, explaining that residents can either choose to buy or rent a property. An additional option is proposed:

To avoid double taxation, the committee additionally proposed to consider providing low-interest loans to residents who will be giving up their occupation of those properties but will maintain their right to them so that they can move back at a later time, said Paul Tse. A low-interest loan will help their financial situation.

Earlier, the Urban Renewal Committee revealed that it is looking to establish a government-owned company, the structure, working direction, management, and supervision board of which was discussed by the committee.

It provides more flexibility in terms of commercial discussions, said Paul Tse, when addressing why the committee is determined to set up the company.

The committee also suggested reducing the governments property interests in relation to the redevelopment of old buildings given that the government has previously maintained full property rights. The committees preliminary conclusion is that the government will maintain 90 percent of the property interest of buildings between 30 to 40 years, 85 percent of those that are more than 40 years, and 80 to 85 percent of those related to key interests or which have already been demolished.

With respect to the renewal of industrial buildings, the committee considered that those with fewer difficulties should be the initial focus.

The committee further suggested providing legal and safety instructions for building owners to follow.

The committee considered the renewing of industrial buildings to be a short-term goal within the citys renewal purposes.

When talking to the media, the Secretary for Land, Public Works and Transportation, Raimundo do Rosario, was questioned about the demolition of the Lai Chi Vun village. Rosario maintained his stance in relation to the recent dispute over the Lai Chi Vun village shipyards, claiming that there is nothing he can comment or add because the Chief Executive has made the matter of the region very clear.
A dim storage room surrounded by bamboo groves and pastoral hills is filled wall-to-wall with 3,000 wooden barrels. Here sleeps, for years, sometimes decades, prized Japanese whisky.

The Suntory distillery in Yamazaki, near the ancient capital of Kyoto, is where the first drop of made-in-Japan malt whisky was distilled in 1924.

These days, Japanese whisky is winning accolades from around the world, often beating the products from Scotland its makers set out to emulate.

In 2003, the Yamazaki 12 Years single malt whisky became the first Japanese whisky to win the gold medal at the International Spirits Challenge, the most authoritative liquor competition in the world. Last year, Hibiki, another Suntory label, won the Worlds Best Blended Whisky prize at the World Whiskies Awards, for the fourth time. A bottle of Yamazaki Sherry Cask, aged 25 years, fetches thousands of dollars each.

They have a lot more earthiness to them. They are much more a product of their environment, Wes Barbee, a 23-year- old consultant from Houston, gushed as he joined dozens of Japanese and foreign tourists visiting the Yamazaki distillery and lining up for a taste.

American and Canadian whisky has nothing on this. Its mass production. This is very intimate. The flavors are carefully chosen, he said.

Japan Inc. abounds with stories of manufacturers like automaker Toyota Motor Corp. and musical instrument manufacturer Yamaha Corp. that at first imitated Western pioneers in their industries but ended up matching if not outdoing them.

Suntory founder Shinjiro Torii was determined to introduce Scotch to Japan. Overcoming early failures, he eventually adapted his methods to distill a whisky palatable to Japanese.

Experts believe that aside from Japans clean and tasty ground water, its four distinct seasons help to deepen whisky flavors during years of aging.

Scotlands many distilleries make blending whisky flavors easy. Suntory had to develop its own array of flavors using various temperatures and combinations of yeasts for fermentation, as well as more complex methods of distilling whisky.

After fermentation, the beige liquid gets heated and distilled in pot stills, huge metallic containers of varying shapes that can quicken or delay the distilling process, yielding nuances of flavors.

The result is a colorless liquid that smells almost like antiseptic that is stored in barrels, or casks, in a cavernous warehouse designed for aging whiskies. No nails are used in the casks, whose strips of old wood are bound by tightened metal rings. Aging gives whisky its color and personality  what whisky lovers say distinguishes it from wine or beer.

The casks, used over and over again, include old wine and bourbon barrels. Some are from Europe and the U.S. and others are made of Japanese oak. Suntorys three distilleries in Japan house a million casks.

Its a mystery exactly how whisky ages, says Shinji Fukuyo, Suntorys chief blender.

Flavors of each cask are mixed  just right, like a jigsaw puzzle, he says  to create, and recreate, various kinds of whisky and develop new ones.

A serious-looking, slight man with graying hair, Fukuyo says he avoids garlic or greasy fish, especially for breakfast, to keep his taste buds pure for his job.

Whats important for whisky is that its deliciousness must deepen with aging, sitting in the casks for a long time, said Fukuyo, 55, demonstrating how he examines the whisky in a glass, swirling the crystalline amber spirit against the light.

He gently rolls a sip on his tongue, then spits it out: Fukuyo does 100 such tastings a day, sometimes more than 200. He switches positions of the glasses on the table to remember what he just tasted. There is no time for note-taking.

Its a clean and beautiful taste. Its hard to explain in words, he said of Japanese whisky.

Japanese whisky aged in a white oak cask has a hint of citrus or green-apple. One aged in a sherry cask is fragrant, rich and sweet, evocative of dried fruit. Whisky aged in Japanese oak and smoky whisky have pungent, herbal flavors.

The growing popularity of Japans cuisine has helped win a following for its whisky, which was designed to be consumed with food, experts say.

Nikka Whisky, a unit of Asahi Breweries, froze its overseas expansion in 2014, finding it impossible to keep up with demand, says Emiko Kaji, who manages Nikkas international business.

Nikka Whisky From the Barrel, packaged in a sleek bottle, is doing especially well in Europe, she says.

Sukhinder Singh, owner of London-based retailer The Whisky Exchange, says he has had to ration his supplies of Japanese whisky to hotels and restaurants. He never seems to have enough.

At first, Japanese victories in blindfold whisky contests baffled connoisseurs. By now the Japanese blends have won over even the skeptics, he said.

When whisky expert Jim Murray voted the Yamazaki Sherry Cask the Best Whisky in the World for his 2015 Whisky Bible, its price shot up overnight. Prices of other Japanese whiskies have also been rising.

Everyone went: We want to buy Japanese, Singh said in a phone interview. The problem we have at the moment is not selling it. Its getting it.

We can sell every bottle we can get, he said.

Zoetrope, a tiny bar in a dingy Tokyo backstreet building, is famed among lovers of Japanese whisky.

Japanese whisky has an unpredictability that makes it fun, and the highly skillful Japanese blenders have created a subtle taste with an impeccable balance, said Atsushi Horigami, Zoetropes owner and bartender, standing before counters and shelves crammed with colorful bottles.

Thousands of miles away at Festa, a bar in San Francisco, banker Crystal Roseberry was trying Suntorys Yamazaki 12, at USD40 a drink, for the first time.

Soft, silky, not jarring, elegant, friendly. And it still has a structure of a good whisky, which I think is very important, she said in an interview over an online call. This whisky is intriguing,

Bar owner Masae Matsumoto was glad to have stocked up on Yamazaki.

Its gotten impossible to get over the last six months, she said. Japanese whisky tastes so good. Yuri Kageyama, Yamazaki, AP
More than 250 skulls have been found over the last several months in what appears to be a drug cartel mass burial ground on the outskirts of the city of Veracruz, prosecutors said yesterday [Macau time].

Veracruz states top prosecutor, Jorge Winckler, said the clandestine pits appeared to contain remains of cartel victims killed years ago.

The news came as no surprise to Lucia Diaz, one of the mothers of people who have disappeared whose group is known as Colectivo Solecito.

The mothers pushed authorities to investigate the fields where the skulls were found because they suspected more than a year ago that the wooded area known as Colinas de Santa Fe was a secret burial ground.

In the face of official inaction, the activists themselves went to the fields starting in August 2016, sinking rods into the ground to detect the telltale odor of decomposition, and then digging.

When they find what they believe are burial pits, they alert authorities, who carry out the final excavations.

We dig holes, but we try not to touch the remains, Diaz said, because DNA may be the only hope of identifying the dead and touching the bones might contaminate them.

Some remains had been found in the area even before the group started its work.

So far, Diaz said, searchers have found about 125 pits that contain about 253 bodies. Nobody knows when the burials began, but Diaz said some were quite recent.

Some of the bodies had a lot of connective tissue. You could see an ear, or recognize part of a face, she said.

Winckler, in the first official recognition, seemed to say the burials occurred before the new state administration took office in December.

For many years, the drug cartels disappeared people and the authorities were complacent, Winckler said In an interview with the Televisa network, in apparent reference to the administration of fugitive former Gov. Javier Duarte and his predecessors.

Duarte resigned as governor two months before his term ended last year and disappeared. He faces charges that include money laundering and organized crime and officials have accused him thoroughly looting state coffers. Winckler said that resources needed for DNA tests in criminal investigation had vanished, leaving officials to depend on help from the federal government and groups such as the Red Cross.

So far only two sets of remains  a police detective and his assistant  have been identified, Winckler said.

The prosecutor said excavations have covered only a third of the lot where the skulls were found, and more people may be buried there.

I cannot imagine how many more people are illegally buried there, Winckler said, noting the state has reports of about 2,400 people who are still missing.

Veracruz is an enormous mass grave, he said.

Diaz also said it is impossible to say how many people are buried, and isnt sure the burial ground wasnt used recently. We dont know when it stopped, or if it stopped. She said searchers found eight bodies just 10 days ago.

The state had long been dominated by the ferocious Zetas cartel. But the Jalisco New Generation cartel began moving in around 2011, sparking bloody turf battles. Mark Stevenson, Mexico City, AP
Household brands in China are bracing for the governments version of public-service journalism  the annual program on state-run TV that uses hidden cameras to highlight what the network calls companies unfair practices against consumers.

China Central Televisions yesterdays night broadcast for World Consumer Rights Day has targeted some of the worlds biggest companies in the past, including Apple Inc., McDonalds Corp. and Volkswagen AG. The name-

and-shame show not only attracts eyeballs, it also gets results  Apples Tim Cook apologized in 2013 and McDonalds retrained some workers in 2012.

Breakneck economic growth and rising incomes transformed China into an essential market with 1.4 billion people, and the governments push for a consumption-driven economy fueled an influx of foreign companies in the fast-food, retailing and automotive industries.

Chinas goal of a consumption-led economy needs to be backed by greater confidence among Chinese consumers in buying locally, said Catherine Lim, a Bloomberg Intelligence analyst in Singapore. This includes assurance about the authenticity and quality of their purchases as well as ensuring customers satisfaction in the shopping experience.

This year, Korean companies such as Samsung Electronics Co. and Hyundai Motor Co. also have reason to worry that its their turn to be featured in the  3.15 Gala program. China retaliated against Korean businesses after the government in Seoul allowed the deployment of a U.S. missile-defense system that China said threatens regional security.

Korea is on the political hot seat right now, said Shaun Rein, managing director of Shanghai-based China Market Research Group. I think they would target Korean brands especially.

Chinese authorities, citing alleged safety violations, suspended operations of 55 stores owned by Lotte Group, the conglomerate that provided land for the system, and shut Lotte Shanghai Foods, a joint venture with Hershey Co. The government also curbed Chinese tourist travel to South Korea.

South Korean cosmetics brands could be a major target given their popularity in China. Amorepacific Corp. is among the top five sellers in the nation, according to Euromonitor Internationals latest data.

Ensuring consumers are adequately informed about the authenticity of online purchases likely would be one focus of this years broadcast, said Bloomberg Intelligences Lim.

That would dovetail with Chinese Premier Li Keqiangs call for vigorous investigations of counterfeit products and improving product quality to meet the higher standards demanded by Chinese consumers.

Previous shows targeted homegrown powers Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. and China Mobile Ltd. Alibaba has struggled to keep counterfeit products off its websites, and the U.S. government labeled the companys Taobao e-commerce platform a notorious market for fake goods last year. The China Consumers Association said its theme for 2017 is trust in e-commerce. Bloomberg
Prime Minister Mark Rutte and anti-Islam lawmaker Geert Wilders cast yesterdays Dutch parliamentary elections as a litmus test for populism in Europe, only months ahead of crucial votes in France and Germany.

As the nation went to the voting stations on a bright spring morning, two-term premier Ruttes right-wing VVD party was leading in the latest polls, with the anti-Islam Party for Freedom of firebrand lawmaker Geert Wilders a close second.

Coming after lasts year British vote to leave the European Union and the election of U.S. President Donald Trump  two stunning successes for populists  Rutte now hopes to slow the momentum of what he called the wrong sort of populism.

This is a chance for a big democracy like the Netherlands to make a point to stop this toppling over of the domino stones of the wrong sort of populism, Rutte said after his vote.

Despite positive poll results in recent days Rutte was wary of the results. There is still a risk that we wake up Thursday morning and seeing that Geert Wilders is leading the biggest party, he said.

Wilders sought to dampen expectations for himself  but insisted that whatever the result of the election, the kind of populist politics he and others in Europe represent will be here to stay.

The genie will not go back into the bottle. People feel misrepresented, he said, predicting this would show in elections later this year in France and Germany too.

Despite what the elite wants, politicians are getting strong who have a totally different concept of what the people want them to do, he said.

Rutte has framed the election as a choice between continuity and chaos, portraying himself as a safe custodian of the nations economic recovery, while casting Wilders as a far-right radical who would not be prepared to take tough decisions.

The chance of Wilders becoming leader in this country where the proportional representation voting system all but guarantees coalition governments is small  all mainstream parties, including Ruttes VVD, have ruled out working with Wilders.

Wilders one-page election manifesto includes pledges to close borders to immigrants from Muslim nations, shuttering mosques and banning the Quran, as well as taking the Netherlands out of the European Union.

The final days of campaigning were overshadowed by a diplomatic crisis between the Dutch and Turkish governments over the refusal of the Netherlands to let two Turkish government ministers address rallies about a constitutional reform referendum next month that could give President Recep Tayyip Erdogan more powers. It showed Rutte as refusing to bow to pressure from outside, a stance which has widespread backing in the nation.

It is my task to keep the nation safe and stable and deal with these kinds of people, said Rutte.

The 12.9 million Dutch voters can cast their ballots until 9 p.m. (8am, today). They have plenty to choose from; there are 28 parties fielding candidates in the splintered political landscape.

The election in the Netherlands comes ahead of polls in France and Germany later this year, when right-wing nationalists will also be key players.

Voting in Amsterdam, Sam Godfried said he tried to turn the tide away from the far right. The thing is, I think the whole world around us is getting more extreme and it is just getting more polarized, he said. He did not say who he voted for.

During a final televised debate yesterday among leaders from the parties vying for seats and control of the government, Wilders piled on the anti-Islam invective while Rutte played up his leadership experience.

Rutte has driven through unpopular austerity measures over the last four years, but the Dutch economic recovery has gathered pace and unemployment has fallen fast. So the prime minister is urging voters to stick with him.

Wilders, meanwhile, is tapping into discontent among voters who say they are not benefiting from economic recovery.

With such a knife-edge vote expected, only one thing appeared certain: Talks to form the next ruling coalition will take a while.

The longest coalition formation was seven months, said Amsterdam Free University political analyst Andre Krouwel. It wouldnt surprise me if this results leads to a very complicated and long formation process. Mike Corder & Raf Casert, The Hague, AP
Not since Marlon Brando in Apocalypse Now murmured of the horror has such a brooding beast lurked deep within a war-ravaged jungle as the King Kong of Kong: Skull Island.

Yes, the big ape is back, this time with a rollicking Vietnam War backdrop and the Creedence Clearwater-thumping soundtrack to match. The year is 1973, Nixon is pulling troops out of Vietnam and American explorer Bill Randa (John Goodman) has convinced a senator (Richard Jenkins) to bankroll a quick expedition on the way out to an uncharted South Pacific island where myth and science meet.

Unlike Brandos Colonel Kurtz, we dont have to wait very long for our errand boys  a cobbled-together team lead by Lieutenant Colonel Packard (Samuel L. Jackson)  to encounter Kong on the exotic island. No sooner has their swarm of helicopters penetrated the islands permanently stormy perimeter is Kong swatting them away like flies, and the soldiers fresh off the failed war  yet again find themselves in a gruesome quagmire.

Whats a gorilla got to do with Vietnam? Well, thats the 800-pound metaphor in the room.

Kong: Skull Island is the latest in a long line of reboots going back to the 1933 original. The disappointment of Peter Jacksons lavish but bloated 2005 attempt pushed producers to explore some other kind of evolution for the chest-pounding primate. Director Jordan Vogt-Roberts (whose only previous feature was the indie comedy The Kings of Summer) has uprooted the tale from its imperialist origins (beware of what you plunder abroad) and commissioned Kong as a stand-in for the folly of Vietnam.

The shift, which follows a brief World War II preamble, gives Kong: Skull Island a strange and surreal energy. An Apocalypse Now with monsters is about as bizarre a fit as youd expect. It is, at least, not the cookie-cutter monster movie it might have been, and Vogt-Roberts  who fills his movie with napalm gas, a chattering Nixon bobble head and fireballs in dense jungles  gleefully plunges into his cartoonish, digitally rendered heart of darkness.

The result is at turns grim and goofy. Kong: Skull Island, penned by Dan Gilroy, Max Borenstein and Derek Connolly, is never quite sure which it wants to be, but Vogt-Roberts is having too much fun to care.

The team includes a British ex-

spy (Tom Hiddleston, who tries to do little beyond handsomely smolder through the film), a self-described anti-war photojournalist (Brie Larson, mostly just running with the pack and, later, catching Kongs eye), and a handful of Vietnam vets under Packards command.

The island, shot in Hawaii, is a verdant, mountainous paradise filled with not just Kong but other gargantuan creatures  a giant octopus, a long-legged spider  and, it turns out, John C. Reilly. He pops up as Hank Marlow, a WWII pilot downed on Skull Island decades earlier, whose long years there have left him a little nutty.

Theres something here about the tragic sacrifices and wasted heroism of soldiers, used as pawns against the wrong foes. Jacksons Packard  a bloodthirsty cowboy who wants to stay in the rodeo  takes the mission as a happy reprieve from the peace time he fears, but his infantry men wish they could just go home.

Whereas Reillys instinct is to lean into the movies absurdities, Jackson (in fine, full-throated form) solemnly readies for a mano-a-mano showdown with Kong. By then, it has turned out that Kong isnt the real enemy, but Packard is undeterred. When others want to call in the cavalry, he glowers: I am the cavalry!

Ultimately, the films Vietnam setting is less about warfare and history than finding an intoxicating canvas for a pretty old story. Kong: Skull Island is more about the monster clashes and, as the post-credit clip (a true commercial) proves, setting up future installments. A wider kaiju-verse is planned.

King Kong, like many before him, has merely been drafted into a war not his choosing. Jake Coyle, AP Film Writer

Kong: Skull Island, a Warner Bros. release, is rated PG-13 by the Motion Picture Association of America for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action, and for brief strong language. Running time: 118 minutes.
By Michael Miller

513-556-6757

Photos by Andrew Higley/UC Creative Services



March 15, 2017

In electronics, the race for smaller is huge.

Physicists at the University of Cincinnati are working to harness the power of nanowires, microscopic wires that have the potential to improve solar cells or revolutionize fiber optics.

Nanotechnology has the potential to solve the bottleneck that occurs in storing or retrieving digital data  or could store data in a completely new way.



UC professors and their graduate students presented their research at the March 13 conference of the American Physical Society in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Hans-Peter Wagner, associate professor of physics, and doctoral student Fatemesadat Mohammadi are looking at ways to transmit data with the speed of fiber optics but at a significantly smaller scale.

Wagner and lead author Mohammadi are studying this field, called plasmonics, with researchers from three other universities. For the novel experiment, they built nanowire semiconductors with organic material, fired laser pulses at the sample and measured the way light traveled across the metal; technically, the excitations of plasmon waves.

So, if we succeed in getting a better understanding about the coupling between the excitations in semiconductor nanowires and metal films, it could open up a lot of new perspectives, Wagner said.

The successful harnessing of this phenomenon -- called plasmon waveguiding -- could allow researchers to transmit data with light at the nano level.




Tiny elements, big impact

The researchers say the K-Pg dinosaur extinction was the result of a very large asteroid impact while the Younger Dryas onset is likely the result of being hit by fragments of a much smaller comet or asteroid, possibly measuring up to two-thirds of a mile in diameter.



The study notes another difference  the Younger Dryas impact event has not been associated with a known impact crater. Instead, the researchers theorize that the fragments of a larger object struck a glacial ice sheet or may have exploded earlier while in the atmosphere, raining platinum and rare elements among the debris creating a chain of devastation.



With the help of UC anthropology graduate student, Mary Ann Ballyntine, Tankersley hand excavated sediment samples from a naturally exposed wall profile in the back of Sheriden Cave.

Collecting the samples in a continuous fashion from youngest to oldest strata, or layers of naturally formed material, magnetic analysis was performed to determine whether these strata were deposited in a cool-dry or warm-moist environment.



Back at the lab, Tankersley used various mass spectrometry analysis techniques to determine the age of the platinum content. Lewis Owen, UC professor of geology offered his expertise in dating the older sediments by employing an optical stimulated luminescence technique, which provides a measure of time since sediment grains were deposited and shielded from further light or heat exposure.



As with a supervolcano, Tankersley says the spike in the trace element of platinum is a fingerprint for widespread particulate matter that would have enriched particles in the atmosphere and led to global cooling.



The researchers conclude that the presence of platinum is an easily identifiable hemispheric marker in sediment layers for the start of Younger Dryas. This discovery contributes to the supposition that a potential cosmic impact event occurred, which warrants further scientific investigation.
BOISE (AP)  In a legislative session checkered with attempts to limit government openness, Idaho lawmakers advanced a proposal Thursday closing a stark exemption to the Idaho Open Meeting Law.

According to the proposed legislation, boards and commissions created by executive order would be subjected to the Idaho Open Meeting Law. Currently, these panels are not required to let the public know when theyre meeting, post an agenda or keep minutes summarizing what they discussed. Nor are the meetings required to be open to the public, even though most  if not all  are.

House members unanimously advanced the bill in the middle of Sunshine Week. Its a time of year around James Madisons birthday, March 16, honoring his advocacy for the Bill of Rights.

Weve always assumed that virtually everything that government does in the state of Idaho is open to the public, and always operated with that assumption, said Rep. Tom Loertscher, R-Iona, who is the bills sponsor. However, we discovered that there is just a little flaw in our law. It unwittingly exempts certain agencies that are created by executive order from the Open Meetings Law. It wasnt intended to be that way and it should not be that way.

The proposal is one of the rare bills introduced this legislative session that increases the states laws protecting the publics right to an open and transparent government. There have been several attempts introduced by lawmakers to limit public access, though they have not advanced far in the Statehouse.

For example, earlier this year, a northern Idaho lawmaker introduced a proposal making all emails, texts and other communications among members of the Idaho Legislature private and blocked from public disclosure. The legislation has yet to make it out of committee, but has raised concern among government transparency advocates that the fight over keeping legislative communications open will be an ongoing battle in future legislative sessions.

Other proposals this legislative session have included attempting to create an entirely new definition of what constitutes public records in a bill outlining retention guidelines for police body camera footage  even though the state already has that addressed in the Idaho Public Records Act. Backers of the bills have since removed that section of the bill.

Meanwhile, the State Board of Education has attempted to float legislation that would allow the agency to deny public records requests if a person made multiple separate requests, but combined could be used to identify a student. Federal law already bans the public from obtaining identifiable student data.

HB 273 now moves to the Senate for approval.
The Idaho Supreme Court says it will not reconsider the clemency case of a terminally ill man who is facing execution for his role in the 1985 slayings of two gold prospectors. The court made the decision Friday in Gerald Ross Pizzuto Jr.s case. That means the state remains free to seek a death warrant for Pizzuto. Once issued, the warrant would set the execution in the next 30 days. Deborah Czuba is one of Pizzuto's attorneys with the Federal Defender Services of Idaho. She says the Supreme Court's decision is disappointing, and that she hopes Idaho Gov. Brad Little will reconsider the execution or at least wait until after the holidays.
Update: The memorial passed committee in the Senate on Thursday and is awaiting a vote before the full Senate.

The Idaho House passed a joint memorial Wednesday calling on Congress to replace the Affordable Care Act with a health care system that is regulated by the states, not the federal government, and that will "immediately permit the free market availability and sale of nonsubsidized health insurance plans in accordance with state-established statutes."

The language of the memorial is critical of the ACA, blaming it for the steep increases last year in the cost of plans on the state exchange and saying "a return to state regulation of the individual insurance market would result in significantly lower premium amounts for many Idahoans."

Sponsor Rep. Tom Loertscher, R-Iona, compared the health care market unfavorably with his experience when he goes to the grocery store and has choices between different kinds of food of varying price and quality, which he can select from depending on his needs.

I think that we need to move to the free market in order to get these costs down for our citizens," he said.

The House Republicans have put forth a plan, the American Health Care Act, to dismantle and replace the ACA, President Barack Obama's signature achievement. The House Budget Committee voted Thursday morning to advance the bill, but the bill could see some changes. It has run into opposition from some more conservative Republicans, including U.S. Rep. Raul Labrador, who think it spends too much and doesn't go far enough in reducing the federal government's role in the health care market.

Meanwhile, Democrats are united against repeal, saying it will hurt the poor and people who have gotten insurance due to the ACA. The Congressional Budget Office's scoring of the bill released at the beginning of the week says it will result in 24 million more people not having health insurance 10 years from now. Some more moderate Republicans have also expressed concerns about how the bill would get rid of federal funding for Medicaid expansion in a few years.

Rep. Ilana Rubel, D-Boise, urged her colleagues not to pass the memorial, pointing to the 100,000 or so people insured through Your Health Idaho whose coverage is subsidized with more than $200 million a year in ACA tax credits. The exchange, she said, is "doing a huge benefit to the people of this state."

The memorial passed 60-10, with all the Republicans and one Democrat in favor and the rest of the Democrats voting "No."
In my opinion, no one has done a better job summarizing the potential of Rugers American Rimfire Rifle line than Tom Gresham, genial host of Gun Talk Media. Tom put it this way: Take the very best features of Rugers centerfire American Rifle, chamber it for rimfire cartridges and you have the recipe for pure fun.

After spending several months test firing and playing around with my own American Rimfire Rifle, I wholeheartedly second his opinion.

Four basic models make up the current product line: the Standard, Compact, Wood (stocked) and Target iterations. All models are available in .22 LR, .17 HMR and .22 WMR (Winchester Magnum Rimfire) chamberings.

The Standard and Compact models are fitted with nicely textured black synthetic stocks that appear to be slightly scaled-down versions of the furniture found on Rugers centerfire American Rifles. The Standard version carries a full-length 22-inch barrel bolted into an adult-sized stock, while the Compact ships with an abbreviated 18-inch tube nestled into a child- or small-adult-sized handle.

What really set these plastic stocks apart from the competition are their patented interchangeable comb/buttstock modules. Every Standard and Compact rifle ships from the factory with both a low-comb and a high-comb modular insert. The low-comb module is designed to better align your cheek with the rifles high-visibility iron sights, while the high-comb insert sets your shooting eye in perfect alignment with a mount scope or red dot optic.

The Standard comb/buttstock insert gives the rifle a full-sized 13.75-inch pull. The Compacts 12.5-inch LOP is better suited to children, smaller-framed adults and hunters wearing heavy bulky coats.

Swapping modules is as easy as loosening and removing the rear sling swivel stud, sliding out the current module, sliding in and screwing down its replacement. The replacement procedure takes only a few minutes and can be easily accomplished at home or in the field with a nail or hex head wrench.

Replacement modules are available at Shopruger.com and retail individually for $19.95. These inexpensive inserts give you the flexibility of customizing your American Rimfire to better fit your needs and physical dimensions.

I just ordered a full-sized high-comb module for my Compact .22 Magnum. With a bipod and my Weaver 2.5-7X scope, I should be suitably armed to take on the ground squirrel and prairie dog hordes at my brothers Great Falls, Mont., ranch this spring.

The pricier Wood and Target models feature quality fixed-length wooden furniture. The Wood version is crafted from a nice stick of machine-checkered, walnut-stained hardwood. The Target features a hefty black laminate target-style handle with an attractive Alex Henry fore end. Both are fitted with non-slip black rubber butt pads.

Taking a closer look at the barreled actions, we find that with the exception of the heavier straight-tapered (0.860-inch) barrel on the Target model, the Standard, Compact and Wood carry substantial, nicely contoured, hammer-forged tubes. As a bonus, all models are available with either a non-threaded or threaded (1/2-28) muzzle. This is a great option should you desire to attach a suppressor or muzzle brake. Sight-wise, the Target ships naked from the factory. The latter three models arrive with a Williams fiber optic front sight and V-notch rear sight.

Interestingly, the Americans receivers are machined to accommodate 3/8-inch grooved receiver rings (common to .22 rimfires and air guns) and are drilled and tapped topside for Weaver No. 12 bases, giving you two optic mounting options. I like the robust steel receiver-mounted bolt stop/release lever. This mechanism allows you to remove and replace the bolt without pulling the trigger  a nice safety feature, particularly for novice shooters. I also appreciate the easily manipulated tang-mounted safety, which like its centerfire big brother, is placed under your thumb. The man-sized 60-degree bolt handle protrudes noticeably and provides leverage for manipulating the action with an optic in place and from awkward field positions.

Accuracy is no doubt enhanced by its bank vault-like lockup, its Marksman adjustable trigger and free-floating barrel. Groups fired from my .22 Magnum have ranged from decent to breathtaking, depending on the ammo its fed.

All ARRs feed from Rugers excellent 10/22 style rotary magazines; the .22 LR models from the BX-I (10 shot), BX-15 or BX-25 rounders. The magnums use the nine-round JX-1 bullet boxes. A synthetic extended mag release makes magazine drops a breeze.

Depending on the particular model and options you select, your new American Rimfire Rifle will set you back $250 to $350. And if your experience is anything like mine, this purchase should deliver the maximum amount of fun attainable for less than four Franklins.
Volunteers  The Senior Companion Program at the CSI Office on Aging needs volunteers, age 55 and older, to assist homebound seniors by providing friendly visits, transportation or other assistance as needed. Senior Companions can make positive impacts by helping to improve the mental and emotional status of their clients. Senior Companions receive a stipend per hour of service (to income eligible seniors) and can work between 15 to 40 hours a week. They receive reimbursement for mileage, and training on age-related problems. Information: Dandre, 208-736-2122, or toll free, 800-574-8656.

Volunteers  There are many ways volunteers can support the work of Encompass Hospice. Patients need loving and compassionate volunteers to provide companionship, caregiver respite, light housekeeping, shopping, yardwork, or to be there. If you are a veteran who needs to make a connection of shared experiences that only a Veteran to Veteran can share, we need you. Bring your touching hands and hearts to share a smile, hold hands, listen to a story and laugh with Encompass Hospice patients. Information: Cindy, 208-733-8600 or ckeithley@ehhi.com.

Volunteers  Hospice Visions Inc. is looking for volunteers to visit with patients and their families, and volunteers to provide handyman services, play the piano at assisted living centers, and help with art projects for their patients at assisted living centers. If you have a special talent to share with others, contact Nora Wells at Hospice Visions, 208-735-0121 or nwells@hospicevisions.org.

Volunteers  Hospice Visions Inc is looking for men and women to serve as Veteran-to-Veteran Volunteers for their veteran patients. All ages of veterans from all branches of service are welcome to join Hospice Visions volunteer forces as part of the We Honor Veterans program. Information: Nora Wells, volunteer coordinator at Hospice Visions, 208-735-0121 or nwells@hospicevisions.org.

Volunteers  Horizon Home Health and Hospice is looking for volunteers to join their team to provide quality compassionate care to patients through the following activities: companionship, socialization, respite, and support for patients and families and much more. Information: Cynthia Nixon, 208-800-8085 or cnixon@horizonhh.com.

Volunteers  A Volunteer Fair for serving senior needs will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 29 at Twin Falls Senior Center, 530 Shoshone St. S. The event will include volunteer opportunities, information and prizes. Representatives from Idaho Home Health & Hospice, AARP tax-aide, Senior Health Insurance Benefits Advisors, Idaho Food Bank, Interlink Volunteer Caregivers, CSI Office on Aging, and the Twin Falls Senior Center will be available to explain their services and the need for volunteers. Information: Idaho Home Health and Hospice, 208-734-4064, or Twin Falls Senior Center, 208-734-5084.

Volunteers  Twin Falls County Board of Community Guardians is seeking volunteer guardians. Anyone interested in volunteering to serve the community is invited to attend an open house from 4 to 7 p.m. April 5 at Twin Falls County West Planning and Zoning Conference Room, 630 Addison Ave. W., Suite 1100, Twin Falls. Refreshments will be provided. Information: Sarah Heck, 208-736-5048, ext. 2222.

Volunteers  St Lukes Home Health and Hospice is looking for new volunteers to join its team to share compassion and care and increase the quality of life for patients and their families. This program is designed to offer companionship and socialization to the patients as well as respite and support for the caregivers. Information: Marie Sharp, 208-814-7603 or sharpm@slhs.org.

Volunteers  St. Lukes Magic Valley Medical Center has several volunteer positions with opportunities to serve others and meet new people. You may get to congratulate someone on the birth of a new baby; smile and take someones mind off their problems; make a patients day by delivering flowers to them in their hospital room; and offer a kind word, give a hug, or listen to someone who needs to talk. For an application packet or information: Kim Patterson, 208-814-0861.

Drivers  The Twin Falls Senior Center needs drivers to deliver meals to homebound seniors in Twin Falls Monday through Friday. The routes take an hour or less to complete. Commitment is based on your availability. Volunteers must be 18 years of age with their own car, and have proof of liability insurance and a background check. Drivers receive 53.5 cents a mile fuel reimbursement. Information: 208-734-5084.

Volunteers  The Twin Falls Senior Center has a ladies group (The Crazy Quilters), who are looking for individuals to put finishing touches on quilts as a group while socializing. The group meets from 9 a.m. to noon every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. All quilt project proceeds are given to the Twin Falls Senior Center. Information: 208-734-5084.
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IDAHO FALLS  Two Twin Falls schools took home top honors Saturday during the Southeastern Idaho Science Bowl in Idaho Falls.

Twin Falls High School won the high school division, while Vera C. OLeary Middle School took first in the middle school division.

Theyll compete at the U.S. Department of Energy National Science Bowl from April 27-May 1 in Washington, D.C.

The state events  sponsored by the Idaho National Laboratory and U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science  is a math and science Jeopardy-style tournament.

Seven Magic Valley schools participated, in addition to eastern Idaho schools.
The students at Twin Falls High School placed in the top ten among traditional schools in Idaho in the ISAT for English Language Arts.
TWIN FALLS  Twin Falls High School student Andrew Moffitt will receive an award for his volunteer service.

The 18-year-old will be recognized through The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, sponsored by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals.

The nationwide program honors middle and high schoolers for their community service, according to the Twin Falls School District.

Twin Falls High School nominated Moffitt. He volunteers at a soup kitchen and as a student ambassador for the Twin Falls Area Chamber of Commerce.

Moffitt went above the 40-hour requirement for his senior project, too.

He became certified to provide therapy services with his alpaca, Sprite, at assisted living centers, schools and the Idaho School for the Deaf and the Blind.
BOISE  A new faith-healing bill was introduced in the state Senate Wednesday that would make it easier for courts to intervene when the child of parents who cite religious reasons for medical decisions is sick or dying.

The bill would not remove the most controversial part of Idahos law, which exempts those parents from being charged with a crime.

Sen. Dan Johnsons proposal would strike a line from the law that defines neglect that says treatment through prayer or spiritual means alone cannot be considered neglect, opening the possibility that a court could act in these cases.

It would add language to the law stating Idahos commitment to religious freedom and saying the state should not substantially burden this and will get involved in deeming faith healing to be neglect only in cases where the failure to receive medical treatment is likely to result in serious permanent injury or death. The bill also says the childs wishes should be considered.

The intent of the bill, said Johnson, a Republican from Lewiston, is to protect children without turning parents into criminals because of their religion.

This is going to require a little more action, he told reporters after the hearing.

Another proposal introduced Wednesday does almost the opposite.

Just before Johnson introduced his bill, Dan Sevy, a member of the Followers of Christ Church that has been at the center of the debate over whether to change the law, introduced a bill of his own.

The bill would add to the states law on authorizing emergency medical treatment a line saying courts will consider whether a child is being treated by any other type of alternative medicine, like faith healing, before ordering emergency medical treatment. That law already instructs the court to consider whether a family believes in faith healing in making such a determination, and Sevys bill would leave that intact.

Bills are generally introduced by lawmakers, but non-lawmakers like Sevy are on occasion allowed to introduce bills in the Statehouse.

Johnson was co-chairman of a group of lawmakers who studied the issue last year. Johnson and the other senators who were part of the group sent Senate President Pro Tem Brent Hill, R-Rexburg, a letter in February outlining possible changes to the law. Sevy, a Caldwell man who had two young sons die of pneumonia after he refused medical treatment for them, testified in front of the working group over the summer in favor of keeping religious protections and has met with lawmakers to discuss the issue.

The Senate State Affairs Committee voted unanimously to print both Johnsons and Sevys bills, clearing the way for a full hearing later. Hill, who is on the committee, praised Johnson, the other lawmakers and Sevy who have been working on the issue.

Its not easy to find just the right words to cover every single circumstance, Hill said.

Most states allow some legal latitude to parents who dont believe in conventional medicine for religious reasons, but Idaho is one of the few that shields them from being charged with a crime in cases where a child dies as a result. Oregon changed its exemption laws in 2011 in response to child deaths among the Followers of Christ, who practice prayer and treatments such as anointing with oil in lieu of doctors and conventional medication. Faith healing became a political issue here a few years later, as some members of that church also live in Idaho and media started to report on the higher-than-normal number of child deaths among the Followers in the state.

Boise Democrat John Gannon has brought bills over the past few sessions to get rid of the exemption in the criminal code but has been unable to get a hearing, with many Republican lawmakers viewing this as infringing upon religious freedom.

Its a little progress and I support it, but its not going to solve the problem, Gannon said of Johnsons bill. Its still unfair that all the rest of us have to live under the injury to child statute while a very small minority does not.

Linda Martin, who grew up in a Followers of Christ family in Idaho, has been lobbying lawmakers, media and others for the past few years to try to bring attention to the issue and change the law and gathering information on children, including some of her relatives, who have died because of lack of treatment. Martin said she is unhappy with the way the working group operated, saying her requests for meetings with members of the working group were rebuffed even though they had apparently been working with Sevy.

Im a little upset about the whole thing because in my opinion its discrimination, she said.

Martin doesnt think the bill will help.

Most of these children are not seen by anybody outside of the family or church until its too late and they are dead, she said. The only way is to make all parents accountable, not give a special privilege to any religious sect.

The Legislature is aiming to wrap up for the year at the end of next week, so if anything is going to make it through both chambers and become law, the Senate committee will have to move fast.

I think were trying to get them on there just as quickly as we can, said Committee Chairman Sen. Jeff Siddoway, R-Terreton.

Siddoway said he wasnt sure if both bills would get a hearing. One possibility, he said, would be to hold hearings on both on the same day.

Editor's note: This story has been corrected to attribute the quote "Its not easy to find just the right words to cover every single circumstance" to Senate President Pro Tem Brent Hill.
Kiana Nichole Booth was stillborn on March 9, 2017 at St. Lukes Magic Valley Medical Center. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of White Mortuary, Chapel by the Park.

Dean David Jayo, age 44, of Grand View, passed away on Tuesday, March 14, 2017, at St. Lukes Hospital, in Boise. Arrangements are under the care of Rost Funeral Home, McMurtrey Chapel, located at 500 No. 18th East, in Mountain Home.

Elmer Richard Schraft, 75, of Hagerman, passed away March 14, 2017 at his home. Arrangements are under the direction of Farmer Funeral Chapel in Buhl.

Wayne N. Hughet, 61, of Heyburn, died Tuesday, March 14, 2017 at St. Lukes Magic Valley Medical Center, Twin Falls. Cremation is under the direction of Serenity Funeral Chapel Life Celebration Center & Cremation Services of Idaho, Twin Falls.
September 9, 1994  March 8, 2017

TWIN FALLSMarch 8, 2017 tragedy took our family for a shocking ride. Early in the afternoon we were informed of the passing of our loving son, cousin, nephew, grandson, and best friend.

Jonathan Denton was a very smart and creative young man. He spent most of his days working on his cars that were so precious to him, and the remainder of his days spending quality time with his beloved friends and family. He spent countless hours under the hood of his ride, cruising around on his bike in the warm weather, and taking pictures that are worthy of a gallery.

Jonathan was known very well for being a shoulder to cry on when bad days happened. His wacky and goofy behavior was expected in every conversation with Jon. It is hard to believe that his passing is real. We are all waiting endlessly to hear that this was all a mistake and it will all be over soon. Instead, we are left with Jons smiling face in our heads with empty hearts.

The sorrow we feel in our hearts can never be replaced, but we will hold onto the memory of Jon for as long as we live, as he has shined over all of our lives for countless years. Although our family is heartbroken, we remember how much Jon loved the small things in life, like the number 24 and hawks flying in the sky, and we can only hope to appreciate them quite like he did.

He is survived by his mother, Holly Denton (Neubauer); his father, Paul Neubauer; his sisters, Liberty Neubauer, Serenity Neubauer, Nola Payson-Denney, and Brandi Palmer; his brother, Jacob Neubauer; his grandparents, Gordon and Trudy Saffrey; his aunts, Wendy Dunlap and Robin Wynn; his uncles, Joe Wynn and Marvin Dunlap; and his cousins, Emily Harmon, Rachel Arreguin, Taylor Vanderwalker, Eric Crowley, Sarah Van Dyke, Justin Dunlap, Manda Dunlap, and Dylan Dunlap.

A viewing will be held from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm, with a Vigil Service beginning at 7:00 pm, Friday, March 17, 2017 at St. Jeromes Catholic Church, 216 2nd Avenue East, Jerome, Idaho. A Celebration of Jonathans Life will be held at 11:00 am, Wednesday, March 22, 2017 at St. Jeromes Catholic Church, open to family and friends that would like to share stories and memories of Jon to help us preserve his legacy.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on Jons memorial webpage at www.farnsworthmortuary.com.
TWIN FALLS  Huge, gushing flows and a rainbow in a spray of mist put on a show for hundreds of visitors to Shoshone Falls this weekend.

The falling water created a loud shushing noise that seemed to quiet some of the closest observers. But the drive there and back was a less peaceful experience, as lines of cars crawled up and down the steep grade.

Flows at Shoshone Falls have surpassed 18,000 cubic-feet-per-second this month, the city of Twin Falls reported, and an influx of park visitors has prompted the start of vehicle fee collections, beginning March 16.

The city charges these fees every spring and summer to help cover the costs of park maintenance and to provide life guards and other personnel. Each vehicle going down to Shoshone Falls and Dierkes Lake will be charged $3 now until September. A season pass is $25.

But if there was ever a best time to go, now could be it.

The current flows are about five times larger than average for this time of year, Idaho Power spokesman Brad Bowlin said.

Obviously, this is pretty significantly elevated from what you typically see in March, he said.

While it isnt the record 27,000 cfs seen in 1997, Bowlin estimates they are the highest flows in 20 years.

Were going to see high flows for the next two weeks, he said. Our current forecast is for optimal flows above 15,000 cfs flows through mid-April at least.

And the Bureau of Reclamations estimates provided to Southern Idaho Tourism are even greater, projecting at least 17,500 cfs over the next two weeks. The city projects that flows could even surpass 20,000 cfs.

Upcoming flows will depend largely on what water is released from reservoirs upstream, Bowlin said. After April, irrigation demand will also come into play.

Either way, Idaho Power expects strong flows over Shoshone Falls at least through May.

Last April, Bowlin told the Times-News there was next to nothing going over the falls, with only 250 cubic feet of water in the river.

Still, Southern Idaho Tourism Director Melissa Barry said the city issued 66,000 tickets for vehicles entering the park in 2016. Normally, the city doesnt beginning charging fees until April, she said, when area reservoirs begin pushing water downstream.

But with additional snowmelt this year, there isnt as much of a need to hold back.

Were expecting some really big crowds here for spring break, Barry said.

Season passes for park entry can be purchased at the ticket booth at Shoshone Falls or at Twin Falls Parks and Recreation Department, 136 Maxwell Ave.

The boat ramp above Shoshone Falls has been closed, the city stated. Water levels have crested over the safety barrier and even submerged buoys that designate dangerous areas.

All park visitors are asked to avoid the boat ramp for their own safety.
President Donald Trump unveiled his first budget blueprint on Thursday, and to offset increases in defense spending, the President is proposing $54 billion in cuts to large parts of the federal government and popular programs big and small.

Trump's budget would cut off funding entirely for several agencies, including arts, public broadcasting and development groups, and also proposes steep cuts to agencies like the State Department and Environmental Protection Agency.

Virtually every agency will see some sort of cut, with only Defense, Homeland Security and Veterans Affairs getting a boost.

Congress will have the final say, and lawmakers have already expressed opposition to many of the proposals.

Here's a look at some of the major cuts in the President's budget blueprint

Department cuts

 Health and Human Services, the department responsible for implementing Obamacare and its proposed repeal, would face a $12.6 billion cut -- a 16.2% decrease.

 Environmental Protection Agency: $2.6 billion, or 31.4%.

 State Department: $11 billion, or 28.7%.

 Labor Department: $2.5 billion, or 20.7%.

 Agriculture Department: $5 billion, or 20.7%.

 US Army Corps of Engineers: $1 billion, a 16.3% cut.

 Other double-digit cuts include Commerce at 15.7%; Education at 13.5%; Housing and Urban Development at 13.2%; Transportation at 12.7%, and Interior at 11.7%.

Programs Trump proposes to eliminate

Trump's budget would eliminate funding for some small, independent agencies entirely:

 African Development Foundation

 Appalachian Regional Commission

 Chemical Safety Board

 Corporation for National and Community Service

 Corporation for Public Broadcasting

 Delta Regional Authority

 Denali Commission

 Institute of Museum and Library Services

 Inter-American Foundation

 US Trade and Development Agency

 Legal Services Corporation

 National Endowment for the Arts

 National Endowment for the Humanities

 Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation

 Northern Border Regional Commission

 Overseas Private Investment Corporation

 United States Institute of Peace

 United States Interagency Council on Homelessness

 Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars

This story is breaking and will be updated

CNN's Elise Labott, Rene Marsh and Liz Landers contributed to this report.
Comprehensive undistorted disclosure and dispassionate objective fact-finding are essential to honorable public service and framing rational and ethical legislation. When the electorate is deprived of a thorough honest biography of an elected official, or declaration of his or her personal and financial entanglements, there is no real disclosure in the legislative process. When legislators fail to or intentionally avoid broad and energetic solicitation of input while developing legislation they are being either appallingly negligent or intentionally biased. Because all of these lapses among politicians have become too nearly the norm, voters have become not merely disillusioned but deeply cynical about politics in general, and by extension government and its various institutions.

Unfortunately various manifestations of lapsed disclosure and inadequate fact finding (or ignored fact finding) have been displayed on the top shelf of Idaho politics so far this legislative session. The Idaho Senate State Affairs Committee recently considered whether to move Senate bill SCR 108 to the full body for a vote. SCR 108 attempted to put Idaho on the list of states calling for a Constitutional Convention of the 50 states.

To their credit the committee held a public hearing on the matter, a practice that is being more and more frequently sidestepped when concerns that challenge the ideological slant of the two overwhelmingly Republican legislative bodies are at issue. During nearly three hours of testimony by 25 people, not one person spoke in favor of the legislation. The hearing was heavily attended and the audience was unguardedly vocal in their opposition to the bill, reportedly hissing and catcalling at one point. Michelle Stennett, D-Ketchum noted she had received thousands of emails and phone calls, mostly opposing the bill, which she ultimately voted against sending to the floor. Nonetheless on a 5-4 decision the full committee decided to load a bullet into the cylinder and play Russian roulette with the United States Constitution by sending the measure to the floor where it was, thankfully, defeated.

Meanwhile, Vito Barbieri, District 2 representative and internationally recognized gynecological theorist, pulled House Bill 233 from his legislative silk hat for 2017s opening performance of his annual Statehouse feats of legerdemain. I dont think the bill was actually named the amazing disappearing political email law, but it might as well have been. After a year when Republicans nationwide seared the campaign landscape, burning away every tree, bush and blade of grass in search of incriminating Clintonian emails, one has to admire his sheer hutzpah for such a gargantuan display of political and ethical insensitivity. However, Vito is a piker in comparison to President Trumps amazing reversal of interest in pursuing investigations into emails or conflicts of interest. In his case these could include incriminating communications and encounters linking potentially crooked deals, breaches of national security or conceivable beholdenness to a foreign enemy for financial or intelligence favors.

But lets dont get overly distracted by el milagro de Mar-a-Lago. Theres still a lot of opacity to consider in Idaho. One of the most mystifying now-you-see-it-now-you-donts in this session was the tidal retreat of Republican legislators from an initial passage of HCR-20. Idaho outdoor enthusiasts (hunters, fishermen, hikers, hunters  did I mention hunters?) should pay particular attention to this flinch by Republicans. HCR-20 was a simple inexpensive proposal to produce on-line maps of publically-owned Idaho land, identifying their use-status and accessibility. This kind of cartographic resource is readily available in other states. The excuses given for the whiplash withdrawal of support and mind-bogglingly rapid revote by Republicans included cost considerations and language ambiguity. Outdoor and conservation advocates have begun to suspect a darker ulterior motive. Thats the likelihood that Republicans realized that the resource could also be used by citizens to precisely track hanky-panky affecting public land access and ownership issues. We will never know, but Democrat that I am, I worry more about that possibility than Sharia law in Idaho.

Also, I find it interesting that, as has become the pattern with our Republican legislature, their leadership prefers simply to not let bills submitted by Democrats see the light of day, rather than allowing them to have hearings to determine their merits. Its not as if there isnt time for consideration of some alternate thinking on issues of actual importance, given the nonsense bills that have taken up the first half of the legislative session.

Among the bills that have been summarily buried alive include ones addressing the minimum wage, protecting wage earners from non-compete agreement abuse, prohibiting employers from asking job applicants what their current salaries are, adequate educational funding, health care, protection of LGBTQ Idahoans from hate crimes, coupling driver licensing with voter registration, and expanding voting periods, to name a few. Instead it has become an annual game of playing against the clock, bringing up ideologically hidebound and tinkle-down economic bills in a mad rush during the closing days of the session. That limits debate, public input and opportunities for meaningful amendments.

Finally, see how lucky you get trying to directly ask a Republican legislator about any of these issues. Given that most Idaho legislators are home nearly every weekend you would think open town hall meetings with constituents would be commonplace across the state.

Not so much.

In Twin Falls you might have gotten to talk to a legislator before the legislative session ended if you had connections. But its beginning to look like ordinary constituents may have to wait until after the session ends before any real effort is made to talk to the general public in an openly announced public forum, if even then. Im hoping Im wrong, even if its done only to prove me wrong. Id love to spend three or four hours at such a forum, and I promise I would just watch, listen and record.
Wow, what a winter! Will we ever see spring? In the spring month of April there are many deadlines within the Assessors Office for Cassia County taxpayers to sign up and receive tax reduction benefits on their homes which they occupy. There are two programs which property owners are entitled, if they meet the qualifications. First is the Idaho Property Tax Reduction Program (Circuit Breaker) which is available to low-income seniors and others who meet the following qualifications:

Age 65 or older

Legal citizens and permanent residents of the county

Blind

Widow(er) of any age

Former prisoner of war or hostage

Disabled

Fatherless or motherless child under 18 years old

Total 2016 income which does not exceed $29,640

This program has a positive impact for many residents of our county. This program has the capability of reducing ones taxes on a lot or acre of land and their

primary residence by as much as $1,320. This program must be applied for on an annual basis to continue to qualify, and this year the deadline to have your application signed is April 17.

The second program which all homeowners in Cassia County are able to apply for is the Homestead Exemption (Homeowners Exemption). The amount of exemption for 2017 is $100,000 or up to 50 percent of the parcel value whichever is less. This exemption is a value which the Idaho Legislature has set, and will not fluctuate unless the Legislature makes adjustments going forward. To qualify for this exemption the home must be owner occupied, be your primary residence, not receiving this exemption in another state, county or on another parcel. The homeowner must fill out the application to receive this exemption. The property owner need only apply once unless they no longer reside where they initially qualified for the exemption. If someone has moved, purchased an existing home or has built a new home, they must re-apply to receive this exemption which in effect reduces the taxable value of ones property. We encourage all who qualify to make sure that they are signed up for this program. The deadline to sign up for 2017 is April 17. After that date according to state statute 63-602 the exemption will not be in effect until the following year.

If you have questions or concerns on either ofthese two programs, I would encourage you to call the Assessors Office at 208- 878-3540 Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.. Our office would be available to address your questions and concerns regarding these programs.

As for the direction of the assessed values and market conditions ofthe county, we are seeing ag values holding steady as commodity prices are continuing to experience downward pressure. The housing market is strong currently, and has shown increased values on both residential/building lots and existing homes. Where our state certified appraisers have seen these indicators over the entire county, this will have an impact on assessed property values for 2017, and what you may be asked to pay in taxes for 2017. Our neighboring counties have been seeing these same indicators in their respective counties as well. Our area is growing, and causing pressure on the residential properties in our county. We are required by Idaho state statutes to assess all properties within Cassia County at market values, using the mass appraisal method. We do not base our values on individual appraisals, but look at homes and properties with similar characteristics and qualities in all areas of the county. Assessment notices will go out by the first Monday in June, and every property owner has the right to appeal their assessed value. The taxpayer, by Idaho code, has the right to do this by the fourth Monday in June, or June 26. I encourage all to review their assessment notice, and contact our office with any questions you may have.

The appraisal process is a yearlong process where state certified appraisers make every effort to appraise property accurately and fairly in accordance with Idaho state law. Adjustments in values are made based on market conditions within our county for similar types of property.

It has been an honor to serve as your assessor these past six-plus years. I am fortunate to have a great staff and they are committed to serve all the taxpayers of Cassia County in a fair and equitable manner. I am reminded of a quote by Abraham Lincoln I never had a policy, I just try and do my best, each and every day.  This is what we try to do daily in the Cassia County Assessors Office. Try and do our best, to serve the public, each and every day.
Voters in the Netherlands are heading to the polls Wednesday in an election widely seen as an indicator of populist sentiment across Europe.

With the first round of the French presidential election just over a month away and Germany headed to the ballot box later this year, the Dutch battle is being closely watched for clues to wider political trends.

Conservative Prime Minister Mark Rutte is facing a tight battle with far-right rival Geert Wilders, whose anti-immigrant, anti-Islam tirades have landed him in court -- but also won him widespread support in a country that is increasingly polarized by austerity and immigration issues.

Rutte's Party for Freedom and Democracy, the VVD, leads the latest Peilingwijzer poll of polls by Leiden University, but Wilders' Freedom Party, the PVV, is hot on its heels.

The Dutch political landscape is splintered, with 28 parties on the ballot, and the country's system of proportional representation means some form of coalition government is almost guaranteed.

Rise of populism

The Netherlands vote will be studied for insight into a wider populist trend in Europe and elsewhere.

Close to a dozen European countries will hold elections this year with populist-nationalists, many buoyed by US President Donald Trump's victory, riding high in the polls. A strong showing for them could put the European Union, already rocked by Britain's impending exit, under greater strain.

In France, Marine Le Pen -- who wants France to drop the euro and has threatened, like Wilders, to hold a Brexit-style referendum on quitting the European Union -- has made her right-wing National Front party a leading contender in April's presidential ballot.

Meanwhile, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who's due to meet with Trump this week, faces attacks from the right over her handling of Europe's refugee crisis.

But Wilders' popularity has slipped in recent weeks, said Quentin Peel, associate fellow at London-based think tank Chatham House -- and he believes that could be down in part to Trump's arrival in power.

"I think that very well-grounded, middle-of-the-road, solid Dutch citizens have been a bit concerned about what has been happening in Washington," Peel said.

"The trouble is [the results] are very difficult to predict. You've got no less than 28 parties running in this campaign, and you're probably going to ... end up with a very complicated coalition and Mr. Wilders is not going to be part of it."

A volunteer at a polling station in Prinsengracht, Amsterdam, told CNN that the significance of the election appeared to have motivated voters to turn out.

"It's incredible. They already had 500 voters. It's a really big turnout," said Hanneke Spijker, a yachting journalist in her 50s. "It's on and on and there were lines -- we never have lines! Lots of people coming here. It's a very important election."

Poll position but no gold

Should Rutte's lawmakers form the largest group in the 150-seat House of Representatives, he is expected to form a new coalition government with at least three other parties, giving him a third term in office.

But maintaining the status quo is exactly what many Dutch voters have tired of, and Wilders rated strongly in pre-election polls thanks to his no-nonsense rhetoric and often controversial views. Other parties -- including Rutte's VVD -- have lurched to the right in response.

Musician and actor Ron Mesland, from Amsterdam, said he was concerned about the wider impact of Wilders' popularity. "Most other parties seem to adopt his speech and his ideas, and that really worries me," he said.

Ruud Koole, politics professor at the University of Leiden, said that in the event Wilders secures the most seats in the House of Representatives, the country's political system would likely make it extremely difficult for him to govern. "The problem for Wilders is that other parties do not want to enter a coalition with the PVV," he said.

Koole said Wilders is popular because he speaks to the specific concerns of some voters, "about unemployment, about health care, but especially about the Dutch national identity, which lead to foreigners, immigrants, asylum seekers, also refugees.

"Voters for Wilders don't really believe that he has the solutions to solve these problems, but at least he expresses their concerns."

Voter Bert Nap, an author who lives in Amsterdam, said he hoped the rise of populist sentiment would mean that issues around national identity and integration that trouble a large part of the population -- though not him -- were now out in the open.

"Now you can address these problems and these feelings, rather than deny them and let [the voters] all go to the populist party that can cash in on it," he said.

Nap said he himself voted for the progressive PvdA party because it had had the guts to go into government with Rutte's party, despite that making it "very unpopular" with many supporters.

Military historian Kathie J. Somerwil, 86, said she had voted strategically -- for Rutte. "With this Wilders, I think this is not the Dutch way and with what's going on in America, I must vote for the most strategic thing to keep the balance," she said.

Tensions with Turkey

One unexpected factor in the election has been the sudden escalation of tensions between the Netherlands and Turkey since the Dutch government refused to allow Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu to visit the Dutch city of Rotterdam for a political rally at the weekend.

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan responded by accusing the Dutch of being responsible for the massacre of Bosnian Muslims in Srebrenica in 1995, when Dutch UN peacekeepers failed to protect them from Bosnian Serb forces.

Donald Tusk, President of the European Council, waded into the diplomatic row Wednesday, tweeting that Rotterdam was "destroyed by Nazis" but now has a Moroccan-born mayor. "Anyone seeing fascism there is detached from reality. We are Europeans & proud," he said.

Andre Krouwel, a political scientist with the Free University Amsterdam, told CNN that Erdogan had in effect handed Rutte the election "on a silver platter" through his actions.

"[Rutte] needed to show statesmanship and a strong position against anti-immigration and anti-Islam," he said. "It was an electoral dream moment. You couldn't script this."

Robin Vanstraalen, a research analyst based in Amsterdam, said he thought Rutte had handled the situation with Turkey well, and that it had influenced how friends of his had voted.

He predicts, given the Netherlands' fragmented politics, that forming a government will "be a long process and eventually it will end up in the middle -- which is where we have been for the last few years already."

Key issues for voters

According to preliminary Eurostat data, the Netherland's economy grew by 2.1% last year, and investors have remained reasonably calm throughout the campaign.

But Rutte's tough austerity measures aimed at combating the 2011-2012 recession have hit the country's poorest the hardest and that has weighed on their minds as they prepare to visit the ballot box.

"My biggest concern is that the working class is being put down," said delivery driver Tony Regnerus. "The immigrants are all coming in, and they get a better life than the working man. They're not pushed to do anything with their life, they're not pushed to get a job.

"Every day, I go to big cities like Rotterdam and Gouda and Delft, they're all wearing Canada Goose jackets -- 600, and I can't pay it -- [but] I'm a working man. It's gotta be the other way around."

The Netherlands' relationship with the European Union has been another hot topic on the campaign trail. The Dutch were founding members of the union, but attitudes have cooled in recent years.

Fisherman Jan de Boer said he is concerned about the future of his industry -- which he says is threatened by EU regulations -- and this will be at the forefront of his mind when he comes to fill out his ballot on election day.

"The rules are very bad for the fishermen of the Netherlands," he said. "We want fishing and our children want fishing."

Until now, de Boer has always voted for the Christian Party -- but this time around, he said, that will change. "Geert Wilders' ... is the only party that fights European rules, and for me that's important."

But bus company worker Leonard Schaab said he didn't believe Wilders will do as well as expected: "The polls are always a little bit off, and when the real elections [take place] most of the time people will vote for other parties."

"The man doesn't have the skills to do it," he added. "The only thing Geert Wilders does is shout about all kinds of problems ... he creates problems, but he never has solutions."

CNN's Lauren Said-Moorhouse reported from Amsterdam and Bryony Jones wrote from London. CNN's Lindsay Isaac, Carol Jordan, Ivana Kottasova and Atika Shubert contributed to this story.
THE Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines and anti-death advocates vowed to exert efforts to stop the reimposition of the capital punishment, by courting senators to oppose the bill which hurdled the Lower House in an overwhelming 216-24 vote.

CBCP-Episcopal Commission on Prison Pastoral Care executive secretary Rodolfo Diamante said there was no room for complacency after Congress passed the measure.

The CBCP and the coalition of various groups are working against the reimposition of the death penalty to win the battle at the Senate.

The strategies include talking to senators individually to lobby against the passage of the measure, especially to the 16 senators identified as either in favor or still undecided.

We might be able to get some of themWe just need to talk and appeal to them, Diamante said.

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The Anti-Death Penalty Task Force of the Free Legal Assistance Group of the Philippines (FLAG) already listed at least eight senators who openly signified they would oppose the bill.

The list includes Senators Bam Aquino, Leila de Lima, Franklin Drilon, Francis Escudero, Riza Hontiveros, Francis Pangilinan, Ralph Recto, and Antonio Trillanes.

On the other hand, the legislators in favor of the death penalty are Alan Peter Cayetano, Gregorio Honasan, Panfilo Lacson, Manny Pacquiao, Tito Sotto, and Joel Villanueva.

Based on the list, there are 10 lawmakers whose positions are still unknown.

They are Senators Juan Edgardo Angara, Nancy Binay, Joseph Victor Ejercito, Sherwin Gatchalian, Richard Gordon, Loren Legarda, Aquilino Pimentel, Grace Poe-Llamanzares, Cynthia Villar and Juan Miguel Zubiri.

Diamante said the list was based only on their previous positions, votes on abolition of capital punishment, recent public pronouncements, and on the assessment of the Task Force last June 2016.

Diamante, among those who fought for the death penalty abolition in 1996, believes some of the 16 senators might still change their minds, especially those claiming to be pro-life.

For example, Sen. Sotto said before that he is pro-life thats why he is against the Reproductive Health bill. Another is Sen. Villar who is a member of the Couples for Christ, he said.

The House of Representatives on March 7 approved the death penalty bill, although it is limited to drug-related offenses only.

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LABOR groups rejected anew the Department of Labor and Employments new rules against contractual employment schemes and said the new department order will only perpetuate the epidemic of contractualization.

The Associated Labor Unions-Trade Union Congress of the Philippines rejected the rules which Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III hoped would end labor contractualization, locally called endo, where employment contracts are deliberately terminated before the sixth month to avoid required benefits.

But the ALU-TUCP said that while the new order speaks about prohibiting contractualization but ends up allowing agency hiring in many forms.

ALU-TUCP spokesperson Alan Tanjusay said the order prohibits labor-only contracting and the so-called cabo system but those are already prohibited by law anyway.

While it prohibits the contractualization of jobs directly related to main business and subject to control of principal, interpretation disputes shall mean expensive and wearisome litigation in the DoLE, NLRC and the courts, he said.

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Only in-house agencies and labor cooperatives are not allowed to operate. Independent contractors are permitted, the DO opens floodgates to agencies to set up shops. This will enhance cutthroat competition among contractors bidding down salaries and benefits of their employees, Tanjusay said.

ANTI-ENDO RULES. Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III show the new department order that repeals old rules that allow various contractual employment schemes that have been criticized by workers groups. Norman Cruz

The more contractuals the country will have, the harder it will be to monitor and regulate. DoLEs inspection capacity is a chronic problem that also has to be addressed, he added.

Bello earlier said the order prohibits labor-only contracting, farming out work to a cabo, contracting out of job or work through an in-house agency, contracting out of job or work through an in-house cooperative that merely supplies workers to its principal, contracting out of a job or work because of a strike or lockout, whether actual or imminent and contracting out of a job or work being performed by union members and such will interfere or coerce employees in the exercise of their rights to self-organization.

The DO likewise required the contractors or subcontractors employees to perform functions which are currently being performed by the regular employees of the principal, and to sign, as a precondition to employment or continued employment, an antedated resignation letter, a blank payroll, a waiver of labor standards, including minimum wages and social or welfare benefits, or a quit claim releasing the principal or contractor from liability as to payment of future claims, or require the employee to be a member of a cooperative, Silvestre said.

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President Rodrigo Dutertes pivotal shift to China is reaping dividends in the economic front. Chinese businessmen on Wednesday signed an agreement to purchase $1.7 billion worth of Philippine goods such as fruits, fisheries, chemicals and mineral products, as a follow-up to Dutertes landmark visit to China in October.

The pledge to buy more Philippine products on top of current shipments to China is long overdue on the part of the worlds second-biggest economy. The trade between the countries is lopsided in favor of China. The Philippines exported $6.175 billion worth of goods to China while importing $11.47 billion worth in 2015.

China Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua acknowledged the trade imbalance, noting that it was the first time China asked its businessmen to directly purchase goods from another country. The arrangement is the first-of-its-kind in Southeast Asia.

Having China as a major trading partner is obviously a big advantage to the Philippines. Chinas huge population is an attractive market, especially for Filipino farmers. China this early has expressed interest to buy durian, avocado, banana, pineapple, coconut, mango, dragon fruit, mangosteen, marang, cacao, rice and coffee from the Philippines.

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Meeting the market demand of China, however, will not be easy given the weak state of Philippine agriculture and poor infrastructure in the rural areas. The Philippines has not built a modern agriculture sector that can match the efficiency and production levels of Thailand.

Fishermen in the countryside, for instance, are forced to sell their produce to the middlemen due to the lack of storage facilities, hampering their productivity. The lack of practical credit facilities to fund agricultural operations has remained a problem, while farm-to-market roads are not that developed to encourage increased production.

President Duterte should revisit the agriculture sector and make it a priority to modernize the countrys farming methods. The Philippines could waste the trade opportunity if it fails to deliver the goods that China has ordered.

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Head of Libyas Supreme Council of State (SCS) Abdulrahman Sewehli has blamed foreign countries for interfering in Libyan internal affairs.

Our problem in Libya is with foreign interference. We pointed out that issue in all our meetings with foreign representatives, he told the New Arab in an interview.

Todays problem in Libya is that foreign interference brings very negative consequences. Many countries and regional powers support different parties inside Libya which is then prevented from finding a political solution.

The SCS is an advisory body to UN-backed Presidency Council (PC) and the Government of National Accord (GNA) birthed in Morocco, in December 2015.

Sewehli stopped short to name the countries he alluded to saying that the international community knows them.

Libya descended into chaos since the fall of former leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011 in a NATO-backed revolution. The country has been awash with factions vying for power. UN efforts to reunite parties have been stumbling. The GNA and the PC have been unable to assert their power.

A rival government in the east has been opposing the GNAs authority.

International powers have been also wrestling for influence in the oil rich North African country. Russia and the west have been supporting opposing sides in the political crisis.

Moscow has lent support to the eastern government and its affiliated military commander Khalifa Haftar. The former Gaddafi ally has become Russias main mouth-piece in the crisis.

Despite Moscows growing influence, the SCS President argued that Russia supports no side.

They didnt take a position for Haftar, they [want to] work with all parties involved in the Libyan crisis in order to find a real national accord, he said.

Sewehlis comments contradict PC leader Faiez Serrajs. The nominal Prime Minister early this month urged Moscow to play a role in ending political deadlock and arranging a meeting between him and Haftar.
Kassem Tajeddine, one of Lebanons Hezbollah top funders, arrested in Casablanca on Monday, is waiting for decision by a Casablanca criminal court on his extradition to the US.

The businessman is expected to appear in the dock in the criminal court in the Moroccan economic capital. He could face extradition according to article 729 of the Moroccan penal code.

The court, after conferring with the ministry of justice, will have five days to rule whether the rich man should be handed over to US authorities.

Kassem Tajeddine was arrested at Casablanca international airport on Monday while on transit to Beirut, Lebanon. He was on his way from a Southern Sahara African country where he has businesses. The man was placed in 2009 and 2010 on the US blacklist of terrorism sponsors. The CIA accuses him of funding Hezbollah; a Shia organization tagged terrorist by US authorities.

Tajeddine is known as one of the richest in Lebanon. He possesses important businesses in real estate, food industry in his country and in many African countries.

The man reportedly bought vast lands at Chouf and Bekaa that he turned into real estate where several figures of the Shia organization live.

Tajeddines family and pro-Hezbollah organizations say the CIA coaxed Moroccan authorities to arrest him.
King Mohammed VI has discharged Abdelilah Benkirane, the leader of the Party for Justice and Development, winner of the parliamentary elections held last October, from the mission to form a government, and decided to appoint another member of the PJD as the new Head of Government.

The Royal office announced in a communique released Wednesday evening that King Mohammed VI has discharged Abdelilah Benkirane from the assignment to form a government, and decided, among several options, to appoint another political figure of the Justice and Development Party (PJD) to succeed him.

The King will receive this figure as soon as possible and will instruct him to form the new government, says the royal office.

Benkirane who had been appointed Head of Government just 48 hours after the results of the parliamentary polls were announced in October, failed to reach an agreement with other political parties on the composition of a coalition cabinet.

Five-month long negotiations came to a dead end, although the Monarch repeatedly urged the designated Head of Government to speed up the formation of the new Government.

In this vein, two Royal Advisors expressed, last December, to Benkirane the Sovereigns concern over the delay in forming the government. Soon after that, the PJD made some concessions, in a bid to overcome the deadlock and forge ahead with negotiations. But that was not enough for his interlocutors, mainly the National Rally of Independents.

Therefore, as the consultations conducted by Benkirane for more than five months did not lead to the formation of a majority Government and as there was no sign that the formation of such a cabinet was forthcoming any time soon, King Mohammed VI made his decision to designate someone else as Head of Government.

In view of the situation, and by virtue of his constitutional prerogatives, Mohammed VI decided to appoint a new political figure from the Justice and Development Party as Head of Government to overcome this deadlock, the statement says, adding that among all the possibilities offered by the Constitution, the Monarch made this decision in order to consolidate the countrys democratic choice and preserve the achievements realized.

The King will receive the PJD figure who will replace Benkirane in the shortest possible time  to entrust him with forming the next government, the statement says without disclosing the identity of this figure.

The Kings decision complies with the spirit and letter of the Constitution, mainly article 47 which stipulates that the Head of Government is picked from the party that wins the largest number of votes in the elections. The constitutional text does not say that the position of Head of Government must necessarily be held by the leader of the party winning most votes in the legislative elections.

So, the King, who is committed resolutely to the democratization of his country, dismissed Benkirane, but decided to replace him by a member of the same PJD party that has 125 seats in the House of Representatives. He gave thus additional evidence as to his respect for the Constitution and for the democratic reforms he initiated.

The Kings decision was also dictated by his concern to speed up the formation of a cabinet, as the five month delay paralyzed the countrys legislative apparatus and threatened to harm the economy, as public procurement was virtually at a standstill.

The Royal Office statement said that the King commended the high sense of responsibility and sincere patriotism shown by Abdelilah Benkirane throughout the period during which he assumed the presidency of the Government, with effectiveness, competence and self-denial.

Actually, Benkirane was overwhelmed by the results of the ballot boxes that made him the leader of the first political party in Morocco. Pride got the better of him and his ego prevailed over the interests of the state. His rigidity threatened to immobilize the institutions of the State and to impact the economy of the country. The situation could not last forever and a decision needed to be made. Now, his successor, whoever he may be, needs to act quickly to make up for the lost time and set the cabinet and the Parliament to work on the tasks confided to them.
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.
The most exciting aspect of our findings is that no matter what kind of brain tumor we tested it against, this treatment worked really well in the animal models, said Cheshier, who is also a pediatric neurosurgeon at Lucile Packard Childrens Hospital Stanford. In mice that had been implanted with both normal human brain cells and human brain cancer cells, there was no toxicity to normal human cells but very, very active tumor-killing in vivo, he said.

No matter what kind of brain tumor we tested it against, this treatment worked really well in the animal models,

Given the encouraging results of the new study and the ongoing research on anti-CD47 antibodies in adults, the antibodies are expected to reach clinical trials in children with brain cancer in one to two years, he added.

The anti-CD47 antibodies help the immune system to detect an important difference between cancerous and healthy cells: Cancer cells make eat me signals that are displayed on their cell surfaces, while healthy cells do not. However, cancer cells hide these eat me signals by producing large quantities of CD47, a dont eat me protein that is found on the surface of both healthy and malignant cells. When CD47 is blocked by antibodies, immune cells called macrophages can detect the cancer cells eat me signals. Macrophages then selectively target, engulf and destroy the cancer cells without harming healthy cells, because normal cells lack the eat me signals.

Study highlights

The Stanford team conducted a long series of experiments using different combinations of tumor cells and healthy cells in culture, as well as in various mouse models in which human brain cancer cells had been implanted in mice. Highlights of their experiments included the following:

The team confirmed that all the various cancers tested express the CD47 dont eat me signal, as well as an eat me signal called CRT.

In a dish, Group 3 medulloblastoma cells treated with anti-CD47 antibodies were engulfed and eaten by macrophages, while healthy brain cells were not harmed.

In mice with a partially functioning immune system that had been transplanted with any of the five types of pediatric brain tumors, treating the mice with anti-CD47 antibodies significantly reduced the presence of those tumors.

In mice, the antibody crossed the blood-brain barrier in significant amounts after being injected into the peritoneal space. This was an important finding because some other forms of immunotherapy are unable to cross this barrier. In mice transplanted with Group 3 medulloblastoma, anti-CD47 antibodies were more effective at treating the primary tumor if given in the peritoneal space, but better at treating metastases if given directly into the cerebrospinal fluid.

Mixing healthy human neural progenitor cells with anti-CD47 antibodies did not cause any damage to the neural progenitor cells, either in their viability or ability to proliferate, suggesting that the antibodies would not interfere with brain development.

In mice with a fully functioning immune system that had been implanted with cells from a high-grade glioma cell line, anti-CD47 antibodies significantly prolonged survival of the animals, from an average of 21 days for those in the untreated group to 32 and 38 days for those receiving low and high doses of antibodies, respectively.

In mice treated with anti-CD47 antibodies, their brains, examined after treatment, showed that macrophages concentrated at the sites of the tumors. Further tests showed that macrophages got inside the tumors.



The anti-CD47 antibodies did not completely eliminate all tumors, suggesting that the antibodies may not be able to completely penetrate large tumors, the researchers noted.

To maximize their effects, the antibodies will likely need to be combined with other forms of cancer treatment, a concept the researchers plan to investigate further, Cheshier said. In the future, patients may receive combinations of immune therapies and lower doses of standard cancer treatments, he said, adding, The question is: Can we wisely combine immune therapies and other approaches to make cancer treatment more efficacious and less toxic?

Anti-CD47 antibodies also may have an advantage over other immunotherapies in that they activate macrophages, which completely engulf and eat cancer cells, Cheshier noted. In many forms of immunotherapy, the cells you target die and spill their contents, which can cause dysregulated immune responses, he said. Anti-CD47 antibodies may produce fewer such side effects, though the idea remains to be tested.

Other Stanford co-authors of the paper are medical students Abdullah Feroze, Rogelio Esparza and Michael Zhang; postdoctoral scholars Suzana Kahn, PhD, Anne Volkmer, MD and Stephen Willingham, PhD; research assistants Anitha Ponnuswami, Theresa Storm, Cyndhavi Narayanan and Pauline Chu; senior research associate Jie Liu, MD, PhD; undergraduate research associate Chase Richard; Aaron McCarthy, a former life sciences research professional and animal colony manager; Patricia Lovelace, research and development engineer; Simone Schubert, life science researcher; visiting scholar Gregor Hutter, MD, PhD; Griffith Harsh, MD, professor of neurosurgery; Michelle Monje, MD, PhD, assistant professor of neurology; Yoon-Jae Cho, MD, a former assistant professor of neurology and neurological sciences; Ravi Majeti, MD, PhD, associate professor of medicine; senior scientist Jens Volkmer, MD; Paul Fisher, MD, professor of pediatrics; Gerald Grant, MD, associate professor of neurosurgery; Gary Steinberg, MD, PhD, professor of neurosurgery; Hannes Vogel, MD, professor of pathology and of pediatrics; and Michael Edwards, MD, professor of neurosurgery.

Cheshier, Monje, Majeti, Fisher, Grant and Edwards are members of Stanfords Child Health Research Institute. Cheshier, Weissman, Harsh, Monje, Majeti, Fisher, Grant, Vogel and Edwards are members of the Stanford Cancer Institute. Weissman is the director of the Stanford Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine and of the Ludwig Center for Cancer Stem Cell Research and Medicine at Stanford.

Scientists from SickKids, the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto; University Hospital, Dusseldorf; and Johns Hopkins University also contributed to the study.

The study was funded by National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (grant NINDSK08NS070926); the National Cancer Institute (grant P30CA006973); the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine; the Price Family Charitable Fund; the Center for Childrens Brain Tumors at Stanford; St. Baldricks Foundation; the American Brain Tumor Foundation; the Seibel Stem Cell Institute; the Pew Charitable Trusts; the Dr. Mildred-Scheel Foundation/German Cancer Aid; the German Research Foundation; the McKenna Claire Foundation; the Matthew Larson Foundation; Alexs Lemonade Stand Foundation; The Cure Starts Now; the Lyla Nsouli Foundation; the Dylan Jewett, Connor Johnson, Zoey Ganesh, Dylan Frick, Abigail Jensen, Wayland Villars and Jennifer Kranz memorial funds; the Virginia and D. K. Ludwig Fund for Cancer Research; the Lucile Packard Foundation for Childrens Health; the National Institutes of Health (grant UL1TR001085); the Tashia and John Morgridge Endowed Pediatric Faculty Scholar and Fellowships Awards; and the Anne T. and Robert M. Bass Endowed Faculty Scholarship in Pediatric Cancer and Blood Diseases. The study was also funded by gifts from George Landegger; Rider and Victoria McDowell; Charles Comey and Judith Huang; and Colin and Jenna Fisher.

Stanfords Department of Neurology & Neurological Sciences also supported the work.
Each patient paid $5,000 for the procedure. Any clinical trial that has a fee should raise a red flag, the authors said.

Theres no excuse for not designing a trial properly and basing it on preclinical research.

Im not aware of any legitimate research, at least in ophthalmology, that is patient-funded, Albini said.

At the clinic, which is not named in the paper, the patients had fat cells removed from their abdomens and a standard blood draw. The fat tissue was processed with enzymes, with the goal of obtaining stem cells. Platelet-dense plasma was isolated from the blood. The cells were then mixed with the platelet-dense plasma and injected into their eyes. Patients reported that the entire process took less than an hour, Albini said. The patients had both eyes treated at once  another red flag, Albini and Goldberg said, because most doctors would opt for a conservative approach to observe how one eye responds to an experimental treatment before attempting the other eye.

Shoddy stem cell preparation may have led to some of the patients complications, which could have been caused by injection of a contaminant or the cell wash solution into the eye, Albini said. When injected into the eye, the stem cells also could have changed into myofibroblasts, a type of cell associated with scarring.

No evidence of vision restoration

But even if executed correctly, there is no evidence suggesting that the procedure could help restore vision, Goldberg and Albini said. In fact, there is sparse evidence that adipose-derived stem cells, the type of cells that the clinic claimed to use, are capable of differentiating, or maturing, into retinal pigment epithelium or photoreceptor cells, which play a critical role in macular degeneration and are the cells some researchers are targeting to develop therapies.

There is a lot of very well-founded evidence for the positive potential of stem therapy for many human diseases, but theres no excuse for not designing a trial properly and basing it on preclinical research, Goldberg said.

The trial lacked nearly all of the components of a properly designed clinical trial, including a hypothesis based on laboratory experiments, assignment of a control group and treatment group, collection of data, masking of clinical and patient groups, and plans for follow-up, Goldberg and Albini said. There was a whole list of egregious things, Albini said.

Listings on ClinicalTrials.gov are not fully scrutinized for scientific soundness, Goldberg said. Although still visible on the website, the listing now states: This study has been withdrawn prior to enrollment. The clinic is also no longer performing these eye injections, although it is still seeing patients, Albini said.

The procedures were arguably not subject to Food and Drug Administration approval because the cells were not transferred between patients and were considered minimally processed, according to Title 21, Part 1271.10, of the Code of Federal Regulations. The FDA released more specific guidelines in October 2015, after these procedures were performed, establishing the requirement for FDA oversight and approval for these types of procedures.

Its alarming

We expect health care providers to take every precaution to ensure patient safety, but this definitely shows that the lack of oversight can lead to bad players and bad outcomes. Its alarming, Albini said.

The authors acknowledged that it is difficult for patients to know whether a clinical trial, or a stem cell therapy, is legitimate. Goldberg recommended that patients considering a stem cell treatment consult a website, A Closer Look at Stem Cells, maintained by the International Society for Stem Cell Research. It is also advisable to check if a trial is affiliated with an academic medical center, Goldberg said.

The lead author is Ajay Kuriyan, MD, assistant professor of ophthalmology at the University of Rochester Medical Center. Researchers from the University of Miami, University of Rochester, University of Oklahoma and the Center for Sight also co-authored the study.

The report was funded by the National Institutes of Health (grant P30EY014801), Research to Prevent Blindness, the Department of Defense and the Klorfine Foundation.

Stanfords Department of Ophthalmology also supported the work.
Chair of the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan, Yasmin Sooka, has vehemently decried the massive increase in gross human rights violations, as well as an escalation in fighting in South Sudan, where, she deplored, impunity is the norm.

Yasmin Sooka made the statement while she was presenting her report to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on Tuesday.

The UNHRC had mandated a three-member panel to draft a report on the situation in South Sudan, one year ago. Besides Yasmin Sooka, the panel includes Commissioners, Godfrey Musilla and Ken Scott.

Sooka warned that the situation in South Sudan continued to deteriorate over the past nine months as unlawful arrests and detentions, torture, rape and killing have become the norm, including in places that had once been relatively peaceful.

The report, she said, makes it clear that South Sudanese civilians have been deliberately and systematically targeted on the basis of their ethnicity by Government and government-aligned forces, for killing, abduction, unlawful detention, deprivation of liberty, rape and sexual violence, the burning of their villages, and looting.

On the ground, this translates into bound corpses left on roadsides, hunger where once there was plenty, and thousands of children ripped from their mothers  some forced to carry guns and kill  yet another lost generation, stated Yasmin Sooka, stressing that citizens are treated like enemy combatants because of their perceived political allegiance to the other side, calculated by ethnicity. Opposition forces too have been responsible for human rights abuses although to a lesser extent, she added.

She called the international community to be bold enough to push for the establishment of a court to try the authors of the atrocities.

The alternative is policy of appeasement  making us complicit in the bloodshed that is happening, she said.
Geneva will be hosting this March 20-21 the 5th edition of the Africa CEO Forum, whose purpose is to support the development of African enterprises and to participate in their promotion in Africa and internationally.

The objectives of the gathering are, among others, to promote the successes of the African private sector and to have a unique platform for debate and reflection on Africas economic and industrial challenges.

Some 20 themed panel discussions will be led by 100 top-level speakers. The President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Akinwumi Adesina, will be among the featured speakers at this 5th edition, according to a press release by the AfDB.

The organizers are expecting exceptional mobilization on the part of leading financial actors, including nearly 100 fund managers and representatives of capital investment firms who are keen to invest in Africa.

The event is expected to attract about 1,000 African and international attendees, including some of the most influential African CEOs, heads of iconic companies, investors, financial decision-makers and public officials. They will all gather for the annual event where major business opportunities are identified.
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Evidence against detained cleric

By Messenger Staff

The Holy Synod had a first discussion since the scandal had started in the church. The Synod members did not revile the details. The news is that the Archbishop of Chkondidi father Petre was dismissed as a head of Patriarchate TV, but no farther details are aired about father Giorgi Mamaladzes case.Georgias Chief Prosecutors Office held a special briefing where they revealed and aired part of the evidence against archpriest Giorgi Mamaladze, who was detained on February 10 for the alleged attempted murder of a high-ranking church figure.Now the Prosecutors Office said they interrogated more than 30 witnesses and announced that the Patriarchs female secretary Shorena Tetruashvili was the target of the assassination, not Patriarch Ilia II as person, with the motive had a desire to gain higher positions in the patriarchate.The Office reported the investigation was launched on February 2, when Georgian citizen Irakli Mamaladze, informed the Prosecutors Office that his acquaintance, Father Giorgi Mamaladze, asked him to help acquire potassium cyanide.At the same time, Irakli Mamaladze introduced the audio-video footage proving his claims and the sheet of paper that read potassium cyanide written by father Giorgi Mamaladze. Irakli Mamaladze himself said that Giorgi Mamaladze planned to murder a high-ranking church figure, the Office said.Giorgi Mamaladze planned to leave for Germany where Georgias Patriarch was operated and was accompanied there by several people, including Secretary Shorena Tetruashvili. Therefore, Giorgi Mamaladze was in a hurry to purchase the substance, the prosecutor of the case, Jarji Tsiklauri, said.Irakli Mamaladze cooperates with investigation and he provided it with secret recordings.The audio and video materials confirmed that Giorgi Mamaladze intended to buy cyanide and use it against a human being, Tsiklauri confirmed.The prosecutor said at the first meeting Irakli Mamaladze told the archpriest that it was especially difficult to find potassium cyanide and offered Georgian produced natrium cyanide instead.The detainee showed interest whether it would have the same effect as potassium cyanide and searched for information in the internet about natrium cyanide, as a result of this he concluded it was a powerful poison and had the same effect on human as potassium cyanide. Afterwards he asked Irakli Mamaladze to purchase it, Tsiklauri said.However, Tsiklauri stated the archpriest didnt buy the substance from Irakli Mamaladze, he bought it from some other person; the investigators still don't know from whom, and they continue to search for this claim.The detained clergymans lawyers say the video footage released by the Prosecutors Office was a montage to mislead the public and turn them against Giorgi Mamaladze.They claim Mamaladze is innocent and they will prove this in the very near future.According to lawyers it is interesting why there is no deeper information about the person from whom the clergyman allegedly purchased the cyanide.The priest's detention has already caused a large-scaled stir, and the Prosecutors Office must reveal the full evidence surrounding the case for the public to come to their own conclusions.
The News in Brief

Enguri HPP Resumes Operation



The Enguri hydropower plant, Abkhazias main energy supplier, resumed its operation on February 28 following a temporary shutdown for monitoring the pressure tunnel.



During the monitoring period, which was launched on February 19 as part of the initial preparatory works for a larger rehabilitation project scheduled for 2018, power for the region was supplied by the Russian side and the deficit was covered by Georgia, as noted in the statement of the Georgian Energy Ministry released on February 21.



Speaking at a news briefing on March 3, Aslan Basaria, head of the Abkhaz state-owned energy company Chernomorenergo, said that the Enguri hydropower plant will be able to meet Abkhazias energy demand from early April.



If there will be no cold weather, we will be able to easily move to our own resources by late March or early April. At this point, power to Abkhazia is supplied by the Russian Federation, Basaria explained.



Breakaway Abkhazia fully relies on electricity generated by the Enguri hydropower plant, whose 271.5-meter-tall concrete arch dam is located on the Georgian side of the administrative border and its five generators are on the Abkhaz side in Gali district.



According to a long-standing, informal agreement between Tbilisi and Sokhumi 40% of the electricity generated by the plant goes to Abkhazia and the rest 60% is received by rest of Georgia.



In 2015 Georgia distributed 1,797 million kWh electricity to Abkhazia, 17.31% of Georgias overall consumption, according to Georgias Energy and Water Supply Regulatory Commissions report. In 2014 and 2013 Abkhazia was supplied by 1,638 million kWh electricity (16.11%) and 1,605 million kWh electricity (16.57%) respectively. (civil.ge)







EU denies link between Georgia visa waiver and refugee centers proposal



A member of the European Union's executive branch denies that there is any connection between a proposal to host refugee centers in Georgia and the recent decision to allow visa-free travel to the Schengen area for Georgian passport holders.



Large Russian media outlets have claimed that when Georgia was granted visa-free travel to the EU, it also accepted hosting centers for holding recent rejected refugees for the EU.



A spokesperson for EU Migration Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos told Voice of Americas Georgian service that visa waiver system for Georgia was based solely on an action plan presented to and accepted by the Georgian government in 2013. The plan contains no mention of refugee centers.



The Commission has been monitoring progress made by the Georgian authorities since the visa liberalization dialogue was launched and concluded in December 2015, that all benchmarks under this Action plan were met, reads a written comment by the EU officials spokesperson.



The fulfillment of the criteria in the Action Plan, and these criteria only, is the basis on which the Commission proposed to grant visa free travel to Georgian citizens for short stays.



The confusion was caused by an interview with Austrias Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz published in the German newspaper Bild, which stated that the EU needs refugee centers outside its external borders and suggested Georgia, Egypt and Balkan states as possible locations for such centers.



Kurtz visited Georgia a month earlier.



Georgian officials firmly rejected the idea of hosting such centers (dfwatch.net)







OSCE Chairmanship concerned about closure of crossing points, stresses negative implications for local population



Reacting to the closure of two crossing points along the Administrative Boundary Line of Georgia's breakaway region of Abkhazia, Nabakevi-Khurcha and Meore Otobaia-Orsantia, which reduces the number of crossing points to two, following the closure of two others in 2016, a spokesperson of the OSCE Chairmanship said today:



We have closely followed the latest developments on the ground. We believe this decision has a number of negative consequences, in particular concerning the freedom of movement of the population on both sides of the Administrative Boundary Line. We therefore call for meaningful dialogue as well as swift and pragmatic solutions, in order to avoid further repercussions for the local populations everyday life.



The spokesperson emphasized the importance of the Geneva International Discussions and the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism meetings as platforms for constructive engagement. These are respectively co-chaired and co-facilitated by the Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office for the South Caucasus, Ambassador Gunther Bachler. (osce.org)







40-tetri microbus travel fare to increase in Tbilisi



The Tbilisi Microbus company has increased travel fares for some routes in Tbilisi. The company has released a statement in this regard, according to which, short distance travel fare will become equal to the municipal transport fare. In particular, passengers will have to pay 50 instead of 40 tetris. However, 80-tetri fares will not be changed.



According to the company, they adjusted their tariff policy to the economic situation of the country in 2011, when the company entered the market.



Despite the fact that since 2011 the national currency has suffered serious fluctuations which affected the prices of all the products that are needed for safe and comfortable transfer of passengers, we have maintained our tariff policy unchanged almost for six years, says the company in the statement.



According to the company, they decided to increase travel fare in order to improve the conditions of transfer of passengers and protect the labour rights of their employees. (ipn)




@ByKristenMClark

This could be the year the Republican-led Florida Legislature succeeds in enacting a controversial change to the states Stand Your Ground law that prosecutors warn could lead to a flood of self-defense claims and would force state attorneys to essentially try cases twice.

For the second consecutive session, Florida senators on Wednesday approved a bill (SB 128) from Fleming Island Republican Sen. Rob Bradley to shift the burden of proof  from the defendant to the prosecutor  during the pretrial phase of Stand Your Ground cases.

The Senate voted 23-15 on Wednesday, mostly along party lines and drawing praise from Senate President Joe Negron, R-Stuart.

If a prosecutor doesnt have the evidence to prevail at this immunity hearing ... the prosecutor does not have sufficient evidence to win at trial, said Bradley, himself a former prosecutor. Innocent people will not go free as a result of this bill; this bill isnt about creating loopholes.

Now its up to the House to finish considering its bill (HB 245), which already passed the milestone of clearing the same committee that abruptly killed it before the 2016 session began. It faces only one more hearing  a signal its marked as a priority of House Speaker Richard Corcoran, R-Land OLakes.

In Wednesdays Senate vote, Miami Republican Sen. Anitere Flores  Negrons No. 2 in the chamber  broke party ranks and voted with 14 Democrats in opposition, even though she previously approved the bill twice in committee earlier this year.

More here.

Image credit: Florida Channel
In a highly partisan clash, a key House committee voted Wednesday to deny food stamps to an estimated 229,000 Floridians, most of them children and including seniors, veterans and people with disabilities.

The House Appropriations Committee passed a bill (HB 581) by freshman Rep. Frank White, R-Pensacola, that would restore income eligibility for households for food stamps to 130 percent of the poverty level, the minimum level set by the federal government. The household income standard was raised to 200 percent of poverty following the Great Recession of 2008 and 2009, which expanded the population eligible for food stamps. Florida remains one of 43 states with that broader eligibility standard.

For a family of four, 130 percent of poverty is equal to a monthly family income of $2,633, and 200 percent of poverty is $4,050 a month, or about $48,000 a year. In November 2016, 3.3 million Florida individuals were enrolled in the food stamp program and 1.8 million of them were children, according to a House staff analysis of the bill.

The change being considered by the Legislature would deny eligibility to an estimated 229,311 recipients, or 6.8 percent of the current statewide total, beginning Jan. 1, 2018. The federal program is officially known as SNAP, for Supplemental Nutrition Assstance Program.

"I think every tax dollar is sacred," White told lawmakers. "We should spend those tax dollars as if they are our own."

Before the bill passed on an 18-9 party-line vote, most Republicans on the committee were silent during a lengthy debate while Democrats railed against the legislation, as Rep. Jared Moskowitz, D-Coral Springs (standing) talked strategy with his colleagues.

"Let's not be taking food off people's tables," said Rep. Shevrin Jones, D-West Park.

"Food is a basic need, and hunger is a real problem," said Rep. Cynthia Stafford, D-Miami.

Said Rep. Bobby DuBose, D-Fort Lauderdale: "We're picking winners and losers when we're dealing with folks who are low income. At the end of the day, poor is poor."

State data shows that even as the economy strengthened in recent years, the number of food stamp recipients outpaced population growth: 18.5 percent of Floridians were on food stamps in 2015.

The panel's chairman, Rep. Carlos Trujillo, R-Miami, said the bill is needed to reduce food stamp fraud by verifying applicants' eligibility, and he described seeing people in grocery stores in Miami with "a Mercedes key chain and their SNAP card."

Florida has consistently received bonuses from the federal government for having one of the lowest error rates of any state, the House analysis said. Through 2014, the state had received bonses for seven straight years, totaling $54 million.

The cost of the food stamp program is borne by the federal government but operational costs are shared between the feds and states. White's bill includes a $300,000 grant to a private vendor to make technology changes to computers at the Department of Children and Families to verify applicants' assets to reduce fraud. During a testy exchange, Trujillo chided Democratic Rep. Lori Berman for the way she framed her questions. "'People being hurt' is a subjective opinion," Trujillo said.
@MichaelAuslen

Gov. Rick Scott is calling on the state attorney in Orlando to recuse herself from prosecutting a high-profile accused cop killer after she announced Thursday she would not seek the death penalty.

Just days after a new state law went into effect allowing prosecutors to once again pursue death sentences, State Attorney Aramis Ayala said she did not believe it was an effective deterrent and that it causes too much pain for victims' families. She declared she would not seek death sentences in her judicial circuit, which includes Orange and Osceola counties.

"I have determined that doing so is not in the best interest of the community or the best interest of justice," she said, according to the Orlando Sentinel.

That includes the case of Markeith Loyd, accused of gunning down Orlando Police Lt. Debra Clayton, who was trying to capture Loyd on Jan. 9, more than a week after he allegedly killed his ex-girlfriend Sade Dixon.

Amid calls from state lawmakers that the governor remove Ayala from the case or suspend her from office, Scott called for her to voluntarily step aside. He has not taken any formal action.

"I completely disagree with State Attorney Ayalas decision and comments and I am asking her to recuse herself immediately from this case," Scott said in a statement. "She has made it abundantly clear that she will not fight for justice for Lt. Debra Clayton and our law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line every day."

Attorney General Pam Bondi said the decision not to seek the death penalty sets a bad precedent.

"State Attorney Aramis Ayalas decision today sends a dangerous message to residents and visitors of the greater Orlando areafurthermore, it is a blatant neglect of duty and a shameful failure to follow the law as a constitutionally elected officer," Bondi said.

In the Capitol, Republican lawmakers gathered Thursday moorning to condemn Ayala, who in November became the first African-American elected state attorney in the state of Florida.

They demanded Scott take action against her, calling her "lawless" and her decision "apalling."

Today, Id like to call on Gov. Scott to suspend her for this blanket refusal to use the tools that the Legislature, and signed by the governor, has given her to protect the most innocent among us and to punish these criminals that do these terrible acts," said Rep. Scott Plakon, R-Longwood.

There is no recourse for the Legislature to remove state attorneys from office. However, legislation moving through the political process in Tallahassee would give lawmakers the right to impeach state attorneys who violate the law.

State law gives state attorneys broad discretion to determine how best to pursue each case, including whether or not to seek the death penalty. But Plakon and Rep. Bob Cortes, R-Altamonte Springs, said they believe Ayala violated the public trust and the spirit of the state's criminal laws by not seeking to have an accused cop killer put to death.

Last week, the Legislature passed a key fix to the state's death penalty (SB 280), which hahd been in limbo. It requires juries to vote unanimously in favor of a death sentence, upping the standard from a 10-2 majority. After Scott signed it into law Monday, it gave prosecutors across the state the green light to pursue new death cases.

Photo: State Reps. Rene Plasencia, R-Titusville, Bob Cortes, R-Altamonte Springs, and Scott Plakon, R-Longwood, call on Gov. Rick Scott to suspend State Attorney Aramis Ayala over her refusal to seek the death penalty Thursday in the state Capitol. (Michael Auslen | Times/Herald)
Carrie Tyler, assistant professor of geology and environmental earth sciences, holds a conch shell. At left, a death assemblage, or shell graveyard (photos courtesy of Majken Schimmel and Tyler).

By Susan Meikle, university news and communications, with Carrie Tyler, geology and environmental earth sciences, and the Florida Museum of Natural History

Tyler and Kowalewski collected samples from 51 sites off the coast of North Carolina by dredging the shellfish graveyards at the bottom of the ocean.

The shells of dead mollusks offer a treasure trove of information about the state of oceans over thousands of years.

A new study by Miami University paleontologist Carrie Tyler and principal investigator Michal Kowalewski of the Florida Museum of Natural History shows that these shellfish graveyards can record patterns in the diversity and distribution of marine animals with surprising accuracy.

Because mollusks  such as conchs, oysters, snails and mussels  are abundant and often have sturdy shells, their remains litter much of the Earths sea floor.

Marine time machines

You can think of these fossils as marine time machines that can unveil bygone habitats that existed before humans altered them, said Kowalewski, who is the Jon L. and Beverly A. Thompson Chair of Invertebrate Paleontology at the University of Florida.

Collecting data from the shells of dead mollusks is a low-impact way of glimpsing how oceans looked before pollution, habitat loss, acidification and explosive algae growth threatened marine life worldwide, Kowalewski said.

Dredged material, including live mollusks and fossil shells.

Many scientists have questioned whether mollusks alone can provide insights into entire ecosystems. Currents and storms can carry organisms remains away, while others are fragmented, destroyed or completely absent from the fossil record. Also, shell graveyards are often a mix of specimens from many centuries.

The remains that do accumulate only represent part of the whole ecosystem, said Tyler, the studys lead author. These and other factors can create bias in the fossil record, making comparisons between modern and fossil ecosystems suspect.

To measure the mollusks' ability to record biodiversity, Tyler and Kowalewski surveyed living and dead marine animals at 51 sites off the coast of North Carolina, selecting spots that differed in environmental conditions and the kinds of species they hosted.

They tested whether changes in diversity from place to place were accurately recorded by the newly-forming fossil record. They also assessed whether mollusks could reflect these ecosystemwide changes.

Understanding marine diversity critical to protecting ocean health

They found that live and dead mollusks accurately recorded spatial diversity patterns in both living and fossil communities of marine bottom-dwelling organisms.

Understanding how the diversity of species changes within habitats and from site to site across the sea floor is crucial for effectively planning protected marine areas and coastal resource management, Kowalewski said. It is also a part of an increased effort to approach ecosystem conservation more broadly, focusing not only on the vulnerability of individual species but also on how species congregate within and across habitats.

Whether mollusks can provide insights into an ecosystems more mobile animals, such as fish, remains unclear. But regardless of how much mollusks can tell us about fish, turtles or mammals, understanding marine invertebrate biodiversity is critical to restoring and protecting ocean health, Tyler said.

Their study was published this month in Proceedings of the Royal Society B.

Read more about the study on the Florida Museum of Natural History website.

About Carrie Tyler

Carrie Tyler

Tyler conducted the fieldwork for this study while she was a postdoctoral researcher in Kowaleskis laboratory.

She is now assistant professor of geology and environmental earth sciences at Miami.

She recently received funding from the National Science Foundation for two other projects:

$70,240 from NSF, as co-principal investigator with scientists at the California Academy of Sciences (a museum and scientific institution that is among the largest museums of natural history in the world) to research the ecosystems and food web dynamics of the ancient Tethys Sea.

$112,573 from NSF, as lead principal investigator with Kowalewski at the Florida Museum of Natural History on the history of predation of echinoids (such as sea urchins and sand dollars). Read more about this project on the OARS blog, Paleontologist explores the ecology and evolution of echinoids.

Tyler is currently a mentor to two undergraduate research students, one graduate student and one combined B.S./M.S. degree student.

She received her doctorate from Virginia Tech in 2012 and was a postdoctoral researcher with Kowalewski at the Florida Museum of Natural History from 2012-2014. She served as visiting assistant professor at Colorado College in 2014 before joining Miami in 2015.

Something extra:

Tyler explains about her research on fossils from the Tethys sea:

"The circular network is the first marine food web from the Late Cretaceous Period (about 66-72 million years ago) in the Tethys Sea. The nodes (circles) are guilds, which are groups of species that perform the same function in an ecosystem. Species within those guilds have the potential for trophic interactions (predators or prey).

The lines connecting the nodes represent interactions between predators and prey, and highly connected portions within the network, or modules, are color coded.

This network visualization was created from 1,906 species, and has 44 guilds and 205 interactions. We are creating Tethyan food web visualizations for each geologic stage of the Mesozoic to examine how ecosystem structure changes through time during a time of proposed increasing predation intensity."
National Rifle Association certified instructors Nate Martin and Scott Giesick will host a course entitled Gun Safety Class for Personal Protection and Concealed Weapon Permits on Saturday, March 18, at the Deer Creek Shooting Range.

This one-day course will concentrate on the safe handling, storage and use of handguns suitable for personal protection. The class will also cover selecting a personal firearm, concealed weapon permits, gun safety, and shooting skills. The class will include both classroom and shooting range sessions. Ammunition requirement is 150 rounds.

Graduates will receive a certification qualifying them to apply for concealed weapon permits under Montana law. The class will run from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Class size is limited to the first 14 registrants and pre-registration is required. Tuition is $100 per student, and students should be 16 years or older  with the proviso that concealed weapons permits are not issued to people under 18.

For more information or to register, go to practicalshootinginstruction.training or call Scott at 406-493-2302 or Nate at 406-207-4160 or email at shootingMT@yahoo.com.
City dwellers may not realize it, but to most Missoula county residents, annexation is a "dirty word," according to Commissioner Dave Strohmaier.

In fact, according to the commission, whose members visit each of the seven county community councils on a regular basis, its a common discussion theme, whether the citys mentioned it or not.

Its something that the commissioners have to deal with virtually every conversation they have with those community councils, Pat OHerren, chief planning officer for the county, told Missoula City Council on Wednesday.

As unfounded as fears of annexation may be, theyre real.

The council met with the Board of County Commissioners during a 90-minute meeting to catch up on recent city issues, such as downtown development, the planned expansion of roads between Mullan Road and West Broadway Street, and the citys plans for annexation. Or rather, its lack of plans.

Having a conversation and policy for the city of Missoula memorialized that spells that out would be a great document, Strohmaier said.

East Missoula is the most likely area for annexation, though not for a few years.

In 2000, East Missoula residents voted to tax themselves for inclusion into the citys sewer system, with the understanding that Missoula wouldnt annex them until 2023 at the soonest.

They also waived their rights to protest the annexation.

That 2023 date is not automatic annexation, but allows the city the opportunity to annex, Strohmaier said. At that point clearly, I think it would be helpful if there was a policy document of some sort relative to annexation that would help weigh the costs and benefits.

It would also help ease other communities annexation anxiety, which is severe enough that several have looked into incorporation as a way to stay independent of the city of Missoula.

Commissioner Cola Rowley, who lives south of Lolo, said shes been to the last three Lolo Community council meetings, and incorporation has come up at each one.

Its not that they want to incorporate per se, they just dont want to be annexed, she said.

The county doesnt try to convince communities either way, OHerren said.

His direction from the commissioners is to provide community councils with research and information on incorporation, such as bringing the mayor of Colstrip, Montanas most recent incorporated city (1998), to speak to Seeley Lakes council.

One of the things that they run into immediately in our rural areas with incorporation is, does that mean another layer of government and does it mean another layer of taxing? And the answer to both is yes.

The recent debate over Costco relocating its store to a parcel of county land on West Broadway brought to light some growing pains around the edges of city limits, the more likely areas of annexation, said Ward 4 representative John DiBari.

Costco wanted to build a new store off West Broadway at Flynn Lane, which would have required building out Mary Jane Boulevard, a project thats in the countys growth policy, and was explained to residents of the Pleasant View neighborhood in their Homeowners Association contracts.

The reality of Costcos move though, coupled with its request for annexation into city limits for utility usage, brought neighborhood residents to council meetings protesting the likely traffic increase on their residential streets.

Costco withdrew its application earlier in March, but Rowley said the county still wants those roads built out.

They also have a year-old policy tracking which parcels of land, when theyre developed, will be annexed by the city.

Theres a real interest on the part of the city to ensure that our boundaries are compact and we have robust housing and commercial and industrial development within the city in order to support whatever annexation or growth or development occurs, DiBari said.
A methamphetamine dealer who told investigators he moved more than 40 pounds of the drug into Butte in 2015 will spend the next 25 years behind bars.

Lester Oxendine, 33, was sentenced Thursday in Missoula by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Dana Christensen.

After Oxendine was arrested in late 2015, he told police he sold more than $640,000 in meth in the Butte area after moving there that summer from the Bakken oil fields.

At his sentencing hearing, Oxendines attorney Dwight Schulte told the judge that even though the indictment against his client outlined many incidents, it didnt tell the whole story of who he is.

Deep down, Lester is not necessarily the man thats presented in the facts that the court is relying on in sentencing, he said, adding that Oxendine had a difficult childhood and wants to take advantage of mental health and drug abuse treatment while in prison.

In November, Oxendine pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and to possessing a firearm to further that goal. As part of a plea agreement, other federal drug and weapons charges were dismissed.

Oxendine told the judge Thursday he was not a bad person. I just made some bad decisions.

I felt like I could come here and make some fast, easy money without getting caught, he added.

Before making the sentence official, the judge recounted Oxendines extensive criminal history from North Carolina, including convictions for forgery, identity theft, drug dealing and assault.

In the most recent case in Butte, the judge said he was particularly troubled by the number of firearms recovered from Oxendines home, and by the charging documents that referenced several incidents in which Oxendine shot at other people when angry.

Oxendine's father, Larry Oxendine, 58, also was arrested and charged in the drug trafficking case. At the end of last year, Christensen sentenced Larry Oxendine to three years in federal prison on a charge of being a felon in possession of firearms.
In the face of what one longtime physician described as "decapitated leadership," the medical staff at Providence St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula took a unanimous vote of "no confidence" in the hospital's administrative structure at a three-hour emergency meeting last week.

The Missoulian obtained an audio recording of the unprecedented meeting at St. Pat's Broadway building on March 7, but is not publishing comments from anyone who attended but did not give explicit permission to use their remarks.

Physicians at the meeting and in later interviews with the Missoulian said they were concerned about:

 The lack of local decision-making within the corporate structure of Providence Health and Services.

 The forced departure last year of St. Patrick's CEO Jeff Fee and the elimination of the CEO role, lessening Missoula's autonomy to make decisions critical to its future and giving more power to out-of-state regional administrators.

 The departure of several longtime and well-respected physicians.

 The shuttering last year, with no physician input, of the Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility, which they considered an essential component of the hospital.

 The perception that their voices are not being heard.

There are reports of very serious concerns about our future from every service line, department and program in our institution, the lead-off speaker and longtime physician told the crowd at the emergency meeting. Those reports have come to me almost uniformly with the insistence that the concerns be expressed anonymously.

"There is, in fact, widespread fear of retaliation and retribution within our physician community," said the doctor, who requested anonymity because of those fears, but whose speech was obtained and verified by the Missoulian. "The more I speak to people, the worse the situation appears to be. There is now a culture of fear and intimidation which is obviously inconsistent with the mission and values of Providence.

That same physician later told the Missoulian that the no confidence vote means that the medical staff does not believe (the hospital) is being led in the right direction by its management and that Missoula will suffer as a result.

During the meeting, several physicians expressed concern over the loss of Fee and Dr. Matt Maxwell, the head of cardiovascular surgery at the hospital. Maxwell, who is highly respected by his colleagues, has announced his intention to resign June 1 in response to what several doctors called utter frustration.

The medical staff also voted unanimously to direct the hospital administration to do everything they can to convince Maxwell to stay.

***

Dr. Joseph Knapp, a cardiologist at the International Heart Institute of Montana inside St. Patrick Hospital, has worked there for 32 of the past 35 years. He also spoke at the emergency meeting to share his concerns.

This is not a personal thing (and) is not about any individuals who occupy positions of leadership at St. Patrick Hospital," Knapp told the Missoulian.

"This is about the structural changes that have occurred in the last year or two  that have resulted in the elimination of the CEO at St. Pats, which resulted in the resignation of Martin Burke from the hospital community board, which I believe led ultimately to Dr. Matt Maxwell resigning as head of cardiovascular surgery.

Knapp, who said he was speaking only for himself, said he considers the resignation of Maxwell a sentinel event.

What Ive experienced is almost a decapitation of the centerpiece of the leadership," Knapp said. "Our community leader, our corporate leader and our physician leader are gone, and I think thats a travesty, personally.

Knapp said that the environment in which he and his colleagues come to work every day has become progressively more distanced from the ability to do what they could accomplish 20 to 30 years ago, "which is to walk into a room with somebody who has a designated title, make a statement, and see something affected as far as the environment we live and work and breathe in."

Knapp said that the relationships that physicians have with referral institutions has been dramatically affected by the absence of a CEO.

We no longer have executive officers, and in parallel there has occurred a centralization of fundamental administrative services which used to be within St. Pats that have been moved elsewhere, he said.

These are services that we rely on for day-to-day administrative support for clinical endeavors, such as IT support, outreach, relationships with outlying hospitals, contracting and a number of others that have been moved to western Washington and other places.

"It is an absence of executive leadership in our institution ... . It is the removal of vital support and services, administrative and business support services, from our institution to the West Coast.

Knapp wanted to emphasize that his concerns are not about particular individuals, but about the structural changes undertaken by Providence.

I personally do not fear any retribution, but then again I happen also to be 67 years old going on 68 and at a place in my career where I have done a lot of the clinical good I can do, he said. I want to see our institution kept full and fully functional.

***

A letter titled A Summary of Physician Concerns" was circulated among the medical staff last week. The Missoulian could not verify who wrote it, but several physicians who also requested anonymity said it reflected their feelings and the feelings of their colleagues.

As physicians at Saint Patrick Hospital, we are deeply concerned by recent events that directly affect our ability to provide high quality care to patients of Missoula and the surrounding communities of western Montana, the letter read.

It went on to state that there has been a loss of local organizational autonomy and governance at the hospital, which is part of Providence Health and Services, the Seattle-based, not-for-profit organization that operates hospitals and clinics across five states.

Last September, when Fee was forced out, Joyce Dombrouski, then Providences COO, had her role expanded to take on day-to-day operations at St. Pats and St. Joseph Hospital in Polson. Elaine Couture, Providences chief executive of its Eastern Washington/Montana Region, is the regional administrator.

The letter said physicians feel that local doctors are disempowered and that there are increased pressures to simplify, define and create guidelines for patient care in an attempt to industrialize clinical medicine, thereby shrinking complex multifactorial decision-making into linear and easily measurable metrics that have little evidence-base.

Physicians believe, the letter said, that critical health services are being relocated outside Missoula, and that Providence Health and Services wants to send those services to Spokane and other facilities to the detriment of our local community.

Finally, it said physicians perceive a lack of incentive to help recruit highly qualified, full-time doctors to key specialty positions and were concerned about the number of temporary physicians who have been recruited to fill critical roles.

Having new providers each week, who may never return again, raises concerns about consistency, and ultimately, dysfunction of the healthcare team, the letter read.

***

Couture, the chief executive of Providence Eastern Washington and Montana, said in a statement that despite ongoing challenges, Providence is committed to "supporting and growing Providence St. Patrick Hospitals distinction as the tertiary center of excellence" in western Montana while "maintaining the high level of clinical care" in Missoula.

There is no escaping the challenges and impacts caused by the volatility of our current health care industry  rising drug costs, lower reimbursement rates, higher volumes and sicker patients, Couture said.

These trends promise to continue with unpredictable variance, and no one is exempt from this unpredictability. While external forces will continue to impact, we remain committed to maintaining the highest clinical quality care to all people  most notably, the poor and vulnerable. This is our reality and our responsibility. In order to do that, we need to work as a united team of physicians and administrators.

Joyce Dombrouski, now the CEO of Providences Western Montana Service Area, said in a statement that physician engagement is "key."

Physicians are the foundation of our work, she said. While a recent physician resignation has intensified the platform to respond to physician concerns, their involvement and guidance have always been essential to the success at St. Pats. So much so that we realigned our governing model over the last 24 months by creating two new physician administrator positions on the Western Montana executive team.

***

Dr. Matt Maxwell said he has been at St. Pats for 20 years and recently gave his 90 days' notice.

I was one of the founding members of the International Heart Institute, but I felt like it was time to leave, he said.

The reasons, he said, are "plain enough." And the physicians' letter of concerns is reflective of many physicians' feelings."

We have a company thats not based in this state and is making decisions that affect us locally, and sometimes frustrations occur, Maxwell said. But I dont want to suggest that Im speaking for anybody but myself.

Maxwell said he thinks the issues at St. Pats reflect a lot of changes in medicine nationwide. He also believes there are constructive solutions.

You cant unionize in medicine, but as a group you have a stronger voice, he said. That changes the dynamic in a positive way. We certainly depend on a functional and appropriate hospital just as they depend on a physician workforce.

Maxwell said he is "actively pursuing other jobs as a cardiovascular surgeon" but does not want to move family, including an eighth-grader and a sixth-grader, out of Missoula.

"So I am going to commute," he said. "I feel like opportunities are better elsewhere right now. I have a different vision about how I would want to serve our community, and have decided my vision isnt compatible going forward.

***

At the emergency meeting, Knapp said several things have changed at St. Pats recently, many of them not for the better.

For me the basic sense is many of the things that are responsible for the day-to-day functionality have effectively been taken away from us, he said. I dont think this is a mission problem and I dont think this is a problem of money, although were in financial straits.

"I think, personally, this is a problem that many corporations run into, which is a lack of people feeling like they have any control over the day-to-day functionality.

Knapp said that the two recruiters who are responsible for replacing Maxwell are based out of state.

Our contracting is being done by people who dont understand who we are and how we do it, he said. We have specific concerns about the direction and opportunities for turning this whole project around. This is a remarkable institution and I find this an incredibly admirable place. I want to be able to die here.

Chris Price, an orthopedic surgeon at Missoula Bone and Joint, was also at the meeting. Although not employed by St. Pats, the meeting was open to all medical staff who collaborate with the hospital.

Price confirmed the Summary of Physicians Concerns letter had been widely circulated and that the physician who spoke about a fear of retaliation was not off base.

I think it was clear that evening that a large percentage of the physicians share those same feelings, Price said. Our biggest concern is for the patients in western Montana and continuing to get the highest quality healthcare they can possibly get.

None of the physicians the Missoulian spoke to believed that the quality of patient care has been negatively affected by anything going on with the leadership at St. Pats.

But I am concerned that it could affect the healthcare in the future," Price said. "The whole administration, I believe, is trying to do the best they can to provide good health care. But Im not sure that the larger corporate goals align well with the patient needs in western Montana.

Price said he's concerned that decisions about the future of health care are being made at the corporate level that will negatively affect health care in western Montana.

There needs to be more local decision-making, he said. I think the restructuring of leadership and taking away the CEO position of St. Patrick Hospital is evidence that decisions are being made outside the Missoula region.

Kirk Crews, a physician who resigned from St. Pats last December after 12 years, said theres a lot of unhappiness at the hospital right now.

The truth is Seattle doesnt care, he said. To them we might as well be Sula. I feel like I voted with my feet. The most powerful thing I could do was quit and start my own practice. But the loss of Matt Maxwell is going to have a direct impact on the quality of care that people in Missoula get on a daily basis. That guy has given his life to creating the St. Pats heart program.

***

Dr. Bill Bekemeyer, the Western Montana Community Ministry Board Chair, said that St. Pats continues to lead Montana hospitals in clinical and quality outcomes.

We are proud to point to the innovative models and advancements that place us in the highest national care levels, he said. Our hospital and providers are esteemed and valued for such excellent care. That hasnt changed just because administrative leadership did.

Dr. Alan Thomas, the chief of the medical staff at St. Pat's, could not be reached for comment on Tuesday. Calls to chief physician executive for acute care Dr. James McKay, and to chief physician executive for ambulatory care Dr. Samer Khodor were not returned.
Montanas two biggest federal players  the Forest Service and National Park Service  would see deep cuts and big changes under President Donald Trumps proposed fiscal 2018 budget.

The Department of Agriculture would absorb a 21 percent, $4.7 billion reduction. The Department of the Interior, headed by former Montana congressman Ryan Zinke, would see a 12 percent, $1.5 billion cut.

Trumps 62-page budget document does not provide detailed spending changes, but its narrative highlights certain priorities. Both departments commit to fully funding wildland firefighting through the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management at 100 percent of their respective 10-year averages. That works out to $2.4 billion for the Forest Service, while BLMs figure was not specified.

Both agencies would see reduced funding for new federal land acquisitions through the Land and Water Conservation Fund, a program thats been consistently supported by Montanas congressional delegation. The budget document was unclear whether the $120 million in offshore oil royalties that now go to LWCF would be diverted to other areas or shifted to maintaining and investing in existing parks, refuges and public lands.

The changes to the conservation fund drew widespread criticism from outdoors organizations in and around Montana. Backcountry Hunters and Anglers President Land Tawney in Missoula called the proposal "unacceptable."

Our federal workers already are operating under anemic budgets that preclude investments necessary to enhancing public lands management and expanding front-line staff in our communities, Tawney wrote in an email on Thursday.

President Trumps proposal sets them up for failure by denying them the tools they need to do their jobs and serve the American people. It also would erode proven success stories like the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which has done more than any other federal program to conserve important landscapes and expand public opportunities to access and enjoy them."

Elsewhere in the federal budget proposal, the Department of Transportation calls for Amtrak funding to be reduced for long-distance train services, which have long been inefficient and incur the vast majority of Amtraks operating losses.

That likely refers to the Empire Builder route through Montana, which passes under Glacier National Parks southern border. It would also eliminate the Essential Air Service to rural airports, saving $175 million, and take out $499 million from the TIGER discretionary grant program, which recently paid $4.5 million toward the Bitterroot Trail along Highway 93 between Missoula and Lolo. It would invest more than $1 billion at the Commerce Departments National Weather Service.

The Agriculture budget would also reduce funding for USDA statistical capabilities and Service Centers while encouraging private sector conservation planning. It plans to save $95 million from the Rural Business and Cooperative Service and eliminates the International Food for Education program, stating it lacks evidence that it is being effectively implemented to reduce food insecurity.

It would eliminate $498 million in duplicative USDA water and wastewater loans and grants, saying rural communities could be served by private-sector financing or other federal investments such as the EPAs state revolving funds. However, the EPA has its own budget slated for a 31 percent, $2.6 billion cut.

The Trump plan would cut the EPA budget by 31 percent, from $8.1 billion to $5.7 billion, resulting in the layoffs of 3,200 staffers.

The president wants a smaller EPA. He thinks they overreach, said Office of Management and Budget Director Mick Mulvaney.

More than 50 EPA programs would be eliminated entirely, Mulvaney said. All of those were not immediately identified, but they include the EPAs environmental justice office; programs to help cities and states combat air pollution; and the EnergyStar program, which helps consumers reduce energy consumption and save money.

Of particular consequence to Montana is the plan to severely cut Superfund work. The network of mining and smelting-caused damage areas along the Clark Fork drainage in southwest Montana is considered collectively the largest Superfund site in the nation.

The plan would also discontinue funding for the Clean Power Plan. The Obama plan was an effort to regulate carbon dioxide emissions from power plants.

EPA officials at both the state level and the Region 8 office in Denver referred questions about specific Montana impacts of the cuts to EPA headquarters, which did not reply Thursday. Some have speculated that Region 8 itself might be eliminated.

In regards to what Zinke will have to work with, Trumps budget proposes allocating $11.6 billion to the Department of the Interior. Zinkes office said the budget eliminates duplicate programs for Abandoned Mine Land grants, National Heritage Areas and National Wildlife Refuge payments that overlap with other programs or that should be funded at the local level.

During a visit to Glacier National Park last week, Zinke pledged to tackle the National Park Services $12.5 billion deferred maintenance backlog. The Interior budget states it will increase funding for deferred maintenance, but doesnt specify an amount. It also calls for unspecified cuts in current construction and major maintenance programs.

Coincidentally, Thursday mornings House Committee on Natural Resources federal lands subcommittee focused on infrastructure ideas for the Forest Service and National Park Service.

It featured testimony from Bozeman-based Property and Environmental Research Center Director Reed Watson, who suggested the park system pursue more privatized support. Watson recommended allowing private companies to manage parks as franchise owners, the same way chain restaurants or hotels are managed with strict brand guidelines.

Some franchise parks could also be required to be financially self-sufficient, whether funds were acquired through user fees, partnerships, or donations," Watson said. "A franchise could give park units the flexibility to manage for local priorities as determined by on-the-ground managers, the protection and status provided by the national parks brand, and the incentives to meet visitors desires at low cost."

Interiors U.S. Geological Survey would get more than $900 million for essential science programs, including research for sustainable energy development, satellite ground services and natural hazard risk reduction.

New money would support Interiors energy development programs on public lands and waters, including streamlining permitting processes and providing more industry access to public resources. Interiors budget would also get $1 billion more to invest in Western-state water resources, although that was not further defined.

Payment in Lieu of Taxes funding to counties would be reduced an unspecified amount through the Interior Department budget. However, there was no mention in the Agriculture Departments budget about PILT, although the Forest Service provides a much larger allocation of those federal assistance funds to local governments.

Testifying at the same subcommittee meeting as Watson, Idaho's Valley County Commissioner Gordon Cruickshank said PILT and the related Secure Rural Schools funding was essential to rural states with lots of federal land.

(T)ogether SRS and PILT provide over 10 percent of my countys total operating budget," Cruickshank said. "When SRS payments to counties are reduced or the PILT program is not fully funded, as a county we have no choice but to cancel the construction of shovel-ready infrastructure projects, halt the development of new projects and reduce our workforce."
Too early to horn-hunt. Too late to ski. Mushrooms havent popped up yet. Ice clings to the puddles. Time for some virtual outdoor reality.

Todays the first day you can sign up for backcountry permits in Glacier, Tom Kotynski said Wednesday morning as he typed his way into the government website. My brothers coming in from Chicago, and were planning a lengthy trip.

The author of several guidebooks to the Rocky Mountain Front and the hiking blog Out There With Tom (which has 600 searchable trips) claims he still has lots of unmarked spots on his maps. The real challenge remains finding enough time.

Im pushing 70, the retired Great Falls Tribune city editor said. From Great Falls, you can see five mountain ranges. If you just go back there and explore them, you can spend a lifetime. The one thing I regret is living so close to the Canadian border, that I havent taken advantage of the Canadian Rockies.

A 2017 survey of American and Canadian families by the Kampgrounds of America (KOA) found an estimated 13 million U.S. households plan to camp more in 2017 than they did in 2016, and more than 1 million new households have started camping each year since 2014. Millennials now account for 38 percent of the 75 million active camper households in the United States, up from 34 percent in 2016, according to the survey. More than half of those say they plan to increase their camping this year.

West of the Continental Divide, Montana Dirt Girls organizer Julie Huck was equally ambitious about finding new places to play.

We ride all around Missoula, and we hardly have to repeat anything, Huck said just before heading to an early-spring jaunt into the Rattlesnake National Recreation Area. Usually the weather is fantastic, but we never cancel.

The Dirt Girls spend most of the sunny months on bikes, although they switch to hikes or cross-country skis as conditions dictate. Huck said the all-female group attracts a wide range of physical abilities and interests. Over its 16-year existence, its attracted more than 500 members to its email trip list.

God help us if everyone shows up at once, Huck said. We try to go every single Tuesday. Its usually just 10 or 20 people. Youve just got to be comfortable with occasionally hiking in the dark."

Katie Kotynski organizes Girls in Glacier from Great Falls, which occasionally connects with similar clubs in Kalispell, Bozeman and Cardston, Alberta. They target hikes in Glacier Park, the Little Belt Mountains, the Rocky Mountain Front and Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta.

A relative newcomer to the wanderlust web world is Rod Benson, a Helena High School earth science teacher with a new blog: Bigsky Walker.

I like the day trips, Benson said of his detailed recommendations. From Helena, I can go to Bozeman or the Rocky Mountain Front within a day. But the place has to be sort of unique or spectacular.

Benson includes some obscure places that require private landowner permission to access. While he doesnt broadcast the phone numbers or addresses of those gatekeepers, he points interested parties to the Cadastral Montana map service as a way to get in.

That way you can find out who owns the land, although often it doesnt give a phone number, Benson said. Ive struck out many times. But if you send a snail-mail request, you may get a response.

One such appeal got Benson into a 20-mile jaunt through the Simms bluff country west of Great Falls that included ancient buffalo kill sites, dramatic volcanic cliffs and abundant wildlife. But he also does more routine destinations, including Glaciers Highline Trail and the Gates of the Mountains cliff walk.

Huck said part of the pleasure of group hiking is the chance to experience the outdoors through someone elses wonder.

Most people dont know each other when they come together for these trips, Huck said. People form little side groups, or plan backpack groups for other trips. Even if youre having a bad day, this is a good way to adjust your attitude.
Despite the obvious changes that come with the passing of time and the evolution of technology, the connection between buffalo, buffalo hunting and Native peoples remains a vital part of tribal identity in Montana. The relationship between tribal people and buffalo is one that is both spiritual and distinct. The buffalo provided for the daily needs of our people for millennia. In return, tribes honor the buffalo in their commitment to sustainability and celebration of this incredible resource.

Thats why the Native peoples of Montana have always watched the buffalo hunt near Yellowstone National Park so closely. And that is why we, as members of the Montana Indian Caucus, feel the need to express our deep concern about the recent hunting behavior exhibited by various tribal members from out-of-state tribal treaty hunters.

In this season alone, reports indicate multiple cases of waste, safety violations, ethically questionable activities and other actions by out-of-state tribal hunters that show a disregard for both buffalo and people who make their home in the Gardiner community. We recognize that mistakes do happen, as some have been made in the past. However, we recognize that treaty hunt tribes have stepped up and properly corrected those actions.

The Montana Indian Caucus does not question the treaty rights of those tribes that exercise the right to hunt in the Yellowstone area. However, as servants of the people of Montana and representatives of Montanas seven reservations, we do not accept the lack of accountability for these hunters actions, and we urge the tribes to take a hard look at the shadow these negative portrayals of buffalo hunting cast over all tribal hunters in Montana.

Unfortunately, the reports have added confusion and misinformation to the complex relationship between tribes and the state regarding buffalo. This narrative of disturbing behavior, which often does not distinguish between individual tribes, risks painting all of us with ugly brush strokes. That cannot stand. We ask the tribes involved in the recent incidents to properly discipline, if deemed necessary, those tribal members involved to maintain the respect for both people and buffalo of Montana and the greater Yellowstone area.

Many tribes in Montana are working to save the buffalo and rejuvenate herds on tribal lands, where they can be responsibly managed  culling as needed, hunting in accordance with tradition, and feeding our people. We hunt at the appropriate, culturally sanctioned times and in the appropriate manner, taking only what is needed and leaving no waste.

We do so because our culture and our lives are intertwined with the buffalo. We have a biological and spiritual connection with the buffalo and have learned to coexist with them. When buffalo fare well, we also prosper.

The Montana Indian Caucus agrees that recent negative reports are disturbing. They only serve to highlight the need to find solutions. This is what we believe is best for all of us  the state, the park, private landowners, the tribes and the buffalo.
As the co-founder of Missoula-based technology company Gatherboard, I was disappointed to see the Montana Chamber of Commerces endorsement of President Trumps Supreme Court nominee. Judge Neil Gorsuchs record does not represent the best interests of my business. I encourage U.S. Sens. Steve Daines and Jon Tester to take a hard look at Gorsuchs record.

Like many business owners, Im wary of being forced to sign binding arbitration agreements imposed by giant companies in order to conduct business. Most Montana businesses dont even use such agreements. However, the trend, which Gorsuch apparently supports, is toward forcing individuals to go to arbitration rather than before a court to resolve disputes with massive corporations.

In Ragab v. Howard, entrepreneur Sami Ragab filed a lawsuit against an investment bank and capital financing company. The court recognized there had never been a meeting of the minds  a basic principle of contract law. Gorsuch dissented, arguing for a workaround so the companies could impose arbitration on Ragab.

Much has been made of Gorsuchs employer-friendly record, but it appears that hes only for giant corporations, not regular business people and entrepreneurs. Montanans do not believe corporations are people, and we expect our senators to support justices that dont either.

Molly Bradford,

Missoula
Rob Quist is Montana; its in his nature. He is one of us!

Rob Quist was raised and educated in Montana. He is one of us!

Rob Quist will fight for affordable public education for all. He is one of us!

Rob Quist, a Montana small-business owner, smart and sincere. He is one of us!

Rob Quist knows hard-working Montanans need livable wages. He is one of us!

Rob Quist will reach out with an independent voice for economic growth. He is one of us!

Rob Quist knows affordable health care, for all, will keep Montanans healthy. He is one of us!

Rob Quist will protect our priceless public land resources for Montanas future. He is one of us!

Rob Quist is truthful and trustworthy, protecting sensible gun ownership. He is one of us!

Montana Rob Quist will serve us well as our next U.S. congressman, representing us in Washington, D.C. He is one of us! Vote for Rob Quist in our special May 25 election.

JoLynn Yenne,

Bigfork
HELENA  Montana House Republicans won an initial vote on the $10.2 billion state budget Thursday after shooting down every attempt by Democratic lawmakers to insert more money for health, education and other programs during a six-hour floor debate.

The House endorsed the 2018-2019 budget on party lines, with 59 Republicans voting for it and 41 Democrats voting against. That party-line vote was repeated for most of the 26 Democratic amendments that would have added $300 million for programs such as senior and long-term care, special education and emergency responder training for oil train derailments.

The Republican majority held firm, not giving up a single penny more than what was already in the bill. So defeated were the Democrats by the end of the marathon session that they cheered when just five Republicans defected to support an amendment to add $3.7 million for vocational education. The amendment still failed 54-46.

House Appropriations Chairwoman Nancy Ballance, the Hamilton Republican who has shepherded the budget bill through legislative process to this point, said the discipline was needed to fix the state's budget shortfall and leave enough money in reserve at the end of the two-year budget cycle.

She labeled the amendments "political theater" designed for media attention, but she walked back those comments  somewhat  after several Democrats took offense.

"We all recognize that all of us are committed to doing the best we can for the citizens of Montana," she said. But, she added, "I do consider it political theater when we talk about devastating cuts, those were the words that were used, devastating cuts, in areas where the facts say we appropriated more than in the previous session."

The House budget slightly increases state general fund spending compared to the 2016-2017 state budget, but it is $19 million lower than Democratic Gov. Steve Bullock's recommended spending plan.

Democrats say the difference between the governor's budget and the House Republican budget includes important programs for the state's most vulnerable citizens, and the cuts to health and education programs go much deeper than the top-line numbers indicate.

"This budget isn't just about numbers," House Minority Leader Jenny Eck said. "There are real people with real stories behind these numbers."

Rather than try to fix the budget shortfall through spending cuts alone, the Republican majority should pass Democratic bills that would raise taxes on the wealthy and take other measures to increase revenue to the state treasury, she said.

Republicans have repeatedly resisted raising taxes or imposing new ones.

The House will take a final vote before the budget bill goes to the Senate, where Democrats will redouble their efforts to insert more money. Bullock said in a news conference that there are still opportunities to negotiate a budget deal that satisfies all sides.

The House Republican budget would close this year's $119 million shortfall in the state's general fund by 2019 and leave $140 million in reserve for unexpected revenue changes and expenses. Ballance said she wants those reserves to be between $180 million and $200 million, while Bullock is pushing for a $300 million cushion.

The general fund, which is Montana's treasury, contains the revenue the state collects from income taxes, corporation taxes, oil and gas taxes and other sources.

That revenue stream took a hit in recent years with the downturn in energy production and prices. That affected not only the state's tax collections for oil, gas, coal and minerals, but has had a ripple effect to include corporation income taxes and individual income taxes.
BILLINGS  A man killed himself Wednesday at the Three Sights Indoor Shooting Range where he had rented a firearm.

Billings police responded to the shooting at 1020 Central Ave. about 2:45 p.m. The gunshot victim was the only person harmed, said Sgt. Mitch Hart, of Billings Police Department.

Three Sights offers firearms training, gun sales and a variety of firearms to rent in addition to an indoor shooting range.

Wade Fredrickson, Three Sights owner, confirmed the man shot himself with one of the business weapons. Fredrickson declined to comment on the companys rental procedure but said this was the first incident of its kind at the facility.

We are deeply sorrowed for his family and him, Fredrickson said. We are dealing with it in our own way down here and moving forward at this time.

The man was identified as a 30-year-old from Billings. He died of a single gunshot wound, said Cliff Mahoney, Deputy Yellowstone County Coroner.
President Donald Trump's proposal to slash 14 percent of the Education Department's budget has left Montana in a "wait and see" phase as officials question the details of his plan.

Trump's budget proposal for discretionary spending in 2018 was released Thursday, and revealed $9.2 billion in cuts to education in two pages of the 62-page document  as well as significant investments in school choice, charter schools and vouchers.

"It's more than one page in the document, but not much more than one page," said Dennis Parman, executive director of the Montana Rural Education Association. "The devil will be in the details."

The announcement leaves Montana public school supporters in limbo, while some school choice advocates are eyeing the proposed boost with hesitant optimism.

The cuts, Montana School Boards Association executive director Lance Melton said in an email, "seek to substitute the judgment of the federal government for local control of decisions currently made by elected school boards and will undoubtedly harm public schools throughout Montana if implemented by Congress."

While in a different vein  school choice  Americans For Prosperity-Montana state director David Herbst feels the same way about local control. Herbst is in a holding pattern, calling Trump's plan a "sketch." He's waiting to see the full picture.

Trump is following through on campaign promises to boost school choice efforts with a $1.4 billion proposal to expand charter schools, vouchers and Title I portability  which "places power in the hands of parents and families to choose schools that are best for their children," according to the budget document. It includes:

a $168 million increase for charter schools;

a $250 million increase for a "new private school choice program"; and

a $1 billion increase to Title I funding.

Currently, Title I funding is centered on schools based on poverty levels in the geographic area. Trump's proposed increase to Title I funding includes his encouragement that school districts make the funding follow a student to a public school of his or her choice in an open enrollment environment.

"We've pushed strongest at the state level for school choice," Herbst said. "As much as this is compatible with that, we're trying to see how it develops.

"We generally oppose federal control over education. The thing about federal dollars is they come with strings. I think it's a mainstream Montana thought; we've always been skeptical when bureaucrats are making decisions that parents ought to be making."

Critics see school choice efforts as diverting public dollars under public accountability to private schools that are not subject to the same oversight.

"The proposal will force cuts in services to students at risk of falling behind, using those resources to support divisive and untested privatization schemes that have been shown to fail in improving education outcomes for students," Melton said.

Parman said there are too many unanswered questions in Trump's education proposal.

"There's some pretty sweeping proposals there, but there is a tremendous lack of detail," he said.

***

Trump proposes eliminating the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program, which funds before- and after-school programs and summer programs. That would amount to a $1.2 billion cut.

Montana is estimated to receive $4.9 million under this program in FY 17, according to the Education Department.

In 2015, 21st Century grants were awarded to Heart Butte, Seeley Lake and Whitehall. Past grants have been awarded to after-school programs such as Boys and Girls Clubs as well as some programs organized by school districts.

"To eliminate that, it would be felt pretty dramatically in those communities," Parman said.

In his proposed budget, Trump said there isn't enough evidence showing that the 21st CCLC program is "meeting its objectives."

***

Trump is also looking for a $66 million cut to impact aid, federal grants awarded to school districts who are on or near federal land  in Montana, meaning schools on reservations or near military bases.

In Montana, 71 school districts received $55 million in impact aid in fiscal year 2016.

Of those, 53 of are on or near reservations.

Impact aid (Title VIII) is broken into sections, with one providing most of Montana's funding, Section 8003.

In Trump's proposal, the impact aid cut would come through Support Payments for Federal Property, which appears aligned with Section 8002.

"If that is the case, the impact would be minimal on Montana since most of our Impact Aid funding comes from 8003," Dylan Klapmeier, media assistant for the Office of Public Instruction, said in an email. "Since it is just the blueprint, though, a lot can happen."

Great Falls Public Schools also receives impact aid  about $620,000, according to OPI  as it sits near Malmstrom Air Force Base.

"That'll be devastating for everyone," Parman said. "They (Great Falls) will have to look at what they'll be able to replace levying local taxpayers. But there's virtually no tax base for reservation schools."
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MISSOULA  A methamphetamine dealer who told investigators he moved more than 40 pounds of the drug into Butte in 2015 will spend the next 25 years behind bars.

Lester Oxendine, 33, was sentenced Thursday in Missoula by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Dana Christensen.

After Oxendine was arrested in late 2015, he told police he sold more than $640,000 in meth in the Butte area after moving there that summer from the Bakken oil fields.

At his sentencing hearing, Oxendines attorney Dwight Schulte told the judge that even though the indictment against his client outlined many incidents, it didnt tell the whole story of who he is.

Deep down, Lester is not necessarily the man thats presented in the facts that the court is relying on in sentencing, he said, adding that Oxendine had a difficult childhood and wants to take advantage of mental health and drug abuse treatment while in prison.

In November, Oxendine pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and to possessing a firearm to further that goal. As part of a plea agreement, other federal drug and weapons charges were dismissed.

Oxendine told the judge Thursday he was not a bad person. I just made some bad decisions.

I felt like I could come here and make some fast, easy money without getting caught, he added.

Before making the sentence official, the judge recounted Oxendines extensive criminal history from North Carolina, including convictions for forgery, identity theft, drug dealing, and assault.

In the most recent case in Butte, the judge said he was particularly troubled by the number of firearms recovered from Oxendines home and by the charging documents that referenced several incidents in which Oxendine shot at other people when angry.

Oxendine's father, Larry Oxendine, 58, also was arrested and charged in the drug trafficking case. At the end of last year, Christensen sentenced Larry Oxendine to three years in federal prison on a charge of being a felon in possession of firearms.
Butte law enforcement officials have succeeded in transferring three of a planned 20 prisoners to neighboring jails for the weekend to make room for an expected influx from St. Patricks Day.

Everybody in the region is at capacity, Undersheriff George Skuletich said Wednesday.

Montanas county jails, treatment facilities, pre-release centers and the state prison are chronically overpopulated, officials said.

The Butte jail has bunks for up to around 80 prisoners, and as of Wednesday the jail roster listed a population of 69. Thirteen prisoners  none of them booked for violent felonies  were released or transferred Tuesday, and another 16 over the weekend. Most were arrested within the last few weeks.

Even with the releases, arrests over the past week have kept jail population floating around 70, but Skuletich thinks theyll have bunks for 20 new prisoners over the weekend, though most arrested at St. Patricks Day bond out fast.

In part to make up for the lack of interest in prisoner transfers from neighboring jails, Butte police are trying to negotiate early releases with local judges for small-time offenders nearing the completion of jail time sentences.

Buttes longer term jail population is made up of those awaiting the conclusion of criminal trials who cannot afford or have been denied bail, those serving detention sentences, and those awaiting transfer to other facilities, like the Montana State Prison.

Skuletich said the jail was built on a population model relative to the city that made sense in 2004. While the county population has remained fairly level, drug arrests rose statewide 62 percent between 2009 and 2015, according to Montana Legislatures 2016 Commission on Sentencing, with mandatory minimum sentences and recidivism caused by chemical addiction overloading the system.

The state prison is also over capacity, with convicted felons in Buttes jail and across the state waiting for bunks to open up in Deer Lodge, which are these days two and three to a cell, according to the Commission on Sentencing.
Musikanten Montana announces the 15th Annual Montana Early Music Festival March 29-April 1, with concerts in Bozeman, Butte, Missoula and Helena.

The Butte performance will be on Thursday, March 30, at 7:30 p.m. at the Immaculate Conception Church, Caledonia and Western. on the North Side.

Following up on the highly acclaimed 2016 festival performances of J.S. Bachs Mass in B minor, this years featured work is Bachs Johannespassion, the Passion of Christ according to the Gospel of St. John. Bachs text is taken directly from the Gospel  the tenor Evangelist sings the narration of the scripture, with a bass singing Jesus words and a baritone the speeches of Pilate. The chorus sings the words of the angry crowd as they demand the crucifixion. Soloists reflect in moving arias the feelings of those present that last day, and the choir changes roles to sing the serene Lutheran chorales interspersed in this dramatic scene.

Musikanten Artistic Director Kerry Krebill conducts Denver tenor Daniel Hutchings as the Evangelist, with other festival soloists Bobb Robinson, Robert Tudor and Marjorie Bunday, and newcomers Art Bumgardner (bass), Jason Rylander (tenor) and Kathryn Radakovich (soprano). The 13 orchestra musicians are Early Music specialists, coming to Montana from Seattle, New York, Minneapolis and Indianapolis, and play instruments of Bachs time  Baroque strings, viola da gamba, oboe damore and oboe da caccia, flauti traversi and harpsichord.

These HIP (Historically Informed Performances) of Bachs moving setting of Jesus last day on earth coincide with the Lenten period of penitence and reflection leading up to the Crucifixion and Resurrection, adding a spiritual dimension to the concert experience.

Seating is general admission (with a reserved section for Musikanten Angel donors); suggested donation at the door is $20 (Students $10; under 12 free). Details: (406) 442-6825 or visit musikantenmt.org
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Will taxes have to be raised to maintain the green space a community group envisions for the center of Butte? Commissioner Brendan McDonough asked that question at Wednesday's council meeting.

He raised the question after Restore Our Creek Coalition members gave an update on their plans for the future of Upper Silver Bow Creek. Running from Texas Avenue to George Street, the plan for a green space includes a large park, an educational center, sledding hills, trails and a host of other amenities. A portion of George Street would have to be permanently closed if the green space is as large as the plan envisions.

The portion of the site behind the Civic Center is under consideration as a future location of the county shops, which need to be moved because of the tailings they sit upon.

But before the park can be built, acres of tailings, some buried and some on the surface along George Street, would also have to be removed.

Former top Montana economic development official Evan Barrett said the tailings must come out in order for Butte to grow.

Despite all weve done, our city is not a wonderfully attractive place at first glance. That has hurt us economically. Removing the acid factory that is the tailings will make that critical location an attraction for citizens and others who see it for first time, Barrett told commissioners.

Some commissioners expressed solidarity with the Restore Our Creek members. Commissioner John Sorich likened the 1.5 mile stretch of Upper Silver Bow Creek from Texas Avenue to George Street as a wound on the leg.

We all want the same thing; no one doesnt want the creek cleaned, said Sorich.

Commissioner Dan Foley also asked where the money to build the park would come. Longtime Superfund watchdog Fritz Daily estimated last fall that the park in its entirety could cost up to $70 million to create. But actual cost estimates have not been generated.

How much would this plan cost and where would the money come from? asked Foley.

Barrett said the group cant tell you the price because we havent gotten that far.

Restore Our Creek spokesperson Northey Tretheway said after the meeting that the county must insist that Atlantic Richfield Co. pay for removal of all the tailings and restore a meandering creek through the center of town. Tretheway said the county should not sign the legal agreement under discussion by the agencies and the responsible parties for the Butte Hill Superfund site unless ARCO is willing to foot the bill.

But the state plans to spend $18.5 million to remove the source of the Parrot tailings, which is buried behind the Civic Center. That work is to begin this summer. ARCO has so far said it will not pitch in on paying for removal of the tailings. Whether ARCO will pay to remove the rest of the tailings located on the surface along George Street is under discussion at the legal meetings, but those are confidential.

Tretheway said the group did not speak directly about the issue the commissioners were about to vote on  where to relocate the countys vehicle and maintenance shops  because Restore Our Creek wanted to show the commissioners what the area behind the Civic Center could look like.

Our vision shows theres much more opportunity back there, said Tretheway after the meeting.

But Foley expressed the need to be realistic.

As we make decisions, we like to have concrete ideas and numbers, said Foley.
MISSOULA  Montana's two biggest federal players  the Forest Service and National Park Service  would see deep cuts and big changes under President Donald Trump's proposed fiscal 2018 budget.

The Department of Agriculture would absorb a 21 percent, $4.7 billion reduction. The Department of Interior, headed by former Montana congressman Ryan Zinke, would see a 12 percent, $1.5 billion cut.

Trump's 62-page budget document does not provide detailed spending changes, but its narrative highlights certain priorities. Both departments commit to fully funding wildland firefighting through the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management at 100 percent of their respective 10-year averages. That works out to $2.4 billion for the Forest Service, while BLM's figure was not specified.

Both agencies would see reduced funding for new federal land acquisitions through the Land and Water Conservation Fund, a program that's been consistently supported by Montana's congressional delegation. The budget document was unclear if the $120 million in offshore oil royalties that now go to LWCF would be diverted to other areas or be shifted to maintaining and investing in existing parks, refuges and public lands.

Elsewhere in the federal budget proposal, the Department of Transportation calls for Amtrak funding to be reduced for long-distance train services, "which have long been inefficient and incur the vast majority of Amtrak's operating losses."

That likely refers to the Empire Builder route through Montana, which passes under Glacier National Park's southern border. It would also eliminate the Essential Air Service to rural airports, saving $175 million, and take out $499 million from the TIGER discretionary grant program, which recently paid $4.5 million toward the Bitterroot Trail along Highway 93 between Missoula and Lolo. It would invest more than $1 billion at the Commerce Department's National Weather Service.

The Agriculture budget would also reduce funding for USDA statistical capabilities and Service Centers while encouraging "private sector conservation planning." It plans to save $95 million from the Rural Business and Cooperative Service and eliminates the International Food for Education program, stating it "lacks evidence that it is being effectively implemented to reduce food insecurity."

It would eliminate $498 million in duplicative USDA water and wastewater loans and grants, saying rural communities could be served by private-sector financing or other federal investments such as the EPA's state revolving funds. However, the EPA has its own budget slated for a 31 percent, $2.6 billion cut.

Trump's budget proposes allocating $11.6 billion to the Department of Interior. Zinke's office added that the budget eliminates duplicate programs for Abandoned Mine Land grants, National Heritage Areas and National Wildlife Refuge payments that overlap with other programs or should be funded at the local level.

New money would support Interior's energy development programs on public lands and waters, including streamlining permitting processes and providing more industry access to public resources. Interior's budget would also get $1 billion more to invest in Western-state water resources, although that was not further defined.

Payment in Lieu of Taxes funding to counties would be reduced an unspecified amount through the Interior Department budget. However, there was no mention in the Agriculture Department's budget about PILT, although the Forest Service provides a much larger allocation of those federal assistance funds to local governments.

During a visit to Glacier National Park last week, Zinke pledged to tackle the National Park Service's 12.5 billion deferred maintenance backlog. The Interior budget states it will increase funding for deferred maintenance, but doesn't specify an amount. It also calls for unspecified cuts in current construction and major maintenance programs.

Interior's U.S. Geological Survey would get more than $900 million for essential science programs, including research for sustainable energy development, satellite ground services and natural hazard risk reduction.
Life gets real in a hurry when the fish youre trying to catch rips the reel off your rod.

Thats what happened to KYSS disc jockey Charene Herrera last Sunday just as she was about to head for shore on the Blackfoot River.

We were in the last 10 minutes of the float, after six hours on the boat, Herrera said. Id had enough, but I grabbed my fly rod one more time with an ever-effective San Juan worm. It was a monster of a fish  definitely as long as my leg. I think it weighed about 10 pounds.

Hererra was using a five-weight rod with 3x tippet, a rig ordinarily aimed at fish a tenth that size. She and her partner had each caught several brown and cutthroat trout on a cold, windy float below Johnsrud Fishing Access Site.

The bull trout tore the reel out of its metal brackets but somehow didnt snap the rod as it rolled several times and tried to swim under Herreras boat. She fought it for the next 20 minutes before both angler and angled were tuckered out.

When the reel broke, I had to use it as a natural drag so I didnt stress the fish out too much, Herrera said. Theyre a threatened species, so you dont get to see them much. Id never caught one before in my life.

Bull trout are considered the grizzly bears of the river food chain. Theyre protected under the federal Endangered Species Act and must be released if caught on almost all Montana waterways. Herrera took a quick picture of her prize before releasing it back in the Blackfoot.

Photographing bull trout needs to be careful and quick, according to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks regulations. The state handout on bull trout states "It is legal to photograph your trophy catch, however, it is essential that you minimize or eliminate the need to take the fish out of water. Ferguson and Tufts (1992) showed that nearly 40 percent of exhausted trout that were kept out of water for 30 seconds died; it rises to almost 70 percent if they are kept out of the water for 60 seconds. Have everything ready to take a photo before you handle the fish and try not to squeeze the fish or put your hands in its gills. Release the fish as quickly as possible."

Im still kind of in shock and awe since it happened, Herrera said. I dont know if I ever deserved a fish like that. The wind was whipping up the canyon and I was literally not going to grab my rod  just keep my hands in my mittens. Im never going to stop fishing the next time I go out.
Ramsay School announces trustee election

Ramsay School District 3 is calling for anyone interested in seeking election to the Ramsay school board. One three-year elementary position is open.

Nominating petitions and other necessary forms are available in the clerks office at the school, 3 Russell Street, Ramsay.

The deadline to apply is March 23 at 5 p.m. Ramsay School will hold a mail ballot for the trustee election on Tuesday, May 2.

Governor to visit Butte Head Start

Gov. Steve Bullock will visit the Head Start at 1000 S. Arizona in Butte at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 16, and meet with teachers and parents to highlight the benefits of early childhood education.

Bullock's preschool grant program proposal will have its first hearing before the Legislature on March 20. The proposal would allow school districts, Head Start programs, and high-quality private preschool providers to offer preschool for four-year-old kids.

Meeting Thursday on forest project

A public meeting to discuss the preliminary aspects of the Red Rocks Forest Health project in the Boulder River area runs 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 16, in the Butte Archives, 17 W. Quartz St.

Its hosted by the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, in collaboration with the Beaverhead-Deerlodge Working Group. Details: 406-758-5357.

Volunteer open house set at caverns

Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park hosts a volunteer open house from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, March 19. Meet at the lower Visitors Center.

People will learn about the various volunteer opportunities available at the park such as visitor center assistants or cave sweepers. Presenters from Northern Rocky Mountain Grotto, Friends of Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park, and Montana State Parks AmeriCorps will be on hand.

Following the presentation, a guided hike is planned along the parks upper Nature Loop led by Ken Soderberg to discuss Civilian Conservation Corps contributions.

Details: Brian Turner at 406-287-3541 or caverns.americorps@gmail.com.

Historic preservation grants available

Butte Citizens for Preservation and Revitalization is accepting grant applications for the Historic Improvement Program. Since 1997, Butte CPR has paid out over $70,000 through this grant program to assist in facade improvements that honor the historic character of buildings throughout Butte.

One or more grants will be awarded to either residential or commercial applicants who meet the appropriate criteria. To be considered for an award, buildings must be circa 1950 or earlier, and improvements must be compatible with the historic character of the building and visible from the street. Grants range from $600 to $2,000. The deadline for applications is Monday, May 1, 2017.

Butte Citizens for Preservation and Revitalization is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of historic buildings in Butte. For grant guidelines and to apply for a grant, go to http://www.buttecpr.org/services/grants.php. Questions? contact us at info@buttecpr.org or call 406-782-3682.

ACHS class of 1965 plans meeting

ANACONDA  Anaconda Central High School Class of 1965 will have a planning meeting at noon Wednesday, March 22, in Peppermint Pattys for the summer picnic and 70th birthday party. Details: Bob at 406-563-2689.

Toastmaster winners listed

Top O` The Mornin Toastmasters weekly winners included Tonette Hollingsworth, best speaker and best topic respondent, and Sherry Flamand, best evaluator.

The next meeting will be held at 6:30 a.m. Monday, March 20, at Perkins.

BCHS class of 67 plans reunion

The Butte Central Class of 1967 will have its class reunion July 14-16.

The reunion committee is unable to locate the following classmates  Mike Barry, Marlene Bonner, Bill Davis, Mary Ann Frank, Barbara James Heard and Gordon Sullivan. If you can help, call Penny McElroy at 406-490-1946 or email pamcelroy7@gmail.com.

Dance at the Elks Sunday

Finish off the St. Patricks Day weekend with a dance from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 19, at the Elks Lodge, 206 W. Galena St., with the music of the Highlites (John Fox).

Bar is open for your favorite beverage, and cover charge is $10 per person. Details: Frank Snyder, 406-494-6614 or 406-490-3329.

Jean Matteucci given gold award

This weeks competition winners for the Uptown Toasters, Toastmaster Club No. 9765 include Kate Joki, best speaker; Jean Matteucci, best evaluator; and Nikole Evankovich, best table topic respondent.

In addition, Jean Matteucci was recently awarded the Advanced Communicator Gold Award, the highest honor in the Advanced Communicator Series. The next meeting is at noon on Tuesday, March 21, at the Butte Archives, 17 W. Quartz St. Details: 406-782-3280.
The Great Scots Pipes and Drums band, kicking off St. Patricks Day celebrations in style, gave 300 young fans at Butte High good advice on Wednesday.

Tell em youre from Butte, America  because then everybody knows where youre from! said Pipe Major John Hamilton II of Polson about touring the British Isles.

On stage, Hamilton told the tale of a trip he took with son and fellow piper, John Hamilton III. The story drew the biggest cheers from students and faculty.

Everywhere the two Montanans traveled, folks asked from where they hailed. They tired of drawing a map of Montana as an explanatory visual. Many folks in those countries  Ireland, Great Britain, Scotland and Wales  are very familiar with Florida, California and the Disney franchises. But not Montana.

The Hamiltons soon learned their lesson. Natives seemed to recognize one place name right off the bat.

If you go, dont tell em youre from Montana, said the elder Hamilton. Tell em youre from Butte, America  because then everybody knows where youre from!

Applause all around.

Were thrilled to have them, said Lorrie Roberts, administrative assistant in the main office, of the band. Students were released from 5th period, including teacher Pam Greens advanced placement American history class.

Hamilton gave a quick history lesson about bagpipes, kilts and the requisite accessories

Hamilton described how bagpipes originated in Egypt, not Scotland, as many believe, 5,000 years ago.

Even though we didnt invent it, we get a lot of credit for it, he wisecracked.

Ninth-grader Madison Hoffman approved.

I thought it was pretty cool how bagpipes were originally made by someone else, said Hoffman after the performance.

Furthermore, pipers hands must be agile. They play over 900 notes in only nine seconds when they play Scotland the Brave.

Our fingers move really fast, he added.

Breathing is a skill set unto itself, too, while playing.

Its like a balloon full of air that has four holes in it. You have to half-daft to play it.

Among the bands playlist was, of course, Danny Boy, the old standby first played in the first-ever St. Patricks Day parade in Boston in 1778, he said. New York City then hosted the first official parade in 1782.

Now to the bagpipers attire. Each musicians kilt weighs 10 pounds and is made up of nine yards of wool. Back in the Scots historic hunting and fishing days, the utilitarian kilt served double duty as a sleeping bag, said Hamilton.

Thats where the term, the whole 9 yards comes from, he added.

Each bagpipe, which the musicians sling over their shoulder, weighs 10 pounds. The forecast for Friday may be an unseasonably high 52 degrees, but the five-member band allows time between venues to warm up their instruments this time of year. Still, off-key notes slip through.

Going inside and outside, the pipes dont adjust really well to that, he said.

The band played all afternoon at schools and nursing homes on Wednesday. Their schedule around town picks up steam on Thursday and Friday, when 12-hour days beckon.

Two of the musicians boast Butte roots. Back in the day, John Hamilton IIs great-grandfather, Ed Hamilton, patrolled the Park and Main police beat after transferring from the Great Falls Sheriffs Department to the Butte-Silver Bow Police Department. Great Uncle Harry Hamilton was a street car conductor here, too, said the pipe major.

Base drummer Don Gunderson of Seattle said his father, David Gunderson, was born in Butte to Hans and Laura Gunderson  all of whom worked for the Northern Pacific Railway.

Rounding out the band are John Bourne of Colorado, Dick Bratton of Polson and young John Hamilton III of Charlo. Together, they have 114 years experience playing bagpipes or drums among them.

Between playing Amazing Grace and other bagpipe standards, the band took questions from the audience, history lessons aside.

Can you play Star Wars?" asked one student as fits of laughter rippled through the auditorium, like bagpipes warming up for another much-anticipated St. Patricks Day in Butte.
KALISPELL  A 29-year-old Evergreen woman who had been charged with ordering the murder of a 34-year-old Kalispell man has reached a plea agreement.

Melisa Ann Crone pleaded guilty Wednesday to criminal distribution of dangerous drugs. Both sides agreed to recommend a 20-year prison sentence when Crone is sentenced on May 25.

Robert Wittal is serving a 110-year prison sentence for deliberate homicide in the May 2016 stabbing death of 34-year-old Wade Rautio. His body was found near Creston after co-defendant David Toman led officers to the body.

Prosecutors had alleged Crone had ordered Wittal and two others to kill Rautio. Defense attorney Jason Bryan said he believed prosecutors would have a hard time convincing a jury that Crone was guilty of accountability to deliberate homicide.

Toman has reached a plea agreement while negotiations continue with another co-defendant.
The Irish equivalent of Alice is an uncommon name in the U.S., but it is currently trending up. In 2014, it ranked No. 6,174 for all baby girls born during the year, with 20 named Ailish.


DES MOINES  The Iowa House on Thursday approved an overhaul of the states 104-year-old workers compensation law that majority Republicans said was needed to rebalance a lawyer-driven system thats making it hard for businesses in Iowa to compete.

The system was established so employees would have a certain and easy process to follow in case of a workplace injury, floor manager Rep. Gary Carlson, R-Muscatine, said in introducing House File 518. The idea was to avoid the costs and complications associated with litigation for workers and limit overall costs for employers.

Today, Carlson said, due to a number of court rulings and commission rulings, Iowas workers compensation system has lost its intended balance.

Some fixes might be necessary, but not the wholesale changes envisioned in the business- and industry-backed bill, argued Rep. Jerry Kearns, D-Keokuk.

If youre going to do me wrong, do it right, Kearns said, quoting from a country western song. Majority members, youre far from doing this one right.

The bill's critics argued Iowa already has a good workers comp system with premiums 11 percent below the national average, according to the Iowa Economic Development Authority, and have decreased in three of the last four years. Iowas system also received an A rating from the Insurance Journal, which found no weaknesses and said its strengths were low politicization, efficiency and market competitiveness.

This bill is not necessary, said Rep. Marti Anderson, D-Des Moines. This bill guts the rights for injured workers. I dont understand why were doing this at this point.

As an example, Rep. Gary Worthan, R-Storm Lake, the owner of a trucking firm with one-and-a-half employee positions, said he pays $991 a month for workers comp insurance. Across the state line in South Dakota, his rate would be $412 a month less. That works out to about 2.7 cent per mile traveled.

I compete every day with South Dakota trucks in an industry where we measure improvements in tenths of a cent per mile, he said.

House Commerce Committee Chairman Peter Cownie, R-West Des Moines, cited a case in which an Iowan who worked in another state filed a workers comp claim in Iowa.

He also referred to a ruling that allows injured workers receiving workers comp benefits to also collect unemployment insurance.

When youre on workers comp, youre being compensated for being injured at work, but cant work, he said. If youre on unemployment, youre supposed to be looking for a job.

After more than six hours of debate, the House voted 55-38  mostly along party lines, but with Rep. Rob Taylor, R-West Des Moines dissenting  to send the bill to the Senate, where a similar bill is on the debate calendar.

A Democratic amendment to replace the changes with a study committee representing labor, management, insurers, agriculture, lawyers and health care was rejected 37-58.

Republicans also refused to defer a vote until Monday that would give lawmakers time to gather more information.
Eavan is the Anglicized form of the Irish female name Aoibheann. It is unusual in the U.S., ranking No. 13,364 for all baby girls born in 2014, with only seven named Eavan.


The Anglicized version of Ide has both Irish and Yiddish origin. In 2014, only 10 baby girls in the U.S. were named Ita and they were all born in New York and New Jersey.






On Saturday, November 12, 2016 1:08 AM, David McCalman < AliChalob@cmitfod.com > wrote:





I'm a banker here in London and I'm communicating with you about a potential deal that will benefit us. You will get 40% of the fund and I keep 60%. Reply for more info. David McCalman.





On Jan 3, 2017, at 10:37 AM, David McCalman < shane@starfleet.com > wrote: I'm a banker here in London and I'm communicating with you about a potential deal that will benefit us. You will get 40% of the fund and I keep 60%. Reply for more info. David McCalman.



On Jan 4, 2017, at 5:22 AM, David McCalman < david.mccalman55@gmail.com > wrote: Dear ,



I have received your reply mail. Please I want you to read this mail with concentration so that you will properly understand me. My names as I mentioned in my first mail is David McCalman. This is about a deceased client in our bank who shares same last name with you. Let me give you an illustration of the information I want to pass across to you. If an individual opens an account in a bank without the knowledge of his family maybe for reasons best known to him obviously it will be him alone that knows he has money in such a bank. If accidentally that person dies, what do you think will happen to the money? Obviously it will be there in the bank for as long as nobody comes to claim it. This is because nobody will come to claim such funds as the depositor's beneficiary or next of kin.



I appeal to you to assist me in this business transaction regarding the funds deposited by our late client which amounts to A7,500,000.00 (Seven Million Five Hundred Thousand British Pounds Sterling). He was a business man based here in the United Kingdom. He deposited this amount with the Bank in 2007 before his untimely Death. He had suffered from heart disease before he died in the year 2009. The filing and recording department of the Bank have tried to contact his relatives but no fruitful information about the relatives. Presently this account is dormant because it is unclaimed. Now, as his account officer, I can use my position to get a foreigner to place a claim on this fund with your name since you bear same last name identity with him.



I want you to know that all the required documents to fortify this claim can be provided by me and his personal lawyer who is working with me in this transaction. The lawyer will stand in for you if the bank requires you to come in person. The lawyer is working with me in this transaction and as such, we believe that we can work together and achieve this great goal. Therefore we will be successful to claim the fund with your name as soon as you are willing to comply and take the offer of 40% of the total amount after the claim and transfer of the fund into your designated account. Most importantly, it will be very wise of you, if you keep this transaction strictly and exclusively to yourself, in the interim and see that you do not start discussing or talking about it with anybody until we receive this money. My colleague who was working with Halifax Bank some years back had this same opportunity. He got a partner from Korea who worked with him in the transaction because his late client was from South Korea. Within two weeks the Bank released the money to his partner and today that my friend has relocated to Korea with his family and has setup big business with his partner.



The lawyer and I cannot claim this money ourselves because we do not have same last name and the Bank knowing fully well that we are not citizens of his Country. Have no fear or worry as all documents needed before the Bank can approve you as the next of kin will be provided by me. I will send the documents to you upon request by the Bank so that you can send the documents to the Bank.



This transaction does not require any type of delay because the Bank will close the account after three months and this is why we need to work towards this claim immediately and claim the fund within 10 Bank working days. The transaction can practically be concluded within 8 to 10 working days if you can adhere to my advice and to speed up actions on your own part too.



Please I need you to reply me and inform me if you accept the sharing terms of 60/40. 60 for us and 40 for you. Please I will need the following information:



(1) Full name Including your middle name (2) Direct mobile telephone number (3) Country (4)occupation and Age.



Please be rest assured that this transaction is 100% legitimate and will be executed under a legitimate condition that will not breach the law.



I will give you more details on the modalities of this transaction as soon as I hear from you.



Best regards,



David.



On Jan 6, 2017, at 6:22 AM, David McCalman < david.mccalman55@gmail.com > wrote: ,



Trust me , nobody will be needing your debit card or credit card information. You can come to London, UK to open a new account on this transaction.



Please I need you to reply me and inform me if you accept the sharing terms of 60/40. 60 for us and 40 for you. Please I will need the following information:



(1) Full name Including your middle name (2) Direct mobile telephone number (3) Country (4)occupation and Age.



Please be rest assured that this transaction is 100% legitimate and will be executed under a legitimate condition that will not breach the law.



I will give you more details on the modalities of this transaction as soon as I hear from you.



Best regards,



David. Trust me , nobody will be needing your debit card or credit card information. You can come to London, UK to open a new account on this transaction.Please I need you to reply me and inform me if you accept the sharing terms of 60/40. 60 for us and 40 for you. Please I will need the following information:(1) Full name Including your middle name (2) Direct mobile telephone number (3) Country (4)occupation and Age.Please be rest assured that this transaction is 100% legitimate and will be executed under a legitimate condition that will not breach the law.I will give you more details on the modalities of this transaction as soon as I hear from you.Best regards,David.



On Jan 6, 2017, at 11:08 AM, David McCalman < david.mccalman55@gmail.com > wrote: The name is Clydesdale Bank.



On Jan 9, 2017, at 4:24 AM, David McCalman < david.mccalman55@gmail.com > wrote: I will send you copy of the deposit document shortly. This deal is legitimate and we are going to make a lot of money together.



On Jan 10, 2017, at 5:06 AM, David McCalman < david.mccalman55@gmail.com > wrote: Find attached copy of my ID for your perusal.



On Jan 12, 2017, at 8:35 AM, David McCalman < david.mccalman55@gmail.com > wrote: Dear ,

I am in receipt of your email and the contents are well understood and noted.

I am happy to inform you that the lawyer has filed claims for payment on your behalf with the paying bank today Thursday 12th January 2017.

The bank has requested that you should fill the attached bank application form and return it without delay.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

David.



On Feb 1, 2017, at 7:44 AM, David McCalman < david.mccalman55@gmail.com > wrote: Dear ,

How are you today? I hope you are doing great.

I have arranged with a financier to send you a bank certified cheque for the legal charges and cost of wire transfer that will clear within 5 working days into your designated bank account.

Please provide me with your address where the cheque will be sent.

Sincerely,

David.



On Feb 1, 2017, at 9:25 AM, David McCalman < david.mccalman55@gmail.com > wrote: Please provide your full name as you will like it appear on the cheque and your direct mobile telephone number.



On Mar 13, 2017, at 12:34 AM, David McCalman < david.mccalman55@gmail.com > wrote: Dear ,

How are you today? I hope you are doing great. My financier has advised that you should go to any Wells Fargo bank around you and buy a Wells Fargo prepaid card or Wells Fargo Easy Pay Card which is sold for only $25. Also buy a Chase Liquid Card at Chase bank to enable the financier release all money we need for the clearance documentation to back up the wire transfer of the inheritance funds.

You need to activate the Wells Fargo Prepaid Card to $5,000 for easy crediting of funds.

I await your urgent response.

Sincerely,

David. 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....
According to Irish legend, this baby girls name derives from a figure who gave her name to the River Liffey. Life is an uncommon name in the U.S., but it made the top 200 list in Denmark in 2011.
MUSCATINE, Iowa  From Grant Wood to Alma Held, the artists on display at the Muscatine Art Center are all connected, through themes, home state and knowledge about each other.

The new exhibition, "Not So Ordinary: Iowa Regionalists and Scenes of Rural Life," displays pieces from the art center's extensive collection of Iowa artists.

The exhibition includes works by Grant Wood, Marvin Cone, John Bloom, Alma Held, Arnold Pyle, Juanita Jamison, Harold Allison, and others, such as Muscatine native, William Bunn.

Some of these artists are connected to Grant Wood through the Stone City Art Colony, while others overlapped at the University of Iowas School of Art. Some completed Public Works of Art Project murals under the supervision of Grant Wood, while others also exhibited in the Iowa Art Salon in the 1930s.

"We started off thinking that this exhibition or parts of this exhibition would hang in the house on the second floor when we opened," said Melanie Alexander, the director of the art center. "But as we started to look at all the different artists who were kind of grouped here we realized we could fill both floors of the Stanley Gallery."

All of the artists in the collection have a connection to Grant Wood, Alexander said. Sometimes the connections can only be seen when looking closely, like at the piece by Gerald Griffin of Waterloo, called Adrian's Tomb.

The piece shows a room with an easel and other art supplies. Adrian Dornbush was one of the artists who founded the Stone City Art Colony, with Grant Wood and Edward Rowan.

"Sometimes there's multiple ways that they intersected," Alexander said. "A lot of these artists also exhibited at the Iowa Art Salon, which was part of the state fair at the time."

The pieces are from the 1920s, 30s, and 40s, showing a range of Iowa-centered art.

"In the time that I have been here, which is a little bit more than four years, we've been adding to this collection," Alexander said. "So there are a few works that people may not have seen before, so we kind of wanted to get those works out."

The title for the exhibition was decided by staff at the art center, who put forth their ideas and voted on the winning title: "Not so Ordinary." Teresa Stenstrup, a program coordinator at the art center, suggested the idea.

A Wisconsin native, Stenstrup said she enjoyed learning about the history of Iowa artists, and did not realize before coming to Muscatine how extensive that history is.

The title, Stenstrup said, came from thinking about how many people view the Midwest.

"It's kind of just all these super ordinary things," she said. "Actually we're not so ordinary, we actually have all these things that are super rare and really cool."
Hours before it was to take effect, President Donald Trump's revised travel ban was put on hold Wednesday by a federal judge in Hawaii after hearing arguments that the executive order discriminates on the basis of nationality.
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 []
American rapper French Montana is in a massive collaboration with Ugandas Eddy Kenzo and his widely popular dancers, Ghetto Kids.

The Morrocan-born American rapper is in Uganda for a two-week documentary shooting and music video shooting.

Reports reaching our news desk have it that the rapper, known for hits such as Dont Panic, is working with the Award Winning Dancers Ghetto Kids who are famously known from Eddy Kenzos video Sitya Loss.

On Tuesday afternoon, Kenzo shared snaps taken with the rapper, stirring speculation that indeed they could be cooking up something.Bro French Montana on set KENZO captioned the photos.

Bro French Montana on set Kenzo captioned the photos.

Speaking to Mseto EA, Kenzo had this to stay Yes Yesterday(Tuesday) we met with French Montana, he is in Uganda to shoot number of projects and we are happy he has chosen to work with us (Ghetto Kids), he is a very humble man, you know this is so huge, these kids will be super big globally, its a great thing for not only our country but the entire East African region.

He added that Canadian pop star Justin Bieber had reached out to the Ghetto kids to shoot a dance video for him.

Few weeks ago JUSTIN BIEBER contacted us, he wants the ghetto kids to do a dance video for him, this is such a great thing for us. These kids are making Uganda and East Africans proud concluded Kenzo.
After years of threatening to do so, the government has now officially banned the use of plastic bags, giving Kenyans a grace period of 6 months.

In a Kenya Gazette notice dated 28th February 2017, environment and natural resources cabinet secretary Judi Wakhungu directs that the ban will come into effect 6 months from the notice date.

The ministry has banned the use, manufacture and importation of all plastic bags used for commercial and household packaging.

The date of the last usage of the plastic bags will be allowed is therefore August 28th.

Plastic bags have been a huge environmental hazard in the country, and are so often blamed for blocked drainage leading to flooding.

Some supermarkets eg. Nakumatt have in the last few years been encouraging the move from plastic bags, by offering reusable heavy duty carry bags.

Heres the gazette notice.
Kiambu County governor William Kabogo has sensationally told Mombasa governor Hassan Joho to keep off President Uhuru Kenyatta.

Speaking at a rally in Gatundu Stadium on Tuesday, March 14, where he had gone to thank residents for turning out to register as voters ahead of August 8 poll, Mr Kabogo demanded that Joho must respect the president.

He noted that opposition governors had formed a habit of disrespecting the Presidency.

I want to send a message to these two people. Number one is (Mombasa) Governor, Ali Hassan Joho. Leave President Uhuru Kenyatta alone! I know where you live. And I am sending this stern message to you, Joho, leave his Excellency the President alone. Leave Uhuru Kenyatta alone. Respect the President, said Mr Kabogo.

Kabogo also fired shots at Turkana Govenor Josephat Nanok, who recently had a public spat with Uhuru Kenyatta.

My warning message goes to the other man (Mr Nanok). I do not know even how he looks like. He looks like [expletive]. You remember the other day he said his Excellency is called Muthamaki? Satan should be defeated. Satan should be defeated, said Kabogo.

He added that Uhuru is a King who was anointed by God.

This is our country and nobody can take it from us. He (Uhuru) is our king and he was anointed by God. You (Gatundu residents), what do you think about that matter? Lift your hands up to show whether you accept him (Uhuru) as your king, said Kabogo.
GREENBELT, Md.  Rejecting arguments from the government that President Donald Trumps revised travel ban was substantially different from the first one, judges in Hawaii and Maryland blocked the executive order from taking effect as scheduled on Thursday, using the presidents own words as evidence that the order discriminates against Muslims.

The rulings in Hawaii late Wednesday and in Maryland early Thursday were victories for civil liberties groups and advocates for immigrants and refugees, who argued that a temporary ban on travel from six predominantly Muslim countries violated the First Amendment.

The Trump administration argued that the ban was intended to protect the United States from terrorism.

In Greenbelt, Maryland, U.S. District Judge Theodore Chuang  who was appointed by then-president Barack Obama  called Trumps own statements about barring Muslims from entering the United States highly relevant.

The second executive order removed a preference for religious minorities from the affected countries, among other changes that the Justice Department argued would address the legal concerns surrounding the first ban, which was also blocked in court.

Despite these changes, the history of public statements continues to provide a convincing case that the purpose of the Second Executive Order remains the realization of the long-envisioned Muslim ban, Chuang said.

The initial ban sparked chaos at U.S. airports and widespread criticism around the world when it was signed in January. It was later blocked by a judge in Washington state, a ruling that was upheld by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

In Honolulu, U.S. District Judge Derrick Watson criticized what he called the illogic of the governments arguments and cited significant and unrebutted evidence of religious animus behind the travel ban.

He also noted that while courts should not examine the veiled psyche and secret motives of government decision-makers, the remarkable facts at issue here require no such impermissible inquiry.

Watson also wrote, referring to a statement Trump issued as a candidate, For instance, there is nothing veiled about this press release: Donald J. Trump is calling for a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States.

The White House and the Justice Department had no immediate comment on Thursday. The case was argued in court by acting U.S. Solicitor General Jeffrey Wall, who said the ban doesnt say anything about religion. It doesnt draw any religious distinctions.
Wielding a giant pair of scissors, organizers and supporters of a new wellness center at Silverado Middle School snipped a wide red ribbon, symbolically opening the new student resource.

Until now, students at only two local middle schools  Harvest and American Canyon  had access to on-campus wellness centers.

But thanks to centers opening this week at Silverado and Redwood Middle Schools, many more sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade students will be able to access such care.

On Wednesday, the Napa Valley Education Foundation and the Napa Valley Unified School District hosted the ribbon cutting and tour of the new center at Silverado Middle School. It will be followed by the same presentation on Thursday at Redwood Middle School.

Oh my gosh, its really nice, said Lisa Basford, the administrative assistant at the Silverado wellness center. Before the opening, the center was a group of conference rooms, a storage area and other offices. After a renovation, It has a whole new feel, she said.

Its sort of a dream realized to have a space dedicated to health and wellness, said Silverado Principal Jennifer Kohl. Silverado has an estimated 830 students, she said.

Those students now have a private, safe space to come for assistance, whether physical or mental.

Wellness Centers provide support to middle school students and their families, focusing on their health, well-being and academic success, said a news release from the NVUSD.

Each Wellness Center is staffed with a team composed of school counselors, a school social worker, a school psychologist and a school nurse, who help students and their families navigate complex issues such as stress, trauma, suicide, bullying, depression, self-esteem and relationships.

A Wellness Center is essentially two classrooms put together with added walls and doors to create private office spaces for counseling, nursing, as well as small and large conference rooms for group counseling, tutoring, clubs, and even restorative circles for supporting those who are conflict.

Its a wonderful, special thing we are trying to do, said Lourdes Caravantes, Silverado wellness center counselor.

Jim Diel, Napa County mental health clinical director, spoke briefly to the crowd at the ribbon cutting.

I appreciate the district taking the initiative to put these resources together in one place to get better outcomes for students. Theyve done a nice job with this.

Philip Hoevker of Hoevker Building and Design constructed the center at Silverado Middle School. It feels great to see it open, he said.

Hoevker said it took a team of about 12 people two months to complete the renovation. He wanted to add his own contribution. He created a handmade, engraved wooden Wellness Center sign that is on display in the reception area.

I love to give back however we can, he said.

Silverado seventh-grade student Jonathan Cazares said hes already visited the center. I had a headache, he said.

He gave it a thumbs-up. The fact that they turned an empty room into the wellness center  and something we can use every day  is amazing, he said.

Seventh-grader Carlos Rodriguez has also used the center when his foot was hurting earlier this week.

It smells good in there, like when you get new shoes, he said. And the bathrooms are so clean.

They dont just help you for injuries, added Cazares. They help you with a lot of stuff.

Jennifer Lewandowski of the Dry Creek Joint Elementary School district in Roseville attended the opening.

Weve been talking about student mental wellness at her district, she said. Students cant learn when theyre dealing with the effects of trauma, whether physical or mental.

Lewandowski and her colleagues traveled to Napa because we wanted to see what components they brought in, as well as the layout of the center.

Jeni Olsen of Village: Napa and Teens Connect, two Napa initiatives, said wellness centers can be a welcome refuge.

We see high levels of stress even in middle school students, said Olsen. A safe, secure place may be just what a student needs to take a break and reset his or her day.

In May 2015, the NVUSD received a federal counseling grant and was able to hire two full-time school social workers.

Their job was to help create collaborative teams called wellness teams of service providers who previously worked separately and often were spread into different corners of the school campus.

Many students were accessing services from an array of different providers and very little communication was happening among them, said Laura Mooiman, LCSW, of the NVUSD.

The district became interested in the wellness programs run in San Francisco Unified where physical health and mental health services were all delivered in a single location  a one-stop shop of sorts.

After visiting Mission High School and Everett Middle School in San Francisco, we were inspired to try to create something similar in Napa, Mooiman said.

The district began construction on the Wellness Centers at ACMS and Harvest in fall 2015 and opened them to students in March 2016.

The results were striking.

During the 2015-16 school year, wellness center staff at Harvest and ACMS screened 3,615 middle school students for mental and behavioral health concerns, statistics show.

In the first year, 330 students received mental health services through the Wellness Centers or partnering mental health organizations, said a news release.

A total of 95 percent of students at Harvest Middle School sought wellness center services.

Offering such care contributes to the reduction of student behavioral problems and emotional sources of stress while improving student health, well-being and academic success, said a news release.

The NVUSD has also been working with organizations such as Aldea and Mentis to bring more counseling support into schools.

There is no cost or fees for services in the middle school wellness centers. Paid for by a federal grant, NVUSD funding and community partners, services are free to students and available to all students who are referred and demonstrate need through our screening process.

The centers also include Spanish-speaking staff.
A Texas teenager who wanted to become a model was struck and killed by a train during a photo shoot.

Fredzania Thompson - or Zanie as she was known to family and friends - was a student at Blinn College, but she had a bigger dream.

"She wanted to model. She definitely had the talent, and the smile for it," Earl Chatman, her fiance told KBTX.

According to authorities, Thompson was having photos taken with the train tracks as her backdrop. She began moving away from a train coming down the tracks when she was struck by another train coming in the opposite direction, on another set of tracks.

Police say they are investigating the incident, as is "common practice for our agency."

"We do not speculate any foul play at this time," Justin Leeth, the police chief of Navasota Police Department told CNN.

On Monday, family and friends of Thompson gathered to celebrate what would have been her 20th birthday.

"Zanie always wanted to make sure everyone was okay. This is paying our tribute to her," Chatman said to KBTX.

A funeral for Thompson is planned for Saturday.

CNN attempted to reach out to Chatman for this story, but our request for comment was not returned.
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With hearings starting next Monday, the House Intelligence Committee will begin its inquiry into allegations of Russia's meddling into the 2016 election. Democrats, including Rep. Adam B. Schiff (California) - the committee's ranking member - as well as Reps. Jim Himes (Connecticut) and Jackie Speier (California) have predictably threatened to "walk away" from the table altogether if Republicans stonewall "legitimate lines of investigation."

But by their definition, the investigation can only be "legitimate" if it perpetuates innuendo, promotes baseless accusations and supports the disclosure of leaks to the liberal media. Otherwise, Democrats will declare a cover-up without having to present any real facts or credible evidence of wrongdoing.

Never mind that Republicans in Congress, much of the media, and even the Obama administration for a while did everything in their collective power to fully investigate the claims of Russia's interference in the election. Democrats just can't seem to accept that the evidence does not point to a crime or even hint at someone doing anything but what they were supposed to.

Their witch hunt is clearly a joke. So far, the only comical part is a retelling of the incident in which the FBI contacted the gang that couldn't shoot straight at the Democratic National Committee to inform them that they'd been hacked, only to be transferred to the general help desk. Yet, the geniuses at the DNC who did nothing at the time are some of the same people insisting there was malfeasance with the Russians and the Trump campaign.

I hope the committee calls the DNC officials to testify about why this was considered trivial at the time but is momentous now. The reason is that President Donald Trump beat them and they can't get over it. They have shrill leaders and no real plans, so they whine and gin up faux outrage that just turns voters off.

What began as Democrats deflecting attention away from their candidate's notorious "missing" emails quickly evolved into unsubstantiated, yet widely reported claims by the left that Russia somehow colluded with Trump at Hillary Clinton's expense. Sensing an opportunity to leverage the rage of the so-called "resistance," Democrats kicked the witch hunt into high gear.

Former national security adviser Michael Flynn even resigned from his position despite not having done anything remotely illegal. And now, Democrats are trying to demonize Attorney General Jeff Sessions for simply dismissing the notion that he was somehow in cahoots with Russian officials during the campaign.

The only "legitimate lines of investigation" they are interested in are those that happen to paint the president and his staff as literal agents of the Russian government. But nothing will come of these allegations. They are not true, and there is no evidence to suggest otherwise. The Democrats' only remaining option is to pivot and attempt a dramatic walkout. No one should act surprised. It's all so predictable.

It has been said that when you're winning and have the facts on your side, stress logic and simplicity. When you are losing, distort, distract and appeal to emotions. Well, the Democrats were issued a devastating loss in 2016 and things are only going to get worse as a result.

Without much recourse left, the Democrats are ratcheting up their efforts to discredit the election. They will pressure Republicans to support the formation of a costly, lengthy select kangaroo committee or independent investigation that, in the end, won't produce a thing. And if they don't, more leaks and baseless claims will follow.

The story isn't over, not by a long shot. But Republicans should not take the bait.

Ed Rogers is a contributor to the PostPartisan blog, a political consultant and a veteran of the Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush White Houses and several national campaigns. He is the chairman of the lobbying and communications firm BGR Group, which he founded with former Mississippi governor Haley Barbour in 1991. he wrote this for The Washington Post.
Congratulations to the students of Harvest Middle School at being honored as a winner of "Say Something," a national call to action that began after the mass shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.

Harvest was the only middle school winner selected and one of three top award recipients. The students are encouraged to be "upstanders rather than "bystanders" when an intervention is needed. The effort to prevent violence is a call for everyone to be aware of "at risk" troubled offenders and to intervene in various ways.

It can be as simple as writing a letter (such as Dan Monez did on March 8) to the Napa Valley Register about some gang graffiti that he saw on a fence near Snow School. Having had a long history as a police chief (1987-2004) he was very aware of how violence can escalate and when he noticed that the original graffiti had been crossed out and the rival's gang had tagged over it, he called Chief Potter who took immediate action. We're told that cross-outs are the ultimate in disrespect and that possible violence could be next.

By the following day, thanks to Chief Potter and the crew of the Department of Public Works, all of the graffiti had been removed and a bad situation averted.

There are as many ways as there are people, young and old, to keep an eye open and a helping hand (or telephone) ready to turn a negative experience into a positive one.

I don't remember the author but the expression, "the only way that evil exists is if good people do nothing" is something that is extremely pertinent and does make a difference.

One way a few of us in Napa try to remind people that we believe in non-violence, is to stand (or sit) at the four corners of Third Street and Soscol Avenue on the last Sunday of every other month. All are welcome to join us on Sunday, March 26, from 2-4 p.m. If desired, bring a chair, and a hat is a good thing, too.

"Wisdom is knowing what to do next, Skill is knowing how to do it. Virtue is doing it."

Teresa Cahill

Napa

Editor's note: This item has been amended from its original form to reflect that the event takes place on Sunday, March 26.
Opera Naples, one of Read more [...]
100 Years of Women of Excellence at Emory University, 1917-2017

Reception and Awards Dinner

Saturday, March 18

Cox Hall Ballroom, 6-9 p.m. The Center for Women and the Emory Alumni Association honor alumnae, current students, faculty and staff for their dedication to issues that affect women at Emory. Former Georgia Supreme Court Chief Justice Leah Ward Sears 80L, an Emory trustee, delivers the keynote address; President Claire E. Sterk offers remarks. Registration has closed. Educated=Empowered: 100 Years of Emory Women as Change-Makers

Wednesday, April 5

Woodruff Library, Jones Room 6:30-7:30 p.m. 100 Years of Women at Emory: Many Milestones of Progress

Stuart A. Rose Manuscript, Archives and Rare Book Library, 7:30 p.m. President Sterk offers remarks before a panel discussion focused on the ways higher education has empowered women, why womens history and voices matter, and what the future holds. Crystal Edmondson 05C, an Emory trustee and Atlanta Business Journal broadcast editor, moderates. Panelists include alumna Chandra Stephens-Albright, executive director of C5 Georgia Youth Foundation; Martha Fineman, Robert W. Woodruff Professor of Law; and Jalyn Radziminski, an Emory student leader and 1915 Scholar. Register here. Following the discussion, guests are invited to a reception in the Rose Library and a viewing of "100 Years of Women at Emory: Progress Marked by Many Milestones. The exhibit is on view in the Rose Library until April 21. Events set for later this year include an oral history project to be featured on the Center for Women at Emory website and a celebration marking the centers 25th anniversary, scheduled for Oct. 18.

When Eleonore Raoul arrived to enroll in Emory Universitys newly opened Lamar School of Law in 1917, she was not only challenging convention, she was quietly changing history.

A suffragist and community organizer from a prominent Atlanta family, 29-year-old Raoul was already a street-savvy social activist who had no problem taking a stand for a good cause.

She had studied at the University of Chicago, chaired the Fulton and DeKalb counties' chapter of the Equal Suffrage Party of Georgia, and served as a field organizer in New York and West Virginia, venturing up and down rutted mountain roads to urge the wives of coal miners to demand the right to vote.

A few years earlier, the plucky Southern debutante had even served as grand marshal of Georgias first suffrage parade, riding a white horse down Peachtree Street to lead hundreds of women in support of the 19th amendment  thought to be the first event of its kind in the American South.

Though clearly comfortable standing out in a crowd, Raoul didnt consider herself a courageous social reformer as much as a pragmatist who yearned to do something that seemed worthwhile. As she explained, It was the right thing to do, and so I did it.

In later interviews, Raoul recalled the day that she walked from her mothers home on Lullwater Road to Emorys fledgling law school  todays Carlos Hall  to talk with Emory trustee and acting Law School Dean William Danner Thomson about the possibility of admission.

It was a bold request. Historically, Emory was in the business of educating young men. And Chancellor Bishop Warren Candler had made no secret of the fact that he vigorously opposed coeducation.

As it happened, her inquiry coincided with Candlers absence from campus  a sly maneuver that was no accident.

Raoul described how her application had been expedited by a phone call from a friend, alerting her that, The bishop is away. Get out to Emory quickly and pay your fees, she recalled in a 1977 Emory Wheel interview.

The new law school had just opened its doors a year earlier, and in 1917 Raoul was permitted to join a modest entering class of three students  a number starkly depleted by World War I enlistments.

Once enrolled, she was allowed to stay. Raoul graduated in 1920  the same year that Congress ratified the 19th amendment granting women the right to vote. But her presence drew both scrutiny and consternation. The year after she applied for admission, the Emory Board of Trustees took quick steps to make sure it wouldnt happen again, making an official statement prohibiting women from entering the schools of law and medicine.

According to Candler: Young men and women working together in a dissecting room or hearing lectures together on anatomy and physiology would, in my judgment, create a most indelicate and injurious situation. And women lawyers would not promote justice in the courts.

Nevertheless, they persisted

Its been 100 years since Raoul was admitted to Emorys School of Law, and she is considered among the first female scholars to earn an academic degree from the university.

Through her challenge, Raoul had loosened a longstanding tradition, triggering decades of halting progress as the university joined private schools across the nation grappling with the question of educating women.

This year, the university celebrates the lives of the women at Emory who have trail-blazed, made an impact and broken barriers for the past 100 years with a series of special events, including a March 18 awards ceremony hosted by Emorys Center for Women and the Emory Alumni Association and an April 5 panel discussion in Woodruff Library.

The celebration also includes 100 Years of Women at Emory: Many Milestones of Progress, a new exhibit in the Stuart A. Rose Manuscript, Archives and Rare Book Library. Curated by University Archivist John Bence, the exhibit illustrates decades of hurdles and progress, fueled by advocacy, activism and sheer persistence.

The exhibit reflects a complex and sometimes jumbled history, filled with hesitant starts and stops, pioneering achievements and curious contradictions, acknowledges Bence.

It becomes complicated when you talk about the first woman to do anything at Emory, he explains. But this years celebration allows us to reflect fully on Emorys relationship with female students.

It wasnt always a smooth relationship, he says. But in the end, women simply found a way to study here  whether their presence was officially condoned, or not.

Consider Mary Mamie Haygood Ardis, the first woman known to have taken classes at Emorys original campus in Oxford, Georgia.

Records show the daughter of former Emory College President Atticus G. Haygood (1875-1884) was permitted to take classes alongside her male peers for three years, from 1884-1887, but then had to transfer to Wesleyan, an all-womens college in Macon, Georgia, for her final year of studies.

She would go on to marry a classmate from Emory, Julian Ardis, and was eventually counted as an Emory alumna, her name included in the universitys first-ever alumni directory in 1920, Bence notes.

For Emorys earliest female scholars, it undoubtedly helped to have a campus connection. But over the years, the doors to coeducation were also pried open by changing cultural views about women and work.

The attitude began to emerge that it was okay to train in a field that would help you get a job, but not to have the full experience of a liberal arts education, Bence says. Professional schools became a wedge in the door, letting in nurses, librarians, lawyers and eventually doctors.

As Emory began to absorb other area professional schools  notably, in nursing and library science  women in those programs were eventually folded into campus life.

Suddenly, you had women grandfathered in as Emory graduates whose degrees at the time werent from Emory  nurses and librarians who had connections to the university long before Eleonore Raoul, he says.

Women who found a way

Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, it wasnt uncommon to find women permitted to study at Emory under special circumstances.

Teachers seeking professional development during their summer break were allowed to enroll during the summer quarter  in fact, many earned degrees that way. Women were also accepted into graduate and professional schools in small numbers, Bence explains.

In 1922, Wesley Memorial Hospital, which had trained area nurses since 1905, moved to the Emory campus, bringing a new wave of female students. When they graduated, their degrees were initially from Emory University Hospital.

In 1944, the Nursing School became an official school within Emory University; two years later, nursing graduates were welcomed into the Emory Alumni Association, he notes. During World War II and afterward, Emory also saw a surge of women enrolling in the Division of Teacher Education as graduate students.

However, throughout the early half of the century, the idea of coeducation at Emory College was largely met with mixed feelings by administrators and trustees  fed in part by a reluctance to compete with Wesleyan and Agnes Scott colleges.

It was a struggle mirrored across American higher education. Many of the nations private and Ivy League schools wouldnt go coed until the 1960s and 1970s, according to Bence.

In the end, economics may have swayed the decision for Emory. Faced with declining enrollment during the Korean War, rising tuition costs and a growing outcry for coeducation, in 1953 Emory President Goodrich C. White finally told the Board of Trustees, I am convinced that this action is inevitable, and that the present is a good time to take the initial steps.

Ironically, by the time Emory trustees approved the regular admission of women into Emory College and the School of Business, it is estimated that some 200 bachelors degrees had already been awarded to women through Emory College.

Changing times shape admissions policies

If it all sounds a bit confusing, thats because it was.

In a 1953 interview, University Vice President J. Gordon Stipe  Emorys registrar from 1919 to 1938 and director of admissions from 1938 to 1948  acknowledged that the policy of admitting women had varied so widely from year to year that even he was uncertain what the current policy was at any given time.

For instance, at one time coeds were accepted only if they were preparing themselves to teach. At another time, the daughters of faculty members could attend the college a full four years. At other times, admission was allowed only after coeds had taken their first two years of college work elsewhere.

At one point, female students other than faculty daughters were admitted to the upper divisions of the college, but only if they lived with their parents or in the homes of nearby relatives. Some were accepted only if they were able to convince Emory President Harvey W. Cox, (1920-1942) that they were serious students.

Records show women were receiving masters degrees from the Emory Graduate School as early as 1920  a separate unit of the university, it had admitted women since its founding in 1919. And while it was never an outright policy of the School of Business Administration to accept female students, three had earned degrees in the mid 1930s, according to The Emory Alumnus.

Even after Emory trustees had attempted to clamp down on coeducation in the wake of Raouls admission, it was as if everyone moved forward ignoring that  women continue to enroll, said Gary Hauk, university historian and senior adviser to the president. I think there were probably examples of the unofficial enrollment of women even into the 1950s.

Full integration of the student body would take another decade, when Emory argued a legal case before the Georgia Supreme Court, successfully challenging a law that prohibited private institutions from racial integration with the threat of losing their tax-exempt status.

The Georgia Supreme Court ruled in Emorys favor. In fact, the universitys first African American graduates were women, Hauk notes.

One of the photographs in the Rose Library exhibit shows School of Nursing students Verdelle Bellamy 63N and Allie Saxon 63N marching in Emorys 1964 Commencement procession, having completed their programs the previous winter.

"100 Years of Women at Emory: Many Milestones of Progress" is on display in the Rose Library.

Pushing for progress

It was one thing to educate female students. But hiring women as educators would prove yet another hurdle.

And much like the quest for a fully coeducational student population, the practice of hiring female faculty happened gradually, with gains seen first in Emorys professional schools.

One of the earliest recorded hires was in 1929, when Evangeline Papageorge was employed as the first full-time female faculty member in the School of Medicine, where she taught biochemistry and clinical chemistry for 27 years, then served as its first dean of students for 19 years.

It wasnt just that Emory had problems integrating women, it was a struggle being seen across higher education, notes Martha Albertson Fineman, Robert W. Woodruff Professor of Law at the Emory School of Law, founding director of the Feminism and Legal Theory Project, and an authority on feminist jurisprudence.

In 1968, Lore Metzger would become the first woman hired as a full professor in Emory College, where she taught English and comparative literature. Three years later, Delores Aldridge would become the first African-American scholar to hold a tenure-track position in Emory College, going on to become the founding director of the Black Studies Program, now Emorys Department of African American Studies.

Metzger was also among four faculty members who called an open meeting of women interested in addressing issues of equity and justice for women at Emory. That gathering would lead to the formation of the Emory Womens Caucus, a pivotal force for campus change. Their foundational work would also lead to the development of the Womens Studies Program at Emory.

Carole Hahn, who came to Emory in 1973 as an assistant professor in educational studies, recalls that first open meeting. We had no idea who would come, she says. They wound up filling the room  women from Candler School of Theology, the School of Medicine, the College, from all over.

Their first agenda item? At the time, Emorys affirmative action policy did not mention women, recalls Hahn, Charles Howard Candler Professor of Educational Studies emeritus.

Breaking the final barrier

The work of the Emory Womens Caucus would be a game changer, challenging university policies  or the lack thereof  and leading to new practices in the hiring and treatment of faculty, tenure and promotion, sexual harassment, and the eventual creation of a Presidents Commission on Women.

In 1976, when Goodrich C. White Professor Peggy Barlett arrived to teach anthropology, she recalls that Emory still had the feel of a mens college. There were a few faculty members in various departments who were not sure it was a good idea to have coeducation, not to mention women in the classroom as faculty, she says. Scholarship and studies that had to do with gender were somewhat suspect.

The work of early female faculty members including Metzger and Dora Do Helen Skypek helped create an important support structure for the rest of us coming here and pioneering the intrusion of women into the university, which was a bit behind the times," she says.

The same cultural struggle was being reflected across the nation. It was a difficult time, Barlett notes. There were a lot of ways in which womens voices were not respected. At College faculty meetings, it was a rare event for women to stand up and speak. No untenured woman would dare it."

Women faculty tended to be revolving door appointments  those who stayed were often the sole female voices in their departments. There were almost no female administrators, no monitoring of pay inequities, and discrimination could even be felt in the classroom. Barlett recalls a top administrator telling her about a male student who had complained about his mathematics class: I want a professor, not a woman.

Today, I dont feel that among my students at all, Barlett says. This gives me clear evidence that we can change as a culture and adapt. I think there are subtle kinds of discrimination that still happen, but in our daily lives, weve seen huge change.

As of fall 2016, women constituted 42.4 percent of regular full-time faculty and more than half of the student body. Not only can Emory students take classes dedicated to Womens, Gender and Sexuality Studies, the campus community finds an array of support and resources in the Emory Center for Women, now marking its 25th anniversary.

Last summer, the universitys administrative glass ceiling was finally shattered when the Board of Trustees appointed acclaimed public health researcher Claire E. Sterk as Emorys 20th president.

Reflecting on the progress of women at Emory, Martha Fineman notes that when she arrived on campus in 2004, one of the reasons I was brought here was specifically because of my work in feminist and legal theory."

And considering the demographic balance of students at Emory School of Law, where about half of todays legal scholars are now women, that says something, she observes.

Somehow, she imagines, Eleonore Raoul would approve.
"Be a Warrior" is the slogan for this years Social Justice Week with a variety of events and activities planned for Sunday, March 19, through Friday, March 24.

Our goal for the week is visibility and engagement  through our art pieces that will be prominent around campus, multiple events throughout each day, and looping in groups who already carry following and clout among students, says Sania Chandrani, who is organizing the week with fellow student Arooj Khalid as the two vice-presidents of programming for Emory College Council.

There are so many facets of social justice that our primary focus was to figure out how to highlight a slate of social justice themes while attempting to provide more than surface-level insight into each one, says Chandrani, a Goizueta Business School student.

This years "State of Race" speaker will be actress and comedian Sasheer Zamata, a cast member on Saturday Night Live, who also serves as an ambassador for the American Civil Liberties Union. She speaks Friday at 7 p.m. in the WHSCAB Auditorium.

By bringing in Sasheer, we're hoping to engage not only people who are already invested in social and racial justice, but also those who might not organically go to a talk titled State of Race, she notes.

Over the course of the week we're delving into religious diversity, activism through art, celebrating different sexualities and gender identities, mental health, sexual assault prevention and advocacy, activism through government lobbying, and racial justice," she says.

"I know there must be some things missing from this list, but we've tried our best to create a broad scope for the week, something we hope will engage our peers and empower them to do similar work to educate and lead their peers, Chandrani explains.

Social Justice Week events include the following:

Sunday, March 19, through Wednesday, March 22

Mural painting, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Asbury Circle

Monday, March 20, through Wednesday, March 22

Social justice experiential exhibits, Dobbs University Center, Coca-Cola Commons

Monday, March 20

Ice cream and special surprise event, 1-2 p.m., Asbury Circle

Activism panel, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Cox Hall Ballroom

Tuesday, March 21

Rathskeller performance and Condom Casino, 4-6 p.m., Asbury Circle

Art + Feminism Wikipedia Edit-A-Thon in partnership with Woodruff Library, 6-8:30 p.m., Jones Room in Woodruff Library

Wednesday, March 22

Wonderful Wednesday photo booth and letter-writing, 12-2 p.m., Asbury Circle

SAPA (Sexual Assault Peer Advocates) training, 7 and 8 p.m., White Hall

HIV/AIDS in ATL, 6-7:30 p.m., Claudia Nance Rollins Building, Room 1000

Thursday, March 23

Interfaith Prayer Service, 6 p.m., First Year Quad

BBQ dinner with kosher and halal options, 6:30 p.m., First Year Quad

Screen on the Green: "Denial," 7 p.m., First Year Quad

Friday, March 24
"Tibetan Culture in the 21st Century" is the theme of this year's Tibet Week, which begins Monday, March 20, and wraps up on Saturday, March 25, with daily events including discussions, meditation and the traditional mandala sand painting.

The Opening Ceremony begins at noon Monday in the Michael C. Carlos Museum's Ackerman Hall, led by Geshe Lobsang Tenzin and the monks of the Drepung Loseling Monastery in Atlanta.

Also that day, the live exhibition of mandala sand painting, a tradition of Tibet Week, will commence. This year, the monks will construct a mandala of the White Tara, a female Buddha representing enlightened wisdom, carefully placing colorful grains of sand into an intricate design. The sand painting continues daily through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The following day, Saturday, March 25, families can try their skills at Tibetan sand painting. Adults and children can use Tibetan cha-purs and colored sand to create a sand painting. This event is free for Carlos Museum members; $10 for non-member adults; $8 for children and free for children 5 and under. Registration is required.

Another tradition of Tibet Week  guided compassion meditation  will be held Monday through Friday at 5 p.m. in Ackerman Hall, except for the March 23 session, which takes place in Cannon Chapel, room 106.

Daily discussions highlight current issues

Each day of Tibet Week will feature a talk or panel discussion on the political, cultural, educational or religious aspects of Tibet. All events are free and take place in the museum's Ackerman Hall unless otherwise noted.

The first talk, entitled In Search of Home: Tibetan Migration in the Diaspora, will be Monday at 7:30 p.m. Tibetan lawyer and Emory School of Law graduate Tsering Choeden and Bruce Knauft, Samuel Candler Dobbs Professor of Anthropology, will discuss the effects of the Tibetan diaspora. Jim Wynn, project coordinator for the Emory Tibet Partnership, will moderate and a question-and-answer session will follow.

On Tuesday, March 21, at 6:30 p.m., Ellen Gough, assistant professor in Emory Colleges Department of Religion, will give a gallery talk in the South Asia galleries about the four different images of Buddha in the museums collection.

At 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Tibet in the 21st Century: The Middle Way will be the topic of a talk by Penpa Tsering, representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to North America and former Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament. He will talk about current political policy and opportunities and challenges surrounding the future of Tibet.

A panel discussion entitled Education of Heart and Mind: The Dalai Lamas Vision for Education in the 21st Century will be Wednesday, March 22, at 7:30 p.m. Lobsang Tenzin Negi, professor of practice in the Department of Religion, will moderate the discussion. Panelists are Geshe Lhakdor, director of the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives; Barbara Dunbar, developmental psychologist; and Chuck Raison, Shannon Chair for Healthy Minds, Children and Families at the University of Wisconsin.

Women Luminaries of Tibet will be the topic of a talk on Thursday, March 23, at 7:30 p.m. Tsepak Rigzin, lecturer in Emory Colleges Middle Eastern and South Asian Studies department, will discuss influential spiritual and political women leaders of Tibet and their legacy. Geshe ma Namdol Phuntsok, one of the first 20 Tibetan nuns to complete the geshe degree in Buddhist philosophy, will also share her historic journey. Tsetan Dolkar, program coordinator with the Emory Tibet Partnership, will moderate.

Prior to this talk, at 4 p.m., Tara Doyle, senior lecturer in Emory Colleges Department of Religion and director the Tibetan Study Program, will discuss a 15th century image of the goddess Lhamo, protector deity of Tibet. Doyles talk is part of the museum's AntiquiTEA series, which features talks by museum curators and Emory faculty and graduate students discussing works of art in the museums collections and exhibitions.

The final talk of the week will take place at the Closing Ceremony on Saturday, March 25, beginning at 2 p.m. Geshe Lobsang Tenzin will discuss the role and meaning of female Buddhas in the Significance of Female Buddhas in Tibetan Buddhism.

Tenzins talk will be followed by the closing ceremonies and traditional dismantling of the White Tara sand mandala by the monks of the Deprung Loseling Monastery.
SAN FRANSICO: In yet another disturbing news for online privacy advocates, a media report has claimed that Google's mobile messaging app Allo can reveal your search history to friends and those you message.

Allo lets users include Google Assistant in conversations. Google recently announced plans to make Assistant available on Android phones.

According to a Re/code report late on Tuesday, Allo "has been found to be capable of "sharing users' past Google searches with contacts, without being prompted to".

Described as a technical glitch, the report claimed that this Allo's behaviour could have big privacy implications.

The discovery was made by Re/code's Tess Townsend who was using Allo to chat to a friend.

"In the middle of our conversation, my friend directed Assistant to identify itself. Instead of offering a name or a pithy retort, it responded with a link from Harry Potter fan website Pottermore. The link led to an extract from Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, the fifth book in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series," he wrote.

"But the response was not merely a non sequitur. It was a result related to previous searches my friend said he had done a few days earlier, Townsend further wrote.

"It didn't come from any of my search history, since I had not viewed any Harry Potter-related websites in the days before our conversation. We also did not mention Harry Potter in our text exchange until Assistant brought it up," the report added.

In a response, Google said: "We were notified about the Assistant in group chats not working as intended. We've fixed the issue and appreciate the report."

Allo has recently been criticised by privacy advocates because it does not use end-to-end encryption by default as WhatsApp does.

According to a report in The Independent, Google Assistant is supposed to request permission from a user before sharing personal information in an Allo chat, but the privacy feature doesn't appear to always work.

Whistleblower Edward Snowden had issued a warning about Allo after its launch.

"What is #Allo?" he tweeted. "A Google app that records every message you ever send and makes it available to police upon request."

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Records in the Archives: An Afternoon of Sound set at library

by Pete Rosenbery

CARBONDALE, Ill.  A screening of the first stereo sound film, a record-cutting demonstration and musical performance are among the highlights of an event at Southern Illinois University Carbondales Morris Library next week.

Records in the Archives: An Afternoon of Sound, is from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., March 24, in the librarys John C. Guyon Auditorium. The event is free and open to the public.

Kelly Caringer, a doctoral student in mass communications, will present a lecture, along with a screening of the 1932 film, Move the Orchestra. There will also be a special 78 rpm record-cutting demonstration featuring musical guest, Mantar Matinee, a band comprised of SIU Carbondale international students.

The recording that will be produced will be given to the Southern Illinois Music Archives, Jay Needham, a professor in the Department of Radio, Television, and Digital Media, and interim director of the Global Media Research Center (GMRC), said.

Matt Gorzalski, university archivist, will discuss the importance of historic sound preservation and mention examples in the librarys Special Collections Research Center.

Sound recordings, in companion with print, photographic, and moving image materials, contribute to a more complete historic record of societies, cultures, and events, Gorzalski said. Sometimes information may only exist in recorded sound, such as recollections and experiences documented in an oral history interview. Sometimes recorded sound provide insights that cannot be captured in print such as voice fluctuations or regional dialects in oral histories; or traditional folk music, where you can hear how a song has been performed and interpreted historically that might not be as evident in the sheet music alone.

In this case of Move the Orchestra, there is technological significance in that it was the first film with a stereo soundtrack. Recoding technologies and the audio quality they produce is of interest to audiophiles as well, Gorzalski said.

The GMRC and Morris Librarys Special Collections Research Center are hosting the event.
The US-India Business Council (USIBC) in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs, and Invest India convened policymakers, global experts, industry leaders, and relevant stakeholders on March 14, 2017 in New Delhi for a conference entitled, "The 2nd Annual Conference on Innovation Driven Expansion of Healthcare Access in India". "India has proven to be a leader in the global life sciences space," said Dr. Mukesh Aghi, President of USIBC. "If the barriers to increasing R&D and innovation are removed, India has the potential to rank up even higher in the areas of IPR, disease prevention, and drug and medical device manufacturing." Experts such as Frank Lichtenberg from Columbia University and Professor Ramanan Laxminarayan from Princeton University presented their findings at this event, which aimed to provide a substantive framework for a candid and constructive interaction between policy makers, industry leaders, global experts and other stakeholders. "Access begins with the awareness of need, ability to obtain medical advice, a prescription and finally medicines required for treatment. Therefore, innovation to enhance access is not just about innovative products or pricing but also innovative ways to strengthen each step of this access chain. This also includes innovative approach to making policies that can improve access. On pricing of medicines, I believe that it is time for us to evolve from the rudimentary 'one price for all' concepts of price controls to more sophisticated differential pricing and targeted benefits model," said S. Sridhar, Country Manager, Pfizer India. Other prominent speakers such as Amitabh Kant, CEO, Niti Aayog, C.K. Mishra, Secretary of Health, and Rajiv Aggarwal, Joint Secretary, DIPP spoke about the importance of India's potential and status as a major healthcare power. India is a global leader in the life sciences sector, and opportunity abounds for India to move up the value chain and become the global destination for research, drug, and medical device development. The conference examined various facets of the India's healthcare system. This includes areas ranging from intellectual property, to using Public Private Partnerships to reduce cost and expand access, challenges with immunization and promoting innovation in healthcare. (ANI)
US President Donald Trump slammed rapper Snoop Dogg over the use of a gun against a Trump look-alike in his new music video, media reports said. In the music video for the song "Lavender", Snoop points a prop gun loaded with confetti at a clown-faced man dressed up to resemble the president, ABC news reported. "Can you imagine what the outcry would be if SnoopDogg, failing career and all, had aimed and fired the gun at President Obama? Jail time!" Trump tweeted on Wednesday morning. The full video features a take on the world today with everyone from the police to normal residents wearing clown paint on their faces. It also shows satire re-enactments of police shooting civilians with other prop guns firing confetti, not bullets. Toward the end of the video, Snoop holds a gun up to the caricature of Trump's head and pulls the trigger, only to have a "bang" flag come out of the pistol. Florida Senator Marco Rubio voiced his concern, telling TMZ that presidents "have been assassinated before in this country, so anything like that, you have to be very careful about". Trump's personal attorney Michael Cohen, said on Tuesday that the video is "disgraceful" and that the rapper should apologize to the President, Efe news reported. "There's absolutely nothing funny about an assassination attempt on a president, and I'm really shocked at him, because I thought he was better than that," Cohen said. In recent months, Trump several times has created controversy by firing off vindictive Twitter salvoes at key cultural icons, including Meryl Streep, Arnold Schwarzeneggar and the hit musical "Hamilton." --IANS vgu/ ( 280 Words) 2017-03-16-05:44:07 (IANS)
Slamming Manohar Parrikar for taking charge as the Chief Minister of Goa, the Congress on Thursday stated that the swearing-in ceremony was a scam and maintained that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has used unfair means and practices. "This swearing-in ceremony of Manohar Parrikar as the Chief Minister of Goa is a big scam and BJP has resorted to unfair means. Throughout Goa people are protesting as to why the saffron party did such a low act to come to power, and why is the media not showing all this?" Congress leader Om Prakash Mishra told ANI. Mishra further condemned the BJP for using their money power and called the swearing-in as a scripted play. "People of Goa are against the BJP; even after losing in the state they still won over only because of money power and by using the resources of the central government all in the wrong way just to make Manohar Parrikar the CM. This party will not last, as they are totally scripted and show dishonesty in politics," said Congress leader. On March 15, Manohar Parrikar took charge as the Goa Chief Minister. Parrikar has been the Chief Minister twice before and has also been credited with strengthening the BJP in the coastal state. The BJP, which won 13 seats in the 40-member Goa Assembly, managed to garner support from other parties and Independents to attain majority under Parrikar. Meanwhile, the BJP)-led government in Goa, headed by Parrikar, will face the crucial floor test today, as a special Assembly session has been convened for the purpose. (ANI)
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday lashed out at Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav for encouraging ministers like Gayatri Prajapati in Uttar Pradesh, saying that the saffron party, which is now in power in the state, will not spare goons masquerading around as politicians. "If BJP would have ruled earlier, Uttar Pradesh would have been a better state to live in, but better late than never. After Gayatri Prajapati getting arrested it's time for many more leaders like him to get arrested as well, because Akhilesh Yadav encouraged all heinous crimes happily," BJP leader Sangeet Som told ANI. Som further came down heavily on Akhilesh saying that he had tied the hands of the Uttar Pradesh police for the past five years. "All this while, Akhilesh was covering up on all his crimes but not anymore. Now we will show how active Uttar Pradesh police can get, which they were not in the last five years. It is also unfortunate that even the Congress has not said anything demanding his sacking, as they are ally of Samajwadi Party," said Som. Former Uttar Pradesh Minister and Samajwadi party leader Gayatri Prasad Prajapati, an accused in a gang rape case, was arrested from his residence in Lucknow yesterday. Prajapati, who was absconding, was arrested and sent to Alambagh police station for interrogation. He was produced before a court, which sent him to a 14-day judicial custody. Based on a Supreme Court directive, an FIR was lodged against the minister and six others last month for allegedly gang-raping a woman and attempting to rape her daughter. (ANI)
Bhagat was arrested in connection with the murder of the woman, who was found dead in the fields of Deobagh beach in Goa's Canacona.

The body of the 28-year-old woman was found on Tuesday morning by the police.

The case is being investigated as that of rape and murder. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who today attended the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) parliamentary meeting here in the wake of the party's splendid show in the recent assembly polls, said that the country's youth should be made the ambassadors of government's good work. This was conveyed by Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Anant Kumar after the meeting. "This huge victory reflects the support of the public, who have faith in us. The youth are an essential part of the country and, therefore, should be made ambassadors of good work of the government," Kumar quoted the Prime Minister as saying. He further said that mobile phones have become an important part of a youngster's life. "Through this technology, they get to know about each and every programmes implemented by our party and its contribution in the development section," said Kumar. "In the guidance of Prime Minister Modi and party chief Amit Shah, all the party workers have worked hard and led to the victory. We thank them and wish that they will continue to perform in the similar manner for the development of the society," he added. The Union Minister also showered praise on BJP president Amit Shah and said the latter during his address said this victory was gained against cast discrimination and corruption under the Prime Minister's supervision. Highlighting Prime Minister Modi's emphasis on "performance", "reform" and "transformation", he further said that the BJP has set an example of administration and development in the past three years. "The implementation of various programmes to help the rural sector of the society played a crucial role in this victory. Prime Minister Modi in the meeting thanked each and every member of the party and especially the public," Kumar asserted. "Prime Minister Modi has urged the party workers to keep on working towards the success of the nation and work hard to improve the condition of the country," he emphasized. Meanwhile, the BJP president asked the party workers to get ready for the 2019 elections, which will be more crucial. Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on his part said that the public has supported the demonetisation move with immense humbleness. Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda while expressing his joy over the victory said the party has been celebrating the win since the last five days. The meeting was reportedly held to decide the probable names for the chief ministerial candidate of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, where the saffron party won with a comfortable majority. (ANI)
Police registered as many as five suo-moto separate FIR with west Agartala police station against some persons for involvement in incidents of violence between Trinamool congress and BJP supporters on March 13 last. According to report, police served show cause notices to FIR named accused persons and asking them to physically appear in the police station to explain their conduct on the day of trouble and face interrogation from competent officers. The Superintendent of Police (West) Abhijit Saptarshi has been entrusted supervising officer of the investigations. Meantime, District Magistrate of West Tripura Dr Milind Ramteke has conducted an investigation and filed a detailed report to the Chief Minister Manik Sarkar. Meanwhile, both Trinamool Congress and BJP separately accused ruling CPI(M) of indulging the incident by instructing police to be inactive and allowed both the group to engage in scuffle. Top leader of the parties alleged that the youngsters of both the parties were trapped in CPI(M) conspiracy. Trinamool Congress leaders stated that newly inducted congress turn Trinamool leader to BJP Surajit Datta was insisted by CPI(M) to engage in flight taking advantage of his enmity with the family of Trinamool Congress MLA Sudip Roy Barman. According to police report, two unknown persons entered into a club, which president is Sudip's elder brother Sandeep Roybarman during celebration of Holi party. Reportedly, they had abused two members of the club and Sandeep intervene and slapped them. Trinamool Congress leaders alleged that the matter of individual dispute in a club has been taken away by BJP with the instigation of CPI(M) and hundreds of BJP supporters went to police station raising slogan blaming Trinamool of resorting assault on one of their leader Jayanta Dey who was absent in the spot. To counter, Trinamool Congress workers also assembled in an hour and moved to police station seeking justice of false allegations. Despite knowing the fact that angry BJP workers were demonstrating in front of police station, police allowed Trinamool team to proceed and face each others, Trinamool Congress president Ashis Kumar Saha alleged. Senior leaders of the both the parties were misguided by the workers that led to an unfortunate incident where 25 people including BJP vice president Subal Bhowmik, TMC leader Panna Deb and Vicky Prasad, policemen and journalists were injured in the clash, which was later established that a conspiracy of ruling party to create difference between two oppositions. "Police must not allow TMC workers to proceed as long as BJP workers were there but they did opposite. Even then when both the groups confronted for almost two hours, police was inactive and vindictive to TMC and mounted up the tension. However, intervention of our senior leaders the situation came under control. Now to cover up the failure and CPI(M)'s conspiracy police registered suo moto cases to harass workers of both the party," Mr Saha said. Meanwhile, BJP leaders alleged that TMC was not involved in assaulting their leaders rather Sandeep Roybarman is the main accused of the incident. He did it under the instruction of CPI(M) and BJP went to police station seeking justice against Sandeep Roybarman who has been accused of several similar types of crimes. But TMC got involved in between and pelted stones on BJP workers in front of police for two hours. However, CPI(M) denied their involvement in the incident and said both BJP and TMC are both side of a same coin who always involved in criminal activities and terrorising the peaceful environment of the state. The CPI(M) has held protest rally last evening in the city urging people to defy both the oppositions.UNI BB BM -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0214-1190406.Xml
Chief Minister N Biren Singh today convened a meeting of Cabinet ministers and elected MLAs and after detailed discussion it was decided unanimously to request appeal to lift the economic blockade immediately and to make all out efforts to effect the decision. The blockade was imposed by the United Naga Council on November 1 last year after a day of total shutdown hence the highway has been blocked since Oct 31. The UNC earlier announced its decision to support the Naga People's Front (NPF) and the NPF is supporting the government. A NPF MLA has also been made a Cabinet ministers in the N Biren singh led BJP government. The blockade has already reached the 138th day today. Mr Biren immediately after taking oath had addressed a huge reception at the BJP office and stated that his first priority will be to make the highway free from the blockade. The chief minister said whatever be the issue we all can sit together and discuss. He said innocent people are suffering due to the blockade. Cabinet meetings will be held on rotation basis in the district headquarters of the hill districts to bring about an equitable development throughout the state. he said. The chief minister also assured to bring a corruption free administration in the state. He further appealed to the people to stop imposing blockades and bandhs as a form of protest. Mr Biren assured that the CM office will always remain open for any discussion and talks.UNI NS BM -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0214-1190410.Xml
A woman was critically injured when her neighbour threw acid on her under Town police station area in this district last night. Police said here that the woman, a resident of Muslim Road locality was attacked with acid by her neighbour when she had gone to collect clothes which were hanging on the roof of her house for drying. The victim woman used to resist advances of her neighbour, Bechu who threw acid on her apparently in an inebriated condition. The woman, who sustained critical burn injuries in the attack, had been rushed to Patna Medical College and Hospital after her preliminary treatment at Nawada Sadar Hospital. Bechu, an auto rickshaw driver made good his escape after committing the crime. UNI XC DH BM -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0214-1190417.Xml
Unidentified criminals killed a couple by slitting their throats due to property dispute at Vinjha village under Chakai police station area in this district early this morning. Police said here that outlaws killed Bipin Kumar (35) and his wife Kiran Devi (26) by slitting their throats when there were sleeping outside their house. Bodies have been sent to Jamui Sadar Hospital for autopsy. A massive manhunt is on to nab criminals.UNI XC DH BM -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0214-1190487.Xml
Members cutting across partylines in the Lok Sabha today made a strong plea for subsidising the agricultural input in place of direct cash subsidies and increasing the MSP to save the agricultural sector and the farmer from devastation. Taking part in the resumed discussion on demands for grants for the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, several members, while pointing to the high number of farmer suicides, also demanded total waiver of loans of farmers hit by drought and other natural calamities. They also wanted to know what happened to the Report of the Swaminathan Commission that has recommended far reaching steps to boost the agriculture sector and improve the lot of the farmer. Konda Vishweshwar Reddy of TRS, who resumed the discussion underlined the need to change the whole crop insurance policy, and expressed concern that the agricultural credit was not going to farmers. He said there was a need to look at future market and bring in new systems to ensure that the agriculture sector becomes profitable for the farmer. CPI-M Member from Tripura Jitendra Choudhary criticised the nion Budget for what it called absence of any provision in it for full compensation to farmers in the event of crop loss due to drought and other natural calamities. On the other hand, the government was generous in waiving loans of big corporates. He pointed out that as many as 4,200 distressed farmers ended their life and also 40, 000 children died due to malnutrition in Maharashtra last year. He urged the government to procure wheat this season on a war-footing. Mr Chaudhary also questioned the way money was being spent on MGNREGA, pointing out that Rs 14,000 crore was lying unpaid to farmers who worked under the scheme. Mr M Rajamohan Reddy of the YSRCP sought to draw attention to the droughts and cyclones for the two consecutive years in his state Andhra Pradesh, and said the farmers did not get any subsidised agriculture input and insurance. However, the government was in a state of constant denial, he said. The member also called for increasing the MSP of wheat, and waiver of all farmers' debt in his state. Mr Reddy pointed out that MSP should be fixed at cost plus 50 per cent, which was recommended by the Swaminathan Commission.More UNI NAZ RSA/AE 1427 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0091-1190603.Xml
Mr Srihari, during question hour said, the state has 404 Junior colleges with student strength of 1.73 lakh. With the government initiatives, the student strength was increased from 1.20 lakh to 1.73 lakh and targetted to reach two lakh in the next academic year.

Besides providing free books to the poor student in Jr Colleges, the government also extending free education without collecting any fee from the student.UNI VV CS 1454

-- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0275-1190653.Xml
The Left wing extremists have abducted three persons from Karlapatna area under Thumal Rampur Police station of Kalahandi district. Kalahandi District Superintendent of Police Brijesh Kumar Ray said around 10-12 Maoists came to the village midnight last night and kidnapped the villagers. The Maoists have also set fire to the bike of a Special Police Officer, Mr Ray said. The SP identified the abducted villagers as Hari Pradhani, Banamali Nayak and Sudarshan Naik. He said combing operation in the area is on to nab the Maoists and rescue the abducted villagers. Mr Ray said the Maoists abducted the villagers out of frustration and to terrorise the villagers and create an atmosphere of fear in the area.UNI BD DP AD1602 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0108-1190787.Xml
The Left Front government in Tripura today reaffirmed that remaining as many as 154 fenced out families affected due to the construction of wire fencing along India-Bangladesh border in Tripura would be rehabilitated soon, Revenue minister Badal Choudhury said in the assembly. He stated that due to wire fencing, altogether 8,730 families were affected as their houses, homestead, farm land and various other properties have been either encroached or have been relocated. Out of them 8,576 families have already been rehabilitated and remaining are being given permanent settlement. Mr Choudhury said the government has so far completed fencing of 773 km out of the state's 856 km border along Bangladesh and added, houses, homestead, farm land and various others properties of a large number of families have fallen on the outer side of the fence, resulting in numerous problems, including uncertainty and insecurity. Except a small patch in eastern hilly parts and a few stretches in West Tripura fencing work has already been completed but due to difficult terrain and permanent social infrastructure at zero line along the border, fencing is not yet completed, he said. "The government is concerned for safety and security of all Indian citizens. However, the process of rehabilitation has got delayed because of inadequate financial support from the Centre on time. Otherwise, we could have rehabilitated each of the family long back. Nevertheless, the process is on and to be completed as early as possible," Mr Choudhury added.UNI BB AD1628 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0108-1190827.Xml
Various people including students organisation, activists of Viduthalai Chiruthai Katchi (VCK) and Thanthai Periyar Dravida Kazhagam (TPDK) paid homage to the body of Muthukrishnan. District administration officials after paying homage presented a cheque of Rs 3 lakh from the government, according to family members.

Tension prevailed for an hour, when Union Minister Pon Radhakrishnan paid homage to the body asthe VCK and TPDK activists protested against the Minister by shouting slogans.

Makkal Munnani(MM) party state organizer Solomon (31) hurled a chappal towards the Union Minister,when he was addressing the press after paying homage. Solomon was immediately arrested by the police.

Earlier, the body was taken to the burial ground in a procession amid tight security.

It may be recalled that the Dalit Reseach Scholar, at JNU's Centre for Historical Studies, had hanged himself from a ceiling fan at his friend's residence in South Delhi's Munirka area.UNI KS CS 1625

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Against the backdrop of reports that Pakistan is all set to make Gilgit, Baltistan its province, Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Dr Nirmal Singh today said that both the regions and Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK) are and will remain integral parts of India.Terming the step as unconstitutional, Dr Singh said, "It is also against the spirit of Shimla agreement.""Pakistan had agreed to decide all Indo-Pak issues bilaterally, specially with regard to J&K, but they are violating the norms."There exists 1984 Resolution passed in Indian Parliament that Gilgit, Baltistan and PoK are part of India and that the only outstanding issue with Pakistan," Dr Singh added.He said on one hand, Pakistan is trying at international fora to resolve the issue, but on the other hand, it is pushing the terrorists and creating violence in Jammu and Kashmir."It will not resolve the crisis, but will further hamper the Indo-Pak relations," the Deputy Chief MInister warned.On Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti pitching for revocation of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, Dr Singh said, "Consideration can be given to the areas having peace and calm."AFSPA withdrawal can be thought, only if peace prevails, he added.UNI VBH SHS RJ 1618 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0329-1190796.Xml
Himachal Pradesh Health Minister Kaul Singh Thakur today said the state government would set up first Medical University in Mandi district. The State Cabinet took this decision unanimously to establish this facility at ESIC Medical College at Ner Chowk, which already has a fully furnished Rs 850-crore worth building there, he added.Mr Thakur alleged that speech delivered by the BJP local MLA Suresh Bhardwaj on the Budget discussion stink partisan and regionalism as the decision to set up Medical University was rational and the Cabinet decided om it after long deliberation. "There are four Parliamentary segments in the state and each had one or more than one university, national and state education institution or recruitment board baring Mandi did not have a single university or institution," Mr Thakur said.Minister said that Shimla is state capital of Himachal Pradesh and there is no question to shift the capital from here. He said that Dharmshala is already declared and functioning as winter capital never given special preference.Mr Thakur said that Indra Gandhi Medical College Hospital never discriminate by the present government and Level-one Rs 56 Cr Trauma Centre being set up in IGMC as the two flour of new complex would be dedicated for the centre. He said that a central team visited IGMC recently and gave the report that it could not house a Rs 100 crore Super Speciality center, for which the state had shortlisted 150 bigha land at Malana in the outskirts of the town. Earlier, targeting the Congress government to undermine his Assembly segment, Mr Bhardwaj said that Shimla has remained the capital of India, Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka and it has been the capital of Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Haryana. He said a number of departments were being shifted to Dharamshala, however, some of the Ministers had stated publicly that they did not inform the Cabinet to declare Dharamsala as second Capital. The government did not deliver the Agenda of meeting to the Cabinet Ministers and took this decision arbitrarily. Mr Bhardwaj also cordoned the treasury benches, when he said that IGMC was the first contender for the Medical University. Moreover, specialist doctors are being shifted to the Medical College Nahan. He also pointed out that two story parking was build up during the BJP rule in 2003 at Yodha Niwas in Shimla. The parking lot could not be developed further as it need felling of two green tree in the parking objected by the Cong. He questioned that why same trees were now felled to further expend the parking. He also pointed out that trees were felled at Taradevi forest however, no action has been taken. He also pointed out that Government taken partisan approach after shortlisting Dharmshala in Smart Citi Project.He said that government did not compete townships properly before shortlisting it for the national project. BJP member alleged that on behalf of Chief Minister centre government after giving 95 marks to the Dharmshala ignoring Shimla. He said that during the Snowfall on Jan 6 and 7 this year people of town remained without power, electricity and water. He alleged that chairman of State Disaster Management Board Mr. Rajinder Rana did not visit town and keep on giving statement on demonetisation from Jalandhar of Punjab. The town remained in dark on broad day light for more than two weeks however Chief Minister went on Kangra touri and Deputy Commissioner was also out of town. UNI ML SHS RJ 1658 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0329-1190850.Xml
Bihar police today arrested a terrorist, planning a train blast like Kanpur on the Lucknow-Sultanpur railway track. Police said after this information, the Uttar Pradesh Anti-terrorist Squad has arrested one of his aides.Police sources said here that Begusarai police has arrested Shivam Soni (22) and recovered maps of rail track and other suspicious things. During interrogation, he disclosed the names of his aides, belonging to UP.Sources said that after getting information by Bihar police, UP ATS nabbed a person from Varanasi district and was searching for others.UNI XC-JDM MB SHS RJ 1751 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0329-1191002.Xml
The Opposition in the Rajya Sabha today raised its concern over the fees being levied on customers for digital transactions. Raising the issue during Zero Hour, Naresh Agrawal of the Samajwadi Party said the banks were charging fee for digital transactions. He said after demonetisation, the customers were promised that no fees would be charged by petrol pumps on buying petrol through debut cards. However, he said despite the assurance, the petrol pumps were levying these charges. Mr Agrawal said charges being levied for banking transactions would adversely impact the consumers. He also raised the issue of the banks charging the customers on more than four withdrawals. The SP Member said despite the advise by the government, the banks had not withdrawn these charges. Mr Agrawal also charged that operators like Paytm were being favoured by the government for digital transactions. ''In 2010, the total business of Paytm was Rs 3 billion. This is projected to increase in 2017 to Rs 5 billion,'' he said. Sitaram Yechury of the CPI-M said his bank had deducted a charge from his account for the use of ATMs. To this, Deputy Chairman P J Kurien said Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi should bring this to the notice of the Finance Minister. Responding to the concerns by the members, Mr Naqvi said,''Digital India programme is a revolutionary step to transform the nation.''He said the Government is ready for a full-fledged discussion on the charges being made by the Opposition about the programme.On allegations of the Government favouring the firm Paytm following demonetisation, he said the charge is far from the truth.UNI AR AE 1828 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0092-1191060.Xml
The city police cracked the murder of a Class 12 student by arresting three juveniles, here. Disclosing this to newsmen here this evening, Madurai City Police Commissioner Shailesh Kumar Yadav said the police zeroed in on the accused after going through the video footage obtained from a CCTV camera at the place of occurrence. One of the accused was a Class 10 student, aged 16 and the other two, aged 17, were school dropouts. All the three accused were from Ramarayamandapam under Madhichiyam police limits. The accused stabbed N.K.Nagaraj (17), when he resisted their bid to snatch his smart mobile phone and cash. No other motive behind this murder, he said. I must congratulate my team of officers for deducting this case in a very short time. They have done wonderful investigation in tracking the accused. The police team will be rewarded, he said. The victim was stabbed to death by an unidentified gang near St. Mary's Church junction on East Veli Street on Sunday night. He was returning to his house after visiting his grandmother at Vandiyur locality, when the trio waylaid him and forcibly snatched his mobile phone. UNI GSM CS 2017 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0275-1191423.Xml
Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma today informed the assembly that the government has granted licenses 56 industries through a Single Window Agency at Byrnihat in Ri Bhoi district. The licenses were granted to licenses 56 industries from January 1, 2008 to February 28, last, he said, while replying to volley of queries raised by opposition Hill State People's Democratic Party (HSPDP) legislator, Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit.Dr Sangma said the government would examine the proposals which are submitted before awarding the license for the setting up of the industrial units.He also informed these industries enjoy the benefits under the Meghalaya Industry Policy, 1997 and benefits under the North East Industrial and Investment Promotion Policy, (NEIIPP) 2007.The Chief Minister, who also holds the Industries portfolio, said that the people of the State are getting direct and indirect benefits from these industries which include employment opportunities and income generation.Informing that the tax holiday offered to the various industries has been kept in abeyance since 2014, Dr Sangma said these industries enjoyed certain amount of power subsidy.Under the transport subsidy, the industries get exemption of 90 per cent for import of raw material till Siliguri in North Bengal from the day production starts in these units up to a period of five years. Similar subsidy is extended during export of finished goods, Dr Sangma said the NEIIP has been kept into abeyance by the central government from 2014.UNI RRK RN 2012 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0311-1191422.Xml
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today urged Union External Affairs Minister Sushama Swaraj to open three more Passport Seva Kendras in the second phase at Balasore, Berhampur (Ganjam) and Bhawanipatna (Kalahandi) in the state. Mr Patnaik who met the Union Minister in New Delhi today said there is a need to improve the outreach of Post Office Passport Seva Kendras in Odisha to ensure that people located in far flung areas of different regions get the desired access to Passport services in the State.The Chief minister discussed a number of issues relating to Post Office Passport Seva Kendras, grievance redressal of immigrants from Odisha working abroad and sharing of database on immigrants with the State Government. He informed that a large number of skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled workers from Odisha are employed in different parts of the world, particularly in Middle East and South East Asian countries and many a times immigrants from Odisha face difficult situations including exploitation by employers, economic hardships and accident. Mr Patnaik further said many immigrants from Odisha complained of not having received adequate response from our Diplomatic Missions in time and requested Ms Swaraj to issue suitable advisory to India's Diplomatic Missions abroad to demonstrate utmost sensitivity to their problems. He also urged upon the Union Minister to provide the database of people of Odisha working in different countries so that the Government is better informed to reach out to families of the people in distress abroad and well prepared to take timely action for their rescue and repatriation. Official sources said the Union Minister of External Affairs minister hasd assured that during the second phase, three more Post Office Passport Seva Kendras will be set up in Balasore, Berhampur (Ganjam) and Bhawanipatna (Kalahandi). She also agreed to share the database on immigrants from Odisha working abroad who have legally emigrated to different countries through authorised agents approved by Ministry of External Affairs.UNI DP RN 2040 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0311-1191461.Xml
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs of Nepal, Bimalendra Nidhi, today met External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. They discussed the bilateral matters of mutual interest, including high-level exchanges between the two countries.Mr Nidhi is here at the invitation of India Foundation to participate in the 3rd edition of the Counter Terrorism Conference (CTC) 2017."Both sides reiterated their commitment to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in diverse sectors and to deepen traditional bonds of friendship and kinship between our two peoples,'' the Ministry of External Affairs said here today.External Affairs Minister expressed condolences on the death of a Nepalese national on India-Nepal border. She conveyed to Mr Nidhi that the inquiry into the incident would be expedited by the Indian side.Mr Nidhi apprised Ms Swaraj about the developments in Nepal."External Affairs Minister reiterated India's support to the initiatives of the Government of Nepal in taking the constitutional implementation process forward through dialogue and meeting the aspirations of all sections of the society,''the MEA said.Earlier, Mr Nidhi called on Home Minister Rajnath Singh and raised the issue of the killing of Nepali national.UNI NAZ SNU 2226 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0091-1191533.Xml
Anti-mining groups in Meghalaya today reiterated that their opposition uranium mining in the State. Leaders of the groups, who held a meeting with UCIL officials led by their Chairman and Managing Director, C.K. Asnani, voiced their opposition to proposed Kylleng Pyndengsohiong, Mawthabah (KPM) Uranium project in South West Khasi Hill district. "They (UCIL) were trying to convince us to allow the mining project here in the state but we have candidly told them that the people will not allow the mining to start at any cost due to environment and health hazard," North East Student's Organisation (NESO) Chairman, Samuel Jyrwa said. Lambokstarwell Marngar, the chief of the influential Khasi Student's Union, said that the UCIL is trying its best to mislead the people that the uranium mining would ensure all round development but failed to convince the people as they are aware of the ill-effects of the mining."We want to send a clear message to the government of India and the UCIL that we have been opposing uranium mining for 25 years now and will continue to do so till our last breath," Mr Marngar said.Langrin Youth Welfare Association President B.S.Lyngdoh said that the UCIL should not mislead people in the name of development to carry out its project as people have already experienced the ill-effects of it."Uranium mining will only bring death and destruction not only to the animals and aquatic lives but to the people as a whole," he said.Reiterating their opposition, Meghalaya People Human Right Council Secretary General D.D.G. Dympep said , "If we allow Uranium mining in Meghalaya it will ultimately lead to the bulldozing of the rights of the people and we will lose our lands, natural recourses and also lose out culture and tradition.""Once uranium mining is allowed in the state, the radiation omitted from the excavated site will bring about a slow death to the people of the state. This will ultimately become genocide for our own people," he said.Last year, the Meghalaya government had revoked the decision of the then D D Lapang-led government to lease a land measuring 422 hectares to the UCIL for pre-mining activities in South West Khasi Hills district.Chief Minister Mukul Sangma had said the decision to revoke the previous cabinet decision was taken, following the recent tender for expression of interest floated by the UCIL without the consent of the state government despite the whole exercise (related to 2009 cabinet decision) was kept in abeyance.The UCIL had recently floated an EOI from the competent Indian companies for providing consultancy services for the projects.The initial task of the consultant will be obtaining statutory clearance, land acquisition, mining lease, forest land diversion and public consultation.The Atomic Minerals Directorate (AMD) found uranium oxide reserves, estimated to be about 9,500 tonnes in about 9.22 million tonnes of ore in the state.During an initial survey, the AMD found that the area around Kylleng-Pyndeng-Sohiong had about 10,000 tonnes of Uranium.UNI RRK RN 2206 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0311-1191555.Xml


Tanggal: 30 Jan 2017 18:07

Subjek: ADD YOUR NAME AND SEND TO THE BANK

Cc:



Attn Sir,

My name is Mr . . . . . . . . I am standing for the family of Late Dr. Ibrahim coulibaly, to request the funds of ( $5.9 Million US Dollars )FIVE Million Nine Hundred Thousand US Dollars on hold be forward to my account in my country. As late Dr. Ibrahim coulibaly, Business Partner, I am helping her daughter Miss murine Ibrahim move to my country as soon as possible. I am writing city bank of London on Miss murine coulibaly, behalf, and transferred over here in my country to me so she may start coming to my country. My plan is to have her continue her education as soon as her inheritance is transferred before we start discussing the best kind of business for her to invest in here in my country. Please could you let me know what to do in order to achieve this? Thanking you for your co-operations.

Mr . . . . . . . . .

my dearest can call me with reverend peter Koto phone number +221709457100 he the one that is helping for feeding my dear love extend your Greeting to him call me tell the rev that you want to speak with murine Ibrahim he will send for me from female hostel

my regard

murine Ibrahim Dari: " murine ibrahm" < murineibrahim@gmail.com Tanggal: 30 Jan 2017 18:07Subjek: ADD YOUR NAME AND SEND TO THE BANKCc:



Tanggal: 31 Jan 2017 17:47

Subjek: contact City bank of London

Cc:



Greetings beloved

i have contact City bank of London were my late father fund was deposited they told me that you have not contact them please if you are ready to help me contact the bank today so that bank manager Mr own Philip he will tell you the procedure to transfer my late father fund to your bank account i am wait for your respond as imminently you contact city bank of London call me through pastor peter Koto phone number +221709457100 and tell pator peter Koto that you want to speak with murine ibrahim below is city bank email and phone number

citybankoflondon@mail.com citybankaccountant@asia.com Telephone: +447700092611

<citybankaccountant@asia.com> my regard

yours murine Dari: " murine ibrahm" < murineibrahim@gmail.com Tanggal: 31 Jan 2017 17:47Subjek: contact City bank of LondonCc:

Dari: " CITYBANKOF LONDON" < citybankoflondon@mail.com >

Tanggal: 31 Jan 2017 22:05

Subjek: CITIBANK OF LONDON

Cc: < murineibrahim@gmail.com > CITI BANK LONDON. CITIBANK OF LONDON UNITED KINGDOM .

Address: Citigroup Center, 25 Canada Square,

Canary Wharf, London E14 5LB United Kingdom.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ATTENTION: , Sir



late Mr ibrahim coulibaly was our late customer with substantial amount deposited with us as as , the volume of fund currently deposited with our bank is US$ 5 . 9 USD.



THE ACCOUNT INFORMATION' S ARE AS FELLOWS.



ACCOUNT NAME, DR.IBRAHIM COULIBALY

AMOUNT $5.9 MILLION U.S DOLLARS.

NEXT OF KIN MISS MURINE IBRAHIM

ACCOUNT NUMBER,RIB: 30004019508658

BANK CODE :300045

SWIFT CODE : CITISGSG

BRANCH CODE :(00759)

BIC ( Bank identification code ) : BNPALNPPGB



However before our bank will transact any business concerning the transfer of the fund with you we advice you to forward all this following documents to

our bank.



1. A power of attorney permitting you to claim and transfer the fund to your nominated trustee bank account on her behalf, These documents must be endorsed by a Senegalese residential lawyer where Miss Murine Ibrhim is residing.



.2. An Affidavit of Oath sworn in your favor from the federal ministry of justice Dakar Senegal



3. A scanned copy of your Identity Card.miss murine ibrahim refuges identity And her late father Dealth certificate





As requested the entire fund could be transferred to your trustee nominated account on her behalf on receipt of the above documents issued and legalized by the Senegalese Ministry of Justice.



You are advise to contact your partner Miss Murine Ibrahim to Get you a reliable lawyer attorney for you or in alternatively you can fly down to Senegal to arrange an attorney your self to procure all these documents for your urgently.

Therefore you got to hasten up



this arrangements. Thanks For Your Co-operation.

Mr Owen Phillips.

Director,

International Remittance & Accounts Department,

Citibank UK.









Tanggal: 3 Feb 2017 08:07

Subjek: ATTENTION

Cc: <



SEQUEL TO YOUR EMAIL HERE IN MY NOBLE LAW FIRM WITH REGARDS TO ADVICE YOU TO HELP MISS MURINE IBRAHIM. MY PHONE NUMBER ARE +221771820901



I RECEIVED AN INTRODUCTION LETTER FROM MISS MURINE IBRAHIM TO PROCURE A POWER OF ATTORNEY AND AN AFFIDAVIT OF OATH IN YOUR NAME AS HER LEGAL TRUSTEE SO THAT CITY BANK OF LONDON WILL TRANSFER HER LATE FATHER MONEY INTO YOUR BANK ACCOUNT IN YOUR COUNTRY.



MY NOBLE LAW FIRM WISH TO BRING TO YOUR NOTICE THAT BEFORE I CAN PROCEED WITH THIS SERVICES I WILL WANT YOU TO FORWARD TO THIS LAW FIRM IMMEDIATELY YOUR FULL CONTACT DETAILS



FULL NAMES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

YOUR HOUSE ADDRESS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

OFFICE ADDRESS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

PHONE NUMBER. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

FAX NUMBER. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

PROFESSION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

AGE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

NATIONALITIES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

COUNTRY OF RESIDENT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

COUNTRY CODE AND PHONE NUMBER. . . . .

A COPY OF YOUR DRIVING LICENSE OR NATIONAL IDENTITY CARD . . . . . . .



AS YOU WANT IT TO APPEAR ON THE POWER OF ATTORNEY AND THE AFFIDAVIT OF OATH SO THAT I WILL GO TO THE FEDERAL MINISTRY OF JUSTICE TO ASCERTAIN THE COST OF PROCURING ALL THE NEEDED DOCUMENTS LEGALIZED IN YOUR NAME FROM THE FEDERAL MINISTRY OF JUSTICE DAKAR SENEGAL BEFORE IT BECOMES VALID FOR THE TRANSFER OF THE FUND TO YOUR TRUSTEE NOMINATED BANK ACCOUNT. HAVE A GREAT DAY.



GET BACK TO ME NOW!!!!!



I REST MY CASE

YOURS IN SERVICE

DR. BAR AKIMBO MUSA

THE PRINCIPLE ATTORNEY

(ESQ) Dari: " BAR AKIMBO MUSA" < barristerakimbomusa@gmail.com Tanggal: 3 Feb 2017 08:07Subjek: ATTENTIONCc: < murineibrahim@gmail.com

Dari: " BAR AKIMBO MUSA" < barristerakimbomusa@gmail.com >

Tanggal: 3 Feb 2017 18:48

Subjek: ATTENTION

Cc: < murineibrahim@gmail.com > Hon Dr.AKIMBO MUSA Esq,

solicitor at law & legal practitioner.

Hon Dr. Akimbo.Musa Esq,

High Court of Justice

office Address plot 5 Median round point,

Dakar Senegal

West Africa .

Tel, +221 771 820 901



From the Desk of Bar Akimbo Musa



Compliments of the Day

. .



Tanggal: 11 Feb 2017 18:52

Subjek: ATTENTION SIR

Cc:



SQUARE TO YOUR MAIL WHICH I RECEIVE MR YOU TOLD ME THAT YOU WILL SEND THE FEE THIS WEEK WEDNESDAY IF YOU MAKE IT BUT I COULD NOT SEE THE FEE LIKE I SAID I WANT TO INFORM YOU THAT I HAVE REGISTER YOUR DOCUMENT TO FEDERAL HIGH COURT OF JUST IN SENEGAL I AM WAITING FOR YOU TO MAKE THE AVAILABLE FOR THE PROCUREMENT THE DOCUMENT NEXT WEEK WEDNESDAY 15/2/2017 CONTACT ME IMMINENTLY YOU SEND FEE WITH THE NAME OF MY SECRETARY BELOW



RECEIVER NAME. . .JOHN KEVEN

RECEIVER NAME. . .JOHN KEVEN

ADDRESS. . .PLOT 5 MEDINA ROUND POINT DAKAR SENEGAL





GET BACK TO ME IMMEDIATELY YOU SEND THE FEE



DR. BAR AKIMBO MUSA

THE PRINCIPLE ATTORNEY(ESQ)

PHONE NUMBER . +221772817955GET BACK TO ME IMMEDIATELY YOU SEND THE FEEDR. BAR AKIMBO MUSATHE PRINCIPLE ATTORNEY(ESQ) Dari: " BAR AKIMBO MUSA" < barristerakimbomusa@gmail.com Tanggal: 11 Feb 2017 18:52Subjek: ATTENTION SIRCc:



Tanggal: 27 Feb 2017 20:53

Subjek: ATTENTION SIR

Cc:



SQUARE TO YOUR MAIL WHICH I RECEIVE BASE ON YOUR DELAY IN ON GOING TRANSFER TO YOUR BANK ACCOUNT IN YOUR COUNTRY I WANT TO INFORM YOU THAT I RECEIVE A SIMILAR MESSAGE FROM YOUR PARTNER MURINE IBRAHIM THIS MORNING SHE WAS PLEADING FOR THE PROCUREMENT ON BEHALF OF BOTH OF YOU SO THAT I WILL PREPARE THE REMAIN DOCUMENT IN YOUR NAME TO ENABLE CITY BANK OF LONDON TRANSFER HER LATE FATHER FUND TO YOUR BANK ACCOUNT SIR I WANT LET YOU KNOW I HAVE ACCEPT YOUR OFFER BUT I WILL GIVE YOU OPTION THE TOTAL AMOUNT FOR THE DOCUMENT IS 670 DOLLAR WE ARE GOING TO HAVE AGREEMENT ON 670 DOLLAR I WILL HELP WITH 300 DOLLAR AND YOU WILL PROVIDE 370 DOLLAR AND REMIT IT TO ME SO THAT I WILL COMPLETE FEE AND PREPARE THE DOCUMENT IN YOUR NAME THAT IS THE ONLY HELP I CAN RENDER TO BOTH OF YOU CONTACT ME IMMEDIATELY YOU ACCEPT MY HELP TO YOU REMEMBER DON' T TELL ME TO PAY THE TOTAL 670 DOLLAR BECAUSE I DIDN' T HAVE IT NOW



GET BACK TO ME NOW SO THAT I WILL SEND MY INFORMATION TO SEND 370 DOLLAR ME IMMEDIATELY



I REST MY CASE

YOURS IN SERVICE

DR. BAR AKIMBO MUSA

THE PRINCIPLE ATTORNEY

(ESQ)

Dari: " BAR AKIMBO MUSA" < barristerakimbomusa@gmail.com Tanggal: 27 Feb 2017 20:53Subjek: ATTENTION SIRCc:



Tanggal: 28 Feb 2017 19:43

Subjek: HELLO SIR

Cc:



Attention sir let not remind you again what i have is 300 dollar i didn' t have 670 dollar to prepare your document i will advice you to raise 370 dollar from your part and remit to me so that i will help both of you to prepare the document in your name



GET BACK TO ME NOW!!!!!



I REST MY CASE

YOURS IN SERVICE

DR. BAR AKIMBO MUSA

THE PRINCIPLE ATTORNEY

(ESQ)

Dari: " BAR AKIMBO MUSA" < barristerakimbomusa@gmail.com Tanggal: 28 Feb 2017 19:43Subjek: HELLO SIRCc:



Tanggal: 7 Mar 2017 17:33

Subjek: CITIBANK OF LONDON

Cc:



CITI BANK LONDON. CITIBANK OF LONDON UNITED KINGDOM .

Address: Citigroup Center, 25 Canada Square,

Canary Wharf, London E14 5LB United Kingdom.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ATTENTION: ,



late Mr ibrahim coulibaly was our late customer with substantial amount deposited with us as as , the volume of fund currently deposited with our bank is US$ 5 . 9 USD.



THE ACCOUNT INFORMATION' S ARE AS FELLOWS.



ACCOUNT NAME, DR.IBRAHIM COULIBALY

AMOUNT $5.9 MILLION U.S DOLLARS.

NEXT OF KIN MISS MURINE IBRAHIM

ACCOUNT NUMBER,RIB: 30004019508658

BANK CODE :300045

SWIFT CODE : CITISGSG

BRANCH CODE :(00759)

BIC ( Bank identification code ) : BNPALNPPGB



However before our bank will transact any business concerning the transfer of the fund with you we advice you to forward all this following documents to

our bank.



1. A power of attorney permitting you to claim and transfer the fund to your nominated trustee bank account on her behalf, These documents must be endorsed by a Senegalese residential lawyer which Miss Murine Ibrhim have inform us that you are delaying to pay Bar Akimbo Musa for his paper work sir you have to hurry up to settle wth Bar Akimbo musa we wait for the document this week for speak transfer to your bank account



.2. An Affidavit of Oath sworn in your favor from the federal ministry of justice Dakar Senegal





As requested the entire fund could be transferred to your trustee nominated account on her behalf on receipt of the above documents issued and legalized by the Senegalese Ministry of Justice.



You are advise to pay a reliable lawyer attorney that was provide by murine ibrahim or in alternatively you can fly down to Senegal to arrange an attorney your self to procure all these documents for your urgently.

Therefore you got to hasten up below is our city bank of london two email address citybankaccountant@asia.com

citybankoflondon@mail.com



Thanks For Your Co-operation.

Mr Owen Phillips.

Director,

International Remittance & Accounts Department,

Citibank UK. Dari: " CITYBANKOF LONDON" < citybankoflondon@mail.com Tanggal: 7 Mar 2017 17:33Subjek: CITIBANK OF LONDONCc:

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....
RABAT, March 15 (Xinhua) -- The second edition of Morocco-Madagascar Economic Forum has opened in the Moroccan city of Casablanca with the aim of strengthening ties between economic actors in the two countries.

Organized by the Moroccan employers' association, CGEM, in partnership with Madagascar Business Group (GEM), the program of this event includes presentations on the economic sectors, business to business meetings, and workshops on agriculture, fishing, real estate and so on.

The forum is also part of a memorandum signed between CGEM and GEM last November on the sidelines of the first Moroccan-Malagasy economic forum, held on the occasion of the official visit of King Mohammed VI to Madagascar.

During the king's visit, the two countries signed 22 agreements of bilateral cooperation in an effort to reinforce partnership between the two countries.
Steel workers pack up galvanized plates at a branch of Ma'anshan Iron and Steel Company (Magang Group) in Ma'anshan City, east China's Anhui Province, Sept. 22, 2014. (Xinhua/Zhu Weixi)

PARIS, March 15 (Xinhua) -- To cut oneself off from foreign markets by means of discriminatory measures is formally banned by European treaties, affirmed Frederique Berrod, professor of European law at the Political Sciences Institute of Strasbourg (IEP).

In an exclusive interview with Xinhua, Berrod discussed the legal reality of the European Union (EU) and analyzed why the National Front (FN) party in France has made protectionism its warhorse.

"The treaties on which the EU is based clearly eliminate all possibility to fall back on protectionism," she said.

Article 2 of the Treaty erects non-discrimination as a value of the 28 member states. Article 18 prohibits the use of discriminatory measures in order to close a national territory. It is the same thing which concerns article 34 related to non-tariff barriers to exchange.

Finally, article 110 conditions the legality of fiscal taxes on the sole fact that they are not protectionist, explained Berrod, who is also a professor at the College of Europe in Bruges, Belgium.

Even so, populist parties, with the FN first of all, have not stopped presenting protectionism as the remedy for all ills.

After Brexit, the scenario of a "Frexit" has been evoked in the case of the victory of FN leader Marine Le Pen in the French presidential elections in April and May.

If Le Pen is elected, she affirmed that her first decision would be to go to Brussels "in order to open negotiations on the return of the four sovereign powers -- monetary, legislative, budgetary and territorial".

"We already see the difficulty to conceive of a Brexit even when the United Kingdom disposes of its own currency," Berrod said.

Each facet of the life of a country is closely linked to that of its neighbor, and each level of decision depends on another, she said.

"Brexit shows that even the withdrawal from the EU is not simply a national decision, be it democratic, but that to unravel its membership with Europe is a high-risk political operation that no one really masters," she pointed out.

The professor at the IEP also shone a light on the drift in the language of Le Pen concerning the euro.

"She has passed from a position where she was very favorable toward an exit from the euro to a posture where she promises the return to the people, almost like a magic formula. This seems like a confession of powerlessness to construct a feasible scenario," Berrod said.

"I'm not sure that this question would be as clear as that within the party," she said.

If elected, Le Pen has promised to organize a referendum on an exit from the EU within six months of the election, after having negotiated with European partners.

According to a study by the Montaigne Institute, the decision to leave the euro promoted by the FN would cost 9 percent of gross domestic product in the long term, and a half million jobs, as well as having a negative impact on the French economy by 2.3 percent at the end of a year.

Berrod lamented about the "nihilistic side and the political vacuity of the presidential campaign", saying there hadn't been any real debate on the economy, Europe, social issues or the role of the state.

"One reason for this is the media attention taken up by scandals, but also because the left-right divide has left space for the opposition between those who would defend openness against those who plead for closing off. That's where Emmanuel Macron makes his move," she added.
LONDON, March 15 (Xinhua) -- The China-Britain Entrepreneurship Competition, an initiative aimed to support and encourage new business ventures between China and Britain, was launched on Tuesday in Newcastle.

The Competition, now in its 10th year, is supported by governments, universities and businesses in the two countries.

Councilor Ged Bell, cabinet member for Investment and Development at Newcastle City Council, said that Brexit has not affected Northeast England being open to investors and business from China.

Prof. George Marston, pro vice-chancellor (Research and Innovation) at Northumbria University, said: "Partnerships, whether they are with the EU or China, are incredibly important."

The China Foundation for Youth Entrepreneurship and Employment (CFYEE) sent a congratulation letter to the competition organizing committee, saying: "CFYEE is very much willing to work together to do more meaningful things for the Chinese and British youth innovation and entrepreneurship."
LONDON, March 15 (Xinhua) -- Scotland will be leaving the European Union even if it wins a new referendum to break away from Britain, British Prime Minister Theresa May said Wednesday.

Scotland's first minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced she is to start the process of a new referendum for Scottish independence.

Sturgeon, leader of the Scottish Nationalist Party (SNP), wants an independent country outside Britain, saying people in Scotland overwhelmingly voted in last June's referendum to remain within the EU.

The issue was raised in the House when Angus Robertson, one of the SNP's members of parliament at Westminster, fired questions at May during Prime Minister's Questions.

Robertson said: "Last July, she promised to secure a UK-wide approach -- an agreement between the devolved Administrations of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and the UK Government -- before triggering article 50, so when will the Prime Minister announce the details of the agreement?"

"Does she not understand that if she does not secure an agreement before triggering article 50 -- if she is not prepared to negotiate on behalf of the Scottish Government and secure membership of the single European market -- people in Scotland will have a referendum, and we will have our say," added Robertson.

May told Robertson: "We have been one country for over 300 years; we have fought together; we have worked together; we have achieved together; and constitutional game-playing must not be allowed to break the deep bonds of our shared history and our future together."

She said a deal with the EU will be a good deal for not just England, Wales and Northern Ireland, but for the people of Scotland as well.

As the angry exchanges continued, May told the SNP politician: "Scotland will be leaving the EU, either as a member of the United Kingdom or if it were independent, as it is very clear that it would not be a member of the European Union. What we need now is to unite, come together as a country, and ensure that we can get the best deal for the whole of the United Kingdom."

May cited a doctrine laid down in Brussels which would require an independent Scotland to apply to become a member of the EU in its own right.

Political commentators are predicting that May will not rule on a Scottish independence referendum until after Brexit negotiations are completed with Brussels.

Sturgeon has indicated she wants a referendum on Scottish independence before a final deal is agreed. In 2014 the people of Scotland voted to remain as part of Britain.

Meanwhile it seems likely MPs in the House of Commons will debate Sturgeon's demands for an independence referendum after tens of thousands of people signed a government petition.

Westminster has to consider a full debate if a petition attracts at least 100,000 names. The new petition, saying there should not be a new referendum in Scotland, had attracted almost 125,000 signatures by Wednesday afternoon.
PRAGUE, March 15 (Xinhua) -- About 600 Czech people gathered at the Wenceslas Square in central Prague Wednesday to protest against the new EU directive introducing stricter rules for legal firearms holders.

The demonstrators criticized the directive and expressed their wish to defend the Czech legislation in their speeches.

After the speeches, the participants set out on a march to the office of the European Commission representation in the Czech Republic.

The opponents carried the banners saying "The EU Is Burying Us" and "Stop Radicalism. Weapons Are Not to Blame".

The protest was organized by hunter and activist Bohumil Straka who said there was no need of the directive. He said the Czech Republic has some of the best and strictest arms possession laws.

The European Parliament approved the directive on Tuesday. Its proponents argue that it is a major instrument to battle terrorists.

Czech Defense Minister Martin Stropnicky said Tuesday that his Ministry will start drafting a proposal enabling some shooters to keep some arms banned by the European firearms directive.
TIRANA, March 15 (Xinhua) -- The Albanian Minister of Integration Klajda Gjosha on Wednesday invited stakeholders and civil society here to become part of Italy-Albania-Montenegro inter-border cooperation program, funded by European Union.

European Integration Ministry hosted a meeting with the civil society and other potential actors, inviting them to present their projects, and benefit from EU-funded program worth around 92 million euros (97.7 million U.S. dollars).

This program will be funded through instruments of pre-accession assistance, otherwise known by its acronym as IPA funds.

Joint projects will be particularly implemented in key sectors, areas such as the environment, competition, innovation, cultural and natural heritage and sustainable transportation, Gjosha said at a press conference.

Cross-border cooperation is not only an economic association, but above all, a human and cultural cooperation as well as an experience exchange to each of the participating countries to this program, said the minister.

According to Gjosha, this program will affect citizens in Albania to get closer to European values.

It will affect the removal of barriers and reduce disparities between regions to achieve a balanced economic, social and territorial development, she said.

Gjosha underlined that the cooperation between the countries, focused on this program, not only indicated but also supported the enlargement prospect, clear to all Western Balkan countries.

The program will be implemented in several phases, and the first phase is worth 25 million euros.

This phase will be implemented on the basis of public calls for projects, where everyone can participate, and it is expected to be published in the coming days, according to official sources from the integration ministry.
SAN FRANCISCO, March 15 (Xinhua) -- A new study suggests that anomalous ocean conditions two years ago, which led to the lack of food for juvenile Chinook salmon, may have resulted in significant mortality that will show in their return this year to the Columbia River.

Pacific Decadal Oscillation values, which reflect warm and cold sea surface temperatures, suggest 2015 was one of the warmest nearshore oceans encountered by migrating Chinook salmon dating back to at least 1900. About 80 percent of a typical spring Chinook run on the Columbia River come from fish that went out to sea as yearlings two years earlier.

"When juvenile salmon first enter the ocean, it is a critical time for them," said Elizabeth Daly, a senior faculty research assistant with the Cooperative Institute for Marine Resource Studies, jointly operated by Oregon State University (OSU) and the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) out of the Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport, Oregon, in the U.S. Pacific Northwest.

"They are adjusting to a salt-water environment, they have to eat to survive, and they have to avoid becoming prey themselves. When we sampled juvenile salmon in May and June of 2015, the fish were much smaller and thinner than usual, and many of them had empty stomach. There just wasn't anything for them to eat," Daly said.

Two key statistics stand out from 2015, noted the researchers, who reported their findings in the journal Marine Ecology Progress Series. The California Current system off the U.S. West Coast was more than 2.5 degrees Celsius, or 4.5 degrees Fahrenheit, warmer than normal, and the juvenile Chinook were smaller and skinnier than during a cold-water year, weighing an average of 17.6 percent less.

When the oceanic waters off Pacific Northwest states of Oregon and Washington are cold, young salmon primarily feed on readily available fish prey such as Pacific sand lance and smelts, which triggers their growth spurt. When waters are warmer, there is less food available, and they primarily eat juvenile anchovies and rockfish, which are less-desirable prey than cold-water species. However, by the time the juvenile Chinook salmon migrated to the ocean later in spring of 2015, the larval anchovies and rockfish had all but disappeared, making even backup food sources for the salmon scarce.

The researchers theorize that these larval fish died off because they themselves had little to eat.

"During warm years, there is typically less upwelling that brings cold, nutrient-rich water to the surface," Richard Brodeur, a biologist with the NOAA Northwest Fisheries Science Center and co-author on the study, was quoted as saying in a news release from OSU. "Salmon populations may be able to handle one year of warm temperatures and sparse food. But two or three years in a row could be disastrous," Brodeur said.
PARIS, March 15 (Xinhua) -- French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault congratulated via twitter on Wednesday night the Dutch people for "stemming" the rise fo far-right led by Geert Wilders.

He said on twitter that "Congratulations to the Dutch for stemming the rise of the far-right. Desire to work for a stronger Europe."

The liberal rightist party VVD of Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte took the lead in the Dutch parliamentary elections, according to the final exit poll released on Wednesday, with the far-right party PVV staying far behind.
BRUSSELS, March 15 (Xinhua) -- European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker on Wednesday cheered " a vote for Europe " as the VVD party of Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte held the upper hand in the exit poll of the Dutch parliamentary elections, Juncker's spokesperson said.

"Juncker just spoke with Mark Rutte, congratulated him on clear victory: 'A vote for Europe, a vote against extremists'," Juncker's chief spokesperson Margaritis Schinas tweeted.

The liberal rightist party VVD of Rutte took the lead in the Dutch parliamentary elections, according to the final exit poll released on Wednesday, with the far-right party PVV staying far behind.

The definite exit poll forecasted the VVD got 31 seats of the 150 seats in the House of Representatives, or lower house of the parliament.

The PVV, the center-right Christian Democrats CDA, and the leftist liberals D66 were expected to garner 19 seats each. The green leftist GroenLinks obtained 16 seats, followed by the leftist Socialist Party SP with 14 seats and the leftist Labor party PvdA with nine seats.
LONDON, March 15 (Xinhua) -- Research into whether driverless cars reduce accidents caused by human error must be carried out, a committee of British politicians said in a report Wednesday.

The Science and Technology Committee of the House of Lords said in its report "Connected and Autonomous Vehicles: The future" sets out recommendations for the British government to ensure it makes policy and investment decisions that enables Britain to receive maximum economic benefit from autonomous vehicles.

The report warned that the main social, behavioral and ethical questions relating to autonomous cars remain largely unanswered; such as whether they will reduce accidents caused by human error.

"The government should give priority to commissioning and encouraging research studying behavioral questions and ensure it is an integral part of any trials it funds," committee members said in their report.

It also said the government must broaden its focus so that its work on connected and autonomous vehicles (CAV) cuts across all sectors and does not focus so heavily on road vehicles.

"Early benefits are likely to come in sectors such as marine and agriculture therefore the government must not allow media attention around driverless cars to cause it to lose sight of the many potential benefits that CAV can provide in areas outside the roads sector," said the report.

It also found that there is no clear central coordination of strategy or information sharing across the different sectors that could benefit from CAV technology, or robotics more broadly, such as marine, road and agriculture.

"The government must take steps to ensure that information is shared across sectors, including the establishment of a Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS) Leadership Council as soon as possible to play a key role in developing the strategy for CAV. This will ensure expertise and knowledge is shared across all sectors," the committee recommended.
GAZA, March 15 (Xinhua) -- Israeli war jets waged early Thursday two airstrikes on militants' facilities in the Gaza Strip which is ruled by Islamic Hamas movement, in response to an overnight rocket attack. No injuries reported so far.

Palestinian security and medical sources said the war jets struck a militants' facility in eastern Gaza and another target that belongs to Hamas police in central Gaza Strip, causing severe destructions.

Overnight, the Israeli media reported that unknown militants fired a makeshift rocket from the coastal enclave, which has been under a tight Israeli blockade since 2007, into Israel. The rocket landed on southern Israel, no injuries reported.

The Israeli media said militants belong to Salafist groups, close to ISIS, were most probably behind rocket firing from Gaza into Israel. However, the Israeli army held Hamas rulers in Gaza responsible.
GAZA, March 15 (Xinhua) -- Israeli war jets waged early on Thursday two airstrikes on militants' facilities in the Gaza Strip, that Islamic Hamas movement rules, in response to an overnight rocket attack, no injuries reported.

Palestinian security and medical sources said the war jets struck a militants' facility in eastern Gaza and another target that belongs to Hamas police in central Gaza Strip, adding that severe destruction was caused, but no injuries reported.

Overnight, the Israeli media reported that unknown militants fired a makeshift rocket from the coastal enclave, which has been under a tight Israeli blockade since 2007, into Israel. The rocket landed on southern Israel, no injuries reported.

The Israeli media said militants belong to Salafist groups, close to ISIS, were most probably behind firing the rocket from Gaza into Israel. However, the Israeli army held Hamas rulers of Gaza responsible.

Gaza Health Ministry Spokesman Ashraf al-Qedra told reporters in a short text message that no injuries were reported.

An Israeli army spokesman said in an official press statement that Israeli air forces struck two posts that belong to Hamas militants in response to a rocket fired from Gaza into southern Israel.

The spokesman said no damages or injuries were reported after the rocket landed on an open area in southern Israel.

In February, a military spokesman for Hamas warned Israel that Hamas militants would fire back to any Israeli military escalation on the Gaza Strip. Hamas' warning came one day after Israeli war jets struck its facilities in response to a rocket firing.

In 2014, Egypt brokered a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel ending around two months of fighting between the two sides. The Israeli large-scale offensive killed 2,200 Palestinians and wounded around 11,000 others.
SAN FRANCISCO, March 15 (Xinhua) -- Tesla Motors, Inc. said Wednesday it plans to offer 250 million U.S. dollars worth of common stock and 750 million dollars in convertible notes due in 2022, to help finance its production of upcoming Model 3 electric car.

Elon Musk, chief executive officer of the automaker headquartered in Palo Alto, Northern California, will purchase 25 million U.S. dollars of common stock.

In announcing the move, Tesla acknowledged in a press release that the offerings totalling more than 1 billion U.S. dollars are intended to "strengthen its balance sheet and further reduce any risks associated with the rapid scaling of its business due to the launch of Model 3."

Unveiled about a year ago and priced at 35,000 dollars, about half the price of Tesla's Model S, the Model 3 is scheduled for delivery by the end of 2017.

Weeks ago, in a letter to shareholders, the electric automaker said it planned to spend 2 billion to 2.5 billion U.S. dollars before the planned start of Model 3 production in July. It currently produces the luxuary Model S and SUV Model X.
Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi (L) shakes hands with U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson during their meeting in Washington D.C., the United States, on Feb. 28, 2017. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu)

WASHINGTON, March 15 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson's upcoming first visit to China is to build on positive momentum in the relations between China and the Trump administration, experts said.

Tillerson began Wednesday his first three-nation Asian tour that will take him to Japan, South Korea and China. He is to visit Beijing Saturday to hold talks with Chinese leaders and senior officials on a range of bilateral and multilateral issues.

PAVING WAY FOR FIRST XI-TRUMP SUMMIT

Tillerson's first China trip attracts the most attention as the two sides are finalizing details for the first summit between Chinese President Xi Jinping and his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump, amid media reports that it could take place in early April.

The two sides are also expected to discuss the nuclear and missile programs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), as well as bilateral trade and security issues.

"The visit is important for establishing the tone even more than the substance of relations between China and the new (Trump) administration," Ted Carpenter, senior fellow in defense and foreign policy studies at the Cato Institute, told Xinhua.

Agreement on the schedule and agenda for the Xi-Trump summit would be an important measure of how successful Tillerson's visit will be, Carpenter said.

Once the summit takes place, the two leaders are likely to talk about the DPRK, South China Sea and bilateral trade relations, among other issues, he added.

"The visit should leave the two nations closer to determining a time and agenda for the leaders to meet," Douglas Paal, vice president for studies at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, told Xinhua.

Paal expected that the two leaders would instruct their ministers how to hold a follow-on forum for dialogues, such as the Strategic and Economic Dialogue (S&ED), a cabinet-level annual talks held under the Obama administration.

NO READY SOLUTION TO DPRK ISSUE

Tillerson's visit came at a time when the crisis on the Korean Peninsula was aggravated by the recent test firing of missiles by the DPRK, so far the most substantial reaction to the Seoul-Washington military exercises, and the controversial U.S. deployment of the THAAD anti-missile systems in South Korea.

Due to complexity of the crisis, experts are cautious about any breakthrough from the China-U.S. talks on the issues during Tillerson's visit.

Carpenter believed that the U.S. and South Korea will not even delay, much less abandon, the THAAD deployment.

"American leaders are concerned that elections in South Korea might produce a president opposed to THAAD, but unless that happens, the deployment will go forward," Carpenter said, referring to the upcoming election in South Korea following the impeachment of President Park Geun-hye.

Paal said he did not expect any deal on the DPRK issue from Tillerson's meetings in Beijing, as there is "no ready solution" to it.

The U.S. is in the midst of a policy review and lacks many of the personnel necessary to conduct the review thoroughly, so it will take much longer than next week to find a solution. Moreover, South Korea is now in the midst of changing administration and not ready to make new initiatives with the DPRK, Paal said.

Nevertheless, if the DPRK issue can bring China and the U.S. together, it will surely help Trump realize the importance of getting China's help on tackling global challenges, he said.
Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi (L) shakes hands with U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson during their meeting in Washington D.C., the United States, on Feb. 28, 2017. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu)

WASHINGTON, March 15 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson's upcoming first visit to China is to build on positive momentum in the relations between China and the Trump administration, experts said.

Tillerson began Wednesday his first three-nation Asian tour that will take him to Japan, South Korea and China. He is to visit Beijing Saturday to hold talks with Chinese leaders and senior officials on a range of bilateral and multilateral issues.

PAVING WAY FOR FIRST XI-TRUMP SUMMIT

Tillerson's first China trip attracts the most attention as the two sides are finalizing details for the first summit between Chinese President Xi Jinping and his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump, amid media reports that it could take place in early April.

The two sides are also expected to discuss the nuclear and missile programs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), as well as bilateral trade and security issues.

"The visit is important for establishing the tone even more than the substance of relations between China and the new (Trump) administration," Ted Carpenter, senior fellow in defense and foreign policy studies at the Cato Institute, told Xinhua.

Agreement on the schedule and agenda for the Xi-Trump summit would be an important measure of how successful Tillerson's visit will be, Carpenter said.

Once the summit takes place, the two leaders are likely to talk about the DPRK, South China Sea and bilateral trade relations, among other issues, he added.

"The visit should leave the two nations closer to determining a time and agenda for the leaders to meet," Douglas Paal, vice president for studies at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, told Xinhua.

Paal expected that the two leaders would instruct their ministers how to hold a follow-on forum for dialogues, such as the Strategic and Economic Dialogue (S&ED), a cabinet-level annual talks held under the Obama administration.

Photo provided by Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on Feb. 13, 2017 shows a test firing of a surface-to-surface medium- and long-range ballistic missilePukguksong-2 on Feb. 12, 2017. (Xinhua/KCNA)

NO READY SOLUTION TO DPRK ISSUE

Tillerson's visit came at a time when the crisis on the Korean Peninsula was aggravated by the recent test firing of missiles by the DPRK, so far the most substantial reaction to the Seoul-Washington military exercises, and the controversial U.S. deployment of the THAAD anti-missile systems in South Korea.

Due to complexity of the crisis, experts are cautious about any breakthrough from the China-U.S. talks on the issues during Tillerson's visit.

Carpenter believed that the U.S. and South Korea will not even delay, much less abandon, the THAAD deployment.

"American leaders are concerned that elections in South Korea might produce a president opposed to THAAD, but unless that happens, the deployment will go forward," Carpenter said, referring to the upcoming election in South Korea following the impeachment of President Park Geun-hye.

Paal said he did not expect any deal on the DPRK issue from Tillerson's meetings in Beijing, as there is "no ready solution" to it.

The U.S. is in the midst of a policy review and lacks many of the personnel necessary to conduct the review thoroughly, so it will take much longer than next week to find a solution. Moreover, South Korea is now in the midst of changing administration and not ready to make new initiatives with the DPRK, Paal said.

Nevertheless, if the DPRK issue can bring China and the U.S. together, it will surely help Trump realize the importance of getting China's help on tackling global challenges, he said.

BUILDING ON POSITIVE MOMENTUM

Tillerson's China visit is to build on the positive momentum that has already emerged in the China-U.S. relations after a rocky start following Trump's victory in the U.S. presidential election in November, experts said.

Ahead of Tillerson's visit, the U.S. State Department already sent out a positive signal, saying that Washington intends to pursue "a more constructive relationship with China" and look for areas to expand bilateral cooperation.

Indeed, the visit will help dispel the cloud hanging over the bilateral ties due to the tough rhetoric made by Trump during and after his campaign. Trump further irked Beijing by taking a call from the leader of Taiwan, regarded by China as integral part of its territories, and claiming that the one-China policy was up for negotiation.

But positive signs have emerged, especially after Xi-Trump phone talk in February, during which Trump pledged to honor the one-China policy.

This removed a major stumbling block that could explode into a crisis never seen in the past decades, by shaking the foundation of the China-U.S. ties.

After the Xi-Trump phone talk, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held his first meeting with Tillerson in Germany on Feb. 17. It was followed by the first visit to the U.S. by Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi, who met with Trump and his top aides at the White House.

The Trump administration has so far held back from taking aggressive actions against China on currency, trade and the South China Sea issues.

Commenting on the new positive signs, Paal said he is now "more optimistic" about the China-U.S. ties than when Trump was inaugurated on Jan. 20.

"I give considerable credit to China's diplomats, who have shown energy and flexibility to move through the extended Trump transition period when most formal linkages are functioning only partially," Paal said.

With the Tillerson visit, China and the U.S. have incentives to send messages that urge restraint on the Korean Peninsula, and on other regional flash points, he added.

Still, difficulties remain on trade, currency and certain security issues that concern the Trump administration, which vows to cut its trade deficit with China and bring jobs home.

Paal said that, during Tillerson's visit, the two sides are likely to spend much time discussing the Trump administration's economic concerns about China.

During the campaign last year, Trump vowed to impose high tax on Chinese imports, exert pressure on China on its currency policy and urge for increased intellectual property protection.

"But we still have not heard a comprehensive statement of the new administration's global, regional, or China strategies, so there may be surprises, especially on the trade and economic fronts," Paal said.

Carpenter said though Trump has retreated on a number of foreign policy positions that he took during the campaign, "there will be some difficulties and tensions between Beijing and Washington in the future, especially regarding trade practices."
SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Three militants belonging to Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) outfit and a girl have been killed, while a policeman and a boy wounded in a gunfight in restive Indian-controlled Kashmir, officials said.

The fierce gunfight broke out Wednesday at village Kalaroos of frontier Kupwara district, about 110 km northwest of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.

"Acting on a specific information, police along with army and paramilitary launched cordon and search operation in Jugtiyal, Hyhama in Kupwara," a police spokesman said.

"During the searches, militants present in the area fired on the search party. The fire was retaliated, thereby triggering a gunfight in which three LeT militants were killed and a policeman wounded."

According to police officials the children were hit by stray bullets far from gunfight site.

"The children (both minors) were wounded after they were hit by stray bullets more than 100 meters away from the gunfight site," the spokesman said. "They were shifted to hospital for treatment where the girl succumbed to her wounds and the boy has been referred to Srinagar hospital."

Police officials said the wounded policeman was also shifted to Srinagar hospital for treatment.

Indian army officials said they have recovered three assault rifles and some ammunition from the spot.

The identity of slain militants was being ascertained, police said.

Last week two local militants of LeT and two civilians were killed in a similar stand-off in Pulwama district. While a 15-year-old boy was hit by bullet during protests, another civilian died because of cardiac arrest.

A separatist movement and guerrilla war challenging New Delhi's rule is going on in Indian-controlled Kashmir since 1989. Gunfight between militants and Indian troops takes place intermittently across the region.

Kashmir, the Himalayan region divided between India and Pakistan, is claimed by both in full. Since their Independence from Britain, the two countries have fought three wars, two exclusively over Kashmir.
TOKYO, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks retreated from the bell Thursday as the yen's advance against the U.S. dollar after the meeting of the U.S. Federal Reserve saw exporter issues negatively impacted.

As markets opened here, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average dropped 72.06 points, or 0.37 percent, from Wednesday to 19,505.32.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, fell 5.49 points, or 0.35 percent, to 1,565.82.

The yen rose to a two-week high of 113.17 against the U.S. dollar in New York overnight after the U.S. Federal Reserve lifted the target range for the federal funds rate by 0.25 percentage point to 0.75 percent to 1 percent and kept its forecast that there would be three rate increases this year in total.

Notable issues that lost ground in early play comprised insurance, bank and food-linked stocks.
by Matt Walsh

CANBERRA, March 16 (Xinhua) -- The Australian government will carry out a 1.5 billion-U.S. dollar expansion to the nation's Snowy Mountains hydroelectric energy scheme, the government said on Thursday, following weeks of debate about how to prevent crippling power blackouts.

Described as an "electricity game changer" by the government, the pumped hydro development could provide up to 50 percent more electricity on top of the project's current output - providing power to an additional 500,000 homes.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said electricity will be the "defining debate" of the year, following a number of blackouts in South Australia and fears the major eastern cities of Sydney and Melbourne could struggle to cope with existing power supplies in years to come.

He said the four-year project would involve the construction of a number of pipelines so water can be pumped uphill and into dams, so it can be released through electricity turbines to generate power.

"This will ultimately mean cheaper power prices and more money in the pockets of Australians," Turnbull said late on Wednesday night. "By supercharging the Snowy Hydro precinct, we can ensure affordable and reliable electricity for Australian households and businesses.

"In one hour, it could produce 20 times the 100 megawatts an hour expected from the battery proposed by the South Australian Government, but would deliver it constantly for almost a week.

"The unprecedented expansion will help make (renewable energy) reliable, filling in holes caused by intermittent supply and generator outages. It will enable greater energy efficiency and help stabilize electricity supply into the future."

On Thursday, Kane Thornton, CEO of the Clean Energy Council, described the government decision as a "really smart move," while the nation's Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) the announcement would be welcomed by "all Australians."

"This new project will have the potential to ensure that there will be the necessary energy supply, renewable energy supply dare I say, to those on the east coast at the times of peak demand," Frydenberg said on Thursday.

"This is a game-changing announcement, something that is iconic in Australia, namely the Snowy Hydro scheme and I think it should be welcomed by all Australians."

However, not everyone is pleased by the announcement; the Australian Conservation Council's chief executive, Kelly O'Shannassy told the ABC the environmental impact of the project must be investigated prior to construction.

"We are talking about the Murray and Snowy Rivers here which were incredibly damaged by the scheme, and we are slowly repairing that damage and we need to make sure any scheme does not take us back to the 1950s," she said on Thursday.

Meanwhile the Grattan Institute's energy program director, Tony Wood said while the expansion of the Snowy Hydro project was a good option in the long term, there was still concerns regarding the immediate security of electricity in major cities Melbourne and Sydney.

"There's going to be quite difficult economic issues to see whether or not such a large facility can actually work and make money, and to what extent it can contribute to solving the short term power crisis issues that have been plaguing the east coast in the last six months or so," Wood told the ABC on Thursday morning.

The government has announced a feasibility study for the project would be completed before the end of the year, with construction to begin not long afterwards.

The Snowy Mountains hydroelectric scheme is currently made up of nine power stations, 16 dams, and more than 140 km of tunnels, powering more than a million homes in Victoria, New South Wales and the nation's capital city, Canberra.
MANILA, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte will make an official visit to Thailand on March 20-22, the government said on Thursday.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that Duterte is scheduled to discuss issues of mutual concern with Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, including political, economic, agriculture, energy, education and defense cooperation.

"(Duterte) is expected to share with Thai officials information on various developments in the country, as well as priorities and programs of the Philippines for its ASEAN chairmanship in 2017," the statement read.

It said that Duterte is also expected to meet some 16,000 Filipinos living and working in Thailand.

Bilateral realtions between the Philippines and Thailand will reach 68 years in June.

"The relations have always been strong and vibrant, with exchanges at the highest levels taking place regularly since the establishment of relations in 1949," the statement said.
YANGON, March 16 (Xinhua) -- A Malaysia-based Malindo Air will start flying to Myanmar's commercial city of Yangon from Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur at the end of this month, the official Global New Light of Myanmar reported Thursday.

Malindo Air, a Malaysian budget airline, will fly between the two cities four times per week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

The Malaysian airline will operate the new route with Boeing 737-800 ER available with 162 seats.

Malindo Air has, since 2013, operated domestic flights offering aviation services to commuters through 16 ATK 72-600 planes and 26 Boeing aircrafts in 15 countries.

Myanmar is the latest country to be included in its expansion services.

There is a total of 24 international airlines flying Myanmar with seven airlines operating domestically.
SYDNEY, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Australian bearded dragons have an ability to change their color depending on their surrounds, researchers have found.

In a study published on Thursday, scientists from The University of Melbourne found that the Central bearded dragon, a native Australian reptile that can reach up to two feet in length, is capable of switching between shades in a matter of seconds.

While the dragons' display is not as striking as that of a chameleon, a reptile renowned for its pyrotechnic color displays, the color palettes the large reptiles adopt changes depending on the shade of their surroundings.

Viviana Cadena, the project leader from The University of Melbourne, said that the dragons likely change colors to regulate body temperature and communicate with opposition in their territory as well as hiding from predators.

Cadena collected dragons from north-western Victoria and the red desert in the Northern Territory (NT), habitats approximately 1,500 km apart, to use in the study.

"We chose these two populations because their colours and the appearance of the habitats in which they live differed the most amongst all bearded dragon populations," Cadena said in a media release on Thursday.

The lighter (southern) and darker (northern) populations were photographed in three separate habitats containing yellow sand similar to that in Victoria, red desert sand from the NT and black sand in simulated conditions varying from intense daylight to overcast conditions.

Cadena said both populations were able to change their color to a similar extent but when the Victorian lizards had adapted their hue remained more yellow than the naturally orange NT lizards and the same was true vice versa.

She said that the researchers were surprised to find that both sets of lizards achieved better color matches with their surroundings in low light conditions.

"We think this could be because there might be a higher risk of predation at low light levels at dawn and dusk, when many predators are most active," Cadena said.
YANGON, March 16 (Xinhua) -- China is topping the list of students studying Myanmar language at the University of Foreign Languages (UFL) in Yangon which attract many international students, official media reported on Thursday.

The attraction for the Myanmar language study is due to the fact that Myanmar has good business opportunities in Southeast Asia, the Global New Light of Myanmar quoted an official of the UFL as saying.

The number of overseas students, who take Myanmar language course for the current academic year at the UFL, reached about 250 with Chinese students topping the list with 112, followed by South Korean, Japanese, Thai, Indian, Vietnamese, Lao, Bangladeshi, Italian, Mexican and American.

Meanwhile, nearly 400 students are attending the Chinese language course with 440 others studying English language, over 600 for Japanese, 450 for French, 324 for German, 352 for Russian and 28 for Italian at the UFL.
WELLINGTON, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Growth in the New Zealand economy slowed in the quarter ending December 2016, while per capita Gross domestic product (GDP) actually shrank, the government statistics agency said Thursday.

GDP rose 0.4 percent in the December quarter, following an increase of 0.8 percent in the September 2016 quarter, according to Statistics New Zealand.

"Growth in service industries was partly offset by weaker activity in primary industries also flowing through into manufacturing," national accounts senior manager Gary Dunnet said in a statement.

"At an industry level, growth was a mixed bag, with only half of our 16 industries rising."

Service industries grew by 0.7 percent, driven mainly by business services; arts, recreation, and other services; and health care and residential care.

Agriculture fell 0.6 percent due to lower milk production.

Coupled with falls in forestry and mining, this resulted in lower manufacturing activity and lower primary exports.

Manufacturing fell 1.6 percent, driven by falls in food, beverage, and tobacco manufacturing, and in transport equipment, machinery and equipment manufacturing.

Exports fell due to lower exports of dairy products, metal products, machinery and equipment, crude oil, and logs and timber.

Household spending growth tapered off, rising 0.4 percent after two consecutive quarters of strong growth, but tourist spending was strong, up 5.1 percent.

GDP per capita fell 0.2 percent, following increases of 0.3 percent in the June and September quarters.

Annual GDP growth for the year ended December 2016 increased to 3.1 percent.

The size of the economy in current prices was 261 billion NZ dollars (183.3 billion U.S. dollars).

Finance Minister Steven Joyce said the economy was navigating "a still challenging international environment."

"While growth has softened in this latest quarter, the continuing trend is consistent ongoing growth ahead of most other developed countries," Joyce said in a statement.

GDP per capita had grown 0.9 percent over the last year, and real gross national disposable income had grown 4.1 percent over the year.

However, opposition lawmakers said the per capita figures showed that many New Zealanders were working harder for less.

"What this shows is that population growth, rather than improving productivity, is propping up the New Zealand economy," finance spokesperson for the main opposition Labour Party Grant Robertson said in a statement.

The Green Party said the figures showed GDP was no longer a good metric for measuring economic prosperity.

"Since the 1980s, New Zealand's GDP has more than doubled, yet so too have our child poverty rates. Similarly, rates of inequality in New Zealand have grown at the fastest levels seen in the developed world despite GDP doubling," Green Party co-leader James Shaw said in a statement.
WELLINGTON, March 16 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand is expected to be one of the first countries to start talks over a trade agreement with the Pacific Alliance of four Latin American nations, Trade Minister Todd McClay said Thursday.

McClay met formally with ministers of the Pacific Alliance - a bloc comprising Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru - in Chile Wednesday to pitch a trade deal between New Zealand and the alliance.

He welcomed the announcement by Pacific Alliance ministers that they would look to progressively advance their trade agenda and offer associate membership of the alliance as a precursor to trade negotiations with selected countries.

"I have welcomed the alliance announcement as a significant development, and expect New Zealand to be one of the first countries to start negotiations with the trading bloc," McClay said in a statement from his office.

"The prospect of a high quality and comprehensive trade deal for New Zealand with the Pacific Alliance has now increased significantly," he said.

"We have been in dialogue with the Pacific Alliance for around two years and I am delighted that we can now see our way clear to taking a next step with these countries."

The Pacific Alliance has 49 observer countries, a combined population of 206 million and GDP of 3,572 billion U.S. dollars.

McClay also attended a meeting of representatives of the 11 remaining Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) nations, which was held on the margins of the High Level Dialogue on Integration Initiatives in the Asia-Pacific at Vina del Mar, Chile.

The meeting resulted in a joint statement in which the 11 nations "reiterated their firm commitment to collaborate in keeping markets open and to the free flow of goods, services and investment advancing regional economic integration and strengthening the rules-based international trading system noting our concern with protectionism in many parts of the world."

The representatives from Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Malaysia, Peru, and Singapore and Vietnam canvassed views on a way forward that would advance economic integration in the Asia-Pacific.

Senior trade officials would meet and consult in preparation for the ministers to meet again in the margins of the APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) meeting of Ministers Responsible for Trade in Hanoi on May 20 and 21.

The TPP appeared to have floundered after U.S. President Donald Trump withdrew his nation from the deal shortly after he took office.

New Zealand's opposition Green Party said it was disappointing that McClay was participating in talks "to try to resuscitate the dead-and-buried" TPP.

The economic gains from the TPP were only ever going to be small for New Zealand, and the deal was "always more about extending the rights of multinational corporations than extending market access opportunities," Green Party trade spokesperson Barry Coates said in a statement.

"New Zealand's priority should be to support the World Trade Organization, at a time when multilateralism is under attack," said Coates.
FLASH: TWO MILITANTS KILLED IN POLICE RAID IN BANGLADESH'S SOUTHEASTERN CHITTAGONG -- POLICE
DHAKA, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Two suspected militants were killed in Bangladesh in a police raid on Thursday morning.

Law enforcers conducted a raid on a hideout of Neo-JMB, an offshoot of the banned militant outfit Jamaatul Mujahideen Bangladesh, in the country's seaport city Chittaong, some 242 km southeast of capital Dhaka, a local police official said.
DHAKA, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Two suspected militants were killed in Bangladesh in suicide blasts during a police raid on Thursday.

Police raided a hideout of Neo-JMB, an offshoot of the banned militant outfit Jamaatul Mujahideen Bangladesh, in the country's seaport city Chittaong, some 242 km southeast of capital Dhaka, a local police official said.

A Chittaong police official told Xinhua over phone from the scene that "two militants have blown themselves up Thursday morning despite repeated requests to surrender."

He said a woman also suffered critical injuries.

The official who did not like to be unnamed could not confirm whether the woman who was rushed to a hospital has also died.
WASHINGTON, March 15 (Xinhua) -- Climate change in the polar regions may have worsened winter haze problems in China, which pledges more efforts to tackle air pollution despite the country's decreasing emissions, according to a study published Wednesday.

The study published in the U.S. journal Science Advances suggests that melting Arctic sea ice and increasing Eurasian snow, both caused by global climate change, have shifted China's winter monsoon, helping create stagnant atmospheric conditions that trap pollution over the country's major population and industrial centers.

"Emissions in China have been decreasing over the last four years, but the severe winter haze is not getting better," said Yuhang Wang, a professor at the Georgia Institute of Technology, who led the study.

"Mostly, that's because of a very rapid change in the high polar regions where sea ice is decreasing and snowfall is increasing. This perturbation keeps cold air from getting into the eastern parts of China where it would flush out the air pollution."

The findings were based on an analysis of one of the worst air pollution events ever recorded in China, which engulfed the East China Plain in January 2013.

The haze prompted the Chinese government to institute strict targets for reducing emissions from industry and other sources. Despite these measures, haze continues in China during the winter season.

Modeling and data analysis done by Wang and his colleagues found correlations of stagnant air conditions over China to Arctic sea ice, which reached a record low in the fall of 2012, and snowfall in the upper latitudes of Siberia, which reached a record high earlier in the winter.

The results are consistent with observations that South Korea and Japan were unusually cold that winter, while East China was unusually warm, both suggesting that the cold center had moved, he said.

"The very rapid change in polar warming is really having a large impact on China," Wang said. "Our research shows that cutting greenhouse gases would help with the winter haze problem."

He Kebin, a Tsinghua University professor, who was not involved in the study, said the results of this paper may help explain in some way why average wind speeds in the North China Plain have been decreasing in recent decades.

But he noted that weather is only an external cause of air pollution and that long-term meteorological conditions that tend to be unfavorable may mean bigger cuts of pollutant emissions are needed for China to achieve its air quality improvement target.

Zhang Renyi, a professor at Texas A&M University, however, slammed this as a "weak" paper and said there are "several fundamental flaws" in their work, mostly noticeable in dealing with the cause-effect relationship.

"They did not prove that A (Artic sea ice) and B (severe haze in China) are even connected, other than for the simple fact of their co-occurrence," Zhang said.
DHAKA, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Three suspected militants were killed in suicide blasts during a raid in a hideout in the country's seaport city Chittaong, some 242 km southeast of capital Dhaka, a local police official said.

The Chittaong police official told Xinhua over mobile phone from the scene that "two militants have blown themselves up Thursday morning despite repeated requests to surrender."

He said a woman who has also suffered critical injuries due to the blasts later succumbed to her injuries at a hospital, said the official who declined to be named.

Special units of Bangladesh Police from capital Dhaka have joined the local law enforcers in the raid which started on Thursday morning.

Sounds of several explosions and gun fires were heard from the militants' hideout at about 6:00 a.m. local time (0000 GMT) when the law enforcers police mounted the assault.

A member of Dhaka Metropolitan Police's Special Weapon and Tactic Team (SWAT) among three cops were reportedly sustained injuries during the gunfight.

A police officer was also injured when militants hurled grenades shortly after policemen Wednesday sealed-off two buildings on information that they were used as hideouts by militants of the Neo JMB.

Neo-JMB, an offshoot of banned militant outfit Jamaatul Mujahideen Bangladesh, is blamed for July 1 last year attack on the Holey Artisan Bakery in Dhaka's diplomatic quarter, in which 20 hostages, mostly foreigners, were killed.

A husband and wife along with a child were arrested from one of the buildings on Wednesday night.

Since the cafe attack, the Bangladeshi police apparently have gone tough against neo-JMB. Tamim Chowdhury, a Bangladeshi-Canadian, and Sarwar Jahan, identified as Neo JMB chief who was killed during a raid on Oct. 8 last year, have been blamed as the mastermind of the brutal attack on the Spanish cafe.

Chowdhury was also killed in a police raid on Aug. 27 last year. JMB carried out a series of bombings in 63 out of the country's 64 districts, including the capital of Dhaka on Aug. 17, 2005, leaving two people dead and 150 others injured.

Hundreds of JMB leaders and activists were rounded up while six top leaders of the group, including Shaikh Abdur Rahman, were hanged in 2007.
The Baiju Monastery (Xinhua/Purbu Tashi)

For every year, on the 15th day in the first month of the Tibetan calendar, Tibetan people mark the end of the new year festival with a "fight" of zanba.

A man beams with zanba flour on his face. (Xinhua/Purbu Tashi)

Zanba is the staple food in Tibet. The roasted highland barley flour is mixed with yak butter and usually squeezed into a dough before eating.

The Baiju Monastery (Xinhua/Purbu Tashi)

The best place to witness the ceremony is the Baiju Monastery, which perches on a highland 3,900 meters above sea level. It's about 230 kilometers south of Lhasa.

Tibetans gather in the Baiju Monastery on March 12, 2017. (Xinhua/Purbu Tashi)

On this special day, people would wake up early and get to the monastery before sunrise, carrying zanba flour with bags on their back.

Tibetans put prayer flags on a pillar at the Baiju Monastery on March 12, 2017. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)

But their first job is to change the prayer flags on the four pillars in the temple with new ones. The pillars, over 30 meters high, would be totally covered by new flags when most people arrive.

People erect the pillar with prayer flags on it on March 12, 2017. (Xinhua/Purbu Tashi)

People pull the ropes to erect the pillar with prayer flags on it on March 12, 2017. (Xinhua/Purbu Tashi)

The carnival begins when the first pillar is erected.

People pull the ropes to erect the pillar with prayer flags on it on March 12, 2017. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)

Zanba flour is thrown all over the place, and at everyone. Bless of pure white is thus spread, to families, friends and even strangers.

A man in the "white fight". (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)

Caught white-handed (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)

Men in big smiles after the "fight". (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)

Everything at the temple is obscured in white when all the people are involved in the "fight".

People pull the ropes to erect the pillar with prayer flags on it on March 12, 2017. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)

The ceremony has been held for over 600 years. No one knows how exactly it began, but now people believe it is a praying ceremony for favorable weather and bumper harvest.

People wait for a "battle" before a pillar of prayer flags is erected. (Xinhua/Purbu Tashi)

The flour won' t be wasted. It would be collected and fed to livestock.

An old man in the zanba fight (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)
HANOI, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Customs officers at the Noi Bai International Airport in Vietnam's capital Hanoi have seized over 100 kg of suspected rhino horns imported from Africa.

The haul of wildlife parts were discovered in two suitcases on board of a flight from Kenya's Nairobi to Hanoi, local Tuoi Tre (Youth) online newspaper reported on Thursday.

The luggage did not bear the name of the recipient as well as its total weigh.

Anti-smuggling division under the General Department of Vietnam Customs investigated the shipment, discovering that one of the suitcases weighed 57.1 kg and the other weighed 60.84 kg. Both contained animal horns appearing to be from rhinos, according to officers.

Local relevant authorities were carrying out further probe while the wildlife parts had been transferred to the Institute of Ecology and Biological Resources under the management of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology for an examination.

On Dec. 29, 2016, customs officers at Noi Bai Airport also seized a 50-kg shipment of rhino horns shipped from Kenya to dubious recipients.

The shipment had an estimated black market value of some 20 billion Vietnamese dong (879,097 U.S. dollars), reported Tuoi Tre.

In accordance with Vietnamese law, import of rhino horns, as with all animals protected by the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), is prohibited.
Photo taken on March 16, 2017 shows firemen spraying water in the slum in Dhaka, capital of Bangladesh. A devastating fire swept through one of the largest slums in Bangladesh capital Dhaka early Thursday, destroying hundreds of homes and leaving thousands of people homeless. (Xinhua/Mohammad Manowar Kamal)

DHAKA, March 16 (Xinhua) -- A devastating fire swept through one of the largest slums in Bangladesh capital Dhaka early Thursday, destroying hundreds of homes and leaving thousands of people homeless.

No casulties have so far been reported.

The slum, called Korail-Boubajar, is a densely populated slum holding hundreds of thousands of poor residents.

The affected slum dwellers were seen Thursday lamenting in open sky as most of them left behind all valuables to save their life.

Slum-dwellers have been searching their valuables in burnt houses after the fire.

18 fire fighting units rushed to the spot at about 2:00 a.m. local time to fight the flames in the slum, which with a population of about 300,000 is one of the largest slums in the city.

The firefighters brought the blaze under control at about 7:00 a.m. local time, said a firefighter who did not like to be named.

He said the exact cause of the fire was yet to be ascertained.

According to the firefighter, about 400 to 500 homes made of scrap sheet iron, plastic and cardboard were destroyed fully or partially in the devastating fire.

In December last year some 250 to 300 shanties were burnt in a gruesome fire accident in the slum.

Fires are common in Bangladeshi slums where hundreds of thousands of people are crammed in shacks along rail and waterways.

Fires leave thousands of people homeless every year in Dhaka alone.

In 2008, a big fire engulfed around 2,000 houses in a slum area and left over 10,000 people homeless.
BEIJING, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Chinese top legislator Zhang Dejiang has voiced his thanks to the journalists covering the annual session of the national legislature.

"The annual session is an important window for the world to observe China," said Zhang, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, at the session's media center on Tuesday.

The stories of this year's parliamentary session have been well told and are worth praising, he said.

Zhang toured the news center set up by Xinhua News Agency in the Great Hall of the People, shaking hands with Xinhua staff and watching them report on the event through traditional and new-media platforms.

Zhang also talked with journalists from other state media outlets including the People's Daily, China Central Television and China Daily.

The annual session of the NPC concluded Wednesday.
HANOI, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Trinh Xuan Thanh, former general director of the state-run PetroVietnam Construction Corporation (PVC) has been indicted with property embezzlement.

According to the jury of Hanoi People's High Court on Wednesday, Thanh had instructed Nguyen Ngoc Sinh, former general director of PetroVietnam Power Land Company (PVP Land) and Dao Duy Phong, former chairman of PVP Land Managing Board, to sign a share transfer contract with another local company at lower prices than market prices to make illegal profits, reported local Nhan Dan (People) newspaper on Thursday.

Earlier in September 2016, Vietnam's Ministry of Public Security charged Thanh with "intentionally acting contrary to state regulations on economic management, causing serious consequences" with a loss of nearly 3.3 trillion Vietnamese dong (142 million U.S. dollars) in PVC during his leardership.

The MPS issued an international arrest warrant against the fugitive Thanh.
by Gan Chun, Zindziwe Janse, Jesse Wieten

THE HAGUE, March 16 (Xinhua) -- The Netherlands has said "stop" to the wrong kind of populism, said Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte Wednesday evening after exit polls showed his center-right People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) would keep its position as the biggest party in the parliamentary election.

"It seems that the VVD will be the largest party three times in a row," Rutte told a crowd of cheering supporters in an election night gathering at the World Trade Center in The Hague.

"It is an evening when the Netherlands said 'Ho' (which means 'stop' in Dutch) to the wrong kind of populism after Brexit and the U.S. elections," Rutte said.

The first exit polls showed that the VVD would win 31 out of 150 seats in the lower house of parliament, while its biggest competitor, the far-right Party for Freedom (PVV), would secure only 19 seats, the same as the Democratic 66 (D66) and the Christian Democrats (CDA).

The VVD beating the PVV in the race to become the biggest party means that the Dutch people have refused to give power to a right wing populist party. A win for the PVV could have been a continuation of the wind of populism blowing through Europe and a barometer for the French presidential elections to be kicked off next month and Germany's elections in September.

Alexander Pechtold, leader of D66, reacted to the polls with a message similar to Rutte's.

"After Trump and the Brexit, people looked at Europe, where three countries could send a signal whether or not this continent is following the populists. And it was shown that that sound has been stopped here in the Netherlands," said Pechtold.

Jesse Klaver, leader of the Groenlinks party, also said in his election night speech that populism did not break through, calling it "a historical night."

PVV leader Geert Wilders thanked the people who voted for him on Twitter shortly after the result of the exit polls was revealed. "We have won seats. That's the first victory. Rutte will not get rid of me yet," said Wilders.

"Too bad we are not the biggest party, but it is a result we can be proud of," Wilders added.

Wilders had been in a neck-and-neck battle with Rutte throughout his campaign, but slid in opinion polls in the final run-up to the voting day.

Rutte admitted that the differences had been "emphasized" throughout the campaign, but called on the parties to "bring the country back together again" and to form a stable government in a "sensible manner" in the coming weeks and months.

The VVD leader now considers it important that the country remains "safe, stable and prosperous" after the election.

"We are the most competitive economy of the EU; we saw the quickest decrease of unemployment in ten years; the government's finances are in order; we even have a surplus on the budget," said Rutte, adding that the most important task in the coming years is to make ordinary people feel the success in their personal lives.

"Tonight we celebrate, and tomorrow we will continue to work for the Netherlands," added Rutte.

Rutte also expressed appreciation for his coalition partner from the Labour Party (PvdA) which lost 29 seats and secured only 9.

According to Eddy Habben Jansen, an election expert based in The Hague, the surprising loss of the PvdA could mean that the new coalition government would expect big changes in its policy.

Rutte told supporters that he has been receiving phone calls from other European leaders.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel called Rutte on Wednesday evening to express congratulations and wishes for cooperation, Merkel's spokesperson Steffen Seibert wrote on Twitter.

"I am looking forward to continuing good cooperation as friends, neighbors, Europeans," Seibert quoted Merkel as saying.

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker has congratulated Rutte for the Dutch election outcome, calling it a victory of Europe and a vote against extremism.

The turnout in this year's Dutch election was over 80 percent, an significant increase compared to the previous election in 2012.

The final results will be released on March 21.
PHNOM PENH, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen on Thursday appointed one of his deputies, Ben Chhin, as the acting minister in charge of the Council of Ministers after the incumbent Sok An passed away.

"Deputy Prime Ministers, Senior Ministers, Ministers at all ministries, heads of all institutions, and His Excellency Ben Chhin must comply with this decision from the day of signature," the prime minister wrote in the appointment letter.

Deputy Prime Minister Sok An, minister in charge of the Council of Ministers, died on Wednesday evening at the age of 66 due to illness, the Cambodian government said in a statement.

Sok An, one of the country's most powerful politicians, was a standing committee member of the ruling Cambodian People's Party.

In the government, he had served as the minister in charge of the Council of Ministers since 1998; and he was promoted to the rank of a deputy prime minister in 2004.

Sok An's body was flown to Phnom Penh early Thursday morning. According to the schedule, his body will be cremated on March 19 at the Wat Botum park, just south of the Royal Palace.
SEOUL, March 16 (Xinhua) -- South Korean prosecutors on Thursday summoned former and current executives of SK Group, the country's third-biggest family-controlled conglomerate, for their alleged implication in a corruption scandal embroiling ousted President Park Geun-hye.

The special investigation headquarters of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office said two former executives and one sitting executive of SK Group were summoned for questioning earlier in the day.

The headquarters have looked solely into the corruption scandal that led to Park's impeachment and ouster since special prosecutors ended their 70-day investigation on Feb. 28.

Park is accused of conspiring with her longtime confidante Choi Soon-sil to extort tens of millions of U.S. dollars from business conglomerates in return for business favors and presidential pardon. Choi established two nonprofit foundations to use for personal gains.

The constitutional court unanimously upheld a motion to impeach Park on March 10. She became the first South Korean leader to be removed from office through impeachment.

Park has been branded by prosecutors as an accomplice to Choi for multiple charges including extortion, abuse of power and bribery. Prosecutors summoned Park to appear in the prosecutor's office on March 21.

One of the summoned SK executives met face-to-face with then-President Park in July 2015 when Chey Tae-won, SK Group chairman, was serving time in jail.

On Aug. 15 of the year, Chey became the only conglomerate head who was specially pardoned by the president.

Later, SK Group donated 11.1 billion won (9.8 million U.S. dollars) to the two Choi-controlled foundations, raising suspicion over the donations in return for the chairman's pardon.
PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia, March 16 (Xinhua) -- The International Criminal Police Organization, or Interpol, has issued a red notice for four suspects from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), who showed up at the Kuala Lumpur airport when Kim Jong Nam was killed on Feb. 13.

"We have obtained a written red notice from Interpol for the four suspects, and we are hoping to get them through Interpol," Malaysian police chief Khalid Abu Bakar told reporters on Thursday, adding that he believed the four suspects had fled back to Pyongyang.

Interpol on its website also posted pictures and details about the four suspects, O Jong Gil, Ri Ji Hyon, Ri Jae Nam and Hong Song Hak, saying the four men were wanted by the judicial authorities of Malaysia for murder charges.

Khalid did not say how Malaysian would handle the body of Kim, who is believed to be the half-brother of top DPRK leader Kim Jong Un, as an autopsy on the body had been completed. He said disposal of the body would be decided by Malaysia's health ministry and foreign ministry.

Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said on Wednesday they identified the body of Kim by using "his child's DNA." When asked about whether Malaysia was considering exchanging the body of Kim with nine Malaysian nationals stranded in the DPRK, Zahid said they were "looking into all possibilities."
Dutch Prime Minister and People's Party for Freedom and Democracy VVD leader Mark Rutte gestures during election night for his liberal rightist party VVD in The Hague, the Netherlands, on March 15, 2017. The liberal rightist party VVD of Prime Minister Mark Rutte took the lead in the Dutch parliamentary elections, according to the final exit poll released on Wednesday, with the far-right party PVV staying far behind. (Xinhua/Ye Pingfan)

By Maria Vasileiou

THE HAGUE, March 15 (Xinhua) -- The Netherlands decisively rejected the possibility of a European Union (EU) state electing a far-right party, dealing a major blow to the wave of populism sweeping Western countries, Dutch experts say.

"The Dutch vote put an end to the so-called populist spring as the outcome shows that far-right extremism lost its momentum in the Netherlands," said Paul Teule, lecturer of political economics at the University of Amsterdam (UvA).

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte's center-right People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) came first in the Dutch parliamentary elections, according to the final exit poll released on Wednesday, with the right-wing populist party PVV staying far behind.

"Rutte made a clear victory beating off (PVV leader Geert) Wilders with a substantial difference," said Eddy Habben Jansen, executive director of ProDemos, an organization promoting political and social participation in the Netherlands. "The result of the Dutch elections is a disappointment for those who were expecting a victory for Wilders."

The definite exit poll forecasted the VVD won 31 of the 150 seats in the House of Representatives, or lower house of the parliament ahead of Wilders' PVV which tied in second place with two other parties at 19 seats each.

The Dutch vote was being watched as a barometer of how well populist candidates will do in upcoming elections in Europe and particularly in France and Germany, where right-wing nationalists hope to make a big impact, potentially posing a threat to the EU.

Far-right candidate Marine Le Pen is set to enter France's presidential election run-off in May, while euroskeptic, anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany is likely to enter the German federal parliament for the first time in federal elections in September.

"Europe can breathe a sigh of relief at the result of the Dutch vote," said Floris Vermeulen, associate professor and chair of the department of political science at the University of Amsterdam (UvA).

"The result dealt a blow to populists who had hoped anti-establishment anger had grown enough to bring them to power across Europe," said Vermeulen.

Wilders had virtually no chance of forming a government given that all the leading parties had ruled out working with him, but a PVV win would still send shockwaves across Europe.

The voters clearly rejected Wilders' extreme radical political line, explained the political expert. "The Dutch vote is a clear sign that if populist parties want to succeed it is not possible with a one page political program, which is limited to a few radical ideas and issues. They should address a larger number of issues and suggest appropriate solutions."

Wilders' one-page election campaign program contained only eleven points with the first and most expansive one focusing on "de-Islamization" of the Netherlands. "Wilders did not succeed in capturing the opportunity, when the issues of integration and immigration were high on the election complain," said Vermeulen.

"Le Pen cannot use the momentum of populism to promote her campaign in France," added the political scientist. In a similar tone, Teule explained that the French far-right candidate for the presidential elections can no longer rely on a favorable vote for Wilders.

"The momentum, which would fit in the narrative of an upcoming populism wave ready to overturn the established political order across Europe and worldwide, is lost," said the Dutch political expert and author of "Vrijheid voor Gevorderden" (Freedom for Advanced Readers), a book on Dutch politics containing a comprehensive rethink of the notion of freedom.

"After the Brexit and Donald Trump winning the U.S. Presidential elections everyone was looking at us," Mark Rutte said at a party meeting in The Hague. "This evening the Dutch people said 'stop' to the wrong kind of populism."

Alexander Pechtold, leader of the Democratic 66 (D66), and GroenLinks leader Jesse Klaver, who are expected to win 19 and 16 votes respectively, used the same words. "The sound of populism has stopped in the Netherlands," said Pechtold. "Populism has not had a breakthrough in the Netherlands," added Klaver.

Jansen of ProDemos echoed the political leaders. "Populism in the Netherlands is nothing like Brexit or Trump," he said. In the aftermath of the Brexit vote and the win of Donald Trump in the U.S. Presidential elections, a victory for the PVV would have been seen as an impending sign of a growing wave of populism through Europe.

"Wilders was almost invisible for a long part of his election campaign," Vermeulen cited as another reason for Wilders' defeat. "Only last week he tried by taking part in debates to gain ground, but the voters did not respond." PVV's result is well down from his 2010 high of 24 seats.

But Teule cautioned about the rise of the minor pro-immigrant party DENK, which is projected to gain three seats. "We see it as the counter party of PVV. A big populist party did not make it to the lead, but a newly formed minor has managed to enter the parliament," he said.

On the other hand, Vermeule warned that French elections would now be the next barometer for how well populist parties will perform in Europe.

Related:

Dutch PM Rutte claims victory in election over "populism"

THE HAGUE, March 16 (Xinhua) -- The Netherlands has said "stop" to the wrong kind of populism, said Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte Wednesday evening after exit polls showed his center-right People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) would keep its position as the biggest party in the parliamentary election.

"It seems that the VVD will be the largest party three times in a row," Rutte told a crowd of cheering supporters in an election night gathering at the World Trade Center in The Hague. Full Story

Spotlight: Dutch people say no to populism, says PM Rutte

THE HAGUE, March 15 (Xinhua) -- The liberal rightist party VVD of Prime Minister Mark Rutte took the lead in the Dutch parliamentary elections, according to the final exit poll released on Wednesday, with the far-right party PVV staying far behind.

The definite exit poll forecasted the VVD got 31 seats of the 150 seats in the House of Representatives, or lower house of the parliament. Full Story

French FM congratulates Dutch for "stemming" rise of far-right

PARIS, March 15 (Xinhua) -- French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault congratulated via twitter on Wednesday night the Dutch people for "stemming" the rise fo far-right led by Geert Wilders.
WASHINGTON, March 15 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Justice Department announced Wednesday charges against four suspects in the massive 2014 Yahoo data breach, including two Russian security service officers.

The defendants used unauthorized access to Yahoo's systems to steal information from about at least 500 million Yahoo accounts and then used some of that to obtain unauthorized access to the contents of accounts at Yahoo, Google and other webmail providers, the Justice Department said in a statement.

Two of the defendants, Dmitry Dokuchaev and Igor Sushchin, worked for the Russian Federal Security Service, known as the FSB, according to the statement.

The other two suspects are Alexsey Alexseyevich Belan, a Russian national, and Karim Baratov, a Canadian and Kazakh national.

"The United States will vigorously investigate and prosecute the people behind such attacks to the fullest extent of the law," U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions said.

"Today we continue to pierce the veil of anonymity surrounding cyber crimes," said FBI Director James Comey. "We are shrinking the world to ensure that cyber criminals think twice before targeting U.S. persons and interests."

Meanwhile, according to a report of Russia's Sputnik news agency on Wednesday, Washington has never approached Moscow to address the accusations and the probe against Russian nationals allegedly involved in hacker attacks on Yahoo accounts, citing a highly-placed Russian source.

"This fact, as well as the absence of concrete details of the case, lead to believe that another spiral of 'Russian hacker paranoia' is being used as an instrument of political struggle in the United States," the source told Sputnik.
U.S. President Donald Trump (L) walks to the Oval Office after returning to the White House in Washington D.C., the United States, on Feb 24, 2017. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu)

WASHINGTON, March 15 (Xinhua) -- A federal judge in Hawaii issued a nationwide temporary restraining order Wednesday to block the implementation of President Donald Trump's revised travel ban, hours before it was set to go into effect.

According to a 43-page opinion posted on the website of District Court of Hawaii, U.S. District Judge Derrick Watson concluded that allowing Trump's revised travel ban to take effect could be construed as discriminating against Muslims.

Watson blocked provisions of the March 6 executive order of Trump that would have frozen the refugee program for 120 days and stopped citizens of six Muslim countries from entering the United States. The revised travel ban will bar entry of citizens of Iran, Libya, Syria, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen for 90 days. Iraq has been taken off the list although it was included in the first ban.

Hawaii argued that the travel ban would harm its economy because of the loss of tourism and the ability to recruit international students.

"Hawaii primarily asserts two proprietary injuries stemming from the Executive Order. First, the State alleges the impacts that the Executive order will have on the University of Hawaii system, both financial and intangible," Watson wrote in his ruling.

"The second proprietary injury...is to the State's main economic drive:tourism," said the judge.

Hawaii has become the first state in the United States to file a lawsuit against Trump's revised travel ban.

Watson's ruling was the second major setback for Trump in his pursuit of a policy to limit immigrants flowing into the United States. The initial travel ban imposed on Jan. 27 was also halted by a federal court following legal challenges across the country.

Trump on Wednesday night slammed the federal court ruling as "an unprecedented judicial overreach," pledging to take the legal fight all the way to the Supreme Court.

"We're going to take our case as far as it needs to go, including all the way up to the Supreme Court," Trump said at a campaign rally in Nashville, the state of Tennessee, suggesting the ruling was made for "political reasons."

"I have to be nice otherwise I'll be criticized for speaking poorly about our courts," he told the crowd. "Among the most dishonest people in the world, I will be criticized."

"This is a watered-down version of the first one," Trump said. "And let me tell you something, I think we ought to go back to the first one and go all the way, which is what I wanted to in the first place."
DHAKA, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Four suspected militants were killed as Bangladeshi law enforcers on Thursday stormed a militant hideout at Sitakunda on the outskirts of the country's seaport city Chittagong, some 242 km southeast of capital Dhaka.

Chittagong Range Deputy Inspector General of Police Shafiqul Islam told journalists that four militants of Neo-JMB (an offshoot of the banned militant outfit Jamaatul Mujahideen Bangladesh) were killed during the raid.

At least two of them reportedly blew themselves up in "suicide explosions" and two others were shot by law enforcers.

Meanwhile, two policemen and a fire fighter were injured.

Islam said the operation "Assault 16" of the joint forces also recovered huge quantity of arms and explosive devices including a suicide vest, three handmade grenades, a pistol, circuits used for making bombs and 12 bullets.

The militants fired and lobbed hand-made grenades as police members stormed their hideout at about 6:00 a.m. local time after encircling it since Wednesday night, he said.

Chittagong police sealed-off the building after arresting a couple with arms and explosives from another hideout on Wednesday afternoon.

According to the official, 20 members of seven families, who were trapped inside the building during the overnight raid, were taken to safety before the final assault began Thursday morning.

Police tracked down the hideout Wednesday hours after they busted another "Neo JMB" den only a kilometer away, and arrested two suspected militants who claimed to be a couple and had a two-month-old baby with them.

The couple are also suspected members of neo-JMB, an offshoot of banned militant outfit, which is blamed for July 1 last year attack on the Holey Artisan Bakery in Dhaka's diplomatic quarter, in which 20 hostages, mostly foreigners, were killed.

In the wake of the Dhaka cafe attack, Bangladeshi law enforcers conducted many such big operations against militants. Tamim Chowdhury, a Bangladeshi-Canadian, and Sarwar Jahan, identified as Neo JMB chief who was killed during a raid on Oct. 8 last year, have been blamed as the mastermind of the brutal attack on the Spanish cafe.

Chowdhury was also killed in a police raid on Aug. 27 last year. JMB carried out a series of bombings in 63 out of the country's 64 districts, including the capital of Dhaka on Aug. 17, 2005, leaving two people dead and 150 others injured.

Hundreds of JMB leaders and activists were rounded up while six top leaders of the group, including Shaikh Abdur Rahman, were hanged in 2007.
OUAGADOUGOU, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Burkina Faso's security forces on Wednesday deplored significant increase of youth delinquency in school system.

"Our services have arrested more and more school children for robberies, fencing of stolen objects, assault and batteries as well as the use of drugs," the Burkinabe gendarmerie said on its Facebook page.

According to national committee for combating drugs (CNLD), 76 students including 63 primary pupils were arrested for drug abuse over the first quarter of the year 2016 in the West African country.

Last year, on the occasion of the 27th International Day on the fight against drug, CNLD's secretary Mariam Diallo-Zorome revealed that children showed abnormal behavior since 2015, referring to drug abuse.
RIO DE JANEIRO, March 15 (Xinhua) -- Hundreds of thousands of Brazilians took to the streets on Wednesday to protest against a social security reform which is being pushed by the government.

There were protests in all state capitals and a number of smaller cities. In Sao Paulo, 250,000 people gathered in the city's main avenue to protest against the reform, bus and subway workers went on strike for several hours. In many state capitals, teachers went on strike, and civil workers, garbage collectors, clinic workers also stopped working for the day.

Former Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva joined the protest in the Sao Paulo, who accused in his speech that the reform seeks to undo all the benefits achieved by the governments of the Workers' Party (2003-2016).

However, Brazilian President Michel Temer defended the reform bill on Wednesday, saying that it is necessary to reform the social security system now in order to prevent the collapse of the system in the near future.

"This will not take rights from anyone. Those who have acquired rights will not lose anything they have," he added.

The reform is regarded as a heavy blow to Brazilian workers. Under the changed regulations, Brazilians will have to work for much longer in order to get lower retirement pensions.

The government is trying to push the reform under the allegation that the social security system has a huge deficit, and without the reform, the system will collapse in the next few years.

Critics argued that the system actually has a surplus if one takes into account the several sources of funding, instead of just the main source, as the government does for its calculations.

The reform establishes a minimum age of 65 years old for retirement, regardless of how many years one has worked. In addition, there is a minimum time of contribution of 25 years, regardless of the age of retirement.

Also, in order to receive a full pension, a person must have worked for staggering 49 years, which may be hard to qualify while taken into consideration the Brazilians' average life expectancy of 75.
HANOI, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam's leather and footwear industry will maintain its strong growth even if the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) does not materialize, according to the Vietnam Leather, Footwear and Handbag Association (Lefaso).

Diep Thanh Kiet, Lefaso's deputy chairman, was quoted by Vietnam's state-run news agency VNA on Thursday as saying that the industry enjoyed annual growth of 15-20 percent in 2011-2015 period.

Vietnam's leather and footwear products were exported to nearly 50 countries and regions with the U.S., European Union (EU), China and Japan being the biggest markets.

"The industry stands on three legs, with the U.S. accounting for 34.5 percent of its total exports, the EU for 31.9 percent and other markets for the rest," said Kiet.

Without the TPP, other free trade agreements (FTAs) with the Republic of Korea, the Customs Union of Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus, in addition to an agreement with the EU to take effect in future, are opening new windows for Vietnam's leather and footwear industry, Kiet assessed, adding that the Vietnamese government would continue to negotiate new FTAs to enable more exports of Vietnamese products, including footwear.

Echoing Kiet, Phan Chi Dung, head of the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT)'s light industry department, said the country's footwear sector targets better use of FTAs to expand exports.

It plans to restructure production to add value to products, increase local content in products, improve designs, and focus on medium- and high-quality products for domestic and export markets, said Dung.

The MoIT is compiling a master plan for leather and footwear development, forecasting production of more than 2 billion pairs of shoes a year by 2025, two times compared to last year's volume, and exports of over 30 billion U.S. dollars.

"Demand for raw materials would also surge two or three fold, and so if the supporting industry is not developed in the coming years, the industry would have to depend greatly on imports, which would make it hard to accomplish its targets," Dung pointed out.

The official urged footwear firms to join hands and to increase investment in modern equipment and technologies to capitalize on the opportunities brought by global integration, participate in the global supply chain and make Vietnam a global footwear production base.

There are some 1,700 footwear enterprises in Vietnam, some 800 of which are large-scale ones. Foreign-invested enterprises account for 80 percent of the sector's exports.

Leather and footwear products are among Vietnam's key export items, with exports reaching 16.2 billion U.S. dollars last year, accounting for 10 percent of the country's total exports. This year, Vietnam's footwear exports are expected to top 17.88 billion U.S. dollars.

The country is the third largest footwear maker and second largest exporter in the world.
HANOI, March 16 (Xinhua) -- A missile escort vessel HQ-011 Dinh Tien Hoang of the Vietnamese Navy has left for the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2017 (LIMA 2017) in Malaysia for the first time.

The Gepard-class frigate will participate in LIMA 2017 from March 21-25 with 140 officers and crew members on board, the Quan Doi Nhan Dan (People's Army Newspaper) reported on Thursday.

The participation aims to enhance relations between the Vietnam People's Navy with its counterparts from the host Malaysia and other Asian nations and help ensure regional maritime safety and security, reported Quan Doi Nhan Dan.

HQ-011 Dinh Tien Hoang is scheduled to take part in the event's ship review and maritime demonstration alongside several exercises, including a rescue operation.

LIMA, one of the largest exhibitions of its kind in Asia-Pacific, is a maritime and aerospace exhibition that has taken place once every two years since 1991. This year's edition is expected to welcome 550 companies from 38 countries.
BEIJING, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Chinese authorities Thursday started a targeted inspection on the use and management of poverty relief funds in 28 provinces and regions.

The check, headed by the Ministry of Finance and the State Council Leading Group Office of Poverty Alleviation and Development, aims to uncover any irregularities in this high-government invested initiative.

For the past four years, China has allocated 196.1 billion yuan (about 28.5 billion U.S. dollars), representing annualized growth of 19.22 percent, according to Mo Jiancheng, an inspector under the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Commission for Discipline Inspection.

The inspection, mainly targeting money allocated in 2015 and 2016, will last until the end of June.

China brought 12.4 million people in rural areas above the poverty line in 2016, and there were still 43.35 million people living in poverty at the end of last year.

According to a government work report delivered at the annual parliamentary session earlier this month, China aims to reduce the number of rural residents living in poverty by over 10 million in 2017, including 3.4 million to be relocated from inhospitable areas.

To this end, central government funding for poverty alleviation will be increased by over 30 percent, according to the report.
BEIJING, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Net foreign exchange sales by Chinese banks continued to drop in February signaling a let-up of capital outflow, official data showed Thursday.

Banks bought 108.8 billion U.S. dollars worth of foreign currencies and sold 118.9 billion dollars, resulting in net sales of 10.1 billion dollars last month, according to the State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE).

The deficit was down from January's 19.2 billion dollars and 46.3 billion dollars in December.

There had been rising concerns about capital flight in the second half of 2016, when the economy was facing looming downward pressures and the Chinese yuan was in the middle of a losing streak against the greenback.

But the yuan gradually recovered from its weakness in recent months, as the Chinese economy started 2017 on a firmer footing, indicated by a string of economic data including factory activity, foreign trade and fixed-asset investment.

The yuan's central parity rate strengthened 253 basis points to 6.8862 against the U.S. dollar on Thursday.
NEW DELHI, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Former Indian Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar on Thursday won the vote of confidence as the chief minister of the western state of Goa, two days after he was sworn in to the post.

Some 22 legislators voted for Parrikar in the 40-member Goa assembly though he needed 21 votes to prove majority. "We had 23 legislators with us, all stood by us. 22 lawmakers voted in our favour, the Speaker, who is from our party could, of course, not vote," Parrikar told the media.

In the election results announced last Saturday, the state's main opposition Congress party won the most -- 17 -- but not enough to form the government, with the target being 21 seats. Moreover, it was slow in moving to secure the support of four more legislators that it needed for a majority.

On the other hand, the country's ruling Bharatiya Janata, which won 13 seats, quickly tied up its alliance and staked claim to form the government, following which 61-year-old Parrikar was invited by Governor Mridula Sinha to form the government.

Parrikar was sworn in Tuesday, hours after India's Supreme Court cleared the decks by refusing a plea of the Congress party to stay the same, saying that the BJP has shown the support of 21 out of the 40 newly elected legislators.

The eight lawmakers who have extended their support to the BJP are from regional parties and independent legislators, some of whom have kept a condition that Parrikar would lead the state as the chief minister, according to sources.

Parrikar will have to get elected to Goa assembly within six months. He was the chief minister of Goa till 2014 when after winning the general elections, the BJP inducted him as defense minister.
SEOUL, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Two U.S. strategic bombers had gone back on Wednesday to their base after making a sortie to South Korea to participate in the ongoing U.S.-South Korea joint military exercise, Yonhap news agency reported on Thursday.

An unnamed South Korean military official was quoted as saying two B-1B supersonic strategic bombers flew over the Korean Peninsula on Wednesday afternoon and returned back in the same day to the U.S. Anderson air base in Guam.

Dubbed the "swan of death" for its formidable firepower, the B-1B Lancer is capable of reaching the peninsula in two hours from Guam.

It is faster than B-52 and B-2 bombers, two other strategic bombers of the U.S. forces, delivering heavier payload than the two.

The Wednesday sortie was apparently made in a show of force against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). After the DPRK's fifth nuclear test in September last year, two B-1B bombers were sent to the peninsula.

The dispatch came amid the ongoing U.S.-South Korea spring war games, codenamed Key Resolve and Foal Eagle that are scheduled to last by the end of next month.

The DPRK has denounced the drills as a dress rehearsal for northward invasion.

Carl Vinson, a nuclear-powered U.S. aircraft carrier, also made a visit to Busan, South Korea's southern port city, to attend the ongoing military exercises.

The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier and its attendant fleet are accompanied by 24 F/A-18 fighter jets, 10 aerial tankers, 10 S-3A anti-submarine airplanes, 6 SH-3H anti-submarine helicopters, 4 EA-6B electronic warfare aircrafts and 4 E-2 airborne early warning aircrafts.

The U.S. forces are reportedly set to mobilize other strategic assets during the joint drills, including F-35B stealth fighter jets that were deployed in the U.S. military base in Japan in January.
Giant panda Shu Lan rests at Lanzhou Zoo in Lanzhou, capital of northwest China's Gansu Province, March 16, 2017. The 23-year-old giant panda will leave Lanzhou on Thursday to return to its hometown in southwest China's Sichuan Province due to health concerns. The Lanzhou zoo held a farewell party for Shu Lan on Thursday morning. Many locals came to say goodbye. Experts said Shu Lan is in normal health, but concluded that she has shown some symptoms of aging, such as weight loss. Her age is equivalent to about 70 human years. Therefore, experts suggested sending Shu Lan to a conservation and research center for Giant Panda in Sichuan to help her maintain her health. (Xinhua/Fan Peishen)

LANZHOU, March 16 (Xinhua) -- A 23-year-old Giant panda is leaving the northwest Chinese city of Lanzhou on Thursday to return to its hometown in southwest China's Sichuan Province due to health concerns.

The giant panda, named Shu Lan, will fly from Lanzhou City to China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda (CCRCGP) in Chengdu City on a China Eastern Airlines flight on Thursday night, accompanied by her breeder and vet.

The Lanzhou zoo held a farewell party for Shu Lan on Thursday morning. Many locals came to say goodbye.

A man in his 70s traveled more than 10 kilometers to the zoo to see Shu Lan.

"I visit the zoo seven to eight times every month. And every time I'm here, I come to see Shu Lan," said Wang.

He said he hopes she will become healthier and return to Lanzhou soon.

Photos of her with an injured back and foaming at the mouth went viral in October 2016 and February 2017, arousing public concern.

Experts said Shu Lan is in normal health, but concluded that she has shown some symptoms of aging, such as weight loss.

Her age is equivalent to about 70 human years.

The panda habitat at the zoo in Lanzhou was built in 1976 and is too antiquated to accommodate Shu Lan.

Therefore, experts suggested sending Shu Lan to the center for Giant Panda in Sichuan to help her maintain her health.

Shu Lan was born in 1994 in Chengdu City and moved to Lanzhou in 1996. She went back to Sichuan to live between 1999 and 2016 for research and breeding.

She gave birth to two babies, but one of them died, according to the zoo.

A national survey released in February 2015 showed that as of the end of 2013, China had 1,864 wild pandas and 375 others living in captivity.
VINA DEL MAR, Chile, March 15 (Xinhua) -- China favored economic integration in the Asia-Pacific region and on a global scale, Yin Hengmin, China's envoy on Latin American and Caribbean Affairs, said on Wednesday.

"China promotes the economic integration of the Asia-Pacific and we also firmly support global integration," Yin said, following a high-level diologue meeting of Asia-Pacific representatives in Chile.

In an exclusive interview with Xinhua, Yin recalled that at last year's summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum held in Lima, Peru, participants agreed to plan the steps needed to reach the next level of integration and free trade.

"I am convinced that in 2019, when Chile hosts the APEC Summit, the meeting is going to inject new strength in promoting the Asia-Pacific free-trade zone," said Yin.

As for the two-day dialogue meeting on Asia-Pacific integration -- which was organized by Latin America's Pacific Alliance trade bloc and attended by envoys from 15 countries -- Yin said, "our presence aims to explore this process of integration with all of the parties present."

As a free trade proponent, China has backed the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and spearheaded its own initiatives, such as the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP), promoted within APEC, said Yin, the special representative sent by the Chinese government to attend the meeting.

The RCEP covers a 10-nation market of 3.4 billion people, including Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, plus Australia, China, India, Japan, South Korea and New Zealand, the six countries that have free trade agreements with the region.

"First, we support the Asia-Pacific free trade zone," said Yin, adding that when Beijing hosted the APEC Summit in 2014, participants "reached many agreements and in the past two years, have made progress."

There is already a free trade agreement with member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Yin said, and "once negotiations have concluded, the RCEP will be the free trade agreement for the area with the largest population in the Asia-Pacific region."

To that end, "China is going to firmly support and promote this process, and we are going to speed up the negotiations so they can conclude as soon as possible, contributing to integration in the region," said Yin.

Regarding Latin America, Yin said, "we are stepping up the arrangements to advance towards binational free trade with the Pacific Alliance, and we have signed free trade agreements with Chile and Peru, and are now studying the viability of another with Colombia."

Established in 2012, the Pacific Alliance, which groups Peru, Mexico, Colombia and Chile, is a regional political and economic integration initiative in Latin America.

"Through these three agreements, we are bolstering integration in the Asia-Pacific region," Yin said.

"China supports Asia-Pacific economic integration, regional economic development and globalization, and it is going to promote cooperation with all governments," Yin stressed.

Envoys from 15 Pacific-rim countries gathered at Chile's seaside resort of Vina del Mar on Tuesday and Wednesday to discuss the best way forward, following Washington's withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) in January.

At the meeting entitled "the High-Level Dialogue on Integration Initiatives in the Asia-Pacific: Challenges and Opportunities", they agreed to pursue free trade amid rising protectionism in parts of the world.
A woman carries tobacco leaves from a farm in Nyabira, Mashonaland East, Zimbabwe, March 14, 2017. Zimbabwe's 2017 tobacco marketing season opened on Wednesday with the highest price of 4.60 U.S. dollars per kg, higher than 3.50 dollars in 2016. (Xinhua)

HARARE, March 16 (Xinhua) -- It is Tuesday afternoon and it's a hive of activity at one of the farms 60 km northwest of Harare as farm owner Paul Mattison prepares for the 2017 tobacco marketing season which begins this Wednesday.

Just a few hours before the selling season kicks off, Mattison and his managers are busy supervising the workers, some loading harvested tobacco leaves into a curing facility while others are busy grading the cured tobacco.

"I am expecting to produce 500 tonnes of tobacco this season and we have better quality crop when compared to last year. We are, however, down on yields this year due to too much rain and shortage of coal," said Mattison, one of the 195 farmers contracted by China's Tianze to grow tobacco in Zimbabwe.

Mattison has been growing tobacco under contract farming with Tianze for 10 years, and has no regrets for choosing to work with the Chinese firm.

"I love Tianze. They are absolutely brilliant. They have funded all the developments here including the tobacco barns and curing facilities," he said.

"I have done a lot of capital projects this season, spending about 220,000 U.S. dollars on buying new tractors and putting up a grading shade. This was all funded by Tianze," he added.

One of the few white farmers remaining in Zimbabwe after the land reform program, Mattison said he switched to Tianze after having worked with other companies due to Tianze's competitive financing and viable prices they offer for tobacco leaf, which is Zimbabwe's top export earner.

Tianze currently offers the best tobacco prices in Zimbabwe and its cheap money, lent at zero percent deposit, was the best ever deal for tobacco growers in the country, Mattison said.

He was lucky that just a small percentage of his crop, about five percent, was affected by hail storm this year.

He said he hopes to maintain the 170 ha of tobacco in 2018, and to further expand tobacco infrastructure at a farm that is covered under the Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (BIPPA) between Belgium and Zimbabwe.

He said his tobacco farming preparations were being affected by lack of storage space as all the tobacco had matured at the same time due to excessive rains, and hoped the beginning of the selling season would help alleviate the shortage of storage space at his farm.

He had already delivered 2,000 bales for sale to the contractor Tianze in Harare and hoped to pay back in full a 1.1 million U.S. dollars loan he borrowed from Tianze this season.

The 2017 tobacco auction sales begin on March 15 followed by contract sales on March 16.

Mattison's neighbor Kerry Ruzvidzo was not so lucky this season, as 60 percent of his 130 ha crop was damaged by hail storm and disease.

Tobacco output had therefore reduced by 25 percent from last year, he said.

"I am expecting 400 tonnes of tobacco, down from 500 tons last year. This is the worst year I have heard since I started growing tobacco under Tianze nine years ago," he said.

Excessive rains, hail storms and an incurable disease caused by the hail storm had seriously affected output and quality of the tobacco crop, he said.

He was also incurring extra costs hiring equipment to fix the road at his farm that had been damaged by excessive rains.

"I will not make any profit this year. I am just fighting to pay back the 1.2 million U.S. dollars I owe to Tianze and hopefully be able to get another contract with the firm next year," he said.

He said he was not expecting good prices for his spotty tobacco leaf due to its poor quality and added that he will reduce tobacco hectarage to 100 hectares next year due to poor returns this year.

Ruzvidzo said he wants to keep investing in technology in his tobacco farming venture so as to cut labor costs and improve viability.

Both Ruzvidzo and Mattison decried cash shortages in the economy, saying they had affected their ability to pay workers.

"We have resorted to paying them with plastic money but the challenge is that workers are now spending more time looking for money at the banks instead of being at work," said Mattison.

Tianze, a subsidiary of China Tobacco International, started tobacco contract farming in Zimbabwe in 2005 with the sole purpose of helping revive the country's tobacco output which had plummeted to a low of 48 million kg in 2008 following the implementation of the land reform program by government in the early 2000s.

Through its support over the years, Zimbabwe's tobacco output has rebounded and reached 217 million kg in 2014, slightly short of peak production of 231 million kg in 2001.

Tianze has managed to do this through provision of free interest loans, subsidized inputs and quality technical support, among other assistance.

Apart from contract farming, Tianze is involved in auction floor purchasing, processing, warehousing and exporting of tobacco to China. It also sources tobacco from other tobacco merchants in Zimbabwe and export it to China.

Every year, it buys and exports more than 50 percent of Zimbabwe's tobacco to China.

The number of farmers it supports in Zimbabwe has grown from one in 2005 to the current 305 with hectarage under contract rising from 20 ha to 8,720 ha.

Since inception, the company has injected 40 million dollars annually in interest free loans towards tobacco production, in addition to free technical support, training and other services to its contracted farmers.

Tobacco leaf accounts for 10 percent of Zimbabwe's Gross Domestic Product, underlining its significance to the country's economy.

The country is expecting slightly over 200 million kg of tobacco leaf in 2017 from 183 million kg worth 537 million dollars last year.
JERUSALEM, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Israeli jets struck two Hamas posts in the northern Gaza Strip on Thursday following rocket fire from the Palestinian enclave, the military said.

There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage as a result of the airstrikes.

"An Israeli Air Force aircraft targeted two Hamas terrorist organization posts in the northern Gaza Strip," the military said in a statement.

It did not say which group was believed to be behind the rocket-firing but noted that "Israel Defense Forces holds Hamas responsible for all attacks at Israel from the Gaza Strip."

Hamas is the organization in control of the Gaza Strip.

Shortly before the airstrikes, a rocket landed in an empty field near the town of Netivot in Israel's Sdot Negev region, without causing any damage or injuries.

Palestinian media reported that before the rocket was fired Israeli bulldozers were leveling land in the eastern Gaza Strip.

Since Israel's 51-day-long bloody military campaign in Gaza in the summer of 2014, rocket fire from Gaza occasionally hits southern Israel, usually without causing any damage.

Israel typically responses with artillery or air strikes.
A Kenyan woman arranges recycled materials to make plastic bag in Nairobi, Sept. 10, 2012. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao)A Kenyan woman arranges recycled materials to make plastic bag in Nairobi, Sept. 10, 2012. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao)

by Peter Mutai

NAIROBI, March 16 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has commended Kenya for banning all production, use and import of plastic bags.

UNEP Executive Director Erik Solheim said the move that will take effect in August is expected to inspire others and help drive further commitments to the Clean Seas campaign.

"Plastic waste also causes immeasurable damage to fragile ecosystems on land and at sea and Kenya's decision is a major breakthrough in our global effort to turn the tide on plastic," Solheim said in a statement issued in Nairobi.

Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Natural Resources Judi Wakhungu on Wednesday announced a ban on the use, manufacture and import of all plastic bags, to take effect in six months.

The announcement came just three weeks after the UNEP declared a war on plastic through its new Clean Seas initiative, which has secured commitments to address major plastic pollution from ten governments.

Some 100 million plastic bags are handed out every year in Kenya by supermarkets alone, posing a challenge to the country's urban waste disposal, particularly in the poorest communities where access to disposal systems and healthcare is limited.

Plastic bags have been identified as a major cause of environmental damage and health problems. They kill birds, fish and other animals that mistake them for food, damage agricultural land, pollute tourist sites and provide breeding grounds for the mosquitoes that carry malaria and dengue fever.

Kenya is the 11th country to take action in support of the UN Environment campaign. In Africa, Rwanda and Morocco have already banned plastic bags and other countries are set to announce measures in the coming weeks.
JAKARTA, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Twelve farmers from 11 African nations have embarked on a training program within South-South cooperation in Indonesia to enhance their professional skills.

The program, sponsored by Indonesia and entitled "International Training on Agriculture for African Countries," was held in Kuningan, West Java province.

Niniek Kun Naryati, acting director general for information and public diplomacy section at Indonesia's foreign ministry, said the program is part of the nation's capacity building commitments for African countries.

The 12 farmers are from Zimbabwe, Angola, Ethiopia, Gambia, Madagascar, Sudan, Kenya, Mozambique, Tanzania, Nigeria and Namibia, and they will learn how to manage rice fields from planting the seeds to the harvesting techniques.

Indonesian experts will also teach them skills related to planting and processing corn, coffee and cassava in the program.
ADDIS ABABA, March 16 (Xinhua) -- The transformational tale of underage female Ethiopians, who were once sexually and physically abused, trafficked and abandoned, is by far one of those outstanding commitments and achievements made towards protecting and saving the life and dignity of women.

For many years, the global community has attempted to celebrate women's achievements in all the political, economic and social spectrums, while calling for gender equality. These efforts bring together those who have something to say or do to honor women, such as women's rights advocate groups, academia, hospitals, charities and activists.

However, many of these efforts and gatherings, including the International Women's Day, comes and goes only to be followed by the next abuse against women to be heard in many parts of the world, including countries in Africa such as Ethiopia.

Hanna Lalango, a sixteen-year-old Ethiopian girl, was gang-raped in 2014 by strangers after being kidnapped by five men in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa while she was onboard a public mini-bus.

Her story is noticeably similar to a tragedy that took place in India, when another young woman boarded a bus, was raped by passengers, and died from her injuries.

However, as reports of such stories emerge on a global level, there are also philanthropies that opt to end or minimize such incidences from happening, and help victims to rehabilitate from the unexpected happening of such incidents.

One of such philanthropies, located in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa, is the Organization for Prevention, Rehabilitation and Integration of Female Street Children (OPRIFS), a non-governmental organization that operates in the east African country striving to improve the economic livelihood of women and girls through self-help groups.

OPRIFS, during its 17 years of active involvement in Ethiopia, has so far admitted 3,537 girls into its temporary shelters and helped them to rehabilitate from the act of horror that they have endured. Majority of these girls were victims of physical and sexual abuse, some others were trafficked, while the remaining others were left abandoned by their families or close relatives.

One of these girls admitted to OPRIFS's rehabilitation program is Selam Abebe, who was sexually abused by a member of her family-relative while she was just 15 years old.

Afraid of the consequences if her abuser hears the story from third party, Selam was unable to tell what she has been through for some time. However, as time goes, someone whom she used to know at school identified Selam's condition and, soon after, she was recommended to OPRIFS.

Tsion Degu, child-psychologist at OPRIFS, recalls Selam's early days at the Organization's shelter, saying that "Selam's condition was abysmal and complicated". The psychologist further indicated that the incidence has left physical and psychological impact on Selam's life.

After years of psychological and physical rehabilitation services she has received by trained professionals at the OPRIFS, Selam was partially relived from the traumatic burden of the horrible abuse.

Selam, currently attending her first year college education, is one of thousands of girls who once lost their self-confidence as a result of the tragic abuse, but thanks to OPRIFS, acquired a second chance to turn their lives into a better condition.

Even though majority of admitted girls at OPRIFS were partially able to halt the negative impact of an abuse or trafficking, psychologists such as Tsion, however, indicated that the effect of such incidences may last forever with the victim even after successfully completing the rehabilitation service.

Over 50 underage girls are currently admitted at OPRIFS and they are receiving rehabilitation service by professional psychologists and experts. These girls receive a one-on-one psychological follow up session with trained psychologists on a weekly basis. As part of the rehabilitation process, they also benefit from a biweekly life skill training session in group.

OPRIFS, in partnership with ChildFund Ethiopia, has also recently launched a year-long technical and vocational training program for over 100 admitted girls. The training is expected to boost the condition of sexually and physically abused girls by evolving them into productive activities.

With all its involvements in rehabilitating and empowering girls, the organization's sustainability, however, is at stake. According to Muluken Shiferaw, Director of OPRIFS, this is due to the existing financial constraints that the organization is facing presently.

Ethiopia, with close to 100 million population and home for close to 50 million women, has signed and ratified both the 1979 UN's Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women, and the 1993 Declaration on the Elimination of violence against Women, which recognizes violence against women as a violation of human rights.

Unlike the previous times, strong women's involvement is now witnessed in Ethiopia's political and socio-economic spheres. In the political arena, for instance, women's participation has shown a remarkable progress over the past few years, consisting 38.9 percent of the total seats of the Ethiopian House of Peoples' Representatives, the highest political organ in the country.

The east African country, through its first and second five-year Growth and Transformation Plans, also envisages women's active participation in the socio-economic area.
PARIS, March 16 (Xinhua) -- French President Francois Hollande on Thursday hailed Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte's election victory over major rival Geert Wilders.

In a statement issued by his office, Hollande "warmly congratulates Mark Rutte for his clear victory against extremism."

"The values of openness, respect for others and faith in the future of Europe are the only real response to the nationalist impulses and isolationism that are shaking the world," he added.

Final exit poll released on Wednesday showed the center-right People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) of Rutte took the lead in the Dutch parliamentary elections, beating far-right candidate Wilders, in a blow to surging populist sentiment that emerged after anti-establishment vote in the United States and Britain.
by Mulyanda Djohan Adnan

WEST JAVA, Indonesia, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Having high rate of urbanization, Indonesia has faced challenges in providing public necessities including sanitation management, in urban areas across the nation.

Despite access to improved sanitation in the urban areas has significantly risen to 76 percent at present from 52 percent in 2002, still only 5 percent of the fecal waste has been treated safely and the rest discharged unsafely to the environment in the territories, data from the World Bank disclosed on Thursday.

One of the major impacts of the practice is high rate of stunting among under 5-year-old children, which totals about 9 million out of about 27 million whole children across the country, the lender revealed.

To address the risk, the Indonesian government has changed its fecal sludge management focus from only constructing treatment facilities to an integrated management comprising onsite system at household level, emptying program, transport and septage treatment, as well as reuse of treated sludge, the public work ministry has said.

Indonesia's urban population is forecast to reach 67.5 percent of the country's over 250 million populations by 2025, the World Bank reveled.

In an exclusive interviews with Xinhua on Thursday and Wednesday, the stake holders on the matter outlined measures and policies they have unveiled to deal with the challenges.

Dewi Virgiyanti, director of urban, housing and settlement of the national development planning agency admitted many septic tanks used by communities do not meet the national standard (SNI), which can easily pollute environment, including the quality of soil waters.

"There are many septage tanks used by urban communities do not comply with the national standard. Therefore, the agency has conducted promotion and campaign to the people over the essence of use of septage tank which meets with the standard," the director said.

Indonesia hopes that all the people in the country have access to sanitation in 2019, according to the agency.

Head of processing unit facility for fecal in Bekasi town Andre Sucipto said that low capacity of the facility and less people using SNI septage tanks are among the major obstacles to ease the pollution resulted by such practice.

A powerful regulation, which can push people to use such septage tanks, is being prepared by the provincial administration, he added.

"The capacity of the processing unit facility for the people in the town will also be expanded," he said at the compound of the processing facility.

With a smile, Yoyok Cahyono, a resident at the town expressed his gratitude to the services provided by the processing facility office in emptying his standardized septage tank for cheap tariff and easy access.

"I am concerned that should the emptying not be taken place, the pollution would spread to nearby neighbor's well that can create diseases," she added.

In West Java provincial capital of Bandung, the water utility agency (PDAM) has applied an integrated management for clean water and fecal sludge.

Director of PDAM Sony Salimi said on Thursday that his office has encouraged people to apply good sanitation.

"We have undertaken a campaign by visiting the community, telling them the necessity of having standardized septage tanks with emptying taking place regularly (once in 3 years), and not to throw rubbish into the river," he said.

He said that cost for producing water could decline 30 percent but sedimentation in the river during heavy downpours remains challenging.

With financial aids from private sectors, donors and the government, Salimi set a target to expand water utility facility for 26,000 consumers.

So far, the agency only provides services to 70 percent of the 2.4 million population of Bandung city, according to him.

Novera Deliyasma, director for fecal sludge at the agency claimed that it has developed a more sophisticated and efficient processing facilities for fecal sludge in the city.

"This facility is located near the city in a narrower land which cut cost of transport and land purchase. Beside, we have also developed piping facility in the city for the fecal sludge management," she said.
MOGADISHU, March 16 (Xinhua) -- A senior Al-Shabaab commander was on Wednesday night killed and lethal weapons recovered in his hideout during an operation in Somali capital Mogadishu.

Local administrators confirmed the death of the reclusive Al-Shabaab commander during a covert operation by Somalia's security forces in Benadir region located in Heliwa District of Mogadishu.

"Security forces conducted an operation at Suka-Holaha neighborhood in Mogadishu and killed Al-Shabaab commander named Ja'far Kukay after he resisted arrest. Two guns were recovered during the operation," said Abdifitah Omar Halane, the spokesman from the Benadir region.

He disclosed that several Al-Shabaab suspects were also nabbed during the operation conducted in the wake of renewed attacks by the Al-Qaida linked terror group in Somali capital.
RABAT, Morocco, March 16 (Xinhua) -- After over five months without a government, Morocco's king Mohammed VI decided to appoint another prime minister from the Islamist Justice and Development Party (PJD) to form a new government.

PJD leader Abdelilah Benkirane has been unable to form a new government since his re-appointment as prime minister by the king in mid-October following his party's win in the parliamentary elections.

"Given the king's constitutional powers to ensure the constitution is respected, institutions function properly and maintain the best interests of the country and citizens, it was consequently concerning to overcome the current impasse, therefore the king decided to appoint a new prime minister from the PJD," a statement from the king's office announced on Wednesday.

While the name of the PJD member has not yet been revealed, the statement said the king will receive this individual soon and will task him with forming a new government.

The PJD leader has called for a party leadership meeting and asked party members not to comment on the king's decision.

The landmark announcement came as Morocco's 2011 constitution says nothing about the inability of a prime minister-designate in forming a majority government.

The constitution only states that the king would appoint the prime minister from within the leading political party in the Chamber of Representatives members' elections.

The announcement came also to mark an unprecedented political impasse in the history of the north African kingdom.

During the five-month deadlock, Benkirane opted for two different approaches to forming his coalition.

The first approach consisted of opening up to all the parties, except its main rival, the secularist Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM), which also announced from day one its rejection of forming a government with PJD.

This approach garnered the support of only two parties, namely its leftist ally Party of Progress and Socialism, with 12 seats in parliament, and the nationalist Istiqlal Party, with 46 seats.

With PJD's 125 seats, the coalition failed to reach the required majority in the 395-seat parliament.

While Benkirane was keen to add at least one of his two partner parties in the previous government, the liberal National Rally of Independents (RNI) and the nationalist Popular Movement (MP) both refused the participation of the Istiqlal party.

After the first approach failed, Benkirane decided to restrict the new government membership to the parties that formed the previous coalition.

This move has not been accepted by the RNI and the MP, which had already formed another coalition with the Constitutional Union Party (UC) and the Socialist Union of Popular Forces Party (USFP), and insisted that they also join the new government.
NAIROBI, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) on Thursday decried the ban on plastic bags that will be effected after August 28 saying it could undermine industrial growth and job creation in the country.

A statement from the lobby said the plastic ban flouted constitutional principles on consensus building and could also put a brake on investments in the manufacturing sector.

"Currently, we have over 176 plastic manufacturing companies in Kenya that employ 2.89 percent of all Kenyan employees and indirectly employ over 60,000 people. These jobs and livelihoods will be negatively affected by this ban," read the statement from KAM.

Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Natural Resources, Professor Judi Wakhungu on March 14 issued a directive to manufacturers and retail chains to stop using polythene bags for packaging goods by September.

Wakhungu banned the manufacture, use and importation of plastic bags for commercial and household packaging citing their threats to environment and human health.

While green lobbies applauded Kenya's bold decision to ban use of plastic bags, manufacturers worried about its implication to economic growth and job creation.

"The manufacturing sector as a whole will also be negatively impacted by the ban as they utilize plastics for packaging products," said the manufacturers lobby.

It added that imported products packaged in plastics are not affected by the ban and this will create an uneven playing field for the sector.

Kenya joined the league of other East African States like Rwanda that have imposed a ban on use of plastic bags for packaging goods in view of their detrimental impact on the environment.

The East African Legislative Assembly is spearheading efforts to ban use of polythene bags across the region terming them a drawback to green growth.

Nevertheless Kenyan manufacturers warned that implementation of the plastic ban could face legal hurdles since key stakeholders were not consulted.

They also noted that the six months grace period announced by the government for the ban to take effect was not adequate for them to halt production and clear stocks.

"There is need to avail alternatives to substitute the plastic bags since the country is not in a position to offer this alternative currently or in the next six months," said KAM.

The manufacturers' lobby emphasized that plastic menace was not a production issue but rather a waste management and consumer behavior challenge.

"Plastic sector has proposed establishment of a fund to address plastic waste management," read the KAM statement adding that local manufacturers are committed to green production to reduce the menace of solid waste in cities.
MANILA, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop on Thursday met with Acting Philippine Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo to discuss possible areas of cooperation between the two countries.

"We had a very good meeting, a good exchange of views on a wide range of bilateral and regional issues, and also possible areas of cooperation not only between the Philippines and Australia but ASEAN-Australia," Manalo told a news conference at the foreign ministry.

He said that he and Bishop managed "to cover quite a number of points" during their discussions. "And I have to characterize our meeting as positive and certainly bodes well for Philippines-Australia relations," Manalo said.

On human rights issues, Manalo said that Bishop raised it in a "very general" manner. "She told us Australians are running for the human rights council and we said we support".

Bishop will pay a courtesy call on Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte in Davao City, the Philippine leader's home city in the southern Philippines, on Friday to discuss issues concerned to both countries, Foreign Assistant Secretary Charles Jose said Thursday.

Bishop has paid visit to Singapore and Malaysia before coming to the Philippines.
KABUL, March 16 (Xinhua) -- The Afghan intelligence agency had captured a would-be suicide bomber in the restive southern province of Helmand, the National Directorate for Security (NDS) said on Thursday.

"A would-be suicide bomber named Sayyed Nabi has been detained after personnel of NDS carried out a special operation in surrounding area of provincial capital Lashkar Gah recently," the intelligence agency confirmed in a statement, without revealing the exact date of the raid.

"The captive, who is a member of Taliban militant group, tried to conduct a suicide bombing in a crowded area of the city," it said.

The statement added that the timely arrest of the man has foiled a major terror attack and saved the city, some 555 km south of the Afghan capital.

The Afghan security forces have beefed up security operations against militants recently as spring and summer known as fighting season are drawing near in the Central Asian country.
TIANJIN, March 16 (Xinhua) -- German carmaker Volkswagen posted rising auto sales in China in 2016 compared with a year earlier, and demand for its luxury cars remained strong, according to a report released by the company.

Total auto sales, including vehicles made by Volkswagen's two joint ventures with SAIC Motor and China FAW Group and those imported to China, stood at 3.98 million units in 2016, year on year growth of 12.2 percent.

The operating profit of VW's two joint ventures in China hit 5 billion euros (5.36 billion U.S. dollars) in 2016, the report said.

Sales of Volkswagen models rose 14 percent in China to 3 million units in 2016. Audi sales edged up 3.6 percent to 591,600 units and Skoda sales increased by 12.6 percent to 317,100 units.

Meanwhile, luxury cars continued to post strong growth. Porsche sales went up 12.5 percent to 65,200 units during the same period.

"China's auto sales growth in 2016 has exceeded our expectation and long-term plan," said Jochem Heizmann, CEO of Volkswagen China.

VW aims to sell 400,000 units of new energy vehicles in China in 2020 and offer 1.5 million such cars to Chinese consumers in 2025.

The auto sales of VW vehicles hit a record high of 10.3 million units in the global markets in 2016. The group had 120 factories and more than 610,000 employees worldwide by 2016.
MADRID, March 16 (Xinhua) -- A group of people, aged between 60 to 70, had to be rescued by climbing down a system of ropes late on Wednesday following a failure in the cable cars taking visitors to the top of Mount Teide on Tenerife Island, Spanish media reported on Thursday.

A combination of Civil Guards, Fire Brigade, the Red Cross and Canary Island rescue services were used in the operation, which finished at around 8 p.m. local time on the cable cars.

For reasons as yet unknown, the system became blocked with the two cabins trapped around 400 meters from the top and bottom stations respectively and with the aid of rescue services the occupants were able to escape using a system of ropes.

Although the cabins were around 400 meters from the stations, the slope of the mountain meant they had to descend around 40 meters to the ground.

Meanwhile a further 200 people were trapped at the station situated close to the summit of Mount Teide and although some were able to make their way down on foot, some (elderly and those with children) needed to be evacuated by helicopter.

Others were forced to spend the night in a refuge on the mountain with the evacuation continuing on Thursday morning.

A group of 11 experts with knowledge of different languages were giving psychological help to any who needed it. Meanwhile medical services reported they only needed to give "minor assistance" to a small number of tourists.
BRUSSELS, March 16 (Xinhua) -- European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker on Thursday hailed "the clear victory" of Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte's rightist party in Wednesday's parliamentary elections, saying the result is "an inspiration for many."

"The people of The Netherlands voted overwhelmingly for the values Europe stands for: free and tolerant societies in prosperous Europe," Juncker said in a letter of congratulation to Rutte.

At the end of the brief letter, Juncker made a clarion call in Dutch: "Let's build a strong Europe!"

Late Wednesday, Juncker's chief spokesperson, Margaritis Schinas, tweeted that Juncker cheered "a vote for Europe, a vote against extremists" when he spoke with Rutte after the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) held the upper hand in the exit poll.

According to the final exit poll released Wednesday, the liberal rightist party VVD took the lead in the Dutch parliamentary elections, with its biggest competitor, the far-right Party for Freedom (PVV), staying far behind.

The definite exit poll forecasted that the VVD got 31 of the 150 seats in the House of Representatives, or the lower house of parliament, while the PVV was expected to garner only 19 seats.
CHENGDU, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Sonam Tsering spends almost every minute of his waking hours studying for the national college admission test, which he will sit early June.

"I cherish every minute of my school days. They are running out so fast," the 18-year-old Tibetan said Wednesday from his classroom at Chengdu Tibet High School in southwest China's Sichuan Province.

A top student, Sonam Tsering hopes to attend Xiamen University, in coastal Fujian Province, to read economics.

"I heard Xiamen has China's most beautiful campus, with coconut trees, a beach and a climate vastly different from my plateau hometown."

Three years ago, Sonam Tsering was selected to study in Chengdu, 2,000 km from his hometown in Xaitongmoin County in Tibet Autonomous Region.

He said he enjoyed school in Chengdu.

"The school is much better here. My teachers are kind and knowledgeable, and I've made many friends."

More importantly, Sonam Tsering said he has gained a confidence, and a lust to achieve his personal best in everything he does.

For three decades, gifted Tibetan children, particularly those from poor backgrounds, have gone to study in big cities, under a program to train more professionals for the underdeveloped plateau region and subsequently boosting Tibet's development.

From 1985 to 2016, more than 110,000 Tibetan students have secured scholarships for inland high schools, according to data provided by Tibet education department.

About 36,000 of them eventually graduated from vocational schools and colleges before returning to Tibet.

The central government, determined to equip young people with the skills to earn a living wage, has also increased the education budgets for ethnic areas over the period.

Seven years ago, Choden was among 50 Tibetan middle school graduates granted a scholarship to study at a vocational school in Chengdu. The grant covered all his tuition fees and gave him a monthly 600-yuan stipend.

Upon graduation, Choden secured a job as an electrician in his home county of Luhuo in the Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Garze in Sichuan Province. He soon worked his way up to his current position as head of the power station, responsible for 150 km of wires that supply electricity to 2,710 rural families.

"Most of the time I'm busy with checks or repairs on the power supply network, but I feel happy to be able to do something for my hometown," he said. "In my younger days, we often suffered power cuts in winter. Nowadays, I play a part in ensuring uninterrupted power supply."

Some young Tibetans have managed to survive in big cities through vocational training.

As a child, Shofang trained to be a dancer with a troupe in Jiuzhaigou County, Sichuan. At 20, she was preparing to retire from dancing to get married and be a housewife.

A free education program in Sichuan changed the course of her life. In 2009, she was accepted to a vocational school of the railway bureau and trained to be a train driver.

Upon graduation, she became the first Tibetan female subway driver in China.

Six years into her job, she has driven over 110,000 km.

Last year, she married a co-worker and settled in Chengdu.
Visiting Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi (L) shakes hands with U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson during their meeting in Washington D.C., the United States, on Feb. 28, 2017. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu)

Hi, here's what you need to know about China:

BEIJING -- U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson will visit China from March 18 to 19 at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Wednesday.

According to spokesperson Hua Chunying, China and the United States will exchange views on bilateral ties as well as regional and international issues of common concern. xhne.ws/JZNys

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BEIJING -- China and Saudi Arabia signed 14 cooperative agreements during a visit by Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, said Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Ming on Thursday.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and King Salman attended the signing ceremony after their talks at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. xhne.ws/2cwok

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BEIJING -- Premier Li Keqiang said Wednesday China will set up a special fund and pool the country's best scientists to find out the "unique" cause of smog that frequently blankets north China in winter.

"The cause of smog should be found out as soon as possible so our response will be more effective," Li said while addressing a press conference after conclusion of the annual national legislative session. xhne.ws/o316z

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BEIJING -- China aims to build 136 new airports by 2025, government sources said on Wednesday.

The facilities could become a world-class airport complex of international and regional transport hubs, according to a plan by the National Development and Reform Commission and the Civil Aviation Administration of China. xhne.ws/AU9wn

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WASHINGTON -- China reduced its holding of U.S. Treasury securities in January after adding 9.1 billion U.S. dollars in the previous month, the latest data from the U.S. Treasury Department showed on Wednesday.

China shed its treasuries holding by 7.3 billion U.S. dollars in January, with the total holding down to 1.0511 trillion U.S. dollars. xhne.ws/XmY1r
Dutch Prime Minister and People's Party for Freedom and Democracy VVD leader Mark Rutte gestures during election night for his liberal rightist party VVD in The Hague, the Netherlands, on March 15, 2017. (Xinhua/Ye Pingfan)

THE HAGUE, March 16 (Xinhua) -- The Netherlands decisively rejected the possibility of a European Union (EU) state electing a far-right party, dealing a major blow to the wave of populism sweeping Western countries, Dutch experts say.

"The Dutch vote put an end to the so-called populist spring as the outcome shows that far-right extremism lost its momentum in the Netherlands," said Paul Teule, lecturer of political economics at the University of Amsterdam (UvA).

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte's center-right People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) came first in the Dutch parliamentary elections, according to the final exit poll released on Wednesday, with the right-wing populist party PVV staying far behind.

"Rutte made a clear victory beating off (PVV leader Geert) Wilders with a substantial difference," said Eddy Habben Jansen, executive director of ProDemos, an organization promoting political and social participation in the Netherlands. "The result of the Dutch elections is a disappointment for those who were expecting a victory for Wilders."

The definite exit poll forecasted the VVD won 31 of the 150 seats in the House of Representatives, or lower house of the parliament ahead of Wilders' PVV which tied in second place with two other parties at 19 seats each.

The Dutch vote was being watched as a barometer of how well populist candidates will do in upcoming elections in Europe and particularly in France and Germany, where right-wing nationalists hope to make a big impact, potentially posing a threat to the EU.

Far-right candidate Marine Le Pen is set to enter France's presidential election run-off in May, while euroskeptic, anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany is likely to enter the German federal parliament for the first time in federal elections in September.

"Europe can breathe a sigh of relief at the result of the Dutch vote," said Floris Vermeulen, associate professor and chair of the department of political science at the University of Amsterdam (UvA).

"The result dealt a blow to populists who had hoped anti-establishment anger had grown enough to bring them to power across Europe," said Vermeulen.

Wilders had virtually no chance of forming a government given that all the leading parties had ruled out working with him, but a PVV win would still send shockwaves across Europe.

The voters clearly rejected Wilders' extreme radical political line, explained the political expert. "The Dutch vote is a clear sign that if populist parties want to succeed it is not possible with a one page political program, which is limited to a few radical ideas and issues. They should address a larger number of issues and suggest appropriate solutions."

Wilders' one-page election campaign program contained only eleven points with the first and most expansive one focusing on "de-Islamization" of the Netherlands. "Wilders did not succeed in capturing the opportunity, when the issues of integration and immigration were high on the election complain," said Vermeulen.

"Le Pen cannot use the momentum of populism to promote her campaign in France," added the political scientist. In a similar tone, Teule explained that the French far-right candidate for the presidential elections can no longer rely on a favorable vote for Wilders.

"The momentum, which would fit in the narrative of an upcoming populism wave ready to overturn the established political order across Europe and worldwide, is lost," said the Dutch political expert and author of "Vrijheid voor Gevorderden" (Freedom for Advanced Readers), a book on Dutch politics containing a comprehensive rethink of the notion of freedom.

"After the Brexit and Donald Trump winning the U.S. Presidential elections everyone was looking at us," Mark Rutte said at a party meeting in The Hague. "This evening the Dutch people said 'stop' to the wrong kind of populism."

Alexander Pechtold, leader of the Democratic 66 (D66), and GroenLinks leader Jesse Klaver, who are expected to win 19 and 16 votes respectively, used the same words. "The sound of populism has stopped in the Netherlands," said Pechtold. "Populism has not had a breakthrough in the Netherlands," added Klaver.

Jansen of ProDemos echoed the political leaders. "Populism in the Netherlands is nothing like Brexit or Trump," he said. In the aftermath of the Brexit vote and the win of Donald Trump in the U.S. Presidential elections, a victory for the PVV would have been seen as an impending sign of a growing wave of populism through Europe.

"Wilders was almost invisible for a long part of his election campaign," Vermeulen cited as another reason for Wilders' defeat. "Only last week he tried by taking part in debates to gain ground, but the voters did not respond." PVV's result is well down from his 2010 high of 24 seats.

But Teule cautioned about the rise of the minor pro-immigrant party DENK, which is projected to gain three seats. "We see it as the counter party of PVV. A big populist party did not make it to the lead, but a newly formed minor has managed to enter the parliament," he said.

On the other hand, Vermeule warned that French elections would now be the next barometer for how well populist parties will perform in Europe.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying (Photo source: fmprc.gov.cn)

BEIJING, March 16 (Xinhua) -- A Foreign Ministry spokesperson on Thursday urged Japan to respect related countries' efforts to maintain peace and stability on the South China Sea, and to refrain from causing trouble in the region.

At a routine press briefing, spokesperson Hua Chunying was asked to comment on reports that Japan's lzumo warship will go to the South China Sea for drills.

The South China Sea issue has improved since last year thanks to the efforts of China and ASEAN countries, Hua said, adding that some non-regional countries should respect measures by regional countries to maintain peace and stability on the South China Sea.

Hua said Japan was focused on its own interests and had inflamed the issue recently, much to the dissatisfaction of the Chinese people.

If the Japanese side still refuses to realize its error and play up regional tensions, China will definitely respond to any action that harm China's sovereignty and security, Hua said.

Japan is not a party to the South China Sea issue and Japan had invaded and occupied China's Xisha Islands and Nansha Islands in the past, Hua said, urging Japan to remember history and mind its words and steps.

Hua added that Japan should not do any harm to the regional peace and stability any longer.
THE HAGUE, March 16 (Xinhua) -- The year 2016 was plagued by shocks, or "black swans" as many would call. With Donald Trump now sitting in the White House, Queen Elizabeth authorizing her country to begin the process of Brexit, and more European elections coming up, the year 2017 could draw more attentions as many project that potential "black swans" could be hovering on the horizon in Europe.

However, a feared "black swan" event did not happen in the Netherlands as exit polls showed the center-right People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) claims victory over "populism" in the country's closely watched parliamentary election.

"It is an evening when the Netherlands said 'Ho' (which means 'stop' in Dutch) to the wrong kind of populism after Brexit and the U.S. elections," said Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, who leads the liberal VVD party, Wednesday evening.

The Dutch election has attracted so much attention thanks to the VVD party's biggest competitor the far-right Party for Freedom (PVV), as well as its leader Geert Wilders who has been dubbed as the "Dutch Donald Trump" and known for his Islamophobia.

A win for the PVV could have been the continuation of the wind of populism that has been blazing around Europe and a barometer for the upcoming elections in France in May and Germany in September.

The Societe Generale on Monday updated its latest quarterly chart of swan risks that threaten to rock the global financial markets and political landscape. Its analysts wrote that while it's tempting to lower the probability of political uncertainty, they decided to keep it at 30 percent, given the string of elections in the eurozone.

Other than political uncertainty drag, the Societe Generale team listed a sharp increase in bond yields, and isolationism and trade wars as possible risks.

According to a Twitter poll conducted by Xinhua last Friday, 40 percent of all social media participants selected France as the European country where a "black swan" event is most likely to happen in comparison with Germany (30 percent), the Netherlands (16 percent) and Italy (14 percent).

"There are the black swans, and there is the horizon, and I can see the birds winging in our direction," wrote Mark Grant, managing director and chief strategist at Hilltop Securities, in a signed article published on Bloomberg News on Wednesday.

"Rarities or not then, we have singularities approaching, and we had better be prepared for what we might encounter. With the swirl of geopolitical and economic events that confront us, the future may not be extrapolated from the past any more," he continued.

In January, Christine Lagarde, managing director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), warned against negative competition in policies at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

"If we end up in a race to the bottom on tax, financial regulation and trade, that would have devastating consequences," she said during a panel discussion on the 2017 global economic outlook, adding that "for me that would be a really big black swan."

The black swan theory is developed by Lebanese-American academic Nassim Nicholas Taleb. It is a metaphor that describes an event that comes as a surprise, has a major effect, and is often inappropriately rationalized after the fact with the benefit of hindsight.
MIGORI, Kenya, March 16 (Xinhua) -- For the remote fishing communities living near Lake Victoria in Western Kenya, capturing fish is one step but selling it at a good price while fresh is the greatest achievement.

Access to electricity is a major problem making it a dream for these communities to own freezers to preserve their catches before they reach the market.

To beat the odds, some of the fisherfolk at Muhuru Bay in Migori County have found a collective solution; investing in four ice fish boxes as a group called Ngore Mtakatifu Women Group.

Each of the boxes can hold 800 pieces of fish for three days which allows each of the 35 members of the mixed-gender group to maintain the quality of the fish and retain its market value.

"The fisherfolk are often forced to sell off their fish at a throw away price just to avoid making losses because fish gets spoilt quickly if not preserved," Lucas Odhiambo, the groups chairperson told Xinhua recently.

"But the boxes are helping a great deal. We can store enough fish and sell it at once at a good profit," he said.

Odhiambo said traders take advantage of the fisherfolk when they know they are short of alternatives.

"You will rather sell a piece that costs 4 U.S. dollars for 2.5 dollars instead of making a total loss," he said.

However, cooling options such as the ice fish boxes gives them not only an upperhand to negotiate for better rates but also exploit alternative markets within the country.

He said preserving and marketing the fish collectively is cheaper and more profitable than doing so individually.

Their market is mainly at the capital city, Nairobi, which the chairman said is consistent and reliable.

Odhiambo said non-connection to the national grid disadvantages the remote fishing communities for they are put off the system that would power freezers to maintain the freshness of the fish.

"Fishing is our main economic activity. That's where we get money to educate our children. It is therefore important that we get the necessary support to boost our fishing activities," he said.

But their livelihood is also under threat due to overfishing resulting from an increased number of fishers at the lake, he said.

Lake Victoria is a shared resource among three East African countries-Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania-and it is home to tilapia and Nile Perch, the fish species which bring a source of living for at least 35 million people from the three nations.

A 2012 study by SmartFish, one of the largest regional programmes for fisheries in Africa, implemented by the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) jointly with the UN Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), attributed unreported illegal and unregulated fishing on the Lake Victoria waters in the three countries to the drop in the Nile Perch stocks.

According to the study, the total biomass of the Nile Perch declined to the lowest recorded estimate of 298, 394 tonnes in 2008 from 1.4 million tonnes in 1999.

To counter the falling stock of the fish species, Odhiambo said fishers have adopted use of fish cages which are floated on the lake.

Each holds 2,000 pieces of tilapia and take eight months to mature.

"Overfishing is really a threat to us and we are very concerned. It is diminishing our livelihood and that is why we have embraced fish cages. That is our way of cushioning ourselves from total lack of fish to sell," he said.

"There are many people nowadays capturing fish in the Lake Victoria that overfishing has become very common here and we don't know what will happen in the future," he said.

On security of the raised fish, Odhiambo said the area fishing community values respect for fellow members' property that nobody steals fish from the cages.

Just like fish is a cash crop for his community so is coffee for some in central Kenya but in comparison, the latter have struggled with protracted theft cases darkening their days of hardwork to earn a living.

Meanwhile, the government hopes to have connected 70 percent of the Kenyan population to electricity by end of 2017.

If extended to this remote Muhuru Bay in the Lake Victoria environs, it is a development that would save the fishing communities costs of buying ice.
United Nations Resident Coordinator in Kenya Siddharth Chatterjee speaks during a press briefing in Nairobi, Kenya, on March 16, 2017. The United Nations in Kenya on Thursday launched a 166 million-U.S. dollars urgent appeal to address the country's biting drought that has affected an estimated 2.7 million people. Failed rains in the last two seasons are to blame for severe drought in 23 Kenyan counties. (Xinhua/Pan Siwei)

NAIROBI, March 16 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations in Kenya on Thursday launched a 166 million-U.S. dollars urgent appeal to address the country's biting drought that has affected an estimated 2.7 million people.

United Nations Resident Coordinator in Kenya Siddharth Chatterjee told a media briefing in Nairobi that the primary purpose of the appeal is to ensure that no Kenyan dies as a result of food or water scarcity.

"The appeal will also help to complement government efforts that started last year to deal with the drought," Chatterjee said.

Failed rains in the last two seasons are to blame for severe drought in 23 Kenyan counties.

The funds raised from the appeal will be used by humanitarian actors to provide life-saving food, health, water and sanitation services to vulnerable people over the next ten months.

Chatterjee said the appeal was necessary as the drought has increased in severity over the past several months.

"In Novemver in 2016, 1.3 million people were affected by the drought but the figure has since increased to 2.7 million people in the Arid and Semi Arid areas (ASAL)," he said.

According to the UN official, the drought has resulted in malnutrition rates in the affected areas going up and has also led to a large number of children dropping out of school due to lack of access to food and water.

On Feb. 10, Kenya declared the drought a national disaster in order to galvanize national and international support to deal with the drought.

Chatterjee said that the UN system will assist Kenya to make a quick recovery from the current drought and also ensure that the East African nation does not experience a similar situation in the future.
Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli (6th R) meets with Pakistan Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa in Beijing, capital of China, March 16, 2017. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

BEIJING, March 16 (Xinhua) -- China and Pakistan on Thursday agreed to advance the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project.

The pledge occurred during a meeting between Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli and Pakistan Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa in Beijing.

Zhang lauded the rapid development of China-Pakistan ties, saying bilateral cooperation not only benefits the two peoples, but also contributes to regional peace and stability.

He called on the two sides to maintain close high-level contact and strengthen coordination on international and regional affairs, to lift bilateral ties to new heights.

He suggested that the two countries should enhance defense and security cooperation and push forward the building of the CPEC in an orderly manner.

Bajwa said Pakistan views the relations with China as the cornerstone of its foreign policy and its army will always be a staunch supporter of bilateral friendship.

To ensure the smooth construction of the CPEC, the Pakistan armed forces will resolutely safeguard its security, he said.
NAIROBI, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Kenyan authorities on Thursday launched investigations following the seizure of rhino horns worth over 0.7 million U.S. dollars in Vietnam.

According to media reports, 119 kilograms of rhino horn were stashed in two suitcases and sneaked from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Kenyan capital of Nairobi in a well coordinated syndicate.

Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) spokesman Paul Gathitu said the horns were smuggled from Malawi to Nairobi en route to Vietnam via National Carrier Kenya Airways.

Speaking to Xinhua, Gathitu said a multi-agency team investigating the seizure is analyzing CCTV footage that captures crew members removing tag from the two suitcases and concealing the suitcases.

He said the haul was impounded at Hanoi's Noi Bai International Airport on Tuesday after they were found hidden in luggage on a flight from Nairobi.

The two suitcases were found to contain 57 kilograms and 62 kilograms of Rhino horns, respectively during the scanning by custom officials at Vietnam airport.

"We have launched investigation to establish how the haul was smuggled from the airport without detection. Several staff members including airport officials will be questioned, " said Gathitu.

Vietnam is a lucrative market for rhino horns, believed to have medicinal properties as conservationists warn that rhino population has dwindled due to ready market in Asia.

In 2016, Vietnam customs officials seized nearly one tonne of ivory hidden in a timber shipment from Kenya that had originated from port of Mombasa.

Kenyan authorities are yet to arrest brothers Samuel Jefwa and Nicholas Jefwa wanted by Interpol for colluding with custom officials to smuggle the ivory in the Asian market .

In 2013, the government imposed stiffer penalties -- longer jail terms and bigger fines -- on anyone convicted of poaching or trafficking in wildlife trophies, saying poaching was harming tourism, a major foreign exchange earner.
NEW DELHI, March 16 (Xinhua) -- India's independent Election Commission Thursday rejected allegations of rigging of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in the recent round of assembly polls in five states, saying the machines "aren't tamperable".

"Given effective technical and administrative safeguards, EVMs aren't tamperable and integrity of the electoral process is preserved. However, if any specific allegation with material facts is presented, it will be looked into with all seriousness on administrative sides," it said.

The Commission's statement came in the wake of two regional parties -- the anti-graft Aam Aadmi Party of Delhi and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) of the northern state of Uttar Pradesh approaching it alleging that the EVM machines were rigged in the recent assembly polls in at least two states.

Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal had Wednesday raised questions about the EVMs used in the assembly polls in the northern state of Punjab.

"EVMs have been banned by some nations abroad because they can be tampered with. To conduct free and fair polls in India, they should be discontinued. Our Supreme Court had said in the past that it is possible to tamper with EVMs. I'm not saying this, the Supreme Court said this," Kejriwal said.

And after India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party swept the polls in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh and the dismal performance of her own Bahujan Samaj Party, its woman leader Mayawati had called for a switch to ballot papers, alleging that EVMs make rigging easy.
ATHENS, March 16 (Xinhua) -- A Greek guerilla group on Thursday claimed the responsibility for the package with explosives sent to the German Finance Ministry on Wednesday.

In a statement posted on an anarchist website, the group, called Conspiracy of the Cells of Fire, did not explain why the German Finance Ministry was chosen as a target.

But it threatened with more attacks against "structures of the establishment" under an operation scheme named Nemesis in cooperation with the Informal Anarchist Federation, an insurrectionary anarchist group originating in Italy.

The first attack under the scheme was launched in autumn last year with a bomb attack outside the home of a Greek district attorney in central Athens, according to the group, which Europol and the U.S. State Department consider a terrorist group.

Numerous judges, politicians, police and financial targets have been attacked over the past four decades by Greek domestic terrorist groups.

The Greek authorities confirmed on Wednesday evening that a package with explosives found at the German Finance Ministry earlier in the day was sent from Greece, Greek national news agency AMNA reported.

German police said that the package found at German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble's office building was designed to cause considerable injuries.

The Conspiracy of the Cells of Fire group emerged in January 2008. It has claimed responsibility for 300 attacks.

In the autumn of 2010, the group mailed a dozen parcel bombs to foreign embassies in Athens and European leaders. In most cases, the suspicious packages were intercepted.

Greek counter-terrorism police are trying to trace the post office the perpetrators used to send the package and clarify how it passed airport controls.
YANGON, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar government's Advisory Commission on Rakhine State, chaired by former Secretary-General of the United Nations Kofi Annan, has submitted an interim report and recommendations on the regional issue to the government, said the commission member Ghassan Salame Thursday.

Read by Salame to the press, the commission's interim report said the nature of the crisis facing Rakhine state has changed to the attacks of Oct. 9, last year and the subsequent security operations.

The commission proposed a series of measures to address the situation in Rakhine state, which include a renewed call for unimpeded access for humanitarian actors and journalists to the affected areas in northern Rakhine and for independent and impartial investigation of the allegations of crimes committed on and since Oct. 9, last year.

The commission believes that the perpetrators of these crimes must be held to account. The recommendations also include proposals relating to the protection of rights, freedom of movement, enhanced economic and social development and the edification of Rakhine's cultural heritage.

The commission recommended that a number of unresolved concerns surrounding the verification of citizenship be clarified and resolved without delay.

The commission stressesd that inclusive access to healthcare and education for all the people in Rakhine requires attention and improvement.

The commission viewed that creating conditions conducive for inter-communal dialogue, representing and participation in public life are essential to ensure that Rakhine state is spared from recurring cycles of violence and destruction.

In developing the interim recommendations, Salame said the commissioners have undertaken a wide range of consultations with stakeholders including Bangladesh, believing that bilateral cooperation with the neighbor on security and economic matters is critical as is the outreach to ASEAN members.

The report said the consultations will continue as the commission will work to produce the final report to be presented later this year.

Tension was going on in the northern state, especially after last year's Oct. 9 violent attacks by armed men on three border posts in Maungtaw.

Annan has been in the state since Nov. 29 listening to the voices of local officials and residents as part of the process to compile the report.

Annan's nine-member advisory commission was formed by the Myanmar government in August last year with aim of resolving the protracted Rakhine regional issue.

The commission was to undertake assessments and make recommendations by focusing on conflict prevention, humanitarian assistance, rights and reconciliation, institution building and promotion of development of Rakhine state.

Meanwhile, the government also formed a separate 13-member investigation commission, led by First Vice President U Myint Swe, to probe into the background of last year's Oct. 9 violent attacks by armed men on the three border posts in Maungtaw

The said commission was originally tasked to report to the president on Jan 31, 2017. However, the overall report was postponed for release due to the fact that new acquisitions concerned with human right abuses were appearing in Rakhine state.
JERUSALEM, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Israel's prime minister said Thursday that he would meet with U.S. President Donald Trump's top adviser to reach "understandings" on the expansion of the West Bank settlements.

The meeting, scheduled for Thursday afternoon in Jerusalem, would be the second between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Trump's special adviser for international negotiations, Jason Greenblatt, in a week.

"We are in the midst of a process of dialogue with the White House, and our intention is to reach an agreed-upon policy regarding settlement construction," Netanyahu said at the start of his weekly cabinet meeting.

The policy would have to be "agreed-upon for us, of course, not just for the American side," he said. "This will be good for the State of Israel, since we have not been in these processes for many years."

Netanyahu said that he will insist on building a new settlement for the residents of the illegal outpost of Amona, which was evacuated by Israeli authorities in February after the Supreme Court found it was constructed unlawfully on private Palestinian lands.

"To the residents of Amona, I reiterate that I gave you a promise to build a new community and I will honor that commitment," Netanyahu said.

On Monday, Greenblatt arrived in Jerusalem to meet Netanyahu before he traveled to Ramallah to meet with Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas.

The meetings are part of the White House efforts to formulate a new solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The last round of peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians reached an impasse in 2014.

Israel occupied the West Bank and Gaza Strip in the 1967 Mideast War and has been controlling them ever since, despite international condemnations.
by Will Koulouris

SYDNEY, March 16 (Xinhua) -- With China's Two Sessions coming to a close, a leading economist in Australia said here on Thursday that the future looks bright for the economic partnership between China and Australia.

Professor James Laurenceson, economist and deputy director of the Australia-China Relations Institute (ACRI) at the University of Sydney, sat down with Xinhua on Thursday and outlined the reasons why he believes that the economic relationship between the two nations was further solidified by the strategies outlined in the annual sessions of China's top legislative body and top political advisory body.

Laurenceson noticed the Two Sessions set this year's GDP growth target at 6.5 percent, and was certain it will benefit Australia immensely in the year of 2017.

"We have seen what 6.7 percent got us (Australia) last year. Mining exports were up by 12 percent to China. Our services exports rose by 21 percent," Laurenceson said.

The economist reminded that although the 6.5 percent target was a bit lower than last year's growth, as the economy is larger than what it was last year, even a 6.5-percent increase would be the equivalent of 6.7 percent in 2016.

He believes that even if China were to only achieve the lower floor of growth, that would be impressive in itself and beneficial to the Australian economy.

"If in a year's time Australia's services exports are still growing at double digit rates, our agricultural exports are growing, our mining exports are growing -- that's a pretty good story for Australia," Laurenceson said.

The shift toward the reform on the supply-side economy has been seen in China in recent years, and that focus was reiterated during the sessions, with domestic consumption, according to Laurenceson, being crucial for "sustainable" growth.

"You can get a short term boost in China through investment, but it is really consumption that is going to drive your economy in the long run," he said.

"It went well last year, two thirds of China's growth last year came from consumption, if China can continue that in 2017, it's not only a good story for China, it's a good story for Australia and the global economy."

Some Australian commentators used to voice concern in the past years that China's emphasis on domestic consumption would lead to less demand for Australian commodities. However, Laurenceson said this quite simply was not the case.

"The truth is, China is buying more of our minerals and energy exports than ever before, and at the same time, now the middle-class Chinese, the rise of the middle-class in China, they are also demanding our agricultural goods and our services," Laurenceson said.

"We have actually seen a strengthening and a broadening of the Australia-China relationship over the past few years, rather than any lessening of importance."

The reform on consumption-driven growth in China led to 13.14 million new urban jobs, along with 12.4 million people across the country being lifted out of poverty. With this year's target set at 11 million new jobs, Laurenceson is hopeful this can be achieved, but admits it is a significant challenge.

The strong relationship between China and Australia can be reflected on the same attitude toward globalization and free trade despite the growing threat of protectionism in some countries, the economist said.

"Australia is absolutely delighted that China is continuing this narrative that it will remain open to free trade and investment. An open global economy," Laurenceson said.

"Australia and China are leading in this area, while some other areas of the world are probably slipping behind."

Laurenceson was hopeful that the Belt and Road Initiative will not only lead to better global economic outcomes, but also have a direct positive impact on the economic partnership of Australia and China.

"Last month there was a meeting between our Foreign Minister Julie Bishop and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, and they discussed this point exactly, and said there was a great opportunity to link the Australian government's plan to develop northern Australia with the Belt and Road Initiative," he said.

"Australia now has lots of Chinese investors moving into agricultural production in a part of Australia where there is vast land but has often lacked irrigation."

"The Australian government and Chinese investors are teaming up to solve that problem, and it's a very good example of the Belt and Road Initiative in action, in Australia, to the benefit of both countries," Laurenceson said.




ISLAMABAD, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan on Thursday successfully test-fired ground-to-sea missile, spokesperson for Pakistan Navy said.

The missile, equipped with modern technology and avionics, accurately hit the target in the sea, he said in a statement.

"The induction of the missile would help strengthen country's defence and operational capabilities of Pakistan Navy," he said in a statement.

Vice Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Khan Hisham Bin Siddique witnessed the test firing of the missile.

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah, in his message felicitated the officers and crew and said that this weapon system has added a new dimension in the operational reach of the Pakistan Navy.
TOKYO, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Visiting U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on Thursday called for a new approach to the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue.

Tillerson made the call at a joint press conference with Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida here in Tokyo.

He said diplomatic and other efforts of the past 20 years to realize the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsular "have failed," adding that a different approach is required.

He said his visit to Asia partly aims to exchange views on such a new approach and that he will have further discussions with Seoul and Beijing after his talks in Tokyo.

Kishida, for his part, said Japan and the United States agreed that Japan, the United States and South Korea shall work together to request the Democratic People's Republic of Korea abide by the UN Security Council resolutions and refrain from provocative actions.

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying, at a regular press briefing in Beijing on Thursday, said China welcomes all parties including the United States to put forward their proposals regarding the settlement of the Korean Peninsula issue.

Hua made the remarks in response to questions concerning the peninsula nuclear issue. Hua said China has repeatedly expressed concern over the escalation of the current tensions on the peninsula and has put forward its own proposal on resolving the issue.

Hua said China's proposal targets at the crux of the current situation on the peninsula, accommodates reasonable concerns of all relevant sides and dovetails relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

Tillerson is in Tokyo on his first visit to Asia since taking office last month. He will also visit South Korea and China later this week.
BEIJING, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Defense Minister Chang Wanquan on Thursday met visiting general chief of staff of the Kyrgyz armed forces Duishenbiyev.

Chang said China's armed forces attaches great importance to the relations with their Kyrgyz counterparts, and were willing to work with the Kyrgyz side to implement consensus reached between the two heads of states, deepen cooperation between the two countries' armed forces, and strengthen communication and coordination in defense and security fields within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, so to make new contributions to safeguarding the security and stability of the two countries and the region.

Duishenbiyev expressed appreciation of China's assistance to Kyrgyzstan and said the Kyrgyz side was willing to work with China to strengthen cooperation in all fields and promote the development of military-to-military relations.
Chinese President Xi Jinping (L front) holds a welcome ceremony for Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud before their talks in Beijing, capital of China, March 16, 2017.(Xinhua/Li Xueren)

BEIJING, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping and visiting Saudi Arabian King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud have agreed the two countries will step up cooperation in all areas and push forward their all-round strategic partnership.

In their talks Thursday in Beijing, Xi recalled his visit to Saudi Arabia last year, during which he reached consensus with King Salman in advancing bilateral ties and cementing cooperation in international and regional affairs.

Xi said he was happy to see that consensus had been implemented by both sides.

China supports Saudi Arabia as it advances on a development path suitable to its national conditions, maintains national sovereignty, security and development interests, and plays greater role in regional and global affairs, Xi said.

China supports Saudi Arabia in its "Saudi Vision 2030" plan, and welcomes the country to be a partner in the Belt and Road Initiative, Xi said.

China is a reliable and stable market for Saudi Arabia's oil, Xi said, calling for closer cooperation in such areas as energy, communication, aviation, finance and investment, culture, education, public health, technology, tourism, media and security.

Xi said China and Muslim countries respect each other and set an example of harmonious coexistence between civilizations.

In Middle East affairs, China advocates respecting national sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs, Xi said.

China advocates solving disputes through dialogue, easing tensions on hot issues, giving full play to the United Nations' key role and paying more heed to the voice of regional organizations and countries, he added.

The solution to many issues in the Middle East lies in development, Xi said.

China hopes to boost the Belt and Road Initiative with countries along the route including Middle Eastern countries, he added.

King Salman voiced adherence to the one-China policy, and vowed to cement cooperation with China in the areas of trade, investment, finance and energy, in order to upgrade their all-round strategic partnership.

Saudi Arabia highly values China's stance of non-interference in other countries' internal affairs, and solving disputes through dialogue and peaceful means, he said.

King Salman also appreciated China's role in maintaining international peace and security, expressing his hope for China's greater role in Middle Eastern affairs.

After their talks, the two heads of states witnessed the signing of cooperative agreements on trade, economy, energy, capacity, culture, education and technology.

They also attended the closing ceremony of an exhibition of archeological relics from Saudi Arabia.

King Salman is on a state visit to China from March 15-18 at Xi's invitation. It is his first China visit since becoming king of Saudi Arabia in 2015.
File photo taken on Oct. 19, 2016 shows Donald Trump participating in the third and final presidential debate at the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) in Las Vegas, Nevada, the United States.

JERUSALEM, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Israel's prime minister said Thursday that he would meet with U.S. President Donald Trump's top adviser to reach "understandings" on the expansion of the West Bank settlements.

The meeting, scheduled for Thursday afternoon in Jerusalem, would be the second between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Trump's special adviser for international negotiations, Jason Greenblatt, in a week.

"We are in the midst of a process of dialogue with the White House, and our intention is to reach an agreed-upon policy regarding settlement construction," Netanyahu said at the start of his weekly cabinet meeting.

The policy would have to be "agreed-upon for us, of course, not just for the American side," he said. "This will be good for the State of Israel, since we have not been in these processes for many years."

Netanyahu said that he will insist on building a new settlement for the residents of the illegal outpost of Amona, which was evacuated by Israeli authorities in February after the Supreme Court found it was constructed unlawfully on private Palestinian lands.

"To the residents of Amona, I reiterate that I gave you a promise to build a new community and I will honor that commitment," Netanyahu said.

On Monday, Greenblatt arrived in Jerusalem to meet Netanyahu before he traveled to Ramallah to meet with Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas.

The meetings are part of the White House efforts to formulate a new solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The last round of peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians reached an impasse in 2014.

Israel occupied the West Bank and Gaza Strip in the 1967 Mideast War and has been controlling them ever since, despite international condemnations.
TOKYO, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Visiting U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson's calls for a new approach to tackle the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)'s missile and nuclear ambitions could be a step in the right direction if such moves are of a conciliatory and not incendiary nature, experts here said.

Tillerson is in Tokyo as part of the first leg of his inaugural Asian tour since he took office on Feb. 1 and will also visit South Korea and China.

His trip comes on the heels of the DPRK launching four ballistic missiles toward Japan last week, which has raised tensions on the peninsular and in the region in general.

Experts here said Tillerson's visit was of paramount importance and that each country being visited played an integral role in issues pertaining to the peninsular as well as in the broader region and the globe.

But they also said there was no use in "flogging a dead horse" and a change in direction could see tensions reduced and progress made on an increasingly thorny situation if those made were the correct ones.

"It's fair to assume that Tillerson's Asian visit, beginning with Tokyo and meetings with the prime minister and foreign minister here and concluding in China after South Korea, will be vital source of information gathering that will go on to inform the United States' policy on issues in the region," political analyst Teruhisa Muramatsu told Xinhua.

"Tillerson will also be able to gauge individually and collectively the tone in the region and the extent to which some form of regional collaboration on avoiding the current deadlock with the DPRK could play out," Muramatsu said.

He further elucidated by saying that it is no secret that there remains separate issues between Japan and its neighboring countries, but that it was of equal importance to address the current impasse (with the DPRK) and unite in finding an alternate way to proceed positively.

Though Tillerson himself conceded that while the last two decades of political and diplomatic efforts regarding the DPRK's perceived provocations had essentially failed and that a new path should be perused, he didn't go as far as to explain exactly what this new route could be.

But as experts like Muramatsu attest, the current situation is verging on catastrophic and could only lead to a further escalation or a regional arms race unless the tension in the region can be eased.

"The current direction is a precarious one wants to see how such a volatile chapter might conclude, were there to be no thoughtful intervention," Muramatsu said.

"And while there have been difficulties in the past, a layered approach involving multilateral dialogue and concrete action on all sides to 'take a step back' is needed right now to create some breathing space," said the expert.

He said the worst-case scenario was unimaginable, but also stressed that major economies and forces in the immediate region all undergoing their own paradigmatic shifts; be these economical, social, political or a combination of all three, meant that another 20-years of deadlock over the DPRK issue was "not an option."

"The main six-party talks may have ostensibly failed up until now, but multilateral talks between the key stakeholders here must be at least one indispensable tool to be used in deescalating the current situation," said Muramatsu, adding that a prelude to this might be a concerted effort on all sides to not "rattle their sabres."

It remains an ever-increasing challenge for all government's diplomacy but a "flash-point" need not be reached that itself could lead to a point of no return, said Muramatsu. He also said stakeholders need to take a "quid pro quo" approach, with no one party overstepping its authority.

The expert went on to traverse the notion of "pivot to Asia" and its realignment of forces and assets to the Pacific region, and while quoting Newton's third law, "For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction," said that both actions and reactions need to be carefully measured.

"Particularly at this time, as the region is something of a powederkeg, in one way or another, and cool heads need to prevail. I hope Tillerson is mindful of this and while reiterating certain policy standpoints that remain unwavering, his remarks thus far seem more conciliatory that incendiary."

"This will hopefully continue to be his stance throughout his Asian tour and this tone may be the right one to be adopted by the new administration to which he belongs," Muramatsu concluded, echoing the position of U.S. officials who also said regarding future policy that "all options are on the table."
NANCHANG, March 16 (Xinhua) -- In the mountainous terrain of east China's Jiangxi Province is the birthplace of rice cultivation, the roots of which have been traced back around 10,000 years.

Jiangxi remains one of the most important rice-growing provinces in China. In 1995, archeologists tested phytoliths -- microscopic pieces of silica found in plants that persist in the soil long after the plant has died and decayed -- found in Wannian County in eastern Jiangxi. From the results of their analysis, they concluded that Wannian County was the first place in the world where rice was cultivated as a crop.

"Wannian rice is remarkably old, a prototype variety if you like," said Wang Bingwan, former head of the county museum who took part in the archaeological research.

At Wannian, about 20 hectares of rice paddy fields have been earmarked for the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems Program (GIAHS) by the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization.

Wannian rice contains anti-disease and anti-insect genes and is especially cold resistant, said Wang. In Feudal dynasties, rice from Wannian used to be a tribute to the emperor.

It is a location-specific variety to Heqiao Village in Peimei township, said Wang. "Scientists have tried to grow it elsewhere, but its genetic qualities changed with the environment," he said.

"Wannian itself means 'a thousand years,' but no one thought Wannian could be the home of rice cultivation in China," he added.

Now the 20 hectares of land has been cordoned off by the local government. The government owns the land, and allocates plots to farmers who live in Heqiao and the nearby Longgang village. Starting from 2013, a grain processing company, Jiangxi Wannian Rice Group, has bought the rice from farmers for three times the price of ordinary rice.

It takes about 175 days, from April to October, for the rice to grow and ripen, said Shi Guozhao, a manager with the group.

"Farmers harvest the rice by hand, no machines are used. Fertilizer and pesticides are banned, so the yields of the land are quite small. The only thing farmers do is to plant the rice and harvest. They do not spend much time in the fields," he said.

"Some of grains are kept for R&D into new rice types, and the rest is sold," he said.

"The most important thing is to keep the genes of the crops intact," he said.

REINVENTING OLD FARMING WAYS

Shao Yanlin, 63, lives in Heqiao and has been a rice farmer since he was young. He owns a piece of land on the flatter plains where it is easier to plant and harvest.

His family also have a piece of land in the mountains, near the protected rice fields. Shao hardly spends any time in the mountains. "It is colder and wetter in the mountains than on the plains. There is also less sunshine. On the plains, we harvest twice a year, but only once on the mountain," he said.

"Our paddy field on the mountains yields only enough rice for our personal use," Shao said.

Shao's conviction began to change last year. A businessman named Luo Huimin rented 66 hectares of rice paddy fields on the hills to develop green farming.

"Chinese people now value quality. They are happy to buy good rice, free of fertilizers, even if it costs substantially more," Luo said.

Luo's rice costs 10 times more than ordinary rice, and he hopes his rice to be organically certified by the end of this year.

"It is now possible to promote environmentally-friendly farming while catering to the needs of the market," said Luo, adding that he plans to explore eco-tourism at Wannian.

"People love to see the old rice-planting tradition. I bet a child would love to get into the paddy field and try their hands at planting rice," he said.

Wannian has 42,000 hectares of crops, five percent of which is green or organic rice fields. "We plan to expand high-quality rice growing in Wannian," said Chen Zhangxin, head of the local agriculture bureau.
LONDON, March 16 (Xinhua) -- British Prime Minister Theresa May ruled out Thursday a call for a Scottish independence referendum while Brexit negotiations are going on with Brussels.

May used a television interview in London to respond to a demand by Scotland's first minister Nicola Sturgeon for a referendum before a Brexit deal is reached.

She said now is not the time for Scotland to have an independence referendum and should instead work with the the government to seek a good deal with the EU for Scotland and the rest of Britain.

May said: "Just at this appoint all of our energies should be focused on our negotiations with the EU to get the right deal."

The announcement will put May on a collision course with Sturgeon and the Scottish Nationalist Party (SNP).

The Scottish parliament is to debate its referendum call in Edinburgh next week. The SNP say Scotland voted to remain in the EU by a 62-38 margin, compared to a 52-48 margin across Britain.

In 2014 the people of Scotland voted in favour of remaining part of Britain in what was described as a "once in a generation" vote among Scots.
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WINDHOEK, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Namibia's water and sanitation program has received a boost with the 100 million Namibian dollars (about 7.9 million U.S. dollars) provided by the European Union Thursday.

The European Union pledged 430 million Namibian dollars (about 34 million U.S .dollars) to Namibia's water and sanitation program in 2011.

When she handed over the money to agriculture minister Mutorwa in Windhoek, the European Union ambassador Jana Hybaskova said Namibia has made great strides in providing rural communities with potable water and sanitation.

According to Hybaskova, statistics released in 2015 by the directorate of water supply and sanitation in the agriculture ministry showed that 89 percent of rural communities have access to clean water.

She, however, said while there was success in providing access to potable water, the agriculture ministry neglected the issue of sanitation.

This, she said, was revealed in the report that showed that only 18.5 percent of the rural population had better sanitation facilities in 2015.

Hybaskova said if Namibia works to improve in providing better sanitation, it could score better.

Mutorwa said the funding from the European Union had helped Namibia to achieve a lot in providing clean water to its rural communities.

He also said the government of Namibia was in the process of building dams among them the Nerckatal Dam in the south of the country that would make it easier for the people to access clean water.
NAIROBI, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Kenya plans to intensity vaccination efforts in order to boost livestock exports, a government official said on Thursday.

Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Principal Secretary Dr Andrew Tuimur told Xinhua in Nairobi that all major lucrative overseas markets including the European Union has imposed stringent health conditions for livestock products entering their countries.

"Kenya has rolled out an ambitious vaccination campaign to ensure that the country is declared free of common livestock disease such as the foot and mouth disease," Tuimur said.

"We are currently working closely with the county governments and hope that Kenya will have disease free zones in the next one year," he said.

Livestock earmarked for export will have to be quarantined in the disease free zones before being sent overseas.

Kenya is currently only able to export livestock to the Middle East and Mauritius.

Early this year, the East African nation launched an oil based foot and mouth disease vaccine that is more effective compared to the water based vaccine.

Tuimur said that for Kenya to become disease free it will have to cooperate with its neighbors as pastoralists move freely across the borders.

"We plan to heighten surveillance and monitoring in major border points," he noted.

The PS said that Kenya has enormous potential in the livestock sector which is yet to be fully exploited.

Government data indicates that Kenya has 17 million cattle, 28 million sheep and 2.8 million donkeys.

Tuimur said that the livestock sector which is concentrated in the arid and semi arid areas, contributes about 12 percent of the Gross Domestic Product.
SHANGHAI, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Dai Haibo, former deputy secretary-general of the Shanghai municipal government, stood trial Thursday on charges of accepting bribes and concealing assets.

Prosecutors alleged that Dai took advantage of various official positions to seek benefits for others, accepting bribes worth about 9.9 million yuan (1.4 million U.S. dollars) from 1998 to 2015, the Shanghai No. 1 Intermediate People's Court heard.

Dai opened bank, stock and fund accounts with Citibank Hong Kong in April 2001 without reporting his assets to superior authorities, as required.

As of March 2015, the properties on the above accounts totaled more than 1.58 million yuan, prosecutors said.

Dai pled guilty and expressed remorse in the court. The verdict will be announced on a later date.
STRASBOURG, March 16 (Xinhua) -- European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker has thrown his weight behind calls by U.S. President Donald Trump for NATO members to "pay their share" of Europe's defense.

The demand by Trump has been attacked in some quarters even though figures released this week by NATO showed that only five NATO members currently meet defense spending targets.

NATO members committed to spending at least 2 percent of their GDP on defense but the majority have failed to honor this.

NATO revealed that while military spending among NATO members had increased, their total spending last year was well below the 2-percent goal.

During his campaign, Trump repeatedly said EU countries should pay a larger share for their defence.

Speaking in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, Juncker said he agreed with Trump, saying, "We have to take care of our defense and our defense budgets. And the U.S. is not wrong to say this. We signed a commitment and we have to respect this.

"Trump is not the first to say this. He is the fourth U.S. president who I have dealt with and (former U.S. presidents) Clinton, Bush, and Obama were all saying exactly the same thing."

Juncker also addressed the Commission's new White Paper on the EU's future, insisting that he was not calling for a 2-speed Europe.

He said, "I repeat again that this is not about a 2-speed Europe. To say so is a misreading of the White Paper."

He told the monthly parliamentary plenary, "Nor is this about creating a new iron curtain between the East and West in Europe but, rather, it is about deeper EU integration and enhanced cooperation."

Juncker added, "I'd like to see everyone in Europe involved in the debate on the future of the EU. The commission does not want to dictate to anyone and say this and that is so."

"This narrow view of the EU just being about an internal market alone is not my choice. We need a wider debate."

The debate with MEPs comes 10 days before the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Rome treaty. It will be marked by several events next week in Rome and a showpiece summit of EU leaders.

Addressing MEPs in the same discussion, Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni agreed with Juncker.

"We cannot have a 1st- and 2nd-class Europe, a Europe of the east and west. Everyone must be involved in this common European project. But at the same time Europe cannot stand still," Gentiloni said.

European Council President Donald Tusk said he hoped the Rome summit will be a "turning point" for the EU.

Malta's deputy PM, Louis Grech, representing the Maltese EU presidency, said, "Brexit is unfortunate we but cannot allow it to distract us.

"Talk of an existential crisis for the EU has become the norm and it would be a big mistake to underestimate the challenges.

"But it would be an even bigger mistake to do nothing and become negative. This would pave the way for the eventual erosion of the EU," Grech said.

European People's Party leader Manfred Weber said effort was needed to make Brussels and Strasbourg more acceptable to the public.

"We should not be seen as an external force that forces people into something they do not like. But this is something we should be saying every day," Weber said.

Socialist leader Gianna Pittella said "urgent action is needed to relaunch the EU project".

He added, "But in Rome, we cannot speak in a vacuum or in slogans. Populism and Trumpism is currently very strong partly because we, the EU, have not been able to explain our achievements. But if we stand united we can face them down."

"The EU dream which existed 60 years has run into peaks of enthusiasm and then stagnation but we must save the EU project," Pittella added.
JOHANNESBURG, March 16 (Xinhua) -- An opposition political party leader in South Africa is now facing disciplinary action for praising colonialism on Thursday.

Helen Zille, Premier of Western Cape province who is from the opposition, Democratic Alliance (DA) posted on twitter praising colonialism on Thursday.

In her tweets, Zille said, "For those claiming legacy of colonialism was only negative, think of our independent judiciary, transport infrastructure, piped water."

"Would we have had a transition into specialized health care and medication without colonial influence? Just be honest, please," she noted.

The leader of the DA Mmusi Maimane then referred Zille to the Federal Legal Commission for investigation and reprimand. DA spokesperson Phumzile van Damme distanced the party from the tweets of Zille who is the former leader of the party.

She said, "Colonialism, like Apartheid, was wrong. It oppressed millions of people and violated human rights in a cruel and inhumane way. Colonialism, like Apartheid, is in every single way against our cherished values of freedom, fairness and opportunity for all."

Van Damme said they are committed to redressing the wrongs of the past and building a united South Africa with one destiny.

Another opposition, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) criticized Zille calling her statements racists and anti-blacks. EFF spokesperson Mbuyiseni Ndlozi rejected the apology offered by Zille.

"We call on the DA to remove Zille from premiership following these comments as they demonstrate that she has no appreciation for our democratic dispensation. She has proven that she cannot be entrusted with public office, in defense of our Constitution. No one, from a public office of our hard won constitutional democratic state must be allowed to freely express such cold hearted racism," Ndlozi said.

EFF called for the DA to take a decisive stance and prove that they do not condone colonialism by firing Zille. Ndlozi said the statements are not expected of a senior government official like Zille.

" It is a fact that many racist white people sit on dinner tables when black people are not there and express their cold hearted racism, this is what Helen Zille truly is, a cold hearted racist who believes that colonialism, which was crime against the humanity of black people, is not a bad thing," Ndlozi added.

The Congress of South Africa Trade Unions (Cosatu) also condemned Zille's statement. Cosatu spokesperson Sizwe Pamla said it is an insult to the black people to glorify and idealize the dark past of this country (colonialism) that left many black people dead or maimed.

"Colonialism was not about civilizing the natives as she seems to suggest but was about subjugating and killing our people and plundering the resources of our continent. This period represented a dark and painful past for black people and these kinds of statements are an insult to many black heroes and heroines, who shed blood to fight colonialism and apartheid." Pamla said.
MOGADISHU, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Fighting between Puntland anti-pirate forces and armed pirates on Thursday broke out in Alula district in Bari region of northern Somalia.

District Commissioner of Alula Ali Shire Mohamud Osman confirmed to the media that the confrontation happened.

Puntland authorities said earlier that they will send forces to the oil tanker kidnapped by pirates at the coast under its administration.

Local media reported there were casualties on the part of the Puntland forces, but could not identify the number.

It remains early to comment on the situation and the captives of the ship, but pirates threatened that they will defend themselves from everyone who attempts to force them.

Pirates argued that they are fighting illegal ships and boats which are collecting their natural resources, mainly the fish.
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, March 16 (Xinhua) -- A Vietnamese fishing boat has been seized and 10 crew detained after the boat was allegedly found encroaching Brunei's territorial waters and carrying out fishing activities.

According to a statement released by the Royal Brunei Police Force on Thursday, Royal Brunei Navy ship intercepted the fishing boat with the registration PY90541TS in Brunei's waters for carrying out fishing activities illegally using longlines fishing.

A search also found some catches in the fish storage compartment.

The 10 detained Vietnamese crew, aged between 18 and 50, were transferred to the Marine Police for further investigation.

According to local laws, if convicted, the captain of the Vietnamese boat will face up to five years' imprisonment with a maximum 100,000 Brunei dollars (71,271 U.S. dollars) in fines while each crew member will face up to one year's imprisonment with a maximum 2500 Brunei dollars in fines.
Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto addresses a news conference in Budapest, capital of Hungary, on March 16, 2017. Brussels' migration policy, resting on halfway measures, has failed, Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto said Thursday. (Xinhua/Attila Volgyi)

BUDAPEST, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Brussels' migration policy, resting on halfway measures, has failed, Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto said Thursday.

Szijjarto made the statement at a news conference, responding to Turkey's recent threat to go back on its deal with the European Union (EU).

Szijjarto claimed that the failure of the agreement was clear from the beginning.

The EU-Turkey agreement was signed on March 18, 2016, and came into effect two days later. The goal of the deal is to put an end to refugees, asylum seekers and migrants paying smugglers to cross from Turkey to Greece by returning the majority to Turkey.

The EU has been relying exclusively on this agreement with Turkey to maintain security in Europe while doing nothing to boost protection of EU borders, but criticizing Turkey, Szijjarto said.

Brussels put European security in the hands of the Turkish government, he charged.

At the same time, European leaders made what Szijjarto considered a huge mistake, in "competing" with one another on who could be louder in criticizing and attacking the Turkish government.

Nor did they take advantage of the comparative calm to increase protections on the southern EU borders, Szijjarto said.

Should the flow of migrants again increase to thousands a day, the EU will be just as helpless as it was earlier, Szijjarto said, defending Hungary's decision to reinforce the barrier on its border with a second fence.

He also defended Hungary's new law that would allow all migrants crossing into Hungary to be held in detention until their asylum applications were decided on.

Szijjarto also addressed the dispute between the Netherlands and Turkey, which broke out when the Dutch refused to allow Turkish government officials to address expat Turkish communities in support of a Turkish referendum set for mid-April.

"It is unusual and unfortunate to see conflict between two NATO allies on issues like this," Szijjarto added.
ANKARA, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday that Dutch Prime Minister Rutte won the elections but lost a friend like Turkey, reported the local Hurriyet.

"Rutte, you might have finished the elections as the first party, but you should know that you lost a friend like Turkey," Erdogan told a rally in the northwestern province of Sakarya while campaigning for a "yes" vote in the upcoming referendum on shifting the executive presidential system.

"Our prime minister will not dine with a Dutch prime minister after the elections," he said, referring to the recent spat between both countries over a ban on rallies by Turkish ministers in the country.

The Turkish president also slammed Germany over harboring terrorist members of the Kurdistan Workers' Party.

Diplomatic tensions between both countries escalated over the weekend after Dutch authorities cancelled Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu's flight permit to the Netherlands.

Dutch authorities further blocked Turkish Family Minister Fatma Betul Sayan Kaya from entering the Turkish consulate in Rotterdam on Saturday.

Turkey's government announced on Monday that it will impose political sanctions against Netherlands.

The sanctions include suspending high-level relations and all planned meetings with Dutch citizens as well as banning the Dutch ambassador from entering Turkey.
FREETOWN, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Sierra Leone's presidential spokesman Abdulai Bayraytay confirmed to Xinhua on Thursday that a diamond weighing over 700 carats has been discovered in the Kono district, a diamond-rich district in the Eastern Province of Sierra Leone.

According to Bayraytay, it is the largest diamond found in the country since 1972 when the Star of Sierra Leone was found weighing over 900 carats.

The diamond, discovered by an artisanal miner, was shown to the President on Wednesday, who instructed that the diamond be taken to the Bank of Sierra Leone for safe keeping and valuation.

He said potential buyers would have to come to Sierra Leone for transparency and accountability.

Bayraytay described the find as a "good news to the country" especially at the time of the country's development process.
A boy holds a Peking Opera decoration during the Mid-Autumn Festival celebration at Confucius Institute of the University of Kenyatta in Nairobi, capital of Kenya, on Sept. 15, 2016.(Xinhua/Pan Siwei)

by Ronald Ssekandi

KAMPALA, March 16 (Xinhua) -- China's aid to the education sector in Africa is helping boost teacher training, a key component in skilling the population to fast track development, a UN official has said.

Ann Therese Ndong-Jatta, Director of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Regional Office for Eastern Africa, in an interview recognized China's contribution to Africa's education sector over the years.

"We value the initiative in teacher training in Uganda and other countries in Africa. This will revitalize the teaching profession," she said.

China through UNESCO donated equipment to three teacher training institutions in Uganda on March 3. Figures from the Chinese embassy here show that 137 tutors were trained and 272 pieces of Information Communication and Technology and studio equipment were donated.

Ndong-Jatta said tutors were skilled on how to integrate technology with traditional methods of training.

China through UNESCO is funding an 8-million-U.S.-dollar project aimed at narrowing the educational quality gap on the continent.

The project "Enhancing Teacher Education for Bridging the Education Quality Gap in Africa" aims to accelerate progress towards the achievement of Education for All and the Sustainable Development Goal 4, which is quality education.

The four-year project that started in 2012 focuses on providing a sufficient number of qualified teachers in Africa through training programs.

Eight African countries including Cote d'Ivoire, Ethiopia, Namibia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Congo, Liberia, Tanzania, and Uganda are benefiting from the program.

Ndong-Jatta said besides cooperation in the primary education level, China has been cooperating with Africa to boost higher education.

China helped set up the Capacity Building Institute of Teacher Education in Ethiopia, and the regional director said some African countries also had student and teacher exchanges with China.

She said a conference has been scheduled in Djibouti to discuss how to boost further cooperation with China in the area of higher education.
ISTANBUL, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Turkish police on Thursday detained two Islamic State (IS) suspects who were allegedly preparing an attack in Istanbul, local media reported.

The suspects, who were seized during a police raid on a so-called IS cell in Istanbul's district of Kagithane, came to the metropolis to stage a new attack, the Hurriyet daily said.

Police also found over 500 bullets and two Kalashnikov rifles in the cell, the daily noted.

According to press reports, the suspects were from the same IS cell with Abdulkadir Masharipov, who launched a shooting spree inside a nightclub in Istanbul on New Year's Day, killing 39 people.

The IS claimed responsibility for the mass shooting, while Masharipov was captured after 17 days on the loose.

Istanbul has come under a spate of deadly attacks over the past year.
NAIROBI, March 16 (Xinhua) -- African governments have been asked to reduce research authorization process to help attract international collaboration in conducting groundbreaking research in the continent.

Taita Taveta University Acting Vice Chancellor Professor Hamadi Boga said on Thursday that the delay in acquiring necessary permits is to blame for the slow uptake of science, technology and innovation in Africa.

"Government's policy should be geared towards facilitating science and scientific interaction and reducing the processes that delay actual research from picking up," Professor Boga told a workshop on uptake of practical synthetic biology.

He said that the continent urgently needs to re-strategize and embrace science, technology and innovation for her economic development.

Professor Boga noted that studies has found out that research authorization process delays the issuance of permits and also reduces the number of research undertaken per year in most countries.

"As biotechnology embraces synthetic biology, Africa has to invest more in research infrastructure and international collaboration so as to become relevant in the current fast developing world," he added.

He pointed out that Kenya has the potential to be one of the research nodes in Africa given its diverse ecological zones that ranges from the Indian Ocean to the Lake Victoria shores through Mount Kenya and other highlands.

The Director of Technical Services at the Kenya National Biosafety Authority (NBA) Professor Dorington Ogoyi challenged governments to upgrade their regulations while embracing new technologies.

He observed that it is unfortunate that in Africa, a lot of focus has been on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) yet several other new technologies are taking off in Europe and Asia.

"There is need to create awareness to facilitate the uptake of promising emerging technologies that are aimed at improving the control of pests and development of new environmentally friendly crop varieties and animal breeds," he added.

"There is need to harmonize a globally responsive and forward looking research regulatory regime," said Dr. Lalitha Sundaram of the University of Cambridge.

She called for a periodic review of regulations to help develop a globally binding standard that could easily be accepted in times of developing new technologies like synthetic biology products.
BAGHDAD, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Iraq received on Thursday the first batch of South Korea's T-50 light fighter jets, said the Iraqi Defense Ministry in a statement.

The jets received aim to support Iraqi forces in dislodging Islamic State (IS) militants from the city of Mosul.

"The first batch of South Korean-manufactured T-50 fighter jets arrived with their gear, weapons, pilots and technicians," the statement quoted Lt. Gen. Pilot Anwar Hama Amin, commander of the Iraqi airforce, as saying.

The T-50 fighter jets will soon participate in the military operations against IS terrorists, the statement said.

In 2013, South Korean defense contractor Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd signed a deal with Iraq to export 24 light combat aircrafts.

The deal to supply T-50 aircrafts also included training for Iraqi pilots and other support for the country's airforce for the coming two decades.

The arrival of the new fighter jets comes as Iraqi security force backed by the anti-IS international coalition are carrying out a major offensive to drive out IS militants from its last major stronghold in and around Mosul.
STRASBOURG, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Guy Verhofstadt, the chief Brexit negotiator at the European Parliament, Wednesday joined a growing chorus of calls for the European Union to freeze its accession talks with Turkey.

His demand came after similar comments this week by Manfred Weber, the leader of the European People's Party, the biggest group in the European Parliament.

Verhofstadt's comments, at the European Parliament in Strasbourg during its monthly plenary, came amid a sharp decline in relations between the two sides in recent days, with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan likening the Netherlands to "a banana republic".

Erdogan also accused countries in the West of "Islamophobia". "I had thought that Nazism was over, but I was wrong," Erdogan said.

Verhofstadt, who now leads the ALDE group in the assembly, said, "These comments are ironic."

He accused Erdogan of cynicism for advocating "freedom of speech" while journalists are imprisoned in Turkey.

"He points a finger at our countries, including the Netherlands, but look at what is happening in his own country. It is good that we condemn this but let's freeze the accession talks with Turkey now.

To negotiate with Turkey is unacceptable, said Verhofstadt, a former Belgian prime minister.

His remarks were endorsed by Italian member Matteo Salvini who called for an end to all EU payments to Turkey and to its EU accession negotiations.

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, speaking in the same debate, also raised the Turkish attacks on the Netherlands, saying these were "totally unacceptable" and that those responsible were moving Turkey away from the EU.
JUBA, March 16 (Xinhua) -- The Government of South Sudan on Thursday lauded its northern neighbor Sudan for allowing relief agencies to use its territory and airspace to deliver food aid to drought victims.

Minister of Health Riek Gai Kok told journalists the positive development will help reduce the cost of transporting humanitarian assistance to internally displaced persons affected by famine.

"The government of Sudan has given permission to international organizations to buy food from Sudan and ferry in to South Sudan by road or air. International aid agencies outside South Sudan have also been given permission to intervene through those corridors," Kok said.

A delegation from Sudan led by State Minister of Health, Dr. Somaya Idriss Akad arrived in the South Sudan capital, Juba Thursday morning accompanied by 15 tonnes of assorted food items and medicine donated by the Afro-Arab Youth Council to help civilians displaced by war and famine.

Akad said that her government would deliver additional humanitarian aid by road to the regions of Unity and Barh-el gazel where food insecurity is more severe.

The move came shortly after South Sudan government and three United Nations agencies declared a localized famine in the country which they blamed on the three years of conflicts in the world's youngest republic.

According to UN estimates, 100,000 people face famine in South Sudan while one million people are on the brink of starvation.

The two countries in September 2012 signed a number of cooperation agreements to shore up relations between them after they parted ways following a referendum in 2011.

However, the cooperation agreements remained stalled for years as the two countries continued to accuse each other of supporting rebels hostile to either side.

Sudan has on several occasions closed its borders with South Sudan and denied passage of relief aid into the war-torn country through its territory.

The two neighbors in June 2016 renewed bilateral ties and declared zero tolerance to rebel groups threatening their stability.
COLOMBO, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweeraon said on Thursday that the crew members aboard the vessel hijacked by Somali pirates docked in the Port town of Alula were safe.

The official told reporters here that Sri Lanka is in touch with all necessary sides and keeping a close watch on the situation.

He said the Sri Lankan ambassador to Ethiopia was working closely with the Somali government and Sri Lanka had been informed that it was a piracy situation.

Gunmen believed to be Somali pirates hijacked the small oil tanker Aris 13 on Monday, demanding a ransom to release the ship and its eight Sri Lankan crew, said the EU Naval Force that patrols the waters off Somalia.

It is the first ship to be seized since 2012.

The 1,800 deadweight ton Aris 13 is owned by Panama company Armi Shipping and managed by Aurora Ship Management in the United Arab Emirates, according to the Equasis shipping data website, managed by the French transport ministry.
LISBON, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Portugal welcomed the Dutch election results on Thursday, with Foreign Minister Augusto Santos Silva saying the results were "very encouraging".

"The force that was willing to break with the European Union and mostly to break with the economic and social model that is at the heart of the European Union, the party of Mr Wilders, was blatantly defeated," Santos Silva told Portuguese Lusa News Agency.

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte's center-right VVD party won for a third successive term on Wednesday, beating the anti-immigration Freedom Party of Geert Wilders.

Santos Silva said that although the Freedom Party could win 19 of 150 seats in the Dutch parliament, it was a "tiny minority in the parliament" and a tiny minority of Dutch citizens had voted for that force.

Santos Silva also wished the leading party a "good continuity" in power and pointed out that throughout Rutte's terms Netherlands and Portugal had experienced very good relations.

"European voters have said they prefer to continue with Europe, with democracy, with tolerance and the social model," Santos Silva said.

He pointed out that Wilders' program was "worrying" and meant a "direct attack to the intrinsic principles of Europe".

Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa also welcomed the results and said they were good news for Portugal.

"The choice of Dutch citizens is good news for partners like Portugal, for all those who defend a moderate, united, cohesive and strong Europe," he said.
PARIS, March 16 (Xinhua) -- French and German leaders on Thursday said Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan's comparison of European states' ban on several Turkish rallies in their territories to the Nazi era, was "unacceptable".

French President Francois Hollande and German Chancellor Angela Merkel discussed the diplomatic row between Ankara and some European Union (EU) countries, according to a joint statement released by Hollande's office.

Hollande and Merkel agreed that future events organized by Turkish associations over their country's referendum could take place if "precise conditions are met in strict accordance with German or French laws, in full transparency".

Over a phone conversation, Hollande expressed solidarity with Germany and other European countries that had been called as Nazis or fascists by Turkey, it added.

Tensions between Turkey and EU countries raised after EU members, including the Netherlands and Germany, stopped Turkish politicians from holding rallies on their soil out of fears of tensions among Turkish communities.
MANILA, March 16 (Xinhua) -- The meeting between the Southeast Asian foreign ministers and U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson may take place in Washington D.C. or in any ASEAN country in May this year, sources at the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs said on Thursday.

Philippine Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo told a news conference that the foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations have sought a meeting with Tillerson hoping to get a clearer policy from the Trump administration on the ASEAN region and Asia in general.

"We are hoping to have a meeting between ASEAN foreign ministers and (Tillerson), but the exact dates have not yet been pinned down and it could be soon or in the near future," Manalo said.

"There is a plan to meet, but scheduling is the problem," he added.

The sources said Malaysia, the coordinator for ASEAN-U.S. relations, has sent a request for Tillerson.

Moreover, sources said ASEAN ministers would also want a commitment from the U.S. that President Donald Trump will attend the East Asia Summit and ASEAN-U.S. summits scheduled in the Philippines in November.

The Philippines is this year's chair of ASEAN meetings, including the ASEAN summit this April and the summit of ASEAN plus its dialogue partners in November.

ASEAN groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
ZAGREB, March 16 (Xinhua) -- The Croatian government on Thursday adopted a decision on business and financial restructuring of roads sector in order to handle the huge debts of its state-owned road management companies.

The roads sector was highly indebted and unable to cover the debt from its business revenues, said Oleg Butkovic, minister of the sea, transport and infrastructure.

The World Bank would support the reform and a guarantee would be issued that Croatia can use to refinance the road sector, he added.

The overall debt, accumulated from 2001 when Croatia modernized and extended the highway network across the country, is worth 5.2 billion euros (5.57 billion U.S. dollars), or 13.5 percent of the country's overall public debt, Butkovic said.

Some 1.14 billion euros mature this year. A huge portion matures within the next three years, he added.

He said that the restructuring of 13.5 percent of the total public debt would create conditions for the fiscal consolidation and macroeconomic stability of the country.

Currently, Croatia's public debt is close to 85 percent of its gross domestic product.

The decision also included the provision which increases the tolls on highways by 5 percent for whole year from 1 April this year and increase up to 10 percent during the summer tourist season, local media reported.
BEIJING, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday morning held a telephone conversation with German Chancellor Angela Merkel on the topic of strengthening bilateral relations.

During the conversation, Xi noted that 2017 marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Germany and that relations between the two countries have witnessed a comprehensive and in-depth development over recent years.

"We're willing to work together with Germany to push the China-Germany comprehensive strategic partnership further forward. As both being two of the world's most important economies and firm advocates of globalization, China and Germany are obliged to push all parties to jointly build an open global economy, maintaining the effectiveness and authoritiveness of multilateral trade rules and systems," Xi said.

Xi added that strengthening cooperation is in the fundamental interests of both countries and the European Union as a whole.

The Chinese president noted that economic and trade cooperation are the key driving force of China-Germany relations and called on both countries to ensure that economic ties are mutually beneficial. Xi called for more high-level financial talks, security dialogues and people-to-people exchanges, among others.

Xi also voiced China's support for Germany to host this year's Group of 20 leaders summit in Hamburg, saying China is willing to work with Germany to ensure the Hamburg summit, on the basis of Hangzhou summit held in China last year, sends out a clear and positive signal for stronger global economic cooperation and governance. Xi called for a global economy that features stronger growth, more effective governance, more open trade and more inclusive development.

In addition, Xi reaffirmed China's support for European integration, saying China and the EU should, from a strategic and long-term point of view, be committed to establishing a partnership defined by peace and growth.

During the telephone conversation, Merkel expressed satisfaction with the development of Germany-China relations. She said Germany speaks highly of the important speech Xi delivered at the World Economic Forum held in January in Davos, Switzerland, supports the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative, and appreciates China's support for the upcoming Hamburg G20 summit.

She said Germany is willing to increase high-level exchanges with China, boost economic and trade cooperation, and deepen people-to-people exchanges in a bid to lift their comprehensive strategic partnership to a new level.

Germany, Merkel added, is willing to play a key role in further developing EU-China relations.
BRUSSELS, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Increasing defense cooperation in the European Union (EU) depends more upon the political will to make it happen, said members of European Parliament (MEPs) in a resolution on Thursday.

According to European Parliament's statement, the resolution underlines that developing an EU common defense policy depends, above all, on the political will of member states, given that the Lisbon Treaty already provides a sufficient framework for building a truly common defense policy.

The resolution was approved by 360 votes to 212, with 48 abstentions.

MEPs stressed that member states can, and should, use the treaty tools in place to build a truly common defense policy.

They also called for the the European Defence Agency's political backing and resources to be strengthened, and encouraged EU countries to join the Permanent Structured Cooperation.

Esteban Gonzalez Pons, vice-chairman of the European People's Party said that there is also a general agreement that achieving a common defense is now more necessary than ever.

"In an unpredictable international climate, we need a common defense policy," Pons said.
WASHINGTON, March 16 (Xinhua) -- About 139 million Americans, or 60.2 percent of the U.S. voting-eligible population, cast a ballot in 2016 general elections in which Donald Trump won the White House, representing the second-highest in the past half-century.

According to data released Thursday by the U.S. Elections Project, the percentage is above the 58.6 percent of U.S. eligible voters who showed up to help reelect Barack Obama in 2012 but below the 62.2 percent in 2008.

Nine of the 13 states where voter turnout was highest were battleground states, with Minnesota notching the highest turnout for the eighth time in the past nine U.S. elections.

Nearly 3 in 4 voters in Minnesota cast a ballot on Nov. 8 Election Day. Clinton won Minnesota's 10 electoral votes by a slim 45,000-vote margin.

Turnout was over 70 percent of voters in Maine, New Hampshire, Colorado and Wisconsin, 69 percent in Iowa and more than two-thirds in Massachusetts, Oregon, Maryland and Virginia.

States where more voters showed up shared one of two similarities: They were either battleground states, or they allowed voters to register and cast ballots on the same day, a TheHill news daily report quoted researchers from the group Nonprofit Vote as saying.

Voter participation in the 15 states with same-day registration laws on the books was 7 percentage points higher than in states where voters have to register weeks before Election Day, said the researchers, noting six states with the highest turnout are all same-day registration states.

In battleground states, turnout hit 65 percent, 5 points higher than in nonbattleground states, they said in a report titled America Goes to the Polls 2016.

States with the lowest levels of voter turnout were all in one party's column: Just 43 percent of voters cast ballots in safely Democratic Hawaii. Less than 53 percent of voters cast ballots in reliably Republican Tennessee, Texas and West Virginia.

U.S. voter turnout topped 62 percent in all three presidential contests held in the 1960s and hit 65 percent in 1908 among a much smaller population. U.S. women did not get the right to vote until 1920, said the report.

Trump won almost 63 million popular votes in 2016, falling nearly 2.9 million votes shy of his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton but enough to secure a majority of Electoral College.
Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks at a celebration to mark the first anniversary of Crimea's incorporation into Russia, in Moscow, Russia, March 18, 2015. (Xinhua Photo)

MOSCOW, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Russia will not consider any deal on Crimea in exchange for the relaxation of Western sanctions, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Thursday.

His remarks came on the day of the third anniversary of a referendum held in Crimea, which led to the incorporation of the Black Sea peninsula with Russia.

Kiev, Washington and their allies insist that Crimea remains part of Ukraine and it was illegally annexed by Russia. Western countries introduced economic sanctions against Russia in 2014 over Crimea and its alleged role in the conflicts in eastern Ukraine.

"Our Crimea-related sanctions will remain in place until Russia returns control over the peninsula to Ukraine," U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley told the UN Security Council last month.

When asked Thursday whether Moscow will reach any deal on Crimea with the United States or conduct a second referendum, Peskov told reporters that such a move is "off the table."
ISLAMABAD, March 17 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan's opposition parties agreed on Thursday to extend support to the government to revive the military courts for the trial of terrorism-related cases, officials said.

The two-year term of the military courts expired in January.

Leaders of the political parties who met in Islamabad with Ayaz Sadiq, speaker of the National Assembly in the chair agreed to extend the term of courts for another two-year term.

The major opposition Pakistan Peoples Party had earlier opposed the two-year extension and suggested one-year extension.

Ayaz Sadiq said the government gained four out of nine points presented by the PPP. He said the bill regarding extending of the courts for two years will be tabled on Monday to get it passed unanimously.

PPP leader Senator Chaudhry Aitzaz Ahsan told the meeting that the country is in a state of war and that is why his party has agreed to extend military courts for another two-year term.

Shah Mahmood Qureshi, former foreign minister and member of the National Assembly of the opposition PTI party said all the political forces of the country have shown flexibility to extend military courts' term. He said spirit of the consensus is that any particular religious community will not be targeted.

The military courts were established for the speedy trial of the terrorists after the deadliest attack on an army public school in Peshawar in December 2014. Nearly 150 people, mostly students were killed in the Taliban claimed attack.

The army said on Wednesday that the military courts have so far awarded death sentence to a total of 161 terrorists and 21 have been executed.
WINDHOEK, March 16 (Xinhua) -- A proposal to formulate a law that is meant to protect Namibian ministers from being sued in their personal capacity has been approved by Cabinet.

Deputy information minister Stanley Simataa told the media Thursday that the resolution to draft the Executive Immunities Bill was given the nod by Cabinet on Tuesday.

According to the attorney general's office, the bill will seek to protect ministers from being named as part of the respondents in a lawsuit against the government.

Currently, Namibia has a law that protects a seating president from being sued in his personal capacity and as the Head of State.

"The proposed legislative enactment seeks to provide certainty for minister that they will not be held personally liable for the performance of their role," the attorney general's office said.

It was not made known when the bill will be available for scrutiny by the Cabinet Committee on Legislation.
BEIJING, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday sent congratulatory messages to an opening ceremony of the China-ASEAN tourism cooperation year, which was held in Manila, the Philippines.

China and the ASEAN countries, either connected by mountains and rivers or only separated by the sea, have a long history of friendly cooperation and people-to-people exchanges, Li said in his message.

China has set ASEAN as a priority of its foreign policy and supports ASEAN's central status in regional cooperation, said Li.

China is willing to build a closer China-ASEAN relationship by sharing development opportunities in the region and abiding by the principles of mutual respect, understanding, trust and support, and to work together for a closer China-ASEAN community with common destiny, promoting peace,stability and prosperity of the region and the world as well, Li added.

Tourism plays a key role in China-ASEAN people-to-people ties, contributing to a deeper mutual understanding and pragmatic cooperation in various industries, said Li.

So far China has become the biggest source of foreign tourists for ASEAN.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the association and is also the year in which both sides will focus on boosting two-way tourism. Li said China will use this opportunity to bring relations between both sides to a new level.

For his part, Duterte said cooperation between China and ASEAN sends a clear message to the world about the resolve of both sides to work together to accomplish their shared goals.

The Philippine leader said he expects closer relations between China and ASEAN to boost inclusive and sustainable development and lead to peace, security and development in the region.

Chinese Vice Premier Wang Yang presented Li's congratulatory message while attending the ceremony in Manila.
United Nations Resident Coordinator in Kenya Siddharth Chatterjee (1st R) speaks during a press briefing in Nairobi, Kenya, on March 16, 2017. The United Nations in Kenya on Thursday launched a 166 million-U.S. dollars urgent appeal to address the country's biting drought that has affected an estimated 2.7 million people. Failed rains in the last two seasons are to blame for severe drought in 23 Kenyan counties. (Xinhua/Charles Onyango)

UNITED NATIONS, March 16 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations and its partners on Thursday appealed for 166 million U.S. dollars to aid Kenyan pastoralists and farmers whose livestock and crops are suffering amid a "national drought disaster."

"With these funds, humanitarian actors will provide life-saving food, health, water and sanitation services to 2.6 million vulnerable Kenyans over the next 10 months," said Siddharth Chatterjee, UN Resident Coordinator in Kenya.

The drought, which has been declared as a national disaster, has extensively affected 23 counties following months of unreliable rains, which have caused thirst, hunger, decimating livestock among other effects.

Below average rains are "causing thirst and hunger, decimating livestock, destroying livelihoods, spreading disease, and causing large movements of people," according to the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

The latest flash appeal is a complement to Kenya's ongoing nine-month response plan which faces a funding gap of 108 million dollars, OCHA said.

Earlier this month, OCHA chief Stephen O'Brien visited Kenya to highlight the risk of famine facing people there, as well as in Somalia, South Sudan and Yemen.

Reporting his observations to the Security Council upon his return, the UN Emergency Relief Coordinator said the international community is "facing the largest humanitarian crisis since the creation of the UN."
STRASBOURG, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Members of European Parliament (MEPs), gathered for a plenary session here, on Thursday called for a ban on Arctic drilling and increased efforts to keep tensions in the region low as polar ice melts at alarming rates.

Adopted by 483 votes in favor against 100, with 37 abstentions, the resolution indicates increasing concerns across Europe about the future of the Arctic region as seas continue to warm and polar ice recedes.

Arctic sea ice has been declining rapidly over the last several decades, with minimum ice coverage in the region reaching record lows four times in the last 13 years, and with 2016 as the warmest year on record for the Arctic sea, according to the U.S. National Snow and Ice Data Center.

Data from the European Environment Agency as well indicates that as much as 280 billion tons of arctic ice has been lost per year between 2013 and 2015.

The receding ice has presented both new opportunities and new risks, as new shipping lanes open up and previously unreachable natural resources become more readily accessible.

According to a January European Parliament briefing on Arctic continental shelf claims, the new routes could shorten shipping time up to 40 percent between Europe and Asia.

In their Thursday resolution, however, MEPs expressed concern about new environmental and security challenges, asking for measures to protect the fragile and unique Arctic ecosystem.

"If we destroy this area by using the resources there unsustainably, we shall not only be destroying a unique region, but also accelerating climate change and polluting a source of clean water. The effects on global fish stocks would also be catastrophic," said the Parliament's co-rapporteur on the resolution, Sirpa Pietikainen (European People's Party group, Finland).

Four million inhabitants of the Arctic region, along with flora and fauna, would be the first affected by the negative consequences of rising pollution levels.

For this reason, "the vulnerable Arctic environment, as well as the fundamental rights of indigenous people, must be respected and protected with more stringent safeguards," argued MEPs.

Considering the danger of fossil fuel extraction in particular, the parliamentarians called for a ban on oil drilling in the Arctic waters of the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA), noting that fossil fuel use is also accelerating climate change.

"The geopolitical importance of the Arctic is growing," added co-rapporteur Urmas Paet (Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe, Estonia). "Our main goal is to keep the region as a low-tension area and prevent its militarization."

Parliamentarians stressed the importance of the Arctic Council, an intergovernmental forum, in "maintaining constructive cooperation, low tension and stability" in the region.

The Arctic Council is made up of Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden and the United States, as well as six organizations representing indigenous peoples.

Key international legislation, however, has not yet been ratified by all the Arctic states, notably in the case of the United States not having ratified the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Seas (UNCLOS).

This legislation, in force since 1994, provides important guidelines on use of the world's seas and their natural resources.

With three EU member states (Denmark, Finland and Sweden) as well as two EEA states (Iceland and Norway) as Arctic states, the Union has pushed for a unified policy toward the region.

The January European Parliament brief argues that the EU will focus on "climate action and environmental research, sustainable development, telecommunications, search and rescue, as well as cooperation with Arctic states, institutions, indigenous peoples and local communities".
by Jesse Wieten

THE HAGUE, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Though politicians from the Netherlands and abroad welcomed the outcome of the Dutch elections as a firm "ho" (stop in Dutch) to the rise of populism, a closer look indicates that Dutch populism is far from stopped, but more divided, experts told Xinhua.

"After the Brexit and Donald Trump winning the U.S. Presidential elections, everyone was looking at us," outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said in his victory speech on Wednesday in The Hague.

"This evening, the Dutch people said 'ho' to the wrong kind of populism," Rutte said.

"Scary words by Rutte," responded far-right populist party PVV leader Geert Wilders.

"Does he mean that there are good and bad populists? I do not consider myself a populist. Rutte suggests that bad populists are half-Nazis. I do not know what he means," Wilders said.

Other political leaders used the same words as Rutte, like Alexander Pechtold of the leftist liberals D66 and Jesse Klaver of the green left GroenLinks.

"The sound of populism has stopped in the Netherlands," said Pechtold. "Populism has not had a breakthrough in the Netherlands," added Klaver.

Considering the PVV as a far-right populist party and the rightist liberals VVD beating it by a landslide, 33 compared to 20 seats, the conclusion of Rutte, Pechtold, Klaver and others seemed right.

However, there are more populist parties, with the Forum for Democracy and migrant-party DENK debuting in the House of Representatives with 2 and 3 seats respectively.

"If you add the amount of seats of these parties, you get a total of 25 seats," Gerrit Voerman, professor of Development and functioning of the Dutch and European party system at the University of Groningen, explained to Xinhua.

That is still less than the VVD, but a substantial amount, which is much more than the 15 seats the PVV had in 2012 and comparable with the 24 seats Wilders had in 2010.

Henk te Velde, professor of Dutch History at the Leiden University Institute for History, emphasizes on the distinction between populism and Wilders.

"Populism is present everywhere in Europe and won't disappear," he told Xinhua. "Wilders just had a bad campaign and a bad result. However, there seems to be kind of a limit of people who feel attracted by populism. It will not grow endlessly."

DENK is the immigrant answer to Wilders. The party was founded by Tunahan Kuzu and Selcuk Ozturk, two Turkish-Dutch members of the House of Representatives, who left the PvdA in November 2014, with non-discrimination as their distinctive issue.

"The success of DENK is partly explainable by the fall of the PvdA, which traditionally had a large amount of immigrant voters," Te Velde said.

"You can also partly explain it by the more extreme rightist climate on immigrants and Islam. A large group finds themselves treated as second class citizens and feel themselves only represented by this emancipation party."

The Forum voor Democratie (Forum for Democracy), transformed from a think tank into a political party, is like the PVV, releasing hardline stands on closing the borders, leaving the EU and introducing binding referenda.

"With the PVV not having the momentum, there was room for other parties like the Forum voor Democratie," Te Velde explained.

"But there is more," said Voerman, who co-wrote the book "Populism in the Polder" on the entrance of populism in Dutch politics.

"Mainstream parties took over themes of the PVV and that partly explains the success of the VVD and the CDA. Rutte profited from the row with Turkey by taking a clear stand.

"While CDA focused on the national identity in the campaign. Their profiles became more extreme. Populism has not been reduced, but has been spread over more parties," Voerman said.

In the diplomatic row with Turkey, Rutte prevented Turkish ministers from campaigning in the Netherlands.

Christian Democrats CDA leader Sybrand Buma said during the campaign that he wanted to abolish the double nationality of immigrants and that children on school should be obliged to learn the national anthem Wilhelmus. Both parties scored on these PVV themes.

"The mainstream parties have become more nationalistic," Matthijs Rooduijn, political sociologist and assistant professor in the Department of Sociology at Utrecht University, said to Xinhua. "Their views have moved towards the PVV, especially on immigration and the Dutch identity. That's new."

Rooduijn named the open letter by Rutte in several national newspapers in January this year as an example.

Although Rutte didn't specifically speak about refugees of foreigners in his letter, he wrote that "people who fundamentally reject our land should leave".

"And it is not only about campaign remarks, but also about policy," Rooduijn added. "As the VVD wants terrorists with the Dutch nationality to lose their passport. But that is against human rights. And the CDA wants to abandon the financing of mosques and Islamic organizations by foreign governments."

"I don't mean the VVD and the CDA are as radical as the PVV, but the wrong populism is certainly not halted in the Netherlands," Rooduijn continued. "And we must not forget that the PVV still won seats and that the Forum voor Democratie is also a pretty nationalistic party."

Compared to the polls of last year, the PVV result was certainly disappointing for the party. In the polls of late December last year the anti-Islam party and anti-Europe party still was by far the biggest with a predicted 31 to 36 seats. However, in recent months the PVV dropped and was passed by the VVD.

Wilders admitted he was disappointed. "I would rather have won," Wilders told reporters on Wednesday night in The Hague.

"But at the same time, the VVD lost seats and we gained. We are the winners of the elections. Too bad we are not the biggest party, but it is a result we can be proud of."

"The campaign of Wilders was really bad," said Te Velde. "Incomprehensible. He was hardly visible and cancelled debates. I have two explanations. Maybe he stayed at home, because it was too much for him as one-man party or he didn't want to become the biggest, so he didn't have to take responsibility. Maybe he preferred to stay a medium sized party in the opposition."

"In addition, it seems that the dynamics were a bit gone in the interaction between Wilders and the other parties," Te Velde added. "It was quiet."

According to Voerman, Wilders peaked too early. "He had his momentum during the refugee crisis from 2015 until the beginning of 2016 and in November last year when Donald Trump was elected as U.S. President," Voerman said.

"However, the EU-Turkey deal limited the flow of refugees, while the start of the Trump reign became a chaos," Voerman said.
CIREBON, Indonesia, March 17 (Xinhua) -- The Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), Indonesia's largest Muslim organization, supports the on-going Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway (HSR) project, NU chairman Said Aqil Siradj said here on Wednesday.

The mega project which will be built and operated by the Indonesian-Chinese consortium was officiated by Indonesian President Joko Widodo in January last year.

Accompanying Chinese ambassador Xie Feng to visit Cirebon, a port city in West Java province's north coast, Said said Indonesia and China are good neighbor and friends.

The chairman said at the Islamic boarding school Pesantren Kempek Cirebon that Chinese investment to Indonesia not only brings capital and technology, but also creates numerous job opportunities and adds the people's prosperity.

NU supports all kinds of infrastructure projects by Indonesia and China, including the Jakarta-Bandung HSR construction, he said.

On the bilateral relations, the chairman said Indonesia and China have enjoyed a long history of friendly exchanges.

"We need to keep a good relation with China and carry forward bilateral friendship," the chairman said in front of hundreds of students.

Said, who was born in Cirebon, encourages more Pesantren Kempek graduates to work with Chinese companies.

The 142.3-km HSR project with an investment of 5.1 billion U.S. dollars will connect Jakarta and West Java's capital Bandung in the southeast.

With a maximum speed of 250 km per hour, the travel time between the two cities will be cut from three hours to 40 minutes.
Chinese Ambassador to Afghanistan Yao Jing (C) and Afghan Minister of Urban Development and Housing Sadat Mansoor Naderi (L) sign an agreement on launching the first phase of a housing project in Kabul March 16, 2017. The agreement is part of a large residential housing program that will be built by China in Afghanistan. (Xinhua/Rahmat Alizadah)

KABUL, March 17 (Xinhua) -- China and neighboring Afghanistan vowed on Thursday to deepen cooperation in the field of urbanization.

Chinese Ambassador to Afghanistan Yao Jing together with Afghan Minister of Urban Development and Housing Sadat Mansoor Naderi agreed that the two countries should further enhance cooperation in the field of urbanization and city development.

Earlier on Thursday, Yao and Naderi signed an agreement on launching the first phase of a housing project, which has been the largest housing scheme in the war-torn country.

"We are a neighbor to Afghanistan, and we are a partner to Afghanistan," Yao told the ceremony.

The agreement is part of a large residential housing program that will be built by China in Afghanistan.

The first phase of the project, which consists of 1,400 apartments, will be completed in Dar-ul-Aman, a locality in southwestern side of Kabul. According to Naderi, Afghans who lost their family members in terrorist attacks and family members of soldiers who were killed during fight against insurgents will be the first to receive the houses.

Naderi thanked China for supporting Afghanistan's reconstruction and for helping Afghanistan facilitate the reconciliation process.
JUBA, March 16 (Xinhua) -- The International Organization for Migration (IOM) on Thursday condemned Tuesday's attack on its convoy by gunmen in South Sudan's Yirol East County.

IOM Director General William Lacy Swing in a statement condemned the attack on a humanitarian convoy that resulted in two deaths.

The convoy was reportedly returning to Yirol from a field mission when one of the vehicles was ambushed by unknown gunmen.

An IOM health officer sustained gunshot wounds but his condition was said to have stabilized.

"This tragic attack on aid workers and civilians is appalling. The assault took place in an area of South Sudan in dire need of assistance due to a deadly outbreak of cholera," he said.

He said the attacks compromised the ability of humanitarian partners to provide assistance to millions in need of lifesaving aid.

The identity and motivation of the attackers remain unknown, the statement said.

The attack on IOM convoy came after eight aid workers of the U.S-based evangelic group Samaritan's Purse were abducted on Sunday at Guelguk by SPLA-in opposition (SPLA-IO).

They were later set free on Wednesday.

A joint IOM health and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) team of 12 people had been deployed to Yirol East County on February 17 to provide assistance to communities affected by a cholera outbreak that began in early February, with more than 300 cases and 10 deaths reported to date.

IOM says it is responding to the emergency needs of millions in South Sudan affected by the crisis that erupted in December 2013. Over 7.5 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance this year, including nearly 5 million facing severe food insecurity and 1.8 million displaced internally.
BRUSSELS, March 16 (Xinhua) -- The European Commission on Thursday launched a large humanitarian program for education in emergencies to encourage some 230,000 refugee children to attend school in Turkey.

According to the Commission, the Conditional Cash Transfer for Education (CCTE) project, worth 34 million euros (36.5 million U.S. dollars), will provide bimonthly cash-transfers as of May 2017 to vulnerable refugee families whose children regularly attend school.

Turkey currently has more than three million refugees, almost half of whom are children, according to the Commission.

Education for school-age children was a key challenge, with 500,000 children enrolled in formal education across the country, either in Turkish schools or in Temporary Education Centers (TECs), while an estimated 370,000 remained out of school.

The project will be implemented in partnership with UN International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) and its partner the Turkish Red Crescent, explained the Commission.
LUSAKA, March. 16 (Xinhua) -- Norwegian partners has given Zambia 700,000 U.S. dollars for provision of solar energy to the African country's clinics and hospitals, a top United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) official said Thursday.

The grant, provided by Innovation Norway, a Norwegian consortium of partners comprising the government and private organizations, will enable the UNDP to supply the Zambian health authorities with solar energy solutions under a project Solar for Health.

UNDP Country Director Martim Maya said during the presentation of the project in Lusaka, the Zambian capital, that installations will provide energy to off-grid rural health facilities and also back-up solutions to on-grid district hospitals as an alternative to expensive and polluting diesel generators.

Vidar Ellingsen, delegation leader of Innovation Norway, said the consortium also intends to develop solutions for both medical and solid waste management at hospitals through developing technology that could address Zambian needs.

Four Norwegian companies have been contracted to do the installations.

The UNDP has signed an agreement with the Zambian government for the Solar for Health project aimed at increasing the proportion of solar energy supply of the health facilities in order to increase the number of health facilities with access to electricity and improve health care.
by Denis Elamu

JUBA, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Despite bearing the brunt of more than three years of violent conflict, South Sudanese women have vowed to be on the frontline and champion peace and reconciliation in the world's youngest nation.

Sarah James Ajith, who heads the support for women in governance organization, is one of the female activists in the country's peace cause.

In a recent interview with Xinhua, Ajith said they were participating in stakeholders meetings in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa with peace mediators, government and SPLA-In Opposition (SPLA-IO) to help end the ongoing skirmishes.

"We have been doing a lot of advocacy in Addis Ababa, meeting with government, opposition and peace mediators," Ajith said.

Ajith is also part of a peace advocacy task force comprising ten women from various groups promoting awareness and disseminating peace messages in remote parts of the country.

"Last month we had a peace building conference in Bor, capital of Jonglei state, supported by international partners. We have been doing awareness and some women are involved in expanding the task force," she told Xinhua.

South Sudan has been beset by civil strife since December 2013 that has caused tens of thousands of deaths and massive displacement of civilians.

Despite a peace agreement signed in 2015, conflict erupted again in July 2016 and spread to once peaceful Equatorial region.

The United Nations in late February declared famine in some parts of the country, including in Unity state's Mayendit and Leer counties where 100,000 people are starving, with over 1 million on the brink of starvation.

It remains to be seen whether the national dialogue, initiated in late December 2016, will end the conflict. Meanwhile, the UN has expressed fear of ethnic cleansing that would lead to genocide as fighting intensifies in some parts of the country.

The warring factions have been accused of rapes, looting and killings in Yei town South West of the capital and Kajo Keji border town, where majority of those fleeing to Uganda are coming from.

Elizabeth Amer Manyok, head of the South Sudan Women Block, a loose coalition of local women groups, told Xinhua that they are advocating for political, economic and social empowerment of women through lobbying the UN and aid groups to reach out to internally displaced persons (IDPs).

"Our focus is humanitarian support to those in need because the country has been hit by economic crisis due to conflict. Without food our country is in crisis. You cannot make peace when somebody is hungry, and IDPs want to go back home," Manyok said.

Meanwhile, Festus Mogae, head of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC), a peace monitoring body, said women have suffered injustices and borne the brunt of the conflict but they continue to protect and provide for South Sudan's families and communities "with unfailing courage and commitment."

"The women of South Sudan are strong and capable and we would wish to see their contribution increase across all aspects of national life," Mogae said.

"Peace processes are inevitably more successful with strong female involvement and I firmly believe that there can be no sustainable peace in South Sudan without the full participation and leadership of women," Mogae added.

South Sudanese women have been calling for adequate political representation from 25 to 35 percent to enhance their clout in political, social and economic spheres.
ADDIS ABABA, March 16 (Xinhua) -- The Ethiopian government has set up a team to investigate the cause of the garbage dump landslide that killed 113 people in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa.

A committee consisting of professionals from the Addis Ababa University and the University of Texas, has been assembled to investigate the incident, according to Diriba Kuma, Addis Ababa city mayor.

The East African country Thursday is on its second day of the three-day national mourning to remember victims of Saturday's landfill collapse, with its flags lowered at half mast.

Ethiopia's Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, while briefing members of the Ethiopian House of People's Representatives, on Thursday expressed his "deep condolence" to families of the victims and the Ethiopian people.

Dagmawit Moges, Head of Addis Ababa City Administration Communication Affairs Office, told Xinhua the number of people found dead had remained unchanged at 113 since Wednesday night.

Moges said the search had almost covered all areas of the collapsed landfill and the chance of finding new people was slim. The excavation process could thus end anytime soon.

Meanwhile, various governmental and non-governmental organizations have pledged support to victims and their families.

Many of the victims were inside their houses as the landslide hits the 36-hectare municipal landfill on Saturday night, which is home to many local dwellers.

The city government has evacuated 320 inhabitants from the area. A committee particularly designated to respond to the crisis has also been set up.
BISHKEK, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Active members of the banned religious-extremist organization Hizb ut-Tahrir have been detained in Kyrgyzstan, the press service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic reported on Thursday.

Police officers during the operational-search activities detained three active members of the Hizb-ut-Tahrir outskirts of the capital city and found extremist materials at their homes.

Nine handwritten notebooks, 14 books, 13 DVD discs, 1 microflash, 1 cell phone, 3 notepads, 1 computer with materials of the banned religious organization Hizb ut-Tahrir were seized during the search.

The search was carried out in the presence of witnesses, the report said.

Hizb ut-Tahrir, which aims to unite all Muslim countries into an Islamic caliphate, was officially banned in Central Asian countries and in Russia.
MADRID, March 16 (Xinhua) -- The Spanish Congress on Thursday rejected a decree to change the law regarding the hiring of dock workers in Spain in what is a blow to Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, local media reported.

Congress rejected the new law by 175 votes against to 142 in favor and with 33 abstentions.

The only parties to vote in favor of the decree were Rajoy's People's Party (PP) and the Basque Nationalist Party (PNV), while Ciudadanos and the Canary Island coalition, who supported Rajoy's investiture as prime minister in October 2016, abstained.

The significance of the defeat is highlighted by the fact that it is only the third time ever that Congress has rejected a decree of law.

The decree for the reform of the hiring of dock workers had been approved by Rajoy's cabinet over two years after the European Court of Justice had ruled Spain must reform the system or face economic sanctions.

Rajoy had stressed the change in the law, which would allow for employers to hire dockers from wherever they want, rather than the current system in which they can only be hired from established groups known as Sagrebs, which select and train workers, was "a European directive that we must follow."

He added his government had "delayed" the approval of the law in order to "reach an agreement," although Spain's 6,150 dock workers had threatened strike action, which they called off at the start of March.
KIEV, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko on Thursday has signed a decree to impose sanctions on the Ukrainian subsidiaries of five Russian state-run banks, the presidential press service said Thursday.

The restrictive measures, targeting Russia's Sberbank, Prominvestbank, VTB Bank, VS Bank, and BM Bank, were introduced for a 12-month period, said the statement on the Ukrainian presidential website.

The sanctions are designed to prevent the outflow of capital from Ukraine, the statement said.

According to the National Bank of Ukraine, the restrictive measures stipulate that Ukrainian subsidiaries of Russian banks will be prohibited from making any financial transactions in favor of the parent banks.

In the same time, Russian banks' branches will be allowed to continue their work with clients in Ukraine on a regular basis.

Commenting on the sanctions, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Moscow closely monitors the situation and stands ready to protect Russian banks with legal instruments if a need arises.

The sanctions were introduced after Ukrainian activists carried out a series of attacks on the Ukrainian subsidiary of Sberbank this week in a protest against the alleged acceptance by the bank of documents issued by self-proclaimed Donetsk and Lugansk republics in the east of the country.

The attacks triggered the fears that Russian banks may withdraw capital from the Ukrainian market, hurting their Ukrainian clients.

Ukraine's central bank estimated the loan portfolio of Ukrainian subsidiaries of Russian state-run banks at 5.58 billion U.S. dollars and their deposit base at 1.34 billion dollars.
by Alusine Sesay

FREETOWN, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Sierra Leone announced Thursday that voter registration for the 2018 local council, parliamentary and presidential elections would commence on next Monday and last until April 19.

According to the National Electoral Commission (NEC), voter sensitization is currently in progress to ensure successful general elections on March 7, 2018.

President Ernest Bai Koroma's term would end in November 23 and that would usher in the 2018 elections, starting off with biometric voter registration. He has served for two consecutive terms after being the country's first elected president in 2007.

In their sensitization drive, the NEC has engaged civil society organizations, media and political parties on the new biometric voter registration.

According to Albert Massaquoi, NEC Director of Media and External Relations, the commission will set up 3,500 registration centers countrywide with the hope of registering about 3 million voters out of the 7 million population.

The ruling All Peoples Congress (APC) party has called on all flagbearer aspirants to fully support the registration process by sensitizing voters across the country.

Also, Standing Together for Democracy, a consortium of civil society organizations, is fully engaged in sensitizing Sierra Leoneans, especially women and the disabled on the need to register and participate in the elections.

Federick Kamara, Commissioner for the National Commission for Persons with Disability, called on the NEC to make the registration centers accessible for persons with disabilities.

He also called on all eligible voters in the disabled community to come out and register for the 2018 elections.
UNITED NATIONS, March 16 (Xinhua) -- More than 11,000 acute watery diarrhoea or cholera cases and 268 drought-related deaths have been reported since January in Somalia, Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said at the daily news briefing Thursday.

On Wednesday, the Federal Government launched its first-ever vaccination campaign in Somalia, with support from the World Health Organization (WHO), targeting more than 450,000 at-risk people, said Dujarric.

"The UN and our partners have strategic, targeted plans and teams on the ground; and we are scaling up our response to avert a possible famine," he said.

Some 6.2 million people, more than half of Somalia's population, are in need of lifesaving humanitarian assistance, he added.
RABAT, March 16 (Xinhua) -- The first meeting between African and Ibero-American media regulating bodies opened Thursday in the Moroccan city of Fez with the aim to exchange expertise on areas of common interest.

Organized by Morocco's regulator, the High Authority for Audiovisual Communication (HACA), in partnership with African Communication Regulation Authorities Network (ACRAN) and the Ibero-American Platform of Television Regulators (PRAI), the meeting discusses the role of media regulating bodies in the post-liberalized broadcasting sector in Africa and Latin America.

This first ACRAN-PRAI Summit seeks to boost cooperation between regulators from two sides and enable them to share experiences and expertise.

The meeting will address mainly broadcasting landscapes in Africa and Latin America, the role of regulators, management of political and social pluralism and diversity, as well as the promotion of gender equality in and through the broadcasting media.
NAIROBI, March 16 (Xinhua) -- The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) will conduct auctions for all Treasury bills on a single day as it seeks to normalize uptake of the securities by investors.

CBK on Thursday announced that the auctions for 364-day and 91-day Treasury bills would be held every Thursday from next week.

Initially, the CBK has been conducting auctions for 364-day and 182-day bills every Wednesday and the 91-day bill auction every Thursday.

However, it recently suspended the auction of the 182-day bill following the paper's over performance by recording an up to 400-percent subscription.

The six-month security, before its suspension, was investors' favorite as it offered higher returns on a risk-adjusted basis compared to the 364-day, as their rates almost converged at 10.5 and 10.9 percent respectively.

The suspension, in its third week, was to help CBK avoid heavy maturities from the paper, and it has helped push investors to bid on the 3-month and 1-year papers.

Analysts noted that the move to sell all the Treasury bills on the same day would help eliminate cases of investors ignoring auctions of some papers in favor of another.
WINDHOEK, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Namibia has received 87,125 U.S. dollars from the latest round of funding from UNESCO's International Fund for Cultural Diversity.

Ndapewoshali Ashipala with the Museums Association of Namibia (MAN) told Xinhua on Thursday the core objectives of the Fund is to support diversity of cultural expression and the emergence of creative industries in developing countries.

Ashipala said the Namibian project, which will run for 21 months starting March this year, is being facilitated by the MAN that is working in partnership with Namibian musician Shishani and the Namibian Tales band.

Furthermore, the project will work with local musicians in the San community to promote traditional music internationally.

"We seek to showcase the wealth of San community, musical traditions through an exchange and collaboration with our acoustic quartet 'Namibian Tales'. We look forward to crafting new sounds with ancient songs and exploring together new ways to connect different musical traditions," said Shishani.

Hilma Kapuka, Museum Development Officer, said the project would not only help market the sounds of Namibia internationally, but also be an important step towards creating an archive of Namibian music.
KHARTOUM, March 16 (Xinhua) -- A 4.8-magnitude earthquake hit western Sudan on Thursday, with no reports of casualty or damage to properties.

"The quake hit an area south of El Obied in North Kordofan State, some 520 km west of the Sudanese capital Khartoum," said Mohamed Abu Fatma Abdalla, director of Sudan's General Authority for Geological Research in a statement.

He added that the quake was at depth of 10.1 km at 12:39 p.m. local time (0939 GMT).

Sudan's General Authority for Geological Research has seven quake monitoring stations operating around the clock to follow up quake activities, with other 15 stations under construction to cover all areas of Sudan.
MANAMA, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Bahrain will sign on Sunday nine agreements with Saudi Arabia to launch projects worth 533 million U.S. dollars, Bahrain News Agency reported on Thursday.

The projects will cover housing, electricity, water and infrastructure sectors. The Saudi Ambassador to Bahrain, Abdullah Al Shaikh, told the agency that a delegation from Saudi Development Fund will arrive in Bahrain to sign the agreements.

The agreements are part of a series of Saudi grants as part of Gulf Development Program to provide required financing of vital projects in Bahrain.

Bahrain signed four previous agreements with the fund worth 670 million dollars in 2015. The two sides also signed an agreement to build a bridge linking Muharraq city with Manama that will be over in 2019 with a cost of 226 million dollars.
TALLINN, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Estonian energy company Eesti Energia has secured 2.1 billion U.S. dollar funding for building in Jordan a power plant that will be running on oil shale, the company's spokesperson said on Thursday.

According to Eesti Energia representatives, Attarat Power Company (APCO) in which Eesti Energia is a shareholder, said it had reached financial close for the power plant project.

The oil-shale-fueled power plant, the gross capacity of which is planned at 554 megawatts, is scheduled for completion in 2020.

Estonian Finance Minister Sven Sester said that the securing of the 2.1 billion U.S. dollar funding for the project was a great achievement not only in the context of Jordan and Estonia but also globally.

Eesti Energia, which owns a 65 percent stake in APCO, is now selling off 55 percent of APCO shares and will only retain 10 percent. The shareholders will provide up to 528 million U.S. dollars to fund the project.

Eesti Energy CEO Hando Sutter said that the state-owned energy group would not sell its 10 percent stake in APCO before the power plant project in Jordan is completed.

He said that Eesti Energia did not aim to manage the project and that its only interest was to do the development work and share Estonia's oil shale technology experience.

Eesti Energia will receive 50.4 million U.S. dollars in total from the planned sale of its APCO shares.
ADDIS ABABA, March 16 (Xinhua) -- The African Union (AU) on Thursday called for greater solidarity with African countries affected by the ongoing drought and famine.

Moussa Faki Mahamat, the newly elected chairperson of the AU Commission, is deeply concerned by the humanitarian situation in parts of Africa affected by drought and famine, which is the most severe food security emergency in the world today, said a statement from the pan-African bloc.

Close to 12 million people in South Sudan, Somalia and northeast Nigeria are in dire need of emergency food assistance, noted the statement.

Famine has been declared in parts of South Sudan, and this situation has led to major displacements into neighboring countries, it said.

The statement added that the situation in the countries is compounded by insecurity and conflict.

The chairperson has expressed AU's profound appreciation to its member states that have opened their borders and provided assistance to those in need.

Mahamat has urged all AU member states to contribute financial and technical support to alleviate the suffering of the affected populations.

He also appealed to AU partners and international humanitarian organizations to provide the much-needed financial and logistical support to assist the affected countries to avert a catastrophe.
RAMALLAH, March 16 (Xinhua) -- The Palestinians slammed Thursday Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman's remarks on the National Fund of Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) that it is a "terrorist organization."

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas bureau in Ramallah said in an official statement, published by (WAFA) news agency, these remarks violate Oslo peace accords signed between the PLO and Israel in 1993.

"The PLO National Fund (PNF) is one of the PLO establishments and it acts in accordance with the signed agreements and the international criteria under accurate transparency and international observation," said the statement.

Abbas bureau's statement said the remarks were made as the United States is talking to all parties amid the presence of Jason Greenblatt, who was assigned to chair the Middle East talks to find a proper atmosphere for peace.

"This is an Israeli attempt to obstruct and undermine the American efforts for making peace in the Middle East," said the statement, adding "the Palestinian leadership certainly rejects and condemns these remarks."

Abbas Bureau called on the international community "to reject and denounce these remarks in order to keep the peace accords sponsored by the United States and the entire world."

Earlier on Thursday, Lieberman stated, according to Israeli Radio, that the PNF "is a terrorist organization that finances elements which practice terrorist activities against Israel."

Lieberman's office said in a statement, according to the Radio, that the PNF moves millions of Shekels, Israeli currency, to hundreds of prisoners imprisoned in Israeli jails as well as to their families.
HELSINKI, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Most Finnish mainstream parties welcomed the Dutch election result on Thursday, after the center-right People's Party for Freedom and Democracy beat the populist Party for Freedom by far.

Finnish Prime Minister Juha Sipila said "responsibility has won" in the elections in the Netherlands. He described the country as an important companion to Finland in the European Union.

Finance Minister Petteri Orpo, chairman of the Conservative Party, described the day as "a sunny day" for Europe. "Europe has said 'no' to populism," he said.

Ville Niinisto, chairman of the Green Party, focused on the success of the green left in the Netherlands. The green left greatly increased its seats and rose to the ranks of major parties in the Dutch parliament.

Anna-Maja Henriksson, chairman of the Swedish People's Party of Finland, welcomed the victory of liberal ideas and said it was "a good sign" to Europe.

On his part, Finnish Foreign Minister and chairman of the Finns Party Timo Soini said that the election result indicated the limit of a "single cause party".
RAMALLAH, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Thursday welcomed the U.S. efforts aiming at making just and comprehensive peace with Israel.

Abbas made the remarks at a joint press conference here with chairman of the rotating presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mladen Ivanic.

"This month, we have a series of contacts with the U.S. administration, and I received an invitation from President Donald Trump to visit the White House," said Abbas, adding that a specific date for the visit will be decided later.

Abbas also mentioned recent visit of Jason Greenblatt, the special U.S. envoy, saying that he came for further exchange of ideas and also met with other Palestinian officials.

The 82-year-old president expressed hope that the international community and the U.S. efforts "would lead to the two-state solution, and Israel and Palestine living side-by-side in a secure and recognized borders."

He also said that the Palestinian issue will top the agenda of the impending Arab Summit scheduled for the end of March in Jordan's capital Amman.

For his part, Ivanic told reporters that his country supports the right of Palestine to exist as well as the two-state solution, adding that his country exerts its utmost effort to back the Palestinians.
Members and supporters of the National corp political party erect a wall of concrete blocks outside a branch of Sberbank, which is the local subsidiary of Russia's largest lender, during a protest in Kiev, Ukraine, March 13, 2017. (REUTERS PHOTO)

KIEV, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko on Thursday has signed a decree to impose sanctions on the Ukrainian subsidiaries of five Russian state-run banks, the presidential press service said Thursday.

The restrictive measures, targeting Russia's Sberbank, Prominvestbank, VTB Bank, VS Bank, and BM Bank, were introduced for a 12-month period, said the statement on the Ukrainian presidential website.

The sanctions are designed to prevent the outflow of capital from Ukraine, the statement said.

According to the National Bank of Ukraine, the restrictive measures stipulate that Ukrainian subsidiaries of Russian banks will be prohibited from making any financial transactions in favor of the parent banks.

In the same time, Russian banks' branches will be allowed to continue their work with clients in Ukraine on a regular basis.

Commenting on the sanctions, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Moscow closely monitors the situation and stands ready to protect Russian banks with legal instruments if a need arises.

The sanctions were introduced after Ukrainian activists carried out a series of attacks on the Ukrainian subsidiary of Sberbank this week in a protest against the alleged acceptance by the bank of documents issued by self-proclaimed Donetsk and Lugansk republics in the east of the country.

The attacks triggered the fears that Russian banks may withdraw capital from the Ukrainian market, hurting their Ukrainian clients.

Ukraine's central bank estimated the loan portfolio of Ukrainian subsidiaries of Russian state-run banks at 5.58 billion U.S. dollars and their deposit base at 1.34 billion dollars.
Kemal Kilicdaroglu, head of the Republican People's Party (CHP), predicts Turkey will vote against increasing the powers of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. (AFP photo)

ANKARA, March 16 (Xinhua) -- The leader of Turkey's main opposition party has predicted the country will vote against increasing the powers of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in an April referendum, arguing that such powers would drive Turkey head-on into "catastrophe."

Kemal Kilicdaroglu, head of the Republican People's Party (CHP), told Xinhua in an exclusive interview in the headquarters in downtown Ankara that he is convinced that the "no" vote will prevail because Turks have largely understood that the proposed changes to the constitution would enhance a single man reign in Turkey.

"One person having this much power would impose risks in the future for Turkey and drag the country in an unforeseeable adventure," he said.

President Erdogan argued that he considered the referendum a historic opportunity to free the country of unstable coalition governments and would bring Turkey in line with political systems in France and the United States.

The new constitution would replace the basic law drown up in 1982 after a military coup. It seeks to establish for the first time a presidential system for ruling the modern republic created from the ashes of the Ottoman Empire.

"We have to seize this opportunity to boost Turkey on a global scale and place her in the place that she deserves in the world," said Erdogan during a recent rally, claiming that the new system would also facilitate combat against terrorism emanating from the Islamic State and the People's Workers Party.

Critics have claimed that the changes are part of a power grabbed by Erdogan, three time prime minister from 2003 to 2014 and president ever since, for one man rule after a failed coup last summer.

"We absolutely do not favor that the future of Turkey should be handed to a single man, that's why we are saying no, in order to prevent chaos and catastrophe," said Kilicdaroglu heralded by his supporters as the Ghandi of Turkey because of his mild-mannered ways and humble reputation, in strong contradiction with the aggressive and dominant yet very popular Erdogan.

"The powers that Mr. Erdogan wants were not even given to Mustafa Kemal Ataturk when he was leading a war of independence against western occupation forces before the creation of the Turkish republic in 1923," Kilicdaroglu said.

Asked what would be the most important keyword to describe what Turkey needed at this point, the main opposition leader replied without hesitation, "democracy."

Turkey has decreed an emergency state after last June coup attempt masterminded according to the government by the Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen who lives in the United States and thousands have been jailed or suspended in a major crackdown ever since.

Ankara is also entangled in a row with Europe where several countries have banned rallies by Turkish politicians to drum support for a "yes" in the referendum.

Turkey announced late Monday a series of sanctions against the Netherlands where a Turkish cabinet member was forced to leave the country and barred by the police from entering the Turkish consulate on Saturday.

Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus denied Tuesday claims by critics of a "conspiracy" organized by the government to trigger a crisis with Europe in order to rally his support base and the nationalists that Erdogan is trying to woo before the referendum next month.

Many European nations have expressed concern about Turkey's response to the coup attempt after which massive civil servants, academics and journalists have been removed from their posts or jailed.

The bitter dispute could even risk breaking for good thorny accession talks between Turkey and the European Union as Turkey's EU affairs minister Omer Celik called on Wednesday for a revision of an important refugee deal sealed by the two sides to stem mass migration especially from Syria to Europe.

Just weeks before the crucial vote, Kilicdaroglu predicted a very close race in April and expressed determination of listening and understanding every layer of the Turkish society, including conservative masses which constitute the backbone of the ruling Justice and Development Party supporters in his political campaign "in a spirit of solidarity."
UNITED NATIONS, March 16 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations is concerned about the escalation of fighting between Yemeni government forces and the Houthi combatants that has now reached Hudaydah governorate, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters here Thursday.

"The continued fighting is resulting in the killing and displacement of civilians and is having a significant impact on the humanitarian situation," Dujarric said at a daily news briefing.

Following the fight in and around Mokha, displacing 48,000 people, a Saudi-led coalition airstrike in Khokha town on March 10 killed at least 15 civilians, including three children and injured eight others.

"The UN reiterates that civilians and civilian property are protected under international humanitarian law," the spokesman said.

Survey results released on Wednesday highlight that there are currently 17 million people facing hunger, representing a 20 percent increase since June 2016, he said.

"At present, ports of Yemen must remain open, including Hudaydah port, to allow for both commercial and humanitarian vessels to import much needed food and fuel to avert a famine," Dujarric added.

On Feb. 8, the United Nations and humanitarian partners launched an international appeal on Wednesday for 2.1 billion U.S. dollars to provide life-saving assistance to 12 million people in Yemen in 2017.

Since March 2015, violent conflict between two factions claiming to constitute the Yemeni government has created a vast crisis in Yemen and millions of people face threats to their safety and basic human rights.

Latest UN figures showed that deliberate war tactics are accelerating the collapse of key institutions and the economy, thereby leaving some 18 million people, more than two thirds of the population, in need of humanitarian assistance.

An estimated 10 million people are acutely affected and need some form of immediate humanitarian assistance to save and sustain their lives, including food, health and medical services, clean water, sanitation and protection, according to UN figures.

Nearly 3.3 million people, including 2.1 million children, are acutely malnourished while 2 million people remain internally displaced.
UNITED NATIONS, March 16 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations and its humanitarian partners on Thursday appealed for 166 million U.S. dollars to aid Kenyan pastoralists and farmers whose livestock and crops are suffering amid what the Kenyan government declared a "national drought disaster," a UN spokesman told reporters here.

"Today in Nairobi, the UN family along with the government of Kenya launched a Flash Appeal of 166 million U.S. dollars to address the devastating consequences of drought on pastoralist and agro-pastoralist communities in the North of the African country, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said at a daily news briefing here.

Below average rainfall in 2016 has caused severe dryness in the country's arid and semi-arid counties, doubling the number of severely food insecure Kenyans to 2.6 million, he said.

"The Flash Appeal complements the government's ongoing nine-month response plan," Dujarric said.

"With these funds, humanitarian actors will provide life-saving food, health, water and sanitation services to 2.6 million vulnerable Kenyans over the next ten months," said Siddharth Chatterjee, UN resident coordinator in Kenya.

Half of the country is affected by the drought brought on by a third consecutive year of unreliable rains.

Below average rains are "causing thirst and hunger, decimating livestock, destroying livelihoods, spreading disease, and causing large movements of people," according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

The latest flash appeal is a complement to Kenya's ongoing nine-month response plan which faces a funding gap of 108 million U.S. dollars, OCHA said.

Earlier this month, Stephen O'Brien, the UN under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs and the head of OCHA, visited Kenya to highlight the risk of famine facing people there, as well as in Somalia, South Sudan and Yemen.

Reporting his observations to the UN Security Council upon his return, O'Brien, who is also the UN emergency relief coordinator, said the international community is "facing the largest humanitarian crisis since the creation of the UN."
DAR ES SALAAM, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Miners in Tanzania on Thursday appealed to the government to lift the ban on exports of all concentrates and ore metallic minerals.

A statement issued by Ami Mpungwe, Chairman for Tanzania Chamber of Minerals and Energy (TCME), said some mining companies faced imminent closure under the ban due to loss of revenues from the sale of concentrates.

"This negative development will also adversely affect the government's revenue collection targets," said Mpungwe.

Earlier this month, Tanzanian President John Magufuli through the Ministry of Energy and Minerals banned the export of unprocessed metallic mineral concentrates and ores such as gold, copper, nickel and silver.

The ministry said the move was aimed at ensuring mineral value-addition activities be carried out within the East African country.

"Mineral value addition activities will provide employment opportunities, revenues and technology transfer, hence more benefits to the nation," said the ministry in a statement.

But Mpungwe said Thursday the ban would significantly reduce taxes and royalties collected by the government from the mining sector.

The ministry said all companies and individuals that were exporting concentrates and mineral ores to foreign countries for beneficiation, including processing, smelting or refining, should stop immediately, and start doing such activities within the country.

It added that the government would provide necessary support to stakeholders involved in mineral beneficiation activities within the country, particularly the smelting and refining of minerals.

Major companies that have been affected by the ban include AngloGold Ashanti, Africa's largest gold miner, and Acacia Mining that could be significantly impacted considering that nearly 30 percent of its revenue come from Tanzania.
Protesters hold placards to demonstrate against U.S. President Donald Trump at downtown in Chicago, the United States, on Feb. 19, 2017.(Xinhua/Wang Ping)

WASHINGTON, March 15 (Xinhua) -- A federal judge in Hawaii issued a nationwide temporary restraining order Wednesday to block the implementation of President Donald Trump's revised travel ban, hours before it was set to go into effect.

According to a 43-page opinion posted on the website of District Court of Hawaii, U.S. District Judge Derrick Watson concluded that allowing Trump's revised travel ban to take effect could be construed as discriminating against Muslims.

Watson blocked provisions of the March 6 executive order of Trump that would have frozen the refugee program for 120 days and stopped citizens of six Muslim countries from entering the United States. The revised travel ban will bar entry of citizens of Iran, Libya, Syria, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen for 90 days. Iraq has been taken off the list although it was included in the first ban.

Hawaii argued that the travel ban would harm its economy because of the loss of tourism and the ability to recruit international students.

"Hawaii primarily asserts two proprietary injuries stemming from the Executive Order. First, the State alleges the impacts that the Executive order will have on the University of Hawaii system, both financial and intangible," Watson wrote in his ruling.

"The second proprietary injury...is to the State's main economic drive:tourism," said the judge.

Hawaii has become the first state in the United States to file a lawsuit against Trump's revised travel ban.

Watson's ruling was the second major setback for Trump in his pursuit of a policy to limit immigrants flowing into the United States. The initial travel ban imposed on Jan. 27 was also halted by a federal court following legal challenges across the country.

Trump on Wednesday night slammed the federal court ruling as "an unprecedented judicial overreach," pledging to take the legal fight all the way to the Supreme Court.

"We're going to take our case as far as it needs to go, including all the way up to the Supreme Court," Trump said at a campaign rally in Nashville, the state of Tennessee, suggesting the ruling was made for "political reasons."

"I have to be nice otherwise I'll be criticized for speaking poorly about our courts," he told the crowd. "Among the most dishonest people in the world, I will be criticized."

"This is a watered-down version of the first one," Trump said. "And let me tell you something, I think we ought to go back to the first one and go all the way, which is what I wanted to in the first place."
VALLETTA, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Over 300 kg of cocaine were discovered by customs inspectors at Malta Freeport, the biggest ever drug haul in Malta's history, Malta's customs department revealed on Thursday.

The drugs were found in six large sacks containing several bags of cocaine each. They were hidden in cans that were supposed to be carrying pineapples, on a container ship from Ecuador that stopped in Malta on its way to Spain.

Following a risk analysis performed by the customs department, the container ship was considered as a potential high risk.

The customs said that whilst a purity analysis is still to be conducted, it is estimated this haul has a value of tens of millions of euro, possibly 20 million euros (21.5 million U.S. dollars), with one gram being worth around 70 euros.

Malta police have launched an investigation and a magisterial enquiry is also under way.

Malta's Prime Minister Joseph Muscat in a tweet congratulated the workers involved in the finding. (1 euro = 1.08 U.S. dollars)
GAZA, March 16 (Xinhua) -- The Gaza-based Palestinian Water Authority warned on Thursday of a crucial water situation in the Gaza Strip, where the people suffer from a severe shortage of water.

Yasser al-Shanti, chairman of the water authority, told a news briefing here to mark the coming International Water Day that the water situation in the Gaza Strip is under "ongoing deterioration."

"The coastal enclave suffers from a severe shortage in its aquifer water, which is a major natural source of water for around two million people," he said, adding that "it is not only a shortage, but also the remaining water has high percentage of salinity."

Al-Shanti clarified that the Gaza Strip's annual needs of water had reached 220 cubic meters. The agricultural sector in the Gaza Strip consumes around 90 million cubic meters, while the industrial and home use of water reaches 130 million cubic meters.

Meanwhile, he said that the aquifer only holds 45 million cubic meters of water and another 55 million cubic meters are from other irritation and rain sources.

A United Nations report two years ago warned that the Gaza Strip might turn into a territory that is not vital for living by 2020.
UNITED NATIONS, March 16 (Xinhua) -- As a result of the military offensive in the north Iraqi city of Mosul, there are now more than 50,000 people in the Qayarra and Jadaa camps, where the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) is helping to run a 24-hour delivery room and providing psycho-social support to victims of gender-based violence, a UN spokesman told reporters here Thursday.

"There are also some 24,000 people in the Hammam Aleel camp, where UNFPA is providing reproductive care services," Dujarric said at a daily news briefing here.

A 20-bed field maternity hospital is expected to be operational by the end of this month, he said.

There are 750,000 people in eastern Mosul, where UNFPA has reopened a maternity unit equipped for caesarean sections and is supporting three new reproductive health clinics, he said.

Over in western Mosul, more than 97,000 people have fled their homes due to the conflict, and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) estimates that as many as 250,000 people could be displaced, he said.

Mosul witnessed a fighting between the Iraqi government forces and Islamic State (IS/Da'esh) terrorists.

The Iraqi government force's advance toward 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.

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 the Islamic State (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.
DAMASCUS, March 16 (Xinhua) -- A total of 42 people were killed when airstrikes targeted a mosque in a town in the countryside of Aleppo province in northern Syria on Thursday, a monitor group reported.

Most of the slain people were civilians, when the airstrikes targeted the mosque in the town of Jineh in the western countryside of Aleppo province, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

The death toll is likely to rise as tens of people were wounded, some in critical conditions.

The UK-based watchdog group, however, stopped short of identifying the warplanes which carried out the strikes.

It said that the airstrikes have intensified in general on Thursday against the rebel positions in the western countryside of Aleppo.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres addresses the opening meeting of the 61st session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women at the UN headquarters in New York March 13, 2017. (Xinhua/UN Photo/Rick Bajornas)

UNITED NATIONS, March 16 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned on Thursday that U.S. President Donald Trump's proposed budget cuts, believed to severely affect UN funding, could "undermine the impact of longer-term reform efforts" of the world organization, a UN spokesman said here.

"The secretary-general is totally committed to reforming the United Nations and ensuring that it is fit for purpose and delivers results in the most efficient and cost-effective manner," UN spokesman Stephan Dujarric said at a daily news briefing here.

"However, abrupt funding cuts can force the adoption of ad hoc measures that will undermine the impact of longer-term reform efforts," Dujarric said.

"The secretary-general stands ready to discuss with the United States and any other member state how best we can create a more cost-effective organization to pursue our shared goals and values," Dujarric said.

Guterres vowed in taking office in January to reform the United Nations and the U.S. president had called for reform during his campaign.

U.S. President Donald Trump waves with Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (R-WI) after attending a Friends of Ireland reception on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., March 16, 2017. (Xinhua/REUTERS)

Earlier Thursday the White House released Trump's 2018 budget blueprint which indicated a 28 percent cut in funds for the U.S. State Department, USAID and the United Nations, dropping from 54 billion U.S. dollars to 39 billion U.S. dollars.

The U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, described in a statement issued on Thursday how she has been working with Guterres to "reform the peacekeeping process and UN management" as promised during the campaign.

"In many areas, the UN spends more money than it should, and in many ways it places a much larger financial burden on the United States than on other countries," she said. "I look forward to working with Members of Congress to craft a budget that advances U.S. interests at the UN, and I look forward to working with my UN colleagues to make the organization more effective and efficient."

The United States was assessed 22 percent of the 5.4 billion U.S. dollars UN regular two-year 2016-2017 budget and 28 percent of the 7.87 billion U.S. dollars July 2016-June 2017 peacekeeping budget. The percentages are based on estimates of gross national income.
RIYADH, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Bahrain has sent a protest memo to Swiss Foreign Ministry to reject the statement delivered by a Swiss representative to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), Bahrain News Agency reported Thursday.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted that the statement includes clear fallacies, untrue claims and bare accusations on the human rights status in Bahrain which in fact owns clean record that stands for a model in protecting human rights within national constitutional institutions and at par with international standards.

It stresses the need to observe facts, adhere to consultations with Bahrain, respect its sovereignty, abide by the basic principles that are ingrained in international cooperation principles, obtain well-sourced news and not to be dragged into a quagmire of the fallacies.
PARIS, March 16 (Xinhua) -- French presidential candidate Francois Fillon, already weakened by fake job allegation, would be questioned over luxury clothing gifts which he said were offered by a friend, local newspaper reported on Thursday.

Magistrates investigating into Fillon public fund misuse would widen the investigation to include an "influence peddling" probing in relation with the conservative politician' suits worth thousands of euros paid by a wealthy friend, Le Parisien daily said.

According to Le Journal du Dimanche newspaper, the ex-prime minister received gifts of suits and other clothing worth a total of 48,500 euros (52.224 U.S. dollars) since 2012 from a Paris tailor.

Under French laws, lawmakers have to declare all donations or gifts worth over 150 euros.

On Tuesday, Fillon, 63, was put under formal investigation into alleged public fund misuse. He has denied wrongdoing along with the allegations by a newspaper that his wife and two children have received hundreds thousands of euros for jobs they may did not do it.

An ifop daily survey on Thursday, showed the embattled candidate trailing at third place with 18 percent, 7.5 points behind centrist rival Emmanuel Macron who is predicted to make it through to the presidential election's second round in May against Marine Le Pen, president of the far-right National Front party.

The poll showed the ex-economy minister comfortably winning the run-off with 61 percent versus Le Pen's 39 percent. (1 euro = 1.08 U.S. dollars)
PARIS, March 16 (Xinhua) -- A few weeks before the French presidential elections, France breathed a sigh of relief on Thursday after the Dutch general election victory of the center-right Prime Minister Mark Rutte.

After the Brexit vote and the victory of Donald Trump in the United States, all eyes were on the Netherlands. In France, there are less than 40 days until the presidential election in which extreme-right candidate Marine Le Pen is the favorite to win the first round.

In the eyes of many political observers, the Dutch general election qualified as a test for the strength of populist parties on the continent where several important elections will be held this year.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault congratulated the Dutch "to have checked the rise of the extreme right."

In a statement, French President Francois Hollande "warmly" congratulated Rutte, and said "The values of openness, respect for others and faith in the future of Europe are the only true responses to nationalist and protectionist tendencies which are shaking the world."

Hollande had personally entered the fray over the past few weeks to warn against the "dangers" that the extreme right poses for France.

Francois Fillon, presidential candidate for the Republican party, also voiced welcome to the outcome of the Dutch elections.

"This success shows once again that while the right and center have a clear program, defend their values without concessions, they are the best fortification against populism and extremism," he said in a statement.

The far-right party National Front (FN) led by Le Pen, on the other hand, celebrated the progress made by the euroskeptic and anti-Islamist party of Geert Wilders.

The Secretary General of the FN Nicolas Bay on a broadcast for France Inter radio called what Wilders got in the elections "a real success."

He said "It's not yet the final victory but we see that this is part of a general trend which is the progression everywhere of patriots in Europe."

Rutte's People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) won 33 legislative seats.

With 20 seats, Wilders' Party for Freedom (PVV) would have gained five seats compared with the 2012 general election, but actually gained eight seats since the outgoing parliament, three members of parliament having left in the course of their terms.

This election saw an extremely high turnout, which was estimated at 80 percent.

And it was also closely watched by media.

"The Netherlands holds strong," read a Le Monde article. "After Austria, where voters confirmed in December 2016 their preference for a president from the Greens over a candidate from the extreme right, the Netherlands delivered new proof of the vigor of democratic resistance to the rise of anti-European populism," wrote the editors.

"The voters of the Netherlands have thwarted predictions," announced RTL radio, underlining that Wilders' party had not succeeded in exploiting the diplomatic crisis with Turkey.

According to La Tribune, "the real lesson of the elections" resides in the hard fall of the coalition in power up until now. The economic journal judges that the Dutch people "have rejected the economic policy of the coalition" which returned unemployment in the country to 2012 levels, but where "the inequalities widened and the risk of poverty increased."
Kyriakos Pozrikidis (R), CEO of TIF-HELEXPO (Thessaloniki International Fair-National Institution for the Organisation of Exhibitions, Congresses and Cultural Events) and Chen Zhanjie (L), Xinhua Chief Correspondent in Athens, shake hands during the signing of a cooperation agreement witnessed by Michalis Psilos, president and general director of Athens News Agency-Macedonian Press Agency, in Athens, Greece, on March 16, 2017. China's state news agency Xinhua News Agency on Thursday became an international media partner of Greece's national exhibition agency HELEXPO (the National Institution for the Organisation of Exhibitions, Congresses and Cultural Events), which has been organizing Greece's largest trade fair Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF) since 1926. (Xinhua/Liu Yongqiu)

by Liu Yongqiu, Chen Zhanjie

ATHENS, March 16 (Xinhua) -- China's state news agency Xinhua News Agency on Thursday became an international media partner of Greece's national exhibition agency HELEXPO (the National Institution for the Organisation of Exhibitions, Congresses and Cultural Events), which has been organizing Greece's largest trade fair Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF) since 1926.

According to an agreement signed by representatives of the two parties, Xinhua will file text, photo and other forms of stories on TIF and other major events of HELEXPO according to Xinhua's professional criterion while HELEXPO will facilitate Xinhua's work.

China is the honored country for TIF 2017, after it attended TIF in 1998 as the first honored country in the exhibition's history.

Witnessing the signing ceremony, Michalis Psilos, president and general director of Athens News Agency-Macedonian Press Agency (AMNA) said this agreement will enhance cooperation between the two ancient civilizations in trade, media, culture and many other sectors.

Usually held in September, TIF is Greece's largest annual trade fair and has great importance in southeastern Europe. It has been customary for Greece's prime minister to set out the government's policies for each coming year in a speech at the annual TIF, giving political significance in addition to its commercial importance.
A consortium of several banks from China has provided 1.58 billion U.S. dollars and 15-year debt facility to support an oil shale power plant in Jordan.

AMMAN, March 16 (Xinhua) -- A consortium of several banks from China has provided 1.58 billion U.S. dollars and 15-year debt facility to support an oil shale power plant in Jordan, which will be the largest private sector project in the country.

The debt facility has been lead arranged by Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, Bank of China, China Construction Bank and Exim Bank of China, according to a statement from the Attarat Power Company (APCO) for the financial close of the project.

APCO said in the statement that work will start soon on the 554 megawatts project, which will be located at the Attarat um Ghudran oil shale deposit, about 100 km southeast of the capital Amman.

The power station, with an investment valued 2.1 billion dollars, is scheduled to start operation in mid-2020.

The project is the first to commercially utilize Jordan's abundant oil shale reserves and will significantly reduce the country's reliance on imported oil and gas.

The two-unit power station will be the first oil shale fired power station and mine project in the world funded by limited recourse project financing. It is expected to meet 10-15 percent of Jordan's annual power demand.

"The project will promote the strategic partnership between Jordan and China, and finally sets a model for the similar projects in the future," Jordan's minister of energy and mineral resources, Ibrahim Saif, said on the financial close ceremony.

The power station and oil shale mine are expected to employ approximately 5,500 people during construction and 1,000 during operations.
RABAT, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Moroccan King Mohammed VI and visiting Guinea's President Alpha Conde discussed on Thursday bilateral cooperation and stability in Africa, a statement from the king's office said.

The talks, which were held at the Royal Palace of Casablanca, focused on the new level reached by bilateral relations following the recent official visit of the king to Conakry and the ambitious projects launched and announced on this occasion, the statement pointed out.

These discussions also tackled the agenda in the areas of peace, stability and development of the African Union, of which Alpha Conde is the acting chairman, the statement added.

The leaders also mentioned Morocco's recent request to join the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the steps to achieve this objective.

Morocco submitted in February its request to join the ECOWAS less than a month after it re-joined the African Union.
BADEN-BADEN, Germany, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Trade and exchange rate issues might become the focal points for the Group Twenty (G20) gathering in the German spa town of Baden-Baden, where are seeing arrivals of finance ministers and central bankers on Thursday.

Among the treasurers, many worry about a rise of protectionism, as the new U.S. administration of President Donald Trump might practice harsh policies waging a trade war and pressure other countries on their monetary policies.

Some German local media disclosed the draft communique of the summit has been revised several times.

Articles like "rejecting protectionism" and "refraining from competitive currency devaluations" that were included in the past were at one time deleted in the draft. The U.S. is reportedly behind the amendment, according to the German newspaper Handelsblatt.

Fears are high that the final version of the communique may change these crucial words.

Currency topics seem inevitable as Trump's trade policy adviser Peter Navarro once accused Europe, China and Japan of deliberately devaluing their currencies to take advantage over their U.S. competitors.

The controversial allegation was denied by all the mentioned countries, and is expected to generate heated discussion.

On the eve of the summit, German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble hosted the visiting U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin in Berlin, where Schaeuble said they had laid basis to speak "openly" and "find solutions together."

Mnuchin said that the U.S. believes in free trade, and more importantly "fair trade", adding the U.S. had no intention to start trade wars with other economic powers.

But he disclosed that Germany and the U.S. did not reach agreement on all points.
KHARTOUM, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Sudanese authorities on Thursday added new commodities to the list of banned Egyptian imports, official SUNA news agency reported.

Sudan's Trade Ministry on Thursday issued a decision adding agricultural commodities and products of canned fish and processed and manufactured agricultural commodities to the list of suspended Egyptian imports, the report said.

The ministry's decision came following a recommendation by Sudan's Minister of Industry Mohamed Yousif last Monday, demanding addition of three commodities to the list.

In September last year, Sudan's trade ministry temporarily banned importation of vegetables, fruits and fish pending completion of laboratory tests after many countries have banned importation of fruits from Egypt.
STOCKHOLM, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven said on Thursday that the government would boost its efforts to crack down on gang crimes.

He made the pledge after a meeting of Security Policy Council on discussion of ways to clamp down on gang warfare and organized crime.

The meeting came after after a surge in shootings and other violent incidents in Sweden.

Lofven told a press conference that no one should have to fear shootings or gang criminality in Sweden. "Gang crime will be broken," he said.

The prime minister gave the suburb Sodertalje, south of Stockholm, as a good example in crackdown on organized crimes, and said the municipality's approach may be replicated elsewhere.

Sodertalje has seen violent conflicts between criminal gangs and several shootings in public places before local police was reinforced last fall to help calm and control the situation.

Home Affairs Minister Anders Ygeman, who was also at the press conference, said efforts to combat crime in "particularly vulnerable" areas of Sweden will be tightened, and that different authorities will collaborate in order to find criminals.

Several Swedish cities have seen a spate of shootings recently, with most thought to be showdowns between rivalling criminal gangs. Stockholm recently saw five murders within a few days. So far this year, there have been 17 shootings in the capital city, leaving seven people dead and 14 wounded. And there are 12 ongoing gang conflicts in the Stockholm area, news agency TT reported earlier this month.
QUITO, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Ecuadorian presidential candidate Guillermo Lasso has been accused of using his position as economy minister to enrich himself during the country's worst ever financial crisis, state news agency Andes said on Thursday.

Lasso, an ex-banker and candidate of the conservative opposition, "multiplied his wealth by 3,000 percent" from 1999 to 2000, when he served as economy minister to former President Jamil Mahuad, according to the agency.

"While millions of Ecuadorians lost their assets," Lasso turned his million-dollar fortune into 30 million dollars "thanks to speculating with Reprogrammed Certificates of Deposit (CDRs), a document that was given to depositors for the value of their savings, but that had to be exchanged at the end of a year," the agency explained.

Amid the panic of an unraveling economy, the banks, including Lasso's, then bought the CDRs at deep discounts, only to turn around and cash them for the full amount with the National Financial Corporation (CFN). The nation's publicly-owned bank also went broke.

The transactions were carried out via Andean Investment, a company in the Caiman Islands whose largest shareholder was Lasso, the agency said, citing an in-depth report by an Argentine news outlet.

Argentina's Pagina 12 reported on Wednesday that Lasso owns as many as 49 companies registered under different names in offshore tax havens.

On April 2, Lasso is set to compete in a presidential runoff against Ecuadorian ruling party candidate Lenin Moreno, who currently leads by some 15 points.

Following the revelations of alleged tax evasion, Ecuador's President Rafael Correa called on Lasso and his running mate to drop out of the race.

"What horror! Even though they are going to lose, they should quit out of decency!," Correa posted on Twitter.

Lasso, who presents himself as a self-made man who went on to head the Bank of Guayaquil for two decades, denied the accusations.

On Twitter, he counterattacked, saying he has made his assets public, while Correa's government conceals the names of those named in an ongoing corruption investigation involving Brazilian construction giant Odebrecht.
GENEVA, March 16 (Xinhua) -- The Swiss Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) reported Thursday that Swiss on average are eating excessive meat but inadequate dairy products.

The FOPH-mandated study, which surveyed almost 2,000 adults across the confederation, finds that an adult in Switzerland consumes on average 780 grams of meat every week, 540 grams more than the recommended amount by health experts.

But at the same time, Swiss people are not eating or drinking enough milk or milk-derived products, with results showing two portions of dairy products are consumed every day instead of the ideal three.

At the other end of the spectrum, results show that adults consume four times the recommended amount of sugary and savoury snacks as well as fatty products including butter, creams and sauces.

The report revealed that Swiss adults drink an average of 1.7 litres of tea, coffee and water per day, which is within the 1.5 to 2 litre guidelines set by nutritional authorities.

And 35 percent of those questioned said they never cook at lunchtime, while 20 percent never cook dinner.

FOPH said that these results will help guide Switzerland's 2017-2024 nutritional strategy by helping to identify and correct detrimental eating habits.
BEIJING, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Following is the full text of the Report on the Work of the Government delivered by Premier Li Keqiang at the Fifth Session of the 12th National People's Congress on March 5, 2017 and adopted on March 15, 2017:

REPORT ON THE WORK OF THE GOVERNMENT

Delivered at the Fifth Session of the 12th National People's Congress of the People's Republic of China on March 5, 2017

Li Keqiang

Premier of the State Council

Esteemed Deputies,

On behalf of the State Council, I will now report to you on the work of the government and ask for your deliberation and approval. I also wish to have comments on my report from the members of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

Let me begin with a review of our work in 2016.

In the past year, China's development has faced grave challenges posed by a great many problems and interwoven risks and dangers both at home and abroad.However, under the strong leadership of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, we the Chinese people have risen to the challenge and worked hard to press ahead, driving forward sustained, healthy economic and social development.

At the Sixth Plenary Session of the 18th Party Central Committee,the core position of General Secretary Xi Jinping was formally affirmed, which reflects the fundamental interests of the Party and the Chinese people, and is of crucial and far-reaching significance for ensuring the flourishing and long-term stability of the Party and the country. All regions and all government departments have steadily strengthened their consciousness of the need to maintain political integrity, think in big-picture terms, uphold the leadership core, and keep in alignment.Pushing ahead with all-around efforts, we have achieved major progress in finishing building a moderately prosperous society in all respects, made important strides in deepening reform, continued to exercise law-based governance, and made further progress in practicing strict Party self-governance; and we have accomplished the year's main tasks and targets for economic and social development, and got the 13th Five-Year Plan off to a great start.

The economy has registered a slower but stable performance with good momentum for growth.

GDP reached 74.4 trillion yuan, representing 6.7-percent growth, and seeing China outpace most other economies. China contributed more than 30 percent of global growth. The CPI rose by 2 percent. With an 8.5-percent increase in profits, industrial enterprises reversed the previous year's negative growth of 2.3 percent. Energy consumption per unit of GDP fell by 5 percent. Economic performance improved markedly in quality and returns.

Employment growth exceeded projections.

A total of 13.14 million new urban jobs were added over the course of the year. The number of college graduates finding employment or starting businesses reached another record high. The registered urban unemployment rate stood at 4.02 percent at year-end 2016, the lowest level in years. For China, a large developing country with a population of over 1.3 billion, attaining this level of employment is no easy task.

Continued advances were made in reform and opening up.

Breakthroughs were made in reforms in major sectors and key links, and initial success was achieved in supply-side structural reform. New measures were introduced for opening China up, rapid progress was made in pursuing the Belt and Road Initiative, and a number of major projects and industrial-capacity cooperation projects with other countries were launched.

Economic structural adjustment was stepped up.

Consumption was the main driver of economic growth. The value created by the service sector rose to 51.6 percent of GDP. High-tech industries and equipment manufacturing grew rapidly. In agriculture, production was stable and structural adjustments were made, and we had continued good grain harvests.

New drivers of growth gained strength.

Further progress was made in pursuing the innovation-driven development strategy, and a number of world-leading achievements were made in science and technology. Emerging industries were thriving, and the transformation and upgrading of traditional industries accelerated. People were busy launching businesses or making innovations, with a 24.5-percent year-on-year increase in the number of new businesses registered-an average of 15,000 new businesses daily.

With self-employed traders and other market entities included we had an average of 45,000 new market entities launched per day. New growth drivers are opening new prospects for China's development.

Infrastructure became ever-better able to sustain development.

Over 1,900 kilometers of new high-speed rail lines came into service, and more than 6,700 kilometers of expressways and 290,000 kilometers of rural roads were built or upgraded. Construction picked up pace on urban rail transit facilities and underground utility tunnels. Construction began on 21 major water conservancy projects. The number of 4G mobile communications subscribers grew by 340 million and over 5.5 million kilometers of optical fiber cables were added.

Living standards were improved.

Personal per capita disposable income increased by 6.3 percent in real terms. The number of people living in poverty in rural areas was reduced by 12.4 million, including more than 2.4 million people relocated from inhospitable areas. More than 6 million homes in rundown urban areas and over 3.8 million dilapidated rural houses were renovated. In tourism, domestic trips showed rapid growth, and overseas trips exceeded 120 million. People in both urban and rural areas saw arise in living standards.

China successfully hosted the G20 2016 Hangzhou Summit, and helped to deliver a number of important pioneering, leading, and institutional outcomes, thus doing its part for global economic governance.

2016 was an unusual year in our country's development. China was confronted with an external environment in which the world saw the lowest economic and trade growth in seven years, growing volatility in global financial markets, and sudden and frequent regional and global challenges.Domestically, China faced multiple difficulties: major structural problems, prominent risks and dangers, and mounting downward pressure on the economy. China found itself in a complex environment as reform entered a critical stage, profound changes took place affecting interests, and factors impacting social stability grew.

Given all these factors, it was not easy for us to maintain stable economic performance. And yet we succeeded, and even managed to make progress on many fronts. Once again, this shows that we the Chinese people have the courage, ingenuity, and ability to overcome any difficulty or hardship. It also shows that the Chinese economy possesses potential, resilience, and strengths, so we can be sure there is even better development ahead for China.

I will now move on to discuss our main work last year:

First, we continued to develop new and more effective ways of carrying out regulation at the macro level, thus keeping the economy performing within an appropriate range.

Last year, we faced difficult choices in conducting macro-level regulation, but we stood firm in not adopting strong stimulus policies that would have had an economy-wide impact, and strived instead to maintain steady growth, adjust the structure, and guard against risks through reform and innovation. We strengthened targeted and well-timed regulation on the basis of range-based regulation.

More proactive fiscal policy was pursued, and the increase in the fiscal deficit was used mainly to cover tax and fee cuts. The trial replacement of business tax with value added tax (VAT) was extended to cover all sectors, slashing the tax burden of businesses for the year by over 570 billion yuan and reducing tax burdens in every sector. A transitional plan for sharing VAT revenue between the central and local governments was formulated and implemented to ensure financial resources of local governments remained unchanged. More local government bonds were issued to replace outstanding debts, reducing interest payments by roughly 400 billion yuan.

A prudent monetary policy was pursued in a flexible and appropriate manner.The M2 money supply increased by 11.3 percent, below our projected target of around 13 percent. We used a range of monetary policy tools to support the development of the real economy.

Measures were taken to upgrade consumption. We unveiled policies to encourage private investment, and saw investment begin to stabilize. We exercised category-based regulation over the real estate market. We strengthened efforts to manage financial risks. The RMB exchange rate regime continued to improve, and the exchange rate remained generally stable at an adaptive and equilibrium level. With these measures, we have safeguarded China's economic and financial security.

Second, we focused on five priority tasks -- cutting overcapacity, reducing excess inventory, deleveraging, lowering costs, and strengthening areas of weakness -- thereby improving the composition of supply.

Particular priority was given to cutting overcapacity in the steel and coal sectors. Over the year, steel production capacity was cut by more than 65 million metric tons and coal by over 290 million metric tons, going beyond annual targets. Effective assistance was provided to laid-off employees.

We supported migrant workers in buying urban homes; and we increased the proportion of people affected by rebuilding in rundown urban areas receiving monetary compensation, making good progress in reducing real estate inventory.

Business acquisitions and reorganizations were encouraged, direct financing was promoted, and market- and law-based debt-to-equity swaps were carried out, lowering the debt-to-asset ratio of industrial enterprises.

To help enterprises lower operating costs, we introduced measures to cut taxes and fees, lower the share paid by enterprises for social security contributions,(1) and cut the price of electricity.

We boosted efforts to strengthen areas of weakness and undertook major initiatives that both help to meet urgent needs today and promise long-term benefits.

Third, we worked hard to deepen reform and opening up, further strengthening the vitality of development.

Reform was deepened across the board, and a good number of landmark and pillar reform initiatives were undertaken.

To balance the government-market relationship -- the pivotal issue in economic structural reform -- we continued reforms to streamline administration, delegate powers, and improve regulation and services. My administration's goal of cutting the number of items requiring government review by a third had been achieved ahead of schedule. On that basis, last year we cancelled the requirement on a further 165 items for review by State Council departments and authorized local governments. We also overhauled and standardized 192 items of intermediary services for government review as well as 220 items of approvals and accreditations for professional qualifications. We deepened institutional reforms in the business sector. We introduced an oversight model of random inspection and public release across the board,(2) made operational and post-operational oversight more effective, and promoted the Internet Plus government services model.

We pushed ahead with reforms to restructure and reorganize state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and introduce into them mixed ownership structures. We established a review system to ensure fair competition. We deepened resource tax reforms.

We improved measures for separating rural land ownership rights, contract rights, and management rights, and established a mechanism for determining whether people have been lifted out of poverty. We made progress in reforming the science and technology management system, gave greater autonomy to colleges and research institutes, and adopted profit distribution policies oriented toward increasing the value of knowledge. We opened up the elderly services market. We expanded the trials of comprehensive reforms in public hospitals and deepened reform of the evaluation and approval systems for medicine and medical equipment.

We formulated unified measures to determine and register natural resource rights. We piloted reforms for conducting direct oversight by provincial-level environmental protection agencies over the environmental monitoring and inspection work of environmental protection agencies below the provincial level, as well as crop rotation and fallow land reforms. The river chief system was introduced for all lakes and rivers across the country, and the mechanisms for compensating for ecological conservation efforts were improved. Reform has given new impetus to economic and social development.

We opened China wider to the rest of the world. As we pushed ahead with the Belt and Road Initiative, we worked to increase complementarity between the development strategies of, and practical cooperation between, China and other countries along the routes.

The RMB was formally included in the IMF's Special Drawing Rights basket. The Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect was launched. We improved measures for promoting trade, and built 12 new integrated experimental zones for cross-border e-commerce, bringing about a steady recovery in the volume of import and export.

The new practices of pilot free trade zones in Shanghai and elsewhere were used to establish another seven pilot zones. The requirement for review and approval for setting up and making significant adjustments to foreign enterprises was replaced by a simple filing process, with the exception of a few areas where special market access requirements apply. In 2016, China utilized more than US$130 billion of overseas investment, continuing to rank first among developing countries.

Fourth, we strengthened innovation's leading role, spurring the rapid development of new growth drivers.

We took further steps to implement the Internet Plus action plan and the national big data strategy, fully implemented the Made in China 2025 initiative, and implemented and improved policies and measures to encourage people to launch businesses and innovate. We developed and launched a plan for completing major science and technology programs by 2030, supported Beijing and Shanghai in building themselves into global R&D centers, and established another six national innovation demonstration zones.

Notes: (1) This includes old-age insurance, health insurance, unemployment insurance, workers' compensation, maternity insurance, and housing provident fund schemes.

(2) The model comprises inspections of randomly selected entities by randomly selected inspectors and the public release of inspection results.

China's R&D spending reached 2.08 percent of GDP. The number of in-force Chinese patents issued in China passed the million mark, and the value of technology transactions exceeded one trillion yuan. The contribution of scientific and technological progress to economic growth rose to 56.2 percent, and innovation's role in powering development grew markedly.

Fifth, we promoted more balanced development between regions and between rural and urban areas, and saw faster emergence of new growth poles and growth belts.

We stepped up work to implement the three strategic initiatives (the Belt and Road, Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei integration, and the Yangtze Economic Belt), and began construction on a number of key projects. We formulated the plan for the 13th Five-Year Plan period for large-scale development in the western region, launched a new round of initiatives as part of the Northeast revitalization strategy, drove progress in the rise of the central region, and supported the eastern region in leading the rest of the country in pursuing development. We sped up efforts to promote new types of urbanization, deepened reform of the household registration system, introduced the residence card system nationwide, and granted urban residency to another 16 million people from rural areas. The synergy building through coordinated development became more and more evident.

Sixth, we strengthened ecological conservation and made fresh progress in pursuing green development.

We formulated and introduced measures for assessing progress made in ecological improvement, and established national pilot zones for ecological conservation. We took stronger measures against air pollution and, as a result, saw a 5.6-percent decline in sulfur dioxide emissions, a 4-percent cut in nitrogen oxide emissions, and a 9.1-percent drop in the annual average density of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in 74 key cities. We continued to improve the energy mix, increasing the share of clean energy consumption by 1.7 percentage points and cutting the share of coal consumption by 2 percentage points.

We continued efforts to prevent and control water pollution, and adopted an action plan for preventing and controlling soil pollution. Central government inspections on environmental protection accountability were launched and violations of environmental protection laws were investigated and prosecuted, giving impetus to deeper efforts to protect the environment.

Seventh, we gave particular attention to ensuring and improving living standards, helping Chinese people gain a stronger sense of benefit.

Despite growing pressure from fiscal imbalance, we continued to increase inputs in areas related to living standards. We launched new policies on employment and business startups, and carried out solid work on increasing employment for key target groups and priority regions. We made all-around progress in key battles to eradicate poverty and earmarked over 100 billion yuan from government budgets for poverty relief. We increased subsistence allowances, benefits for entitled groups, basic pension payments, and other subsidies; and over 17 million people benefited through the provision of cost-of-living allowances for people with disabilities in financial difficulty and nursing care subsidies for people with severe disabilities.

Fiscal spending on education continued to be over 4 percent of GDP. The number of students from poor rural areas enrolled in key universities grew by 21.3 percent. We waived tuition and miscellaneous fees for students from poor rural families at regular senior high schools. Over the course of the year, more than 84 million grants were given to students from poor families studying in all types of schools.

The basic health insurance systems for rural and nonworking urban residents were merged and government subsidies for the system were increased. More funding was provided for basic public health services. Full coverage of the serious disease insurance scheme was achieved, and healthcare costs meeting relevant provisions can now be settled on the spot when incurred anywhere within the provincial-level administrative area where insurance is registered.

We increased public cultural services at the community level. The Fitness for All initiative was launched, and Chinese athletes gave an excellent performance at the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Last year, parts of the country, especially the Yangtze basin, were hit by severe flooding and other disasters. We acted quickly to provide effective rescue and relief, swiftly relocated over 9 million people, minimized damage and loss, and made systematic progress with recovery and reconstruction efforts.

Eighth, we continued to enhance government performance and improve governance, thus ensuring social harmony and stability.

The State Council submitted 13 legislative proposals to the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) for approval and adopted or revised 8 sets of administrative regulations. We improved mechanisms for drawing on public opinions in decision making on public issues and worked with keen attention to handle the proposals and suggestions of NPC deputies and CPPCC National Committee members. We made progress in strengthening government transparency by releasing lists of the powers and responsibilities of all provincial-level government departments.

We intensified accountability inspections. The third State Council accountability inspection was carried out; special inspections and third-party evaluations were conducted on the implementation of policies related to cutting overcapacity and encouraging private investment; and new steel projects launched in breach of regulations and the production and sale of substandard steel products were strictly investigated and dealt with.

We strengthened workplace safety efforts and saw a continued decline in the total number of accidents and in the number of accidents of a serious nature.

We took comprehensive measures to maintain law and order and, in accordance with law, cracked down on crime and other violations, effectively safeguarding national and public security.

We carried out in earnest activities to enable Party members to gain a good understanding of the Party Constitution, Party regulations, and General Secretary Xi Jinping's major policy addresses and to meet Party standards. We worked scrupulously to ensure compliance with the Party Central Committee's eight-point decision on improving Party and government conduct, took firm action to address formalism, bureaucratism, hedonism, and extravagance, and rigorously enforced the State Council's three-point decision on curbing government spending. We punished a number of corrupt officials in accordance with law, and the fight against corruption has built up irresistible momentum.

As a major country, China has made outstanding achievements in its diplomacy with distinctive features over the past year. President Xi Jinping and other Chinese leaders visited many countries. They attended major international events, including the 24th APEC Economic Leaders Meeting, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit, the BRICS Leaders Meeting, the Nuclear Security Summit, high-level meetings of the 71st session of the UN General Assembly, the Asia-Europe Meeting, and the East Asian leaders meetings on cooperation. We hosted the first-ever Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Leaders Meeting.

China's coordination and cooperation with other major countries were strengthened, its comprehensive cooperation with neighboring countries continued to be boosted, its friendship and cooperation with other developing countries were deepened, and its interactions with the UN and other international organizations became closer.

China was actively involved in reforming and improving the global governance system. We played our part in ensuring that the Paris Agreement was put into force. Economic diplomacy and personal and cultural exchanges yielded notable outcomes. We were resolute in upholding China's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and maritime rights and interests. As a responsible major country, China has been playing a constructive role in international and regional issues and has made significant contributions to world peace and development.

We celebrated the 95th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China and the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Long March of the Chinese Workers and Peasants Red Army, demonstrating our unshakeable will to remain true to the founding mission of the Party, to keep pressing ahead, and to overcome all difficulties, and showing the firm determination of all Chinese people to keep up our stride on the new Long March and continue striving for new victories.

Esteemed Deputies,

We owe all the achievements made over the past year to the sound leadership of the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core and the concerted efforts of the Party, the military, and the people of all our nation's ethnic groups. On behalf of the State Council, I wish to express our sincere gratitude to all our people, including public figures from all sectors of society, and to other parties and people's organizations. I express our sincere appreciation to our fellow countrymen and women in the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions and in Taiwan, and to Chinese nationals overseas. I also wish to express our heartfelt thanks to the governments of other countries, international organizations, and friends from all over the world who have shown understanding and support for China in its endeavor to modernize.

Yet we must not lose sight of the many problems and challenges China faces in pursuing economic and social development. The internal forces driving economic growth need to be strengthened. Overcapacity poses a serious challenge in some industries. Some enterprises face difficulties in their production and operations. Economic prospects for different regions are divergent. Fiscal imbalance is becoming great. And potential economic and financial risks cannot be overlooked.

Environmental pollution remains grave, and in particular, some areas are frequently hit by heavy smog. We need to further strengthen our steps to combat pollution. There are also many problems causing public concern in housing, education, healthcare, elderly care, food and drug safety, and income distribution. It is distressing that there were some major accidents in the coal mining, construction, and transportation sectors.

There is still room for improvement in government performance. Some reform policies and measures have not been fully implemented. Excess fees and charges being levied on businesses and difficulties facing individuals who want to access government services remain standout problems. We still see problems of laws and regulations being enforced in a non-standard, unfair, or uncivil way. A small number of government employees are lazy and neglectful of their duties or shirk responsibility. Corruption often occurs in some sectors.

We must confront these challenges head-on, be ready to bear the weight of responsibility, and do our all to deliver. We must fulfill our historic mission and live up to the great trust placed in us by the Chinese people.
A released detainee hugs his family member after being released from Tora prison in Cairo, Egypt on Mar. 14, 2017. Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi issued on Monday a decree to pardon 203 jailed young people who had received final prison sentences in protest-related cases.(Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)
PM to visit Chile in May

Speaking through an interpreter in Port-of- Spain on Tuesday, he said one of the main reasons for his visit was to finalise arrangements for Dr Rowleys visit.

The Prime Ministers visit will be aimed at strengthening relations between the two countries which Vice Minister Riveros said were already very good. Vice Minister Riveros said trading relationships between Trinidad and Tobago and Chile were very important as 92 percent of the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) which Chile imports comes from this country.

He said Chile imports more than US$550 million worth of LNG from Trinidad and Tobago, contributing to total trade of US$573 million between the two countries.

He said there is a favourable trade balance largely because of the LNG imports, adding that Chile exports a few products to Trinidad and Tobago, in particular cellulose and has the capacity to export agricultural products as well.

During a hectic day in Port of Spain, Vice Minister Riveros met Minister of Trade and Industry, Paula Gopee- Scoon; Foreign Minister Dennis Moses and the Secretary General of the Association of Caribbean States.

During the talks with Gopee-Scoon the two officials discussed the possibility of establishing a Partial Scope Trade Agreement between Trinidad and Tobago and Chile and Gopee-Scoon expressed strong value in having Chile as a trading partner and the desire to increase exports to that country.

Vice Minister Riveros outlined a number of areas for bilateral trade, namely, energy, agriculture, tourism and fisheries. Speaking to connectivity between both countries, he suggested the improvement of travel between Trinidad and Tobago and Chile. Gopee-Scoon supported the idea and indicated that Trinidad and Tobago can serve as a central port in the region for such travel arrangements.

They both expressed confidence that the bilateral Partial Scope Trade Agreement will benefit both countries.

In early May, Trinidad and Tobago and Chile are expected to hold the first meeting of the Working Group on Economic and Commercial Relations.

The working group will comprise technical officials from both countries and is expected to develop the framework for advancing bilateral trade relations.
Dillon: Im not giving up

Speaking during the tea break of the sitting of the Lower House at Tower D, Wrightson Road, Port-of-Spain, Dillon said he feels personally pained whenever he hears of another murder. Dillon confirmed his working day starts at 6 am when he gets a brief on any crime - including murders - to have taken place overnight.

Whenever someone is murdered, there is always pain as that person would have been someones son, daughter, nephew, niece, sister, brother, sister, husband, wife and what have you. As a person who has a family, I too feel pain and I offer my condolences to the family of Miss Joseph. Im deeply concerned whenever any citizen is murdered, Dillon said.

Dillon could give no details on any suspect in this case.

Asked if Josephs murder could further deepen the publics fear of crime since it means even officers of the law are not immune to being murdered, Minister Dillon said, I dont think we should feel a sense of hopelessness.

The police should not put their hands up in the air and give up the fight against crime and criminality.

I as Minister of National Security would not give up and neither would the Government. I dont feel citizens would or should give up. He said no one must give up or give in to the criminal element because criminals are in the minority, while god-fearing citizens are in the majority. The majority will always overcome the minority, so we cannot give up. I dont intend to give up as Minister of National Security. Definitely dont. The majority of the Police Service dont intend to (give up), neither do the law enforcement agencies and the Defence Force. Well always be there to continue the fight. Asked about Josephs job-performance, Dillon replied, From what her colleagues have said, she was a very dedicated officer. A young officer, just passed out of the parade square, now about to start her career as a police. All that hope and aspiration she had, has been killed.
Man pleads guilty to murder

Yesterday, one of the men involved in the act pleaded guilty to felony murder and two counts of robbery moments before he was expected to go on trial before a jury and Justice Devan Rampersad in the Port-of-Spain First Criminal Court.

Christopher Lewis was re-arraigned and the foreperson of the jury was directed to return a guilty of felony murder verdict. He is expected to be sentenced when a probation officers report and other reports from the prison are completed. Appearing for the State was senior prosecutor Joy Balkaran while attorney Amarelle Francis represented Lewis in the capital matter. He is also represented by attorney Fulton Wilson in the robbery matters.

Felony murder is a classification of murder which no longer carries an automatic death sentence.

The rule empowers judges to bypass the mandatory death penalty for murder in lieu of a prison sentence in cases where a person kills another while committing another criminal offence. Sorias, 33, was found tied to a tree with wounds to his face.

He was chopped and stabbed. He was clad only in his underwear and socks and his white armless jersey was used to tie his arms around the tree trunk.

The young farmer left his home at the half mile mark on the By- Pass Road, Arima around 9 pm on Carnival Tuesday to go to Arima to buy a bottle of rum to celebrate his nephews birthday. When he did not return his brother Mervyn went in search of him and found his car parked along Sorzano Street with its stereo missing.

A report was made to the Arima police and at 9 am his body was found tied to the tree along a track.

His money was missing. Lewis claimed in a statement to police that he was with three other men when they abducted Sorias and took him to the track off Sorzano Street.

Lewis said he did not tell anyone because he was afraid for himself and his family. It was his interview notes, caution statement as well as Sorias blood found on his pants that implicated Lewis in the killing.
Promoted cop blanked by Judge

Justice Frank Seepersad, presiding in the San Fernando High Court, ruled that the public interest would not be served by revealing such personal information of other police officers. Especially, the judge added, where the police officer who is seeking said declaration has already gotten his 35 points when the State conceded in his lawsuit, that he should have been so awarded by virtue of the fact that he earned a Bachelor of Law degree.

Corporal Ramdeo Sookdeo was therefore promoted to the rank of Sergeant following a Consent Order entered to by the State in the lawsuit he filed over the failure of the Police Commissioner to promote him on the basis of his law degree.

Sookdeo filed the lawsuit when his name did not appear on the list for promotion.

His attorneys contended in the lawsuit that Sookdeo was entitled to the promotion but also should have been provided a certified copy of the complete list as well as the points awarded to all eligible officers. The State conceded and awarded Sookdeo the points and he was retroactively promoted with effect from April last year.

The State also conceded that Sookdeo should be paid all outstanding salaries due by virtue of the retroactive appointment.

However, the State did not agree with Sookdeos attorneys submissions that it had a duty to provide him with the list and inclusive of the points awarded to all eligible officers named on the list.

Justice Seepersad delivered a written judgement yesterday that it was unreasonable to disclose the points the officers colleagues obtained. The judge stated that in making such a determination, the question must be asked whether the public interest overrode the right of privacy of other officers and the relevance of disclosing that information in resolving the issue in Sookdeos case.
Jury hears of mom in latrine, baby on river bank

The murders happened in 2005 and yesterday Anand Baboolal, 40, went on trial in the San Fernando High Court before a judge and jury who began hearing evidence after the State opened the 13-year-old case in which Justice Althea Alexis-Windsor is presiding.

Senior State attorney Shabanna Shah told the jury that on August 13, 2005, police officers went to Mafeking Road, Mayaro, where they saw the body of Ishmael Timothy Ragbir. The childs body was on the bank of the Mafeking River and the discovery led police to the home of his mother, Ria Ramlochan, 28, at Solomon Street, Mayaro.

They saw her feet protruding out of a latrine pit on the eastern side of her house. The judge and jury heard that Ramlochan had three stab wounds to the chest. Shah said the prosecution would draw their attention to police interview notes in which the accused Baboolal made certain admissions.

He allegedly told police upon arrest, that while home with Ramlochan there was a fight and she had a knife in her hand.

He took the knife and stabbed her. Shah said that the accused also admitted that the child who was on a bed, was also stabbed.

She called Ramlochans mother Shakila Gookool, who swore on The Holy Gita and sobbed as she gave evidence.

She testified that her daughter visited her a few days before on the occasion of her (Gookool) birthday at her home in South Oropouche.

On the day of her birthday, Ramlochan called and wished her happy birthday. Gookool said that she telephoned her daughter subsequently but got no answer.

The woman testified that she held a funeral service for her daughter and grandson.

Photographs taken by police were tendered into evidence and shown to the jury. The trial continues today.
Cops brother charged with possession of guns and ammo

The arrest was made over the weekend in Couva by officers of the Organised Crime and Narcotics Unit. The accused is a citizen of the United States and his passport was ordered seized by the magistrate. Acting on intelligence, officers reportedly went to a house in Couva where they recovered the guns along with 116 rounds of nine millimetre ammunition, one round of .38 special, one round of .50 calibre ammunition and one magazine.

He was also charged with possession of a small quantity of ammunition
bpTT opens agri-challenge for Mayaro youths

The project titled Youth Entrepreneurship in Agriculture Programme (YEAP) was launched recently with 20 participants in the first of three phases at the bpTT Mayaro Resource Centre (MRC).

The first training session centred on Techniques for making Signature Sauces into Successful Businesses.

The second and third phases which will be conducted later this month, will concentrate on Processing of Candied Fruits and Processing of Vegetable Pickles, respectively.

The agri-business initiative is the brainchild of Minister of Agriculture, Lands and Fisheries Clarence Rambharat, to develop avenues to foster entrepreneurship, new business creation and employment generation among the youths of the Mayaro/Rio Claro region.

Standing in for the minister at the official launch was parliamentary secretary Avinash Singh who underscored the commitment of the ministry in partnering with the corporate sector to develop sustainable employment opportunities in agriculture. We are happy that bpTT has come on board to make this initiative a reality. Agriculture is a business and you have to be profitable to stay in it. These workshops are designed to develop entrepreneurs in specific agri-business enterprise. The opportunity is here, take it, Singh told the participants.

He appealled to the budding entrepreneurs to look at the opportunity not only in dollars and cents but to enjoy it if you want to stay in it. Joel Primus, community sustainability and stakeholder relations advisor, bpTT , said the company was honoured to support the YEAP initiative because we believe in fostering development through youth training in enterprise development and through education.

The exciting part of this programme is that it aims to introduce young people to the business side of agriculture.

It has added significance because it focuses on the young people of the Mayaro/ Rio Claro region. As you may know, we call Mayaro our host community, Primus noted.

Primus also pointed out that successful YEAP participants can access funding from bpTT s Mayaro Initiative for Private Enterprise Development (MIPED), which provides funding for medium and small businesses.

Cariris CEO, Liaquat Ali Shah, told the participants the initiative called for commitment and perseverance to find out if they possessed the feel for entrepreneurship.

He lauded bpTT for providing the opportunity to implement the Rambharats vision.

The workshop has come at the right time for Qeisha Casimir who is a caterer.

I run a catering business and if I can make my own pepper sauce and seasonings, it would mean a significant saving for me.

I intend to take full advantage of this opportunity to enhance my business, she said.

Implemented by Cariris Bio-technology Unit, the first phase of the YEAP initiative centred on the production of pepper sauce, barbecue sauce and green seasoning demonstration.
Sex predators beware

Yesterday Assistant Commissioner of Police, Irwin Hackshaw confirmed that the Police Service is working with a mandate from government to compile the information to set up the sex registry but he could not give a time frame when the website will be completed and made available to the public.

Hackshaw said that the police is mindful of the fears being expressed by members of the public where the crimes committed against children seem to be a burning concern.

He said the Minister of National Security has expressed a deep interest in ensuring that all the necessary information regarding sex offenders is recorded in the interest of having officers place those persons under surveillance to protect the lives of innocent citizens.

Hackshaw also assured that nationals deported from foreign countries for criminal offences, including those charged with sex crimes committed against children, are being closely monitored by officers in the districts where they reside and by other arms of the Police Service.

According to Hackshaw, based on the deportee list sent to him on a regular basis, about 30 people on average are deported back to this country mainly from the United States and Canada.

He said he has given instructions for returned individuals, who are declared to be paedophiles, to be kept under constant surveillance and added that the monitoring has been stepped in the wake of reports of minors being harmed by sex predators.

He also pointed out that persons charged with other criminal offences in foreign countries, who were deported, are also being monitored closely.

With respect to the release of a sex offenders registry released by the US Justice Department in the United States which lists the names of at least ten Trinidad and Tobago nationals charged with sex crimes against children who were returned to this country, Hackshaw said he was aware of the names appearing in the registry and had given instructions to officers to ensure that these persons are kept under the radar indefinitely.
Touch one teacher, you touch all!

Garcia on Tuesday disclosed that recommendations for disciplinary action against teachers of the school have been forwarded by the Ministry to the Teaching Service Commission (TSC) which is the body charged with hiring, firing and discipling the nations teachers. Doodhai in a press release said, TTUTA is pained over the statements made by the Minister of Education. He said the association is deeply disappointed in the manner by which Garcia and the Ministry is treating with the issue. It seems the minister is engaging in a public relations exercise to cover up the refusal of the Ministry to deal with serious concerns relating to that school that have been placed before it for over four years.

He said disciplinary action is nothing more than a smoke screen to make the minister and the ministry look good while using teachers as sacrificial lambs.

TTUTA asserts, Doodhai said, that teachers of the school, as TTUTA members, participated in a picket demonstration on March 6, led by the Associations General Council, committed no act of misconduct.

Every citizen has a constitutional right to freedom of expression and lawful protest, the right to picket is enshrined in the Industrial Relations Act and the picket took place during the lunch period of SMSS, Doodhai said. He added that teachers conducted themselves in a dignified, orderly and peaceful manner even when confronted by chanting students who themselves bore placards and hurled missiles.

The Minister of Education, being a former TTUTA President led many picket demonstrations and protests against the employer.

He is being nothing more than downright hypocritical when he says these teachers are setting a bad example. The question must be asked, was the Minister of Education setting a bad example when as TTUTA President, he led numerous pickets?
Nyasha mentioned in Parliament

As he opened his contribution, Public Utilities Minister Fitzgerald Hinds said this bill, is being debated and offered for our consideration at a time when a woman police officer is now missing. Hinds, a former police officer, said Josephs disappearance is, causing consternation and trauma in the national community, in thePolice Service, among women and among those of us as adults who are concerned for young people in TT, of which she is one. He added, This bill is presented for our consideration at a time, when unfortunately we have registered over 100 murders in TT. Later in the sitting, Oropouche East MP Dr Roodal Moonilal asked National Security Minister Edmund Dillon, across the Parliament floor, whether reports that Josephs body were found were true. Responding to what Dillon told him at that time, Moonilal replied, It is not confirmed? We wait on the Minister of National Security.

During this presentation, his opinion might change. Moonilal recalled recently having to attend the funeral of three persons murdered in his constituency and said there are no comforting words that politicians could give to grieving families in those circumstances.
Arima bus lay-by reopens

A statement from the Arima Borough Corporation said the reopening follows a meeting on March 10 between Mayor Lisa Morris-Julian, Deputy Mayor Cagney Casimire, Chairman of the Public Transport Service Corporation (PTSC) Edwin Gooding and PTSC General Manager Ronald Forde. During the meeting, Morris-Julian expressed concern that senior citizens currently have no seating accommodation at the lay-by. She was assured by the PTSC officials that the concern will soon be addressed.

Morris-Julian also suggested placing a large bus hub in Arima at the unused transport facility which is located by the Priority Bus Route (close to Arimas Licensing Office).

The suggested hub is to be called Borough Gate and is part of the Arima Borough Councils vision for 2016- 2019.

Morris-Julian, according to the statement, said the transportation needs of the borough have far surpassed existing structures.

The fleet of taxis for areas such as Cumuto, Brazil and La Horquetta has outgrown the space available at the respective taxi stands in Arima and the proposed bus hub will, therefore, house these taxi stands in similar fashion to City Gate.
Security for road workers

Responding to a question in the Senate on Tuesday, Sinanan said, We have been assured that the police and the army will be deployed to get the job done. The minister said this is not a new phenomenon and it has been happening in different parts of the country.

Sinanan said his ministry is, determined to ensure that this practice is stamped out. Later in the sitting, National Security Minister Edmund Dillon said protocols for the deportation of TT citizens from the United States who have criminal records, have been in place since 2000. He indicated that while there is no evidence of an increase in criminal deportees from the US to TT under the Trump Administration, the ministry will re-assess staffing arrangements should such an increase occur.
Khadijah: We are all traumatised

On this occasion when it is reported that the young policewoman has been found, we are traumatised and upset by the fact that even the police are not immune to violence and lawlessness in our society, Ameen said. She noted with concern the growing number of people who no longer feel safe in their own homes.

Nyasha was a young woman who decided to join the Police Service to give national service and she too has fallen victim (to crime). We dont know the circumstances  whether it was domestic or related to her job  but the fact is that women all over are perpetual targets and no person is immune. I hope that her killers are found and brought to justice and in a speedy manner. Ameen said that relative to the number of murders taking place in TT, she was dissatisfied with the number of people arrested for such offences. I really would like to see justice happen for all these families who lose loved ones. I suspect the police will work expeditiously to find the killers of the young policewoman but also let us not forget a number of other women who have lost their lives and those who are missing.

There are so many teenagers and young women missing without a trace and the grief of those families must not be forgotten.

I want to extend condolences to the family of Nyasha, particularly noting the fact that she is a young mother of a four year old, and the family would now have an additional duty to look after and raise this child.
Minister: Government confident of resolution

However, Communications Workers Union (CWU) president Joseph Remy maintained that the labour movement felt disrespected on both issues. Remy warned that the ruling Peoples National Movement (PNM) could be defeated in the next general elections, if it repeats the mistakes made by its Peoples Partnership (PP) predecessor, in disrespecting labour.

Speaking with reporters as CWU members staged a protest outside of Tower D of the Port-of-Spain International Waterfront Centre, Baptiste-Primus said a meeting between the union and Tourism Minister Shamfa Cudjoe could take place early next week. Baptiste-Primus had given that commitment in the Senate on Tuesday.

On the suspension of labours involvement in NTAC, Baptiste-Primus said, I dont think this situation cannot be repaired. While there will be differences in any relationship, the minister stated, Given the larger picture and what is involved, I am quite sure that we will be able to overcome this present challenge. Remy later reiterated to reporters that the CWU was never consulted on the dissolution of the TDC.

Calling for Cudjoes resignation but noting only Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley could remove her from her post, Remy said Government committed a breach by not meeting with the CWU as the recognised trade union for TDC employees before deciding to dissolve the company.

Claiming this move could be to facilitate the construction of a Sandals resort in Tobago, Remy said the union was not opposed to anything to benefit Tobago. On NTAC, Remy said labour will not return to that body, until and unless Government does certain things. We are not going to go to the negotiating table with a gun to our head, Remy declared.

Cosmeticism, mamaguy and hypocrisy, that is how I would describe it, he added. In the House of Representatives, Acting Leader of Government Business Terrence Deyalsingh said Finance Minister Colm Imbert will bring a note to Cabinet for the winding up of the company within 90 days. Deyalsingh said the TDCs current staff complement of 114 persons, includes 101 monthly paid and 13 fortnightly paid workers.

In a statement yesterday, the TT Chamber of Industry and Commerce expressed concern that new tourism entity will not be formed in the immediate future, once the TDC is dissolved.

Calling for this matter to be speedily resolved and its willingness to play a role in that resolution, the Chamber said, Far too much is at stake, given Tobagos declining position as the preferred destination for travellers.
Hinds: Keep your jobs, dont make demands

But, the key thing I will suggest is, hold on to your jobs because jobs are at a premium nationally, regionally and internationally given the global circumstance. All of us should take this into account. Hinds made the appeal while delivering the feature address at the launch of the Postal Code and Address Improvement Project at the North Eastern Community Centre, Sangre Grande. The new S42 Addressing Standard, which is already being used in developed countries, is expected to improve efficiency in the postal service.

Pledging his support for the new initiative, Hinds told the audience: I will stand firm with the entire staff of TTPost right down to the last worker. We are in tough times and we all at the level of the board , at the level of the management, at the level of the staff, if we have not yet understood, internalise that we are in tough times and it requires further sacrifice on all of our parts, sobriety, a calm approach and a focus, at least for workers to hold on to your jobs. Hinds raised the issue of job security as he referred to a recent documentary about on-line shopping, which was found to be a growing trend internationally. He said the documentary revealed that some 70 per cent of a clients overall cost was taken up with freight charges while the remaining 30 per cent covered warehousing charges and delivery.

The documentary, Hinds said, found that the 30 per cent cost for warehousing and delivery, regardless of the length of the journey, was inefficient and wasteful. They are now finding ways to improve it and one of the ways is through unmanned trolleys, programmed through the use of information technology and computerisation, he said.

The S42 Addressing Standard contains the addressees name, building number and street name, community name, postal district, post code and country name among other basic elements. It will replace the system of lamp post and lot numbers, mile markers and street names without building numbers.

Apart from making the postmans job easier, Hinds said the new system also will facilitate more efficient processes and a faster turnaround at the post office. It will improve efficiency inside of TTPost as an entity, saving money by saving time while at the same time improving the service to customers, he said.
Gopee-Scoon satisfied with TCL operations

Gopee-Scoon was speaking to reporters prior to a tour of TCLs Claxton Bay plant yesterday. Actually I am quite comfortable with this company, the improvements they have made and their capital restructuring, she said.

I think they are in a very favourable position. You have to look at where this company could have been. It has been years of difficulty and uncontrollable debt and this business could have been closed had it not been for the intervention, I think in 2015, of CEMEX. I think they brought about US $40 million and they were able to reduce their debts and restructured their debts so their capital structure now is quite favourable, as he said not perfect, but the company is in a much better place. They can manage their working capital, ensuring that they get maximum credit and they are paying their bills on time, but their debts are much lower.

That is where the efficiency of the agency starts - with managing your finances.

When it comes to the employees, we are concerned but the organisation has managed to reach to a point of stability. What it means is they are prepared to keep the employees which they have so I can see there will be increased opportunities for employee levels as well. Asked about foreign cement on the local market, Gopee-Scoon said the Bureau of Standards has to ensure that all goods entering met international standards as there is little to stop the entry of foreign goods.

However she noted that there were some improvements in the price of cement on the local market which is a benefit to consumers.

Meanwhile, TCLs managing director Jose Seijo, asked about measures being put in place to reduce the environmental impact at the plant, said there is a backlog of issues which has to be dealt with. He said the company had invested roughly 15 to 20 percent of the companys capital expenditure on health, safety and environment issue
Faris says Govt tackling land fraud

Finance Minister Colm Imbert said a report about fraudulent activity which took place in the First Citizens Bank (FCB) Initial Public Offering (IPO), under the former Peoples Partnership (PP) government, is now before the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). Works and Transport Minister Rohan Sinanan that in the 2013 to 2015 period under the PP, employees at the National Infrastructure Development Company (Nidco) were being paid $200,000 under questionable circumstances. Al-Rawi, Imbert and Sinanan made their respective disclosures in the House of Representatives yesterday.

The AG cited pieces of legislation on the House Order Paper which have a direct correlation to the issue of fraudulent land deeds which was mentioned in judgement in the San Fernando High Court on Tuesday.Al-Rawi said other draft legislation Government is working on, will require positive proof  from the relevant parties involved in these matters. Imbert said, My understanding is that the reports of the fraudulent activity that took place under PP government are with the DPP. He added, The Minister of Finance has no control over the DPP. Imbert said there was nothing wrong with FCB making another IPO, because the perpetrators of the confusion...namely the PP government...

the former board...the persons in the management who engaged in market manipulation are all gone. Sinanan said reports alleging that Nidco was going to fire over 100 contract workers are wrong.

However he disclosed that preliminary inquiries coming out of Nidco have shown, we had employees drawing over $200,000 per month and to this day, we cannot find what they were doing for that sum of money. Sinanan said those persons were on Nidcos payroll from 2013 to 2015. He also said Nidco is currently doing a manpower audit and at the end of this exercise, the persons who Nidco requires will be retained. Sinanan reiterated that the former members of the board of the Port Authority resigned and were not fired.
Kazim complains of bureaucracy

Hosein was addressing regional corporation chairmen, aldermen, councillors and CEOs at Signature Hall, Chaguanas yesterday morning during a local government orientation seminar.

As the former mayor of San Fernando, Hosein said things worked much faster in his corporation than at the ministry and the change in pace sometimes leads to him making mistakes.

Its because I want things to happen and the ministry is too slow.

If I want to buy a staple, it has to go to the Ministry of Finance. Everything you want you have to go to the Ministry of Finance. Im asking for a telephone since I come here because I didnt take one when I was in San Fernando.

And up to now, four months, I cant get my own telephone. Hosein said he ended up buying a phone for himself.

His criticism of the ministrys processes was lightly applauded by the audience before he went on to further criticise the system.

He said since his appointment, he has received over 300 letters from people all over the country asking for his help with things that should be dealt with at the level of the corporations.

Something has to be wrong somewhere. Speaking with reporters after the opening of the seminar, Hosein said changes to the system as campaigned for by the PNM during the last local government election were being reviewed at the Ministry of the Attorney General and should reach parliament in about six months.
Bill allowing government to confiscate guns without due process introduced in Illinois

The state of Illinois, which already has some of the strictest gun laws in the United States, is trying to take their battle against the second amendment to the next level.

This week the Senate Judiciary Committee is scheduled to hear bill SB 1291, proposed by State Senator Julie Morrison. If the bill passes, it would subsequently allow the government to confiscate firearms from citizens with little to no due process. The bill summary states:

[The bill] provides that the petition shall also describe the type, and location of any firearm or firearms presently believed by the petitioner to be possessed or controlled by the respondent. Provides that the petitioner may be a family member of the respondent or a law enforcement officer, who files a petition alleging that the respondent poses a danger of causing personal injury to himself, herself, or another by having in his or her custody or control, owning, purchasing, possessing, or receiving a firearm. Establishes factors that the court must consider before issuing a lethal violence order of protection. Provides for the issuance of ex parte orders and one year orders.

If this bill were to pass, residents of Illinois are at risk of having their guns taken away simply by a friend, family member, or concerned citizen making an allegation that the owner of the weapon is an immediate threat to themselves or others. No real proof is required; the person making a claim would have to simply file a petition and report the allegation to the government.

Even more alarming is the fact that the bill also includes the phrase ex parte orders which would mean that an order to confiscate the guns could be done so without the input of the gun owner, meaning gun owners wont even be allowed to defend themselves in court at all. This is a clear violation of due process of law. (RELATED: Get more news like this at Liberty.news.)

Illinois is currently the 8th ranked state for strict gun laws, trailing behind California, Connecticut, New Jersey, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, and Hawaii. Among the many restrictions the state already requires, all individuals without concealed handgun permits must obtain a ten-year license (a Firearm Owners Identification, or FOID, card) to be eligible to purchase or possess firearms and ammunition. The licensing process requires a detailed background check on the prospective FOID cardholder. There is also an imposed waiting period of 24 hours for long guns and 72 hours for handguns for purchasers.

This legislation is not the first time that Senator Morrison has tried to chip away at citizens second amendment rights. Last year she proposed a trio of bills in the Illinois Senate that would lead to more denials of Firearm Owners Identification Cards as well as mandate the police to remove firearms from those without one. As to why she presented these bills, Morrison stated Recent events across the country have brought to light loopholes that allow individuals access to firearms who absolutely should not have them. We must ensure these loopholes are closed.

Unfortunately, liberal ideologists continue to propose this kind of legislation nationwide while ignoring that fact that law abiding gun owners are not the problem, therefore punishing them is not the solution. The city of Chicago led the country in murders last year all while touting some of the strictest gun laws. Many of these new bills mirror laws already in place in Chicago, which leads us to ask if it is not working in one part of your state, what makes you think it will in other parts? Fewer guns are obviously not resulting in less gun violence.

Source:

Breitbart.com

Smartgunlaws.org

Guns.com

Submit a correction >>
Senators asking Tillerson to investigate Obama administration meddling in foreign elections by giving taxpayer funds to George Soros

A group of U.S. senators has sent a letter to Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, asking him to investigate foreign aid provided to eastern European countries by the Obama administration that went to fund Left-wing political activities led in part by an organization founded by billionaire meddler George Soros.

The half-dozen senators  Mike Lee, R-Utah; James Inhofe, R-Okla.; Tom Tills, R-N.C.; David Perdue, R-Ga.; Ted Cruz, R-Texas; and Dr. Bill Cassidy, R-La.  say taxpayer money in the form of USAID is being distributed through U.S. diplomatic missions in Macedonia, Albania and other parts of the world to circumvent and undermine current governments in support of far-Left political parties and organizations.

Funded groups including local chapters of Soros Open Society Foundation have worked to destabilize the civil society while pushing for progressive policies that go against basic American values and U.S. national security interests. In addition, U.S. diplomatic missions in the affected countries have also engaged in distributing propaganda via local media to confuse the population and help push a Leftist agenda, the senators said.

As you are undoubtedly aware, Macedonia has been entrenched in a process of building its own coalition government after elections held in December of 2016, the senators wrote. Unfortunately, we have received credible reports that, over the past few years, the U.S. Mission there has actively intervened in the party politics of Macedonia, as well as in the shaping of its media environment and civil society, often favoring left-leaning political groups over others.

We find these reports discouraging and, if true, highly problematic, the senators wrote. (RELATED: George Soros Is Trying To Cause Another Civil War.)

The group said a number of letters had been sent to the U.S. Ambassador in Macedonia  Jess L. Baily, who was confirmed by the Senate in December 2014  asking about the role the U.S. mission was playing in distributing foreign aid to a country with a sometimes tumultuous political history. The responses to these letters have not alleviated our concern, the senators wrote.

They told Tillerson that much of the questionable political activity has been perpetuated through the use of USAID funds that had been awarded to like-minded organizations like Soros. Because of the value of the aid and the small size of Macedonia  a country of 2.1 million people  our taxpayer funded aid goes far, allowing Foundation Open Society  Macedonia (FOSM) to push a progressive agenda and invigorate the political left, the group said.

The senators  among the most conservative in the chamber  said U.S. foreign aid should only be used in the promotion of a political agenda so long as it is in the security and economic interests of the United States. Even then, they cautioned, U.S. diplomatic missions must be respectful of the host nation in the process.

We should be especially wary of promoting policies that remain controversial even in our own country and that have the potential to harm our relationship with the citizens of recipient countries, they said.

The senators noted that the problem was not limited to Macedonia, adding that respected leaders from Albania have also said U.S. diplomats there were funding Soros-backed organizations pushing a Left-wing agenda. There, the Foundation Open Society  Albania (FOSA) and its experts, using USAID funding, created the controversial Strategy Document for Albanian Judicial Reform, which some believe are ultimately aimed to give the Prime Minister and left-of-center government full control over judiciary power.

The senators said it was dangerous to inflict such destabilization on a NATO member country. They also said they had reports from officials in other countries  in Latin America and in Africa  of U.S. missions funding Left-wing organizations like those belonging to Soros, in an effort to undermine and subvert existing governments and the civil society. (RELATED: Soros to finance endless protests against the Trump administration, making his arrest for domestic terrorism even more necessary.)

We respectfully ask that you use your authority to investigate all funds associated with promoting democracy and governance and review the programs, accounts, and multiplicity of U.S. entities involved in such activities, wrote the senators. We must take this critical moment  at the start of a new administration  to review how our tax dollars are being utilized in order to halt activities that are fomenting political unrest, disrespecting national sovereignty and civil society, and ultimately undermining our attempts to build beneficial international relationships.

Soros organizations are not only under the microscope in some corners of the U.S. Senate, but his activities are also being scrutinized in his home country of Hungary. There, government officials are cracking down on non-governmental organizations (NGOs) like those belonging to Soros because theyve been working to subvert the elected government and the will of the people.

J.D. Heyes is a senior writer for NaturalNews.com and NewsTarget.com, as well as editor of The National Sentinel.

Sources:

Truthwiki.org

FreeBeacon.com

GoodGopher.com

Trump.news

Submit a correction >>
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With the run-up to 5G consuming a lot of news cycles, it's easy to forget that, for a lot of places, 4G is still the next generation communications venue of choice. Recently, Nokia (News - Alert) and Brazil's TIM got together to expand 4G coverage in the region, and is setting the stage for future expansion to 5G later on.





The new contract further extends an already long-term relationship between Nokia and TIM, as TIM represents the current leader in 4G network coverage in Brazil. It's also the first operator to take advantage of 2600 Mhz frequency and modify the 1800 Mhz band to offer 4G LTE (News - Alert) access. That's a good advance in its own right, but TIM is stepping things up by taking advantage of the 700 Mhz spectrum band, and it's turned to Nokia in support of that goal.

Nokia, meanwhile, will be bringing in its AirScale radio access platform to help drive the connectivity; with AirScale in place, several different radio technologies at once can be used on one common base station, and can be scaled upward as needed to support the growing demands that will be posed by both 5G access and the Internet of Things (IoT) movement. Plus, setting up such a system now helps ensure a smoother transition to 5G once the commercial rollouts are ready.

Nokia's head of the TIM Brazil customer team, Luiz Tonisi, commented, Our commitment with TIM is to deliver a best-in-class service experience for its subscribers. This project is an important milestone for us as it paves the way towards the network of the future and reinforces our long-standing partnership with TIM. The near future looks very promising with the possibility to expand further our LTE footprint and make a positive impact in the digital society.

It's clear that TIM is focused on the future, but not at the cost of the present. That's good news for its subscriber base, which won't have to wait for the future to get access to the best in next generation communications technology. TIM seems fairly well committed to making the necessary upgrades as such become available, and that means the subscribers likely won't get far in looking for a company that does a better job of upgrading systems.

TIM has effectively future-proofed its systems for a few years to come, thanks to its ongoing partnership with Nokia. The resulting value generated means that TIM's customer base will likely continue turning to TIM for next generation communications technology for some time to come.

If youd like to learn more about 5G, be sure to check out TMC (News - Alert) and Crossfire Medias newest conference and expo, Communications 20/20, happening July 18-20 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. The event will focus on the next wave of technology and innovations that will transcend the importance of person to person contact, disrupting the future of the entire communications industry. Find out more HERE.

Edited by Alicia Young
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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.
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After a deadlock in forming a new government that lasted more than five months, King Mohammed VI decided to dismiss the designated Head of the Government, Abdelilah Benkirane, after he failed in his task to lead negotiations to form a new cabinet.

Benkirane will be replaced by another personality chosen by the King from the moderate islamist PJD party that won most seats in October 7 general elections, the Royal Office said in a statement.

The King will receive this figure as soon as possible and will instruct him to form the new government, says the royal office.

The King took the decision in his quality as supreme referee and custodian of the supreme interests of the nation and citizens and in conformity with his prerogatives under the 2011 Constitution with a view to safeguarding the nations democratic choice and the smooth functioning of its institutions, the statement explains.

The Royal decision was also taken in view of Benkiranes failure to record any breakthrough in negotiations that resulted in a deadlock showing no signs of abating, recalled the statement.

The staggering formation of a new government was hinted at with a serious tone by King Mohammed VI, in his speech on the occasion of the Green March, when he said that the future cabinet should not be the result of calculations aimed at fulfilling political parties wishes, based on electoral arithmetic, as if there were spoils to be shared out. The government should involve an efficient, coherent structuring effort, consonant with programs and priorities, the King had said.

The Royal Office statement recalled that the King had repeatedly urged the designated Head of Government to speed up the formation of the new Government.

Last December, two Royal Advisors , Abdellatif Mennouni and Omar Kabbaj, met with Benkirane and expressed to him the concern of the Sovereign regarding the delay in forming the new government. Soon after that, the PJD said that the Istiqlal Party (PI) will not be part of the next government in a bid to overcome the deadlock and forge ahead with negotiations.

Yet, consultations led by Benkirane ended with a fiasco. After he secured the adherence of the PPS party to the coalition, his negotiations with the National Rally of Independents (RNI) ended up in an impasse.The RNI President Aziz Akhannouch conditioned the participation of his party by the withdrawal of the IP and the inclusion of his allies, the Constitutional Party (UC) and the Socialist Union of Popular Forces (USFP).

For Benkirane, these conditions were inacceptable. He went as far as evoking that a putsch against democracy is taking place and that some parties are maneuvering behind his back to make the formation of the new government a mission impossible.

The stalemate in negotiations put the country on the verge of a political crisis and had an impact on the countrys public spending as the adoption of the 2017 appropriation bill hinges on the formation of a new government.

After five years in government, the PJD won 125 seats in Octobers elections followed by its archrival the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) with 102 seats, while the conservative PI won 46 seats.

The fragmentation of Moroccos political landscape makes no party able to win an outright majority. To secure the majority of seats needed to form a coalition government, the PJD has at least to enter into a coalition with 4 parties, putting the distribution of ministerial portfolios on a rocky road, not to speak of compromises on the policies of the different partners in the future government.

With 12 parties represented in the lower house, the Moroccan stalemate indicates how too many parties can spoil politics giving way to incoherent governmental coalitions involving odd bedfellows including Islamists, former communists and conservatives as was the case with the previous government.
Spanish Interior Ministry Wednesday announced the arrest of a 43 year-old Moroccan man in the province of Girona, in Catalonia, for sending money to the Islamic State group (IS) in Syria.

The man living in the village of Arbucies was an important member of a network collecting money for militants of the terrorist group, with the help of one their brothers on the battle front in Syria, according to the interior ministry.

The network used fake identities and intermediaries to send several but limited amounts of money, a way to avoid suspicion.

The man came under the radar of the security forces after authorities started monitoring a group of people sending money to IS militants.

The arrest was made possible thanks to cooperation with Europol which dispatched a mobile squad to contribute to the investigation and analyze the intelligence in real time.

Another Moroccan was arrested early this month, in Catalonia, for threatening to blow off a train traveling from Barcelona to Girona.

He shouted out while on the train that he would detonate a bomb. The threat according to Catalonia police was a hoax as they found nothing suspicious on the man or on the train after searching it.

Some 194 jihadists have been arrested in Spain since 2015, the year authorities raised security alert level to four.
The return of Morocco to the African Union enables the kingdom to play a key role in promoting peace and stability efforts at the sub-regional and continental levels, said Cote dIvoires President Alassane Ouattara.

President Ouattara was quoted in a joint statement issued following the visit King Mohammed VI paid to Abidjan (February 24-27) as saying that Moroccos return to the pan-African organization is reflective of the Kings strong determination to champion a south-south cooperation model that is geared to meeting development needs of the continent.

He added that the gas pipeline that will channel Nigerian gas to Morocco through West Africa is an example of a win-win cooperation approach that will benefit all coastal countries in West Africa and beyond.

The two leaders also voiced satisfaction at the level of their bilateral cooperation which has become a model for south-south cooperation in the continent.

The joint statement also highlighted the excellent ties between Morocco and Cote dIvoire, ties that have been cemented by 143 cooperation agreements.

The two heads of state voiced satisfaction with the results of the Cote dIvoire-Morocco Economic Impetus Group which recently held its second forum to survey the achievements it realized since it was set up in June 2015. They also stressed the need to speed up the implementation of their bilateral agreements to the best interest of the peoples of Morocco and Cote dIvoire.

The statement said that King Mohammed VI, who held in-depth talks with Presidet Ouattara, expressed Moroccos support for Cote dIvoires bid to take a seat at the UN Security council for the 2018-2019 term.

The document reiterated the two leaders determination to support joint efforts and solidarity with a view to countering terrorism, crimes, cyber-crimes, maritime piracy and drug trafficking as well as their backing to the peaceful resolution of conflicts.

In the same vein, King Mohammed VI and President Ouattara called for concerted efforts in support of political, lasting and comprehensive solutions to the crises facing the continent.

The Royal visit to Cote Divoire was also an occasion to oversee the progress made in some Moroccan investments in the country such as the fish landing spots in Locodjro and Grand Lahou, projects worth $600,000 that will generate new jobs, optimize the economic performance of traditional fishing, and increase the income of more than 7,000 people.

The King also enquired about the progress made in the project to rehabilitate the Cocody Bay, which will cost $450 million.

Launched in 2015 by Ivorian authorities in collaboration with Moroccos development agency, Marchica Med, the project stands as a shining example of a south-south cooperation approach that reconciles development needs with environment protection.

Besides economic, cultural and educational cooperation, Morocco actively contributed in peacekeeping efforts in Cote divoire.

Moroccan peacekeepers have been deployed as part of the UN mission in the West African country since 2004.
A man of his word. Or, some of his words, anyway. Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Say what you want about Donald Trump  youve gotta admit, hes doing what he said he would. Many people, including some of the presidents most fervent detractors, have expressed this sentiment since January 20. Which is odd, since it isnt really true.

Granted, Trump has made a good-faith effort to implement his radical immigration agenda, despite the objections of many congressional Republicans and federal judges. And its true that his early gestures on the issues of foreign aid and policing are right in line with his campaign rhetoric. But Trump didnt just promise to crack down on immigrants and pretend police violence isnt a problem  he also vowed to provide health insurance to all Americans; raise taxes on hedge-fund managers; directly negotiate with drug companies over pharmaceutical prices; and maintain Medicaids current funding levels.

And hes doing none of those things.

Trumps selective memory about his past promises is on full display in his first official budget.

This is the America First budget, Office of Management and Budget director Mick Mulvaney said of the document, on Thursday. In fact, we wrote it using the presidents own words. We went through his speeches. We went through articles that have been written about his policies  and we turned those policies into numbers.

Some of the budgets numbers faithfully reflect the presidents words. Trumps call for a stronger military is well represented in a $54 billion increase to defense spending. His warnings about all the drugs and rapists that Mexico is sending over the border are affirmed by new appropriations for immigration enforcement and border-wall construction. And Trumps disinterest in climate change and international cooperation are expressed via giant cuts to the State Department and Environmental Protection Agency.

But many of the presidents less reactionary  and more popular  promises are directly contradicted by his budget proposal. Here are six of the most conspicuous:

(1) We will free the Earth from the miseries of disease.

Trump touted this as a long-term ambition in his inauguration address. And he reiterated his commitment to encouraging the development of miracle cures in his speech to Congress.

The National Institutes of Health supports most of Americas research into diseases and treatments  and Trumps plan would slash its funding by $5.8 billion, which is 20 percent of its current budget.

(2) The government will stop wasting money overseas and rebuild our inner cities.

Last October in Charlotte, Donald Trump detailed his vision for bringing urban renewal to Americas inner cities.

The conditions in our inner cities today are unacceptable, Trump said, before lamenting that the United States had wasted $6 trillion on wars in the Middle East that have produced only more terrorism, more death, and more suffering  imagine if that money had been spent at home.

Trumps budget funds its military buildup by, among other things, cutting $2 billion from public housing and$300 million from rental assistance, while abolishing the Community Development Block Grant program, which funds affordable housing, community recreation centers, and food assistance, among other things.

The budget also cuts job-training programs, legal aid, and home energy subsidies to low-income Americans.

Granted, its possible that when Trump said the conditions in our inner cities were unacceptable, he meant that Americas public housing is too well-maintained, its urban communities are too well-developed, its poor children are too well-fed, its poor families houses are too well-heated, and the rent (for low-income people) is too damn low.

(3) We will build new roads, and highways, and bridges, and airports, and tunnels, and railways all across our wonderful nation.

Trumps budget cuts nearly $500 million from the Department of Transportations budget for road projects.

(4) My administration will promote clean air and water.

Trumps budget would abolish the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, a popular, bipartisan program that preserves the health of the lakes that eight Midwestern states depend on.

(5) The forgotten men and women of our country will be forgotten no longer.

When Trump used this phrase in his inaugural address, he was referring to the working-class voters who came by the tens of millions to become part of a historic movement the likes of which the world has never seen before.

These voters hailed, predominately from what costal elites (supposedly) disdain as flyover country  landlocked, rural, small towns.

So, its remarkable how much of President Trumps agenda is devoted to making life worse for poor people in rural America. First, there was his health-care plan, which funds a massive tax cut for the rich by radically reducing health-insurance subsidies to low-income Americans  particularly those who live in rural areas.

Trumps broader budget rains further pain on our nations forgotten men and women.

The president proposes slashing $4.7 billion from the Department of Agriculture; cutting more than $500 million from Rural Development; eliminating the Rural Business-Cooperative Service; and abolishing the Appalachian Regional Commission, which promotes economic development and infrastructure in poor rural areas.

Finally, the budget reduces much of rural America to literal flyover country: The proposal cuts subsidies to rural airports, which make it possible for commercial airliners to fly to low-population areas. Per the New York Times:

With the cost per passenger so high, Mr. Trumps budget argues that some of these communities are close enough to major airports that they do not need their own or that they could be served by other existing modes of transportation.

To be fair, when Trump said that the forgotten people of this country will be forgotten no longer, he could have meant that his administration would remember to make their health-care more expensive, transportation less accessible, and communities less well-developed.

(6) America will eliminate its national debt over a period of eight years.

Despite all these cuts, Trumps budget would still increase the deficit by $488 billion.
Tell the governments lawyer, Youre welcome. Photo: Andrea Morales/Getty Images

A federal judge in Hawaii put a nationwide freeze on President Trumps revised travel ban on Wednesday, hours before it would have gone into effect. In his decision granting the temporary restraining order, Federal District Judge Derrick Watson rejected the governments argument that the travel restrictions did not amount to a Muslim ban, and that only probing Trumps veiled psyche and secret motives would turn up evidence of religious discrimination.

Watson agreed that its wrong to undertake a judicial psychoanalysis of a drafters heart of hearts, but he said he didnt have to. There is nothing veiled about this press release: Donald J. Trump is calling for a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States, the judge wrote. He continued:

Nor is there anything secret about the Executives motive specific to the issuance of the Executive Order: Rudolph Giuliani explained on television how the Executive Order came to be. He said: When [Mr. Trump] first announced it, he said, Muslim ban. He called me up. He said, Put a commission together. Show me the right way to do it legally.



On February 21, 2017, commenting on the then-upcoming revision to the Executive Order, the Presidents Senior Adviser, Stephen Miller, stated, Fundamentally, [despite technical revisions meant to address the Ninth Circuits concerns in Washington,] youre still going to have the same basic policy outcome [as the first].



These plainly worded statements, made in the months leading up to and contemporaneous with the signing of the Executive Order, and, in many cases, made by the Executive himself, betray the Executive Orders stated secular purpose. Any reasonable, objective observer would conclude, as does the Court for purposes of the instant Motion for TRO, that the stated secular purpose of the Executive Order is, at the very least, secondary to a religious objective of temporarily suspending the entry of Muslims.

Basically, the Trump administration cant publicly declare again and again that they intend to find a way to legally discriminate against Muslims, then turn around and claim that the ban does no such thing.

So, how did the president respond to this latest setback? By complaining that the current order is just a watered-down version of the original, more discriminatory order, and bringing up radical Islamic terrorists.

Trump discussed the subject for about ten minutes during a rally in Nashville on Wednesday night. The ruling makes us look weak, Trump said, as the crowd booed. He called the Ninth Circuits decision unprecedented judicial overreach, and vowed to take the case all the way to the Supreme Court if necessary. You dont think this was done by a judge for political reasons? he said, sarcastically. No?

The president also said he wanted to go back to the original order, and elaborated on who it was meant to target. The best way to keep foreign terrorists or, as some people would say, in certain instances, radical Islamic terrorists, from attacking our country is to stop them from entering our country in the first place, he said.

Those fighting the ban thanked the president. He should just continue talking, because hes making our arguments for us, said Marielena Hincapie, executive director of the National Immigration Law Center.
President Donald Trump toured an airplane hangar full of American-made cars in Michigan on Wednesday, joined by the CEOs of the Big Three automakers and Transportation secretary Elaine Chao. Also, Governor Rick Snyder was there, and things got kind of awkward when Trump tried to strong-arm the Michigan pol into a photo op with him, Chao, and General Motors CEO Mary Barra.

Trump tells Michigan governor: Come take a photo even though you didn't endorse me ... I never forget. pic.twitter.com/u7CKqKf1UM  Bradd Jaffy (@BraddJaffy) March 16, 2017

I mean, hes made that comment about quite a few people, Snyder said about Trumps dig. So I view as something that, again, lets move forward, lets build bridges, and lets make a stronger economy in our country. Not the first time Snyder hasnt taken the hint.
Prime Minister Mark Rutte waves to supporters on election night. Photo: Bloomberg/Bloomberg via Getty Images

As exit polls suggested, the Dutch election gave foes of Geert Wilders  and right-wing populism in general  reason to cheer. While polls had the anti-Islamic lawmaker in the lead for much of the last year, his Party for Freedom, or PVV, had an underwhelming finish. With 95 percent of the vote counted, PVV is expected to finish second, taking 20 of the 150 seats in parliament. The Peoples Party for Freedom and Democracy, or VVD, came in first with 33 seats, which means Prime Minister Mark Rutte is likely to secure a third term.

This night is a night for the Netherlands  after Brexit, after the American elections  where we said, Stop it, stop it, to the wrong kind of populism, Rutte told cheering supporters at his election-night party.

The Dutch election was seen as a test of right-wing populisms hold over Europe. Far-right candidates appear to be gaining support in France and Germany, which will both hold elections later this year. The German governing coalition led by Chancellor Angela Merkel welcomed the result on Twitter:

Large majority of Dutch voters have rejected anti European populists. That's good news. We need you for a strong #Europe! #tk2017 @MinBZ  GermanForeignOffice (@GermanyDiplo) March 15, 2017

French foreign minister Jean-Marc Ayrault tweeted, Congratulations to the Netherlands for halting the advance of the far right.

Felicitations aux Neerlandais d'avoir enraye la montee de l'extreme droite. Volonte de travailler a une Europe plus forte.  Jean-Marc Ayrault (@jeanmarcayrault) March 15, 2017

But it wasnt all bad news for Wilders: His party is still expected to gain 5 seats, up from its current 15. Ruttes party lost a quarter of its seats, and its current coalition partner, the Labour Party (PvdA), dropped from 38 seats to a new low of 9. Several parties also shifted to the right during the election in an attempt to fend off Wilders.

We are not a party that has lost, Wilders said, according to the Guardian. We gained seats. Thats a result to be proud of  and Rutte is certainly not rid of me yet.

We were the 3rd largest party of the Netherlands.



Now we are the 2nd largest party.



Next time we will be nr. 1! pic.twitter.com/lKN5CFUhPT  Geert Wilders (@geertwilderspvv) March 16, 2017

Dutch politics is now more fractured than ever, with 28 parties participating in the election. It may take Rutte months to form a new coalition, and its likely to be fragile. The Party for Freedom will almost certainly not be a part of the new government, as every other party has vowed not to work with Wilders.
Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images

Sebastian Gorka, the special assistant to President Trump who calls himself a counterterrorism expert despite the consensus view of the national-security community that he isnt one, has had a rough month. His misadventures have ranged from presenting false Guantanamo Bay statistics on Fox & Friends to engaging in a crazy, secretly recorded phone-fight with a real terrorism expert to the revelation that he has long palled around with anti-Semitic groups in Hungary (Gorka was born in London but his parents are from Hungary and he has spent a lot of time there).

Now, it turns out Gorka may have an even tighter connection than previously thought to the Hungarian far right. Writing in the Forward, which has been excellent at probing Gorkas Hungarian connections, Lili Bayer and Larry Cohler-Esses report that according to members of Vitezi Rend (Order of Vitez), a far-right Hungarian group with deep historical ties to the Nazis and to anti-Semitism, Gorka took a lifelong oath of loyalty to the group.

This could help explain why Gorka was seen at President Trumps inaugural balls sporting a medal associated with Vitezi Rend founder Miklos Horthy, the virulently anti-Semitic World War IIera ruler of Hungary ([F]or all my life, I have been an anti-Semite, he once wrote) who cooperated with the Nazis, and why he reportedly signs his name with initials meant to signify membership in the group. At the time, Gorka told Breitbart the medal was meant to symbolize the Hungarian fights against communism and Nazism. And there was some ambiguity about the medals precise meaning: Hungarian scholars who spoke to TPM did not unanimously agree that the medal he wore on inauguration night could definitively be identified with Horthys Order of Vitez, reported Talking Points Memo in February. But they concurred that Gorkas regalia is popular today among Hungarys nationalist conservatives.

If what the Vitezi Rend members told the Forward is true, though, this wasnt just a bit of (creepy) nationalist symbolism  rather, Gorka is a full-blown member of the organization. And that, Bayer and Cohler-Esses explain, would be a problem for the beleaguered self-appointed terrorism expert: The State Departments Foreign Affairs Manual specifies that members of the Vitezi Rend are presumed to be inadmissible to the country under the Immigration and Nationality Act. So if Gorka failed to disclose his membership in the group, a law professor and retired immigration judge told the Forward, it could cause him legal problems and even call his naturalized citizenship into question. Gorka didnt deny his membership in the group to the Forward, failing to respond to multiple emails sent to his work and personal accounts, asking whether he is a member of the Vitezi Rend and, if so, whether he disclosed this on his immigration application and on his application to be naturalized as a U.S. citizen in 2012.

Now, its probably unlikely a top Trump adviser is going to be investigated in such a manner, let alone have his citizenship jeopardized. But this incident does add an interesting flavor to a sentence from Trumps first, defeated-in-court immigration executive order: In order to protect Americans, the United States must ensure that those admitted to this country do not bear hostile attitudes toward it and its founding principles. Indeed!
Senate Select Intelligence Committee chairman Richard Burr, Republican of North Carolina. Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Earlier this month, Donald Trump accused President Barack Obama of having had his wires tapped in Trump Tower before the election. Trump did not provide any real evidence to back up his claim, made via Twitter, and asked Congress to investigate the charge. On Wednesday, the House Intelligence Committee said it found no evidence to back up Trumps accusations. On Thursday, the Senate Intelligence Committee also came up empty.

Based on the information available to us, we see no indications that Trump Tower was the subject of surveillance by any element of the United States government either before or after Election Day 2016, Republican senator Richard Burr, chair of the committee, and Democratic senator Mark Warner, its ranking member, said in a joint statement.

NEW: Senate Intelligence Cmt in bipartisan statement knocks down @realDonaldTrump claim of wiretapping at Trump Tower pic.twitter.com/oIzhw9LJMz  Kelly O'Donnell (@KellyO) March 16, 2017

Trump didnt back down from his wild claim in an interview with Fox News Tucker Carlson on Wednesday, telling him his administration will be submitting things soon to the House Intelligence Committee. Youre going to find some very interesting items coming to the forefront over the next two weeks. He did not specify what those things or items might be, and made the situation even more confusing by adding that wiretapping actually covers surveillance and many other things.
Netherlands politician Geert Wilders of the Party for Freedom (PVV) casts his ballot for Dutch general elections at a polling station in The Hague today. Photo: Remko de Waal/AFP/Getty Images

Going into todays election in the Netherlands, the big story was Geert Wilders. Wilders, a far-right, anti-Islam figure who lives under 24/7 police protection, ran for prime minister as head of the Party for Freedom, or PVV, which he founded in 2006. The PVV has had a major impact during its short lifespan: As the Washington Post explained, It was the third-most-popular party in the Netherlands after the 2010 election, and it agreed to support the minority government. It remained the third-largest party after the 2012 election, although it did not support the government. Polls have suggested that it could win the largest share of votes in this years election. Polls also suggested a tight race for PM between Wilders and current prime minister Mark Rutte, of the Peoples Party for Freedom and Democracy, or VVD.

But based on the first round of exit polling, the election was a setback for Wilders and the PVV. The AP reports that Wilders had an unexpectedly poor showing  finishing far behind Prime Minister Mark Rutte. Things werent much better for the PVV at the parliamentary level: The main exit poll showed Rutte controlling 31 seats, and three parties each winning 19  the pro-EU center party D66, the Christian Democrat CDA, and the Party for Freedom of anti-Islam nationalist Geert Wilders.

This will be welcome news for anyone in favor of a strong EU, opposed to anti-Muslim policies, or both. Wilders, after all, has built a reputation as one of the most virulent anti-Muslim politicians in Europe. The BBCs 2010 article In quotes: Geert Wilders gives a sense of the sort of politician he is, and the sorts of beliefs he would have brought to his role as PM of the Netherlands. Islam is not a religion, its an ideology, the ideology of a retarded culture, he said at one point. I have a problem with Islamic tradition, culture, ideology. Not with Muslim people. On another occasion, he explained that the Koran is a fascist book which incites violence. That is why this book, just like [Adolf Hitlers] Mein Kampf, must be banned. In fact, Wilders has expressed a desire to ban all Islamic symbols, mosques, and the Koran from the country, as the Independent put it.

Not surprisingly, there are links between Wilders and Steve Bannon, the head of the Trump administrations counter-jihad wing  the group of people, including Sebastian Gorka, who believe Islam is a threat to the world and buy into some of the more overheated conspiracy theories about it. When Bannon was executive editor at Breitbart, the site regularly ran opinion pieces by Wilders  Lets Lock the Door to Islam should give you an idea of their flavor. More broadly, theres ideological affinity between Bannon and Wilders stemming from their mutual dislike for the EU; another one of Wilderss Breitbart columns was headlined Britain Is the Brexit Pioneer and Others Will Follow. Bannon has exhibited a desire to help spread far-right, anti-EU nationalism across the European continent, and having Wilders as PM of an important EU state would have helped toward that goal.

Now, as the Washington Post pointed out a few days ago, this election is about a lot more than just Wilders: The Netherlands has an increasingly complicated and fragmented political system, and its becoming harder and harder to form governments. The countrys far-right elements, meanwhile, arent going anywhere, and will remain an influential force. But still, Wilderss defeat will bring a sigh of relief from the many people worried about the current trajectory of the EU.

Thats why some people are already celebrating on Twitter:
Photo: Bloomberg/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Last week, the New York Times said that, according to their analysis, the Americans set to lose the most in tax credits under the Republican health-care plan tended to be Trump voters. The plan would hit older and rural Americans hardest because it wouldnt provide a larger tax credit to people with more expensive plans, the Times Upshot blog explained.

The Congressional Budget Office also estimated that the American Health Care Act would reduce Medicaid spending by $880 billion, though Trump repeatedly promised no cuts to the program when battling his primary opponents, as the Washington Post noted.

So while the AHCA may fulfill Trumps vow to destroy Obamacare immediately, it violates most of the other health-care promises he made to his voters  and theres no way to spin that as fake news. A recent Breitbart headline blared 7 Reasons Why Obamacare 2.0 Is All But Guaranteed to Impose Crushing Costs on Voters, Hurt Trumps Base, and Hand Power Back to the Democrats.

Tucker Carlson raised this point with President Trump during a Fox News interview on Wednesday night. I know that, I know, the president said, as the host cited Bloombergs finding that Trump-supporting counties would be hammered. Its very preliminary.

This isnt consistent with the message of the last election, Carlson said. No, a lot of things arent consistent, Trump acknowledged. But these are going to be negotiated. Weve got to go to the Senate. Were going to see what happens in the Senate. Now right now, we have five or six senators that look like maybe theyre not going to  Im talking about Republicans, because were not going to get one Democrat to vote for it.

Here's Trump openly admitting that the Republican health care plan screws the people who voted for him. pic.twitter.com/mMs0HXLjY1  Zack Ford (@ZackFord) March 16, 2017

Trump repeatedly circled back to the point that Democrats wouldnt vote for the AHCA, calling them selfish and stupid. If this bill were perfect, if it was the greatest thing for Democrats and Republicans, we wouldnt get one Democrat vote, he claimed.

That could be seen as laying the groundwork for the health-care backup plan Trump was reportedly talking about just last week: abandoning efforts to replace Obamacare, and blaming the Democrats once the health-care system collapses.

It looks increasingly unlikely that the AHCA will pass in its current form. Were confident tonight that there are not the votes to modify this current bill to make it acceptable to conservatives and moderates alike, Representative Mark Meadows, chairman of the conservative Freedom Caucus, said on Wednesday night.

Even Speaker Paul Ryan acknowledged on Wednesday that the bill wouldnt make it out of the House without significant changes. While he previously called AHCA a binary choice, now he says leaders will incorporate feedback from lawmakers. Now that we have our score, we can make some necessary improvements and refinements to the bill, he said.



Trump hasnt abandoned the legislation just yet. He told Carlson hes acting as the arbitrator between different Republican factions, but the self-proclaimed expert dealmaker doesnt appear to be relishing that role.

I want to get to taxes, I want to cut the hell out of taxes, Trump said during a rally in Nashville on Wednesday. But before I can do that  I would have loved to have put it first, Ill be honest  there is one more very important thing that we have to do: We are going to repeal and replace the horrible, disastrous Obamacare.

Still, Trump suggested that he wont accept legislation that hurts Americans as much as the AHCA would, even if it means he could move on to other parts of his agenda. If were not going to take care of the people, Im not signing anything, he told Carlson. Im not going to be doing it, just so you understand.
Paper profits. Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images

One of the core promises of Donald Trumps campaign was that he would breathe new life into long-declining American industries. The president vowed to bring boom times back to the coal mines of West Virginia  where decades of automation, resource depletion, and competition from alternative energy resources had evicted countless families from the middle class. He promised to bring similar relief to the automobile factories of the Rust Belt, and construction firms throughout the nation.

There is little evidence that he will make good on any of those pledges. But there is one long-suffering industry that the president has already done wonders for  the office-supplies business.

The week before Trumps inauguration (and/or the Womens March) sales of poster boards, markers, pens, and other (protest) sign-making materials jumped more than 30 percent. Per Bloomberg:

That week, Americans spent an estimated $6 million on suppliesnot insignificant considering that many of the individual items cost $1 or less. Sales of foam boards rose 42 percent. Poster board sales grew 33 percent, and in the week before the inauguration, stores sold roughly one-third of the 6.8 million poster boards sold in January. Paint markers and fabric paint for t-shirts also sold more briskly than normal, said Leen Nsouli, director of industry analysis for office suppliers at NPD.



 The sale jump was an unexpected boon to office supply retailers, which had seen sales drop for 22 weeks with the exception of the week before Christmas, and the two weeks before the march. You were seeing people use more traditional methods to express their thoughts, which was something that we hadnt seen as much, said Nsouli. In the past, everything was always on the computer, on the phone. This was a really cool way to see it on paper, in pencil.

Trump may not be able to generate that kind of boom every week. But it wont be for lack of trying. Over his first two months in office, the president has done (virtually) everything in his power to sustain the protest-sign industrys boom times  from ordering a grotesquely cruel travel ban to egging protesters on with derogatory tweets.

Industry experts expect these efforts to pay dividends. Nsouli told Bloomberg that retailers might want to stock up on paper supplies, in light of the many demonstrations already planned for the coming months.
OMB director Mick Mulvaney clearly went through an archaeological dig of previous conservative budgets to come up with many of his hoary prescriptions. Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images

The conservative lobbying group Heritage Action greeted Donald Trumps first budget (really a budget outline; the full details will come later) with the headline: TRUMPS BIG LEAGUE CONSERVATIVE BUDGET REQUEST. Thats an appropriate take, and not just because the groups parent organization, the Heritage Foundation, has left fingerprints all over the proposal, hastily assembled by a less than complete OMB staff. It is, in many respects, a sort of greatest hits compilation of conservative prescriptions for paying for a big defense-spending increase with targeted and general cuts in nondefense discretionary programs  domestic spending that is not in one of the big entitlement programs.

The fact that its all wrapped up in the bristling America First language of nationalist populism  with a few distinctive flourishes like a truly neanderthal attack on the State Department that takes one back to the McCarthy era  should not distract from the fact that this is a very conventionally conservative budget prepared by the very conventionally conservative OMB director Mick Mulvaney.

Those who remember the budget wars of the Reagan era will find a lot of blasts from the past in the list of agencies and programs Mulvaney is proposing to shutter entirely: the Appalachian Regional Commission, Community Development Block Grants, the Economic Development Administration, the Legal Services Corporation, Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, and the Overseas Private Investment Corporation  all were surviving targets of Reagans first budget in 1981. Other targets are products of the later culture wars: federal funding of the arts and culture would be basically eliminated, with the closure of the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. And still other programs Team Trump seeks to kill involve initiatives associated closely with Democratic presidents, such as the Corporation for National and Community Service (including Bill Clintons signature AmeriCorps program) and Barack Obamas various clean-energy and climate-change initiatives.

Along with the individual constituencies affected, its reasonably clear state and local governments will be unhappy with the budget, as they have been unhappy with most Republican presidential budgets over the years. Again and again in Mulvaneys document you see reductions or eliminations of small grant programs justified as being things states and localities should pay for themselves. And thats aside from the big-ticket cuts like EPA grants and CDBG (the last significant source of general-purpose funding for local governments).

Another notable and familiar feature of the budget is what you might call cannibalization: Within major agencies Trump priorities are funded by cuts in things his people dont know or care about. Thats how you wind up with an America First budget that hammers a variety of Department of Homeland Defense programs (including the Coast Guard, TSA, and FEMA) in order to shower money on the Wall and border control.

It will be abundantly noted today that the Trump budget document is a strictly hortatory effort. When Reagan released his 1981 budget, his brilliant budget director, David Stockman, had already hatched plans to implement it using an obscure legislative vehicle called reconciliation, which enabled Republicans to get much of what they wanted in one huge bill that only required a majority vote. The GOP is again using reconciliation this year, but its being largely deployed to repeal and replace Obamacare (not very successfully at the moment, but thats another story) and then to cut taxes. (Reconciliation can only be used once per fiscal year; the GOP gets to use it twice this time because because Congress never passed a 2017 budget resolution last year.) So the Trump budgets fate will mostly fall to the Appropriations committees, those notoriously picky barons who tend to reject executive-branch dictation over their programs. Its appropriators and their staffs who are already out there declaring Mulvaneys handiwork dead on arrival.

And thats probably okay with Team Trump, which seems to be using the whole budget exercise to send messages rather than to get anything done. Mulvaney in effect took off the green eyeshade of the budget wonk and put on his MAGA hat  maybe a military version in khaki  in describing the budget:

It is not a soft-power budget, Mulvaney explained. This is a hard-power budget, and that was done intentionally. The president very clearly wants to send a message to our allies and to our potential adversaries that this is a strong-power administration.

Yep, its a Big League Conservative Budget Request, and like many others, it should be taken with a shaker of salt.
West Virginia senator Shelley Moore Capito is one of a number of GOP senators who probably wont go along with hammering the states that expanded Medicaid under Obamacare. Photo: Jim Watson/AFP/Getty Images

Much of the Republican factional infighting over the new American Health Care Act involves the proposals impact on the Medicaid program. And thats appropriate: For all the discussion of Obamacares exchanges for purchasing individual health-insurance policies, a majority of the roughly 20 million uninsured Americans who obtained coverage under the Affordable Care Act did so through the Medicaid program, which ACA expanded to cover working poor people without children or disabilities. Even though the Supreme Court made this Medicaid expansion optional, 31 states ultimately accepted it, some lured by very generous federal financial inducements that let them try out conservative policy experiments on the Medicaid population. So its worth some effort to understand how the new proposal affects the Medicaid expansion and the underlying program, and how that affects the politics of the repeal-and-replace effort.

Ever since Obamacare became law, Republican politicians have been struggling with ways to reverse the expansion and pursue a long-standing goal of limiting federal responsibility for the low-income population served by Medicaid. However, they have been doing so over the objections of 13 Republican-governed states that chose to participate in ACAs Medicaid expansion. The GOPs new American Health Care Act appears to incorporate a decision to offer states short-term Medicaid money in exchange for sharp, permanent cuts down the road. Like most of the AHCAs provisions, its treatment of Medicaid may fall between two stools and satisfy no one.

Four GOP senators (Shelly Moore Capito of West Virginia, Cory Gardner of Colorado, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, and Rob Portman of Ohio) representing Medicaid-expanding states were among the loudest voices complaining about the leaked February 10 draft of the House GOPs Obamacare replacement legislation, which would have simply killed the expansion after 2020. That language would have left the expansion states with a choice of abandoning millions of beneficiaries or covering them at the much lower pre-expansion match rate. So the actual bill tweaked the transition to let expansion states continue to get the super-match for new beneficiaries who signed up by the end of 2019  in effect a phase-down of the expansion instead of a phase-out (though in reality the tendency of Medicaid beneficiaries to cycle quickly and repeatedly in and out of coverage could mean a faster phase-down than one might imagine).

But the bill retains a Medicaid reform feature that conservatives were promoting long before Obamacare was created: a per capita cap on how much the federal government will pay the states for each beneficiary. Unlike a block grant, which just limits the total amount states receive from Washington to cover all Medicaid beneficiaries, a cap will let states cover more people, but not expand the range of benefits or pay doctors and other providers at a higher rate. Because of vast differences between the states on benefit and reimbursement rates, there are huge variances in per capita expenditures between the states. In 2016, Georgia spent $4,245 per beneficiary, while Massachusetts spent $11,091. These inequities would likely be frozen in amber by a per capita cap.

Over time, the AHCA is designed to ratchet down federal Medicaid spending as the generous federal inducements the expansion offered fade away, and states decide to do more for fewer people, or less for more people. Based on applying the AHCA formula to actual recent costs, the liberal Center for Budget and Policy Priorities estimates the per capita cap would shift $370 billion in costs from the federal government to the states over ten years. And the shift could get much, much larger if the arbitrary allotments to the states created by the cap are lowered by future Congresses. Indeed, many conservatives have long viewed Medicaid reforms like a per capita cap as a way station to dumping the whole mess on the states  or better yet, private charities and individuals themselves once and for all.

So the AHCA formula essentially exchanges short-term generosity to the states for long-term reforms that will hammer them. That should buy off current Republican governors while making conservatives happy, right? Not necessarily. GOP governors (e.g., Nevadas Brian Sandoval) are already beginning to complain the phase-down of funding for the Medicaid expansion will still throw a lot of people out of coverage, soon if not immediately. And nearly all the governors are alarmed by the absence of language in AHCA giving them the flexibility to use reduced funds as they wish to serve the eligible population.

Meanwhile, some conservatives  especially from non-expansion states are angry that the Medicaid expansion is being accommodated at all, and according to some accounts Donald Trump is listening to them. And other commentators are noting that the interaction of the AHCAs Medicaid and private insurance provisions will actually produce immediate pressure on the states to expand Medicaid to avoid a big coverage loss from inadequate purchasing subsidies. As influential conservative health-policy expert Avik Roy argues, the AHCAs tax credits for individuals to buy health insurance are so small that the working poor will have a strong incentive to stay in Medicaid instead of entering the individual market, while the states will have a strong incentive to keep Medicaid as large as they can to avoid a big spike in the ranks of the uninsured. And that will infuriate those many conservatives who view big, permanent, and immediate changes to Medicaid as the shriveled booby prize they receive for having to abandon (or so it seems right now) their more avaricious dreams of entitlement reform in the Trump era.

As in other aspects of health-care policy, on Medicaid the AHCA tries unsuccessfully to placate the various Republican factions. And any further tweaks are almost certain to increase one factions fury even if the lower anothers  particularly in the Senate, where losing just three of 52 Republicans will likely prove fatal to the entire enterprise.
Photo: Aaron P. Bernstein/Bloomberg via Getty Images

The Trump administration has had a rough week, with a federal judge blocking the new travel ban, the GOP bickering over its health bill, and the House Intelligence Committee shooting down President Trumps wiretapping claim. The White House needs to change the subject, and their bold new budget plan is sure to do that  though Republican lawmakers are already saying it will never pass.

Trump previously revealed that he would seek a $54 billion increase in defense spending, to be offset by major cuts to the State Department and the Environmental Protection Agency. Indeed, the Washington Post reports that the budget blueprint being unveiled on Thursday strips money from more than 18 agencies. The EPA is hit the hardest, with a funding cut of more than 30 percent; the Agriculture, Labor, and State departments would see reductions of more than 20 percent.

Many smaller programs would be eliminated entirely, including the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Endowment for the Arts, and Legal Services Corporation.

Aside from the Department of Defense, the agencies that benefit are Veterans Affairs and Homeland Security. The latter would see a $2.8 billion increase in funding, with much of it going toward the border wall with Mexico.

The White House clearly wants to make a statement with the shockingly drastic budget  specifically, that the administration is powerful.

There is no question that this is a hard-power budget  it is not a soft-power budget, said Office of Management and Budget director Mick Mulvaney told CNN. This is a hard-power budget and that was done intentionally. The president very clearly wants to send a message to our allies and our potential adversaries that this is a strong-power administration.

The administrations budget isnt going to be the budget, said Senator Marco Rubio. We do the budget here. The administration makes recommendations, but Congress does budgets.

But the proposal is short on details, and several lawmakers have dismissed it as unrealistic and contradictory. Republican senator Lindsey Graham has called the cuts to the State Department dead on arrival, and Democratic senator Patrick Leahy said the White House is only proposing the massive spending cuts because they know they wont make it through Congress. They know theyd be a disaster for their own party if they did. It makes for a great talking point. It actually fits on a tweet, he said.
Photo: oureric/Twitter

Last week, two kids  4-year-old Marion in a yellow sweater and 8-month-old James in a walker  burst in on their dad, professor Robert E. Kelly, who was in the middle of an interview with the BBC, discussing South Korean geopolitics. The video was a smash hit. You definitely saw it. Heck, your mom definitely saw it. It was good.

If youre one of the miraculous few that missed it, here you go:

Related Stories Yellow Is the Color of Virality

This week, Kelly and his wife, Kim Jung-a, gave a press conference in South Korea discussing the now-viral video. Marion and James were also in attendance. And while Im sure her parents gave great and pleasant answers about the fun that is becoming a fleeting internet star, once again, Marion  dressed this time in a trench coat, take-no-prisoners stare, and her signature pink glasses  was the highly meme-able star of the press conference.

BBC interview kid has just been cast as Commissioner Gordon in the new Batman movie. pic.twitter.com/mM2aYgMOGM  R. Eric Thomas (@oureric) March 15, 2017

If she isn't President of Earth by the time I'm 80, I'll be bitterly disappointed. pic.twitter.com/f5qEfaaPT7  David Llewellyn (@TheDaiLlew) March 15, 2017

When you know you're BBC interview kid and don't have to even try anymore. pic.twitter.com/fIcmpZCFlt  Rachel Waterman (@RW_HofV) March 16, 2017

Hey Kellyanne Conway: I found your Inspector Gadget. And she means business. pic.twitter.com/DVX2KzobXT  Ryan McGee (@TVMcGee) March 16, 2017

BBC kid will be the best PhD student ever. Right @Gabi_SLP ? pic.twitter.com/wjmdaxifX0  Jana Rieger (@JanaRieger) March 16, 2017

BBC kid should be the next Doctor Who imo pic.twitter.com/tNA3mPqU5f  Elena Cresci (@elenacresci) March 15, 2017

BBC kid is clearly the bad cop.
Photo: Clarence Sinclair Bull/John Kobal Foundation/Getty Images

Whether youre a thank-you note loyalist or havent touched a note card since the first time you heard your desktop intone Youve got mail, now is an especially good moment to consider sending a letter. With so much time now spent communicating with friends via Zoom calls and Slack, there is something especially gratifying about receiving handwritten mail from a friend or loved one. Since a letter is something the recipient often keeps, youll want to choose your stationery wisely. To find the loveliest-looking, sturdiest stationery available now, we reached out to several note-writers with impeccable taste to hear about the letter papers, note cards, and postcards theyre currently using to keep in touch.

Smythson London Bus Correspondence Cards $39 Both Araks Yeramyan, founder of the namesake lingerie line, and Nell Diamond, founder of Hill House Home, told us their favorite stationery comes from luxury British leather- and paper-goods brand Smythson. While the price of $39 for ten cards might seem steep, file this one under relatively inexpensive goods from otherwise expensive brands: Using them makes me feel special, says Yeramyan. And when I send a note on their stationery, the note is imbued with that feeling too. Diamond feels similarly about the stationery: My dad has been gifting me Smythson correspondence cards and notebooks on my birthday since I could write, so these have a special place in my heart, she says. The card stock feels sturdy and soft all at once, and I always feel very proper writing my thank-yous on them. The cards come in an elegant blue box (I always save and use to store things, says Diamond) and feature charming illustrations, like this double-decker bus pack, which Diamond says is her recent favorite. $39 at Smythson Buy

Choosing Keeping Pink Rivoli Writing Paper Pad $12 Leigh Batnick Plessner, cocreative director of Catbird, told us about this light-pink stationery from Choosing Keeping. Every night (okay, a lot of nights), Ive been writing love letters to our customers on sheer pale-pink paper inspired by Elizabeth Peytons Pierre, says Plessner. I love the size, weight, and smoothness of this paper; its perfect to scrawl a note on with an inky pen. For Plessner, the best stationery is lovely but not fussy and preferably comes in a big stack because it holds the promise of so much correspondence. This Pink Rivoli Writing Paper Pad satisfies that description exactly, she says. $12 at Choosing Keeping Buy

G. Lalo Mode de Paris Boxed Stationery $40 Architect and designer Adam Charlap Hyman told us that, for personal correspondence, his go-to paper goods are from G. Lalo, which he describes as inexpensive but nice-feeling and available in an array of colors. Hyman says that he has been using the stationery in the pistachio color for many years, in part because its not a color that makes a big statement, but it does feel a little more special than white. G. Lalo is also a favorite of illustrator Maira Kalman, who included the bordered correspondence set on her list of items she cant live without. Mostly I write letters to my granddaughter Olive and her little sister Esme, Kalman told us. Olive is 4, and Ive been writing her an illustrated letter on this stationery every week or every two weeks since she was born. So now she has hundreds of letters and a record of the history of her life and the history of my life over the last four years. $40 at European Paper Buy

Maurele Catalonia Letter Papers From $48 From $48 Photographer Chloe Crane-Leroux told us that her preferred stationery comes from new brand Maurele, which offers custom note cards, letter papers, and leather goods in designs inspired by the paper goods of artists and writers. My favorite style is definitely the Catalonia, which features a big statement header apparently inspired by Dalis stationery, says Crane-Leroux. Ive designed mine using the font called LOVE; the second I saw the dramatic C from my name, I was sold. She says shes been using letter papers from the brand to write notes to her boyfriend, and that the line offers a wide range of font styles and colors so that you can create a stationery set that feels especially personal. The template designs are all elegant and distinct, they have everything from big and bold to quiet and minimal styles, says Crane-Leroux. The customization options let you really make it your own, with options like placement and orientation, text color, etc., and a dozen typefaces that usually only designers have access to. From $48 at Maurele Buy

Papier Merci Note-Card Set $28 $28 Another customized option comes recommended to us by Joanna Payne, founder of Marguerite, a London-based group for women in the arts and design communities. I absolutely love these note cards by Luke Edward Hall, says Payne. The maximalist artist and designers work can be found on several cards from Papier (including a hot-dog-themed set, which were partial to). But for Payne, the appeal of the Merci cards lies in their less-is-more look. Im particularly drawn to the simplicity of the Merci series. Theyre just so chic, she says. $28 at Papier Buy

Ive been writing letters to friends for the first time since email was invented, says designer Susan Alexandra. Her go-to stationery is a collection of postcards shes stockpiled from museum shops (the best part of any museum), and she told us that eBay has a sick selection too. And though it may be a while before you can browse postcards and note cards in person at your favorite museum, many of their shops are still open online and shipping orders. These note cards from the Phoenix Art Museum and the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., are Alexandras recent favorites.

Fotofolio 10 Assorted Postcards $15 If you like the idea of sending a note on a postcard, Passerbuys founder Clemence Poles suggests looking at the newly open web store of New York City photography-postcard shop Fotofolio. You can order an assortment of ten postcards with images by various photographers (like William Eggleston and Duane Michals). Fotofolio also offers a subscription postcard service that includes ten postcards every month (which might also make a great gift for the photography fan in your life). And if you just want to send one postcard to someone special, Poles says that Fotofolio will offer to handwrite your note and mail it for you, which is pretty neat. $15 at Fotofolio Buy

The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best womens jeans, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, ultra-flattering pants, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.

Every editorial product is independently selected. If you buy something through our links, New York may earn an affiliate commission.


This Hair of Mine. Photo: Cyndia Harvey & Akinola Davies Jr

Cyndia Harvey is a hairstylist, but shes also a magician. She transforms stray tendrils into wispy crowns and ordinary pixies into art. Its the kind of thing youd expect from a wunderkind whos also the protege of immutable hair legend, Sam McKnight. Though her work has marked the pages of froufrou glossies and punctuated many a fashion campaign (she styled the hair for Calvin Kleins fall ads and Kenzos spring visuals), her short film, This Hair of Mine, is her most personal contribution. In the six-minute movie, Harvey illuminates decadent and complex hairstyles from select African tribes: I wanted to show black women how beautiful we are, she told the Cut.

As London-based Harvey readies to present the film stateside (it will be part of a special exhibition at Red Hook Labs in Brooklyn from May 4 to May 14), she spoke about why This Hair of Mine was so deeply meaningful, the reason fashion still struggles with appropriation, and how diversity within the industry is simultaneously her frustration and her joy.

Why did you create This Hair of Mine?

I wanted to do something that showcased black hair in its most authentic form. There is so much tradition and heritage within black hair. What pushed me was when I came across an article last year about a school in South Africa that banned young women from wearing Afro hair. Untidy Afros, they called them. I was really inspired by the bravery of these 12-year-old girls, standing up to systemic racism. How can you tell me that the way my hair naturally grows out of my head is untidy or isnt the way to wear my hair? As black women, no other race has had to consider their hair as much as we have on a professional and social level. I actually had the idea in my head for a while, especially [as I was] working in fashion. Because of the lack of diversity I dont get to work with black models that often. What I want people to take away from this film is  just seeing girls being proud about themselves and really confident.

What was the process in finding these women?

I worked with a casting director. I wanted different countries in Africa represented so I could present a full story. Once we found the girls, we asked them to send a little snippet about themselves and their tribal ancestry. When they would come back to me and say things like my moms from this tribe, I would take hairstyles from the tribe that fit their background and do it on them. Each girl is not just wearing a hairstyle  each style is somehow connected to them directly, but with my own twist.

What brought you to hair artistry in the first place?

I grew up in Jamaica. My mum was a hairstylist. Each day after school I would go to her salon and sit and wait for her to finish work because I was too young to be home by myself. Id be so bored out of my mind, but then I decided to join in, and I was really good at it! That was my first introduction to hair, and I took it up again when I was 18. I worked in salon for a while, and then I started doing fashion week. My first season doing fashion week I worked on a show with Sam [McKnight]. The relationship grew from there. We got on really well, I was really good at what I did, and I guess he saw that and took me under his wing. I worked with him as a second assistant for two years and then for four years as his first assistant.

This Hair of Mine. Photo: Cyndia Harvey & Akinola Davies Jr

What is the most helpful thing you learned from Sam?

He taught me the importance of knowing how to make someone feel good in your chair. Hair and makeup is one of the first stages [models] go through [on a shoot]. If thats not a nice experience, then that can set the tone for the rest of the day. You make them feel good, you make them feel confident before they go out and have their picture taken in front of 100 people. Sam is really good at that.

What brings you the most joy within the fashion industry? The most frustration?

Theres still a lot of work to do, but in the last few years, its been great to see how diversified [the fashion industry] has become. That brings me a lot of pleasure. Theres an activism spirit in the air. What makes me happy and what brings me frustration are both the same thing. The lack of diversity, still, but also the fact that its more diverse than its ever been. Its more open and more accepting, but theres still a lot of work to do.

This Hair of Mine. Photo: Cyndia Harvey & Akinola Davies Jr

The conversation surrounding culture appropriation is more robust than ever. Many in fashion still dont understand why co-opting elements often central to minority communities is offensive, and continue to do so. Why do you imagine this still happens?

These things keep happening because of pure ignorance. Its not so much that you cant be influenced by another culture, but if its not acknowledged where it comes from, then thats a problem. What people dont understand about appropriation is that people are not upset when you appropriate their culture because you decided to try something out of the context in which it belongs. The problem is that when its within that context [in which it belongs], its usually seen as negative. Its like cornrows are cool, but when I wear it, its ghetto. If a black girl goes to an interview in cornrows, she probably wont get that job. These people are still being oppressed for the same thing youre being praised for. You see it with the girls in South Africa. Even in England. These young women are suffering for something that so many people are appropriating and being praised for as a trend. Black women are suffering because this is how they have to wear their hair. Its not just a style or statement or fashion.

To date, what within your work makes you proudest?

Doing this film is definitely a proud moment because the message that it sends across is a great one. Its a positive message in terms of making women feel more proud to wear their hair naturally. On a superficial level, doing the Calvin Klein campaign. Its so representative, its so diverse  it speaks to everyone.

This Hair of Mine. Photo: Cyndia Harvey & Akinola Davies Jr

And any dream clients?

Rihanna! I would just love to hang out with Rihanna for a day, I dont even have to do her hair, really! Id love to hang out with Angela Davis for a day as well. Id love to put my Afro pick in that fro. I would have loved to work with Prince. Hes one of my hair icons.

This interview has been edited and condensed.

This Hair of Mine creative direction & hairstylist: Cyndia Harvey; videographer: Akinola Davis Jr.; director of photography: Jack Wells; casting direction: TM Casting; styling: PC Williams; makeup: Nami Yoshida; Music courtesy of ARCA.
Photo: SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images

Who knew that Ivanka Trump was such a fan of the theater that shed be up for catching a performance on a Wednesday night? Forget the big, splashy Broadway musicals, too. Ivanka, it seems, has a liking for smaller, more intimate performances  like the musical, Come From Away, a feel-good story about Canadians helping Americans in the immediate aftermath of 9/11. But such is apparently the case, as Ivanka made a surprise appearance at the show tonight, alongside Nikki Haley, the new ambassador to the United Nations. Judging from photos of her in the audience, she seemed quite excited to be there.



Oh  we should note: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was also there. Hmm.



Ivanka Trump joins PM Justin Trudeau and former PM Jean Chretien at NY musical #ComeFromAway about Canadian kindness after 911  Joy Malbon (@JoyCTV) March 16, 2017

Trudeau and Ivanka reportedly arrived at the show in the same motorcade but different cars. Its unclear whether Haley and Ivanka were invited by Trudeau, or whether their visit was coordinated across administrations in any way.



And there's Ivanka Trump arriving in the same motorcade, different vehicle, as PM Trudeau at the Broadway play pic.twitter.com/wIrmxmFzdd  Alexander Panetta (@Alex_Panetta) March 16, 2017

What we do have, however, is this photo of a smiley Ivanka, waiting for the show to begin.



Like we said, who knew she loved the theater so much?


Push play, I dare you.

But yes eventually all dogs go to heaven.

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[ spoiler ] Not until after she gets to adopt him and he gets 8 happy playful months at home in NY her with her and her other animals, at least that is what happened in real life. So at he least dies peacefully surrounded by love

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nice try, propaganda

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one one hand, nice female lead and the power of human-animal friendship and loyalty. on the other hand fuck i don't need another heroic american fighting in the iraq war movie no ty

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[ spoiler does the dog die? ] If it helps, she leaves the military in 2008, the military keeps the dog for work, but finally she's allowed to adopt him when they decide to retire the dog in 2012. He gets to live with her for 8 months, make friends with her other dogs and cats, swim in the pool during the summer, sleep in her bed, get a standing ovation at Yankee stadium, etc before he passes away. I had to look that up because it's bad enough when the dog dies I had to make sure he didn't die violently.



Edited at 2017-03-16 12:57 am (UTC)

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I doubt this will be big but they're so gonna play the ~imperialism is feminist~ card w/ this, makes me want to throw up

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i think they're just trying to get sad dog people from the bible belt to give them money

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lol yeah i don't think this seems to have much of a heroic or feminist angle to it judging from the trailer



it's just a fuck-up who joins the marines and falls in love with a dog

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Oh then nevermind. Guess that spot's open after the a dog's purpose mess

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I just recently found out that Kate Mara is living in my city while Jamie Bell films turn & my coworker ran into her at Whole Foods & a friend of hers has a yoga class with her.

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Kate Mara? Huh.

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let me see your doggies ONTD

this brady bunch are mine Mika,Mona,Morena,Hyuna and Martina



OMG NO, do not give me dogs dying.. (or Kate Mara)let me see your doggies ONTDthis brady bunch are mine Mika,Mona,Morena,Hyuna and Martina

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Edited at 2017-03-15 09:27 pm (UTC) This is my Dusty boy <3

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LABS

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Aw how precious

also loving the Cheryl icon!

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dammit Hyuna, breaking the combo.

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This is Howard. He is a very good boy!



I love your pups so much!! The lady on the right is my fave.This is Howard. He is a very good boy!

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are those schnauzers? I love your dogs!

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omgggg so happy and inquisitive

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Learn more about LiveJournal Ratings in Hello! Your entry got to top-25 of the most popular entries in LiveJournal!Learn more about LiveJournal Ratings in FAQ

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Kate Mara is so basic and average-looking that I totally buy her as a random soldier (not saying soldiers are all basic! My momma was a soldier and she's gorg)

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I'm not gonna watch movies with dogs in a cinema. Nobody needs to see my red, blotchy and bloated eyes from crying so goddamn hard

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I saw this a while back; it's pretty good. It prioritizes her own journey & her relationship with the dog way over her relationships with men, so of course that gets a big ol'  from me.

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Woof Wednesday!



I will not see this movie.

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I've started dog walking on the side and it's so rewarding <3

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Dog walking was probably the best job i ever had (at least when I had my own route and not the days I was filling in for other people and their troublesome dogs lol)

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also do you think it makes 45 mad that Obama has 86 million followers and he only has 26 m

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Sis why don't you go @ his ass on twitter so his orange crusty ass is made aware of that. Who knows maybe he'll go on another fast food binge and have a stroke because of you

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you know his insane ass will say they're fake accounts and bough by obama's team or some other bullshit

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Obviously. He's so painfully insecure.

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lmaooo your icon!



my favorite useless first daughter

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yeah duke is the worst! have you gone to the tournament at msg?

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Nah they ain't winning it, I can't wait to see Allen's crying face

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im sorry if this is OT, but you mentioned dance, aka music. i cant fucking get "swalla" by jason derulo and nicki minaj out of my head. i hate that i love it.. does anybody have some witchcraft shit i can try??

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I didn't know we had shill bots on ONTD.



Reddit's impact!

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HAWWWKS ROCK CHALK!!!

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Rock Chalk!

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go nova!



ready to kick all your asses!

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idk anything about the NBA so I'm just here for the OP and the real purpose of this post, Tr*mp bashing

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literally mte



also she's hella cute in that gif



Edited at 2017-03-16 02:28 am (UTC)

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lol it's not the NBA it's college teams! lol it's not the NBA it's college teams!

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I know this is a weird thing to focus on, but I love Obama's signature. (Now that's he's gone, I miss all the little things)

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Federal judge points to comments from Giuliani, Miller as justification for blocking Trump travel ban https://t.co/xRqdwjJjjU pic.twitter.com/2fArvkcQKy  The Hill (@thehill) March 16, 2017





And then in his bitch fest tonight, Trump said it was basically the same muslim ban as before, which means he just gave the courts more ammo against him, lmao. I'm just here to make fun of Trump losing again.And then in his bitch fest tonight, Trump said it was basically the same muslim ban as before, which means he just gave the courts more ammo against him, lmao.

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 take that u orange turd

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my favorite part is when he said it was unprecedented



dude



there is literally a precedent for it

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lol seethe, pos. i love it that their own actions are the cause of this fail.

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ofc he put carolina first bc he has the best taste

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I'm like so torn bc yay carolina but also I hate carolina

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I only got to see him *once* on campus when he was walking with someone else past the convenience store at Ram's Head lol

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This me when my mom cooks that food that I like

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I'm gonna need other women's team to start being good, cause I'm sick of UConn tbh.

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Connecticut has literally nothing else going for it plz just let us have this

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I stg they fucked up Maryland's seed to make that region more interesting. But UConn is still gonna win it all.

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SC WBB all the wayyyy

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just made mine and it's trash ofc

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Please win Kentucky, I don't want my city to erupt in chaos because of stupid college kids

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ontd who do you think is gonna win? idgaf about bball but i made a bracket last night for my friend group and did minimal analysis of the espn stats and mostly just ~went with my gut and picked gonzaga winning it all over kentucky. realistic or nah?

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Gonzaga is a good team, but I had them losing to Arizona.

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i have arizona taking them out too. but i wouldn't be surprised if they were the first big upset early in the tourney

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sry b i get em losing to arizona ha

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I joined the ONTD group! I'm gonna lose though. lol I have too much faith in my Bruins.

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i know so little about ncaa basketball but i still feel offended that obama didn't pick ucla to win LOL

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lol same i always put down wisconsin winning.

it got me pretty far in my bracket in '15 though lol

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lmao they're not even hiding the nepotism now.

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Cody Lohan, really? You'd think seeing his sister being chewed up and spit out would have discouraged him from entering the spotlight no matter what form it's in.



Whatever happened to Ali's career? She fell off pretty quickly.



And my pet peeves are outside shoes in the house and people who can sit in front of the TV for hours, but can't find five minutes to wash their dishes.

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lbr Ali had nowhere to fall off from

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he was probably raised to think if he didnt try for fame, then hes a failure. i mean, his parents are basically human dumpster fires

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Last I heard of Ali she was an escort and hooked on heroin (it was from a blind item that i read here and most people were guessing her)



This celebrity is C- list but probably has A list name recognition. She has not seen sunlight in over a month. She is struggling to stay sober. She has a huge heroin problem and at one point was trading sex for heroin. Her family chipped in to get her a boob job because they thought who would help her modeling career. So far though they have received nothing on their investment except that she did pose for a staggering number of nude photos in a country where she was legal to pose naked.



edited to add blind item



Edited at 2017-03-17 04:27 pm (UTC)

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douchebag central

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chase is ugly

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My pet peeve is all of these ugly trust fund nobodies masquerading as models.

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cody lohan? lmao

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brandon thomas lee is fug, their other kid (dylan?) is qter

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I can't believe that's him. What happened?

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the thought of pressing play on a video of nepotistic models complaining about what bothers them...Ha!

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omg @ this title, lmao.



They all seem like douches. Bye

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this video is like something out of zoolander

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they're not as ugly as i thought they would be. some are even pretty cute. especially compared to sean penn's "model" son

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gag me with a spoon

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Won't even try to watch the video tbh

My main pet peeves are long nails on males and ugly tattoos on everyone

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I agree with long nails on males, but I also love guitar players so sometimes I have to ignore it.

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It must be hard to watch porn then sis. everyone has awful tattoos

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You don't even know how many times I've turned off great porn because of ugly tattoos, it's big porn studios require to have at lest one incredibly tacky tattoo

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lets be honest

she had nothing to do

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she's hosting AGT this summer.

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welp i guess i was wrong then

oops

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Maybe they ended up not wanting ha! imagine if shes lesser than Nick cannon...her ego would be destroyed

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didnt she launch her dumb makeup pyramid scheme

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i mean, technically it was like ~maternity leave since her son was born a little over a year ago.



but essentially yes

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mte.



we've helped with ANTM since season 1 and when production didn't reach out to my company in the usual timeline we knew it was going to be cancelled weeks before Tyra posted that crap about thinking last season should be the final one. then when coordinators reached out to us with a renewal and reduced budget it didn't surprise me Tyra wasn't going to come back and take a pay cut.



thankfully thirsty ass humble Rita took over the role until she came back to her senses.

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amen

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That drive-by shooting that Rita missed by hours really must have messed with her head.

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missed by hours



Bitch! lmfao

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LMAO

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It was for sure Tyra! Confirmed.

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wait what did i miss

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omfg lol

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thank god, rita had zero charisma

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She really didn't even seem to actually care that much either, after Giah was eliminated(was it Giah? She had a fav she tried to fight for but her vote was outnumbered) she clearly lost the already very little enjoyment she got from the show

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yea... she really was miscast. she also like never gave any good advice (probs cause she's not a model.)

rip

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lmaooooo



Sometimes I'm shocked Tyra isn't a scorpio and I say that as a scorpio.

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as a fellow scorpio, im cackling



Edited at 2017-03-16 10:52 pm (UTC)

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Is she an Aries? She seems strong-willed/stubborn af.

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lol, Sag with Aries moon-- no wonder she's so into herself. <3

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So how does the inverse of this look like? Like what's the opposite of Tyra Banks? Asking for a freind.

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That shit ain't real

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Tyra is so not a scorpio

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i also submitted this, oop.

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What kind of Brett Favre realness..

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Poor Brett Favre, even replaced as the go-to faux-retirement meme.



Hopefully he manages to not send pictures of his dick to random women this time.

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i think you mean Jay Leno

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LMAO

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That's good. She's a much better host.

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lmfaoooo

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I swear this was the post I was reading before about her becoming the host of America's Got Talent and then i got sad when I realized it was that show and not ANTM and now this. Its all very confusing.



But I'm here for it. ANTM went off the deep end the last... I dont know, 10 seasons or so but Tyra's insanity added to it. Rita and co. was too serious about this joke of a show.

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That's that Harvard mentality!

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This magna cum laude queen. When will your University of Phoenix faves?

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Did she attend Harvard or just printed out a certificate on MS Word?

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lol @ this comment being above a Conan gif, how apt!

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The ivy league queen

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he's so ugly. delete it fat

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LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOL



first person to pop up in my head.

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that contour

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The semi-autonomous region of Kurdistan in northern Iraq is estimated to have 45 billion barrels of oil reserves that it started to explore just a decade ago, after the fall of Saddam Hussein.

At the beginning of the 2010s, Kurdistan had been planning to have its production reach 1 million bpd by 2015, but the advance of Islamic State in northern Iraq in 2014, the start of the oil price crash, and the continuous disputes with the central Iraqi government in Baghdad over oil production, export routes and revenues all have stalled the development of the Kurdish oil fields in recent years.

Current production from the fields in northern Iraq held by the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) is around 600,000 bpdroughly the output of OPEC member Qatar.

KRGas well as Iraqs central government and any other oil producing region and nation out therehas been hit by the oil price slump, and the Kurds have been struggling to pay their dues to the international oil companies operating and developing their fields. The lower-for-longer oil prices, coupled with the ISIS threat in the region and the KRG-Baghdad squabble over oil and money, have been discouraging oil companies that had initially signed deals to develop and extract Kurdish oil.

But now the tide may be turning, and some of KRGs economic and political problems may have found solutions, Bloomberg reports.

ISIS is in retreat in Iraq, and since Iraqi forces and the U.S.-led coalition launched an offensive to free Mosul from the Islamist militants in October, they have retaken eastern Mosul and around 30 percent of the western part of the city from ISIS. Mosul is the last big city in Iraq that the Islamic State still holds. Related: Saudi Arabia Tries To Reassure Markets After Oil Price Plunge

Then, there are this years higher oil prices, which have eased KRGs strained finances and allowed it to resume paying the arrears to the oil companies pumping from its fields.

For example, London-listed Gulf Keystone Petroleum, which operates the Shaikan field with current production capacity of 40,000 bpd, confirmed last week that it had received a gross payment of US$15 million from the KRG for Shaikan crude oil export sales in December 2016. Norways DNO ASA said it received US$43.79 million from the KRG for December 2016 crude oil deliveries to the export market from the Tawke field, whose production in December averaged 110,335 bpd, of which 109,546 bpd was delivered for export through Turkey.

The Norwegian company is currently the biggest international producer in Kurdistan, and oil supermajors Chevron and Total SA also have interests in exploration blocks in the region.

Most of the exports from landlocked Kurdistan are being carried out via the Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline to the Turkish Mediterranean coast. In August last year, the central Iraqi government and the KRG resolved a dispute over the shipment of oil via the Ceyhan pipeline from the Kirkuk fields operated by the central governments North Oil Company.

The vital export route to the Turkish export terminal could be jeopardized in case Turkey and the Kurds further strain their centuries-old uneasy relations. Another risk to the Kirkuk oil flow is rival Kurdish parties squabbling over oil revenues or opposing the ruling Kurdish partys deals with Baghdad over oil and money. Related: Will Gazproms Pipeline Strategies Pay Off?

The shaky Iraqi politics, the ISIS threat that has not been completely erased, and the generally restive region are currently deterring foreign oil companies to betting big on the Kurdish oil fields that are cheap to produce from.



Despite its vast estimated reserves, the Kurdish oil flow from northern Iraq is still a daily gamble over whether a political or ethnic group will turn off the pipeline tap, or seize an oil field, and jeopardize part or all of the 600,000 bpd of oil exports. The gamble is also whether recent encouraging news about oil payments, the resolved export dispute, and ISIS retreating will last for long enough to lure back oil companies to Kurdistan and help it reach the coveted 1 million bpd output.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
With the oil markets rattled after sharp losses in recent days, the IEA is telling everyone to slow down and stay the course, as the OPEC cuts will take time to work. In its latest Oil Market Report, the Paris-based energy agency said the market needs time for the full impact of the big supply cuts under the output reduction agreements to be felt.

The IEA did not make any significant alterations to its forecast for the year, still predicting a supply deficit in the first half of the year. Demand growth of 1.4 million barrels per day will continue to eat away at the surplus, providing sounder footing beneath oil prices.

But even as it reiterated its projection, the IEA itself sounded a bit more worried than in recent months. For those looking for a re-balancing of the oil market the message is that they should be patient, and hold their nerve. In the meantime, the volatility that suddenly broke out last week will probably recur, as the IEA has regularly warned, the agency said in its report. It also admitted that the market is still dealing with a vast amount of past supply, which is taking a long time to clear. Instead of panicking, lets see this thing through, the IEA appeared to be saying.

(Click to enlarge)

That is all well and good, but a stay-the-course approach only really works if OPEC continues its high level of compliance with its production cuts, and arguably also decides to extend those cuts through the end of the year.

But new data could throw cold water on those hopes. In OPECs latest Oil Market Report, it appears that Saudi Arabia might have actually increased its oil production between January and February, undermining claims that it had cut deeply below its promised target. As part of the OPEC deal, Saudi Arabia pledged to cut output down to 10.058 million barrels per day, a cut of roughly 500,000 barrels per day from October levels. By January, Saudi officials boasted that they had cut much more than they were required to, reducing output below 9.8 mb/d, while also offering hints that more cuts could be forthcoming.

However, Saudi Arabia apparently told OPEC that it ramped production back up by 263,000 bpd in February, taking output to 10.011 mb/d. To be clear, it is still adhering to its promised target, but because Saudi officials in recent weeks have hyped up their extraordinary unilateral sacrifice by cutting more than promised, the data suggests they are not cutting as much as once thought. Saudi officials downplayed the numbers, saying the "difference between what the market observes as production, and the actual supply levels in any given month, is due to operational factors that are influenced by storage adjustments and other month to month variables." Related: New Oil Price War Looms As The OPEC Deal Falls Short

But assuming this is not some data anomaly, whats the significance of the rise in output? Why would Saudi Arabia ramp production back up in February after boasting about shouldering much of the groups burden? First off, perhaps the Saudis are starting to lose a bit of faith in the rest of the participants in the deal, with a handful of OPEC and non-OPEC countries proving a bit slow to live up to their commitments. The Saudis are once again showing their stern face, as they did in the days before the OPEC meeting, and trying to get the laggards to live up to their promises, Helima Croft, head of commodity strategy at RBC Capital Markets LLC, told Bloomberg in an interview.

Second, perhaps Saudi Arabia is growing wary of the rapid comeback in U.S. shale. This is speculation of course, but it comes after Saudi energy minister Khalid al-Falih warned the U.S. shale industry last week in Houston that OPEC would not bear the burden of free riders, nor would it underwrite the investments of others at our own expense.

Regardless, there could be fallout from the rise in production. Saudi Arabias about face, boosting output after pushing a narrative of sharp reductions and a historic level of compliance, could undermine the willingness of other members to make production cuts. OPEC has always struggled with compliance, given that every member has an incentive to cheat. And the more the deal drags on, the more pressure there will be for members to abandon their commitments. That is especially true if oil prices fail to rise. After all, what is the point of cutting and losing market share if oil prices are not rising? Related: EIA And OPEC Send Oil Prices Tumbling

To reiterate, Saudi Arabia is not cheating  its output is still below its target. But the problem of compliance will grow worse if it appears that the resolve of Saudi Arabia  the linchpin of the deal, the largest contributor of the cuts, and the largest booster of the deal  starts to waver. If oil prices continue to lose ground, dipping down towards the mid-$40s, and cracks in Saudi Arabias commitment begin to surface, then other countries could decide to go it alone. At the very least, keeping everyone on board for a six-month extension would become exceedingly difficult.

Saudi Arabias surprise uptick in production will also further deflate market sentiment, already reeling in recent days because of the enormous buildup in U.S. crude oil inventories this year. For now, the oil market is pinning its hopes on what appears to be a more bullish figure from the weekly inventory data in the U.S., with private sector estimates showing a drawdown in crude stocks. Oil prices moved up on the news.

But that will offer very little solace to the oil market if the impressive OPEC compliance rate starts to wobble.

By Nick Cunningham of Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
The federal audit court of Brazil has ordered the company to start its asset sale program from square one, except for two projects. The program was suspended with a December injunction, while the audit court undertook a review. That court has now ruled to overturn the injunction.

Now, the only two assets that Petrobras will be able to sell without the need to go back and start from scratch are a part of its drilling rights in the deepwater sector of the Gulf of Mexico and the Bauna and Tartaruga Verde fields off the Brazilian coast.

The rest of the assets that the Brazilian state-owned giant had put up for sale and had started negotiations over will have to be sold under different rules stipulated by the audit courtrules that have not yet been disclosed. The courts infrastructure coordinator, however, told Reuters that the purpose of the rules is to make the divestment process more transparent.

Petrobras launched its asset sale program five years ago, and has since then sold around 30 assets, among them its Argentine and Chile operations. Another 40 assets need to be divested as the company struggles with the largest debt in the global oil industry, exceeding $100 billion.

This year and next, Petrobras has to meet debt obligations amounting to $24 billion. To be able to do this, the company planned to generate proceeds of $15 billion from asset sales in the period. Now that it has to restart the divestment process, its costs associated with the divestment program will rise, affecting the proceeds.

Recently, Petrobras also bought back almost $5.6 billion worth of bonds as part of efforts to reduce its debt load.



Related: New Oil Price War Looms As The OPEC Deal Falls Short

The Brazilian giant is still reeling from the combined blow of the oil price crash and a graft scandal that led to the ousting of the countrys President Dilma Rousseff, but it seems things are starting to improve. In January, the company said it was going to increase exploration, production, and refining expenditure by 30 percent with the outlays for 2017 seen at $19 billion, up from $14.6 billion last year. Cash on hand, according to CEO Pedro Parente, stood at $22 billion at the start of this year, which would keep Petrobras active for another two years.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Saudi Aramco will restart oil and refined product shipments to Egypt after a sudden halt nearly six months ago, according to an announcement by the Egyptian Petroleum Ministry on Wednesday.

The ministry said it had been working with the oil giant to determine a shipping schedule for the goods, adding that low oil prices and production cuts had caused the shipment freeze in October.

"It was agreed that the Saudi Arabian side would resume Aramco's shipping of oil products as per the commercial contract signed between the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation and Aramco," the ministrys statement said.

An anonymous official spoke to Reuters and confirmed that the resumed shipments would begin slowly.

"Very shortly we will finalize the time and place for receiving shipments from Aramco," the official, who declined to be identified because he was not authorized to speak to the media, told Reuters.

When asked whether ships with Saudi oil cargo would dock within weeks, the official said: "No, no, we are talking about a very short time period."

Last April, the KSA agreed to supple Egypt with 700,000 tonnes of refined oil products every month for five years, but shipments stopped just six months later as political tensions grew, Reuters reports.

Related: Saudi Arabia Tries To Reassure Markets After Oil Price Plunge

Saudi Arabia has been a major donor to Egypt since President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi seized power in a violent countercoup in mid-2013, but Riyadh has become frustrated with Sisi's lack of economic reforms and his reluctance to be drawn into the conflict in Yemen. During a visit by Saudi King Salman in April, Saudi Arabia agreed to provide Egypt with 700,000 tonnes of refined oil products per month for five years, but the cargoes stopped arriving in early October as festering political tensions burst into the open.

"They did not give us a reason," an oil ministry official told Reuters in November. "They only informed the authority about halting shipments of petroleum products until further notice."

By Zainab Calcuttawala for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
First census in nearly two decades

PESHAWAR/LAHORE: Pakistan on Wednesday launched its first census in nearly two decades, with security high as thousands of enumerators backed by the military began the enormous, politically-charged count. The weeks-long process, a challenge in a country known for corruption and dysfunction, will deploy a team of more than 300,000 people and involve 55 million forms.



"It's a very hectic process, but we are ready for it," Nadeem Ehsan, a teacher clad in a green Pakistan Census 2017 jacket in the northwestern city of Peshawar, told AFP. Fast-growing Pakistan is the sixth most populous country in the world, with an estimated 200 million people, but has not held a census since 1998 due to years of bickering between politicians.



The count could redraw the political map as the country gears up for a national election next year -- a prospect that has raised fears over power bases and federal funding. It will help give a clearer picture about religious minority numbers in the country.



The exercise appeared to have gotten off to a mostly smooth start Wednesday, with security forces watching closely -- many with their weapons in their hands -- as citizens answered questions in various cities.



However some signs of confusion were beginning to emerge, particularly regarding how the transgender population -- included for the first time -- would be documented.



The census form from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) does not list transgender people, seen as a third sex in Pakistan, as an option, baffling some activists.



"If there is no mention of the third sex it would be very bad for us as our population will go unnoticed," Farzana Riaz, president of activist group TransAction, told AFP Wednesday.



Census spokesman Habibullah Khattaq confirmed enumerators had been trained to note transgenders on the form separately. But he admitted public awareness of what exactly the census would count, and how, "has not been so wide".



The census will be the basis for revising political boundaries, parliamentary seat allocations and finances ahead of national elections, due to be held by the end of 2018.



Punjab, for example, could see its political grip weaken as a result of its population not rising at a similar rate to other provinces.



And ethnic Baloch fear they will become a minority in their own province, sparsely-populated Balochistan, due to an influx of Pashtun -- including refugees from Afghanistan whose nationality is difficult to determine due to falsified documents. Many Pakistanis hailed it as "a good sign", however.



"It is very good, good for the public... (it) will help in providing a clearer picture of the population," Muddasir Ihsan told AFP in Peshawar.



The PBS will deploy some 119,000 people, including 84,000 enumerators, mainly teachers and local officials who will go door-to-door to count homes and then individuals.



The Pakistan Army says it will dispatch up to 200,000 troops for the exercise, including 44,000 participating directly in the census-taking and making a parallel count using a second form.



Asif Bajwa, the PBS's chief statistician, said the army would act as 'observers' to ensure enumerators did not inflate local counting.



But that has created some disquiet for the UN, who are concerned about the army's role as parallel data collectors.



The first census phase will take place from March 15 to April 15, the second from April 25 to May 25, and final results are expected by the end of July.



Separately, Provincial Census Commissioner Arif Anwar Baloch along with Punjab Assembly Deputy Speaker Sardar Sher Ali Gorchani inaugurated the population census by numbering 001 to Punjab Assembly Building while Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif supported the process by marking his own residence in Lahore in presence of enumerator.



Shahbaz also advised the people to cooperate with the staff of the population census and provide them correct and accurate data. PCC Arif, Anwar Baloch visited various areas of the city including Guru Manget, Makkah Colony, MM Alam Road, Gulberg and Model Town to review the pace of census process and problems of the sensus staff.
Nisar Ali Khan warned international community against mistrust

ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan has warned the international community against mistrust and blame-game, which he said would only strengthen non-state actors and peace saboteurs.



Intervention of the international community in longstanding regional issues only when it suited them or for some short-term goals never yielded positive results, he said.



It was necessary for regional powers and the international community to join hands for peace, stability and development, the interior minister said while advising them to shake off Islamophobia.



I feel humiliated when my religion is targeted and equated with terrorism, he said, adding that in fact 1.2 billion Muslims were the worst sufferers and victims of terrorism.



Chairing the closing session of a two-day Pak-UK International Seminar on Sharing Experiences in Stabilisation and Peace Efforts at the National Defence University on Wednesday, he asked the international community to make a distinction between terrorism and freedom movements.



Pakistan, he said, had paid heavily for securing peace: Our sacrifices manifest our commitment to peace, but except for a few friendly countries, the international community remains insensitive to our issues and threats we face both inside and on borders.



Pakistan had been facing the brunt of regional security discrepancies for the last many decades, he said. We have single-handedly faced post-conflict situation of rival ideologies and the fight against terrorism.



Pakistan remained resilient despite paying huge economic and human cost in dealing with the war against terrorism, Chaudhry Nisar said.



Global security was a multi-dimensional and multi-faceted issue due to the complexities of internal and external factors, he said: One cannot have peace while fanning unrest in a neighbouring country or spilling blood of people demanding their inalienable rights. Similarly, playing as a tool into others hands is also counter-productive to the promotion of regional peace and stability.



Unfortunately, some countries blame Pakistan for everything even for their own weaknesses, he said while explaining that at present regional dimension of terrorism embodied complex dynamics and complicated networking systems which required comprehensive and smart solutions. It was necessary to link together national and regional approaches to counter the menace. Only collective efforts were needed as unprecedented international efforts to militarily subdue terrorism could not yield lasting solutions.



To end frequent bomb blasts and terrorist activities, he said, the government first tried the dialogue option and then launched the full-scale military offensive to eliminate terrorists. He said the country achieved a great success in containing terrorists and their facilitators after the launch of Zarb-i-Azb and Raddul Fasaad operations while the graph of terrorism too, had drastically come down as compared to international trends.



Military power was a short-term strategy while complementing the administrative structure not only catered to socio-economic needs but also checked and countered the tendencies towards extremism, he said while seeking greater cooperation and collaboration at international level with mutual sharing of expertise and knowledge.



He observed that either we stay mired in a situation of mistrust and hostility, or make efforts to resolving disputes and differences through sustained dialogue and learn from our experiences.



He congratulated the participants and hoped that the deliberations would contribute to developing clear understanding of issues and greater cooperation among all stakeholders for lasting peace and stability.
The mathematical (and other) thoughts of a (now retired) math teacher,
Managing Editor of the Insight Newspaper, Kwesi Pratt Jnr has blamed Nana Addos appointment of a hundred and ten ministers on internal pressure emanating from the big wigs within the New Patriotic Party (NPP).



According to the veteran journalist, persons who contributed to success of the party during the 2016 elections are all walking the corridors of power seeking for appointments either for themselves or their political grandchildren.



The truth must be told. This is all as a result of pressure largely from party members and loyalists. People are of the opinion that once you campaign for a party to win, you should be given post. Some people as old as eighty years even lobby for post when their parties win elections.



President Nana Akufo-Addo now has a total number of 110 people to serve as ministers, ministers of state and deputies in his administration, the highest in the countrys history.



Out of the total 110, 20 are Regional Ministers and their Deputies, 40 ministers for various ministries, with 50 deputies.



In the Presidents latest list of appointments presented to Parliament, he named 50 persons to serve as Deputy Ministers, and 4 to serve as Ministers of State.



The announcement has received widespread condemnation from Civil Society Groups and Individuals alike.



Information Minister, Mustapha Hamid has defended that the NPP never promised to give unto Ghanaians a lean government during the elections and hence called on the critics of the government to be concerned about the performance of the government other than the size.



Nowhere did we ever promise a lean government because in our view it is not the leanness or bigness of a government that determines its output or its ultimate performance, the Information Minister said at a press conference Wednesday.



Speaking Adom FMs Morning Show, Dwaso Nsem on Thursday, Kwesi Pratt said the reaction from the Information Minister nearly cracked his ribs as they are very archaic.



He further called President Akufo-Addo to develop political shock absorbers to withstand all the unnecessary pressure from the financiers of the NPP as that would make him stronger.



The test of leadership is the ability to resist unnecessary and unhelpful pressure because if you go by the pressure, you will appoint thousand ministers because there are others who are still lobbying for ministerial appointment even after the appointment of the hundred and ten, he encouraged.





Source: adomonline









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The state Assembly and Senate on Wednesday released dueling budget proposals containing a big difference in how much they would each increase education aid.

The Assembly proposal would hike school aid by $1.8 billion, or 7.4 percent, to $26.5 billion. The Senate plan would increase aid by $1.2 billion. These are both higher than the governors proposal, which called for about a $1 billion total increase in education aid.

The big fight is over Foundation Aid, which is awarded to schools on a per-pupil basis according to need. Both the Assembly and the Senate are rejecting the governors proposal to repeal the Foundation Aid formula.

The governors plan would boost Foundation Aid by about $428 million.

The Assembly plan would increase the aid by $1.4 billion to $17.8 billion as the first year of a four-year phase in to boost aid for the states neediest schools, according to a news release. It would ensure that all school districts receive at least 50 percent of the total Foundation Aid due to them.

It also includes $150 million in funding for community schools, which provide health and social support services. It allocates $19.2 million in funding for My Brothers Keeper, which focuses on improving education for young men of color.

The Assemblys plan also proposes $847 million for prekindergaten including $50 million to add prekindergarten slots.

The Assembly Majority has always been committed to funding our schools  we know there is no greater or more meaningful investment than the education of our children, said Speaker Carl Heastie in a news release. And with public education across the country under attack, New York must make critical investments to meet our areas of greatest need including Foundation Aid, community schools and My Brother's Keeper.

By contrast, the Senate budget provides for a $906 million increase in Foundation Aid and $125 million for Community Schools, but does not fund My Brothers Keeper grants.

The Assembly and Senate also differ on charter schools, with the Assembly containing provisions to provide for more transparency and accountability in how they are run. The Senate plan does not have that language. It recommends increasing facilities funding for New York City charter schools.

The Senate goes along with the governors recommendation to allow school districts to apply for waivers from special education requirements that exceed the federal requirements.

The Alliance for Quality Education on Wednesday criticized the Senate and Independent Democratic Conference budget proposals. The advocacy group said that while the plan retains having a formula for Foundation Aid, it replaces it with six new formulas that ignore student poverty, students with disabilities and shortchange English language learners.

Four of the formulas exclude New York City and five exclude Rochester, Buffalo, Syracuse and Yonkers, according to a news release.
New York education officials are blasting President Donald Trumps massive proposed cuts to the U.S. Department of Education budget, which would eliminate funding for teacher preparation and after-school programs.

Those two programs would save $3.6 billion. The president is proposing to reduce the departments funding by $9.2 billion, or 13.5 percent, to $59 billion, according to an Associated Press analysis of the budget plan.

Trump proposes to allocate an additional $1.4 billion for charter and private school programs as part of his efforts to promote school choice.

Board of Regents Chancellor Betty Rosa called Commissioner MaryEllen Elia blasted the proposed cuts in a joint statement as devastating.

The very programs he proposes to cut play a critical role in fostering equity and eliminating the education gap that exists across our nation. Further, eliminating federal funding for library, art, humanities and public broadcasting programs would decimate essential community centers and non-profit organizations, they said in a news release.

The state Education Department receives $3.6 billion in federal funding and the vast majority is passed onto local school districts. Rosa and Elia promised that they would work with the federal representatives to oppose these cuts.

The Alliance for Quality Education also said the cuts to these programs will have a disproportionate negative impact on students of color, low-income students and English language learners. The organization criticized the large increases for charter schools and voucher programs and added that the proposed $1 billion in Title I funding for low-income students would be dedicated to portability programs that could be directed to nonpublic schools.

Trumps proposed cuts to federal education funding are just the first step in his and Betsy DeVoss ideological crusade to bring down our public education system, said Jasmine Gripper, legislative director of the Alliance for Quality Education, in a news release. Here in New York over 90 percent of children attend traditional public schools, and this budget makes clear that they are facing an unprecedented threat from the federal government.
The state Department of Environmental Conservation sent out an interesting news release today about two new state record fish, and the state's "angler achievement awards program" results last year.

The program is a way to recognize anglers who catch large fish, with photos to verify if they are released.

Warren and Essex counties were among the top 5 counties in the state with the most qualifying entrants for the 2016 angler achievement program, with some nice bass and pickerel making the list.

Here is a link to the DEC's webpage on the program, with links to information on fish that qualified and the anglers who caught them, as well as the DEC press release.

-- Don Lehman

DEC's Angler Achievement Awards Program Recognizes Top Catches in 2016

Two State Records Established or Tied In 2016

As reflected by the entries in the State Department of Environmental Conservation's (DEC's) Angler Achievement Awards Program, 2016 was another exceptional year for anglers fishing the freshwaters of New York State, DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos announced today. In 2016, more than 130 entries were submitted into the program. Largemouth bass and smallmouth bass, New York's most popular sportfish species, made up more than half of the entries in the Catch and Release category. Thirty-nine of New York's 62 counties were represented in entries submitted last year- an example of the great fishing opportunities that exist throughout the state.

"Few states can compete with New York in terms of the quality and diversity of fish found in our waters, and I am pleased that we can acknowledge the achievements of these skillful anglers," said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. "The fact that more than 75 percent of the fish entered into the program were caught and subsequently released is particularly noteworthy and reflective of the stewardship ethic of our anglers."

The top five counties that were represented in 2016 were Suffolk, Warren, Onondaga, Essex and Chautauqua Counties. Two state records were either established or tied in 2016. A new state record freshwater drum was caught by Amelia Whalen from Lake Champlain on June 4, 2016. Her record-breaking fish weighed 29 lbs. 14 oz. In a rare occurrence, Patrick Hildenbrand captured a smallmouth bass that tied the state record established twenty one years ago in Lake Erie. The 8 lb. 4 oz. pot-bellied fish was caught from the St. Lawrence River on August 28, 2016. Other notable catches include an impressive 30 lb. 1 oz. tiger muskellunge caught from Lake Como (Cayuga County), a 35 inch steelhead caught from the Salmon River (Oswego County), and a 38 inch lake trout caught and released from Lake Erie (Chautauqua County).

The Angler Achievement Awards program recognizes anglers that catch any of the 43 eligible fish species that exceed minimum qualifying lengths or weights. The three categories that make up the program are: Catch & Release, Annual Award (kept fish) and State Record. In addition to official recognition of their catch, anglers receive a distinctive lapel pin commemorating their achievement. State record holders also receive a custom laser cut wood plaque.

Further information about the Angler Achievement Awards Program, including a downloadable application form and photo slideshow of fish entered can be found at DEC's website. Full program details and an entry form can also be found in DEC's current Freshwater Fishing Regulations Guide. For additional information on the Angler Achievement Awards Program contact (518) 402-8891 or email fwfish@dec.ny.gov.
State Assemlywoman Carrie Woerner, D-Round Lake, on Wednesday announced that the Assembly version of the state budget includes her proposal to return the New York Racing Association to private control.

State control of NYRA was never meant to be a long-term solution, Woerner said, in a press release. Its time that we return it to private control to protect New Yorks valuable racing industry and ensure its continued success and ability.

NYRA is a non-profit corporation that operates Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, Aqueduct Race Track in Queens, and Belmont Park on Long Island.

The Assembly version of the budget transfers control of NYRA to a 15-member board.

The governor would appoint two board members and the Assembly and Senate would appoint one board member each.

The budget measure is similar to legislation that passed the Legislature last year, but Gov. Andrew Cuomo vetoed, Woerner said in a press release.

The Assembly version of the budget also restores purse subsidies and funding for breeders at Aquecuct.

The Assembly and Senate passed separate versions of budget bills.

Joint budget committees, legislative leaders and Cuomo will now negotiate a final version of the budget that the Legislature will vote on.
You know its a bad snowstorm when a 25-ton plow truck gets stuck in the snow.

That was one of the problems Glens Falls public works crews ran into late Tuesday, as they tried to deal with snow falling at a rate of 2 to 3 inches an hour during the worst of the blizzard dubbed Winter Storm Stella. Another truck broke down, but Glens Falls Public Works Superintendent Robert Schiavoni said plow operators kept up remarkably well with the nearly 20-inch accumulation.

We havent had a storm like this in quite a while, Schiavoni said. It was challenging, but Ive got a great crew and they did very good. It helped a lot that people stayed off the roads. The public was very good in helping us.

Snowblowers and plows were the implements of the day Wednesday as the region dug out from the biggest snowstorm in more than three years, a storm that fell just short of breaking the record for biggest snowstorm in Glens Falls in March. (The National Weather Service reported 19.3 inches in Glens Falls, short of the 22-inch record set on March 3, 1994.)

For the snow removal crews at Glens Falls-based North Country Snow and Ice Management, Tuesdays workday started before 4 a.m. as they serviced clients in the Albany area, where the storm hit earlier than to the north.

Yvonne Petro, office manager for the company, said the effort was ongoing as of mid-afternoon Wednesday.

It was quite a storm. There is still some major cleanup that has to be done, she said.

A crew from Adirondack Greenscapes of Hudson Falls worked shovels and snowblowers on sidewalks and driveways on Horicon Avenue and Cooper Street in Glens Falls during parts of Wednesday. George Macker said he couldnt count that high when asked how many customers they had visited.

Many schools and municipalities delayed their opening Wednesday. Much of the region wound up with nearly 20 inches of snow, although higher elevations to the south, north and west of Glens Falls accumulated more than 2 feet.

The National Weather Service logged 33 inches in Inlet, 27.2 inches in Greenfield near Lake Desolation, 23 inches in Corinth and 21.5 inches in Queensbury. Our region avoided the 3 feet-plus that the Lake Placid area and parts of central New York received, however.

No major travel problems were reported Wednesday, and the Northway re-opened to tractor trailers after being closed to big rigs much of Tuesday and early Wednesday. But secondary roads will remain snow-covered and slick for days.

The main streets arent bad, but the side streets are slippery in some places with ice under the snow, said Glens Falls Police Lt. Shawn Lovelace on Wednesday morning.

Skiers and snowmobilers will have a chance to enjoy the snow as cold weather extends into next week, with another smaller snowfall likely late Friday and early Saturday.

The South Warren Snowmobile Club has re-opened the gates to much of its trail system, and Lake Luzerne Supervisor Gene Merlino said snowmobilers were out and about much of Tuesday night.

They were having a good time, We could hear them up and down (Route) 9N, he said.
FORT EDWARD  A Hudson Falls man who has at least two prior driving while intoxicated convictions is headed to state prison for driving drunk and without a license.

Terry J. Ash, 50, pleaded guilty to felony aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and misdemeanor DWI for a drunken driving arrest last year in Washington County.

Washington County Judge Kelly McKeighan sentenced him to 1-1/3 to 4 years in state prison.

Ash has two prior felony convictions, including one for attempted assault, and prior DWI convictions in New York and Vermont.
WILTON  Fire investigators returned early Wednesday to sift through debris at Adirondack Trust Co. on Maple Avenue following a fire that destroyed the bank building.

According to The Post-Stars newspartner WNYT-TV NewsChannel 13 the cause of the fire was linked to a failed electrical outlet.

On Wednesday morning, fire crews were concentrating on the rear of the structure near the drive-thru bank teller window, removing debris in the cold, snowy and windy conditions.

Some curious customers also came to see what was left of their bank, hoping safety deposit boxes remained intact.

Alexander Georgeadis of Wilton came with camera in tow to see what was left. Georgeadis said he and his family are longtime customers of the bank.

The family heirlooms of his late wife were kept in a safety deposit box at the bank, he said.

I hope they are safe. If it got too hot the gold probably melted. It is not so much the gold; it is the sentimental value, he said.

According to an Adirondack Trust Co. news release, the bank remains under 24-hour surveillance and bank officials expect to be given access to the building so they can carry safety deposit boxes to a secure location. Customers will then be contacted to check their boxes.

New York fire investigators were on the scene until late Tuesday when weather conditions deteriorated.

Firefighters from at least five departments responded to the scene after heat and smoke sensors triggered an alarm to the Greenfield Fire Department shortly after 2 p.m. Tuesday.

A plow driver who was clearing snow at the scene noticed smoke coming from the building and also alerted the fire department.

The bank had closed at 1 p.m. because of the weather, according to a news release.

The bank intends to rebuild at the same location and advised customers, in the meantime, to use three other locations in the Wilton-Saratoga area.

Extended hours at the Exit 15 and Church Street branches went into effect on Wednesday until 6 p.m. and staffers have also been moved to other branches.
A former Cambridge-Greenwich Police officer who resigned last June has sued her former employers, seeking her job back while claiming she was forced to quit after being required to work too many hours.

Marie Morrill resigned last June 7, while still in her one-year probationary period with the department. She has sued the villages of Greenwich and Cambridge, their mayors and Police Chief George Bell.

She was a full-time officer in Greenwich at the time, and resigned after Bell told her she was being fired for not showing up for work on June 4.

April Laws, a lawyer who is representing Bell and the village of Greenwich, said the chief sought to fire Morrill after a host of issues and problems with her work performance that included a number of absences, tardiness, problems with paperwork and conduct unbecoming a police officer on social media.

The final problem was her failure to show up for work on the day that the department was dealing with major events in Cambridge and Greenwich where police coverage was needed, the annual Cambridge Balloon Festival and Relay for Life in Greenwich, Laws told Supreme Court Justice Stan Pritzker on Wednesday.

Laws, arguing a motion made by the villages to dismiss the lawsuit, said Morrill told Bell she missed the shift because of a power failure at her home, but Bell later determined there was no such failure.

Morrills lawyer, Mark Walsh, said the department could not legally seek to fire Morrill for the missed shift because under state law she could not be required to work it. She had worked an 18-hour shift that ended at 1 a.m. that day, then was asked to return at 8 a.m., which meant she was given not enough time off between shifts, he said.

An illegal reason (for termination) cant be the last straw. You cant consider that in the termination decision, Walsh said.

Laws, though, said Morrill volunteered to work the shift.

Lawyer Michael Crowe, who represents the village of Cambridge, said Morrill was not an employee of the village of Cambridge, so Cambridge should not be a party to the lawsuit.

Morrill is seeking unspecified financial relief in addition to her job back.

Pritzker reserved decision on the motion to dismiss, giving lawyers until April 6 to submit papers to back their points.

The judge said, though, that the case was very complex.

Even assuming there is a violation (of law), Im not sure reinstatement is a remedy, Pritzker said.

Bell said he could not discuss or release records related to Morrill's employment.
As the U.S. House of Representative prepares to vote on the repeal and replacement of former President Obamas health care plan, U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-Willsboro, will take to the telephone Monday evening to discuss it with constituents.

Stefanik will hold a live telephone town hall conference call at 7:15 p.m. Monday.

She will make a brief opening statement and take questions from callers.

Residents of the 21st Congressional District can register to participate through the congresswomans Facebook page.

The deadline to register is 10 p.m. Sunday.

With the significance of the health care debate and other matters before Congress at this time, we are doing our best to promote this event and host as many constituents as we can, said Tom Flanagin, the congresswomans spokesman.

The House is expected to vote next week on the House Republican repeal and replacement legislation.

Stefanik supports repealing and replacing the Obama plan, but was still undecided, as of Thursday, on the specific legislation working its way through a series of House committees, Flanagin said.

She is reviewing the legislation and working with her colleagues to ensure that the package includes reforms that will help lower costs and increase access for families in our district, he said.

She believes the American Health Care Act (House Republican legislation) is a starting point that will be improved.

While Stefanik is undecided on the main legislation, she has backed related health care bills.

Stefanik on March 8 voted in the House Education and Workforce Committee to advance three bills that committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., said dovetail with Republican efforts to repeal and replace former President Obamas health care legislation.

One bill would allow small businesses to band together in associations to buy health insurance, another would clarify rules for health insurance workplace wellness programs, and the third would clarify rules for companies that self-insure employee health care.

All three passed the committee strictly along party lines.

Citizen Action of New York, a political advocacy group that focuses on health care and consumer issues, began a two-day demonstration in front of Stefaniks district office in Glens Falls on Thursday to urge her to vote against the Republican health care legislation.

I am on Medicare. And the new bill they are trying to put through is going to definitely affect everyone on Medicare, said demonstrator Ellen Unger, a retired education administrator who lives in the section of Saratoga Springs that is in the 21st Congressional District.

Im also concerned about the poor people  the people that have all the horrible diseases, she continued.

The demonstration began at 7:30 a.m. Thursday and was scheduled to continue through 7:30 p.m., and be repeated from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Volunteer demonstrators were scheduled in 90-minute shifts so that at least two demonstrators would be there at all times.

President Donald Trumps federal budget proposal, released Thursday, will likely also be a topic of questions from residents participating in the congresswomans conference call on Monday.

Flanagin, on Thursday, said Stefanik opposes the presidents initial budget proposal,especially the proposed cuts to the State Department, the Department of Education, and the Environmental Protection Agency.

The congresswomans telephone town hall comes as political activists have been urging her to personally attend town hall forums in the district.

Stefanik has said she prefers to hold small group meetings and telephone town halls.

Stefanik has held 13 telephone town halls since she took office in January 2015, Flanagin said.

These telephone town halls have proven to be an excellent way for Congresswoman Stefanik to speak with thousands of constituents while she is in Washington, he said.

Because her schedule of House votes is unpredictable, she typically does not promote the conference calls in advance, but uses and automated dialing system to call tens of thousands of homes in the district and invite residents to stay on the line to participate, Flanagin said.

Calls are placed to publicly listed telephone numbers and telephone numbers of constituents that have contacted her offices, with an effort to rotate telephone numbers from call to call so that everyone gets invited to participate.

Stefanik promoted Mondays telephone town hall in advance because of the importance of the health care legislation, he said.
MOREAU  A fight over logging that the supervisor began when he ran for election is now going to cost the town  in either cash or a lawsuit.

Moreau owes loggers about $31,000 after Supervisor Gardner Congdon canceled a contract to log town land.

The trees had already been marked and the loggers had pre-paid for that timber when Congdon canceled the contract. Congdon did not refund their money, and the issue has languished ever since.

Congdon canceled a contract due to a dispute with the company that marked the trees, not the loggers. He felt that Saratoga Land Management Corp. had low-balled the town on timber prices, then marked the most valuable trees for cutting. To prove his point, he photographed timber that was cut, submitted a Freedom of Information Law request for the price paid to the town and compared it to the price paid by others in this region for the same wood at the same time.

Some of the timber was veneer black oak, he said, adding that the rare timber could bring in $4,000 for 1,000 feet. The town was paid $175 per 1,000 feet.

At this point, most town officials seem to agree that Saratoga Land Management Corp. didnt offer a fair price for all of the timber. But while both sides argue over the contract, the loggers who were hired to actually cut the wood have been left out.

They paid the town $24,175 in advance for the timber, a payment that they acknowledged was unusual. They also pre-paid for timber on another contract that was not completed, leaving them $7,000 short. They want the total amount refunded to them, but the town has taken no action as it negotiates with Saratoga Land Management Corp.

The loggers came to Wednesdays Town Board meeting to try to persuade the board to release their money.

Were not asking the town to compensate us for anything else  lost profits or interest on the amount due or collection costs, said Mike OConnor, chief financial officer for the logging company, Prentiss & Carlisle.

He urged the board to take its fight to Saratoga Land Management Corp. and leave his company out of it. But he also defended Saratogas timber prices.

We kept track of every stick of wood, he said. I can tell you the price we paid the town was very reasonable.

Congdon chuckled, saying he was happy to negotiate each stick of wood.

Thats a normal back and forth with a company like yours, he said.

What he objected to was the prices that Saratoga Land Management Corp. set, he explained. Saratoga has defended the prices as guesstimates, made before the trees were cut down.

Congdon wouldnt agree to refund the money, although board member Todd Kusnierz said the town could be sued if it didnt pay up.

I do have concerns that we have an individual before us tonight that has extended funds to the town for something they didnt receive, Kusnierz said.

That issue, he said, was unrelated to whether the town was unjustly paid for timber.

But the trouble is that the loggers used the prices set by Saratoga Land Management Corp.

Board members decided not to vote on whether to refund the money.

Prentiss & Carlisle is taking the matter seriously. OConnor traveled from Maine to attend the meeting, and the company has threatened to sue, the town attorney said.
WHITEHALL  The past may bode well for the future of seven local communities.

Lakes to Locks Passage promotes local communities as tourism destinations. Its latest initiative focuses on the historical relevance of seven local communities  specifically, their roles in the American Revolution.

Lakes to Locks is producing Turning Point Trail kiosks, which will tell the tale of the British pursuit of American rebels south from Plattsburgh toward Saratoga, leading up to the eventual turning point of the war  the Battle of Saratoga.

The kiosks, which will be erected in Peru, Ticonderoga, Putnam, Whitehall, Kingsbury, Fort Miller and Schuylerville, will also list points of interest in each town. They can be used in conjunction with the groups Passageport mobile app to amplify the tourism experience.

Construction will be done by Lakes to Locks at no expense to the individual municipalities, although they will be responsible for installation and upkeep.

All weve got to do is dig four holes, pour some cement and put it in, said Whitehall Mayor Ken Bartholomew last week, when his board voted to approve the agreement with Lakes to Locks.

In a press release, Janet Kennedy, executive director of Lakes to Locks, said the kiosks will help the traveler understand what they are seeing at each location.

Heres a look at what the different kiosks will focus on:

Peru: Thoughts for Conducting War

The story begins in Peru. Benedict Arnold and the rebels launch an offensive against the British Naval forces in Lake Champlain near Valcour Island, which became known as the Battle of Valcour Island.

After one of the American ships was sunk, Arnold and his forces decided it was best to head south, thus beginning the Turning Point Trail.

Points of interest in Peru will include the Clinton Community College view of the lake, the Peru Boat Launch and the Valcour Island boat tour.

Ticonderoga: Capture of the fort

This kiosk will tell the story of the rebel works at Ticonderoga, Mt. Independence and Mt. Hope, and the battle to take Fort Ticonderoga.

Despite success at Ticonderoga, the rebels found themselves continuing to flee southward under the direction of General St. Clair.

Points of interest at the Ticonderoga stop will include Bicentennial Park, Mount Defiance, Fort Ticonderoga and Mount Independence.

Putnam: Pursue American rebels

In Putnam, the Americans encountered difficulties, mainly due to the geography.

This kiosk will touch on the British pursuit of two separate groups of American rebels. One group was chased to Castleton and Hubbardton, Vermont by land, and the other to Skenesborough (now Whitehall) by water.

Points of interest at the Putnam kiosk will include Hubbardton Battlefield and the Dresden Boat Launch.

Whitehall: Birthplace of the U.S. Navy

For background, this kiosk looks at how Arnold established a Navy in Whitehall and how a British man, Philip Skene, created the community that became known as Skenesborough.

As Burgoyne and company chased the rebels farther south, the rebels ran into problems, including getting stuck at Skenesborough Falls.

After destroying Skenesborough, the rebels continued to make their march south, now on land.

Points of interest in Whitehall will include the Whitehall Harbor and the Skenesborough Museum.

Kingsbury: Sticky situations

Fresh off losses at Fort Anne and Hubbardton, the Americans continued south and ran into more problems in Kingsbury. The marshy conditions, a lack of supplies and conflicts with unruly Native Americans made this a tough part of the Turning Point Trail.

Points of interest in Kingsbury include the Jane McCrea markers, the Jane McCrea and Sarah McNeil graves, and the Fort House Museum.

Fort Miller: Decision point

Things begin to turn in the Americans favor at this point of the trail.

Burgoyne received word that fellow British Gen. William Howe would not be coming with reinforcements and supplies. This revelation sent his forces on a path of retreat.

Points of interest in Fort Miller will include Fort Miller, the Duer Mouse and Saratoga Battlefield.

Schuylerville: Siege and surrender

In Saratoga, Burgoyne discovered he would also not be receiving help from Gen. Henry Clinton. Following an embarrassing defeat at Saratoga, the British retreated north to Schuylerville.

This is the final stop on the Turning Point Trail.

Points of interest in Schuylerville will include the Schuyler House, Victory Woods, the Marshall House and Starks Knob.
QUEENSBURY  Warren County and Siemens Building Technologies have agreed on a settlement that will pay the county several hundred thousand dollars for claims that the companys alternative energy projects did not save the county the money they were supposed to.

Fifteen supervisors were present Wednesday as the county Board of Supervisors Finance Committee held a closed-door executive session to discuss a settlement with the energy and technology giant.

The meeting lasted about 90 minutes, and ended with the committee taking no action. But Bolton Supervisor Ronald Conover, chairman of the county board, acknowledged that supervisors were presented with the framework of an agreement and will be asked to meet again in the coming weeks to consider approval of it.

Conover said the proposed settlement was worked out during a five-hour session between the countys five-person negotiating team and seven Siemens representatives earlier this month.

He would not disclose terms, but several supervisors said the county would receive several hundred thousand dollars, although it was unclear whether that would be in the form of a payment, relief from an ongoing contract or both.

I think the negotiating team felt it was significant enough to bring to the whole board, Conover said.

Several supervisors had raised concerns earlier this week about the Finance Committee forwarding the settlement for the full Board of Supervisors to vote on Friday, fearing just two days for review would not be enough time.

One of them, Queensbury at-Large Supervisor Doug Beaty, said he was glad that board leadership decided not to push for an approval at Fridays meeting, and that supervisors will have time to vet the proposed agreement.

Im happy there is going to be a good process, he said.

Conover said the county also planned to release in the coming days an independent engineering analysis of the geothermal project, which it had withheld in recent months, prompting a lawsuit from Travis Whitehead, the Queensbury resident who requested the review.

Siemens oversaw the construction and operation of natural gas cogeneration and geothermal alternative energy projects at county facilities in the early and mid-2000s. But a group of engineers and citizens has claimed the company misled the county about the savings from the projects, accusations that were backed up by Warren County Sheriffs Office investigations that concluded criminal charges could be brought.

The county hired private counsel in April 2014 to look into the possibility of litigation, and negotiations have been going on since then.

Several supervisors seemed encouraged Wednesday that the countys years of concerns and discussions with Siemens could be coming to an end.

Glens Falls 5th Ward Supervisor Matt MacDonald remarked to Queensbury at-Large Supervisor Matt Sokol, who is chairman of the Finance Committee, after the meeting that the settlement was more than he anticipated. Neither would comment further on the matter.

Horicon Supervisor Matt Simpson said supervisors had been given a verbal framework of what the settlement would entail, but he still needed to see a written document that outlined all of the terms before he could support it.

A Siemens spokeswoman said this week the company had no comment on pending legal matters.
Israeli Air Force jets struck two Hamas installations in the north of the Gaza Strip early Thursday in response to the latest rocket fire from the territory at Israeli communities nearby, the army said.





There were no immediate reports about damage or casualties from the Israeli strike.

Less than two hours before the strike, a rocket fired from the Gaza Strip landed in an empty field in the Sdot Negev Regional Council near Netivot.

The rocket exploded on impact. No one was hurt and no damage was reported from the explosion.

The code red siren did not trigger, as the armys sensors determined the rocket would not land near a populated area. Security forces combed the area.

Initial assessments suggested that the rocket was not fired by Hamas, which rules Gaza, but by radical Salafist groups in the strip, according to Hebrew media reports citing military sources.

A rocket was last fired at Israel from Gaza in late February, leading the IDF to launch air strikes against five Hamas installations in the territory.

Israel holds Hamas responsible for all rocket fire and other attacks emanating from the territory.













Satellite footage taken on March 6 reveals the construction of a port that analysts believe could turn out to be a military installation on the North Island of the Paracels Island group.

Focus, a Taiwanese news agency, reported that leaders in Taipei are "keeping close tabs" on the construction work, which has so far included land-clearing and "preparation for a harbor."

China had started work on the port last year but had to restart the project after a typhoon wiped out most of the new structures, Focus noted.

The Paracels are simultaneously claimed by China, Taiwan and Vietnam. Beijing had previously vowed to cease land reclamation, UPI reported. Nevertheless, airstrips have been built on other islets such as Woody Island.

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is slated to visit China on March 18 as part of an Asian tour, and the South China Sea is sure to be a hot topic during the discussions. In a Senate hearing, Tillerson said "were going have to send China a clear signal that, first, the island-building stops, and second, your access to those islands is not going to be allowed."

China has already built up the nearby Spratly Islands with structures featuring retractable roofs, which analysts warn could house surface-to-air missiles (SAM). As one US intelligence official said, "it is not like the Chinese to build anything in the South China Sea just to build it, adding, "these structures resemble others that house SAM batteries." Beijing officials have denied allegations of militarization. "China carrying out normal construction activities, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said, "is a normal right under international law for sovereign nations."

















Chinas first non-domestic military outpost is slated to be finished by the end of the summer, according to Marine General Thomas Waldhauser, who said the base presents security concerns to the US.

The 90-acre naval base is located a mere four miles from the headquarters of US African Command, Camp Lemonnier, in Djibouti, where some 3,000 to 4,000 US personnel are stationed at any given time. Under Waldhausers watch, the US hopes to keep tabs on what China does and does not do at the new base. Waldhauser recently requested an audience with Djibouti President Ismail Omar, to whom he "expressed [US] concerns about some of the things that are important to us about what the Chinese should not do at that location." The US uses Camp Lemonnier base as a hub for highly secretive operations, Defense Tech reported. For instance, the camp was involved in the January 29 raid in Yemen that killed Navy Seal Team 6 member William Ryan Owens, as well as 14 Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula militants and at least 25 civilians.

Chinese investors have poured $400 million into Djibouti to build a trading port and to develop a free trade zone in the region. In addition to bolstering Chinas naval presence in the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea, the base will likely serve as headquarters for roughly 2,200 Chinese soldiers stationed in Africa as part of peacekeeping operations, Waldhauser noted.













European leaders are now calling for a federal union to salvage the EU. At least four European leaders have asked for a European Federal Union to build up the relationship between European nation-states.

A number of countries have threatened to leave the Eurozone including at one time or another Greece, Italy, France, Portugal, the Netherlands and Spain.

All of these countries are struggling with enormously high debt.

Reps from lower parliament chamber in France, Italy, Germany and Luxembourg wrote a letter in La Stampa, an Italian newspaper, explaining that member member states ought not to be fearful about Brexit or other concerns.

The letter was published in advance of the mid-March meeting marking the 60th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome. This was what began the European Economic Community, before the Union.

All of these countries are struggling with enormously high debt.

Reps from lower parliament chamber in France, Italy, Germany and Luxembourg wrote a letter in La Stampa, an Italian newspaper, explaining that member member states ought not to be fearful about Brexit or other concerns.

The letter was published in advance of the mid-March meeting marking the 60th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome. This was what began the European Economic Community, before the Union.

Their joint letter reads:

Now is the moment to move towards closer political integration  the Federal Union of States with broad powers.

We know that the prospect stirs up strong resistance, but the inaction of some cannot be the analysis of all. Those who believe in European ideals, should be able to give them a new life instead of helplessly observing its slow sunset.

The integration of Europe is less certain than ever because of populist, nationalist and even xenophobic movements.

But why is the integration of Europe, or unity among sovereign nations automatically a good thing? Disunity is exactly what made Europe a bastion of relative freedom and technological progress compared to the rest of the world.

Uniting Europe under Napoleon or Hitler didnt seem to garner much support from across the continent. And the only reason modern peaceful unity of Europe gains traction is because the domination, looting, and subjugation of some European states at the hands of others takes on a more subtle form.

In reality, unification of Europe would give a despot, or a small group of despots, the ability to make decisions that effect all of Europe, for better or for worse.

Last month, Conservative MEP Ashley Fox commented on a message from the EUs chief Brexit negotiator, Guy Verhofstadt, who presented a plan for a European Commission that would be a genuine government.

In a comment, Mr Fox responded: People are questioning what the EU does and whether it should be doing it at all. Mr Verhofstadts vision for the future of the EU is flawed and not representative of the citizens of Europe.

Many individuals see the attempts of the EU to take over Europe as the same as any foreign invader. After all, they have examples like Greece to look at. The title of one Russian-Insider article puts it succinctly: Greece to Surrender Gold, Utilities and Real Estate in Exchange For Pieces of Paper Printed in Brussels.





Germany announces the final pillage of Greece Its official: The Germans will not allow debt relief for Greece. Instead, Berlin wants to send in the repo man.

The untold story of the Greek bailouts is that it wasnt a bailout  it was an auction of Greek assets. Real, tangible things with real, tangible value were seized in exchange for pieces of paper that guarantee Athens will be chained to Berlin and Brussels for the foreseeable future.





Any struggling states should think twice before allowing the EU to bail them out. And a real Europe-wide government would not be much better for the little guys or the countries struggling with debt. It would mean the central state gets to decide how their finances will be handled. Ask Greece how that will work out.

This really is a golden age for international criminal cabals. Al Capone was a chump.













U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley has expressed outrage at a UN report that maligns Israel as an apartheid state.

The report by the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) accused Israel of imposing apartheid on Arabs in Judea and Samaria, a completely bogus claim. It concluded that available evidence established beyond a reasonable doubt that Israel is guilty of policies and practices that constitute the crime of apartheid."

The ESCWA is based in Beirut and is comprised of 18 Arab nations. It also lists the so-called State of Palestine as a full member.

On behalf of the United States, Haley demanded that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres withdraw the report.

Israeli Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon also condemned the report, saying in a statement: The attempt to smear and falsely label the only true democracy in the Middle East by creating a false analogy is despicable and constitutes a blatant lie.

On behalf of Guterres, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said in a statement, The report as it stands does not reflect the views of the secretary-general, and added that it was written without consulting the UN leader.

The United States is outraged by the report, Haley said in a statement. The United Nations secretariat was right to distance itself from this report, but it must go further and withdraw the report altogether That anti-Israel propaganda would come from a body whose membership nearly universally does not recognize Israel is unsurprising.






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On January 12, her daughter, Yvette Salinas, received a legal notice from the Department of Homeland Security with a 21-page "Declaration of Taking," offering Flores $2,900 for 1.2 acres of her property along the river.

"The United States of America is acquiring property along its border with Mexico in order to construct a fence and related improvements designed to secure the border," the letter said. "The purpose of this letter is to confer about the amount of just compensation in this case."

"It's scary when you read it," Salinas told The Texas Observer. "You feel like you have to sign."

Flores has the option to refuse the offer, but the government could then seize it, with compensation, through eminent domain.

And the budget proposal submitted by President Donald Trump on Thursday suggests his administration is gearing up for a fight over properties like the Flores family's.

The 2018 budget request submitted by Trump asks for $27.7 billion for the Justice Department, a $1.1 billion decrease over the previous year's amount. A list of bullet points highlighting the budget's priorities includes the following:

That foreshadows "bitter legal fights with landowners from Texas to California over the seizure of private property," The New York Times' Matt Apuzzo notes.

Should the federal government come for the Floreses' property in Texas  which sits near an elbow of the Rio Grande in Hidalgo County, between McAllen and Rio Grande City  it would not be the first time.

They, and others in the area, got a similar notice in 2008 that offered the same $2,900. Their land sits on the river's floodplain, however, where a US-Mexico treaty prohibits any building.

That restriction, plus the passage of time, ultimately spared their land, as the Obama administration deemphasized wall construction. (The US commission overseeing that treaty dropped its objection to building on the floodplain in 2012.)

Overall, the Trump administration plans to ask for more than $4 billion through 2018 for the wall's construction. Trump has previously cited $12 billion as the wall's cost, while a Homeland Security estimate put the total as high as $21.6 billion.

A supplemental spending bill will request $1.5 billion, and the fiscal-year 2018 budget will ask for $2.6 billion, Mick Mulvaney, the chief of the White House Office on Management and Budget, told reporters this week, saying his office had turned Trump's "policies into numbers."

Mulvaney said some of the $1.5 billion portion would go toward "pilot cases" in areas along the border where Homeland Security may experiment with different types of border walling.

The OMB director also further distanced the wall's funding from Trump's promises that Mexico would pay for it: "It's coming out of the Treasury," he said.

Democratic Sen. Chuck Schumer, the Senate minority leader, said the wall-funding proposal would be a "poison pill" that might cause a government shutdown, according to Politico.

Politico also obtained audio of Republican Sen. Cory Gardner of Colorado criticizing the idea for the wall in remarks to constituents this week.

Legislators from the Texas-Mexico border area have also criticized the idea of a border wall. And residents there, even the ones who support the wall, have misgivings about whether it would work.

Robert Cameron, who runs Texas Border Tours in the Rio Grande Valley area, told CNN in February that he supported Trump and the idea to build a wall, even though he disputed the picture of insecurity many had painted about the border area and didn't want to see friends and relatives who were living in the country illegally get deported.

But Cameron was skeptical about how effective the wall would be.

He recalled President George W. Bush's border-fence construction efforts in the mid-2000s, when construction created a no-man's land between the fence and the river, and gaps in the barrier were left to allow property owners access to their land south of the fence.

"This is definitely not secure," Cameron told CNN earlier this year, driving along portions of the fence already built along the border. "I don't know how that impenetrable wall is going to be built. People need access to their land."

Others living in the border area in eastern Texas had doubts about the efficacy of the proposed wall  members of the Flores family among them.

"Even if they build a wall, people will still come," Aleida Garcia, Salinas' cousin, told The Texas Observer. "What's helped us tremendously and is less expensive is the technology  the aerostat balloons, the ground sensors, and even boots on the ground."

Trump has called for hiring thousands more border-patrol and immigration officers, but Customs and Border Protection has said it would take years, and the lower hiring standards needed to meet Trump's quota may lead to abuses and corruption.
According to him, emerging markets boost global economies making growth prospects for such markets much higher.

He spoke to Pulse Business during the launch of NiBS Executive MBA with Emerging Markets Focus.

READ ALSO: 5th Africa CEO Forum kicks off on March 20 in Geneva

The Executive MBA program is designed for aspiring leaders who want to develop bold foresight to embrace the full potentials in emerging markets.

Research says companies in emerging markets grow faster than those based in developed economies.

READ ALSO: Head of Ghana Airport Company resigns

Professor Gima has therefore urged businesses to be committed to acquiring the necessary skills to leverage the potentials of Ghanas emerging market.

Meanwhile, an economist at the Nobel International Business School, Dr Hod Anyigba has expressed dissatisfaction at the underutilization of digital means of running businesses in the country.
This is the highest in the countrys history so far.

Out of the total 110, 20 are Regional Ministers and their Deputies, 40 ministers for various ministries, with 50 deputies.

READ ALSO: Nana Addo names deputy ministers

By this number, the Nana Addo-led administration would have the highest list of ministers and deputies to serve in any government since the start of the fourth Republic.

Many have argued that this will be a burden on the countrys finances.

Meanwhile a lot of Ghanaians are worried that the Members of Parliament who have been appointed ministers and deputy ministers will earn a double salary.

Out of the 110 ministerial list 64 of them are MPs. This means the 64 will not take double Salaries. Each will only take One salary per the article 71 holders payment structure.

READ ALSO: Nana Addo names four Metropolitan Chief Executives

Here is the salary they will be earning after the Prof. Dora Francisca Edua-Buandoh recommendations;

Cabinet Minister (MP)  GH16,423

Cabinet Minster (Non-MP)  GH 16,195

Minister of State (MP)  GH 15,967

Minister of State (Non-MP)  GH 15,739

Deputy Minster (MP)  GH 14,826

Deputy Minister (Non-MP)  GH 14,369

Regional Minister (MP)  GH 15,967

Regional Minister (Non-MP)  GH15,511

Deputy Regional Minister (MP)  GH14,598
The duo, who are of no fixed address, are standing trial on a four-count charge of conspiracy, unlawful damage of a kiosk, causing breach of the peace and unlawful possession of an axe.

The prosecutor, Insp. Sunday Eigbejiale, told the court that the two accused persons and others still at large, committed the offences on Feb. 21, at Sabo junction, Abeokuta.

He said the duo and others still at large conspired to commit felony, which led to malicious damage.

The prosecutor explained that the two accused persons and others still at large, were at Sabo junction, in front of a maternity hospital doing nothing, when they suddenly started disturbing, misbehaving and insulting passersby and motorcycle riders, without no reason.

The two accused persons went ahead and started stoning the police station gate, they also stoned some boys sitting along the roadside.

The boys got angry with the two accused persons and others now at large, which resulted into conflict among the two groups, but was later settled amicably.

After a while, the two accused persons and others still at large flew into the street in a manner to cause a breach of the peace when a rescue patrol team invaded the scene and arrested the two accused persons, while others fled.

Before they were caught, they had already damaged a kiosk, property of one Azizat Adeboye," the prosecutor said.

Eigbejiale added that an axe was recovered as an exhibit, which was found at the front of the damaged kiosk.

The prosecutor, said the offences committed contravened Sections 516, 451, 249 (d) and 88 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Ogun, 2006.

The two accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charge.

However, the Magistrate, Mrs Oriyomi Sofowora, admitted the two accused persons to bail in the sum of N100, 000 with two sureties each.
Oshogwe, 30, who resides on Ilaje Road, Bariga, Lagos, is facing a three-count charge of fraud, forgery and stealing.

According to the prosecutor, Insp. George Nwosu, the accused committed the offences on Feb.30 at Ilupeju on Ikorodu Road, Lagos.

He said the accused obtained the money from the complainant, Mr Fidelis Obanor, for a comprehensive motor insurance policy.

The accused, being a marketer with the Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc, collected N120, 000 from the complainant but failed to remit the money into the companys account.

Nwosu said the accused forged a receipt and a certificate that he gave to Obanor.

The fraudulent act was discovered when Obanor went to the company to verify the authenticity of his policy.

After verification, it was discovered that the customers name was not in the companys record and that the document submitted by him was forged, he told the court.

The offences contravened Sections 285, 312 and 363(3) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015 (revised).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 312 prescribes a 15-year imprisonment for offenders.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Ruling on the bail application of the accused, the Magistrate, Mr A. A. Adesanya, granted him bail in the sum of N100, 000 with two sureties in like sum.
Aderayo, a resident of No. 7, Joseph Campbell St., Ifako-Ijaiye, Lagos, said the move began when her husband impregnated his ex-girlfriend and brought her home to live with them.

Sometimes in July 2014, my husband brought his ex-girlfriend to my mother-in-laws house for child christening.

I later discovered that the child was my husbands baby after she moved into our house with the support of my mother-in-law.

I had to move to my father-in-laws house when life became unbearable for me after my husband traveled to South Africa in December 2014, she said.

She told the court that Gbenga impregnated another woman while in South Africa with the full support of the mother who called to inform her of the good news.

The respondent described her husband as an irresponsible man.

He refused to grow as he still lives in his mothers house even after marrying his wives.

My husband is immature and is a puppet in his mothers hands.; my husband beats me on the orders of his mother and threatened to deal with me if l refuse to move out of my father-in-laws house.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the estranged wife broke down in tears, saying  I still love him in spite of all these humiliation; I will endure and bear all the pains.

I am not ready for the dissolution of the marriage.

Gbenga, 30, of Akute area of Ogun, who filed the suit to end his three-year-old marriage, said he was fed up.

There is no love lost between us again. My wife is not truthful and she keeps fighting my mother.

She is not submissive and does not respect my mother; she is promiscuous as different men call her on phone, he said.

He urged the court to dissolve the union and also order the wife to move out of his fathers house since the man had died.

The President of the court, Mr Phillips Williams, admonished the petitioner for being irresponsible and having three wives at his age.
In an interview with Accra-based Citi FM, ACP Victor Adusei Poku, the Commander of the Pwalugu Police Training School, the fake educational certificates were found by the West Africa Examination Council (WAEC).

About twenty-two of police recruits were withdrawn because some of their admission letters they brought to the school, after vetting them on WAEC website, we realized that, they had their own names with their own certificates, but they took other peoples admission letters. And others too doctored their grades to meet our standard requirements so they were exposed by WAEC representatives and so we have dismissed them,

READ ALSO: Court grants Jihad Chaaban bail

Analysis

In 2016, when the recruitment drive began, 17,000 young people in Ghana signed up to join the police service within two days of the three-week exercise.
Kofi Mensah, 47, was found guilty on the charge of assault. Detective Inspector Kofi Atimbire, the prosecutor of the case, told the court presided over by Mrs Abena Oppong Adjin-Doku that the complainant was a trader living at Akraman near Amasaman.

READ ALSO: Nana Addo ignores Socrate Sarfo to appoint Dr Ziblim Barri IddiAccording to the prosecution, during investigation into the case, which occurred in May 2016, the victim told the police Mensah inserted his fingers into her vagina.According to the prosecutor, the following day the complainant, the girls mother, went to the accused persons house and confronted him of which the convict told her that it was not his intention to insert his finger into the victims vagina.

The prosecutor said a few weeks later, the complainant saw some unusual discharges from the young girl vagina and demanded that Mensah foot the hospital bills.

READ ALSO: Shirley Frimpong Manso celebrates birthday with sizzling photos

She reported the incident three days later to the police, where she was given a medical form that would enable her to send the young girl to the hospital for examination.
He charged them to deliver a formal monumental cathedral for Ghana in record time.

The President told the group of Clergy men and women, to focus on three main areas.

READ ALSO: Nana Addo cuts sword for construction of interdenominational worship centre

These areas are: an agreement on the design of the project, supervision of the construction of the building and raising the funds for the Project.

The President urged the clergy to ensure that the project is completed on time.

Speaking on behalf of the board, its chairman Most Reverend Asante Antwi said he and his team are in a hurry just like the President disclosed in his State of the Nation address, to deliver the project for the people of Ghana.

He assured the President that he and his board will get to work immediately.

The board of trustees comprise the following; The Chairman, Most Reverend Asante Antwi, former Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church of Ghana and his assistant, Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra, Charles Plamer Buckle. Prophet Kusi Boateng will be the member secretary to the board.
The magistrate court hearing the assault case against the Lebanese supervisor at the Marwako Restaurant Jihad Chabaan granted the bail to the sum of GH20,000 with two sureties.

Jihad Chaaban dipped the face of a kitchen staffer Evelyn Boakye at the Abelemkpe branch of the eatery into pepper paste.

This inhumane treatment has caused many social media users in Ghana calling for the boycott of the eatery. This has led to the creation of a hashtag #boycottMarwako.

Meanwhile, management of the restaurant has suspended the supervisor until police conclude investigations into the matter.
In a Facebook post, he said: For now, these numbers are an issue, and the concerns being raised about them are legitimate, expected, and in order, just as the NPP in opposition raised them.

READ ALSO: Angry NDC youth lock up leaders in hotel

However, he added that even though a number of ministerial appointees have never crossed 90 in the fourth republic, President Akufo-Addo believes he needs these numbers of appointees to deliver.

If he indeed begins to deliver concretely on his transformational agenda, then the numbers will cease to be an issue.

In March 2013 when then President John Mahama appointed his ministers and deputies, Akomea said he was horribly disappointed in the president for making 86 ministerial appointments.
Addressing a press conference at the Information Ministry, Hamid said the President wants to prevent wastage in the system.

Part of the Presidents determination to get a hold on national expenditure is the reason why he has appointed a Minister of State in his office responsible for procurement whose responsibility will be to ensure proper value for money procurement. It is generally agreed that the biggest source of wastage is through public procurement. An expert in procurement law has therefore been nominated to take care of the business of fleecing the state through public procurement.

Member of Parliament for Dome Kwabenya, and Deputy Majority Leader, Adwoa Sarfo, was on Wednesday, March 15, 2017, appointed a Minister of State at the presidency in charge of Public Procurement.

READ ALSO: Nana Addo releases list of 50 deputy ministers

Her name was among a list of four new ministers of state at the presidency/ministry that was presented to Parliament for vetting and approval.
However in his response, the chief scribe of the NDC in an interview with Accra-based TV3 said when I heard the list of ministers and I heard they were holding a press conference, I thought they would have some good reasons to tell Ghanaians. But they have just insulted us further by saying that we did not promise a lean government.

They must come out to tell us what it is in terms of value for money that we would gain as a nation out of those appointments. But just to come and say that we didnt promise a lean government so we are at liberty to do whatever we wish, I think it is rather rubbing pepper in the wound.

The argument that the economy is so destroyed that they need a bigger team to do work also doesnt make sense.
Ghanaians on social media have not taken kindly to their explanations with some questioning if this was the change the new government promised while in opposition.

The Minister of Information, Mustapha Hamid has said in interviews that the government did not promise a lean government during the campaign but an efficient one. According to him, the problems of the country meant that there was the need for a strong and competent army.
At a press conference held at the Information Ministry in Accra Hamid said President Akufo-Addo took into consideration the competence of all his appointed officials.

In putting together this government, he [President] has been guided by the competencies and experiences of the people and the legal requirements for making such appointments.

Akufo Addo government has inherited a country whose economy is if you want at its weakest requires a strong army that will resolve, confront these challenges and resolve them in the rapid manner that we[Ghanaians] require in order to put our country back on the path of progress and development If we keep doing business as usual, we cannot transform the country in the manner that we envisage. This number of Ministers that the President has presented to Parliament brings his entire government to 110 Ministers of State and deputies who would assist him deliver on the ambitious programme of national transformation and development which the people of Ghana have charged him to implement, he added.

He also explained that President Nana Addo was guided by Article 78 (2) of the constitution in making his appointments.

President Nana Akufo-Addo has currently appointed a total number of 110 people to serve as ministers, ministers of state and deputies in his administration.

READ ALSO: Here is the salary for all the appointed ministers and their deputies

Out of the total 110, 20 are Regional Ministers and their Deputies, 40 ministers for various ministries, with 50 deputies.
According to him, it will become difficult to accomplish due to the required voter turnout in the referendum.

In his view, he antedates a key challenge in the sense that the 69.2 percent voter turnout recorded during the 2016 general elections was rather low.

READ ALSO: Nana Addo ignores Socrate Sarfo to appoint Dr Ziblim Barri Iddi

He explained that, If you want to go into that, there is the need for a referendum. Now its around 69.2, and if I look back on our elections, there was a time that we even recorded 29 per cent and 54 per cent So let us think seriously about that. Voter turnout is key and civil society must help."
"I want to cut the hell out of taxes," Trump said at a rally in Nashville, Tennessee on Wednesday evening. "But, but before I can do that, I wouldve loved to have put it first I'll be honest, theres one more very important thing that we have to do. And we are going to repeal and replace horrible disastrous Obamacare."

While Trump's actual tax plan has yet to take shape, he has previously told manufacturing executives that he wants to slash the corporate tax rate from its current level of 40%, one of the highest in the world, to between 15% and 20%.

As for personal income taxes, Trump has said he wants to overhaul the entire system to put money back in the pockets of American citizens. He has called for reducing the amount of income tax brackets from its current number of seven to four while eliminating several deductions. Trump says his plan would provide "
Gen. David Perkins, commander of the Army Training and Doctrine Command, related the incident to an audience at an Association of the US Army meeting in Huntsville, Alabama, on March 13.

Perkins relayed the anecdote when his remarks turned to how address threats at different levels of command.

"When we started first dealing with enemy unmanned aerial systems, the gut instinct was thats an air-defense problem. That's an air-defense problem because theyre in the air," he said, adding:

Radar-guided Patriots are intended to intercept other missiles, which would theoretically make them suitable for small, nimble targets like drones. But a single missile can cost between $2.5 million and $3.4 million.

As Perkins noted, the disparity between the price of the Patriot and the price of the drone calls the overall wisdom of the tactic into question.

"On the economic-exchange ratio, Im not sure thats a good economic-exchange ratio," he told the audience. "In fact, if Im the enemy, Im thinking, 'Hey, I'm just going to get on Ebay and buy as many of these $300 quadcopters as I can and expend all the Patriot missiles out there.'"

Perkins did not elaborate on the "ally" who launched the strike, its location, or the circumstances around the engagement.

Thirteen countries currently have Patriot air-defense systems, according to Jane's. A 2012 BBC report indicated that Israel, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates were among those countries.

Drones have proliferated in recent years, and ISIS fighters have put them to use in their fight with Iraqi forces in Mosul, where they've used them to drop grenades on government forces and track and record suicide attacks. Drone recordings have become a feature the terror group's propaganda effort.

In an apparent acknowledgement of the challenge drones pose, the US Air Force recently ordered net-filled shotgun shells for use in taking them down.
Spicer had confrontational back-and-forth exchanges with several reporters, including ABC's Jonathan Karl and CNN's Jim Acosta, the latter of whom the president has previously referred to as "fake news."

Karl began by asking Spicer about the Senate Intelligence Committee leaders' Thursday statement saying there were "no indications" Trump was wiretapped, which the president accused President Barack Obama of illegally doing.

Earlier in the week, Spicer said he was "extremely confident" the Department of Justice would find evidence to back up Trump's claim.

Spicer launched into a lengthy, minutes-long rant after Karl presented him with this information, saying the media does not cover similar statements from the agencies when they are in favor of Trump's position on an issue, such as possible ties to Russia. When something has the opposite slant, Spicer said, it is covered "ad nauseam."

He also insisted the president, who said as much in a Wednesday interview with Fox News host Tucker Carlson, meant surveillance generally when he tweeted about wiretapping. At one point, Spicer engaged in a shouting match with Karl and asked the ABC White House correspondent to "calm down."

Spicer then cited a number of sources he believed backed up the White House's side of the argument. He listed reports from the New York Times, Heat Street, and Circa News, as well as a diatribe from unabashed pro-Trump Fox News host Sean Hannity.

Karl followed up after the lengthy rehashing of news reports, asking if the president still stands by his allegation even after both the House and Senate intelligence committees suggested it was untrue. Spicer said that the "House and the Senate has not been provided all the information," prompting a rebuke from a spokesperson to Senate Intellignece Committee Vice Chair Sen. Mark Warner.

"The bipartisan leaders of the Intelligence Committee would not have made the statement they made without having been fully briefed by the appropriate authorities," the spokesperson said.

Spicer said Trump still stands by his assertion, circling back to asking Karl why he wasn't "coming to the defense" of the intelligence committees when they were disputing connections to Russia.

That's when Acosta followed up.

"You were just quoting Sean Hannity there," he said, later adding Spicer was also citing Fox News contributor Andrew Napolitano.

Spicer said Acosta was "cherry picking" the sources he was citing, reiterating that he listed The New York Times.

But Acosta went back to mentioning what was stated by the intelligence committees, refuting Trump's assertion.

Spicer continued doubling down on his previous points.

"That sounds like, Sean, what you and the president are saying is 'well, we don't mean wiretapping anymore because that's not true anymore,'" Acosta said.

"No, no, that's not true!" Spicer exclaimed.

"What's it going to be next?" Acosta asked.

Spicer called that question "cute," but said the point about what Trump meant by his tweets have been discussed in the briefing room for days.

The press secretary later added that Acosta was coming to "serious conclusions" about Trump's assertions "for a guy that has zero intelligence."

Some in the room broke out in laughter.

"Give me some credit Sean, a little intelligence maybe," Acosta said.

Spicer added with a smile that he meant to include "clearance" in his statement.
Prime Minister Mark Rutte's ruling People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) is set to win the most seats in the Dutch parliament for the third time in a row, dealing a blow to populist leader Wilders, who wanted to pull the Netherlands from the European Union and curb Muslim immigration.

Rutte said the win is in part a reaction to the Dutch witnessing the fallout from Britain's vote to leave the EU and America's election of Donald Trump as president.

"The Netherlands, after Brexit, after the American elections, said 'whoa' to the wrong kind of populism," Rutte said after as election results rolled in. "Today was a celebration of democracy. We saw rows of people queuing to cast their vote all over the Netherlands  how long has it been since we've seen that?"

Election turnout was the highest the Netherlands has seen in decades, The New York Times reported. This year's election was especially prominent as geopolitical observers watched the sentiment in the Netherlands for signs of what's to come for the rest of Western Europe, where far-right parties threaten the establishment in some countries.

"During this election campaign, the whole world was watching us," Alexander Pechtold, leader of the left-leaning Democrats 66 party, said. "They were looking at Europe to see if this continent would follow the call of the populists, but it has now become clear that call stopped here in the Netherlands."

Jean-Claude Juncker, the President of the European Commission, also praised the result of the election, which he said was "a vote for Europe, a vote against extremists."

German's foreign office echoed this message on Twitter.

"Large majority of Dutch voters have rejected anti European populists," the office tweeted. "That's good news. We need you for a strong #Europe!"

Germany is facing its own election this year, with far-right parties on the rise there as well. France's political establishment is also contending with far-right insurgents in its election this year.

Some political observers have suggested that an anti-Trump wave has overtaken the populist wave that has swept Europe.

"Is there an anti-Trump wave in Europe?" Carl Bildt, the former prime minister of Sweden, tweeted Wednesday. "Yes, that seems to be the case. Saw it in Austria. Stronger in Netherlands."

Martin Schulz, the German leader of the Social Democrats party, also took Wilders' loss in the Netherlands as a sign of what could come in Germany's elections later this year.

"I am relieved," he tweeted. "But we have to continue fighting for an open and free Europe."

French presidential candidate Emmanuel Macron, a centrist who will face right-wing Marine Le Pen in France's coming elections, also seemed relieved at the Dutch result.

"The Netherlands is showing us that a breakthrough for the extreme right is not a foregone conclusion and that progressives are gaining momentum," he tweeted.

The establishment's victory in the Netherlands doesn't mean that the populist wave has been completely beaten back  Rutte's VVD is projected to win 33 seats, eight fewer than in the 2012 election, while Wilders' Party for Freedom (PVV) is set to grab 20 seats, a gain of five on the 2012 election, in a second-place finish.

Wilders, meanwhile, is vowing to remain relevant in Dutch politics.

"We were the 3rd largest party of the Netherlands," he tweeted Wednesday night. "Now we are the 2nd largest party. Next time we will be nr. 1!"

The tweet contained an image of Wilders' face next to the phrase "stop Islam."

Wilders has enjoyed some crossover appeal in the US and has been referred to as the "Dutch Donald Trump."

He was a featured speaker at a right-wing event during the Republican National Convention in Cleveland in July. During his speech, he decried European immigration policies and said Europe was "imploding" under the threat of Islamist terrorism.

And, more recently, Rep. Steve King, a Republican from Iowa, tweeted in favor of Wilders, linking to a cartoon of Wilders plugging a cracked wall with "Western civilization" written on it.

"Wilders understands that culture and demographics are our destiny," King wrote. "We can't restore our civilization with somebody else's babies."

The tweet prompted backlash from both sides of the aisle, but King stood firm in his support of Wilders' politics.

Wilders doesn't seem to see this election as a loss. Earlier in the evening, he celebrated the results in another tweet, saying, "The first victory is in! And Rutte has not seen the last of me yet!!"
US District Judge Derrick Watson put an emergency stop on Trump's revised travel ban on Wednesday  just hours before it was scheduled to go into effect.

In his opinion, Watson centers on the historical background and the context of the executive order. "The record before this Court is unique," said Watson in his opinion. "It includes significant and unrebutted evidence of religious animus driving the promulgation of the Executive Order and its related predecessor."

"The illogic of the Governments contentions is palpable," Watso added.

He offered the following example from CNN's television broadcast of an interview between Anderson Cooper and Trump last year:

The judge included an excerpt from an interview with NBC's Meet the Press from October the same year:

In response to the revised travel ban that replaced the first executive order  which was slapped down by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in February  Watson argued in his ruling that the White House intended to prioritize religion above secularism with its travel ban, citing statements from an adviser to Trump:

Advocacy groups like the American Civil Liberties Union echoed Judge Watson's sentiments in a statement released after the ruling:
During a campaign-style speech in Nashville, Tennessee, Trump railed against a Hawaii federal judge who put his revised travel ban on hold. The new executive order was set to take effect on Thursday.

"The order he blocked was a watered down version of the first order that was also blocked by another judge and should have never been blocked to start with," Trump told the crowd.

Those words were seen as problematic, since the US Justice Department is tasked with defending the president's executive order in court.

Trump's wording is nearly identical to what critics challenging the ban have said, noting that Trump's new executive order did not do enough to address the constitutional concerns of Trump's first action on immigration. One of the most prominent changes in the order removed Iraq from the list of majority-Muslim countries from which travel to the US would be restricted.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said of Trump's new executive order last week: "A watered-down ban is still a ban." Schumer added: "Despite the administrations changes, this dangerous executive order makes us less safe, not more; it is mean-spirited, and un-American. It must be repealed."

"The ruling makes us look weak," Trump said during his Nashville speech.

California's attorney general Xavier Becerra sounded off the revised ban on Monday, saying "The Trump Administration may have changed the text of the now-discredited Muslim travel ban, but they didn't change its unconstitutional intent and effect."
An ad agency acting on behalf of The Guardian ran a programmatic ad campaign using Google's Adx ad exchange.

Programmatic advertising allows advertisers to target large audiences across a swathe of websites, using automated systems, rather than needing to buy each ad placement individually. Programmatic advertising is seen as an efficient way to reach specified audiences online, but it can also carry a brand safety risk, with some ads inadvertently appearing next to undesirable content if proper whitelists, blacklists, and other safety checks are not put in place by both the ad platform and the ad buyer.

On this occasion, The Guardian says its ads appeared next to YouTube videos of American white nationalists, a hate preacher that is banned in the UK, and a "controversial" Islamic preacher.

The Guardian's discovery comes a month after an investigation from The Times found a number of big brand ads were appearing next to YouTube videos created by hate groups.

David Pemsel, The Guardian chief executive, wrote in a letter to Google EMEA boss Matt Brittin:

"Given the dominance of Google, DoubleClick and YouTube in the digital economy, many brands feel that it is essential to place advertising on your platform. It is therefore vital that Google, DoubleClick and YouTube uphold the highest standards in terms of openness, transparency, and measures to avoid advertising fraud and misplacement in the future. It is very clear that this is not the case at the moment."

Pemsel is also calling on other brands to boycott Google until the company can guarantee ads on YouTube won't appear next to extremist content.

A Google spokesperson told Business Insider the company does not comment on individual advertisers' decisions. However, Google did provide a statement with regards to brand safety generally on YouTube:

"We have strict guidelines that define where Google ads should appear, and in the vast majority of cases, our policies work as intended, protecting users and advertisers from harmful or inappropriate content. We accept that we don't always get it right, and that sometimes, ads appear where they should not. We're committed to doing better, and will make changes to our policies and brand controls for advertisers."

At The Guardian's Changing Media Summit in London on Wednesday, WPP ad agency The&Partnership's founder Johnny Hornby said brands should set a deadline by which Google could guarantee these kinds of brand safety incidents do not happen again  or else they should all pull their spend.

"They need to act quickly, like now, and make a promise to invest a proper amount of money against a deadline. We need to say that we won't sit on another panel in Cannes and have this same discussion," he said, referring to the global advertising event that takes place in the south of France in June.

"These are not organizations that don't have the money to put software in place. They have software that allows them to take money from advertisers and put videos on Jihadi sites. Use the same money to stop it. They have the financial might to do a lot more about this than simply going to conferences and recognizing these are issues."
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!
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Punch reports that the verdict was reached by Magistrate J.O. Adepoju, who opined that due to the severity of the injuries sustained by the victim and the weight of the charges, the two defendants should be remanded in custody pending the release of legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions.

It was gathered that the genesis of the problem that saw the victim attacked with the substance, started when Chidi who was dating Nwosu, proposed marriage to her her and when his wife learned of the development, she sent a threat text message to the victim.

Nwosu had alleged that immediately Nkiru got to know about the proposed marriage between her and her husband, she started threatening her (Nwosu) through calls and messages.

She narrated that on October 6, 2016, she had closed from work at the Computer Village in Ikeja and had reached Ilasamaja around 8 pm on her way home when a man alighted from a motorcycle and threw the acid on her.

Nwosu said she suspected Nkiru because of the threats she had been receiving from her before the incident, adding that while also on the hospital bed, she still threatened her.

The case was referred to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID), Yaba, from where it was later transferred to the Federal Investigation and Intelligence Bureau, Alagbon.

The suspects were arraigned on Wednesday, March 15, 2017, on four counts of attempted murder and causing grievous bodily harm.

The charges read in part:

That you, Chidi Ubochianjonjo and Nkiru Ubochianjonjo, on or about October 6, 2016, at Ilasamaja bus stop, Ilasamaja, Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this honorable court, did conspire with others at large to commit felony to wit: attempted murder.

That you did attempt to murder one Ogochukwu Nwosu by bathing her with the substance suspected to be acid.

The police prosecutors, O.A. Ochogu and Nicholas Ekpene, said the offenses were punishable under sections 411, 230, 232 and 245 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, Nigeria, 2011.
Evening Standard reports that Udusole who has been dubbed a 'sexual predator', had groomed two teenage girls online before sexually assaulting them while he impersonated a prince from an African kingdom.

the convict met his victims on social media while pretending to be a 17-year-old boy called Daniel who was rich due to his father being an African king.

The unemployed Nigerian offered the girls, aged 14 and 15, gifts and money while he sent taxis to collect them and bring them near his home in southeast London.

The victims, who did not know each other, both thought that Daniel was their boyfriend and made their allegations to police independently.

Udosole was arrested in May 2016 by the Met Police and on Monday, March 12, 2017, pleaded guilty at Snaresbrook Crown Court to one count of sexual activity with a 14-year-old and two with a 15-year-old.

The investigating officer, Detective Sergeant Laura Hillier, told the court:

"Taheeb Udusole is a predator who claimed that he believed the girls were adults because neither arrived in school uniform.

Both girls had told Udusole their age and he continued to force them to have sex regardless. Unaware that they were victims, these girls have gone through a traumatic experience and should be proud of the strength of character they have shown during the investigation and approaching trial.

I hope that today's sentence brings them a measure of comfort and closure and that they can move on with their lives.

We cannot be certain that there are not more victims who have suffered from the actions of this man who have not yet come forward. I would urge anyone who has been a victim to contact police immediately by dialing 101."
The fiery Muslim cleric and Islamic lecturer, says Prophet Joshua and other pastors are leading people astray by often saying that Jesus is God while he was just a messenger like Mohammed and other prophets of old.

In a message he shared on his Facebook page, Sheikh Mabera says he has perfected plans to drag the General Overseer of the Synagogue Church of All Nations to the court for blasphemy.

I am filing a case to the Federal High Court of Nigeria against Pastor T.B. Joshua and co-pastors for speaking a lie against Jesus Christ by calling him, God.

Sheikh Mabera added that he is always very angry whenever he watches Prophet Joshuas television channel, Emmanuel TV, wondering why the prophet should address Jesus as God in front of thousands of his listeners.

I was completely aghast when I heard the so-called Prophet T.B. Joshua of Emmanuel TV calling Jesus God in the presence of thousands of his audience, among whom were professors, doctors, reverend fathers and mothers, pastors and bishops.

Sheikh Mabera said that from his studies of the Bible, there are so many evidence contradicting the belief that Jesus Christ is a spirit being.

As I was watching T.B. Joshua speaking through Emmanuel TV and his audience helplessly watching and listening to his accumulated lies and unfounded praise-singing directed at Jesus, I almost cried with automatic alacrity when he said that Jesus is Almighty God.

My conclusion was that both TB Joshua and other Christians actually read their Bible without a proper understanding of what they are reading.

There are millions of facts from the Scriptures and other rational facts that authentically proved that Jesus does not have even the least qualification of being God.

Let us meet in the court of law and debate it out. Enough is Enough, the firebrand Mabera who owns an Islamic school where he trains other Muslims in the art of defending their faith, added.
The woman, who had approached the court seeking the dissolution of the union, said her husband, Cletus, had turned her into a punching bag.

Rosemary told the court that she met her husband through the social media platform  facebook while he was in South Africa and dated for few months before they had their traditional marriage.

She said before her husband paid her dowry, he was so calm but after they got married, he became inquisitive and jealous.

My husband does not trust me, always wanting to know who l am talking with on phone or my whereabouts.

He keeps telling me that he is an Anambra man who does not take nonsense and that he has paid my dowry, therefore, he has rights over me, Rosemary told the court.

She also alleged that the respondent (the husband) stopped her from doing business because of jealous nature and yet failed to care for her and their one year old child.

Rosemary, who said the man had turned her to a punching bag, described him as a violent man who feels insecure.

According to her, she was forced to move out of her matrimonial home when the beating was becoming unbearable.

There was a day he beat me following a misunderstanding, l fainted and was rushed to the hospital.

I want the court to dissolve the marriage and for the respondent to be responsible for the childs upkeep, she pleaded.

The respondent, a resident of No. 1 Barachel Estate, Wilinsco, Iju-Ishaga, a Lagos suburb, however, denied the allegations of constantly beating his wife and failing to take care of his family.

Cletus, a businessman who runs a bar, alleged that his wife is hot-tempered, claiming that whenever her phone rang in his presence, she would refuse to pick it.
The deceased identified as Nathaniel Mhiripiri, the ZANU-PF partys secretary for labor and social welfare in Manicaland province was discovered by the police on Tuesday, March 14, 2017.

ALSO READ: 300L BSU missing student found dead

The police disclosed the information on Wednesday, March 15, 2017, revealing that the deceased was found in a pool of his own blood in the town of Rusape.

Preliminary reports point to murder as the cause of death.

Mhiripiri had been missing for three days before his remains were found.

According to Police spokesperson, Tavhiringwa Kakohwa, the case is being treated as a murder case, but he declined to comment on the motivation behind it.

ALSO READ: Body of kidnapped lecturer found inside bush 2 months after abduction

Punch reports that Mhiripiri was a well-known supporter of Vice President, Emmerson Mnangagwa, who is speculated to eventually succeed 93-year-old Zimbabwean President, Robert Mugabe.
According to a Facebook user, Sherrif Alabi Mosalu, Orji had challenged one of the soldiers for slapping her brother and the angry military men reportedly descended on her, giving her the beating of her life.

Mosalu added that the officers had threatened to shoot anyone who tried to save the woman from their brutality, saying they could kill her and no one would do anything about it.

Read what Mosalu wrote on his page:

"I think the Nigerian Army should be called to order fast. This lady was brutalized by soldiers from the 174 battalion, Ikorodu, all because she challenged a soldier that slapped her brother

This is becoming too much and barbaric. Please share till this gets to Buratai. I don't want to believe our soldiers are animals. Kilode?"
An Igbosere High Court ordered NAFDAC to pay damages of N2 million after ruling that the agency failed Nigerians by not warning them that consuming Fanta or Sprite with Vitamin C is dangerous.

Our lawyer has filed an appeal and a motion to stay execution of action of the judgment also filed, NAFDAC Director General, Yetunde Oni said.

The case was filed by Fijabi Adebo Holdings Limited and Emmanuel Adebo against NAFDAC and the Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC), the manufacturers of Fanta and Sprite.

Adebo had purchased a large quantity of drinks for export to the United Kingdom, but they were found unsuitable for human consumption when tested.

The tests also showed that the drinks became poisonous when combined with Vitamin C.

The court further ordered NAFDAC to compel NBC to place a warning on its Fanta and Sprite products, stating that the contents should not be taken with Vitamin C in order to avoid poisoning.
Yakubu, a former Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), appeared before the court on Thursday, March 16.

Presiding judge, Justice Ahmed Mohammed, in giving the order, said that Yakubu should be remanded in Kuje Prison pending the determination of his bail application on March 21.

Yakubu was, on Thursday, charged with six counts of fraud by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) due to the recovery of $9.8 million and 74, 000 from his house in Kaduna.

The sums of money were recovered from Yakubus property in the Sabon Tasha area of Kaduna on February 3, 2017.

He however pleaded not guilty to the charges of fraud leveled against him.

ALSO READ:Andrew Yakubu slams EFCC with N1bn suit
Yakubu, a former Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), was charged with six counts of fraud.

He was arraigned on Thursday, March 16 at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The sums of money were recovered from Yakubus property in the Sabon Tasha area of Kaduna on February 3, 2017.

He however pleaded not guilty to the charges of fraud leveled against him.

ALSO READ:Andrew Yakubu slams EFCC with N1bn suit
In a statement made available to on Wednesday, March 15, 2016, the group's secretary, Yunana Jacob described the recent allegation against Apostle Suleman as a surreptitious, dangerous and well-orchestrated plan by the Kaduna state governor to intimidate opposition ahead of the 2019 election.

The group accused Governor El-Rufai of nursing plans to contest for the post of Nigerias president in 2019.

''We have no doubt that from the events of the past weeks, that security agencies have been under tremendous pressure to frame Apostle Suleman under spurious charges to put him out of circulation, for daring El-Rufai over the persecution and killing of Christians by Fulani herdsmen in Southern Kaduna, the statement said.

The Kaduna State Governors grand design is to hound his perceived opponents and to ruin every other persons chances just before the 2019 general elections, thus paving the way for him and his co-travelers to have a field day in running the polls with little or no challenge.

ALSO READ: Fayose: I stand by Apostle Johnson Suleman

Governor El-Rufais agents have been recruiting young women from across Nigeria and some other parts of the world to discredit and impugn the credibility of Apostle Suleman in a manner that has never been seen before.

''The days of anarchy, when innocent people were slammed with spurious charges or their reputation dented to satisfy the inordinate ambition of some persons are gone."
The comment was made by Army spokesman, Brigadier General Sani Usman after the village was attacked by terrorists on Wednesday, March 16.

The terrorists who came with some vehicles at about 6.00pm attempted to set the town ablaze and kill the residents but the timely intervention of the troops prevented that mishap, Usman said via a statement released on Thursday, March 17.

While troops are still consolidating and mopping up, it is imperative to state that preliminary investigation shows that the attackers of Magumeri came from the same community. The terrorists that attack the village are well known to the people.

It should also be noted that the village was never attacked throughout the period of the insurgency for some inexplicable reasons. The terrorists and their collaborators hibernating in the area were never exposed. There seems to be unholy alliance between the terrorists and the villagers.

Consequently, we are constrained to state that its now high time for the people to take up the fight themselves and help the Nigerian military and other security agencies to protect them. It is a grievous mistake and criminal offence to continue to shield or harbour any known Boko Haram terrorist in their midst.

The terrorists must be exposed and their movements promptly reported to the security agencies. The terrorists are inhuman and barbaric, therefore cannot be trusted to spare anyone in perpetuating their inhuman acts.

It is imperative that all communities in the North East especially Borno State, should fully cooperate with the military and the Security agencies by exposing Boko Haram terrorists in their respective towns and villages, he added.

ALSO READ: Nigeria, Cameroon troops clear terrorists from 7 border villages
The suspect was arrested at Bay emeritus village in Yobe.

Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman, the army spokesman, who confirmed the arrest in a statement on Thursday, said the suspect hailed from Yaro Grematalti Yunusari Local Government Area of Yobe.

Usman added that the troops also arrested another suspected Boko Haram terrorist whose name, age and origin could not be ascertained for now as he pretended to be deaf and dumb.

However, he was found to be in possession of eight functioning mobile telephone handsets, bunch of keys, two passport photographs, two amulet charms and a transistor radio.

Both suspects are being further investigated, he said.

Meanwhile, Usman said that nine suspected Boko Haram terrorists from Tambashe village, Dikwa Local Government Area of Borno, voluntarily surrendered to troops deployed along Dikwa-Gulumba Gana road.

ALSO READ: Boko Haram terrorists release new video executing 3 govt spies

Nevertheless, the repentant suspects are further being investigated, he said.
This was disclosed by the anti-graft agency on Wednesday at a Federal High Court in Lagos as court resumes hearing of the case between EFCC and Fayose

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission further said the payment was the reason for freezing Ozekhomes account since the deposit is viewed as proceeds of crime.

Ozekhome had earlier urged Justice Abdullazeez Anka to unfreeze his firms account which the court ordered at EFCCs instance on Feb. 7.

Opposing the application, EFCCs lawyer, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo, argued that Ozekhome ought to have reasonably known that the money he received as part payment for legal fees was proceeds of fraudulent activities.

He said: EFCC received an intelligence showing that one Mr Ayodele Fayose received N1.2 billion from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) through the then Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro.

He said Obanikoro conveyed the money in an aircraft to Akure airport for delivery to Fayose in neighbouring Ekiti.

Oyedepo said it was investigated and it was discovered that the sum of N137 million was paid into an account no. 1003126654 operated by Fayose on June 26, 2014.

On August 22 and 27, 2014, the sum of N50 million and N118 million was also credited to the account.

Oyedepo said having discovered that the funds were proceeds of crime, EFCC approached Justice Mohammed Idris of Lagos division for an order to freeze the account pending conclusion of investigations.The lawyer said that the order by Justice Idris was not appealed by either Fayose or the bank where the money was lodged.

The N75 million is from the proceeds of the alleged crime fraudulently taken from the ONSA and kept in Fayoses account from where it was transferred to Ozekhome.

 EFCC is empowered to freeze any money suspected to be proceeds of crime even if it is not in possession of the person committing the unlawful act.

He argued that nothing had been showed to contradict the fact that the money came from ONSA, adding that Ozekhome could not also claim not to know the source of the money.

Arguing his application to unfreeze the account, Ozekhome said it was not a lawyers duty to investigate the source of his legal fees.

Besides, he said as at the time Fayose paid him the money, the governors account had been unfrozen by an order made by Justice Taiwo Taiwo of the Ekiti Division of the court on Dec. 13. 2016.

He said that the judge on Jan. 31 also refused EFCCs application to stay execution of the judgment of Dec. 13, 2016.

Ozekhome said EFCC obtained the order freezing his account 47 days after Fayose transferred the N75 million.

The account frozen by Justice Idris had been unfrozen by Justice Taiwo and made operational after it was found that material facts were suppressed, he said.

The Senior Advocate said that the N75 million was part payment for the professional fees having handled eight cases for Fayose and his aides.

ALSO READ: Court issues order to freeze lawyers account

He said that the total sum owed his chambers by Fayose was N250 million and that he wrote Fayose demanding payment of the fees, and that the governor sought for his understanding because his account was frozen.

He also said when Justice Taiwo unfroze Fayoses account, he (Ozekhome) sent the governor a reminder to pay the money after which he made the N75 million.

There was no encumbrance on the account from which the money was transferred, Ozekhome said, recalling that the bank in Ekiti also allowed Fayose to withdraw N5 million in cash from the account.

He said it was wrong for the EFCC to conclude that the money was a proceed of crime when Fayose, who enjoys immunity as a sitting governor had not been tried or convicted.
The protesters, who arrived at the National Assembly gate at about 9 a.m., barricaded the area and disrupted vehicular traffic in and out of the complex.

The protesters, numbering more than 100, chanted songs calling on the legislature to intervene in the matter.

They carried placards which bore our ancestral homes are not cattle grazing routes, stop the killing in Benue State and Nigeria risks famine if farmlands are not made safe for our people, among others.

Spokesman of the group, Mr Frank Utoo, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that incessant killing of farmers had adversely affected farming activities in the state.

Utoo said that in spite of the fact that it was farming season, farmers were not ready to return to the farms for fear of being attacked.

He called on the National Assembly to pass a bill that would make it mandatory for herdsmen to own ranches across the country.

According to him, cattle should not to be reared on arable farmland but restricted to ranches so as to avoid grazing on farmlands.

Utoo said that no fewer than 30 lives had been lost in the most recent herdsmen attack in Buruku Local Government Area of the state.

The aged, women and children were mostly the victims of the massacre unleashed by the herdsmen in the area.

It was unfortunate that the defenceless are the major targets of the hoodlums, he said.

A leader of the protesters, Mr Tersoo Akula, said the killings had been going on for the past 12 years and accused the government of paying lip service to the problem.

Every year, we come here and we hear empty promises.

We want to say that we are completely not satisfied with the response of the government as far as herdsmen and farmers crisis in Benue is concerned.

There seems to be a classical agenda to wipe out the Benue race but our message is that `it is not possible.

The fact that we have not taken arms or formed a militia front to address these herdsmen is not an act of weakness, Akula said.

Sen. George Sekibo (PDP-Rivers), who addressed the protesters on behalf of President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, said the red chamber was aware of the harassment of locals by herdsmen.

He said that about three motions had been raised in relation to the activities of herdsmen in the state and other parts of the country, adding that the upper chamber was not resting on its oars.

The Senate is standing by you. We shall do everything within the limits of the law to ensure these herdsmen are taken to particular area where they can feed their cattle, the lawmaker said.
The Customs boss arrived the National Assembly complex wearing a white native attire and a white cap.

The Senate on Tuesday, March 7, passed a unanimous resolution summoning Ali over the planned seizure of vehicles that have not paid duty.

But in a letter by an assistant comptroller general of Customs to the Senate on Tuesday, March 14, Ali shunned the invitation saying the date for the meeting coincided with a fortnightly meeting of the NCS management.

Reacting to Alis letter, Senator James Manager said the Senate is an arm of government adding that the management meeting is not beyond the control of the comptroller general.

"The man asked someone else to write and sign a letter. He is saying that the Senate should defer because of a small meeting that is not beyond his control. This is insult of the highest order. I think the integrity of the Senate is being tested.

"The comptroller general of customs must appear in uniform tomorrow. Anything short of that is not acceptable," he added.

The Senate thereafter mandated Ali to appear before it in uniform at 10:30am on Wednesday.

ALSO READ: Customs boss dares Senate, says he was not appointed to wear uniform

But Ali responded to the summon saying he was bereaved.

The Senate on Wednesday threatened to issue a warrant to arrest Ali, if he does not appear before it today.

The Senate is currently in an executive session.
The Senate had summoned on Tuesday, March 7, Ali over the planned seizure of vehicles that have not paid duty. They also said he must appear in appropriate uniform.

But Ali arrived the National Assembly in white native attire and a white cap.

ALSO READ: Customs boss dares Senate, says he was not appointed to wear uniform

When deputy Senate president, Ike Ekeremadu asked why Ali was in mufti rather than his uniform, he said; There is no law to my knowledge that compels me to wear uniform."
It would be the second time in three months that Ibrahim Magu--acting EFCC Chairman--has been so rejected.

Back in December of 2016, the Senate cited a security report from the Department of State Security (DSS) when it handed Magu the marching orders.

That report alleges that Magu wines and dines with the corrupt, resides in a plush apartment rented at N40M (an amount well above his pay grade) and flies business class.

"This is in spite of Mr. President's directive to all public servants to fly economy class", the report stated in parts.

At the time, the lot fell on Senate spokesperson, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, to break the news to Magu and the rest of the country.

"The Senate wish to inform the public that based on available security report, the Senate cannot proceed with confirmation of Ibrahim Magu as the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission", Abdullahi said.

"The nomination of Ibrahim Magu is hereby rejected and has been returned to the President for further action."

ALSO READ: 3 Unforgettable things Acting EFCC chairman told Senate

It was deja vu Wednesday for Magu in 2017.

The embattled acting EFCC Chairman arrived the national assembly well ahead of schedule, flashed a pained smile this way and that and readied himself for his confirmation hearing.

He didn't have to wait for too long.

Minutes later, the lawmakers had rejected him again.

The most vocal rejection voices came from flamboyant Senator Dino Melaye and his truculent colleague, Biodun Olujimi.

"Why prosecute people on the pages of newspapers?", Olujimi flared.

Melaye said the Senate had received yet another security report on Magu from the DSS and that the President's nominee had failed "the integrity test".

From that moment, Magu was a goner. He should have known.

By popular vote, the Senate rejected Magu.

Again.

Senator Ali Ndume was the lone voice in a sea of angry Senate voices demanding that Magu be thrown out of the Senate chamber.

How they hated him.

The majority of Senators pined for Magu's head on a platter.

You could almost touch the animosity with a felt pen.

Magu was like the Sheep before a pack of Hyenas who bayed for nothing else but some blood.

Melaye even went as far as demanding that Magu stepped down immediately for the ranking officer in the EFCC to take over.

Minutes later, Pulse spoke to a senior official in the Buhari presidency to find out how the administration took in the day's event.

What was the mood like at the Villa?

The official craved anonymity for this story because he hadn't been authorised to comment on the subject.

"This is corruption fighting back", said the official flatly.

"We knew it would come to this. They (Senators) are against Magu because he has their corruption case files. Magu has the dossier on and several other serving Senators.

"Magu is about to re-commence the prosecution of former who has just returned to the country and Ibori is close friends with Saraki and several other senators", the official added.

But the reports indicting Magu came from the DSS.

And the DSS, like the EFCC, operate from under the executive.

You certainly can't blame the Senate entirely when Magu's alleged persecution is coming from within the presidency, shot back at this official.

"Yes, we know there is a report from the DSS, but it isn't enough to disqualify Magu", said the official. "What is in the report are mere allegations and until he is found guilty, it is silly to turn down his nomination on the basis of a report".

However, even the official would later concede that the DSS had handed the Senate the rod for Magu's back. That they got help from the DSS.

was told that the presidency would put its house in order after Wednesday's humiliation.

has also been able to confirm in the past that DSS boss Lawal Daura and Magu are sworn enemies who agree on practically nothing.

Sources say the breakdown in their relationship has gone beyond an inter-agency rivalry.

On what Buhari will do next following his latest defeat at the hands of the legislative arm of government, this senior administration official told Pulse that the President will call the bluff of the lawmakers and persist with Magu as anti-graft czar.

"He's (Magu) doing a good job that's why they loathe him", said the official. "We were elected to fight corruption among other objectives and it's understandable if corrupt persons won't like the man who is out to get them. The report they cited is only a small part of what the DSS sent across. They forget that the President has prerogative powers and can override whatever ill conceived motion they throw up.

"Were you surprised that Senator Melaye who is a staunch ally of Saraki, was the most vocal voice? Nigerians really should demand their country back from these guys. That so called security report was only a smokescreen to further their own interests".

Emerging from the Senate chamber with a slightly drooped shoulder and laboured gait after his rejection, Magu still managed to portray the picture of a man who hasn't given up his job.

He looked unflustered.

On the corner of his lips, emerged a wry smile.

If he was putting up a brave face for the cameras, he nailed his first acting gig, big time.

"My priority is to fight corruption. My non-confirmation has not changed anything. We have always been on duty. I will work until the last day whether confirmation or no confirmation", Magu vowed with the defiance of a man who still has the President's backing.

The greatest violation against human rights is crime against the society. Everybody has a duty and responsibility to fight corruption and I also have that responsibility. I assure you that we will fight to the finish,' Magu said.

We will never be deterred because what we are doing is trying to investigate what has gone before and protect the future of our children and our future generation.

"So, if we dont work today and fight against corruption, the future is not guaranteed, the future of our children is not guaranteed".

Magu also threw the lawmakers a gauntlet and said he wasn't handed a fair hearing before being kicked out the door.

"Any time you discover that I am corrupt, expose me.

"You know, you cant just raise mere allegations without giving the person opportunity to answer you. There is issue of fundamental human rights and the right of fair hearing is there", he bristled.

Pulse has also been able to independently verify that most members of the President's kitchen cabinet do not like Magu and would love to see the day when he is kicked out from the EFCC.

The President's Chief of Staff (CoS) Abba Kyari and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Babachir Lawal are battling corruption allegations of their own and Magu is not known to hold back when he sinks his claws into a case, one source at the EFCC told Pulse, Wednesday night.

SGF Lawal has enjoyed Buhari's backing even though he's been accused by the Senate of awarding a N200M grass cutting contract to himself.

CoS Kyari has been occasionally called out for receiving kickbacks from members of the public in exchange for appointments and meetings with President Buhari.

All of these allegations remain largely unproven.

There are fears from within this group of persons (otherwise called members of the cabal) that Magu is sniffing around and could hasten their exits from the administration.

A presidency source confided in Pulse that Buhari is on his way to replacing Kyari and Lawal, with former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole pencilled for a role in the Buhari administration.

Magu replaced Ibrahim Lamorde as boss of the anti-graft commission in November of 2015.

He's carried on in an acting capacity since that time.

On Magu's watch, the EFCC has recovered a chunk of stolen funds from past government officials but is yet to score a high profile conviction.
The incident on 12 March, according to the Divisions spokesperson, Lt.-Col. Olaolu Daudu, happened in Odoguyan, Ikorodu area of Lagos.

It involved soldiers of 174 Battalion and the woman attacked has been identified in various reports as Ruth Orji.

According to reports, the Joint Legal Action Aids, which is representing her has already sued the military authorities and asking for N250million in damages.

In their reaction to the incident, the military authorities failed to disclose the names of the victim and her attackers.

Here is the statement by 81 Division:

The attention of Headquarters 81 Division, Nigerian Army, has been drawn to the social media and Newspaper online reports on alleged brutalisation of a female by soldiers.

The incident occurred in Odoguyan, Ikorodu area of Lagos state involving soldiers of 174 Battalion on Sunday, March 12.

The alleged incident is highly regrettable, even as the division under the Nigerian Army has zero tolerance for inhuman treatment.

Discipline remains the bedrock of the Nigerian Military Profession.

It is quite disheartening when such incidences occur even though such incidences will not be treated with any laxity.

Consequently, a Board of Inquiry has been constituted by the Commander 9 Brigade, Brig.-Gen. .

This is to investigate the circumstances that led to the incident, determine the level of the soldiers involvement, submit its findings and recommend appropriate disciplinary measures which will be communicated.

The brutalised lady, name with held, has been taken to hospital where she is responding to treatment.

The six soldiers, also names withheld, are being detained in regards to the incident.
The coalition drew members from Campaign for Democracy; Human Rights, Justice and Peace Foundation; the Flagship, Peoples Liberation Initiative, Revolutionary Ambassadors, Action for Socio-political and Economical Change, Enugu Forum of Patriots, among others.

The protesters, dressed in black, carried placards with inscriptions from the Onitsha South mini stadium, Fegge to Customs Zonal Office on OnitshaEnugu expressway in Onitsha.

Some of their placards read: Blame your officers not Nigerians, Nigerian CSOs condemn Alis illegalities, Stop the executive recklessness, and Hameed Ali is not above the law , among others.

The National Coordinator of COSCON, Mr Noel Udeoji, said the group was not against generating revenue for the Federal Government, but against imposition of duty on old vehicles already plying the roads.

Udeoji said it was the responsibility of Customs Service to collect duty on imported vehicles from importers at the entry points or car dealers and not buyers or owners of such vehicles.

We condemn in its entirety the recent order that owners of all old vehicles must pay custom duties on or before April 12.

This is totally unacceptable and hereby rejected. We hereby call for the resignation or sack of the customs boss, he said.

Mr Omobude Agho, President of the Flagship, described the policy as obnoxious, evil, demonic and retrogressive, stressing that the policy is detrimental to hungry Nigerian masses

We must remind Ali that we are in democracy and not in military era and he must learn to respect the wishes and aspirations of Nigerians, more so, when the National Assembly has called him to order.

He is trying to impose outrageous policy which will only encourage poverty the more, Agho said.

Publicity Secretary of CD, Mr Dede Uzor said CSOs would not fold their arms and allow the Comptroller-General of Customs rip-off Nigerians through such policy.

Uzor disclosed that the protest would be carried out in other states of the country if the policy was not reversed within 48 hours.
The motion was filed on March 15, pending the hearing and determination of the appeals filed by Mr Garba Pwul, Counsel to the defendant, at the Court of Appeal, Abuja.

In the application signed by Pwul, the defendant stated four reasons for filing the motion, namely: That the applicant has lost confidence in the court to try him and has challenged, in the Court of Appeal, the insistence of the Court to try him.

The applicants constitutional right to fair hearing will be breached, if the Court continues with the hearing in the case.

The judgment of the Court of Appeal will be rendered nugatory, in the event of success, if the court forges ahead with the trial.

In the circumstance of the appeal filed by the applicant, it is in the best interest of justice for the Court to grant the application.

Pwul, in an unexpected twist of events, prayed the court to grant him leave to withdraw from the case.

Considering my duty to the court, my duty to my client and my conviction, I have come to the summation that I wish to withdraw, he said.

The EFCC prosecuting Counsel, Mr Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), objected to the defence Counsels prayer for withdrawal, citing relevant sections of the constitution and other cases.

The application of my learned brother is inapplicable; he has to comply with the law to avoid rendering the Court helpless.

Where a law practitioner intends to disengage from a matter, he has to notify the court no more than three days, Jacobs said.

Justice Banjoko acquiesced to Jacobs objection and ordered Pwul to put his prayer to the Court on notice for three days.

On the last adjourned date, the Judge had dismissed an earlier motion filed by Dariye for her to disqualify herself from further hearing in the trial.

She had held that the allegations of obscure and disguised bias against her lacked merit.
Obaseki stated this when he received the Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugee, Migration and Internally Displaced Persons, Hajiya Sadiya Farouq in Government House on Wednesday Night.

Obaseki, represented by his deputy Comrade Philip Shuaibu said that his administration is also leveraging on the vast opportunities inherent in the agricultural sector to create employment in the state

He said that going by the state government s plan to boost power generation, Edo will soon be an industrial hub resulting from a public- private sector driven economy.

By the time our MOU on power which will drop 5 megawatts and another 10 megawatts from Siemens for the initial phase, the issue of industries leaving Nigeria will be checked

And once our people are gainfully, employed, the desire to migrate will be drastically reduced, he said.

Speaking on the challenges of migration, he said that many youths had died in search of greener pasture abroad.

He said that the state was ready to partner the federal government in reducing migration to the barest minimum.

He added that the workshop on migration to be organized by the commission in Edo was apt and expressed optimism that the resolutions would serve as working document for the state.

Earlier, Farouq said the visit was to inform the governor on the two day workshop on migration which would commerce on Thursday in the state.

She said that the essence of the workshop is to involve states and local government in the management of migration.
For today, Thursday, March 16, 2016:

THE GUARDIAN NEWSPAPER

Government reverses self, okays helicopter services at Abuja airport

The Federal Government has approved the operation of private and commercial helicopter services at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja which was shut down last week for the rehabilitation of the runway and other facilities. The work, which costs N5 billion, is to end on April 19.

Senate awaits new nominee after rejecting Magu again

After about two hours of intense questioning, the Senate yesterday rejected the second nomination of Ibrahim Magu as the chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)

Minister urges banks to increase agric funding

The Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, has urged the Organised Private Sector (OPS), especially Nigerian banks, to increase funding in agriculture and make the country food self-sufficient.

THE NATION NEWSPAPER

How governors, senators, others stopped Magu

Ibrahim Magus confirmation for Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) chairman was rejected again yesterday  no thanks to some governors, senators and high-profile suspects.

Customs shelve old Vehicle duty collection plan

Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Comptroller-General Col. Hameed Ali (rtd) has bowed to pressure from the Senate, announcing suspension of the proposed vehicle duty payment.

Federal Government to allow helicopters fly to Abuja

THE Federal Government is set to allow helicopters fly to Abuja as repair works are on-going at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

VANGUARD NEWSPAPER

EFCC Confirmation Screening: How DSS helped Senate stop Magu

The Acting Chairman of the Economic & Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ibrahim Magu, was for the second time in three months, rejected by the Senate, yesterday, as the upper chamber refused to confirm him as the substantive chairman of the anti- graft agency after screening him for about one hour forty minutes.

Senate threatens arrest as Customs C-G fails to appear

Despite the intervention of the Presidency, Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (retd), again, yesterday, shunned the invitation of the Senate to appear in complete uniform to explain his agencys controversial policy on vehicle duty

Illicit transfers: Minister dares NSA, redeploys Unity College principals to Abuja

The rift between the Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, and the National Assembly Committee on Education has deepened, following his refusal to recall 47 Unity College principals who were reportedly transferred by two officials in the ministry in controversial circumstances.

__________________________________________________

THE PUNCH NEWSPAPER

Presidency keeps mum as Senate blocks Magu again

The Senate has requested that President Muhammadu Buhari nominate a replacement for the Acting Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mr. Ibrahim Magu, following the rejection of his nomination by the legislature on Wednesday.

Police, FRSC abandon kids after mother dies in crash

Two kids between the ages of eight months and two years are currently at the General Hospital, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, seeking to reunite with their family.

Fanta-Sprite ruling: Consumer groups consider class action aginst NBC

Some consumer advocacy groups in the country have threatened to institute a class-action suit against the Nigerian Bottling Company if it is established that an infraction has been committed against consumers of its beverage products, Fanta and Sprite.

_____________________________________________________

DAILY TRUST NEWSPAPER

After Senates second rejection, Anti-corruption war continues - Magu

The Senate yesterday rejected the renomination of Ibrahim Magu as substantive chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Hameed Ali must appear today - Senate

Senator George Sekibo (PDP, Rivers) in a motion said the Senate as an institution should not join issues with individuals in the other arms of government, saying the issue was a Constitutional matter.

How accused burgled Medviews aircraft, stole N22 million goods
The time has come for him to take you to his mom and dad as the one, and now you are nervous, wondering what is expected of you

Do not fret; below are five helpful tips thatll leave your boos parents very impressed on your first contact with them.

1. How you dress

Of course, you can maintain your style and elegance  you cant afford to lose that.

The thing is, you need to keep things as modest as possible. Makeup, your outfit, nails, lashes everything.

Keep in mind that most African parents are conservative, regardless of their religion.

2.Go with a gift

It does not have to be something over the roof, just a little thoghtful gesture. Ask your boyfriend for help here

3. Know the kind of people they are

Yu should ask your guy what kind of people his parents are. Sure, he should be there to guide and make you feel comfortable, but ask ahead for the kind of things that impress his mom, and the ones that impress his dad.

Different strokes for different folks, so there have to be some things that will particularly impress your boos popsy and momsy.

4. Chores

You absolutely have to actually offer to assist with some chores around. The easiest and most reasonable thing to do is to offer to help with the dishes after the meal [if you had one with them.]

5. Watch your reaction with kids

Nigerian, and indeed parents everywhere will rate you poorly if you are bad or harsh with kids, if there are any around on the day you visit them.

Dont even put it past a Nigerian mum to intentionally have some grandkids around so as to watch you with them.

So, be as charming and lovable with kids as much as possible. Start learning if you dont know how to.

6. Be yourself

Overall, while you want to impress and leave a good mark on them; you also want to be sure you are not overdoing things.

You dont want to appear desperate, so just play it cool and be yourself.

Dont forget; you are a young, beautiful and gorgeous woman.
People shouted for strongman leader Alexander Lukashenko to resign as they held an officially sanctioned rally amid anger over plans for a controversial tax on those who work less than six months a year.

Lukashenko, who has ruled the ex-Soviet country with an iron grip since 1994, suspended the implementation of the so-called "tax on spongers" last week in the face of public ire but refused to scrap the unpopular measure entirely.

The move was seen as a rare concession to the biggest show of public discontent in years but demonstrations have not dissipated as people suffer in the face of a lengthy economic downturn.

"The popular protests are not just connected with the decree," Sergei Kalyakin, one of the organisers of Wednesday's march, told AFP.

"The problem is that it has become unbearable to live."

While the rally in Minsk passed off peacefully, authorities detained the leaders of an 800-strong demonstration in the western town of Grodno.

Some 100 people have been detained by the authorities since the start of the protests in February, the Vyasna rights group has said, with many receiving jail terms of up to two weeks.

Wedged between Russia and Poland, landlocked Belarus looks to former Soviet master Moscow as it closest ally and partner.
Syrians were the biggest single group of first-time asylum seekers last year at 334,800, followed by Afghans on 183,000 and Iraqis 127,000.

Germany, which accepted nearly one million refugees in 2015, took in about 60 percent of the total number of migrants, some 722,300, Eurostat said.

Italy received 121,000 or 10 percent, France 76,000, Greece 49,000, Austria 39,000 and the United Kingdom 38,300.

The fact that the overall 2016 number was only slightly lower than that of 2015 likely reflects delayed recording of asylum requests and the fact that many people do not submit their application immediately on arrival in an EU member state, although under the rules they are supposed to do so.

The main feature of 2016 was the dramatic fall from about one million to around 363,000 migrant arrivals in Greece after an EU-Turkey accord in March that year, according to the International Organization for Migration.

Greece maintains that are still more than 62,000 refugees and migrants stranded in the country, a figure the UN refugee agency called into question Thursday.
Guterres described the human trafficking trade as appalling.

Guterres, who made the remarks at the Ministerial Open Debate on Trafficking in Persons in Conflict Situations: Forced labour, slavery and other similar practices organised by the Security Council, condemned the rising cases of human trafficking.

The UN scribe estimated that traffickers made $150 billion annually through different forms of human trafficking and called for strong efforts to stop the evil trade.

The International Labour Organisation reports that 21 million people around the world are victims of forced labour and extreme exploitation. Annual profits are estimated to be 150 billion dollars.

Beyond these numbers is the human toll  the lives cut short, the families and societies torn apart, the gross violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, Guterres lamented.

The UN chief explained that human trafficking took many forms, pointing out that women and girls in particular are targeted again and again and again.

We see brutal sexual exploitation, including forced prostitution, forced marriage and sexual slavery. We see the appalling trade in human organs.

Let us also remember that modern manifestations of servitude may touch and even implicate us all. Global supply-chains have transformed many lives for the better  but not always without costs.

In some situations  clothes, food, smartphones, jewellery and other consumer goods may bear, wittingly or unwittingly, the traces of exploitation.

Gleaming new skyscrapers may owe some of their shine to the sweat of bonded labourers, he said.

According to him, human trafficking thrives where the rule of law is weak or nonexistent, while situations of armed conflict are especially virulent breeding grounds for human trafficking.

In some of todays conflicts, we are confronted by armed groups that not only openly engage in enslavement and forced labour, but actually argue that it is legal.

In Syria, Daesh has organized slave markets and even published manuals instructing its fighters on how to capture, control and trade enslaved women and girls.

The leaders of Boko Haram have also argued that slavery is legal.

In other conflicts, other groups force men, women and children under their control to labour in unsafe mines, as porters and domestic servants, and on the frontlines.

Guterres said smugglers often coerced and manipulated individuals for profit and make them victims of sex or labour trafficking while terrorists and violent extremists used sexual enslavement as a tool for recruitment.

Drug traffickers use kidnapping and ransom to finance their operations. Criminal gangs force unaccompanied children into a life of petty crime, he added.

He, however, noted UNODCs December 2016 Global Report on Trafficking in Persons, that there are hardly any convictions for crimes related to human trafficking in conflict situations or elsewhere.

Guterres warned that the lack of aggressive investigations and prosecutions only adds to the injustice, allows perpetrators to function without fear, fuels corruption and creates widespread disillusion.

There is much that we can do both to punish human trafficking, and to prevent it in the first place.

A solid legal and normative framework is in place, including the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and its Protocol.

This includes the first internationally agreed definition of the crime of trafficking in persons and provides a framework to effectively prevent and combat it.

ILO Conventions and the Global Plan of Action on Human Trafficking complement the Protocol, and are further key parts of the picture.
Gunmen disguised as doctors stormed Sardar Daud Khan hospital in Kabul last Wednesday, with multiple surviving staff telling AFP that insiders including two interns were among the attackers.

The carnage inside the heavily guarded hospital points at a spectacular intelligence failure and spotlights how insurgents have managed to infiltrate top government and military institutions in Afghanistan.

"We have no evidence it was an insider job," Deputy Defense Minister Helaludin Helal, head of a government investigation team, told reporters.

"The attackers entered the hospital using a Corolla car. One blew himself up and four others entered the building."

He said 24 hospital and military officials accused of "negligence of duty" are being prosecuted.

Helal said 50 people were killed by five attackers. But security sources and the survivors, some of whom counted dead bodies, previously told AFP that the death toll exceeded 100.

The Afghan security leadership has come under bitter criticism from lawmakers and social media users over the attack.

MPs are calling for the impeachment of Afghanistan's defense and interior ministers and the intelligence chief, as the country braces for an intense fighting season in the spring.

Public anger has grown over the episode, with speculation swirling on social media that such a brazen attack on the tightly guarded hospital could not have happened without the complicity of high-ranking officials.

The savagery of the assault was characterised by how the assailants stabbed bed-ridden patients, threw grenades into crowded wards and shot people from point-blank range.

The Islamic State group claimed it was behind the attack via its propaganda agency Amaq -- hours after the Taliban denied responsibility.
Two of the men, aged 18 and 21 -- both Afghan citizens -- have been charged with raping the victim in turn in an apartment in Uppsala, 70 kilometres (45 miles) north of Stockholm in January.

A third man, a 24-year-old Swedish national, has been charged with being an accessory to rape by filming the attack and posting it on Facebook, and failing to try to stop it.

Swedish prosecutors claimed in the charge sheet the 24-year-old encouraged his friends, and "laughed and in close proximity filmed the incident with his mobile phone, and posted it live or very shortly after the rape on Facebook."

All three suspects were arrested on January 22 after members of a closed Facebook group, which has 60,000 members, saw the attack streamed live and alerted police.

Police responding to the calls ended the livestream.

The victim, a woman in her 30s, was under the influence of alcohol and drugs and therefore "particularly vulnerable", prosecutors said, using a legal term in Sweden which means a rape victim does not necessarily have to try to fend off an attacker.

Eight people who saw the livestream are cited as witnesses in the case.

The rapes lasted for several minutes, as the 24-year-old was urged by several Facebook watchers to stop it but did not, the charge sheet said.

The 24-year-old was also charged with aggravated slander for posting the events on Facebook.

"The crime should be judged as aggravated as (the livestream's) content and the extent to which it was spread could be expected to cause serious harm," the prosecutors said.

The three men have denied all charges.

The film has been removed from Facebook but it has been circulated on the internet.
"Let this tragedy serve to motivate us to bring about the transformation needed so that children can have a different life," the new minister, Candida Rabanales, said.

The previous minister, Carlos Rodas, resigned on Monday, five days after the blaze in the government-run Virgin of the Assumption Safe Home for children just outside Guatemala City.

The fire killed 19 girls immediately. The others died in the following hours and days, succumbing to horrific burns to their bodies, including their throat and lungs. All were aged between 14 and 17.

Rodas was arrested on Monday along with a former high-ranking official in the ministry and the sacked director of the shelter. They are charged with negligent homicide and abuse of minors.

The decade-old shelter, badly overcrowded, was the focus of multiple complaints before the fire of staff maltreatment, including the sexual abuse of some of the children in care.

It has been temporarily closed, with its 700 children sent to other centers around the country.

The March 8 fire has provoked public criticism of Morales and his administration.

A demonstration was held last week in front of Morales' presidential palace, and on Monday small groups of protesters abroad gathered in front of the Guatemalan embassies in Panama, Costa Rica and Madrid.
The 45-year-old founder of the secret-spilling website has been at the Ecuadoran embassy in London since 2012, having taken refuge to avoid being sent to Sweden where he faces a rape allegation.

He fears Sweden would extradite him to the United States over his website's leaking of diplomatic cables and other classified documents.

The Australian was questioned at the embassy on November 14 and 15 on the rape allegation which dates back to August 2010.

Assange has denied the accusation brought by a Swedish woman.

The Swedish prosecutor's office said in a statement that a report, prepared by Ecuadoran prosecutors, on the interrogation, was translated and is "now almost finished."

They declined to reveal the next legal steps to be taken in the case.

In early January, Ecuadoran authorities submitted the 400 to 500-page document to Sweden.

An earlier statement from the Swedish prosecutor's office on January 5 said the report was written mainly in Spanish, but did not mention the other languages.

"The prosecutors are still waiting for the translation of some minor parts of the report. These are expected to be completed shortly," they said.

Swedish prosecutor Ingrid Isgren, Ecuador's ambassador to Britain Carlos Ortiz, and an Ecuadoran lawyer representing Assange were all present when the former computer hacker was grilled in English on questions provided by Swedish officials.

The procedure has been marked by a series of complications since June 2012 when Assange chose to take refuge inside the embassy to escape a European arrest warrant issued by Sweden.

In August 2015, the five-year statute of limitations expired on another sexual assault probe into Assange concerning another Swedish woman.

But prosecutors are still investigating the rape allegation, which carries a 10-year statute of limitations.

"The prosecutors will now analyse the report and will thereafter decide what further investigative measures may be taken," the prosecutors' statement said.
At the time, he was sporting a hairpiece he had been given permission to wear two years earlier "to improve his self esteem".

When he was recaptured and returned to New Zealand three weeks later the wig was confiscated and images of Smith's bald pate were splashed across the media when he appeared in court.

"I felt totally belittled, degraded and humiliated," he told the High Court earlier this month.

Smith was sentenced to life in 1996 for sexually abusing a boy over a three-year period, then tracking down his victim after his family fled to another city.

Smith broke into the family's house and fatally stabbed the boy's father as he tried to protect his son.

The 42-year-old told the court the toupee was important to his ongoing rehabilitation as he was extremely sensitive about his baldness.

Judge Edwin Wylie accepted Smith's argument that the Corrections Department failed to consider his rights when it seized the hairpiece.

"I have concluded that Mr. Smith's fundamental right to freedom of expression was ignored," he said in a written judgement delivered Thursday.

"An important right has been breached and the breach may be material."

Victims' advocate Ruth Money said the Smith case was "embarrassing for New Zealand".

"I have absolutely zero sympathy, he showed no sympathy for any of his victims," she told Prime News.

Judge Wylie said freedom of expression could include a physical act, such as wearing a wig, and Smith did not lose his fundamental rights when he became a prisoner.

Wylie rescinded the prison's decision to confiscate the toupee but suspended it for two weeks to allow authorities to make a fresh case.

He declined Smith's application for NZ$5,000 ($3,500) in damages.

Wylie noted that Smith had denied he could smuggle contraband under the hairpiece because the tape that fixed it to his head was transparent.

"He also stated that there were other benefits - namely the protection of his scalp from sun exposure and the prevention of heat loss through his head in winter," the judge said.
When fear and volatility rear their ugly heads, investors will traditionally turn to more conservative investments -- such as gold. Presumably, this is what happened during the bitterly fought presidential campaign. In 2016, the price of gold, which ended the year up about 8%, had climbed as much as 28% at one point.

Similarly, many gold stocks enjoyed quite the ride last year -- rides that have extended into the new year, leaving some companies trading at seriously low prices. Of course, this doesn't mean these companies are worthy of investment. So let's grab our pickaxes and see what we can uncover.

Minding the miners

When considering gold-mining companies' stocks, it's important to recognize that the traditional price-to-earnings ratio doesn't have as much merit. Because of non-cash charges -- like depreciation -- it's not uncommon for companies to take large writedowns on their assets, resulting in skewed earnings figures. Yamana Gold, for example, recorded non-cash impairment charges of $2.6 billion. In the company's annual report, management acknowledged that "the largest contributor to the impairment was the writedown of values relating to exploration land and potential ounces."

Instead of the P/E, therefore, we'll consider the companies on the basis of price-to-cash from operations on a trailing-12-month (TTM) basis. Cash flow, after all, is one thing management can't be massaged.

Company Price-to-CFO Per Share (TTM) Eldorado Gold 17.9 Goldcorp (NYSE: GG) 15.3 Agnico Eagle Mines 11.2 Barrick Gold 7.9 Newmont Mining 6.2 IAMGOLD (NYSE: IAG) 4.6 Yamana Gold (NYSE: AUY) 3.6 Kinross Gold (NYSE: KGC) 3.6

So what have we found? Kinross Gold, Yamana Gold, and IAMGOLD all trade at a significant discount -- less than five times trailing cash flow -- to their peers. To provide even more context for how ridiculously cheap these three stocks are valued, let's consider them in terms of the larger contexts of the industry and S&P 500, which trade at 10.0 and 9.9 times trailing cash flow, respectively, according to Morningstar.

A shared reason for hitting rock bottom

It's misguided to attribute the valuations of Kinross Gold, Yamana Gold, and IAMGOLD to only one factor; however, it's important to acknowledge trends where they exist -- like the relationship between the stocks' valuations and the companies' abilities to control costs. It stands to reason that investors would be willing to pay a premium for companies that excel at reining in spending; conversely, companies that are inferior at controlling costs should trade at a discount to their peers. After all, companies that maintain the lowest all-in sustaining costs (AISC) are best suited to withstand the inevitable downturns in the price of gold, so examining the companies' AISC per gold ounce for fiscal 2016 should give us the proper insight.

Company FY 2016 AISC Barrick Gold $730 Agnico Eagle $824 Goldcorp $856 Eldorado Gold $900 Yamana Gold $911 (co-product basis) Newmont Mining $912 Kinross Gold $984 IAMGOLD $1,057

Except for the nominal difference between Yamana Gold and Newmont Mining, we find the relationship we had anticipated: The cheapest valuations align with those companies least adept at managing costs. There are always other factors at play, though. Goldcorp, for example, trades at 15.3 times trailing cash flow, but it reported a far from exceptional $856 AISC last year. In this case, the stock is trading at a premium probably because it inspires investors' confidence with its strong balance sheet and investment-grade credit rating. So valuable as this exercise was, though, let's focus on some of the more specific reasons the market is assigning these stocks some lower price tags.

Digging deeper

It's not only Yamana's performance in the previous year that's giving investors pause; management's expectations for the years ahead are probably other factors. Forecasting a slight improvement in 2017, management anticipates AISC to total $890 to $910 per gold ounce. Though that's not a disastrous forecast, when taken along with management's comments that it's forgoing near-term growth through acquisitions for organic growth, it's clearer why some investors find Yamana's stock unfavorable. This seems short-sighted, though, for the company expects its Cerro Moro project -- which has the potential to be one of the company's cornerstone mines -- to commence production in 2018.

Although Kinross Gold may trade at a discount because of its estimated fiscal 2017 AISC -- $925 to $1,025 per gold ounce -- the more likely culprit is the uncertainty regarding the company's Tasiast mine in Mauritania. Acquiring Tasiast in the 2010 acquisition of Red Back Mining for approximately $8 billion, Kinross has found the mine to be anything but a golden opportunity. In the years following the acquisition, Kinross Gold has taken about $5.6 billion in writedowns on the asset. Things are looking up, though. Management expects the phase one expansion -- which will increase production by 87% and reduce production cost of sales by 48% -- to commence production in 2018, and it expects to complete a feasibility study on the phase two expansion by the end of 2017. Until these projects are executed, though, the stock will probably continue to trade at a deep discount.

IAMGOLD also expects to maintain high AISC in the year ahead, forecasting for $1,000 to $1,080. Should the company achieve the midpoint of this guidance, it would represent a slight improvement over the $1,057 it reported last year; however, the company would still maintain some of the highest costs in this group. Perhaps another likely reason for the company's depressed stock price is the quality of its portfolio, which consists of three gold-producing mines and several mines in the development and exploration phases. Although the company escaped fiscal 2016 without any writedowns, it reported $621 million in impairment charges in fiscal 2015 -- suggesting to investors that the company's portfolio may not be as valuable as it seems.

Investor takeaway

Ascertaining the reasons a stock is trading at a steep discount to its peers is anything but simple. But one thing is for sure: Investors want to see gold-mining companies that maintain low AISC, since lower costs translate to better margins. It's reductive, however, to dismiss companies simply because of high AISC -- as is the case with Yamana Gold, which has high AISC but could prosper in the long run should Cerro Moro meet expectations. I think that of these ridiculously cheap stocks, Yamana Gold represents the most compelling argument for further investigation.

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The Music Man seems like one of those shows Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse would perform every few years.

But even though the musicals opening number is titled Rock Island, the Rock Island theater hasnt performed the iconic show since 1992.

For a while, I think the show was looked upon as too old fashioned, Denny Hitchcock, the theaters producer, said. People thought it was too tired or trite.

When the shows two-month run kicks off this weekend, it'll be the third time Circa '21 has produced The Music Man in its 40-year history.

Why bring it back now?

There seem to be time periods where shows can be recycled more than others, Hitchcock said. "We hadnt done it in 25 years. Its time.

A cast with chemistry

The timing is right, Hitchcock said, when you have a cast that will bring something different to a story thats been told on stages over and over since its 1957 Broadway debut.

The story follows Harold Hill, a rapid-talking salesman without musical knowhow, who cons the people of River City, Iowa, a fictionalized setting Hitchcock believes is modeled after the Quad-Cities, into buying musical instruments for a band he promises to start. And its as well-known as the shows memorable numbers, such as Trouble, Seventy-Six Trombones, and Gary, Indiana.

When the cast is different, they might take it in a new direction and in a way you havent seen before, Hitchcock said.

When it came to the lead roles of Harold Hill and the towns formidable librarian Marian Paroo, Hitchcock had a fitting pair in mind: Don Denton and Paige Salter, who are not only Circa '21 veterans; they also recently got engaged.

They're perfect for both roles, obviously have the chemistry and they wanted to do it, Hitchcock said. It's like the gods came together.

The show proved fitting for the couple, who recently moved to Bettendorf, too.

Denton and Salter have performed in plenty of shows together, including last months Ghost the Musical and others at Circa '21, but The Music Man is the rare opportunity for the pair to play a couple on stage.

We havent gotten to do it that often, Denton, 33, said. Its not a common thing for us that weve played opposite of each other in a romantic way.

Its not exactly common for Hitchcock, who said hes grown wary of casting couples in lead roles.

There are times in the past that I would do that on purpose if they were both good and it would end up causing tension if they broke up halfway through the show's run, he said. In this case, it seemed like it was more than just a temporary showmance.

It seems that way to the Denton and Salter, too. Their wedding date is scheduled for September in Salters hometown of Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Were fortunate that we have the same passion, Denton said. "And we get to work together most days."

Over the past two weeks of rehearsal, theyve gone over scenes at home and took turns having the shows music stuck in their heads. Theyve shared what they separately like about their characters: Denton appreciates what Harold inspires and Salter says, its nice to play Marian, a woman, especially in this time period, who is strong and speaks her mind.

And together, theres one moment in the show where, Salter says, their real-life romance takes over the stage

When I sing Till There Was You, I get emotional because Im singing it to Don, she said. Theres a lot of feeling behind it.

Feel-good musical

Theres something about The Music Man that lives on 60 years after audiences first saw it live. Figuring out what that something is depends on who you ask.

Salter says its the timeless songs. She had never been in The Music Man before, but she remembers her grandparents singing Lida Rose & Will I Ever Tell You  a favorite from the the show to each other.

The music and the melodies are gorgeous, Salter said. Its so beautiful and emotional and it stays with you.

For Denton, who has performed leading roles at Circa 21 in Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Les Miserables, A Wonderful Life and The Full Monty, this is the show that has defined music theater.

When it came out, every show after it was influenced by it, he said. Its one of the best musical theater pieces ever done.

If you ask Hitchcock, that's the kind of piece that's overdue for a return to Circa '21.

"It's a feel-good musical where you go and you laugh and you smile," Hitchcock said. "If you're having a bad day, you won't be having a bad day after you see The Music Man.
Q. Every public elementary school in both Davenport and Bettendorf relies simply on marked and signed crosswalks in front of each school, no matter how busy the traffic flow at their school's location. So why is it that Lourdes Grade School in Bettendorf at 15th and Mississippi is allowed to place a seemingly homemade stop sign all day on an extremely low-volume traffic street, making each auto come to a completely useless stop, when no children will cross the street until hours will pass? This crude sign should be removed, and the Lourdes school rely on their crossing guards, just like every public school currently does. As every motorist understands the meaning of a signed, marked crosswalk, placing a temporary stop sign on the street is a genuine aggravation, with no real benefit other than the satisfaction of the Lourde's School office.
Responding to emergency calls, battling blazes, helping with rescues, and training others are all tasks Bettendorf firefighter Andy Sheehan takes on.

But he goes above and beyond to help others.

Sheehan, 36, was recently awarded the Governors Firefighter of the Year award for providing outstanding service to the state of Iowa.

He was nominated for the annual award by Assistant Bettendorf Fire Chief Steve Knorrek, who said Sheehan participates in training activities and supports volunteer programs for burn survivors.

Andy is enthusiastic and sincere and strives to do his best in everything that he does," Knorrek said. "He has been involved in our Fire Explorer program and has interacted well with our youth. He has been a willing listener and helped with their concerns whether related to Explorer events or events in their lives."

The honor came as a surprise to Sheehan.

It was totally not on my radar. I had the Are you serious? moment. We dont do what we do to be recognized, but I feel God has a place for me to help others, and to be recognized for that is truly special, Sheehan said.

After serving as a volunteer firefighter for three years, Sheehan was hired as a career firefighter in 2007.

As I got older, I realized that rush and sudden fulfillment to stop what youre doing at any given time and help someone in dire need  that kind of commitment really piqued my interest, he said.

Sheehan works on the Bettendorf Fire Departments training shift. A typical day includes fire calls, vehicle checks, station cleaning, and planning future training sessions for other firefighters, as well as tours and fire prevention talks.

He spends some of his vacation time helping burn victims through the St. Florian Fire and Burn Foundation.

In addition to serving on its board, Sheehan is a counselor each summer at Miracle Burn Camp for kids. Working at the camp is important for Sheehan, as he sees some burn survivors who are initially treated by firefighters recover and return to a normal life.

Its a simple closure moment for me. Its amazing how much more they can do for me than I can do for them. Its a passion of mine, and its heartwarming to be part of the life of someone whos had a traumatic injury, he said.

In addition to being a firefighter and EMT, Sheehan also is part of a technical rescue team that responds when people are trapped in situations such as a structural or in a confined space.

There was a gentleman trapped in the Maquoketa Caves about 400 feet down. I was one of numerous people there to assist over many hours to get him out. We were maintaining oxygen levels in the cave, keeping lines of communication open with rescuers, and chipping away pieces of rock around his body, Sheehan said of the rescue that happened about four years ago.

Sheehan resides in Bettendorf with his wife, Lisa, and two daughters.
A Scott County judge has denied a motion to dismiss the case against Stanley Liggins, who in May will be tried a third time in the 1990 strangulation death of a Rock Island girl.

In a written ruling filed Wednesday, Seventh Judicial District Chief Judge Marlita Greve wrote that dismissing a criminal case on procedural due process grounds is extremely rare and is a disfavored remedy in all cases cited by both prosecutors and the defense.

Admittedly this case has a unique procedural history; however, Liggins has had the benefit of our criminal justice system wherein his prior convictions have been reversed, Greve wrote in her ruling. He remains charged with murder, but is not convicted. He has the right to a fair trial on that charge.

She further wrote in her order, He does not have a right to have the charge dismissed even though he may feel there were some fundamental fairness issues in the history of this case. His remedy, as has been ordered by several courts, is a retrial.

Prosecutors say Liggins strangled Jennifer Ann Lewis, 9, of Rock Island and burned her remains on a Davenport school playground on Sept. 17, 1990. She also was sexually abused, according to prosecutors.

He was tried twice in the girl's death in the 1990s, once in Scott County and the second time in Dubuque after he was granted a change of venue.

Liggins was convicted in both trials and sentenced to life in prison. The Iowa Supreme Court overturned the first conviction, and on Nov. 6, 2013, the Iowa Court of Appeals reversed the second conviction.

Greve last month ruled that Liggins third trial will be held May 22 in Black Hawk County because of heavy media coverage in the Quad-Cities. He is charged with first-degree murder, willful injury causing serious injury, first-degree sexual abuse, first-degree kidnapping and first-degree arson.

The motion to dismiss, filed in April, was one of multiple pretrial motions argued late last month.

Defense attorney Derek Jones argued that Liggins, 55, was denied due process as a result of what he said was the withholding of 77 police reports from the defense in his prior trials.

He further claimed that prosecutors did not disclose that a witness in Liggins' previous trials was a paid police informant.

"Our ability to defend this case has been crippled by time, and it is because Mr. Liggins' rights were violated," Jones argued at a Feb. 22 hearing. "Offering us a new trial does not fix those problems. That remedy is inappropriate. Dismissal is the appropriate remedy in this case."

Scott County Attorney Mike Walton argued that of the 77 reports cited by the defense, attorneys addressed only four that they deemed exculpatory.

Walton added that three courts determined that the reports ultimately were not material and that had the defense had them, it likely would not have affected the outcome of the case.
President Donald Trumps proposed cuts to the U.S. Department of Agriculture drew bipartisan concern Thursday, even as Republicans praised him for tackling spending and Democrats accused him of abandoning education, infrastructure and other priorities.

The White House released an outline of the presidents 2018 budget Thursday, proposing a 21 percent cut to the USDA. That would shrink the departments budget to $17.9 billion, a $4.7 billion cut.

The plan would eliminate a $498 million water and wastewater loan program and reduce staffing at USDA service center agencies in order to streamline county office operations. It also says it would save $95 million in what it called duplicative and underperforming programs in the Rural Business and Cooperative Service, which helps with business development and job creation in rural areas.

This budget cuts investments in programs that have a proven record of creating jobs and growing the economy, U.S. Rep. Dave Loebsack, D-Iowa, said.

The cuts would affect only what are known as discretionary programs, the funding for which Congress can change through the budget process. They would not affect most commodity and conservation programs or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which is better known as food stamps. That would require a change in the law. The budget does cut $200 million from a nutrition program for women, infants and children.

Loebsack also pointed to proposed cuts in grants for teacher training, subsidies for rural airports and a program to help low-income Americans pay their heating bills.

U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, said she was troubled by how dramatic his proposed cuts are to programs across the USDA that our rural communities rely on.

However, she did praise the president for focusing on the countrys debt, saying, Washington cannot continue the excesses of the past 

The proposal also would cut spending at the EPA by 31 percent and the Department of Education by nearly 14 percent.

Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, did not comment on the proposed USDA cuts in a statement his office provided Thursday. He said the president is right to take a close look at spending." He said the budget proposals arent specific enough to know exactly how Iowans would be affected.

He and others said they would scrutinize the budget plan carefully.

Meanwhile, Rep. Cheri Bustos, D-Ill. said the budget plan proves President Trump is breaking his promise to the hardworking men and women of Americas heartland.

She predicted the cuts would lead to job losses and fewer opportunities in small towns.

In the budget submission, the administration said the USDAs core missions are maintained while eliminating duplicative, redundant or lower priority programs where the Federal role competes with the private sector or other levels of government.

The White House already has announced plans to boost defense spending by $54 billion in 2018. The budget blueprint says that the plan insists on $54 billion in cuts to non-defense programs and that the government is going to do more with less."
Des Moines is home to Iowas largest parade and Chicagos green-dyed river draws hundreds of thousands each March, but the Quad-Cities has formed its own St. Patricks Day style over the years.

As many as 50,000-75,000 people are expected to congregate Saturday in and around downtown Rock Island and Davenport, according to the Quad-Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau, for festivities centered on the annual 5K race and bistate parade.

"The Quad-Cities is normally known for its strong summer festivals, but we're finding spring and fall are becoming strong as well," said Joe Taylor, president and CEO of the Convention & Visitors Bureau. "St. Patrick's Day is one of those big weekends, and a lot of that is because of the parade. It's one of the Quad-City's favorite parades."

The weekends main event, the St. Patrick Society Grand Parade XXXII, generates more than $1.3 million in annual spending around the Quad-Cities, the visitors bureau reports.

Read on for all you need to know about St. Patricks Day weekend in the Quad-Cities.

Gear up for the parade

This time of year, the Q-Cs lucky claim to fame is hosting the only bistate St. Patricks Day parade in the country, which means youll see a wave of green floats, crowds and bands Saturday on both sides of the Mississippi River.

The St. Patrick Society Grand Parade XXXII steps off at 11:30 a.m. at the corner of 4th Avenue and 23rd Street in Rock Island and crosses the Centennial Bridge into downtown Davenport before ending at the RiverCenter.

To grab your spot amid expected large crowds, Taylor offers this advice: "Come very early."

"Part of why it's so big is the time of year; it's been a while since our last parade, and people are ready to be outside," Taylor said. "It also unites two downtown areas, and you don't normally have that. You have one mega-green downtown."

Traditionally, the Roman Catholic holiday recognizes St. Patrick, known for bringing Christianity to Ireland, so the celebration begins following a 10 a.m. Mass at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Rock Island.

Joe Dooley, president of the St. Patrick Society, said this years two-mile procession features 65 entries, including quality floats, marching bands and, wait for it, the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile.

It takes a lot of time and dollars, but its a labor of love, Dooley said of the volunteer-run production, which took several months to plan. "A lot of people think the cities put this parade on, but they do not."

Former Davenport Mayor Bill Gluba, whose mother was born in County Galway, Ireland, will serve as the parades grand marshal, and longtime parade-enthusiast Linda Phelan Shaw of Eldridge was crowned the Irish Mother of the Year.

Prior to the march, keep your eyes peeled for the River Bend Foodbank truck, which will be collecting monetary donations along the route to help feed the hungry in the Quad-City area.

Continue the celebration at the Post-Parade Bash from 1-4 p.m. at the RiverCenter, 136 E. 3rd St. St. Patrick Society members get in for free, and non-members will be charged $15 at the door. The party includes food, drinks, live Irish music, Irish dancers and the presentation of parade trophy winners.

Faux pub in town

A recent installment on the route at 224 W. 3rd St., Davenport, also may stand out to parade-goers.

From afar, it appears a new Irish pub opened in the former home of Del-Rich Pawn Shop, sandwiched between The City Church and Infinity Salon & Spa. Up close, you'll discover it's just a mirage.

JJ Condon, who owns the building and is renovating the bottom floor, slapped a 14-foot by 24-foot shamrock-green depiction of a pub on the exterior wall, temporarily covering up plywood.

The St. Patricks Day parade is a really big deal for us, and we wanted to make sure we are looking our best when the parade comes by, Condon said.

Before purchasing the property a few years ago, Condon, who lives above the vacant space with his wife, Amy, and their 1-year-old son, marched in the parade.

The owner of Davenport-based Applestone Homes won prizes for his St. Patrick's Day-themed floats four years in a row.

Since we bought the property, we sadly havent been in the parade, said Condon, whose wife is pregnant with the couple's second child, due in September. This is a fun way for us to participate, even though were not in the parade."

Behind the poster, which One Step Print Solutions designed and produced, Condon said they are redoing the facade. Urban Farmhouse, a home decor store in Geneseo, eventually will move into the space once the project is complete.

On your mark, get set ...

The 35th annual CASI St. Patrick's Day Race returns Saturday to downtown Davenport. Proceeds will benefit the Center for Active Seniors Inc., or CASI.

A child-friendly Tot Trot kicks things off at 9 a.m., followed by a one-mile family fun run at 9:30 a.m. and 5K at 10 a.m.

Organizers expect as many as 3,000 runners and walkers decked in festive costumes to participate this year.

Saturdays forecast calls for sunny skies and a high around 45 to 50 degrees, according to the National Weather Service, Davenport. It may get a bit breezy, however, as winds are expected to reach 15 to 25 mph.

Register online by 11 a.m. Friday at bit.ly/2n41gpV. Latecomers can register in person starting at 7 a.m. on race day at the Figge Art Museum, 225 W. 2nd St., Davenport.

Online registrants can pick up their packets from noon to 6:30 p.m. Friday and from 7-9:50 a.m. Saturday inside the museum.

From 1-6 p.m. Friday, trainers and representatives from area fitness and running clubs will be on hand at the Figges Bechtel Plaza for the inaugural Fit and Fun Expo.

Because of construction downtown, participants should return to the plaza for this years after party, which includes Irish music, a bagpiper, snacks and beer, starting at 11 a.m.

Last years event raised almost $100,000 for senior services, including the senior emergency food pantry, fans for seniors and Janes Place adult day services program, according to CASI.

Where to park; how to get around

When asked how people should navigate downtown on Saturday, Davenport Police Lt. Shawn Voigts offered simple instructions: Dont.

Iowa-bound lanes on the Centennial Bridge will be closed from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for the St. Patrick Society Grand Parade XXXII. Police will shuttle traffic between Rock Island and Davenport on the Illinois-bound lanes.

Additionally, various stretches of 3rd Street between North Division and LeClaire streets will be closed in the morning and early afternoon. Parking will be prohibited along that section and along 2nd Street between Ripley and Brady streets from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m.

While temporary street closures during the parade and race may stymie access, parking will be available throughout the day in the citys three garages:

 RiverCenter Parking Ramp, 102 E. 2nd St.

 Redstone Parking Ramp, 101 Main St.

 Parking Ramp, 331 W. 3rd St.

Voigts, who noted 25 Davenport police officers will help direct traffic from the start of the race until the end of the parade, suggests people park their cars at least a couple blocks away from the action and walk.

If youre a runner, that gets you out of the area a lot quicker, he said. Leave early and just take your time.

Looking to get around without a car this weekend? Citibus route detours also will be in effect from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday. Also, ride-sharing apps such as Uber are available in the Quad-Cities. Kelly's Irish Pub & Eatery is offering $5 off Uber trips for party-goers Friday and Saturday. A similar app, Lyft, arrived on the Davenport scene in January. To use Lyft, download the free app via Google Play or the iTunes store, sign up and add a payment method. Then request a ride and get matched with a nearby driver in minutes to set up your ride. When you get dropped off, pay through the app on your phone.
MINNEAPOLIS | Officials from Immigration and Customs Enforcement have arrested 86 people in five states in the Midwest.

The arrests happened over three days last week. In all, 26 people were arrested in Minnesota, 32 in Nebraska, 23 in Iowa, four in North Dakota and one in South Dakota.

ICE says 62 of those arrested, including 10 lawful permanent U.S. residents, had prior criminal convictions.

ICE says the operation was routine and targeted those with criminal convictions, as well as immigrants who were previously deported and re-entered the U.S. illegally and immigrants with standing orders for removal.

Four of the arrested will be criminally prosecuted. Those with orders for removal or who re-entered the U.S. illegally are subject to deportation. The rest will go through immigration proceedings.
STURGIS | A man from rural Meade County who admitted killing his ex-girlfriend and his roommate last year was sentenced Wednesday to more than two centuries in prison.

Berton Cole Toavs, 33, had pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree manslaughter in the shooting deaths of Eliza Edgins, 24, and Nathan Gann, 28, at Toavs home in Faith on April 26.

When everything happened, I was not thinking, Toavs said before 4th Circuit Judge Jerome Eckrich pronounced his sentences Wednesday in Sturgis. He received 110 years for Edgins death and 100 years for Ganns death to be served back to back.

Toavs' lawyer Ellery Grey said the homicides were committed in the "heat of passion."

Edgins and Toavs had been in an on-and-off romantic relationship, and Gann had moved to South Dakota at Toavs invitation, Meade County States Attorney Kevin Krull told the Journal.

According to Toavs account of the incident, Edgins and Gann were asleep in the living room of his home on the morning of April 26 when he roused Edgins to talk to her. Edgins told Toavs she did not have romantic feelings for him and she planned to leave South Dakota with Gann later that day.

Angered, the defendant walked to his bedroom, where he retrieved a loaded revolver, Toavs written statement reads. The defendant returned to the living room and shot Eliza Edgins with the revolver multiple times.

Awoken by the gunshots, Nathan Gann raised his head. The defendant shot Nathan Gann once, emptying his firearm." Toavs reloaded the firearm in his bedroom, went back to the living room and shot Edgins again when he saw she was still moving.

Toavs two children and Edgins son were in adjoining rooms at that time.

Edgins suffered nine gunshot wounds, including those on the right side of her face and her left eye, according to Dr. Donald Habbe, who testified on Wednesday. The single shot aimed at Gann fractured his right upper arm and hit his chest, said Habbe, who conducted the victims autopsies. Both victims died at the scene.

After the shooting, Toavs called a friend about his children, according to Krull, who prosecuted the case. Toavs also called 911 to say he had shot Edgins and Gann and was about to shoot himself, according to law enforcement records. When Faith police officers arrived, Toavs had a gun to his head but eventually surrendered the firearm.

The killings were the countys first homicide case in years. The last one, based on preliminary research by county courthouse and sheriffs staff, was likely the fatal shooting of a Tilford woman by Sturgis resident Martin Banghart in 2005.

The prosecution spent a lot of time considering whether it could seek the death penalty against Toavs, Krull told the court. It eventually reached a plea agreement with Toavs on two counts first-degree manslaughter.

Toavs original two charges of first-degree murder were dismissed under the agreement. Its terms also included asking the court for consecutive sentences and a separate judgment for each victim.

Based on the facts of this case, this defendant deserves to spend the rest of his life in prison, Krull said after asking the judge to give Toavs at least one life sentence.

Defense attorney Grey, meanwhile, asked for a sentence that would give Toavs a chance at parole so he could be with his children.

Toavs, who came from Nevada, did not have a lot of family connections and love while growing up, Grey said. He found work as a ranch hand in Faith, a community of 400 people roughly 100 miles northeast of Sturgis.

Toavs wife, who died of cancer several years ago, was the love of his life and Toavs had not properly mourned her, Grey said.

After he met Edgins, the lawyer said, Toavs was hoping to find love again and build a life with her. But on the day of the shooting, Grey said she told Toavs, What we had didnt mean anything.

This was not a defense, but illustrated the killings were done in the heat of passion and against Toavs character, Grey said.

Toavs, wearing a dark blue Meade County inmate uniform, stood up and apologized. Seated in the gallery were Edgins father and stepmother from South Carolina.

Im truly and deeply sorry for what I did  Im not a monster, Toavs said, adding that he wished he could undo his crimes. I understand Im going to prison, and I want to pay.

Judge Eckrich spoke briefly, saying the consequences of homicide were incalculable. Children who lose parents, he said, lose large pieces of their lives.

There was no visible reaction from Toavs after the judge handed down his 210-year sentence. Toavs was prepared to receive a life sentence, which was practically what his sentence meant, Grey told the Journal after the hearing.

Toavs would have to survive to age 153 to be eligible for parole, after serving 120 years.
Laurel Horsley put an accountants attention to detail to good use in preparing for Wednesdays Black Hills Regional Job Fair.

Horsley, of Summerset, efficiently made the rounds among prospective employers at the 18th annual job fair at Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, providing copies of her resume and talking with company representatives about her qualifications in the accounting field.

She has been sending out a lot of applications, she said, since being laid off at her previous job at a Rapid City concrete company.

Wednesdays job fair was her first, and she was prepared, with pre-printed resumes prepared for specific companies and more general resumes for other potential job opportunities.

She also carried a clipboard in case she needed to fill out any application forms.

Im ready, she said. Hopefully itll pay off.

Horsley was just one of dozens of job seekers lining up for the noon opening of the job fair on a warm afternoon.

Peggy Schlechter, Extension community development field specialist for South Dakota State University, said the 85 exhibitors at this years job fair was right on par with numbers of exhibitors in past years.

Included were Black Hills area tourist attractions seeking seasonal employees, companies looking to expand their workforces and a few employers coming back to the job fair after being absent for a few years.

Post-secondary institutions such as Western Dakota Technical Institute were also in attendance.

New for job seekers this year is a downloadable app, through Career Fair Essentials, which allows job seekers to check out exhibitors without attending the fair.

The app also allows job fair organizers to track interest in the event.

The job fair app is cool because that allows candidates who cant be here today to be able to see who was here and still be able to contact them. Just because the job fair doors close at 6 p.m., the communication will continue well past that, Schlechter said.

Schlechter said she hopes the app will encourage more tech-savvy young people, including high school students, to check out job opportunities beyond seasonal summer employment.

What kinds of jobs are out there? What kind of careers are there if I want to stay here? she said.

Horsley carried an air of optimism with her ready stack of resumes.

Thats about the only way I can be, she said. You have to be positive.
Last week's announcement by the Trump administration regarding a significant decline in the number of border crossings from Mexico presented an opportunity for the government to tout the benefits of tough immigration rules.

But, as is the case with most aspects of immigration policy, the numbers also reveal the complicated nature of migration -- and, as a result, present a dual challenge for the administration. First, such numbers suggest that the "wall" is no longer necessary, if it ever was. And, second, the harsh anti-immigration sentiment in the country at the time the border numbers were collected is also having an impact on lawful migration, mainly in academia and tourism.

Secretary of Homeland Security John Kelly touted a 40% decline in the number of illegal border crossings through Mexico since the start of the year. Generally, those are well trafficked months, so if the numbers are to be believed, it represents a significant decline in the arrests made and number of people prevented from entering the country.

There may be numerous reasons for such a decline: new border enforcement policies, including the decision that the United States will now return non-Mexican border crossers to Mexico; public statements from the administration that it is considering separating women and children who are caught at the border; and an otherwise unwelcoming atmosphere here in the United States.

Standing alone, the 40% decline represents a victory for the Trump administration, which has consistently touted tougher enforcement measures. And, in some cases, the administration is taking a tough line to protect people who migrate from dangerous conditions or are being taken advantage of by traffickers. But considered along with other aspects of the administration's immigration policies, it may only prove to be a victory in the short run.

If there ever was a justification for the wall, it is now belied by these numbers. With border crossings at such a significant low, how can the expense of a wall be justified any longer? After all, Mexico is clearly not paying for the wall, and Trump's misleading statements during the campaign about Mexico's willingness to pay are now being felt by the American taxpayer. In fact, early budget proposals from the administration would take significant funding from the Coast Guard and TSA to pay for the wall.

When confronted with this paradox between the border numbers and Trump's plan to strip agencies of funding for the wall, Sean Spicer merely said, "The president was very clear... He is going to fulfill that pledge. He's already started to work with the Department of Homeland Security on both the plans and the funding mechanism, and the bidding and the RFP (request for proposal) process will roll out shortly. But that's a pledge he intends to maintain."

So, without a reason for the wall and without money to pay for it, the dilemma for the Trump administration is how to sell something that no one needs and that someone else isn't paying for.

The other immigration challenge is likely more consequential for this nation. The Trump administration is clearly signaling to the outside world its desire to keep immigrants away. Kelly's statement regarding a potential policy shift to separate women and children was a dramatic change, as the United States generally kept families together during any deportation proceedings. Whether or not Kelly actually enacts the policy, his comments were consistent with the idea of a much less welcoming America for all those who might consider coming here.

Case in point: People who want to travel here legally.

Just as striking as the decline in border crossings is the decline in bookings and online searches for travel to the United States. The idea of a "Trump Slump" is evident in reports like those released by the Global Business Travel Association, which shows $185 million in lost US bookings. Emirates has reported a 35% drop in US bookings. And for the first time in nearly a decade New York City's travel forecast has been lowered for international visitors.

This administration has a tendency to question numbers, so it is important to note that Kelly's 40% decline statistic is not corroborated by any other source. But even if it is true, it isn't a simple victory for the Trump team. The means and methods they have used to promote a vision of an America with its doors closed to the world may actually prove to be dangerously, successful -- not only in the minds of those seeking to enter the country illegally, but to those looking to travel and spend time within our borders.

CNN's Catherine Shoichet and Polo Sandoval contributed to this report.
Supreme Court upholds sentence of Russian national for financing ISIS

MOSCOW, March 16 (RAPSI)  The Supreme Court of Russia on Thursday upheld a 5.5-year sentence given to the native of Moscow Nasreddin Muradov, who had transferred 3,000 rubles to a member of the Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist organization banned in Russia, RIA Novosti reported Thursday.

Muradov, 25, has been charged with financing a terrorist organization. He was convicted and sentenced in late January.

Muradov pleaded not guilty and asked the Supreme Court to mitigate his sentence.

The Islamic State, an organization which is prohibited in Russia, is currently one of the major threats to global security. Over three years, these terrorists have managed to seize large areas of Iraq and Syria. The organization is also attempting to spread its influence to North Africa  particularly, Libya. The area controlled by ISIS covers up to 90,000 square kilometers.
Russian Supreme Court asked to find Jehovahs Witness managing organization extremist

MOSCOW, March 16 (RAPSI)  Russias Justice Ministry has asked the Supreme Court to find the Administrative Centre of Jehovah's Witnesses an extremist organization, the court announced on Thursday.

The Administrative Centre of Jehovah's Witnesses is a head organization managing local branches of Jehovahs Witnesses across Russia.

According to the Center, the organization has not received a letter from the Justice Ministry and claims that if it is going to be found extremist, consequences for the religious freedom in Russia would be extremely negative.

Jehovahs Witnesses have had many legal problems in Russia.

On January 25, chairman of the Jehovahs Witnesses branch in the town of Dzerzhinsk was fined 4,000 rubles ($67) for keeping and distributing extremist literature banned in Russia.

On October 12, 2015, a court in the Jewish Autonomous Region ruled to ban a branch of The Jehovahs Witnesses in Birobidzhan because of distributing extremist literature by the organization.

On June 16, 2015, Russias Supreme Court declared The Jehovahs Witnesses of Stary Oskol in the Belgorod Region an extremist organization and ruled to liquidate it.

On June 9, 2015, the Jehovahs Witnesses of Belgorod was banned as extremist organization.

In March 2015, a court in Tyumen fined the organization 50,000 rubles ($792) and seized prohibited literature.

In January 2014, a court in Kurgan ruled to ban the organizations booklets as extremist. The books talk about how to have a happy life, what you can hope for, how to develop good relations with God and what you should know about God and its meaning.

In late December 2013, the leader of the sects group in Tobolsk, Siberia was charged with extremism and the prevention of a blood transfusion that nearly led to the death of a female member of the group.

In 2004, a court in Moscow dissolved and banned a Jehovahs Witnesses group on charges of recruiting children, encouraging believers to break from their families, inciting suicide and preventing believers from accepting medical assistance.

Jehovah's Witnesses is an international religious organization based in Brooklyn, New York. Since 2004 sever branches and chapters of the organization were banned and shut down in various regions of Russia.
Former construction firms CEO convicted of tax evasion granted parole

MOSCOW, March 16 (RAPSI)  The Sovetsky District Court in the city of Omsk has granted parole for ex-head of the Mostovik construction firm Oleg Shishov sentenced to four years in prison for evading 500 million rubles of taxes ($7.8 million), a courts representative told RAPSI on Thursday.

Shishov was convicted and sentenced in September 2016. Prosecutors demanded a 5.5-year prison term for the defendant.

As it has been reported earlier, Shishov pleaded guilty and requested his case to be reviewed under a special procedure envisaging no examination of the evidence.

According to investigators, between 2009 and 2011 Shishov forged financial documents and tax declarations of Mostovik, falsely reporting completion of construction works in Vladivostok and other cities by outside contractors.

Investigators claimed that these contractors had not done any works and the projects were completed by employees of Mostovik itself. As a result, investigators said that Shishov evaded paying over 478 million rubles ($7.4 mln) in taxes.

Additionally, investigators alleged that Shishov embezzled 526 million rubles ($8.2 mln) received as advance payment for construction of the Omsk ring road.
Ex-wife of billionaire Potanin demands $3.7 billion from former husband

MOSCOW, March 16 (RAPSI)  Natalia Potanina, the ex-wife of billionaire Vladimir Potanin, has filed a lawsuit with the Presnensky District Court of Moscow demanding to recover 215 billion rubles ($3.7 billion) from her former husband, RAPSI learnt from the courts press-service on Thursday.

The court will hold a preliminary hearing in a lawsuit on March 22.

According to media reports, Potanina asked the court to divide the property acquired during their marriage by recovering financial compensation for shares of KM Invest company.

In late April 2015, Natalia Potanina filed a lawsuit for ownership of 50 percent of her ex-husbands stake in Norilsk Nickel and half of Interros International, which holds their other assets. In the fall of 2015, the Presnensky District Court of Moscow dismissed the lawsuit. Potanina has appealed the ruling, only for the Moscow District Court to uphold it on January 22 2016.

Under the Russian Family Code, the property acquired during a marriage is considered community property and therefore should be divided into equal parts in a divorce.

The businessman was granted a divorce from his wife in February 2014.

In July 2015, the Presnensky court issued a ruling in a case on dividing the assets of the former spouses. According to a source familiar with the lawsuit, the court ruled that Vladimir Potanin keep a 406.9 square meter luxury apartment on Skatertny Pereulok (central Moscow) and a church, St. Blessed Tamara in the village of Anosino, in the Moscow Region.

Natalya Potanina received 380 million rubles ($4.8 mln) in compensation for her share in the apartment as well as three plots of land in the Moscow Region.
Russian Railways $118 mln claim against Finance Ministry dismissed

MOSCOW, March 16 (RAPSI)  The Moscow Commercial Court has dismissed a lawsuit lodged by Russian Railways seeking 7 billion rubles ($118 million) in compensation from the Finance Ministry and the Labor and Social Protection Ministry, RAPSI learnt in the court on Thursday.

Russian Railways demanded compensation for its losses from the transportation of benefit recipients in 2009. Under an agreement on the transportation of benefit recipients in 2009, the rail monopoly was to receive compensation for profit shortfall resulting from this agreement.

Russian Railways said the transportation of benefit recipients in 2009 cost the company 11 billion rubles ($164 million), but only 4 billion rubles ($60 million) were issued in compensation from the federal budget.

In 2013, Russian Railways lodged a claim with the Moscow Commercial Court seeking about 9 billion rubles in compensation for damages caused in 2011 by passenger carriage in open-plan and sitting main-line wagons on government-set regulated tariffs. In 2014, the court granted the claim, but later the ruling was overturned by higher courts.
The soybean market has been very interesting of late, although exports have been lacking somewhat.We havent seen as much in exports, at least not on the daily wires, its been more routine. But we are running ahead of pace and its likely USDA will have to adjust its export estimate, commented Randy Martinson, president of Martinson Ag Risk Management of Fargo, ND.Right now the bigger issue the soybean market is watching is where USDA will put South American production. We know that Brazils production will be increased in the (March 9 World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimate), its just a matter of by how much, he said on March 8.According to Martinson, a lot of the private analysts estimates are coming in around the 107-109 billion bushel area.Thats probably conservative to what we should be looking at, he said. We do know that Brazil has had good luck, they have a good crop coming and its going to see a little bit of an increase. Argentina did see a little decrease and I dont expect to see any change in production numbers for them.USDAs new estimate for South American soybeans was exactly within those private analysts estimates. This was the negative side of beans in the report, according to a conference call discussion provided by the Minneapolis Grain Exchange. USDA increased the size of the Brazil soybean crop to 108 million bushels. Previously USDA had pegged the crop at 104 mb. Argentina was left unchanged.In the WASDE report, USDA also increased U.S. soybean stocks to 435 million bushels, about a 15 million bushel increase. Basically USDA increased crush and lowered exports. Its not atypical to see a high soybean stock number in March and then typically throughout the summer is when you see those stocks really get drawn down.In the conference call it was stated USDA has a huge tendency to underestimate demand and our soybean exports are actually about 93 percent of USDAs pace.Exports will start to slip over into South America and they will become a little bit more of a demand source, Martinson said.Right now, as far as the U.S. is concerned, soybean acres are expected to go up by about 4 million acres, according to numbers put out by USDA during its Ag Outlook Forum.I think thats fairly close to being accurate. Yield is projected to pull back, but when USDA came out with its Ag Outlook Forum and left soybean stocks at about 420 million bushels, that was a little bit friendly because everybody was expecting to see a much higher number, he said.I think its going to go up by about 5 million. And if it goes up, even though we see yield drop using trend line yields, were still looking at a stocks reduction for the 2017 year, so its not a bearish number when you look at it, he continued.If planted acres did increase by 5 million that would put total planted acres at 88.4 million acres.Again, just like we saw in corn with the renewable fuel standard, a little bit of a hiccup or change or disruption for production or supply will cause beans to shoot sharply higher and push, he said. You look at where our stocks are fundamentally and were holding at much higher prices than we should be at - maybe $1-$1.25 over value - but weve got that premium worked in just to see where South American production is going to come in and where U.S. acres will fall. This market is not going to let go of that premium until we get comfortable with where our production comes into play.Local cash prices for soybeans are in the range of $9-$9.25 per bushel with the basis running around $1-$1.25. There is a futures price for old crop coming in around $10.40, according to Martinson.The big thing for soybeans that we have to pay attention to is South America and how that turns out. How that goes in the short term will dictate our market, Martinson said. It doesnt seem that technically soybeans want to get below $10. Every time we do we might see a little bit of a bounce, but technically, if we do drop down to $9.80 I think we will see some support.
Last week NAWG held its annual meeting as part of Commodity Classic, a trade show featuring NAWG, the National Corn Growers Association, the American Soybean Association, the National Sorghum Producers, and the Association of Equipment Manufacturers. As part of Commodity Classic, NAWG held its own board meeting. The conference included meetings of the Research & Technology Committee, the Environment and Renewable Resources Committee, and the Domestic and Trade Policy Committee.The Committees held their annual policy resolution review. NAWGs bylaws require resolutions to be reviewed every three years; if resolutions are not proactively renewed by the board, they are automatically set to sunset. Additionally, the Committees debated Farm Bill priorities which were ultimately adopted by the full board of directors. Summaries of the Committee meetings are below.In addition to the trade show and NAWGs own conference, NAWG held a reception to recognize the 2016 winners of the National Wheat Yield Contest as well as a reception to honor outgoing President Gordon Stoner and an auction to raise funds for NAWGs WheatPAC. For information about the 2017 National Wheat Yield Contest, visit https://yieldcontest.wheatfoundation.org.During NAWGs board meeting the directors also elected a new officer team. Kansas farmer David Schemm was elected President; Oklahoma farmer Jimmie Musick was elected Vice President; Texas farmer Ben Scholz was elected Treasurer; Michigan farmer David Milligan was elected Secretary; and Montana farmer Gordon Stoner was elected Past President.Domestic and Trade Policy CommitteeNAWGs Domestic and Trade Policy Committee has jurisdiction over a wide range of topics. This meeting primarily focused on reviewing expiring policy resolutions, considering new policies, and debating NAWGs Title 1 and crop insurance priorities in the upcoming Farm Bill reauthorization process, as well as trade policy. The Committee also discussed NAWGs ongoing work to identify ways to address problems associated with quality discounts.Environment and Renewable Resources CommitteeThe NAWG Environment and Renewable Resources Committee also reviewed expiring policy resolutions and new resolutions brought before the committee. Members also participated in a discussion of conservation priorities for the 2018 Farm Bill. The Committee, and subsequently the Board, approved new resolutions related to the operation of NRCS conservation programs and exempting conservation payments from System for Award Management (SAM) requirements.Research and Technology CommitteeThe Research and Technology Committee was briefed with an update on the National Wheat Improvement Committee Fly In, which will be held March 19-21. There is a full slate of attendees for the fly in to DC, comprised of farmers and wheat researchers, scheduled to advocate for continued research funding through the USDA. There is a strong list of experts coming in for the fly-in for Hill visits to stress importance of wheat research.Also, the Committee was updated on the status of the National Wheat Yield Contest and award ceremony for the 2016 national winners. The contest basically remains the same as the first year, with the rules committee reviewing the potential to add a quality testing component into the contest.After industry partner updates, the Committee reviewed all its technology policy resolutions previously approved that were nearing sunset status. These resolutions were either renewed or amended if still relevant, or left to expire if no longer appropriate. Noteworthy was the addition of two NEW policy resolutions approved to support research aimed at improving quality assessment around wheat starch or Falling Number (FN). The Pacific Northwest (PNW) wheat industry has suffered from repeated wide-spread financial losses due to weather-induced problems resulting in poor end-use quality as measured by low FN. The FN test detects starch degradation due to alpha-amylase enzyme activity and perhaps other unknown factors in wheat flour. Low FN indicates the presence of too much alpha-amylase enzyme in the flour, leading to problems with poor quality baked goods. The Committee approved resolutions to support genetic research to reduce the risk of FN as well as a resolution to develop a more consistent, reliable test method.
The Montana Department of Commerces Office of Tourism and Business Development is tapping new market research as it targets free spirited tourists in search of a #MontanaMoment.

The Governors Conference on Tourism and Recreation began its second day in Helena Tuesday with research presentations and information on how the state plans to capitalize on new data on tourism, which is a $3.5 billion industry in Montana. Commerce hired San Francisco based Destination Analysts Inc. to conduct the first study in a decade on how Montana as a destination brand is perceived, and who is most likely to book a trip.

Brands reference physical things but are more about the human emotions they elicit, Erin Francis-Cummings with Destination Analysists told a full crowd.

Unfortunately, there is not an industry as competitive as destination marketing, she said.

With an open mindset particularly among millennials about tourism, Montana must compete against the entire world for visitors, she continued, adding, The good news is theres high demand for outdoor destination brands.

Francis-Cummings detailed research that included surveys of more than 6,200 travelers, asking questions about familiarity with Montana, perceptions and how it ranks among other states.

Montana faces some challenges when it comes to general tourism trends, she said. There is growing resistance among travelers for trips that require significant time, which is a common perception about Montana, and there is a strong belief that the state is difficult to access.

Data showed that thinking about Montana as a destination in the West ranked toward the bottom, compared to top responses of the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone National Park. The park response is good for Montana, but is still largely seen as independent of Montana by travelers.

When ranked against other western states, Montana is in the middle for familiarity behind California, Washington, Oregon and Arizona.

While the data suggest challenges with marketing the state, Francis-Cummings said Montana is in a position of opportunity as visitors count hiking and scenic beauty among the most important vacation factors. Montana comes in below average for awareness about enticements such as historical sites, iconic attractions and dining, with questions about affordability.

That puts Colorado as Montanas greatest competitor for that market, she said, as Montana typically ranked second among western states behind Colorado for outdoor recreation and scenery. The biggest gap between the states is in winter recreation.

Colorado excels with people able to name specific destinations. Francis-Cummings emphasized that the biggest factor favoring Montana in competing for tourist dollars is the perception that Colorado has become increasingly crowded. But Montana must focus on awareness of specific places and dispelling some of the perceived mystery among national and international travelers.

What were looking for are people who will provide a high degree of economic impact and are excited about Montana, she said.

Research showed that travelers fitting that description are typically married with children, have earned a college degree, have household incomes of about $80,000 per year, are men approximately 36 years old and are prolific travelers. History buffs, once they become aware of historic opportunities, are also excited about visiting Montana.

Emily Dold with Wisconsin based advertising firm Hoffman York discussed how the research will shape advertising in the coming year to focus on target audiences, geography and positioning Montana for high potential visitors.

Marketing varies depending on the audience, she said. Raising awareness of Montanas amenities nationwide is different that encouraging residents of neighboring states to cross the border.

Using social media, search engines and other online tools will target potential tourists with the right message at the right time, she said.

The focus of the national media targets markets with more potential visitors and helps make the campaign both effective and efficient, she added.

We have to be mindful that our competitors are spending big in national media, Dold said, with California spending on TV and Colorado on print.

Raising local awareness among neighboring states where residents are typically more familiar with Montana allows a broader approach, Dold said. Advertising that focuses more on road trips and coming with frequency for events is a key focus of that portion of marketing.

Raylee Honeycutt with Tourism told the crowd that with the research and strategy, the state will roll out its seasonal marketing campaign next week.

Consumers are inundated with 1,500 messages per day and understand advertising. Finding creative ways to market will help capture those tourists attention for the few seconds that could bring them to Montana.

Montana as a destination brand offers powerful encounters with nature, the unexpected, authenticity and modern comforts that tap into a free spirited state of mind, Honeycutt said.

This years campaign uses vivid imagery, and as most potential visitors are well aware that Montana has beautiful mountains, a more human approach.

A couple of years ago the agency launched the social media hashtag #MontanaMoment. Based on its popularity among both locals and tourists, Tourism is ramping up publicity with the slogan Discover your #MontanaMoment, and encouraging everyone to share their experiences.

Ads include an embossed state map showing the exact location of the photo and emphasizing the specific destination. A search bar offers potential questions while a descriptive paragraph walks the line between highlighting the mystery and excitement associated with Montana while dispelling some of the concerns about accessibility.

Short videos featuring brand ambassadors will also anchor Tourisms website visitmt.com in telling stories about the state and opportunities for visitors.

More information on the research and campaign is available at http://www.marketmt.com/Programs/Marketing/Research.
HELENA  Montana resort communities asked legislators on Tuesday for authority to increase a resort tax on luxury purchases, such as gifts and restaurant meals.

Workers, business owners and community leaders from across the state traveled to Helena or wrote letters in support of Senate Bill 343. It would allow the states recognized resort areas  such as Whitefish, Red Lodge and Big Sky  to increase their limited sales tax from 3 percent to 4 percent if approved by local voters. Revenues from the extra percent must be spent on specific affordable housing or community development projects approved by ballot initiative.

Affordable workforce housing is a critical need in many places in the state, nowhere more than our resort towns, Gallatin County Commissioner Joe Skinner said. Local government cannot solve the problem, but they can set the stage to alleviate and help some of these problems. Give our resort communities a choice, an opportunity, and a means to begin solving their own problems in their own community.

As tourism has grown in Montana and a record number of people visit national parks in the state, many resort communities have struggled to develop adequate and affordable housing for local residents, such as midlevel managers, business owners, teachers and police officers who are forced to live miles away or give up their jobs altogether. The resort tax was initially created as a way to collect taxes from the millions of tourists to Montana who strain water, sewer and road systems in the often small towns they visit, especially those that are not incorporated into cities and therefore do not have any other ways to collect revenue.

Sponsor Sen. Jeff Welborn, R-Dillon, said adding affordable housing to that list of goals for resort tax revenues seems to be a logical fit.

It places the control in the hands of people living in these communities, he said before handing committee members a binder with 140 support letters.

About two dozen people testified for SB 343, although not all were able to speak because of a time limit set by the committees chairman. Four people, all from Big Sky, spoke against the bill, saying that expanding the tax was not the correct way to solve the communitys housing shortage.

Current law already allows for funding affordable housing with resort tax dollars, Lisa Knorr said, saying the Resort Tax Advisory Board should focus more energy on correctly collecting the tax from businesses and noting a 2016 crackdown on three large community employers who had skipped payments for years.

Some argued that better prioritization of existing collections would free up enough money for affordable housing projects while trimming wasteful spending. Others noted that unincorporated communities like Big Sky simply need to form a city government, which would give them more tools and revenue to control growth and address development problems such as a housing shortage. Another opponent worried the bills language was too broad and would allow the expanded tax to be spent on development projects such as road and sewer rather than housing as intended.

The committee took no action on the bill Tuesday.
Kathmandu, Nepal : Deputy prime minister and minister for home Bimalendra Nidhi, who is now in India, meets his Indian counterpart Rajnath Singh in New Delhi on Thursday.

During the meeting the ministers duo discussed on ranges of issues including the recent incident occurred in Kanchanpur incident where Nepali national had lost his life due to the bullet injuries fired by the Indian border security force.

During the meeting the ministers duo also discussed about the bilateral issues including the security in the border between the two countries.

Though the meeting is termed as a regular high level meeting between the neighbouring countries,the meeting is taken meaningfully as it is scheduled in the mean time when the agitating Madhes based parties have challenged to obstructed the local body elections.
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Pearson

Pearson has reported a pre-tax loss of 2.6bn for 2016, the biggest in its history, after a slump at its US education operation.

The profit warning was prompted by the collapse of its US higher education business, which is struggling with a decline in textbook sales and the transition to digital learning. The US business accounts for two-thirds of Pearsons revenues and profits.

Four agendas beyond school choice the new administration might look to advance:

It appears unlikely that President-elect Donald Trump can convince Congresseven a Republican-controlled Congressto shell out $20 billion for school choice, as he promised during his campaign. But by tapping billionaire voucher-advocate Betsy DeVos for education secretary, Trump is making his priorities known.

Rules for the Rewrite of the Federal K-12 Law School Lunch Campus Climate For-profits and "Free"College

A top futurist predicts the largest internet company of 2030 will be an online school

.

I've been predicting that by 2030 the largest company on the internet is going to be an education-based company that we haven't heard of yet," Frey, the senior futurist at the DaVinci Institute think tank, tells Business Insider.



Frey's prediction comes amid a boom in artificial intelligence research. Google is developing DeepMind, a complex piece of machine-learning software. IBM is developing Watson-powered robots. Amazon is developing drone delivery.



Only, the instructors won't be humans beamed through videos. They'll be bots, and they'll be smart enough to personalize each lesson plan to the child sitting in front of the screen.



Frey doesn't go so far as to argue education bots will replace traditional schooling outright. He sees them more as a supplement, perhaps as a kind of tutor. If a child struggles with algebra, a bot may be able to offer some help during homework time or over the weekend.

analysis that supports investment in public schools as a better alternative than the privatization of education.

The study, published by the National Bureau of Economic Research in July, was conducted by the economists Julien Lafortune and Jesse Rothstein of the University of California at Berkeley and Diane Whitmore Schanzenbach of Northwestern. They examined student test scores in 26 states that have changed the way they fund schools since 1990, usually in response to a lawsuit like Connecticuts, and compared them with those in 23 states that havent. While no two states did exactly the same thing, they all had the effect of increasing funding for the poorest districts.

The post-1990 time frame is important: Thats when courts changed how they think about states obligations to public schoolchildren. Previously, nearly all school funding lawsuits focused on the question of equity  did disadvantaged students receive funding equal to that of their well-off peers?

The problem with that perspective was the answer could be yes, even if funding was too low across the board. Starting with a 1990 court case in Kentucky, courts started asking about adequacy instead. Were school districts getting enough money, which might require giving extra money to districts that enroll many low-income, expensive-to-serve students?

They found a consistent pattern: In the long run, over comparable time frames, states that send additional money to their lowest-income school districts see more academic improvement in those districts than states that dont. The size of the effect was significant. The changes bought at least twice as much achievement per dollar as a well-known experiment that decreased class sizes in the early grades.

, the education publisher, suffered a huge loss in February of this year. From The Guardian I point this out because even as Seattle Schools struggles with textbook adoptions, are textbooks on the way out? I think that may be true in years to come but until every single child has a tablet or access at home to a computer, I'm not sure how that could be mandated. It would seem to be a real cost-saver to districts as well as add to the variety of curriculum available.From The Atlantic What about the far future?From Insider In December, 2016, there was this from Stanford University Also on spending, this article from the New York Times from December, 2016 (bold mine):
So far, a lot has been said and written about the growing effect of global warming. Some scientists even declared that if global warming keeps on increasing at this alarming rate then by 2050, there wont be any Earth to live in. Recent studies on the effect of global warming confirm that global warming can cause dwarfing of mammals.

We all know, how eco-system has evolved and how different species have adapted different symptoms to conserve their livelihood. Recent studies by environment scientists have unveiled a new side of adoption; mammals might start dwarfing off their body height to accustom themselves with global warming.

According to the studies conducted so far, long ago when Dinosaurs got extinct around billions of years ago, the temperature of Earth started to increase. In a period of about million years, the Earths temperature begun to rise in 5 to 8-degree Celsius for every 10,000 years. Various changes I carbon cycle was noticed during this period. Scientists termed this time as The Hyperthermal event.

Researchers later found out that the hyperthermal events were the cause of mammal dwarfing during the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum, 56 million years ago, and during the Eocene Thermal Maximum 2, 53 million years ago.

Recently researchers followed a series of four taxonomic groups and found out that two of them were affected by mammal dwarfing, watching a significant shrinking in equids, like horses. Equids decreased in size 30 percent during the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum.

The studies that were found in the research are the immediate results of analysing fossilised teeth and jaw fragments from animals that existed in the Paleocene and its evolution during the Eocene. In this group of animals, scientists examined the Arenahippus per Nix, an ancestor of our modern horses, and the Diacodexis meniscus, an ancestor of pigs and deer.

Researchers were looking for evidence of dwarfing on the Eocene Thermal Maximum. Hence they compared this data with information from the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum, finding that the mammal dwarfing was a constant in both periods.

Professor Philip Gingerich, a professor from the University of Michigan and co-author of the study, said, I would expect humans could shrink in size if we go through another hyperthermal like those in the early Eocene. But we might be high enough in the food chain that we would be buffered,

The researchers added that the whole idea behind shrinking ones body is that smaller sized organisations get cooled off easily when compared to larger institutions. People who are petite has lesser body heat than individuals who are tall. Mammals use this technique to survive and get accustomed with the changing nature.

However, the researchers also added that not only global warming, eyeing the evidence from past, mammals can also start shrinking their body due to a scarcity of water and other environmental changes.
Ferocious, brutal and audacious, The Belko Experiment is also empathetic and funny. It starts the blood pumping from the first frame, then jacks it up with brains, brawn and recognizable humanity.

In Bogota, Colombia, employees report for a normal day of work at Belko, a non-profit corporation located in a lonely high-rise building overlooking the city. But something is not quite right, as noted immediately by executive-type Barry Norris (Tony Goldwyn); he is questioned by new, heavily-armored security guards at the parking lot gate, and he wonders why some employees are being turned away and sent home.

In the human resources office, new employee Dany Wilkins (Melonie Diaz) is welcomed by Vince Agostino (Brent Sexton), who quickly runs down a checklist; Dany asks about one item, an I.D. pellet to be placed in her head. With a smile, Vince assures her it's for the safety of the employees; since so many kidnappings take place in the city, it will help the corporation to find and recover her.

Elsewhere, the workplace has come alive as usual, until an unusual announcement is made over the loudspeakers, requesting the execution of several employees within a narrow time frame. Or else ...

Soon enough, the office building has been transformed into a battlefield and the employees have been enlisted in a war they cannot win unless they start killing each other. And that is only the beginning of the bloodbath to come.

James Gunn's script, as directed by Greg McLean and performed by an amazing cast, is a thing of awful beauty. Gunn says the trailer for the movie came to him in a dream one night, prompting him to blitz out the screenplay over the next two weeks. He had to get it out of his system, one imagines.

The finished product is a true nightmare, especially for those of us who have ever worked in a large corporate office, where the lines between management and labor are clearly defined by status and position. Here the management/oversight role is filled by those more willing to kill than others, led by Barry Norris and his lieutenant, Wendell Dukes (John C. McGinley). Barry, at first, is reassuring to the workers; he's the boss, and he's certain that the announcement is not authentic. Once things change, however, he makes a snap decision that is completely understandable ... to him, and to others who think like him.

He justifies it by virtue of his wife and children, but let's be honest: he's placing his own life above everyone else. The genius of the film, as made possible by Goldwyn's humane performance as Barry, is to ask, would you do any different? Barry is not a traditional villain; he doesn't revel in the violence. Yet he's been placed in an impossible situation and he's asked to do things that only a truly disturbed psyche might carry out.

On the other side of the argument, Mike Milch (John Gallagher Jr.) is a middle manager who's single, with no children, and in a relationship with fellow worker Leandra Flores (Adria Arjona). Early on, he recognizes the inherent, combustible danger; he's no idealist, but he refuses to buckle in, and so he becomes a perfect counterpoint to Barry.

The office divides up. A uniformly fine cast, including Michael Rooker (as a maintenance worker) and James Earl (as a security guard), delivers performances that are well-tuned to the horrors that are unleashed. Sean Gunn and Abraham Benrubi team up to offer a measure of badly-needed comic relief.

Director Greg McLean once again delivers a lean, efficient thriller that makes the most out of a limited setting. As Wolf Creek 2 showed, he's fully capable of capturing the bleak, dark humor of horrible situations. Unlike that movie's grueling, explicit violence, though, which made me feel queasy, The Belko Experiment is so over-the-top in the volume of its violence that I began distancing myself early. That, in itself, may be a commentary on our increasingly nightmarish world, or a reflection on my own lack of empathy for fictional others.

Whatever your personal conclusion may be, The Belko Experiment left me feeling devastated at the end, haunted by the pure anguish that pours out of the screen.

The film opens in theaters throughout North America on Friday, March 17. Check local listings for showtimes.


With great lead performances by Steven Yeun and Samara Weaving, a great musical score by Steve Moore, and great bloody action masterminded by director Joe Lynch, Mayhem is almost too much fun.

It's the perfect example of a movie that knows what it is and is more than happy to deliver that to an audience eager to devour it. Lynch burst onto the genre scene with Wrong Turn 2: Dead End, a direct-to-video sequel that was far better than it had any right to be. More recently, Everly featured Salma Hayek in a furiously entertaining action picture that, again, exceeded expectations.

Mayhem spreads that same action spirit out over a larger cast trapped in an office building after an outbreak of the so-called 'red eye' virus, which eliminates all inhibitions, leading to unbridled blood lust. That sets up a recklessly entertaining scenario that is less serious than Everly and more comic in its intention and execution, thanks in part to a cheeky script by Matias Caruso, ace cinematography by Steve Gainer, and razor-sharp editing by Josh Ethier.

And what execution! In a nicely-turned rise through a voracious corporate law firm, ambitious attorney Derek Cho (Steven Yeun) has progressed from a fresh-faced newbie to a jaundiced junior-level manager. He's risen just enough to become prey to a insidiously vicious upper-level attorney known as The Siren (Caroline Chikezie); she offers him as a sacrificial lamb to the board of directors to avoid taking responsibility when one of her cases goes ka-blooey.

As Derek is being shown out the door, the 'red eye' virus explodes like a bomb in the building, leading to widespread physical brutality and even outright murder. The effects of the virus are said to last eight hours; during that time, no one will be held responsible for their actions, and so bones break, flesh is torn, bodily fluids are exchanged, and murder is committed freely and without restraint.

The virus lays bare everyone's worst instincts, and Derek's impossible desire to clear his name and get his job back takes precedence over the common sense that should have told him to accept his fate and move on with his life. Instead, Derek becomes determined to reach the top floor and speak with the evil CEO and the board directly.

Improbably, he teams up with Melanie Cross (Samara Weaving), a woman who plead for mercy from the law firm so her family could keep their place just before the virus struck. Following orders from above, Derek had shown Melanie no quarter, inciting her righteous fury, so she is not eager to help him achieve his goals. In the outrageously violent hurricane that has blown into the office building, however, Melanie can see Derek might have a few tricks that will help her survive, and maybe score some emotional justice, too.

Yeun, best known for TV's The Walking Dead, takes full advantage of the opportunity and fully owns his character and the movie; he's entirely authentic as an imperfect action hero who acknowledges his own shortcomings before putting them aside to deliver a gasoline truck full of whoop-ass.

He's well-partnered with Weaving, who made a guest appearance on TV's Ash vs Evil Dead that impressed director Lynch. She has a nail-edge charm that refuses to give up or listen to common sense, and she too convinces in her action heroine performance.

So fast on its feet that it's almost out of control, Mayhem is a tight little package that hugs all its curves, and tucks in a surprise or two ... or three. Don't expect great emotional depth -- that's not what the movie is about; it's about watching two people fight and claw their way to the top, with humor, smarts, and a nail gun.

Article updated on 3/17/17 to correct the misspelling of Mr. Yeun's family name. Thanks to commenter Danny.

The film enjoyed its world premiere at SXSW.


Seguin, TX (78155)

Today

Cloudy skies this morning will become partly cloudy this afternoon. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 86F. Winds SE at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

A few passing clouds, otherwise generally clear. Low 67F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph.
Head of #FBI #SF John Bennett addresses media regarding the Yahoo hack by alleged Russian FSB agents and criminal hackers. pic.twitter.com/qIDxsHfzcK  FBI SanFrancisco (@FBISanFrancisco) March 15, 2017

Justice Department officials today announced the indictment (here) of four Russians, two alleged spies and two alleged criminal hackers, in connection with twin hacks of more than 500 million Yahoo users, the Washington Post reports.

The indictments grew out of a nearly two-year long investigation by the FBI's San Francisco office with help from international law enforcement, and the charges  hacking, wire fraud, trade secret theft, and economic espionage  are unique in that they represent the first US criminal cyber charges ever lodged against Russian officials. The spies are two members of the Russian intelligence agency FSB, we're told, and the hackers were hired by Russian officials to carry out their work.

According to the Post, the indictments of Dmitry Dukuchaev and Igor Sushchin are "particularly galling to US officials" because the FSB's cyber investigative arm where they were working is "a rough equivalent of the FBIs Cyber Division." Dokuchaev was arrested in December in Moscow on treason charges for allegedly providing information to the CIA. Karim Baratov, a hacker-for hire, was arrested yesterday in Canada, where he has Citizenship, although he was born in Kazakhstan. The other hacker, Alexsey Belan, is likely being protected in Russia and is a known and wanted cyber criminal.

One interesting note from the indictment: Like the hack of the Democratic National Committee, this intrusion may have hinged on a "spear phishing" attack, in which an email purports to be from some official source and asks for password information. As Ars Technica explains,

Malcolm Palmore, the FBI special agent in charge of the bureaus Silicon Valley office, told Ars in an interview that the initial breach that led to the exposure of half a billion Yahoo accounts likely started with the targeting of a semi-privileged Yahoo employee and not top executives. He said social engineering or spear phishing was the likely avenue of infiltration" used to gain the credentials of an unsuspecting employee at Yahoo.

Critics of Yahoo say the company bears responsibility in the massive intrusion as it was slow to reveal the hacks, disclosing the first, from 2014, last fall. That seemed to be the largest data breach in history... until after it released information regarding another hack, even larger than the first, that occurred in 2013.

Related: After Internal Investigation Into Hacks, Yahoo Denies Marissa Mayer Millions In Bonus And Stock Awards


Just a few hours before President Trump's revised executive order on travel from six Muslim-majority nations was to take effect, a federal judge in Hawaii has granted a temporary restraining order to block its implementation. Judges in three states heard arguments Wednesday morning regarding the revised order, issued on March 6 and set to take effect after midnight tonight, and US District Judge Derrick K. Watson appeared to agree with the three judges on the Ninth Circuit who earlier upheld an order from the State of Washington halting the President's first travel ban, at least with regard to the relevance of Trump's earlier statements of bias against Muslims in general.

As the New York Times reports, Judge Watson said in Wednesday's hearing, skeptical of the Justice Department's argument that the new order should be judged only on its face, "Are you saying we close our eyes to the sequence of statements [the administration made] before this?"

At issue with the restraining order, as with earlier arguments heard by the Ninth Circuit, is not necessarily the constitutional authority of the President to issue such travel restrictions, but whether the order as written unequally targets Muslims, and causes harms to schools and businesses that depend on the mobility of foreign nationals from the six nations named in the order  Libya, Iran, Syria, Yemen, Sudan, and Somalia.

The administration has argued that a 90-day pause is necessary to reassess the vetting procedures currently in place for all foreigners entering the US, especially from these six countries. But critics, including those in the State Department, say that vetting procedures are extremely thorough as they are.

As BuzzFeed explains, written rulings are also expected, possibly very soon, from US District Judge James Robart in Seattle and US District Judge Theodore Chuang in Maryland, both of whom also heard arguments in separate hearings today, but did not rule from the bench. Judge Watson did not rule from the bench either, but was the first to issue a ruling just before 4 p.m. Pacific Time, or 1 p.m. local time in Honolulu.

Separately, the State of Washington has filed a request with Judge Robart to enforce his prior injunction against the original executive order against this one as well.

Acting Solicitor General Jeffrey Wall argued today that there are no religious distinctions made in the new executive order, which he said directly, serially addressed the concerns raised by the Ninth Circuit judges earlier  specifically the new order makes clear that lawful permanent residents and current visa-holders will not be affected, and the special provision about Syrian refugees being banned indefinitely was removed.

Judge Watson however agreed with the case for a restraining order brought by the State of Hawaii, saying that the irreparable harms they cited including those to their state university were "nearly indistinguishable" from those in the earlier Washington injunction, noting that the University of Hawaii "currently has twenty-three graduate students, several permanent faculty members, and twenty-nine visiting faculty members from the six countries listed [in the order]."

The court also found a case for irreparable harm being done to the plaintiff the state enjoined with in the suit, Dr. Ismail Elshikh, PhD, Imam of the Muslim Association of Hawaii, whose mother-in-law is a Syrian national who has been prevented from visiting his family in Hawaii.

Protesters and volunteer lawyers were preparing to deal with the implementation of the ban beginning at 12:01 a.m. Thursday at multiple airports around the country.

The President has so far not reacted to the decision on Twitter, though he may do so on Fox News tonight as he'll be interviewed at 9 p.m. ET by Tucker Carlson.

Update: In a speech in Nashville the President referred to "the bad, sad news" of the ruling, calling it "in the opinion of many, an unprecedented judicial overreach." He added, "Were going to fight this terrible ruling. Were going to take this as far as we need to, right up to the Supreme Court."

Previously: Ninth Circuit Declines To Delay Trump Travel Ban Appeal
Shooting has begun in and around the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose for the movie Winchester, the earlier announced supernatural thriller starring Helen Mirren as Sarah Winchester. Via a press release and a notice in the Mercury-News, some location shooting began Wednesday, but the stars of the picture, including Mirren and Terminator Genisys star Jason Clarke, aren't expected to be doing any shooting here in the Bay Area until May. They're currently on set in Australia, which is home base for writing director duo Michael and Peter Spierig, the brothers behind the 2009 film Daybreakers, and the upcoming Saw: Legacy.

The film promises to "take audiences inside the labyrinth-like house that is believed to be one of the most haunted places in the world," telling the now mostly debunked tale of Winchester rifle heiress Sarah Winchester who over many years used her fortune to continuously add on to her San Jose mansion, incorporating trick doors and stairs that lead nowhere in order to help outwit the ghosts she believed were chasing her and her family around. The house would ultimately contain more than 160 rooms, and has become San Jose's most famous tourist attraction, and certainly one of the oddest landmarks of the Bay Area. (In 2013, it also made an appearance on Ghost Adventures.)

From a description we heard last year, Clarke plays "skeptical San Francisco psychiatrist Eric Price [who] is dispatched to the estate to evaluate [Winchester's] state of mind, [and] he discovers that her obsession may not be so insane after all."

As Mercury-News columnist Sal Pizarro quips, "Nowadays, the Winchester Mystery House is a city landmark and well-visited tourist attraction nestled among Santana Row, Westfield Valley Fair... The scariest thing in the vicinity is the traffic, and nobody wants to make a movie about that."
San Francisco's Hottest New Club of 2000 that somehow still felt trapped in the '90s, Ruby Skye, the now 17-year-old dance hall, is set to close later this year according to Hoodline. The occasion forces San Franciscans to confront the good, bad, and mostly ugly evenings spent at the 420 Mason Street nightclub and its downstairs neighbor bar, Slide.

The Ruby Skye building, a fin de siecle Victorian playhouse rebuilt in 1911, has always provided a cool, glamorous contrast to kids doing molly and sweating through their clothes. Technically called the Native Sons of the Golden West Building, as this art and architecture website explains, it's already got anew occupant all lined up: Nate Valentine, of Polk Gulch's Harper & Rye, Tipsy Pig in the Marina, and the restaurants Mamacita and Padrecito. So, if necessary, dry your eyes: You can still do cocaine in the bathroom at 420 Mason, although of course you can't do that now and can't in the future or whatever.

"We heard rumblings that the Ruby Skye/Slide space was available, and at first it sounded daunting," Valentine told Hoodline. "But it's really an incredible opportunity to be in a great part of San Francisco."

Combining Ruby Skye and Slide's spaces, the team plans to call the space August Hall after one of the Native Sons of the Golden West Building's architects, August Headman. Valentine is in talks to work with Tahoe booking partner Snowball Ventures of the SnowGlobe festival there. Correction: Valentine tells SFist that Snowball Ventures are his partners in the effort, not simply in negotiations with him.

Downstairs in the Slide space the plan is for a three-lane bowling alley to be called the Fifth Arrow with food from Todd Shoberg, the former chef/owner of Mill Valley's Molina. Finally, an upstairs cocktail bar, the Green Room, will offer craft cocktails and a break from the action on the dance floor, where Valentine envisions "50 percent EDM/DJ nights, 45 percent rock bands and other live music, and a handful of comedy shows."

Curbed also gives us a bit of history of the building today, which was also once home to the Stage Door movie theater after WWII.

Stay tuned for updates.

Related: Over-The-Top Biotech Conference Party At Ruby Skye Features Live Camel
The admitted kidnapper in the bizarro March 2015 Vallejo abduction case of Denise Huskins is appearing in court today almost exactly two years later to receive his sentence. Harvard-trained lawyer Matthew Muller, 39, told a reporter following his arrest in July 2015 that he suffered from bipolar disorder with "extreme paranoia and psychosis," and his illness apparently led him to imagine he was a part of a gang of "gentlemen criminals," with Huskins's abduction for ransom something of a trial run for bigger crimes. Last September he pleaded guilty in the case, and as the Associated Press reports, federal prosecutors have agreed to a 40-year sentence, saying, "Public safety requires that he be imprisoned until he is old and weak."

Muller's defense attorney Thomas Johnson is pushing for a 30-year sentence, saying that his client can be rehabilitated and saying that his mental illness is "truly debilitating."

The only new bit of information to come in the latest court proceedings is that Muller apparently surveilled his victims, Huskins and her boyfriend Aaron Quinn, using a drone prior to the home invasion and kidnapping that occurred on March 23, 2015. He managed to tie up both victims and give them a liquid sedative, and put headphones on them playing a pre-recorded message that led them both to believe there were multiple kidnappers. Muller then put Huskins in his trunk and drove her to his family's home in South Lake Tahoe where police would later find evidence relating to the abduction. Huskins has said that a sexual assault also occurred, and in a letter Muller wrote to a San Francisco Chronicle reporter refuting claims by Vallejo police that this entire thing was a hoax  something that led to national headlines and comparisons to the film Gone Girl  he implied that he decided to return Huskins to her parents home in Huntington Beach, California two days later after she told him of a previous sexual assault.

Muller would only later be arrested, and the case proven not to be a hoax, after he botched another home invasion in Dublin, California, and a detective there connected the cases to others that had occurred in previous years on the Peninsula, also involving women in their 20s, via a cellphone that Muller dropped in the Dublin home.

He pleaded no contest in the Dublin case in September 2015 after fainting in court.

Huskins is now suing the Vallejo PD over their handling of the case and their treatment of her.

We'll update you when the sentencing comes down.

Update: A letter from Huskins's father, delivered to the sentencing judge, was revealed by KCRA. In it, Mike Huskins writes, "Please be reminded of the assault Mr. Muller inflicted on my daughter. He tied her up, drugged her, blindfolded her, threw her in the trunk of his car and took her on a four-hour car ride. Once he reached his destination Mr. Muller tied my daughter to the bed and continued to drug her. He terrorized my daughter, threatening her with harm constantly. And yes, your honor, he raped her, not once but twice. The horror she went through is unimaginable. Only because of her strength did she manage to be set free after 48 hours of horror."

Update 2: Both Huskins and Quinn testified at the sentencing hearing, with Huskins describing the two sexual assaults that occurred while she was bound and blindfolded in Muller's South Lake Tahoe home. Per the AP, she said in court, "The only way I got through it was to picture that it was Aaron that I was with." Investigators presented video evidence of Muller setting up the cameras and taping himself committing the assaults.

Update 3: Muller has been sentenced to 40 years in prison, as the Sacramento Bee reports.

All previous coverage of the Denise Huskins case on SFist.




At an all-hands meeting at its San Francisco headquarters Wednesday, the CEO of online independent clothing retailer ModCloth, Matthew Kaness, disclosed to his staff that the company had been sold to another online retailer, Jet.com. Walmart announced last August that it had acquired Jet, a fast-growing e-commerce site. Jezebel reported news of the sale, which they write will be formally announced tomorrow, disclosing that current ModCloth employees received offer letters from Walmart yesterday and adding that the deal is said to be closing today.

ModCloth, a darling among customers for its feminist, body-positive credo, was co-founded by Susan Gregg Koger and Eric Koger in 2002. An advocate for equal pay and representation for women, Gregg Koger wrote that she and many of her colleagues would take the day off recently to participate in the International Women's Strike.

"As the founder of a business that sells to and employs women (in fact, 64% of our workforce is female), it has always been important to me that ModCloth supports women, too. That is part of why the gender pay gap is a deeply personal issue for me." By contrast, Jezebel points out that Walmart was sued for discrimination based on gender in 2011 in a case that made its way to the Supreme Court before it was sent to back down to a lower court.

Like many other San Francisco-based companies, ModCloth, which employs more than 350 people at its SF, LA, and Pittsburgh offices, was founded in a college dorm room (this one at Carnegie Mellon). Of late, financial difficulties have led to rounds of layoffs employees reportedly refer to as "reapings" for their frequency in a reference to the brutal lottery of the Hunger Games.

"When I think about the quality of people Ive met at Jet and their ambitions and how it aligns with ours, Kaness reportedly says in a recording of the meeting provided to Jezebel. "And when when I think about their parent company Walmart, who has the resources  but also has when youve spent time researching it and understanding it, theyve spent a lot of time working on corporate responsibility and environmental initiatives and opportunities for their employees and their careers. I think theres a lot of overlap culturally with what theyre about and what were about. I think over time this is going to become an incredible marriage. Here, some in the room were said to have been laughing uncomfortably.

Related: SF's 13 Best Local Fashion Labels






Three judges from the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals  not the same three involved in the decision to uphold an injunction against President Trump's ban on travel from seven Muslim-majority nations last month  testified before the House Judiciary Committee Thursday to argue that their 29-judge court not be split up, as has been proposed multiple times by Republicans. The latest proposals, of which there are now four according to the Associated Press, have gained steam under the Republican-controlled Congress, particularly after those three judges weighed in on the immigration/travel ban.

The Ninth Circuit is the largest appeals court in the country, and lawmakers, primarily on the right, have argued for decades that it has gotten too large, given that its jurisdiction (including the western states of California, Alaska, Hawaii, Washington, Oregon, Montana, Idaho, Nevada, Arizona, as well as Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands) was established when the west was far less densely populated, back in 1891.

One bill, introduced in January by Arizona Senators Jeff Flake and John McCain, would carve up the Ninth Circuit into two court circuits, creating a new Twelfth Circuit that would include Nevada, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Arizona and Alaska, with the Ninth holding on to just California, Oregon, and Hawaii. Flake's argument has been, and was again today, that the court's docket has become too large and justice comes too slow.

The judges who testified today were Chief Justice of the Ninth Circuit Sidney Thomas, who is based in Billings, Montana and is a Clinton appointee; Judge Alex Kozinski, a Reagan appointee based in Pasadena, California; and San Francisco-based Judge Carlos Bea, appointed by George W. Bush.

You can watch the whole hearing on video below, if you have that kind of time, but per the AP, Judge Thomas testified that "Circuit division would have a devastating effect on the administration of justice in the western United States. [And] A circuit split would increase delay, reduce access to justice, and waste taxpayer dollars."

Judge Bea said, "I think you should take into consideration the views of people on the ground  the litigants, practitioners and judges in the circuit. The overwhelming majority of the people directly involved is against a split of the Circuit."

Multiple attempts to split up the Ninth Circuit have failed over the decades dating back to the 1940's, and today New York Rep. Jerrold Nadler, a Democrat on the committee, said, "Like clockwork, we see proposals to split up the 9th Circuit whenever it delivers a controversial decision with which conservatives disagree."

Previously: Trump Denied Stay Of Restraining Order On Travel Ban By Ninth Circuit


BERESFORD, S.D. -- Relief is on the way to farmers and ranchers who have suffered losses in devastating fires in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Colorado.

Beresford, S.D. farmer Jed Olbertson, in cooperation with South Dakota Farm Bureau, is coordinating donations of hay and financial support that will be shared with those in need.

Through social media, Olbertson was able to connect with other farmers across the country to begin putting a plan in place to help farmers and ranchers who have been impacted by the fires.

"While there are a lot of needs, we felt the best place to start was by providing hay to feed their livestock," Olbertson said. "In just a few day's time we already have three semi-truck loads of hay donated that we are hoping to deliver to Kansas..."

Those Olbertson has connected with that are donating and transporting hay gathered at the Farmers Co-op in Beresford last week to load trucks and begin the trip.

In addition to providing hay, a fund has been established for cash donations at the State Bank of Alcester. The monetary donations will help offset the costs of transportation and any remaining funds will be donated to the fire relief effort.

"We know times are tough right now for those of us in agriculture, but what has happened to farmers and ranchers with these terrible fires puts things in perspective," Olbertson said. "It simply makes you feel good to help others who are going through some unimaginable stress."

Olbertson is just one South Dakota producer inspired to coordinate hay donations. Others, including some from the Garretson area, are also arranging hay to be delivered.

South Dakota Farm Bureau is taking part of this effort to give back in a small way for the support area farmers and ranchers received following past disasters in South Dakota.

"Following the Atlas blizzard in 2013, producers around the country provided similar support when thousands of cattle in South Dakota died following record breaking snowfall," said Krystil Smit, South Dakota Farm Bureau executive director. "We are honored to provide whatever support and coordination we can to this effort to pay forward the help our farmers and ranchers have received. Through our collaboration with Farm Bureau organizations in the states affected by the fires, we can help identify the best legitimate sources to receive hay and monetary donations."
SIOUX CITY | Bishop R. Walker Nickless says it is OK for Catholics to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with some corned beef Friday, but there is a caveat.

"In honor of this great saint, I do hereby commute the obligation of abstaining from meat on St. Patricks Day," the bishop of the Diocese of Sioux City said in a release Tuesday. "... Those who choose to eat meat to celebrate St. Patrick do neither wrong nor harm thereby, provided that they observe the discipline of abstinence from meat on another day of the same week."
BANCROFT, Neb. | The person who died in a weekend house fire has been identified as Ernest Warnock, 64, of Rosalie, Nebraska, after an autopsy performed on human remains found on the scene.

Authorities are not releasing the cause of death at this time, according to a Thursday news release from Cuming County Attorney Daniel Bracht.

Firefighters from Bancroft, Rosalie and Pender responded to the house fire north of Bancroft at 2:22 p.m. Saturday and found Warnock's body in the burned home.

An investigation into his death and the cause of the fire is still ongoing.
SIOUX CITY | A Sioux City man has pleaded not guilty to sexually abusing 4-year-old and 2-year-old girls.

James White, 48, entered his written plea Thursday in Woodbury County District Court to three counts of second-degree sexual abuse.

According to court documents, White was arrested March 1 after the 4-year-old was taken to UnityPoint Health -- St. Luke's with a serious injury to her genital area, and police officers were alerted.

White admitted to having sexual contact with the 4-year-old girl on three separate occasions from Jan. 1 to March 1, according to court documents. Documents say he also sexually abused the 2-year-old on one occasion in February.
SIOUX CITY | An underground electrical fire in one of downtown Sioux City's utility tunnels caused multiple explosions and sent hefty manhole covers flying Wednesday evening.

Asst. Fire Chief Dan Cougill said the fire was caused by a failure in the underground electrical system around 6:30 p.m. near the 400 and 500 block alleyway between Pearl and Water streets.

Cougill said the pressure of the underground fire caused some covers to sail into the air. One 100-plus-pound cover split in half once it landed on the ground. He added he could feel the blow firsthand.

"We were having dinner at the firehouse and we heard it and looked at each other and said, 'that's not normal,'" he said at the scene. "The firehouse is three more blocks north and we still felt it and heard it."

The flames were extinguished after MidAmerican Energy Co. cut the power to the fire to let it burn itself out, Cougill said. A three-block radius downtown was blocked off while crews attended to the damages.

McCarthy and Bailey's Irish Pub employee Daniel Revell heard the "booms" coming from behind the building.

"It sounded like a vehicle blew up and everyone ran outside," he said Wednesday night in the Pearl Street bar that was lit by flashlights. "... You could feel the ground shake."

Cougill said at 8 p.m. the area was secure, and there were no injuries reported. Crews will work throughout the night to determine damages. He did not know when power to the businesses would be restored.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is defending itself at trial against more than 300 farmers and other landowners who say the agencys management of the Missouri River has contributed to major flooding in five states, most notably 2011 flooding that caused billions of dollars in damage.

The lawsuit, filed in 2014 in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, argues that the Corps has altered its practices regarding the rivers water storage, release and flow management since the mid-2000s, deemphasizing flood control while pushing to restore habitat for endangered species. It contends that the Corps unconstitutionally deprived plaintiffs of their land, essentially taking it without compensation.

Although the lawsuit doesnt specify the amount of damages being sought, the landowners attorney has said that it could exceed $250 million. The plaintiffs believe case law is on their side, given a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in December 2012 that the federal government is not automatically exempt from paying for damage caused by temporary flooding from its dams.

The case, which isnt expected to be decided until this summer at the earliest, reflects longstanding debate about the Corps management of the river as the agency tries to strike a balance among competing interests -- landowners, the barge industry, water suppliers, hydropower utilities, environmentalists and recreational users of the waterway, notably on upriver reservoirs. Regulating the rivers levels comes through the Corps management of discharges from a half-dozen large upstream reservoirs, each meant to hold snowmelt and other excess water during the spring before the Corps gradually releases it the rest of the year.

In court filings, the federal government argues that authorities never promised to stop all flooding along the 2,341-mile-long Missouri River, which flows into the Mississippi River north of St. Louis. The Corps, which has said it is required by Congress and the courts to act in the river's best interest, maintains that providing habitat for endangered species didn't exacerbate the inundation six years ago -- a claim echoed by a top Midwest volunteer for the Sierra Club.

The trial started last week. The Corps typically does not comment publicly about litigation, and it didnt reply to recent messages by The Associated Press.

Outside experts who reviewed the 2011 flooding said the Corps did the best it could in dealing with record amounts of water that flowed into the river after unusually heavy spring rain in Montana and North Dakota.

That flooding lasted more than three months after the Corps began releasing massive amounts of water from swollen upstream reservoirs. It overwhelmed levees, carved gouges up to 50 feet deep, created sand dunes 15-feet-high, deposited debris in farmers' fields and devastated hundreds of thousands of acres of mostly farmland in South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas and Missouri.

Caroline Pufalt, the St. Louis-based chairwoman of the Sierra Club's Missouri River Network, said blaming the Corps on environmental grounds is "a red herring," saying that while the Corps may make decisions in the interest of habitat, such actions are seldom.

Pufalt said the Corps did the best it could six years ago, given "unusual circumstances" involving so much water in the Missouri River system.

"These floods were kind of unavoidable," Pufalt said. "The folks who have filed this lawsuit mistakenly think there's some magic thing the Corps can do, given the current river, that will take away their flood risk, and that's not going to happen.
Retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, President Donald Trump's former national security adviser, was paid more than $33,750 by Russia's state-run broadcaster RT TV-Russia for a speech in Moscow in December 2015, a top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee has learned.

The US intelligence community has long assessed RT to be a propaganda tool of the Kremlin, writing in its January report on Russian interference in the US election that the organization had participated in disinformation campaigns aimed at the US.

Flynn had previously acknowledged the speaking engagement, telling multiple news outlets in July and August that he received money for the speech. But he declined to state the amount, saying that the source of the funds was his US speakers bureau, not the Russian broadcaster, which US intelligence agencies describe as an instrument of the Russian government.

"I didn't take any money from Russia," Flynn told Yahoo News in July.

Rep. Elijah Cummings, the ranking Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, sent a letter Thursday questioning whether Flynn reported the payment as required by both law and military regulations. In addition, receiving money from a foreign government without approval from his relevant branch of service violates military regulations.

Documents obtained by the oversight committee and shared with CNN show that RT, formerly known as Russia Today, specifically earmarked Flynn's compensation as part of the payment package to the speakers bureau, Leading Authorities Inc., which also included the bureau's fee and visa expenses.

In an email exchange between RT and the speakers bureau that the House committee acquired and was reviewed by CNN, a representative from RT said that the initial asking price for Flynn's appearance as "a bit too high" and asked the company to reduce the fee.

The committee also obtained a purported copy of the check the speakers bureau provided Flynn.

The House Oversight Committee also acquired an email dated November 13, 2015, from an official of RT TV-Russia stating, "We will be covering the payment of General Flynn's fee from our London office."

Price Floyd, a spokesman for Flynn, told CNN that "Gen. Flynn reported the trip to the DIA both before he went to Russia and after he returned."

As the former director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, Flynn was obligated to inform the agency of the trip. The payment, however, would have needed to be reported to a different part of the Pentagon.

Asked if Flynn reported the payment, Floyd had no comment.

According to the documents, Flynn also received $11,250 from a Russian charter cargo airline and $11,250 from a Russia-based cybersecurity corporation, though neither of those companies were state-owned.

Cummings wrote a letter addressed to Trump, Secretary of Defense James Mattis and FBI Director James Comey highlighting the payment documentation and questioning whether Flynn appropriately revealed the financial arrangements when he completed his form SF-86, an official document required by anyone seeking a security clearance for a position in government.

In the letter, Cummings accused Flynn of violating the emoluments clause as it pertains to military regulations that prohibit retired military officers from receiving payments from a foreign government.

According to regulations, Flynn would have had to have sought approval from the Army to receive such payment, something the Army has no record of.

Flynn was forced to resign as Trump's national security adviser after reports emerged that he had mischaracterized his communications with the Russian ambassador to the US to Vice President Mike Pence.

Last week, Flynn registered as a foreign agent with the Justice Department, acknowledging that the work he did on behalf of a Turkish-owned company during the transition may have benefited the Turkish government.
DES MOINES -- Providing a good education and career preparation for young Iowans was one of the central topics of discussion when Siouxland leaders met with top state government officials Wednesday at the Iowa Capitol.

Siouxland local government, education and economic development officials, as part of their annual trip to the Iowa Capitol, discussed myriad subjects with Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds and leaders of state departments covering education, economic development and the workforce.

Much of the discussion was about the states initiative to coordinate across departments to prepare young residents for their careers, which is the focus of a state initiative called Future Ready Iowa that coordinates efforts from the governors office and those state departments.

The initiatives goal is for 70 percent of Iowas workforce by 2025 to have post-high school education or training.

Really, you see how those are four fingers that fit the same glove working very closely together ... to bring everybody together, to be pulling in the same direction, said Chris McGowan, president of the Siouxland Chamber of Commerce. Quite honestly, I couldnt have been more pleased with the course of that panel discussion.

Paul Gausman, superintendent of the Sioux City school district, said he also appreciated the discussion and that the district already employs some of the programs the state leaders discussed Wednesday.

All too often I find that students may graduate with their diploma and they celebrate that moment at graduation. But then theyve got to really start thinking about whats next, Gausman said. We want to do our job to help them think about whats next from the very first days theyre with us until they graduate from the school district.

The panel also discussed ways to retain young Iowans, regardless of where they attend college, once they begin their careers.

How do we keep the youth in Iowa? Because we are going to train them. How do we keep them? How do we make them come back after they go away and explore, said Sioux City school board member Perla Alarcon-Flory, who attended the event. Iowa does have a lot to offer.

The Siouxland group also was scheduled to meet with Gov. Terry Branstad, but that agenda item was scratched. Branstad was in Council Bluffs on Wednesday at the new Google data center.
ABC/Image Group LAChance the Rapper has become an inspiration to many, not just for his artistic talents and Grammy awards, but also for his remarkable acts of kindness, like his million-dollar donation to Chicago Public Schools.

In response to his overwhelming generosity, three 10th graders from Chicago's Lake View High School, wrote an open letter to the rapper via Billboard, calling him "more than just an artist."

"First and foremost, we as Chicago Public School students would like to thank you for the supportive donation to our schools," the note begins.

"We look up to you because the fame usually takes humility away from artist, but it hasn't changed you," they add. "It is evident that you sincerely care for the youth here. This is why you are an inspiration to us. You're more than just an artist to us, you are a way of life."

Chance responded to the sincere message on Twitter, writing "I appreciate you guys, and you'll be happy to know the work has only just started. Huge things to come over the next 2 weeks."

Prior to the announcement of his million-dollar donation, Chance met with Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner in private to talks about the state's plans for school funding.

He later expressed his dissatisfaction with the meeting, stating that the politician gave a lot of vague answers.

Copyright  2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
NEW YORK (AP)  Two little ponies broke free from their New York City stables during the storm that's pounding the East Coast with snow, sleet, rain and wind.

An off-duty police officer saw the animals roaming the snowy streets of Staten Island and wrangled them using straps for towing vehicles. He tied the ponies to a lamppost and called for backup.

A police car arrived and the ponies  one sandy brown and one chocolate brown  were returned safely to their stables.

New York Police Department Chief of Patrol Terence Monahan says the runaways are doing great.

Mayor Bill de Blasio issued thanks to "our cowboy officer."
Dollar General Corporation, a discount retailer, provides various merchandise products in the southern, southwestern, Midwestern, and eastern United States. It offers consumable products, including paper and cleaning products, such as paper towels, bath tissues, paper dinnerware, trash and storage bags, disinfectants, and laundry products; packaged food comprising cereals, pasta, canned soups, fruits and vegetables, condiments, spices, sugar, and flour; and perishables that include milk, eggs, bread, refrigerated and frozen food, beer, and wine. The company's consumable products also comprise snacks, such as candies, cookies, crackers, salty snacks, and carbonated beverages; health and beauty products, including over-the-counter medicines and personal care products, such as soaps, body washes, shampoos, cosmetics, and dental hygiene and foot care products; pet supplies and pet food; and tobacco products. In addition, it offers seasonal products comprising holiday items, toys, batteries, small electronics, greeting cards, stationery, prepaid phones and accessories, gardening supplies, hardware, and automotive and home office supplies; and home products that include kitchen supplies, cookware, small appliances, light bulbs, storage containers, frames, candles, craft supplies and kitchen, and bed and bath soft goods. Further, the company provides apparel, which comprise casual everyday apparel for infants, toddlers, girls, boys, women, and men, as well as socks, underwear, disposable diapers, shoes, and accessories. As of February 25, 2022, it operated 18,190 stores in 47 states in the United States. The company was formerly known as J.L. Turner & Son, Inc. and changed its name to Dollar General Corporation in 1968. Dollar General Corporation was founded in 1939 and is based in Goodlettsville, Tennessee.
Intu owns and manages some of the best shopping centres, in some of the strongest locations, in the UK and Spain. Our UK portfolio is made up of 17 centres, including eight of the top-20, and in Spain we own three of the country's top-10 centres, with advanced plans to build a fourth. We are passionate about creating compelling experiences, in centre and online, that make our customers smile and help our retailers flourish. We attract around 400 million customer visits and 26 million website visits a year offering a multichannel approach that truly supports retail strategies. Our strategic focus on prime, high-footfall flagship destinations, combined with the strength and popularity of our brand, means that intu offers enhanced footfall, dwell time and loyalty. This helps our tenants flourish, driving occupancy and income growth. We are committed to our local communities, with our centres supporting nearly 130,000 jobs (representing about 3 per cent of the total UK retail workforce), and to operating with environmental responsibility. We have already met or exceeded a significant number of our 2020 environmental targets.


Goodbye Paradise by Sabina Bowen

Series: Hello Goodbye, #1

LGBT MM Romance Contemporary

Releases March 21, 2017

SUMMERY

Most people called it a cult. But for twenty years, Josh & Caleb called it home.

In Paradise, there is no television. No fast food. Just long hours of farm work and prayer on a dusty Wyoming ranch, and nights in a crowded bunkhouse. The boys of the Compound are kept far from the sinners world.

But Joshua doesnt need temptation to sin. His whole life, hes wanted his best friend, Caleb. By day they work side by side. Only when Josh closes his eyes at night can they be together the way he craves.

It can never be. And his survival depends on keeping his terrible desires secret.

Caleb has always protected Josh against the worst of the bullying at the Compound. But he has secrets of his own, and a plan to get away  until it all backfires.

Josh finds himself homeless in a world that doesnt want him. Can Caleb find him in time? And will they find a place of safety, where he can admit to Josh how he really feels?

Warning: Contains a hot male/male romance, copious instances of taking the Lords name in vain, and love against the kitchen counter. This book was previously released under the title: In Front of God & Everyone. For more about its previous publication, you can read this blog post.

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon

B&N

Kobo

Google

ABOUT AUTHOR

Sarina Bowen is a USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance. She lives in Vermonts Green Mountains with her family, six chickens and too much ski gear and hockey equipment. In 2016, Sarina became a Rita Award winner! The Romance Writers of America honored HIM by Sarina Bowen & Elle Kennedy with Best Contemporary Romance, Mid-Length.

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Labour, Theory  March 16, 2017  Asbjrn Wahl

Large parts of the western working class now seem to gather around right populists, demagogues, and racists. They vote for reactionary and fascistoid political parties. They helped to vote the UK out of the EU and to make Trump president of the worlds superpower number one, and they vote so massively for the far right political parties that the latter have government power in sight throughout several of Europes most populous countries.

Since working people traditionally are expected to vote for the left, this creates unrest, insecurity, and confusion among experts, as well as commentators and mainstream politicians  particularly in the labour movement. There is no lack of condemnation and moralizing to those who go to the far right. An increasing number of commentators, however, are now beginning to suspect that the march of large groups of workers toward the far right can be an expression of protest against the prevailing social development. Not all have received the benefits from the globalization success story, they say.

Nonetheless, many politicians and activists on the left have great difficulties orienting themselves in this new political terrain. People who otherwise would have been for Britains withdrawal from the current authoritarian, neoliberal EU, for example, have told me that they voted to stay under the current conditions in order not to be made cannon fodder for the racists and anti-immigration forces in the Brexit camp. Thus, they left it to the far right to voice the necessary opposition to the anti-social, anti-union policies of the EU.

Maybe it would have been more important and more helpful if the left had taken a somewhat more self-critical look at their own role and their own policies. Could it be that they have failed their constituencies  that left parties are not seen as usable tools to defend the interests of those who have the least power and the least wealth in todays society? Perhaps there has been too much identity politics and very little class politics. Can it even be that the lefts social analysis fails to grasp the essence of the current economic and political development?

The Employer Offensive

What most people on the left can agree on is that the situation is serious, even dramatic. Let us therefore take a closer look at the current state of affairs. In our European surroundings, the level of unionization has almost halved over the last 30 years, and labour rights, labour laws, and collective agreements have systematically deteriorated and/or been completely abolished. Most things are worse than it is here in Norway, but that does not mean that we are unaffected by this development. Much is going in the wrong direction here, too, even if it unfolds more slowly than in most of the rest of Europe. There is no doubt that Norway is still at the upper deck of the global welfare ship, but much indicates that it is the upper deck of Titanic.

In short, we can summarize that the inequalities in society are increasing also with us, and more authoritarian relations are emerging at the workplaces, including through the Americanization of organizational and management models, as the public Work Research Institute has so well documented. Wage growth for those at the bottom of the ladder has stagnated. A newsletter published by the Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions (LO) summarized this development quite well in a recent article based on a new report from the independent research institute Fafo:

If the trends continue as they are today, Norway will soon have as great inequalities as Germany and Great Britain. A new Fafo report shows that Norway is no longer a country of low inequalities. Norway is changing rapidly, and the lowest-paid are the losers. Wages of the lowest paid in the private sector has virtually stood still since 2008 () fewer and fewer of those with the lowest wages have a collective agreement. (11/09/2016)

At the same time, we experience more and more offensive and aggressive employers, who, among other things, orient themselves away from the employers responsibility through outsourcing and the increasing use of temporary agency workers  and thus weaken trade unions. Furthermore, employers strongly benefit from the evermore anti-trade union policies of the EU/EEA and their courts, which contribute strongly to undermining trade union rights. In the persistent battle for control of the work process, work is increasingly emptied of content in many parts of the labour market. It is becoming more and more fragmented and standardized, employees are being subjected to increased monitoring, control, and management  and the work intensity is increasing. Professor Sten Gellerstedt has documented this well for Sweden, while Eurofound has documented a sharp increase in routine work in Denmark (cited in Ugebrevet A4 , 31/10/2016), and there are good reasons to believe that the situation is about the same here in Norway:

Danes carry out about 30 per cent more routine work than we did 20 years ago. () Interestingly, routine work increases the most in types of jobs which are not traditionally associated with routine. In particular, it is managers, professionals and office workers who now get more and more routine work.

In addition, the welfare-to-work ideology contributes strongly to shifting attention from organizational structures and power relations to individualization  with moralizing, suspicion, and a brutal sanctions regime against individuals. Developments in the world of work have thus been reversed for a great many workers in our society.

Of course, the basis for this development is to be found in the economic crisis. Capitalism is experiencing its deepest crisis since the Great Depression of the 1930s, and capital owners have changed their strategy to regain profitability. Neoliberalism became their political/ideological response to the crisis, but there is nothing which so far suggests that they will overcome the internal contradictions of capitalism in this way. Unrestrained financial speculation is just one of the serious effects of this crisis development. Neoliberalism itself as well as financial speculation are thus both effects of the capitalist crisis, not the reasons for it, as many people claim. And globalization, which many claim has come to be, and that trade unions only have to adapt, are nothing but the result of capitals strategy and offensive to meet the crisis.

Why Workers Turn to the Right

In Europe, it becomes more and more clear that important goals of this policy include getting rid of the welfare states and defeating the trade unions. In any case, this is what is taking place  under the political leadership of the real existing European Union Institutions. That millions upon millions of workers worldwide become losers in this process of globalization should not surprise anyone. Nor that they will eventually react with mistrust, rage, and blind rebellion. That part of the working class  lacking left political parties with analyses, policies, and strategies to address and meet the crisis and offensive of capitalist force  are attracted by the extreme rights verbal anti-elitism and anti-establishment rhetoric, is possible to understand against this background.

To understand, however, is not the same as to accept, let alone support. That some people on the left allow themselves to be dazzled by the apparently worker-friendly policies of many of the new parties on the far right, even wanting to ally with them, is thus a dangerous development. There is nothing new in our history that the extreme right pander to the little man in society. It also happened during the emergence of fascism in the 1930s. Then, as now, there were also people on the left, though not many, who switched sides in a blind belief that national socialism was a form of socialism, and not the diametrically opposite, as history so clearly proved to us.

What is important to understand is why many of the most exploited and powerless in our society are attracted by far right anti-elitist rhetoric. We need to gain insight into the

reasons why this happens. In trying to understand this, we have to have in mind how power relations at the workplaces have shifted dramatically in favour of the employers, how the brutalization of work increases, and how insecurity increases for large groups of employees. This will be decisive if we want to develop an interest-based policy that responds to these challenges.

The reality is that workers exploitation and their increasing powerlessness and subordination now hardly have a voice in public debate. Labour parties have mainly cut the connection with their old constituencies. Rather than picking up the discontent generated in a more brutal labour market and politicizing and channelling it into an organized interest-based struggle, middle class left parties offer little else than moralizing and contempt. Thus, they do

little else than to push large groups of workers into the arms of the far-right parties, who support all the discontent and do their best to channel peoples rage against other social groups (immigrants, Muslims, gays, people of colour, etc.) rather than against the real causes of their problems.

Of course, we have to fight against this development, but the fight will not be won through moralizing and contempt. If the left is not able to anchor the struggle against capitalism and its crisis in peoples everyday experiences at the workplace, they will lose the

battle for the soul and heart of the working class. If we want to avoid such a development in Norway, we also must stop talking about the Nordic Model as if nothing has happened  as if it were intact  as if the mutual cooperation, respect, and codetermination between the classes were existing truisms in todays society. In large parts of the leadership of the trade union and labour movement, the Nordic Model of cooperation between labour and capital has been elevated to a general phenomenon which is to the benefit of both parties  completely decoupled from the power relations that develop at the workplaces and in society. It is seen as a higher form of rationality and surrounded by a rhetoric of common interests that more and more workers have trouble recognizing.

Even if the exploited masses hardly have any organized voice in public debate today, we still happen to get small drips in the media about another reality at the workplaces. Like when the newspaper Dagbladet (20/03/2016), under the title We cry every day at work, published an article about the ISS staff who clean the rooms at the Oslo Plaza hotel under extremely harsh conditions. Or when we are presented with an increasing number of anonymous articles in newspapers from employees within different public institutions which inform us about the existence of ever more authoritarian control regimes a la New Public Management, which destroys the work environment and removes whatever might be left of job satisfaction.

Among those who experience such conditions in todays labour market, their experiences are obviously a long way from the message the leader of the Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions presented at the Annual Conference of the employers association last year:

We have agreed on which challenges we face. And despite different approaches, we agree on many of the solutions as well. And we are certainly agreed that these challenges will be solved better in cooperation than in conflict. () We have the same goals [emphasis added]. Namely sustainable Norwegian working life. () As in the 1990s we cannot avoid what you like to call moderation. We call it collective rationality, and it must apply to everybody. ( LO . no  07/01/2016.)

If it had been the case that social dialogue and tripartite cooperation was in favour of both parties in the current situation, shouldnt we then have expected that employers wanted to establish good relations of cooperation and participation in areas where trade unions are weak, such as in hotels and restaurant, in shops, in cleaning, etc.? The opposite appears to be the case. Rather, it appears that the social partnership ideology, which emerged in the wake of the class compromise, has contributed to a depoliticization and deradicalization of the trade union and labour movement, while employers are increasingly attacking labour laws and agreements which they previously accepted in the spirit of the class compromise. [Ed.: see LeftStreamed No. 154]

The Necessity of Mass Mobilization

In summary, the balance of power at the workplaces has shifted dramatically  from labour to capital, from trade unions and democratic bodies to multinational companies and financial institutions. Over a few decades, capitalist interests managed to abolish the main regulations that made the welfare state and the Nordic Model possible  the international monetary cooperation, capital control, investment control, and other market regulations. In this situation, the social partnership ideology (i.e. emphasis of common interests as an ideology rather than the increasing conflict of interests which is unfolding in the real world) constitutes a barrier to trade union and political struggle.

The main challenge of the left today is to organize resistance against this development. Only in this way can right-wing populism and right-wing radicalism be pushed back. Once again, we must be able to construct a heaven over our struggle  i.e. perspectives and visions of a better society, a society with a radical redistribution of wealth, where exploitation ends and where human needs form the basis for social development. If so, it is not sufficient to use statements, protests, and appeals to a tripartite cooperation that is constantly drained of content. It is all about power  economic and political power. This will require massive social mobilization in the way that trade unions built their strength to conquer power and influence at the beginning of the last century.

Are we prepared for that? 
Christopher Zane Ordiway, 42, of Drayden. (Arrest photo via MSP)

GREENBELT, Md.

(March 15, 2017)U.S. District Judge Roger W. Titus sentenced Christopher Zane Ordiway, age 43, of Drayden, Maryland, today to 10 years in prison, followed lifetime supervised release, for possession of child pornography. Ordiway admitted to engaging in sexual activity with a minor victim and possessing photos of that sexually explicit conduct . Judge Titus also ordered that, upon his release from prison, Ordiway must register as a sex offender in the place where he resides, where he is an employee, and where he is a student, under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).According to Ordiway's plea agreement, from 2012 through 2014, Ordiway engaged in sexual activity with a minor female and possessed digital photographs documenting the abuse. The photos were found on Oridway's cellular telephone on January 21, 2016, during a forensic analysis of the phone by an HSI examiner. Even though Ordiway had attempted to delete the photographs, the forensic analysis was able to recover thumbnails of the photographs that remained on the phone.
Le Collectif Cheikh Yassine a organise un certain nombre dactivites et de festivites pour les enfants de Gaza sous le theme  La joie des enfants de Gaza pour lAid . Ces activites ont commence le premier jour de lAid et continue jusquau 4eme jour de lAid dans la bande de Gaza.



Plusieurs activites, ont ete organisees parmi lesquelles : des competitions recompensees par des prix, des jeux, des animations et des chants presentes par un groupe ainsi que des distributions de cadeaux et daides financieres.




NASA Space Station On-Orbit Status 15 March 2017 - NanoRacks Module 9 Operations. NASA

Today  Mobile Servicing System (MSS) Operations: Overnight, the Robotics Ground Controllers unstowed the Robotic Refueling Mission (RRM) Payload from the Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator (SPDM) Enhanced Orbit Replaceable Unit (ORU) Temporary Platform (EOTP).

They then stowed the RRM on the Dragon Trunk Site 1 Passive Flight Releasable Attachment Mechanism (PFRAM). Next they released the RRM and withdrew SPDM Arm1 from the Dragon Trunk. Finally the Robotics Ground Controllers rotated the SPDM EOTP to its nominal park position. MSS performance was nominal.

Manufacturing Device Feedstock Exchange: The crew replaced the Feedstock Canister for the Manufacturing Device, resupplying the 3-D printer with Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) for future prints. The Manufacturing Device-Additive Manufacturing Facility (AMF) enables the production of components on the ISS for both NASA and commercial objectives. Parts, entire experiments, and tools can be created on demand utilizing the AMF that is installed into an Express Rack locker location. The AMF is capable of producing parts out of a wide variety of thermopolymers including engineered plastics.

NanoRacks Multi-Gas Monitor (MGM): This morning the crew removed the MGM from EXpedite PRocessing of Experiments to Space Station (EXPRESS) Rack 4, and packed it for return on SpX10. The ground teams elected to return the MGM as they have been unable to command to it and hope to retrieve saved data during ground troubleshooting. The Nanoracks MGM is a proof of concept sniffer type payload mounted in a Nanoracks platform that continuously monitors oxygen, carbon dioxide, ammonia and water gases in the ISS cabin air.

NanoRacks Module 9 Operations: The crew is scheduled to perform the Return minus 5 days (R-5) operations in support of the NanoRacks Module 9 experiments for the Student Spaceflight Experiments Program (SSEP)/National Center for Earth and Space Science Education (NCESSE) experiments. Supporting various schools and student designed experiments studying a range of objectives, the SSEP lets students design experiments that address real challenges of living and working in space. The program also is a key initiative for U.S. science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education, educating and inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers to work on the space program.

Arabidopsis Germination in Martian Soil Simulant (Open Window School, Bellevue, WA) The experiment determines if Arabidopsis thaliana germinates in Martian soil simulant in microgravity. Other researchers have shown A. thaliana grows in Martian soil simulant, but the lower gravity of Mars cannot be simulated on Earth. The microgravity environment on the ISS allows for testing of plant growth in an environment closer to the gravity on Mars than that of Earth.

Living Water Filters: Triops in Microgravity (North Star Charter School, Boise, ID) This student experiment investigates the capability of Triops longicaudatus to filter bacteria out of pond water in microgravity as well as they do on Earth. After the experiment returns to Earth, analysis will be conducted in cooperation with Boise Waste Water Treatment facility to determine which kinds of bacteria remain, using a Heterotrophic Plate Count method. Also to be measured is the mass of the Triops that were hatched in microgravity and compare it to the mass of the Triops that were hatched on Earth.

Shells of Glass Capsules, Covered with Different Substances Reacting in Regular Water (Langevin Science School, Calgary, Alberta, Canada) The focus of this investigation is to determine how three different capsule shells dissolve in water when coated in cornstarch (carbohydrates), gum Arabic (gum) or sucrose (carbohydrates) in a microgravity environment. Research indicates that these substances dissolve in water and that certain coatings may react faster or slower resulting from a lack of gravity. After the test is completed aboard the ISS, observations are made to determine which substances can be completely dissolved, which cant be dissolved at all, or which were approaching their dissolving point. Based on this information, astronauts can be sent encapsulated medication with a certain substance covering the outer shell for more effective treatment. Knowing the differences may improve how a medication is produced and delivered into space.

SLIPS in Microgravity (Arts and Technology Academy, Eugene, OR) The investigation tests Slippery Liquid-Infused Porous Surfaces (SLIPS) in a microgravity environment to find out if the change in gravitational environment changes its properties as comparted to Earth. If it does it could possibly solve frost-over for rockets at launch and in microgravity. Using three volumes with various surfaces and tubes coated on the inside with SLIPS in both volume 2 and 3. In this experiment the hope is to solve frost-over on the ISS with SLIPS by finding if SLIPS cannot only stay on the face of a solid but also still make liquids slip off of the solid in microgravity.

Streptococcus mutans Production of Lactic Acid in Microgravity (Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical High School, Fitchburg, MA). This experiment hopes to find a more efficient dental care regimen for astronauts. The factor observed in the experiment is whether or not Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) produce more lactic acid in microgravity and if the reproduction rate of the previously stated bacteria is affected in space. Improper oral hygiene is a factor that contributes to poor health in the rest of the body. If the S. mutans prove to be a greater force in space than they do on Earth, then the aseptic habits of astronauts may need to be modified.

Germination of Quinoa in Space (Mabry Elementary School, Hillsborough County, FL) The investigation studies how microgravity affects the germination of quinoa seeds by comparing the number of seeds that germinate on Earth with the number of seeds that germinate in microgravity. The MixStix is loaded with Chenopodium quinoa seeds on a growth substrate and water separated by a clamp. The crew is requested to open the clamp and shake the tube gently to introduce the seeds to water beginning germination, 14 days before undock.

Testing the Effectiveness of Tobramycin and Loteprednol Etabonate (Zylet) on Staphylococcus Epidermidis Type of Bacterial Conjunctivitis in Microgravity (Bearden Middle School, Knox County, TN) Bacterial conjunctivitis is a common infection and can affect astronauts during space travel. As space travel progresses bacterial conjunctivitis could become a problem. The hope is to address this problem by finding out if bacterial conjunctivitis is affected by a normal antibiotic treatment in microgravity and to better understand the growth and treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis. Understanding the growth and treatment not only allows effective treatment of future infections, but has implications on treating other bacterial infections in space as well.

The Effects of Microgravity on Ryegrass Seeds (Florence M. Gaudineer Middle School, Springfield, NJ) This investigation studies the effects of microgravity on the growth of Ryegrass (Lolium perenne) seeds to clarify conflicting information found during research regarding gravitys effects on the way seeds are grown. Investigating seed growth in microgravity will assist with long durations of living in space.

Auxin Transport: The crew took photos of the incubated Pea chambers then fixed the samples in the Chemical Fixation Bag. The samples were then placed in the +2 and -95 Celsius Dewars for cold stowage conditioning prior to return on SpX-10. Auxin Transport is a JAXA sponsored study to clarify the role of the plant hormone auxin under microgravity conditions. Specialists hope to collect gene expression data, including levels and redistribution of the proteins for auto-morphogenesis (differentiation of tissues and subsequent growth without an introduced stimulus) using corn plants as the plant organism model for Auxin Transport 4.

Dragon Cargo Ops: Today the crew completed Dragon cargo operations, with the exception of the items that still have tasks remaining prior to undock. Much of the Dragon cargo packing and loading has been performed by the crew via the task list in their off duty time or when they have had available time during the work day. The crew transferred and installed the unpowered MERLIN1 into the Dragon this afternoon. Hatch closure and unberth is planned for Saturday, March 18 with release planned for Sunday, March 19.

Advanced Resistive Exercise Device (ARED): Yesterday, the crew noticed that the upper stop cable was frayed. Today, the crew changed out the upper stop cable. The crew performed the 6-month periodic maintenance on the ARED. This task includes retorquing the Crank Handle socket heat cap screw and inspecting the Crank Handle witness marks, inspecting the Heel Raise Pip Pins and Racking Mechanism and inspecting the Arm Base Slider Track.

Express Logistics Carrier (ELC)1 Express Pallet Controller Assembly (ExPCA) Low Voltage Power Supply (LVPS) Temperature Exceedance: Yesterday, the ELC1 ExPCA Low Voltage Power Supply slightly exceeded its 28.4C temperature limit for several seconds. Its temperature limit is set to protect capacitors that are installed backward. To prevent further temperature exceedances, flight controllers powered off portions of the STP-H5 payload. A FIT will be held to review the temperature limits and consider options to avoid restricting STP-H5 operation.

Habanero Service Pack Load: Ground controllers loaded the Habanero SSC service pack to the LS1 server, ISS Server 1, and the Station Support Computers (SSCs) on orbit yesterday. Software updated in the service pack includes the Treadmill (T)2 Graphical User Interface (GUI), External High Definition Camera (EHDC) software, and the Fireport application. SSC 6 was not updated because it has been exhibiting unstable behavior. It will be reloaded, then the Habanero service pack applied. The Network Monitoring System (NMS) laptop reload that was scheduled in conjunction with the Habanero service pack installation was not successful. Ground controllers will reattempt the reload using a different method. The EHDC software installed on ISS Server 1 was not able to communicate with the EHDCs. The previous version of the EHDC software is being used in the interim until the update is working. Ground teams are assessing what corrective actions are needed.

Meteor Space Station Power Controller (SSPCM) Trip: Overnight, there was an overcurrent trip of the SSPCM feeding the Meteor payload in the Window Observational Research Facility (WORF). The Meteor payload is powered from an Alternating Current (AC) inverter. The Meteor payload was powered off at the time of the trip and is not planned to be used until after SpaceX-10 departure. Ground teams are investigating.

Todays Planned Activities

All activities were completed unless otherwise noted.

Auxin Transport Item Gather

Manufacturing Device Print Removal, Clean and Stow

ESA ACTIVE DOSIMETER MOBILE UNIT SWAP

Total Organic Carbon Analyzer (TOCA) Water Recovery System (WRS) Sample Analysis

Fine Motor Skills Experiment Test  Subject

Manufacturing Device Feedstock Canister Exchange

TIMER. Initiate copying data to hard drive for return

NanoRacks Multi-Gas Monitor Removal

Cygnus PROX Switch ON

Collecting surface samples from SM equipment and structures

XF305 Camcorder Setup

Multi purpose Small Payload Rack (MSPR) Work Bench Setup

Auxin Transport Micro-G Sample Detachment

Dragon Cargo Transfer Operations

Auxin Transport Sample Fixation 1

Auxin Transport 1G Sample Detachment

PROFILAKTIKA-2. Operator Assistance in Preparation for the Experiment

Auxin Transport Sample Fixation 2

MATRYOSHKA-R. BUBBLE-dosimeter gathering and measurements.

Space Acceleration Measurement System Control Unit Removal

Auxin Transport Sampling Box MELFI Insertion

Auxin Transport Large Aluminum Bag MELFI Insertion

Auxin Transport Micro-G Sample Detachment

ISIS Drawer Installation

Auxin Transport Sample Fixation 3

Radi-N Detector Retrieval/Readout

PROFILAKTIKA-2. Close-out ops (Operator)

Radiation Dosimetry Inside ISS-Neutrons Hardware Handover

MATRYOSHKA-R. Handover of BUBBLE-dosimeter detectors from USOS.

MATRYOSHKA-R. BUBBLE-dosimeter gathering and data readout Memory Card pre-pack for return.

Scheduled maintenance of Central Post Laptop, Terminating Test 1 and Starting Test 2.

Auxin Transport 1G Sample Detachment

Scheduled maintenance of Central Post Laptop, Terminating Test 1 and Starting Test 2. Generating reports.

Auxin Transport Sample Fixation 4

Scheduled maintenance of Central Post Laptop, start test 3.

Auxin Transport Sampling Box MELFI Insertion

Auxin Transport Large Aluminum Bag MELFI Insertion

Cygnus PCS HCP Selfcheck (Side B)

Habitability Human Factors Post-Questionnaire PI Conference  Subject

GREAT START. Preparation for the Experiment

GREAT START. Video Recording of Profilaktika P/L (Operator)

Advanced Resistive Exercise Device (ARED) Upper Stop Cable Replacement

Scheduled maintenance of Central Post Laptop, end test 3 and start test 4.

TIMER. End copying data to hard drive for return

Cygnus PCS HCP Selfcheck (A Side)

NanoRacks Module 9 Ops Session 4

Auxin Transport Closeout

Multi purpose Small Payload Rack (MSPR) Work Bench Closeout

GREAT START. Closeout Ops

Countermeasures System (CMS) Advanced Resistive Exercise Device (ARED) 6-Month Maintenance

CONTENT. Experiment Ops

??? Separation using Separation Unit [??].

Scheduled maintenance of Central Post Laptop, Terminating Test 4 and Closeout Ops.

??? Maintenance

Total Organic Carbon Analyzer (TOCA) Sample Data Record

Dragon Locker Remove

ISS HAM Service Module Pass

Rodent Research Locker Prep

Dragon Cargo Operations Conference

MERLIN ISS/Dragon Transfer

Science Box Removal

EXPRESS Rack 6 Locker Installation

Intravehicular Tissue Equivalent Proportional Counter (IV-TEPC) Relocate

Collecting surface samples from SM equipment and structures

Rodent Research Sample Relocation

Completed Task List Items

Wanted HEPA Filter search

Lab Router Reconfig

Food Restow

Ground Activities

All activities were completed unless otherwise noted.

RRM Install in Dragon Trunk

MCA Lab/N3 Humidity Comparison

Cygnus Prox Checkout

EWC WAP Checkout using WHDC

SPDM Stow

Three-Day Look Ahead:

Thursday, 03/16: APEX, Sample transfers to Glacier/Polar, EVA Loop Scrub, RR Habitat Stow

Friday, 03/17: At Home In Space, Dragon Depart OBT, Dragon Transfers, Rodent Research Stow, Conclude PMA3 Fine Leak Check, WVE R&R Prep

Saturday, 03/17: Dragon Unberth Prep (Coldbag Packing, Center Stack Load, N2 CPA Install, Vestibule Depress), Dragon Unberth and Overnight Park

QUICK ISS Status  Environmental Control Group:

Component  Status

Elektron  On

Vozdukh  Manual

[???] 1  SM Air Conditioner System (SKV1)  Off

[???] 2  SM Air Conditioner System (SKV2)  On

Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) Lab  Operate

Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) Node 3  Operate

Major Constituent Analyzer (MCA) Lab  Operate

Major Constituent Analyzer (MCA) Node 3  Standby

Oxygen Generation Assembly (OGA)  Process

Urine Processing Assembly (UPA)  Standby

Trace Contaminant Control System (TCCS) Lab  Off

Trace Contaminant Control System (TCCS) Node 3  Full Up
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Author, blogger and World Barista Champion James Hoffmann is returning to the printed page with The Best of Jimseven, Hoffmanns popular coffee blog that is now in its fourteenth year of coffee blogginess. Hoffmann is self-publishing the collection through crowdfunding website IndieGoGo, and you can pre-order your copy now for 25 quid.

We last caught up with Hoffmann on the Coffee Sprudgecast at the 2016 London Coffee Festival, at which time we ate cascara chocolate and broke bread with chaff butter. We met again electronically from London and Portland (respectively) to discuss his new book.

Hi James. For starters, whats the deal with the name jimseven?

I used to make music under the name of Lomax, and as I was about to release my first record another band called Lomax released their debut. So I needed a new name quickly. I was a croupier at the time, and whenever I used to play Texas Hold em my pocket cards always seemed to be a king and a seven, and I just liked how those words sounded together.

When I needed to register my first blog at blogspot I just changed the king to Jim (people called me Jim instead of james back then), and that was that

In your earliest days, you said the blog would be about coffee and maybe music. Wheres the music, James?

I realised fairly early on that I wasnt going to make a living making music. I enjoyed it, had some amazing experiences meeting people and performing. I still tinker but I just havent the time to dedicate to it in the last few years.

If you could travel back in time and take a James Hoffmann Textured Milk Course in 2004, what would you tell your younger you?

Dont overestimate the importance of coffee knowledge, differentiate between genuine knowledge and coffee trivia, and dont let an all consuming passion consume your hobbies, friends or life.

Lets talk about your blog. What is the most popular jimseven post? Not so much in terms of raw databut maybe? Perhaps the most talked about. That kind of popular.

The Nespresso blog post was the first time that traffic properly broke my blog. Over the years the attempts to make the science of coffee and milk have remained popular. (In terms of raw data the most popular search term is a misspelling of my name)

What has been the most polarizing post?

I think the post titled The Naturals Debate was a highlight of discussion, informed disagreement and effective argument. I dont miss having comments on the blog any more but that particular posts success was entirely dependent on some of the best and brightest in coffee wanting to contribute their thoughts and ideas in a public, transparent way.

Why release a book now?

I thought about doing it for the ten year anniversary, but eleven is a better number. People has asked over the years, and I think the [World Coffee] Atlas gave me a better understanding of the process.

More than that, going back through the archives reminded me that there was a lot of content of which I was proud, but that was incredibly hard to discover. The ebook version came first, as a kind of digest of the blog. Structured, edited, given a narrative arc or at least some linear structure.

Ive been hesitant to monetise the blog over the years. Ive never done sponsored posts, or had ads on the site. I dont mind that it has cost me money to run over the years because that investment has been returned many times over (I think everyone should have a blog!). Itll probably be another eleven years before I ask for this kind of support again

The hardback is limited because not everyone wants a physical thing, but I feel that if youre going to kill a tree to make a book then you should make something beautiful that people should want to own and keep for years. Thats what Im trying to do. Hence doing just one run ever. I like things that have an ending to them, a sense of completion.

Youre self-publishing your book, financed by crowdfunding. In the three days the IndieGogo campaign has been up, youve reached 75%! Youre going to need to print more books!

The support has been amazing, and Im very grateful. Im hoping it hits its targets soon and I can look at some stretch goals!

Thanks, James.

Check out jimseven here, and pre-order the book here.

Zachary Carlsen is a co-founder and editor at Sprudge Media Network. Read more Zachary Carlsen on Sprudge.
Women around the world are the backbone of global agricultural production, making up almost half of the worldwide agricultural workforce. In some countries, that number goes as high as 70%. Women play a vital role in getting food to our table, and yet because of deep gender inequalities, many of those women arent able to realize their full potential, both as workers and as community members.

From earning little (to sometimes no income) to lack of representation in leadership roles to access and control of land, women in agriculture face many obstacles. Tackling those obstacles provides an opportunity for change. Today, its estimated that eliminating the gap between men and women in access to agricultural resources would increase the yields on womens farms by 20% to 30% and increase agricultural production in developing countries by up to 4%. If we can put the correct policies in place that empower women, the future is female.

As part of that agricultural web, coffee is an industry dependent on the work of women around the globe, making gender equity an essential part of the sustainable coffee supply chain. Most of the obstacles faced by women coffee farmers are the same as those found across the agriculture sector, says Nick Watson, a coffee-sector adviser with the International Trade Centre, who has an initiative focused on women in coffee. Social norms often discriminate against women in rural areas leading to disproportionate land and asset ownership; household and income decision making; time and labour distribution; access to information and training; and participation and leadership in rural organisations or as registered suppliers to agribusinesses.

Despite these obstacles, its often thanks to women that the coffee production happens in the first place. Women are on the front lines when it comes to our beloved cup of coffee. They serve as the primary labor force on roles that most affect quality, from picking the ripe coffee cherries off the tree to sorting beans throughout processing. Despite their significant role, most earnings go to men who own the property and manage commercial deals, says Phyllis Johnson, president of BD Imports.

Johnson is a tireless advocate for womens rights and gender equity in the coffee supply chain. When women are given opportunities for growth in both position and pay, Ive seen first-hand, they stretch their dollar the farthest, says Johnson. She cites several promising examples in different origin countries, from the Los Andes Coffee and Tea Reserve in Guatemala, where gender equity training has empowered women both socially and economically, providing access to healthcare for their family and the financial capability to maintain a local primary school to Marey Yogiyo in Papua New Guinea, who in 2014 became the first licensed indigenous female exporter in the country, leading to a 63% rise in her revenue.

Building more gender equity requires a multi-pronged approach, and this starts at the production level. While they make up a large part of the global agricultural labor force, according to a Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations study, female farmers receive only 5% of agricultural extension services, in other words, agricultural trainings. In East Africa, nonprofit TechnoServe has been working for over a decade to tackle this problem, providing agronomy trainings that include both men and women. These inclusive trainings breaks down the gender barriers that keep knowledge in silos, says Amanda Satterly, TechnoServes director of gender initiatives. Traditionally when you invite farmers to training and when they hear farmers they hear men, says Satterly. Unless you proactively try to reach and train women, theyre invisible.

Today, there are a growing number of gender equity-focused projects across many coffee growing countries. Bloomberg Philanthropies recently committed $10 million to womens economic development through coffee initiatives in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. In Costa Rica, the cooperative ASOMOBI operates the countrys first women-run micro-mill, profiled in the film A Small Section of the World. The organization International Womens Coffee Alliance operates chapters around the world, finding regional specific solutions to helping women in coffee production.

To rebuild the spirit of a woman is to rebuild the spirit of a country. So goes part of the mission statement of Rebuild Womens Hope, an organization based in Bukavu, on the edge of Lake Kivu in the Eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Started by a local Congolese woman, today it has the support of Coffeelac and SHIFT Social Impact Solutions, and recently received a round of investment from Strauss Group, a high volume international coffee trading firm based in Tel Aviv. Women make up a huge piece of the value chain but the question is, where are they? says Sara Mason, SHIFTs founder and a Sprudge contributor. Are they in positions where they can actually gain an income?

As Mason points out, in DRC like many other coffee-producing countries, women tend to be in the cultivation of coffee and not the selling of it, and thats not where the money changes hands. We need to re-examine that and look at how do we get the money in the hands of the women, says Mason.

There is, of course, no one-size-fits-all solution. Every country, every culture, every region, comes with its own set of social norms and gender expectations, which makes the regionally focused work of initiatives even more important.

Changing gender-norms is like chipping away at an iceberg, says Johnson. It takes time and great patience. Women coffee farmers are often hindered through traditional patriarchal systems that exclude them from primary decision-making, as well as a lack of technical skills, and increased violence due to precarious work conditions, Johnson continues. We cant neglect the need for transformation on gender equity in coffee producing countries.

While the industry has made advances, we need to be careful to not stagnate. Inclusivity and diversity are not just items on a checklist, and while we might have become better at talking about these issues, we need to continue to do the hard work to put them into practice. Everyone has the language, says Satterly, but underneath theyre not changing what they do.

Johnson echoes that sentiment. Weve seen progress as a result of collaboration and dedicated focus in the industry, however, we also cant deny the reality that still exists. We have a long journey ahead in all aspects of our global society when it comes to gender equity. Its time for consumers to join the conversation.

For many of coffee drinkers, the realities of coffee production can often feel very far away, and they indeed are in a geographic sense. But our quest for a good cup can be about more than just what we taste. Our actionsand our questionsdo have the potential for positive change.

As both a consumer and coffee professional looking beyond the physical characteristics of my coffee uncovered an incredible story of hope, resilience, and renaissance, says Phyllis Johnson. What stories and opportunities will your questions unearth?

Anna Brones (@annabrones) is a Sprudge.com staff writer based in the American Pacific Northwest, the founder of Foodie Underground, and the co-author of Fika: The Art Of The Swedish Coffee Break. Read more Anna Brones on Sprudge.

Photos by Glenna Gordon unless otherwise noted, and courtesy of Anna Brones.
With horse racing set to return to Alberta for the 2017 season, CTV Calgary's Kevin Fleming has profiled Olds College's Race Horse Groom Training Program, a 15-week course in which students get hands-on experience caring for Thoroughbreds, Quarter Horses and Standardbreds.

The program also includes courses on bandaging techniques, stable management, equine nutrition, conditioning, veterinary techniques, hoof care, and harnessing and race preparation.

I've been around racing around the world and everybody needs qualified grooms. Competent, qualified, experienced grooms are hard to come by and that's what we need in Alberta, especially now that we are going to start to grow," said Horse Racing Alberta's Julie Brewster.

Theresa Sealy, Racetrack Programs Coordinator, said that the program will have 11 graduates this May who have each already secured jobs.

We were kind of on a downward slide simply because we lost racing in Calgary and the industry was unsure, people that were looking at training jobs were unsure of where the industry was going, but we now have a 10-year agreement with the government, so racing is on its way up, said Sealy.

(With files from CTV Calgary)
When Devil Child makes her 2017 debut Friday night at Yonkers Raceway, she will also make her first start for trainer John Butenschoen, who was tasked by owners Crawford Farms Racing and Susan Oakes of prepping the daughter of American Ideal for the Blue Chip Matchmaker Series.

We had a little bit of luck last year for the Crawfords, Butenschoen explained. Chris (Oakes) is still in south Florida training the horses and this filly had the series coming up. They asked if I would take her.

Butenschoen accepted and delegated the daily care and training of the multiple-stakes winner and $604,549-earner to his son, Tyler. The 27-year-old manages Butenschoens northern string in the winter while the bulk of the team, John included, head to Florida to prepare the two-year-olds for the coming year. This season, the Butenschoen stable has swelled with nine horses in training in Pennsylvania and about 50 two and three-year-olds prepping in Florida. The lineup of about 60 trotters and pacers is about 10 more than Butenschoen is used to conditioning at any given time.

Were really lucky. Weve got a lot of good help down here in Florida and Ive got a lot of good help up in Pennsylvania, so we were able to take it on to where it really didnt affect anything other than weve got to work a little bit more, Butenschoen said with a chuckle.

His dedication to the two-year-olds means Butenschoen has spent limited time with Devil Child. What he has seen first-hand impressed the conditioner.

When I went up there to the Meadowlands sale, she was in the barn. I looked at her and she was in great shape, he admired. Physically she looked great. I mean great flesh, her legs were all clean, so we were able to put her on a pretty recommended schedule and the weather thankfully cooperated to where we were able to get things going.

Although she hasnt raced since finishing second in a $26,000 overnight at Yonkers November 18, Devil Childs break at Crawford Farms in Durhamville, NY served her well and made the comeback process easier.

She was just freshened up. From what the Crawfords told me, she was out in the field, they have an Equicizer, they have exercise wheel, they have things that you can keep the horse in training without being in training. So, all we were trying to do was get her back racing, fit, and let her talent take care of it.

Devil Childs final preparations for her return to racing began March 3 when she qualified at Yonkers. With Mark MacDonald at the lines, she showed speed from Post 7 before finishing third in 1:55.0 with a :28.4 final quarter. A week later, she qualified again  she finished fourth in 1:56 with a :29.2 final panel for leading driver Jason Bartlett, who will drive Friday night.

We trained her in :58 at the farm before we took her in to qualify. Both of her qualifiers were encouraging. Mark was happy with her the first week and Jason was happy with her last week, Butenschoen said.

Devil Child is a 6-1 morning line chance in her $40,000 division of the Blue Chip Matchmaker Series. She drew Post 4 and will avoid some of the series favourites in Week 1, as Mach It A Par and Bedroomconfessions will start in Division 2.

She got into a good spot. It worked out where if we wouldve been in either of the other divisions, the horses that Jason is driving in those divisions are obviously a little more accomplished this year. Were able to retain him to drive her, so thats a plus. The four hole is a plus. It looks like probably on paper its the right division, Butenschoen reasoned.

Well see where were at. The first start it will be interesting to see what shes up to, but I think shes capable of going along otherwise we wouldnt have put her in there, he continued. Were hopeful. Ill be watching from sunny central Florida here and hoping that she does a little good.

The first of five weeks of preliminary competition in the Blue Chip Matchmaker Series features three $40,000 divisions, each with a full field of eight. First post time is 7:10 p.m.

(SOANY)
Post Time with Mike and Mike presented by BetAmerica has announced its guest line up for the Thursday, March 16 show at 1 p.m.

The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono's racing season is set to begin on Tuesday, March 21. Mike and Mike will preview Pocono's race meet with Race Secretary Rick Kane, Racing Marketing Manager Jennifer Starr, and Track Announcer Jim Beviglia. Pocono's original opening day of March 18 had to be pushed back due to "Winter Storm Stella."

USTA Director and Northville Down's Operations Manager Mike Carlo will join the program to talk about the state of affairs in Michigan. Carlo took over as a Director of USTA District 2 when Ken Marshall passed away late last year.

Pompano Park Director of Racing Operations Gabe Prewitt will be on the show to continue the weekly Pompano Park segment. Pompano went over the $1 million mark in handle on Sunday, a feat the track has only accomplished a few times in it's storied history.

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)
Trot Insider has learned that Dennis White, son of the late Regina Hachey and James White, passed away at Hotel-Dieu de Quebec in Quebec City on Saturday, March 11 at the age of 83.

He is survived by his brothers and sisters  Donald (Suzanne Francoeur), Kenneth (Nicole Simard), Mary-Jean (late Armand Pouliot), Georges (Gilles Bolduc), Hector  as well as nephews, nieces, and several other relatives and friends.

Dennis family would like to send a sincere thank-you to the staff of the Hotel-Dieu de Quebec for their dedication and their good care.

The family will receive condolences at Funeral Homes Rejean Hamel Inc., 6161, Rue de Pomerol, St-Emile, Quebec, G3X 1X3 on Saturday, March 18 from 2 to 4 p.m. and will be followed by a Liturgy of the Word at the Salon. Dennis ashes will be deposited later at the Cote-Des-Neiges cemetery in Montreal.

Expressions of sympathy can be donated to the Canadian Cancer Society, 1040 Belvedere Avenue, Suite 214, Quebec City, Quebec G1S 3G3, tel. 418-683-8666, or can be submitted online here. Forms will be available at the show during the condolences.

For additional information, call 418-845-6161, fax: 418-845-8920, or email [email protected].

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Dennis White.
Contact: Liberty Counsel, 407-875-1776, Media@LC.org; Press Kit



ATLANTA, Ga., March 16, 2017 /Standard Newswire/ -- Today Liberty Counsel filed an amicus brief in the case of West Alabama Women's Center v. Miller defending the Alabama law that prohibits dismemberment abortions of live unborn babies, known as Dilation and Extraction (D&E), based on the medical evidence of their ability to feel intense pain.

Liberty Counsel's brief lists ample evidence that unborn babies feel pain. "[I]t is entirely uncontested that a fetus experiences pain in some capacity, from as early as 8 weeks of development." testified Dr. Maureen Condic before U.S. legislators. Early on in fetal development pain transmitters in the spinal cord are abundant, but pain inhibitors are sparse until later, according to Dr. Colleen Malloy. This medical information shows that premature infants have greater pain sensitivity than do full-term infants. Another demonstration of this is how premature babies actually require greater concentrations of medication to maintain effective anesthesia during surgery than full-term babies, as explained in the book Neonatal Pain.

If the vilest criminal has human dignity that protects him from an inhuman, painful punishment, then how much more should our laws protect an innocent unborn child that science proves is inherently human and experiences significant pain? Dr. Condic states "[I]gnoring the pain experienced by another human individual for any reason is barbaric."

Doctors performing the D&E abortions are acutely affected by the child's humanity and experience deep emotions and even nightmares. One deeply pro-choice abortionist was brought to tears when her own unborn child kicked at the exact same time that she severed another's foot in a D&E abortion. "Instantly, tears were streaming from my eyes" said Dr. Lisa Harris. "It was an overwhelming feeling  a brutally visceral response  heartfelt and unmediated by my training or my feminist pro-choice politics."

"We give our pets greater legal protections than we provide to the future citizens of America who have proven their humanity and their sensitivity to pain," said Mat Staver, Founder and Chairman of Liberty Counsel. "Alabama's law is a common sense solution to a barbaric and gruesome procedure," said Staver.

Liberty Counsel is an international nonprofit, litigation, education, and policy organization dedicated to advancing religious freedom, the sanctity of life, and the family since 1989, by providing pro bono assistance and representation on these and related topics.
Astronaut Thomas P. Stafford Wins the National Space Society's 2017 Space Pioneer Award for Historic Space Achievement

Contact: Lynne Zielinski, National Space Society, 202-429-1600, Media@nss.org



WASHINGTON, March 16, 2017 /Standard Newswire/ -- Lieutenant General Thomas P. Stafford, USAF, Ret, is the winner of the National Space Society's 2017 Space Pioneer Award in the Historic Space Achievement category. This award covers his service in the Gemini, Apollo and Apollo-Soyuz programs. In particular, the flight of Gemini 9A on June 3, 1966, was 51 years ago.



Photo: Gemini, Apollo, and Apollo-Soyuz Astronaut Tom Stafford

The National Space Society invites the public to join them in presenting the Pioneer Award to General Stafford on Saturday, May 27, 2017 at the 36th NSS International Space Development Conference (sdc.nss.org/2017/). The conference will be held in St Louis, Missouri, at the Union Station Hotel, running from May 25-29, 2017.



About Astronaut and Lt. Gen. Thomas P. Stafford



Gemini, Apollo, and Apollo-Soyuz Astronaut Tom Stafford

Thomas Stafford graduated from the US Naval Academy in 1952 but quickly became a US Air Force Officer. He graduated from the Experimental Test Pilot School in 1959, and then held leadership roles in the Air Force, including being a flight test instructor and creator of flight test manuals. Then in 1962, he was selected for the second group of US Astronauts. Three years later he flew on Gemini 6, which performed the world's first space rendezvous. Then he flew on Gemini 9A, which is memorable for the "Angry Alligator" appearance of the launch shroud on the Agena's docking adapter. The failure of the release system prevented the docking which was a major flight objective. He also flew on Apollo 10 on May 18, 1969, the second flight to reach the Moon, paving the way for Apollo 11. His last flight was as US Commander for the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project on July 15, 1975. His leadership has continued after his retirement from the Astronaut Corp in 1975, as he served on the Space Policy Advisory Council 1990-91, and continues to serve as the Chairman of the NASA International Space Station Advisory Committee.

About the Space Pioneer Award

The Space Pioneer Award consists of a silvery pewter Moon globe cast by the Baker Art Foundry in Placerville, California, from a sculpture originally created by Don Davis, the well-known space and astronomical artist. The globe, which represents multiple space mission destinations and goals, sits freely on a brass support with a wooden base and brass plaque, which are created by the greatly respected Michael Hall's Studio Foundry of Driftwood, TX. NSS has several different categories under which the award is presented each year, starting in 1988. Some of the recent winners of Space Pioneer Awards include Elon Musk, Ray Bradbury, Robert Bigelow, Apollo Astronaut Russell L. Schweickart, Dr. Michael Griffin, and the Rosetta Mission Team.



About the National Space Society (NSS): NSS is an independent nonprofit educational membership organization dedicated to the creation of a spacefaring civilization. NSS is widely acknowledged as the preeminent citizen's voice on space, with over 50 chapters in the United States and around the world. The Society publishes Ad Astra magazine, an award-winning periodical chronicling the most important developments in space. To learn more, visit www.nss.org.

About the International Space Development Conference (ISDC). The International Space Development Conference (ISDC 2017) is where people from all around the world connect and share the latest breakthroughs in space exploration and development. ISDC 2017 is the perfect place for space leaders, astronauts, enthusiasts and the next generation of experts to meet. ISDC attracts men and women of all ages; each bringing unique skills and backgrounds such as: aerospace industry leaders and startups, space exploration pioneers, academic thought leaders, and space supporters - all united by a common goal; to discuss the latest discoveries and projects on space development. ISDC 2017 is held May 25-29 in St. Louis, MO. isdc.nss.org/2017
Contact: 323-782-1980, 213-804-1872



LOS ANGELES, March 16, 2017 /Standard Newswire/ -- Author, activist, and radio/TV talk show host, Rev. Jesse Lee Peterson, is calling on the Department of Justice, FBI, and the Secret Service to investigate and arrest rapper Snoop Dogg (Cordozar Calvin Broadus, Jr.) and directors Jesse Wellens and James DeFina for the "Lavender" video which features Snoop Dogg shooting a clown-faced Trump stand-in with a replica gun. Snoop's lyrics also encourage shooting police officers. According to news reports, a representative for the U.S. Secret Service said they are "aware of" the video. The following is Rev. Peterson's statement regarding this issue:

"Snoop Dogg and the directors of this disgusting video should be locked up for encouraging the assassination of President Trump. Enough is enough. This video is no laughing matter. The mock assassination of Donald Trump and lyrics encouraging the shooting of police are like pouring gasoline on a fire. There are angry people in this country who hate Donald Trump and want to harm him. We've seen people inspired by radical left-wing groups like Black Lives Matter carry out violence against Trump supporters and kill police officers in Dallas, TX. Snoop's music reaches millions of angry youth, and he is affiliated with gang members, so, it's possible for this video to incite these people.



"If a white artist and director depicted a mock assassination of Barack Obama, politicians and 'activists'especially members of the Congressional Black Caucus and Black Lives Matterwould be outraged. But since Donald Trump is a white Republican these hypocrites are silent. What a shame. This is the wrong message to send to black youth who are suffering not because of 'racism,' but as a result of being raised by angry single black mothers without fathers.



"Snoop Dogg has a history of violence. In 1996, he was acquitted of first-and second-degree murder charges in the shooting death of a gang member; the jury deadlocked on the manslaughter charge. On a song titled 'Deep Cover,' also known as '187,' Snoop raps about murdering undercover police. And throughout his career, Snoop has boasted about his affiliation with the Rollin' 20 Crips."
The stench of dead pipi and tuatua is fading from the north end of Waihi beach as the high tides remove the large quantities of the shellfish found there after last weekends rain.

Resident Jeanette McCallum video of the dead shellfish went viral on Facebook.

She says shellfish numbers are down to about a tenth of what they were when she filmed the drifts of dead shellfish on Tuesday.

That first day they were really high, says Jeanette. My husband went for a walk down the beach that evening and he said the stench was terrible.

The next day I went for a walk and a lot of them had gone. The tides a great cleanser. Its still a bit stinky but not too bad. The other night Dennis did notice some guys were digging and picking up pipis and they said they would test them.

I think what happened was the fresh water suffocated them. Im not sure if the council flushed out the reservoir before the heavy rain, and I did notice it looked muddy in the surf. The problem is if they dont flush it out there might be flooding, and if they do flush it out it kills the pipis.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council confirms the Waihi Beach dam was flushed on Thursday morning, March 9.

Its a standard practice as agreed with the Waihi Beach community. Before an anticipated storm event staff carry out a number of acts:

They make sure all waterways are clear of any blockages, ensure the dam has storage capacity, and If required, let the water out of the gates.

Dr Michael Taylor, Team Manager Aquatic and Environmental Health at the Ministry of Primary Industries says the Ministry is discussing the shellfish deaths with the regional council.

The Council has collected samples and couriered them to MPI for disease testing, as this is standard practice in mortality events such as this, says Michael.

Its important to rule out any disease cause.

The samples are expected to arrive in Wellington today and MPI will test them on Friday, and likely more testing on further samples next week.

At this stage it is considered that flooding with freshwater is the most likely cause of the event. This is not uncommon with flood conditions, says Michael.

MPI is aware there are large populations of tuatua in the area and there is also a stream that discharges to the ocean in the vicinity.

MPI recommends people do not eat the dead shellfish.

The Regional Council and University of Waikato whose staff collected the samples, will be doing their own analysis.

The Regional Council fund a Chair in Coastal Science role to provide additional science support for issues like this.

The current Chair in Coastal Science, Professor Chris Battershill, says that its likely a number of factors contributed to this shellfish die-off.

Apart from the weather bomb that hit the area last week, higher ocean temperatures are being recorded in this area and there have been some large sea swells. It is also possible that this is a natural die-off due to stress from overcrowding as there is a very large population of shellfish densely packed just off the beach in this area, says Chris.

Although most of the shellfish appeared to be dead we did observe many live shellfish within the wave zone.

The results are expected in three to four weeks.
More than 60 businesses have benefitted from the program, which was extended through May 1 while a permanent program is in the works.
Cowlitz County Superior Court Judge Stephen Warning later this month will determine whether three environmental groups can intervene in the states defense against a lawsuit brought by Northwest Alloys Inc. and the developer of the proposed coal export terminal west of Longview. Warning said there is one big question to address: What exactly am I going to be deciding?

At a hearing Wednesday, Warning said it was amazing and surprising how little case law there is on the matter in question  whether environmental groups can intervene in a lawsuit that Northwest Alloys brought last month against the State Department of Natural Resources. Northwest Alloys and Millennium are challenging former state Public Lands Commissioner Peter Goldmarks January decision to not allow Millennium to sublease state aquatic lands where the company wants to build a dock.

Whether Millennium gets to build the dock would be a critical factor in the terminal ultimately getting built at the site of the former Reynolds Metals Co. aluminum plant. Millennium leases the site from Northwest Alloys.

In rejecting a sublease for Millennium, Goldmark said the company failed to provide adequate financials about itself and the project to DNR. Millennium insists that Northwest Alloys aquatic lands sublease with DNR allow additional docks to be built at the site. (One is already there.)

Judge Warning asked throughout the hearing whether Goldmark had environmental information in front of him that played a role in his decision. Warning didnt know if the details and documents relating to Goldmarks decision-making process should have any bearing on whether the environmental groups should be allowed to participate in the case.

Nonprofits conservation groups Columbia Riverkeeper, Sierra Club and Washington Environmental Council want to join the states side in the lawsuit to defend the commissioners decision. Current Public Lands Commissioner Hilary Franz, who replaced Goldmark in January, has said she opposes using state land for fossil fuel projects and is unlikely to reverse Goldmarks decision.

Environmentalists have been in a battle against Millenniums coal terminal project, which is estimated to export 48 million tons a year to Asia, create 1,000 construction jobs and 130 permanent jobs, and generate millions of dollars in taxes annually.

Attorneys representing both sides argued over whether this is a contract dispute or something broader that includes the interests of the environmental groups.

Millennium and Northwest Alloys argued that the environmental groups dont have a stake in the sublease. Northwest Alloys attorney Linda Larson on Wednesday said it was unfair and prejudicial for the company to be stuck in the proceeding over a contract established with DNR in 2008 that had nothing to do with a coal terminal.

That is the main practical problem of their intervention, Larson said. Whatever you decide ... does not create a coal terminal. Thats a separate proceeding.

Attorney Kristen Boyles, representing the environmental groups, argued that the lawsuit involves more than just a contract case and affects a broad scope of work that the groups are largely involved in.

The commissioner made a decision. He made a decision based on lots of things other than that contract, Boyles said. I think that its very clear that our interests are harmed, because if this sublease denial is upheld, this coal terminal isnt going forward. We have a huge stake in this.

Warning said there was one sentence that stands out to him in Goldmarks letter: that the lease entitles DNR to consider both the nature of Millenniums business and its financial conditions as part of its sublease.

Warning set a March 29 hearing date and said he wants to make sure to get the decision right the first time. He wont be deciding at that time whether Goldmarks decision was right or wrong, just whether the environmental groups get to join the legal battle over it.

What Id like to get is, procedurally, just what the heck am I doing? Warning said. What am I going to be deciding and what am I going to use to decide it?

In an interview after the hearing, Millennium spokeswoman Wendy Hutchinson said the judges determination wouldnt kill the project if he were to decide in favor of the environmental groups.

We are committed to the Reynolds site. We put tens of millions into the cleanup of the Reynolds site, Hutchinson said. We want to revitalize that facility and make it into a world-class coal terminal.
Thirty five years ago, the adventure bug struck Illinois artist Beth Bailey. She and a college friend took a chance and moved out West.

Bailey eventually landed in Rainier, Ore. She and her art have been part of the Pacific Northwest ever since.

Bailey taught art and French at Rainier High School for 18 years. Now her time is dedicated primarily to her art, which includes some iconic local images.

Bailey is this years featured artist for the Columbian Artist Associations Spring Show. Her work will be on display from Saturday through April 2 in a storefront on the south end of the Three Rivers Mall.

Over the past 30 years, Baileys artwork has become interwoven with her surroundings. Images of winding rivers, teeming forests and local architecture populate her work, which is composed mainly in pen and ink and watercolors.

In the 1990s, Bailey designed the City of Rainiers logo, which adorns the towns signs, city vehicles and documents.

The image, which depicts the city as viewed from the Columbia River, was the result of her and her husbands love of the water.

Because my husband and I had a boat, I decided to do it from the riverfront, Bailey said. Its kind of a really different view that a lot of people dont see.

Banners that fly in the citys Riverfront Park also bear her mark: Though she was not the designer, two of her students were. Bailey set up the opportunity for her students to submit banner designs to the city, and the two best were selected to hang in Rainier City Park.

That was another exciting thing to do for me, Bailey said. The kids really did do something to give back to the city.

One of Baileys proudest moments, though, was when her design was selected for the banner created in honor of Longviews 75th anniversary.

I was totally shocked that I had been chosen, Bailey said.

The banner depicted a boat, a walker and a pair of people fishing on Lake Sacajawea. It was unfurled by then Gov. Gary Locke in front of the Monticello Hotel.

Baileys banner design was judged best among 80 entries in a contest sponsored by the Longview Downtowners Association and Longviews 75th Anniversary Committee.

A little bit of Bailey, and the Pacific Northwest, has made its way abroad as well. A copy of Baileys painting of the Astoria column was presented to the mayor of Waldorf, Germany, Astorias sister city.

Its a little of me over in Europe, Bailey said.

While Bailey originally started her artistic career painting china, the more portable media of pen, ink and watercolors have become her main staples. Examples of these will be on display during the annual exhibition.

But that doesnt stop her from appreciating different styles and media. Meetings of the Columbian Artists Association often feature demonstrations from fellow artists, which she said she enjoys.

You learn a lot about other peoples artwork and how its developed by doing those, Bailey said. Weve had some people demonstrate mask making, basket making, weaving, all kinds of things. So you get an appreciation of what they do.

Want to join the artists group? Artists interested in joining the the Columbian Artist Association are invited to attend meetings the first Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m. at the Baird House, located in the alley of St Stephens Episcopal Church on 22nd and Louisiana in Longview.
Legal citizens

I keep seeing and hearing we are all immigrants. If you want to get technical, everyone on earth is an immigrant, even American Indians! Just because my forefathers came here before 1776 does not make me an immigrant. Immigration is not bad unless it is illegal or for the purpose of disruption in the new habitat. For example, bring a mongoose onto an island of snakes and soon there will be no snakes, as happened in Jamaica; bad for the hated snakes. America needs controlled immigration to determine purpose and protection of legal citizens. Illegal is a crime if committed, today or many years ago.

Ernie Gerald

Longview

Freedom to choose

Our Republican-controlled Congress is repealing the freedom-crushing mandate that forced me to purchase health insurance. Freedom to choose whether to have health insurance is certainly a major step in Making America Great Again. The decision will be easy for me since the new Ryan plan will allow premiums to skyrocket for the elderly, which is my demographic. I will be happy to choose not to pay high insurance costs. If I need medical help, I will just use the emergency room at the hospital, as it is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The hospital must recover the cost of my care by overcharging those of you who use your freedom to choose to buy insurance.

Freedom to choose, aint it great?

Bary Bruner

Castle Rock

Wheres Jaime?

Many Long Beach peninsula residents (voters) wish that our fourth-term U. S. Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler would appear in person to field questions and address our concerns at a town hall.

Ms. Herrera Beutler seems to prefer telephone town halls (sometimes quickly announced and conducted), community coffee meetings, or sending surrogates to communities in her district.

Thats not sufficient. Her predecessor, Brian Baird, conducted over 300 town hall meetings during his 12-year tenure. Rep. Herrera Beutler, however, hasnt shown up here, except for fundraisers, meetings with local Republicans, or gatherings of specific targeted groups.

In a recent letter to us, she said, I value your feedback and opinion . . . Its important that you get the chance to talk directly (emphasis ours) to your member of Congress . . . 

Were providing an opportunity for her to live up to her claims. We will establish a venue for her appearance, locate nonpartisan individuals to moderate, and handle all other logistical matters at sometime during her forthcoming April 10-21 Congressional recess.

Pacific County constituents  Republicans, Democrats, Independents and others who agree with the need for a Herrera Beutler personal appearance  can call her Washington or Vancouver offices, send a letter or postcard, email her, or show up at her doorstep to express their concerns.

In Vancouver: 50 Anderson Street, Suite B, Vancouver, WA 98661; (360) 695-6292. In D.C.: 1107 Longworth HOB, Washington D.C. 20515; (202) 225-3536. Or send an email online: herrerabeutler.house.gov/contact.

Robert Brake

Ocean Park
Honda Cars India today announced the much-awaited launch of its new crossover, the WR-V. The WR-V basically builds on the Honda Jazz and delivers a more capable crossover with a brand-new design and plenty of practical options targeted at younger buyers.

Prices for the Honda Car India WR-V start from Rs 7,75,000 (ex-showroom Delhi) for the base petrol model.

The complete pricing details are as follows:

Honda WR-V S MT petrol: Rs 7,75,000

Honda WR-V S MT diesel: Rs 8,79,000

Honda WR-V VX MT petrol: Rs 8,99,000

Honda WR-V VX MT diesel: Rs 9,99,900

All prices ex-showroom Delhi.

While the Honda's newest offering seems to look similar to the Honda Jazz, it seems to have taken plenty of design elements from the bigger BR-V. The front features a large chrome insert sitting on the grille which flows into the headlights on either side. The bumper has a bracket shape around the fog lamps with a sculpted look that lends to its crossover-like practicality.

The Honda WR-V is taller than Jazz but looks very similar especially from the side profile, which seems to borrow its younger sibling's doors, window lines and creases as well. Similar to the front, the rear too is different. There are new extended tail lights and a redesigned bootlid as well.

Coming to the stuff that matters, the WR-V will be offered in 1.2 litre i-VTEC petrol engine and the 1.5 litre i-DTEC diesel engine. Both models will come fitted with manual transmission, with the petrol getting a 5-speed shifter and the diesel getting 6-speed gearbox.

The Honda WR-V will be offered in two trims or grades, S and the VX, the bookings of which have already opened up at Honda dealerships across the country.
After the initial announcement of the Skoda's first SUV back in September 2016, the SUV has finally been spotted in India. TeamBHP revealed images showcasing the rear end of the vehicle, with testing number plates confirming that India is surely on Skoda's global list of launches.

At the announcement, Autocar leaked out details hinting at a September launch for the SUV in India this year. With the testing mule out and about in the streets in Pune, Maharashtra, we should expect the launch to take place in a few months from now.

The Kodiaq gets its name from the Kodiak bear which is found in Alaska. The vehicle has been derived from the Vision S concept that debuted at the 86th Geneva Motor Show back in March.

The design is influenced by Czech cubism and features plenty of cuts and straight lines but retains the recent change in Skodas design philosophy that is also evident in the new Superb sedan.

The Kodiaq will be offered in two TDI variants and three TSI variants. The petrol engine will be a 2.0-litre unit that develops 177bhp, while the more powerful diesel will also be a 2.0 litre engine capable of delivering 189bhp. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual gearbox or DSG transmissions that will arrive with six or seven speeds.

The SUV was announced in 7-seater and 5-seater layouts at the initial launch, but for now there are no details as to which one would make it to India. Earlier this year Skoda also announced two new variants of the Kodiaq SUV.

Called the Skoda Scout and the Skoda Sportline, both models made their first public appearance at the Geneva International Motor Show.
tech2 News Staff

An Australian woman on a flight from Beijing to Melbourne was listening to music on her battery operated headphones and had gone to sleep. On the way, the passenger heard a loud explosion, and woke up to the headphones burning in her ear. She said "As I went to turn around I felt burning on my face. I just grabbed my face which caused the headphones to go around my neck. I continued to feel burning (sensation) so I grabbed them off and threw them on the floor. They were sparking and had small amounts of fire."

The incident caused the Australian Transport Safety Bureau to issue a warning, that consumer electronics with batteries should be stored in approved stowage when not in use, that such electronics are only allowed to be transported in the checked in baggage (but are allowed on the carry on baggage), and instructions on making sure that a device is removed from seat gaps before the seats are moved.

Late last year, Samsung was forced to execute the largest consumer electronics recall in history because of a potential fire and burn hazard. The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 devices had the tendency to spontaneously combust, and the problem was traced to the lithium ion batteries on the device, and the way it was packed in. Replacing the devices did not stop the explosions, and Samsung had to discontinue the model. As a safety precaution, Samsung rolled out a software update that prevented Galaxy Note 7 batteries from charging up and being functional.

The spate of battery explosions highlight the limitations of Lithium ion batteries in consumer electronics. Although in use for many years, the energy released from the batteries can cause explosions if it is not adequately controlled. The batteries are susceptible to explosion on being punctured, on experiencing too much pressure and on being charged to quickly. There are usually safety precautions in place to prevent explosions caused by these reasons, but in the push for smaller devices, some of these safety precautions may be compromised.

Usually, there are vents around a battery to prevent build up of excess heat. Room for expansion is left around the batteries as well, to accommodate the natural expansion and contraction experienced by batteries during the charge and discharge cycle. Fail-safe circuitry prevents too much charge being delivered to the batteries. Lithium is preferred despite its volatility because of how light it is and how much energy it can provide. Lithium Ion batteries have reached almost the limits of their theoretical capacities in consumer electronics, and manufacturers going for more battery life and smaller devices tend to cut corners when it comes to safety precautions.

Lithium ion batteries are made up of two electrodes, an anode and a cathode, and an electrolyte. The negative and positive electrodes should never touch each other, or the resulting short circuit will cause the battery to explode. Samsung apparently made the batteries too large, and did not leave room for expansion. The curved edges meant that the opposite electrodes within the batteries bent and touched each other. Exposure to excessive heat is another reason that causes Lithium ion batteries to explode. Exposure of the internals of a Lithium ion battery to moisture also causes explosions. Atmospheric moisture is the reason Lithium ion batteries explode on being punctured.

Tablet Safety Demo from Ionic Materials from Ionic Materials on Vimeo.

There are many efforts around the world in developing safer alternatives to Lithium ion batteries. Researchers at ETH Zurich in Switzerland are investigating solid electrolytes instead of liquid ones, that are less volatile. The solid electrolyte batteries do not explode on being overheated, or exposed to the air.

Researchers at Stanford university have used Artificial Intelligence to identify over twenty candidate materials for a solid electrolyte to be used in safer Lithium ion batteries. Stanford researchers have also developed an approach that introduces a flame retardant in the battery itself, preventing the batteries from exploding. Tufts University researchers are also working with solid electrolytes.

Looking at the regularity with which Lithium-ion batteries are exploding not just in phones, but also washing machines and now battery powered headphones, it is about time device makers took battery safety a lot more seriously.
IANS

The start-up system in Tamil Nadu will be impacted if civil cases are treated as criminal and officials of corporates are arrested for vendor dues, said officials of The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE) Chennai. They were in support of online homestay market place Stayzilla founder Yogendra Vasupal, who was arrested here on Tuesday for not settling the dues of an advertising agency. "This is bad in law and reflects badly on law and order in Tamil Nadu. The case is a civil case-non-payment to vendor," P. Narayanan, President of TiE Chennai, told reporters here on Wednesday.

He said banks have huge non-performing assets (NPA) and it would be a ridiculous situation if the industrialists were taken to police station. According to K. Purushothaman, Regional Director of NASSCOM, the start-up eco system in Tamil Nadu would be impacted due to this development. Stayzilla had shut down operations last month. One of the vendors, a city based advertising agency Jigsaw Advertising, lodged a police complaint against Vasupal for non-payment of dues.

"The due process of law seems to have taken a total backseat. Who would want to battle against bureaucracy on the one hand, corruption on the other hand and total law and order breakdown on the third? Even as we speak, the accused (Vasupal) has not been given a copy of the FIR and is unable to apply for bail today," Narayanan said. In a statement issued in Delhi, the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) has strongly urged the Tamil Nadu government to release Vasupal and withdraw the FIR against him.

Referring to Vasupal's statement, IAMAI said there was no personal fraud involved in this case and this was a corporate matter and he had only signed on behalf of Stayzilla. Therefore, prima facie, it seems that a criminal FIR against him was not tenable. According to IAMAI, such a criminal case against a signatory of a corporate Pvt Ltd Co for a corporate liability is unprecedented and unheard of.

If this becomes a norm, then the start-up ecosystem in India will suffer and the Indian government's vision of 'Start-up, Stand-up' vision will take an enormous hit. IAMAI said prima facie Chennai Police had deliberately acted in bad faith by resorting to legal overreach.
tech2 News Staff

Vanuatu is a remote archipelago of volcanic origin in the South Pacific Ocean, off the coast of Australia. The island nation has black sand beaches, lush green jungles, and nine erupting volcanoes. Google collaborated with explorers Geoff Mackley and Chris Horsley to image the island nation in 360 degrees with a Street View Trekker rig. Users at home can follow the explorers, down to the crater of an active volcano.

The two active volcanoes imaged are called Benbow and Marum. The locals believe that the two are husband and wife, so there are eruptions whenever the two have a fight. The locals then sacrifice animals to appease the spirits of the angry volcanoes. The two volcanoes are on the tropical island of Ambrym, which is home to over 7,000 people who live in the rainforest surrounding the volcanoes. Benbow and Marum are the first locations where Street View has gone into the bowels of the Earth, collecting imagery from below the surface.

From the comfort of your home, you can take a walk down an untouched volcanic beach made up of black sand, take a trek through the thick jungles of the island, explore the Endu village, along with scenes of a craft workshop, a primary school and the locals harvesting coconuts. The Marum crater can be visited, along with a rock shelf and the surrounding volcanic landscape. There is a view of Benbow as seen from Marum.

Check out the entire set on the Street View site.
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A woman suffered burns to her face and hands after her headphones caught fire during a flight to Australia, officials said Wednesday as they warned about the dangers of battery-operated devices on planes. The passenger was listening to music on her own battery-operated headphones as she dozed on the flight from Beijing to Melbourne on February 19 when there was a loud explosion.

"As I went to turn around I felt burning on my face," she told the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) which investigated the incident. "I just grabbed my face which caused the headphones to go around my neck. I continued to feel burning so I grabbed them off and threw them on the floor. "They were sparking and had small amounts of fire."

Flight attendants rushed to help and poured a bucket of water on the headphones, but the battery and its cover were both melted and stuck to the floor. Pictures show the woman, who was not named, with a blackened face and neck and blisters on her hands, with passengers having to endure the smell of melted plastic, burnt electronics and burnt hair for the remainder of the flight.

"People were coughing and choking the entire way home," the woman added. The transport safety bureau, which did not identify which airline was involved, assessed that the lithium-ion batteries in the device likely caught fire. "As the range of products using batteries grows, the potential for in-flight issues increases," it said, reminding travellers using battery-powered devices they must be kept in an approved stowage unless in use.

Spare batteries should be kept in carry-on luggage, it added. Many airlines last year barred all Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphones over fire risk concerns, following reports of exploding batteries. The South Korean electronics giant recalled all its Galaxy Note 7s, costing it billions of dollars.

There have been several incidents involving lithium batteries in recent years with a flight due to leave Sydney last year disembarked when smoke was seen coming from a passenger's hand luggage. It was later found that lithium batteries had ignited. Also last year, a personal electronic device began belching smoke then caught on fire on a Qantas flight from Los Angeles to New York, the ATSB reported.

AFP
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Buyouts, mergers and quick exits - as India's richest man shakes up the country's ultra-competitive mobile market, telecommunications companies are scrambling to either consolidate or cut their losses and run. Norwegian multinational Telenor recently became the latest to quit India and analysts expect other brands will disappear as intense price wars sparked by tycoon Mukesh Ambani mean thinning profit margins.

"Most of the smaller players will find it difficult to grow by themselves and will be looking for exit options," Bhasker Canagaradjou, head of research at Ipsos Business Consulting in Mumbai, told AFP. India's multi-billion dollar telecoms sector had a dozen companies battling for customers as recently as 2010. Now, there is around half that number and industry watchers say soon there will be only four.

The race to consolidate has hastened since Ambani sent shock waves through the sector in September when he launched Reliance Jio's 4G network with a free service for the rest of 2016 that was later extended to April. The audacious offer was followed by vastly cheaper data plans and free voice calls for life, forcing rattled competitors to slash their own tariffs to maintain market share while also seeking extra investment.

India's telecoms sector, which global research firm International Data Corporation estimates will have market revenue of $37 billion this year, has long been a risky and costly endeavour for companies. Network operators have to overcome regulatory difficulties to purchase expensive wireless spectrum to provide services that are often plagued by dodgy reception, frequent call drops and fluctuating internet speeds.

But Jio's arrival has added a new dimension as major players, including Vodafone and Idea , explore tie-ups to match the deep pockets of the Reliance Industries-backed telecoms company, while others are being forced to call it a day. Telenor announced in late February that market leader Bharti Airtel would acquire its Indian operations, saying the amount of investment needed to compete in the crowded sector would not offer a worthwhile level of return.

The withdrawal came after Videocon Telecom told subscribers in January that it planned to cease operations and pull out of the market. Aircel and Mobile TeleSystems (MTS) have sold up since the beginning of 2016. Jio signed up 100 million users in its first six months and wants to lead the market with a 50% share by 2021, eyeing Airtel's status as India's largest telecoms provider.

Airtel's deal with Telenor will see it boost its own subscriber numbers by around 40 million and greatly enhance its spectrum coverage as it battles to fend off Jio's ambitious target. "(The Telenor-Airtel agreement) is the latest sign that the entry of aggressive new operator Reliance Jio is spurring incumbents to consolidate to better meet the intense competition and weaker telcos to exit altogether," Fitch Ratings said.

Airtel's position is also under threat from British mobile phone behemoth Vodafone and Mumbai-based Idea Cellular. Vodafone announced in January that it was in talks to merge its Indian unit with Idea in their own response to Jio. Global brokerage firm CLSA estimates that the pair would command a revenue market share of 43% by the start of the 2019-20 financial year, ahead of Airtel on 33%, if they combined. Jio would have 13%.

Reliance Communications (Rel Comm) - owned by Ambani's younger brother Anil Ambani - has been responsible for much of the consolidation at the lower end of the market. Rel Comm announced that Aircel was merging with it around a fortnight after Jio's launch. It had already purchased Russian conglomerate Sistema's Indian telecoms business, branded MTS, earlier in 2016 and is now reportedly in talks with Tata Group's loss-making teleservices unit to join forces.

Indian telecoms analyst Baburajan Kizhakedath told AFP he expected the Tata Docomo brand to disappear altogether while recent Indian newspaper reports have said that the loss-making state operators BSNL and MTNL are in talks to merge. "The ongoing consolidation is likely to leave four larger operators - Bharti, Jio, the combination of Vodafone India and Idea Cellular, and the combined Reliance Communications and Aircel Limited," said Fitch.

Jio's free services eroded the profitability of its rivals in the recent quarter with Airtel reporting a 55% slump in on-year quarterly net profits and Reliance Communications announcing an almost 15% slide. They are hopeful that an end to Jio's free subscriptions on April 1 will provide some respite, but analysts warn that current pricing levels are unsustainable and companies may have to endure significant losses in the short term.

"(The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) has already warned the government about the possible risk of payment defaults by the telecom companies if these freebies and price war continues for a long time," said Canagaradjou.

AFP

Disclaimer: Reliance Jio is owned by Reliance Industries, who also own Network18, the publisher of Firstpost and tech2.
Nimish Sawant

Considering India is rapidly moving towards a digital economy, the hurdles not withstanding, data and identity security are topics which have to be taken very seriously. Since the demonetisation, a large part of the population who would never bother with digital transactions has suddenly come online. But there is no such thing as complete security of personal data, according to Nasscom chief R Chandrashekhar.

Attending the World Consumer Rights Day, R Chandrashekhar said that personal data of online consumers cannot be completely secure and stressed on the need to have strict enforcement of consumer protection laws. Speaking to PTI, Chandrashekhar said, "More than 3 million credit card data details were misused recently. Let us face it, these kind of security breaches will take place. There is nothing called fully perfect security in IT."

It's high time we call a spade, a spade

Coming from the head of Nasscom, this announcement pertaining to security is very important. According to Chandrashekhar one cannot expect complete cyber security, but there are definitely ways in which such attacks and incidents can be minimised. He very rightly said that that protecting the online consumer data, specially looking at how rapidly e-commerce is growing in the country, is of prime importance.

One cannot help but agree with Chandrashekhar, specially considering the fact India does not have a privacy law ecosystem that is present in countries such as the US and the UK, where online consumer protection is taken very seriously. Germany and other EU nations have always been at the forefront, when it comes to protecting data privacy, and it has ensured that consumer-facing technology companies do not run roughshod when it comes to protecting user data.

Chandrashekhar stated that there was no need for separate regulations for e-commerce sites, but the priority was ensuring means to enforce consumer laws in the digital world.

Lack of dedicated privacy laws

According to cyberlaw and cybersecurity expert, Pavan Duggal, "Going forward, there is an urgent need for India to take a strong view on privacy in terms of legislative frameworks. Unfortunately, at the time of writing, India does not have a dedicated law on privacy."

Social media websites for instance have a lot of user data. But what happens when they suddenly change their privacy policies? For instance, a lot of users signed on to WhatsApp when it was an independent company. But post the Facebook acquisition, there have been a lot of instances where WhatsApp has updated its terms and conditions to suit its parent Facebook.

That's not completely illegal one may say. Loss of privacy is a price you pay for free services. But what if, I as a consumer of WhatsApp do not want the app to share any of my data with Facebook? The only option I am left with is to delete WhatsApp. But then again, I do not know if my data is also deleted from WhatsApp servers or it has already been shared. Social media apps, only let you know what updates are being added. Consent is only required to update the app. You can stall that, up to a point. But there will come a time when you will have to update an app. Then by default you have given approval to all the terms and conditions associated with the app.

Two students had challenged WhatsApps revision to its privacy policy before Delhi High Court. The Court dismissed the petition insisting that users could opt out by deleting their accounts.

When a similar challenge was mounted before the authorities in UK, Facebook had to put a pause on their data sharing  and this was because of its strong data protection policy. Under the UK data protection law, the company has to inform the authority established under the Act of any changes in the use of user data. In the case of WhatsApp, the UK authority objected to such sharing.

Aadhaar - the 12-digit biometric storehouse

Aadhaar card is being used for many financial and non financial transactions. Also the Aadhaar number associated with an individual also holds a lot of personal and biometric data. So when recently, there was news about a possible Aadhaar data breach when UIDAI filed a police complaint against Axis Bank, business correspondent Suvidhaa Infoserve and e-sign provider eMudhra, it was naturally a shock to many.

Unlike a password which can be changed, with biometric information there is no scope to do that if it is compromised. Although UIDAI claims that there are multiple levels of security and firewalls to ensure there is no breach of Aadhaar information of an individual, one can only hope that it is robust enough to withstand any attack. Collection of biometric data by the government to form a database, for instance, was debated and ultimately not used in the UK.

Pranesh Prakash, policy director of the Centre for Internet and Society, expressed concern about the pace at which we are progressing when it comes to having a legal and regulatory framework when it comes to the Digital India push. "While the security architecture of Aadhaar Enabled Payment Systems (AEPS) might in itself be good, the idea of providing your fingerprints to merchants for financial transactions is a terrible idea since that is like asking you to give your bank password to a merchant, and the merchant can reuse that password, and you cant ever change the password," said Prakash.

Enforcing the correct processes

Last year, a malware affected the systems of Hitachi Payment Services, which provides back end services to ATM machines and Point of Sale nodes across India. As a result of this, around 32 lakh debit cards were compromised including those issued by SBI, HDFC, Yes Bank, Axis, BOB and ICICI. Security experts and consultants have pointed out various holes in the electronic transaction systems in place in India. Intel has also warned that ATM machines in India are vulnerable to malicious attacks. Intel points out that countries in the Asia Pacific region are developing and are particularly vulnerable because of old systems and machines being used.

According to Mahesh Patel, president and group CTO, AGS Transact Technologies this was more of a governance issue of the data centre than any technical error. "It is not about the software, but it is about the processes and procedures you put in place to ensure that the system is secure. Everything from physical security to computing security to admin management, etc should be process driven. So somewhere there could have been a weak link there. Cloud has to be secure and encrypted which suffices the use case of payments. This cloud is different from the ones used by e-commerce sites to display all their products," said Patel.

We may have the best of software and security measures, but ensuring that they are implemented the right way is equally important. Plugging the loopholes in current regulations is also important.

Existing laws and regulations, not enough

According to Duggal, "The Information Technology Act, 2000 hardly has effective provisions to protect any data and personal privacy in the digital ecosystem. The Indian Government needs to come up with strong privacy law which can protect both personal privacy and data privacy in an effective manner."

One may find it really shocking to hear the head of Nasscom saying something to the extent that full data protection for online consumers is not possible, but there is definitely truth to the matter. It will require concerted efforts from not only regulators, governments, digital wallet players and banking industry to come up with these privacy laws, but also you the consumer has to ensure that you are aware of the dangers lurking in the digital world. Educating oneself of the various ways in which your data can be compromised is a good way to protect your online self.

Because, let's face it, for all practical purposes if you are online, your privacy is dead.
tech2 News Staff

It's finally time to bid BlackBerry OS, Symbian and Windows Mobile good bye thanks to the recent announcements made by old smartphone makers with new commitments to the Android ecosystem. New OS sales data from the Kantar Worldpanel ComTech show that iOS continued to grow but Android further cemented its position with market share increases worldwide. It's now clear that the mobile ecosystems are only limited to two players, Google's Android and Apple's iOS.

After continually making tiny dents into the worldwide mobile OS pie chart, this year will be a bit different as old rivals, BlackBerry with TCL and Nokia with HMD Global have committed to Android. The revival of these brands with fresh new hardware running on the Android operating system, hints that no matter where you come from, there's growth only available with Google's Android. This is more so as Apple continues lock down its software on it own mobile devices.

Februarys Mobile World Congress 2017 demonstrated the true state of the market, with re-emerging brand names Nokia and Blackberry capturing a lot of attention, but now operating on Android rather than on their own legacy operating systems, said Lauren Guenveur, Global Consumer Insight Director for Kantar Worldpanel ComTech.

There was a feeling of nostalgia in the air at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) this year as well thanks to Nokia's revival of the old 3310 and BlackBerry's new take using an old formula; Android 7.0 Nougat paired with a physical QWERTY keyboard.

While Nokia was earlier glued to Symbian and BlackBerry to BlackBerry OS, it is now clear that the only other manufacturer that remains faithful to its ecosystem is Microsoft with Windows Mobile 10. But with not a single new release at the MWC 2017 and plans for a Surface Phone delayed to 2019, there's little hope.

According to the OS sales data, Android accounted for 74.3 percent of smartphone sales in the latest period, a marginal increase from 72.9 percent in the three months ending January 2016.

While Apple continues to dominate in bigger markets like Great Britain, Germany, France, Italy and Spain, Android dominates markets like China and India.

Out in China though the scene appears to be changing. While Android accounted for 83.2 percent of smartphone sold, Apple continued to be a top-selling brand. The scales however have changed with Huawei taking up a quarter of smartphones sales in the region and Apple along with Xiaomi coming in at second and third. Apple's dominance indeed it seems may have come to an end as brands like Oppo, Vivo and Huawei begin to take center stage.
tech2 News Staff

The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has indicted four individuals for illegally accessing the personal information of Yahoo users starting from 2014. Two out of the four were agents of the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) during the time the breach occurred. One of the defendants has a pending red corner notice from Interpol and is on the Cyber Most Wanted list of the FBI. Finally, an accused had privileged access to Yahoo systems, and used that access for personal gain. Yahoo and Google helped the FBI with the investigation.

The accused are Dmitry Aleksandrovich Dokuchaev and Igor Anatolyevich Sushchin, both ex employee of the FSB and Russian nationals. Suschin was working undercover as the Head of Information Security at a Russian investment bank. Alexsey Alexseyevich Belan has the pending red corner notice against him and was almost caught in Europe before he managed to escape to Russia, which does not have an extradition treaty with the US. As an Interpol member nation though, Russia is required to arrest Belan. Karim Baratov is a Canadian and Kazakh national, and a resident of Canada.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who announced the charges said "Cyber crime poses a significant threat to our nations security and prosperity, and this is one of the largest data breaches in history. But thanks to the tireless efforts of U.S. prosecutors and investigators, as well as our Canadian partners, today we have identified four individuals, including two Russian FSB officers, responsible for unauthorized access to millions of users accounts. The United States will vigorously investigate and prosecute the people behind such attacks to the fullest extent of the law."

The accused apparently used unauthorised access to Yahoo systems to steal information of 500 million Yahoo account users. The stolen information was subsequently used to compromise the Gmail accounts of the compromised users, as well as accounts with other email service providers. The targets included Russian journalists and Russian and US government officials. Employees of a prominent Russian cyber-security company, a Russian investment banking firm, a US airline, a Swiss bitcoin wallet provider, and a US financial services firm.

FBI has accused the criminals of stealing a portion of Yahoo's User Database (UDB), that contained user names, recovery email accounts, phone numbers and information required to authenticate access to the user accounts. The conspirators also obtained access to Yahoo's Account Management Tool (AMT), a propriety mechanism that Yahoo used to make and log changes to user accounts. The combined access to the UDB and AMT allowed the hackers to forge the authentication mechanisms needed to compromise at least 6,500 accounts.

The hacking campaign started in 2014, and the defendants had access to Yahoo networks till September 2016. However, there is information to indicate that the accused continued to use the compromised data till at least December 2016. Belan redirected a portion of Yahoo's search engine traffic for a commission, and searched the individual communications for credit card and gift card information. In all 500 million Yahoo accounts were stolen, and the accounts of at least 18 users of other email services were compromised. The contents of 30 million Yahoo accounts were illegally accessed to facilitate a spam campaign.

The attack on Yahoo is the largest known data breach, more than triple the size of other similar breaches. Yahoo had indicated that credit card information was not stolen from its systems, but the criminals seem to have access to credit card information in the communications. Yahoo's suspicions of the attack being sponsored by a state sponsored actor are supported by the charges filed by the FBI. The data breach was one of the factors that allowed Verizon to negotiate a better deal in its Yahoo takeover.
AlexStar/iStock/Thinkstock(HONOLULU) -- A federal judge in Hawaii has issued a nationwide temporary restraining order on President Donald Trump's revised travel ban.



U.S. District Judge Derrick Watson issued his ruling Wednesday after hearing arguments on Hawaii's request for a temporary restraining order involving the ban.



His ruling prevents the executive order from going into effect Thursday.

Watson said he will not stay his ruling should an appeal be pursued. "The Court declines to stay this ruling or hold it in abeyance should an emergency appeal of this order be filed," he said.



At a rally in Nashville Wednesday night, President Trump slammed the decision as "an unprecedented judicial overreach."



In arguing for the restraining order, the state of Hawaii alleged that the new executive order "began life as a Muslim ban," and that the statements of President Trump and his advisers "provide direct evidence of the Executive Orders discriminatory motivations."



"The March 6, 2017 Executive Order was motivated by animus and a desire to discriminate on the basis of religion and/or national origin, nationality, or alienage," the state contended.



The state also argued the ban would harm its tourism industry, as well as its ability to recruit foreign students and workers.



The Trump administration had argued that the plaintiffs were trying "to impugn the order using campaign statements and that the court should not look beyond the stated purpose of the revised order, which had been substantially revised to exempt legal residents and current visa holders.



The administration asserted that statements made during the campaign by Trump and his surrogates were "irrelevant" and urged the judge not to look for "secret motives" of government officials in reaching his decision. Judge Watson, who was appointed to the bench by President Obama in 2012, issued a thorough rebuke of the administration's position.



"The remarkable facts at issue here require no such impermissible inquiry," Watson writes, referencing then-candidate Trump's call for "a complete shutdown" of Muslim immigration and recent comments by Trump senior adviser Stephen Miller that the new order would result in "the same basic policy outcome for the country" as the first, now revoked, order.



"These plainly-worded statements, made in the months leading up to and contemporaneous with the signing of the Executive Order, and, in many cases, made by the Executive himself, betray the Executive Orders stated secular purpose," Watson writes. "Any reasonable, objective observer would concludethat the stated secular purpose of the Executive Order is, at the very least, 'secondary to a religious objective' of temporarily suspending the entry of Muslims."



Watson's order capped off a whirlwind day of court hearings around the country, with plaintiffs in Maryland and Washington State also seeking to block the ban before it goes into effect.



The attorney general of Washington State, Bob Ferguson, whose lawsuit resulted in the injunction preventing implementation of the first version of the travel ban, praised the Hawaii order as "fantastic news."



"Todays rapidly evolving events show the strength of our growing coalition, from the eastern seaboard to the Hawaiian islands, Ferguson wrote on Twitter.



Copyright  2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
Suicide bomber kills 25 in Damascus

Reuters :

A suicide bomber killed at least 25 people at a court house in Damascus on Wednesday, state media reported, in the second bomb attack in the Syrian capital in five days.

The attack targeted the Palace of Justice in central Damascus near the Old City. State news agency SANA said several others were wounded in addition to the initial death toll of 25.

The bomber set off his explosive device at 1:20 p.m. (1120 GMT) as the police tried to search him and stop him from entering the building, state television cited the Damascus police chief as saying.

The explosion hit the courthouse "at a time when the area is crowded" with lawyers, judges and civilians, harming a large number of people, Ahmed al-Sayyid, a senior state legal official told state-run al-Ikhbariya TV. No further details were immediately available.

On Saturday, scores of people, most of them Iraqi Shi'ite pilgrims, were killed in a double suicide attack in Damascus claimed by an alliance of jihadist groups known as Tahrir al-Sham.


4 `militants` killed in Ctg special raid

Four suspected militants, including a female one, were killed during a special joint forces raid on a militant hideout at Premtala in Sitakunda upazila of Chittagong on Thursday morning, ending an overnight standoff.



The identities of the deceased could not be known immediately.



A special team of the Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) and district police of Chittagong launched the special operation codenamed 'Assault 16' around 6am, said police.



After the operation, four bodies were recovered from the militant den, said Deputy Inspector General (Chittagong range) Shafiqul Islam.



Of them, two were killed in gunfight with the law enforcers while the rest in suicide bomb blast, he said.



Two members of the Special Weapon and Tactics Team (SWAT) were also injured during the gunfight. They were taken to Combined Military Hospital, Chittagong.



The special team also rescued 20 people of several families,who got trapped in the house, during the drive.



Inspector General of Police (IGP) AKM Shahidul Hoque said the law enforcers came to know about more militant dens in Sitakunda from Hasan and Jasim - two militants arrested in Chandina upazila of Comilla.



Following their information, a team of Sitakunda police raided a house at Madhyam Mahadebpur village in Sitakunda on Wednesday afternoon, said Mahabubur Rahman, assistant superintendent of police (Mirsarai circle).



The law enforcers arrested an alleged militant couple --Jashim and his wife Arjina - along with their two-month-old baby from the house and recovered a number of grenades, bombs and firearms from the house.



Following information gleaned from the couple, the same team raided the militant den at Premtala on Wednesday afternoon.



When police tried to enter the house, suspected militants hurled hand grenades at them, leaving two policemen, including officer-in-charge of Sitakunda Police Station Mozammel, injured.



Later, a joint team of SWAT and district police made another attempt around 8pm to enter the house. However, the militants charged hand grenades again.



Finally, the special CTTC team ended the standoff through the final assault early Thursday.



The IGP said before launching the operation, the law enforcers asked the militants to surrender but they responded to the call hurling grenades at them. --Dhaka, Mar 16 (UNB)


Taiwan says Chinese military threat grows, US regional strategy unclear

Members of the Chinese People Liberation Army Navy stand by a helicopter on the PLA(N) ship Haikou as it sits docked at Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam in Honolulu, Hawaii

Reuters, Taipei :

China's accelerated military development and recent activity by its military aircraft and ships around Taiwan pose an increased threat to the self-ruled island, according to a Taiwanese government defence report draft reviewed by Reuters.

The 2017 Quadrennial Defence Review (QDR) also highlights the uncertainty over the future strategic direction of the United States in the region, the impact of Japan flexing its military capabilities and "conflict crisis" potential in the disputed South China Sea.

"The recent activity of Chinese jets and ships around Taiwan shows the continued rise in (China's) military threat capabilities," highlighting the importance of Taiwan's need to defend itself, the review will say.

"In addition to posing a military threat to our country, it also has a negative impact on regional stability."

The document is due to be presented to parliament on Thursday by Taiwan defence minister Feng Shih-kuan. The defence ministry had no comment on the report on Wednesday.

The four-yearly review is the first since President Tsai Ing-wen took office last May and the first under her Democratic Progressive Party, which traditionally advocates independence for Taiwan.

"The country's military development and Taiwan's freedom and prosperity are the same living body," according to the draft.

The QDR comes as China - which claims Taiwan as a wayward province to be taken back by force if necessary - has been stepping up air and sea military exercises in waters surrounding Taiwan as part of a sweeping modernisation of its armed forces.

Speaking in Beijing at his annual news conference on Wednesday, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang repeated that China was resolutely opposed to Taiwan independence but it would uphold peace across the Taiwan Strait.

"No matter how the situation on the island may evolve, the fraternal bond between the two sides cannot be severed and will not be able to change history or the fact that both sides belong to one and the same China," Mr Li said.

Developments in the South China Sea, including rejection of an international court ruling by other claimants on territorial rights of the Philippines in the disputed waters, China's land reclamation and militarisation, and freedom of navigation patrols championed by the United States, could deepen strife in the area, the review will say.
Tillerson calls for `new approach` to North Korea, but no details

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson (L) shakes hands with Japan\'s Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida before their meeting at the foreign ministry\'s Iikura guest house in Tokyo, Japan on Thursday.

Reuters, Tokyo :

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said on Thursday the escalating threat from North Korea's nuclear program showed a clear need for a "new approach," although he stopped short of detailing what steps the Trump administration would pursue.

Tillerson was speaking at a news conference following talks with Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida in Tokyo, the start of his first trip to Asia as secretary of state. It was the first time Tillerson, a former oil executive with no prior diplomatic experience, took questions from the media since joining office in early February.

Two decades of diplomatic and other efforts, including aid given to North Korea by the United States, had failed to achieve the goal of denuclearizing Pyongyang, he said.

"So we have 20 years of failed approach," Tillerson said. "That includes a period where the United States has provided $1.35 billion in assistance to North Korea as an encouragement to take a different pathway."

He added: "In the face of this ever-escalating threat, it is clear that a different approach is required. Part of the purpose of my visit to the region is to exchange views on a new approach."

Tillerson visits South Korea and China later in the week. The New York Times reported on Wednesday he will warn Chinese officials that the United States would increase missile defenses in the region and target Chinese banks if Beijing does not constrain North Korea's nuclear and missile ambitions.

State Department spokesman Mark Toner said on Wednesday that Tillerson will have "substantive, hard" talks with U.S. partners in Asia on next steps in dealing with North Korea, but his visit was not likely to produce an immediate specific response.

In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying repeated Foreign Minister Wang Yi's proposal last week that North Korea should stop its nuclear and missile tests and South Korea and the United States should stop joint military drills and seek talks instead.

"We welcome all parties, including the United States, to come up with their own proposals," Hua told a daily news briefing. "As long as these proposals are conducive to ameliorating the present tense situation on the Korean peninsula and are beneficial to maintaining regional peace and stability ... China will have an open attitude."
Maliha Quadir named Young Global Leader of WEF

Economic Reporter :

Maliha Quadir, the founder of the Bangladesh's first online travel ticket purchasing platform, has been named as Young Global Leader of 2017 by World Economic Forum (WEF).

The WEF is a Swiss non-profit foundation that works "to improve the state of the world by engaging business, political, academic, and other leaders of society to shape global, regional, and industry agendas". It is best known for its annual meeting at the end of January in Davos.

Each year, it selects 100 young leaders, under the age of 40, who are tackling the world's "most complex challenges with innovative approaches".

Among the current and former Young Global Leaders are heads of government and Fortune 500 companies, winners of Olympic medals and Academy Awards, and "people who have overcome towering adversity to positively change the world we live in".

Maliha is the founding Managing Director of Shohoj Limited that owns and operates Shohoz.com, a premium online travel ticketing and reservation service provider.

"A businesswoman and a technology entrepreneur whose startup has done breakthrough work in digitising the transportation industry in Bangladesh," the WEF said in its website about Maliha while announcing this year's names.

They include a tech entrepreneur whose mobile app has helped over 100,000 smallholder farmers in Africa; a Yale graduate who shunned a big-city salary to help millions of villagers in rural China; a micro-insurance pioneer who is providing a safety net for the most vulnerable segments of society and transformative scientists who are pioneers in gene therapy, artificial intelligence, experimental psychology and mathematics.
Prepaid meter to save 33 cubic meter gas from each double burner

Business Desk :

With installation of prepaid meter for

domestic use of natural gas, approximately 33 cubic meter gas would be saved from a double burner oven per month.

"We have a plan to introduce prepaid meter for all gas burners in the country against monthly billing system, aimed at stopping misuse of natural gas," state minister for power, energy and mineral resources Nasrul Hamid. reports BSS.

He said the government has undertaken an initiative to install 2,68,600 prepaid meters at residential areas across the country, of which 13,100 have already be installed at Mohammapur and Dhanmondi areas under Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company Limited.

"The government under different projects will install prepaid gas meters to prevent wastage of gas during its use at different holdings. Our mission to achieve energy security and supply of sustainable energy for all at affordable prices," Nasrul said.

He said consumers of the natural gas under these projects would get more financial benefits by using the prepaid meters, compared to their use in the previous system.

According to Titas gas company officials, the state owned Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company Limited (TGTDCL) has targeted to install 2 lakh prepaid meters at Banana, Uttara, Baridhara, Gulshan and Mirpur.

In this regard, a contract was signed on Thursday with a Japanese firm Toyo Keiki Company Limited for installation of the prepaid meters with Taka 389 crore.

Company secretary of the TGTDCL and director of the Toyo Keiki Company Limited signed the agreement on behalf of their respective sides aimed at completing the installation works in 950 days. The prepaid meters would be installed under the 35th ODA loan package of the Japan government.

Besides, installation of 60,000 prepaid gas meters is under implementation in Chittagong under Karnaphuli Gas Transmission and Distribution Company Limited.

Natural gas is Bangladesh's main energy source and a major driver of economic growth, providing nearly 75 percent of total primary energy consumed.

However, the state minister said the government under dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has undertaken a series of measures to augment energy production in ensuring the country's energy security.
Shazzad Khan :Embracing Bangabandhu at the Algiers Non-Aligned Summit in 1973, Cuba's Fidel Castro remarked, "I have not seen the Himalayas. But I have seen Sheikh Mujib. In personality and in courage, this man is the Himalayas. I have thus had the experience of witnessing the Himalayas."This Sheikh Mujib is not just a mere individual or a name. He is an institution. A movement. A revolution. An upsurge. A tidal boar. A Lenin, a Mao, a Netaji, a Gandhi, a Fidel, a Kemal He is the essence of epic, poetry and history. He is the architect of a nation - the Bengali Nation. He is Bangabandhu - friend of the Bengalis.The history of Bengali nation goes back more than thousand years. This is why the contemporary history has recognised him as the greatest Bengali of the thousand years. The future will call him the idol of eternal time. And he will live, in brightness of a brightest star, in the annals of historical legends. He will show the path to the Bengali nation that his dreams are the basis of the existence of any nation struggling for freedom. His possibilities, the promises put forth by him, are the fountain-spring of the civilised existence of the Bengalis.Bangabandhu's political life began as a humble worker while he was still a student. He was fortunate to come in early contact with the towering personalities like Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy and A.K. Fazlul Huq, both charismatic Chief Ministers of undivided Bengal. Adolescent Bangabandhu grew up under the gathering gloom of stormy politics as the aging British Raj in India was falling apart and the Second World War was violently rocking the continents. He witnessed the ravages of the war and the stark realities of the great famine of 1943 in which about five million people lost their lives. The tragic plight of the people under colonial rule turned young Bangabandhu into a rebel.This was also the time when he saw the legendary revolutionaries like Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and Mahatma Gandhi challenging the British Raj. Also about this time he came to know the works of Bernard Shaw, Karl Marx, Rabindranath Tagore and Rebel Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. Soon after the partition of India in 1947 it was felt that the creation of Pakistan with its two wings separated by a physical distance of about 1200 miles was a geographical absurdity. The economic, political, cultural and linguistic characters of the two wings were also different. Keeping the two wings together under a forced bond of a single state structure in the name of religious nationalism would merely result in a rigid political control and economic exploitation of the eastern wing by the all-powerful western wing which controlled the country's capital and its economic and military might.Bangabandhu started his fight against the British colonial overlords and then he directed his wrath against the then Pakistani neo-colonialists. Step by step he prepared his people for their eventual destination. He was in the forefront of mass movements. After his imprisonment in 1949 he gave active support to the formation of the first mass-based opposition political party, the Awami League, under the leadership of Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani, which subsequently spearheaded the struggle for independence. In the 1954 provincial elections, the Bengalis overwhelmingly voted the Awami League-led United Front to power. The victory was, however, short-lived. In order to maintain their sway and dominance, the rulers in the western wing of Pakistan through coercive means, imposed military rule in 1958. Bangabandhu and other nationalist leaders put up stiff resistance against it and were detained for years together.In 1961 Bangabandhu was released from jail after he won a writ petition in the High Court. Then he started underground political activities against the martial law regime and dictator Ayub Khan. During this period he set up an underground organisation called "Swadhin Bangla Biplobi Parishad" or Independent Bangla Revolutionary Council, comprising outstanding student leaders in order to work for achieving independent Bangladesh.Keeping the essence of Swadhin Bangladesh, Bangabandhu placed his historic Six-Points in 1966. He called for a federal state structure for Pakistan and full autonomy for Bangladesh with a Parliamentary Democratic system. The Six-Points became so popular in a short time that it was turned into the 'Charter of Freedom' for the Bengalis or their Magna Carta. The Army Junta of Pakistan threatened with the language of weapons against the Six-Points Movement and the Bangabandhu was arrested under the Defence Rules on May 8, 1966. To subdue him, Bangabandhu was charged with secession and high treason, which was known as the infamous Agartala Conspiracy Case. But mass people burst into upsurge against his arrest.With the defeat of Ayub Khan regime in 1969 in a mass-upsurge which led to the unconditional withdrawal of Agartala conspiracy case, Bangabandhu had become an undisputed, home grown hero for the Bengali nation. People's admiration to his unfathomable courage and yearning for his guidance convinced that he was the friend of Bengal. They then start calling him Bangabandhu. The torch of politics of the Bengali nation was truly and irreversibly in his hands. He would carry it ahead, undaunted in his determination to transform the destiny of his people to make a Sonar Bangla.Bangabandhu's finest hour came on 7th March 1971. His historic speech on that day changed the course of the history of struggle for independence in the then Pakistan and gave millions of Bengalis a new sense of direction. Bangabandhu possessed the rare quality of harnessing the overwhelming power of the masses that overthrew the military regime standing in the way of Bangladesh's liberation.He declared in his speech, "The struggle now is the struggle for our emancipation, the struggle now is the struggle for our independence." In his historic speech, Bangabandhu urged the nation to break the shackles of subjugation and declared, "Since we have given blood, we will give more blood. The people of this country will be liberated Insha Allah." He called upon people to turn every house into a fortress with whatever they had to fight the enemy.He advised the people to prepare themselves for a guerrilla war against the enemy. He asked the people to start a total Non-Cooperation Movement against the government of Yahya Khan. There were ineffectual orders from Yahya Khan on the one hand, while the nation, on the other hand, received directives from Bangabandhu's Road 32 residence. The entire nation carried out Bangabandhu's instructions. All institutions, including government offices, banks, insurance companies, schools, colleges, mills and factories obeyed Bangabandhu's directives. The response of the Bengalis to Bangabandhu's call was unparallel in history. It was Bangabandhu who conducted the administration of an independent Bangladesh from March 7 to March 25.Another finest hour for Bangabandhu was when he declared independence of Bangladesh in the early hours of 26th March 1971, and an all-out guerrilla war began against the Pakistani oppressive regime. In his declaration he said, "This may be my last message. From today Bangladesh is independent. I call upon the people of Bangladesh, wherever you are and with whatever you have, to resist the army of occupation to the last. Your fight must go on until the last soldier of the Pakistan occupation army is expelled from the soil of Bangladesh and final victory is achieved."And the victory achieved on the 16th December 1971 - a dream came true for Bangabandhu. Lakhs and lacks of people sacrificed their lives in the name of Bangabandhu. It was his political inspiration and moral persuasion that made mass people to embrace martyrdom in Bangabandhu's name. The quest for his independence became synonymous with his title 'Bangabandhu'. And eventually he embraced martyrdom on the 15th August 1975 for the Bengali nation.The multifaceted life of any great man cannot be put together in language or colour. Bangabandhu was such a great man that he has become greater than his creation. It is not possible to hold him within the confines of picture-frame when his greatness is so unfathomable. He is our emancipation - for today and the days to come. The greatest treasure of the Bengali nation is preservation of his heritage and sustenance of his legacy. He has conquered death and become immortal. His memory is our passage to the days that are to be in future.-- Shazzad Khan works for Manusher Jonno Foundation; Email: [email protected]
Bangabandhu immortal in the Bangalees' memory

Zillur Rahman Siddiqui :

The tragedy of the magnitude of the one that happened on the 15th August in 1975 rarely happens to a nation. That killing was a glaring example of treason and sedition. Bangabandhau was not only the president of Bangladesh but was also the father of the nation as well as the architect of the country. The 1971 war of liberation was conducted by the exile government but Bangabandhu, though imprisoned in Pakistan, was the declared president of that government. Despite his absence, his presence was conspicuously felt from the first to the last day of the liberation war. He was present in the collective consciousness of the Bangalees and obviously by being the source of inspiration for all the activities of the exile government. It was Bangabandhu in whose name the war of liberation was conducted. In his absence the vice president Syed Nazrul Islam shouldered the responsibility of the president. The killers not only killed the incumbent president but also all the members of his family present there. Nobody, not even the women and children, were spared from that massacre. That kind of cruel violence can hardly be compared with any other in the history of the world. That cruelty and violence were inflicted to two other families comprising his close relatives. Attacks were made simultaneously in three homes. The houses of Bangabandbu's nephew Sheikh Moni and his brother-in-law (sister's husband) Serniabat which were located separately came under attack. The number of persons including the members of the three faruilies killed in that attack was 37.

Accomplices of the killers who were the members of Bangladesh Army carried the Bangabandhu's deadbody by a helicopter to his paternal home at Tungipara. He was buried in the most insolent manner. The minimum formalities for burial that were observed perfunctorily were possible due to the demand by some village locals. In case of other deceased, even that mimmum burial formality was not observed; the members of Bangabandhu's and two relatives' families were buried in Banani graveyard without any religious ritual.

That cruel incident was quite unthinkable. Bangabandhu never used to pay heed to any caution about probable attack on his life. He did not feel it necessary to live within the security blanket of Gonobhaban. The security system at his own house at Dhanmondi was not at all befitting for a president. He was certainly aware of that. But he firmly believed that no Bangalee would ever dare to kill him. He had the good faith that those whom he loved with all his heart loved him as well. Only great men can afford to have that kind of faith. He paid the price of his good faith by sacrificing his own life as was paid by the Indian Premier Indira Gandhi. She too was warned against her Sikh bodyguards in her house but she did not care. Having seen the armed killers, Bangabandhu perhaps could not think that they had come to take his life. Otherwise, he would not have uttered in his characteristic style -- what do you want here?

They replied to his question by pulling the triggers of their guns. They turned his body porous with bullets. They did not stop there. And then they targeted the other members of his family. Even the immaculate boy Russel, Bangabandhu's youngest son, was not spared from the hands of those murderers.

Today, there is not that much of debate or opaqueness as to who masterminded the beastly massacre and what they wanted to achieve ? Though they apparently killed the person of Sheikh Mujib but if we judge the extent of that killing and take the killing of four national leaders in November into consideration, there remains no shred of doubt that they did not kill any person, they rather killed spirit of the independence of the country.

They claimed that by killing Bangabandhu they saved the country from destruction -- a claim that they made quite publicly. Never did they deny the responsibility of the killing; rather they confessed with pride and uttered in arrogance we are the killers, let them try us if they can.

The killers had find conviction that they would remain above any trial for ever. And that conviction was not baseless. Those that came to power immediately after the assassination sealed the means of the trial by enacting a law. The Indemnity Act was their life saving amulet. Besides, the post Bangbandhu killing government extended all cooperation to the killers. They were taken care of abroad, not in the country.

That government was not satisfied with providing the murderers with legal immunity only, they also rewarded them. At the same time, they discarded the Bangladesh of the war of liberation and got preoccupied in building a new Bangladesh. That Bangladesh would be the Pakistan edition of Bangladesh. Right at the beginning of the process, secularism was to be abandoned as that was against the religion. The religion that occupied the exalted position in state system during the Pakistan regime was brought back pompously .The way for the return of the religion-based politics which was prohibited in the Constitution was paved for. The objectives of the amendments made to the Constitution were the same--to remake the Constitution befitting the new Bangladesh by wiping out Socialism and Secularism. They were yet to be appeased; the successor to Ziaur Rahman made Islam the state religion through the 8th amendment of the Constitution. He drove the last nail in the coffin of Secularism.

All governments of the new Bangladesh maintained the singleness of their attitude towards the killing of August in 1975. They did not take the killing to be an offence. Nor did they take any initiative to bring the killers to justice. That initiative had to be taken by the government of Sheikh Hasina who won the 1996 election. During the first five- year tenure the Sheikh Hasina government brought the killers to justice under the normal law of the country. But that government could not witness the verdict of trial delivered. The Awami League could not come to power in the following election.

The Jamat-e-Islami was a partner of the next Jote alliance government. Naturally the task undertaken by the Awami League government remained incomplete. The Awami League led-Grand Alliance returned to power with a landslide victory in the election of 2008. And the trial of the murder of Bangabandhu got complete in 2009, after 34 years of the killing. Those found guilty of homicide were executed, but partially. Because, the absconding convicted are still outside justice.

In one sense, the long nightmare of post -75 frustration and waiting has come to end through the establishment of the rule of law by the present government. It is a great achievement in our history spanning about forty years. Criminalization of politics had been in force for more than twenty years after the murder of Bangabandhu. The inevitable result of that process was the retardation of judiciary. The most heinous crime could not be tried in that paralyzed judicial system. The most optimistic change that has become evident today is manifest through the emergence of the judicial system being on its own feet.

The victory of the grand alliance led by the Awami League in the 2008 election would be considered the triumph of people's demand. That demand was to revive the 1972 Constitution and to bring the war criminals to justice. The obstacles to achieving the goals not only spring from outside but also from within. We must not forget that Secularism in the 1972 Constitution is an indivisible conception. There is no room for any compromise.

What happened in August and November in 1975 pushed Bangladesh out of its orbit politically. That deflection has left a terrible scar on our national life. Political criminalization does not remain limited to the gamut of politics only. It has escalated to all spheres of our national life. The Prime Minister has to warn her near ones almost every day so that they do not indulge in corruption. Though there are efforts to break away the net of corruption, in our every day life we experience the irresistible attraction of that net of corruption as well.

Why we could not turn about right after the terrible assault of August in 1975, why we had to endure the anguish of defeat and humiliation of long period of tyranny and misrule ?--we are yet to get appropriate answers to these questions. Is our political consciousness still not deep-rooted? Our political organizations still weak? But if you look into the election results, who would argue that the voters in Bangladesh made blunder in casting their votes? Or, they delayed in reprimanding the rulers as they erred or failed?

Bangabandhu reposed his confidence on this people of Bangladesh. People were the source of his power. In him did they find their indisputable leader. The reactionary forces wanted the people of the Bengal to forget Bangabandhu. But they have not forgotten him. He is still crowned with their respect, bathes in their love. The black stain resulting from the killing of the father of the nation, the greatest Bangalee in the history, has been removed through the trial of the killers. Bangabandhu's place is eternal in the hearts of the Bangalees.

Translation : A.M. Saleheen
Call for freedom

Aminul Islam :

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is an inseparable name that always goes with the Independence of Bangladesh and realization of lawful rights of the people of this country or, in other words, their movements for economic, political and cultural freedom. The whole period of our over twenty three-year long attachment with Pakistan passed with anxiety and discomfort. The name of Bangabandhu has been written in golden letters with each of the movements-struggles and achievements of this period -- for self-rule, Parliamentary democracy, secular society, equidistribution of national resources.

In his historical public address of 7th March, 1971 at Rescourse maidan of Dhaka, Bangabandhu described the tyranny and oppressions of Pakistani rulers over the people of Bengal in this way: "The history of the past twenty three years has been the history of a persecution of the people of Bengal, a history of the blood of the people of Bengal. This history of the past twenty three years has been one of the agonising cries of men and women. The history of Bengal has been a history where the people of this land have made crimson the streets and highways of this land with their blood." He also said: "We gave blood in 1952. In 1954, we won the elections and yet were not permitted to exercise power. In 1958, Ayub Khan imposed Martial Law and kept the nation in a state of slavery for ten long years. On 7 June 1966, as they rose in support of the Six-Point movement, the sons of my land were mown down in gunfire. When Yahya Khan took over once Ayub Khan fell in the fury of the movement of 1969, he promised that he would give us a Constitution, give us Democracy. We put our faith on him. And then history moved a long way, the elections took place."

In 1970, in the first ever general election held in Pakistan, Bangladesh Awami League under the leadership of Bangabandhu attained majority in the national Parliament. But Pakistani authority began to play different tricks against handing over power to the elected representatives. The first session of the national assembly that was supposed to meet on March 3, 1971 was arbitrarily and illegally postponed for an indefinite period by General Yahya just two days ahead of the scheduled date. There were protests everywhere in East Bengal against this, demonstrations were made. On March 2, the flag of Bangladesh was hoisted first at the Dhaka University Campus, and then at the Paltan Ground on the following day. The 17 -minute speech delivered at Racecourse maidan by Bangabandhu on March 7, after a countrywide whole week of strike, is an ever-memorable speech in the human history. The speech invigorated everyone whosoever had heard it, inspired them and made them determined for the ultimate sacrifice for the country.

Standing in front of lakhs of protesting people, Bangabandhu in his 7th March speech reflected the expectation of the crowd : "Today the people of Bengal desire emancipation, the people of Bengal wish to live, the people of Bengal demand that their rights be acknowledged." He said, if another bullet is fired, if any more of the people are murdered, it is my directive to all of you: turn every house into a fortress, resist the enemy with everything you have." He announced for the Pakistani rulers and military forces loyal towards them : "You cannot keep seventy five million people in bondage. Now that we have learnt to die, no power on earth can keep us in subjugation." Then he told his own people : in every village, every neighbourhood, set up Sangram Parishad under the leadership of the Awami League. "And be prepared with whatever you have. Remember: Having mastered the lesson of sacrifice, we shall give more blood. God Willing, we shall free the people of this land. The struggle this time is a struggle for emancipation. The struggle this time is a struggle for independence."

Up to March 25, it was Bangabandhu who was the real governor of Bangladesh. The Government House and the Cantonments were the only exceptions. Offices, court houses, educational institutions, banks, transport systems -- all were running or kept stopped with Bangabandhu's instructions only. Bangabandhu was taken to Pakistan custody arrested at the night past the day of March 25. On the eve of the incident, that is, at the early hours of March 26, he managed to send through EPR a radio message to his countrymen urging to combat Pakistani attacks and declaring the Independence of Bangladesh. The proclamation of Independence by Bangabandhu was as follow :

"This may be my last message, from today Bangladesh is independent. I call upon the people of Bangladesh wherever you might be and with whatever you have, to resist the army of occupation to the last. Your fight must go on until the last soldier of the Pakistan occupation army is expelled from the soil of Bangladesh and final victory is achieveds."

After this, Bangabandhu's proclamation of Independence was also approved and supported in the official proclamation by Mujibnagar Government on 10 April. People from all walks of life of this land joined in to combat Pakistani raiders from the very beginning of the war. Peasants joined leaving their ploughs, workers joined leaving their tools, students joined leaving the books and women came out disregarding family ties. Middle-income group people of different professions came out -- doctors, engineers, teachers, bureaucrats, artistes, journalists. They took up training on weapons operating and on guerilla warfare. Shadhin Bangla radio center spread fiery words to inspire the freedom fighters; overseas Bangalis started lobbying for international support and collecting fund for the war.

After nine and a half months of captivity in the prison of Pakistan, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman returned home on 10 January 1972. Now the country is independent, Bangladesh is proud with its own politico-cultural identity. Mujib, the guide of freedom of the Bangali nation, informed his commitment of another freedom -- economic freedom. In his first speech delivered in his own independent country Bangabandhu pronounced to the people: "My request from today, my orders and directives as a brother, not as a leader, not as the President or Prime Minister -- I am your brother, you are my brothers. This Independence will be futile unless my people of Bengal can have square meals. This Independence will remain incomplete if our mothers and sisters do not have cloths to wear. This Independence will bear no fruit if the youth do not have jobs, do not have work." He expressed hope : "This Bangladesh will grow anew. The people of Bangladesh will have smiles on their faces, they will have frolics in their life, they will breathe the fresh air and have square meals -- this has been the worship and longing in my life."

In this way, Bangabandhu became the great savior of Bangalis through creating longing for freedom, making movement for it, giving right directives for achieving it and making overall political, cultural and economic emancipation of the nation a success. A dignified independent and sovereign nation is emerged under his farsighted leadership.

Translation : Munshi Jalal Uddin
I want to serve the people with sincerity and honesty

It was my parents dream that their daughter would be Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) cadre. I was also so serious to fulfill their dream. Finally I have been recommended as BCS Cadre (admin) in 35th BCS examination. I thank Almighty Allah for selecting me in this post. I will discharge my duties after joining with sincerity and honesty. It is my determination that I will never involve in corruption and will fight against it. Even I am ready to dedicate my life in the interest of the country. I will work to create awareness among the women so that they make themselves skilled and qualified.

Sharmin Akter who stood first in the 35th BCS examination, said this while talking to The New Nation recently. Staff Reporter of The New Nation M M Jasim took an interview of Sharmin.

Sharmin Akter was born in a Muslim family in Shariatpur on 6 November in 1986. Her father Akhter Hossain is a businessman and mother Mahmuda Akhter is a house wife. Her husband Jaher Alam is a businessman. She is the mother of a daughter and a son.

Sharmin Akter passed Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examination from Tejgaon Government High School in 2002 and Higher Secondary School (HSC) from Dhanmondhi Ideal College in 2004.

She admitted in Marketing Department of University of Dhaka. Popy passed BBA and MBA from Dhaka University successfully with 1st class marks.

She joined National Bank in 2013 and now performing her duties as Senior Executive Officer in Karwan Bazar Branch.

The New Nation: You are a BCS cadre (recommended) now. Why chose BCS?

Sharmin Akter: BCS is an attractive job. Not only today it was prestigious even during British and Pakistan period. BCS cadres have many responsibilities. They also can contribute in nation building activities. That is why I have chosen it.

The New Nation: Who inspired you to be BCS Cadre?

Sharmin Akter: It was my mother's dream that her daughter would achieve this. My mother always insisted me to take preparation to sit in the examination. Even after getting bank job she continued her attempt. After my marriage my husband provided his helping hands and supported me a lots. It was impossible to be BCS cadre without my husband's positive initiative. I am grateful to both of my mother and husband. I never forget them.

The New Nation: why you have chosen admin?

Sharmin Akter: Actually I would like to do something for the people. I love my country and I have a dream to change it. There is no another cadre which can directly help to work for the people. I could provide my service to the people directly. Admin cadres have the executive power which they can use it to prevent corruption and other social menaces. That is why I have chosen admin cadre.

The New Nation: How you will tackle the challenges in the field?

Sharmin Akter: I know J Arnold Toyenbee's Challenge and Response Theory where he mentioned that challenge may come any time and you have to get ready to face that. If you face it successfully you will be winner or you can survive in the society. So, our society has many problems and challenges will come when you will face the challenges. I am determined to serve the people. So I am ready to face any challenges. I will try my level best to overcome the challenges.

The New Nation: How much you love the country?

Sharmin Akter: It is very difficult to express. I can say that I can sacrifice my life for the sake of my beloved country.

The New Nation: what is your plan for women empowerment?

Sharmin Akter: Almost half of the population of the country is women. It is impossible to develop the country except the women. It will be my first priority to create awareness among the women so that they can realise that they are also capable to do everything. I will continue my endavour until my death. I believe that the women of this land will prosper their life. they have to do this. We have also many examples such our honourable Prime Minister, Opposition leader in Parliament, Speaker and former Prime Minister are women.

The New Nation: What is your motto and pledge?

Sharmin Akter: my motto and pledge are to serve the people with honesty.

The New Nation: What is your suggestion for the students who want to be BCS cadre?

Sharmin Akter: BCS examination is no so hard. At the same time it not also very easy. Anybody can be BCS cadre if he or she is determined, aware about time management, industries and commited for relentless endavour.

The New Nation: What is your call for the new generation?

Sharmin Akter: The new generation is the heart of a nation. They must be patriots. It is high time to make them as asset of the nation. It is equally important for the new generation to be determined, aware about time management, industries and committed for relentless endavour.

The New Nation: Thank you!

Sharmin Akter: welcome! n
Solo painting exhibition at Alliance Francaise

Sheikh Arif Bulbon :

A solo painting exhibition by Prof Siddhartha Talukder titled

Self-revelation is going on at La Galerie, Alliance Francaise de Dhaka (AFD) in the citys Dhanmondi area now. Eminent artist Prof Rafiqun Nabi inaugurated the exhibition as the chief guest while noted art critic Prof Moinuddin Khaled and renowned artist Prof Nisar Hossain were also attended the opening

ceremony as special guests on the occasion. Bruno Plasse, Director of AFD, gave welcome speech at the opening ceremony.

Siddhartha Talukder comes from exploring a long 40 years in pursuit of art. Though he participated in more than 100 group exhibitions, both national and international level, this exhibition titled

Self-revelation is his first solo.

In the past few years Prof Talukder worked with different colour media like oil, watercolour, acrylic, pastel, and mixed media. His artistic language is abstract and his subjects are mainly nature and human, sometimes non-objective; and conveys both traditionalism and modernism. Some of his paintings are painted over a long period of time and encapsulate many layers of musings and creative awareness.

As Talukder puts it, each diligent artist should leave a sign of their own style even under restriction,

his paintings exude hard work, dedication and introspection.

Prof Siddhartha Talukder was born in Jamalpur district in 1957.

He obtained his MFA (Drawing and Painting), Institute of Fine Art, University of Dhaka in 1984. He did PhD on History of Art from

Visva-Bharati University, Santinketan, India in 1999. Currently he is the Professor of Department

of Painting, Oriental Art and Printmaking, University of Rajshahi.

The exhibition will continue

till March 18. n
Bank employee hacked to death in city

Staff Reporter :

A woman was hacked to death reportedly by her former husband Robin in a broad daylight in the city's Central Road area on Thursday morning.

The deceased identified as Ariful Nesa Arifa was an employee of the Jamuna Bank, Purana Paltan Branch, police said.

Quoting the relatives, Bachchu Mia, In-Charge of DMCH Police Outpost said that Arifa was attacked with a sharp weapon by Robin in front of her residence near the Ideal College, Dhanmandi at about 8:30 am when she was going to office.

She was rushed to nearby Central Hospital in a critical condition and later moved to Dhaka Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) where she succumbed to her injuries at about 11:45am, the police official said.

There were deep gashes in the head, the hands and the neck of the victim, the SI said.

"Both Arifa and Robin hailed from Jamalpur and got married four years ago. But the conjugal life ended six months ago. Since then, she lived on the Central Road with her mother. Nonetheless, after giving repeated threats to life, Robin finally attacked her as soon as she came out of the house," he said.

The body has been sent to the DMCH for an autopsy, the SI said. A murder case was filed with the Police station in this connection.
Ex-MP Iqbal`s wife, 3 Children get bail

The High Court on Thursday granted bail for six months to the wife and three children of former Awami League MP Dr HBM Iqbal who were convicted in a corruption case.

An HC bench of Justice Obaidul Hassan and Justice Krishna Debnath passed the order after hearing an appeal filed by them seeking bail in the case. Abdul Baset Majumder stood for Iqbal's family members while Khurshid Alam Khan argued for the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC). On March, 8, a Dhaka court sent Iqbal's wife Mamtaz Begum, two sons-Moin Iqbal and Imran Iqbal-and daughter Naurin Iqbal to jail after they surrendered before it in compliance with a Supreme Court order. In May 2007, the ACC filed the case against Iqbal, his wife and their three children for acquiring wealth illegally and concealing wealth information in statements submitted to the national anti-graft body. In March 2008, a court here sentenced Dr Iqbal to 13 years' imprisonment and fined him Tk 50 lakh. The court also sentenced his four family members to three years' jail. In the same year, the High Court stayed the lower court verdict and issued a rule asking the authorities concerned to explain why the sentence should not be scrapped.

In 2011, the High Court acquitted Iqbal of the charge. Later, the ACC filed a petition challenging his acquittal.

However, the ACC told the court in 2015 that they did not want to proceed with the petition.

On November 15 last year, the ACC again filed a petition with the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court seeking a stay on the order against the convictions of Iqbal's family members.

On November 27 of the year, the Appellate Division, led by Chief Justice Surendra Kumar Sinha, upheld the convictions of former AL MP's wife and children.
Bangabandhu`s birth anniv today

Staff Reporter :

The 97th birth anniversary of father of the nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the National Children's Day will be observed today [Friday] with due respect and festivity.

Marking the day, the government along with various socio-cultural and political organisations have chalked out elaborate programmes throughout the country. On the day, the President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will place floral wreaths at the Bangabandhu's mazar at Tungipara in Gopalganj. The President and PM will offer fateha and special prayers seeking eternal peace of the departed soul of Bangabandhu as well as other martyrs of the August 15 carnage.

A smartly turned out contingent of army, navy and air force will present guard of honour while bugle will play the last post.

A central delegation of the ruling party Bangladesh Awami League led by its President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will also place wreaths at mazar.

The PM is scheduled to address a children's rally as the chief guest on the mazar premises organized by the Women and Children Affairs Ministry and Gopalganj District Administration.

After delivering her speech, the PM will enjoy the cultural show of children sitting in the audience row. Later, she will inaugurate 'Grantha Mela' arranged by the Jatiya Grantha Kendra. After that, the PM will distribute sewing machines and visit the photo exhibition titled- 'Khoka Theke Bangabandhu.'

President Abdul Hamid is expected to inaugurate the National Children's Day programme to be arranged by Bangabandhu Shishu Kishore Mela at Bangabhaban in the afternoon.

Marking the day, President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in separate messages greeted the nation.

In his message, Abdul Hamid said Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the architect of independent Bangladesh, always dreamt of building a happy and prosperous Sonar Bangla [Golden Bengal]. "We have to build our young generation as worthy citizens to materialise Bangabandhu's dream of transforming our country into 'Sonar-Bangla'," he said.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in her message, said Bangabandhu was not only the leader of the Bangalee, but also a forerunner in realising the rights of the oppressed and deprived masses of the world. "Let us join our hands to build a non-communal, hunger-poverty free and happy-prosperous 'Sonar Bangla' as dreamt by the Father of the Nation. On the day, this is our commitment," she said.
Return Tk 700 cr to different businesses: SC

The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court (SC) on Thursday upheld the High Court order that had directed the government to return around Tk 700 crore collected from different business conglomerates during the army-backed caretaker government.

A four-member Appellate Division bench headed by Chief Justice SK Sinha passed the order on Thursday. Earlier on Wednesday the same bench fixed yesterday for delivering its verdict, concluding the hearing on the 11 separate appeals filed by Bangladesh Bank. Barristers Rokon Uddin Mahmud, Khairul Alam, Shafique Ahmed, Yusuf Hossain Humayun, Ahsanul Kabir and MA Hannan, among others, argued for the business establishments while Barrister M Amir-Ul Islam stood for Bangladesh Bank and Attorney General Mahbubey Alam represented the state. Talking to reporters, Khairul Alam said according to the central bank, over Tk 1200 crore had been taken from some businessmen during the emergency rule in 2007-08.The Appellate Division heard the appeals of nearly 15-16 companies, seeking the refund of the money.

Khairul said the HC earlier delivered an order to refund the money but Bangladesh Bank filed appeals with the Appellate Division against the HC order, adding that the SC will pass the verdict on the appeals on Thursday.

According to the SC, the officials of an intelligence agency collected Tk 1,232 crore from nearly 40 businessmen and business houses and deposited the money in the Bangladesh Bank through over 200 pay orders. The businessmen filed separate writ petitions seeking the refund of the money after Awami League came to power. The BB filed the appeals with the SC after the Appellate Division of the apex court allowed it to file the appeal.


4 militants, 1 kid killed

Four suspected militants and one kid were killed during special joint forces\' raid on a militant den at Premtala in Sitakunda upazila of Chittagong on Thursday morning. About 24 residents being trapped inside near the den were rescued (inset top).

Staff Reporter :

At least four suspected militants, including a woman, were killed in an overnight raid titled 'Assault 16' by special joint forces at a house at Premtala in Sitakunda upazila on the outskirts of Port City Chittagong on Thursday morning.

Besides, the body of a child was recovered from the house in the evening.

However, the identity of the militants and the kid could not be known immediately.

The dead militants were presumed to be operatives of Neo-Jamaatul Mujahideen Bangladesh. Of the four, two were killed in suicide bomb explosions, two other killed during shootout between the members of law enforcers and suspected militants.

Four members of law enforcement agencies also received serious injuries during the raid that began at 6:10am on Thursday and continued till 10:00am. Two of the injured cops have been admitted to Combined Military Hospital of Chittagong.

A joint team comprising Counter Terrorism Unit and Special Weapon and Tactic Team from capital Dhaka, Rapid Action Battalion, and Chittagong district police cordoned off the two-storey building, Chhaya Neer in Premtala area of Sitakunda since 3:00pm on Wednesday.

Later on Thursday morning, the joint forces launched the operation titled 'Assault -16' there to track down the militants.

After ending an overnight standoff, Mohammad Shafiqul Islam, Deputy Inspector General, Chittagong Range, told journalists on the spot that two militants were killed in suicide bomb explosions and two other killed in police firing during the encounter.

"Two suicide vests which they wore exploded and killing them on the spot. And the two other, including a woman, were killed in police firing. The encounter began after a night-long police siege to the hideout of the neo-JMB," he said. "The fire was returned by the joint forces and in the ensuing gunfight, which continued for more than three hours, four militants were killed," he said, adding security forces also suffered injuries.

Talking to journalists, Reazaul Masud said the encounter began after a night-long police siege to the hideout of the neo-JMB, which launched the deadly July 1, 2016 attack on a Dhaka Holey Artisan Cafe, killing 22 people, including 17 foreigners.

"The suspected militants hurled grenades and powerful bombs targeting the law enforcers as police opened fire at 6:20 am," he said.

Abdul Mannan, Deputy Commissioner, Counter Terrorism Unit, said some 24 residents of the house in the area including female and children of seven families, were virtually trapped inside as the operation was underway but they came out of the building as the encounter ended.

Earlier, police cordoned 'Chhaya Nir" after arresting a couple and their son with arms and explosives from another Neo-JMB hideout' at the neighbourhood on Wednesday evening.

Agency adds; Inspector General of Police AKM Shahidul Hoque on Thursday said the law enforcers came to know about more militant dens in Sitakunda from Hasan and Jasim - two militants arrested in Chandina upazila of Comilla.

Following their information, a team of Sitakunda police raided a house at Madhyam Mahadebpur village in Sitakunda on Wednesday afternoon, said Mahabubur Rahman, assistant superintendent of police (Mirsarai circle).

The law enforcers arrested an alleged militant couple --Jashim and his wife Arjina - along with their two-month-old baby from the house and recovered a number of grenades, bombs and firearms from the house.

Following information gleaned from the couple, the same team raided the militant den at Premtala on Wednesday afternoon.

When police tried to enter the house, suspected militants hurled hand grenades at them, leaving two policemen, including officer-in-charge of Sitakunda Police Station Mozammel, injured.

Later, a joint team of SWAT and district police made another attempt around 8:00pm to enter the house. However, the militants charged hand grenades again.

Finally, the special CTTC team ended the standoff through the final assault early Thursday.

The IGP said before launching the operation, the law enforcers asked the militants to surrender but they responded to the call hurling grenades at them.
Vested group set fire on Shanties of Korail slum

Md. Joynal Abedin Khan :

A vested group of people allegedly set fire on the Shanties of Korail slum in the city's Mohakhali area on Thursday to grab around 150 acres of land by evicting hundreds of residents of the area, source said.



According to official record, this is the fourth time fire set by the vested group.



Residents of the slum claimed that a number of high profile personalities backed by some local ruling men trying to evict the rootless people to occupy the lands of the country's largest slum.



They are using several gangs of miscreants to set fire in the shanties that already has been created a deep panic among the victims as well as countrymen, they added.



According to them, residents of the slum have been gripped in fear of eviction since that Bangladesh Telecommunication Company Ltd (BTCL) has taken a plan to recover the land to set up a high-tech park under the Private Sector Development Support Project in the 19-hectare land of the slum. The World Bank and the Department for International Development (DFID) are funding the high-tech park project.



A report of the Economic Empowerment of the Poorest (EEP) published in 2012 shows that more than 20,000 families reside in Korail while another report of the Promoting Environmental Health for the Urban Poor project for Korail slum claimed that at least 250,000 people are there in the slum and adjacent areas.



In this context, at least 500 shanties of the slum were gutted in a devastating fire on Thursday while nearly 3,000 shanties were burn to ashes on December 4, March 14 and January 9 in last year respectively.



Meanwhile, a fire occurred in the slum for the fourth times around 3:30am on Thursday, said Fire Service Control Room official Mizanur Rahman.



Fourteen fire-fighting units rushed to the scene, which were later joined by four more units, the fire service official said. It took the firefighters a little over five hours to put out the flames, he said.



Debashish Bhadra, Deputy Director (operation) of Fire Service and Civil Defense of Headquarters, said a three-member probe committee headed by Abdul Mannan, Deputy Director (Department) of Fire Service Headquarters, was formed to look into the fire incident.



Mohammad Khokon, a slum dweller and also a television shop owner, says: "We live in a land owned by the government. The way the fire broke out and spread last night, we feel someone might have set fire to the slum using petrol to evict them."



A local Ajmol said, "Some vested interests instructed evicted youngsters from the slum to set fire to the local Brac School and some shanties."



Milon, a slum dwellers said, "The government does not want us to live here. It has plans to establish an ICT park."



The DNCC Mayor Annisul Huq said, "We can not confirm the reason behind the fire before the investigation is completed."



The DCC has no plan to build IT park to evict the dwellers, they Mayor said.



Khondkar Rebeka Sun-Yat, Executive Director of Coalition for the Urban Poor (CUP), claimed the authorities concerned and their associates have a history of resorting to such illegal and inhumane tactics to evict the slums.



In this back drop, in 1999, two legal aid organisations - Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) and Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST) - jointly filed a writ petition against an eviction drive. On April 6, 2012, the ASK and BLAST filed another petition on behalf of the residents of Korail slum after the government had conducted a massive drive to evict the poor people on April 4. Following the petition, the High Court directed the ICT Division to take appropriate measures for the rehabilitation of the slum dwellers.
Legal status for BD workers in Egypt

THE New Nation reported on Thursday that over 15000 illegal workers from Bangladesh are facing troubles in Egypt because they have no valid work permit and exposed to arrest and deportation. Most of them went to Egypt on tourist visa to try to go to Europe through informal channel in the first hand but got stuck up and took jobs in garment factories in Egypt. Bangladeshi businessmen have set up these factories to avail of duty-free export facilities to the USA and European countries. But as the presence of large number of Bangladeshi workers, now about 20 thousands drew attention of the Egyptian authorities, they asked the employers in December last year to regularize them paying certain amount of fees. It appears that the employers did not take it seriously and missed the time frame triggering the crisis.



Egyptian police are now mounting raids and arresting illegal workers. Most of these people are living insecure life while the Egyptian law also requires paying a hefty fine for illegal stay at the time of deportation. Now both staying and leaving the country appear equally agonizing and they are flocking to Bangladesh Embassy in Cairo for help. We believe this is the only way and our mission there should extend all help to them to get formal working visa to end their problem. They should handle the problem with all seriousness making sure that nobody will be harassed at the time of their peril. Bangladesh has excellent diplomatic relations with Egypt and we believe if properly presented, the Egyptian government will surely give legal status to those illegal workers facing troubles. Foreign Ministry must monitor it. In our view their employers should bear the cost since they are part of their workforce. Their inaction has made the workers vulnerable.



It is good that many Bangladeshi businessmen have set-up garment factories in Egypt. Some of them have also set-up manufacturing facilities in Jordan but what is important here is that employers must formally recruit workers from the country so that they do not face any uncertainty in a foreign land. We are always voicing concerns for safety of our workers abroad while making the point time and again that the government should have a clear policy to stop human trafficking and illegal immigration; which makes workers life unsafe.



In our view big budget does not speak about development, we should have a focused training programme for our workforce so that they can go abroad as skilled workers and on top of it they are not required to go abroad when people from other countries are taking jobs here. It requires safe business environment without political chaos, extortion and mugging. People can even better prosper by self-employment opening new businesses.






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Jimmy Genoveses election to the Louisiana Supreme Court in November left vacant his seat on the Third Circuit Court of Appeal. The short special election cycle combined with the harsh Supreme Court race between Genovese and 15th Judicial District Court Judge Marilyn Castle discouraged sitting judges in the eight-parish district from entering the race.

In early January, three candidates qualified for the March 25 election  Vanessa Waguespack Anseman, Candyce Gagnard Perret and Susan Theall.

The dynamic that existed at qualifying, however, has been shattered by information that has since come to public light.

Seemingly out of nowhere, Perret emerged with the backing of an array of business and political leaders from across Acadiana. Newspaper ads announcing her candidacy the week of qualifying trumpeted her endorsement by leaders from both chambers and parties in the Legislature, two district attorneys, a sheriff and community and business leaders across the region. Perret, it seemed, was on a path to victory.

Instead, Perrets campaign drew public attention to a long-running federal investigation into the business practices of a company owned by her husband, Hunter, and reports of her 2004 arrest in Florida in which public records reveal that she identified herself as an assistant district attorney, a job she has never held. Those revelations wiped out the inevitability of her election nearly as quickly as it had emerged.

Theall, a former 15th JDC judge, decided to enter the race in December when it became apparent that no sitting judge would. It was Theall who first spoke publicly about the investigation into Hunter Perrets Louisiana Specialty Institute at the Jan. 9 meeting of the Lafayette Trial Lawyers Association.

That was the same day Vanessa Anseman began taking steps to have her eligibility to practice law restored, after having walked away from the legal profession in 2012 to tend to her ailing father.

Anseman had her eligibility to practice restored on the final day qualifying was opened  Jan. 13.

Perret leads the money race with Anseman having nearly as much cash on hand after a late start, according to the most recent campaign finance reports. Theall trails badly in money but says she is confident that she will have enough money to run a media campaign in these final two weeks of the campaign to complement her relentless campaigning.

Heres a quick synopsis of the strengths and weaknesses of each candidate:

Vanessa Anseman Photo by Robin May

Vanessa Anseman. Ansemans legal background is in maritime defense litigation. She worked in Jones Walkers New Orleans office after graduating in the top 10 percent of her LSU Law School class in 2003. Following the post-Katrina flooding of her New Orleans home and a divorce, she relocated to Lafayette where she joined Liskow & Lewis.

Questions about Ansemans eligibility to assume the seat arose when information from the Louisiana State Bar Association revealed that she was certified ineligible to practice law short of the 10 years of practice requirement set for appellate court judges in the Louisiana Constitution. Louisianas top legal ethicist, Loyola law professor Dane Ciolino, says he does not believe Anseman meets the eligibility requirement. On March 9, St. Landry Parish District Attorney Earl Taylor confirmed that he had filed a lawsuit challenging Ansemans candidacy after receiving a complaint from attorney Verona Wiltz of Krotz Springs. The suit was set to be heard March 13 in 27th Judicial District Court, just as this issue was going to press.

Candyce Perret Photo by Robin May

Candyce Perret. A Marksville native, Perret is a 1997 graduate of Loyola College of Law in New Orleans. Her legal career started in her home town where she became a city prosecutor. She later moved back to New Orleans and worked for the plaintiffs firm Gainsburgh Benjamin David for three years. She served as a clerk at the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal in New Orleans for two years before moving her practice to the Opelousas firm of Morrow, Morrow, Ryan & Bassett in 2006 where she practiced until 2012.

According to a June 11, 2004, arrest report filed by the Walton County (Florida) Sheriffs Office, Gagnard Perret listed her employment as Assistant District Attorney. Its a position she has never held. Her campaign (and her then-fiance John W. Houghtaling II) say she never told the arresting officers that was her job. Houghtaling says in a telephone interview (and in a letter to Gagnard Perret that he shared with this media group) the arrest report contained deliberately false statements. Houghtaling expressed remorse that he did not make good on his promise to sue the sheriffs deputies for false arrest.

Gagnard Perret has served as The Perret Groups general counsel since June 2013, just after legal questions about Hunter Perrets LSI business practices first drew the attention of Louisiana courts. By that time, federal investigators were already looking into potential illegal activity involving altered medical reports, seven attorneys interviewed by the feds have told this news organization. She served as counsel and custodian of medical records for LSI in early 2014 and represented LSI physicians who were deposed in personal injury cases where defense attorneys raised questions about the care provided, the accuracy of medical reports and LSIs billing practices. LSI is not part of The Perret Group, which Candyce and Hunter co-own. It predates their marriage.

Susan Theall Photo by Robin May

Susan Theall. Theall, who served for three years as judge in the 15th JDCs Division M, is a family law specialist who has practiced for more than 30 years. The Lafayette native is a graduate of Northside High School, UL Lafayette and Loyola College of Law in New Orleans. Except for her tenure on the bench, Thealls private practice has been established in Lafayette since 1992. She began her legal career in Opelousas after clerking for two judges in the 27th JDC there.

Theall says she got into the race in part to defend the integrity of her profession, saying she has been shocked by the legal communitys years of silence about the ongoing investigation into the Perrets business practices. Theall admits that she faces long odds getting into the race but believes events since qualifying have improved her chances.

Turnout is expected to be as low as emotions in the three campaigns are high. If no candidate garners a majority of the votes cast on March 25, the top two votegetters will be on the ballot for the April 29 runoff election.
Im not the only person who thinks much of the success Lourdes enjoys today would not have been possible had someone else been tapped for the top post more than a decade ago.

Bud Barrow Photo by Robin May

News of Bud Barrows plans to retire early this year from his post as the top administrator at Our Lady of Lourdes caught me  and lots of other people, Ive since learned  by surprise. The unexpected news, which I got wind of in the fall, took me back more than a decade to when I first interviewed Barrow about his new position.

The date was April 2006  the month after he was named president and CEO of the local not-for-profit hospital  and it was by just about any measure a very bad time for Lourdes. Only two months earlier, Lafayette cardiologist Dr. Mehmood Patel, who performed most of his procedures at Lourdes, had been indicted on 94 counts of health care fraud.

This news organization had been on the Patel story for some time leading up to the indictment, and Lourdes had stalled our efforts, refusing early on to even confirm whether Patel (the federal investigation had to be the worst-kept secret in health care circles) retained privileges at the hospital. Patel was found guilty in 2008 on 51 counts  mainly for performing unnecessary procedures  and began serving a 10-year sentence in 2012.

But the new CEO had another big problem on his hands. Two major boutique facilities backed by local doctors and unaffiliated with area hospitals had opened in 2004 (with more likely on the way), battering the bottom lines of not-for-profits like Lafayette General Medical Center and Lourdes. In other words, Lourdes was bleeding and its public image in tatters  with real potential for irreparable damage from the Patel scandal.

Those were some dark days, recalls state Sen. Gerald Boudreaux, a member of Lourdes board of directors back then and a current member of its Baton Rouge-based health system's board. We lost some key docs ... including my personal physician, Boudreaux says. Having a Catholic hospital in our community was important to me. I was concerned about the void in our community without a Lourdes, what would that look like.

As soon as he was hired, Barrow  who had come to Lourdes from the Opelousas General Health System, where he was widely popular  quickly went to work to repair the harm Patel had done to Lourdes reputation. Barrow shunned Lourdes opaque policies of the past, within a year settling lawsuits filed by patients (a $3.8 million payout) and signing a corporate integrity agreement with the feds. You cant build trust without transparency, and it has to be at all levels of an organization, Barrow tells me in a recent interview.

Bud Barrow, discussing his retirement with physical therapy assistant Lace Jones in early January

Photo by Robin May

It was a philosophy Barrow disclosed in his earliest days at Lourdes to anyone willing to listen, appearing to fully recognize the weight of the job he had just accepted.

We have failed our physicians, Barrow acknowledged to me in 2006, promising to do everything in his power to reverse the trend of docs going out on their own by earning their trust. The great majority of hospital administrators have sought to protect their turf, he said. In Barrows mind, patients are physicians customers, and physicians a hospitals customers  his explanation for why partnerships should have been struck to keep local doctors from jumping ship and leaving hospitals in the cold. We should have been at the forefront of that. We were not, and we paid a heavy price, he said.

Barrow kept his word, immediately creating a strategy for business partnerships with physicians that has led to numerous successful collaborations, not the least of which was a buyout of the docs out-of-state partner in The Heart Hospital  the latter accomplished within two years of his arrival. Im pleased that since Lourdes bought a 60 percent stake, I believe, The Heart Hospital has returned a dividend to the physicians every quarter since, Barrow says.

Without a doubt, Barrows biggest accomplishment was the ushering in of a new Lourdes campus on Ambassador Caffery Parkway in 2011, with the hospital alone a $225 million project.

More important than what he did for Lourdes, however, has been Barrows visible role in the community, service he says was made possible with the support and guidance of the board president who recruited him, Lafayette attorney Frank Neuner, and Neuners successor, Billy Rucks IV.

They were strong endorsers of me getting involved in the community, Barrow says. I cant say enough about these two men and the work they did [to get Lourdes back on track], he adds. Among the many area nonprofits and civic groups to have benefited from Barrows service are One Acadiana, United Way and Miles Perret Cancer Services, and he has also been a committed advocate on local, state and regional levels for Obamacare, believing everyone should have access to high-quality, affordable health care. (Lets just say that being a devout Mormon running a Catholic hospital has probably been a lot easier than being a Democrat running, well, any hospital.) It scares me to death that [Republicans] cant figure out repeal and replace, Barrow declares.

Neuner, who has decades of community service on his resume and is the current One Acadiana chairman, ranks the Barrow hire among the best decisions he ever made as a volunteer board member. He calmed board members and recruited strong board members, Neuner says. Hes a very caring and compassionate person, and I think thats the kind of person we needed. He righted the ship, and he took us into the next generation, brought us into the 21st century.

There is perhaps no one who has had a closer view of Barrows leadership style and execution of his vision than Boudreaux, who was on one of the subcommittees that visited Opelousas General as part of the recruiting process. My subcommittee spoke to housekeeping and the kitchen staff, Boudreaux recalls, and he knew all of the housekeepers by name; he knew all of the food service people by name. All of them, Boudreaux says, were not happy that Lourdes was trying to hire away their Mr. Bud.

The person I saw back then was a genuine person, a sincere person, one who went to work every day with that healing ministry and that spirit of empowering the employees, Boudreaux continues. As a board member, with our fiduciary responsibilities, there are just some things we have to put in the hands of the administration. And I felt comfortable with Bud, knowing he was going to look out for the employees  especially those who were in housekeeping; not only the docs and the nurses, but the patients and those who perform at entry-level positions within the organization. Thats the ones who make the impact. He was engaged with them. This wasnt a show; it was real. ... And he brought that to Lourdes.

Without his leadership, without those physician partnerships, we wouldnt have sustained in this economy, the closing of Charity, that impact, the decision of where do we go from here. The underlying thing for me with Bud is that he worked and he lived the Franciscan mission every day ... to be of service and to help those most in need.

Bud Barrow's 2016 Christmas message

Boudreaux says when there was a natural disaster in the community, like a hurricane or flooding, Barrow often slept on a cot in his office to assist in any way possible. One of the things, him being a Mormom ... holidays he would send out to all of the employees, a message, a Biblical message that was tailored toward them. Even to the point of Labor Day, Memorial Day. Thats not part of the job, but that was part of the man.

Although Barrow has left his day-to-day post at Lourdes, he remains a consultant for the hospital system. And hes not exactly retired, though his recent Facebook posts do reveal a much more relaxed version of the Bud Barrow Ive come to know over the past 11 years, one thoroughly enjoying his children, grandchildren and wife of 43 years.

The 62-year-old is instead simplifying his life, serving as president and CEO of the 49-bed Beauregard Memorial Hospital in DeRidder, quite a difference from the responsibility of running the massive network of facilities he helped Lourdes build in this market.

Im not the only person who thinks much of the success Lourdes enjoys today would not have been possible had someone else been tapped for the top post more than a decade ago.

But as Lourdes re-emerged to its position as a market leader, the workload for its CEO grew exponentially.

Barrow says he just no longer had it in him to keep up the kind of pace Lourdes requires. It needs someone who is all in, wholly committed, being second to no one, he says, while also hinting at the pride he has in whats to come for his former employer. On the Ambassador campus, he says, you aint seen nothing yet.
The calendar is Vanessa Ansemans toughest opponent in her bid to remain in the Third Circuit Court of Appeal race.

Vanessa Anseman Photo by Robin May

The clock and the calendar are running on Vanessa Ansemans legal battle to remain an eligible candidate on the March 25 ballot for the Third Circuit Court of Appeal. Questions about her eligibility were first reported by The IND on Feb. 23.

27th Judicial District Court Judge Alonzo Harris ruled Monday afternoon that Anseman is not eligible to run because she does not have the required 10 years of practice set in Article 5, Section 24 of the Louisiana Constitution. The Louisiana secretary of state and the Anseman campaign filed notice that they intend to appeal one part of Harris ruling dealing with the window for challenging a candidates eligibility, while Anseman also will challenge the judges finding on her eligibility based on her time of service.

Stephen Lafleur, who attended LSU Law School with Anseman and is with the Alexandria law firm of Gold Weems, is representing her.

There were two issues at stake in the court on Monday, Lafleur tells The IND in a telephone interview Wednesday. Were joining with the secretary of state in challenging the judges decision on the exception of action raised by removing my clients name from the ballot outside the time frame set out by law. Were appealing the ruling on the qualification issue on our own, as the secretary of state has no role in that matter.

The case is on an expedited track that will leave little or no time for an appeal to the Louisiana Supreme Court should it be needed.

Judge Harris signed the ruling Tuesday morning in Opelousas, according to Donald Richard, the 27th JDC assistant district attorney who argued the case for District Attorney Earl Taylor.

That starts the appeal clock, Richard told The IND Tuesday. It takes about 48 hours to get the transcript and record of the hearing produced and advanced to the appeal court.

Lafleur says he will file his brief Thursday.

I expect that oral arguments will be heard early next week in front of an en bank hearing of the court, Lafleur says. There are 11 judges currently on the Third Circuit. Anseman, Candyce Gagnard Perret and Susan Theall are vying to fill the unexpired term of former Judge Jimmy Genovese, who was elected to the Lousiana Supreme Court last November. Judge Ulysses Gene Thibodeaux is chief judge of the Third Circuit.

Lafleur says he expects the appellate court to render an opinion on the case by the end of next week, which would put the decision within hours of the opening of the polls on March 25.

Ive never been involved in this kind of election challenge with so tight a time frame, Lafleur declares. Its pretty much present and run.

Ansemans legal battled briefly erupted into a dispute with KLFY TV-10 that began Monday evening and carried into Tuesday morning.

The sales manager of the CBS affiliate threatened to pull the campaigns ads from the station citing the 27th JDC ruling on her eligibility.

Laura Hargis notified Ansemans media consultant, Roy Fletcher, by email Tuesday morning, less than half an hour after Judge Harris signed his ruling, that the station would be pulling the campaigns ads from its airwaves.

I was advised by our legal counsel that we are to pull the Anseman spots because she has been deemed as not qualified as an elligibel (sic) candidate, Hargis wrote. Once the dispute is settled and she is deemed an eligible qualified candidate, we are more than happy to reinstate the schedule. I have preempted the spots effective 12N today.

Had the ads been pulled, it could have had a devastating impact on Ansemans candidacy, as Fletcher argued to Hargis in his email response to her notice.

The issue arose from a Federal Communications Commission form in which each campaign must aver that the candidate is a legally qualified candidate for the position.

Fletcher argues that there has been no final decision on his candidates eligibility.

Just as a criminal or defendant in a personal injury suit or such, one is not adjudged guilty or liable until they have had their due process rights, Fletcher told the station. Here, Ms. Anseman has not been afforded her full contingent of due process rights. Thus, the action of your stations to preempt her television would be tantamount to rendering judgement without due process. In this regard, I would argue the stations actions are premature.

The station ultimately did not pull Ansemans ads, although Fletcher only learned about it in a Tuesday evening follow-up interview with The IND. It would have been nice if theyd have let me know, Fletcher says.

Fletcher says that Hargis never identified the stations attorney, nor did she tell him if the station was acting in response to a complaint.

KLFY is in the midst of a change of ownership and Hargis has been serving as interim general manager during the transition period. The new management team from NexStar Media Group is scheduled to assume control of the station this week, according to a source familiar with the process.
Louisiana's elected utility regulators are weighing whether to loosen their ethics rules and allow utilities to go back to wining and dining them.

The Public Service Commission delayed a debate on the proposal at its meeting Wednesday in Toledo Bend. The Advocate reports that discussion of the idea will be rescheduled for the April meeting in Baton Rouge.

The PSC adopted a ban in 2009 on accepting meals, drinks and other items from utility companies, after the agency was criticized for taking thousands of dollars in free meals from the industry it regulates.

Newly-elected Commissioner Mike Francis, R-Crowley, is asking his colleagues to reconsider the rules.

"Over the years I've been in business, the last 40 years, I've always had business lunches. We do business over lunch. It's a pretty standard procedure in the real work world," Francis said.

He told The Advocate he didn't understand "why our rules have to be the strictest in the state."

In January 2009, the PSC in a narrow 3-2 vote adopted the ethics standards prohibiting commissioners, their spouses and their staff from accepting free meals, drinks and other items from utilities.

The rules are tougher than those governing other elected officials and state lawmakers, who face a cap on how much can be spent on their wining and dining by lobbyists, rather than an outright ban.

Francis

The PSC's stricter ethics standards came after investigators at the Legislative Auditor's office wrote in reports that the practice created the impression that utility companies were able to influence commissioners by buying them meals.

The reports provoked widespread criticism of the free meals. One such report found 646 instances of firms providing food to commissioners, their staffers and spouses, for a total value of $16,277, during a four year period between 2002 and 2006.

"We had some people who did some things they shouldn't have done. I think that's why we got those rules," Francis said. "It's water under the bridge now."

PSC member Foster Campbell, the ban's chief backer, opposes changing the ethics rules.

"This is public service. You do things different when you're serving the public," said Campbell, D-Elm Grove. "When I go out to eat with Entergy or SWEPCO, we just split the bill."
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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.
Editor's Note: This article has been updated to correct the name of the airport that Maax Hammer's remains were flown into.

CARBONDALE  A native of Southern Illinois who headed to Southeast Asia more than 75 years ago to fly planes has finally come home.

The remains of Maax Curtis Hammer Jr., who died when his plane crashed in what is now Myanmar in September 1941, were returned to Southern Illinois on Wednesday afternoon via dignified transport.

His remains came from Hawaii  where they were buried for 67 years in a grave marked as "Unknown"  traveling through the airport in Atlanta, to arrive at St. Louis Lambert International Airport, en route to Carbondale on Wednesday.

A visitation is planned for 4 to 6 p.m. Monday, March 20, in Carbondale. A private family graveside service is planned for Tuesday morning.

Trying to find Hammer's remains and then securing their return has been a 15-year pursuit for Tripp Alyn, a distant cousin of Hammer's on his mother's side. Hammer was an only child whose mother died when he was 14 years old, Alyn said. His father worked as a conductor for the Illinois Central Railroad, leading Alyn to wonder how his cousin was raised.

"Ive been telling people that Ive been happily planning a funeral, and they look at me, saying, 'oh Im sorry,'" Alyn said.

But Alyn, who is a historian for the AVG Flying Tiger Association, is not sorry, as its the end to a very long story.

"He was in a grave marked Unknown for 67 years," Alyn said. "The most important thing is to know that Maax is going to be back with his parents. It's what's so gratifying to me."

Desiring to be a 'Flying Tiger'

Hammer had gone to Toungoo, Burma, now called Myanmar, to join what became known as the Flying Tigers, a group of volunteer pilots who simultaneously helped the British and the Chinese defend Burma and China from the Japanese.

Two days after Hammer's plane crashed, he was buried in the Airmen's Cemetery in St. Luke's Anglican Church in Burma. In 1947, U.S. military officials learned that the bodies of four U.S. servicemen were possibly buried in the cemetery. Hammer's body, and those of the other three men, were exhumed and transported to India, where they were buried.

Hammer's body was later exhumed and autopsied and reclassified  coming to be known as "X-634"  and reburied. In late 1948, Hammer's remains were again exhumed and transported to Hawaii, where, in May 1949, they were buried in Oahu, Hawaii's Punchbowl Cemetery  the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.

Tuesday's service will signal what Alyn hopes is his relative's final burial site, with the remains of his parents and grandparents in Oakland Cemetery in Carbondale.

Alyn credits programs such as the Find A Grave website with helping him track where Hammer's parents were buried, saying that because someone walked through the cemetery and took pictures of headstones and posted it to the site, he was able to find his relative's parents' and grandparents' burial sites, "after years of fruitless searching."

Who Hammer was

Hammer was born in East St. Louis in St. Clair County in Illinois, to Maax Curtis Hammer Sr. and Ruth Akins Hammer, according to Hammer's biography on Find A Grave, which Alyn wrote. Hammer's father was born in Carterville; Hammer graduated from East St. Louis High School and attended three colleges, earning his private pilot's license while living in Louisiana, where he'd attended Louisiana State University.

He enlisted in the military on the day before Christmas Eve in 1939, joining the U.S. Army Air Corps Reserves. He was in an aviation class and graduated in 1940, becoming commissioned as a second lieutenant.

It was while Hammer was in training in Texas that he was invited for Sunday dinners with Alyn's mother and family. He said his mother was a 14-year-old at the time and no doubt impressed by her older cousin who was an Air Corps pilot.

Alyn said he only came to learn about Hammer as a teenager, when he was reading the book "Great American Fighter Pilots," and his mother mentioned Hammer.

"She said, 'did you know that you had a cousin who was a fighter pilot? His name was Maax.'"

Alyn said he's not sure why Hammer wanted to be a pilot.

In July 1941, Hammer was recruited by the American Volunteer Group (AVG) for the Flying Tigers, allowed to secretly resign (under a Presidential order) from the U.S. Army Air Corps, Alyn said.

Alyn said Hammer had only been in Burma six-and-a-half days when he went for his first plane flight, what was known as a familiarization flight.

Hammer's cousin said it was a stormy Monday morning, that Sept. 22, 1941, when Hammer apparently entered an inverted spin and could not recover from it. He said an account from the crash site investigator indicated that Hammer's plane hit the ground nose first and his remains were recovered on the plane's engine 15 feet beneath the ground.

He noted that Hammer had not flown a plane in the eight weeks since he'd left the U.S. Army Air Corps and was in unfamiliar territory.

A few years ago, military staff reviewed the files on the unknown soldiers and eventually requested DNA samples from relatives; Alyn said one of Hammer's cousins on his mother's side provided a DNA sample, which proved to the investigators that the remains belonged to him.

Hammer's family was officially notified of the match on Jan. 4, 2017.

Tuesday's service will include full military honors, including a Missing Man Flyover by the A-10 Warthogs, whose planes have sharks on them, similar to the planes that Hammer flew.

The person who helped confirm the match, Air Force historian Lt. Col. (Ret.) Kenneth E. Tilley, is expected to present the flag that drapes Hammer's casket to his family; he has been asked by families of the other two men to also present them their survivors' flags, Alyn said.

"He is (asked) because he is the one who discovered our Tigers in these unknown graves," Alyn said.

Its a wonderful story about how hope and prayer and intelligent research all proved correct," Alyn said.
CARBONDALE  The future of the I Can Read! of Southern Illinois program could be in jeopardy.

The reading enhancement program, which offers after-school help to children from kindergarten through fifth grade, has asked the city for an increase of $18,740 over fiscal year 2017s funding levels to cover their rent at the Eurma C. Hayes Center, which has nearly tripled.

I Can Read! Director Margaret Nesbitt said the center has proposed the rent increase to cover repairs for the aging building, located in Carbondales northeast neighborhood. She said the electrical wiring and HVAC systems need an overhaul.

The building is just old and everythings just catching up with it.  Its time now for a remake of the Eurma Hayes Center, and its expensive, Nesbitt said.

Eurma C. Hayes Center Director Carlton Smith declined to be interviewed for the story.

The Eurma C. Hayes Center was built in 1974 as part of President Lyndon Johnsons Model Cities program. When that program dissolved, the City of Carbondale took control of the building and oversaw it until 2010.

At that point, the city moved to either sell the community center or donate it to a nonprofit organization. Eurma C. Hayes Center Inc. was formed and took over the building.

The Carbondale City Council discussed community agency funding for the FY 2018 budget at their most recent meeting on March 7. I Can Read! had requested a budget of $29,040, up from $10,300 for FY 2017.

City staff recommended funding at the FY 2017 level.

We do want to continue our work. Wed like to continue helping the children. Thats our goal. Wherever we have to be, we want to continue the work, Nesbitt said while addressing the Council.

At the meeting, Mayor John Mike Henry said he and City Manager Gary Williams had been making inquiries about other facilities the program could move to.

Were not going to let you go away, Henry said.

Councilman Lee Fronabarger brought up the point that there are several churches in the vicinity that might be able to host the program.

The city will have a budget hearing on April 11 and approve the final budget for FY 2018 on April 25.

Reached Wednesday evening, Williams said the city had provided the program with several contacts and will continue to help them as needed.

We need help, because we want to keep the service for people in Carbondale. Its a community center. Thats what its about, Nesbitt said.
Editor's note: This story has been corrected to say the gazebo is in memory of Dr. Herbert and Esther Fine. The project is funded by Dr. Russ and Dee Fine.

CARTERVILLE  During its regular meeting Tuesday evening, March 14, Carterville City Council approved a project to honor Dr. Herbert and Esther Fine. Their son and his wife, Dr. Russ and Dee Fine will donate an Amish-built, 14-foot gazebo to the city in memory of the Fines.

The gazebo will be near Carterville Veterans Memorial, next to the future Heritage Museum, on South Division Street.

Janice McConnaughy reported to the council that although the gazebo is paid for, the city was asked to pay for the foundation. The labor will be donated, so the cost to the city will be $291.

The council then discussed the pros and cons of placing a gazebo in that location.

I am not fond of this location. I would like to see it elsewhere, Alderman Jim Houseworth said. Houseworth said he talked to other veterans who agreed.

I view the veterans memorial as hallowed ground, Alderman Tom Gentry said.

Im a veteran and I think it would add to the memorial, Alderman Doug Brinkley said.

During the discussion, Alderman Phyllis Emery said she and McConnaughy had been to the location and checked the measurements. Also, the council discussed plans to turn the alley in the area into a road and how that might affect the safety of visitors to the gazebo.

Carterville Mayor Brad Robinson suggested tabling the issue to allow other council members to visit.

Emery made a motion to approve the gazebo, Brinkley seconded it. Helfrich, Gooden, Emery, Brinkley and Liebenrood voted in favor of the project. Gentry, Houseworth and Oetjen voted against it. The project was approved.

In other business, Carterville City Council:

 Voted to purchase and install lighting at Carterville Community Center.

 Approved a $400 budget for the annual Easter egg hunt, which will be April 8 in Cannon Park.

 Voted to allow Tri-C Athletics to use the ball diamonds at James Street Park from March 15 through Oct. 21.

 Agreed to change the date of the James Street Park Softball Fundraiser, which was rescheduled to March 18.

 Approved a rate reduction in the fee for use of the community center for Gumdrops to host a Glow Bingo fundraiser on March 31.

Carterville City Council meets the second Tuesday of each month at city hall. Their next meeting will be at 7 p.m. April 11.
MARION  Wanted: A buyer for Illinois Star Centre Mall.

The high bidder for the property at an auction that closed Nov. 16 chose not to proceed with the purchase during the due diligence period, said Carl Carter, spokesman for Tranzon Asset Advisors, a nationwide auction company headquartered in Elizabethtown, Kentucky.

Tranzon held the sealed bid auction on behalf of the mall owners. There will not be another auction, but Tranzon will entertain offers on the property, Carter said. Wed still very much like for it to get sold, Carter said.

Carter said he could not offer additional information about why the prospective buyer backed out, citing confidentiality.

Marion Mayor Bob Butler said he is disappointed. I assume they will be going back to square one, Butler said.

Butler said he had high hopes a buyer with mall management experience would step up and do what needs to be done to get the mall in operation as it should be.

The mall has suffered in recent years, with many interior stores and much of the food court vacant. The malls anchor stores  Dillards, Sears and Target  have continued to draw people, but because those stores have outside entrances, people are not required to walk through the mall to access them.

Three of the malls recent or current owners that are partners in Illinois Star Center, LLC, served time in federal prison for participating in a pay-to-play tax sale scheme in Madison County. The group has owned the mall, excluding the anchor stores and parking lot, since 2011, when it was purchased in a tax sale in Williamson County.

Butler said the city has not been privy to any of the discussions taking place about the future of the mall. I do hope that whoever does wind up with it has some mall management experience and does have sufficient assets to do what needs to be done to make it a viable operation, he said.

Butler said that in recent years there has been a lack of professional mall management and he said he suspected more than not that the owners had taken over the mall for the purpose of making a quick profit and moving on.

The long-serving mayor, who played a hand in offering city incentives to help get the mall started in Marion in the early 1990s, said he remains confident it still has viable life. Though the mall is struggling today, Butler has credited it with igniting future development in Marion.

If a buyer does not materialize, Butler said that he believes the City Council should have a discussion about whether there is anything that can be done to salvage the mall. Butler said he doesnt know how such discussions would end up, as the topic has never been formally broached. About the only way the city would get involved is as a rescuer of last resort, he said.

Editor's note: This story has been updated to clarify that at least one of the former mall owners that went to prison in an unrelated bid-rigging scheme had been bought as of the printing of this information.
CARBONDALE  Carbondale Crime Stoppers has authorized a $1,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest of a suspect in a fatal shooting that took place last week outside the Eurma C. Hayes Center.

Jarrell J. Pullen, 22, remains at large on a warrant for first degree murder, with $1 million bond. He is considered armed and dangerous, and members of the public should not approach him, the Carbondale Police Department said in a news release Wednesday.

The shooting occurred around 5:30 p.m. on March 9 in the 400 block of East Willow Street in northeast Carbondale. Upon arriving at the scene, officers discovered JaVon T. Trott, 19, of Johnston City, lying in a parking lot across the street from the private residence where the incident took place.

Police found in their investigation that Pullen and Trott knew each other and were engaged in an altercation before the shooting.

In Wednesdays news release, the police encouraged Pullen to turn himself in to avoid any further altercation.

Anyone with information about this incident or the whereabouts of Pullen can contact the Police Department at 618-457-3200 or Crime Stoppers at 618-549-2677.
BENTON  An assistant U.S. attorney said that on May 15, 2014, James Watts was driven to the Cairo First National Bank by his stepbrother with the intention of carrying out a premeditated bank heist.

They arrived around 4:45 p.m., and Watts, wearing a folded white pillow case over his head, approached three female employees who were on their way to the parking lot after a day's work. He was armed with a pistol and a folding style hunting knife.

Showing his gun, prosecutors said Watts forced bank branch president Anita Grace and employees Nita Smith and Kaeley Price back into the bank. He attempted to force two of them to open the bank vault, but they were unable to open it because it was set on a time lock and only could be opened the following morning.

Having bound the hands all three of the women with zip ties, he forced them into an employee lounge. He then stabbed each of them repeatedly. Smith, of Wickliffe, Kentucky, died at the bank, and Grace, of Olive Branch, died at the hospital shortly afterward from the injuries she suffered. They were both 52 years old. Watts thought he had killed all three employees, but Price, then 23, though seriously wounded, survived the harrowing ordeal.

She called 911 as Watts fled the scene in Grace's Buick Enclave. These were the details of the case against Watts, as described by Assistant U.S. Attorney George Norwood in federal court in Benton Thursday, which federal prosecutors were prepared to present in a jury trial.

Watts had previously pleaded not guilty to the charges. His trial was scheduled for June 19.

In court filings, federal prosecutors had said they intended to seek the death penalty if Watts was found guilty of the charges he faced: attempted bank robbery resulting in death and being a felon in possession of a weapon.

But on Thursday, Watts, 32, pleaded guilty to both counts during a change of plea hearing. The terms of his plea deal call for him to spend life in prison without the possibility of parole for killing two people while attempting to rob the Cairo First National Bank. He also is to receive 10 consecutive years for illegal possession of a firearm by a felon. Watts was previously convicted of forgery and aggravated sexual abuse, Norwood said.

Under the terms of the plea deal, the government agrees not to seek the death penalty.

Watts appeared at the hearing with chains on his hands and feet and wearing an orange prison jumpsuit that read, on the back, Williamson County Jail, where he has been held awaiting trial for nearly three years. He will remain in jail until his sentencing hearing, which is scheduled for May 25.

Before Thursday's hearing began, Watts shuffled into the courtroom and looked in the direction of the public seating area, part of which was reserved for family members of the victims. He then spoke briefly with his lawyers.

Presiding Judge Phil Gilbert called Watts to the judge's bench, where he stood for most of the hearing flanked by his attorneys and U.S. marshals. Watts was not visibly emotional during the roughly hour-long hearing. He answered the judge's questions with clear and concise answers, eventually officially changing his plea to that of guilty of both charges he faced.

Defense attorneys for Watts had previously argued in court filings that Watts was intellectually disabled and therefore ineligible for the death penalty. A hearing on his mental capacity had been scheduled for February but then was canceled.

Gilbert noted Watts' allegation of an intellectual disability several times, and asked Watts if he understood the day's proceedings despite that claim, and that by pleading guilty, he would spend his life behind bars. Watts said that he did, and his attorneys also said they believed he fully understood that to which he had agreed.

Norwood said that, on the day of the attempted robbery, after Watts stabbed the bank employees and fled the scene, a car matching the description of the one he was driving was spotted by an off-duty police officer in Missouri and a high-speed chase ensued. Police previously reported that speeds reached up to 100 mph. The chase came to an end back in Cairo by a railroad trestle bridge connecting Illinois to Kentucky, and was followed by a two-hour standoff during which Watts admitted to killing Grace and Smith, Norwood told the court. Watts also admitted to his mother what he had done, Norwood said.

Norwood's description of the scene to the court was similar to that previously described in search warrant applications unsealed in the fall of 2014. In them, investigators detailed a brutal and ruthless slaying. In the search warrant applications, federal agents said each woman's throat had been "cut deeply," and all were stabbed multiple times  one woman more than 50 times.

About 30 people attended the hearing Thursday, excluding members of the press. Politely, several people in attendance declined to comment, saying they intended to wait until after the sentencing hearing to speak publicly about the crime.

As Watts' trial drew near, a federal grand jury on March 7 returned a superseding indictment charging two more in connection with the case. Otha Don Watkins III was indicted on charges of aiding and abetting an armed bank robbery resulting in death, conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery, making a false statement, and with being a felon in possession of a firearm. Sharita S. Tipler was indicted on a charge of transfer of a firearm to a prohibited person.

Tipler and Watkins are in custody, according to a statement earlier this week from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Illinois. Tipler had a first appearance in federal court on Monday. Watkins has a first appearance scheduled for Tuesday of next week.

At the time of the incident, investigators had said, in the documents requesting search warrants, that they had reason to believe that other individuals may have been involved in the attempted bank robbery. On Thursday, Norwood said that video surveillance from the bank showed Watts speaking on a two-way radio inside the bank at the time of the incident.

Watkins, identified in court Thursday as Watts' stepbrother, is alleged to have been the person on the other end of the radio. If convicted, Watkins also faces the possibility of life in prison without parole or the death penalty.
SPRINGFIELD  A Senate committee approved a new automatic voter registration plan Wednesday, sending to the floor a proposal that advocates say is tighter than one Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner rejected last year.

Democratic Sen. Andy Manar's plan would allow residents to automatically register to vote when they visit certain state agencies. The Senate committee endorsed Manar's measure Wednesday with a 10-3 vote.

Rauner vetoed similar legislation last year, fearing it did not contain enough safeguards to prevent voter fraud. Rauner's spokeswoman, Eleni Demertzis, wouldn't say whether he supports the new plan.

The updated version requires residents to confirm their eligibility before information is passed along to election officials or confidentially opt out instead. Its predecessor would have filed applications regardless, leaving election officials to follow up.

Supporters said the proposal would cut costs and bolster turnout by modernizing the registration process.

U.S. citizens already have the option to register to vote when they apply for a driver's license or state ID at Secretary of State's offices. Manar's plan would allow residents to fill out dual applications when they visit the DMV along with four other state agencies, including the Department of Human and Family Services and the Department of Public Health.

"The goal here is to make it easier for taxpaying citizens to interact with their government," Manar said.

He added that eliminating redundant government applications by implementing automatic registration has resulted in "sizable savings" for election authorities in other states.

Seven states plus Washington D.C. have already made the switch, according to Democratic Rep. Robyn Gabel of Evanston.

Camille Williams, an organizer for Chicago Votes from Englewood, said the plan would help ensure young people get involved and cut down on confusion caused by people scrambling to register at the polls.

"Automatic voter registration will extend democracy to the communities that need it most," Williams said.

Republican Rep. Mike Fortner of West Chicago contends voters can rest easy knowing the new system, set to take effect next July, would not hazard an influx of ineligible voters. Participating agencies would use personal information filed in their system to verify whether a visitor qualifies to vote.

"This is a data set that is going to allow us to make a more secure check that people are qualified," Fortner said. He is sponsoring similar legislation in the House.

The state's leading election authority expressed doubts last session over whether they had the time and resources necessary to roll out the original plan.

But Illinois State Board of Elections attorney Ken Menzel told The Associated Press the latest version reduces that burden by having potential applicants opt-out upfront. Automatic registration, he said, could help "smooth out" the spike in applications election authorities face ahead of major elections.

The bills are SB1933 and HB626.
SPRINGFIELD  A legislative panel in Illinois has failed to block a new overtime rule for home care workers that is expected to be in place by late summer.

The Joint Committee on Administrative Rules deadlocked twice along party lines after Democrats tried to stop the Department of Human Services from implementing the rule, The State Journal Register reported.

The department can now enforce the rule that will cap workers in the home services program at 40 hours a week, with some exceptions. The personal assistants help people with disabilities live in their homes rather than in a nursing home or another facility.

Department officials say the new rule will cut state costs and result in better service to clients. But disability advocates say many clients need more extensive care than 40 hours per week, and that they'll have to find a second caregiver with whom they may not have the same kind of relationship.

The department's chief of staff, Fred Flather, said all of the agency's clients will continue to receive the services they need. He said 89 percent of the care providers work less than 45 hours a week.

"This will have virtually no impact on them," Flather said.

The overtime rule has become an issue between Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner's administration and SEIU Healthcare Illinois, which represents the home care workers.

The administration believes overtime limits will save the state $8 million. The union said in a statement that any savings would be wiped out if the more than 180 people now receiving home care assistance are forced into nursing homes.

Flather said the agency will communicate with clients in the next week or so to tell them what to expect.
To the Editor:

Legislators are elected by constituents in their district to represent those constituents interests. They are not tasked with simply voting along their respective party lines. Each legislative district, no matter what their voting record, has needs unique to that district, needs that may conflict with the political platform of the party to which that legislator adheres.

The 12th District of Illinois has benefited from many federal policies that are anathema to the Republican party. These policies include the Affordable Care Act, which expanded Medicaid to lower income voters, provided free preventative care, and enabled many more persons to simply be able to afford health insurance; regulations by the Environmental Protection Agency, which ensured that the natural resources we rely on for recreation and tourism are unspoiled; and a humanitarian approach to undocumented immigra nts, who labor on our farms and contribute to our social services networks (Social Security, Medicare, etc.) through their wages.

Why is this so urgent? Constituents from across the 12th District attempted in vain to communicate with Rep. Mike Bost during his constituency week to no avail. Phone calls, letters, emails, and demonstrations have all been met with, Sorry folks, Im voting with the Republican party no matter what you say."

We will have a say in 2018.

Shari Sweeney-Sadowski, Kate Heist, Rose Hogan, Julie Gumbart-Buck, Don Julian, Teri Hammond, Karen Orlandini, Jillian Miller, Kathryn Ward, Jeri Kinser, John Ahrens, Anne and Adam Kaszubski, Kate West, Erin Downs, Amanda and Ryan Pankau, Kirsten Schaper

Cobden
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It's that time of year again when we celebrate all things Irish but there is a lot more to Irish achievement than shamrocks, Guinness and Kiss me I'm Irish hats.

Ireland has been making a positive impact around the globe for centuries and what better time to celebrate some of those real Irish achievements.

The submarine

As unlikely as it may seem the modern submarine is indeed an Irish invention, developed by the talented John P. Holland from Liscannor in County Clare. The US Navy purchased Holland's design in 1900 where the USS Holland became the first commissioned submarine in history. Its success led to other navies also purchasing the designs including Japan and the United Kingdom where five Holland Class submarines were commissioned.

Los Angeles

Without the efforts of Irish engineer William Mulholland the city of Los Angeles could never have existed. Mulholland was the engineer responsible for successfully supplying the growing city with fresh water. He built one of the world's biggest ever civil engineering projects to transport the water from hundreds of miles to the east to the city and the scheme still serves the needs of millions of people every day.

Potato chips

The idea for flavoured potato chips came from the aptly named Joe 'Spud' Murphy, head of the fledgling Tayto crisp company who had developed a machine to add flavourings to the crisps as they were made. They first tried out onion, cheese & onion and cheese flavoured crisps and the cheese & onion version proved to be the public's favourite. Today flavoured crisps are the best selling snack food in most places around the world with an annual global market worth more than $16 billion!

The tattoo machine

The tattoo machine was invented by Samuel OReilly in New York, before O'Reilly's invention tattooing was carried out via a crude set of needles usually fixed to a wooden grip used by the tattooist, the procedure was time consuming and extremely painful. Using a hollow, ink-filled needle his machine was far more precise and delicate that the manual techniques of the time and was also much faster. He patented his design in 1891 and it proved to be an immediate success.

The US Navy

John Barry from County Wexford was a successful officer in the new Continental Navy during the American Revolution. He is widely regarded as the the father of the American Navy and was the nation's first commissioned naval officer.

Splitting the atom

The son of a methodist minister born in Dungarvan, Ernest Walton was a research scholar at Cambridge where under the guidance of Sir Ernest Rutherford with John Cockcroft he successfully managed to split the nuclei of lithium atoms by bombarding them with a stream of protons. It was the first time an atom had been split and it was for this achievement that Walton and Cockcroft were awarded the Nobel Prize for physics in 1951.

A cure for leprosy

Cork doctor Vincent Barry played a vital role in developing a cure for leprosy one of the most feared and misunderstood of diseases. He led a small team at Trinity College working on the related disease tuberculosis. In 1954 Barry was able to synthesize the compound Clofazimine which would become a crucial part of the multi-drug treatment now used for leprosy around the world.

The steam turbine

Developed by Charles Parsons, son of Anglo-Irish astronomer William Parsons of Parsonstown (now Birr, Co. Offaly) the steam turbine was a major advance in steam engine technology. It enabled the direct generation of electricity from steam power and was installed at power stations around the world as well as transforming marine propulsion.

Modern economics

Kerryman Richard Cantillon is often cited as one of the founders of modern economics. In 1730 Cantillon wrote the work that he is now remembered for, Essai Sur La Nature Du Commerce En General (Essay on the Nature of Trade in General) . In it Cantillon outlines a systematic modern economic theory covering a range of now core economic ideas. Cantillon's Essai is now regarded as having huge significance in the development of modern economic theory and influenced many of those who followed including Adam Smith who cited it in his Wealth of Nations.

The White House

Among the world's most recognisable buildings the White House in Washington DC was inspired by an Irish building and designed and built by an Irish architect. The official residence of US presidents for more than 200 years and home to the President's offices and staff its design was the brainchild of a farm boy from Kilkenny named James Hoban who based the design on Dublin's Leinster House.

These stories and many more feature in the new book What have the Irish ever done for us? by David Forsythe available to order from Amazon and makes an ideal St Patrick's Day present.

See: What Have the Irish ever done for us? On Facebook and @WHTIEDFU17 on Twitter for more information.

To buy visit Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1520699220
Rita Fleming of Orangeburg is a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and, yes, an adrenaline junkie.

A few years ago for her 77th birthday, she went skydiving over Walterboro.

We were going for my daughters birthday, and they made a date for me, too, and didnt tell me until I got there, she said.

Fleming is not new to thrill-seeking activities like that one, though. She has also been parasailing in the Bahamas and even scuba dived while visiting family in Florida.

That was a little scary because you want to be sure youre breathing properly, she said.

This time, Fleming made the request to go ziplining. The idea came to her when a friend of hers had four tickets to zipline and offered them to her.

Ill take my son, his wife and my granddaughter, she told her friend.

The idea of ziplining had always been in the back of her mind, but she hadn't thought she would actually do it, Fleming said.

They had another nephew with them so I gave all my tickets away, Fleming said.

After that, she decided she wanted to go ziplining, too.

So I said for Mothers Day, this is what I want to do, Fleming said.

Her family took her to the Canaan Zip Line Canopy Tour in Rock Hill.

I had never done anything like that, Fleming said.

She said she felt very safe while there, adding that it was nice to know people don't actually hook themselves onto the zipline.

They have a little test line before you even go out there, Fleming said. Youre in this harness, but when you sit down on it to slide, its like sitting in a lounge chair. Its not uncomfortable at all.

She said she was able to go on about eight lines that went up 100 feet before a storm came in and they had to stop. Fleming said it was still a fun experience and she would do it again.

That stuff doesnt bother me, she said. I always do crazy things like that. Id like to go somewhere else and try a change of scenery."

Out of all her adventures with her children, Fleming says she cant choose a favorite.

My kids encourage me to do whatever I want and they make sure I do it, she said.

The highlight of my life right now are all my grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Fleming added.

She has four children, seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

It gets expensive at Christmas, she joked.

Anytime I get the chance to go visit my kids, I do, she said.

Flemings children live in Gilbert, Anderson and Charlotte, and she even has a daughter who moved to Oregon. She she flies out to visit her twice a year.

Im going there in a couple of weeks and Im going paddleboarding, Fleming said.

She says she has always been very active and doesnt plan on stopping any of her adventures until she's physically unable to continue.

Itll have to be something physical to hold me back, Fleming said.

She said she slipped and injured her shoulder about five years ago. When the surgeon told her she probably wouldnt be able to swim freestyle anymore, Fleming said she told him, Ill challenge you to 50 meters.

He was totally wrong because I can still swim, she said, laughing.

Fleming said she doesnt allow nervousness to get in her way and encourages others to live life to the fullest.
The Orangeburg County Sheriff's Office is continuing its investigation into Friday nights fire at Cattle Creek Campground in Rowesville.

"We are looking at several persons of interest after having cleared several underage persons initially thought to have knowledge of the case," sheriffs office spokesman Richard Walker said.

He said the case is, being actively investigated.

The blaze destroyed 15 cabins at the historic campground. It took about seven hours for fire officials to put it out.

Orangeburg County Chief Fire Operations Officer Teddy Wolfe said Wednesday the investigation is ongoing but there is no new information to share with the public.

"We continue to follow leads," Wolfe said.

The fire has been deemed suspicious by officials.

A service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday in the campground's tabernacle area.

Several individuals will share remarks and thoughts on what the campground means to them.

Cattle Creek Campground Chairman Harry Wimberly said the service will also include a discussion about an action plan for going forward.

Cattle Creek Campground was named to the National Register of Historic Places on May 19, 1983.

Although local tradition had it that Cattle Creek Campground was established in 1786, the National Register nomination form states its likely that the campground was not functional until the early 1800s.

It is one of only five remaining Methodist campgrounds in South Carolina.

Wimberly said its appropriate for the group to come together and pray about it underneath the tabernacle that has been there for centuries.

"I feel sure we are following in our forefathers footsteps."

Cattle Creek Campground consisted of 36 cabins, called "tents," arranged in a wide semi-circle around an open pavilion structure known as the "stand" or "tabernacle." At the northwest end of the camp meeting ground is Cattle Creek United Methodist Church. Between the church and the tabernacle is a cemetery.

Neither the church nor the tabernacle were damaged.
Escalating retiree costs have Bamberg County officials concerned.

Those costs are projected to be passed on to the county and its taxpayers via a bill currently in the S.C. House -- proposed legislation that Administrator Joey Preston has referred to as "the South Carolina retirement bailout."

Preston at the March 13 Bamberg County Council meeting said employer and employee contributions to the South Carolina Retirement System and the Police Officers Retirement System will increase under S.C. House Bill 3726.

The county's contribution to the SCRS would increase from 11.56 to 13.56 percent, while its contribution to the PORS would jump from 14.24 to 16.24 percent, he said. Employee contributions to the SCRS would be hiked from 8.66 to 9 percent, while their contribution to the PORS would rise from 9.24 to 9.75 percent, Preston said.

An amended version of the bill was sent back to the House from the Senate on March 10. If approved, the bill would take effect on July 1, 2017.

County Controller Gina Smith said, "In our FY 2018 budget, which we're working on right now, this bill will cost Bamberg County $60,250. And every year afterward, it's gonna cost an additional $30,000."

"Come July 1, every single one of our employees will be getting a pay cut ... and that hurts the economy," Smith said. "We're strapped because we cannot hire people, and then the ones that we do manage to recruit and keep, their take-home pay is gonna go down unless we have an across-the-board cost of living increase." She noted that a cumulative tax millage increase of 8.11 mills over six years is also expected.

"I'm going to call it the South Carolina retirement bailout. They (the state) saw this coming 15 to 20 years and they did nothing about it," Preston said. "And now they're gonna have to do something about it, and the solution is to pass this cost on to those that participate in the system."

Councilman Joe Guess Jr. said, "What all of y'all need to understand is that the General Assembly did this to you. They've been doing it for years! They kick this stuff back down to us, and we look like the bad guys because we have to raise your taxes. In the meantime, they're taking your money which you pay them in income tax -- they're supposed to be sending it back down here, but they're not doing it."

"They are limiting us to where we're gonna get to the point to where we can't recruit a teacher, can't hire a police officer, can't do anything," Councilman Trent Kinard added. "And when they do all that, they can come over here and take over, too, for all I care. I'm about at that point."

Councilwoman Sharon Hammond said, "I don't think people realize how it's gonna affect the common worker. It's gonna hit them in the pocket, and people need to know about it."

Also during the meeting, Dr. Bill Molnar, executive director of the Lower Savannah Council of Governments, gave a report on LSCOG activites in the county in 2016, including two ongoing projects in Denmark aided by more than $700,000 in Community Development Block Grant funding. The projects include a one-block continuation of streetscape work along U.S. 321 to be completed in late 2018.

Molnar also reported that the second phase of intersection improvement work in the U.S. 78 Corridor Improvement Project is ongoing and that 25 percent of the preliminary engineering phase of the 7.5-mile project has been completed.

He said $330,000 was allocated to the Bamberg County Office on Aging in 2016, which provided for services including the provision of 105 home-delivered meals.

As of Jan. 31, 89 assessments had been made of Bamberg seniors to address their service needs, Molnar said, adding that $13,526 had also been spent to assist caregivers of elderly and special needs individuals through a Caregivers program.

The LSCOG executive director reported that 2,540 individuals visited the S.C. Works Center, with 13 having successfully completed on-the-job training contracts. In addition, he reported that while the LSCOG had been averaging about 600 calls a month as mobility manager of the county's "Handy Ride" public transit system, the County Office on Aging has now started taking its own calls. He said Kay Clary of that office was "doing a great job with that."

In addition, Molnar reported that LSCOG entered a 10-year comprehensive plan and zoning ordinance update process with the county.

In other business, Treasurer Alice Johnson reported the county's total income for January was $2,053,182. Expenses came in at $800,452, leaving a positive balance of $1,252,730, she said.

Finance Director T.M. Thomas reported the general fund had generated $4,957,179 year-to-date revenue as of the end of January. Expenditures stood at $3,777,824.

Also during the meeting, Preston reported the county had issued 40 building permits this year and collected $6,200. Last year, the county issued 34 permits and netted $1,400.

Smith reported the county had collected $397,210 in solid waste fees and $301,508 in landfill tipping fees through January 2017. "We're seeing good trends on revenues and good trends on the amount of waste going out, too," she said.

The controller said the county is getting into compliance with the state's Unclaimed Property Act, noting that an inventory of unclaimed property is being taken to try to get money that is owed to residents back to them.

"We've had a lot of success stories. They tell me that the county actually has some unclaimed property," Smith said.

In other business, council:

Approved, in title only, an ordinance to accept Raysor Road into the county road maintenance system.

Approved the following LSCOG board appointments: Council members Larry Haynes and Clint Carter, Denmark Mayor Gerald Wright and County Chamber President Jerry Bell.
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By Azernews





By Amina Nazarli

Make your shopping lists ready, and get set to rock the most expected shopping event of the year. The first Baku Shopping festival is ready to charm shoppers this spring and you better be all geared up for it.

Baku is world-famous for its beauty, history, beaches, hotels, restaurants, skyscrapers and what not. The city is superlative in its every aspect and the Shopping festival will be a fine addiction to the long list of its attractions.

The city will host Shopping Festival twice every year, while the first Festival is scheduled for April 10 -May 10, said Culture and Tourism Minister Abulfaz Garayev.

Garayev, addressing a press conference on March 16, said that the first Shopping Festival will be held with the organizational support of Azerbaijan Convention Bureau and the Ministry.

He noted that the Baku Shopping Festival is the first experience in the Caucasus and Central Asia.

Big countries form a tradition of a shopping festival, which contributes to the tourist flow. At festivals, tourists do not only do shopping, but also get acquainted with the historical monuments and culture of the country, the minister said.

The Festival will allow returning money by 20-30-fold more than it will be invested in their organization, the minister said, adding that the payback of the project will grow in the future.



The trading activity in the world ranks at 2nd-4th in the tourism market. Trade festivals increase the tourist flow by 30 percent, he said, noting that the aim is not only increase the tourist flow, but also develop domestic tourism.

The Shopping Festival will not cover excise goods, gold, food and cars, but only production of light industry.

An official website of the festival bakushopfest.com has been created, which operates in four languages including Azerbaijani, Russian, English and Arabic. Entrepreneurs, who have registered on this website, will receive the status of a participant and get the opportunity to present their products to thousands of tourists and local citizens.

The minister further said that Tax-free system will be applied during the Baku Shopping Festival. Alongside foreigners, Azerbaijani citizens will also have a chance to benefit Tax-free system, which will be the first such practice.

Since application of the Tax Free system in Azerbaijan foreign tourists could get refund worth over 1 million manats ($583,333), said Sahib Alakbarov, the Deputy Taxes Minister.

Alakbarov, who addressed the press-conference, added that the total price of the goods from which VAT was withheld during this period amounted to 12 million manats ($7 million).

Tax-free shopping became available in the country from July 2016 after the adoption of the relevant law in the Parliament. And now while coming to Azerbaijan on a tourist visa, tourists can take advantage of Azerbaijan's tax- free system.

Foreign citizens can benefit from Tax Free system, if the cost of purchased goods per one e-tax invoice is not less than 300 manats ($181), including VAT. The goods should be taken out of Azerbaijans territory within 90 days from the date of purchase.

Currently, the Tax Free system does not apply to excisable goods and foodstuffs; medications and medical equipment; products, exempt from VAT in the country; goods which may require an export license; raw or ungraded precious gemstones; precious metal ingots; goods exported from the territory of Azerbaijan in an unaccompanied baggage; vehicles and spare parts; goods exported by mail or through the Internet.

In 2016 the number of tourists visiting the Land of Fire amounted to 2.242 million people and this is 11.7 percent more than in 2015. More than 300 hotels have been built in Azerbaijan since 2004 and the capital hosts the worlds leading hotel chain.
By Azernews





By Laman Ismayilova

A festive dining table is a fantastic way to get into spring holiday spirit

National sweets, shekerbura, pakhlava, badambura are lovely sweets that melt in the mouth.

But the main dish is a festive pilaf. Azerbaijani cuisine has hundreds of different types of pilaf, each unique in its own way. There are many different recipes of pilaf.

Anyway, lovely Azerbaijani pilaf will never leave anyone indifferent.

Baku Tourism Vocational School has hosted Pilaf Festival in order to show dishes rich flavor and the way the pilaf is being cooked in country's different regions.

The event caught great interest of the public. Mouth watering flavors filled the hall where twenty various types of pilaf were presented to visitors.

"Shah pilaf", "Pilaf Arishta", "Lavangi Pilaf" "Pilaf Mardi", "Gusu Pilaf" and delighted everyone.

Minister of Culture and Tourism Abulfas Garayev was also among the guests to the delicious festival.

Dressed in national costumes, Vocational School`s students told visitors about dishes served at the event.

Addressing the event, head of Baku Tourism Vocational School Nilufer Karimov stressed that Pilaf Festival was held in Baku for the second time. It was also stressed that Azerbaijani national cuisine is rich and varied. The "King" of the national cuisine is generally rice, and there are many different recipes to cook it.

In his speech, Abulfaz Garayev stressed the festival was timed to the eve of Novruz holiday.

At the festival, guests were also informed about customs and traditions of the country's regions.

Each country has its signature dish and every guest of Azerbaijan knows that here it is a spicy pilaf. Pilaf is the final savoury dish at wedding feasts.

The pilaf is usually served on its own dish or plate, with sauces or stews served in separate bowls. Qazmaq, a crust made at the bottom of the pan when the rice is steamed, is highly prized and is served in pieces with the rice or on a separate plate.




By Azertac





Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev received a delegation of the Board of Trustees of Nizami Ganjavi International Center in Baku on March 16.





The delegation included co-chairs of the center former Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga and Director of the Bibliotheca Alexandria in Egypt Ismail Serageldin, and members of the center former Serbian President Boris Tadi?, former Bulgarian leader Petar Stoyanov, former Croatian President Ivo Josipovi?, former Romanian President Emil Constantinescu, former Bosnia and Herzegovina Prime Minister Zlatko Lagumdzija, former Secretary-General of the Arab League Amr Moussa, UNESCO goodwill ambassador Marianna Vardinoyannis, Azertac reported.





President Aliyev welcomed the delegation and thanked them for coming to Azerbaijan to attend the 5th Global Baku Forum.

President Aliyev said this wonderful event features an interesting agenda for discussions. The head of state said there are outstanding figures among the Forum participants, adding that their number increases year by year. The President hailed the activity of Nizami Ganjavi International Center.





Vaira Vike-Freiberga thanked President Aliyev for the attention shown to the delegation. She said that launched five years ago, the Baku Forum has achieved great success. She echoed President Aliyev`s view that interest in the Baku Forum grows on a yearly basis.





Vaira Vike-Freiberga expressed her gratitude to the head of state for supporting the activity of Nizami Ganjavi international Center. "We are friends of Nizami Ganjavi and Azerbaijan, and do our work with pleasure," she said, adding that they will continue sparing no efforts. The co-chair of the Center also said influential figures representing different countries participate in the Forum, adding that the event will create a favorable opportunity for productive dialogue.





President Aliyev praised efforts and initiatives of the delegation of Nizami Ganjavi International Center, saying their activity contributed to holding such a large-scale international event as the Global Baku Forum.





During the meeting, they exchanged views over cooperation prospects.








By Trend





President of the French Republic Francois Hollande hosted a dinner party for President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and first lady Mehriban Aliyeva.

The presidents made speeches at the event.

Speech of President Ilham Aliyev:

"Dear Mr. President, Ladies and gentlemen! Mr. President, first of all, I want to express my gratitude for the invitation to pay an official visit to France, and also for the hospitality extended to me and the delegation during this visit.

I would like to note with satisfaction that the political relations between Azerbaijan and France are at a high level. Our mutual visits have become a tradition. I have repeatedly visited France as President of the Republic of Azerbaijan. You, Mr. President, have visited Baku twice. Mutual visits illustrate that French-Azerbaijani relations are at a high level. There is a very active political dialogue between us. I am very pleased that our current visit to the French Republic coincides with the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

France is a co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group on the settlement of the most difficult problem for the region  the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. As a result of Armenian military aggression, 20 per cent of the territory of Azerbaijan was occupied by Armenia, including Nagorno-Karabakh, which is our historical land, and seven adjacent districts. A policy of ethnic cleansing has been carried out and more than a million of our compatriots became refugees and internally displaced persons. Four resolutions of the UN Security Council have been adopted in connection with the conflict. There are relevant decisions and resolutions of the UN General Assembly, the OSCE, NATO, the European Parliament, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, the Non-Aligned Movement, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and other influential international organizations. The conflict must be resolved only in accordance with the norms of international law and within the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. The status quo is unacceptable. France, like other co-chairs, has repeatedly made statements about this. Unfortunately, Armenia ignores this and does not renounce its occupation policy. Nagorno-Karabakh is ancient and historical land of Azerbaijan. The territorial integrity of our country cannot be the subject of negotiations.

The economic ties between Azerbaijan and France are developing rapidly. To date, French companies have participated in 27 projects in Azerbaijan as contractors. These are worth about $2 billion and cover such fields as energy, aviation, space industry, transportation, water, agriculture, etc. One of the main areas of our economic relations is cooperation in the energy sector. French companies take part in projects being implemented in the oil and gas sector of Azerbaijan. the Southern Gas Corridor project, which is being successfully implemented on the initiative of Azerbaijan, is of great importance for the energy security of Europe.

We have broad cooperation in the humanitarian sphere. The teaching of French has been conducted in Azerbaijan for many years now. About 50,000 students learn French in 338 Azerbaijani schools. French is taught in seven higher education institutions of Azerbaijan. The Baku Slavic University operates the Victor Hugo French Language and Literature Center. There is a French Center at the Azerbaijan University of Languages. Three years ago, we established the Baku French Lyceum. Mr. President, we attended the opening of this Lyceum together. The Azerbaijan-French University began to operate last year. The teaching of the Azerbaijani language has been conducted in France for several years. There is successful cooperation also in the sphere of culture.

Cooperation is also developing between the regions of France and Azerbaijan. Relevant documents have been signed between 14 cities of Azerbaijan and 12 cities and one province of France.

Dear Mr. President, I would like to express my gratitude for the invitation and the hospitality once again, wish you good health, and continuous development and progress to your country and people."
By Azertac





President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev completed his official visit to the French Republic on march 15, Azertac reported.

A guard of honor was lined up for the Azerbaijani President at the Orli International Airport in Paris, which was decorated with national flags of the two countries.

President Ilham Aliyev and first lady Mehriban Aliyeva were seen of by high-ranking officials of France.








By Azertac





The 5th Global Baku Forum has kicked off in Baku under the slogan "Future of foreign relations: Power and interests", Azertac reported.

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and first lady Mehriban Aliyeva are attending the opening ceremony of the forum.

The head of state made a speech at the opening ceremony.

Every international forum is important, and future impact on the decision-making in the world depends on the discussed topics, President Ilham Aliyev said, addressing the event.

The president said that holding of this forum has already become traditional, and this is not the first time Azerbaijan holds it. He welcomed all the participants, who represent more than fifty countries at the forum, and more than two hundred sixty guests.

"Azerbaijan, as an independent country, is relatively new. Last year we celebrated the 25th Anniversary of restoration of our independence. Our activity, projects that we initiate in our country, have positive impact on the whole region is one of the ways to present our country to the world," the president said.

Co-organized by the State Committee for Work with Diaspora and the Nizami Ganjavi International Center, the forum is joined by more than 200 presidents, former heads of state and government from 50 countries, current and former officials, heads and senior representatives of international organizations, renowned politicians and experts.

The forum will discuss a range of issues including the future of transatlantic relations, the fight against terrorism, the role of China in international relations.




By Azernews





More than 250 people were released from detention facilities in Azerbaijan last month, Justice Minister Fikrat Mammadov said in an exclusive interview with Azertac.

"President Ilham Aliyev`s orders to improve penitentiary system encouraged continuation of reforms in the judicial system and paved the way for rapid development in this area, he added.

Mammadov noted that vital changes have been made to the legislation on the decriminalization of some actions in the economic sphere at the initiative of the President of Azerbaijan. "Thanks to these measures many convicts were released or had their sentence terms cut."

"Relevant draft laws are being drawn up by a joint working group of the Ministry of Justice, General Prosecutor's Office and the Supreme Court. The last month saw the release of more than 250 persons from detention facilities. Another achievement in this area is that the number of people remanded in custody has significantly fallen," Mammadov added.

He further said that proposals on the introduction of electronic surveillance devices are ready, adding that the proposals were prepared in accordance with instructions of President Ilham Aliyev.

"One of the most common electronic surveillance devices are electronic tags, which are attached to the individuals under the house arrest or parole. The electronic tags help monitor the whereabouts of such people, he noted.

"Together with the Prosecutor General's Office we prepared the proposals on amendments to a relevant law of the Republic of Azerbaijan," he said. "We have studied the best international experience and held presentations of different tags.
By Trend





The 5th Global Baku Forum is a very important format, where former and current leaders are gathered to discuss global problems, said former president of Bulgaria Petar Stoyanov on the sidelines of the forum.

The 5th Global Baku Forum, titled The Future of International Relations: Power and Interests kicked off in Baku on March 16.

This is a unique opportunity to meet so many politicians together and compare views, noted Stoyanov.

He also said that Azerbaijan is a place, where different religions and nations live together.

Therefore, Baku is the right place for holding such a forum, added Stoyanov.

Latvian President Raimonds Vejonis, Macedonian President Gjorge Ivanov, Albanian President Bujar Nishani, Montenegrin President Filip Vujanovic, Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili, Saudi Arabian Prince, Chairman of the Board of Directors of King Faisal Centre for Research and Islamic Studies Turki Al-Faisal are also attending the forum.
By Trend





The modern era makes it important to reflect upon the pressing and urgent challenges faced by the international community, Italys President Sergio Mattarella said in his message that was read out at the opening of the 5th Global Baku Forum.

Among them the promotion of intercultural dialogue is a priority of exceptional importance. The respect for diversity and the defense of fundamental liberties which should be a part of the international communities common heritage is under constant and often violent pressure, noted Mattarella in his message.

Initiatives such as those undertaken by the Nizami Ganjavi International Center are highly timely for support of dialogue and cooperation between different people, cultures and confessions, which is a basis for civilized coexistence between nations, according to the message.

The 5th Global Baku Forum, titled The Future of International Relations: Power and Interests, kicked off in Baku on March 16.

Latvian President Raimonds Vejonis, Macedonian President Gjorge Ivanov, Albanian President Bujar Nishani, Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili, Montenegrin President Filip Vujanovic, Saudi Arabian Prince, Chairman of the Board of Directors of King Faisal Centre for Research and Islamic Studies Turki Al-Faisal are attending the forum.
By Azertac





President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has today met with President of the Republic of Latvia Raimonds Vejonis.





The head of state expressed his satisfaction with the participation of Latvian President Raimonds Vejonis in the 5th Global Baku Forum, adding this event has already become a tradition.





Latvian President Raimonds Vejonis stressed the importance of the fact that delegates from 53 countries attend the 5th Global Baku Forum, and noted that the Azerbaijani side excellently organized this event. Raimonds Vejonis said that he is proud that former Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga is a co-chair of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center.





President Raimonds Vejonis presented a letter to the head of state, inviting him to pay an official visit to Latvia. He expressed confidence that this trip will contribute to the expansion of cooperation between the two countries. Touching upon Azerbaijan-Latvia relations in various areas, Raimonds Vejonis pointed out the work to enhance cooperation in the field of education. President Raimonds Vejonis noted that relevant measures were taken in order to ensure Azerbaijani students` studying in Latvian universities.





They exchanged views over the negotiations to settle the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, and underlined that bonds between the two countries are successfully developing in a variety of fields. The presidents noted that there are good opportunities for expanding the bilateral cooperation.
By Azertac





President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has met with President of the Republic of Macedonia Gjorge Ivanov.





President Ilham Aliyev hailed President Gjorge Ivanov`s participating in the 5th Global Baku Forum. The head of state said the visit of the Macedonian President created a good opportunity for discussing the bilateral relations. President Ilham Aliyev said the Global Baku Forum has already become a very important event, adding that ongoing political processes are widely discussed here. The head of state emphasized the excellent political relations between Azerbaijan and Macedonia, stressing the importance of exploring economic, as well as export and import, investment opportunities of the two countries.





President Gjorge Ivanov emphasized the significance of the 5th Global Baku Forum. President Gjorge Ivanov hailed political relations between Azerbaijan and Macedonia, stressing the importance of strengthening economic ties.
By Azertac





President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has today met with President of the Republic of Montenegro Filip Vujanovic.





President Ilham Aliyev said the 5th Global Baku Forum has already become an important international event and thanked President Filip Vujanovic for participating in the Forum. The head of state said the meeting created good opportunity for exchanging views over the bilateral relations.





The head of state said relations between Azerbaijan and Montenegro develop very successfully, and hailed the bilateral cooperation.





President Filip Vujanovic thanked for the invitation to the 5th Global Baku Forum, and expressed satisfaction with his meeting with President Ilham Aliyev. President Filip Vujanovic congratulated the head of state on his speech in the opening ceremony, and pointed out the importance of President Ilham Aliyev`s remarks on internal and regional situation.





Hailing the level of bilateral relations, President Filip Vujanovic highly appreciated President Ilham Aliyev`s contributions to the development of Azerbaijan-Montenegro ties. He stressed the importance President Ilham Aliyev`s support in ensuring close, successful and friendly relations between the two countries.





They exchanged views over the issues of cooperation between the two countries in the energy, trade and other fields.
By Azernews





By Kamila Aliyeva

Turkeys Permanent Mission to the United Nations on Marc 15 notified the UN of what it said were international law violations committed by the Dutch government, Anadolu Agency reported.

Amsterdam breached the Vienna Convention on consular and diplomatic relations in its conduct towards Turkish Family Minister Fatma Betul Sayan Kaya and mission officials, according to the diplomatic.

Diplomatic passports belonging to Minister Kaya and her team were confiscated by police officers that intervened in a Turkish mission vehicle carrying the minister, said the note addressed to the UN Secretary-General.

The officers then detained her at a police station for 90 minutes before forcibly driving her to the German border, the note added.

Kaya was prevented from making contact to any Turkish mission officials throughout the journey, and Consulate personnel were barred from leaving the building to greet her, according to the note.

It said a Turkish charge daffaires, a consul general, and two foreign service officers were detained and all their belongings confiscated. These actions are in contravention of diplomatic courtesy as well as the fundamental principles of international customary law, the Turkish mission wrote.

The mission requested that the note be added to a UN General Assembly report on protection of diplomatic missions and distributed to all member states.

Minister Kaya, addressing a UN session, spoke of the "inhumane treatment" she endured from the Dutch government.

"The Netherlands violated several European and UN conventions by restricting the freedom of speech and movement of a woman minister who has diplomatic immunity," she said.

Kaya said special operations officers who surrounded her vehicle were authorized to use deadly force and Turkish citizens waiting to welcome her were attacked by police dogs and horses.

"On behalf of my country and all women, I strongly condemn this biased, racist and xenophobic treatment, Kaya added.

Meanwhile, the city council of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality has unilaterally terminated its sister city protocol with the Dutch city of Rotterdam following tensions between Turkey and the Netherlands, Anadolu Agency reports citing a municipality statement on March 15.

The decision came after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said earlier that he asked Prime Minister Binali Yildirim to tell the Istanbul mayor to end the pact with Rotterdam.

Turkey has already announced a series of high-level diplomatic sanctions - which include a ban on the Dutch ambassador and diplomatic flights from the Netherlands  were imposed after Dutch authorities prevented its ministers from speaking at rallies of expatriate Turks, deepening the row between the two NATO allies.

Ankara earlier warned that it may apply economic sanctions against the Netherlands in the near future.
eh List: Phoebe Wang & Roo Borson







You are invited to join us Monday, April 3 at 7 pm, in Beeton Hall at Toronto Reference Library, for Human Connections: Roo Borson and Phoebe Wang. Wang is a prize-winning poet and ESL teacher, and Borson a critically-acclaimed, prize-winning poet with more than 15 books to her name. They are appearing in celebration of National Poetry Month, as well as part of the spring 2017 eh List Author Series, Toronto Public Librarys celebration of writers from across Canada. They will be introducing us to their latest poetry collections, followed by an interview with Toronto's poet laureate, Anne Michaels.







Anne Michaels is a novelist and poet. Her books are translated and published in over forty-five countries and have won dozens of international awards, including the Orange Prize, the Guardian Fiction Prize, and the Lannan Award for Fiction. She has been shortlisted for the Giller Prize (twice), the Governor-Generals Award, and longlisted for the IMPAC Award (twice). Her novel Fugitive Pieces was adapted as a feature film. Her latest book of poetry, Correspondences, was shortlisted for the Griffin Poetry Prize in 2014. She is Torontos Poet Laureate.







Roo Borson has won the Governor Generals Award, the Pat Lowther Memorial Award, and the Griffin Poetry Prize. In 1990, she helped form the collaborative poetry group Pain Not Bread, with Kim Maltman and Andy Patton. Her work is included in a number of anthologies, such as The New Oxford Book of Canadian Verse, the Norton Introduction to Poetry, and the Norton Introduction to Literature. She is here at this time to introduce us to her latest poetry collection, Cardinal in the Eastern White Cedar, completing her triptych which began with Short Journey Upriver Toward Oishida and Rain; Road; an Open Boat.

Born in Berkeley, California, Borson moved to Canada to attend the University of British Columbia in the 1970s. She has an MFA from UBC, and has served as the Writer in Residence at both Concordia and Western. She lives in Toronto.





Pheobe Wangs first chapbook, Occasional Emergencies, was published in 2013 and her second, Hanging Exhibits, in 2016. In 2015, she won the Prism International Poetry contest. Her work has also appeared in many journals such as Arc Poetry, Canadian Literature, Descant, and Malahat Review, as well as the anthology TOK 6: Writing the New Toronto. She is here at this time to introduce us to her debut poetry collection, Admission Requirements.

A first generation Canadian born in Ottawa, and educated in Toronto, Wang has a Honours BA in English from York University and a MA in English and Creative Writing from the University of Toronto.

We send thanks to the Canada Council for the Arts for their support of the eh List series, as well as our media partner, The Toronto Star.

Please come back to the Toronto Reference Library on Thursday, April 13 to meet Kerry Clare; on Wednesday, April 19 (in the Atrium) to meet Barbara Gowdy; on Monday, April 24 to meet Ian Hamilton; on Monday, May 8 to meet Elise Levine; and finally, on Thursday, June 22 to meet Andrew Pyper.

You can find out more about the spring eh List Author Series on our What's On blog, or follow the conversation online using the hashtag: #ehList.
The Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry plans to open its first Indian office in Mumbai later this year, a statement said.

Senior officials from Dubai Chamber led by Chairman Majid Saif Al Ghurair and UAE Ambassador Dr Ahmed Al Banna met Chief Minister of Maharashtra state Devendra Fadnavis to discuss on approaches to strengthen business and partnerships between Dubai and Mumbai.



The Dubai Chamber team confirmed that Fadnavis supported the opening of its office in Mumbai. It also invited the chief minister and an Indian business delegation to visit Dubai.



The visiting Dubai Chamber delegation also hosted discussions with Private Sector Focus Group on the new ways India and UAE can enhance economic cooperation. Of all new companies that registered with Dubai Chamber last year, 29 per cent were Indian, bringing the total number of Indian members to over 36,000.



We see a host of opportunities for business synergies between Dubai and Mumbai and the presence of the Ambassador (Dr Ahmed Al Banna) shows the commitment of UAE to India. We had lively discussions, which raised many important subjects regarding doing business in Mumbai, Al Ghurair said.



We have a strong commitment and will be encouraging Dubai companies to open up business in Mumbai and to strengthen public-private partnerships.



The Dubai Chamber delegation is visiting Mumbai and Ahmedabad, as part of its Global Business Forum series roadshow.



The delegation includes dignitaries and senior businessmen from the UAE visiting stakeholders in the public and private sector in Mumbai and Ahmedabad. The delegation will also meet up with the Chief Minister of Gujarat Vijay Rupani and discuss new ways to enhance economic cooperation between Dubai and Gujarat, the statement said. - TradeArabia News Service


Art Jameel, a non-profit organisation that supports arts, education and heritage in the Middle East, is building a new arts centre in Dubai, UAE, due to open in winter 2018.



The Jameel Arts Centre, a 10,000-sq-m, three-storey multi-disciplinary space, has been designed by UK-based firm Serie Architects as a hub for educational and research initiatives, while its wider programming embraces collaboration and partnerships with local, regional and international artists, curators and organisations.



Located at the tip of Dubais Culture Village, overlooking the Dubai Creek, the centre includes more than 1,000 sq m of dedicated gallery space, plus a 300-sq-m open-access research centre dedicated to artists and cultural movements of the GCC and wider Arab world; additional flexible events spaces; a roof terrace (designed for film screenings and events); an outdoor sculpture area; and a cafe, restaurant and bookshop.



Conceived as a series of boxes of varying dimensions that are bound together by a one-storey-high colonnade, the Jameel Arts Centre Dubai is an intimate place for experiencing and producing art. The buildings intelligent design offers a flexible and rich curatorial potential  from small intimate gallery for enjoying smaller works to large galleries with soaring height for large sculptures, said Art Jameel.



Connecting the exhibition spaces are public outdoor courtyards, which offer moments of repose and reflection as one moves from one gallery to another. The colonnade also works as an active social space, charging the edge of the building with activities and enlivening the waterfront promenade.



The massing of the building, its spatiality, and its facade articulation draws from the rich architectural tradition of the region  interpreted with a modern simplicity and elegance, it said.



Renowned landscape architect Anouk Vogel has drawn inspiration from the desert biome for the concept for the courtyards that punctuate the building: each outdoor space will represent a distinct desert environment, and include some rare plants sourced from the UAE and around the world.



Fady Mohammed Jameel, president of Art Jameel, explained: We are delighted to be embarking on a new phase of development for Art Jameel  strengthening our programmes in Saudi Arabia, across the Arab world and internationally, as well as founding our first permanent space, the Jameel Arts Centre Dubai. Likewise, establishing a partnership with The Metropolitan Museum of Art, one of the most visited, encyclopedic museums in the world, allows us to further support contemporary artists from the region and share their work with a broad international public. We are proud to work closely with a number of partners to fulfill this important vision.



In advance of the opening of the Jameel Arts Centre Dubai in winter 2018, the organisation has opened a Project Space in Alserkal Avenue, Dubai, with a dynamic programme of exhibitions, projects, talks and events. - TradeArabia News Service
A new beverage company is planning an estimated investment of $23 million and major future investment plans in Omans Salalah Free Zone (SFZ), said a report.



The company, named Healthy Beverages, would be the first of its kind beverage company in the region with initial internal and external distribution target in Oman, UAE and Yemen, added the Oman Daily Observer report.



The soft drink plant will produce a healthy drink in the form of both soft drinks and mineral water, it said.



A packaging unit is also in the companys scheme of things under its expansion plan.



The company is to produce four million cartons of green cola and mineral water in the first year, while in the next year it plans to increase production up to six million cartons.



The companys production area would be spread over 15,000 sq m and initially it aims at offering 50 direct employments.



Moreover, the companys foundation laying ceremony was attended by Dr Yusuf Wadood Said from Healthy Beverages; Awadh bin Salem al Shanfari, CEO of Salalah Free Zone; Ali Mohammed Tabouk, Deputy CEO (Commercial) and officials from the SFZ and Healthy Beverages.
King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC), a special economic zone on Saudi Arabia's Red Sea coast, and Petro Rabigh, a joint venture between Saudi Aramco and Japan's Sumitomo Chemical, have launched the Saudi Sustainable Development Association, said a report.



The association is an innovative, pioneering initiative to combine the resources of national corporations and channel them efficiently toward better economic and social development in the kingdom in general, and in the Rabigh area in particular, added the Saudi Gazette report.



Announced in a special ceremony at KAEC, this initiative is the first of its kind in the kingdom, creating a partnership among corporations and institutions in the private sector in the field of social responsibility and sustainable development.



The announcement ceremony was attended by Ayman Al Mubaireek, deputy governor of Rabigh, and more than 30 representatives of government agencies and senior corporate officials.



In addition to KAEC and Petro Rabigh, the consortium includes the Cooperative Insurance Company (Tawuniya,) the International Medical Center, DHL, SANKYU, Saudi Arabia, FAL Holding, RAWEC, Al-Tamimi and Co., GEMS  Global Environmental Management Services  and Arabian Pipes.



Bassam A Al Bokhari, vice president of industrial relations at Petro Rabigh and chairman of the Association Board, said the partnership will unite the efforts that national corporations make towards enhancing corporate social responsibility and promoting sustained development that meets the areas basic needs.



He also said that this will constitute added value in the long run, and contribute to the kingdoms Vision 2030 by giving the private sector the opportunity to participate in development, added the report.
Oman Air has announced that a new Boeing B737-800 aircraft has joined its fleet.



This new aircraft will be used on short and medium haul routes and has a capacity of 162 seats, with 12 Business class seats of seat pitch 46 inches and 150 Economy class seats with seat pitch 30 inches. Each seat is equipped with an LCD screen, back-mounted 10.6 inches.



Oman Air has operated B737s for many years and the aircraft provide the backbone of the airlines long and medium haul fleet, with 32 currently in operation. The new aircraft will be deployed soon on its arrival for commercial flights.



Abdulaziz Alraisi, executive vice president Products and Brand Development, said: Oman Air is adding new aircraft to its fast growing fleet to keep up with the expansion programme. Known for its energy efficient systems, and combined with Oman Airs superb maintenance staff and facilities, this is an ideal acquisition as we spread our wings to further afield.



The aircrafts inaugural flight departed Seattle on March 13 and arrived to Muscat on March 15. With the addition of the new Boeing 737  800, Oman Airs fleet stands at 51. Currently Oman Airs fleet consists of five Boeing 787 Dreamliners, six Airbus 330-300s, four Airbus 330-200s, five Boeing 737-900s, 26 Boeing 737-800, one Boeing 737-700 and four Embraer 175s.



Oman Air is continuing with its ambitious expansion plans in 2017 with four new additions to the fleet already this year. The latest were the Boeing 787 Dreamliner which joined the fleet on February 23, beside the two new 737-800s added to the fleet in January and February. In addition, a new Dreamliner B787-9 will be joining Oman Airs fleet in the coming April. - TradeArabia News Service
From the exclusive Arrival Lounge at Istanbul Ataturk Airport to the advanced personal screens with updated options, Turkish Airlines continues to work on improving its award-winning service quality.



In addition to its ever-expanding route network, which covers 296 destinations in 120 countries, the airline excels in products and services designed to take the passenger experience to an even higher level.



The exclusive Arrival Lounge at Istanbul Ataturk Airport is a place of rest and relaxation for those who seek comfort and refreshment immediately after they land.

Designed by Istanbul-based architecture firm Autoban, the lounge occupies a 250-square-meter area and provides seating capacity for 38 people.



With all its practicality and convenience, the place allows travellers access to all kinds of tools for managing their business, as well as abundant gastronomic options including world-famous Turkish cuisine.

In addition to a library filled with books on a variety of subjects, an always-current local and international magazine and newspaper section, wi-fi connectivity, and media walls, there are power outlets for your electronic devices, too.

The new Lounge Istanbul Arrival are relaxation areas equipped with shower stalls, a changing room, and an ironing room with staff to tend to clothes that need ironing. The lounge accepts passengers from 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. local time and operates from 5:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

The lounge is exclusively for the use of Business Class passengers arriving in Istanbul via Turkish Airlines- operated flights and Elite Plus-status passengers traveling Economy or Comfort Class on such flights.

Other services recently implemented by the airline to make overall journey easier for the traveler is the shuttle available between San Diego and Los Angeles (which passengers can book directly with the ticket number and their contact details).



 The shuttle operates between San Diego and Los Angeles between set pick-up and drop-off points.

 For passengers departing out of Los Angeles: Passenger will be picked up at San Diego Zion Market parking lot (Address: 7655 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92111). Drop-off location is LAX Airport Tom Bradley Terminal Departure level.

 For passengers arriving in Los Angeles: Passenger will be picked up at LAX Airport Tom Bradley Terminal Arrival level under the Turkish Airlines sign. Drop-off location is San Diego Zion Market parking lot (Address: 7655 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92111). - TradeArabia News Service
Habitat breaks ground

Habitat for Humanity, the Heart of Wyoming, will break ground at 4:30 p.m., on Monday, March 20, for the future home of the Sabrina Hurst family, 1242 S. Conwell St. Supporters, volunteers and those interested in the program are invited to attend. For more information, call 234-1348 or visit heartofwyoming.org.

Bishop Home closed for upgrades

Thanks to a grant from the Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund and several private donors, the attic of the Historic Bishop Home is being restored and the access improved. The construction is scheduled for completion in March. The home will go on vacation for Spring Break the remainder of March, beginning March 19, 2017. For the last two weeks, tours will be suspended while we clean and restage the home in preparation for the opening of the Homefront exhibit.

The exhibit commemorates the 100-year anniversary of the United States entering World War I. Leona and M. L. Bishops eldest son, Marvin, served in the military during this war, thus, the inspiration for the exhibit at the Historic Bishop Home. The exhibit is a joint project with the Wyoming Veterans Museum. The exhibit open will Thursday, April 6 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, April 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission fee is $2 per person or $5 for a family of four. The home is located at 818 East 2nd Street, between Jefferson and Lincoln. Parking is available behind the home off Lincoln Street. For additional information, visit www.cadomafoundation.org and www.Facebook/cadoma.foundation.com.

Following the tours on Saturday, April 8, the Historic Bishop Home is hosting Ms. Rosalind Grenfell for an afternoon talk on womens fashion at 3 p.m. Ms. Grenfell will present a program on Victorian Elegance that focuses on womens costume from 1890-1919.

Ms. Grenfell is an expert in apparel, fashion history, and related arts. She received her graduate degree from Virginia Tech and has taught apparel, textiles, and fashion history at various institutions throughout the United States. Call a friend or treat yourself and reserve your place today. We look forward to seeing you. Tea and delicious desserts await. Cost is $20 per person. ($10 is a tax-deductible donation to the Cadoma Foundation). Reservation deadline is April 6, 2017. Reservations are confirmed upon payment.

For more information and reservations, call 235-5277, email info@cadomafoundation.org, or write Cadoma Foundation, 220 East Midwest Ave., Suite B, Casper, Wyoming 82601.

Service academies host joint

information days

On Saturday, March 25, at 1 p.m., at Cody High School, and Saturday, April 8, at 1 p.m., at Natrona County High School, the Federal Service Academies (Naval, Army, USAF and USCG) will be sponsoring annual Information Days.

The application process to a Federal Service Academy is complex and can start as early as the junior year in high school. In addition to applying to the academies, students require a nomination to four of the five academies, typically from U.S. Sen. Enzi, U.S. Sen. Barrasso, or U.S. Rep. Cheney.

The event provides the opportunity for Wyoming parents and students to join representatives from the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, and the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, (in Casper only) for an information session regarding the academy application process, attending a military academy, and serving as a commissioned officer.

The Federal Service Academies are federally funded institutions. All students receive a full scholarship including tuition, room and board, and complete medical coverage.

The event is free and open to the public.

County Dems hold elections March 30

Democrats of Natrona County will elect officers to fill the Executive Committee leadership positions on Thursday, March 30, 2017 at IBEW, at 6:30 p.m.

Elections will be held for the positions of county chair, vice chair, secretary, treasurer, and state committeeman and committeewoman to lead the county party. The officers serve a term of two years.

The vice chair shall be of the gender opposite of that of the county chair, unless no one of the opposite gender is nominated as vice chair. In that case the county may elect a vice chair of the same gender as that of the County Chair.

Registered Democrats interested in running for office must complete and file their Intent to Seek Office, with the Nomination Committee Chair Audrey Cotherman, amcotherman@bresnan.net. Due date for submission of Notice of Intent is March 24, 2017. Full description of officer duties and responsibilities, Notice of Intent form and other helpful Q&A available at www.natronacountydems.com.

The meeting will commence with potluck at 6:30 p.m. The party provides the main dish, attendees share sides and sweets.

For more information, call the office at 234-1992.

12-24 Club receives operations gift

The 12-24 Club has received $60,000 from the McMurry Foundation for operations.

This grant will allow us to continue serving all who seek recovery from addiction every day, said director Dan Cantine. The McMurry Foundation has supported our efforts for over 20 years. Just as important is their commitment to helping others. We are grateful for all that the McMurry Foundation has done for many.

For more information about the 12-24 Club, call 237-8035 or visit www.1224club.org.

Register for Edible Book Fest

Got an appetite for books? Make an edible reference to your favorite book and enter it in the 2017 Edible Book Fest. Entries are now being accepted by the Natrona County Library and Friends. Free and open to all ages and skill levels. Entry forms are due Friday, April 7, by 5 p.m., and can be found at any library branch or register online at natronacountylibrary.org/fest. The 2017 Edible Book Fest is 1 to 4 p.m., on Saturday, April 8, at the Natrona County Library. Edible creations must be displayed and ready for voting by 2 p.m., Saturday, April 8. For more information, please call Pam Jones at 258.4998.

Caps 4 Kids

March 22

The March gathering of Caps 4 Kids is 12:30 or 1 p.m., until mid-afternoon on Wednesday, March 22, at the Central Wyoming Senior Center, 1831 E. 4th St. All who knit or crochet are welcome for a few hours of crafting and socialization.

A generous donation of yarn has been received. Come select favorite colors and make a few caps that will be donated next fall to the young and old. There are patterns available or you may use your own design. All sizes of caps are created.

Please contact the Senior Center at 265-4678 for more information. They will forward your inquiry to a member of the group.
The Casper Police Department is reviewing its policy regarding sexual assault cases after multiple women criticized how the agency handled their cases, the police chief said Thursday.

Casper Police Chief Jim Wetzel said that the department is reviewing how officers are supposed to handle cases involving sexual assault in response to the womens statements, which came at City Council meetings. He said the department is pushing for better enforcement of existing policy and looking for areas where new policy could be developed.

Were in the process of further developing those policies, he said.

For example, Wetzel said, there has been better enforcement of an existing policy that requires detectives to review a case and decide what the first step is in their investigation within seven days of being assigned the case. The chief said that policy wasnt followed in at least one case that the women told city leadership about.

It took upwards of three weeks, he said.

Wetzel said the department has studied the changes the police department in Missoula, Montana, made to its policy after the U.S. Department of Justice reviewed how it handled sexual assault cases. The Casper Police Department is in the process of deciding which of those policies fit its needs.

You cant be flying by the seat of your pants, making ad hoc changes, Wetzel said. Effective and responsible change takes time and review, he said; otherwise the policy becomes contradictory and has less meaning.

Meeting with reporters Thursday morning, Wetzel originally answered yes to a question asking whether the department had changed its policy regarding sexual assault. However, the department later clarified that no changes have been made but that the department is reviewing its existing policy.

Wetzel said that officers dont mean to overlook or ignore victims but that officers are often overloaded with other cases. However, Wetzel added that a busy schedule is not an excuse for not following department policy or caring for victims needs.

Were really trying to put a better focus on the victims, he said.

Councilwoman Amanda Huckabay, who has also criticized how the department treated victims of sexual assault, said the city council hadnt heard anything about the departments review of its policies and said Wetzels statements were lip service.

I feel like if this were a genuine concern for (Wetzel), he wouldve been more proactive and transparent with council and the community rather than being on the defense, Huckabay said.

She said women have continuously emailed her to express frustration about how the police department handled their sexual assault and domestic violence cases. Many of the women feel like they are not being heard or are afraid to come forward, she said.

More transparency from the police department about any changes to policy would help repair victims damaged trust, Huckabay said.
The Most Rev. Steven Biegler, 57, pastor of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Rapid City, South Dakota, was named Thursday as the ninth Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Cheyenne, which encompasses the entire state of Wyoming.

He will move to Cheyenne full-time after his installation ceremony on June 5.

Pope Francis appoints bishops, and this appointment was announced Thursday at a press event in Cheyenne.

I didnt know anything about it until they called me on Monday, Feb. 27, Biegler said by phone on Thursday morning. I was called by the Apostolic Nuncio in Washington, D.C., Archbishop Pierre. He thought I should say yes over the phone. I asked for a week, he said that was too long; I asked for four days, he said thats too long; I called him back the next day.

Established in 1887, the Diocese of Cheyenne is home to over 54,000 Catholics. It has 37 parishes and 35 missions. There are 52 active priests, 15 retired priests, 37 deacons and nine sisters.

Its hard to describe all of the emotions and thoughts, Biegler said after the news conference. Three words kind of summed up different things going on in my heart  sadness, excitement and kinship.

He said sadness is because of the deep friendships formed in South Dakota.

Im excited to serve God in this part of the journey, he said. There are good people here; Ive heard about that. And Im especially excited to be staying on my own journey of saying yes to the Lord. Thats mainly who I say yes to.

He said the kinship comes from being born and raised in western South Dakota and serving in rural parishes.

But its also a kinship that goes back to our baptisms, and even more than that, just being a human person. We are all brothers and sisters, so I just need to be a brother to people, he said.

In addition to his duties as pastor of the cathedral parish, Biegler has served the Diocese of Rapid City administratively in several capacities, including since 2013 as vicar general.

Born in Mobridge, South Dakota, he was raised on a ranch in Timber Lake, South Dakota. He is the son of Mary and the late Alfred Biegler. His mother lives in Timber Lake. He has six living brothers and five living sisters. One sister is deceased.

One brother, Royce Biegler, lives in Gillette and works for the railroad and a niece lives in Cheyenne, where she teaches.

Biegler, who will turn 58 on Wednesday, likes to cook, especially Italian food and pasta after studying and working in Rome.

He graduated from Timber Lake High School in 1977 and attended the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology in Rapid City for one year (1977-78). During the next eight years, he worked on the family ranch.

He then began seminary studies and was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Rapid City in Timber Lake on July 9, 1993.

His first pastoral assignment after ordination was as associate pastor at the cathedral in Rapid City. Aside from work in Rome from 2003 to 2007, all of his assignments have been in western South Dakota, including several years as co-pastor of parishes on the Standing Rock Indian Reservation.

Biegler succeeds The Most Rev. Paul D. Etienne, who served the Diocese of Cheyenne from December 9, 2009 to November 9, 2016, when he was named Archbishop of Anchorage, Alaska.

Since November, Fr. Carl Gallinger, pastor of St. Joseph in Cheyenne, has been the diocesan administrator. He will continue in that capacity until the newly appointed bishop is installed.
Redundant jobs. Decentralized agencies scattered across the state. Numerous separate contracts for equipment and purchasing.

These are examples of potential state government waste and disorganization. While its unknown where  and to what extent  Wyoming is inefficient, a group is being assembled to study how to tighten operations.

Senate File 156, passed by the Legislature and signed by Gov. Matt Mead, sets aside $300,000 for a commission to hire a consultant. Together, they will outline how to study the issue. In 2018, the Legislature may approve more money for the commission to begin its work, said bill sponsor Sen. Drew Perkins.

Perkins said tens of millions of dollars could be saved, which could prevent a tax increase.

During the 2017 session, the House and Senate were divided over how to address a revenue drop caused by the energy industrys downturn. revenue, as tax receipts from oil, gas and coal are down. The House sent to the Senate a number of tax increase proposals and wanted to redirect existing revenue to education, which faces a severe deficit. All were shot down in the upper chamber.

If we could save $100 million or more that would be excellent for the state of Wyoming, said Perkins, a Casper Republican.

The commission will be comprised of representatives of the executive, judicial and legislative branches, plus two Wyoming residents  one selected by Mead and another by legislative leadership, said Perkins, a Casper Republican. The group will likely veto some of the consultants ideas. There are some areas of government that are inefficient but too important to Wyomingites to change, he said.

For instance, many Wyoming counties have numerous school districts, each with a superintendent, business director and human resources personnel. School districts could consolidate and save money. But the public is adamantly against the idea, Perkins said.

In small towns, the school is the center of civic life, he said.

Thats a cultural inefficiency thats not going to change, he said.

Representatives from consulting firms visited lawmakers about studying inefficiencies.

And one of them indicated, going through our purchasing process and how the state of Wyoming purchases services, you could save over $100 million, Perkins said. Obviously, you have to take that with a grain of salt. Theyre trying to get work to them. But what if its half of that?

Perkins said his bill had the support of a number of organizations, including the Wyoming Business Alliance and the libertarian-leaning Wyoming Liberty Group.

The Wyoming Public Employees Association did not monitor the bill during the session and its leaders did not have an opinion on it at this time, Betty Jo Beardsley, the organizations executive director.

Sheridan resident Gail Symons is interested in the study. She spent 30 years specializing in the field of eliminating inefficiencies, first as an officer in the U.S. Navy and later as a civilian with General Electric. She said she became interested in the field after earning a masters in business administration with an emphasis on organizational behavior at the University of Hawaii.

Symons has sent legislators her thoughts on the study.

She said shes not a fan of outside consultants, riding in on a white horse and taking state money. She said they should only be used when they have expertise that the state lacks, such as guiding the study to make sure the commission stays on track.

But state employees who work day-in and day-out for Wyoming will have a lot to offer, if they are encouraged and given incentives to help, Symons said.

For instance, state employees may know someone who is doing the exact same job in another agency as they are. They must be assured that, if they identify their position as possible elimination, that they will be given another position and not let go. Thats a proposition Perkins said he agrees with.

The states two-year budget for general government operations is $3 billion.

If we cant find $1 million, were not looking hard enough, is how I look at it, she said.
Gov. Matt Mead vetoed a bill Wednesday that would have allowed people to carry firearms at state and local government meetings, calling the legislation murky.

As the same time, the Republican signed a bill that will allow local school boards to decide whether to allow employees and volunteers to carry weapons.

Mead said he vetoed the guns-in-government-meetings legislation because it would undermine local control and create different restrictions for the Legislature and all other government bodies.

The governor, who is in his second and final term, announced the veto and bill signing late Wednesday afternoon in a news release and letter to Wyoming Secretary of State Ed Murray, who officially records vetoes.

Aside from some line-item vetoes of the budget bill, Meads action Wednesday was his first rejection of a measure passed by the 64th Wyoming Legislature, which met for 40 days, from Jan. 10 through March 3.

Mead has until Saturday to sign, veto or allow to pass without a signature remaining bills adopted by legislators.

House Bill 137, sponsored by Sheridan Republican Rep. Bo Biteman, would have allowed concealed carry at meetings for city and county commissions, school boards and other government meetings.

Mead outlined in his letter to Murray all the gun-related legislation hes signed and the 10 national court cases that he instructed the Wyoming attorney general to weigh in on. The governor said he has also worked to recruit new gun manufacturing businesses to the Cowboy State.

But HB137 strips authority from locally elected officials to decide whether they should allow guns at meetings and events, he wrote.

We place great value on government closest to the people, in cities, towns and counties, he said.

Furthermore, Mead said the bill has different rules for guns at legislative meetings and other government gatherings. In fact, Mead said the way the measure was written creates a greater likelihood that firearms will be barred from the Legislatures meetings.

If that was the intent, an explanation is necessary as to why, he said. If the bill is suited for local government, why not for the legislative body?

He wrote that a bill of such importance must be thoughtful and clear, not subject to question or misinterpretation.

Biteman did not return a message from the Star-Tribune.

Co-sponsor Rep. Mark Baker, a Republican from Rock Springs, said he was disappointed about the veto.

As a state lawmaker, Ive always taken the position where I feel like our Bill of Rights is something that supersedes local control, he said. Beyond that, I think it does kind of send a message to the community that weve been trying to go out and cater to and bring these manufacturers to the state and broaden our economic base. Theres been a lot of effort to drawing these manufacturers to Wyoming.

When it comes time to put your money where your mouth is, the state is having a hard time getting real gun legislation passed.

The Legislature this year passed more conservative legislation that had floundered during past sessions. HB137, for instance, passed the House 47 to 13.

In the Senate, it passed 20 to 10.

The guns-in-schools law will allow local school boards to create rules governing who can carry guns and in which buildings the weapons will be allowed. The law requires 24 hours of training for each authorized employee and volunteer and mandates that school districts work with local law enforcement when creating the regulations.

Lawmakers crafted the bill for rural school districts that are far from law enforcement. However, the law covers all school districts in Wyoming.
Nearly 25,000 Wyomingites selected plans on the Affordable Care Act marketplace this year  a 4 percent increase from last year  and at a time when consumers knew Republicans intended to repeal and replace Obamacare.

On Wednesday, the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services released state and county data about the numbers of people who signed up on insurance exchanges during the open enrollment period, Nov. 1 through Jan. 31, which dovetailed with the election and transition of President Donald Trumps administration.

In Wyoming, consumers obtain coverage through the federal exchange, healthcare.gov.

In 2017, 24,826 Wyomingites selected a plan on the exchange, up from 23,770 last year.

But marching through Congress is legislation called the American Health Care Act, which plans to overhaul the ACA, including aspects of the insurance exchanges.

On Thursday morning, the House Budget Committee advanced the bill, though representatives were divided on the legislation.

The AHCA has been criticized by congressional Democrats and groups representing conservatives, physicians and consumers. The independent Congressional Budget Office estimates 24 million people nationally will lose coverage under the plan.

Obamacare is deeply disliked by Wyomings three all-Republican members of Congress, although the Republicans didnt answer recent questions from the Star-Tribune about specific provisions in the AHCA bill.

About 20 percent of Wyomingites who signed up for insurance were new to the exchange, said Tracy Brosius of Wyoming Institute of Population Health, which oversees Enroll Wyoming, an organization that helps people obtain insurance through the exchange.

Many of those people had job changes and lost their insurance, she said. Others were family members of people currently on the exchange. Some were drawn to the exchange because of more awareness of the program, Brosius said.

Also included were students and young people drawn to the exchange who were on the cusp of turning 26, the age when under Obamacare rules they would no longer be eligible for their parents insurance.

Anecdotally, we did have quite a few of them saying, I dont know what the future is going to look like, so maybe I should sign up now, she said.

Subsidies

The Wyoming county with the largest number of people who selected health care plans on the exchange was Natrona, with 2,832.

In Teton County, 2,825 people signed up for plans. In Laramie County, 2,768 people selected insurance on the marketplace.

Most lower- and middle-class families quality for tax credits if they obtain coverage on the exchange. For instance, a family of fours income can be up to $97,000 to qualify for the subsidy.

In Wyoming, Hot Springs County residents on the exchange on average are receiving the largest tax credit this year at $602 a month. In Natrona County, the credit is $520 a month. In Laramie County, it is $467.

The American Health Care Act, in its current form, changes the subsidies. Individuals who earn up to $75,000 or couples who earn up to $150,000 would get credits, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.

The net result in the AHCA is that people with upper-middle incomes would relatively receive more assistance, the foundation states.

In states such as Wyoming, where premiums are high due to the rural nature of health care, Obamacare subsidies are higher than in urban areas where there are more medical services competing against each other and lower prices.

In Congress replacement plan, tax credits do not vary by location, the foundation states.

Delegation

The Star-Tribune asked each member of the Wyoming congressional delegation if they still support the bill when Wyomingites continue to sign up and receive subsidies on the exchange. None answered the question directly.

The American Health Care Act, as currently proposed, will let people use the tax credits outside the exchange, which could save people money, said Laura Mengelkamp, spokeswoman for U.S. Sen. Barrasso, an orthopedic surgeon.

People in Wyoming are also paying some of the highest premiums in the country, she said. The only place consumers can get financial assistance to buy the expensive Obamacare coverage is through the federal exchange.

A spokesman for Sen. Mike Enzi noted that in the Cowboy State for the past two years, only one insurance company remains on the exchange, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming. Premiums are among the nations highest in Wyoming. He said thousands of Wyomingites have complained to Enzi about the Affordable Care Act.

The AHCA makes many reforms, such as eliminating Obamacares penalties on people who do not obtain coverage, he noted.

The House bill is about providing choice and freedom to help transition to a patient-centered insurance system but it is only a start to the process, he said.

Joseph Jackson, a spokesman for U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney, defended parts of the AHCA, such as the elimination of the individual mandate requiring that most people obtain insurance. A CNN/ORC poll released last week showed Americans were split over whether it should be revoked, with Republicans most favoring its removal.

Jackson called Obamacare a train wreck. He said the report by the CBO says the Republican plan could lower premiums by 10 percent, reduce the federal deficit by $337 billion and cut taxes by $880 billion.

PolitiFact.com reported premiums will initially increase by 15 to 20 percent, then drop when the market stabilizes.

This approach honors our commitment to put patients back in the drivers seat as we work to ensure no one has the rug pulled out from under them, Jackson said.
CHEYENNE  A Wyoming Highway Patrol trooper stalked a woman while on duty in his patrol vehicle, according to evidence detailed by prosecutors.

Robert D. King, 31, has been charged with felony stalking, felony property destruction and misdemeanor protection order violation.

King had his first court appearance on Wednesday in Laramie County Circuit Court. Magistrate Ericka Smith set King's bail at $5,000 cash.

King posted bail and was released on Thursday afternoon from the Laramie County Detention Center, according to a booking clerk.

King's attorney, Alan Harding of Laramie, indicated in the hearing that King would waive his right to a preliminary hearing, which sends the case directly to Laramie County District Court for trial.

"Some, or all, of this is contested," Harding said.

King has been on paid administrative leave from the patrol since Feb. 17 after the Cheyenne Police Department notified the patrol of an investigation involving King.

The woman involved had a protection order against King valid from March 1 to April 10, police said.

According to charging documents in the case, a GPS system installed in King's patrol car showed that King frequently drove by woman's house. They also accuse King of following the woman in his patrol car, keying a car outside her house and using his work computer to conduct a license plate check on a vehicle parked outside her house.

In addition, the woman reported that King called her cellphone 30 times one day and left enough voicemails to fill up her voicemail box.

Both felony counts King faces are punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine, and the misdemeanor is punishable by up to six months in jail and a $750 fine.
If you listen to the media narrative on climate change and clean energy, youd think that the rest of the world has moved smartly and seamlessly toward 21st century green energy while the U.S. is the high-polluting laggard that just wont get with the program to save the planet.

Think again. The green energy revolution around the world has turned into a big green meltdown, with many nations sprinting away from renewable energy with the speed of Usain Bolt.

Here are a few of the latest news flashes from Europe and Asia. In Germany, the world leader in green energy, electricity prices have now reached a level triple those paid in the United States. Imagine the anger here if middle-class Americans saw a tripling of their utility bills each month.

In Britain, to comply with renewable energy requirements, power stations are burning hundreds of millions of pounds of wood pellets (pellets imported from the U.S.). Environmental experts confirm that burning wood is much worse for the environment than burning natural gas or even coal.

Australia, another green energy leader, saw its electricity prices skyrocket this past winter. According to an analysis by the Institute for Energy Research, power costs surged unbelievably  from $100 per megawatt hour to $10,000 per megawatt hour. This was because of heavy dependence on an unreliable renewable energy program. The government had to reopen one of its shuttered natural-gas plants to keep prices from further exploding.

Sweden announced a decade ago that it was all-in on green energy, and the government launched a wind-power program. Embarrassingly, Swedish politicians now have had to acknowledge the program has become so expensive and inefficient that the government will phase out the subsidies lavished on the industry.

In each of these cases, the economies and local factories have taken a big hit. According to the Institute for Energy Research analysis of Australia: The government has found that its electric system that is heavily reliant on wind power (40 percent comes from intermittent renewable sources) cannot cope without reliable power from traditional generation sources. The fallout is that Australia is finding that its energy-intensive businesses are relocating to Asian countries that provide stable regulation and costs, lower taxes, cheaper wages, and less red tape.

So, very quietly, Europe and other nations arent going so green anymore. The European Union spent an estimated $750 billion on green-energy handouts over the past decade, and all its bought them is a doubling of power costs. This has given American steel, auto manufacturers, light manufacturers, agriculture businesses and technology firms a big competitive edge in world markets.

Its no wonder that European nations and Australia are desperate for the U.S. to move to the same dimwitted green energy policies that they have adopted.

What would that mean for America? One study by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce estimated that if America were to adopt the same mandates for renewable energy, the total cost to American consumers would be more than $600 billion and our industries would pay out at least $30 billion more.

By the way, the U.S. already provides subsidies to wind and solar power. And according to a 2016 American Action forum study, these subsidies are five times greater per unit of energy produced than subsidies given to nuclear power and 20 times more generous than those given to fossil fuels. Yet despite all the money spent on them, wind and solar power still account for less than 5 percent of American energy output. Why not just eliminate all American energy subsidies and let the free market decide?

Thankfully, President Donald Trump has made it known that adopting more of the policy quackery of Europe  at a time when the U.S. has more recoverable shale oil and gas and more clean coal than any other nation on the planet  is no way to make America great again. Europe is running away from the fantasy of green energy, and this is one rare instance when America may want to follow their lead.
The Arizona Corporation Commission approved changes to the Arizona Universal Service Fund to support an innovative program connecting the states rural schools to the internet.

The unanimous vote paves the way for the fund to pay for a program which partners the Corporation Commission with the Governors Office, the Superintendent of Public Instruction and the nonprofit EducationSuperHighway to draw down approximately $100 million in federal E-rate funds for infrastructure that will provide broadband to rural schools and libraries.

Approximately 250,000 Arizona students lack sufficient access to internet services.

Equal access to broadband services is critical to the success of a childs education in the 21st century, said Arizona schools chief Diane Douglas. This program is an incredible opportunity for underserved children from small schools in rural parts of Arizona to have the same technology opportunities that are afforded to other children in the state.

Last March, Arizona was one of a few states to be awarded the 2016 K-12 Broadband and Digital Learning Policy Academy grant.

The Arizona Universal Service Fund will provide $8 million in state match funds. An additional estimated $5 million will likely be needed  money that is included in the governors budget proposal, the ACC said.

The purpose of the Arizona Universal Service Fund is to support telecommunications carriers as they build scalable infrastructure to serve students in rural areas. The funds are collected through a monthly service charge .
Julie J.M. Peters still dreams about trains.

We were the first. We didnt know what to expect, said Peters, one of the first three women to be hired by Southern Pacific Railroad as locomotive engineers in 1977. It was a learning curve for all of us.

She, along with Linda Gasser and Jeanne Rader will be honored at the Silver Spike Festival on Saturday.

The family-friendly event is a celebration of the 137th anniversary of the Southern Pacific Railroads arrival in Tucson and the 12th anniversary of the Southern Arizona History Museum. The Silver Spike is an award named after the 6-inch pure silver spike mined as part of the crowning event in 1880.

Activities include a re-enactment by descendants of the people who had a role when Southern Pacific Railroad first came to Tucson in 1880. New to the cast this year will be the great-great- grandson of Albert Seinfeld. In addition, there are also new artifacts to view in the museum.

Peters, who now lives in Colorado, had been a teacher before and after her tenure with the railroad. Her mother, Julia Newman, started with the railroad in Tucson in 1944 as a secretary and crew dispatcher. Nearly 100, Newman continues to volunteer at the museum and has already received the Silver Spike award.

By the mid to late 1970s, many of the engineers were preparing to retire, and word spread that women would be considered as engineers.

It was something brand new for women to be out there, Peters said, and they strived to set the bar high. The retiring engineers passed along what they knew. They were just a wealth of knowledge.

Museum board chairman Ken Karrels calls it breaking the iron ceiling. Peters said the engineers who trained them 40 years ago were welcoming.

Many women followed in our footsteps, by the way, she said, noting positions such as switchmen and yard masters. It was just a fantastic opportunity.

While its hard to believe that was already 40 years ago, she does remember challenges. Its a tough job  its a great job, but its a tough job.

Engineers get paid by the mile so the longer routes were sought out. She worked on everything from 13,000-ton coal trains to Amtrak passenger trains. Destinations included Yuma and Phoenix and eventually expanded to El Paso. Other routes carried locals to the mines. Engineers were always on call.

She loved the expressions on peoples faces when they realized she was the engineer.

Peters also took part in Operation Lifesaver, an education campaign that took her and conductor Bob Reid into local classrooms. The teachers were always happy to see them, she said, because they showed the students that if a woman could be the engineer, anything was possible.

The retiring engineers told her that long after she left the job, she would dream of trains. And they were right.

The scenery between Tucson and Lordsburg, New Mexico, was amazing. You would see the best lightning storms. Wildlife. Meteor showers. It was just unbelievable what youd be able to see.
We've collected a few front pages from newspapers.com to give you a look at some March 16 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  Former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and husband Mark Kelly have a message for Arizona lawmakers: Enact reasonable gun restrictions or we'll help elect people who will.

And if necessary, Kelly, co-founder of Americans for Responsible Solutions with Giffords, said the group will take their case directly to voters.

At a press conference today to launch the Arizona Coalition for Common Sense, Kelly acknowledged the political hurdles that remain.

"Arizona is different,'' he said, with a long history of  and relationship with  firearms. "Arizona could be a tricky state when you consider this.''

Kelly said the first line of attack is to try to change policy. He said that involves convincing lawmakers that a majority of Arizonans want to close what some call the gun show "loophole'' that exempts people who buy firearms from another individual from having to go through the same background check as they would if purchasing a firearm from a licensed dealer.

But he said Americans for Responsible Solutions is involved in more than just policy, saying it has an annual budget approaching $15 million.

"And we spend a lot of that money around election time of November of even years,'' Kelly said.

"When we can't get a Legislature to pass a bill that not only do we feel makes sense but that the citizens of that state overwhelmingly support, we will work really hard to elect people to the Legislature that will support the bill,'' he continued. "And we've done that over and over again.''
PHOENIX  The expansion of the state's health care program and the levy to fund it are legal, the Arizona Court of Appeals ruled today.

In a unanimous decision the judges rejected arguments by foes that the assessment on hospitals was a new tax that needed a two-thirds vote of both the House and Senate to approve. The levy did not get that margin.

But appellate Judge Paul McMurdie, writing for the court, said he and his colleagues do not read the Arizona Constitution that way.

The move most immediately preserves care for about 400,000 people who were added to the rolls of the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System.
European governments facing a rising tide of populism heaved a collective sigh of relief after the Dutch prime minister, Mark Rutte, swept aside the challenge of the anti-Islam, anti-EU, populist.

, in the parliamentary elections.





was among many EU leaders to congratulate voters on what she called a good day for democracy. The German chancellor said she was very glad, as she thought many people were, that a high turnout led to a very pro-European result.





The French president, Francois Hollande, hailed a clear victory against extremism, while the EU commission chief,

, spoke of a vote for free and tolerant societies in a prosperous Europe that would be an inspiration for many.





With nearly all votes counted and no further significant changes expected, Ruttes centre-right Peoples Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) was assured of 33 MPs, by far the largest party in the 150-seat Dutch parliament, the national news agency ANP said.





Wilders Freedom party (PVV) looked certain to stay in second place but a long way behind  having won 20 seats  and only just ahead of the Christian

(CDA) and the liberal-progressive party D66, which both ended third with 19 seats.





Spains prime minister, Mariano Rajoy, said Dutch voters had made a show of responsibility and maturity ... in a key moment for

as a whole. Denmark, Sweden and Norway said the country had opted for serious politics, responsible leadership and a rejection of populism.





After Britains vote to leave the EU and Donald Trumps shock victory in the US presidential elections, a first-place finish for Wilders, who had pledged to de-Islamicise the

and take the country out of the EU if he won, would have sent shockwaves across the continent in a potentially critical year.





In France, the far-right leader

, who has also pledged a referendum on EU membership, is expected to make the runoff round in presidential elections in May, while Germanys Eurosceptic

(AfD) is on target to win its first federal parliament seats later in the year.





The eyes of the world had been on the vote, Rutte told a cheering crowd of supporters at the VVDs election night party. This was an evening when  the Netherlands said stop to the wrong sort of populism.





Rutte is now set to begin the often lengthy process of building a new coalition, most likely based around the VVD, CDA and D66  a combination that falls five MPs short of a 76-seat majority, leaving him seeking a fourth coalition partner. - Read More




PHOENIX  Saying it would send the wrong message, Republican lawmakers voted Wednesday to kill legislation that would simply require them to review the $12 billion a year the state could potentially collect in sales taxes if all exemptions and exclusions were eliminated.

The vote by the House Ways and Means Committee came after Kevin McCarthy, president of the business-backed Arizona Tax Research Association, derided the idea that the state is somehow forgoing that much money.

McCarthy conceded that special-interest lobbyists do come in from time to time to get lawmakers to spell out that they should not have to pay the states 5.6 percent sales tax on various things their company or industry has to purchase. And he told lawmakers that, in general, ATRA supports a broad-based tax with the lowest possible rates.

But he said the whole idea that a state with a $9.78 billion budget is giving away $12 billion a year in possible income  what the Department of Revenue for legal reasons calls tax expenditures  is flawed.

Tax expenditures is grounded in the notion that everything, all wealth, in Arizona is subject to tax, that which we get to keep is a tax expenditure, he said. Instead, McCarthy said, it represents some basic decisions by lawmakers historically that certain activities are not subject to taxes.

For example, he argued, Arizona generally taxes only the purchase of goods but not services. McCarthy said claims that these are expenses that result in lost revenues only result in headlines that alarm readers.

And then there are exemptions that were adopted by lawmakers for public policy reasons, like the decision that people should not have to pay state sales taxes on food they purchase at grocery stores for home consumption. The cost to the state from that exemption  what McCarthy calls exclusions  is $356 million a year.

The notion that theres this massive amount of money thats leaving the state coffers because of exemptions is a wild exaggeration, he said.

Sen. Steve Farley, D-Tucson, who crafted SB 1144 and shepherded it through the Senate, sought to calm fears of Republican lawmakers that this was a wholesale attack on tax breaks.

He said it simply would require a special panel of lawmakers to review the exemptions on the books once a decade and determine if they still have merit. Farley said if some dont make sense the full Legislature could eliminate them, creating a fairer and flatter sales tax system.

If we werent giving away so much in tax exemptions we could have a lower sales tax rate and we could have more revenues for things we want to pay for, he said. And Farley said more sales tax revenues could support the Republican goal of lowering personal income tax rates.

The problem is, once these things get in place, no one ever looks at them again, Farley argued.

There is a long history of lobbyists seeking  and getting  special exemptions.

For example, years ago the hospitality industry convinced lawmakers that hotels should not have to pay sales taxes on those little bars of soap they buy and provide to guests, bars of soap that are taxable if bought by anyone else at the grocery store. That change, according to the Department of Revenue, is worth about $214,000 a year in revenues.

Airlines dont have to pay $637,000 in sales taxes on food they purchase to serve their customers.

And Farley said the only reason the state does not tax the purchase of 4-inch diameter pipe, a levy that would bring in $746,000 a year, is because of lobbying by Southwest Gas. Yet anyone buying pipe in other sizes pays the tax.

Rep. Vince Leach, R-Tucson, said he likes the idea of a review. But he refused to vote for it.
PHOENIX  Rejecting concerns of doctors, a House panel voted 6-3 along party lines to require them to do everything possible to keep severely premature babies alive no matter the chances of survival.

Sponsor Sen. Steve Smith, R-Maricopa, said state and federal law already require doctors to provide care to live-born babies. His measure would require state health officials to come up with rules of what doctors must do to keep alive any baby born after 20 weeks of gestation.

Cathi Herrod, president of the anti-abortion Center for Arizona Policy, cited a case of an abortion that resulted in a live birth but the baby was allowed to die.

But Dr. Peter Stevenson, a neonatologist, said there is zero chance of survival of a baby born before 22 weeks.

At 22 weeks, he said, there is an 11 percent chance of survival under optimal conditions, including the delivery at a Level 3 trauma center. And about a third of those children will suffer severe complications.

Only at 23 weeks does the chance of survival reach 40 percent.

This bill would compel us to perform painful treatments that have no possible benefit to this baby or fetus, Stevenson told members of the House Judiciary Committee.

Rep. Eddie Farnsworth, R-Gilbert, argued that already is required by law.

Stevenson countered that existing law does not require doctors to provide care that is considered futile. And he said for a baby born at 20 or 21 weeks all therapy other than comfort care is futile.

Dr. Hugh Miller, a specialist in high-risk pregnancies, said part of the problem is that SB 1367 adds something not in existing law: evidence of what is considered life.

Specifically, it includes breathing, a heartbeat, umbilical cord pulsation or definite movement of voluntary muscles. And it need be only one of those to trigger the requirement, with doctors who do not comply subject to civil lawsuit.

Miller said there are babies born long before viability that can show one or more signs.

The fact that there are these signs of life does not mean ... that any medical intervention will be successful in sustaining that life, he told lawmakers. What we can do is we can tragically instrument those kids (through intubation) and deprive those families of the last few moments of meaningful contact and nurturing with the very loved one that we want them to spend those last moments with.

Farnsworth said that scenario doesnt work in situations where a woman doesnt want the child in the first place and actively sought to abort the fetus.
PHOENIX  Gov. Doug Ducey said the Republican plan to replace the Affordable Care Act is flawed and should not be enacted as proposed.

The governor repeated his stance that Obamacare needs to be repealed. And he wants a replacement in place before it disappears.

But Ducey said the proposal being pushed by U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan is not ready for prime time.

I have concerns with the bill as its written today, the governor said. If nothing else, he said, the plan is too rigid.

Im advocating with the White House, with the secretary of health and human services for a plan that gives Arizona flexibility, that brings back our insurance market and allows us to benefit from an improvement in our health-care law, Ducey said.

That issue of flexibility goes to previous efforts by the Ducey administration to include some cost-savings requirements in the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, the states Medicaid program.

For example, Ducey sought federal permission to impose work requirements on some Medicaid recipients and kick them out of the program after five years. Those were rejected last year when Andrew Slavitt, the acting administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, said such limits would undermine access to care and do not support the objectives of the program.

Slavitt also rebuffed the states bid to impose charges on recipients who earn less than the federal poverty level.

On a broader philosophical base, Ducey said hes concerned that simply rearranging the kind of coverage Medicaid provides does nothing to restore the private insurance market.

The insurance market has been collapsed, the governor said, pointing out that in 14 of the states 15 counties there is only one company willing to provide coverage for the poor under the Affordable Care Act.

The last thing we want to do is transition somebody off of a program where theres nowhere to go, he said.

And theres something else: The potential loss of coverage for some Arizonans.

In 2012 the state, under Gov. Jan Brewer, took advantage of a provision of the Affordable Care Act to extend coverage to everyone up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level. Thats currently about $27,800 for a family of three.

What made the deal so attractive is the federal government picked up virtually the entire cost of the expanded population. And as part of the deal, the state came up with money to once again enroll single adults below the federal poverty level, enrollment that was frozen in prior years due to state budget concerns.
Pancho Villa's Grill had some pretty prime real estate, on the northeast corner of Fourth Avenue and Fifth Street. But a new concept is moving into the former Mexican restaurant, which had been closed since 2016.

Bodega Blu will serve "amazing street food from around the globe," according to its website bodegablu.com. (It's not to be confused with the artisan cheese shop Blu A Wine and Cheese Stop which formerly occupied a space in the Mercado San Agustin.)

The website boasts of "fresh, specialty tacos from Mexico, gyros and souvlaki from Greece, crispy fried calamari from Italy," among other things. The name was inspired by a wine cellar in central Spain.

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The outside of the building at 600 N. Fourth Ave. has been painted bright white, and a liquor license application is posted on the side of the door. Windows had been covered in butcher paper, but I was able to peek inside and didn't see much that was ready.

The website says the joint will be open from breakfast until 10 p.m. on weekdays, and stay open until 2 a.m. on weekends. (Closed Sundays.)

Stay tuned for more info!
Help India!

New Delhi, (IANS): The Delhi High Court on Thursday dismissed a plea against the procedure followed by the JNU to implement a UGC notification that a professor cannot guide more than three M.Phil and eight Ph.D research scholars at any given time.

Justice V.K. Rao refused to grant any relief to Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) students who contended that the University Grants Commission notification dated May 5, 2016, threatens to put our future in jeopardy as they would not be able to find a research supervisor/guide due to the said notification.

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The JNU authorities told the court that the notification was binding on the varsity and 43 central universities were already abiding by it.

The JNU said it will neither receive grants nor could award degrees if it stopped following the UGC regulations.

The notification was adopted by the university during its 142nd Academic Council meeting on December 26, 2016, amid protests from several council members.

The students argued that the notifications ramifications will extend beyond existing researchers and lead to few admissions of research aspirants in the current academic session.

Both existing and prospective students, who moved the Delhi High Court, agreed to undertake that they were not challenging the UGC notification but restricting their case to procedural lapses on the JNUs part in adopting the notification.

The students said the JNU did not include their representative in the meetings held to discuss the notifications implementation.
Help India!

By Mohammed Anis Akhtar for Twocircles.net

The integrity of the worlds largest democracy, India, depends on the reliability and validity of elections, held on a regular basis under the supervision Election Commission of India (ECI) and conducted exclusively using electronic voting machines (EVM).

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But following the results in the UP elections, discredited and shocking reports are being racked up by political leaders across the state. However, it is important to remind the readers that this is not the first time such a point has been made. In 2009, Subramanian Swamy filed a case in the high court against Congress party for manipulating the EVM. A few weeks ago, voices against alleged EVM scam were raised by the Maharashtra local body and similarly Mayawati in her correspondence with Akhilesh Yadav has accused the BJP of tampering the EVM machine.

Issues on the security of EVM has continuously been shaking the trust of voters and compromising the integrity of secrecy of the ballot. So, before losing the voters trust in the electoral process, it is necessary that facts must be brought into the light by analysing the working features of the EVM. It will make people conscious with the iniquitous trend of EVM.

The Electronics Corporation of India (ECI) and Bharat Electronic Limited (BEL) jointly make the EVMs for India as well as export to some developing countries. Since 2004, the EVMs have been used nationwide and after two years in 2006, third-generation EVMs were introduced with some additional changes that are still in use.

Technical description of EVM has never been revealed due to security and intellectual property rights concern. The EVMs employ over-simple design software called Trust Computing Base (TCB) that is more prone to attack than other Direct Recording Electronic (DRE) voting machine. The control unit main board, control unit display board, the ballot unit board and ballot unit communication collectively are assembled to build the EVM. All these parts are not strong enough to be immune to attacks and tampering can be done with a much simpler information. At the initial stage of formation, the software can easily be tampered before manufacturing the CPUs for EVM. Those CPUs are manufactured by a Japanese company and there is high scope at the hands of a technician to alter the compiled program image before burning the software into the chip. Moreover, when the manufactured CPUs are shipped to India to accommodate into the control unit main board, it might be possible that a facsimile CPU can be built inside with full of the bogus votes. An equal amount of tampering might be done in circuit Boards by the supply chain or attacker.

The attacker can directly read and write EEPROM chips by adding and manipulating internal feature of the machine. Furthermore, dishonest display boards can be fit to the EVMs by the attacker carry hidden microcontroller through which a number of votes can be altered and lead to fraudulent results. Once a dishonest display is fit to the EVM, it can simply be connected to a mobile phone via Bluetooth signalling by which candidates votes are to be altered whimsically. The vulnerability of attack extends to the involvement of a device that clips directly to the EEPROM memory chips and persistently records the casting votes in the EVMs. This device can be gently adjusted in a shirt pocket and at the time of vote counting, the criminals use the clip on device to change the records of votes.

A UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter) apparatus is also used dishonestly to disclose the EVM control unit and a wire is easily connected to the CPU to hold it in. There are rotary switches in EVM that work to select the number from 0 to 9. When rotary switch fits in a favoured position it can function in a way that facilitates vote stealing. Furthermore, with about 1.4 million EVMs in use, merely robbing a few of the EVMs is enough to turn the result of the election in close a race. The EVMs are sealed before activating it to the booth for function. The seal punched is of poor quality and unsophisticated, and can be easily tampered with no distinguished efforts.

The third-generation EVM use the Election Software Mask that is built in a way that makes it difficult to crack. Highly complex coding makes it difficult for BEL and ECIL to verify its originality of the source code. The EVMs do not use even basic cryptography to protect vote data internally, and hence the auditing of voters cant be done.

It is said that all aforesaid tampering activities can be operated covertly without the involvement of any field-level poll workers. The advancement of nanotechnology along with the maintenance of status quo by the election commission opens multiple windows for the attackers. Officially, a committee was instituted in 1990 comprising of C. Rao Kasarbada, P.V Indiresan and S. Sampath on the security of EVMs. The committee, by and large, came up with the tamper-proof system in the intended environment and in 2006 expert committee was re-established under the guidance of A.K Agarwal, D.T Shahani and P.V Indiresan and again the EVM was proved to be tamper-proof.

In 2006, PV Indiresan who led the commission in a television interview said that doubting the security of EVMs is almost asking Sita to prove her virginity by having a trial by fire. Unfortunately, in both of committees, none of the members were experts in the Electronics and the reports made by the committees relied just on presentation, demonstration and site visits. The original source for the reviewing the security of system were out of record to report. The DREs have been discontinued in many of the countries due to the security threat and for India, resuming the conventional ballot system will demand more budget, personnel, time and energy. Therefore, the election commission should resort to a fresh committee on the security issues of the EVM and the committee must contain expert from Electronics.

All these challenges should be tackled quickly before cracking the hope of people in process of election which will ultimately protect the democracy from wreaking havoc. Therefore, the commission should reach to the decision for implementing the voter- verifiable paper trail (VVPAT) as soon as possible or other option like precinct-count optical scan (PCOS) voting system should be reviewed for the possible used in which the paper fill in the ballot are to be scanned by the machine. Whatever so, the urgent essential focus is for the commission to upgrading the EVM to the standard of possible attacking resistance and further efforts on the transparency of election system should be pursued.

The author is a doctoral fellow at the Department of Political Science, AMU, Aligarh.
Help India!

Lucknow, (IANS): The newly-elected legislators of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will meet in the state capital on Saturday to elect the new Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, a party leader said on Thursday.

A communique to all the 312 BJP MLAs had been sent, asking them to be present in the state capital on that day, he said.

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Sate General Secretary of the party Vijay Bahadur Pathak, while confirming the date for the legislators meet also informed that two central observers  M Venkaiah Naidu and Bhupendra Yadav  will be here to oversee the election of the new leader.

The BJP, which won three-fourths majority in the 403-member House, is returning to power after 14 years. It has 325 seats, including its allies, in the 17th Vidhan Sabha.

While there is no clarity over the name for the next Chief Minister, the central leadership of the BJP is learnt to be toying with the names of Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Minister of State for Telecom Manoj Sinha.

Names of two more union ministers, Smriti Irani and Kalraj Mishra, Lucknow Mayor Dinesh Sharma, national BJP Spokesperson Shrikant Sharma and Gorakhpur MP Yogi Adityanath have been doing the rounds for the states top post.

Rajnath Singh, on more than two occasions, has refused being in the race and has termed such talks as crap.

Manoj Sinha, insiders say, could be the final choice as he has a proven administrative record by serving in two union ministries, is a BHU passout, is amiable to workers and colleagues and comes from Ghazipur, Poorvanchal  an important region for the BJP.
Help India!

By TCN News

Khudai Khidmatgar made an important contribution towards women empowerment in the region of Mewat, Haryana by starting a vocational centre on March 15, 2017.

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It is important to point out that despite being only 60 km from Gurgaon-the millennium city-Mewat has the lowest literacy rate for women in the state at 33.6%. To address this, Khudai Khidmatgar inaugurated the Bibi Amtussalam Mahila Vocational Center at the hands of national-level member Tahseen Ahmed and Mewat Khudai Khidmatgar member.

Speaking at the occasion, Khudai Khidmatgar leader Faisal Khan said that there is immense responsibility on social activists to prepare community leaders. This serves as the only weapon in removing injustice and discrimination. He said Bibi Amtus-Salam was one of those who gave everything to this nation yet no one knows her or talks about her. She was the one who was with Mahatma Gandhi in Noakhali in 1946 when worst riots took place in Bengal and Gandhi went on fast unto death to bring peace. Gandhi treated her like her own daughter. She was so dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi and his ideals that Gandhiji even scolded her many times for her extreme idealist behaviour and expectations. Thus, when her family members left for Pakistan, she decided to stay in India.

Bibi Amtus-Salam established Kasturba Seva Mandir and other Khadi institutions in Rajpura town where she helped Hindu migrants from Bahawalpur, Pakistan to settle down, he added. He further said constructive work will make our struggles more effective. Without constructive work, a struggle is not sustainable and so, this centre will work towards peace and mass mobilisation and promotion of unity in diversity.

Members of the organisation said they hope that this centre, which will be run by local women, will empower women of the region economically and socially.
"Tai-wiki-widbee" is an eclectic mix of trivialities, ephemera, curiosities, and exotica with a smattering of current events, social commentary, science, history, English language and literature, videos, and humor. We try to be the cyberequivalent of a Victorian cabinet of curiosities.


'96' Tamil movie first look poster out:- '96' first look poster (images hd) starring vijay sethupathi and Trisha Krishnan was out now. The lead actress Trisha herself unveiled the first look poster on her Twitter handle. This is the 59th movie in the career of Trisha Krishnan and she was happy to unveil the first look poster on Valentine's day. She wrote "Happy to present the first look of our soulful love story today being a day of celebrating love," on her Twitter account. The movie was directed by Prem Kumar and it was produced under the Madras Enterprises banner.

The film's story revolves around the relationship between the lead pair and hence the filmmakers have come up with a first look on the eve of Valentine's day today. Let's check more details below.

Happy to present the first look of our soulful love story today being a day of celebrating love  #96 #trish59 pic.twitter.com/UK0BVRPrqc  Trisha Krishnan (@trishtrashers) February 14, 2017

'96' first look poster received good response

The title logo of '96' which was unveiled today received good response from the audience and it started trending in social media platforms soon after its release. After creating a sensation with the 'Mohini' FL poster recently, Trisha grabbed everyone's attention with an Intriguing FL poster from her new movie '96'.

The regular shooting of the movie will commence soon and the film is slated for release in second half of 2017. As the lead actor Vijay Sethupati is on a winning streak with his recent releases and growing as one of the Top stars in the Tamil film Industry. This upcoming love story from the actor is increasing the expectations of the film as Vijay has a good number of hits in the love genre.

Trisha is back after a month on Twitter

The lead actress Trisha Krishnan who was attacked by Tamil people for supporting PETA a few days ago re the Jallikattu issue is back again after a month on Twitter. She unveiled two new film's FL posters today. The another movie titled as 'Garjanai' which is the 58th film in the actress career.

The 'Garjanai' first look poster impresses with a serious look of the actress from the movie.

Thus Trisha is back on Twitter with surprise posters from her upcoming films '96' and 'Garjanai'.
Theresa May has rejected Nicola Sturgeon's bid for a second referendum on Scottish independence.

The Prime Minister accused Scotland's First Minister of distracting the British Government from upcoming Brexit negotiations.

Her comments contradict the nationalist's plans to legislate for a spring 2019 vote on Scotland's future in the UK.

Sturgeon said at a press conference on Monday that her country's future in the UK has become uncertain because of Brexit.

She added that a second vote on separation was necessary.

61% of Scottish voters that participated in last year's EU Referendum chose for the UK to remain a member of the superbloc.

This has led to the SNP's claims that Scotland is being 'dragged out of the EU' against its will.

'Unfair'

But the Prime Minister has refused to hold discussions with the First Minister on a second independence vote whilst bracing for Brexit.

She said it is 'unfair' to request that Scots decide what their future relationship with the rest of the British Isles should look like when the consequences of separation are unclear.

Yet the Tory's intervention is likely to increase the hostility between the two leaders since trading insults this week.

The nationalist attacked the Conservative Government for not listening to the Scottish Government's Brexit demands before May triggers Article 50.

However, the Tory hit back, saying that her intentions are to get the best deal for Scotland.

'Now is not the time'

She added: 'Now is not the time for a second vote.'

But Sturgeon said that the Tories were 'denying the Scottish people's right to decide when Brexit becomes clearer.'

The Secretary of State for Scotland, David Mundall, reiterated his leader's comments.

He said his department will not entertain the idea of negotiations on an independence vote.

SNP divisions

This comes amid a row between the SNP leader and her predecessor over the consequences of a Scottish exit from the UK.

Former first minister Alex Salmond said on LBC that an independent Scotland would not automatically remain a member of the EU.

The Gordon MP said that his boss's position is to retain his country's membership of the EU's Single Market by reapplying to join the European Economic Area (EEA).

The EEA includes Iceland, Norway and Lichtenstein, who are not EU members.

Compared to our current EU membership, joining the EEA would allow Scotland to negotiate its own trade deals with the rest of the world whilst remaining a member of the EU's Single Market.

It would also allow Scotland a seat on the EEA Council to vote which EU rules they wish to accept and an end to the Common Agricultural and Common Fisheries Policies.

The leaders of the EEA countries said this week that an independent Scotland will not immediately join the EEA or the European Free Trade Association, which includes all the EEA countries and Switzerland.

Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson attacked the plans, saying there is no point in holding a second vote 'if the plan is to not go back into the EU.'

An SNP spokesman denied the claims.

The SNP leader will prepare legislation before the Scottish Parliament on a second referendum regardless of the Tory leader's refusal to hold one.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel is going to pay a visit to Russia. Russian Presidential Aide Yuri Ushakov told reporters that the date was chosen, but did not specify it and Gerrman spokesman Steffen Seibert declined to confirm the fact that the date of the visit had been agreed.

Earlier, Vladimir Putin invited Merkel to visit Russia. "We look forward to a visit by the Federal Chancellor. I ask you to pass on to her my very best wishes," Putin said at a meeting with German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel.

"I would deliver the invitation to the Federal Chancellor with great pleasure and I hope that the opportunity for her visit will offer itself," Gabriel responded.

Germany and Russia should work together

Last week, the Head of the German Foreign Ministry, Sigmar Gabriel and President of Russia Vladimir Putin had a meeting. During it, Putin invited Angela Merkel to visit Russia. He noted that Moscow and Berlin should fully normalise bilateral relations.

During the conversation, representatives of Germany and Russia agreed that difficulties which exist between international communities could be resolved only if countries work together.

Earlier, Press Secretary for the President of Russia Dmitry Peskov said that the leaders of the two countries would discuss issues concerning Ukraine.

German Foreign Ministry urged to develop channels for cooperation with Moscow

The agenda for a Sigmar Gabriel's visit to Russia included the German-Russian relationship along with such sensitive topics as NATO and conflicts in Ukraine and Syria.

According to the source in the delegation of the German Foreign Ministry, they have had "lengthy, good and intensive conversation" in Moscow.

The parties accentuated the need for developing of ''constructive relations'' and the abandonment of the "arms race".

"It is good and important to use and develop negotiating contacts between Berlin and Moscow" the representative of the German Foreign Ministry delegation said. He also added that great challenges on the international agenda can be overcome if countries cooperate.
Vin Diesel has explained how respected British thespian Helen Mirren ended up appearing in his turbulent, action-packed, nitrous-boosted car action franchise The Fast and the Furious, and its kind of a funny story.

Fast & Furious team initially didnt want Mirren

When Helen Mirrens casting in the eighth Fast & Furious Film (which is called The Fate of the Furious, which is, like the premise of the film, stupid) was announced, it sounded like the kind of story where the producers of a brainless big-budget thrill-ride want some genuine cred for their film, so they contact a famous and brilliant and respected actor about taking a role in it and they take the role when they hear how much theyll be getting paid.

But that was not the case with Mirren. Apparently she approached Diesel at a party last year and actually asked to be written into the script, which had already been finalised. At the time Mirren approached him, Diesel had been refining the story with the films writers for months, and the final draft of the script had received the go-ahead from Universal. Diesel explains that if Mirren had asked anyone else, they wouldve had to turn her down because the script was decided on, but despite that, Diesel sat down with the writers and a week later, she got written in.

Mirren will play the Shaw brothers mother

As an elderly British woman, pretty much the only role Mirren could take in the franchise (and it fits the canon very nicely) was the mother of the Owen (Luke Evans) and Deckard Shaw (Jason Statham) characters from the previous films.

Diesels character Dom Toretto is always banging on about family, but the family thats really at the centre of the F&F franchise isnt his make-believe one consisting of his friends and co-cons. Its the Shaws.

And the introduction of Mirren as the matriarch continues the current rate of Shaw family member introductions of one per film, with Owen brought in as the villain in Fast & Furious 6, and Deckard arriving for revenge in Furious 7, and now Mirren appearing as their mother in The Fate of the Furious. The films director, F.

Gary Gray of Straight Outta Compton, has said that Mirren is bringing some humour and fun to the role, which is to be expected given how she seems to be treating the whole thing like a big p*ss-take (the only sensible way to treat a Fast & Furious film, really).

Mirren has confirmed that she isnt going to be driving a single car in the latest Fast & Furious film, which is being released in cinemas on 14 April this year.
Explosion on plane

A woman got serious facial burns from a headphone when its battery exploded while on a flight to Australia. It is reported that the woman fell asleep on the plane wile wearing the headphones. A loud Explosion awakened her just 2 hours after the plane took off. She felt a burning sensation on her face and snatched the headphones of. When she threw them on the floor of the plane, they were still sparking.

Flight Attendants to the rescue

Flight attendants on the plane acted quickly to douse the headphones with water . The battery and the cover had melted and they were stuck to the floor.

However, passengers were subjected to an unpleasant burning smell for the duration of the flight and many passengers were said to be coughing and choking. The woman had burns on her hand face and hair in the aftermath of the explosion. Dark blotches were observed on the woman's face and neck as well as blisters on her hand.

Safety precautions

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau confirmed that the passenger fell asleep during the flight while wearing her headphones and that the she suffered burns as a result of the headphones exploding. The Bureau offered some safety tips for passengers using battery powered devices. Safety tips include keeping the device in approved storage when not being used and knowing where the device is before moving powered seats.

It is not known at this time what type of battery was in the device but the Bureau stated that it was likely the lithium-ion batteries and not the headphones that exploded.

Exploding batteries on planes

Due to a well publicized problem with Samsung Galaxy Note 7 these devices were banned from all US flights due to an issue of spontaneously igniting.

Research has found that lithium-ion batteries can explode and burn and are even more dangerous than previously thought. Passengers are still allowed to take battery powered devices on a plane so there is always the probability that more incidents of exploding batteries could occur in future.
On Monday night, retired Gen. Michael Flynn announced his resignation as national security adviser. On Tuesday morning, Presidential Counsel Kellyanne Conway was given the unfortunate task of dealing with the media in the aftermath of the story.

Conway confrontation

In recent weeks, the pressure started to mount on Michael Flynn after it was reported that he had illegal contact with a Russian ambassador while still acting as a private citizen. Flynn reportedly spoke to Russian officials about working out a deal to lift sanctions put in place on the Kremlin by the Obama administration.

Further more, Flynn allegedly also lied to Vice President Mike Pence about the issue, which caused even more of a strain on his relationship with the White House. These issues, and more, were front and center during the February 14 edition of "Good Morning America" on ABC.

Joining host George Stephanopoulos was former Trump campaign manager and current adviser, Kellyanne Conway. Stephanopoulos questioned Conway about whether or not President Donald Trump was made aware of the recent report that former acting Attorney General Sally Yates had informed him about Michael Flynn being "vulnerable" to Russian blackmail efforts. "I don't know the answer to that,"Conway said, before adding "The fact is, I can't reveal what the White House knew or didn't know."

WATCH: "I do not know that, @GStephanopoulos." - @KellyannePolls on if Pres. Trump was told General Flynn was compromised 3 weeks ago pic.twitter.com/GKqOK3r5NZ  Good Morning America (@GMA) February 14, 2017

After being pressed further on the issue, Conway still refused to give much of an answer.

"George, again, I'm not here to say who knew what when," she answered, while explaining she didn't want to release "highly sensitive" information. Stephanopoulos remained persistent, and attempted to get as much information out of Conway as he could. "I got to get to the bottom of this here," he said, while once against asking if the White House knew about the aforementioned reports.

Russian lawmakers cry foul over resignation of White House national security adviser Michael Flynn. https://t.co/p1hsN1MGMo pic.twitter.com/Kl6SCjgeRp  ABC News (@ABC) February 14, 2017

Conway cornered

"I do not know that," Kellyanne Conway said. When she was asked the same question in relation to Mike Pence, Conway once again replied, "I do not know that." As the interview went on, Conway then questioned the information that has been released and confirmed by various news outlets, stating, "You're presuming that all the information you have there is completely factual." As of press time, Donald Trump has not made a public statement or a comment on his Twitter account.
Over the last week, one of the hottest political stories to rock the White House has involved national security advisor Michael Flynn and his alleged role with the government of Russia. After Flynn was accused of trying to negotiate with the Russians when he was just a private citizen, new information has been released that makes matters even worse.

Flynn in trouble

After Donald Trump defeated Hillary Clinton to become the 45th President of the United States last November, the former host of "The Apprentice" quickly turned his attention to who would be around him in the White House.

When Trump announced that retired Gen. Michael Flynn would be his new National Security Advisor, backlash soon followed. Liberal critics of the new president were outraged at the selection, as many view Flynn as "Islamophobic," and have accused him of having an extreme stance on dealing with Islamic terrorism. In addition, Flynn has also been linked to the Russian government, with reports stating that the general had been in talks with Kremlin officials behind the back of the administration. As reported by The Washington Post, and later The Hill on February 13, Flynn's place in the White House could be even more damaging than previously thought.

JUST IN: Justice Dept. warned White House about Flynn's communications with Russia: report https://t.co/qhnlks2Bov pic.twitter.com/ApaYi7lueP  The Hill (@thehill) February 14, 2017

According to the report, the Department of Justice had warned that Micheal Flynn could be "vulnerable" to a Russian effort of potential blackmail.

The Washington Post was the first to break the story, with former acting Attorney General Sally Yates having "delivered a message to White House counsel Donald McGahn expressing concern about Flynns discussions with Russia's ambassador." In the aftermath, the retired general denied that he had any conversation with Russia, personally delivering the message to Vice President Mike Pence.

Justice Department warned White House that Michael Flynn could be vulnerable to Russian blackmail, officials say https://t.co/9mFX0hYisr  Washington Post (@washingtonpost) February 14, 2017

White House denial

Earlier in the day on Thursday, White House officials continued to deny any wrongdoing on the part of Michael Flynn. During an uncomfortable interview on MSNBC, Presidential Counsel Kellyanne Conway became frustrated with the issue, and insisted that Flynn has the full "confidence of the president."

Moving forward

As of press time, it's unknown what the status of Michael Flynn will be in the days to come, with Donald Trump not offering a comment on the matter. While the billionaire real estate mogul has been loyal to many of his closest allies in the past, Flynn's presence in the administration could cause more problems than they solve.
It was a bad day for #populism on Wednesday in the States and across the world.

In the Netherlands, the far right nationalism candidate #Geert Wilders lost to the reigning Dutch prime minister name, a more temperate center right political traditionalist. Also on Wednesday, two Federal Judges #struck down Trump's travel ban, finding it discriminatory.

Europe sighed with relief as #Dutch voters overwhelmingly denied the far right populist party a victory. The Dutch election has been watched throughout the world as a measurement of the Continent's willingness to take on what many saw as a growing nationalistic movement.

It was the first European election since Americans voted for Donald Trump. And Geert Wilders, who branded himself a Dutch Trump, fared much worse than previously expected, with Dutch voters spurning his particular brand of chipper nationalism, #anti-immigration sentiment and weariness of the European union.

The winning vote went to #Prime Minister Mark Rutte, who took a similarly tough line on immigration without lending it an extreme voice. Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel said it was a good day for democracy.

The declining appeal of populism was further reinforced in December when Austria voted against Norbert Hofer, head of the far-right Nazi-aligned Freedom Party. The more temperate and restrained #Green Party leader Alexander Van der Bellen won.

Analysts claimed that in the shocking wake of Brexit and Trump, Dutch voters were more strategic in their options and less inclined to try their hand at a new option that, like Brexit, may have been an untested and desperate plea for change.

Two federal judges block Trump's travel ban

Also on Wednesday, #Hawaiian federal judge gave a national order that blocked President Trumps travel ban from Muslim-majority countries.

This was seen as a loss to the Oval Office and also highlights how Trump's vicious rhetoric about Islam will have to be examined in court.

A second federal judge in #Maryland also voted against Trump's travel ban overnight, filing an independent order that prohibits the central tenet of the travel ban from going into effect.

These rulings were seen as a huge setback for Trump's pursuit of what many see as an unconstitutional policy that he has co-opted as a case for national security. The #travel ban has already ricocheted around a courtroom once before, when it was halted by a federal court in Seattle.

Judges in Hawaii and Maryland take issue

#Judge Derrick K Watson, the Federal Judge in Hawaii's Honolulu District Court, claimed that a reasonable, objective observer could read the new version of the travel ban as having been issued with a purpose to disfavor a particular religion, in spite of its stated, religiously neutral purpose.

Maryland's #Judge Theodore Chuang reflected that same view a few hours later, with a case forwarded by nonprofit groups associated with refugees and immigrants.

He said that the aim of the order was the effectuation of the proposed Muslim ban that Trump pledged when he was campaigning last year.

#Judge Watson, an Obama appointee, ruled that Hawaii and the plaintiff Ismail Elshikh would show reasonable grounds to challenge the order which they describe as religious discrimination. Elshikh is the imam of the Muslim Association of Hawaii and Watson said that the ban would cause people like him irreparable harm.
Over the last two weeks, Donald Trump has attacked former President Barack Obama by accusing him of wiretapping Trump Tower. While discussing the issue with Fox News, it appears that the president might have leaked classified information.

Trump on Fox News

In what appeared to be an attempt to deflect from the scandal in the White House regarding Russia, Donald Trump used his Twitter account two weeks ago to claim Barack Obama engaged in the wiretapping of his Trump Tower offices. The former host of "The Apprentice" hasn't provided any evidence to back up his claim, despite a request from the House Intelligence Committee.

The consensus is that Trump has no credible proof, and might be kicking the can down the road to avoid admitting the mistake. Trump addressed these issues, and more, during a Fox News interview on Wednesday night, but as reported by The Hill on March 16, might have revealed too much information.

Joining Fox News host Tucker Carlson on Wednesday, Donald Trump defended his wiretapping allegations while putting the blame of recent CIA leaks on the Obama administration. "I just want people to know, the CIA was hacked, and a lot of things taken," Trump said, before adding, "that was during the Obama years." "That was during the Obama situation," Trump continued.

.@POTUS appears to have discussed something that, if true & accurate, would be classified. Had it been anyone else he would call it a "leak" pic.twitter.com/XedWH4CTNF  Adam Schiff (@RepAdamSchiff) March 16, 2017

In response, Democratic Rep.

Adam Schiff accused Donald Trump of revealing classified information during his Fox News interview in relation to putting the blame of the CIA leak on the doorstep of the former president. "In his effort to once again blame Obama, the President appeared to have discussed something that, if true and accurate, would otherwise be considered classified information," Schiff said in a Thursday press release.

Schiff also took to his Twitter account to point out that "had it been anyone else he would call it a "leak.'"

Moving forward

While it's unknown as of press time if the information revealed to Fox News is officially labeled as classified, it adds another curve ball at the White House. Donald Trump is currently dealing with leakers is his own administration, which is a topic he's continued to rail against in recent weeks.
According to his Tax Return, President Donald Trump isn't a regular Republican.

When two pages from his 2005 tax return were leaked to MSNBC's The Rachel Maddow Show on Wednesday, many spent their time and energy focusing on the amount he paid and who leaked it.

But one detail seemed to go by unnoticed at first.

On this tax return, Trump actually ticked the box that supports the public financing of national elections on his 1040 form.

What does the box mean?

The Presidential Election Campaign Fund gives public electoral campaign financing for those candidates who are willing to adhere to a set of strict rules and limits on spending, which is not how Democrats or Republicans generally fly in campaigns.

It's also definitely not what Republicans believe in  they believe in private business funding, small government and less checks on personal freedom and rules.

The 'big government' fund was put into place after Nixon's #Watergate scandal and it has sustained and buttressed nearly every national campaign since.

Barack Obama became  in 2008  the first candidate to reject the funding, despite an earlier guarantee he in fact would take it. In the last election, neither of the major party candidates took the money. Checking the actual box on the return doesn't actually cost the filer a thing  it simply channels the $3 into a fund by the IRS.

The fact Trump checked it shows us just what a political chameleon he is.
Just last week, President Donald Trump issued his revised travel ban in an attempt to move forward with his plans on combating Islamic terrorism. On Wednesday, a federal judge issued a nationwide block on the order in question, and the president wasn't too happy about it.

Trump on travel ban

In the two months that Donald Trump has been in office, the most controversial action that he has taken was signing his "Muslim ban" executive order. Backlash quickly resulted, which led to a federal judge and the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals to block the order in question.

Just last week, Trump signed a revised travel ban, which was then shot down on Wednesday by U.S. District Judge Derrick Watson of Hawaii. As reported by CNN on March 15, the president addressed the judge's decision during a campaign rally in Nashville, Tennessee.

Trump says new travel ban is "watered down," adds, "I think we ought to go back to the first one and go all the way" https://t.co/IpUi6ifcjN  CNN (@CNN) March 16, 2017

With a cheering crowd behind him, Donald Trump made his way on stage to the applause of those in attendance. At this point, the former host of "The Apprentice" then broke the news to his supporters. "Let me give you the bad, the sad news," Trump told the crowd. "Moments ago, I learned that a district judge in Hawaii, part of the much overturned 9th Circuit Court, and I have to be nice or I'll be criticized for speaking poorly about our courts," he continued.

"I will be criticized by the most dishonest people in the world," the president said while motioning to the crowd, and calling the media "fake news."

Trump slams the court ruling blocking the new travel ban: This ruling makes us look weak" https://t.co/FcMGe0O92m https://t.co/KvpIilwauO  CNN (@CNN) March 16, 2017

"A judge has just blocked our executive order on travel and refugees," Donald Trump went on to say, noting, "The order he blocked was a watered-down version of our first order." Not stopping there, the billionaire real estate went on to label the judge's ruling as an "unprecedented juridical overreach," before claiming, "this ruling makes us look weak." In a throw-back to his campaign, Trump claimed that the president, regardless if it's a "he or a she," has the right to suspend travel into the country, and then fired back, "Fortunately it will not be Hillary!" At this point, the crowd went off with a "Lock her up" chant."

President Trump calls federal judge's block of the new travel ban "judicial overreach" https://t.co/oZz0jUmo8i https://t.co/F7auyyWiua  CNN (@CNN) March 16, 2017

Trump vents

As of press time, it's unknown how the White House will handle the new travel ban being blocked by the judge, though Donald Trump did tell the crowd in Nashville that he would like to take his original executive order to the Supreme Court. Moving forward, it's likely that the rift between the political left and right will only continue, with the aforementioned "Muslim ban" being one of the main issues to dominate the debate.
Citing a leaked private conversation between House Speaker Paul Ryan and House Republicans that was published by Breitbart News on Monday, Fox Business Network host Lou Dobbs has called on Ryan to resign.

Dobbs, who hosts "Lou Dobbs Tonight" on FBN, took to Twitter on Tuesday morning to call for Ryan's resignation, after a pre-election recording of Ryan surfaced in which the House Speaker tells GOP colleagues that he will never support Donald Trump.

In the audiotape, which was recorded on Oct. 10 of last year, Ryan can be heard promising Republican lawmakers: There are basically two things that I want to make really clear, as for myself as your Speaker.

I am not going to defend Donald Trumpnot now, not in the future."

Lou Dobbs is no fan of Paul Ryan

Dobbs tweeted the link to the Breitbart story on Tuesday morning, adding, simply: "Ryan Should Resign." He then issued a series of tweets calling for the full repeal of Obamacare, describing the Republican replacement bill as a failure.

The GOP replacement bill, referred to as "RyanCare" by some Republicans, has been skewered by lawmakers from both parties. The bill will be voted on by the House Budget Committee on Thursday, where many suspect that it will die on the table.

Four Republicans would have join Democrats in voting against the bill on Thursday in order to kill it, and the makeup of the Budget Committee suggests that this is a very likely possibility.

Freedom Caucus members hold the fate of RyanCare in their hands

Three members of the House Budget Committee are members of the ultra-conservative Freedom Caucus.

So far at least one of these members, Dave Brat of Virginia, has stated his intention to vote against the replacement bill.

So far, seven Republican members of the House Budget Committee have indicated that they would settle for nothing less than a full repeal of Obama's Affordable Care Act. At least two of them -- Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky and Sen. Mark Sanford of South Carolina -- have publicly bashed the GOP replacement bill championed by Paul Ryan.
It was just last week when the White House called for the abrupt resignation of 46 attorneys. After one, Preet Bharara, refused to resign, President Donald Trump decided to fire him, which didn't go over well with the New York Times.

NYT on Trump

Preet Bharara had served as the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York since 2009 before he got the call that he was being asked to resign by the Donald Trump administration. Unlike the 45 others, Bharara pushed back, which led to his eventual firing by the former host of "The Apprentice." While it's not uncommon for a new administration to replace federal prosecutors, Trump's announcement came without much warning.

Bharara took it as a complete surprise considering he reportedly spoke with the president last November, and was asked if he would be prepared to stay on in his position. When details came out alleging that the reason Bharara was let go was due to his office investigating former Fox News CEO Roger Ailes, the New York Times decided to make an interesting remark about the network in a March 14 op-ed.

New York Times dubs Fox News a "propaganda arm" for Trump after ouster of U.S. attorney that is suing the network https://t.co/Z695DZn1zx pic.twitter.com/6YtJetKbDb  Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) March 14, 2017

As also pointed out by the Washington Examiner, The New York Times writes, "Mr. Trump, as president-elect, had personally asked Mr.

Bharara to stay on during a meeting at Trump Tower in November." The NYT goes on to wonder why the president had a change of heart in just a few months.

To NYers, Preet Bharara was a disinfectant aimed at the rancid swamp of state politics. https://t.co/Kqo0cmsosb  NYT Opinion (@nytopinion) March 14, 2017

The New York Times goes on to cite that Bharara's office has been involved in an investigation over whether or not Fox News had informed their shareholders about the "settlements with employees who accused the channels former boss, Roger Ailes, of sexual harassment." Going even further, the NYT then went on to label Fox News as "essentially the propaganda arm of the White House."

Moving forward

It's been well-documented that Donald Trump and Roger Ailes have had a strong relationship, with the billionaire real estate mogul even appearing to come to his defense after the former Fox News CEO was accused of sexual assault by more than one woman. When Trump names a replacement for Preet Bharara, they will take over the investigation into Fox News and Ailes. As of press time, the White House has not offered a comment on the op-ed in question.
After President Trump had the audacity to speak out against Snoop Dogg's music video for "Lavender," in which the rapper shoots a gun at an actor dressed up as a clownish parody of Donald Trump, Shad Moss -- otherwise known as the rapper Bow Wow -- reacted in typical thug fashion by threatening to "pimp" the First Lady.

Ayo @realDonaldTrump shut your punk a** up talking sh*t about my uncle @SnoopDogg before we pimp your wife and make her work for us, tweeted the rapper on Wednesday.

Bow Wow's reaction came after President Trump offered his critique of the controversial music video on Wednesday morning, referring to Snoop Dogg as a failing artist.

Mainstream media mum on the Melania matter

Not surprisingly, instead of defending the First Lady or speaking out against the satirical assassination of a sitting president, liberal media were quick to make light of the incident. One New York Times writer, Sopan Deb, perhaps intoxicated and operating under the assumption that he was a master of the pun, tweeted his prediction that Bow Wow's pimp comment was going to send "Breitbark" News through the "woof."

The outrage from @BreitbarkNews news is going to be through the woof. https://t.co/9OqILpdLcs  Sopan Deb (@SopanDeb) March 15, 2017

Deb was called out by many Twitter users, who blasted the writer for cracking jokes about human trafficking.

.@SopanDeb Human trafficking jokes are hilarious bro.  Mike Cernovich  (@Cernovich) March 15, 2017

Snoop Dogg and Bow Wow weren't the only rappers to direct crude, sophomoric personal attacks against the Trump family on Wednesday.

Rapper-turned-actor T.I. stated on Instagram that Donald Trump was a f***ing tangerine tanned muskrat scrotum skin, lacefront possum fur wig wearing, alternative fact, atomic dog diarrhea face a** man.

Rather than taking the opportunity to reply in kind with something along the lines of "I know you are, but what am I?", President Trump headed to Nashville, Tennessee for a campaign-style rally, where he discussed his views on the GOP's Obamacare replacement bill.

Meanwhile, the Secret Service has stated that they are "aware" of the Snoop Dogg video and are looking into the matter.

Will Bow Wow threaten to pimp Rubio's wife as well?

Republican senators Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio have both condemned the "Lavender" video. Earlier this week Sen. Rubio told TMZ that disagreeing with policy is one thing, but Snoop Dogg crossed the line into dangerous territory because his video might give some "twisted people very wrong ideas."
When the news came on Tuesday night that MSNBCs Rachel Maddow was going to air out some of President Trumps earlier tax returns, the administration got straight into action to reply.

Maddow went to Twitter to publish the upcoming story around 730pm, and by 8.20pm the #White House had already dismissed the story in a statement.

They outlined how much #President Trump paid and earned and then they scolded the media for their handling of the subject, saying " it is totally illegal to steal and publish tax returns.

A journalist muses on Twitter

All of this happened before the tax returns were even aired on television.

When it did air, #David Cay Johnston, the journalist was given the actual Tax Return mused about a theory: maybe Trump himself leaked the tax information.

 its entirely possible Donald sent this to me. Donald Trump has over the years leaked all sorts of things."

Johnston only said it was a #possibility, but the idea spread quickly online.

The Washington Post looked at the matter on Wednesday and found that it was more likely that someone obtained Trumps tax return in some way  either from a bank or a law firm  and then passed it to Johnston. Rather than Trump himself posting it to Johnston's home address. Trump disliked Johnston and wouldn't have wanted to have give him the scoop.
Over the weekend, Republican Rep. Steve King tweeted a controversial comment in relation to Muslim immigration. Despite receiving heavy backlash, King has decided to double down on his comments.

King on race wars

On Sunday, GOP Rep. Steve King took to Twitter and retweeted an satirical cartoon depicting the right-wing Dutch politician Geert Wilders preventing the spread of Islamic terrorism into the West. Attached to the retweet was King's own words, writing in part "We can't restore our civilization with somebody else's babies." Within minutes, King received push back, even from those in his own party, who accused the congressman of promoting division and racism.

King has since defended his comments, claiming they were taken out of context. As reported by CNN on March 14, the controversial Republican took his agenda to the next level during a recent radio interview.

Rep. Steve King: Blacks and Hispanics "will be fighting each other" before overtaking whites in population https://t.co/LiNO1M6kCM pic.twitter.com/uPxJwXPNMH  CNN (@CNN) March 14, 2017

Joining radio show host Jan Mickelson of local 1040 WHO, Steve King was asked about recent comments made by Jorge Ramos of Univison who explained that whites could become a minority by the year 2044. In response, King appeared to predict a potential race war between African-Americans, Hispanics, and whites.

Steve King Predicts Race War Between Blacks and Latinos https://t.co/3YQP6cz1X4 pic.twitter.com/k7bAYuoOKg  Mediaite (@Mediaite) March 14, 2017

"He's (Ramos) adding up Hispanics and blacks into what he predicts will be in greater number than whites in America," Steve King said of Jorge Ramos' comments.

"I will predict that Hispanics and the blacks will be fighting each other before that happens," King continued.

CNN clash

Steve King made similar comments on Monday during an interview with CNN host Chris Cuomo where he explained that his remarks were not in relation to race, but rather "our stock, our country, our culture, our civilization." During the CNN interview, King was challenged by Cuomo over whether or not he believed that Muslim-Americans were equal to others, using Italian-Americans as an example.

King paused, unable to give a straight answer, leaving Cuomo stunned, while asking, "Why do you have to pause!?"

Moving forward

The backlash to Steve King's comments have continued, with many across social media labeling the congressman a white supremacist, while comparing him to Charles manson. "This is Manson-level racist delusion," one Twitter user wrote, while another added, "sounds like something Charles Manson would say."
The Klu Klux Klan isnt just something you read about in history books. It is still an active organization in the United States and now, they arent afraid to publicly announce their cross-burning rallies. The Loyal White Knights of the KKK recently proclaimed that it will be holding a cross-burning rally in Asheborro, N.C.

The white supremacist group posted on their website, KKKKnights, that the event will take place on May 6 and will include a Klavern meeting, speeches, dinner, and the cross lighting at dark. No other information was available but the flier did mention, WHITES ONLY. NO DRINKING, NO DRUGS, NO WEAPONS."

Racism is on the rise

When Donald Trump was elected the 45th president of the United States in November, it was one of the biggest upsets in American political history, and racism appears to be on the rise.

Many KKK members were happy with the election results and voiced their support for the new president.

Many white supremacist leaders, such as the billionaire real estate mogul David Duke, showed their support for Trump and during the election, he was even endorsed by the official KKK newspaper, the Crusader. The Loyal White Knights had a parade for Trump. The same group that is hosting this cross burning rally paraded through the streets in Roxboro in vehicles after Trump won the election. There were also many other celebrations around the state, but anti-klan protests sprang up to counter them.

Asheboro congressman denounced the rally

After the cross burning event was published, the city of Asheboro condemned the rally on Facebook stating that it is against in the strongest terms possible the message of hate and division advocated by the Ku Klux Klan and its affiliates.

The city's mayor, David Smith, went on to say "the people of Asheboro have worked too hard to unify our community to let an outside group come in and spread racist views without raising our voices loudly in protest." They want to make it clear that this is not an event supported by the city.

What was your reaction to this news?
The White House revealed its proposed budget this morning. The plan relies on military defense or homeland security. The president suggested deep cuts across the board.

President Trump's budget will be the largest reduction in federal programs since WWII. White House officials said one of their major goals is to eliminate a very large portion of the federal nonmilitary workforce.

50 programs, 3,200 positions eliminated in EPA

Funding to assist the poor, scientific research and allies overseas will be cut. Trump, in keeping with the theme, has named his budget proposal America first: A Budget Blueprint to Make America Great Again.

Trumps great plan for America is to increase military funding by $54 billion.

That money would come from 18 other agencies losing most of their federal funds. Particularly hard hit will be Environmental Protection Agency -- more than 30 percent of its budget will be cut. Agriculture, Labor and State departments will lose 20 percent of their funding.

Future funding for the support of the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting will be eliminated.

Critics Come Out Against Budget

"It is Impossible to drain the swamp and leave all the people in it," said the budget director.

Sen. Marco Rubio was quick to clarify that the administration's budget is not going to be the final budget. Congress votes on the budget and can create the budget, he said.

The administration makes a recommendation to Congress.

Trump's first budget proposal is undoubtedly going to be met with many objections and even more resistance from lawmakers on Capitol Hill. Some Republicans have voiced their disapproval to large cuts in foreign aid and programs run by, among others, the Education, State and Treasury departments.

That's not good for Trump when support is so crucial at this time. Congress must vote government authorization bills before passing appropriations.

However, Trump is experiencing the same budgetary process that every president endures. The president issues a proposed budget, and Congress tears it apart.
A recent article by The Washington Post claims that of all terror attacks, 89 in total, from 2011 through 2015, Muslims were only responsible for 12.4 percent. Despite this, terror attacks by Muslims are said to receive a disproportionate amount of media coverage, by the outlets examined by the Post. John Iadarola, with The Young Turks, summed up the findings of the research as "the media's coverage of terror attacks is consistently slanted." However, the slant is said lean in the direction opposite of the one perceived by President Donald Trump, with Islamic perpetrators receiving more coverage, not less, as the president appears to believe.

Mr. Iadarola stated that the fact that Muslims are behind only 12.4 percent of terror attacks "should be the story by itself." He cited a belief that most Americans, and "certainly no Republican voter," would believe the number of terror attacks committed by Muslims to so low. Cenk Uygur, TYT host and founder, asked how Americans might respond if asked what the percentage was, and imagined that it would be an "astoundingly high number."

Non-Muslims responsible for 88 percent of terror attacks

Of all the attacks that occurred in the United States from 2011 to 2015, 24 were said to have not received any coverage, at all. Attacks perpetrated by non-Muslims and those of unknown religious affiliations only received 56 percent of media coverage, though they accounted for 87.6 percent of terrorist attacks, while Muslims, who commit only 12.4 percent of attacks, received 44 percent of coverage.

Further, Muslims born in other countries received additional scrutiny, attracting 32 percent of media attention, when they account for only about one-third of the U.S. Muslim population, showing that, as a group, they appear to receive more focus by the media when they, on the rare occasion, do perpetrate terrorist attacks.

For those wondering who non-Muslim terrorists are, Cenk Ugyur listed former Klansman Frazier Glenn Miller Jr., who "attacked a synagogue;" Robert Dear, who attacked a Colorado Planned Parenthood; and Wade Michael Page, who attacked a Sikh temple. Mr. Uygur defined a terrorist attack as being committed by a "non-state actor for a political, religious, or other cause." He noted some who might hold the view that a white man attacking Planned Parenthood doesn't qualify as a terrorist attack.

"It is the definition of a terrorist attack," the TYT founder stated.

Cenk Uygur: United States expends resources on 'five percent of the problem'

Cenk Uygur cited polling of evangelical Christians that showed a bias about whether or not Christians and Muslims who commit terrorist acts really represent their respective faiths. The study found that evangelicals consistently held that those committing violence in the name of Christianity held flawed beliefs, while believing that Muslims who committed violent acts truly did so in the name of Islam. It was noted that school shootings are classified differently than terrorist attacks, and were therefore not considered in the study examined by The Washington Post.

The TYT founder described the United States as focusing all of its energy on "five percent of the problem," which leaves the problem of the other 95 percent who commit terrorist attacks, and who would be seem to be permitted to fly under the radar. John Iadarola cited statistics showing that Muslim terror perpetrators generate almost 100 news articles per attack, while foreign-born Muslim perpetrators attract close to 200 articles. By contrast, only "nine or 10" articles are written when non-Muslims commit terror attacks, even though the group, on its own, is responsible for 88 percent of them.
Donald Trump s win in the American presidential election in November had raised fears of a wave of victories by far right wing parties in Europe. His use of anti migrant rhetoric and particularly directed towards Moslems were felt by many in the Old Continent distressed by the waves of refugees fleeing from the trouble spots in the Middle East and Africa. Holland yesterday showed that the populist wave was not inevitable.

Freedom Party

Over the last few months Geert Wilders of the Dutch Freedom Party seemed to be riding a wave that would have taken him to power.

His open admiration for Donald Trumps anti migrant programme and his intention to withdraw Holland from the european union worried mainstream politicians and were echoed by other far right groups in other European countries.

Until the last few days hopes of a win by the Party were reflected in the polls but as the day drew nearer the polls seemed to be flagging. In the end Dutch voters came out in droves and the election was won by sitting Prime Minister Mark Rutte and his centre right VVD Party with a bigger than expected margin in a clear rebuttal of the populist politician.

The big turnout for the election combined with the fact that even with an increased parliamentary presence of 5 seats the Freedom Party did not achieve the expected level of support, the result showed that despite the problem of migration the Dutch had not abandoned the ideals of the European Union.

In fact, the rise of the GreenLeft in the Dutch poll may indicate a stronger liberal tendency in the country than expected. This result may well meant that the Greens will play a major role in the formation of the new ruling coalition.

Relief and tactics

This result relieved many in Europe, beginning in France and Germany which will also go to the polls this year.

The person who would have been most disappointed and worried by this result would be Marine Le Pen, the candidate for the French Presidency of the far right National Front. She was hoping that the Trump victory followed by a Wilders win would have given her a chance of victory in the April and May votes.

Currently the French polls are giving Le Pen the possibility of reaching the play off poll on May 7th, as did her father Jean-Marie Le Pen in 2002, but with the hope that she would go one step further.

Yesterdays Dutch result will almost certainly mean that the opposing Parties will repeat their tactics of 2002 and fall behind the other candidate to ensure defeat for the far right nationalist party.

Watching on will be Germanys Angela Merkel who will go to the polls in September to try and win a fourth term as the countrys Chancellor.

The direction of American and European politics is now being decided. In America by the legal challenges to Trumps immigration order and the investigations into the Russian hacking and possibly also by his own accusations of wiretapping by the Obama Administration.

In Europe this direction will be decided by the elections in France and Germany. Yesterdays Dutch results indicate that the right wing swing may not be as strong as previously imagined thus settling fears for the future of the European Union.

The next few months will show if the Dutch election was the exception or the rule for Europe and subsequently the world.
House Speaker Paul Ryan, told FOX News that he is "encouraged" by a Congressional Budget Office (CBO) report to the effect that around 24 million low-income Americans will lose their healthcare as a result of the implementation of the GOP plan that was devised to replace Obamacare. The plan, called the American Health Care Act, as it is written currently, will terminate the health coverage that now is being provided to 24 million Americans who did not have any health coverage at all before the implementation of Obamacare.

Ryan's expectations exceeded

Ryan also stated that the American Health Care Act "exceeded" his expectations. The GOP Speaker who replaced John Boehner after he stepped down stated, Were saying the governments not going to force people to buy something they dont want to buy, (Huffington Post, 3/13/17). Ryan then bestowed the virtues of the bill that does not mandate that American citizens purchase something that they don't want. As Ryan sees it, the mandates that require citizens to purchase health care, are problematic. Under Obamacare, the premiums paid by the people for their health care paid for the health care of less fortunate citizens.

Under the newly written and proposed American Health Care Act, poorer citizens are not provided health care benefits by other Americans or by anybody else.

Health care premiums will be prohibitive and beyond the reach of poor Americans. This causes this observer to ask if it is a matter of low-income Americans not wanting to purchase health care, or if it is a matter of affordability. As GOP Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton sees it, it is the latter. Cotton warned his GOP colleagues in the House over the weekend that if they vote for the newly revised plan, that they will lose the House and possibly also the Senate in the 2018 midterm elections.

Obamacare in 'collapse.'

Ryan also told FOX News that he is encouraged by the CBO Report's finding that the Affordable Health Care Act will result in a reduction of the federal budget deficit to the tune of $337 billion. Ryan stated that he was "excited" over the fact that the new GOP plan, "will lower premiums and improve access to health care," (The Huffington Post, 3/113/17).

Ryan then described Obamacare as being "in collapse." The Speaker, who once was rumored to be a presidential contender, then concluded his remarks by saying: "This compared to the status quo is far better," (The Huffington Post, 3/13/17). In his concluding remarks, Ryan failed to mention the fact that the premiums are being lowered only among those who can afford to pay them, namely the affluent. Since the premiums are being lowered, there will be no money left over for providing care for the poor, as there was under Obamacare. The 24 million Americans left holding the bag will have no health care whatsoever, and Paul Ryan says that he is "encouraged."

Michael Flynn paid big money by Turkey

Meanwhile, it was revealed last week that Former NSA Advisor Michael Flynn was paid a half of a million dollars by the government of Turkey while advising Donald Trump in his presidential campaign and serving on his transition team.

Flynn resigned as NSA Advisor after it was revealed that he misled Vice-President Mike Pence into believing that he did not discuss America's sanctions against Russia with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak.
The Republican Primaries became a battle of Donald Trump against all the others. As each candidate withdrew from the race the acrimony against the businessman who decided to enter politics became more apparent from the defeated candidates and also from other Republican leaders. This antagonism never disappeared and has now become a regular part of political debate.

Political parties

Political parties give voice to many opinions, for this reason dissent is not uncommon in internal debates. It would be sufficient to read international newspapers to see current examples of this in Great Britain, Italy, France, Australia and other countries.

Yet the case of dissent within the Republican Party is beginning to reach levels that should worry Party leaders as it is directed at the man who is, at least in theory, the titular head of the Party, President Donald Trump.

During the presidential campaign such prominent members of the GOP as John McCain, Marco Rubio, Ted Cruz and even Republican House Leader Paul Ryan were involved in very public differences of opinion with the man who now occupies the Oval Office.

This dissent was reciprocated by #Donald Trump who had no hesitation in replying to criticism in the campaign rallies, interviews, regular tweets and finally even from the White House. This week saw an unusual contribution to this acrimony with the release by Breitbart News of an audio tape from the presidential campaign period in which Paul Ryan stated he would not defend Donald Trump.

Given the presence of the former Breitbart chief Steve Bannon in the White House this leak could only be another incident in this running battle.

Contestation

The fact that he had won what was considered an unwinnable election gave Trump some freedom of action by the other members of the Party, but since the Inauguration on January 8th this previously solid support has begun to erode.

The public protests against the repeal and replacement of the AFA demanded by the President has created concerns by Republican Congressmen and Senators for their seats at next years midterms. These concerns became open worry when they were followed by the tweets accusing the Obama Administration of wiretapping Trump Tower during the election, which only uncovered the hidden worries of the accusations of Russian hacking of the election which had unnerved some republicans.

Over the last few days Senator Lindsay O. Graham, House Intelligence Committee Chairman David Nunes and Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Charles E. Grassley have all openly criticized the President over wiretapping allegations. Until then these Republicans had solidly backed the President.

This break in the wall of solidarity should worry the Oval Office.

Perfect storm

The series of accusations, allegations, claims true and false together with the fears of an increasing number of politicians for their re-election are creating the conditions for a perfect storm between the President and his Party.

These conditions may well worsen over the next week when FBI Director James Comey testifies to the House Intelligence Committee when he will be asked to provide proof of the wiretapping allegations, as well as on the allegations of Russian hacking in the presidential election.

In continuing his war of words with the GOP President Trump may well be destroying the very support that he will need in the future to be able to carry out his planned agenda.

This coming storm may well force Republicans to decide between their personal political futures and that of the President. Over the next few weeks the future direction of the country may well be decided in a manner that nobody can now predict.
For politicians words are weapons but there are times weapons backfire and damage the user rather than the intended target. Keeping campaign promises does not justify acting against the Constitution and on Wednesday the Oval Office was taught, once more, that electoral victory does not give any President unlimited decision making power.

Rallies, statements and orders

During his successful run for office then Republican candidate Donald Trump repeatedly stated that he would impose a Moslem ban once he came to power. These calls were greeted strongly by those present and this encouraged the future President to make the theme a permanent fixture of his rudimentary agenda.

In one of his first official acts once seated in the Oval Office President Trump signed an order banning Moslem immigration from seven at risk countries in the Middle East. This order caused major disruption in the airports, national protests and a series of legal challenges to the order by a number of States which led to its eventual blocking.

Rather than challenge the block the President then signed a watered down version of the order to attempt to overcome the potential unconstitutional issues of the first order. This bid failed on Wednesday when Hawaiian Federal court Judge Derrick Watson blocked the order nationally.

The power of words

During the hearing the Department of Justice lawyers defending the order had repeatedly stated that it was not a Moslem ban and therefore in contravention of the Constitution.

As in the previous court cases lost by the Oval Office the deciding factor was in the words of the President and members of his staff including White House Senior Advisor Stephen Miller and also Republican Rudy Giuliani who both referred to the intention of the order as a Moslem ban.

Ultimately however, the most powerful words backing the claim that the order was a Moslem ban were those of the President himself during the presidential campaign, the transition period and subsequently in the White House.

These words are unequivocal.

As reported by the Guardian, in giving his decision to block the order Judge Watson referred directly to these statements by the businessman become politician. One part of the Judges motivations is particularly telling:

In an interview on January 25, 2017, Mr. Trump discussed his plans to implement extreme vetting of people seeking entry into the United States.

He remarked: [N]o, its not the Muslim ban. But its countries that have tremendous terror. . . . [I]ts countries that people are going to come in and cause us tremendous problems. 

When signing the first Executive Order [No. 13,769], President Trump read the title, looked up, and said: We all know what that means. President Trump said he was establishing a new vetting measure to keep radical Islamic terrorists out of the United States of America, and that: We dont want them here.

The most damning statement by the judge was when he stated The illogic is impalpable.

Reaction and Supreme Court

Naturally the reaction of the Oval Office was one of anger, accusing the Judge of unprecedented overreach in blocking the order by the President.

If the aim of the second order was to avoid a Supreme Court challenge to the first order that intention failed miserably when the President promised that the fight for the order will go all the way to the highest court in the land. The issue of the Moslem ban will now continue through the courts but it is only one battle that the White House is now fighting in the first two months of the new Presidency.

This issue again shows the inexperience of President Trump in government and his lack of knowledge of the limits placed on the Executive Branch by the Constitution.

The next step will now be on the Supreme Court, but from Judge Watsons words yesterday it would take little to understand that the case has become a classic example of checks and balances with the White House destined to lose a battle that was totally avoidable.
The effect of climate change is very evident to the surroundings nowadays. But, it is not only the environment gets affected by the Global warming. In fact, even humans are a victim of this phenomenon.

As a matter of fact, climate change is now making people sicker because of the deadly illnesses it brings. Air pollution can cause this, widespread changes in weather patterns and more. This claim has been proved by the Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health that represents 400,000 doctors from the United States.

Affected victims

Doctors in every part of our country see that climate change is making Americans sicker, the director of the mentioned group and a professor at George Mason University in Fairfax, Va said (via USA Today).

Physicians are always on their battleground, this they know and see the sicknesses caused by the climate change in their exam rooms.

And what even frightening are the kids and the elderly are often the victims. Also, citizens with low income, the ones with chronic diseases and residents in communities of color are significantly affected. That was the experience that first got me thinking about how our summers are getting hotter and what does that mean for children, their health, and their safety, doctor at Pediatric Associates of Alexandria Ahdoot told Huffington Post.

Three types of dangerous effects

The worsening global warming can cause three different types of illnesses. The first one is direct harms. It brings in great damages, or worse deaths, because of the drastic change of weather.

This causes asthma and other lung diseases that can be worsened by wildfires, extreme heat, and prolonged allergy seasons.

The second one is the widening increase of sicknesses through pests that carry different infections like Lyme disease or Zika virus. These, too, can be obtained through contaminated food and water. Lastly, the third one is the damage the global warming can do to ones mental health, such as depression and anxiety.

The culprits of global warming

The continuous heating of the Earths surface is caused by burning of fossil fuels, like gas, oil, and coal, which releases Greenhouse Gasses  carbon dioxide and methane. This procedure is made to power the world, but this also harms planets atmosphere. Hence, the global warming people are experiencing varies from the scorching weather, intense coldness, heavy pouring from the usual, unbelievable snowstorm and other unexplainable natural climate cycles.

Moreover, in an effort to fight the global warming, the coalition eyes to send a petition to the governors, mayors, companies, Fortune 500 chief executives, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Donald Trumps administration to use renewable energy instead of fossil fuels that emit greenhouse gasses.
SHANGHAI - General Electric (GE) has signed a series of agreements with Chinese companies to boost bilateral cooperation and enhance global competitiveness, according to an announcement by the company.

GE will work with China Telecom to help its internet technology enter the Chinese market and speed up China's industrial upgrades.

GE signed an agreement with Harbin Electric Corporation to establish a gas turbine manufacturing base, which will help China produce homegrown gas turbines and promote industrial upgrades of China's high-end manufacturing.

In the healthcare sector, GE will deliver a bio-pharmaceutical plant model to China's BeiGene to produce medicine. This will be the GE's third model plant worldwide.

GE also signed a deal with China Southern Airlines worth $3.48 billion to provide aircraft engine maintenance, repair and overhaul services to the airline company.

Driven by the Belt and Road Initiative, GE will work with Chinese partners to build three power plants in Pakistan to improve local energy infrastructure.

China is the world's second-largest economy and also the largest overseas market for GE, said GE Chairman Jeffrey Immelt, who is on a visit to China,

Immelt added that the bilateral cooperation will not only help local firms grow but also enhance GE's business competitiveness.

China's industrial upgrading and economic restructuring have provided enormous development space for foreign enterprises, said Duan Xiaoying, president of GE China.
VILNIUS - One of Lithuania's largest dairy producers has sent the first product delivery to China amid fresh efforts to enter the Chinese market, the company announced on Wednesday.

Rokiskio Suris, Lithuanian dairy group with annual sales of around 200 million euros ($212.7 million), has sent the first testing cargo of lactose to business partners in China.

"It was signed a contract for a few hundred tons of the product," the company said. Further cooperation will be negotiated when the partners receive the product and make trials of it at their own facilities, said Rokiskio suris.

It is one of the first attempts by Lithuanian dairy companies to enter the Chinese dairy market. In August, 16 Lithuanian dairy producers were granted permission by Chinese authorities to export their products to China.

Earlier this year, dairy producer Vilkyskiu pienine was the first to enter Chinese market by exporting around 20 tons of mozzarella cheese.

The Lithuanian dairy industry was hard hit by Russia's embargo on food imports from the European Union in 2014. Russia was one of the main export markets to Lithuanian dairy producers. Since then, Lithuania has been pursuing efforts to enter new markets.
Increasing competition has hit the country's major telecommunications company China Unicom which has reported a 94 percent plunge in net profits to 625 million yuan ($90.7 million).

The carrier's annual report, released on Wednesday, shows revenue slipped 1 percent last year, while operating costs rose 2 percent.

The report attributed the lackluster year to "acute challenges from market competition".

Service revenue "bottomed out" before picking up 2.4 percent year-on-year to 241 billion yuan.

In the report, China Unicom says it will continue to focus on its 4G network with subscribers reaching 60.2 million an increase from 42.05 million a year earlier.

The company added 337,000 4G base stations to its network, taking the total to 736,000.

"China Unicom has braced short-term profit pressure to drive long-term sustainable development," chief executive officer Wang Xiaochu said.

He added that the company will strive to pay a dividend for the year 2017.

China Unicom is the first among the three telecom carriers in China to release its full-year results for 2016.

China Mobile and China Telecommunications are scheduled to release their annual reports next week.
Xiafen "Sherry" Chen still wants her job back, and rightly so. The 61-year-old Ohio scientist was arrested by federal agents two years ago, wrongly accused of spying for China and fired from her job at the National Weather Service.

Authorities said she used a stolen password to download information about dams in the US and met with a high-ranking Chinese official, lying about it to federal investigators.

One week before the case was scheduled to go to trial, the feds dropped all charges without explanation.

But she still hasn't gotten her job back.

Her wrongful-termination case was to be reviewed in a federal court in Cincinnati on Tuesday and Wednesday. Supporters flocked to her side from as far away as California.

"It is wrong," one supporter told a local TV news reporter. "Sherry Chen is a loyal American citizen for 20 years. She was educated in the US and she is an American citizen just like us. We are all immigrants."

"Today it can happen to Sherry Chen, tomorrow it can happen to me," said another.

Chen told reporters: "I am really, really grateful. My life is turned upside down twice. I really lost everything."

As her legal bills continue to mount, advocacy groups have taken up her cause.

The Advancing Justice-Asian Law Caucus issued a statement Tuesday: "After being painted as a national security threat and having her life turned upside down, all the charges against her were suddenly dropped. She received no explanation or apology. Instead, the government fired her from her job."

Chen, who worked for the weather service as a hydrologist and won an award for her work in 2011, was arrested after a visit to China to see family and friends, according to Michele Young, a onetime political candidate who organized the rally for Chen on Tuesday.

Young said that Chen did share some data with a Chinese associate, but it was public information, and she had her supervisor's permission.

"She was not treated as one of us," said George Weigang, an engineer who was also at the rally. "She was treated as a different citizen. She lost everything because of nothing."

Weigang also said that the demonstration, with so many turning out, was something of a rarity for the Asian-American community, and it was a good feeling to see everyone coming together.

The Advancing Justice-Asian Law Caucus has been monitoring other similar cases, where three other Chinese people were arrested, only to have the charges later dropped without explanation.

"The continued lack of transparency or accountability from the federal government for criminalizing, surveilling and infringing on the rights of these individuals is unacceptable," the caucus said.

The cases fit into a "concerning historical trend of the US government unfairly targeting Chinese Americans as threats, from FBI targeting of Chinese Americans during the McCarthy era to the prosecution and solitary confinement of Wen Ho Lee."

The caucus has published a Know Your Rights guide to educate Asian Americans and started a Scientists Not Spies advocacy campaign to call for government accountability.

Xiaojie Shau Zavon, treasurer of the National Council of Chinese Americans and co-organizer of the rally, said, "We support Sherry Chen because we don't want such a pattern of wrongly investigating and prosecuting innocent Americans based on their race, ethnicity and national origin."

The Committee of 100 also supports Chen's appeal of wrongful termination of employment by the US Department of Commerce and is urging people to take a stand "in the time-honored American tradition of speaking out against injustice and discrimination".

"Chen is fighting for her equal rights to be treated fairly and justly. She hopes only to be restored to her job, which she loves. The people of Ohio and America ought not be deprived of the services and contributions of an intelligent, hardworking and loyal American," the committee said in a statement.

Contact the writer at chrisdavis@chinadailyusa.com
US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, second left, arrives during his first trip to Asia as Secretary, at Haneda International Airport in Tokyo, Wednesday, March 15, 2017. [Photo/Agencies]

United States Secretary of State Rex Tillerson arrived in Tokyo on Wednesday, kicking off his first Asian trip that will also take him to the Republic of Korea and China.

Tillerson is scheduled to meet Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida on Thursday. They are expected to discuss Japan's plans to step up missile defense and the possible deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system, as well as President Donald Trump's concerns about the US trade imbalance with Japan, Reuters reported.

During his Senate confirmation hearing on Tuesday, US Trade Representative-designate Robert Lighthizer indicated that the US will push Japan to further open its agriculture sector, according to the Kyodo News.

"I would list, of course, Japan as being a primary target for a place where increased access for agriculture is important," Lighthizer said.

Lighthizer made the remarks after the Trump administration accused Japan last week of maintaining nontariff barriers for its automobile market and imposing high import tariffs for foreign farm products.

The US may also demand a further opening of Japan's farm market during high-level economic talks the two governments are planning to start in mid-April, when US Vice-President Mike Pence visits Japan.

In Seoul on Friday, Tillerson is scheduled to meet ROK Prime Minister and interim president Hwang Kyoahn and Foreign Minister Yun Byungse, with no schedule for meetings with opposition figures. That raises questions about the durability of any agreements, Reuters said.

On the eve of Tillerson's Asia trip, US Acting Assistant Secretary of State Susan Thornton said in Washington on Monday that former president Barack Obama's "pivot to the Pacific" effort is officially dead, and the Trump administration has its own plan for the region, even if that plan has yet to take shape.
Oliver Friendly, chef and owner of the occasional supper club Bespoke Kitchen, and chef Sabine Jeanty prepare Chinese-style shredded cucumber for a dinner featuring creative Chinese dishes on March 3 in Washington. Friendly's team did research for weeks creating the menu inspired by cuisines from a variety of places in China. PHOTOS BY YUAN YUAN / FOR CHINA DAILY

It's hard to believe that a pudding made of tofu and topped with spicy minced pork and chives was Oliver Friendly's version of Mapo tofu, a popular dish originated from China's Sichuan province that features tofu in spicy sauce with minced meat.

"Realizing that we're not able to do an exactly authentic Chinese dish, we try to do our best version, we think, inspired from that dish," said Friendly, owner and chef of the Bespoke Kitchen in Washington, during the first night of the kitchen's new China themed dinner series.

Launched in January 2015, Bespoke Kitchen is a small scale occasional supper club run by chefs from Eat & Smile Catering that aims at "doing locally sourced, in-depth, complicated food". They were off erring four China nights, on Mar 3-4 and Mar 10-11.

"Each dinner series we do is based on a theme, so this one is based on Chinese cuisines," Friendly said. "We spend a lot of time, usually two to three weeks, not even creating the menu, just researching on the cuisines, the region or the theme."

He just finished the night's final course, a pancake with squash filling as a dessert inspired by the Chinese-style pan-fried pumpkin cake.

His team went through eight cookbooks focusing on specific regions including Canton and Sichuan cuisines and Beijing street food.

"All of them also have a history of the region  how a dish came to be based on what was available," he said.

From there, they came up with ideas, went out to Chinese restaurants to eat and again discussed their ideas to create their menu for their China nights, said fellow chef Sabine Jeanty.

"We are actually quite big fans of authentic Chinese food, so it was really kind of fun to see the different takes on the flavors that we know," said Deb Duncan, who came to the event with her friend Courtney Timberlake.

"It was all very light but had really good spices, so it was a lot of fun but still different from what we usually get," Duncan said.

Growing up in the Midwest with only Chinese buffets, Duncan's door into genuine Chinese food was opened by Timberlake, who grew up dining in New York City's Chinatown.

"Now it's one of my favorite foods. We've really liked Sichuan a lot lately," Duncan said.

Another diner, Bruce Tanzer, who also grew up in New York and is familiar with dining in typical Chinese restaurants, still remembers his childhood favorite dish  beef with tomatoes and black soy bean sauce  from the Chinese restaurant down the block from where he lived.

The Bespoke's version, though not the exact presentation of what Tanzer remembers, did offer him flavors that reminded him of it, he said.

"DC has a deep love of Chinese food," Friendly said, "second only to New York City. It's hard to find a DC resident who doesn't love Chinese food."

A fourth generation Washingtonian, Friendly's earliest exposure to Chinese food was when his parents took him to a Chinese restaurant and ordered a whole steamed flounder with chili and garlic sauce.
Processed Asian carp are ready to be bagged for shipping at the Two Rivers Fisheries in Wickliffe, Kentucky. PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY

Fisheries in the American South imported Asian carp from China in the 1970s to clean their commercial ponds. However, Asian carp spilled into the freshwater system due to flooding.

Since then, Asian carp has become an environmental problem due to its ability to prodigiously reproduce and crowd out native spices, upsetting the ecological balance and harming the local fishing industry.

While hundreds of millions of dollars have been spent to fight Asian carp, Angie Yu, owner of Two Rivers Fisheries in Wickliffe, Kentucky, came up with an idea to make money instead of spending money in the battle against Asian carp  sell them and eat them.

Yu, a Chinese American from Los Angeles, first read about the Asian carp dilemma in 2010. At that time, she already had developed a business by exporting Iceland's lumpfish, discarded after roe was removed for consumption, to China.

"I thought to myself, Asian carp is very popular in China; people consider it very delicious. Yet here in the US, it's viewed as a disaster and something to be rid of. Why not export them to China?" Yu said.

After some research, Yu chose Wickliffe to run her business. "This is where the Ohio River and Mississippi River meet with Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake nearby. There is ample Asian carp available, and the government wants to get rid of them, said Yu.

Wickliffe is a town of about 700 located in Ballard County, which has a population of roughly 8,000.

Yu had to overcome some obstacles: she never processed fish before and so she needed to build a processing facility. Nobody was catching Asian carp, and she needed to mobilize local fishermen.

"Most local fishers are on a part-time basis. They are also farmers. Since local people don't eat Asian carp, they never tried to catch them before. They had to learn how to catch Asian carp," said Yu.

A gill net is used to capture Asian carp, which often weigh more than 10 pounds and can weigh as much as 100. "It's common to see fish of 30 to 40 pounds," Yu said.

Two Rivers Fisheries was opened in July 2013. After receiving the fish from fishermen, employees process them into patties, tail, sausages, ribs or even dumplings. Then they are flash frozen and boxed for shipping.

Yu said now more than 30 teams of fishermen have registered with her company to supply Asian carp. However, each team consists of only two or three fishermen, and they capture fish only a couple of times every week, so the supply is insufficient.

To increase supply to meet the capacity of her processing facility and market demand, Yu began setting up her own full-time fishing team this year.

"We are starting with two fishing boats first and will go from there," she said.

Yu went into the business intending to export the Asian carp to China, but that had to change.

"First, Chinese consumers favor live fish instead of frozen fish; second, commercially raised carp is cheap there. Eventually most of our products are exported to European countries," Yu said, adding that she also is exploring opportunities to market the fish in the US.

Yu said most American consumers don't eat carp. However, that can be changed.

"We have a culinary kitchen at Two Rivers Fisheries. Our Chinese employees, sometimes our Chinese customers when they visit here, would cook up delicious dishes with carp and invite people to eat," Yu said.

This practice has changed some locals' views of Asian carp. "Now we have some local people coming to us to buy carp," Yu said.

Yu's business has been steadily growing since 2013. Capacity has increased from 1 million pounds in the first couple of years to 2 million pounds in 2016, and Yu expects it to double to 4 million pounds in 2017, with her own fishing boats in place.

Wang Licheng, a businessman in the animal protein and aquatic product trade from Dalian, China, was visiting Two Rivers Fisheries in early March to look for an investment opportunity.

"I find it interesting from a cultural perspective. Carp is popular with Chinese, yet viewed as a disaster in the US because they don't eat this kind of fish. These are wild-caught, better than those raised in farming ponds in China," Wang said.

Wang is optimistic about investing in the Asian carp-related business in the US. The abundance of wild-grown Asian carp can be used in many ways, he said.

Besides being processed into food, the leftovers can be turned into fish meal or fertilizers. The abundance means a sustainable business, and Wang wants to get involved, to make a profit out of an American problem, just like Yu does.

mayzhou@chinadailyusa.com
Filmmaker Robin Lung with portraits of Li Ling-Ai and Rey Scott. [Photo by Michelle Scott]

A film that tracks a long-lost, awarding-winning documentary about Chinese resistance against the Japanese invasion during World War II is expected to educate the public about the history and draw lessons from the past.

Finding Kukan, a documentary by filmmaker Robin Lung, depicts the journey to rediscover Kukan, a previously lost color documentary produced by Chinese American playwright Li Ling-Ai from 1937 to 1940.

Kukan is the Chinese pronunciation for "hard working", a quality that the films producer believed helped Chinese people win the war.

"It means bitter struggle, or perseverance against all odds," said Lung. "The same model can be used for us in our everyday life  going ahead in the world which is very complicated and difficult. And we all have to go forward in a positive way and try to live our lives as best as we can."

In 1937, Li decided to make a movie to record war-torn China with her own money. She hired Rey Scott, a photojournalist from the US Midwest and a foreign correspondent for Londons Daily Telegraph, to shoot the documentary in China.

The film offered American audiences a rare glimpse of the people of China, finishing off with footage of the devastating August 1940 bombardment of Chongqing. The color documentary won an Honorary Academy Award in 1941.

But the film faded from view after the war was over. Kukan was officially categorized as a "lost" film by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences until 2009, when Lung discovered a copy of it.

"As I was discovering the story, I was so enchanted that I kept on discovering more and more information," said Lung. It took her seven years to finally complete the film in 2015, which marked the 70th anniversary of the end of the Chinese peoples war against Japanese aggression.

Finding Kukan also explores questions of racial and gender prejudice in a time when the Chinese Exclusion Act was in full effect  such as how a Chinese American woman helped produce a documentary to an Honorary Academy Award when open racism toward Asian Americans was the norm.

"The journey of Li Ling-Ai and Rey Scott was very inspirational," said Lung. "When I was discovering the part of history I didnt know about, I was also discovering the connection to my Chinese heritage."

"Many people identify with my journey and are inspired by my journey as well as the journey of Rey Scott and Li Ling-Ai 75 years ago," she said.

Finding Kukan adapts the form of traditional Chinese shadow puppetry to tell the historical story of Li and Scott, said Lung. The team collaborated with a shadow theater director in San Francisco and used actors to cast shadows for the scenes.

Aside from the shadows, the team also created a dramatic monologue based on the actual written words of Li and Scott and their interviews.

To bring the monologue to life, actress Kelly Hu voices the character of Li as a young woman, and Daniel Dae Kim voices Scott, according to Lung.

The documentary was screened on March 11 in San Francisco and nominated for the best documentary at CAAMFest, an Asian American film festival in San Francisco. The film had been screened in Honolulu and New York and received a special jury award for documentary at the Hawaii International Film Festival.

"The feedback from the audience has been wonderful. Across the board, we have men and women, and people of all ethnicities falling in love with Li Ling-Ai and her character," said Lung.

"We are looking for broadcast distribution and educational distribution in the universities in the US," she said. "We also hope to get it at video streaming websites in China."
The prosecutor, Ibrahim Saleh, told The Associated Press that he ordered Mubarak's release after he accepted a petition by the former president's lawyer for his freedom on the basis of time already served.

Mubarak, 88, was acquitted by the country's top appeals court on March 2 of charges that he ordered the killing of protesters during the 2011 revolution. That verdict, according to Saleh, cleared the way for Mubarak's lawyer to request his release.

A criminal court ruled in May 2015 to jail Mubarak for three years and fine him millions of Egyptian pounds following his conviction for embezzling funds earmarked for the maintenance and renovation of presidential palaces. The ruling was upheld by another court in January 2016.



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"There is not a single reason to keep him in detention and the police must execute the order," Saleh said. "He is free to go."

News of Mubarak's imminent release was greeted jubilantly by his supporters on a Facebook page entitled "I am sorry, Mr. President." - Read More



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Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/article138179988.html#storylink=cp Mubarak, according to Saleh, has already served a three-year sentence for embezzling state funds while in detention in connection with the protesters' case.



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A NANG  The a Nang Pharmaceutical Joint Stock Company (Danapha) has invested VN80 billion (nearly US$3.5 million) to build a new production line for the Golden Star Balm, a product that it will export to the Russia and East European markets.

The company told Viet Nam News that exports of the balm to Russia, East Europe and Southeast Asia accounted for 70 per cent of the companys annual revenue, with the domestic market accounting for just 5 per cent of total sales.

The a Nang-based company said 20 million units of various balm products including inhalers, balm and medicated oil are exported to Russia and East European countries annually.

Last year, the city granted an investment licence to Danaphas first nano-technology and biotech project with total investment of VN1.5 trillion ($67 million) at the citys Hi-Tech Park.

The company plans to produce a billion tablets and 100 million units of injectable drugs per year from 2017-2018, and it is testing nanotechnology-based cancer injections to make treatment of the disease cheaper.

Danapha opened its first plant meeting GMP-WHO (good manufacturing practices criteria set by the World Health Organisation) standards in 2009.  VNS
Viet Nams leather and footwear industry will maintain its strong growth even if the TPP does not materialise, the Viet Nam Leather, Footwear and Handbag Association (Lefaso) has said.  VNA/VNS Photo

HCM CITY  Viet Nams leather and footwear industry will maintain its strong growth even if the TPP does not materialise, the Viet Nam Leather, Footwear and Handbag Association (Lefaso) has said.

Speaking at the two-day 2017 Viet Nam Footwear Summit which opened in HCM City yesterday, Diep Thanh Kiet, Lefasos deputy chairman, said the industry enjoyed annual growth of 15-20 per cent in 2011-15.

Leather and footwear products were exported to nearly 50 countries and territories with the US, EU, China and Japan being the biggest markets.

The industry is fairly competitive thanks to the countrys economic, political and social stability and abundant supply of cheap and highly-skilled labour, he said.

Viet Nam has established a firm position among exporters to the US, being the second largest footwear exporter to that market, with its exports increasing year after year.

The industry stands on three legs, with the US accounting for 34.5 per cent of its total exports, the EU for 31.9 per cent and other markets for the rest.

Free trade agreements with the Republic of Korea, the Customs Union of Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus, in addition to an agreement with the EU to take effect in future, are opening new windows for Viet Nams leather and footwear industry, he said.

The Government would continue to negotiate new FTAs to enable more exports of Vietnamese products, including footwear, he said.

The health of the US economy is the determinant factor, not the TPP.

If the TPP is signed but the US economy is not in good health, then demand would be not that good, he said.

But without the TPP, Viet Nam can still maintain its competitiveness and keep its second position in the US market, he said.

Matt Priest, president of the Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America, said the US imported 2.3 billion pairs of footwear last year.

China accounted for 72 per cent of the total and Viet Nam for 15.7 per cent, but Chinas share is declining and Viet Nams is increasing, he said.

Phan Chi Dung, head of the Ministry of Industry and Trades light industry department, said domestic supply of tanned leather and other raw materials needed by the industry has increased to 40-50 per cent.

The world market is showing signs of recovery, while production costs in China, the worlds largest footwear supplier, have tended to increase in recent years, resulting in importers shifting orders to Viet Nam, he said.

Master plan

Talking about the industrys development plans, Dung said it targets rapid, sustainable development and better use of free trade agreements to expand exports.

It plans to restructure production to add value to products, increase local content in products, improve designs, and focus on medium- and high-quality products for domestic and export markets, he said.

Delegates at the summit said Viet Nams leather and footwear sector has realised its weaknesses and is working to increase domestic content to meet the strict rules of origin enshrined in the trade agreements the country has signed.

Dung said the ministry is compiling a master plan for leather and footwear development, and it envisages production of more than 2 billion pairs of shoes a year by 2025, two times last years volume, and exports of over $30 billion.

Demand for raw materials would also surge two or three fold, and so if the supporting industry is not developed in the coming years, the industry would have to depend greatly on imports, which would make it hard to accomplish its targets, he said.

He urged footwear firms to join hands and to increase investment in modern equipment and technologies to capitalise on the opportunities brought by global integration, participate in the global supply chain and make Viet Nam a global footwear production base.

Phillip Kimmel of Kingmaker Footwear Holdings., Ltd said footwear firms should try to better understand current fashion needs, trends and directions.

They should recognise that footwear is a fashion business and that fashion changes periodically.

In order to be a factory for the future, facilities must upgrade production machinery. Using tools like computer stitching machines enable factories to produce consistent, high-quality goods that add value to branded merchandise.

In many cases, the proper use of automation can eliminate redundant workers and make factories much more efficient and profitable, he said.

There are some 1,700 enterprises in the sector in Viet Nam, of which 800 are large. Foreign-invested enterprises account for 80 per cent of the sectors exports.

Leather and footwear products are among Viet Nams key export items, with exports reaching $16.2 billion last year, accounting for 10 per cent of the countrys total exports.

They are expected to top $17.88 billion this year.

The country is the third largest footwear maker and second largest exporter in the world.  VNS
HA NOI  The French corporation Aeroports de Paris (ADP) is in negotiations with the Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) to purchase ACV shares.

With the approval of the Vietnamese government, ADP and ACV hope to reach an agreement and complete the transaction within a few months. ADP aims to become ACVs strategic shareholder with a 20 per cent of total shares, ACVs General Director Le Manh Hung said.

According to Hung, ACV hopes to finalise its deal with ADP before it finishes transferring its shares from the unlisted public company market (UPCoM) to the HCM Stock Exchange.

Augustin de Romanet de Beaune, chairman and chief executive officer of ADP, met with Minister of Transport Truong Quang Nghia early this month, and he assured that the two sides are near a total agreement.

While ACV plans to list shares on the HCM Stock Exchange at the end of 2017, ADP had initiated a 30 per cent buyout of ACVs shares even before the formers initial public offering in 2015, in which 77.8 million shares were auctioned at VN11,800 (53 US cents) per share.

In March 2016, ACV agreed to sell 7.4 per cent of its shares to ADP at VN13,100 per share.

ADP was the first investor to contact ACV for a strategic partnership in 2015, just two days after the Government approved ACVs equitisation plan and will surpass the Singaporean Changi Airport Group, the Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam (BIDV) and VinaCapital Group to become ACVs strategic shareholder.

As of November 2016, 2.1 billion shares were listed on the UPCoM. Currently, ACVs shares are trading at about VN51,000 ($2.29).

The companys net profit in 2016 were VN2.6 trillion ($116.7 million), whereas its charter capital as of the end of 2016 was VN24.07 trillion ($1.08 billion).

The Vietnamese aviation company planned to sell no more than 10 per cent of shares to any strategic partner, but the firm eventually increased that figure to 20 per cent. It will reduce the State owned share from 95.4 to 75 per cent.

ACV plans to mobilise its capital to enhance airport infrastructure, starting with the Long Thanh International Airport in ong Nai province, 40 kilometres from HCM City, which is set to replace the citys Tan Son Nhat airport with an estimated investment of $16 billion. ADP has expressed interest in Long Thanh, having said two years ago it could invest $2 billion in the project. VNS
HA NOI  Shares dropped slightly yesterday on the HCM Stock Exchange as investors remained cautious ahead of the results of the US Federal Reserve (Fed) meeting.

The benchmark VN-Index edged down 0.22 per cent to close at 713.14 points. The southern market increased 0.64 per cent on Tuesday. On the Ha Noi Stock Exchange, the HNX-Index inched up 0.34 per cent to end at 87.45 points.

Blue chips led the downturn as 18 of the 30 largest shares by market value and liquidity slumped and only eight advanced.

The results of the two-day Fed meeting will be revealed today in Vietnamese local time. However, according to analysts, this rate hike, if any, is forecast to have little impact on the emerging and frontier markets.

Unlike the previous two rate hikes, currencies in emerging and frontier markets have maintained positive movements since the end of December until now and there has been no sign of foreign capital withdrawal from these markets.

Investors were calm before Feds announcement due to advance warning from the US central bank and stable developments in emerging markets are expected to keep foreign capital inside these countries, said Nguyen The Minh, head of the capital market analysis division at Saigon Securities Inc.

When the decision is announced, the market will be able to fluctuate. But in my opinion, such volatility will be short term and the market will soon be back to normal, Minh told the website ndh.vn.

After a surge in the past rallies, shares in developed markets in the EU and United States have become more expensive in comparison with counterparts in emerging markets and foreign funds will unlikely sell off here, Minh added.

Yesterday, a total of 178 million shares worth nearly VN3.9 trillion (US$171 million) were traded in the two Vietnamese exchanges. Foreign investors were net buyers for a combined value of VN56 billion in the two markets.

Losers included market-leading stocks in financial, energy and steel sectors such as Vietinbank (CTG), Vietcombank (VCB), Military Bank (MBB), Saigon Securities Inc (SSI), PV Gas (GAS), PetroVietnam Drilling and Wells Service (PVD), Hoa Phat Group (HPG) and Hoa Sen Group (HSG).

After a hot rising streak, many realty shares corrected down, including Hoa Binh Construction (HBC), Novaland Investment (NVL) HCM Infrastructure and Investment (CII), Kinh Bac City Development (KBC), Tan Tao Investment Industry (ITA) and Coteccons Construction (CTD).  VNS
PRETORIA  The 2017 Africa-ASEAN Business Expo (AABE) will take place in Johannesburg City, South Africa, from November 6-8.

Ambassadors and chief trade representatives of ASEAN, Mauritius, Zambia, Namibia, Mozambique, and Cameroon in Pretoria met with Edward Liu, Managing Director of Conference & Exhibition Management Services (CEMS), on Wednesday, to discuss the event.

The event will include an exhibition, a business forum for the African-Asian region, and business match-making meetings, focusing on education, environment, services, finance and business, food, retail, healthcare, housing construction, infrastructure building, information technology, transport, water treatment, and tourism.

The expo, which will be held by Singapore Manufacturing Federation and CEMS, is expected to draw 3,000-4000 visitors and entrepreneurs.

ASEANs trade-investment promotion organisations, including the Viet Nam Trade Promotion Agency and the Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, are partners of the AABE organising board.

Vietnamese Ambassador to South Africa Vu Van Dung, who is also Chairman of the ASEAN Committee in Pretoria, said trade and investment between southern Africa and ASEAN had enormous potential.

The upcoming expo will create an excellent opportunity for businesses to embrace links and promote trade and investment, he added.

It will also help popularise ASEAN and its members, including Viet Nam, to South Africa and the southern part of Africa, on the occasion of the 50th founding anniversary of ASEAN, he said.

Trade between ASEAN and Africa recorded an annual increase of 15 per cent from 1989 to 2014.

Thailand, Indonesia and Singapore are the biggest trade partners of Africa, while South Africa, Nigeria and Egypt are the largest importers of the bloc.

Currently, 300 companies from ASEAN are operating in Africa, mainly in agriculture, machine manufacturing, oil drilling, and urban development.

South Africa is the main market of Viet Nam in the south of Africa. Two-way trade reached about US$1.1 billion in 2015 and is expected to increase.

Viet Nam ran a trade surplus of nearly $1 billion in South Africa, mainly exporting mobile phones, footwear, computers, electronic products and garments, while importing iron, steel, chemicals, cotton, fibre and fertiliser.  VNS
The central city of a Nang continues to top the Provincial Competitiveness Index (PCI) for the fourth consecutive year.

However, the secretary of the citys Party Committee, Nguyen Xuan Anh, is still not satisfied. Local media talk to him about the citys efforts to reform administrative procedures to provide a favourable business environment for investors.

Could you share your experience in helping a Nang stay on the top of the 2016 PCI?

a Nang has facilitated business operation in the city not only because of the top position. We are always thinking how to create the most favourable conditions for business. We are deeply aware that the success of businesses is the citys success.

The 2016 index recognises the efforts by the business community and professional agencies. It is an honour and pride for the city. However, we will have to continue to strive for the business community whether we are on top or not.

a Nang has topped the index for four consecutive years. Whats left to reform?

On the 100-point scale, a Nang reached 70. So we still have 30 points to go before really reaching the top. We are not satisfied with the results. Also, taking the lead position does not mean holding it forever. We still have many areas for further improvement.

We have targeted the enhancement of support services and administrative capacity for business. These are areas in which we have not had high scores.

We want to treat all investors in the most equal and transparent way. In addition, we want to further improve all administrative procedures relating to taxes, lands and licences.

Many people think a Nang will maintain its top ranking? What do you think?

In PCI history, a Nang had been in the 12th and fifth positions. I think we could lose our competitive edge. Other localities might also spare no efforts. If we do not move forward, we could move backward.

The Chairman of the Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Vu Tien Loc, has said local-level leaders seem to lack a spirit of administrative reform. How do you assess the situation in a Nang?

I think the implementation of national leaders guidelines at local levels is extremely important. a Nang authorities at all levels know that providing the most favourable conditions for businesses is our task.

The Prime Minister asked the city to have 40,000 to 50,000 firms by the year of 2020. We now have 19,000 companies. We will have to try hard to reach the set targets.

Does a Nang pay attention to environmental factors in attracting foreign investment?

We have placed environmental factors as a top priority. a Nang will not trade a clean environment for the sake of foreign investment. Sectors negative affecting the environment will not be welcomed in a Nang. All investors are welcome if they follow laws and regulations.  VNS
By Phuong Mai

HCM CITY  Private film studio Chanh Phuong Film has taken a risk by using several amateur actors famous on the internet to perform in the teenage romantic comedy Em Chua 18 (Im Not 18).

The film is a risky project. The cast includes young amateur actors with little acting experience, said Charlie Nguyen, the films Vietnamese-American producer and director, at a recent press meeting in HCM City.

The director invited 18-year-old high school student Kaity Nguyen to play the leading role in the film. Kaity is famous on the internet as a beauty blogger with nearly 250,000 followers on her Facebook page and over 80,000 followers on Instagram.

Em Chua 18 is my first step in the film industry, she said. I really appreciate the opportunity. After reading the screenplay, I was impressed with my character. We share similar characteristics, which inspired me.

Directed by Le Thanh Son, the film is a love story between a high school student Linh an and a playboy named Hoang (played by Kieu Minh Tuan).

After meeting in a pub, an and Hoang have a one-night stand. After that, an, an 18-year-old girl with a strong personality, finds a way to seek revenge and becomes stuck in a love triangle with Hoang and his former girlfriend.

Speaking at the meeting, Son said: The films plot is interesting. It contains meaningful lessons about young love, friendship and lifestyle.

Son became famous with the action movie Bay Rong (Clash) starring Vietnamese action movie stars Johnny Tri Nguyen and Ngo Thanh Van.

The producer also asked other young people who are popular on the internet, including Ngoc Trai, Kieu Trinh Xiu and Chau Bui, to play roles in the film.

Most of them are TV hosts and fashionistas who have hundreds of thousands of followers on social network sites.

The film also features amateur actors Will and Kieu Minh Tuan, and experienced artists Kathy Uyen and Huy Khanh.

I felt young and happy working with young actors, Son said, adding that the cast had a professional attitude and good acting skills.

Kaity said that she and her colleagues were lucky to work with experienced filmmakers like Son and Charlie Nguyen.

We learned and improved day by day during the filmmaking, she said.

Charlie Nguyen, known in Viet Nam for the comedy movies e Mai Tinh (Fool for Love), Teo Em (Little Teo) and Fan Cuong (Fanatic), said: We dont have any bankable stars, but these young actors were an inspiration for our staff and our film.

Fortunately, I discovered a few faces who will become talented and are potential actors for the movie industry, he added.

Charlie said the actors would bring a breath of fresh air to the film and help lure audiences, particularly teenagers, to the cinema.

Em Chua 18 is in post-production and is expected to be released on April 28.  VNS
By Thu Van

I cannot breathe. (So forgive the shrillness of this piece)

Suffocating doesnt begin to describe the way my heart constricts these days as news about sexual abuse of children breaks out, one after another.

And as heartbreaking as the cases are, the brain explodes in the deafening silence from those we believe are there to uphold the law, protect our children.

A 13-year-old girl in Ca Mau Province and her family reported to local police that she was abused by a neighbour eight times and petitioned that the perpetrator be taken to court. The answer they got from the police last November was a decision not to investigate further because there was not enough evidence.

Last month, on February 10, the girl killed herself.

And it seems that February 10 was also the day that the poor little girls story was killed, with no authority even trying to look at the case again. Dead and buried.

But this case and others were dug up out of their official graves recently when victims families opened up to the media after a series of other child abuse cases were reported.

Horror stories

First case: A year ago, a mother in Vung Tau Province reported to the police that her daughter and seven other children in her apartment building were abused by an elderly man living nearby. Her lawyer had also collected sufficient evidence needed to prosecute. But the local prosecutors office has remained silent after being handled the case. And the culprit, of course, remains at large. He is reported to have held a high-ranking position in a local state agency.

The mother and daughter had to leave Viet Nam to find some sort of peace.

Second case: An 8-year-old in Hoang Mai District, Ha Noi was reported to have been abused many times by a 34-year-old neighbour. The culprit was let go after being interviewed at the police and left the area. Two months have passed, and it seems the girls family will never get any form of justice.

Third case: A 7-year-old girl in Thu uc District, HCM City, was abused at school and seriously injured on February 14. The mother took her child to the doctors in the night and was shocked when doctors said her child had been abused. The mother filed a complaint. The child said she was attacked by a man in her school, which is located in the same district.

The school and Thu uc District Education and Training Division together denied that any sexual assault had taken place, despite one of the CCTV cameras in the school being suspiciously switched off for about an hour on the day of the incident; and despite the medical condition of the little girl attested to by doctors.

The girl in Ca Mau who committed suicide said she could not live any longer because she was a shame for the family.

I am screaming. I cant stop screaming.

Has this world turned upside down? Who is that should bear the shame? The bastard (no offence meant to children born out of wedlock) who abused her! And those who are supposed to uphold the law but deliver injustice instead with their silence and inaction. They have to be shamed of themselves. Dont they have their own families, wives and children? How can they sleep at night?

In the case of the little girl in Ba Ria-Vung Tau, the mother said that initially, the local investigation unit tried to persuade her to accept reconciliation offers. Why on earth would they do this? Can anything compensate for what the child and her family has suffered, is suffering? The punishment cannot undo the suffering, but notions of justice lose their meaning and purpose if perpetrators are granted impunity. And the lack of justice facilitates, instead of deterring crime.

The Penal Code clearly states that all acts of child abuse must be subject to criminal proceedings. So the least a person or persons in authority can do is to enforce the law and save another child from harm. That the opposite has happened is unacceptable. The anguished, painful screams of the victims and their families seem to be disappearing into a dark void.

The mother of the girl in Ba Ria  Vung Tau Province has almost lost hope. The case of her child expires in another month.

The last thread of a hope for justice was used when her lawyer sent a letter to the President, and social network users started sharing the cases  famous bloggers spoke up and the traditional media also joined the chorus. The waves of intense public pressure got things moving.

Action, finally

On Monday, President Tran ai Quang ordered the Ministry of Public Security to urgently examine the sexual assault case in Vung Tau Province that has been under investigation for half a year.

Later the same day, Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh ordered the Ha Noi Peoples Committee to urgently look into the case involving the eight-year-old girl in Hoang Mai District and report to Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc.

The Ha Noi police have decided to initiate criminal proceedings in the case.

But why has it taken so long? Why does it have to go to Presidents and Prime Ministers getting involved to get proper steps taken in such serious cases? The cases should have been taken seriously right at the outset. Whats wrong? How can there be such indifference to child abuse? More than the cases themselves have to be investigated here. Sociologists, psychologists, other experts et al have to study this.

Those who didnt care to respond with gravity to calls of the victims and their families should also be punished. Their silence and inaction make them culpable, because it allows more such crimes to take place.

Illustration by Nguyen Minh Chau, student of Nguyen Hue Gifted School.

Were not ok

I believe the number provided by the public security ministry on child sex abuse, at 1,000 children each year, is just the tip of the iceberg. But the tip itself is a scary mountain. Every day, three children are abused. These are children who may commit suicide later or live entire lives of pain, shame and suffering.

Vietnamese people tend to keep silent on things they consider embarrassing, something that is a loss of face. Apparently, the abuse of a child, as also someone committing that abuse, falls within this category. This pushes the matter under the carpet, and we think were doing ok, but were not.

According to a 2009 survey conducted by the Institute for Social Development (ISDS), ActionAid and other partners in three provinces, up to 20 per cent of students said theyd been sexually abused in different forms. Nearly 16 per cent said they were abused for a long time, since they were small. Some 21 per cent of boys said theyve been abused. But, when asked, teachers said child sex abuse rarely happens in their schools.

Another survey by Plan International in 2015 covered 30 high schools in Ha Noi. Eleven per cent of the students said they were sexually abused.

Shockingly, 70 per cent of sexual abuse of children are conducted by an acquaintance of the family, and 10 per cent by the father or the stepfather.

We cant stay silent anymore. Parents need to talk to their children as early as possible about the threats and about how they can seek help when needed. Schools need to teach their students properly about sex, sensitize them to issues of concern. Teach them about respecting others. The times when we told our children that they came from our armpits are long gone. If we dont educate them well, we cannot be sure what form of learning will happen.

Some schools have introduced sex education, but the education ministry doesnt have an official textbook or document kit for this. This cant be postponed any longer.

Enough, already

The indifference that has been shown so far not only puts more children at risk, child abusers will think they can use money and contacts to buy or worm their way out.

This has to stop. We cannot afford even one more death like that of the girl in Ca Mau. Not one.  VNS
AN GIANG  Its time to overhaul Viet Nams rice production given that the staple plays an irreplaceable role in the countrys agriculture, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said yesterday, adding that the rice sector needs to pay more attention to the domestic market of nearly 100 million people to prevent domination by imported rice.

The PM also urged local authorities to encourage private investment in agriculture and rely on people, science and technology, not the State, to develop agriculture, he stressed.

The PM spoke while chairing a conference on ways to develop the sector sustainably in the Mekong Delta  the rice hub of the country.

The Mekong Delta provides up to 90 per cent of Viet Nams rice exports due to its flat terrain, fertile soil, and abundant water supply from the Mekong River. Vietnamese rice is sold to more than 150 countries with China, the Philippines, Malaysia and the Ivory Coast its biggest importers.

However, an estimated 787,235 tonnes of rice worth over US$328 million were exported in the first two months of 2017, down 18.5 per cent in volume and 21.4 per cent in value from a year earlier.

The rice sector is facing a high loss rate and over-15-per cent broken rice, accounting for up to 36 per cent of exported rice, according to reports at the conference in Long Xuyen City of An Giang Province.

Other problems in the Mekong Delta include climate change impact such as drought, sea level rise, and saltwater intrusion, along with fluctuation in the water resources due to economic activities of countries in the upper Mekong River.

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Nguyen Xuan Cuong said rice farmers in the region are still poor as they gain the lowest benefits in the rice production chain. Each family that cultivates three rice crops a year earns VN35-40 million ($1,530 1,750) in profit per hectare, about 2.7 times lower than in Thailand and 1.5 times lower than in Indonesia and the Philippines.

In his speech, PM Phuc said rice plays an irreplaceable role in Viet Nams agriculture, which forms a pillar of the economy. Agricultural exports brought home over $32 billion in 2016. Almost 50 per cent of the countrys workforce engages in agricultural activities.

He asked the rice sector to launch a comprehensive reform with breakthrough solutions in terms of policies and development models. He suggested expanding the land ceiling limit for each farming household in an appropriate manner. The cropping calendar and intercropping must also be considered, the Government leader said.

The conference set a target for the profit of rice growers in commercial rice production areas to account for at least 30 percent of the total revenue. The area of certified rice varieties should make up over 75 per cent by 2020 and 100 per cent by 2030. Post-harvest loss must be reduced to under 8 percent and the greenhouse gas emissions must be cut down by 10-20 per cent.

Nonetheless, participants at the event said ineffective rice farming land should be converted into areas for aquaculture or planting trees with better economic benefits.

During his working trip to An Giang, PM Phuc visited a vegetable and fruit processing line of the An Giang Fruit-Vegetables & Foodstuff Joint Stock Company in Chau Phu Distict.  VNS
The Trump administration's

aims to quantify the president's nationalistic agenda in dollars and cents. The plan, released Thursday morning, calls for significant increases in military and border-security spending, along with corresponding cuts in many other parts of the government.





Like any White House budget, Trump's blueprint is more of a political document than an accurate predictor of government spending. Congress controls the purse strings and lawmakers may have very different priorities. As a statement of presidential intention, though, the blueprint is crystal clear.





Trump wants lawmakers to boost military spending in the coming fiscal year by 10 percent, or $54 billion. Rather than raise taxes or increase the deficit, the president is calling for equivalent cuts in other areas. Foreign aid would be especially hard hit, with the State Department's budget cut by about 28 percent.





Alongside Defense, the agencies for which the White House proposes spending increases are almost entirely military- and national security-related. The Department of Homeland Security would see a hike in funding of 6.8 percent, as would the Department of Veterans Affairs (5.9 percent) and the National Nuclear Security Administration (11.3 percent). - More




Legal aid measures are being prepared to protect the legitimate interests of oan Thi Huong, a suspect in the death of Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea citizen Kim Chol.  Photo AFP

HA NOI  Legal aid measures are being prepared to protect the legitimate interests of oan Thi Huong, a suspect in the death of Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea citizen Kim Chol, according to Viet Nams Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

As requested by Huong and her family, the Vietnamese Embassy and the Vietnam Bar Federation continue to co-ordinate with relevant agencies and the bar association of Malaysia to arrange the assistance.

Representatives of the Vietnamese Embassy in Malaysia made a consular visit to Huong yesterday to assure she was receiving humanitarian treatment.

Huong said she was in good health and that she had been tricked into engaging in the case.

Later the same day, representatives of the foreign ministrys Consular Department informed Huongs family in Nam inh Province of her situation.  VNS
HA NOI  The Ha Noi Superior Peoples Court has ordered an official investigation into suspicions of embezzlement by a fugitive former State official, Trinh Xuan Thanh.

Thanh, former Vice Chairman of the Hau Giang provincial Peoples Committee and former chairman of Petrovietnam Construction Joint-Stock Corporation (PVC), is already under investigation for alleged violations of State regulations on economic management that caused about VN3.3 trillion (US$142 million) in losses for PVC.

He is also under an international arrest warrant having fled the country to Europe to avoid prosecution.

The courts decision was made on Wednesday at a trial of three defendants charged with cheating customers of the Thanh Ha-Cienco 5 real estate project that indirectly involves Petrovietnam Power Land Joint-Stock Company (PVP Land), of which PVC is a major stakeholder.

Based on documents obtained in this case and declarations made by defendants, the court found that there were signs of embezzlement conducted by Thanh and some former leaders of PVP Land.

PVP Land owned more than 50 per cent of shares of the Ha Noi-based Trans Pacific Service Joint-Stock Company (TPS). In 2010, PVP Land wanted to divest from Trans Pacific JSC and received approval from PVC.

During investigation of the Thanh Ha-Cienco 5 case, ao Duy Phong, former chaiman of PVP Land, told the investigative body that Trinh Xuan Thanh, as chairman of PVC, ordered Phong and Nguyen Ngoc Sinh, former PVP Land CEO, to sign a contract transferring PVP Lands shares at TPS to Le Hoa Binh, chairman of 1-5 Construction and Service JSC, also a defendant in the Thanh Ha-Cienco 5 case. The price of the shares listed in the contract was lower than the real price, allowing those involved to benefit from the difference.

This resulted in a loss of VN87 billion (US$3.9 million) for PVP Land, according to the jury.

Based on the proposal of Ha Nois Superior Procuracy, the jury decided to commence criminal proceedings against Thanh, Phong, Binh and others suspected in the embezzlement case.  VNS
QUANG NAM  Local administration and provincial agencies are investigating illegal logging in the Bac Tra My Districts protective forest.

Tran Anh Tuan, Chairman of the districts Peoples Committee, confirmed the ongoing investigation to the Viet Nam News yesterday, saying that the illegal forest destruction has occurred in Tra Son and Tra Giac communes  some 70km away from the provincial capital Tam Ky City.

Tuan said the district, in co-operation with provincial rangers, examined the destroyed area in the two communes, finding that four big logs were cut down.

However, a local source said illegal logging has occurred in the area for long time, with well-organised loggers and transporters. Local residents said dozens of big trees  with diameters from 40cm to 60cm  had been logged or already sawed into panels for transport.

Some villagers said they were hired to carry wood from the forest to the roadside with a cost of between VN300,000 (US$13.27) and VN400,000 ($17.7) for each trip.

The destroyed forest areas are under the management of the Bac Tra My Ranger sub-department and the management board of Song Tranh protective forest.

The chairman of the district said the case is under investigation, and a detailed report on the illegal logging will be announced later.

Last year, Quang Nam Province punished several officials after illegal logging operations were discovered in La De Commune in Nam Giang District.

The provincial investigation agencies said a total 115.4cu.m of Po Mu timber (Fokienia hodginsii)  a threatened species on the International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN)s Red List in 2006  were chopped down or sawed into panels in Nam Giang District.  VNS
HA NOI  The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) on Wednesday launched its portal https://dvc.mard.gov.vn providing online information on administrative procedures.

Addressing the ceremony, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Ha Cong Tuan said the launch of the online service was a milestone for the sector in implementing e-governance.

He asked agencies to review administrative procedures under their management and connect with the ministrys portal in a systematic manner.

The ministry has set the target of offering online registration at the third level for popular services by the end of this year.

The departmennts of plant protection and livestock production were the pioneers in introducing online services, according to MARD.

Hoang Trung, head of the Plant Protection Department, said handling procedures through online services created transparency and were convenient for examination.

o Thi Anh Thu, representative of the Sygenta company which provides plant protection products and seeds for farmers, said thanks to the online public service, enterprises could submit documents to the Plant Protection Department with just a few clicks.

Nguyen Xuan Duong, deputy head of the Department of Livestock Production, said the settling of administrative procedures online saved time and reduced cost.

Enterprises can save some 50 per cent of expenses thanks to the introduction of the online public service, he said.

The department has received and settled some 40,000 documents through the online service and national single window since the beginning of 2016, Duong said.

MARD has updated nearly 500 procedures on the portal and connected it with the national single window mechanism since December last year. It also offers nine procedures at the third level and eight at the fourth level.

The ministry has also organised training on how to use the public service software for some 600 enterprises engaged in the field of plant protection and animal husbandry.

Online public services in Viet Nam are classified into four levels, depending on the tasks that can be performed digitally.

The first level comprises public services that provide online access to all information regarding the service, including procedures, required papers, deadlines, fees and service charges.

The second level allows users to download the required forms to be printed and filled in later.

The third level allow applicants to fill and submit forms online, however, they still have to pay fees at the relevant government bodies.

Service payments can be settled online at the fourth level. Transaction results are available either online or by post, upon applicants request.  VNS
HA NOI  A wedding turned tragic as a van carrying the grooms relatives crashed into a truck in Ha Nam Province on Thursday morning, leaving three dead and another 14 injured.

The 16-seater van was on its way to the brides home in Phu Ly City when it collided head-on with a Ha Noi-bound truck delivering construction materials. The accident occurred at a five-way intersection about four kilometres away from Phu Ly.

The front of the van was completely destroyed in the collision. Two passengers were killed on the spot while another was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital.

Two remain in critical condition.

Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh on Thursday sent condolences to the families of the victims, asking Ha Nam authorities to pull out all the stops to save the injured.

Ha Nam provided support of VN5 million (US$220) to the family of each of the deceased and critically injured, and VN3 million to those undergoing treatment in hospital.  VNS
BRASILIA  Demonstrators occupied Brazils finance ministry, flooded the centre of Sao Paulo and went on strike in a string of cities on Wednesday to protest reforms to the cash-strapped countrys pension system.

The biggest demonstration took place in the financial powerhouse Sao Paulo, where thousands of people filled a section of the main avenue.

Organisers claimed that up to 80,000 people attended, saying the fiery former leftist president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva would address the crowd later.

A strike by metro and bus workers in Sao Paulo earlier had paralysed the morning rush hour.

During a dramatic protest in the capital Brasilia, hundreds of activists burst into the finance ministry before the start of the workday, occupying the building until late afternoon. Police said they vandalised the ministry and broke windows.

Staff at public schools in Rio de Janeiro also went on strike, trash collectors stopped work in Curitiba and the metro was shut down in Belo Horizonte, according to the news portal G1.

The unrest marked the most serious challenge in the streets so far to attempts by center-right President Michel Temer to tame the budget and restore an economy mired in two straight years of recession.

"Were on strike for the future of the country," said Rio teacher Mirna Aragon at a protest with thousands of other people. "The rights of workers have been thrown in the gutter."

Question of rights

A provision to set the retirement age at 65 is central to the pension reform  a shock to a country where many are able to draw pensions at 54.

That reform is needed to prevent the pension systems "collapse," the hugely unpopular Temer said on Wednesday.

"No one will have their rights taken away," he said in an address, describing the reforms as "saving the benefits of todays retirees and of the young who will retire tomorrow."

Arguing that the country will be driven to bankruptcy if austerity measures are not taken, Temer has already steered a 20-year budget freeze through Congress.

He got one piece of good news Wednesday when the Moodys financial ratings agency upgraded its outlook for Brazil from "negative" to "stable."

However, leftist opposition organisations say Temer is punishing ordinary Brazilians already suffering the worst recession in the countrys history, with unemployment at a record 12.6 per cent  around 13 million jobless.

The popular actor Wagner Moura  who plays the drug lord Pablo Escobar in the Netflix series "Narcos"  added his voice, saying "this reform represents yet another enormous blow to the rights of Brazilian workers."

Corruption probes

Temer took over last year after his leftist predecessor Dilma Rousseff wasimpeached for illegally manipulating government accounts with unauthorised loans.

He has made a return to economic health his main goal, saying he does not care if austerity measures decrease his already rock-bottom popularity.

However, Temers credibility among Brazilians is being hurt further by a ballooning graft scandal over embezzlement from the state oil company Petrobras.

The scandal entered new territory on Tuesday, when the prosecutor general requested the Supreme Court for the authority to investigate scores of politicians. They reportedly include five ministers as well as the presidents of both houses of Congress.

Temer has said he will not fire ministers unless they are actually charged with crimes.

However, earlier phases in the scandal have already claimed several ministers, raising questions over Temers ability to keep a congressional coalition together for the all-important vote on pension reform.  AFP
UNITED NATIONS, United States  US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has told rights groups that the United States will quit the UN Human Rights Council unless it undergoes "considerable reform," according to a letter obtained on Wednesday.

The United States was elected to the 47-member council, the UNs main body for promoting and protecting human rights worldwide, for a three-year term ending in 2019.

In a letter to eight rights groups, Tillerson said the US administration continues to "evaluate the effectiveness of the UN Human Rights Council" which is currently meeting in Geneva.

"We may not share a common view on this, given the make-up of the membership," he said. Council members include China and Cuba, which have been criticised by the United States for their rights record.

"While it may be the only such organisation devoted to human rights, the Human Rights Council requires considerable reform in order for us to continue to participate."

Tillerson said the United States would press on with its "strong, principled objection to the Human Rights Councils biased agenda item against Israel."

President Donald Trumps administration has vowed to defend Israel at the United Nations and rebuked the rights council for adopting resolutions that criticise Washingtons Mideast ally.

The new US administration will seek to renew the mandate of the Commission of Inquiry on Syria and ensure that rapporteurs for North Korea, Iran and Myanmar continue their work, he said in the letter dated March 8.

"The United States is an integral part of the Human Rights Council," said UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric. "Its important that every country participate in its work."

The letter was sent to the Jacob Blaustein Institute, the Better World Campaign, the Committee for Human Rights in North Korea, Freedom House, Freedom Now, Human Rights First, Human Rights Campaign and the United Nations Association of the United States of America.

It was first reported by Foreign Policy magazine.  AFP
As news of cyber leaks continues to surface and swirl, Virginia Tech is convening a panel of experts on Capitol Hill to discuss Americas Cyberthreat: Should You Be Afraid and What Can Congress Do About It?

Virginia Tech President Tim Sands will introduce former Congressman Jim Moran, professor of practice at the Virginia Tech School of Public and International Affairs,

who will lead the roundtable discussion about the evolving cyberthreat and potential public policy responses on March 22, from 3:30 to 5 p.m., at 485 Russell Senate Office Building, 2 Constitution Ave. NE, in Washington, D.C.

Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., keynote speaker for the event, serves as vice chairman for the U.S. Senates Select Committee on Intelligence.

The panel will address a range of topics, including Russian hacking in the 2016 election, recent leaks of U.S. intelligence cyber tools, vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure and the Internet of Things, and cybersecurity workforce development.

Cybersecurity experts participating in the roundtable include:



Charles Clancy, director, Virginia Tech Hume Center for National Security and Technology

Karen Evans, national director, U.S. Cyber Challenge, and former chief information officer, U.S. federal government

Russ Housley, board member, Internet Architecture, and former chair, Internet Engineering task force

Richard Puckett, vice president, Product and Commercial Cybersecurity, General Electric

Steve Ryan, partner, McDermott Will & Emery LLP

Teresa Shea, executive vice president and director, Cyber Reboot Lab, In-Q-Tel, and former director of Signals Intelligence and Cyber Operations at the National Security Agency

The event is free and open to the public but space is limited; an RSVP is requested to events.president@vt.edu by Monday.

The Virginia Tech School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA) and the Hume Center for National Security and Technology are co-sponsoring the event. The Hume Center is a core contributor to the Integrated Security Destination Area at Virginia Tech and the School of Public and International Affairs is a core contributor to the Policy Strategic Growth Area.

Virginia Tech professors and researchers are working at the intersection of cybersecurity technology and policy to address ever-emerging threats to our nations critical infrastructure and citizens' privacy. Our goal is to not only address current and future research challenges, but to educate students to develop the workforce that our country is going to need moving forward, Clancy said.

This is the third Capitol Hill roundtable co-sponsored by SPIA, said SPIA Director Anne Khademian. Our goal is to highlight the policy and technical expertise of our Virginia Tech faculty and the importance of bridging and integrating this expertise to effectively engage the worlds most pressing public problems.

Earlier roundtables focused on Drones in America, and safety and security in America 15 years after 9-11.

Editor's note: This story was updated and corrected March 17 to say that Virginia Tech Tim Sands will introduce former congressman Jim Moran.
DAVENPORT  President Donald Trumps proposed cuts to the U.S. Department of Agriculture drew bipartisan concern Thursday, even as Republicans praised him for tackling spending and Democrats accused him of abandoning education, infrastructure and other priorities.

The White House released an outline of the presidents 2018 budget Thursday, proposing a 21 percent cut to the USDA. That would shrink the departments budget to $17.9 billion, a $4.7 billion cut.

The plan would eliminate a $498 million water and wastewater loan program and reduce staffing at USDA service center agencies in order to streamline county office operations. It also says it would save $95 million in what it called duplicative and underperforming programs in the Rural Business and Cooperative Service, which helps with business development and job creation in rural areas.

This budget cuts investments in programs that have a proven record of creating jobs and growing the economy, said U.S. Rep. Dave Loebsack, D-Iowa.

The cuts would affect only what are known as discretionary programs, the funding for which Congress can change through the budget process. They would not affect most commodity and conservation programs or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which is better known as food stamps. That would require a change in the law. The budget does cut $200 million from a nutrition program for women, infants and children.

He also pointed to proposed cuts in grants for teacher training, subsidies for rural airports and a program to help low-income Americans pay their heating bills.

U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, said she was troubled by how dramatic his proposed cuts are to programs across the USDA that our rural communities rely on.

However, she did praise the president for focusing on the countrys debt, saying, Washington cannot continue the excesses of the past 

The proposal would cut spending at the EPA by 31 percent and the Department of Education by nearly 14 percent.

Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, did not comment on the proposed USDA cuts in a statement his office provided Thursday. He said the president is right to take a close look at spending. But he said the budget proposals arent specific enough to know exactly how Iowans would be affected.

He and others said they would scrutinize the budget plan carefully.

In the budget submission, the administration said the USDAs core missions are maintained while eliminating duplicative, redundant or lower priority programs where the Federal role competes with the private sector or other levels of government.

The White House already has announced plans to boost defense spending by $54 billion in 2018. The budget blueprint says that the plan insists on $54 billion in cuts to non-defense programs and that the government is going to do more with less.
Church to host

meal March 24

WATERLOO  The ladies of Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church, 915 Willow St., will host a barbecue from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 24.

An incorrect date was printed earlier.

Daniel Greer will be the grillmaster again this year. Dinners will include pork or beef ribs, or pork or beef Polish with sides of potato salad and baked beans. Delivery, take-out or eat-in options are available. Call the church at 235-0411 or email cbc519@aol.com for more details.

Fish fry set

for Saturday WATERLOO  The St. Pauls Mens Club will have a fish fry from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Saturday at 207 W. Louise St.

The menu will include fish, potatoes, coleslaw, beans and beverage, plus dessert.

Cost is $9 for adults, and $4 for kids younger than 12.

Semin

ar set for vet

erans

WATERLOO  Cedar Valley Growth I Inc. will host a free Veterans In Business seminar from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at 1005 Peoples Square.

Speakers will include Jason Kemp, Home Base Iowa program manager with Iowa Economic Development Authority; Amy Dutton with the UNI Small Business Development Center on business plan preparation and counseling; Kevin Dill with Veteran Affairs; Jesse Bro with Black Hawk Economic Development; and Joe Engelkes with Cedar Valley Growth Fund I, on small business counseling.

Those interested must RSVP by calling 235-2960 or email info@cvgf.net.

Rough Risers

set to meet

CEDAR FALLS  The Cedar Falls Kiwanis Rough Risers will meet at 6:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Clarion Inn, 5826 University Ave.

Mayor Jim Brown of Cedar Falls and Mayor Quentin Hart of Waterloo will share whats happening in each of their cities and how they are collaborating to enhance the Cedar Valley.

Go to kiwanisroughrisers.org for more information.

Hearst to host Scorsese films CEDAR FALLS  The Hearst Center for the Arts will present four films by Martin Scorsese this month.

The series continues with The Age of Innocence on Tuesday. The 2002 film is rated R and will be shown at 7 p.m. in Mae Latta Hall. Admission is free, and no tickets are required. The Hearsts film series is sponsored by Far Reach.
OSAGE -- An Osage woman accused of a felony for allegedly using her mother's money to gamble at a local casino has pleaded guilty to a lesser charge.

Marilyn Jo Spartz, 58, filed a guilty plea Wednesday to misdemeanor third-degree theft.

She was accused of using $2,315.50 of her mother's money to go gambling and for other personal expenses instead of paying for the older woman's care, according to court documents.

Investigators say the alleged theft was discovered when the older woman's health insurance company declined to pay her medical bills from a recent hospitalization because the policy was canceled due to non-payment.

Spartz was originally charged with felony second-degree theft, but pleaded guilty this week to a misdemeanor charge. She agreed to pay back the $2,315.50 that was improperly spent.

According to court documents, prosecutors will recommend a judge suspend a 30-day jail sentence and $625 fine and order Spartz to serve one year of probation.
WATERLOO  The path that led Pamela McCauley into a STEM career was set long before industrial engineering sparked her interest.

My father insisted that all his children take math, said the professor and director of the Ergonomics Laboratory at the University of Central Florida.

The beautiful thing about that is I learned to love math, she noted. That left opportunities open for me from a career perspective.

The keynote speaker for Hawkeye Community Colleges Diversity in STEM Conference on March 24 believes its a lesson more people should learn  including those from groups underrepresented in science, technology, engineering and math related-fields.

I think its very powerful work theyre doing at Hawkeye with this initiative and this event, she said. These kinds of conferences and meetings can be life-changing for a person.

McCauley, who is black, said its imperative that we have more women as well as underrepresented minorities succeeding in those fields. Not just diversity, but we need more people in this country (entering STEM careers), period.

The conferences theme, Building Pipelines to Innovation, gets at the essence of STEM, she said. McCauley will talk about what innovation is, what it means to a community and what it means to an individual  and also what it means to a nation. She called it the key to unlocking the competitive advantage for companies as well as countries.

Innovation is also very important in terms of education, added McCauley. Innovative approaches to teaching our students  including the use of technology  are necessary to deliver and enhance education.

STEM fields are dominated by men, although she noted higher percentages of women can be found in medical, biological and pharmaceutical careers. In McCauleys own field, womens numbers are growing but still lag behind men.

We have about 17 percent who are practicing engineers, she said. Currently, 18 to 20 percent of engineering students are women. Having them in a pipeline to school, were starting to see that number inch up.

But girls and women still deal with perceptions females dont become engineers. And if they enter the profession, McCauley said women face issues that sometimes hit them harder than men.

There have been a few studies done to discuss why women arent in engineering more. She cited an Athena Network study outlining a number of factors such as workplace hostility, a lack of mentoring and sponsorship, difficult schedules, isolation on the job and challenges in balancing family and work  although the last one was not identified as a primary concern. The issues are real and women are not entering the field or leaving once theyre there because of (them), said McClauley.

The noted ergonomics and biomechanics expert initially set her sights on becoming a doctor, not an engineer. When McCauley became pregnant as a high school sophomore in Oklahoma City, though, she thought her dreams of college and a professional career were dashed.

While I did make a bad choice and was about to become a mother, I still had a brain. But so much of society said it was over.

One of those who didnt was a teacher in a program for pregnant girls. She was asking students what they wanted to do, said McCauley, who sheepishly decided to share her aspirations.

The teacher looked me right in the face and said, You can still be a doctor, Pam, McCauley remembered. At that moment, she lit something back up in me, and that was my ambition.

McCauleys parents were disappointed but still believed in her. Two weeks after the birth, they began babysitting and she went back to school.

After graduating and heading to the University of Oklahoma, McCauley discovered she couldnt stand the sight of blood. With research of other careers, she learned how ergonomics and biomechanics look at design for the human body. It was still something that I was very excited about.

Keeping the needs of her daughter in mind, McCauley also looked at salary rankings for various careers. Engineering ranked the highest. So that was a factor, as well, in me choosing engineering.

It was a speech during McCauleys junior year by Howard Adams, the first black man she had met with a doctorate degree, that got her thinking about a career in academia. He was the first person who said to me that I could get a PhD in engineering, she noted.

He was so inspiring and encouraging and I believed him. And, guess what? He was right.

She won a National Science Foundation fellowship to pay for the graduate work. McCauley earned bachelors and masters degrees at the university and went on, at age 29, to earn her doctorate degree in industrial engineering  the first black woman to do so in Oklahoma.

McCauleys life experience has positioned her to advocate for knocking down the barriers women and minorities may face on their way to a STEM career.

I am adamant about saying it doesnt matter, she said of such barriers. If you believe that you can, you will.

Editor's note: Pamela McCauley's last name was misspelled in a prior version of this story. The mistake was corrected March 17, 2017.
WATERLOO  Boaters will find more open water this year at Brinker Lake.

BMC Aggregates officially turned over more than 50 acres of surface water on the lake at George Wyth State Park to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources on Wednesday.

Boaters and jet-skiers who have been staring enviously across a buoy line at open water on the northern edge of the lake for more than a decade will get to use it this spring.

Basically, Brinker Lake will go from about 120 acres to approximately 180 (acres), said George Wyth Park Ranger Gary Dusenberry. Its really nice to see the lake open up because its been 120 acres for many, many years.

BMC Aggregates has been mining sand and gravel since 1997 from the property owned by Brinker Lake Development Inc. and the city of Waterloo, eventually removing a strip of land separating it from the lake.

The buoys remained in place to keep boaters away from what can be dangerous conflicts with the dredging equipment.

Were moving our dredging operation to the west and north of our current plant, said Chris Dinsdale, BMG general manager. We understand that lake area will now be used for other recreational opportunities.

The change is a windfall for users of the most popular recreational boating lake in Black Hawk County, which often suffers from overcrowded conditions.

Back around 99 when we had another parking lot  one day we counted 90 boats out on that lake, Dusenberry said. I think most people understand its a safety issue with that many boats.

IDNR shut down the east boat ramp off Donald Street in 1999 and attempted to control the number of boats on the lake by limiting the boat trailer parking lot to 36 spaces.

Park Manager Lori Eberhard said there are no plans to increase the parking due to the new surface water. Instead, those using the lake will have more room to roam.

There will be no more boats added, she said. There will be no more parking added.

Eberhard also said the lake will continue to be a no wake area until 9 a.m. each day, providing a time for fishermen.

The current lake was created by sand and gravel mining dating back to the 1950s and expanded rapidly during the construction of the local highway system in the 1980s.

It was renamed from East Lake to Brinker Lake in 2002, after Prussian immigrant Herman Henry Brinker who bought about 300 acres of land in the area in 1867. The Brinker family has continued to own much of the property for the past 150 years.

While George Wyth rangers will manage the lake itself, officials remind boaters that land along the western and northern edge of the water is still private property owned by the Brinker family.

The eastern shore land is owned by the city of Waterloo.

We dont have any major plans for it, said Paul Huting, the citys Leisure Services director. We may do some shoreline improvements, wrap it for erosion control.

BMC officials said they will still be mining sand and gravel on the lake after moving the buoy line to its new location. That dredging could create another 50 acres of surface water to the north and west decades into the future.
DES MOINES  The Iowa House tackled constitutional issues Wednesday with measures to amend the Iowa Constitution to protect Iowans data on electronic devices and another calling for a convention of the states to impose fiscal restraints on the federal government.

The first, House Joint Resolution 1, would protect Iowans against search and seizure of electronic communications and devices without a warrant.

Just as the government shouldnt be able to go through your personal files without a warrant, it shouldnt be able to access your electronic files either, said Rep. Ken Rizer, R-Cedar Rapids. Iowa would be the fourth state to create such a protection. The amendment would update citizens search and seizure protections, protecting our right to private communications and our right to data privacy, Rizer said.

The resolution passed 94-0.

The other resolution, HJR 12, calls for a convention of the states to propose amendments to the U.S. Constitution to rein in federal spending, according to Rep. Zach Nunn, R-Bondurant. It passed on a party-line vote, 58-38.

Referring to the $20 trillion federal deficit, Nunn said its time for states to impose the fiscal limits Congress wont impose on itself.

If not us, who? he asked.

Given Iowas fiscal situation, however, Rep. Bruce Hunter, D-Des Moines, said Iowa legislators are in no position to advise the federal government on spending.

He was referring to the Revenue Estimating Conference report Tuesday that lowered its estimate for revenues this year by $105 million, creating a projected shortfall for the current state budget of $131.1 million, and lowered the estimate for the fiscal year beginning July 1.

The Republican majority has spent us into a quarter of a billion hole, Hunter said, leaving lawmakers with no room to lecture the federal government on how to keep its house in order.

Rep. Beth Wessel-Kroeschell, D-Ames, suggested Nunns inflammatory language about Congress and federal spending was merely intended to uneducate the public on the issue.

Nunn explained that 34 states must call for a convention before Congress would act. Each state legislature would determine how to select delegates to the convention. Regardless of the number of delegates, each state would have one vote.

A constitutional amendment proposed by the convention would have to be ratified by 34 or three-quarters of the states, a higher threshold than the two-thirds needed to ratify an amendment proposed by Congress.

A similar resolution passed by the New Mexico Legislature in 1979 was rescinded Wednesday. That leaves convention backers just six states away from reaching the constitutionally required 34 states to call a convention. Republicans control eight of the 21 state legislatures that do not have an existing application for a convention.

The House also approved:

HF 563 requires high school coaches to know how to perform CPR and direct the boys and girls high school athletic unions to establish concussion protocols.

HF 564 removes restrictions in law and administrative rules on the use of various school funds, such as professional development, preschool, dropout prevention and physical plant and equipment levy money, according to Education Committee Chairman Walt Rogers, R-Cedar Falls.

If you campaigned on local control, today is your day, Rogers said.

HF 565 was approved 94-0 to complement HF 564 by giving school districts authority to create a flexible fund account. It would be used to transfer and spend certain unspent and unobligated funds.

An amendment sought by Davenport area legislators to allow school districts to spend existing funds, such as cash reserves, to address per-pupil equity was defeated 41-54.

HF 215 to require certain individual and group health insurance policies covering public employees provide coverage for treatment of autism spectrum disorder. State employees already have that coverage.
Regional physics

competition set

CEDAR FALLS  The University of Northern Iowa Department of Physics will host the UNI/Area Education 267 Regional Physics Competition from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. March 28 at the McLeod Center on the UNI campus.

High school students from more than 12 area schools are expected to participate, including Cedar Falls, Denver, Dike-New Hartford, East Buchanan, Grinnell, Jesup, La Porte City, Nashua-Plainfield, St. Ansgar, Tripoli, Waterloo and Waverly.

The competition encourages creativity, ingenuity and an understanding of physics-related principles, and is intended to stimulate interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Students will use a variety of everyday, inexpensive materials to build devices. The devices will perform specific physical tasks while using physics laboratory equipment to determine the time and uncertainty for an event.

The regional winners and runners-up will advance to the state competition hosted by the UNI Department of Physics on April 11 in the McLeod Center.

HCC to hold

open house

WATERLOO -- Hawkeye Community College will host an open house March 25 about a new grant supporting veterans, service members, their spouses and children looking to earn a commercial drivers license.

The "Trucking with the Troops" event will take place from 9 a.m. to noon at the Regional Transportation Training Center, 6433 Hammond Ave.

Hawkeye is one of seven colleges across the country to receive funding from a U.S. Department of Transportations federal motor carrier safety administration program to help train current and former members of the U.S. Armed Forces, their spouses and children for jobs as commercial bus and truck drivers.

The open house is an opportunity to meet instructors, tour the training facility, learn about program options and discuss financial assistance. For more information or to RSVP, go to www.hawkeyecollege.edu/go/open-house.

Day of Giving

at UNI slated

CEDAR FALLS  UNI students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends are joining forces to impact current and future UNI students by participating in the #LivePurpleGiveGold Day of Giving on April 5.

This is the third year UNI has hosted a day of giving. This year's initiative will last 24 hours, beginning at midnight Wednesday, April 5. Participation-based challenges will be announced throughout the day April 5 and will be used to match gifts. A goal of 500 donors also has been issued for the day.

For more information, go to dayofgiving.uni.edu, and follow the #LivePurpleGiveGold hashtag.
"Culture and demographics are our destiny." Stop.

But Iowa Rep. Steve King didn't stop there. He continued to feed his foot deep into his gullet: "We can't restore our civilization with somebody else's babies."

Well, now. Let's pause to parse.

First, one never speaks of "somebody else's babies" except to exclaim how precious they are -- each and every one. For a politician to say this, the exclamation is best accompanied by a warm smile and an unmistakable tone of admiration for the infant's heroic mother. (Note: All mothers are heroic.)

Second, what's all this about restoring civilization? Did we lose it? Is civilization crumbling beneath our noses?

Admittedly, I've mentioned more than once civilization hangs by a thread, which for me means Americans must promptly learn the difference between "your" and "you're." You're proud of your baby, though heaven knows why (I'm not a politician).

Of equal urgency, it's "fewer than," not "less than," when speaking of things that can be counted. As in, fewer than one in a million Americans know who Steve King is.

King's comment came in the form of a tweet, apparently in support of Geert Wilders, the Dutch nationalist politician hoping to become prime minister of the Netherlands following Wednesday's election.

Both Wilders -- who once called Moroccans "scum" -- and King do seem cut from the same cloth. Both men are apparently concerned immigrant encroachment is posing a danger to civilization-as-we-know-it, especially among certain recurring arrivals, including: (1) Muslims, whose faith is sometimes used by certain fanatics to justify murdering the rest of us; (2) people from a variety of nations who, importantly, do not have white skin or, inferentially, Western values coursing through their veins.

To the Kings and Wilders (and Trumps?), the problems are obvious and undeniable. Even to the less knee-jerk, the fast-changing demographic landscape has created at least some level of discomfort and uncertainty. Suddenly, the majority has to ponder the imponderable: Who, me, a minority?

I'm as happy as anyone to dismiss extremists of any sort as this -ist or that -phobe. But such labeling seems both facile and unproductive. Swaddling ourselves in righteous indignation, we settle by the fire, cooing to our superior intellects and noticing too late the hungry mob building a pyre beyond the window.

King speaks stupidly and carelessly, to be sure. His ineloquent tongue could reduce the Gettysburg Address to a cartoon caption. But he's addressing an idea that is far from alien to a large percentage of Western civilization's acolytes and beneficiaries.

Wilders, too, is a symptom of something real and profound. He didn't invent himself out of nothing. His "scum" comment followed the shocking 2004 murder of filmmaker Theo van Gogh by a Dutch-Moroccan Muslim claiming to defend the name of Allah.

Just as 9/11 caused the U.S. to lose its rose-hued glasses, van Gogh's fatal shooting and throat slashing ruptured the Netherlands' long-standing and proud tradition of tolerance. Loss of innocence becomes its own empty vessel that is quickly filled with lust for revenge born of ultimate betrayal. As in: We welcomed you to our home, and you turned our goodwill against us. Or killed our artists. Or blew up our buildings -- and destroyed our hearts.

The forces that escort people such as King, Wilders and Donald Trump to the dais are not, in other words, primarily hateful, though they easily can so evolve. At their root, they're Something Else. It is this something else that slips into the gulf of deferred aspirations when labels are substituted for the hard work of thinking.

Undergirding King's remarks, of course, is the false notion "those people" come to the U.S. only to propagate and take advantage of our generosity without contributing in return. In addition to being ignorant, King's words are mean -- and possibly speak more to his sense of women as "breeders" than to Latinos, Hispanics and others as freeloaders. Too much time on those Iowa sow farms, perhaps?

What is needed are new voices to articulate these fundamental concerns, recognize them with respect and work toward solutions that don't require our neighbors be marginalized. This would seem especially compelling to those now considering what it might be like to become a minority "in their own country."

In the new age upon us, our best hope is our nation's values linger on through coming generations of all varieties of Americans. Who knows? Maybe a more enlightened future actually is in gestation, eventually to be fashioned by somebody else's baby.
Q: There is a 30 cents difference between ethanol and regular gasoline. Why is it so much different? Is ethanol subsidized by taxpayers to make it cheaper to sell?

A: According to Bloomberg News, a 2015 study by the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture estimated the corn ethanol industry has received $50 billion in taxpayer and market subsidies since 2005.

Q: Is there a website the public can look at to see which legislators take money from special interest groups and lobbyists?

A: Go to www.iowa.gov/ethics/ and find the tab on the left side marked view campaign reports. You can then search by name of candidate or elected official.

Q: Is there anyone available at the Waterloo Public Library that can assist with researching ancestry?

A: Members of the Northeast Iowa Genealogical Society provide a Friday afternoon helping session in the Genealogy/History room at the Waterloo Public Library. You can contact the group at NEIGS, P.O. Box 2274, Waterloo 50704-2274 or neigsinfo@gmail.com.

Q: We recently watched the movie Captain Phillips. What has been done to stop the Somali pirating, assuming it has been stopped?

A: It has not been stopped, but attacks have fallen sharply, according to a United Nations report. The drop is attributed to joint international naval task forces patrolling the seas, increased efforts by companies in the maritime industry and attempts to strengthen the weak Somali government, which had been able to do little to fight the problem.

Q: Where is Brooke Baldwin on CNN in the morning?

A: Baldwin is one of the hosts of the CNN Newsroom program.

Q: Whose baby was Hoda Kotb holding?

A: Kotb has recently adopted a daughter.

Q: How much money did Jimmy Kimmel get paid for hosting the Oscars?

A: Kimmel received a $15,000 fee, he revealed in a radio interview.

Q: Where can I go to get tattoos removed?

A: Some local dermatologists remove tattoos  thats who you should check with.

Q: Where is Natural Grocers located?

A: Its at 5410 University Ave. in Cedar Falls.

Q: Shortly after noon Sunday I came across an accident that had happened apparently at the intersection of 12th Street and the Iowa Highway 58 exit in Cedar Falls. There were two fire trucks and several police vehicles on scene and an officer directing traffic as 12th Street was blocked by an upside down automobile. It appeared to have been a serious accident. Why was nothing reported in the Courier or on KWWL about it?

A: Sometimes accidents are less serious than they initially appear, at least in terms of personal injury. According to the Cedar Falls Police Department accident report, the two drivers and a passenger refused medical treatment. We cant speak for KWWL, but as a general rule the Courier focuses on personal injury accidents which result in someone being transported by an ambulance to a hospital. There are exceptions. For example, if a law enforcement agency deems a particular accident to be significant enough to issue a press release, we take that into consideration.
WATERLOO  A Waterloo man was charged with drunken driving and eluding police with two 13-year-olds in the vehicle with him.

Raheem Maliek Pickens, 29, of 1211 W. Parker St., was arrested early Wednesday and charged with first-offense operating while intoxicated, eluding police and two counts of child endangerment.

According to Waterloo Police, Pickens failed to pull over for police at the intersection of East 11th and Sycamore streets, crossed the bridge and finally stopped for police at West 11th and Commercial streets about two blocks away.

Two 13-year-old girls were in the vehicle with him, according to police.

Reinbeck home

destroyed in fire

REINBECK  A family of four lost their house in a fire Saturday evening.

The Reinbeck Fire Department was called to 804 Blackhawk St. in Reinbeck around 6:15 p.m. Saturday, according to Reinbeck Fire Chief Jamie Eiffler.

Fire crews found the back corner of the two-story house engulfed in flames.

We did put that out, but the family was gone most of the day and we think the fire got further involved, got into the walls, Eiffler said.

Crews came back five hours later to suppress the reignited fire, but the home was a total loss, he said.

Eiffler said crews were able to save the family dog from the flames. They also were able to retrieve some of the familys belongings, including a sewing machine.

He noted the family did have insurance and the Red Cross helped them Saturday night. He believed they were now staying with family.

The house is owned by Michael and Elizabeth Runge, according to public records.

The Grundy Center Fire Department assisted.

Juveniles caught

following chase

WATERLOO  Four teenagers were taken into custody after police say they refused to pull over for police, wrecked a car in a train yard and fled on foot early Wednesday.

A 16-year-old boy, two 15-year-old boys and a 13-year-old girl, all of Waterloo, were taken into custody after a brief vehicle and foot chase and charged with interference with official acts. They were all then released to their parents.

Waterloo Police believe two others, including the driver of the vehicle, were still at large.

According to police, they tried pulling over a white Chevrolet Tahoe traveling at 47 mph in a 30-mph zone in the 1100 block of Franklin Street just before 1 a.m. Wednesday.

The driver did not stop for police and drove to the 200 block of Nevada Street, where the vehicle became stuck on train tracks in the train yard, according to police.

All six occupants of the vehicle then fled on foot, police said.

Benefit for Rudd

fire victims set

RUDD  A benefit for a family who lost their barn, livestock and pets in a fire will be held Sunday in Rudd.

The fire at John and Jennifer Brandau Eggenas place was Jan. 7.

Chili, chicken noodle soup, cinnamon rolls, bars and more will be served for a freewill offering from noon to 2 p.m. at Eden Presbyterian Church, which is six miles north of Rudd on County Road T-26 or 5 miles south of Highway 9.

Those who cant attend the benefit but want to help can mail their donations to Eggena Benefit, c/o Eden Presbyterian Church, 3105 Glass Ave., Rudd IA 50471.
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By Adam Morton

Mar. 14, 2017 | PADUCAH, KY

By Adam Morton Mar. 14, 2017 | 07:00 PM | PADUCAH, KY

On Tuesday, the Paducah Board of Commissioners introduced an amendment to a city ordinance that would allow microbreweries with the appropriate licenses to sell malt beverages by the drink and package on Sundays.



Currently, Paducah's microbreweries cannot serve alcoholic beverages without a restaurant license. Only one of the two microbreweries in Paducah has restaurant status.



If the amendment is passed it would allow the microbrewery without restaurant status, and any other future microbreweries to be open on Sunday from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m.



City Manager Jeff Pederson said that although the main point of the amendment is to allow Sunday sales, there is more than that. "It would also allow customer to take beer out of there, which is commonly done in a growler," Pederson said.



City Commissioner Sandra Wilson brought the change to the board of commissioners. Wilson said one of the breweries mentioned that if they could be open on Sunday, they would . Wilson said, "We started looking into it; if it was something we could approve locally and it is."



Wilson said she was glad to see the added tourism.



Mayor Brandi Harless is also looking forward to the impact on tourism and the local impact. "Microbreweries have been a big tourism pull for us, and also just a local kind of hangout thing," Harless said.



The final vote will take place at the next scheduled meeting of the City Commission.
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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.
Military senior officers from nations throughout the Indo-Asia-Pacific region gathered March 14 and 15, during the first-ever Pacific Air Forces-hosted F-35 Symposium, to discuss the future of F-35 operations in the Pacific.



"The F-35 is not just a new fighter, it's a fundamentally different capability,"" said U.S. Air Force Gen. Terrence J. O'Shaughnessy, PACAF commander, during his opening remarks. "From the technology to the integrated training, it brings an unprecedented combination of lethality, survivability, and adaptability, to the fight. The F-35 is the backbone of future joint and combined air operations."



As the Pacific's 5th Generation Center of Excellence, PACAF will shape all aspects of employment and integration for fifth-generation aircraft in the region, enhancing bilateral relations between Pacific allies.

Subject matter experts from Japan, Australia and the Republic of Korea as well as the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Air Force participated in open discussions, briefings and expert panels focused on setting the stage for future F-35 operations in the Pacific.



The two day symposium delivered an occasion for the U.S.'s Pacific allies to fuse with experts with the F-35 Joint Program Office, Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Marine Corps to learn more about fifth-generation aviation.



Sharing information and lessons learned was the centerpiece to the event. Participating nations formed the baseline of future F-35 operations and engagements through discussion on F-35 bed down, integration, logistics, sustainment and combat operations. O'Shaughnessy noted that the symposium would not be a one-off event, but the first in a reoccurring schedule of forums that bring F-35 stakeholders together.



"We have a rare face-to-face opportunity to dive into an extremely sophisticated jet, as a joint and multinational team, to maximize the interoperability of the most lethal weapons system to grace the skies," added O'Shaughnessy. "The F-35's ability to fuse multi-domain information is a game-changing capability that will give us a tactical advantage. It's because of the F-35's fusing capability that we must enhance the interoperability among all partners and allies who fly it."



The F-35 is a next-generation multi-role fighter that combines advanced stealth with speed, agility and a 360-degree view of the battlespace and will form the backbone of air combat superiority for decades to come. The two-day symposium served as a springboard for F-35's future in the Pacific by strengthening the forces involved, leading to a better, more fully interoperable joint and coalition team.



"Together with our Pacific allies and partners, we're sending a clear message to our neighbors and friends in the region," said Brig. Gen. Craig Wills, PACAF's Strategy, Plans and Programs director. "We will continue to invest in the combat capability required to assure our ability to defend the security and stability in this region and to uphold the rules-based international order."



This inaugural Pacific F-35 Symposium featured the largest gathering of fifth-generation warfighters in history. Approximately 91 senior officers and F-35 experts from a variety of organizations participated. Among the organizations represented were U.S. Pacific Command, Air Combat Command, U.S. Air Forces in Europe, Marine Corps Forces Pacific and the Air Force Integration Office.



"The scale of participation we've seen with the F-35 Symposium accentuates just how important the F-35 is to us and our allies. The Lightning II is a phenomenal fighter and an incredible investment in our warfighting capability and ability to defend freedom," Wills said.



U.S. F-35s have reached Initial Operational Capability with Marines and Airmen both flying operational and combat ready aircraft. In addition to the F-35As with the 34th Fighter Squadron at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, ten F-35Bs from the Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing out of Marine Corps Air Station, Yuma, Ariz., are deployed to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, with six more scheduled to arrive later this year.



Japan started its pilot training program in late 2016, the Republic of Korea is scheduled to receive its first aircraft in 2018 and Australia has been training pilots in two Royal Australian Air Force F-35s in Arizona since late 2014.
Mar 16, 2017 | By Tess

Vancouver Fashion Week is coming up on March 20 and attendees can expect to see at least one piece of 3D printed fashion there. Up-and-coming Australian designer Charne Esterhuizen has been invited to present her stunning 3D printed butterfly dress, made up of nearly 150 rubber 3D printed butterflies.

Charne Esterhuizen, a 23-year-old designer from Canberra, has turned to 3D printing technology to realize her unique and beautifully striking fashion designs. Her butterfly dress, which is made up entirely of 3D printed pieces, took the young designer six months to complete, and took a total of about 800 hours to 3D print.

As Esterhuizen explains, the dress is made up of 130 to 150 individual butterflies, each of which takes about five hours to 3D print. The 3D printing itself was done in collaboration with Aussie 3D, a local 3D print shop, and a 3D printing service in Poland. Aussie 3D was reportedly running six 3D printers around the clock to get the pieces done in time.

The completed dress brings together the 3D printed rubber butterflies in a darkly magical way. Though not real, the effect of over a hundred black butterflies draped over a body is striking. The floor-length 3D printed gown, which is estimated to cost around 90,000 AUD, could be Australias most significant piece of 3D printed fashion to date.

Esterhuizen believes that 3D printing is going to be a significant part of fashions future, and the Australian designer has embraced the ecological potentials of the technology. That is, rather than throw out or scrap failed prints and rafts, Esterhuizen has used the extra plastic to make accessories for the dress, such as a handbag. "In the world that we live in today, we see a lot of fast fashion andthrough that, there is a lot of waste," she commented.

Vancouver Fashion Week will mark the designers first international event, though we cant imagine it will be her last. Esterhuizen, who founded her own clothing label MAAK just after graduating, will undoubtedly continue to impress with her 3D printed garments. If her dress is any indication, shes got some serious talent.

Michael Slavica, who helped 3D print the dress at Aussie 3D, also sees strong potential for 3D printing within the fashion industry, and has even looked ahead to the potentials of 4D printed fashion.

As he told Australian press, Once we have mastered 3D printing clothing, we will bring in the 4D aspects, which means it is shape changingImagine a dress with flowers all over it, and it's a black dress, and when the model walks out onto the runway and when she gets to the end, it's hit with an electric current and all the flowers open up and you see a coloured dress.

"We are in that really cool stage where we get to learn, experiment and hopefully we can bring this to life, he added.

For those lucky enough to be attending Vancouver Fashion Week from March 20-26, keep an eye open for Esterhuizens 3D printed butterfly dress. Were sure it will amaze!

Photos: ABC News, Alkira Reinfrank

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Tom wrote at 3/19/2017 10:56:42 AM:The print quality looks terrible in that close-up shot of the print bed. And "rubber"?Alex wrote at 3/17/2017 3:25:19 AM:WAW !




Mar 16, 2017 | By Tess

3D printed artworks have been featured in galleries and museums all over the world, but this latest exhibition might be the most high profile event yet. In its Printing the World/Imprimer le Monde exhibition, Paris' famous Centre Pompidou is showcasing some of the most seminal 3D printed artworks to date. The exhibition, which opened on March 15, will be running until June 19, 2017.

The Centre Georges Pompidou is the home to many famous pieces of modern and contemporary art, including artworks by Matisse, Kandinsky, Picasso, Warhol, and many more. For the next few months, it will also be the home of over thirty pieces of 3D printed art. The exhibition, called Printing the World, is part of the museum's larger Mutations | Creations platform.

VESPERS, Mask 1, Series 2, 2016, Designed by Neri Oxman and the Mediated Matter Group for the "The New Ancient" Collection by STRATASYS. 3D printed on a Stratasys Full-color, Multi-material J750 3D Printer. Members of the Mediated Matter Group who have contributed to the project include: Christoph Bader, Dominik Kolb, Rachel Smith, Sunanda Sharma and Prof. Neri Oxman.

The exhibition will not only showcase artworks made using 3D printing technologies, but will interrogate issues surrounding the role of the artist, and reproducibility, which are difficult to ignore when 3D printing is involved. As the exhibition info blurb reads:

"From the designer object to architectural prototype, from the production shop to innovative research projects, this exhibition brings together a younger generation of artists, designers and architects who make use of 3D printing as an analytical and experimental tool. In its selection of some thirty "creators", Imprimer le monde [Printing the World] reveals the transformation of forms within a "digital materiality" that has given birth to a new typology of objects having 3D printing in common."

BC-AD, by Dov Ganchrow

As mentioned, the exhibition will feature works for over 30 artists, architects, and designers who have worked with the technology. Some of the most notable artists exhibited include American-Israeli architect Neri Oxman, whose VESPERS series of 3D printed death masks are included in the show. The mask series, which was debuted at the London Design Museum in 2016, was created as a part of Stratasys' "The New Ancient" art collection. Three masks from the series (which comprises of 15 masks in total), titled "Past," "Present," and "Future" are being exhibited at the Centre Pompidou. The mask designs were generated from data-driven processes and were 3D printed using Stratasys' Objet500 Connex3 Color Multi-material 3D printer.

Dov Ganchrow's BC-AD is also part of the exhibition. Aptly named, BC-AD combines flint stone tools from the stone age with 3D printed modifications. Using Stratasys' high-resolution PolyJet 3D printing, Ganchrow was able to reimagine and redesign the ancient tools in a contemporary way, which in turn, begs us to think about how we use and make tools nowadays.

Sample from Stranger Visions, Portraits and Samples from New York, 2012, by Heather Dewey-Hagborg

Stratasys is tied to one other artist in the exhibition: Daniel Widrig, whose captivating Descendants series is on display at the Pompidou. Descendants explores the potential of superior artificial intelligence in the future, and how it might manifest in a physical form. The series comprises of a number of 3D printed humanoid figures, printed using multi-color, multi-material 3D printing, and which are made up of intricate digital compositions that reflect 3D scans of both male and female bodies.

Dessein Global, by Achraf Touloub

Paris-based Achraf Touloub's series Dessein Global, which consists of a number of basins with 3D printed reliefs in them, will also be featured. The reliefs themselves were designed by collating various images, and then simplifying the images into lines, which were then scanned and vectorized for 3D printing. The series explores the circulation of images in our contemporary digital environments through a physical medium. Dessein Global was 3D printed out of polyamide using SLS 3D printing technology.

Growth Titanium Table, by Mathias Bengtsson

Danish designer Mathias Bengtsson's Growth Titanium Table is one of our favorite pieces displayed at the Pompidou. Designed in 2013, but 3D printed in 2016, the piece was made using Bengtsson's "computational design" process, which uses digital simulation software to generate the natural growth of shapes. More specifically, to create the intricately designed table, Bengtsson developed an automated software program with 1,000 constraint parameters, which was able to simulate and interpret a model of bone growth through "the division and differentiation of cells." The biomimicry inspired piece was 3D printed out of titanium using an Electron Beam Melting (EBM) process.

Smart Dynamic Casting, by Gramazio Kohler Research

More of a process than an art object, Gramazio Kohler Research's Smart Dynamic Casting, A robotic gliding process for complex structures is a notable inclusion in the Printing the World exhibition. Developed by Fabio Gramazio and Matthias Kohler, the founders of the first robotic manufacturing laboratory at ETH Zurich, Smart Dynamic Casting is an innovative process that allows for complex concrete structure to be built without individual coffering. From an environmental perspective, the process is significant as it could allow for structures to be built using significantly less concrete (the production of which accounts for five to eight percent of artificial CO2 emissions). From an architectural perspective, Smart Dynamic Casting could allow for virtually any type of structural design to be realized.

Diamond chair, by Nendo (Oki Sato)

One of our favorite Japanese design studios, Nendo, will also have a 3D printed piece on display at the French museum: Diamond chair. 3D printed using SLS technology, Diamond chair was first presented in 2008 in Milan, and consists of an exquisite structure inspired by the atomic structure of diamonds, the earth's hardest natural material. Made from nylon powder, the chair is not only incredibly strong, but also extremely light. It is reportedly one of the first chairs made using a rapid prototyping process. Tokyo-based Nendo was founded by Canadian-born designer Oki Sato.

Other pieces include Stranger Visions, Portraits and Samples from New York, 2012, by Heather Dewey-Hagborg, which is a series of 3D printed faces that were digitally generated based off of genetic material found on the streets of New York; Grotto II, a large-scale and impeccably intricate 3D printed sculpture made out of silica sands and binder by Michael Hansmeyer and Benjamin Dillenburger as part of their "Digital Grotesque" project; and many more.

Grotto II, by Michael Hansmeyer and Benjamin Dillenburger

The exhibition also traces the beginnings of 3D printing in art back to the 19th century, to Francois Willeme's photo-sculpture, an early form of 3D imaging, and follows the technological influence on art up to the present, where professional designers and architects, as well as artists seem to be increasingly embracing and challenging the growing technology.

The Printing the World exhibition is curated by Marie-Ange Brayer and Olivier Zeitoun.

Posted in 3D Printing Events

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Mar 16, 2017

Formlabs today announced two new dental 3D printing materials and upcoming biocompatible materials for 3D printed dentures.

The new materials are Dental Model, a high accuracy resin for crown and bridge models with removable dies, and Dental LT Clear is a long-term biocompatible resin for direct-printing orthodontic appliances such as splints and retainers. The biocompatible materials for 3D printed dentures are both class IIa.

Since Formlabs introduced Dental SG, the first biocompatible resin for desktop 3D printers, the company has experienced tremendous growth in the dental market.

To date, Formlabs dental users have completed over 150,000 prints, and Form 2 printed guides have been used in more than 10,000 implant surgeries, said Gideon Balloch, Dental Product Lead at Formlabs.

Formlabs today also announced a partnership with 3Shape, a Copenhagen, Denmark based company that develops 3D scanning and CAD/CAM software for dental practice, to introduce software integration solutions to bring seamless dental 3D printing workflows to the worldwide market. The collaboration with 3Shape follows Formlabs distribution agreement earlier last month with Zahn Dental, the laboratory business of Henry Schein, the largest distributor to dental laboratories in North America.

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Mar 16, 2017 | By David

Industry veteran Materialise will be making another major 3D printing breakthrough soon, as it has recently received approval from the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) to produce surgical guides for pediatric care using 3D technology. The guides will be used to help orthopaedic surgeons plan for osteotomy operations. Children with bone injuries or natural deformities will soon be receiving much better treatment, thanks to the improvements that these 3D printed surgical guides will bring to the pre-operative planning process.

Materialise has been providing 3D printing solutions for a great variety of different industries since the technology was first developed, over 25 years ago. Its work in the healthcare sector has had particular success. Over the past nine years, more than a thousand adult osteotomy patients around the world have been treated with the help of Materialises 3D printed surgical guides, and now the scope of applications for its expertise can expand even further. This new clearance from the FDA will allow orthopaedic surgeons to use 3D printed guides to plan operations for patients as young as 7 years old.

Up until now, planning for pediatric osteotomy surgery was always carried out using 2D x-ray images and hand-drawn surgical guides. A osteotomy patient has irregularities in their ulna or radius, which can be caused by trauma or natural defects, and this prevents them from using their arms properly. The affected area can be difficult for a surgeon to visualize, complicating the already challenging surgical correction procedure, and the success of the operation isnt always guaranteed. Uncertainties with the freehand model for pre-operative planning meant that as many as 60 percent of osteotomies didnt achieve the desired results, and the patient continued to suffer, sometimes even more due to surgical complications.

With the help of Materialises 3D printed surgical guides, uncertainties will be kept to an absolute minimum, and the operation will have a much greater chance of success. The orthopaedic surgeon collaborates in the production of the guide, which is designed specifically to fit the bones of the child. A detailed virtual 3D model is created, by uploading radiographic data into Materialises advanced Mimics software, and this is used to print the surgical guide, giving the surgeon a much clearer picture of the area he will be operating on. These patient-specific guides are also produced at a relatively low cost.

Bryan Crutchfield, Vice President and General Manager of Materialise North America, is excited about the improvements his company will be able to bring to childrens lives, thanks to the FDAs new clearance. In bringing this 3D printing technology to pediatric surgery, surgeons will have access to our clinical engineers wealth of experience developing osteotomy guides, he says, helping them perform even the most complex bone corrections that will have a positive impact on the rest of the childs life.

A particularly complex case in the UK was tackled effectively with the help of Materialise. A patient who underwent routine wrist surgery ended up in a worse state, needing extra surgery to alleviate pain after complications with the operation. A 3D scan of both the healthy and the fractured wrist was made, and a 3D printed guide allowed the surgeon to see the optimal cuts that could be made. The follow-up operation went ahead with great success. Young patients all across America now have the same opportunity to benefit from what Materialise has to offer, regardless of how common or unique their particular problem might be. This is a testament to the power of 3D printing technology, and its encouraging to think of the number of children whose everyday lives will be made more normal and more comfortable in the future.

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Peter Frank Edwards/Vault/Redux

If youre looking to move South, think South Carolina, say the readers of Southern Living magazine.

The best city, Charleston, and best small town, Beaufort, are both in the Palmetto State, according to the magazine, which lists its first annual Souths Best Awards in the April issue.

The Best City honor, chosen in the context of both where to live and where to visit, reflects Charleston as a growing hot spot for innovative cuisine in recent years. In fact, readers chose three Charleston eateries  Husk, Hominy Grill and Fig  among the Souths 10 best restaurants.

Savannah ranked No. 2 on the Best City list, followed by New Orleans, Nashville and Asheville, N.C.


Half Yearly Financial Report

Sydney, Mar 16, 2017 AEST (ABN Newswire) - The directors submit the financial report of the Group consisting of Hastings Technology Metals Ltd ( ASX:HAS ) ( 5AM:FRA ) ("Company" or "Hastings") and the entities it controlled during the half-year ended 31 December 2016.



Review of Operations



Yangibana Project (70-100%)



Metallurgical Test Work - Yangibana Project



A series of test programmes were completed during the period to improve collector reagent consumption and operating cost, and optimising and improving the process recovery performance for a more competitive and efficient process flow, with the following results:



- An alternative collector reagent for the beneficiation process was identified and successfully tested during the period that can deliver superior upgrade performance of the mineralisation, with significantly lower operating costs.



- The annual cost saving is estimated to be 25% lower than the figure used in the pre-feasibility study announced in April 2016.



- Successfully completed the comminution test program and concluded the process design criteria for the Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS).



- Completed several preliminary thickening and filtration test works on the Yangibana rougher tailings and the final flotation concentrate samples and the design specifications are well understood.



- The hydrometallurgical process conditions for different grades of concentrate have been developed and optimised.



- The behaviour of impurities through the hydrometallurgical process has been well identified and the relevant technologies/processes for removal of key impurities have been well developed and defined.



- Test work to determine conditions required to generate a rare earths carbonate product with the required physical and chemical characteristics is currently being undertaken. Good progress has been made in understanding critical process parameters which impact physical properties and quality of the rare earth carbonate.



Planning is well advanced for the major pilot plant campaigns. The pilot plants for both beneficiation and hydrometallurgy are scheduled to run in Q1, 2017. Variability studies will be carried out for varying ore body once the beneficiation pilot plant run is complete.



Approval/Permits



A number of environmental studies were completed in the second half of calendar 2016, which forms part of the environmental approvals documentation. As part of the permitting process, in Q4 2016 Hastings referred the Project to the Commonwealth Department of the Environment and Energy (DoEE), and on 30 January 2017 Hastings referred the Project to the Western Australian Government's Environmental Protection Authority (EPA). In consultation with the Commonwealth and State governments, the Yangibana Project will undergo a formal environmental assessment in 2017, which will be administered by the EPA for both the State and Commonwealth agencies under an accredited process.



Geology



As reported in the Company's 2016 Annual Report, a major drilling programme commenced in June 2016 to provide a large composite sample from Bald Hill and Fraser's deposits for pilot plant testwork. This drilling also aimed to increase and upgrade the resources at these two deposits.



Drilling to test the north-eastern extension to the Fraser's deposit, returned best intersections of 5m (37-42) at 1.20%TREO including 0.56%Nd2O3+Pr2O in FRRC102 and 2m (8-10) at 2.06%TREO including 0.96%Nd2O3+Pr2O in FRRC104.



A high-resolution (30m height and 25m flight line spacing) airborne magnetic and radiometric survey over the Yangibana area was conducted.



Southern Geoscience Consultants Pty Limited (SGC) carried out a litho-structural interpretation of aeromagnetic and radiometric data to identify rare earths targets. The detailed survey data delineated numerous rare earths-bearing vein targets and structural sites that control mineralisation.



The radiometric data (see Figure 1 in the link below) was used to identify thorium anomalies, likely mapping monazite-bearing ferrocarbonatite veins. The magnetic data (see Figure 2 in the link below) was used to map structures such as faults and shear zones that may control the ferrocarbonatite veins, along with the lithological units and contacts.



A total of 108 thorium anomalies were identified, summarised as 22 priority areas of significant exploration interest (see Figure 3 in the link below) of which 11 areas have received only limited testing to date.



Hastings subsequently drill tested a number of targets in the Fraser's Southwest area. Best results were returned from Auer and Auer North prospects.



Of the approximately 1.4km of the Auer prospect, continuous mineralisation has been intersected over 800m.



Auer North was drilled over 1.6km with mineralisation of economic interest identified in three 250m long zones.



The Auer North mineralisation remains open at depth and to the north. Further drilling is warranted to the north, at depth beneath the three mineralised zones, and in the gaps between the three mineralised zones.



Three holes drilled outside of the western limits of the current resources at Bald Hill returned significant results.



The intersection in hole BHW04 remains open at depth and provides the highest accumulation, at 17.7m%(Nd2O3+Pr2O3) (43m%TREO), returned from all drilling at the Yangibana Project since commencement of exploration. Mineralogy on samples from the mineralised intersection in BHW04 established that the rare earths are associated with monazite, with minor bastnaesite. This mineralisation is expected to have similar processing characteristics to the Eastern Belt-style mineralisation. This intersection lies to the west of the western limit to the Bald Hill South mineralisation in this area as shown in Figure 6 (see the link below). It establishes a new major target with potential to host the higher value Eastern Belt-style mineralisation to depth and along strike to the northwest and southeast.



Brockman Project (100%)



During the period, Hastings engaged consultants to undertake the work necessary to register a Mining Lease Application over its ten Prospecting Licenses covering the Brockman rare metals and heavy rare earths project.



To view the full report, please visit:

http://abnnewswire.net/lnk/7I1B4NS1





About Hastings Technology Metals Ltd





Hastings Technology Metals Ltd (ASX:HAS) (FRA:5AM) is advancing its Yangibana Rare Earths Project in the Upper Gascoyne Region of Western Australia towards production. The proposed beneficiation and hydro metallurgy processing plant will treat rare earths deposits, predominantly monazite, hosting high neodymium and praseodymium contents to produce a mixed rare earths carbonate that will be further refined into individual rare earth oxides at processing plants overseas.

Neodymium and praseodymium are vital components in the manufacture of permanent magnets which is used in a wide and expanding range of advanced and high-tech products including electric vehicles, wind turbines, robotics, medical applications and others. Hastings aims to become the next significant producer of neodymium and praseodymium outside of China.

Hastings holds 100% interest in the most significant deposits within the overall project, and 70% interest in additional deposits that will be developed at a later date, all held under Mining Leases. Numerous prospects have been identified warranting detailed exploration to further extend the life of the project.

Brockman Project

The Brockman deposit, near Halls Creek in Western Australia, contains JORC Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resources, estimated using the guidelines of JORC Code (2012 Edition).

The Company is also progressing a Mining Lease application over the Brockman Rare Earths and Rare Metals Project.

Hastings aims to capitalise on the strong demand for critical rare earths created by the expanding demand for new technology products.


Half Yearly Report and Accounts

Brisbane, Mar 16, 2017 AEST (ABN Newswire) - The directors present their report, together with the financial statements, on the consolidated entity ( ASX:LKE ) (referred to hereafter as the 'consolidated entity') consisting of Lake Resources NL (referred to hereafter as the 'company' or 'parent entity') and the entities it controlled at the end of, or during, the half-year ended 31 December 2016.



PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES



The principal activities of the entities within Lake Resources NL (Lake) are:



- Exploration and development of lithium brine projects and lithium hard rock projects



- Exploration for minerals.



During the year ended 31 December 2016, Lake completed the acquisition of unlisted company LithNRG Pty Ltd, that controls two Argentine subsidiaries with lithium brine projects in Argentina.



Corporate



The Company announced in 25 May 2016 an agreement to acquire the unlisted company LithNRG Pty Ltd, with exciting lithium brine projects in three large packages of tenement applications (over 90,000 Ha) around salt lakes in North West Argentina. The property portfolio has been established over a ten month period, mostly prior to the recent 'rush' by majors into Argentina due to its proven prospectivity and recently improved foreign investment climate.



On 4 October 2016, the shareholders approved the acquisition of Lith NRG Pty Ltd for the staged issue of shares and options under the terms detailed in the Notice of Annual General Meeting and Explanatory Statement released on 1 September 2016. The transaction was completed on 14 November 2016 after subsequent final due diligence and documentation was completed and finalised.



Lake controls 100% the subsidiary LithNRG Pty Ltd with its Argentine subsidiaries, Minerales Australes SA and Morena del Valle Minerals SA.



To view the full report, please visit:

http://abnnewswire.net/lnk/JKHMEG6C





About Lake Resources NL





Lake Resources NL (ASX:LKE) (OTCMKTS:LLKKF) is a clean lithium developer utilising clean, direct extraction technology for the development of sustainable, high purity lithium from its flagship Kachi Project, as well as three other lithium brine projects in Argentina. The projects are in a prime location within the Lithium Triangle, where 40% of the world's lithium is produced at the lowest cost.



This method will enable Lake Resources to be an efficient, responsibly-sourced, environmentally friendly and cost competitive supplier of high-purity lithium, which is readily scalable, and in demand from Tier 1 electric vehicle makers and battery makers.
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An interesting trend is starting to become apparent. This week while the Great & Good of the Canadian mining scene are whooping it up and taking Princes advice to Party Like Its 1999 (not a great year for copper, we might add) I was being abstemious and attending the Argus Metals Week event in the City of London. While the crowd was primarily traders and end-users, there were also a few serious players from the mining space (i.e. producers and near producers) amongst which (so far seen) were Galaxy Resources and Orocobre.

One trend that has become apparent from this event, some recent digging I have been doing on graphite and from some talks with company executives in the Rare Earth space is that a MAJOR change has taken place since 2010. That change is a shift AWAY from Asia as a value-added location. It may still rank as a prime destination for some of the metals, with end-users being located there but quite a lot of players cant get farther away from China if they tried.

Let us summarise:

Elcora Advanced Materials with their graphene/anode plant in Halifax

Galaxy Resources talking of a hydroxide lithium plant in Japan

Syrah Resources talking of a graphite plant in Louisiana

Ucore talking of a full-scale MRT plant in Alaska (or Utah or another US state)

Peak Resources with their proposed plant on Teeside in the UK

Neometals pondering a Lithium plant in either the US or in Australia

Hastings Technology Metals undertaking talks for locating a REE-upgrading facility in Western Australia

TriStar planning an Antimony roaster in Oman

Rare Earth Salts building a plant in Nebraska

Back in 2010 all the talk was of putting plants in China or as close to China as one could locate them. The end result for two players we can think of was either extreme disruption or delays and associated financial near-death experiences. Clearly, much to our surprise, lessons have been learnt. Its not often one can say that in the mining space.

The lightbulb that came on for us and helped us identify (illuminate?) the trend was a meeting we had in London with the CEO of Hastings Technology Metals Ltd. ( ASX:HAS ), Charles Lew a few weeks ago. I was nearly floored when he said he had been in discussions with the Western Australian government about locating the REE upgrading plant in the state.

Conventional wisdom back in the first flush of Rare Earths was that processing plants anywhere except in cheap locations did not work and particularly that Australia was super expensive with molly-coddled workers. The cost of cheap then became apparent as did the advantage of being in jurisdictions where the rule of law is good and the rules are the same for all players (not to mention patent protection for ones technology). Hastings in our opinion are making the right decision.

We shall here briefly refresh investors on what the Hastings story looks like now that it has cemented itself in the hardy band of survivors in the REE space.

Yangibana

Over recent years Hastings has established a significant tenement package covering approximately 650 sq km which it terms the Yangibana Project. The project is centred approximately 270km east-northeast of Carnarvon on Wanna Station in the Gascoyne region of Western Australia and is best accessed via Gascoyne Junction.

Hastings tenements now cover the bulk of the Gifford Creek Carbonatite Complex. The primary mineralisation targets within the Yangibana Project are narrow, discontinuously outcropping ironstone dykes related to this carbonatite complex. These ironstones are considered to be a younger phase which has cut across the carbonatite dykes, possibly leaching and upgrading Rare Earths (and base metals) from the older dykes.

The ironstone dykes have been shown to carry anomalous Rare Earths associated with monazite mineralisation. The carbonatite dykes themselves, along with the associated fenitic alteration, are considered to be sourced from an as yet undiscovered carbonatite intrusion which the company feels might have significant Rare Earth potential as well as possible base metal potential.

Previous exploration at Yangibana has included reverse circulation drilling at a number of prominent targets, and on the basis of this drilling a non-JORC resource of 3.5 million tonnes at 1.63% TREO was estimated by a previous explorer. The vast majority of this resource lies in the near surface oxidised zone. Below can be seen a cross-section of the Yangibana North part of the deposit with the Rare Earths being exceptionally near to the surface and indeed being in a relatively easily mineable band only ten metres in vertical thickness that outcrops at surface. This helps put Hastings in contention with some of the Xenotime deposits in Western Australia that are also at surface.

As we have noted when we last wrote about Hastings, beyond this proximity to the surface, the Rare Earths mineralisation contains unusually high neodymium values with its oxide, Nd2O3, averaging 4000ppm or 25% of TREO.

Resource

The company published an updated resource estimate in January of 2017 that had been prepared by Widenbar and Associates.

The updated resources represented a significant increase and upgrade compared to the October 2015 resource estimate. The contained TREO has increased to 157,950 tonnes, a 19% increase on the October 2015 estimate, and contained Nd2O3+Pr2O3 has increased to 52,400 tonnes, a 22% increase on the October 2015 estimate. Part of the increase was due to the inclusion of the first Measured Resources to be estimated for the project following the infill drilling program at the Bald Hill and Frasers showings.

The previous resource had been based on drilling in 2014 that had led to the definition of JORC resources totalling 6.79 million tonnes at 1.5% TREO including 0.35% Nd2O3.

It should be recalled that the Hastings concessions consist of areas that are 100% owned and some that are 70% owned. Thus the 100% owned resource is shown as:

While the resource on the territory that is 70% held is:

To visualize the breakdown of the metals in the mix we created this pie chart.

The Next Steps

At this stage Hastings has a Pre-Feasibility Study under its belt and is moving towards a Bankable Feasibility Study. The PFS was prepared by Tetra Tech Proteus, the independent global engineering consultant.

The PFS was based on a 7year operation extracting only JORC Indicated Resources (as per the 2015 estimate) with a beneficiated concentrate of 20% TREO and 5.05% mass pull (since increased to 30% and 3.1%) being employed in the financial analysis. The key metrics arising from the study were:

PreTax Net Present Value (NPV) of $700750 million at an 8% discount rate

Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 40% with a payback on capital of 2.5 years

The company is operating under the premise of a toll-treatment model . The hydrometallurgical concentrate produced on site will be shipped overseas (most likely Vietnam) for further separation and refining into individual rare earths oxides. Certainly having the Vietnamese facility available certainly lowers the capex and leaves one wondering why so many other REE players are wanting to run before they crawl and eschew this sensible alternative.

The company revealed back in April 2016 that Non-Disclosure Agreements had been signed with potential end customers of separated rare earths oxides and metals. The goal is to secure offtake contracts with management stating that the prospects for supply of hydromet REE concentrate to overseas customers was promising in view of ongoing negotiations.

Conclusion

The Darwinian forces that winnowed the Rare Earth crowd were a lesson in capitalist dynamics. However, nature abhors a vacuum and the space could not be left entirely empty. The band of survivors stand out to potential investors (either portfolio or trade) for their sheer persistence and commitment when as one knows any idiot can convert a shell into a gold play and ride the latest fad. Those who persisted in Rare Earths were a hard-core indeed.

All that is needed now is for the Great Thaw of the Rare Earth Ice Age. Excepting one new listing in London, all of the other (less than ten) serious players left in the space are all loaded with DFSs and reworked PEAs etc so ready to come out of the gates once the starting bell is rung in the 2017 running of the long-delayed Rare Earth Stakes. Hastings has to be a favoured runner in this race and its strategy of adding its value-added in relative proximity makes eminent sense.

Editor: Christopher Ecclestone (InvestorIntel.com)

Christopher Ecclestone is a Principal and mining strategist at Hallgarten & Company in London. Prior to founding Hallgarten & Company in New York in 2003 ...

About Hastings Technology Metals Ltd

Hastings Technology Metals Ltd (ASX:HAS) (FRA:5AM) is advancing its Yangibana Rare Earths Project in the Upper Gascoyne Region of Western Australia towards production. The proposed beneficiation and hydro metallurgy processing plant will treat rare earths deposits, predominantly monazite, hosting high neodymium and praseodymium contents to produce a mixed rare earths carbonate that will be further refined into individual rare earth oxides at processing plants overseas.

Neodymium and praseodymium are vital components in the manufacture of permanent magnets which is used in a wide and expanding range of advanced and high-tech products including electric vehicles, wind turbines, robotics, medical applications and others. Hastings aims to become the next significant producer of neodymium and praseodymium outside of China.

Hastings holds 100% interest in the most significant deposits within the overall project, and 70% interest in additional deposits that will be developed at a later date, all held under Mining Leases. Numerous prospects have been identified warranting detailed exploration to further extend the life of the project.

Brockman Project

The Brockman deposit, near Halls Creek in Western Australia, contains JORC Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resources, estimated using the guidelines of JORC Code (2012 Edition).

The Company is also progressing a Mining Lease application over the Brockman Rare Earths and Rare Metals Project.

Hastings aims to capitalise on the strong demand for critical rare earths created by the expanding demand for new technology products.
It was announced today that Kallman Worldwide will represent one of the GCC region's fastest-growing industry events, the Bahrain International Airshow (BIAS),in the United States, beginning with the 2018 edition.





The announcement was formalised at a signing ceremony in Manama by His Excellency, the Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications Engineer Kamal bin Ahmed Mohammed and Kallman President and CEO, Tom Kallman.



We are pleased to be signing this agreement which will positively contribute to enhancing the services, products and specialties showcased in the airshows exhibition feature hall, and we look forward to maximising this opportunity to further increase US companies participation and presence in the Kingdom of Bahrain and MENA region, said His Excellency the Minister.



Under the leadership of His Highness Shaikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, Chairman of BIAS Supreme Organising Committee and personal representative of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the well-established event - launched in January 2010 and organised by Bahrains Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications [MTT] and the Royal Bahraini Air Force in association with Farnborough International - is shifting to a November date in 2018 and diversifying its programme, networking and exhibition offerings to further capitalise on the Kingdoms own growing investment in aviation and aerospace.



Amanda Stainer, Commercial Director for Farnborough International, commented: Its great news that Kallman Worldwide will be supporting BIAS in the US Farnborough International has worked with the MTT closely in delivering and developing the Bahrain International Airshow since its inception. We are looking forward to working with Kallman in bringing a US Pavilion to the show.



Also representing the US at the signing were Aimee Cutrona, Charges dAffaires of the US Embassy in Manama, and American Chamber of Commerce in Bahrain (AmCham) Board VP H. Delano Roosevelt and AmCham Staff Business Development Consultant Mary McGinnis.



The US Embassy extends its congratulations on the signing of this MoU in preparation for the 2018 Bahrain International Airshow, which will help fortify the extraordinary relationship between our two countries, said Cutrona. The Embassy looks forward to working with H.E. the Minister, the American Chamber of Commerce, Kallman Worldwide and others to use this unique show to further expand our bilateral trade and investment.



The centrepiece of the American presence at BIAS 2018 will be the USA Partnership Pavilion, organised by Kallman in cooperation with US government agencies, including the departments of Commerce, Defense and State. The Pavilion will serve as Americas headquarters at the show: a destination for buyers looking for an efficient way to meet more US suppliers, an on-site business centre for US exhibitors looking to maximise their exposure and time at the event, and a forum for all to share ideas and insights.



As a robust commercial crossroads and strategic military base, Bahrain is a vital US trade and defence partner in the MENA region, said Kallman. We are proud to lead the coordinated US public- and private-sector participation in the fast-growing Bahrain International Airshow to demonstrate our nations commitment to our allies here, and because we believe American suppliers are uniquely suited to help Bahrain develop and diversify as a full-service aerospace business and operations hub.



In its most recent edition in 2016, BIAS reported $9 billion in orders  three times the total booked in 2014  and hosted 30,000 trade visitors from 34 countries. Looking ahead to the 2018 show, AmCham Bahrains Roosevelt, commented: "We are pleased to support this important opportunity to bring more US aerospace companies to Bahrain, where their vast experience and high quality products can be leveraged to further grow and diversify the Kingdoms aerospace industry. We look forward to working with the MTT, the US Embassy and Kallman Worldwide as part of AmChams broader efforts to strengthen trade and commerce between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States."



In addition to organising the national Pavilion, Kallman Worldwide will promote US exhibitors and invite attendees to visit them at BIAS with its 'Ask America' advocacy campaign.
Two former students from the Centre for International Security and Resilience (CISR) - Cranfield Defence and Security, Cranfield University - have become the highest-ranked military officers in their countries in recent weeks.





Above: The Centre for International Security and Resilience aims to enable the development of more secure and resilient societies through the provision of high quality research, education, training and consultancy.

Courtesy Cranfield University



Major General Joseph Musanyufu and Major General Obed Akwa are now heading up the armed forces of Uganda and Ghana respectively.



Maj Gen Musanyufu was appointed as Joint Chief of Staff by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni in January. He attended the first ever Managing Defence in the Wider Security Context course, which was delivered by Cranfield in 2008 and has gone on to be taught to military and defence staff around the globe.





Above: Maj Gen Obed Akwa at the Kofi Annan Centre, Accra (Ghana), in 2016.

Courtesy Cranfield Defence and Security



Meanwhile, Major General Obed Akwa was initially appointed Chief of the Army Staff of the Ghana Armed Forces in July 2016 and was tipped at that point as a future Chief of Defence Staff. His confirmation in that role came five weeks after the inauguration of President Nana Akufo-Addo on 7 January.



Earlier in his career, he was selected as a Defence Diplomacy Scholar by the UKs Ministry of Defence and he completed an MSc in Global Security* (2002-03) at Cranfield Defence and Security.



He went on to be Brigade Commander on MONUSCO (United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission) in the Democratic Republic of Congo, as Military Assistant to the then President of Ghana, John Kufour, and then was Commandant of the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre.



India alumni successes

Two more alumni in India have been appointed to important defence and security posts.



Amit Sharma, who also studied the Global Security MSc (2008-09), has been appointed to the post of 'Additional Director' at the Office of Scientific Advisor to the Defence Minister in the Indian Ministry of Defence, with responsibility for information security and cyber. Amit wrote his dissertation on cyber security.



Lieutenant General Robin Soni (Global Security MSc 2006-07), is now General Officer Commanding for the Army Training Command in the Indian Army, the third biggest army in the world. He is responsible for all elements of war and the five military academies that he commands include the National Security Academy.



Dr Laura Cleary, Head of the Centre for International Security and Resilience, said: We are delighted that our former students have been appointed to such senior positions in a number of countries and we offer them all our warmest congratulations.



General Akwa in particular has stated publicly that he believes his education at Cranfield was instrumental in his success as Brigade Commander in the Democratic Republic of Congo and working for the Kofi Annan Centre.
F-15C simulators provide low-cost, critical training

Projecting unrivaled combat airpower is expensive, which is why one Tyndall Air Force Base unit invested in smarter operations for lower training costs. This unit can launch a jet, fly an unlimited amount of hours and fight thousands of enemies all from a single room.



This can all be done through four F-15C Eagle training simulators that provide flexible, cost-effective operations through the 337th Air Control Squadron.



The F-15C simulators, officially called Full Mission Trainers, belong to the Air Education and Training Command, and primarily support Undergraduate Air Battle Management training conducted by the 337th (ACS), said Martin Schans, the 337th ACS civilian supervisor.



Along with the 337th ACS, the simulators also provide training for the 95th and 43rd Fighter Squadrons, the 53rd Weapons Evaluation Group and various units from around the world, including foreign national partners.



Another benefit of the simulators is the drastic price cut when compared to a real F-15C flight, less than 1 percent of the normal cost.



There are numerous ways to determine cost per flying hour, but the widely accepted methods put the cost for the Eagle at $17,000 per flying hour, Schans said. The simulators cost $1.2 million to operate each year. In 2016, that made the cost $230 per hour.



The previous visual system was over 20 years old, Schans continued. Component failure rates were increasing, and replacement parts were getting very expensive.



Being an asset that is critical to training, it was an essential investment to equip the simulators with a modern visual system, creating a more realistic environment for the pilots.



The new flat-panel television screens provide more than 50 percent of the previous visual coverage and 90 percent of the important areas, in very high resolution, Schans said. This upgrade reduces upkeep/repair costs by $400,000 each year.



The simulators are also able to provide flexible training environments.



When units use our FMTs, they can control the weather and time of day which can impact tactical decisions, Schans said, They choose whether to have all the aircraft systems working, or to have some of the systems inoperative. In the FMT we can provide countless adversary aircraft and surface-to-air missile threats, and in the FMT, you never have to quit because you are out of fuel.



The virtual world these Eagles fly in can also host other simulators based around the world, including Tyndalls own F-22 Raptor simulators, allowing units from anywhere to fly together and never leave home.



The way we connect our FMTs to the F-22 simulators is through the Distributed Training Operations Center located in Des Moines, Iowa, and run by the Iowa Air National Guard, Schans said. The DTOC allows multiple units to participate in the same simulation environment to practice integration of forces.



On a day-to-day basis, the simulators provide mission training to the Air Force Air Battle Management students that come through the 337th ACS.



In the controlled environment of simulated missions, we can control the pace at which tactical problems are introduced to the student ABMs, Schans said. The scenarios are built with command and control as the only focus. When you compare this to a live fighter aircraft training mission, the scenario is centered on the pilots training requirements, and the ABM gets whatever training he or she can along the way.



With the simulators, each mission is personalized to provide the best training for the ABM at the helm, Schans said.



There are no substitutes available for the 17 simulated missions each student accomplishes with the FMT, Schans said. [Without it], the ABM students would be far less capable when they graduate. This would increase the training burden on their follow-on units.



The Air Force trains daily to ensure it is ready to fight any challenge, anywhere and at any time. These simulators provide that training.
Interpol has issued an international arrest warrant for four North Koreans wanted by Malaysian investigators in connection with the assassination of Kim Jong-Nam, the countrys police chief said on Thursday.

The estranged half-brother of North Koreas leader Kim Jong-Un was poisoned with the lethal nerve agent VX in a brazen Cold War-style killing on February 13 at Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

Two women  one Vietnamese and one Indonesian  have been arrested and charged with the murder. Airport CCTV footage shows them approaching the victim and apparently smearing his face with a piece of cloth.

Investigators are also seeking seven North Korean suspects, four of whom left Malaysia on the day of the murder. The police chief has said he believes they fled to Pyongyang while the other three are hiding in North Koreas embassy in Kuala Lumpur.

We have obtained a red notice for the four North Korean nationals who were at the airport on the day of the incident and who have since left, police chief Khalid Abu Bakar said.

We are hoping to get them through Interpol. The red notice alerts police in Interpol member countries to share any information on the suspects with a view to potentially arresting and extraditing them to face justice. North Korea is not part of that network.

The Interpol notice posted online shows four North Korean men aged between 32 to 56 years old. They are named as Hong Song Hak, Ri Ji Hyon, O Jong Gil and Ri Jae Nam. Pyongyang has denounced the Malaysian investigation as an attempt to smear the secretive regime, insisting that the 45-year-old most likely died of a heart attack.

Seoul has blamed Pyongyang for his death, but the North has rejected those claims and has never confirmed the identity of the victim, who was carrying a passport bearing the name of Kim Chol when he was attacked. Malaysia officially confirmed his identity on Friday, later revealing that authorities used his fingerprints and a DNA sample from one of his children to do so.
BJP will hold a legislature party meet in Lucknow on Saturday. Senior leaders including Venkaiah Naidu and Bexpected to attend the meeting to decide who will be the next CM of Uttar Pradesh. However, one of the strong candidates and BJP state unit president Keshav Prasad Maurya admitted in the ICU ward of the Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in Delhi on Thursday.

UP BJPs General Secretary Vijay Pathak said that newly-elected party MLAs from the state will also attend the meet where the next legislature party leader is likely to be elected.

All of the 324 MLAs of the party will meet at 5 pm on Saturday to pick the next Chief Minister of the state.

The BJP has shown considerable alacrity when it came to Goa and Manipur. However, in Uttarakhand, government formation has taken a back seat as the BJPs Parliamentary Board meeting, scheduled for March 16, has been postponed.

In Uttar Pradesh, the BJP is extra cautious and party insiders say there are reasons for it. The appointed observers for Uttar Pradesh were expected to reach Lucknow on March 15 and the meeting with newly-elected MLAs was scheduled for March 16 but was cancelled at the last minute.

According to sources in the BJP, the party does not want to take one wrong step when it comes to Uttar Pradesh. The party observers too are playing safe. Several MLAs have been called to Delhi to have a free and frank talk on what should be done.

Both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party president Amit Shah are very particular that the UP CM must rise above expectations. UP is extremely crucial for the BJP as it needs to win big again in 2019 in order to return to power.

Many in the BJP are in favour of appointing Home Minister Rajnath Singh as the UP CM. Although he has denied it, his name continues to do the rounds. The BJP also is thinking of appointing two deputy CMs in the state. One would be from the backward castes and the other from the upper castes, said sources.

Several names, including those of Union Telecom Minister Manoj Sinha, Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Lucknow Mayor Dinesh Sharma, have been doing the rounds. UP BJP Chief Keshav Prasad Maurya was effectively out of the race on Thursday after party president Amit Shah said Maurya had been charged with selecting the name of the next CM.

Meanwhile, BJP leader and Union Minister JP Nadda informed that condition of Keshav Prasad Maurya is normal and he is fine.

Doctor is looking after him. Medical bulletin will be issued soon, he added.

Maurya, who was considered one of the frontrunners for the post of Chief Minister, may now be out of the running. The partys national president Amit Shah on Thursday said he had given Maurya the responsibility of selecting the next Chief Minister.
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The chief minister is misleading everyone by issuing anti-farmer statements alleges opposition and BJP ally as they disrupt the functioning of the assembly.

Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana chief Raju Shetti and leader of opposition in the state assembly Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil has criticised Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for making irresponsible statements pertaining to waiver of farmers loan. The opposition has been disrupting the proceedings of the assembly by raising the loan waiver issue. Even Shiv Sena has joined them to corner the state government. After facing a scathing attack from opposition for his governments failure to waive farmers loan Fadnavis had said that will farmer suicides end if their loans are written off. Fadnavis had pointed out that the government supports loan waiver but it will create a fiscal burden.

As a responsible politician I am aware that loan waiver wont address all problems faced by farmers. For resolving their hardships political will is necessary and this government has completely failed to tackle farmer suicides. Ever since the Fadnavis government has come to power there has been a sharp rise in the number of farmers suicides, said Raju Shetti. Leader of opposition in the state assembly Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil has said, The chief minister is misleading everyone by issuing anti-farmer statements in the assembly. The government is not bothered about the hardships faced by farmers. Instead of waiving off farm loans the government is only pointing fingers at the opposition. We wont allow the assembly to function until the government takes a positive step in the interest of farmers.

There is no point in the chief minister meeting prime minister and instead the government must write off farmers loan. Fadnavis should have prepared an estimated amount required for loan waiver and also mentioned about the contribution to be made by the centre before interacting with the prime minister. There is lack of clarity on his party pertaining to resolving this issue, he added.

Fadnavis had mentioned that after loan waiver around 16,000 farmers have committed suicide. Thus will loan waiver be able to resolve the hardships faced by farmers he asked. He accused the Congress-NCP of shedding crocodile tears over the problems faced by farmers. The CM also added that the opposition is trying to derive political mileage out of this issue as they had received a severe drubbing in the recently concluded Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation election and civic body polls across the state. He blamed the Congress-NCP which had ruled the state for 15 years for the plight of farmers.

He said if loan waiver is announced, the government will have no money for investment in agriculture sector. Farmers became debt-ridden within a year of the loan waiver. After the previous loan waiver, banks did not find the farmers credit worthy for fresh loans, the CM said.
Roizen and Oz purported to have spent a month reviewing every study on vaccine safety. Not only that, they also talked to 150 experts on all sides of the issue.

This article bothered me for a lot of reasons. First of all, why was there no specific advice that parents and doctors look for the warning signs of AUTISM, something which affects one in every 68 children, one in every 42 boys?

To do: Robert Kennedy Jr. and Robert De Niro promised $100,000 if you prove vaccines are safe. We spent a month reviewing every study on vaccine safety and interviewing 150 experts on all sides of the issue. Our conclusion: Vaccines arent perfectly safe , but the chance of significant disease-preventing benefit is more than 40,000 times the risk. Thats a pretty impressive degree of safety. That research is out there for everyone to look at and is summarized in our book YOU: Raising a Child. If you win the prize, please make a donation jointly in our and your names to the American Academy of Pediatrics!

This was included at the end of the piece.

Roizen and Oz added more things doctors should talk to parents about: pool safety, laundry pods, guns, obesity, and vaccines.

The AAP advises: It should cover everything from how much you read to your child, the risk of lead paint contamination in your home, hearing, dental care, physical and cognitive development to potential familial health problems such as elevated LDL (lousy) cholesterol.

So what should doctors be doing at these visits?

The article was about what your doctor should be covering at your well-child checkup. Roizen and Oz included suggestions from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

On March 13, 2017, the Idaho Statesman published, Does your childs doctor check on these important issues? by Michael Roizen and Mehmet Oz, MD.

NOTE: If YOU would like to speak to Robert Kennedy, Jr. about the $100,00 challenge, you're invited to an event in NYC on April 18th from 6:30 - 8:30pm. Perhaps Dr. Oz will attend? This is a fund raiser for World Mercury Project, which is sponsoring the challenge. We know the price is dear for most of us - but perhaps a family member would help you buy a ticket as an Easter or Passover or Autism Action month treat? I know of one close friend whose brother - an AofA supporter - bought her a ticket. (Thanks, Nick Z!) The event is at Tony Lyons' (Skyhorse Publishing's chief) home in New York City. For details and to buy a ticket email Kirsten Kim Kkim@skyhorsepublishing.com By Anne Dachel

While I dont have the book they referenced, I have to ask if they looked at any of the top researchers included in Robert Kennedys book Thimerosal: Let the Science speak. Did they really talk to the scientists who say vaccines arent safe? I personally know a number of the top experts whove conducted studies that raise serious concerns.

Did Roizen and Oz use the CDCs 2004 MMR study as proof that the MMR is safe? One of the authors of that study, Dr. William Thompson, now says that this definitive research was a fraud. He and fellow scientists at the CDC were ordered to destroy evidence of a link between the MMR and autism.

What about all the research out of Denmark? If Roizen and Oz reviewed every study, they must have included the ones by Dr. Poul Thorsen.

Thorsen supposedly exonerated vaccines (thimerosal) from a link to autism in his research, but as it turns out, he was also involved in defrauding the CDC of over a million dollars in research money. Theres a federal arrest warrant out on him. If Thorsen was one of the experts Roizen and Oz talked to, maybe they could let the feds know where he is currently. They would like to arrest him.

And its more than a little disingenuous for Roizen and Oz to claim that Kennedys $100,000 is just for proof that vaccines are safe. If they were interested in the truth, theyd have included this link.

The WMP will pay $100,000 to the first journalist, or other individual, who can find a peer-reviewed scientific study demonstrating that thimerosal is safe in the amounts contained in vaccines currently being administered to American children and pregnant women.

Dr. Oz has been involved in this controversy for a long time.

In 2014, he interviewed Robert Kennedy and Dr. Mark Hyman about thimerosal in vaccines. I wrote about it for Age of Autism.

Video footage was shown that covered the history of thimerosal, a vaccine additive that's been around since the 1930s. "A powerful preservative, it was originally added to make vaccines safer, preventing the growth of dangerous fungus and bacteria. But in the 1990s, thimerosal came under fire, implicated as a possible cause in the skyrocketing rates of autism and other neurological disorders. The reason? Thimerosal contains a form of mercury--a potent neurotoxin. The link between thimerosal and autism was ultimately discredited, but better safe than sorry, in 1999, the government and medical community agreed that thimerosal should reduced or cut from our vaccine supplies. Since 2001, thimerosal has been eliminated from all vaccines in this country with the glaring exception of some flu shots. The EPA considers medical products containing thimerosal to be hazardous waste. So what is it still doing in your flu shot?"

Hyman: "It's a potent neurotoxin. It's been linked to all sorts of neuro-developmental issues.... Any form of mercury is toxic. There's no reason we should be putting it in our medical products. ...Our goal is to take it out of vaccines globally."

Oz then cited the statistic that "sixty-five percent of you have little trust in vaccines." He said that this segment was about "restoring trust in vaccines."

Oz had contacted the CDC to ask about "their role in taking thimerosal out of the multi-dose flu vaccines," ...and he gave their response: "The conclusion of the scientific community is clear that thimerosal-containing vaccines are safe and effective and do not represent a public health risk."

Kennedy however was adamant. The CDC's response was not based on the science. He had found 500 peer-reviewed studies and "virtually every one of them said that thimerosal is a potent neurotoxin that should not be in vaccines.

"We couldn't find a single, valid, plausible, scientific study that said that thimeorsal was safe. So what we've said to CDC is, 'Show us the study.' And they have not been able to show us the study."

Dr. Oz ended the show by advising his audience, "Pregnant women and babies and people over 65, you're at risk and you should ask for thimerosal-free vaccines, like the kind you find in a single dose." For other people, he recommended the live virus nasal spray.

Oz is well-aware that Kennedy is focused on the use of mercury in vaccines. Three years ago he had him on his show, but in this Idaho Statesman article, it isnt mentioned when he cited Kennedy.

If we go back further, we can find Oz very concerned about the exploding autism rate back in 2011. In What Causes Autism, he said this.

Dr. Oz: Every 15 minutes, a family hears a diagnosis they fear most: Your child is autistic. One in 110 children born in this country will have autism. Boys are hardest hit with a staggering one in 70. The big question: WHY?

Watch the children in this video. Theyre severe. No U.S. official has ever admitted a true increase in the autism rate, regardless of the dramatic leap in the rate.

So why arent the signs of autism even included in the important issues you should talk to your doctor about? How staggering is the current rate of one in 68/one in 42 boys to Dr. Oz?

Is Oz at all concerned that currently a child is diagnosed with autism every 11 minutes?

Finally, Im stunned by Roizen and Ozs suggestion at the end of the article:

 If you win the prize, please make a donation jointly in our and your names to the American Academy of Pediatrics!

NINE YEARS AGO Sharyl Attkisson reported on how much $$$$$ pharma gives the AAP.

The $100,000 offer from Kennedy and De Niro would be nothing to the AAP.

Attkisson said this:

CBS News has found these three have something more in common - strong financial ties to the industry whose products they promote and defend.



The vaccine industry gives millions to the Academy of Pediatrics for conferences, grants, medical education classes and even helped build their headquarters. The totals are kept secret, but public documents reveal bits and pieces.

A $342,000 payment from Wyeth, maker of the pneumococcal vaccine - which makes $2 billion a year in sales.

A $433,000 contribution from Merck, the same year the academy endorsed Merck's HPV vaccine - which made $1.5 billion a year in sales.

Another top donor: Sanofi Aventis, maker of 17 vaccines and a new five-in-one combo shot just added to the childhood vaccine schedule last month.

The fact that Roizen and Oz say nothing about the massive web of money ties between the AAP and the vaccine makers is a good indication that all the studies they looked at to determine that vaccine are safe were done at the behest of the pharmaceutical industry.

Spinning the truth and omitting the uncomfortable facts will not make this issue go away.



Anne Dachel is Media Editor for Age of Autism.
Aiken, SC (29801)

Today

Areas of patchy fog early. Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. High near 80F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Clear to partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower throughout the evening. Low 63F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph.
Many Assyrians, Kurds in Iraq 'Openly Pro-Trump' As Protest Against Radical Islam

The Assyrian city of Qaraqosh (Baghdede in Assyrian), Iraq, which was occupied and heavily damaged by ISIS. ( Ryan Mauro/Clarion Project) A national security expert and professor at Liberty University tells Breitbart News that, during his recent visit to war-ravaged Iraq, he found many Christians and Muslim Kurds who "openly" expressed their support for U.S. President Donald Trump as a form of protest against radical Islam and the Islamic State (ISIS/ISIL). "They see Trump as someone who is unconventional and therefore, won't be bound by conventional limitations in fighting ISIS and the Iranian regime," Ryan Mauro, a national security analyst at the Clarion Project and professor of counterterrorism at Liberty University, told Breitbart News. "The Kurds, the Kakai Kurdish minority, and the Christians directly and passionately asked me to relay a request to President Trump: for him to personally come visit with them and for the U.S. to provide political and military support. A safe zone for the persecuted minorities should immediately become an official objective of U.S. policy." "I was surprised by how openly pro-Trump many Christians and Muslim Kurds I met with were, and they expressed their support without me even asking the question. For them, the issue is standing up against radical Islam, of which ISIS is the deadliest manifestation right now," he added. Representatives from Iraq's ethnoreligious minority community, including the Christians, Yazidis, Shiite Turkmen, and Shabak, have recently joined forces to urge the Iraqi government and the international community to allow them to form a semi-autonomous region in northern Iraq's Nineveh Plain, once home to the largest concentration of minority group's in the country. Mauro learned from local Iraqi Christians that they would like "financial support and manpower" to support local Christian security units that would protect Christian lands in an established safe zone in the Nineveh Plain for all persecuted minorities. Moreover, the professor noted that some Kurds also expressed acceptance of a safe-zone for Iraqi minority groups such as the Christians so long as the U.S. and international community allowed them to declare their region as an independent Kurdistan. "I do see a future for the Christian community in Iraq, because they, after all, they've been through, see a future," Mauro told Breitbart News. "The ones who I walked around Qaraqosh [once the largest Christian city of Iraq] with were adamant that their faith is even stronger than it was before and vowed to reopen the burned church and fill it with an even bigger crowd than before." "To them, God will use this hell they've endured to perform a miracle. They emphasized that ISIS' urge to destroy Christian buildings was a sign of weakness and fear; insecurity about their own faith as if Islam, or at least ISIS' version of it, can only survive by wiping out competitors," he added. "On a few occasions, I heard the line, 'We don't worship a God of buildings. Our God is in here,' while pointing towards their hearts." Professor Mauro noted that what keeps Christians, Kurds, and other ethnoreligious minority groups in Iraq awake at night is not a "falsely-described 'Muslim ban,'" but rather what they can do in the moment to enjoy as much secular-democratic freedom as possible without being decapitated. "Their primary concern is: not being beheaded and having whatever secular-democratic freedom is possible, so controversies we're fixed on like the falsely-described 'Muslim ban' is of little consequence to them," he continued. The restrictions Mauro refers to are part of President Trump's executive order limiting immigration into the United States from terrorism-linked countries to keep America safe. Various leaders from the Christian minority and Kurdish communities in the Middle East praised Trump on winning the U.S. presidency in November, saying they are hopeful the new American leader will strengthen and support ethnoreligious minority groups across the Middle East, victims of the Islamic State (ISIS/ISIL). While campaigning for president, Trump, who identifies as a Presbyterian, vowed to defend Christians across the world. "They've been horribly treated. Do you know if you were a Christian in Syria it was impossible, at least very tough to get into the United States? If you were a Muslim you could come in, but if you were a Christian, it was almost impossible," President Trump told the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) in January. "And the reason that was so unfair, everybody was persecuted in all fairness, but they were chopping off the heads of everybody but more so the Christians. And I thought it was very, very unfair. So we are going to help them."
Assyrians Are Splintered in Iraq: Assyrian Political Leader

Srood Maqdasi, leader of the Assyrian Beth Nahrain Sons Entity party in Iraq. Srood Maqdasi is the leader of one of the few Assyrian political parties in Iraq - Beth Nahrain Sons Entity or BNSE - which have managed to stay out of the suspicion of serving interests outside the Christians of Mesopotamia. Maqdasi -- an orthopedic surgeon -- is well known by his consistency of character, mental acuity and honesty. That is probably the reason he was chosen by his Assyrian party mates to occupy one of the five parliament seats reserved by the Iraq Kurds to the Fertile Crescent Christians. The Chamber has been suspended but Maqdasi goes on carrying out an intense political activity through the parliamentary committees and his own party. You are an Assyrian nationalist and a Chaldean. That is not very usual. Actually, it's not so strange. Other BNSE leaders are also Chaldeans. Most of the Iraqian ecclesiastical hierarchies members do not share your nationalistic ideals. We could say you emphasize your ethnic identity and they prefer to put the focus on their Christian affiliation. Have you ever tried to improve your relationships? We have tried to meet with some Church leaders many times in the hope of agreeing on a common position about the problems affecting our community but it has not been possible. These differences not only affect relations between Church members and nationalist leaders. To give you an example, each of the Churches and parties has a different view of what should be done in the recently liberated Assyrian territories on Nineveh Plains. I refuse to blame Arabs and Kurds for all our problems when Assyrians themselves have not been able to agree on a consensual document that will fulfill our demands. And what would be the best option? To us, the best option would be to create a kind of safe haven under international supervision. United Nations could create a mission in order to preserve Nineveh Plains from any conflict. It wouldn't be the first time something like this is done. Both Arabs and Kurds are claiming their rights on the Plains. Among other things, the territory is in dispute because of its oil wealth. I refuse to blame Arabs and Kurds for all our problems when Assyrians themselves have not been able to agree on a consensual document that will fulfill our demands. Some senior Kurdish officials have asked us what our demands are and we have not been able to give them a joint answer. Can you believe it? The clearest case of discrepancy with Church members is that of the Christian militias. The Chaldean Patriarch, Monsignor Luis Rafael i Sako, believes that these armed groups are only serving the parties leaders interests. We understand that Assyrian people can not allow others to liberate their lands. In that sense, an Assyrian armed force is necessary. The problem is that the militias issue has turned into a real nightmare ... A nightmare? What do you mean? Do you know how many Assyrian militias or military guards are operating now on Nineveh Plains? More than five. And they all belong to different parties with different interests and agendas, not always in line with the real needs of Assyrian people. Beth Nahrain Entity Sons was in favor of creating a single militia that would unify all those groups. We tried it and failed so that we later proposed to create a military council, as a kind of umbrella. Unfortunately, it was impossible too. In short, we believe in the need to take part in the liberation of our lands but not through a pleiade of partisan militias, often subordinated to agendas outside the Assyrian interests. We fear that the different forces of which they are part will throw us against each other provoking a fratricidal confrontation. Actually, It seems that Iraq is on the verge of civil war and collapse. After the liberation of Nineveh Plains, the area has remained in the hands of different military authorities. Christian militias are deployed over one or another depending on their affiliation and sympathies. That has even led to armed clashes among Assyrian groups. Are you telling me that the Christians are fighting each other? Yes. Few weeks ago, there was an armed confrontation between two different Assyrian factions. The exchange of fire left four Assyrian young guys wounded on the ground. This kind of events are seriously affecting our people moral, increasingly reluctant to return to the liberated areas. But people are returning yet, right? Well, many of them have no place to return to since their homes were totally destroyed. Many others are afraid to come back because no one guarantees their safety. Until now, fifty families have returned to Teleskoff and only one to Bajdida [Karakosh]. Some other Assyrian towns like Batnaya have been completely destroyed. Islamic State has devastated the last Assyrian "reservations" in Iraq... The situation in Nineveh Plains is catastrophic. Half the Assyrian houses were burned; At least 5 percent of them were completely destroyed and all of them, without exception, have been looted by Daesh. It is not even easy to reach the Plains. We must cross five or six military checkpoints and believe me, soldiers are not usually very polite to us. It seems to be that most of the Assyrians still living in Iraq have decided to join their families in diaspora or they are thinking of doing so. Beth Nahrain Sons Entity did a survey from 2,000 samples and it turned out that 80 per cent of our people perceive their future in black. You should have seen how they reacted after discovering the state of their houses or the deplorable situation of the churches, often used by jihadists for their firing practices. People shouted, cried... It is becoming increasingly difficult to persuade people not to leave the country. To date, the Assyrian population in Iraq has fallen to less than 300,000 people, one-fifth of that estimated twenty-five years ago. The Chaldean patriarch believes that there is nothing more damaging to the Christians of Iraq than granting them privileges, as Donald Trump claims. The temporary immigration ban on seven muslim countries is affecting Assyrians to the same extent as Muslims [Iraq was included in the first list, but this decision was later annulled by a judge]. On the other hand, the patriarch is right. Do you remember that Florida pastor who burned some Quran copies at the gates of his church? Every time a citizen or a Western government provokes or offends the Muslims, it is we Assyrians who pay for the broken dishes. Best thing for everyone is to avoid hatred and sectarianism, there and here.
Kurdish Police Close Assyrian Opposition Group's Headquarters in Syria

BEIRUT -- Kurdish police (Asayish) reportedly closed the headquarters of the Assyrian Democratic Organization (ADO) on Thursday night, forcing all the members inside to leave the premises. According to local reports, the Asayish repeatedly threatened to close the ADO's headquarters today before the finally stormed the site inside Hasakah City's Al-Malikiyah District. No reasons was cited by the Asayish for closing the site; however, long-standing rivalries likely played a factor in this latest move. The ADO is an Assyrian group that is a part of the Syrian Opposition; they have clashed politically with both the Syrian Government and Kurdish-led Democratic Union Party (PYD) in the past.
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Tracing Isha Sesays Career Until CNN, Her Worth And Why She Divorce Her Husband As far as journalists of African origin go, Isha Sesay is one of the most famous on the continent  and by extension, the world. The Sierra Leonean and British journalist has had a successful career since she joined the industry in 1998. In that time, she has worked for a host of major media ...

Open Secrets of How Joanna Gaines Balances Her Career With Being a Wife and Mother Joanna Gaines is the co-founder of Magnolia Homes, a business she runs with one goal: converting houses to homes. She doubles as the lead designer of the company which she co-owns with her husband, Chip Gaines. Lady Gaines gained massive popularity when she became a co-star with her husband on the HGTVs show, Fixer Upper. ...

Juicy Details of Ayesha Currys Love Story With Stephen, Her Family Members and Recent Pursuits When your husband is one of the greatest basketballers that the NBA has ever seen, then it bestows on you the status of a celebrity wife  and may not even demand that you do anything extra to maintain that status. However, Ayesha Curry, the wife of multiple NBA champion, Steph Curry, is not one ...

What Is Tarek el Moussas Ethnicity, Why Did He Divorce His Wife and Who Is He Dating? Tarek El Moussa has made himself one of the most recognizable men on reality television, especially to fans of HGTV. Thanks to his expertise in the world of real estate, Tarek has become a national star. But even to his hardcore followers, there are questions about Tarek El Moussa that remain unanswered, such as his ...

Fun Facts About Natalie Beckers Lonely Childhood and Eventual Career Success Natalie Becker is an actress of South African descent who became famous for her appearance in films like The World Unseen and The Scorpion King 2: Rise of a Warrior. A multitalented individual, Natalie is also a television/radio presenter. She is also a co-founder of the Thought Leader Global Media which she runs together with ...

Top 3 Female CNN News Anchors You Didnt Know Were Africans CNN is one of the leading news agencies in the world. The satellite and cable news network was founded in 1980 by Ted Turner and has been one of the best sources of news for a number of years. It also boasts of the best journalists and presenters all around in media broadcasting. The company is a ...

Channels That Aided Katie Pavlichs Growth as a Journalist and All About Her Marriage To Friedson If you have ever come across any Fast and Furious featuring Barack Obama, it is the handiwork of Katie Pavlich. The book which claims to have exposed Obamas bloodiest scandal and the shameless cover-up thereof, has been earning Pavlich much praise and fame ever since it was published in 2012. Nonetheless, Pavlich is more famed ...

Is Oprah Winfrey Married? Husband, Children, Biography, House, Facts Oprah Winfrey is a billionaire philanthropist, talk show icon, producer, actress, and writer. The media icon famously dubbed The Queen Of All Media owns and hosts the highest-rated television program in the media circle. Read more about the powerful television star below. Oprah Winfrey Biography Oprah was born as Orpah Gail Winfrey on January 29, 1954, to a ...

Who Is Arsenio Hall, What Happened To His Talk Show and Why Do Fans Think He Is Gay? He is one of the funniest beings to have graced the comedy constituent of the American entertainment industry. Arsenio Hall has a reputation for the rib-cracking disposition always portrayed in his comedy roles. He is not just a comedian; he is also an actor and a former talk show host for his popular show, The ...

What Is Woah Vicky Famous For and Who Are Her Family Members? Like most social media celebrities in this digital era, Woah Vicky is one of those stars that have utilized the internet as a powerful tool to propel themselves to instant fame. The social media space, such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, etc., offers lots of people the right opportunities and potentials to become superstars overnight. Not everyone achieves ...

Where Is Michael Strahan Since His Retirement From The NFL and Who Is His Partner? Michael Strahan is a retired American football player turned media personality. He played the defensive lineman position and holds the record for most sacks in a single NFL season. He also only played for the New York Giants throughout the entire 15-year professional career that saw him win a Super Bowl ring. In February 2014, ...

How Wendy Williams Went From Being a College DJ to Having Her Own Talk Show and More About Her Divorce Wendy Williams is a former radio personality, now talk show host, who is known for her outspokenness and brash no-nonsense attitude. She gained fame and notoriety for her on-air clashes with celebrities before moving on to host her own talk show. Since 2008, Williams has hosted the nationally syndicated television talk show, The Wendy Williams Show. ...

Who is Sunny Hostin? Her Husband, Family & Net Worth Sunny Hostin is no ordinary Latina  American lawyer but also a successful columnist, multi-platform journalist, and social commentator. A happily married woman and mother of two, Hostin is the Senior Legal Correspondent and Analyst for ABC News and co-host of ABCs popular morning talk show, The View. She is a legal expert popularly known as a former ...

Who Is Robert Costa and Is He Married, Who Is His Wife? Robert Costa is a political analyst for NBC News and MSNBC who is regarded as being part of Americas next generation of journalists. The University of Notre Dame graduate, who is of Italian/Portuguese descent, has been lauded for his fresh political perspectives in an industry full of old heads. In addition to his work listed above, Costa ...

Team Valor Pokemon Go  7 Key Facts You Need To Know Team Valor Pokemon Go  The craze of the new game Pokemon Go is one that took the gaming world by storm sending teenagers and adults alike into a frenzy and one of its teams Team Valor, has proven to be instrumental in making it so. Before the game was created, Pokemon was a cartoon ...

Sheryl Underwood  Husband, Family & Net Worth She is known for her trademark smile which can be described as the brightest and broadest smile ever seen on planet earth. She is none other than Sheryl Underwood the comedian, actress, and TV host whose funny wits has left America in great awe. Although Sheryl has risen to become an important personality in the industry, ...

Team Mystic Pokemon Go: 7 Facts You Need To Know And Signs You Are One Team Mystic of the break out game Pokemon Go is a team that is full of sass and chivalry. With an enchanting monicker, Team Mystic stands out from the rest of its counterparts and deserves to take the crown as champion in the Pokemon gaming-verse. To be a member of this exceptional team of Pokemon battle ...

Exploring Guy Beahms Dr Disrespect Persona, Wife and Why He was Banned Permanently From Twitch Guy Beahm who is popularly known by his online alias  Dr DisRespect, is an award-winning Twitch.tv streamer. He has leveraged on the Twitch platform to become an internet personality that is quite widely known. His online success is just more proof that anyone who is good at what they do can attain celebrity status ...

Critical Facts About Lee Ann McAdoo  The Infowars Anchor Lee Ann Mcadoo is a conservative journalist and television host whose interests in conspiracies and astrology has established her as a famous American reporter. Often referred to as Wonder Woman, McAdoo is a reporter who works for InfoWars.com, a controversial right-wing website run by radio show host, Alex Jones. Who Is Lee Ann McAdoo? Lee Ann McAdoo was born on 7 ...

Millie Weaver  Age, Husband & Infowars Career Millie Weaver is an American model, journalist, political activist, and social commentator. The young and beautiful journalist rose to fame working as a reporter for a controversial right-wing website InfoWars.com. Also known as Millennial Millie, Weaver is a social media influencer with over 100,000 subscribers on her YouTube channel and over 35,000 followers on Twitter. Who Is Millie Weaver and What Is ...

Is Jessica Tarlov Married? What Are Her Height & Weight? Jessica Tarlov is an American political consultant, strategist, and analyst whose influential and regular TV presence has made a popular figure. A good example of beauty with brains, Tarlov has appeared on various TV networks, mostly the FOX News Network where she is known for her liberal views on political analysis and insights. She is also the senior director ...

Who Is Kelly Rebecca Nichols  Alex Jones Ex-Wife? Kelly Rebecca Nichols is the ex-wife of controversial American radio show host, Alex Jones. She got nationwide attention following her divorce and subsequent custody battle with her estranged husband. Nichols, who worked with PETAs public relations department, was herself no stranger to controversies as she was involved in several publicity stunts of the non-profit animal rights ...

Who Is Bree Morgan  Cole Sprouse Ex-Girlfriend And What Is She Up To Now? Although Bree Morgan became famous through the Instagram, she also sapped some dose of popularity from Disneys sweetheart, Cole Sprouse of the Sprouse brothers. She is not only an Instagram star but also a YouTube vlogger whose popularity has long exceeded the ordinary level. Bree is conspicuously prominent on the internet and has her digital savviness ...

Does Vanna White Have Husband or Children, What Is Her Net Worth / Salary? For over three decades, Vanna White has been a household name, famous as the co-host and letter turner of the iconic NBC game show Wheel of Fortune. The talented and beautiful television personality is also an actress with several TV series and films to her credit. Since making her Wheel of Fortune debut in 1982, she has become one ...

Liz Wheeler  Biography, Husband & Net Worth Liz Wheeler is the kind of girl who sets the room on fire whenever she comes around. In this situation, however, she sets our screens on fire each time she appears as the host of One America News Tipping Point. She is, therefore, a presenter, publisher, consultant and a member of the Board of Zoning ...

Betty White  Net Worth, Children & Husband The entertainment industry will remain indebted to personalities like Betty White who brought something extra to the table and kept the world entertained for donkey years. The comedienne, actress, and writer graced the big screens in the early 50s as a show host and has been a delight since then. She is the queen of ...

Is Bill Nye (The Science Guy) Dead or Alive, What Are His Net Worth & Education? Everyone will always remember Bill Nye as the Science Guy. Besides his TV show Bill Nye the Science Guy, he is well-known for his Netflix show Bill Nye Saves the World which started airing in 2017 as well as his appearances in many famous media projects as a science educator. The star studied mechanical engineering ...

Is Cesar Millan Dead, Who Is The Wife & What Is His Net Worth? Cesar Millan is the famous dog whisperer who often stirs up mixed emotions. The Mexican-American is precisely speaking, a dog behaviorist; he has been in the game for over 25 years. His Emmy-nominated television series, Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan further pushed his method and tactics into the limelight. The series was produced from 2004 ...

Is Thomas Sanders Gay and Does He Have A Boyfriend? By the time Vine was shut down in January 2017, Thomas Sanders was already popular within and beyond the internet community for his heavy involvements on the online video hosting platform. After the tragic shutdown of Vine impacted on the growing career of the multi-talented personality, he immediately switched over to YouTube where he continued to upload ...

Is Shepard Smith Gay, Who Is The Boyfriend & What Is His Net Worth? There are only a few media personalities who are as bold and confident as Shepard Smith. Apart from his impressive stint at Fox News Channel which includes but not limited to his classic news delivery, upfront stance on virtually every issue and much more; he loves his job as much as he loves his personality. Smith ...

Is Milo Yiannopoulos Gay? His Husband and Net Worth Milo Yiannopoulos is a popular writer, journalist, polemicist, public speaker, and political commentator who is also known as the founder of The Kernel, an online blog. He has been said to be among the list of 100 weird and influential people in the United Kingdom. He appeared on this list as a result of personal beliefs and ...

Does Ryan Seacrest Have A Wife Or Girlfriend, What Is His Net Worth? From radio to television, Ryan Seacrest is a household name and a force to be reckoned with in showbiz. The radio personality, television host, and producer is best recognized as the host of the popular TV talent search contest American Idol. Heres how the media personality who always knew what his lifes ambition was and diligently pursued ...

Is Anderson Cooper Gay, Who is The Boyfriend or Husband? For many, the thought of becoming a millionaire by writing and talking about other people appears unachievable but this is the reality of the prominent American journalist Anderson Cooper who gathered millions of dollars for conducting accurate political analysis and other vital reports on TV. He is the main anchor of the CNN news show Anderson ...

Is David Muir Gay or Does He Have A Wife, What Is His Salary? David Muir is an Emmy Award-winning journalist who works for the ABC broadcast-television network and anchors the ABC World News Tonight with David Muir program while also co-anchoring the magazine program 20/20. The Ithaca College graduate, whose show has become the most-watched newscast in America, has covered stories from all across America and the world; reporting ...

Joel Osteen  Divorce Rumors, Net Worth & Family Members Joel Osteen is an American Televangelist, Senior Pastor of Lakewood Church based in Houston, Texas, a husband and a father of two. He is an author of many books, seven of which are New York Times Best Sellers and his televised sermons capture more than 7 million viewers per week and 20 million every month ...

Who Is Todd Chrisley? What To Know About His Children, Gay Rumors & Net Worth Premiered on the USA network in 2014, Chrisley Knows Best is one of the most watched family reality TV shows in the U.S. The series which is currently in its sixth season is centered around U.S real estate mogul Todd Chrisley and his family. The show reveals Todd the patriarch of the Chrisley family as a strict dad who rules ...

Who Is Shannon Bream Of Fox News? Her Husband, Children & Net Worth Shannon Bream who hosts the iconic primetime program started her journalism career in the late 1990s debuting as the evening and late-night news reporter for the CBS affiliate, WBTV. The beauty from America currently works for the Fox News Channel and she is best known for anchoring the primetime program. She also hosts Americas News ...

Is Troye Sivan Gay, Who Is His Boyfriend and What Is His Net Worth? Troye Sivan is an Australian singer and songwriter best known for songs like Happy Little Pill, Youth, Heaven (with Betty Who) and The Boyfriend Tag (with Tyler Oakley) which have all garnered him different awards and ranked on the Billboard Charts. Sivan, who was born in South Africa but now resides in the United States, is ...

Did iDubbbz Have Cancer, Is He Gay and Who Is His Girlfriend Now? iDubbbz is one YouTuber who has made a career out of courting controversy. Renowned for his absurdist channels and comedy video series, the Los Angeles based personality is the owner of two channels, iDubbzTV, and iDubbzTV2, as well as the brains behind comedy video series such as Content Cop, Kickstarter Crap, Gaming News Crap, and ...

Inside Greg Gutfelds Love Story With Wife Elena Moussa and Why Fans Thought He Was Gay Greg Gutfeld is a seasoned American television producer whose career in the media industry has spanned over a decade. He is a man of many talents who makes extra income through comedy, journalism, and editorial works. Gutfeld regularly appears on Fox News Channel as a panellist and co-host of the political talk show The Five ...

Works That Made Bo Burnham A Household Name and How Much He Is Worth Now One of YouTubes first viral stars and the worlds most exciting young comedian, Bo Burnham, has always amazed critics and comedy aficionados alike. Often regarded as the Justin Bieber of comedy, thanks to his fresh looks, floppy blond hair and hoodies, he has a multi-faceted career bigger than many comedians twice his age. It wouldnt ...

Is Louie Anderson Gay And What Is His Net Worth? Louie Anderson has one of the most abstract faces in the industry and equally knows how to use it to his advantage. He is not only a stand-up comedian but also an actor and television host who is known for his distinctive comic wits. Some of his notable projects include Family Feud, where he was ...

Is Don Lemon of CNN Gay, Who is His Partner and What Is His Salary? Don Lemon has risen to become one of the most recognizable faces on CNN over the past few years. The fiery journalist, who anchors CNN Tonight with Don Lemon, is liked and somewhat disliked for his strong and candid opinions on a variety of matters that do not just include politics but also race, significantly, matters that ...

Is Rachel Maddow Gay, Who is the Wife and How Much Does She Earn in Salary? Rachel Maddow is an award-winning American journalist, political commentator, and television news anchor. She is best known for hosting the popular nightly TV show The Rachel Maddow Show on MSNBC. Prior to this, she hosted a talk radio program on Air America Radio from 2005 to 2010. As of now, the TV sensation co-anchors MSNBCs ...

Demystifying Pokimane  Her Real Name, Ethnicity & Boyfriend Like most social media celebrities in this digital era, Pokimane Thicc is one of those stars who took advantage of the internet to make a name for herself. Given the unlimited potentials which the social media space offers, many people have been instantly propelled to fame just by posting creative online contents. Not only has ...

A Breakdown of Kris Jenners Net Worth, Sources Of Income and Relationships Over The Years Standing outside and looking in, Kris Jenner looks like the oil that greases the wheels of the entire Kardashian/Jenner machine. She has been dubbed a momager and rightfully so because she seems to have had a part to play in the trajectory of each and every one of her daughters individually and the Kardashian brand ...

Pursuits That Brought Liza Koshys Fame To its Zenith and Her Love Life Since David Dobrik Liza Koshy is an American actress who has leveraged YouTube as a platform to promote her comedy while also serving as a television host on occasions. She is talented and funny and has gathered a lot of fans from around the world. Koshy started on Vine in high school and was able to get millions of ...

Alex Aiono Biography  Inside The Life Of The American Singer Not everyone who started from the streets has attained the heights where Alex Aiono is currently. His story could be referred to as the perfect definition of rising from Grass to Grace. He came into the limelight after he started out as a YouTuber, singer, and producer. One fascinating thing about the young YouTuber is ...

Virginia Vallejo Biography And Her Love Story With Pablo Escobar Virginia Vallejo can be referred to as one of the oldest whistleblowers in history after her involvement with Pablo Escobar which made her famous. Over the years, many questions have been raised about her relationship with the drug lord and why she endangered her life to be with him despite his notorious acts. The death ...

Princess Love Bio  Ethnicity, Real Name & Parents For many people, Princess Love is simply Ray Js wife but there is so much more to this feisty lady than meets the eye. She is a star in her own right and has many feathers on her cap. Princess Love is a reality TV star, a model, video vixen, and fashion designer. She and her ...

Who is Papa Franku Also Known As Filthy Frank or Joji, Where is He Now? The social media as we all know today has given people the opportunity to be creative and innovative and at the same time, make something of themselves. YouTube is one of the known social platforms we have today that makes it possible for people to express their God-given talents and post videos they created to ...

Who Is Molly Qerim, How Did She Become a Famous Sports Anchor and Who Is Her Husband? Molly Qerim is an American sports anchor popularly known for moderating First Take, a highly rated sports talk show, on ESPN. Prior to joining ESPN, Qerim hosted Fantasy Live and NFL AM on NFL Network. It is quite obvious that the widely acclaimed television personality is in a class of her own when it comes ...

Safiya Nygaard  Height, Parents & Net Worth Safiya Nygaard is an American YouTuber, writer, content producer, and director who is popular for posting makeup, beauty and fashion videos on YouTube. Her videos regularly top at least one million views, thanks to her lively character as well as her willingness to experiment with outrageous outfits and different beauty products. Here are the things to ...

The Rigors of Sunlen Serfatys Career Journey Until CNN and Fun Facts About Her Personal Life CNN correspondent, Sunlen Serfaty is an Emmy Award-winning journalist known for covering a broad range of breaking news stories, national news, and Washington politics. She has been able to garner widespread recognition for herself which even goes beyond the sphere of her work. Her profile also increased with the extensive work she did in covering ...

Demystifying Jazz Jennings Real Name, Boyfriend & Family Of One The Youngest Transgenders Jazz Jennings is an unusual personality who became famous as a transgender activist and was recorded as the youngest documented public figure to be seen as transgender. She is also a YouTube personality and spokesmodel for brands, her fans, and other transgenders. She fought for acceptance in her high school with her super supportive family for over ...

Inside Fred Armisens Life  Ethnicity, Romantic Relationships and Gay Rumors Fred Armisen is an award-winning American comedian, he is also a writer, an actor as well as a musician. He was a cast member of the legendary comedy show, Saturday Night Live for 13 years and also one of the brains behind the successful satirical show Portlandia. Find out more about this incredibly talented guy ...

Ed and Lorraine Warren Biography: Cases, Kids, and Family Life Have you ever woken up with fear you could not explain, or felt a strange presence that made the hair at your nape rise or even experienced strange occurrences around you? Well, these were some of the promptings that made the well-known paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren delve into trying to explain the ideas ...

Truth About Tony Romos Wife, Kids and Life Since His NFL Retirement Tony Romo grew from the field as a quarterback to the screens as an American Football Analyst. He was a quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys in the richest football league in the world (NFL) before retiring. As a junior, he was honored as an All-Ohio Conference Member, an Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year and ...

Who is Brittany Venti, The Controversial Game Streamer and YouTuber? In recent times, many people live stream themselves playing video games. This has become a popular pastime on the internet and many highly skilled gamers have become internet celebrities through this means. However, some of them rather than becoming renowned for their gaming skills and great commentary, have become controversial and infamous. A good example ...

Rob Dyrdeks Family: His Kids And Relationship With Wife Bryiana Noelle Flores A multi-talented star and an elite pro skateboarder, Rob Dyrdeks success story began at a remarkably young age. Yet another proof that schooling doesnt always correlate with success, Rob has established himself not just as a phenomenal sportsman but also as a successful entrepreneur. Besides perfecting his skill as a natural talent on the board, ...

xChocobars  Biography and Everything You Should Know About Her Having distinguished herself and recorded massive successes in an industry notably dominated by men, it is very safe to say that Xchocobars deserves all the attention and cash she makes from her career. A household name on Twitch (a smart live streaming video platform), the online-gamer is popularly known for streaming classic games such as Stardew ...

Everything To Know About Mary Padian, Her Boyfriend and Net Worth Mary Padian is a famous American television reality personality best known for her involvements on the Reality show Storage Wars. She also has her own shop called Mary finds where she displays her antique collections. Since her childhood, Padian has been a creative learner. At the time, she used to create new items out of reusable ones and ...

Betsy Woodruffs Family Life: Is She Married or Related To Bob Woodruff? An old name in the world of journalism, Betsy Woodruff has warmed her way into the hearts of many with her impressive talents. Through hard work, Woodruff has carved a niche for herself in a very competitive field. Betsy has strong family and work values and is also an advocate for equal opportunities for everyone ...

Matpat (Matthew Patrick)  Wife, Height & Net Worth As far as internet business is concerned, Matpat remains one of the most dynamic and seasoned figures. He boasts a wealth of experience that has helped him in growing his business from one level of greatness to another. Like most successful people, MatPat started out small but today, he makes millions of dollars from his ...

Facts About Ricegum  His Girlfriend, Real Name & Net Worth Ricegum is an online gamer and YouTube sensation who ditched college; took advantage of the digital era, and made a name for himself on the internet. Though he began as a gaming YouTuber, Ricegum soon gained recognition as a controversial internet star following his many diss tracks. Here is everything you need to know about the youngster ...

Joy Taylor Once Married MLBs Richard Giannotti  Inside Look At Her Love Life and Family The erosion of the sexist idea that women have no business in sports broadcasting created a host of women celebrities who attained fame outside of modeling and acting. One of them, Joy Taylor, a radio personality and TV host for Fox Sports 1, has been in the industry since 2009, becoming one of the most ...

What To Know About Conan OBriens Wife, Kids & Family Today The name Conan OBrien is one that jumps right at you almost immediately you start talking about the most popular television hosts in the USA and this is no surprise because the man behind that name has risen to become one of the most admired men in the business. Known for hosting the late-night talk ...

David Letterman  Net Worth, Wife & Son In all of American, one man whose face has been seen frequently by late night TV talk show lovers is none but David Letterman. The comedian and TV show veteran has been hosting late night talk shows for more than three decades. His Late Night with David Letterman show began on February 1st, 1982 aired ...

Demystifying Sssniperwolfs Family Background And The Boyfriends Shes Had Since she launched her eponymously named channel in 2013, Sssniperwolf has been on the rise when it comes to video game influencers. She is one of the biggest names in the online gaming subgenre of YouTube videos. Real name Lia Shelesh, she started with Call of Duty: Black Ops II but has diversified with other ...

Lester Holt  Wife, Family & Net Worth Lester Holt is a multiple award-winning journalist, newscaster, reporter, and actor who has worked for notable media houses like WCBS TV, CBS, MSNBC and among others. His remarkable feat in journalism has endeared him to the hearts of many and earned him some awards and recognitions. Read on to get acquainted with his biography, ethnicity, ...

What Is Louis C.K. Doing Now, Where Are His Family And How Much Is His Net Worth? It is not easy to make it in comedy. It takes more than a funny bone and the ability to elicit a few giggles from a listening audience. For all the complexities that go into making a successful career in comedy, Louis C.K, the Washington D.C-born comedian, did it. For years, he was at the ...

The Progression of Hoda Kotbs Career, Her Ancestry and Family Life Hoda Kotb gained fame as a television host and news anchor for NBC. She anchors the shows signature show Today, and it has been an excellent vehicle for her skills in front of a camera. Kotb has won several awards, including Daytime Emmys and Peabody Awards. Simply put, she is one of the most successful ...

Jerry Seinfelds Family: All About The Amazing Comedians Wife and Kids Apparently one of the highly important entertainers in America, Jerry Seinfeld is a man of many talents. A very funny man, he is considered to be one of the most successful comedians in the USA who has been in the business as a professional rib-cracker for more than 40 years. As an actor, he has ...

The Rigors Of Sarah Silvermans Rise To Prominence And Rundown Of The Men She Has Dated A comedian, writer, and actress, Sarah Silvermans art and craft is as unique as you would ever find. Her poignant use of comedy to discuss social issues such as race, sexism, politics, and religion has gained her an impressive following. As unorthodox as her style is, so is her life experiences. She previously suffered from epiglottitis ...

Who Is Hannibal Buress, Does He Have A Wife or Girlfriend & Why Was He Arrested? Making people laugh when they are tense or not in the mood is a tough order and to ply the trade, it must indeed take some guts and expertise, this is what the humor maker, Hannibal Buress has been able to achieve and sustain after his inital teething process. The African-American is a screen writer, stand-up ...

The Success of John Mulaneys Career Efforts Since His Work On Saturday Night Live and Facts About His Wife John Mulaney had been working as a professional comedian for years before Saturday Night Live changed his status for life and like many who are now his fans, you probably did not know of him then. However, that changed when he joined the sketch comedy show in 2008. Since then, he has been one of ...

Jeff Dunham  Wife, Children and Net Worth Ventriloquism is a very subtle method of making an inanimate object (like a puppet, doll or dummy) appear to be saying words which are actually coming from the person (holding the inanimate object). In effect, the individual throws his/her voice to the puppet and can even appear to be having a conversation with it. Not ...

Ellen DeGeneres  Net Worth, Wife  Portia de Rossi & Parents Ellen DeGeneres is an American female standup comedian who has proven that whatever a man can do, a woman can also do. Since her journey as a standup comedian started in 1981, she has held swirl as one of the finest comedians America and the world at large has seen. She is often referred to ...

Revisiting Joan Rivers Death  The Daughter, Husband & Net Worth She Left Behind Joan Rivers was a renowned American comedian, TV host, writer, and actress. Her brand of comedy consisted of scathing one-liners and no individual or topic is spared. She hosted her own talk shows in the 80s and 90s and was a pioneer for women in stand up comedy. She was the first woman to host a late night ...

The Struggles of Margaret Chos Childhood, How It Influenced Her Career Growth and Love Life Margaret Cho is best described as a comic star who knows how to maneuver everything related to life into a rib-cracking joke. She is also known to criticize every social and political problem, especially those involving race and sexuality. Apart from her talents as a comic actress, she does amazingly well as a singer and ...

Where Is Eric Bolling Today? Who Is His Son & What Is His Net Worth? Eric Bolling who was once a notable figure on Fox News, is an American TV personality, an author, and versatile Journalist. As a political and financial analyst/commentator, he anchored discussions bothering on finance for Fox Business Channel. Here is everything there is to know about his career, family, and allegations that led to his exit ...

Who Is Chelsea Handler and Does She Have A Husband or Boyfriend? Chelsea Handler is one of Americas top female comedians. She is also an actress, writer, television host, producer, and activist. She is known to be very outspoken even with things that are very personal. In separate interviews with The New York Times, Handler revealed that she had an abortion twice when she was 16. She has authored five books ...

How Did Laura Lee Achieve Fame, How Much is She Worth and Who is Her Husband? Laura Lee is a popular American YouTuber, make-up artist and beauty blogger. From posting videos of her makeup routines on Instagram, Lee has transformed into a beauty influencer and a YouTube sensation. Today, her YouTube Channel has over 630 million views and 4.5 million subscribers. Asides having millions of followers across all social media platforms, ...

Madison Gesiotto Bio  Ethnicity, Parents & Measurements Madison Gesiotto is no ordinary woman; although she excelled in quite a number of pageants and competitions while she was in school, it is her views on politics and issues in America that has made her name known to most people. She possesses beauty and intelligence in a seemingly equal measure and has been able ...

Who Is Lil Tay? Parents, Brother, Sister, Age, Net Worth, Ethnicity Child stardom is nothing new in the entertainment world. With the advent of social media, we have seen more stars made from the internet than ever before, and Lil Tay is one of them. Her uploaded rap videos trademark is cursing, swearing, cash-throwing, and use of obscene languages. Her fame went wild after she dropped ...

What To Know About Tig Notaros Wife, Kids and Family Today Tig Notaro is an American stand-up comic star, writer, actress, and radio analyst. Since she started her career in 2001, she has become one of Americas best comedians, particularly when it comes to observational comedy. One prominent aspect of her routine involves her family, which includes a wife and two children. Interestingly, Tig Notaro is part ...

Who Is Chantel Jeffries? What To Know About Her Age, Ethnicity & Net Worth Chantel Jeffries is a lady of many talents. Beyond being celebrated as a DJ, she has fared well as a model, an actress, musician, and as an artist. She first rose to fame on Instagram where she has a large following. However, in recent times, she has hit the spotlight for her rumored relationships with some ...

Is Ellen DeGeneres Married, Who Is The Brother  Vance DeGeneres and Family Members? Ellen DeGeneres is one of a kind celebrity in todays world as she has used her wealth for the greater good for many people. She has served a host of famous awards shows like the Grammy, Primetime Emmy and Academy Awards. Moreso, she is probably one of the most decorated entertainment personalities around the world and ...

Carli Bybel Bio  Height, Boyfriend & Net Worth Video blogging is now on the rise and YouTube is the place where most of it happens. If you are a lady who cares about her looks or a guy who likes to help his woman out with her looks, then one person whose name rings a bell when it comes to giving beauty tips ...

Who Is Lexy Panterra? What To Know About Her Ethnicity, Boyfriend & Net Worth Lexy Panterra is one of the YouTube personalities whose breakout came through the Twerk dance videos she posted on her social media handles and YouTube which has so far generated over 13 million views for her. From there on, she created her LexTwerkOut workout program in 2014. She is sure very talented as she as moved ...

Who Is AnneMunition? What Is Her Ethnicity & Does She Have A Girlfriend or Boyfriend? AnneMunition is a professional gamer and content creator of American origin. She is one of the most sought-after streamers on Twitch  a popular online platform for watching and streaming videos, especially video games. AnneMunition has almost half a million followers on Twitch and her channel has accumulated at least 13 million views. Her favorite games ...

Norm MacDonald  Former Wife, Son & Net Worth Recently, 59-year-old former Saturday Night Live stand-up comic Norm MacDonald caused a not-so-funny stir when he expressed his personal opinion about the #MeToo movement speaking in defense of Louis CK and Roseanne Barr. Following the backlash of his actions, he is diligently doing damage control for his questionable opinion by posting a public apology on ...

Inside Iliza Shlesingers Life With Husband and How Much She is Worth Now Witty, spontaneous, and truly humorous, Iliza Shlesinger is an American comedian who is clearly proving that the stereotypical claim that women are not really funny is not only incredibly wrong but completely outrageous. Having been in the game for more than 10 years, Shlesinger has grown bigger with each step, stunning fans with her incredible ...

Who Is Nessa Diab? Details of her Parents, Ethnicity & Relationship With Colin Kaepernick Nessa Diab has gained more fame as the girlfriend of different footballers than in her career. She is currently with the popular National Football League (NFL) player, Colin Kaepernick, and has stood by his side during his most trying times. Also known for her mononym, Nessa, she recently engaged in a tweet battle with the ...

Samantha Bee  Inside the Life of Full Frontal Comedian and Presenter We have over the decades seen various brands of humor and personalities who have walked the ropes. One of the formidable forces in the world of comedy is no other than the iconic Samantha Bee of the Daily Show who now runs her own television show on TBS channel. She is a Canadian-American political commentator, ...

What Happened To Jessica Williamss Boyfriend And Which Are Her Best Works? Jessica Williams is a woman who has a lot of feathers in her cap  and keeps acquiring more. The former senior political correspondent of the comic Daily Show, who is also a comedian and actress whose recent movie appearance include starring as a playwright just recovering from a recent split with her boyfriend, Damon, and ...

Who is Nicole Byer? Here are 5 Facts You Need To Know About The Comedian Nicole Byer, an American comedian, actress, and writer, made a name for herself after she played supporting roles on MTVs prank show Ladylike and the reality show Girl Code. The latter was a series that featured comedians who analyzed in minute details, all the issues that young women deal with daily, from period to dating, to weird friendship dynamics and questions about sex. Currently, ...

A Closer Look At Bart Kwans Ethnicity, Height & Personal Life Bart Kwan is one of few Asians who is known for being successful in the comic industry at an international level. His fame broke out after the YouTube channel which he created with his close pal Joe Jo garnered up massive followings. The talented duo has been running the channel since 2007 and their success ...

Heres How VanossGaming Achieved Fame Online, His Worth and Other Facts About The Gamer For many years, the decision to drop out of college to pursue an online career was considered to be foolish and self-destructive by conventional wisdom. It was no different when Evan Fong, popularly known as VanossGaming, dropped out of college to pursue a YouTube career. However, that radical move paid off, and he stands shoulder to ...

Desi Perkins  Ethnicity, Net Worth & Husband YouTube is littered with videos of makeup tutorials by different people but if you are interested in learning how to do your makeup like a pro, there is just one person on that platform who you must follow. She is none other than Desi Perkins! She is a popular make-up artist, Instagram star, and vlogger. Desi, ...

The Phases of Casey Neistats Pursuits and His Love Story With Candice Pool YouTuber, vlogger, filmmaker, and creator extraordinaire; these are just a few hats that Casey Neistat wears and the story of how he got here is incredible. A native of Connecticut, Neistat started out by making refreshingly-authentic short films and videos that featured content that was based on everyday life and called attention to serious issues. He ...

Connor Franta  Inside The Life of American YouTuber YouTube has produced a lot of young celebrities in modern times and Connor Franta happens to be one of them. Apart from being a YouTuber, the young American is also an entrepreneur, entertainer, and writer. His journey to fame began almost a decade ago when he started a self-named YouTube channel where he uploads content ranging ...

Rhett and Link  Bio, Who are Their Wives, Net Worth and Family Facts Rhett and Link refer to an American comedy duo who are very popular on YouTube. They are known for their comic songs, viral commercials, skits and the daily show, Good Mythical Morning. Good Mythical Morning is the most watched daily show online, averaging 100 million views in a month. The show has featured guests such ...

A Walk Through The Maze of Ryan Higas Career Pursuits And Relationship With Arden Cho Ryan Higa is not only celebrated as a YouTube star, but he is also famed for appearing on television screens as an actor and comedian. Nigahiga, his Youtube channel, has gathered over 20 million subscribers and billions of views with his different comic acts, short films, and music videos uploads. With the rise in his career, ...

What to Know About The Shows That Made Craig Ferguson a Star and His Family Ties Rising to the top of your profession can sometimes be a hard and difficult process. It requires days and nights of working consistently hard to be better than what you were yesterday. It requires not giving up when all of your experiences seem to be pushing you to quit. It is because of these challenges ...

David Dobrik Married Liza Koshy for One Month  Inside His Family and Relationships David Dobrik is a YouTube sensation who has garnered fame not just for his vlogs but his love life too. Given his career as a YouTuber, his channel is one place where he shares his romantic escapades. With a cute boyish look like his, this Slovakian young man is definitely a good catch, and not ...

Merrell Twins Bio  Ethnicity, Parents & Boyfriend One of the beautiful things about modern life is social media. As rudimentary as it might seem, it could turn out to be the greatest thing that would be invented in the next 50 years because of its impact on human life. Very few tools have revolutionized human behavior and culture as much as social ...

Who Is Bunny Meyer, Is She Married & What Is Her Net Worth? Bunny Meyer is a YouTube celebrity who has amassed over 8.8 million subscribers with 1.5 million viewers on her channel. She is popularly known as Grav3yardgirl and is one of the highest-paid YouTubers in the world. She initially started out as a fashion designer and later chose the path of a YouTuber. Grav3yardgirl has used her knowledge on fashion, makeup, ...

Ninja  Inside The Life of The American YouTuber and Internet Personality Ninja is a talented video game player known for his mastery of Fortnite and other seemingly difficult games he plays with ease. The video gamer made a career out of what is ordinarily the hobby of many people and has since then amassed a huge online following. Find out about him here, including the controversies that ...

What Is Eva Gutowskis True Sexuality and How Did She Rise So Fast As an Influencer? Ever since Eva Gutowski joined YouTube in 2011, it has been an interesting journey for her, moving from one milestone to the other. Backed by an army of young women and teenage girl fans known as Evanators, she has risen to become one of the most-talked-about personalities in the digital stratosphere. She has also leveraged ...

Emma Chamberlain Biography  Age, Height & Net Worth Before now, people in the entertainment industry could only achieve popularity after many years of dedication and hard work but since social media came into the scene, massive success and overnight popularity became possible. That is the story of Emma Chamberlain who encountered fame as a fifteen-year-old. Emma is one of the many young people who became ...

Anna Akana  Ethnicity, Boyfriend & Net Worth There is a new crop of YouTubers known by their different contents with a very strong uniqueness that stands every one of them out, some upload video games, some fashion while some others have comedy video contents to showcase on their channels. Anna Akana has used her platform to showcase her comedy contents to the ...

Revealing Truths About Lilly Singhs Ethnic Background, Family and Her Relationship With Yousef Erakat Lilly Singh is an Indian-Canadian YouTube personality, actress, and comedian also known as Superwoman. She kicked off her YouTube career in 2010 with the launch of her channel IISuperwomanII and followed it up with a vlog channel in 2011. This paved the way for her fame and success which led to a world tour. The ...

Who Is Andrea Constand, Is She Married and What Is Her Connection With Bill Cosby? Many people got sexually molested but could not voice out due to the stigma victims suffer and what will become of them thereafter. Very few of the victims danm every consequence to seek justice and bring the perpetrator to the book, like Andrea Constand. She never got any media buzz, not until her friend cum molester; ...

Who Is Lazarbeam (Lannan Eacott)? Here Are Facts You Need To Know Lannan Eacott became a person of interest after his YouTube channel, LazarBeam pulled him to the limelight. Initially, he started with uploads of Madden Challenge videos before deciding to build his own channel in January 2015. Within the space of three years, his YouTube channel had gathered over 7 million loyal subscribers. Today, he has not ...

Puzzling Facts About Wengies YouTube Success and More About Her Fiance Among the many YouTubers who have succeeded in winning the hearts of millions of people is Wengie. She is a Chinese-Australian YouTube personality, vlogger, singer, and voice actress. Wengie is famous for a lot of things, from her simple life hacks, DIYs, craft ideas to fun experiments, tricks and pranks. Her content portfolio also includes hair tutorials, diet & fitness tips, lookbooks, ...

Is Jeffree Star A Billionaire and How Much Does He Make On YouTube? If looks can be deceptive then theres no other person who proves this maxim better than Jeffree Star. A quick look at Stars pictures would likely leave you wondering whether or not to tag him a male or female. But who says being controversial has to be a curse? For Star, his looks have caught ...

The Place of Rosanna Pansinos Career Hats In Her Rise To Fame and Facts About Her Personal Life There are a few phrases that could summarize Rosanna Pansinos rise to fame. None of them can do it better than the famous axiom, no knowledge is lost. Her popularity YouTube comes out of her foray into other professions, specifically acting. Although acting now occupies one of the major professional hats in Rosannas resume, it was ...

Muselk (Elliott Watkins) Biography  Age, Girlfriend and Net Worth The new and best in-thing in terms of career is video gaming and we have over time seen young men and women make massive income from an activity that was purportedly designed to serve as a hobby or a relaxation activity. One of such individuals is the Australian-born YouTube Celebrity and Twitch streamer, Muselk, whose ...

PopularMMOs Biography: 5 Interesting Facts You Need To Know We have over the years seen social media millionaires, especially on the YouTube social platform. These celebrities cum millionaires have made names for themselves after carving out niches on the internet, and a typical example of one of such exciting media personality on the YouTube is American Minecraft gamer and YouTube star, PopularMMOs whose channel ...

Jason Nash Once Married Marney Hochman  What To Know About His Ex-Wife and Kids The now-defunct video-sharing app Vine was the path that led Jason Nash to fame. With it, he built an audience of over two million followers, which he parlayed into a significant YouTube career. That move has seen him become one of the most popular personalities on the internet, with the cash income to go with ...

Where Does Dantdm Live? What Do We Know About His Net Worth, Wife and Brother? Most parents buy video games for their kids to occupy their time leisure, while other parents frown at their kids when they play video games. Despite the disparity, every parent would be proud of their child if he/she eventually turns a celebrity or millionaire through playing video games like Dantdm. Biography of Dantdm Dantdm was born Daniel ...

LaurDIY  Biography: 5 Facts You Need To Know About The YouTuber LaurDIY is the YouTube channel of Lauren Riihimaki which she created on December 1, 2011, when she was still a college undergrad with the sole aim of giving Do It Yourself (DIY) as well as practical fashion and beauty tips to her followers. She has used the channel to establish herself as a YouTube personality ...

Lachlan Ross Power  Bio And Family Life Of Australian The YouTube Star It is amazing the varied sources of income that the internet has made possible in this day and age. Internet fame can get its holder a whole lot of monetary and social benefits, but it must be noted that it does not come easy or cheap. For those who desire fame, content is the sacrifice ...

Alfie Deyes  Bio and Net Worth: Everything You Need To Know Alfie Deyes is one internet personality you definitely would like to know about. He boasts of over 10 million subscribers on three of his YouTube channels and has three bestseller books to his name. He is probably the most renowned young personality on YouTube today and his vlogging empire continues to grow by the day. ...

Colleen Ballingers Love Story With Husband Erik Stocklin and How Much She Is Worth Now Colleen Ballinger is an American comedian and YouTuber who is a very funny, adventurous, and highly talented woman. She is also an actress, singer, and writer. Collen is widely known for her work on YouTube where she posts content on her channel, Miranda Sings. The comedian has gained many subscribers over the years and has ...

Who Are The Dude Perfect Members and How Much Are They Worth? Entertainment in the 21st century can be digested in many forms and with platforms like YouTube, the creators and purveyors of entertainment have been democratized. Today, one of the most popular platforms to exhibit ones creative talents is YouTube, even though there are other platforms like Twitter, Facebook, who suffer in comparison to YouTube because ...

Who Is Rudy Mancuso, What Is His Earning Power and What Do We Know About His Girlfriend? Rudy Mancuso started his internet journey on Vine. He would later transition to YouTube where he solidified his place among the internets most beloved comedic creators. He is now regarded as one of the renowned internet personalities in the world, with a presence in mainstream TV and film projects like Comedy Centrals Drunk History and ...

Vsauce (Michael Stevens) Biography and Net Worth: All You Need To Know The advent of YouTube and the internet as a whole revolutionized how human beings consume information. With each passing year, the percentage of learning that is done in a traditional classroom decrease as a seismic shift to internet-based learning happens in our education industry. From open courses online to YouTube classes and videos, there are ...

How did Jake Paul Make His YouTube Big Break and Who is His Wife? One of the most interesting Social Media personalities of the 21st century is the young and popular Jake Paul whose elder brother is the famed Vine star, Logan Paul. Jake has utilized the power of the internet to bring himself to the limelight with a channel named JakePaulProductions that has amassed up to six billion ...

5 Facts You Need To Know About Reaction Time (Tal Fishman)  The American YouTuber Before 2015, the leading meaning of reaction time was the amount of time it takes to respond to a stimulus, until Tal Fishman started his channel, Reaction Time on YouTube and the dominant meaning changed. Today, a google search of Reaction Time would deliver Tal Fishmans videos and YouTube channel link with a few physics ...

Grace Helbig  Net Worth, Boyfriend and Family Life of The YouTuber Grace Helbig is an American internet personality, comedian, actress, and writer. She became popular due to her daily vlog series, DailyGrace, which ran on My Damn Channel from 2008 to 2013. Helbig is also popular for her own indie series on YouTube, ItsGrace, which she launched in 2014. Her vlogs which feature random stuff such as ...

Mark Wiens Bio  Ethnicity, Wife and Parents Food is a great way to connect with people. We all love to eat, if not for the pleasure of food, the satisfaction of quenching hunger, and the very process of providing and sharing that food is part of the strongest bonds that bind humanity together. Maybe it is our historical connection to food, where ...

Is Filthy Frank Dead, What Happened To Him and How Much Is He Worth? As George Kusunoki Miller, he was a nobody. However, as Filthy Frank, George was one of the most famous internet personalities on the planet. The Filthy Frank Show, a sketch series on his YouTube channel, TVFilthyFrank, was one of the platforms most influential creations. He is the reason a crazy dance song, Harlem Shake, made it ...

CaptainSparklez Bio  Net Worth, House and Cars of The Famous YouTuber Sometimes, what society wants from its citizens is quite different from what the citizens want for themselves. This is evident in the life and career of video blogger and American YouTube personality, Jordan Maron famous for his YouTube channel CaptainSparklez. He dropped out of school after discovering his talent in playing an online game called Minecraft. ...

Who is Simply Nailogical (Cristine Rotenberg)? Here are Facts You Must Know Canadian Youtube personality, Simply Nailogical (Cristine Rotenberg) originally started out polishing and designing nails even before it became a trendy culture in the social media. Simply Nailogica started out her showbiz career in her early days as a child actress, acting in commercials for game and toy companies. Aside from acting, she is blogger, vlogger, specializing ...

5 Interesting Facts You Need To Know About Huda Beauty In the world of entrepreneurship, it is interesting when an individual has a mentor who he/she looks up to, this yield more productivity on the part of the individual. The iconic and rich American beautician and makeup artist Huda Kattan nicknamed Heida is the founder of the Huda Beauty blog which is number one Instagram beauty blog ...

Is Dino MasterChef Gay? Details About His Ethnicity, Girlfriend, Where He Is Now Food, for the better part of the early years of human life, was nothing more than what we needed for survival. There was no artistry or curation to the method of cooking. The scarcity of food left no room for artistic expression until we figured out agriculture and we could make as much as we ...

Who Is Gabbie Hanna And How Did She Become Famous? As the world shifts to digital media and depends more and more on streaming services for its news and entertainment content, YouTubers have become one of the leading creators in the new media world. Their understanding of the online audience: how to create, maintain, and increase followers, are all handy skills that have primed them ...

Jacksepticeye  Height, Girlfriend & Net Worth Jacksepticeye is a YouTuber and actor who gained popularity with a series of gaming videos he uploads on his channel to the delight of millions of his subscribers. He is Known primarily for his comic video game series titled Lets Play and his vlogs. His channel was formerly ranked 46th in the list of most subscribed ...

Chris Heria Personal Details: About His Wife, Height & Ethnicity Background In this generation, keeping fit has become one of the major criteria for being hale and hearty. In fact, most occupations these days are majorly concerned with ones body mass, weight and looks. Unlike the past where most people have to register in a gym to keep fit, social media has made it quite easy ...

Everything You Need To Know About Game Grumps Gaming is becoming incredibly popular on YouTube these days with game vloggers make millions of dollars out of them yearly. One of the most popular up-coming gaming YouTube channels is Game Grumps. The Lets Play series was created in 2012 and celebrated its fifth anniversary on July 18th, 2017. In six years of its existence, the ...

Daithi De Nogla Biography, Girlfriend and Net Worth YouTube has created an avenue for many to make wealth and become famous from the comfort of their homes while having fun. Many have built a career out of the platform, uploading numerous videos that have earned them the admiration of viewers across the globe. For Daithi De Nogla, he is loved for his humorous commentary on ...

Does Phoebe Robinson Have A Boyfriend or Husband and What Do We Know About Her Family? Phoebe Robinson is a New York-based comedian, writer, and actress. She is best known as the co-creator and co-host of the WNYC Studios podcast 2 Dope Queens. Just like some other female comedians, she never had any original plans of becoming a stand-up comedian even though, according to her, she took a class on a whim at Carolines on Broadway. After ...

Who Are Lex and Alana from Listed Sisters? What Is Their Ethnicity & Is the Show Cancelled? America is a country built on diversity. Everywhere you look all over the country, a countless number of immigrants or children of immigrants have become an integral part of the fabric of the country. From entertainment to business, immigrants are creating a niche for themselves and climbing to the summit of their respective professions. One ...

Riveting Facts About Danielle Lombard And What She Is Best Known For The American entertainment industry is one that provides many avenues for aspiring hopefuls to express their talents and become famous. From films to television shows and game shows, there is no shortage of ways for men and women who desire fame to pursue and earn it in the United States of America. Another tested medium ...

Unearthing New Details About The YouTube Success And Personal Life of Alex Burriss of Wassabi Productions Wildly hilarious and truly audacious, Alex Wassabi is an American YouTuber who has become a very popular face on the video-sharing platform after having garnered millions of subscribers over the years by keeping people glued to his channel with his witty parody video releases. If you have always loved parody videos, there is every chance ...

Everything You Need To Know About H2O Delirious H2O Delirious whose full birth name is reported to be Jonathan Gormon Dennis has successfully kept himself mystified by hiding his face behind the masks leaving his loyal fans speculating who he really is for many years. The American YouTube star is easily identified by the Jason Mask Style with make-up which he wears on his ...

Who Is HolaSoyGerman and What Happened To Him? German Garmendia has certainly seen it all when it comes to internet success. His channels, HolaSoyGerman and JuegaGerman are in the top twenty most subscribed channel on YouTube. The Chilean YouTuber found a way to tap into one of the worlds greatest inventions and make a living from it. He has been able to build ...

Who Are Glenn Becks Family, What Is His Net Worth And What Happened To Him? The American political commentary space is filled with different personalities. A few of them, through their rhetoric, charisma, and resources have been able to build a large following of men and women who listen to them for insight and direction for various political and social issues in the United States. For Conservatives, the story is ...

Following Charissa Thompsons Rise Through The Ranks Of Sports Casting and All About Her Boyfriend Superstar TV host and sportscaster, Charissa Thompson, has been hailed as one of the highest-profile women journalists in America, and the reason is there for all to see. She has worked for popular establishments such as Versus, Yahoo! Sports, ESPN, GSN, and Big Ten Network. She currently hosts the popular pre-game show, Fox NFL Kickoff, ...

Is Chris Kattan Gay or Does He Have A Wife? What Is His Net Worth? Chris Kattan is a popular American comedian and actor. He has appeared in several comic movies and TV series such as The Middle, A Night at the Roxbury and Bunnicula. Kattan is, however, most popular for his six-year stint as a cast member of Saturday Night Live. During his time on the legendary show, he ...

Everything You Should Know About the Rise of Insta Star Claire Abbott and Why She Gave It All Up A lot of young Americans have shot into the limelight for uploading different kinds of videos on YouTube. Some of these young stars include Connor Franta, Desi Perkins, Emma Chamberlain, the Dolan Twins (Ethan and Grayson), and Claire Abbott. The latter became a social media celebrity for uploading sexy bikini pictures of herself on social media. Apart from ...

5 Facts You Need To Know About The YouTube Channel  h3h3Productions H3h3Productions is a YouTube channel that specializes on Comic responses or reactions of other contents or trendy stories. The celebrity couple that created the channel has over time racked up sizable views for their commentaries and contents. Even though they had their own fair share of copyright cases, thankfully they scored an unprecedented victory in all ...

Lilypichu Bio  Height, Brother and Love Story With Albert SleightlyMusical Chang Like most popular internet celebrities, Lilypichu is one of those Twitch streamers who spend their lives on camera. From daydreaming about the possibility of becoming a full-time professional streamer, she grew to live out her dreams on the popular live streaming platform where people play games, make crafts, and showcase their day-to-day activities. Given the rise of ...

KSI  What To Know About His Girlfriend, Brother  Deji Olatunji & Net Worth Assuredly, when Internet inventors Vint Cerf and Bob Khan created the technological masterpiece, they probably did not know how massive the creation will be harnessed by many for different purposes including as a platform for earning money through content creation. One of such person who smiles to the bank regularly today for spending time creating ...

The Interesting Progression and Highlights of Carrie Keagans Career as a Host and Actress Carrie Keagan has garnered huge fame through her various stints on television. She is not just your regular TV host but one with a difference. Keagan has hosted several high profile events and TV shows, including VH1s Big Morning Buzz Live and Fox News Channels Red Eye with Greg Gutfeld. However, not many know she ...

The Gist On Elise Jordans Marriages And Her Rise To Prominence Political commentaries tend to be boring when it is handled by someone who does not have a knack for it. However, when you see the likes of Elise Jordan run the same commentary, you will have a lot of reasons to look forward to watching her again as the journalist is well-versed in the field ...

What Is Timmy Thick Best Known For and How Successful Is The Star? Thanks to the internet, many people whose talents would have ordinarily gone unnoticed have become famous. A very good example of this modern-day internet celebrity is Timmy Thick, an American social media star. He became popular on Instagram due to his penchant for posting raunchy pictures of himself. He also often posted videos of himself ...

What Does Heather Storm Do For a Living and Who Is She Dating? Reality Television is a great way to make a name for oneself as well as amass a fortune. Heather Storm can attest to this as she is one of those who have made a name and earned a lot from reality TV. She made her name appearing on shows like Car Fanatics, Awesome Autos, and, ...

Matt Carriker Biography  Net Worth, Wife & Height Unlike your regular veterinary doctor next door, Matt Carriker chose to spice up his noble profession with the unusual. Though he is known to many as a medical practitioner, Carriker is better renowned as a YouTube star and an animal lover. Having recorded huge successes on his various YouTube channels, the vet doctors name and ...

Jillian Mele of Fox News Career Achievements, Husband & Measurements There are quite a good number of presenters on radio and television who listeners and viewers may never wish to miss any of their shows because of their sensational golden voice, beauty or the special way or artistry they anchor their shows. Jillian Mele is one of such. She has been at the top of ...

Who is Gillian Turner of Fox News? Her Fiance or Husband and Net Worth Gillian Turner is well-known as a news correspondent for Fox News Channel but before she became a TV personality, she built an intimidating resume working for different institutions, including the American government. She served in different capacities at the White House National Security Council during the administration of former US Presidents  George W. Bush and Barack Obama. ...

Gloria Govan Bio  Age, Ethnicity & Height Even as Gloria Govan is famous as an American actress, author, a TV host, and reality television star, shes more popular as the wife of the former NBA player, Matt Barnes. She became known after appearing on the Florida version of the reality television series, Basketball Wives and later, Basketball Wives: LA  after Matt was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. Sadly, ...

Michael Fishmans Interesting Start as an Actor and Why He Divorced His Wife of Many Years When one door closes, another one opens. As silly as that axiom may seem, it is the story of the resurgence of Michael Fishman, who plays D.J Conner on the popular show, Roseanne. Having played the character for several years as a child actor into his teenage years; when the show originally ended, Michael did ...

Who Is October Gonzalez  Tony Gonzalezs Wife? All You Need To Know October Gonzalez is a popular American TV host and media personality. Additionally, she is also a model. Gonzalez has hosted several TV shows such as Beat Shazam, Entertainment Tonight, and Rachel Ray. She has also featured in several reality TV shows. Gonzalezs fame is not just due to her profession but also because of her ...

Who Is Tony Berlin  Harris Faulkners Husband: His Children and Family Facts Tony Berlin is a popular American media guru. He has variously worked as a reporter, anchor, and producer for some of the biggest TV networks in America. They include CNN, CBS, NBC, and ABC (where he hosted the popular Good Morning America). Berlin has now diversified into public relations and owns his own PR firm. ...

The Progression of Gianna Tobonis Journalism Career and Details About Her Marriage to Kyle Buckley Gianna Toboni may not be your ideal newscaster but her unusual reporting is what made her a household name. The American journalist is renowned for her hard-hitting and authentic reportage. A motivator and activist for total press freedom, Gianna loves to explore pervasive cultural issues. Not only does this unique and ambitious journalist call for all ...

Dog The Bounty Hunters Family Including Details of His Late Wife and Kids Popularly known as Dog, a name which he got from the television series, Dog The Bounty Hunter, Duane Chapman, an American bounty hunter, and one-time bail bondsman, went from being convicted for a felony to being a reality TV star. He was brought to the limelight following the capture of the convicted criminal, Andrew Luster in 2003 and this eventually made ...

Vicky Karayiannis, Chris Cornells Wifes Bio, Children and Family The world of showbiz is made up of different people who serve different roles, and function in a variety of capacities, and one of the most important people are those in the background. Publicists are undoubtedly one of these background people yet they are vital to the life and fame of most of our favorite ...

Joe Rogan Has A Step-Daughter and 2 Other Kids With Wife Jessica Ditzel  Meet His Family Joe Rogan is a popular American stand-up comedian and TV host. His journey to stardom began in the late 80s and has seen him host several shows, the most popular is the game show titled Fear Factor. The exciting show dares contestants to face some of their greatest fears and embark on challenging stunts. The ...

Josh Gates and Wife Hallie Gnatovich Have 2 Kids But Who Has the Higher Net Worth? Best known for his explorations and adventures, Josh Gates, is a television presenter with a voracious appetite for seeing the world and the beauties in it. Some of that beauty, however, is in his home, in the form of two children he shares with his wife, Hallie Gnatovich. Not excluded is their marriage which has lasted ...

Holly Sonders Wiki, Plastic Surgery & Why She Divorced Her Husband  Erik Kuselias After trying everything within her capacity to have a low key wedding, Holly Sonders was drawn to the public because of her husbands controversy at his workplace. Well, the two are rumored to be divorced but the article below will give more light on how true these rumors are. Meanwhile, Holly Sonders is yet to ...

Nadeska Alexis Bio  Age, Boyfriend & Net Worth Journalism is one diverse profession that allows the practitioners to choose their area of specialty, build a career on it by reporting the truth and facts which in the long run will distinguish them as deserving commendation and recognition among their peers. Some choose to specialize in political journalism, while to others it is sports ...

Media Platforms Charlamagne Tha God Has Explored and All The Controversies He Has Courted Charlamagne Tha God is an American on-air personality, radio presenter, and more recently, author. He is popularly known as a co-host on New York radios nationally syndicated show, The Breakfast Club, a program he has been hosting alongside DJ Envy and Angela Yee since 2010. However, his early years had no connection to his current career ...

A Look At Jimmy Fallons Net Worth and Family Including His Wife & Kids Sometimes, a childs passion for something is a pointer to what he/she would become in the future. As a child, Jimmy Fallon was literally obsessed with watching the late-night comedy program, Saturday Night Live (SNL). Then, his parents would tape the clean parts for him to watch and later, he and his sister would re-enact sketches from the ...

Kay Adams Biography  Does The Sportscaster Have A Husband or Boyfriend? When you hear the phrase sports enthusiast, women are hardly the first group that comes to mind. Well, thats changing pretty fast. Especially with the rise of female sports analysts and broadcasters like Kay Adams who is famed for knowing more about sports than most men do. And why not, shes paid handsomely for it ...

Ben Shapiros Family  Meet His Wife, Kids and Sister Who is Popular for the Wrong Reasons A multi-talented man, Ben Shapiro is a man of controversial nature, an attribute that has made him an unusual public figure. An intellectual whose career path was clearly defined even before he became a man, the Jewish conservative commentator has always had his way with words. He became popular by sharing his critical and often ...

QVC Shawn Killinger Bio  Husband, Net Worth & Facts To Know Shawn Killinger is a prominent TV personality who has worked her way to the top. Though not initially a journalist by training, she defied the odds and today has established herself as a household name, as well as, worked alongside some industry legends. More than just being a reporter, newscaster, and anchor, heres all you ...

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Dachser Singapore has expanded its office at Singapores Changi International Airport in order to cope with what it says is its growing business handled from the island.

Another floor was added to the Dachser office, and the total space available at the office is now said to be five times larger.

The decision to rent more space and to group operations, customer service and warehousing under the one roof will streamline workflows and facilitate internal communication, the company believes.

As a consequence of our constant business development and Singapores relevance as a gateway for trade and business, our airport office reached its capacity, explained Christophe Vincent, managing director air & sea Logistics Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

Dachser Singapores two locations are fully integrated into the companys global network..

Together, the airport office and the warehouse offer worldwide logistics services.

Dachser, a family-owned company, is headquartered in Kempten.

It employs around 26,500 people at 428 locations worldwide and is represented by subsidiaries in 43 countries. In 2015, the company handled 78.1 million shipments weighing a total of 37.3 million tonnes.

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ASOPA was a training place for kiaps, teachers and other professionals sent to work in the then Territory of Papua and New Guinea and the people who graduated there had a fine esprit de corps that kept them in touch with each other down the years.

The full story of the blog can be found in Phil Fitzpatricks entertaining book,  Fighting for a Voice  (Pukpuk Publications, 2016), which you can download for free.

THE PNG Attitude blog began in 2006 as a small-scale effort to connect people who had attended the Australian School of Pacific Administration, ASOPA.

Here's my talk from last night's Brisbane launch of My Walk to Equality, organised superbly by Murray Bladwell and attended by a standing room only crowd who purchased every available book. So it was two great launches in Port Moresby and Australia for this wonderful first collection of writing by Papua New Guinean women

The blog, at first called ASOPA People, served that limited purpose of connection rather well but it was never going to survive on nostalgia alone and, after a couple of years, it expanded its horizons to incorporate more news and comment about modern Papua New Guinea, in the process spinning off a monthly magazine, The Mail (later The Review), which eventually accumulated more than 1,000 subscribers.

By 2008, the blog was beginning to assume its present form and more Papua New Guineans were beginning to interact with it. It changed its name to PNG Attitude in that year to emphasise the new focus.

It was from about here that social media began to get a good grip on PNG, aided by the accelerating growth of mobile phones, and the blog benefited from this, attracting many more Papua New Guinean readers and, importantly, writers.

2010 saw the blog's readership explode when, after Phil Fitzpatrick half jocularly suggested we run a writing competition for Papua New Guineans, he and I rapidly bid up the concept until it emerged as a fully-fledged national literary contest, the Crocodile Prize.

The first awards in the Crocodile Prize in 2011 triggered the beginning of a resurgence in Papua New Guinean creative writing, which had been pretty much comatose since the years surrounding independence in 1975.

After 2011 a related entity emerged, Pukpuk Publications, which began with the Crocodile Prize anthologies of 2011-14 before becoming a busy publishing house in its own right, one which now has 40 titles to its name.

In addition PNG Attitude spun off writers workshops, the mentoring of emerging authors, visits by PNG writers to Australia and, on the blog itself, many more Papua New Guinean writers and one of the most lively and informative comment columns going around.

Then in September last year, the Brisbane Writers Festival hosted the first Australian forum led by a group of PNG writers - Daniel Kumbon, Francis Nii, Martyn Namorong and Rashmii Amoah Bell.

Rashmiis writing had first appeared in PNG Attitude in 2015, adopting a provocative and intellectually robust approach to exposing tough issues facing Papua New Guinean women and posing pathways for change.

In taking such a public stance on often incendiary issues, Rashmii had to her come to grips with her own personal struggles  but her articles and ideas kept flowing.

And it was amidst the stress and exhilaration of that first public appearance by PNG writers at the festival that Rashmii came up with an illuminating idea.

Would it not be marvellous if she could organise and edit the first collection of writing by the women of Papua New Guinea?

Rashmii dragooned Phil Fitzpatrick and me as co-conspirators and within three months she had a print-ready manuscript prepared containing the works of 45 PNG women writers.

It was a stupefying achievement.

It took another three months to secure financing and get the book prepared and printed until the 280-page My Walk to Equality launched in Port Moresby last week, on International Womens Day, 8 March, and then in Brisbane yesterday.

It was a breath-taking moment - one that Australias Deputy High Commissioner in PNG, Bronte Moules, told me was astonishing  and, furthermore, the book itself proved to be an exceptional work with insightful and readable content, an intelligent structure and a beautifully evocative cover thanks to Tania Basiou.

Launching My Walk to Equality at Port Moresby's Stanley Hotel, Dame Carol Kidu revealed to the audience what she saw as one of the most compelling aspects of this book  despite the manifold challenges facing women in PNG, some of them life-threatening, this was not a book of complaint or regret or bitterness.

It was a book of hope whose effect was to inspire and render positive value to the often challenging role of women in Papua New Guinean society.

In a society where we may conjecture that many men are on a search for lost meaning as they move from a traditional through a transitional role to somewhere else, it is the women who seem to know what they must do.

My Walk to Equality has brought this, and many other issues, to the surface where we may all see what transpires.

The book would not exist without Rashmii translating a beautiful thought into a very important work.

Last nights book launch in Brisbane paid full and deserved tribute to her for a superb accomplishment.

First two photos: Keith and Rashmii speaking at the book launch; lower photo - Rashmii with Tess Newton Cain and Elvina Ogil
March 15, 2017

Senate Democrats on March 15 vowed to get answers from Turkey one week after Ankara moved to shut down one of the US government's largest partners for aid to Syria.

On the sixth anniversary of the start of the Syrian civil war, Mercy Corps CEO Neal Keny-Guyer testified to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that Turkey's recent decision to revoke its registration to operate in the country has disrupted "lifesaving assistance" to 360,000 Syrians every month and "effectively ends" support for 100,000 refugees as well as Turkish families inside Turkey. Turkey hasn't provided a justification for its decision, which was made public March 7, but it is widely seen as using Mercy Corps as leverage to get the United States to cease its support for Syrian Kurds, whom Ankara views as a terrorist threat.

"I'm never surprised by what I hear. But you just don't use this as leverage, people who are suffering," Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Md., the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, told Al-Monitor. "There are war crimes that are being committed in Syria by Iran and Russia because they're using civilians as leverage. That's not allowed. To me, that's actionable."

During the hearing, Cardin said he would be partnering with other lawmakers to press Turkey to reverse course.

"A number of us are reaching out to the Turkish government, through the ambassador here, to try to see if we can get answers and possibly be helpful," Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., told Al-Monitor afterward. "I don't see how it helps them to have people who are providing help for these refugees do less work for them. I think that would create more challenges."

Kaine said he did not want to "prejudge" how Congress might react before hearing what the Turks have to say. Ceasing support for the Kurd-dominated Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) that are battling the Islamic State (IS) is unlikely, however: Just as the hearing got under way, Kaine introduced a bipartisan war anniversary resolution that "commends" the SDF for its support of the anti-IS coalition.

Mercy Corps had been reluctant to speak out publicly about the incident to avoid antagonizing Turkey, but it may have felt compelled to as its last reserves inside Turkey dwindle and it is barred from bringing any more inside the country. Instead, the nongovernmental organization is working with the US Agency for International Development's Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance and the State Departments Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration to try to fill any gaps.

In his testimony to the committee, Keny-Guyer called Turkey's actions "deeply disturbing." But he also went out of his way to praise Ankara's response to the refugee crisis, which has seen Turkey host more than 3 million Syrians.

"Turkey has been a generous global leader in humanitarian action," he said, adding that Turkey "boasts one of the worlds most progressive policies on refugees, allowing them to earn a living for their families and offering them a clear path to citizenship."

Still, he made clear that Mercy Corps would continue to treat all Syrians the same. Turkish authorities appear to be particularly incensed at aid going to Kurdish-controlled Afrin in Syria, which has been overrun with Syrian Arabs displaced by the war.

"If we were to appear to take sides, our credibility and our ability to reach the people in greatest need, as well as the safety of our staff, would be in grave jeopardy," Keny-Guyer said in written testimony. "Our situation raises the very real specter that principled humanitarianism is imperiled."

He was joined at the hearing by three Syrian doctors, two of them masked to hide their identities, and David Miliband, president and CEO of the International Rescue Committee.

The hearing wasn't free of partisan politics, with Cardin leading the charge in criticizing the Donald Trump administration for its refugee and travel ban and the March 16 release of a budget that is expected to propose cutting State Department funding by 37% over three years. He also urged the White House to get actively engaged in ongoing Syrian peace talks rather than let Russia and others take the lead, something Miliband enthusiastically seconded.

"The truth is the United States has been absent from the recent public diplomatic efforts. Russia, Turkey and Iran have put themselves center stage," Miliband said. "There is not just a war without end in Syria, there is also a war without law. And a principled American voice is needed to articulate support for international humanitarian law and accountability for those who violate it. The truth is, if the United States does not provide this voice, no one else will."

Jim Risch, R-Idaho, the Senate Foreign Relations Middle East and North Africa panel chairman, countered that the United States had been flailing around without a clear strategy in Syria under President Barack Obama for years before Trump got on the scene. Syrian witnesses at the hearing said the United States  and the world  had failed Syrians in Aleppo, and urged greater engagement going forward.

Breaking with the Trump administration's America-first mantra, Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., spoke for many members of the committee when he vowed to continue fighting for US leadership in Syria and around the world.

"To those who have argued in the past that America's got a lot of problems and we should be focused on our problems and let other countries focus on their problems  it doesn't work that way," he said. "This is what the absence of US leadership looks like. And sadly I believe it's a bipartisan absence in many cases that has led to this situation."
March 16, 2017

Six years into the crisis in Syria, Iran sees the outcome of the conflict as shaping the new Middle East. It was Irans first overt foreign intervention in decades, one that some Iranian ideologues have called a war for existence. Iranian officials say it spared the Islamic Republic from having to fight a similar war within its own borders. Yet it has been costly, draining and merciless in terms of material losses, and even worse when it comes to Irans image in the Muslim world. It has limited Irans options and has caused alliances  notwithstanding the common ground Iran shares with its partners  to seem very shaky and fragile.

Iran learned a lot from these years, an Iranian military source told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity. The source said the conflict in Syria has not been a traditional war where things can easily be anticipated: The mandate was changing from one day to another. When Iran decided to take part in the war via our military advisers, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad was on the verge of falling. More than 70% of the country was under [the control of] terrorist groups who were enjoying widespread international, regional states and popular support. Today, President Assad has the upper hand, and the world knows well that hes the only choice for those who seriously want to defeat terrorism. Yet this is not the final phase.

In Tehran, political and military elites believe enemies of the resistance axis created the crisis in Syria to take revenge for what Iranian elites see as the latters achievements and widespread popularity in the region. Its obvious that after the 33-day war in Lebanon and Hezbollahs victory over Israel [in 2006], the Americans and their local agents started thinking of how to defeat us, an Iranian official told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity. The official said, Since they cant wage a war on Iran and their attempt to destroy Hezbollah failed, there was only one option at that time left  hitting the heart: Syria. Therefore, according to the Iranian official, the Islamic Republic had no choice but to defend itself, and therefore, Irans struggle in Syria is different from others: Its an existential war with no choice for us but to win. All the other parties fighting in Syria can afford to win or lose, save Iran. Not winning this war will have dire consequences not only for Iran but for the Shiites of the world. Therefore, it was the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei who took the decision to help Syria. It was both a religious and a political decision.

The story of the Iranian decision to intervene in Syria has been a question for many, mainly with regard to how the decision was taken and whether a plan was in place from day one. Filling out the picture is the account of former Iranian member of parliament Esmail Kowsari  a former commander in the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC)  who told the semi-official Fars News Agency in November 2013 how Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah had gone to Ayatollah Khamenei with fears that Assad would be toppled. Kowsari said that Nasrallah, nine months after the Syrian war started, had concluded that the situation was bad and was almost over. Nasrallah was quoted as saying, "Along with some officials, we went to the [supreme] leader and told him our thoughts. After we finished speaking, he said: No, that is not the case. We must just do our duty. If we do our duty, Assad and Syria will be stable.'

The Iranian military source confirmed this account to Al-Monitor, adding, When Nasrallah returned to Beirut, he met the [Hezbollah] Shura Council and told it about the [supreme] leaders point of view; he asked them to prepare their plans. At the same time, Ayatollah Khamenei started meeting the leadership of the IRGC and asked it to put together their views and road map for how this conflict could end. The Iranian source elaborated that Khamenei had two main concerns: preserving the weapons pipeline to Lebanon and keeping the holy shrines in Syria safe. The source said the two main leaders chosen to ensure that these objectives were met were Nasrallah and IRGC Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani.

A third man with a key role to play was IRGC Gen. Hossein Hamedani, who was killed in Syria in October 2015. Hamedanis role was essential in leading the forces on the ground. He left behind a full account of what happened on the way to Syria. The book, titled Letters of the Fish, focuses on Hamedani's life. He recalls surprise at his being asked to go to Syria and how he met with many figures and visited several areas. He said 75% of the country "was under the control of the terrorist groups. He added, After some time, I sent a detailed report to the supreme leader, asking him to allow me to return to Iran, given that the Syrians werent making use of our presence. The leader told Hajj Qasem [Soleimani]: You shouldnt leave and return! Syria is sick, but doesnt know it is sick; this disease should be explained to Syrian politicians and statesmen.'

Hamedani also sent a report to the leadership of the IRGC. That report was later read by Ayatollah Khamenei, who asked Hamedani to consult with Nasrallah, who  according to the book  was in charge of all the policies of the resistance axis in Syria. Hamedani had more than 100 proposals for steps to be implemented, along with five main suggestions on the political, economic, cultural, military and security fronts. Since Nasrallah was the man in charge of Syria, Hamedani and his aides went to meet him in Beirut, with the discussions lasting from the evening prayer until the morning prayer. The book says the Hezbollah chief saw no need for political, cultural and economic steps at that time, saying, Bashar Assad and the Baath Party are drowning to their necks in a quagmire. Nothing is left until they completely drown. Hamedani then quotes Nasrallah as saying, On the cultural side, do you want to teach them how to pray? Set up classes and teach them? Discuss spirituality with them? The time isnt right; they are drowning! On the economic side, you want to sew clothes for them? You want to give them food? Those people need no food; they are vanishing. On the political front, you want to discuss the correct structure for the regime and reform it? They are losing everything! Nasrallah concluded, First we have to get Bashar and the Syrian government outside the quagmire; then, well clean them, give them clothes, feed them, ask them to study and do their prayers. Now is the time to get them out [of the quagmire], and this is the strategic move.

Hamedanis account along with other ones by various Iranian commanders tell a lot about the Syrian war and about how and why Iran is keen to fight to the last man standing. Today, just as when Iran decided to enter Syria, the Islamic Republic continues to believe that compromising Damascus is akin to giving up Tehran  and that whatever the price of the war, it will never exceed the cost of losing it.
March 16, 2017

CAIRO  New sources of friction keep heating up the conflict between Al-Azhar University and those outside the school seeking to influence the way it's run.

Yasser Kouraa, assistant to the Wafd Partys head of political and parliamentary affairs, recently suggested amending the university's internal regulations. His proposals would affect the way senior scholars  including Al-Azhar Grand Imam Ahmed al-Tayeb  are selected and dismissed, in the name of renewing religious discourse. The proposals have sparked debate and angered Al-Azhar scholars, who see it as an attempt to undermine their roles.

Kouraa said that's not the case.

The proposal to amend Al-Azhar internal regulations does not downplay the importance of the institution. No one dares offend an institution like Al-Azhar, and I highly appreciate and respect Grand Imam Ahmed al-Tayeb," Kouraa told Al-Monitor.

"Yet, if we really want to renew religious discourse, keep pace with changes all around us arising from the extremist current, and counter all forms of terrorism  we need to give up the idea that the grand imam should remain in office as long as he is 'qualified for the post,' and have Al-Azhar's Council of Senior Scholars limit his term to either eight or 10 years to avoid an endless or indefinite term in office, Kouraa said.

Keeping pace is important because the rise of terrorism "threatens Arab and Islamic societies and gives the West the wrong idea about the correct Islamic faith and moderate Islamic principles," he noted.

Kouraa said his proposal doesn't contradict the constitution, as some have claimed. Though the constitution protects the grand imam and says he shall not be dismissed from his post, the constitution also states that parliament is entitled to determine the length of his term.

Parliamentarian Mohammad Abu Hamed, a member of the pro-regime majority Support Egypt Coalition, also suggested March 8 an amendment to the law that regulates Al-Azhars affairs. The proposal would address how Al-Azhar councils are formed, including the Council of Senior Scholars.

The council now consists of 40 members headed by the grand imam. Each member holds a doctoral degree or is a professor of Islamic studies or language sciences from Al-Azhar University, and must be committed to Al-Azhars religious teachings and conduct. The grand imam appoints qualified council members. The Council of Senior Scholars in turn elects the grand imam when the post is vacant.

Under Hamed's draft law, the Council of Senior Scholars would expand, adding secular scholars and specialists to provide different points of view before any fatwa is issued. The proposal would entitle the president of the republic, rather than the imam, to choose council members. Thus, the president will be indirectly controlling the method to appoint the grand imam. This has ignited fears about the executive branch tightening its grip over the religious establishment.

Hamed's proposal comes after other recent problems between Al-Azhar and President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. In a Jan. 24 speech, Sisi said Egypt's divorce rate has been rising significantly to the point that 40% of all marriages in the country end within the first five years. Sisi demanded that new legislation be enacted to invalidate orally declared divorces. Currently, such divorces are valid under Sharia before they are officially documented.

Less than two weeks later, the Council of Senior Scholars rejected Sisis demand, stressing that orally declared divorces have been undisputed since the days of the Prophet Muhammad, and do not need to be documented to be considered valid.

Commenting on the issue, Sabri Abada, a professor of Islamic studies at Al-Azhar University, told the press March 6 that people hostile to Al-Azhar are planning to bring down and dismiss the grand imam.

They are taking advantage of the crisis over orally declared divorces to stir strife between Al-Azhar and the presidency. Nevertheless, they are unaware that the constitution safeguards the independence of Al-Azhar institution and its exclusive [control] over its own affairs, considering it to be the first reference for Islamic affairs in Egypt and the whole world," Sabri said.

"Al-Azhar and the Council of Senior Scholars will continue to fight destructive, misguiding and extremist ideas, and will not give in to some opinions and issue laws that contradict the Sharia law, he added.

Another decision that doesn't sit well with Al-Azhar came in January, when the Ministry of Religious Endowments announced it will be determining the topics of the imams' weekly sermons.
March 16, 2017

WASHINGTON  Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, speaking March 16 in Japan in one of his first press availabilities since becoming Americas top diplomat, offered support for a Trump administration proposal to slash the State Departments budget by almost 30%.

The White House proposal to cut the core State Department and US Agency for International Development (USAID) budget from $36.7 billion in 2017 to $25.6 billion in fiscal year 2018 reflects the Trump administrations expectation that the United States will be involved in fewer military conflicts overseas and that other countries will be contributing more for foreign assistance, Tillerson said.

I think clearly, the level of spending that the State Department has been undertaking in the past  and particularly in this past year  is simply not sustainable, Tillerson told journalists at a press availability with Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida in Tokyo on March 16.

So on a go-forward basis, what the president is asking the State Department to do is  reflective of a couple of expectations. One is that as time goes by, there will be fewer military conflicts that the US will be directly engaged in, Tillerson said. And second, that as we become more effective in our aid programs, that we will also be attracting resources from other countries, allies, and other sources as well to contribute in our development aid and our disaster assistance.

Tillerson, the former chairman of ExxonMobil, expressed confidence that US diplomats could do more with less. Im confident that with the input of the men and women of the State Department, we are going to construct a way forward that allows us to be much more effective, much more efficient and be able to do a lot with fewer dollars, he said.

But Tillersons trip to Asia  his first as secretary and one focused on the threat posed by North Koreas nuclear and ballistic missile program  reflects the stark challenges confronting US foreign policy and a world in which the threat of conflict does not look to be quickly receding.

Tillerson is also conducting shoestring diplomacy notably short-staffed, with no nominations to date from the White House for his deputy secretary of state, undersecretaries of state or any assistant secretary of state.

Those nominations have not been forthcoming since the White House rejected Tillersons pick of Elliot Abrams to be his deputy secretary of state early last month. The White House this week similarly rejected Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis pick of veteran diplomat Anne Patterson, a former US ambassador to Egypt and Pakistan, to be his undersecretary of defense for policy, the No. 3 job at the Pentagon. Patterson was reportedly perceived by some in the Trump White House to have been associated with the policy of trying to work with Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi  an Islamist who was deposed in 2013 after being elected in 2012  when she was ambassador in Cairo. (The Trump White House had initially mulled designating the Muslim Brotherhood  of which Morsi was a member  as a terrorist group, though that idea appears to have been shelved for now.)

But the stalemate over senior appointments between the White House and Cabinet chiefs appeared to break March 16, at least for the Pentagon. The White House announced nominations of a half dozen senior Pentagon posts, including Patrick M. Shanahan to be deputy secretary of defense; David Joel Trachtenberg to be principal deputy undersecretary of defense for policy; David L. Norquist to be undersecretary of defense, comptroller; and Kenneth P. Rapuano to be assistant secretary of defense, homeland defense and global security.

The Pentagon spokesman made clear Mattis had recommended those nominated for their posts.

"These are all highly qualified individuals who were personally recommended by Secretary Mattis to the president for nomination, Pentagon spokesman Capt. Jeff Davis said in a statement March 16.

New national security adviser H.R. McMaster also seemed to be winning his battle for choosing his team with the announcement March 16 that Dina Powell, a well-regarded former Bush administration official and Goldman Sachs alum, would serve as deputy national security adviser for strategy. McMaster also reportedly asked Nadia Schadlow to join his staff as a deputy assistant to the president for national security strategy.

The situation may similarly soon resolve at the State Department, but word of mouth from former diplomats is there is a surprising lack of names circulating for top appointments.

I haven't heard any names circulating, Gerald Feierstein, a former US ambassador to Yemen and former principal deputy assistant secretary of state for Near East policy, told Al-Monitor.

Feierstein, now a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute, wondered, Have we considered the possibility that the Trump [White House] doesn't want anyone in confirmed positions answerable to Congress? Feierstein also said, I understand that they've got people in place at State, DoD [Department of Defense] and elsewhere in unconfirmed positions where they never have to expose themselves to any oversight, answer questions or do anything except the White House bidding. It seems to me that we've yet to see any real interest on the part of the White House to actually start filling Senate-confirmed positions.

He said, In the meantime, they're nominating ambassadors, which should be a much lower priority than staffing the department. Trump has reportedly tapped former US Ambassador to China Jon Huntsman to be US ambassador to Russia, and Richard Grenell, the former spokesman for the US ambassador to the United Nations, to be US ambassador to NATO.

Another former senior State Department official said his impression was that Trump was not inclined to intervene to break the stalemate between Cabinet chiefs and White House office of personnel officials over their picks.

My theory is not that they dont want people in the jobs, a former Obama State Department political appointee, speaking not for attribution, told Al-Monitor. I think that fundamentally what we are looking at is, Trump told his Cabinet chiefs, you can pick your own team.  And then the White House folks kill everything. And Trump is not making a decision.

He is making a decision by not making a decision, the former Obama political appointee continued. He wont break ties. He wont engage, negotiate, to get some kind of agreement.  The end result is this  stalemate.

The slowness of appointments, particularly at the State Department, may also reflect a desire to starve the system, the former State Department official said. So the Trump administration, suspicious of career diplomats, may be thinking, We hate the State Department, and pick ambassadors who will report directly to the White House, he said.

Currently, in the State Department's Near East bureau, Stuart Jones is serving as acting assistant secretary; Larry Schwartz, acting principal deputy assistant secretary and deputy assistant secretary for press and public diplomacy; Richard Albright, deputy assistant secretary for assistance coordination; Chris Backemeyer, deputy assistant secretary for Iran; John Desrocher, deputy assistant secretary for Egypt and the Maghreb; Timothy Lenderking, deputy assistant secretary for the Arabian Peninsula; Joseph Pennington, deputy assistant secretary for Iraq; and Michael Ratney, deputy assistant secretary for the Levant and Israel and Palestinian Authority, a State Department official told Al-Monitor. Ratney is also dual hatted as the US envoy on Syria.

Then again, the Trump White Houses appreciation for the State Department, and the expensive conflicts US diplomats try to help avoid, could grow over time.

While the Trump/Tillerson State Department has generally decided to have fewer special envoy positions, the Trump White Houses special representative for international negotiations, Jason Greenblatt, has been conducting a trip to Israel, the West Bank and Jordan this week, meeting with Israeli, Palestinian and Jordanian officials and citizens to try to formulate a US policy to advance Israeli-Palestinian peace. Greenblatt, who has been documenting his Mideast trip with interesting photos and postings on Twitter, made a point of thanking the State Department, the US Embassy in Tel Aviv, the US Consulate in Jerusalem and the US Embassy in Jordan as he wrapped up his visit March 16.

Thank you @StateDept @usembassyta @USCGJerusalem @USEmbassyJordan & #NSC for your help in coordinating my extremely positive trip this week, Greenblatt posted on Twitter on March 16.

Eliot Engel, the ranking Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said he had made a similar point to Tillerson when they spoke by phone last week and Engel voiced his objections to the administration's proposal to cut the State Department budget. Diplomacy can be a lot cheaper than war's cost in blood and treasure.

The world can be a dangerous place, Engel said in testimony at a House Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations and Related Agencies meeting March 16. The men and women who wear our uniform put their lives on the line to protect our country. So we owe it to them to exhaust every possible option before we send them into harms way.

Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and an ally of both Trump and Tillerson, also expressed mild skepticism about the proposed steep cuts in the US diplomatic budget.

"I believe we can strike an appropriate balance that recognizes the critical role of diplomacy in keeping our military out of harms way and appropriately advancing our nations interests while ensuring taxpayer dollars are used in the most efficient and effective manner," Corker said in a statement March 16.
The tractor-trailer bans that were in effect since Tuesday have been lifted, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Wednesday.

Cuomo issued the bans for the New York State Thruway, Interstate 81, I-86 and Route 17, I-87 from Albany to the Canadian border and I-88 in response to the winter storm that hit a large swath of the state Tuesday.

With the storm tapering off in most areas, the bans have been lifted.

"The tractor-trailer bans we issued for impacted state roadways across New York state protected residents and allowed emergency teams to effectively respond to extreme weather conditions and safely work to clear roadways throughout the state," Cuomo said in a statement.

Even though the bans have been lifted, Cuomo advised motorists to stay off roads to allow crews to continue snow removal efforts.

Earlier in the day, Cuomo announced that the travel ban has been lifted in Broome County. The county was one of the hardest hit by the storm. Binghamton set a record for 24-hour snowfall Tuesday. Other parts of the county reported three feet of snowfall.
March 16, 2017

Al-Monitor has learned that US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is expected to travel to Turkey March 30. He will be the most senior US official to formally visit Turkey since the Donald Trump administration took office in January.

A senior Turkish official who spoke on the condition of anonymity confirmed that Tillerson was expected to meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, among others. The official was unaware of Tillersons full itinerary but said it would not be unusual for the secretary to visit other countries in the region as well. The official declined to elaborate any further.

In an emailed response to Al-Monitors request for comment, the State Department said it had nothing to announce on [the] Secretary['s] travel.

Tillersons visit comes amid long-standing tensions between Washington and Ankara over US plans to pursue its alliance with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) against the Islamic State (IS). The SDF's Arab component is growing by the day, but nonetheless remains dominated by the Syrian Kurdish Peoples Protection Units (YPG).

Turkey wants the United States to scrap its ties with the YPG, arguing that the group is linked to the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which is on the State Departments list of terrorist organizations and is fighting a bloody insurgency inside Turkey. The United States, however, clings to the fiction that the YPG and PKK are separate entities. All signs indicate that Washington will stick with the SDF, which has proven to be the most robust local force on the ground in the fight against IS, as it prepares for the capture of Raqqa, the jihadis capital."

In the meantime, Washington is scrambling to keep Turkey on an even keel. With a 559-mile border with Syria, Turkey remains a critical if increasingly troublesome ally for the United States regionwide. In efforts to massage Turkish feelings, CIA Director Mike Pompeo visited Ankara in February, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Joseph F. Dunford met with Turkish Chief of the General Staff Hulusi Akar in the resort city of Antalya earlier this month.

The Incirlik Air Base, in Adana, remains the main logistical hub for anti-IS operations, and while Turkeys military effectiveness in Syria has proven to be limited, it has displayed an infinite capacity to be disruptive. Its persistent shelling of YPG positions in Afrin and more recent attacks against the group near the SDF-controlled town of Manbij are taking their toll. When we carry out the final assault on Raqqa, how can we be sure that Turkish forces wont be chasing us from behind, asked a senior YPG commander contacted in northeastern Syria via WhatsApp.

On March 7, Turkey dealt a blow to humanitarian aid efforts in Syria by ordering Oregon-based Mercy Corps to shut down operations it runs out of Turkey. Ankaras official reason is that the group, which is among the biggest dispensers of aid in Syria, had failed to complete formal paperwork. More likely it was because the Turkish government is opposed to aid groups like Mercy Corps delivering aid to or through areas controlled by the Syrian Kurds.

At the same time, Turkey, which alongside Albania is a predominantly Muslim NATO ally, is putting on a big show of growing closer to Russia. It is currently in discussions with the Russians to buy S-400 long-range missile systems. James F. Jeffrey, a former US ambassador to Turkey and a senior fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, observed, Doing so would leave people in America and Europe with the strong belief that Erdogan has thrown in his lot definitively with Russia and end efforts by Trump to cooperate with Turkey. It would be felaket, he told Al-Monitor using the Turkish word for disaster.

Yet, the Russians also support the YPG and are keeping Turkish forces and their rebel allies within a tightly delineated area in Syria. Turkish forces and Free Syrian Army fighters operating under the Operation Euphrates Shield command currently control more than 772 square miles captured from IS since August 2016. They are hemmed in to the east, however, by Russian, Syrian regime and US Special Operations Forces, which are effectively preventing them from acting on repeated threats to pursue the YPG in Manbij.

Turkish Defense Minister Fikri Isik struck a more conciliatory tone today, saying that finding a diplomatic solution with the United States and Russia for ending the YPG presence in Manbij was necessary. His comments reflect a general softening in Turkeys anti-American rhetoric, which grew increasingly shrill in the last days of the Barack Obama administration.

Howard Eissenstat, a Turkey expert at St. Lawrence University in upstate New York, remarked, With Trump, Erdogans been altogether more cautious. Eissenstat told Al-Monitor that this is because Erdogan still holds out some hope for cooperation on Syria, but also perhaps because he is unsure what the cost might be. Trump might hold a grudge.

The caution is obviously mutual. The United States has hardly uttered a word as Turkey continues to lock up tens of thousands of people accused of involvement in the failed July 15 coup. It has also not commented on the increasingly desperate plight of Turkeys Kurds, many of whom are fighting under the YPG banner against IS.

Nicholas Heras, a senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security, thinks that in a bid to placate Turkey, the United States could offer it an opportunity to work out post-IS security and governance for Raqqa, similar to the project Turkey is engaged in to have influence over the post-IS governance in Mosul.

Heras told Al-Monitor that all such options would, however, hinge on Turkey accepting the reality that the US military will not totally abandon the SDF, which was made by America and has demonstrated its effectiveness against IS.

Editor's note: This article has been updated since its initial publication.
A Birmingham-based startup that provides collegiate prepaid cards has closed on a $1.5 million fundraising round.

University Fancards, founded in 2015, sells university-branded Mastercard gift cards and prepaid reloadable cards. The University of Alabama was the first sponsored card, and in late 2016 the company launched licensed gift cards for the top 15 schools.

Early in 2017 the company launched its first prepaid reloadable cards featuring four schools. The capital raise will fund the company's full rollout of the reloadable cards as well as increase to the number of University-branded cards to over 20 by the end of the year. Current offerings include the Florida Gators, Tennessee Volunteers and Texas Longhorns, among others.

"We are gratified to have completed this funding in less than three weeks and to exceed the targeted amount," University Fancards co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer Greg Boggs said in a press release. "After successfully introducing our gift cards in select retail locations, with major retailers including Dollar General and CVS, we now are rapidly expanding our retail relationships and will significantly increase our store presence across the country."

Nashville's Harpeth Capital was the financial advisor for University Fancards and invested in the round through Harpeth Ventures.
A Chicago-area insurance company is looking to beef up its Birmingham presence by adding up to 15 employees.

Combined Insurance, based in Glenview, Illinois, is planning to hire between 10 and 15 sales agents. Click here to apply.

Combined has a market office in Vestavia Hills but it will soon move to Birmingham. The office acts as a meeting place and training location and it's where some managers work, but most sales agents do not work out of Combined offices or agencies. These sales agents are company employees.

"Unlike other insurance agents, Combined agents are very much on the street - not in an agency or office each day," Combined spokeswoman Caitlin Morse wrote in an email. "It's an entrepreneurial role that has you out meeting and interacting with potential customers each day, and for that reason, many like this type of job and career."

Combined provides supplemental accident, disability, health and life insurance products. It was founded in 1922 and today employs more than 3,000 people.

Military veterans are especially encouraged to apply.
Hyundai engine

Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama engine shop team members gather around the plants 5 millionth engine this week.

(Hyundai)

Hyundai's Montgomery plant this week celebrated the manufacture of its five millionth engine.

Company officials said the milestone was reached less than 12 years after the plant assembled its first Lambda six-cylinder engine in May 2005, which is faster than any other engine assembly operation in the southeast.

It's the second such milestone for an automotive plant in the state in a month's time. In February, the 5 millionth engine rolled off the assembly line at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama in Huntsville.

Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama's two engine shops currently manufacture the Nu 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine and the Theta 2.0- and 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engines, and have a capacity of more than 700,000 engines a year. These engines have supplied both the Montgomery plant and Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia since 2010.

The two shops employ more than 700 people and operate on two 10-hour shifts each day, with production running five or six days per week, company officials said.

In celebration of the 5 millionth engine, team members and plant leadership gathered for a celebratory luncheon.

"We would not have been able to celebrate this milestone if it weren't for the tremendous support of all our engine production and maintenance team members," said Chris Susock, vice president of production. "They have a history of collaborating together to get the job done with an absolute priority on safety, efficiency and the best quality for their customers."
Pinnacle at Providence

A sign advertising the new Pinnacle at Providence sits near the intersection of Oakwood and Old Monrovia/Johns roads in Huntsville. (Lucy Berry | lberry@al.com)

A new Publix-anchored shopping center will begin taking shape soon in Huntsville.

Bob Peck, vice president of development for Watkins Real Estate Group in Atlanta, said Pinnacle at Providence will break ground near the Madison County 911 Center and the North Alabama Dance Center at the intersection of Oakwood and Johns/Old Monrovia roads.

Pinnacle at Providence will feature a 45,000-square-foot Publix grocery store, 14,000 square feet of local shop space and one outparcel. The $12 million project should be operational early next year.

Peck said the location is attractive because of its proximity to Village of Providence, Cummings Research Park and the surrounding neighborhoods.

"There's definitely a need for a grocery store there," he said. "Right now anybody who lives up in that area has to funnel out to University and University is very congested during peak hours."

Watkins just began the leasing process for Pinnacle at Providence, which Peck hopes will include one nice sit-down restaurant, as well as other secondary food and service tenants.

Publix spokeswoman Brenda Reid was not immediately available for comment. When the new location opens, the Florida supermarket chain will have 10 stores in Madison County.

Peck said the City of Huntsville is not contributing to the project. City spokeswoman Kelly Schrimsher confirmed that information Wednesday.

"We'll be improving Johns Road a little bit to the north," Peck said. "Other than that, the infrastructure is pretty much in place."

Another grocery-anchored development is planned at the northwest corner of Zierdt and Martin roads in Huntsville. The Shoppes at Redstone Square will include at least 59,000 square feet of retail space and several outparcels.

No tenants have been announced for the multi-phase project. Construction will begin no later than Aug. 1, 2017.
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Lauren Denton's new book, "The Hideaway" debuts April 11.

(HarperCollins)

Lauren Denton loves reading a good book in warm weather - or a good book set in warm weather.

Maybe that's why certain scenes in the Homewood author's new novel, "The Hideaway," seem to carry wafts of gulf breezes, the air thick with possibilities.

The Mobile native's story of a woman attempting a house rehab project on the Alabama Gulf Coast, and stumbling onto her grandmother's past, debuts April 11 from Thomas Nelson Publishers. In the process, the book's main character, Sara, has to decide how much her grandmother's weathered bed and breakfast means to her, and what her future holds.

"The Hideaway" (352 pages, $15.99) was the result of more than a year of writing for Denton, a mother of two and a columnist for the Homewood Star. She is currently working to beat the April deadline on her second novel, "Hurricane Season," set in Baldwin County.

Those gulf breezes - along with the steamy streets of New Orleans - were among the first images that brought out the story.

"The setting came first," she said. "I've always loved the eastern shore - Fairhope, Point Clear. Then I thought of New Orleans. I love reading books set there. Then the bed and breakfast came, and the grandmother character. It became a story I really wanted to read, so I thought if I was that interested in reading it, maybe other people would be too."

Sara, living in New Orleans, is called back to her grandmother Mags place at her death. At first, it seems like just a momentary, nostalgic diversion. But Mags willed "The Hideaway" to Sara, and in addition, she seemingly gets custody of Mags' best friends.

But her grandmother had secrets, which bubble to the surface as Sara learns much more about Mags, and herself.

Denton said she has always had the ambition of writing a novel, and plowed through her first "practice" novel before hitting her stride with "The Hideaway." She's usually up every morning around 5 a.m., writing "until the very last minute" before she gets the kids up. She usually avoids making a formal outline of the story-in-progress, writing on inspiration "by the seat of my pants," she said.

A fan of Pat Conroy, Sue Monk Kidd and Joshilyn Jackson, she wanted to craft a book with her love of language and place, but not "too much sweet tea and front porch sitting."

Denton said she never saw the novel as Christian fiction until the Tennessee-based Thomas Nelson Publishing showed interest - even before she had a literary agent. While Denton said her Christianity informs her writing, she didn't write with that market in mind.

However, the publisher was interested because of the subject matter and storytelling. While the story doesn't have an overt faith message, it does touch on mature themes without straying into offensive language or situations, she said. It also shows how people suffer and learn to endure through life's consequences.

"There's nothing on the page that I'm afraid of giving to anyone," Denton said.

As Denton readies her next novel, she's already looking at starting another one this fall. But she's also anxious about how readers will respond to this first one.

"It feels like I have another child out in the world," she said. "Your put your heart and soul into it, but it's what I signed up for - to have people enjoy your story."

A book launch is planned for Friday, April 14 at 6 p.m. at Pale Eddie's Pour House, 2308 2nd Ave North. Copies will be available for sale.
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The Levite Jewish Community Center in Birmingham has received four bomb threats this year, requiring evacuation of the facilities.

(Levite JCC)

The Birmingham Jewish Federation has launched a $1 million emergency fundraising campaign to enhance security at all local Jewish institutions after four bomb threats this year at the Levite Jewish Community Center.

The emergency campaign was approved Wednesday by the Federation's Board of Directors. Longtime Jewish community volunteer leader Donald Hess will be the chair of the effort.

"Our Jewish community agencies and synagogues always have paid attention to security but this recent outbreak of anti-Jewish incidents has motivated us to enhance security throughout our Jewish community," Hess said. "Law enforcement personnel have made a series of recommendations that will enhance security significantly. We are deeply grateful for their participation and consultation and feel confident that our institutions will become even better-protected."

A coordinating committee will assess needs and allocate funds for security enhancements in coordination with the Birmingham Jewish Federation which will strive to raise up to $1 million to benefit all of our Jewish community agencies and congregations. "We have been advised by law enforcement not to share publicly the improvements that already have been made or the things we plan to do, but they are necessary and all expenditures will be reviewed carefully," Hess said.

Hess expressed his gratitude to the members and users of Jewish institutions, especially parents of school children, for their cooperation, patience and assistance in the aftermath of recent bomb threats. "Our community has come together magnificently and the support we have received from the broader Birmingham community also has been unbelievable," he said. "I am confident that we will emerge from all this as an even stronger Jewish community and with even deeper friendships in the broader community."

All funds raised will go directly for security enhancements, both physical and operational. Contributers may send checks to the Birmingham Jewish Federation made out to the BJF and earmarked for security, in care of the Birmingham Jewish Federation, PO Box 130219, Birmingham, AL, 35213.

To make gifts by phone contact BJF staff member Tiffany Hyche at 205-803-1513. For online donations, click here.

The Birmingham Jewish Foundation made an emergency allocation to initiate the fundraising effort and address immediate needs. Additional donations already have been received.

Earlier this week Christian leaders in Birmingham announced an effort to raise funds for enhanced security at the Levite Jewish Community Center.

"We appreciate all those who have stepped forward to help and thank those who will be stepping forward," Hess said. "We have great Jewish institutions in Birmingham and wonderful friends -- and this frustrating saga has demonstrated all of this once again. Jewish life will continue to thrive in our city and our Levite Jewish Community Center will remain a unique and welcoming center of diversity for all the people of Birmingham. We shall not be deterred."
With the opening of del Lago Resort & Casino in Tyre, two New York state agencies will hold a meeting on responsible gambling in Seneca County.

The meeting spearheaded by the state's Responsible Play Partnership will be held at 5 p.m. Tuesday, March 28 at the Seneca County Office Building's training auditorium, 2465 North Road, Seneca Falls.

The event is free and open to the public. Representatives from the state agencies and del Lago Resort & Casino will be in attendance.

The Responsible Play Partnership, which consists of the state Gaming Commission, the Office on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services and the New York Council on Problem Gambling, will use the meetings to discuss responsible gaming and resources available for those who struggle with gambling addiction.

"Now that resort destination casinos are operating in New York state, it's important to remind everyone in the community and beyond that there are procedures in place and avenues available for those who need help with problem gambling," said Robert Williams, executive director of the state Gaming Commission.

Del Lago opened Feb. 1 and generated more than $13 million in gross revenue in its first month of operation.

Virtually all of the casino's promotional material contains information about problem gambling services. Even del Lago's Twitter bio contains a number for the problem gambling hotline  (877) 8-HOPENY.

The Responsible Play Partnership will hold meetings in other communities where casinos have recently opened.

At 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 22, the coalition will lead a discussion at Schenectady County Community College. Rivers Casino & Resort opened Feb. 8 in Schenectady.

The following week, at 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 29, a similar meeting will be held at Broome Community College. Tioga Downs, which is in neighboring Tioga County, expanded into a full casino late last year.

"We look forward to meeting with community members to discuss problem gambling and gambling addiction services," said Arlene Gonzalez-Sanchez, commissioner of the Office on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services.
SKANEATELES  American whiskey is back in Skaneateles and Onondaga County for the first time since Prohibition.

Last Shot Distillery in Skaneateles plans to release its latest product, Skaneateles Whiskey Distiller's Reserve, on Saturday, March 18, out of the 4022 Mill Road building adjacent to the Charlie Major Nature Trail. It's a facility that served as the site of the Earll & Kellogg distillery from 1840 to 1864 when the nature trail was a length of the Skaneateles Short Line Railroad.

"We're just going to celebrate whiskey back in Skaneateles," said Chris Uyehara, Last Shot's owner and distiller. "We're the first legal brown whiskey (bourbon) back in Onondaga County since Prohibition. This is kind of bringing back the tradition of American whiskey in the area."

He said the Skaneateles Whiskey is considered a distiller's reserve because "it's a special batch that we came up with"  made from corn, wheat and a hybrid grain called tritical that was grown at Maple Lane Farm in Marietta by Andrew Leubner, Uyehara's son-in-law.

The American whiskey category means the liquor is made with grain and aged in used barrels  while bourbon is made from corn, wheat and rye and aged in brand-new oak barrels  but Uyehara said it is the special grain, tritical, that gives the whiskey a unique character with the taste of rye and the smoothness of grain.

He said he learned about tritical in a book and asked his son-in-law about it, and Leubner had heard of it so he decided to try growing it.

"I just told him I wanted some samples, so he gave me a couple hundred pounds of this sample to make a batch of whiskey," Uyehara said, holding up a bottle and pointing to some others. "And this is the batch right here. ... It tastes like rye whiskey, and it's really good."

Uyehara said the whiskey comes out of the barrel at 96 proof, so that is the proof at which it is bottled in order to keep its quality in the process.

"Every recipe's going to change with the proof because whatever it comes out of the barrel, that's what's going right in the bottle," he said. "We proofed it at a lower proof going into the barrell because I didn't want to lose anything. ... As soon as it comes out of the barrel, that's the proof we're going to bottle it at."

He said the whiskey is double-aged  meaning twice as long as the normal aging schedule  in Last Shot's own used bourbon barrels.

"When we take out our bourbon, this whiskey goes in our used bourbon barrels and then we age it until it's ready," Uyehara said. "Guys say, 'How long do you age it?' When it's ready."

Using Last Shot's own barrels to age the whiskey allows Uyehara to know for sure the quality of the prior product to which he is adding the whiskey. Using bourbon barrels in particular adds to the flavor of the whiskey.

"Bourbon has a nice flavor also, a rich flavor. This one (whiskey) has more like a rye flavor," he said. "Bourbon comes out of the barrel tasting really good, so I'm not going to use used barrels from other companies. I'm going to use the used barrels from my company because I know what's coming out from the bourbon barrel."

Uyehara said the Skaneateles Whiskey is going to come out in limited quantities, which also makes it a distiller's reserve. The current batch will be available while supplies last, and then the next batch will be ready in May.

"This batch made only so many bottles, and when we're out of this, we're out of this," he said. "This was just experimental. ... That's why we call it a reserve. It's a small batch that we made, but we are going to make this every time."

The label on the Skaneateles Whiskey pays homage to its prominence and history as the first legally distilled American whiskey in the area since Prohibition. While all of the other Last Shot labels have the company name above and the product name below, the whiskey's label reserves that placement to draw attention to the product.

"We changed the label. We moved everything," Uyehara said. "We wanted this to be special."

And it is special as it follows in the tradition of Earll & Kellogg and other Skaneateles distilleries that came before. When Earll & Kellogg made American whiskey on the location that is now Last Shot, Uyehara said, the company put it in barrels, shipped it out on the railroad and sold it in bulk.

Coopers in the area made the barrels, he said, and much like Last Shot is doing now, the distillers used local grain in its whiskey.

The cool part for Uyehara is being able to share that history with those who stop by Last Shot, perhaps after walking along the nature trail.

"When you come to this distillery, we'll give you a tour of the process and then we share the history of this building and the area," he said. "That's the cool part because we've got guests coming from all over. ... They're walking on the trail and then they come over to our distillery, and we share the history. When they're on the trail, they see this old building and they want to know what was it before."

December marked a year since Last Shot officially opened to the pubic, and Uyehara called it a tough but successful first year. In fact, he said, Last Shot's bourbon is the spirit of the month on the Rochester-based Spirits Review by Chris Carlsson website.

"We've been open for a year," Uyehara said. "We've been having a lot of success with our spirits. We've been having success with our recipes."

As Last Shot concentrates on its tasting room, it also offers its products in several Skaneateles restaurants as well as in Syracuse at Modern Malt and Syracuse Stage and is looking to expand into Rochester venues as well.

"They've been making cocktails with our drinks and having success with that," Uyehara said.

Last Shot also has several accounts through which it sells its products online, mostly recently securing a new account in New York City that will soon offer its products.

The tasting room is currently open Saturday and Sunday, but Uyehara expects to expand the hours and add Friday to the schedule once the weather breaks.

He also said Last Shot is researching recipes and adding cocktail recipes to its website and Facebook page.

"We don't have a distributor. We're doing it on our own, but we want to do it right, try to at least," he said. "We just love to be a part of bringing the history back."
A former inmate at Auburn Correctional Facility has filed a $25 million lawsuit against New York state, claiming he was wrongfully arrested and incarcerated after a corrections officer placed a weapon on him.

Thomas Ozzborn, 28, of the Bronx, had been serving a five-year sentence at ACF for drug-trafficking and illegal weapons possession when he was charged with first-degree promoting prison contraband in January 2016. According to Ozzborn's defense attorney, Rome Canzano, Ozzborn was accused of possessing a sharp metal weapon in May 2015, just days before he was set to be released from prison.

Ozzborn pleaded guilty to the charge in June 2016 and was sentenced to two to four years in prison, which he began serving at Great Meadow Correctional Facility. However, in January 2017, Judge Thomas Leone vacated Ozzborn's conviction in light of an ongoing investigation at Auburn prison.

In December 2016, the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision launched an investigation at ACF after a corrections officer, Matthew Cornell, allegedly admitted to planting a weapon on an inmate. Cornell and a second unnamed officer have since been suspended without pay.

As a result of Cornell's admission, Cayuga County District Attorney Jon Budelmann reached out to nine defendants who were recently charged in cases involving Cornell. Budelmann said he agreed to dismiss or vacate six of those cases, including Ozzborn's.

"While we have no direct evidence that this particular defendant was subjected to the same conduct, given the severity of the conduct itself and the fact that the prosecution was sustained almost entirely on Officer Cornell's testimony regarding the search of the defendant and the recovery of the contraband item, we no longer have confidence in the correctness of the conviction," Budelmann wrote in a December 2016 letter to the court and Canzano.

Since Ozzborn's initial prison term had expired, he was released from prison upon the vacation of his contraband conviction in January. And now he is seeking $25 million in damages.

In a press release Thursday, Brooklyn attorneys Sanford A. Rubenstein and Scott Rynecki said Ozzborn is suing the state for his "wrongful arrest and placement in solitary confinement for over 8 months, as a result of contraband planted by a NYS Corrections Officer against him and possibly other innocent people."

"It is imperative that a full investigation be undertaken and all those officers involved or with knowledge of this horrible scheme of planting prison contraband on inmates should be fully prosecuted," Rynecki added. "It is believed in addition to Thomas Ozzborn, multiple individuals were forced to serve prison sentences for a crime they didn't commit."

In response, Budelmann said there has been no evidence that the defendants were not guilty of possessing contraband in these cases; instead, his office and two Superior Court Judges agreed to vacate or dismiss the cases "solely out of an abundance of caution."

"(These defendants) knowingly and voluntarily admitted their guilt, with the assistance of counsel," the district attorney wrote in an email to The Citizen Thursday. "Inmate Ozzborn's lawsuit would be based solely upon the word of a convicted felon."

Meanwhile, a DOCCS spokesperson said the Office of Special Investigations is in charge of the investigation at the prison. That investigation is ongoing.
Beyond the sensationalism over who will pay for the wall many are already paying dearly  on both sides of the border.

Tijuana, Mexico/San Diego, United States  Former Mexican President Vicente Fox made international headlines when he tweeted to US President Donald Trump, Mexico is not going to pay for that f****** wall.

But beyond the sensationalism over whos going to foot the bill for Trumps project  reportedly set to cost as much as $21.6bn, local businesses say they are already paying dearly.

On the Mexican side, shops usually crowded with tourists are empty.

People are afraid to come, said Elia, 48, who estimates that her business has decreased by 60 percent amid Trumps talk about the wall.

I would like to hit him with this one, she said shaking a baton she uses to reach merchandise sitting high up on her store shelves. Hes crazy.

Sebastian Alexis, 16, sells woven ponchos, Frida Kahlo memorabilia, terracotta pots, papier-mache statuettes and other traditional Mexican goods at wholesale prices. He used to have many customers from the United States who bought his items as souvenirs or for resale across the border, he explained.

[But] the action for the wall has made less people come, Alexis added.

A string of pharmacies in the city centre that usually sees a constant flow of foot traffic from US citizens looking to supplement expensive healthcare with cheap pharmaceuticals were also suddenly empty.

We wont have problems [with business]. The problems will be on the other side of the frontier. Medicine is expensive there, not here, said Arturo Roya, 54, one of the pharmacy workers.

Another nearby pharmacy worker, Esteban Ochoa, 64, estimated that his business had decreased by 20 percent because of the proclamation.

Ochoa said he is concerned for people over the border in the US without the means to pay for healthcare. Its possible that people wont be able to survive. There are many people who come here who cant afford medical care there, he explained.

On the US side of the border

Less than a kilometre from Tijuana, in the US city of San Diego, Sunil Gakhreja, the owner of Sunny Perfumes, says that nearly all of his business comes from Mexico. Days before Valentines Day, this is typically his busiest season. Mexicans come here to buy in bulk and resell American perfumes at higher prices in Mexico.

You see: in the past 10-15 minutes, hardly any customers come in, he said. I dont even check my books. Theres no point getting more depressed.

People are afraid to cross the border. Like even when I cross, I dont know when Im coming back, added Gakhreja, who is an American of Indian descent whose wife and children are Americans of Mexican descent.

Uncertainty in other facets of American life has meant that everyone is holding their money, he said. Trump is a businessman; he should think about business first.

Gakhreja worries that this is a sign of things to come for his business.

Basically, we are going to see another recession, he speculated.

As he talks, a young woman comes in and purchases a $2.50 bottle of perfume and leaves.

One Mexican American store owner on the US side of the border began to grant Al Jazeera an interview, but then asked not to go on the record, saying that he feared retaliation from the authorities and citing the Trump administrations stance on Muslim American immigrants and the press.

Environmental effects

Compounding the potential human suffering caused by Trumps proposed wall and deportation projects, activists say, are potentially catastrophic environmental effects.

The sudden growth of Tijuanas population means more waste and pollution. In Scorpion Canyon, where Haitian migrants James* and George* live in a makeshift migrant shelter, a population spurt has put sudden pressure on water and other resources in the area.

There is no rubbish collection in these parts of Tijuana as they are difficult for rubbish collection trucks to access, notes social justice advocate and longtime Tijuana resident Susan Smith. Rubbish dots the walkway from the canyon back to the pavement. On the dirt road, a malodorous fire burns in the distance.

Many migrants complain of a lack of toilet facilities and access to water. In 2010, the United Nations General Assembly voted to recognise access to water and sanitation services as a human right. It is one that these people are denied. One man who had been deported from the US and who spoke to Al Jazeera on the streets of Tijuanas Northern Zone complained that he did not have anywhere to wash or go to the toilet.

Similar to US cities which struggle with rampant homelessness, such as San Francisco, find a build-up of human excrement in the streets, the same exists in a Tijuana confronted with a suddenly larger homeless population.

Ecological implications

Environmentalists expressed their concerns over the ecological implications of the wall.

Trumps proposed border wall would be devastating for people and animals that have migrated for centuries across the USs southern border with Mexico, said Monica Embrey, senior energy and climate campaigner at international environmentalist organisation Greenpeace.

The president of environmental non-profit Defenders of Wildlife, Jamie Rappaport Clark, has issued a statement saying that the wall would bisect and isolate iconic southwestern landscapes and push vulnerable borderland species, such as jaguars, Mexican grey wolves and ocelots, to the brink of extinction.

Rebekah Hinojosa is a Tejana  a Mexican American from Texas  community organiser with the Texas Sierra Club, whose own family has lived at the border between the US and Mexico for generations.

From one end of the border in Tijuana, California to the other end in Brownsville, Texas, over 37 federal laws that protect indigenous peoples, our environment and wildlife must be waived and ignored in order to create a pathway for the border wall, she said via email.

The violence of the wall includes severing a wildlife corridor for endangered species and seizing poor peoples land by eminent domain. Border walls also often act as hazardous dams. Rainfall washes plants and trash against the metal pillars and the water pours downslope into poor communities that are already without drainage infrastructure, she added.

Hinojosa, like many in Tijuana, cites past precedent with the existing border walls when discussing the potential ramifications of Trumps bid.

In 2008, the section of wall that bisects the Arizona/Sonora border backed water up to over six feet deep; two people drowned and residents suffered millions of dollars of damage. Border communities, from Tijuana to Rio Grande Valley of Texas, experience generational poverty and yet the Trump administration is fixated on spending billions of dollars for walls that do nothing but act as monuments to racism.

A low-intensity conflict zone

By a section of the wall not far from where Alfredo, who lives in a shelter for deportees on Tijuana Beach, and dozens of other migrants sleep, social justice advocate Smith shows Al Jazeera new additions made to the wall under the Obama administration and what they have done to her city.

RELATED  Living on the edges: Life in the colonias of Texas

The wall is always being updated and repaired, she said. Last year, lighting and access roads were carved into the landscape. You could do laser light surgery with the lights. Blinding lights.

Beyond the grating on the American side, peeking out from the darkness at night, as Smith speaks to Al Jazeera, US Border Patrol vehicles are parked or idling with their headlights on at various points across the barrier. In certain parts, where the headlights show through grating, they are almost ghostly.

Helicopters occasionally circle overhead.

READ MORE: Donald Trump doubles down on deportation plan

It already looks, Smith says, like a low-intensity conflict zone. It remains unclear what Tijuana with a new border wall will look like.

Smith, who is a Buddhist, worked to erect a monument on the Mexican side of the wall commemorating the signing of the Treaty of Tlatelolco, a nuclear non-proliferation agreement of Latin American states that on February 14 had its 50th anniversary. For her, this is the only construction this area needs. She hopes to plant a tree beside the monument.

She hopes that someday, Tijuana families will be able to picnic there.

* Names changed to conceal their identities.

This is the third story in a five-part series looking at the US-Mexico wall and the people who live alongside it. If you want to follow this story, please enter your email here
Muslim women from four different European countries share their views on the European Court of Justices ruling.

The European Unions top law court ruled on Tuesday that employers are entitled to ban staff from wearing visible religious symbols  a decision some said was a direct attack on women wearing hijabs at work.

The European Court of Justice said it does not constitute direct discrimination if a firm has an internal rule banning the wearing of any political, philosophical or religious sign.

The court gave a judgment in the cases of two women, in France and Belgium, who were dismissed for refusing to remove their hijabs, or the headscarf worn by many Muslim women who feel it is part of their religion.

Al Jazeera spoke to four women for their views on the ruling.

The European Court of Justice has chosen to protect companies instead of citizens

Warda El-Kaddouri was the UN Youth Delegate for Belgium in 2015 and 2016.

When my youngest sister decided to wear a hijab at the age of 18, the feeling that overcame my parents was one of fear: Fear for their child not to be accepted; to be burdened by her choice; to be deprived of her educational and professional opportunities; even to be verbally or physically attacked in public  which actually happened.

Empowerment of women, to me, means having the freedom to make your own decisions about your own body. Today, this only seems to be the case for women choosing to wear less, not for women choosing to wear more. If I want to consider wearing a hijab, I want to be able to do that without having to fear losing my job. My capacities and talents as a person do not change by wearing a piece of chiffon on my head.

I have seen veiled young women taking rejection after rejection after rejection for internships or jobs on the basis of their hijab. I have seen how they slowly slipped into a mental state of demotivation and alienation  even depression. How can we demand women take something off in order to participate in society?

Being able to work is a crucial factor of social participation, and thus of integration. Instead of making the labour market more accessible to ethnic and religious minorities and to women  two socially vulnerable groups  we choose to create more obstacles for veiled Muslim women. Why should a woman take off her veil in order to receive equal opportunities?

The principle of neutrality is understood differently in different countries. Whereas a Sikh can wear a turban as part of a police uniform in the UKs multicultural society model, a Muslim cannot wear a hijab in a public function in Frances laicised society model. Belgium is somewhere in between these two models. I believe an individual wearing a religious symbol does not necessarily compromise the neutrality of the state as an institution as long as the public servants work according to the rules of the particular state.

I would even go as far as arguing that visible religious diversity is in fact the very outcome of a neutral state. The forced absence of religious symbols, such as the hijab, cannot be neutral as the Flemish right-wing parties proclaim.

Belgium has also not been immune to the extreme right-wing populist and nationalist parties in Europe. Politicians, public intellectuals and opinion-makers making racially prejudiced and stigmatising statements have been the rule rather than the exception. The ruling enforces already existing bans on religious symbols in public institutions such as schools and city halls in Belgium. Therefore, the political parties on the extreme right feel justified to continue their business as usual.

Muslim women who choose to wear a hijab already know in advance that their job opportunities are limited. I cannot think of a socially more vulnerable group than veiled Muslim women with a migration background, as they can be discriminated against on the basis of their ethnicity, gender and visible religion.

The new ruling has given companies a legal way to get rid of the hijab. The European Court of Justice has chosen to protect companies instead of citizens.

The psychological impact on European Muslims in general cannot be underestimated.

Against the background of an increasingly hostile political atmosphere, my peace of mind relied on the judicial pillars of democracy. Being a woman of colour, I assumed that  even in the worst case xenophobic scenarios  I could always fall back on the legal system to protect my basic human rights. Now, I am not that certain any more. I can see the same fear in the eyes of my Muslim family members, my colleagues, my friends.

Neutrality is an illusion

Aya Sabi is a 21-year-old Dutch writer and columnist.

Although the ruling was applied to all faiths, it started with an incident with a headscarf and in practice we see that this law especially affects Muslim women wearing a headscarf and people from the Sikh community.

The headscarf bothers people because people have in their head a very defined image of Muslims and Islam which [for them] is terrifying  Employers are afraid of losing their customers, maybe even afraid of the headscarf, which is why the principle of neutrality is established. But neutrality is an illusion.

Neutral is actually another word for normal, what we accept as OK, and everything outside of that is not OK. Today [the ruling suggests that] these are Muslims, they are not OK, not normal, and dont belong here. In other words, they are not home.

If you are served by a woman with a headscarf, whether she sits at the counter, or works with you, or teaches you, she is first and foremost a woman who has chosen that morning to cover her hair as [a decision about] her body first. And since her body is first and foremost hers, no one has the right to question that choice, let alone prohibit her.

For Muslim women a headscarf is not an accessory; rather, it is a part of their belief

Ilknur Kucuk is a 38-year-old writer of Turkish origin.

My 11-year-old daughter once asked me: Mama, shall I leave Germany to study wearing a headscarf, as you did to leave your home country to study? I said No honey, in Germany you will be able to study and work with a headscarf. Dont worry. But today Im not sure if she can do so.

I had to leave Turkey because of the headscarf problem 20 years ago to be able to study wearing a headscarf. I am one of the people who had difficult times due to religious belief.

I find the decision of the European Court of Justice, which allows private companies to ban the visible wearing of any political, philosophical or religious sign, as a very crucial decision. The judgment comes as some European countries, such as the Netherlands, France, and Germany, are in a critical election season.

In recent years  along with [far-right populist] Pegida [Patriotic Europeans Against the Islamisation of the West Patriotic]  Germanys far-right party the Alternative for Germany [AfD] became more and more popular. Overall, the rise of far-right parties or movements cant be stopped. In such a situation I consider the ruling of the European Court of Justice more political than legal.

For Muslim women a headscarf is not an accessory; rather, it is a part of their belief. So, just like ones ethnicity, it cant be changed or replaced. The headscarf ban will keep Muslim women out of jobs and business.

If we look at supporters of the headscarf ban in Germany, we will see that most of them are people who dont have deep insights into Islam and Muslims.

For example, I had German neighbours who never visited a Muslim family. When we became closer they asked me so many questions about Islam and Muslim women. After a while they said We recognise that actually, until now, we didnt know Muslim people.

Unfortunately, the headscarf ban will make the over four million Muslims living in Germany more discriminated against. In the future I will continue to write and fight for our rights.

All views have been edited for clarity and length.
In cramped and unhygienic camps thousands of refugees face disease, hunger and uncertainty about the future.

Balukhali, Bangladesh  Hafiz Shafiqs infant son has been crying all night. He has been suffering from diarrhoea for the past two weeks, and now he has developed a fever and is vomiting.

The seven-month-olds condition is deteriorating and with no medical facilities in the camp for Rohingya refugees where his family lives in Bangladeshs Balukhali township  about 45km southeast of Coxs Bazar  there is nobody to help.

Doctors Without Borders (MSF) runs a free clinic nearly 7km away in Kutupalong, but most of the refugees at Balukhali, including Shafiq, prefer to consult unqualified locals who act as doctors.

A tense Shafiq, who does not know his age but thinks he is between 22 and 25, pleads for money to take his son to one.

IN PICTURES: Chased from Myanmar, unwelcome in Bangladesh

I never thought Id be in a position to ask a stranger for money, Shafiq says.

He opts to consult Khorshad Alam, who works as a private doctor in a room at the back of a chemist shop off a narrow alleyway in Kutupalong Bazar  a market mainly frequented by the Rohingya community. The one-room clinic has two beds, both of which are occupied by women receiving intravenous drips.

The doctors lips and gums are stained red from chewing betel nut. His prescription states that he has received Local Medical Assistant and Family Planning (LMAF) training. But according to Bangladeshi law, LMAF medics are not considered qualified to prescribe medication. Still, Khorshad prescribes four types of medication for baby Shahid and administers two injections.

Seven months ago, when Shahid was born, Shafiq was living comfortably with his parents, and running his own shop in his home village of Bodibazar, in Rakhine state, across the border in Myanmar .

Hundreds of Rohingya killed

Although the Rohingya have lived in Myanmar for centuries, they were stripped of their citizenship in 1982 effectively rendering them stateless. Their movement is tightly restricted by the authorities.

More than 90,000 Rohingya Muslims have fled Myanmar since October when the military launched a crackdown against what it called Rohingya insurgents after an attack on an army post.

Since then hundreds of Rohingya civilians have been killed. The United Nations has accused Myanmars military of committing crimes against humanity.

They burned homes, and went around raping women in our village, says Shafiq. They torched my shop.

They hate any marks of Islam  my beard, my cap, my dress, he adds.

Fearing for his life, Shafiq crossed the Naf River with his wife and son in November, leaving his parents and business behind.

Thousands of other refugees have also found their way to makeshift camps along the border areas, in places such as Kutupalong, Nayapara and Leda in Coxs Bazar, a major city in southern Bangladesh.

As refugees continue to pour in, many have been directed to the Balukhali camp, which has been set up near salt fields and offers little protection from harsh weather conditions and wild animals.

This is not Shafiqs first time in Bangladesh. From the age of six, he attended an Islamic madrasa in Coxs Bazar. He only left three years ago. Educational institutions in Myanmar are segregated and, since the outbreak of violence against Rohingya in 2012, members of the community have not been able to attend university.

It would take him an hour and a half to reach his school in Bangladesh from his village in Myanmar, Shafiq explains. My village is five minutes from a point where we can cross the border  it was usual for people to cross back and forth, he says.

REPORTERS NOTEBOOK: Rohingya camps in Bangladesh and Thailand, worlds apart

But when Shafiq crossed this time, it was to live in a hut in the Balukhali camp built by his uncle, who left Myanmar years ago. Many other refugees are not as fortunate  too poor to build a hut, they live under tarpaulin in the woods.

Underground aid

Rohingya refugees have been living in Bangladesh since the 1970s. Estimates of the total number vary from 300,000 to 500,000. Most of the refugee camps are located off the Teknaf-Coxs Bazar highway that runs along the Naf River that separates Bangladesh and Myanmar.

Balukhali camp has ballooned to accommodate many of the recent arrivals, while many older refugees have moved out of the camps to live as undocumented immigrants within Bangladeshi communities.

Every fortnight, the World Food Programme (WFP) gives 25kg of rice and fortified food to the most vulnerable Rohingya families in the camps.

It also runs a supplementary programme for young children and pregnant and lactating women, while the MSF regularly conducts immunisation campaigns among the children.

But the WFP only recently began distributing food at Balukhali. They say they will now do so every 15 days.

In February, an aid ship from Malaysia delivered supplies, some of which reached the Balukhali camp.

The refugees say they have been receiving food rations through unofficial channels.

We get about 5kg of rice every few days, explains Shafiq, adding that he doesnt know where it comes from.

The Bangladeshi government has strongly discouraged the distribution of aid to Rohingya refugees and banned three NGOs from doing so, saying that it will encourage more to cross the border.

When approached by Al Jazeera, both the interior and the foreign ministries declined to comment on this.

Any truck containing aid is turned back at the Morichya checkpoint [a checkpoint along the highway where the refugee camps are located], unless they have express approval from the government, says social welfare activist Abul Kashem, who regularly organises shipments of aid to the camps.

We have to tell the authorities that the material is for locals. That is the only way they allow the trucks to pass.

A WFP official told us on the condition of anonymity that it took much effort on the organisations part to obtain the governments approval to distribute aid to Rohingya.

But as the refugee numbers swelled, more official aid did start to trickle into the camps.

READ MORE: Who are the Rohingya?

The International Organization for Migration distributed blankets, soap, torches, water pitchers and other basic supplies to each family, explains Shafiq, who recalls how the mood at the camp was very happy when that happened.

Life at Balukhali

When I first visited Balukhali camp, which has been built on a recently deforested hill, in the first week of February, there were just over 800 huts. Two weeks later, it had grown to more than 1,700. Locals from a nearby village were selling building materials at the camps entrance.

The huts are made of plastic sheets stretched over bamboo frames. The sand-battered sheets are covered with tree branches and dry leaves to shield them from the sun.

Each rectangular hut is about 2.5 metres wide and 3.6 metres long. You must stoop to enter but may just be able to stand upright at the point where the roof is highest.

At night, the residents fear that wild animals will enter the camp from the adjacent forest. We moved our house a few days ago because we were scared of the elephants, Shafiq says.

Until recently, there were no toilets in the camps and men could be seen urinating in the sand. Others would go into the forest for more privacy.

I cant even begin to tell you how hard it is to adapt to not having toilets, Shafiq says.

Risk of disease

Toilets have recently been installed, although the refugees say they dont know who provided them. Some credit residents of nearby villages, others say it was religious organisations.

But even since their installation, the smell of faeces has intensified as more people arrive at the camp daily.

Activist Kashem, who occasionally volunteers for NGOs, believes that there is a risk of a cholera outbreak. Four Rohingya residents, including two children, at Balukhali camp have died of diarrhoea in recent weeks.

About a month ago, the NGO SHED distributed water filters to every hut in an effort to contain the outbreak of disease. Before that, the refugees drank water directly from the tube wells installed for them by local residents.

Kashem is concerned that the rains, which are still several weeks away, will worsen the already poor hygiene conditions.

Almost all of the refugees have friends and relatives who fled before them. Like Shafiq, many fall back on these networks for survival. This is especially true in Balukhali, where most have no means of making a living.

[The] day before yesterday we had only rice with salt [for lunch], because there was nothing else. Today is a good day, there is tilapia fish and vegetables, says Shafiq.

But other refugees are facing even greater hardships. Mohammed Hashem, 38, and Noyon Shona, 30, for example, have to take care of their five children as well as four of their nephews, who were orphaned in the latest round of violence in Myanmar.

READ MORE: High-level UN probe needed for Rohingya

The countrys military set fire to the houses in their village, Hashem explains, and the villagers tried to escape whichever way they could. But Hashems brother and sister-in-law didnt survive.

My brother was a big man, he says. He could not escape. He was shot by the Burmese [Myanmar] armed forces while trying to flee.

One day at a time

Hashem is the only breadwinner in his family. He works in a paddy field for about 300 Bangladeshi Taka ($3.74) a day when work is available. But still his family eats only one meal on most days.

Shafiq spends most of his time at the newly built mosque leading prayers, teaching children at the madrasa, and delivering sermons. He says his only source of income is a small honorarium he gets as the mosques imam.

An LED light bulb in his hut reveals the special status Shafiq enjoys, as a local villager has shared the electricity from his own solar panel with him for free.

The hut is divided by a curtain and Shafiqs wife, Rokeya Begum, joins the conversation from behind it only when she is addressed.

Rokeya, 22, endured a difficult pregnancy. She gave birth by caesarean section and required expensive treatment during and following the procedure.

Shafiq paid for this with loans, and sometimes cash from friends and acquaintances he has made in Bangladesh over the years. I used to feel ashamed, but I cant any more, he reflects.

Unpacking his blue plastic paan (betel leaf) box, Shafiq laments: If I was in Myanmar, I could show you how we honour guests. We always have extra food in the house. We always entertain our guests at home. But right now were just scraping by one day at a time.

Searching for work

Being in close proximity to a port, construction sites and salt fields, the refugee camps in Kutupalong, Nayapara and Leda offer better opportunities for the refugees to earn a living.

The main road passing through the Leda camp is a bustling bazaar, with hundreds of shops run by refugees.

But Balukhali is isolated and there are few work opportunities here. There is one main grocery store run by a resident from a nearby village, and a few tea stalls, which are also mostly run by villagers. A few of the refugees help out in local peoples houses, but most must rely on finding work as labourers on farms.

Jamal Hossain, 18, and Ezhar Hossain, 25, (who are not related) have to travel from the camp to Coxs Bazar for work.

Its a gamble, because they may or may not get work at the end of it. For the past five days they have been fortunate to have found work in paddy fields. Between the two of them, they were paid 1,200 Taka ($15) for a days labour. But they had to spend nearly half of it on travel as it costs around 280 Taka per person for a round trip to Coxs Bazar.

If we dont get work one morning, we have to spend out of our pockets to get back home, explains Jamal.

Even though the security forces do not formally restrict the movement of Rohingya, Shafiq says they often endure targeted searches at checkpoints. If they find out a person is Rohingya, theyll search their things, and often harass them.

Seeking the light of education

The Myanmar government announced on February 15 that it had ended its military operation against the Rohingya. I have been in constant contact with my parents and siblings, and they are safe back home, says Shafiq.

But, despite the hardships in Bangladesh, Shafiq and Rokeya are not planning to return home. We will stay where the chances are best to educate our son, says Rokeya.

I want him to learn all different subjects, and not be limited, says Shafiq.



EXCLUSIVE: Strong evidence of genocide in Myanmar

There are no schools in Balukhali. The madrasas teach only Islamic studies and the language of instruction is limited to Arabic. There are no options for children to learn Bengali or English.

The primary schools at the camps in Kutupalong and Nayapara are restricted to registered and older refugees. But even if Shafiqs son were to somehow gain access to one of those schools, anything beyond primary level will be legally impossible if the current situation prevails.

Government schools only admit those with identification documents, which only a handful of Rohingya refugees are able to procure.

Through his work at the mosque and madrasa, Shafiq has become popular with residents of the nearby villages. He hopes one of them will eventually be able to help him enrol his son in a school. A cleric from Feni invited me to go back with him, and said that he could help me, he says.

Right now he [Shahid] is young. When he is older, I want to educate him. It is the only way he will be a man.

In January, the Bangladeshi government proposed relocating the Rohingya refugees to a remote island in the Bay of Bengal.

Shafiq says people at the camp believe that the government wont force them to leave.

If its a nice place, people would go, but weve heard that it floods and that its not quite habitable.
Moscow is trying to become an arbiter between Haftar and Sarraj and position itself as an indispensable negotiator.

Russia is ready to step up its support of rebel factions in Libyas eastern region and get a foothold in North Africa, but it will not deploy its military there, Russian analysts say.

The Kremlin is adamant about establishing itself as a mediator in the Libyan conflict and regain its former influence on the Arab country, in a bid to contain both the Western ambitions and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) groups threat in the North African region, Kremlin insiders told Al Jazeera.

However, they said that at this stage Moscow may not have the financial or military capabilities to play anything more than an indirect role in support of its Libyan ally, renegade General Khalifa Haftar.

READ MORE: What is Russias endgame in Libya?

As the Libyan National Army loyal to General Haftar regained control of the two oil ports of Ras Lanuf and Es Sider early this week, news reports suggesting Russia has deployed private military contractors in security operations near Benghazi, an area under Haftars control, have been denied by Russian official sources.

Russias support for Haftar, who has refused to acknowledge the UN-backed Tripoli Government led by Prime Minister Fayez Sarraj, has frustrated Western attempts to implement a political solution that would include all Libyan factions, including Islamists, in a power-sharing deal.

Relying on sponsors such as Russia, Egypt, the UAE and France, Haftar has succeeded in creating a stalemate that has gradually eroded Sarrajs chances of governing the country under the label of the Libyan Political Agreement (LPA) signed in 2015.

Russias relationship with Haftar is the result of a very simple equation. Russia backs Egypt, Haftars main supporter, said Pavel Felgenhauer, a Moscow-based military analyst. General Haftar has declared war on terrorism and this coincides with Russias main objective in the region: wiping out the terrorist threat posed by the Islamic State, Felgenhauer told Al Jazeera.

Felgenhauer confirmed reports that Russia is using military contractors in Libya, saying that it is part of a consolidated trend in recent conflicts. He added that outsourcing the military fight helps avoid a political backlash at home.

If Russia, Egypt and others continue to support Haftar, there is no way out of the crisis  It's tragic how we are just seeing foreign players repeating the model of many other civil wars, whereby they formally endorse a peace agreement but work under the table to undo it. by Nezar Krikshi, a Libyan analyst based in Turkey

Russia is not sending its troops to help Haftar and is unlikely to do so in the near future. We are rather relying on private military contractors and mercenaries. We are already using contractors in Syria, where they are suffering serious losses, because they are doing the real fighting instead of Russian servicemen. Private contractors are very convenient because they have no political strings attached.

Felgenhauer said the employment of private contractors has been facilitated by a new legal framework aimed at regulating Russian private military companies. In addition to limited financial resources, Russia cannot afford outstretching its military or financial capabilities at a moment when Moscow is involved in other strategic conflicts on its doorstep.

Contractors are cheaper [than servicemen] and we need to use our financial resources as best as we can. With the conflict in Donbass simmering, Crimea, the war in Syria still under way, Russia doesnt have the appetite or the resources to go into Libya, Felgenhauer said. Russia is keen on establishing a foothold in Libya and have some influence there, but committing resources is a different matter.

Asked whether Russia was already supporting Haftar financially and militarily, Felgenhauer said Russia was ready to trade with Haftar but would not offer its help for free.

Russia may provide weaponry, military training, logistical support, but we would seek some sort of compensation. Haftar has an oil income and Russia may be ready to trade.

The same discourse applies to Egypt, the Kremlins main ally in the region. Asked to comment on Russian media reports that the Kremlin was negotiating the opening of a military base on the border with Libya, Felgenhauer didnt deny the reports. He said Egypt asked for enormous economic aid in exchange for allowing a Russian military base on its soil.





We are ready to sell [] to Egypt, as much as they are ready to buy. But not for a military base. We have other strategic interests in the Arctic, the Caucasus, Central Asia. President [Fattah el-] Sisi will have to compete with other priorities in Russias defence spending, Felgenhauer said.

Russian analysts agree that Russias support for General Haftar has been dictated by its concerns about the spread of ISIL on Europes doorstep and its intent to set up a broad anti-terrorism coalition. In addition, Moscow is seeking to play a mediating role in Libya that would allow it to establish a privileged relationship with the countrys leadership in its future dealings.

On March 3, Moscow invited Fayez Sarraj to a two-day visit to Moscow, where he met Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and a representative of Haftars camp. According to Sergey Strokan, a political commentator at Kommersant, the meeting was a turning point in Russias strategy in Libya.

Moscow is now able to communicate with both sides directly and play a pivotal role in the future of the conflict. An outcome that Western leaders may not have welcomed but they formally acknowledged Russias role as potentially useful to solving the stalemate in Libya, Strokan told Al Jazeera.

Moscow has been successful in imposing strongman Haftar as an indispensable player. And Russia is officially sitting at the negotiating table, after Syria, now also in Libya.

OPINION: ISILs gains in Libya and the case for intervention

President Vladimir Putins veiled ambition is to re-establish a Soviet-style presence in the Middle East and North Africa, while taking advantage of the void left by the United States in the region, where Arab leaders have consolidated the perception of a political disengagement by the White House in the region.

Moscow is trying to become an arbiter between General Haftar and Sarraj and position itself as an indispensable negotiator, an investment on its future role in the region that comes with limited investment, the Russian analysts agreed.

We are doing the same in the case of Egypt and Turkey, Israel and Iran. We talk to those who do not talk to each other. Is it a strategy that will pay off? I dont know, but thats the blueprint, said Felgenhauer.

Sergey Markov, director of Russian Institute of Political Studies and a pro-Kremlin voice, provided a very different perspective of Russias intentions towards Libya.

Libya is a camp for Russias confrontation against NATO. Toppling the former regime has been a foolish move that has sent into motion the collapse of all the states in the North African continent. Russia has considered this an act of aggression, Markov said. Russia has felt obliged to intervene into the conflict and will try to do so to its advantage, although I dont think there is a defined strategy towards Libya right now.

Speaking to Al Jazeera, Markov said Russias main concern is the possible spread of ISIL on large sections of Libyan territory, with its potential devastating consequences for Europe. Haftar is the most secular figure in Libya right now and it was obvious for Russia to bet on him, given also Egypts support.





But Libyan analysts say Russia has a simplistic vision of the reality on the ground in Libya and by endorsing Haftar or imposing a negotiating model, they wont go too far.

Six years after the ousting of former leader Muammar Gaddafi, the country is a failed state in which anarchy reigns. Divisions are not just between the east and the west of the country, there are many more players and centres of power within the countrys tribal tissue.

Nezar Krikshi, a Libyan analyst based in Turkey, said foreign powers on both sides of the conflict should stop fuelling sectarian tensions and work around the UN-backed LPA, the only legitimate legal framework now available.

If Russia and Egypt and others continue to support Haftar there is no way out of the crisis  Its tragic how we are just seeing foreign players repeating the model of many other civil wars, whereby they formally endorse a peace agreement but work under the table to undo it, said Krikshi. The LPA is not perfect, but it is the only thing we have right now.

Krikshi said Libyan public opinion is deeply divided over who to support, as distrust towards all the players involved, foreign and domestic, has sunk in, making a political solution more and more unlikely. However addressing the peoples basic needs is essential to reignite some of the peoples hope into the capability of the UN-backed government of Sarraj to overcome the political and economic crisis, he said.
Antakya, Turkey  Freedom! was the first chant Lina Shamy shouted against the Syrian regime in April 2011. She remembers her eyes tearing when the word left her throat. She was only 21 when she joined students of Aleppo University during a protest.

Anti-regime demonstrations had started in Daraa in mid-March and spread across the country.

[The first protest I joined] was 20 April 2011, says Linas husband, Youssef Moussa. As he tries to describe it, a lump in his throat muffles his words. His eyes tear and he pauses.

The first protest is about breaking your personal fears, says Youssef. He was 25 years old when the revolution broke out. Like Lina, he was studying architecture at Aleppo University.

The people want the fall of the regime! was the first chant he uttered that broke his fear of the regime.

READ MORE: Syrias Civil War Explained

Living under a regime that seemed omniscient and everlasting, constantly suppressing political dissent, many Syrians would not talk about politics or even think about it, Lina and Youssef say. Those first chants against the regime transformed their lives.

Sitting in a cafe in the southern Turkish city of Antakya, both are overwhelmed with emotion as they reminisce about the Syrian revolution and the events of the spring and summer of 2011 they lived through just 100km away, in Aleppo.

The revolution is life in all its aspects. It is the future, says Lina.

In the first days of the revolution, as videos of protests across the country started appearing  from Daraa to Raqqa  Youssef would lock himself in his dorm room and download each one of them in a hidden folder on his computer. He says he would watch these videos and cry.

Some people say that we got fed up after six years and it's enough. I disagree, after six years of all these people giving up their lives for us to live in freedom and dignity, I cannot leave. by Lina Shamy, a Syrian activist

He remembers vividly one video he saw in April 2011: A man by the name of Ahmed Beyasi standing in front of the camera with his ID describing the crackdown on a protest in the village of Beyda near the southern Syrian city of Baniyas (Tartous province). Ahmed spoke out after Syrian state media claimed that a video of soldiers kicking and humiliating protesters in his village was fake.

He was the first one in Syria to have the courage to show his face in front of the camera and speak, Youssef says.

Around the same time, Lina stopped going to the Faculty of Engineering to do school work. She says she couldnt stand listening to some of the students supporting Bashar al-Assad saying that the protesters deserved to die. Instead, she would stay at home and work to the sound of the revolutionary songs that were coming out of protests across the country.

She says her favourite one was by Tariq al-Aswad, a protester who started singing during protests in Homs. He died in 2012 during a bombing by regime forces.

Before the revolution, Lina and Youssef say they were both busy studying and planning how to leave Syria, where they saw no future for themselves.

[Hafez al-Assad] built a strong military and security structure in Syria. People were even afraid of uttering his name, recalls Youssef.

Lina says young people felt that the country did not belong to them.





In school, we had to salute Hafez al-Assad every morning. He was a sacred omnipresent symbol: His image was in classrooms, in universities, in shops, all public buildings, everywhere wed go. Everything belonged to Assad, Lina adds.

She says it was her greatest fear that she would graduate and get employed in a bureaucratic state institution and live a routine life regulated to the minutia by the regime.

The revolution not only wiped out this nightmarish scenario, but it also set her on a completely different life path. Taking up the revolution as her calling, Lina started living a precarious new life as an activist. But it was this new life that brought her together with her husband, Youssef.

Although they both studied at Aleppo University at the same time, they did not meet until 2013.

I was against marriage, to be honest, admits Youssef. He says he did not want to marry because he thought that the institution of marriage was burdened by bureaucratic customs and materialism.

Meeting Lina and getting to know her while working with her on a project to improve housing in a refugee camp in northern Syria changed his mind.

READ MORE: Searching for a light: Syrian children struggle with trauma

I started thinking to myself, what do you want? And suddenly decided that I want to marry Lina, recalls Youssef. He proposed on WhatsApp. He sweated for half an hour before Lina responded with a yes. They were married within a month, without the usual Syrian wedding pomp, but with a healthy dose of revolutionary spirit.

The revolution created this marriage, says Youssef with conviction. I love him because he loves the revolution, adds Lina. The revolution got them together but it also separated them from many loved ones. They have lost a lot of friends and family members since 2011.

In May 2011, a university friend went to his hometown Binnish [in Idlib province] on a Friday. On Sunday, he did not come back, recalls Youssef. His friend had joined a Friday protest which regime forces broke down, firing live rounds at the people. We received a video of him dying  red stains around the heart as he was taking his last breaths. It was our friend, who had been with us just the day before, says Youssef. That same year, he also lost his brother, who died after regime forces arrested him.

Some people say that we got fed up after six years and its enough. I disagree, after six years of all these people giving up their lives for us to live in freedom and dignity; I cannot leave, says Lina.





Lina and Youssef lived in Aleppo throughout the months-long siege on the eastern part of the city. They say there were many moments in which they thought they would not see each other. They were some of the last people to leave the city. The loss of Aleppo was a big shock and put many supporters of the Syrian revolution into despair.

We passed through the loss of Aleppo, the loss of a lot of territory, through psychological and physical illness. But the revolution is bigger than all this. Its bigger than losing an area or a battle, says Youssef.

Neither are thinking of giving up on their activism. After a few weeks in Turkey, they are planning on going back to northern Syria to continue with their work.

There is still hope. There is always hope, says Lina.
This time the polls overestimated rather than underestimated support for the populist option.

Not a populist revolt American or British style, but fragmentation Israeli style. That is the result of March 15 elections the Netherlands.

The country is not heading for the Dutch Spring that Geert Wilders, the leader of the staunchly anti-Islam, anti-immigration and anti-EU Party for Freedom (PVV) had predicted.

There is not going to be a European Union referendum, let alone a Nexit. Instead the Netherlands is heading for probably the most complicated coalition formation in living history.

The result will be a government of at least four parties, making the kind of tough and unpopular decisions that face the country more difficult than ever before. This could come back to haunt the parties now celebrating their victory.

What do the results mean?

This was the first general election in a Western country since the United States President Donald Trump was elected president and the United Kingdom voted to leave the EU.

For once, foreign media took an interest in the Netherlands and descended in great numbers on the country, lured by opinion polls promising a neck-and-neck race between Wilders and the incumbent Prime Minister Mark Rutte.

Had Wilders come first, the narrative of a populist wave sweeping over the West would have been vindicated. Only 30 years ago the Netherlands was a byword in much of the world for tolerance and liberalism.

The psychological effect of the PVV being the biggest party in the country would have been huge. A Wilders victory would also have boosted Marine Le Pens campaign to become the next French president and take her country out of the EU.

Though the exact results are still to come in, Wilders ended up with no more than around 14 percent of the vote. Indeed, if 1 percent had gone the other way Wilders would have ended fourth rather than second.

The big story coming out of this Dutch election, then, is the further and possibly final disintegration of the two parties that have dominated Northern European politics since World War II: The Christian Democrats and the Social Democrats.

That coalition government will probably take a long time to form and will comprise at least four parties. As the Israeli experience shows that is a recipe for stagnation since there will be one coalition partner objecting to tough decisions and threatening to walk out. by

Thirty years ago the Dutch Labour Party and the Christian democrats still had more than two thirds of the vote between them. This time the Labour Party and the Christian Democrats did not even get one third of the vote taken together.

In their place have come a wide range of parties. There are now two green parties in the Netherlands, one pro-EU and one anti. There are two left-wing parties, the decimated Social Democrats and the now much bigger Socialist Party. There is a single issue party for senior citizens and two parties for strict or even fundamentalist Christians.

This election also saw the breakthrough of a populist party for immigrants, DENK. It is led by two Dutchmen of Turkish descent who use the same kind of conspiracy theories and personal attacks on opponents that served Trump so well.

Coalition options

The question is now who will govern. Unlike the US, the UK or France, the Netherlands has a system of proportional representation, meaning that the 21 percent of the vote garnered by the VVD of incumbent Prime Minister Mark Rutte translates into 21 percent of the seats in parliament.

In other words, the Dutch do not elect a prime minister or president. They elect a party which will then try to form a coalition with other parties  not even once in the past century has a single party won an absolute majority.

That coalition government will probably take a long time to form and will comprise at least four parties. As the Israeli experience shows, that is a recipe for stagnation since there will be one coalition partner objecting to tough decisions and threatening to walk out.

That said, two likely options present themselves: There could be a right-grey coalition of centre-of-right parties plus the single-issue party for senior citizens.

There could also be a right-green coalition, bringing in the elections biggest winner, the Green Party led by Jesse Klaver.

OPINION  Dutch elections: What is the Wilders effect?

The man all the foreign journalists had come for, Wilders, did not look happy after the results came in and he had every reason not to. Many Dutch observers believe Wilders has peaked and is unlikely ever to get beyond 20 percent. Since all other parties have excluded forming a coalition with him, Wilders is going nowhere.

On the other hand, Wilders has never shown any serious inclination to actually govern anyway. Unlike Marine Le Pen in France he is not building an actual movement, preferring to keep tight control over the party Wilders is himself the only member of.

Wilders electoral programme for 2017 was nine bullet points long. Number two said: Netherlands independent again. So out of the EU.

Number seven: No more money to development aid, wind turbines, art, innovation, the public broadcaster and so on.

Until very recently there seemed to be a real possibility of Wilders PVV party becoming the biggest in the country. But alas, the polls were wrong  again. Only this time they overestimated rather than underestimated support for the populist option.

Joris Luyendijk is a Dutch news correspondent and author of Hello Everybody!: One Journalists Search for Truth in the Middle East.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy.
The latest ECJ ruling limits religious people  especially Muslim women  to being behind the scenes in the workplace.

Shelina Janmohamed is the author of Generation M: Young Muslims Changing the World and Love in a Headscarf.

On March 14, the European Court of Justice ruled that when it comes to the workplace, the ban on the wearing of any political, philosophical or religious sign such as headscarves need not constitute direct discrimination. But it can only be enforced if there are existing company rules requiring all employees to dress neutrally. It cannot be based on the wishes of a customer, it added.

Or, to put it in practical terms, it paves the way for a de facto prevention of Muslim women who wear the hijab from enjoying fully the activities and benefits of the workplace.

The ruling comes against the backdrop of rising anti-Muslim hatred across Europe, a rising amount of anti-Muslim violence, and elections in the Netherlands and Germany in which far-right voices are promoting a belligerent stance against minorities. And lets not forget the US President Donald Trumps Muslim ban.

Making discrimination acceptable





The ECJ ruling was slippery. An internal employer-led rule banning religious symbols is acceptable in pursuit of the aim of neutrality. But an external customers wish not to deal with staff wearing religious symbols would not give the right to the employer to force the employee to remove the symbol.

The ruling further explained in a contradictory fashion that despite the fact that a customers wishes could not be taken into account, the employer could move an employee with a religious symbol away from interacting with customers. Further, the employer needed to offer such alternative opportunities.

The ruling limits visibly religious people  and especially Muslim women  to being behind-the-scene roles, excluded or not fully enjoying the opportunities of the workplace and self-fulfilment.

It is likely that such roles will carry less responsibility and less prestige. It will push such individuals into roles that fulfil neither their potential nor aspiration.

Yet the backdrop to this is that Europe is already grappling with the fact that its company boards hugely under-represent women and minorities. In a paradoxical move, this will instead hide away minorities, especially Muslim women.

OPINION: On Muslims, swimming lessons, and European secularism

Of course, minorities of other backgrounds will be swept up with this ruling. Jewish men who wear yarmulke will be affected, and there is undoubtedly growing anti-Semitic violence. Sikh men who wear turbans may suffer too. Hate crimes against minorities are also on the rise.

The ruling implicitly accepts the idea that discrimination is acceptable, as long as lots of people are discriminated against equally. Which hardly seems in line with a European project that rose from the ashes of a war that had hatred at its very heart and whose aim was to create peace and prosperity between diverse populations.

Targeting faith communities

The Open Society Justice Initiative, a group backed by the philanthropist George Soros which had supported the women whose cases triggered the ruling, said it was disappointed.

A statement said it weakens the guarantee of equality that is at the heart of the EUs anti-discrimination directive [] The supposed neutrality is really discrimination, making the false claim that employers who allow staff to wear the headscarf are in some way not neutral.

French presidential candidate Francois Fillon said that it was an immense relief, not just for thousands of companies but also for their workers.

Fighting for women's rights and recognition in the workplace is an ongoing mission and this ruling should be seen very much as a blow for the movement as a whole. by

People who wear crucifixes or headscarves will wonder about the emotional insecurities of such companies and individuals whose very mental wellbeing seems threatened by someones necklace or pashmina.

The Conference of European Rabbis, with a membership of more than 700 Jewish leaders across Europe, said Europe was sending a clear message that its faith communities were no longer welcome.

We know that securing employment is already harder if you have a Muslim or minority ethnic name.

A recent BBC study put this at three times harder in Britain. The UKs Women and Equalities Committee did a study into Muslim employment last year and found that Muslim women suffer a triple penalty in the workplace, for being ethnic, Muslim and female (PDF).

In France, a 2014 CV testing showed that a Muslim woman wearing the hijab when applying for a job had a 1 percent return rate, while in Belgium 44 percent of employers agree that wearing a hijab can reduce a candidates chances, according to a report by the European Network Against Racism (ENAR).

European politicians have been proclaiming the need for Muslim women to become more integrated into society.

READ MORE: What the hijab means to me

Former UK Prime Minister David Cameron announced funding for English language lessons for Muslim women to push for great integration and employment.

There was no evidence to suggest language is an issue, but there is plenty of evidence that employment discrimination is a big factor in Muslim womens progress. The ECJ ruling adds another barrier to an already difficult journey Muslim women face in the workplace.

Its a gender issue too





The fact that this ruling affects Muslim women disproportionately should not be lost on women in general.

Fighting for womens rights and recognition in the workplace is an ongoing mission and this ruling should be seen very much as a blow for the movement as a whole.

Women who support this ban should take a good hard look at how womens rights are intimately tied to rights of minorities. Its a universal truth that those who wish to target minorities will not be shy of extending their oppression to women too.

Womens workplace dress is always political. Take the case of a UK company that sent home a woman for refusing to wear high heels. It was rightly criticised and an ensuing national debate discussed how we need to move away from singular traditional ideas of femininity and in particular to ensure that women do not suffer disproportionate discrimination because of their gender.

The same applies to Muslim womens clothing. The cloth of the headscarf  unlike crucifixes or yarmulkes  has no inherent religious meaning.

READ MORE: Bake-offs, hijabs and attacks against Muslim women in the UK

A woman who had experienced chemotherapy might wear it. Or a woman of West African heritage who wears a traditional headcover may or may not be Muslim. But it would only be the Muslim woman who would be penalised, again punished for her religious identity.

Another area to consider is the gender pay gap. Even the already dismal disparity often fails to highlight how women of minority backgrounds experience an even bigger gap.

Being further pushed out of roles which allow for progress and decision-making within companies will further increase the pay gap that Muslim women suffer.





The other red herring is the issue of neutrality and secularism. These notions should not be as such rulings suggest about the erasure of identities and freedoms in the public space but rather about fair treatment.

Neutrality is about allowing everyone to have the greatest chance to live up to their highest aspirations, not pandering to the lowest common denominator of homogeneity, which only serves to crush our brightest sparks.

This is a disappointing ruling by the ECJ which feels more motivated by the political climate than the fair treatment, rights and long-term inclusion of different expressions of European identity and in particular of European womanhood.

Our hope now rests with employers who understand the importance of diversity. Not only is demonstrating respect for their diverse employees and allowing them the freedom to express their religious identity the morally right thing to do, it is also the means to creative and commercial success.

Shelina Janmohamed is the author of Generation M: Young Muslims Changing the World and Love in a Headscarf.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy.
Trumps Muslim ban is integral to his long-term plan to make the US a solely white, Anglo-Saxon and Protestant nation.

The Muslim ban did not happen in one day  and it means more than one thing.

The Muslim ban did not happen last January or later in March. It happened a long time ago  day after day, piece after piece, one slander after another, systematically, consistently, with liberal laughter and conservative malice alike.

The Muslim ban was Trumps triumphant finale of a chorus long echoed in the sinuous xenophobic labyrinth of a nation always in denial of its own foreign origin, too eager to imagine and identify itself as white to demonise and expel from the shadow of its own fears all its colourful differences.

Trump is no aberration. Trump is a culmination. He is a salesman. He knows what sells in the United States, and he sells the cultivated hatred of Muslims because he knows he has customers.

From Michele Bachmann and Pamela Geller, to Bill Maher and Sam Harris, from Bernard Lewis to Daniel Pipes, all have been drumming up customers for Trumps fearmongering against Muslims for a very long time.

Laser-beaming on and demonising Trump for taking full advantage of marketing conditions, the liberals and conservatives have come together to create the conditions that have allowed Trumps xenophobia to flower in even more bitter and stranger fruits.

The known and unknown Muslims





The Muslim ban is not merely against those unknown numbers who can no longer come to the United States. The Muslim ban is far more a condemnation of those known Muslims who are already here  immigrant, naturalised, or US-born.

It is to suspend their constitutional protections and Bill of Rights, turn them into strangers in their own land if they are naturalised or US born. It is to wag Trumps finger at them and all other Muslim immigrants and tell them that they will never be American.

The Muslim ban is here to intimidate, frighten, and silence them into obedience, leading to the eradication of any trace of their character and culture. They will not be allowed to add their sign and signature to what it means to be American. As a noun, American is and it is to remain white.

The Muslim ban is to silence American Muslims into accepting the final theft of Palestine. There is a link between the Muslim ban and the appointment of a zealot settler colonialist as the next US ambassador to Israel. There is a link between the Muslim ban and the presence of another committed settler colonialist in the Oval Office as Trumps son-in-law and a key adviser.

OPINION: The US Muslim ban and the story of my Iraqi father

The Muslim ban is here to make an example of them for any other non-white, non-Christian immigrant, never to dare to stand up and claim a pride of place.

Every man, woman and child must look like Trump and his family  speak as they do, think as they do, dye their hair blonde if they have to, starch their skin white, wear colourful contact lenses if they must and preferably sport Ivanka Trumps merchandise to prove their patriotism.

The Muslim ban is the first strike towards the militant whitening of America.

The bigger picture

A close look at what the administration has been doing since the now-infamous executive order was issued on January 27  banning travellers and refugees from seven Muslim-majority nations, it has been rightly suggested , reveals a clear intent from Trumps inner circle to depopulate the United States of Muslims.

The depopulation of Muslims is the singular sign of an ideological project for the systematic ethnic cleansing of America.

The Real Goal of Trumps Travel Ban Is to Make America White Again, another headline correctly diagnoses this terrorising decision. White House adviser Stephen Bannon insists that Muslims dont have the right DNA for democracy.

Calling Trumps immigration policies ethnic cleansing has been in the air soon after his election and even before he assumed office and began implementing his vociferous campaign promises.

We are an affirmation - all in our own differently defiant ways and our very existence is the undoing of the very pernicious myth of 'white people' that for the longest time has sustained the unending course of conquest and plundering of this forever immigrant country. by

Taking a page from the Zionist playbook, Bannon has expanded the puritanical epithet to white Christianity in the US: 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, he is reported to have said.

That civic society, that nation, for Bannon and his fellow storm troopers is white, it is Christian and it is now militantly triumphalist.

It is imperative to see the Muslim ban as integral to the rest of Trumps white supremacy project for America as an exclusively White Anglo-Saxon Protestant (WASP) nation.

We Muslims now  as have Native Americans of this land for ever, then blacks, followed by Latinos and Asians  pollute Bannons puritanical white supremacy conception of his nation.

For him we have become the pariah, the untouchables, the Dalits, outside the fourfold of humanity. The Muslim ban declares Muslims as Muslims as bare life, as Italian critical thinker Giorgio Agamben calls it, we have become homo sacer.

The Muslim ban is therefore immediately related to the proposed building of a wall along the US southern border specifically designed on the Israeli apartheid wall keeping Palestinians outside their own homeland.

OPINION: How Muslim Ban incites vigilante Islamophobic violence

Trumps remarks against Mexicans being criminals and rapists just because they are Mexicans echoes similar remarks against Muslim being terrorist just for being Muslims.

Muslims and Mexicans are now the two bookends of the Trumpian dystopia. But there are many other layers in between.

The Muslim ban is equally integral to the systematic gutting of the public schools by Trumps Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos for these schools primarily cater to the poor and disenfranchised among black and Hispanic communities.

She intends to keep these schools underfunded, dilapidated, dispirited, so they would not educate and raise the next generation of visible citizens with a sense of civic responsibility.

DeVos conception of public school is the self-fulfilling prophecy of all supporters of private schools for the rich and mass incarceration for the poor.

She wants to see those who go to public school disappear from the public scene and and locked up in prisons, as her boss wants to see Muslims and Mexicans go back to where they came from and make America safe for white supremacy.

White people is a fiction

The Muslim ban is equally integral to the continued theft and desecration of Native Americans sacred lands for the sustained course of corporate greed leading the cause of predatory capitalism.

Trump does not want to see the Comanche, Apache, Navajo, Pueblo, Sioux, Cree, Ojibwe, Chippewa, Aztec or California tribal nations proudly march in Washington against his greedy Dakota Access Pipeline.

He wants them to disappear from the public sight as his supporters oppose seeing Muslim mosques or Jewish synagogues in public sight.

This is what Trump and his neo-Nazi-like alt-right stormtroopers like Stephen Bannon, Stephen Miller and Sebastian Gorka, now all gathered at the White House will and want and intend  and the more they unleash their violent racism against all of us, the more the necessity of not allowing him to play one non-white group against the other.

OPINION: All international laws Trumps Muslim ban is breaking

We are not non-white. We are not their negro, in the immortal words of James Baldwin. We are people. We are not a negation. We are an affirmation  all in our own differently defiant ways and our very existence is the undoing of the very pernicious myth of white people that for the longest time has sustained the unending course of conquest and plundering of this forever immigrant country.

White people is a fictional code-name for one particularly violent group of settler colonialists who are dead-set determined to repress the fact that they are as much immigrants to this land as everyone else.

Hamid Dabashi is Hagop Kevorkian Professor of Iranian Studies and Comparative Literature at Columbia University in New York.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy.
Mosque in Aleppo province was full of worshippers at evening prayer when it was hit by fighter jets, monitor says.

Dozens of people have been killed after fighter jets struck a packed mosque during prayer time in a rebel-held village in northern Syria, according to a monitoring group and activists.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based group tracking developments in Syrias conflict, said Thursdays air raids in al-Jina, southwest of Atarib, in the western countryside of Aleppo, killed at least 42 people and wounded dozens.

The jets reportedly struck at the time of evening prayer so the mosque was full of worshippers, with local activists saying up to 300 people were inside at the time of the air raids.

READ MORE: Saving Syria  Is international law the answer?

Rami Abdel Rahman, head of the Observatory, which monitors the war via a network of contacts across Syria, said that most of those killed were civilians.





Many people are still trapped under rubble and we believe the number of casualties will increase, he told the DPA news agency.

The village is located in one of the main rebel-held parts of Syria, the northwest that includes Idlib province and the western parts of Aleppo province, and its population has been swollen by refugees, according to United Nations agencies.

The Idlib Press Centre, which is run by activists, said at least 50 people were killed in the attack.

Activists posted pictures of bodies scattered on the floor near the mosque.

Teams with the White Helmets organisation, a volunteer rescue group that operates in rebel-held parts of Syria, also shared images of people being pushed into ambulances and panic-stricken residents searching among the rubble for survivors.

US air raid

Syrian and Russian forces have carried out many air raids in Idlib and Aleppo provinces during the war.

The United States has also carried out strikes there in recent months, targeting an armed group that until last year was a formal affiliate of al-Qaeda.

The US Central Command said an air strike carried out by US forces on Thursday in Idlib killed several al-Qaeda fighters.

Idlib has been a significant safe haven for al-Qaeda in recent years, the statement said, making no mention of civilian casualties.

READ MORE: Talking love and revolution in war-torn Syria

The war, which on Wednesday entered its seventh year, started as a largely unarmed uprising against President Bashar al-Assads rule in March 2011.

It has since escalated into a full-scale conflict that has left hundreds of thousands of people dead and more than half of the countrys prewar population displaced inside and outside of Syria.
With nearly all votes counted, Mark Rutte retains power in election seen as measure of populist support in Europe.

Mark Rutte, the Dutch prime minister, has easily defeated his far-right rival Geert Wilders, partial vote counts show, in elections seen as a measure of populist support in Europe.

With more than 93 percent of votes counted, Ruttes liberal VVD party was set to win 33 seats, making it the largest in the new 150-seat parliament, with Wilders and his Freedom Party (PVV) beaten into second place with 20 seats, the Dutch national broadcaster NOS said on Thursday.

Millions of Dutch flocked to the polls in a near-record turnout, with the stakes high in an election pitting the pro-European Rutte against his anti-immigration and anti-EU rival.

After last years shock Brexit referendum and Donald Trumps victory in the United States, the Dutch vote was being closely scrutinised as a gauge of the rise of populism on the continent before crucial elections in France and Germany.

OPINION: What can the Dutch elections tell us about Europe?

This was the evening when The Netherlands, after Brexit and the American elections, said stop to the wrong kind of populism, Rutte told supporters.

Now of course its important to unite the country in the coming weeks and months and that we succeed in forming a stable government for the next four years.

Relieved European leaders, fearing the rise of anti-EU sentiment in one of the blocs founding members, congratulated Rutte, now headed for a third term at the head of the one the euro zones largest economies.

Jean-Claude Juncker, the EU Commission chief, praised the result as a vote against extremists while one senior European source told AFP news agency on condition of anonymity: Common sense strikes back.

Jean-Marc Ayrault, French foreign minister, congratulated Rutte for stopping the rise of the far-right. Marine Le Pen, the French far-right candidate, is currently seen as winning the first round of the presidential election in April.

Not rid of me yet

Wilders had pledged to close the borders to Muslim immigrants, shut mosques, ban sales of the Quran and leave the EU if he won the polls.

He thanked his supporters in a message on Twitter, with his party set to boost its number of MPs to 19. The PVV won 15 seats in the 2012 elections, which had slipped to 12 in the outgoing parliament.

We won seats. The first gains are made. And Rutte is not rid of me yet, he said.

READ MORE: Who is who in the Dutch elections?

Eyeing weeks, if not months, of protracted coalition talks ahead, Wilders offered early on Thursday to work with the new government.

I would still like to co-govern as the PVV, if possible. But if that doesnt work  well support the cabinet, where needed, on the issues that are important to us.

Most of the other leaders, including Rutte have vowed not to work with Wilders, denouncing his incendiary rhetoric and his go-it-alone attitude.

Rutte appeared to have benefited from his firm stance in a spiralling diplomatic spat with Turkey after authorities barred Turkish ministers from rallying support in the Netherlands for a referendum.

No Trumpian force

Assuming the exit polls reflect the final result, Rutte will get the first chance to form the next coalition and could possibly turn to the Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA) and the Democracy party D66, which both matched Wilders with a predicted 19 seats.

But with the three parties combined total of 71 seats, he would need another party to reach the 76-seat majority.

The PVV is not such a revolutionary, Trumpian force, Leiden University expert Geerten Waling told AFP.

Prognosis after 93 percent of votes counted VVD 33 PvdA 9 PVV 20 SP 14 CDA 19 D66 19 ChristenUnie 5 GroenLinks 14 SGP 3 PvdD 5 50Plus 4 Denk 3 FvD 2

People stick to responsible politicians mostly, he said, acknowledging though that the PVVs showing was not small.

The analyst also pointed to the disastrous showing of the traditional Labour party, Ruttes sole partner in the outgoing coalition.

Support for the party appears to have evaporated and the partial count showed it winning only nine seats  well down from the 38 it won in 2012.

Labour leader Lodewijk Asscher told supporters late on Wednesday the voters have spoken, difficult as it is, but that is democracy.

One of the biggest winners of the day was the Jesse Klaver, the young leader of the ecologist left-wing GroenLinks.

In a remarkable turnaround, the party is likely to win 14 seats compared with only four in the outgoing parliament.
Four North Korean nationals sought in connection with February 13 death of estranged half-brother of leader Kim Jong-un.

Interpol has issued a red notice, the closest to an international arrest warrant, for four North Koreans wanted in connection with the death of the estranged half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

Malaysian police requested Interpols help to apprehend the suspects last month.

We have obtained a red notice for the four North Korean nationals who were at the airport on the day of the incident and who have since left  we are hoping to get them through Interpol, Khalid Abu Bakar, Malaysian police chief, announced on Thursday.

An Interpol red notice is a request to find and provisionally arrest someone pending extradition.

Kim Jong-nam was allegedly murdered on February 13, when Malaysian police say two women  an Indonesian and a Vietnamese  smeared super toxic VX nerve agent on his face at Kuala Lumpur International Airport.





The two women were charged with murder earlier this month, but police are looking for seven North Korean suspects in connection with the death, including four who are believed to have made their way back to Pyongyang.

The incident has resulted in a fierce diplomatic row between two countries with once strong ties.

North Korea has questioned the Malaysian investigation into the death and refused to acknowledge that the dead man is Kim Jong-nam.

Speaking at the North Korean embassy in Beijing at an unusual and hastily arranged news conference, Pak Myong-ho, a North Korean diplomat, blamed the United States and South Korea.

The recent incident that occurred in Malaysia was clearly a political scheme by the US and South Korea aimed at hurting the DPRKs reputation and overthrowing the DPRK regime, Pak said, using the Norths formal name, the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea.

The only parties that will benefit from this incident are the enemy countries.

WATCH: North Korea-Malaysia diplomatic dispute  THE STREAM

Pak made the comments to a hand-picked audience of reporters in a small, sparsely decorated room inside the embassy.

At the time of his death, Kim was carrying a diplomatic passport bearing another name, but Malaysian authorities said on Wednesday that his identity had been confirmed using DNA samples taken from one of his children.

Malaysia has also refused demands by the North Korean government for Kim Jong-nams body to be released, saying that the remains can only be handed over to the next-of-kin under local laws.

No family member has come forward to claim the body.

State news agency Bernama, quoting Noor Rashid Ibrahim, Malaysian deputy police chief, as saying on Thursday that the family had given consent for Malaysia to manage Kim Jong-nams remains.

Noor Rashid did not say when or where the consent was given.

Kim Jong-nam had been living in the Chinese territory of Macau under Chinas protection after the family went into exile several years ago.

READ MORE: Kim Jong-nams killing one week on  What we know

He had been known to speak out publicly against his familys dynastic control of North Korea.

A man claiming to be the son of Kim Jong-nam appeared in video footage last week, saying he was lying low with his mother and sister.

An official at South Koreas National Intelligence Service confirmed the man in the video was Kim Han-sol, the 21-year-old son of Kim Jong-nam.

Malaysia is one of the few countries outside China that has for decades maintained ties with North Korea.

But as relations soured, Malaysia recalled its envoy from Pyongyang and expelled the North Korean ambassador.

North Korea then barred nine Malaysians  three diplomats and their six family members  from leaving the country, prompting Najib Razak, Malaysian prime minister, to describe the action as hostage taking.

Malaysia followed with a tit-for-tat action stopping North Koreans from leaving.

Najib said Malaysia will begin formal negotiations with North Korea when the time is right, clarifying previous reports saying that talks between the two countries had begun on Monday.
Panel led by ex-UN boss Kofi Annan says camps where tens of thousands of Rohingya Muslims are trapped should be closed.

Myanmar should close bleak camps where tens of thousands of displaced Rohingya Muslims have been trapped for nearly five years, according to a commission led by former United Nations chief Kofi Annan.

More than 120,000 Rohingya have languished in camps for internally displaced people (IDP) since they were driven from their homes after a wave of inter-religious violence engulfed western Rakhine State in 2012.





Most are not allowed to leave the camps, where they live in piecemeal shelters with little access to food, and are denied access to basic education and healthcare.

Its really about time they close the camps and allow people, particularly those who have gone through the [citizenship] verification process, access to freedom of movement and all rights of citizenship, Annan told the Reuters news agency by telephone.

Myanmars de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi last year appointed Annan to head a commission given the task of healing long-simmering divisions between Buddhists and Muslims in Rakhine.

The commission calls for a plan to close all IDP camps in Rakhine state, Ghassan Salame, a member of the body, told reporters at the launch of the bodys interim report on Thursday.

READ MORE: A fight for survival  Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh

The report also called for the government to ensure security and livelihood opportunities at the site of return/relocation for those leaving the camps, including the building of new houses.

Residents complain of a system of checkpoints in parts of Rakhine state and widespread extortion by officials at roadblocks.

Myanmar has long faced international condemnation for its treatment of its Rohingya Muslim minority, with the issue reaching boiling point in recent months after the army launched a bloody crackdown in the north of Rakhine following a number of deadly attacks on several police border posts in October.

UN investigators who interviewed escapees in Bangladesh have accused Myanmars security forces of responding with a campaign of murder, gang rape and arson that may amount to genocide.

IN PICTURES: Rohingya, Chased from Myanmar, unwelcome in Bangladesh

According to the UN, 74,000 people have fled the conflict zone since October.

In February, a UN report accused Myanmars security forces of carrying out mass rapes, burning families to death and other killings, possibly amounting to crimes against humanity.

Yanghee Lee, the UN special rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar, on Monday called the on UN to launch its highest-level investigation into the violence, which she said may be part of a government campaign to drive the Rohingya from the country.

But a draft resolution tabled by the UN Human Rights Council stopped short of calling for a Commission of Inquiry into the violence.

Salame said the Annan commission backed calls for an independent investigation into the violence in northern Rakhine in its report, but said anything further would be beyond the bodys remit.

It identified three initial camps to close  one housing more than 200 Rohingya, along with two others that are home to Buddhist Rakhines and Kaman Muslims who were also displaced in the 2012 violence.

Suu Kyis office welcomed the report and said it would implement the large majority of recommendations without giving more details.
Lawyers representing indigenous tribes appear in New York court over colonial-era massacre of 100,000 people.

Lawyers representing two indigenous Namibian tribes are meeting for a pre-trial conference in New York on Thursday following a lawsuit filed earlier this year that demands compensation for the descendants of people massacred in the 20th centurys first genocide.

Between 1904 and 1908 about 100,000 Herero and Nama people were killed by German colonial leaders in South West Africa, now known as Namibia, when the territory was a German colony.





German settlers, with the explicit consent of German colonial authorities, seized about a quarter of Ovaherero and Nama lands between 1885 to 1903.

Tensions eventually boiled over and in early 1904 the Ovaherero and Nama rose up  only to have their rebellion crushed by German imperial troops.

German authorities were accused of turning a blind eye to the widespread and systematic rape of Ovaherero and Nama women and girls, as well as the use of forced labour.

In addition to land grabs, there were concentration camps where the colonialists carried out exterminations and scientific experiments on the tribes people.

READ MORE: Genocide negotiations reopen colonial wounds in Namibia

If you look at the pictures  people looked like walking skeletons with no flesh at all, Utjiua Muinjangue, a member of the Herero Genocide Committee, told Al Jazeera.

[They were] only bones, she added.

Berlin has repeatedly refused to pay direct reparations, saying that its development aid since 1990 is worth hundreds of millions of dollars.

We do not talk about reparations, Christian Matthias Schlaga, the German ambassador to Namibia, told Al Jazeera.

We do not use the term reparations in our official communication with Namibia for the very simple fact that reparations is a legal term and has very specific legal implications, and as we do not start from the basis that this is a legal case but more a moral and historic obligation, we cannot talk about reparations.

READ MORE  Forgotten genocide: Namibias quest for reparations

The lawsuit, which was filed in January, demands that the tribes-peoples representatives be included in negotiations between Germany and Namibia.

Al Jazeeras Fahmida Miller, reporting from Namibias capital Windhoek, said the affected communities say their dignity was lost and they deserve more.

The government of Namibia demanded and got an acknowledgement of the genocide from Germany, but no apology, Miller said.

Both the Herero and Nama tribes say they have been left out of talks between the two governments and say the hearing in New York is the only way justice can be served.

We dont want what they want to do for us, Ida Hoffman, a member of the Nama Genocide Committee, told Al Jazeera.

We want reparations so we can do exactly what we want for our people and for ourselves.
Former DA leader apologises for social media posts suggesting that the legacy of colonialism was not all negative.

The former leader of South Africas main opposition party has sparked a public outcry over a series of social media posts that suggested colonialism brought benefits to the country.

For those claiming legacy of colonialism was ONLY negative, think of our independent judiciary, transport infrastructure, piped water, Helen Zille, the ex-head of the Democratic Alliance (DA) party and the current premier of the Western Cape province, wrote on Twitter on Thursday.

She tweeted that the transition into specialised healthcare and medication may have not been possible without colonial influence.

Zilles comments drew strong criticism from political opponents and those within her own party, as well as on social media.

No Helen Zille, colonialism did not bring 'development' to Africa. It brought oppression, exploitation, racism, poverty, etc, etc, etc. pic.twitter.com/mz9oqp19df  Ulrich Janse van Vuuren (@UlrichJvV) March 16, 2017

This = gross misrepresentation of colonialism. The oppressed were dispossessed of their land, dominated & excluded. @helenzille #HelenZille https://t.co/lsiJ63FV8V  Sam Beynon #BlackLivesMatter (@BeynonSammy) March 16, 2017

Zille, 66, has since apologised, but she will face a disciplinary process by the DA, according to the partys website .

I apologise unreservedly for a tweet that may have come across as a defence of colonialism. It was not.  Helen Zille (@helenzille) March 16, 2017

Mmusi Maimane, who took the reins from Zille in 2015 to become the DAs first black leader, criticised his predecessor, tweeting colonialism, like apartheid, was a system of oppression and subjugation. It can never be justified.

Maimane told local media that Zilles tweets were completely unacceptable and indefensible.

In a statement , the party reiterated Maimanes remarks, saying colonialism oppressed millions of people and violated human rights in a cruel and inhumane way.

OPINION: #FeesMustFall: Decolonising education

The DA, which won 22 percent of the vote in 2014s general election, has been gaining popularity and trying to shed its image as a white party before 2019s presidential election.

It promotes itself as a liberal equal-opportunity party, but efforts to broaden its appeal among black voters have been hurt by social media scandals, and the party has struggled to present itself as a credible alternative to the ruling African National Congress (ANC)

Opponents demand Zilles removal

The ANC urged the DA to immediately remove Zille as Western Cape premier, calling her tweets reckless and ignorant claims.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), another opposition party, also demanded Zille step down.

The EFF called Zilles remarks cold-hearted racism.

READ MORE: South Africa: White men in court over coffin attack

South Africa was colonised by the Dutch and British for about 300 years. The country then experienced white-minority rule under apartheid, which ended in 1994.

Racial tensions, however, have continued to endure in the years after apartheid.
Police probe under way after homemade device sent from Greece goes off at world lenders office in French capital.

An employee of the International Monetary Fund was injured on Thursday when a booby-trapped parcel exploded at the organisations Paris office, according to police.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility, but later on Thursday Greek officials said they had been informed by French authorities that there was a Greek return address on the envelope.

The explosion was caused by a device that was fairly home-made, like a big fire cracker  and certainly not in any way a bomb, Paris police chief Michel Cadot told reporters near the scene of the incident in the centre of the French capital.

READ MORE: Armed teen held, several hurt in French school shooting

Al Jazeeras Natacha Butler, reporting from Paris, said that the letter was sent by regular post to the head of IMFs European bureau. Jeffrey Franks, a 24-year veteran of the fund, has been director of the IMFs Europe office since March 2015, according to its website.

According to police statements, the letter was opened by the bureau chiefs assistant when it exploded, wounding her face and her eyes, Butler said.

Police say she is not in a critical condition but obviously extremely shaken by what happened.

Butler said IMF staff were evacuated from the building near the Arc de Triomphe and a police operation was under way. Paris anti-terrorism prosecutors opened an investigation.

Later on Thursday, Nikos Toskas, Greeces public order minister, said the package had been sent from Athens.

French authorities just informed us that it was mailed from Greece, Toskas told Ant1 Television.

The letter listed Vassilis Kikilias, spokesman of the conservative opposition Nea Dimokratia party, as the sender, Toskas said.

On Wednesday, authorities in Germany intercepted a parcel bomb addressed to German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble.

A Greek group called the Conspiracy of Fire Cells claimed responsibility for that earlier on Thursday.

The IMF has been involved in talks between Greece and its international creditors on disbursing new loans to Athens under a bailout programme.

Many in Greece blame the IMF and Germany for imposing years of austerity in exchange for bailout packages.

IMF chief Christine Lagarde said the organisation was working closely with French authorities to investigate the incident in Paris.

I condemn this cowardly act of violence and reaffirm the IMFs resolve to continue our work in line with our mandate, Lagarde said.

French President Francois Hollande said authorities would go all the way to find those responsible.
Government says gem will be sold with a transparent bidding process to the benefit of the community and country.

A pastor in Sierra Leone has unearthed a 706-carat diamond, according to the government, in one of the largest precious stone finds ever made worldwide.

The discovery was made by Pastor Emmanuel Momoh in an artisanal mine in the village of Koyadu in eastern Kono district, a government statement said on Thursday.

A 706-carat diamond was presented to President Dr Ernest Bai Koroma yesterday evening, the statement said.

Receiving the diamond President Koroma thanked the chief and his people for not smuggling the diamond out of the country, it added, referring to the Tankoro chiefdom where Momoh uncovered the gem.

READ MORE: The dark side of diamonds

The diamond will be sold in Sierra Leone with a transparent bidding process to the benefit of the community and country, the statement said.

I have to help the government and my people, so all of us can benefit, presidential spokesman Abdulai Bayraytay quoted the pastor as saying.

Sierra Leones government has attempted to crack down on cross-border diamond trafficking to persuade foreign investors that blood diamonds that fuelled its civil war are a thing of the past.

Exceptional discovery

Diamond expert Paul Zimnisky told the AFP news agency that once the gems quality was assessed it could rank between the 10th and 15th largest gem-diamonds ever recovered.

The US-based analyst said such a find by a so-called artisanal miner, the term for workers who use basic tools or their bare hands to sift the earth, was highly unusual.

Most recent exceptional diamond discoveries have been made by large commercial miners that mine very large volumes of kimberlite ore and process it with advanced equipment, Zimnisky said.

Even though diamonds can be found in about a quarter of Sierra Leone, the country of about six million people is one of the worlds five poorest nations, according to the United Nations.
Pentagon set to be major winner while state department and federal programmes in for steep reductions.

Donald Trump will ask US Congress for drastic cuts to many federal programmes as he seeks to increase defence spending and allocate more money to deporting undocumented immigrants.

In a plan designed to translate campaign promises into dollar-and-cent commitments, the Republican president proposed a 28 percent cut in State Department funding.

That could be a signal for steep reductions in foreign aid and funding to UN agencies, with knock-on effects around the world.

The Pentagon will be the major winner with a nearly 10 percent boost. The US defence budget is already greater than that of the next seven nations combined.

Separately, about $4bn will be earmarked this year and next to start building a wall on the US southern border.

Trump has repeatedly claimed that Mexico will pay for that wall  which will cost at least $15bn, according to estimates by the Bernstein Research group, a consultancy firm.

Trumps proposal covers only a fraction of the $3.8 trillion federal budget  which is dominated by health, pension and other ring-fenced costs.

The text will be heavily revised and enlarged upon by Congress, before a full budget is released around May.

In that sense, the plan is as much a political statement as a fiscal outline: a fact not lost on the White House.

This is a hard power budget, it is not a soft power budget, Mick Mulvaney, White House budget chief, said.

The former Congressman said he scanned Trumps campaign speeches for inspiration.

The budget could be a signal to Trumps supporters that he is a man of action and not a typical politician.

READ MORE: Trump seeks $54bn increase in military budget

Security has been a major vote winner. An Economist/YouGov poll found that 51 percent of Republicans believe the US will be safer from terrorism at the end of his term.

The budget may also be seen as a signal to the world that Trumps United States may be less engaged and will put America first.

Diplomats and some former defence officials have already sounded a warning that less spending on things such as democracy promotion and humanitarian aid will spell more trouble, and military spending, down the road.

More than 120 retired generals and admirals recently signed a letter warning that many of the crises our nation faces do not have military solutions alone.

They cited Jim Mattis, now defence secretary, as once saying: If you dont fully fund the State Department, then I need to buy more ammunition.

Drastic cuts

The Environmental Protection Agency, which helps monitor air, water and other standards, will also see significant cuts.

That is in keeping with Trumps promise to gut regulation.

We believe that the core functions [of the EPA] can be satisfied with this budget, said Mulvaney.

On Wednesday, Trump travelled to Detroit, the home of the US car-manufacturing industry and announced that he will freeze targets to limit future vehicle emissions.

READ MORE: Trump administration to empower US police forces

Steve Bannon, Trumps top adviser, has promised a broader deconstruction of the administrative state.

But Trumps plan is already facing criticism from Democratic politicians.

It will prescribe drastic cuts in many of the programmes and agencies that keep America safe, whether its environmental programmes, whether it is food safety, drug safety, said John Yarmuth, Kentucky representative.

The senior member on the House of Representatives budget committee speculated that the proposal could be a negotiating position, an opening salvo in Trumps art of the deal.

If they want to negotiate with the health and safety and future of the American people, then thats pretty cynical, he said.
Just hours before President Donald Trumps revised travel ban was to go into effect, a federal judge in Hawaii issued a temporary restraining order, putting the ban on hold.

The ban would have temporarily prevented refugees as well as travellers from six predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States.

US District Judge Derrick Watson concluded in his ruling that while the order did not mention Islam by name, a reasonable, objective observer  would conclude that the executive order was issued with a purpose to disfavour a particular religion.

Al Jazeera asked Danielle McLaughlin, a constitutional law scholar and lawyer at Nixon Peabody LLP in New York City, to explain the process and what will happen next.

How could Hawaii block Trumps travel ban?

This lawsuit was brought by an individual, an imam named Ismail Elshikh, as well as the state of Hawaii. A state can file a lawsuit in a federal court on behalf of its people. The state represents the interests of its people who have constitutional rights  including equal protection of the laws and protection against religious discrimination by the government. The state can also represent the interests of the business community and its own state-run universities.

In deciding whether to temporarily stop the travel ban from going into effect, the court looked at whether the ban was likely to violate the constitutional rights of Hawaiians, and also at the balance of harms  whether the harm done to Hawaii and its people if the travel ban is implemented (which included loss of tourism dollars and damage to universities through loss of funds, students, and/or teachers) is greater or worse than the harm done to the national security interests the Trump administration is trying to protect if it is not.

How can a federal court halt a presidents executive order?

Under the US constitution, power in the federal government is split between the president, the courts, and politicians. And because of the rights of citizens set out in the constitution (including freedom from religious discrimination), there are things a president simply cannot do. Ultimately, the court said the travel ban had to be halted because it was likely that it violated the constitutional rights of the people of Hawaii.

What happens next?

President Trump has said he will take the case as far as it needs to go. The first step will be the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, which will either uphold the temporary restraining order, or cancel it. The losing side  the Trump administration or the state of Hawaii  can appeal the Court of Appeals decision in the Supreme Court.

In court, is it only the text of the executive order that matters or will judges also look at statements made by the Trump administration?

Courts will look at the intent of the law, not only the words. Trumps campaign rhetoric was pivotal in the Hawaii courts decision, as it was in the earlier decisions halting his first travel ban. During his campaign, Trump promised a ban on Muslims entering the country. This is discrimination on the basis of religion, which is unconstitutional. Taking certain language out of the executive order does not mean that the administrations intent can no longer be considered by a court.
AUBURN  Three men were sentenced in Cayuga County criminal court Thursday for possessing more than 13 pounds of marijuana in the town of Sempronius.

Cole Dorward, 27, of 2819 Route 11 Apt. 1, Lafayette; Charles "CJ" Bush, 34, of 3215 Pompey Center Road, Manlius; and Joseph Bean, 33, of 607 Darlington Road, Syracuse, were arrested in August 2016 and charged with two felonies  first-degree criminal possession of marijuana and fourth-degree conspiracy  and misdemeanor unlicensed growing of cannabis.

Those charges stemmed from an investigation near Bear Swamp State Forest where New York State Police discovered more than 100 marijuana plants growing in September 2015.

Cayuga County District Attorney Jon Budelmann said the trio was caught growing 118 cannabis plants on state land  plants that were up to 7 feet tall and weighed over 13 pounds dried and preened.

"It was the purpose of this conspiracy to grow, harvest, process and ultimately sell marijuana in large quantities," the indictment stated, noting that the marijuana was estimated to be worth more than $26,000. "These three defendants' role was to procure the starter plants, plant them, tend them and harvest them."

In December 2016, Dorward, Bush and Bean each pleaded guilty to first-degree criminal possession of marijuana, a class C felony, in full satisfaction of the indictment.

During their pleas, the men admitted to helping tend the plants for a fourth man, 27-year-old Karl Klein III, of 102 Swan Ave. in Syracuse. Klein was charged with criminal possession and unlawful growing of marijuana in a separate indictment.

On Thursday, March 16, 2017, Dorward, Bush and Bean each appeared before Judge Thomas Leone for sentencing. Both Dorward and Bush were represented by defense attorney Mark Blum while Bean was represented by attorney David Zukher.

At sentencing, Blum insisted his clients had been minimally involved in the operation, claiming Klein was the man in charge of the grow. However, according to Blum, Klein received "a sweet, sweet deal" from the district attorney's office for cooperating with the investigation.

"(Klein) is the lucky one," Blum said, noting that Klein was able to plead guilty to a misdemeanor instead of a felony. "He got caught first and was given a deal and everyone else involved got the short end of the stick."

In response, Budelmann said Dorward and Bush initially denied their involvement in the crime and did not fully cooperate with law enforcement whereas Bean and Klein acknowledged their responsibility. Out of the three defendants in court Thursday, Bean was the only one to apologize to the court.

"(Bean) was the first of these defendants to cooperate so we gave him a slightly better deal," Budelmann said. "His attitude is much better (than his co-defendants')."

Leone agreed, accepting Bean's apology and sentencing him to five years probation. Dorward and Bush, on the other hand, received shock probation  five years probation with an additional 25 to 50 hours of community service.
UF students held an unconventional bake sale on Wednesday, one that attempted to point out the flaws of socialism.

Members of UFs Young Americans for Freedom offered passersby on Turlington Plaza two Krispy Kreme doughnuts or three chocolate chip cookies for a dollar  with a catch. After paying, students would receive only one of their promised treats. The rest were given away to poke holes in socialist ideals said Daniel Weldon, founder of the organization.

Socialism is the economic and political theory that relies on the government to distribute resources.

Its to make fun of the redistribution of wealth, said Weldon, a 20-year-old UF political science sophomore.

Weldon said his organization is nonprofit and nonpartisan with conservative ideals.

Sarah Long, 18, a member of the organization, said Americans should be helped by their neighbors instead of the government.

We want to be able to give back, but I dont think we should do that at the expense of taking it from somebody else, the UF political science freshman said.

Morgan Robinson, the vice president of the nonpartisan student organization Democracy Matters at UF, said the government must help eliminate the gap between the extremely rich and extremely poor.

I think its important that the government does exist  first and foremost  to serve the people; a lot of that is to close the gap, said the 20-year-old UF international studies sophomore. The middle class is disappearing.

Contact Molly Vossler at mvossler@alligator.org and follow her on Twitter at @molly_vossler

Members of UFs Young Americans for Freedom pose in front of a sign advertising their socialist bake sale on Turlington Plaza on Wednesday. Members of the student organization sold cookies and doughnuts, giving some away, to point out the issues with socialism.

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Weve received some complaints saying we as a newspaper opinions section have been too ambivalent. This was in regards to Wednesdays editorial, which was intended to view the Smith Meyers situation at a macro-scale. We wanted to highlight the domination

of the story across media and examine why its been so captivating; do a little bit of philosophical musing to offer a different opinion than those expressed by our columnists and readers. If it seemed like we were complacent, we want to apologize. If it was not clear Wednesday, we did in fact take a stance on the matter in Mondays editorial.

In case you missed that one, heres a summary: What Meyers did reflects badly upon UF and makes an embarrassment of our school. Meyers and Student Government handled the situation poorly, refusing to answer our reporters or make any statements for five days. We want him and the rest of SG to be held accountable for their actions.

We mention it here again because it seemed to get lost between Monday and Wednesday.

On Monday, we also mentioned that this story deserved to be covered but not sensationalized.

The thing is, its kind of edging on the whole sensationalized thing right now.

We understand students are passionate about their opinions on this matter. We are happy to give them a platform: from our columnists expressing their voices on the situation, to readers writing in and telling us what they think.

What we want to do right now is remind everyone this should not be sensationalized. When we latch onto a specific media topic  lets use Hillary Clintons emails and President Donald Trumps tax returns as an example  it can turn into a frenzy, where we expect big results from small things. When both those came out (Trumps tax returns on the Rachel Maddow Show on Tuesday night), it became achingly clear the underlying problems were not going to be fixed by one action. We have latched onto the hot topic, we made it into the ultimate end all be all, and then when we finally got our hands on what we thought we wanted, nothing became resolved.

The problem here isnt solely Meyers not resigning. Its the whole complex system of entitlement, party vs. Student Body loyalty and a lack of transparency from SG. Most of us realize that, but were at a dangerous tipping point where were making this more about individuals and their feelings, not the whole system at fault.

Yes, Meyers actions are an issue and reflect badly on our school. In our opinion, he should do more than offer an apology.

Thats not going to fix the underlying problem. If he resigns, someone else will take his place. It might be a victory  maybe this will force higher expectations on SG and compel them to listen to the majority of the Student Body. But it might just be a bandage on a gaping wound that needs some serious stitches.

We hope this is going to be the last editorial on Meyers for the week.

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But we know it will not be the last one on having higher expectations for SG, a need to revitalize our election system, the one-party domination, the discontent of the majority of the Student Body and the desire for more transparency between our elected officials and the rest of us.
If youre graduating this semester, and youre like me, youre starting to panic about leaving behind everything Gainesville has to offer. Coming back from Spring Break made that impending diploma seem way too real, and now you may be looking to pack in everything youve wanted to do over the last four years into the last six weeks. Lucky for you, Im here to round up all of the must-do activities you need to check off your bucket list before the end of April.

Devils Den Spring  Located in Williston, Florida, Devils Den Spring is one of the hidden gems of this area and a quick trip from Gainesville. Rental equipment is available for scuba diving and snorkeling for those looking to do more than just swim around. The water is 72 degrees year-round, and the views of the spring are stunning, so its definitely worth the trip.

Bobs River Place  Bobs River Place, located along the Suwannee River, is basically a water park set up in a guys backyard. That isnt a great way to sell it, but it is super fun and pretty cheap at just $25 per car. Theres tons of water slides, rope swings, floating docks and kids water games, so no matter what kind of activity youre looking for, Bobs has it. Its about an hour drive from Gainesville and something you definitely want to experience before you leave town.

Paynes Prairie  Paynes Prairie is absolutely something everyone needs to experience while living in Gainesville. Its great for a day out biking or just going for a nice walk. Where else can you see alligators, wild pigs and horses so up close and personal?

The Top  This downtown restaurant is, in my mind, the most classic Gainesville spot and one that cannot be missed. It has great food, great drinks and a great atmosphere that is all local and offers options for any kind of eater. Its location on North Main Street also allows you to stroll and explore downtown.

Swamp Head Brewery  Swamp Head Brewerys slogan is Inherently Floridian, and after spending an afternoon at the brewery, you will definitely agree. It is located off of 34th Street and is situated on a swamp and surrounded by trees. Swamp Head offers great beers and frequently hosts events with food and themed drinks. You can sit outside at the tables or right on the grass, and it is a great place to relax and grab a great drink.

Lake Wauburg  Owned by UF, Lake Wauburg is free to students and an absolute must for anyone about to graduate. There are tons of activities, whether youre looking to kayak, paddleboard, wakeboard/water ski, swim or tan. They also have barbecues if youre looking to get your grill on. If somehow you havent gone yet, take advantage of one of these beautiful weekends, and go check it out.
Bass-heavy artists Eptic, Must Die! and Gentlemens Club are set to welcome students back from Spring Break with a concert tonight at the Florida Theatre, located at 233 W. University Ave.

The concert will be the first time any of the artists have played in Gainesville. It will also kickoff the producers massive U.S. spring tour, which will take them from Boston to San Francisco, and everywhere in between.

Matt Collins, the head promoter and owner of Lucid Nightlife, said he became aware of Gainesvilles interest in Eptic after posting on the Gainesville Electronic Dance Music Community Facebook page asking members what artists theyd be interested in seeing. This became more apparent after Getter, another bass-heavy artist blowing up in the electronic world, performed for a large crowd in September.

Eptics name came up a lot early fall when I did that, Collins said. We havent had too many bass-heavy shows, but after the Getter show it kind of opened our eyes to, Hey, this town, especially the 18 to 21 crowd, they really like trap music.

Collins said the Lucid Nightlife team realized the growth the Gainesville electronic market had attained after they brought Hermitude, a duo hailing from New South Wales, Australia to the Florida Theatre in July 2016. Despite taking the risk of bringing an artist during the Summer when substantially less students are on campus, the show was packed with about 700 people in attendance.

Once we did that, we saw a huge presence, Collins said. The incoming freshman class seemed more into the music than previous classes had been the past couple of years. From that show we kind of thought, If we can do a 6,700 person show in the middle of Summer, we can push the envelope when everyones here.

Since then, Lucid Nightlife has been booking huge names of all genres, including future house superstar Tchami, a French producer who has headlined festivals from Something Wonderful to Spring Weekend.

Collins said booking Tchami was a big step for Lucid Nightlife, especially because they began talking with the producer more than six months prior to the event. The show, which was also held at the Florida Theatre on Feb. 4, 2016, sold out with more than 1,000 people in attendance.

Although tonights show isnt expected to sell the same volume of tickets, all of the artists performing are set to bring powerhouse sound guaranteed to get the crowd moving.

Eptic exploded on the scene back in 2012, at the age of 18, with his Like A Boss extended play. The heavy-hitting, four-song collection of tracks remained on the Beatport Top 5 chart for weeks, and it still gets people moving to this day. The artist hasnt lost momentum since then, releasing an equally gritty dubstep track titled Flesh Eaters on March 10.

Collins said the Eptic show is just one part of the growth Lucid Nightlife experienced over the past three years. Over this time, he and the Lucid Nightlife team created a community of concertgoers who attend shows no matter who the headliner is.

At this point, people are kind of going to shows who dont even know these artists, he said. Its definitely awesome that the community has entrusted us and supported us the whole time.

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The show, which is presented by local event-planning company Lucid Nightlife and Orlando-based company Alliance Events, will take place from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Mhkaz, a producer based out of Orlando, will be providing opening support. Tickets range from $10 to $15.
If you can't trust the government and you won't trust the media, where can you turn to for accurate information?

The answer is public records.

If you want to find out whether you're paying too much for school teachers, don't take the word of teachers unions or the school board. Look it up yourself.

If you want to know whether the terms of a public contract favor the taxpayers or the developer, don't take the developers' word for it. Look it up yourself.

If you want to know whether the town board is spending too much for highway services or is getting fleeced on tax breaks to corporations, don't count on their explanation. Examine the records yourself.

In the war against fake news, access to public documents is the citizens most direct path to victory.

If only it were so easy.

More and more, governments are putting up obstacles to government information, an effort not lost on citizens and journalists who struggle every day to obtain information that rightly belongs to the public.

Here in New York, the government's efforts to erode the public's access to information are persistent.

In the state Legislature this year, there are a half-dozen or so bills that seek to specifically exclude information from the public.

Among the proposed legislation is a bill that would limit access to or significantly scale back public access to video cameras that spy down upon us. If government cameras are spying on us, shouldn't we have access to them?

Another bill would restrict records of complaints filed with the state Department of Motor Vehicles against ride-hailing companies such as Uber and Lyft. That would limit the public's ability to make educated decisions about hiring these companies and limit potential customers' ability to make decisions that could affect their physical well-being when using such services.

Yet another would hide information the governor's office is required to report to the public on its Excelsior Business economic development program, limiting taxpayers' ability to know how their money is being spent.

And another would allow the withholding of information on the past criminal records of individuals convicted of certain felonies and non-violent crimes. The practice, known as "sealing," would place an unwarranted and unfair limit on the ability of employers and other members of the public to protect themselves from someone with a criminal past.

But the news on the legislative front isn't all bad. In fact, there are bills pending in Albany that would actually expand the public's access to records.

One would expand the state's Freedom of Information and Open Meetings laws to include certain not-for-profit corporations that receive large amounts of government funding. As more and more government entities subcontract work to private organizations, they use a loophole in the open government laws protecting nonprofits from disclosure to hide how they're spending taxpayer money.

Another bill would provide lawyers fees and other court costs to individuals who were denied records under the FOIL law when the government entity had no legitimate reason for withholding the records. Passage of this bill might help discourage government bodies from arbitrarily denying the public access to records.

A third bill would make it easier for the public to gain access to state agency and legislative records by requiring agencies to post frequently requested records on their websites, saving citizens the expense and trouble of filing a records request.

Yet another positive bill would help combat illegal deregulation of affordable housing units and give the public more access to information on them by making all rental histories on housing administered by Homes and Community Renewal available to the public through FOIL.

Each assault on the public's access to government documents fuels the fires of misinformation and interferes with the public's ability to distinguish between facts and fake news.

If citizens truly find the scourge of "fake news" objectionable, then they need to become active participants in ensuring that government remains open and accessible.

One way to do that is by speaking out against legislation that would inhibit their right to know and by actively supporting legislation that would expand it.
American Jews and the Jewish organizations that represent them have demanded, in thundeing pleas, that President Trump take action and end the current tsunami of anti-Semitic attacks on the American Jewish community. This is just and reasonable. Expecting political leadership not to abdicate their responsibility and at best act as conflict managers only allows a problem to fester and proliferate. Political leaders act to change a situation, leading a nation to a better place, allowing the people to feel secure and not under threat. This is a natural expectation that any normal public can expect of their national leadership.

Despite anti-Semitic acts being a relatively common occurrence way before the presidential campaign, since President Trump's election, these ripples of anti-Semitic hatred have blossomed into a giant wave. American Jews have become consumed with trepidation and are beginning to realize that they have every right to stand up and demand that the president take action and end this vile anti-Semitism. Local television channels in the United States are flooded with footage of small children holding the hands of adults walking next to them and trying to catch up with them. The adults, meanwhile, are seen trying to get the little ones to walk a bit faster without making them panic. From North Carolina to Maryland, from Alabama to Rhode Island, thousands of children have been evacuated from Jewish community centers and schools, as if it is happening everywhere.

Yet this very same American Jewish leadership, who in recent weeks have been banging on the walls of the White House demanding that the current wave of anti-Semitism be stopped immediately, have for the latter part of the past quarter of a century demanded that the Israeli public, and the Israeli political leadership, continue with business as usual, despite the incessant Palestinian Arab incitement and blatant anti-Semitism in Israel.

Palestinian Arab anti-Semitism has long been recognized as the Arab world's prominent vehicle for the hatred of the Jews. From academics teaching that Judaism permits murder and rape of non-Jews to religious leaders teaching that Islam demands the extermination of Jews, Palestinian anti-Semitism is a compelling force driving hatred and terror. The Palestinian Authority depicts Jews as the archetypal force of evil throughout history. Jews are said to be responsible for all the world's problems: wars, financial crises, even the spreading of AIDS. Palestinians have long claimed to receptive ears that Jews are a danger to humanity.

Palestinian incitement to murder Jews has always been a natural outgrowth of anti-Semitic incitement rampant in Palestinian society, expressed at all levels without hesitation and without sanction. In Palestinian society, no one is ever held accountable for anti-Semitic incitement. This has never prevented American Jewish leaders from meeting with and supporting the Palestinian people and their leaders.

When Jews attack Jews, and when Jews deny the State of Israel the basic right of self-defense afforded to all nations of the world, thereby making it OK to express hatred of Israel, then they are invoking hatred toward themselves and hatred towards the Jews of America. Over the years, since the heyday of the Oslo agreement, American Jews, liberal Jews, have bent over backward supporting the case of the Palestinian Arabs, while here in Israel, the Palestinians have made anti-Semitism and incitement the backbone of the Palestinian education syllabus from kindergarten and up. Is it any wonder that the world has gotten used to the hatred of Jews and a culture of unabated anti-Semitism?

In America, the irony of all this is that over the past eight years of the Obama presidency, the administration opened the gates and encouraged millions of Muslims to flood into America. As with the Palestinians, anti-Semitism is rife in the Arab world, with over 80 percent of the Muslim public holding strongly anti-Semitic views. Yet this anti-Semitism, harbored by a large portion of Muslims, has never stopped these same Jewish organizations, these liberal Jews, from being at the front lines of demonstrations or political action when President Trump attempted to stop this unrestricted refuge admission into America. These Jews never ever expressed any concern that supporting this continuing addition of anti-Semitic Muslims to American society would create a breeding ground for the kind of anti-Semitism that the American Jewish community is experiencing today. American liberal Jews have become infatuated with doing "Tikkun Olam" and paving the way for flooding America with Muslim anti-Semites while ignoring the potential problems of admitting an untold number of immigrants from Muslim countries where extreme anti-Semitic sentiments are mundane and unrestricted.

All this will not end well. With no tradition of assimilation or integration into Western societies, Europe being the best example of this, the restive Muslim minorities that have entered America by the millions over the past eight years will only grow louder, and the level of anti-Semitism will get much worse before it gets better. The myth of multiculturalism, propagated wholeheartedly by the American Jewish liberal community, will implode as the volume of anti-Semitism becomes louder and more brazen. The American melting pot, a symbol of America for the millions and millions of immigrants over the past century, will cease to exist, leaving these anti-Semitic and anti-American Muslim minorities to reproduce, in America, the anti-Semitic and cultural squalor they claim to have wanted to flee.

The writer, a 25-year veteran of the IDF, served as a field mental health officer and commander of the Central Psychiatric Military Clinic for Reserve Soldiers at Tel-Hashomer. Since retiring from active duty, he provides consultancy services to NGOs implementing psycho-trauma and psycho-education programs to communities in the North and South of Israel and is a strategic adviser to the chief foreign envoy of Judea and Samaria. Contact: medconf@netvision.net.il.
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.
Thanks to Rachel Maddow and MSNBC, we now know Hillary was making things up in the debates when she accused President Trump of nefarious reasons for not releasing his tax returns. And thanks to a reporter nobody heard of, so-called independent journalist David Cay Johnson, we know Trump was right when he said the "mainstream" media is indeed the enemy of the American people.

The self-righteous media willingly traffics in stolen goods -- Trumps illegally leaked 2005 tax returns -- and all they wind up proving is that Trump paid a higher rate of taxes than his peers, and a higher rate than Barack Obama and Bernie Sanders. The story here is not Trumps taxes, but that someone at the IRS, the rogue agency that targeted the Tea Party, committed a felony. Where is the media drumbeat that the leaker be found and prosecuted?

Maddow, MSNBC, and Johnson ought to have egg on their faces, seeing that not only did Trump not escape paying taxes, but also that he paid a higher rate than the likes of Sanders and Obama. The Obamas paid an effective tax rate of only 18.7 percent in 2015. Bernie Sanders paid a federal tax rate of only13.5 percent in 2014. Ironically, Comcast, the parent of MSNBC, paid a tax rate of only 24 percent from 2008 through 2012, less than Trumps 2005 effective rate of roughly 25 percent. Trump paid $38 million in taxes on income of $150 million.

Exposed as a lie were Hillary Clintons slanderous innuendo during the September 26, 2016 presidential debate when she hinted candidate Trump was hiding something by not releasing his taxes:

Clinton said, So youve gotta ask yourself, why wont he release his tax returns? And I think there may be a couple of reasons. First, maybe hes not as rich as he says he is. Second, maybe hes not as charitable as he claims to be. Third, we dont know all of his business dealings, but we have been told, through investigative reporting that, he owes about $650 million to Wall Street and foreign banks. Or maybe he doesnt want the American people, all of you watching tonight, to know that hes paid nothing in federal taxes. Because the only years that anybody has ever seen, were a couple of years where he had to turn them over to state authorities when he was trying to get a casino license. And they showed he didnt pay any federal income tax.

Hillary knew full well, or should have known, that it is allowed to deduct business losses, something that Trump pointed out that many of the donors to the Clinton Foundation did. If businesses couldnt do that, investors wouldnt invest and risk-takers wouldnt take risks. Many startups and small businesses would fail and economic and job growth would be suffocated.

We have been down this road before, with a leak of portions of Trumps 1995 tax returns during the 2016 campaign timed to aid the presidential hopes of Hilary Clinton. This idea will be immediately dismissed in some quarters as just another conspiracy theory concocted by the vast right wing but it is not as far-fetched as it sounds. Several items lend credence to the idea that the IRS has once become an arm of the political left targeting conservatives.

Could it really be just coincidence that Hillary Clinton focused on Trumps failure to release his tax returns, surmising that the reason might be he hasnt been paying any taxes, just days before the New York Times printed pages from his 1995 return showing a loss that may have allowed him to not pay taxes for the next 18 years? Was this Hillarys October surprise for Trump? It didnt work then and wont work now.

Compare Hillarys debate remarks to the eerily similar statement released by Team Clinton almost immediately after the New York Times published the excerpts from Trumps 1995 taxes:

There it is. The bombshell report reveals the colossal nature of Donald Trumps past business failures and just how long he may have avoided paying any federal income taxes whatsoever. In one year, Donald Trump lost nearly a billion dollars. A billion. He stiffed small businesses, laid off workers, and walked away from hardworking communities. And how did it work out for him? He apparently got to avoid paying taxes for nearly two decades  while tens of millions of working families paid theirs. He calls that smart. Now that the gig is up, why doesnt he go ahead and release his returns to show us all how smart he really is?

Did Hillary know in advance Trumps documents would be leaked and that this story would break within days of the debate? At this point, this can only be surmised that someone at the IRS leaked the documents, but when you consider the 2012 targeting of Tea Party and other conservative groups by the IRS for the purpose of reelecting President Obama, the thought that this politicized agency might do a similar favor for Obamas successor is, again, not so far-fetched.

As Investors Business Daily has noted, the adventures of Hillary Clinton and her missing and deleted emails from her private server are similar to the crashed hard drives of Lois Lerner, who masterminded the Tea Party targeting by the IRS in 2012:

Clinton, under this administration, will likely not fear or face any criminal prosecution for violating the Federal Records Act and doing her official business on that personal server now deliberately wiped clean of records she knew were under subpoena and the subject of Freedom of Information Act lawsuits. But then, Lois Lerner, poster child for hard-drive crashes and missing emails, won't face charges for contempt of Congress either. After pleading her innocence at that 2013 hearing, Lerner went on to invoke her Fifth Amendment right to remain silent.

Both Hillary Clinton and Lois Lerner used their political positions for their personal and political agendas. Both lost or destroyed the emails that would have proven their crimes. Lerner targeted the Tea Party. Hillary targets Donald Trump. Both benefit from acts that violated the laws. The New York Times says someone sent the documents to a reporter so they have no criminal liability. One finds it odd that if a private citizen receives stolen property, they go to jail. If a reporter receives stolen documents, they receive the Pulitzer Prize.

The IRS Chief and Lois Lerners boss, John Koskinen, has been the target of a move to impeach him for his role in covering up Lerners crimes, his obstruction of Congress, and outright lying to Congress. He is the poster child for political hacks and it is not beyond the realm of possibility that on his watch employees of a politicized agency that has the power to tax and therefore the proverbial power to destroy leaked Trumps 1995 return for the political purpose of helping Hillary Clinton. After all, a Trump Department of Justice would not hesitate to prosecute both.

As the Washington Times notes, Koskinen has been knee-deep in the IRS corruption and its cover-up:

Among the specific charges leveled by Mr. Chaffetz and 18 of his fellow Republicans on the committee were that Mr. Koskinen, appointed by President Obama in December 2013 after the targeting scandal broke, misled Congress when he said he had turned over all of former IRS senior executive Lois G. Lerners emails and that he oversaw destruction of evidence when his agency got rid of backup tapes that contained the emails.

Lying to Congress and destruction of evidence under subpoena are federal crimes, and that includes the arrogant Mr. Koskinen, who is just one example of being an Obama donor can get you a good job with the administration. As Investors Business Daily noted:

Certainly, it might be argued that Koskinen's current position is owed to four decades of being a prodigious Democratic donor.

Koskinen has contributed to every Democratic presidential candidate since 1980, including $2,300 to Obama in 2008, and $5,000 to Obama in 2012. Of course, being an Obama donor with a government job in and of itself is not a crime, but how Koskinen has used that job is positively criminal. Koskinen once confessed before Congress that obeying the law was a difficult task:

Of course, being an Obama donor with a government job in and of itself is not a crime, but how Koskinen has used that job is positively criminal. Koskinen once confessed before Congress that obeying the law was a difficult task:

"Whenever we can, we follow the law," IRS chief John Koskinen recently told the House Ways and Committee in a Freudian slip of the truth that says it all.

This longtime Democratic donor and the IRS has broken the law to help President Obama and his wannabe successor, Hillary Rodham Clinton, and to damage the administration of Donald Trump. Someone at the IRS has repeatedly broken the law and should be located and prosecuted, even if that means Koskinen himself.

Daniel John Sobieski is a freelance writer whose pieces have appeared in Investors Business Daily, Human Events, Reason Magazine and the Chicago Sun-Times among other publications.
The Lefts route to promoting their radical agenda around the world is engineering the enactment of a United Nations treaty that contains their distorted womens rights policies that can then be used to impose their alien feminist views on third world nations. I know this from my experience of more than 20 years at the UN  including working as an NGO delegate advising official delegates plus being an official U.S. delegate appointed by President George W. Bush to two sessions, The Childrens Summit (2002) and the Commission on the Status of Women (2003). Ive learned that whatever the theme of the session and whether its an official or NGO meeting. And this week, March 13  March 24, the UN is holding its 61st annual Commission on the Status of Women.

A 2013 article that cited the 10 top accomplishments of the UN lists promoting womens rights as the UNs #1 accomplishment over the years. That achievement demonstrates the indirect and outsized influence of radical feminist NGOs in the United States and in other Member States. They gained significant, even decisive, power in 2010 with the establishment of a body incorporating all related UN agencies under one billion-dollar entity  UN Women: United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women. This powerful consolidation of womens agencies within the UN (often referred to as a global policy-making body) gave radical women unprecedented global influence. UN Women is now among the most powerful of the various entities of the UN in working to impose radical policies and practices related to womens rights and gender identity. It is nothing short of the 21st Centurys most glaring example of arrogant western colonialism: cultural imperialism and domination at its worst.

The establishment of UN Women was the result of significant groundwork to implement a long-term strategy. Ambassador Arvonne Fraser, former ambassador to the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), explained the strategy very simply: [W]hen you put something in law you change culture. UN treaties, of course, are not law, but customary law has become a direct implication of the treaties and economic benefits that are given or withheld by the UN according to a specific nations adherence to the treaties. Thus, a series of womens meetings were planned to provide a foundation for cultural change, not just in the U.S. but around the world.

The UNs International Womens Year in 1975 was followed by The United Nations Decade for Women from 1976 to 1985 ,including a World Plan of Action and a dramatic increase in non-governmental leaders (NGO), with the establishment of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW). All of this happened following the drafting in 1972 of the controversial Convention on Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). This proposed treaty is promoted by its proponents as a womens rights treaty (focusing on the womens rights agenda rather than the human rights of women).

A more recent development is the UNs revolutionary way of defining women as mother, worker and citizen, significantly leaving out wife as an important role of women, and implying that the role as wife is insignificant and unnecessary, even a handicap to womens well-being and economic security. The anti-wife theme has progressed to the point of maternal bullying -- a narrative trying to convince women that marriage means a man will control a womens life by violence and abuse, especially when she is pregnant. It also encompasses the idea of male irresponsibility and reinforces the idea that society discriminates against pregnant women. Marriage and children, then, are inherently limiting for womens potential and well-being.

Thus, abortion is viewed as essential if women are to reach their potential and achieve well-being. My report researching womens well-being over the century 1900 to 2000, Graining Ground: A Profile of American Women in the Twentieth Century, tracked 7 dimensions of womens well-being and found the trends in demography, health, education, family, economics, attitude and religion tracked upward, indicating significant improvement across dimensions of well-being. On the whole, women are healthier, we live longer and remain in better health into old age. We have more professional degrees, and we make more money. But, we are still burning out too often, and our freedom and independence has come at a high cost in terms of interconnectedness. In short, the biggest price women have paid is in the area of personal well-being, especially in terms of marriage and family.

These well-documented trends have been ignored, in part because of the influence of the progressive NGOs through their work at the U.N. From 1975 to 1995, there were four United Nations World Conferences on Women (Mexico City, Copenhagen, Nairobi, and Beijing). It would be impossible to overstate the influence of the Fourth UN World Conference on Women in Beijing (1995) where a Platform for Action was embraced by First Lady Hillary Clinton who famously said in Beijing, Womens Rights are Human Rights and went back home to set up womens bureaus in every U.S. federal agency to further so-called womens rights, including political quotas and positive measures. The special interest agenda and bureaucratic bloating continues today.

During Beijing and the subsequent Beijing+ Conferences (Beijing 5, 10, 15 and 20), so-called gender parity and gender mainstreaming were major priorities and became a focus around the world through U.S. State Department and UN pressure and funding. I view this pressure on Member States as a form of cultural imperialism on a par with the worst excesses of the 18th and 19th centuries  local cultural or religious traditions are trampled in the rush to superimpose Western values (particularly unlimited access to abortion and free contraceptives) on other nations and socially construct radical social views and values regarding womens rights.

Next, the UN began linking feminism to economics and environmentalism by new goals to spread the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) and the more recent Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)  both efforts had more emphasis on womens rights than on the economy and environment. Both efforts undermined traditional values and pushed an anti-life agenda, demography, not destiny. Every new UN session brings fresh slogans like that, along with new tactics, and controversial messages in colorful and appealing packages, but the new wine comes from the same old wineskins.

NGO leaders as well as delegates know that words have consequences, so documents are carefully crafted using vague terms with generally understood definitions, but as those words are interpreted the meanings are expanded. As a result, cultures change. Inevitably, reproductive rights means abortion and gender equity and gender mainstreaming mean quotas. Words, then, become codes that can be interpreted as policy and thus vehicles of transformation. Each succeeding world conference on women has caused an exponential increase in ways womens issues are taking on a life of their own around the world, forcing governments to respond. More significantly, this revolution increasingly has been viewed as hindered by religious fundamentalism that embodies deep-seated prejudices causing discriminatory practices against women. Likewise, in the 2016 presidential campaign, multiple sources reported on Mrs. Clintons remark that deep-seated cultural codes, religious beliefs and structural biases have to be changed to ensure womens control over their reproductive health care (code for abortion and birth control).

Fortunately, conservative groups have frequently been successful in blocking the worst of the leftist agenda. Perhaps more importantly, conservatives have exposed the ways that the UN entities abuse their roles and bully poor third-world nations into conformity with their radical policies and programs by threatening to cut off aid. It is the conservative NGO leaders who have brought attention to the ways the UN has become an instrument of colonialism, exporting the worst of Western values in order to fundamentally transform other nations. These brave and valiant voices in the wilderness need to be heard and heeded by those with power and influence in the Member States before the smaller nations are forced to implement policies that are the pathway to demographic winter, so that they become as moribund as the declining homelands of western feminists.

* This article is based on a 10-page report just published in the international scholarly journal, The Natural Family.
Merriam-Webster defines cognitive dissonance as "psychological conflict resulting from simultaneously held incongruous beliefs and attitudes (as a fondness for smoking and a belief that it is harmful)." Given all the hypocritical stances taken by liberals these days, one might expect to see them quivering uncontrollably with dissonance-related tremors, or at least losing a lot of sleep. But I can't say I've seen any signs that liberals are very troubled.

A few examples of their contradictory positions will serve to make my point.

In the March 6 edition of The Wall Street Journal, "above the fold" on page A8 was a story entitled "Iraqis Tell of Brutal Islamic State Tactics." The article is illustrated with a picture of a terrified Iraqi man carrying his daughter while running down a war-scarred street in his stockinged feet in Mosul. It is the sort of image that won photojournalists Pulitzer Prizes during the Vietnam War.

The story goes on to describe the atrocities perpetrated on the residents of Mosul by their Islamic State occupiers. ISIS members planted a bomb outside one 76-year-old man's doorway, in hopes of blowing up Iraqi troops as they advanced into the city  only the bomb blew up the elderly man's wife instead, when she tripped it going to milk the family cow. They park explosives-laden cars near civilians' homes to deter air strikes. Lately, ISIS has taken to using chemical weapons and drone-dropped bombs on civilians. These are the tactics employed by fanatical adherents to Islam against their co-religionists.

Now, immediately beneath that article is one entitled "Same-Sex Parents in Italy Are Left in a Legal Limbo." That story is accompanied by a photo of two lesbian women with several children in tow being congratulated by former mayor of Rome Ignazio Marino. The two women were beneficiaries of a ruling by an Italian court to allow each to adopt the other's offspring. The article goes on to describe the "confusion" these days in the once deeply Catholic, tradition-bound land of historic monasteries and papacies from the disparate rulings of judges regarding the adoption of children by same-sex couples. All of this, we are told, is a result of legislation that was rushed to enactment in 2016 to pave the way for civil unions. The law left out provisions for the custody of children in such unions so as not to create polarization.

My point here is not to consider the merits of same-sex unions, or even the merits of a blood-soaked, seemingly psychotic seventh-century totalitarian ideology claiming to be a religion.

Rather, the stories illustrate two worldviews pretty much as oppositional as they could be. After all, we can easily envision what those Islamists using drones to drop hand grenades willy-nilly on non-combatant fellow Muslims in Mosul would do to those two Italian women celebrating their newly acquired rights to claim parentage of each other's children. Islam is pretty clear on its view of homosexuality, and the people running ISIS send videos of their atrocities against gays across the internet to make sure we all get their point.

Yet Europeans of the left, Italians among them, have been the primary driver in welcoming refugees from lands dominated by the "Religion of Peace" to their shores.

According to a report by Pew Research, Italy was set to surpass Greece in late 2016 as "Europe's new focal point for refugee flows." Eighty-five percent of the refugees who arrived in Italy last year, the story continues, were from African countries "such as Nigeria, Eritrea and Sudan." Those would be predominantly Muslim countries. Italy accepted over 170,000 such refugees last year.

One might think those of the leftish bent who simultaneously pushed for Italy to become, as the Journal noted, "one of the last [countries] in Europe to approve civil unions for gay couples" might be a little squeamish about welcoming onto the Boot hordes of folks whose core belief system calls for the slaughter of homosexuals. As the estimable Shaykh Muhammad Saalih al-Munajjid helpfully explains at his handy Islam Question and Answer website, Islamic scholars disagree a bit on the exact manner of disposing of LGBT community members, but the options can include stoning, throwing from a high place, and burning with fire. (There is nothing quite like academics quibbling over execution methodology to raise the hair on the back of your neck.) Regardless of manner, the end result is the same. Or, as Shaykh al-Munajjid writes: "The Sahaabah [i.e., companions of Prophet Muhammad] were unanimously agreed on the execution of homosexuals, but they differed as to how they were to be executed."

This sort of liberal hypocrisy manifests itself in other ways as well. To take Merriam-Webster's example a step farther, leftists in the United States have been pushing everywhere and anywhere to legalize marijuana use. Yet I seem to recall in the not too distant past that leftists were trying with convert-like zeal to destroy the tobacco industry for profiting from its evil cancer-producing "nicotine delivery systems." They waged a war on the tobacconists that would have made Genghis Khan proud. Yet now they say, "Smoke away on those doobies." What happened to all their moral preening? While I don't recall much from DEA intelligence school a couple decades ago, I do distinctly remember that the chemicals in marijuana are far more carcinogenic and lethal than those in tobacco.

Then there is the issue of waterboarding. Leftists in the U.S. and around the world caterwauled endlessly during the Bush administration about the "torture" it inflicted on precisely three members of the aforementioned Religion of Peace crowd. At least these jihadis survived their treatment at the hands of America's defenders. That can't be said of those thousands President Obama blasted to smithereens with drone and other air strikes. According to the Bureau of Investigative Journalism, President Obama ordered ten times as many such strikes as did President Bush. Now, I'm not judging Mr. Obama's decisions in this regard. I only mention it to point out that so many of those Democrats who decried President Bush's "torture" of a few jihadis with a water spritz up the nose were quiet as mice when their man sent many more of the same bad guys (and not a small number of civilian bystanders) to Paradise on the Hellfire Express.

So where are the signs of liberals' cognitive dissonance? I'm not sure, but I think the same psychological processes that produce this condition may explain why liberals in my experience have always lacked a sense of irony. Both require a basic lack of self-awareness. I am not a doctor and don't play one on TV or elsewhere, but maybe a real one would find it worthy of a serious academic study.

William F. Marshall has been an intelligence analyst and investigator in the government, private, and non-profit sectors for over 30 years. Presently he is a senior investigator for Judicial Watch, Inc. (The views expressed are the author's alone, and not necessarily those of Judicial Watch.)
President Obama made a big deal about the resumption of U.S. carrier travel to Cuba. JetBlue in particular got Obama's accolades. After all, when the president of the United States sets the example for Cuba tourist travel, showing how it's all tropical music, classic cars, Cuban cigars, mojitos, and dancing like Beyonce out on the Malecon, who could resist?

Today, JetBlue has cut back its flights "to better match demand." And in the last few days, it has been joined by two other airliners, Silver and Frontier, fleeing for their lives like Marielitos. They all said demand isn't what they expected.

This is a fancy way of saying what's really going on: Cuba is a tourist hellhole. The service stinks, the amenities are gross, the place is thick with thieves and woman-gropers, the cost is high, and the alternatives are out there. In fact, the Caribbean is loaded with pleasant, accommodating destinations well worth a tourist's dollar for a vacation. Taking a vacation at a communist military-run resort really falls more into the Gulag category.

How is this for tourist hell? Observers noticed Cuban customs officials rummaging through tourist luggage and taking what they wanted. When the tourists complained, they were thrown in jail. Some tourist operation they've got there. In fact, the place is a security risk because no professional or U.S. or U.S.-standard officials are involved. Mangy street dogs are what pass for security dogs in Havana. You can expect cockroaches in your breakfast cereal and tourist bulletin boards such as this one say bring your own toilet paper.

Cuba's officials aren't even interested in making their foreign investors happy. American businesses have but one purpose, according to reports: to serve through their presence in Havana as bait to attract other sucker businesses, the better to rob them all.

Like in this case:

[A] Canadian businessman who had invested on the island for almost two decades, until he was thrown in jail on corruption charges. The Canadian, Sarkis Yacoubian, spent more than two years in jail before being found guilty and expelled. His case is not unique. "We know one thing for sure," Zack said. "He didn't get his business back. Raul Castro's son-in-law did."

Doing business in Cuba is so dodgy and money-losing that just doing it now involves reputational risk, according to Control Risks consultancy.

No wonder airlines don't want to be there  the U-turn they are making is rather visible. And they are not alone. According to the FT:

... about 60 per cent of the businesses established here by foreigners since the fall of communism in eastern Europe have closed, according to government statistics. Some of them  analysts and diplomats say  were forced out by the Cuban government.

What a dump. Best thing out there is to just say no to the hellhole so touted by President Obama.
A report from the non-partisan U.S. Elections Project has destroyed another myth about why Donald Trump was able to win the White House.

The liberal narrative about why Hillary Clinton lost has included myths like that the majority of Trump voters were racist, or the FBI interfered, or, of course, the Russians hacked the election and handed the victory to the candidate they wanted to win: Trump.

What the narrative misses is the fact that Hillary Clinton was the worst Democratic presidential candidate in more than a generation. A majority of voters didn't like her personally and didn't trust her.

But another myth from the election had a ring of truth to it: that a depressed turnout was a major reason for Trump's triumph. As it turns out, the U.S. Elections Project study blew that one out of the water as well.

The Hill:

More voters cast ballots in Novembers elections than when President Obama won reelection in 2012, though the number of Americans who showed up to vote remains well below all-time highs set half a century ago. About 139 million Americans, or 60.2 percent of the voting-eligible population, cast a ballot in Novembers elections, according to data compiled by the U.S. Elections Project. That compares with 58.6 percent of eligible voters who turned out in 2012, but its below the 62.2 percent who turned out to help elect Obama for the first time in 2008. Last year, President Trump won just shy of 63 million votes  enough to secure a majority of the Electoral College, even though he fell almost 3 million votes shy of his Democratic opponent, Hillary Clinton. The states where Trump and Clinton battled most fiercely also tended to be those where voter turnout was highest. Nine of the 13 states where voter turnout was highest were battleground states. Battleground states had the highest turnout, but other states that allowed same day registration also benefitted from increased voter participation: Nearly 3 in 4 voters in Minnesota turned out to vote in Novembers elections, a rate higher than in any other state. Last year marked the eighth time in the past nine elections that Minnesota notched the highest turnout in the nation. Clinton won the states 10 electoral votes by a slim 45,000-vote margin. More than 70 percent of voters turned out in Maine, New Hampshire, Colorado and Wisconsin, all states where both presidential campaigns invested heavily. Turnout hit 69 percent in hotly contested Iowa, and more than two-thirds of voters cast ballots in Massachusetts, Oregon, Maryland and Virginia.

No one is arguing that same day registration doesn't boost the number of votes cast. The argument is over whether it makes voter fraud easier. So far, there is little evidence either way.

An argument can be made from the numbers that the Trump vote in vital swing states was boosted by his presence on the ballot and had nothing to do with racism or tall tales about the FBI.
Pro-E.U. forces across the continent were celebrating the victory of Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte's Liberal Party over upstart populist Geert Wilders's Freedom Party. The Liberals have picked up at least 30 seats in the 150-member Dutch Parliament, with the Freedom Party gaining 20 seats. But the Dutch voters scattered their support among five parties, making Rutte's job of forming a coalition government extremely difficult.

The outcome was worse than opinion polls had suggested for Wilders, representing a rejection of his platform of pulling the Netherlands out of the European Union, abandoning the euro, closing Dutch borders and stopping all immigration by Muslims. It suggests that the nationalist sentiment that prompted the U.K.'s Brexit vote and won Donald Trump the White House will struggle to secure as big a foothold in Europe's core. "Dutch voters rejected populism and voted for Europe," said Jacob Funk Kirkegaard, a senior fellow with the Peterson Institute for International Economics in Washington. "It seems like Rutte's appeal for a 'centrist fightback against Trump and Brexit' was heard."

As we shall see, that's wishful thinking.

With key elections in France in April and May, then in Germany in September, Wednesday's vote in one of the EU's founding members was in the international spotlight like never before. Faced with the prospect of a major shift in the direction of their country, Dutch voters responded by flocking to polling stations: Turnout in Rotterdam, the second-biggest city, was the highest in more than 30 years, while balloting stations in the seat of government, The Hague, and elsewhere were kept open later to allow queues of people to vote. "What a celebration it was for democracy today," Rutte told supporters in The Hague. "After Brexit, after the U.S. elections, the Netherlands said stop to the wrong sort of populism."

Despite the nearly universal narrative being pushed by media here and abroad that Wilders's defeat was a "blow to populism," a closer look at the results tells a different story. Wilders's party gained five seats compared to the 2012 election, while Rutte's Liberals lost 9 seats. The Labor Party was decimated, losing 29 seats, while the socialists and the Greens each made modest gains.

A couple of weeks ago, Wilders and Rutte were neck and neck in the polls. But then, fate intervened in the form of a diplomatic row with Turkey's President Erdogan. Ankara wanted to send two ministers to the Netherlands to campaign among Turkish expats who are eligible to vote in an upcoming referendum on amending the Turkish constitution that would basically allow Erdogan to rule as a virtual dictator. Rutte, sensing trouble, refused entry to the two ministers, leading to a back-and-forth with Erdogan that got very nasty, indeed.

IBT:

A furious Erdogan hit back at the Dutch officials for blocking entry of Turkish ministers by saying they were "timid and coward" and branded them as "Nazi remnants and fascists." He also said that the Dutch nation was behaving like a "banana republic." "Has Europe said anything? No. Why? Because they don't bite each other. The Netherlands are acting like a banana republic," Erdogan said in a speech in Kocaeli province, near Istanbul. The Dutch PM retorted to the comments made by Erdogan and said that although he understood Turkey's anger, but Erdogan's "Nazi" and "fascists" remarks were "unacceptable and " way out of line." Although the PM called for talks to resolve the impasse, he responded to Turkish threat of sanctions by saying, "We can never do business under this kind of blackmail...We draw a red line."

The upshot was that Rutte was able to show how tough he could be on the Muslims, saying at one point during an interview:

"This is a man who yesterday made us out for fascists and a country of Nazis. I'm going to de-escalate, but not by offering apologies. Are you nuts?" Rutte told a morning talk show.

That response cut the legs out from underneath Wilders and gave people an excuse to vote for Rutte.

The Dutch are not the British. They live in one of the few countries in Europe that has benefitted handsomely from E.U. membership. But to claim that the second-place finish for a party that used to hold parliamentary seats in the single digits is a "blow to populism" is burying the lede  especially since the pro-E.U. parties collectively lost ground.

The fact is, Wilders has fundamentally transformed Dutch politics, forcing more established mainstream parties to adopt some of his platform. Wilders can claim that as a victory.

And besides, he's not going anywhere.
As we watch the left derail into madness  i.e., Rachel Maddow and Trump's tax returns  let's catch up with a couple of Latin American personalities of the past. Let's recall a couple of oldies who earned their spurs by killing innocent people.

Let's start with El Chapo, the cartel leader now entering the Manhattan phase of his life. As you may remember, he escaped and got caught, and then he escaped and got caught again.

This update is from El Pais:

While El Chapo awaits trial, he is being kept in complete isolation, and can only talk to his lawyers from behind a glass screen.

He has no contact with his wife, Emma Coronel, and she in turn is receiving no news about him. He is unaware of the increasingly bloody power struggle taking place within the Sinaloa cartel in the wake of his extradition, or that Mexican actress Kate del Castillo, with whom he wanted to make a movie about his own life, has a new television series. But El Chapo will have seen the documents relating to his own case: that a police officer in the Mexico border city of Juarez is to give testimony about the bribes paid to release members of the Sinaloa cartel; that another witness will talk about a house used for killings, the walls of which were covered in plastic and where a special drain had to be installed for the blood to be washed down; that his stash of AK-47s was found, and that several leading Colombian cartel leaders will also be testifying.

We can safely say that Guzman will have a New York address for a long, long time! Reality is adding salt to the wound because El Chapo will be represented by a court-appointed attorney. Gone are the days when El Chapo hired the most expensive legal firm in the world. He is being represented by a local attorney provided by U.S. taxpayers. Quite a fall for the man who had dollar bills rolling out of his pocket.

The other personality in the news is the fellow known as "The Jackal." Our friend Fausta posted the latest from Ilich Ramirez Sanchez, who was born in Venezuela:

Carlos the Jackal, was blowing kisses to his Paris audience in court yesterday: In an often rambling statement in the Paris court on Monday, the 67-year-old said that any murders he had committed were carried out in the name of "the revolution." "No-one has executed more people than me in the Palestinian resistance," he said, "[and] I am the only survivor. In all the fighting, there were collateral victims, it's unfortunate," he said. Wearing a jacket with a red pocket handkerchief, Ramirez smiled and blew kisses upon first appearing in the dock before kissing the hand of his lawyer and long-term partner, Isabelle Coutant-Peyre. He then embarked on a diatribe in which he condemned wealthy "Zionist interests" who he said were eager to crush anybody who stood up to Israeli aggression. He said that lawyers prosecuting him for the shopping centre attack in Paris 43 years ago were "scavengers" for forcing him back to court. You may recall that Carlos the Jackal, when sentenced to life in jail for the 1975 murders of two French secret agents and a Lebanese informant, earned the high praise of Venezuelan dictator Hugo Chavez, who called him "a brother."

And so we watch two of the most despicable men of recent memory. El Chapo was a brutal killer who executed for territory. The Jackal was a terrorist who blew away anyone who got in his way.

P.S. You can listen to my show (Canto Talk) and follow me on Twitter
Senator John McCain accused Senator Rand Paul of "now working for Vladimir Putin," when the Kentucky Senator objected to a unanimous consent resolution that would have recommended tiny Montenegro for NATO membership.

Washington Examiner:

"If there's objection, you are achieving the objectives of Vladimir Putin," McCain warned. "If they object, they are now carrying out the desires and ambitions of Vladimir Putin, and I do not say that lightly." But as predicted, Paul quickly objected with McCain asked for consent to call up a resolution that would have the U.S. ratify the treaty if approved. "I object," Paul said before quickly leaving the Senate. Paul's move shocked McCain, who said Paul didn't appear to have any good reason for objecting. "That is really remarkable," McCain said. "That a senator, blocking a treaty that is supported by the overwhelming number, perhaps 98 at least of his colleagues, would come to the floor and object, and walk away." "The only conclusion you can draw when he walks away is he has no argument to be made," he said. "The senator from Kentucky is now working for Vladimir Putin," McCain concluded.

Paul was under no obligation to explain his objection, so McCain's shocking allegation seems more a matter of pique than anything else.

Paul offered this reason for his objection:

"Currently, the United States has troops in dozens of countries and is actively fighting in Iraq, Syria, Libya, and Yemen (with the occasional drone strike in Pakistan)," Paul said. "In addition, the United States is pledged to defend 28 countries in NATO." "It is unwise to expand the monetary and military obligations of the United States given the burden of our $20 trillion debt," he said. A spokeswoman for McCain said Paul's explanation isn't enough, and that he should have offered one to the chamber as he objected to McCain's request.

From a purely strategic standpoint, Paul is probably correct. NATO membership should only be open to nations that can add to our collective security. Montenegro's tiny military would add nothing to NATO and might serve as a catalyst for war with Russia. It is extremely unwise for the alliance to give the decision for war or peace to a country that can't defend itself or its neighbors.

The strongest members of the alliance should never give the weakest members the power to drag the rest of NATO into a conflict it doesn't want. With the US standing behind it, committed to go to war to defend it, Montenegro could become a flashpoint for war even though there would be no US vital interests at stake. The same can be said for some other NATO countries.

Paul might have offered an explanation on the Senate floor for his objection, but McCain had no call to go off half cocked and accuse the Senator of doing Russia's bidding just because Paul didn't think expanding NATO to include a small, vulnerable country was wise.
Angry, violent progressives, driven by nonstop Trump-hatred emanating from mainstream and leftist media, apparently feel impunity in acting out their fury. Apparently it is open season on conservatives, at least in progressive bastions such as the wealthy Marin County town of Tiburon.

In a story originally broken by Bay Area media blogger Rich Lieberman:

Syndicated radio talker (heard here on KSFO) Michael Savage was violently confronted and physically attacked by an unknown assailant last night (Tuesday) in a Marin County restaurant. Savage was with his dog, "Teddy", and finishing up dinner at Servino Restaurant in Tiburon, CA (north of San Francisco) when the unnamed assailant charged up to Savage and began yelling, "Hey Weiner", making fun of Savage's legal last name. The attacker then kicked the poodle out of the way so he could get to Michael and then grabbed Savage and threw him to the ground, according to an eyewitness who watched the attack along with several restaurant patrons. Savage was not seriously hurt and his dog is OK but the incident left him bloodied and shaken.

The two major Bay Area newspapers, The San Francisco Chronicle and San Jose Mercury-News, both reported the incident as "Savage claims" and labeled him with such terms as "firebrand" and "fierce," indirectly offering a rationale for attacking him. The incident took place in public, and there were witnesses and quite possibly CCTV recordings. The facts will be clarified because Savage's attorney, Daniel Horowitz, is on the case, and he is a fierce and skillful advocate for his clients. I would never wish to face him as opposing counsel in a legal matter, and I would be delighted to have him on my side.

In the Mercury-News's account:

Savage said the man called out to him: "Are you Michael Weiner?" (referring to his given name). Savage said he turned to the man and said, "Go away, I don't know who you are." Horowitz said it's still not entirely clear what motivated the alleged assault, but his office is looking into whether it was a hate crime or whether it had anything to do his client's political views and his support of Trump, both frequent subjects of his "Savage Nation" nationally syndicated radio show. (snip) A Tiburon police spokeswoman said officers arrived on the scene on Tiburon's Main Street at about 8:25 p.m. Both men involved in the fight claimed the other started it, according to an incident log. Spokeswoman Laurie Nilsen said the two men placed each other under citizen's arrest and were released at the scene. A follow-up police report will be sent to the District Attorney's Office for review to see if any charges will be filed. Horowitz suggested it's unlikely his client was the aggressor, given that he's 5 feet 6 inches tall and 75 years old. Horowitz said Savage, who lives in Marin County, had finished up a quiet dinner alone at Servino Ristorante. He had a bag of leftover food in one hand and his constant companion, his toy poodle Teddy, in the other. Outside the restaurant, the man, who stands around 6 feet 5 inches, came at Savage, "yelling insults," Horowitz said. After Savage told the man to "go away," he started to turn. Horowitz said it appears that the man knocked Savage to the ground while also pushing his dog out of the way. At that point, another customer from the restaurant intervened, and Savage's alleged assailant punched him in the face, Horowitz said. Savage was somehow able to get back up and help the good Samaritan while also calling police. No one fled the scene, with the involved parties staying to give their statements to officers. Nilsen said the officers were working on the report to send to prosecutors for review. Horowitz said Savage wasn't hurt in the fight, and it doesn't appear anyone else was either. He said Savage may have seen his alleged assailant earlier in the bar of the restaurant. "He called me from the scene," Horowitz said, referring to Savage. "Truthfully, I think he was more furious than anything. He was saying he had just wanted to go out and have a nice dinner. He said, 'This guy can't get away with that.' "

The alleged assailant, whose name has not been released, should expect the panoply of weapons offered by hate crime statutes to be employed against him. Any social media or other public postings expressing hate toward Savage, Trump, or conservatives in general can be used to establish hatred as a motivation for a physical assault.

The location of the restaurant, in downtown Tiburon, takes some getting to from the nearest freeway exits. Its clientele overwhelmingly would be drawn from the multimillion-dollar homes that cling to the rocky hillsides and shoreline of Tiburon, many with spectacular views of the Bay and the cities that surround it. It has an outdoor dining area, and is what might be called luxe casual in atmosphere.

The odds are that the alleged assailant has substantial financial assets and that a lengthy, public legal battle will ensue unless some sort of apology and settlement is on the table.

How many angry rich progressives are likely to want to apologize to Michael Savage?

We'll see what the videos and witness statements reveal, and what the police and Marin County D.A. decide to do. This will not end in obscurity.

Here is a picture of Savage's adorable toy poodle Teddy, his companion and favorite, of whom he speaks and writes frequently:

A Marin County jury might dislike Savage on political grounds, but on animal rights grounds, a 6-foot, 5-inch assailant of a 10-pound sweet-natured animal would not be too sympathetic.

The larger significance of this incident should not be lost. Violence is being encouraged against President Trump and those who support him, with many progressive journalists and intellectuals silent about the wave of creeping totalitarianism. You can tell who has genuine principles and who does not by their reactions to this assault in Michael Savage. Leftists claim that fascism is engulfing America. They are correct, but they can't admit that they are the fascists.

For big-city conservatives today: we are all Michael Savage, at threat as we go about our daily lives in the nation's biggest metropolitan areas.
The Pentagon is considering a plan to send 1,000 more troops to Syria in order to assist pro-Assad forces with retaking the capital of the Islamic State, Raqqa.

If approved by the president, it would double the number of U.S. troops in Syria and leave open the possibility of combat troops being deployed to the region.

Washington Free Beacon:

Though the new contingent of U.S. troops would initially serve in an advisory role to local forces, the Defense Department has considered deploying combat troops for the first time into Syria to accelerate the fight against ISIS, an unnamed defense official told CNN in February. Trump directed Defense Secretary James Mattis in January to provide a strategy within 30 days that more aggressively attacks ISIS in Syria. Mattis submitted a broad outline to the president at the end of last month, passing the torch to Gen. Joseph Votel, head of U.S. Central Command, who is now responsible for fleshing out the details of Mattis' proposal. Votel is expected to submit his recommendations to Mattis at the end of the month. Votel told reporters last week that he would not hesitate to request more conventional military units in Iraq if necessary. The United States currently maintains about 500 Special Operations forces in Syria, in addition to some 250 Rangers and 200 Marines, according to the Post, though the military has not confirmed an exact number citing security reasons. The proposed deployment would coincide with a White House directive that would abolish the formal troop cap in Iraq and Syria set in place by the Obama administration. Former President Barack Obama capped the number of troops in Syria to 500, though commanders have the authority to temporarily surpass that limit. The additional troops, if approved by the administration, would primarily advise Kurdish and Arab fighters in northern Syria battling against ISIS. "This would still be by, with, and through our local partners on the ground," an unnamed defense official told the Post. The troop surge would mark a significant shift away from the Obama administration, which refused to deploy conventional ground troops into Syria, though a small number of special operations forces operate in the war-torn country.

If the liberation of Mosul in Iraq is any guide to a possible deployment of U.S. combat troops in Syria, they may not be needed. In fact, it may be better that U.S. forces maintain their distance from what is sure to be savage fighting in the streets of a major urban center that will almost certainly result in large numbers of civilian casualties. If ISIS could create the impression that U.S. troops were responsible for the civilian deaths, it would hand the terrorists a propaganda weapon that could slow the progress of Arab and Kurdish troops, who will be doing most of the fighting to retake Raqqa.

Just as long as we don't have to depend on the regular Syrian army or Hezb'allah for force protection, there shouldn't be too many worries for our soldiers. They will be advising the anti-Assad rebels from the rear areas as well as engaging in long-range artillery fire well back from the front lines.

But the best of intentions are sometimes not enough in war. The U.S. must be careful to avoid the Syrian tar baby that could embroil the Trump administration in the byzantine civil war, where allies and enemies sometimes change places on a day-to-day basis.
Imagine seeing our planet from space: An Earth without boundaries situated in the vastness of the universe. From the opening of her presentation earlier this month at NAU, Emily Calandrellis main point was clear: Space is more exciting today than ever before in history.

For most of us, we need a creative way to learn about these topics or else we wouldn't learn them at all. But with the birth of the Internet and platforms like YouTube, we're finding more and more creative ways to learn about these topics, she said.

Calandrelli is a producer and host of FOXs Xploration Outer Space and a correspondent on Bill Nye Saves the World. She received her masters degree from MIT in Aeronautics and Astronautics, Technology and Policy Program.

Her talk on March 1 was part of NAUs College of Engineering, Forestry and Natural Science ninth annual STEM speaker series. The event drew an audience of all ages and women comprised over half the crowd.

Calandrellis passion for space exploration resonated with the audience. The room was filled with a sense of awe and curiosity as we contemplated outer space.

Calandrelli noted that scientists have recently discovered the highest number of Earth-sized planets around a sun. An ice deposit the size of New Mexico was discovered on Mars. And plans are in motion to bring tourists to space. Calandrelli even projects that the first trillionaire will be made in space, because almost everything that we hold of value on Earth is available nearly limitlessly in outer space.

When asked what she thinks the most exciting breakthrough in space exploration will be, Calandrelli predicts that it will be reusable rockets. She said that [reusable rockets] will change space exploration because its going to make traveling and sending things into space cheaper.

As space exploration becomes cheaper, it becomes more accessible. Lowering the monetary barrier for space entry would promote creativity and innovation in the space industry. Likewise, making science education more understandable would encourage people to pursue careers in space exploration and other STEM fields.

Yet, despite the excitement in the space industry, the science behind the wonder is a mystery to most. Thats why it is Calandrellis mission to inspire science literacy and interest through space exploration. Admittedly, science can be difficult to understand. There's a lot of known science that can seem like magic because we cannot see it with our plain eyes, such as X-rays, germs or even electrical currents.

But as Calandrelli explains, science is an integral part of our lives. Having an understanding of how science works can have a tangible benefit, even if youre not planning on exploring space. However, it is todays students that will provide the creativity and innovation that will advance space exploration.

Calandrelli says that this is why she strives to use inventive methods to communicate scientific principles in her show.

She also stressed that with availability of the internet, we need to mind our sources. Experts do exist, and opinions on social media are not always evidence-based certainties. Calandrelli urged that in a world of alternative facts, we must stand up for objective truth.

The presentation ended with the same sense of marvel in which it began, and left the audience with a standing message. Science can seem overwhelming, but when broken down, it is beautiful. When asked about the future of science education, Calandrelli said that she is incredibly hopeful that the rate of science literacy will rise in the years to come.

The end of the presentation left the audience with a challenge: tonight, take a moment to look at the sky. Take a moment to breathe, to wonder, to ponder the stars. Question the universe, and push yourself to learn and understand. Ultimately, Emily Calandrelli believes that a comfortable understanding of scientific principles could lead us to be happy, healthy and responsible citizens of Planet Earth.
Sponsoring a video featuring an honest, polite debate over a significant public issue landed the largest Australian-owned brewery in a P.R. nightmare, facing boycotts and a major loss of business. One side of the debate  powerful, organized, angry, and adamant  simply was not interested in letting the other side be heard.

As a result, a humiliating confession and apology video was issued, and the offending civil discussion video was sent to the Memory Hole.

At this point, many readers will have guessed which public issue is at the heart of this imbroglio: same-sex marriage. Bill Muehlenberg explains:

... a brief video on homosexual marriage was put out by the Bible Society of Australia in conjunction with Coopers Brewery. A very civil debate featuring two Liberals (one a homosexual in favour of it, one a heterosexual against it) was a light-hearted and friendly bit of discussion about this key issue. But the homosexual lobby  as always  went absolutely ballistic, bombarding Coopers with abuse and hate mail, demanding that they repent immediately and totally withdraw from the entire event. And sure enough, the cowards at Coopers did just that, putting out a slobbering act of confession and contrition, reminiscent of the early Communist show trials. They not only renounced the entire project, including a commemoration of 200 years of the BSA, but they said they will now do even much more to push the homosexual agenda. So the boot licking is complete, as they have realised how evil they were to actually encourage civil debate. This 90 second minute video features Tim and Melanie Cooper with their complete and total capitulation to the homosexual bullies:

The left-leaning Australian, a national newspaper, catalogued some of the abuse hurled at Coopers, a family-owned brewery in Adelaide:

Melbourne activist Michael Barnett, who said he was a campaigner for human rights and equality, sent a trail of expletive-ridden tweets directed at the company: "Your statement is [b-------]. My life is not up for a light-hearted debate. [F---] you. [F---] YOU." Gay parenting activist Rodney Chiang-Cruise joined a boycott of Coopers beer that also saw pubs in Sydney and Melbourne stop selling the company's products. "Do you drink Coopers beer? Well don't. They have exposed themselves as homo/transphobic [f----]," he tweeted. Writer Catherine Deveny posted what she described as "beer advice needed for people who used to drink Coopers before they found out they're [c----]".

The Macrobusiness.au website explains the particular vulnerability of Coopers:

Coopers was/is looking down the barrel of a huge loss of business. Not mentioned is that apart from its SA [the state of South Australia] stronghold, its main customer base is young and progressive, and it is the bog standard in many Inner city pubs/gay clubs in the east coast capitals. The loss of business from this disaster was apparently dire: some gay and gay friendly clubs/pubs have accounts with Coopers in excess of $500,000 a year, some of which have now cancelled these orders (most would have been following suit)[.]

Muhlenberg aptly sums it up:

If anything is absolutely crystal clear by now, it is this: those who scream the most about diversity, acceptance and tolerance are the most intolerant folks around. The secular left in general and the militant homosexual lobby in particular are obvious and blatant examples of this. They are not in the least bit interested in allowing actual debate and discussion to take place about any of their sacrosanct agenda items. We either agree fully with what they are pushing, or we must sit down and shut up. There is no middle ground here.

Aggressive snowflakes are a global phenomenon: people claiming to be victims and using that status as a source of power to bully those who disagree with them. It is a power as evanescent as that of the Wizard of Oz: once people decline to honor the superiority of victimhood, it evaporates. But standing up to the snowflakes means experiencing temporary pain. A family-owned company in a declining business (beer is a stagnant, at best, industry) is not in a position to act as champion. Nor is any large company that lives or dies with quarterly earnings results.

For now, the wannabe victims are able to bully others and win. With no end in sight. Yet.

Hat tip: John McMahon
President Donald Trump as a candidate promised to unshackle the American energy industry by undoing most of the job-killing regulations created by the Obama administration.

In a court filing, Justice Department lawyers revealed that the new administration is planning to repeal the Obama hydraulic fracturing rule, which placed severe restrictions on the process of getting oil and natural gas from shale. Earlier yesterday, the administration said they would roll back some of the automobile emissions standards and curtail other Obama administration environmental rules on water and coal leasing.

The Hill:

Trump has ordered the EPA to consider repealing Obama's Clean Water Rule, and will soon seek to undo the Clean Power Plan, the coal leasing moratorium for federal land and other climate and environmental regulations. Attorneys said the Interior Department and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) have been reviewing rules as part of a White House directive on reducing unnecessary and burdensome regulations. "As part of this process, the department has begun reviewing the 2015 final rule  for consistency with the policies and priorities of the new administration," lawyers wrote. "This initial review has revealed that the 2015 final rule does not reflect those policies and priorities." Attorneys said that Interior would formally propose to repeal the rule within 90 days. That will start a process, likely to take a year or more, of undoing a rule that was a high priority for Obama and took many years to write. Greens slammed the Trump administration's decision Wednesday. "This disturbing decision highlights Trump's desire to leave our beautiful public lands utterly unprotected from oil industry exploitation," Michael Saul, an attorney with the Center for Biological Diversity, said in a statement. "Backing away from these modest rules is doubly dangerous given the administration's reckless plans to ramp up fracking and drilling on public lands across America."

What a crock. The tiny portion of federal lands that would be open to energy development would not leave "our beautiful lands unprotected." There are already strict rules in place to protect the environment from irresponsible drillers.

As for safety issues with fracking, two separate EPA studies have failed to prove that the process contaminates drinking water, although the results were inconclusive. Further study is needed, as is a closer look at the correlation between "shallow" earthquakes and fracking. Not every fracking site experiences these mild quakes, but many do, and even oil companies want more information about possible min-faults that, if disturbed, could lead to an outbreak of temblors such as those experienced in Oklahoma and West Texas.

Unfortunately, easing restrictions on coal leasing probably comes too late for the industry. The abundance of natural gas  largely because fracking has been so successful  has driven down the cost of coal to make it uncompetitive. It's an open question whether the Trump administration can revive the moribund coal industry, which has seen tens of thousands of jobs disappear during the Obama years.

Repealing or scaling back these regulations will make it more profitable to drill for oil and open up huge new areas for exploitation. The energy industry, already booming, will likely see significant growth in the next few years.
Is anyone really surprised that an Obama-appointed federal judge imposed an injunction on President Trump's second attempt at a modified travel ban?

After Trump's first entry ban was blocked, Trump's administration spent more than a month coming up with an alternative that might please the court. He consulted with legal experts to write the best provisions that wouldn't be struck down.

And guess what! We get the same result.

What comes next? An appeal to a three-judge panel on the far-left Ninth Circuit, who will probably affirm the injunction? An en banc appeal to the full Ninth Circuit, which will possibly do the same? And how about an appeal after that to the Supreme Court, which, with Neil Gorsuch presumably on the Court, might by the slimmest of margins uphold Trump's very modest executive order...or might not?

It reminds me of those famous lines in the movie War Games, when the computer says, "A strange game. The only winning move is not to play."

The president has "plenary power" over national security policy. Previous presidents, like Obama, restricted entry from individual countries without anyone complaining. When President Trump's first executive order was struck down, that was clearly a power-grab by the judiciary of the executive branch's power. His first order was so moderate (only including seven countries, only for a limited period of time) that I knew then that no revised order would satisfy activist judges.

And yet Trump played their game, wasting precious time and leaving our borders open for over a month, and what has it gotten him? Nothing.

The proper course of action would have been to assert that the courts have overstepped their authority and for President Trump to announce that he is going to use his constitutional authority to enforce his executive order. This will be said to provoke a "constitutional crisis," but to be clear, it is the courts that have created this crisis. Sadly enough, President Trump has only deepened it by acquiescing to the court's authority in this matter. He is cooperating in making national security policy subordinate to the whims of every federal district court judge in the country.

President Trump said this latest ruling "makes us look weak," but really, it makes President Trump and the executive branch look weak  to meekly accept, for a second time, the overriding of their national security powers, this time because of one man wearing a black robe over a flower shirt in Honolulu.

To get serious on national security, President Trump is going to have to write much tougher executive orders than this. How is he going to bar refugees from ISIS-infested Muslim countries if he kowtows to the courts? How is he going to build a border wall if the courts tie him up in knots? How will he crack down on sanctuary cities if the courts order him to continue funding them?

The answer is, he won't be able to. I hope at some point that President Trump will figure this out for himself, because if he doesn't, America is going to be in a very insecure position.

Ed Straker is the senior writer at NewsMachete.com.
Longtime aide to President Trump Roger Stone told CBS4 News in Miami that he was the victim of a hit-and-run driver who appeared to intentionally target the car in which he was a passenger.

Most of Stone's story has been corroborated by the police, which raises troubling questions about who would want to target Stone and for what reason.

"They just came at us full force," Stone told CBS4 News. "The driver then threw it in reverse and took off." Stone, who has previously admitted to having "back-channel" communications with WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and who more recently acknowledged trading messages with the famed Russian hacker Guccifer 2.0, remains a central figure in the Congressional investigation into Russia's attempts to influence the presidential election. Stone was on his way to Orlando to promote his latest book on Trump when the accident occurred. "Out of nowhere we were T-boned essentially by a late model 4-door what I'm now told was a Pontiac," he said. Stone said he was a passenger in the car and that the airbags deployed on his side and prevented him from being more seriously injured. "I'm bruised but I'm OK," he said, adding his vision is blurry. The Broward Sheriff's Office confirmed there was a hit-and-run crash at the time and location described by Stone. The accident occurred at 10:45 am in Pompano Beach at NW 7th Avenue and 1st Street, according to the incident report obtained by CBS4 News. The report states that a deputy was not dispatched to the accident until 11:56 a.m.  more than 70 minutes after the crash. The deputy arrived on the scene at 11:59 a.m. The report makes no mention of Stone being a passenger in the vehicle. Stone said the reason he was not listed as a passenger was because he left the scene when it became clear that a deputy was not being dispatched right away. Stone said after waiting a half hour he called an Uber to take him home while the driver of the car stayed behind. Stone provided CBS4 News a copy of the Uber receipt showing that he was picked up at the scene of the accident at 11:08 a.m. and driven to his house in Fort Lauderdale. CBS4 News spoke to two witnesses at the scene of the accident.

Stone appeared later that morning on the Alex Jones show:

Would it take 70 minutes for the police to respond to a hit-and-run? Not unless Stone or his driver hesitated to call the cops for some reason. Stone, as a prominent former aide to the president, may have wanted to avoid appearing on a police report, given his notoriety with the press. Certainly, he was under no legal obligation to stick around.

So who might be targeting Roger Stone? The list is a long one. In 45 years in politics, Stone has made numerous enemies due to his self-described "dirty tricks." But the immediate issue of Russian influence or collusion with the Trump campaign brings several suspected parties to the fore.

The Russians may have targeted him because of what he knows  or what they might think he knows  about their hacking of the DNC. Another possible angle is that a prominent Democrat on the intelligence committee suggested on Tuesday that Stone should testify in the committee's Russia inquiry. Someone may have wanted to prevent Stone from telling the committee what he knows.

Or it might have been some drunk plowing into his car at 10:45 AM and then panicking. I leave it to the reader to decide what's the most plausible explanation.
Have you ever heard about Mr. Wendell Brown? Well, it is unlikely, because he was a homeless veteran who died as "everyone's favorite poet" in California's Brentwood.

Brentwood, a wealthy enclave that abuts Beverly Hills, is the home to a huge 388-acre property deeded in 1888 to be used "exclusively by homeless and disabled veterans." But at the time of Wendell's tortured life and death, this property was serving as a dog park, and hosted a school for kids of the local elites. This setup is what West Los Angeles Veteran Affairs has insultingly called "shared agreements."

So it's ironic that while Wendell and his co-veterans fought for survival as homeless people in conditions unworthy of a POW camp, property set aside for veterans was padlocked and made more accessible to canine pets than to homeless human beings.

Wendell died, but he has a statue, something the local doyens praise themselves for by declaring that he "now has a permanent home in the spot he had occupied for years"  alive and homeless.

As the Obama era's Los Angeles leftovers, including Mayor Eric Garcetti, and the local VA-ristocrats (in their unlimited hypocrisy) ponder on other commemorations, why not a monument for all the "unknown veterans"? For that, we will need a suitable inscription. How about:

Here lies an Obama-era fallen veteran, who died homeless, starving, and exposed for hate crimes in his own country, while President Obama and Mayor Garcetti worried about Syrian refugees and the local VA brokered "shared agreements."

Let's continue.

Have you ever heard of Mr. Bob Rosebrock? Probably not  because the mass media won't talk about the Obama's administration final and very symbolic act of vengeance against veteran whistleblowers. Apart from being a Vietnam-era veteran, he has in Brentwood much in common with Mr. Brown.

The pet hate of Los Angeles pillars of left establishment  the Henry Waxmans, the Dianne Feinsteins, and others  Robert Rosebrock and the honorable Old Veterans Guard have for years fought for homeless veterans' right to their property and to dignified treatment. Rosebrock's hawk-eyed veterans spotted not only every homeless warrior who should not have been left behind, but every "sharing agreement," every shady meeting behind closed doors, and every tattered flag that the VA forgot to honor.

Rosebrock is set to stand trial with his co-defendant: the American flag. Obama's VA took a swing at this veteran for displaying national flag, and as a result, Old Glory will have to prove it is not "a placard."

So after decades of unmasking corruption and cronyism, Captain Rosebrock has "finally" committed a "crime" so serious that he is threatened with six months in jail? Betcha local swamp dwellers would prefer to commemorate Bob with a golden statue, too, to dealing with him alive and kicking.

What is the final message of Obama's VA to American veterans about this flag trial? "You will be jailed if you love your Old Placard"?

I hope the Kafkaesque trial (April 18) will end with President Trump's message to all those who disrespect America's flag and American veterans, and that for the veteran community, Obama's era will finally end.

A WW2 hero taught me: "Never justify war crimes. Do not trust those who benefited from the war. Only those who fought and suffered are trustworthy." I hope President Donald Trump hears this message, too, and recognizes that the sacrifice of our veterans will no longer be taken for granted.

Isn't it time for this existing anti-veteran regime to end?
For the last seven years, Frederic and Laurence Masurel of Bondues, France, have been loaning their kids to the ASU Ram Family.

Like an international game of follow-the-leader, their daughter, Priscilla, and son, Remy, each spent their senior year of college at Angelo State University through an exchange agreement with the University of Valenciennes in northern France. Their youngest, Nicolas, is at ASU now, participating in the same program that will see him graduate this summer and join his siblings in holding bachelors degrees in international business from both schools.

Nicolas Masurel Even if they had not come to ASU before me, Nicolas said, I was still interested in the bachelors degree program that brought me here. I was also looking at other destinations abroad, but since ASU was one of two places that offered the bachelors degrees from both schools, I wanted to come here. Texas is also quite symbolic and has a big reputation back in France.

To my knowledge, this is a first at ASU, said Meghan Pace, director of ASUs Center for International Studies. All three siblings have attended ASU, excelled in the classroom while enjoying the campus life, and achieved the ultimate goal of receiving their bachelors degree from ASU. I have enjoyed getting to know them, and they have been an absolute joy to work with. I only wish there were more Masurel kids who could attend ASU.

Priscilla broke the ice for her siblings when she chose ASU and arrived in the fall of 2010. Remy followed soon after in the fall of 2012, and Nicolas got here in the fall of 2016. Another major aspect they have in common is being looked after by the same San Angelo host family, Brian and Cristy Thomma.

Siblings Make ASU Part of the Family







The Host Family Program doesnt officially exist anymore, Nicolas said. But I still go eat dinner with them regularly, so I still see them often. They also came to Paris to meet us and the rest of our family.

When Nicolas graduates, he will also be following his siblings example and joining the family vocation.

Our whole family is generally in finance, Nicolas said. My father is an accountant, and we have this side of the family where all of the older cousins and the uncles are all working in finance, accounting or auditing.

I cant speak for all international students, but for me, Im very happy to have this experience. Nicolas Masurel

I plan to do a masters degree back home, he added, and I think my American degree from ASU will actually be more useful to me than the French one from Valenciennes. My brother and sister were able to join really good masters degree programs back in France after getting their ASU degrees.

Priscilla is now a buyer for Decathlon Group in Lille, France, one of the worlds largest sporting goods retailers with over 850 stores in 22 countries. Remy works in Lille as an auditor for KPMG, one of the big four largest auditing and accounting firms in the world. Nicolas, who is also interning at ASUs Small Business Development Center, hopes for similar success, but is keeping his immediate options open.

When I get my bachelors degree, he said, Im allowed to stay here for a year without sponsorship or a Green Card. If I can get a decent job, I may stay in the U.S. and work for a year to get some good experience, and then go back home for my masters degree.

The Masurels time at ASU may draw to a close when Nicolas graduates, but the link between his family and the Ram Family will live in perpetuity through the three sibling alumni.

Meghan Pace I think this says a lot about our Ram Family, Pace said, that multiple siblings would choose ASU for study abroad when they could pick from institutions all around the world. We are absolutely honored that the Masurel Family will continue to be associated with Angelo State University.

Our parents are very open and supportive, Nicolas said, and my father loves the U.S. So they really didnt mind that we came to ASU. And actually, they are coming here in May for my graduation, and then we are going to take a trip to New York and Boston, and my brother will join us, as well.

Im happy I came to ASU, he added. I cant speak for all international students, but for me, Im very happy to have this experience.
For weeks, members of the Flagstaff-based progressive group Together We Will have been hounding Rep. Bob Thorpe to hold a town hall. The group has sent emails, letters and even reserved space on two dates in March to host such an event.

A forum where people can ask questions and explain why he isnt representing us would be an ideal situation, said Lori Poloni-Staudinger, executive director of Together We Will.

Thorpe, a Flagstaff Republican, has taken heat from that group and others for introducing bills aimed at banning the teaching of social justice, keeping students from voting locally and prohibiting cities from creating their own local minimum wages.

But now, Thorpe says he is honoring those requests for constituent engagement by agreeing to appear again Friday on the Jeff Oravits Show, a conservative radio talk show that featured Thorpe as a guest less than a month ago.

I always look forward to tough questions from my constituents. I look forward to hearing about their concerns. And I even look forward to hearing their criticisms, Thorpe wrote in a press release announcing what he termed a "town hall."

Members of Together We Will, however, are far from satisfied. Poloni-Staudinger called both the town hall and Thorpes press release announcing it undemocratic, disingenuous and condescending.

Thorpes decision to interact with constituents only over the phone, instead of in person, and on a conservative talk show instead of more neutral ground is really bad political theater, she said.

I don't know that a tele-town hall will be truly open, she said. The last time we tried to call he hung up on us and called us names so I have no reason to believe it would be different this time around.

Poloni-Staudinger was referring to Thorpes last appearance on the Oravits Show when host and former Flagstaff city councilman Jeff Oravits cut off or didn't take calls from people who wanted to press the legislator on when he would hold a town hall. Thorpe didnt directly answer the question, instead detailing the long hours he had been working at the capitol.

Later in the show, one group member who was on hold as a caller said she heard Thorpe and Oravits call Together We Wills members crackpots off-air. Oravits said he didn't recall that being said.

Thorpe has closed off other means of constituent engagement as well. He made his Twitter feed accessible only to confirmed followers, and according to Poloni-Staudinger, answered only a few members letters with a quote from one of his supporters in England while refusing to respond to any of Together We Wills town hall requests.

The group is among many that ascribe to the Indivisible model that arose after President Donald Trumps election and draws on protest tactics used by the Tea Party, including showing up en masse to town hall events.

In his press release, Thorpe said he welcomed the town hall but chose to do it via radio to be available to those who cannot afford the fuel or time in order to travel and attend a traditional town hall.

He also took jabs at Democrats, saying that "after years of losses at the ballot box" they "are finally being forced to re-evaluate their political beliefs." In referring to his constituents, he dismissed the few who are tucked-away within their ivory towers and trendy urban coffee shops.

But what of Legislative District 6s other legislators? Poloni-Staudinger acknowledged that Rep. Brenda Barton and Sen. Sylvia Allen have been similarly unresponsive to town hall or public meeting requests.

When asked about LD6 legislators recent public engagement activities, a spokesman for Republicans in the House of Representatives replied that Representatives Barton and Thorpe have been busy with the legislative session but look forward to constituent events in their district soon.

A spokesman for the Senate Republicans did not respond to a similar request about Sen. Sylvia Allen.

Poloni-Staudinger said the legislation Barton and Allen are sponsoring isnt as troublesome as Thorpes though.

He is putting himself out there with his bills, she said.

Media shut out

When it comes to engagement with local media, Thorpe has generally made himself similarly inaccessible. Thorpe appeared on both KAFF Country Legends and the Jeff Oravits show in January and February, but his office staff at the capitol have repeatedly told reporters from the Daily Sun and other publications that he is not doing any media interviews, including for this article.

On the House floor, Thorpe has repeatedly turned down questions from Howard Fischer, who covers the legislature for Capitol Media Services.

He will not speak with me, calling my questions too pointed. He has not relented even after I explained that (A) my questions to EVERYONE are pointed and (B) he always has gotten fair stories from me, Fischer wrote in an email. Obviously no one, not even a public official, is compelled to answer questions. But that, coupled with his reticence to have truly open town halls, suggests an unwillingness to have to answer questions about his bills and his positions.
Talks are under way that could make it easier for online grocery shoppers to only buy British products, a minister has said.

Environment minister George Eustice said in a Westminster debate that he was in talks with the National Farmers Union (NFU) about the labelling system for food online.

This week Conservative MPs urged the government to introduce a button to press while food shopping online so that you can just choose from British products.

The comments came during a Westminster Hall debate on the future of food labelling, where Eustice also said ministers were looking at using trademark laws to improve the labelling of Angus beef.

Conservative MP Rebecca Pow (Taunton Deane) said: I would like to raise the subject of labelling on online shopping, because often, if one wants to shop online, one doesnt know whether its British food or not.

Would there be a way that we could consider having a button to press when you do your online shop so that you can just choose from British produce? Surely thats really going to help us as we leave the EU?

Fellow Tory Julian Sturdy (York Outer), who led the debate, said: I applaud that and I think its an excellent idea. I hope the minister certainly takes that point on board.

At the end of the debate, Eustice said: She raised the issue of online shopping. Just briefly, I can say that we are discussing this with the NFU and it may be one of the ways that we can avoid voluntary principles.

Eustice also said he would like to see improvements such as mutual recognition for food names and also protected geographical indication (PGI) status (to include products such as Cornish pasties) that are currently protected. He said: Were looking at whether we could use trademark regulations to develop brands in other areas.
The National Farmers Union (NFU) has welcomed the conclusions of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) that scientific evidence does not classify glyphosate (a herbicide used on wheat) as a carcinogen for reproduction.

Guy Smith, NFU vice-president, has said the overwhelming weight of evidence shows that glyphosate poses no risk to human health when used correctly.

This opinion is shared by regulatory bodies around the world, including the World Health Organization, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN and the European Food Safety Authority, Smith said.

Glyphosate plays a vital role in agriculture in the UK and around the world. It reduces the need to use other herbicides, it helps to protect soil and cut greenhouse gas emissions by reducing the need for ploughing, and it enables farmers in this country to grow crops that help produce safe, affordable, high-quality British food.

Over the past year, campaigners such as the Soil Association have urged bakers not to use wheat that is sprayed with glyphosate before harvest.

The European Commission will make its verdict later this year whether to lengthen the agreement for glyphosate weed killer use. The Commission originally proposed a 15-year marketing licence for glyphosate, and the renewal of the authorisation has been fiercely debated since March 2015.

Smith added: Now ECHA has released its classification, there can be no reason why glyphosate should not be re-authorised for a further 15 years when the European Commission makes its decision later this year.

We will continue to work with our members and with other European farming unions to ensure that the facts about glyphosates safety and importance are heard in the run-up to that decision.
Scottish-based business The Premium Bakery has opened a brand new 1.2m factory in Prestonpans, Edinburgh.

The factory, which is 10,000 sq ft, marks the return of the family-run bakery to the town, where it first began. It moved into a site in Prestonpans in January 2017 from its premises in Loanhead.

The bakery invited students and teachers from its local school, Preston Lodge High School, to the launch.

Students Elijah Duff and Casey Bryson cut the ribbon for the opening, alongside directors Graeme Ford and Peter Ford.

Graeme Ford said they were delighted to meet members of the community and showcase the new bakery.

The new facility, with its greater capacity, will allow us to continue to grow and add employment opportunities to the local area.

The Premium Bakery manufactures high-quality morning rolls, breads, scones and baguettes for Edinburgh and Lothian.
Six people have submitted applications in hope of being the areas newest District Court Judge.

The selected applicant will preside over the District Courts First Judicial District, which includes Clay, Fillmore, Gage, Jefferson, Johnson, Nemaha, Nuckolls, Pawnee, Richardson, Saline and Thayer counties.

Applicants for the position are Nathan B. Cox, Plattsmouth; Erin Ebeler Rolf, Eagle; Louie M. Ligouri, Auburn; David J. Partsch, Nebraska City; Paul A. Payne, Dodge; and Julie D. Smith, Cook.

The deadline to apply was Tuesday.

The primary place of office for the judicial vacancy is in Auburn, or another site within the district to be determined by the appointed judge.

The vacancy is due to the retirement of Judge Daniel E. Bryan, Jr., who typically presided in Gage County around twice a month.

Bryan, who served 27 years on the bench, announced last year that he was retiring at the end of 2016, but has continued to hear cases while the search progresses.

Bryan presided as a District Court judge in the district since 1999.

Prior to his District Court career, he spent 10 years as a County Court Judge in the 10th Judicial District, which is the south central area of Nebraska.

The next step in the appointment process is a public hearing of the Judicial Nominating Commission, which will be held in the district courtroom at the Gage County Courthouse at 2 p.m. on April 4, 2017.

The commission will review all applicants for the office at that time. The public is welcome to attend the hearing and present information concerning candidates for the judicial opening.
Coopers say they didnt pay for the beer to be drunk in the video. But they issued commemorative cans as a celebration of the Bible Societys 200 years of charitable work in Australia, they said in a statement.

To Australia, where Coopers Beer is in trouble because the brand featured in a Bible Society video debate about gay marriage. The video features Liberal MPs Andrew Hastie (against) and Tim Wilson (for) supping Coopers Light ale as they talk about the rights and wrongs of gay marriage, which is not enshrined in Australian law. The films motto is Keeping it light.

The reaction was monocular and predictable. You can see the video of people breaking Coopers beer bottles in the streets, flushing it down the loo and proclaiming that it will never again be served at a number of venues in Australia and New Zealand.

The reaction to a debate has been prejudicial, intolerant and regressive. And the worst part is that Coopers has panicked. With sales at stake, and with that peoples jobs, too, Coopers director of corporate affairs Melanie Cooper tells media: Offence has been taken by our recent involvement, for which we are deeply sorry. We have listened to a range of community views, we acknowledge this feedback and respect everyones individual opinions and beliefs. We have consequently cancelled the release of our Bible Society commemorative cans and will be taking steps to show further support for our community, including joining Australian Marriage Equality.

And thats how you smash debate.
(ANSA) - Vatican City, March 16 - Pope Francis on Thursday had a private audience with Lebanese President Michel Aoun and his wife Nadia Al Chami inside the Vatican that lasted 18 minutes.

The pope appeared in a cheerful mood as he greeted Aoun in French.

The pontiff thanked Aoun for Lebanon's reception of refugees from war-torn Syria.

The Holy See said in a statement that the meeting was "cordial".

"The Parties focused on the good bilateral relations between the Holy See and Lebanon, underlining the historic and institutional role of the Church in the life of the country," the statement read.

"Satisfaction was then expressed for the efforts on the part of all the various political parties in putting an end to the presidential vacancy, emphasising the hope for an increasingly fruitful future collaboration between the members of diverse ethnic and religious communities in favour of the common good and the development of the nation.

"The discussion then turned to Syria, with special attention to international efforts to find a political solution to the conflict. "Furthermore, appreciation was expressed at the welcome that Lebanon has extended to many Syrian refugees. "Finally, there was a broader exchange of views on the regional context, referring also to other ongoing conflicts and the situation of Christians in the Middle East".


Asylum requests up 46% in Italy in 2016 Up 63% in Germany

(ANSAmed) - BRUSSELS, MARCH 16 - Requests for asylum in Italy rose 46% in 2016, Eurostat said Thursday, compared to a 63% rise in the top country, Germany. Overall, asylum requests in Europe fell slightly to 1,204,300, from 1,257,000 in 2015, but were still more than double 2014's 562,700.



Most requests were made in Germany (722,300, or 60% of the total), followed by Italy (121,200, 10%), France (76,000, 6%), Greece (49,900, 4%), Austria (39,900, 3%) and the United Kingdom (38,300, 3%).




BRUSSELS - Requests for asylum in Italy rose 46% in 2016, Eurostat said Thursday, compared to a 63% rise in the top country, Germany.

Overall, asylum requests in Europe fell slightly to 1,204,300, from 1,257,000 in 2015, but were still more than double 2014's 562,700.



Most requests were made in Germany (722,300, or 60% of the total), followed by Italy (121,200, 10%), France (76,000, 6%), Greece (49,900, 4%), Austria (39,900, 3%) and the United Kingdom (38,300, 3%).
(ANSAmed) - BRUSSELS, MARCH 16 - Requests for asylum in Italy rose 46% in 2016, Eurostat said Thursday, compared to a 63% rise in the top country, Germany. Overall, asylum requests in Europe fell slightly to 1,204,300, from 1,257,000 in 2015, but were still more than double 2014's 562,700.



Most requests were made in Germany (722,300, or 60% of the total), followed by Italy (121,200, 10%), France (76,000, 6%), Greece (49,900, 4%), Austria (39,900, 3%) and the United Kingdom (38,300, 3%).


ANSAmed - Tomorrow's events in the Mediterranean

(ANSAmed) - ROME, MARCH 16 - The following are some of the main events scheduled for tomorrow in the Euro-Mediterranean area: BRUSSELS - 7th Annual International Symposium on Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling, organized by Public Policy Exchange at the Thon Hotel Brussels City Centre. TUNIS - Congress on 'Archaeology and the preservation of Carthage's heritage: the state of the art and Tunisian-Italian cooperation perspectives' with top experts of archaeology from both countries.



ROME - EU, visit of European Commissioner Julian King who will meet Marco Minniti, interior minister; police chief Franco Gabrielli and Alessandro Pansa, the director general of the information system for security of the department of Republic (Dis).



CAGLIARI - 3rd Italian and Arab Enterprise Bourse kicks off at the Hotel Regina Margherita (until March 18). (ANSAmed).




(by Anna Lisa Antonucci) - ROME - UN Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Syria Staffan de Mistura has told ANSA that the war in Syria has lasted too long and must be stopped.



''Over 400,000 Syrian victims, including many children, one million wounded, almost five million refugees remind us that this cruel war has lasted too long and must be stopped'', de Mistura said six years since the start of the conflict, which he stressed is ''one of the cruelest and longest since World War Two''.



But ''two major obstacles and a great danger'' must be dealt with to end the war, according to de Mistura. ''Both sides unfortunately still include those who believe that the conflict can bring a military victory'', he explained. The latest attacks in Damascus "and air bombings over the past few days represent two facets of this cruel vision''.



Moreover, continued de Mistura, ''the truce sponsored by Russia and Turkey is frail but it is a truce that has reduced violence and must be supported at any cost''.



''The danger is instead that the Syrian conflict and Syrians will be forgotten because the international community and public opinion risk losing hope in a political and negotiating solution''.



But there is light amid the shadows, according to the UN envoy: ''The UN Security Council last week finally launched a clear support to a plan I presented that is based on a new inclusive governance, a new constitution and elections under the protection of the UN. Moreover, humanitarian aid, though limited, have avoided famine and epidemics in the country''.



(ANSAmed)
ISTANBUL - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday stated that a ruling of the European Court of Justice saying companies can ban employees from wearing the Islamic headscarf in the workplace was the start of a ''crusade'' against Islam.



''There is no other explanation. I am saying this clearly: Europe is quickly sliding back to the days preceding World War Two''.



Erdogan also once again threatened to break an agreement on migrants. EU countries ''made a promise to eliminate visas (for Turkish nationals) but they didn't keep it'' so they should ''forget'' about the agreement on the readmission of migrants with Turkey, he said.



He also spoke about Dutch elections won by the incumbent Premier Mark Rutte's Liberals, telling Rutte that although his party won the vote ''you must know that you have lost a friend like Turkey''.
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Archived Results for Thursday, March 16th, 2017

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Democratic governor, GOP-led legislature agree on many issues but differ dramatically in approach



Gov. Roy Cooper outside the House chamber immediately after giving his State of the State Address March 13. (CJ photo by Don Carrington)

Cooper and the General Assembly want to increase teacher pay, but their plans vary. Democrats stood and applauded when Cooper called for raising teacher pay to the national average. Republicans remained seated and applauded politely. Their plan calls for increasing teacher pay to a $55,000 average.

Both the Democratic governor and Republican General Assembly will push economic development proposals.

Cooper praised Tom Bashore, the police chief in his hometown of Nashville, for working to combat the opioid addiction crisis.The program encourages addicts to seek treatment by walking into the police station without fear of arrest. Lawmakers also have bipartisan legislation seeking to address the addiction problem.

Cooper offered a boost to a proposal that would raise the age of people going to adult criminal court from 16 to 18, except for the more serious felonies. The measure has support from both sides of the political aisle in the General Assembly.

Cooper's push for a repeal of H.B. 2 is far from certain. Lawmakers did not repeal the law during a December special session. Cooper and a bipartisan group of legislators have offered separate compromise bills. None have passed.

Cooper is pushing a "Best and Brightest" teaching scholarship program to encourage education majors to remain in North Carolina and teach after they graduate from college. Republicans are offering a different plan, with the emphasis placed on teachers in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and special education curriculums, along with those who teach in low-performing schools.

Cooper wants to fund 4,700 more pre-kindergarten slots. While the proposal received a warm welcome from Democratic legislators Monday night, Republicans weren't so enthusiastic.

Republicans are likely to reject Cooper's push to restore tax credits for film tax production. They prefer to lure production companies to North Carolina through a grant program.

Cooper is pushing a $20 million plan to get broadband to rural areas. Republicans have a bill aimed at boosting broadband expansion through private businesses.

GOP leaders aren't crazy about instituting a child and dependent care tax credit, preferring instead to offer across-the-board tax relief by expanding the personal exemption - increasing the amount of money people can earn before having to pay income tax.

Cooper's push for free community college tuition, called NC GROW (Getting Ready for Opportunities in the Workforce), got a cool reception from legislative Republicans.

RALEIGH  Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper sought common ground during his first State of the State address to the Republican-controlled General Assembly on Monday night.While the governor's 37-and-a-half-minute speech asked lawmakers for cooperation with his plans to improve education, recruit jobs, fight the opioid crisis, and help those still affected by Hurricane Matthew, Republicans used their response to call Cooper's messageOnce again, Cooper brought up repealing House Bill 2 , also known as the bathroom bill, which among other things negated a Charlotte ordinance requiring businesses to allow transgender people to use a bathroom consistent with their gender identity.Democrats in the chamber rose and offered thunderous applause when he asked for the H.B. 2 repeal as Republicans sat in silence. He asked for a compromise repeal bill.Cooper said.Cooper reminded legislators the state's leaders should work together.Cooper said.But Cooper said many feel left behind, and his budget would help them.While saying that he and legislators need to work together to help people who don't have health insurance to get it, he didn't mention his proposal to expand Medicaid, which GOP leaders oppose.Cooper recalled his time in the General Assembly, reminding lawmakers he was once sat in one of those seats. He said he served with both Democratic and Republican governors. He promised to listen, to compromise, and work with legislators. He urged lawmakers to set aside divisive social issues even though he opened his address demanding the repeal of H.B. 2.In the Republican response, Senate leader Phil Berger, R-Rockingham, called CooperBerger listed a litany of accomplishments since Republicans claimed majorities in both chambers of the General Assembly following the 2010 elections.Berger said.He listed other actions: guaranteeing no tuition increase during a student's four years in the UNC system, expanding public charter schools, increasing teacher pay, investing in the rainy day fund, improving reading scores, and increasing high school graduation rates.Berger said Cooper has taken partisan stands, including encouraging Democratic legislators to sink an effort to repeal H.B. 2 during a special session last December.Berger said the he and House Speaker Tim Moore, R-Cleveland, won't allow the state to look back.Berger said.Cooper offered some specific proposals to the General Assembly. Lawmakers are likely to approve some with few changes. Others may survive, but in a much different form. Still others are likely to remain on the governor's wish list when the General Assembly adjourns later this year.Common groundMaybe, maybe notWish list:Senate Republicans are expected release their budget proposal for the 2017-18 fiscal year soon, perhaps by the end of the week.
YEREVAN, MARCH 15, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister of Armenia Karen Karapetyan received OSCE / ODIHR (OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights) observer mission head Jan Petersen, who is in Armenia to observe the course of parliamentary elections of April 2, 2017. The meeting discussed Armenias political situation in the pre-election period and the ongoing preparations.

As Armenpress was informed from the press service of the Armenian Government, Karen Karapetyan stressed that the Armenian authorities are prepared to cooperate with all observation missions, including the OSCE / ODIHR to ensure that the elections comply with international standards. Our goal is to hold fair and transparent elections. We are resolute and ready to respond very harshly to any such problems as may arise during the polls, the Premier emphasized.



Jan Petersen noted that ever since their arrival in Armenia, the mission had been in close touch with the local authorities, political parties and other colleagues, and an interim report on the results of the work done so far would be ready shortly. As he said, the Armenian elections have aroused great interest among the OSCE-member countries and, therefore, a large delegation of observers has come over to follow the polls throughout the republic.

In conclusion, Ian Petersen expressed the hope that the elections will be held at a high level and in accordance with international standards.
YEREVAN, MARCH 15, ARMENPRESS. In the framework of his official visit to the Russian Federation, President Serzh Sargsyan met today with the Chairman of the Russian Government Dmitry Medvedev.



As Armenpress was informed from the press service of the Armenian Presidents Office, at the private meeting, the President of Armenia and Prime Minister of Russia discussed cooperation of the two strategic partners in all areas, recapped the results of the works conducted so far, and spoke about the possibilities for the expansion of the trade and economic relations. Along with the bilateral Armenian-Russian relations, Serzh Sargsyan and Dmitry Medvedev discussed also issues pertinent to the utilization of the mechanisms aimed at efficient cooperation in the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union.

The President of Armenia and Prime Minister of Russia exchanged views on the development of cooperation of the EAEU with third countries and steps taken by the Republic of Armenia and RF on that direction. Among other pivotal topics, President Sargsyan and Prime Minister Medvedev discussed also issues related to the diversification of the lines of communication between Armenia and Russia.
YEREVAN, MARCH 16, ARMENPRESS. Armenias Government approved the draft state support program for leasing of agricultural equipment, reports Armenpress.

Agriculture Minister Ignati Arakelyan said over 90% of the operating agricultural machinery is being used for more than 20 years and they are already old.

The Minister said the analysis of the situation of the agricultural machinery showed that he average working level of machinery comprises over 79%.

Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan said the Agriculture Ministry works so that maximal modern conditions are created for the agricultural development. We must understand clearly that if we dont solve technology, agricultural machinery related problems in our agriculture, we will not achieve real positive results. We clearly understand how we do it and secondly, we are not limited with 2.2 billion, if the number of those who want leasing will be many, we will definitely find a resource for them, the PM said.

After the approval of this decision by the Government, we need to work with the Governors in the provinces and assist the rural people with everything, the PM stated.
You may have seen some of the bizarre things happening at universities recently and thought these students and professors must be stupid, crazy or just ignorant of what freedom is all about.But professor and writer Mike Adams this week said the opposite is true: campus radicals attacking free speech and traditional culture know exactly what they are doing and why they are doing it: to foment a Marxist revolution.he said.Adams, a criminology professor at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, outlined the real basis for campus speech codes and other left-wing causes in his talk March 7 at the Icon Lecture Series in Chapel Hill What was most interesting to me was how he took us behind the curtain to show us the real motivations and goals of so many of the outlandish goings-on at colleges and universities. I suppose most of us read about campus radicals, and perhaps mutter about their protests and complaints, but then shrug our shoulders and go on about our business.After all, their complaints seem so absurd and random. Adams mentioned a professor who told an assembled group about a professor who said he identified as male on Monday, Wednesday and Friday ... and identified as female on Tuesdays and Thursday. (It wasn't clear what that professor identified as on weekends.) That is so far out to most of us that we don't take it too seriously.But it's all part of a long-term, relentless strategy to weaken the culture, paving the way for a Marxist transformation of society, he said. For, in addition to the economic Marxism we're familiar with, there's cultural Marxism, in which radicals seek to fundamentally transform society to undermine the family, religion, morality, and other forces that might stand in the way of radicalism.First of all, he said, we have to understand the key Marxist axiom: From each according to his abilities, and to each according to his needs.ButAdams said.So Marxism can't be sold to people able to understand its goals.he said of leftists.He recalled arriving on the campus of UNC Wilmington and finding that the student handbook included a speech code that proclaimed people "had a right to be comfortable and unoffended"! But, as Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. wrote, "Every idea is an incitement."Almost anything might offend somebody somewhere - especially if he or she has been primed to take offense. That handbook, for instance, said students could be punished for "misdirected laughter," if while laughing they happened to glance at someone nearby.Again, this may be absurd, but don't be distracted: If leftists can get students to fear thinking and talking, they will lose their ability to resist leftist propaganda.There has been some progress in cutting back speech codes on campus, he said, but the same strategy has continued with the assault on "microaggressions" - harmless comments or actions that the Left construes as racist. For that too is a prong of the attack on society, Adams said."White privilege" in cultural Marxism is the counterpart of capitalism in economic capitalism, radicals believe.Adams said.And how is that done?If communism is for losers, then it's also essential for communists to create more losers. The vehicles for that kind of cultural change are mandatory student fees and campus centers for special groups, he said.These centers and fee-funded projects aim to destroy students' moral bearings, leaving them psychologically and spiritually weaker, thus in greater need of powerful government to help them. Adams cited a "poetry" journal published under the aegis of a campus student center. It included a poem about Mother Teresa that can't even be described in our newspaper.Adams said.Or consider the "orgasm awareness day" sponsored by Western Carolina University or the "orgasm awareness week" sponsored by UNC-Chapel Hill, he said.he said.That's why young, impressionable people are targeted by Left, he said.he continued.He did note that parents and lawmakers are beginning to understand these influences, and are fighting back successfully. But anyone there that night who truly grasped his talk understands one thing above all: Defeating cultural Marxism will require that we treat it very seriously indeed.
YEREVAN, MARCH 16, ARMENPRESS. Archbishop Garegin Bekchian, who was elected as locum tenens of the Armenian Patriarch of Istanbul, says the only solution in connection with the issue of patriarchal elections is the resignation of patriarchal Vicar Archbishop Aram Ateshian, Agos reports.

After the election results were released on March 15, Ateshian presented a document sent by Istanbul Governors Office where the local authorities announced the non-recognition of the locum tenens election results, as well as the impossibility to hold patriarchal elections at this stage. In response to this note, the group led by Aram Ateshian and Sahak Mashalian plans to visit Istanbul Governors Office.

I will not be in the group during the visit. During the meeting the group members will present the logic of locum tenens election, and this will be followed by a statement. All this will happen within several days. I will be here during this period, Bekchian said.

He stated that they respect any note sent from the state, thats why they will visit the Governors Office in order to clarify the content of the statement. If Ateshian was aware of this note, he must have presented it before the meeting. And we would make a decision in accordance with it, however, what was going to happen, happened. The only solution of this issue is Aram Ateshians resignation, Garegin Bekchian said.

Istanbul Governors Office has interfered in the patriarchal election. In a notice sent to the patriarchate by deputy governor, it is stated that it is legally impossible to start the process of the elections of locum tenens.

The notice was handed out by Archbishop Ateshian who lost the election.

The Clerical Assembly kicked off at 15:00, March 15 to elect the locum tenens, but the writ of the governors office was sent to the Patriarchy at 13:47.

Aram Ateshian promulgated the writ only after it became known that he has lost the election.

Primate of the Armenian Diocese of Germany Archbishop Garegin Bekchyan has been elected locum tenens of the Armenian Patriarch of Istanbul.
YEREVAN, MARCH 16, ARMENPRESS. Russia will extend the deadline to provide technical assistance to Armenias Government, reports Armenpress.

The Government approved the draft of making respective changes in the Armenian-Russian agreement. The draft was presented by Finance Minister Vardan Aramyan who recalled that in May, 2015 Russia agreed to provide technical assistance to Armenia for improving state control procedures that were necessary for the entry to the Eurasian Union (Customs Union that time).

41 million USD will be provided according to the agreement.

The term of the agreement was expired on December 31, 2016. Nearly 2.4 million USD has been left from that money. Some part of it will be allocated for the purpose of creating electronic system of public procurement which is approved in the Eurasian Union. A reserve system (backup) will also be established for servers of the Finance Ministry. And the remaining part of the money will be allocated for improving the Governments information system, devices were bought for TV conferences.
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ARTESIA POLICE DEPARTMENT

March 14

OPEN DOOR

1:36 a.m.  Officer dispatched to 2307 W. Bullock Ave. in reference to an open door.

ACCIDENT

2 a.m.  Officer dispatched to South 20th Street and West Mann Avenue in reference to an accident.

UNWANTED SUBJECT

4:40 a.m.  Officer dispatched to the 600 block of West Hermosa Drive in reference to an unwanted subject.

BURGLARY

6:33 a.m.  Officer dispatched to 1113 S. Fourth St. in reference to burglary.

ALARM

7:56 a.m.  Officer dispatched to 1208 W. Yucca Ave. in reference to an alarm.

March 13

ARREST

2:33 p.m.  Cole Derrick, 32, of Artesia, arrested on a municipal warrant for failure to appear.

OPEN DOOR

12:46 a.m.  Officer dispatched to 1508 W. Washington Ave. in reference to an open door.

DOMESTIC

12:53 a.m.  Officer dispatched to the 1400 block of West Bush Avenue in reference to a domestic dispute.

FIGHT IN PROGRESS

5:17 a.m.  Officer dispatched to the 700 block of West Washington Avenue in reference to a fight in progress.

SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY

10:09 a.m.  Officer dispatched to 13th and Main streets in reference to suspicious activity.

10:18 a.m.  Officer dispatched to South 11th Street and West Grand Avenue in reference to suspicious activity.

10:22 a.m.  Officer dispatched to the Public Safety Complex in reference to suspicious activity.

10:42 a.m.  Officer dispatched to the 600 block of West Mill Road in reference to suspicious activity.

LARCENY

11:21 a.m.  Officer dispatched to 2207 W. Main St. in reference to larceny.

ALARM

1:11 p.m.  Officer dispatched to 807 S. 10th St. in reference to an alarm.

HARASSMENT

1:19 p.m.  Officer dispatched to the 800 block of South Second Street in reference to harassment.

SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY

1:47 p.m.  Officer dispatched to the 500 block of East Main Street in reference to suspicious activity.

LARCENY

3:44 p.m.  Officer dispatched to 500 W. Grand Ave. in reference to larceny.

VANDALISM

4:19 p.m.  Officer dispatched to 2707 W. Grand Ave. in reference to vandalism.

TRESPASSING

6:47 p.m.  Officer dispatched to the 200 block of North Roselawn Avenue in reference to trespassing.

ALARM

7:10 p.m.  Officer dispatched to 1905 N. First St. in reference to an alarm.

HARASSMENT

9:02 p.m.  Officer dispatched to the 900 block of North Sixth Street in reference to harassment.

SHOTS FIRED

10:35 p.m.  Officer dispatched to the 1900 block of West Feather Avenue in reference to shots fired in the area.

10:36 p.m.  Officer dispatched to the 1800 block of West Runyan Avenue in reference to shots fired in the area.

10:40 p.m.  Officer dispatched to the 2300 block of West Ray Avenue in reference to shots fired in the area.

10:42 p.m.  Officer dispatched to South 20th Street and West Clayton Avenue in reference to shots fired in the area.

March 12

BURGLARY

5:58 a.m.  Officer dispatched to 104 La Cuesta Road in reference to burglary.

UNWANTED SUBJECT

9:24 a.m.  Officer dispatched to the 900 block of West Alvarado Avenue in reference to an unwanted subject.

ALARM

9:44 a.m.  Officer dispatched to 1809 S. 26th St. in reference to an alarm.

10:06 a.m.  Officer dispatched to 1909 W. Washington Ave. in reference to an alarm.

BREAKING AND ENTERING

11:25 a.m.  Officer dispatched to 2108 W. Clayton Ave. in reference to breaking and entering.

ALARM

12:30 p.m.  Officer dispatched to 209 W. Bullock Ave. in reference to an alarm.

HARASSMENT

3:20 p.m.  Officer dispatched to the 2800 block of West Grand Avenue in reference to harassment.

ALARM

8:03 p.m.  Officer dispatched to 1806 W. Jacobs Ave. in reference to an alarm.

SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY

9:30 p.m.  Officer dispatched to the 1000 block of South Roselawn Avenue in reference to suspicious activity.

ASSAULT

10:03 p.m.  Officer dispatched to the 1100 block of West Bullock Avenue in reference to an assault.

ALARM

10:18 p.m.  Officer dispatched to 104 N. First St. in reference to an alarm.

SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY

10:26 p.m.  Officer dispatched to the 300 block of West Centre Avenue in reference to suspicious activity.

March 11

ARRESTS

12:13 p.m.  Valerie Miller, 34, of Artesia, arrested on a magistrate warrant for failure to appear.

12:48 p.m.  Gabriel Mauldin, 19, of Artesia, arrested and charged with unlawful use of a license.

7:37 p.m.  Adela Maria Ponce, 19, of Artesia, arrested and charged with battery against a household member, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY

1:23 a.m.  Officer dispatched to South 11th Street and West Bullock Avenue in reference to suspicious activity.

2:02 a.m.  Officer dispatched to South Fourth Street and West Park Avenue in reference to suspicious activity.

2:11 a.m.  Officer dispatched to South Fourth Street and West Garst Avenue in reference to suspicious activity.

2:21 a.m.  Officer dispatched to South Second Street and West Grand Avenue in reference to suspicious activity.

2:44 a.m.  Officer dispatched to North Seventh Street and West Texas Avenue in reference to suspicious activity.

3:21 a.m.  Officer dispatched to South 20th Street and West Bullock Avenue in reference to suspicious activity.

4:19 a.m.  Officer dispatched to North First Street and West Mahone Drive in reference to suspicious activity.

ALARM

8:25 a.m.  Officer dispatched to 908 W. Main St. in reference to an alarm.

9:08 a.m.  Officer dispatched to 901 N. 13th St. in reference to an alarm.

10:01 a.m.  Officer dispatched to 504 S. 13th St. in reference to an alarm.

10:24 a.m.  Officer dispatched to 1109 Watson Blvd. in reference to an alarm.

10:24 a.m.  Officer dispatched to 504 S. 13th St. in reference to an alarm.

10:25 a.m.  Officer dispatched to 1701 W. Main St. in reference to an alarm.

10:39 a.m.  Officer dispatched to 1009 N. Fifth St. in reference to an alarm.

11:05 a.m.  Officer dispatched to 1802 W. Briscoe Ave. in reference to an alarm.

11:48 a.m.  Officer dispatched to 702 W. Mann Ave. in reference to an alarm.

ARMED SUBJECT

12:08 p.m.  Officer dispatched to the Canyonstone Apartments in reference to an armed subject.

12:24 p.m.  Officer dispatched to the Canyonstone Apartments in reference to an armed subject.

WANTED SUBJECT

12:39 p.m.  Officer dispatched to the 1200 block of West Merchant Avenue in reference to a wanted subject.

1:17 p.m.  Officer dispatched to the 1200 block of West Merchant Avenue in reference to a wanted subject.

SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY

2:42 p.m.  Officer dispatched to the 1000 block of South Roselawn Avenue in reference to suspicious activity.

LARCENY

2:43 p.m.  Officer dispatched to Wal-Mart in reference to larceny.

SHOTS FIRED

4:02 p.m.  Officer dispatched to the 300 block of West Washington Avenue in reference to shots fired in the area.

4:07 p.m.  Officer dispatched to the 1100 block of South Fourth Street in reference to shots fired in the area.

4:10 p.m.  Officer dispatched to the 900 block of South Fifth Street in reference to shots fired in the area.

ALARM

5:05 p.m.  Officer dispatched to 1401 Lincoln Drive in reference to an alarm.

VANDALISM

5:08 p.m.  Officer dispatched to 1503 W. Yucca Ave. in reference to vandalism.

NARCOTICS

5:14 p.m.  Officer dispatched to the 1000 block of South Roselawn Avenue in reference to narcotics.

SHOTS FIRED

5:31 p.m.  Officer dispatched to the 1100 block of South Fourth Street in reference to shots fired in the area.

5:32 p.m.  Officer dispatched to the 600 block of West Dallas Avenue in reference to shots fired in the area.

BURGLARY

5:39 p.m.  Officer dispatched to 501 W. Richardson Avenue in reference to burglary.

SHOTS FIRED

5:39 p.m.  Officer dispatched to the 1000 block of South Sixth Street in reference to shots fired in the area.

PROPERTY INCIDENT

6:02 p.m.  Officer dispatched to 404 S. Fifth St. in reference to a property incident.

SHOTS FIRED

6:50 p.m.  Officer dispatched to the 400 block of West Garst Avenue in reference to shots fired in the area.

March 10

ARRESTS

1 p.m.  Tracy Egeland, 46, of Artesia, arrested and charged with aggravated DWI and two counts of child abuse.

4:35 p.m.  Judy Carrillo, 46, of Artesia, arrested on a magistrate warrant for failure to appear.

7:39 p.m.  Charles Davis, 27, of Artesia, arrested on a magistrate warrant.

ACCIDENT

9:01 a.m.  Officer dispatched to South Eighth Street and West Quay Avenue in reference to an accident.

GRAFFITI

9:39 a.m.  Officer dispatched to North 16th Street and West Bowman Drive in reference to graffiti.

FRAUD

10:02 a.m.  Officer dispatched to 412 W. Shelton Ave. in reference to fraud.

GRAFFITI

10:18 a.m.  Officer dispatched to 902 N. 13th St. in reference to graffiti.

PROPERTY INCIDENT

10:50 a.m.  Officer dispatched to 1601 W. Centre Ave., Apt. C3, in reference to a property incident.

ALARM

11:04 a.m.  Officer dispatched to 912 W. Catalina Drive in reference to an alarm.

ACCIDENT

11:58 a.m.  Officer dispatched to the 200 block of South First Street in reference to a motor vehicle accident.

ROBBERY

12:12 p.m.  Officer dispatched to the Eagle Creek Apartments in reference to a robbery.

ACCIDENT

1:09 p.m.  Officer dispatched to the 200 block of South 20th Street in reference to an accident.

LOUD NOISE

2 p.m.  Officer dispatched to the 700 block of West Texas Avenue in reference to loud noise.

BREAKING AND ENTERING

2:24 p.m.  Officer dispatched to 1708 W. Hermosa Drive in reference to breaking and entering.

SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY

2:43 p.m.  Officer dispatched to the 1000 block of North Roselawn Avenue in reference to suspicious activity.

HARASSMENT

2:53 p.m.  Officer dispatched to the 500 block of West Texas Avenue in reference to harassment.

3:54 p.m.  Officer dispatched to the 1500 block of North 10th St. in reference to harassment.

WANTED SUBJECT

4:09 p.m.  Officer dispatched to the 1400 block of West Hank Avenue in reference to a wanted subject.

DOMESTIC

4:14 p.m.  Officer dispatched to Roselawn and Garst avenues in reference to a domestic dispute.

ACCIDENT

5:52 p.m.  Officer dispatched to Wal-Mart in reference to an accident.

PROPERTY INCIDENT

6:15 p.m.  Officer dispatched to South 16th Street and West Hermosa Drive in reference to a property incident.

WANTED SUBJECT

7:06 p.m.  Officer dispatched to Wal-Mart in reference to a wanted subject.

BURGLARY

10:11 p.m.  Officer dispatched to 403 S. Fifth St. in reference to burglary.

SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY

11:25 p.m.  Officer dispatched to South First Street and West Runyan Avenue in reference to suspicious activity.

11:42 p.m.  Officer dispatched to the 100 block of North 26th Street in reference to suspicious activity.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Following a brief standoff, the Artesia Police Department apprehended the fourth and final suspect in a violent robbery that took place Tuesday in Artesia.

Jeremy Quezada, 22, of Artesia, was arrested late Thursday afternoon on charges of robbery (second-degree felony), kidnapping (first-degree felony), aggravated burglary (second-degree felony), and conspiracy to commit a violent felony (third-degree felony) for his role in the incident.

Quezada was arrested in the 1200 block of Merchant Avenue after a short standoff. According to Cmdr. Lindell Smith of the APD, the department received a tip that led them to Quezada.

A 15-minute standoff began with calling him on a loudspeaker, identifying he was, indeed, in the house, using techniques of negotiation to bring him out of the house, and then taking him into custody with no violence of action, said Smith.

No injuries or property damage were reported as a result of the incident. Quezada was transported to the Eddy County Detention Center on a $50,000 bond. He was also served with a warrant for failing to register as a sex offender, which carries an additional $5,000 bond, and a $533 municipal court warrant.

The APD was dispatched just before 9 a.m. Tuesday to 1015 S. Second St. in reference to the initial crime.

APD officers made contact that morning with the victim, who had already been transported to Artesia General Hospital with multiple contusions to both sides of his face. According to the police report, the victim told officers he had been jumped by four individuals and had been struck as many as nine times.

The victim was able to identify all four individuals: Quezada, Jhonny Pitts, 17, of Odessa, Texas, Donald Joseph Ybarra, 17, of Artesia, and Daniel Chavez, 16, of Artesia. Ybarra and Chavez were located and taken into custody Wednesday by the APD. They are currently being held at a juvenile detention facility. Pitts was arrested early Thursday afternoon.

The victim stated he had gone into the backyard of his home to find Chavez sitting at a table. As he spoke to him, the three other suspects entered the yard through a back gate that had been locked.

According to the report, the victim was taken back into the home, at which time the four suspects donned masks and gloves. The victim told police Quezada, Ybarra and Chavez struck him while Pitts stood off to the side.

The suspects then reportedly took the victim into a TV room off the living room, where they kept him while they removed items from the home. The victim stated that while he was briefly moved to a laundry room for the retrieval of a black garbage bag in which to place the stolen items, Quezada took a knife from his backpack and threatened to use it if it was needed.

Once back in the living room, the report states, Quezada removed a motion detector and IP camera, and the four suspects left through the rear of the property. The victim ran into the backyard to see them leaving north through the alley and called police.

The APD was able to secure video which shows Chavez walking south toward the residence at approximately 8:09 a.m. Tuesday. At approximately 8:10 a.m., another camera source showed Quezada, Ybarra and Pitts moving north in the alley to the rear of the residence. Ybarra was seen holding a black garbage-style bag. The report states Chavez was seen walking to the residence from the front but gained entry in order to unlock the back gate and allow the other three onto the property.

All of the suspects face the same four charges, and Smith says additional charges in crimes loosely connected to the robbery are possible.
Its clear that the new generation, the generation of digital natives, has expectations of how they relate to any experience or any content or any moment. The arts sector needs to master and take advantage of the digital transformation, as opposed to pretend that we are victims of it.
Across the country, museums associated with universities are organizing social events: The Princeton University Art Museum in New Jersey holds evenings when graduate students meet curators, for example. Beyond that, museums directors are seeking ways students can play a role in curating and experiencing artworks.
Paul Muldoon, who for a decade has served as the poetry editor of The New Yorker, will step down, the magazine announced on Wednesday. His successor will be Kevin Young, who moved to New York from Atlanta last year to become the director of the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.
University Trustee Bob Plybon speaks with a finance student who will help manage the Student Pirate Investment Fund.

Thanks to a recent donation to the College of Business, the Student Pirate Investment Fund is set to go live.The $100,000 leadership gift by East Carolina University Trustee Bob Plybon, a graduate of the college, will be part of a graduate/undergraduate-level finance class where students will serve as investment advisors. They will construct, manage and monitor the fund using approaches employed by professional registered investment advisors.said Plybon of Greensboro.The class of 20 students meets twice a week with the college's Department of Finance Chair Dr. Scott Below, who says the students now can put what they've learned in the classroom into practice. According to Below, students willThe Student Pirate Investment Fund will follow the same endowment rules set by the ECU Foundation's board of directors. The foundation's finance committee will provide additional oversight.Graduate student Zach Bass and senior Mark Matulewicz understand the impact of the leadership gift. However, according to Matulewicz, several actions need to happen before final investment decisions can be made.said Matulewicz.Though everyone will be anxious to see how the group of assets performs, Bass pointed out the investment portfolio is a long-term endeavor.Bass said.A proud alumnus, Plybon understands the positive effects his gift will have on generations. This endowment will change the lives of current students and future students, he said.said Plybon.Additionally, Plybon said the fund will need to grow beyond his initial donation.said Plybon.Proceeds from the student-managed endowment will benefit more than scholarships. Returns will also supplement student travel experiences, allow for data and software purchases and support other enrichment opportunities.said Plybon.For more information, contact Paige Sammons, director of outreach for the College of Business, at sammonse15@ecu.edu.
Health Insurance Update - With a twist of humor

The medical community is unable to reach consensus on what to do with America's health insurance situation.



The Allergists were in favor of scratching it, but the Dermatologists advised not to make any rash moves.



The Gastroenterologists had sort of a gut feeling about it, but the Neurologists thought the Administration had a lot of nerve.



Meanwhile, Obstetricians felt certain everyone was laboring under a misconception, while the Ophthalmologists considered the idea short-sighted.



Pathologists yelled, "Over my dead body!" while the Pediatricians said, "Oh, grow up!"



The Psychiatrists thought the whole idea was madness, while the Radiologists could see right through it.



Surgeons decided to wash their hands of the whole thing and the Internists claimed it would indeed be a bitter pill to swallow.



The Plastic Surgeons opined that this proposal would "put a whole new face on the matter."



The Podiatrists thought it was a step forward, but the Urologists seemed pi$$ed off at the whole idea.



Anesthesiologists thought the whole idea was a gas, And those lofty Cardiologists didn't have the heart to say no.



In the end, the Proctologists won out, leaving the entire decision up to the a$$holes in Washington.


After demonetisation, several mobile payment solutions like bhim and e-wallets have gained prominence.

If you are using BHIM, you do not have to maintain a balance with the app as your funds will flow from your bank account.

BHIM  or the Bharat Interface For Money  is quickly becoming the favoured mobile payment solution for crores of Indians. Since its launch on December 31 till the end of February, the app had been downloaded 17 million times. Following its Android launch, BHIM is now also available on iOS.

BHIM is an extension of the Unified Payment System. It allows users to send and receive money through a mobile app that is linked to their bank savings account. This is an elegant solution compared to e-wallets that need to maintain a cash balance in order to be functional. Naturally, the question then arises: Should users switch to BHIM and simply spend from their banks, and stop using e-wallets?

There are many differences between BHIM and e-wallets, and we'll examine them here in order to help you understand the pros and cons of both ideas.

BHIM vs Wallets: Where BHIM Wins

Balance, loading & unloading: The first major difference between BHIM and UPI apps and e-wallets is how you maintain your spending balance. BHIM and UPI apps allow you to send and receive money with your bank account. You do not have to maintain a balance with the app. The app is your bank account, in a sense. But in e-wallets, you must maintain a balance in order to spend from it.

Not just that, returning your wallet balance back to your bank account will come with limitations and charges. But with BHIM and UPI, there is no need to send the money back from the app to the bank, since the money has been sitting in your account all along.

Interoperability: Another aspect where BHIM and UPI apps trump e-wallets. E-wallets do not have interoperability, meaning that if you are using Wallet X, you can only transfer money to another user on Wallet X, and not to a user operating Wallet Y. This isnt a problem with BHIM, since you may move money between accounts with any bank on the BHIM platform. For example, you may be using an SBI account but you can send and receive money from users on ICICI or HDFC.

Spending limits: BHIM and UPI score heavily here as well. E-wallets have a monthly spending limit of Rs 10,000 which can be raised to Rs 100,000 after the KYC process wherein users need to submit proof of ID and address in order to become authenticated. But BHIM allows a limit of Rs 10,000 per transaction and Rs 20,000 as the total worth of transactions in a 24-hour cycle. UPI apps go further, allowing you to spend up to Rs 100,000 per transaction.

Where BHIM Lags

There are broadly two areas where e-wallets have an edge over UPI and BHIM.

Marketing gimmicks: E-wallets have been around for a few years and they have had the time to build relationships with merchants and businesses. As a result, e-wallets are useful not just for money transfers but also for earning cashbacks and discounts. Not just that, some e-wallets also operate as e-commerce platforms allowing users to buy merchandise, electronics, tickets, etc. UPI and BHIM, on the other hand, are recent innovations and have some catching up to do in this regard.

Credit usage: E-wallets allow you to link and spend from your credit card, allowing you to leverage the power of the credit available to you. BHIM works on simpler principles: you get to spend only if you have a bank balance, and you cannot link BHIM and UPI apps to your credit card account yet.

How BHIM Is Catching Up

In the latest Union Budget, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley announced a referral bonus and cashback scheme for BHIM users. The government will launch two new schemes  a referral bonus for consumers and a cash-back scheme for merchants  to promote the use of BHIM, Jaitley said during his budget speech. With these inclusions, BHIM will become a little more attractive to users.

Conclusion

Both e-wallets and UPI-based apps such as BHIM have a long way to go and a big role to play in India where internet penetration and smartphone usage are increasing by leaps and bounds every year. Both need to evolve in order to accommodate the changing needs of the Indian consumer in an increasingly less cash-dependent economy. However, at this point, you may want to have both BHIM and e-wallets installed on your smartphones. They both have some unique services to offer you.

The writer is CEO of BankBazaar.com
The actress knows people who work in Kumar's company and has asked them to update her about the matter.

Mumbai: The news of The Viral Fever (TVF) CEO Arunabh Kumar being accused of molestation has come as a shock.

Taapsee Pannu has joined the list of bandwagon of Bollywood celebrities to react to the very viral fiasco.

The actress, who's become a deserving flag-bearer of feminism, post her acclaimed role in 'Pink,' chose to not jump the gun and accuse Kumar.

When I heard about this, I picked up the phone to speak to some people at TVF. But I have been hearing completely opposite stories. Its very confusing. But there are some women who have come out in the open with their names, alleging harassment. It is difficult to believe that someone would lie about being molested, especially when their identities and backgrounds are out in the open. I have told my friends who work there to keep me updated. There are too many stories doing the rounds and at this point, its very difficult for me to form an opinion, she told Hindustan Times.

Earlier an unidentified woman, claiming to be a former employee of TVF, had accused Arunabh of molesting her several times during her two-year stint with it. Blogged under the pseudonym of Indian Fowler, the blog titled The Indian Uber- That is TVF narrated seemingly horrific details of her encounters with Kumar. TVF, however, vehemently denied all allegations in an official statement.

Following these, scores of women came forward to reveal their own personal experiences with him, which aggravated the situation. Arunabh later urged for a police investigation to be initiated.

Taapsee Pannu will soon be seen in 'Naam Shabana'.
The actor, who is one of the leads of the film, has condemned the vandalism on the sets of the period drama.

Mumbai: Shahid Kapoor says it is unfortunate that the set of his upcoming film Padmavati was vandalised in Kolhapur district.

The set of Sanjay Leela Bhansalis film, which also stars Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone, was vandalised by unidentified persons at Mhasai Pathar in Kolhapur.

Around 20 unidentified people torched the costumes and the animal feed kept there for the horses featuring in the period drama, the police said. I am aware there has been some disruption that happened, I am aware that a certain amount of costumes got burnt, I am aware everybody is safe and nobody got harmed. The shooting has wrapped up and the team is coming back, said Shahid.

What I am not aware of is who has done it. It is unfortunate that something like this has happened for the second time. As soon as there is some more clarity, the production house will respond to it. But no principal actors were there (when the incident happened), he added.

Following the incident, the films crew was provided police protection, Maharashtras Minister of State for Home Deepak Kesarkar said yesterday.

In January this year, some members of Karni Sena, a Rajput community group, had attacked Bhansali and stalled the films shooting at Jaigarh fort in Jaipur.
Rane and a group of legislators wrote a letter to Gandhi complaining about the senior Congress leadership.

Panaji (Goa): Vishwajit Rane, the MLA who earlier in the day resigned from the Congress party said he was disillusioned by the manner of the functioning of the party leaders, adding that he took the decision for the interest of the people.

"With a heavy heart, today I have submitted my resignation as a member of the Congress party. It makes me sad. But I had to take this decision in the interest of the people. I was disillusioned by the manner of the functioning of the Congress leaders. People worked hard for us to get us into power and we gave away this opportunity to the BJP because of our mishandling of the situation," Rane told ANI.

Asserting that it is important to understand that aggressive leaders like him would start leaving the Congress Party all over the country, Rane said the local leadership as well as the leadership in Delhi has to understand that things are going out of hand.

"I have not got any reply from him. I have no hopes for the same. Don't want to comment on him (Rahul Gandhi)," he added.

Protem Speaker Siddharth Kuncalienkar who accepted Rane's resignation said, "I asked him whether it is his free will, without any coercion, without any pressure. I also told him to rethink on the resignation. But he was firm on his decision and he clarified to me that it is out of his free will as per his wish. I have accepted his resignation."

Days after a group of the Congress' Goa legislators blamed the central leadership for failure to form the government in the state despite being the single largest party after the assembly polls, Rane said that he, along with five to six other MLAs, would quit the party if party vice-president Rahul Gandhi does not respond adequately to the letter written to him by them.

Rane and a group of legislators wrote a letter to Gandhi complaining about the senior Congress leadership.

In the letter, he said that the senior leaders were responsible for the party losing out on the opportunity to form the government in the state.

Rane asserted that it was shocking how despite having people's mandate in the form of 17 seats in the assembly, the situation was mismanaged by the people in-charge of affairs in Goa.

He further said that he would meet Gandhi and try to draw out a conclusion.

Meanwhile, Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, who faced the crucial floor test today in the state assembly, established victory as 22 MLAs stood in his support.

16 MLAs opposed Parrikar's candidature as the Chief Minister, while one MLA was absent.

Parrikar, who stepped down as the Defence Minister, was sworn-in as the chief minister of the coastal state on Tuesday evening, along with nine ministers.

The BJP bagged 13 seats in the polls, while it claimed the support of three MLAs each of the Goa Forward Party and Maharashtravadi Gomantak Party, besides three independents. The Congress won 17 seats.
Pakistan had said it is planning to declare Gilgit-Baltistan region as the fifth province, a move that raised concerns in India.

New Delhi: India on Thursday hit out at Pakistan for its plans to declare Gilgit-Baltistan as its fifth province.

The entire state of J&K is an integral part of India. No unilateral step is acceptable in this regard, MEA spokesperson Gopal Baglay said.

"Such a step will not be able to hide the illegality of attempt and illegality of Pakistan's occupation of the parts of Jammu and Kashmir which it must vacate forthwith. It will also not be able to hide the tremendous and very concerning human rights violation and denial of freedom that has been going in those parts under Pakistan's control for the last 70 years," Baglay told the media in Delhi.

India rejects Pakistans efforts to meddle in Indian judicial system. Our judiciary needs no self-serving sermons, he added, in reference to Pakistans criticism of the acquittal of Swami Aseemanand for his role in the 2007 Ajmer Sharif blast.

Pakistan last week blamed India for exonerating people involved in terrorist attack such as of Samjhauta Express.

In an official statement, Pakistans Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Mohammed Nafees Zakaria said, We have noted that over the last few years they had been exonerating people involved in the Samjhauta Express terrorist attack.

Pakistan on Wednesday also said it is planning to declare the strategic Gilgit-Baltistan region as the fifth province, a move that raised concerns in India as it borders the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Pakistan's minister for inter-provincial coordination Riaz Hussain Pirzada told Geo TV that a committee headed by Advisor of Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz had proposed giving the status of a province to Gilgit-Baltistan.

"The committee recommended that Gilgit-Baltistan should be made a province of Pakistan," Pirzada said yesterday.

He also said that a constitutional amendment would be made to change the status of the region, through which the USD 46 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) passes.

Gilgit-Baltistan is treated as a separate geographical entity by Pakistan. It has a regional assembly and an elected Chief Minister.

Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab and Sindh are four provinces of Pakistan.

It is believed that China's concerns about the unsettled status of Gilgit-Baltistan prompted Pakistan to change its status.
Police says the girl was the daughter of a man in whose house the three militants, suspected to be Pakistani nationals, were hiding.

Srinagar: Three militants and a 10-year-old girl were killed in a gunfight with security forces in Jammu and Kashmirs Kupwara Tuesday night.

The girl, identified as Kaneeza, was hit by stray bullets. Her brother Faisal was critically injured, an official said. They were hit by stray bullets more than 100 meters away from the encounter site, police said in a statement.

It said the duo was evacuated to hospital where the girl succumbed to injuries. The boy was later referred to Srinagar for specialised treatment and his condition is stable, an official said. A report said that Kaneeza was the daughter of local resident Muhammad Khushi Chaki, in whose house the militants were hiding.

Police and Army officials said security forces laid siege to Kund Nar at Kupwaras Batapora Tuesday evening to take on a group of militants, suspected to be Pakistani nationals, hiding in a house close to a stream surrounded by a thick forest.

A Special Operations Group jawan, Danish Ahmed, was injured, officials said. They said AK-47 rifles with ammunition were found on the slain men, adding that the identity of the militants is being ascertained. Hospital sources said the jawan received a bullet wound on the chest, and his condition is critical.

Officials said a cordon-and-search operation was launched in the area following a tip-off about the presence of militants. While the security forces were sealing the area, the militants started firing.
Muthu Krishnan (28), an M Phil student at JNU's Centre for Historical studies, had hanged himself from a ceiling fan on Tuesday.

New Delhi: AIIMS doctors on Wednesday said the Dalit research scholar at JNU, who had allegedly hanged himself at his friend's residence in south Delhi's Munirka, died due to asphyxia and no injury mark was found on the body.

Muthu Krishnan (28), an M Phil student at JNU's Centre for Historical studies, had hanged himself from a ceiling fan.

The five-member medical board constituted to conduct the autopsy, in its preliminary report, has stated that the death was due to hanging and no injury marks were present on the body.

"The death was due to asphyxia (a condition of severely deficient supply of oxygen to the body due to abnormal breathing) as a result of before death hanging. No injury mark has been found in any part of the body," Dr Sudhir Gupta, Head of AIIMS Forensic Department, told PTI.

"There were signs of dribbling of saliva on the face of the deceased which is a sure sign of before death hanging. Viscera has been preserved for chemical analysis," Dr Gupta said.

The body of the JNU research scholar was embalmed and handed over to police, he said, adding the autopsy procedure was videographed.

Meanwhile, police have registered a case of abetment to suicide in the death of Krishnan.

"We have registered a case of abatement to suicide under relevant section of The Scheduled Castes (SCs) and the Scheduled Tribes (STs) Prevention of Atrocities (PoA) Act. The case has been registered against unknown persons," a senior police officer said.

Krishnan's body was taken for post-mortem to AIIMS on Tuesday but it could not be done as the student's family members along with some Congress, AIADMK and DMK leaders and a few JNU students demanded transparency in the autopsy.

Krishnan's father had sought a CBI probe claiming that his son cannot commit suicide.

"My son cannot commit suicide. He was very strong and confident. We want a CBI probe to be conducted and actual reason behind his death be revealed," Krishnan's father, Jeevanandam, had said.

Following their demands, the medical board was constituted.

Krishnan, who had named himself 'Krish Rajini' on Facebook, was at the forefront of a students' movement following Rohith Vemula's suicide.
March 15, 2017

A massive influx of dust storms in recent weeks has once again paralyzed Irans southwestern province of Khuzestan. The province has been reeling from dust storms since the early 2000s, a problem which often leads to schools and government offices being closed, power, water and internet outages as well as residents being rushed to hospitals with respiratory complications.

According to a Feb. 18 assessment by the Khuzestan Environmental Protection Office, the concentration of dust particles in the provincial capital of Ahvaz was 1,841 micrograms per cubic meter  12 times higher than the maximum recommended. In previous years, one city in the province was even reported to have 66 times more dust particles in the air than the maximum.

The recent crisis in Khuzestan prompted protests not only on social media but also on the streets of Ahvaz. In an attempt to address the crisis, two provincial officials were dismissed while President Hassan Rouhani and two of his Cabinet ministers traveled to Khuzestan to examine the situation  or, in the words of Ahvazs deputy governor, to sympathize with the people ahead of the May 19 presidential elections. Just days before Rouhanis trip, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei also criticized the management of the crisis, saying, If someone is concerned about the people, they cannot remain unmoved in the face of the difficult problems in Khuzestan.

Mohammad Darvish, the director-general of the Department of Environments Public Participation Office, told Al-Monitor, Due to its location next to natural deserts such as the Arabian Desert, the African Desert and the worlds dry belt, the Middle East has always grappled with sand and dust storms. However, the increasing dust seen in recent years in Irans southern regions, and especially Khuzestan, has many internal and external origins that have ultimately left us faced with the most unprecedented and destabilizing ecological phenomenon and placed the region in ecological debt.

Darvish said he believes the main origin of the dust is Mesopotamia, the area between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers that spans from Turkey and Syria all the way down to Iraq, Iran and Kuwait.

According to Darvish, the number of dust-producing centers in Mesopotamia has risen from six in the early 1980s to more than 320. He told Al-Monitor, This is due to the Turkish governments Great Anatolia project [one of the largest river basin development projects in the world] in the region, which is choking the Tigris and the Euphrates. By building large dams such as the Ataturk dam, Turkey has contained about 80 billion cubic meters of water that should be flowing toward Mesopotamia.

Darvish added that the implementation of the Turkish project had caused noticeable climatic change in the region and made agricultural lands in Syria and Iraq unusable, creating economic problems for local farmers.

In an effort to solve the dust crisis, Irans Foreign Ministry and Department of Environment have been holding talks with Iraqi officials over the past three years. However, Darvish said, These talks have not produced much result due to the insecurity created by the presence of Daesh [Islamic State] in parts of Iraq. We had this environmental diplomacy with the Turkish government as well. These pressures resulted in the United Nations acknowledging the phenomenon in Mesopotamia as dangerous, and a UN-led summit with the participation of regional countries is to be held in Tehran soon.

The desiccation of the Hoor al-Azim or Hoveizeh wetland, which lies between Iran and Iraq, is seen as another source of the dust. This has also been a point of conflict between Irans Department of Environment and environmental activists. According to Darvish, the dust sources in this wetland originated under former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein following the creation of the Fifth Stream in Iraq, also known as the Saddam Stream. The project changed the directions of the Euphrates and Tigris rivers, leading to the gradual drying of the Iraqi portion of this wetland  a fate that the Iranian side of the Hoor al-Azim has also been grappling with in recent years. Protests by environmental activists have turned the revival of this wetland into a priority for Irans Department of Environment. Darvish told Al-Monitor that Irans dried wetlands, including Hoor al-Azim, are victims of the thinking that dominates water management in Iran.

Based on statistics provided by Department of Environment chief Masoumeh Ebtekar, this wetland has regained 70% of its water during the past three years, a point which Ebtekar highlighted as an environmental achievement by the administration of Rouhani. However, environmental activists in Khuzestan disagree with the declared revival.

Pointing to the drillings by the National Iranian Oil Company and the drying up of the internal part of this wetland since the Iranian year 1390 (2011-2012), Fereshteh Tabanian  a lawyer and environmental activist in Ahvaz  told Al-Monitor, A revival of this wetland would mean that fish and birds can live in it. But we dont see this here. The relay of this false information is a problem, and we pointed this out when Ebtekar and Rouhani visited the province.

Tabanian referred to domestic environmental issues, unrestrained dam construction and the inter-basin water transfer projects in Iran as other external sources behind the dust, and said these factors have caused some regions in Khuzestan and the western province of Ilam to become additional dust sources, causing a national crisis.

Dealing with environmental issues was among Rouhanis main campaign promises during the 2013 presidential elections. This is while Tabanian said the key demand of environmental activists in Khuzestan has been for the government to allocate a larger budget to resolve environmental problems  especially in terms of the dust.

Following the crisis created by the dust storms in Khuzestan and the increasing protests in response, the Iranian parliaments planning and budget commission on Feb. 25 approved a $100 million budget for combating dust storms in the coming Iranian calendar year, which begins March 21. Pointing to the oil and natural gas resources of Khuzestan, Tabanian said environmental activists hope their protests will bring more attention to budget hikes for the province. She told Al-Monitor, The air in Ahvaz is very polluted even without the dust. The World Health Organization ranked this city as the most polluted in the world in 2011. We had only 11 days of clean air in the first nine months of this Iranian year [ending March 20].

Meanwhile, Darvish says that with the determination of the Rouhani administration to resolve the crisis and with the wealth and resources of the fertile plain, he expects an exceptional spring for the province in the next five years. He told Al-Monitor, There is no region in the Middle East like Khuzestan, where about 30 to 40 billion cubic meters of water, or 33% of Irans total surface waters, are flowing. I believe that if our water rights are returned, the natural wetlands of Khuzestan will be revived again, the western part of Karkheh River will be biologically stabilized in Khuzestan and we will quickly witness climatic changes in this province.
WASHINGTON, NC- Beaufort County Community College will be dedicating a sculpture created by its welding students and instructor as part of its 50th anniversary. The college would like to invite alumni who attended during the first three years the college was in operation (1967-1969) and employees who worked during that time period. The ceremony will take place on March 22 at 12:00 p.m.Welding instructor Ted Clayton has been working on the statue for seven years, getting materials donated from PotashCorp, Flanders Filters and Carver Machine Works. He went to the "boneyard" at PotashCorp looking for scrap metal, and when he told them what he wanted to do, they laughed and told him to grab anything he needed.Welding students have had a chance to express their artistic side while learning the proper welds. The 5,000-pound metal sculpture contains a school of fish swimming around pilings. On top of the pilings is an osprey circling its next with chicks inside. On the back is a great blue heron.said Clayton.The work on the statue has taken place entirely outside of class. Students have enthusiastically volunteered to contribute to it. When he first told students about his idea, they laughed at him. Once they started working on the sculpture,according to Clayton.The statue will sit on Campus Drive East leading to Building 10 and Building 5. NC Community College System President Dr. Jimmie Williamson, former BCCC President Dr. David McLawhorn, current BCCC President Dr. Barbara Tansey and instructor Ted Clayton will speak at the event.BCCC was chartered as a technical institute nearly 50 years ago, but its roots in the community run even deeper. Industrial and technical education was offered in Beaufort County in 1962 through an Industrial Education Center. The center was first affiliated with Lenoir County Technical Institute and later with Pitt Technical Institute.Local businessman A. Graham Elliott was an early supporter of industrial education in Beaufort County. In 1967, Elliott, then chairman of the Advisory Committee of the Industrial Education Center, said,Two events that same year made a stand-alone technical institute for Beaufort County possible  local voters on November 8 approved a $500,000 bond issue by a vote of nearly three to one, and State Sen. Ashley B. Futrell and State Rep. William R. Roberson Jr. introduced legislation in their respective chambers of the N.C. General Assembly establishing Beaufort County Technical Institute.On Aug. 23, 1968, 39 graduates received their diplomas at BCTI's first graduation. Almost 50 years later, BCCC conferred 190 degrees, diplomas and certificates on the Class of 2016, including 45 Associate's Degrees in Nursing.In 1969 a permanent site for BCTI was purchased, and construction of the school's campus on U.S. 264 began. After being housed in temporary locations throughout the county, including a former prison farm and in space above what was then the local fire department, BCTI moved to its current location in the spring of 1971.The campus sits on the former Woodrow Sheppard farm, which was sold to the BCTI Board of Trustees by Fred and Mary Sheppard. Another tract was sold to the college by Vandalia Sykes. The last land purchase was from Linda Byrd and Roger Woolard in 2015.With more than 400 employees, 2,100 students enrolled in its Curriculum programs, and 4,400 in Continuing Education, BCCC is a driving force in the economic development of the region. Under the leadership today of Dr. Barbara Tansey, BCCC's fifth president, the college constantly initiates collaborative efforts with community and government agencies, provides innovative technology and builds strong relationships with business and industry.
The first BJP chief minister in Manipur, Biren Singh took oath on Wednesday.

Imphal: N Biren Singh, who was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Manipur on Wednesday, said his government's top priority would be to solve the four-month-long economic blockade that has caused immense hardship to the people.

Speaking to the media after the inauguration of the first-ever BJP government in the state, Singh said, "We need to solve the crisis as soon as possible."

Deputy Chief Minister Y Joykumar Singh also said lifting of the economic blockade would top the government's agenda. Former chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh, who attended the swearing-in ceremony, said his party would play a constructive role as Opposition in the Assembly.
Right from the start, BJP had sent across a subtle message that if it wins, the government would be headed by Parrikar.

Panaji: For Manohar Parrikar, who proved himself to be Bharatiya Janata Party's best bet in Goa by sewing up a coalition and proving its majority on the floor of Assembly, it is a homecoming and another stint as chief minister of the coastal state.

Despite failing to secure a simple majority in the polls, the BJP managed to win the support of two regional parties besides two Independents, outsmarting the Congress which emerged as the single largest party with 17 seats in the 40-member house.

Right from the start of campaigning, the BJP had sent across a subtle message that if it wins, the government would be headed by Parrikar.

Also, Parrikar led the BJP's campaign from the front.

A metallurgical engineer from IIT Bombay, Parrikar, post-election, displayed splendid political acumen and skill in forging a coalition winning over the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) and Goa Forward Party (GFP).

Born in a middle class business family in Mapusa in north Goa, Manohar Gopalkrishna Prabhu Parrikar graduated to the BJP from the RSS ranks.

He joined the RSS in his school days and always held that the ideology and training he received from the organisation stood him in good stead in public life, most importantly in decision-making.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who hand-picked him as the Defence Minister in November 2014, has often lavished praises on Parrikar for his dedication and hard work, especially in the context of the surgical strike last year.

Parrikar was first elected to the Goa Assembly in 1994. He served as he leader of the opposition from June to November 1999.

In a state known for political swings as well as rise and fall of ministries, Parrikar's first stint as chief minister was from October 24, 2000 to February 27, 2002. He had his next term at the top slot in the state from June 5, 2002 to January 29, 2005.

In 2012, he successfully led the BJP to power and became the chief minister for the third time, which lasted until November 2014 when he was made defence minister.

Parrikar, who often faced criticism from detractors for air-dashing to home every weekend, also did not hide his wish to return to his home state, once saying that he missed Goan food very much.

The party leaders have vouched that the BJP's manifesto and campaign strategy were scripted under Parrikar's guidance, restricting Laxmikant Parsekar, who succeeded him as chief minister, to his constituency of Mandrem, which he failed to defend.

Parrikar criss-crossed the entire Goa, promising continuation of the developmental works the BJP government initiated and sought a clear mandate, stressing political stability was essential to steer the state to progress.

A leader who enjoys acceptance from the BJP and beyond, he has played key role in making the party a force to reckon with in Goa, which remained for long a Congress bastion, with regional outfits having pockets of influence.

Parrikar, whose wife died in 2001, has two sons  Utpal and Abhijit.
In Punjab, the Congress has got absolute majority.

New Delhi: A grand welcome was accorded to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday by members in Lok Sabha as he entered the House for the first time after the Assembly elections in the five states.

Moments after the Lok Sabha assembled for the day, the Prime Minister entered the House and all the members in the treasury benches stood up and greeted him by thumping of desks, forcing TDP member Kesineni Nani to pause while asking a question during the Question Hour.

The thumping of desks continued for some time even after Mr Modi took his seat. The House also reverberated with slogans of Bharat Mata Ki Jai raised by some BJP members.

Apart from BJP MPs, even Biju Janata Dal member Baijayant Panda was also seen thumping the desk. Mr Modi was also greeted by TRS leader Jithender Reddy who crossed over to his seat to shake hands with him.

The Prime Minister left the House after 10 minutes. Among the five states, where elections were held, BJP secured two-third majority in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand and is forming governments in Goa and Manipur with the help of smaller parties and Independents.

In Punjab, the Congress has got absolute majority. The PM, meanwhile, congratulated Biren Singh on Wednesday after he was sworn in as chief minister of Manipur.

Congratulations to Shri N Biren Singh and his team on taking oath. I am sure this team will work tirelessly towards Manipurs development, Mr Modi tweeted.
Urging leaders to woo youth, Modi says: Wont rest, nor let others rest.

PM Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah are felicitated at the BJPs parliamentary party meeting at Parliament House in New Delhi. Also seen are Union ministers Rajnath Singh, M. Venkaiah Naidu and Ravi Shankar Prasad as well as veteran leader Lal Krishna Advani. (Photo: Pritam Bandyopadhyay)

New Delhi: After the BJPs stupendous performance in the recently-held Assembly elections, the party top brass on Thursday asked leaders and legislators to be ready for the 2019 general election, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi informing them that na main baithunga na baithne doonga (I will not rest, nor will I let others rest). BJP president Amit Shah asked party leaders to be ready for the Lok Sabha elections, and asserted that the partys recent victories were an outcome of peoples vote against casteism, family rule and corruption, and in favour of Mr Modis leadership.

The BJP parliamentary party gave a standing ovation to Mr Modi and also passed a resolution on the partys extraordinary performance in the Assembly elections in five states.

Later, Mr Modi was also greeted in the Rajya Sabha by the treasury benches, who responded to Congress members dekho dekho, kaun aaya hai (look who has come), by saying: Hindustan ka sher aaya hai (the lion of India has come). It was Mr Modis first visit to the Upper House after the verdict, and he sat for 15 minutes.

Earlier, at the parliamentary party meeting, Mr Modi gave a roadmap to party leaders, that included reaching out to the youth and continuing with the dalit outreach programme. Apparently referring to party leaders tendency to make controversial statements, Mr Modi also thanked them for refraining from such statements during the campaign, particularly in UP, when he said Un lalon ka bhi abhinandan jinhone muh par taala band rakha. The BJP had specially flown in prasadam from Tirupati to congratulate Mr Modi and Mr Shah for the partys triumph. Nearly 600 ladoos were brought from Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam by the parliamentary party office.

Addressing the parliamentary party meeting, Mr Modi asked leaders to organise an exercise between the partys foundation day on April 6 and Bhim Rao Ambedkars birth anniversary on April 14, urging leaders to make the youth the ambassadors of his governments work.

The BJP will organise various events at the booth level and at shakti kendras across the country, with leaders told to spend 72 hours with the people and the cadre. As Mr Modi asked the leader to take up various programmes to reach out to people when his government completes three years on May 26, he said: Na main baithunga na baithne doonga.

The BJP will celebrate its foundation day on April 6, when its leaders and workers will take part in a Swachchh Bharat campaign. Mr Modi urged all leaders to work during the week to give a boost to the use of the BHIM app, a digital payment application, by educating the masses about it and helping them download it. The leaders were also asked to publicise Ambedkars works and contributions. He said the app can liberate small traders from the clutches of moneylenders and be a tool of social transformation. Those using it the most will also be given incentives, he added.

Asking BJP leaders to make the youth the ambassadors of the Centres public welfare and good governance projects, Mr Modi said young people depend on mobile phones more than newspapers and TV channels to get information. He also asked MPs to give their suggestions ahead of his governments third anniversary on May 26.

Mr Shah noted that the five state elections were cited as the BJPs biggest electoral challenge after the 2014 Lok Sabha victory, he said the next parliamentary election in 2019 would be the next big challenge and asked party leaders to start making preparations for it. He asked them not to be complacent. The next target is 2019, he said.

Mr Shah said the partys victory underlined the peoples support for the welfare schemes launched by the Central government and a brave decision like demonetisation.
Swaraj says matter taken up with Lanka, 301 Indians lodged in Pak prisons.

New Delhi: Union external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj on Thursday informed Parliament that India has strongly conveyed to Sri Lanka that the use of force against its fishermen cannot be justified under any circumstances.

The minister said the issue has been taken up with Sri Lanka at the highest level while making statements in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha against the backdrop of killing of a Tamil fisherman in alleged firing by Sri Lankan Navy recently.

I will again like to ressure the honourable members that the government accords the highest priority to promote the wellbeing, safety and security of our fishermen. We have strongly conveyed to Sri Lanka that the use of force cannot be justified under any circumstances, the minister said.

She said the Indian government has consistently taken up fishermens issues with its Lankan counterparts and secured the release of its 1,045 fishermen in 2014, 375 in 2015, 333 in 2016 and 51 in 2017.

Ms Swaraj said the release of all the 85 fishermen still in the Lankan custody has been secured and while 77 returned to India on Tuesday, eight others are on their way back.

The minister pointed out that following the killing of a fisherman on March 6 in Palk Bay after a fishing vessel from Tamil Nadu was fired upon, allegedly by the Lankan Navy, the Indian government expressed its strong concerns to the neighbouring government.

Sri Lanka has denied the involvement of its Navy in the incident, the minister noted. The Indian high commissioner had spoken to the Sri Lankan PM and the Navy commander on this matter, she said.

Meanwhile, Ms Swaraj informed the Rajya Sabha that as many as 301 Indian fishermen are currently lodged in jails in Pakistan which has confirmed the presence of only 77 and the government is making all efforts to secure their release.

She said India has taken up the issue with Pakistan and has put a policy in place where officials of both countries exchange information about prisoners lodged in each others jails. Since 2014, we have been able to secure the release of 1,261 fishermen lodged in Pakistan jails. In the last three months, we have secured the release of 438 Indian fishermen, she added.
Rajnath meets Himalayan nations counterpart, offers condolences.

New Delhi: India on Thursday assured Nepal that it would expedite the inquiry into the killing of a Nepalese national on the India-Nepal border, allegedly by the Indian border guarding force Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB).

This was conveyed by external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj during a meeting with Nepals Deputy Prime Minister Bimalendra Nidhi, who also holds the home portfolio. The external affairs minister expressed condolences over the death of a Nepalese national on India-Nepal border. She conveyed that the inquiry into the incident will be expedited by the Indian side, an MEA statement said. Mr Nidhi Thursday also met Union home minister Rajnath Singh and discussed the situation along the border. Mr Singh too expressed grief over the death of the Nepalese national in Lakhimpur Kheri district of Uttar Pradesh.

He said India would carry out a fair and impartial inquiry into the incident, and include Nepalese counterparts in the effort to arrive at the truth.

He said any incident that takes place, even unknowingly, should be settled through joint inspection and investigation by the representatives of the two sides.

Mr Singh also sought regular meetings between the SSB and its Nepalese counterpart, the Armed Police Force. He told Mr Nidhi that the two countries enjoyed a friendly relationship in all areas including security.
Says govt has taken up with US the issue of hate attacks.

New Delhi: Members in the Lok Sabha, cutting across party lines, on Wednesday extended a warm welcome to external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj when she came to the House after a long absence due to health reasons.

As soon as she was spotted stepping into her front-row seat after the Question Hour, members began thumping their desks and it continued for some time as she took her seat. Greeting 65-year-old Ms Swaraj, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan wished her a long and healthy life. A smiling Ms Swaraj, appearing a little wan, accepted wishes from her and other members.

Union ministers Uma Bharti and Sadananda Gowda as also Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia then went to her to wish her. Leader of the Congress in the House Mallikarjun Kharge welcomed her from his seat and wished her a long and healthy life in serving the nation.

Meanwhile, Ms Swaraj indicated on Wednesday that there was no reason for the Indian government to issue an advisory for citizens travelling to the United States despite recent attacks on both Indians and persons of Indian origin there. She said that the US government has given India confidence that these incidents are acts of individuals and do not represent the overwhelming sentiments of the American people towards India. She also told the Lok Sabha that India had conveyed its concerns to the US government at very high levels, and that New Delhi had already called for necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of the Indian diaspora and expeditious investigation into these incidents. She said the US authorities have responded strongly and assured us that they are working with all concerned agencies to ensure speedy justice.

Pointing out that in the last three weeks, three incidents of physical attack in the United States on Indian nationals and persons of Indian origin have come to the notice of the government, Ms Swaraj, in a statement to the Lok Sabha, said, A related question was raised... on whether the government plans to issue an advisory for Indians travelling to or residing in the US. I would say that prompt and clear response of the US political leadership and the law enforcement authorities to these incidents, and the widespread messages of sympathy and support from all quarters in the US, give us confidence that these incidents are acts of individuals and do not represent the overwhelming sentiments of the American people towards India...

This was demonstrated by the American national Ian Grillot who suffered serious injury while helping the two Indians. I have saluted his heroism and am sure the House joins me in wishing him speedy recovery.

She also said, I would like to reassure this House and the members that the safety and security of the Indian diaspora abroad remains a top priority for this government. We are in continuous dialogue with the US government. Close contact with local Indian community groups are being maintained through our embassy and consulates to address any emergent issues... The government has taken up this issue with the US government at very high-levels and conveyed our deep concerns. We have called for necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of Indian diaspora and expeditious investigation into these incidents.

The external affairs minister said, The foreign secretary (S. Jaishankar) discussed this matter in his meetings with Cabinet ministers and senior functionaries of the US administration as well as with the Congressional leadership during his recent visit to the US (February 28 to March 3, 2017), adding, People-to-people contacts are the foundation on which the India-US strategic partnership has been built. The fact that broad sections of the American society have expressed their deep sorrow and regret over these incidents reassures us that despite these individual incidents, the American society values the people-to-people engagement between our two countries.

On a reported travel advisory being issued by the US earlier for its citizens travelling to India, Ms Swaraj said, I would like to inform the honorable members that there is no travel advisory in force for India at present. A reference to India has been included in their Worldwide Caution report which the US state department releases every six months (in March and September every year). These are in the form of broad assessment of threat perceptions. Such references to India have been included in previous reports as well and do not reflect the change of administration in the US. In fact, India-specific references were far more detailed in previous reports. Having said that, issuing travel advisories is a well-established global practice and the government of India has also issued travel advisories in the past for Indian citizens visiting the US in specific situations.

On February 22, Srinivas Kuchibhotla, a 32-year-old Indian engineer was shot dead by a US national, Adam Purinton, in a crowded bar in the Kansas City suburb of Olathe. Another Indian national, Alok Madasani, who was present on the spot, was also injured in the shooting. The Indian government has said US authorities are investigating the incident as a hate crime. On March 2, Harnish Patel, a US national of Indian origin, was shot dead by unknown individuals in Lancaster, South Carolina. According to the sheriff and the family, the incident was, in all likelihood, a case of robbery gone wrong, the minister said, adding that investigations were underway to identify the culprits and to ascertain if this was a racially motivated crime. On March 4, Deep Rai, a US national of Indian origin, was shot at and injured by an unknown person in Kent, near Seattle in Washington state, allegedly after being asked to leave the country. The Kent police department is probing the case, assisted by the FBI. The investigating agencies are yet to establish that it is a hate crime, Ms Swaraj said.
Akhilesh holds talks with Shivpal 1st time after feud; meets newly-elected MLAs.

Lucknow: Defeat seems to be a healer in the SP. Minutes before SP president Akhilesh Yadav addressed a meeting of the partys newly-elected MLAs, he went into a huddle with senior party leader Mohd. Azam Khan and his estranged uncle Shivpal Yadav.

Mulayam Singh Yadav chose to remain in Delhi and did not attend the meeting. Though it was not known what exactly transpired at the meeting, this was the first time since Mr Shivpal and Mr Akhilesh met for discussions after the family feud.

The two leaders had not met each other even during Holi celebrations in their native village, Sefai.

Later, while addressing the newly-elected legislators, Akhilesh Yadav asked them not to lose hope after the partys rout but to prepare for the challenges ahead.

The MLAs allowed the party president to choose the leader of opposition from among the senior MLAs. Mr Yadav will be meeting the defeated candidates on Saturday to take their feedback regarding factors which led to the partys defeat.

Akhilesh Yadav has convened a national executive meeting of the Samajwadi Party on March 25 in Lucknow. This will be the first national executive of the party after Akhilesh Yadav became party chief on January 1 this year.

The national executive will discuss the recent political situation in the state as well as in the country, besides reviewing the reasons behind the debacle in the UP Assembly polls.

Sources said that the issue of EVM tampering was also raised at Thursdays meeting by senior party leaders and outgoing ministers, Mohd. Azam Khan and Rajendra Chaudhary.

The two leaders asked the newly-elected legislators to bring proof, if any, of votes being polled in excess of the number of votes at a booth.

Akhilesh Yadav also supported the two leaders and said that elections in future should be held through paper ballots.
Doctors claimed that physical exertion due to extensive campaigning in the recent polls was the reason for the uneasiness.

New Delhi: Uttar Pradesh BJP president Keshav Prasad Maurya was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) at Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital in the national capital on Thursday after he complained of uneasiness.

According to medical superintendent, RML Hospital, Dr A.K. Gadpayle, the 48-year-old leader was admitted at 3.38 pm. He was suffering from cough and cold and mild fever for the last seven days and overwork due to his political commitments. On admission, his blood pressure was slightly higher. At present, he is fully conscious and better. He is kept under observation for further evaluation, said Dr Gadpayle. Doctors claimed that physical exertion due to extensive campaigning in the recent state Assembly polls was the reason for the uneasiness. Irregular routine and continuous travelling for a long period are reasons behind physical exertion which affected the normal health. His is fully conscious and his condition is stable. At present, he is kept under observation and if Mr Mauryas condition remains stable then he will be discharged on Friday, added Dr Gadpayle.

Mr Maurya, meanwhile, tweeted that there was no reason to worry and he is doing well and thanked his well-wishers for support.

However, after Thursdays parliamentary party meeting of BJP MPs in Parliament, buzz is that Mr Maurya could be out from the chief ministers race. After the meeting, Mr Maurya ruled out his chances of becoming the chief minister.
BJP leader Rupa Ganguly stood up and claimed that personal allegations were being levelled against her.

Rajya Sabha MP Rupa Ganguly outside Parliament during the ongoing Budget Session in New Delhi. (Photo: G N Jha)

New Delhi: The Rajya Sabha Thursday saw heated exchanges between the treasury benches and Congress members over alleged involvement of a BJP leader in the Jalpaiguri child trafficking case.

In her Zero Hour mention, Congresss Rajani Patil raised the issue of child trafficking at Jalpaiguri in which BJP West Bengal womens wing leader has been arrested.

Deputy chairman P.J. Kurien asked her not to take any name. Ms Patil said 40 per cent of human trafficking cases in India are reported from Assam and West Bengal. A few minutes later, nominated member and BJP leader Rupa Ganguly stood up and claimed that personal allegations were being levelled against her.

This led to heated arguments between members of the ruling party and the Congress. Amid the heated exchanges, Mr Kurien said that if the name of an MP has been taken directly or indirectly by which people can understand who it is meant for, it will be expunged.

The West Bengal CID had unearthed the child trafficking racket during raids at homes and nursing homes in Baduria area of North 24 Parganas district, and Behala in the southern fringes of Kolkata and some other parts of south Bengal in November last year.

Earlier also, the House saw heated exchanges between the Opposition and treasury benches when Union minister M. Venkaiah Naidu tried to intervene during a Zero Hour mention on minimum support price by the government.

It was the first issue raised by JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav who wanted to highlight plight of farmers due to inefficient system of procurement of wheat and pulses by government.

His issue was supported by members of other Opposition parties, who demanded a response from the government. As Leader of opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad stood up and demanded a discussion on the issue, Mr Naidu intervened, saying it was unfair that the government is being criticised and making a running commentary.

Mr Azad objected to this, saying why should the minister unnecessarily intervene in the Zero Hour which as per rules is members time to raise issues pertaining to public interest.

Other Opposition members were seen supporting Mr Azads point.
With the Midterm Elections less than one week away: What do you consider the top issues that you will be voting on to be corrected by your better representation?

Education Crime Big Government getting Bigger Biden /Democrat controlled Spike in Energy Cost Inflation created by Legislation of Majority in Power Gender Reassignment Corrupted Bureaucratic /Service (DOJ, FBI, etc.) Institutions Abortion Discredited Legacy Media Ending the Corruption of Dishonest Politicians Corruptive Influence of Social Media Wide Open Southern Border
The new method early dementia through abnormal functionality in regions of the brain that process speech

Washington D.C.: Chances are that you might end your days slipping into dementia, but now, a recent study has suggested that it's possible to detect the onset of early memory loss.

In a joint Baycrest-University of Memphis study, scientists have discovered a new potential predictor of early dementia through abnormal functionality in regions of the brain that process speech (the brainstem and auditory cortex).These brain regions are thought to be more resilient to Alzheimer's. However, this discovery demonstrates changes occur early in the brain's conversion of speech sound into understandable words.

This finding could be the first sign of decline in brain function related to communication that presents itself before individuals become aware of these problems.Their research technique of measuring electrical brain activity using an electroencephalogram (EEG) in these brain regions also predicted mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a condition that is likely to develop into Alzheimer's, with 80 per cent accuracy.

This test could be developed into a cost-effective and objective diagnostic assessment for older adults.The study looked at older adults with no known history of neurological or psychiatric illnesses with similar hearing acuity.

The brain activity within the brainstem of these older adults demonstrated abnormally large speech sound processing within seven to 10 milliseconds of the signal hitting the ear, which could be a sign of greater communication problems in the future."This opens a new door in identifying biological markers for dementia since we might consider using the brain's processing of speech sounds as a new way to detect the disease earlier," said senior author Dr. Claude Alain. "Losing the ability to communicate is devastating and this finding could lead to the development of targeted treatments or interventions to maintain this capability and slow progression of the disease."

The study involved 23 older adults between the ages of 52 and 86. Participants were separated into two groups based on their results on a dementia screening test, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Researchers measured brain activity in the brainstem while participants were watching a video. They measured brain activity in the auditory cortex while participants were identifying vowel sounds.Statistical methods were used to combine both sets of brain activity to predict MCI.

"This could offer a new diagnostic assessment that tests a person's cognitive abilities, such as their ability to communicate, and objectively measure physiological changes in the brain that reflect early signs of dementia," said first author Gavin Bidelman.The study is published online in the Journal of Neuroscience.
Recent research has shown that rambling and long-winded anecdotes could be an early sign of Alzheimer's disease. Subtle changes in speech style occur years before the more serious mental decline takes hold. The scientists behind the work say it may be possible to detect these changes and predict if someone is at risk more than a decade before meeting the threshold for an Alzheimer's diagnosis.

The symptoms that show subtle changes early on are labelled as mild cognitive impairment. For an accurate prediction, it is better to consider some risk factors and circumstances linked to dementia. They are:

Age, Alcohol dependence, Genetics: Someone with a family history of dementia is at higher risk, Smoking: Nicotine in blood vessels may cause hypertension, leading to early onset of dementia, l Increased lipids, or hyperlipidemia, Diabetes: Those with chronic diabetes are at higher risk, Mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety, Hypothyroidism: A disorder in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone, Sedentary lifestyle and History of stroke.

Generally, the subtle signs are forgetting what one used to remember easily. Recent memory - what one remembers in the past 48 hours  is the first casualty. But remote memory  what happened in the long past  is not affected. Family members of the patient will start seeing the difference. The patients themselves, however, are not much aware of their forgetfulness.

Other early symptoms include forgetting the place where one kept personal stuff, such as spectacles, keys or money; inability to calculate quickly, and forgetting things to be bought from the market.

There are other signs of Alzheimer's that have nothing to do with memory loss. Many functions of the brain get disturbed and memory is just one of them.

There is disturbance in thinking, comprehension, calculation, speaking and judgement. The patients are unable to think clearly or take decisions quickly and properly. Calculation is a skill that enables people to read between the lines, which Alzheimer's disease patients cannot do.

Overall, cognitive functions fall to such a level that it starts interfering in dressing up, eating, personal hygiene and taking care of personal belongings.

Dementia is categorised into two types: Early onset that begins before 65 years, and late onset that begins after 65 years. The prevalence, incidence and severity increase with age and equally affect both male and female. In India, with the geriatric population increasing, incidence and prevalence too are rising. But it is a myth that dementia is a normal ageing process and nothing can be done to prevent it. It is difficult to judge the exact prevalence of dementia in India because of this myth. People notice dementia only after it has reached a severe level. Family members often go for treatment of associated symptoms or behaviour abnormalities such as depression, without knowing it was dementia all along. The recent research findings will help doctors deal with Alzheimer's patients in a better way, though doctors are already aware of all the factors.

It may be possible to predict if someone is at risk more than a decade before being diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease

According to doctors, people notice dementia only after it has reached a severe level

It is a myth that dementia is a normal ageing process and nothing can be done to prevent it

Subtle signs of dementia are forgetting what one used to remember easily

(The author is consultant psychiatrist at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi)
While head constable Karamvir Singh was on foot patrolling duty at Shivaji Bridge railway station when he was attacked.

New Delhi: Five persons have been arrested for allegedly assaulting and injuring a Delhi Police head constable at Shivaji Bridge railway station and fleeing with his wireless set, police said today.



While head constable Karamvir Singh was on foot patrolling duty at Shivaji Bridge railway station on March 12 at around 7 PM, he saw six or seven persons who were shouting and abusing in public, said DCP (Railways) Parwaiz Ahmed.



When Singh asked them not to create a nuisance, they allegedly started abusing him, hit him on his head with a bottle, and rained blows on him.



They fled from there after taking his wireless set. A case was registered and teams were formed to identify the accused.



The CCTV footage of Shivaji Bridge railway station was examined and seven suspicious persons were seen.



"The CCTV footage of the areas of Barakhamba Road and Connaught Place were also seen. After zeroing in on the suspects, a drive was started to search for them," he said.



One person Arjun Singh was arrested on March 15 on the basis of a tip-off.



"He runs a tattoo-making counter in Palika Bazar with his partner Arun Choudhary. On March 12, he was celebrating Holi with his friends Choudhary, Mohit, Ajay and three friends of Ajay in Palika Bazar," said the officer.



Mohit and Ajay work as retail salesmen in Palika Bazar.



"By the evening they all consumed alcohol and since they had to go back to their homes in Ghaziabad, they arrived at Shivaji Bridge railway station for boarding an EMU train," said the officer.



They consumed more alcohol at the railway station and started abusing and shouting. They allegedly attacked the cop when he warned them.



The other accused, Ajay Kumar, Deepanshu alias Chotu, Sachin and Yogesh Kumar, were also arrested.



"Deepanshu and Sachin are cousins and work as photographers while Yogesh works as an architect in Ghaziabad tehsil.



"Raids are being conducted to nab Arun Choudhary and Mohit, who are absconding," said the officer, adding that the wireless set has also been recovered.
Party making inroads into the minority-dominated wards ahead of Delhis municipal polls.

New Delhi: After sweeping the neighbouring Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls, the Delhi BJP is now aggressively making inroads in the Muslim-dominated wards in the national capital for the coming civic elections.

In the previous polls, the BJP used to struggle hard to find workers to manage its polling booths in the Muslim dominated belts. But this time around, the saffron party has already enrolled about 2,000 booth workers in the minority-dominated wards. Whats more surprising is that the 2,000-odd booth workers also include 900-odd people from the minority community.

A senior local BJP leader said soon after the results of the UP polls were out, the party started its drive in the Muslim-dominated wards to enroll workers for booth management in the civic polls. We have identified 2,000-odd people to manage our 400 polling booths in the Muslim dominated wards.

Well-placed sources in the party claimed that post Assembly elections, the result of four states  Uttrakhand, Goa, Manipur, and UP, members from the minority community in the city have started showing their interest in working for the saffron party at the grassroot level. There is a strong perception in the local BJP circles that Muslims too had voted for the party in the UP Assembly polls.

According to a senior party functionary, there are 600 booths in the minority-dominated areas where the BJP could hardly get workers to carry out political activities for city elections. The party, last month, invited five names from each booth to be nominated as panch parmeshwar. But no person came forward from these 600 booths for the voter mobilisation drive for the coming civic polls. However, after the UP poll results, the scenario has changed as it has successfully nominated panch parmeshwars in 400 booths. Delhi BJP president Manoj Tiwari also said that before the booth level workers convention, the party will be able to rope in workers from remaining 200 booths. I have personally taken up this responsibility and working with district and block presidents. We will get five workers for all these booths in a day or two. These panch parmeshwars will help us connect with people. Five people from across different walks of life will be nominated for booth management including a youth, a senior citizen and a woman from each polling booth, said Mr Tiwari. BJP president Amit Shah will kick start thje partys civic poll campaign by addressing about 65,000 booth-level workers at Ramlila Maidan and will motivate them with the motto  booth jetoo, election jeeto (win the booth to win the election).
The woman was allegedly beaten up brutally and gang raped by her ex-boyfriend and his four friends after she fell unconscious.

New Delhi: A 36-year-old woman from Uzbekistan was allegedly beaten up and gang-raped by her ex-boyfriend and his friends at her rented flat in south Delhi's Masoodpur area.

The incident took place on the intervening night of March 9 and 10 but the woman was quite scared and didn't report the matter to the police, said a senior police officer.

She narrated her ordeal to an acquaintance who suggested her to file a complaint following which she approached the police today, he said.

The woman alleged that she was beaten up brutally and fell unconscious following which she was gang-raped by her ex-boyfriend and his four friends.

The woman claimed that she was scared and traumatized and was not able to muster courage to report against the accused.

The woman identified two of them as her former boyfriend Anubhav Yadav and his friend Gaurav Bhatia. She told the police that the other three men were not known to her as she had not met them before. Senior police officers said that they were conducting raids to nab the accused.

The woman in her complaint said that she was staying in the rented flat for the past six months. She told the police that Yadav was her boyfriend for the past four years.

They had met each other on a social networking site and later entered into a relationship. The two started meeting each other after she came to Delhi and shifted in a rented flat in Masoodpur. Before coming to Delhi, the woman was in Surat, Gujarat, police said.

According to the woman's complaint, she broke-up with Yadav two weeks ago. However, Yadav was against her decision and continued "calling and harassing" her over phone. The woman began avoiding him and stopped taking his calls.

On March 10 at around 2 am, Yadav along with Bhatia and three others arrived at the woman's place and forcibly entered her room.

Since she knew Yadav, she opened the door but they allegedly assaulted her for not taking Yadav's calls.

When the woman regained consciousness, she found herself in a semi-nude condition and felt pain in her abdomen.

The five had left the flat by then. She somehow went to a nearby private hospital but did not take treatment as she was scared.

On Tuesday, she gathered courage and filed a police complaint against the five accused, said the woman in her complaint.

Yadav was arrested on the basis of the complaint.
A diplomat of Philippines and his associate brutally beaten by a mob after minor mishap.

New Delhi: A diplomat from the Philippines and his associate were brutally beaten by a mob on the provocation of a lady, who claimed that her Hyundai car was allegedly hit by the diplomats Mercedes at Mahatama Gandhi Marg. The incident was reported on March 2.

The commercial counsellor at the Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines, Michael Alfred V. Ignacio, wrote in his police complaint that on March 2, a woman hit his car and damaged the side mirror. When she tried to escape from the spot, he asked her to stop. She then rolled down her car window and cried for help and claimed that he had attacked her. After hearing her cry for help, many onlookers and passersby assembled there and physically attacked Mr Alfred and his assistance. The mob thrashed them with punches, blows and kicks.

Fearing for our lives, we stayed inside the car. Someone from the mob took away our keys and gave it to the lady. Then the crowd started attacking our car with helmets and crowbars. They broke the side windows and started to hit us repeatedly. Only two people came to help us and one of them filmed the incident. He informed our embassy security, who immediately reached the spot and rescued us, said Mr Alfred in his written police complaint.

It was a near-death experience. We have wounds and contusions. We were being attacked by a criminal minded mob that attempted to kill us. I have photos and video of the woman and her mother who hit our car and the mob that attacked us, he added.

The police has filed a case and questioned both the parties. We have identified the lady and her mother. Both the parties  the diplomat and the lady  had made PCR calls. By the time our police team reached the spot, the lady had left the place. We found only the diplomat on the spot. We have questioned the lady and her mother, said a police official on the condition of anonymity.

Police has filed a case under Section 279/323/427 of the IPC.
Many parents are even disappointed because they have not got admission in schools of their choice.

The high court had stayed the directorate of education notification for fixing the upper age limit for nursery admissions at four years. (Representational image)

New Delhi: There seems to be no end to the problems of parents seeking nursery admissions for their wards in the national capital.

Many of them, who couldnt get admission for their children in the Delhi schools, are left with no choice but to look for schools in neighbouring Noida, Faridabad and Gurgaon.

According to Sumit Vohra, admissionsnursery.com founder, parents are playing it safe by blocking seats in Noida, Faridabad, Kundli and Gurgaon schools as the upper age limit for nursery admissions is subjudice. The high court had stayed the directorate of education notification for fixing the upper age limit for nursery admissions at four years. If this case is decided in favour of the DoE, then next year, children above four years wont be eligible for nursery. Till last year, many unsuccessful parents used to continue in play school. But due to upper cut-off factor, many are not taking chances this year, even though the DoE circular on December 19, 2016, states that no school can keep upper cut-off age cap, said Mr Vohra.

One of the parents from Saket said that even after applying in 37 schools in South Delhi, he could not procure a seat, following which he took admission for his child in a Faridabad school.

I did not get admission for my child in any decent school of South Delhi, so without wasting a year, I enrolled my child in Modern Charmswood, Faridabad, said Vipin.

Meanwhile, after the release of first list for nursery admission, the problem of Delhi schools asking for donations from parents under several garbs has again come to the fore. Parents have complained that some private schools have asked huge sums in the name of orientation.

When contacted, Apeejay School principal Anita Paul said, I am not aware of any such demand. Many parents are even disappointed because they have not got admission in schools of their choice.

Only parents having the advantage of sibling and alumni points have got admissions in the established schools. But for the first time, the parents applying in as many schools are unable to get admission anywhere, said Mr Vohra.
Senior officers said protection was sought during the daytime for the set, which was provided.

A group of around 20 unidentified men armed with petrol bombs and rods vandalised the sets of director-producer Sanjay Leela Bhansali's upcoming period film Padmavati at Panhala in Kolhapur around 12.45 am on Wednesday.

The group set ablaze tents erected at the site, according to the police, which registered a case of arson and rioting against the unidentified vandals. Two cars were also damaged in the attack.

As per the FIR lodged by producer Chetan Devalikar, 80 per cent of movie set was damaged, causing a loss of Rs 4-5 crore. The Kolhapur police, which has lodged a complaint against 40 unknown people. For the last 10 days, the police had provided protection to the filmmakers during the daytime as the members of the Karni Sena, an obscure outfit, had attacked the crew while they were shooting in Jaipur in January.

None of the cast or crew was present at Kolhapur's Masai Pathar plateau when the incident occurred, but a horse is said to be injured. Mr Bhansali was at a resort around six kilometres away from the site. Up to 20 fire engines were pressed into action to douse the flames. Minister of state for home department Deepak Kesarkar has requested Mr Bhansali to officially lodge a police complaint over the attack. Senior officers said protection was sought during the daytime for the set, which was provided.

The tents contained costumes and wooden material and hence they caught fire. Some crewmembers were present at the spot and two of them sustained minor injuries in the attack. They were provided medical aid soon after. The shoot was to continue for five more days, Vishwas Nangre Patil, Inspector General, Aurangabad told The Asian Age.

Bhansali was at a resort located at Panhala six kilometres from the site and he was informed about the attack soon after the incident took place. We are investigating all angles, including the possibility of locals being angered by the crew members' actions, Mahadev Tambade, superintendent of police (Kolhapur), said.

The police suspect Rajput groups from Kolhapur to be involved. The group came in cars that were parked around a kilometre from the plateau. They walked to the set and set it on fire before fleeing. The private security and crewmembers managed to nab two vandals, however, their accomplices released them from captivity and took them away. Officials said the attackers were suspected to be locals as they were heard speaking in Marathi. However, denying the possibility of attack by local villagers, Priyanka Mahadik, sarpanch, Mhalunge village, said, Masai Pathar is 20-25 km from all villages and people don't stay at the Pathar at all. Besides, the attackers had come with petrol bombs and iron rods. These people must be from organisations like the Karni Sena, which have issues with the story.

Sandip Patil, another villager, said, The film shoot benefited more than 300 people from nearby villages. Why would the people attack the very thing that is providing them their livelihood?
Even the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) doesnt have any such study.

Responding to the question whether consumption of such veggies can cause serious diseases, the state government claimed that no such report is available.

Mumbai: It cannot be denied that water from gutters is used to grow veggies adjacent to the railway tracks, said chief minister of the state, in reply to the question asked by more than half a dozen legislators in the house.

Responding to the question whether consumption of such veggies can cause serious diseases, the state government claimed that no such report is available, but has asked railways to ensure that those growing vegetables adjacent to tracks must use clean water.

The question was raised by Leader of Opposition Dhananjay Munde, MLCs - Kiran Pawaskar, Narendra Patil, Hemant Takle, Jayantrao Jadhav, Amarsingh Pandit, Adv Niranjan Davkhare, Vidya Chavan, Anil Bhosale.

Replying to the questions, chief minister Devendra Fadanvis said, Adjacent to railway tracks of Harbour Central and Western lines, from past few years railways has given permission to some of its employees to farm on the vacant railway property so that no one can encroach it. We do not deny that these people are not using water from nearby nualhas. But there is no proof that because of these vegetables people are suffering from cancer, diabetes. Even the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) doesnt have any such study.
The Chief Minister said almost 16,000 farmers committed suicide in spite of the loan waiver in five years.

Mumbai: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday assured the Maharashtra Assembly that a state government delegation will be meeting Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh for assistance in the agriculture sector.

Addressing the Maharashtra Assembly, Fadnavis said the economy is focused on agriculture, investment and increasing agriculture productivity and not just relief and rehabilitation.

"I want to assure the farmers of the state that we are with them and reiterate our commitment to make them debt free. We will unite, bring all parties together and meet the Government of India to seek more assistance for farmers of the state," he said.

Accusing the opposition of playing politics on such an important and sensitive issue, the Chief Minister said almost 16,000 farmers committed suicide in spite of the loan waiver in five years.

"The non-investment in agriculture sector for many years by previous governments has given rise to farmers' sufferings," he added.

Fadnavis reiterated that his government was not opposed to farm loan waiver but wanted the decision in favour of farmers.

"Today, 30,500 crore loan by 31 lakh farmers is overdue in Maharashtra. We are spending 19,434 crore as an investment for agriculture. Government of Maharashtra gave 2000crore for insurance, 8000 crore as assistance for natural calamities, 1500 crore on various agricultural schemes. Thus, an equal amount of 30,500 crore is already being spent for betterment of farmers and agriculture by our Government," he added.

He further said investment in agriculture is the need of the hour for farmers along with the loan waiver.

"Even those farmers who got benefited from loan waiver are not considered as creditworthy by the banks. Earlier, the government gave loan waiver of 7000 crore and deposited in banks. But we gave 8000 crore directly in farmers' account towards drought relief," he added.
I have felt glad all day today. Not a thing out of the ordinary, occurred. I did not win a sweepstakes nor unearth buried treasure. I did not solve any age old mystery, nor receive recognition for some great accomplishment, yet somehow these things pale in comparison to what did really happen.The morning came and with it, a light cool rain. It fell gentle on the fields, as the Irish would say. By noon, the rain had stopped and the gray sky was a bright blue. The sunshine on things blooming, caused the light breeze to smell sweet.Daffodils aren't the only ones blooming . Snow seems to have blossomed on a variety of bushes and trees. Today, I saw a clump of Irises blooming in the shady corner of a lawn. My own are up on the rabbit patch, but they have yet to bloom-or make any promises.Dandelion flowers are alive and well. Children have been bringing them to the music room, clasped in small hands as if they were rare gemstones-and to me they are. In the winter, children bring me small rocks , as gifts- so the lowly dandelion, soft and yellow, is beautiful in that way. It is easy to be thrilled when you receive a dandelion, or a rock, from a child. There is an expression, on a child's face, at such moments that acts like a tonic, and so I think, I ought to give dandelions too. The heart of a child, is a place of purity.I met a gentleman, who tunes pianos, recently. He was a kind and interesting human and we shared a pleasant conversation. When asked how his skill came about, he said he learned it by watching another fellow and then studying manuals. He wanted to learn, so he could have a service for churches and charities. He was quite humble, as he spoke, but has been tuning pianos for decades in all sorts of churches. Some people are wonderful like that.When I came home to the rabbit patch, Christopher Robin started purring and Moon Shine made sounds like a young dove. Cash pranced around, in the familiar way, boxers are known for. I walked under the still bare, mighty oaks. It was hard to imagine, that a common acorn, became the majestic oak.While I was cooking dinner, it occurred to me that even dandelions and acorns can become objects of beauty, and stir the heart. I thought how the story of an humble servant could conjure up thoughts of greatness and inspiration. Truth is not always shrouded in an obscure mystery and not all lessons have to be learned the hard way. . . .and I was glad for that.
The cause for her death is not known yet. The body was sent to Israel after the autopsy.

Mumbai: A 23-year-old Israeli woman, died at a hotel in Colaba in south Mumbai last night after suddenly taking ill, police said.

Pafta Sarit, the woman, and her boyfriend had arrived in India on tourist visa on March 10 and were staying at the hotel.

On Tuesday night she took ill and told her boyfriend that she felt suffocated.

The boyfriend took her to a private hospital with the help of hotel staff, but she died before she could be admitted, police said, adding that a case of accidental death was registered as the exact cause of death was not yet known.

"The body was flown back to Israel after autopsy in the morning," said Dr Manojkumar Sharma, Deputy Commissioner of Police. Autopsy report was yet to be received.

As of now police didn't suspect foul play but further probe was on, he said.
The petitioner had prayed for the girls to be traced as well as investigation to be transferred to the CBI.

Mumbai: The Bombay high court has expressed concern over the disappearance of two rape victims and asked senior Pune police officials to investigate allegations of the petitioner that the officers investigating the rape case were trying to weaken the case as they were also accused in it.

The petitioner also alleged that the accused police officers could have been instrumental in the disappearance of the two girls from a special protection units at Delhi. The petitioner had prayed for the girls to be traced as well as investigation to be transferred to the CBI.

The two cases pertain to the rape of a minor girl from Nepal and a 21-year-old girl from West Bengal in 2015. Both the victims were allegedly targeted by a prostitution racket after luring them with lucrative jobs in Pune.

A division bench of Justices Ranjit Patil and Revati Mohite Dere was hearing a criminal writ filed by Delhi-based advocate and activist Anuja Kapoor, who claimed that the rape victims  a minor girl and a major girl, she had rescued from Pune last year and taken to Delhi had disappeared from the SPU in which they were both kept.

The advocate told the court that she feared the worst for the two girls and alleged that Pune police that was investigating the case had a role in the disappearance of the girls.

According to Kapoor, the victims had been lured by a Pune-based group involved in human trafficking in 2014. The minor girl was lured with the prospect of working in a beauty parlour and earning Rs 50,000 per month while the major girl was offered an opportunity to become a model. The group first got the minor to Pune and after three months took her to Goa where the major girl was also brought.

The duo was then raped by around 104 persons in Goa and other cities where they were taken. All the while the girls faced torture and rape till they managed to escape. That is when I met them and decided to fight for them, said Ms Kapoor.

Ms Kapoor further informed the court that as the human trafficking group was based in Pune, cases were registered in Viman Nagar and Chandan Nagar police stations.

She further alleged that two police officials who were investigating the racket happened to be part of the 104 accused.
Sena has been trying to corner the Fadnavis government on the loan waiver.

Mumbai: For the first time since the inception of the Devendra Fadnavis government, Shiv Sena ministers participated in a meeting at Vidhan Bhavan on Wednesday with Congress and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leaders like to decide on a strategy to push for their loan waiver demand. The meeting went on for almost twenty minutes. Sources confirmed to The Asian Age that the leaders were discussing their strategy on the loan waiver issue as well as how to coordinate better in the House.

On Wednesday morning, Sena ministers Eknath Shinde, Diwakar Raote and Ramdas Kadam met Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan and Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil as well as NCP leaders Ajit Pawar, Jayant Patil and Dilip Walse Patil. All three parties have been demanding a complete loan waiver to farmers and both Houses of state legislature couldnt functioned from last week. Though the Sena is a partner in the state government with the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP), it is sulking after the bitter campaign between both saffron parties in the recent municipal elections. Sena has been trying to corner the Fadnavis government on the loan waiver.

As per sources, in the meeting Mr Ramdas Kadam said, Uddhavji has given us clear instructions about the loan waiver issue. We will not back-track on our demand.

Meanwhile, before this meeting Assembly speaker Haribhau Bagade addressed meeting with all partys group leaders as well as the chief minister and Opposition Leaders. We want the government to declare a loan waiver. It is governments lookout from where they pulled money for this, said Mr Vikhe Patil, the Opposition leader, after the meeting.

After holding a meeting with Mr Fadnavis, Shiv Sena is likely to withdraw the ongoing agitation for the loan waiver in the state legislature. The functioning of the legislature has been stalled for the past one week over the loan waiver issue, which was first raised by Congress and NCP before the Shiv Sena joined in. However, Shiv Sena said that it would make the demand without disrupting the house proceedings.

On the first day of the week, the House resumed on Wednesday but Congress, NCP and Shiv Sena pressed for its demands. Both the Houses of the legislature were adjourned without conducting any proceedings. The Opposition remained firm on the loan waiver demand and asked that it be included it in the budget to be presented on Saturday by the state government.
The motive behind the killing was yet to be ascertained, said police officials.

Thane: A man was beheaded in Thanes Badlapur township following which one person was arrested, police said on Thursday.

Some locals spotted the severed head wrapped in a plastic bag near a salon in Khatrap locality of Badlapur township in Thane on Wednesday morning.

They informed the police who then searched for the body and found it lying near an eatery in the same locality, the police said.

The deceased, identified as Sunil Achari, aged around 27, was staying at the house of Rajeshkumar Nepali (30), a cook working with the eatery near which the body was found, a police official said.

Since the recovery of the body, Nepali was not seen at his home.

Subsequently, the police launched a search for Nepali and he was nabbed on Wednesday from a train at Bhusawal railway station.

The deceased's mobile phone and his wrist watch were found in a bag recovered from the accused.

The Badlapur police have registered an offence under IPC sections 302 (murder) and 201 (causing disappearance of evidence of offence) against the accused.

The police will bring the arrested to Badlapur for further probe in the matter, police said.

The motive behind the killing was yet to be ascertained, they added.
Asks BMC, which is pursuing similar issues in civil court as well.

Mumbai: The Bombay high court on Wednesday asked the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to decide on whether it wanted to prosecute comedian Kapil Sharmas in the high court or the civil court for violation of construction norms. The high court posed the question as the corporation was pursuing similar issues in both the high court and the civil court simultaneously.

A division bench of Justice Naresh Patil and M.S. Karnik was hearing a petition filed by Mr Sharma and actor Irrfan Khan against demolition notices issued to them by the BMC.

The petition claimed that a civil court had already stayed a notice served by the BMC to the developer DLH private limited and they were also party to the suit. While clarifying its stand, the BMC had informed the court that the corporation was in rights to serve notices to both the actors and 13 other occupants staying in the Goregoan tower as they had carried out illegal alterations in their flats beyond the approved plans.

Based on this contention, the BMC counsel had urged the court to dismiss the petitions filed by the actors.

However, counsel for the actors informed the court that while the BMC had issued individual notices to the actors and other occupants, it had also issued a demolition notice to the developer under Section 351 of the Bombay Municipal Corporation Act, on the grounds that the developer had flouted construction norms while constructing the 18-storey tower on New Link Road at Goregaon where the actors owned flats.

After hearing both sides the bench observed that the issues raised in the civic bodys notice and the civil suit were related and were pertaining to occupants of the same 18 floor tower hence the court must tag them together and the BMC must decide on pursuing the proceedings in either cases.
The doctors at the casualty ward treated Mr Mukhiya for a minor fracture on his right knee and hair-line fractures on three toes.

Mumbai: A young freelance photographer experienced an unexpected act of kindness from Bollywood legend Shah Rukh Khan after getting injured in the early hours of Thursday.

Around 12.30 am on Thursday lensmans Deepak Mukhiya (20) was waiting with dozens of his counterparts outside Bollywood starlet Alia Bhatts Juhu residence to catch a glimpse of Khan.

Mr Mukhiya had been asked by his employer to shoot the actor at a close angle. Khans arrival at the spot in his black BMW, which pulled in slowly, created a frenzy among the photographers, including Mr Mukhiya, and in the ensuing commotion, the latter ventured in front of the car. The vehicle hit Mukhiyas leg and he fell down. To his utter surprise, the car halted and Khan emerged from of it and assured the wounded man that he would take care of his treatment expenses.

It was my fault. I was surprised to find Shah Rukh Khan coming out of the car to comfort me. I was speechless, Mr Mukhiya told The Asian Age. Shah Rukh asked me to sit in the car with him. He told me, Dont be afraid, dont be in a haste. I will take care of your treatment. Dont worry, he said. On the actors instructions, Khans manager ferried Mr Mukhiya in the actors car to Vile-Parle based Nanavati Hospital.

The doctors at the casualty ward treated Mr Mukhiya for a minor fracture on his right knee and hair-line fractures on three toes.

Mr Mukhiya left the hospital around 3 am. I am overwhelmed at how well Shah Rukh behaved with me. He is so kind. He is a gentleman to the core, Mr Mukhiya said.

Dr Sunil Jain of Nanavati Hospital said, Deepak came to us at one oclock in the night with a minor injury on his right leg. After an X-ray was done it was revealed he fractured his right knee and his toes has hairline fractures, but they will heal soon. Deepak, who is recovering well, was discharged after an hour.

Mr Mukhiya did not approach the police over the accident.
The Muslim voters have spoken clearly. For the vote merchants, its now time to come face to face with their own irrelevance.

The BJP sweep in Uttar Pradesh, that decimated every prevailing equation of caste, creed, gender and religion, and retained the voteshare of the 2014 general election, is not just a reaffirmation of the faith reposed in Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his unflinching commitment to work untiringly for all 125 crore Indians, whatever their faith or gender, it also spells a rejection of the secular formations  the Samajwadi Party, Bahujan Samaj Party and the Congress  that have consistently demeaned and demonised the BJP for being exclusionary and anti-minority.

Repeated ad nauseum in TV studios was that no Muslim was given a ticket by the BJP despite the minority community making up 18 per cent of the UP electorate. What was not said is that there arent enough Muslims who are electorally winnable as yet in the BJP.

Having joined the BJP in February 2014 before the general election, I was criticised. But now many, like me, also heed the growing voices within our community who believe that the clergy-instilled politics of isolation of the community from the ever-expanding BJP was wrong-headed. The community has been used and abused by political touts, vote merchants and self-appointed clerics whose only claim to fame was the access they had to powerbrokers like Samajwadi bigwig Azam Khan and his cronies, and earlier to Naseemuddin Siddiqui and his cohorts.

The plight of the average citizen, irrespective of his religion, was deplorable. Targeted by partisan, politicised police forces, and wrongly accused of land-grabbing, loot and rape, they were forced to turn to the SPs questionable leaders like Azam Khan, whose durbar of semi-literate cronies had been allowed to hijack the UP Minority Commission, minority finance bodies that were meant to address community issues. The SP rulers turned a blind eye to rampant corruption and nepotism. Even Mulayam Singh Yadav admitted that SP leaders and cadres were openly preying on voters by doing thana ki thekedaari. Unused funds of various Central schemes like MSDP were allowed to lapse. No action was ever taken on the `30,000 crores worth of waqf land that belonged to the community which was usurped. Self-appointed vote merchants like Imam Bukhari and other fatwa-spewing clerics were allowed to pursue their personal agenda.

These vote merchants who enjoyed the SP largesse while it lasted, and switched over to the BSP for this election, found that their openly communal endorsements and fatwa-like diktats to vote were rebuffed by the very audience it was intended for. Smarter than canny clerics, the promise of an accountable clean government based on non-discrimination and equal opportunity saw a sizeable section of Muslim voters turn a deaf ear to the communal clarion of both the SP and BSP.

Getting basics like the bijli, sadak, paani and good governance right, rather than religion-based appeals, matters more to everyone eventually. The PM in his victory speech emphasised that irrespective of voting preferences, the UP BJP government would work for all the 20 crore residents of UP.

The Muslim community has come to see this defining election as a much-needed opening where it can finally hold elected leaders accountable for governance and timely delivery of services. Getting rid of these vote merchants and powerbrokers was no easy task. The message is clear  the Indian Muslim will no longer allow his identity as an Indian and as a Muslim to be subsumed. The clergys role, they feel, should be limited to overseeing religious practices. The Indian Muslim wants to reclaim the aspirational, democratic voice enshrined by the Constitution that sees him as an equal. For this, it is imperative that we, as a community, end the reign of bigoted, misogynistic, gender-throttling, self-anointed leaders.

Every scheme of the Narendra Modi government, from Jan Dhan, Ujjwala, and common services under Digital India are caste and religion-neutral. Yet every scheme of the Central government was opposed. In this election, the voter destroyed the very Opposition whose obstructive strategy thus simply backfired.

Communities in villages and towns, majority or minority, are intrinsically intertwined by common aspirations. It is the poor in these communities who have been short-changed, repeatedly, by the systematic appeasement of the powerbrokers. Therein lies the immense responsibility of this huge mandate, a challenge that must be addressed by the incoming BJP government.

Having consigned the rabble rousers to political rubble, Muslim voters saw leaders like Bukhari, Asaduddin Owaisi and his ilk for what they are  men who create a fear psychosis that Islam is in danger, who put it about that minority rights enshrined in our Constitution will be snatched away, creating an insidious incendiary climate to reap a communally-tinged political windfall during the elections; all, in a bid to garner personal benefits of power, using the entire minority voter base as cannon fodder.

A younger, aspirational and gender-neutral emerging polity is eager for jobs and education to change the narrow isolationist narrative that these vote merchants espoused. The final challenge before us is to ensure that the Muslim Personal Law Board comes forward and address issues like gender disparity. Rather than fear the emergence of Muslim feminist voices that they believe  wrongly  would make them socially and politically irrelevant and threaten male Muslim privileges, they must see the change that has been wrought by the daughters of top clerics who have been educated in modern schools and colleges. The choice before the women of the community  to remain behind the veil, within the four walls of their homes, or become equal members of society  must be left to the women.

The Muslim voters have spoken clearly. For the vote merchants, its now time to come face to face with their own irrelevance.
The moment of triumph came when she was one among the six state toppers.

The March 8 celebrations at the Vatican around the theme  Peace building efforts by women  were truly amazing. The calm and composed voice of young Mirreille Twayigira, a survivor of Rwandan genocide, keeps haunting me. Rather than a story of tragedy, she prefers to name it a story of hope.

Her childhood memories are of a large happy family living on a farmland, where she had a cow to herself to drink milk from. She was barely two when the dead body of her father was brought in wrapped in a white cloth and with this the peace and tranquility of her village collapsed. The next victim was her own little sister, who could not avail of medical aid due to turmoil and succumbed.

Soon they were forced to flee from their village and become refugees. As the violence spread from district to district, they fled through the forests to neighbouring Congo, to Angola and Zambia, back and forth, begging for food and shelter. She saw her entire clan disintegrating. She was alone with her grandparents. Just before they reached a refugee camp in Angola, her grandmother too passed away. By then her little heart was so hardened she had no tears left. With a composed voice she continues, I too would have gone. A frail, listless frame, bloated stomach, sunken eyes, scanty hair, she recalls how the soldiers would come and take away young girls. After a while some would return, pregnant or afflicted with AIDS. They didnt look at me as I was too tiny and sickly, so I survived, she adds.

Finally they reached a refugee camp run by the Jesuit Refugee Service. There was food to eat, a grandfather who loved her. She was enrolled in a good school. What more does one need? she asks. She was happy. She studied hard and made her grandfather proud.

Then they moved again to Lusaka, because her grandfather wanted to provide his granddaughter better education opportunities. From Lusaka again they moved to Malawi, where she was enrolled in a higher secondary school. By then her grandfather passed away. This loss was too much to bear and she collapsed. After a pause and she reflects philosophically, life had to move on.

The moment of triumph came when she was one among the six state toppers. At an event to felicitate the young achievers, the Chinese government declared scholarships to study medicine in China. But how could I go? I had no citizenship, no nationality, I was just a refugee in a foreign land. But help came from unexpected quarters. The Malawian government took up her cause and she awarded citizenship and a Malawian passport. In 2010, she left to study medicine in China. This expanded her horizons as she became part of an international student community.

To an audience listening with rapt attention, she tells, It was challenging. This is an understatement. But she could not give up; she was here on a mission, a vocation, to return to serve her community. Finally, in 2016, she was awarded the degree and returned to Malawi for her internship.

She ends her narrative with some probing questions, Are you ready to open your homes for refugee children like me? They need food, shelter and medicines. But more than anything else, they need higher education, which alone can lift them out of their degrading status of being a refugee and bring dignity to them.

A story of hope, not only for Rwandan refugees, but refugees everywhere.

This was followed by a conversation with Shadan and Nagham, the Syrian refugees now living in Belgium. They had set out from the shores of Turkey in a rubber boat via the deadly Balkan route. When conflict erupted in Syria in 2009 they had started teaching displaced young children life skills in relief camps, but never imagined that they themselves would be in need of these skills one day. When they stepped into the boat, they were acutely aware that they did not know how to swim. Nagham was at the bottom, with several layers of people piled up above her. But Shadan was restless, constantly straining her eyes from the upper deck to spot land. They were the despised boat people, desperate refugees landing on the shores of Europe in the hope of a new lease of life. When Shadan finally spotted a tiny sliver of land far out in the horizon, she knew they were the lucky ones.

When people ask her about her refugee status, her response, we are not just refugees, we are normal people who have been turned into refugees. They talk about Syria with nostalgia. Syria is not just the last five years; it is a beautiful country.

There were more stories of hope, courage and peace building in a world asunder by conflict. There was Maggie, a Tutsi from Burundi, who at 16 witnessed the Hutus slaying her entire family. The next day, when the Tutsi clan marched to avenge the killings, Maggie ran across and stood guard outside the Hutu homestead as a human shield. From that moment onwards her mission is to spread the message of peace among orphaned children.

Then there was young Stephanie Lorenzo, a Chinese-Australian, who after reading the story of survivor of sex trade was so moved that she set up a non-profit, Project Futures, to raise funds to support safe homes in Cambodia. Last year, her organisation raised $4.5 million through various fundraising events.

To these brave narratives, I added my own story of surviving domestic violence, and setting up an NGO for providing access to justice to victims of sexual and domestic violence, which almost paled into insignificance. But as Chantal Gotz, the driving force behind Voices of Faith, a small group of dedicated Catholic women, said in her concluding speech, every voice counts.
Apple Inc, Alphabet Inc's Google and Facebook Inc are among more than 60 technology companies that appear to have backed away from the legal fight against President Donald Trump's controversial travel ban, deciding not to put their weight behind a lawsuit seeking to block the second version of his executive order.

A legal brief filed in federal court in Hawaii on Tuesday on behalf of Silicon Valley companies listed the support of 58 companies, less than half the 127 signatories to a similar brief filed in an appeals court last month after Trump's first executive order banning travel from a number of countries the administration said posed a security risk.

Airbnb Inc, Dropbox Inc and Kickstarter are among the companies that did sign the brief.

Major tech companies that signed on to the earlier effort but not this week included Microsoft Corp, eBay Inc, Intel Corp, Netflix Inc and Twitter Inc.

The lawsuit may succeed despite losing the overt support of such big names. District Judge Derrick Watson in Honolulu on Wednesday ordered an emergency halt to Trump's executive order that aimed to temporarily bar entry to the United States of most refugees as well as travelers from six Muslim-majority countries. The halt is temporary.

Trump says the ban is necessary for national security, and called Watson's order "unprecedented judicial overreach."

Tech companies, which generally rely on skilled workers from overseas more than other industries, played a large part in the legal effort to halt the first version of Trump's executive order, which was put on hold by a Seattle judge in early February.

It was not immediately clear why fewer of them signed on to the "friend-of-the-court" brief this time around.

Companies will have an opportunity to join the effort as it moves through the court system, said Robert Atkins, a New York lawyer and co-author of the brief. "We do expect the group to expand."

Ride-hailing company Uber Technologies Inc was in the process of adding its name, a spokesman said.

Box Inc, a file-sharing service, said that although it did not sign the brief, there had been no change to its position.

A Twitter spokeswoman pointed to past company statements opposing Trump's initial travel ban in January but declined to comment further. A spokeswoman for Facebook declined to comment.

Representatives of Apple, Google, eBay, Intel, Microsoft and Netflix did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
But the Military Academy at West Point received 26 reports of sexual assault, up from 17 in the previous year.

The Military Academy at West Point received 26 reports of sexual assault, up from 17 in the previous year. (Photo: AP)

New York: There was a rise in reports of sexual assault at US Navy and Army military academies in the last year, the Department of Defence said on Wednesday.

An annual report, based on anonymous surveys, said reports of sexual assault in total across the military academies had decreased slightly in the last year, and the Air Force Academy specifically saw a decrease from 49 reports to 32.

But the Military Academy at West Point received 26 reports of sexual assault, up from 17 in the previous year, and the Naval Academy in Annapolis saw three more reports compared to last year.

"This years survey results underscore the unique challenges the academies face in sustaining long-term decreases in the occurrence of sexual assault," an accompanying Pentagon statement said.

US Senators grilled the Navy and Marine Corps' top leaders on Tuesday about a scandal involving a Facebook group called "Marines United" for sharing explicit pictures of female members of the armed forces.

The Naval Criminal Investigative Service has opened an inquiry into the matter.
President Donald Trump's proposal to slash 14 percent of the Education Department's budget has left Montana in a "wait and see" phase as officials question the details of his plan.

Trump's budget proposal for discretionary spending in 2018 was released Thursday, and revealed $9.2 billion in cuts to education in two pages of the 62-page document  as well as significant investments in school choice, charter schools and vouchers.

"It's more than one page in the document, but not much more than one page," said Dennis Parman, executive director of the Montana Rural Education Association. "The devil will be in the details."

The announcement leaves Montana public school supporters in limbo, while some school choice advocates are eyeing the proposed boost with hesitant optimism.

The cuts, Montana School Boards Association executive director Lance Melton said in an email, "seek to substitute the judgment of the federal government for local control of decisions currently made by elected school boards and will undoubtedly harm public schools throughout Montana if implemented by Congress."

While in a different vein  school choice  Americans For Prosperity-Montana state director David Herbst feels the same way about local control. Herbst is in a holding pattern, calling Trump's plan a "sketch." He's waiting to see the full picture.

Trump is following through on campaign promises to boost school choice efforts with a $1.4 billion proposal to expand charter schools, vouchers and Title I portability  which "places power in the hands of parents and families to choose schools that are best for their children," according to the budget document. It includes:

a $168 million increase for charter schools;

a $250 million increase for a "new private school choice program"; and

a $1 billion increase to Title I funding.

Currently, Title I funding is centered on schools based on poverty levels in the geographic area. Trump's proposed increase to Title I funding includes his encouragement that school districts make the funding follow a student to a public school of his or her choice in an open enrollment environment.

"We've pushed strongest at the state level for school choice," Herbst said. "As much as this is compatible with that, we're trying to see how it develops.

"We generally oppose federal control over education. The thing about federal dollars is they come with strings. I think it's a mainstream Montana thought; we've always been skeptical when bureaucrats are making decisions that parents ought to be making."

Critics see school choice efforts as diverting public dollars under public accountability to private schools that are not subject to the same oversight.

"The proposal will force cuts in services to students at risk of falling behind, using those resources to support divisive and untested privatization schemes that have been shown to fail in improving education outcomes for students," Melton said.

Parman said there are too many unanswered questions in Trump's education proposal.

"There's some pretty sweeping proposals there, but there is a tremendous lack of detail," he said.

21st Century cuts

Trump proposes eliminating the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program, which funds before- and after-school programs and summer programs. That would amount to a $1.2 billion cut.

Montana is estimated to receive $4.9 million under this program in FY 17, according to the Education Department.

In 2015, 21st Century grants were awarded to Heart Butte, Seeley Lake and Whitehall. Past grants have been awarded to after-school programs such as Boys and Girls Clubs as well as some programs organized by school districts.

"To eliminate that, it would be felt pretty dramatically in those communities," Parman said.

In his proposed budget, Trump said there isn't enough evidence showing that the 21st CCLC program is "meeting its objectives."

Trump is also looking for a $66 million cut to impact aid, federal grants awarded to school districts who are on or near federal land  in Montana, meaning schools on reservations or near military bases.

In Montana, 71 school districts received $55 million in impact aid in fiscal year 2016.

Of those, 53 of are on or near reservations.

Impact aid (Title VIII) is broken into sections, with one providing most of Montana's funding, Section 8003.

In Trump's proposal, the impact aid cut would come through Support Payments for Federal Property, which appears aligned with Section 8002.

"If that is the case, the impact would be minimal on Montana since most of our Impact Aid funding comes from 8003," Dylan Klapmeier, media assistant for the Office of Public Instruction, said in an email. "Since it is just the blueprint, though, a lot can happen."

Great Falls Public Schools also receives impact aid  about $620,000, according to OPI  as it sits near Malmstrom Air Force Base.

"That'll be devastating for everyone," Parman said. "They (Great Falls) will have to look at what they'll be able to replace levying local taxpayers. But there's virtually no tax base for reservation schools."
Trump called the judge's block 'unprecedented judicial overreach' and said he will take the case 'as far as it needs to go'.

Honolulu: A federal court in Hawaii on Wednesday halted Donald Trump's revised executive order temporarily closing US borders to refugees and nationals from six Muslim-majority countries, dealing the president a humiliating defeat.

US District Judge Derrick Watson ruled that the state of Hawaii, in its legal challenge to the order, had established a strong likelihood that the ban would cause "irreparable injury" were it to go ahead.

The ruling means a nationwide freeze on enforcement of a ban on entry by nationals of Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen for 90 days. It also halts a 120-day suspension of the US refugee admissions program.

Trump quickly vowed to fight the "flawed" ruling all the way to the Supreme Court if required, describing it as "unprecedented judicial overreach."

"The law in the constitution gave the president the power to suspend immigration when he deems it to be in the national interest of our country," he said at a speech in Nashville, Tennessee, adding: "We are going to win."

The Hawaii court said however it would not stay its decision in the event of an appeal, meaning the ban cannot go ahead as planned on Thursday regardless of any action the White House takes.

The court in Honolulu was the first to rule in a trio of legal challenges against the ban, which had been set to go into effect at midnight.

A federal court in Seattle later granted a separate emergency motion from Washington and Oregon states for a "14-day temporary restraining order," also citing "irreparable harm."

Muslim ban?

The Trump administration's wide-ranging initial travel restrictions imposed on January 27 were slapped down by the federal courts, after sparking a legal, political and logistical furor.

Trump signed a revised ban behind closed doors on March 6 with a reduced scope, exempting Iraqis and permanent US residents but maintaining the temporary ban on the other six countries and refugees.

The White House said those six countries were targeted because their screening and information capabilities could not meet US security requirements.

Judge Watson however rejected the White House claim that the order wasn't a Muslim ban, ruling that it would not be a leap "to conclude that targeting these countries likewise targets Islam" given their Muslim populations ranging from 90.7 percent to 99.8 percent.

The judge made reference to several examples of Trump explicitly framing proposed action on immigration in religious language, including a March 2016 interview during which the then president-elect said: "I think Islam hates us."

"Mr. Trump was asked, 'Is there a war between the West and radical Islam, or between the West and Islam itself?' He replied: 'It's very hard to separate. Because you don't know who's who,'" the judge added.

In Greenbelt, Maryland, Judge Theodore Chuang was expected to rule on a separate complaint filed by advocacy groups claiming that the amended order discriminates against Muslims.

"In his mind, the danger of Muslims and the danger of refugees is all combined danger," Omar Jadwat, a lawyer for the American Civil Liberties Union, said of the president.

The group said it was "pleased but not surprised" by the Hawaii ruling, while New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman hailed the decision as "yet another victory for the Constitution and the rule of law."

The first version of Trump's order triggered protests at home and abroad as well as chaos at US airports as people were detained upon arrival and either held for hours or sent back to where they came from.

Coast to coast

The Trump administration narrowed the restrictions in its revised order to try to ensure it would be unassailable.

"This order doesn't draw any religious distinction at all," said Jeffrey Wall, a government attorney.

Questioned about Trump's tweets and statements during the presidential campaign in which he promised to enact a "Muslim ban," Wall said: "There is a difference between a president and a candidate."

But critics say the new order essentially remains a ban on Muslims coming to the United States, and therefore unconstitutional because it singles out followers of a certain religion for discrimination.

Since September 11, 2001, the worst attacks in the United States have been committed either by Americans or by people from countries not on the Trump travel ban list.

Critics also argue that it will have a very negative effect on schools, universities and the business world, mainly the high tech sector, which employs many highly skilled immigrants.

The state of Washington, joined by five other states, filed a complaint Monday with the same Seattle judge who stayed Trump's original travel ban in February.

Trump responded by insulting that federal magistrate, James Robart, calling him a "so-called judge."
Texas is one of 8 US states where such laws have been proposed since the beginning of the year.

Odessa: Angela Garlington feels alone in the way she teaches science at a high school in Odessa, a Texas city populated by oil field workers.

When she teaches evolution, the science of how Earth's creatures evolved over billions of years, Garlington approaches it as a theory on par with creationism, the belief that life on Earth was created by God as described in the Bible.

"I simply tell my students (that) as educated young adults they have a right... to choose what they believe," said the teacher in her late 40s.

"I don't have any idea if my colleagues will teach both sides of a controversial issue, but I always have and probably always will."

Texas state legislators are now considering a bill introduced in February that would offer teachers like Garlington some legal protection, by giving them latitude to present science "that may cause controversy" as a debatable theory.

Texas is one of eight US states where such laws have been proposed since the beginning of the year. South Dakota, Oklahoma, Iowa, Alabama, Indiana, Florida and Arkansas are the others.

The bills are the latest salvo in the debate in the United States over how science is taught in schools and whether religious beliefs should be considered in the classroom.

Forty-two percent of Americans believe that God created humans in their present form some 10,000 years ago, according to a 2014 Gallup poll that showed little change since the study was launched three decades earlier.

Another 31 percent believe that humans evolved from less advanced life forms, under God's guidance, while 19 percent believe God had nothing to do with the process of evolution.

The issue is particularly emotive in conservative southwest Texas, where Kimberly Villanueva teaches at a middle school in the small, cotton-farming town of Stanton, about 45 minutes east of Odessa.

"I had children last year get up and leave the classroom when we taught plate tectonics and evolution," she said.

"Don't you believe in God?" she recalled the students asking her. Under current law, Villanueva is not allowed to answer that question or defend her beliefs.

Should the Texas bill become law, Villanueva believes she would at least be able to have discussions that would keep students in the classroom and "open (their) minds to scientific possibilities as well."

Critics of the bills in Texas and other states charge that they are an attempt to circumvent constitutional limitations requiring separation of church and state. They say the bills give teachers the ability to introduce religious theories as alternative explanations to science.

There have been multiple court cases dating back decades on teaching creationism in US schools.

Around 70 bills addressing the issue have surfaced across the United States since 2004, according to Glenn Branch, deputy director of the National Center for Science Education.

The recently-proposed bills aim to head off potential court challenges by giving teachers the option of teaching religious theories in science class, rather than a mandate that they do so.

But such legislative attempts have to date had mixed success. Louisiana enacted such a bill in 2008 and Tennessee followed suit in 2012.

But in conservative South Dakota and Iowa this year, similar bills did not succeed. Two introduced in the Iowa legislature died in committee, failing to advance for a full debate.

Detractors say these laws boosting teachers' options can sow confusion in the classroom and bind the hands of school administrators.

"Allowing the teacher to teach creationism would risk the possibility of a lawsuit from a parent objecting that it's unconstitutional to teach creationism," Branch said.

"Stopping the teacher from proceeding would risk the possibility of a lawsuit from the teacher."

The South Dakota bill died in the state legislature in a matter of weeks, thanks in part to the opposition of David Evans, executive director of the National Science Teachers Association.

"We strongly support teaching science in science class and are strongly opposed to teaching other things in science class," said Evans, whose group crusaded against the bill with a letter-writing campaign.

But Garlington says she has not faced any backlash for the way she blends science and religion in her Texas classroom.

And she believes the bill, should it become law, would embolden more teachers to adopt her methods.

"Until it becomes a standard, I don't think (creationism) will be taught in classrooms," she said.
The ministry has said in the past that it has produced cruise missiles, but has never publicly stated their capabilities.

Taipei: Taiwan said for the first time publicly that it was capable of launching missiles at China, as the government on Thursday unveiled a defence report warning of increased risk of Chinese invasion.

China still sees Taiwan as part of its territory to be brought back into its fold, by force if necessary, even though the island has been self-governing since the two sides split after a civil war in 1949.

Ties have worsened since Beijing-sceptic President Tsai Ing-wen took power last year, ending an eight-year rapprochement.

Delivering the four-yearly report to Parliament, defence minister Feng Shih-kuan replied yes when asked by a lawmaker whether Taiwan was capable of firing at mainland China.

It is the first time the ministry has confirmed this, lawmaker Wang Ting-yu said, adding Taiwanese missiles might be able to travel over 1,500 kilometres.

The ministry has said in the past that it has produced cruise missiles, but has never publicly stated their capabilities.
Manchester: The racial attacks in United Kingdom arent new, in a recent such abuse, an employee of a Subway  food chain was caught on a camera racially abusing an Asian customer over her English accent.

The incident took place at the Cheetham Hill store of Subway in Manchester. A subway worker at order counter called a customer a 'dumb b****', while mocking for her accent, Daily Mail reported.

The male worker disgusting the companys brand name was sacked immediately following the incident. The video also shows how the employee tells her to 'speak f****** English'.

The member of staff filming her then says: 'Three sensible men and one dumb b*****, as the man continues to provoke the customer.

The authority from Subway confirmed on Thursday about the incident at one of their franchisee, wherein the investigation has been carried and the irresponsible staff has been sacked.

A spokeswoman said: 'Subway does not condone or tolerate discriminatory behaviour of any kind. 'Subway franchisees set high standards for all of their employees - and any breaches of these standards are taken very seriously.'

The video footage of racial abuse had been forwarded to Greater Manchester Police.
The three men were arrested on Wednesday after the Emirati man posted the gruesome video.

The men are accused of feeding a live cat to two dogs and uploading the gruesome video. (Videograb)

Dubai: Three men, including two Asians, accused of feeding a live cat to two hungry dogs and uploading the gruesome video of the incident, have been ordered to clean the city's zoo for three months.

The punishment was ordered by Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, a day after the man and his two employees were arrested by Dubai Police.

The Dubai Media office said, "By orders from Mohammad Bin Rahid, the men involved in cat cruelty incident to clean Dubai zoo facilities for four hours daily for three month as community service because of their savage and cruel behaviour which is against our values and Islam that always courage to be mercy on animals."

The three men were arrested on Wednesday after the Emirati man posted the gruesome video, Gulf News reported. Dubai Police chief, Major General Abdullah Khalifa Al Merri, said, the community service orders the person to serve the society and also helps to raise awareness about the negative side of such offences.

"The punishment will act as a deterrent for all," he said. The shocking video outraged residents and officials from different departments.

Shaikh Mohammad's order is the second community punishment this year for minor offences in Dubai. In the first case, a young motorist, who performed dangerous stunts with his vehicle on a wet road in Dubai's City Walk, was ordered to clean the roads for four hours every day for a month.

On February 23, Shaikh Mohammed ordered the 17-year-old Emirati driver to clean the streets for his reckless behaviour. The driver was arrested after videos emerged on social media showing the youngster performing dangerous stunts on a rainy day. Soon after, the man was arrested along with his three friends.
The European Union has warned Ankara to show moderation in its language.

Paris: The French and German leaders on Thursday condemned Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's "unacceptable" remarks accusing Germany and the Netherlands of acting like "Nazis".

Francois Hollande and Angela Merkel "consider comparisons with Nazism and aggressive statements against Germany and other member states unacceptable", they said in a joint statement after speaking by telephone, the French president's office said.

Turkey and Europe have been locked in a diplomatic spat after The Netherlands and Germany blocked Turkish ministers from holding campaign rallies to secure a "yes" vote in next month's referendum on expanding Erdogan's powers.

While Erdogan has repeatedly accused the countries of acting like "Nazis", the European Union has warned Ankara to show moderation in its language.
The win not only increased Modi's chance to win in 2019 elections, some even predict he is already set for a second term.

Beijing: The BJP's landslide victory in 2017 assembly polls has "implications" for the Sino-India ties as it could further embolden Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "hard-line attitude" and pose difficulties for "compromises" in rows with countries like China, official Chinese media commented today.

"Modi recently led his Bharatiya Janata Party to a sweeping electoral victory in Uttar Pradesh, the country's most-populous state, as well as garnering vigorous support in several other major state elections," an op-ed in the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC)-run Global Times said.

In the first commentary by the Chinese state media after the polls, the article said the results, "not only increased Modi's chance to win in India's 2019 general elections, some even predict he is already set for a second term".

"Since Beijing-New Delhi ties have recently entered a subtle and delicate phase, observers soon started to pay close attention to how the bilateral relationship will develop after Modi tightens his grip on power," it said.

Describing Modi as "man of action" with "hard-line attitude", the article said India's domestic and international policies have undergone change under him.

On the international arena, he changed India's policy not to offend anyone.

"Modi's hard-line attitude is embodied in both his domestic policies, such as the ban on high-value currency notes and in his diplomatic logic," it said.

"In the international arena, he changed India's previous attitude of trying never to offend anyone and started to take a clear stance in controversies among other nations to maximise its own interests. He enhanced New Delhi's ties with China and Moscow and applied to be a member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)."

"Yet he also upgraded defence collaboration with the US and Japan, articulated his support for the US rebalance to the Asia-Pacific strategy and Washington's stance on the South China Sea issue," it said.

"If Modi wins the next election, India's current firm and tough manner is bound to continue. It will be without question good news for the country's own development," it said.

"Nevertheless, it will likely mean more difficulties in making compromises in rows with other countries. Take the border disputes between Beijing and New Delhi. No silver lining has yet emerged and Modi demonstrated his firm stance over the issue by celebrating Diwali, India's biggest holiday, with soldiers at the Sino-India border," it said.

"But while seeming inflexible on the surface, hard-liners also have powerful strength in coming to an agreement with others once they make up their mind, given their executive ability and high efficiency," it said.

"That said, we can still be optimistic in resolving our divergences, including border disputes, with New Delhi during Modi's term as long as both sides are willing," it said.

"For China, it is also an opportunity to give more consideration on how to make breakthroughs in Beijing-New Delhi relations with a hard-line Indian government," the article said.

Last year, the Sino-China ties were bogged down over differences on India's admission into Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), UN ban on JeM leader Masood Azhar and construction of USD 46 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

This year began on a positive note, with both sides holding an upgraded Strategic Dialogue covering almost all aspects of the relations which both sides termed as very positive.
by China Source Team

Joining the Party guarantees jobs, career, social recognition. However, the Partys constitution bans membership in any religion. Christians who do join the Party live a double life, hiding or abandoning their faith. However, there are also some Christians who choose a job without a Party card; some even make a lifetime commitment to the mission.

Beijing (AsiaNews)  In China, the best action for the good of society is to spread the Gospel. There is more joy in the Christian mission than in any social service. For this reason, there is no point in joining the Chinese Communist Party, even if it provides safer career prospects and more stability. These are some of the views expressed by Christians on the internet after a young man asked whether it was worthwhile to join the Communist Party. Conversely, the Partys rules are clear: members cannot believe in any religion. Yet, the ideals of communism are more truthfully realised by Christians, as Jesuss Family shows. Here is article published by China Source on 14 March.

Can Christians join the Communist Party? Should Christians join the Communist Party? These questions were posted online recently by a Chinese Christian on Zhihu, Chinas version of Quora (a question and answer website). The questions sparked chatter among the online Christian community and also prompted a response from the official social media account of the Communist Youth League of China.

The answer is more nuanced than you might imagine. In decades past, it was a foregone conclusion that Party membership demanded atheist convictions. Although still true on paper, Party membership of today is less tied to political ideology than in the past. Aspiring Party members are more motivated along patriotism-nationalism lines and career advancement than they are by stereotypical Marxist-Leninist dogma.

The article below highlights difficult choices Chinese Christians need to make in regards to how their faith influences their role in civil service.

Can Christians Join the Communist Party?

Recently, on a Chinese Internet Q&A forum, a netizen asked the following question: "I graduated with a masters degree in 2016. I've been a Christian for six months and now my work requires me to join the Communist Party. But, if the Party and religion are at odds with each other, what do I do?"

A few days ago, the Central Committee of the Communist Youth League responded through its official social media account with the following answer:

We can give a clear answer in response to the question asking if Party members can believe in a religion: Communist Party members absolutely cannot believe in a religion.

According to Chapter One, Article Two of the Constitution of the Communist Party of China, concerning the qualifications for party members: 'Members of the Communist Party of China must serve the people wholeheartedly, dedicate their whole lives to the realization of communism, and be ready to make any personal sacrifices.

According to Chapter One, Article Three of the Constitution of the Communist Party of China, concerning the duties of party members: To conscientiously study Marxism-Leninism, Mao Zedong Thought, Deng Xiaoping Theory, the important thought of Three Represents and the Scientific Outlook on Development, study the Party's line, principles, policies and resolutions, acquire essential knowledge concerning the Party, obtain general, scientific, legal and professional knowledge and work diligently to enhance their ability to serve the people.

The CPC Central Committee and State Council Decision on Strengthening Religious Work clearly states: Communist Party Members cannot be religious believers. They must teach party members and cadres to firmly believe in communism and to resist religion's corrosiveness.

A Christian has theistic beliefs. This is in conflict with the atheism of Marxism and inconsistent with the entry requirements of the Party. In addition, the Youth League members also have the duty to study Marxism-Leninism. Religious groups cannot join the CYL.

I believe there are many young, patriotic Christians who aspire to enter into the mainstream of society and make a positive impact with their faith. Many Christians are motivated by their faith to join the Party. Unfortunately, under the China's current situation these two cannot exist together. It's true that not being able to join the Party means one loses out on some opportunities. But, at the same time one also avoids a lot of temptation.

You can openly profess your own faith. Some Christians apply to join the Party. However, they hide their Christian identity and hope to not completely abandon the faith, which puts them in an awkward dilemma. This situation inevitably leads to the break up and separation of our religious and social lives which can't be sustained. Either one needs to give up ones faith or give up Party identity. There's no way to give a good witness by trying to balance these two together.

Many Christian students struggle when faced with the issue of joining the Party. They try to talk with Party organizations. When they realize they cannot balance the two together, choosing to persevere in the faith and "walk the walk" is in itself a beautiful witness.

Of course, people will weigh the pros and cons when making this decision. For students, the Party means superior assessment and better job prospects after graduation. Also, having Party membership helps to exert beneficial influence on a number of public interest projects. Moreover, having Party membership is advantageous when looking for jobs in state-owned enterprises and other government employment.

To sum up, people only want to enter the Party because they believe doing so will help them realize the value of their life, including their self-worth in vocational development and for the social value in serving the public. They may not go so far as to really believe in Marxism, nor actually give serious thought to striving for the realization of communism.

Communism advocates for the elimination of private means of production. Communism also advocates for the establishment of a classless system with no exploitation and no oppression, resulting in a self-liberated society. Communism advocates for a society to transform into a collective society of large-scale production, which, in the end, each person receives according to his ability, and each according to his needs. This certainly is a nice ideal. But according to the Christian view of human nature, the disparity between rich and poor and exploitation in society is caused by deeply rooted sin in humanity. Even if there is an overabundance of material production, the hunger of human greed is never satisfied. Throughout time humanity has faced this problem and challenge. Without solving this fundamental problem of human nature, it is difficult to bring about communities of equality and mutual benefit. So, in human history have there ever been communities like this?

The Bible actually does have an account of this. "And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people" (Acts 2: 44-47a).

Medieval Catholic religious orders required anyone who wished to join the order to renounce their private property and share all things together in communal life. There are clear regulations in these religious orders.

Early religious immigrants to the New World faced harsh environments and established similar faith communities.

In China there has been something similar with the "Jesus Family," a group that put communal living into practice. In the 1920s in Mazhuang in Shandong Province, Jing Dianying established the Jesus Family. They imitated the practices of the early church as recorded in Acts 2. All things were for public use, they eliminated private property, all followers of the Jesus Family had to sell everything and give all their property, know-how, and even their bodies over to the Family. They all participated in productive labor. Men would plow the fields and women would knit. Members of the Jesus Family practiced complete egalitarianism. They ate the same food. They handed over donated clothes to a sewing room, along with other cloth given by families to make new clothes. Then they distributed clothes equally: two changes of short clothes and one change of long clothes for summer and fall. Two long and one short change for winter and spring. New and old clothes were included. At Christmas they exchanged for new clothes. For weddings they wore new clothes. But, they made sure that everyone had clothes to wear and a blanket. All believers without exception lived side-by-side according to sex in communal brick dormitories. They would sleep ten or more people lined up in a row on a brick kang. For Chinese society at the time, the lives of the members surpassed the ordinary level of rural living.

Without exception, these communities could practice sharing everything in common because they were unified in terms of their faith. They all were aware of the corruption and selfishness of human nature. Without depending on Jesus's forgiveness and salvation, there is no way out. Only a group that is willing to put themselves into God's hands because of their faith in God and because of their trust in each other is able, on the basis of common faith, to give up their own selfish privileges and voluntarily honor the requirements of living in a group. According to the biblical view of human nature, such groups are not perfect and not without flaws. There are still historical phases. But, only when Jesus returns will a true kingdom without death, sickness, exploitation, and suffering be established. Therefore, according to the biblical point of view, it's not communism that will finally be realized in human history, but the kingdom of Jesus Christ.

Throughout history, we see how the Christian faith itself gives people the power to transcend class differences in communities. If we have not yet experienced this sort of sharing in the fellowship of the body of Christ, that means our faith has not been completely put into practice. Or, it means that in the face of widening disparity between rich and poor in society, while social hierarchies are solidifying, our faith lacks an effective response.

God often uses external circumstances to deepen our trust in him and to live out the practice of faith. Some Christians have left their former civil service jobs because of their faith. Some have even taken the road to full-time ministry. It's true that there is more work to it, that there are more challenges and hardship than in the "system." But, those ambitious types who really want to "serve the people" will discover that service in Christ can bring true benefit to people. A Christian teacher felt full of gratitude when he reflected on leaving his job.

It may seem like Christians lose out on a lot of opportunities when they don't join the Party. But, how do we know that God isn't opening up more opportunities for them? Chinese people have a nice saying: "The old man lost his horse, but it all turned out for the best" (). The Bible says it even more clearly: "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you" (Matt 6:33).

Original article:  ( - Christian Student Union)
A court fined three Evangelical Baptists for illegally handing out religious literature and inviting people to their meetings without notifying the Justice Ministry about the start of their activities, as required by law.

Moscow (AsiaNews/Agencies)  The law has cracked down again on illegal missionary activities in Russia. The Uritsky district court in Oryol Oblast (about 400 kilometres south-west of Moscow) fined three Evangelical Baptists for violating the Yarovaya law on missionary activity.

According to Orlovskie Novosti, the defendants were convicted under article 5.26 of the Code of Administrative Violations of the Law (Violation of legislation on freedom of conscience and freedom of religious confession and religious associations) and fined 5,000 rubles (US$ 86).

The court found the Baptists guilty of illegally engaging in the distribution of religious literature and inviting people to their religious meetings without prior notification to the Russian Ministry of Justice about the start of their activity, as required by the law.

The law is named after Irina Yarovaya, deputy speaker of the State Duma (lower house of parliament). Together with Senator Viktor Ozerov, she proposed a package of "anti-terrorism" rules that was adopted in July 2016, which deals with, among other things, missionary activities.

Article 05.26, paragraph 4, of the Code of Administrative Violations of the law imposes administrative sanctions with fines ranging from 5,000 to 50,000 rubles for individuals, and 100,000 to 1,000,000 for legal entities.

The first decision based on the Yarovaya Law came on 30 September 2016 when a court in Oryol sentenced Donald Ossewaard, a Baptist missionary from the United States, to a fine of 40,000 rubles.

The American challenged the fine in the Russian Supreme Court but failed, so he announced that he would leave Russia after 14 years of residence in the country.
Beirut (AsiaNews) - Pope Francis told the Lebanese President Michel Aoun he intends to visit the Land of the Cedars, which he always remembers in his prayers. This is what the president tweeted at the end of the visit today at the Vatican.



The visit to Pope Francis was the first of the Lebanese President in Europe. On this occasion, the Pope said: "I will visit Lebanon and will always pray for the country." "The coexistence of Lebanon  wrote the president - holds a special place in the heart of Pope Francis, who will respond to the invitation to visit the Land of the Cedars."



According to a statement released by the Holy See Press Office, During the cordial discussions, the Parties focused on the good bilateral relations between the Holy See and Lebanon, underlining the historic and institutional role of the Church in the life of the country. Satisfaction was then expressed for the efforts on the part of all the various political parties in putting an end to the presidential vacancy, emphasising the hope for an increasingly fruitful future collaboration between the members of diverse ethnic and religious communities in favour of the common good and the development of the nation. The discussion then turned to Syria, with special attention to international efforts to find a political solution to the conflict. Furthermore, appreciation was expressed at the welcome that Lebanon has extended to many Syrian refugees. Finally, there was a broader exchange of views on the regional context, referring also to other ongoing conflicts and the situation of Christians in the Middle East.

Aoun also he met with Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin. The president was accompanied by the head of the Lebanese diplomacy, Gebran Bassil, the charge d'affaires to the Holy See, Albert Samaha, the presidential adviser for information, Jean Aziz, and the Head of the information Chair, Rafic Chelala.

President Aoun who arrived in Rome yesterday, stressed the importance of his meeting with the Pope, in the light of the "solidity of the relations linking Lebanon, in all its components to the Church and the papacy." "The Eastern Christians - he added - today live difficult circumstances, in a region that is the cradle of Christianity and Islam, we see in this visit a glimmer of hope that confirms that Lebanon will always remain as the strongest hope for the future of the East and the world. "
Zonta Club of Billings and Billings Public Library present Artful Women of Montana on Tuesday, March 21, 7-8 p.m., in the library community room.

Guests will be Dina Brophy, Caitlin Hart and Craig Huisenga of Yellowstone Repertory Theatre, a new ensemble-based, professional theatre company.

Brophy, the company's managing director, has been performing on Billings stages for more than 15 years, appearing most recently in the Sacrifice Cliff Theatre productions of "Whos Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" and "Gidions Knot," as well as Billings Studio Theatre's staging of "Steel Magnolias."

Brophy was operations manager for Venture Theatre from 2004 to 2010 and has worked in health care administration for more than 20 years.

Hart, the marketing director, has become a leading player in local productions after national tours of "Doubt, a Parable" and "The Miracle Worker" with Montana Repertory Theatre. Billings theater-goers will remember her performances in "Mary Poppins" at Billings Studio Theatre and "Sweet Charity" at the NOVA Center for the Performing Arts, among others. Over the last seven years, she has also enjoyed teaching theater classes and workshops to students of all ages and is currently teaching an introductory drama class to fourth- through sixth-graders at NOVA.

Artistic director Huisenga is a professional actor, director and teacher with more than 40 years of experience. As an actor, he has performed in Seattle, San Diego, Cincinnati, Vancouver, B.C., toured Japan and Europe and around the U.S., and worked in film, television and commercials. He has directed in schools, community theaters and professional theaters and has taught classes in acting, modeling and introduction to theater. He has held positions that include high school drama director, associate artistic director and managing producer. He is a graduate of Billings West High School, Pacific Lutheran University (BFA Communication Arts/Theatre), and did graduate work at Illinois State University.
A brigade ready to "prop up" the fragile frontier to the south. The Pakistani army among the few in the Muslim world not of sectarian connotation. Its role as guarantor and mediator in the delicate Middle Eastern context. Growing tensions between Saudi Arabia and the Emirates on support to Yemeni President Hadi. In the background the trade relations between Tehran and Islamabad.



Riyadh (AsiaNews) - The Pakistani army is ready to send a combat brigade to the south of Saudi Arabia, at Riyadhs request, to "prop up" the fragile southern border with Yemen.

The battalion will operate only within the kingdom and will not have, in contrast, offensive tasks in the neighboring country, theater for the past two years of a bloody civil war. In Yemen, the Saudis are driving a regional coalition that is opposed to the Houthi rebel militias; a front that, in recent weeks, seems to waver torn by internal divisions.



Since January 2015, Yemen has been the scene of a bloody civil war opposing the countrys Sunni elites led by former President Hadi, backed by Riyadh, and Shia Houthi rebels, who are close to Iran.

In March 2015, a Saudi-led Arab coalition began attacking the rebels, sparking criticism from the United Nations over heavy casualties, including many children.

So far, some 10,000 people, including more than 3,700 civilians, have been killed, and at least 2.5 million have been displaced.

For Saudi Arabia, the Houthis, allied to forces loyal to former President Ali Abdullah Saleh, are supported militarily by Iran, a charge that Tehran rejects.

Extremist groups linked to al Qaeda and jihadist militias linked to Islamic State are active in the country, a fact that has helped escalate violence and terror.

United Nations and international human rights groups have accused both the Saudi-led coalition and Houthi rebels of war crimes and violence against civilians, caught in the carnage. In the past the missiles launched by Shiite militias have hit locations and targets across the border, in Saudi territory, causing dozens of deaths and injuries. Hence the decision taken by Riyadh to strengthen the borders.



Analysts and experts point out that the Pakistani army is one of the few in the Muslim world not to be characterized by a religious affiliation. It is composed of Sunnis, Shiites, Christians and Hazaras not only among the troops, but also in the upper echelons of the officers and is able to mediate between Tehran and Riyadh.

In addition, after the fall of Saddam Hussein and the Iraqi army dispersion, combined with the growing influence of Iran in the Middle Eastern context, Saudis and Sunni Gulf monarchies have looked to Pakistan as the ultimate guarantor of security and stability in the region.



The allocation of troops on Saudi soil following the visit of a senior official from the Islamabad army, General Qamar Javed Bajwa, head of the Pakistani Armed Forces (Coas), in Riyadh last December. In the three days spent in the Saudi capital this high military met with counterparts and government personalities.

The Pakistani army  a military power that has the atomic bomb and the most "influential" in the Middle East - frame the mission of the commitments undertaken by the "Coas Pakistan's commitment to the security and protection of the Holy Mosques and also the territorial integrity of the kingdom.



The request for aid to Pakistan comes at a tense moment in the Saudi led Arab coalition active in Yemen. In particular divisions between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are becoming increasingly bitter, over suspending support for President Hadi. Otherwise, the Emirates are ready to withdraw their troops. At the same time they have had diplomatic sorties designed to mend the rift between the Hadi administration and the leadership of Abu Dhabi. Added to this are the accusations against the UAE who want to occupy the south of Yemen and launch a "unilateral" policy area.



The decision to allocate Pakistani troops in Saudi Arabia has been the focus of a bitter parliamentary debate in Islamabad. Two years Riyadh had invited Pakistan to join the "Sunni" coalition operating in Yemen. The request was immediately rejected (sparking the ire of Saudis), after a four-day discussion. Among the reasons that prompted Islamabad to decline the invitation, the willingness to prevent further sectarian tension in a country where about 20% of the population is Shiite.

The current prime minister Nawaz Sharif owes his life to the Saudis, who in 1999 prevented his being executed in the aftermath of the military coup that brought Pervez Musharraf to power. Today the Prime Minister has found a way to repay this favor, even taking into account the delicate international balance and that his Parliament has promoted efforts to revive the diplomatic and trade relations with Iran.

In May, a delegation of Pakistani MPs will visit Tehran, to discuss the reopening of markets, tourism and the construction of a new pipeline with the leaders of the Islamic Republic.
by Melani Manel Perera

This year has been dedicated to the Apostle of Sri Lanka. Born in India, he landed on the island in 1687 during the persecution by Dutch Calvinists. At that time there were no priests. He set up a religious congregation to train missionaries. He worked for the poor and the sick, for dialogue with other religions, and for the development of lay leaders.

Colombo (AsiaNews)  Saint Joseph Vaz was "a precursor of the Second Vatican Council, supporting interfaith dialogue and promoting the laity". He "was a man of faith and prayer," a "man who had a vision but also a clear plan for the Church in Sri Lanka during the period of persecution, said Fr Reid Shelton Fernando, a Catholic priest, who spoke to AsiaNews about Sri Lankas first saint.

The local Church dedicated 2017 to the Apostle of Sri Lanka, who was canonised by Pope Francis during his pastoral visit to the South Asian nation in 2015.

Born in India in 1651 into a Portuguese family, he arrived in the island then called Ceylon in 1687 to support local Catholics at a time of persecution at the hands of Dutch Calvinists. Pope John Paul II described Joseph Vaz as the greatest missionary that Asia has ever had.

"He was an exemplary missionary, Fr Shelton said. He came to Sri Lanka because he had learnt that there were no priests to care for Catholic believers."

Saint Joseph Vaz was the first to understand the urgency of re-establishing the islands Catholic community and give impetus to priestly training and the work of the laity. With this in mind, he set up the Congregation of the Oratory of Goa to train missionaries to be sent to Sri Lanka.

"For ten years, he worked all over the island, which he considered a single parish, Fr Sheldon explained. He also appointed lay spiritual leaders well integrated in society so that they could work for the welfare of the community."

The island-nations first saint learnt its two main languages, Sinhala and Tamil, in order to create "friendly relations with Buddhist monks.

He encouraged Fr Jacome Gonsalvez, his confrere, to do the same and get involved in cultural activities. He motivated him to compose literary works in both languages."

According to the clergyman, after 250 years, Saint Joseph Vazs example "is still valid today. He had good relations with everyone, and did not seek confrontation with the authorities. He was always a humble person, refusing an episcopal appointment in order to live as a missionary. For lay people, he was a role model for the simple life, in touch with the divine and with ordinary folks."

"He realised that the Church was not only for the hierarchy, but also for the people. He was also the first who sought good relations with people of different faiths.

This has not come about yet in Sri Lanka, 50 years after Vatican II. The Catholic Church has not become involved in serious dialogue with other Christian denominations and other religions."

Last but not least, "Saint Joseph Vaz was greatly involved with the poor and the needy. The love he had for them was clearly visible in the way he treated the sick. With his simple lifestyle, he instilled in people's minds [the conviction] that his holy missionary calling full of faith came from God."
A CESAO, ESCWA document denounces "racial discrimination" to "dominate" the Palestinian people. Protests of the Jewish state, which speaks of an attempt to "falsify" the only "true democracy." Washington "shocked". UN spokesman: It does not reflect the view of the Secretary-General.

Jerusalem (AsiaNews / Agencies) - Israel has established an "apartheid regime" based on "racial discrimination" to "dominate" the Palestinian people "as a whole". These are the findings from a new report released by the UN experts, published yesterday in Beirut (Lebanon) from the Economic and Social Commission of the United Nations for Western Asia (CESAO, ESCWA). A document that has provoked the protests of the Jewish state and the United States and from which the same UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has taken his distance.



According to the United Nations researchers Richard Falk and Virginia Tilley, the policy of occupation as well as originating "social discrimination has also to wiped out the remaining hopes of a two-state solution. The document raised a stir and protests. However, the authors report that it was made on the basis of a "scientific investigation and hard evidence".



Inside it explicitly talks about a campaign of boycott, divestment and sanctions implemented by the Palestinians in response to Israeli policies; the goal is to end "apartheid" and the promotion of a "just peace."



The support of the boycott, economic sanctions and other initiatives comes at a time when Israel is trying to break the international support for Palestinian rights.



Executive Secretary of the CESAO, Rima Khalaf, emphasizes that it is the "first report of its kind" by an organ of the United Nations. It states "clearly and succinctly that Israel is a racist state, which established a system of apartheid that haunts the Palestinian people."

In a tough response to the report by the United States Permanent Representative at the UN, Nikki Haley, stated that Washington is "shocked". Stephane Dujarric, UN spokesman, made a dash from the document stating that "the report and its positions do not reflect the view of the Secretary-General" of the United Nations Antonio Guterres.

The Israeli government described the report as an attempt to "falsify" the only "true democracy" in the Middle East, creating a "false analogy" and constitutes a "blatant lie". The leaders of the Jewish state are appealing to the general secretary to distance himself from the content of a "bias distorted and misleading" report.

Richard Falk, professor of international law at Princeton University, had previously lashed out against colonial policy promoted by Israel. In 2014 he stated that in the occupied Palestinian territories "Israeli policy has assumed unacceptable connotations of colonialism, apartheid and ethnic cleansing".
by Thanh Thuy

Convicted on subversion charges, Nguyen ang Minh Man has endured "repeated" cases of "ill-treatment". Held in solitary confinement, she is physically exhausted by her experience. Despite abuses, she continues to fight for the rights of other prisoners. Human rights activists and UN agency have appealed for her release.

Hanoi (AsiaNews)  Convicted on "subversion" charges for reporting corruption within the Communist Party, Catholic journalist and activist Nguyen ang Minh Man was the victim of repeated acts of ill-treatment in her prison cell, this according to her family.

"Sometimes the prison guards slapped her face," Minh Mans father Nguyen Van Loi said. "At present, my daughter has to spend ten days of isolation in a small room, a very dark and smelly cell," he added. Some prisoners have also been used to "insult her in front of others."

Nguyen ang Minh Man (pictured, centre) is an freelance journalist. In 2011 she wrote about Vietnamese patriots and nationalists protesting against Chinas "imperialist" policy in the South China Sea. She was arrested for this reason on 31 July of that year, together with other 14 young Protestants.

In the eyes of the authorities, their fault was that they fought for social justice. After 18 months in pre-trial detention, the defendants were convicted in a hasty and phoney trial that lasted only two and a half days. The journalist was not provided with any legal counsel and the trial was procedurally flawed.

According to the indictment, she tried to "overthrow the government of the people" under Article 79 of the Vietnamese Penal Code, which has been strongly criticised and deemed ambiguous by UN human rights agencies.

She is currently serving an eight-year prison sentence in Prison N. 5 in Thanh Hoa province, to be followed by five years of house arrest.

Her father visited her recently. In a phone conversion with his wife, who stayed home, he said that their daughter "lost weight", and is exhausted by the detention.

Maria Ta Phong Tan, a former prisoner of conscience, spoke about meeting the Catholic activist in prison. "We were locked up in the section for political prisoners but in different cells, she said. No one is allowed to go in, not even medical personnel, canteen staff, and security guards."

However, occasionally an outsider was allowed in, a ruffian called Lan who cruelly "hit Minh Man, causing bodily harm.

In spite of repeated abuses and violations, Minh Man "is a resilient person" able to "fight in prison for the rights of other prisoners".

The United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has appealed to the Vietnamese government for the unconditional release of the Catholic activist.
They only got lost once.

Thats pretty good considering that University of Montana photography professor Keith Graham traveled 12,000 miles in 2013 and 2014 photographing 52 one-room school houses across Montana with a longtime friend, Neil Chaput de Saintonge.

The two teachers and photographers are displaying their work in the exhibit, Chasing Time: Montanas One Room Schools, on display through March 30 at the Northcutt Steele Gallery at Montana State University Billings. Their photographs will also be featured in a new book set for release this fall through Riverbend Publishing Co., in Helena.

Graham said in a telephone interview that he spent hours driving along obscure county roads without seeing a person or even livestock. But then he would come across a rancher happy for the company or another local who helped show him the way to the next school on his list.

One thing he gained during the project was an appreciation for Montanas vast landscape.

We have a bigger state than some people realize. Its miles and miles from one school to the next. It makes you appreciate why we have one-room schools.

Some schools, like Hawks Home School in Hammond, have only three students. One of the largest schools he visited was Kester School, 26 miles north of Jordan on Haxby Road.

There are seven families who live on Haxby Road, Graham said. They would have to drive 26 miles to get to school in Jordan if they didn't have their one-room school.

The idea for the project came when Graham was reading a Department of Education report.

It said in 1913 there were 212,000 one-room schools and half of the students in the U.S. attend one. Then in 1950, there were 60,000 one-room schools, in 1960, there were 20,000, and in 2002, there were only 424 one-room schools left in the country. When we did the project, there were about 200 left and more than 60 of them are in Montana.

Chaput de Saintonge founded Missoulas Rocky Mountain School of Photography with his wife, Jeanne, in 1989. When Graham mentioned to him that one of his students went to a one-room school, the two educators brainstormed how to photograph as many of the one-room schools they could get to that are still in operation.

I grew up in Mississippi and we always went back to my grandfathers farm. He said he bought it for a nickel an acre during the Depression. I have an affinity and true appreciation for those who ranch.

Part of their project was defining the term, one-room school. Some schools are kindergarten through sixth grade and others are kindergarten through eighth grade, but the defining element is that they are taught by one teacher. If there are more than 18 students, a second teacher is required by state law, Graham said.

Graham said watching these innovative educators work with students of varying ages and grades gave him a new respect for teachers.

You talk to Judy Boyle at Divide School. Boy, talk about an amazing teacher, she is phenomenal. She loves science and is helping her students do research on the quality of water. These kids are getting a fabulous education.

Graham said the one time he got lost was trying to find Ross School because he was so caught up in the beautiful landscape that he missed a tiny sign showing which road to turn on to get to Ross School.

The greatest thing was you could always talk to people.
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Westinghouse Electric has hired Weil Gotshal & Manges as the companys troubles threaten to push Toshiba, one of Japans most storied conglomerates, over the brink.The bankruptcy and restructuring specialist law firm was brought in after Toshiba wrote off about A$8.2bn last month because of Westinghouse, Reuters reported. The writedown pushed Toshiba into negative shareholder equity territory and resulted in its chairman, Shigenori Shiga, stepping down. The further writedown comes as Toshiba is still recovering from a US$1.3bn accounting scandal in 2015.Weil previously acted for Westinghouse on its acquisition of CB&I Stone & Webster in 2015. Toshiba, which announced it is not taking on new projects to construct nuclear plants, said the Stone & Webster deal accounts for most of the most recent writedown. It said it has tasked lawyers to investigate whether senior managers at Westinghouse had put inappropriate pressure on subordinates reviewing the deal.In addition to Weil, Westinghouse hired investment bank PJT Partners and administrators AlixPartners, Bloomberg said. Lisa Donahue of AP Services, an affiliate of AlixPartners, was hired as the chief transition and development officer.While Toshiba said it was not aware that US-headquartered Westinghouse intended to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, the conglomerate has already hired a Japanese law firm to assess the financial impact of such an event, Reuters said.Westinghouse, which was acquired by Toshiba in 2006 for US$5.4bn, signed agreements with three Australian suppliers in 2015, pointing to possible opportunities for the business as old coal-fired power plants in the country are retired.Toshiba said it is planning to sell its majority stake in Westinghouse, though its unclear whether the sale would attract any interest given the business units troubles. The Japanese giant also said it was considering selling off a majority of its profitable flash memory chip business.SK Hynix, Foxconn, Western Digital, and Micron are interested in the flash memory business, people familiar with the matter told Bloomberg. Bain Capital, Silver Lake Partners, and KKR & Co. are among financial bidders, they said. Toshiba, which is said to have already sent letters soliciting offers, is seeking a valuation of about 1.5 trillion yen, or about A$17.3bn.
A top government official is urging law firms and companies to invest in improving collaboration through technology, an area which he says will shape the future of the legal industry.Clients and consumers increasingly demand more for less. Companies who invest in digitised platforms now, will see the long-term benefits of intuitive technology, functionality and enhanced productivity for users, said Craig Laundy, assistant minister for industry, innovation and science.Laundy spoke at last weeks A Shifting Legal Landscape event by GlobalX , which was attended by Victorias top lawyers and conveyancers.He highlighted the lack of consultation between research institutions and companies, which he said was stopping companies from enjoying more benefits due to improved collaboration.Australian businesses, particularly in the legal and conveyancing sectors, have traditionally operated in silos, but collaboration is essential if businesses want to stay relevant in an era of digital disruption, he said.Australia is lagging in the field of collaboration, despite not lacking in ingenuity and innovation.The challenge we have in this country is that we need to embrace disruption and run with innovation, as well as invest time and money in collaborative efforts, Laundy said. Theres huge potential for businesses to expand their offering through engaging with research institutions and getting PhD students to consult with industry professionals to enact change. Its no longer a choice whether to innovate or not. Companies that fail to innovate will simply become obsolete if they fail to get on board with new changes.GlobalX CEO Peter Maloney said that legal practitioners who fail to adapt to the use of technology in a changing legal landscape will be missing massive opportunities.I can confidently say that if there are any legal practitioners that doubt whether PEXA (electronic conveyancing) will come to life to the full extent, they are probably setting themselves up for failure, Maloney said. Almost $40 billion worth of property transactions have gone through the platform already. Additionally, half a million transactions have been completed. State governments, through their Land Registries, across Australia are laying out the timeframe for paper-based conveyancing to converge into electronic conveyancing. The land registries across Australia are working to guide the industry through this change, and I can promise, there is a lot of change to come.
BRIDGER  "Bowler Flat and the Pryors," a new exhibit up at Zier Gallery in Bridger through April, is a unique collection of prints, photos, fossils and paintings depicting the Dude Parker homestead ranch from what used to be the small town of Bowler.

The town had a store, a school and many homesteads. When the Pryor Gap Railroad was taken out, the town slowly declined and is no more. The artists family still owns the homestead and the remains of the Bowler School and two cabins.

Each depiction is of the landscape and sense of place of the Old West as it was in the early 1900s. The wild horses, seen in Kim Michels photographs, were also a part of that time. The horses were captured and trained for the Cavalry in World War I and World War II by artist Dana Ziers ancestors.

Fossils from south-central Montana and northern Wyoming are also on display, and dinosaur gizzard stones  with a brief description and history  are for sale.

Catch a flavor of old Bridger by walking through this show. The gallery is open every day except Tuesdays and Sundays.
Ok so my husband and son got there approval letter this am. It has been a long 10 months. My question to you all is:My husband received to letters one stating his 801 was approved, and then a second letter stating his 820 was approved. My son also received the same two letters. So my question is he was approved for the 801 and the 820?? What do I do now? Sorry this is all new to me and I'm excited but also confused...Any advise or comment would be appreciated.
Hello

I m an Australian student came home country on vacation so while I returning back to Australia for my further study I was stopped at airport calling 'u don't have valid visa'

So I checked my visa grant no. On vevo it shows error.

I have mailed all problems to Australian high commission, New Delhi but could not get proper guidance

So please what should I do , even my Australian agency is not responding me

I'm stucked near airport please help me out.



Student
The Tigor is available in four variants with the option of a petrol and a diesel engine; prices range from Rs 4.70 lakh to Rs 7.09 lakh

Tatas latest compact sedan, the Tigor, is based on the Tiago with much of its design and interior shared with its hatchback sibling.

The front-end design of the Tigor is similar to the Tiago but with a few minor differences, while from the B-pillar that styling is all new. The rear doors are new, the roofline is steeply raked, and the neatly integrated boot and the flowing C-pillar give the car an almost coupe-like profile.

The interiors too bear a strong resemblance to the Tiago's but with a lower-set rear seat to improve headroom, a more reclined rear backrest and larger integrated headrests.

Powering the Tigor is the same family of three-cylinder petrol and diesel engines that debuted in the Tiago. The petrol motor is the 85hp, 1.2-litre naturally aspirated Revotron unit while the diesel unit is the 70hp, 1.05-litre Revotorq engine. Both units come paired with a five-speed manual gearbox as standard.

The Tiago is available in four variants XE, XT, XZ and XZ (O)  in both petrol and diesel guises. Here is the equipment you get on each variant:

Tata Tigor XE (Petrol: Rs 4.70 lakh; Diesel: 5.60 lakh)

Air-conditioning

Power steering

Drive modes

LED tail-lamp inserts

13-inch steel wheels

Tata Tigor XT (Petrol: Rs 5.41 lakh; Diesel: 6.31 lakh)

ConnectNext infotainment system

Remote locking

ABS

Rear parking sensors

Driver seat height adjust

Power windows

Electric adjust wing mirrors

Multi-function steering

14-inch steel wheels

Tata Tigor XZ (Petrol: Rs 5.90 lakh; Diesel: 6.80 lakh)

Projector headlamps

Alloy wheels (15-inch petrol; 14-inch diesel)

Dual airbags

Electric boot unlock

Body-coloured air vent finish

Tata Tigor XZ(O) (Petrol: Rs 6.19 lakh; Diesel: 7.09 lakh)

ConnectNext touchscreen infotainment system

Voice command

Video and image playback

Auto climate control

Reverse camera

In terms of equipment, the base Tigor is rather sparsely equipped though all variants from the XT up feature good levels of equipment with the touchscreen infotainment system only offered on the top XZ(O) trim only. ABS is only available from the mid-level ZT trim onwards while only the top XZ and XZ(O) trims get dual airbags.

Tata Tigor petrol vs rivals prices (ex-showroom, Delhi) Tata Tigor Maruti Dzire Hyundai Xcent Ford Figo Aspire Volkswagen Ameo Tata Zest Honda Amaze XE - Rs 4.70 lakh LXI Opt - Rs 5.36 lakh Base - Rs 5.44 lakh Ambiente - Rs 5.40 lakh Trendline - Rs 5.45 lakh XE - Rs 5.24 lakh E - Rs 5.53 lakh XT - Rs 5.41 lakh LXI Opt(O) - Rs 5.52 lakh S - Rs 6.16 lakh Trend - Rs 5.90 lakh Comfortline - Rs 6.22 lakh XM - Rs 5.90 lakh E(O) - Rs 5.65 lakh XZ - Rs 5.90 lakh VXI - Rs 5.99 lakh S A/T - Rs 6.91 lakh Titanium - Rs 6.00 lakh Highline - Rs 7.31 lakh XMS - Rs 6.10 lakh S - Rs 6.00 lakh XZ(O) - Rs 6.19 lakh VXI(O) - Rs 6.27 lakh SX - Rs 6.48 lakh 1.5 Titanium A/T - Rs 8.29 lakh --- XT - Rs 6.69 lakh S(O) - Rs 6.43 lakh --- VXI A/T - Rs 6.87 lakh SX(O) - Rs 7.17 lakh Titanium+ - Rs 6.89 lakh --- --- S CVT - Rs 7.43 lakh --- VXI(O) A/T - Rs 7.07 lakh --- --- --- --- S(O) CVT - Rs 7.55 lakh --- ZXI - Rs 7.03 lakh --- --- --- --- SX - Rs 7.04 lakh --- --- --- --- --- --- VX - Rs 7.43 lakh --- --- --- --- --- --- VX CVT - Rs 8.43 lakh

Tata Tigor diesel vs rivals prices (ex-showroom, Delhi) Tata Tigor Maruti Dzire Hyundai Xcent Ford Figo Aspire Volkswagen Ameo Tata Zest Honda Amaze XE - Rs 5.60 lakh LDI - Rs 6.16 lakh Base - Rs 6.31 lakh Ambiente - Rs 6.50 lakh Trendline - Rs 6.56 lakh XE - Rs 6.27 lakh E - Rs 6.66 lakh XT - Rs 6.31 lakh LDI(O) - Rs 6.36 lakh S - Rs 7.05 lakh Trend - Rs 7.00 lakh Comfortline - Rs 7.61 lakh XM - Rs 7.01 lakh E(O) - Rs 6.78 lakh XZ - Rs 6.80 lakh VDI - Rs 7.10 lakh SX - Rs 7.39 lakh Titanium - Rs 7.22 lakh Comfortline DSG - Rs 8.78 lakh XMS - Rs 7.28 lakh S - Rs 7.54 lakh XZ(O) - Rs 7.09 lakh VDI(O) - Rs 7.22 lakh SX(O) - Rs 8.08 lakh Titanium+ - Rs 7.99 lakh Highline - Rs 8.44 lakh XMA - Rs 7.84 lakh S(O) - Rs 7.66 lakh --- ZDI - Rs 8.08 lakh --- --- Highline DSG - Rs 9.62 lakh XT - Rs 7.88 lakh SX - Rs 8.06 lakh --- ZDI AMT - Rs 8.58 lakh --- --- --- XTA - Rs 8.68 lakh SX(O) - Rs 8.44 lakh

More on the Tata Tigor



Read our launch report

Tata Tigor review

Tata Tigor vs rivals: Specifications comparison

Tata Tigor image gallery
The refreshed Corolla Altis is available in three petrol and two diesel variants; base J trim discontinued; no top trim diesel.

Toyota has launched the facelifted Corolla Altis starting at Rs 15.87 lakh, going up to Rs 19.91 lakh. The updated car is sleeker, thanks to heavily revised front and tweaks to the rear, in line with the automakers latest design language. The cabin too has been updated with a revised dashboard with new trim inserts, revised air-vent design and new air-con controls.

Apart from the styling changes, the car gets a revised variant line-up. The entry-level J trim has been discontinued with the previous mid-level G trim now becoming the entry model. The petrol car is available in three trim levels  G, GL and VL  with the top trim coming only in automatic. The diesel comes in only two trim levels  G and GL  with no top variant on offer.

Toyota has also updated the equipment on offer across the trim levels. Here is a look at what it has to offer:

Toyota Corolla Altis G (Petrol M/T: Rs 15.87 lakh; Petrol CVT: Rs 17.52 lakh; Diesel M/T: Rs 17.36 lakh)

Airbags  5 for petrol, 3 for diesel

ABS with EBD and brake assist

15-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels

LED daytime running lamps

Fog lamps (in petrol cars only)

LED tail-lamps

Electric adjust and retract wing mirrors

Keyless entry

7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with MirrorLink connectivity, voice and gesture control (petrol only)

Reclining rear seat

Sport drive mode and paddle shifters (petrol CVT only)

Reverse camera and sensors (diesel gets only rear parking sensors

Toyota Corolla Altis GL petrol (petrol M/T: Rs 18.30 lakh; diesel M/T: Rs 19.05 lakh)

Stability control (petrol only)

Hill start assist (petrol only)

Clutch start system

Auto bi-beam LED headlamps with self levelling

16-inch 15-spoke alloy wheels (petrol only, diesel gets 15-inch 10-spoke units)

Auto fold and reverse linked wing mirrors

Rain sensing wipers

Infotainment system with navigation (petrol only)

Leather seats (petrol only)

10-way electric adjust driver seat

Push button start

Toyota Corolla Altis VL (petrol CVT: Rs 19.91 lakh)

Seven airbags

Cruise control

Sport drive mode and paddle shifters

Powering the facelifted car is the same 140hp, 1.8-litre petrol and 88hp, 1.4-litre diesel engines as the pre-facelifted model. Both engines are paired with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard with the petrol being offered with a CVT gearbox option.

With the facelift, Toyota hopes to attract more customers and further consolidate itself as the best-seller in the executive sedan segment whose sales have declined (April 2016 to Jan 2017) year on year. The facelifted car rivals the likes of the Hyundai Elantra, the Volkswagen Jetta and the Skoda Octavia which too, is set to get a facelift in the coming months.

Also read:

Toyota Corolla Altis facelift launched

Toyota Corolla Altis facelift image gallery
President Donald Trumps new budget includes privatization of air traffic control. The document tabled Thursday in Washington contains an outright endorsement of privatization as a move that would benefit the flying public and taxpayers overall. The airline industry has been lobbying nonstop since Trumps election for the formation of a nonprofit corporation to run the national airspace system controlled by a board of directors dominated by airline representatives. Most general aviation groups have vigorously opposed privatization, saying it would amount to handing the nations airspace over to the airlines, something the airlines themselves have suggested is accurate.

The budget calls for a multi-year reauthorization proposal to shift the air traffic control function of the Federal Aviation Administration [FAA] to an independent, non-governmental organization, making the system more efficient and innovative while maintaining safety. It drew immediate support from longtime privatization supporter Rep. Bill Shuster, R-Pa., the chairman of Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. The committee proposed similar legislation last year but it was stalled by Senate opposition. The inclusion of this good government infrastructure proposal shows that the president is truly focused on changing the way Washington works, said Shuster, who has close ties to Aviation 4 America, the national group representing U.S. airlines.

The committee proposal met intense opposition from most aviation groups although AOPA, the largest of them, said it was open to discussing the move as long as it didnt result in user fees, something it has frequently stated that it flatly opposes. The Trump administration is apparently ready to go through the due diligence part of implementing the program. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao is apparently planning to travel to Ottawa, Canada, to meet with leaders of NavCanada, the nonprofit corporation that has run the airspace north of the border and over the North Atlantic for 20 years. NavCanada charges most light aircraft operators in Canada a flat fee of $68 a year for access to all but the countrys 10 busiest airports. Commercial operators pay for access on a fee-for-service basis and are billed for air traffic control services.
16 March 2017 12:47 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

Political analyst Justin Amler has revealed the dangers that Armenia poses to the region and world through its attempts to sell nuclear material to terrorists.

The analyst, in his article published by The Daily Caller, states that since the end of World War II, the chief existential threat facing humanity was that of a nuclear confrontation. With the departure of the Soviet Union from the world stage, the nuclear threat did not dissipate as experts anticipated, but rather it decentralized.

Today, the existential threat of a nuclear conflagration is far more dangerous and unpredictable with more actors involved, both nation states and terrorist organizations, Amler says.

The article notes that Armenia, whose Soviet-trained scientists and engineers have the access and capability to make nukes, has purchased Iskander 9K720 missiles from Russia and advanced missiles capable of delivering both nuclear and conventional payloads.

Another disquieting factor were the arrests in Georgia of three Armenians attempting to sell weapons-grade uranium. When one considers reports from intelligence officials that Islamic State and other terrorist groups are attempting to obtain materials to build dirty bombs, it emphasizes the dangers of nuclear materials falling into the wrong hands, the article states.

Uncontrolled radioactive sources or dirty bombs can cause harm to human health or the environment, while in the hands of terrorists these sources can turn into a real threat against the whole world. Actually, the scope of the threat is daunting.

Back in 2011 Georgian law enforcement agencies arrested Armenian citizens, who were trying to sell radioactive materials and looking for buyers in this country. And recently the number of such smugglers has increased.

Azerbaijan has repeatedly warned that Armenia pollutes the transboundary rivers, mainly Araz River with the nuclear waste of the Metsamor NPP and other materials.

In terms of global security, alarm bells should be ringing, for this is not some far flung corner of an isolated part of the world, but a most strategic and vital area, Amler writes.

The author warns that if Armenia is armed with nuclear-capable missiles, and with the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict very much alive, it is a very real danger to the region as well as to the energy security of Europe.

Azerbaijan and Armenia for over two decades have been locked in conflict, which emerged over Armenian territorial claims to Azerbaijan. Since the 1990s war, Armenian armed forces have occupied over 20 percent of Azerbaijan's internationally recognized territory, including Nagorno-Karabakh and seven adjacent regions.

The UN Security Council has adopted four resolutions on Armenian withdrawal from the occupied lands of Azerbaijan, but they have not been enforced to this day.

---

Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
16 March 2017 10:10 (UTC+04:00)

By Yasmin Siddiqi

We live on a parched planet. Farmers till arid pastureland, and policymakers fret over empty reservoirs, dry rivers, and thirsty cities. And that only scratches the surface  literally  of the worlds water problem. Subterranean aquifers, which amount to the worlds reserve water tank, are also running dry. If this continues, the consequences could be dire, especially for water-stressed and fast-growing Asia.

Subterranean aquifers are repositories of water located deep underground, in permeable rock, soil, or sand. And they contain about 100 times the amount of water found on the earths surface, in streams, lakes, rivers, and wetlands. If youre in central Africa, South America, or some parts of Europe, youre probably standing just a few hundred feet above one.

Surface water resources, such as desalinated seawater or recycled wastewater, will not close the global gap  predicted to reach 40% by 2030  between water supply and demand. So subterranean aquifers are increasingly being exploited for agriculture, power generation, and daily use in fast-growing cities (urban Asia is growing at a rate of 120,000 people per day).

Today, about 30% of the worlds liquid freshwater comes from subterranean aquifers. And one-third of the 37 largest aquifers studied by the University of California between 2003 and 2013 were severely depleted, receiving little or no replenishment from rainfall. Some of the most stressed aquifers are in the driest regions, including Asia, up to 88% of which is water-stressed.

Asia contains around one-third of the worlds land irrigated by groundwater, with India, China, and Pakistan being the biggest consumers. South Asia alone accounts for half the groundwater used globally. But Asias aquifers  many of which were formed millennia ago, when areas like northern China had a more humid climate  are no longer being replenished regularly by rainfall.

Instead, boreholes are getting deeper and water tables are falling. In Pakistans Punjab Province, over-pumping is lowering the water table by up to a half-meter (20 inches) per year, threatening future food and water security and making thirsty crops like sugarcane and rice tougher to grow.

Asias surging population  which could jump by 25%, topping five billion, by 2050  will put even more stress on food, energy, and water supplies. Globally, 60% more food will be needed by then, with agriculture soaking up increasingly scarce freshwater. Climate change will exacerbate conditions further.

But the problem extends beyond water depletion. Over-pumping of groundwater is already leading to soil subsidence, causing some Asian cities to sink. By 2030, as much as 80% of North Jakarta could be below sea level. Parts of Beijing are sinking by several centimeters per year, according to some estimates.

Moreover, depleted aquifers near coastlines are prone to contamination from saltwater, rendering land barren. Some aquifers are contaminated by arsenic, which can occur naturally deep underground. Nature Geoscience estimates that more than 60% of groundwater in the Indo-Gangetic aquifer is contaminated by arsenic or salt. In Bangladesh, water tainted by arsenic is blamed for more than 40,000 deaths each year.

The first step toward remedying this situation is to establish precisely how much groundwater is left and how it is being used  not easy, but not impossible either. NASAs Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment satellite provides information on changes in the earths gravity due to fluctuating water volumes. And by applying remote sensing technology to river basins, we can determine how much surface water is available and who is consuming what.

Another important step is to improve the pricing of groundwater. China has run a pilot program in which farmers had to pay extra if they pumped more than their allocation. Similar approaches have worked well in Australia and Mexico. But such measures can be politically difficult to implement. The key to success will be to help countries not only to design the right policies, but also to create the legal frameworks needed to establish and enforce them.

Even more politically difficult would be the elimination of electricity and gas subsidies, which encourage farmers to pump groundwater all day. If such subsidies cant be withdrawn, there are innovative alternatives that could curb over-pumping.

For example, in Gujarat, India, the government has reduced groundwater pumping by offering power for just eight hours per day. Farmers have the power they need, but cant pump all day long. Another approach could be to buy back surplus power from farmers to feed into the grid. That would not just reduce over-pumping, but also help to supplement rural incomes.

Efforts to replenish aquifers could also be pursued. A pilot program in Indias Uttar Pradesh state collects excess floodwater in storage ponds, from which water seeps into the water table.

The final step would be to improve management of surface water, thereby reducing the temptation to turn to groundwater in the first place. Around 80% of wastewater is returned untreated to rivers, often contaminating them. Taking stronger action to stop this would be far simpler  including logistically and politically  than conserving groundwater.

Subterranean aquifers should be the reservoir of last resort. If we dont protect them today, future generations will pay a steep  or even an existential  price.

Copyright: Project Syndicate: Where Has All the Water Gone?

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
16 March 2017 14:13 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

Baku Shipyard has launched construction of two new unique Ro-Pax ferries, Azerbaijans Economy Minister Shahin Mustafayev said on March 16.

The cutting of first steel sheets was held at the shipyard on the same day.

The vessel construction is scheduled for completion by the end of 2018, the minister said, adding that 30 percent of the construction work will be carried out at the expense of the government.

Mustafayev added that these vessels will serve the development of Azerbaijan's economy and improve its competitiveness.

As we know, Azerbaijan is completing the construction of the most modern port in the Caspian basin. The first phase of construction of the Port of Baku has already been completed. Along with this, construction of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway is being completed, the minister said, noting that Azerbaijan has the strongest potential in the Caspian sea and an extensive infrastructure, which will further increase thanks to the expansion of the fleet of vessels.

I also want to mention the North-South Transport Corridor, for which Azerbaijan is also taking necessary measures and, in general, plays an important role in the formation of this corridor, said Mustafayev.

He added that one of the directions of the West-East transport corridor is the Caspian Sea, and Azerbaijan has the strongest cargo fleet here.

The minister voiced belief that construction of the ferries will play an important role in increasing the transport capacity of Azerbaijan and will have a positive impact on economic development in general.

A contract worth 132 million manats ($77 million) for construction of the ferries was signed in October 2016. The ferries will be built on the order of Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company. The projects designer is Ukraines Marine Engineering Bureau.

Ferries are designed for freight and passenger traffic. The new vessels of 5540-ton deadweight will be able to carry up to 56 tanks, 46 gondola cars, 44 freight cars, 50 trucks, and will have 100 passengers seats.

Currently, Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company has 13 ferries, two of which are Ro-Ro type ferries. Seven of those ferries can carry up to 28 cars, while other six ferries can carry 52-54 cars.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
Guy Liautaud, 79, of Billings, passed away on March 10, 2017, at Billings Clinic with family and friends by his side. Guy was born Aug. 20, 1937, in Blida, Algeria, and grew up in Algeria and France. He moved to the United States in 1962, living in Boston; California; and New Iberia, Louisiana where he taught French. He became a U.S. Citizen and eventually settled in Billings after falling in love with the mountains and prairies of Montana on a previous vacation.

Guy graduated as a dental lab technician and worked in the field for many years. Guy liked to travel and on one occasion went on an around the world trip including visits to Indonesia, Australia, and Hong Kong.

He enjoyed history, literature, and classical music and after retiring in 2012, volunteered at the Western Heritage Center. He was very proud of the assistance he provided in translating the French letters of Wibaux, namesake Pierre Wibaux. Guy loved fishing, hunting, and touring Montana on his motorcycle.

Guy is survived by a brother, Marc (Raquel) Guillot and nephew, Paulo, of Cahors, France; nephew, Joanis, and niece, Maa, of Montpellier, France; and cousin, Yvon (Susanna), of Paris, France. He is also survived by his adopted family of friends and acquaintances from Billings and the many places he visited. He was preceded in death by his parents, Roger and Paulette.

Thank you to the dedicated staff at the Billings Clinic for your wonderful care and kindness to Guy.

Cremation has taken place and no services are planned.

Arrangements are by Cremation & Funeral Gallery. Condolences can be sent through www.cfgbillings.com through Our Families.
16 March 2017 18:17 (UTC+04:00)

By Laman Ismayilova

Days of Hungary kicked off in Baku with the organization of the Hungarian embassy in the country.

The Days started with the presentation of the book "The Tragedy of Man" by Imre Madach.

The event was organized at the Library of the Azerbaijani National Academy of Sciences on March 16, Trend Life reported.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's spouse Aniko Levai attended the event.

Hungarian Ambassador to Azerbaijan Imre Laslotski, addressing the event, noted that the Days are being held on the eve of the ancient holiday of Azerbaijani people  Novruz. The diplomat stressed that the Days of Hungarian culture in Baku will contribute to the festive mood of Bakuians.

ANAS Vice-President Isa Habibbayli, in turn, noted that relations between Azerbaijan and Hungary have historical roots, while the two nations have always treated each other with respect and love.

He said that Azerbaijani scientists have always studied with great interest the works of Hungarian authors, adding that the presentation of Madachs book is a proof of that.

He added that the book was translated into Azerbaijani language by Rasim Muzaffarli, while editor is Hungarian specialist Maria Keneshi, who studied at Baku State University.

During the Days, Parallels in Hungarian-Azerbaijani music will be discussed by professor Janos Sipos at the International Mugham Center, following the concert of Hungarian musicians and dancers scheduled for March 16.

A fashion show will be held in Boulevard Hotel Baku. Here, guests will also be able to enjoy delicious Hungarian cuisine.

The next day, seminars dedicated to turcologists Bekir Stk Cobanzade and Gyorgy Hazai, discussion of Woven in Hungary - A look at the contemporary Hungarian art of textile gobelin will be held.

The events will end with exhibition of Ferenc Eisenhuts paintings and a concert of the Hungarian State Folk Ensemble.

Minister of Culture Peter Hoppa and Deputy Foreign Minister Zsolt Chutora will arrive in Baku to attend the Days.

The officials will also meet with Azerbaijani counterparts to discuss the prospects of the bilateral cooperation.

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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
16 March 2017 15:10 (UTC+04:00)

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyevs official visit to France began with a show of economic strength, as the presidents two-day visit kicked off with meetings with heads of the leading French companies and businessmen, who were eager to do business with Azerbaijan.

Such big-name French companies as SUEZ, CIFAL Group, Airbus, Thales International and Total were the first in line to meet with President Aliyev and voice readiness to continue cooperation with Azerbaijan.

Meeting with the members of MEDEF (Movement of the Enterprises of France) International in Paris on the first day of his visit, President Aliyev said that many projects have been implemented and many French companies successfully work in Azerbaijan, further mentioning that the total investments in the economy are more than $2 billion, primarily in energy sector.

Mentioning that the volume of contracts signed by the government structures of Azerbaijan and French companies is close to $2 billion, the president attributed this to potential of Azerbaijan and interest that the French business circles show in working in Azerbaijan.

As the global energy sector still shows volatility, Azerbaijan is betting on the non-oil sector and has created very good conditions for local and foreign business groups to work and to invest, and to be good contractors.

Stable economic and political situation in Azerbaijan is one of the main prerequisites for attractiveness of the economy. The Azerbaijani government has developed a very substantial reform package aimed at diversifying the economy, which received very strong support from international financial institutions. The country invested largely in industry and agriculture and is also looking for the markets for export of its non-oil products.

The Davos World Economic Forum ranks Azerbaijans economy number 37 with respect to competitiveness. The country has a very low foreign debt, which is 20 percent of our GDP, while its hard currency reserves are more than five times bigger than the foreign debt. Moreover, all the investments of foreign companies and local companies are duly protected, thus creating additional incentives and interest in investing in Azerbaijan.

Talking about the conflict, President Aliyev also warned French companies over illegal activities in the Armenian-occupied territories.

It violates international law, it violates our legislation. Azerbaijan is taking serious steps in order to raise this issue on the international arena, including our application to international judiciary institutions. Therefore, I would like to express this concern, and send the message to those companies, which illegally work on our land, just to refrain from this activity. It will not bring a lot of profit, but it can create a lot of complications, the president said, noting that this is not in line with very good friendly relations between the two countries.

President Aliyev, making a press statement following his meeting with French President Francois Hollande, repeated a theme he first raised at meeting with MEDEF, stressing that even more French companies can work in Azerbaijan as contractors.

French companies support us in the development of the space industry of Azerbaijan. At the same time, projects are being implemented in the field of municipal transport, transportation, infrastructure, water, drinking water, environment, and etc. We are very pleased with this cooperation.

In the meetings held with French companies, I convinced them again that Azerbaijan has a wonderful climate for foreign investment. At the same time, Azerbaijan's economic potential is growing. Thus, even more French companies can work in Azerbaijan as contractors, said the President, calling on prominent French companies to come to Azerbaijan and implement projects related to modernization and increase of agricultural productivity.

France is the most dominant agricultural center of Europe: its share of the value in EU agricultural production is 18.1 percent. The sector plays the role of a crucial driver of growth and employment, as it ensures jobs for over 1.4 million people and provides 3.5 percent of national GDP.

The Azerbaijani president also hailed the current level of the bilateral relations, saying the political dialogue that has developed between us has entered a very active stage .

We see that our positions on many issues overlap. Our strong political relations, of course, have a positive impact on all spheres, he said.

President Aliyev also drew attention to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, which can be regarded as the most important interaction point between Baku and France in the political sphere.

The president hailed the efforts France made as a member of the OSCE Minsk Group established to mediate a peaceful resolution to the conflict, and once again pointed to the fact that Armenia is the side refusing to engage in constructive talks.

In particular, I want to emphasize the meeting I held with the President of Armenia on your initiative at the Elysee Palace at the end of 2014. It was a very constructive and positive meeting. Unfortunately, after that meeting there was certain stagnation in the negotiations. We want to resolve the issue on the basis of norms and principles of international law as soon as possible, he said.

President Hollande, in turn, stated that the status quo is unacceptable in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, further alluding that there are risks, and this was confirmed last April when the incident happened.

As a co-chair of the Minsk Group, we want other co-chairs, the United States and Russia, to contribute to this process. We think that the parameters are known and it is possible to find a solution to this protracted conflict, he said.

Francois Hollande also spoke about the tension between Europe and Turkey. Our role is to clearly state what we accept and what not. We have to contribute to the stabilization of relations between Europe and Turkey, he added.

The French leader hailed the role of Azerbaijan in holding talks with all its partners in the region and outside the region, further saying: Our only goal is peace. We are looking for peace not only in the region, but we are also looking for peace to end terrorism that is posing a threat at the global level and that we face.

The two countries appraised relations in humanitarian area, mentioning activity of Baku French Lycee and Azerbaijani-French University as one of the greatest achievements in educational area.

Azerbaijan attaches great importance to the humanitarian area, which have reached a completely new level in the past few years.

The Azerbaijani government contributed to the establishment of the Islamic Arts Department at Louvre, the Heydar Aliyev Foundation contributed to the restoration of the Cathedral Church in Strasbourg and historic and architectural monuments in other regions of France.

Supported by the Foundation, there were organized exhibitions, concerts and other events in the French capital and 20 cities with the aim of promoting Azerbaijans culture and arts. Some 12 sister city agreements signed between cities and districts of Azerbaijan and France over the last years.

The French government, seeing a trade and investment relationship with Azerbaijan as highly perspective, has spared no effort in making President Aliyevs visit special. Over the two days of the visit, there were substantial meetings with President of the French Senate Gerard Larcher, President of the French National Assembly Claude Bartolone, as well as more social encounters at the official welcome and state banquet for President Ilham Aliyev and first lady Mehriban Aliyeva.

The visit was also remembered for support it received from Azerbaijani Diaspora in France and friends of Azerbaijan in France. More than 400 Azerbaijanis joined the rally in support of President Ilham Aliyev at Place Joffre square in Paris.

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16 March 2017 12:22 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

Azerbaijani community in France made a statement highlighting a problems of unresolved Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh.

"There is not a single Azerbaijani left in the Nagorno-Karabakh region because of the ethnic cleansing conducted by Armenia," reads the statement made in connection with the visit of President Ilham Aliyev to France.

As a result of the conflict, confrontation occurred in 1988-1994 and 20 percent of Azerbaijani territories was occupied. To date, Azerbaijan has about one million refugees, which is 10 percent of the country's population, the Azerbaijani community notes, adding that the country leads in the world in the number of refugees and IDPs per capita.

The statement reads that the culmination of ethnic cleansing by Armenia was the Khojaly genocide, which occurred in the night of February 25-26, 1992. Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan, who personally directed the massacre in Khojaly repeatedly recognized this in his statements to the international media.

On behalf of the Azerbaijani community, we demand from France, acting as a mediator of the OSCE Minsk Group, and from the international community a peaceful settlement of the conflict within the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, the statement underlines.

The statement also calls on Armenia, which perpetrated a massacre of the peaceful Azerbaijani population, while posing as the victim, to understand that it is impossible to endlessly continue the occupation of Karabakh.

In connection with the visit of President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev to France, we express support for his policy aimed at resolving the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and we hope that this will lead to a final resolution of the problem, the community concludes.

Armenia broke out a lengthy war against Azerbaijan laying territorial claims on its South Caucasus neighbor. Since a war in the early 1990s, Armenian armed forces have occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan's territory, including Nagorno-Karabakh and seven surrounding regions. More than 20,000 Azerbaijanis were killed and over 1 million were displaced as a result of the large-scale hostilities.

Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding districts.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

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16 March 2017 17:59 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

The imposition of precondition by the Armenian president for beginning of substantive negotiations over the settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is a deliberate disruption of talks, a boycott and blackmail.

Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry spokesman Hikmat Hajiyev told this Spanish Efe agency on March 15 in response to recent statements by Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan.

It is unacceptable to impose a precondition for beginning of substantive talks and, in general, it is contrary to all the basic documents on the settlement of the conflict, Hajiyev said.

Armenia broke out a lengthy war against Azerbaijan laying territorial claims on its South Caucasus neighbor. Since a war in the early 1990s, Armenian armed forces have occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan's territory, including Nagorno-Karabakh and seven surrounding regions. More than 20,000 Azerbaijanis were killed and over 1 million were displaced as a result of the large-scale hostilities.

Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding districts.

The spokesman noted that Armenia has been evading all meetings since June 2016. Armenias foreign minister openly limited his participation in Hamburg and Munich meetings to a dinner hosted by the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs in honor of the two countries ministers, said Hajiyev.

Armenias refusal of substantive talks is accompanied with constant political and military provocations, military adventures and bellicose statements by Armenias military and political leadership, pre-election manipulation of the domestic political environment, strengthening of its military capabilities and conduct of military exercises in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan and attempts to change the demographic situation in those territories, Hajiyev said.

All this clearly shows that Armenia is pursuing a policy of annexing the occupied Azerbaijani territories, spokesman noted, adding that Azerbaijan is ready for substantive talks over the settlement of the conflict.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

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16 March 2017 18:43 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

A delegation of members of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) on March 15 visited Azerbaijanis, who have violently been driven out of their native lands and obliged to live a refugee life for about 30 years.

The delegation visited the settlement for the refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) located near Masazir settlement of Absheron District to get acquainted with their plight.

Deputy Chairman of the State Committee for Refugees and IDPs Garay Farkhadov and chief Executive of Zangillan region Ramiz Hasanov brought to the attention of the guests that Azerbaijan was subjected to the military aggression of Armenia because of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

As a result, 20 percent of Azerbaijani territories were occupied and Armenia carried out the ethnic cleansing policy in these territories. Over one million people became refugees and IDPs.

Garay Farkhadov told the PACE members that 95 modern settlements were built in different parts of Azerbaijan to improve living conditions of refugees and IDPs.

The PACE members also got acquainted with the conditions created in the secondary school #33 of Zangilan region, a kindergarten and met with the teaching staff.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. More than 20,000 Azerbaijanis were killed and over 1 million were displaced as a result of the large-scale hostilities. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations.

Armenia still controls fifth part of Azerbaijan's territory and rejects implementing four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding districts.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

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16 March 2017 10:12 (UTC+04:00)

As part of the Defence Education Enhancement Program (DEEP), seminars on the topics "Strategy and force planning" and "Operational designing and planning" were held in Baku with the participation of academic teaching staff of the Azerbaijan Armed Forces Military Academy and the NATO/US Experts Group, Azertac reported.

During the seminar, academic teaching staff, as well as audience of the course "Strategic Studies and State Defense Management" and a group of experts held discussions on the national security strategy and force planning. Lectures on these topics were also heard.

A seminar led by Lieutenant-General Heydar Piriyev, chief of the academy, presented briefings on the preparation of operations in this higher military educational institution and at the US Armed Forces Staff College.

At the end of the seminar, the works carried out within the framework of the DEEP and plans for the future were discussed with the NATO/US experts group.

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16 March 2017 17:25 (UTC+04:00)

The 5th Global Baku Forum has kicked off in Baku under the slogan "Future of foreign relations: Power and interests", Azertac reported.

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and first lady Mehriban Aliyeva are attending the opening ceremony of the forum.

The head of state made a speech at the opening ceremony.

Every international forum is important, and future impact on the decision-making in the world depends on the discussed topics, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said.



He made the remarks at the opening ceremony of the 5th Global Baku Forum titled The Future of International Relations: Power and Interests, which kicked off in Baku March 16.

The president said that holding of this forum has already become traditional, and this is not the first time Azerbaijan holds it. He welcomed all the participants, who represent more than fifty countries at the forum, and more than two hundred sixty guests.

"Azerbaijan, as an independent country, is relatively new. Last year we celebrated the 25th Anniversary of restoration of our independence. Our activity, projects that we initiate in our country, have positive impact on the whole region is one of the ways to present our country to the world," the president said.

Azerbaijani president went on to say that since the last Baku Global Forum meeting, the world didn't become safer.

"We still have protracted conflicts, still have confrontations, wars in our region. This of course is a very dangerous tendency. Azerbaijan in its region is playing an important role as a stabilizing factor. Our initiatives aim at regional cooperation, predictability and strengthening of security measures in the region," said Ilham Aliyev.



The president went on to add that Azerbaijan is not an island, and close neighborhood is of great concern to the country. He said there are still challenges, wars, conflicts, the migrant crisis, and it is a big humanitarian catastrophe.



"At the same time, the migrant crisis also leads to, I would say, less understanding between different parts of our world. It creates certain discomfort for the people of the countries where the migrants are heading. But, this is only the consequence of what happened, because the real reason of this crisis is external political and military interference into internal affairs of these countries," he said.

The president went on to say that the migrant crisis wasn't happening five or ten years ago, it happened recently.



"So this is the consequence of, I'd say, not a very thoughtful policy towards the countries of the Middle East. And this, in turn, leads to radicalization of societies of the countries where the migrants are heading," said Ilham Aliyev.



He went on to say that unfortunately, the most attractive slogans in election campaigns are slogans very close to nationalism and anti-migrant sentiment.



"We witnessed it during last months, years. And this is the tendency. I think one of the most important issues on global agenda is to reverse this tendency backwards. More to cooperation, mutual understanding, mutual respect, rather than alienation, political confrontation and lack of dialogue of civilizations," Azerbaijan's president said.



The president said Azerbaijan is a country, which geography, to certain degree, predetermines its role in the region.



"We are investing in the dialogue of civilizations and cultures. Azerbaijan itself suffers from war, occupation, humanitarian catastrophe, as a result of Armenian aggression and occupation of its territory," Ilham Aliyev said.



"This occupation lasts for more than 20 years, and twenty percent of internationally recognized part of Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh and seven districts surrounding it, are under Armenian occupation. All the infrastructure [there has been] destroyed, all our historical, religious monuments destroyed. OSCE fact-finding mission sent delegations and groups of observers to the occupied territories, and their report clearly shows that all the buildings and historical heritage of Azerbaijan have been destroyed," he said.



"This conflict is the result of Armenian aggression against its neighbor. It is the result of separatism and war against Azerbaijan. A million of Azerbaijanis suffered from that - they became refugees and internally displaced persons. This figure is one of the highest per capita in the world. Today's population of Azerbaijan is close to ten million. When the conflict started, it was eight million. So, one million of eight million in the beginning of 1990s became homeless," President Aliyev said.

The president went on to say that at the time, Azerbaijan, being a very poor country, had to face series of political, economic and social issues.



"Economy was in chaos. There were no clear means for economic developments, and plus a million people came from the occupied territories, and they had to be taken cared of. Since that time, of course, Azerbaijan has developed. We're capable to provide decent conditions for our compatriots, but the conflict is not resolved," said Ilham Aliyev.



He went on to say that all the important international organizations adopted resolutions and decisions which demand withdrawal of occupational Armenian forces from Azerbaijani lands.



"The UN Security Council, which is a top body on international arena, adopted 4 resolutions, demanding, I quote, immediate and unconditional withdrawal of Armenian troops from the occupied territories. But these resolutions remain on paper, Armenia ignores them, and already 25 years have passed," the president said.



"This shows also that there's a lack of mechanism of implementation of decisions of international organizations, in particular UN Security Council. On the other hand, it shows again lack of consistence, because we all know that in some cases resolutions of the Security Council are implemented within days, if not hours, but in our case, it is 25 years and still there's no progress," Ilham Aliyev said.



"Our refugees and internally displaced persons cannot go back to their native land. And this we consider the policy of double standards. In general, I think, the recent developments in the world show that the policy of double standards, unfortunately, has become a kind of standard in international relations," he said.



The president added that the norms and principles of international law are being interpreted in different countries with respect to the preferences to the current political interests.



"I think this is an important issue, when we're talking about the reforms of the United Nations. And in general, the implementation of decisions of international organizations. If the adopted decisions are not implemented, not only the countries will suffer, but also the world will be in danger, because it means that any country can use its force to change situation on land, in order to occupy territories, cause sufferings of millions of people and not be punished," Ilham Aliyev said.



The president of Azerbaijan went on to add that the country has raised this issue many times in front of international organizations - about aggression, occupation and war crimes committed by Armenia against peaceful Azerbaijani citizens.



"Armenia must be sanctioned, then it will be fair, then it will be a single standard," Ilham Aliyev said.

"The conflict's resolution must be based on international law, and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan must be restored. People have the right to return to their homeland," said the president.



He went on to add that the unresolved Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict is dangerous to stability and peace.



"We want to resolve this conflict peacefully, but we want to resolve it. Armenia wants to keep the status-quo unchanged and ignores strong statements of the mediators, which are permanent members of the Security Council," said Ilham Aliyev.



He added that the US, Russia, on many occasions have said that the status quo is not acceptable and that it has to change, and that means the beginning of de-occupation of territory of Azerbaijan.



"Despite this heavy burden and the humanitarian crisis, Azerbaijan's development was rapid, it is sustainable, we have big achievements in economic transformation of our country, and I think that 25 years of freedom and independence, demonstrated that the people of Azerbaijan are not only capable to live as independent nation, but also capable to achieve success in many areas," the president said.



"If we look at economic performance of Azerbaijan, especially in the recent years, we will see that our achievements in economic area really demonstrate that we have strong political will, consolidated society. When you have unity between the government and people, you can achieve a lot, even with a conflict, and occupation," Ilham Aliyev said.

The president went on to say that due to the broad regional development program, Azerbaijan managed to reduce poverty by ten times within the last 14 years, and it currently stands at less than six percent, while unemployment stands at around five percent.



"Of course Azerbaijan's economy suffered because of the collapse of the oil prices, but at the same time this situation forced us to be more active on economic reforms, and within a very short period, we managed to overcome the difficulties," said Ilham Aliyev.



"You can imagine if your revenue drops 3-4 times, for any country, any family, a serious challenge. Countries and people get used to certain lifestyle, certain development and then all of a sudden, your revenues collapse. This was a really serious challenge for our government, but I think that we managed to overcome it," the president said.



"Though there were difficulties and they continue, but in general, the period of adaptation to low oil prices, I think, has already happened, and 2017 is the year of economic growth. Even last year, when we, for the first time in 14 years, had an economic recession, if you look at the parameters not linked to oil and gas, we see that the development of our non-oil industry grew last year by 5 percent, agriculture by more than 2 percent," Ilham Aliyev said.



He went on to add that in the first two months of this year, the same performance was shown by the non-oil industry, the country's GDP started to grow, and Azerbaijan managed to significantly increase its non-oil export within two months of 2017.



"Therefore, the diversification of economy of this policy was conducted for many years, and it is already bringing results. Now the main objective for the coming years is the diversification of our export, we need new markets, and of course to enter one, we need to have very good political relations with countries whose market is attractive for us," said the president.



The president further said that as far as foreign policy is concerned, Azerbaijan has a strong position in the region and world.



"The international community respects us because we pursue independent policy and also we always keep our word. We are a reliable partner, and we manage to build very positive, at the same time pragmatic, relations with our neighbors, which are based on history, friendship, mutual interest, mutual respect, and non-interference in internal affairs of each other," Ilham Aliyev said.



The president noted that regional cooperation and Azerbaijan's relations with all the neighbors is of extreme importance, as it is for any country.



"If a country has problems with its neighbors, both suffer. Therefore, apart from Armenian aggression, with all our neighbors we have good relations. We implement a lot of projects, energy, transportation, trade, cultural projects which bring our peoples closer," President Aliyev said.



He went on to say that Azerbaijan has established very good relations with countries, member of the EU. According to Ilham Aliyev, with nine of them, Azerbaijan signed or adopted strategic partnership document.



"I think this is also a big achievement, because it shows that many European countries treat Azerbaijan as a strategic partner. And that's not only because of energy resources, our cooperation is much broader," he said.

Co-organized by the State Committee for Work with Diaspora and the Nizami Ganjavi International Center, the forum is joined by more than 200 presidents, former heads of state and government from 50 countries, current and former officials, heads and senior representatives of international organizations, renowned politicians and experts.

The forum will discuss a range of issues including the future of transatlantic relations, the fight against terrorism, the role of China in international relations.

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16 March 2017 16:26 (UTC+04:00)

First Vice-President of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva met with co-chair of Nizami Ganjavi International Center, former Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga, who is attending the 5th Global Baku Forum, on March 15, Azertac reported.

Mrs. Aliyeva expressed her pleasure to see Vike-Freiberga again in Azerbaijan. She noted the importance of the 5th Global Baku Forum entitled "The future of foreign relations: Power and interests," saying it has already become a global platform.

Praising the activities of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center, Mrs. Aliyeva emphasized its role in promoting Azerbaijan in the world. She expressed Azerbaijan's readiness to support further expansion of the center`s activities.

Vike-Freiberga highlighted the works done towards promoting the center's activities, strengthening its role and increasing the number of its members.

She noted that programs of the Global Baku Forum are expanding year by year and it contributes to better promotion of Azerbaijan abroad.

Vike-Freiberga congratulated Mehriban Aliyeva on her appointment as First Vice-President of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Later, Mrs. Aliyeva met with UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, President of the Friends Association for Children with Cancer ELPIDA and the Marianna V. Vardinoyannis Foundation Marianna Vardinoyannis, who is in Baku to attend the 5th Global Baku Forum.

Vardinoyannis congratulated Mrs. Aliyeva on her appointment as the First Vice-President of Azerbaijan.

She said that Azerbaijan-Greece cooperation is developing in social, educational and healthcare areas. She recalled with pleasure a visit of Mehriban Aliyeva to Greece in 2014.

She thanked the First Vice-President for supporting the activity of the ELPIDA. Vardinoyannis stressed the necessity of exchanging experience in this field, and noted the possibility of further expansion of the relations. She invited Mrs. Aliyeva to attend events in Greece marking the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Greece.

Mrs. Aliyeva said bonds between Azerbaijan and Greece are developing in political, economic, humanitarian and cultural areas.

Mrs. Aliyeva recalled with pleasure her visit to Greece and noted that a concert organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation in Greece aroused great interest, adding it played an important role in promoting Azerbaijan`s culture in Greece.

Mrs. Aliyeva also met with Macedonian First Lady Maja Ivanova, who is participating in the 5th Global Baku Forum.

Mehriban Aliyeva expressed her pleasure to see Maja Ivanova in Baku. She noted that the topical issues are discussed in the 5th Baku Global Forum.

The Macedonian first lady congratulated Mrs. Aliyeva on her appointment as the First Vice-President of Azerbaijan, praised the works she has done and wished her success in her future endeavors.

Highlighting the activities of the center on addressing the social problems of children and women in Macedonia, Mrs. Ivanova hailed Mrs. Aliyeva's experience and noted the importance of cooperation and exchange of cooperation in this area.

Mrs. Ivanova invited Mehriban Aliyeva to pay a visit to Macedonia. Mrs. Aliyeva thanked for the invitation, saying the implementation of joint projects will be fruitful.

They exchanged views on opportunities for cooperation between the two countries in the fields of healthcare, culture and education.

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16 March 2017 12:31 (UTC+04:00)

By Kamila Aliyeva

The Uzbek-Chinese joint venture New Silk Road Oil & Gas Company Ltd will launch arranging and production of gas on the fields of Karakul investment block, located in Bukhara-Khiva region in the second half of 2017, according to the investment program for 2017.

A feasibility study of the project on Arranging the Khojasayat section of the Dengizkul deposit, Khojadavlat and Sharky Alat fields of the Karakul investment block, located in Bukhara-Khiva region worth $377.5 million is approved by the government, according to the document.

The feasibility study envisages that, when reaching the designed capacity, 869.6 million cubic meters of natural gas and 6,400 tons of condensate will be produced annually in the fields.

The China Petroleum Engineering & Construction Corporation (CPECC), a subsidiary of China's CNPC, will be contracted to develop the fields and will carry out the design, logistics, construction and commissioning of infrastructure facilities for the development of gas fields in the Karakul investment block.

Drilling of 11 production wells will be carried out by XIBU Drilling Engineering Company Ltd, while repair and testing of production wells at the Karakul investment block - China National Logging Corporation.

The project will be financed by Chinese loans under the guarantee of China National Petroleum Corporation.

In 2006, China National Oil Development Corporation (CNODC, part of the CNPC structure) signed an agreement with Uzbekneftegaz for geological exploration at five investment blocks within the Ustyurt, Bukhara-Khiva and Fergana oil and gas regions during five years. To implement the project, an operator - CNPC Silk Road Group was created.

In 2011, the Chinese company fully completed the geological exploration program in the amount of 8.9 million linear kilometers of 2D seismic and 1 million kilometers of 3D drilling with 13 exploration wells. The total investment amounted to $260.2 million.

As a result, three fields, promising for industrial gas production, were discovered on the Karakul block. Volumes of reserves of deposits are not yet announced.

In 2013, Uzbekneftegaz and CNODC created on a parity basis a JV New Silk Road Oil & Gas Company Ltd for arrangement of gas condensate fields Dengizkul, Khojadavlat and Sharky Alat (Karakul investment block), opened by a Chinese investor in the course of their own exploration.

Initially, the implementation of the project for development of these fields was planned to begin in 2014, then in 2015 and 2016, but these plans could not be realized.

Currently, in Uzbekistan, CNPC participates in the implementation of the project for construction and operation of Uzbek part of the Turkmenistan-China gas pipeline system.

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Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva

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16 March 2017 12:10 (UTC+04:00)

By Trend

Turkmenistan is interested in discussing the issues related to the participation of Qatars big financial and investment structures in the implementation of transnational Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline project, said Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.

He made the remarks during negotiations in Doha, where the Turkmen president was on a state visit on March 15-16, the Neutral Turkmenistan newspaper reported.

Turkmenistans abovementioned interest was expressed during negotiations with the Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani.

Berdimuhamedov also noted that Qatar is one of leaders on the export of liquefied natural gas.

Qatars experience in this sphere will be very useful for our dynamic economy, said the Turkmen president.

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.

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Ted Berst was born to Amelia and John Berst on Feb. 17, 1920, in Huskins Basin.

Teds father died when Ted was 9 years old. Ted quit school to help feed the family, first by selling newspapers on a Billings street corner, which he had to fight and win in order to keep. He also worked at other odd jobs doing what work he could find during the Depression. At 18 years of age, he joined the Civil Conservation Corps and did many things but was listed as a mechanic. Ted was never without work and had a tremendous work ethic.

At age 21, Ted worked as a ranch hand in Montana. It was here he met the love of his life, Minnie Kober. She worked at the same ranch as a cooks helper. In August of 1941, they were married as Ted was persistent and would not take no for an answer.

Ted worked various jobs during tough times. He was a roofer, bakers helper, broke horses, picked crops, a theater projectionist, butcher, truck driver, farmer, worked in a cannery and a smelter, finally becoming a bar owner of Teds Tavern in Park City, while still farming.

In 1942, daughter Carolyn was born, followed by daughter Sharon, who died in infancy. Three more children would follow: Roger, Bruce and Diana.

Rather than wait to be drafted, Ted joined the U.S. Navy in 1944. He was stationed stateside, where he worked ordinance/ munitions until his honorable discharge Seaman 2nd Class. Ted was very proud of his military service and was a member of the VFW the remainder of his life.

Ted was the last of 15 siblings. Ted is survived by Minnie, his loving wife of 75 years; their children, Carolyn (Frank) Adams of Dillon, Roger (Debbie) of Kiowa, Colorado, Bruce (Tammy) of Casper, Wyoming, and Diana (Wayne) Edwards of Billings, in addition to nine grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren and 12 great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services at 10 a.m., March 21, at Smiths Laurel Funeral Chapel. Interment at Park City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Ted requested donations to the Park City American Legion, Post 100.
16 March 2017 12:57 (UTC+04:00)

By Kamila Aliyeva

Turkeys Permanent Mission to the United Nations on Marc 15 notified the UN of what it said were international law violations committed by the Dutch government, Anadolu Agency reported.

Amsterdam breached the Vienna Convention on consular and diplomatic relations in its conduct towards Turkish Family Minister Fatma Betul Sayan Kaya and mission officials, according to the diplomatic.

Diplomatic passports belonging to Minister Kaya and her team were confiscated by police officers that intervened in a Turkish mission vehicle carrying the minister, said the note addressed to the UN Secretary-General.

The officers then detained her at a police station for 90 minutes before forcibly driving her to the German border, the note added.

Kaya was prevented from making contact to any Turkish mission officials throughout the journey, and Consulate personnel were barred from leaving the building to greet her, according to the note.

It said a Turkish charge daffaires, a consul general, and two foreign service officers were detained and all their belongings confiscated. These actions are in contravention of diplomatic courtesy as well as the fundamental principles of international customary law, the Turkish mission wrote.

The mission requested that the note be added to a UN General Assembly report on protection of diplomatic missions and distributed to all member states.

Minister Kaya, addressing a UN session, spoke of the "inhumane treatment" she endured from the Dutch government.

"The Netherlands violated several European and UN conventions by restricting the freedom of speech and movement of a woman minister who has diplomatic immunity," she said.

Kaya said special operations officers who surrounded her vehicle were authorized to use deadly force and Turkish citizens waiting to welcome her were attacked by police dogs and horses.

"On behalf of my country and all women, I strongly condemn this biased, racist and xenophobic treatment, Kaya added.

Meanwhile, the city council of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality has unilaterally terminated its sister city protocol with the Dutch city of Rotterdam following tensions between Turkey and the Netherlands, Anadolu Agency reports citing a municipality statement on March 15.

The decision came after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said earlier that he asked Prime Minister Binali Yildirim to tell the Istanbul mayor to end the pact with Rotterdam.

Turkey has already announced a series of high-level diplomatic sanctions - which include a ban on the Dutch ambassador and diplomatic flights from the Netherlands  were imposed after Dutch authorities prevented its ministers from speaking at rallies of expatriate Turks, deepening the row between the two NATO allies.

Ankara earlier warned that it may apply economic sanctions against the Netherlands in the near future.

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Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
16 March 2017 16:44 (UTC+04:00)

By Kamila Aliyeva

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that the process of normalization of relations between Moscow and Ankara is not directed against third countries.

Normalization of the Russian-Turkish relations should not be viewed as a process that may harm other countries, he said, adding that Russia has no hidden agenda.

We build no political and no economic alliances directed against third countries or adversely affecting any interests, TASS cited him as saying. In general, we are open for constructive and mutually respectful cooperation with all who express same readiness.

The minister further said that getting the Russian-Turkish ties out of months-long crisis will enhance trust and mutual understanding in the region.

We expect the gradual restoration of bilateral cooperation with Ankara to benefit peace, security and stability in Transcaucasia, Lavrov stressed.

The minister went on to say that nevertheless, Moscow is ready to assist the negotiations of Armenia and Turkey when they begin and would welcome, in particular, the opening of the Armenian-Turkish border.

The minister reminded that the Russian Federation played an important role in thawing relations between Armenia and Turkey back in 2007-2009, but later the normalization process was stopped.

However, it is of fundamental importance that the parties have demonstrated the ability to negotiate and make serious, responsible decisions and I am convinced that Armenia and Turkey are able to resolve the existing problems, as very much depends on them, added Lavrov.

Lavrov noted that Russia will be ready to give Turkey and Armenia the most active assistance when Yerevan and Ankara sit at the negotiating table.

The tension in the relations of Turkey and Armenia is due to Armenia's so-called genocide claims against Turkey and occupation of Azerbaijani territories. That was the very reason due to which the Turkish-Armenian border is closed since early 1990s.

Turkey has repeatedly stressed that the Ankara-Yerevan normalization of ties is impossible without the liberation of the occupied territories of Azerbaijan. Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts.

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Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
16 March 2017 18:07 (UTC+04:00)

By Kamila Aliyeva

The number of cars on Irans roads surpassed 13.36 million in 2014, according to the latest report of the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA).

The figure includes 11.980 million passenger cars and 1.38 million commercial vehicles.

The number of vehicles in use in Iran was 12.679 million in 2013.

The motorization rate increased from 164 in 2013 to 170 vehicles per 1,000 inhabitants in 2014 in Iran, according to the report.

Iran stood at 78th place in the world in terms of motorization rate. The average global motorization rate was 180 vehicles per 1,000 inhabitants in 2014.

The report says that 1.236 billion cars were in use in the world in 2014. The figure stood at 1.188 billion in 2013.

Iran's car output reached 1.165 million units in 2016, according to the OICA. The figure indicated an 18.6-percent rise versus 2015, which is the highest output growth rate among car manufacturers in the world.

The Islamic Republic was the world's 18th biggest car manufacturer in 2016. Irans car industry is the second biggest sector in country after the energy sector, which makes more than 10 percent of GDP.

Over 700,000 people are working in this industry which is equal to 4 percent of workforce of Iran, according to the 2015 data.

Iranian car manufacturers reestablished cooperation with European companies, including Peugeot, Citroen and Renault. This resulted in a strong growth of nearly 151 percent for automotive sector, which ended 2016 as the top performing sector on the Tehran Stock Exchange.

Traditional export markets for Iranian automobiles include Algeria, Azerbaijan, Cameroon, Ghana, Egypt, Iraq, Pakistan, Senegal, Syria, Sudan and Venezuela.

Recently, the Islamic Republic presented certificates to foreign car manufacturers willing to open sales branches in the country.

Some 40 foreign carmakers have already obtained the certificates, while the number can be increased in future. Companies may get licenses facing no limit in terms of the number of cars they would like to import. However, the companies are required to have a 10-year customer services experience in Iran, to be able to sell the production in the market.

Under Iran's major economic development plan, the country has set a goal to boost car output to three million per year by 2025, reducing unnecessary car imports. Central geographic location of the country provides significant growth potential as an export hub.

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Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
16 March 2017 18:00 (UTC+04:00)

By Trend

Important documents in the sphere of tourism were signed in Moscow following the talks between Turkish Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism Huseyin Yayman and Head of the Federal Agency for Tourism of Russia (Rosturizm) Oleg Safonov, Anadolu Agency reported.

This signing will give impetus to cooperation between the two countries, Yayman said.

Yayman, who is in Moscow to participate in the 24th International Travel and Tourism Exhibition, welcomed the steps for rapprochement with Russia.

We are always happy to welcome Russian guests in Anadolu city and we stand for cooperation, including in the tourism sector, Yayman said.

The Turkish deputy minister noted that in 2017, Turkey expects to receive about five million tourists from Russia.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
BISMARCK, N.D.  The North Dakota Game and Fish Department says it will propose an earlier start to the 2017 pheasant season because of a new state law.

The department said Wednesday it will propose Oct. 7 as the pheasant opener. That's one week earlier than what the department had announced previously.

A bill signed into law by Gov. Doug Burgum this week requires North Dakota's pheasant season to open no later than Oct. 12.

Game and Fish Department director Terry Steinwand says the new law means the pheasant season will no longer always open on the second Saturday in October, which has been the case for more than 20 years.

Game and Fish also will propose that the youth pheasant hunting season also open earlier, on Sept. 30 instead of Oct. 7.
While I sat in the cinema previewing, politicians were meeting up in Stormont, searching for meaning and haunted by the ghosts of the past in a long drawn-out process. Much like the character of Maureen played by Kristen Stewart around whom the film revolves.Shes a tortured and empty woman, dissatisfied with her hollow job sourcing clothes for rich clients while grieving the recent death of her brother with whom she shares a medical condition and is desperate to renew a spiritual connection.Maureen dresses in baggy jumpers while ferrying thousands of pounds worth of haute couture garments and jewellery around in branded bags on her moped. Other than a brief moment of cowering when she detects a ghost, Stewarts emotional dial is stuck on glum throughout the film.Writer/director Olivier Assayas takes his film on a meandering and melancholic odyssey through abandoned country houses, Parisian couturiers and a clients high end apartment as Maureen carries out her twin searches for outfits and her brothers soul. Its lonely and remote work: many of the locations are desserted, Maureens client Kyra (Nora von Waldstatten) is always distant or distracted, and even her boyfriend works overseas in Oman.The backstory is revealed at a leisurely pace over 105 minutes. Unfortunately, the film feels at least half an hour longer. Theres a lot of spiritual mumbo jumbo including a novel but frustratingly prolonged episode of being haunted by text message and a nearly comical invisible man sequence that is rudely interrupted by a violent disturbance.The soundtrack is relatively unobtrusive except for its very obvious signposting of imminent terror and moody chamber string sequences that unexpectedly accompany the revving of Maureens moped every time it scoots through the streets of Paris. The fade to white ending  a total contrast to the unusual slow fade to black that signifies the end of many previous scenes  is a total cop out that just adds to the wool shop-sized list of loose ends the audience is meant to leave the cinema mulling over.In the end, the talks up at Stormont may be easier to understand and deliver more comfort and meaning thanwhich at worst is a vehicle for needless titillation at Stewarts body and at best is a poorly executed ghost hunt that successfully sought to avoid being classified as horror. which should perhaps have been titled Shopping for a Ghost  is being screened in Queens Film Theatre from Friday 17 to Thursday 23 March
CODY, Wyo.  When Bonnie Smith first saw three golden eagle nests on a cliff above an ancient American Indian thunderbird petroglyph, she had to wonder if there was a connection.

Was that intentional? she thought. It seems so obvious.

That question has launched her on a search across the Bighorn Basin for other rock art sites depicting eagle-like creatures close to eagle nests, eagle capture sites and fasting beds used by native people before the Euro-American migration west.

Im looking for positive ways to make the correlation in the Bighorn Basin, said Smith, the curatorial assistant at the Draper Natural History Museum in Cody, Wyoming.

The work ties in nicely with her bosss research. Charles Preston is studying golden eagles in the area. He has identified 70 nest territories occupied by golden eagles at least once since 2009.

Special bird

Folklore and myth across many cultures have long conveyed special powers to eagles because of their size, hunting prowess and flying ability.

Descriptions of Sioux tribes building pits to capture eagles for their feathers have been recorded by historians. The feathers were valued for headdresses and were seen as symbols of power for those who possessed them.

They are a pretty special bird, said George Frison, archaeologist emeritus at the University of Wyoming. It was a rite of passage to trap an eagle.

Smith said historical accounts point to the activity as male only, with purification rituals before the hunt began.

This was a holy activity, she said.

Eagle feathers, since they were part of an eagle, aka the thunderbird, were considered a special item, something youd earn the right to use, wear or touch, said Rebecca West, curator of the Plains Indian Cultures and the Plains Indian Museum in Cody. It was not done by just anyone.

West said although some people may look at a feather bonnet as a piece of clothing, it was actually an earned right for a leader, spiritual leader, healers and medicine man or woman.

So its a lot deeper than people think, she said. Its not just for warriors. Thats why its so controversial today when a New York fashion model wears a feather  because its an earned right.

Symbolism

Likewise, eagle-like birds  such as the thunderbird  are depicted across North America, from Alaska and the Northeast to the Southwest. The paintings or etchings often show the bird in profile with wings outstretched and claws extended.

Stylistically they are similar with regional variations, Smith said. Which makes sense when you consider artistic variation in people  differences in technical ability  and the way people view the world is very different.

The thunderbird is so named because the flapping of its wings caused thunder, lightning flashed from its eyes and wind roared from its rapid flight.

The thunderbird is an ancient symbol that goes way, way back with Plains Indian cultures, West said. Its considered to be one of the most powerful creatures. It controlled the weather, thunder and lightning in the skies, and is often shown with symbols of lightning coming out of its talons or eyes.

West said the bird was also seen as a messenger between humans and spirits in the heavens.

So its pretty special and super powerful, she said. It appears on shields and clothing. There are lots of references to the thunderbird.

Legend Rock

Places depicting thunderbirds as well as other rock art were spiritual sites where people would go to make offerings to the gods through rituals, ceremonies and the creation of rock art in hopes of earning favor or goodwill.

I can see people going to Legend Rock, asking for help from the gods, Smith said. They went close to the eagle nests to guarantee they got the message.

Legend Rock is a state park located about 40 miles southeast of Meeteetse, Wyoming, along Cottonwood Creek. Amid the dry, rolling sagebrush hills, sandstone cliffs rise as high as 90 feet above the stream for about three-quarters of a mile. Pecked and incised into the soft rock is a collection of 300 figures, animals, humans and horned, wide-bodied creatures in a style termed Dinwoody. Conservative estimates date some of the artwork to 6,000 years old while others consider the oldest to date back 10,000 years.

You have to look at Legend Rock as a place of power, where people were seeking power, said Julie Francis, an archaeologist for the Wyoming Department of Transportation who has co-authored books on rock art.

Other art at the site dates to as early as 100 years ago, Francis said. The Eastern Shoshone are some of the oldest inhabitants of the region, but the Blackfoot, Cheyenne, Arapahoe, Kiowa and Sioux would have also visited the region. The Crow Tribe, relatives to the Hidatsa tribes along the Missouri River, migrated to the region possibly in the late 1600s.

It was a place people repeatedly came back to, Francis said.

Ancient artists

West said rock art sites are often associated with lone males who have fasted as part of a vision quest, but not always.

To commemorate a successful vision or give thanks to the spirit world, the supplicant then painted pictographs of the guardian spirit or other dream subjects, write James Keyser and Michael A. Klassen in their book, Plains Indian Rock Art.

Mythical looking creatures might refer to Water Woman or water monsters, female spirits that hid in the water and would harm humans, West said.

Even inanimate things like rocks have a life  a life breath and spirit to them, West said. Thats why some images emerge from cracks in the rocks. It was thought that spirits emerge out of these rocks to reveal themselves.

In aboriginal societies, many pictorial expressions were produced and used as parts of rituals and ceremonies, write Keyser and Klassen. Indeed, the process of making rock art may often have been more important than the images themselves.

Francis doesnt discount Smiths theory that thunderbird depictions might be related to eagle nesting or capture sites, even if no eagle capture or fasting sites have been located near Legend Rock.

They could have gone there to seek power even if they captured eagles somewhere else, she said.

Medicine Lodge

Another site that does combine eagle traps, established occupation dating back 10,000 years, rock art and nearby eagle nests is Medicine Lodge State Archaeological Site near Hyattville, Wyoming, on the western slope of the Bighorn Mountains.

There are many closely related sites in that part of the Bighorn Basin, Francis said. Such a large concentration speaks to the religious importance of the area.

Since eagles are picky about where they nest, and will often return to nests again and again, Smith said it makes sense that the same areas may have been used by eagles hundreds if not thousands of years ago. As an example she pointed to a study of gyrfalcon nests in Greenland that showed 2,500 years of occupation.

Although there is still much research to do, Smith said she would like her study to answer questions about what season the petroglyphs were made and document the direction the thunderbirds face. She also wonders how the artists had so much time to create the petroglyphs, which were chipped into the rock in great detail.

Ultimately, by drawing attention to the sites and eagles, Smith is hoping to protect both.
Western American Indian tribes got the hard sell from the White House on Wednesday to back Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch.

Representatives from Montanas Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes met as delegates of the National Congress of American Indians with Trump staff and Western lawmakers to discuss Gorsuch. The Supreme Court nominees Senate hearing is set to begin Monday.

Ryan Rusche and Rhonda Swaney were there for CSKT. Rusche didnt return calls afterward, but CSKT spokesman Rob McDonald said the western Montana tribes decided in February to endorse Gorsuch.

Judge Gorsuchs record demonstrates respect for Tribal sovereignty and understanding of the unique issues facing Indian Country, CSKT said in a statement announcing its endorsement.

Gorsuch picked up his understanding of tribal issues while serving as a federal appellate judge in the Colorado-headquartered 10th Judicial District. The nominee is being promoted as the Supreme Courts first voice from the inland West since the resignation of Justice Sandra Day OConnor, an Arizona resident who retired in 2006.

The 10th Circuit stops south of the Montana-Wyoming border. Montana is in the Ninth District. In his application to the Senate Judiciary Committee, Gorsuch included a ruling concerning the Northern Arapaho Tribe of Wyoming, in which the judge confirmed the religious rights of Andrew Yellowbear, a Northern Arapaho imprisoned for murdering his daughter.

Yellowbear was being denied use of a prison sweat lodge constructed for American Indian inmates wishing to practice their religion. The inmate was in special protective housing because of threats from other prisoners. The sweat lodge was in the prison yard used by the general population. Even a prisoner, stripped of most rights still has a right to worship, the judge ruled. Yellowbear argued that the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act assured him access to the sweat lodge. That act, rooted in the First Amendment right to freedom of religion, needed to be upheld.

Gorsuch called the Yellowbear case one of his 10 most significant rulings. Decisions important to tribes cited Wednesday included a Gorsuch ruling favoring the members of the Uintah and Ouray reservations who were being prosecuted in Utah by non-tribal courts alleging crimes committed on reservation land.

National Congress of American Indian members were joined by Western state lawmakers, including U.S. Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont.

I was really proud that we were at the White House and we had a Montana tribe there, who shared some comments about their support, Daines said.

President Donald Trump did not attend the meeting. Some federal officials were unable to attend in person because of snow travel restrictions and had to teleconference into the Secretary of War Suite where the meeting was held.

Daines said a month ago that he planned to confirm Gorsuch, who needs 60 supporting votes in the U.S. Senate. U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., has committed to giving Gorsuch a fair hearing, but hasnt said he will vote for the nominee.

There are Senate Democrats opposed to Gorsuch and angry because Appellate Judge Merrick Garland, nominated by former President Barack Obama, never received a confirmation hearing. Garland was nominated March 16, 2016 to replace Antonin Scalia who died a month earlier.

Though Obama had a right to nominate a replacement for Scalia, Republicans refused do so until Obama left office.
A bill that would allow communities to vote on imposing up to a 4-cent tax on luxury goods and services in exchange for a minimum 10-percent property tax reduction got a committee hearing Thursday.

Sen. Mike Phillips, D-Bozeman, told the Senate Taxation Committee that his Senate Bill 331 is a local solution to two statewide problems: crumbling infrastructure and increasingly onerous property taxes.

The bill is designed to help local governments begin chipping away at the states $27 billion worth of infrastructure needs, according to the bills language.

It defines luxury goods and services as gift items, luxury items, rental cars "or other item or a service normally sold to the public or to transient visitors or tourists." Under the bill's provisions, communities enacting the local option will decide what to tax, how much to tax (up to 4 percent), and how long the tax will last, proponents said.

In their party platforms, both Republicans and Democrats speak to investing in infrastructure, limiting property tax and the perpetual growth of government and returning control and authority to local governments, Phillips told the committee. SB 331 rests comfortably on both platforms.

Proponents said the bill would allow the 11 million people who visit Montana annually to help pay for some of the infrastructure that they use during their visit.

We are at a point where property tax fatigue is too high, said Bozeman Mayor Carson Taylor. We are paying property taxes for a whole bunch of tourists who are coming to our town.

Steve Arveschoug, executive director of Billings-based Big Sky Economic Development, said infrastructure is critical to attracting workers to Yellowstone County. He said in the coming decade the countys employers will require 35,000 new workers.

Our board is a conservative bunch, Arveschoug said. Part of the reason they support this bill is because every year there is a need for new infrastructure in the community.

I work for a governing body that is anti-tax, said Kalispell City Manager Doug Russell, but they understand the tax system can be more efficient and effective if they have this option.

Billings is doing very well, but we are not doing as well as we could, because growth has costs, Billings Assistant City Administrator Bruce McCandless told the committee. All this bill does is give voters a way to decide how to pay for critical infrastructure.

Billings Chamber President John Brewer said that one million people visit Yellowstone County annually. While theyre in town they spend about $400 million.

We are not typically new tax enthusiasts, he said, but we are a community development builder, and our population is aging as well as our infrastructure.

Among the bills opponents, Brad Griffin, president of the Montana Retail Association, said his group cant support the bill because it exempts online sellers such as Amazon, which he said sold about $400 million in products to Montanans last year.

We cant burden the old economy, he said, while ignoring the new economy.

Others representing utilities told the committee they're opposed to the bill in its current state, but would support it if, for example, it were amended to specifically preclude local governments from enacting franchise fees on utilities.

The committee took no action on the bill.
A new lawsuit claims residents of the Grasslands and Oakbridge developments in Lakeland have been exposed to dangerous levels of radiation left over from the phosphate mining process.

The Drummond company purchased what was called the Poseidon mine in 1978 but stopped mining in 1982. That's when it started developing the property for subdivisions.

Lawsuit seeks class action status on behalf of residents

Drummond company stopped mining in 1982



Read summary of mining reports (.pdf)



Read the complete lawsuit (.pdf)

The lawsuit claims Drummond knew about research that showed higher that acceptable levels of naturally occurring radiation being emitted from the property but developed it for homes anyway. The suit also claims Drummond didn't properly warn residents of potentially cancer-causing emissions that could be in their homes.

"What we are saying is that once they mine the property they should reclaim it, remediate it and if there is a problem with the land, warn about it, said attorney Richard Meadow with the Lanier Law Firm of Houston, Texas. It is one of several law firms filing the lawsuit in Tampa federal court.

The lawsuit names one victim. It is resident John "Jeff" Jerue, who lives in Oakbridge. But the lawsuit seeks class action status on behalf of the other residents of Grasslands and Oakbridge, where about 1,500 homes have been built over the past three decades.

The suit seeks compensation to monitor the health of residents and potentially tens of thousands of dollars a home for remediation work to prevent radiation emitting gasses from getting inside. It also seeks funding to remediate any land with high levels of radiation.

Some residents are not only not concerned about the potential radiation -- they are upset by the lawsuit. They believe it will harm property values more than anything.

"What we are saying is that once they mine the property they should reclaim it, remediate it and if there is a problem with the land, warn about it." - Attorney Richard Meadow

"But for the first five years you are going to have a hard time selling your home, even if it's not accurate," said home owner Carl Lewis.

"The only thing I can say is the publicity over this lawsuit has negatively affected the home owners," said Dr. William Malzone. Malzome said he would have his home tested for radiation producing gas but wasnt too worried. "Theres very little evidence that any harm has been done," he said.

Jim Verplank was the community development director for the city of Lakeland when Drummond first started developing the former mine property. He said there were discussions of the radiation issue. But he understood home buyers were notified and the concrete slabs of homes were designed to minimize radiation from getting inside.

Verplank was so unconcerned about the safety of homes in the development that he purchased a home in Oakbridge and has lived in it for 25 years.

"I've never had it. We have never had an evidence of it," he said about the fear of radiation or proof it was a problem.
State Attorney Aramis Ayala will not seek the death penalty  including for Markeith Loyd  during her tenure as the top prosecutor in the Orlando area, a decision that has outraged law enforcement officers and Gov. Rick Scott.

The newly elected state attorney said Thursday during a news conference at the Orange County Courthouse that "while I currently have the discretion to pursue death sentences, I have determined that doing so is not in the best interests of this community or the best interests in justice," Ayala said.



The decision not to pursue the death penalty has major consequences in Orlando's most high profile homicide case this year, the slaying of Orlando Police Lt. Debra Clayton. Loyd is in the Orange County Jail, facing two counts of first degree murder in the shootings of Clayton in January and Loyd's pregnant ex-girlfriend, Sade Dixon, in December.

"To put it bluntly, law enforcement officers throughout Florida are outraged over the decision that was made in this case," Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings said during a news conference later Thursday. He was joined by Orlando Police Deputy Chief Robert Anzueto and Clayton's husband, Seth.

State Attorney Ayala says she will not seek death penalty while she is in office @MyNews13 pic.twitter.com/01n8nwH9nz  Christina Jensen (@CJensenNews13) March 16, 2017

"We simply want justice in this case, and we are willing to work within the system that is available today, a system we all sweared an oath to serve within," said Demings, who is also the president of the Florida Sheriff's Association.

Demings said Dixon's mother, Stephanie Dixon-Daniels, was not happy with the decision, but she understand the rationale of the state attorney.

She wanted Loyd to die quickly. But she also said the decision was a slap in the face of law enforcement.

Gov. Rick Scott called for Ayala to recuse herself from the Loyd case. When she did not, he issued an executive order removing her and assigning a new prosecutor.

During her news conference Thursday, Ayala spelled out her reasons for "how my office will be handling death penalty cases going forward."



She said there's no evidence that the death penalty protects the public or law enforcement officers and does not deter murder. Ayala said she also has concluded that the death penalty does not give closure to victims' families, and implementing the death penalty costs more for taxpayers than a convict's life sentence.

Gov. Scott: State Attorney Aramis Ayala Must Recuse Herself - https://t.co/dfjViPkbJR pic.twitter.com/SimSVPbs9t  Rick Scott (@FLGovScott) March 16, 2017

Ayala, a Democrat, said Florida's death penalty has created legal chaos and that the community will be kept safe by keeping murderers behind bars.

Her decision came just days after Scott signed a new death penalty bill into law requiring a unanimous jury recommendation.

She said if the death penalty system were "better" in the state of Florida, she would reconsider her decision.

Late Wednesday, Orlando Police Chief John Mina was notified by Ayala by phone that she would not pursue a death sentence for Loyd.

"I was extremely upset. I was furious. If any case is deserving of a death penalty this is the case, this is the case," he said.

In a phone interview with News 13 on Thursday, he said he is extremely disappointed with this decision and will reach out to the State Attorney's Office when he gets back from a business trip to Dubai.

Brevard-Seminole State Attorney Phil Archer also disagreed with Ayala.

"It is up to each State Attorney to decide how they will handle each and every criminal case that comes before them. As State Attorney, we are granted immense power and broad discretion to make those decisions even if those decisions are unpopular or subject us to criticism.

"However, I do not agree with the conclusions about the death penalty that State Attorney Aramis Ayala has made in her statement today and believe the laws of Florida and court decisions have outlined the appropriate use of the death penalty. I want to make it clear to my community that I will continue to seek the death penalty in those cases that I believe are appropriate and where justice demands the ultimate sentence."

My opinion: The decision not to seek the death penalty against the ruthless, cold-blooded repeat killer Markeith Loyd was unconscionable  Mike Chitwood (@SheriffChitwood) March 16, 2017

When asked about why charges were dropped against Zarghee Mayan, Loyd's former employer, and Jameis Slaughter, Loyd's ex-girlfriend, Ayala responded that resources could be better used elsewhere.

When asked how prosecutors with the State Attorney's Office will be able to make plea deals now that Ayala admitted she does not want to pursue the death penalty in her office, she replied, "One thing I think is inhumane is to negotiate life."

Ayala said she was unable to speak to every family member who was impacted by the Loyd case.

Loyd is being held without bond at the Orange County Jail.



Markeith Loyd (Orange County Corrections)
Candidates for any office make lots of promises on the campaign trial. The trick is making good on those promise if elected.

During the 2016 presidential campaign, then-Republican candidate Donald Trump said he would withdraw the United States from the Trans-Pacific Partnership deal.

Once President Trump was in office he did exactly that.

PolitiFact Florida gave the promise a PROMISE KEPT rating on their Trump-O-Meter.

Writer Josh Gillin said President Trump did not waste time keeping the promise.

His first full work day in office, he did sign a memorandum that said we are not going to proceed with this, Gillin said.

Gillin went on to say President Trump isnt the only person who should take credit for pulling out of TPP. Congress did not support the deal under President Barack Obama.

For that reason, President Trumps claim received a PROMISE KEPT rating on the Trump-O-Meter.

SOURCES: Trump-O-Meter rating on TPP withdrawal promise
Spring break has started in the Tampa Bay Area and a late-season cold front has come along with it.

Northerners flock to Clearwater Beach despite cold temps

Spring break booming on Clearwater Beach

Locals, tourists out enjoying the beach

However, that hasnt stopped the northerners from flocking to the beaches.

The weather isnt what most expect from the Sunshine State, but people are still heading out to Clearwater Beach to enjoy their spring break.

Madison Myers and her mother are in town for spring break from Indiana. The beaches aren't exactly what they had in mind, but they are making the best of it.

Its better than what we came from, so Ill take it, said Madison. We left and it was like 20 degrees.

Greg Lore with the Clear Sky Beach Cafe said 2017 spring break on the beach is booming, with not only tourists, but locals too.

The parking garage that they just put in across the street is really helping. A lot of locals from Tampa, Clearwater area, theyre all coming over. Its a lot easier to park than its been in years past, Lore said.

Hopefully the weather gets a little nicer than its been today, but its a great time of year, he added.

For the brave northerners, a little Florida cold spell wont keep them from the spending their spring break on the beach.

Many local students are off this week for spring break, including Hillsborough, Pinellas, Citrus, and Hernando Counties, along with USF.

Next week, schools from Pasco, Manatee, and Polk Counties are off for spring break.
The revised travel order that blocks residents from six Muslim majority countries from coming to the United States has been temporarily blocked by a federal judge.

Federal judge in Hawaii issues temporary hold on revised travel order

Says Government failed to show the order does not discriminate against Muslims

Order blocks residents from 6 Muslim-majority countries from entering the U.S.

PREVIOUS STORY: Trump's revised order bans entry from 6 Muslim countries

U.S. Judge Derrick Watson, a federal judge in Hawaii, issued the ruling Wednesday.

The second executive order by President Trump also suspends the refugee program.

Federal officials had said the order addressed the concerns that led to a block by federal judges around the country.

It did not apply to people who already had valid visas and did not include green card holders.

The new order also removed Iraq from the list of banned countries.

Homeland Security denies the order is a "Muslim ban" and says it's a temporary suspension from nationals that come from "failed states or states sponsors of terrorism" and because of that fact, the U.S. government does not have the procedures to vet them properly.

In his ruling, Judge Watson said the plaintiffs in the case would likely win on claims that the executive order violated the "Establishment Clause" of the U.S. Constitution.

"Because a reasonable, objective observer  enlightened by the specific historical context, contemporaneous public statements, and specific sequence of events leading to its issuance  would conclude that the Executive Order was issued with a purpose to disfavor a particular religion, in spite of its stated, religiously-neutral purpose, the Court finds that Plaintiffs, and Dr. [Ismail] Elshikh [one of the plaintiffs] in particular, are likely to succeed on the merits of their Establishment Clause claim," Watson wrote.

The judge dismissed the government's assertions that the order was not a ban on Muslim travelers because the ban includes all individuals from the six countries listed, and those countries only represent a small fraction of the world's Muslim-majority nations.

"The illogic of the Government's contentions is palpable," Watson wrote. "The notion that one can demonstrate animus toward any group of people only by targeting all of them at once is fundamentally flawed. The Court declines to relegate its Establishment Clause analysis to a purely mathematical exercise.

"Equally flawed is the notion that the Executive Order cannot be found to have targeted Islam because it applies to all individuals in the six referenced countries," Watson continued. "It is undisputed, using the primary source upon which the Government itself relies, that these six countries have overwhelmingly Muslim populations that range from 90.7 percent to 99.8 percent. It would therefore be no paradigmatic leap to conclude that targeting these countries likewise targets Islam. Certainly, it would be inappropriate to conclude, as the Government does, that it does not."

Watson is an Obama appointee and the only native Hawaiian judge serving on the federal bench.

President Trump slammed the decision at a rally in Nashville Wednesday night.

Trump told supporters at the campaign-style event that the ruling was "unprecedented judicial overreach.

"The order he blocked was a watered-down version of the first one," Trump said, as the crowd booed the news.

The president also pledged to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Information from the Associated Press and CNN was used in this report.
A new "stand your ground" bill that shifts the burden of proof to prosecutors passed the Florida Senate on Wednesday afternoon.

Florida Senate passes new 'stand your ground' bill

Bill shifts burden of proof to prosecutors in shooting cases

Similar bill in Florida House is expected to pass

Florida legislative session: Full coverage



SB 128 passed 23-15, largely on a party-line vote. One Republican  Sen. Anitere Flores (R-Miami)  joined Democrats in opposition.

The measure was drafted in the wake of a recent Florida Supreme Court decision requiring defendants charged with gun crimes to make a case for why they should be immune from prosecution under Stand Your Ground.

That ruling, the bill's supporters say, flies in the face of a fundamental tenet of American jurisprudence: that defendants are innocent until proven guilty by the state.

"This bill goes in the direction that it needs to go to assure that our citizens in the state of Florida who are faced with a circumstance where they have to defend themselves don't have to prove that they were defending themselves," said Sen. Greg Steube (R-Sarasota) during a particularly fractious debate." That that burden is on the state and that they have the ability to show that they are innocent unless proven guilty."

State attorneys have warned that shifting the burden of proof to prosecutors could make it significantly more difficult to secure trials for gun-wielding criminals looking to hide behind Stand Your Ground's protections, let alone convictions.

"It places the legal system, and particularly our prosecutors, in a real conundrum," said Sen. Gary Farmer (D-Ft. Lauderdale).

And judges have indicated they're inclined to follow legislative guidance on the judicial application of Stand Your Ground.

Last week, Pasco-Pinellas Circuit Judge Susan Barthle denied legal immunity to Curtis Reeves, who will now be tried on murder charges in the 2014 shooting death of Chad Oulson at a Tampa Bay movie theater. In her decision, Barthle cited the legislature's wording of the Stand Your Ground law.

"That's significant to me, because what we do here matters, and what we do here has consequences," said Sen. Darryl Rouson (D-St. Petersburg).

The expansion bill is expected to easily pass the Republican-controlled House. Gov. Rick Scott, an ardent defender of gun rights, will almost certainly sign it into law, handing Florida's powerful gun lobby another high-profile victory.

"That is an American premise that we have always had in our jurisprudence, that you have the right to defend yourself, no matter what the circumstances are, and I think not only do our soldiers have those rights overseas as they fight in combat, but our citizens have those rights," Steube, an Army veteran, said on the Senate floor.

A recent study by the Journal of the American Medical Association showed "stand your ground" led to an increase in homicides in Florida.
This story was last updated on: 5:59 p.m., Thursday, March 16, 2017.

Gov. Rick Scott is removing Orange-Osceola State Attorney Aramis Ayala from the Markeith Loyd case and assigning it to State Attorney Brad King.

State Attorney Brad King to take over Markeith Loyd case

Gov. Scott removed State Attorney Aramis Ayala

Ayala says her office will comply with the order

READ: Gov. Scott's executive order (.PDF)

PREVIOUS STORY: State attorney's death penalty decision angers police, governor



King is the state attorney for the Fifth Judicial Circuit of Florida, which covers Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Marion and Sumter counties.

Scott announced Thursday that he would reassign the case because Ayala refused to recuse herself, and she refuses to pursue the death penalty against Markeith Loyd.

Here's the statement from Gov. Scott:

Earlier today, I called on State Attorney Ayala to immediately recuse herself from this case. She informed me this afternoon that she refuses to do that. She has made it clear that she will not fight for justice and that is why I am using my executive authority to immediately reassign the case to State Attorney Brad King.

Lets remember, Markeith Loyd is accused of executing a brave law enforcement hero and murdering his pregnant ex-girlfriend, Sade Dixon. Orange County Sheriffs Deputy Norman Lewis was also killed while actively searching for Markeith Loyd following these heinous murders. I am outraged and sickened by this loss of life and many families lives have been forever changed because of these senseless murders. These families deserve a state attorney who will aggressively prosecute Markeith Loyd to the fullest extent of the law and justice must be served.

Ayala said earlier Thursday that she would not seek the death penalty in cases handled by her office because the death penalty system had created legal chaos in Florida. She also said implementing the death penalty costs more for taxpayers than a convict's life sentence.

Ayala also said if the system was "better" in Florida, she would reconsider the decision.

Ayala's decision infuriated local law enforcement and drew harsh rebukes from Florida's Attorney General Pam Bondi and members of the Florida House and Senate as well.

On Thursday morning Scott demanded that Ayala recuse herself from the case:

I want to be very clear, Lt. Debra Clayton was executed while she was laying on the ground fighting for her life. She was killed by an evil murderer who did not think twice about senselessly ending her life. I completely disagree with State Attorney Ayalas decision and comments and I am asking her to recuse herself immediately from this case. She has made it abundantly clear that she will not fight for justice for Lt. Debra Clayton and our law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line every day.

The state attorney's office issued this statement from Ayala:

"At approximately 3:20pm today, I spoke to Governor Scott. I offered to have a full conversation with him regarding my decision about death penalty. He declined to explore [sic] my reasoning.

"I have since learned he issued an Order removing my office from any cases related to Markeith Loyd.

"Upon receipt of any lawful order, my office will follow that Order and fully cooperate to ensure the successful prosecution of Markeith Loyd."
Montana has more at risk than most states as the Trump Administration takes aim at the Environmental Protection Agency.

The legacy of historic mining, mills and manufacturing remains in Buttes Berkeley Pit, 50 billion gallons of water so toxic that it has killed thousands of migrating geese on contact; the Anaconda Smelter site, 300-square miles of mining wastes laden with arsenic and other poisons; Libby, a community sickened by asbestos exposure from a vermiculate mine; the Clark Fork River with 44 miles of polluted waterway in the process of cleanup; and the Columbia Falls Aluminum Plant.

All told, Montana has 16 EPA Superfund sites. Most are west of the Continental Divide, but theres also Mouat Industries in Columbus, Barker Hughesville Mining District and Carpenter Snow Creek Mining District in Cascade and Judith Basin counties.

Last November, EPA held a public meeting to update Lockwood residents about their local Superfund site, the 580-acre Lockwood Solvents site. Chlorinated solvents exceeding drinking water standards have been found in groundwater and soil near Beall Trailers Inc. and Soco West. Because these chemicals pose long-term health hazards, the EPA adopted a cleanup plan in 2005. As of November, the agency said the work would be completed by 2021 at an estimated cost of $14.3 million.

What will happen to the last four years of that work if EPAs budget is chopped 20 percent, as the Trump Administration has proposed in a budget blueprint?

Earlier this month, Missoulian reporter David Erickson compiled a list of Montana cleanups at risk if the EPA is reduced by 3,000 employees under the Trump plan.

That prospect is a grave concern in Missoula where the citys biggest toxic site isnt officially on the Superfund list. Smurfit-Stone was a paper pulp mill from 1957 till 2010. Now its 3,200 acres with tons of chemicals hazardous to humans and wildlife. About 900 acres of the site is unlined ponds used to store wastewater and sludge.

As the Missoulian reported, a few gravel berms are all that separate the Clark Fork River from polluted areas. Residents are concerned that a big spring runoff could cause the berms to fail.

Smurfit-Stone is a proposed Superfund site, but the designation isnt yet final.

Under the Trump budget blueprint, EPA spending would be slashed by $2 billion a year and some grant programs would be cut 44 percent, according to reports first published in the Washington Post.

The EPA is in charge of the Montana cleanups, and works to hold the polluting companies financially accountable.

We need the EPA to have a good legal staff, a good project management staff, and management at the EPA in order to contend with companies of this nature that have the resources to put into resisting cleanup, Peter Nielsen of the Missoula City-County Health Department told the Missoulian.

EPA is a dirty word to many people. But its mission is to protect and restore clean air and clean water for Americans. The anti-regulation crusade in Washington, D.C., threatens to throw out the agencys good work.

Before budget votes are taken on Capitol Hill, Montana Sens. Steve Daines and Jon Tester must listen to their constituents: Crippling the EPA will hurt Montana communities waiting for massive cleanups that will take years. The alternative  doing nothing  leaves local residents holding the bag for messes made mostly by large out-of-state corporations. Polluters should be held accountable, regardless of whos in the White House or which party controls Congress. Montana desperately needs a resurgence of the bipartisan cooperation that enacted our federal clean air and clean water laws.

Theres still much work to do that wont get done without the EPA Superfund.
Agriculture is the foundation of Montanas economy, contributing over $5 billion annually in recent years as the states top industry. With our nearly 60 million acres of farmland statewide, we take pride in our contributions to the state and across the globe. However, just as the world was different even twenty years ago, it is going to be different in the next five, ten, and hundred years down the road. We need to continue to address our current and future challenges by finding new and innovative ways to increase the quality and sustainability of agriculture in tomorrows world.

Despite our states deep roots in agriculture, the challenges facing Montanas farmers are ever-evolving and increasingly demand advanced solutions. In recent years, the value of Montanas crop production has been on the decline. From 2013 to 2014, the value fell a significant 14 percent to just over $2.2 billion. When coupled with lower commodity prices, fluctuating crop yields, and weather changes, the hurdles continue to grow. These challenges stand to negatively impact farmers and consumers here in Montana and worldwide. With over 27,800 ranches and farms in Montana in 2014, chances are a neighbor is being negatively impacted by the constant change that threatens our ability to farm efficiently and effectively.

Everyone can agree that innovation is critical to Montanas economic growth moving forward. From our annual Innovate Montana Symposium to encouraging companies to support new research and development in the state, our communities recognize the value in innovation. A great example is the research and development center by Universal Technical Resource Services, Inc. that was opened in 2010 to find other ways to produce titanium. After years of research and testing, they successfully created a better way of producing titanium  cutting refining costs significantly. This is just one example of how research and development can help Montana take the next step towards a better and more efficient future.

While it is important to focus on the impact of innovation in the obvious industries, such as startups and high-tech manufacturers, it is also important that innovation doesnt stop there. For instance, innovations in farming stand to have a significant impact in coming years. Due to severe weather and drought, there are areas across Montana where agricultural productivity once faced huge challenges. Today thanks to investments in research, farmers are able to grow and protect their crops more easily, while increasing productivity, predictability, and profitability. These advances are leading to higher production with less risk  a key to economic sustainability for farmers.

Just as irrigation solved many agricultural issues, advances in biotechnology and digital farming also stand to make a very positive impact. These types of innovations are only possible with the help of our farming partners  agricultural companies. When seed and crop protection companies work hand-in-hand with farmers to improve farming methods, positive advancements follow.

If we continue to support innovation in our communities, we will no doubt be able to meet the challenges of tomorrow. Not all of our problems will be solved in a day, but with a continued commitment to innovation, agriculture will remain a strong economic foundation for Montana.
Hiking Event at Central Oregon Coast's Cape Perpetua; Forest Road Closure

Published 03/15/2017 at 9:03 PM PDT

By Oregon Coast Beach Connection staff





(Yachats, Oregon)  There is quite a lot happening in the central Oregon coast area around Yachats, especially with the Siuslaw National Forest group. A special hike and talk happens this week, and a forest road nearby is undergoing some changes.

March 18 is the date for a special event on the central Oregon coast. Near Yachats, the Cape Perpetua Visitors Center  almost at the top of the soaring cape  will host a talk about the trails of the cape. The speaker is Loyd Collett, former Forest Service recreation and trails manager, who will detail the history of the construction and maintenance of Cape Perpetua trails, current trail volunteer opportunities, and a new opportunity to contribute to trail management. He'll go in-depth into his experience planning, constructing, and maintaining what would become the world-class trail system now enjoyed by thousands of visitors to Cape Perpetua.

The event happens at 1 p.m.

Then, Joanne Kittel, chair of the Yachats Trail Committee, will join the event. She will present information about Yachats trails and the Amanda Trail, which honors the legacy of Native Americans on the central Oregon coast. The Siuslaw National Forest and Yachats Trails Committee have a dedicated group of trail maintenance volunteers who work to keep Amanda and other trails passable year round. Attendees will learn about volunteer opportunities and trail work projects for the June 3 National Trails Day activities around Cape Perpetua.

Also on the menu for the day are presentations about the work done by Discover Your Northwest to promote public support of Cape Perpetua trails through its new trail donation fund.

After all the presentations are finished, you'll get to join Forest Service field rangers on guided hikes on either the Discovery Loop or Giant Spruce Trail.

The event is free, but a Northwest Forest Pass, Oregon Coast Passport, federal recreation pass, or $5 day-use fee is required within the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area. For more information, contact the Cape Perpetua Visitor Center at 541-547-3289.

Also of interest to visitors to this general area of the central Oregon coast: a somewhat popular forest service road off Highway 34 and Waldport will be closed off much of each week until April 30. Forest Service road 53 will remain shut down on weekdays until that date, as road reconstruction is still in progress.

The road is accessed three miles east of Waldport off Highway 34 via Eckman Creek Road.

The road stays open on weekends, however. The closure will impact traffic from milepost 0.0 (junction with FS 5360) to milepost 4.5 (junction with FS 5300-414). Travelers may access the southern portion of the road from the Yachats area, taking Lincoln County Road 804 to FS 54 (Yachats River Rd.).

For more information on forest roads, contact Lola Coombe, Central Coast Ranger District, at 541-563-8409. Road conditions are regularly updated under the Current Conditions quick link on the Siuslaw National Forest homepage at www.fs.usda.gov/siuslaw. Yachats Hotels - Lodging for this event - Where to eat - Map and Virtual Tour





















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After years of having a K-9 unit, the Bay City Police Department is in no hurry to replace its latest dog, which bit two innocent bystanders in its first two weeks.

One bite victim, a woman who was buying coffee at a convenience store on her way to work, remained Thursday at Houston's Memorial Hermann Hospital, three days after the incident Monday in Bay City, about 70 miles southwest of Houston.

The 3-year-old Belgian Malinois named Rico started working for the department on March 1 and bit a city employee that day, said Lt. Irene Kjergaard, Bay City Police Department spokesperson.

Bay City purchased Rico from US K9 Unlimited in Kaplan, La., which has trained more than 5,000 teams of police dogs and handlers in 28 years of business, owner Roger Abshire said Thursday.

THE NOSE KNOWS: Fort Bend k-9 sniffs out car burglary suspect hiding in pool house

Abshire said he couldn't speculate on what happened in the two bite incidents, but could vouch for the dog.

"All I can tell you is Rico is a great dog," Abshire said. "He was trained properly and is a very social dog. We don't put out unsocial dogs."

US K9 Unlimited prides itself on hand-picking superior dogs and providing excellent training, he said.

Bay City's first bite incident with Rico happened at the city warehouse, where a worker who is afraid of dogs ran when she saw him, Kjergaard said.

RODEO SHOW: Police dogs display power, training in Houston Rodeo competition

"He took off after her," Kjergaard said. The employee received treatment for the bite wound and was released, she said.

At that point, Rico got a week of remedial training with a local trainer who is certified in working with police dogs and did very well, responding appropriately to all commands, Kjergaard said.

On Monday, Rico and his handler were setting out for a trip to Louisiana for a previously scheduled training when they stopped at a gas station.

"The handler opened the door to make sure the dog had enough water for the trip," Kjergaard said. "He reached in to adjust something and the dog got out."

CARJACKING CHAOS: Police dog shot after attacking officer during pursuit of suspects

That's when Rico attacked and seriously injured Jocelyn Amtower, who was getting her morning coffee.

"We were just shocked," Kjergaard said of Rico's inappropriate aggression, which his predecessors never exhibited.

The dog he replaced, Kim, also came from US K9 Unlimited and served the department well for six years, Kjergaard said.

Rico has gone back to US K9 Unlimited and has not returned to service.

"As for our department, we've postponed getting a new dog for now," Kjergaad said.
When I saw the news that Sen. Jon Tester had recently introduced the Blackfoot Clearwater Stewardship Act, I was forced to read the article again. 80,000 new acres added to the Bob Marshall, Scapegoat and Mission Mountains Wilderness Areas, with support from snowmobilers, ranchers, mountain bikers and timber industry representatives? New mechanized trail system? New logging access? Only in Montana could we see such a solution to managing public lands.

As I continued reading, I was encouraged to see that this group of Montanans could come together at a time in our political history where compromise and civility seems more and more difficult. This is a moment when Montana can show the country how were supposed to cooperate with those in our communities.

Theres another group with stake in the BCSA: hunters and anglers. Hunting and fishing are a central piece of Montanas outdoor heritage. The wilderness designations the BCSA proposes would protect vital wildlife habitat for big game such as elk, as well as for sensitive species like grizzlies, wolverine and mountain goats. It also guarantees access to some of our most storied and cherished fisheries such as the North Fork of the Blackfoot and Monture Creek.

I hope that Sen. Steve Daines, and our future congressional representative, will also support the BSCA as an example of what Montana can do when we come together. Personally, I cant wait to explore the proposed new protections on a ski tour next winter. This land is for us all... and the folks in the Blackfoot couldnt have made that more clear.

Schuyler MacDonald

Bozeman
University of Florida Health Jacksonville failed to comply with Medicare billing requirements for 21 of 154 inpatient claims reviewed by HHS' Office of Inspector General for the audit period of January 2013 through September 2014, according to a recent OIG report.

The 21 claims that did not comply with Medicare billing requirements resulted in the 695-bed hospital receiving $63,811 in overpayments, according to the OIG.

Extrapolating from the sample results, the OIG estimated UF Health Jacksonville received at least $273,346 in overpayments from Medicare during the audit period.

Based on its findings, the OIG recommended the hospital refund the Medicare contractor $273,246, exercise reasonable diligence to identify and return any additional overpayments outside of the audit period and strengthen controls to ensure full compliance with Medicare requirements. CMS contracts with Medicare contractors to, among other things, process and pay claims submitted by hospitals.

In written comments, UF Health Jacksonville agreed that 10 of the 21 claims identified by the OIG contained billing errors. However, the hospital did not agree with the OIG's determination regarding the remaining 11 claims.

After reviewing the hospital's comments, the OIG maintained its findings and recommendations.

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Duluth, Minn.-based Benedictine Health System President and CEO Rocklon B. Chapin is retiring. Since 2013, he has served as leader of the health system that provides health and housing services to aging adults.

During his tenure, Mr. Chapin helped move the organization from a holding company model to an operating company model. He was also instrumental in developing a strategic plan that will take the organization through 2020 and beyond. The health system includes approximately 35 campuses in five states.

Prior to joining Benedictine Health System, Mr. Chapin was executive vice president and senior officer for the hospital division of Duluth-based Essentia Health in Duluth. His previous positions include serving as executive vice president and COO at St. Luke's Methodist Hospital in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and senior administrator at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis.

Mr. Chapin is expected to leave his post in January 2018. The organization's board will soon begin the search for his replacement.
Broomfield, Colo.-based SCL Health President and CEO Michael A. Slubowski is leaving for a leadership role at Trinity Health in Novi, Mich.

Here are five things to know:

1. Mr. Slubowski will serve as president and COO of Trinity Health.

2. He joined SCL Health as its leader in 2011.

3. During his tenure, he oversaw the acquisition of Platte Valley Medical Center in Brighton, Colo., and helped relocate the system's headquarters from Lenexa, Kan., to Colorado.

4. Before joining SCL Health, Mr. Slubowski worked at Trinity Health, where he was president of health networks.

5. The SCL Health board is currently working on a transition plan.
Affinity Medical Center in Massillon, Ohio, is laying off employees amid restructuring efforts, according to a report on

"As you know, hospitals routinely adjust staffing to current patient volumes. These adjustments impact a small percentage of the overall workforce," Susan Koosh, vice president of marketing and community relations at AMC, said in an emailed statement to Becker's Hospital Review. She added: "The hospital will continue to deliver the same level of high-quality care that patients, their families and the community have come to expect."

Ms. Koosh did not provide an exact number of employees affected by the job cuts. However, workers told IndeOnline.com licensed practical nurses, orderlies, lab technicians, secretaries and administrative workers, among others.

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A Harlowton man who admitted distributing meth after law enforcement found a variety of drugs at his residence will spend nearly six years in federal prison.

U.S. District Judge Susan Watters on Thursday sentenced Dustin Alec Hagberg, 36, to 70 months in prison, which was the low end of a range that went to 87 months. The judge ran the sentence concurrent to a three-year state sentence on a drug conviction.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan McCarthy recommended a guideline term saying investigators found meth, marijuana and mushrooms in Hagbergs residence in which there also were young children.

Assistant Federal Defender Gillian Gosch said a five-year sentence would be adequate punishment. Hagberg, she said, was self-medicating as a way to cope with a brain injury and pain he suffered earlier in an assault.

Hagberg pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute meth.

An investigation began after Hagberg called 911 on April 9, 2016, for help when his girlfriend became unconscious after taking psychedelic mushrooms, McCarthy said in court records.

While responding to the medical emergency, Wheatland County sheriffs officers observed a spoon and white residue on a table and got a search warrant for the residence. The initial search led to the sheriffs office requesting help from the federal Drug Enforcement Administration, which applied for another warrant to search more of the property.

The second search turned up three ounces of meth, 148 grams of marijuana, 86 psychedelic mushrooms, prescription pills, digital scales and small plastic baggies, McCarthy said.
Redonda Miller, MD, MBA, has served as president of Baltimore-based The Johns Hopkins Hospital since July 1, 2016.

She is the first female president in the hospital's 128-year history. Most recently, Dr. Miller was senior vice president for medical affairs for the Johns Hopkins Health System and vice president of medical affairs for The Johns Hopkins Hospital. Dr. Miller earned her MBA from Johns Hopkins University and her medical degree from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

On Wednesday, April 19, Dr. Miller will give a keynote speech at the Becker's Hospital Review 8th Annual Meeting. As part of an ongoing series, Becker's is talking to healthcare leaders who plan to speak at the conference, which will take place April 17 through April 20 in Chicago.

To learn more about the conference and Dr. Miller's keynote, click here.

Question: If you could eliminate one of the healthcare industry's problems overnight, which would it be?

Dr. Redonda Miller: We have an amazing healthcare system in our country, but addressing significant problems could result in better efficiencies and care for patients. If I could improve one problem overnight, I'd choose the issue of soaring drug costs. We've seen voluminous increases in drug costs, and those increases adversely affect everyone. First and foremost, they affect our patients. Even individuals with "good" insurance are paying increased costs through higher premiums. As hospital administrators, we're also impacted. If we treat patients without insurance, we, naturally, assume at least some of the costs of their care, including prescription costs. In Maryland, which operates under a unique insurance payment system with fixed annual revenues for hospitals, those increased drug costs also place an extra burden on our budgets as they aren't always compensated appropriately. It's an area that needs to be addressed as we work to rein in our healthcare expenditures.

Q: What does it mean to you to be the first female president of The Johns Hopkins Hospital?

RM: My career at The Johns Hopkins Hospital has progressed naturally  from clinical practice to positions of increasing responsibility. So my appointment felt like a natural next step for me, no matter my gender.

I do realize women make 80 percent of healthcare decisions in the United States, and also that women hold about three-fourths of healthcare jobs. But the number of women who hold healthcare CEO positions is significantly lower. I'm thrilled to join what is a growing number of women CEOs in healthcare and believe my experience will serve as an example for women and girls who are interested in science, healthcare and medicine. I hope my journey offers inspiration for others.

Q: What's the best decision you've ever made? What's the worst decision you've ever made?

RM: Without a doubt, the best decision I've ever made was the decision to interview at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine 29 years ago. I grew up in Ohio and initially planned to attend medical school there, but a friend suggested that, with my grades, I should consider attending Hopkins, one of the preeminent medical schools in the nation. I was accepted and never left. I love Hopkins; it has become my home. The best part of Hopkins is that it is not only collegial, but dedicated to innovation and the drive for excellence. Both are not only encouraged, but a way of life here.

As far as my worst decision, I once was in charge of leading an initiative with significant time constraints. I compiled a team and left out the person I knew would be negative. After the initiative was complete, it became clear that the person I left out had incredibly valuable comments to offer. I learned a great deal from that experience. When you need to compile a team of decision-makers, you need to have a variety of perspectives and points of view at the table. If you do that, you will come to a more intelligent, well-informed decision.

Q: You've served as president since July. What would you consider your greatest accomplishment in the time you've held your position?

RM: My biggest accomplishment to date was helping build the executive team. At The Johns Hopkins Hospital, due to a variety of circumstances, all good, six positions on the C-suite team turned over: the CEO, the CNO, the COO, the CMO, the CFO and the vice president for HR.

Although some of the searches were already underway, my first task as president was to assemble the new executive team. I believe in my heart that what makes an organization great is the people. You must carefully choose leaders, and I look for bright, collaborative, energetic individuals who are dedicated to our core mission. Once you populate that senior team with the right people, everything trickles down from there.
House Republicans' American Health Care Act is slated for changes as it continues its legislative journey. That's what House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., declared Wednesday after a private meeting of Republican legislators, The Washington Post reports.

House Speaker Ryan said GOP leaders would "incorporate feedback" from House members into the proposed legislation, including their responses to the Congressional Budget Office's score of the AHCA, according to the report.

"Now that we have our score we can make some necessary improvements and refinements to the bill," he said.

House Speaker Ryan's remarks came about a week after the AHCA made it through the House Energy and Commerce and Ways and Means committees. They also came one day before the House Budget Committee approved the ACA replacement proposal. The full House will take up the measure later this month.

"As the Speaker has repeatedly said, this bill will work its way through regular order and while the structure will remain intact, modifications will happen during the legislating process," AshLee Strong, a spokesperson for House Speaker Ryan, said in the report. "But the reality remains: Members will face a binary choice to either vote for a bill that can pass or vote for Obamacare status quo."

For more on this story, including remarks from Vice President Mike Pence, read

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On a call with House leaders, President Donald Trump said he is willing to make modifications to the American Health Care Act so the bill is more palatable across the Republican Party, Politico reports.

He expressed support for allowing states to require Medicaid beneficiaries to be employed to receive benefits and including provisions to deregulate the insurance industry, according to the report. A "person briefed on the call" said the discussion focused on how to improve the bill so it could get enough votes to pass, according to the Politico report.

House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., told Fox News the call focused on how to execute the bill and get it passed. "We talked about dividing up labor, who does what, and how do make sure we just basically stick the landing and get it done," Speaker Ryan said. "We were just talking about details  details about the kinds of changes we are looking at, details about the legislative process, our timeline, our deadline. It was basically just a status check."

Republicans are currently divided on approval of the legislation. The Hill's tracker of Congressional opinion on the bill shows 13 Republican members of the House are currently against the bill and 20 representatives' opinions are unclear or uncertain. To pass, no more than 21 Republicans can vote against the bill in the House, assuming all Democrats vote against it, according to The Hill. Numbers in the Senate are equally divided. The tracker shows one Senator currently against the bill and 19 who are uncertain. However, Senate Republicans can only afford two no votes for the bill to still pass, according to The Hill.

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Health Management Associates, a New York City-based healthcare consultancy group, has signed an agreement to acquire SVC, an Indianapolis-based consulting firm owned by Seema Verma, who was recently confirmed as administrator of CMS.

Following the acquisition, SVC will become a new HMA subsidiary, called HMA Medicaid Market Solutions, and will continue to advise state and federal agencies, health plans and health systems on approaches to serving Medicaid beneficiaries.

"We are pleased to welcome the employees of SVC to the HMA family," said HMA founder and President Jay Rosen. "This immensely talented group has extensive experience working closely with state officials and others in various states, including Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky and Ohio to design and implement innovative Medicaid solutions that advance alternatives to traditional Medicaid."

At the helm of SVC, Ms. Verma helped design the Healthy Indiana Plan  the state's version of Medicaid expansion under the ACA that requires beneficiaries to maintain health savings accounts and pay premium contributions. Indiana received a waiver from the Obama administration to implement the program, nicknamed HIP 2.0, in 2015.

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Registered nurses at Baystate Franklin Medical Center in Greenfield, Mass., have authorized a potential walkout amid contract negotiations, according to a Boston Business Journal report.

The 200 nurses, represented by the Massachusetts Nurses Association, voted overwhelmingly Monday in favor of the option to strike for one day, the union said in a news release.

"Nurses voted to authorize their bargaining committee to call a one-day strike because they want to provide the best possible patient care in a safe environment," Donna Stern, a psychiatric RN and chair of the BFMC RN Bargaining Committee, said in the release.

She added: "Even on the day of the strike vote, there were only two RNs in the emergency room in the morning when there needed to be four to five. There were only two nurses in the mental health unit for 19 patients  so each nurse was responsible for caring for nine or 10 patients at the same instant."

The nurses are in the process of negotiating a new contract. Their last one expired in 2016, according to the report.

Nurses recently held a rally to air their concerns. They also filed six federal unfair labor practice charges with the National Labor Relations Board, accusing hospital owner Springfield, Mass.-based Baystate Health of engaging in illegal bargaining practices.

Still, key sticking points remain, including staffing and benefits, the Boston Business Journal reports.

BFMC expressed disappointment in Monday's vote and called it "inconsistent with our leadership's good faith efforts to address issues collaboratively," according to the report.

BFMC also addressed staffing in a statement, and said increased wages and a competitive benefits package have been on the table for nurses, according to the report

"We don't believe that the MNA's long-running effort to force hospitals to maintain rigid staffing ratios is the right response to the major changes taking place in healthcare, nationally, regionally and in our community," the hospital said in a statement. "We are firmly committed to providing care that is based on each patient's individualized needs with the right resources at the right time and place."

Both sides are expected to return to the bargaining table Thursday, the report states.
Philadelphia-based Temple University Hospital will not receive the $1.63 million it sought for treating a patient injured in a May 2015 Amtrak crash in Philadelphia that left eight dead and 43 injured, a federal judge ruled Wednesday.

The hospital, which administered care for 14 passengers injured in the derailment, initially filed a lawsuit against Amtrak in May 2016, claiming the two Amtrak-hired companies  Russell Reimbursement Advisors and MCMC  paid $2.75 million for services provided to 13 of the passengers but denied payment for a 14th patient, philly.com reports.

The remaining passenger was covered by Medicare, which would have reimbursed Temple $269,469 for the patient's care, according to the report. However, U.S. District Court Judge Legrome Davis said in a memorandum Temple did not render the Medicare claim within the appropriate timelines designated for reimbursement.

Judge Davis concluded Temple "had three opportunities and ample time to plead a plausible case against Amtrak, RRA and MCMC, but [did] not [do] so," the opinion states, according to philly.com.

In a statement to the publication, Temple said it "is entitled to receive the full amount of payment that the parties agreed to in writing for the lifesaving services" and it is "evaluating next steps."
Anthem CEO Joseph Swedish requested changes to the GOP's ACA replacement plan in a conversation with the Trump administration Tuesday, according to Bloomberg.

Mr. Swedish spoke with President Donald Trump and HHS Secretary Tom Price, MD, about parts of the American Health Care Act he thinks should be "enhanced." Those parts include ensuring the continuation of federal subsidies offsetting premium costs and sufficient funding for Medicaid, Anthem's CFO John Gallina told investors Wednesday, the report states.

The Indianapolis-based insurer's CEO also discussed provisions of the legislation Anthem favored, like repealing the ACA's health insurance tax, according to the report.

The meeting follows Mr. Swedish's letter to the House's Energy and Commerce Committee and Ways and Means Committee March 9, which highlighted "critically important" provisions put forth in the AHCA, including establishing the Patient and State Stability Fund, repealing the ACA's health insurance tax, maintaining the ACA's cost sharing reduction subsidies and allowing the use of tax credits for health plans sold off public exchanges. Both committees have since approved the AHCA.

Mr. Gallina did not say if President Trump and Mr. Swedish discussed the insurer's appeal of the court's decision to block its $54 billion merger with Bloomfield, Conn.-based Cigna, according to Bloomberg.
CMS Administrator Seema Verma and HHS Secretary Tom Price, MD, are sending a message  they are ready to reform Medicaid.

Just hours after Ms. Verma was sworn into office Tuesday, the CMS and HHS chiefs sent a letter to state governors declaring a commitment to improved collaboration on Medicaid programs and calling for Medicaid waivers. In addition to making the waiver process more transparent and efficient, the agencies plan to "fast-track" approval of waivers and waiver extensions.

Medicaid expansion under the ACA to nondisabled adults without children "was a clear departure from the core, historical mission of the program," by providing increased funds for this population, rather than the most vulnerable, Ms. Verma and Dr. Price wrote. "[T]he ACA provided states with an incentive to deprioritize the most vulnerable populations. The enhanced rate also puts upward pressure on both state and federal spending," they wrote.

To better allot funds, the letter urges governors to focus on several key areas of improvement in their Medicaid programs. Some of those areas include:

1. Adding employment requirements. Ms. Verma and Dr. Price made a commitment to approve state Medicaid waivers that require beneficiaries to have jobs or be in job training to qualify for benefits. The Obama administration denied waivers that included such provisions, according to The Washington Post.

2. Aligning the program more closely with commercial insurance. The letter suggests states reform Medicaid to better prepare beneficiaries for private insurance in the future through several reforms like adding monthly premium payments and emergency room copayments to plans. This structure also aligns with the plan Ms. Verma helped design in Indiana.

3. Providing better substance abuse care. Ms. Verma and Dr. Price committed to building on efforts to enhance tools to address the opioid epidemic. Recent efforts include regulatory changes allowing states to make managed care capitation payments for patients who stay 15 days or less in Institutions for Mental Disease, according to the letter.

"We intend for this to be the beginning of a discussion on how we can revamp the federal and state Medicaid partnership to effectively and efficiently improve health outcomes. We look forward to partnering with you in the years ahead to deliver on our shared goals of providing high quality, sustainable, health care to those that need it most," the letter concludes.

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The following payers made headlines this past week, beginning with the most recent.

1. Grady Memorial Hospital, BCBS of Oklahoma reach in-network agreement

Chickasha, Okla.-based Grady Memorial Hospital reached a preferred provider organization agreement with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma.

2. Northwest Healthcare, UnitedHealthcare negotiations stall as contract termination looms

Tucson, Ariz.-based Northwest Healthcare and UnitedHealthcare in Minnetonka, Minn., reached a contract impasse that could affect thousands of patients' in-network access to Northwest's services as early as May 1.

3. Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center, BCBS of Idaho reach agreement

Idaho Falls-based Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center and Blue Cross of Idaho in Meridian signed a contract this month to provide in-network coverage to certain BCBSI policyholders seeking emergency and referred services at the medical center.

4. DOJ urges appeals court to uphold decision to block Anthem-Cigna deal

The Department of Justice and attorneys general from 11 states and the District of Columbia recommended the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia uphold the decision to block Anthem's $54 billion merger with Cigna.

5. Blue Shield California wants to develop 'preferred' pharmacy network

Blue Shield California proposed benefit changes for commercial plans next year that would force consumers to pay more to fill prescriptions at pharmacies outside of an established network.

6. 3 things to know about Aetna's price tag for failed Humana merger

Hartford, Conn.-based Aetna shouldered several costs following the insurer's decision to scrap its $37 billion merger agreement with Louisville, Ky.-based Humana after a court ruled the deal anticompetitive in January.

7. Humana, Fresenius partner for national ESRD program

Louisville, Ky.-based Humana and Fresenius Medical Care North America in Waltham, Mass., launched a program aimed at improving health outcomes for Humana policyholders with end-stage kidney disease.

8. Tenet, BCBS of Texas sign multi-year agreement

Dallas-based Tenet Healthcare inked a multi-year contract with Richardson-based Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas ahead of the agreement's April 15 termination date.

9. Anthem CEO: AHCA addresses immediate challenges facing individual market

Joseph Swedish, CEO of Indianapolis-based Anthem, said certain proposals outlined in Republicans' ACA replacement bill, the American Health Care Act, are "essential and must be finalized quickly" to address issues in the individual insurance market.
Three elderly women treated for eye disease at a clinic in south Florida suffered severe and permanent damage to their vision after having stem cells injected into their eyes.

Physicians who treated the women's eye injuries after the procedures documented the situation in a journal article published Wednesday in The New England Journal of Medicine and covered by The New York Times.

Here are seven things to know.

1. The women, who were 72, 78 and 88 years old, suffered from macular degeneration, an eye disease that causes vision loss. Prior to the treatments, all three could see well enough to drive, according to the Times.

2. All three experienced detached retinas after the experimental procedure. Physicians who later examined the women believed the injected stem cells had grown into the retina and then contracted, thus pulling the retina off the eyeball. The injuries left the 72-year-old completely blinded, while the 78-year-old and 88-year-old permanently lost a significant portion of their eyesight.

3. The stem cell injections were administered at a private clinic in Sunrise, Fla., which was part of U.S. Stem Cell, a company formerly known as Bioheart. Each woman paid $5,000 a piece for the injections.

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4. The stem cells injected into the women's eyes were isolated from fat extracted from the same women's bellies via liposuction.

5. Kristin C. Comella, the chief science officer of U.S. Stem Cell, told the Times the clinic did not require approval from the Food and Drug Administration to conduct the procedures because the women were being treated with their own cells. Ms. Comella said the clinic no longer treats eye conditions.

6. All three women came to the clinic after seeing the treatment listed by U.S. Stem Cell on clinicaltrials.gov. Two of the women later told physicians they believed they were participating in research sanctioned by the government.

7. Thomas Albini, MD, an author of the NEJM article who treated two of the patients' injuries at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, told the Times his team alerted the FDA about the issue. While Dr. Albini said an investigator was sent to the clinic, the Times could not confirm with an FDA spokesperson if such an investigation was conducted.

"The really horrible thing about this is that you would never, nobody practicing good medicine would ever do an experimental procedure on a patient on both eyes on the same day," Dr. Albini told the Times.

To read the complete report in The New York Times, click here.

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HAVRE  The Chippewa Cree Tribe is holding back assistance payments and scaling back its workforce on the Rocky Boy's Indian Reservation after a judge ordered the tribe to pay at least $25 million to a company that developed the Northern Winz Casino in Box Elder.

Tribal Chairman Harlan Baker posted a letter on the tribe's Facebook page Tuesday announcing the cutbacks,

The Havre Daily News reported Baker said BEH Gaming Ltd. was only supposed to collect money from casino accounts, but that it took money from a number of tribal accounts "many of which were completely zeroed out."

"We have fought and we are going to continue to fight this on behalf of the tribe in this case," Baker wrote. "We are working diligently to protect all of our financial resources from BEH.

District Judge Dan Boucher on Feb. 14 ordered the tribe and the Chippewa Cree Development Corp. to pay Florida-based BEH more than $20.62 million principal and interest on a 2006 loan.

The tribe and its online lending company Plain Green were ordered to pay another $4.56 million on a 2011 promissory note.

BEH Gaming filed its lawsuit against the tribe in September 2014 seeking just over $18 million.
Switzerland-based Medacta International has tripled the impact of resident donations to Rosemont, Ill.-based Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation, allowing the foundation to provide investigators with the resources they need to conduct studies.

Here are five things to know:

1. Medacta pledged to match resident gifts two-to-one, increasing from its previous commitment of one-to-one. The program encourages residents to engage in charitable giving early on in their careers and prioritizes OREF in their philanthropy.

2. The Medacta Challenge has raised over $150,000 for OREF since it began in 2015. Medacta Executive Vice President Francesco Siccardi and Eric Dremel, president of Medacta USA were named to OREF's Visionary Research Society after each contributed $20,000 to OREF's Research Fund.

3. Mr. Siccardi said, "We believe the next big innovation is always just around the corner and are excited that our expanded partnership with OREF will make already generous resident contributions even more impactfulThis partnership drives Medacta and OREF's shared goal of providing the best possible care to improve the lives of patients around the globe."

4. Funding may be used to support orthopedic trauma, total joint arthroplasty and soft tissue repair and regeneration research.

5. Medacta has prioritized orthopedic research and training since its founding in 1999, promoting surgeon education and providing physicians with the tools they need to succeed since.

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The U.S. Attorney's Office has joined the investigation of Swedish-Cherry Hill's neurosciences institute in Seattle, The Seattle Times reports.

Here's what you should know.

1. Swedish Interim CEO Guy Hudson, MD, MBA, wrote a memo to the staff, noting the institute will "cooperate fully to ensure that we are living our values and upholding the highest standards."

2. The Seattle Times reports a Swedish spokesperson currently has no information about whether the federal investigation is criminal or civil.

3. The Department of Health has already launched an investigation into two complaints filed against former Swedish Neuroscience Institute Chair Johnny B. Delashaw, MD, in the past 12 months. Dr. Delashaw resigned from his post on March 1, 2017.





4. On Feb. 10, 2017, The Seattle Times published an investigative report into Providence Health & Services Swedish-Cherry Hill hospital's spine and neurosurgery services. The report revealed the health system decided to overhaul Cherry Hill's neuroscience program to treat more high-risk patients. The invasive brain and spine procedures generated around $500 million in net operating revenue in 2015 as well as saw higher Medicare reimbursement per inpatient visit than any other hospital of its size.





5. Shortly after on Feb. 20, 2017, Anthony Armada left his post as CEO of Seattle-based Swedish Health Services..




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Jeremy Corbyn accused ministers of "holding back the industry" and of being reluctant to intervene to support the automotive sector

Britain's carmakers must be granted full, barrier-free access to the European single market after Brexit, Labour demanded after talks with unions and workers in the industry.

Jeremy Corbyn accused ministers of "holding back the industry" and of being reluctant to intervene to support the automotive sector.

The industry faces a challenge from Brexit, with many manufacturers having complex supply chains which involve components travelling back and forth across EU frontiers.

As well as full single market access, Labour's plan for the industry's future involves bringing supply chains back to the UK, giving wo rkers a voice in any new takeovers and improving employment rights.

The Opposition also urged the Government to adopt an approach of buying British to help firms based in the country.

Labour leader Mr Corbyn said: "We called this meeting because there is a real risk that this Government is going to let squeamishness about state intervention get in the way of giving the automotive industry and auto workers the support and protection they deserve.

"The Government is holding back the industry, adding to uncertainty for thousands of families.

"Labour is committed to doing everything we can to support the automotive sector and those who work in and rely on it, as part of our plan to rebuild and transform Britain."

Nissan announced in October that it was investing in the production of new Qashqai and X-Trail models at Sunderland after receiving Government assurances that EU withdrawal would not affect the plant's competitiveness.

But in a sign of concerns in the industry the car giant's s enior vice-president Colin Lawther told MPs in February it would be a "complete disaster" if the delivery of parts to its giant Sunderland plant was disrupted by customs checks as a result of the UK leaving the European Customs Union (CU).
Prime Minister Theresa May's claim that "no deal on Brexit is better than a bad deal" is not an option for Northern Ireland business, an economist has warned.

Rain Newton-Smith, from the CBI, told members here yesterday that the worst-case scenario - trade agreements reverting to World Trade Organisation (WTO) tariffs - would leave local businesses worse off.

She said: "This idea that if there's no deal we're happy with we would just walk away will not work."

Ms Newton-Smith warned the move could cripple industries that rely heavily on cross-border trade, such as agriculture.

In some sectors, exports across the Irish border are as high as 70% of sales, and certain products would face tariffs of 36%.

The senior economist, addressing the Northern Ireland CBI annual economic summit in Belfast, said a lack of parameters and a failure to adhere to EU regulations would also cause issues for exporters down the line, arguing it was better to have "upfront commitments" made.

She added: "Around 34% of the UK's exports in bread, pastries and cakes are destined for Ireland.

"Amazingly, 75% of our total exports in milk and cream are also destined for Ireland - and a lot of that is coming from Northern Ireland.

"I think that says a lot about how interconnected the UK economy, and the Northern Ireland economy in particular, is with Ireland. That's why we've tried to get across that this idea of the UK walking away from the EU with no deal really isn't an option for businesses.

"If we were to fall into WTO tariff arrangements, agricultural products would be facing tariffs of around 36%. But actually, it's not just around tariffs, it's also around how we recognise each other's regulations.

"In the airline industry we need to have some recognition of health and safety requirements, so that planes are able to fly across European airspace.

"There are some very practical things we will need to have some recognition of, so that we don't end up with these sort of cliff edges at the end of a deal.

"Here in Belfast, in many ways, you really are at the epicentre of some of the issues that are going to hit the UK economy over the next few years."

Ms Newton-Smith said a growing Chinese middle-class would become more important to exporters in a post-EU UK. "The sorts of things that the rising middle-class in Asia will be looking for are some of the things the UK has a comparative advantage in, from financial services to healthcare to pharmaceuticals to media to culture to higher education and some of the more luxury, branded products," she added.

"Since the referendum, in some ways, one of the only effects so far has been the weaker exchange rate, and what that has meant is that when we look at our manufacturers the weaker exchange rate is making them feel more competitive.

"In our surveys our manufacturers feel at their most competitive in many years when it comes to exporting."

She also pointed out that the UK was likely to see more volatility in the exchange rate of the pound in the future.

Ms Newton-Smith added: "Many businesses have said that they have hedges which last around six months, but a lot of those are coming to an end now.

"I think, particularly in the retail sector where there's a lot of competition, retailers are waiting to see who's going to blink and move first when it comes to raising prices. That will change how the economy feels for a lot of consumers as we move forward."
Sir Tony Robinson and Les Dennis led the tributes.

Sir Tony Robinson has led tributes to former Emmerdale star Tony Haygarth who has died aged 72.

He described the star as a gentle man and a fine actor after the news of his death on Friday, following a three-year battle with Alzheimers disease.

According to the BBC, Mr Haygarth died surrounded by his wife, Carol, and two daughters, Becky and Katie.

TVs Les Dennis also paid tribute and sent condolences to his family.

Mr Haygarth, who played Mick Naylor in the soap between 2008 and 2009, also starred in The Royal, Dalziel and Pascoe, Casualty, Midsomer Murders and Doctors, as well as the 1992 mini series of The Borrowers.

He was also known for voicing Mr Tweedy in the 2000 animation, Chicken Run.

As well as being liked by his colleagues and co-stars throughout his career, he also made an impact on viewers and neighbours.
Set at the dawn of time, Eddie Redmaynes character will face off against Tom Hiddlestons evil tyrant.

Eddie Redmaynes prehistoric character in a new film from the makers of Wallace and Gromit has been revealed in a first-look teaser trailer.

The Oscar-winning actor voices Dug, a courageous caveman hero who belongs to a hapless tribe in the stop-motion animation Aardman comedy Early Man, which is set for release in January 2018.

Set at the dawn of time, the forthcoming film also stars the voice work of Tom Hiddleston as Dugs enemy Lord Nooth and Timothy Spall as Chief Bobnar, along with a host of other British acting talent including Maisie Williams, Richard Ayoade, Johnny Vegas, Mark Williams and Selina Griffiths.

Dug and his tribe must unite to protect their Bronze Age city against the wrath of the evil Lord Nooth.

In the teaser, Dug is seen on a hunt with his sidekick Hognob, before he is forced to chastise members of his tribe who have followed him while playing mood-setting music.

Director Nick Park, the creator of Wallace and Gromit, Shaun the Sheep and hit film Chicken Run, said: Today we get to meet Dugs tribe, a loveable bunch of misfits voiced by some exceptional British talent.

Theyre essentially a group of inept cavemen and women including Treebor, played by Richard Ayoade, a gentle giant scared of his own shadow; Magma, Treebors no-nonsense mother voiced by Selena Griffiths, and Mark Williams as Barry, whose best friend is a rock.

Chief Bobnar, voiced by the brilliant Timothy Spall, leads the pack as their long-suffering leader, and father figure to his tribe of idiotic brutes.

Filming is currently taking place in Bristol and the project continues the partnership of Aardman and StudioCanal following 2015 film Shaun the Sheep.

Early Man is to be released in UK cinemas on January 26 2018.
Programme Name: The Missing series 2 - TX: n/a - Episode: n/a (No. n/a) - Picture Shows: Julien (TCHEKY KARYO) - (C) New Pictures - Photographer: Robert Viglasky

Fans of the hit series The Missing will be pleased to hear its creators are back with a new offering.

The sibling writers behind hit BBC series The Missing are to return with their most ambitious drama yet.

Eight-part series The Widow, written by the Bafta-nominated screenwriters Harry and Jack Williams, will follow a woman who has cut herself off from her previous life.

Haunted by her past, Georgia Wells is pulled back to face the world and learn the truth of what happened to her husband when he worked in Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The show has been commissioned by ITVs head of drama, Polly Hill, who said: Harry and Jack really are masters of complex emotional and unpredictable storytelling.

The Widow is a brilliantly relevant, contemporary story that constantly surprises and I am delighted to have it on ITV. I think it will be a real treat for our audience.

Harry and Jack Williams said: We love working with Polly and were so excited shes put her faith in us again for our most cinematic and ambitious series yet.

The series will go into production during the winter of 2018 across Wales, Africa and the Netherlands.

The second series of The Missing, which aired at the end of last year, followed French detective Julien Baptiste  played by Tcheky Karyo  who came out of retirement to piece together the mystery of a missing girl.
The actress warned against the rise of nationalism and hatred.

Actress Angelina Jolie has stood up for the United Nations, saying that the imperfect global body needs both reform and support.

A special envoy for the UN refugee agency, she decried a rising tide of nationalism masquerading as populism, and the re-emergence of policies encouraging fear and hatred of others during a speech in Geneva on Wednesday.

Saying she was speaking as a proud American and an internationalist, Angelina said some politicians were elected partly on the basis of dismissing international institutions and agreements.

She did not mention US President Donald Trump.

Angelina addressed a ceremony honouring Sergio Vieira de Mello, the UN envoy to Iraq who died in a 2003 bombing attack in Baghdad.
The Government has ruled out introducing Irish border checkpoints after the UK leaves the European Union.

Unionists have welcomed Brexit Secretary David Daviss proposal for the UK to adopt technology to cover the movement of goods between Northern Ireland and the Republic.

But Sinn Fein MLA John ODowd said Mr Davis attempt to reassure people that there would be no hard border in Ireland was laughable.

It came two days after Sinn Fein MEP Martina Anderson made a speech to the European Parliament in which she said Prime Minister Theresa May could stick the Irish border where the sun dont shine.

Mr Davis yesterday gave evidence to his Westminster scrutiny committee about the future of the UKs only land frontier with an EU state.

He said: It is not going to be easy, it is going to cost us money, a lot of work on technology, to put border controls in but without having border posts  but that is what we intend to do.

Mr ODowd poured scorn on Mr Davis plan.

He claims there will be a digital border and that his government will develop the technology to manage it. But given his governments track record of trying and failing to develop bespoke computer systems his comments will not reassure anyone, he said.

And his comments are all the more ridiculous because it wont be up to Britain to decide what any EU border will look like.

That decision will be taken by the 27 member states.

Mr ODowd added there was a genuine fear across Ireland over a hard border and called for a special designated status for Northern Ireland in the EU.

However, DUP MP Jeffrey Donaldson welcomed the proposals and accused Sinn Fein of acting like doom and gloom merchants.

It is rather ironic that its Sinn Fein who are talking up the prospects of a hard border and the UK government and unionists talking about a soft border, he said.

I think Sinn Fein need to explain themselves here why theyre not advocating for a soft border instead of running around like doom and gloom merchants and talking up the idea of a hard border.

He continued: Are we going back to the old days of Sinn Fein creating straw men so that they can then pretend to be the champions of nationalism to knock them down?

Ulster Unionist MP Tom Elliott said he too welcomed the idea of a digital border, insisting any issues could be overcome.

There always will be worries and anxiety about the border till they see it in operation, no matter people say at the moment, but I dont think any of them are insurmountable, he said.

Mr Elliott also urged the Irish government to use its influence in Europe to ensure flexibility on the border issue.

Businesses north and south are unanimously opposed to a hard border following Brexit, with long queues for paperwork checks envisaged akin to the 1980s during the Troubles.

Tour operators, hoteliers, business leaders and farmers are among those concerned about the implications if no special deal is struck between the UK and the Republic.

Mr Davis insisted the two governments and the European Commission understood the value or reaching an agreement.

He added: We are not going to do anything which jeopardises the peace process.

The Brexit Secretary noted excise duty differences on goods moving between north and south were already dealt with in a subtle fashion.

He said the same system for sending goods between Belfast and Dublin could also control trade between the UK and a city like Rotterdam in Holland.

Freedom of movement between the UK and Ireland is currently covered by the UKs 1949 Ireland Act, which sees Irish citizens living in the UK treated as non-foreign.

Mr Davis said this may be reviewed post-Brexit but added: What we will aim to do is pretty much identical to the 1949 Act, which gives effectively citizenship rights to the citizens of each country.

Earlier, the Northern Ireland Hotels Federation warned MPs that around 1,000 hospitality workers who cross the Irish border for work every day could be affected by Brexit. Chief executive Janice Gault said uncertainty around the future is the biggest factor facing the industry and reimposing controls would send out a retrograde message.
A republican band has been urged to ensure that no paramilitary trappings are on display when it takes part in a St Patrick's Day parade.

DUP representatives have asked members of the Julie Dougan Memorial Band not to damage community relations in Lurgan on the march this Friday.

Julie Dougan is believed to have died "on active service" for the IRA in 1972.

Carla Lockhart MLA said: "The St Patrick's Day parade in Lurgan, organised by the GAA, should be a family-orientated day with no links to paramilitary trappings, symbols or memorials of paramilitaries.

"The GAA promotes itself as an inclusive organisation and should adhere to that, particularly when organising an event of this nature.

"The message should be clear from all sections of our community that paramilitarism should not be glorified or promoted in any way.

"Having represented Lurgan for over 10 years this damages the good relations work that has and continues to take place in the town.

"I am outraged that a St Patrick's Day parade is tarnished with such trappings."

David Simpson MP added: "I am saddened to learn that a band who remembers an IRA member is allowed to take part in a parade which should be open for the entire community.

"However, I have been liaising with the police on this matter. They have given assurances that there will be no paramilitary emblems on display.

"They also made clear that robust action will be taken if there is a breach of the terms and conditions of the Parades Commission or if there is any anti-social behaviour on Friday.

"Allowing the community to come together is important and it is vital that the real reason why St Patrick's Day is celebrated is recognised."

This is not the first controversy surrounding a St Patrick's Day band parade.

Last week, calls were made for the Orange Order to ban a flute band that honours a loyalist linked to a triple sectarian murder from marching in a St Patrick's Day counter parade.

The inclusion of the Noel Clarke Memorial Flute Band in the Lisburn parade was branded an "insult to victims".
The Tullycarnet branch of Bridges Family Practice will shut at the end of April

A GP practice in the Tullycarnet area of east Belfast is due to close next month leaving hundreds of patients to find alternative services elsewhere in the city

A Belfast GP surgery is set to shut its doors next month, joining a string of others across Northern Ireland facing turmoil as the healthcare crisis deepens.

The Tullycarnet branch of Bridges Family Practice will close at the end of April, with patients in the deprived area expected to travel through the city to a sister surgery for appointments.

Doctors at the practice applied to close the branch as far back as December 2015 amid concerns the mobile surgery, which opens two mornings a week, was not up to standard.

No nursing services or treatment room were available at the Tullycarnet branch, so patients already had to travel for routine procedures like blood tests, dressings and injections.

Midwifery appointments as well as smear tests and minor surgery had to be carried out at the practice's main surgery more than three miles away.

Green councillor Dr Georgina Milne said: "If investment had been directed towards the Tullycarnet facility, as opposed to letting it run down and degrade, perhaps we would instead be celebrating the opening of a new, state-of-the art surgery in Tullycarnet that would enable patients to access healthcare in their community. It's a disgrace that people now have to make the difficult, costly and time consuming journey from Tullycarnet to inner east Belfast just to access healthcare from their family doctor."

A spokesperson for the Health and Social Care Board said the practice was liaising with local pharmacies regarding prescription collection and continuing to provide house visits to help minimise the impact on patients, adding that the option was open to register with two alternative surgeries.

The HSCB said: "We understand that the change or closure of services including GP services can be difficult for residents.

"However, we want to reassure both residents and local representatives that within the immediate area of Tullycarnet and the greater Belfast area, there continues to be good access to GP services for all residents."

Doctors at the surgery said in a statement: "Bridges Family Practice, after careful consideration, made the difficult decision to close the branch surgery.

"We work alongside our nursing and pharmacy colleagues on site at the main surgery to provide ongoing care."

Thousands of patients across Northern Ireland are currently being relocated to surgeries outside their areas or depending on temporary contractors for care.
Long-term residents in south Belfast's main student area are bracing themselves for the annual St Patrick's Day celebrations tomorrow.

A heavy police presence will be deployed across the Holyland area in a bid to contain rowdy over-flowing house parties.

Residents, however, remain hopeful that the presence of PSNI and Belfast City Council officers will help prevent a repeat of the chaotic scenes witnessed over the years.

Off-licences across the trouble hotspot have also agreed to open for only part of the day.

Most agreed to open from 9am to 4pm and remain closed for the rest of the day.

A number of off-licences said they experienced a busy day yesterday, with a constant flow of customers who they believe were "stock-piling" for tomorrow's celebrations.

While most of the area remained quiet yesterday evening, a small number of people were seen walking the streets with bottles of alcohol.

Some local universities have issued warnings that any students involved in anti-social behaviour are at risk of being expelled.

A spokeswoman for Ulster University said that while no students have been expelled in the last year, some 145 students were disciplined and one man was suspended.

The university received 595 complaints in the last academic year and 53 students were fined for low-level anti-social behaviour.

The spokesperson said: "We are working closely with the PSNI and Belfast City Council to support them as they enforce the relevant on-street drinking, noise and anti-social behaviour legislation in the area. Although we are aware of increasing numbers of non-students who travel to the Holyland area each year, we have clearly communicated the risks of engaging in anti-social behaviour to our students."

Ray Farley, chairman of the Belfast Holyland Regeneration Association, said that St Patrick's Day parties started in the area earlier this week.

"Some parties were taking place on Tuesday night and by 9pm four police Land Rovers were in the area," he said. "The problem with St Patrick's Day is that you get a lot of other people coming into the area.

"Whether that's students' friends, family and blow-ins but it means there's not an easy way to control them."

He said plans are in place to contain parties before they get out of control.

"When people realise there's too much police presence they will hopefully remain calm as they have to understand that it may be fun for them but not for anyone else," he said.

"I would also like to see more prosecutions happening. In the last academic year there was fewer than 10 people convicted for on-street drinking."

Michael McMahon, who owns M&M Property Services and is a landlord in the area, said students are given a "bad name", blaming outsiders for the problems.

"I've been here for the last 30 years and have seen residents either moving on or passing way, there's very few left of them," he said.

"This is the student village and over 95% of houses are occupied by students. People are coming here because there is an expectation something will happen or there will be a party on Friday.

"Students don't get themselves into bother. There is a perception that it's them who causes problems, but it's not, it's people coming into the area."
Three Northern Ireland businessmen have been sentenced to 15 months imprisonment suspended for three years for their role in selling and supplying bogus goods.

Gary John McGeown, John Paul McGeown and Peter Doran all pleaded guilty at Newry Crown Court to conspiring to defraud consumers and businesses. The trio ran a business which traded as Electricity Saver Ireland and operated from Abbey Street, Armagh.

An investigation involving the PSNI and the Department for the Economys Trading Standards Service discovered that the business sold and fitted devices which they claimed would save users up to 25% off electricity bills. The business also referred to numerous testimonials from satisfied customers which were fictitious.

Forensic testing of the devices revealed that they did not deliver any savings and that they amounted to little more than pieces of plastic. However, the defendants managed to persuade their customers that there was a science behind how the devices worked and that they represented value for money. The court heard how customers had paid between 200 and 7,500 to have the devices supplied and fitted. Devices were supplied to farmers, bars, restaurants and even nightclubs.

The court heard that the defendants had been reckless in their activities and had failed to carry out any independent tests on the devices which had been manufactured in India. Between 2009 and 2013 the businessmen had turned over 275,000 in sales.

Richard Knipe, Trading Standards Service said: The laws of physics would have to be rewritten for these devices to have worked in the manner claimed by the defendants. Probably the best way of saving money on your electricity bill still remains to be turning electrical devices off.

Detective Chief Inspector Ian Wilson said: The victims in this case were the loyal customers of Electricity Saver Ireland who handed over their hard-earned money for these fake devices which claimed to reduce electricity bills by 25%. In reality, the devices were found to result in a maximum saving of 0.8% and in some cases actually used 1% more electricity when installed.

When the police were made aware of concerns about them being sold by Electricity Saver Ireland, we conducted an investigation together with Trading Standards Service. This involved having the devices examined by Forensic Science Northern Ireland as well as a University Professor who found that the equipment did not provide the promised reductions.

As a result of the joint investigation, the fraudsters pleaded guilty to the offences last year and not only have they received suspended sentences for their crimes, they are also now subject to a Proceeds of Crime Confiscation Investigation aimed at recovering monies from the scam which could be used to compensate their victims.
A former Director of the Northern Ireland Prison Service has been accused of "misleading" Stormont's Justice Committee and "prostituting himself to the media" in an industrial tribunal.

The claims about Paul Cawkwell emerged during an industrial tribunal brought by the former Deputy Governor of Maghaberry Prison, Gary Alcock, against the Department of Justice.

Mr Alcock is alleging that he was treated unfairly because he was also the Chairman of the Prison Governors' Association (PGA), subjected to "threatening" behaviour by Mr Cawkwell, and subsequently removed from his Maghaberry post.

On the first day of the case, it emerged that Mr Alcock had secretly recorded a meeting between himself and Mr Cawkwell on December 11, during which he claims he was threatened by Mr Alcock because of his trade union role.

On the second day of the hearing yesterday, Mr Alcock said the meeting he had secretly recorded had been "one of the most shocking I have had in my service."

Mr Alcock referred to testimony which Mr Cawkwell gave to the Justice Committee on November 18, 2014, regarding the closure of a security grille at Maghaberry jail, which he claimed had been referred to on the secret recording but was not heard in court.

Mr Alcock claimed: "The Director of Operations admitted they were seeking to mislead the Justice Committee in relation to Roe 4 (a landing in a wing of Maghaberry). He is admitting in the transcript to prostituting himself to the media."

Regarding the decision to close a security grille on a landing in Maghaberry, Mr Alcock said that this decision was referred to the then-Director General of the Prison Service, Sue McAllister.

He denied a suggestion by counsel for the Department of Justice that it had been his decision and not Mrs McAllister's.

"It was a decision far above me given the political and perhaps the community implications," he said.

Mr Alcock alleges that an "unambiguous" threat was made to him by Mr Cawkwell in this meeting.

He said: "I refer to the transcript: 'If you can't separate Maghaberry business from your PGA role you cannot stay at Maghaberry.' That to me is a very clear threat: either be quiet on Maghaberry issues or you're moving on."

When counsel for the DOJ put it to Mr Alcock that there was "tension" between the two roles, Mr Alcock replied that he didn't believe there should be "friction, threats or tension between the two."

Mr Alcock then claimed that he was "banished from the Prison Service" and moved to an office in Belfast City Centre "to ensure I was silenced and excluded from those who it was my right as a trade union representative to represent".

Mr Alcock claimed that trade union members' access to him as an official was "significantly restricted and intentionally so".

A DOJ representative put it to Mr Alcock that secretly taping the meeting was a "breach of trust" and that he was "holding the recording as a threat", which he denied.

Mr Alcock said it was a "protective measure by a senior trade union official who is being bullied, who had been threatened."

Counsel for the DOJ then referred to a Criminal Justice Inspectorate report on Maghaberry, describing it as "damning."

He said that the entire senior management team at Maghaberry, bar one person, had been removed because of the CJI report rather than because of union membership.

Mr Alcock contended that other members of the management team had been moved within the Prison Service, while he was "removed from the Prison Service".

He said he had turned down alternative roles offered to him by the DOJ because he felt it was an attempt to have him "voluntarily remove myself from the Prison Service and my role in the PGA".

Under cross-examination, Counsel for Mr Alcock asked Mr Cawkwell about the evidence he had given to Stormont's Justice Committee regarding the locking of the security grille at Maghaberry.

Mr Cawkwell said he had been "absolutely torn" when giving evidence about the closure of the grille, as the drive within the Prison Service to "normalise the relationships in dissident republican sections" meant getting the grilles unlocked.

He stated: "If I had said anything to the Justice Committee about this it would have been selling out the Deputy Governor at that time.

"I knew Maghaberry was brittle, the staff were brittle."

Mr Cawkwell said his testimony was also based on keeping "the balance between the perceived power of the prisoners" and that of the staff.

He said he had been "very surprised" at the decision to close the grille, but that "I understood why once it was taken so I supported it".

Counsel for Mr Alcock suggested Mr Cawkwell had given "false testimony" to the Justice Committee, but he denied this.

"The decision had been made and if I was looking at the after effects we had got away with it but it was not a risk I would have taken," he replied.

"The opinion I gave to the Justice Committee was after the decision had been taken and I was able to evaluate the reaction in person regarding the staff and prison and it seems we got away with it.

"There are no right or wrong decisions in prison.

"Was it a decision I would have taken? No."

Counsel for Mr Alcock said Mr Cawkwell was "prepared to say whatever is expedient and give false testimony," which he denied.

The tribunal continues.
Locals and expats gather for vigil after death of Danielle McLaughlin

Locals and expats gather for vigil after death of Danielle McLaughlin

Expats, backpackers and locals gathered at the scene of the brutal murder of an Irish woman in India for a solemn ceremony to pay their respects.

The crowd of around 100 people paid tribute to murdered Donegal woman Danielle McLaughlin in the remote field in Devbagh, Canacona.

The ceremony, which involved some local traditions, took place on Wednesday evening and concluded with a chilling rendition of Bob Marley's 'No Woman No Cry'.

The 28-year-old's remains were discovered at the spot on Tuesday morning by a local farmer.

The victim had injuries to her head and body and police are investigating if she was raped.

One man Vikat Bhagat (23) has been arrested in connection with the murder and police say he has confessed to her killing.

Suresh Velip, head constable at Goa Police, said a man remained in custody after being arrested on suspicion of murder.

Mr Velip said Ms McLaughlin's body was found in a remote area near Canacona on Tuesday morning.

The head constable said a post-mortem examination had been carried out, but he declined to disclose any details of the findings.

The suspect is expected to appear in court in Canacona at some stage.

Local journalist Abel Barretto said that following the killing he appealed on an expat Facebook page for friends of Ms McLaughlin to come forward and help with the investigation.

As a result of this one person travelled to the scene and identified her remains.

However he said his attempts were met with some criticism: "A few Facebook tigers started commenting on the post itself saying that the poster is inhuman etc.

"Then I had posted that they shouldn't try to be heroes on the Facebook be real life heroes.

"So the same day about 10 foreigners came to the police station and staged a peaceful demonstration.

"As a follow up of this, a vigil was arranged at the crime scene on Wednesday 5.30 pm.

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"A lot of speakers expressed grief and some looked terrified.

"The last song they sang was 'No woman, No cry' by Bob Marley."

Discovery

Local media reported the former Liverpool John Moores University student was discovered unclothed and she had marks on her head and face.

It is believed that she bravely tried to fight off her attacker, as a police report said there were nail injuries on the body of the suspect.

A man has been arrested and a post-mortem examination will determine if sexual assault charges are to be brought.

Andrea Brannigan, the victim's mother, said: "The family would like to express our thanks to all who have got in touch since receiving this awful news.

"As you can expect we are finding it very difficult at this trying time.

"We want to thank the Irish and British consulates, along with Colin from the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust, and many friends who have assisted at this time.

"Danielle will be sadly missed by us all."

Danielle was the eldest of her five daughters.

Ms McLaughlin grew up in Buncrana, Co Donegal, and moved to the UK where she studied and worked in Liverpool before travelling for a time in Australia.

She had returned to her home town before setting off to India on a backpacking adventure last month.

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On her own Facebook page, dated February 22, Ms McLaughlin posted: "Thank you to all my friends and family for making home so special and always looking after me. I am very grateful and the luckiest person I know...Off on another adventure..."

Dozens of people posted tributes on the social media website.

One said: "Sleep peacefully Danielle, my thoughts are with your family and loved ones. The horrors you have suffered are over x x x".

Another wrote: "Love you Danielle, you had the most beautiful soul."

It is understood her body will be released for repatriation on Thursday. A fundraising page to help with the costs has been set up with over 30,000 euro raised.

A family friend is expected to accompany her body home to Ireland.

The Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin said Ms McLaughlin was travelling to India under a British passport.

"It has been confirmed that the woman travelled to India using a British passport, so the local British consulate has the lead responsibility in terms of dealings with the Indian authorities," a spokesman said.

"The Irish Embassy is liaising closely with the British authorities and an Irish consular official is travelling from New Delhi to Goa."

In 2008, British teenager Scarlett Keeling was found dead on Goa's popular Anjuna beach.

The 15-year-old drowned after allegedly being plied with drugs.

Two men, Samson D'Souza and Placido Carvalho, were cleared of raping and killing her by an Indian court last year.
A new lead prosecutor has been granted permission to take over a murder case following the resignation of his predecessor in what was described as a "highly unusual and unprecedented" move.

As a result, the Crown Court case against a Belfast man, his wife and brother on charges arising from the murder of 31-year-old Christopher Mackin five years ago has been adjourned until after the Easter break.

Mr Justice Treacy was told yesterday that lead prosecutor Terence Mooney QC has pulled out of the case "for professional reasons". Mr Frank O'Donoghue QC told the Crown Court that he had been asked by the Director of Public Prosecutions to take over as chief prosecutor in the case against Charles Stephen Valliday (45), his 40-year-old wife Julie Ann, and Valliday's brother, James John Valliday (51).

Mr and Mrs Valliday, originally from Powerscourt Place, Belfast, deny murder and possessing weapons and drugs. James Valliday, from Springfield Meadows, Belfast, denies assisting offenders.

Applying for the adjournment, Mr O'Donoghue said he had been brought in "completely cold" and asked for some time to review the case.

Earlier he had told the court that Mr Mooney, the previous lead prosecution counsel had, as he understood it, reached the conclusion that he could no longer act in that capacity and had informed the Public Prosecution Service.

Mr O'Donoghue said the Director later explained to him that Mr Mooney had "come out of the case for professional reasons".

Agreeing to the adjournment until next month, Mr Justice Treacy said it was "an unusual, and as indicated as Counsel observed, an unprecedented move".
Darwin Martin with Ifor who was 3rd in his class at Crufts

Darwin Martin (left) with Ifor who was 3rd in his class at Crufts and handler Paul Burke with Crufts Kerry Blue Junior Dog Winner, Gealgorm Dorcha Errigal, Erik, also owned by Darwin

Tails have been wagging all across Northern Ireland after multiple wins at the world famous Crufts competition.

At least five local competitors have now come away with first place prizes, ahead of other prize pooches from across the globe.

Last week, 16-year-old Scarlett Burnside from Saintfield came first in two categories - one with her Alaskan Malamute Ethan for own breed, junior male class and another in the international junior handling finals with a dog she had only met that day, a pointer named Babs.

Now proud owners from Banbridge, Belfast and Londonderry have added to Northern Ireland's reputation for top dogs.

Darwin Martin, a Banbridge based dog breeder co-owns three Terrier dogs - Erik, Ifor and Griff - with dog handler Paul Burke from Downpatrick.

They were stunned when Erik won first place for junior dog in the Kerry blue class. "Erik did very well," said a delighted Mr Martin. "He was the baby of the class at 10 months and only qualified to get in by a few days.

"He's a fantastic dog who has already had several best in shows in Ireland so we've high hopes for him in the future."

Erik was judged on his movement and features like his coat, colour and teeth.

Ifor also came within sniffing distance of victory after finishing third overall in the puppy section for Welsh terriers.

"The first place dog came from Canada which shows how big the competition is," explained Mr Martin.

"In all, there's about 23,000 dogs that compete at Crufts so it's quite an honour to even be placed let alone to win anything."

Also celebrating wins were Belfast's Gerry Daly and his daughter Alison - they won best puppy dog and best bitch puppy with their Kerry blue terriers Comanche Boy and Alice Be Lucky.

Harold Quigg from Londonderry also won first prize in the best bitch category with his Irish Terrier, named Maggie.
Translink is planning to pilot the bi-lingual destination screens on its Londonderry City services.

Translink is planning to pilot the bi-lingual destination screens on its Londonderry City services.

Translink has opened a public consultation on more Irish language destination screens for place names on buses.

This is already in operation in west Belfast. Translink is planning to pilot the bi-lingual destination screens on its Londonderry city services with both English and Irish

Subject to consultation they will begin on the Slievemore Route, with potential to expand to other routes in the city.

Translink said the initiative is a way to "celebrate traditional place names in the city and their meaning".

Translinks service delivery manager at Foyle Street Alan Young said: I would urge as many people as possible to express their views during this six week consultation period which runs until April 30 2017. We want to hear as many views as possible and this important feedback will inform our decisions."

He added: This initiative is a way to celebrate traditional place names in the city and their meaning, while also helping to support local tourism through a unique visitor experience.

"It is proposed to pilot the initiative on Slievemore Route FY12, as it is the busiest Ulsterbus Foyle city service. If successful, there is potential to roll out to other routes across the City.

Translink said the initiative supports Derry City and Strabane District Councils commitments to celebrate cultural and linguistic diversity and to "promote equality of opportunity for all".

Translink says 14% of the population in Derry have a knowledge of the Irish language and that the initiative is in a bid to support "key objectives and principles set out in the European Charter for Minority or Regional Languages".

The consultation is available here
Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams has initiated defamation proceedings against the BBC over a Spotlight investigation.

The case is being taken in the High Court in Dublin, it has been learned.

The programme investigated the killing of Denis Donaldson (55), a former Sinn Fein official who was exposed as a British spy, having worked for M15 for two decades.

The Belfast man was shot dead at his isolated cottage near Glenties, Co Donegal in April 2006.

The Spotlight programme was broadcast in September last year.

The man who made claims about Mr Adams said he was a paid state agent in the IRA.

Mr Adams indicated at the time that he intended to sue the BBC.

The proceedings were initiated on Tuesday and Mr Adams is being represented by high-profile defamation lawyer Paul Tweed, of Johnsons Solicitors.

Sinn Fein referred a request for comment to Mr Tweeds office last night. However, Mr Tweed was unavailable.

At the time Mr Adams vehemently denied the claims made in the broadcast.

He attributed them to elements within the British system of trying to undermine him and his party.

We have to look at whats behind this agenda, he said.

The person who made this allegation  an anonymous, unnamed, self-professed agent of the British state. So whose agenda is that serving? This is an attempt to rewrite history.

There are elements within the British system who will never be reconciled with the fact that we have got a peace process and that Sinn Fein are in the leadership of that process, along with others.

The BBC has previously stated it stands by its journalism, but no comment was forthcoming from the broadcaster last night.

The dissident republican group the Real IRA claimed responsibility for Mr Donaldsons murder in 2008.

No one has ever been prosecuted in connection with his death.
Average room rates in Dublin jumped by 16.44 (15.27), or 14.7%, to 128.27 (119.14) a night during 2016

Trinity College Dublin has voted to remain neutral on a united Ireland.

A series of polls have been carried out across Irish campuses this year, with University College Cork, NUI Galway and University College Dublin all voting for their Student Unions to support Irish unity.

But 55% of voters in Trinity have instead opted for their union to remain neutral on a united Ireland, The University Times reported.

Out of a turnout of 2,157 students, 1,184 voted in favour of TCDSU remaining neutral on the issue, while 927 voted for the SU to support a united Ireland. Some 44 students voted to not support a united Ireland.

The result of the 'preferendum' - which gave three options of neutrality, reunification or to oppose unification - is not binding.

Olly Donnelly, a member of the Neutrality campaign told trinitynews.ie: "We're over the moon. It was an incredibly hard-fought campaign for both sides. Ultimately we think everyone should be proud of the discussion that happened. We hope that this result means that Trinity can continue to have this discussion in a positive manner in the future."
'I got on phone straight away ringing the fire brigade and then I heard screaming'

A heroic Dubliner who rescued a toddler from a house fire has been left searching for somewhere new to live.

Tommy Lawler (42) was living in a flat on Mountjoy Square when a blaze broke out, destroying many of the apartments in the buildings.

Mr Lawler, who lived on the ground floor, was able to escape through his back window and then rescued the little girl using an abandoned couch.

The fire broke out in the basement of the apartment building on February 23 and quickly spread through three buildings. Eight people had to be rescued by fire crews.

Mr Lawler who managed to escape shortly after the fire broke out told his story to Joe Duffy on RTE's Liveline on Wednesday.

On the morning of the fire which broke out around 7am he was preparing his lunch for the day.

"The alarm went off, I smelled something I thought it might have been smoke and when I opened the door a rush of smoke came in," he said.

"I grabbed my coat, my wallet, my passport and my phone and I left through the back window. My flat was on the ground floor at the back of the building so it was easy for me to get out.

"I got on phone straight away ringing the fire brigade and then I heard screaming," he told Independent.ie

"There was a couple in the flat above mine screaming 'help us, help us we can't get out and we have a child with us'."

Thinking on his feet Mr Lawler used an abandoned couch as a makeshift ladder to reach the window, where a couple and their little girl were trying to escape.

The couch was unsteady when he reached the window.

"The mother and father dropped the child into my arms straight away," he said.

After some maneuvering with the toddler, who was beginning to panic Mr Lawler managed to bring them both to safety on the ground.

"Out of the other buildings a couple came out and I handed the baby to the woman and said 'get her out of here quick'," he said.

He and the baby's dad, who had climbed out of the window were then able to help the baby's mum.

They then escaped to safety through one of the adjoining buildings.

All of Mr Lawler's belongings were destroyed in the fire.

"The place was destroyed... everything was gone either destroyed by fire, smoke or water had to tear down the walls in my flat," he said.

Mr Lawler, who is a mature student, is now struggling to find a new house and is staying with his sister.

The saturated housing market means he is competing with too many other house-hunters in any place he views.
Ireland's premier has rebuffed Nigel Farage's call for him to apologise to President Donald Trump for accusing him of using racist language.

During the US election campaign, Enda Kenny characterised comments made by the Republican candidate as "dangerous and racist".

Mr Kenny will have his first face-to-face meeting with Mr Trump in the White House on Thursday.

In a radio interview on Wednesday, former Ukip leader Mr Farage, a friend of the president, said the Taoiseach should start discussions in the Oval Office by saying sorry.

"How much more insulting can you be than to call someone racist?" Mr Farage told RTE.

"I think he needs to apologise."

Mr Kenny rejected Mr Farage's remarks.

Enda Kenny explains that a person who uses racist language is not necessarily racist pic.twitter.com/mQx4CujiGy  TheJournal Politics (@TJ_Politics) March 15, 2017

He also insisted that his comments about Mr Trump referred to his use of language and not his personality.

He said it "did not follow" that characterising someone's language as racist meant you were accusing them of being a racist.

"Well I haven't come to America to answer to Nigel Farage," he said.

"I am the leader of the Irish government and very proud and privileged to be so.

"I am responding to an invitation sent by the president of the United States and I am very happy to go to the White House tomorrow and to continue the traditional connection between Ireland and the United States, symbolising the contribution the Irish people have made over many centuries, our place in America and the fact we want to continue with that.

"So I have nothing further to say in respect of comments made by Mr Farage."
The coffin of former Bishop of Galway Eamonn Casey inside the Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St Nicholas.

Former Bishop Eamon Casey, who secretly fathered a son during a love affair with an American woman, profoundly upset the Catholic Church and "people in general", his funeral Mass has been told.

Bishop of Achonry Brendan Kelly told mourners in Galway's Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and Saint Nicholas that Bishop Casey "did much good" during his life and ministry.

Highlighting his celebrated work for Irish emigrants in the UK and for the humanitarian organisation Trocaire, he said Bishop Casey was "a defender of the rights of people who were oppressed and poor",.

Bishop Kelly recalled Bishop Casey's courage in attending to dozens of stricken people when soldiers opened fire at the funeral of his murdered friend Archbishop Oscar Romero of El Salvador in 1980, during which 50 mourners died.

"There are those of us who remember, with gratitude, his kindness and encouragement when personally we most needed it," he said.

The bishop added: "Then 25 years ago, the emergence into the light of other hidden realities in his life, beginning with the fact that he had a son, Peter, were profoundly upsetting for the Church and for people in general.

"This is neither the time nor the place to go over the details, which in any case are very well known, not only in Ireland, but all over the world.

"Yes, we are all sinners, but irresponsibility, infidelity and sin are particularly shocking in the lives of those who preach the Gospel."

Bishop Casey's son, Peter Murphy, 42, who earlier this week joined other relatives in a glowing tribute to his late father, was not present at the funeral.

Church officials said his sister, Ita Furlong, could not attend because of illness, while his priest brother, Father Micheal, who lives in Perth, Australia, did not make the trip.

Archbishop Eamon Martin, the leader of the Catholic Church in Ireland, and Archbishop Michael Neary of Tuam, in Galway, were unable to attend because of previous commitments to ministering Confirmation, the Mass was told.

A number of Bishop Casey's sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews led the mourners.

Irish President Michael D Higgins was chief among the civic dignitaries to attend.

Bishop Casey died, aged 89, in a nursing home in the west of Ireland on Monday following a long illness.

He gained worldwide notoriety in 1992 after it was revealed that he had a child with American divorcee Annie Murphy and had paid thousands to her for Peter's upkeep in the US.

Referring to the scandal in his homily, Bishop Kelly said his former fellow bishop had "expressed his sorrow many times, apologised and asked for forgiveness".

"But people had been hurt and wounded, wounds that do not always heal easily or quickly," he told the funeral service.

"We remember these people too today. We acknowledge their suffering. We pray for continued healing and peace for them."

After the Mass, Bishop Casey was interred in the Cathedral crypt.

In a statement hours after his death earlier this week, son Peter, brother Father Micheal and sister Ita said Bishop Casey was a great source of love and support.

Ordained a priest in 1951, he was appointed Bishop of Kerry in 1969 before taking on the larger and more high-profile diocese of Galway and Kilmacduagh in 1976.

A few years earlier, Ms Murphy and the cleric had an affair when she went to stay with him in Ireland after her marriage in the US broke down.

The relationship and the birth of Peter in 1974 remained a secret for 18 years and emerged along with revelations that the bishop had been making undisclosed payments to the US for years.
A man jailed in Billings faces felony charges in Wyoming related to the armed robbery of an elderly man in Sheridan.

Gregory Jerome Medicinehorse, 32, was served a governor's warrant out of Wyoming during a hearing Wednesday in Yellowstone County Justice Court.

He faces two counts of felony aggravated robbery in that state.

Court records indicate that Medicinehorse was arrested in Billings after leading police in a pursuit while driving a stolen vehicle. With extradition papers filed by Wyoming officials, Medicinehorse will go through the process to face charges there.

The Sheridan County Sheriff's Office began investigating the case on Dec. 8, when a man reported his truck stolen from a bar called My Buddy's Place.

The truck owner told deputies that he went to the bar the night before and left the vehicle running "because of operational issues," court documents state. When he came out at 2 a.m., the truck was gone.

Video footage from the bar showed a reddish vehicle drop off a man at the bar and picked him up shortly after. Later, the same truck showed up and stopped in front of the stolen truck. Both vehicles left the lot while the owner was shown inside the bar.

The next morning, a 73-year-old man reported that he'd been robbed. According to court documents, four men got into his home by blasting the doorknob with a shotgun. With hoods covering most of their faces, the robbers took two bags of money with up to $2,000 in coins and bills.

They also took three revolvers, three semi-automatic handguns, three rifles and a shotgun from the man, charges state.

The truck stolen from the bar was seen abandoned later that day.

With the help of the FBI, investigators matched tire treads and footprints from the robbery scene and the location of the stolen truck. They also obtained security footage and ATM transaction information that identified Medicinehorse at a convenience store prior to the truck theft.

Transaction reports for Medicinhorse's Montana card showed the purchase of ammunition prior to the robbery. On Jan. 26, the card was used at a Billings Wal-Mart. Medicinehorse was arrested in Billings shortly thereafter.

A confidential informant told law enforcement about an overheard conversation, allegedly tying Medicinehorse and other accomplices to the Sheridan robbery.

During an interview with law enforcement, Medicinehorse admitted his role in both the truck theft and the Sheridan robbery, charges state.

Upon extradition, Medicinehorse will appear in Sheridan County District Court in Wyoming.
A young British soldier who was killed as he stormed a German-held hill in southern Italy during the Second World War has finally been laid to rest, almost 75 years after his death.

Lance Corporal Ronald George Blackham, of the 3rd Battalion Coldstream Guards, was killed during a fierce battle on September 25, 1943, as he fought to take Hill 270 near Salerno.

Just 22 when he died, his remains were found in February 2014 in a shallow grave near the village of Capezzano by Associazione Salerno 1943, a group of voluntary military historians.

Ammunition from an Enfield rifle and the Coldstream Guards cap badge indicated the remains were of a British soldier, and, after the Ministry of Defence tracked down his brother Douglas, a DNA test confirmed his identity.

On Thursday, 73 years on from his death, 19 members of his family - including his younger sister Alma Williams, 80, and two-year-old great-grand-nephew Conan - attended his burial at the Salerno War Cemetery, which was arranged by the MoD.

For Mrs Williams, from Weaverham in Cheshire - L/Cpl Blackham's only living sibling well enough to attend the service - the long-awaited funeral brought a euphoria, along with mixed feelings

She said: "I don't know how to put it in words because I know it's finalising it. All these years it's been part of my life and now it's being laid to rest, thank God.

"He gave his life, he gave his ultimate for it - you can't give more than he gave."

The service was led by the Coldstream Guards' padre Reverend Jacob Caldwell, who said it would "retell Lance Corporal Blackham's story for the final time, to give to him the honour and ascribe to him that which he deserves, a full military funeral".

Two unknown soldiers, both members of the Coldstream Guards, were also laid to rest alongside L/Cpl Blackham, taking the number of Second World War burials at the cemetery to 1,849.
Enda Kenny and Mike Pence at the Ireland Funds Gala Dinner in Washington on the fourth day of the Taoiseach's visit to the US

US President Donald Trump and Irish Taoiseach Enda Kenny meet for talks in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, USA. Niall Carson/PA Wire

US President Donald Trump and Irish Taoiseach Enda Kenny meet for talks in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, USA. Niall Carson/PA Wire

US President Donald Trump welcomes Irish Taoiseach Enda Kenny to the White House in Washington USA. Niall Carson/PA Wire

US President Donald Trump welcomes Irish Taoiseach Enda Kenny to the White House in Washington USA. Niall Carson/PA Wire

US President Donald Trump and Irish Taoiseach Enda Kenny meet for talks in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, USA. Niall Carson/PA Wire

US President Donald Trump meets with the Taoiseach of Ireland Enda Kenny (L) in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC on March 16, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / SAUL LOEBSAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images

US President Donald Trump shakes hands with the Taoiseach of Ireland Enda Kenny (L) during a meeting in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, March 16, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / SAUL LOEBSAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images

President Trump has pledged enhanced United States co-operation and support for the island of Ireland under his leadership.

Accepting a bowl of shamrock from Taoiseach Enda Kenny at the close of a day when he also vowed to visit Ireland during his presidency, Mr Trump promised the bonds between the US and both Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic would be strengthened.

"As America gains renewed strength Ireland will find us to be an ever faithful partner and an always loyal friend, we will be there for you," he told Mr Kenny.

The shamrock presentation in the East Room of the White House ended the Taoiseach's packed programme of St Patrick's engagements with senior figures in the new administration.

Earlier, Mr Trump told him he was his "new friend" after the pair met in the Oval Office.

Both leaders were also hosted by Speaker Paul Ryan at his traditional St Patrick's lunch on Capitol Hill.

Speaking at the annual event, Mr Trump said he "loved Ireland and the people of Ireland".

"The people of Ireland and the people of the United States have stuck together through good times and bad times," he said.

"Over many centuries we have built a bond that thrives, inspires and endures and with us it's going to be closer than ever before.

"So as we celebrate our shared history and our enduring friendship let us commit ourselves to working together, as we will, to build on that bond to the benefit of our citizens for many more generations to come."

During the lunch, Mr Kenny made an impassioned plea to the president to help the 50,000 "undocumented" Irish who live in the United States without legal permission.

The Taoiseach has long campaigned for a legal pathway to be opened up to allow the undocumented to obtain legal residency without fear of deportation.

The issue has drawn intense focus on this year's visit, given the president's hard-line stance on immigration.

US President @realDonaldTrump meeting @EndaKennyTD in the Oval Office of the White House. pic.twitter.com/dvx0TU7hXU  David Young (@DavidYoungPA) March 16, 2017

After the White House meeting, Mr Kenny said he and the president had agreed to work constructively on the issue.

He said they also discussed the potential of securing more visa routes for new Irish immigrants wishing to move to the US.

At the speaker's lunch, the Taoiseach stressed the important role played by so many Irish people through US history.

"This is what I said to your predecessor on a number of occasions - we would like this to be sorted," he told the president.

"It would remove a burden off so many people that they can stand out in the light and say 'now I am free to contribute to America, as I know I can'."

Mr Kenny also hailed those who continue to work for reconciliation in Northern Ireland, name-checking lunch guests Democratic Unionist MP Ian Paisley jnr and Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams.

Turning to the president, the Taoiseach said: "We want to protect this peace process and I know you are going to work with us in that context also."

The earlier Oval Office meeting between Mr Kenny and Mr Trump was the new president's first face-to-face encounter with a leader of one of the 27 EU states that will remain in the union post-Brexit.

Mr Trump has been a vocal critic of the EU, having praised the UK's decision to leave, and the prospects of securing a bilateral transatlantic trade deal between Europe and the US appear to have receded under the new administration.

Mr Kenny said there was still the potential for negotiating new trade arrangements between the US and EU.

"Ireland will always be a friend of America, the European Union will always be a friend of America and that cooperation between these two most developed economies will be to the mutual benefit of millions of people in Europe and the United States," he said.

The meeting had the potential to be an awkward one, given that during the election campaign Mr Kenny accused Mr Trump of using "racist and dangerous" language.

Afterwards, the Taoiseach batted away a media question on whether the issue was raised during the bilateral discussions.

Mr Ryan spoke with pride of his own Irish roots as he addressed his lunch guests.

"Ireland may be a small island but look at all she has given us," he said.

He said Mr Trump was sure to get a warm reception when he visited Ireland.

"We went from a president who plays a lot of golf to a president who owns a lot of golf courses," said the speaker.

"That is about the closest thing you can get to royalty in Ireland."
Noam Chomsky, described by The New York Times as 'the most important intellectual alive', he is one of the world's most most-cited sources in academic journals

Noam Chomsky has warned the Donald Trump-fuelled rally in capital markets is coming to a close and another financial crash is on the horizon.

The linguist, philosopher and social critic said the Presidents anti-estabishment status was a joke given his establishment appointees and anti-regulation policies, which have encouraged the stock market.

What's anti-establishment? he asked, as reported by AlterNet.

This [cabinet] is drawing from the billionaire class, largely financial institutions, and military and so on; in fact, take a look at the stock market, that tells you how anti-establishment he is.

He pointed to cabinet members such as Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin, a Goldman Sachs alumnus. Gary Cohn, his Director of the National Economic Council, was the COO at the same bank.

As soon as Trump was elected, and since, stock values in financial institutions escalated to the sky, said Mr Chomsky.

Investors are delighted he's going to eliminate regulations, let them make more profit; of course, it'll lead to another crash, but that's somebody else's problem. The taxpayers will take care of that.

After almost eight years of a bull run during former President Barack Obamas administration, pundits expected financial turmoil under President Trump  a lot of the anticipated negative reaction was due to the element of uncertainty as Hillary Clintons victory had been priced into markets.

Despite jitters around his Muslim ban executive order and his tweets targeting certain companies, causing them to temporarily plunge in value, the US stock market reached a record high after the November 8 election and continues to rise - for now. Stocks like pharmaceuticals, banks and prisons have all soared under the promise of tax reform and less regulation.

For example, the President signed an executive order to review the Dodd-Frank Act, signed under Mr Obama after the financial crisis to ensure banks hold larger capital buffers and limit risky investments to protect consumers. He also scrapped the impending Fiduciary Rule, which, if made into law, would have forced financial advisers to put the best interests of their clients first.

The bellwether index of US companies, the S&P 500 Index, has soared more than 10 per cent since Mr Trump was elected. Banks enjoyed an even higher rise. The iShares US Financials ETF, a passive fund that invests in financial stocks, rose more than 17 per cent in the same period.

Mr Trump has pointed to rising markets as a sign that his administration has been successful since Inauguration on 20 January. He was also pleased with the Bureau of Labour's report of 235,000 new jobs in February, even though he said similar numbers under the Obama administration were phony and monkey business.

One problem is that markets have already rallied so much and corporate valuations have become so stretched that even if Mr Trump implements the reforms he has pledged, rich returns may still be out of reach, explained Shawn Tully, Fortune Magazines senior editor-at-large.

At the very least, the President appears set on making the rich richer, in a country where more than five million people are millionaires.

He has said he will slash corporation tax from 35 to 15 per cent, and abandon federal estate and gift taxes.

Were going to... lower the overall tax burden on American businesses big-league. Thats coming along very well. Were way ahead of schedule, I believe, he said at a recent meeting with airline executives.
One person has been injured in Paris in a small explosion after opening an envelope at the offices of the International Monetary Fund, French media is reporting.

IMF director Christine Lagarde condemned the "cowardly act of violence" against her staff.

Police in Paris say an operation is ongoing and early indications suggest it was a homemade device which probably caused it. Earlier it had been reported that a firework was behind the blast.

The IMF Europe Office in the French capital is based on Avenue d'lena, close to the Champs Elysees.

Staff from the IMF office were evacuated and armed military officers and police guarded the area, in a chic district of western Paris.

The World Bank office in France is in the same compound.

French media reported that the person had opened an envelope containing an explosive substance.

Expand Expand Previous Next Close French police officers take position after letter bomb exploded at the French office of the International Monetary Fund, lightly injuring one person, Thursday, March 16, 2017. A police official said no other damage was been reported in the incident. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus) AP French police officers take position after letter bomb exploded at the French office of the International Monetary Fund, lightly injuring one person, Thursday March 16, 2017. A police official said no other damage was been reported in the incident. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus) AP / Facebook

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Whatsapp French police officers take position after letter bomb exploded at the French office of the International Monetary Fund, lightly injuring one person, Thursday, March 16, 2017. A police official said no other damage was been reported in the incident. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Reuters reported the person involved has been "slightly injured".

A spokesperson for the Paris prefecture of police said: "An operation is underway for a person injured by a suspicious package with, according to preliminary information, a firework inside."

Officials have said no other damage has been caused.

The incident comes a day after an explosive package was found at the offices of Germany's finance minister.

It is too early to say if both incidents are related.
People cast their ballots as they vote in the Dutch general election (AP/Peter Dejong)

Jubilant Mark Rutte said his election victory over anti-Islam firebrand Geert Wilders stopped the "wrong sort of populism" in its tracks.

Addressing an election night gathering of supporters in the Hague, he said "the Netherlands said 'Whoa! Stop!' to the wrong kind of populism" after Britain voted to leave the EU and the US elected Donald Trump as president.

Mr Rutte, who is now poised for a third term as prime minister, said: "We want to stick to the course we have - safe and stable and prosperous."

The Netherlands' main exit poll suggests Mr Rutte's centre-right party won 31 seats in the 150-place legislature, 12 more than Mr Wilders' party, which shared second place with two other parties.

While the outcome of the parliamentary election was pretty straightforward, forming a government will be much more complicated.

Since the left-leaning Labour Party of finance minister Jeroen Dijsselbloem suffered historic losses, the coalition it had with Mr Rutte's VVD party will probably collapse.

The prime minister is likely to look to the right instead for a new coalition partner, and he has been resolute about not wanting to rule with Mr Wilders.

The pro-EU centre party D66 and the Christian Democrat CDA both won 19 seats, and weeks, if not months of coalition-building talks may be required before Mr Rutte reaches the required 75-seat threshold and a new government is installed.

"I am so proud at what has happened and happy that we have been given the trust again" by voters, said Tamara van Ark, campaign leader of the VVD party.

Mr Wilders had insisted that whatever the result of Wednesday's election, the kind of populist politics he and others in Europe represent are not going away.

"Rutte has not seen the back of me!!" Mr Wilders said in a Twitter reaction.

Under brilliant skies, the Dutch went to vote in huge numbers, with turnout estimated to have reached 82%.

In a subplot of the elections, the Ipsos exit poll had the Green Left party registering a historic victory, turning it into the largest party on the left wing of Dutch politics for the first time.

The Greens leapt from four seats to 16 in parliament after a strong campaign by charismatic leader Jesse Klaver, who invites comparisons to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, according to the exit poll.

"This is a fantastic result for us, a historic victory," said Green Left chairwoman Marjolein Meijer.

The campaign's final days were overshadowed by a diplomatic crisis between the Dutch and Turkish governments.

It erupted over the refusal of the Netherlands to let two Turkish government ministers address rallies about a referendum next month that could give Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan more powers.

AP
The hijacking surprised the international shipping community, as many Somali pirates had quit and turned to fishing as anti-piracy patrols increased (Ben Curtis/AP)

Somali pirates who seized an oil tanker have opened fire on naval troops from the semi-autonomous state of Puntland, sparking clashes between the two sides, an official said.

Clashes started after naval forces tried to stop a boat carrying reinforcement pirates to the ship, said Ali Shire Mohamud, the commissioner of Alula district where the vessel is being held.

Puntland dispatched naval forces to the area after the pirates seized the ship on Monday.

The European Union anti-piracy operation in the region said the pirates are holding the crew captive and demanding a ransom.

The hijacking on Monday was the first such seizure of a large commercial vessel off Somalia since 2012.

International anti-piracy patrols on the crucial trade route had calmed such attacks.

A security official said one soldier was seriously injured in Thursday's clashes involving the Comoros-flagged tanker Aris 13.

The official said pirates on the ship were continuing to receive reinforcements while regional forces mobilise nearby in an effort to free the ship.

A Somali pirate who said he was in touch with the armed men, Bile Hussein, said the pirates moved the ship away from the coast after naval forces approached.

"The ship and crew will remain safe as long as no-one attacks them," Hussein said by phone from an undisclosed location in northern Somalia.

Families of the crew members tearfully pleaded on Wednesday for the men to be released unharmed.

Somali pirates usually hijack ships and crew for ransom. They do not normally kill hostages unless they come under attack.

The ship had been carrying fuel from Djibouti to Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, on Monday when it was approached by men in two skiffs and the tanker issued a call for help.

AP
Unsurprisingly, Nicola Sturgeon has called for a second Scottish independence referendum.

It must surely be lost on no one that if we had voted to remain in the EU, this would not have happened. But that is now water under the bridge.

However, there is a deluge yet to come, including a tragic dilemma that may well finish off the UK as presently constituted.

Everyone is rightly determined to avoid a hard border in Ireland, and that disaster may well be averted.

Polls show that in Scotland concern about a hard border at the Tweed, should Scotland become independent, is a major argument against separation.

Yet, if a hard border is avoided in Ireland post-Brexit, the SNP will rightly claim that it could also be avoided between England and Scotland, boosting the independence argument.

Conversely, if negotiations fail and a hard border is inevitable between Northern Ireland and the Republic, with checkpoints and tariffs, this would probably put many in Scotland off independence, as equivalent barriers in Great Britain are equally unimaginable.

Unfortunately, there may be no happy resolution to this dilemma.

JOHN GEMMELL

Birmingham
With the European Union (Notification of Withdrawal) Bill finally receiving Royal Assent after going through both houses of Parliament, the Prime Minister, Theresa May, has finally been given the power, as expressed by the people of the United Kingdom in the referendum on June 23 last year, to invoke Article 50 and start the process of the UK leaving the European Union.

The hard work is now only starting for the Government, as negations will be very tough and complicated, with the untangling of more than 40 years of EU legislation affecting everything we do and every person in the UK.

The stance taken by the Brexit Secretary, David Davis, is the correct one and, as the Prime Minister has said, no deal is better than a bad deal.

The European Union has more to lose than the United Kingdom if no deal is reached and we walk away in terms of the UK's trade deficit with the EU.

I am very optimistic that the United Kingdom has a great future outside the European Union. The reduction in legislation, with more local control and accountability, will be of great benefit to every person and business.

The end of billions of pounds being given to the EU every year, without any accountability, or control, is also very important.

A large proportion of this money is squandered in bureaucracy, or in the ideal of a United States of Europe project, instead of going to fund more worthy causes for local people.

The key aims and objectives of the European Union have never had any concern for the needs of the United Kingdom and, as a result, British manufacturing and industry has suffered over the last 40-plus years of our membership.

Our decision to leave the EU will be proved the correct one in the long run and it will be in our own hands how much of a success we make of it.

The ability to control our own borders and immigration numbers will also be of huge benefit.

We are no longer an inward-looking state of the European Union, but an outward-looking country, a proud nation with the benefits of deciding our own destiny and creating our own trade deals with the rest of the world.

The United Kingdom will once again become a world force in free trade and, with the many opportunities that Brexit will bring for manufacturing and business, the best years of the United Kingdom are truly still to come.

STEVAN PATTERSON

Castlederg, Co Tyrone
Does the political impasse in Northern Ireland following the Assembly elections signal a local crisis of unionism and power-sharing or a wider crisis afflicting democracy itself?

For many years, particularly for those of us on the outside, political life in Northern Ireland has been seen as a thing apart. It's politics, Jim, but not as we know it.

Now, however, in the wake of the Brexit referendum and the election of Donald Trump, some interpret events in Northern Ireland as part of a bigger problem of democratic politics.

In the words of one veteran commentator, the Assembly elections confirm that "Democracy is one of those things that is great in theory and absolutely useless in practice" - and that voters are largely to blame.

As proof of this, the columnist repeats the fashionable assertion that Adolf Hitler "was elected to office on a tide of popular support". In fact, Hitler was appointed Chancellor in 1933 by the aristocratic, democracy-hating German establishment, at a time when the Nazis were losing support at the polls.

Leave aside for the moment the vexed question of how far Northern Ireland can be described as a democratic state. The attempt to situate events in a wider crisis of Western democracy illustrates that we live in the age of 'I'm a democrat, but...'.

Our political and cultural elites support democratic rights up to the moment when voters make the 'wrong' decision, such as backing Brexit, electing Trump, or spoiling their plans for Northern Ireland.

As former Conservative Prime Minister John Major declared in dismissing the EU referendum, "The tyranny of the majority has never applied in a democracy."

Some of us might naively have assumed that majority rule was the essence of democracy (except under Northern Ireland's system of enforced power-sharing, of course).

Strangely, Major had no problem with the democratic tyranny of the minority when he was elected with 42% of the votes cast in 1992.

For perhaps the first time in history, every serious public figure in the West feels obliged to declare support for democracy in principle. Yet, in practice, the establishment is seeking to undermine democracy. They want further to separate the two elements of the original Greek word: 'demos' (the people) and 'kratos' (power, or control).

The outlook of 'I'm a democrat, but...' runs through Western public life. Hillary Clinton spelt it out during the US election campaign, telling an LGBT fundraiser: "You could put half of Trump voters into what I call the basket of deplorables. Right?"

She was criticised by top liberal commentators - for being too restrained in denouncing only half of America's allegedly lowlife racist, homophobic voters.

A top British writer on US affairs, Andrew Sullivan, won plaudits for baldly declaring that, "Democracies end when they are too democratic" and calling on Americans to defend "the political establishment" against Trump to "save democracy from itself" and "its own destabilising excesses".

To save democracy from itself, it seems, we need the elite to hold it in check. Which might sound like that US army officer in Vietnam explaining how, "It became necessary to destroy the village in order to save it".

Meanwhile, back in Britain, leading liberal intellectuals, such as Professor Richard Dawkins, denounced the 17.4 million Leave voters as "stupid, ignorant people" and "unqualified simpletons", unfit to make such an historic decision about their own society.

Emotional voters, we were assured, had simply been too gormless and gullible, led astray by demagogues peddling lies and post-truth politics. Better by far to leave these things to the experts.

It couldn't be that most UK voters had looked at the facts and drawn different conclusions about democracy and sovereignty than their betters, it had to be that the naughty children had let their feelings run away with them.

For a truly emotional response, see Gina Miller, the City financier who fronted the legal challenge to Brexit because, she said, the revolting voters' verdict had made her "physically sick".

The arguments about what American pundits call 'low-information (aka low-intelligence) voters being led astray by post-truth politics provide a convenient excuse for the elites' failure to get enough voters to do their bidding.

After all, what chance have you got of convincing people if they are just too uneducated and emotional to accept that a few experts know what's best for the rest?

These responses reveal the return of a number of age-old prejudices, peddled by every anti-democrat since Plato, about the people not being fit for our democracy, rather than the other way around.

Democracy has been under threat since it was first invented in ancient Athens 2,500 years ago.

Even 100 years ago, in the midst of the First World War, only 60% of British men aged over 21 and no women had the vote. Millions were sent to fight and die for a democratic state which still denied them the most basic democratic right (the distortion of democracy through gerrymandering and property qualifications lasted rather longer than that in Northern Ireland).

At its best, modern representative democracy has always involved restraining popular sovereignty. The constitutional systems of checks and balances we hear much about today were, from the first, intended to check the popular will and balance the demands of the people with the power of courts, upper chambers and other state bodies.

Even in modern times, the West's political classes have sought to insulate themselves from the demos by investing more kratos - power - in unelected bodies, such as the courts and the European Commission.

Their motives were laid bare by EC president Herr Juncker, in his previous life as Prime Minister of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg (before becoming Duke of the Grand Duchy of Brussels): "We all know what to do, we just don't know how to get re-elected after we've done it."

The prospect of the return of outdated direct rule from distant Westminster might fill many in Northern Ireland with dread, but it would fit with the tendency to outsource power and authority to more unaccountable institutions today.

The popular reactions against unrepresentative political elites that burst forth (positively) in the UK Brexit vote and (not) in the election of Trump have brought the poisonous old anti-democratic prejudices bubbling back to the surface.

Democracy is about choice. That does not mean you get to pick and choose which bits of democracy you are prepared to tolerate, or cherry-pick which votes are legitimate.

The problem is not too much democracy, but too little.

The only way to defeat the likes of Trump and European reactionaries is through open democratic debate, not backdoor manoeuvres.

Of course, genuine democracy is a risky business. There are no guarantees that once the democratic genie is out of the bottle he will grant your wishes.

The 'safe' alternative would be a fixed election, in which one side is banned from speaking, or restricting elections and referendums altogether - an idea which might find quiet approval with the influential 'I'm a democrat, but...' lobby today.

Mick Hume is the author of Revolting!: How the Establishment are Undermining Democracy and What They're Afraid Of (William Collins, 6.99)
Allete Clean Energy will expand North Dakota's energy production with plans to build a 100-megawatt wind farm in Morton and Mercer counties in North Dakota that will supply electricity to Xcel Energy under a signed power purchase agreement.

Under development since 2011, the Clean Energy 1 project located north of Glen Ullin has been permitted by the North Dakota Public Service Commission and has landowner agreements in place. Allete Clean Energy reports that construction is expected to begin in 2018 under a 20-year power purchase agreement between Allete Clean Energy and Xcel Energy. The project will be built with the latest wind turbine technology to maximize production and is expected to be complete in 2019.

We are excited to partner with Xcel Energy to deliver additional low-cost wind resources to serve their customers," said Allan S. Rudeck Jr., president of Allete Clean Energy. We will work closely with area landowners, county officials and state regulators as we harness North Dakotas world-class wind resources.

Allete Clean Energy owns and operates wind generation facilities in Minnesota, Iowa, Oregon and Pennsylvania that were purchased from other companies. It also developed the 107.5-megawatt Thunder Spirit wind farm in North Dakota, which was sold to Montana-Dakota Utilities in 2015. Allete Clean Energy in January announced a plan to expand Thunder Spirit to about 150 megawatts.

Wind prices are at historic lows, and were taking advantage of these low-cost projects to transition our energy fleet and secure these prices for our customers, said Chris Clark, president, Xcel Energy-Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota.

When Clean Energy 1 is complete, Allete Clean Energy will own and operate about 640 megawatts of wind generation capacity in five states.

Announcement of the new wind farm follows the transition of a proposed two-year moratorium on wind projects to a study of the state's energy future by the state Legislature over the next biennium.

In response to the proposed energy study, a pro-wind advocacy group this week launched a six-figure broadcast campaign in an effort to educate consumers about wind energy.

North Dakota has incredible potential when it comes to wind development. Windpower in North Dakota is already creating a better economy, adding more jobs for this generation and the next," said a statement released by two members of AWA's board of directors, Sam Enfield and Jeff Clark. "Increasing windpower is a bipartisan issue that has universal appeal because it lowers energy prices for consumers making the state more attractive for high-tech manufacturing and other industries."
An Indian villager in Madhusudankati, about 60 km (37 miles) east of Kolkata, shows effects of severe arsenic poisoning on his feet and hands, March 25, 2015.

Premranjan Kumar Paswan is worried that his father, who was recently diagnosed with acute kidney failure, will die young.

Paswans father, Bhola Babu, 54, was told last week that he would not survive long unless he underwent an immediate renal transplant, a difficult and expensive medical option for modest farmers from eastern Indias Bihar state.

Babus condition was diagnosed the same day the Indian government announced an ambitious plan to rid the countrys groundwater of arsenic, a chemical element caused by natural geological processes, which Paswan blames for his fathers ailment.

At least 15 people have died in our village over the last couple of years due to diseases relating to consumption of contaminated water. The level of arsenic in the groundwater is too much. I have proof that contaminated water is causing these deaths and diseases. I have even approached the authorities for help, but theyve never taken action, Paswan, a resident of north Bihars Madarpur village, told BenarNews.

Paswans village is part of the Ganges river basin, where arsenic-laced groundwater is most prevalent.

Within minutes of pumping water, youll see the color of the groundwater turn to black. The water we use is highly polluted, Paswan said.

Although there are no figures available to determine the number of deaths caused annually by consumption of arsenic-laden water, the problem affects more than 40 million people in at least 10 Indian states, according to official estimates.

Increased levels of arsenic contamination are seen in places where there is high dependency on groundwater. The drilling of new tube wells lowers the water table and allows oxygen to get into bedrock aquifers, creating chemical reactions that release arsenic into groundwater.

Government plan

On March 7, the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga (Ganges) Rejuvenation, for the first time announced an action plan to remediate arsenic contamination in groundwater.

As part of the plan, the government would explore in-situ [on-site] remediation of arsenic from aquifers and ex-situ remediation from trapped groundwater through arsenic removal technologies and use of surface water as an alternative to polluted groundwater.

Execution of the action plan would begin next month after seeking reports from more than 300 experts, the ministry said.

We hope to gather all our research and likely solutions from the experts within a few days and begin implementing the action plan around April 15, Minister of Water Resources Uma Bharti told BenarNews.

The plan, according to experts, is replete with challenges and will not work unless the government aims to create awareness among villagers vulnerable to arsenic poisoning.

There are task forces constituted in many states, such as Assam, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh. But their functioning is far from ideal, Safa Fanaian, a member of the Hyderabad-based Arsenic Knowledge and Action Network, told BenarNews.

The task force doesnt think about villagers directly affected by the water contamination. There is no implementation plan keeping them in mind. There needs to be work done at the village level. The government needs to start right from the bottom, she said.

Eklavya Prasad of the Megh Pyne Abhiyan, an organization working on rainwater harvesting in flood-prone areas of Bihar, told BenarNews: On paper, the government plan seems interesting and positive, but the government needs to really ensure the plan benefits the primary stakeholder.

There has to be decentralized management of water resources, operation and maintenance, while promoting use of modern technology at the village level.

While the government prepares to implement its master plan, Paswan is at pains to come up with an idea that could save his fathers life.

Did the government not know earlier that the water we get in hundreds of villages in India was polluted? If they knew, why did they not tell us before? Its a shame millions in India, said to be one of the fastest developing nations, are subjected to unsafe drinking water.
Police escort residents of a building in Chittagong district to safety after authorities targeted it in a counter-terrorist raid, March 16, 2017.

A boy and five suspected militants were killed Thursday during two raids by police in southern and eastern Bangladesh, officials said.

The counter-terrorist raids were the deadliest since 12 suspects were killed during a series of police operations near Dhaka on Oct. 8. Thursdays killings brought to at least 46 the total number of alleged militants who have died during raids or shootouts with police since terrorists massacred 20 hostages at a cafe in Dhaka in July 2016.

The boy died Thursday along with four alleged members of the militant group Neo-JMB, including a female suspect, when some of the suspects blew themselves up as a special weapons and tactical (SWAT) team and counter-terrorist officers raided their hideout in a Chittagong district, according to police.

The childs body was lying on the staircase where the woman militant was found dead, Chittagong Police Additional Superintendent Habibur Rahman told reporters. He said the police would conduct DNA tests to identify the boy and his parents.

Elsewhere, a fifth suspected militant died in a shootout with police in Brahmanbaria, a district in eastern Bangladesh. He was identified as Tajul Islam Mahmud (alias Mama Hujur), 42, one of seven regional commanders of another militant group, Harkatul Jihad al-Islami Bangladesh (HuJI), police said.

Police have not identified the five people killed in Sitakunda, a sub-district of Chittagong district, but they allegedly belonged to a faction of Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) that local authorities have blamed for last years overnight siege at the Holey Artisan Bakery cafe  the nations deadliest terrorist attack.

Police and witnesses said SWAT officers and counter-terrorism forces raided the militants den on the ground floor of a two-story building at 6 a.m. and finished the operation four hours later.

One of the four slain militants is a woman. One of them died from being shot by police, while the others blew themselves up. The bodies of two militants were torn apart and cannot be identified. Faces of two others are recognizable, Shafiqul Islam, the deputy inspector general (DIG) of Chittagong police, told reporters.

Tip

Acting on a tip from building owner Suvash Chandra Das, police on Wednesday afternoon arrested a couple in the Amirabad neighborhood of Sitakunda, who had with them a 2-month-old baby.

The couple was identified as Jasim and his wife, Arzina. Das told BenarNews that Arzina had tried unsuccessfully to set off a suicide vest.

The couple provided information that led police to encircle the second den about two kilometers (1 mile) from the couples hideout, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal told BenarNews.

They all belonged to Neo-JMB. They are homegrown militants, he said. Neo-JMB members follow Islamic State ideology.

Second den

Around 4 p.m. Wednesday, Sitakunda police tried to arrest the suspects at the Chhayaneer apartment building, but militants threw grenades at police, injuring Mozammel Haque, the officer-in-charge.

Police surrounded the building so they could not escape and SWAT team members took their positions about 6 p.m. Three hours later, police deployed armored vehicles to the scene.

Islam said SWAT members and officers from a counter-terrorism unit took position on the roofs of adjacent buildings Thursday morning after the militants did not respond to calls to surrender.

Two militants clad in suicide vests came out of the ground-floor apartment, chanting Allahu Akbar, and headed to the buildings roof.

The SWAT members shot them as they tried to detonate the explosives. One militant fell while the other was able to set off his explosives, Islam said.

The militants detonated explosives in the staircase when SWAT members jumped on the roof from the adjacent buildings, a police officer, who was involved in the raid but requested anonymity, told BenarNews. The woman and child were killed by the explosions.

Islam said the militants stockpiled huge quantity of grenades, explosives and bomb-making materials in their apartment and the buildings roof.

The government carried out the raid in the morning to avoid civilian casualties, the home minister told BenarNews.

Islam said 20 other residents of the building were evacuated after the raid. None were injured.

HuJI militant Killed

Meanwhile, police in the Kashba sub-district of Brahmanbaria raided a house to capture five or six militants inside, Md Mohiuddin, the Kashba police officer-in-charge, told BenarNews.

As we reached there, the militants started firing at us; we countered. Mama Hujur died in the shootout while his accomplices fled the scene, he said.

Mohiuddin said police had received a tip from a person suspected in killing herbal doctor Farid Miah on Feb. 17 in Kashba, Brahmabaria district.

The suspect confessed that he had killed Farid Miah under orders from Mama Huzur, Mohiuddin said.

Including Thursdays deaths, Bangladesh officials said at least 37 militants had been killed in 12 police raids across the country following the cafe attack in Dhaka on July 1. In addition, nine suspected militants were killed in seven gunfights with the police.
Interpol has put out red notices for four North Koreans wanted in connection with last months assassination of the half-brother of North Koreas leader in the Kuala Lumpur area, Malaysias police chief said Thursday.

Malaysian authorities had asked the international police organization to help them catch the four men who are believed to have fled Malaysia on the day Kim Jong Nam was killed in a chemical attack at a local airport, Police Inspector-General Khalid Abu Bakar said.

We have obtained the red notice for the four North Korean men who were at the airport during the incident, Khalid told journalists in Putrajaya.

We believe they have since left for Pyongyang. We are hoping to get them through Interpol, he added.

A red notice is a request among Interpols member states to locate and provisionally arrest a person, pending their extradition. However, North Korea is not a member of the organization.

Interpol, based in Lyon, France, has posted red notices on its website for the four North Koreans, listing each as being wanted by Malaysian authorities for prosecution on murder charges, but without giving much more information. It identified the four as Ji Hyon Ri and Song Hak Hong, both 32; Jong Gil O, 54; and Jae Nam Ri, 56.

The four were filmed by a closed-circuit TV camera as they observed the assassination unfold at Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 on Feb. 13, when two Southeast Asian women accosted Kim Jong Nam in the departures lounge and smeared a deadly nerve agent on his face, according to Malaysian police.

The suspected female assassins have been arrested and charged with Kims murder. In addition to the four men listed by Interpol, Malaysian police have identified three other North Koreans as suspects in the case, and who are believed to be hiding out in Pyongyangs embassy in Kuala Lumpur.

Malaysias prime minister has openly accused North Korea of being behind the assassination. Officials in South Korea and the United States have also blamed government agents from Pyongyang for orchestrating the murder, in which Kim was killed with a banned chemical classified by the U.N. as a weapon of mass destruction.

They have given consent

The killing has led to a bilateral row between Pyongyang and Malaysia over Kuala Lumpurs initial refusal to hand over Kims body to North Korea without a post-mortem, and unless his next-of-kin came forward to give DNA and claim the body.

On Thursday, Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi disclosed that officials had travelled to another country to obtain DNA samples used to positively identify the dead man as Kim Jong Nam, and that these were collected from his 21-year-old son, Kim Han Sol.

From the son, who is out of the country, Zahid said, declining to name the country. I would like to confirm that the DNA has been taken and brought to Malaysia and it is indeed Kim Jong Nam.

Meanwhile, Malaysias deputy police chief indicated Thursday that Kims family had given its approval to Malaysian authorities to decide what to do with his embalmed remains, but the official did not make it clear whether the family wanted to take possession of the body.

They have given consent to the government on what to do with the body. It is up to discussion and negotiation. We cannot just simply make a decision. You have to wait, Deputy Police Inspector-General Noor Rashid Ibrahim told reporters.

When negotiations are completed and both agree to term we will announce it, he said, referring to bilateral efforts under way to resolve the diplomatic dispute, which has seen both countries expel their respective envoys and impose exit bans on each others citizens.

On Wednesday, Zahid, the deputy PM, said Malaysia was looking at all possibilities, including handing over Kims body to North Korea in exchange for nine Malaysian citizens trapped in Pyongyang because of the exit ban.
A bid from Pulte Homes to rezone and add 465 residences and possibly a school near Sandy Run Creek on Jedburg Road wasn't met with open arms at a Oct. 26 community meeting on the part of local homeowners seeking to preserve the area's rural characteristics. Read moreJedburg Road residents tell Pulte Homes: 'Keep it rural'
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North Dakotas senators and largest agricultural group are calling President Donald Trumps U.S. Department of Agriculture budget cuts unworkable.

The presidents proposed budget reduction for agriculture does not work, Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., said is a statement. Given the challenging times in the farm patch  from low commodity prices to natural disasters  we need to prioritize and maintain our agriculture budget. While we support more funding for our military and defense, we must maintain support for our farmers and ranchers.

The president is calling for $4.7 billion in cuts to USDA Rural Development, which provided $37 million in funding to North Dakota over the past two years to conservation programs, food safety and research. The 21 percent budget reduction also would reduce staffing at USDA field offices, according to Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, D-N.D.

Some increases to defense spending are needed, but its irrational to pay for those increases by crippling programs that strengthen American families and rural communities, Heitkamp said in a statement. This budget would seriously hurt North Dakota and rural America.

Spending on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and subsidies to farmers go largely untouched, but Mark Watne, president of the North Dakota Farmers Union, said the decreased funding could still affect price protections in a roundabout manner.

The challenge there, especially in research, is were asking farmers and ranchers to produce more for less money, Watne said. Without that money into research, we are shortchanging the ability to come up with technical advances to help with production . Youre killing the system that made our food so inexpensive.

And without those efficiencies, Watne said it will further increase farmers need for crop insurance, a program he said is already underfunded.

That means increased spending on the other side, he said.

Hoeven also called the cuts unfair since the industry already implemented reduced spending under the latest Farm Bill, passed in 2014.

Our producers are doing their part to reduce the debt and deficit, said Hoeven, adding that the Congressional Budget Office estimates the Farm Bill will save $104 billion over 10 years.

As chairman of Ag Appropriations, Ill work to ensure that we maintain our agriculture budget because good agriculture policy benefits every American, every day, he said. Our farmers and ranchers provide the American people with a reliable, affordable and high-quality food supply. Not only that, but 17 million Americans are employed in the agriculture industry, which also provides our nation with a positive balance of trade.

Rep. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., expressed "concern" but not "alarm" over the president's budget announcements.

"Agriculture has consistently paid its way," he said, referring to cuts already implemented in the last Farm Bill, and added that he does not think it would be too much to ask that these further cuts not be implemented.

He shared Heitkamp's worries over cuts to county Farm Service Agency offices as those are," the most important link to the farmer," in explaining and implementing crop price protections.

Other budget cuts affecting North Dakota include:

 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers spending would be reduced by $1 billion, or 16 percent, putting flood protection projects in Fargo and Minot at risk.

 Elimination of low-income heating assistance, including $22 million provided to North Dakotans in the past year.

 End of essential air service, a federal program that guarantees affordable air travel in rural communities, which has helped Devils Lake, Dickinson and Jamestown airports maintain service.
Mark Twain was once quoted as saying: When the legislature is in session, no man's life, liberty, or property is safe." I wonder if he fully realized what he was saying.

Case in point: The North Dakota Senate passed Senate Bill 2135, which now goes to the House of Representatives. If passed it would create a committee composed of Rino (Republican in name only) legislators and other Rino supporters to recommend changes to restrict and cripple the initiative and referral process.

What this really is is an organized witch hunt in search of a problem that only exists in the minds of those in public office who wish to distance themselves from accountability to the people that elected them.

They want us to forget that we the people are the government and that they are elected by us to represent us and our wishes. But it has come to the point where they think it is the other way around. As a result they have become a ruling monarchy, which is the very reason the Revolutionary War was fought. Instead of a government for the people by the people, it is rapidly becoming a government at the people against the people. Our wonderful citizen Legislature!

The framers of our Constitution were very intelligent people. They crafted a form of government without the flaws of their mother government. Likewise as more states joined the union, people became wiser and saw that they needed another recourse, another option to maintain accountability of those whom they elect to represent them in public office. Such as the right of initiative and referral.

Sadly, what has happened in all 23 states that have the initiative and referral process is that it has come under attack by those the people elect to represent them. We elect people to government who are supposed to represent us and our wishes. But instead, after they are elected they try to pass legislation distancing themselves from the people, restricting our rights in the legislative process. Almost every legislative session bills are introduced that little by little if passed would restrict the initiative and referral process to the point where it would become unusable.

This is how far we have strayed far away from the form of government established by our founding fathers. They say that the right of initiative and referral has been abused. They resent the idea of government for the people, by the people. They also fail to mention that any initiative placed on the ballot by the voters and passed would take a super majority to change it during the next seven years, but can be voted down by two-thirds majority of both houses of the Legislature. So what is the big deal? They dont want anyone looking over their shoulder. They are of the Nancy Pelosi mentality: They have to pass it before we can really find out whats in it. Make no mistake about it, they want to kill the initiative and referral process completely and for good! Then to add insult to injury they want to appropriate $50,000 for the study. I thought they were so short of money.

They also say that the process is too easy. Anybody who says that has never conducted a petition drive or collected signatures. It takes a lot of work and a lot of shoe leather. I know because Ive worked different petition drives from top to bottom. Its something you only do because you feel the issue is important enough to sacrifice your time and energy.

The best solution to this problem would be for we the people to do an initiated measure that would require our legislators to go out and collect the required number of signatures to place any initiated measure restricting our right of initiative and referral on the ballot for the people to vote on. That would put an end to bills such as SB2135.

At present all our lawmakers have to do is secure a simple majority (50.1 percent) and press a button on their desk to place any proposed amendment on the ballot. This is hardly fair, is it?

Please contact your represenatives and tell them to vote an emphatic no on Senate Bill 2135. As I said earlier Senate Bill 2135 is an organized witch hunt, a solution looking for a problem.
The Bible has been under attack in the western world for over 200 years but never more intensely than today. These attacks have taken different forms and have come from many different corners of the academic world, from philosophers, to scientists, to textual critics. In the specialized world of archaeology the attacks have increased dramatically in the past 50 years. Once a specialization filled with Bible believing individuals, the field of archaeology is now overrun with atheists and skeptics, agnostics and those committed to the destruction of the Bible as a source of true historical information.

These attacks on the Bible are a part of a sweeping movement in western culture. Spearheaded by academic elitists in the university and the public educational system, the news and popular media, and the entertainment industry, these revisionists cloak themselves with supposed objectivity, purity of motives, and the superiority of science over the "uninformed", "unscientific", religious community.

They regularly mock those who question their world-view and their conclusions by name-calling and the worst forms of anti-Bible and anti-Christian propaganda. They have powerfully infected the church by turning Bible believing Christians against the very Scripture which is the foundation of truth and life in this world. Instead of contending for the Bible, Christian academics, pastors, and lay-persons are making egregious accommodations to these destroyers of faith and truth.

In these days of intense spiritual battle, God has called ABR to step into the gap to contend for the truth and to assist the church in this critical hour. ABR is a non-profit ministry dedicated to demonstrating the historical reliability of the Bible and to give answers to questions being asked by believers and non-believers alike. We do this by using original archaeological fieldwork and research along with studies in other apologetic disciplines. We take on the bold claims of skeptics and critics. We challenge the bizarre anti-biblical propaganda that is purveyed upon the public as gospel through television and print media. We uphold the gospel of Jesus Christ, which is God's message for the salvation of all mankind!
For Merkel meeting |

Just before his inauguration in January, President Donald Trump (70) said in an interview with BILD that he is proud of his German roots. That he loves the country of his ancestors. That Germany is really special.

We agree. That is why we sent Donald Trump a CARE package from Germany.

The German-American history has evolved into a really important friendship because of the CARE packages sent to Germany after the Second World War.

It stands for hope, trust and the knowledge that one is there for each other, even in difficult times. We feel committed to this tradition and hope that we are able to give you a treat with this package.

According to the official delivery status, the package was successfully delivered to the White House and accepted on Monday (March 13th) afternoon (CET). Now it just needs to find its way to the Oval Office.

Enjoy, Mr. President!

T-Shirt

Tie

Sticky tape

Voucher

Berlin Air

Magazine

Lesen Sie auch

Copy of BILD

Constitution

Pinocchio Nose

Photograph of Helmut Kohl

Map of Kallstadt

Vinyl

Dictionary

Photograph in the White House

Lemon squeezer

What we wanted to send to you...

...but couldn't, because of the customs regulations. Fresh food is banned (and apparently also German cement).

 'Trumpf' chocolate

 Russisch Brot (Russian Bread)  The original from Dr. Quendt

 An authentic bag of high quality German cement (ideal for spontaneous walls)
For Immediate Release, March 16, 2017 Contact: Amey Owen, Animal Welfare Institute, (202) 446-2128, amey@awionline.org

Sarah Uhlemann, Center for Biological Diversity, (206) 327-2344, suhlemann@biologicaldiversity.org

Kimiko Martinez, Natural Resources Defense Council, (310) 434-2344, kmartinez@nrdc.org U.S. Consumers, Seafood Companies Urged to Boycott Mexican Shrimp to Save Vaquita Porpoise Campaign Highlights Need for Mexico to Take Emergency Action BOSTON Conservation organizations today announced a boycott of all shrimp from Mexico to pressure Mexican officials to save the endangered vaquita, the world's smallest porpoise, from imminent extinction. The campaign launched three days before the opening in Boston of Seafood Expo North America, one of the world's largest annual seafood industry trade shows  and comes just days after the discovery of a dead vaquita calf.



Only about 30 individual vaquitas are left in Mexico's northern Gulf of California, and if Mexico does not act quickly, experts believe the vaquita will go extinct within three years. To save the species, the organizations behind the boycott  including the Animal Welfare Institute, the Center for Biological Diversity and the Natural Resources Defense Council, along with more than 45 conservation groups that have signed on  are urging Mexican officials to permanently ban all gillnet fishing, remove illegal nets from the water and increase enforcement efforts. Mexican fisheries agencies have known how to save the vaquita for years, but they've failed to take the necessary actions, protecting industry profits rather than this critically endangered species, said Kate O'Connell, marine wildlife consultant at the Animal Welfare Institute. By supporting the Mexican shrimp boycott, consumers and seafood companies can send a clear signal to these agencies that enough is enough, and a permanent gillnet ban must be immediately established and fully enforced. For decades vaquitas have been killed by entanglement in gillnet fishing gear used in the Gulf to catch shrimp to supply the lucrative U.S. market. More recently gillnets have been used to illegally capture totoaba, a large fish whose swim bladder is in high demand in Asia. As a result the vaquita population has rapidly collapsed. In 2015, in an effort to stem the vaquita's decline, Mexico established a two-year ban on gillnet use within the vaquita's range. But enforcement has been dismal. Illegal fishing is widespread throughout vaquita habitat, including by shrimp vessels that continue to ply the waters of the Vaquita Refuge  a no-fishing zone. Mexico's current gillnet ban ends next month, and it is unclear whether the Mexican government will extend the ban. "The lives of vaquita are in the hands of people who've known for years that their actions are driving this species to extinction, said Zak Smith, senior attorney with the Natural Resources Defense Council's Marine Mammal Protection Project. Now it's time for those complicit in the vaquita's demise the Mexican government, shrimp fisheries and U.S. seafood importers  to take bold action that ensures gillnets are pulled from the vaquita's waters. It's the only path for saving this precious species. If they don't, the vaquita's extinction is on them. The organizations plan to promote the Boycott Mexican Shrimp campaign with a mobile billboard outside the Seafood Expo. The campaign's website, http://BoycottMexicanShrimp.com, provides tools to help consumers identify Mexican shrimp products and contact companies known to purchase Mexican shrimp. A pledge button allows consumers to show their support for the campaign. The website also provides contact information for Mexican government officials. This is the vaquita's very last chance, said Sarah Uhlemann, international program director at the Center for Biological Diversity. For decades, Mexican officials have failed the vaquita, and now only the strongest of actions will get their attention. To save these wonderful little porpoises, we have to boycott Mexican shrimp. Throughout the Seafood Expo, which runs March 19 through March 21, the mobile billboard will travel around the perimeter of the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, to Boston's Consulate General of Mexico and the local headquarters of Trader Joe's, a known retailer of Mexican shrimp. About the Boycott Mexican Shrimp Campaign

The Boycott Mexican Shrimp campaign encourages American consumers and seafood companies to stop purchasing Mexican shrimp to help prevent the extinction of vaquita, the world's smallest and most endangered porpoise, found only in Mexico's northern Gulf of California. The goal of the campaign is to compel the Mexican government to act decisively to save this disappearing species. The conservation organizations behind the campaign include the Animal Welfare Institute, the Center for Biologist Diversity and the Natural Resources Defense Council. For more information, visit http://BoycottMexicanShrimp.com. The Center for Biological Diversity is a national, nonprofit conservation organization with more than 1.2 million members and online activists dedicated to the protection of endangered species and wild places.
For Immediate Release, March 16, 2017 Contact: Mollie Matteson, (802) 318-1487 or mmatteson@biologicaldiversity.org Disease That Has Killed Millions of Bats Found in Nebraska White-nose Syndrome Now in 30 States LINCOLN, Neb. A highly contagious fungal disease that has killed millions of bats in North America has been confirmed in Nebraska, making it the 30th state to be affected by the bat malady. Nebraska wildlife officials announced that following the recent discovery of several dozen dead bats at a mine in Cass County, the U.S. Geological Survey's National Wildlife Health Center in Madison, Wisconsin confirmed white-nose syndrome in three bats from the mine. The spread of this disease to places like Nebraska  and as far west as Washington  should ring alarm bells across the U.S., said Mollie Matteson, a senior scientist with the Center for Biological Diversity. White-nose syndrome has already killed millions of bats. Land managers in the West need to work now to stop it from spreading farther, before it's too late. The bat disease has afflicted seven bat species so far. Last year it was discovered in the West for the first time, when a little brown bat killed by white-nose syndrome was found near Seattle, Wash. With white-nose now confirmed in Nebraska, bats in the western United States are being hemmed in on two sides by the advancing lines of the disease. Bat species not found in the eastern half of the country may soon be newly exposed to it, and scientists do not know how they will fare. Scientists have estimated the economic value of insect-eating bats to American agriculture at $22 billion annually. Bats also eat tons of insects harmful to forests, and their guano is essential to the survival of extremely rare cave organisms like cave salamanders and fish. Many leading bat biologists have emphasized precautionary measures, such as cave closures and site-specific caving gear requirements, as the best management response. The Center filed a petition in 2010 to close all caves and abandoned mines on federally controlled lands in the lower 48 states, keeping all but essential human activity out of caves. Such closures also would reduce disturbance of vulnerable hibernating or roosting bats. The disease-causing fungus, which is an exotic, invasive species likely originally brought to North America from Europe more than a decade ago, was first found in eastern Nebraska in 2015. The discovery of the disease two years later follows a now well-established pattern in which the fungus appears at bat wintering sites a few years before bats actually become sickened and die. The disease was first observed in North America in a cave near Albany, N.Y. in 2006. It has since spread throughout the eastern, southern and midwestern states and into five Canadian provinces. White-nose syndrome has resulted in dramatic declines among several bat species. The disease has caused mortality rates ranging up to 100 percent among bats in affected caves. The northern long-eared bat, tricolored bat, little brown bat and Indiana bat are the hardest-hit species. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service listed the northern long-eared bat as a threatened species in 2015, primarily because of the ravages of the disease. The Service is currently considering protecting the tricolored bat and the little brown bat, both of which have also drastically declined. The Indiana bat was listed as endangered decades prior to the arrival of white-nose syndrome, but the bat disease has exacerbated its tenuous hold on survival. White-nose syndrome is passed from one bat to another, or from the cave environment to bats, but it also likely spreads when people inadvertently carry it from one cave to another on their shoes, clothes or equipment. Learn more in this FAQ about white-nose syndrome. The Center for Biological Diversity is a national, nonprofit conservation organization with more than 1.2 million members and online activists dedicated to the protection of endangered species and wild places.
LAGOS, Nigeria - Organised by the German trade fair specialists Fairtrade, Agrofood and Plastprintpack Nigeria 2017, takes place 28 - 30 March at the Landmark Centre in Lagos. More than 100 exhibitors from 19 countries are represented, making it a record participation.

Agrofood & Plastprintpack Nigeria. Credit: Fairtrade Messe und Ausstellungs GmbH & Co.

This event is the first ever exhibition filling both halls of the Landmark. For the first time there will be an official German Pavilion featuring 31 German exhibitors. The French Pavilion is already in for the third time and once again presents a French live bakery.

Italy and China are represented for the first time at the trade show which expects more than 2000 visitors.

This year more than 100 exhibitors from 19 countries are represented, making it a record participation, says Leonie Ganser, project manager at Fairtrade. It is the first ever exhibition filling both halls of the Lagos Landmark Centre.

The exhibitors come from Austria, Benin, Brazil, China, Denmark, Egypt, France, Germany, India, Italy, Kenya, Netherlands, Nigeria, Poland, South Africa, Taiwan, Togo, Turkey and the United Kingdom.

The official German Pavilion will feature 31 German technology leaders presenting their innovations on 510 square meters net exhibition space. The German Pavilion is presented by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and the Association of the German Trade Fair Industry AUMA, and supported by VDMA-German Engineering Federation.

The highlight of the French Pavilion will once again be the live bakery, a great opportunity for Nigerian entrepreneurs to test the equipment and discuss their investment projects with specialists of the sector, said Aude Roelly, Adepta area sales manager for Sub-Saharan Africa.

VDMA again holds a symposium on food and drink technology under the slogan, German Technology  Tailor made for foodstuff processing and packaging.

This year again we will present the strengths of German engineering in Lagos, said Martina Claus, head of market development Africa, VDMA. This event will give an excellent opportunity to meet leading manufacturers of machinery for the production and packaging of food and beverages.

The trade show is supported by the delegation of the European Union to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Adepta, Advantage Austria, AHK-Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Nigeria and IOPN-Institute of Packaging Nigeria.
Whisky Live will this year be taking its Celebration events to Cape Town at The Lookout, Granger Bay, from 6-8 April, Pretoria's Brooklyn Design Square from 46 May and Durban from 13 June.

A range of Irish whiskey will be available for tasting at this years events, including the triple distilled, triple blended, and triple cask matured Tullamore D.E.W. Only 70 casks of the 14-year-old were produced and it will be available for sampling in limited quantities.

The Pogues  the whiskey named after the Irish Celtic rock band  joins the Whisky Live circuit for the first time. Launched in 2015, The Pogues rebels against the norm with a blend of 50% Irish Grain Whiskey and 50% Irish Single Malt Whiskey.

Those who want to expand their Irish whiskey repertoire should not miss the Irish Potstills of Midleton, including Redbreast, Midleton, Green Spot, Yellow Spot and Powers Johns Lane. Jameson Cask Mates will also be available; an embodiment of the spirit of collaboration, aged in craft beer barrels with notes of cocoa, coffee and butterscotch combined with Jameson distinct triple distilled smoothness.

And of course no Irish whiskey offering would be complete without Bushmills, distilled at the worlds oldest whiskey distillery.

Whiskies of Islay

Mr Whisky and Africas only Master of the Quaich, Pierre Meintjes will be presenting Bunnahabhain Islay single malt. The classically Hebridean Bruichladdich will also be available for sampling, and much-loved by smokeheads, Laphroaig and Ardbeg will vie for peat lovers attention at this years event.

The first whisky in space, Ardbeg, is now also the first whisky to conquer the Atlantic. Lone paddler Chris Bertish took three Ardbeg miniatures with him on his Atlantic crossing. Ardbeg invites Capetonians at Whisky Live to say cheers to Bertish and stand a chance to be part of the video theyre producing toasting his huge achievement.

Beautiful blends, crafted cocktails

The curiously rich and delicately smoky Black Bottle will be serving up Rob Roy and Old Fashioned cocktails made with flare by bartender extraordinaire and owner of SIP Exclusive, Owen ORielly. Visitors are also invited to stop by the Consol pop-up whisky-inspired cocktail bar for a complimentary cocktail.

Taste the result of Glenbrynth Master Blenders traditional ethos of selecting premium malts, grains and handcrafted casks to create a uniquely smooth, perfectly balanced taste. Scottish Leaders interesting combination of honey and smoke is sure to give visitors a new perspective on blends with Original, Signature and the 12-year-old available for tasting. The quirky Monkey Shoulder, a triple malt whisky, will also be on offer.

From the US of A to SA

American Whiskey, Jack Daniels, returns to Whisky Live to offer a range from Jack Daniels Old No7, Gentleman Jack and Single Barrel through to Woodford Reserve and Woodford Reserve Double Oaked. Bourbon-lovers will be thrilled to hear that Makers Mark, the distinctive red-dipped bottle, will also be joining Whisky Live this year.

South African whisky Three Ships will be presented by Master Distiller, Andy Watts, including very limited amounts of Three Ships 15-year-old Pinotage Cask Finish whisky available, as well as the recently released Three Ships 10-year-old Single Malt with a 2005 vintage statement. Watts will also be presenting Bains Cape Mountain Whisky to taste alongside a work-in-progress 15-year-old grain whisky which has not yet been released nor bottled.

Sensational single malts

The Macallan will be showcasing their most recent launch, the Triple Cask Matured Fine Oak Range with brand ambassadors Nkululeko Maseko (aka Dada) and Edgar Mntungwa offering tastings of the Fine Oak 12- and 15-year-olds. A selection of Glenmorangie single malts will be on offer and visitors will also be given the opportunity to taste Glen Grant single malt whisky  the 10-year-old was chosen as the Best Single Malt Scotch by whisky critic and author of The Whisky Bible, Jim Murray.

Jura offers whiskies as contrasting as the island of their origin which has a wild shoreline of craggy rocks battered by the open seas on one side, and secluded sandy bays with calm waters on the other. The nature of the island is reflected in the sweetness of Jura Origin to the contrasting smokiness of Jura Superstition.

Visitors to this years Whisky Live can also look forward to head of Whisky Education at Pernod-Ricard, Mark Backhouse presenting The Glenlivet and Aberlour single malts.

Match made in heaven

Made to be an accompaniment to fine cigars, the flavours in Dalmore's Cigar Malt complement tobacco aromas, such as chocolate, wood, earth, spice, and toffee.

Another pairing will be introduced at Whisky Live by blended whisky, Dewars, joining the Whisky Live circuit this year. The Scotch Egg Club celebrates two of Tommy Dewars great passions: whisky and chickens. In addition to producing whisky, Dewar raised a collection of pedigree chickens which laid some of the best eggs.

Tickets to Whisky Live cost R200 from www.ticketpros.co.za and R230 at the door. All tickets include 16 whisky tasting vouchers, a glass bottle of Consol water, a glass and an SA Whisky Handbook on return of voucher cards on exit. Whisky Live Celebration takes place in Cape Town at The Lookout, Granger Bay, from 6-8 April, 6pm to 10pm daily, Pretorias Brooklyn Design Square from 46 May and Durban from 13 June.

For more information go to www.whiskylive.co.za and follow @whiskyliveSA and www.facebook.com/WhiskyLiveSA.
Fortunate enough to attend the 2017 Design Indaba and sit in to hear some of the most creative people in the world speak, I walked out with some insights that fashion retail brands can look into and implement as part of their current strategies.

As remarkable as their talks were it is important to take out key things that are applicable to many brands as these are the people that are at the forefront of trends and consumer insights in their innovations and creations. That led me to the following trends.

Digital shop

Digital is a big part of the consumers life but this element isnt well-integrated into South Africas shopping environment. Consumers often follow brands online yet the in-store experience doesnt bring digital to life in a way that is integrated. Pauline Saglio, who spoke at this year's Design Indaba, showed the beauty and importance of bringing digital into a shop through interactive experiences that will wow the consumer. Consider your brands online personality and presence on social media, and how can you incorporate these aspects into the retail space.

Dressing is play

Shoko Tamura who showcased her Urban Play wearable tech jacket at this years Design Indaba explains that through fashion the young consumer can integrate the elements of music and lights to enhance their social experience and express themselves more artistically. Considering our youth market within South Africa we know they love fashion, they express themselves greatly through music and they are highly attracted to colour and lights (mostly for its attractiveness on social media).

This is what a party or event brings to life and while young consumers dress in their best for these nights out how can a brand really bring music, light and fashion into one experience that connects with the consumer? Dressing, music and lights can be brought together to help the consumer express themselves.

Authentic fabrication

Storytelling is endless. Telling stories through fabric is an opportunity for brands to take advantage of the places they source these fabrics from. At the conference this year we saw how fabric can be used as a medium for telling a story. As a brands fabrics come from different places it is a great opportunity to share about where these fabrics come from and take the consumer on a journey to an entirely different place.

We know that fashion trends repeat themselves but there is still innovation in textile-making. Be it unique prints, new fabric compositions or places foreign to the consumer where the fabric is made it is an endless source to tell interesting stories to the consumer. As consumers are increasingly aware and questioning of where their products come from and who made them, telling stories about fabric in real, unique and interesting ways will engage the consumer and show a level of transparency in how the products they wear are produced and where they are produced.

Design for equality

Grace Jun spoke about design for inclusion. In marketing, you learn about niche markets and a specific target market but with travel bans making people feel like the world is taking a step backwards it is important to stand for inclusivity. Especially in fashion.

Grace Jun's Access & Closure range is created for women who have undergone post-surgery breast cancer. Image via www.gracejun.com

Designing for inclusion tackles the need to make clothing for people with disabilities or unique needs. These are people who are often forgotten about. As we strive to live in an equal society fashion is an important space to express this desire and to include and make consideration for all people in offerings.

These are trends that will be growing and can impact a fashion brands retail strategy. To increase sales it is vital to stay abreast of these new innovations in order to start thinking ahead about how your strategy will incorporate these elements.
Eskom and the Coega Development Corporation (CDC) have signed a collaborative agreement on South Africa's nuclear new build programme.

Signed on Tuesday, 14 March, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will see the two state-owned companies work together in support of governments plans to build local capacity through supplier development and localisation around the unfolding infrastructure for the nuclear programme.

We are gearing ourselves up in preparation for the nuclear new build programme in order to deliver the project within the set timelines and budget. We want to ensure that South Africans get reliable, decarbonised baseload power that will bring sustainable economic growth, said Eskoms group executive for Group Capital, Abram Masango.

Masango said it is critical to lay the foundation for local people to participate meaningfully during the various stages of the project by skilling them for jobs as well as business opportunities.

The areas of cooperation covered in the MOU will include, but will not be limited to, the following:

Project management and implementation services for infrastructure development;

Skills development and localisation;

Provision of the requisite skills training for different stages of the project;

Socio-economic development (SED) studies in relation to the impact of the NNBP; and

Fitness for duty (FFD) centre processes.

Stakeholder engagement and communications

The Coega Development Corporations executive manager of business development, Christopher Mashigo said the collaboration with Eskom is aligned with the corporations mandate to drive the creation of an industrial complex to promote integration with industry and increase value-added production, while creating employment.

An integrated energy plan carries with it the potential to catalyse the re-industrialisation of the East Coast Corridor manufacturing economy  translating to a higher and inclusive growth path and job creation, said Mashigo.

Meanwhile, Eskom has applied for the environmental authorisation for the first nuclear power reactors.

The environmental assessment practitioners recommended Thyspunt site, which is located in Jeffreys Bay, in the Eastern Cape, as the preferred site.

Eskom said the success of the nuclear new build programme rests on the participation of various government departments and state-owned enterprises.

The memorandum of understanding between Coega and Eskom enhances the bond between these state entities.

Eskom is the designated procurer for the nuclear new build programme.

The CDC is mandated to develop, grow, and attract manufacturing capabilities in the Coega Industrial Development Zone in the Eastern Cape.
House lawmakers agreed to shield records related to applicants for government jobs in North Dakota, a move Thursday that one critic called an assault on taxpayers right to know about their governments actions.

Senate Bill 2152 says any records identifying an applicant for a job with a public entity are confidential, except for records related to three or more designated finalists. The bill, introduced by Sen. Lonnie Laffen, R-Grand Forks, passed the House Thursday in a 61-32 vote after the Senate approved it last month.

Supporters said it will help protect applicant privacy, thus encouraging more people to apply and improving the talent pool. Rep. Mike Nathe, R-Bismarck, said people may be discouraged from applying for a public job under the states existing open records laws because their current boss may find out.

I think this bill is a very good compromise, he said. You give the individual some privacy when they apply for it, and you make it public when they  make the finals.

Opponents have argued the Senate bill is too broad, covering not only the most high-profile positions but everything from county road workers to law enforcement personnel.

This is probably, in my legislative career, the greatest assault on the peoples right to know that I have ever seen, said Rep. Bill Devlin, R-Finley, a former newspaper publisher. These are publicly funded jobs.  The taxpayers of North Dakota are paying for them.

The bill was backed by former Gov. Ed Schafer as well as the states current Gov. Doug Burgum.

Jodi Uecker, chief operating officer in Burgums office, said in previous testimony that the governor supports the bill because it would help attract and retain talent for state government positions. Mike Nowatzki, Burgums spokesman, said he believed the legislation is the first policy bill on which the new governors office testified.

Talent recruitment for each agency and government entity is vital, (and) during times of budget contraction, we need to give ourselves the best ability to attract applicants when we are unable to increase pay and benefits, Uecker said in prepared remarks provided by the governors office.

Steve Andrist, executive director of the North Dakota Newspaper Association, warned the legislation would provide more opportunities for government boards to close meetings to the public to discuss confidential records.

We know from history and from attorney generals opinions and anecdotally there is a temptation for public bodies to talk about other stuff when theyre in closed session, he said. Its always a little bit of a slippery slope any time theres a closed meeting, and theres going to be a whole bunch more of them because of this.

The NDNA preferred a narrower bill shielding applicant records for the chancellor of the North Dakota University System and university presidents. That bill has passed the House but awaits a Senate vote.

Forum Communications Co. officials are members of NDNAs board of directors.

The legislation passed by the House Thursday says if a public entity receives applications from three or more qualified applicants for a vacant position, it must designate at least three of them as finalists. But it wouldnt need to designate finalists if it doesnt make a job offer.

The House and Senate passed differing versions of the bill, so the two sides will need to reconcile differences before it heads to Burgums desk.
Oakbay Resources and Energy, which is controlled by the Gupta family, announced that Jacques Roux had resigned as CEO of the company with effect from March 31.

No reason was given for his resignation.

A former CEO of the company, George van der Merwe, had been appointed as acting CEO with effect from April, Oakbay said.

Van der Merwe served as CEO of the company until August 2015.

"Mr Van der Merwe brings a wealth of experience to the company and the board looks forward to his valuable contribution. In line with the company's succession plan for the CEO, both Mr Roux and Mr Van der Merwe shall utilise the March notice period to ensure a seamless transition and handover of responsibilities," Oakbay said.

The company also announced that Melanie Chong, Oakbay's interim financial director, had been appointed to the position in a permanent capacity.
The Kruger National Park (KNP) is currently hosting scientists and researchers from around the world for the 15th Annual Savanna Science Network Meeting at the Skukuza's Nombolo Mdluli Conference Centre.

The five-day meeting, which started on Sunday, 12 March, is hosting about 200 delegates representing 79 different scientific and conservation organisations from 14 countries worldwide.

According to the SANParks acting head of communications, William Mabasa, this makes it one of the most crucial events in the organisational calendar.

This meeting has grown from one encouraging scientific dialogue around biological research in the KNP to one now encouraging a broader social-ecological savanna focus from across different continents, Mabasa explained.

The programme includes 110 presentations and 28 poster presentations which provides an opportunity for scientists to share their latest research findings conducted in national parks and other conservation areas within the savanna biome.

This includes numerous research projects from conservation areas mostly within South Africa (with KNP the best represented), but also drawing in relevant research and understanding from other savanna protected areas across the globe, including Australia, South America, USA and Asia.

Many topical issues in ecological and social sciences will be covered during the four days presentations. These include:

Issues related to conservation management for example restoration, monitoring animals and plants, river management, problem animal management, animal reintroductions, among others.

Ecological issues for example fire, nutrients, soils, hydrology, climate, predation, herbivory, disease, among others; and

Social issues for example poaching, tourism, beneficiation, ecosystem services, wildlife/livestock interface, among others, processes and a session dealing with the drought.

In order to provide a sound scientific platform from which to address the knowledge needs to manage biodiversity and protected areas in a changing world, SANParks scientists engage and collaborate with a wide range of national and international scientists, research partners and funders.

A mix of basic and applied research, spanning the biophysical and social domains strengthens research and monitoring efforts as well as capacity building.

The close interactions between academics and park authorities facilitated by this meeting are key to promoting pro-active evidence-based decision-making, and directing research into priority conservation management needs.

As SANParks, we have been hosting this meeting for 15 years now which is an honour for us because many researchers rate this meeting as the leading savanna meeting in the world, Mabasa said.
David Sadie who is at the forefront of the Swartland winemaking revolution and the maker of some of South Africa's best Grenache is the special guest at Wine Menu's first wine tutorial for the year. Over the years, Sadie, with his wife Nadia, has proved his winemaking abilities and have achieved several five-star 5-star awards including Best White Wine of the Year for his Hoe Steen Chenin Blanc 2015, as awarded in the Tim Atkin SA Wine Report 2016

David Sadie

Respected wine journalist Tim James recently rated David & Nadia among the top 20 South African producers (based on a yearly questionnaire that he sends out to wine journalists, sommeliers and retailers in South Africa and overseas). Vinum, a Swiss-based magazine that offers wine reviews, news and editorials to readers across Europe, scored the David & Nadia Aristargos 18.5 points out of 20 - which positions it somewhere between Outstanding (18 points) and First Class (19 points). Articles in Vinum are written by 15 freelance writers that rate and score wines on a 20-point scale.

Many of South Africa's best Grenache plantings are in the Swartland, a region in which Sadie grew up and in which he now produces, so he is a winemaker who can speak with good authority about the vines and wines that are currently produced in this area.

As Corlien Morris of Wine Menu, the boutique wine shop located at the BluBird Shopping Centre in Athol Oaklands, says: "If you are going to organise a Grenache Masterclass there is no-one better and more informed in this country than David Sadie to run it."

The David Sadie Grenache Masterclass takes place at the La Vie en Rose restaurant at the Killarney Country Club on Wednesday, 5 April at 6pm.

Tickets for the event are R300 per person and include tastings of some of David Sadie's other wines as well as a selection of canapes beforehand. There is seating for 60 people only and with over half that number already sold on the day booking opened, there is a limited number still available. To book call Corlien Morris on 083 3790 030 or email az.oc.unemeniw@neilroc.
Coming into the market towards the beginning of the Northern spring, through late varieties as well as through SmartFresh treatment, means that South African exporters can send plums to the Northern Hemisphere at a time when consumer appetite for stonefruit is rising, along with temperatures.

The South African plum industry is currently harvesting its late plum varieties, notably Angeleno, Southern Belle and Flavor Fall. The latters harvest started this week. The fruits have a very nice size, reports Wessel Erasmus of Banhoek Fruit Packers. Jako van Lill of Fruits Unlimited says: Flavor Fall will be picked up to week 17 and shipped out until week 20. In the European market, customers prefer a late plum like Flavor Fall to the early plums from, for instance, Spain. We send Flavor Fall to the EU and the UK, and the rest to other markets like Canada, the Middle East, Southeast Asia and Africa.

Flavor Fall, a variety developed by Zaiger Genetics in the USA, has been commercially planted for only about 10 years. After a few years of expansion, the acreage is currently stable at approximately 180ha, of which roughly half is not yet in production. Flavor Fall is a pluot, an interspecific fruit with plum, prune and apricot genes.

Incidentally, South African exporters find that prune (plum) exports to Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia over Chinese New Year (28 January, this year) find a very appreciative market. So much so, that Fruits Unlimited sent 90% of their consignment of prunes (plums) by air. There are only a handful of prune (plum) producers in South Africa. The smaller size of the fruit translates to more labour regarding picking and packing.

Read the full article on Agri Africa
Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa says an intensive advocacy campaign will soon be launched to help different sectors of the economy get a better understanding of the recently announced National Minimum Wage.

The Deputy President said this when he fielded oral questions in the National Council of Provinces in Cape Town on Wednesday, 15 March 2017.

He said the advocacy campaign formed part of a number of agreements that social partners at the National Economic Development and Labour Council (Nedlac) signed off on.

...They [social partners] also agreed that implementation of the [National Minimum Wage] would be accompanied by an intensive advocacy campaign, where we are going to raise the level of knowledge and understanding not only of employers but also of those that are supposed to enjoy this right  the working people themselves, he said.

Implementation

Ahead of President Jacob Zumas State of the Nation Address in February, the Deputy President announced that from 1 May 2018, a minimum wage of R20 per hour, or R3,500 per month for those that work a 40-hour week, would be introduced after years of deliberations.

He said at the time that the minimum wage would be phased in, in a manner that does not impact negatively on jobs, and that businesses would be able to come forward to apply for temporary exemptions.

Addressing Members of Parliament on Wednesday, the Deputy President said in preparations for discussions at Nedlac, the Department of Labour commissioned a research report that looked at, amongst others, the resources as well as the organisational capacity to monitor and to enforce compliance for the minimum wage.

He said the Department of Labour has been very proactive in that they have been able to forecast how best the minimum wage can be implemented and to ensure universal compliance.

The Deputy President said during this process, the department found that there were a number of challenges and issues that they need to address in their research work ahead of the implementation.

Inspectors

They found that the quality and availability of inspectors was a challenge and this they have owned up to themselves.

The international labour organisation reported in 2009 that 60% of labour inspectors in South Africa have a level of education which at the moment may not enable them to execute the task as well as they want to and therefore they need to be provided with additional skills so that they are able to enforce the minimum wage, he said.

The department also found that South Africa has about 1,056 inspectors that are stationed at 128 labour offices across the country, the Deputy President said.

He said while this is sufficient when benchmarked against the International Labour Organisation standards, the distribution of these inspectors is skewed both regionally and sectorally.

Wage violations

They also found that the lack of awareness of the existing minimum wages results in violations and lets remember that there are a number of minimum wages that have been set up through sectoral determinations.

If the National Minimum Wage is going to be successful in terms of how it will be implemented... it is going to have to be implemented by employers and it is to this end that we want to see employers becoming compliant and implementing it to good effect, he said.

The Deputy President said social partners at Nedlac agreed on a number of measures that are going to promote universal compliance by companies.

This includes an agreement by social partners to establish the National Minimum Wage Commission. The commission will regularly review the impact of the minimum wage on employment, on income levels and also on poverty so that any adverse effect or impact can be identified and addressed as soon as possible.
With the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality focused on tackling youth unemployment in the city, it recently bagged two new investments which are set to create more than 700 jobs over the next five years.

The two investments will see the expansion of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and Dimension Data's call centres in the Bay.

The PwC expansion should create 390 jobs over five years, while Dimension Data plans to create 375 jobs over three years.

The metro's economic development, tourism and agriculture head, Anele Qaba, who has been working on the two deals for months, said about 147 young people had already been employed at the two Port Elizabeth offices.

He said the Bay had competed with the Mangaung municipality for the PwC expansion deal, worth about R20-million.

Both companies would be eligible for the city's investment incentives - which are discounted rates and services.

Qaba said the investments were proof that the city was able to increase its economic participation without being too reliant on the automotive sector.

BPO deals

The metro has over the past few years signed a number of deals with investors in the Business Process Outsourcing sector (BPO), also known as the call centre industry.

"What is critical is that BPOs are part of the service sector and bringing in more opportunities," Qaba said.

"The sector is new and is growing quite well in the city. Most importantly, is that there is diversification.

"We are no longer totally dependent on the auto sector - we are much safer economically. There is a wide space for other people to play," he said.

The two deals would make a dent in the high youth unemployment figures in the city - sitting at above 47%.

"The jobs issue " as much as we have managed to decrease unemployment - we need to push and ensure the numbers go down," Qaba said.

"We cannot remain one of the top cities with a high unemployment rate, especially among the youth."

He said the call centre industry was a great stepping stone for young people starting out their careers.

"If you look at the BPO sector in general, it targets young people - especially those with a matric [qualification].

"You don't necessarily need a higher qualification to get a job there," Qaba said.

Youth skills training

Through their partnership with other BPOs in the city, they had managed to give skills training to the youth.

PwC Southern Africa chief executive Dion Shango said they preferred the Bay as a location due to the accessibility of graduate resources from various universities and tertiary institutions.

He said another reason was the favourable cost structures and the attractiveness of the city to new investments.

"This is a very exciting development for us at PwC and indeed for Nelson Mandela Bay as it will create significant job opportunities, mainly for new graduates.

"This growth has already started, with the division now employing in the region of 100 employees, but will continue to grow significantly on a staggered basis over the coming four years," Shango said.
With a few significant changes on the cards for the South African property sector in 2017, Just Property recently caught up with Cor Van Deventer of Greyvensteins to ask him for some of his insights on the Expropriation Bill and the Protection of Investment Act.

The Expropriation Bill

The Expropriation Bill has received a great deal of attention in the media of late, particularly due to the controversial push from various parties to have this Bill passed as soon as possible, shared Van Deventer. Expropriations by the state, or organs of the state, are done on a very regular basis in the publics interest. Government intends to speed up land reform with the new proposed legislation, he added.

The Bills definition of property is so wide open to interpretation that it could include residential and commercial property, other moveable property, as well as intangible property such as intellectual rights. The definition of expropriation, as it currently stands, implies that the organ of the state or state itself can expropriate property on behalf of a private individual, or a private company. As compared to the Expropriation Act of 1975, which only makes provision for expropriation for public purposes, the new Bill goes a step further by including public purpose and public interest definitions. The new version of the Bill opens the door for expropriation of land for people who would like to undertake economic developments, such as low-income housing  in fact, it encourages it, said Van Deventer.

Office of the Valuer-General

According to Van Deventer, previously, if government expropriated land for roads, farmland or electricity usage, it was on the willing seller, able buyer principle, where, if owners did not really want to sell, they didnt have to. If government didnt offer enough compensation, property owners could refuse to sell and the land could not be expropriated.

With the establishment of the Office of the Valuer-General, the government can now expropriate property and pay out what the valuators have determined the price of the property to be. This amount will be will be based on market value. To be considered will also be the propertys history of acquisition, current use and the purpose of expropriation.

The new Bill does require that the state first exhaust all efforts to purchase the property on reasonable terms in the open market before it can even consider expropriating it. This layer of protection is remarkable, even in comparison to countries like Canada or Australia, said Van Deventer.

The Promotion of Protection of Investment Bill

Despite strong opposition, Protection of Investment Act was passed in November 2015.

The first draft of the Promotion and Protection of Investment Bill was prompted by the case of Piero Foresti, Laura de Carli and others versus the Republic of South Africa. Here, foreign investors challenged the South African policy of Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) in international arbitration. The matter was presided over by international arbitrators and government lost. Government then became concerned that its policies, in this case BEE, would not be protected through the international arbitration mechanism, explained Van Deventer.

This lead to government reviewing its investment laws and regulations. According to this Act, government may take measures, in accordance with the Constitution and legislation, to redress historical inequalities, uphold the values and principles of the Constitution, foster economic development and protect the environment, said Van Deventer. He added that this section is very vague and may be faced with a Constitutional challenge in the future.

In its first draft, the Bill did not allow for international arbitration. It has tried to downplay concerns by stating that international arbitration may be resorted to, only if such arbitration is consented to by government and only once all domestic remedies have been exhausted.

Bilateral investment treaties

With regards to equal treatment of foreign investors, previous bilateral investment treaties (BITs) operated on the basis that all parties were treated equally in the investment relationship. The Act makes provision that foreign investors will not be treated less favourably than South African investors, explained Van Deventer.

He highlighted that the South African government has left very little room when it comes to taking into account foreign investors interests. The investment security provision also states that foreign investors will get the same level of security as domestic investors, but this is subject to the states available resources and capacity. We need to take into account that the majority of BITs were entered into before our Constitution came into effect and therefore did not adequately protect the interests and values of our Constitution.

Van Deventer also shared that it is still very early to predict what influence this Act will have on future foreign investment into South Africa. It is clear that the Act protects South African interests above those of foreign companies. Proponents of this Act argue that it is in keeping with international trends, but other countries that have cancelled BITs, like Australia and Canada, have vastly different economic environments to ours. We need to strike a balance between protecting foreign interest and that of our own and only time will tell if this Act will achieve this.
Leonel Silva, media partnerships director EMEA at Celtra, is one of the international speakers at today's IAB Digital Summit. He lets us in on the rise of creative programmatic advertising and mobile video.

With over 170 employees worldwide, 250,000 ads built using their AdCreator and those ads appearing in more than 30 countries, theres clearly something to Celtras data-driven programmatic advertising platform. Select Cape Town-based agencies got to see this in action earlier this week, when Mike Carter, special projects director of MaxAxion, led Silva in micro sessions about the platform ahead of todays similarly short TEDx-style session at the IAB Digital Summit on mobile video.

Carter says the micro sessions were a definite success, despite Silva having just landed that morning: They love it. The problem is that inherently, when someone speaks of a programmatic event, its very boring and speaks of data, heavy things, DSPs, ad exchanges and the technical side of billions of impressions. Celtra, on the other hand, is injecting creativity into this environment.

Thats fitting as programmatic is best understood as a layered concept, so if you try to look at it all, your head will spin. Instead, Carter says we need to see it as a stack. So you have your trading desk, you have your audience segments and you have Celtra providing a creative overlay. Silva interjects that they are a technology company so there are technicalities to consider, but with the surge of programmatic we tend to forget that advertising is based on creativity. He says to think of the creative first, pulling example from the success of a print magazine like Vogue, where half the pages are ads, yet still considered valuable content to the reader. Theyre doing great, because their ads are amazing and thats the approach that digital advertising should take in creating better ads. Ultimately, the creative shouldnt just be a repurposed banner, we should think of something bespoke for mobile.

Africa: Mobile-first, innovation-first

This is especially important with more people than ever before reaching for their mobile before switching on their desktop. This is a global trend but especially pertinent to mobile-first Africa. From a locality point of view, Carter says were quite fortunate in that the industry has always been mobile-first.

Leonel Silva.

In SA though, a growing number of peoples first engagement with technology is with that cool shit like Twitter or Snapchat not through work. So our appetite for apps, knowledge and connectivity is probably far greater than most Europeans, as our mobiles become the modern day digital Swiss army knives. As a result, our agencies are already calibrated towards mobile. Many products have thus been developed for desktop first in Europe, whereas in SA its mobile first and then built up. Silva cites mobile-first payment platforms like SnapScan as a lovely surprise in this regard  something he hasnt yet seen in London.

Speaking of the rise of ad blockers, Carter says theyre often asked how this will affect online advertising. He says that there will obviously be an affect for online publishers so we need to work together to solve the problem by regulating or policing ourselves in the hope of creating better ads that users can enjoy, and not skip.

Explaining how to do so, Silva pointed out that its ultimately about user experience, and being polite in the way we introduce ads, recognising that theyre reading something and asking their permission to show them your content  he says pop-up ads definitely arent polite as they impede the way we read the content, and unlike broadcast media where the advertising is built into the time we spend on the actual show were paying attention to, with digital those ads appear without our permission and end up being heavy on the wallet as they cost us data and airtime.

Programmatic advertising, the creative way

Thats why Silva says you should buy that single impression at a time, as opposed to TV thats broadcast for the masses.

As a result, Celtra has developed other formats with programmatic elements that are infinitely customisable with options based on variants like the individual viewers age or home language. For example, their context at the time they see the ad like location, weather conditions or specific real-time information such as stock levels in store to ensure a seamless fit between content and advertising.

More importantly, it also enables the user the freedom to scroll past the ad if its not of interest. If it is, then the focus is on the UX, following guidelines such as using short-form video with a timer that shows viewers its only 10 seconds of their time, and tailoring the content to a mute environment, as a majority of mobile users tend to keep their phones on silent throughout the day.

Carter explains: Locally we have AdJoin, recently launched as a joint venture between MaxAxion and Kagiso Media, which will collaborate with local publishers. Using Krux as the DMP layer, it will build out audience segments for advertisers to target. Celtra plays a major role through certification and auditing of the inventory for those advertisers to run rich media immersive ad formats. Its currently in beta and we are testing the interscroller format, considered native and very polite in its execution. This is exciting as it would be a first globally for a private market place, and unique as it's the combination of publisher co-op, data and high-impact immersive creative execution. See the example below:

Silva asks: You must ask when building a campaign, does the user want to see and read the message? Is it a great creative and entertaining? Its about using technology to help us, not do the job for us. Thats the ultimate endgame of digital advertising.

Click through to see more rich media in action on Celtra.com.

It seems digitals definitely dominating the local business scene, in every industry. Thats why you cant afford to miss out on the IAB Digital Summit today! Click here for my interview with IAB SAs CEO Josephine Buys, here for my digital debrief with fellow speaker Davin Phillips of CSA, here for a recap on all of this years Bookmark Awards finalists, here for what to expect from the IAB Digital Summit and keep an eye on our IAB Digital Summit and Bookmark Awards special section for all the latest updates!
Friends and classmates, Dr Providence Moyo and Dr Mukani Moyo, who studies together at Zimbabwe's Midlands State University in their undergraduate years both received their PhD degrees in agricultural sciences from Stellenbosch University. The newly capped doctors both researched diseases that are associated with grapevines.

Dr Mukani Moyo and Dr Providence Moyo on graduation day in Stellenbosch. Photo: Anina Fourie/Stellenbosch University

According to Providence, the two friends met in 2002 while they studied Biological Sciences as undergraduates. They then went their own separate paths, just to meet up again in Stellenbosch to pursue their postgraduate careers. The two friends even defended their PhDs in the same week, which forms part of the academic process that students have to go through before successfully attaining their postgraduate degrees.

Their graduation ceremony took place on Tuesday 14 March. Providence received a PhD in plant pathology, and Mukani a PhD in Wine Biotechnology. They are among a group of 18 PhD students and 61 masters degree students who graduated this week after doing research in the SU Faculty of AgriSciences. The PhD group represents students from six African countries: South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique.

One of the missions of Stellenbosch University is for the institution to extend its footprint into Africa, and especially its research footprint in particular, says Prof Danie Brink, acting dean of the Faculty of AgriSciences at Stellenbosch University. One way of doing so is by providing postgraduate support to students from around the continent. This is reflected in growing numbers of postgraduate students from African countries in the Faculty of AgriSciences.

Dr Providence Moyos research work

For her PhD in plant pathology, Providence surveyed which types of Diatrypaceae fungi species are found on grapevines and other woody plants growing near South African vineyards. This fungal family, and especially the species Eutypa lata, is known to cause a potentially devastating disease called Eutypa dieback. It causes the arms or trunk of a grapevine to rot, until the plant dies over a period of a few years.

She found fifteen different species of Diatrypaceae and established that some species are associated with specific dieback symptoms. In the process, she identified a new species of Eutypa never described before in the world, as well as seven species of Diatrypaceae that viticulturists and plant pathologists did not know occurred in South Africa.

Providence completed her research under the guidance of supervisors Dr Francois Halleen of the Agricultural Research Council and Dr Lizel Mostert of the SU Department of Plant Pathology.

The project was instigated after local plant pathologists received reports from overseas about the discovery of new fungal species, which were thought to also be involved in the development Eutypa dieback. We did not know whether these species occurred in South Africa, and therefore decided to investigate, explains Providence, who has taken up a position as a plant pathologist at Citrus Research International in Nelspruit after completing her studies.

Her study is more than just a tick list of the types of fungi that cause dieback in South African vineyards. She, among others, also developed a laboratory test that plant pathologists and viticulturists can use to detect whether the species Eutypa lata and Cryptovalsa ampelina are present in the woody part of a vine.

Dr Mukani Moyos research work

For her PhD in wine biotechnology, Mukani used different molecular techniques to investigate the interplay between grapevines and fungal pathogens that cause diseases. In particular, she investigated what happens when grapevine plants are infected by Botrytis cinerea, a fungal pathogen that causes grey mold of grapevine.

She used techniques that made it possible to identify the attack strategies of the fungus, as well as the defence strategies of the plants. These so-called interactome studies lead to interesting insights into the interaction between grapevine and its pathogens.

She found proof that some of the defences of grapevine are not used, or even effective against the pathogen. For example, a grapevine defence protein, the polygalacturonase-inhibiting protein (PGIP), was shown to be ineffective against protecting the plants against Botrytis. This is interesting because the same protein, when tested in tobacco, helps to effectively control the fungus. Vines are naturally susceptible to Botrytis infections and unlike other plant species, the PGIP protein does not seem to play a defence role in protecting the grapevine against such infection, she explains.

Mukani says the best part of her PhD  and probably also the part that taught her many a lesson in tenacity  has been to find out just why the gene provides protection in some plants, but not in others. "It has to do with changes in the cell walls of plants overexpressing the grapevine pgip gene, emission of volatile organic compounds and expression profiles of genes involved in crucial defence mechanisms such as hormonal regulation. Studying the process both from the perspective of the pathogen and the plant, made the detail understanding possible in the end, she explains.

Dr Moyo completed her degree under the guidance of Prof Melane Viviers of the Institute for Wine Biotechnology in the SU Department of Viticulture and Oenology.
Intellectual property magazine, Managing Intellectual Property named Rouse Africa the winner in the Africa - Firm to Watch 2017 category of its annual global IP awards. One of Rouse Africa's directors, Maura Canavan, attended and accepted the award at the ceremony held at The Savoy in London on 9 March 2017.

Rouse Africa was one of five IP firms nominated for this award. Launched on 5 October 2015, Rouse Africa is the most recently established firm out of the five.

Rouse Africa specialises in trademark, copyright, patent and design services in Africa. It is a joint venture owned by South African IP law firm, Von Seidels and international IP firm, Rouse. Rouse Africas head office is in Cape Town.

Von Seidels and Rouse both won awards at Managing Intellectual Propertys global IP awards in 2013. In fact, the firms first met at the 2013 awards ceremony in London and the idea to work together in Africa was born there.

Director, Bastiaan Koster, commented We are absolutely delighted to see Rouse Africa develop from a late night idea with Rouse while celebrating our respective successes at the Managing Intellectual Property 2013 awards ceremony into a fully-grown award winner itself four years later.

Rouse Africa offers direct intellectual property services in ARIPO, Namibia, Nigeria and South Africa with plans underway to open offices in Kenya, Cameroon for OAPI and Mozambique.
One of the proposals researchers say has the most potential to reduce the growing prison population is finding some opposition in the Senate.

Sen. Kelly Armstrong, R-Dickinson, said he is concerned about a provision in a criminal justice reform bill that would make probation the presumptive sentence for Class A misdemeanors and nonviolent Class C felonies unless "aggravating factors" apply.

The idea is that people accused of low-level felonies would generally get probation and not be sentenced to prison except in special cases. Marc Pelka, deputy director for the Council of State Governments Justice Reinvestment Initiative, who has advised the state on reform, argued that the policy is key to slowing prison growth, because low-level felons make up 62 percent of prison admissions each year.

"From your perspective, this is what moves the needle," Armstrong told Pelka during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on House Bill 1041 on Wednesday morning. "People who practice in North Dakota are very skeptical of this section."

Armstrong, committee chairman and a criminal defense attorney, said his lawyer colleagues worry that without a specific definition of "aggravating factor," there will be appeals and variation across the state.

"This seems like a broad policy statement that will be determined differently by every single prosecutor and every single person wearing a black robe," Armstrong said.

Pelka said South Dakota has a similar policy and few appellate issues. He said aggravating factors there have included prior failures on probation and safety of the community.

"Aggravating factors was meant to be a general category, so you can reserve that individual discretion. Implementation you define through the courts," Pelka said.

Aaron Birst, executive director of the state's attorney's association, said prosecutors aren't sure about how the aggravating factors would work and whether a prison sentence could still apply if someone pleaded from a higher class felony.

He also said he didn't expect presumptive probation to have such a big effect.

"We understand what the concept is. But in our experience, the people we see (sentenced to prison) are clearly going to fall into the aggravating factor category," Birst said.

Armstrong said he expects some version of presumptive probation to make it into a bill draft, which is likely to be debated in conference committee. The proposal is one of 19 in a bill put forward by the interim incarceration issues committee, which worked with the justice center to study the system and develop recommendations over the past year. The bill passed the House by a 86-4 vote.

Also included in the bill are provisions to reduce penalties for drug possession and ingestion, increasing the felony theft amount to $2,500 and add intermediate sanctions for people who violate their probation.
KIEV, Ukraine: Irish low-cost airline Ryanair announced on Wednesday, 16 March 2017, its first flights to Ukraine, with four new routes departing from Britain, Sweden and the Netherlands.

 JaromAr Chalabala via 123RF

The carrier said it would operate 15 weekly flights, with five of them from Kiev airport to London Stansted and three to Manchester.

It also will launch four weekly flights from Kiev to Stockholm Skavsta and three more to Eindhoven in the Netherlands.

"Ryanair is pleased to announce that low fares have arrived in Ukraine, our 34th country of operation," Ryanair's chief commercial officer, David O'Brien, said in a statement.

The Ukraine flights will start in October. Ryanair forecasts that 250,000 customers would use the routes annually, O'Brien added.

Source: AFP
Most households in tropical sub-Saharan Africa  over 80%  use some form of biomass, such as charcoal or wood as their primary source of energy, mainly for cooking. They source this biofuel from scrublands, savannahs and forests.

Papyrus can alleviate pressures on native forest ecosystems. Author supplied

Wood is the main source of domestic energy for rural populations while charcoal is the major source in urban areas. But the capacity of biomass to provide the energy requirements of sub-Saharan tropical Africa is declining. This is problematic because the numbers that depend on it are growing as populations increase.

By 2040 there will be an estimated 40% increase in the demand for biofuels. This will increase the pressure on forest biomass stocks in particular. It has long been recognised that this supply of wood is not sustainable and its continued use is leading to the destruction of natural woodlands and scrublands and a catastrophic loss of biodiversity. It has been predicted that the current rate of fuel wood consumption could exhaust resources within the next decade or two so theres an urgent need to find alternative sources of biofuel.

One of the, as yet, untapped sources of biofuel is the prolific vegetation that grows in wetlands which cover approximately 6% of sub-Saharan Africa. Many of the wetlands are covered by papyrus vegetation thats been shown to have record-breaking growth rates. Harvesting this papyrus as a renewable source of energy has the potential to alleviate pressures on native forest ecosystems which currently act as the main source of fuel sub-Saharan Africa.

Some plants are better for biofuel use than others

The ideal plant used for fuel grows fast, can be harvested easily and then will regrow quickly. Fast growth depends on using the light available for photosynthesis as efficiently as possible and some plants are 30-40% more efficient than others. We now know that one of these super-efficient plants is papyrus which was extensively cultivated in Africa throughout history, most famously to make paper in ancient Egypt.

Today, papyrus has largely disappeared from Egypt but it remains the dominant plant in wetlands in the Nile basin. These wetlands stretch from the source of the White Nile in Lake Victoria and passes through Uganda, South Sudan, Sudan into Egypt.

Papyrus grows quickly and its high biomass can be put to a number of uses. It is usually harvested by hand and stacked for partial air drying before it is used. Its then used to make furniture, mats and baskets. But currently no market for its use as biofuel has been developed.

Briquettes from papyrus can replace biomass as biofuel. Author supplied

There are a number of reasons for this, the most significant being that papyrus needs to be converted into a suitable combustible form before it can be used as a biofuel. Papyrus stems arent dense enough to burn directly in stoves so they need to be densified or converted into charcoal.

Trials to compress the papyrus into briquettes have been carried out in Rwanda. The briquettes were manufactured in a single piston press as a long cylinder with a diameter of 6 cm. A pilot factory was established near Kigali, in the early 1980s but it was never developed into a commercial operation, possibly because not enough effort was made to develop a market for the briquettes.

More recently innovation in producing charcoal briquettes from papyrus has been developed by Massachusetts Institute of Technology. This is a low-tech option which could prove to be more effective, particularly in rural areas.

But is using papyrus as a source of biofuel sustainable?

Ensuring sustainability

An integrated approach to the use of wetlands is crucial. This requires assessing the impact of papyrus production and harvesting on a range of other ecosystem services such as flood control, as carbon sinks and water purification.

A few studies have been done looking at how papyrus wetlands can benefit local communities. But even this limited research suggests they have great benefits. For example, research near Lake Naivasha in Kenya and Lake Victoria has identified 27 subsets of benefits derived from papyrus wetlands.

More needs to be done to assess the ecosystem services that inform local decision making. But this often involves technically demanding and expensive field work.

We are currently working on a system that guides local, non-specialist through ways of identifying which ecosystem services may be important at a site, and evaluating the benefits from them. Our approach also involves engaging everyone who has an interest in the wetlands so that a site-specific approach to sustainable wetland management that benefits all sectors can be developed.

This is important because there are often differences of opinion about priorities. This is particularly the case where papyrus wetlands are being converted to agricultural use. For example, surveys in an area in Eastern Uganda found that people were at loggerheads with the government. Their concern was water and land use conflicts while local and national governments are more concerned about agricultural encroachment and biodiversity loss.

In a world seeking solutions to its energy, environmental, and food challenges, society cannot afford to overlook the use of such productive plants as a source of fuel. But society also cannot accept the undesirable impact of biofuel production that isnt managed sustainably.


Manufacturers of edible oils in the EAC have been shielded from competition from other countries. Regional trade ministers have included edible oils manufactured in the EAC on the list of sensitive products, paving the way to increase the import duty levied on them.

neufal54 via pixabay

"The refined edible oils manufactured from locally sourced raw materials now qualify for preferential tariff treatment, and thus should be accorded preferential treatment when transferred to other partner states," the EAC Sectoral Council on Trade, Industry, Finance and Investment said.

The import duty will be increased gradually over three years, to allow partner states to develop the capacity to meet the demand for raw materials. In 2017-2018, the rate will go up to 30 percent, in 2018-2019 to 35 percent, and up to 40 percent in 2019-2020.

The decision follows recommendations by experts from the EAC partner states, who carried out a verification exercise from 31 October to 6 November 2016 in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania, to establish how much oil was being imported within and outside the region from 2011 to 2015. The manufacturers that were covered by the study included A.K Oils & Fats Uganda Ltd, Nile Agro Industries, Oil Palm Uganda Ltd a subsidiary of Bidco Uganda, Kapa Oil Refineries Ltd in Kenya, and East Coast Oils and Fats Ltd of Tanzania.

The experts found that the number of oil manufacturers in the region is increasing, and that existing manufacturers are expanding their factories, with a total investment of approximately $550 million.

Manufacturers import crude palm oil from Malaysia and Indonesia because the local supply cannot meet the demand. Other manufacturers source crude sunflower oil from Ukraine and Argentina.

Under the current Common External Tariff regime, palm oil is imported as a finished product and subjected to a duty of 25 percent.

Under the current rules of origin, only goods produced wholly from local inputs are allowed to cross national borders without attracting Customs taxes.

The EAC member countries were concerned that regional manufacturers were losing out by paying 25 percent duty on some imported products, which should have ordinarily attracted zero per cent or 10 percent duty.
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The launch of the 2017 SingularityU Johannesburg Chapter was held as part of a screening of the documentary film, The University, at the Killarney Mall CineCentre. A few days earlier, Michael Fichardt had hosted the Cape Town Chapter at Open's Workshop 17.



Mann Made Media director Mic Mann is the SingularityU Global Impact Challenge Johannesburg Chapter ambassador and he believes that 2017 is going to be a great year for African innovation and impact. The GIC challenges applications to create innovations that will help to resolve critical social problems by making use of the newest available technology.
Similar rallies were staged across Kachin, Shan, Karen and Karrenni states, according to a statement from the Burma Rivers Network, the Save the Salween Network and the Burma Environment Working Group.

By 2030, the statement says, Myanmar intends to choke the countrys two main arteries with 50 hydropower projects, drastically increasing production rates from the current level of 3,000 to 46,000 megawatts. The majority of the electricity generated would be exported, however, and the proposed dams would be situated in the midst of conflict-affected regions, fuelling concerns over who should have the authority over the use and allocations of the waterways.

All the large dam projects are slated for conflict zones, said Sai Khurng Seang, a member of Burma Environmental Working Group (BEWG).

He added that while the government has already conducted environmental and social impact assessments in target areas, the evaluations may have been skewed by the fact that a number of the residents displaced by conflict. Such estimates could result in under-calculating the number of villagers affected by the project, or who deserve compensation, he said.

That is why we are urging the government to suspend the projects until the peace talks are finished and a federal [system] is achieved, he said.

Protest organizers said that without a federal system in place, ethnic people may feel that they have not been given the right to have a say in what happens to their resources, which could in turn catalyze further conflict.

Foreign investors should not be building dams in Burmas conflict zones, said Mi Ah Chai, coordinator of Burma Rivers Network. The dams are fuelling conflict, human rights abuses and displacement, and destroying local environmental resources.

[S]he added that Nay Pyi Taws support for such dam projects has raised further doubts about the governments professed commitment to securing peace.

What is the point of the dialogue process if the central government has already sold off all our natural resources? said Mi Ah Chai.

The three organizing groups called for an immediate moratorium on large-scale dam projects.

Translated by Aong Jaeneh

Edited by Laignee Barron for BNI
The Pyidaungsu [Union] paid for the construction of the bridge-- it was built with Union Funding, so I want to say it clearly; we should be proud that they have decided to name the bridge for General Aung San, he said, referring to the national government.

He said that before General Aung San led Myanmar (then Burma) to independence, it was split into two separately administered regions, Ministerial and Frontier. If General Aung San had not brought members of the countrys many ethnic groups together at the 1947 Panglong Conference, there would be no Myanmar on the map.

Many in Mon State disagree. In particular, they feel that a National League for Democracy (NLD) government that came to power on promises of accountability and reconciliation should be more sensitive to the strong feelings surrounding the largely symbolic issue. More than 3,000 protesters gathered in early March to oppose the name and organizers expect 10,000 to march this weekend.

It is not only Mon people who will be attending the demonstration. Members of other minority ethnic groups and civil society organizations plan to join us in a show of solidarity, said Nai Mon Raja, a Mon activist.

Myanmars parliament voted by a wide margin yesterday to approve the name. When completed later this year the bridge will span the Thanlwin River, connecting the Mon State capitol of Mawlamyine to Chaungzone, Bilukyun Island.
JICM is made up of two party blocs: one is the government, parliament and Military and the other, the Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs), with each bloc having 8 representatives in the setup.

Under the JICM is the JMC-U composed of three party blocs: government, parliament and Military with 10 representatives; EAOs with 10 representatives; and civilian with 6 representatives.

The UPDJC, which is entrusted to hold the UPC or 21CPC, is made up of three party blocs: government, parliament and Military with 16 representatives; EAOs with 16 representatives; and political parties with 16 representatives respectively.

Now let us look at the military engagement between the Tatmadaw and the RCSS, followed by the problematic issues surrounding the Shan National Conference (SNC) that is supposed to take place under the rubric of NCAs state-level or national-level political dialogue, to lend inputs to the UPC.

RCSS-Tatmadaw armed clashes

According to Shan Herald Agency for News (SHAN) report Burmas armed forces have launched offensives against the RCSS/SSA, a signatory to the NCA, on March 7.

Lt-Col Sai Nguen, the RCSS/SSA spokesperson said that the Burmese troops from battalions 502

Heavy fighting took place from 2pm until 6pm, he said. It was a premeditated attack; that is why it was so heavy.and 242, which are under command of Military Operations Command (MOC 1) based in Kyaukme Township, opened fire on Tuesday on Shan positions in Oum Mu tract in northern Shan States Hsipaw Township.

He said that since his group signed the NCA in October 2015, it has clashed more than 20 times with the Burmese army, 5 of them which could be termed as serious heavy battles.

The Shan army spokesman speculated that the reason for the assault was part of a plan to push all ethnic armies out of Hsipaw and Kyaukme Townships.

Min Zaw Oo, director of JMC-U said that the clashes were due to the unfinished area demarcation and also the different interpretation of the Kengtung ceasefire agreement that was signed between the RCSS and the Tatmadaw in 2012.

According to Min Zaw Oo, the Kengtung agreement included demarcation areas, which from the the Tatmadaw took it as where the RCSS troops should be located. But understood by the RCSS as designated areas for its headquarters only. Based on this different interpretation, skirmishes happened as both parties accused each other of trespassing into its areas of control, reported 7 Day Daily on March 11.

Shan National Conference

According to the SHAN report of February 24, Burmas military has intervened in plans for Shan National Conference (SNC), insisting that state capital Taunggyi cannot be used as a venue for the forum and instead directing organizers to smaller townships.

According to Col. Sai La, an official with the RCSS/SSA, which is hosting the event, his group met with Tatmadaw [Burmese military] representatives at talks mediated by the government-led Union Peace Dialogue Joint Committee (UPDJC) on February 15. He said that the Tatmadaw offered only a restricted shortlist of options for holding the SNC, which is the last forum where ethnic Shans may gather to express opinions and make decisions ahead of the national peace talks known as the 21st

Century Panglong Conference (21CPC), which is after postponing several times now slated to be held in May.

The Tatmadaw said we could hold the conference in Mongpan, Mongtaw or Nam Pan Kun townships, he told Shan Herald on February 24.

The three towns are each underdeveloped and inconvenient in terms of travel, accommodation and hospitality, he said.

We requested permission to hold the SNC in Taunggyi, said Sai La. They responded by saying that only the Tatmadaw could stage official meetings in the state capital. Other than the three towns put to us, they would not budge in discussing the matter further.

The ensuing request for permission to hold the SNC either in Taunggyi or Panglong, the historical town where the 1947 Panglong Agreement was signed, to Lt-Gen Khin Zaw Oo, a Tatmadaw representative at the UPDJC and Aung San Suu Kyi in her capacity as both State Counselor and chairperson of the UPDJC were also not successful, as both said that they could not interfere in what the military had ordered.

Regarding the row, Zaw Htay, the presidential spokesman said that the UPDJC is at the moment discussing among themselves internally, according to the 7 Day Daily report of March 7.

Reportedly, Colonel Sai Merng of RCSS said that the Committee for Shan State Unity (CSSU) has sent out representatives and met the people in some 40 townships, where data were being collected and is now ready for the national-level conference or dialogue.

But he said: If national-level political discussion cannot be conducted, our participation in the Panglong convention also has to be reconsidered. Without inputs from the people, we could hardly participate comprehensively in the discussions.

The Committee for Shan State Unity is comprised of Shan political parties and armed groups, including the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD), the Shan Nationalities Democratic Party (SNDP), the Shan State Progress Party (SSPP) and the Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS).

Outlook

Summing up the situation, the armed engagement between the RCSS and the Tatmadaw shows that even though the government is keen to portray that signing the NCA would create an absence of war and conducive to the peace process, the contrary proves to be the case.

According to the RCSS, starting from the time of NCA signing in October 15, 2015, there were more than 20 armed conflicts, with 5 of them serious and furious battles. Thus, it is evident that the JMC is not working and this self-help joint monitoring setup must be replaced or added up with a neutral international team to be credible, if ceasefire monitoring and enforcement are to be employed effectively. This is also the point of argument pushed forward by the United Nationalities Federal Council (UNFC) in its 9 point proposal to alter the present NCA.

Again, the convening of state-level or national-level political discussion or dialogue is hampered by the heavy-handedness of the Tatmadaw in even choosing the venue of holding the meeting in the case of SNC, needless to say of blocking the Arakan State conducting such a conference.

What the ethnic nationalities dont understand is that why should the UPDJC dominated by the government and the military call the shot in even small matters like choosing the venue for national-level political discussion, which begs the question of how it would look like when it comes to the hardball political bargaining in the future.

In addition to these said problems, the government seems to have no idea on how to bring about the solution to the war in Kachin and Shan States; how to respond to the United Wa State Army (UWSA)-led Panghsang peace initiative; and how to concretely take up position on the UNFCs 9 point proposal, rather than just a vague agreement in principle positioning, not to mention the internationally damaging countrys image caused by the area cleansing undertaking by the Tatmadaw against the Muslim population in the Arakan State.

While the issues to be resolved are many and seem impossible to overcome, they are interrelated. And as could be seen from the examples in Shan State, the government and the Military would need to do more on accommodation to facilitate the peace process, coupled with the acceptance of all-inclusiveness as time and again been urged to end the war in the north, if necessary by declaring unilateral ceasefire by the Tatmadaw.

It is not uncommon that the stronger party has to take the initiative to break the deadlock, in many of the conflict resolution settings. Thus, decisive change of policy that is embedded in altruism and largesse should be the way to go for the Tatmadaw.

It should also be noted that anything less than political accommodation and all-inclusiveness participation wont be able to resolve the host of problems that have been burdening and bedeviling the country for so long.
PR Newswire

CINCINNATI, March 15, 2017

CINCINNATI, March 15, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- tilr, an app-driven company that connects qualified workers to jobs via a unique algorithm focused on one's skills instead of job title, celebrates their first six-months of market release by acquiring their first 10,000 active community members.

In making the announcement, Carisa Miklusak, Co-Founder and CEO of tilr, said, "This is a major milestone, not just for our business but for the human capital industry. tilr launched into the open market September 6, 2016 and its strong and steady growth trajectory illustrates that algorithmic hiring provides a more efficient and effective way to recruit. We are improving work for everyone - workers and employers alike."

Summer Crenshaw, tilr's Co-Founder and COO, added, "Selecting the city of Cincinnati, and the Tri-State area, for tilr's launch has undoubtedly been instrumental in tilr's early market validation. tilr is beyond thrilled with its new home in downtown Cincinnati. Our humbling community reception and contagious growth are equally appreciated, as we continue to pioneer a better way for workers and companies to connect."

Ending 2016 with approximately 6,000 active users and 4,500 shifts, tilr's adoption continues to grow in a compounding fashion, having doubled in size in the first few weeks of 2017. Now, in the 10th week of the year and tilr's 6th-month anniversary, tilr has generated a total of over 20,000 downloads, serves 10,000 active users, and has booked 75,000+ shifts for workers or over 562,000 hours. Users have input more than 300,000 skills into the iOS and Android platforms, broadening the labor pool available to companies by matching a worker's unique skill profile to a company's job requirements. Rather than using the traditional job search match practices of job title, resume and keyword search technology, tilr's proprietary algorithm matches a more complex set of factors through a less complex, in fact--automated--process.

tilr offers a first to market and unique service that is not offered by existing companies. Differentiators include:

The internal tilr team has quickly grown to 25 employees who support tilr's market adoption and expansion. tilr is executing a city-by-city rollout plan with geographic expansion planned for 26 different markets in three years. tilr kicked off its rollout plan early in the New Year with a new focus in Columbus, Ohio. In 2017 tilr will grow throughout Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. In 2018 tilr will move out of the Tri State area offering its marketplace in Texas, Florida and Missouri.

About tilr tilr connects workers to jobs via a unique algorithm that is focused on skills, not titles. tilr offers independent workers a superior and sustainable way to work, while simultaneously offering employers cost savings, improved results, and mitigated risk. tilr is also designed to care for independent worker rights, granting workers new levels of access to affordable healthcare, training and development, and savings opportunities. tilr's Android and iPhone applications are available now in the Apple App Store and Google Play for workers and via a web app for employers. For more information, visit www.tilr.com.

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tilr-the-first-algorithmic-hiring-solution-celebrates-6-month-anniversary-with-massive-growth-initial-10000-active-users-acquired-300424590.html

SOURCE tilr
A lot has happened since my last blog post more than seven months ago. In the fall I made several trips - in October to Wyoming for the annual meeting of ...

3 years ago
As we continue to encounter the adverse effects of particular forms of foreign aid, it becomes increasingly clear that solving complex social and economic problems requires a level of care, concern, and discipleship not well suited to detached top-down solutions.

But just as we ought to be more careful about the types of solutions we create, we ought to be equally concerned about the nature of the needs themselves, which are no less complex or difficult to discern. Most typically, those blind spots begin with an overly humanistic, materialistic perspective on poverty.

We tend as Westerners to think of life in material terms, says Brian Fikkert, author of When Helping Hurts, in a lecture for Made to Flourish. And because we tend to define poverty as a lack of material things, our solutions to the poor tend toward providing material resources to them.

This isnt to say that material poverty isnt an issue, or that material solutions arent needed. But its only one component or dimension of human deprivation, and we owe more than one-dimensional solutions to multi-dimensional human persons.

If we hope to offer those solutions, wed do well to recognize the complete picture of the problem. This means not just a better discussion of needs but of Gods grander design for humanity and the sacrifice that saved us. Poverty is the inability to fully experience image-bearing, Fikkert explains, intersecting with the social, the psychological, the spiritual, and plenty else. In order for the human being to flourish, their individual personhood must be whole.

Poverty is ultimately about human brokenness and the brokenness of relationships, between man and man, and man and God, whether stemming from individual brokenness, systemic injustice, or demonic forces. And if thats the case, Fikkert asks, who is actually poor? The answer often points back to us, and it certainly cannot be determined by an economists index or Western preferences about convenient or comfortable living.

Once we approach the problem from this direction, it shifts our perspective not only when it comes to those in faraway places, many of whom are surely facing extreme material lack and socio-economic crises. It also opens our eyes to the deprivation that haunts even the most free and prosperous corners of the West, whether social, spiritual, material, or otherwise.

The good news is that Jesus has already set us free, which is why the first step is actually rather simple: Embrace and elevate the good news of the Gospel and all that it unlocks for the human person. Weve got to repent of our material understanding of the world, Fikkert explains. Weve got to repent of our God complexes.

As Fikkert explains:

The goal is not to turn the poor neighborhoods in Kansas City into the wealthy neighborhoods of Kansas City. The goal is not to turn Kampala, Uganda into Kansas City. The goal is to turn the whole thing into New Jerusalem. Its a different goal. Youre not the goal. Im not the goal Jesus Christ is reconciling all things. To reconcile is to put into right relationship again. Poverty is rooted in broken relationships, and the hope of the world  the hope for those who have HIV AIDS, the hope for those who have malnutrition, the hope for kids in crummy schools, the hope for little girls being sold into brothels  is not Star Trek Jesus who beams our souls up out of here Jesus dies for the whole thing. He dies for the common good. Hes solving my broken humanist problem. Hes addressing the broken systems. And hes conquering the demonic forces.

Jesus already redeemed us from that brokenness on the cross, and its up to us to grab hold of that gift. From there, kingdom seeds can take root, whatever our civilizational context, and our efforts to alleviate poverty completely change in their aim and arc.

Once we grab hold of the gift hes given, we begin to see things as God sees them, finding new pathways, as hes already done, not just for assistance or alleviation, but for partnership and collaboration, for investment and exchange.
What is the presidents budget?

Technically, its only a budget request (and in this case, just a blueprint of a request). The budget request is a proposal telling Congress how much money the president believes should be spent on the various Cabinet-level federal functions, like agriculture, defense, education, etc. (The 62-page budget blueprint can be found here.)

Why does the president submit a budget to Congress?

The Congressional Budget Act of 1974 requires that the President of the United States submit to Congress, on or before the first Monday in February of each year, a detailed budget request for the coming federal fiscal year, which begins on October 1.

Is the outgoing or incoming president required to submit the budget?

The Constitution requires each new Congress to convene on January 3 and the incoming president to take office on January 20. Prior to 1990, that gap required that the outgoing president submit a budget, which his predecessor could change. In 1990, the deadline was moved to February. This allowed the outgoing president the option of skipping the process (an option taken by George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush).

If its due the first Monday in February, why are we just now hearing about it?

All recent presidents have missed the statutory deadline for budget submissions in their first year in office.

Missing the deadline used to be a rare occurrence. According to the House Budget Committee, All presidents from Harding to Reagans first term met the statutory budget submission deadline in every year. Reagan and Clinton both missed their deadlines once in eight years. President Obama holds the record for missing the deadline six times in his eight years in office.

What is the function of the presidents budget request?

The presidents annual budget request serves three functions:



 Tells Congress how much money the president thinks the Federal government should spend on public needs and programs;

 Tells Congress how much money the president thinks the government should take in through taxes and other sources of revenue; and

 Tells Congress how large a deficit or surplus would result from the presidents proposal.

What spending does the president have to request in his budget?

The budget request includes all optional or discretionary Federal programs and projects that must have their spending renewed or reauthorized by Congress every fiscal year. For example, most defense programs are discretionary, as are programs like NASA, Small Business Administration (SBA) loans, and housing assistance grants. The presidents budget request recommends funding levels for each discretionary program, which totals only about one-third of federal expenditures.

Whats not included in the budget?

Mainly, entitlement programs established by Congress, like Social Security and Medicare. Since those programs include mandatory spending, the president does not have to request they be funded for the coming year, though his budget request can recommend new benefits or changes in the level of spending for specific entitlement programs. Entitlement programs comprise about two-thirds of Federal spending.

What happens when Congress receives the presidents budget request?

The House and Senate Budget Committees will hold hearings on the presidents budget request. In the hearings, administration officials are called to testify about and justify their specific budget requests. From these hearings the Budget Committees will prepare a draft of the congressional budget resolution.

The Congressional Budget Act requires passage of an annual Congressional Budget Resolution, a concurrent resolution passed in identical form by both House and Senate, but not requiring the presidents signature. The Budget Resolution provides Congress an opportunity to propose its own spending, revenue, borrowing, and economic goals for the coming fiscal year, as well as the next five fiscal years.

Did the president offer a balanced budget?

No. In a recent interview President Trump said, I want a balanced budget eventually. But I want to have a strong military. To me, thats much more important than anything.

How much does the president propose to spend?

President Trump proposes to spend $1.068 trillion in discretionary spending (about $4 trillion dollars overall once non-discretionary items are included).

Whats the bottom line on the changes in the recent budget request?

President Trumps plan would increase:

 Defense spending  10 percent

 Homeland Security spending  7 percent

 Veterans Affairs spending by 6 percent.

It would reduce spending on the following programs:

 Environmental Protection Agency 31 percent

 State, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and Treasury International Programs  29 percent

 Agriculture  21 percent

 Labor  21 percent

 Army Corps of Engineers  16 percent

 Commerce  16 percent

 Health and Human Services  16 percent

 Education  14 percent

 Housing and Urban Development  13 percent

 Transportation  13 percent

 Interior  12 percent

 Energy  6 percent

 Small Business Administration  5 percent

 Justice  4 percent

 Treasury  4 percent

 NASA  1 percent

 Other agencies  10 percent

Will Congress pass the presidents budget request in its current form?

Definitely not. Congress has the ultimate say in how tax dollars are spent. Because the priorities of individual legislators differ from those of the president, theyll shift the spending in various ways.

If Congress isnt going to pass a budget, why does anyone care about the presidents budget request?

The actual process may be nothing more than legally mandated political theater but the details of the presidents budget request reveal the priorities of his administration (e.g., strengthening the military).
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We recommend using ConferenceKeeper.org for calendaring upcoming 2022 virtual events.






NEW DELHI (PTI): As many as 22 fighter aircraft of Indian Air Force have crashed since 2013-14 and human error and technical defects were the main reasons for the accidents, Government has informed the Rajya Sabha.



The details were given by Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre in a written reply on Tuesday.



Meanwhile, a Sukhoi aircraft of the IAF crashed in Rajasthan's Barmer district on Wednesday, leaving three villagers injured. Both the pilots ejected safely.



A Chetak helicopter of the IAF too crash landed in Kaushambi in Uttar Pradesh Wednesday minutes after it took off from an airbase on outskirts of Allahabad.



The Minister, in his reply to a query in the Upper House, said in the current year, five fighter jets have crashed against four in 2015-16.



He said seven jets had crashed in 2014-15 while the number was six in 2013-14.



"Main reasons for these accidents were human error and technical defect," the Minister said.



Bhamre said every accident is thoroughly investigated by a Court of Inquiry (CoI) to ascertain the cause of accident and recommendations of the CoI are implemented.



To a separate question, he identified operational hazards, weather conditions, human error and technical defects for accidents of Cheetah helicopters.



Since 2013-14, there have been four accidents involving Cheetah helicopters in which there were seven fatalities.



In reply to another query, Bhamre said the contract for 12 VVIP helicopters with AgustaWestland International Ltd, signed in 2010, was terminated with effect from January 1, 2014.



Asked about the alleged irregularities in purchase of 197 Light Utility Helicopters, he said the CBI has instituted a regular case in January, 2014 in the matter.



"As per decision of the Defence Acquisition Council on August 29, 2014, the RFP (request for proposal) for 197 reconnaissance and surveillance helicopters has been retracted," he said.



Replying to another query, he said US defence major Lockheed Martin has shown interest in setting up manufacturing facilities for F-16 jets in India under the 'Make in India' initiative. However, he said, no concrete proposal has been received from the company.



The Minister said Boeing and Sweden's Saab have also shown interest in setting up manufacturing facilities for fighter aircraft in India.



Responding to a query on terrorist attacks against Army in Jammu and Kashmir, he said there were 31 army casualties in nine such incidents in 2016. The number of terrorists killed was 10.



In the current year so far, he said there have been three army casualties in two militant attacks.




The Soryu-class conventional attack submarine. A file photo

TOKYO (BNS): The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) has received the eighth Soryu-class conventional attack submarine from the Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) last week.



The new sub, named Sekiryu, was handed over on March 13 during an official ceremony held at KHI's facility in Kobe, media reports said quoting a company statement.



The SSK is the fourth Souryu-class underwater vessel built by KHI. It was laid down in March 2013, and launched by the shipbuilder in November 2015.



The Japanese Navy has so far inducted seven Soryu-class subs which are being built separately by KHI and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. (MHI).



The Soryu-class submarines are the world's largest conventionally powered submarines.



They are equipped with state-of-the art technologies, including air-independent propulsion (AIP) systems that enable them to remain fully submerged for long periods of time, and advanced stealth technologies that make them extremely difficult to detect.



Japan had last year offered a variant of the Soryu-class SSKs in its bid to design and build the next-generation submarines for the Australian Navy under a contract worth AUD 50 billion, but lost the contest to France's DCNS.






NEW DELHI (PTI): The DRDO has developed and upgraded military systems, products and technologies worth over Rs 2.5 lakh crore for the armed forces.



The figure does not include the strategic systems the premier defence research organisation developed, Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre said, replying to a question in Rajya Sabha.



He said the DRDO has spent a total of Rs 15,538 crore on various projects since 2013-14.



The Minister said over the past five decades, the DRDO has developed large number of military systems, technologies and products and put their value at Rs 2.50 lakh crore.



Replying to a separate question, Bhamre said 92 contracts involving Rs 83,544 crore were signed with Indian vendors for procurement of various military systems including helicopters and missiles.



A total of 55 contracts for procurement of defence equipment and weapons were signed with foreign vendors during the period.



Bhamre said the expenditure on capital acquisition in 2015-16 was Rs 61,761 crore against the revised budgetary allocation of Rs 65,400 crore.



In the current fiscal, the expenditure on capital acquisition was Rs 65,838 crore till February against revised estimate of Rs 71,700 crore.



To a question on one-rank-one-pension, the Minister said the number of eligible persons for the benefit was 20,75,165 and a sum of Rs 12,456 crore has been allocated for the year 2016-17.



The Minister said the first installment and lump sum amount has been paid to 19,93,815 beneficiaries for which Rs 4,076 crore were spent.



The number of beneficiaries paid the second instalment was 15,57,950 for which an amount of Rs 2,298 crore has been disbursed.



To another question, Bhamre said based on operational requirement of army, construction/improvement of 530 roads have been included in the Long Term Roll on Works Plan of Border Roads Organisation.


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Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 16/03/2017 (2062 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A group of students is taking a science project to new heights.

The Grade 7 class at St. Augustine School was assigned a project researching various ecosystems around the world and some threats they were facing.

When it came to finding solutions for their chosen ecosystem, the kids took the idea and ran with it  reaching out to environmental groups and local organizations to make a difference.

Colin Corneau/The Brandon Sun Student Kailey Pohjolainen talks with teacher Marquita Stewart on an ecologically themed community project at St. Augustines School on Wednesday afternoon. Students are working on projects that will be debuted in the city in the spring, in conjunction with local organizations.

It started as this great big experiment, said Grade 7 teacher Marquita Stewart. I didnt know if it was going to fail or if it was going to be a good go, but Im glad that I did it because its amazing.

Students are in the midst of organizing local initiatives  such as group walks to clean up litter and school challenges to stop using plastic water bottles  to international initiatives adopting polar bear families and sea turtles.

Everything is student driven  Im really passionate about personalized learning and I think that students will remember a lot more about this project than they would from me standing in front of the room just preaching to them about garbage getting into the oceans, so theyre really getting out and doing hands on things, Stewart said. If you give them something that they are passionate about, then they are going to learn a lot from it.

Students Shane Hutchings, Evan Black, Kyle Haberchuk and Nicoll Callejas spend work periods looking up wildflowers to help bring back the bees here in Brandon.

They each have ordered a package of 100 seeds through Honey Nut Cheerioss Bring Back the Bees initiative and hope to get more seeds donated for them to plant.

Bees are dying off because of humans and pesticides, so we thought, why dont we plant seeds? Black said.

The group expects to get the seeds in about six weeks and plan to plant them together.

Were trying to save the bees because they help 95 per cent of the plants to grow, Hutchings said. Without bees, there wouldnt be 95 per cent of the vegetables or fruits that we have now.

Another duo, Delaney Houlihan and Brenna Sawchuk, have partnered with Assiniboine Food Forest Inc., working with AFFI chair Dave Barnes personally in their Adopt-an-Oak program.

We wanted to do something with regrowing treesIt will help the environment everyone always talks about how were slowly ruining the environment but from here were bringing it back, Sawchuk said. Thats how we came up with our little slogan, bring back the bark.

For the AFFI, the girls are a gift from heaven, Barnes said.

Were looking to reforest and regrow habitat, and two Grade 7 girls walk into your world and say they want to help bring trees back  its more than perfect, Barnes said.

The AFFI has 200 oaks ready to be planted, Houlihan said, adding that for $50, Brandonites can adopt a tree which will be planted this summer in the Assiniboine Food Forest on the east end of the city. Once we plant everything and its all done, youre going to be able to go and walk there, the orchard is there  thats what people get from this, as well as giving back to the community, Houlihan said.

The girls agreed what makes this project so exciting is the fact that it will make an impact.

Its not one of those projects where you do it for two weeks and then youre done, Sawchuk said. This project is going to last a lifetime and really make a difference.

 edebooy@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @erindebooy

THE MORE THEY KNOW 

What have the kids learned through this project?

The Grade 7 students weigh in on what has stuck with them through their research  and why they want to make a difference.

Theres five garbage patches in the ocean and the worst one is more than twice the sizes of Texas and 90 feet deep.

 Noah Hardy

Animals, like fish and turtles, are getting stuck in the garbage and eating it  some are dying.

 Megan Barahona

Dont go through drive-thru  theres a percentage of CO2 emissions that come just from people sitting in drive-thrus. It adds up.

 Nick Houck

Helping the river helps the ocean because its all connected  so that will help have less garbage.

 Kailey Pohjolainen
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 16/03/2017 (2062 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Brandon residents are happy with their police force and generally feel safe, but they want to see more officers downtown.

Those are among the findings of a recent Brandon Police Service survey that may be used to challenge the idea that the city isnt safe.

Its just about perception  getting that message out that the city is probably safer than people really do perceive it to be, Brandon Police Service Staff Sgt. Marc Alain said.

BPS annual reports show there were 5,333 Criminal Code and federal statute crimes reported in 2015, compared to 4,764 in 2014.

But police say the Community Engagement Survey wasnt about hard crime numbers  they already have those, and theyre publicly available on the BPS website.

Rather, it was about gauging public crime concerns, perceptions of safety, priorities, and satisfaction with police.

The survey was never intended to be that scientific, very strong scientific type survey, Alain said. It was really much about just engaging the public and hearing from them.

The information will be used to guide policing, help the police executive and board develop a new strategic plan and improve the forces communication with the public.

We have to do our police work, and that type of thing, but a lot of times we can continue to do our police work and, if nobodys getting the message, it doesnt reduce the fear, Alain said.

The Brandon Police Service has done such surveys in the past, but not for more than 10 years.

Between May and September of 2016, 518 people responded to the 22-question online survey. It was promoted on the forces website and on social media.

Alain added that the police executive, city councillors forwarded emails with a link to the survey to their contacts. Translators with the health authority also forwarded the survey to minority groups.

To ensure minorities and immigrants could take part, the survey was translated into French, Spanish and Mandarin.

BPS crime analyst Gitte Richards said the survey was a chance to give a voice to more citizens than those who use traditional official channels such as city council.

This is a tool that we have to get the pulse on what is going on in the community and what are people concerned about, Richards said.

To prevent people from filling out the survey multiple times, responses were limited to one per Internet protocol address. Generally, the idea is that one household would have the chance to respond once.

Richards identified some areas where she thought the survey could have performed better.

A number of respondents, presumably due to concerns about privacy, didnt provide information such as gender, nor their postal code, which would have allowed a comparison of perceptions between general areas in the city.

Still, Alain said that the sample of those who did provide their postal codes indicated that the survey received an even response throughout the city.

Only about one-third of respondents provided a useful response to the ethnicity query. Richards suggested that may be because some minorities have come to Brandon from countries where there is a greater distrust of police.

As a result, it appears Caucasian and aboriginal people were slightly overrepresented in the survey compared to the portions they make up in the general.

Other ethnic groups  such as those of Latin American, Asian and African descent each comprised less than one per cent of respondents, which is less than their presence in the population.

Also, those under 18 years old and over 65 were underrepresented compared to the general population. It could be youth arent eager to fill out surveys, while seniors may not be familiar with the technology or have access to it to take part.

Also, Richards said the fact the survey was done during summer would have affected the results.

Those who filled out the survey may have been thinking of conditions at the time.

With warmer weather, people are out and about and intoxicated people are more of a concern.

Summer issues were therefore present in the minds of respondents. If the survey was done in winter, Richards said, the results may have been different.

As it is, here are the findings.

According to a public presentation that summarized the surveys findings, 77 per cent of respondents felt very safe or safe for their own well-being compared to five years ago.

As for feeling safe for family members, 73.5 per cent stated they felt very safe or safe compared to five years ago.

Alain said property crime has been a concern in the past, although 61 per cent felt that their property was safe or very safe compared to five years ago.

Those who filled out the survey also had a chance to share their policing priorities with the force.

Overwhelmingly (92 per cent of respondents), stated that quick response to calls are a priority.

However, community policing (88 per cent), visibility of officers (83 per cent), mental health issues (77 per cent) and crimes against seniors (65 per cent) also received notable scores.

The BPS was praised for its professionalism. Most notably, 93 per cent of overall respondents were satisfied or very satisfied with the force.

That number dropped only slightly for those who had actually interacted with police during the last year  from callers and victims, to arrestees and visitors to the BPS website. In those cases, about 88 per cent were satisfied or very satisfied.

I think, certainly, the survey shows that the vast majority of people think were doing a good job. That were working hard and doing the best we can, Alain said.

Respondents were also asked to highlight areas for improvement.

Besides downtown safety, there were calls for a more diversified police force, improved relations with marginalized groups, quicker response times and better bedside manners.

Some also wanted to see officers interact with the public more, through such things as street and bike patrols  although, the BPS has run both bike and foot patrol programs in the past.

Alain said there has been no formal study of the ethnic makeup of the BPS.

He said property crime and downtown were already concerns identified by police.

When it comes to downtown, for example, the BPS launched a downtown strategy in 2016 that included targeted patrols.

Although, Alain said that theres a misperception that downtown is worse for crime and due to police efforts there are fewer calls to the area and problem drinking is not as big an issue as it once was.

It will take time for downtown to shake its reputation for crime, he said.

The survey would have been concluded around the time there was a series of shootings in Brandon.

 ihitchen@brandonsun.com
MOSS POINT, Miss. -- The Moss Point Police Department is searching for a suspect who allegedly stole from a local business and is asking for the community's help in identifying the person responsible.

Moss Point police searching for the suspect who broke in and stole two packages of sausage from Tay's Barbecue. (Moss Point Police Department)

Last month, around 10:45 p.m. on Feb. 10, officers responded to Tay's Barbeque, located at 6522 MS Hwy. 63 in Moss Point.

Video surveillance shows a white or light complexioned male break and enter the cooler located behind the business.

Investigators say that two cases of sausage were stolen as the suspect fled the scene.

Police are asking anyone that has information regarding the identity of the person in the video to please call the police department at 228-475-1711 or Crime Stoppers at 800-787-5898.

Residents can also log onto the Mississippi Coast Crime Stoppers website at mscoastcrimestoppers.com.
If Gov. Hutchinson signs the bill, Arkansas will join more than a half-dozen states that try to shield animal abusers rather than protect animals. Photo by The HSUS

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The attack on animals  and the people who defend them  isnt just happening on the federal level. Its happening in some important states, too.

The Arkansas Senate yesterday approved a controversial state ag-gag bill that allows employers in Arkansas to sue workers who expose cruelty at their workplaces. It had passed the House a week earlier, and now it appears headed to Gov. Asa Hutchinson for his signature. The measure, sponsored by state Representative DeAnn Vaught and state Senator Gary Stubblefield, would put at risk anyone who documents cruelty at puppy mills, slaughter plants, and factory farms without the permission of the owners and operators of these facilities.

Most operators dont willingly allow people to document illegal or cruel behavior, so this is yet another attempt in a national campaign to punish documenting animal cruelty. Its a shield and a cover-up for the perpetrators of animal cruelty, seeking as they always do to avoid the public scrutiny that their practices warrant.

According to a statewide survey of Arkansans, 75 percent of residents there oppose Vaught and Stubblefields legislative approach, and 81 percent believe that an employee should not face punishment from his or her employer for documenting and informing others of cruel, unsafe, or unethical actions occurring in the workplace.

The bill is so sweeping that it would also gag employees who try to expose the abuse of children at a daycare center. The bills backers appear to be doing backflips to accommodate people in their state with something to hide.

The Arkansas Press Association has joined a large coalition of dozens of public interest organizations that have opposed the bill, which would also prevent whistleblowers from bringing evidence of cruelty to the media and even to law enforcement.

This is the fifth time that Arkansas lawmakers have attempted to pass an ag-gag bill, but this year, they had things wired pretty well and rushed it through. If Gov. Hutchinson signs the bill, Arkansas will join more than a half-dozen states with legal variations on the same theme  trying to shield animal abusers rather than protect animals.

A federal court struck down Idahos ag-gag law as unconstitutional, and similar measures in North Carolina and Utah are being challenged, thanks to the work of the Animal Legal Defense Fund.

Even agribusiness industry spokespersons and officials across the country have spoken disparagingly about ag-gag laws because they inevitably make the industry look like its got something to hide. A 2016 survey published in the journal Food Policy found a measurable reduction in the publics trust of farmers after learning about ag-gag laws. Family farmers across the country have also chimed in, both because of the harm these laws cause to consumers and animals, and because the measures tend to put all agriculture in a negative light while protecting bad actors. Even the National Pork Producers Council admits that its analysis of the media coverage surrounding ag-gag legislation found that 99 percent of the stories about it were negative.

Since 2009, the USDA has adopted two rules to forbid the slaughter of downer cows and calves  animals too sick or injured to walk to their own slaughter. The rules followed legal petitions filed by The HSUS after several of our undercover investigations documented horrible cruelty at slaughter plants. Investigations of egg producers by The HSUS and other animal protection groups have led to major grocery chains, restaurant chains, and food service companies and producers pledging to go cage-free. And investigations of puppy mills have led to some states strengthening laws to protect animals raised on large commercial breeding facilities, and several localities banning pet stores from selling animals raised in puppy mills.

Cruelty typically occurs outside the gaze of responsible citizens and enforcement agencies, if they even exist. Thats why the work of whistleblowers is so invaluable to the enterprise of protecting animals.

No farm or dog-breeding operation playing by the rules and treating animals properly has anything to worry about from animal advocates. The Arkansas bill is designed for the delinquent operators, and with the recent USDA action to take down records of Animal Welfare Act inspections, its a potentially devastating blow to transparency and animal welfare in our nation. Gov. Hutchinson should veto it, and ask the legislature to take a more balanced and sensible approach.
Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 16/03/2017 (2062 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

WINNIPEG  Several small non-profit organizations are nervously awaiting Manitobas 2017 budget. Funding sources theyve come to rely on have been on pause for months and its beginning to affect the services they provide. Many organizations have been unable to confirm that multi-year agreements signed through the governments Non-Profit Organization (NPO) Strategy will remain in place  they are told they must wait until the budget is released.

Government officials have also warned agreement holders that agreements can be terminated and therefore they should not spend beyond the current fiscal year. This means that front-line services will be disrupted because some organizations will be forced to layoff program staff prior to the April budget.

By all accounts, the NPO Strategy provides good value for money and is non-contentious. We all know of someone who has a connection with a NPO, either as a service user, employee or volunteer. Ideologically and practically it even makes sense for the current government to maintain the strategy and fund non-profits  it aligns with the mandate of the governments Red Tape Reduction Task Force. The Task Force, established to identify regulatory requirements that stifle growth with a focus on industry and issues facing non-profits, has met with several non-profit representatives who report that the current model has addressed many of their concerns and is allowing them to operate more effectively.

The NPO Strategy was introduced in 2011 in response to frustrations with an onerous proposal and reporting process. The province began the process of entering into multi-year agreements, as opposed to annual agreements, with long-established community based service providers. Agreements were initially signed with 50 organizations across the province as well as 53 rural recreation commissions. In 2015, then-Family Services Minister Kerri Irvin-Ross expanded the NPO strategy to include 10 additional organizations followed by an additional 58 organizations in 2016.

The NPO strategy is an efficient way to support front-line service in the non-profit sector. An independent evaluation in 2013 showed that the NPO Strategy improved service delivery, effectively stabilizing organizations by streamlining funding agreements across departments and committing to conditional multi year funding. Organizations remain highly accountable to government  funding is contingent upon organizations demonstrating annually that they are meeting the terms of their agreements.

Operationally, multi-year agreements make a significant difference to non-profits, enabling them to make long-term plans to better serve their communities and offer longer term commitments to their employees thereby attaining and retaining qualified staff. While organizations remain accountable to government, previous onerous requirements are more manageable, allowing organizations more time to do what they do best  deliver services.

The amount of money the province will save from backing out of the NPO Strategy and withdrawing funding from community service delivery organizations is relatively small potatoes compared with the impact these organizations have in communities.

So whats the problem?

Regardless of how effective it is, Pallisters Conservative government will find it difficult to resist pulling the plug on the NPO Strategy and other popular initiatives implemented by the Doer and Selinger NDP governments. Weve seen this before.

Traditionally, NDP governments have provided financial support for prevention and advocacy programs delivered by community-based initiatives and Conservative governments then withdraw support. This was the case in 1992 when the Filmon Conservative government, fresh from winning a majority, withdrew funding from 56 community based organizations including the Foster Parent Association, Manitoba Anti-Poverty Organization, Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, the Community Unemployed Help Centre and a host of other organizations. Some organizations survived, others did not, leaving a gap in service for many vulnerable Manitobans.

As result, many low-income communities went through difficult times in the 1990s and it has taken nearly two decades for new capacity to be built and communities to begin to rebuild. While many communities continue to struggle, there is also much evidence of renewal. This is now at risk.

Continuing financial support for non-profit service delivery should make sense to the current government. Community based service delivery takes pressure off the public sector. Workers are paid relatively low wages and are most often not unionized  concepts we know are appealing to Premier Pallister.

In addition to the front-line services they provide, community based organizations are known for training and employing local residents and enthusiastic youth keen to make a difference. These are often the first jobs for many. Some remain committed to their work and become leaders in their communities; many other move on to further their education and/or transfer the skills they developed in community to more secure employment in the private and public sectors.

Funding community based NPOs makes social and economic sense for a host of reasons. Provincial funds provide a base from which organizations can leverage funding from other levels of government, private foundations and individuals through charitable giving. They also provide a base from which government and non-service delivery organizations can deliver programming.

There are many good reasons to maintain (and expand) the NPO Strategy and existing government funding programs. Non-profit organizations can only hope that the Pallister government will be able to resist the partisan temptation to eliminate programs that make good sense, only because they are associated with the past government. Well find out on April 11.

 Shauna MacKinnon is an associate professor in the department of urban and inner city studies at the University of Winnipeg and a Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives-Manitoba research associate.
Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 16/03/2017 (2062 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Kind-hearted people out there

I would really like to thank the ladies who helped push me out on that stormy Tuesday when I was stuck in the 2800 block of Victoria Avenue at 4:30 p.m. I very much appreciated your kindness. It is good to know that there are people with such kind hearts.

Close those schools during blizzard!

Will somebody please tell me why the Brandon School Division doesnt close the schools when we have a blizzard. There are many children walking to school. Give your head a shake. You are supposed to be intelligent people. Sometimes I wonder.

Festival of Arts should have been postponed

The Brandon Festival of the Arts should be ashamed of themselves for running their events during the blizzard that hit March 7. Roads were closed, schools were closed and they were begging people to stay off the roads and yet the organizers did not put the safety of the participants  particularly children ahead of their own agenda. They should have postponed the event taking the obligation to try to get there from the participants. That would have been the right thing to do.

Education complaints getting old

Quit the teacher bashing. Im sure they are all black and blue by now. The simple fact is that this is not 1960 and we cant compare this time in history to that. I am a senior who graduated high school in 1962. We were taught the basics in a classroom of all white Caucasian students. I remember a lot of memorization but not much critical thinking or collaborative work being done. In fact, if you used your critical thinking mind and challenged what was being taught with an alternate point of view, it would most likely earn you a spot out in the hall or a trip to the principal. Im not sure where we stacked up with other provinces back then. If they had that information available it wasnt discussed very much. Now fast forward to 2017 and take a look at how things have changed and not only in the school system. Demographics and ethnicity in our area have greatly changed. One of our biggest employers in the area has a staff of multi-mixed races and they come to Canada, most not speaking English well, if at all. Our area also has a high aboriginal population. All these people of different heritage have a huge effect on the schools of today. Perhaps the fact that our students have the language barrier to face has an effect on the final outcomes and where we rank nationally. Use your critical thinking and move on to other topics. Dont be stuck in the 60s with your comparisons. For better or worse the times have changed and we have to change with them.

In need of donors

In Manitoba, there are hundreds of people desperately waiting for organ transplants. But organs are not plentiful enough, so many have to wait months and even years to receive a transplant. In Manitoba, at this time, people must sign a card giving permission for their body parts to be used as transplants to save a life and allow a person to live a more normal life. A Manitoba MLA has brought forward a motion in the legislature to consider all peoples bodies after death, to be used for transplant services, unless they have signed requesting their bodies not to be used for transplants. If you agree with this motion (to make all dead bodies, to be used for transplants), please notify your MLA to vote in acceptance of this motion.
Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 16/03/2017 (2062 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Manitoba Education Minister Ian Wishart on Tuesday suggested that a lack of obvious improvement in Grade 3 and 4 provincial assessments in reading and numeracy was one of the primary reasons that his government scrapped the Kindergarten to Grade 3 Smaller Classes initiative brought in by the previous government in 2011.

While there are very good and obvious reasons to criticize the former NDP government over its roll out of the now-defunct class-size mandate, particularly considering the financial headaches and space issues suffered by the Brandon School Division over the years, for the education minister to blame a lack of evidence of improvement is disingenuous.

In 2011, then-NDP education minister Nancy Allan introduced a plan to limit class sizes in Manitoba schools, with the goal of having 90 per cent of kindergarten through Grade 3 classrooms at 20 or fewer students.

Allans comments at the time, that smaller classes would give students more one-on-one time with their teachers to help them excel while allowing teachers more time to do what they do best, parroted reports and policies in other provinces such as Ontario, that had already implemented similar class-size initiatives.

On this page we have often criticized the NDP for its class size mandate  but not because smaller class sizes is necessarily a bad idea. To our minds, a lot of taxpayer money has been expended by the government and by school divisions in order to accomplish the smaller class size mandate. Keep in mind that Brandon has had requests for at least two new schools in the books for several years.

In the five years that followed Allans announcement, the NDP government spent $48 million for additional new teachers while implementing capped class sizes. What it didnt do is set aside enough government capital to help pay for the extra space that would be required to house all the new classrooms in school divisions such as Brandons, which was already experiencing a substantial rise in enrolment thanks to an influx of newcomers to our city.

And with the Tories now scrapping the class size cap out of hand, in some ways it comes off as a wasted effort, even though school divisions still have the option to pursue the same mandate with provincial funds. Without a substantial increase in cash for infrastructure in Brandon, a continued push to meet the NDPs original mandate seems all but impossible.

Due to overcrowding in schools, BSD has already been forced to go over the 20-student cap in some of its schools.

One of the things that we know for certain in the Brandon School Division specifically is were not able to live up to this (initiative) in some of our schools because of physical space, BSD Supt. Marc Casavant told the Sun this week.

In response to Wisharts announcement this week, education critic Wab Kinew said the Tories lack the proper methodology or enough years of data to decide that capping class size hasnt worked  and we suggest hes correct. The NDP class size initiative had an implementation deadline of September 2017, meaning schools had at least five years to acquire necessary staff, and figure out where and how students would be housed.

In fact, Brandon School Division was chastised by then-minister Allan for its 2012 decision to hire nine new teachers at a cost of $756,000, while the province only provided the division with $131,223 in funding to help ease the cost of reducing class sizes. No other school division in the province decided to hire that many teachers that year, a decision that Allan said wasnt necessary.

Even school divisions like Seven Oaks School Division in Winnipeg that has just as many enrolment pressures, hired two teachers because this is a strategic initiative that we said very clearly did not have to be implemented until 2017, Allan said at the time.

School division across the province had met the mandate to varying degrees as of the 2016-17 school year  according to the government, 69.8 per cent of classes have met that goal, compared to 48.1 per cent when the initiative started.

While it remains unclear whether the NDP had set some kind of benchmarks for success for its class size mandate, Mr. Wishart had no evidence to prove smaller class sizes are effective because the program was never completed, and its mandated goals to this day remain unreached.

And yet, that, too, is dishonest. There is evidence that smaller class sizes work  just not in Manitoba. An often-cited 2010 report prepared by Nina Bascia for the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, confirmed that class size reduction does provide the environment in which teachers can teach differently, allowing student learning to improve, engagement increase, and for a decrease in behavioural problems.

She reported that the full gains of class size reduction cannot be achieved if attention isnt paid to the ways in which teachers and students work together, the curriculum in use, and opportunities for teachers to learn new skills. But she also noted that cost played a significant factor in class size success.

There are significant costs associated with reducing class size, she wrote. Failing to account for these costs may compromise the quality of the reform and may even have a negative impact on other academic priorities.

If the Tories were to be honest with the public, they would have blamed the discontinuation of the class-size initiative on a lack of funds  not a lack of evidence.
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 16/03/2017 (2062 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

More drones will take flight over the Westman skyline before long.

Matthew Johnson, a high school teacher from Winnipeg, will bring his ground school to Brandon later this month to teach people interested in using drones  an aircraft piloted without a human onboard  for commercial purposes.

Last December, Transport Canada bolstered the regulatory requirements for flying an unmanned aircraft, mandating anybody who uses a drone for any reason beyond the enjoyment of flying must complete a registered course.

Submitted A portrait of a canola field Matthew Johnson captured with his drone near Belmont.

In the last month, weve pushed 35 pilots through the program, across Manitoba and Saskatchewan, and weve had excellent reviews, Johnson said. Its very motivating to teach people who are so fired up about learning this stuff.

Realizing the potential for drone technology, which has exploded in popularity as an operators eye in the sky, Johnson launched what amounted to a media production company in 2015.

He redirected his focus to the agriculture sector primarily, and in recent months added a training school to his repertoire.

Its just snowballed from there, being able to combine my education background with my passion, running this business, Johnson said. It seemed like a natural flow to provide training.

In the March 28-29 course, Johnson will not teach budding pilots how to fly  many of his students have that background, he notes. His class will focus on the theoretical knowledge behind sharing airspace and comprehending meteorology, among other considerations.

The content may be tedious, but his students are a keen bunch.

Theyre fully engaged, so thats very encouraging, he said.

Submitted Matthew Johnson, a high school teacher from Winnipeg, will lead drone pilots on a ground school training course later this month in Brandon.

These days, drones are getting plenty of press, as the aircraft and its various uses become better known.

In agriculture, farmers can use drones to inspect the health of their crop through photographs, and by equipping a drone with sensors, farmers can learn when is the best time to use inputs like fertilizers and pesticides.

This aerial vantage point also benefits industries like real estate, construction and mining.

Its taking off now because the price point is coming down, Johnson said of the unmanned aircraft, noting the cost of a quality drone is $1,500.

There are auxiliary costs, too, such as purchasing batteries, insurance, enrolling in a ground school course like what Johnson offers and obtaining a Special Flight Operations Certificate.

Johnson has taken his passion for drone-flying to youth, teaching students after-school at Elmwood High School in Winnipeg as part of the Drone Club.

By 18, students can seek employment as skilled drone pilots.

Submitted A portrait of a farmyard Matthew Johnson captured with his drone near Belmont.

There are companies in agriculture in Manitoba who are looking for pilots to fly drones all day, he said.

People can sign-up for the $550 course to be held at the Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation in Brandon, which includes in-class instruction and supplementary online study, at www.m3aerial.com. The registration deadline is March 21.

 ifroese@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @ianfroese
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 16/03/2017 (2062 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Mecca Productions is wrapping up another musical year with their annual concert, On Broadway 11, celebrating 15 years of Mecca in Brandon.

The concert, which is a highlight of what Mecca has done throughout the year as well as a preview of what is coming up, will be returning to the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium to accommodate the impressive lineup of performers ranging in age from three to 73 years old.

There are over 100 kids performing in the concert at different times, and then we have our community choir as wellabout 50 adults, said producer Lisa Vasconcelos. Well wrap up the concert with everyone singing togetherwere pretty excited about it, we dont always do that.

Submitted Seamus Malcolm, Aaron Cox, Kennedy DeBeer, Tyson Dornn and Deacon Bessant practice their vocals while Katherine Sherris, Mecca Productions music and choir director, plays the piano.

This years lineup includes songs from Finding Neverland, Wicked and The Lion King, as well as a preview of upcoming shows like Sister Act and The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

The whole cast will also perform Michael Jacksons Ill be there, which Vasconcelos said really represents how the kids came together this year.

Our programs are built on paying it forward. Adults with lots of experience share and mentor those whose skills are developing, and the same is true for the kids in our programs, said Vasconcelos. One of the things weve really felt this year with our kids classes is just how amazing the older ones are as they serve as mentors for the younger kidsWe are so proud of the amazing work our older kids do to lead and mentor our youngest kids.

The concert also serves as valuable learning experience for the kids as well, Vasconcelos said.

The opportunity to perform is a chance for the kids to share their talent with an audienceits really those performance opportunities that allow the kids to grow the very most, said Vasconcelos. Building confidence in young people to share their love of singing and performing is the focus of our work at Mecca. We want kids to develop the skills and talents that will allow them to feel confident enough to share their voice in many different situations.

Anyone who enjoys live music will find something to love in the concert, as it has a little something for everybody, Vasconcelos said.

Its just such a positive and uplifting experience, and you get to hear lots of different musical styles, Vasconcelos said. We hope the community comes out and enjoys it.

On Broadway 11, celebrating 15 years of Mecca in Brandon will take place March 22 at 7 p.m.. Tickets are $5 for students and children, $10 for seniors and $15 for adults, and are available at the door for rush seating.

 edebooy@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @erindebooy
Financial Services Minister Eoghan Murphy has raised his very serious concerns about the behaviour of other EU countries over their bids to lure institutions from London after Brexit, writes Eamon Quinn.

At a meeting in Brussels early this month, the Minister voiced his concerns with Commission vice-president Valdis Dombrovskis that other jurisdictions were over-promising as they attempted to persuade insurance companies, in particular, to set up offices in their jurisdictions, a spokesman for the Minister said.

The concerns do not amount to an official complaint to the Commission, but the Minister wanted to stress the need for some sort of clarity over regulations in case rival jurisdictions were not able to deliver the required levels of oversight and Ireland would lose out, his spokesman said.

The Government is battling many other financial centres across the EU to attract banks and insurance companies that will need to have a base inside the EU if the UK were to abandon the single market and fail to strike some sort of special deal for the City of London.

Regulators here have long stressed they are not interested in attracting so-called brass-plate operations and will require insurance companies to commit to establishing substantial operations.

Amid a standard approach to regulating banks across the eurozone, there is little or no scope for rival countries to promise banks special deals. Insurance companies, however, do not face the same level of scrutiny.

The Ministers verbal complaint may mark growing concern that Ireland may not persuade as many insurers to relocate here than first thought. Last week, insurance giant AIG confirmed it had opted for Luxembourg as its base, as it prepares for Brexit.

In an interview with Reuters, Minister Murphy said that other cities in Europe are being very aggressive in trying to win business,, describing what he called dangerous competition.

We have always said ... we would not be predatory ... that we are not interested in brass plating, he said, referring to the practice of setting up a token operation with a brass-plate sign outside in order to gain market access.

Separately, the head of supervision for lenders at the Central Bank, Ed Sibley, has said that assessing applications for banks to move here would have significant resource implications and challenges for the regulator.

The comments were reported in the minutes of a Central Bank Commission meeting at the end of January which were released by the Central Bank yesterday.

There was good news yesterday for the prospects for Ireland attracting Bank of America. The bank views Dublin as its default destination for a new hub inside the EU if Brexit means the UK loses easy access to the single market, according to one of the firms top executives in Germany, Bloomberg reported.

The bank will likely move some jobs to other cities across the EU, including Frankfurt, Madrid, Luxembourg and Amsterdam, Nikolaus Naerger said at a press briefing hosted by the Association of Foreign Banks in Germany.

The firm hasnt made a final decision on Dublin and could choose a different destination, said Mr Naerger, Bank of Americas head of corporate banking in Germany, Switzerland and Austria.

This story first appeared in the .
A Clackamas County land use hearing set for 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 20, may mark the end of the historic Oatfield House in the Oak Lodge community just south of Milwaukie.

The hearing on demolition of the property, as requested by the property owner, will be held in the auditorium of the county's Development Services Building, 150 Beavercreek Road in Oregon City. The county has the authority to delay demolition, but not to prevent it.

The public is welcome to attend the public hearing and to testify.

The John R. Oatfield House, known also as the Phillip Oatfield House, was designated as a historic landmark in 1987. The property has been vacant for more than two years and is in very poor condition. According to county planners and building officials, the structure is deteriorating rapidly and poses a safety threat to the community.

County staff worked for several months with the Oak Lodge History Detectives and Restore Oregon to find an organization or person with the resources and interest to restore the house. The attempt was unsuccessful.

Linda Preisz, a Clackamas County planner and staff liaison to the county's Historic Review Board, says, "Unfortunately without the stewardship of a caring owner, preserving a landmark becomes an overwhelming task. Unless a philanthropic individual or group steps forward to restore this house or move it to a new location, this historic treasure will be lost forever."

The Oatfield House was built in 1903 by Phillip Oatfield, John Oatfield's brother. The Colonial Revival-style house is located on a large lot with a barn, sheds, a chicken coop and a well structure. The property also has four giant sequoia trees, a monkey puzzle tree, and grapevines estimated to be at least 75 years old.

John and Phillip Oatfield were the sons of pioneer Michael Oatfield, who arrived in the area in 1861. Michael Oatfield assembled 600 acres of land for orchards and farming, which was later expanded by his sons. The brothers were instrumental in establishing the Oak Lodge Water District and rural telephone service. John Oatfield sat on the local school board for 25 years, and was also responsible for obtaining a 10-mile special road tax to improve Old River Road and build Oatfield Road (named after his family).

The property started to decline in the 1980s, the property owner died in 2011, and the family sold the property in 2014. Since then the home has been left vacant.

For more information, members of the media and public may contact Preisz at 503-742-4528.
Former US special envoy to Northern Ireland George Mitchell has issued a hard-hitting put down to the new US administration, insisting America is about diversity and not "who we want to keep out and throw out", writes Fiachra O Cionnaith.

Speaking at the high-profile American Ireland Gala Fund dinner in Washington DC on Wednesday night in front of guest of honour and US vice-president, Mike Pence, Mr Mitchell said immigration reforms must not lead to "hostility and exclusion" for minority groups.

In a lengthy speech focussing specifically on the immigration issue, Mr Mitchell - whose mother was Lebanese and who played a key role in Northern Ireland's peace process - repeatedly stressed that "from the very beginning our country has been enriched by new ideas and new people".

And, while noting Irish-Americans have been among those involved, he pointedly added that "Jewish, Catholics, Italians, Africans and others" are also part of the fabric of the US - a situation he said must not be changed by any anti-immigration policies.

"Every rational American knows cannot return to days of open immigration.

"But we must work together on policies that focus on how live up to our principles as an open and just society, and how we can focus on who we want to enter not just on who we want to keep out and throw out.

"From the very beginning our country has been enriched by new ideas and new people.

"Six of seven noble peace prize recipients are immigrants. Apple was created by Jobs, whose family was from Syria. Genius knows no nationality, no race, no religion.

Former US Senator GeorgeMitchell: "Genius knows no boundaries, no race and no religion" @IrelandFundsAM  pic.twitter.com/2Lf6P6XmIY  Jennifer G. Dunn (@JenniferGDunnDC) March 16, 2017

"The strength of America lies in our ideals. They're not easily summarised, but surely include individual liberty, opportunity for all, an independent judiciary and commitment to those ideals.

"Commitment to these ideals makes us Americans, not ideals, race or religion. Mr Pence, you carry with us the best wishes of living up to these requirements," he said.

The comments, which received a standing ovation and in the crowded hall and Mr Pence nodding in agreement, were made in what was widely acknowledged to be a conciliatory speech towards the new US administration.

However, despite the tone, the message was clear, with Mr Mitchell repeatedly emphasising the need to protect migrants at risk of controversial new policies.

The speech was made just hours after a Hawaiian federal judge blocked US president Donald Trump's revised Muslim travel ban from becoming law today, saying it was "flawed" - a view Mr Trump responded in Nashville, Tennessee as "judicial overreach".

Meanwhile, at the same American Ireland Gala Fund - which was also attended by Taoiseach Enda Kenny, Ian Paisley junior and Democrat leader of the house of representatives Nancy Pelosi - US vice-president Mike Pence vowed to strengthen the close ties between Ireland and America.

In an emotional speech which saw him refer to his close Irish roots and his time spent as a child in Sligo and Mayo, Mr Pence said he was "proud to say with great confidence that our bound is strong and will grow stronger still".

He said his Irish-born grandfather was the first person who entered his mind when he was inaugurated vice-president earlier this year.

Mr Pence was notably emotional when he was presented with a framed plaque of his grandfather's primary school attendance roll from his childhood in Sligo and a similar carved image of his family tree.

However, despite acknowledging the close links between nations, he pointedly failed to extend his interest in migrants to those who are not Irish.
Enda Kenny has ruled out an apology to Donald Trump, as he prepares to meet him in the Oval Office today.

But Trump's vice-president has hinted the President might tell Kenny today he wants to visit Ireland soon.
Update 6.45pm: Donald Trump has claimed Enda Kenny is "a great guy", and says the Taoiseach is his new friend.

The US president made the comments after accepting an invitation from Enda Kenny to visit Ireland during his presidency.

The invite was offered by the Taoiseach during a half-hour meeting at the White House this afternoon.

Trump says he "loves Ireland", and that it is an honour to be the Taoiseach's friend.

President Trump said: "All of our friends, welcome. Taoiseach, that's my new friend, he's a great guy and you are something very special.

"We sat, we talked, and I think we're friends now too, right? It's really an honour."

Update 6pm: President Donald Trump has said the strong relationship between Ireland and the United States will grow closer than ever under his leadership.

Vowing to visit Ireland during his time in the White House, Mr Trump told Taoiseach Enda Kenny that he was his "new friend" and their respective governments would forge an even tighter bond in the years ahead.

Mr Kenny held a meeting with the president in the Oval Office during a packed day of St Patrick's engagements in Washington.

Afterwards they were hosted by Speaker Paul Ryan at his traditional St Patrick's lunch on Capitol Hill.

Speaking at the annual event, Mr Trump said he "loved Ireland and the people of Ireland".

"The people of Ireland and the people of the United States have stuck together through good times and bad times," he said.

"Over many centuries we have built a bond that thrives, inspires and endures and with us it's going to be closer than ever before.

"So as we celebrate our shared history and our enduring friendship let us commit ourselves to working together, as we will, to build on that bond to the benefit of our citizens for many more generations to come."

During the lunch, Mr Kenny made an impassioned plea to the president to help the 50,000 "undocumented" Irish who live in the United States without legal permission.

The Taoiseach has long campaigned for a legal pathway to be opened up to allow the undocumented to obtain legal residency without fear of deportation.

The issue has drawn intense focus on this year's visit, given the president's hard-line stance on immigration.

After the White House meeting, Mr Kenny said he and the president had agreed to work constructively on the issue.

Later, at the speaker's lunch, the Taoiseach stressed the important role played by so many Irish people through US history.

"This is what I said to your predecessor on a number of occasions - we would like this to be sorted," he told the president.

"It would remove a burden off so many people that they can stand out in the light and say 'now I am free to contribute to America, as I know I can'."

Mr Kenny also hailed those who continue to work for reconciliation in Northern Ireland, name-checking lunch guests Democratic Unionist MP Ian Paisley jnr and Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams.

Turning to the president, the Taoiseach said: "We want to protect this peace process and I know you are going to work with us in that context also."

There were lighter moments during the lunch, which was held before the Taoiseach's traditional presentation of a bowl of shamrock to the president back at the White House.

"They say the Irish have the capacity to change everything," joked Mr Kenny.

"I just saw the President of the United States read from his script ... entirely."

The earlier Oval Office meeting between Mr Kenny and Mr Trump was the new president's first face-to-face encounter with a leader of one of the 27 EU states that will remain in the union post-Brexit.

Mr Trump has been a vocal critic of the EU, having praised the UK's decision to leave, and the prospects of securing a bilateral transatlantic trade deal between Europe and the US appear to have receded under the new administration.

Mr Kenny said there was still the potential for negotiating new trade arrangements between the US and EU.

"Ireland will always be a friend of America, the European Union will always be a friend of America and that cooperation between these two most developed economies will be to the mutual benefit of millions of people in Europe and the United States," he said.

The meeting had the potential to be an awkward one, given that during the election campaign Mr Kenny accused Mr Trump of using "racist and dangerous" language.

Afterwards, the Taoiseach batted away a media question on whether the issue was raised during the bilateral discussions.

Ireland may be a small island, but look at all she has given us. Her light floods the world. pic.twitter.com/75Eenfeq9G  Paul Ryan (@SpeakerRyan) March 16, 2017

Mr Ryan spoke with pride of his own Irish roots as he addressed his lunch guests.

"Ireland may be a small island but look at all she has given us," he said.

Before toasting St Patrick by sipping from a pint of Irish stout, the speaker invoked the memory of the American revolution to pay tribute to Ireland.

"To America she is, as George Washington himself said, a friend of my country in my country's most friendless days - that says it right there."

Update 3.15pm: President Trump confirmed today he will make an official visit to Ireland, writes Fiachra O Cionnaith in Washington

He told the assembled media: I love Ireland ..Ill be there for sure.

To which Taoiseach Mr Kenny swiftly added: ... during the course of his presidency.

However, the media were asked to leave, with no further questions taken by the US President or the Taoiseach.

Update 1.45pm: Taoiseach Enda Kenny is holding a breakfast meeting with US vice-president Mike Pence at his DC residence this morning before his crunch meeting with US president Donald Trump this afternoon, writes Political Correspondent Fiachra O Cionnaith in Washington DC.

Mr Kenny and his wife Fionnuala arrived at just after 8.30am (12.30pm Irish time) before they were greeted by Mr Pence and his wife Karen, with Mrs Kenny joking that the "beautiful sunny day" is "very good for the shamrock".

During separate speeches just after 9.30am (1.30pm Irish time), Mr Pence said the visit of the Irish leader is a "very humbling experience" and revealed that in addition to two gifts he had been given the previous night Mr Kenny had also provided him with a framed 1911 census detailing information about his Irish grandfather who left in 1923 for the US.

Mr Kenny - who incorrectly referred to US president Donald Trump as "Mr Bush" - told Mr Pence that Europe and Ireland will "always be but a friend to the US".

He said he gave Mr Pence the gift of a hurley with his name in Irish on it, joking that Mr Pence said on receiving it that while the US army may have the best weapons he has been given the best tool to defend himself.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny holds breakfast meeting with Mr Pence at his residency. #iestaff pic.twitter.com/X5Ly76OUKl  Fiachra O Cionnaith  (@Ocionnaith) March 16, 2017

Earlier: Enda Kenny has held a breakfast meeting with US Vice President Mike Pence ahead of his first face-to-face encounter with Donald Trump.

The Taoiseach joined Mr Pence at his Washington residence for early-morning talks.

He will travel to the White House later today for a bilateral meeting with President Trump in the Oval Office.

Mr Kenny will then be guest at Speaker Paul Ryan's traditional St Patrick's lunch on Capitol Hill before returning to the White House for his annual presentation of a bowl of shamrock to the president.

The Taoiseach has pledged to raise with Mr Trump the case for legal recognition for the 50,000 Irish who live in the US without permission - the "undocumented".

Karen & I welcomed Taoiseach Kenny & Mrs. Kenny to our home for an Irish breakfast. Snow needs to melt before trying my new hurley. pic.twitter.com/Sr4uWT2yHL  Vice President Mike Pence Archived (@VP45) March 16, 2017

Mr Kenny is also the first leader of one of the 27 EU states that will remain in the union post-Brexit to meet Mr Trump.

The president has been a vocal critic of the EU, having praised the UK's decision to leave, and the prospects of securing a bilateral transatlantic trade deal between Europe and the US appear to have receded under the new administration.

The Taoiseach has said Europe needs to do more to convince the US leader of the worth of the EU project.

The encounter also has the potential to be an awkward one, given that, during the election campaign, Mr Kenny accused Mr Trump of using "racist and dangerous" language.

Yesterday, former Ukip leader Nigel Farage, a friend of Mr Trump, called on the Taoiseach to apologise to the president.

Mr Kenny rejected his remarks, insisting he was answerable to the Irish people, not Mr Farage.

The Fine Gael leader was keen to differentiate that his comments referred to Mr Trump's language, not his personality.

Last night, Mr Pence and Mr Kenny were guests of honour at a gala Irish- American dinner in Washington.

The Vice President delivered an emotional speech at the event, recalling his Co Sligo-born grandfather with fondness and claiming all his achievements in life were owed to his Irish heritage.

He also reaffirmed the "enduring commitment" of the United States to the peace process in Ireland.
People from the town of Tuam have gathered for a vigil at the Mother and Baby Home there in memory of the children whose remains have been discovered at the site.

It comes nearly two weeks after the Mother and Baby Home Commission of Investigation found significant quantities of human remains involving children up to the age of three, in underground sewage chambers at the former Bon Secours Sisters home.
Met Eireann have issued a weather warning for parts of the country over the next few days.

The forecasters issued the rainfall warning for Donegal, Galway, Mayo and Sligo to start at 9am on the morning of St Patrick's Day.
The Netherlands election has energised traditional parties across Europe from left and right, with Dutch voters showing Europe that populism is not always inevitable.

But Mark Rutte's victory, defying polls that suggested a close race with anti-Islam populist Geert Wilders, is unlikely to extinguish the anti-immigrant, anti-establishment sentiment that has been blazing around Europe.

Mr Rutte, the Dutch prime minister who had pushed the electorate through five years of tough economic measures, emerged victorious in a bruising battle with Mr Wilders, whose relentless invective against all things Muslim and anything from the European Union failed to earn him the breakthrough that many had come to count on as a given.

After boosts in Britain and the United States over the past year and Wednesday's setback in the Netherlands, populism now heads to France for its next test of political viability.

Now it is for Marine Le Pen, of the National Front, to carry the torch in presidential elections starting next month.

When French, German, Italian and Bulgarian voters cast ballots in the year ahead, they will not be out to mimic Dutch voters.

Instead, they will be driven as much by local issues as global concerns.

The challenge now for candidates such as France's Ms Le Pen is to keep up the momentum of her gospel against immigrants, the political elite and European unity.

It has resonated so widely that she is likely to come out on top in the first round of presidential voting on April 23, though she is much less likely to win the May 7 final round.

And the challenge for Europe's more moderate candidates - such as Ms Le Pen's chief rival, independent Emmanuel Macron - is to reconnect with voters alienated by EU bureaucracy and frustrated by economic stagnation.

Congratulations to @markrutte and the people of the Netherlands who have chosen the path towards an open and inclusive Europe.  krls.eth / Carles Puigdemont (@KRLS) March 16, 2017

They could also take some lessons from the Dutch.

In the wake of the victory of Donald Trump as US president in November, Mr Wilders surged.

Now, instead of becoming the biggest party in the Netherlands, Mr Wilders's group was a very distant second, with barely 13% of the vote.

Instead, Mr Rutte was the toast of most of Europe, which was relieved there was proof the populist tide could be stopped.

Mr Rutte insisted he now wanted to listen to the message of the people who felt disenfranchised in their own nation but said the dominoes pushed over by the "wrong kind of populism" had now stopped.

Such was the relief that German Chancellor Angela Merkel called to congratulate him at a time when only exit polls were in.

The foreign ministry said in a Twitter message that "the people of the Netherlands have said no to the anti-European populists. This is good."

Germany holds a general election next September, when the virulent anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany party is expected to enter parliament for the first time.

Such is the threat of populism that German Social Democrat leader Martin Schulz immediately looked beyond the historic defeat of his Dutch left-wing political comrades and congratulated Mr Rutte - a paragon of free trade and tough austerity.

"Wilders failed to win the Dutch elections. I am relieved," Mr Schulz said.

Another socialist, French President Francois Hollande, did likewise.

He congratulated Mr Rutte for his election success and his "clear victory against extremism".

Mr Hollande said that "the values of openness, respect for others, and a faith in Europe's future are the only true response to the nationalist impulses and isolationism that are shaking the world".

There was also relief in the European Union.

"The Dutch elections are a perfect start for the electoral year because the populists and the anti-Europeans failed," said Manfred Weber, the leader of the EU's Christian Democrat EPP group.

AP
A man has been sentenced to nearly 11 years in prison by a Dutch court for cyberbullying dozens of young girls and gay men.

The court convicted the 38-year-old man, identified only as Aydin C, for fraud and blackmail via the internet, according to a statement from the Dutch legal authorities.

It gave him the maximum possible sentence, calling his behaviour "astonishing".

He pretended to be a boy or girl and persuaded his victims to perform sexual acts in front of a webcam, then posted the images online or threatened to do so.

In Canada, he faces a separate trial over the cyberbullying of Amanda Todd, a 15-year-old girl whose suicide drew global attention to online abuse.

He denies involvement in any cyberbullying.

The court gave him the maximum possible sentence of 10 years and eight months "because of the devastating consequences his behaviour has on the young lives of the girls" in particular, and out of fear that he could commit new offences if released, the statement said.

He was accused of abusing 34 girls and five gay men. In some cases, the abuse lasted years.

A Dutch court has approved his extradition following his trial in Amsterdam.

He has appealed against that decision and denies involvement in any cyberbullying.

Amanda Todd.

In the Canadian case, he faces charges including extortion, possession of child pornography and attempting to lure a child online.

Amanda brought cyberbullying to mainstream attention by posting a video on YouTube in which she told her story with handwritten signs, describing how she was lured by a stranger to expose her breasts on a webcam.

The picture ended up on a Facebook page made by the stranger, and she was repeatedly bullied, despite changing schools.

She took her own life weeks after posting the video.

AP
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte has claimed a dominating election victory over anti-Islam politician Geert Wilders, who failed the year's first test for populism in Europe.

Provisional results with over half the votes counted suggested Mr Rutte's party won 32 seats in the 150-member legislature, 13 more than Mr Wilders' party, which took only third place with 19. The surging CDA Christian Democrats claimed 20.

Following Britain's vote to leave the European Union and Donald Trump's election as US president, "the Netherlands said, 'Whoa!' to the wrong kind of populism," said Mr Rutte, who is now poised for a third term as prime minister.

"We want to stick to the course we have - safe and stable and prosperous," he added.

Mr Wilders campaigned on radical pledges to close borders to migrants from Muslim nations, close mosques, ban the Koran and take the Netherlands out of the EU.

He had insisted that whatever the result of the election, the kind of populist politics he and others in Europe represent are not going away.

"Rutte has not seen the back of me," Mr Wilders said after the results had sunk in.

His Party for Freedom clinched 24 seats in 2010 before sinking to 15 in 2012, and Wednesday's total left him with about 12% of the electorate, far less than populists in Britain and the US have scored.

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte beats off far right but will probably lose nine seats https://t.co/U337ZKsyHQ pic.twitter.com/6EACPbL6X8  POLITICOEurope (@POLITICOEurope) March 16, 2017

Both France and Germany have elections this year in which far-right candidates and parties are hoping to make an impact.

French President Francois Hollande congratulated Mr Rutte on his election success and his "clear victory against extremism".

In Germany, Socialist leader Martin Schulz tweeted. "I am relieved, but we need to continue to fight for an open and Free Europe."

Mr Rutte, who for much of the campaign appeared to be racing to keep pace with Mr Wilders, may have profited from the hard line he drew in a diplomatic stand-off with Turkey over the past week.

The fight erupted over the Netherlands' refusal to let two Turkish government ministers address rallies in Rotterdam about a referendum that could give Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan more powers.

It gave Mr Rutte an opportunity to show his statesmanship by refusing to bow to foreign pressure, a stance with widespread backing in the nation.

Under brilliant skies, the Dutch went to vote in huge numbers, with turnout estimated to have reached at 82%.

The Green Left party registered a historic victory, turning it into the largest party on the left wing of Dutch politics, together with the Socialist Party.

The provisional results showed the Greens leaping from four seats to 14 in parliament after a strong campaign by charismatic leader Jesse Klaver.

It remains to be seen if the 30-year-old Mr Klaver will take his party into the next ruling coalition, which looks likely to be dominated by Mr Rutte's VVD and other right-leaning parties.

The Labor Party of Jeroen Dijsselbloem appeared to have been punished by voters in the election, plunging from 38 seats at the last election to just nine, according to the Ipsos exit poll.

Mr Rutte had framed the election as a choice between continuity and chaos, portraying himself as a safe custodian of the nation's economic recovery and casting Mr Wilders as a far-right radical who was unprepared to make tough decisions.

He has been resolute about not wanting to share power with Mr Wilders, and weeks, if not months of coalition talks may be required before he can reach the necessary 75-seat threshold and a new government is installed.

AP
An elderly man has been given a 24-year prison sentence for historical child sex offences, UK police said.

Paul Andrews, 76, was found guilty of 14 offences spanning from before 1979 to 2011, including five counts of rape against a girl under 16, Suffolk Police said.

He was also convicted of seven counts of indecent assault of a girl under 14, plus two counts of sexual assault by penetration against a girl under 13.

The jail terms totalled 102 years, although some of them will run concurrently meaning he will be jailed for 24 years with a further two on licence.

Andrews, of Hawthorn Drive in Ipswich, Suffolk, pleaded not guilty but was convicted by a jury at Chelmsford Crown Court.

Detective Constable Elizabeth Seager said: "Despite many decades of time between some of these offences taking place and the conclusion of today's trial, I would like to thank all the victims for trusting us in bringing this man to justice."

An NSPCC spokesman said: "Andrews committed his depraved crimes over a period of decades and it is absolutely right that he has faced the full force of the law.

"Great credit must be given to the victims, who were incredibly brave in disclosing to police what had happened to them and bringing Andrews' vile campaign of abuse to an end.

"This case shows once again that victims of non-recent sexual abuse can come forward and receive justice, as well as the support they need, no matter how much time has passed."
Update 1.17pm: An armed student has been arrested after a shooting at a high school in southern France that left at least two people wounded, officials said.

The government minister for victims' affairs tweeted that two people were wounded and all the students are now safe after the incident in the town of Grasse.
In a perfect example of good timing, the National Museum of Australia will on Sunday present a plaque to the town of Cooma recognising the start of the Snowy Mountains Hydro Electric Scheme as one of Australia's "defining moments".

The Defining Moments in Australian History project was initiated by the National Museum of Australia to stimulate a public discussion about the events that have been "of profound significance to the Australian people".

National Museum of Australia curator, Jonathan Lineen, who curated the "Defining Moments'' history project, with the plaque that will be presented to the town of Cooma on Sunday.

The initial list of 100 defining moments was compiled by museum staff, in consultation with an advisory panel of leading historians. Since the project began, suggestions for additional defining moments have been added from the public, bringing the list to more than 250.

On the list is the Chifley government beginning the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme in 1949.
UPDATED

By Denisa Superville

After years of failed attempts, Kentucky lawmakers have approved a charter school law. The measure passed the state Senate on a vote of 23-15 Wednesday afternoon, largely along party lines.

Republican Gov. Matt Bevinan enthusiastic supporter of chartersis expected to sign the measure. The Kentucky House approved the billHB 520last week and will still have to sign off on changes made by the Senate.

Supporters of the bill presented the charter legislation as an expansion of schooling options for families, particularly those whose children are in low-performing schools. Kentucky is one of the last states to allow charters, and supporters say they can learn from the successes of high-performing charters in other states and avoid mistakes made in others.

Opponents of the billincluding the state school boards association and teachers unionsargued it would siphon money from traditional public schools.

Kentucky has been one of the hardest places to pass a charter law, but with the 2016 election, Republicans in the state took control of the legislature and the governorship, clearing the way for a charter bill to succeed .

The bill says nothing about how charters in Kentucky will be funded. Under its provisions, there will be no limit on the number of charter schools that can be authorized. The measure empowers local school boards to be the authorizers of charters. Mayors can become authorizers under the bill.

And while the bill says that parents, community members, public organizations, school administrators, and nonprofits can apply to operate a charter school, there is nothing in the legislation that prevents charter school operators from contracting out all of their management and operations to a for-profit entity. Opponents of the measure said allowing for-profit involvement in charter operations is a major concern for them.
Canberra Now: News in 90 seconds for Friday March 17, 2017

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Public servants at Centrelink, Medicare and Child Support will begin strike action on Friday afternoon aiming to force a breakthrough in a bitter industrial dispute.

The Community and Public Sector Union said employees would hold rolling strikes for seven hours from 1.30pm, and that limited work bans had started.

Employees at Centrelink will join other staff at the Department of Human Services in strike action on Friday. Credit:Erin Jonasson

Workers will strike after recent talks aimed at resolving their enterprise bargaining dispute with the Department of Human Services failed to break the impasse on pay and conditions.

The department warned the industrial action could reduce staff numbers in service centres and on phones, and directed clients planning to use Centrelink, Medicare or Child Support services to online and self-service options.
Up to 220 independent living units for older Canberrans could be built across two sites in Canberra's south, according to tenders released by the Land Development Agency.

Sites in Narrabundah and Monash have been earmarked for retirement villages or residential care facilities, as the ACT government moves to address the demand for aged care accommodation, director-general of the Economic Development directorate David Dawes said.

Two new retirement villages are slated for Canberra's south, Credit:Jessica Shapiro

"Both the ACT and the Commonwealth have identified several areas of need in Canberra for the provision of aged-care accommodation and the ACT government is identifying land release opportunities across the territory to meet this demand," Mr Dawes said.

The 37,442-square-metre site at Narrabundah could house up to 100 independent living units or serviced units for elderly people, according to the tender documents.
When you own your own business, finances can get pretty messy unless you make a concerted effort to separate your personal income from the business income.

Without this separation though, business owners generally spend more time trying to understand how their business is performing, more time in bookkeeping or accounting costs and always seem to ask the question of "where did my profit go?" and "why don't I have cash to show for it?"

Being in business for yourself can be very rewarding so don't fall into the trap of mixing business with pleasure. Credit:123rf.com

Here are four simple steps that will keep your business and personal finances separated, and greatly improve the chances of financial success for both you and your business.

Step 1: Create a realistic budget for your business, and give yourself a salary
A half-share in the tallest building in Sydney, the $1.1 billion MLC Centre, is up for grabs as co-owner QIC Global Real Estate looks to take advantage of the hot office market.

The stake was offered to the other owner, GPT Group, as a first right of refusal, but GPT declined, saying it was focused on developing other parts of its business, including new mixed-use projects, across the country.

Upgrade plans for the retail component of the MLC Centre.

QIC Global Real Estate will now offer the holding through a global sales campaign via agents at Savills and JLL.

GPT looked to sell its share about six years ago but decided to keep it and undertake with QIC about $300 million of upgrades, including a new retail component at the Martin Place level.
Even the Christmas jumpers have a 30-year guarantee, which could encourage decades of twee festive photos.

It comes down to an old-fashioned promise: If the clothes fall apart in 30 years, Tom Cridland will replace them free of charge - assuming the customer still wants to wear the sweatshirt, T-shirt or jacket 30 years later, and can still fit into it.

Twenty-six-year-old Tom Cridland has gained an outsized profile for his eponymous men's fashion label thanks to actors Leonardo DiCaprio and Daniel Craig, and savvy self-promotion.

Tom Cridland, of UK men's clothing range Tom Cridland.

While Australians have fallen for fast-fashion - spending more than $600 million at budget chains Uniqlo, Zara and H&M a year - Cridland said the country was one of his boutique brand's top markets, behind its native UK and the US.

"We're planning to come for the first time [to Australia] and promote sustainable fashion towards the end of 2017," he said. There are also plans to launch women's clothes this year.

The Tom Cridland brand - which is owned by Cridland and partner Deb Marx - was born three years ago, thanks to a 6,000 loan. Along the way, it has opened and shut a shop in London, raised tens of thousands of pounds from crowd-funding sites Kickstarter and Indiegogo, and set up a public relations arm which has about 20 clients.

Cridland said the business was generating about 1 million ($1.6 million) in online sales. It does not sell to retailers such as department stores. Its textile workers, such as clothes makers in Portugal, are contractors.
Todd David Alpert was a security guard for a board member of US food giant Heinz in 2013 when federal regulators say he received an email from his employer spelling out terms of an impending takeover of the food company.

Starting the following day, the Securities and Exchange Commission alleged that Alpert called his broker and bought Heinz shares and options.

It's the second insider trading case related to the $US28 billion takeover of Heinz by Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hataway and Brazilian investment group 3G Capital.

After the announcement that a consortium including Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway and investment firm 3G Capital was buying Heinz, Alpert sold his position for a profit of $US44,000 ($57,046).

Alpert, who lives in Kingston, Pennsylvania, was accused in a civil complaint filed on Wednesday in federal court in Manhattan. The former security guard, who is unemployed, asserted his right against self-incrimination, the SEC said.
I particularly appreciated her suggestion we, the suffering public, should seek alternative routes in order to reach our desired destinations. What bloody alternative routes? Every road in and out of Gunghalin is undergoing major road works. Perhaps Meegan could charter one of Bronwyn Bishop's spare choppers to ferry we Gungahlians to our destinations over the coming months. No doubt the $1.7 billion direct construction cost of the tram hasn't accounted for the cost of time lost by the general public in negotiating the disruption caused by this white elephant.

Peter Toscan, Amaroo Although Transport Canberra's Light Rail Business Case contains multiple references to traffic congestion all of those references relate to the promised benefits of the light rail project in reducing future congestion. The business case doesn't seem to take into account any of the additional costs of traffic congestion that will be caused during the project's construction phase. It will be very interesting to see whether the over-hyped benefits of light rail in reducing future traffic congestion will outweigh the undisclosed but all too real costs of significantly increased traffic congestion during the construction phase. Bruce Taggart, Aranda

Lights a dim approach I fully agree with Mark Pepper (letters, March 14). The traffic light lobby won't be satisfied until there is a set of lights on every suburban street corner. The proliferation of traffic lights around this city is gradually choking the flow of traffic along arterial roads. Lack of co-ordination is not the only problem. The complete lack of a modern intelligent sensor system can mean a large number of cars sitting emitting green house gases while the lights go through their regimented routine of arrows and light changes even when no cars are in the adjacent streets. Also, I fear that a malevolent A.I. has hacked into many of the light control systems.

They will change to red on approach with no other cars within sight. When the window is wound down a metallic snigger can be heard coming from the control box. Robert Bruce, Fadden Well said Mark Pepper ("Lights no answer", letters, March 14). There will now be eight sets of lights on the 3.5km of Hindmarsh Drive between Streeton Drive and Melrose Drive and 13 sets on the 5.5km of Hindmarsh between Streeton and Palmer Street, Garran. Absolutely brilliant. Paul E Bowler, Holder As a resident of Chifley I welcome traffic lights at Eggleston and Hindmarsh. I have found that trying to access Hindmarsh can be both very frustrating and dangerous, particularly at late afternoon. I have waited up to 10-15 minutes to turn left to go to Weston.

Ian Reynolds, Chifley Pursuit of profits In the article "$35m project in Manuka nearly finished" (March 4, p12) the Canberra Times outlines the extent of a $35 million redevelopment of the St Christopher's Cathedral precinct in Manuka. The Catholic Church project features two three-storey office buildings, 44 units and an underground carpark. The units are for sale to anyone over 55 years and if the projected sale prices are realised the church will recoup $32.4 million.

The Archbishop waxes lyrical about the harmonious Spanish-Romanesque style and community consultation on the design. I would like to ask why is the cashed-up Catholic Church anxious to make a profit out of its Manuka site. Why are some of the units not made available for the Canberra homeless? Surely this would be a Christian thing to do? Michael Lucas, Conder Mistakes repeated

It has been six months since Andrew Barr and the Greens resumed control of the ACT Assembly. I can't see any sign they have learnt from their mistakes or intend to implement key election commitments. For example, the too close and opaque relationship with developers continues and there is no sign, apart from inaction, of an independent commission against corruption. The one glimmer of hope that excessive development may be reined in comes from the National Capital Authority  a federal agency! None of this should be surprising. The Liberals alone do not have the numbers (11/25), and the two Greens are joined at the hip to Labor and not willing to hold Labor accountable or support the Liberals even on ideas that would help Canberra.

The Assembly would be performing better if it included quality members of independent mind who were dedicated to helping Canberra reach its potential rather than to being pawns to a political machine. Bruce Paine, Red Hill Revel in SA power plans Following the announcement by the South Australian government of the steps that they plan to take to ensure power supplies in that state, the people should rejoice. I have memories of the blackout miseries endured in most Sydney suburbs and other areas of New South Wales from late 1949 and lasting well into 1952, for reasons that were not solely due to the coal miners' strikes.

The official position concerning the rotational blackouts was that specified suburbs would be without electricity for only one period per week on a weekday (morning or afternoon) for about three hours. Only in the most critical circumstances would there be a further weekday or a weekend blackout. A hospital or other essential facility was excluded, and your luck was in if your house was located in the same block. The suburb where I lived (geographically large but at the time with a small population) had two weekday blackouts every week, from about 4.30pm to 7.30pm, and often a third one. Cannot the Commonwealth and state governments work together to ensure reliable energy supplies for this country, at reasonable cost? R. Richards, Cook

I was amused by the appearance of Senator Hanson-Young on the Saturday news outlets with the contribution of the "Lets Talk" tweet to Elon Musk's offer to provide a battery farm to SA. The concerns with this simplistic approach to a complex issue are: Australian companies such as Lyon Group are also offering battery storage options in Australia already; any consideration of the SA government considering the battery option should be by open tender thus ensuring transparency and best value for money outcome for the people of SA and not an exclusive approach as proposed by Musk and championed by Hanson-Young which merely reaffirms her status as an apparent policy lightweight who would be better advised to shut down her twitter account. De Natale as Greens leader would be better advised to shut down the freelancing by the weaker members of his generally opportunist team but this would expose the internal battle within the Greens which remains little commented upon by the fourth estate. Rohan Goyne, Evatt One hopes Mark Wakeham's assessment ("Fossil fuels didn't win", March 10, p. 22) that it is game over for fossil fuels is correct. Removing fossil fuels from their respective thrones will not be easy.

The International Energy Agency in its Key World Energy Statistics series points out that in 1973 renewables (excluding hydro) were responsible for 0.1per cent of world energy supply. In 2014 renewables were supplying 1.4per cent. Coal had increased its share of supply by almost 4per cent and the world's total supply was dominated by fossil fuels. On all IEA projections to 2040 fossil fuels retain their global dominance of supply. Clearly, a lot will have to change if these forecasts are to be proven false. Peter Drahos, Turner According to a usually unreliable source, the Australian government's Treasurer, the Hon Scott Morrison MP, has recently gathered up an armload of coal and sequestered it in the top drawer of his desk at Parliament House. He is reportedly running a longitudinal trial with 226 hand-picked participants to validate his theory, recently voiced on the floor of Parliament with a lump of coal in-hand, that "It won't hurt you!" Typically, there are some sceptics on the other side of the house, who have questioned the efficacy of his desktop study on the puerile grounds he doesn't appear to realise the need to light it. John Garnett, Bruce

More angry summers Last week the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said atmospheric CO2 rose by 3ppm in 2016, just as it did in 2015, making this the first time it has risen by 3ppm for two consecutive years. It is also the first time CO2 has risen by more than 2ppm for five consecutive years. The rate of CO2 growth over the last decade is 100-200 times faster than the rate of change during the transition out of the last ice age. Truly alarming! Also last week the Climate Council released their report on this summer, indicating 205 records were broken in just 90 days. They found "Canberra had its hottest summer on record in terms of daytime temperatures and recorded temperatures of at least 35C on 18 days, already far higher than what is projected for 2030 (12 days), and in January Canberra recorded temperatures of at least 30C on 23 days, while reaching 35C on 12 days, the highest on record for both cases". Government ratified the Paris Agreement late last year which agrees to limit global temperature rise and reduce greenhouse gas emissions as soon as possible.

So far action from this and previous governments has been far too little, and the current target to reduce emissions by 26-28per cent on 2005 levels by 2030 is not enough to prevent many more angrier summers for Canberra and Australia. Stuart Walkley, Lyneham Who prefers what now? After One Nation exchanged preferences with the Liberals and their vote fell from 13per cent (expected) to 4.7per cent (actual) in a month, Pauline Hanson said: "A lot of people do not understand the preference system." Perhaps it is Pauline whose understanding of the preference system  indeed of the electorate  is particularly slender.

Michael McCarthy, Deakin Step up for some So The Greens want a four-day week? That would be a step up for some of their supporters, I reckon. M. Pascoe, Barry NSW

TO THE POINT SEX EDUCATION Re: "ANU college students offered 'consent' counselling", (March16, p.9). If ANU students need to have the concept of "consensual sex" made clear to them with the help of nifty cartoons, are they really capable of assimilating higher education? M. Moore, Bonython SNOWY JOB

In reference to Malcolm Turnbull's idea of increasing the generating output of the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme. Lots of luck PM. The tree-hugging greenies will have a field day. Graham Gittins, Cook PAINFUL EXAMINATION I assume that Father Robert Willson (letters, March16) is a functionary of a Christian church. That being thecase, his invitation to letter-writer Geoff Barker to examine Christ's "terrible punishment" for those who hurt children is stunninglygratuitous. Peter Moran, Watson

HEALTH FREELOADERS Not only are health insurance funds massively subsidised by taxpayers, but they freeload by their members' use of public facilities while not declaring their insured status ("Coughing up on gap charges", CT, March13, pp.1, 3). Albert M. White, Queanbeyan, NSW COMMENTATOR PM Our Prime Minister appears to have decided leadership is too difficult and has opted for commentary instead.

Tony Judge, Woolgoolga EXPENSIVE TRAMS Interesting South Australia plans to fix its power problems for less than one-third of the cost of Canberra's first tram line. Chris Emery, Reid BARRIER TO ACTION

Crispin Hull in his article ("The Reef: the dying and the dead", Forum, March11, p.6) labels the government's inaction as criminal. How dead does the reef have to be before a politician notices? Robyn Vincent, McKellar TOO SHADY It's lovely seeing locals and visitors enjoying what Canberra has to offer in the daily Take5 (photo gallery). Monday's (March13, p.40) looked like an ad for sunglasses. Let's see the happy eyes. L. I. Roberts, Kaleen
Malcolm Turnbull's proposal to spend $2 billion expanding the Snowy Mountains hydro scheme is arguably the best news Canberra has had in a long time.

A nation building project par excellence, it would look to Canberra as its nearest major city for a host of goods and services ranging from paper clips and IT consultants to emergency medical facilities.

It would also create thousands of jobs that could be filled by local work seekers including tradespeople and the legions of savvy graduates our universities turn out year on year.

Coming, as it does, at a time when senior figures within the Federal Government believe public service jobs currently based in Canberra can be doled out across the country to shore up voting figures in wavering electorates, the scheme would be a welcome back stop for the local economy.
Illustration: Cathy Wilcox At last, a real infrastructure initiative by this government, I thought when I picked up the paper. But when such a scheme is announced without even talking to the principal stakeholders, i.e. the states, well, it's just another in a long line of thought bubbles. The principal benefit is to take the wind out of South Australia's real scheme's sails. Petty politics again. Peter Leonard Tweed Heads South I have just a couple of questions about these new tunnels in the mountains. Didn't the water dry up during a recent drought, just like in Tasmania recently? And didn't one of the owners try to privatise it and almost succeed? And for $2 billion couldn't you buy a lot of blades, panels and batteries and create employment in Cessnock and Lithgow where those abandoned coal mines are? This is like a lot of infrastructure projects under NSW Labor. Looks good. Until you ask a couple of simple questions. David Neilson Invergowrie

Snowy Hydro (1949 to 1974) employed about 100,000 people from more than 30 countries. Perhaps Snowy Hydro 2.0, which also may become known as TTAPS, (Turnbull's Tunnels and Power Stations) could employ on contract some of those languishing in offshore detention, with residency being granted upon completion of their contracts. How about it Prime Minister. Everyone could be a winner here. The beginning of the end of offshore detention? Geoffrey Williamson Woollahra The Snowy Hydro plan will have the potential to power 500,000 homes. The $2 billion would be better spent on rebates for rooftop solar panels and storage batteries for homes. There is more certainty in the sun shining than waiting for more snow and rain in the Snowy Mountains. Robyn Lewis Raglan Mine support reveals irresponsibility of politicians

Geoff Cousins, the current president of the Australian Conservation Foundation, is providing precisely the kind of environmental leadership this country needs ("Delegation to confront Adani over Galilee coal 'disaster'", March 16). The full text of the letter which Mr. Cousins and three others will deliver to the Indian business tycoon Gautam Adani may be seen in the online version of this story, and it supplies three key reasons why the mine should not go ahead. Significantly, the third reason states that "this mine proposal does not have wide public support in Australia". The Australian public are now well aware that "coal is a killer". The fact that our government supports the Adani mine  a looming "public health disaster" and contributor to global warming  is a sad indictment of the irresponsibility of Australia's politicians. They are well aware that they do not have majority support; they may also be aware that the primary duty of every government, state or federal, is to protect its citizens; but to hell with that, both the "Queensland and federal governments are bending over backwards to fast-track this mine". David Nash Manly A moral reason behind opposition to law What a welcome for the first female secretary of the ACTU, Sally McManus, because she had the temerity to say unjust laws should be opposed ("Sally McManus becomes the first female ACTU secretary", March 16). She has not only had to put up with the predictable assaults by those beacons of political illumination, the democratic duo Cash and Bernardi, but also the timid response of an easily scared Bill Shorten even though he knows she is right. History bulges with examples of unjust laws opposed to the benefit of millions by courageous, principled people. Just contemplate a few: Nelson Mandela's 27-year prison sentence for opposing apartheid's evil laws, Gandhi's jailing for opposing the British-imposed salt tax, the chemical castration in England of the brilliant Alan Turing for being homosexual, the Scopes trial about the law against teaching evolution, the shocking injustices of the Salem witch trials, our own Eureka rebellion, Aung San Suu Kyi, Emmeline Pankhurst, Rosa Parks and many more. Without condoning clear examples of criminal bastardry by unions and the fostering of extreme union responses by cynical, provocative employers, it is true that there are unjust laws and there is a compelling moral obligation to oppose them at times. Ron Sinclair Bathurst

Dive site real drama Nicely put, Hilary Bell ("Letters, March 16). Sensibly, logically reasoned. There is no justification for the proposed dive site outside Sydney Secondary College. Another chest-thumping exercise from a state government on the rocks. I could list many ex-premier Baird's decisions that have galled residents in suburban Sydney. Unfortunately, yours is just another complaint. At the base of all this, if it's analysed, it will come down to money. Money to be made for someone from what Mike Baird was always spruiking as "this great city". It's not about quality of life. Mike Baird cited family health reasons for quitting politics. We all have family health reasons that affect our work and lives; but we get on with them. Like Daniel in the lion's den, Baird saw the writing on the wall and left like a dog with its tail between its legs before the people of NSW threw his government out. Sadly, the new premier inherited a poisoned chalice; but I'm not sorry for her. She didn't have to accept the job. I am sorry for what you and the people of Leichhardt will have to put up with. Trucks. Noise. Pollution. Traffic gridlocks. Maybe it will take a serious accident before the politicians stop and listen. But I doubt it. You are a playwright. Channel all that anger and frustration into your writing. Speak to the people through the power of the word. People listen. Politicians don't. Expose them on the stage. Peter Skrzynecki Eastwood Hillary Bell, what you so graphically describe is a tragedy of monumental proportions. But it is not a new or sudden assault on communities from this government. It needs to be remembered that this coalition government has no interest in the welfare or health of communities, as has been regularly demonstrated throughout its incumbency. Developers' and the mining lobby's interests have been demonstrated to be its only priorities, perhaps beginning with the Baird clearances of social housing in Millers Point. I weep for the Sydney I grew up in, for the ongoing destruction, the gutting of thriving communities, the shrivelling of green spaces and sufficient play areas for children, the rampant removal of trees, and the wilful refusal to give public transport the priority it deserves.

It is to be hoped that your community, and the rest of Sydney, remembers these losses at the next election. Elizabeth Chandler Napoleon Reef What on earth is a dive site? It surely cannot be connected to scuba diving  in Leichhardt? Coral Button North Epping China efforts vital

Stephen FitzGerald, our first Ambassador to the People's Republic of China, reminds us both of the visionary leadership of the late Gough Whitlam and the foundation stone already set down by both men of "friendship, co-operation and mutual trust" in our relationship with China. ("In today's Chinese world, Australia needs to rethink the way it deals with its allies", March 16) Mr FitzGerald suggests that "political Australia" is not ready for us to embrace the reality of the new world order. What does it take for us to face up to the fact that if we don't move to discover our place in this changing brave new world we will be made to do so or, worse, be shunted to the back of the dress circle ending up like a stagnant, somewhat isolated, island bereft of dignity and any influential status in the West Pacific? We can wish as much as we like that things will work out all right but reality dictates that we are required to make an effort to make it so. Neville Williams Darlinghurst

Parliamentarian fail As someone who doesn't drink beer and doesn't read the Bible, and having no problem with civilised debates about marriage equality, my beef is with the two high-profile, supposedly savvy, parliamentarians, too naive  no, too stupid  to not understand the ramifications of the perception of publicly endorsing a commercial product (Letters, March 16). Max Fischer Scarborough MP calls out Abbott now, but once giggled at his gaffes When Tony Abbott was asked what similarities Fiona Scott shared with Jackie Kelly his reply was this: "They're young. Ah, they're, um, feisty. Ah, I think I can say they probably have a bit of sex appeal" (Former Liberal MP Fiona Scott calls on Tony Abbott to quit Parliament", smh.com.au, March 16). Scott, standing alongside the prime minister at the time, giggled away the inappropriateness.

Given that she claims the sex appeal comment damaged her credibility, I suggest she had the opportunity to call Abbott out on it there and then. Joan Kunze Penrith Sit up straight What is it with restaurateurs, chefs et al posing for photographs perched on their work benches, sitting back-to-front on chairs ("One door closes and a Cantonese joint opens", March 16) or in other unorthodox positions? What type of example are they setting, especially when they put their rear ends on their benches? More to the point, would they find it OK if their customers adopted similar positions in their eateries?
UPDATED

President Donald Trump is calling for $1.4 billion in new federal investments in school choice, including vouchers for private schools, charter schools, and Title I funding that would follow students to the public schools of their choice.

Even as he proposes to carve more than $9 billion from the federal education budget for fiscal 2018, the president made clear in his new federal budget blueprint that school choice is his agenda for K-12. During the campaign, he promised a $20 billion school choice initiative and the new budget document pledges to eventually ramp up federal investments to that level.

Trump is asking Congress to approve a new $250 million federal voucher program for families to use toward paying tuition at private schools, including religious schools. Hes also calling for boosting the federal charter school grant programcurrently funded at $333 millionby an additional $168 million. Those grants are directed at states and charter organizations for opening new charters and expanding existing ones, especially those operated by networks with a proven track record.

Proponents of school choice were delighted with Trumps proposals.

Today, President Trump demonstrated that he is a strong supporter of charter public schools, said Nina Rees, the president and CEO of the National Alliance of Public Charter Schools, in a statement. The charter school movement is grateful for the presidents support, and we applaud his commitment to providing critically needed funding for the Charter Schools Program (CSP). This funding will allow more high-quality charter schools to open, expand, and replicateand will help finance facilities for charter schools - so that more students have access to the great education they deserve.

But there are some choice proponents concerned about Trumps broader cuts to K-12.

...[C]harter schools are part ofnot a substitute fora strong public education system, said Greg Richmond, the president and CEO of the National Association of Charter School Authorizers. Charter schools cannot succeed without strong teachers and a seamless, affordable path to college for their graduates. Unfortunately, this proposed budget harms programs that are important for students, teachers, and public education. We look forward to working with Congress to finds ways to support both charter schools and all of public education.

Other leaders in the K-12 sphere said the presidents proposed deep cuts to programs such as teacher professional development and afterschool in favor of school choice programs will harm students.

The priorities Donald Trump outlined in his budget are reckless and wrong for students and families, said Lily Eskelsen Garcia, the president of the National Education Association. If enacted, the Trump budget will crush the dreams of students and deprive millions of opportunities.

For a full explanation of the presidents proposed budget for K-12 , see Alyson Kleins take over at Politics K-12.
Relations between the Commonwealth and South Australia have turned toxic after an angry row between the federal Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg and the state's Labor Premier, Jay Weatherill, played out on live television.

In bizarre scenes, the two figures stood shoulder-to-shoulder as they exchanged claims of hypocrisy, panic, and abject failure in the increasingly fraught energy policy debate.

The face-off followed the Commonwealth's announcement of a massive $2 billion upgrade to the government-owned Snowy Hydro Scheme using public money, which had come just 48 hours after the Turnbull government rounded on SA for promising to use public funds to build a gas-fired generator.

Mr Frydenberg described the Premier's performance in the unseemly stoush as "pretty unbecoming, pretty childish" and suggested he would soon be replaced by voters as a result.
The Business Council of Australia has sounded the alarm over the federal budget, warning the Turnbull government its plan to return to surplus by 2020-21 is "fragile" and calling on the Parliament to back further spending cuts.

In its budget submission, the BCA says real spending will rise too quickly at 3 per cent annually from 2020 because of new spending programs and an ageing population outpacing economic growth. Left unchecked, by 2055 spending could hit 30 per cent of GDP, up from 25 per cent now, locking in structural deficits of at least 3 per cent of GDP. That is an equivalent to an extra $50 billion debt per year.

To head off that potentially massive increase in debt, the business lobby group says the Turnbull government must limit spending growth to 2 per cent per year, secure support for its $13.2 billion savings package and if the current savings can't pass the Senate, find savings elsewhere.

Also included in the BCA's 18-point budget wish list are more power and autonomy for the independent Parliamentary Budget Office, a call to examine the performance of more than 1200 federal agencies, greater infrastructure spending, greater efficiencies in health and education, industrial relations changes recommended by the Productivity Commission and stronger incentives to get people off the dole and into work.
Australia's business leaders and biggest corporations are being bullied by activist groups into supporting same-sex marriage laws, Immigration Minister Peter Dutton said on Friday.

Days after brewing company Coopers moved to head off a boycott of its products after Liberal MPs Tim Wilson and Andrew Hastie appeared in a video debating same-sex marriage reforms, Mr Dutton told Sydney radio host Ray Hadley that big corporations including Qantas were afraid of being targeted online by activist groups.

"We need to have the ability for both sides to be heard and we're in a politically correct age it seems, which I can't tolerate, and I think a lot of Australians are of the same view," he said.

Mr Dutton said he wanted a respectful debate on marriage equality, but added that publicly listed companies shouldn't take political stances and business leaders should not prioritise debating moral issues over running their companies.
A screencap of the now deleted tweet. Credit:@McDonalds/Twitter Meanwhile spare a thought for the poor staffer who "compromised" McDonald's Twitter account, firing off a "tiny hand" insult to Mr Trump. [My report/Fairfax] 2. Trump effect hits Holland? Anti-Muslim Geert Wilders was expected to poll much stronger in the Dutch election. Credit:Getty Images A contact of mine in Amsterdam today said there was a "big sigh of relief" at various business meetings today with Dutch nationalist Geert Wilders failing to live up to the hype. His poorer-than-expected showing is leading to speculation Trump may be the peak of the populist wave, as opposed to the start of it. [The Washington Post]

The outcome was largely what Wilders will despise - politics as usual. [The Economist] The most striking result was the surge in support for the Green-Left party which went from four to 14 seats. [Politico.eu] But that's come at the expense of the mainstream left with the Dutch Labour party losing 29 seats. This shows polarisation, whether it's on the right or left, is still pervading politics. [Julia Rampen/New Statesman] 3. British politics Theresa May. A fresh move towards Scottish independence would rattle her government. Credit:Ben Stansall

Theresa May has said "now is not the time" for a second referendum in Scotland but this doesn't mean the British prime minister has ruled it out entirely. [The Guardian] If now is not the time then when, asks The Spectator. [Alex Massie] May's conservative party has been fined a record 77,000 ($124,000) for breaking election expenses rules. [BBC] 4. Murdoch James and Lachlan Murdoch Credit:Chris Fowler

Culture Secretary Karen Bradley announced in the Commons she is formally referring Rupert Murdoch's proposed takeover of Sky News UK to the regulator Ofcom. OfCom will consider whether 21st Century Fox taking over Sky will affect media plurality in Britain. [My report/Fairfax] Of course the critics fear Murdoch will turn Sky into another Fox. Just like in Australia, there are just two rolling news channels in Britain - Sky and the public broadcaster - the BBC (ABC in Oz.) Last December Murdoch's News Corp took over Sky, which has a prominent roster of right-wing and conservative commentators. There's too much news around today for me to put this as Number Six so I'm going to pop in this incredible story about a Beeb crew getting too close to a very live Mt Etna. [Fairfax]

5. Aus politics New ACTU boss Sally McManus. Credit:ABC Sally McManus is unrepentant about condoning breaking laws the union movement considers unjust, saying she is a unionist "first, second and third." [Ewin Hannan/The Australian] McManus' message is a signal to true believers that the ACTU believes it is above the law, writes David Crowe. [The Australian]

The CFMEU is crowing but some union leaders share broader misgivings about McManus' comments, reports the Financial Review. [Aaron Patrick and David Marin-Guzman] The coverage today is mainly on Malcolm Turnbull's big Snowy Hydro announcement yesterday. The PM is just throwing out ideas and initiatives rather than an "integrated blueprint," notes Michelle Grattan. [The Conversation] Don't miss The Economist on how Australia has avoided recession for 25 years. [R.M] 6. Mosul Iraqi federal police on the edge of Mosul's Mamun neighbourhood. Credit:Susannah George

Iraqi forces are close to taking back the iconic and ancient al-Nuri mosque where Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared the caliphate three years ago. The Wall Street Journal reports local jihadis are abandoning foreign fighters in what is being described as Islamic State's "last stand." [Tamar El-Ghobashy and Ali A. Nabhan] But even after the Iraqis recapture Mosul in its entirety, the fight with Islamic State is far from over, as is Australia's and the global coalition's role in Iraq. Security expert Clive Williams elaborates in this cogent piece. [Fairfax] And that's it from me for this week, you can follow me on Facebook for more. Have a great weekend.
Jennifer Hawkins is a happily married woman but she is hoping Myer customers will swipe right when she steps on the catwalk on Friday night.

For its show at the Melbourne Fashion Festival, Myer recruited digital agency Clemenger BDO to create a world-first, real-time "shop the catwalk" mobile site.

Guests at the two parades at Myer Melbourne can use their phones to scan a model and, like the dating app Tinder, swipe left or right to shortlist an outfit.

While the 21-year-old festival has "see now, buy now" in its DNA  all garments shown are available in store  real-time shopping takes it to the next level.
New York: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada, whose emphasis on welcoming refugees has been at odds with the harsher stance of the Trump administration, on Wednesday night brought Ivanka Trump to a Broadway show that celebrates generosity toward foreigners in need.

The surprise pairing at the new musical Come From Away was rich with symbolism, as Mr Trudeau tries to maintain his country's close relationship with the United States despite substantial differences in public policy. Ivanka Trump, the president's daughter and a close adviser, sat in Row F between Mr Trudeau and Nikki R. Haley, the US ambassador to the United Nations, and directly behind a former Canadian prime minister, Jean Chretien.

In brief remarks from the stage before the performance, Mr Trudeau did not discuss government policy explicitly. Instead he focused on praising the show's story, about a small town in Newfoundland that fed and housed thousands of air travellers from around the world, diverted when North American airspace was closed during the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

"The world gets to see what it is to lean on each other and be there for each other through the darkest times," he said.
Melanie Segard is 21 years old, with a bright smile, a love of parties and restaurants, and a job at a packaging company.

And, oh yes: she also happens to have Down syndrome.

Melanie Segard fulfilled her dream of reading the weather report. Credit:Twitter

"I'm different," the French woman states on her official Facebook page, "but I want to show everyone that I can do a lot of things."

But there was one thing she had always wanted to do that had eluded her: to present the weather on television.
The Berejiklian government's proposal for a tolled motorway tunnel linking Balgowlah in Sydney's north to the Warringah Freeway has ignited a political brawl over priorities for transport funding after Labor said its focus was western Sydney.

Weeks ahead of two by-elections in the northern suburbs, Premier Gladys Berejiklian revealed on Thursday the preferred route for the "Beaches Link" project and that 71 property owners would be affected by preliminary work.

Those owners  the majority of whom are in Artarmon and Cammeray  were to be notified on Thursday, although the government said it was too early to confirm exact property acquisition details. Other owners affected are in Seaforth and Balgowlah.

"We are absolutely committed to building this piece of infrastructure," said Ms Berejiklian, who had signalled the announcement weeks ago.
A man and a woman have been charged with murdering their toddler, 10 years after he was last seen.

Baden Bond's parents, a 43-year-old Woodridge woman and a 49-year-old Toormina man, were arrested on Thursday night.

A police spokeswoman confirmed a woman was being transported to the Brisbane watchhouse on Thursday evening, and a man was assisting officers with their investigations.

They were both later charged with murder, to appear in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Friday morning.
The ban on movement of uncooked prawns and crustaceans outside a new control zone could lead to cheaper seafood for south-east Queenslanders.

Uncooked products will not be allowed to leave the area, which includes Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Moreton Bay, but they can be sold within the area.

White spot disease has already been found in Queensland's Logan and Albert rivers. Credit:Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries

Agriculture Minister Bill Byrne said businesses that once exported their products outside the area "will have some difficulty".

"So it's likely that the supply issue will be oversupply in this area, and that the price point will be low," Mr Byrne said.
President Trump released his first budget proposal today, and it calls for big cuts to after-school and summer programs.

His 2018 spending plan would allocate $59 billion to support the U.S. Department of Education. Thats a $9 billion reduction in education spending overall and a 13 percent reduction from last year.

Under Trumps proposal, the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program would be eliminated. The program, which supports after-school and summer programs, serves students in low-income communities. By slashing it, the president would save $1.2 billion.

The program is criticized in the proposed budget for lacking strong evidence of meeting its objectives, such as improving student achievement.

In a press release, the executive director of Afterschool Alliance , Jodi Grant , called federal funding of after-school programs modest but absolutely vital.

The Trump administrations call for zero funding for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) after-school initiative is a betrayal of the millions of students and parents who depend on after-school and summer learning programs, Grant wrote. This proposal would devastate working families. It is painfully shortsighted and makes a mockery of the presidents promise to make our country safer and to support inner cities and rural communities alike.

U.S. Representative David Cicilline of Rhode Island, a Democrat, and Republican U.S. Representative Lou Barletta, of Pennsylvania, sent a joint letter to the director of the federal Office of Management and Budget asking that the administration reconsider the proposal to eliminate this program.

The program assists working families who rely more and more on after-school and summer learning programs to effectively balance maintaining a job while raising children in a safe environment, they wrote. These academic programs provide not only academic enrichment for students, but also teach critical life skills, and provide healthy meals and snacks.

While after-school and summer programs are facing massive cuts, Trumps budget calls for increases in funding for school choice programs. Charter schools are set to receive an additional $168 million, and $250 million would support a new private school choice program. The presidents plan also calls for adding $1 billion to Title I. These funds would be used to encourage districts to adopt a system of student-based budgeting and open enrollment. Through that system, federal, state, and local funding would follow a child to the public school of his or her choice.
A man has been granted immediate parole after pleading guilty to assaulting motor racing champion Gregg Hansford's son.

Christiaan Michael Brockhurst-Challoner, 22, repeatedly punched Harrison Donovan-Hansford in the head and face during a prolonged attack at a Kangaroo Point unit in November 2015.

The late Gregg Hansford, father of Harrison Donovan-Hansford.

The Brisbane District Court heard on Thursday that Brockhurst-Challoner went to the unit to "sort out" the 21-year-old, who he believed had been treating women badly and spreading rumours.

Brockhurst-Challoner ordered Mr Donovan-Hansford into the bedroom where he punched him 10 times, causing him to fall onto the bed.
An elderly man was stabbed in the head with what police believe was a pitchfork when three people broke into his home on Wednesday night.

The 72-year-old resident confronted the trio after they broke into his Cranbourne North residence about 11:20pm and a scuffle broke out.

Rick, the victim of the pitchfork attrack, talks to the media on Thursday. Credit:Luis Enrique Ascui

During the struggle, the elderly man was stabbed in the head with what he believes was a pitchfork.

The offenders, wearing black hoodies, then fled the scene. It is not known whether anything was stolen from the home.
Millions of dollars of methamphetamine was thrown into a spa at a Perth home in a panicked attempt to destroy the drugs during a police raid, a WA court has heard.

Christopher Neil Rowson, 31, and Shaun Michael Mather, 35, were both handed long jail terms in the WA District Court last week over the multimillion dollar drug bust.

The meth dealers poured the drug in a hot tub in the hope of getting away with the crime, but testing uncovered $2m worth of ice. (file pic) Credit:AP

The pair were inside a home south-east of Perth in April 2015 when police came calling with a search warrant.

Federal police officers had been monitoring Mather, the court heard, as part of an operation targeting the Lone Wolf outlaw motorcycle gang.
In a narrow, thronged street in the Old City of Jerusalem, the flow of the crowd was interrupted by one young tourist who stopped to snap photos of an old-style barbershop. The silver-haired barber was not amused.

"You want to take my picture, you ask me first! F--- you!" he bellowed, not taking his eyes off his work.

People pass the Walled Off Hotel and the wall in Bethlehem, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Credit:AP

You could see where the tourist went wrong: the street, like many of the main thoroughfares in the Old City, is brimming with souvenir shops offering religious knick-knacks: wooden camels; T-shirts; confectionery; crucifixes. A throng of tourists stroll through the town or follow tour guides through the picturesque alleyways from one attraction to the next.

The effect is oddly similar to that of a theme park: a Disneyfied pilgrimage. For a fee, you can even abseil off the ancient city walls. It's easy to forget that actual people live here.
Several hundred people march through Harvard University while protesting the travel ban. Credit:AP Trump said both actions represented "an unprecedented judicial overreach" that threatened "the safety of our nation." He read his audience the legal statute giving a president the power to curb the detrimental "entry of any aliens or any class of aliens." As Trump noted, the second ban was tailored to get around the judicial criticisms of the first measure, which was to be rescinded when the second one went into effect. US President Donald Trump's executive order has been frozen. Credit:Bloomberg As the ruling in Hawaii was being handed down, James L. Robart, the federal judge in Washington who froze Trump's first travel ban, was hearing arguments about whether he should freeze the second. He said he did not think his first freeze was still in effect, though he did not immediately rule on whether he should issue a new one.

Watson's decision might not be the last word. He was considering only a request for a temporary restraining order, and while that required him to assess whether challengers of the ban would ultimately succeed, his ruling is not final on that question. The Justice Department could now appeal the ruling, or wage a longer-term court battle before the judge in Hawaii. US District Judge James Robart blocked the initial January 27 executive order. Credit:NBC Watson's decision came in response to a lawsuit filed by Hawaii. Lawyers for the state alleged the new entry ban, much like the old, violated the establishment clause of the First Amendment because it was essentially a Muslim ban, hurt the ability of state businesses and universities to recruit top talent and damaged the state's robust tourism industry. The hearing in Hawaii came in response to a lawsuit filed by the state itself. Lawyers for Hawaii alleged the new travel ban, much like the old, violates the establishment clause of the First Amendment because it is essentially a Muslim ban, hurts the ability of state businesses and universities to recruit top talent and damages the state's robust tourism industry. Sit down: A demonstration against Donald Trump's executive order on immigration at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Credit:AP

They pointed particularly to the case of Ismail Elshikh, the imam of the Muslim Association of Hawaii, whose mother-in-law's application for an immigrant visa was still being processed. Under the new executive order, lawyers for Hawaii said, Elshikh feared that his mother-in-law would ultimately be banned from entering the United States. "Dr Elshikh certainly has standing in this case. He, along with all of the Muslim residents in Hawaii face higher hurdles to see family because of religious faith," lawyer Colleen Roh Sinzdak said at the hearing. "It is not merely a harm to the Muslim residents of the state of Hawaii, but also is a harm to the United State as a whole and is against the First Amendment itself." Justice Department lawyers argued that the President was well within his authority to impose the ban, and that those challenging it had raised only speculative harms. "They bear the burden of showing irreparable harm ... and there is no harm at all," said Acting US Solicitor General Jeffrey Wall, who argued on behalf of the government in Greenbelt, Maryland in the morning and by phone in Hawaii in the afternoon. The arguments were similar at the hearing in Maryland, where a federal judge peppered both sides with pointed questions about whether the revised executive order would harm Muslims, refugees and the organisations that serve them.

"I think we've been going for quite a while," US District Judge Theodore Chuang said after the nearly two-hour hearing. "I appreciate everyone's advocacy ... I'll try to issue a written ruling - hopefully today, but not necessarily." The President's new executive order suspended the US refugee program for 120 days, halted for 90 days the issuance of new visas to people from six Muslim-majority countries and reduced the number of refugees allowed to enter the United States this year from 110,000 to 50,000. The ACLU and lawyers for refugee aid organisations asked Judge Chuang to halt the entire order, arguing that it is a pretext to discriminate against Muslims, who make up the majority of refugees admitted to the United States. "If you were trying to ban Muslims," ACLU lawyer Omar Jadwat told the judge in court, "banning refugees would be one compelling way to do it". Justin Cox, a lawyer for the National Immigration Law Centre who also argued in court, said refugees and immigrants feel that Trump's order essentially targets Islam. "All of these individuals express that they feel that their religion has been condemned by the executive order," he said.

Justice Department lawyers say the order is "substantially different" from Trump's January 27 travel ban, which stranded thousands of travellers overseas and ignited protests at airports and elsewhere before it was blocked by US District Judge James Robart in Seattle. The Trump administration urged Judge Chuang not to halt the order, saying its chief goal is to prevent terrorists from entering the country. The six countries named in the order, which are majority-Muslim, were selected because the administration of former president Barack Obama identified them as having security threats, Wall told the judge, adding: "What he's concerned about are radical Islamic terrorists." Wall said the plaintiffs in the legal challenge, who include individuals as well as refugee-aid agencies, would not suffer immediate harm from the order because it provides for waivers. Nor would the aid agencies suffer financially, he said, because they would have fewer refugees to serve, and therefore fewer expenses. But the ACLU and other lawyers said the list of potential harms is long. Refugees already in the United States will remain separated from families living in dangerous conditions overseas, they said. Other refugees who had expected to come to the United States this fiscal year would not be allowed in. HIAS, the nation's oldest refugee resettlement organisation, said it would lose funding and would probably have to lay off employees because of the reduced refugee admissions. The organisation used to be known as the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society. During the hearing, Judge Chuang said it was unclear whether he could order the President to admit all refugees.

The judge also questioned the urgency of the government's review of the visa and refugee vetting process, noting that one report ordered in Trump's first executive order on January 27 was overdue. "Not that the government always meets deadlines on reports, I understand," the judge said. Wall said those reviews are underway. Near the end of the hearing, Judge Chuang noted the polarisation in the case, weighing the safety of refugees against Trump's stated fears for security at home. "Is there somewhere in between?" he asked.

Judge Chuang signalled that he could rule on Wednesday, but lawyers for refugee rights groups said they are also looking to court hearings in Washington state and Hawaii for possible relief. Judge Robart was set to hear the case in Washington on Wednesday. Trump's first travel ban was a less-detailed directive that abruptly suspended the refugee program, halted travel for all citizens of seven majority-Muslim countries, including travellers who already had been issued visas, and lowered the cap on refugee arrivals. After parts of that order were frozen, Trump issued the new executive order, giving travellers 10 days' notice and, government lawyers say, making several significant changes. The order removes Iraq from the list of banned countries, exempts visa and green-card holders, and allows excluded foreigners to apply for waivers to enter the United States. The order applied to people who want to come to the United States and are citizens of Iran, Sudan, Somalia, Libya, Yemen and Syria. The Department of Homeland Security said on its website that the six nations have been identified as "countries of concern due to the national security risks associated with their instability and the prevalence of terrorist fighters in their territories". Government lawyers also alleged in court filings that some refugees have proved to be national security threats. For instance, they said a Somali refugee was convicted of attempting to bomb a Christmas tree-lighting ceremony in Oregon and that the FBI is investigating more than 300 refugees for potential terrorist activities.
Freetown: A Christian pastor has found one of the world's largest uncut diamonds  weighing 706 carats  in Sierra Leone's eastern Kono region.

The stone, a photograph of which was posted on the president's official website, is being stored in the country's central bank, government sources said.

A local chief from Kono handed the stone to President Ernest Bai Koroma on behalf of Emmanuel Momoh who made the discovery. The government plans to auction it.

The presidency said in a statement on Thursday that Koroma thanked the chief who acted as an intermediary for not smuggling it out of the country.
The site in East Timor where Indonesian troops killed five Australian journalists in 1975 will be transformed with the construction of a new conference centre after a $100,000 donation by the Victorian government.

Victoria will also provide $60,000 to East Timor over the next three years to train nurses for a new dental clinic.

Greg Shackleton paints "Australia" on a shop wall in Balibo in East Timor in 1975. He and five other journalists were killed while covering Indonesia's invasion.

Espionage claims have dogged the relationship between the federal government and East Timor in recent years - with no Australian minister visiting the country since 2013.

But Victoria's Planning Minister Richard Wynne travelled to East Timor this week, meeting Prime Minister Rui Araujo and local leaders ahead of a presidential poll this month and parliamentary elections later in the year.
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A bodybuilder and wildlife fanatic has been found guilty of trapping and killing the UK's rarest butterfly, the Large Blue.

Former weightlifter Phillip Cullen has become the first person in the UK ever to be prosecuted under wildlife conservation laws introduced seven years ago.

The 57-year-old, of Cadbury Heath, was found guilty of six counts of capturing, killing and being in possession of two Large Blue butterflies under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations.

Bristol Magistrates Court heard today that, after Cullen was spotted acting suspiciously at two nature reserves in June 2015, police raided his home and found 10-30 trays of butterflies. They took 10 away.

(Image: Butterfly Conservation/David Simcox/PA Wire)

Prosecuting, Kevin Withey suggested the lettering referred to Collard Hill in Somerset and Daneway Bank in Gloucestershire, where populations of blue butterflies are often seen.

In the trays were two large blues, labelled CH18 and DB18 - the only two labelled in his entire collection.

Witnesses had described seeing Cullen and a friend clambering over a locked gate at the Dane Way Banks nature reserve on June 18, 2015.



They said he was armed with a small green net likened to a pond dipping net - and white plastic carrier bags, which were a "red flag" to concerned onlookers.

Cullen was then observed chasing and swiping at butterflies, which a witness was "100 per cent certain" were large blues.

(Image: PA Images)

When challenged about why he was carrying a net, the court heard Cullen said he was searching for parasitic wasps.

But police did not find any parsitic wasps among his collection when they raided his home.

The Large Blue became extinct in 1979, but it has been reintroduced as part of a long-term and highly successful conservation project - it has long been a target for collectors.



It is fully protected under UK law and alongside the High Brown Fritillary is listed as the UK's most threatened butterfly - which means they cannot be collected, sold or killed.

In police interview Cullen denied the labels on the butterflies referred to the nature reserves where Large Blues live.

Describing himself as an amateur collector with an interest in fossils, butterflies and wasps, he claimed he had stopped collecting butterflies three years ago.



Cullen said he couldn't "possibly remember" where the Large Blues had come from, saying: "I've got lots of butterflies over the years and they have all been mixed up.



"The majority came from France, as far as I'm concerned they were bought. I don't have a specific interest in one butterfly over another.



"DB - dark blue - that's my interpretation of the colouring of the butterfly. That description applies to both of them - it's just a coincidence."



Cullen insisted his labelling of the specimens DB and CH referred to the colours "dark blue" and "cobalt hue" - and said it was "just a coincidence" that they were the same initials of the two nature reserves he was accused of raiding.





But expert Geoffrey Martin, who has seen over 11 million butterflies throughout his career, said he had never come across a collector labelling a butterfly in that way before.



Cullen also claimed the two butterflies could have originated from a set or case he purchased from a collector in France.



Cullen said he had attended Daneway Bank for an open day and claimed he brought a shrimping net with him to catch wasps.



"I didn't at anytime chase a large blue butterfly. I'm interested in colourations and markings - it could be indicative of climate change," he added.

Finding him guilty, Magistrate Colin Howells told the Bristol court: "The only issue in dispute is on June 18 and or June 19 the defendant killed and captured two Large Blue butterflies.



"The prosecution witnesses said he attended the sites on both days and in the witnesses eyes was acting in a suspicious manner.

"He is said to have chased butterflies but no one could give conclusive evidence of him catching one.



"He explained that the labelling referred to an interpretation of the colour and today recalled 18 related to the size of wing, that's why they were uniquely labelled in this way.



"We find that explanation as not credible."



Cullen will be sentenced on April 7.

The court heard that Cullen is a member of charity Butterfly Conservation.



A spokesman for the charity said today: "As a result of Mr Cullen's involvement in the trial at Bristol magistrates court, his membership of Butterfly Conservation is currently under review."



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A body-builder and wildlife collector captured and killed Britain's rarest butterflies and kept the specimens on display at home.



Former weightlifter Phillip Cullen, 57, Cadbury Heath, deliberately captured and killed a number of endangered Large Blue (Maculinea arions), a European protected species, a court heard.



He has also been charged with being in possession or control of a dead animal, namely the iconic large blue butterfly which had been taken from the wild.



Cullen captured and killed a large blue at Daneway Banks, a nature reserve near Cirencester in Gloucestershire, on June 18, 2015, Bristol Magistrates Court was told.



He is also accused of capturing and killing a large blue at Collard Hill, near Street, in Somerset, between June 17 and June 20 that year.



Collectors have been known to "fake up" large blue butterflies to look like Victorian species which can fetch 200-300 when sold, it was said.

Witnesses described seeing Mr Cullen and a friend clambering over a locked gate at the Dane Way Banks nature reserve on June 18, 2015.



They say he was armed with a small green net likened to a pond dipping net - and white plastic carrier bags, which were a "red flag" to concerned onlookers.





Cullen was then observed chasing and swiping at butterflies, which one witness is "100% certain" were large blues.



Prosecuting, Kevin Withey said it's illegal to capture, kill or possess a large blue butterfly because of its protected status in the UK.



Eyewitness and butterfly conservation member, Mark Greaves was showing a party of wildlife enthusiasts around Daneway Banks nature reserve on June 18, 2015.



He spotted Cullen acting suspiciously and when challenged about why he was carrying a net it's claimed Cullen said he was searching for parasitic wasps.



He said: "When I first arrived, when I approached the site in the car I saw two gentlemen, one of whom was carrying a net and that was someone who I had recognised from the previous year in 2014.



"People do not used nets on sites of special scientific interest - you really need to have permission from the landowner and Natural England if you want to use a net so that as abit of a red flag.



"We probably spent about two to three hours showing the party around the site. I did speak to one of the gentlemen and at that stage he didn't have the net with him.



"I asked him what he was looking for and he replied saying he was interested in parasitic wasps."



He then saw Cullen squatting by his van parked in a layby half a mile from the site rifling through the white plastic bags observed on him earlier that afternoon.



Eyewitness Neil Hulme, who works for the butterfly conservation charity, also spotted Cullen and a friend acting suspiciously at Daneway Banks.



"On June 18, 2015 at about 1pm I saw two gentlemen climbing over a padlocked gate at the lower corner of the reserve.



"One was carrying a green net mounted on a green pole, I knew to be carrying a net would require a permit - this roused a level of suspicion.



"Using my binoculars I saw him chasing what I knew to be a large blue butterfly. I saw him take two swipes at it - I don't think they were successful."





Prosecuting, Mr Withey said the following day on June 19, 2015 Cullen was spotted at Collard Hill, near Street, in Somerset.



When arrested by police at his home address on February 12, 2016, Cullen replied "I've done nothing wrong".



After conducting a search of Cullen's property in Cadbury Heath, trays of assorted butterflies were seized along with paperwork relating to sales and purchases.



Cullen had labelled the butterflies including CH18 and DB18 which the prosecution claim refers to the date and location of the catch.



Police later linked a profile name of Biker205 on eBay to Cullen.



Cullen said during police interview he had been collecting butterflies for 50 years but insisted he doesn't purchase or sell specimens from his Ebay account, but instead at auction.



He is accused of offences under the conservation of habitats and species regulations 2010 and the control of trade in endangered species (enforcement) regulations 1997.



The Large Blue became extinct in 1979, but it has been reintroduced as part of a long-term and highly successful conservation project - it has long been a target for collectors.



It is fully protected under UK law and alongside the High Brown Fritillary is listed as the UK's most threatened butterfly - which means they cannot be collected, sold or killed.



In Victorian times it was the most prized specimen because of its wonderful colour and its rarity, as it could not be bred in captivity. It became extinct but the determination of two scientists brought it back to life.



There are 59 species of butterflies in the UK. Of these, 25 are afforded some kind of protection and six, including the large blue, are fully protected, meaning they cannot be collected, killed or sold.



The trial continues.




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They say there's no such thing as a free lunch, but commuters will be treated to free breakfast at Bristol Temple Meads station tomorrow.

Food giant Walls will be handing out sausage sandwiches as part of a UK tour where the company has been promoting what it says is the worlds first microwaveable sausage.

Wall's claims the sausage is ready to eat in just one minute but is it any good? Rail passengers will have the chance to find out tomorrow.
When Kara Porters 2nd grade class began studying graphs and charts this week, she decided to post a survey of her students questions to the internet in hopes of a response. On Tuesday, North Vermillion Elementary School in Cayuga, Ind., put out a call for answers on the schools Facebook page.

Two days later, the survey has gone viral, with more than 300,000 responses, nearly 2,000 shares on Facebook, and hundreds of comments as of Wednesday afternoon. Students will also have a ready-made geography lesson, as answers have poured in not just from the United States, but from around the globeToronto and Tokyo, Argentina, the Philippines, Denmark, Ireland, and England, to name a few.

Each student contributed one question, and as one might expect from 2nd graders, the asks are incredibly charming. Some of them require a simple yes or no (Do you like Pokemon? Are you married? Can you write in cursive?), while others give the respondents two choices (Does your name start with a vowel or consonant? Which state do you like more, Indiana or Illinois? What kind of food do you like, pizza or soup?).

Earlier in the week, Porter left the results tab up in her classroom so students could see the responses as they flooded in. Now its so popular, Porter told Education Week Teacher, that she hasnt been able to access the file herself since Wednesday. The plan was to use maybe 1,000 responses to create pie charts and line graphs. Now the data is going to take a little longer to sort through than expected, and respondents beyond Porters classroom are curious to see the results. Porter has already heard from college professors who have offered to help the class analyze the responses.

She has also had messages from parents and retired teachers sharing their appreciation, and the class was interviewed by several news outlets, including one that came to the school.

The students are thrilled, said Porter, who is in her 13th year of teaching. When the news cameras showed up, they were asking, Is that for us? We love how positive this has all been. Its a unifying experience for anyone taking part in it, so fun and sweet and innocent. I love that it was labeled wholesome, that the kids will be remembered that way.

Porters classroom has also gotten a lot of love on Twitter thanks to Julia Reinstein, a BuzzFeed reporter who wrote about the survey :

@juliareinstein The answers to the can you write cursive question will really mess up the teachers everyone uses it in adulthood story  Silver Eagle (@SilverEagleDev) March 15, 2017

@juliareinstein Do you like Pokemon? Favorite Frozen character? Do you like Legos? These kids know how to ask the right questions.  John Rock (@Rohn_Jock) March 15, 2017

this is the best thing Ive ever seen . USING NEWER TECHNOLOGY TO GIVE 2ND GRADERS THE OPPORTUNITY TO L E A R N M O R E YES I LOVE IT!!!!!!! https://t.co/xRww8NvEhg  kate 193 (@kateisnotgr8) March 15, 2017

Want to help blow the minds of some 8 year-olds (esp. if you dont live in USA)? Take their class project survey: https://t.co/jovDsZBHv1  Kootiepatra (@Kootiepatra) March 15, 2017

The most popular question? Definitely Pizza or soup? said Porter.

Which would you pick?

If you havent answered the questions yet , you can try to do so until Friday.

And Porters class isnt the only one that has gone viral. In the fall, we wrote about a student-teacher in Chicago who welcomed his 4th graders with a catchy tune .

Source: Image by Flickr user Wesley Fryer licensed under Creative Commons
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Avon and Somerset Police is one of 12 forces to pass files to the Crown Prosecution Service as part of a probe into the Conservatives' 2015 general election expenses.

The investigations into the Tories' battle bus campaign have examined whether strict spending limits in target seats were breached.

Thornbury MP Luke Hall was one of the MPs to benefit from visits by the battle bus, which brought campaign workers and materials to target constituencies.

He unseated Liberal Democrat Steve Webb, who had been the Coalition government's pensions minister, overturning a majority of more than 7,000 to win by 1,495 votes.

He was one of 24 Conservative MPs revealed by an investigation by the Bristol Post 's sister paper the Mirror to have not declared the cost of the campaign bus on his election spending.

Mr Hall, a former supermarket manager who was voted in at the last election, declared 13,128 in election expenses, under the 14,709 spending limit for the constituency campaign.

But it was estimated that the cost of the Tory 'battle bus', which visited a host of marginal seats in the run up to the election, was more than 2,000 a day.

The Mirror investigation claimed that, had Mr Hall included the cost of the battle bus to his campaign, he would have spent 568 over the legal expenditure limit.

The Conservative Party has claimed that the bus was a national campaigning tool and the costs of its visits to each seat should not be set against constituency spending limits.

But both the CPS and the Electoral Commission are investigating the party's battle bus spending.

Colchester MP Will Quince has revealed that he had been interviewed by police  the second Tory MP known to have been quizzed by officers investigating election expenses.

Mr Quince, who was fighting against UKIP leader Nigel Farage, said he had been told by Essex Police he faced no further action after voluntarily attending an interview under caution last January.

Essex Police is not one of the forces that has submitted files to the CPS.

But a CPS spokesman said it had received files from Avon and Somerset police, along with forces in Cumbria, Derbyshire, Devon & Cornwall, Gloucestershire, Greater Manchester, Lincolnshire, the Metropolitan Police, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire and West Yorkshire police.

Once it has received a file, the CPS will decide whether to charge anyone.

The files were "all under consideration", a spokesman said.

A 12th force  Staffordshire  said it had also sent a file to the CPS.

The latest moves come amid growing anger among Conservative MPs still facing investigation by the police and the Electoral Commission in relation to spending during the 2015 election.

In his statement, Mr Quince acknowledged that once a formal complaint had been made in June 2016, police had a duty to carry out a thorough investigation.

However, he said that the inquiry has caused stress to his staff and family and he had suffered "reputational damage" while it was carried out.

"Moving on to the allegation itself, I consider this to have been vexatious and politically motivated," he said.

"Politics is not a game. I would ask those individuals to think about the cost of this investigation, the important work those police officers could have instead been doing over this lengthy period, the stress that it put me, my family and my team under and the reputational damage to me personally."

Other MPs have directed their anger at Conservative Campaign Headquarters (CCHQ), complaining that they had been cut adrift by the party's high command even though the complaints relate to the busing of activists to campaign in key marginal seats, which was organised centrally.

The allegations centre on whether the "battle bus" tour should have been recorded as counting towards individual candidates' spending limits, rather than as part of the larger national spending return.

In a leaked email to Conservative Party chairman Sir Patrick McLoughlin, Lincoln MP Karl McCartney complained they felt "completely cast adrift" and had been "left to fend for themselves".

In a statement, Mr McCartney said he had made clear his "forthright views" privately to a number of senior party figures on behalf of backbenchers.

Mr Hall is yet to comment publicly on the issue.
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Great British Bake Off star Sue Perkins visited Bristol Childrens Hospital to judge cakes made by staff.

Details of the comedians special visit, which took place last week, have only just emerged.

Sue, who presented Bake Off until the end of its BBC run with comedy partner Mel Giedroyc, tucked into a range of cakes during the hospitals annual Great Theatre Bake Off event.

Among the impressive entries were a red velvet "brain cake", creatively designed desserts mirroring the circles outside of the hospital and heart-shaped sponges.

A spokeswoman for the hospital said: The Great Theatre Bake Off made a made a return last week when we welcomed a very special guest to the hospital.

"Sue Perkins, presenter extraordinaire and half of Mel & Sue kindly visited to judge the competition.

"Sue was in Bristol to perform her one woman show at Colston Hall and what better way to prepare than to eat a LOT of cake.

"It was a hard fought battle but in joint first place was Saskias Red Cross Buns and Pauls Courgette Cake.

"Sue was hugely impressed with the amount of time put into the proving of the hot cross buns and wanted to reward that dedication.

"Of Pauls courgette cake Sue said it was the first edible one she had ever tasted and that deserved Star Baker.

"When not baking Saskia is a recovery nurse and Paul is a perioperative associate practitioner."
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Travellers wanting to visit the USA will soon be able to do so for a fraction of the cost thanks to Ryanair.

The budget airline will be offering long-haul trips this summer after teaming up with rival Norwegian.

Although routes have not yet been finalised, its thought that customers will be able to fly from regional airports including Bristol to fly to London Gatwick, Cork or Barcelona on a Ryanair flight, before catching on onward Norwegian flight.

The new service will fly to destinations such as New York, Boston, New Jersey and Manhattan. However, some of the airports on offer are around 60 miles outside of the main cities.

You will be able to book the flights through either Ryanair or Norwegians websites with a single ticket, and passengers luggage will be automatically transferred at the connecting airport.

A Ryanair spokesman said: Given we have the largest route network in Europe, it's a logical move and a very attractive proposition for long haul carriers.

A spokesperson for Norwegian said the mutually beneficial deal felt like a natural fit, and the airline would be open to doing a similar deal with EasyJet.

Although fares have not yet been disclosed for the new routes, Norwegian has offered fares from Edinburgh to New York for as little as 69 one-way before, so we can expect low prices.
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

[Brokers in] 90% of countries in the world pay commission so its not like commission is a dirty word. Theres no reason why brokers here shouldnt be paid commission, said Peter White, executive director of the Finance Brokers Association of Australia ( FBAA ).Speaking in response to an Australian Financial Review article published a few hours prior to the release of ASIC's broker remuneration review, White said the current structure combining upfront and trail supports best practice and best outcomes for consumers.Australian brokers were some of the lowest paid in the world as far as commissions are concerned, he added, citing an upcoming global research paper from the FBAA. This showed that brokers were not ripping anybody off, he told Australian Broker.Where they dont do this in other countries, they have problems with churn. Consumers have a whole heap of other products pushed onto them to make up income revenues. So our structure globally is actually very, very sound and very, very appropriate for the style of outcomes were trying to achieve.ASIC also had a parallel thought process between broker commissions and its recent announcement banning flex commissions, White said.ASIC have just said that in the motor sector, the lenders going to set the rate and the commission will bring in the rate. This is the same as what happens in home loans. The lender sets the rate and the commission is in the rate. Its the same animal.What ASIC have just done is said Hey, theres nothing wrong with that. In actual fact, were supporting that and this is how the car game needs to play going forward.In principal, the regulator is already supporting paying commissions to brokers, White said, similar to what theyve done in the car industry. The current structure is already providing the right outcomes, he added.Paying trail ensures that the broker continues to do ongoing service for the client and looks after the client going forwards. Also, brokers professionally also review the home loan for borrowers on a regular basis to ensure that the product hasnt become unsuitable. Peoples circumstances and life needs change, so that way the broker is on top of them to keep ensuring that the loan theyve got continues to meet their needs.For the moment, the focus is on ensuring that the broker community doesnt lose what it currently has, White said.
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A bit of history has landed on the shores of Dumbo!

An all-ages military musical uses songs, dance, and puppetry to bring to life a tragic, almost-forgotten piece of World War II history. 946: The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips opening at St. Anns Warehouse on March 16, delves into the ill-fated rehearsals for D-Day that brought battalions of African-American soldiers to a tiny town on the shore of England. The British company behind the show believes that its testament to the human spirit will have extra resonance for a modern American audience, said its artistic director.

Its this covered-up history of these mainly black GIs coming to this rural community with all the themes of diversity and inclusivity that are so relevant to now, said Mike Shepherd, who also acts in the play. We were especially keen on bringing this to the U.S. because those black GIs were airbrushed out of American history.

The play dives into the buried events of Operation Tiger on April 28, 1944  a massive dress rehearsal for the invasion of Normandy that was intended to feel, look, and sound like the real thing. But the rehearsal turned into one of the wars biggest fiascoes, when German boats spotted the troop ships and attacked, killing 946 men during the massive simulation.

But the play, based on a childrens book of the same name, uses an unusual frame for the story, telling it through the eyes of a young girl and a black soldier on a quest to find her cat during the bungled maneuvers.

Its this adult world and war told through the perspective of a little girl and her cat, so its relatable for kids, said Shepherd.

Whirlwind adventure: 946: The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips, now playing at St. Anns Warehouse, is a rollicking play set in England shortly before D-Day. Steve Tanner

For the exercise, the village of Slapton was transformed into a war zone, with thousands of locals ordered to leave, and unsure if they were fleeing a real invasion.

In the play, a young girl named Lily realizes her cat Tips was left behind during the evacuation, and she sets out with the help of an American solider named Adolphus to rescue her beloved feline from behind the simulated battlefront.

The show uses original songs and 1940s tunes to tell their story, enhanced by a vibrant cast of characters and puppets, portraying soldiers, local figures, and a slew of cats, chicken, and sheep. The narrative fuses Lily and Adolphus journey with the unfolding drama of Operation Tiger to create a touching tale that all ages can get something out of, said Shepherd.

Theres delight and scariness for children and delight and poignancy for adults, he said. Weve always done shows for everyone. We dont make childrens shows, we make a show everyone can enjoy. Its just a bloody good night out.

946: The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips at St. Anns Warehouse [45 Water St. between Old Dock and New Dock streets in Dumbo, (718) 2548779, www.stann sware house.org ] Through April 9; TueFri at 8 pm, Sat, 3 pm and 8 pm, Sun, 2 pm and 7 pm. $35$71.

Reach reporter Caroline Spivack at cspiv ack@c ngloc al.com or by calling (718) 2602523. Follow her on Twitter @carolinespivack.
Vigilante Justice: There's an App for That, but Should You Use It?

While a far cry from a bat signal, the makers of a crime reduction app, called Citizen, are facing criticism for re-releasing their controversial smartphone app. The app promises to help create safer neighborhoods and cities, and keep people safe from crime, by notifying its users about crime happening in as close to real time as possible.

Currently, the app only works for New York City, but is expected to roll out to additional cities. It works by monitoring and analyzing publicly available data to display recent and current crime incidents on a map, so users can avoid those areas.

Citizens or Vigilantes?

Despite the seemingly good natured, and noble, purpose, critics are concerned that the app invites danger upon its users. The dangers to users come from both criminals and law enforcement because the app asks users to livestream crimes they witness, which could potentially obstruct, confuse, or complicate, legitimate law enforcement efforts, and garner retaliation from criminals.

The original version of the app, aptly named Vigilante, was removed from the App Store after barely 48 hours amid concerns that users would get victimized, injured, or even killed, using the app. That's because the original name, Vigilante, was more than just a name, it was central to the app's original purpose: crowd sourcing vigilante justice.

Unlike a good samaritan who's just at the right place at the right (or wrong) time, a vigilante is someone who is 'hunting' criminals.The tamed down version that was re-released as Citizen no longer has an explicit or implied purpose of encouraging vigilante justice.

Whether or not you use the app, just don't let it replace common sense.

Is Being a Vigilante Legal?

While self-defense, and defense of others, can be legitimate legal defenses, vigilantes take real legal risks when they get involved, particularly in cases only involving property damage or theft. Vigilantes often find themselves on the receiving end of criminal charges and civil lawsuits, despite their noble purpose. Defense of others, and self defense, are rather complicated legal claims, and may be more difficult to prove in a civil lawsuit for damages if the alleged criminal is injured or suffers damages.

The closest thing under the law that protects vigilantes is a citizen's arrest. However, making a citizen's arrest requires being certain that a crime occurred, and also requires using a reasonable amount of force. Over the years, countless costumed "superheroes" have been arrested for trying to live up to their garments, and there have been plenty more that were arrested without costumes. Some of the common criminal charges vigilantes often face include weapons charges, trespassing, false imprisonment, assault, battery, stalking, and destruction of property.

Related Resources:
What Are the Criminal Charges for Breaking a Window?

Breaking a window might not seem like a serious crime, until you remember an entire theory of policing was born out of enforcing exactly that offense. Police officers are now taking broken windows more seriously, and the penalties for breaking a window can be severe.

Those penalties will depend on the criminal charge, which can vary depending on the circumstances of the case. Here's a look at criminal charges for breaking windows, along with some penalties.

Criminal Mischief

Breaking a window may fall under local criminal mischief laws, which prohibit property damage crimes and can include everything from graffiti and street art to accidentally setting your school on fire after burning a love letter. Penalties for criminal mischief can vary widely depending on state and local statutes and how much damage to the property is caused.

For example, criminal mischief in Alabama might be just a Class B misdemeanor if the damage is less than $500, and may just warrant a fine. But criminal mischief causing more than $1,500 in damage or done by an explosion can be charged as a felony under New York law meaning you could see prison time.

Vandalism

Some states describe certain property damage as vandalism, and breaking windows can often fall under these definitions. For instance, Tennessee defines vandalism as causing "damage to or the destruction of any real or personal property of another," and makes vandalism of a retail merchant a felony offense. So breaking a store window could get you up to six years in prison.

Theft

If a window was broken to gain access to a vehicle or building in order to steal property, you could be looking at a whole host of other criminal charges and penalties. Some states have separate statutes for acts such as breaking into a locked vehicle to steal property or looting.

If you've been charged with a crime related to breaking a window, contact an attorney.

Related Resources:
Yardley Friends Meeting at 65 N. Main Street in Yardley will host the documentary Organic Roots on Friday, November 18 at 7 p.m. Join director Al Johnson for a showing of this film followed by a discussion of the last 50 years of this movement. Organic foods are part of our life today and a tool in our concern for...
Florida Appeals Court Orders Retrial in Historic $23B Tobacco Verdict

An ongoing tobacco industry case that had fallen out of the headlines has been making news recently. The Robbins v. RJ Reynolds case may finally get the retrial Reynolds was asking for back in 2014, when the jury awarded over $23 billion to the widow of a deceased smoker and cancer victim.

The Florida court of appeals found that the plaintiff's attorney, in the 2014 trial, crossed the line when he attacked Reynolds in the courtroom by attacking the tobacco industry's character. Essentially, the court reasoned that because these specific types of tobacco cases were part of an earlier class action, there are specific rules that prohibit a plaintiff's attorney from disparaging the tobacco industry.

History of the Historic Case

When the Florida jury awarded the $23+ billion verdict against the cigarette maker, the verdict was hailed as the largest tobacco industry verdict in history. The case was brought by the widow of cigarette smoker that died from lung cancer and sued RJ Reynolds individually, pursuant to the Engle class action.

But, after the jury verdict, the court reduced the punitive damage award to just under $17 million, as everyone involved quickly recognized that $23 billion was clearly excessive. The reduction to $17 million seemed reasonable given that was an amount equal to the non-punitive damages awarded.

However, Reynolds rejected the reduction and demanded a new trial. The court agreed to grant a new trial, but only as to the punitive damages. Reynolds appealed the grant of a new trial only as to the punitive damages as they wanted to retry the whole matter, and over two years later, the appeal actually came down in their favor.

The Engle Class Action

The Engle class action goes all the way back to 1994, when a large class action was filed against the tobacco industry for deceiving the public, and much more, when it comes to the safety of cigarettes and smoking.

Eventually, the Florida Supreme Court found that while the industry was liable for their bad conduct, that class relief wasn't feasible. As such, the high court ordered that individual class members could bring individual claims, but they could rely on the factual allegations of misconduct already proven by the class action case. The cases, like Robbins', which stemmed from this class action, are often referred to as Engle cases.

Related Resources:
From skin to brain: Stem cells without genetic modification

The top four images, from left to right, show Keratinocyte-derived neural crest stem cells turning into neurons as shown by typical neuronal morphology. The larger image, directly above, is a close-up of the far right image. Credit: University at Buffalo.

UB study yields neural crest cells from adult skin cells, and could lead to new treatments for Parkinsons and other brain illnesses

BUFFALO, N.Y.  A discovery, several years in the making, by a University at Buffalo research team has proven that adult skin cells can be converted into neural crest cells (a type of stem cell) without any genetic modification, and that these stem cells can yield other cells that are present in the spinal cord and the brain.

The applications could be very significant, from studying genetic diseases in a dish to generating possible regenerative cures from the patients own cells.

Its actually quite remarkable that it happens, says Stelios T. Andreadis, PhD, professor and chair of UBs Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, who recently published a paper on the results in the journal Stem Cells.

The identity of the cells was further confirmed by lineage tracing experiments, where the reprogrammed cells were implanted in chicken embryos and acted just as neural crest cells do.

Stem cells have been derived from adult cells before, but not without adding genes to alter the cells. The new process yields neural crest cells without addition of foreign genetic material. The reprogrammed neural crest cells can become smooth muscle cells, melanocytes, Schwann cells or neurons.

In medical applications this has tremendous potential because you can always get a skin biopsy, Andreadis says. We can grow the cells to large numbers and reprogram them, without genetic modification. So, autologous cells derived from the patient can be used to treat devastating neurogenic diseases that are currently hampered by the lack of easily accessible cell sources.

The process can also be used to model disease. Skin cells from a person with a genetic disease of the nervous system can be reprogrammed into neural crest cells. These cells will have the disease-causing mutation in their chromosomes, but the genes that cause the mutation are not expressed in the skin. The genes are likely to be expressed when cells differentiate into neural crest lineages, such as neurons or Schwann cells, thereby enabling researchers to study the disease in a dish. This is similar to induced pluripotent stem cells, but without genetic modification or reprograming to the pluripotent state.

The discovery was a gradual process, Andreadis says, as successive experiments kept leading to something new. It was one step at a time. It was a very challenging task that took almost five years and involved a wide range of expertise and collaborators to bring it to fruition, Andreadis says. Collaborators include Gabriella Popescu, PhD, professor in the Department of Biochemistry in the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at UB; Song Liu, PhD, vice chair of biostatistics and bioinformatics at Roswell Park Cancer Institute and a research associate professor in biostatistics UBs School of Public Health and Health Professions; and Marianne Bronner, PhD, professor of biology and biological engineering, California Institute of Technology.

Andreadis credits the persistence of his then-PhD student, Vivek K. Bajpai, for sticking with it.

He is an excellent and persistent student, Andreadis says. Most students would have given up. Andreadis also credits a seed grant from UBs office of the Vice President for Research and Economic Developments IMPACT program that enabled part of the work.

The work recently received a $1.7 million National Institutes of Health grant to delve into the mechanisms that occur as the cells reprogram, and to employ the cells for treating the Parkinsons-like symptoms in a mouse model of hypomyelinating disease.

This work has the potential to provide a novel source of abundant, easily accessible and autologous cells for treatment of devastating neurodegenerative diseases. We are excited about this discovery and its potential impact and are grateful to NIH for the opportunity to pursue it further, Andreadis said.

The research, described in the journal Stem Cells under the title Reprogramming Postnatal Human Epidermal Keratinocytes Toward Functional Neural Crest Fates, was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health.
When proteins court each other, the dance moves matter

An illustration of the different ways in which proteins vibrate. The left figure shows proteins in a clamping motion, while the right figure shows proteins in a twisting motion.

Foxtrot or tango? On the biological dance floor, careful choreography may decide how well a suitor is able to woo a partner

The direction of motion  the direction in which different parts of the protein are moving  can really determine how well a protein performs its biological function. 

BUFFALO, N.Y.  At every moment inside the human body, a carefully choreographed dance is being performed.

Proteins shake their bodies and wave their limbs, all with the goal of optimizing their interaction with other molecules, including other proteins. These tiny motions, called vibrations, enable the molecules to change shape quickly to bind to one another, which in turn facilitates tasks like absorbing oxygen and repairing cells.

The bodys efficiency at performing these functions depends on how well proteins can interact.

But what makes one protein a better suitor than another?

A new study sheds light on this question, showing that in this biological courtship, dance moves matter.

In the past, research on protein vibrations focused a lot on the energy of those vibrations, says lead scientist Andrea Markelz, PhD, a professor of physics in the University at Buffalo College of Arts and Sciences. But what we found is that the direction of motion seems to matter more. The direction of motion  the direction in which different parts of the protein are moving  can really determine how well a protein performs its biological function.

The findings help to lay a foundation for the development of drugs targeting molecular vibrations. Such pharmaceuticals would block proteins from carrying out tasks that contribute to disease.

We conducted the research using a new technique we developed called anisotropic terahertz microscopy (ATM), which reveals how nature exploits protein motions to improve efficiency. We can then optimize these motions for medicine and biotechnology, says first author Katherine Niessen, a UB PhD candidate in physics.

The research, published on March 14 in Biophysical Journal, was conducted by UB, the University of Perugia in Italy, and Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Institute. It was funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF).

Foxtrot or tango?

The study focused on the chicken egg white lysozyme, a protein found in egg whites.

As a first step in their project, the scientists compared the regular vibrations of the lysozyme to the vibrations of the lysozyme when it was bound to a molecule whose presence blocked the protein from carrying out its usual biological duties.

What the scientists saw was that the free and inhibited lysozymes vibrated at similar energies, but with distinct directions of motion: The free lysozyme fluttered with a hinge-like flapping action  like the wings of a butterfly  while the inhibited lysozyme moved in a more scissor-like pattern.

The result was a fundamental change from the conventional view. The vibrations changed their direction, even as the energy of the motions stayed the same, Markelz says. (She adds that as an analogy, this is akin to two people performing different dances  the foxtrot and tango, for instance  but exerting the same amount of energy.)

The same dynamic emerged when the team compared the regular lysozyme to a mutant chicken egg white lysozyme that was more effective at performing its job. The mutant and normal lysozymes had the same vibrational energies, but different vibrational directions.

A turnkey instrument for measuring vibrations

Research on molecular vibrations could open new avenues for drug development and artificial energy harvesting (the vibrations may explain why photosynthesis is so efficient). But historically, the tiny pulses and palpitations within proteins have been very hard to study.

Markelz is hoping to change that by developing a turnkey instrument that scientists around the world can use to research the vibrations.

To study the chicken egg white lysozyme, her team employed the ATM technique that her research group developed in-house. Unlike other methods used to research protein vibrations, ATM enables scientists to observe not only vibrational energies, but also the direction of motions.

The NSF recently awarded Markelz a nearly $400,000 grant to commercialize an easy-to-use ATM instrument, which would expand the capacity of the scientific community to explore molecular vibrations. The device would represent a great advance over other existing methods, which provide only a coarse overview of the vibrations and require extremely dry and cold environments and expensive facilities, Markelz says.

UBs Technology Transfer office filed a patent application with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and is seeking an industry partner to commercialize the instrument.
Exact figures on abortion are hard to track. Here's why it matters

When tracking access becomes pivotal, how does the U.S. look to keep a pulse on one of the most divisive subjects of health care this election cycle?
Can This New Chatbot Solve Refugee Legal Issues?

A new chatbot, a computer programmed to mimic conversation with users, is hoping to help refugees by providing free legal assistance. No, the chatbot is not a walking, talking, humanoid-type lawyer-robot, it is simply a program that runs through Facebook Messenger.

The chatbot's creator, who's still too young to legally drink in the United States, saw significant success with the initial rollout of his chatbot, named Donotpay, which has provided free legal help to users in London and New York City to fight their parking tickets. Surprisingly, the chatbot's record of winning parking tickets is 64 percent -- a whopping 160,000 out of 250,000 cases were won! Riding the tide of that success, the young creator spent the last six months working on building immigration law help for refugees seeking asylum into the chatbot.

Welcome to Chatbot Legal

The chatbot provides legal assistance in a limited capacity by asking users to answer a series of questions. In the parking ticket context, it requests information about and surrounding the ticket, then creates a form letter contesting the ticket using the information provided. The user still has to send the letter in and follow through.

For refugees seeking immigration assistance, the chatbot will work similarly to the parking ticket program, but instead will gather specific information relevant to refugee asylum, then provide information about what a refugee needs to do to seek asylum. Generally, it will involve filling out forms, but knowing which forms to fill out and how to fill them out is often confusing. Unfortunately, at this time, this chatbot is only available in English. You can access it through Facebook Messenger by searching for Donotpay in the smart phone or web application.

Donotpay Is Not a Lawyer

The Donotpay chatbot, while helpful, is not an actual lawyer. What that means is that it cannot check your work, and cannot represent you in court, official proceedings, or in any capacity what-so-ever. For refugees seeking legal help, the chatbot may be able to help some, but unlike a traffic ticket where the worst case scenario is a fine, immigration law has much more significant consequences, including deportation. Immigration law is complex and nuanced, and having an actual, live and experienced immigration attorney by your side, actually helping, is rarely a bad idea.

While private immigration lawyers are not free, there are nonprofits that provide live legal assistance and sometimes full representation as well. Some attorneys have sliding scale fees, where they accept a lower fee if you can show financial need, or offer no interest payment plans. Small firms are often more flexible on fees, and clients seeking sliding scale discounts, or payments plans, should not be shy about stating that need upfront.

Related Resources:
Gianfranco Rosi sure know how to tell an intimate story of tragedy, comedy and life in his documentaries. The Italian filmmaker has won a ton of awards and has been nominated for Oscars, most recently with 'Fire At Sea' that tells the harrowing tale of the African and Syrian migrants across the Mediterranean Sea to the Italian island of Lampedusa. With all of the ridiculous news of the current President of the United States, you might not have seen stories of these migrants who are dying by the thousands on small boats to live a better and healthier life.

The newspapers and news reporters might devote a minute or two to this crisis, but Gianfranco Rosi goes several extra steps further in giving us a spotlight view of the horrors and sometimes endearing moments of some of these refugees lives. Rosi shows the lives of some of the islanders as well as the migrants who make it there alive. We even get to see some of the big rescues on the water where maybe only a third of the people survive on the boat. It's pretty intense to say the least.

However, if you're looking for a conclusion of sorts, Rosi never gives you this peace of mind of everything wrapped up in a tight little bow, because that's not how life really is. Instead, he cuts at the appropriate time to leave us wondering what is meant for these migrants. If there was a certain subject here, it would be a twelve year old boy from a fishing family who looks at what life is life on the island and how all of the migrants enter the island. It's all innocent enough, but there is a bit of unnerving qualities to this twelve year old boy that we see how his life might turn out. We also see another subject throughout in the form of a doctor, who examines and helps the incoming migrants.

Some of the visits and examinations are joyous and funny, while many others are very unfortunate and sad, but again, so if life. Rosi takes a look at these situations in a very subtle way, which has a bigger impact in the long run. 'Fire At Sea' is a tragic, yet beautiful look at what humanity is capable of. Some of it is great, while other times are not and Rosi flawlessly captures every breathtaking moment.





The Blu-ray: Vital Disc Stats

'Fire At Sea' comes with 50GB Blu-ray Disc from Kino Lorber and is Region A Locked. There is a 10 page booklet with an essay by the assistant professor of Italian and Cinema Studies at the University of Toronto - Alberto Zambenedetti. There are no other inserts. The disc is housed in a hard, blue plastic case.
Vijayawada-based regional airliner Air Costa, which grounded its services a fortnight ago, has started cancelling tickets booked until May 31 in a clear indication that the company is not in a position to resume the operations any time soon.
State-owned has opposed changes to guidelines of ownership and control that will make it easier for a foreign entity to fully own an airline in India. Private airlines have already opposed the proposed changes.
Donald Trump reacted to a Hawaii court's smackdown on his "watered-down" (his words) travel ban with a full-on fascist rant in Tennessee, where he rallied the crowds into screaming "lock her up" about Hillary Clinton, then attacked the U.S. judicial system.

The Hawaii court's ruling is here.

In a rambling speech, President Trump called revised travel ban `unprecedented judicial overreach,' and more or less vowed to destroy the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

After vowing to save the families of those present from a teeming Muslim menace that is about to invade America, he promised to take away our health care.

"We are gonna repeal and replace horrible and disastrous Obamacare."

That's not going well today, either. Here's how the ACLU describes his racist Muslim ban's very bad day in court today:

A federal court in Hawaii has temporarily blocked President Trump's new Muslim ban executive order before it was set to take effect one minute after midnight. In another challenge, the American Civil Liberties Union and partner organizations were in U.S District Court in Maryland today also asking the ban be halted. Omar Jadwat, director of the ACLU's Immigrants' Rights Project, had this reaction to the ruling: "The Constitution has once again put the brakes on President Trump's disgraceful and discriminatory ban. We are pleased but not surprised by this latest development and will continue working to ensure the Muslim ban never takes effect."



More information about the ACLU case is here.

Live tweets during Trump's weird speech tonight, below.

Trump slams the court ruling blocking the new travel ban: "This ruling makes us look weak" https://t.co/dH4hEie7aC https://t.co/226TdhmSt7  CNN Politics (@CNNPolitics) March 16, 2017

He's up there doing material damage to this own case! https://t.co/qia5ORP7lx  Christopher Hayes (@chrislhayes) March 16, 2017

What Trump just said is among the worst things he could have said if his goal was to make his travel E.O. legal.  Maggie Haberman (@maggieNYT) March 16, 2017





"This ruling makes us look weak," Trump says, then continues not helping legal case saying it's a "watered down version of the first one."  Maggie Haberman (@maggieNYT) March 16, 2017

Did Trump just call the latest ruling a "watered down" version of the first? Not sure how that helps his legal case.  Michael Barbaro (@mikiebarb) March 16, 2017

So much for that prompter.  Maggie Haberman (@maggieNYT) March 16, 2017

Trump: "when he deems  or she  fortunately, it will not be HILLARY-she" Crowd: "LOCK HER UP! LOCK HER UP!" Election was 127 days ago. pic.twitter.com/Akive7e3S8  Bradd Jaffy (@BraddJaffy) March 16, 2017

Says the best way to keep "radical Islamic terrorists" from attacking the US "is to stop them from entering our country in the first place."  Mark Knoller (@markknoller) March 16, 2017

MORE: Trump says he'll take case 'as far as it needs to go,' including to the Supreme Court https://t.co/CAQ7bx3WIQ  Reuters Top News (@Reuters) March 16, 2017

I don't think there is an eye roll emoji big enough for this. #whatpeople https://t.co/w0OYJ0QEyi  Alex Leo (@AlexMLeo) March 16, 2017

"People are screaming 'Break up the Ninth Circuit!'" https://t.co/LiTg127QH5  Liliana Segura (@LilianaSegura) March 16, 2017

"This ruling makes us look weak." Not authoritarian at all! #inners  Christopher Hayes (@chrislhayes) March 16, 2017

Annnndddd we have a "Lock Her Up!" chant breaking out. #inners  Christopher Hayes (@chrislhayes) March 16, 2017

He very obviously has no clue what's in the bill. None whatsoever.  Christopher Hayes (@chrislhayes) March 16, 2017

this'll likely come up in the next judge's ruling https://t.co/qvqpBZsyrU  Gideon Resnick (@GideonResnick) March 16, 2017

The President responds to the Hawaii TRO after careful consultation with DOJ and the AG and hahahah of course not https://t.co/3Goas9RaEq  Pwn All The Things (@pwnallthethings) March 16, 2017

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) _ President Trump calls ruling against revised travel ban `unprecedented judicial overreach'  Ken Thomas (@KThomasDC) March 16, 2017

four dimensional chess minus five https://t.co/V5DTj4jLjN  Ashley Feinberg (@ashleyfeinberg) March 16, 2017

This Trump (campaign) speech in Nashville vs. his prompter speech earlier in Michigan are night and day  MJ Lee (@mj_lee) March 16, 2017

Elizabeth Warren to Trump: "Your Muslim ban is now 0 for 2 vs the Constitution." pic.twitter.com/rftnPP5isy  Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) March 16, 2017

Trump cites CNN analyst Alan Dershowitz, saying "we would win this case before the Supreme Court" https://t.co/OjQfCdIHb2  Anderson Cooper 360 (@AC360) March 16, 2017

"That's how much divisiveness and other things there are," POTUS says.  Maggie Haberman (@maggieNYT) March 16, 2017

Trump not exactly helping himself with the argument that his current travel ban holds no animus against Muslims. https://t.co/pDQGFSVmHa  John Scalzi (@scalzi) March 16, 2017

Trump inadvertently confirming here one of the very reasons why the new one was blocked. https://t.co/Dqt6zRiax7 pic.twitter.com/BYPUqEfCyY  Gideon Resnick (@GideonResnick) March 16, 2017

Judge Watson flatly rejects gov't argument that a court cannot guess at POTUS's "veiled psyche" to deduce his motive > pic.twitter.com/vPVOzdBe10  Alex Burns (@alexburnsNYT) March 15, 2017
Online marketplace for financial services BankBazaar is riding on the back of India Stack, the country's cashless and paperless technology platform, to woo consumers to buy financial products such as mutual funds and fixed deposits directly on their mobile phones.

BankBazaar is investing into e-KYC, e-Sign and will soon integrate its service with the upcoming Digi-Locker facility, allowing it to reduce the time it takes to process a new financial service from four to six days to just three minutes.
With the ministry of petroleum and natural gas trying to bring down the import of crude oil by betting big on biofuels as a substitute, the bioethanol industry is set to see investments worth about Rs 30,000 crore in the next three to four years in 28 second-generation bioethanol plants.
Dr. Reddys Laboratories (DRL) is likely to leverage its relationship with existing and new partners to continue the momentum of product launches in the regulated markets. The company has launched only three new products during 2015 when compared to 14 launches in 2014.
Japanese automaker Honda on Thursday entered the fast growing compact SUV segment with the launch of the WR-V at Rs 7.75 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) for petrol variant. The sub-four-metre WR-V will compete with Ford EcoSport, Maruti Suzuki Brezza and Hyundai Creta, among others.
Indias start-up leaders, including Flipkart founder Sachin Bansal, rallied behind Yogendra Vasupal, the founder of who was arrested by the Chennai police on charges of fraud, seeking intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and local leaders in both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
m.Paani, a Mumbai startup is building a loyalty programme for lower middle class and economically poor consumers, who spend on buying goods at local kirana store, a segment that consumer firms have little access to data on their consumption behaviour
The mutual fund investors, who own a minority stake in Grasim and Aditya Birla Nuvo, are expected to vote against the proposal to merge both in the voting that began early this month and continue for a month.
Becoming one of the few Indian start-ups to make a global entry, online mobile wallet major said on Thursday that it had launched a bill payments service in Canada.
The smaller players in the domestic are beginning to see a comparatively bigger ride. In a trend reversal, the combined share of top five car companies has come down while the next five have gained share in an expanding market. All the five companies (occupying sixth to tenth position) led by Renault and its alliance partner Nissan have expanded share.
Stayzilla, an alternate stay aggregator shut its business after it failed to keep up with rising competition from MakeMyTrip and GoIbibo. It was once refered as one of the successful which has emerged from Chennai.


Over at the Stanford Social Innovation Review, my friend and Institute for the Future colleague Marina Gorbis looks back at Johannes Gutenberg's 15th century invention of the printing press and the unintended consequences of our own "Gutenberg Moment":



As we try to adjust and make sense of the dizzying changes that seemed to climax in the latest US presidential election, a few lessons from history seem particularly relevant. First, we should probably ignore the utopian pronouncements of many tech creators. With their "inventor" or "marketer" zeal, they are too eager to sell us the promises of future gloriesdemocratization, personal freedoms, more access, more transparency. Remember Joe Trippi, Howard Dean's tech-savvy campaign manager, declaring, ''The Internet is the most democratizing innovation we've ever seen, more so even than the printing press"? The tech zealots are only partially right: Yes, we are getting all of those great things, but for every utopia, we also get a dystopia. David Sarnoff, radio and television pioneer and founder of Radio Corporation of America (RCA), saw new broadcast technologies as avenues for enlightening the publicbringing classical music, opera, theatre, and the arts into people's living rooms. Today, with hundreds of broadcast channels, you can probably find great operas, theatre, and a lot of other educational programming. But along with education, we are served Jerry Springer and Real Housewives of New Jersey. As we open up new channels, we can expect more of everything to pour inmore opera and more reality shows, more truths and more lies, more objective journalism and more Breitbart news. The unintended consequence of democratization of media channels is that good stuff gets harder to find or pay attention to as it gets drowned out in the sea of trash. And as more trash pours in, we begin to see a second unintended consequence: the undermining of established sources of expertise and judgment.
A grey area in the implementation of automobile emission norms from April has divided the industry. The government notification on said companies could not manufacture such vehicles from April without elaborating on the fate of unsold vehicles manufactured up to March 31.
There has been a decrease in the number of members of legislative assembly (MLAs) with criminal records in Uttar Pradesh (UP), Punjab and Goa of the five states that elected new state governments, according to our analysis of data compiled by Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), an advocacy.

Of 690 MLAs elected in UP, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Manipur and Goa, 27.8% (192) have a criminal record, while 20% (140) face serious criminal charges, such as murder, kidnapping and extortion, the data show.

While the number of MLAs with criminal records declined in three of five states, the number of MLAs with serious criminal charges increased in all states, except Manipur.
The Delhi High Court on Thursday held that the Centre's decision to ban Zakir Naik's Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) was taken to safeguard national security as it dismissed its plea challenging the ban.

Holding that Naik's foundation's plea challenging the Centre's decision has "no merit", the court said the order of the government was "not arbitrary and illegal".

"The decision by the Union of India was taken in the interest to safeguard the sovereignty, integrity and national security of India," Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva said.

The court also agreed with the government contention that the order was made after "application of mind" as there was apprehension that youths could be "radicalised" to join terror groups.

It said that the government has produced material before it to back its decision to immediately impose the ban on the organisation.

The government had told the court, which had reserved the verdict on February 1 on IRF's plea against the order to immediately ban the organisation, that it has enough material in its possession to take action against the foundation.

The Centre had also produced before the court the files and materials available with the government on the basis of which the decision was made.

IRF, in its plea, had challenged the November 17, 2016, notification of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) which had imposed an immediate ban on the organisation under theUnlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).

Upholding the Centre's notification, Justice Sachdeva said the government has given reasons for their step and it is wrong to say that no detail reasons were communicated to them before banning.

Meanwhile, the high court made clear that the tribunal, set up under the UAPA, shall not get influenced by the findings of this judgement and decide the issue pending before them on merit.

IRF had submitted that the MHA notification gives no reason and cites no material for taking such a step as was required by the law laid down by the Supreme Court.

IRF also said the immediate ban was imposed without giving it any show cause notice.

However, the Centre had countered the submissions and had said that the need for taking the urgent steps was felt in view of the apprehension that Indian youths could be "radicalised" or "motivated" by the alleged statements and speeches made by IRF and its members, including its President Naik, to join terror groups like ISIS, which is a cause of global concern.

Aggrieved by the Centre's stand, IRF's counsel had also said that whatever has been done by a person in his or her individual capacity does not mean that an organisation can be banned.

"IRF is not an accused in the case and the crime report reported against Naik is of 2012-2013," the counsel had said, adding, "Why action has been taken after such a long time? Is this the way the government applies its mind?"



The Centre had earlier told the high court that as per the notification, Naik was also accused of making statements which were "derogatory of other religions" and thus, "spreading communal disharmony".

It had said that Mumbai Police had already lodged a FIR against six others of IRF on a complaint by the father of a Kerala-based youth who joined ISIS.

It had said that some terrorists and ISIS sympathisers arrested by the authorities have claimed "they were inspired by the statements made by IRF".

IRF had contended that dates or contents of the alleged speeches and statements have not been mentioned in the notification.

It had said that it was limiting its plea to the immediate ban and not raising the issue of freezing of its accounts under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act.
Application for H-1B work visas, which is highly popular among Indian IT companies and professionals, for financial year 2018 can be filed from April 3.

Unlike previous years, the official announcement by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) did not say till when it would continue accepting the H-1B petitions.

The department normally has been accepting the application for the first five business days.

In the last few years, the department has received enough petitions to fill in the Congressional mandated 85,000 H-1B visas.

This 85,000 Congressional mandated limit on H-1B visas include 65,000 in the general category and another 20,000 for those foreign students who have masters or higher degree from a US academic institution.

Those coming to the US on H-1B visas in certain categories for research and scientific institutions are exempted from this limit, but their visa processing is handicapped this year as the premium processing has been suspended by USCIS for six months.

USCIS's announcement also reflects that there is no changes in H-1B visas this year as was being anticipated in view of some media leaks of a proposed executive order on this work visa.

White House says this would be part of a comprehensive immigration reform.

In its statement, USCIS said it begin accepting H-1B petitions subject to the fiscal year 2018 cap on April 3.

"All cap-subject H-1B petitions filed before April 3, for the FY 2018 cap will be rejected," it said.

Fiscal year 2018 begins on October 1, 2017.

USCIS said H-1B programme allows companies in the US to temporarily employ foreign workers in occupations that require the application of a body of highly specialised knowledge and a bachelor's degree or higher in the specific speciality, or its equivalent.

H-1B speciality occupations may include fields such as science, engineering and information technology.

"Congress set a cap of 65,000 H-1B visas per fiscal year. An advanced degree exemption from the H-1B cap is available for 20,000 beneficiaries who have earned a US master's degree or higher. The agency will monitor the number of petitions received and notify the public when the H-1B cap has been met," it said.

USCIS had recently announced a temporary suspension of premium processing for all H-1B petitions starting April 3 for up to six months.

"H-1B petitioners must follow all statutory and regulatory requirements as they prepare petitions to avoid delays in processing and possible requests for evidence," it said.

The filing fee for Form I-129 has increased to USD 460, and petitioners no longer have 14 days to correct a dishonoured payment.
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The top brass set the tone for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls at its Parliamentary Party meeting today with Prime Minister Narendra Modi asking party leaders to reach out to the youth.

chief Amit Shah said the parliamentary elections are the next big challenge for the party following its win in the recently concluded state polls.

The first Parliamentary Party meeting after the announcement of the assembly polls results was an occasion for celebration, thanksgiving and mapping out the path ahead for the party.

Keeping up with its outreach to Dalits, a substantial chunk of whom is believed to have voted for the BJP in the Uttar Pradesh polls, it has decided to launch various week-long events from Bhim Rao Ambedkar's birth anniversary on April 14.

The party will observe the week-long exercise in every panchayat and ward. It will also celebrate its foundation day on April 6 during which its leaders and workers will take part in 'swachh Bharat' campaign.

Modi asked party leaders to work during the week to give a boost to the use of BHIM app, a digital payment application, by educating the masses about it and helping them download it, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar told reporters after the meeting.

They were also asked to publicise Ambedkar's works and contributions.

The Prime Minister said youths should be made "ambassadors" of the Union government's public welfare works and good governance.

Modi said youngsters depend on mobile phones more than on newspapers and TV channels to get information and stressed on the need to use this medium of communication to tap them. He also asked the party leaders to contact them while they are in Class XII.

Shah said the party's win in the recently concluded assembly polls was an outcome of people's vote against casteism, family rule and corruption and in favour of Modi's leadership under which public welfare and good governance is the agenda.

Noting that the five-state elections were cited as the BJP's biggest electoral challenge following 2014 Lok Sabha polls victory, he asserted that the next parliamentary elections in 2019 is the next big challenge and asked the party leaders to make preparation for it.

The BJP's win underlined people's support for the welfare schemes launched by the Central government and a brave decision like demonetisation, Shah claimed.

The BJP Parliamentary Party also passed a resolution thanking voters for their support and also party's workers for their efforts under the leadership of Modi and Shah.

It also expressed hope that the BJP governments in these states will provide good governance and run public welfare programmes.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh proposed the resolution and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley supported it, which was passed unanimously, Kumar said.

The party leaders were also distributed 'prasad' of the Tirupati temple.
The Narendra Modi government is planning the next big round of foreign direct investment (FDI) liberalisation, which could have significant implications for several sectors, including print media and retail. Economic ministries are learnt to be working on a proposal to step up the limit in print media to 49 per cent, from the current cap of 26 per cent. Also, there are plans to allow single-brand retail companies with up to 100 per cent to go through the automatic clearance route.
The central government has not received any application from to start a domestic passenger carrier through the 100 per cent FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) route, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha said on Wednesday.

The minister gave the information in reply to a question raised about Qatar Airways' plan to start a fully owned domestic passenger carrier in partnership with an institutional investor on the sidelines of an industry event here.

Earlier, Qatar Airways had said that its plan to set up an airline in India along with Qatar's sovereign wealth fund.

Under the current rules a foreign airline can only invest up to 49 per cent in domestic airline. However, in partnership with an institutional investor, the foreign airline can invest and set up a 100 per cent owned domestic passenger carrier.

The minister elaborated that the government was considering stakeholders' views before framing any policy that allows for 100 per cent FDI into domestic airlines.

"There are various opinions on this matter of 100 per cent FDI. We are considering what the Indian airlines through FIA (Federation of Indian Airlines) are saying," Sinha told reporters.

"Of course, the government's policies are such that we do welcome 100 per cent FDI but we are working through the exact registration process and all of the appropriate policies around that," Sinha added.

Besides, the minister clarified government's stand on the Comptroller and Auditor General's (CAG) report which pointed out that national passenger carrier Air India ran a standalone operating loss of Rs 321.4 crore in 2015-16, though the company claimed an operating profit of Rs 105 crore.

Sinha said that it was possible for Air India to post operating profit under the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

The minister was speaking at an event organised by budget passenger carrier SpiceJet to launch its apprentice programme for engineering and maintenance workforce.
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved release of an additional instalment of (DA) to Central Government employees and Dearness Relief (DR) to pensioners w.e.f. 01.01.2017. It has increased by 2% over the existing rate of 2% of the Basic Pay/Pension, to compensate for price rise.
Privacy International interviewed 57 sources for their report on the link between surveillance and torture and murder in Kenya, including 32 law enforcement, military or intelligence officers with direct firsthand knowledge of the programs.

Kenya has always had an overreaching and often abusive domestic surveillance apparatus  a legacy of British colonial rule. But the 21st century has proved fertile for those who wish to expand the capacity of police and spies to conduct warrantless, unaccountable programs of murder and torture, thanks to the real threat of terrorism from Kenya's failed-state neighbours and the ready availability of high-tech spying tools bought in from Israeli cyber-arms dealers.





The Privacy International report documents a grotesque, widespread campaign of domestic terror led by the country's National Intelligence Service, and abetted by the Parliament (who have granted domestic spies far-reaching powers whose minimal oversight can be ignored with impunity), telcoms companies (who allow spies to tap directly into their infrastructure, host political officers with on-site offices at their headquarters, abet the placement of undercover spies in their workforce, and abet the circumvention of the minimal checks and balances on surveillance powers) and a variety of national and local police forces, who serve as death-squads and torturers.

As things stand, most Kenyan surveillance is targeted, because the intelligence services lack the budget to undertake NSA-style mass surveillance. But with the impending elections  and the threat of a return to earlier post-election violence  the country's spies have been allocated a budget to conduct continuous, population-scale surveillance of the whole country, and have bought tools to do it, again, from Israeli cyber-arms dealers.





The Kenyan police and spies routinely smear anyone who questions this regime as being disloyal to Kenya. Nevertheless, the Privacy International report ends with a set of excellent and obvious recommendations for all levels of Kenyan government to rein in the turnkey surveillance state that has grown up without debate or deliberation.



Communications surveillance is being carried out by Kenyan state actors, essentially

without oversight, outside of the procedures required by Kenyan laws. Intercepted

communications content and data are used to facilitate gross human rights abuses, to

spy on, profile, locate, track  and ultimately arrest, torture, kill or disappear suspects,

as this report documents. The Kenyan constitution guarantees freedom from torture,

cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment and the right to a fair trial as fundamental

rights. These abuses have marred Kenya's counterterrorism operations and further eroded

Kenyans' already weak trust in the agencies responsible for protecting them. This

investigation also explores the potential impact of unaccountable communications

surveillance on the upcoming 2017 election cycle. The National Intelligence Service (NIS) regularly shares information with police

agencies, some of whom have been engaged in gross human rights abuses,

according to multiple independent media, civil society and Kenya National

Commission on Human Rights (KNHCR) investigations. The NIS appears to have

direct access to communication networks across Kenya. This direct access means

that the network operator itself has little to no knowledge of the interception of

communications occurring on its network, and therefore no real ability to check

these powers or report potentially abusive use of communications surveillance

powers. The role of the Communications Authority in facilitating direct access in

Kenya requires more scrutiny. All responses to Privacy International's requests for

comment are included in the text.

Track, Capture, Kill:

Inside Communications Surveillance

and Counterterrorism in Kenya [Privacy International]





(via The Grugq)
The government on Thursday said Rs 28,117.23 crore has been made available so far by the Centre for 30 schemes out of special package of Rs 1.25 lakh crore for the state announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during Assembly poll in 2015.

Out of this sum of Rs 28,117.23 crore, a sum of Rs 6608.77 crore has been spend so far, senior minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh Lallan informed the state Legislative council.

"In this way out of special package of Rs 1.25 lakh crore announced by the PM, schemes worth Rs 96,885.77 crore has yet not been implemented," the minister said replying on a call attention motion of JD(U) MLC Niraj Kumar.

Singh, who is senior JD(U) leader and Water Resources minister in Grand Alliance government headed by Nitish Kumar, gave detail of the current status of the special package.

In addition to Rs 1.25 lakh crore special package,the PM had also announced an additional Rs 40,000 crore of earlier packages, raising the total money to Rs 1.65 lakh crore.

The special package of the PM was a major poll plank of the NDA during 2015 state elections which they ultimately lost to coalition of JD(U), RJD and Congress.

While, the minister was narrating details of the special package, some BJP members asked the minister not to kill time of the House by taking so much time reading the details so that other issues could be discussed.

Making a scathing attack at the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre, the minister said that out of Rs 8282 crore as part of BRGF (Backward Regional Grant Fund) only Rs 3,216.93 crore has been made available so far.

He further said that out of Rs 20,000 crore announced for installation of Ultra Megapower plant at Banka, a meagre amount of Rs 20 crore has been allocated so far.

Singh gave break-up of the special package of Rs 1.25 lakh crore announced by the PM on August 18, 2015 at a public meeting at Ara.

Out of this a sum of Rs 54,713.11 crore was marked for schemes related to construction of National Highways and bridges in Bihar, he said.

For programmes concerning Rural development Rs 13,820.00 crore was earmarked, for Petroleum and Natural Gas Rs 21,476.00 crore, Civil Aviation Rs 2,700 crore, Higher Education Rs 1000 crore, Skill development Rs 1550 crore, Agriculture Rs 3094 crore, Railway Rs 8870 crore, Energy Rs 16,130 crore, Communication-Digital Rs 449 crore, Tourism and Health Rs 600 crore each totalling Rs 1.25 lakh crore.

As a follow up action, Union Finance minister Arun Jaitley had on August 28, 2015 and later on September 18, 2015 written a letter to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to intimate him about the special package, the minister said.

The Bihar minister said that the CM in his letter to



Jaitley dated September 23, 2015 had told him that the special package was nothing else but "repackaging" of money approved for ongoing schemes.

The CM had sought to know from Jaitley as what would be the real shape of the package, what will be the size of actual financial assistance of the Centre excluding other contributors, what will be the time frame of the special package and ways of their implementation, he said.

In reply the Union Finance minister did not give answer to specific questions raised by the CM. He, however, admitted that majority of schemes in the special package was of Centre which would be implemented by it directly, Singh said.

The Bihar minister outlined details of the latest status of programmes in different sectors of the special package.

On National highways and bridge constructions, the earmarked amount of Rs 54,713.11 crore was meant for running 42 projects.

The National Highways Authority of India has undertaken 23 projects out of this at a cost of Rs 29,361.21 crore out of which five at a cost of Rs 3893.14 crore has been started, he said.

On Petroleum and Natural gas a sum of Rs 21,476 crore was meant for 10 projects out of which none has been started so far, the minister added.

For Railways, Rs 8870 crore was announced for doubling and tripling and their electrification out of which projects worth Rs 6500 crore is yet to see light of the day, he said.

In the field of Energy, against Rs 16,130 crore meant for three projects, allocation of Rs 1143.09 crore is available.

In a nutshell, a sum of Rs 14,986.91 crore is yet to reach out of the promised Rs 16,130 crore in the field of energy, he said.

The minister alleged that the state government was not consulted in selection of schemes under the special package of Rs 1.25 lakh crore.

"Had schemes chosen on advise of the state, it would have been more beneficial with more utility for the state," he said.
Deputy PM and Home Minister of Nepal calls on Union Home Minister

The Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister of Nepal Shri Bimalendra Nidhi called on the Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh here today.Shri Rajnath Singh expressed his grief on the recent death of a Nepalese national at the Indo-Nepal border in Lakhimpur Kheri district of Uttar Pradesh. He stated that India will carry out a fair and impartial enquiry into the incident and associate the Nepalese counterparts in the effort to arrive at the truth.

Shri Rajnath Singh said that wherever strip maps have been finalised, the same should be signed by the concerned authorities at the earliest. Shri Rajnath Singh further mentioned that the two countries enjoy friendly and family like relationship with each other in all areas including security and border cooperation. Shri Rajnath Singh said that any incident taking place even unknowingly, should be settled through joint inspection and investigation by the representatives of two sides. The Home Minister also asked for regular meetings between DG, SSB and Nepalese counterpart agency Armed Police Force (APF). Union Home Secretary Shri Rajiv Mehrishi, the Ambassador of Nepal in India Shri Deep Kumar Upadhyaya along with senior officers of MHA and MEA were present in the meeting.
Jal Marg Vikas Project

The Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP) on NW-1 is being implemented with the financial and technical support of the World Bank. The Project entails development of fairway with 3 meters depth between Varanasi and Haldia (Phase-I) covering a distance of 1380 km at an estimated cost of Rs. 5369 crore with target for completion in six years.

The following sub-projects of this Project have commenced:

(i) Construction of Phase  I (A) of the multimodal terminal at Varanasi at a cost of Rs. 169.70 crore. (ii) Construction of Phase  I of the multimodal terminal at Sahibganj at a cost of Rs. 280.90 crore. (iii) Construction of new navigation lock at Farakka at a cost of Rs. 359.19 crore. IWAI has raised Rs. 340 crore through issue of Government of India fully serviced bonds during 2016-17 for implementation of infrastructure projects on inland waterways including JMVP. Projects worth Rs.1871.56 crore for development of National Waterways have been implemented till March 2016 from the inception of IWAI in October, 1986. National Waterway-1 (NW-1), NW-2 & NW-3 have been developed for shipping and navigation during this period. This information was given by the Minister of State for Shipping Shri Pon. Radhakrishnan in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

...

UM/AC
Largest Indian Engineering Sourcing Show opens in Chennai

Unfazed by global headwinds and forces of protectionism in some of the leading economies, India is all set to showcase its technological and engineering prowess to top international firms at the 6th edition of the International Engineering Sourcing Show(IESS) at Chennai,expecting significant business deals during the three-day event, beginning March 16.

IESS VI was inaugurated in a gala ceremony on 16th March 2017 in Chennai by Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister of Commerce & Industry (Independent Charge), Government of India; Shri Denis Manturov, Minister of Trade & Industry, Russian Federation; Shri Girish Shankar, Secretary, Department of Heavy Industry Government of India,Shri Mangat Ram Sharma, Principal Secretary, Government of Tamil Nadu, Shri T S Bhasin, Chairman, EEPC India and other senior officials from the Ministry of Commerce & EEPC India.

Prior to the inauguration, SmtSitharaman and Mr. Manturov had a cordial meeting where a host of bilateral issues were discussed. They agreed that there is enormous potential to enhance the bilateral trade, which is presently US$ 6.62 billion. They discussed the early operationalization of International North South Transport Corridor (INSTC) that would cut the time and cost for transportation of goods between both countries. They also deliberated upon other measures to enhance the trade ties, including the proposed FTA between India and the Eurasian Economic Union, which includes Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia and Kyrgyzstan. The need to finalise a revised Bilateral Investment Treaty was also noted. Smt. Sitharaman also invited Russia to be the Partner Country in India International Jewellery Show 2017 scheduled to be held in July 2017 in Mumbai and Advantage Healthcare India scheduled to be held in October 2017 in Delhi / Mumbai.

According to EEPC India, Russia coming forward as the Partner Country in this event is a testimony to the stature achieved by IESS.

India has a long standing partnership with Russia in engineering sector. A large 120 member delegation from Russia is exhibiting their technology and products at the IESS 2017.

As many as 400 top global exhibitors and over 500 foreign delegates are participating in this flagship engineering eventwhich is built around the theme Smart Tech for Smart Engineering", Apart from Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the show is also supported by Union Ministry of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises, Department of Heavy Industry and Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. The event has Flanders as the Focus Region and SIDBI as MSME Solutions Partner. This time, IESS is being held at Chennai, the nerve-centre of south India with Tamil Nadu as the host state of the event.

Besides Russia, delegates from USA, UK, Germany, UAE, Brazil, South Africa, Algeria, Benin, Botswana, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya,Namibia, Uganda, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Ukraine, Uzbekistan and Nepal are also visiting IESS, which has emerged as one of the most prestigious engineering sourcing shows in the country.

On this occasion, EEPC India Chairman said while the engineering exports have started growing again, the growth has come about on a low base which had formed because of sluggish performance in the last few years. However, despite concerns of protectionism from the USA, the focus of the Trump Administration on big investment on infrastructure projects would boost the global demand for the engineering products. So, instead of seeing it as a challenge, Indian exporters must look the unfolding scenario as an opportunity in the USA".

This edition of IESS has exclusive Technology and Innovation Pavilions with representations from BARC, IIT Mumbai, IIT Madras, FCRI (Fluid Control Research Institute), ARCI (International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials), CMTI (Central Manufacturing Technology Institute) and MSME Tools Room.

Various activities have been planned during the three-day Show including India-Russia Business Forum, Global Investment Conference, Vendor Development Seminar, by Indian PSUs, Global Sourcing Meets by Siemens, SCHWING Stetter India Pvt Ltd,Yanmar, Kubota Corporation, Sessions on Accreditation, competetivenes of MSMEs, Technology Collaborations, Industrial Design Forums etc.

IESS, across its five previous editions, has left an indelible footprint of success. The fifth edition of IESS, held during 24-26 November 2015 inMumbai attracted 450 delegates from 55 countries, in Asia, Africa, Europe, North America and Latin America and 10,000 professional visitors.

India's engineering exports are likely to reach USD 60+ billion in the fiscal 2016-17, on the back of revival of demand in the USA and for select products like iron. For the April-January period of ten months of the current fiscal, the engineering exports have touched a figure of USD 50.87 billion, exceeding the total shipments of USD 49 billion in the entire financial year of 2015-16. For January, 2017 engineering exports aggregated USD 5.29 billion, showing an increase of over 12 % over the same month last fiscal.
It gives me great pleasure to be here for the sixth edition of International Engineering Sourcing Show (IESS), the premier export focused event for Indias engineering sector. .

.

We are thankful to Government of Tamil Nadu for being the Host State for this years event. This is the first time that the exhibition has been organized outside Mumbai, and reflects the strength of the state in the engineering sector and the tremendous opportunities that it provides for industry. .

.

Russian federation is the Partner Country for this event. We are thankful to Mr Denis Manturov, Honble Minister of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation for leading a high-level 120 member delegation, including dignitaries from various regions of the country. .

.

Minister Manturov and I had a detailed meeting today morning, where we discussed a host of bilateral issues. We agreed that there is enormous potential to enhance the bilateral trade which is presently US$ 6.62 billion. We discussed the International North South Transport Corridor (INSTC) that would cut the time and cost for transportation of goods between both countries. We also deliberated upon other measures to enhance the trade ties, including the proposed FTA between India and the Eurasian Economic Union, which includes Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia and Kyrgyzstan. Both countries also noted the need to finalise a revised Bilateral Investment Treaty. I have also invited Russia to be the Partner Country in India International Jewellery Show 2017 scheduled to be held in July 2017 in Mumbai and Advantage Healthcare India scheduled to be held in October 2017 in Delhi / Mumbai. .

.

Department of Commerce is engaged in a key initiative, with the support of EEPC, for technology upgradation of our engineering manufacturers for boosting exports. This is being attempted by bridging the gap between leading R&D Labs and industry for the development of cutting edge export-oriented technologies. We have identified important industrial clusters, where we are interacting with stakeholders and identifying technology gaps which can be filled by our research labs/academic institutions. The cutting edge technology would then be shared with the industry to enable them to match the best products in the world. .

.

India's engineering exports are likely to reach USD 60+ billion in fiscal 2016-17, on the back of revival of demand in the USA and for select products like iron. For the April-January period of ten months of the current fiscal, the engineering exports have touched a figure of USD 50.87 billion, exceeding the total shipments of USD 49 billion in the entire financial year of 2015-16. For January, 2017 engineering exports aggregated USD 5.29 billion, showing an increase of over 12 % over the same month last fiscal. .

.

IESS VI spread over an area of 15000 square metres has come up as a flagship event for engineering sourcing in India, with the participation of over 400 exhibitors from India and abroad, and 500 foreign delegates. Along with the exhibition, the event includes thematic sessions and opportunities for bilateral interactions that would provide every participant an excellent platform for generation of ideas and finalizing tie-ups, whether for trade or technology. The event is expected to result in significant business deals for our engineering manufacturers. .

.

I congratulate EEPC India for organizing the IESS VI and thank the Russian delegation for their strong participation at the event. .

.
German Chancellor is set to visit Russia on May 2, the Russian President said.

Vladimir Putin on Thursday revealed the scheduled date for Angela Merkel's visit during a meeting with the Prime Minister of Bavaria Horst Seehofer.

Putin told Seehofer to pass on his regards to Merkel and added that he was looking forward to her visit on May 2.

The Kremlin had already announced that the German chancellor was due to visit, but had not mentioned the date.

It is to be the German leader's first visit since 2015, when she attended a ceremony marking the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II.

Relations between Russia and the West were at a low point recently following a slew of accusations lodged against Moscow for its alleged interference in European and American elections.

Tensions were exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine for which European leaders hold Russia partly responsible.

Russia has denied the veracity of both claims.

During his last visit to Russia, on March 9, German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel, told his counterpart Sergey Lavrov that he was concerned about the possibility of a new arms race.

He also expressed his worry over the increasingly militarized border between Russia and the Baltic States -- Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia -- all of which are NATO members.
The history of gold trading can be traced back hundreds of years while bitcoin, a digital currency that uses encryption and works independently of central banks, has been around for less than ten.
US President Donald Trump's curbs on immigration are forcing foreign graduate students and researchers from countries like India, to look for alternative plans for their education and career, including moving to another country, according to a survey report.

When President Trump came out with his initial executive order in January that barred people from seven predominantly Muslim countries from entering the US for 90 days, the foreign graduate students and postdoctoral scholars in America scrambled to figure out how such travel restrictions would affect them.

"The first 24 hours, nobody did any work," says Saghi Saghazadeh, an Iranian postdoctoral scholar at the Harvard Medical School.

"I was constantly refreshing news websites; that's all I did," Chemical & Engineering News" (C&EN) quoted him as saying in its latest issue.

"I'm walking on eggshells, and I don't know what's going to happen," Saghazadeh says. "The worst part is that we cannot plan for the future."



Foreign graduate students and postdoctoral scholars whom C&EN spoke with said they are seriously considering leaving the US for countries that have a more welcoming immigration policy.

"I'm questioning staying in America, and I have already started looking through documents for Canada," Saghazadeh says. "I will go to a country where I have to worry less about my life."



It is not just students and postdoctoral scholars from the affected countries who are feeling unsettled, the report said citing an example of a graduate student from India.

The Indian student at Oklahoma State University who came to the US in 2011 says he worries about potential changes that might happen to the process of obtaining an H-1B temporary work visa.

The Indian national did not want his name included out of concern for his career prospects, the report said.

On March 3, the Trump Administration announced suspension of expedited processing of H-1B visas for up to six months. Several bills now in Congress also propose additional changes to the H-1B visa process, widely used by Indian IT firms and professionals.

The number of H-1B visas awarded to researchers in the chemical sciences is already extremely low. In 2015, according to data from the US Citizenship & Immigration Services, initial H-1B petitions approved in occupations in mathematics and physical and life sciences accounted for approximately four per cent of the total approved H-1B petitions. In comparison, 62 per cent of the approved H-1B petitions went to computer-related occupations, the report said.

"If I get a job in the US, I would stay, but if I don't get a job, what am I going to do? I have to plan accordingly," says the Indian national, who is a Oklahoma State graduate student.

"I don't feel secure, and I don't have a clear vision of what's going to happen. I have to look at other options." He says he's looking into opportunities in Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and countries in Europe, as well as prospects back home in India.
Samsung Electronics Co.s new will employ facial-recognition technology for mobile payments within months of release, adding cutting-edge security to help the marquee device stand out from rivals such as Apple Inc.s iPhone, people familiar with the matter said.


My latest Publishers Weekly column announces the launch-date for my long-planned "Shut Up and Take My Money" ebook platform, which allows traditionally published authors to serve as retailers for their publishers, selling their ebooks direct to their fans and pocketing the 30% that Amazon would usually take, as well as the 25% the publisher gives back to them later in royalties.



I'll be launching the platform with my next novel, Walkaway, in late April, and gradually rolling out additional features, including a name-your-price system inspired by the Humble Bundle and the Ubuntu payment screen.





Selling your own ebooks means that you can have more than one publisher  say, a UK and a US one  and sell on behalf of both of them, meaning that readers anywhere in the world come to one site to buy their books, and the author takes care of figuring out which publisher gets the payment from that purchase.





It's all an idea whose time has come! My UK publisher, Head of Zeus, is just launched a very similar initiative for authors who don't want to host their own stores: BookGrail.



Buying an e-book from a website and sideloading it onto your Kindle will never be as easy as buying it from the Kindle store (though if the world's governments would take the eminently sensible step of legalizing jailbreaking, someone could develop a product that let Kindles easily access third-party stores on the obvious grounds that if you buy a Kindle, you still have the right to decide whose books you'll read on it, otherwise you don't really own that Kindle). But a bookstore operated by an author has an advantage no giant tech platform can offer: a chance to buy your e-books in a way that directly, manifestly benefits the author. As an author, being my own e-book retailer gets me a lot. It gets me money: once I take the normal 30 percent retail share off the top, and the customary 25 percent royalty from my publisher on the back-end, my royalty is effectively doubled. It gives me a simple, fair way to cut all the other parts of the value-chain in on my success: because this is a regular retail sale, my publishers get their regular share, likewise my agents. And, it gets me up-to-the-second data about who's buying my books and where. It also gets me a new audience that no retailer or publisher is targeting: the English-speaking reader outside of the Anglosphere. Travel in Schengen, for example, and you will quickly learn that there are tens of millions of people who speak English as a second (or third, or fourth) language, and nevertheless speak it better than you ever will. Yet there is no reliable way for these English-preferring readers, who value the writer's original words, unfiltered by translation, to source legal e-books in English. Amazon and its competitors typically refuse outright to deal with these customers, unable to determine which publisher has the right to sell to them. Most publishing contracts declare these nominally non-English-speaking places to be "open territory" where in theory all of the book's publishers may compete, but in practice, none of them do.



London Book Fair 2017: Cory Doctorow Unveils His Latest Publishing ExperimentFair Trade E-Books

[Cory Doctorow/Publishers Weekly]
has cheated for over 25 years on pollution tests for diesel and petrol engines with the knowledge of top management, according to a report by French fraud investigators obtained today.

"The entire chain of management" up to the French car maker's chief executive Carlos Ghosn was implicated in the "fraudulent strategies", said the report, which led prosecutors to open a probe into in January.

swiftly denied the accusations.

"Renault doesn't cheat," Thierry Bollore, the French car maker's second-in-command told AFP by telephone, saying all its cars complied with legal standards.

The report said there was no evidence of Ghosn having charged anybody else with approving the company's emissions control decisions, which therefore ultimately came under "his responsibility".

Police suspect the automobile maker of putting in place the strategies "with the objective of creating false results for antipollution tests", and so to be seen to be complying with European regulations.

Renault shares plunged on the Paris stock exchange, closing 3.7 per cent lower, after the Liberation daily first revealed the existence of the report earlier Wednesday.

The document concentrates on recent car models, but the fraud investigators -- helped by statements by a former Renault employee -- estimate that questionable practices have been in place since 1990.

Several Renault models were fitted with electronic devices which detected test conditions and then triggered a temporary reduction in harmful emissions for long enough to fool the testing equipment, the former employee claimed.

The first generation Renault Clio, which came out in 1990, is believed to be one of the models involved.

The alleged fraudulent practice recalls the "dieselgate" scandal involving Germany's Volkswagen which admitted in late 2015 to installing so-called "defeat devices" into 11 million diesel vehicles worldwide, designed to reduce emissions of harmful nitrogen oxides while the engines were undergoing regulatory tests.

The German automaker last week pleaded guilty to criminal charges in the United States that it committed fraud by installing the devices and paid $4.3 billion in civil fines.

The guilty plea and fines were in addition to $17.5 billion that the company had already agreed to pay in settlements with car owners, dealers and for environmental cleanup.

Earlier Wednesday, state prosecutors in southern Germany said they had searched offices belonging to carmaker Audi over parent company Volkswagen's emissions cheating scandal.

Investigators from Bavaria, Baden-Wuerttemberg and Lower Saxony states searched "sites belonging to Audi AG and seven other locations" on suspicion of "fraud and illegal advertising", Munich prosecutors said in a statement.
In the late 19th century, Britain, France, Germany and other European powers engaged in the great race for colonies in Africa and Asia. Russias imperial expansion in this era was relatively limited. Although it conquered sparsely populated lands in Central Asia, when it tried to expand in the Far East, Japan defeated Russia in a humiliating war.
President Donald Trump's national security team was finally completed today when former senator Dan Coats gained final approval in Congress as director of national intelligence.

The Senate formally endorsed Coats, a moderate Republican who represented Indiana in the body until the beginning of January, by a vote of 85 to 12.

The White House has struggled to build a team for national security and military policy. Trump's first choice for his essential national security advisor, Mike Flynn, was forced to resign after allegedly misrepresenting the content of December phone calls with the Russian ambassador.

Coats was nominated on January 7, but was placed near the bottom of a list of cabinet-level officials requiring Senate approval.

As director of national intelligence, he will be in charge of coordinating 17 bodies in the national security sphere, including the Central Intelligence Agency, the National Security Agency, the Defense intelligence agency and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Coats, 73, served as a Republican senator from Indiana from 1989 to 1999, and then from 2011 to the end of his term on January 3.

He was US ambassador to Germany from 2001 to 2005 under the George W. Bush administration.

He was one of six US legislators and three White House aides blacklisted by Moscow in 2014 in reprisal for US sanctions placed on the country for its seizure of the Crimean Peninsula from Ukraine.

A strong advocate for sanctions against Moscow, Coats called the ban an honor.

But in his confirmation hearing at the Senate intelligence committee on February 28, his former colleagues warned he might be "too nice" for a job in a White House where some cabinet officials are already at odds with Trump advisors over policies and staffing.

"You're one of the most likeable, affable easy-going people I've met," said Senator Angus King.

"I'm not sure likability and affability are the qualities I want in this position," he said.

"You're going to be reporting to a president who may or may not want to hear what you have to say.
The Centre has kept the prices of genetically modified (Bt) cotton seeds for 2017-18 unchanged at Rs 800 per 450g packet. The trait value (fee charged by seed research companies from license holders) has also been retained at Rs 49, which includes all taxes.
Casino and hotel operator (Delta) has a host of growth catalysts in place going forward. Under-penetration of casinos in India, launch of the company's casino in Daman (Union Territory) and value unlocking from sale of land parcels are among the catalysts. The company's leadership position in the Indian gaming industry makes it well poised to benefit from growth of this market in India. In fact, ace investor Rakesh Jhunjhunwala recently stepped up his stake in the company to 10.28 per cent from 9.74 per cent earlier - an indication of his positive views on the stock. Notably, even as the stock has run up 2.7 times in the past one year to current level of Rs 172 apiece on the back of strong financial performance, there is room for further upside.
With potato prices crashing on account of a bumper production, the West Bengal governments move to fix a minimum support price (MSP) for the crop is unlikely to bring much cheer to farmers in the state.
hit a one-year high of of 65.4 against the USD, up 29 paise over its previous close. With a rally of over 3.4% in calendar year 2017, the is the third best performing currency in Asia against the USD (sixth best among key world currencies) , behind South Korean Won and the Taiwan Dollar that have appreciated 5.44% and 4.95%, respectively.



The recent appreciation in the rupee, analysts say, has mostly been fuelled by the gush of liquidity into the equity by foreign institutional investors (FIIs) in the hope of accelerated pace of reforms post Narendra Modi  led Bharatiya Janata Partys (BJPs) landslide victory in assembly polls in the key state of Uttar Pradesh, which was being dubbed as a semi-final to the general elections in scheduled in 2019.



Also Read: Rally in rupee is not surprising
A wax statue of Captain Amarinder Singh, who will be sworn-in as Punjab Chief Minister today for the second time, was unveiled at Ludhiana.

Singh led the Congress to victory in the northern state after a decade.

Inducted into the Congress by Rajiv Gandhi and first elected to the Lok Sabha in 1980, Capt. Amarinder Singh had been campaigning to mark the first state-election victory for the grand old party after the 2014 Lok Sabha debacle.

Singh contested on the Patiala (Urban) seat. The assembly segment has been represented by him on three consecutive occasions, from 2002 to 2014.

Governor VP Singh Badnore will administer the oath of office and secrecy to Singh at Raj Bhawan in Chandigarh.

Navjot Sidhu, Manpreet Badal, Charanjit Channi are among the other Congress MLAs who would be taking oath as ministers today as well.

Former prime minister Manmohan Singh and party vice-president Rahul Gandhi are among those who will attend the ceremony.

The Congress secured 77 out of 117 seats in the state Assembly polls. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) won 20 seats on debut, making it the second largest party in the Punjab Assembly.

The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD)-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) alliance fared the worst with 18 seats.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Delhi High Court on Thursday dismissed the plea by Zakir Naik-led Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) against an immediate ban and freezing of accounts of the organisation.

The court said the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has sufficient material for the immediate ban.

The court heard the plea by the IRF, earlier in February, that challenged the ban by the MHA on the organisation. It had also set up a Judicial Tribunal to look into banning the NGO under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

On November 15, the Central Government had banned the IRF for five years after declaring it as an "unlawful association" under the anti-terror laws, and the NIA followed up with raids on its premises in Mumbai on November 19.

According to the Home Ministry, Naik allegedly made many provocative speeches and engaged in terror propaganda.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) also issued summons to Naik and the IRF under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The foundation had first come under the scanner after the terrorist responsible for Dhaka attack in 2016, in an online post had said, that he was inspired by Naik's speeches.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Sending and receiving threatening, offensive comments, images or videos on social media can trigger negative perceptions for the importance of school and learning, especially among female teenagers, finds a study.

According to researchers from Nottingham Trent University in England, 11-15 year-old girls who were most involved in cyberbullying -- as perpetrator, victim, or both -- felt the least accepted by their peers.

The study, published in the Springer journal Sex Roles1, says cyberbullying can be extremely damaging and cause a great deal of stress for young

people given its potential to occur around the clock.

"With the increasing amount of time they spend using digital technology, young people are at great risk of being involved in cyberbullying - as a victim, bully, or both," said lead researcher Dr. Lucy Betts.

"Our findings highlight that stressors outside the school grounds can have a negative impact on how young women perceive school," she

continued.

They analysed 345 male and females and asked them to completed questionnaires which measured levels of cyberbullying involvement --

such as sending and receiving threatening or offensive comments, rumours and the sharing of images or videos -- over the last three

months.

The findings indicated that females who reported the highest levels of involvement in cyberbullying felt the least accepted by the peers.

In terms of males, only boys who had been involved in cyberbullying as both bully and victim felt more negatively about school and learning,

the study found.

Females who felt the least accepted felt more negatively about school and learning, while those who felt more accepted were more positive.

The more acceptance girls received from the peers, the more likely they were to shrug off the effects of cyberbullying and enjoy school

and the less likely they were to participate in virtual attacks.

"Our work also contributes to the growing evidence that involvement in cyberbullying undermines peer relationships and highlights the

importance of these relationships upon attitudes towards learning and school for young women," Betts noted.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Looks like Malaysians will have to wait a little longer for 'Beauty and The Beast' as Disney has said that it would not allow the live-action fairytale romance to be screened with edits.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Disney said that it will not cut the gay scene from the flick for release in Malaysia, despite a request from the country's Film Censorship Board.

Instead, the studio has pushed back the release of the film that stars Emma Watson till March 30 in case the censor board decides to keep the scene in.

Moreover, a spokesman for the studio told the BBC that the film "has not been and will not be cut" for the release.

On a related note, the movie has also been banned by a cinema in Alabama because of the scene.

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August 22, 2022, Monday

Chief Minister Basavaraja Bommai said that there will be pro and anti-beliefs and arguments on noted personalities, but it must ...
Taking forward the spirit of the Goa Declaration at the eighth BRICS Summit , outcomes of the meetings of BRICS Labour and Employment Ministers held on June 9 last year in Geneva and on September 27-28, 2016 in New Delhi, India and Brazil today initiated the text of the Social Security Agreement in Brasilia.

As per the agreed text, detached workers of the two countries are exempted from making social security contributions in either country so long as they were making such contributions in their respective countries.

The text establishes the rights and obligations of nationals of both countries and provides for equal treatment of the nationals of both countries and unrestricted payment of pensions even in the case of residence in the other contracting state (benefits export principle).

The requirements to be entitled to a pension can be met by aggregating the periods of insurance completed in India and Brazil, whereby each country pays only the pension for the insurance periods covered by its laws.

As on date, India has signed and operationalised Social Security Agreements (SSAs) with 18 countries - Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Japan, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, and South Korea.

The SSA between India and Brazil once brought into force after completion of the ratification process in the respective counties will favourably impact the profitability and competitive position of Indian and Brazilian companies with foreign operations in either country by reducing their cost of doing business abroad. The SSA will also help promote more investment flows between the two countries.

The SSA between India and Brazil once in force by early 2018 will also be the first such agreement between the BRICS countries.

The Indian delegation was led by K. Nagaraj Naidu, Joint Secretary (Economic Diplomacy) of the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India and the Brazilian delegation was led by Mr. Benedito A. Brunca, Secretary (Social Security Policies), Ministry of Finance, Government of Brazil.

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Australia's Nick Kyrgios thumped World No. 2 Novak Djokovic to reach the quarter-finals at Indian Wells.

The 21-year-old won 6-4, 7-6 (7-3) within 110 minutes, with his serve again coming to the fore, as it did in Acapulco 12 days earlier, reports Guardian.

"It feels good. I knew what I had to do today. It was always going to be tough; he is a great champion," Kyrgios said after his victory.

Kyrgios hit 25 winners past Djokovic, the three-times defending champion at Indian Wells, who was unable to bring up a single break point chance against the Australian.

Djokovic, had previously been unbeaten in 20 matches in the Californian desert over a period spanning four years, but he seemed frustrated against Kyrgios giving out free points.

Now the Australian faces another high-profile match-up, against the winner of Rafael Nadal's clash with the Australian Open champion, Roger Federer.

"Roger is one of my favourite players of all time, but I don't mind who I play.They are both great champions. It's just another match for me. I have to get ready for tomorrow. I am serving really well. That is creating chances for me to put pressure on their service games. My mentality is improving and I am trying really hard to fight for every point and just compete," Kyrgios said.

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A Delhi Court will today pronounce its order on Indian Lok Dal (INLD) leader Ajay Singh Chautala's plea seeking transfer of a disproportionate assets case against him to another court.

Earlier on Wednesday, the court had deferred the matter.

Chautala, who is serving a 10-year jail term in a teachers' recruitment scam case, claimed that he would not get a fair trial if his case is continued to be tried in the court presided by a special CBI judge, raising questions about the conduct of the presiding officer.

The Delhi High Court on February 8 reserved its order on plea for parole sought by Chautala.

Earlier, the Delhi High Court had ordered the release of former Haryana Chief Minister Om Prakash Chautala on parole for four weeks.

Former Haryana Chief Minister Om Prakash Chautala, his MLA son Ajay, and three other officials were sentenced to ten years in prison in 2013 by a special CBI court on charges of illegally recruiting over 3,000 teachers in the state by using forged documents. The scam was widely known as the JBT scam since it involved the recruitment of junior basic teachers.

The Haryana Government's former director of primary education, Sanjeev Kumar, a 1989 batch IAS officer, had filed a writ in the Supreme Court alleging that the then Om Prakash Chautala Government had resorted to corrupt practices while recruiting 3208 Junior Basic Trained (JBT) teachers in 2000.

The apex court had refused to entertain their appeals against their conviction for committing irregularities in the recruitment of 3,032 junior basic trained (JBT) teachers.

They filed review petitions following this. The petitions were slated for a decision on January 20, but this was deferred at their instance. They have pleaded for permission to file revised review petitions.

On January 22, 2013, a trial court here had sentenced 55 accused in the case. Among those convicted were 82-year-old Chautala's then political adviser Sher Singh Badshami, the then Officer on Special Duty (OSD) Vidya Dhar, IAS, and then Primary Education Director Sanjiv Kumar, besides 50 others.

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The Patiala House Court on Thursday issued a summons notice to Rajya Sabha member Anil Kumar Sahani in an alleged leave travel concession case.

Sahani is to appear before the court on April 3.

CBI Special Judge Virender Kumar Goyal summoned three others in the same.

The others accused in the case are then Office Superintendent of Air India N.S. Nair, an employee of Delhi-based Air Cruise Travels Private Limited Anup Singh Panwar and Arvind Tiwari who works with Murgai Travels.

The court order came after considering the chargesheet, statement of witnesses, documents and material placed on record filed against Sahani under various sections dealing with cheating, forgery and provisions of Prevention of Corruption Act.

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Extremely worried about his father Asif Nizami missing in Pakistan, his son Amir Nizami on Thursday appealed to the government to take immediate action into the matter.

"We appeal to the Indian government to get to know about the whereabouts of both. They had gone on a pilgrimage and now there is no information about them," Nizami told the media here.

"We are people of Dargah and want them to return to their country at the earliest. We urge the same to the government," he added.

Nizami further requested External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to take cognizance of the matter and investigate into the same.

The Indian authorities have raised the issue with Islamabad in connection with the missing case of two senior clerics from Delhi's Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah, who had gone to Pakistan.

Two clerics Asif Nizami and Nazim Nizami had initially visited Karachi to meet their relatives after which they headed to Lahore to visit shrines.

As per reports, one is missing from Karachi and the other one from Lahore.

The clerics went to visit their relatives in Karachi and then embarked on a pilgrimage to Lahore.

Officials said that India had strongly raised the matter of disappearance of the two senior clerics for the past two days.

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The Delhi High Court on Thursday expressed its displeasure over the slow pace of investigation in Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) student Najeeb Ahmed's missing case.

The High Court bench of Justice G.S Sustani and Justice Vinod Goel slammed the Delhi Police and asked them to file the call details of some suspected students.

The High Court also sought passport of details of Najeeb, who has been missing since the intervening night of October 14-15 last year.

The High Court refused the demand of petitioner's counsel regarding court-monitored inquiry in the case.

The case will be next heard on April 10.

Najeeb, 27, a first year M.Sc. student, went missing from his JNU hostel, allegedly after a row with members of the RSS student wing Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP).

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Pakistan's Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan has urged the international community to join hands for peace, stability and development.

He said that intervention of the international community in longstanding regional issues only when it suited them or for some short-term goals has never yielded positive results.

Khan warned that international community's mistrust and blame-game would make non-state actors and peace saboteurs stronger.

"I feel humiliated when my religion is targeted and equated with terrorism," Dawn quoted Nisar as saying.

He added that in fact 1.2 billion Muslims were the worst sufferers and victims of terrorism.

Khan asked the international community to differentiate between terrorism and freedom movements.

He was chairing the closing session of a two-day Pak-UK International Seminar on 'Sharing Experiences in Stabilisation and Peace Efforts' at the National Defence University on Wednesday.

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Inspired by the story behind a model that is produced in Asia, for Asia, the latest addition to Nissan's Steel to Wheels video series features the Navara and emphasizes on the intricacies and passion that goes into making each vehicle.

Tough, versatile and powerful, the Navara is a pickup with strong links to Nissan Asia and Oceania's (A&O) regional headquarters in Thailand.

Thailand, also A&O's production hub, is home to the first Nissan Navara plant that employs 1,400 local employees. These employees oversee the entire manufacturing process, from stamping to checks and tests, and are responsible for the toughness, durability and quality of each vehicle.

Output from the Nissan Navara plant accounts for 57.6 percent of exports from Thailand, contributing to Nissan's growing regional manufacturing footprint of an estimated 113,644 units per year. The Thai plant exports to 105destinations around the world, including the United States and the United Kingdom. Closer to home, Nissan's Navara has proven to be a favorite among customers in A&O. Having experienced an 82 percent increase in sales since its third generation launch in 2014, it is now Nissan's best-selling model in Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines and Australia.

Navara boasts "go anywhere" capabilities and is a smart vehicle with functions not found in other pickups. It has a full-boxed ladder frame design with the ability to withstand rigorous work and daily use, and high-tensile strength steel in strategic areas that enables it to handle roads with a lateral tilt of 32 degrees. With more than 40,000 tests and 1,000,000 kilometers of real-world road experience, Navara has a proven record of being a reliable vehicle.

Navara is the vehicle that Nissan used to deliver its first Intelligent Mobility technology solutions to the A&O region. The strategy is designed to demonstrate Nissan's commitment to a Zero Fatality, Zero Emission future.

The Around View Monitor and Forward Emergency Braking are Intelligent

Drive features that are designed to reduce human error, while the NavaraEnGuard concept allows Navara to be powered by recycled batteries from Nissan's Electronic Vehicles.

The boost from Navara sales is an indicator of the growing importance of the light commercial vehicle (LCV) segment to Nissan's . Nissan has one of the broadest LCV ranges in the market, with LCV vehicles accounting for one out of every six vehicles sold globally and nearly a quarter of sales in Thailand, Australia and Indonesia. Combining the most advanced technology with superior design for comfort and quality, the range is an example of Nissan's successful investment in research and development that meets the evolving needs of customers.

Steel to Wheels is a global initiative that highlights the people and processes behind Nissan's key products and plants.

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Top U.S. Senator including the speaker of the House and the ranking Democrat on the committee have stated that no evidence has been found in regards to President Donald Trump's accusation that he was wiretapped last year by his predecessor Barack Obama.

Senate Intelligence Committee chair Richard Burr and ranking member Mark Warner issued a statement Thursday, saying "based on the information available to us, we see no indications that Trump Tower was the subject of surveillance by any element of the United States government either before or after Election Day 2016."

The statement is a clear signs of the refutation of Trump's allegations since the President first made them two weeks ago.

However, the White House has noted that the statement did not shake their confidence in the accusation, as Press secretary Sean Spicer highlighted intelligence agencies' interest in Trump's activities, even though none actually corroborated Trump's claim.

Their statement came hours after House Speaker Paul Ryan said that "no such wiretap existed," citing intelligence reports to House leaders.

"The intelligence committees, in their continuing, widening, ongoing investigations of all things Russia, got to the bottom -- at least so far with respect to our intelligence community -- that no such wiretap existed," Ryan said in response to a question from CNN at a news conference.

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A personal guard shot himself dead with his service gun at the official residence of a senior minister on Wednesday morning here.

His colleagues immediately rushed him to G.B Panth hospital where he was declared dead.

52-year-old Badul Sur, a police Havaldar on personal guard duty shot himself at the official residence of Tapan Chakraboty, Minister for School Education, Industries and IT. The minister was then getting ready to move for the Assembly.

Badul, a resident of Siddhi Ashram area in southern Agartala, had lost his wife half-and-a-year ago, due to which he reportedly was in a state of severe depression.

He is survived by a son.

The police has ordered an investigation into the incident.

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U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday decried the ruling by a federal judge in Hawaii, which blocks his new travel ban, during a rally here, introducing the statement as "the bad, the sad news."

"The order he blocked was a watered-down version of the first one. In the opinion of many, this is an unprecedented 'judicial overreach'," he said, before pledging to take the issue to the Supreme Court if necessary, as reported by CNN.

Earlier, hours before Trump's new travel ban was set to go into effect, a Hawaii federal judge blocked the ruling, which states that travellers from six Muslim-majority countries and refugees will be able to travel to the U.S.

In a 43-page ruling, U.S. District Court Judge Derrick Watson concluded that the new executive order failed to pass legal muster at this stage and the state had established "a strong likelihood of success" on their claims of religious discrimination.

After multiple federal courts blocked its implementation last month, Trump administration took over a month to rewrite the travel ban order, which unlike the previous executive order, removed Iraq from the list of banned countries, exempted those with green cards and visas and removed a provision that arguably prioritises certain religious minorities.

"The illogic of the Government's contentions is palpable. The notion that one can demonstrate animus toward any group of people only by targetting all of them at once is fundamentally flawed," Watson wrote in his ruling.

"Equally flawed is the notion that the Executive Order cannot be found to have targetted Islam because it applies to all individuals in the six referenced countries. It is undisputed, using the primary source upon which the Government itself relies, that these six countries have overwhelmingly Muslim populations that range from 90.7 percent to 99.8 percent. It would, therefore, be no paradigmatic leap to conclude that targeting these countries likewise targets Islam. Certainly, it would be inappropriate to conclude, as the Government does, that it does not," he added.

The Justice Department, however, said it will defend the new travel ban.

"The Department of Justice strongly disagrees with the federal district court's ruling, which is flawed both in reasoning and in scope. The President's Executive Order falls squarely within his lawful authority in seeking to protect our Nation's security, and the Department will continue to defend this Executive Order in the courts," DOJ said in a statement.

Several states and immigration advocates have said the new order still suffers from legal flaws and asked federal judges to weigh in by issuing temporary restraining orders blocking the ban before Thursday.

Federal judges in several states, including Maryland and Washington state, are also in the process of evaluating challenges to the revised travel ban, but may defer ruling in light of the nationwide ruling in Hawaii.

The new ban will ban people from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen from entering the U.S. for 90 days and all refugees for 120 days.

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The Patiala House Court on Thursday will pronounce its order in connection with a plea by the Delhi Police which demands that the real estate tycoons Gopal Ansal and Sushil Ansal should get permission from the court before leaving the country.

The Delhi Police made the demand a few days back.

The duo is also accused of tampering with evidence in the case, which is pending since 2006.

The apex court sentenced Gopal Ansal to one-year jail term on February 9, where on the other hand, elder brother Sushil was ordered to skip prison term citing old age and ill-health.

At least 59 people died of asphyxia and over 100 others were injured in the stampede after fire broke out in Uphaar cinema on June 13, 1997, during the screening of J.P. Dutta's film "Border".

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The US-India Council (USIBC) in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs, and Invest India convened policymakers, global experts, industry leaders, and relevant stakeholders on March 14, 2017 in New Delhi for a conference entitled, "The 2nd Annual Conference on Innovation Driven Expansion of Healthcare Access in India".

"India has proven to be a leader in the global life sciences space," said Dr. Mukesh Aghi, President of USIBC. "If the barriers to increasing R&D and innovation are removed, India has the potential to rank up even higher in the areas of IPR, disease prevention, and drug and medical device manufacturing."

Experts such as Frank Lichtenberg from Columbia University and Professor Ramanan Laxminarayan from Princeton University presented their findings at this event, which aimed to provide a substantive framework for a candid and constructive interaction between policy makers, industry leaders, global experts and other stakeholders.

"Access begins with the awareness of need, ability to obtain medical advice, a prescription and finally medicines required for treatment. Therefore, innovation to enhance access is not just about innovative products or pricing but also innovative ways to strengthen each step of this access chain. This also includes innovative approach to making policies that can improve access. On pricing of medicines, I believe that it is time for us to evolve from the rudimentary 'one price for all' concepts of price controls to more sophisticated differential pricing and targeted benefits model," said S. Sridhar, Country Manager, Pfizer India.

Other prominent speakers such as Amitabh Kant, CEO, Niti Aayog, C.K. Mishra, Secretary of Health, and Rajiv Aggarwal, Joint Secretary, DIPP spoke about the importance of India's potential and status as a major healthcare power.

India is a global leader in the life sciences sector, and opportunity abounds for India to move up the value chain and become the global destination for research, drug, and medical device development. The conference examined various facets of the India's healthcare system. This includes areas ranging from intellectual property, to using Public Private Partnerships to reduce cost and expand access, challenges with immunization and promoting innovation in healthcare.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who on Thursday attended the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Parliamentary meeting in the wake of the party's splendid show in the recent Assembly polls, said that the country's youth should be made the ambassadors of government's good work.

This was conveyed by Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Anant Kumar after the meeting.

"This huge victory reflects the support of the public, who have faith in us. The youth are an essential part of the country and, therefore, should be made ambassadors of good work of the government," Kumar quoted the Prime Minister as saying.

He further said that mobile phones have become an important part of a youngster's life.

"Through this technology, they get to know about each and every programmes implemented by our party and its contribution in the development section," said Kumar.

"In the guidance of Prime Minister Modi and party chief Amit Shah, all the party workers have worked hard and led to the victory. We thank them and wish that they will continue to perform in the similar manner for the development of the society," he added.

The Union Minister also showered praise on BJP President Amit Shah and said the latter during his address said this victory was gained against cast discrimination and corruption under the Prime Minister's supervision.

Highlighting Prime Minister Modi's emphasis on "performance", "reform" and "transformation", he further said that the BJP has set an example of administration and development in the past three years.

"The implementation of various programmes to help the rural sector of the society played a crucial role in this victory. Prime Minister Modi in the meeting thanked each and every member of the party and especially the public," Kumar asserted.

"Prime Minister Modi has urged the party workers to keep on working towards the success of the nation and work hard to improve the condition of the country," he emphasized.

Meanwhile, the BJP President asked the party workers to get ready for the 2019 elections, which will be more crucial.

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on his part said that the public has supported the demonetisation move with immense humbleness.

Union Health Minister J P Nadda while expressing his joy over the victory said the party has been celebrating the win since the last five days.

The meeting was reportedly held to decide the probable names for the chief ministerial candidate of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, where the saffron party won with a comfortable majority.
After getting access to luxury, premium and high street fashion all on one website, fashion lovers are screaming for more. Witnessing the growing purchasing power and rising beauty concerns of every fashionista, Zapyle, the premium and luxury destination that's making designer wear and international brands both affordable and accessible, is making its much-awaited debut in the makeup segment.

The one-stop online solution to all things fashion has exclusively launched Swedish cosmetic brand FACE Stockholm on its platform for the first time in India. Users can now take their pick from its wide range of makeup products including blushes, eyeliners, lipsticks, lip glosses, lip liners, foundation, concealer, contouring, face primers, highlighters, mascara, nail care, brushes and much more.

India has numerous online platforms offering popular luxury shopping options in categories of bags, clothes, footwear, face care and skincare. In fact, the demand for such products is more online than offline due to the easy accessibility and affordability factor.

However, when it comes to luxury and premium branded cosmetics and makeup ranges, buying offline has so far been the much-preferred option. However, when it comes to a trusted platform offering the best of makeup, fashion lovers are open to shopping for premium cosmetic products online. Thus, Zapyle is making a grand entry to this segment launching premium makeup products, keeping the price range affordable between Rs. 1200 and Rs. 2500.

"We are finally in that era where Indian consumers are transforming into enthusiastic buyers of luxury brands, driven by their ever-increasing disposable incomes. While we are already catering to millions of Indian women's desire for indulging in premium and luxury fashion, we observed our current female audience between the age group of 18 and 24 followed by 25 and 34, is also highly interested in a premium makeup option which is not available in India. Although, we are aware of the fact that the Indian market is very price sensitive and online cosmetics and beauty products platforms are already offering them regular beauty products at the highest price range of Rs. 1400, we are coming up with premium international brands that will be available between the price range of Rs. 1200 - Rs. 2500," said CEO and founder Rashi Menda, Zapyle.

With an estimated value of 950 million dollars and a growth rate of 18.6 percent, the retail beauty and cosmetics market in India is expected to reach 2.68 billion dollars in 2020. In fact, it is growing at the rate of 15 to 20 percent, twice as fast as US or European markets. Witnessing this fast-paced growth and the willingness to invest in beauty and personal care to obtain the desired results, international premium and luxe brands like FACE Stockholm are coming on board with India's top online platforms. Although the newly launched makeup range will not be available on discounted prices on Zapyle, this will not deter the marketplace from claiming a strong revenue churn.

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Over 130 traders of agricultural products from China met Indian business representatives and have evinced interest in doing business here.

In a seminar held here, high-level delegates representing agricultural products importers, exporters and government representatives of Shandong province of China exchanged views with Indian business representatives and expressed keenness on doing bilateral business, a statement said.

The seminar was hosted jointly by India-China Economic and Cultural Council and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Ficci).

The delegation from China comprised more than 130 business delegates, it said.

Agreements were signed between India-China Economic and Cultural Council (ICEC) and Ficci, and with the Commerce Department of Shandong province.

"This meeting will open a new chapter in business associations between Shandong, China and India. India and China are both developing and fastest growing markets. There is a lot of scope for further in-depth cooperation between China and India. I wish India and China have more cultural and economic association," Deputy Director-General of Shandong Commerce Department Lyu Wei said.

Counsellor Li Baijun of the Chinese Embassy said: "I believe that the economic cooperation between India and China can bring greater business prosperity across the world."

ICEC Secretary General Mohammed Saqib said: "While India-China business is concentrated on trade, the agriculture sector has been something that has not been explored so far, and we believe that mechanisation will be a big segment of India-China business associations."

Ficci Director General Ambika Sharma said: "We are here at the time when China and India as the first- and third-largest economies of the world are contributing one-fourth of the world's GDP and are discovering new potentials which have the power to define the new global economic architecture."

Ficci food expert Vijay Sardana said: "There is a huge opportunity of Chinese technology coming into Indian agriculture, thus opening doors for the betterment of economy of both the countries."

Deputy Director of Shandong Agricultural Department Lin Guohua said: "Shandong is one of the 13 main production areas in China. It is a major province for horticulture, processing and animal husbandry. Presently it is promoting the supply-side reform of agriculture deeply which will open better commerce opportunities for India in China."

--IANS

mm/ag/vt

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Three militants were killed on Thursday in suicide blasts during a raid in Bangladesh's Chittagong city, a police officer said.

"Two militants detonated themselves despite repeated requests to surrender," the officer told Xinhua news agency.

The third militant, a woman, succumbed to her injuries at a hospital.

Sounds of explosions and gunfire were heard from the militants' hideout at about 6 a.m.

The militants were suspected to be members of the Jamaatul Mujahideen Bangladesh extremist group.

--IANS

ksk/vm

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Arunachal Pradesh Governor P.B. Acharya and Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Thursday shot off letters to their Karnataka counterparts seeking legal action against the landlord for assaulting Higio Gungtey, an undergraduate student.

The 22-year-old Gungtey, a fourth-semester student of Christ University in Bengaluru, was allegedly assaulted by his landlord Hemanth Kumar on March 6 over the usage of water. He was also forced to lick his landlord house owner's shoes for using excessive water.

Acharya, who had a telephonic talk with his counterpart Vajubhai Rudabhai Vala, said such irresponsible and uncivilized behaviour of a few needed to be condemned by one and all.

"It is against the very spirit of national character," the Arunachal Governor said and requested Vala to give special attention towards these problems and challenges of students from the North East, particularly Arunachal Pradesh.

Acharya also directed Karnataka Chief Secretary Subhash Chnadra Khuntia to take immediate and strong action against the culprits.

"A criminal case under the provision of SC/ST act may also be initiated against the culprits," he demanded.

Acharya, who also met Gungtey's relatives at Raj Bhavan, spoke to the boy's parents Higio Tama and Higio Yame, who are in Bengaluru to meet their son and take further steps.

Chief Minister Pema Khandu also shot off a letter to his Karnataka counterpart Siddaramaiah requesting his personal intervention in punishing the culprit.

Khandu specifically noted in his letter that though several charges were filed against the culprit, Hemanth Kumar, a lawyer by profession, had managed to obtain anticipatory bail.

The Chief Minister drew Siddaramaiah's attention to the fact that every year, thousands of students from Arunachal Pradesh go to Karnataka, particularly Bengaluru, for higher and technical education.

While pointing that these students face racial discrimination in one or other form, Khandu asserted that such discrimination ought to be negated in every possible way.

"I would therefore seek your personal intervention in the present case to ensure that the culprit is punished according to the law of the land and justice is delivered to the victim and his family members."

--IANS

rrk/mr

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Afghan Ambassador to Pakistan Omar Zakhilwal on Thursday said the high-level Afghanistan-Pakistan meeting a day earlier, hosted by the British government in London, has concluded positively.

The envoy said in a statement that the aim of the meeting was to discuss and agree on a mechanism for genuine bilateral cooperation on fighting terrorism, steps and measures to improve the current tense bilateral relations and mutual trust.

Terming the discussions "substantive, constructive, forward-looking and result-oriented", he said the success of this important meeting would be judged by the common people of the two countries.

"We are positive that the implementation of the mechanism we agreed upon can inject the needed trust and confidence for constructive forward looking state-to-state relations and cooperation," he said.

Britain hosted the trilateral meeting in London on Wednesday to discuss the border tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz and Afghan National Security Adviser Haneef Atmar met with National Security Adviser of Britain Mark Lyall Grant to sort out the differences between the two neighbouring countries.

Pakistan shut down the Afghan border after series of terror incidents last month claimed lives of more than a hundred people and injured scores others.

--IANS

ahm/dg

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The GMR Group-led Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) has proposed an air train connecting all the terminals of the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) here, the Lok sabha was informed on Thursday.

"The Master Plan - 2016 contains a provision for Automated People Mover (APM) for connecting all the terminals of the airport. Total length of the proposed APM alignment is 5.5 km, out of which 1.5 km is underground, while 4.0 km portion is elevated," Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha told the House.

"The master plan recommends this facility to be available by year 2020," he said.

Sinha said that the DIAL has already taken steps for exploring all technical possibilities for providing the proposed APM facility in consultation with the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC).

"The design, project cost and other details etc. are finalised during the finalisation of the major development plan in compliance with the OMDA (Operation, Management and Development Agreement)," Sinha said in a written reply.
The Uttar Pradesh Police on Thursday said two teams had been formed to track down the miscreants who pasted posters in a Bareilly village threatening Muslims to leave their homes.

A case has also been registered against unknown persons under Section 153-A of the Indian Penal Code, dealing with promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc., and doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony.

Director General of Police Public Relations Officer Rahul Srivastava told IANS that prima facie, the move looks to be the handiwork of some mischievous elements in the village.

A villager of Jianagla, situated 70 km from Bareilly, lodged a police complaint on Wednesday that posters in Hindi were pasted on his house's doors and walls, asking the Muslim villagers to leave by the year-end since the Bharatiya Janata Party has come to power in Uttar Pradesh.

The village with around 2,600 residents has around 250 Muslims.

District officials told IANS that most posters were xeroxed copies and had since been removed, except for a few. Starting with 'Jai Sri Ram', the posters are signed 'Hindus of the village'.

The Muslim residents have petitioned the police to ensure their safety and security.

"Intelligence units have stepped up vigil in and around the village. We are keeping a close watch on miscreants," a senior official told IANS.

--IANS

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In a small town called Pathsala, about 60 km from this principal town of Assam, a mission has been underway for more than half a century. The task at hand is not easy -- revival of the Nati dance of India's outlawed Devadasi tradition.

Even then, the man behind the mission, Dilip Kakati, is trudging along in his "lonely journey" to restore the lost glory of this ancient dance form of Assam.

Assam's Devadasi dance is a 1,000-year-old tradition, prevalent since the 7th century when the Devadasi system was in place. Girls were offered to Saiva, Sakta and Vaishnava temples to dance as part of a daily ritual. Ancient texts like the Kalika Puran and Jogitantra carry references to this ritualistic dance practice.

Kakati says that in those times, Devadasis -- also known as Natis in the local language -- used to remain unmarried while living with their families and attending to the temple services. Apart from that, they were also required to perform outside the temple during certain occasions, such as Durga Puja.

The Devadasi dance's fall from glory happened around the 17th century when there were repeated foreign invasions and royal patronage receded -- forcing the sacred temple dancers into prostitution for survival. By the early 20th century, the British had abolished the system in India.

"In the early 1950s, Ratnakanta Talukdar of Pathsala decided to revive the forgotten Nati dance tradition. He did not belong to any temple dancer's family. He was an outsider, but under the guidance of the legendary Kalaguru Vishnu Rabha, he dived into this revival mission and found the last two surviving Natis, Kaushalya Devi and Royabala Devi," Kakati said.

The Natis had very faint memories of the dance they had performed once upon a time, and from what they could remember, a 10-minute performance was put together. But the next challenge was finding young girls whose families would allow them to perform the stigmatised dance form. But Talukdar was successful -- he found four girls, one of whom was Dilip Kakati's sister.

"That is how I got involved in the Devadasi dance revival mission," the 61-year-old flag-bearer says. The brother-sister duo was at the receiving end of societal rebuke, but they were undeterred. The revival mission had begun.

"When he (Ratnakanta Talukdar) passed away in 1980, the responsibility fell on my shoulders to carry on the mission," he said.

Ever since, Kakati and his troupe of seven members have been performing the Nati dance on stage in various cultural programmes. As he trains the Devadasi dancers, it is obvious that acceptance of this form is no longer the big challenge. "The challenge now is propagating the pure form of Nati dance," he said.

According to Kakati, over the years, Nati dance has found other supporters who have been propagating a "remixed" version of the dance form. "There is a Guwahati-based artist, also from Pathsala, who, along with his troupe, has been performing Nati dance across India. He asked me to join him on several occasions but I found a lot of differences in his dance form... it seems to have been tweaked to suit modern tastes," Kakati said.

"No matter how lonely my journey may be, I will propagate only the purest form of Nati dance, the one that was painstakingly put together from the memories of the original Natis. But I wish the state government extended some support in preserving this dance form," he lamented.

Kakati's troupe members -- the "khol" (drum) player, the one who plays the "taal" (cymbal), the dancers, including his sister -- are a dedicated lot but he is still worried about the dance form's survival after he is gone. "My children are not as interested... it is therefore heartening when artistes like (Mumbai-based dancer) Prateesha Suresh give a platform for us to tell people about this tradition through discussions and performances."

"I just hope that after I am gone, there will be someone who will be ready to carry on the beacon of the Nati dance in its pure form and help it regain its lost glory," he said.

(Azera Rahman can be contacted at azera.rahan@gmail.com)

--IANS

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Filmmaker S.S. Rajamouli on Thursday said the unfortunate leak of the trailer of his upcoming magnum opus "Baahubali 2: The Conclusion" happened due to a "bug in Facebook".

Talking to the media here at the trailer launch on Thursday, Rajamouli said the trailer leak happened due to a bug in Facebook. He did not elaborate on it any further.

"Piracy is different, and a leak is totally different. We are still trying to find out how the trailer leak happened. It is very irritating for the entire team but we can't blame anyone without knowing everything about the leak," Rajamouli said.

The trailer was supposed to be launched at 5 p.m. on Thursday. However, following a leak of the Tamil version of the trailer, the makers were forced to release the trailer of all the versions online.

Talking about the second part of the franchise, he said: "Unlike the first part, which was low on emotions and high on grandeur, the second part will have both factors in equal proportion."

Rajamouli said he was tense while working on the trailer, but the output is satisfactory.

"When I saw the trailer with Keeravani's background score, the output was beyond my expectations," he said.

The film starring Prabhas, Rana Daggubati, Anushka Shetty, Tamannaah Bhatia, Ramya Krishnan and Sathyaraj is due for release on April 28.

--IANS

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Film: "Beauty and the Beast"; Director: Bill Condon; Cast: Emma Watson, Dan Stevens, Luke Evans, Kevin Kline, Josh Gad, Ewan McGregor, Stanley Tucci, Ian McKellen and Emma Thompson; Rating: ***1/2

For those unaware of the story's origin, "Beauty and the Beast" was first written as 'Belle et la Bete' by French novelist Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont in 1756. There have been many variants of the original in literature, television, stage and films, ever since. The last to hit the theatre was director Christopher Gan's version which was released in 2014.

This one from the Disney stable, is a remake of its 1991 released, animated film of the same name. So while the film closely tracks the earlier version's plot, story beats and revamps all the old songs, there is enough of newness in this film that arouses curiosity to cine-goers. And rightly so.

Director Bill Condon's "Beauty and the Beast" is an immaculately constructed live action musical that is almost overwhelmingly lavish, beautifully staged and performed. It is a very impressive production and pays a loving tribute to its classic source material.

In this edition, the film begins with how a proud, handsome Prince (Dan Stevens) is cursed and turned into a beast by a passing enchantress for rejecting her gift of a rose. So, dejected and depressed, with a rose-petalled deadline to become human again, the Prince leads a very lonely life in his castle that is long forgotten by his people.

Meanwhile, Belle (Emma Watson), a genial and independent girl is considered a freakish outsider in her provincial French village because of her interest in books and her indifference to the local hunk, Gaston (Luke Evans) who tries his best to woo her.

It is when Belle's father Maurice (Kevin Kline), during a business trip stumbles upon the castle and is held captive by the Beast that Belle chances on meeting the Beast. How she falls in love with the Beast forms the crux of the tale.

Though this is an adaptation from the various earlier editions, the script writers Stephen Chbosky and Evan Spiliotopoulos add a few touches of their own. Prominent among the few are the back story for the death of Belle's mother and revealing the gay traits in LeFou (Josh Gad), Gaston's buddy.

On the performance front, Emma Watson as Belle is ravishing, but a bit bland. Luke Evans is suitably boisterous as Gaston. Dan Stevens convincingly emotes through his eyes. Kevin Kline with some extremely powerful on screen moments, shines as Belle's lovable father.

Technically, the film is astutely crafted. The animation of the castle's enchanted staff which include Lumiere (Ewan McGregor), Cogsworth (Ian Mckellen), Mrs Potts (Emma Thompson) along with the 3D effects is of fine quality.

Production designer Sarah Greenwood along with costume designer Jacqueline Durran display a colourful canvas that is gorgeous and appealing.

There are a few new songs composed for the film, among them are a flashback song "Aria" sung by Audra McDonald and the song having the lyrics, "Days in the Sun" sung by the enchanted objects.

Overall, the film is enchanting but not remarkably memorable.

--IANS

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Actress-turned-producer Anushka Sharma says she never faced any nepotism though she comes from a non-film background and that in Bollywood people always encourage talents.

Asked if she was also a victim of nepotism in Bollywood while talking to media on Wednesday evening with the star cast of her forthcoming film "Phillauri", Anushka said: "First of all, every actor has her own journey in Bollywood. Moreover, if you are good at your work, people will show interest to collaborate with you, irrespective of your background."

"I have huge respect for Aditya Chopra who launched me. Ranveer Singh, Parineeti Chopra and all of us were not from the film industry! So being an outsider, I never faced nepotism," the "NH10" actress added.

Earlier this month, National Award winning actress Kangana Ranaut called filmmaker Karan Johar a 'flag-bearer of nepotism', which later turned into a full-blown controversy with the two celebrities making statements against each other.

The actress is all set to release her second film as producer "Phillauri" on March 24 under her home production Clean Slate Films. Besides her the film also stars Diljit Dosanjh, Suraj Sharma and Mehreen Pirzada.

--IANS

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An elderly man lodged a police complaint on Thursday after a private hospital report in West Bengal mentioned existence of "uterus" and "ovary" in the ultrasonogram (USG) report of his abdomen.

Sixty-three-year-old Narayan Chandra Sen, a resident of Machlandpur in Howrah district, was advised by a doctor to get an ultrasonography of whole abdomen to evaluate his fatty lever disease.

However, Sen was at his wit's end when he got the report of the test done on March 10.

"I got the USG done from the Barasat Cancer Research and Welfare Centre (Hospital). They gave me a wrong report. They send me the USG report of a female. The report referred to the presence of uterus and ovary," said an exasperated Sen.

The hospital admitted its mistake, saying it was a "typing error".

"I called the computer section people. It was a typing error. The patient is normal. He has no ailment. But in their hurry to type the report, they (computer section staff) made the error," said a hospital official.

He said the hospital would do a repeat test, free of cost.

However, Sen filed a complaint at the Barasat police station complaining of "gross negligence" on the part of the hospital.

--IANS

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To celebrate the installation of its governments in four states post-assembly polls, the BJP on Thursday distributed laddoos to its leaders in parliament -- laddoos that were specially flown in from the Tirupati temple in Andhra Pradesh.

BJP sources revealed to IANS that the party had planned to distribute sweets to its leaders at the Parliamentary Party meeting that was addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to felicitate leaders over their performance in the just-concluded assembly elections.

Someone then came up with the idea of offering Tirupati laddoos, given as religious offering to devotees at the temple, one of the most visited religious places in India. The laddoo, which is registered for a Geographical indication tag to avoid duplication, is prepared in the temple kitchen.

"Earlier, we were planning to distribute sweets but then came the idea of distributing Lord Venkateshwara's laddoos," a BJP leader said.

Thus, an order for some 1,000-1,200 laddoos was placed on Tuesday night, but the temple was able to deliver only about 600.

These were flown into the capital by Wednesday afternoon, after which four staff members of BJP's office in the parliament complex packed them in special boxes -- one laddoo in each.

As the laddoos were distributed, BJP President Amit Shah was offered one by Uttar Pradesh unit chief Keshav Maurya in the full glare of the media.

Inquisitive reporters asked if it was an indication that Maurya would be the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister.

To which Shah shot back, "Keshavji will decide on who would be the Chief Minister", leaving reporters to wonder whether the comment meant that Maurya was out of the race for the Chief Ministership.

In a lighter vein, party MP Giriraj Singh said: "Jo laddoo khayega, woh Hindu rashtra ka ho jayega. (Everyone who eats ladoo will be of the Hindu state)."

--IANS

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The newly-elected legislators of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will meet in the state capital on Saturday to elect the new Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, a party leader said on Thursday.

A communique to all the 312 BJP MLAs had been sent, asking them to be present in the state capital on that day, he said.

Sate General Secretary of the party Vijay Bahadur Pathak, while confirming the date for the legislators' meet also informed that two central observers -- M Venkaiah Naidu and Bhupendra Yadav -- will be here to oversee the election of the new leader.

The BJP, which won three-fourths majority in the 403-member House, is returning to power after 14 years. It has 325 seats, including its allies, in the 17th Vidhan Sabha.

While there is no clarity over the name for the next Chief Minister, the central leadership of the BJP is learnt to be toying with the names of Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Minister of State for Telecom Manoj Sinha.

Names of two more union ministers, Smriti Irani and Kalraj Mishra, Lucknow Mayor Dinesh Sharma, national BJP Spokesperson Shrikant Sharma and Gorakhpur MP Yogi Adityanath have been doing the rounds for the state's top post.

Rajnath Singh, on more than two occasions, has refused being in the race and has termed such talks as "crap".

Manoj Sinha, insiders say, could be the final choice as he has a proven administrative record by serving in two union ministries, is a BHU passout, is amiable to workers and colleagues and comes from Ghazipur, Poorvanchal -- an important region for the BJP.

--IANS

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The trailer of S.S. Rajamoulis magnum opus "Baahubali: The Conclusion", despite being leaked ahead of official launch on Thursday, has impressed the fraternity members, who have described it as a "masterpiece".

The trailer was unveiled on social media, and it went viral within no time.

The trailer wasn't officially scheduled to release on Thursday morning online. However, following a leak of the Tamil version of the trailer, the makers were forced to release the trailer of all the versions online.

The two minutes and 20 seconds trailer is filled with love, war, deceit and death. Amidst all this, there are spectacular visuals and awe-inspiring visual effects.

Going by the trailer, it's evident that the envelope has been pushed in terms of overall scale and vision.

Actor Jr NTR said he couldn't stop staring in awe at the trailer.

"An experience unlike any other. Your pulse races, your breath stops and you can't stop staring. Kudos Rajamouli," NTR tweeted on Thursday.

Actress Rakul Preet said she couldn't find words to describe the trailer.

"It's not just a trailer. It's a masterpiece! Falling short of words. Thank you Rajamouli for this contribution to Indian cinema," Rakul tweeted.

The trailer begins with a quick recap of what happened in the first part and goes on to introduce us to Amarendra Baahubali, played by Prabhas, who solemnly swears to even sacrifice his life for the people of his kingdom.

There are quick shots of Anushka Shetty and her blossoming romance with Prabhas.

The trailer also features rip-roaring action, promising a high-octane action feast for movie buffs.

The face-off between Prabhas and Rana Daggubati in the last shot of the trailer is surely a treat to the fans of the franchise.

It was also announced on Thursday that "Baahubali: The Conclusion" will be digitally re-mastered in the immersive IMAX format and released in IMAX theatres in India, beginning April 28.

The film, which also stars Tamannaah Bhatia, Sathyaraj and Ramya Krishnan, will be released in Telugu, Tamil, Hindi and Malayalam.

--IANS

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Buddhist leader and head of the Drukpa Lineage, the 12th Gyalwang Drukpa, on Thursday presented to the people of Vietnam one of world's largest religious paintings that was unveiled at the opening of the second India Buddhism Culture Day there, a statement said.

The painting, which is 12 metre wide and 16 metre long, is of Lord Avalokiteshvara, an official statement by the Gyalwang Drukpa office here said.

Nearly 100 Buddhist monks and nuns from India participated in the ceremonies that had over 70,000 people attending from all over Vietnam and across the world.

The four-day event -- organised jointly by the Vietnam-India Friendship Association, the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha and the India Embassy in Vietnam -- aims to celebrate 45 years of diplomatic ties and 10 years of comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

Unveiled at Thien An Pagoda in Tam Dao district, the northern province of Vinh Phuc, the silk-embroidered brocade painting depicts the thousand-armed Avalokiteshvara in the middle, with Manjushri at the bottom right and Vajrapani at bottom left.

Other Buddha deities from the Vajrayana and Mahayana traditions are also portrayed in the painting that is also known as a Thongdrol in the Himalayas. It is made from brocades and top quality silk threads and weighs over 100 kg.

It was crafted by over 40 artisans, who worked on it for close to six months for the event in Vietnam.

Tran Chien Thang, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Record Association, acknowledged the painting as "the largest and heaviest Buddhist painting in existence".

The Drukpa Lineage is an integral part of Himalayan and Central Asian legacy and culture.

Dating back to the Indian scholar-saint Naropa, the Drukpa Lineage is woven into the history of Buddhism and the geographic locales of India and Central Asia.

The spiritual head of the 1,000-year-old Drukpa Order based in the Himalayas is also heading the 17th century famed Hemis monastery of Drukpa Lineage in Ladakh, the largest such in the Himalayas.

--IANS

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China and Pakistan on Thursday agreed to continue and further increase military cooperation, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.

The development came during Pakistan Army Chief Qamar Javed Bajwa's three-day trip to China, ISPR said in a statement.

The army chief thanked the Chinese leadership for their defence support and cooperation and termed it as a source of strength between the two countries.

General Bajwa is expected to hold meetings with China's senior political and military leadership.

He met Executive Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli, Vice Chairman Central Military Commission General Fan Changlong, Chief of Joint Services Department General Fang Funghui and General Li Zuocheng Commander People's Liberation Army (PLA).

The Chinese leadership on the occasion also expressed their complete understanding of the geo-political and security environment of the region.

China's leadership appreciated Pakistan's fight against terrorism with a special mention of eliminating Al Qaeda, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the East Turkmenistan Islamic Movement (ETIM), added the ISPR statement.

China blames ETIM for carrying out attacks in its far western region of Xinjiang, home to the Muslim Uighur people. China had long urged Islamabad to weed out what it says are militants from Xinjiang.

China, during the meetings held, also expressed concern over the growing threat of the Islamic State and ETIM in Afghanistan.

They expressed their satisfaction on the security measures taken to safeguard the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

--IANS

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A group of Congressmen including legislators on Thursday staged a protest outside the State Bank of India headquarters at Nariman Point protesting its Chairperson Arundhati Bhattacharya's remarks on farm loans waiver.

The protesters numbering over two dozen raised slogans against SBI and entered the SBI building demanding to meet some senior officials to register their formal grievance.

"However, even as a senior officer was going to meet them, the protesters had left the premises," an SBI official said.

Yesterday, Bhattacharya expressed her reservations over the assurances and demand for complete farm loans waiver, coming up from different quarters in recent months.

These include the Maharashtra opposition parties and ruling ally Shiv Sena, besides the Karnataka government, and assurances to this effect during the recent election campaign in Punjab and Uttar Pradesh.

Bhattacharya, 60, said that this would disturb the credit discipline among the borrowers, they would keep expecting more such waivers in future and even those (future) loans would remain unpaid.

The Congress, NCP and ruling Shiv Sena have been vehemently demanding a package to fully write off all existing farm loans in Maharashtra since the Budget Session of the state legislature started.

The Shiv Sena has even warned its ally that it would disrupt the proceedings till the farm loan waiver package is announced and create hurdles in the budget presentation this week.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis informed the legislature on Thursday that in the past five years, there have been 16,000 farmers suicides despite writing off farm loans, and asked the opposition, "Who would guarantee that suicides will stop after another such scheme is implemented?"

--IANS

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After nearly three decades, the Congress will elect the new President of its Kerala unit through organisational polls which might take some time, party sources said on Thursday.

Vayalar Ravi was the last state unit chief to be elected through polls in 1991 when he defeated A.K. Antony. Since then, all state unit Presidents have been nominated by the party high command in New Delhi.

The last unit chief, V.M. Sudheeran, stepped down on March 10 citing health issues.

The party high command in all probability would appoint an interim President, sources told IANS.

Being the senior-most Vice President, M.M. Hassan may be named the interim President.

The decision comes after former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy's strong opposition to the nomination of office-bearers by the party high command. Chandy, since the electoral reverse suffered by the party in the May 2016 assembly polls, has declined to take any post in the party without organisational polls.

"Chandy was the right choice to lead the party. But he is determined that he will not take up the post as he has been demanding organisational polls. He has been saying that the practice of the party high command nominating office-bearers has failed," said a Congress leader on the condition of anonymity.

Since Chandy declined to take up any position -- including the post of the Leader of Opposition -- after the party's defeat in assembly elections last year, the post went to former Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee President Ramesh Chennithala.

Since then, the Kerala unit of the Congress has been witnessing a factional feud between Chandy and Chennithala.

--IANS

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Lifting the corporate veil cannot be done as a matter of routine and certainly the police cannot do that on its own to arrest a company founder, CEO or other directors over a commercial deal, said a legal expert.

He was referring to the arrest of Yogendra Vasupal, founder of Stayzilla an online homestay market place by the city police on Tuesday for not settling the dues of an advertising agency.

The basic tenet on which a company is incorporated under the Companies Act is that it is a separate legal entity different from its promoters and shareholders. The liability of the shareholders is limited to the capital they have invested and does not extend to their private assets, they said.

"The corporate veil cannot be lifted as a matter of routine. There are several parameters to be followed to lift the corporate veil. Normally corporate veil would be lifted in cases were the corporate structure is used for evasion of government taxes, to act against public interest," D. Varadarajan, Supreme Court advocate specialising in company/competition/insurance laws told IANS over phone from New Delhi on Thursday.

"Unpaid vendors would rank as unsecured creditors and their dues would be settled only after the settlement of government dues, secured creditors," a company secretary of a Mumbai based private company told IANS not wanting to be named in the report.

According to Varadarajan, there is no promoter shareholding threshold or shareholding index for lifting the corporate veil.

"Similarly for the sake of a commercial transaction the corporate veil cannot be lifted," Varadarajan added.

Queried about the recourse that a vendor who is also a start-up can have for recovering his dues from a wilful defaulter Varadarajan said: "Certainly it is a civil case and not a criminal one. The affected vendor can file a case in the courts for settling commercial disputes. Payment default is a business risk that a vendor faces."

--IANS

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A Delhi court on Thursday refused to pass any order on prosecution's plea seeking curbs on Ansal brothers from moving out of the country, in a case of alleged tampering with evidence in the 1997 Uphaar fire tragedy.

Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (CMM) Sumit Dass observed that Ansal brothers Sushil and Gopal had challenged the order on the charges framed against them for allegedly tampering with evidence in the Uphaar tragedy case in the Delhi High Court.

The defence counsels of Ansals brothers informed the CMM that the Delhi High Court had reserved its order on their plea challenging trial court's order, dated May 31, 2014, and requested the judge to wait for the High Court's decision.

The court said that it could not pass any observation as the case files were in the possession of the High Court.

The magistrate told the prosecution that it could move the plea seeking restraining of the Ansal brothers from moving out of the country before the Delhi High Court.

Earlier in the day, Public Prosecutor A.T. Ansari requested the court to impose condition on the Ansal brothers that they could not fly abroad without permission. He apprehended that Ansals would flee the legal clutches.

The trial court in 2014 framed charges against the seven accused, including Ansal brothers, under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code -- 109 (abetment of offence), 201 (causing disappearance of evidence), 409 (criminal breach of trust by public servant) and 120-B (criminal conspiracy).

Theatre owners Gopal Ansal, his brother Sushil Ansal, Anoop Singh, Prem Prakash Batra, Harswaroop Panwar, Dharamveer Malhotra as well as a court employee, Dinesh Chandra Sharma, are accused of tampering with evidence in the case, pending since 2006.

On June 13, 1997, when the Hindi film "Border" was being screened, a fire engulfed the theatre, killing 59 people and injuring over 100. The fire was sparked by a blast in a transformer in an underground parking lot in the five-storey building which housed the cinema hall and several offices.

A court on Jan 31, 2003 ordered an inquiry after some documents related to the Uphaar case went missing from the court record room. After an inquiry, the judge dismissed a court employee.

--IANS

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The United Naga Council (UNC) has rejected Manipur's new Chief Minister N. Biren Singh's appeal to end the economic blockade of the state.

During his election campaign, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had vowed to end the blockade within 48 hours if the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) took power in the state.

But the UNC made it clear that the blockade would continue until the government held talks with it over its demands.

"The government has not invited us for talks on the issue. The economic blockade shall continue," a UNC leader said.

Biren Singh chaired a meeting of ministers and ruling coalition MLAs to take stock of the situation arising out of the economic blockade imposed from November 1 against the government move to create two new districts.

The then Congress government hit back by forming seven districts.

The blockade by Nagas of the two main highways that link Manipur with Assam, Nagaland and Myanmar have led to major shortages in the state, particularly in Imphal.

However, around 900 trucks carrying supplies are allowed to reach Manipur in a week. But residents say much of what they carry almost immediately reaches the black market.

Biren Singh will face a floor test on March 23 to prove his majority in the 60-member assembly.

A coalition ministry led by the BJP was sworn in on Wednesday. Two BJP MLAs, including Biren Singh, four of the National People's Party and one each of the LJP, Congress and the Naga People's Party took oath.

The Manipur Chief Minister can induct three more ministers.

"My priority is to lift the blockade which has caused hardships to the people," he said.

--IANS

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India on Thursday asked Pakistan to refrain from meddling in the internal affairs of the country and advised it to take action against the terrorism emanating from its soil, an official said.

"India completely rejects Pakistan's effort and intention to meddle in our internal affairs, including in judicial process," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay said.

"Strong Indian democracy and justice system need no self-serving sermons, that too from a country like Pakistan."

He was responding to a query on Pakistan expressing concern at the order of the Indian Court in the Ajmer Sharif blast case.

"Pakistan is well advised to refrain from interfering in internal affairs of India in any form; not to resort to denial from the reality of terrorism emanating from its soil," Baglay added.

The Pakistan Foreign Office on Friday summoned Indian Deputy High Commissioner J.P. Singh to express concern over the acquittal of RSS leader Swami Aseemanand in the 2007 Ajmer Sharif blast case.

"Swami Aseemanand had publicly confessed that he was the 'mastermind' of Samjhauta Express terrorist attack of February 2007," the statement released by the Pakistan Foreign Office said.

On March 8, a special court acquitted Swami Aseemanand and six others in the 2007 Ajmer Dargah blast case, giving them the "benefit of doubt". The bombing killed three people and left at least 15 others injured.

--IANS

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Australia's Great Barrier Reef can be saved only if urgent steps are taken to reduce global warming, a new research revealed on Thursday.

Attempting to stop coral bleaching through any other method will not be sufficient, according to the research, published in the journal Nature.

It said bleaching events should no longer be studied individually, but as threats to the reef's survival, the BBC reported.

The bleaching - or loss of algae - in 2016 was the worst on record.

"Climate change is the single greatest threat to the Great Barrier Reef," said co-author professor Morgan Pratchett, from Queensland's James Cook University.

"It all comes down to what the governments in Australia and around the world do in terms of mitigating further rises in temperatures."

Pratchett said he remained optimistic the reef could recover, but the "window of opportunity" to curb emissions was closing.

"It's the number one thing we need to think about now to save the reef," he told the BBC.

The reef - a vast collection of thousands of smaller coral reefs stretching from the northern tip of Queensland to the state's city of Bundaberg - was given World Heritage status in 1981.

The UN says it is the "most biodiverse" of all the World Heritage sites, and of "enormous scientific and intrinsic importance".

--IANS

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With the agitating Jat community threatening to lay siege to national capital Delhi on March 20, the Haryana government on Thursday held talks with Jat leaders in Panipat and claimed that the discussions were "positive".

Haryana Education Minister Ram Bilas Sharma, who led the Haryana government panel in the talks with Jat leaders, said that a final breakthrough was likely to be achieved by Friday.

The Jat leaders are likely to meet Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar in New Delhi on Friday.

They were earlier in talks with a five-member panel of senior government officers but the talks had remained inconclusive.

The All-India Jat Aarakshan Sangharsh Samiti (AIJASS) had earlier announced that the community would intensify its agitation by taking their protest to Delhi on March 20.

The Jat leaders said that they would gherao entry points of Delhi from seven sides.

The AIJASS, led by Jat leader Yashpal Malik, has been agitating to press for its demands in Haryana since January 29. The agitation completed 47 days on Thursday.

Talks between the state government and the Jat leaders hit a roadblock last month as the Haryana government made it clear that it has no jurisdiction to withdraw cases being investigated by the CBI against some Jat leaders over violence during the agitation last year.

Haryana Chief MInister Manohar Lal Khattar accused the Jat leaders of increasing their demands and changing goalposts.

Their demands include reservation for Jats, jobs to the next of kin of those killed in violence in the Jat agitation last year, compensation to those injured, withdrawal of cases against them and action against the officers, who ordered action against the Jats, among others.

Violence during the agitation last year had left 30 people dead and over 200 injured. Government and private property worth hundreds of crores of rupees was damaged during the violence in February 2016.

--IANS

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The Delhi High Court on Thursday dismissed a plea filed by NRI televangelist Zakir Naik against a ban on his NGO Islamic Research Foundation (IRF), saying the home ministry has "sufficient material for immediate ban".

Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva dismissing Naik's plea, said: "Immediate action appears to have been taken in interest of sovereignty, integrity and maintenance of public order."

Naik had challenged the November 17, 2016 notification imposing an immediate ban on the IRF for five years under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had earlier showed confidential documents to the court on the basis of which a decision to ban the foundation was taken.

The government had said that the IRF was banned as there was fear that youths could be "radicalised or motivated" to join terror groups.

Challenging the ban, the IRF had told the court that the notification did not give sufficient reasons and materials for taking such a step and that the ban was imposed without giving any showcause notice.

--IANS

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Security authorities were on Thursday thrown in a tizzy after a bomb scare at the Calcutta High Court premises.

"Justice Dipankar Dutta's office got a phone call around 2 p.m. that bombs planted at different chambers on the High Court premises will go off any time. However, the call turned out to be a hoax," Joint commissioner Police Supratim Sarkar said.

"A bomb squad, along with sniffer dogs, was rushed to the premises but no trace of any bomb or explosives was found even after a thorough search till evening," he said.

Police said it is trying to trace the caller who played the prank.

--IANS

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Hollywood has opened its doors to many Indian stars who are bagging noticeable roles in various projects. A case in point is Deepika Padukone. Priyanka Chopra, one of the most popular exports to Hollywood from India, says gone are the days when actors used to feel insecure with others' success.

"That is such an age-old stereotype and definitely not in my DNA," Priyanka told IANS when asked if actors today have become more open when it comes to appreciating the work of their colleagues, unlike the common perception that they have cat fights due to jealousy.

"I'm very secure in who I am and the work I do. These are my friends and colleagues, and I like to share in their achievements and happiness. Good work should be applauded. I believe that there is enough work out there for everyone. We don't live in the dark ages any more," she added.

Priyanka's journey in showbiz started at the age of 17 when she was crowned Miss World. It was followed by her Bollywood debut in 2003 with "The Hero: Love Story of a Spy".

She later bagged the role of FBI agent Alex Parrish in "Quantico" for which she won the People's Choice Award -- the first South Asian actress to do so. The "Quantico" fame also got her a role in "Baywatch", a movie alongside Hollywood A-listers Dwayne Johnson and Zac Efron.

The year 2016 also saw her becoming the presenter at Oscar Awards and Emmy Awards, followed by an invitation to the annual White House Correspondents Dinner.

She was conferred India's fourth-highest civilian honour, the Padma Shri, and even featured in Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People of the world.

And this has seen her winning her second People's Choice Awards... and she just can't wait for more.

"Yes, 2017 has begun well. To win a second People's Choice Award, this time as a Favourite Dramatic TV Actress, is an awesome feeling. Winning an award from the people, the audience, is a vindication that both 'Quantico' and my character connected globally.

"Also, when I see the amazingly talented women I was nominated with, it feels like I must be doing something right. As for the rest of the year, I'm looking forward to it."

The second season of "Quantico" and the shoot are on in full swing.

"'Baywatch' releases on May 26 and we will be promoting the film across the globe. As a producer with my production house Purple Pebble Pictures, I have a lot of exciting projects lined up across genres and languages. Many announcements are on the anvil on that front," said the actress in an email interview.

It's not just films, she is busy with brand endorsements too. Priyanka was announced the newest global brand ambassador of hair care brand Pantene, for which she launched a new product that promises to make hair thicker and stronger in 14 days.

Priyanka says she prefers to be careful about choosing the brands she endorses.

"I have to believe in a brand to endorse it. I look at products that I endorse as a consumer... Is it something I would use, do I like what it offers? If my name and brand are being used to advertise a product, then it's something I believe in," she said.

With so many things happening in her life and with so much success, is there something that this global star wants to achieve now?

"I just want to be the best version of myself as an entertainer and as an individual. I want to try new things, explore all aspects of my creative self and basically have an adventure every day. I have always believed that it's never about the destination... The journey matters more," she said.

(Nivedita can be contacted at nivedita.s@ians.in)

--IANS

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Afghan Deputy Foreign Minister Hekmat Karzai on Thursday called on Minister of State for External Affairs M.J. Akbar and discussed the security situation in his country, official sources said.

Karzai also met Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar and Secretary (Economic Relations) Amar Sinha.

"Both sides exchanged views on the situation in Afghanistan and reviewed the progress of developmental projects and decisions taken during the visits of President Ashraf Ghani Ahmadza to India last year," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay said.

Karzai apprised India on the current security situation and efforts being made by Afghanistan to bring about peace and reconciliation in the country.

"The Indian side reiterated its commitment to continue support to the government and people of Afghanistan in their efforts to build a peaceful, stable, prosperous and united country within which the democratic and pluralistic aspirations of their people are met," Baglay added.

Karzai is visiting India to attend an international counter-terrorism conference.

During Ghani's India visit in September, India agreed to allocate $1 billion to Afghanistan and proposed to supply world-class and easily-affordable medicines from India.

--IANS

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Releasing a world ranking of the number of women parliamentarians that that placed India 148, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, the head of UN Women, has called for reservations for women.

The rankings of all 193 UN member countries released here on Wednesday by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and UN Women showed that women made up 11.8 per cent of the Lok Sabha where 64 were elected to the 542-member house and 11 per cent of the Rajya Sabha with 27 of the 245 members.

India ranked 88 in the number of women ministers with five or 18.5 per cent in the cabinet.

However, women hold important positions: Sumitra Mahajan is the Speaker and Sushma Swaraj is the External Affairs Minister.

Speaking to reporters, IPU Secretary-General Martin Chungong backed up the call for reservations for women suggesting that quotas for them could speed up the process for achieving gender equality.

At the current rate of progress, it would take 50 years for the number of women to equal that of men in legislative bodies, he said.

The percentage of women in parliaments worldwide barely ticked up from 22.6 per cent in 2015 to 23.3 per cent in 2016. India's percentage is about half the world tally.

Mlambo-Ngcuka, the Executive Director of UN Women, the international organisation's arm for empowering women, said that the most progress in increasing their ranks in parliament was achieved in countries with quotas.

A constitutional amendment bill to reserve 33 per cent of Lok Sabha and State Assembly seats for women was first proposed in 1996 but has failed in the last 20 years to make headway.

In the latest attempt, it passed the Rajya Sabha in 2010 but lapsed when the last Lok Sabha ended its term in 2014 without taking it up.

The Rashtriya Janata Dal, the Janata Dal (United) and Samajwadi Party have been leading the opposition to the constitutional amendment.

Chungong said a positive development was a move away from shunting women to "soft" ministries like women's affairs and instead placing them in important ministries.

In addition to Swaraj, who has the important External Affairs portfolio, Uma Bharti is the Water Resources Minister and Nirmala Sitharaman has independent charge of Commerce and Industry.

Mlambo-Ngcuka said that women politicians were held back by a number of problems, including the lack of finance for campaigns and stereotyping.

They also faced bullying online and physically, harassment and hostile treatment by the media, she added.

Rwanda ranked first in the number of women parliamentarians with 61.3 per cent in the lower house, followed by Bolivia with 53.1 per cent and Cuba 48.9 per cent.

In South Asia, Nepal ranked 48 with 29.6 per cent of the lower house seats held by women; Pakistan ranked 89 with 20.6 per cent (but with no ministers); Bangladesh was 91st with 20.3 per cent, and Sri Lanka lagged at 179th place with 5.8 per cent.

Bulgaria, France and Nicaragua tied for the first rank for the number of women ministers with 52.9 per cent each.
The 25-year-old Irish tourist, who was found dead at a South Goa beach village earlier this week, was raped before being murdered by a local history-sheeter, forensic examination has revealed, police said on Thursday.

Speaking to reporters, Superintendent of Police (Crime) Umesh Gaonkar said that the post-mortem examination report had confirmed rape and that rape charges would be slapped on Vikas Bhagat, who had already been booked for the murder.

"The autopsy, which was conducted on Thursday, confirmed cranio cerebral damage and constriction of neck as causes of death. It has also confirmed rape," Gaonkar said.

The Irish tourist, was found dead and stripped naked on Tuesday morning. Police had said that a beer bottle was used to disfigure the victim's face by Bhagat after committing the rape and murder.

Bhagat had befriended the victim during a holiday party held at the beach village of Canacona, which is popular amongst foreign tourists.

Police arrested Bhagat within 24 hours after the body was discovered. He is a history-sheeter with a string of robbery and assault cases are lodged against him.

--IANS

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Japanese mafia, or the Yakuza, recorded the lowest number of members in almost 60 years owing to financial crunch, tough police measures and a growing civil movement against them, an official report showed on Thursday.

The number of people belonging to organised crime groups in Japan stood at around 18,100 in 2016, the lowest since the National Police Agency began gathering data in 1958, the agency said in the report.

It is also the first time the number has dropped below 20,000, Efe news reported.

Japanese law allows yakuza groups to exist as long as they are not "violent" or "conflictive", and have their own financial headquarters and register their subsidiary groups, so they can be regulated.

Japanese gangsters, who earlier used visiting cards bearing the seal of their organisation as a "symbol of power", while collecting 'protection money' from local businesses or to have their way in negotiating business agreements, have reduced the use of violence or extortions due to police crackdowns.

The laws -- in force since 2011 -- prevent the yakuza from having bank accounts and penalise companies that deal with these organisations, among other restrictions.

The report also showed police action against offenders from these groups in drug-related cases rose 1.4 times in 2016 with respect to the last nine years.

Until 30 years ago, the yakuza were deeply rooted in society and exhibited their power, contesting local elections and organising concerts and other events to collect funds.

However, police crackdowns and a growing civil movement to eliminate them as well as internal disputes have reduced their presence and power in the country.

--IANS

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Interpol has issued a "red notice" for four North Koreans wanted in connection with the killing of the half-brother of North Korea's leader.

"We have obtained a written red notice from Interpol for the four suspects, and we are hoping to get them through Interpol," Malaysian police chief Khalid Abu Bakar told reporters on Thursday, adding that he believed the four suspects had fled back to Pyongyang.

A red notice is the nearest equivalent to an international arrest warrant.

Interpol on its website posted pictures and details about the four suspects, O. Jong Gil, Ri Ji Hyon, Ri Jae Nam and Hong Song Hak, saying the four men were wanted by the judicial authorities of Malaysia for murder charges, reported Xinhua news agency.

Kim Jong-nam was killed at the Kuala Lumpur Airport with a lethal nerve agent last month, according to reports.

Two Asian women -- one Vietnamese woman and one Indonesian -- have been charged with killing Kim Jong-nam using the nerve agent. Both reportedly believed they were participating in a television prank.

North Korea strongly denied any role in the killing and has demanded that Malaysia turn over Kim's body.

Last week, Malaysia formally identified the murder victim as Kim Jong-nam. Authorities said this was done using DNA from one of his children, although they did not say which one.

Malaysia said Kim's body has been embalmed to prevent it from decomposing.

It is not clear where Kim's wife and children are, although his son appeared in a video last week and said the family were together.

--IANS

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The Maharashtra Opposition parties on Thursday protested against State Bank of India Chairperson Arundhati Bhattacharya's comments on farm-loan waiver and warned her of a breach of privilege motion in the legislature unless she tendered an apology.

Leader of Opposition Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil said Bhattacharya's comments were an insult to the farmers and breach of privilege of the state legislature.

His statement came after a large number of Congress and Nationalist Congress Party legislators and activists protested outside the SBI headquarters at Nariman Point.

Though Bhattacharya was reportedly not present, a senior SBI officer was planning to come and meet the protestors but they left before he could reach them, an SBI official said.

On Wednesday, Bhattacharya expressed her reservations over the assurances and demand for complete farm-loan waiver, coming up from different quarters in recent months.

These include the Maharashtra opposition parties and ruling ally Shiv Sena, besides the Karnataka government, and assurances to this effect during the recent election campaign in Punjab and Uttar Pradesh.

Bhattacharya, 60, said that this would disturb the credit discipline among the borrowers, they would keep expecting more such waivers in future and even those (future) loans would remain unpaid.

Condemning Bhattacharya's comments, Vikhe Patil said she is not "a policy-maker" for the country or the state and any decision on waiving of farm loans can be taken only by the legislature.

Questioning her statements, he demanded why Bhattacharya kept mum when Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced farm loan waivers during the Uttar Pradesh election campaign.

He said that on one hand, the SBI chief speaks of financial discipline for farm loans waiver, but on the other it has written off debts worth around Rs 140,000 crore for defaulters like Vijay Mallya and other rich industrialists.

"When it's a question of Maharashtra farmers, how did she suddenly remember financial discipline? If she has the courage, then she should express her opinion before the PM," Vikhe-Patil advised, demanding an apology from Bhattacharya.

"Bhattacharya is only a public servant... She has attempted a breach of privilege of the legislature... She must continue to serve the public and not act like a master of the farmers," Vikhe Patil observed in a sharp rebuke to the SBI Chairperson.

--IANS

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A day after the Karnataka government proposed to cap ticket rates in cinema halls and multiplexes at Rs 200, there was a mixed response on Thursday, with the Kannada film fraternity welcoming it while others opposed it.

"It's a good proposal, as the objective is not to deprive the common man of watching films at multiplexes, where tickets are priced exorbitantly between Rs 200 and Rs 850. The cap will not apply to single-screen theatres," Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce ex-President K.V. Chandrasekhar told IANS here.

Chandrashekar is also owner of Veerash theatre in the city's northwest suburb.

Presenting the 2017-18 Budget in the assembly on Wednesday, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said his government will prescribe Rs 200 as maximum price for tickets in all cinema theatres, including multiplexes, across the state.

There are 650 single-screen theatres and 90 multiplexes with multi-screen across the state, including 100 theatres and 20 multiplexes in Bengaluru.

"The decision to cap movie tickets is foolish. If implemented, owners of multiplexes will suffer huge loss, as they have invested crores of rupees in building them. The cap should have come before the multiplexes were built," lamented Venkateshwara Reddy, owner of Mukunda theatre in the city's northeast suburb.

The high cost of tickets in multiplexes, which surge for prime time shows, deter common people from watching their favourite films though many of them are centrally located in shopping malls across cities.

When a similar cap was enforced in Maharashtra and the Multiplexes' Association and Marathi Films Association challenged it in July 2009, the Supreme Court upheld it, ruling that the state government was competent to regulate or control the prices of movie tickets in theatres and multiplexes.

Officials of multiplexes PVR Cinemas and Inox Mantri Mall in the city's upscale suburbs Koramangla and Malleshwaram declined to comment.

"I am not aware of the Budget proposal to cap price of movie tickets at Rs 200. I am yet to receive the circular," said the PVR manager.

The Chief Minister also declared that regional language films of Tulu, Konkani, Beary, Kodava and Banjaa have to be screened compulsorily along with Kannada movies during prime time -- between 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

"Multiplexes screen other language films during prime time, while Kannada films are shown either during morning or evening when footall is low," said KFCC President Sa Ra Govindu.

Bengaluru being cosmopolitan, majority of theatres and multiplexes across the city screen mostly English, Hindi, Malayalam, Tamil and Telugu films round the year.

According to Kannada films director T.S. Nagabahrana, Marathi films became popular again in Maharashtra after multiplexes in Mumbai screened them following the apex court's direction.

--IANS

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The Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) on Thursday launched a Self Sufficiency Project (SSP) at its Hatchery and Training Complex near here. The move is aimed to help aqua farmers export their produce in international markets and meet stringent quality norms.

Under this project, nursery rearing facilities for genetically improved farmed tilapia (GIFT) seeds have been set up for supply of quality seeds to the aqua farmers.

Union Commerce Secretary Rita Teaotia, while inaugurating the SSP, said there was an imperative need to provide the best products, as competition from other countries was increasing.

"Every single aspect of the product, which is going to the international markets, has to be of best quality. This is the message that has to go to everyone along the value chain and not just the exporters. Good practices and ensuring the quality should be the cardinal principles," said Teaotia.

"Instead of classifying the product quality standards for the European Union, the U.S. or Japan, we should be able to export best quality products to every country. I believe it is time for us to actually understand that every single country in the world deserves the outstanding quality from us. This will raise our reputation globally," she noted.

MPEDA Chairman A. Jayathilak said plans were also afoot to expand the nursery rearing facilities for other species, such as seabass, mangrove crab and vannamei shrimp.

"This will ensure quality seed material to the aqua farmers, so that the supply of exportable variety of finfish and shellfish gets a huge boost. It will also create more livelihood opportunities for the stakeholders," said the Chairman.

Teaotia also inaugurated the online business exchange platform, the "Fish Exchange Portal", developed by the MPEDA for export of seafood from the country.

The portal, a "one-stop shop" for the entire gamut of trade needs, would facilitate the buyers across the globe to interact and source seafood from the exporters registered with the MPEDA.

--IANS

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Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday assured Nepal's Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Bimalendra Nidhi that a "fair and impartial enquiry" will conducted into the alleged killing of a Nepali national at the Indo-Nepal border in a firing by security forces.

The minister also expressed grief at the death of the Nepali national who was allegedly killed in Lakhimpur Kheri district of Uttar Pradesh in firing by the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) along the border on March 9 in an incident that triggered protests in Nepal.

According to reports, the SSB personnel allegedly opened fire following a dispute over construction of a culvert on Sano Khola river along the border in Uttar Pradesh. The Indian embassy in Kathmandu has denied any firing by SSB personnel deployed on the Indian side of the border.

"India will carry out a fair and impartial enquiry into the incident (killing of Nepali national) and associate the Nepali counterparts in the effort to arrive at the truth," Rajnath Singh said.

The Home Minister also said: "Wherever strip maps have been finalised, the same should be signed by the concerned authorities at the earliest."

Mentioning India's healthy relations with Nepal, the minister further mentioned that the two countries enjoyed friendly and family-like relations with each other in all areas including security and border cooperation.

"Any incident taking place, even unknowingly, should be settled through joint inspection and investigation by the representatives of the two sides," Rajnath added.

He also asked for regular meetings between the Director General of SSB and the Nepali counterpart agency Armed Police Force.

Union Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi and Nepal's Ambassador in India Deep Kumar Upadhyaya, along with senior Home Ministry and External Affairs Ministry officials, were present during the meeting.

The SSB has initiated an enquiry into the matter and the government of Nepal has been requested through diplomatic channels to share post-mortem and forensic reports to facilitate the process, an External Affairs Ministry official had informed earlier.

--IANS

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Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar must take on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the 2019 general election, leaders of his Janata Dal-United (JD-U) said on Thursday.

JD-U leaders and workers gathered here from across the country advocated support for Nitish Kumar.

"Nitish Kumar is the only popular leader who can challenge Modi in 2019 as the non-BJP parties' Prime Ministerial candidate," a party leader said.

--IANS

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Scientists have developed a new pill that can act as non-invasive alternative to colonoscopies -- an effective way to screen for colon cancer -- and help identify growths called polyps.

Colorectal cancer is the third-leading cause of cancer deaths in women and second leading cause in men. Early detection and screening are essential to reduce the rates of colorectal cancer.

The pill -- PillCam Colon 2 -- contains two miniature cameras on either end. After being ingested by the patient, the capsule travels through the digestive tract, captures images and wirelessly transmits them to a recorder the patient wears on a belt.

Like a colonoscopy, the system can help identify growths called polyps, said researchers from Loyola University in Chicago, US.

During a standard colonoscopy, a flexible tube (colonoscope) is inserted into the rectum and guided by a physician through the colon. A camera at the end of the colonoscope allows for visualisation of polyps.

However, some patients cannot tolerate the procedure, or may be at higher risk for sedation, the researchers said.

With the new system, the patient swallows the capsule with water. After the non-reusable capsule is excreted, it's flushed down the toilet. The patient returns the recorder to the physician's office. If a polyp is found, the patient arranges to undergo a colonoscopy to remove the growth.

"Early detection has been proven to save lives, and the video capsule system offers a convenient screening test for people who are unable to have a complete colonoscopy," Mukund Venu from Loyola University, said in a statement.

The US Food and Drug Administration approved the capsule system for patients whose anatomy of the colon makes it difficult to guide a colonoscope through the entire colon and for patients who have elevated risk of complications due to age or other reasons.

--IANS

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One person was injured on Thursday after a letter bomb exploded at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) headquarters in Paris, security sources said.

The blast occurred at the building that the IMF shares with the World Bank in the French capital.

The victim, a female assistant to an IMF manager, was "injured on the hands and face", according to reports.

Several people were evacuated from the building "as a precautionary measure", reported the Telegraph.

On Wednesday, another parcel bomb was sent to the German finance minister Wolfgang Schauble, but was intercepted before it could hurt anyone.

That attack was claimed by the Greek radical anarchist organisation Conspiracy of Fire Nuclei.

--IANS

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One person was injured on Thursday after an explosion at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) headquarters in Paris, security sources said.

The French media reported that the woman had opened a parcel addressed to a senior IMF official that contained an explosive substance, burning her hands and face.

Investigators told BFMTV the device was a "large black cylinder, about 30cm long", with the blast so large the room's ceiling was hit by shrapnel.

Police authorities in Paris said the explosive substance was not a bomb but rather a homemade "big firecracker", reported the Independent.

France's anti-terrorism branch has opened an investigation into attempted murder, destruction through explosive means, possession of explosive substance and links with a terrorist initiative, according to reports.

A spokesman for the police said the IMF office had received threatening phone calls in recent days but there was no evidence that they were linked to the incident.

IMF Director Christine Lagarde, who is on a trip to Germany, said in a statement she was informed about the explosion.

"I condemn this cowardly act of violence and reaffirm the IMF's resolve to continue our work in line with our mandate," she said.

Around 150 employees were evacuated from the building, in the 16th arrondissement, as a precaution and forensic officers were on site.

President Francois Hollande called the incident "an attack" and said those responsible will be found.

The blast came a day after a Greek anarchist group claimed responsibility for an explosive package found at the offices of Germany's Finance Minister Wolfgang Schauble.

"The package contained an explosive mix," Berlin Police said in a statement. "It was designed to cause severe injuries when the package is opened."

--IANS

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Pakistan has sought Interpol's help to identify social media pages that contain inflammatory and sacrilegious content that violates international laws, the media reported on Thursday.

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has also sent a formal request to social networking site Facebook in the light of court rulings regarding the blocking of blasphemous material online, agency officials told a high-level meeting said on Wednesday.

Chaired by Interior Minister Nisar Ali Khan, the meeting was held to review ongoing investigations into the circulation of blasphemous content on social media sites to ensure immediate blocking and swift punishment of those behind these acts, Dawn news reported.

An interior ministry statement said at least 11 people involved in uploading and sharing objectionable material had been identified and were being questioned.

The FIA would also seek help from Interpol in questioning some of the suspects.

The minister said the government would use all available options to ensure the removal of blasphemous material from social media sites.

"I hope that the management of Facebook will respect the religious sentiments of 200 million Pakistanis and tens of millions of users of Facebook in Pakistan and will cooperate in that regard," he said.

--IANS

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The Pakistan Navy on Thursday "successfully" test-fired surface-to-sea missile, it was officially announced.

The missile, equipped with avionics, modern technology, "accurately" hit its target in the sea, a navy spokesperson said in a statement.

The induction of the missile, the spokesperson added, would help strengthen defence and operational capabilities of the navy.

On January 24, Pakistan test-fired 2,200-km range indigenously-developed surface-to-surface nuclear-capable missile Ababeel. The missile is capable of delivering multiple warheads, using Multiple Independent Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology.

The Ababeel test flight was aimed at validating various design and technical parameters of the weapon system.

Some days earlier in January before Ababeel test, submarine-launched cruise missile Babur-III was successfully test-fired.

Babur weapons system incorporates advanced aerodynamics and avionics that can strike targets both at land and sea with high accuracy at a range of 700 km.

Babur-III is a low flying, terrain hugging missile, which carries certain stealth features and is capable of carrying various types of warheads.

--IANS

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Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on Thursday won the trust vote in the assembly, with 22 MLAs backing his government and the Congress getting the support of 16 legislators.

In a related development, Congress MLA Vishajit Rane quit the party and also resigned from the assembly, saying he was disgusted with the way the Congress was functioning in Goa.

Parrikar, whose BJP heads a coalition government with a slim majority, was sworn in as Chief Minister of the coastal state for the fourth time on Tuesday.

Parrikar, who is not a legislator and is a Rajya Sabha member, moved a one-line motion of confidence, after which pro-tem Speaker Sidharth Kunkolienkar asked those in favour to stand up.

The pro-tem Speaker overruled opposition member Pratapsingh Rane's efforts to raise a point of order related to the appointment of a junior member of the assembly as pro-tem Speaker.

The 22 MLAs who supported the motion were those of the Bharatiya Janata Party (minus the pro-tem Speaker), three each of Goa Forward and MGP, three Independents and Nationalist Congress Party MLA Churchill Alemao.

Vishajit Rane, who over the last few days had been accusing the Congress leadership of squandering away the chances of forming a government in the state, was not present during the voting.

"We did know how and when he (Rane) disappeared. We do not know where he is. One moment he was perfectly ok, smiling, chatting with us. He also took oath as MLA, but just before the confidence motion was moved, he disappeared," Congress Legislative Party leader Chandrakant Kavlekar told reporters after the trust vote.

Rane later told reporters that he was not happy with the functioning of the Congress and would be quitting it soon.

"I have been complaining about the functioning of the Congress. No one is paying attention. I will be quitting the party soon," Rane said.

Rane later announced that he had resigned from both the Congress and the Goa assembly, and that his resignation from the house had been accepted.

The Congress alleged that the BJP-led coalition government was not legitimate.

"They have bought over MLAs. They have not allowed us to speak in the assembly or discuss the motion, they have even foisted a Speaker who formerly was reporting to Manohar Parrikar as Chief Minister in 2012.

"There is no legitimacy for this government," Congress spokesperson and MLA Aleixo Reginaldo told IANS.

The former Defence Minsiter later told reporters that portfolios to the 10-member cabinet would be announced on Saturday.

"Expansion of the cabinet will be done after the budget session is over. The budget session will begin on March 22," Parrikar said.

Thursday's trust vote was ordered by the Supreme Court following a petition by the Congress which alleged that Goa Governor Mridula Sinha had played a partisan role in inviting the BJP to form a government although the Congress was the single largest party with 17 MLAs in the 40-member assembly.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A Philippine member of Parliament on Thursday filed an impeachment complaint against President Rodrigo Duterte for his alleged involvement in killings, violation of the Constitution, betrayal of public trust, bribery and other crimes.

Opposition congressman Gary Alejano presented the complaint to the lower house of Parliament and later revealed it to the media, Efe news reported.

Alejano's complaint is the first attempt to start impeachment proceedings against Duterte, who assumed office last June.

However, the motion is unlikely to garner much support as out of the 292 members in Parliament, at least 267 are allies of Duterte, who is also widely popular among the masses.

Alejano, whose party comprises military officers who staged a botched coup d'etat in 2003, said that the President's actions and behaviour are enough grounds for the impeachment process.

Duterte's alleged crimes include the creation of the Davao Death Squad when he was mayor of the region, as well as the more than 7,000 killings as a part of his war on drugs.

The complaint will be referred to the Speaker, who will refer it to a committee to determine whether the complaint has enough weight to be discussed in the house when it meets in May after the current break.

The complaint comes after two people identified themselves as former members of the Davao Death Squad and accused Duterte publicly of organising the murders of criminals and his opponents.

International organisations, too, have criticised what they consider to be violations of human rights in Duterte's aggressive anti-drug campaign.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Britain's Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday granted royal assent to the Brexit bill, giving Prime Minister Theresa May the legal power to start negotiations with the European Union.

House of Commons Speaker John Bercow announced that the European Union (Notification of Withdrawal) Bill was signed by the Queen after it was cleared by both chambers of the Parliament earlier this week, the Guardian reported.

"I have to notify the house in accordance with the Royal Assent Act 1967 that her Majesty has signified her royal assent to the following acts... European Union (Notification of Withdrawal) Act 2017," Bercow told lawmakers.

The bill gives May the legal authority to trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, the laid down procedure within the EU for a member state wishing to leave.

Once Article 50 is triggered, it kickstarts a two-year process for negotiating a new relationship between both sides.

The Prime Minister is now free to trigger the exit clause, but is not expected to do until as late as March 29, the newspaper reported.

A Downing Street spokesman said: "The legislation has been passed un-amended, we are pleased that's the case. The legislation has got Royal Assent and we look forward to triggering negotiations by the end of March."

Brexit Secretary David Davis said: "The Queen has today given royal assent to the Article 50 bill, giving the government the formal power to it and deliver on the will of the people."

Indian-origin lawyer in Britain Sarosh Zaiwalla said: "The biggest headache for the Prime Minister now is the announcement by Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon calling for a second referendum on the independence... If Scotland becomes independent, the UK will break up, and England will become little England. This has to be kept in mind."

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will not be taking up any ministerial post in the Modi government, BJP leader Kailash Vijayvargiya has said.

In a tweet on Wednesday night, Vijayvargiya said Chouhan will lead the Bharatiya Janata Party in the 2018 assembly polls.

He rubbished rumours that Chouhan might join the Modi cabinet following the BJP's performance in the just concluded assembly elections.

"A section of the media is trying to intentionally fuel rumours about a leadership change in MP, which is baseless," Vijayvargiya said.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj has sought a report from the Indian High Commissioner in Pakistan about an Indian woman from Hyderabad stranded in the neighbouring country and being harassed by her husband.

The minister tweeted on Thursday that she has sought a report from High Commissioner Gautam Bambawale. Her tweet came after Amjadullah Khan Khalid of Majlis Bachao Tehreek (MBT), a political party here, drew her attention to the plight of the woman.

He appealed to Sushma Swaraj to help 44-year-old Mohammadi Begum return to India.

Her father Mohammed Akbar, a cycle mechanic, had also sent an email to Sushma Swaraj in January seeking her help in bringing back his daughter.

Akbar, a resident of Bandlaguda here, said his daughter telephoned him that she was being harassed by her 60-year-old Pakistani husband in Lahore.

He alleged that Muhammad Younis, who concealed his actual nationality and claimed to be from Oman, married her in 1996.

The 'nikah' was performed over telephone through some agent and Begum joined Younis, a mechanic, in Muscat. After 12 years of marriage, Begum got a shock when Younis, who had lost his job, disclosed that he was a Pakistani.

The couple has three sons and two daughters. One of the sons was born in Pakistan.

Begum had visited Hyderabad in 2012. Her father said this was her only visit to India in 21 years.

Akbar said she had been making phone calls to him and pleading with him to do something to save her from the life of torture that she had been forced to live.

Younis was also not allowing her to renew her Indian passport, which expired last year.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Taiwan's defence ministry is planning to buy stealth fighters and vertical take-off and landing aircraft to counter China's rapid military development, according to an official report issued on Thursday.

The island country will increase its military budget this year by 7 per cent to $147 billion to boost the purchase and development of its military equipment amid rising tensions with China, the Quadrennial Defence Review report said.

The plans need to be approved by US President Donald Trump, since Washington is practically the only supplier of advanced military equipment to Taiwan, Efe news quoted the report as saying.

Senior US officials had recently said that more and better defence weapons will be supplied to Taiwan, on the basis of a $1 billion arms sale package cancelled in December 2016 by former President Barack Obama.

The model is seeking to buy is the F-35 Lightning - one of the Pentagon's most modern aircraft - in two variants: the F35A, which is invisible to radars, and the F35B, capable of vertical take-off and landing.

The defence ministry believes that China's aim remains to invade Taiwan, which requires a better military preparation and the purchase and development of more advanced equipment, such as missiles, submarines and warships, the report added.
Opposition parties in Telangana joined hands on Thursday to complain to the Governor about the state government's move to shift "dharna chowk", a main venue of protests in Hyderabad.

With the government deciding to shift the venue to the city outskirts citing law issues, leaders of the opposition submitted a joint representation to Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan, terming the government's move an attempt to suppress the voice of dissent.

"Dharna chowk" near Indira Park in the heart of the city has been the venue of thousands of protests by political parties, people's organisations, employees' unions, students' groups and others for over two decades.

Leaders of main opposition Congress, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Communist Party of India (CPI), Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M), Madiga Reservation Porata Samithi (MRPS) and organisations met the governor.

Condemning the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) government's decision to shift the chowk, state Congress chief Uttam Kumar Reddy said that if the government goes ahead, all opposition parties will unitedly fight against it.

The opposition leaders alleged that Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao was acting in an autocratic manner and trying to suppress the democratic rights.

They recalled that during Telangana movement, Chandrasekhar Rao led protests in the heart of the city but was now trying to gag the voice of the opposition.

Earlier in the day, BJP legislators marched from Indira Park to the assembly to protest the move. BJP leader Kishan Reddy said as the people's opposition to the government was growing, it was resorting to undemocratic methods to suppress it.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on Thursday called for a "different approach" to dealing with North Korea amid the country's rising threats over its nuclear programme.

Tillerson arrived in Japan on Thursday morning beginning his first Asia tour as US secretary of state.

"I think it's important to recognise the diplomatic efforts of the last 20 years to bring North Korea to the table have failed," he said after a meeting with Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida, the Washington Post reported.

His reference to 20 years of failure alluded to the 1994 deal between the US and North Korea that would have seen Pyongyang receive aid and two proliferation-resistant nuclear power plants in return for freezing and eventually dismantling its nuclear weapons programme.

That deal collapsed in 2002 and years of stop-start efforts to reach a new deal have amounted to little, with North Korea actively pursuing nuclear weapons and the missiles with which to deliver them, according to the report.

Over that time, the US had given North Korea a total of $1.35 billion in assistance "as an encouragement to take a different pathway", Tillerson said, but it had been met with continued weapons development.

"It is clear that a different approach is required," he said, adding that he and Kishida had "exchanged views about a different approach".

Kishida said he had conveyed Japan's views to Tillerson for consideration during the policy review, but he didn't go into details.

While in Tokyo, Tillerson was also scheduled to meet Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who forged a bond with President Trump during his visit to Washington last month.

The US and the countries on Tillerson's itinerary are trying to find ways to convince the regime led by North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un to stop firing missiles and pursuing development of nuclear weapons, reported the newspaper.

On Friday, Tillerson will head to South Korea, which is in political turmoil after its President Park Geun-hye was impeached last week as the result of a corruption scandal.

There, the US is currently deploying a controversial missile interception system known as Thaad (Terminal High Altitude Area Defence), which could be halted by South Korea's next leader.

On Saturday, Tillerson would be visiting Beijing where, apart from North Korea, trade will also be a key topic of discussion.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A US federal judge has temporarily blocked the new travel ban raising sharp criticism from President Donald Trump. Trump has blasted the ruling blocking his order as a "judicial overreach", a media report said.

Trump on Wednesday said he will go to the Supreme Court to overturn the ruling by Honolulu federal court's Judge Derrick Watson, Efe news reported.

"We're going to fight this terrible ruling. We're going to take this as far as we need to, right up to the Supreme Court," Trump said at a rally in Nashville, Tennessee.

The court order came hours before the new travel ban was scheduled to be enforced on Thursday.

Hawaii, Maryland and Washington states have raised their opposition to the new executive order signed by Trump on March 6.

Hawaii said that the order discriminates on the basis of nationality and would make it impossible for state residents to be visited by relatives from the six Muslim-majority countries included in the ban.

The state also argued that the travel ban would hurt the state's big tourism industry, as well as the ability to attract foreign students and recruit foreign workers.

The new immigration ban would suspend for 120 days the US refugee acceptance program and bar for 90 days US entry to citizens from Iran, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Yemen and Libya, taking the stance that they present a terrorism risk.

In contrast to Trump's first executive order signed on January 27 but later blocked in federal court, the new measure would exempt citizens of Iraq and those enjoying permanent US residence.

It also would eliminate the ongoing prohibition on entry for Syrian refugees and the exemption of Syrian Christians from the ban.

The executive order signed by the President also reduces from 110,000 to 50,000 the number of refugees the US would take in during 2017.

Hawaii filed the first lawsuit against the new immigration ban, and attorneys for the island state, the government of which is controlled by the Democrats.

It presented the suit in a Honolulu federal court asking for a temporary suspension of the measure Trump signed on March 6, although it was not scheduled to go into effect until March 16.

"Hawaii is special in that it has always been non-discriminatory in both its history and constitution," Hawaii Attorney General Douglas Chin said.

"Twenty per cent of the people are foreign-born, 100,000 are non-citizens and 20 per cent of the labour force is foreign-born."

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
US President Donald Trump will ask Congress for $1.5 billion to begin work on the wall he promised to build along the Mexico border, the media reported.

The money is part of a $30 billion supplemental spending request being sent to lawmakers, according to White House budget director Mick Mulvaney.

Mulvaney told the media on Wednesday that the money would be used to begin developing technologies and locations for the wall, The Hill magazine reported.

The request also boosts funding for defence and other border security measures Trump has called for as part of a push to ramp up deportations of people living illegally in the US.

"I think the funding provides for a couple of pilot cases... different kinds of barriers in different kinds of places," the budget director said.

"We try and find the most cost-efficient, the safest and also the most effective border protections."

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Assam Rifles have arrested two Islamic State suspects from a border town in Manipur, police sources said on Thursday.

The arrests were made at a border checkpost at Khudengthabi along the Trans Asian Highway No 1 on March 14 when the suspects were proceeding towards Imphal from the border town of Moreh.

The two were identified as Nazir Mohammad and Abu Bakir who told police that they were from Tamil Nadu.

The Assam Rifles personnel recovered 14 SIM cards and some handsets, besides Rs 75,130 in Indian currency and a huge amount in foreign currencies.

The two told police that they left Kolkata on March 9 and travelled through Assam and reached Dimapur railway station in Nagaland on March 10.

They then came to Imphal from where they went to Moreh. They further told police that this was their second visit to Manipur.

The police said they were investigating the real purpose of their visit and what they did in the border town.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
As the Maharashtra assembly witnessed noisy scenes over the demand for farm-loan waiver, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday asked whether those demanding it could guarantee that suicides by farmers will stop if debts were written off.

He also assured to take up the issue with the Centre.

The Chief Minister said that since the loan waiver scheme of 2008-2009, as many as 16,000 state farmers had committed suicide, and accused the opposition of playing over a critical and sensitive issue.

Fadnavis's contention came in response to the aggressive demand by the opposition and ruling ally Shiv Sena for waiver of farm loans, an issue that continued to disrupt the ongoing Budget session proceedings for the second week.

"We are not opposed to farm loan waiver. I want opposition leaders to give guarantee if we waive outstanding loans of Rs 30,000 crore," Fadnavis said in an attempt to corner the opposition even as the Congress, Nationalist Congress Party and Shiv Sena legislators noisily demanded farm loan waiver.

The Chief Minister attacked the Congress and the NCP for what he said was "not doing enough for farmers" during their 15-year rule and raising the issue of farm loan waiver after they were routed in the civic body elections.

Nevertheless, he assured, he would discuss the matter of writing off farmers' debts with the Centre, including Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh.

Reeling off statistics, Fadnavis said the outstanding dues totalled Rs 30,500 crore against 3.10 million farmers in Maharashtra.

In comparison, the government is spending Rs 19,434 in agriculture, Rs 2,000 crore for insurance, Rs 8,000 crore as compensation for natural calamities and Rs 1,500 for various agro-related schemes.

"Hence, an almost equal amount is already being spent for the betterment of farmers and improving agriculture by our government. If a loan waiver is announced, we shall have no funds for investment in this sector," he said.

Fadnavis said farmers had become debt-ridden within a year after the loan waiver scheme and banks did not consider farmers credit-worthy for making fresh advances.

Attacking the Congress and the NCP, he said they are pressing for loan write-off to bail out district cooperative banks run by them.

After Fadnavis's statement, Sena legislator from Junnar, Anil Kadam, said his party wants a complete farm-loan waiver package.

"Please sit and work out something and include it in the state Budget (2017-2018) to be tabled on Saturday," he urged.

A day earlier, the Shiv Sena had said it will not allow Budget presentation before announcement of farm debt write-off.

Later, Congress Member of Legislative Council Sanjay Dutt said that if the Centre is prepared to bear the burden of farm loans in Uttar Pradesh, why discriminate against Maharashtra farmers.

Dubbing Fadnavis's statement as "misleading and making baseless allegations against the opposition", Leader of Opposition Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil (Congress) said the government must first announce loan-waiver after which the opposition will come to the table.

"While in the opposition, Fadnavis and other leaders raised the demand, but when they are in power now, they are reluctant to offer farm-loan waiver," Vikhe-Patil said.

Later, the Congress and the NCP protested outside State Bank of India head office against bank Chairperson Arundhati Bhattacharya's statements allegedly opposing the loan waiver.

In a sharp statement, Vikhe-Patil demanded an apology from Bhattacharya failing which the Congress will move a breach of privilege motion against her in the assembly.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
While the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is enjoying its moment of glory, one aspect has received little attention: After 28 months as defence minister, Manohar Parrikar has been rushed to Goa as the chief minister. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, who was also the defence minister for the first six months of this governments term, has been given the additional charge yet again. The government should end this short-term solution and appoint a full-fledged minister who knows the intricacies of this crucial portfolio.
You would soon be able to use a major chunk of your retirement money to buy a house. The government will amend Employees Provident Fund (EPF) scheme to enable members of EPFO to withdraw up to 90 per cent of their fund for making down payments while buying homes.

The provisions to withdraw money from EPF account always existed but there was a restriction on the amount a person could withdraw. A subscriber can get a loan worth 24 times the wages (basic salary plus dearness allowance).

Financial advisors say that an individual should dip into the retirement corpus only if it's a first house, and the property is not bought for investment. Breaking retirement corpus should be the last resort for any one. An individual should do it only if he can contribute that money back into the in due course of time, say, by increasing contribution. Therefore, only look at the money if you have at least 15 years of service left, that is, if you are not over 43-45 years old.

Instead of using money, financial advisors say that a person can pledge gold to buy a property. Using a real asset to create another one is a better option than using a financial asset.

While the modalities of the scheme are not yet out, Labour Minister Bandaru Dattatreya told Rajya Sabha that they are going to add a new paragraph 68BD. This means, most of the current provision will remain. The eligibility criteria to use your PF money to buy a home are very stringent and getting a sanction is challenging. For example, a person should be a subscriber for at least five years. The property also needs to be in the name of the applicant or jointly owned with spouse only. There's a lot of paperwork involved, too.

The labour minister also informed that withdrawal would be permitted if the applicant is a member of a co-operative society or a housing society having at least 10 members. The subscriber can also use the money to pay off outstanding home loan.

As of today, if the individual is employed, the application needs to be made through the employer. The company processes the papers after the verification and send it to the regional EPFO office. While one can get the approval within a month, the time varies depending on the employer's promptness and the regional EPFO offices.
Opposition parties in the Maharashtra Assembly and in the Lok Sabha on Thursday tried to pin down the respective Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led governments on the issue a waiver for farm loans.
Opposition Congress and Nationalist Congress Party legislators on Thursday stormed the State Bank of India's corporate office at the Nariman Point demanding an apology from chairperson Arundhati Bhattacharya for her statement that crop loan waiver disrupts credit discipline among borrowers as they expect future loans to be waived as well. Agitated Congress and NCP legislators led by the leader of opposition in the state assembly Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil shouted slogans for over half-an-hour and threatened to table privilege motion in the state legislature. Opposition members left the office after learning that Bhattacharya is out of Mumbai.
Opposition parties in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday raised the issue of transaction surcharge on credit card payments for fuel purchase at as well as new charges being introduced on ATM withdrawals.

Raising the issue through a Zero Hour mention, Naresh Agrawal (SP) said despite the promise that no fuel surcharge will be levied on purchase of petrol and diesel through credit and debit cards, customers are being levied a charge of up to two per cent.

Banks have also introduced levies on more than four ATM withdrawals, he said. Charges are also being imposed for not maintaining minimum balance in saving bank accounts.

Banks, he said, have not agreed to the government's advise to reconsider the levies.

Alleging government's patronage to Paytm, Agrawal said in the name of Digital India, the government has promoted business interest of Chinese-backed digital wallet Paytm, whose valuation has jumped from $3 billion to $5 billion after the high denomination currency notes were demonetised and use of digital modes for payment were stressed.

Sitaram Yechury (CPI-M) said he was charged Rs 144 as ATM charges on his saving bank account with State Bank of India (SBI) despite not using the ATM. "This is happening without any announcement (of levy of such charge)," he said.

Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said the allegation for patronage to Paytm were wrong.

Deputy Chairman P J Kurien asked him to convey to the Finance Minister the personal complaint of Yechury on charges being levied on ATM without prior intimation.

Md Nadimul Haque (TMC) raised the issue of private hospitals charging exorbitant rates for treatment in a "non-transparent" manner.

He suggested that the Centre should also enact a legislation on the lines of the one done in West Bengal to provide for penalties for over-charging and compensation in case of deaths caused by medical negligence.

In his special mention, Mohd Ali Khan (Cong) said several private hospital were forcing CGHS card holders to go for treatment outside the Central Government Health Scheme package.

Congress member Husain Dalwai raised the issue of female foeticide, especially in Maharashtra, and specifically mentioned an incident in the Sangli district.

Maharashtra Minister Pankaja Munde had recently announced that a female police official will probe the case of 19 aborted female foetuses found dumped in Sangli district.

Dalwai said that while there were laws to deal with the menace, they were not being strictly implemented.

He said the sex ratio in the country has declined from 927 in 2001 to 914 in 2011.

Kurien also that it was a very serious issue and government should take note of it.
Twenty-five operational airports in the country have almost reached or nearing their optimum utilisation, and steps have been taken to bring their capacity as per the traffic demand, the government said today.

Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Jayant Sinha, in a written reply also informed the Lok Sabha said that the existing infrastructure capacity at Indian airports is sufficient to meet the traffic demand.

There are 77 operational airports in the country.

He also informed the House that based on traffic growth at the existing airports, Airports Authority of India (AAI) has prepared a plan for investment of Rs 17,500 crore for capacity enhancement by upgrade of infrastructure at operational airports, revival of non-operational airports, strengthening of Air Navigation Services (ANS) infrastructure, installation of solar power plants, among others.

The government has granted "in principle" approval for setting up of the 18 greenfield airports besides granting "site clearance" approval for setting up of five greenfield airports, Sinha said.

The airport projects at Andal in West Bengal's Durgapur and at Kannur in Kerala have been completed, the Minister said adding that the operations at Durgapur airport have commenced on May 18, 2015 while the trial landing at Kannur airport has also been completed.

Sinha, in reply to another question, said the primary objective of Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)-UDAN is to facilitate/stimulate regional air connectivity by making it affordable.

The government has approved the proposal for revival of 50 un-served/under-served airports/airstrips of the state governments, AAI and civil enclaves at an estimated cost of Rs 4,500 crore, in three financial years starting from 2017-18, the Minister said.

However, the revival of airstrips/airports is "demand driven", depending upon firm commitment from airline operators as well as from the state governments for providing various concessions.

The Minister also said that AAI, which is the implementing agency for RCS has received 43 initial proposals from 11 bidders, covering 92 airports.

Of these 30 airports currently are served airports, 12 are under-served and 50 un-served airports.

Sinha said that the RCS is aimed at connecting remote areas to major cities whereas the rapid transport system aims to connect major cities.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Thirty terrorists including 11 Afghan nationals and members of the banned Tahreek-e-Taliban Pakistan have been arrested in Punjab province, police said today.

The anti-terror raids of Rangers and police are part of nationwide military operation 'Radd-ul-Fasaad' - which translates roughly to 'elimination of discord' - launched last month in the province against militants.

The security forces conducted intelligence-based raids in various cities such as Lahore, Rawalpindi, Sialkot besides Islamabad in the last two days, army said in a statement.

"The security personnel have taken 26 suspected terrorists including 11 Afghans into custody and seized weapons, ammunition, improvised explosive devices and suicide jacket preparation material. The suspects were shifted to undisclosed locations for interrogation," it said.

In a separate raid, the Counter-Terrorism Department arrested four members of the Tahreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) from Rawalpindi.

The suspects were planning to carry out terror activities against law enforcement personnel in Rawalpindi.

Police have also recovered one kg of explosive material, four detonators and one hand grenade from their possession.

Operation Radd-ul-Fassad was launched last month after a series of militant attacks in the country killed more than 125 people.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A five-year-old girl from the minority community surprised all here in this coastal district when she topped the Bhagwad Gita recitation contest.

Firdaus topped the Gita recitation contest held here yesterday by getting the better of senior competitors.

A standard-1 student of Sovaniya residential school here, the tiny-tot has got by heart the Hindu religious scripture at the tender age when her classmates find the going tough in reading alphabets.

Firdaus is an exceptional talent and she stood first in the Gita recital competition for the sub-juniors in the 6-14 years category, said a judge of the competition, Biraja Kumar Pati.

"We have read about the singing sensation of Indian Idol fame being allegedly issued Fatwa for performing in open stage. But a Muslim girl here has set an example of communal amity and tolerance by topping Bhagwat Gita contest", said a local resident, Aryadatta Mohanty.

Firdaus was miles ahead of her competitors. At one go, she recited the Gita with consummate ease and uninterruptedly. Her pronunciation was immaculate. "We awarded her 90 marks out of a total of 100", described another judge of the district level competition, Akshyaya Pani.

"My teachers have taught me moral education and have inculcated me the spirit of 'Live and let live others'. I believe that all human beings are members of an extended global family. This is what my dear teachers tell us in the classrooms", the little girl said with a tinge of pride.

"I am a proud mother. It is giving me immense satisfaction after knowing that my daughter has stood first on reciting Hindu religious scripture Gita. Credit for my daughter's success goes to the school teachers," her mother Arifa Biwi said.

Stating that they belonged to Damarpur village in Pattamundai block, Biwi said communal amity always prevails in their village. The majority community members live in neighbourhood and treat others like their brothers and sisters.

"This harmonious social coexistence has impacted our children. I always tell my children that all human beings have the same blood, though they may come from divergent religious beliefs", Biwi said.

Urmila Kar, head mistress of Sovaniya residential school, said "From the very day she was enrolled here, Firdaus has shown spark of brilliance in academics. She has a sharp memory power. Boys and girls from both the Hindu and Muslim communities are studying here. Apart from text book teaching, we teach them finer points of all religions as part of moral education".

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A union of Delhi-based cab drivers today announced to launch an app next month to give a "tough competition" to app-based taxi service providers Uber and Ola.

The Union - Chaalak Shakti - will launch the app named 'Sewa Cab' on April 7 in the national capital, a representative of the union said, claiming that thousands of drivers will come under the ambit of the app.

"We will launch our app on April 7. As of now, work has started on the app which will run just like the ones of Uber and Ola," Pawan, a representative of Chaalak Shakti said.

Last month, thousands of drivers associated with Ola and Uber had gone on an indefinite strike against "lack of facilities" their employers provide to them.

The strike had caused hardships to cummuters in the city.

Union said once the app is launched, the drivers will not have to go on strikes again, demanding such basic facilities.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party wants Assembly elections in Gujarat, due later this year, to be conducted using ballot papers and not EVMs.

AAP's Gujarat Incharge Gopal Rai today said they will approach the Chief Electoral Officer of Gujarat in this regard soon.

"We will make a representation before the Chief Electoral Officer of Gujarat and demand that elections to the state Assembly, scheduled later this year, be conducted through ballot papers instead of EVMs (electronic voting machines)," Rai said.

Apart from the BSP supremo Mayawati, Kejriwal, who is AAP's national convener and Delhi Chief Minister, has also alleged that EVMs were tampered with in recently concluded Assembly elections in five states.

However, the Election Commission has dismissed their contention.

Meanwhile, Rai said AAP has decided to improve its organisational strength in Gujarat. The party had earlier announced that it will field candidates from all 182 seats.

"We have so far trained 6000 volunteers and will train 20,000 volunteers in the next two months. We will call all our booth-level workers to Gandhinagar on March 26, when Kejriwal will address them," he said.

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Seeking to recover their loans worth about Rs 17,000 crore, lenders of debt-laden ABG Shipyard have put the company on the block but none of the bidders appear to be interested in buying the shares.

The consortium of about two dozen banks, led by ICICI Bank, has mandated SBI Caps for finding the buyer for their 51 per cent equity, which lenders got after conversion of debt, which is believed to have attracted two expressions of interest (EoIs) -- from Liberty House Group of the UK and Reliance Defence and Engineering.

While an RDEL spokesperson did not comment on the matter, sources said the company has shown interest in an 'asset purchase agreement' for certain "agreed assets" of ABG Shipyard, but it is not interested in buying shares of the lenders or of the promoters.

Sources further said that Liberty House has offered to take over the existing debt of about Rs 16,000-17,000 crore of the company in lieu of the entire assets of the company. Liberty House could not be contacted for their comments.

ABG Shipyard yesterday said in a regulatory filing that the lenders have shortlisted few "prospective bidders" for the company after invoking their rights to change the ownership and its board has authorised a few top officials, including Chairman Rishi Agarwal, to take necessary steps with respect to the proposed transaction.

Sources said that neither of the two prospective bidders have shown interest in acquiring the shares of the lenders, or that of the promoters and failure to strike a deal may lead to the company exploring other options.

The lenders have been trying for a long time to recover their loans, including through Corporate and Strategic Debt Restructuring routes.

Besides Agarwal, company's executive director S Muthuswamy and CFO Hasmukh Daftary have also been authorised to "initiate all the necessary steps, deal with, modify, alter, amend, finalise and execute any agreements".

These would be in connection with the lenders and the company identifying and engaging with the prospective bidders for the proposed transaction, the company has said.

In view of the financial challenges faced by the company, the lenders to the company in meetings of joint lenders forum had decided to invoke the rights of the lenders to change the ownership of the company or to acquire assets and liabilities.

Lenders had acquired majority stake in the company upon converting part of their debt into equity under SDR scheme.

ICICI Bank had acquired the highest 11.08 per cent stake in the company in October last year by exercising its option to convert CCPS into equity. The consortium of lenders had also restructured their loan in 2013 under CDR scheme.

In August last year, the company's board had also approved the SDR invoked by its lenders. The lenders also include SBI, Dena Bank, PNB and IDBI Bank.

Incorporated in 1985, ABG Shipyard is the flagship company of ABG group with interests in shipping and cement sectors and manufactures ships and rigs across two facilities in Gujarat at Dahej and Surat.

It is one of the three private shipyards in India approved by the Indian Navy to build various types of naval vessels and has built 23 vessels for Indian defence sector.

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Airbus said today that a British corruption probe had now been extended to France.

On August 7, Britain's Serious Fraud Office said it had opened a criminal probe into alleged fraud, bribery and corruption "concerning third-party consultants."



"Airbus has now been informed that the French authorities... Had also opened a preliminary investigation into the same subject and that the two authorities will act in coordination," Airbus said in a statement, adding: "Airbus will cooperate fully with both authorities.

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Telecom major Bharti Airtel today said its shareholders have approved a proposal to raise up to Rs 10,000 crore in debt.

The shareholders have also approved "transfer of company's investment in its wholly-owned subsidiary, Bharti Airtel International (Mauritius) Limited (BAIM)" to Network i2i Limited, Mauritius, another wholly-owned subsidiary, the company said in a regulatory filing.

Over 99 per cent of the shareholders approved special resolution of the company to "issue of unsecured/secured redeemable non-convertible debentures/bonds by way of private placements", the filing said.

The board of Bharti Airtel on January 24 had approved the proposal to raise debt up to Rs 10,000 crore.

The board of Bharti Airtel had approved rejig of its overseas arms on February 8 that will now operate under its wholly-owned Mauritius-based subsidiary Network i2i Ltd.

BAIM is investment holding firm of Bharti Airtel.

Under the approved structure, Airtel's wholly-owned subsidiaries Bharti Airtel International (Mauritius) Ltd (BAIM), Bharti Airtel International (Netherlands) B.V. (BAIN), Netherlands and Bharti International (Singapore) Pte Ltd (BISPL), Singapore will be held entirely by Network i2i Ltd (Ni2i), Mauritius, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the company.

BAIN, which manages Africa operations of Airtel, will continue to hold the shareholding in African operating companies, the filing said.

Airtel's investments in its wholly-owned subsidiaries Bharti Airtel (USA) Ltd, Bharti Airtel (Hong Kong) Ltd and Bharti Airtel (UK) Ltd will be held entirely by BISPL.

The company said the transaction is subject to regulatory approvals but expects to complete it on or before March 31, 2017.

Shares of Bharti Airtel closed at Rs 360.25 a unit, down by 0.8 per cent compared to previous close at BSE.

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A special court is likely to pronounce the quantum of sentence in the 2007 Ajmer dargah bomb blast case on March 18.

The special CBI court today heard the arguments on the sentencing and posted the matter for Saturday.

During the hearing, the defence counsel argued that the case should not be linked with religion after the prosecution submitted that it was the "first case where it is proved that the members of the community to which the convicts belong are involved in terror activities".

The defence counsel also said the court should consider one section for conspiracy instead of two sections for deciding the quantum of sentence.

The court had on March 8 convicted Bhavesh Patel, Devendra Gupta and Sunil Joshi while acquitting others including Swami Aseemanand. Joshi has already died.

The conviction was made under charges of criminal conspiracy, malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings and related offences and relevant sections of the Explosives Substances Act.

The defence counsel, Jagdish Rana, argued that both the sections of 120-B of IPC and 18 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) deal with conspiracy, so only the latter should only be considered to fix the quantum of punishment.

Before this, Public Prosecutor Ashwini Kumar said the court should consider that the bomb blast killed three persons and left 15 injured.

He said the bomb was planted at the place of Sufi saint. and cited that the Supreme Court has also said that Hinduism is not a religion but a way of life. Indian culture follows the theory of live and let live, he added.

The defence counsel objected, saying this should not be linked with religion.

Theblaston October 11, 2007 in the dargah of Khawaja Moinuddin Chisti at the time of Roza Iftaar, had left three pilgrims dead and 15 injured.

Thecasewas handed over to ATS Rajasthan and later transferred to NIA which re-registered thecasewith the agency's police station in New Delhi on April 6, 2011.

There were as many as 149 witnesses in thecaseand 451 documents were examined and the NIA filed three supplementary charge sheet in thecase.

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Actor Akshay Kumar has donated Rs 9 lakh each to the families of the 12 CRPF personnel who were killed in a recent Naxal ambush in Chhattisgarh.

Officials said, soon after the incident, the actor approached the Union Home Ministry with a request to obtain the bank account numbers of the family members of the jawans who were killed in the March 11 ambush as he wanted to make a monetary donation to them.

They said the Ministry, accepting Kumar's request, directed the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) to share the bonafide bank account numbers of the families of the slain personnel.

Kumar, they said, transferred Rs 9 lakh each in the bank accounts yesterday.

"Kumar's gesture exhibits his patriotism and devotion towards the country in general and CRPF in particular," the paramilitary force said in a statement.

12 personnel were killed in a deadly ambush in Chhattisgarh's worst Naxal-hit district of Sukma on March 11 when they were out on a patrol.

The deceased CRPF personnel have been identified as Inspector Jagjit Singh, Assistant Sub-inspectors H B Bhatt and Narender Kumar Singh, head constables Jagdish Prasad Vishnoi and P R Minde and constables Mangesh Pal Pandey, Rampal Singh Yadav, Goraknath, Nand Kumar Patra, Satish Kumar Verma, K Shankar and Suresh Kumar.

The troops belonged to the 219th battalion of the force deployed in the state for conducting anti-Naxal operations.

The 'Khiladi' fame actor had also recently met Union Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi expressing his desire to contribute to the security forces and also with a plan to develop an smartphone app (application) so that any citizen can donate money to the family of those needy jawans or officers who get killed in the line of duty.

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Amazon India head Amit Agarwal has been elevated to the post of Senior Vice President, Amazon.

The company confirmed the development in an emailed statement.

"This indicates how excited Amazon is about the progress the company is making in India and the opportunity Amazon sees ahead," it added.

The promotion comes within a year of Agarwal's inclusion in a senior leadership team that reports directly to Amazon CEO and President Jeff Bezos.

Agarwal will continue to head the India operations.

Amazon, which has committed investments to the tune of USD 5 billion, remains one of the fastest growing for the US-based e-tailer.

The company faces intense competition in India from local player, Flipkart. The competition is further heating up as Chinese e-tailer Alibaba gears up for a stronger play in India through Paytm.

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The Andhra Pradesh Assembly today passed a resolution thanking the Central Government for approving a special economic package for the state.

There was, however, acrimony between the ruling Telugu Desam and the lone opposition YSR Congress on the issue with the latter castigating the former for failing to secure special category status (SCS) for the state.

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, though, said every benefit that would have come under SCS would accrue through the special economic package.

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley announced the package in September last and since then the state government had been demanding the Centre accord "legal sanctity" to it.

With the Union Cabinet finally approving the package last evening, an elated Chief Minister tabled the resolution in the Assembly expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Jaitley, Union Ministers M Venkaiah Naidu, P Ashok Gajapati Raju and Nirmala Sitharaman, among others.

"This will be the harbinger of development of our new state that suffered heavily due to the irrational bifurcation," Chandrababu said.

He went on to speak elaborately on the Polavaram multi -purpose irrigation project for which the Centre agreed to bear 100 per cent of the cost. "There is a conspiracy to see that the project doesn't progress. We will thwart all such efforts and complete the project in time."



A remark by the opposition members when the CM was reading out the statement caused commotion in the House.

Legislative Affairs Minister Yanamala Ramakrishnudu said the word used by the opposition was "unparliamentary" and accordingly Speaker Kodela Sivaprasada Rao said it would be expunged from the record.

After a heated debate in which Leader of Opposition Y S Jaganmohan Reddy accused the government of hoodwinking the people on the special category status issue, the House passed the resolution expressing gratitude to the Centre.

The House was then adjourned till Monday.

Earlier in the day, the YSRC forced adjournment of the proceedings twice for ten minutes each on the Polavaram project and weavers' problems during Question Hour.

Opposition members rushed into the Well of the House and disrupted the proceedings, not satisfied with the government's response.

Meanwhile, the Committee on Privileges tabled a report on its inquiry into a complaint against YSRC MLA R K Roja. The panel recommended suspension of Roja from the House for one year over her remarks against TDP MLA Vangalapudi Anita.

The committee left the final decision to the House. The issue could not be taken up today since Roja was not present in the Assembly.

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Mining billionaire Anil Agarwal plans to buy stake in South Africa's Anglo American Plc for up to 2 billion pounds (USD 2.4 billion) to gain a foothold in diamond mining business.

Anglo is the owner of the De Beers, the world's leading diamond exploration, mining and marketing company, producing over 30 million carats of diamonds per annum, 35 per cent of global rough diamonds production.

"Volcan Investments Ltd announces that it intends to make an investment in Anglo American plc shares of up to 2 billion pounds," the company announced late last night.

Volcan is a holding company, wholly owned by the Agarwal family trust, and this is a personal investment by Vedanta Resources Group Chairman Anil Agarwal.

According to industry estimates, the investment will give Agarwal about 12-13 per cent stake in Anglo, making him the second-largest shareholder after South Africa's Public Investment Corp.

The stake purchase announcement comes nearly a year after Agarwal's plans to merge his mining business with Anglo was rejected.

Agarwal said the purchase being made now was a family investment and he won't make a takeover bid.

Commenting on the investment Agarwal said: "This is an attractive investment for our family trust. Anglo American plc is a great company with excellent assets and a strong board and management team who are executing a focused strategy to drive shareholder value. I am delighted to become a shareholder in Anglo American plc."



The diamonds sold by De Beers to its clients trickles down to the secondary market in Surat and Mumbai, where they are sold to small and medium diamantaires and even big companies.

India is the largest consumer of rough diamonds in the world.

Vedanta Resources in a separate filing said the company confirms that the proposed investment is being made by Volcan alone, and that the company is not participating in Volcan's investment.

"Vedanta is committed to its strategic priorities, including ramping up production from its portfolio of low cost assets, increasing its free cash flow, and continuing to optimise and deleverage its balance sheet," it said.

Agarwal had approached Anglo American for potential merger



with Hindustan Zinc in 2016 but Anglo had rejected this proposal.

Agarwal has majority stake in Hindustan Zinc through Vedanta Ltd.

"Volcan intends to finance the investment in Anglo American plc shares through the issuance by Volcan Holdings plc, a wholly owned subsidiary of Volcan, of a mandatory exchangeable bond, led by J P Morgan as Sole Bookrunner, on or around 11 April 2017 that will be secured by Anglo American plc shares," Volcan Investments had said yesterday.

It said Volcan and the Volcan Holdings intend to purchase the Anglo American plc shares in the market via a combination of purchases from investors in the mandatory exchangeable bond and on market purchases, subject to certain conditions, until or close to the closing date.

Sources said buying into Anglo American, whose portfolio includes diamonds and platinum is set to diversify Agarwal's holdings.

Volcan's announcement also said that neither Volcan nor Vedanta intended to make an offer to acquire Anglo American.
Banks in Telangana have disbursed loans under the Mudra Scheme to as many as 1.98 lakh beneficiaries till March 10, Union Labour Minister Bandaru Dattatreya said here today.

"The banks have disbursed 1.20 lakh loans under Sishu (category), 67,235 (loans) under Kishore, and 11,427 under Tarun. The total beneficiaries are 1,98,131 as on March 10," the minister told reporters.

The Micro Units Development and Refinance Agency (MUDRA) Bank was set up by the Central Government for development and refinancing activities relating to micro units. The scheme was announced by the Finance Minister while presenting the Union Budget for FY 2016.

Dattatreya also reviewed the credit situation in a meeting held here with the officials of Reserve Bank of India and State Level Bankers Committee.

Responding to a query on the currency shortage in ATMs across the state, he said of the total 8462 ATMs in the state, 7425 are working "actively".

He said the RBI will supply Rs 5000 crore worth of currency notes to Andhra Pradesh and Rs 4000 crore to Telangana by the end of this month.

Of the Rs 4000 crore, the RBI will be issuing Rs 1150 crore on March 20, the minister added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The global aviation accident rate has shown a decline at one accident for every 2.56 million flights in 2016 compared to the 2011-15 average, as about four billion people safely flew on 40.4 million flights last year, the IATA has said.

There were 10 fatal accidents with 268 deaths in 2016, compared to an average of 13.4 fatal accidents and 371 deaths annually in the previous five-year period of 2011-2015, said the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which recently released data for the 2016 safety performance of the commercial airline industry.

The data showed that the all accident rate, measured in accidents per 1 million flights, was 1.61, an improvement from 1.79 in 2015.

The 2016 major jet accident rate, measured in hull losses per 1 million flights, was 0.39, which was the equivalent of one major accident for every 2.56 million flights.

However, this was not as good as the rate of 0.32 achieved in 2015 and was also above the five-year rate (2011-2015) of 0.36.

The data for Jet hull loss rates by region of operator per millions departures put Middle East-North Africa region on top at 2.49, compared to Latin America/Caribbean at 0.79, Asia Pacific at 0.38, North America at 0.31 and Europe at 0.27



Commenting on the safety data, Alexandre de Juniac, IATA's Director General and CEO, said last year, some 3.8 billion travellers flew safely on 40.4 million flights.

"The number of total accidents, fatal accidents and fatalities all declined versus the five-year average, showing that aviation continues to become safer," he said.

"We did take a step back on some key parameters from the exceptional performance of 2015. However, flying is still the safest form of long distance travel. And safety remains the top priority of all involved in aviation," de Juniac said.

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Private sector lender Bandhan Bank today said it has entered into a partnership with Avenues India to help merchants get access to point of sale and payment gateway products.

"Our partnership with Avenues gives us the opportunity to offer convenient banking solutions and provide easy access to POS and e-payment gateways for businesses," its managing director and chief executive Chandra Shekhar Ghosh said.

The agreement, signed recently at the bank's Kolkata headquarters, comes amid a greater thrust on digital payments by the government which includes a target to double the number of POS machines to over 20 lakh.

............................................................ DCCI to open Mumbai office



The Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry today said it will be opening an office in the financial capital to support Indo-UAE trade.

The chamber's first Indian office will be opened later this year in the financial capital, it said in a statement.

"We see a host of opportunities for business synergies between Dubai and Mumbai," its chairman Majid Saif Al Ghurair was quoted as saying in a statement.

"We have a strong commitment and will be encouraging Dubai companies to open up business in Mumbai and to strengthen public-private partnerships," he added.

A delegation from the chamber is currently visiting the financial capital and Ahmedabad, and met Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

........................................................... Apollo LogiSolutions to form JV with Singamas



Apollo LogiSolutions today said it will be forming a joint venture with Singamas, a subsidiary of Pacific International Lines, for cold chain logistics.

Both the companies signed a memorandum of understanding today which aims to provide cold chain logistics solutions, temperature controlled space/warehouses and temperature controlled transportation and distribution services, a company statement said.

This joint venture is the third agreement between Apollo and PIL group of companies, it said, adding that the first two include cooperation on container freight stations and transporting specialised liquids.

........................................................... NUSI launches helpline for seafarers



National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI) has launched a helpline to address psychological issues faced by seafarers in the country.

"The helpline service 'NUSI Sahara' would extend its free medical service and help seafarers' kin with expert counselling and guidance," NUSI said in a statement.

The helpline was recently launched here by Director General of Shipping Malini Shankar.

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Belarus today began hearing the cases of 50 people detained over the latest wave of protests against President Alexander Lukashenko, according to the Vyasna rights group, which monitors political repressions.

Thousands of demonstrators have taken to the streets of the ex-Soviet country to demand the resignation of Lukashenko, who has ruled with an iron grip since 1994.

The unusually large protests in major cities were sparked by a controversial Soviet-style tax on "spongers" -- those not in regular work.

Belarus has already sentenced 43 participants in earlier protests to stints in police cells, including four prominent opposition leaders.

Plain-clothed police detained protestors after the rallies on public transport and outside their homes in the cities of Minsk, Mogilev and Grodno, Vyasna said.

In court hearings set to continue today, protesters were charged with petty hooliganism, breaking rules on demonstrations and disobeying officials.

Some activists were sentenced to 12 to 15 days in police cells and fines. A total of 28 were sentenced to police custody in Minsk, where some 3,000 had marched. Two declared hunger strikes.

"The authorities preferred the option of force, fearing a merging of the political protest that has always existed in Belarus with the growing social protest," Vyasna's director Ales Belyatsky told AFP.

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A 76-year-old Belgian woman tourist has died after being hit a speeding motorcycle here, police said today.

The incident happened yesterday at Sardulsingh circle when Wiser Yvonne was hit by a motorcycle and received head injuries, they said.

She was rushed to PBM Government hospital, where doctors declared her dead.

Yvonne, who was accompanied by her sister, was the part of a 29-member tourist group, the police said.

The Embassy of Belgium in New Delhi has been informed and post mortem will be conducted after the arrival of embassy officials, they added.

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The Bihar government has set an ambitious target to make the state open defecation-free by 2019, a minister said today.

The state government has decided to provide assistance of Rs 12,000 to all those Above Poverty Line (APL) families under Lohia Swach Bihar Abhiyan scheme for construction of toilets as part of its target to make the state open defecation-free by 2019, Rural Development Minister Shrawan Kumar informed the legislative assembly.

He was replying to a debate on his department's budgetary allocation of Rs 9717.48 crore for 2017-18 which was subsequently passed by the ruling benches amid walk out by the opposition members at the fag end of the day's proceedings.

Kumar rued that the Centre has left out large number of poor families from coverage under the Swach Bharat Mission (Rural) as their names did not find a mention in the BPL list and said that eradication of open defecation will not succeed till all these families were included in the list and provided with assistance for construction of toilets.

The Rural Development Minister said the state government was providing assistance of Rs 12,000 per family under Lohia Swach Bihar Abhiyan for construction of toilets in order to reduce the number of those people defecating in the open.

Painting a grim picture of hygiene condition in rural areas, Kumar said that that out of 2.13 crore families residing in rural areas, a staggering 1.60 crore families did not have toilets in their houses which was a matter of concern and added that the state government has decided to expedite toilet construction on war footing by involving the elected representatives of panchayats and zila parishads.

On the positive side, the state government has made one sub-division, 13 blocks, 526 gram panchayats and over 3000 villages open defecation-free, he said.

Kumar said that the Centre's Namani Gange scheme (for cleanliness of river Ganga) has also been put to use for setting a target of making 12 districts located on the banks of the sacred river and added that it has been decided to make 61 blocks, 307 gram panchayats and 473 villages of these districts open defecation-free and out of that 170 villages have already achieved the target.

With pollution posing threat to human life and



environment, the Rural Development Minister said funds under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) was being put to good use for tree plantation and as many as 45.40 lakh saplings have been planted in the current fiscal.

In the backdrop of the Centre taking a firm stand for seeding of Aadhaar card to enable the people to avail financial and other benefits under various socio-economic schemes, Kumar said that as of now 8.47 crore people have been brought under it.

Referring to implementation of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Grameen), he said the Centre had initially given a target of 4.76 lakh units to Bihar in 2016-17, but later relented on the state government's request by sanctioning another 1.61 lakh units to take the total number of rural housing units to 6.37 lakh in current fiscal.

The list of beneficiaries has to be made on the basis of socio-economic caste census, 2011, he said.

The Rural Development Minister said that the homeless families get an assistance of Rs 1.20 lakh in 27 districts under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Grameen), while those residing in 11 districts affected by the naxal activities get Rs 1.30 lakh per unit under the Integrated Action Plan (IAP).

Kumar said that the empowerment of women has been a priority agenda of the Nitish Kumar government which has thus far set up 5.80 lakh Self-Help Groups (SHGs) under Jeevika scheme and has set a target to increase it to 10 lakh by 2018-19.

Out of 5.80 lakh SHGs, 3.20 lakh SHGs have been linked with banks for credit, while another 2.50 lakh SHGs will be linked with banks for credit up to Rs. 2000 crore, he said, adding that the Jeevika sisters were coming handy in helping out poor women to find out self-employment through a number of economic activities.

"1748 Jeevika sisters of Bihar have provided training to SHG members in other states like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Assam and Jharkhand fetching an honorarium of Rs. 23.94 crore," he said.
A BJP leader and two party activists were injured when unidentified persons attacked them at Dinhata town of CoochBehar district today.

Dhitiman Sengupta, BJP CoochBehar district leader and two party workers were injured when unidentified persons attacked them. Sengupta has been admitted to hospital, BJP sources said.

The police also confirmed the attack on Sengupta.

The BJP alleged that Trinamool Congress workers attacked Sengupta and the BJP activists but local Trinamool Congress MLA Udayan Guha refuted the BJP allegations and instead claimed that it was fight between rival factions of the BJP.

The BJP workers put up road blockades in some places in the district to protest the attack on Sengupta and two party activists.

Cooch Behar district BJP president Nikhil Ranjan Dey alleged that the Trinamool Congress is scared of the BJP's rising popularity in the district, so they attacked the BJP leader.

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A BJP MP today sought in-depth research on cow urine to examine whether it can be used as organic manure to boost agricultural productivity.

Participating in a debate in the Lok Sabha on Demand for Grants for the Agriculture Ministry, Sumedhanand Saraswati strongly urged the government to promote extensive use of organic manure by farmers to protect the soil quality from negative effects of chemical fertilisers.

In this context, the MP from Sikar constituency in Rajasthan said serious research should be carried out to find out whether cow urine could be used as organic manure and whether it could enhance the agricultural productivity.

Cow dung is used as an organic manure by farmers in various parts of the country.

Saraswati said it is time to check whether cow urine can enhance agricultural yield.

In November, Minister of State for AYUSH Shripad Yesso Naik had said government labs have undertaken research on cow urine to identify the anti-infective and anti-cancer agents and nutrients present in them.

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The BJP's landslide victory in state polls has "implications" for the Sino-India ties as it could further embolden Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "hard-line attitude" and pose difficulties for "compromises" in rows with countries like China, official Chinese media commented today.

"Modi recently led his Bharatiya Janata Party to a sweeping electoral victory in Uttar Pradesh, the country's most-populous state, as well as garnering vigorous support in several other major state elections," an op-ed in the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC)-run Global Times said.

In the first commentary by the Chinese state media after the polls, the article said the results, "not only increased Modi's chance to win in India's 2019 general elections, some even predict he is already set for a second term".

"Since Beijing-New Delhi ties have recently entered a subtle and delicate phase, observers soon started to pay close attention to how the bilateral relationship will develop after Modi tightens his grip on power," it said.

Describing Modi as "man of action" with "hard-line attitude", the article said India's domestic and international polices have undergone change under him.

On the international arena, he changed India's policy not to offend anyone.

"Modi's hard-line attitude is embodied in both his domestic policies, such as the ban on high-value currency notes, and in his diplomatic logic," it said.

"In the international arena, he changed India's previous attitude of trying never to offend anyone and started to take a clear stance in controversies among other nations to maximise its own interests. He enhanced New Delhi's ties with China and Moscow and applied to be a member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)."



"Yet he also upgraded defence collaboration with the US and Japan, articulated his support for the US rebalance to the Asia-Pacific strategy and Washington's stance on the South China Sea issue," it said.

"If Modi wins the next election, India's current firm and tough manner is bound to continue. It will be without question good for the country's own development," it said.

"Nevertheless, it will likely mean more difficulties in making compromises in rows with other countries. Take the border disputes between Beijing and New Delhi. No silver lining has yet emerged and Modi demonstrated his firm stance over the issue by celebrating Diwali, India's biggest holiday, with soldiers at the Sino-India border," it said.

(Reopens FGN 3)



"But while seeming inflexible on the surface, hard-liners also have powerful strength in coming to an agreement with others once they make up their mind, given their executive ability and high efficiency," it said.

"That said, we can still be optimistic in resolving our divergences, including border disputes, with New Delhi during Modi's term as long as both sides are willing," it said.

"For China, it is also an opportunity to give more consideration over how to make breakthroughs in Beijing-New Delhi relations with a hard-line Indian government," the article said.

Last year, the Sino-China ties were bogged down over difference on India's admission into Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), UN ban on JeM leader Masood Azhar and construction of USD 46 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

This year began on a positive note, with both sides holding an upgraded Strategic Dialogue covering almost all aspects of the relations which both sides termed as very positive.
BNP Paribas Mutual Fund today said it is aiming to cross Rs 7,000 crore mark in average assets under management (AAUM) by the year-end from around Rs 6,000 crore now.

The fund house is also looking at achieving a growth of 30 per cent in its systemic investment plan (SIP) inflows by the year-end.

"At BNP Paribas Mutual Fund, we crossed AAUM of Rs 5,977 crore as on February 28, and we are looking at achieving a growth of 20 per cent in the AAUM by December. We are hopeful of taking it to Rs 7,000 crore by 2017-end," managing director and chief executive Sharad Sharma told PTI here.

He was speaking on the sidelines of launch of BNP Paribas Balanced Fund.

The open-ended fund, aimed at investors seeking long- term wealth creation through a combination of equity, arbitrage and debt asset classes, opens for subscription on March 17 and closes on March 31. It will reopen on April 7.

Talking about the SIP growth plan at his company, he said, "We are looking at achieving a 30 per cent growth in the SIP, which was currently having a monthly fund flow to the tune of Rs 20 crore with a total folio count at 50,000."



At present, the MF player offers four funds under equity category, seven under fixed income and two hybrid schemes. Besides, it manages USD 1.04 billion through its offshore advisory and discretionary portfolio management for international investors.

The company currently has 11 offices across eight cities, including four metros, and plans to expand its presence.

"We are looking to have our presence in more cities like Gurugram, Lucknow, Kanpur, Chandigarh and Jaipur, and also in Goa by December," Sharma said, adding, "We will also tap digital route to achieve the growth.

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The 28-year-old British woman who was found dead near a beach in south Goa on Tuesday was raped before she was murdered, a police officer said today, citing the postmortem report.

The autopsy conducted by a panel of doctors of the Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) has confirmed the woman was sexually assaulted before she was throttled, according to the police.

The disrobed body of the woman, who had a British passport, was found at an isolated spot near a beach in Devbag village, located about 80 km from here, on Tuesday.

According to police, her face was smashed by the accused apparently to conceal her identity.

"The cause of death was compression of neck and the cerebral damage after she was hit on head with a beer bottle. The autopsy has confirmed that she was raped before murder," Deputy Superintendent of Police (Canacona) Sammy Tavares told PTI.

Police had yesterday arrested Vikas Bhagat, a local history-sheeter, in connection with the murder. He was remanded in seven-day judicial custody by a local court.

Tavares said there was a scuffle between Bhagat and the woman before she was murdered.

Another senior police officer said the woman was hit on head with a beer bottle by the accused, who he said has "confessed to the crime."



"Police have traced a bag filled with clothes of the deceased, which was found dumped in an open space in Canacona after the murder.

"We have also found the broken beer bottle, which was reportedly used to kill her, from the bag," he said.

The woman had been holidaying in south Goa since her arrival in the coastal state on February 23.

Police said she was seen playing Holi with locals in Canacona, hours before her corpse was found.

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The UK-based Bullitt Group, license holder for Land Rover, JCB and Kodak brands for phones and audio products, has launched a new smartphone in India for Rs 64,999, aimed at tapping into the premium 'rugged' segment.

The Cat S60 -- which is the world's first smartphone with an integrated thermal camera -- will be available from tomorrow across high end multi-brand outlets and Amazon India.

"We see an immense opportunity for our devices in the rugged smartphone category in India. While, we estimate the annual demand to be about a million units, this is a premium segment and we see a lot of potential in it," Bullitt Group Chief Marketing Officer Linda Summers told PTI.

She added that the company would look at tapping into both consumers and B2B segments for the product.

Globally, Bullitt has sold over one million units of Cat phones. The phones will be distributed in India by Brandeyes.

Powered by Android Marshmallow operating system, the Caterpillar-branded phone features a 4.7-inch multi-touch display with auto wet finger and glove support, 3,800 mAh battery, underwater 13MP main camera with dual flash and 5MP front facing camera.

The dual SIM 4G phone has a Snapdragon octa-core processor, 3GB RAM and 32GB memory. The US-based Caterpillar is a global leader in the construction and mining equipment space.

Last year, Bullitt had partnered Tata Motors-owned automotive brand Jaguar Land Rover to launch smartphones and accessories.

While, Summers did not comment about the expected launch dates of the Land Rover-branded smartphone, she said the company would look at bringing a Kodak-branded smartphone to India soon.

"We do not compete in the mass products market. Our products are designed to meet unmet or underserved needs of specific consumer segments," she said.

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The Calcutta High Court today acquitted a man awarded capital punishment by a lower court and another sentenced to life imprisonment in connection with the murder of two women owing to lack of credible evidence against them.

A division bench comprising justices Ashim Kumar Roy and M M Banerjee set free Avik Ghosh and Somnath Tanti, who had been found guilty of murder by the sessions court in June, 2015.

Ghosh had been awarded death sentence by then Alipore Sessions Court for the murder of his wife Mousumi and housemaid Parulbala, while Tanti, a mason, was sentenced to life imprisonment.

Mousumi was found murdered at her residence on September 27, 2010 at Oxytown in the Thakurpukur police station area on the south-western outskirts of the metropolis.

On a complaint by Mousumi's father Ghosh, Tanti and three others were charged with murder.

It was alleged that Ghosh had employed Tanti and the three others to commit the crime and to make it look like a case of dacoity.

The Alipore sessions court had in June, 2015 found Ghosh and Tanti guilty of murder, while acquitting the three other accused persons.

Ghosh and Tanti moved appeals before the high court, claiming they were innocent and were framed.

After hearing the petitioners and the prosecution, the division bench acquitted both the persons owing to lack of credible evidence against them.

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A top Indian-American Congressman has expressed optimism about the future of the Indo-US relationship but warned against taking it for granted as there will be bumps in the road like incidents of hate crime.

"I am very optimistic about the (India-US) relationship. But we have to be very intentional. We can't take the relationship for granted," Ami Bera, the three-term Democratic Indian American Congressman from California said.

"There will be bumps in the road," he said, citing hate crimes and immigration as some of those bumps.

"We have to look at the big picture. Don't lose sight," he said, adding that the Indian-Americans will play an important role in this.

Bera was speaking at a round table jointly organised by US India Friendship Council and US India Business Council at the Capitol Visitor Center here.

"From our perspective, the relationship can't be based on one administration and another administration. This can be the defining relationship of the 21st century," he said.

"We will continue to build the relationship between the members of the Congress and the Indian MPs because those are lasting relationships," he added.

The trajectory of the Indo-US relationship has been phenomenal, he said.

Bera said India is playing a key role in stabilising the Indian Ocean region.

"As we look at the partnership between (former) President Obama and Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi, you can see the chemistry there and the mutual respect," he said.

"The news coming out from the conversation between President Donald Trump and Modi is a positive sign," he said.

"The fact that the Prime Minister would be visiting the United States again very shortly is a very positive sign," he added.

Referring to the hate crimes that is impacting the South Asian community, in particular the Indian-Americans, Bera said, "This is not who we are as a country. What worrisome to me is how it is impacting our reputation around the world."



Ro Khanna, Indian-American Congressman from California, expressed his optimism about country's future even though there has been some unfortunate incidents.

"We have the most tolerant, most open democracy in the world," he said.

Senator Joe Donnelly from Indiana said India and the United States enjoy a very special relationship.
One of the strongest regional satraps of the Congress, Amarinder Singh put the party back in the saddle in Punjab after the "father of all battles" that decimated the SAD and crushed the AAP's dream of expanding its footprint beyond Delhi.

75-year-old Amarinder, a widely respected and popular leader, steered the Congress to a landslide victory winning 77 seats in the 117 member Assembly to occupy the chief minister's post for the second time.

The maharaja's win in Punjab after 10 years has also rekindled the hopes for the revival of the grand old party.

Belonging to a very rare breed of politicians who have seen action in the Indo-Pak war, Singh this time tasted success after Akali Dal supremo Parkash Singh Badal foiled his previous attempts to become chief minister in 2007 and 2012.

Once a leader of the Akali Dal, the 'scion of Patiala' fought in the 1965 war after he rejoined the army a few months after his resignation. He again resigned from the Services as a decorated soldier at the conclusion of the war.

The Punjab Congress chief and husband of Patiala MP Preneet Kaur was born to late Maharaja Yadavindra Singh of Patiala.

After his initial schooling at Lawrence School, Sanawar and Doon School in Dehradun, he joined the National Defence Academy, Kharagwasla July 1959 and graduated from there in December 1963.

Commissioned in the Indian Army in 1963, he was posted in 2nd Bn. Sikh Regiment (both his father and grandfather had served the battalion), served in Field Area - Indo Tibetan border for two years and was appointed Aide-de-Camp to Lt Gen Harbaksh Singh, GOC-in-C Western Command.

His army career was shortlived as he resigned in early 1965 after his father was appointed Ambassador to Italy and his services were required at home.

But he joined the army again immediately after hostilities broke out with Pakistan and took part in operations in the war only to resign again in early 1966 after the war was over.

His political career began in January 1980 when he was elected MP. But he resigned from the Congress and the Lok Sabha in protest against the entry of the army into the Golden Temple during "Operation Blue Star" in 1984.

After joining the Akali Dal in August 1985, Singh got



elected to the Punjab Assembly on an Akali Dal (Longowal) ticket in the 1995 elections. He was Agriculture Minister in the Surjit Singh Barnala government.

However, Singh resigned from the cabinet in protest against the entry of paramilitary forces into the Golden Temple on May 5, 1986. He then floated the Panthic Akali Dal, which later merged with the Congress in 1997.

Singh unsuccessfully fought the parliamentary elections on a Congress ticket from Patiala in 1998.

He then served as Punjab Congress chief from 1999-2002 before becoming the chief minister in 2002 and continuing till 2007.

In September 2008, he was expelled by a state assembly panel on allegations of irregularities in a land transfer case. In 2010, Singh got relief from the Supreme Court which held his expulsion unconstitutional.

He then went on to head the state Congress again till 2013.

Singh, a permanent invitee to the Congress Working Committee since 2013, fought the 2014 Lok Sabha elections from Amritsar and defeated senior BJP leader Arun Jaitley by a margin of more than one lakh votes.

He then resigned in November as MP after the Supreme Court termed Punjab's 2004 Act terminating the Satluj-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal agreement as unconstitutional.

A few days later, he was appointed president of the Punjab Congress again in the run-up to the polls.

A widely travelled person, Singh has penned several books including his memoirs of the 1965 Indo-Pak war.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today said the Centre can keep a share of 26 per cent in the Tajpur port project, a day after the Ministry of Shipping said that it will participate in the project only if offered 74 per cent stake.

"This is (Tajpur port project) the state's project and the Centre can keep a share of 26 per cent," Banerjee said.

State Finance Minister Amit Mitra would hold a meeting with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari in New Delhi tomorrow to solve the centre-state deadlock on setting up of the port project in Tajpur.

Mitra, who is currently in the national capital to participate in a meeting for rolling out of the GST, along with Chief Secretary Basudeb Bandyopadhyay, will be meeting Gadkari to sort out the issue, she said.

"Amit Mitra will meet Gadkari tomorrow on the issue related to port project in Tajpur," the West Bengal Chief Minister said.

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The Congress today created an uproar in Chhattisgarh Assembly alleging that "state intelligence failure" was responsible for the death of 12 CRPF personnel in the Maoist ambush in Sukma district last week.

Raising the issue immediately after Question Hour, the Opposition MLAs demanded a discussion through an adjournment motion notice on the March 11 attack which took place under Bhejji police station area.

Speaking on the admissibility of the adjournment motion notice, Congress MLA Bhupesh Baghel alleged despite the state government's tall promises and claims to eliminate naxalism, the Maoists have continuously executed incidents in Bastar division.

Baghel alleged that the government was only limited to exercising administrative reshuffle and giving statements while the responsible officers of the police department are engaged in political activities rather than policing.

"Naxal had attacked a Road Opening Party of the CRPF's 219thbattalion in Kottacheru forest between Injram and Bhejji in which 12 personnel of the paramilitary force were martyred and two seriously injured on March 11. Besides, rebels also looted arms and ammunitions of the martyred jawans.

"As per the intelligence report, ultras had planned the attack three months ago and decided the day and duration of the ambush just three days ahead of the incident," said Baghel who heads the state party unit.

He claimed that Maoist leaders from adjoining Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha along with local villagers had attended a meeting before the ambush.

"Despite reports that naxals were about to execute a major incident, huge loss of lives occured in this incident, which clearly indicates departmental lapses. The attack has once again proved failure of the state's intelligence network," the Congress leader alleged.

He said though several camps of the security forces are located in Kottacheru area, the rebels still executed the incident in such a place.

Baghel alleged the government had ignored the Tactical Counter Offensive Campaign (TCOC) being observed by Maoists during March-May months every year, in which they carry out several deadly attacks on security forces.

In his reply, state Home Minister Ramsewak Paikra said it was incorrect to say that state's strategy against naxals was not effective as 160 Maoists have been gunned down since last year (135 in 2016 and 25 so far this year).

He said the reinforcement of CRPF was rushed to the place from Kottacehru and Bhejji after Maoists had opened indiscriminate firing, coupled with triggering the IED blasts, on the patrolling team of CRPF near Bankupara village at around 8:50 AM on March 11.

Paikra said when additional forces started



retaliating, the naxals fled the spot.

"In the incident, 12 personnel belonging to CRPF's 219th battalion were martyred and two others injured. 13 weapons of martyred jawans and 1587 live cartridges, besides 2 wireless sets were also looted by the ultras," the Home Minister said.

He said the Bastar IG and Sukma SP had immediately reached the spot, following which the injured jawans were airlifted to Raipur for treatment while bodies of the martyred personnel were brought to the state capital.

On the same day, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief Minister Raman Singh, other cabinet ministers along with senior police and CRPF officials paid tribute to the martyrs during a wreath laying ceremony at 4th battalion of Chhattisgarh Armed Force (CAF) at Mana here.

"Later, the bodies of the jawans were sent to their native places through special flights and helicopters," he added.

Paikra said since 2016, 348 weapons have been recovered while 1121 Maoists were arrested during this period.

He said the Sukma incident reflects that Naxals are frustrated with the development of road in their so-called stronghold.

Unsatisfied with his reply, the Leader of Opposition TS Singhdeo said, "When the security forces are not safe in the area where their five camps are located, how come civilians will feel safe.

"It is a matter of great concern that Maoists have ambushed the patrolling teamat a distance of just 1.5 kms from the nearest camp. The area where incident took place is surrounded by at least five CRPF camps."



Citing previous incidents, Singhdeo said intel failure was responsible for the attack and demanded a discussion on the adjournment motion.

He was supported by Congress MLAs Mohan Markam, Kawasi Lakhma and Dhanendra Sahu.

However, Speaker Gaurishankar Agrawal rejected the motion.
Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu today trashed the Congress' allegations that the BJP used money power to form governments in Goa and Manipur, terming those as "absurd".

Naidu hit back at the Congress for questioning the BJP over forming governments in the two states despite not emerging single largest party there.

He stressed that the saffron party came to power "as per precedents" set in the past.

"Now after this massive victory (of the BJP) in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and even in Manipur, the Congress is yet to learn lessons and is making absurd allegations.

"It could not find support to stake claim in Goa, Manipur," Naidu told reporters on Parliament premises.

The Information and Broadcasting Minister stated the BJP formed governments in the two states after the Congress failed to stake such claim.

"And when the BJP has mobilised the support, other parties have started questioning... This is not acceptable in a democracy, it will be a mockery of democracy," he retorted.

The senior BJP leader also pointed out that even the Supreme Court did not entertain the Congress' plea of stopping Manohar Parrikar from being sworn-in as Goa Chief Minister.

He hoped the Congress adopts approach of a constructive opposition party Parliament and public discourse.

The Congress emerged single largest party in assembly polls held in Manipur and Goa, winning 28 and 17 seats respectively.

The BJP emerged second largest party there winning 21 and 13 seats in Manipur and Goa, respectively.

The Congress could not muster support in Goa, where Parrikar government sailed through trust vote on floor of the 40-member House with support of 22 legislators today.

In Manipur too, the BJP formed its first-ever government under the leadership of N Biren Singh, who was sworn-in yesterday.

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Ahead of the R K Nagar bypoll, the DMK today requested the Election Commission to transfer the Chennai Police Commissioner and the returning officer of the constituency besides introducing VVPAT system.

The seat, represented by the late AIADMK leader J Jayalalithaa, is all set to witness a keen contest.

"Based on recent incidents in Koovathur, violence in Assembly and violence on Jallikattu issue, it is evident that he is supporting Sasikala with an ambition to become DGP, the position which is vacant," Rajya Sabha MP and DMK leader RS Bharathi who filed th plea before the EC.

He added, "We want the EC to transfer the Commissioner of Police George for smooth conduct of the bypoll."



The DMK delegation also requested for transfer of Returning Officer of R K Nagar constituency.

"Despite there being several officers, the same RO who was deputed during last assembly elections has been appointed for the bypoll scheduled next month. The RO did not take any steps even when several complaints on malpractises during last elections were submitted," Bharathi said.

Besides, the delegation, which included MPs Tiruchi Siva and TKS Elangovan, also requested for the use of VVPAT system for the polls.

"VVPAT system should be introduced on the lines of Goa and Manipur polls to ensure fair elections," Bharathi said.

Voter-verified paper audit trail (VVPAT) or verified paper record (VPR) is a method of providing feedback to voters using a ballotless voting system. PTI CPB.

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Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte easily defeated a strong challenge by far-right rival Geert Wilders in key elections seen as a bellwether of populist support in Europe, partial vote counts said today.

With more than 54 per cent of votes counted, Rutte's Liberal VVD party was set to win 32 seats, making it the largest in the new 150-seat parliament, with Wilders and his Freedom Party (PVV) beaten into second place alongside two others on 19 seats, the Dutch agency ANP said.

Millions of Dutch flocked to the polls in a near-record turnout, with the stakes high in an election pitting the pro-European Rutte against his anti-immigration and anti-EU rival.

Following last year's shock Brexit referendum and Donald Trump's victory in the US, the Dutch vote was being closely scrutinised as a gauge of the rise of populism on the continent ahead of crucial elections in France and Germany.

"This was the evening when The Netherlands, after Brexit and the American elections, said 'stop' to the wrong kind of populism," Rutte told cheering supporters.

"Now of course it's important to unite the country in the coming weeks and months and that we succeed in forming a stable government for the next four years," he added.

Relieved European leaders, fearing the rise of anti-EU sentiment in one of the bloc's founding members, congratulated Rutte, now headed for a third term at the head of the one the eurozone's largest economies.

A spokesman for EU Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker hailed it as a "vote against extremists" while one senior European source told AFP on condition of anonymity: "Common sense strikes back."



Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault of France, where the far-right Marine Le Pen is currently seen winning the first round of the presidential election in April, congratulated Rutte for "stopping the rise of the far-right".

Wilders had pledged to close the borders to Muslim immigrants, shut mosques, ban sales of the Koran and leave the EU if he won the polls.

He thanked his supporters in a message on Twitter, with his party set to boost its number of MPs to 19. The PVV won 15 seats in the 2012 elections, which had slipped to 12 in the outgoing parliament.

"We won seats. The first gains are made. And Rutte is not rid of me yet," he said.

Eyeing weeks, if not months, of protracted coalition talks ahead, Wilders offered early Thursday to work with the new government.

"I would still like to co-govern as the PVV, if possible. But if that doesn't work ... We'll support the cabinet, where needed, on the issues that are important to us."



Most of the other leaders, including Rutte have vowed not to work with Wilders, denouncing his incendiary rhetoric and his go-it-alone attitude.

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The Eastern Peripheral Expressway (EPE) project to decongest Delhi will be completed in March 2018, Parliament was informed today.

The project on completion will become India's first 135 km green road to be lit entirely by solar panels with advanced traffic system.

"The scheduled date of completion of EPE is March 2018 and the awarded cost of civil works is Rs 4,418 crore," Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Pon Radhakrishnan told the Lok Sabha in a written reply.

The project, which commenced in May last year, will consume a million tonnes of flyash from NTPC's various thermal plants to utilise waste and minimise pollution.

"Construction of the EPE...Would facilitate hassle free movement of non-Delhi bound traffic from the neighbouring states hence contributing to reduction in pollution and decongestion in Delhi," Radhakrishnan said.

On completion, the Rs 5,763 crore greenfield project that had hit several road blocks and saw laying of its foundation by Prime Minster Narendra Modi in November 2015, will divert around 2 lakh vehicles passing through the national capital daily to this bypass, curtailing pollution.

The expressway passes through Sonipat, Bagpat, Ghaziabad, Gautam Budh Nagar, Faridabad and Palwal in Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, and the proposed alignment crosses river Yamuna at Khurrampur/Khata in UP and Faizpur Khadar in Haryana and crosses the river Hindon.

The Supreme Court earlier has directed police chiefs of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana to provide security for expeditious completion of the project in light of attempts by miscreants to obstruct the work.

The project work has been divided into six packages - 21-km stretch in Sonepat-Baghpat, 24.5 km stretch in Baghpat- Ghaziabad, 24.5-km stretch in Ghaziabad-GB Nagar, 22-km stretch in GN Nagar, 21-km stretch in GN Nagar-Faridabad and 22-km stretch in Faridabad-Palwal.

There are a total of 390 structures in this project out of which two major bridges are on river Yamuna and one major bridge on river Hindon and Agra Canal.

Besides there are 8 interchanges, 4 flyovers, 71 vehicle underpasses, 6 RoBs (Road over Bridges) etc.

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Puducherry Agriculture and Education Minister R Kamalakannan today examined the school infrastructure at Mannadipet and Thirubhuvanai.

He also listened to the woes of the farmers by holding an informal meeting with them on the bank of a lake in Tirukanur village.

During his meeting with the farmers, Kamalakannan said agriculturists should go in for drip irrigation to save water and also to ensure sustained irrigation facility.

A regulated market would be set up in Lingareedipalayam to enable the farmers dispose of their produce without intermediaries, he added.

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French police arrested a heavily armed 17-year-old today after he opened fire at a school in southern France, rattling nerves in a country on edge after several jihadist attacks, authorities said.

The teen was carrying a rifle, two handguns and two grenades in the attack at the Alexis de Tocqueville high school in the sleepy hillside city of Grasse, police told AFP.

An interior ministry spokesman said eight people, including the principal, were injured. Some were hurt in a stampede triggered by the attack.

The suspect, who has not been named publicly, had shared pictures and videos on social media of infamous US school shootings, including the 1999 Columbine massacre.

The head of the regional government, Christian Estrosi, told AFP that the shooting was "not at all" being seen as a terror attack and that the shooter appeared to have "psychological problems".

The head teacher was admitted to the local hospital with gunshot wounds to the arm and three pupils were treated for buckshot injuries, the hospital's director Frederic Limouzy told AFP.

Investigators initially said they were looking for an accomplice but a police source later said the shooter, who was not previously known to the authorities, appeared to have acted alone.

Fifteen-year-old Mokhtaria told AFP she was having a cigarette in the school garage when she heard shots ring out.

"We saw people coming down shouting: 'There's a nutter firing at people'. We ran for it," she said.

France is still in a state of emergency after a series of terror attacks including the November 2015 massacre in Paris and a truck attack in Nice, just 40 kilometres from Grasse, in July last year.

The shooting comes just over a month before the first round of France's two-stage presidential election, in which security is one of the main issues on voters' minds.

All schools in Grasse were locked down after the late-morning shooting, which sent panicked pupils scurrying for cover.

A police cordon was thrown up around the building in the town known as France's perfume capital due to several scent factories.

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Actress Emmy Rossum has joined Liam Neeson in the Hollywood remake of hit Nowegian thriller "In Order of Disappearance."



The "Taken" star, 64, will step into Stellan Skarsgard's role in the 2014 original, which followed a mild-mannered snow plow driver seeking vengeance on his son's drug dealing killers, inadvertently sparking a turf war between local gangs, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Director Hans Petter Molland is returning to take charge of the English-language revamp, which will be set in Colorado, along the Rocky Mountains, and he has now cast "Shameless" star Emmy to feature alongside Neeson.

"Once Upon a Time in America" tough guy William Forsythe has also signed on for the project.

The reboot will be renamed "Hard Powder", and will be written by Frank Baldwin.

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The country's engineering exports are likely to reach over $60 billion during the current financial year on the back of revival of demand in the US, Commerce Minister on Thursday said.

During April-January period of 2016-17, the engineering exports have touched $50.87 billion, exceeding the total shipments of $49 billion in 2015.

"India's engineering exports are likely to reach $60+ billion in financial year 2016-17, on the back of revival of demand in the USA and for select products like iron," an official statement quoting the minister said.

She was speaking at the International Engineering Sourcing Show (IESS) in Chennai. Russia is the partner country for this event.

During her meeting with Russian Industry and Trade Minister Denis Manturov, both the sides deliberated upon ways to further boost the two-way commerce which stands at USD 6.62 billion currently.

"We discussed the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) that would cut the time and cost for transportation of goods between both countries.

"We also deliberated upon other measures to enhance the trade ties, including the proposed FTA between India and the Eurasian Economic Union, which includes Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia and Kyrgyzstan," she said.

Both the ministers also noted the need to finalise a revised Bilateral Investment Treaty.

The Russian minister is leading a 120 member business delegation for the show.

Further, Sitharaman said that the ministry is engaged in a key initiative for technology upgradation of engineering manufacturers for boosting exports.

"This is being attempted by bridging the gap between leading R&D labs and industry for the development of cutting edge export-oriented technologies," she added.

The ministry has identified important industrial clusters, where it is interacting with stakeholders and identifying technology gaps which can be filled by research labs/academic institutions.

"The cutting edge technology would then be shared with the industry to enable them to match the best products in the world," Sitharaman said.

Over 400 exhibitors from India and abroad, and 500 foreign delegates are participating the show.
India today assured Nepal that it will expedite the enquiry into the killing of a Nepalese national at the India-Nepal border allegedly by the Indian border guarding force.

This was conveyed by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj during a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs of Nepal Bimalendra Nidhi.

Apart from holding discussion on bilateral matters of mutual interest, including high-level exchanges between the two countries, the two sides put stress on their commitment to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in diverse sectors and to deepen traditional bonds of friendship and kinship between the two peoples.

"The External Affairs Minister expressed condolence over the death of a Nepalese national on India-Nepal border. She conveyed that the inquiry into the incident will be expedited by the Indian side," an official release said here.

The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu on March 9, however, had said that there was no incident of firing by the SSB, India's border guarding force.

Govinda Gautam of Kanchanpur district was killed in alleged firing by the SSB at Nepal-India border last week following a dispute over building a culvert over the Sano Khola river in Kanchanpur district. However, India has denied there was any incident of firing by the SSB.

Nidhi mentioned about developments in Nepal, it said.

Swaraj also reiterated India's support to the initiatives of the Government of Nepal in taking the constitutional process forward through dialogue and meeting the aspirations of all sections of the society.

Briefing reporters, MEA Spokesperson Gopal Baglay said that peace and stability in Nepal are of paramount interest to India.

"it has been our consistent view that the political leaders in Nepal address the constitutional issues through dialogue and consultations with participation of every section of its society. India will continue to support efforts for peace, progress and stability in Nepal," Baglay added.

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The EU expects Turkey to honour a key migrant return accord which Ankara has threatened to ditch amid a bitter dispute with the bloc, a European Commission spokesman said today.

"We remain committed to the implementation of the EU-Turkey statement ... This is an engagement of mutual trust and delivery and we expect that both sides will comply with their commitments," Commission spokesman Margaritis Schinas told reporters.

Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu threatened yesterday to scrap the March 2016 agreement as Ankara blasted Germany and the Netherlands with vicious Nazi jibes for preventing Turkish ministers attending rallies and criticising its rights record.

"We can stop (the deal) unilaterally ... From now on, we can say 'we will not apply it and it will be over'," Cavusoglu said in a 24 TV interview.

Under the accord, Turkey cracked down on massive migrant flows, mainly of Syrians fleeing the country's bloody conflict, in exchange for some 3.0 billion euros in aid, visa free travel and the speeding up of Ankara's long stalled EU accession talks.

But Cavusoglu said there had been no progress on visa-free travel and Ankara accordingly had stopped taking back migrants who had made it to the Greek islands, a key element of the deal.

"Right now we are not implementing the readmission agreement as there is no visa-free travel," he said.

EU relations with Turkey have long been strained over its human rights record but the situation has deteriorated badly since a failed July coup against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

In response, Erdogan launched a massive crackdown and is campaigning for increased powers in a referendum next month which has only strained ties further.

He sent ministers to Europe to canvas for a yes vote at rallies of Turkish migrants, notably in the Netherlands and Germany, causing dismay in both countries.

Erdogan has repeatedly accused the Netherlands and Germany of behaving like "Nazis" and said yesterday the "spirit of fascism" was running rampant in Europe.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis today accused Opposition Congress-NCP of shedding "crocodile tears" over the plight of farmers and said that their demand for loan waiver is politically motivated as they suffered a severe drubbing in the recent local bodies and civic polls across the state.

Fadnavis reiterated that his government was not opposed to farm loan waiver but wanted that the decision, when taken, to benefit farmers.

Intervening in the State Legislative Assembly, which has been witnessing uproarious scenes on demand for farm loan waiver, Fadnavis today said the plight of farmers was due to the policies of the previous Congress-NCP government, which ruled the state for 15 years.

"You have no right to ask for a loan waiver. Only BJP and Shiv Sena can ask for loan waiver. Your demand is out of political motives since you have been convincingly defeated in the recent polls. Your are just shedding crocodile tears. We are not against loan waiver but we are deliberating on when and how it should be done," Fadnavis said.

He said about 1.36 crore farmers have taken loan worth Rs 1.14 lakh crore.

"Rs 63 crore is agriculture related loan while Rs 51 crore is personal loan. Out of the total loan, Rs 31,057 crore is overdue and Rs 30,500 crore is outdated," he said.

Fadnavis pointed out that the state's total expenditure is Rs 2.57 lakh crore of which Rs 1.32 lakh crore goes towards wages. The expenditure towards central government schemes is Rs 34,421 crore and that towards local bodies is Rs 10,407 crore.

The capital expenditure has risen from Rs 25,000 crore to Rs 31,000 crore. All these years, expenditure on agriculture investment was very less, he said adding that since his government came to power, capital expenditure on agriculture and allied sector is Rs 19,434 crore.

Similarly, Rs 11,500 crore has been spent on crop insurance and assistance for natural calamities.

"I want the Opposition leaders to guarantee that if we waive off the outdated loan of Rs 30,500 crore, there will be no single farmer suicide. Since the loan waiver of 2008-09, 16,000 farmers have committed suicide," Fadnavis said.

He said if loan waiver is announced, the government will have no money for investment in agriculture sector.

"Farmers became debt-ridden within a year of the loan waiver. After the previous loan waiver, banks did not find the farmers credit worthy for fresh loans," the CM said.

Fadnavis charged that Opposition Congress-NCP wants the loan waiver to help district co-operative banks run by them and which are involved in irregularities.

He said Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh invested in agriculture, and farmers were benefited.

Fadnavis said his government's endeavor wants to



ensure the economy is focused on agriculture investment and increasing agriculture productivity and not just relief and rehabilitation.

He said he was willing to lead a delegation to the Centre to meet Union Finance and Agriculture minister for assistance in Agriculture sector.

Earlier, as soon as the House assembled for the day and Speaker called for the Question Hour, Shiv Sena legislators entered the Well of the House shouting slogans demanding loan waiver for farmers. They were joined by Opposition Congress and NCP.

Leader of Opposition Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil said Opposition members have been demanding loan waiver since the Budget session began.

Recently some parts of the state saw unseasonal rains, due to which debt-ridden farmers suffered crop losses, Patil said.

He said sentiment of the Lower House was that there is no option other than loan waiver to the farmers.

The House witnesses noisy scenes with the Opposition members along with Shiv Sena shouting slogans demanding loan waiver. Even as Sena legislators were in the Well, party ministers in the government like Diwakar Raote, Arjun khotkar were in their seats.

Then the Speaker adjourned the House for 30 minutes. After the House re-assembled following the first adjournment , Yogesh Sagar (BJP) who was in the Chair appealed to the agitating members to go back to their seats.

The House gas not functioned since the last week, Sagar said.

He appealed that the members allow the question hour. However Congress-NCP and Sena members were in no mood to listen. The House was adjourned for the second time till the end of the Question Hour.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis's intervention after the second adjournment was amid slogan shouting by the Congress-NCP legislators.

Shiv Sena members did not come into the well when Fadnavis was making his government's stand clear.

Later, Sena legislators Chandradeep Narke and Anil Kadam said the farmers plight was bad.

"It is because the Congress and NCP was responsible for the same. We have come on the treasury benches. The Chief Minister should discuss with the Centre and announce loan waiver to farmers before the budget presentation on March 18. Shiv Sena will take to the street if the demand is not accepted," he said.

Vikhe Patil criticised the Chief Minister's statement



saying it was misleading and the government was interested in waiving off loans of industrialists.

After third and fourth adjournment of 15 and 10 minutes each, the Chair rushed through the day's agenda like passing the Maharashtra (supplementary) Appropriation Bill, Mumbai Municipal Corporation, Maharashtra Municipal Corporation and Municipal Council; and Nagar Panchayat and Industrial township (Amendment) Bill and Agriculture Land Ceiling Amendment Bill amid noisy scenes, before adjourning the House for the day.

Earlier, speaking to reporters outside the Assembly, Shiv Sena leader and MLA Anil Kadam said the state government should get financial assistance from the Centre within next two days for announcing the loan waiver.

"Our party will continue to support BJP-led government till the Budget presentation (scheduled on March 18). If they fail to provide a loan waiver, then Shiv Sena will oppose it," he said.

On estimates that the state government would need Rs 30,000 crore for the loan waiver, Kadam said, "We appreciate CM's (Fadnavis had made a statement to this effect in the Assembly) understanding of issues but the condition of farmers is critical. Financial support should be given at any cost. We demand that CM should seek appointment with the Centre and ensure some financial assistance to farmers.
A festival showcasing India's diverse culture began this month in Ukraine.

The festival, which started this month, will culminate in October, Ministry of Culture said in a release.

It will showcase diverse Indian culture, including classical and folk dance, music, film festivals and seminars on yoga in different cities of Ukraine, namely, Kyiv, Odessa, Mykolaiv, Kherson, Lviv, Ivano Frankivsk, Poltava and Ternopil.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
French prosecutors have sent four people to stand trial over a 2011 fiasco at Renault that saw three senior executives falsely accused of selling secrets about its electric vehicles programme, a source said today.

In an order signed last week, the prosecutors sent Dominique Gevrey, Renault's former security chief, to stand trial for fraud over suspicions he fooled the company into paying for fictitious investigations to support false accusations of industrial espionage against several executives.

Another executive will stand trial on charges of accessory to fraud and use of false documents, while two others violations professional secrecy.

Renault chief executive Carlos Ghosn went on prime-time television to apologise "personally and in Renault's name" for the affair and gave up his annual bonus.

The car manufacturer, in which the French state owns a minority stake, sacked three executives after accusing them of accepting bribes in return for leaking secrets about Renault's electric vehicle programme.

But police found no trace of bank accounts the accused men were alleged to have held and the investigation then the probe turned towards Renault security staff.

The investigation revealed "the existence of fraudulent manoeuvres in order to fool Renault when in reality the corruption suspicions fell on other executives" according to the document sent to the court.

The investigation found similar fraud in 2008 in two probes against staff.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Bowalley Road Rules



The blogosphere tends to be a very noisy, and all-too-often a very abusive, place. I intend Bowalley Road to be a much quieter, and certainly a more respectful, place.

So, if you wish your comments to survive the moderation process, you will have to follow the Bowalley Road Rules.

These are based on two very simple principles:

Courtesy and Respect.

Comments which are defamatory, vituperative, snide or hurtful will be removed, and the commentators responsible permanently banned.

Anonymous comments will not be published. Real names are preferred. If this is not possible, however, commentators are asked to use a consistent pseudonym.

Comments which are thoughtful, witty, creative and stimulating will be most welcome, becoming a permanent part of the Bowalley Road discourse.

However, I do add this warning. If the blog seems in danger of being over-run by the usual far-Right suspects, I reserve the right to simply disable the Comments function, and will keep it that way until the perpetrators find somewhere more appropriate to vent their collective spleen.


Investigators suspect a Greek anarchist group was behind a letter bomb that injured an IMF secretary in Paris today, the day after an explosive device was found in Berlin, sources close to the probe said.

Fragments of Greek stamps were found at the Paris offices of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) where the letter bomb exploded, leaving the secretary with injuries to her face and hands.

A far-left Greek group called Conspiracy of Fire Nuclei is "likely behind" the Paris attack, a Greek police source told AFP in Athens.

French investigators have told their Greek counterparts that the package was sent from Athens, the official said.

Separately, a source close to the French probe said it was focusing on "an anarchist group".

The Conspiracy of Fire group had earlier claimed responsibility for an explosive device, also sent from Greece, that was discovered by police at the offices of German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble.

The package was discovered yesterday, a day before Schaeuble was due to host his new US counterpart, Steven Mnuchin.

Many Greeks blame Germany and the IMF for imposing years of public sector cuts and reforms in exchange for bailout packages needed to prop up the debt-ridden country.

The incidents occurred more than six years after Conspiracy of Fire waged a similar campaign targeting European officials.

The group, which is blacklisted as a terror organisation by Washington, sent letter bombs to foreign embassies in Greece and to European leaders in 2010.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Greenply Industries today said it will set up a new manufacturing unit in Uttar Pradesh for plywood and allied products.

The Board of Directors of the company has approved setting up of a new unit in Sandila industrial area, Hardoi district, UP for manufacturing of plywood and allied products, the company said in a BSE filing.

Shares of Greenply Industries closed at Rs 287.70, down 0.93 per cent on BSE.

* * * * * *



Amara Raja Batteries appoints S Vijayanand CEO * Amara Raja Batteries today appointed S Vijayanand as its Chief Executive Officer with effect from April 1.

"The Board at its meeting held today appointed S Vijayanand as Chief Executive Officer of the company with effect from April 1, 2017, it said in a BSE filing.

Shares Amara Raja Batteries closed at Rs 884.45, up 2.15 per cent on BSE.

* * * * * *



Tata Sky launches world series



* Direct-to-home operator Tata Sky today announced the launch of its world series which will premiere first with Italian crime drama 'Gomorrah' on March 19.

Tata Sky launches Tata Sky World Series, the exclusive home of much admired global content, the operator said in a statement.

'Gomorrah' will be the first TV series on Tata Sky World Series and shall run for one month with English subtitles, it added.

"This new service will enable our subscribers to consume global content which otherwise would not have reached the Indian sub-continent through the conventional mediums of television," Tata Sky Chief Content and Business Development Officer Paolo Agostinelli said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi has approved the West Bengal Clinical Establishments (Registration, Regulation and Transparency) Bill, 2017 which was passed by the state assembly earlier this month.

"The Governor has signed the Bill and tomorrow we will announce the 11-member Commission," Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said.

The state government would announce the 11-member West Bengal Health Regulatory Commission which will monitor the billing and performance of the private hospitals and nursing homes in the state.

The Commission will be comprise of a former chief justice, health experts, principal secretary of the Health Department and representatives of hospitals and patients, who are the consumers.

The Bill, aimed at ensuring transparency in functioning and activities of private clinical establishments, was passed in the state assembly on March 3.

Besides monitoring the activities of private hospitals and nursing homes, the bill, also has the provision of imposing penalty on medical facilities in case of violation.

Meanwhile, the Health department, under the instruction of Banerjee, today formed a three-member panel to probe into the death of Sunil Pandey at a private hospital here in the city.

The committee will be comprised of Calcutta Medical College Cardiology department head Plavan Mukhopadhyay, Orthopaedic head of SSKM Kishore Paul and another SSKM doctor Soumitra Ghosh.

Talking about the committee probing into the death of Sanjoy Roy's death allegedly because of medical negligence at a private hospital, Banerje, said, "The committee's final report has been submitted to the police and they will look into it.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Delhi High Court today dismissed as "infructuous" a plea challenging JNU's admission policy based on a 2016 notification of the University Grants Commission which capped the number of students per professor for MPhil and PhD courses.

"Petition dismissed as infructuous," Justice V K Rao said.

The court said that the regulations made by UGC have to be followed by all varsities, including the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU).

In its 37-page judgement, the court said that if the students' plea is accepted, it would amount to "rewriting the law".

The students had challenged the admission policy on the ground that the May 5, 2016 UGC notification was implemented by JNU without following proper procedure.

JNU, represented by central government standing counsel Monika Arora, had contended that the procedure was a mere formality as the notification was binding on all varsities in the country.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Flaying the attitude of officers in not complying with judicial orders, the Madras High Court today summoned city Commissioner of Police S George to appear before it in a contempt petition.

Justice N Kirubakaran ordered the presence of the Commissioner on a petition by Pon Thangavel for allegedly not complying with the court's earlier directive to provide him protection.

"If the senior officers themselves did not obey the order of the court, what about their subordinate officers. How they will respect the court orders?" he asked.

The court had ordered protection to Thangavel after he filed a petition seeking action against city corporation councillor V Annamalai for declaring in his electoral affidavit that he does not have any property though he and his family owned 12 immovable assets.

The Income Tax department, which was ordered to hold an inquiry into assets owned by Annamalai, recently submitted a report stating that the councillor and his family owned properties worth Rs 4 crore.

Following this the court had in January directed the State Election Commission to take action against Annamalai.

Complaining that protection had not been given, Thangavel filed this petition seeking to punish the officials for contempt of court.

After the judge ordered the appearance of the Commissioner, state Advocate General R Muthukumaraswamy prayed the court to exempt him.

Refusing to review his order, the judge said once the court makes up its mind, personal appearance of the person concerned was mandatory.

"Let him appeartomorrowor the day after, at his convenience. What is the problem?" the judge asked, adding the court was not a place of sin and the commissioner need not consider appearing before the court as a prestige issue.

The judge also expressed his surprise at the appearance of a battery of government advocates and senior law officers in the matter.

"Why so many senior law officers, including the Advocate General and Additional Advocate General, should represent the case," he said.

With the judge sticking to his order, the AG said he would ascertain the date of appearance of the Commissioner and inform the court.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Gujarat High Court today set aside a provision of the state judicial service rules which requires five years experience for candidates working with the legal department.

A division bench of Chief Justice R Subhash Reddy and Justice V M Pancholi set aside a part of rule 7(2)(B) of Gujarat State Judicial Service (GSJS) Rules "to the extent it requires experience of five years".

As the other candidates (i.E., lawyers/fresh law graduates) taking GSJS exam for civil judge's post do not need any experience, such a requirement for those working in courts and allied departments was discriminatory, the court said.

The rule had been challenged by some GSJS aspirants who are working with the legal department of the state government.

In an interim order, the high court had allowed them to appear for the preliminary examination on January 29.

They can now appear for the main written examination on March 19, if they clear the first examination, the court said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Rajya Sabha today witnessed heated exchanges between treasury benches and Congress members over the alleged involvement of a BJP leader in the Jalpaiguri child trafficking case.

Trouble began soon after Rajani Patil of Congress raised the issue of child trafficking at Jalpaiguri in which BJP West Bengal women's wing leader has been arrested. Deputy Chairman P J Kurien asked her not to take any name.

She said 40 per cent of human trafficking cases in India are reported from Assam and West Bengal.

As she was elaborating her point, BJP MP Rupa Ganguly suddenly stood up and claimed that personal allegations were being levelled against her.

This led to heated arguments between members of the ruling party and the Congress.

Amid the heated exchanges, Kurien said if the name of an MP has been taken "directly or indirectly" by which people can understand who it is meant for, will be expunged.

The West Bengal CID had unearthed the child trafficking racket during raids at homes and nursing homes in Baduria area of North 24 Parganas district and Behala in the southern fringes of Kolkata and some other parts of south Bengal in November last year.

In her special mention, Jharna Das Baidya (CPI-M) raised the issue of steep hike of Rs 86 in price of non-subsidised LPG cylinder.

She said the "unprecedented" hike in the price has caused lot of hardship to consumers who have given up subsidy on LPG cylinders or those who have exceeded their annual quota of 12 cylinders and demanded that the hike should be rolled back.

Senior CPI-M leader Tapan Kumar Sen said millions of central government employees are on strike today to protest against non-filling of vacancies, which has increased to 40 per cent of the total posts.

He also said the government has "betrayed" the employees by not honouring the commitments to trade unions that the minimum wages recommended by the Pay Commission would be revised upwards.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Honda Cars India today launched its compact crossover model WR-V in the country priced between Rs 7.75 lakh and Rs 9.99 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).

Based on the Jazz platform, the WR-V comes with both petrol and diesel powertrains.

The two petrol variants are priced at Rs 7.75 lakh and Rs 8.99 lakh while the diesel trims are tagged at Rs 8.79 lakh and Rs 9.99 lakh (all prices ex-showroom Delhi).

The petrol variants are powered by 1.2 litre engine while the diesel versions come with 1.5 litre powertrains. The company, however, stayed away from introducing an automatic variant of the model.

"The fast evolving Indian market has shown strong demand for compact vehicles that are stylish, comfortable and have premium features," Honda Cars India President and CEO Yoichiro Ueno told reporters here.

With the launch of the Honda WR-V, the company is offering a vehicle for recreational usage as well as comfortable driving for daily use in the city, he added.

"We are confident that WR-V will help us to fortify our premium image in all segments," Ueno said.

The model comes with various features like satellite linked navigation, smartphone connectivity, dual airbags, anti lock braking system, among others.

India is the first country to manufacture and launch the Honda WR-V in the world. It is the first model developed by Honda R&D India in association with Honda R&D Co Ltd, Japan.

Ueno said that with the launch of new City sedan last month and WR-V now, the company is poised for a consistent growth in the coming months.

"We have started the year on a positive note. The new City has received an overwhelming response with over 14,000 bookings till date. Around 40 per cent of the total bookings have been made for the top-end variant of the model," Ueno said.

He added that the company is also studying to bring some premium models into the country.

Speaking at the launch, Honda Motor Company's Chief Operating Officer, Regional Operations (Asia & Oceania), Noriake Abe said India is the first country to manufacture and launch the Honda WR-V in the world which is testimony to the Japanese company's commitment to the Indian market.

Giving an account of Asia Oceania region, he said that countries like Indonesia, Philippines and Vietnam posted robust growth while in India, the company faced "tough business environment".

"Demonetisation led to cash crunch and severely impacted consumer sentiments and our business. From February, the sentiment has improved and so is the business," he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The (ITD) failed to unearth black money generated by several Maharashtra based firms despite getting clues on suspects who raised only bogus bills resulting in tax evasion of over Rs 10,640 crore, according to official auditor CAG.

Around 2,059 dealers issued invoices involving tax evasion of more than Rs 10,640 crore including maximum VAT of 12.5 per cent in Maharashtra, CAG said in its report presented in Parliament last week.

In 2008-09, Maharashtra Sales Tax Department (MSTD) in a disclosure to Bombay High Court informed about its probe on 1,555 hawala operators involving 39,488 beneficiary dealers who had passed on input tax credit of Rs 1,333 crore in the previous three fiscals.

They used to claim and obtain input tax credit against declaration of fake tax invoices without actual transactions.

The MSTD started putting out names of entities involved in such practises on its website from November 2011.

Examining records of 2009-10 to 2013-14, the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) said 35 cases had PANs in the bogus purchases list of MSTD.

Such assessees in the state either did not file return or filed with meager income/nil income or stopped filing return in later years, CAG added.

"ITD took up the cases for scrutiny only those cases where income was reported. ITD did not take any action to examine the veracity of the facts reported therein nor did they fully follow the information provided by their own investigation wing," the CAG report said.

The fundamental reason for generation of black money is to evade payment of taxes by reducing profits, CAG emphasised.

"Bogus bills may be prepared to show inflated expenses in the the books. Such a practise also involves hawala operators who operate shell entities for accepting cheques for payments claimed as expense in exchange of cash after charging some commission and give rise to black money in the market."



The information received by the department is not complete and it used the information "selectively".

The department had information on suspicious dealers who issued false bills without delivery of goods, but failed to effectively use the tools at its disposal that could deal with non-reporting of unaccounted income and generation of black money.

Many assessees go scot free without any action from the department, CAG further said.

"The department did not even scrutinise all the assessees featuring in list of MSTD indulging in giving accommodation entries for bogus purchases. The information regarding bogus purchases were not passed on to AOs who were assessing the beneficiaries when the entry providers were assessed.
Janta Dal (U) MP Ali Anwar Ansari today made a strong pitch in Rajya Sabha to include Bhojpuri in the 8th Schedule of Constitution, saying the language was spoken by 20-25 crore people.

Raising the issue during the Zero Hour, Ansari said the government on four occasions in Parliament has given assurance to include Bhojpuri in the 8th Schedule.

In an apparent dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said that during elections, BJP leaders say a word or sentence in Bhojpuri to allure voters.

Prodded by Deputy Chairman P J Kurien, Ansari also spoke in Bhojpuri amid thumping of benches by members.

"Bhojpuri is a sweet language. Its sweetness is not like of sugar, but jaggery," the Member of Parliament said. He also demanded that primary education should be provided in mother tongue across India.

He said the Delhi unit of JD-U has written a six-page letter to the Home Minister to include Bhojpuri in the 8th Schedule, which currently recognises 22 languages.

Ansari said Bhojpuri was the language of Kunwar Singh, Sher Shah Suri and represented Hindu-Muslim unity.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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India and Brazil today signed a social security agreement which will exempt detached workers from making social security contributions in either countries if they are contributing in their respective countries.

Detached workers are send by their employers to work in the office of their company or an affiliate located in a different country.

The agreement has been signed today in Brazil's capital Brasilia, a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs said.

"As per the agreed text, detached workers of the two countries are exempted from making social security contributions in either countries so long as they were making such contributions in their respective countries," it said.

The text establishes the rights and obligations of the nationals of both the countries and provides for equal treatment of the nationals of both countries and unrestricted payment of pensions even in the case of residence in the other contracting state (benefits export principle).

"The requirements to be entitled to a pension can be met by aggregating the periods of insurance completed in India and Brazil, whereby each country pays only the pension for the insurance periods covered by its laws," the statement said.

India has, so far, signed and operationalised Social Security Agreements (SSAs) with 18 countries - Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Japan, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, and South Korea.

It said the agreement, which will come into force from early 2018 after ratification process, will "favourably impact" the profitability and competitive position of companies of both the countries having foreign operations in either territory.

"The SSA will also help promote more investment flows between the two countries. The SSA between India and Brazil once in force by early 2018 will also be the first such agreement between the BRICS countries," it said.

The Indian delegation was led by K Nagaraj Naidu, Joint Secretary (Economic Diplomacy) of the External Affairs Ministry and the Brazilian delegation was led by Benedito A Brunca, Secretary (Social Security Policies), Ministry of Finance, Government of Brazil.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
India has strongly conveyed to Sri Lanka that the use of force against its fishermen cannot be justified under any circumstances, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj told Parliament today.

Making statements in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha against the backdrop of killing of a Tamil fisherman in alleged firing by Sri Lankan Navy recently, she said the issue has been taken up with Sri Lanka at the highest level.

"I will again like to ressure the honourable members that the government accords the highest priority to promote the well-being, safety and security of our fishermen. We have strongly conveyed to Sri Lanka that the use of force cannot be justified under any circumstances," she said.

She said the Indian government has consistenly taken up fishermen's issues with its Lankan counterparts and secured the release of its 1045 fishermen in 2014, 375 in 2015, 333 in 2016 and 51 in 2017.

The release of all the 85 fishermen still in the Lankan custody has been secured, Swaraj said, adding while 77 returned to India the day before yesterday, eight others are on their way back.

The government has taken up the matter of their boats' release as well, she said.

Following the killing of a fisherman on March 6 in Palk Bay after a fishing vessel from Tamil Nadu was fired upon, allegedly by the Lankan navy, the Indian government expressed its strong concerns to the neighbouring government.

Sri Lanka has denied the involvement of its navy in the incident, the minister noted.

Indian High Commissioner had spoken to the Sri Lankan Prime Minister and the Navy Commander on this matter, she said.

Their navy, however, maintained that their patrol boats are not authorised to open fire at any point on Indian fishermen even if they are transgressing into the Sri Lankan waters, she said.

"The President of Sri Lanka conveyed to our Vice President in their meeting in Jakarta on March 7 on the sidelines of the Indian Ocean Rim Association Leaders' Summit his regret at the unfortunate incident and the loss of life. He emphasised that he has ordered a full investigation," Swaraj said.

India continues to pursue the matter with the Lankan government, she said.

She said Prime Minister Narendra Modi as also herself have raised the issues involving fishermen at the highest levels, she said.

(Reopen PAR22)



Earlier during Question Hour in the Rajya Sabha, the External Affairs Minister said the issue related to imprisonment of 85 Indian fishermen in Sri Lanka was raised in the recent bilateral meeting.

Swaraj was asked about resettlement of fishermen belonging to ethnic Tamils in Sri Lanka.

In her response, she said funds have been given to Tamil fishermen and not to Sinhalese to build houses. Most of the houses have been constructed, she added.
India among other countries in the South East Asian Region, which bear half of the global tuberculosis burden, today signed a 'call for action' and pledged to scale up measures to end the disease by 2030.

India reports 2.8 million new TB cases annually and nearly half a million deaths due to the disease.

"Health ministers from countries in WHO South-East Asia Region, which bear half the global TB burden and WHO today signed a 'Call for Action' for ending TB, pledging to scale-up efforts and implement adequately funded, innovative, multi-sectoral and comprehensive measures to achieve the global target to end the disease by 2030," WHO said.

The Health Ministers from WHO SEARO took part in the two-day ministerial meeting towards ending TB in the region which culminated here today.

In 2015, TB caused nearly 8,00,000 deaths in the region, while an estimated 4.74 million new cases were reported.

Six of the region's countries -- Bangladesh, DPR Korea, India, Indonesia, Myanmar and Thailand -- are among the 30 high TB burden nations globally.

"We need to make ending TB our central priority. The disease continues to be a leading cause of death and lost productive years in the crucial age group of 15-49 years causing catastrophic expenses, financial losses, outright impoverishment of individuals and households and massive aggregate costs to national economies.

"Ending TB is paramount for health and development across the Region," said Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Regional Director for WHO South-East Asia.

Committing to take exceptional action and high-impact interventions as per the Call for Action, the ministers also agreed to lead the implementation of the national TB response through an empowered body reporting to the highest levels of government.

WHO SEARO said while countries in the region have been making efforts against TB, the annual decline in TB incidence -- which is currently between 1.5 per cent and 2 per cent -- is "insufficient" and needs to be scaled up to at least 10 per cent to 15 per cent to meet the 'End TB' targets.

The global targets seek to reduce TB mortality by 90 per cent and incidence by 80 per cent by 2030.

The initiative also stresses on increasing government and partner budgetary allocations to enable national TB plans to be fully funded.

The ministers discussed about setting up of a 'regional innovation to implementation fund' for accelerated sharing of knowledge, intellectual resources and innovations to reach out and treat all cases.

Singh said countries also need to apply best practices in taking comprehensive TB treatment and prevention programmes to universal scale while improving quality and making them genuinely "people-centered".

"They need to tackle poverty, malnutrition, quality of health care services, sub-optimum living conditions and other socio-economic factors that fuel TB," she said.

WHO SEARO said investments towards ending TB are expected



to give huge returns, with more than 11 million lives expected to be saved and nearly 60 million infections expected to be prevented across the region by 2035.

"This will also complement social and economic growth by averting nearly 300 million disability-adjusted life year (DALYs), WHO SEARO statement said.

"Together we can and must end TB," Singh said while announcing that 'Bending the curve to end TB' would be a flagship programme of WHO in the region to support member countries take immediate action with an extreme sense of urgency to end the disease.

Union Health Minister J P Nadda during the meeting yesterday had said that the government is expected to soon finalise an "aggressive" national strategy to end tuberculosis in the country.

Observing that India represents the single highest number of TB cases in the world, Nadda had said his government has approached the "challenge" to end the disease in "all seriousness" and has accelerated action to meet the 'End TB target by 2025'.

WHO's South-East Asia Region comprises Bangladesh, Bhutan, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, India, Indonesia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Timor-Leste.
Aiming to boost the India-Russia economic and strategic ties, the two countries today discussed the proposed FTA encompassing Eurasian nations and also the operationalisation of the International North South Transport Corridor that will cut the time and cost for cargo movement.

Commerce and IndustryMinister Nirmala Sitharaman and Russian Trade and Industry Minister Denis Manturov held a bilateral meeting here before inauguration of the India Engineering Sourcing Show (IESS) with Russia as the Partner Country in the flagship annual event of EEPC India.

"Mr Manturov and I had a meeting today morning. We agreed that there is enormous potential to enhance the bilateral trade which is presently at USD 6.62 billion.We discussed the North-South corridor," Sitharaman said while addressing a press conference here.

"We also deliberated upon other measures to enhance the trade ties including the proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the Eurasian Economic Union. Both countries also noted the need to finalise a revised bilateral investment treaty," she added.

FDI from Russia is estimated at USD 1.2 billion till date while Indian investment in Russia is around USD 4.9 billion.

In her inaugural address at the IESS, she said both India and Russiadiscussed the need to finalise a revised Bilateral Investment Treaty. There is tremendous potential for enhancing such investments, she added.

All these measures, including the FTA and work on the ground on several MoUs, would help take the bilateral trade to USD 30 billion by 2025, the minister said.

Though the mutual trade at present is only USD 6.3 billion, the USD 30 billion target set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian PresidentVladimir Putinis "absolutely achievable", the Indian minister pointed out, adding that a high-level engagement is possible in June or July this year.

Asked whether countries, other than Russia in Eurasia like Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia andKyrgyzstan are also willing to speed up the talks on the trade-opening pact,the visiting Russian minister said, "We are trying to push the FTA with other countries as well.

The two countries are also pushing for investment with



Russia having already established two funds and another one with USD 500 million for industries of both the countries is in the works, Manturov said.

Likewise, from the Indian side, the National Infrastructure Investment Fund (NIIF) would be made use of.

Besides, Russian cooperation is being sought for increasing speed of the Indian Railways on the 575 km route of Nagpur-Secunderabad.

Later addressing the India-Russia Business Forum, Sitharaman said a jointfund of USD 1 billion, equally shared by Russian sovereign fund RDIF and our National Investment and Infrastructure Fund, is being set up to promote investments in infrastructure and technology projects.

She said India and Russia are working to operationalise the International North-South Corridor that runs via Iran in view of its huge potential for India's trade with Central Asian countries.

"I had a conversation with the Secretary Department of Economic Affairs Shaktikanta Das and I have urged him to send a delegation to Moscow which he has agreed to send in mid-April," Sitharaman said, adding "I am sure with that greater engagement things will look up for both India and Russia."



Similar initiatives in the oil and gas are being implemented with Russian major Rosneft acquiring Essar Oil with investment of USD 12.9 billion.

In the reverse order, a consortium of Indian PSUs like Oil India, Indian Oil Corporation and BPCL, are investing USD 3 billion in the Russian oilfields.

The Russian minister is leading a 120-member high-level delegation to India, participating in the IESS where over 400 exhibitors of high technology products and technologies from 45 countries are participating.

It is for the first time that the IESS is being held outside Mumbai and the Tamil Nadu Government has made a plea to the Commerce Ministry for holding it in the state in future as well.
India has reassured Afghanistan that it will continue to support it in its efforts to build a peaceful, stable and united country where the democratic and pluralistic aspirations of the Afghan people are met.

This was conveyed to Deputy Foreign Minister of Afghanistan Hekmat Karzai during his meetings here, the External Affairs Ministry spokesperson said, adding that the visiting minister also called on Minister of State M J Akbar. Karzai had met Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar and Secretary (ER) Amar Sinha.

The Afghan minister also apprised the India side of the present security situation and efforts being made by the Government of Afghanistan towards peace and reconciliation in the country.

"The Indian side reiterated its commitment to continue to support the government and the people of Afghanistan in their efforts to build a peaceful, stable, prosperous and united country within which the democratic and pluralistic aspirations of people of country are met," he said.

Both sides exchanged views on the situation in Afghanistan and reviewed progress in implementation of the development cooperation projects and the decisions taken during the visits of Afghan President Ghani to India last year, he said.

Asked if the two sides discussed the issue of an air corridor between the two countries, the spokesperson said all on-going cooperation matters figured during these meetings.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
An Indonesian people- smuggling kingpin who organised an illegal migrant boat journey that sparked a diplomatic row with Australia was jailed for six years today.

Abraham Louhenapessy, commonly known as "Captain Bram", helped find a crew and buy a boat for a voyage intended to take 65 migrants to New Zealand in early 2015.

Louhenapessy has long been a notorious figure in the people-smuggling trade.

He is believed to have organised numerous illegal migrant boat voyages from Indonesia, a staging post on long- established routes, with Canberra saying that he has targeted Australia since 1999.

The voyage for which the 56-year-old was convicted today sparked a fierce row between Canberra and Jakarta, due to allegations that Australian officials stopped the boat in their waters and paid its crew about USD 30,000 to turn back to Indonesia.

Chief judge Hiras Sitanggang told the court on remote Rote island, where the boat came ashore after it was turned back, that Louhenapessy was guilty of people-smuggling.

"The defendant is sentenced to six years in prison," he said, adding that Louhenapessy also had to pay a fine of 500 million rupiah (USD 37,000) or serve an additional six months in jail.

It was lower than the nine-year term recommended by prosecutors at an earlier hearing.

The people-smuggler has been arrested three times in the past decade, with the most recent occasion being in September.

He was jailed for a brief time after his first arrest in 2007. But when he was detained again in 2009 - after being found holed up on a boat full of asylum seekers - he was only fined.

Prosecutors had said that Louhenapessy had received payment of 1.5 billion rupiah (USD 112,000) for his role in the latest scheme, which saw the traffickers target New Zealand as old routes to Australia were closed off due to Canberra's tough border protection policies.

The boat, carrying Sri Lankan, Bangladeshi and Myanmar migrants, was stopped by the Australian navy as it passed through Australian waters and the passengers and crew were sent back to Indonesia in rickety vessels.

After being detained on Rote, the crew claimed they had been paid to turn back and promise never to engage in people- smuggling again.

Indonesian officials were angered by the allegations, worrying it could encourage an increase in people-smuggling attempts. Australia refused to confirm or deny the claims.

The captain and crew were jailed in Indonesia in January last year.

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 been a flashpoint in relations with Jakarta.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Ahead of the proposed Jat agitation on March 20, Delhi Police today said it will not allow tractors, trolleys and private buses ferrying protesters to enter the national capital.

Delhi Police Commissioner Amulya Patnaik held a meeting with senior officials on planning of a strategy to handle the agitation.

The entire Delhi Police will be on its toes to monitor the situation and leaves of all officers have been cancelled, a senior police officer said.

Protesters in tractor, trolleys or private buses would not be allowed to enter Delhi and such vehicles will be impounded at the borders, as per the guidelines of the Supreme Court, the officer said.

Those with batons or some weapons will also not given entry to Delhi. Force with anti-riot equipment will be deployed at border areas of Delhi to keep a watch.

"They haven't sought permission from us for the agitation. In case they do apply for permission, it will be examined," the officer said.

Apart from Delhi Police, Rapid Police Force and other central paramilitary forces will be also be deployed as part of the arrangement, he added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The body of Dalit JNU scholar Muthukrishnan, who allegedly committed suicide at a friend's residence in Delhi, was today brought to his home town in Salem.

The body was brought this morning from Chennai and kept at his house for people to pay homage.

Muthukrishnan, a resident of Tamil Nadu's Salem district, completed his MPhil from the University of Hyderabad (UoH) in 2015 before joining JNU for his PhD.

The student, who was staying at JNU's Jhelum hostel, was found hanging from the ceiling fan at a friend's residence in South Delhi's Munirka area on March 13.

Muthukrishnan, said to be at the forefront of a students' movement following research scholar Rohith Vemula's death, had severely criticised the varsity's admission policy in a Facebook post days before taking the extreme step.

In his post, which has gone viral, the 28-year-old student had also slammed the recent prohibitory order by JNU authorities banning protests at the administration block.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Police will scan the call logs and chat records of the mobile phone and social media accounts of Dalit JNU student Muthukrishnan who allegedly committed suicide.

The deceased who had named himself 'Krish Rajini' on Facebook, allegedly hanged himself at his South Korean friend's house in Munirka using a blanket on March 13.

Yesterday, a case of abetment to suicide and the relevant section of the Scheduled Castes (SCs) and the Scheduled Tribes (STs) Prevention of Atrocities (PoA) Act was registered in connection with the incident.

"We will access his laptop data and go through his SMSes to ascertain the reason why he took the extreme step," said a senior police officer.

The officer also said that they will also request the two professors under whom he was pursuing his dissertation to join the probe.

Police has also issued notices to the university seeking clarification over allegations that he faced "caste-based" discrimination.

His roommate in the hostel Amritangshu will also be spoken to in detail whether he had noticed any suicidal tendencies in Krishnan in the days leading to his death.

Police is also trying to contact the woman whom he had spoken to on the morning of March 13, the day he allegedly killed himself. His mobile phone and laptop have been sent for forensic examination.

Police are also scanning through the five Facebook posts in which he had narrated a story about being discriminated while in Salem and in Delhi.

In the posts titled, "Manaa", the 28-year-old had narrated his struggle to get over the discrimination.

To verify the allegations about his being discriminated, notices are likely to be sent to the JNU administration, head of the student's welfare board and the head of department of Centre for Historical Studies where he was enrolled for his M.Phil.

Police have also approached a few of his batchmates and friends to verify the allegations.

Family members have told the cops that in order to pursue a course in JNU, Muthukrishnan had taken up different jobs and was emotionally strong. He was a member of Dalit student's association at the Hyderabad Central University but never took part in active student politics.

Muthukrishnan's body was cremated at his hometown in Salem today.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Uttar Pradesh BJP chief Keshav Prasad Maurya was today admitted to the intensive care unit at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital here after he complained of uneasiness.

According to a senior doctor of the hospital, the 48-year-old leader was admitted at 3.38 PM.

"He was suffering from cough and cold and mild fever for last seven days and overwork due to his political commitments.

"On admission his blood pressure was slightly higher. At present he is fully conscious and better. He is kept under observation for further evaluation," medical superintendent Dr A K Gadpayle said.

Maurya is being seen as one of the strong contenders for the chief minister's post in Uttar Pradesh after the BJP posted a landslide win in the assembly polls.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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About Censored News Censored News is published by Brenda Norrell. Since 2006, Censored News has received more than 20 million pageviews. As a collective of writers, photographers and broadcasters, we publish news of Indigenous Peoples and human rights. Contact publisher Brenda Norrell: brendanorrell@gmail.com

From the publisher Censored News is published by Brenda Norrell, a journalist in Indian country for 40 years. Norrell created Censored News after she was censored and terminated as a staff reporter at Indian Country Today in 2006. She began as a reporter at Navajo Times during the 18 years that she lived on the Navajo Nation. She was a stringer for AP and USA Today and later traveled with the Zapatistas through Mexico. She has been blacklisted by all the mainstream media for 14 years. Contact brendanorrell@gmail.com

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Kochi-based Marine Products Export Development Authority today launched a Self-Sufficiency Project at its Hatchery and Training Complex here, which would help aqua farmers export their produce in international markets and meet stringent quality norms.

Under the project, nursery rearing facilities for Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia seeds have been set up for supply of quality seeds to the aqua farmers, officials said.

Union Commerce Secretary Rita Teaotia, inaugurating the SSP, said there is an imperative need to provide best products as competition from other countries is increasing.

"Every single aspect of the product which is going to the international markets has to be of best quality. This is the message that has to go to everyone along the value chain and not just the exporters. Good practices and ensuring the quality should be the cardinal principle," she said.

Hailing the efforts of MPEDA, the senior official said it has worked in close partnership with the exporter community and has been able to add value over the years.

The Commerce Secretary also made a strong pitch for maintaining unified product standards for exporting globally to raise the country's reputation.

"Instead of classifying the product quality standards for the European Union, the US or Japan, we should be able to export best quality products to every country. I believe it is time for us to actually understand that every single country in the world deserves the outstanding quality from us. This will raise our reputation globally," she noted.

MPEDA Chairman A Jayathilak said plans are also afoot to expand the nursery rearing facilities at Hatchery and Training Complex at Vallarpadam, located near the International Container Terminal, for other species such as seabass, mangrove crab and vannamei shrimp.

The Commerce Secretary, who visited Kochi as part of her official visit to Kerala, also launched the e-office of MPEDA, which is in tune with the National e-Governance Plan, to enable a fast, transparent and paperless office.

With this, the MPEDA has become the second office in south India to be totally paperless, after the Spices Board.

Teaotia also inaugurated the online business exchange platform, the 'Fish Exchange Portal', developed by the MPEDA for export of seafood from the country.

The portal, a 'one stop shop' for the entire gamut of trade needs, would facilitate buyers across the globe to interact and source seafood from the exporters registered with MPEDA.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
EVMS will be used in the April 22 MCD polls with Lt Governor Anil Baijal turning down Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's proposal for ballot voting, saying change of mode of polling was not feasible due to time constraint.

The Lt Governor conveyed to the Delhi Government that the rules will have to be amended for shunning the EVMs and it was not possible to make the changes as little over a month is left for the polls.

In the backdrop of AAP's poor showing in assembly polls in Punjab, Kejriwal yesterday alleged that it could be due to EVM tampering and pitched for holding the April 22 municipal polls using ballot papers.

Kejriwal's allegations came as BSP supremo Mayawati, who had made similar claims after her party was decimated in the Uttar Pradesh assembly polls, said that she will move court against the alleged tampering of EVMs.

The Election Commission has rubbished the allegations of EVM tampering as "wild and baseless".

Kejriwal had even requested Baijal to call a meeting of political parties and the state election commission to explore the possibility of using ballot papers in the civic polls.

Baijal said that it is not possible to amend the existing rules to hold municipal corporations elections at a time when polls dates have already been announced by the State Election Commission.

All three civic bodies polls will be held on April 22 and the results will come out on April 25.

Sources said that Kejriwal had also met Baijal yesterday and requested him to approve his proposal.

The Lt Governor stated that it is not feasible to hold elections to all three civic bodies through ballot papers. Rules cannot be amended at this stage when poll dates were announced, the sources in LG's secretariat said.

The LG has also cited that voting through ballot papers requires huge logistical support and, hence, "it would not be possible for him to agree to the proposal", they said.

Earlier this week, State Election Commissioner S K Srivastava had also said that the Commission had started the preparations for the polls keeping in mind the use of EVMs only.

On the CM's allegations of EVM tampering, the Lt Governor's view is that there has been no instance of tampering of the EVMs in the past.

The sources added that the LG has told the CM that MCD elections had also been held in 2007 and 2012 as also the bypoll in 2016 using EVMs.

Kejriwal had alleged that EVM tampering in Punjab could be part of a conspiracy to keep the AAP out of power in the state.

The AAP chief, whose party won 20 seats in the 117-member Assembly with a vote share of 24.9 per cent, had also claimed that around 20 to 25 per cent of its votes may have been "transferred" to the SAD-BJP coalition, which finished third.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The agitating Madhesis today rejected Prime Minister Prachanda's proposal to participate in Nepal's local polls and launched fresh agitation, a day after they withdrew support from his government.

The government has decided to hold local body polls on May 14 despite failure to reach an agreement with the alliance of Madhes-based parties which pulled out of the government after accusing it of failing to meet a seven-day ultimatum to fulfil their demands that included endorsement for the revised Constitution amendment bill.

"We held a long discussion on the Prime Minister's proposal, but we did not see any basis to trust him as he has failed to fulfil the past commitments," said Terai Madhesh Democratic Party leader Brikhesh Chandra Lal.

In a meeting with the United Democratic Madhesi Front (UDMF) leaders, Prachanda had urged them to participate in the upcoming local polls after amending the Constitution, setting aside the issue of state delineation for the time being.

He had said the government would form a commission to finalise the issues relating to provincial demarcation before holding the provincial elections.

As per the programme, the UDMF, which has 39 lawmakers, would launch non-cooperation to election activities.

The Front would organise condolence meetings across the country on March 26 to pay tribute to the five Madhesi activists who were killed in alleged police firing last week.

They were killed during clashes with the police as the agitating Madhesi Front tried to disrupt election campaign launched by main opposition CPN-UML.

On March 28, sit-ins would be organised in all district election offices as part of the protests, UDMF said after the conclusion of their meeting.

The statement was signed by several Madhesi leaders.

The agitation was launched against the government besides withdrawing support extended to the coalition government led by Maoist chief Prachanda, the UDMF said.

A senior leader said the agitation would be peaceful this time unlike last year when they obstructed Nepal-India border, badly affecting supplies of essential goods.

Madhesis, mostly of Indian-origin, launched a six-month- long agitation against the implementation of the Constitution without amending its provisions that would address the demands for more representation and re-demarcation of state boundaries.

At least 50 people died in the violent Madhesi protest between September 2015 and February last year.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Malaysian investigators used a DNA sample from a son of Kim Jong-Nam to confirm the identity of the murdered half-brother of North Korea's leader Kim Jong-Un, the deputy prime minister said today.

The 45-year-old, who was living in exile in the Chinese territory of Macau, was poisoned with the lethal nerve agent VX in a brazen Cold War-style assassination on February 13 in Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

Seoul has blamed Pyongyang for his death, but the North has rejected those claims and has never confirmed the identity of the victim, who was carrying a passport bearing the name of Kim Chol when he was attacked.

Malaysia officially confirmed his identity on Friday, later revealing that authorities used his fingerprints and a DNA sample from one of his children to do so.

Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today revealed that the sample was "taken from the son... Who is living abroad".

Ahmad Zahid told reporters that Malaysian officials travelled overseas to an undisclosed location to collect the DNA sample.

"The DNA was taken and brought to Malaysia and matching was made and we confirmed that the body belonged to Kim Jong- Nam."



Two women - one Vietnamese and one Indonesian - have been arrested and charged with the murder. Airport CCTV footage shows them approaching the victim and apparently smearing his face with a piece of cloth.

Investigators are also seeking seven North Korean suspects, four of whom left Malaysia on the day of the murder. Interpol has issued an international arrest warrant for the four men.

The police chief has said he believes they fled to Pyongyang while the other three are hiding in North Korea's embassy in Kuala Lumpur.

Pyongyang has denounced the investigation as an attempt to smear the secretive regime, insisting that Kim most likely died of a heart attack.

The killing has triggered a bitter row between Malaysia and North Korea, which have expelled each other's ambassadors and barred their citizens from leaving.

Kim's wife and children, who were living with him in Macau, went into hiding after the murder. He was known to have at least one son, 21-year-old Kim Han-Sol, who some fear could be targeted next.

In what may be the first comments by the family since Kim's death, a young man identifying himself as Han-Sol appeared in a video that circulated last week. The claim was later verified by South Korea's intelligence agency.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A man was beheaded in the district following which one person was arrested, police said today.

Some locals spotted the severed head wrapped in a plastic bag near a salon in Khatrap locality of Badlapur township in Thane yesterday morning.

They informed the police who then searched for the body and found it lying near an eatery in the same locality, the police said.

The deceased, identified as Sunil Achari, aged around 27, was staying at the house of Rajeshkumar Nepali (30), a cook working with the eatery near which the body was found, a police official said.

Since the recovery of the body, Nepali was not seen at his home.

Subsequently, the police launched a search for Nepali and he was nabbed yesterday from a train at Bhusawal railway station.

The deceased's mobile phone and his wrist watch were found in a bag recovered from the accused.

The Badlapur police have registered an offence under IPC sections 302 (murder) and 201 (causing disappearance of evidence of offence) against the accused.

The process was on to bring him to Badlapur for further probe in the matter, police said.

The motive behind the killing was yet to be ascertained, they added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A 35-year-old man allegedly bludgeoned his wife to death, wrapped her body in a blanket and tried to dispose it off by dumping it near a local church in Sangam Vihar area.

The husband doubted his wife and was upset that she did not listen to him and in a fit of rage killed her last night, police said.

A PCR call was received around 7:44 AM today about a body that was found wrapped in a blanket near Gali no 7 at L-1 block, Sangam Vihar.

When the body was inspected it was found that the woman had sustained multiple injuries to her head, left side of the face and shoulder, police said.

The woman's body was shifted to AIIMS and sent for post mortem.

The deceased was identified as 30-year-old Nargis.

While investigating the case, police found that her husband had a fight with her last night.

According to her family, Nargis' husband Anees would regularly beat her over trivial issues.

They would fight on a daily basis. Nargis would fight with him over the fact that he was unemployed, her family told police.

He was a painter and contractor but was currently out of work.

The family members of the deceased have been informed and her body has been preserved in AIIMS mortuary. Once they arrive in Delhi, the body will be handed over to them.

Anees was picked up today and later during questioning he confessed to his crime, police said.

The couple have three minor children who will be handed over to their relatives.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Press Council of India chairman Justice (retd) C K Prasad today said media should not have a "cordial relationship" with the government.

He also underlined the need for a code of conduct for media.

"You people are crusaders of trust....You are bound to come into conflict with the government and the authorities. I am of the opinion that if there is no conflict between journalists and government, that day perhaps will be the saddest day for the democracy," Justice Prasad said, addressing a seminar here.

"I request the media fraternity to be in conflict. I oppose the idea of a cordial relationship between media, authorities and government. So as long as 'Ram Rajya' is not established, there has to be conflict," he said.

He also said lack of code of conduct makes journalists "vulnerable" and the media fraternity should review its opposition to the concept.

"If there is no code, no statutory guidelines....You are more vulnerable. You are exposed to the whims and fancies of others. If it is codified you will know what the legal position is. What is misconduct and what is not," Prasad said.

The PCI chairman also advised the scribes not to use their profession to indulge in corruption or shield their own wrongdoing.

Prasad also cited an example of misreporting. Referring to an alleged anti-Dalit comment by a Union Minister, he said when PCI examined the issue, it found that the minister's statement had been "misconstrued" by the media.

The contract system under which journalists work these days does not help the profession, he opined.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The European Parliament today urged Moscow to free without delay Ukrainian "political prisoners" linked to the situation in Crimea.

MEPs "call on Russia to release without further delay all illegally and arbitrarily detained Ukrainian citizens, both in Russia and in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine," a resolution said.

The strongly worded resolution, overwhelmingly approved by MEPs, marked the three-year anniversary of Moscow's March 2014 takeover of the strategic Black Sea peninsula.

The document expressed "concern over the many credible reports of cases of disappearances, torture, and systemic intimidation of local citizens opposed to the annexation of Crimea".

The lawmakers meeting in Strasbourg, France said Crimea's Tatar minority and heritage "seem to be prime targets for repressions".

The resolution also singled out the transfer of detainees "to distant regions of Russia", a policy which was in breach of Russian legislation, the MEPs said.

The measure comes after EU governments on Monday prolonged by another six months sanctions against Russian and Ukrainian individuals over their role in the Ukraine crisis.

Another set of sanctions specifically linked to Russia's annexation of Crimea, were rolled over for a year in June 2016.

The EU has imposed a whole series of punitive measures over Ukraine where the Minsk ceasefire accords brokered by France and Germany with Kiev, Moscow and the rebels repeatedly fail to hold.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Chinese President Xi Jinping today stressed their commitment to free trade ahead of a G20 finance ministers' meeting set to be dominated by debate on protectionism.

The two leaders spoke by telephone and said in a statement issued in Berlin that they would "together fight for free trade and open markets".

Finance ministers from the world's top economies are gathering in Germany from tomorrow as fears grow that US President Donald Trump could upend the global economic order with his "America First" policy.

Meanwhile Merkel is set to hold her first meeting with Trump in Washington tomorrow, on a trip on which she will be accompanied by a top-rung German business delegation.

Within two months of taking office, Trump has already torn up the trans-Pacific free trade pact, threatened punitive tariffs against multinationals with factories outside the United States and attacked "currency manipulation" by export giant China.

White House economic advisor Peter Navarro in January accused Germany and China of taking advantage of weak currencies to build a trade surplus with the United States.

In their statement, Merkel and Xi "agreed to maintain their close cooperation, in particular in the context of the German G20 presidency" this year, which will include a July summit in Hamburg.

On the eve of the finance ministers' meeting, Germany's Wolfgang Schaeuble was set to host US counterpart Steven Mnuchin later today in Berlin for their first official talks.

At a separate conference in Frankfurt, Schaeuble added his voice to the chorus touting free trade.

"If we have learned something from the past, it is that nationalism and protectionism are never the right response," he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Juicy contracts or patriotic pride?



That was the dilemma facing Mexican construction firms today as conservative lawmakers ramped up the pressure on companies tempted to help build US President Donald Trump's planned border wall.

Senator Gabriela Cuevas of the opposition National Action Party was due to introduce a bill barring the government from doing business with any Mexican firm that participates in building the wall, a deeply reviled project in Mexico.

"It's essential that government purchases, at all levels of government, exclude any kind of contract with any company that participates in building the wall," she told AFP.

Cuevas, the head of the Senate foreign relations committee, said negotiations were also under way to amend existing laws on public works projects and government purchases to exert similar pressure.

Trump's plan for a "big, beautiful" wall on the US-Mexican border -- a central campaign pledge -- could cost $21.6 billion, according to a Department of Homeland Security estimate.

His insistence that Mexico pay for the wall, together with his attacks on Mexican immigrants as "criminals" and "rapists," have caused a diplomatic row between the two neighbors.

Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto canceled a White House visit over the wall issue in January.

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Minister of State for External Affairs M J Akbar today held talks with British ministers and discussed issues of bilateral interest.

The minister's talks with UK secretary of state for international development Priti Patel and foreign office minister Alok Sharma covered issues of bilateral interest and strengthening the India-UK relationship.

"The history our relationship with the UK has a very large dimension...As Britain undergoes a dramatic re-evaluation of its relationship with Europe, India as a friend hopes to be as helpful as we can," Akbar told reporters in reference to India-UK ties post-Brexit.

The author and senior BJP leader is in London to attend the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) on Friday.

He will also be addressing a gathering at the House of Commons complex on "India in the changing world' later today.

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The king of Morocco is to appoint a new prime minister, the palace announced, after an unprecedented five months of talks on forming a coalition government ended in failure.

"To break the current deadlock, the king has decided to appoint another member of the PJD (Justice and Development Party) to lead the government within the shortest time possible," a palace statement said.

King Mohammed VI tasked Prime Minister Abdelilah Benkirane with forming a new government after the Islamist PJD won the most seats in elections in October 2016.

The party had come to power after the king relinquished some of his near-absolute control following Arab Spring-inspired protests in 2011, with Benkirane heading a previous coalition government for five years.

But this time the PJD failed to form a majority despite five months of intense negotiations -- the longest time Morocco has been without a government in its recent history.

Benkirane told AFP today that he would also step down from leadership of the PJD in the months ahead.

"We cannot comment on decisions taken by the leadership. All I can say is that of course I accept this decision, which falls in line with the constitution. One cannot say no to His Majesty," he said.

Benkirane had proposed to rebuild his outgoing coalition, an alliance comprising a range of parties including other Islamists, liberals and ex-communists.

However he faced opposition from Aziz Akhannouch -- leader of the National Rally of Independents (RNI) and a billionaire former agriculture minister who is close to the king -- and the resulting power struggle quickly led to political impasse.

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A 58-year-old teacher of a government school has been arrested for allegedly raping a minor girl student inside the campus here, police said today.

The incident took place yesterday in the office room of the primary school located in Awadhpuri on the city outskirts, City Superintendent of Police (CSP) Virendra Mishra said.

After the classes finished, accused Mohan Singh called two girls to the office room on the pretext of some work. Subsequently, he told one of the girls to leave but asked the 11-year-old victim to stay back and later sexually assaulted her after locking up the room, he said.

The accused was arrested last evening under relevant sections of the IPC and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, after the victim's family registered a police complaint.

According to police, the victim, a Class II student, had been complaining to her mother that she was being beaten up and molested by the teacher since December last year.

However, her mother, who is a domestic help at the residence of the accused, ignored her complaint thinking that her daughter was trying to avoid school and evade studies and hence the teacher must have punished her.

At times, the mother also used to take the girl along with her for help in domestic chores at Singh's residence, the police complaint said.

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Mona Lisa is unquestionably smiling in one of the world's most famous paintings despite the intangible sadness that imbues her face, a new study suggests.

The ambiguous facial expression of Italian polymath Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa was long thought to be one of the main reasons for its great appeal.

Now, scientists at the University of Freiburg in Germany have demonstrated that test subjects almost always perceive Mona Lisa as happy.

They also determined that the emotional assessment of the image depends on which other versions of it are shown.

Researchers presented the test participants with the original painting and eight image versions in which the corners of Mona Lisa's mouth are slightly raised or lowered to create a sadder or happier facial expression.

"We were very surprised to find out that the original Mona Lisa is almost always seen as being happy. That calls the common opinion among art historians into question," said Jurgen Kornmeier, a scientist at University of Freiburg.

Scientists began by creating eight versions of the Mona Lisa that differed only in gradual changes to the curvature of her mouth.

The researchers then presented the original, four versions with a sadder face, and four with a happier face in random order.

Their participants indicated for each version whether they perceived it as happy or sad by pressing a button and then rated how certain they were of their response.

The responses were added up to form a percentage on a scale from sad to happy and a rating for the certainty of the responses.

The original and all of the more positive versions were perceived as happy in nearly 100 per cent of the cases.

The participants identified happy faces more quickly and with a higher degree of certainty than sad faces.

"It appears as if our brain is biased to positive facial expressions," said Emanuela Liaci, PhD student and first author of the study.

In a second experiment, the researchers kept the image with the least mouth curvature as the saddest version, took the original Mona Lisa as the happiest version, and chose seven intermediate versions, three of them from the first experiment.

They found that the participants tended to perceive the various versions of the image as sadder when the range of images they had been shown had overall sadder facial expressions.

"The data show that our perception, for instance of whether something is sad or happy, is not absolute but adapts to the environment with astonishing speed," said Kornmeier.

The study was published in the journal Scientific Reports.

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Nalanda University has launched a new school of studies, seeking to increase the intake of students, the Rajya Sabha was informed today.

Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs Gen (retd) V K Singh in reply to a question, said in order to increase the intake of students, the university has launched a new School of Studies -- School of Buddhist Studies, Philosophy and Comparative Religion -- during 2016-17.

"The University is also planning to launch a School of Linguistic Studies during the forthcoming academic year 2017-18 and a School of Public Health in 2018-19," he said.

The Minister also informed that the total number of students in Nalanda University during academic year 2014-15 was 12, in 2015-16 was about 62 and during the current academic year 2016-17 around 130.

"The University is planning to further increase the intake of students during 2017-18 for which it is on the look out for suitable boarding and lodging facilities in Rajgir, Bihar," Singh said.

The construction of permanent campus of the university has already started and it is expected that phase-I of it will be completed by 2019 or early 2020, he added.

The university has also requested the architecture consultants to fast-track the construction project with the use of pre-fabricated structures wherever feasible.

"In spite of capacity constraints in terms of non-availability of suitable facilities in Rajgir, the Nalanda University is looking to further increase the intake of students in coming years," he said.

In its first meeting on February 10 this year, the varsity's newly-constituted Governing Board was unanimous in its view that since its inception, its growth, in terms of students enrolled as well as faculty, was "grossly inadequate" and that it was necessary to draw up a plan for rapid growth.

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State-run NBCC today signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Vidarbha Irrigation Development Corporation (VIDC) for phase 1 of construction of irrigation scheme in Maharashtra valued at Rs 1,058 crore.

NBCC has been allotted the construction works in under Gosikhurd National Project, worth Rs 6,000 crore and this Phase-1 work is part of this contract, the company said in a statement issued here.

The scope of work includes right bank canal, canal and distribution system of Nerla and Mokhabardi. The first phase is likely to be completed in around 18 months.

**** **** **** ****



Xrbia to launch two residential projects on 'Gudi Padwa'



Realty player Xrbia today said it plans to launch two residential projects with one each in Mumbai and Pune on 'Gudi Padwa' on March 28.

"The two projects are the first locations to launch as part of Xrbia's new city centre strategy," the company said in a statement issued here.

The project in Mumbai 'Xrbia Chembur' will offer 1 bedroom apartment at 40 lakhs, while 'Xrbia Balewadi' in Pune will offer 1 bedroom apartment at 15 lakhs.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said today he was in discussions with Donald Trump's administration on ways to move ahead with settlement construction ahead of fresh talks with a top adviser to the US president.

Netanyahu also reiterated he intended to build a new "community" for residents of a wildcat Jewish outpost in the occupied West Bank known as Amona, which was evacuated under court order in February.

An Israeli government-sanctioned settlement would be the first official new settlement in more than 20 years and would surely draw intense international criticism.

Construction in recent years has involved expanding existing settlements in the West Bank, with many countries warning it is gradually eating away at any chance of a two- state solution with the Palestinians.

"This afternoon I will meet again with President Trump's envoy, Jason Greenblatt," Netanyahu told ministers at the start of a cabinet meeting in remarks relayed by his office.

"We are in the midst of a process of dialogue with the White House and our intention is to reach an agreed-upon policy regarding settlement construction," Netanyahu said. "Agreed-upon for us, of course, not just for the American side.

"Naturally, this will be good for the state of Israel, since we have not been in these processes for many years," Netanyahu said.

US president Barack Obama's administration frequently criticised Israel over settlement construction.

Obama's White House also declined to veto a UN Security resolution condemning Israeli settlement building in December, deeply angering Netanyahu.

Greenblatt's visit to the region marks the Trump administration's dive into the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which the new US president said he intended to resolve.

Sceptics have questioned Trump's ability to pull off the feat that stumped previous administrations, especially with some of his newly appointed pointmen - including Greenblatt - having no experience in Middle East diplomacy.

But the head of Israel's opposition Zionist Union, Isaac Herzog, praised Trump's dedication and efforts following a meeting with Greenblatt today.

"I was impressed by the depth of the commitment expressed by Jason Greenblatt in President Trump's name to the need to reach an agreement between us and the Palestinians, and by the extent of his meetings with all involved elements from both sides," Herzog said.

"Despite past failures, I welcome the new effort of the Trump administration", he said in a statement.

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The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over the probe into the March 7 Bhopal-Ujjain passenger train blast in Shajapur district of Madhya Pradesh, officials said here today.

Details and documents related to the probe have been handed over to an NIA team, which arrived here from Delhi yesterday, a state government official said.

The agency, which takes over the probe from Madhya Pradesh Police, is now expected to start questioning the three accused -- Mohammad Danish, Mohammad Atif Muzaffar and Sayed Meer Husain -- who were arrested from Hoshangabad district of Madhya Pradesh, hours after the blast, the official added.

A local court on March 8 had remanded the trio in the custody of the Madhya Pradesh Police's Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) till March 23.

The three arrested persons, said to be influenced by the ISIS ideology, have been accused of planting a pipe bomb in the train.

According to the police, examination of the remnants of the pipe bomb had revealed that "ISIS now in India" was written over it.

At least 10 people were injured, three of them seriously, in the IED blast on the train near Jabri station in Shajapur district of Madhya Pradesh on March 7.

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Two Indian clerics, including the head priest of New Delhi's Nizamuddin Dargah, have gone missing in Pakistan, prompting India to take up the matter with the Pakistani government.

According to official sources in New Delhi, Asif Nizami, the chief priest, and Nazim Nizami had gone to visit the famous Daata Darbar shrine in Lahore and were to catch a flight from there to Karachi yesterday.

"As per their families, while Asif was allowed to go to Karachi, Nazim was stopped at the Lahore airport on grounds of incomplete travel papers.

"While Nazim went missing from Lahore airport, Asif went missing after arriving at the Karachi airport," a source said.

The matter has been taken up with the Pakistan government both in New Delhi as well as through the Indian mission in Islamabad, the source said.

The duo had gone to Karachi to meet their relatives on March 8 before travelling to Lahore to visit the shrine.

Exchanges between clerics of the Nizamuddin Dargah and the Daata Darbar are part of a regular tradition.

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The New Town Kolkata Development Authority (NKDA) has roped in IIT Kharagpur for a unique project called 'Happiness and Well-being' aimed at giving better life to people of the township.

"We will work with NKDA for the project which is aimed at giving a holistic happy environment to people living in the area. IIT-KGP will offer expertise in this regard. The institute will help in setting up a road map to the state-run civic authorities," IIT Kharagpur, Director Prof Partha Pratim Chakrabarti told PTI at a workshop in New Town today.

Professor and Head, Department of Humanities & Social Sciences, IIT Kharagpur, Priyadarshi Patnaik said, "We are aiming to increase the happiness index of the people living in the township by involving everyone in the effort. IIT Kharagpur has already been working on the issue for some time."



Citing instance, he said, "Say there is an old age home and a children's home in the same locality. So ideally the inmates of the old age home would guide the children in their education and mentor them, while the children will extend helping hand to their 'grand parents' in their daily lives and during ailment. Thus two neighbours will complement each other."



"This can just be one example of 'Happiness & Well Being' concept. I mean the people, the clubs, the concerned organisations will not work disparately in a locality but chip in to make a better neighbourhood with support from the administration. All stakeholders will make a better livable place," he said.

Additional Chief Secretary and Chairman NKDA, Debashis Sen said "We have entered into an arrangement with IIT-KGP's Rekhi Centre for Science of Happiness and the aim was to increase 'wellness feel and effect' in people's mind.

"The city fathers will think on these aspects to gift the people of the area an improved stress-free life," Sen said.

From aspiring a pollution-free air to congestion-free commuting, one should also have other indexes of happiness on the rising side," he emphasised.

"Since the IIT KGP had been already running Rekhi Centre for Science of Happiness to make students embrace happiness, their professionals can offer us expertise in a broader domain," Sen said.

The parametres are - assessment report on existing happiness, subjective well-being and quality of life at new town, assessment report on existing social and community infrastructure, guidelines for improving happiness level at new town, feasibility study of smart and other technologies for enhancing quality of life.

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Business / Companies

by Agencies

PPC Zimbabwe's new Harare mill has been officially commissioned by President Robert Mugabe and a high level government delegation. Valued at US$82 million, the world-class facility features a cement ball mill with dynamic separator, a single line packer and palletiser, and road and rail off-loading facilities - positioning PPC to meet local demand, as well as boost the country's ability to export to the region.Two years in the making, PPC Zimbabwe proudly unveiled the full capabilities - and potential - of its new Harare mill to Government, stakeholders and key customers this week. The mill, which will bring PPC's collective capacity (Bulawayo and Harare) to 1.4 million tonnes per annum will allow the company to increasingly penetrate the northern regions of the country and grow exports into its neighbours. It will also ensure continued roll-out of its bulk and mini-bulk strategy, enabling PPC to partner strategically with developers and construction clients to boost efficiencies and delivery on projects.Speaking at the event, Zimbabwe's Minister of Trade and Commerce Dr Mike Bimha noted that Government remains committed to ensuring that companies like PPC Zimbabwe operate in an environment conducive to their business and get a fair return on their investment. "We will also continue to support the industry through legislation such as Statutory Instrument 125 of 2016 in order to control cheap cement imports."Todd Moyo, Chairman of PPC Zimbabwe, highlighted that PPC's significant investment in the mill demonstrated its long-term positive outlook and forecast for the country and region, "This investment includes the upskilling of local labour in the factory's construction, as well as contracting local companies including JR Goddard Construction, Ascon-Tencraft and HVC - all of which contributed towards the opening of this advanced facility." He added that the new factory will continue to provide downstream opportunities for local businesses.In line with its brand promise of "strength beyond the bag", PPC Zimbabwe also launched its new Surecast 42.5R cement at the event - a first for the country. "This fast-setting cement is the only 42.5R product manufactured locally," explains Moyo. "Developed in direct response to market need, its increase in early strength makes it the ideal offering for small, medium and large contractors - allowing new flexibility in mix designs, better brick yields and a total reduction in concrete cost for readymix, among others. We look forward to working with our customer partners to leverage its benefits in their projects: manufacturing pre-cast products faster and stripping formwork quicker. We're excited to see it impact the market positively."With the Harare mill fully functioning and ready to meet demand, its official commissioning sees another milestone in the PPC Group's African expansion strategy achieved. "We look forward to reporting on other key developments in the DRC and Ethiopia in the months to come, as we continue to gear ourselves to contribute significantly to the growth and development of the continent well into the future," said Moyo."Allow me to express my sincere appreciation to PPC Zimbabwe for their diligence in constructing this plant and the positive contributions they continue to make to Zimbabwe. Congratulations to everyone who has contributed to this exceedingly amazing plant," President Mugabe concluded as he officially opened the new PPC Harare plant.
There are "no good or bad terrorists" but just terrorists, Union minister V K Singh has said, while warning that well-qualified people globally are falling for radicalisation which is a matter for worry.

"So far as India's stand is concerned, we have been very clear. There are no good or bad terrorists but only terrorists. And that is why we say, terrorists have no caste, religion or colour," he said.

"They just have one philosophy, to cause damage, create panic, how to get publicity for themselves and attain what their ideology says," Singh said, in a veiled reference to Hizbul Mujahideen militant Burhan Wani who was killed by security forces in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir in July last year.

Addressing a gathering late last evening at an ongoing three-day counter-terrorism conference here, the former Army chief also said lessons drawn from previous terror attacks in India and abroad, can be used to devise a more robust response system.

"Israel has learnt from its experiences of terror attacks to come up with a robust response system.

"We in India too have had our experience, including the infamous Mumbai attack (26/11), and it is said that it serves as a lot of 'inspiration' for various terror groups to replicate it anywhere else around the world. So, we need to be vigilant," he said.

"And, we can draw lessons from response mechanism of countries not just in the Middle East but also other ones, which have had such situations and dealt with it," he said.

Flagging the issue of radicalisation, Singh said, "Well-to-do and well-qualified people were also falling into the ideological trap of terror groups like the Islamic State."



"These ideologies have crept not just into the Middle East but also into many countries all over the world. Therefore, we need a great deal of efforts to deradicalise people to stop them from getting to terrorists or aiding them," he said.

The Minister of State for External Affairs said India has proposed a counter-terrorism framework in the UN, which "some counties have supported, and a few others have differed on".

"We hope that we can reach a common understanding so that we can combat this threat which affects all of us," he said.

Singh also urged people to become the "extended arms" of the response system by staying vigilant round-the-clock.

He also underscored the challenges posed by terror networks which operate without the slightest compunction, irrespective of the countries they are based in.

"We also need a robust and multi-layered intelligence system and extreme vigilance on part of our response systems to ideally nip in the bud any plans of attack, or tackle any attack promptly," Singh said.

"We need to devise our own response, otherwise we will be just moving from one incident to another," he added.

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A 30-year-old man was today arrested for allegedly cheating an NRI of over Rs 9 lakh by fraudulently using his international credit card for buying a car and gold ornaments.

Cyber crime wing of Hyderabad Police arrested K Nageswara Rao, a native of Guntur district in Andhra Pradesh, who is presently staying here, police said.

In the first week of March, a friend of Rao, identified as Ananth Bhaskar, met and told him he has an international credit card. Bhaskar told Rao if he uses the card he will give him commission.

Accordingly, the duo went to a showroom in Begumpet here and swiped the card and purchased a car for Rs 7.65 lakh. They used the card to buy two gold chains worth Rs 1.38 lakh, a police release said.

When the original card user came to know about the fraudulent transactions, he raised the issue with the card issuing bank based in US.

The US bank, in turn, brought the matter to the notice of a private bank in the city. An official of the private bank yesterday approached the police over misuse of the card.

A case was registered and during investigation, police arrested Rao.

Police seized the brand new car purchased with the credit card from Rao's possession. The gold chains were taken away by Bhaskar for whom police have launched a search, the release added.

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A letter bomb exploded at the Paris offices of the International Monetary Fund today, injuring a secretary who suffered burns to her hands and face.

Employees were evacuated from the building near the Arc de Triomphe in the heart of the capital after the late morning explosion which was caused by a firework.

IMF chief Christine Lagarde condemned the incident as a "cowardly act of violence" and insisted the fund would continue its work "in line with our mandate," a statement from her office said.

"We are working closely with the French authorities to investigate this incident and ensure the safety of our staff."



French President Francois Hollande called it an "attack", saying it showed the country was "still targeted".

Since early 2015, France has been hit by a series of deadly attacks by Islamic extremists.

The secretary, who works for an unnamed senior manager, suffered facial injuries caused by "shards, as well as a blast to the eardrums" but is out of danger, Paris police chief Michel Cadot said.

"It appears to have been a firework or a big firecracker," he said, describing the device as "relatively rudimentary and nothing like a bomb".

Armed police and soldiers earlier secured the area around the IMF offices and anti-terrorism prosecutors opened an inquiry into the incident.

Although no link has been established at this stage, a Greek far-left group today claimed responsibility for sending a parcel bomb to the German finance ministry which was discovered in Berlin earlier yesterday.

The incident occurred more than six years after the group waged a similar campaign targeting European officials.

A Greek police source in Athens said "it is rather soon" to link the two incidents, adding: "We are cautious (and) remain vigilant."



He noted that the letter sent to the IMF was destroyed in the blast, while the Berlin parcel bomb was made safe, with the sender's return address clearly marked on it.

He said France had not yet sought cooperation from Greece over the incident.

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Opposition today came down hard on the government for the "agrarian crisis" and demanded waiver of loans of farmers across the country and not only of those from Uttar Pradesh as promised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during campaigning.

During a debate on Demand for Grants for the Agriculture Ministry in the Lok Sabha, members from opposition parties said over 12,000 farmers had committed suicide last year and asked the government to come out with a concrete roadmap for resolving the increasing farm distress.

They said failure to do so may hit the entire economy.

Talking about suicide by farmers in Maharastra, Dhananjay Mahadik of NCP said the government must strongly support the farmers including extending crop insurance and putting in place an effective marketing system for their produce.

"The government must waive loans of all the farmers across the country to bring down the number of suicides," he said.

The MP from Maharastra also suggested serving of nuts to school children under the mid-day meal scheme, saying it may benefit the farmers. He also demanded supporting the dairy sector.

Congress member from Arunachal Ninong Ering said considering the rapid rate of farmers' suicide, no farmers will be left in the country for the government to double their income.

Ering said Arunachal Pradesh always stood strongly for



national interest and the government must also take every possible step to help farmers from the bordering state.

BJP member Sumedhanand Saraswati called for extensive use of organic manure and said studies should be carried to examine whether cow urine could be helpful.

Badruddin Ajmal (AIUDF) demanded a concrete roadmap for addressing problems of the farmers, saying their condition may trigger a ripple effect for the whole economy.

He asked the Prime Minister to fulfil his promise of making the entire North East a hub for organic farming.

Ajmal also demanded compensation for farmers in Assam whose crops were damaged in floods.

"The perennial problem of floods in Assam must be resolved as it will grately benefit the farmers," he said.

He also sought support for the state's tea growers.

BJP member Uday Pratap Singh said there was a need for long-term policy planning to address problems of the farming community.

He also called for a review of the land ceiling policy, saying farmers must be allowed to retain bigger plots of farm land. The MP also called for fixing a limit for allowing sale of agricultural land.

"There should be law to ensure that farmers cannot sell their land beyond a certain limit," he said.

(Reopens PAR19)



Various members also demanded linking of rivers as well



as including agriculture in MGNREGA.

R K Bharathi Mohan (AIADMK) demanded that Centre should intervene and find a permanent solution to the Kaveri water dispute.

"Agriculture Commission should be set up and inter-state river sharing should be permitted to protect the interest of farmers," he said.

He demanded that the Centre should halt methane extraction programme in the Kaveri Delta region as it was rendering farm land infertile.

K Hari Babu (BJP) suggested that the government should make agriculture a profitable profession and also come up with a comprehensive policy on deep sea fishing.

He said focus should be on using domestic urea and MGNREGA wages should be linked to farmers.

Jaiprakash Narayan Yadav (RJD) demanded that the Centre should accord 'industry' status to 'agriculture' and sought to know from the Centre the total numner of farm suicides.

"Note ban has caused huge losses to farmers," Yadav said.

Dushyant Chautala (INLD) said the Centre should digitise soil health card record and give loans through kisan credit cards without collateral.

Virender Kashyap (BJP) said the Centre has taken up a lot



of projects in the interest of the farmers.

With the government planning to double the income of the farmers in the next five year, he stressed that the government has already make allocation of funds in this regard.

Rajesh Ranjan (expelled RJD member) also drew the attention of the members towards the rising number of suicides by the farmers and stressed upon the need to make basic arrangements for the farmers.

Kaushalendra Kumar (JD-U) also expressed concerns about the rise in sufferings of the farmers due to the continuous drought and added that the insecticides should be subsidised.

Ajay Kumar Mishra (BJP) was of the view that the government has accorded top priority to the farmers and Centre is taking measures to improve the condition of the farmers.

Ratna Dey (TMC) was of a view that the efforts should be made by the government to check the rising non-performing assets of the banks.

He also said that there was an urgent need to provide subsidy to the potato growers.

Expressing concerns, PK Sreeemathi (CPI-M) said India was only country in the world where the farmers commit suicide and added that "we are incapable of tackling the issue of rising suicides (of farmers)."



Sreemathi also alleged that the government of the day was neglecting the agriculture sector.

Among others who participated in the discussion include Jugal Kishore Sharma, Ram Parsad Sarmah, Jyoti Dhurve, Dadan Mishra, Santosh Ahlawat (all BJP), C N Jayadevan (CPI), N K Premachandran (RSP), Raju Shetty (SWP) and Ambumani Ramadoss (PMK), Joice George (Ind) and S A Barne (Shiv Sena).
Opposition today expressed concern over shortage of equipment, falling expenditure for defence modernisation and huge dependence on import by armed forces.

Participating in a debate on Demand for Grants for Defence in the Lok Sabha, Sugata Bose (Trinamool Congress) said it was unfortunate that a large proportion of the defence budget remains unutilised.

About Rs 13,000 crore was under capital expenditure was returned back in 2015-16, he added.

Lamenting the fact that Indian armed forces are heavily dependent on imports, Bose said, the government did not give any incentive for defence related manufacturing.

Taking an apparent dig at Manohar Parrikar being shifted from Defence Ministry to Goa as Chief Minister, the Trinamool member quipped that this government is having a great difficulty in giving a "full-time Raksha Mantri."



"Someone found Goan delicacy more worthwhile than providing nutritious food to our jawans," he added in a swipe at Parrikar.

Pinaki Misra (BJD) said, "This House has been bipartisan in the matter of defence but this will not prevent us from voicing our concerns."



Defence outlay as percentage of GDP has been coming down, he said.

"We are the only country in the world having nuclear capability which is reducing defence outlay," he said.

"And the other sad part is that the budgetary outlay is not fully spent and some portion lapses," he said.

Funds for capital expenditure of the overall defence budget have also been coming down, Misra said.

Referring to CAG report on defence, he said, it had also referred to shortage of equipment in the armed forces.

Claiming that 'Make-in-India' has been a non-starter as far as defence is concerned, the BJD member said not a single rupee has come under FDI till October.

On OROP, he said the government has alloted Rs 12,400 crore for this but only about Rs 3,000 crore has been spent in 9 months.

A P Jithender Reddy (TRS) said the farmers are suffering because they don't get MSP for their produce, common man is suffering due to demonetisation while soldiers are suffering due to shortage of arms and ammunition.

He also referred to the BSF jawan who had complained of poor food quality on social media some months back.

"I would like to highlight facts about DRDO...Recently Navy rejected Tejas aircraft designed by DRDO," he said.

Anand Rao Adsul (SS) said there is an urgent need to modernise weapons and equipment of armed forces.

Even after surgical strike, he said, ceasefire is being violated by Pakistan on the border and government should take action against this.

He also suggested compulsory military training for college students in the country as is the case in many countries including Israel.

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Oxford University will begin a 10-million-pound research project into the medical benefits of marijuana, the prestigious institution said today.

The project is a partnership between the university and private equity firm Kingsley Capital Partners, who are investing the funds in an effort to create a global centre of excellence in cannabinoid research.

Neil Mahapatra, the Indian-origin managing partner at the firm, said the strategic partnership with Oxford University would support the development of "innovative new therapies to help millions of people around the world".

"Medical cannabis and cannabinoid medicine is already helping patients with some of the most distressing conditions across the world. However, research into the specific pathways and mechanisms that create this benefit is limited and long overdue," he was quoted as saying by the Financial Times.

Kingsley Capital Partners claims to be the only Europe-based company to make a concerted effort in the field and has also set up Forma Holdings in the US to work on medical marijuana in the region.

The UK study will source cannabis from Europe to examine the role of cannabis medicines in treating pain, cancer and inflammatory diseases.

It follows calls from MPs in Britain for legalisation of cannabis on medical grounds.

Cannabis is a controlled substance as a drug but it has been increasingly used for therapeutic purposes across the world.

The latest project is aimed at exploring medicines based on cannabis, which could also impact legislation around it.

"This field holds great promise for developing novel therapeutic opportunities for cancer patients," said Ahmed Ahmed, Professor of Gynaecological Oncology at Oxford University.

Zameel Cader, a clinical neuroscientist at the university who will be taking part in the research, said his lab will investigate how the effect on the nervous system of cannabinoid compounds extracted from marijuana compares with that of "endocannabinoids" - similar compounds produced naturally within the human body.

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China's top leadership has assured Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa that they completely understood the geo-political, economic and security situation in the region and its implications for the two "all- weather" friends, the Pakistan Army said today.

The assurance was given to Gen. Bajwa as he met senior Chinese leaders and the military leadership on his maiden visit to Beijing where he discussed a range of issues, including defence cooperation, regional security situation and the ambitious China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Pakistan military spokesman Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor said.

"COAS arrived in China on a 3-day official visit. Meets Chinese senior political & military leadership. Pak-China friendship is unique with no parallel," Ghafoor tweeted.

Bajwa called on Chinese Executive Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission, Gen Fan Changlong, Chief of Joint Services Department, Gen Fang Fenghui and Commander of the People's Liberation Army Gen Li Zhuocheng and discussed topics like regional security, economy defence cooperation and other issues of mutual interest.

"The Chinese leadership expressed complete understanding of the geo-political and economic-cum-security environment of the region and its implications for both the countries," a statement issued by the Pakistani military said.

"They acknowledged the positive role being played by Pakistan towards peace and stability in the region with special mention of Pakistan's role in eliminating terrorist groups including Al Qaeda, Tehreek-e-Taliban and the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM) from Pakistan," it said.

The ETIM is an Islamic extremist separatist organisation founded by Uyghur jihadists in western China. It has training camps in Pakistan and Beijing has been pressing Islamabad to destroy the units operating in the country, posing a threat to the stability of China's restive region of Xinjiang.

During the meetings, the Chinese leadership also expressed their concern on the security situation in Afghanistan and the growing potential threat of Islamic State and ETIM in that country, the statement said.

"The Chinese leadership expressed their confidence in security arrangements for the USD 46 billion CPEC and satisfaction on progress made on the project, it said.

During the meeting between Vice Premier Zhang and Gen Bajwa, the two sides agreed to advance the CPEC project, China's state run Xinhua agency reported.

Zhang lauded the rapid development of China-Pakistan ties, saying bilateral cooperation not only benefits the two peoples, but also contributes to regional peace and stability.

He called on the two sides to maintain close high-level contact and strengthen coordination on international and regional affairs, to lift bilateral ties to new heights.

Zhang also suggested that the two countries should enhance defence and security cooperation and push forward the building of the CPEC in an orderly manner, the report said.

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A total of 3,293 Indian fishermen were released by Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in the last three years.

As per details provided by Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh while replying to a question in Rajya Sabha, Sri Lanka released a maximum of 1,753 Indian fishermen followed by 930 by Pakistan during 2014-2016.

Bangladesh had apprehended 610 Indian fishermen during the period and it released all of them.

In the last three years Pakistan had caught 1,121 Indian fishermen out of which in released 185 in 2014, 335 in 2015 and 410 in 2016.

Those release in 2016 included the fishermen arrested in previous years.

Sri Lanka had apprehended 1,531 fishermen in three years and those released by it included those who were arrested in previous years also.

"The government attaches the highest priority to the safety, security and welfare of Indian fishermen," Singh said.

To a separate question, he said a total of 5,190 journalist visas were issued in 2014 while the figure in 2015 was 4,591 and in 2016, it was 3,851.

Replying to another query, Singh said 6.04 lakh people from Uttar Pradesh were given emigration clearance between 2014 and 2016 under the Emigration Check Required category of passport holders.

He said 2.79 lakh people from Bihar were given emigration clearance under the category in the same period.

As per the Emigration Act, 1983, (ECR) categories of Indian passport holders, require to obtain "Emigration Clearance" from the office of Protector of Emigrants (POE), Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs for going to some countries.

These countries include United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Malaysia, Libya, Jordan, Yemen, Sudan, Afghanistan, Indonesia, Syria, Lebanon and Thailand.

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Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas said today he hopes recent meetings with US President Donald Trump's team lead to "peace" between Israelis and Palestinians.

Trump called the Palestinian president on March 10 for the first time since his inauguration, inviting him to the White House.

"We'll decide on (the date of) this meeting as quickly as possible," Abbas told a press conference at his presidential complex in the occupied West Bank.

Abbas welcomed the visits to Ramallah of several US officials, including CIA chief Mike Pompeo in mid-February and Trump's special representative for international negotiations, Jason Greenblatt, whom he met on Tuesday.

"We have exchanged many ideas," Abbas said. "Our hope is that those contacts result in the end in a peace that is led by the United States and the international community."



The next major diplomatic rendezvous for the Palestinians is March 29, when the heads of states of the Arab League will meet in Jordan.

"All the eyes of the Arab states will be turned toward the capitals of the world, especially Washington to see what can be done by this administration (American) who said it wants to reach peace," said Abbas after receiving Bosnian President Mladen Ivanic.

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News / Local

by Staff Reporter

Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa has told the world that Zimbabwe's human rights situation is blameless and the Zanu PF led government is 'happy' with it.Mnangagwa is in Geneva attending the Universal Periodic Review meeting of the United Nations Human Rights Council.Mnangagwa told the media Wednesday that the human rights situation in Zimbabwe was satisfactory."As Government, we are happy. We are collaborating and supporting human rights instruments. Zimbabwe also supports and is committed to the implementation of all human rights issues and treaties under the Human Rights Commission."We have done a lot. We are also in the process of implementing those which we supported. So far, we have 151, which we are now going to proceed and implement and the other six we will implement partly as a result of the laws that we have in the country" he is quoted saying.However, local and international human activists repeatedly condemn the country's human rights record.
For Manohar Parrikar, who proved himself to be Bharatiya Janata Party's best bet in Goa by sewing up a coalition and proving its majority on the floor of Assembly, it is a homecoming and another stint as chief minister of the coastal state.

Despite failing to secure a simple majority in the polls, the BJP managed to win the support of two regional parties besides the backing of two Independents, outsmarting the Congress which emerged as the single largest party with 17 seats in the 40-member house.

Right from the start of campaigning, the BJP had sent across a subtle message that if it wins, the government would be headed by Parrikar.

Parrikar led the BJP's campaign from the front.

A metallurgical engineer from IIT Bombay, Parrikar, post-election, displayed splendid political acumen and skill in forging a coalition winning over the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) and Goa Forward Party (GFP).

Born in a middle class business family in Mapusa in north Goa, Manohar Gopalkrishna Prabhu Parrikar graduated to the BJP from the RSS ranks.

He joined the RSS in his school days and always held that the ideology and training he received from the organisation stood him in good stead in public life, most importantly in decision-making.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who hand-picked him as the Defence Minister in November 2014, has often lavished praises on Parrikar for his dedication and hard work, especially in the context of the surgical strike last year.

Parrikar was first elected to the Goa Assembly in 1994. He served as he leader of the opposition from June to November 1999.

In a state known for political swings as well as rise and fall of ministries, Parrikar's first stint as chief minister was from October 24, 2000 to February 27, 2002. He had his next term at the top slot in the state from June 5, 2002 to January 29, 2005.

In 2012, he successfully led the BJP to power and became the chief minister for the third time, which lasted until November 2014 when he was made Defence Minister.

Parrikar, who often faced criticism from detractors for airdashing to home every weekend, also did not hide his wish to return to his home state, once saying that he missed Goan food very much.

The party leaders have vouched that the BJP's manifesto and campaign strategy were scripted under Parrikar's guidance, restricting Laxmikant Parsekar, who succeeded him as chief minister, to his constituency of Mandrem, which he failed to defend.

Parrikar criss-crossed the entire Goa, promising continuation of the developmental works the BJP government initiated and sought a clear mandate, stressing political stability was essential to steer the state to progress.

A leader who enjoys acceptance from the BJP and beyond, he has played key role in making the party a force to reckon with in Goa, which remained for long a Congress bastion, with regional outfits having pockets of influence.

Parrikar, whose wife died in 2001, has two sons-- Utpal and Abhijit.
The Manohar Parrikar government today proved its majority on the floor of the Goa Assembly by winning the trust vote with the support of 22 legislators in the 40-member House.

The opposition Congress could muster only 16 votes against the government with one of its legislators absenting from the crucial floor test.

The special Assembly session was convened to conduct the floor test following an order by the Supreme Court.

Parrikar, who resigned as Defence minister earlier this week, was sworn-in as the Chief Minister along with nine other MLAs by Governor Mridula Sinha on March 14.

The 61-year-old BJP leader proved his majority with 12 legislators from the BJP, three from the Goa Forward Party (GFP), three from the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP), three Independents and one from the NCP voting in favour of the trust motion.

The opposition benches included 16 MLAs from Congress, while its newly-elected member Vishwajit Rane remained absent during the voting.

The test was passed through a clear division which was ordered by Pro-tem Speaker Siddharth Kuncolienkar, a BJP member.

Senior Congress leader Pratapsinh Rane sought to raise a point of order when Parrikar moved a motion seeking vote of confidence.

The Speaker, however, did not allow Rane to raise the point of order and continued the voting process.

The Congress, despite emerging as the single largest party in the elections, could not form the government while the BJP made deft moves by securing support from regional outfits and independents.

Riding on the charisma of Parrikar, the BJP managed to cobble up an alliance of GFP, MGP and Independents.

An aggrieved Congress moved the Supreme Court on March 13 to stall the swearing-in of Parrikar with the claim that it should have been invited to form the government since it was the single largest party.

But the apex court refused to stop the swearing-in and ordered to hold the floor test today.

Ahead of the trust vote, all the 40 legislators took oath.

Later, the session was adjourned till March 22 when it will meet again to elect the Speaker. This would be followed by the Governor's address on March 23 and presentation of the state budget on March 24.

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A Philippine lawmaker filed an impeachment complaint against President Rodrigo Duterte today because of the thousands of deaths that have happened in his anti-drug crackdown and for alleged corruption, although the bid faces an uphill battle with Duterte's allies holding an overwhelming majority in Congress.

Rep. Gary Alejano said the complaint he filed at the House of Representatives alleges Duterte violated the constitution and betrayed the public trust with his actions, including the crackdown that has sparked extrajudicial killings of drug suspects and because of a failure to declare huge bank deposits as required by law.

"We are of the firm belief that President Duterte is unfit to hold the highest office of the land and that impeachment is the legal and constitutional remedy to this situation," said Alejano, who was accused of involvement in a failed coup attempt several years ago.

Although opposition lawmakers lack the numbers to impeach Duterte, Alejano said there was a need to stop his "excesses and crimes." More than 260 of the 292 House members belong to a pro-Duterte bloc.

"Around 8,000 have been killed already," Alejano said, referring to the estimated number of mostly drug suspects killed in the crackdown Duterte launched after taking office last June.

House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, a Duterte ally, called the impeachment bid "stupid," saying without elaborating that it was based on fabricated allegations.

Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella suggested the impeachment bid and opposition criticism were possible efforts to destabilize the Duterte administration.

Alejano's complaint cited Duterte's speeches, where he threatened drug lords with death and encouraged law enforcers and civilians to shoot drug suspects if they fight back, and recent Senate testimony by retired police officer Arturo Lascanas and a former militiaman Edgar Motabato, who said they were members of a death squad under Duterte when he was mayor of southern Davao city.

Lascanas and Matobato separately testified they were involved in hundreds of killings of drug suspects and political opponents of Duterte in Davao. Duterte has denied he condoned extrajudicial killings.

Duterte has not responded in detail to the allegations, and his allies have questioned the credibility of the two men. Alejano's complaint also cited accusations by opposition Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, who accused Duterte of failing to declare more than 2 billion pesos (USD 40 million) in bank deposits as required by law. Duterte has denied any wrongdoing.

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Press bodies in Kashmir today strongly condemned the police action in which journalists were allegedly roughed up and demanded that the state government act against officers, who they claimed, had abused authority.

In a statement, the Kashmir Editors' Guild (KEG) said that media persons, who were on their way to cover a joint press conference called of Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Mohammad Yasin Malik at Hyderpora, were threatened and chased by the police.

"While entire press corps that had assembled to cover the event were threatened and chased, at least two photographers were beaten for no reason at all," the KEG statement said adding that there were clear photo and video evidences of the police assault.

"KEG has taken a strong exception to the misuse of power for muzzling the media. This has, unfortunately, been a routine than an exception," it said and sought intervention of the government "at the highest level".

The Kashmir Press Photographers Association (KPPA) too in statement demanded action against the erring police personnel and threatened to boycott all police events.

It also said that that if action was not taken, the entire journalist community would participate in a protest march against the police brutality on Saturday and stop covering all the events of J&K Police.

(REOPENS DES57)



Meanwhile, a police spokesman while reacting to the alleged assault on journalists said there was apprehension of breach of peace outside Geelani's residence at Hyderpora adding that the road leading to Airport hadgot blocked and police personnel present had to intervene to ensure smooth flow of traffic.

"During this, some photo journalists who were trying to approach to the residence of Syed Ali Shah Geelani were requested not to proceed ahead as it would have escalated the situation. The photo journalists remained adamant and tried to proceed ahead without paying any heed to the request of the police," the spokesman said.

Senior officers of the police department have taken cognizance of the matter which is being looked into, the spokesman added.
Shares in Renault plunged today after fraud investigators accused the carmaker of having cheated on pollution tests for diesel and petrol engines for over 25 years with the knowledge of top management.

"The entire chain of management" up to the French firm's chief executive Carlos Ghosn was implicated in the "fraudulent strategies", according to a report by anti-fraud agents which was seen by AFP yesterday.

Renault is part-owned by the French government, which holds just under 20 percent in the carmaker.

Renault shares were down 3.3 per cent in early afternoon Paris stock exchange dealings, at 79.48 euros, having early fallen by more than four percent. This added to the previous day's 3.7 percent drop.

"This is huge for the carmaker," said one Paris-based analyst.

Shares in fellow French manufacturer Peugeot were also down, by a much more modest 0.9 percent, in an overall firmer market.

"Renault doesn't cheat," Thierry Bollore, the French company's second-in-command told AFP by telephone late yesterday, saying all its cars complied with legal standards.

In a separate statement released today, Renault said "none of its services has breached European or national regulations related to vehicle homologations", or certification, and that it would fully cooperate with an ongoing official investigation launched in January.

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At least Rs 2 crore in demonetised currency notes were seized from a car in Mumbai following which four persons have been arrested, police said today.

Acting on a tip-off, police intercepted the car at Kherwadi in suburban Bandra last night and seized the defunct notes, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Zone-8, Virendra Mishra said.

The scrapped notes were in the denominations of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000, he said.

The four persons, all employees of a private finance company in suburban Andheri, were arrested following the seizure, the DCP said.

They wanted to exchange the old currency notes with the new ones, Mishra said.

The Income Tax department was also alerted about the seizure, he said, adding that an investigation was on in the matter.

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Seven major cities, including Delhi and Mumbai, have been given Rs 226 crore for augmenting infrastructure for surveillance, Union Minister Hansraj Ahir said today.

Addressing the fourth Smart Cities Summit here, Minister of State for Home Ahir said the role of data and IT, especially video surveillance in enhancing security, has become vital.

For SMART policing, the Home Ministry has provided Rs 226 crore under the Mega City Policing scheme for seven big cities - Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru and Hyderabad.

The minister said with rising public security awareness, increasing government security spending and initiatives such as Smart Cities and surging digitisation, the government sector has become the major player in the surveillance market, both in India and globally.

Ahir said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also laid stress on SMART policing towards making cities safe and secure.

SMART stands for Strict and Sensitive, Modern and Mobile, Alert and Accountable, Reliable and Responsive, and Techno-savvy and Trained.

The minister said since video surveillance systems act as crime deterrent - criminals are less likely to commit crimes in the area in the presence of advanced, well-covered video monitoring system.

Across India, police officials reel off cases where CCTVs have made all the difference in identifying offenders and speeding up investigations.

Public surveillance cameras can be a cost effective way to deter, monitor and reduce crimes, he said.

Ahir said public safety and security is increasingly an issue of concern for both the government and the citizens, adding cities which can assure security are a favoured destination over others.

The ambitious and inspiring Smart Cities Mission launched by the government in 2015, with the 'Smart City Challenge' of building 100 smart cities over the next five years, is certainly going to boost the formation of safe and secure cities going forward, he said.

The minister said even in an industry accustomed to waves of change, video surveillance is set to go through a metamorphic change, and an unprecedented period of disruption and innovation.

Moreover, escalating video surveillance adaptation rate and increasing demand for high-tech technologies in the private sector has also become an important driver of the outstanding growth of the surveillance market, he said.

Ahir said each sector, especially public and private segments, has very varied needs and requirements and newer technologies such as full body scanners, cyber security and UAVs are going to play an increasing role in making cities safer.

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The government today asserted in Parliament that the sacrifices of 12 CRPF personnel, who were killed in a naxal attack in Chhattisgarh last week, will not go in vain.

The government said all support will be provided to the forces as well as states in dealing with the naxal menace and the Left-wing extremists will not be allowed to succeed in misleading the people and depriving them from benefits of development.

Making a statement in the Rajya Sabha on recent attack on security forces at Sukma, Chhattisgarh, Minister of State for Home Hansraj Gangaram Ahir said 12 personnel were martyred and 2 were seriously injured in this unfortunate incident.

The condition of injured personnel is stable and they are out of danger, he said, and read out the names of all 12 martyrs and two injured security forces.

"I assure the House that their sacrifices will not go in vain," Ahir said.

Claiming that the Left-wing extremists have suffered unprecedented losses during last year, the minister said, "They (naxals) will continue to attempt such incidents to restore the flagging morale of their cadres."



He said the country's brave soldiers and officers would continue to respond with firm resolve and contribute towards elimination of Left-wing extremism.

On the incident of March 11, he said, "There is a need for introspection in this incident."



Ahir said the Home Minister has directed the DG, CRPF to conduct a detailed inquiry into the incident in order to identify lapses and reduce the possibility of such incidents in the future.

"I assure the House that the government is committed to providing all support to the CAPF (Central Armed Police Forces) in order to prepare them for their tasks. In the same way, the government is also committed to supporting the states for training, capacity building, provision of CAPF battalions as required and intelligence sharing," Ahir said.

Referring to the Chhattisgarh incident, he said the next of kin of the martyred CRPF personnel will be provided Rs 35 lakh as ex-gratia from the central government, Rs 20 lakh from the Risk Fund of CRPF and Rs 1 lakh from the CRPF Welfare Fund.

They will also get Rs 25 lakh as insurance benefits and Rs 3 lakh as ex-gratia from the Chhattisgarh government.

The next of kin will also be provided full salary till the age of superannuation of the personnel martyred under the Liberalised Pensionary Award, the minister said.

He said the unprecedented success of the security forces of late has led to evident uneasiness among the Left-wing extremists groups.

Reeling out data, he said 135 Left-wing extremist cadres were eliminated, 779 arrested and 1,198 surrendered in Chhattisgrah during 2016. The number of violent incidents in the state fell by 15 per cent from 466 in 2015 to 395 in 2016.

Talking about the improved efficacy of the security forces, Ahir said the number of Left-wing extremists killed increased by 150 per cent at 222 last year against 89 in 2015.

"Surrenders and arrests registered a combined increase of 47 per cent over 2015 (2238 to 3282). Only 3 weapons were lost by the security forces in 2016 as against 15 in 2015," the minister said.

Moreover, he said that 67 per cent of encounter/exchange of fire resulted in neutralisation of Left-wing extremist cadres as against only 36 per cent in 2015.

The sustained operations by the security forces ensured that South Bastar districts witnessed a considerable fall in violence in 2016 at 252 incidents against 326 in 2015.

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As the models draped in the couture crafted from Muga silk walked the ramp, the nostagia of train journey came alive through Samant Chauhan's collection at the second day of Amazon India Fashion Week.

Samant, who grew up in Jamalpur, a railway town, says the show is an ode to his native place in Bihar as well as the Indian Railways.

"It is a dream come true for me. I've been working on this line for more than a year. Everything in this collection can be traced to what I saw from the windows when I first began to travel.

"As the trains passed through the paddy fields, I used to wonder about people living in the houses that passed by. I have attempted to translate my memories - imagined and factual through my collection today," Samant said post show.

Sauntering down the path nestled between two parallel tracks as vintage trains awaited their passengers to hop in, the models, dressed in royal shades of white and gold, waded through the smoke billowing from the trains.

From single coloured one-pieces to delicate designs combined with a dash of red to boldly embroidered motifs depicting wheat stalks, maize and flowers as imagined by the designer, the autumn-winter line was a visual treat.

The floor-length outfits, ranging from high collars to plunging necklines on the models, were convincingly paired with solid brown trunk boxes and ankle-length shoes.

The show, held off-site at the National Rail Museum, was an extension of Samant's association with Golden Threads of Assam with whom he has collaborated to promote Muga, which is on the verge of extinction.

Talking about the initiative, Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, president of GTA told PTI, "Samant has very beautifully etched his train journeys through Muga and recreated his vision in this line.

"He has been associated with us for a long time and also did a fashion show in Guwahati in 2016. AIFW was the right platform to promote this unique silk variety outside Assam."



From flaring Victorian sleeves, saree with corset to sharp-cut suits, Samant's line appeared rich, clean and appealing.

While traditional tea in 'kulhad' served with 'methi mathri' took the viewers on a joyride in the beginning, the jazz and R&B music combined with the chugging of the engines running down the bridge elevated the tempo of the show towards the end.

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News / National

by Staff reporter

Maphisa villagers' fight for their land against the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (Arda) in Matabeleland South."I was born here in 1942. This is my only home and I cannot be expected to start a new life somewhere at my age," Masuku, from Mahetshe village, said, adding "we have no option but to fight eviction by Arda."Arda has entered into a joint farming project with Trek Petroleum, but villages allege the venture is eating into their grazing, farming and ancestral lands.The project will see Arda expanding its operations by a further 400 hectares, a development frowned upon by villagers in Zwehamba, Matankeni and Mahetshe villages.To make matters worse, the villagers claimed Arda has not said anything about compensation.Robert Mafu (84), a villager at Zwehamba, said: "I have been residing at this place for the past 69 years. I have my homestead, farming and grazing lands here and no other place I can call home."We are not just fighting eviction for the sake of it; we are fighting because it is our birthright. We inherited this land from our parents, and likewise, our children and grandchildren should inherit this land as well."Arda claimed it acquired the disputed land during the Rhodesian era when it was operating as Telcor.Arda Trek Antelope Estate manager Alec Chinyai denied charges the State entity was grabbing land belonging to villagers.He said Arda was expanding farming operations within their boundary, contrary to claims by villagers that the estate was expanding into their property.Instead, Chinyai accused some villagers of allocating themselves pieces of land at the Arda estate."The boundary has been in existence since 1930, although pegging was done in 1947. The land was lying idle and what is happening now is that we want to utilise that virgin land," he said.The Matabeleland Institute for Human Rights accuses Arda of rights violations against villagers' right to agricultural land, freedom from arbitrary eviction, right to dignity, food, water, shelter and life."The villagers of Maphisa have a choice: either sit back and be victims of another Rhodesian kind of behaviour of expropriating and dispossessing people's lands without consultation or free, prior and informed consent and compensation; or stand up and peacefully take action to defend their rights and lands from being expropriated using a colonial boundary that was unjustly pegged by a colonial government that did so through gross human rights violations," MIHR general-secretary Benedict Sibasa said in a statement.A Shona judge from the Bulawayo High Court judge, Justice Martin Makonese dismissed the villagers' claim saying the villagers must allege and prove the nature of their title to the land.
Six kg of ganja contained in three packets were seized from a compartment of the Thiruvananthapuram-bound Sabari Express at the railway station here today, police said.

Based on a tip-off, Railway Police carried out a search and found a box containing three packets of ganja, in the compartment.

However, there was no claimant for the box which was seized.

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Coastguards in northern Somalia exchanged gunfire today with armed men aboard a boat heading towards a hijacked oil tanker where pirates are holding eight hostages, an official said.

Armed attackers seized the Aris 13 tanker on Monday as it made its way from Djibouti to Mogadishu, the first hijacking of a large merchant vessel by Somali pirates since 2012.

The tanker was forced to change course and head toward the coastline of the semi-autonomous Puntland region, on the northeastern tip of Somalia.

"There was a brief exchange of gunfire in the coastal area where the boat is being held," said Abdirahman Mohamud Hassan, the director general of the Puntland maritime force.

"Our forces were doing a normal routine patrolling around the area when they came under gunfire from these gunmen who were onboard a small skiff and they returned fire."



Local fisherman Abdulahi Yahya from the town of Habo where the hijacked ship is docked, said the men were "heading towards the hijacked ship when they were intercepted by the coastguards."



John Steed, a former British army officer who heads the Horn of Africa section of the Oceans Beyond Piracy NGO, told AFP the men were believed to be members of the local community delivering food to the hijacked vessel.

He said an unknown number of people had been injured in the fierce firefight.

Hassan said: "The gunmen aboard the hijacked ship contacted our commanders and asked for the fire to be ceased."



He said efforts were under way to free the ship and a regional governor, whose name was not given, had been appointed to lead negotiations with the pirates.

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Despite facing a drubbing in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls, the (SP) may continue its alliance with the Congress in the 2019 general elections, a senior party leader on Thursday hinted.

SP has called its national convention on March 25 to discuss and analyse the reasons of its defeat in recently held state Assembly polls, senior party leader Naresh Agrawal said.

"In the meeting there will be discussions and we will analyse the reasons of defeat in the recently concluded Assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh. There will also be discussions on preparation for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls," Agrawal said.

Replying to questions on alliance with Congress, the SP leader said there will be discussions on this issue.

"We need to look it (alliance) from long term perspective. And defeats are part of democratic system, in past also we had seen waves of various political parties and leaders but we overcame that also. So this is nothing new," he said.

SP and Congress have contested Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls together in which both parties managed to get only 54 seats out of 403 Assembly seats.

As per the agreement, the SP contested on 298 seats and Congress on 105 seats, out of which it managed to win only seven seats.

Meanwhile, when asked about division in the party and if Shivpal Yadav will also attend the meeting of national executive, Agrawal said, "I don't think he is member anymore of the national executive so no invitation will be extended to him."

While speaking on Mulayam, Agrawal said he is convener of the party and an invitation will be extended by party president Akhilesh Yadav to him.
The head of Sweden's domestic intelligence agency says there is "a real and serious threat against the security" of the country, which "has an increased military strategic importance."



Sapo head Anders Thornberg says the agency has "never had a bigger and more complex task," adding cooperating with others at home and abroad is crucial.

Thornberg didn't release details today but in September, non-NATO-member Sweden stationed permanent troops on the Baltic Sea island of Gotland. The move was described as sending a signal after Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea and its "increasing pressure" in the region.

When presenting the agency's annual report, Thornberg said it had investigated an undisclosed number of cases where people were suspected of giving out classified information to foreign governments.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
: The Tamil Nadu government today presented a revenue deficit budget for the year 2017-18, but spared the common man from any new tax.

In his maiden budget, Tamil Nadu Finance Minister D Jayakumar noted that the state economy was "slowly picking up" but the "continuing sluggishness" of global and domestic economies and demonetisation has affected it "significantly".

While the Total Revenue Receipts (TRR) has been projected at Rs 1,59,363 crore, revenue expenditure was estimated at Rs 1,75,293 crore, "leaving the revenue deficit at Rs 15,930 crore," he said.

However, the deficit will be contained despite "additional commitment" of payments under the Centre's UDAY scheme and the state government giving free power of up to 100 units to domestic consumers, he said.

In 2016-17, the government had taken over state-run power utility TANGEDCO's Rs 22,815 crore debt which has "increased the Fiscal Deficit beyond the Tamil Nadu Fiscal Responsibility Act Norm of three per cent of GSDP (Gross State Domestic Product)," Jayakumar said.

But the Centre has given 'specific authorisation' to exceed the limit to the extent of this debt takeover and allowed the state to borrow beyond the three per cent to absorb this burden, he said.

A bill to amend the Tamil Nadu Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2003 will be introduced in the ongoing session of the Assembly, Jayakumar said.

While dwelling on State's Own Tax Revenue (SOTR), he said Tamil Nadu's economy is 'slowly picking up', which is evident from improvement in GSDP rate, up from 4.85 per cent in 2012-13 to 8.79 per cent in 2015-16 at 2011-12 constant prices.

The state finance minister anticipated a faster growth rate on account of concerted efforts by the government.

"However, the continuing sluggishness of the global and domestic economies and demonetisation of specific bank notes have affected the state economy in a significant manner," he said.

SOTR was estimated to be Rs 87,287 crore in Revised Estimates 2016-17 and was estimated to increase to Rs 99,590 crore in Budget Estimates 2017-18, Jayakumar said.

"The low economic growth, demonetisation and the ban on sale of property in unapproved layouts have dented receipts from Stamp Duty and Registration charges severely," he said.

Considering these factors, receipts from Stamp Duty and Registration Charges were expected to be Rs 8,220 crore in 2017-18 against Rs 7,985 crore in the Revised Estimates 2016-17, he said.

(REOPEN MDS2)



On revenue deficit, Jayakumar said, "tax revenue growth



has been lower than that estimated in the Revised Budget 2016-17 due to uncertainty in domestic economy" and there was "significant drop in" SOTR, especially in receipts from Stamps and Registration Charges.

Fiscal Deficit for 2016-17 was estimated to be Rs 61,341 crore in the revised estimates due to the government's takeover of TANGEDCO's debt and it is "temporary," he said.

"The decrease in Central Taxes due to 14th Finance Commission's recommendations and the increase in states' share in Centrally Sponsored Schemes have also hampered the state's finances," Jayakumar said.

However, he assured that the government would take 'concerted efforts' for faster economic recovery.

The Finance Minister said Tamil Nadu's net outstanding debt at the end of March 31, 2018 will be Rs 3,14,366 crore, including the debt taken over from TANGEDCO.

The Debt-GSDP ratio will be 20.90 per cent, "which is well below" the prescribed norm of 25 per cent, he said.

Further, the state was estimated to raise Rs 41,965 crore as net borrowings, as against the permissible limit of Rs 45,119 crore, he said.

The rollout of GST during 2017-18 was "expected to have an impact on the resources of the state," he said.

"Though it is estimated that the GST regime will affect the resources of a manufacturing state like Tamil Nadu considerably, the Government of India has agreed to compensate the loss for a period of five years," he said.

(REOPENS MDS 3)



"Since the Value Added Tax (VAT) regime is being replaced by the GST regime, no tax concessions are being announced in the Budget Estimates 2017-2018," Jayakumar said.
Tata Group will open a Cancer Research Centre and Hospital in Jharkhand, an official release said today.

Accepting Chief Minister Raghubar Das's request to set up a hospital in Jharkhand, the Tata Trust Chairman Ratan Tata approved it and a delegation today met Additional Chief Secretary, Health, Medical Education & Family Welfare department, Sudhir Tripathi.

Tripathi has been appointed as the nodal officer, the release said.

The CM's Principal Secretary Sanjay Kumar said that the Chief Minister's pledge is to develop Ranchi as eastern India's medical hub and Tata Trust's Cancer Research Centre and Hospital would be an important part in that direction.

It can be recalled that Das and Ratan Tata had discussed on it during the Global Investors' Summit last month.

The Chief Minister wrote a letter to Ratan Tata on March 9. In the letter, Das had written that a large number of tribals and primitive tribals are living in Jharkhand with most of them living below poverty line.

Therefore it was necessary for better health facilities in Jharkhand, Das had written.

The CM in the letter had also mentioned that Tata has been doing a lot of social work and the company should increase health services in Jharkhand as well.

The Tata Trust gave its consent letter on March 10 and today the delegation visited Ranchi, the release said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
An inquiry has been ordered into allegations that a TB patient died at a government hospital here after two ward boys refused him oxygen for want of Rs 150 as bribe.

Responding to the concern expressed by BJP member NVSS Prabhakar during Zero Hour in Telangana Legislative Assembly, the Municipal Administration Minister K T Rama Rao said Health Minister C Laxma Reddy has ordered an inquiry into the incident.

Two ward boys of the TB and Chest Hospital were suspended on March 14 for allegedly demanding bribe from the family members of a tuberculosis patient, who died during treatment the previous night.

The family members of the patient, who was in his mid-30s, alleged the ward boys and other hospital staff demanded money to provide oxygen to him after he was admitted there on March 13.

The kin of the deceased had held a protest on the hospital premises on Monday night, alleging the ward boys had demanded Rs 150 for oxygen and that neither doctors nor any nurse attended the patient.

They had lodged a complaint with the hospital authorities in this connection.

The hospital superintendent Dr Sai Kumar had refuted the allegations of negligence by hospital staff.

He had appointed an inquiry committee which will look into the whole matter.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The ED has filed a charge sheet against two operatives of terror outfit Hizbul Mujahideen on charges of money laundering and terrorist financing in Jammu and Kashmir.

The duo, identified as Mubarak Ali and Inayatullah Wani, are residents of Jammu and Kashmir's Doda district and were arrested by local police few years back in the state with Rs 5.4 lakh cash that was suspected to be illegal funds to be handed over to an active Hizb terrorist in the valley, Gulam Nabi alias Javed Qureshi.

The charge sheet, the agency said, was filed on March 14 before a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court in Jammu.

The agency said both Ali and Wani were "overground" workers of the terror group and were "involved and helping in a well-planned conspiracy to increase terrorist activities in the area of Doda district" by allegedly carrying the cash for Qureshi after receiving it from an "unknown terrorist in Srinagar".

"Accused Ali worked as labour contractor and Wani was a member of the Village Defence Committee of the area," the Enforcement Directorate (ED) said in a statement.

The ED had last year attached the said cash calling it the "proceeds of crime" of terrorist financing under PMLA.

"In the course of investigation, Ali took plea that the seized money was carried by him and his maternal cousin Wani for his (Ali's) treatment of mouth cancer but during investigation, the doctor who was treating Ali stated that he was not suffering from mouth cancer and the treatment given to him was completely free of charge as the patient was advised for treatment at government hospital," the agency said.

It said the doctor "further stated that had the treatment been given in private clinic it would have cost him a maximum of Rs 10,000. The doctor further denied to have advised Ali that the treatment would cost around Rs 5-6 lakh".

"Thus, from the statement of the doctor it was established that the purpose of seized proceeds of crime was for militancy, as alleged in the FIR, and not for medical treatment as claimed.

"On the issue of source of seized money too, the accused persons could not justify the genuine source of seized amount," it seized.

This is one of the rare cases where the central probe agency for financial crimes has filed a charge sheet in a case of terror financing in the country.

It had taken a similar action against Tariq Ahmed Dar in the 2005 Delhi blasts case.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
It was a call from BJP chief Amit Shah to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on March 11 evening which set off a flurry of activities that culminated in the party mobilising support of a motley group of MLAs who had contested against it and won.

Amid the jubilation following the party's resounding victories in UP and Uttarakhand, the wily BJP boss wanted to have a shot at government formation in Goa where it had not even emerged as the single largest party, winning just 13 seats against Congress' 17.

The call led to Gadkari making a late evening dash for the tiny coastal state and a string of confabulations that went through the night into the early morning before a deal could be sealed.

"When results came in, the party chief (Amit Shah) called me up and asked me to meet him. I offered to come at his place rather than he visiting and we decided to meet at his residence in 30-45 minutes.

"It was 7 PM. We discussed the political situation of Goa in detail. Our strength was only 13. I told him that we do not have the support which we were expecting," Gadkari told reporters here.

However, Shah would not take 'no' for an answer and insisted that Gadkari give it a try.

"He told me that we have to form the government and asked me to go to Goa immediately," Gadkari, in-charge of BJP's Goa unit, said.

Soon, Gadkari was on a flight to Panaji. However, despondency awaited him there too.

"A delegation of leaders in Goa told me that it is not appropriate for (Manohar) Parrikar to come back to Goa after quitting the Defence Ministry. I spoke to Parrikar as well," Gadkari said.

What followed was a sleepless night for Gadkari, a former BJP president himself, as prospective alliance partners expressed their willingness to extend support but with the rider that Parrikar be made the Chief Minister.

"At 1.30 AM, MGP's Sudin Dhawlikar met me. I know him for a long time, and we had a discussion. He pledged support to us. Vijai Sardesai of Goa Forward Party came to meet (me) next.

"At 5 AM, they (MGP and GFP) put a condition that they will support BJP only if Parrikar is made the Chief Minister," Gadkari said.

Since Parrikar's return to Goa was a decision which



required Prime Minister Narendra Modi's sanction, Shah was woken up at 5:15 in the morning of March 12.

"I woke up Amit Shah at 5:15 AM and conveyed this to him. I told him that I am not able to decide and asked for his advice. He said the Prime Minister is sleeping right now. He said he will call the PM at 7 AM.

"He (Shah) said if Parrikar were to be sent to Goa, the (BJP) Parliamentary Board will have to decide and his (Parrikar's) wish would also have to be considered," he said.

Much to Gadkari's relief, Shah called back at 8:30 AM, saying he had spoken to the Prime Minister and others and "everybody said that if we can form the government in Goa, and if Parrikar is ready, we should do so."



Getting Parrikar ready for a return to the state politics was much easier as the party strongman had often said he did not have friends in Delhi and that he missed Goan food.

Armed with letters of support, from MGP, GFP and some independents, Parrikar staked claim to form the government the same night, drawing accusations of use of money power from the Congress.

Today, the fourth-time Chief Minister, won an easy trust vote in the Assembly 22-16, bringing to the fore the unease in the Congress whose MLA Viswajit Rane walked out during the voting, and quit his assembly seat and the party.
Japanese author Mariko Shinju believes the world can learn to live in peace from the Indian way of "living together happily" despite cultural and lingual diversity.

"India has diverse languages and cultures. And I think the world could learn something from Indians as they live together happily despite differences," Shinju, who was here for a book reading event of her 'Mottainai Grandma' series, said today.

Shinju said she was inspired to write a book on 'Mottainai', a Japanese term about living in harmony with the environment, for her 4-year-old son.

The author said that although the closest translation of the word 'mottainai' is 'do not waste!' it is not the only meaning of the word.

"'Mottainai' does not just mean 'don't waste' but it has many meanings like respect, gratitude, love and compassion towards other people, environment and other living creatures.

"Since my son couldn't understand the long explanation, I decided to draw pictures to represent the meanings in a better way," Shinju said.

Three of the author's books in the 'Mottainai Grandma' series are being translated in Hindi by the National Book Trust.

Shinju believes the books will help Indian kids to "understand the value of their environment".

"This time, I hope Indian children to understand the meaning of 'mottainai'. I hope the concept of Mottainai will help them to understand, respect and become like their environment."



She also said that Indians also have their "own mottainai-type ideology", which gives them wisdom to "live in harmony" with their environment.

Recalling a conversation with Kenyan Nobel Peace Prize awardee Wangari Maathai, Shinju said that Maathai believed the "world could be a better place" if everybody understood the concept of 'mottainai'.

"Maathai once told me that 'mottainai' has universal meaning and it could help people to get together with respect for each other. The world of 'mottainai' is the world of peace," Shinju said.

The event, held in cooperation with the Embassy of Japan, was part of several events under '2017 the year of Japan-India Friendly Exchanges'.

Shinju said she was curious about "Indian lifestyle" and hoped to explore the country more in her latest trip.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
News / National

by Stephen Jakes

A legislator for Chipinge Central in Manicaland , Raymore Machingura has challenged the institution of higher learning to facilitate the students'attachment to proper practical skills learning in accordance with their programmes.He made the remarks during the tour of universities organised by Zimdef by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development.Machingura one of the members of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development said during the assessment, he noted that students must be put in real life attachment."Why not embark on such a thing where students are put in the correct field to work on. Why don't students for example on construction who do road construction , bridge construction go and work in that field?"For example, people are paid billions of money who fix roads and in a short period of time , the roads are worn out and the same people arecalled again to come and fix the roads as practical work go and repair roads.We will continue to lose money and our role is to add value into this vision of the country and into the future , " he said.
At least three Islamic militants blew themselves today in Bangladesh when police raided their hideout outside the port city of Chittagong as part of an intensified crackdown on militants.

The operation 'Assault 16' was jointly carried out by Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime unit, Special Weapon and Tactic Team (SWAT), Rapid Action Battalion and Chittagong district police in Sitakunda.

The gunfight began after police stormed a two-storey building where militants were staying as tenants.

According to media reports, the suspected militants were apparently killed in "suicide explosions".

The extremists, believed to be operatives of banned Neo-Jamaatul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), hurled grenades and fired gunshots before blowing themselves up. Two policemen also injured during the raid.

Ambulances were seen coming out from the site carrying wounded policemen with officials.

"Police launched an operation when the militants started blasting grenades...Explosions rocked the neighbourhood for nearly 10 minutes," a journalist told PTI.

"Several families were living in that house and they were freed after spending the night as hostages," the journalist said.

The building has been cordoned off.

Neo-JMB is said to be inclined to the Islamic State terror outfit which has claimed the responsibility for the deadly July 1, 2016 attack on a Dhaka cafe in which 22 people, including an Indian, were killed.

Earlier, a couple was arrested from a suspected militant hideout at Chittagong's Sitakunda.

A police spokesman in Dhaka told PTI the law enforcement agencies have launched countrywide "block raids" targeting presumed militant hideout since last Thursday. Eighty militants have been killed in these raids so far.

Bangladesh witnessed a spate of attacks on secular activists, foreigners and religious minorities since 2013.

The country launched a massive crackdown on militants specially after the Dhaka cafe attack.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A public prosecutor of Tripura High Court has resigned after his role was criticized in the state Assembly for allegedly not opposing bail plea of 12 persons convicted in a lower court.

"I have tendered my resignation to the government as my role as Public Prosecutor was criticized in the Assembly yesterday," Avijit Ghosh told reporters here today.

Opposition political parties demanded action against him as he did not oppose the bail petition of 12 persons in the Tripura High Court. All the 12 were convicted by a lower court for murdering a Congress legislator 34 years ago.

The Law Minister Tapan Chakraborty informed the Assembly yesterday that the Public Prosecutor had tendered his resignation.

A district court sentenced 12 persons, stated to be the members of ruling CPI-M, to life imprisonment in April last year for murdering a Congress MLA Parimal Saha and his friend Jitendra Saha on April 7, 1983.

All the 12 convicts submitted a bail petition in the Tripura high Court, but the court rejected the petition.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Longtime Trump adviser Roger Stone says a car he was riding in this week in Florida was struck by a hit-and-run driver.

In a statement to The Associated Press, Stone described the incident as "suspicious," coming as he is under scrutiny for his communication with the Russian-linked hacker Guccifer 2.0.

Stone tweeted that he was uninjured in the crash except for blurry vision in his right eye.

Stone says the car he was riding in was "T-boned" by a large, gray four-door car with a tinted windshield.

The Broward Sheriff's Office says the driver the vehicle did not stop or make any attempt to exchange information.

Police says Stone was a passenger in a car driven by John P. Kakanis, 29, of Hallandale Beach, Florida.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
President Donald Trump has welcomed Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny to the White House ahead of the annual St Patrick's Day celebrations.

Kenny's car pulled up to the West Wing this morning and he was greeted by the president.

"I really love Ireland," Trump said as the two briefly posed before reporters in the Oval Office. ' Kenny joined Vice President Mike Pence for breakfast at the Naval Observatory earlier in the day and will attend a luncheon at the US Capitol and a White House reception this evening.

At the breakfast, Kenny, who has said he will discuss Brexit and immigration policies with Trump, said "Ireland and the EU will never be but a friend to the United States."



Earlier this year, Trump said Britain's decision to leave the European Union would "end up being a great thing" and predicted the bloc would continue to break apart. The comments echoed Trump's rhetoric during his presidential campaign.

Kenny will be the first EU politician to meet with Trump after British Prime Minister Theresa May. German Chancellor Angela Merkel was scheduled to come to the White House on Tuesday, but that visit was moved back to Friday because of the snow.

The St Patrick's Day White House event dates back to the 1950s and has become an important standing engagement for Ireland, which has strong emotional and ancestral ties to the United States.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
US President Donald Trump today proposed a USD 1.1 trillion budget, requesting a massive USD 54 billion increase in defence spending and a substantial cut in the State Department allocations particularly foreign aid, which is likely to have an impact on recipients like Pakistan.

"There is no question that it is a hard power budget. This is not a soft power budget. And that was done intentionally. The President very clearly wants to send a message to our allies and our potential adversaries that this is a strong power administration," Director of the Office of Management of Budget Mick Mulvaney told reporters ahead of the rolling of the annual budget.

"So we have seen money move from soft power program such a foreign aid to more hard power programs. That's allies can expect. That's adversaries can expect," Mulvaney said.

The USD 54 billion increase in US defense spending is more than India's annual defense budget.

In his communication to the US Congress this morning, Trump said his budgetary request includes an additional USD 30 billion for the Department of Defence (DOD) to rebuild the US Armed Forces and accelerate the campaign to defeat the ISIS, and an additional USD 3 billion for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for urgent border protection activities.

This also requests USD 24.9 billion in the DOD base budget for urgent warfighting readiness needs and to begin a sustained effort to rebuild the US Armed Forces.

The request seeks to address critical budget shortfalls in personnel, training, maintenance, equipment, munitions, modernisation, and infrastructure investment.

It represents a critical first step in investing in a larger, more ready, and more capable military force, he said.

Trump said the request also includes USD 5.1 billion in the Overseas Contingency Operations budget for DOD to accelerate the campaign to defeat ISIS and support Operation Freedom's Sentinel in Afghanistan.

This request would enable DOD to pursue a comprehensive strategy to end the threat ISIS poses to the US, he said.

Trump has suggested an additional USDthree billion for DHS implementation of his executive orders on border security and immigration enforcement.

"The request would fund efforts to plan, design, and construct a physical wall along the southern border, and make other critical investments in tactical border infrastructure and technology. The request also proposes funding to increase immigration detention capacity, which is necessary to ensure the removal of illegal aliens from the US," Trump said.

Mulvaney said the budget proposes to cut the State Department's foreign aid programme by massive 28 per cent.

"That is not a commentary on the President's policy towards the State Department," he said, adding the foreign aid line items in the budget happens to fall within the State Department functions.

During his campaign, Trump had said he wants to spend



less money overseas and more money back home. The budget proposals tries to accomplish this goal.

"Foreign aid gets reduced," he said, without elaborating any further.

This is likely to have an impact on America's foreign aid to countries like Pakistan, which has been one of top recipient of America's foreign aid post 9/11.

The top recipients are Afghanistan, where 8,400 US troops are deployed, about USD 4.7 billion; Israel, USD 3.1 billion; Egypt, USD 1.4 billion; Iraq, USD 1.1 billion; Jordan, USD 1 billion and Pakistan, USD 742 million. Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania and Ethiopia each received more than USD 500 million.

Talking to reporters in Japan where he is travelling, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson defended the budget proposals.

"The level of spending that the State Department has been undertaking in the past - and particularly in this past year - is simply not sustainable. So on a go-forward basis, what the President is asking the State Department to do is, I think, reflective of a couple of expectations," he said in response to a question.

"As time goes by, there will be fewer military conflicts that the US will be directly engaged in; and second, that as we become more effective in our aid programs, that we will also be attracting resources from other countries, allies, and other sources as well to contribute in our development aid and our disaster assistance," he said.

The State Department, he said, is going to be undertaking a very comprehensive examination of how programs are executed and a very comprehensive examination of how it is structured.
President in his first budget is seeking to cut the foreign aid by a whopping 28 per cent which is likely to have an impact on top recipients like Pakistan.

The budget will also call for a dramatic shift from the "soft power" diplomacy of the Obama era to a "hard power" military buildup. It would propose an increase the country's defence budget by $54 billion.

The US is expected to spend more than $40 billion on foreign aid in the current financial year, with about 60 per cent of that for economic and development assistance and 40 per cent on security, a media report said.

This is likely to have an impact on America's foreign aid to countries like Pakistan, which has been one of the top recipients of America's foreign aid post 9/11.

The top recipients are Afghanistan, where 8,400 US troops are deployed, about $4.7 billion; Israel, $3.1 billion; Egypt, $1.4 billion; Iraq, $1.1 billion; Jordan, $1 billion and Pakistan, $742 million. Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania and Ethiopia each received more than $500 million, the report said.

"You will see a fairly dramatic reduction in State Department (budget). That is not a commentary on the President's policy towards the State Department," Mick Mulvaney, the Director of the Office of Management of Budget, said.

He said that the foreign aid line items in the budget happens to fall within the State Department functions.

During his campaign, Trump, had said he wants to spend less money overseas and more money back home.

The budget proposals tries to accomplish this goal.

The proposals being released by the White House later on Thursday is a "budget blueprint" and not a complete budget. The full budget would be introduced in May.

Mulvaney said despite the reduction in the State Department budget, the White House has protected the core diplomatic function of the State.

"What you see in the State Department budget is the reduction in the foreign aid program," he said.

"This is the America First Budget. We rolled it by using president's own words, through articles that have been written about his policies, we talked to him, we wanted to know what his policies were and we turned those policies into numbers. There will be more money on defence, $54 billion." Mulvaney said.

"There is more money for enforcing security at the border and there is more money on enforcing law on the books generally," he said.

"There is no question that it is a hard power budget. This is not a soft power budget. And that was done intentionally. The President very clearly wants to send a message to our allies and our potential adversaries that this is a strong power administration.

"So we have seen money move from soft power programme such a foreign aid to more hard power programs. That's allies can expect. That's adversaries can expect," Mulvaney told reporters.

Mulvaney said the President wanted to do that without any increase in the projected $483 billion budget deficit in 2018.

"We have simply not added to the deficit in order to accomplish his policies. You will see reductions from the President who ran on America First campaign," he said, adding that there is reductions in the State Department and Environment Protection Agency.

"If he said it on the campaign it is in the budget," he said.

Among other things, the budget proposes $1.5 billion towards building the wall along the US-Mexico border. The money includes for carrying out feasibility study and conducting some of the pilots projects for building the wall, which was Trump's major campaign promise.
US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson will visit Turkey on March 30, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu has said, with meetings of the countries presidents also in the pipeline.

"The US state secretary said he wanted to come on March 30 and I told him that this would suit us in Ankara. If our prime minister is in Ankara, he will meet him," Cavusoglu told HaberTurk broadcaster in an interview yesterday.

He also said President Recep Tayyip Erdogan would meet US President Donald Trump after a referendum in Turkey next month and would meet Tillerson if possible.

It would be the most senior visit by a senior official from the new administration as Ankara hopes to have better relations with the Trump White House.

Turkey will vote on April 16 on whether to approve constitutional changes that would create an executive presidency boosting Erdogan's powers.

The government insists it would be a system like that of France or the US but critics fear it will lead to one-man rule.

CIA chief Mike Pompeo came to Ankara last month in his first foreign visit after Trump's inauguration in January.

Turkey has greater hopes for Ankara-Washington ties after the relationship with Barack Obama was marked by disappointment and anger, especially over Syria.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Turkey is in the throes of a diplomatic crisis with The Netherlands and Germany after top ministers were blocked from holding rallies to tout for support in a referendum on expanding President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's powers.

The votes of Turks resident abroad have provided rich pickings for the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) in the past.

An overwhelming majority of the vote typically goes to the AKP, co-founded by Erdogan.

But ministers are also aware that expatriate turnout hovers at around 40 per cent -- much lower than the national average -- and getting these votes out could be crucial in tipping the balance.

In the latest 2015 November parliamentary elections, there were 2.9 million Turks registered to vote abroad, of whom 40 percent voted.

Of those, over 56 per cent of the votes went to the AKP.

The key battleground is Germany, where almost half of the expatriate Turkish vote is concentrated but there are significant communities in several other EU countries.

Here are snapshots of European countries with the largest numbers of Turkish voters, with data from the last legislative polls in November 2015.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Two Army jawans were injured, one of them severely, during the trial of a multi-mode hand- grenade (MMHG) manufactured by a private comapny at the testing range of Jammu and Kashmir Rifles here yesterday.

The hand-grenade, when thrown during testing, went off quicker than the actual time it was supposed to take to explode, said Colonel B P Singh, PRO of Madhya Bharat Area of Central Command of Army.

Both the jawans were admitted to the military hospital. One of them had sustained grievous injuries and was operated upon, Colonel Singh added.

The MMHG was supposed to explode four seconds after it was hurled, but it went off before time, initial probe suggested. A court of inquiry (COI) had been ordered, the PRO said.

The MMHG under testing was manufactured by a Nagpur-based private company, Colonel Singh said, adding that the trials were stopped after the mishap.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
With speculation rife over the BJP's chief ministerial pick for Uttar Pradesh, party chief Amit Shah today left everyone guessing with his remark that he has given the responsibility of choosing the CM to state unit chief Keshav Prasad Maurya.

Maurya, who is himself seen as one of the probables, then told reporters that how can he choose himself, when asked if he is a contender for the post.

Shah was asked by reporters following the BJP Parliamentary Party meeting about the chief ministerial nominee for the state.

"I have left the responsibility to Keshav (to choose the CM)," he said while leaving.

Reporters then rushed to Maurya, who was also there.

There were even conjectures within the party after these remarks as to whether Maurya, who is BJP's OBC face in UP, is out of the reckoning.

Maurya was later admitted to the RML Hospital after he complained of uneasiness. According to a senior doctor of the hospital, the 48-year-old leader's blood pressure was slightly higher and he had been suffering from cold and mild fever for a week.

Shah has been holding meetings with top party leaders from UP and also Uttarakhand to decide on the choice of chief ministers for the two states where the saffron outfit has received unprecedented mandate.

Besides Maurya, union ministers Rajnath Singh and Manoj Sinha are seen as strong contenders for the post in UP. Trivendra Singh Rawat, Prakash Pant and Satpal Maharaj are front-runners for the job in Uttarakhand.

However, most party leaders appeared clueless about the likely picks.

With the BJP leadership often surprising people with choice of state leaders, like Manohar Lal Khattar and Vijay Rupani, both of whom were not seen as favourites to lead governments in Haryana and Gujarat, sources said relatively lesser known leaders cannot be ruled out.

Newly elected UP BJP MLAs will meet in Lucknow on March 18 and are likely to elect their legislature party leader.

Party's central observers - Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu and national general secretary Bhupendra Yadav - will be present at the meeting on Saturday, UP BJP General Secretary Vijay Bahadur Pathak said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
News / National

by Stephen Jakes

Mthwakazi Republic party spokesperson MbonisiGumbo has said for proper Peace and Reconciliation to take place the truth must be said.He said it is surprising that the Bill which they want to pass is being crafted in the Ministry of Justice, which itself is led by Mnangagwa who is the number one perpetrator of Gukurahundi Matabeleland Genocide."Those people who are perpetrators must be arrested first before we talk of reconciliation. Mnangagwa is on record saying that Gukurahundi genocide is a closed chapter, water under the bridge and yet he is the very person who is crafting the so called National peace and reconciliation," he said."We attended the National Peace and Reconciliation Bill hearing in Bulawayo's Large City Hall which began at 10:00am to listen to the government plan on how they want to deal with the 1979 Shona Grand induced Gukurahundi "Matabeleland Genocide" that killed thousands of our people in Mthwakazi."He said the MRP position is very clear that they want government to unconditionally accept responsibility of this senseless mass murder of innocent Ndebele people by a tribal government of Robert Mugabe."We are for "FOR TRUTH, PEACE AND JUSTICE IN OUR LIFE TIME" and we stand for that, nothing more nothing less. The National Peace and Reconciliation Bill is a non starter as long as it is spear headed by the ZANU PF Junta led by Mugabe and his people. We are happy that the majority of uMthwakazi people agree with MRP that, there can not be any reconciliation before truth confession. The Paliarment deliberately removed Truth in that bill to shield the real perpetrators of Gukurahundi," he said."The Bill as it stands gives government of Zimbabwe through the Minister more powers in the day to day running of the commission. The Mthwakazi Restoration Agenda was also also raised, People of Matabeleland said they are tired of being undermined by Harare and they now want their country back."He said the commission that has a ten year tenure and is expected to seize to exist in 2023 is a joke."The presentations made in both Matabeleland and Mashonaland clearly shows that our problems and theirs are not the same. In Mashonaland they don't talk about Gukurahundi as the basis for peace and reconciliation, while we in Mthwakazi believes that Matabeleland Gukurahundi genocide was the beginning of all our problems as a region," he said."Mthwakazi people want to know why does that Bill have Amnesty? We want the government to tell us why did they kill our people? People raised concerns that the Bill does not include the diaspora. There are some people who ran away into Diaspora during Gukurahundi disturbances and they were never accounted for. The people who killed thousands of our people must answer and must have their day in court."Gumbo said Mthwakazi's only acceptable compensation is the Restoration of its state as it were before 1893."Which peace are you talking about when the government officials still spends their time and resources in Mashonaland while there is nothing for Mthwakazi? There can never be peace when government of Zimbabwe only employees Shona people," he said."Sixolelana kukuphi ngoba ko Mthwakazi asila mgwaqo, asila ntuthuko abantu be Mashonaland basuka khonale kibo bezokwakha la besiminyezela ngenkani? Kuxolelwana kukuphi lina lisithathela umhlabathi wabokhokho bethu? People of Matabeleland want the truth to be told, people want proper history to be taught, they want ZAPU, ZIPRA and Gukurahundi Matabeleland genocide to be taught at schools."He said the youth who presented at the hearing stated that even as university students their are being sidelined on the basis of their names, surnames and where they come from."They said they are failing to get attachments let alone employment yet Shona people are being employed in Matabeleland so what are we reconciling? The Bill must be rejected out rightly because it has nothing to do with us in Matabeleland. We also reject the very composition of the the Paliarmentary select committee that came to Bulawayo. They are mostly from Mashonaland and they don't understand our languages and cultures how do we trust such people that they will fairly and honestly save our interest?" Gumbo said."As a party we are happy that the people of Matabeleland are speaking with one voice. We want self-determination , As long as Mugabe and ZANU PF still want to rule there is no need of talking about this bill. Mugabe killed our people together with his Junta members and those people are still in charge of the affairs of this country and have never accepted responsibility of killing yet they continue to kill up to today. Elections are coming next year he is expected to kill again."He said the New Constitution of 2013 has not been fully used and yet they want us to believe they are sincere why should we trust them?"Why are they not implementing the Devolution of Power, why haven't they repealed POSA if they are genuine? Nothing will stop us from demanding our State back. One women said that what will this commission do in dealing with fair distribution of National resources, she said recently she rejected a tenant from Harare who came here fifty of them to be security guards at the expense of locals, she refused because the also has own children who are in employed and they can also be security guards but they end up being forced to illegally go to South Africa in the process risking their lives," he said."Yet their jobs are being taken away by Shona people. What will the bill do about thousands of Matabeleland people who got raped, robbed or killed while trying to cross to SA these are also victims of tribalism in this country. People say what reconciliation are you talking about? When Shona people still come from Mashonaland to dig our mineral resources in the process beating, killing and raping locals."
Newly elected BJP MLAs in UP and Uttarakhand will meet on March 18 and are likely to elect their legislature party leader, a week after the party's emphatic victories in the two states.

"Party's central observers - Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu and national general secretary Bhupendra Yadav - will be present at the meeting on Saturday at 5 PM," BJP's general secretary in UP, where the party won a three-fourth majority, Vijay Bahadur Pathak told PTI in Lucknow.

Asked specifically as to whether there was any likelihood of an election for the post of the leader of the Legislature Party, Pathak avoided a direct reply, saying, "I can't say."



The names of probables for the top post doing the rounds in political circles include Union Ministers Rajnath Singh, Manoj Sinha and state BJP president Keshav Prasad Maurya.

Singh, a former UP chief minister, is probably the tallest BJP leader in the state, while Sinha, an upper caste Bhumihar, too has considerable administrative experience. However, their choice could antagonise lower caste voters.

Maurya, who had helped consolidate non-Yadav OBC votes in the party's favour, is said to be in the good books of BJP chief Amit Shah.

Another probable is Union Minister Mahesh Sharma, who has strong links with RSS.

The Uttarakhand BJP legislature party will also hold a meeting at a hotel in Dehradun tomorrow in the presence of the party's central observers to discuss who should be the new chief minister of the state.

The BJP scored a massive victory in the recently held Assembly elections winning 57 of the 70 seats.

The legislature party meeting will be held at 3 PM in the presence of the central observers and party incharge of Uttarakhand affairs Shyam Jaju, Pradesh BJP president Ajay Bhatt said.

"All the newly elected party MLAs have been asked to be in Dehradun tomorrow for the meeting and the day after when the new chief minister is to be sworn in," Bhatt said.

Speculations are still going on about appointment of the new chief minister in the state with the presence of over six heavyweight contenders for the top office but the race seems to be narrowing down between Pithoragarh MLA Prakash Pant and Doiwala MLA Trivendra Singh Rawat emerging as front runners for the post even as party sources here said the final choice will emerge only with stamp of approval from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah.

"The factor working in favour of Pant is his long association with the organisation as well as his ministerial and legislative experience," a senior party leader requesting anonymity said.

Pant was the first Speaker of Uttarakhand Assembly in the interim government after the state was carved out of Uttar Pradesh in 2000 and also became a minister subsequently holding plum portfolios like tourism and culture and parliamentary affairs.

Trivendra Singh Rawat, who has been elected from Doiwala, also continues to be in the race for the top office due to his strong RSS roots and long experience in ministerial positions.

Trivendra who is incharge of party affairs in Jharkhand and is also credited for guiding the party to victory there is also known for his proximity with the party's central leaders, a fact which seems to strengthen his chances.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The United States' top diplomat is in Tokyo today to reassure allies that Washington stands with them in the face of the accelerating missile threat from North Korea.

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson began his first Asian tour in Japan's capital and was to hold talks with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida.

He brings with him greetings from President Donald Trump, who caused consternation during his White House campaign by suggesting US allies need to do more to defend themselves.

But Tillerson, the former oilman Trump chose to head his diplomatic team, is expected to reaffirm support for Japan and South Korea, where he journeys Friday, before heading to China on Saturday.

There, he will urge his hosts to pressure Kim Jong-Un's regime to halt Pyongyang's nuclear and ballistic missile programs before committing to eventual peace talks.

It is Tillerson's first major foray into crisis diplomacy, after brief trips to Bonn and Mexico City, but he has not managed to leave Washington controversy behind him.

A small group of American expats protested outside the US embassy in Tokyo, demanding the former ExxonMobil chief executive respect the Paris climate change accord.

And, back home, arguments raged over his decision to break with 50 years of tradition by refusing to allow the Washington diplomatic press corps to fly on his plane.

Some 20 US-based reporters flew commercially to Japan to follow the visit, but only one, a hand-picked writer from a small conservative outlet, was allowed on his jet.

Back home, Trump is expected to unveil his budget blueprint later Thursday.

Former top diplomats have denounced the plan, expected to call for slashing State Department spending, as a hammer blow to US influence.

Tillerson, while keeping a low public profile, appears, however, ready to cautiously support deep cuts.

State Department officials insist that the focus of the trip will be North Korea and efforts to rebalance commerce without provoking a trade war with the Chinese giant.

Acting spokesman Mark Toner told reporters this week that efforts to convince China to pressure North Korea were the "looming challenge" in trans-Pacific relations.

"He's going to have an opportunity at every stop to talk about next steps or what we do now, with respect to North Korea," he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
US President Donald Trump has vowed to get tough on trade partners like China, Mexico and Germany. Now his Treasury chief, Steven Mnuchin, will get his first opportunity to confront them all in one room.

The meeting of the most powerful economies' finance ministers in Germany this week is likely to be dominated by talk about whether to commit to free trade, as previous meetings have - or implicitly accept that some countries may put up barriers, like tariffs, as Trump has promised.

The Group of 20 - 19 countries worth most of the global economy, plus the EU - are also due to discuss their longstanding ban on manipulating currencies to gain economic advantage. Weakening a currency can help a country's exporters, but can also end up dumping its troubles with business costs and competitiveness on its trade partners.

The gathering tomorrow and Saturday in the southern German resort town of Baden-Baden will help set the tone for international commerce and finance and will give Mnuchin a chance to clarify what the US position is.

The focus will be on the final statement issued jointly by the finance ministers on Saturday.

Last year's gathering of the Group of 20 finance ministers in Chengdu, China, issued a statement opposing "all forms of protectionism." This time, such unequivocal language could be softened to refer to trade that is "open" and "fair," without the absolute opposition to import restrictions to benefit domestic workers.

Trump has repeatedly emphasized that the US needs a tougher approach to trade that would put American workers and companies first. He has already pulled the US out of the proposed Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement with Japan and other Pacific Rim countries and he has started the process to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement with Mexico and Canada, both of whom are G-20 members.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The World Bank today approved a financial assistance worth USD 450 million to Pakistan to support its efforts to help the poor and most vulnerable people in the country.

The Finance for Growth Development Policy (FGDP) is a policy credit of USD 300 million that would assist Pakistan's efforts in promoting an inclusive and transparent financial sector, a statement by the World Bank (WB) said.

The bank said the programme aims to raise financial access throughout Pakistan to 50 per cent of adults, including 25 per cent women, by 2020, the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) reported.

According to the statement, in the next three years, FGDP aims to boost private sector credit access to small and medium enterprises to 15 per cent from 7 per cent in 2015.

"Pakistan has made significant progress in the implementation of economic reforms," WB Country Director for Pakistan Illango Patchamuthu said.

However, despite the substantial development in the initial reform programmes and recent progress in the financial sector; there remains a significant unfinished reforms agenda as financial access and inclusion remain low, Patchamuthu added.

An amount of USD 100 million, under the National Social Protection Programme, will help Pakistan strengthen the national social safety net systems for the poor in a bid to improve their human capital and to promote beneficiary families' access to complementary social and productive services.

It will also support the Benazir Income Support Programme for accurately identifying right candidates for cash transfers, other social programmes and incentivise improvements in service delivery systems.

The WB will also provide an additional sum of USD 50 million under the Punjab Tourism for Growth Project to strengthen institutions, increase private sector participation and improve infrastructure to support the tourism sector in Punjab.

The project will allow the private sector to lead the development of the tourism market while ensuring that public institutions help facilitate these processes while fulfilling their respective mandates, said the statement.

According to the WB, some 100 million adults in Pakistan do not have access to formal and regulated financial services and this number represents about 5 per cent of the world's unbanked population.

"This needs to change for Pakistani women and men to realise their aspirations," Patchamuthu said.

The credit is financed from the International Development Association (IDA), the WB Group's grant and low-interest arm.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Hectic parleys for government formation in began soon after results started pouring in, with Union minister and BJP leader Nitin Gadkari getting into action on party president Amit Shah's insistence.

The BJP, which was faced with anti-incumbency factor in the state, had managed to win just 13 seats in the 40-member Assembly in the coastal state but still staked claim to form government, even as the Congress bagged 17 seats.

"When the results came, the party chief (Amit Shah) called me up and asked me to meet him. I offered to come at his place rather than he visiting and we decided to meet at his residence in 30-45 minutes.

"It was 7 PM. We discussed the political situation of in detail. Our strength was only 13. I told him that we do not have the support which we were expecting. He told me that we have to form the government (in Goa) and asked me to go to immediately," Gadkari, in-charge of BJP's Goa unit, told reporters here.

Gadkari said he soon returned home before leaving for Goa without delaying any moment.

"(The) delegation of leaders in Goa told me that it is not appropriate for (Manohar) Parrikar to come back to Goa by quitting from the Defence Ministry. I spoke to Parrikar as well," Gadkari said.

What followed was a sleepless night for Gadkari and the prospective alliance partners of the BJP who promised support but with a rider.

"At 1.30 AM, MGP's Sudin Dhawlikar met me. I know him for a long time, and we had a discussion. He pledged support for us. Vijai Sardesai of Goa Forward Party came to meet (me) next," he said.

"At 5 AM, they (MGP and GFP) put a condition that they will support BJP only if Parrikar is made the Chief Minister," Gadkari said.

"I woke up Amit Shah at 5.15 AM and conveyed this to him. I told him that I am not able to decide and asked for his advice. He said the Prime Minister is sleeping right now. He said he will call the PM at 7 AM. He said if Parrikar were to be sent to Goa, the (BJP) Parliamentary Board will have to decide and his (Parrikar's) wish would also have to be considered," he revealed.

At 8.30 AM, Shah called Gadkari saying he has spoken to the PM and others. "Everybody said that if we can form a government in Goa and if Parrikar is ready, we should do so," said the Union Shipping Minister.

The Manohar Parrikar government today proved its majority on the floor of the Goa Assembly by winning the trust vote with the support of 22 legislators in the 40-member house.

Meanwhile, Gadkari, when asked, refuted reports of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis being shifted to the Union ministry.

"Media speculates and gets the joy of writing various things. However, there is no decision that has been taken in Delhi on this," he said.

"There has been no discussion (on this matter) yet. The biggest question before the parliamentary board and the Prime Minister is deciding on the CMs for Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand," Gadkari said.

He said there is no change in Maharashtra and there is no discussion like that.

"The Devendra Fadnavis government is stable and under his leadership, Maharashtra is progressing. He has proved his strength in the recent (local bodies) polls, held under his leadership," Gadkari added.
Five Islamist militants, including a woman, were killed today when security forces stormed their hideouts in Bangladesh amid an intensified nationwide crackdown on extremists in the Muslim-majority country that has witnessed a spate of terror attacks.

"So far, we have found four bodies. Two of them were wearing suicide vests and died in the blast and two others died when hit by police bullets," police's Chittagong Range Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Shafiqul Islam told reporters.

The officer said three policemen have been injured after grenades were lobbed from inside.

The killed militants include a woman, police said.

The operation 'Assault 16' was jointly carried out by Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime unit, Special Weapon and Tactic Team (SWAT), Rapid Action Battalion and Chittagong police in Sitakunda, about 264 kms south-east of Dhaka.

The four extremists, believed to be operatives of banned Neo-Jamaatul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), hurled grenades and fired gunshots on security forces.

Meanwhile, media reports said that another militant, a member of the banned outfit Harkat-ul Jihad al Islam, was killed in a separate raid.

The encounter began after a night-long police siege to the hideout of the neo-JMB.

"Explosions rocked the neighbourhood for nearly 10 minutes," a journalist told PTI.

Police said the terrorists were living at the house in the guise of tenants.

"Twenty residents of the house including female and children of seven families came out of the building as the encounter ended," Counter-terrorism unit's deputy commissioner Abdul Mannan said.

The raid was carried out after police yesterday arrested a couple in the neighbourhood.

Neo-JMB is said to be inclined to the Islamic State terror outfit which has claimed the responsibility for the deadly July 1, 2016 attack on a Dhaka cafe in which 22 people, including an Indian, were killed.

A police spokesman said the law enforcement agencies have launched countrywide "block raids" targeting presumed militant hideout since last Thursday. Eighty militants have been killed in these raids so far.

Bangladesh witnessed a spate of attacks on secular activists, foreigners and religious minorities since 2013.

The country launched a massive crackdown on militants specially after the Dhaka cafe attack.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Four Islamist militants, including a woman, were killed today when security forces stormed their hideout in Bangladesh's port city of Chittagong amid an intensified nationwide crackdown on extremists in the Muslim- majority country that has witnessed a spate of terror attacks.

"So far, we have found four bodies. Two of them were wearing suicide vests and died in the blast and two others died when hit by police bullets," police's Chittagong Range Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Shafiqul Islam told reporters.

He said that three policemen have been injured after grenades were lobbed from inside.

The killed militants include a woman, police said.

The operation 'Assault 16' was jointly carried out by Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime unit, Special Weapon and Tactic Team (SWAT), Rapid Action Battalion and Chittagong district police in Sitakunda, about 264 kilometers south-east of Dhaka.

The extremists, believed to be operatives of banned Neo-Jamaatul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), hurled grenades and fired gunshots on security forces.

The encounter began after a night-long police siege to the hideout of the neo-JMB.

"Explosions rocked the neighbourhood for nearly 10 minutes," a journalist told PTI.

Police said the terrorists were living at the house in the guise of tenants.

"Twenty residents of the house including female and children of seven families came out of the building as the encounter ended," Counter-terrorism unit's deputy commissioner Abdul Mannan said.

The raid was carried out after police yesterday arrested a couple in the neighbourhood.

Neo-JMB is said to be inclined to the Islamic State terror outfit which has claimed the responsibility for the deadly July 1, 2016 attack on a Dhaka cafe in which 22 people, including an Indian, were killed.

A police spokesman said the law enforcement agencies have launched countrywide "block raids" targeting presumed militant hideout since last Thursday. Eighty militants have been killed in these raids so far.

Bangladesh witnessed a spate of attacks on secular activists, foreigners and religious minorities since 2013.

The country launched a massive crackdown on militants specially after the Dhaka cafe attack.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The World Bank has approved a loan of USD 210 million to strengthen gram panchayats (GPs) across the state of West Bengal to better utilize the discretionary funds that are now available to them.

Following the recommendations of the 14th Finance Commission and fourth State Finance Commission, aggregate fund flows to these GPs, the lowest tier of rural local governments, would more than double by 2020.

The state's support under the Institutional Strengthening of Gram Panchayat Program - Phase II (ISGPP-II), will support all 3,342 GPs in the state to effectively utilize these funds that is being provided to them under the inter-governmental fiscal transfer system, the bank said in a release.

The World Bank support would strengthen local communities' participation in the planning, budgeting, and financial management of projects undertaken in rural areas, where most of the poor in the state reside.

The loan has a grace period of eight years and a maturity of 15 years.

"Bringing the state closer to citizens has been an important promise of India's democracy. Effective and accountable Panchayati Raj institutions empowered with additional resources can help deliver on this promise," Junaid Ahmad, World Bank Country Director for India said.

Out of the 92,000 activities carried out by the GPs using ISGPP grants, 54 per cent were on transport, 23 per cent on water and sanitation, and 20 per cent on public buildings.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
By Sergio Goncalves and Arno Schuetze

LISBON (Reuters) - U.S. private equity firm Lone Star is closer to taking control of Portugal's Novo Banco with an offer to inject up to 1 billion euros ($1.07 billion) into the bank in return for a 75 percent stake, sources told .

Lone Star had initially sought to take control of all of the state-owned bank's capital as well as requesting a state guarantee covering up to 2.5 billion euros in potential losses on its non-performing assets and assets slated for sale.

Although Lisbon is desperate to offload Novo Banco, which it rescued in 2014, the government turned down Lone Star's initial offer as it refused to provide any guarantees. The proposal envisaged an immediate 750 million euro injection plus 750 million at a later stage.

"Under a new agreement that is being finalised and is likely to be sealed this month, Lone Star will inject 1 billion euros of capital into the bank, giving them a 75 percent ownership, while the remaining 25 percent should stay with the (Portuguese) resolution fund," one of the sources told .

The bidding price itself "is almost irrelevant as the main action will be the 1 billion euro capital injection".

Portugal injected 4.9 billion euros in Novo Banco, which was carved out of Banco Espirito Santo, which collapsed under a mountain of debt built up by its founding family.

The money was injected via the country's bank resolution fund, meaning that it is the common responsibility of all banks operating in Portugal, who have to foot the bill for any difference between the rescue funds and the selling price.

Last year, the government agreed to extend the maturities of the loan to the resolution fund for as long as needed so as to guarantee that banks keep paying what they currently pay in fund contributions regardless of the final Novo Banco deal.

The finance ministry and Bank of Portugal officials declined to comment. Lone Star also declined to comment.

Finance Minister Mario Centeno said last week the sale of Novo Banco should be concluded in coming weeks.

Aside from the Portuguese authorities, the negotiations now involve the European Central Bank and the European Commission, particularly Directorate-General for Competition.

"The negotiations with DG Comp are intensive and evolving well," another source familiar with the talks said.

Under the revised offer, Lone Star has no firm obligation to inject further capital in Novo Banco, but one of the sources said they may possibly inject more capital at a later stage, "as any shareholder looking after their investment would do".

Both sources said that Lone Star is negotiating with some Portuguese entities, who could take 5 to 10 pct of Novo Banco, lowering Lone Star's investment by that amount, to help Lone Star understand the Portuguese market and manage relationships with various local players.

One of the sources said talks with Brussels were needed to specify where to park the remaining 25 percent stake - the resolution fund or some public entity - while avoiding any impact on public accounts or competition in the banking sector.

The 25 percent stake should later be sold off to private investors, to meet Portugal's commitments taken at the time of the rescue to fully offload its stake in the bank.

(Writing by Andrei Khalip; Editing by Alexander Smith)

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
expects profits to fall slightly this year due to lower fares and a rising fuel bill, the German airline said on Thursday, despite clinching a long-sought deal on pay and pensions with its pilots this week.

Like its rivals, saw ticket prices come under pressure in Europe last year from overcapacity and fierce competition from airlines with lower cost bases.

While it expects the decline in ticket revenue to ease this year, the company is still trying to cut costs to compete better with leaner rivals. The carrier achieved what it described as "breakthrough" on Wednesday when it agreed a deal on pay and pensions with pilots.

Chief Financial Officer Ulrik Svensson said on Thursday the year had started well for Lufthansa, with increasing traffic, the agreement with the pilots and unit revenues even improving in Asia compared with last year.

But revenues were under pressure in Europe, he said, after the group reported results for 2016 in line with expectations.

Many analysts have expressed concern that European airlines are engaging in a damaging battle for customers, putting more seats onto the market than there is demand for, which will lead to lower profits this year.

has said it will increase capacity by 12 percent this year. Of that, 8 percent is thanks to the takeover of Brussels Airlines and a deal to lease 38 planes and crew from Germany's Air Berlin.

The fuel bill is expected to increase by about 350 million euros ($376 million) this year to 5.2 billion euros, and Lufthansa said efforts to reduce costs would not be enough to offset the rising fuel bill and pressure on ticket prices.

It, therefore, expects adjusted earnings before interest and tax this year to be slightly lower than the 1.75 billion euros reported for 2016.

Lufthansa reduced unit costs, not including fuel or currency, by 2.5 percent last year and is targeting a similar reduction for this year.

Shares in Lufthansa were indicated to rise 1.7 percent, following similar gains on Wednesday when the share price closed at 14.415 euros, after the deal with the pilots was announced.

"It's a real success. The pilots made major concessions, which I did not think would happen," Union Investment fund manager Michael Gierse said of the deal on pay and pensions.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Government is happy with the human rights situation in the country and is committed to supporting and implementing all instruments to that effect, Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said.VP Mnangagwa, who oversees the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, is in Geneva attending the Universal Periodic Review meeting of the United Nations Human Rights Council.He makes presentations before the UNHRC today.Addressing a Press conference yesterday ahead of his presentation, VP Mnangagwa said the human rights situation in Zimbabwe was satisfactory."As Government, we are happy," he said. "We are collaborating and supporting human rights instruments. Zimbabwe also supports and is committed to the implementation of all human rights issues and treaties under the Human Rights Commission."We have done a lot. We are also in the process of implementing those which we supported. So far, we have 151, which we are now going to proceed and implement and the other six we will implement partly as a result of the laws that we have in the country."Some of the six are partly already implemented under our legal framework back home and there is no need for reimplementation."Zimbabwe presented its national report on November 2 last year and received recommendations from United Nations member States and other stakeholders on human rights issues.Out of the 260 recommendations, the country has supported 157 while 103 have not been supported."From the 100 deferred recommendations, the Government has now supported nine recommendations, bringing the total supported recommendations to 151, while six are supported in part, 103 recommendations have been noted," said VP Mnangagwa.The noted recommendations do not enjoy Government support."It must be noted that these recommendations were repeated by different member States," said VP Mnangagwa. "For instance, the recommendation to ratify the UN Convention Against Torture was mentioned 33 times, whilst the recommendation to ratify the UN Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance was mentioned nine times."The recommendation to abolish death penalty was mentioned seven times. Some recommendations relate to lesbians, gays, bi-sexual and transgender rights. So, while the noted recommendations are more than 100 in number, they mainly relate to six broad categories and the issues are those Zimbabwe is not in a position to support."The noted recommendations are mostly those that are inconsistent with Zimbabwe's national policies and values while others have already been addressed by national laws.Government, working with key stakeholders, will formulate a national plan of action for the implementation of the supported recommendations.VP Mnangagwa said Government was committed to protect all its citizens and was also keen to establish what happened to Itai Dzamara, a journalist-cum opposition activist."We appeal to every single organisation in Zimbabwe or individuals to come forward (with information on his whereabouts)," he said. "As a result of that desire to establish what happened to Itai Dzamara, Government has put forward $10 000 as a reward for anybody who can come forward with such information."
By Arshad Mohammed

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Donald Trump's proposed 28 percent budget cut for U.S. diplomacy and foreign aid next year would preserve $3.1 billion in security aid to Israel but reduce funding for the United Nations, climate change and cultural exchange programs.

The budget proposal for the fiscal year beginning on Oct. 1 is a first shot in a battle with Congress - which controls the government purse strings - that will play out over months and may yield spending far beyond Trump's requests.

Congress, controlled by Trump's fellow Republicans, may reject some or many of the proposed cuts to the U.S. State Department and Agency for International Development (USAID) budgets for maintaining America's diplomatic corps, fighting poverty, promoting human rights and improving health abroad.

The White House is proposing a combined $25.6 billion budget for the State Department and USAID, a 28 percent reduction from current spending, according to documents the White House provided on Thursday.

"This is a 'hard power' budget. It is not a 'soft power' budget," Mick Mulvaney, Trump's budget director, told reporters, referring to the president's desire to prioritize military power over the influence that can flow from development aid.

In Tokyo, U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson defended the cuts as a necessary correction to a "historically high" budget for the State Department that had grown to address conflicts abroad in which the United States was engaged as well as disaster aid. Tillerson said there would be a "comprehensive examination" of how the State Department's programs are executed and how the department is structured.

Trump's budget proposes spending $54 billion more on military spending and sinking more money into deporting illegal immigrants.

'KEEPING AMERICA SAFE'

Senator Ben Cardin, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said he was deeply disappointed and dismayed at Trump's proposal to slash foreign affairs spending.

David Miliband, president and CEO of the International Rescue Committee, said the roughly one-third cut in foreign aid endangered U.S. values and interests abroad.

"What's more, the U.S. foreign assistance budget makes up a mere 1 percent of the federal budget - a tiny category of discretionary spending which saves lives and spreads goodwill around the world," he said.

More than 120 retired U.S. generals and admirals urged Congress in a letter last month to fully fund diplomacy and foreign aid, arguing the functions were "critical to keeping America safe."

The budget also requests $12 billion in "Overseas Contingency Operations," or OCO, funding for extraordinary costs, chiefly in war zones such as Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria. No comparison was provided for the current year's OCO spending.

The White House did not provide many details in its "skinny" budget proposal, a precursor to a more detailed budget submission the White House has said it will produce in May.

The budget would provide $3.1 billion "to meet the security assistance commitment to Israel ... ensuring that Israel has the ability to defend itself from threats" and maintain its military superiority over more populous Arab neighbors.

It would also "maintain current commitments and all current patient levels on HIV/AIDS treatment" under PEPFAR, the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, the world's largest provider of AIDS-fighting medicine. The program has been credited with saving millions of lives and enjoys bipartisan support.

The budget would also meet U.S. commitments to the Global Fund for AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, the documents said.

LOWER U.N. FUNDING

Without giving specifics, the documents laid out areas where the White House plans to save money, including by reducing U.S. funds to the United Nations and affiliated agencies "by setting the expectation that these organizations rein in costs and that the funding burden be shared more fairly among members."

The United States would cut its contribution to the U.N. budget by an unspecified amount, and the U.S. government would not pay for more than 25 percent of U.N. peacekeeping costs, the documents said.

The United States is the largest contributor to the United Nations, paying 22 percent of the $5.4 billion core U.N. budget and 28.5 percent of the $7.9 billion U.N. peacekeeping budget.

Trump also plans to save money by eliminating the U.S. Global Climate Change Initiative, which among other things seeks to foster low-carbon economic growth, and by ceasing payments to U.N. climate change programs via the Green Climate fund.

He proposes cutting funds to multilateral development banks such as the World Bank by about $650 million over three years from the Obama administration's commitments; reducing money for the State Department's Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs; turning some foreign military aid into loans from grants; and reorganizing the State Department and USAID.

(Reporting by Arshad Mohammed; Additional reporting by Michelle Nichols at the United Nations, Roberta Rampton, Patricia Zengerle and Yara Bayoumy in Washington and Elaine Lies in Tokyo; Editing by Leslie Adler and Howard Goller)

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Keeping in mind the needs of students headed for their new academic session, on Thursday announced 'Back to School for 2017' campaign with a range of exclusive offers on select Inspiron notebooks, desktops and all-in-one PC's.

This year the campaign is based on the theme "Ek Behtar Kal Ka Aarambh", which means 'the beginning of a better tomorrow'.

Upon purchasing the select products, school students can avail an additional two-year warranty, edurite educational content packs to enhance PC learning, Canon all-in-one colour printer and Bata gift vouchers.

"The world we live in is rapidly becoming centred on the role of digital and it is crucial for us to lay the right foundation for young minds to thrive in this environment," Ritu Gupta, Director-Marketing, Consumer and Small Business, India, said in a statement.

"As students step into the beginning of a brand new term, it is the right time for them to embrace PC to take a step closer to a better, brighter future," Gupta added.

Customers can also avail easy financing options at zero per cent interest on select Inspiron products, launched by Dell in partnership with Bajaj Finance Ltd.

The offer is valid on products purchased on or between March 17 and April 30 across the country at Dell Exclusive Stories, authorised resellers or on the company's website, the statement said.
In late February, the headline of a news commentary website that receives more than 2.8 million monthly visitors announced, Jews Destroy Another One of Their Own Graveyards to Blame Trump. The story, inspired by the recent desecration of a Jewish cemetery in Philadelphia, was the seething fantasy of an anti-Semitic website known as the Daily Stormer. With only a headline, this site can achieve something no hate group could have accomplished 20 years ago: It can connect with a massive audience.



To whom, and how many, this latest conspiracy may travel is, in part, the story of fake news, the phenomenon in which biased propaganda is disseminated as if it were objective journalism in an attempt to corrupt public opinion. My recent book on digital hate culture, Fanaticism, Racism, and Rage Online, explores the online underworld from which many of those false narratives originate. I investigate the lesser-known source of all this hate-laced news simmering in our public debates, helping to cultivate a distorted reality for its ardent believers and a fractured polity for the rest of us.
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
Manohar Parrikar LIVE: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government in Goa, headed by Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, emerged victorious in the crucial floor test on Thursday, as a special Assembly session had been convened for the purpose. Parrikar, who stepped down as defence minister, was sworn-in as the chief minister of the coastal state for the fourth time on Tuesday evening, along with nine ministers. 22 legislators supported Parrikar, two more than the halfway mark in the 40-member Assembly.





The BJP had bagged 13 seats in the polls, while three MLAs each of the Goa Forward Party and Maharashtravadi Gomantak Party, besides three independents and one Nationalist Congress Party backed Manohar Parrikar . Congress had won 17 seats. On Tuesday, the Supreme Court cleared the decks for the oath taking of Parrikar as Chief Minister by refusing Congress' plea to stay the ceremony and ordered holding of the floor test today.
After steering the Congress to a stupendous victory in Punjab, Amarinder Singh will take oath as Chief Minister here tomorrow, a ceremony which will be attended by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Rahul Gandhi.

Amarinder, who turned 75 on March 11 when assembly results were declared, will be sworn in as the state's 26th chief minister along with nine cabinet ministers.

The ceremony will take place at Punjab Raj Bhavan at 10 am and the oath will be administered by Punjab Governor V P Singh Badnore.

The state can have a maximum of 18 ministers. The Congress has 77 MLAs in the assembly.

Singh and members of his cabinet will be administered oath by Punjab Governor V P Singh Badnore at the Raj Bhawan here tomorrow morning.

"Besides Manmohan Singh and Rahul Gandhi, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh and National Conference leaders Farooq Abdullah and his son Omar Abdullah and former UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav will attend the swearing-in," a Congress release said here.

Former Union Ministers P Chidambaram, Anand Sharma, Kapil Sibal, Ashwani Kumar, Rajeev Shukla, former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Digvijay Singh will also be present.

AICC general secretaries Ahmed Patel and Ambika Soni, besides secretary in-charge of Punjab affairs Asha Kumari are also expected to attend the event.

The ceremony will be a simple and low-key affair, with Amarinder deciding not to spend excessively on symbolism "on account of the poor financial health of the state", it said.

The Chief Minister-designate has also appealed to all party MLAs and others not to indulge in excessive celebration and to keep the event austere so as not to further burden the "debt-ridden state exchequer".

Singh said his government's priority would be to bring the state's economy, "which has been completely devastated under the SAD-BJP regime, back on the rails through every possible measure and innovative, out-of-the-box initiatives".

"We do not want to celebrate when the people of Punjab are suffering due to severe financial and other problems," Singh said, adding that there will be time enough to celebrate once his government has brought the state back on the path of growth and development.

Several newly elected MLAs including Navjot Singh Sidhu, Manpreet Singh Badal, Brahm Mohindra, Tript Rajinder Singh Bajwa, Rana Gurjit Singh, Pargat Singh, Razia Sultana, O P Soni are in the race for becoming ministers, party sources said.

Having tasted electoral victory in Punjab after a gap

of 10 years, Congress would like to give representation to various sections and also accommodate experienced leaders and youth in the cabinet.

It remains to be seen who among the contenders for ministerial positions will be inducted tomorrow.

Riding on strong anti-incumbency, Congress stormed to power in Punjab after a gap of 10 years by winning 77 seats in the 117-assembly seats of the Vidhan Sabha.

Ruling SAD-BJP won 18, AAP fighting its maiden assembly polls in Punjab won 20 while 2 seats went to newly floated outfit and AAP ally Lok Insaaf Party.

This is the second time that Amarinder Singh would be taking the oath as chief minister having served in that capacity in 2002-2007.
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The Zanu-PF Politburo yesterday ordered a re-run of the elections to choose a substantive chairperson in Masvingo, which were inconclusive last month due to heavy rains and logistical challenges.The Politburo also directed that some Zanu-PF cadres should not superintend over the polls again, as they had vested interests with names such as Harare provincial commissar Shadreck Mashayamombe being mentioned, as examples.Zanu-PF secretary for administration Ignatius Chombo confirmed the nullification of the Masvingo elections after the revolutionary party's 307th Politburo meeting in Harare."The elections will be re-done at a date to be announced," he said.The nullified February 23 elections had seen former Masvingo chairperson Ezra Chadzamira thrashing his rival Mutero Masanganise with 12 393 votes against 4 888.About 64 percent of the 408 party districts in the province had voted.Voting was still to be done in 165 districts and out of these, 10 were from Masanganise's home area, while 40 were from Chadzamira's home area.Sources said President Mugabe would soon meet with his two deputies, Cdes Emmerson Mnangagwa and Phelekezela Mphoko, to choose the person who would be in charge of the elections.Politburo member Joram Gumbo presided over the first elections."Much time was devoted on the Masvingo issue and there was debate on whether or not to confirm the elections," said a source."In the end, it was agreed that elections be held again to give everyone a chance to have a say in the election of their chairperson."It was also seen that disagreements were mainly on the chairperson of the main wing, hence the decision not to have elections for the Youth League and Women's League."The President also called for the dropping of characters such as (Cde) Mashayamombe who had shown bias during the initial elections."Some chairpersons from the seven that had been brought by national commissar Saviour Kasukuwere refused to continue with the elections, even in areas that had no problems, after seeing that the results in some wards were not in their favour."Chombo said Youth League secretary Kudzanai Chipanga had also presented a post-mortem of the 21st February Movement celebrations held in Matopos recently.
After giving a tough competition to multiple FMCG giants in India's domestic market, yoga guru Baba Ramdev's Patanjali Ayurveda is all set to tap East Asian markets by setting up a production unit in Sahibganj, a district in Jharkhand.

Baba Ramdev's move to set up next unit in Sahibganj is calculated one as the Central government had recently planned to turn the district into a multi-modal hub with direct connectivity through roads, waterways and air with neighboring countries.

ALSO READ: How 'evangelical' Baba Ramdev changed the playing field for ayurveda

The Mint reported that the Patanjali's planned overseas expansion is in line with the government's Act East policy, which emphasises ties with India's immediate neighborhood and in the Asia-Pacific.

"Patanjali is in talks with the Inland Waterways Authority of India and shipping minister Nitin Gadkari to use the Sahibganj multi-modal terminal for export of its products to East Asian countries like China, Myanmar, Bangladesh and others. By using the inland waterways, the company will save on its logistic costs for exports and the idea is to capture the East Asian market by competing on price and quality," The Mint quoted a senior central government official as saying.

"Sahibanj is a strategic location. We are in discussion with the Jharkhand government for the industrial development of the state," a spokesperson for Patanjali Ayurved said. Sahibganj will give Patanjali direct access to Bangladesh and Myanmar, the report said.

ALSO READ: Why Baba Ramdev's Patanjali should be ready to face tough competition ahead

This is the first time Patanjali is reaching out to consumers from East Asian countries. It has already set up its production units in Nepal and Bangladesh.

Last year in September, Baba Ramdev explained how Patanjali was tapping overseas markets and said, "We have already set up our units in Nepal and Bangladesh and our products have reached the Middle East and became popular in some of the countries, including Saudi Arabia."

"We should be concentrating in poor countries as the profits from those countries will be utilised for development work there itself. The entry to Pakistan and Afghanistan will mostly depend on the prevailing political situation, and if the situation is politically conducive, units will be set up there," he had said.

Baba Ramdev wants to end the dominance of multinational corporations that have for decades been capitalising on the country's market. In order to that, the Patanjali is also planning to set up a production unit on a 40-lakh square feet at Mihan in Nagpur, which will be bigger than its first unit at Haridwar and biggest in the country.



FIVE THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PATANJALI
Stayzilla, the Chennai-headquartered hotel and homestay aggregator that had cumulatively raised $34 million (about Rs 220 crore), shut operations on February 23 this year. Yogendra 'Yogi' Vasupal, one of the co-founders and chief executive of the company wrote a blog post explaining the move. While the candid post attracted some praise on how to admit missteps, subsequent events have cast a spotlight on the challenges of running and, when it comes to it, shuttering a start-up in India.



The Chennai police arrested Yogi on March 14, following a complaint from Jigsaw advertising agency, who said Stayzilla had not paid the company its dues of over Rs 1.56 crore for the services rendered. Meanwhile, Rupal Surana, Yogi's wife and co-founder of the company, published a post on Medium, which was earlier written by Vasupal. It came with a dramatic headline that says, 'Help! I need everybody.'

In his post, Vasupal claimed that his former landlord sent him death threats (presumably for not paying rent) and also elaborated on Stayzilla's dispute with its media agency (Jigsaw) and going by what he said, it looked like some people tried to intimidate the members of the founders' families.

Since then some of the investors in Stayzilla, who had lost their money, appealed for his release. Sections of the media, who focus exclusively on the start-up world, also started a campaign on Vasupal's behalf. Karnataka IT minister Priyank Kharge said he had spoken to his Tamil Nadu counterpart for a fair hearing for Vasupal. Kharge said he had been goaded into action by some of the "stalwarts of the start-up community" who appealed to him for help. Jigsaw, on its part, claimed fraudulent behaviour by Vasupal and Stayzilla.



Even as Vasupal's legal team is working on getting him released, there are a few takeaways for entrepreneurs. Start-ups clearly need to plan better for contingencies like this. It is the nature of the beast that majority of the start-ups will fail. So entrepreneurs and investors need to have a plan in place on when they will pull the plug, without dropping off into an abyss. Stayzilla seems to have waited till the very end and even crossed that line. While Vasupal was forthright in admitting the mistakes made, there doesn't seem to have been a contingency plan.



Start-ups also need to communicate with ALL stakeholders. Stayzilla seems to have made the mistake of communicating with only employees and investors, ignoring other stakeholders such as service providers and vendors to whom it may possibly owe money. While nobody knows for sure whether more communication could have helped resolve issues with the landlord and the media agency, it looks like not much effort had been made early on to communicate the challenges confronting the company.

While death threats and intimidation are deplorable, start-ups, too, need to minimise collateral damage when they go down. Although the legal system of the country can resolve the ongoing issues, entrepreneurs can learn from the Stayzilla saga and stay better prepared to grow and succeed.
E-commerce major Snapdeal has partnered with Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), to showcase popular Japanese SME products on the online marketplace.

"Customers can now purchase JETRO products across various categories including electronic devices, accessories, kitchenware and personal care directly from Snapdeal," a company release said.

The partnership allows Snapdeal to further expand its portfolio, and JETRO to create niche space for these companies and their products in the booming Indian market.

"Japanese consumer products have been well received by consumers all over Asian countries and they are a preferred choice over products from other countries," Kazuya Nakajo, Chief Director General of JETRO India said.

The e-commerce company will feature a curated store exhibiting products ranging from contact lenses, stationery, electronic device accessories, kitchenware, personal care, storage and display as well as sewing, the statement added.

The partnership comes amid Japanese telecom giant SoftBank Corp reporting an investment loss of 39.28 billion yen (USD 350 million) on its investments in India, including those in cab-hailing firm Ola and e-commerce company Snapdeal.

Last month, Snapdeal co-founders Kunal Bahl and Rohit Bansal took a 100 per cent salary cut, while many others at the firm have "proactively" offered significant reduction in compensation.

The SoftBank-backed firm, which has been struggling to raise fresh funding, also laid off hundreds employees and eliminating non-core projects to focus on "profitable growth".

In an e-mail to employees, Bahl conceded that over the last 2-3 years, with all the capital coming into this market, the company and the entire industry "started making mistakes".
The Delhi High Court on Thursday dismissed a plea challenging the ban on Zakir Naik's Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) by the Centre. The court said the decision was taken to safeguard national security.

Holding that Naik's foundation's plea challenging the Centre's decision has "no merit", the court said the order of the government was "not arbitrary and illegal".

"The decision by the Union of India was taken in the interest to safeguard the sovereignty, integrity and national security of India," Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva said.

The court also agreed with the government contention that the order was made after "application of mind" as there was apprehension that youths could be "radicalised" to join terror groups.

It said that the government has produced material before it to back its decision to immediately impose the ban on the organisation.

The government had told the court, which had reserved the verdict on February 1 on IRF's plea against the order to immediately ban the organisation, that it has enough material in its possession to take action against the foundation.

The Centre had also produced before the court the files and materials available with the government on the basis of which the decision was made.

IRF, in its plea, had challenged the November 17, 2016, notification of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) which had imposed an immediate ban on the organisation under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).

Upholding the Centre's notification, Justice Sachdeva said the government has given reasons for their step and it is wrong to say that no detail reasons were communicated to them before banning.

Meanwhile, the high court made clear that the tribunal, set up under the UAPA, shall not get influence by the findings of this judgement and decide the issue pending before them on merit.

IRF had submitted that the MHA notification gives no reason and cites no material for taking such a step as was required by the law laid down by the Supreme Court.

IRF also said the immediate ban was imposed without giving it any show cause notice.

However, the Centre had countered the submissions and had said that the need for taking the urgent steps was felt in view of the apprehension that Indian youths could be "radicalised" or "motivated" by the alleged statements and speeches made by IRF and its members, including its President Naik, to join terror groups like ISIS, which is a cause of global concern.

Aggrieved by the Centre's stand, IRF's counsel had also said that whatever has been done by a person in his or her individual capacity does not mean that an l organisation can be banned.

"IRF is not an accused in the case and the crime report reported against Naik is of 2012-2013," the counsel had said, adding, "Why action has been taken after such a long time? Is this the way the government applies its mind?"

The Centre had earlier told the high court that as per the notification, Naik was also accused of making statements which were "derogatory of other religions" and thus, "spreading communal disharmony".

It had said that Mumbai Police had already lodged an FIR against six others of IRF on a complaint by the father of a Kerala-based youth who joined ISIS.

It had said that some terrorists and ISIS sympathisers arrested by the authorities have claimed "they were inspired by the statements made by IRF".

IRF had contended that dates or contents of the alleged speeches and statements have not been mentioned in the notification.

It had said that it was limiting its plea to the immediate ban and not raising the issue of freezing of its accounts under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act.

(with inputs from PTI)


The Government on Wednesday cleared the proposal of increasing the dearness allowance and dearness relief to 4 per centfrom January 1, 2017. The latest move, which came after the recommendations of &th Pay Commission would benefit 49 lakh employees and 56 lakh pensioners.

Dearness allowance and dearness relief are provided to employees and pensioners to neutralise the impact of inflation on their earnings.

"The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved release of an additional instalment of dearness allowance to central government employees and dearness relief to pensioner with effect from January 1, 2017," an official statement said.

The DA/DR has been increased by 2 per cent over the existing rate of 2 per cent of the basic pay/pension to compensate for price rise and it is in accordance with the accepted formula based on the recommendation of 7th pay commission, the statement said.

The statement said that the combined impact on the exchequer on account of both dearness allowance and dearness relief would be Rs 5,857.28 crore per annum and Rs 6,833.50 crore in the Financial Year 2017-18 (for a period of 14 months from January, 2017 to February, 2018).

As per an agreed upon formula, the Centre hikes the allowance taking 12-month average of retail inflation. The government does not consider the price rise rate beyond a decimal point for deciding the rate of the dearness allowance.

The hike in the DA/DR is as per the agreed methodology of taking average of Consumer Price Index-Industrial Workers for the past 12 months.

The Confederation of Central Government Employees had termed it as a meagre hike in view of actual rise in cost of living index saying the CPI-IW was far from reality.

The union had also said that there was a lot of variation in the rates of price rise of commodities by Ministry of Agriculture and CPI-IW.

Earlier last year, the government hiked dearness allowance by 6 per cent to 125 per cent of basic pay. The DA was later merged into the basic pay following the implementation of the 7th Pay Commission award.

At present the Central government employees and pensioners are entitled to 2 per cent dearness allowance, which was effected from July 1, 2016.
India has perhaps for the first time imported petrol and diesel from China as the world's third largest oil consumer looks at diversifying its sources of fuel.

India imported 18,000 tonnes of petrol and 39,000 tonnes of diesel in the first nine months of the current fiscal, Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha.

Traditionally, Singapore and the UAE have been its biggest sources of petrol and diesel.

"Although overall production of petrol and diesel is in excess of domestic consumption, due to specific product requirements, some quantity of petrol and diesel are imported," he said.

Pradhan said India had not imported any petrol or diesel from China in last four years.

During April-December 2016, India produced 27.1 million tonnes of petrol against a consumption of 17.96 million tonnes. In case of diesel, the production stood at 76.55 million tonnes in comparison to 57.24 million tonnes.

India imported 8,20,000 tonnes of diesel and 4,76,000 tonnes of petrol in April-December, he said.

Also, there are refineries like the only-for-exports unit of Reliance Industries at Jamanagar in Gujarat, that sell most of their fuel only in overseas markets.

Pradhan said in the first nine months of the current fiscal, the UAE toppled Singapore to become the India's biggest supplier of petrol at 2,43,000 tonnes. Singapore supplied 1,69,000 tonnes of petrol.

The UEA was also the top supplier of diesel at 3,80,000 tonnes.

In 2015-16 full fiscal, Singapore had supplied 6,41,000 tonnes of petrol while the UAE had sold 1,83,000 tonnes of petrol and 1,22,000 tonnes of diesel.

"In order to improve the domestic production of petrol and diesel, refineries are implementing refinery process improvement projects," he added.

India has capacity to refining crude oil and produce fuel in excess of its demand against an installed refining capacity of 230.1 million tonnes, while the total fuel demand in 2015-16 was 184.7 million tonnes. In April-January period of 2016-17, the fuel demand stood at 161.4 million tonnes as compared to refineries producing 202 million tonnes of fuel.

However, India is 80 per cent dependent on imports to meet raw material, crude oil needs. Its domestic production was under 37 million tonnes in 2015-16 and 30.1 million tonnes in April-January 2016-17.
A study on the impact of demonetisation, commissioned by the Kerala State Planning Board (KSPD), finds that the withdrawal of high denomination currencies by the central government on November 8, 2016, and the subsequent restrictions on cash withdrawals severely affected 56 per cent of the state's economic activity. The cooperative sector, retail trade, hotels and transportation, tourism, agriculture, fisheries, coir, handloom and cashew processing were among the worst hit, the study says.

Post demonetisation, Kerala's gross state domestic product (GSDP) growth rate is expected to be much lower than 14.9 per cent (the annual average GSDP growth rate observed between 2011-12 and 2014-15), the study says.

"At a constant tax effort of 6.85, a decline in the GSDP growth rate by one percentage point means a shortfall in tax revenue to the tune of Rs 390 crore from the budget estimates (BE) of 2016-17. If Kerala's GSDP growth rate also hovers around the national GDP growth of 10 per cent, the own tax revenue shortfall will be to the tune of Rs 1,950 crore when compared with 2016-17 BE. A combination of declining GSDP and slow revenue growth can result in a shortfall in tax revenue much higher than Rs 1,950 crore. In fact if the tax to GSDP ratio is assumed to be 6.5 instead of 6.85, the shortfall in revenue due to one percentage point decline in GDP would be more than Rs 2,800 crore and aggregate own tax revenue shortfall in turn would be around Rs 11,000 crore if the GSDP growth plummets to 10-11 per cent," the study says.

This level of own tax revenue contraction, if not compensated, can result in across-the-board cuts in planning expenditure of the state, which will have adverse growth and development implications. This can result in a vicious circle of lower growth, lower revenue and lower level of development expenditure, the study warns.

Kerala is the first state to undertake such an exercise to analyse the impact of the central government's note ban. Although the Centre's demonetisation exercise came full circle with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) withdrawing all post-demonetisation restrictions on cash withdrawals on March 13, 2017, the study suggests that it may take more time for the state's economy to bounce back.

The study outlines six key reasons why the state's economy was particularly vulnerable. First of all, cash transactions, as in other parts of India, were predominant in the state's economy. Second, millions of people were dependent on traditional sectors such as fisheries, coir, handloom and cashew processing as well as on crop and plantation agriculture. More than 2.5 million migrant workers work as wage labourers in the state. Third, the study points out that the three-tiered cooperative banking structure, with the Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) at the bottom of the pyramid, is an overwhelmingly large part of the financial structure. Fourthly, outside the financial structure, Kerala has a cooperative sector that is an important component of manufacturing and services activity, which banks substantially with the cooperative banking sector. A blow to tourism, which accounts for an important share of Kerala's state income, was another cause. Finally, it says that demonetisation caused disruption in remittances, again a key component of Kerala's economy.

"Cash-intensive sectors such as retail trade, hotels, and restaurants and transportation account for over 40 per cent of Kerala's economy, and the primary sector accounts for another 16 per cent of the economy. Thus 56 per cent of the economic activity of Kerala is immediately affected by the withdrawal of specified bank notes. Agriculture, whose growth has been low and constrained over the last few years, will be affected directly by the new policy. Any turnaround in construction, transport and storage, which have been decelerating in the recent past, will be delayed. The high growth sector of trade and hotels has been seriously hit by the cash crunch. As mentioned, a significant section of workers in manufacturing are in traditional industries. Overall, both leading as well as struggling sectors of the economy have been hit hard by demonetisation, pulling the economy down and affecting potential resource mobilisation as well," the study notes.

It also focusses on the distinct nature of its banking sector, in which the cooperative sector and the primary cooperative societies play a central role.

The study notes that PACS, spread over 1,642 rural centres, is almost equal to the number of banking centres covered by commercial and cooperative banks in Kerala. While at the all-India level, there are only 35 borrowers in PACS for every 100 credit accounts in the banks in Kerala, for every 100 credit accounts with banks, there are 184 borrowers in the PACS. The average size of deposits in cooperative banks is Rs 35,000 compared to Rs 10,000 at the all-India level. Almost 60 per cent of all deposits are in the cooperatives in Kerala compared to less than 20 per cent in India. Hence, the notification issued by the RBI on November 14, which kept the cooperative banks and societies out of the note exchange process, were particularly damaging for Kerala, it said.

These actions resulted in the closure of banking activities at the PACS level. It also impacted the credibility of the PACS, which had served as democratically run, participatory financial institutions. Depositors in the PACS were being forced to migrate to the commercial banking sector, thus undermining the role of some of the most successful examples of cooperative banking and financial inclusion, the study pointed out.

The committee that conducted the study was headed by C.P. Chandrasekhar, Centre for Economic Studies and Planning, Jawaharlal Nehru University. The members were D. Narayana (Director, Gulati Institute of Finance and Taxation), Pinaki Chakraborty (National Institute of Public Finance and Policy), K.M. Abraham (Additional Chief Secretary, Finance) and V.S. Senthil (Member Secretary, Planning Board.

With the BJP's resounding success in Uttar Pradesh elections, the debate over the politics of demonetisation seems to be settled. But the Kerala study hints that the debate over its economic impact will continue.
India's largest biometric-based identification system Aadhaar on Thursday got a thumbs up from World Bank chief economist Paul Romer.

The chief economist described it 'the most sophisticated ID programme in the world.

"The system in India is the most sophisticated that I've seen. It's the basis for all kinds of connections that involve things like financial transactions," Bloomberg quoted Paul Romer as saying.

He went on to say that it would be better if world follows the same system. "It could be good for the world if this became widely adopted," Romer said.

Romer is of the view that world needs to have one standardized system for people's ID.

"Other countries are also looking at similar programs, but research shows it's best to develop one standardized system so people can carry their IDs wherever they go in the world," Paul Romer added.

Aadhaar is a 12 digit unique-identity number issued to all Indian residents based on their biometric and demographic data. It was initially a document for identification purpose, however, it has now been made mandatory for some of the government-run programmes.

Earlier in January, the Ministry of Rural Development and the Ministry of Labour made Aadhaar number mandatory for members and pensioners of the Employees' Pension Scheme and for those registered under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee (MGNREGA) Scheme. It has also been mandatory for the registration of the vehicles in Tamil Nadu.



Aadhaar is the world's largest biometric ID system, with over 1.123 billion enrolled members as of 28 February 2017.
Tamil Nadu Finance Minister D Jayakumar presented the revenue deficit budget for the fiscal year 2017-18 without adding any new taxes.

Tamil Nadu budgets have been tax-free in the past three years.

The State Finance Minister highlighted that the local economy was "slowly picking up" but the "continuing sluggishness" of the global economy and the note ban affected it "significantly".

The budget posted Tamil Nadu's growth at 9 per cent from an existing level of 7.49 per cent.

The state's fiscal deficit has been recorded at 4.58 per cent of the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) for the year 2016-17 and is expected to further come down to less than 3 per cent in the next fiscal.

Jayakumar also announced that the State Development Policy Council will replace State Planning Commission.

Additionally, the budget alloted Rs 585 crore has been alloted to three districts affected by the Cyclone Vardah.

Rs 2600 crore as relief to be provided to farmers through direct benefit transfer through the State Disaster Fund.

Rs 469 crores has been alloted towards eradicating poverty in rural areas and Rs 272 crore being alloted for eradicating poverty in urban areas.

Rs 625 crore allotted for providing drinking water across the State.

A Tamil Nadu Rural Transformation Project will be undertaken in 127 rural districts with a fund of Rs 1000 crore from World Bank.

The budget also spelled out that 3.5 lakh poor families will be given free land pattas. This was one of AIAFDMK's poll promise.

The Finance Minister proposed to establish a world class Tamil Cultural Heritage Museum at Madurai.

However, the DMK working President and Leader of opposition M K Stalin described the budget to be "old wine in new bottle."

He said the first budget of the Edappadi K Palaniswami government did not spell out any new schemes, especially in power generation. There was also not any announcement on farm loan waiver.

He added that the debt burden in AIADMK rule, "whether under (the late) J Jayalalithaa or O Panneerselvam or Palaniswami now, has only been increasing."

Finance Minister Jayakumar ended the Budget speech by praising 'Amma' Jayalalithaa and assuring that all flagship schemes of the late Chief Minister like Amma canteens, Amma salt, Amma Pharmacy and vegetable outlets will continue.

This was the first budget in the absence of former Chief Minister J Jayalalitha.


The applications for H1-B work visas for fiscal year 2018 can be filed from April 3, however US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) did not disclose the last day of submitting these applications yet.

The department normally has been accepting the application for the first five business days.

In the last few years, the department has received enough petitions to fill in the Congressional mandated 85,000 H-1B visas.

This 85,000 Congressional mandated limit on H-1B visas include 65,000 in the general category and another 20,000 for those foreign students who have masters or higher degree from a US academic institution.

Those coming to the US on H-1B visas in certain categories for research and scientific institutions are exempted from this limit, but their visa processing is handicapped this year as the premium processing has been suspended by USCIS for six months.

USCIS's announcement also reflects that there is no changes in H-1B visas this year as was being anticipated in view of some media leaks of a proposed executive order on this work visa.

White House says this would be part of a comprehensive immigration reform.

In its statement, USCIS said it begin accepting H-1B petitions subject to the fiscal year 2018 cap on April 3.

"All cap-subject H-1B petitions filed before April 3, for the FY 2018 cap will be rejected," it said.

Fiscal year 2018 begins on October 1, 2017.

USCIS said H-1B programme allows companies in the US to temporarily employ foreign workers in occupations that require the application of a body of highly specialised knowledge and a bachelor's degree or higher in the specific speciality, or its equivalent.

H-1B speciality occupations may include fields such as science, engineering and information technology.

"Congress set a cap of 65,000 H-1B visas per fiscal year.

An advanced degree exemption from the H-1B cap is available for 20,000 beneficiaries who have earned a US master's degree or higher. The agency will monitor the number of petitions received and notify the public when the H-1B cap has been met," it said.

USCIS had recently announced a temporary suspension of premium processing for all H-1B petitions starting April 3 for up to six months.

"H-1B petitioners must follow all statutory and regulatory requirements as they prepare petitions to avoid delays in processing and possible requests for evidence," it said.

The filing fee for Form I-129 has increased to USD 460, and petitioners no longer have 14 days to correct a dishonoured payment.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Commuter omnibus operators have to pay bribes to the police for safe passage even if they have proper documents, failure to do so results in them being arrested and prevented from operating, the court heard yesterday.Giving evidence as a State witness in a case in which the officer-in-charge of Mbare Police Station Violet Sigauke (55) stands accused of taking a bribe, Reuben Chimanja said it was impossible for commuter operators to operate without paying the bribes.Sigauke's trial commenced yesterday at the Harare Magistrates Court and continues on March 24.Chimanja told the court that he was asked by his manager, Kudzai Mapako, to pay the bribe money known as "chibhegi" to Sigauke."Regardless that commuter omnibus operators have proper documents, they still get arrested if the bribe money is not paid," he said. "After being sent to Sigauke, I decided to report at the Police General Headquarters after realising that this was not right."The police photocopied their $60 and we went to Mbare Police Station. I gave the money to Wilson Siwela to hand over to Sigauke." Siwela, who was the next witness, told the court that he was not aware of the trap."After giving her the money, Sigauke was called by my manager confirming if I handed over the correct amount," said Siwela. "After the police came in, the accused took out her belt and attempted to whip me. She also tried to swallow the money and bit a police officer who tried to stop her."Sigauke pleaded not guilty to charges of criminal abuse of duty as a public officer.In her defence, through her lawyer Mr Admire Rubaya, she said the allegations were peddled by commuter omnibus operators who see her as an impediment to their wanton commission of traffic offences."The accused denies ever receiving the money or communicating with Kudzai Mapako or Wilson Siwela," he said. "She never tried to swallow the trap money."The accused is a victim of a well-orchestrated conspiracy to remove her from ZRP Mbare Traffic for effectively executing her duties."Prosecutor Ms Francesca Mukumbiri alleged that in January this year, Sigauke asked Mapako, who is employed by Mama Ru Commuter company as a manager, to give her $120.The money was for free passage of his commuter omnibuses for two weeks. Mapako allegedly gave Sigauke $40, but she refused to accept it, saying it was too little and that he was to pay $60 per week for free passage of his fleet.The court heard that on February 8 this year, Sigauke pestered Mapako for the money.Mapako asked Chimanja to pay on his behalf since he was out of Harare, but Chimanja went to PGHQ to report the matter.A trap was authorised and four members of the Police Intelligence Unit went to Mbare Police Station where Chimanja allegedly gave Siwela the money to hand over to Sigauke at around 6pm.The money was in two $20 notes and two $10 notes.After realising that she was trapped, Sigauke removed her belt and threatened to assault Siwela for betraying her.She allegedly tried to swallow the trap money and bit Assistant Inspector Thomas Mabgwe's left thumb during the scuffle.She spat out the money and the notes' serial numbers tallied with the photocopies.
Narendra Modi's growing stature as one of the tallest leaders India has ever seen, especially after his party's thumping win in the recently concluded assembly elections, has forced even China to acknowledge the Indian Prime Minister's power and tightening grip.

A recent article published in Chinese mouthpiece China Daily newspaper admitted that China would have to deal with a bolder India if Modi won the next general elections and dealing with New Delhi on border disputes could become difficult.

The article has come in the backdrop of the BJP's unprecedented victory in just concluded assembly elections that were believed to be a referendum on the Prime Minister's economic policies undertaken in his first half.

"If Modi wins the next election, India's current firm and tough manner is bound to continue. It will be without question good news for the country's own development. Nevertheless, it will likely mean more difficulties in making compromises in rows with other countries," the article said.

The Chinese article went on to note that how Prime Minister Narendra Modi had sent a message to China by celebrating the Indian festival of Diwali in a Sino-India border with soldiers.

"Take the border disputes between Beijing and New Delhi. No silver lining has yet emerged and Modi demonstrated his firm stance over the issue by celebrating Diwali, India's biggest holiday, with soldiers at the Sino-Indian border," the article said.

The Chinese article, however, also hinted that sometimes it would be possible for big decisions such as settlement of border disputes could happen with a hard-line government as such regimes could take decisive step.

"But while seeming inflexible on the surface, hard-liners also have powerful strength in coming to an agreement with others once they make up their mind, given their executive ability and high efficiency. That said, we can still be optimistic in resolving our divergences, including border disputes, with New Delhi during Modi's term as long as both sides are willing," the article said.

The article pointed out that the Communist leadership in Beijing must give "more consideration" to the Modi government for any major breakthroughs.

"For China, it is also an opportunity to give more consideration over how to make breakthroughs in Beijing-New Delhi relations with a hard-line Indian government," the Chinese article said.

The article said that the BJP's emphatic win in India's most crucial state of Uttar Pradesh has serious implication for Sino-India ties. The observers now have 'started to pay close attention to how the bilateral relationship will develop after Modi tightens his grip on power.'

The article described how Modi's hard-line attitude is embodied in his domestic policies and in his diplomatic logic. "In the international arena, he (Modi) changed India's previous attitude of trying never to offend anyone and started to take a clear stance in controversies among other nations to maximize its own interests," the article said.

The report highlighted how Prime Minister Modi deepened India's ties with several countries though his global diplomacy. It said: "He (Modi) enhanced New Delhi's ties with China and Moscow and applied to be a member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Yet, he also upgraded defense collaboration with the US and Japan, articulated his support for the US re-balance to the Asia-Pacific strategy and Washington's stance on the South China Sea issue."

The article said that with this win 'it has not only increased Modi's chance to win in India's 2019 general elections, some even predict he is already set for a second term.' "If Modi wins the next election, India's current firm and tough manner is bound to continue," it said.




Three years ago Russia invaded Crimea; last year Brexit changed the relationship between European Union and the UK; recently China took measures to assert claims in East and South China seas, and the African politics is always mercurial--the list goes on.

Geopolitics is never out of the world business scenario and corporate dictionary. As countries across the globe grow more intolerant towards violent confrontations, especially with reference to outrage and controversies sparked by the new-age media, organisations may now have to develop sharper scrutiny and vigilance to assess risks associated with running of their businesses.

In this fragmented world of beliefs and non-beliefs, there are no fixed rules, and status quo will be challenged in this new reality even more than before. The most successful MNCs will be the ones that also hold expertise in international affairs--something that John Chipman, chief executive of the International Institute for Strategic Studies, defines as corporate foreign policy. He states that companies need to effectively 'privatise' their foreign policy to cope with political uncertainties of a region by collecting external intelligence, identifying allies and developing their own relationships with foreign governments. An American company investing in Ghana, for instance, needs to understand not just the U.S. foreign policy involving Ghana or its internal politics, but also the Chinese policy towards Ghana, given Beijing's commercial clout. Investing in Myanmar not only requires an understanding of its complex internal politics, but also its relations with China, India and other ASEAN states holding interests in Myanmar.

Corporate foreign policy, as Chipman explains, has two components-geopolitical due diligence, which involves assessment of local, regional and transnational risks facing a company, and corporate diplomacy, which aims to enhance a company's ability to operate internationally, ensuring success in each country where it is operational. Successful execution of the policy provides fierce force of competitive advantage for multinational businesses in times of increased geopolitical volatility, perhaps more challenging a risk than financial disruptions, cyberattacks or even economic downturns.

I remember clearly that the Kargil war was not only a huge topic for the country emotionally and in terms of military resource drain, but it was also a very sensitive topic for brands and organisations serving either side of the border. I was then heading the human resource function of a highly established Korean consumer durables market leader. The psyche of the employees at the time was deeply vulnerable. They were all overwhelmed with the way defence personnel of our country sacrificed their lives and, therefore, unanimously volunteered to contribute large amount to defence funds. The leadership agreed and the organisation contributed a huge amount to the Prime Minister's Fund for the purpose. This was soon followed by a call from a journalist who wanted to interview then CEO of my company. But the CEO wanted to avoid it as he was apprehensive that it would put the company and the brand in some kind of geopolitical jeopardy. I had to oblige and I did. Later, I was asked, as our company stood with India on the cause, did it also contribute to the neighbouring country that also happens to be a huge market in Asia and whether our contributions signify or underline the company's political stance?

This is a challenging reality for most of the companies present in both countries, which are in conflict with each other. And the truth is, companies today cannot escape politics or stay neutral. The solution is the willingness to engage politically, even if it means diplomatically.

Effective geopolitical due diligence requires companies to develop an understanding of both countries and associated transnational risks. Again, due diligence must be sensitive to regional political developments as they remain the prime objective. International companies supportive of well-conceived regional initiatives can build a geopolitical support base that positions them well to capture future value. However, decisions about doing business in one part of a troubled country or subcontinent are not simple or straightforward as the international reputation of a company is at stake.

While contributing to corporate social responsibility and humanitarian causes creates a lot of goodwill, it can also put a company in a tight spot, resulting in conflicts, public anger or unrest and leading to loss of confidence as far as stakeholders, including employees and customers, are concerned. So, even beating the drum of a single moral issue or advocating a cause may not always substitute the roles of state and regional governments, helping companies engage meaningfully with a constituency. Of course, the idea is to grow closer emotionally with communities at large. Companies today take direct control of their international image and reputation, and must remain mindful of cultural conditions in which they operate, adapting its style of engagement, while remaining true to its moral principles unless they would like a radically different or rather negative public sentiment flowing towards them.

While designing an effective corporate diplomacy strategy, companies must develop in the most ethical way their own approach or stance to foreign governments, rather than manipulate or be manipulated by the policies of their home country. Companies that align too much with their home governments often encounter problems. MNCs will also have to take a call on whether they want to align with their respective countries on geopolitical issues and whether it will be at the cost of other countries as it can have repercussions.

The larger the MNC, the larger its risks of being seen as having a clear national origin, placing it closer to a political dispute. For example, in 2008, the French supermarket chain Carrefour was boycotted in China in retaliation for protests in Paris by pro-Tibet demonstrators. Business suffered until Carrefour pointed out that most of its employees in China were Chinese (later, the company, with help from the Chinese government, made a strong case for its international credentials). Even though a number of industries are doing well in India, Chinese brands are still not respected here due to historical reasons and also for the mistrust that Indians have for the Chinese.

Companies, therefore, need to develop a transnational character. They must diversify political relationships and engage with all participants, rather than attempting to mitigate geopolitical risks through good government contacts or good social practices. It is the dynamic relationship and balance between the governments, the business elite or the oligarchs and the civil society that must be continuously monitored and nurtured.



Political risk is not just something that happens to corporate bystanders. It can also be caused by inept company action such as taking long-standing partners for granted or advancing shareholder value without regard to local circumstances. Companies need a genuine understanding of political and foreign policy interests of the countries in which they invest, so that they can be nimble-footed in responding to political changes.



While the points above seem missionary, there is still no straight way to implement one or all of them. Companies should not become stateless in an attempt to evade taxes. The failure to pay a decent tax on earnings indicates a failure of good foreign policy practice and can damage a company's reputation and lead to strong government action.

Geopolitical volatility is no different from other forms of volatility. As long as a company's geopolitical assessment processes are comprehensive and its corporate foreign policy perceptive, business leaders will be able to navigate all challenging times. In judging the quality of a company, investors will continue to look at traditional indicators of commercial attainment. Increasingly, they will also mark companies on their foreign policy aptitude and corresponding business resilience in the face of geopolitical shocks and vulnerabilities.

(The writer is a management thinker and philosopher, a mentor and a strategy consultant, an academician and a veteran in consumer durables and retail. He was formerly associated with LG Electronics as its COO and Director. He is also a member on boards of banks and a few other business houses across various industry verticals and provides them consultation on plans and policies. He is a PhD in organisational behaviour from IIT-Kharagpur. He can be reached at yasho.v.verma@gmail.com)


Japanese automaker Honda wants to bring back luxury cars toits products stable, and will focus on quality segments to retain its edge inthe Indian market, a top official said.



Launching the new WR-V (short for Winsome Runabout Vehicle),a sub-compact SUV, which will compete with the likes of Maruti Vitara Brezza,Mahindra KUV100, Hyundai i20 Active and Ford EcoSport, Y Ueno, President andCEO of Honda Car India, hinted on the return of the Civic sedan to the country.

"We are exploring the possibility as customers haveshown tremendous interest in the car (Civic), which ruled the executive sedansegment for long in India. The current generation has been a global success andwe are just trying to work on the right price matrix for the Indian market thatis acceptable to customers," he said.

Honda's WR-V has been introduced as a premium SUV with thestarting price at Rs 7.75 lakh while the top version will cost Rs 9.99 lakh. Itis the first vehicle developed by the company's Indian R&D team in closeassociation with its Japanese counterpart. The car is positioned as a sportymachine, based on Honda's globally successful Jazz platform.

The crossover-SUV measures 3,999mm in length, 1,734mm inwidth and 1,601mm in height, and comes with a wheelbase of 2,555mm. Sharing itsDNA with the current City, it is powered by a 1.5-litre i-DTEC diesel unit thatcan deliver 99 horsepower and 200 Nm of torque, and comes mated to a 6-speedtransmission set-up. The petrol mill is a 1.2-litre i-VTEC that delivers closeto 90 horsepower or 110 Nm of torque, and it comes with a 5-speed manualtransmission. On the mileage front, thediesel scores with 25.5 km per litre while the petrol version delivers 17.5 kmper litre.

Keeping its safety quotient high, Honda has standardiseddual airbags along with options such as ABS with EBD across all the fourvariants. Top-end features like electric sunroof, cruise control, tiltsteering, and 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system are also available in thehigher variants.

This is the second SUV-type vehicle from Honda after itbrought out the BR-V last year. The company, however, has not ruled out newconcepts for the Indian market.

Honda WR-V prices (Ex-showroom Delhi):

S Petrol - Rs 7.75 lakh

VX Petrol - Rs 8.99 lakh

S Diesel - Rs 8.79 lakh

VX Diesel - Rs 9.99 lakh

Dimensions:



Length Width Height Wheelbase Ground Clearance Boot space 3999 mm 1734 mm 1601 mm 255 mm 188 mm* 363 L
For Sun Pharmaceutical, the 'Ides of March' brings hope for a new beginning at the Mohali manufacturing unit in Punjab. This follows the March 14 note to the Bombay Stock Exchange,Sun PharmaceuticalIdes of Marchmanufacturing unitBombay Stock Exchang issued by this largest Indian pharma company, stating it had been informed by the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) that the regulator "will lift the Import Alert imposed on the Mohali (Punjab) manufacturing facility and remove the facility from the Official Action Initiated (OAI) status." The note also added that "this proposed action will clear the path for Sun Pharma to supply approved products from Mohali to the U.S. market, subject to normal US FDA regulatory requirements".

Analysts tracking the developments feel while it is a hugely positive development for the company, it should not be seen as a sectoral event or one that holds any special implication for the Indian pharma sector.

But some of the analysts feel that at a company level, there are a couple of reasons why the outcome is significant. One, there are probably reasons now to believe that the U.S. regulator is perhaps taking a plant-specific view of the issues rather than a company-level view when it comes to regulatory compliance.

Second, it needs to be seen whether this development will impact how the regulator views the Halol plant of Sun, which faces a warning letter, but where a re-inspection was conducted last November-December. Following the inspection, a Form 483, citing nine "inspectional observations", has been issued to the company.

"None of those observations were characterised by the USFDA as repeat observations," the company had informed the BSE then and would need to address the same.

Financially, the Mohali plant is unlikely to make a major dent just now even though it is a large-capacity plant. This oral dosage plant, which Sun had inherited as part of its acquisition of Ranbaxy Laboratories in 2015, was a relatively new unit and a showcase plant of Ranbaxy at one time.

"The US FDA had taken action against the Mohali facility in 2013 when it ordered the facility to be fully subject to Ranbaxy's Consent Decree of Permanent Injunction. Certain conditions of the consent decree will continue to be applicable to the Mohali facility," the Sun Pharma note explained.



But what should other Indian pharma companies learn from this development?

One industry veteran, who does not want to be named, says it only re-emphasises the point that if there is commitment to comply with the USFDA requirements, there is hope. It is not surprising, therefore, that the Sun Pharma note to the BSE ends by saying, "This development illustrates Sun Pharma's commitment to work closely with the US FDA and strive for 100 per cent cGMP compliance at its manufacturing facilities."
News / National

by Staff reporter

The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHC) has adopted Zimbabwe's Universal Periodic Review (UPR) report in Geneva, Switzerland.Zimbabwe's report highlights the country's human rights record and the measures taken by the government in protecting and promoting human rights.During the review, Zimbabwe received 260 recommendations and supported 151 and deferred 100 for further consultation.Speaking at the presentation and adoption of the report in Geneva, Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who is also the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affair, reaffirmed the country's commitment to strengthening its legal and policy framework as well as institutions responsible for monitoring the human rights situation.He expressed gratitude to the interventions that have been made by representatives of the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) and civil society operating within Zimbabwe, saying the partnership between government and these institutions will continue over the years as they implement the supported recommendations in GenevaVice President Mnangagwa however lamented the adverse effects of the El Nino weather phenomenon in the implementation of socio-economic rights, leaving the population vulnerable to famine and related challenges.In an interview with the ZBC News after his presentation at the adoption of Zimbabwe's UPR report, ZHRC Chairperson, Mr Elasto Mugwadi and 16 other countries, among them Botswana, Venezuela, Belarus, Ghana and Cuba commended the government of Zimbabwe for its commitment to the improvement of the human rights terrain in the country.
It has been a very busy year for the Cache Chamber of Commerce, according to Sandy Emile, president and CEO of the chamber who presented an annual report for the organization at Tuesdays Cache County Council meeting.

Emile said with the help of fast track grants, which are offered by the state for rural business growth, 12 businesses have been approved for grants of up to $50,000 each and three more businesses are being processed.

Emile said some chamber members attended a site selectors forum in Oregon and learned that there is great potential in working directly with <a href=http://siteselectorsguild.com/ target=_blank>site selectors</a> who may represent 50-70 other businesses in particular categories, working with businesses that are a good fit for a community.

Now, she said the Cache Chamber of Commerce is hosting a site selectors familiarization tour (also known as a Fam Tour) of their own, similar to one hosted by the governors office.

Well take two-and-a-half days and we will show them around, Emile told the council. We will meet with other businesses. Were going to bring in Utah State University, the Innovation Campus, leaders from throughout our communities, economic development directors.

Well have a sit down of our municipal leaders from throughout the county and we will meet with these site selectors and say this is what our communities want and need. How can you help us? Who do you know that we need to know?

Emile said she will be working with communities in the area to find out how they want to grow and what opportunities they have so when the site selectors arrive she will have easily-accessible information. These site selectors will represent retail, technology, the medical device industry and others.

She said the cost of the two-day event on May 25th and 26th will be approximately $12,550 and members of the council agreed to contribute $5,000 to the event.
Opinion / Columnist

16 March 2017





Open letter to Dr Joice Mujuru - President of National Peoples Party (NPP).Dear Dr Mujuru.Revolutionary greetings to you.I hope by the time you read this letter, you will be back from your London trip where you gave an interesting interview on BBC Hard Talk. It is quite interesting that you are now able to visit London ,following the lifting of travel restrictions imposed on you and your political friends since 2002 ,following the disputed Presidential election in Zimbabwe.At the time, you and your former party ,through your former leader, President Mugabe , openly told the then British Prime Minister Tony Blair in 2002 at a UN summit in Johannesburg to keep his Britain and you keep your Zimbabwe.Your former party went all out to define London as the capital of imperialist forces and blamed her for mobilising the world to effect what you called ,"regime change ". It appears to me that, you now view London as a key player in bringing about political and economic change in Zimbabwe.When you were in ZANU (PF), any opposition leader who visited London, you defined him/her as an agent of imperialist forces. I see you have undergone some transformation where you begin to view the world from a different perspective. Or should l say, you appear to me to have been captured by the imperialist forces who believe that, you might be the right person to end the ZANU (PF) rule and thereby protect the British economic interests in our country.This will not be a new thing for you and some of your colleagues in your new party. When you became the youngest Minister in 1980, your party ZANU (PF) was the darling of the West. You seem to be following on the footsteps of President Mugabe who sought the assistance of the Conservative Party in 1980 to win elections. Your trip to London is meant to appeal to the international markets that, you are the right person to lead the proposed opposition coalition.I must admit Dr Mujuru that, when the Zimbabwean First Lady Dr Grace Mugabe started attacking you, l developed keen interest in you and the political developments that were happening to you at the time. I could not understand why junior party members ,the likes of Cde Oppah Muchinguri and others ,would join the First Lady in her public attacks directed at yourself. What was confusing was the silence of President Mugabe in the early days of your attacks by the First Lady.Of interest to me and my comrades in the opposition was whether the attacks on your person in 2014 would have led to the split within ZANU (PF). The split in 2014 would have worked in our favour as the opposition to deal with a split ZANU (PF) that has over the years, used State apparatus to cling to power.Unfortunately, the split did not happen,it was yourself and other few individuals that got kicked out in 2014. Your expulsion in ZANU (PF) did not affect its grassroots support as demonstrated by the by -elections held since your expulsion.While in London, you made an interesting comment with regards to the outcome of the 2008 elections. You are quoted in the media as saying that, Mr Morgan Tsvangirai won 74% of the vote in 2008. You are further quoted as saying that, yourself and the entire leadership of ZANU (PF) asked the electoral body to play with the numbers and deny Dr Tsvangirai victory.For the record Dr Mujuru ,am not a member of Dr Tsvangirai's party, but as a socialist democrat , l respect the views of the majority. I never campaigned for Dr Tsvangirai in 2008, but as democracy demands, all of us are meant to respect the majority view. According to you, the 6 weeks delay in the announcement of the 2008 election results was meant to deny Dr Tsvangirai victory.You will know Dr Mujuru that, your refusal to hand over power to Dr Tsvangirai in 2008 led to the killing of over 200 opposition supporters, thousands of opposition supporters were displaced from their homes, with homes burnt, thousands injured , women raped during the State sponsored violence. This Dr Mujuru is a serious crime, its a crime against humanity.You have always said you knew nothing about the Gukurahundi atrocities ,something you repeated in London, calling it the "Executive order" without giving details.I will not ask you at this stage to account on Gukurahundi but l do ask you to account on the death of the over 200 opposition supporters killed by your former party in 2008. Surely Dr Mujuru, you can not expect us as the citizens of Zimbabwe to reward you by electing you as the First Citizen of our country without you coming clean on the following; 1. Details on the rigging of the elections in 2008 and 2. On who gave orders for the killing spree of opposition supporters in 2008.As revolutionaries, we would be failing in our revolutionary duty if we do not ask you to come clean. Your personal ambition of wanting to be President of the Republic of Zimbabwe should not stop you from coming out clean on the political violence in 2008. We are ready to take you to every home of the victims of the political violence to explain how their loved ones died in your hands and explain why the very same families should elect you President of the Republic of Zimbabwe.I find it very opportunistic of you to rush to want to visit mass graves of Gukurahundi victims , something which you deny knowledge of, but lack appetite of visiting the families of the victims of the 2008 political violence.I restrict myself to the 2008 election violence because you have acknowledged your involvement and you have apologised. I will not ask you to come clean on Gukurahundi and the political violence from February 2000. Let us focus on the violence that you were directly involved, that is , violence from 1 April 2008 - 25 June 2008.As a citizen , l ask you to furnish me with details of that violence, who planned it, who executed it, who gave orders. Please also give me more details on the following;* Please provide me with details on what was happening in the 6 weeks when all of us waited for the official announcement of the results.* Was there any consultation with other foreign governments before the announcement of the results - please provide me with details.What am asking you is inline with accountability. Any person who seeks to be our first citizen must be able to account. I hope this will never be difficult for you Dr Mujuru. I trust you will make all this information available to me as soon as possible.Your insight in what really happened will put to rest the accusations levelled against other opposition leaders in Zimbabwe, who are blamed for splitting the vote by not supporting Morgan Tsvangirai. Tsvangirai's supporters have gone on to blame former South African President, Cde Thabo Mbeki for protecting President Mugabe and his party.Let me deal with other political questions Dr Mujuru. Before your Meikles hotel press conference, l followed closely interviews by your former colleagues, the likes of Rugare Gumpo , Mutasa and others where they sought to define your then political formation ZimPF, as guided by what they called National Democratic principles as your ideology.I was not able though to follow your Meikles press conference other than what l read from the media. As a student of Marxism - Leninism, l was keen to understand what you meant by National Democracy as your ideology in class terms.I then had an opportunity to listen to your SABC radio interview where you sought to unpack your ideology and your political project. With all due respect Dr Mujuru, that interview was a disaster to say the least.Here was a Party President who was failing to articulate her party ideology ,values and principles. I concluded that, ZimPF was just ZANU (PF) Lite which did not need some of us to seek to associate with particularly in a coalition of the opposition.My comrades persuaded me arguing that, in the 3rd World, elections are not won on ideological clarity but rather on populism and charisma. Well l accepted their argument and saw you as a key player in the opposition, even though you are not charismatic. We understood your role as that of an individual who would split the military and war vets , key institutions that have kept ZANU (PF) in power over the years. Unfortunately, this appears again to be a mirage as the military is solidly behind Mugabe.In your BBC interview, you kept on referring to some projects that you did when you were a government Minister. You argue that, we must vote for you based on the projects that you implemented.To be honest, the only thing l remember you doing was when you insulted the late Vice President Dr Joshua Nkomo over the awarding of a cellular phone licence in the late 90s.The other thing that l remember you doing in your capacity as Vice President, was your attempt to stop corruption investigation into salary gate in 2014, just few months before you were pushed out of the gravy train.Let me remind you of the media report which appeared on the online publication , Zimbabwe situation.com , that reported on what you said in Chinhoyi in February 2014, before Dr Grace Mugabe's nationwide tour to kick you out of ZANU (PF);"Lay off Salarygate, Mujuru orders mediaBy ZimSitRep_J | February 10, 2014via Lay off Salarygate, Mujuru orders media 10 February 2014 NewZimbabweIN SHOCK remarks, Vice President Joice Mujuru has claimed that public exposure of the pay rot at nearly dysfunctional State enterprises was the work of subversive elements trying to destroy Zanu PF and its government from within.According to the State-run and Zanu PF-leaning Herald newspaper, Mujuru made the stunning intervention while addressing the party's Mashonaland West provincial women's conference in Chinhoyi on Saturday.President Robert Mugabe's deputy reportedly claimed that media exposure of the scandal was part of a campaign by enemies to bring the country down.She said: "Nditeererei madzimai  Iyi nyaya yatiri kutaura iyi yehuori hwemaparastatals muchenjere kuti ndeimwe nzira yaunzwa nevanhu vari kuda kupwanya nyika ino iyi (Please listen to me ladies, regarding reports about corruption in parastatals  be careful  it's another tactic being used by those keen to destroy the country)."The campaign against graft in parastatals has been fronted by Information Minister Jonathan Moyo but Cabinet colleagues have largely remained quite despite Moyo insisting that the scandal was "allegedly rampant among the 78 parastatals and State enterprises and the 92 local authorities in the country".Exposed so far have been executives at the insolvent Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) and PSMAS, the State-run health insurer for civil servants, who pocketed tens of thousands of dollars in salaries per month while ordinary workers went without pay (in the case of the ZBC).Doubts however emerged over the possible lack of Cabinet consensus over the scandal after the suspiciously wealthy Local Government Minister Ignatius Chombo re-instated Harare Town Clerk Tendai Mahachi who had been suspended over reports he and top city executives earned about $37,000 while ordinary workers also went without pay.On Sunday, Moyo told state media that President Robert Mugabe was dismayed by the alleged looting. But the veteran leader has not commented on the issue despite returning to work this month from his annual holiday.Mugabe travelled to Malawi for a regional conference at the weekend, taking with him top aide, George Charamba, who last week offered to resign after conceding culpability for problems at PSMAS where he is a board member and earned a reported $100,000 in sitting allowances last year.Meanwhile, Mujuru  developing her conspiracy claim  said the media expose had deliberately targeted parastatals in a bid to destabilise them because they were seen to be critical to the country's economy and Zanu PF's agenda in government.She reportedly opined: "Vari kuziva kuti chii chakabata nyika yeZimbabwe. They know what is done by our parastatals. They will go and talk to some of our people and do what is happening. Vanotaura kuti kana tabva kuZBC, toenda kuZESA, toenda kuZINWA."More tellingly, Mujuru claimed subversive elements behind the conspiracy joined Zanu PF to destroy it from within, having failed to do so from outside the party."Regai kuzoti vanhu vacho havasi veZanu-PF, aiwa, zvinonzi kana usingagone kumukurira unomujoina, worova uchibva mukati make, saka mochenjera (Do not say these people are not Zanu PF  it is said that if you cannot defeat them join them and attack from within; so be careful)."The identity of her alleged internal saboteurs remains unclear, but it can be recalled that Moyo was forced out of Zanu PF and government in 2005 after being linked to an alleged attempt to block Mujuru's ascendency to the vice presidency which was, then, thought to make her unassailable in the succession stakes.After his exit from the party and government, Moyo later wrote that the Zanu PF constitution had been "unprocedurally and unconstitutionally amended  to guarantee the imposition and ascendancy of Joice Mujuru to the vice-presidency".He was also quoted as saying he hoped "the general (Mujuru's late husband) was happy" over his exit from government and the party.Moyo would be readmitted to Zanu PF in 2009 with Mugabe handing him the information portfolio after the July 2013 elections.Last week Moyo commended the media for exposing the pay scandal saying: "It is indeed refreshing that the media is speaking with one voice  against the scourge of corruption highlighted by some obscenely corrupt salaries paid by some parastatals and local authorities."But Mujuru, now seen as leading the race to replace the 90 year-old Mugabe, appeared to think otherwise on Saturday, and said the scandal was not a matter for the media."Nyaya idzi hadzitongwe mumanewspaper; inyaya dzinonyatsogadzirwa magadzirirwo adzo," she said adding that the way the scandal as being reported suggested other motives beyond fighting corruption."Unozoona mamhanyisirwo adzinoitwa mumapaper wozvibvunza futi kuti haa saka vanotaura kuti inyaya dzekuda kupwanya hurumende nekupwanya musangano weZanu-PF zvechokwadi vari pamwe chete nevanhu vari kuita izvi."Opposition parties have claimed that Mugabe and the top Zanu PF leadership were aware of the pay scandal at State enterprises.Ministers were said to have passed off the pay deals with a wink after being bribed with luxury vehicles, houses and pretty much whatever else they asked of management at the State enterprises." - end of the article.Dr Mujuru, by February 2014, you thought you would take over from President Mugabe as President of our country when ever there was the vacancy. To satisfy your personal ambition, you found it proper to support corruption ,a cancer that has destroyed our society.In your bid today to become President, you then seek to fool all of us saying you worked for the people when you were in government ,yet it is clear that you have been part of the National bourgeoisie that continues to loot from the working class and the poor.Your then colleague in ZANU (PF) Prof Jonathan Moyo came out strongly against salary gate, but you chose to support corruption because you were the biggest beneficiary. Surely, what are the solutions that you have for us when you clearly looted the State coffers just some weeks before your expulsion?We can not be naive to expect you to be our special cadre. A special cadre, we should deploy in our fight against the parasitic bourgeoisie that feeds on the blood of the working class and the poor. I feel pity for those comrades from the opposition who have jumped to defend you and your political friends who have caused misery to all of us through corruption and the killing of the innocent people in our country , from Gukurahundi to 2008 political violence.My advice to you, is that , you should find forgiveness from the victims of political violence in which you participated. When your late colleague Enos Nkala was fired in 1988, he never sought to mobilise society to vote for him as President of our nation. He knew the pain he caused us.He spent his entire life trying to explain his involvement in Gukurahundi even though some of us did not believe him. The positive thing about the late Enos Nkala is that, he never attempted to parade himself as a Saint by asking us to vote for him. Am told he even went to a Bible school to find forgiveness and closure. Why not follow on the footsteps of the late Enos Nkala by coming out clean on your involvement in political violence than asking us to vote for you? Leadership is not about asking the citizens to elect you, it is about doing good for society and you can do good outside politics.My apologies for a long open letter to you. I hope you will find time in your busy schedule to respond to this open letter.Yours in struggleCde Ngqabutho Nicholas Mabhena(Student of Marxism - Leninism)Contacts - +27 83 340 1000Email - ngqabuthomabhena@gmail.com
The crushing defeat in Georgia's October parliamentary elections will have far-reaching consequences for the former ruling party, the United National Movement (UNM). The election results sparked a heated conflict in the UNM leadership and prompted a group of senior party members to challenge former President Mikheil Saakashvili's leadership in absentia of the party. In mid-January a group of party members opposing Saakashvili, including prominent figures, left the party. On January 20, UNM's party congress decided to leave the chairman position vacant until the former president is able to return to Georgia. Saakashvili currently resides in Ukraine, where in late 2016 he launched a new oppositional political initiative after resigning from the post of Odessa governor.

BACKGROUND: After the UNMs electoral failure, intense infighting ensued in the party ranks. Particularly fierce contestation concerned the partys leadership, which was set to be elected at the party congress on January 20. A number of senior party members, including former national security advisor Giga Bokeria, former Tbilisi mayor Giorgi Ugulava, diplomat and former National Security Council secretary Alexander Lomaia, regarded Saakashvili as a liability rather than an asset. Saakashvili, who is managing the party from abroad and recently became an opposition leader in Ukraine, has been stripped of his Georgian citizenship and therefore cannot be registered as an official party leader in Georgia. He also faces criminal charges upon return to his home country. Moreover, several prominent figures in the party contested Saakashvilis vision of the UNMs role in Georgian politics as a party of mass protest ready to take power even by means of revolution. Other party leaders have long urged Saakashvili not to overtly interfere in Georgias domestic politics, because his radical rhetoric was noticeably putting off voters. Also, Saakashvili was criticized for calling on UNM members to boycott the results of the allegedly falsified elections and give up their mandates in parliament.

Saakashvilis main opponents clearly were not only concerned over the UNMs future but wanted to take over the steering wheel of the party. Bokeria favored the UNMs chairman Davit Bakradze as a new party leader. According to Bokeria, the party needs a leader permanently located in Georgia, who can develop a strategy adjusted to the new political reality. Ugulava, who has in recent years frequently criticized Saakashvili, openly called for electing a new leader and stated that he is ready to join the competition.

Nevertheless, Saakashvilis supporters advocated for his reelection as honorable party leader because they were convinced that UNM will inevitably disintegrate without the former president. The pro-Saakashvili faction had already been able to prepare the ground for a favorable outcome for the former president. In late November, the party committee decided that 7,000 members would attend the congress, so that Saakashvilis supporters could mobilize these local activists to vote for his reelection during the January party convention. Opponents favored downsizing the congress, which would allow them the opportunity to vote Saakashvili out of leadership, and questioned the legality of the party committees decision.

Shortly after the UNMs defeat in the parliamentary ballot, on November 7 Saakashvili announced his resignation from the post of Odessa governor. Saakashvili cited entrenched corruption and a lack of political will to conduct necessary reforms in Ukraine as the main reasons for his resignation. Saakashvilis decision to prematurely end his term in office was abrupt, but no coincidence. Ukraines President Petro Poroshenko appointed him as Odessa governor hoping to neutralize the influence of his enemies in the local administration and to conduct a successful battle against corruption. It soon appeared that Saakashvili was not able to introduce many of the planned reforms, because they were blocked by local political and business elites backed by officials in Kiev. Some of the new ideas could not be realized due to complicated legal issues. As a result, Saakashvili criticized president Poroshenko and his close allies for impeding necessary reforms and cementing the old oligarchic system. Furthermore, Saakashvili became publicly engaged in a conflict with Interior Minister Arsen Avakov and later called other cabinet members mediocre.

IMPLICATIONS: The deep rift between the two UNM factions could not be mitigated and the party eventually split. On January 12, a group of 50 party members led by Saakashvili's most vocal adversaries including Bokeria, Bakradze and Ugulava announced their decision to leave the UNM. They blamed Saakashvili for the split, citing his loss of leadership qualities and fueling of intra-party conflicts. The former UNM members decided to join the Movement for Freedom-European Georgia, which reaffirms Georgia's pro-Western course and plans to constructively challenge the Georgian Dream-Democratic Georgia (GDDG) government. As a result of the split, the UNM lost many of its most prominent members, who had been central to the party's administration and ideological orientation. The UNM's parliamentary representation was reduced to only 7 deputies out of the 27 mandates that the party gathered in the October elections. Furthermore, the UNM's local representation was diminished because the party lost 35 out of 276 members of local governments. The departure of Saakashvili's main adversaries allowed him to mobilize loyal grassroots and retain his position at the January 20 party convention. The congress decided not to elect a new party chairman after Bakradze's resignation until Saakashvili is able to return to Georgia to resume official leadership of the party.

Shortly after the parliamentary elections, Saakashvili begun to build his oppositional political career in Ukraine. After his resignation as Odessa governor, Saakashvili announced that he would launch a new oppositional initiative, intended to be a "wide political force" aiming to remove the current ruling elite in early parliamentary elections. A new oppositional platform could gather considerable public support, since three years after the Euromaidan a majority of Ukrainians are disappointed with the authorities, which are considered corrupt and inept, and report rapidly worsening socio-economic conditions. At this point, however, the initiative still has no detailed program and it remains unclear who will join Saakashvili in building a new party. Saakashvili has refused to say whether members of his "young reformers team" that accompanied him in Ukraine, such as Ukraine's former deputy attorney general David Sakvarelidze, will join forces with him.

The new party will apparently refuse membership to people who were deputies in the Ukrainian parliament for more than one term and will not seek support from big business. Moreover, it is yet unknown how the new party will fund its activities and whether it will join forces with other Ukrainian anti-establishment groupings. At this point, Saakashvili's new political initiative remains too elusive to determine whether it will transform into a serious political force capable of challenging the post-Euromaidan political establishment, even though it could seemingly gather substantial support.

Retaining honorary leadership in the party means that Saakashvili will have to manage two opposition parties in Ukraine and Georgia, including one that he will build from scratch. This would be an unprecedented and hardly manageable task. Thus, the conflict between Saakashvili and his former political patrons in Ukraine was most likely not the only reason for his resignation from the post of Odessa governor. It appears that Saakashvili, whose party in Georgia will inevitably become marginalized, wants to reinvent himself and build an alternative political career in Ukraine. All the more so since staying in office while being unable to introduce reforms could seriously have damaged Saakashvili's reputation as an uncompromising reformer, which is currently his main political asset.

CONCLUSIONS: The electoral failure and the subsequent split in party ranks, resulting in the departure of several popular party members, appears set to further marginalize the UNM. Saakashvili, who continues to manage the party from afar, is steadily losing popularity in Georgia. The party still seems to lack a strategic vision for how to successfully challenge GDDG's dominance in in Georgian politics and attracting voters. On the other hand, it is unclear whether the figures departing from the UNM's leadership will be able to attract enough support to clear the threshold in the upcoming municipal elections. These prominent personalities will probably be able to capture a share of the UNM's electorate but at a first glance the Movement for Freedom-European Georgia could face the problem of distinguishing itself from other liberal pro-Western groupings, which were unsuccessful in the parliamentary elections. In sum, the split in UNM ranks only contributes to the weakness of the already fragmented Georgian opposition and reinforces GDDG's hegemonic position.

AUTHORS BIO: Natalia Konarzewska is a graduate of University of Warsaw and a freelance expert and analyst with a focus on political and economic developments in the post-Soviet space.

Image source: wikimedia.org , accessed on March 15, 2017
The women of Ribnovo - the last of the Pomaks

Published on March 17, 2017

Story by Antoaneta Roussi

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High in the mountains of Bulgaria lies the village of Ribnovo, whose population is overwhelmingly Pomak: a group of Bulgarian-speaking Muslims whose traditions date back to the Ottoman Empire. The mayor estimates that around 70% of the working male population have left to find work in western Europe, leaving the women to make do by themselves.

On a cool July day, Fikrie Sirakova prepares her two children for Quran readings at the mosque. She carefully wraps an embroidered blue headscarf around her daughter's blonde hair and fastens her shalvari (trousers). The phone vibrates as they leave the house, and a dark-haired man appears on screen. "I want to say hello to my little princess," chimes Sirakovas husband, Jamal, who has been working in London for the last five years. Sirakova, 36, is one of the many women in the Bulgarian town of Ribnovo who've lost their husbands to unemployment.

"Now all the weight is on women's shoulders," says Sirakova. "It is essential that we take over our husbands duties."

What was once a thriving insular community has begun looking outwards for financial support as global economic trends have wrecked family farming. Joblessness, it seems, has brought about a new wave of female leadership in Ribnovo.

Kristen Ghodsee, director of Womens Studies at Bowdoin College, says that years of communism paved the way for matriarchy in Ribnovo. "Communism enforced gender equality as a principle of modernity," she says. "Pomak women had to work outside of the home, thereby lessening their dependence on men. If you compare gender relations between Pomak villages in Bulgaria versus those in northern Greece, you will find the Bulgarians are more emancipated."

The Pomaks are Bulgarian-speaking Muslims who converted to Islam during Ottoman rule in the 14th century. They have lived largely isolated from the rest of Bulgarian society for decades because of the stigma that casts them as "traitors." During the era of communism, Pomaks were stripped of their names and given new Bulgarian ones by force. Today, most have reverted back to their original names.

Sitting atop the Rhodope mountains, Ribnovo is 210 km from Sofia and a stones throw from Greece. The town, hidden from plain sight, has only one beaten track leading in and out. On the approach, a large turquoise minaret pokes its nose from behind a hill and as the valley opens up, dozens of women in white flowered headscarves can be seen working the pasture.

Ribnovo is one of the oldest and most famous Pomak towns, earning international notoriety for its large and flamboyant weddings where the brides face is painted in white talc and dotted with sequins (a process that takes a whole day).

"Our customs today are the same as those of our great-grandparents," says Sirakova, opening a wooden crate full of decorative fabrics. "We make and wear the same flowered headscarves, the same colourful shalvari and the same long blue robes."

For generations, the people of Ribnovo made a living by cultivating and trading tobacco. After the 2008 financial crisis, however, markets across Eastern Europe took a turn for the worse. Although Bulgaria has now largely recovered, the tobacco trade never reached the same levels of prosperity.

Today, Pomak culture is endangered by mass exodus of villages, with poverty and unemployment as the biggest threat to tradition. But Ghodsee says globalization and the pressures of European homogenization are also important factors.

"The irony is that in Bulgaria, both the pre-war monarchs and the communist Politburo were desperate to assimilate the Pomaks into mainstream society," Ghodsee says. "After decades of failed attempts to eradicate Pomak culture, capitalism and democracy are finally succeeding where authoritarianism had failed."

In an attempt to salvage a desperate situation, Ribnovos mayor, Feim Isa, convinced the largest employer in the region  a German textile company called Roman  to set up a factory close to the village. The move only secured around 200 jobs.

"About ten men and 190 women work in the factory," says Isa. "The others have no choice but to look elsewhere."

Sirakovas husband left the country in 2012, when their daughter was just two years old, and now lives and works with his brother for a construction company in southeast London. The move was originally supposed to be temporary, but as time passed and things in Ribnovo did not improve Jamal found himself beginning his fifth year abroad.

Walking the steep hills of the town, it is customary to greet every person with the inquisitive line "Where you going?" followed by "Whereve you been?" If anyone should hint at the slightest trouble, you stop what you are doing and attend to their needs  be it unclogging a toilet, retiling a roof, or chopping firewood.

At night, the Sirakovi sisters, like many other women in Ribnovo, have dinner together with their children. The small round tables are spread in a traditional Turkish manner, with several meze plates including pickled cucumbers, black olives, fried cheese, flat bread and tea. Unlike Fikrie, her sister-in-law Atidje thinks there is no hope for Ribnovo, and plans on moving to London in the next few years.

"I doubt that the traditions will survive. In ten years time Ribnovo will no longer be. The youth is running away and their future outside [of Bulgaria] is much better," Atidje says.

At the start of January, Bulgarian youth unemployment stood at 23%, just below the EU average. However, between 13,000-24,000 people leave the country annually, resulting in a "brain drain." According to the Bulgarian National Institute of Statistics, 55% of those who leave are aged 20-29.

Atidjes 15-year-old daughter, Gultena, studies in Sofia. Unlike her mothers generation, who were married at 17, more young girls are looking beyond the walls of village protection and are choosing to discard their traditional Pomak attire.

"I dont want a wedding like everyone else. I want to do it my way. I want the white dress!" Gultena says.

Not everyone is keen to break from tradition. Nabie Boshnakova, a feisty 18-year-old with a sharp tongue and a baby at her breast, says that she likes the traditional dress and proudly wears it even when abroad. She believes that those wanting to look more "European" are the reason for the demise of her culture.

Although her husband works in the cherry fields in Spain, Boshnakova says this is only a means to an end. The narrative of Eastern Europeans wishing to escape for the west, she says, is untrue, and if the government provided more jobs for its people things wouldnt be this way.

"Of course they are eager to come back," she adds. "Wherever they go, here is best. They will come back, but they need to work a little more."

Pomak traditions are largely tied to their remote landscape. In Ribnovo, villagers cultivate an orange flower called tutur, which is used in perfumes and oils. Many practices have their roots in Ottoman tradition, which paradoxically, are lost from modern Turkish life. The ancient Ottoman way of weaving has continued despite modern yarn and dyeing techniques, as Pomak women have refused to let the craft die.

"Women keep the traditions alive," says Fikrie Musankova, 33, the owner of Ribnovos main shop. "Regardless of the representation of Pomaks in the [Bulgarian] media, the women are very independent and integral to the preservation of culture."

It is unclear whether Pomak folk songs, crafts and attire will last into the next decade. However, what is for certain is that a changing European Union has affected even the most isolated of societies.

Filibe Djurkin, a 56-year-old medic, believes it has become harder for the Pomaks in Bulgaria because "the recent wave of refugees has aided a misunderstanding of the faith." At the height of national tensions over migrants last summer, Djurkin was called a "Taliban" by a Christian mother in a nearby city.

"We might be Pomaks, but Bulgaria is still our home," she says. "I am a Bulgarian woman who identifies as a Muslim."

As Bulgaria heads for a parliamentary election on 26 March, anti-Muslim and Turkish rhetoric runs high. But the women of Ribnovo are choosing to ignore politics.

"If I could change anything it would be for our men to return to Bulgaria," Sirakova says. "So families can be together and Ribnovo can continue to thrive."

Story by Antoaneta Roussi
Opinion / Columnist

Justice Matanda -Moyo yesterday ruled against the idea of retrospective application of the retrenchment conditions for workers who were released on three months' notice following the Supreme Court ruling in the ZUVA case.The People's Democratic Party be mourns this sad development which exposes ZANU-PF's lack of care for the working class.We stated that the changes to the labour act were just but a dog's breakfast which would not stand the taste of time; our position has been vindicated by the court.In our statement on the issue we stated that ZANU-PF was not willing to protect the rights of the workers because they were conflating their party with comprador activities where most of the ruling elite are deeply imbedded in tender- preneurship, they own companies which hire and fire.The cartel masquerading as the ruling party has since abandoned their pseudo socialist approach embracing corruption ridden state capitalism.A proper pro-labour law would disadvantage them therefore they insincerely made a half hearted commitment with the aim of being seen to be doing something in reaction to what had been a crisis.Our party's contention has always been that parliament needed only attend to the grey area exposed by the Supreme Court instead of a wholesale approach which left workers in a worse off position.We mentioned that young workers would not benefit from the new arrangements in that most of them had not worked for long periods therefore being paid two weeks salary for every year of service would mean they hardly get anything on termination.More importantly ZANUPF did not pay attention when we stated that employers would soon flock the courts challenging the constitutionality of the new arrangement.In the Holistic Program for Economic Transformation (HOPE) we propose a highly consulting state which will work through the Zimbabwe Development Council (ZDC) a policy making platform which includes government, business, labour and the broader civil society.ZDC which will be modelled along the lines of the South African NEDLAC is the PDP's way of addressing the interests of key actors in the economy. If ZANUPF had been using this approach workers in Zimbabwe would be protected. At the present moment they are exposed to the employer who is profit driven.We therefore suggest the establishment of the Tripartite National Forum as a matter of urgency; among other issues the platform must address the labour laws of the country. We are however aware of the fact that ZANUPF is deliberately dithering in the establishment of the TNF, they want to continuously act unilaterally at the expense of the people of Zimbabwe.Another Zimbabwe is PossiblePDP Communications
Opinion / Letters

Dear Editor,This may seem like an everyday casual statement but I think this is the thinking of most Zimbabweans as they endure hard times while President Mugabe continues living his life in the air.I say living in the air because the man hardly spends a week in the country. One journalist aptly summed it up on twitter this week when he said he came, slept and left' referring to how Mugabe returned from Singapore and flew to Ghana in hardly 48 hours.And by the way, he had gone to Singapore, for whatever reason with his daughter and grandchild and of course with a host of aides at the expense of the taxpayer.Rumour has it that he had gone for a medical check-up as he allegedly has prostate cancer, a thing which his spokesperson has denied on several occasions.In fact two scribes from a private newspaper were detained on Monday for running a story to that effect.Some later joked that maybe he had accompanied his grandson who was born in Singapore for a routine checkup.It might be possible though since the old man loves being in the air and being away from home.Remember that one time when he went to India for some festival, only to discover that he was the only head of state who had honoured the invite.Goes to show how he would grab any opportunity to be away from home.As I write this column, he is back in Harare having landed from Ghana on Tuesday but I can bet with my last bond coin that he will not spend the next seven days in the country.I was hoping not to write about Mugabe this week but here I am. In fact I have realised that it's impossible to ignore the man for our lives as Zimbos seem to revolve around him.Old as he is, Mugabe holds the key to a new Zimbabwe, a new Zimbabwe that will come when he eventually dies and sadly only God knowns when.It will be a waste of time to talk about his retirement for he has made it clear that he will rule till God calls him.While we wait, it is no doubt that we all seem to be looking forward to the post Mugabe era as we hope things might change for the better then.But in the meantime, life goes on and the struggle continues.The struggle to get cash from the bank, struggle for bread winners to provide for their families and dependents, for with each passing day the going seems to get tough.On a different note, sure you may be aware by now that Dineo's after effects have been declared a national disaster, meaning that government is mobilizing funds to assist the affected and to repair the damaged infrastructure.The sad reality is that as is now the norm, funds will be mobilized then looted.Only a fraction of it will likely be properly used while the rest will be used to fund the lavish lifestyles of certain individuals.Such is the selfishness of our leaders.
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The success story by the Cameroon Defence Forces was disclosed at a press conference by the Minister of Communication in Yaounde on Tuesday 14 March 2017.

The Cameroonian Defence Forces have recorded another major victory in the war against Nigerian-based terrorist group, Boko Haram, the Minister of Communication, Issa Tchiroma Bakary has said.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday 14 March to update the national and international community on what is going on at the war front, the government spokesperson said some 5,000 persons who were taken hostage by terrorists have been freed while the defense forces also killed over 60 members of the terrorist group in a special operation between February and March this year.

He said the valiant soldiers completely destroyed a Boko Haram refuge camp in the Mandara Mountains; a fuel depot, a warehouse for the terrorists explosives and a house of a Boko Haram leader which served as meeting camp for terrorists.

21 suspects were arrested and are undergoing investigation with Nigerian Forces and relevant Cameroonian services, Issa Tchiroma said.

Besides, several weapons, a vehicle, eight motorcycles, 49 bicycles and several propaganda material including Boko Haram flags were all seized and also destroyed during the operation which the minister under said was carried out under the banner of Sector No.1 of the Multinational Joint Task Force, backed by the Alpha and Emergence 4 operations, and in perfect synergy with the Nigerian Armed Forces.

The government spokesperson said the over 5,000 freed hostages  mostly women, children and the elderly  were taken to the Banki camp for the displaced in Nigeria through Cameroon.

During their transfer, a fourty-year old woman gave birth to a baby at the BIR infirmary in Kolofata, Issa Tchiroma disclosed saying all the needy received medical care from Cameroon Defence Forces before their transfer.

The head of the communication unit in the Ministry of Defence, Colonel Didier Badjeck was present at the press conference.
| BY Ricki Green |

To celebrate its 20th anniversary, AdFest has launched a new networking tool called AdFest Connect to help delegates get in touch with each other during AdFest 2017, which kicks off next week and runs from 22nd to 25th March at the Royal Cliff Hotels Group in Pattaya, Thailand.

AdFest is already famous for being a festival thats ideal for networking, but we wanted to launch a tool that will make it even easier for people to get in touch with each other at this years event, said Kem Suraphongchai, Festival Director at AdFest.

AdFest Connect is the perfect networking tool, which allows people to search for AdFest 2017 attendants and get in touch with them to meet up for coffee, set up meetings, or just simply catch up.

Registered delegates of AdFest 2017 can access at AdFest Connect online or through the AdFest App (iOS, Android). Its also possible to access this years shortlists and winners lists via the AdFest app, plus the festival program, all the latest news, speakers, workshops, juries, and a list of attendants and exhibitors.

How to use AdFest Connect

AdFestT Connect allows you to search for other delegates by name, company, city or country and send them an email to see if theyd like to meet up. Your Username is simply your Delegate ID, which youll receive as part of your Delegate Confirmation, while your Password is your Last Name. If you have registered, but have not received your Delegate Confirmation, please contact: Noi@ADFEST.com

All confirmed delegates will be shown in the listing, however you can only send messages to delegates who have opted to join AdFest Connect. Simply click the email icon next to the delegates name and a pop-up window will appear.

AdFest respects the privacy of its delegates, so emails will not be made public. Other delegates will only see the email icon and your name when they send you messages, but never your email address until you reply to a delegates email.

To join our social networking tool, login to AdFest Connect and join (or remove yourself) via the Profile & Setting page.
| BY Kim Shaw |

The Asia-Pacific Tambuli Awards is now accepting entries. Entries are welcome from agencies and clients from throughout Australia, Asia and New Zealand.

The APAC Tambuli Awards honors brands that do good and do well  showing the seamless integration of creativity + human good + results. Case study entries must demonstrate how brands uplift society, create positive change, and correlate purpose with purchase.

The APAC Tambuli Awards is not an award on charity, advocacy, pro bono, or CSR advertising, even if those campaigns are welcome and encouraged to enter. The award, however, focuses on mainstream brand campaigns that celebrate humanity, inspire purpose, and deliver results.

The award began in Manila in 2005, and opened up to the Asia Pacific region in 2012. The Tambuli (a native Filipino horn) is organized by the School of Communication of the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) in collaboration with the industry, to create positive impact in society through marketing communications.

Agency and client entrants to this award contribute to the development of future talent for the marketing communications industry in Asia Pacific, through the Tambuli Scholarship Fund of the Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) program at UA&P.
A combo vaccine for flu and COVID is in the works: What to know

Health
"The CPSU is continuing to follow up on concerns among staff about whether the centre is adequately staffed, both in terms of numbers of people and what roles they are deployed in.
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"We often talk at Tourism Australia about having the largest social media team in the world, thanks to the many passionate Australians who share just amazing content with us. Carol is one of those unsung heroes, a real gem," Chloe said.
The ATSB said as the Boeing 737 was on descent when the plane encountered severe turbulence before the fasten seatbelt sign was turned on with the two crew members injured when returning to their seats.
Women On Reddit Reveal Their Worst Tinder Disasters

Trending News: How Not To Be Terrible At Tinder, Explained

Quick Take

Tinder, good or bad, is a popular way for singles to meet. But the beauty of its egalitarianism is also its curse: it takes all comers (unless you get yourself banned). That means you're always competing with a huge pool of guys for a woman's attention. Admittedly, it can be hard to stand out in a good way.

But not necessarily! It turns out that when you're using a free dating app, a lot of bad apples are just as drawn to its convenience as you are. And if these women's horror stories are any indication, it's remarkably easy to not suck at tinder. A recent thread at AskWomen asked the community to share their worst Tinder fails as a show of solidarity for a friend who'd recently had a bad experience. After reading these, you ought to have the confidence of Casanova himself.

Don't Mix Your Matches

dobbi

I went on a date with someone and it was fine, he made some annoying suggestive comments (he rock climbs and said something about "belaying" me all night long) and I just rolled my eyes. Anyway, he ends up texting me maybe a week later saying he went to a wedding with someone and is dating her now. Cool, not a problem. A few months later we rematch on Tinder and he proceeds to annoy the shit out of me and I unmatch him. I end up going to a restaurant with my roommate and we sit at the bar - what I didn't realize was that he was sitting in the seat next to me. He turns and realizes I'm next to him and I say hello because I'm an adult. Anyhow, he proceeds to yell "WHY DID YOU UNMATCH ME ON TINDER!????" - mind you he's obviously on another date (and he interrupts her mid conversation to yell at me). It was so dumb and weird. My roommate told him to shut the f*ck up and the bartender came over to ask if everything was okay.

It's a good idea, probably, to not ask anyone why they unmatched you on Tinder. But you definitely shouldn't do so while on a date with someone else you met on the same app.

Don't Broadcast Your Fetishes On The First Date

coffeefordayz

I've never told this story before because I've tried to bury it down so deep that I'll have no hope of ever finding it again. I had been chatting with this guy for about a week before our planned date. We had great conversations. He was intelligent, had a good job and was a former college athlete (which I'm attracted to athletes so that's a bonus for me). It did take a couple of times to convince him that I wanted to bring my own car. He insisted on picking me up or me meeting him at his apartment. No thanks. Anyways, we met for dinner and had a decent time. So after dinner we decided to go to a movie, but it didn't start for another 1.5 hours. I suggested a bar but he said that he lived close and we should just go have a drink and hang out there. I agreed because we had gotten along really well, and honestly I wasn't opposed to a hookup. Yeah that is one of my biggest regrets to this day. I knew better than to go alone to the house of a guy I just met. So we get to his apartment and it's a mess. Stuff on every surface. I let it slide because it's not like I'm trying to move in. We sit down on the couch and he immediatley extends his leg over my lap. Umm ok. Then he tries to talk me into giving him a back massage. Umm no. He then proceeds to describe some scenario where he's a kid and I'm the babysitter. Hell no. At this point, I'm looking for any excuse to get the fuck out of there. After a few moments of awkward silence he goes to his room. When he comes back out he lays down on the couch, and I prepare to launch into my excuse for leaving. I look down and notice that he had put on like a pull-up or some type of diaper thing under his jeans. FUCK THAT. I finally understood that his fantasy was to be a literal baby. I don't know what causes someone to pick that kind of kink, but I was not going to stick around to find out. I told him I was tired and got the fuck out. Proceeded to block his number and drink all the acohol.

It's not my place to judge your adult baby fetish or whatever you're into. Someone, somewhere is a kindred spirit. But maybe try to at least wait until date 2 before breaking out the diapers?

Don't Become An SNL Sketch

Equipoisonous

We had chatted about politics and the horror that is Trump and its affects on women's rights and stuff like that through tinder so it had seemed we were on the same page with a lot of that and that he was a feminist. Early on in the date he asked me if I had ever experienced a guy claiming to be a feminist just to get in my pants. I thought that was a weird question but I told him no, I've never experienced that. We had a normal conversation after that for like 45 minutes but I wasn't super interested in him and was ready for the check but he ordered another drink so I stuck around for a bit longer. Then he started asking me really invasive questions about my tinder experience and my sexual history. At one point he basically asked me if I had ever been taken advantage of by a date and then when I told him I was appalled he would ask me that he tried to say his point was that he's not like those awful guys out there and he really respects women. Projecting much? Was he trying to warn me earlier that he's a guy who attempts to use feminism to get in girl's pants?? I ended up throwing money on the table and leaving.

If you're a feminist, that's great, good for you. Just don't overtly try to leverage a positive trait into getting laid, and especially don't do that moments asking if anyone else had ever tried the same thing.

Hold Your Booze

lilbeanies

I have a lot of shitty Tinder stories LOL! But this one has to be the best shitty story. I met up with a guy at some Korean bar/restaurant. We were texting for a week before I met up with him. He seemed nice and fun to talk to. He got there earlier than me so he already started drinking and I totally don't mind as I was late for the date. He wasn't drunk at all when I got there. He was really fun to talk to. I didn't drink that much cause I was more interested in eating, but he kept on ordering drinks. Guy got really drunk. He was supposed to drop me off at home, but he got too drunk that obviously he couldn't do that. He also wanted to sleep with me, but I said no, and he replied "But I like you.", as if that's the password for sex or something. I thought he would stop but he kept on touching me so I had to leave. No wonder his friends doesn't want to drink with him.

A drink or two before a date with a stranger isn't a bad idea to help calm the jitters... but getting blotto (especially when she's not!) is a horrible look.

Don't Do... Any Of This

Belmagick

Second date with tinder dude. Midway through dinner and he places his fork down on the table and says: "I'm a very blunt person. So I just... I have to say I don't feel the same chemistry as last time" I respond: "okay. Want to talk about it?" Him: "it's just that. You're a very pretty girl. Very pretty. But you're not a beautiful girl, you know?" Me: "okaay. What is a beautiful girl like?" So he goes on a rambling story about a girl he hooked up with who was really hot, and I honestly can't remember the end of the story or why he was so bent out of shape over it and I realised that men can categorise women as hot, beautiful and cute, which I didn't realise. Previously I thought you were attractive or unattractive but nope. So after dinner, I ended the date pretty swiftly. He then invited me back to his place to listen to his record collection as we both like music. I said "I'm sorry, I'll be blunt too. This is going to go anywhere because of what you said. It's totally killed my attraction for you." Him: "no you're taking it too personally! You've misinterpreted what i said blah, blah, blah." He then insists on walking me home, while he continues to rhapsodise about how I've twisted his words. Ive misinterpreted him. He's getting increasingly upset and I'm starting to feel bad. We get to my gate and he asks to come in. He's pretty upset and I didn't want to be a total jerk so I said, in my most British way: "You can come inside until you've calmed down. You can sit on my sofa in my living room only while I make you a cup of tea." He comes inside and sits on my sofa while I make him some soy milk tea. The cat takes an immediate dislike to him, by the way. And then he starts to cry. I spend the next 40 minutes listening to him talk about his ex, his break up etc etc. And I try to explain that women don't really want to hear that they're pretty but not beautiful on a date. It's not a strategy that works. And then he looks up and me and tells me that he's seeing his ex girlfriend tomorrow and he knows she's going to laugh at this story because he told her exactly the same thing and she was really upset about it too. I bit back the urge to ask him why he'd learned nothing and sent him away. Around 4 weeks later I was asked to do some modelling so eh! But he's my worst date ever story.

If you want to mentally categorize the women in your life as "beautiful," "pretty," etc., that's your right and you may do as you please. But the key word is mentally. If you ignore that, don't act surprised when a woman doesn't respond positively to it. And then definitely don't cry on her couch while you talk about your ex girlfriend.

There. Have you done any of these things? Good, then you're already doing better at Tinder than some guys. Keep up the good work!

Drop This Fact

According to research by GlobalWebIndex, a staggering 42% of Tinder users are already in a relationship.
Women Rate Men With A Lower Waist-to-Chest Ratio as More Attractive

Trending News: How To Tailor Your Workouts To Be More Attractive To Women

Long Story Short

A new study using eye-tracking has found that when evaluating mens attractiveness, women look for a lower waist-to-chest ratio.

Long Story

Ever wondered what should be top of your workout routine? Abs? Legs? Arms? Sometimes it feels like there are too many options.

Well, science has done you a solid. According to a new study published in Evolutionary Psychology, women direct their visual attention toward specific areas of mens bodies when assessing attractiveness. In particular, researchers found that women directed most of their visual attention to the upper part of a mans body.

The study involved 90 Mexican American women aged 18 to 38 viewing different versions of a photo of a young caucasian man in his early 20s, manipulated to adjust his body shape while researchers logged the viewers gaze using an eye-tracking device. Women tended to first direct their gaze at the chest, followed by the head, midriff and then the lower portions of the body.

The research also asked participants to rate the different versions of the photo on a six point scale, ranging from "extremely attractive" to "not attractive." Women were more likely to rate the photo as attractive when it depicted a lower waist-to-chest ratio. Basically: men with larger, more muscular upper bodies were rated as more attractive. This was regardless of factors such as facial and chest hair.

The final aspect of the experiment involved conceptive risk. In short, the participants were asked about their menstrual cycle to assess their conceptive risk and whether it had an impact on their visual behaviour. The conceptive risk seemed not to have a meaningful impact on many of the measurements taken  fixation count, first fixation, gaze duration  but did have a negative relationship with the total time a subject spent with an image.

To our knowledge, our particular use of the eye tracker with cyclic changes is one of the first studies to investigate this phenomenon, Texas A&M Universitys Ray Garza, an author on the study, told PsyPost in an interview. Psychology is beginning to use more precise instruments in attraction research to quantifiably measure attention, instead of using self report measures that may miss information.

The one caveat as far as Garza is concerned is that the menstrual cycle data was supplied by questionnaire rather than ovulation tests. Hes looking to update the results with that data soon. Regardless, now you know: if you want to attract the right kind of attention, your best bet is to either get a massive chest, or shed some belly fat.

Own The Conversation

Ask The Big Question

So why Mexican-American women? And why a photo of a caucasian male? Weird.

Drop This Fact

Recent research has indicated that its not the waist-hip ratio that men look for in women, as previously thought, but rather the waist-stature ratio.
Survey Shows A Remarkable Lack Of Enthusiasm In St. Patrick's Day

Trending News: Why Is America Abandoning St. Patrick's Day?

Own The Conversation

You there, American male between the ages of 18 and 35 who reads this website  what's your beef with St. Patrick's Day? Held on the traditional death date of the patron saint of Ireland, in the U.S. it's an unofficial holiday where revelers appropriate Irish culture by having their annual Guinness before getting lose-your-job-drunk on Jameson and green Bud Light. Maybe there's some corned beef and cabbage in there, if for no other reason than it looks the same going in as it does coming back up. It is, in general, a good time.

But apparently not anymore! Based on an offers.com survey of some 1,000 people between March 7 and 9, Americans have shockingly little enthusiasm for the pseudo-holiday. In fact, the results indicate that most people don't plan on celebrating it at all.

Offers.com

It's only a survey of 1,000 people, but come on. Only 1/3 of the nation plans on celebrating at all? This country truly is headed in the wrong direction. And while it's not really known as an expensive holiday, the planned spending by the fraction of the population who's actually celebrating is a joke:

Offers.com

Wow, $25, wow. It falls on a Friday this year, people! You have virtually no excuse for not stepping out and celebrating at least a little bit, but $25 will get you approximately four Guinnesses where I live. That's not the makings of a good night, that's the makings of slightly darker than normal poops. But then maybe we shouldn't be surprised, as alcohol isn't even the biggest expense on most people's radars this year.

Offers.com

Oh yeah, you're gonna spend most of your money on food? The Irish literally came here because they were tired of choosing between eating potato peels and their own farts for dinner. Are we really going to honor their sacrifice by spending more money on Double-Stuffed Bacon Cheddar Potato Skinz than alcohol, the true life-giving elixir? Sad!

It's not all bad. Most people will wear green, at least. What's next, will we stop eating hotdogs on July 4? Thanks indeed, Obama.

Drop This Fact

Saint Patrick's Day is celebrated in more countries than any other national festival.
http://evelyncgordon.com/hiding-evidence-of-its-own-innocence/

Updates throughout the day at http://calevbenyefuneh.blog spot.com. If you enjoy "Love of the Land", please be a subscriber. Just put your email address in the "Subscribe" box on the upper right-hand corner of the page.Twitter updates at LoveoftheLand as well as our Love of the Land page at Facebook which has additional pieces of interest besides that which is posted on the blog. Also check-out This Ongoing War by Frimet and Arnold Roth. An excellent blog, very important work.

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..Analysis from Israel..15 March '17..Im not naive enough to think that better PR would solve all of Israels international relations problems. But theres no question that incompetent PR makes its situation much worse. As one example, consider Tuesdays shocking revelation : Within about 24 hours of the most high-profile civilian casualty incident of the 2009 Gaza war, Israel had obtained evidence casting doubt on its responsibility for that death. But it sat on this evidence for more than eight years, finally releasing it only as part of a defense brief in a civil suit by the victims father.The incident in question took place on January 16, 2009, when Israeli troops fighting in Gaza came under sniper fire. The troops fired two shells at an observation post that seemed to be directing the snipers. The observation post was located on the third floor of a building which, unbeknownst to the soldiers, was also the home of a well-known doctor, Izzeldin Abuelaish. Three of Abuelaishs daughters were killed, along with one of his nieces; several other family members were wounded. Abuelaish, who worked in Israel, maintained good relations with Israelis and advocated for Israeli-Palestinian peace, later became famous worldwide when he published a book about this incident and his response to it, calledIsrael was blamed worldwide for the Abuelaish casualties and never publicly challenged the assumption of its guilt. Yet it now turns out that within a day after the incident, it had evidence indicating that its shells may not have caused the carnage.The evidence came in the form of laboratory tests conducted on six pieces of shrapnel extracted from the two casualties treated in Israel (the other wounded werent brought to Israel, nor were any of the dead, so no shrapnel from the other victims was available). The tests showed that alongside traces of various explosives used by both the Israel Defense Forces and Hamas, at least one fragment contained an explosive called R-Salt, which isnt used by the IDF but is commonly used in improvised explosive devices in Gaza. Moreover, all six fragments contained potassium nitrate, another substance not used in IDF weaponry that is used in Hamass homemade Qassam rockets.A follow-up report a month later, which compared the shrapnel to the specific type of Israeli shells fired, concluded that four of the six fragments could not possibly have come from those shells; a fifth may have come from an IDF shell, and apparently, no conclusions were possible about the sixth.All of the above indicates that Hamas or a smaller Palestinian organization was using the house as a weapons cache. According to the IDF, there is no other way to account for the presence of non-IDF explosives in the shrapnel. This in no way implies culpability on Abuelaishs part; Palestinian terrorists routinely store weaponry in civilian houses without the owners consent or even knowledge. But it does raise the possibility that the Israeli shells, which were intended to take out the observation post without significant damage to the house, would not have caused such extensive casualties had the house not contained a concealed weapons cachesomething the soldiers couldnt have knownwhich exploded when the shells hit. And if so, then Israel clearly isnt responsible for the deaths: It used a reasonable amount of force to respond to a legitimate military threat and could not have foreseen the deadly consequences.One of the most common accusations leveled at Israel by its critics is that because it possesses precision weaponry capable of feats like destroying a single room without damaging the rest of the building, any civilian casualties it causes must be the result of criminal negligence at best and deliberate murderousness at worst. That conclusion is obviously possible only if you ignore various salient facts, such as that mistakes are inevitable in wartime when soldiers must often make split-second decisions based on imperfect information.But one of those salient facts is Hamass habit of storing arms and ammunition in civilian houseswithout, obviously, informing Israel of the caches locations. This means that no matter how carefully Israeli troops choose their munitions, they have no way to protect against the possibility that an arms cache they didnt know about will set off secondary explosions, resulting in far more extensive damage than they intended.This fact is essential to understanding why the blame for most civilian casualties actually rests not with Israel, which does try hard to use proportionate military force, but with Hamas, which deliberately endangers its own civilian population by hiding weapons in their houses. Yet since it is frequently not well understood overseas, Israel has every interest in publicizing high-profile examples as heavily as possible.Instead, it sat on its information about the Abuelaish case for eight years. The lab report was kept so secret that even Abuelaishs lawyers didnt know of its existence until last week, although the suit was filed back in 2010. And then, having finally been forced to disclose the report to defend against the lawsuit, the government nevertheless made no attempt to publicize it; it came to light only because a reporter took the trouble to read the defense brief and realized that the information was newsworthy.Obviously, information like this wont change a single Israel haters mind. But there are many people of goodwill, especially overseas Jews, who sincerely want to believe that the IDF strives to avoid civilian casualties, but cant understand why, if so, they nevertheless keep occurring.Israel has many valid answers to that question, including the fact that its civilian-to-military casualty ratio is actually lower than that of other Western armies. But these answers are useless if it doesnt take the trouble to publicize them. Sitting on exculpatory information about a high-profile case for eight years is hardly the way to assuage its supporters concerns.Originally published in Commentary on March 15, 2017
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.
According to Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting, Pune Col. Rajyavardhan Rathore Technology has played a critical role in defining the contours of professional photography and art of film making.

MoU

The exposure of budding young talent to the nuances of technology has a positive impact on their learning curve. The minister spoke on the occassion of signing of an MoU between Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune and Canon India Private Limited. Kazutada Kobayashi, President & CEO, Canon India was also present on the occasion.

Objectives of the MoU for short term courses in film

The MoU between Film and Television Institute of India, Pune and Canon India Private Limited would promote film education through short-term courses across several towns and cities in the country. Under FTII's unique initiative SKIFT (Skilling India in Film and Television) several short courses, mostly of skill-oriented nature have been proposed to be held in collaboration with State Governments, Universities and Educational institutions.

FTII's Mission

FTII Pune, has been preparing to break new grounds by pushing to democratise cinematic education by offering quality and affordable training to general public and practitioners alike at locations where there is a demand for such courses. FTII is also in the process of aligning some of the short courses with Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) under National Skill Development Council.

Canon India's Collaboration

While speaking on the occasion, Kazutada Kobayashi said that Film & Television Institute of India (FTII) was one of the most reputed institution across the world and Canon was proud to announce the partnership for SKIFT which has been designed to spread the art of cinematography and film making, across the length and breadth of the country. As a technology partner for this initiative, Canon India would add value to the program endeavored to scale skill development in film and television to greater heights.

Canon's Support

Canon, a digital imaging company, as 'Technology Partner' of SKIFT would be providing high-end cameras and accessories free of cost for the courses. This support would be a major contributing factor in keeping the course fees affordable while offering an opportunity to course participants to use cutting-edge equipment.

Course Centers

The courses are proposed to be held in non-metros such as Guwahati, Jaipur, Vishakhapatnam, Raipur, Chandigarh, Raipur, Bhopal, Leh and Andaman & Nicobar Islands to begin with.

Short Term Courses Offered

Initially SKIFT would conduct courses such as Digital Cinematography, Documentary Film Making, Screenplay Writing, Acting, Film Criticism & Journalism and Film Appreciation.
Weather Analytics, a provider of weather and predictive risk software for the insurance industry, reported that global insurers Tokio Marine HCC and W. R. Berkley Corp. together have funded a $17 million Series B financing round. With the new capital, Weather Analytics total funding now exceeds $30 million.

This financing will accelerate scientific and technical innovations that vastly improve decision support in risk selection, pricing and policyholder services for insurance companies across the globe, said Bill Pardue, chairman and CEO of Washington, D.C.-based Weather Analytics. Established providers are charging insurers too much and delivering too little. Weather Analytics is disrupting that equation.

Robert Berkley Jr., president and CEO of W. R. Berkley Corp., said his company is a client of Weather Analytics and is seeing concrete benefits of the technologies that were originally developed for the national intelligence and defense communities. From underwriting to actuarial sciences to claims, the potential for better decision-making and improved services to insureds is tremendous, Berkley said.

Chris Williams, CEO of Tokio Marine HCC, which led Weather Analytics Series A funding in 2015, said the technology helps differentiate his companys capabilities and the products it offers. Weather Analytics leadership and innovation within the big data space will help push the insurance industry into the future, Williams said.

In addition to Tokio Marine and W. R. Berkley, Weather Analytics investors include In-Q-Tel, a strategic fund focused on technologies to support the U.S. intelligence community.

Fusing historic weather and event data with claims and loss data, Weather Analytics helps build predictive models that carriers, brokers and reinsurers can deploy to protect their bottom lines with insurance-oriented web apps.

Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Tokio Marine HCC is a specialty insurance group with offices in the United States, the United Kingdom, Spain and Ireland.

W. R. Berkley is one of the largest commercial lines writers in the United States and operates worldwide in insurance and reinsurance.

*This story appeared previously in our sister publication Insurance Journal.
A 23-year-old male in Burlington, Canada has been charged after crashing a red McLaren 650S Spider and injuring his passenger.



On Thursday March 9, the unnamed driver crashed the British supercar at high speed at Oaklands Park Court and at the scene, was arrested for impaired driving.

Both he and his 47-year-old passenger were taken to hospital with the passenger suffering significant but non-life threatening injuries, Orangeville reports.

Images from the scene show that the McLaren was totally destroyed in the impact with the front-end nearly unrecognizable. The outer skin of the passenger door is missing, the windshield has been smashed, the bonnet wrecked and parts of the vehicles crash structure damaged.

.@HaltonPolice collision reconstruction unit has been notified after crash on Oaklands Park Ct in #BurlOn. $600,000 McLaren destroyed pic.twitter.com/cXwMpbsdgw

 Andrew Collins (@ACollinsPhoto) March 10, 2017

Patient enroute to hamilton trauma centre after single vehicle high speed collision in #BurlOn. @McLarenAuto Supercar destroyed pic.twitter.com/RxRQrElavq

 Andrew Collins (@ACollinsPhoto) March 10, 2017

PHOTO GALLERY
While deals such as GM agreeing to sell Opel to PSA are based on way more than just the costs of one model, the highly-successful Opel Corsa may have had more to do with the transaction than we thought.



According to a key account manager at a major German supplier, GMs problems in Europe included the Opel Corsa supermini, which at the moment is built on the same Fiat platform as its predecessor.

One of the primary reasons [behind the sale] was GM had to develop a whole new B-segment platform just for the Corsa in order for Opel to meet future CO2 emissions regulations, stated the account manager.

In other words, a Corsa built using a PSA platform wouldnt have this problem, since Peugeot and Citroen (PSA brands) had the lowest and second-lowest CO2-emitting fleet in Europe in 2015, whereas Opel registered worse results than even luxury automakers like Mercedes or BMW, as reported by Autonews.

With that in mind, its easy to understand why GM may have had issues with the Corsa. Designing it on their own in order to meet EU requirements may have made it too expensive to sell in emerging economies, whereas if it was designed as a global vehicle, it may have fallen flat at home  which would have posed a huge risk given that the Corsa is Opels biggest volume model, with 264,000 units sold last year.

Opel has also been warned for the past four years that theyve been running behind their rivals in terms of meeting 2021 CO2 obligations.

What we saw from a product point of view and a regulatory point of view was a Europe, frankly, diverging from the rest of our global portfolio, said GM President, Dan Ammann, in an interview during the Geneva Motor Show. The requirements for Europe are becoming more and more unique.

PHOTO GALLERY
Frank Sinatra once said You buy a Ferrari when you want to be somebody. You buy a Lamborghini when you are somebody. Ferrari chief executive Sergio Marchionne disagrees.



While talking with Car Magazine at the Geneva Motor Show, Marchionne suggested that many people simply buy Lamborghinis because they cant get Ferraris.

I have a lot of respect for Stefano Domenicali. But a lot of people buy Lamborghinis because they cant get their hands on a Ferrari, he said.

It is no secret that becoming a part of the exclusive Ferrari family isnt easy. You need to work your way up with various models before even getting the slightest chance of purchasing a limited-edition model.

Alongside his critique of Lamborghini owners, Marchionne also reconfirmed that Ferraris big V12 engines will stick around in their naturally-aspirated form for years to come and be coupled with electric motors. He said that [The next step] is only two years away, just wait, suggesting that the companys new V12 hybrid model is just around the corner.

PHOTO GALLERY
An exceptionally rare 1998 Porsche 911 GT1 Strassenversion has sold for $5.665 million at Gooding & Companys auction at Amelia Island.



Just 20 units of the GT1 Strassenversion were produced for the street to meet homologation requirements to allow the GT1 Evolution to race at the 1997 Le Mans 24 Hours. As a result, the car really is a racing car for the road, not simply a road car with a roll cage and lightweight wheels.

Beneath the skin, the 911 GT1 Strassenversion features a twin-turbocharged 3.2-liter water-cooled flat-six engine delivering 544 hp at 7,000 rpm and 600 Nm of torque at 4,250 rpm. While those figures may not be extraordinary in 2017, the do allow the street racer to hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.7 seconds and a 310 km/h (192 mph) top speed.

The example in question is chassis number 005 and was reportedly just the second example produced. It was originally delivered to a German customer and during his ownership, driven a total a 4,400 km.

In October 2003, the GT1 was sold to Don Wallace from Florida where it remained until 2009 when another Florida collector purchased it. It was ultimately purchased by a German and returned back to its motherland before coming back to the U.S. in 2015 where it underwent a meticulous detail.

At the time of sale it had 7,900 km (4,900 miles) on the clock. Porsche 918 Spyder eat your heart out.

PHOTO GALLERY
Bristol, Englands Aardman Animations, creators of Wallace & Gromit and Shaun the Sheep, have unveiled the first look at their next feature Early Man.

Early Man marks the first feature film for Nick Park since 2005s Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit. And if its Nick Park you want, its Nick Park youre gonna get  Early Man looks like its set to deliver a healthy heap of Parks good-natured, pleasantly goofy style of stop motion.

Set in a prehistoric age, Early Man follows caveman Dug (voiced by Eddie Redmayne) who unites his tribe against Lord Nooth (Tom Hiddleston) and the onset of the Bronze Age. Judging by his tribes behavior in the teaser, that wont be an easy task.
Photo: Getty Images

Interior Health doesn't want to run in to the same issues it had while trying to roll out overdose prevention sites in the city last December.

An attempt to open the facility in Rutland was met with resistance from local businesses on Asher Road where the site was to be located.

Now, as the health authority gets ready to launch its mobile unit, more community engagement is taking place.

"The work we have in front of us is really around a specific location, making sure there is an adequate local engagement," said health service administrator John Yarschenko.

"We are doing some engagement as to the exact location of the sites."

But, he said, the mobile unit will be serving both the downtown core and the Rutland area.

"There will be concerns," acknowledged Yarschenko, "because not everyone is comfortable with a service like this being available in their community or in their neighbourhood..

"But, we are going to provide this service. We just want to make sure we have the ability to respond, and deal with people's issues as we hear about them."

A motor home is currently being retrofitted and should be ready to roll in April.

While locations have yet to be nailed down, Yarschenko says it will operate Tuesday to Saturday from noon to midnight.
The next EnVision Bus Read more [...]
Photo: Castanet Staff

Changes to the BC Building Code will require sprinklers on balconies of new four-storey wood-frame apartment buildings.

But that's years too late to have saved two large apartment fires in Kelowna that both started on balconies.

In 2013, then-Fire Chief Jeff Carlisle raised concern about nearly 500 residential units in the city not equipped with the sprinklers.

He said at the time damage to buildings would be 2 1/2 times greater than if fire started inside a suite instead of on a balcony.

Those comments were made after major fires at the Bristol and Legacy II apartments in Kelowna.

Previous to the new change, balcony sprinklers were only required on buildings taller than four storeys.

The change comes two years after the requirement was added to the National Building Code, on which the BC code is based.

The new regulations take effect July 20 to give the industry time to adapt to the new requirement.

The change does not affect existing buildings.
Photo: Twitter

RCMP say two American snowshoers are presumed to have died in an avalanche near Lake Louise in the rugged mountains of Banff National Park.

Cpl. Curtis Peters says two people from Boston did not check out of their hotel Tuesday in Field, B.C., and their vehicle was found at a trail head on Highway 93, a road known as the Icefields Parkway.

"We believe they had gone snowshoeing and subsequently got caught in an avalanche," Peters said in an interview Wednesday. "We do not know for certain, but we presume that they are deceased."

Parks Canada said safety specialists found snowshoe tracks near the rental vehicle that led to avalanche debris. They found no tracks coming out.

Tania Peters, a Parks Canada spokeswoman, said the avalanche risk is so high it was too dangerous to send a search team to the avalanche itself.

A helicopter that flew over the area picked up signals from two avalanche transceivers  small electronic devices that people wear that send out radio signals that searchers can home in on to rescue buried people.

"We were able to do a flyover in a helicopter and we did pick up two transceiver signals leading us to believe that the two people are in fact buried in the debris," Peters said.

RCMP said the families of the missing people have been notified and their identities will not be released.

Parks Canada and RCMP said they were treating the search as a recovery operation.

Avalanche conditions were listed as high, one level below extreme, and parts of Highway 93 were closed Wednesday due to the danger.
Photo: The Canadian Press

Dallas public safety officials are pressing T-Mobile for solutions following the death of a six-month-old boy whose baby sitter couldn't reach 911 operators.

The city said in a statement that the 911 call centre was jammed with calls Saturday evening because of an ongoing issue with T-Mobile. Dallas television station WFAA reported that when T-Mobile customers call 911, ghost calls are created that jam the system and operators end up putting callers on hold as they try to catch up.

The boy's mother, Bridget Alex, told the station that she was at her sister's home when her baby sitter frantically called her, saying her son had fallen from a day bed and was unconscious. The baby sitter said she called 911 three times but kept being placed on hold.

Alex said she sped home and took her son to a hospital.

"I jumped in the car with him, and I just kept kissing his lips. He was still warm. I just kept saying, 'Brandon, please wake up. Please wake up,'" she told the station.

The baby was transferred to another hospital, where he died without regaining consciousness.

The city issued a statement Tuesday saying Dallas police found no immediate evidence connecting the death to the ghost-call issue, but confirmed the caller was using T-Mobile service when trying to call 911 on Saturday.

City Manager T.C. Broadnax said he spoke with T-Mobile CEO John Legere, and that Legere pledged to send his top engineers to Dallas on Wednesday to address the problem.
Photo: Macleans

This week, the House of Commons is adjourned and will resume next week with the much anticipated budget to be delivered on March 22.

As is often the case, there are considerable rumors circulating about the content of the budget. At this point, the only details we know with certainty is the budget will again run a considerable deficit while the Liberal Government refuses to disclose when the budget will again return to balance, given that the promised date of 2019 will not be met.

The Liberals have created a very serious problem. Increases in program spending along with a cut to income taxes in particular for those in the $100,000 up to $199,000 threshold have essentially created a structural deficit where spending now exceeds revenue each year by a sizeable margin.

To further complicate this situation, as I mentioned last week, in 2019, Liberals will also significantly increase infrastructure spending according to their fiscal plan. In essence, the Government is now out of money and is borrowing, creating a situation where increasingly more money is spent paying interest on debt, leaving less money available for other programs.

In fact Canada now spend more on debt servicing each year than we do on national defence. As you may also be aware, Canada has recently been singled out for not fulfilling its NATO budgetary spending commitments.

For the Liberals, who inherited a balanced budget, the sudden change in Canadas fiscal situation has created a serious problem. With spending only set to increase, the only alternative is to increase taxes.

This was recently contemplated with the idea to make employer provided health and dental plans to be considered as taxable benefits before the Government backed off on the idea. Currently, the Government is now exploring other options where taxes can be increased without causing harm to the Canadian economy.

I mention this fact as the new administration in the United States is lowering many taxes in particular for the corporate sector. Although the U.S. presidential twitter feed seems to attract most of the media attention these days lower U.S. corporate taxes are a real concern for Canadian competitiveness.

As one example, Canadian business investment declined over two per cent in the most recent fiscal quarter and has declined every fiscal quarter since the Liberal Government was elected.

The decline in investment is a particular concern as new investment typically leads to more jobs and by extension citizens who are employed and paying taxes instead of being unemployed and drawing benefits.

The solution? The Liberals have hinted they will undertake a taxation review that many have speculated will be an exercise to eliminate various tax credits in an effort to increase revenue.

It has also been suggested the Government may increase the capital gains tax. In theory, most support an increased capital gains tax, but the downside of such a move is a term called asset lock where assets are not sold in order to avoid paying taxes on the capital gains.

Having assets on hold does little to stimulate the economy and does not produce the revenue expectations of government thus creating a no win situation.

In my opinion, the Government will need to concede that it has developed a spending problem and we are leaving bills for our kids and our grandkids, a situation most I believe would agree is not responsible.

My question today relates to the budget. Do you believe the Government should place a greater priority on having a plan to return to balance?

I can be reached at [email protected] or you call toll free at 1-800-665-8711.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.
Photo: Google Street View

McDonald's wants to tear down its 20-year-old premises on Smith Street in Armstrong and build a new restaurant in its place.

They want to demolish the old McDonald's building and a build a brand new one, said Mayor Chris Pieper. They have an outdoor terrace but that space will move indoors. It will be more spacious.

Management from the famous fast food restaurant have approached the city for a zoning amendment in order to move ahead.

Pieper said a public hearing will be held on Mar. 27.

A separate public hearing will be held that same evening over a proposed zoning amendment for a planned apartment building on the 3200 block of Okanagan Street.

It was an 18-unit building when they started the design work but an architect says he could get more units with the same footprint, said Pieper, adding it would likely go to 25 units for the strata complex.

People want it. If a building is right downtown, they can walk everywhere. It will meet a need in the city.
Photo: Google Street View

Consultations will begin with parents and teachers on reconfiguring Enderby area schools due to the overcrowding at M.V. Beattie Elementary.

The North Okanagan Shuswap school district's official trustee Mike McKay gave the go ahead at a public board meeting held Tuesday night at Pleasant Valley Secondary in Armstrong.

Superintendent Glenn Borthistle noted that M.V. Beattie was overflowing and, looking ahead to September, the number of students would exceed the space available.

Options that have already been made public include: installing expensive portables at MV Beattie, declaring the elementary school full and return out-of-catchment area students to other schools, redraw catchment areas and adjust the grade ranges so that A.L. Fortune Secondary would take students from Grade 6 or 7 and upward. M.V. Beattie would handle the younger grades.

"While we may need to limit or eliminate out of catchment enrolment at M.V. Beattie going forward, I believe it would not be in the best interests of students or parents to return youngsters from M.V. Beattie to their catchment area school, McKay said at the meeting.

The trustee said he has been told by staff that adjusting grade ranges would address the space challenge at the elementary school but there are potential programing implications.

Any grade change would need to be completed without disrupting that positive momentum (at the high school)," McKay said.

A public consultation meeting on reconfiguring the schools will take place on April 4 after a board meeting which is being held at A.L. Fortune.

Online survey feedback is also being sought.

Meanwhile, McKay accepted staff recommendations and made the decision to leave both schools open in Sicamous and to slightly reconfigure the grades.

Starting in September 2017, Parkview Elementary will continue as a kindergarten to grade six school while Eagle River Secondary school will become a grade seven through 12 school.

"I heard back from many people and it wasn't a single voice. The one thing that was a single voice was the pleas to make a decision."
Photo: Flickr/BC Gov't

The British Columbia government will spend $80 million this year in emergency programs, up from the $65 million it spent last year.

Naomi Yamamoto, minister of state for emergency preparedness, says $32 million will go to the Union of B.C. Municipalities to establish a fund that supports disaster response and recovery programs, including mapping evacuation routes.

She says the government will provide $10 million to numerous public safety groups, including Vancouver's heavy urban search and rescue team, to support skills training and purchase equipment.

Yamamoto says the $80 million comes from the government's budget surplus and money in its emergency preparedness fund.

She says spending in community emergency programs will help the province cope with floods, fires and earthquakes.

Bill Adams of the Insurance Bureau of Canada says there are estimates that a major earthquake in southern B.C. could cause damage valued at $75 billion.
Photo: Alanna Kelly

Police arrested a suspect in downtown Kelowna's Chapman parkade Wednesday who was wanted for car theft.

RCMP said they had video footage of the male suspect dumping the stolen vehicle and saw him walking downtown.

He matched the description when we saw him walking on the street, said an officer. He ran upstairs to try and hide.

The suspect was seen running up to the top floor of the parkade on Lawrence Avenue.

Multiple officers surrounded the parkade, and building security were on scene.
Photo: The Canadian Press

After 20 years of running election stock markets, Prof. Werner Antweiler believes the buying and selling of shares in political parties is a more accurate way of predicting election results than public opinion polling.

Antweiler teaches at the University of British Columbia's Sauder School of Business and runs its online election market, where people use cash to buy contracts or "shares" representing political parties ahead of provincial or federal elections.

Traders can take long positions, which means buying shares in parties they think will grow in value, or short positions where they buy shares they think are overvalued. Outcomes are all tied to real election results and traders are allowed to spend between $25 and $1,000.

Election markets raise the stakes compared with traditional public opinion polls, which can be influenced by personal bias on the outcome, Antweiler said.

"But if people have to put money where their mouth is, then they may be more eager to reveal their true belief about how an election is going, even if it's not their preferred outcome."

Election markets are better than polls at absorbing new information and anticipating trends because they take into account not only what's happening today, but what people expect to happen in the future, Antweiler said.

"The idea is that futures markets are forward looking whereas polls are kind of backwards looking in the sense that they aggregate information from the past few days," he said.

Kara Mitchelmore, CEO of the Marketing Institute and Intelligence Association, said there are significant differences between polls and election markets.

"I don't think it's fair to pit one tool against another," she said, adding that investors in election markets often base their decisions on data from polls.

The reason polls work when they're done well is that they're based on valid science, Mitchelmore said.

The university's market is the only one of its kind in Canada. The school is running three markets tied to the B.C. provincial election this spring, including a market gauging the popular vote, another on the share of seats each party wins in the legislature, and a third on which party will form a majority government.

On Wednesday, the governing Liberals in B.C. had slight leads over the Opposition NDP in every market. But Antweiler cautioned there are several issues that could cause the markets to fluctuate before election day on May 9, including housing prices, infrastructure, public transportation and campaign financing.
An Okanagan hip hop crew is dancing their way to the top.

RTHM GROUND is a by audition competitive hip hop crew directed by Nessa McGrath.

The team is currently training for two international hip hop competitions this year: World of Dance and Hip Hop International.

The Senior crew will be auditioning for the World of Dance Qualifiers in Edmonton on May 6.

"RTHM GROUND is honoured to even be considered for the Canada Qualifiers, as we will be the first team from the Okanagan to compete here. This will be our second year now," said director McGrath.
Madison Erhardt

Six Central Okanagan students are off to El Savador for spring break to help build a home for those in need.

"As a citizen of the developed world, it's easy to take for granted the security of having a roof over my head," says Jane Newall, a grade 12 student from Mt. Boucherie Secondary School.

"The El Salvador trip is an incredible opportunity to embrace a different culture and acquire new perspectives while helping a family in the most meaningful way. Whether locally or abroad, volunteerism is so important to the strength of a community and I encourage everyone to become involved."

This is the fifth time Central Okanagan students will make the trip teaming up with Habitat for Humanity Global Village.

Students worked on every phase of a house's construction during their past trips, including laying the foundations, raising the walls, and finishing the interiors.

"We are very proud of these student and teacher volunteers using their time off in such a positive way," said Kevin Kaardal, Superintendent of Schools/CEO of Central Okanagan Public Schools.

"Their compassion and hard work will have a real impact, which equips them with skills as well as the knowledge that they can truly make a difference in the world around them," he said.
Photo: Contributed

The lawyer for a family of an aboriginal man fatally shot on a farm says he's "disgusted" by a resolution on rural crime passed at the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities convention.

The resolution, which passed by 93 per cent Tuesday, calls on the association to lobby the federal government to expand the rights and justification for people to defend themselves, persons under their care and their property.

It says rural crime has increased and people don't have sufficient rights to protect themselves and property.

"What you're asking the government of Canada to do is to weigh property rights versus a human life, that's what it comes down to," said Chris Murphy, who represents Colten Boushie's family.

"You'd be asking the Canadian government to permit, let's just use a rural person, a farmer, to use force against a person who's committing a property crime."

Murphy says the Criminal Code already allows people to defend themselves with force if they or their family are threatened.

"So there's no amendment that has to be made to the Criminal Code in relation to self-defence," he said.

"What SARM was asking for ... was to be able to essentially defend your property rights by using force. My position clearly is that is not the law in Canada, it never has been the law in Canada and it never should be the law in Canada."

Murphy says there's no escaping the connection between Boushie's shooting last August and the resolution.

Boushie was shot and killed Aug. 9 while riding in an SUV that went onto a farm near Biggar, Sask.

Another person in the SUV has said they were heading home to the Red Pheasant First Nation after an afternoon of swimming when they got a flat tire and sought help.

The farm owner, Gerald Stanley, is charged with second-degree murder. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for early April.

According to information RCMP used to obtain a search warrant of the farm, Stanley's son called police to report that five people drove into his parent's farmyard and were trying to steal vehicles.

The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations also makes a link between Boushie's shooting and the resolution.

FSIN vice-chief Kim Jonathan says she's "shocked and disgusted at the violent intentions" behind the resolution.

"It's going to lead to more bloodshed," Jonathan said Wednesday.
Photo: The Canadian Press

A political power crowd including U.S. President Donald Trump's daugher Ivanka, scores of foreign countries' ambassadors to the United Nations and cabinet members attended a Broadway play about Canada's assistance to Americans after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

The crowd delivered a standing ovation as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau introduced the play with a short speech  he began with some jokes about the unusually wintery New York weather and concluded with a more serious point about neighbourly relations.

Trudeau got some laughs when he told the audience: "Thank you for making us feel so welcome with the snow. It's a nice touch. You really went out of your way."

There were cheers later when Trudeau referred to the Canada-U.S. bond: "There is no relationship quite like the friendship between Canada and the United States. ... Our friends are there for those tough times."

Created by husband-and-wife team Irene Sankoff and David Hein, "Come From Away" is set in the remote East Coast town in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. The town saw its population double in size after local residents sheltered 6,579 passengers and crew from 38 planes diverted when U.S. air space was closed following the tragedy.

"Come From Away" had its official Broadway opening on Sunday, which was followed by widespread critical raves from publications including The New York Times, The Washington Post and Chicago Tribune.

The prime minister arrived at the midtown Manhattan theatre in the same motorcade as Ivanka Trump. They rolled up to the theatre in separate vehicles, and quickly entered the building where they chatted with other guests.

It was their second event together in a month. Trudeau had a roundtable meeting with Ivanka at the White House when they created a women's business group  one the president has since saluted by referencing in different high-profile settings.
Photo: CTV

A Vancouver-area search and rescue team has launched legal action against a society it alleges is raising funds by claiming to act on behalf of volunteer search teams across British Columbia.

North Shore Rescue has filed a civil claim in B.C. Supreme Court seeking unspecified damages and an immediate halt to the fundraising activities of the Search and Rescue Society of British Columbia.

A statement of defence has not been filed in court, but the vice-president of the Search and Rescue Society of British Columbia said he is "dumbfounded" by the legal action and the case has no merit.

"We do act in good faith, we are real," Glen Redden said in an interview.

The search and rescue society is a registered charity that has been around for 33 years, and provides a last option for families when other searches have been called off, Redden said.

North Shore Rescue alleges in a statement of claim filed with the court that the society seeks public donations by claiming to represent the organization, adding that search-and-rescue teams do not raise money by phone in B.C.

None of the allegations have been proven in court.

Redden said his group raises money by phone because it does not receive any government funding, but calls are only made to donor lists. The society hires contractors to make the fundraising calls, but they never claim to represent any other group, he said.

"We don't misrepresent. We clearly identify ourselves. We don't mention any other team."

Court documents filed by North Shore Rescue allege that the society disrupts its fundraising.
Photo: Contributed

A paramedic working in the Okanagan says there is much more that needs to be done to stop fentanyl overdoses.

In just one year, overdose deaths in British Columbia have climbed to 922, and Kelowna was one of the most deadly hot spots in the province.

We were doing one overdose per shift, at the minimum, said the paramedic, who has been working for six years and asked to remain anonymous.

We were just dumbfounded by the increase. All of a sudden, it just seemed like once we rolled into 2016 suddenly we were dealing with a huge amount.

The paramedic said there needs to be more discussion, more general practitioners wiling to prescribe suboxone and more resources for users to curb fentanyl overdoses.

In the summer months, there was a lot of cocaine laced with fentanyl, which led to disastrous results. She says this is because users are not used to downer drugs such as heroin or fentanyl.

"Weekend warriors" are the most at risk, according to the paramedic. She describes them as people who smoke pot, take ecstasy, use GHB or snort cocaine and encounter a side-effect they are not expecting.

Then you have a group of people who suddenly are going down unconscious and nobody has ever encountered it before because they arent knowledgeable drug users, she said. That is when we are seeing the bad outcomes.

When working, she hears many people say they had no idea those drugs could be laced with fentanyl, which she says is why more discussion is needed.

As much as you want to roll your eyes and say well, come on, there is this perception that they think because they are not a heroin user, they shouldnt be worried.

She believes we are now at the point where if you do drugs, of any sort, you should know that most of them are laced and you are probably encountering small amounts of fentanyl.

In January 2017, there were 116 illicit drug overdose deaths; an increase of 36.5 per cent from the number of deaths in January 2016.

Some of these overdoses involve carfentanil, so we are requiring that much more of the Narcan (naloxone) to have an impact and help these patients, she said. We have certainly seen changes in what we are stocking on our ambulances.

In the past, paramedics would treat one overdose every couple of months, but some now experience a couple per shift.

The journey to getting clean is difficult, and in the Okanagan there is not a stop-gap between overdosing and dying, and people wanting to get clean. This part is the most difficult for the paramedic.

There are risks involved with withdrawal, and we really don't have the resources available.

You have someone saying I don't want to be doing this, but the alternative is to basically suffer horrendously. They are mentioning this and you cant disagree with them. she said. That is really heartbreaking.
Photo: The Canadian Press

It's budget day in Alberta, and the government is promising renewed spending to protect frontline services.

Premier Rachel Notley's government has already announced the budget will include money for new initiatives, including 10 new schools and millions of dollars to hire more prosecutors and court staff.

Finance Minister Joe Ceci has said Albertans should expect a deficit but also steps to bring the red ink under control.

Opposition parties say the government needs to take concrete steps to control spending.

The budget for the current year, which ends this month, forecasts a $10.8-billion deficit, a figure that represents a quarter of all revenues.

Alberta's debt is over $30 billion and debt payments now exceed $1 billion a year.
Photo: The Canadian Press

Immigration lawyer Alastair Clarke calls it a "travesty of justice."

In Buffalo, N.Y., a client is currently living in a shelter, desperately awaiting news about how she might be reunited with her three young children, all under the age of 10.

The woman fled the small East-African country of Burundi with her kids and landed in the United States with a visitor's visa, hopeful they could all eventually claim asylum in Canada, where her sister-in-law is a permanent resident, living in Winnipeg.

But when they did attempt to cross the border by bus it became clear another difficult journey was ahead.

The mother  who Clarke wouldn't identify to protect her from any possible reprisals back home  was denied entry under the Canada-U.S. Safe Third Country Agreement, which stipulates that an asylum seeker must make their claim in the first safe country in which they land.

But her children were allowed into Canada under the care of their aunt, because of an exception that permits entry for those who have a blood-relative in the country.

"Here we have a case of a refugee woman who is highly educated and she's now living in a shelter, completely petrified because she doesn't know what will happen with her children," says Winnipeg-based Clarke, who is gearing up for the next stages in the case, which will require hearings before the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada.

While official statistics are hard to come by, experts say they're hearing more and more stories about unaccompanied minors who are allowed in Canada without a parent or caregiver.

According to the Canada Border Services Agency, refugee claims filed for minors 17 years old or younger have increased steadily in recent years. The number of youth asylum seekers jumped from 2,011 in 2015 to 3,400 in 2016.

Karen Francis, executive director of Matthew House  a centre in Toronto that receives refugee claimants of all ages  has seen an influx in separated and unaccompanied youth, including more than usual from the U.S.
Photo: The Canadian Press

Shares in Canada Goose, whose winter jackets have been made famous by the likes of celebrities Daniel Craig and Kate Upton, soared today in its debut on stock markets in Toronto and New York.

The Toronto-based company, ubiquitous for its $900 parkas with fur-lined hoods, debuted with an initial public offering of 20 million shares priced at $17 per share under the symbol GOOS.

Shortly after markets opened, Canada Goose shares launched at $23.86 on the Toronto Stock Exchange, later slipping to $22.19 as of 11 a.m. ET.

In New York, shares opened at US$18, and were trading at US$16.75 about 90 minutes after the opening bell.

The outerwear manufacturer says of the 20 million subordinate voting shares offered, 12.85 million shares will come from existing shareholders.

The existing shareholders will hold 79 to 81 per cent of the company after the sale, depending on whether underwriters exercise an over-allotment option.

Founded 60 years ago in Toronto, Canada Goose has built a reputation for making among the warmest coats people can buy and have been favoured by both trekkers in Antarctica and fashionistas.

The company operates two retail stores in Toronto and New York and its products can be found in 36 countries worldwide. Investment firm Bain Capital owns 70 per cent of Canada Goose, which it acquired in December 2013.

Canada Goose said it had revenue of $290.8 million and net income of $26.5 million in fiscal 2016, according to securities filings.
Photo: The Canadian Press

Wolves are taking over the beach at Tofino on Vancouver Island's wild west coast.

Conservationists say a pack of wolves has shown troubling behaviour, prompting a warning to visitors.

Pacific Rim National Park conservation manager Renee Wissink says an encounter last week shows some wolves are becoming more brazen.

A couple of wolves approached some visitors, and again, its not unusual to have wolves on our beaches, thats very common. But in this incident, they didnt have a lot of fear of people, so thats always a bit concerning to us, Wissink told CTV.

Wolves have also been spotted in backyards in Tofino and Ucluelet.

Normal behaviour for a wolf is when he sees you, he should be as frightened as you are of him and he should be going the other way, Wissink said. So if thats not the behaviour, then we ask people to try to scare them away, try to make noise.

Warning signs have been posted in the park.

 with files from CTV Vancouver Island
Photo: The Canadian Press

Environmental groups are giving Canadas seafood labelling requirements an F grade due to their lack of details compared to American and European packaging standards.

The report card released today says Canada has the lowest standards among the three jurisdictions.

Colleen Turlo, a spokeswoman from the Halifax-based Ecology Action Centre, says basics like the species' scientific name, and where and how it was caught should be on the labels.

The group argues that "inadequate seafood labelling means consumers don't have adequate health and environmental information about the product."

The coalition says some seafood sellers and retailers are voluntarily labelling seafood more comprehensively, but the lack of uniform regulatory requirements means that only some consumers have the information they need to make informed decisions.

The coalition of environment groups, referred to as SeaChoice, and the Canadian Centre for Biodiversity Genomics says it is recruiting citizen science volunteers to conduct seafood genetic testing across Canada to check for fraud and mislabelling.
Photo: The Canadian Press

McDonald's says it has been notified by Twitter that its account was "compromised" after it appeared to send a message calling Donald Trump "a disgusting excuse of a President."

The tweet to Trump from the official account for McDonald's Corp., a message that has since been deleted but was captured in a screenshot, said it would love to have President Obama back. "Also you have tiny hands," the tweet told Trump.

A reporter for The New York Times took and posted a screenshot showing the tweet was also temporarily pinned to the top of the McDonald's account so that it would be the top message people see if they visited the company's Twitter profile.

McDonald's representatives did not immediately provide further details.
Photo: The Canadian Press

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tells an American network interview he still believes President Donald Trump's promise on NAFTA  that adjustments in the Canada-U.S. trading relationship will be minor.

The prime minister made the remarks in an interview with NBC's Tom Brokaw.

The interview comes after signals from some key actors in the U.S. that they want important changes in the deal; they include members of an influential Senate committee who want to open up Canada's controls on dairy and poultry imports.

But the prime minister tells Brokaw he takes the president at his word.

When they met at the White House, Trump spoke of making only minor tweaks to the trade relationship with Canada and more significant changes with Mexico.

The interview occurred after Trudeau attended a Broadway musical about Canadians helping stranded American travellers on 9/11.
Photo: BC Hydro

BC Hydro plans on replacing 229 aging power poles in Vernon this year and that can mean scheduled outages in the coming months.

Crews will notify customers in person, by mail or phone about the scheduled outages for maintenance, said the company.

The work is part of BC Hydros maintenance program that will see the replacement of more than 10,000 wooden distribution poles over the next few months across the province.



Comparing power poles to people, the company says that after about 40-50 years of work, they are ready to retire. Adverse weather, insects and wildlife all contribute to the deterioration of the poles over time.



BC Hydro's vast electrical system includes 900,000 wooden poles across the province that hold more than 58,000 kilometres of overhead distribution lines and 278,000 overhead transformers.
Photo: Facebook

A fire at a Syncrude oilsands facility in northern Alberta has been extinguished, two days after it broke out.

The company says it is still investigating the cause of the fire, which started in an oil supply line at the Mildred Lake upgrader.

Crews allowed the fire to continue to burn in order to safely dispose of chemicals left in the line.

Officials including those with Alberta Occupational Health and Safety remain on site to investigate.

Syncrude says an employee who was injured in the fire remains in stable condition in an Edmonton hospital.

It says several upgrader units remain shut down or are working at reduced rates and operations have been scaled back.
Photo: Contributed

One-third of British Columbians have no problem not tipping at restaurants when they believe they've received poor service.

A new poll from Insights West finds they are happy to reward servers for good service, however.

The online survey found 32 per cent consider it acceptable to not leave a tip if the service is below average and the server was clearly not busy. But older patrons were more stingy, with 41 per cent saying they wouldn't tip.

But, if the worker is busy or the restaurant understaffed, patrons are more forgiving. Only seven per cent wouldn't leave a tip under those circumstances.

For average service, 53 per cent said they'll tip up to 14 per cent. For good service at a busy restaurant, 51 per cent would leave a 19 per cent tip.

Exceptional service in a busy restaurant would earn a 20-25 per cent tip from 39 per cent of respondents.

For food delivery, 51 per cent say they tip, while seven per cent do not.

For pick up, 70 per cent of people do not tip.

Forty-four per cent said they never tip at coffee shops.

Only 15 per cent of respondents believe servers deserve a tip in all circumstances, but 69 per cent concede that if servers' salaries were better, there would be no need to tip.

Seventy-one per cent feel servers can't get by on their salaries alone, but 66 per cent say they simply expect a tip, but dont work hard to earn it.
Photo: CTV

Family members say a woman found shot in the back of the head in central Winnipeg this week is the cousin of Tina Fontaine, the teenage girl whose death fuelled calls for a national inquiry into missing and murdered indigenous women.

Rhonda Flett, the aunt of Jeanenne Fontaine, said her 29-year-old niece was discovered Tuesday after a fire at the younger woman's home.

Flett said Fontaine was taken off life-support Wednesday morning. She died the same day. Police confirm she was shot before the fire was deliberately set but autopsy results are pending.

Const. Jason Michalyshen, a police spokesman, said investigators are doing their best to find a suspect.

"We are on top of this. We are working hard to determine exactly what took place and why this occurred. We want to provide support to the family and friends of Ms. Fontaine. I can't imagine what they're going through," he said.

Flett said her family is having difficulty coping with the shooting. She is urging whoever shot her niece to give themselves up.

"It's us burying babies. No family has to live like this," said Flett. "A cold-hearted murderer ... someone who has no regard for life would do something like that."

The body of Fontaine's 15-year-old cousin, Tina Fontaine, was discovered wrapped in a bag in the Red River in August 2014, eight days after she was reported missing.

Raymond Cormier, a 54-year-old suspect in her death, is charged with second-degree murder.
Photo: The Canadian Press Newfoundland and Labrador Finance Minister Cathy Bennett

Newfoundland and Labrador's Finance Minister Cathy Bennett has set budget day for April 6 in a fiscal climate she says is "very serious."

The oil price crash since mid-2014 has gutted earnings from the offshore oil sector.

The province now faces an estimated deficit of almost $1.6 billion.

Many will be watching to see if Bennett will cut more public-sector jobs and government spending.

Her first budget last spring had sweeping tax and fee hikes  including income-based deficit-reduction levies on anyone earning more than $50,000 a year.

The measures sparked intense anger and protests as the new Liberal government's popularity nosedived.
While reading the recent letter, Upcoming BC Election I was so stunned by the inaccuracy I just felt compelled to put pen to paper (or should I say fingers to key board?)

Firstly, there is the statement that the present administration is paying down debt. Really? During the uninterrupted reign of the Liberal government since 2002, the provincial debt has ballooned from $36 billion to over $65 billion in 2016, with the largest incremental gains occurring over the past five years. Now this hardly looks to me like a debt that is being paid down. However, I did go to government funded public school so maybe my math isnt quite spot on.

Secondly, the author says that BC will be debt free by 2020. Oh, is that so? So over the next two and three quarter years our province is suddenly going to stop accumulating debt, and come up with a cool $65 billion to pay of the existing debt. Really? And where is the government going to find this money? Are they just going to pull it out of a magic hat? Well, let me grab some popcorn and a comfy chair because I do not want to miss that show.

In addition, the article states that the Liberal government is creating jobs. OK, let me dispel an economic myth that only wishful thinkers and slack jawed politicians subscribe to. Government Cannot Create Jobs! The only sector of an economy that can create jobs is the private sector. The government simply steals money from one group of tax payers to build bridges to nowhere. This is not job creation!

Im sorry, but if you were selling ice cubes in the desert I wouldnt be a buyer. This sales pitch to sustain the status quo is ill-founded, inaccurate and how do I put this politely? Simply wrong.

Now dont misunderstand my intent here. It is not that I am anti-Liberal and Pro-something else. People need to wake up to the fact that government is never going to solve our problems; they will only add to them. We need to become more reliant on ourselves and less worshiping of government. Government never brought us cures for diseases or technological advances. What they have been so kind to bestow upon us is debt and war.

Now if a candidate was to run on the platform of smaller (much smaller) government which was less pervasive, more accountable to the people and basically less likely to screw up everything they touched, then I could get behind that. However, because we are only being offered the same handful of incompetent candidates, I think I will choose something more productive to do on Election Day rather than waste my time going to a polling booth. Lets see, I could wash the grass, polish the driveway, teach long division to my cat

Derrick Nicholson
Photo: Contributed

It looks like spring may finally have arrived in the North Okanagan.

Following several early March snowfalls that had highways closed and left local residents wondering if spring would ever get here, the mercury is finally on the rise with temperatures predicted to be as high as 11 degrees on Monday.

The next couple days will see unsettled weather as rain dampens the region, but Sunday through Tuesday the sun is expected to shine.

The low on Sunday is expected to drop to -5C, but after that Environment Canada is predicting warmer weather as the first day of spring, March 20, gets a sunny welcome.
Photo: The Canadian Press

Target is counting on Victoria Beckham to spice up sales.

The pop-star-turned designer and Target teased looks Wednesday from a limited-time collaboration that go on sale next month, highlighting hot-pink pants suits and whimsical black-and-white dresses. The 200 items priced from $6 to $70 also include tops, trousers and rompers for women, as well as some matching children's items. It's the first foray into children's wear for Beckham, the former Spice Girl who launched her namesake fashion brand in 2008.

"I wanted to offer a collection of clothes to women who either couldn't afford designer prices or didn't want to pay designer prices," Beckham told The Associated Press. "Target is about being inclusive and that is something that is very important to me as a brand as well."

Target announced the collaboration in October, and the items will be available April 9.

Beckham, noting that the collection also includes items like coloring books, says the inspiration was the things she and her daughter Harper do together.

"It's really about me and her and our relationship and our shared experience," Beckham said.

Target pioneered these designer partnerships in the 1990s but has seen the formula copied since then by competitors like likes of H&M and Gap. These limited-time collaborations can ignite interest in brand, but come with risks as well. Demand for the 2011 collection with Italian designer Missoni drew frenzied crowds and overwhelmed the website, angering shoppers. Or the collections might not be a huge hit with shoppers, as was the case with the Marimekko Collection last year.
The Lee University saxophone choir concert, which was postponed on March 1, will now take place on Wednesday, March 22, at 7:30 p.m. in Pangle Hall.

The performance will feature students taught by Lee faculty Dr. Brenda Moye and Alan Wyatt, along with students instructed by Clint Schmitt of UTC. Mr. Wyatt will conduct the majority of the program with Mr. Schmitt guest conducting. Also performing with the students will be Dr. Moye on sopranino saxophone and Mr. Schmitt on soprano saxophone.

The six-voice choir (six different saxophones) will showcase students and professors playing bass, baritone, tenor, alto, soprano, and sopranino saxophones. In addition, the choir will be accompanied by rhythm section instruments on the last selection of the program with Lee faculty member Shawn Perkinson.

Music by Astor Piazolla, Scott Joplin, Bennie Moten, and Camille Saint-Saens, will be performed, among others.

Dr. Moye, an adjunct instructor of saxophone at Lee, holds a doctorate and masters degree from the University of Arizona and two bachelors degrees from the University of Miami. In addition to teaching, she also composes arrangements for the saxophone.

Mr. Schmitt serves on the faculties of UTC and Southern Adventist University where he teaches applied saxophone, Jazz Survey and woodwind methods classes. He holds degrees from the New England Conservatory of Music and Jacksonville State University. He performs regularly in the Chattanooga and surrounding areas and has presented numerous recitals at universities across the Southeast.

Mr. Wyatt, an assistant professor of music at Lee, received a master's and bachelor's from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. Among his many duties, Mr. Wyatt serves as the area coordinator of music business for the Musicianship Studies Department of the School of Music, and directs the Lee University Jazz Ensemble.

This event is free, non-ticketed, and open to the public. For more information about the concert, contact the School of Music at music@leeuniversity.edu or call 614-8240.
Photo: Contributed

A Kelowna winery is being recognized for the best Chardonnay in the world.

Summerhill Pyramid Winery took top spot at the Chardonnay du Monde competition in Burgundy, France.

The winery earned a gold medal for its 2014 Chardonnay icewine, described as "a vibrant dessert wine with notes of honey, apricot and poached pears."

"We show up really well in international competition because the Okanagan Valley grows some of the best wines in the world," said Summerhill winemaker and viticulturist Eric von Krosigk.

Proprietor Stephen Cipes said: "This is a win for the Okanagan, and this is a win for organic growing!"

At the same competition, the winery's Cipes Blanc de Blanc 2010 also captured a silver medal, the only Canadian winery to take home two awards.



The Chardonnay du Monde competition was held March 8-10 at Chateau des Ravatys, wine estate of the Pasteur Institute at Saint Lager in the Burgundy wine region. A total of 706 wines from 38 countries were tasted and judged.

Summerhill is Canada's largest certified organic winery.
Photo: The Canadian Press

Volcanic rocks and steam injured at least 10 people, including tourists and a scientist, following an explosion on Sicily's Mount Etna on Thursday, witnesses and media reported.

The tourists, who were drawn to Etna to observe the spectacle of the active volcano erupting, were caught by surprise when flowing magma hit thick snow, causing an explosion that rained rock and other material down upon them.

Authorities say about 35 tourists were on the volcano when the explosion occurred around midday, and that the guides who accompanied them helped bring them to safety.

The president of the Italian Alpine Club chapter in Catania, Umberto Marino, was travelling up the volcano in a snowcat when injured people started running in his direction.

"The material thrown into the air fell back down, striking the heads and bodies of people who were closest," Marino was quoted by the Catania Today website as saying.

According to Italian news agency ANSA, four people including three German tourists were hospitalized, mostly with head injuries. None of the injuries was listed as grave.

Among those present when the explosion occurred was a scientist from Italy's volcanology institute, Boris Behncke, who said on his Facebook page that he had suffered a bruise to his head. He added: "I am generally fine and having a good, well-deserved beer in this moment."

The BBC's global science reporter, Rebecca Morelle, was on assignment on Etna and described the experience in a series of tweets.

"Running down a mountain pelted by rocks, dodging burning boulders and boiling steam - not an experience I ever ever want to repeat," she wrote.
Photo: The Canadian Press

Cardboard cut-outs of Justin Trudeau are popping up in the U.S.

According to emails obtained by the Conservatives through the Access to Information Act, life-sized, cardboard images of the prime minister are being put on display by some Canadian diplomats in the United States to promote Canada.

The emails show a cardboard prime minister was used by the consul general in Atlanta at an event last June.

That prompted staff at the embassy in Washington to make a rush order for a Trudeau cut-out to use in their Canada Day celebrations.

"I think this will be a hoot and extremely popular and go well with our snapchat filter," wrote Anna Gibbs, senior events production manager at the embassy.

While some of her colleagues felt the magnified photo of Trudeau in a black suit, black shirt and silver tie "doesn't seem very prime ministerial," Gibbs gushed: "Looks (oh so) fine to me!"

The cut-out was purchased for $147.79, including $72.80 for next-day delivery, but it's not clear if embassy staff actually put it on display.

However, a photo tweeted earlier this week suggests the cardboard Trudeau put in an appearance at a Canadian music festival in Austin, Texas. The photo shows a man posing with the prime ministerial replica in front of a banner emblazoned with the government of Canada logo.
Vernon alt band //Amistad// needs some help from the public to become one of the top bands in Canada.

The band is a top 25 finalist in the 2017 CBC Music Searchlight competition and the more votes they get, the better their chances are of moving on to the final four.

Last year, they made it to the Top 10 in the competition for the Interior/Northern B.C. region.

This year, they made it a step further. They won the area, said Joe Pinheiro, who has been working with the band for a couple years and co-produced their first EP 'Talk Peace to a Wolf' which was released in May, 2016.

Pinheiro is encouraging people to go online and vote for the band. The artists with the most votes will advance to the final four in the national competition that had some 2,000 entrants.

They have had really good support locally, said Pinheiro, adding the band is using the #localpower.

The band consists of Nolan Bassett (bass/vocals/trumpet), Eli Garlick (guitar/violin/vocals), Carson Bassett (drums/percussion), Craig Matterson (piano/keyboards/vocals) and Aidan Andrews (lead vocals/guitar/keys/ukulele).

Three of them formed a band in Grade 6, said Pinheiro. They are so tight. Their musicianship is beyond their years.

Voting to send //Amistad// to the final four ends at 1 p.m. Friday.

Pinheiro expects the results will be released early next week.
Photo: The Canadian Press

The national debt limit came back into force Thursday at a level near $20 trillion, prompting the Trump administration to alert Congress about the measures it will take to stay under the new limit.

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in a letter to lawmakers that that he has started employing various bookkeeping measures to avoid breaching the new limit, a process that will provide possibly five months or more for Congress to raise the limit.

The borrowing limit had been suspended since November 2015, allowing the government to borrow as much as needed to meet obligations. However, the 2015 legislation set March 16 as the date that the debt limit would go back into effect at whatever debt level existed on March 15.

The Treasury Department reported that the debt stood at $19.8 trillion at the close of business Wednesday. That figure will become the new borrowing limit, and Mnuchin will be required to take a variety of actions to keep below that limit.

Those manoeuvrs, set out in law, are deemed "extraordinary measures" but in reality they have been employed numerous times by Mnuchin's predecessors to buy time until Congress could pass the legislation needed to raise the borrowing limit.

In his letter to Congress Thursday, Mnuchin said he had suspended sales of state and local government series securities, special bonds that Treasury sells to state and local governments to provide them with a place to make investments that will eventually be used for such projects as infrastructure spending. He also declared a "debt issuance suspension period" lasting until July 28 that will allow him to halt investments in the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund.

Mnuchin said he would also halt investments into other government employee retirement funds. If the debt stalemate drags on, he will also have the power to remove investments already made in the government employee pensions funds, providing further room underneath the current barrowing cap.

As he did in a letter earlier this week, Mnuchin urged lawmakers to move quickly to raise the borrowing cap to remove any concerns among investors that the government might not be able to meet all of its obligations including making interest payments on the national debt.

"I respectfully urge Congress to protect the full faith and credit of the United States by acting to increase the stator debt limit as soon as possible," Mnuchin said in his letter to congressional leaders and other lawmakers.
Photo: The Canadian Press. All rights reserved. Natalie Maines performs with Ben Harper during the SXSW Music Festival, on Wednesday, March 13, 2013 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Jack Plunkett/Invision/AP Images)

Natalie Maines is starting out nervous on stage, almost 10 years to the day that the Dixie Chicks spitfire slammed then-President George W. Bush and forever changed the fate and fortunes of the country superstars.

On this night she barely speaks between songs.

Her hair slicks up in a punkish pompadour. She looks slimmer than when the Dixie Chicks began a hiatus in 2007 that may never end. The crowd at the South by Southwest music festival to hear Maines perform her solo debut "Mother" for only the second time is a healthy size, but it is also far from a packed house.

"We missed you, Natalie!" one fan hollers.

Maines smiles but doesn't banter back.

"I ask myself, 'Why is that? What are you doing, girl?'" Maines told The Associated Press the next morning at a downtown Austin hotel. "I think right now I have so much to remember. This is the most guitar I've ever had to play."

Now 38 and a solo artist for the first time in her career, Maines is candid about the past and guarded about the future. Asked whether the Dixie Chicks will ever record new music again, she curls in her chair with tense energy and declines to predict.

"I think I thought time would heal and that I would come around. But just like the song says, I'm still waiting," said Maines, pulling a lyric from the band's defiant 2006 smash single "Not Ready to Make Nice."
If you have just started your journey in an online casino or are looking for a new site to play,...
TVA will retain possession of the nationally recognized Rockpile Recreational Area and other reservation property in order to provide workspace for more than 600 employees at the site.



Our primary goal in selling the site is to provide the best long-term economic return to our community while preserving local recreational opportunities, said Heather Montgomery, TVA project manager.

TVAs Board declared the property surplus in 2012. In 2015 TVA sold two parcels; one for a flood control levee and another to the TVA Community Credit Union. Ms. Montgomery said TVA efforts to sell the property took a two-year pause in order to finalize plans to relocate employees on the site, make property improvements and allow the cities of Sheffield and Muscle Shoals time to complete implementation of zoning for the property.

TVA will determine the initial asking price after the property is appraised and CBREs market analysis is complete.

The property is shovel-ready, said Mayor David Bradford, Muscle Shoals, Al. With a strong local labor force, access to 177,000 homes within an hours drive time and industrial-grade water access, the property is prime real estate for businesses who want to come to the quad-city area.

According to Ms. Montgomery, the propertys existing infrastructurewhich includes an abundance of road frontage and in-place utilities, along with office, laboratory and warehouse spacecould be used for a variety of purposes that include light/heavy industrial, high-tech manufacturing, retail/commercial or recreation. We will have a better understanding of potential buyers and their property usage as we move through the marketing process."

TVA has a long history supporting our community, said Mayor Ian Sanford of Sheffield, Al. The auction can bring new life to the property by attracting new businesses and jobswhich we need now and into the future.

Interested buyers can obtain qualifications and property information by calling CBRE at (615) 248-3500 , or contacting company via its website: muscleshoalscbre.com.

The property has been in federal ownership for almost 100 years. TVAs Muscle Shoals Reservation was instrumental in saving Tennessee Valley farms with its fertilizer production. The property also helped the World War II war effort with munitions production. Neither fertilizer nor munitions are produced at the site today.
CARTA will host a meeting at East Ridge Community Center on Tombras Ave. to receive public input on potential bus service in East Ridge, TN on March 30 from 6-7:30 p.m. CARTA provided bus service to East Ridge over 30 years ago but due to limited funding, the service was discontinued. The City of East Ridge and CARTA would like to meet with the residents of the East Ridge community regarding their needs for public transportation.

CARTA will offer free transportation service to and from the meeting for East Ridge residents only, if needed. Please call (423) 698-9038 by Friday, March 24 to schedule.

For more information regarding this meeting, please contact Veronica Peebles, Manager of Communications at (423) 629-1411, extension 122.
The state veterinarian for Tennessee is urging all poultry owners to take extra precautions to protect their flocks from illness.

We are working to protect the poultry population from exposure to avian influenza, State Veterinarian Dr. Charles Hatcher said. The best way to protect your birds is to increase your biosecurity measures and particularly, to keep your birds at home for now.



Dr.

We know that wild birds can carry avian influenza and that it is likely naturally circulating in the environment right now, Dr. Hatcher continued. We expect this threat to diminish over time as migratory patterns change with consistently warmer weather.

This advisory is in response to the confirmed detection of H7N9 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) at a commercial poultry premises in Lincoln County, Tenn. on March 4. On March 8, officials confirmed the detection of H79N low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) at a commercial poultry premises in Giles County, Tenn. This virus is not the same as the China H7N9 virus affecting Asia and is genetically distinct.

State and federal officials continue to monitor and test poultry located in the areas immediately surrounding the two affected premises.

Neither LPAI nor HPAI pose a risk to the food supply. No affected animals entered the food chain. Furthermore, the Tennessee Department of Health confirms that the risk of a human becoming ill with avian influenza during poultry illness incidents is very low.

Owners of commercial and backyard poultry flocks are encouraged to closely observe their birds.

 Report a sudden increase in sick birds or bird deaths to the state veterinarians office at 615- 837-5120 and/or USDA at 1-866-536-7593

 Prevent contact with wild birds

 Practice good biosecurity with your poultryhttp://healthybirds.aphis. usda.gov/

 Enroll in the National Poultry Improvement Planwww.poultryimprovement.org

 Follow Tennessees avian influenza updates and access resources for producers and consumershttp://www.tn.gov/agriculture/ article/ag-businesses- avianinfluenza

The state veterinarian and staff are focused on animal health and disease prevention. Each year, the Kord Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory tests approximately 22,000 samples from poultry for avian influenza. Since March 3, the lab has tested more than 1,500 samples.
(TNS)  An area college's new online international relations and security degree will offer participants the chance to specialize in cyber security or global security, but that doesn't mean you'll learn how to hack into foreign governments' computers.Indiana Wesleyan University's (IWU) new degree will focus on giving students the "soft skills" needed to work in an international security environment and to think broadly about a world now interconnected by technology as never before, said Tony Manganello, director of the program in the university's School of Service and Leadership in Marion. IWU also has a satellite campus in Fort Wayne.The first group of students in the program are scheduled to begin classes April 5, but additional students still can be added, said Manganello, who worked for the U.S. Secret Service for 11 years before moving into the college academic world. Classes for the next group of admitted students are expected to begin in August.The program is designed as a bachelor's completion degree -- students who have earned an associate's degree or who have completed two years of college can continue on to earn a bachelor's degree in this specialized area, Manganello said. The program also is mainly for adults who are working in a field, such as law enforcement, and who are returning to college either to specialize in cyber or global security or to improve their opportunities for job advancement.Students must have completed at least 60 hours of transferable college credit hours before enrolling in the international relations and security degree program, he said. To earn the bachelor's degree, they must complete an additional 10 core courses and four specialization courses.IWU estimates it will take students about 20 months to complete the bachelor's degree courses.The university currently is the only one in Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and Illinois offering the program online, Manganello said.As with other IWU degrees, he is excited about the international relations and security degree integrating biblical principles into the courses. It's a perspective he hopes graduates take with them into the workplace.The Bible's book of Matthew, Chapter 10, for example, says Jesus Christ sent his disciples out into the world, but he told them they must be "shrewd but innocent," Manganello said."I take that to mean there are real dangers out there, but we can be wise and not compromise our moral integrity," he said.Students who earn the degree will be prepared for jobs in government, the military and law enforcement, Manganello said. They also will be ready for any job with an international component, such as missionary work, working for a nongovernmental organization (NGO), living abroad or working for a company involved in international business."These students certainly will know how the world works culturally and religiously and how that goes into IR (international relations)," he said.Learn moreFor more about Indiana Wesleyan University's new online bachelor's degree in international relations and security, go to this website 2017 The News-Sentinel (Fort Wayne, Ind.), distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
11/2/2022

Astec Industries, Inc. reported net sales growth in a third quarter report. "We are pleased to have net sales growth through volume, price realization and mix in both the Infrastructure Solutions ... more
The City of East Ridge is updating its Parks & Recreation Plan and is seeking citizen input.

There will be a community input meeting on Saturday, April 1, at 9 a.m. at the East Ridge Community Center located at 1517 Tombras Ave.

Officials said, "Staff will conduct a variety of interactive exercises and hear from you as to how the City can improve its recreational facilities and programming to better suit the needs of the community. All interested parties are encouraged to attend."

For questions, please contact Amanda Miller, Community Involvement Coordinator, at 423-490-7088 or community@eastridgetn.gov.
The other day a fierce windstorm blew through our area, leaving many of us without power. Thankfully, useless light switches and inoperable refrigerators were the only damage we had to endure. For some homeowners, the outage lasted only minutes. Our electricity was off for seven hours.After the weather front passed, Id occasionally look out to houses nearby to confirm no one else had their juice restored. Without lights, TV, even use of the microwave, it provided a bit of comfort knowing we werent alone in our brief misery.Its not fun being the only one in the dark.We experienced this in an unforgettable way nearly 25 years ago. It was after the blizzard of 93, an unusual winter storm in March that dumped upwards of two feet of snow throughout our region overnight. Howling winds and blinding snow downed utility poles and snapped power lines, leaving many people without electricity for days.In our case, it was about 56 hours. Frigid temperatures penetrated our home. There was no cooking or taking showers (we had an electric water heater), and no TV for monitoring efforts to restore power.Everyone in next subdivision, however, had lights, heat, running appliances, and showers as hot as desired. No fair! I thought. How could they, within walking distance, have lights and warmth when we didnt?Situations like these are among lifes little tragedies that seemingly take forever to resolve. Then, in a blink of an eye, theyre resolved and we can advance with our lives. Sadly, other circumstances are not temporary and not so easy to make light of  in the most literal sense. Its the darkness that enshrouds the hearts and souls of men, women and children in our so-called enlightened age.Many people seem desperately searching, but either uncertain about what they seek or unable to see whats readily available. We see the symptoms: Anger, unrest, pain, bitterness, despair. These are byproducts of underlying issues  a lack of peace, hope, kindness, respect, love, or meaning. Without these, they grope in darkness far more profound than a temporary electrical outage.Jesus often applied the term light to Himself. I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life (John 8:12). In the Old Testament, a prophet wrote of the coming Messiah, The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned (Isaiah 9:2).Sadly, even though Jesus freely offers His light to dispel the darkness outside and within, people refuse it. The Bible tells us theyve grown comfortable in the darkness.John 3:16 is familiar to most of us: For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. But a few verses later, Jesus talked about those who have consciously rejected this most precious of gifts:This is the verdict. Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light (John 3:19-21).As I reflect upon our latest episode of briefly living in the dark, I wonder why anyone would choose darkness over the light. After being in the dark for some time, suddenly encountering light takes getting used to, but soon it becomes easy to embrace the light and shun the darkness.Jesus commanded His followers to shine His light into the darkness, helping others to discover their own need  and desire  to live in the light. You are the light of the world  like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden (Matthew 5:14). The question is, when people see us  Christs disciples  do they see His light, empowered by His Spirit? Or do they see a weak, flickering beam, barely providing illumination at all because were trying to generate it in our own strength?May we, through the power of God, be as those described in Proverbs 4:18  The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day. The Lord invites us to be a part of His response to the gathering darkness.
Senior Katie Brandao has been named a Morehead-Cain Scholar at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Katie is one of a select number of high school seniors to receive the prestigious and competitive scholarship. One of the largest scholarship programs in the U.S., the Morehead-Cain was the first merit scholarship to be awarded from the nations first public university. GPS was named a nominating school by the Morehead-Cain program in 2001-02.





The four-year scholarship pays all expenses for the undergraduate years, including the cost of a laptop and four summer enrichment experiences.



The Summer Enrichment programs provides the scholars with global hands-on leadership and problem-solving experiences in four areas: outdoor leadership, public service, private enterprise and international research. The programs new Discovery Fund offers resources for similar experiences during the academic year.





Katie was chosen at last summers Volunteer Girls State as one of two of Tennessees Senators to attend Girls Nation. At GPS, she is a National Merit Commended Student and co-editor-in-chief of the yearbook and holds membership in the National Honor Society, the rowing team, and the Key Club. She has been active in the YMCAs Youth Trust as a family and retreat leader and serves on the Mayors Youth Council. Katie is a volunteer with the Step Ahead Foundation as a community educator and is an acolyte, lay reader, and member of the handbell choir at St. Pauls Episcopal Church.
NOTICE: The Hamilton County Registers Office did not publish this data. All information in the Registers Office is public information as set out in T.C.A. 10-7-503. For questions regarding this report, please call Chattanoogan.com at 423 266-2325. GI numbers, listed when street addresses are not available, refer to the location of transactions (book number and page number) in Hamilton County Register Office records.
The residents at Morning Pointe of Collegedale at Greenbriar Cove delivered the gift of warmth, carrying neatly folded stacks of blankets to the Choices Pregnancy Center.

The blankets will go to expecting parents who are preparing to swaddle their future bundles of joy.

Polly Justice, resident at the assisted living community, enjoyed the community service activity, as the blanket deliveries brought her to her the comforting memories of motherhood.

"Our seniors had a wonderful time giving back to families during such an exciting time in their lives," said Yahaira Cope, life enrichment director at Morning Pointe.

But these acts of kindness are nothing new for the residents at the assisted living community, who inspired a yearlong community service campaign called "Make Your Mark." Residents, associates, volunteers and family members, along with partners and nonprofits, come together to help parent company Morning Pointe Senior Living reach its goal of 20,000 hours of volunteerism in 2017.
Linda Moss Mines, Chattanooga-Hamilton County Historian and Chief John Ross, NSDAR; Jeanie Allen, PR/Social Media Consultant, Desmond Doss Council; Vice-Commander Owen M. Cook, Desmond Doss American Legion Post; Commander Dennis Smith, Desmond Doss American Legion Post; Les Speer, Doss's former pastor and Desmond Doss Council Secretary and Charles Googe, Executive Director, Coolidge Medal of Honor Heritage Center. Previous Next

The Chattanooga community will come together at noon on Thursday, March 23, at the Chattanooga National Cemetery to commemorate the life and legacy of Medal of Honor recipient Desmond Doss. The event is jointly sponsored by the Charles H. Coolidge Medal of Honor Heritage Center, the Desmond Doss Council, the Chief John Ross Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, the Desmond Doss American Legion Post and Chattanooga and Hamilton County governments. The public is invited to attend the commemorative service where friends and his former pastor will recall Dosss strong commitment to his faith and his service to his country. A wreath ceremony will also occur.

Mr. Doss, whose courage, conviction and heroic efforts were portrayed in Hacksaw Ridge, wanted to serve his country during World War II but, as a devout Seventh Day Adventist, he chose not to bear arms and instead joined the Armys Medical Corps. During basic training, other recruits considered him strange because of his deep religious convictions and threatened, harassed and physically attacked him with a goal of getting him to transfer from the unit or leave the U. S. Army. Doss successfully fought all efforts to discharge him.

Private Doss served as a medic with the 77th Division I campaigns on Guam and Leyte in 1944 where his bravery under fire, as an unarmed medic, earned him the respect of his comrades. But it was at Okinawa where Dosss conviction that he was doing Gods work changed the course of the battle.

On April 29, his battalion assaulted a jagged 400-foot escarpment, commanded by Japanese forces. Each day, Doss treated soldiers who had been cut down and dragged them to safety while the bullets swirled around him. On May 5, a Saturday and Dosss Sabbath, he was the only medic available as the battle raged. Telling himself that Christ had healed seven days a week, he advanced with the rest of the men. Most of the soldiers were eventually forced back to the face of the cliffs, leaving dozens of wounded on the field.

Mr. Doss alone stayed with the fallen soldiers, tended the wounded and dragged each man to the escarpment where he lowered them to safety. His prayer was Dear God, let me get just one more man. By the next day, he had rescued more than one hundred men and earned a well-deserved place in history. Mr. Doss, however, would quietly acknowledge the complimentary words and instead remind all that his actions should point others to understand the power and love of God.

For his selfless actions, President Harry Truman presented the Medal of Honor to Private Doss on October 12, 1945.

Here is the agenda for the commemoration:

Welcome - Linda Moss Mines, Historian, Chattanooga and Hamilton County

Invocation - Lt. Col. Ray Adkins, U. S. Army [Ret], Chattanooga Area Veterans Council

Presentation of Colors - JROTC Honor Guard, Red Bank High School

Pledge of Allegiance - Charles Googe, Executive Director, Charles H. Coolidge Medal of Honor Heritage Center, Teresa Webb RImer, Cherokee District Director, Chief John Ross Chapter, TSDAR

Comments - General Carl Levi, US Army National Guard [Ret.], Chattanooga Area Veterans Council, Major General Bill Raines, US Army [Ret.], Charles H. Coolidge Medal of Honor Heritage Center

Placement of Wreath - Owen M. Cook, Post Vice-Commander, American Legion Desmond T. Doss Chapter, Jessica M. Dumitru, Regent, Chief John Ross Chapter, Tennessee Society Daughters of the American Revolution

Benediction - Les Speer, Mr. Dosss Former Pastor, Secretary, Desmond Doss Council
11/1/2022

Jackson Crabtree, CPA, has been named chief financial officer of Parkridge East Hospital. In this role, he will oversee all financial aspects of Parkridge East. He brings nearly 10 years of accounting ... more
Senator David Perdue (R-GA), along with Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Mike Rounds (R-SD), last week introduced the bipartisan DOD Cyber Scholarship Program Act of 2017 to reinvigorate an existing Department of Defense (DOD) scholarship program for students pursuing degrees in cybersecurity fields and commit to working in a cybersecurity position at DOD upon graduation.



In the face of ever-evolving attacks from our adversaries, we must strengthen our cyber defense capabilities and support cybersecurity education efforts, said Sen. Perdue, a member of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Cybersecurity. Georgia is on the front lines of training the next generation of cybersecurity experts and I will continue working to expand on cybersecurity innovation.



Georgia universities applauded Sen. Perdues action:



This scholarship presents opportunities for all involved, helping to meet the Department of Defense's demand for cyber professionals while assisting students with the rising cost of education, said Dr. Linda M. Bleicken, President of Armstrong State University.



There is a global urgency to develop a cybersecurity workforce, with expected sector growth estimated at 20 percent during the next decade. We are grateful for Senator Perdues support of a scholarship program that will empower students to consider this career path with less worry of educational debt and help universities to provide more high-impact cybersecurity leaders to the DOD workforce, said Dr. Brooks A. Keel, President of Augusta University.



We are delighted to hear about any efforts that will make it easier for students to become proficient in cybersecurity, a popular academic program that simply cannot keep up with the workforce demands, said Dr. Chris Markwood, President of Columbus State University.

A $1.5 million shortfall in cybersecurity trained workers is being projected by 2020 and recent data shows that more than 200,000 cybersecurity jobs in the U.S. are unfilled. Incenting and supporting students through scholarships is a great way to support these efforts, said Dr. Traci Carte, Interim Executive Director of the Institute for Cybersecurity Workforce Development at Kennesaw State University.



Middle Georgia State University is carefully following the progress of the DOD Cyber Scholarship Program Act. We stand ready to educate current and future generations of college students to take on roles defending our nation against digital threats, both foreign and domestic, said Dr. Alex Koohang, Dean of the School of Information Technology at Middle Georgia State University.



An associate, bachelors, or advanced degree in cyber can change not just a student's future, it can open up opportunity for entire families and communities. And, scholarship-for-service programs are a key factor in filling the workforce gap in government and public sector cyber job openings, said Dr. Bryson R. Payne, Director of the Center for Cyber Operations Education at the University of North Georgia.



The DOD Cyber Scholarship Program Act of 2017 would expand scholarships to students pursuing associates degrees at several community colleges and 2-year program students who attend institutions designated by the NSA and DHS as Centers of Academic Excellence (CAEs), which include the following Georgia universities: Armstrong State University, Augusta University, Columbus State University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Kennesaw State University, Middle Georgia State University, and University of North Georgia.



Click here to view the universities full quotes.
Hamilton Place will host the seventh annual student art competition awards reception this Friday at 10:30 a.m. Light refreshments will be provided by Barnes and Noble Cafe and the public is invited to attend. The reception and awards ceremony will take place on the main stage, on the lower level of the mall by Belk Womens and Childrens Store.To celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Hamilton Place, this years theme is Hamilton Place  Spinnin Thru the 80s. Hamilton County Students in grades K12 were asked to design an album cover to combine their favorite 80s music, with a shopping tie in.Students were divided into three categories by grade, with first place winners receiving a $50 Barnes and Noble Gift Card; second place winners receiving a $35 Barnes and Noble Gift Card; and third place winners receiving a $20 Barnes and Noble Gift Card. In addition honorable mentions were awarded this year.We were so impressed with the artwork that we received for this years competition, said David Meadows, general manager for Hamilton Place. There is unbelievable talent and imagination in these young artists. We are proud to help showcase their work. All winning pieces will be on display in the malls soft seating areas through September 2017.Grades K-fiveChattanooga School for Arts and Sciences1st Place-Cameryn Akins2nd Place-Skyler Huskey3rd Place-Kennadi BarnettHonorable Mention-Elliot HillGrades six-eight1st Place Breanna Scoggins- Easy Lake Academy of Fine ArtsGrades nine-121st Place- Kristian Bowman- Sequoyah High School2nd Place- Darian Bradley Jr.- The Howard School3rd Place- Roshel Abubo- Sale CreekHonorable Mention Whitney Baugh- Sequoyah High SchoolHonorable Mention-Hannah Diamond- East Hamilton High School
Chris Wright Jack Rainer Frank Williamson Previous Next

Oaklyn Consulting, a business financial strategy firm, announced on Thursday that Jack Rainer and Chris Wright have joined the firm.

In their roles at Oaklyn Consulting, Mr. Rainer and Mr. Wright will help business owners use financial analysis to navigate strategic issues and challenges. Those challenges might include responding to an offer to buy the company, determining why and how to pursue growth funding or how to transition management within the business.

They will also help the firm serve other professionals, such as lawyers, financial planners, bankers, non-bank lenders, accountants and tax credit specialists, whose clients require additional business strategy, corporate finance or financing expertise.

I am pleased that Chris and Jack are joining Oaklyn Consulting, said Frank Williamson, founder of the firm. Chriss experience in executive recruiting, private equity and as a business owner have provided him a keen sense of what good looks like when companies are approaching investors. And Jacks experience as an equity sales trader provided him with very good sales and client services habits, which will help us be more responsive to business owners and professionals needing our help.

Mr. Wright, most recently, was the founder of Foci Cognitive Training, a healthcare services company. He previously worked in business development for New Capital Partners, a private equity firm with offices in Birmingham and Dallas, as well as RLR Partners, an executive search firm serving Fortune 500 companies. Mr. Wright received his bachelors degree from Yale University and a masters in business administration from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

Mr. Rainer, most recently, was a recruiter with Career Personnel Service Inc. and previously worked as an institutional equity trader at Morgan Keegan & Co. in Memphis. He received a bachelors degree from Auburn University and a masters in business administration from Vanderbilt Universitys Owen Graduate School of Management.


The Chattanooga State Theatre and Music Department will present That Other Woman's Child, a Bluegrass Musical, opening Thursday, March 30.



Review for That Other Woman's Child:

Written by Chattanooga's Sherry Landrum and George S. Clinton, That Other Womans Child tells the story of Dawn Hanover, an LA professional woman, who returns to her Kentucky roots to claim her birthright as the daughter of the runaway husband and that other woman. When the folks at Hanover farm hear their long-lost, big-city, half-sister  that other womans child  is coming to Kentucky to claim her share of the farm, an uproar is heard throughout the county. Theyve dreaded this moment for 20 years, and they aint gonna let no city woman take whats theirs. Little do they know that shes actually coming to connect with the family she never knew. That Other Womans Child is a joyful, bluegrass-laced look at the trials and tribulations of the ties that bind.

The show will be presented by Chattanooga State's Theatre and Music Departments and the Chattanooga State Repertory Theatre. Allan Ledford is the musical director, Lindsay Fussell is the choreographer and Bridgett Bryant serves as stage manager.

The cast for the Hanovers, the Knobs and the townsfolk includes Christi Barr, Jennifer Arbogast, John Thomas Cecil, Shania Davis, Miranda Dyer, Tim Forsythe, Ike Hannah, Bob Hobgood, Jessie Knowles, Richard Nichols, Taylor Williams, Jonathan Wilson, Rachel Burdyshaw, Shandra Burnett, Titus Davis, Stan Furlow, Gracie Gilbert, Amy Henricks, Holli Hutson, Nicole Montgomery, Justice Payne, Cindy Procious, Lauren Rayhab, Christopher Wilson, and Maggie Williams.

The Great Kentucky Knob Band is Jason Hill, Rex Knowles, Allan Ledford, Roman Penney, Laura Sage, and Nathan Shew.

Performances are Thursday, Friday, Saturday, March 30, 31, April 1, at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, April 2, at 2:30 p.m.; Thursday and Saturday, April 6 and 8, at 7:30 p.m. (no show Friday, April 7), and Sunday April 9, at 2:30 p.m. It will be in Humanities Theatre, Chattanooga State, 4501 Amnicola Hwy.

Advanced sales are available at https://secure.touchnet.net/C20043_ustores/web/store_main.jsp?STOREID=9&SINGLESTORE=true or www.chattanoogastate.edu. Then click on the "myChattState" drop down menu on the top right of the screen. Choose "Market Place" from the drop down menu. Then choose "Theater Productions".


Wednesday is the last day to register for the Small Business Awards Luncheon, to be held on March 29, in conjunction with EXPO Chattanooga to form one of the areas largest business events.

Companies belonging to the Chattanooga Chamber employ more than 80,000 people. More than 90 percent of the Chambers more than 2,000 members are small businesses, representing the bulk of the local business community.



The Small Business Awards Luncheon, held 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Chattanooga Convention Center, celebrates these businesses.



Finalists for the 2017 Small Business Awards in four categories are:



1-20 Employees:



6 STRONG MEDIA

Flywheel Brands, Inc.

Skye Strategies

21-50 Employees:



Creswell Richardson

Flying Squirrel

JHM Certified Public Accountants

51-200 Employees:



Kelly Auto Group

MediTract

Tranco Logistics

Non-profit:



CADAS

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga

Siskin Children's Institute

A recipient will be named in each category during the luncheon you wont want to miss. Purchase tickets here.



EXPO Chattanooga, also produced by the Chattanooga Chamber, is the areas largest showcase of local products and services, and draws hundreds of key business decision makers and more than 2,000 attendees each year. Free and open to the public, EXPO Chattanooga helps you make new business connections and maintain the ones you already have. More about EXPO can be found here.


After almost two and a half decades of guiding and shepherding the Teen Challenge team and ministry, Roger Helle, now president emeritus, is passing the torch of leadership to Dr. David McNabb.

Mr. Helle is encouraged and excited about Dr. Mcnabb's vision and direction for Teen Challenge Of The Mid-South.
If you have logged onto Cleveland State Community Colleges website recently, you may have noticed some big changes. CSCC has launched a new website. It has been five years since the college has revitalized its website.



The new website was inspired by the colleges participation in the Pathways Project led by the American Association of Community Colleges. CSCC is one of 30 colleges in the United States and the only one in Tennessee chosen for this project funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The Pathways Project will allow CSCC to provide guided pathways for students that promote success and completion.



Because of our restructuring of the academic programs for the Pathways Project, we were basically changing everything that had to do with academics on the website," stated Tony Bartolo, director of Communications. We decided if we were going to change almost half of the website, why not just go ahead and change the whole site?



Cleveland State has launched an institutional reform during this celebratory 50th year, stated Denise King, vice president for Academic Affairs. We have excelled in the mission we undertook with our founding in 1967  to expand access to higher education through a variety of classes, programs and services from which students could choose as they explore potential educational paths. However, todays students have different needs. They want to enter and complete programs that confer economically valuable certificates and degrees as quickly and efficiently as possible; they dont have time for lengthy exploration. Also, our local employers need highly skilled workers as soon as they can get them. Therefore, Cleveland State is remaking itself in a guided pathways model.



According to Ms. King, the guided pathways model is built upon three important ideas. First, Cleveland State has paid attention to the entire student experience, both programs of study and their intake process. Second, they are not just tinkering with discrete aspects of the student experience, but have built a framework that unifies everything they do around the central goal of helping students choose, enter, and complete a program of study aligned with students goals for employment and further education. Third, theyve begun with student end goals for careers and further education in mind and backward mapped programs and supports to ensure that students are prepared to thrive in employment and education at the next level.



Mr. Bartolo stated, This is a new, modern website in terms of look and feel. It has a more modern design, and the information is structured differently. We feel its more organized, and its a responsive website in that the information reorients itself based on whatever device you are using. Its just going to be a better experience for the end user and for our students because things are so much easier to find now.



According to Mr. Bartolo, there was an internal website committee that assisted in the revitalization that consisted of himself, John Dezember, web developer, Robert Brandon, dean of Humanities and Social Sciences, Ashley Raburn, director of Dynamic Instruction and Jeff Reep, senior graphic designer. In addition, the committee sought help from Hannon Hill, an outside company that integrated CSCCs design into their content management system.



Mr. Dezember stated, Hannon Hill was a great company to work with. They understood what we needed for the academic area, and they executed it well. They delivered on time under a very tight schedule.



John (Dezember) was a major player and he did a great job, stated Mr. Bartolo. I think the committee worked really well together. It was a lot of hard work, but we have been very pleased with the outcome and the feedback has been great.



Ms. King stated, As the college launches a new website that is remade in the pathways model, and continues to put into place reforms in orientation, advising and success efforts, students entering in 2017 have more evidence than ever before to identify Cleveland State as the college that puts them first.

To check out the new website, visit www.clevelandstatecc.edu.
The House Subcommittee on Insurance and Banking this week voted 6 to 4 in favor of the Cancer Treatment Fairness Act, HB1059/SB0922.

Subcommittee members supporting the bill included Subcommittee Chairman Kelly Keisling (R-Byrdstown), Reps. Timothy Hill (R-Blountville), Judd Matheny (R-Tullahoma), Dennis Powers (R-Jacksboro), Tim Rudd (R-Murfreesboro), and Joe Towns (D-Memphis).



The legislation aims to reduce barriers to access for cancer patients and would mean that the patient cost share would be more aligned regardless of whether chemotherapy treatment is administered intravenously or orally. The bill is not a mandate and does not create a new insurance benefit.



Officials said, "In Tennessee, outdated insurance policies are making it difficult and sometimes impossible for cancer patients to receive the treatment their doctors determine to be the best option."



Tennessee is only one of eight states that does not equalize the patient cost for receiving anti-cancer medication like chemotherapy, regardless of whether it is delivered orally or intravenously. This prevents cancer patients from taking full advantage of todays innovative medical advancements.

Sen. Bill Ketron (R-Murfreesboro) and Rep. William Lamberth (R-Cottontown) are sponsors of the bill.



We are very grateful to Sen. Ketron and Rep. Lamberth for their tireless support and commitment to this issue and the thousands of cancer patients, their care givers and loved ones across the state, Jeff Parsley, executive director of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) Tennessee Chapter, said.



Oral anti-cancer medications, which are often available in a pill form, can have fewer side effects than traditional therapies. More than 25 percent of new anti-cancer treatments in the research pipeline are in oral form, making patient-administered therapies an increasingly important component of cancer treatment. For a number of cancers, oral anti-cancer medications are actually already the standard of care with no treatment alternatives.



Traditional treatments, usually given through an IV or injection, are covered under a patients medical benefits resulting in a small co-pay or no cost at all. Oral treatments are usually part of the health plans pharmacy benefit and result in high out-of-pocket costs for patients. This disparity can negatively impact patients taking their medication as prescribed.



The LLS leads a coalition of stakeholders that strongly supports the legislation and are grateful for the efforts of prime sponsors Sen. Ketron and Rep. Lamberth along with co-sponsors Sens. Mae Beavers (R-Mt. Juliet), Ed Jackson (R-Jackson), Steve Dickerson (R-Nashville), Becky Massey (R-Knoxville), Richard Briggs (R-Knoxville), Ken Yager (R-Kingston), Ferrell Haile (R-Gallatin) and Reps. Glen Casada (R-Franklin), Mary Littleton (R-Dickson), Dennis Powers (R-Jacksboro), Sabi Kumar (R-Springfield), Kevin Brooks (R-Cleveland), Bryan Terry (R-Murfreesboro), Gerald McCormick (R-Chattanooga), Mark White (R-Memphis), Sheila Butt (R-Columbia), Andrew Farmer (R-Sevierville), Raumesh Akbari (D-Memphis), Karen Camper (D-Memphis), Roger Kane (R-Knoxville) and Craig Fitzhugh (D-Ripley), Kent Calfee (R-Kingston), Dale Carr (R-Sevierville), Jeremy Faison (R-Cosby), Brenda Gilmore (D-Nashville), Patsy Hazlewood, (R-Signal Mountain), Gary Hicks (R-Rogersville), Matthew Hill (R-Jonesborough), Timothy Hill (R-Blountville), Curtis Johnson (R-Clarksville), Judd Matheny (R-Tullahoma), Mike Stewart (D-Nashville), Dawn White (R-Murfreesboro), Brenda Gilmore (D-Nashville), Art Swann (R-Maryville), Darren Jernigan (D-Old Hickory), Jason Powell (D-Nashville), Bob Ramsey (R-Maryville), and Mark Pody (R-Lebanon).


For inexperienced investors looking to back private companies, a business they already patronize as customers can be an attractive target.

Pearachute, the Chicago-based kids' activity booking platform launched last year by GiveForward founder Desiree Vargas Wrigley , found parents who use the service raising their hands to invest after the company used a portal called Republic to launch an equity crowdfunding campaign.

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Equity crowdfunding allows startups to raise cash from nonprofessional investors who get a stake in the company. It's a step beyond earlier crowdfunding models, popularized by Kickstarter and Indiegogo, that let businesses offer perks and products in exchange for funds.

Investors with an annual income or net worth of at least $100,000 can invest up to 10 percent of the lesser of those, up to $100,000, in a 12-month period, according to Securities and Exchange Commission rules. Those who fall below that mark can invest the greater of $2,000 or 5 percent of their annual income or net worth in a 12-month period.

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With a little more than two weeks left in Pearachute's campaign, 195 investors have put in about $153,000, and the company has raised the limit on how much it will raise to $250,000.

But Vargas Wrigley said funding isn't all she's after in this process.

"The cash is nice for sure, but the real reason for the campaign is we wanted to a way to bring our partners into the outcome of the business," Vargas Wrigley said.

Funding tiers for Pearachute run from $25 to $25,000. As with any investment, there's a risk investors may not get their money back. But if Pearachute goes public, is sold or merges with another company, their stakes would convert to shares whose price is based on the company's valuation in this round, $7 million.

Already, Vargas Wrigley has raised $1.2 million in venture capital to support Pearachute and is in the process of raising a bridge round from professional investors, she said.

Her company, which is live in Chicago, Dallas and Kansas City, lets parents and caregivers book one-off classes and activities for kids, with 350 partner locations across the three cities, she said. Vargas Wrigley said Pearachute benefits those partner businesses by sending customers their way, albeit at a discounted rate.

Vargas Wrigley said she was surprised by how savvy potential investors were in their questions, as well as in the discussions they held in the comments of the campaign page.

Allie Forsberg, a mother of two who lives in Wrigleyville and works in sales at tech company Tapjoy, said she and her husband, who works in finance, decided to invest $25,000 in Pearachute. As parents, they had been Pearachute members for nearly a year and subscribed to its unlimited plan at $129 a month.

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Forsberg said she received an email blast from Pearachute announcing the investment opportunity, and had seen social media ads as well. She found out she shared mutual friends with Vargas Wrigley, so she met the founder for coffee and came away impressed.

Forsberg said she was already interested in investing in private companies and liked that $25,000 would get her a lifetime unlimited subscription for up to four children. But perhaps more importantly, she'll get to join a board of advisers.

"Somebody mentioned to me that it was like (earning an) MBA in real life," Forsberg said. "Having an opportunity to  look at how something goes from a startup to, hopefully, the next level, that to me was really what was exciting and interesting."

Pearachute also has a formal board of directors, led by Chicago entrepreneur and investor Sam Yagan . But through the advisory board, Forsberg hopes to remain involved with the company and provide her professional perspective on digital advertising and the mobile app experience.

Alina Pitman, a Chicago mother who takes her 13-month-old daughter Dylan to three Pearachute classes a month, said she invested $5,000. That was an amount she said she would be OK with not getting back if the investment fails.

Pitman, like other crowdfunding investors who backed Pearachute, did her homework. The first-time investor and director of engagement for a global consulting firm evaluated Pearachute's competition, its financials and Vargas Wrigley herself.

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She said she was already planning to invest in Pearachute, but became more sure of how much to put in after meeting with Vargas Wrigley. The founder's track record was a positive for Pitman, who was impressed by how far Vargas Wrigley took medical crowdfunding site GiveForward before leaving to start Pearachute. But more than that, Pitman liked Vargas Wrigley's plans to expand the company's footprint and offerings.

For example, Pitman said she and her wife were happy to learn Pearachute plans to introduce options for planning birthday parties, an experience they recently went through and found frustrating.

"You want somebody that's going to have the right vision to take it to the next level," she said.

Samantha Edwards, who moved to Chicago, got married and had a baby last year, said she sees an absolute need for Pearachute as a parent who wants to get her 8-month-old son James into as many classes as possible.

Edwards, the co-founder and chief creative officer of a creative and digital agency called The Charles, said she had participated in friends and family investing rounds before, but this was her first experience with equity crowdfunding. She invested $10,000  enough, she said she thought, for a decent return in an exit  but also worth it for the lifetime unlimited subscription, even if she never makes back her investment.

She said Vargas Wrigley's track record wasn't a deciding factor. For Edwards, what was more important was her experience as a Pearachute customer and the quality of the product.

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"I was interested enough in the company," Edwards said. "For me it was less about the founder, and more about future growth plans and the product itself."

aelahi@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @aminamania
Startup 1 Second Everyday won a contest hosted by Homeaway, the Austin-based vacation rental marketplace, to stay in its funky downtown offices during the South by Southwest Interactive conference. (Meg Graham / Blue Sky) (Meg Graham / Blue Sky/Chicago Tribune)

Austin, Texas  For bootstrapping entrepreneurs, $1,000 a night for a hotel room at a conference is often out of the question. So they improvise.

During the South by Southwest conference, downtown hotels cost a small fortune, and even the most picked-over Airbnb rentals reach outrageous rates. But missing out on the tech conference  one of the country's largest, bringing tens of thousands to Austin, Texas every year  is not an option for entrepreneurs who see it as the prime place to meet investors and potential partners.

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So some budget-conscious tech types from all over the world get creative by crashing on air mattresses, in RVs, on hammocks or in their cars.

Cesar Kuriyama, founder of Brooklyn, N.Y.-based startup 1 Second Everyday, and an employee planned to camp in an acquaintance's backyard for the conference this year. In the past, he's stayed on an air mattress through Airbnb for $175 a night.

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Even with those plans, Kuriyama said, the networking can make staying on someone's floor worthwhile.

"I've been coming here for five years, and every time I come it's hard for me to say, 'Man, this will lead to things'  but when I look back now, years later, I can pinpoint so many opportunities that only came because I happened to be standing at the right place at the right time," Kuriyama said. "The joke is that this is 'tech spring break' ... In a way, it's like the one time of the year where it seems like everyone I know in tech is at one place at the same time, and in relatively 'I can hang out' mode.'"

The company ended up winning a contest hosted by Homeaway, the Austin-based vacation rental marketplace, to stay in its funky downtown offices for the weekend. Homeaway's office has a giant "birdhouse," which it outfitted with West Elm furnishings and Casper mattresses. The office opened its doors to two winners  a startup and a band  for the two weekends of the conference.

Of course, not everyone is lucky enough to stay downtown on someone else's dime. When New York-based Alisha Outridge attended the conference several years ago, she crowdsourced places to stay through Facebook. Outridge is CEO and founder of Rolemance, a romantic fiction and roleplay app, but was working at another company at the time.

"I had a startup at the time, and I obviously wanted to save money," she said.

She heard a former co-worker was planning to list his hammock on Airbnb as a joke. She bit, negotiating the price at $100 for five days.

"It was pretty much 24/7 meetings and socializing, and then I'd go over and  sleep in this canopy hut hammock in his backyard," she said. "It definitely was worth it."

Andrew Upah, founder of custom sailing trip company The Crew and director of marketing for Wildfitness, ended up sleeping in his rental car in a parking garage for one night of the conference two years ago, after a long day and night of meetings. At the time, he was working on an international leadership development company called Virtuali, and his hotel was 20 miles away in Round Rock. He's based in The Woodlands outside Houston.

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The day after he slept in his car, he stumbled upon an elevator pitch contest, and ended up winning a $75,000 partnership with Spredfast from MasterCard.

"The value of you being at South By and meeting with the people there  (it) could absolutely transform your business," he said. "At South By, you've gotta be there. I did what I had to do to remain in the area, and to say it paid off would be an understatement."

mgraham@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @megancgraham
Caterpillar is bringing in a former U.S. attorney general to help it sort out matters that sparked a federal raid on its Peoria headquarters earlier this month.

William P. Barr will serve as outside counsel to the large equipment manufacturer, according to a news release. He'll help Caterpillar review and address issues relating to its use of a parts subsidiary based in Switzerland and tax-saving practices.

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Issues with that subsidiary, called Caterpillar SARL, have dogged the company for eight years, sparking a Senate investigation, shareholder lawsuits, and proposed taxes and penalties totaling $2 billion. The years of scrutiny came to a head March 2, when authorities from three agencies, including the Internal Revenue Service, raided Caterpillar's headquarters and two nearby facilities.

CEO Jim Umpleby told employees in a memo sent that day that he was not expecting federal agents at the company's doors. Caterpillar has "been so cooperative with the authorities in this investigation," he wrote in the memo.

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Umpleby said in a news release Thursday that he is committed to maintaining Caterpillar's high ethical standards in conducting business, and Barr's counsel will help the company achieve that.

"I have asked Bill  who has no prior connection with Caterpillar  to draw on his experience and that of his colleagues at Kirkland & Ellis and other advisers, to take a fresh look at Caterpillar's disputes with the government, get all the facts, and then help us bring these matters to proper resolution based on the merits," Umpleby said in the news release.

Barr, who served as attorney general under President George H.W. Bush in the early 1990s, is of counsel at Chicago-based law firm Kirkland & Ellis.

amarotti@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @Ally Marotti
Conagra Brands announced an agreement Thursday to acquire Boulder, Colo.-based Thanasi Foods, maker of Duke's meat snacks and Bigs seeds.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Conagra, headquartered in Chicago, is adding to a snack portfolio that already includes Slim Jim meat sticks and David Seeds. The deal, subject to regulatory approval, is expected to close this summer, according to a Conagra news release.

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"This is another exciting step in our ongoing efforts to reshape our portfolio to be more premium and modern," said Sean Connolly, Conagra CEO, in the release. "These on-trend brands extend our meat snacks and seeds businesses into faster-growing, more premium segments."

Duke's products include Duke's Smoked Shorty Sausages and Duke's Steak & Brisket Strips. Bigs makes a variety of seed flavors partnering with other brands, like the Tapatio Chile Limon flavor. Thanasi Foods will continue to operate out of Boulder, Colo., according to the news release.
Amazon will open a second warehouse in Joliet, similar to this one in DuPont, Wash. It is benefiting from EDGE tax credits from the state. (Ted S. Warren / AP)

Want to know how much Illinois is giving Amazon in tax breaks? Now you can look online.

Agreements for tax credits reached under Illinois' premier jobs program can now be viewed on the website of the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, the state announced Thursday.

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The agreements available to view are those Gov. Bruce Rauner's administration has made under the EDGE program, short for Economic Development for a Growing Economy, and include deals with Amazon, ConAgra Foods, eBay and more. Previously, the public had to file open records requests to find out the details of the agreements.

The program, which provides tax breaks for companies that promise to create jobs in Illinois, is set to expire April 30. There have been concerns that the EDGE program is too expensive, given Illinois' prolonged budget crisis. Yet without it, many fear jobs could be lost to neighboring states wooing companies with tax breaks. Bills proposing a replacement program are working their way through the General Assembly.

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The Rauner administration has made changes to the EDGE program, shutting down job incentives that his Democratic predecessor, Gov. Pat Quinn, allowed for job retention. Rauner also halted a practice that let dozens of companies collect millions of dollars in tax breaks for creating jobs at one office while eliminating a greater number of jobs at another location.

A Chicago Tribune investigation highlighted the practice in October 2015. The Tribune found at least 37 agreements in which Illinois companies were rewarded with tax credits after hiring employees in one location while firing a far greater number of workers at another site.

The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity said in a news release that publishing the EDGE agreements is a push for transparency.

"It's always been an initiative, we just have finally gotten (to) where we're able to do it," spokeswoman Jacquelyn Reineke said. The department soon plans to publish agreements made under previous administrations as well.

However, some information, such as the capital investments companies are required to make in exchange for the tax credits, has been blacked out in the posted documents.

Reineke said the redacted information mainly includes companies' trade secrets, which are protected from disclosure under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act.

In December, Amazon announced it would bring two more distribution centers to the Chicago area and promised more than 1,000 jobs in Aurora. The e-commerce giant is set to receive nearly $12.9 million in corporate tax breaks under the EDGE program.

The details of that deal can now be seen online, along with details surrounding deals for other Amazon facilities in suburban Monee and Joliet, set to benefit from almost $28 million and more than $71 million in corporate tax breaks, respectively.

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Concerns over transparency are one reason state Rep. Keith Wheeler, R-Oswego, got involved in the legislation for the program to replace EDGE. The proposed program is called THRIVE, short for Transforming, Helping and Reviving Illinois' Versatile Economy.

When you don't know what the price tag is for the tax credits, "it gets even bigger in your mind," said Wheeler, who is sponsoring the THRIVE legislation in the House.

As currently envisioned, THRIVE would give companies credit for 50 percent of the Illinois withholding tax attributable to the jobs created. EDGE gives 100 percent credit.

State Sen. Pamela Althoff, R-McHenry, also is sponsoring a THRIVE bill that's working its way through the Senate. Althoff said she asked in a House hearing Thursday for help creating a working group to craft just one bill.

"I'm hopeful that we will have something everyone can agree to in place obviously before April 30," she said.

amarotti@chicagotribune.com

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The Heinz ketchup ad campaign presented by Don Draper in "Mad Men" is becoming reality. (YouTube)

Carnivores cringed last month when President Donald Trump poured ketchup on a $54 dry-aged steak.

Business being business, condiment giant Heinz may be hoping the president's tastebuds set off their own economic red crusade around the ketchup-maker.

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Heinz - which controls 63 percent of the U.S. ketchup market - just launched a month-long advertising campaign in Trump's hometown with the simple words, "Pass the Heinz." One of three ads features a mouthwatering slice of medium-rare steak dangling on a fork - no ketchup in sight.

Two more ads include a cheeseburger with the works and a heap of crinkle french fries. All three ads ran in the New York Post, and the fries ran in Variety.

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This photo provided by Heinz shows a Heinz ketchup ad inspired by the TV show "Mad Men." The idea of the campaign, which shows foods like French fries and hamburgers up close without any condiments, is to underscore that they need ketchup to be complete. (Heinz / Handout)

Heinz said the ketchup campaign was in the works a long time, well before Trump committed the unthinkable and added ketchup to his steak. The initiative is based on an episode of the popular AMC television show "Mad Men," a period series set during the 1950s and 1960s. The show ran from 2007 to 2015.

In the TV episode, Mad Men protagonist Don Draper pitches a "Pass the Heinz" campaign that does not show the ketchup, which was considered so risky as a way to sell the product that the client rejected the concept.

But half a century later, Heinz and its advertising house, David the Agency, have resurrected it.

"The idea was inspired by the show," Heinz brand head Nicole Kulwicki said. "The David team came to us with this idea and we felt it still worked today."

She said the photographs of the steak, the cheeseburger and the french fries were shot to appear exactly as they were first presented by the fictional Draper.

Allen Adamson, founder of BrandSimple Consulting, said he thinks the ads work, but that print and billboards have limited appeal these days.

"While they were effective in the Mad Men days, people don't linger that much with print ads," Adamson said. "Today, you need to hit them between the eyes with a 2-by-4 to get their attention."

Kulwicki said the three billboard ads will remain up in New York for the next month. No further print ads are planned. She said Heinz is sharing the billboard images on its social media channels.

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"We wanted to be also to share the campaign with Mad Men and Heinz fans nationwide," she said.

Heinz is part of Kraft Heinz Company, which had revenue of more than $26 billion in 2016, making it the the third-largest food and beverage company in North America and fifth-largest in the world. Its brands include Kraft Mac & Cheese, Oscar Mayer meats and Maxwell House coffee.

Jorge Aguilar, a brand consultant with San Francisco-based Prophet, said the "Pass the Heinz" ad is a bit late, coming two years after Mad Men stopped airing new episodes and well past the peak of its popularity. He suggested the sprawling packaged foods company could build on the ad to show how its products make life easier.

"When you think about relevance, the biggest opportunity for Heinz and any of these brands is making the lives of consumers easier," Aguilar said. "When we think about Heinz, what does it give you? A condiment that is very difficult to get out of the bottle. How are you helping my life become more easy?"

Kulwicki said the campaign was timed to the 10th anniversay of Mad Men. She said the idea behind "Pass the Heinz" isn't just ketchup, but the company's latest entrants into the condiment field, including a new yellow mustard that was launched in 2015 followed by five barbecue sauces a year later.

(Barbecue sauce for your French fries, anyone?)

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Heinz and its agency played the links to Mad Men to the hilt, evoking the 1960s with typewriter lettering on the announcement and crediting the Draper's fictional advertising firm, "Sterling Cooper Draper Price" as co-agency with David.

"What is unique is that advertisers often buy an ad to get on a show," Kulwicki said. "This took an ad from a show and brought it to life in the real world."

And in what is easily the most important survey finding of the early days of the Trump administration, the left-leaning Public Policy Polling finds that Americans are generally united in their disdain for ketchup on steak. Over half of respondents, 56 percent, disapproved of ketchup on steak. Only 27 percent say it's fine, while 17 percent don't care.
Tennessee tax revenues exceeded budgeted estimates in February. Department of Finance and Administration Commissioner Larry Martin on Thursday announced that overall February revenues were $846.7 million, which is $28.4 million more than the state received in February 2016 and $21.1 million more than the state budgeted. The overall growth rate for February was 3.48 percent.

The state experienced better sales tax revenues than expected for February, Commissioner Martin said. Receipts were in excess of the budgeted estimate. Franchise and Excise taxes recorded negative growth for the month and were also less than budgeted estimates. Nonetheless, the strong sales tax growth pushed total revenues for the month higher than budget expectations.

General fund revenues were more than the budgeted estimates in the amount of $8.4 million while the four other funds that share in state tax revenues were $12.7 million more than the estimates.

Sales taxes were $32.9 million more than the estimate for February and 6.47 percent more than February 2016. For seven months revenues are $218.7 million higher than estimated. The year-to-date growth rate for seven months was 4.04 percent.

Franchise and excise taxes combined were $16.6 million less than the budgeted estimate in February and the growth rate over February 2016 was negative 16.50 percent. For seven months revenues are $267.0 million more than the estimate and the year-to-date growth rate is 21.31 percent. However, adjusting for one-time payments received in the current year reduces the year-to-date underlying growth rate to 2.76 percent.

Gasoline and motor fuel revenues for February decreased by 8.10 percent compared to February 2016 and were $1.7 million less than the budgeted estimate of $68.4 million. For seven months revenues have exceeded estimates by $26.6 million.

Motor vehicle registration revenues were $1.2 million more than the February estimate, and on a year-to-date basis they are $11.1 million more than the estimates.

Tobacco taxes were $2.9 million more than the February budgeted estimate of $20.6 million. For seven months they are $3.1 million more than the budgeted estimate.

Inheritance and estate taxes were $0.3 million more than the February estimate. On a year-to-date basis, revenues for seven months are $4.0 million more than the budgeted estimate.

Privilege taxes were $0.4 million more than the February estimate and on a year-to-date basis August through February revenues are $4.1 million more than the estimate.

Business taxes were $0.7 million less than the February estimate. For seven months revenues are $8.0 million more than the budgeted estimate.

Hall income tax revenues for the month were $1.0 million more than the budgeted estimate.

All other tax receipts exceeded estimates by a net of $1.4 million.

Year-to-date revenues for seven months were $545.7 million more than the budgeted estimate. The general fund recorded $491.3 million more than the budgeted estimates and the four other funds $54.4 million.

The budgeted revenue estimates for 2016-2017 are based on the State Funding Boards consensus recommendation of Nov. 23, 2015 and adopted by the second session of the 109th General Assembly in April 2016. Also incorporated in the estimates are any changes in revenue enacted during the 2016 session of the General Assembly. These estimates are available on the states website at http://www.tn.gov/finance/article/fa-budget-rev.
Howard Hughes Corp. has gotten approval to put a 51-story skyscraper on the site of the General Growth building at 110 N. Wacker Drive. (Goettsch Partners rendering / CoStar Group)

Plans for a 51-story office tower along the Chicago River cleared a key political hurdle Thursday, winning approval from the Chicago Plan Commission, but a major financial hurdle remains  securing a lead tenant for the 1.35 million-square-foot office building.

The commission unanimously approved the project, which would be at 110 N. Wacker Drive, replacing a low-rise office building now occupied by GGP, formerly General Growth Properties.

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The tower's co-developer, John O'Donnell of Riverside Investment & Development of Chicago, told the commission he is "in conversations" with potential tenants. Afterward, in an interview, he declined to identify them.

The General Growth building currently at 110 N. Wacker Drive is dwarfed by many of the downtown area's larger buildings. (Phil Velasquez / Chicago Tribune)

O'Donnell said he would like to break ground in the spring or summer of 2018 and open the building in the third quarter of 2020. His partner on the project is Dallas-based Howard Hughes Corp.

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Designed by Chicago architects Goettsch Partners, the glass-sheathed tower would fill a narrow, trapezoidal site on the east bank of the river's South Branch. Its most distinctive feature would consist of a tall overhang, framed by V-shaped structural columns, that would shelter a 45-foot-wide riverwalk at street level that would be open to the public.

However, officials said, a dock-level riverwalk that is part of the plan would be a private amenity space for the building's tenants.

Nearly half of the site would consist of open space. At the same time, officials said, the tower would have one of the highest densities, or floor-area ratios, ever allowed in downtown Chicago. The term "floor-area ratio" refers to the amount of floor space in a building compared with the area of its site.

To secure a zoning bonus that would allow the construction of hundreds of thousands of extra square feet, the developers promised to contribute more than $19 million to the city's Neighborhood Opportunity Fund.

It would be the largest contribution to date to the fund, an official of the city's Department of Planning and Development said at the meeting. The fund chiefly funnels money to improve commercial corridors in "underserved" neighborhoods.

The tower's site is bounded by the Chicago River on the west, Randolph Street on the north, Washington Street on the south and the north-south leg of Wacker on the east.

The building's lobby along Wacker would be 45 feet tall. Because of the tower's proximity to downtown's train stations, it would have only 87 parking spaces. The tower would have multiple setbacks topped by green roofs. Its serrated profile along the river would provide numerous corner office spaces.

Ald. Brendan Reilly , in whose 42nd Ward the high-rise would be located, called the design "an elegant addition to Wacker Drive."

An earlier version of this article had an inaccurate number of stories for the tower.

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Korean poutine: russet potato fries with kimchi, fried egg, and pickled onion, at the new Whole Foods in Lakeview, Chicago ($7). (Louisa Chu/Chicago Tribune)

Whole Foods Market's new Lakeview neighborhood store will simultaneously deliver a defiant message to competitors and a love letter to its loyal customers when it opens next week.

In today's grocery world, you can buy organic and natural food just about anywhere. But can you also take respite in a wine bar that offers five varieties of gourmet toast? Nosh on poutine while sipping a bloody mary? Deliberate between a sushi burrito and pizza cooked in a wood-fired oven imported from Italy? Play the arcade game Frogger while swilling an IPA?

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There are groceries too. But the lavish 75,600-square-foot store at 3201 N. Ashland Ave.  opening Wednesday and replacing an older store across the street  will draw many for its experiential offerings at the perimeter of the store. The opening comes at a challenging time for Whole Foods Market, which recently announced nine store closings, including one in south Evanston, and abandoned its longtime goal of opening more than 1,200 stores.

Amid falling sales, the Austin, Texas-based grocery chain has vowed to be more disciplined in its growth and to focus more on its core customers.

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As a new Whole Foods opens in Lakeview, Midwest region executive chef Nick Davis talks about his favorite foods that will be offered at the flagship. (Louisa Chu/Chicago Tribune)

(Louisa Chu/Chicago Tribune/Chicago Tribune)

"I think this store represents there's a strong demand for Whole Foods Market. We can't fit enough customers into the store across the street. ... We're putting our money where our mouth is and we know it can be successful," said Tom Marciniak, Whole Foods vice president of operations for the Midwest.

To some extent, the rest of the grocery industry has caught up to what once set Whole Foods apart. Nearly all retailers are answering the growing demand for natural and organic food. In response, Whole Foods has decided to focus on its strengths  prepared foods, grab-and-go options, high quality service  while being more disciplined in its growth.

Currently, Whole Foods has about 440 stores in the U.S. with another 80 or so stores in the pipeline, the company said last month.

"What has become clear is that we don't want to compete in a race to the bottom as consumers have ever-increasing choices for how much and where they shop," CEO John Mackey told analysts last month on a quarterly earnings call.

Instead, Whole Foods has more to gain by focusing on increasing sales with its core customers who have already bought into the Whole Foods brand and mission, Mackey said.

The Lakeview store will have a built-in following of 20 years from the Whole Foods store across the street, which will close the day before the new store opens. The contrast between the two stores reflects a changing industry: The older store is much smaller, 31,500 square feet, with narrower aisles and but a sliver of the prepared food offerings that will be available in the new store.

Lakeview shoppers may enjoy another new perk: The parking garage has 400 spaces dedicated for shoppers, compared with only about 100 spots shared with other businesses at the old store.

"We wanted to make sure we brought a certain 'wow' factor to it. That's what we're known for, the food experience you get when you come into a Whole Foods Market. I think you'll see we're going to deliver on that," Marciniak said.

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Whole Foods Chef Nick Davis reveals some of the new food that will be offered at the Lakeview store. (Greg Trotter / Chicago Tribune) (Greg Trotter / Chicago Tribune/Chicago Tribune)

Walking into the new store from Ashland Avenue, shoppers first will notice a coffee shop and coffee-roasting operation that will also produce Whole Foods' Allegro-branded coffee for its other Chicago-area stores. Currently, much of it is shipped from Colorado.

Riding the escalator up, shoppers then will see a juice bar, floral section and produce. All the familiar Whole Foods offerings  body care and nutrition, grocery, meat, seafood, beer and wine  will be well-represented. But this store goes even bigger on in-store dining, prepared foods and grab-and-go options.

The Red Star Bar will offer burgers, small plates, a "spud-centric menu," 32 beers on tap, copious whiskey options and a few arcade games. In addition to the standard salad and hot bars, three massive cases will be stocked with prepared sandwiches, salads and side dishes for shoppers on the go. And yes, the wine bar will have five different kinds of toast, including one with Bronzeville Sausage, roasted peppers and sweet onion jam.

As competition grows fiercer in the grocery industry  and as more shoppers also buy goods online  providing memorable food experiences is key to bringing people in the store, said chef Nick Davis.

"Our biggest focus is to concentrate on the versatility of all the options. You have the family that comes in for the full shop, you have the person just coming in to this massive world of pre-pack  every option is covered. If you want to sit and have a few beers, or enjoy some really nice high-end wines, we have it all," Davis said.

Tom Marciniak, Whole Foods vice president of operations for the Midwest region, explains what's different about the new Lakeview store. (Greg Trotter / Chicago Tribune) (Greg Trotter / Chicago Tribune/Chicago Tribune)

From 2011 to 2016, Whole Foods' sales in the U.S. grew $6.2 billion at a compound annual growth rate of 10 percent, putting it among the fastest growing retailers in the U.S., according to data from Euromonitor International.

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But the company's same-store sales  a primary measure of economic health in retail  have declined for six straight quarters. Competitors of all shapes and sizes have in recent years sought to cash in on the organic craze too, often by selling organic food at a lower price than Whole Foods.

Zachary Fadem, a Wells Fargo Securities food retail analyst covering Whole Foods, called the company's decision to close nine underperforming stores "prudent."

Most of those stores were aging, faced with increasing competition, and in areas with median household incomes below the total store average for Whole Foods, estimated at $75,000, Fadem said.

Gone is Whole Foods' "scorched earth" approach to expansion, replaced with a more disciplined and targeted approach, Fadem said. Whole Foods could close more stores going forward, while also converting some to its new lower-priced, smaller-footprint 365 model. But it also will continue to invest in high-end stores like the new Lakeview location in communities that support them, he said.

"(The 1,200-plus-store goal) was conceived in an era when competition for natural and organic food was scarce. Now it's as robust as ever. In order for Whole Foods to continue to succeed, they need to offer all the bells and whistles, and focus on what they do best, which is prepared foods and grab-and-go," Fadem said.

Whole Foods clearly sees opportunity in the Chicago area, where it has 26 locations, 12 of which are in the city.

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On a recent windswept day, shoppers at the old Lakeview store hurriedly loaded grocery bags into their cars. Though some expressed concerns about the new store's location at the hectic intersection of Ashland, Belmont and Lincoln Avenues, most seemed to look forward to the amenities that await.

"I like the cozy format of this store, but I'm sure the new one will offer more choices for lunch  and for wine," laughed Izabela Banas, a frequent shopper on her way into the store.

gtrotter@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @GregTrotterTrib
Radio personality Garry Meier, seen here in a 2009 file photo, and his wife have listed their three-bedroom, 3,014-square-foot condo unit on the Near East Side for just below $2.2 million. (Handout)

Longtime Chicago radio host Garry Meier and his wife, Cynthia Fircak, have listed their three-bedroom, 3,014-square-foot condo unit on the Near East Side for just below $2.2 million.

Meier, 67, was half of the popular "Steve and Garry" and "Roe and Garry" duos. His last terrestrial radio gig was with WGN-AM in 2014. Since that time, he has launched an online radio show and a podcast.

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Meier and Fircak have owned the 35th-floor unit for several decades. The unit has four full baths, views in all directions, Brazilian cherry floors, hand-milled doors and crown moldings, high-end fixtures and finishes, closets that are organized with custom drawers and shelving and a master bedroom with two full en-suite bathrooms.

Meier and Fircak first listed the unit Feb. 9 for $2.4 million. They cut their asking price to $2.197 million March 6.

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Listing agent Suzanne Elkins-Rose of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices KoenigRubloff declined to comment on the listing.

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))
Portland, Ore., is home to a legendary beer scene.

Southern California's is one of the most ascendant.

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No area seems to win more medals these days than the breweries in and around Denver.

YOU'RE THE CRITIC: Vote every day in our Reader's Choice Dining Awards

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But for beer landscapes present and past, I'll take Chicago's.

We have major craft brewing players, tiny local heroes and legendary brewpubs. We have breweries making flawless IPAs and some of the most arcane brews imaginable. We have legendary beer bars, beer writers, beer festivals and two of the world's foremost beer education programs.

Last month, we reeled off our list of the American craft beer industry's 25 most important beers ever. It was so much fun that we decided to make a similar calculation for Chicago.

Choosing the 15 locally made beers that have most transformed Chicago into a world-class beer city was equal parts simple and challenging: simple to find 15 beers; challenging to trim a few from the list. (Goose Island's IPA, for instance, has won a boatload of medals and helped pioneer the process of dry hopping  adding dry hops to fermented beer to boost its piney aroma  but has never been very popular here. Alas.)

These are not Chicago's 15 best beers ever  they're the most important. These are the beers that helped develop Chicago's (and its suburbs') world-class beer culture, right alongside Portland, Southern California and Denver.

Chicago's 15 most important beers include Daisy Cutter, from left, Anti-Hero IPA, Troublesome, Alpha King, Bourbon County Stout, Matlida, Cane and Abel, Baderbrau Pilsener and Ninja vs. Unicorn. (Michael Tercha / Chicago Tribune)

1. Bourbon County Stout (Goose Island Beer Co.)

Could there be any other option? The first imperial stout aged in bourbon barrels debuted at Goose Island's Clybourn Avenue brewpub in 1995. Some people were disturbed by its depth of boozy flavor. Others couldn't believe that their little local brewpub had concocted such liquid gold. Bourbon County Stout is now an annual release that generates lines around the nation while the practice of bourbon barrel aging has been copied the world over.

2. Alpha King (Three Floyds Brewing)

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Talk to the people who were paying attention to craft beer during the 1990s, and they'll tell you: This beer blew minds. Released when most American breweries were still attempting to mimic classic European styles, this hop-forward pale ale established an iconoclastic approach that made Three Floyds an industry legend. By the way: This beer continues to be much more satisfying than Zombie Dust.

3. Dark Lord (Three Floyds)

Bourbon County Stout revolutionized stouts, but Dark Lord, first brewed in 2003, pushed matters one step further, adding coffee, Mexican vanilla and Indian sugar to the sludgy black brew. The beer's power became even more pronounced when Floyds had the good sense to create a holiday around the beer's annual release: Dark Lord Day, which this year is May 13. (Tickets go on sale at noon Saturday.)

4. Daisy Cutter (Half Acre Beer Co.)

The Chicago beer scene had largely been Goose Island, Two Brothers and Three Floyds for years. Then came Daisy Cutter. As much as any one beer, Daisy Cutter proved that things were changing in Chicago and that a new beer culture was taking root. First released in 2009, Half Acre's Daisy Cutter was the right beer at the right time for Chicagoans learning both to love craft and to drink local. The bitter pale ale, tempered by notes of citrus and grainy malt, wasn't a cult beer, but that was the point. For exploratory beer drinkers, it became a new go-to.

5. Zombie Dust (Three Floyds)

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Three of the top five? Yes, Floyds has been that revolutionary. Munster, Ind.'s finest not only gets credit for first planting the flag on pale ales with Alpha King, it also gets credit for revolutionizing pale ales nearly 15 years later with Zombie Dust. First released in late 2010, Zombie Dust showcased the uber-fruity Citra hop and helped send an entire industry careening into the "juicy" place it now stands. Contemporary Zombie Dust doesn't taste much like it did during those early days, but that doesn't stop it from being one of the brewery's most popular beers. By the way, this beer is nowhere near as satisfying as Alpha King.

6. Ninja vs. Unicorn (Pipeworks Brewing)

Much like Daisy Cutter, Ninja vs. Unicorn wasn't just about the beer  it was about what the beer meant. In this case, Pipeworks' flagship brew said that Chicago's craft scene could churn out a big, bright imperial IPA on par with the West Coast. Like Daisy Cutter, Ninja vs. Unicorn signaled a new and exciting era in local beer.

7. 312 Urban Wheat Ale (Goose Island)

Goose Island was shaking off the rust of several down years when it released 312 Urban Wheat Ale in 2004, an approachable wheat beer that sold itself to a generation of bargoers  many of whom had previously been quite satisfied with Miller Lite  with its novel name, bright yellow motif and telephone tap handle. 312 gave Goose Island the sales volume it needed to solidify and grow its business. It's quite possible that without this beer, Goose Island's sale to Anheuser-Busch InBev in 2011 would never have happened.

8. Anti-Hero (Revolution Brewing)

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If Daisy Cutter made Chicago learn to love pale ales, and Ninja vs. Unicorn did the same for double IPAs, Revolution gets credit for changing the way Chicago forever will think about IPA. Anti-Hero was Chicago's first locally made, high-volume, citrus-forward contemporary IPA to be ubiquitous on taps and shelves. It's amazing no one had done it sooner.

9. Honker's Ale (Goose Island)

One of the brewery's original beers upon opening in 1988, Honker's Ale was Chicago's most renowned craft beer for years. Its malt-forward style  extra special bitter  has fallen out of favor with modern drinkers, but that doesn't change the fact that Honker's was the fresh and local alternative to big beer for close to 20 years.

10. Domaine DuPage and Cane & Ebel (tie; Two Brothers Brewing)

I couldn't pick between these two, so I went with these polar opposites from the Warrenville brewery that opened in 1996. First released in 1999, Domaine DuPage is a flawless take on the French biere de garde style and helped teach a city how beautiful and elegant beer could be. Cane & Ebel is something else entirely  a hoppy red ale made with rye and Thai palm sugar. Ho-hum, right? Not in 2002. That combination of flavors and ingredients, wrapped in a floral hop bomb, was miles, years and galaxies ahead of its time. (Always a year-round beer, Cane & Abel is moving to a fall seasonal.)

11. Gumballhead (Three Floyds)

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The "hoppy wheat beer" has faded a bit in the public consciousness but played a significant role in its time. Just as powerful as the beer itself was the character of Gumballhead on the label: a scowling, yellow, cigarette-smoking cat who holds an AK-47 while riding a lawn mower pushed by a robot. (There are a shocking number of Gumballhead tattoos out there.) As a Binny's beer buyer told me in 2012 when discussing Three Floyds' popularity: "I'm not trying to denigrate those guys. I love them. But I've got 2,000 fresh beers on the shelves, and if someone can't get Gumballhead, they'll walk out without buying anything else."

12. Matilda (Goose Island)

Former Goose Island brewmaster Greg Hall thought Pere Jacques, the brewery's take on a Belgian dubbel, would be the breakout star of the brewery's reserve line. But the people chose Matilda, a beer inspired by Belgian classic Orval, and one of the first large-scale beers to prominently feature the wonderful, persnickety Brettanomyces yeast. As a result, Matilda gets much of the credit for elevating our collective beer tastes.

13. Baderbrau Pilsener (Pavichevich Brewing)

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In 1988, Pavichevich Brewing founder Ken Pavichevich aspired to bring European beer culture to America  all the way down to the elevated glassware and doilies on which bartenders were ordered to place a freshly poured Baderbrau Pilsener. The high point might have been then-President George H.W. Bush requesting a case for his suite at the Hyatt Regency during a visit to Chicago in 1990. But Pavichevich Brewing went bankrupt in 1996, which led Goose Island to snag the brand and win a silver medal with it at the Great American Beer Festival in 1998. Most recently, Rob Sama, a fan of Baderbrau from the '90s, resurrected the brand as Baderbrau Brewing with a flagship, the crisp and rewarding Chicago Pilsener, which he says is a faithful re-creation of the original beer.

14. Troublesome (Off Color Brewing)

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Admit it: before Off Color had the audacious idea to make its flagship brew a gose  that tart, lightly briny and refreshing German ale  you had no idea what gose was. I didn't. That was 2012. Now goses are everywhere. But Off Color founders John Laffler and Dave Bleitner get credit not only for bringing a more esoteric version of craft beer to our taps and shelves, but for expanding our thinking about what the craft could be.

15. Big Shoulders Porter (Chicago Brewing Co.)

Another gone-but-not-forgotten favorite from the 1990s, this was the beer that most excited many of Chicago's most discerning beer drinkers at the time. That included Hopleaf founder Michael Roper, who has said he preferred this beer to anything coming out of Goose Island at the time. Questionable business decisions doomed Chicago Brewing, but its flagship porter lingered in the memories of those who followed.

jbnoel@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @joshbnoel






In 2014, someone created an online clock and called it "Emma you are next." It was supposed to count down the seconds until some anonymous internet baddie would release stolen nude images of actress Emma Watson. The countdown clock turned out to be a hoax, appearing just after the "Celebgate" celebrity photo hacks and after Watson gave a feminist speech as a U.N. goodwill ambassador for women.

There were no stolen nudes to release; the whole thing, its creators claimed, was a prank to shut down 4chan over the site's role in distributing revealing images stolen from the private accounts of female celebrities, including Jennifer Lawrence and Kate Upton. It's even more likely that the "Emma you are next" incident was simply a sketchy attention grab without any real cause behind it.

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The hoax was believable at the time in part because the distribution of stolen private images of women has become a fixture of online abuse. And as it turns out, someone out there really was determined enough to abuse Watson in this way: A handful of private images of the actress appeared online Tuesday night.

"Photos from a clothes fitting Emma had with a stylist a couple of years ago have been stolen," a publicist for Watson confirmed to the BBC. "They are not nude photographs. Lawyers have been instructed and we are not commenting further."

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It's not clear where the images were first posted, or how they were stolen from her.

Emma Watson attending the New York special screening of Disney's live-action adaptation 'Beauty and the Beast' at Alice Tully Hall in New York City. (Angela Weiss, AFP/Getty Images)

On 4chan, several photos that appeared to fit her publicist's description were still circulating Wednesday afternoon. Users were posting them alongside some nude images that did not show the face of the subject. Others had photoshopped the original, non-nude images to make them more revealing. There was also speculation that the stolen trove of images contained photos of other celebrities - although none mentioned have confirmed that this is the case.

Celebgate is the obvious context for the newest release of stolen images. Watson had commented on Celebgate after it happened:

"Even worse than seeing women's privacy violated on social media is reading the accompanying comments that show such a lack of empathy."

Celebgate was a major story that brought a lot of attention to this phenomenon of online harassment, but it hardly deterred the perpetrators. Over the summer, hackers accessed the personal website of the actress Leslie Jones and used it to release private information, along with stolen nude images. Online business empires rose and fell on the premise that jilted exes would be interested in creating "revenge porn," or publicly posting revealing images of someone, along with their name and identifying details, without their consent.

Actress Mischa Barton said Wednesday that an alleged "sex tape" of her reportedly being shopped around to porn companies in Hollywood was, in fact, revenge porn, recorded using secret cameras without her consent by someone "I thought I loved and trusted." When she learned of what had happened, Barton said, "my absolute worst fear was realized."

The victims of this tactic are hardly all famous women or exes. In fact, celebrities account for just a fraction of the cases. Fraternities have created secret Facebook pages to share nude images of unconscious women taken without their consent. The Defense Department is investigating hundreds of Marines for alleged involvement in a massive scheme to share revealing images of female service members - often accompanied by the women's names and harassing commentary.

The scope of that particular scandal is unknown, but it appears to be widening rapidly. And then there are places like AnonIB, a message board that shows up again and again in stories about nude-photo scandals, where people post revealing images of women that were never intended to be public.

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A growing number of states have laws that criminalize "revenge porn," and law enforcement appears to be more aggressively pursuing those who release stolen, private images to the public. Federal legislation has failed to find a consensus among lawmakers. As we explained before, the main issue there seems to be a struggle to balance the First Amendment with the right to privacy.

A man pleaded guilty last year to a felony violation of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act for his role in stealing many of the private, nude photographs of celebrities that were released online in late 2014. According to court filings, Ryan Collins used a phishing scheme, mostly targeting the iCloud and Gmail accounts of celebrities, to gain access to their accounts.

Edward Majerczyk of Chicago also pleaded guilty in September to a felony charge related to the Celebgate scandal. Majerczyk's attorney told a federal judge at the time that there was no evidence to support the idea that his client was attempting to sell the images. The judge asked whether Majerczyk was using a phishing scheme to access the private images of his victims "for his own personal satisfaction and enjoyment," according to the Chicago Tribune. His attorney's response: "Yes, your honor."

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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)
At least once a day, Dr. Lee Ann Lindquist gets an urgent phone call.

"Mom fell and is in the hospital," a concerned middle-aged son might report.

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"Dad got lost with the car, and we need to stop him from driving," a distraught middle-aged daughter may explain.

"We don't know what to do."

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Lindquist, chief of geriatrics at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine, wondered if people could become better prepared for such emergencies, and so she designed a research project to find out.

The result is a unique website, www.planyourlifespan.org, which helps older adults plan for predictable problems during what Lindquist calls the "last quarter of life"  roughly, from age 75 on.

"Many people plan for retirement," the energetic physician explained in her office close to Lake Michigan. "They complete a will, assign powers of attorney, pick out a funeral home, and they think they're done."

What doesn't get addressed is how older adults will continue living at home if health-related concerns compromise their independence.

"People don't want to think about the last 10 or 15 years of their life, and how they're going to manage," Lindquist said.

This isn't end-of-life planning; it's planning for the period before the end, when health problems become more common.

Lindquist and collaborators began their research by convening focus groups of 68 seniors  mostly women with an average age of 74. Nearly $2 million in funding came from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute, created under the Affordable Care Act.

Investigators wanted to know which events might make it difficult for people to remain at home. Seniors named five: being hospitalized, falling, developing dementia, having a spouse fall ill or die, and not being able to keep up their homes.

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Yet most participants hadn't planned for these kinds of events. Investigators asked why.

Among the reasons seniors offered: I don't know what to do, I'm uncomfortable asking for help, I'm not at immediate risk of something bad happening, my children will take care of whatever I need, and I'm worried I won't have enough money, according to a research report published last year.

Developing the website came next. Lindquist and her team decided to focus on three issues the focus groups had raised  hospitalizations, falling and developing dementia  and to include sections on communicating with family members and managing finances.

A group of senior advisers rejected the first version: the typeface was too small; the design, too cluttered; and the content, too complex. They didn't want to be overwhelmed with information; they wanted the material on the site to be practical and concrete.

The final version "forces people to sit down and think about their future in a very helpful and non-threatening way," said Phyllis Mitzen, 74, who worked on the project and is president of Skyline Village in downtown Chicago, a community organization with about 100 older adult members.

An individual going through the material is asked to consider a series of questions after examining explanatory information and watching short videos of seniors illustrating the issues being discussed. For instance, which rehabilitation facility would you like to go to if you need intensive therapy after a hospitalization?

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Who will take care of your pets, mow your lawn or shovel the snow from your sidewalk while you're away? Who can collect your mail, check on bills to be paid and get medications for you when you return home?

If you begin having memory problems, who can help you manage your bills and finances? Are you willing to wear a medical alert bracelet if you start getting lost? Would you be willing to have a friend or relative check on your driving or have a formal driving evaluation?

If you require more assistance, are you open to having someone come in to help at home? Would you prefer to live with somebody  if so, whom? Would you be willing to move into a senior community?

The goal is to jump-start conversations about these issues, Lindquist said, just as seniors are encouraged to have conversations about end-of-life preferences.

Those looking for deep dives into topics highlighted on the site will have to look elsewhere. Resources listed are spare and some of the material presented  for instance, how Medicare might cover various services  is overly simplified, noted Carol Levine, director of the United Hospital Fund's Families and Health Care Project in New York City.

Her project has prepared a much more detailed, comprehensive set of guides for family caregivers about issues such as home care, doctors' visits, emergency room care, rehabilitation and what to expect during and after a hospitalization. Those materials are full of useful advice and can flesh out issues raised on the Northwestern website.

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Those wanting to know more about falls can consult materials prepared by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health.

For dementia, the Alzheimer's Association and the NIH are good places to start.

As for next steps, Lindquist contemplates disseminating PlanYourLifespan more widely, translating it into Spanish if funding can be secured and possibly expanding it to include more topics.

The point is to "give seniors a voice," she said. Now, if an older woman breaks a hip and is rushed to surgery, "loved ones run around and usually make decisions without her input  she's usually too out of it to really weigh in. That doesn't have to happen, if only people would consider the reality of growing older and plan ahead."






The Lee University Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Alan Wyatt, will present its spring concert in the Conn Center on Thursday, March 23, at 7:30 p.m.

The concert will feature several classics from the Thad Jones Library, as well as the music of Bob Mintzer.

The Lee University Jazz Ensemble performs traditional and recent literature for the traditional Big Band. The ensemble comprises sections of wind instruments, including a family of saxophones, trumpets, and trombones, as well as rhythm section instruments. A frequent award winner at national festivals, the ensemble performs for campus, school, and civic events.

Mr. Wyatt, an assistant professor of music at Lee, has shared the stage with several artists, including Frank Sinatra Jr., The Temptations, The Four Tops, Doc Severinsen, and Clay Aiken, among others. Among his many duties, Wyatt teaches courses in music business and serves as its area coordinator for the Musicianship Studies Department of the School of Music.

Admission to the concert is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Lees School of Music at 614-8240.


Cook County Commissioner Bridget Gainer, center, marches with her family during the Women's March on Washington in January. Gainer wants Chicagoans and Americans to reflect on immigration this St. Patricks Day. (Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune)

Chicago knows how to make St. Patrick's Day last a lot longer than 24 hours.

The city started officially celebrating last Saturday, when the Plumbers Local 130 union dyed the Chicago River green, followed by the 62nd annual St. Patrick's Day parade. The South Side Irish Parade wound down Western Avenue the following day.

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And you can't swing a pair of green shiny beads without hitting a special on Jameson shots at bars across the city this week.

Bridget Gainer, Democratic Cook County commissioner for the 10th District, wants to add another element to the celebrating.

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"The real story of St. Patrick's Day is people were fleeing economic or religious persecution," Gainer said. "Not long ago, it was 'Irish need not apply,' and there are a lot of parallels to what this country is going through right now."

Gainer, who says her maternal grandmother left Ireland for the U.S., by herself, when she was 19, hopes Chicagoans (indeed, Americans) will spend part of Friday  and beyond  reflecting on the nation's rich history of welcoming and benefiting from immigrants.

Particularly as the Trump administration weighs measures to limit immigration, including Thursday's budget proposal that calls for funding a U.S.-Mexico border wall.

"The Irish were allowed in and allowed to function and participate," Gainer said. "Absolutely, they were confronted with bigotry. But over time, they were interwoven into the fabric of the United States, and the net positive to the United States is immeasurable.

"How do we know someone's not going to tell the same story in 50 years about another immigrant group?" she asked. "What are we missing by cutting off the modern version of Irish immigrants?"

Gainer invited families with roots in Syria, Iraq, India and Mexico to join her in last Saturday's parade.

"We had a mini United Nations out there with us," she said. "It was great. The eyes might be on the Irish community during the parade, but it's really an opportunity to show solidarity."

And it doesn't have to end after this week.

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"If you just said, 'People left their country for economic opportunities, religious freedom and political security,' Ireland might not be the first place that comes to mind," Gainer said. "But if you back up 100 years, that's exactly why people left. They were starving to death."

It's worth remembering, Gainer said, amid the holiday revelry.

"You don't get to celebrate ancestors who came over during a famine and then ignore immigrants coming over for the same reasons," she said.

It ignores our country's history and imperils its future.

"We're not better off when we make ourselves smaller," she said. "That applies to our population, but it also applies to our frame of mind."

hstevens@chicagotribune.com

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In a tiny village in the Oaxaca highlands in southwestern Mexico, Macrina Mateo Martinez tells her story as she deftly shapes red clay from the nearby El Picacho mountain.

There's no potter's wheel or kiln, just swift, precise movements of her fingers. With barely a glance at the clay, she quickly forms a simple but elegant pot to be fired in an open pit with the same technique that her Zapotec forebears have used for 3,500 years.

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Her ancestors once bartered the pots for food. Not so long ago, Mateo Martinez's father carried pots on his back or on a donkey to be sold.

Mateo Martinez's extended family of about 20 lives and works in her compound in San Marcos Tlapazola, where she has created pottery that has made her well known. Most of the women in her family wear long, lace-topped dresses that look like something from the Old West. Many of the older folks speak only Zapotec.

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The city of Oaxaca may be renowned as one of Mexico's cultural capitals and an alluring foodie destination, but much of the region's cultural story is found in places like Mateo Martinez's simple compound at the end of a dirt-and-gravel road. Almost without exception, they are family stories of weaving, dyeing, carving, pottery, embroidery and clay-figure-making, of styles and techniques handed down over centuries, of villages that have prospered around a single craft, of families who have lived modest, unhurried lives working together to make distinctive pieces, one at a time.

For shoppers, the pieces are just too good to pass up, especially with the favorable U.S. exchange rate. I bought one of Mateo Martinez's red clay pots  just like the one she made while demonstrating her craft to us  for about $17.

Oaxaca city is a fine base for this adventure. About 300 miles south of Mexico City, its 5,000-foot elevation moderates the heat. With about 250,000 people, Oaxaca has a lively fine-dining scene, an abundance of lodging and a walkable central core filled with colonial architecture, tree-lined squares and interesting shops and cafes. This is where to sample the martini-like drink known as a mezcalini (made with the increasingly popular Mexican liquor mezcal) or to try the tasty roasted chapulines (grasshoppers) with guacamole at a rooftop bar.

When you want to see the local artisans at work, head to the Zapotec villages of Oaxaca's central valleys. (Tia Stephanie Tours can take you inside the workshops of local artisans; www.tiastephanietours.com.)

In Teotitlan del Valle, we visited with weaver Mariano Sosa Martinez, who creates magnificent pieces both modern and filled with Zapotec iconography. Sosa Martinez's dyes are all natural, made from plants he cultivates with a solar-powered water pump. Entering his showroom and workspace on a side street a few blocks from the village center, you're struck by the brilliant colors and ancient designs of the pieces adorning the walls. Sosa Martinez is welcoming and eager to explain the process.

Upstairs in the dyeing room, prickly pear cactuses hang on a rack, large tin pots sit atop open flames and natural wool fibers hang in loops. The brilliant reds in his pieces come from cochineal insects that feed on the cactus. Yellows come from marigold flowers and blue from the indigo plant. Those three base colors produce a rainbow of shades. Watching him dye the wool was mesmerizing, especially with indigo. The deep blue shade only emerges after oxygen is added to the process, so the fibers were green when Sosa Martinez first lifted them from the pot. After a few minutes in the air, the color turned to blue, deepening the longer it was exposed to oxygen.

Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 14 Josefina Aguilar produces decorative human figures in Ocotlan de Morelos, about 20 miles south of Oaxaca. (Terri Colby / Chicago Tribune)

Another day, we visited Irma Garcia Blanco at her home and workshop in Atzompa, near one of the Zapotec ruins just outside Oaxaca city. She demonstrated how she creates the embellished clay figures of women in the style pioneered by her mother, Teodora Blanco, whose work was collected by Nelson Rockefeller.

It was interesting to compare her unpainted pieces with those created by the also well-known Aguilar sisters in Ocotlan de Morelos. We visited the shop of Josefina Aguilar to see her brightly painted figurines, some carrying flowers in their arms or fruit atop their heads.

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In Arrazola, the Jimenez family demonstrated how they make alebrijes, the surrealistic animals carved from the wood of the local copal tree and then painted in fantastical colors. The alebrijes are not ancient, dating perhaps to the 1950s, but the wood-carving tradition goes back to the indigenous Zapotecs.

At each of the workshops we visited, no one pressured us to buy. But it was almost impossible not to make a purchase. These are not your average trinkets. Handmade with tradition and care, this folk art speaks volumes about the people who create it and their ancestors.

The artisans' stories stuck with me, but none more so than Macrina Mateo Martinez's. This 46-year-old unmarried woman is somewhat of an outcast in her town, gossiped about as indecent because of her travels to exhibit her work in places like Guadalajara and cities in the U.S.

"I was the first woman to travel outside the village," she explains, through an interpreter.

When we finally say goodbye, Mateo Martinez strikes a pose outside the fuchsia and beige entry to her family compound. That's not something she's always been able to do. But over the years, as her pottery has taken her to distant places, she's learned to become comfortable in front of the camera's lens.

And she's just fine with that.

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Terri Colby is a freelance writer.

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Latasha Washington tapes a sympathy card onto the door of a Family Dollar store where a manager was shot and killed while trying to stop a shoplifter in Chicago's Auburn Gresham neighborhood in July 2016. (Jose M. Osorio / Chicago Tribune)

In a city where 4,000 people were shot last year and more than 700 were murdered, Chicago politicians are finally taking a serious look at crime.

No, they're still not pressuring judges to get tough on repeat felony gun offenders who, police say, do most of the shooting.

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Why would the politicians in Springfield  especially the Democrats of the black legislative caucus  want to make things tougher on previously convicted gun felons who still insist on illegally carrying firearms, in African-American neighborhoods where much of the killing takes place?

Be serious. If that happens, somebody might take offense.

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And that includes fellow Democratic Party judges, like Cook County Chief Judge Tim Evans. Judges have feelings, too.

Chicago police Superintendent. Eddie Johnson for months has been begging for a bill making it more difficult for judges to give mercy to repeat gun offenders.

"Quite frankly, as an African-American leader, I am disgusted," Johnson said recently. "And as a cop, I am very pained. We can do better, and we must do better."

So far? Only lukewarm reaction.

But have no fear. The politicians haven't completely ignored crime.

They are seriously looking at shoplifters, to save on tax dollars otherwise spent on prosecuting and jailing them.

So they're making it easier for shoplifters to do their jobs, which is to stuff things that don't belong to them down their pants and walk out of a store.

Shoplifting costs retail merchants billions of dollars each year, a cost that is passed onto consumers. Some steal flat screen TVs and other high-end items.

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And some shoplifters can be extremely inventive and dramatic.

Like that hefty woman years ago, who tried to waddle out of my father's South Side store with a stolen 24-pound frozen turkey between her legs.

She placed a lonely bunch of celery on the cashier counter, a few potatoes and a single bag of croutons for stuffing, even some turkey glaze. But no turkey could be seen.

"Where's the turkey?" asked my elderly Aunt Fannie, at the cash register while I, a mere boy ignorant of the sport of hidden turkey carrying, bagged the groceries.

The woman with the celery ignored my aunt. So Aunt Fannie tried again.

"Miss, did you forget the turkey?"

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She didn't forget it. But she may have inadvertently misplaced it.

The statute of limitations has long passed. But I can still hear the thunk as the huge frozen bird hit the floor, skittered forward to the door and triggered the automatic door opener before sliding out onto 55th Street.

"I knew the turkey was somewhere," said Aunt Fannie.

Of course, compared to shooting and killing, shoplifting is no big deal. Most of us would probably agree that in the hierarchy of rights and wrongs, a hot frozen Butterball can't be compared to human suffering.

There is some logic to all of this. The political idea is to reduce jail overcrowding and prosecution costs, by not pressing felony charges against shoplifters.

Some Republicans are warm to the notion. And Democrat Kim Foxx, the new Cook County state's attorney, also wants to lower costs.

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In one of her first publicly policy announcements, Foxx' office said it wants retail theft charges to remain a misdemeanor unless the value of the swag exceeds a thousand dollars.

So now in Springfield there are proposals to be kinder to shoplifters and seal it all up into law. This pleases the politicians who keep the jails and who fill them. But not everybody is pleased.

Rob Karr, president of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association, was quoted the other day as saying these easy-on-shoplifter policies mean one thing:

"You're hanging a sign around retail businesses saying, 'Open for stealing,' and that shouldn't be the message we're sending."

While shoplifting might not be a big deal for politicians, it is a big deal if you own a retail store, where the hours are long, the profit margins are slim to none, and taxes are high

Politicians don't usually run retail establishments. They're not worried about theft. Who'd steal from a Chicago politician, anyway?

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You'd have to be crazy to steal from a politician. Politicians know judges and cops and prosecutors. If you stole from a politician, you'd end up on the wrong side of the law.

In the olden days of Chicago politics, many successful aldermen owned taverns. But what would you steal? Beer? A few politicians own funeral parlors, but how would you steal a funeral?

Most politicians don't run stores, although the more powerful and successful Democrats and Republicans make a killing in "consulting" and "public pension investing." One of the most lucrative is the "property tax reduction" field.

House Speaker Michael Madigan, who has been boss of Illinois for more than three decades now, is a skilled lawyer and a property tax reduction expert.

But he's in no danger of theft.

A shoplifter can't very well steal the boss Democrat's expertise in property tax reduction.

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Who would you sell it to? What would you do with it?

And you very well can't freeze Judge Evans' wisdom or mercy, either and walk out with it stuffed in a pocket.

What can you do with frozen mercy? Not much.

Soon it will get warmer in Chicago, and the street gang wars will heat up again. And there will be a terrible cost to it all.

Listen to "The Chicago Way" podcast  with John Kass and Jeff Carlin  at http://wgnradio.com/category/wgn-plus/category/thechicagoway.

jskass@chicagotribune.com
Chief Education Officer Janice Jackson addresses the Chicago Board of Education meeting Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2016 at Chicago Public Schools headquarters in Chicago. Jackson voiced the city's opposition to a plan to make the Chicago Board of Education elected rather than appointed by the mayor. (Anthony Souffle / Chicago Tribune)

The latest push for an elected Chicago Board of Education sailed through a House committee vote Wednesday despite opposition from current and former district officials who argued the legislation provides no escape from CPS' latest fiscal crisis.

Gov. Bruce Rauner's administration tried another approach in the battle over Chicago Public Schools finances, urging lawmakers to back an effort from two Senate Republicans to both overhaul state pensions and send CPS $215 million that officials say is needed to avert an early end to the school year.

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Both Rauner's proposal and the latest attempt to end Mayor Rahm Emanuel's authority to appoint the Chicago Board of Education face plenty of hurdles.

Faced with criticism from city officials and Grammy-winning musician Chance the Rapper after vetoing legislation that would've sent $215 million to district coffers, Rauner has now asked lawmakers to separate CPS funding and pension overhauls from a package of Senate legislation. Democrats oppose that idea.

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The elected school board concept has won persistent backing from the Chicago Teachers Union, its allied groups and House lawmakers; it has stalled in the Senate.

CPS Chief Education Officer Janice Jackson and former school board Vice President Jesse Ruiz voiced the city's opposition to the idea at Wednesday's hearing, telling lawmakers that an elected board would have no new authority to raise revenue or renegotiate existing labor and vendor contracts.

"I'm not here to make a generalization about elected versus appointed school boards and its impact in any school district," Jackson told a House panel. "But I am here to say that for Chicago Public Schools, we have been governed in a particular way  and that is being threatened. And I believe that there will be an impact on academic outcomes because of the lack of stability.

"Nobody knows that having an elected school board is going to lead to higher outcomes for our students. So in a district like Chicago, with a large population of minority students and low-income students, why would we threaten that when we're on the right trajectory?" she said.

The legislation from state Rep. Robert Martwick Jr., D-Chicago, would clear a path toward electing Chicago school board members starting in 2019, and would allow the General Assembly to separate the city into 20 school board electoral districts. The bill advanced out of a House education committee on an 18-1 vote Wednesday.

Rauner took to Facebook on Tuesday to say he would sign a bill that combines an effort to curb public sector pension benefits  legislation that recently fell four votes short of winning Senate approval  and a one-year CPS funding measure the governor vetoed in December.

Rauner later acknowledged he was "a little emotional" when he announced the veto not long after Democratic Senate President John Cullerton publicly suggested there had never been a deal linking the $215 million in CPS pension aid to broader statewide pension reforms.

CPS moved to cut costs after the veto by furloughing employees, freezing school budgets and saying it could be forced to cut summer school and shorten the school year by about three weeks  for a savings of about $96 million  if the state or the courts don't intervene.

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"Obviously we're at a point right now where things are stalled," state Education Secretary Beth Purvis said Wednesday. "So this takes the good work of President Cullerton to bring forward some pension relief to the state, and it will immediately alleviate the stress that CPS has right now about its $215 million budget hole.

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"We believe that this really responds to the request for immediate support for CPS, so that their teachers, their families and their students know that the school year will continue," she said.

Emanuel on Wednesday said it's good Rauner admits there's a school pension funding problem, but suggested the governor's latest proposal doesn't amount to a long-term solution.

"I will compliment the governor, this is an acknowledgment that in fact there's pension inequity in the system," he said.

"What is challenging, and I want to look at it in a complete sense, is I think  if I'm not mistaken  it's only one year of pension funding, while the pension reform is permanent. That doesn't sound to me like a full agreement."

Chicago Tribune's John Byrne contributed.

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jjperez@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @PerezJr
One night, a little more than a decade ago, Chicago immigration attorney Mary Sfasciotti received a desperate call from a nun in the Milwaukee area.

Sister Josephe Marie Flynn asked Sfasciotti to help defend a former Congolese political activist in her parish who had been jailed. Regina Bakala faced deportation and was seeking asylum in the United States. The case was complicated, and it was a race against the clock.

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"Seven lawyers had already turned me down, before I called Mary," Sister Flynn said of the 2005 call.

Bakala had been taken from her Wisconsin home by immigration officials as her husband and two young children looked on. She had fled the Congo in 1995, saying she had been tortured and raped by government troops for supporting an opposition party and faced possible death if returned to her homeland.

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"Mary was a wonderful lawyer, a godsend, who I'm sure wasn't used to taking cases like ours," said Sister Flynn, who led her church's efforts to help the Bakala family.

But Sfasciotti stayed on the phone that night, asking questions and taking notes, and eventually agreed to represent Bakala.

"I'll never forget how Mary took charge," said Flynn, the author of the 2011 book "Rescuing Regina: The Battle to Save a Friend from Deportation and Death." "By the end of that first week, she had already sent me a packet 2 1/2 inches thick to prove to the Board of Immigration Appeals that she had a strong case."

After months of court proceedings, Bakala was finally reunited with her family and later granted asylum by a judge. She became a U.S. citizen in 2015.

"Regina would tell me how Mary came to visit her in jail, how she'd sit for hours just letting her talk," Flynn said. "She told me, 'Nobody ever listened to me like that.' "

Sfasciotti, 75, formerly of Highwood and Chicago, died of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Feb. 26 in her home at Chalet Living and Rehab in Chicago.

The daughter of Italian immigrants, Sfasciotti was born and raised in Kenosha, Wis. In high school, she got hooked on extemporaneous speaking and debate.

"Mary was picking up skills and interests since she was a kid that led to her becoming a great litigator," said her brother Bob, who is also an attorney. "She was a wonderful student. She had a strong sense of social justice and spoke Spanish, French, Italian and Portuguese."

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"Her mind was racing a mile a minute, and that's how fast she talked," he said.

Sfasciotti graduated from Ripon College in 1962, and three years later earned a law degree from Northwestern University. She began her legal career as an attorney for the Immigrants Service League, a non-profit in Chicago, and later worked for the U.S. Board of Immigration Appeals for several years.

In the early 1970s, she joined the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Illinois, where she remained until 1974. She then moved to the Washington, D.C., area, to work for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission as assistant regional counsel.

After returning to the Chicago area in the late 1970s, Sfasciotti started her own practice, opening two offices, one in Chicago and one in Kenosha, specializing in immigration law. She retired three years ago, when her health began to fail.

"She had a soft spot for the downtrodden," her brother said. "But what's wonderful is that she found a niche within our profession, where she could do the most good."

Other survivors include a sister, Ginevra Cuira.

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Services were held.

Joan Giangrasse Kates is a freelance reporter.
Reginald Jackson, 27, faces murder in the killing of Ronald Holliman, 23, and charges of attempted murder in the shootings of two other men and a teenage boy in an attack in the 4900 block of West West End Avenue on June 4, 2014. (Chicago police photo)

A man who's faced felony weapons charges twice since the day in 2014 when four people were shot, one fatally, in an attack in the Austin neighborhood now faces murder and attempted murder charges in the shooting, prosecutors said.

Reginald Jackson, 27, faces a murder charge in the killing of Ronald Holliman, 18, and attempted murder charges in the shootings of two other men and a teenage boy in the attack in the 4900 block of West West End Avenue on June 4, 2014, said Tandra Simonton, a spokeswoman for the Cook County state's attorney's office. Jackson was ordered held in lieu of $600,000 bail in a hearing midday Wednesday before Judge Maria Kuriakos Ciesil, according to Simonton and court records.

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Jackson, who is the first person charged in the quadruple shooting, was arrested June 8, 2014, and charged with felony illegal handgun possession and unlawful use of a weapon after police found him and two other men in a car in the 4800 block of West Madison Street with two 9 mm handguns. The weapons charges were dropped last week, and Jackson was charged with murder after tests determined the guns were used in the shooting that left Holliman dead, according to prosecutors and court records.

Holliman was killed while he and several other people were hanging out on the front stoop of a home, with one of them standing out front, prosecutors said. Three gunmen came around the corner from the alley and started shooting, hitting three men and a 17-year-old boy, prosecutors said.

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One of the victims, a 21-year-old man, was shot in the left leg, arm, abdomen, back and left flank but started running west from the shooting scene before he fell to the ground, prosecutors said. The man saw a gunman come and stand over him and tried to take cover, then heard something like the sound of a failing transmission before he looked up and saw three men get out of a gray van, which they left in the street before running off.

Holliman was shot in the buttocks, leg, thigh and knee and was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, authorities said at the time. A 26-year-old man was shot in the chest, back, abdomen and flank and taken to Stroger Hospital for treatment, while the 21-year-old was taken to Mount Sinai for treatment. A 17-year-old boy suffered a graze wound to the right hip and declined medical treatment at the scene, prosecutors said. At the time of the shooting, police only disclosed information about the three men who were wounded.

When police collected evidence at the scene, including numerous shell casings, they found that three guns, two 9 mm pistols and a .45-caliber pistol, were used in the shooting, prosecutors said.

About 9:30 p.m. June 8, 2014, Jackson and two other people in a vehicle were stopped by police in the 4800 block of West Madison Street at a gas station, and two 9 mm pistols were found in the vehicle, prosecutors said. Following testing, it was determined that they were among the guns used in the West End shooting.

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Soon after his Madison Street arrest, Jackson was charged with being a gang member illegally in possession of a firearm in a vehicle and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon. He was able to raise money to be released on bond in that case but was arrested again about 12:20 p.m. Dec. 17 in the 1300 block of South Troy Street and charged with unlawful possession of a loaded handgun, among other weapons charges, according to court and police records.

The December case is still pending, but on March 7, the 2014 weapons case was dropped, according to court records.

It was not immediately clear why it took until this week to charge Jackson with murder. No one else has been charged in the attack that killed Holliman, according to court records.

Two other men were charged with weapons violations in connection with the Madison Street vehicle stop, according to court records. One pleaded guilty and was sentenced to three years in prison, but with a boot camp recommendation from the judge. The case against the second man was dropped in a hearing before the same judge who had been presiding over Jackson's gun case, the same day last week that Jackson's case was dropped, according to court records.

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In addition to the evidence connected with the 9 mm handguns, two of the victims in the shooting also identified Jackson as one of the gunmen, prosecutors said.

Officials originally gave Holliman's age as 18, but prosecutors said and court records indicate he was 23 at the time of his death.

Jackson is due back in court April 3.
BENTON, Ill.  A man accused of fatally stabbing two Illinois bank workers and critically wounding a third during a botched robbery has pleaded guilty to charges.



James Nathaniel Watts pleaded guilty Thursday to attempted armed bank robbery resulting in death and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm in connection with the May 2014 holdup at the First National Bank branch in Cairo. The 32-year-old Watts entered the plea in U.S. District Court in exchange for the prosecutor taking the death penalty off the table when he is sentenced on May 25.



Authorities allege Watts was armed with a gun and wearing a hooded sweatshirt when he confronted three female employees as they emerged from the bank after closing.



Killed were 52-year-old Anita Grace of Olive Branch, Illinois, and 52-year-old Nita Jo Smith of Wickliffe, Kentucky. A 23-year-old woman survived.






Illinois regulators have suspended a McHenry doctor whom they've termed "an immediate danger to the public" for allegedly overprescribing pain medications.

Following a sting operation in which officers posed as patients, state authorities this week temporarily suspended the medical license of Dr. Raman Popli, asserting that he was "inappropriately prescribing" pain and anti-anxiety medication, including more than 167,000 doses of hydrocodone-based drugs and more than 86,000 doses of Xanax in a two-year period, according to a petition seeking the suspension.

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The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration's Chicago office, which is leading the investigation, obtained information from a source who claimed to have purchased controlled substances from one of Popli's patients, according to the petition filed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. The patient told the source that the doctor would give the source "anything he/she wants" if the source provided the doctor with a "fake story," the petition states.

Last summer, the DEA also received a complaint from a local pharmacist about the doctor's volume of prescriptions, according to the document.

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The DEA then sent two undercover investigators to see the doctor, and both received prescriptions for controlled substances during initial office visits, despite presenting multiple "red flags," the petition states.

One undercover agent, a North Chicago police officer, went to the doctor's office reporting "tenderness" in his shoulder and said he'd been getting Norco, an opioid pain medication that can be highly addictive, for more than a year from a "buddy." The officer was prescribed 30 tablets of Norco, officials said.

Then a DEA task force officer, also pretending to be a patient, went to Popli and reported having taken Norco, purchased online, for three months for elbow soreness. The doctor prescribed 20 325-milligram tablets of Norco, the records state.

A review of the Illinois Prescription Monitoring Program showed that between June 2014 and May 2016, Popli prescribed more than 350,000 doses of controlled substances, the petition states. Besides the tens of thousands doses of both hydrocodone and Xanax, that included 50,000 units of oxycodone-based painkillers and 28,000 doses of the sedative Klonopin, authorities contend.

The DEA also identified about 30 patients for whom Popli prescribed a "Holy Trinity" cocktail of drugs that "gives users the effect and euphoria of heroin use," the petition states.

Last August, the DEA interviewed multiple pharmacists in the doctor's area and found at least two  one at a CVS in McHenry; the other a Walmart in Johnsburg  who said the doctor prescribed a high amount of controlled substances, according to the petition. The Walmart pharmacists told authorities that the store keeps a corporate list of such doctors, that Popli was notified that he was on it and that he was told that, as a general practitioner, he should refer patients to a pain specialist, the petition states.

DEA agents interviewed the doctor last month and reported that he initially denied ever have prescribed hydrocodone on a patient's initial visit, despite having done so for the two undercover agents, authorities said.

When asked why he was prescribing a large amount of hydrocodone when he wasn't a pain specialist, the doctor "did not have a response except to continually ask if his prescribing was high for a doctor," the document states.

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Brian Zachariah, the chief medical coordinator of the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, signed an affidavit that Popli's practice of medicine "presents an immediate danger to the safety of the public."

During questioning by federal agents, Popli began to perspire, with sweat dripping from his forehead, the agents reported.

Authorities assert that one patient alone received more than 4,000 tablets of morphine sulfate painkillers, more than 3,000 tablets of the muscle-relaxant Soma, 3,000 tablets of oxycodone, more than 2,000 tablets of anti-anxiety drug Xanax, and 180 tablets of Valium over two years, which the doctor told authorities was for a back problem.

Popli also denied having ever been notified by a pharmacist about the volume of his prescriptions, officials said.

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Regulators have asked that Popli's license be suspended, revoked or that he is otherwise disciplined. He is scheduled for a hearing Friday before an administrative law judge.

Popli could not be reached for comment. Online, he was rated 5 stars out of 5 by 23 Google users, with glowing reviews describing him as caring and attentive. His web site, poplimd.com, states that he has been serving the McHenry area for more than 14 years, with the motto, "My family taking care of your family."

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He notes on the site that there would be a charge for any medical consultation or new prescription prescribed over the phone. The site states that he is is board certified in internal medicine.

Popli has not been charged with a crime. A DEA spokesman said it would "inappropriate to discuss the current investigation" involving the doctor.

According to figures provided by the DEA, 271 people died from prescription opioids in Illinois in 2015, a 7 percent increase from the previous year, according to the DEA. Nationally, federal records show deaths from prescription opioids have quadrupled since 1999, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and in 2014, the number of deaths from prescription drugs exceeded the number of deaths from heroin.

rmccoppin@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @RobertMcCoppin
The gray-haired former Gov. Rod Blagovich is seen in a courtroom sketch Aug. 9, 2016, on TV from prison in Colorado at his resentencing hearing at the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse in Chicago. (Cheryl A. Cook / Chicago Tribune)

Federal prosecutors have filed a rebuttal to the latest appeal by former Gov. Rod Blagojevich of his sentence on corruption charges, arguing that the trial judge acted appropriately in August by refusing to reduce the 14-year prison term.

Blagojevich's lawyers had contended that U.S. District Judge James Zagel failed to take into account the glowing letters from fellow prisoners and all the good works of the ex-governor while behind bars.

In their filing made public Thursday, prosecutors maintained that Zagel, in fact, considered that evidence but "simply disagreed that the reasons put forward warranted a lower sentence."

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Prosecutors also emphasized that the 7th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals had already rejected a similarly styled appeal.

The last-ditch request for another resentencing hearing is indeed considered a legal long shot at best because the appeals court already said in its previous ruling that Zagel's original sentence was reasonable given the variety of corruption schemes on which Blagojevich was convicted.

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Blagojevich was convicted in 2011 of misusing his powers as governor in an array of wrongdoing, including most notably his attempts to sell the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Barack Obama after his 2008 election as president. The conviction came less than a year after an initial trial ended with a jury deadlocked on all but one count of lying to the FBI, forcing the retrial.

Last year, an appeals court threw out five counts involving the Senate seat sale on technical grounds. But the three-judge panel tempered the small victory for Blagojevich by calling the evidence against him "overwhelming" and making it clear that Zagel's original sentence was not out of bounds. Zagel's decision in August to resentence Blagojevich to the original 14 years means he's still slated to remain in prison until May 2024.

In his appeal in December, Blagojevich's attorney, Leonard Goodman, said Zagel ignored key evidence presented at the resentencing, including dozens of letters written by fellow inmates about Blagojevich's character and leadership in the federal prison camp outside Denver.

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Blagojevich, who appeared at the hearing via a satellite hookup from the prison, also apologized for his "mistakes" but never specifically mentioned the crimes for which he was convicted  something Goodman said Zagel should have taken into account.

In their filing, prosecutors dismissed the argument that the letters from inmates and statements from the former governor and his two daughters at the resentencing should have led Zagel to reduce the 14-year sentence.

Prosecutors reiterated that Blagojevich, during a video conference statement from prison, said he "made many mistakes and many misjudgments" but did not actually accept responsibility for crimes. Prosecutors also noted that Zagel emphasized how Blagojevich's actions damaged the state and residents' trust in government.

"The district court found that the defendant's good behavior in prison and his acceptance of responsibility to some level back in 2011 'do not erase the harm he inflicted on the people of Illinois,' " prosecutors wrote. "Ultimately, the district court concluded 'the deterrence concerns in this case are paramount.' "

If the appellate panel rejects the request, it would leave Blagojevich with only one more chance at getting any legal relief: a petition to the U.S. Supreme Court. That would also be considered a Hail Mary, since the high court already passed on hearing his case once.

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poconnell@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @pmocwriter
ST. PAUL, Minn.  St. Paul police officers responding to a report of a violent domestic situation fatally shot a Waukegan man Wednesday, authorities said.



The Ramsey County medical examiner said Cordale Quinn Handy, 29, died of multiple gunshot wounds.



Three officers were called to an apartment building in St. Paul's Dayton's Bluff neighborhood about 2:30 a.m. because of a domestic situation that involved physical violence, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension said.

Officers encountered Handy in the street and, at some point, two officers fired their guns, striking Handy, who died at the scene. No officers were hurt.



The BCA recovered a firearm outside of the apartment building and spent shell casings in the apartment.



Three St. Paul police officers are on standard administrative leave, said the BCA, which is investigating the shooting. Their names and other details were not released.



De'Andre Gatewood, who heard the incident, said a woman screamed: "He's trying to kill me." While officers were there, Gatewood said the woman shouted that the gun wasn't loaded and she told the man to put it down, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reported.



The St. Paul chapter of the NAACP and other community groups didn't identify Handy by name, but said he was black. The BCA said Handy was from Waukegan, but the Star Tribune said a neighbor and court records indicate he is a St. Paul resident.



Melissa Nielsen, who lives on the same floor, described Handy and his girlfriend as a quiet couple who kept to themselves.



"They've been nothing but nice to me," Nielsen said. "They're nice to all of their neighbors."



In a statement, Police Chief Todd Axtell said "no one at the St. Paul Police Department takes pleasure in having to use deadly force."




Senator Bob Corker released the following statement on Thursday regarding the Health Care Bill:I had a discussion on Air Force One yesterday with President Trump about health care, and as this bill moves through the House of Representatives, I hope the following issues will be addressed. Cost. The bill should help lower the cost of health care sooner rather than later. Affordability.Tax credits must be sufficient enough to allow hardworking Americans not covered by their employer to reasonably purchase a health care plan that fits their needs.I will be watching closely as the legislation progresses.
A small fire broke out at the Steak-N-Egger diner in the Pilsen neighborhood Thursday morning, according to authorities.

The fire began around 9:25 a.m. at the restaurant in the 1100 block of West Cermak Road.

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The fire was mostly extinguished by the first fire crews, who worked to ventilate the restaurant and check for fire in the attic area, according to Larry Langford, a spokesman for the Chicago Fire Department.

"Should be out shortly. They're still working, mostly on ventilation right now," Langford said shortly before 10 a.m.

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No one was injured, Langford said.

Check back for more information.
Chicago police Superintendent Eddie Johnson will meet with U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions Thursday morning to discuss how the federal government can help combat gun violence in the city, a police spokesman said Wednesday night

Johnson, who will be among roughly 10 police chiefs from around the country meeting with Sessions in Washington to discuss the nation's violence problem, also plans to express the Chicago police's commitment to reforming itself based on recommendations made in January by the U.S. Justice Department under the Obama administration. The Justice Department's report on Chicago cited, among other things, longstanding civil rights violations by police and poor training for its officers.

Sessions, who was confirmed last month as President Donald Trump's top law enforcement official, has vowed to "pull back" on federal civil rights probes of local police departments like the one in Chicago. He also has pushed the idea that officers' hesitance to police aggressively is driving rising violence in major cities, including Chicago.

The city finished 2016 with more than 4,300 people shot and over 760 homicides, the most killings Chicago had seen in 20 years.

In addition to discussing the reforms, Johnson plans to request that Sessions assign more assistant U.S. attorneys to Chicago to prosecute gun crimes, said Anthony Guglielmi, Johnson's spokesman. He said Johnson would like more federal prosecutors to focus on cases in Chicago's most violent patrol districts, including Englewood on the South Side and Harrison on the West Side.



Johnson also plans to ask Sessions for federal funding that would go to mentorship programs for Chicago's youths, Guglielmi said. In January, Mayor Rahm Emanuel expressed interest in acquiring that kind of funding following a vague tweet sent by Trump about Chicago's violence that read, "I will send in the Feds!"

Though Sessions, in his first major speech as U.S. attorney general last month, would not discuss his Chicago plans specifically, his comments signaled a potential unwillingness to pursue a consent decree with the Chicago Police Department, which would require it to make reforms under court order.

Rather, Sessions empathized with police who he said are fearful to do their jobs in an emerging anti-law enforcement environment that is quick to capitalize on perceived mistakes. To support his argument, Sessions cited metrics showing a drop in stops and arrests that he said is contributing to increased crime.

Like Trump, who campaigned on a law-and-order platform, Sessions vowed to crack down on homicides and violent street crime in inner cities.

In a news conference this week, Johnson unveiled a "road map of police reforms he's pursuing, an attempt to show his commitment to change regardless of whether a judge enforces the federally recommended reforms.

When President Barack Obama was in office, Emanuel said he would enter into a court-enforced agreement on a number of reforms.

Tribune reporter Elyssa Cherney contributed.
Democratic U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi says constituents have flooded his office with phone calls and emails in recent days, with the majority of the messages opposing the AHCA. (Stacey Wescott / Chicago Tribune 2016)

U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, who like his Democratic colleagues is dead-set against the repeal of the Affordable Care Act , says he has been bombarded with constituent calls and emails in recent days.

The overwhelming majority of messages  1,098 as of Wednesday  oppose the health care overhaul proposed by House Republicans , while just 11 support it, according to the first-term lawmaker from Schaumburg .

WASHINGTON  "To say there is concern bordering on fear is not an overstatement," Krishnamoorthi said.

As Illinois Democrats sound alarms, Republicans insist reform is needed because the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, isn't working. The Republican measure that advances Thursday to the House Budget Committee has come under fire from the political left and right.

Republicans are under pressure to advance the bill to get it to the House floor. But Rep. Peter Roskam of Wheaton, a six-term lawmaker and vocal critic of the ACA, said the proposal up for a vote on Thursday is "not a final product."

Roskam, who has been dogged by those who want to keep the 2010 law intact, said he wants to know more about how Medicaid reforms in his party's proposal would impact Illinois, and acknowledges he is "concerned enough to be open to changes."

He said he is skeptical of the Congressional Budget Office 's estimate that by 2026, 24 million more people would be uninsured compared to the number now.

But he's encouraged the CBO found the cost of premiums eventually would decline and the federal deficit would be cut. Average premiums for people who buy their own insurance would decrease after 2020, the report said. The deficit would be cut by $337 billion in the next decade, the CBO said.

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After the GOP's American Health Care Act was unveiled last week, Roskam said in a release that he and colleagues were "pleased" to introduce the measure "following through on our commitment to responsibly repeal and replace Obamacare."

This week, Roskam said he was more familiar with the measure's tax provisions and had helped craft them. The proposal would give medical device makers, insurance companies and wealthy Americans a big tax cut.

Roskam said he's set up small group meetings to hear from Obamacare supporters, though he doesn't believe they represent the "majority position in my district." Nobody can be dismissive of the stories of people helped by the ACA, he said, but he believes the law is not sustainable.

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Nearly one-third of U.S. counties have only one insurer offering plans on the exchanges set up under the ACA, and the lack of competition "drives prices up," he said.

Already some insured people are confronted with premiums, deductibles and co-pays so high their access to care is effectively blocked, Roskam added, "I think there's strong momentum behind repeal-and-replace, it's likely to be repealed and replaced."

But Chicago area Democrats say they worry about the decline in Medicaid dollars to the state under the Republican plan. They say populous Cook County as well as rural hospitals would be hit hard by any move that would provide less money to the state-federal program that insures the poor and disabled.

Democratic U.S. Rep. Bill Foster of Naperville said parents with disabled children were worried and families with autistic children had reached out to him with concerns about the health care bill.

U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley , a Chicago Democrat, said he knows many people whose lives have been saved by the ACA, citing people with cancer or cardiovascular disease whose pre-existing conditions had prevented them from getting insurance.

"When they got health care benefits, they got the treatment and they lived," he said.

Quigley said he is rankled that House Republicans voted more than 60 times to repeal or defund the ACA rather than work with Democrats to bolster the law.

The current GOP proposal would keep popular parts of the ACA, letting children stay on a parent's insurance until age 26 and barring insurers from denying coverage for pre-existing conditions. He called those costly provisions that would be retained at the expense of seniors, the middle class and poor.

In addition to the proposed replacement law's effect on individuals, Krishnamoorthi said he's also worried about pink slips in the health sector and orders freezing up for companies in his district. One firm is Siemens Healthineers Molecular Imaging, which has its global headquarters in Hoffman Estates and makes devices to detect bone cancer and cardiac conditions.

Other Democrats also reported negative responses to the Republican proposal. U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky of Evanston reported "thousands" of contacts from constituents opposing the GOP plan by a 40-1 margin. U.S. Reps. Brad Schneider of Deerfield and Danny Davis and Luis Gutierrez of Chicago also reported overwhelmingly negative response.

The proposed cuts to Planned Parenthood would hurt Gutierrez's constituents and the Latino community since so many residents and Latinas generally rely on its health care, said Douglas Rivlin, his spokesman.

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Republican U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren of west suburban Plano has not made a decision on the bill as he reviews the legislation and its impact on Illinois, according to spokesman Jameson Cunningham. Hultgren's office declined to give a breakdown of contacts from constituents for or against the measure.

"My constituents continue to provide good input from all sides ... communicating many reasons why the current system of health insurance isn't working," Hultgren said in a statement. He also said that some people in the exchanges under Obamacare have said reforms are necessary because they can't see their doctor, are cut off from specialists or aren't covered at their nearest hospital.

House Democrat Robin Kelly of Matteson made note of the discord among Republicans. If the measure passes the House but sinks in the Senate, the GOP "will have to go back to the drawing board, and hopefully Democrats will be at table," she said.

kskiba@tribpub.com

Twitter @KatherineSkiba
SPRINGFIELD  Illinois stands to lose an estimated $40 billion in federal money over the next decade under the Republican health care proposal being considered in Congress, experts told state lawmakers Thursday.

The figure comes as state House Democrats sought to put a price tag on the potential impact of the plan on health care programs for the poor. The Republican proposal is backed by President Donald Trump, but it could change as federal lawmakers debate it.

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The $40 billion projection is based on a report released this week by the Congressional Budget Office that said 24 million Americans would lose coverage by 2026 under the Republican plan, David Gross, senior vice president of government relations for the Illinois Health and Hospital Association, told lawmakers. The report said states could lose out on a possible $880 billion in federal funding over that same period.

"This is at a time when the state is not well positioned to absorb the costs," Gross said.

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Officials pointed to two aspects of the GOP plan that would hurt the state's Medicaid system. One provision would cap how much the federal government reimburses states, which is different from the current system. States that exceed the cap would be responsible for shouldering the additional costs, something that could prove challenging for cash-strapped Illinois.

The proposal also would freeze Medicaid expansion in 2020. People enrolled before then would be allowed to stay in the program but only if they never leave the program. Anyone who loses coverage starting in 2020 couldn't re-enroll.

"We know from the data that this is really an end to the expansion, that people circulate off the Medicaid program. And this is not a gentle slope. This is a cliff for the Medicaid program," said Roberta Rakove, senior vice president for government and public affairs at Sinai Health System.

Rep. Tom Demmer, R-Dixon, said Thursday that lawmakers also should focus on problems with the Affordable Care Act put in place under Barack Obama when he was president. He cited one portion of the congressional report that said the Republican health care proposal would reduce federal costs and lower the deficit.

"There's not national support for sweeping changes to health care policy because people are happy with their insurance options or because they're happy with the way that health care policy looks today," Demmer said.

Democrats that control the Illinois House set up the hearing for Thursday as the health care debate rages in Washington, D.C., and kept the focus on the Medicaid program.

"We need to slow down because we are talking about poor people," said Rep. Mary Flowers, D-Chicago. "We're talking about vulnerable people."

hbemiller@chicagotribune.com

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Twitter @haleybemiller
Leslie Geissler Munger answers squestions from the Chicago Tribune editorial board on Aug. 25, 2016. Munger was namedadeputy governor by Gov. Bruce Rauner after she lost the comptroller election toDemocrat Susana Mendoza in November. (Nancy Stone / Chicago Tribune)

A Cook County judge Thursday didn't move state lawmakers' paychecks toward the front of Illinois' long line of unpaid bills but agreed to hear another set of arguments next week.

The hearing before Judge Rodolfo Garcia came in response to a lawsuit from Democratic lawmakers who complained late last year that their paychecks were months past due. The reason: Then-Comptroller Leslie Geissler Munger, a Republican appointed by Gov. Bruce Rauner, decided in April that lawmakers should wait for their paychecks just like Illinois vendors do as the lengthy state budget stalemate continued.

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After listening to arguments from both sides, Garcia said lawmakers are "in control of their own future" and that court was not the proper place to solve the dispute.

"I think there are serious problems with the legislators coming here to make a claim," Garcia said, noting that the problem could be solved "by simply passing a budget."

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Garcia said from the bench that he was granting a motion for summary judgment, a move to throw the case out of court. But he returned to the courtroom moments later to allow the lawmakers' lawyer to advance a new argument based on a stopgap spending plan that was approved last June. Garcia then said he would hear additional arguments. The lawyers for the two sides agreed to return to court March 23.

Garcia said he thought those additional arguments could be key to an appeal. He did not issue a written order. Lawmakers' paychecks will remain delayed about six months, according to the comptroller's office.

The lawmakers' lawyer had tried to argue that the comptroller was operating outside her authority by delaying the payments. The judge said the legislature had abdicated its authority by failing to enact a budget.

"To the extent that the legislature has avoided making the very hard decisions in passing a budget, it has delegated that sort of discretion to the comptroller," Garcia said. "Someone's got to make these decisions."

Previously, lawmakers' paychecks had been immune to the state's budget problems because a state law requires lawmakers to be paid in 12 equal monthly installments. The Illinois Constitution also forbids changes to lawmakers' salaries during their terms.

In an attempt to pressure lawmakers into striking a deal to break the long budget stalemate in Springfield, Munger decided to process those paychecks alongside the other pile of bills owed by the state. The decision meant that lawmaker paychecks would go to the back of the line and be paid as cash became available. At the time, Illinois had a bill backlog of $8 billion. It has since grown to $12.5 billion.

Munger at the time was campaigning in a special election to fill the position that she had been appointed to after the death of Judy Baar Topinka. She turned the policy into a campaign slogan: "No budget, no pay."

Munger lost in November to Democrat Susana Mendoza. Mendoza has indicated she would maintain Munger's policy, and her office said Thursday before the ruling that she was standing by that decision.

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Democrats, led by Rep. Emanuel "Chris" Welch of Hillside, Reps. Mary Flowers, Sonya Harper and Silvana Tabares of Chicago, Rep. Lisa Hernandez of Cicero and then-Rep. Kate Cloonen of Kankakee filed their lawsuit in early December, just days before the keys to the comptroller's office changed hands.

Welch said he was not discouraged by the tone of the hearing.

"I have been practicing law in Cook County for 20 years and it sounded like it went like oral arguments go," he said. "And until the judge makes his final decision, we don't know what he wants to do."

Welch dismissed the argument that lawmakers could solve the issue by passing a budget, putting the blame on the governor for repeatedly failing to put forth balanced budget proposals that legislators could act on.

"At the end of the day, if the governor did his job we wouldn't have to be in court asking the judge to uphold the constitution," Welch said.

The lawmakers' attorneys are Michael Kasper, a Democratic lawyer with long-standing ties to House Speaker Michael Madigan, and Richard J. Prendergast, who was a lawyer for lawmakers who successfully sued former Gov. Pat Quinn after he froze legislative pay during a fight over pension legislation more than three years ago.

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Lawmakers receive a base salary of $67,836 for their part-time jobs, but most earn thousands more in stipends for serving in Democratic or Republican leadership positions, or acting as chairman of legislative committees. Total compensation for legislators is roughly $1.3 million a month.

Chicago Tribune's Monique Garcia contributed from Springfield.

kgeiger@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @kimgeiger
The fight over a proposed Northwest Side development with federally subsidized and below-market-rate apartments spilled into City Hall on Thursday as planning officials considered a different part of the project.

The planned 100-unit building and a storage facility for the Jefferson Park neighborhood have the support of Ald. John Arena, 45th, who finds himself facing off against area residents who lined up to voice their displeasure at a hearing.

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Despite the opposition, the Plan Commission approved a zoning change for the property at the intersection of Northwest Highway and Milwaukee Avenue. A developer wants to build a five-story self-storage warehouse on part of the site, which now includes a vacant factory where lunches were once prepared for Catholic schools.

The apartment building portion of the project wasn't even on the meeting agenda, but it was clearly part of the backdrop as an unusually large weekday crowd of about 60 people came to City Council chambers, many to rail against the plan and the way the alderman has handled it.

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"Ald. Arena behaves like a dictator who believes he knows what's best for the people," said neighborhood resident Kerri Urbanski. "Having been one of the people pounding the pavement over the past two weeks and speaking to residents of the area, people are outraged that their concerns are not being heard."

Urbanski echoed several others who said five stories is too tall for the storage facility. A number of speakers touched on what they said is the unique low-density character of buildings in the neighborhood, arguing the proposal would undermine that.

"Jefferson Park has the pronounced and distinct character of a neighborhood full of residents who have worked hard to build and maintain this city of big shoulders we know today," said Moira Cahill who also lives nearby. "The homes are two-story, well-maintained and full of families who are engaged with their community. It is a characteristic we are very proud of. A large part of this distinct character is the visual landscape residents experience every day."

The more contentious part of the development has yet to come up for city approval. The planned seven-story apartment building would include 80 units rented at below market rate, Arena said, with 20 of those set aside for people with Chicago Housing Authority vouchers, and veterans with vouchers getting preference. A hearing has yet to be set for the zoning change that would be needed for that to happen, and Arena said that's still months away as the developers seek financing.

Arena said the zoning approved Thursday was a step toward replacing an empty eyesore with a business. Asked whether there's an undertone of racism to the criticism the apartment building has received at community meetings in recent months, the alderman said he has tried to assure constituents he wants what's best for the ward.

"Some people have obviously made some assumptions about what housing  whether it's here or in other areas  will bring to the community," Arena said. "And all I can say to my residents, to the folks who are concerned about that, is I am as much concerned about the folks who live in my neighborhood, who have come to me and said we need positive development, we need opportunities for buildings that are accessible."

The bungalow belt neighborhood has seen a younger, more diverse population in recent years, drawn by good schools, low crime and convenient access to the CTA blue line and Metra. But Jefferson Park is still largely white, with lots of police, firefighters and city government retirees living there.

There are few large apartment complexes of any kind in Jefferson Park, which is dominated by single-family homes and a sprinkling of two- to four-story buildings.

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The zoning change for the storage facility next heads to the City Council Zoning Committee.

jebyrne@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @_johnbyrne
MADISON, N.J.  The U.S. is entering a period when its commitment to religious liberty is being tested, Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito told an audience Wednesday at an event sponsored by a Catholic lawyers' organization.

Alito used his own words from his dissent in the Supreme Court's landmark same-sex marriage case, telling the gathering he had predicted opposition to the decision would be used to "vilify those who disagree, and treat them as bigots."

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"We are seeing this is coming to pass," he said, then mentioned Bob Dylan's famous song lyric, "You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows."

"A wind is picking up that is hostile to those with traditional moral beliefs," Alito said.

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The speech was sponsored by Advocati Christi, a group of Catholic lawyers and judges who seek to "provide an opportunity for lawyers learn about the Catholic faith and Catholic social teaching and to help them integrate these into their life and practice."

Alito served as U.S. Attorney in New Jersey and was based in Newark while a member of the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. He has been a Supreme Court justice since 2006.

In a roughly 45-minute speech that mentioned the Founding Fathers and 19th-century French writer Alexis De Tocqueville as well as Dylan and the 1960s TV sitcom "The Flying Nun," Alito discussed the hostility faced by Catholics in the U.S. over the centuries, and of his own joy as a youth staying up until the wee hours of the morning to witness John F. Kennedy elected the first Roman Catholic president in 1960.

"I felt it had lifted me up from the status of second-class American," he said.

While religious freedom has been recognized in Congress and in the courts, Alito said, attitudes are slower to change. He recounted a Democratic lawmaker who opposed his nomination in 2005 because Alito would make "too many Catholics on the court."

Alito said reactions to Supreme Court decisions such as the Hobby Lobby case, in which a company balked at being required to cover certain forms of contraception in its employee health plan, should spur action.

"We are likely to see pitched battles in courts and Congress, state legislatures and town halls," he said. "But the most important fight is for the hearts and minds of our fellow Americans. It is up to all of us to evangelize our fellow Americans about the issue of religious freedom."
Grandparents of victim Libby German, Becky Patty, left, and her husband Mike Patty, speak during a news conference for the latest updates on the investigation of the double homicide of Liberty German and Abigail Williams on Thursday, March 9, 2017, at Carroll County Courthouse in Delphi, Ind. (J. Kyle Keener / AP)

INDIANAPOLIS  A month after two teenage girls were found slain after vanishing during a northern Indiana hiking trip, investigators said Tuesday they continue following up on thousands of tips that have led officers to interview more 300 people for possible involvement in the case.

State Police Sgt. Kim Riley said police have cleared more than 200 people they had received tips about as resembling a man seen in two grainy photos taken from one of the girl's cellphones.

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But work continues to determine if any of about 100 other people named in the stream of tips may have been involved in the killings of 14-year-old Liberty German and 13-year-old Abigail Williams.

"These are people where information has come in to us saying, 'Hey I think that looks like this person,'" he said. "Those are people we're still following up on, trying to check out their stories."

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The girls vanished Feb. 13 while hiking along a trail near Delphi, about 60 miles northwest of Indianapolis, on a day off school. Their bodies were found the next day in a rugged, wooded area near a stream east of the city of about 3,000 residents.

Investigators had received more than 13,000 tips by Monday, and about 2,200 of those still must be pursued to determine whether or not they are relevant to the case, Riley said.

Authorities saw a surge in tips after German's grandfather, Mike Patty, pleaded with the public last Thursday to provide information in the case. Riley said the number of new tips flowing in has since declined but still numbers more than 200 a day.

Patty urged the public during a news conference to study two grainy images of a man considered the main suspect in the killings and audio of a male saying "down the hill."

That evidence came from German's cellphone, and police have hailed her as a hero for recording potentially crucial evidence.

Police have been tight-lipped about details in the case, and have not disclosed how the girls were killed or whether investigators collected DNA from the crime scene.

Carroll County Prosecutor Rob Ives said about 70 subpoenas and three search warrants had been issued and served in connection with the case as of Tuesday.

While the month-old investigation has lost some officers to other cases, Riley said more than 40 officers, including FBI agents, are still working the Delphi killings every day.

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Carroll County Sheriff Tobe Leazenby said investigators remain confident the murders will eventually be solved, but are still looking for the tip that will break the case.

"I'm operating from the standpoint where the next phone tip or email tip is the one we've been searching for. That's what we operate on, day in and day out," he said.

While the investigation continues, changes are in the works for the city's trails system following the deaths of the two teenage girls.

The changes planned for Delphi Historic Trails' 10 miles of paths include trail-side cameras, police patrols and signs with information about trail safety.

David McCain is a member of the Trail Safety Task Force. He tells WISH-TV the changes are a reflection of the public's desire to "take back our trails" in the city about 60 miles northwest of Indianapolis.

A 5-kilometer run on June 10 will serve as fundraiser for the trail changes.
President Donald Trump salutes after laying a wreath at the tomb of former President Andrew jackson in Nashville, Tenn., on March 15, 2017. (Nicholas Kamm / Getty-AFP)

NASHVILLE  Others may think of history as a lens. Donald Trump regards it as a mirror.

On Wednesday, he traveled to Tennessee to commemorate the 250th birthday of the seventh president, Andrew Jackson, and toured Jackson's plantation, which is known as the Hermitage.

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"Inspirational visit, I have to tell you. I'm a fan," Trump said outside Old Hickory's Greek Revival-style mansion.

What apparently has struck the president most about his illustrious predecessor is how much he and Old Hickory have in common.

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"They say my election was most similar to his," Trump said during an appearance in Detroit, where he stopped before heading here for the Hermitage visit and an evening political rally in Nashville. "1828 - that's a long time ago. Usually, they go back like to this one or that one, 12 years ago, 16. I mean, 1828, that's a long way, that's a long time ago."

Although Jackson is regarded as the founder of the Democratic Party and won the popular vote, there are more than a few resemblances between the forces that elected the seventh president and the 45th.

Jackson, like Trump, was a wealthy man who gave voice to the frustrations and anger of working-class whites against moneyed interests.

A departure from the mannered elite who had been elected before him, the frontiersman son of Scots-Irish immigrants was known as "the people's president."

He upended the established order in Washington. As Trump has sought to do, Jackson wielded his executive powers boldly. An 1832 cartoon, captioned "King Andrew I," depicted him in a crown and ermine robe. His was an appeal that the establishment of his day had difficulty understanding or accepting.

But unlike the current president, Jackson served in the military - becoming a national hero when he commanded a defeat of the British at the 1815 Battle of New Orleans - and spent time in government before assuming the nation's highest office.

After Trump's surprising victory last November, chief strategist Stephen Bannon predicted to the Hollywood Reporter that "like [Andrew] Jackson's populism, we're going to build an entirely new political movement. The conservatives are going to go crazy."

More recent interpretations of Jackson's time in office have taken some of the sheen off his reputation. He supported slavery and forced Native Americans off their lands with the Indian Removal Act of 1830, leading to the "Trail of Tears" forced march that cost the lives of thousands.

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The Obama administration called for Jackson to be bumped from the $20 bill in favor of abolitionist leader Harriet Tubman, a decision that Trump at the time called "pure political correctness."

In a recent survey of 91 historians conducted by the cable network C-SPAN, Jackson ranked 18th among U.S. presidents on 10 qualities of leadership. He slipped six places since the poll was last conducted, in 2009, which was the sharpest decline of any former president.

Jackson was "the original populist, not the inventor, but maybe the shrewdest practitioner of the politics of us versus them," said presidential historian Richard Norton Smith. "American politics is all about winning the allegiance of the forgotten man. Franklin D. Roosevelt did it in the 1930s. Richard Nixon did it in the 1960s. But before them, there was Andrew Jackson."

Although Trump has hung a portrait of Jackson in the Oval Office, his stated reasons for doing so are vague.

During a town hall event in April, Trump said that "Andrew Jackson had a great history."

While giving the hosts of "Fox & Friends" a tour of the Oval Office late last month, Trump explained why he selected the portrait of Jackson: "They say that his campaign and his whole thing was most like mine. That was interesting. . . . That's the great Andrew Jackson, who actually was a great general, and he was a great president - but a controversial president."

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The White House's top Jackson history buff is Bannon, who invoked him in describing Trump's dark inaugural address - memorable for its reference to "American carnage."

"I don't think we've had a speech like that since Andrew Jackson came to the White House," Bannon said. "But you could see it was very Jacksonian. It's got a deep, deep root of patriotism there."

But Jackson himself might bristle at comparisons between his election and that of Trump, who lost the popular vote but prevailed in the electoral college.

The first time Jackson ran, in a four-way race in 1924, he had won a plurality of both the popular vote and the electoral college, only to see the House of Representatives vote to give the presidency to John Quincy Adams.

Voter turnout quadrupled in the next election and Jackson handily ousted Adams from the White House. In his annual message to Congress, Jackson proposed abolishing the electoral college.

Trump is not the first president to claim a piece of Jackson's legacy.

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So dominant a figure was Old Hickory in 19th-century politics that James K. Polk styled himself "Young Hickory" in the election of 1844. Franklin Pierce diluted the brand again in 1852, running as "Young Hickory of the Granite Hills."

Abraham Lincoln invoked Jackson's name when mobs in Baltimore blocked the movement of federal troops in 1861: "There is no Washington in that - no Jackson in that - no manhood nor honor in that."

Nor is Trump the only one of Jackson's successors to make a pilgrimage to the Hermitage. Franklin D. Roosevelt did it in the depths of the Great Depression, and declared: "The more I learn about old Andy Jackson, the more I love him."

But presidents need not leave the White House to be reminded of him. The North Portico - added to the building by Jackson - looks out over Lafayette Square, where there is a bronze statue of the seventh president on horseback.
WASHINGTON  House Speaker Paul Ryan said Wednesday that his health care proposal must change to pass the House, marking a significant retreat from his earlier position that the carefully crafted legislation would fail if altered.

The shift came after a private meeting of House Republicans from which Ryan, R-Wis., emerged to tell reporters that his proposal to revise the Affordable Care Act would "incorporate feedback" from the rank-and-file. Ryan attributed the change of strategy to the impact of an analysis issued Monday by the Congressional Budget Office. Among other details that prompted a fresh round of criticism of the proposal was a projection that 14 million fewer Americans would be insured after one year under the Republican plan.

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Ryan backed away on Wednesday from his previous rhetoric of calling the measure's fate a "binary choice" for Republican lawmakers.

"Now that we have our score ... we can make some necessary improvements and refinements to the bill," he said, referring to the CBO's estimate of the impact on the number of those covered by health insurance and what the GOP proposal would cost.

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Ryan did not detail what changes are under consideration.

Vice President Pence also spoke to House Republicans in the meeting, acknowledging that changes to the legislation - which heads to the House Budget Committee for approval Thursday - are in the works. President Trump has offered his support for Ryan's measure, while still meeting with conservative lawmakers who have expressed serious doubts about the plan.

"This president is ready to put the full weight of his bully pulpit and all of his tools" behind the bill, Pence told Republicans, according to Rep. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D. "It was very important for us to hear that, because there are a lot of people who need that shoring up."

Pence told conservatives that the plan was still under negotiation at a private lunch meeting of the Republican Study Committee, a large caucus of conservative House Republicans, according to several attendees.

"As he said, it's not often that we get an opportunity to undo such a big piece of legislation that had negative consequences on the American people," said Rep. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., paraphrasing Pence's message. "He's open to make improvements. ... Anything that can get 218 votes and make the bill better, we're all about it."

Pence's visit to Capitol Hill - which included meetings with influential blocs of Republicans, as well as individual members - came as part of a White House effort to salvage support for the embattled American Health Care Act, even as President Donald Trump's conservative allies told him the bill could be a political trap.

The legislation will face an important test Thursday, when the House Budget Committee meets to consider the legislation and advance it to the House floor. The committee may not directly amend the bill but may make nonbinding recommendations. Any substantive changes would be made by the House Rules Committee, which controls how the bill is presented and debated on the floor.

House Budget Committee Chairman Diane Black, R-Tenn., insisted that GOP leaders are not "dug in" when it comes to concerns about the measure. "We're listening; we're definitely listening," she said Wednesday to conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt. "And I will tell you: Tune in to our Budget Committee tomorrow, and you will hear these conversations."

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The blitz came two days after the Congressional Budget Office estimated that 14 million fewer Americans would be insured next year under the GOP plan. The falling coverage numbers and estimates of higher premiums for older and low-income Americans raised concerns among many lawmakers, particularly those representing states that expanded eligibility for Medicaid under the ACA.

Ryan, R-Wis., plans to hold a House floor vote next week, and Trump administration officials have spent the last two days in near-constant discussion with Republican lawmakers as they scramble to find enough votes to pass the measure. Leaders were set to take a preliminary count of members supporting the bill Wednesday night.

Critics of the legislation warned Wednesday that the measure remains far short of the 216 votes needed for passage. Typically, 218 votes are needed to pass a bill in the 435-member House, but five pending vacancies have reduced that threshold. No Democrats are expected to support the bill, and with 237 Republicans, party leaders can afford no more than 21 defections.

"They will whip it, and they will find 40 nos and another 30 or 40 undecideds," said Rep. Mark Meadows, R-N.C., chairman of the hard-right House Freedom Caucus, who has called for changes to mollify conservatives.

One member of the Budget Committee who belongs to the Freedom Caucus, Rep. Dave Brat, R-Va., said he will vote against the bill in committee. Two other Freedom Caucus members, as well as three others on the panel, have not said how they will vote.

One conservative Budget Committee member who has voiced concerns about the bill said Wednesday that he had been convinced to advance it.

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Rep. Glenn Grothman, R-Wis., said he would support the legislation in the panel based on an "implied promise that things are going to be different on the floor, and therefore we can keep the process moving."

He declined to say who had made that promise: "People higher up on the food chain than me."

"I'll say this, if the bill that comes to the floor is the exact same one in Budget, I'll feel a little bit that I'd been had," he said.

House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, R-La., acknowledged in an MSNBC interview Wednesday that the bill remains under negotiation.

"Watching sausage being made is not the prettiest thing," he said. "What can we do on those final pieces that are being negotiated with President Trump and a number of our members in our conference that ultimately want to get to a yes vote and send this bill over to the Senate?"

Ryan spent much of Tuesday and Wednesday giving interviews in an attempt to drum up support for the plan. On the Fox Business Network, he defended the plan as a collaboration with Trump and the Senate and said "the major components are staying intact" while opening the door to "refinements and improvements."

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Later, in an interview with conservative radio host Laura Ingraham, he countered reports that the White House's support for the bill might be slipping. Ryan said he had spoken to chief of staff Reince Priebus and Trump's chief strategist Stephen K. Bannon "a number of times" about the bill, and he noted that Trump had brought lawmakers to the White House multiple times to make the case for the legislation.

"We are on the same page as the White House," Ryan said. "I think there are those who would love to wedge us for one reason or another, but that's just not the case."

Hours later, at a rally for Obamacare opponents outside the Capitol, Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, told activists that the House plan "has a lot of problems" but could possibly be modified into a "real repeal" of the ACA.

"I believe we can get it done," Cruz said. "I can tell you, the last week, four days, I've been at the White House meeting with the president, with the vice president, saying, 'We've got to get it done.'"

Various changes have been floated since the bill was unveiled earlier this month. Conservatives have pushed for an earlier phase-out of the ACA's Medicaid expansion, moving it from the end of 2019 to the beginning of 2018, but GOP moderates in both the House and Senate have pushed back on that notion.

"Doing that would be a nonstarter and would be enormously and hugely problematic for many of our members," said Rep. Charlie Dent, R-Pa., a co-chairman of the centrist Tuesday Group.

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Meadows said Wednesday that the Freedom Caucus is closely focused on repealing more of the ACA's mandates governing the extent of insurance coverage. "That is probably the No. 1 priority," he said. "If we can get those, it would make the rest of it a whole lot easier."

GOP leaders, however, have kept those provisions out of the pending legislation, arguing that their inclusion could threaten the bill's passage in the Senate and that many of those mandates can be undone through Trump administration actions.

In another sign of the effect of the CBO report, Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., floated a proposal to recalibrate the tax credits established under the House bill to offer more substantial help to low-income Americans. The House bill would offer assistance to individuals making as much as $115,000 a year; Thune's amendment would phase out aid for those making about $75,000 or more.

"We want to build on what the House has done, and we think that this amendment does that," Thune said. "It just makes it more defensible both in terms of the policy implications and the politics."

The Washington Post's Kelsey Snell and Sean Sullivan contributed to this report.
This winter, Samaritan Ministries International will have a presence at each of the 46 stops on the Winter Jam 2017 Tour Spectacular, Christian musics largest annual tour. The Chattanooga concert will be held on Sunday, March 26 at McKenzie Arena. Doors open at 5 p.m., show starts at 6 p.m.

With nearly 69,000 member households (225,000 individuals), Samaritan has practiced health care sharing through a Biblical lens for 22 years, with a focus on Christians helping other Christians with their needs as the Bible instructs in Galatians 6:2, which says, 'Bear one anothers burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.'

"As the exclusive health care sharing partner of Winter Jam 2017, Samaritan representatives will be on hand at each venue to communicate more about health care sharing and answer questions about this Biblical, non-insurance approach to health care. Current Samaritan members will also be available to answer questions about health care sharing and talk about their experiences," officials said.



Artists on the Winter Jam 2017 tour include Crowder, Britt Nicole, Tenth Avenue North, Sadie Robertson, Thousand Foot Krutch, Andy Mineo, Colton Dixon, Newsong, and Tony Nolan, along with OBB, Sarah Reeves, and Steven Malcolm for the Pre-Jam Party.
A portion of President Donald Trump's first proposed budget, focusing on the Department of Defense, and released by the Office of Management and Budget, is photographed in Washington, Wednesday, March 15, 2017. President Donald Trump is unveiling a $1.15 trillion budget, a far-reaching overhaul of federal government spending that slashes a dozen departments to finance a significant increase in the military and make a down payment on a U.S.-Mexico border wall. (Jon Elswick / AP)

WASHINGTON  President Donald Trump's governing blueprint represents the most ambitious effort to cut domestic spending and pare back the federal government since former President Ronald Reagan came to Washington, D.C., in 1981. Whether it will come close to accomplishing the president's ambitions is a far different question.

Trump's new budget proposes to raise discretionary defense spending by $54 billion in the next fiscal year and cut domestic discretionary spending by an equivalent amount, a sizable shift in priorities. To pay for his defense buildup, he would take huge chunks out of the budgets at the State Department, the Environmental Protection Agency and other agencies. The list of programs identified for elimination is lengthy, with targets both familiar and obscure.

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The president's ambitions go beyond the numbers in his new budget, however. Earlier this week, Trump signed an executive order designed to reorganize the executive branch. Unlike President Bill Clinton's initiative to reinvent government, Trump's order appears to be far more expansive, with a stated goal of finding programs and perhaps whole agencies that could be eliminated.

"Presidents create their own eras," said John Samples of the Cato Institute. "If he did this - whatever he said in the campaign - you might see a different cycle going forward with more restraint and a reduction in the size of government. This could be the beginning of a new cycle, but he's got to get from here to there."

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That caveat - "whatever he said in the campaign" - is not insignificant. Trump has emerged in his early weeks in office as a president with an agenda to tear down parts of the federal government that he sees as superfluous or hostile to his views. Stephen Bannon, White House senior counselor and chief strategist, has talked about the "deconstruction of the administrative state."

As a candidate, Trump espoused some of the goals he is following now - cutting regulations, for example - but also promised to hold harmless programs such as Social Security and Medicare and pledged a health-care program that would provide coverage to everyone while also promising major tax cuts. If he sticks to those pledges, the impact on the deficit could be significant.

All this leaves open the question of what Trump's true priorities are. Are they mainly to raise defense spending, thereby being forced to find offsetting savings from domestic spending? Are they to reduce the deficit significantly, in which case what he is proposing will not go very far? Are they to take an ax to the executive branch, both through regulatory changes and the elimination of programs, in an effort to fight a bureaucracy that he appears to see as hostile to his presidency?

"In terms of the overall change in direction, this is basically following the Reagan blueprint to reorder priorities in discretionary spending," said former senator Phil Gramm, R-Texas, who as a House member and "blue dog" Democrat played a key role in Reagan's first budget battle. "It would be modest in any private entity, but in government, it's significant."

The domestic cuts proposed in Trump's new budget will produce pain and are likely to spark the same kind of backlash that has greeted past efforts. Trump enjoys the advantage of having a Congress in Republican hands, and one that includes many members who came to Washington determined to cut government's size and scope. But the built-in resistance to cuts in specific programs will test Trump's ability to shift priorities and truly shrink Washington's reach.

"There aren't a lot of examples of presidents coming in and saying, 'I'm going to eliminate this program and that program and cut a whole bunch of programs back anywhere from 10 to 30 percent,' " said Robert Reischauer, a former director of the Congressional Budget Office. "This is quite unusual."

Reagan came to Washington determined to scale back the federal government. His 1981 budget and tax program did just that, cutting taxes dramatically and cutting overall projected government spending by about 5 percent and domestic discretionary spending by about 14 percent, according to Samples. When he left office after eight years, most of those programs he had cut had gotten bigger again, and those he tried to eliminate were still in existence.

The reason, said Leon Panetta, who was director of the Office of Management and Budget during Clinton's administration, was the built-in obstacles that confront any president seeking to cut rather than spend.

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"Deep down, despite a lot of rhetoric about cutting, members of Congress, both Republican and Democrat, are committed to areas of domestic spending, particularly those that affect their districts," he said. "What it means is that defense will go up, but then there will be a real game of smoke and mirrors to find a way to somehow cover those costs."

Panetta pointed out that successful efforts to attack the deficit combined cuts in defense and domestic spending, higher taxes and changes in entitlement programs. He cited the 1990 agreement between President George H.W. Bush's White House and a Democratic Congress and the deal reached by Clinton's White House and a Republican-controlled House that produced a balanced budget in the late 1990s.

But deficit reduction is not necessarily Trump's top priority. His overall fiscal plan remains a work in progress. What is being released this week does not include his proposals to overhaul the tax code. But his campaign promises included cutting the corporation tax and reducing tax rates, including on wealthy individuals. The only way to increase defense spending, therefore, is to go hard after domestic spending.

Ohio Gov. John Kasich, who was chairman of the House Budget Committee at the time of the balanced budget deal, offered this cautionary note. "Slashing is the easiest thing to do," he said. "Reforming is the hardest, but it pays the most dividends."

Trump's proposed domestic cuts come after a period in which those programs have been steadily squeezed as a result of the budget sequester that went into force during President Barack Obama's administration.

Alice Rivlin of the Brookings Institution, a former director of the Office of Management and Budget and of the Congressional Budget Office, said domestic spending should be rethought rather than simply cut more. "We're spending at record lows in comparison to the size of the economy and the population for all the domestic programs we need," she said.

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Trump's order on reorganizing the executive branch could prove significant, if Mick Mulvaney, the new Office of Management and Budget director, fully picks up on the mandate in the directive. "It is a wide-open invitation for the OMB director to think big and to go after programs and to propose eliminations," said Chris Edwards of the Cato Institute. "I expect it to be a very bold study."

Elaine Kamarck of the Brookings Institution oversaw the government reinvention initiative during the Clinton administration, which was under the direction of Vice President Al Gore. "You have to tell big pieces of the government to stop doing stuff, and the only way to do that is to overturn statutes," she said. "That's why almost every effort has come far, far short. Despite many Republican administrations and Republican Congresses, the government is bigger than it ever was."

She also said that finding substantial savings will be more difficult for the Trump administration than it was for Clinton and Gore. Many of the savings and efficiencies resulted from taking advantage of emerging technology, particularly the Internet. "We took most of those savings," she said.

One priority of the new administration appears to be to change the relationship between Washington and the states and cities by devolving power away from the federal government. That was one of Reagan's goals.

Many governors are anxiously watching the early moves of the Trump administration, wondering whether changes in programs, whether big-ticket ones like Medicaid or smaller programs targeted for elimination, will put greater burdens on the states unless there is significantly more flexibility built in.

"It's very much a zero-sum game at the state level," said Scott Pattison, executive director of the National Governors Association. "It's not like there are pots of money sitting around that can move in. If grants are cut to state and local governments, something has to give."

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Finally, the priorities of many Republican congressional leaders and Trump's more populist supporters may not always intersect. That, too, will be one of the balancing acts the president must manage. Gramm said successful administrations are the ones that follow the process diligently through to the end. Trump is only at the beginning.
Rep. Sara Feigenholtz, D-Chicago,is sponsoring legislation that would eliminate a so-called trigger provision in state law that automatically would make abortion illegal in Illinois if the abortion rights ruling Roe v. Wade is overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court. (E. Jason Wambsgans / Chicago Tribune)

State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz, D-Chicago, is pushing a bill she claims is necessary to keep abortion legal in Illinois in case the U.S. Supreme Court ever overturns Roe v. Wade. But in reality, her legislation is an extreme measure that would force taxpayers to fund abortions for any reason, at any point in a pregnancy.

Illinois taxpayers already pay for abortions for women covered by Medicaid who are raped or whose lives are at risk. But Feigenholtz's House Bill 40 would force taxpayers to pay for abortions through Medicaid, and for state employees for any reason  including abortions based on a child's disability or sex, for any reason at all. Her bill also lacks any gestational limit; tax dollars would pay for late-term abortions for fully developed babies.

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Those who think abortion is an acceptable and moral thing already consider Illinois to be friendly territory. The Guttmacher Institute, a research and policy organization that started as a "special affiliate" of Planned Parenthood, documents that Illinois has a higher abortion rate than the national average. In fact, Planned Parenthood calls Illinois an abortion access "oasis."

The Feigenholtz bill would take Illinois even deeper to the extreme by offering unlimited taxpayer funding for abortion.

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Pro-choice groups openly acknowledge that more taxpayer funding for abortion results in more abortions. In 2009, the Guttmacher Institute conducted a review of studies that looked at impact of the Hyde Amendment, a federal restriction on Medicaid funding for abortion. Guttmacher found that "the best studies" showed that taxpayer-funded abortion in Medicaid was associated with an 18 to 37 percent increase in abortions. In other words, without this funding, one-fourth of these babies were carried to term.

One would hope that Rep. Feigenholtz doesn't look at women who have relied on Medicaid in Illinois and think a sizable percentage of their children would be better off dead.

Feigenholtz's bill is also out of step with the preferences of most Americans. Polls consistently show that Americans  pro-choice and pro-life alike  oppose using tax dollars to fund abortions.

Congress was unwilling to advance the federal health care law of 2010, the Affordable Care Act, unless it had assurance that there would be no direct abortion funding. Then-President Barack Obama even issued an executive order on that point because the bill otherwise would have lost significant support among Democrats, who held strong majorities in both the House and Senate.

In addition to forcing taxpayers to fund abortion, House Bill 40 removes a portion of the Illinois code that declares the scientific fact that an unborn child is a human being. While that section of the Illinois code purports to "allow protection" of the unborn if Roe v. Wade were overturned, it is abundantly clear that a reversal of Roe is not even a remote possibility in the near future.

That is, Feigenholtz's bill relies on fears that President Donald Trump's appointment of a justice to the Supreme Court will lead to a reversal of Roe v. Wade. But a five-justice majority opinion in Whole Women's Health v. Hellerstedt, a Supreme Court abortion-related decision that was issued in June 2016 (months after Justice Antonin Scalia's death), was an affirmation of Roe. Even if Scalia's vacant seat is filled by a pro-life, conservative justice, that majority  and the security of Roe  remains untouched.

It bears mentioning that Feigenholtz's bill is a redraft of a similarly extreme taxpayer-funding-for-abortion bill (House Bill 4013) that Feigenholtz unsuccessfully introduced in a previous legislative session. Perhaps that is why Feigenholtz is trying to say this bill is a response to the Trump administration  when it in fact is so much more, and so much more extreme than that. It seems that Feigenholtz thinks fear-mongering is a worthy tactic to distract from what really lies at heart of this bill.

If Rep. Feigenholtz is genuinely concerned about the legality of abortion in Illinois in the distant future under a hypothetical reversal of Roe, she can introduce legislation focused solely on that. It is clear looking at the history of her bill, though, that her intent with House Bill 40 is nothing other than an attempt to disguise her failed extreme abortion-funding bill.

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There are good reasons why the extreme, unpopular, and unnecessary Feigenholtz abortion-funding bill never garnered enough votes for passage over the past two years. Her fellow lawmakers should not take the bait of her new distraction clause.

Anna Paprocki was formerly an attorney with Americans United for Life, an anti-abortion legal organization with a focus on state and federal abortion-related legislation.

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The great question of Donald Trump's rise to the presidency was whether he could pull off the slick political move known as "the pivot." Specifically, could he as a candidate win followers with hyperpartisan language, but once in office downshift to an inclusive, effective style of governance?

We had serious doubts from the start. Plenty of people had doubts, given Trump's impetuous temperament, his lack of political experience and his campaign trail success making big promises and incendiary comments. Still, we hoped at some point Trump would make adjustments because otherwise he would hit roadblocks to leadership that could damage the country.

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A surprising additional risk to Trump's presidency is a subtle variation on the above: that regardless of attempts at moderation, his actions in the White House would never escape the shadow of his insurgent candidacy. Even when he tries to throttle back, he will be judged by the most outrageous, irresponsible things he said before winning the nomination or election. So good luck with that pivot.

This is where Trump finds himself, at least temporarily: Two federal judges have put holds on Trump's second attempt at banning travel to the U.S. by citizens from a group of Muslim-majority countries. They have done so by using his own words against him. The president's first sloppily written executive order on immigration, signed days after he took office, was blocked by the courts on constitutional grounds. He tried again using a narrower approach, but the replacement has been rejected for the same problem: It looks like the U.S. government is discriminating against a broad group of people based on their religion, in violation of the First Amendment.

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District Judge Derrick Watson in Hawaii issued a temporary restraining order Wednesday, followed by District Judge Theodore Chuang in Maryland. Both judges attacked the executive order in part by analyzing intent: They found Trump's actions were based on the motive of targeting Muslims, and they reached their conclusions by examining the record of what he and others connected to him had said.

Government lawyers argued that presidents have wide latitude to take actions to keep the country safe. When ruling on constitutional issues, they said, courts should stick to the facts and not attempt to look into the hearts of decision-makers. But these two judges weren't having it. Watson said he didn't need to peer into the "veiled psyche" of the Trump administration; he could quote from a December 2015 press release by Trump's campaign, which said: "Donald J. Trump is calling for a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States." Chuang also ruled that Trump's actions can't be divorced from the record. "Simply because a decision maker made the statements during a campaign does not wipe them from the 'reasonable memory' of a 'reasonable observer.'"

The legal fight could head to the Supreme Court. Dissenting judges at the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which heard the first immigration ban case, agreed with the government that motive shouldn't be a deciding factor in a ruling, as long as there is a legitimate reason for the action. They have a point. Certainly, a peculiar aspect to the twin rulings is the credence they place on campaign promises. Every politician modulates, fudges and  yes  pivots along the campaign trail. Sometimes candidates just say dumb things. Should they be held accountable forever for all that? No. Voters can distinguish rhetorical wheat from chaff.

The issue with Trump, though, isn't that he is being held to an unfair standard of accountability for cagey or foolish campaign utterances. It's that he used reckless, offensive language targeting Muslims as a candidate, and then as president proposed drastic immigration action targeting that same group of people. This makes him responsible for the legal mess. Even if the order ultimately is upheld by the courts, the delay in implementation  and any risk to national security  is a direct result of Trump's ugly talk.

Here is the trouble with Trump: He never cared as a candidate that what he told voters could follow him to the White House, and he still hasn't learned the art of responsible discourse. He remains captive to his hot-headed temperament. When he claimed after his inauguration that the election was marred by fraud, and later accused President Barack Obama of wiretapping Trump Tower, he wasn't just playing to his political base. He was attacking the fabric of American democracy and governance.

Whatever happens with this immigration ban, Trump should accept the warning these two judges have delivered: Words matter. Insult betrays intent. Subtlety and nuance are critical tools. Trump will be held accountable for everything he says, so he had better find a place of equilibrium in leadership. The success of his presidency is at stake.

Join the discussion on Twitter @Trib_Ed_Board and on Facebook.

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In Monday's Voice of the People, Frank L. Schneider branded Gov. Bruce Rauner as unfit to serve, but like too many other letter writers and columnists, no stellar replacement was named. The claim was that three previous Republican governors were able to work with the Democratic legislators, but that is the fundamental problem in Illinois: Republican and Democratic governors both have "gotten along" at the expense of Illinois citizens.

Our incredible debt, growing by the millions of dollars each day, has been the result of "getting along" in Springfield for at least the previous 40 years. Yes Rauner will ultimately have to give in on some issues, but he has to fight harder than all of our previous governors or we will be watching the scenery as we fall over the cliff into chaos. Replace Rauner with a Democrat or Republican, and four years later letter writers and columnists will be calling that governor unfit to serve.

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Playing musical chairs in the governor's office will not cure the legislature's failures.

 Robert Tingler, Palatine
Not that you need an excuse to test out the glorious cocktails of Moneygun, Honey's, El Che Bar and the like, but now you can imbibe with a purpose.

The third annual West Loop Shakedown cocktail contest at Nellcote Restaurant comes on the heels of the Chicago Cocktail Summit on Monday, April 3 from 6 to 9 p.m. The contest will feature bartenders from across the West Loop, including the aforementioned restaurants, as well as Federales, The Betty, Fulton Market, Bar Siena and more. Proceeds from the event will be donated to Chicago Public Schools.

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The pros will be tasked with creating a cocktail with Banhez Mezcala brand owned by small families in Oaxaca, Mexicoa "perfect" mezcal for first-timers hopping on the mezcal bandwagon. Judges will grade the cocktails on taste, creativity and presentation and guests will (obviously) be welcomed to try them out.

Tickets are $30 and include tasting portions of the cocktails, flatbread stations and appetizers. And the warm and fuzzy feeling in your heart knowing that you're benefiting Chicago students.

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@shelbielbostedt | sbostedt@redeyechicago.com
For adolescents and college students, travel plans usually revolve around school schedules and family getaways. But for working millennials, gone are the days of our set summer-long vacations and spring break escapes. Instead, we accrue paid time off (PTO) and can decide to take days off whenever we damn well please. But how do we cash in on that?

Uptown resident Dan Waidelich said he definitely fits the classic millennial stereotypeplenty of student debt, married later and bought a car instead of a house. The 28-year-old said his PTO goes toward vacations, from something big after a tax refund to smaller weekend getaways.

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"I don't think I ever got over the childhood idea of being an explorer. There are too many cool spots in the world to ever see them all, but that doesn't mean I don't want to try," Waidelich said. "So when I go on vacation, I make it my goal to go somewhere new, exciting and challenging. The best part is that you can find that thrill by flying halfway around the world or by driving to the next state."

The numbers back up Waidelich's approach. A study by Harris Group found that 72 percent of millennials prefer to spend more money on experiences than on material things, fueling what is referred to as the "experience economy." Travel expert Kendra Thornton, owner of Chicago-based travel agency Royal Travel & Tours, said millennials travel for the sense of adventure and to see new or buzzworthy destinations (leading to those picture-perfect spots you see while scrolling through your Instagram feed).

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"Millennials want unique experiences; they avoid 'tourists traps' and prefer longer and more frequent trips to make use of their hard-earned vacation time," Thornton wrote in an email. "Millennials see value in travel and are grateful for the first-hand knowledge and insight a professional travel consultant can providenot just where to stay but also where to eat and what to see to get the most authentic local experience possible."

When it comes to the length of their vacations, many young people report taking a mix of short weekend excursions and one or two long vacations spaced out across the year.

"In total, I take three or four trips a year. Two of those trips will be short weekend trips to visit family or friends, and the other two will be leisure trips," said 23-year-old Old Town resident Rose Montag. "I prefer to travel in the off-season, so I normally book trips for March or late October [or] early November. As much as I would love to travel in the summer when the weather is warm, prices are normally double what they are in the cooler months."

Price is an obstacle for young professionals looking to get away, but it's not the only one. The millennial generation has often been pigeon-holed into a caricature of a person who cares more about the perks of a job than the actual work that goes into the position. But a recent study by Project: Time Off and GfK reports that they're more likely to see themselves as "work martyrs"meaning they're less likely to use all their vacation time on purposethan older generations.

The report, which includes surveys of over 5,000 full-time employees who receive PTO as a benefit, concluded that more than 43 percent of work martyrs are millennials, compared to 29 percent of overall respondents. And nearly half (48 percent) of millennials think it's actually a good thing to be seen as a work martyr by their boss, agreeing more frequently with these four work martyrdom statements:

No one else at my company can do the work while Im away.

I want to show complete dedication to my company and job.

I dont want others to think Im replaceable.

I feel guilty for using my paid time off.

This guilt is so real that for people like 27-year-old Fulton Market District resident Josh Fliegel, not having PTO can be seen as an advantage.

"I don't have any PTO, so I can take as many or as few vacations as I want, as long as I get my hours in each year," he said. "I don't really budget, I just make a list of a few places I want to go and pick the one that is the most economical at the time I want to go ... I use vacations as my big expenses each year."

Fliegel and Montag's cost-conscious approaches fit in with trends that Thornton has noticed among millennial travelers.

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"They will travel anytime they have the money and time to do sothey aren't tied to specific times of the year," Thornton said. "If they are value cautious, then they have no problem traveling to popular places in the off season (think Europe in the winter or Caribbean in the summer)."

Lincoln Park resident Marissa Ruszkowski, 25, agreed.

"The question I usually ask myself is 'Where is the coolest place can I go for the cheapest?' and work my way down from there," she said.

Bottom line: Cost and work martyrdom shouldn't obstruct millennials from setting out on the adventures they seek. For Waidelich, so long as you know what you're looking for, an exciting vacation is possible almost anywhere.

"Wikipedia is like a vacation menu. Read one little fact about Norway and then you can find yourself booking plane tickets and rental car in a couple clicks," Waidelich said. "I decide where to go based on interesting things I've learned and try to plan a long enough trip to accommodate the main things I want to accomplish.

"I've spent a day in a small town in Iowa and a will do 12 days in Scotland later this year," he added. "It's all about following up the spark with good research."

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@RianneCoale | rcoale@redeyechicago.com
Protect Our Parks Chattanooga will hold a rally with conservation groups, outdoor enthusiasts, and community activists to demonstrate support for our parks and public lands. The rally will take place on Tuesday, at 5 p.m. at Miller Park on East MLK Boulevard.





Organizers said, "Community members will gather in Miller Park in the heart of downtown Chattanooga to encourage Senators Corker and Alexander to defend our parks and public lands as well as the bedrock conservation laws that provide clean air, clean water, and open spaces."



Speakers will include Dr.





Protect Our Parks Chattanooga is a community initiative focused on urging congressional leaders to defend parks and public lands and the laws that protect them.
Teens with the Rosedale Freedom Project, along with its leader, gave a presentation to Kaneland students during a larger trip to Chicago. The district collected books and donated other items for the small Mississippi town. (Sarah Freishtat / The Beacon-News)

Chelsy Jones realized during a leadership program in her small Mississippi town that not much has changed about her school system over the years, but she doesn't want to be stopped from bettering her school in the future.

And so Jones and other members of the Rosedale Freedom Project arrived at Kaneland's Harter Middle School Tuesday morning, where students from Sugar Grove, Elburn, parts of Aurora or Kaneville had collected thousands of books and some money for Rosedale, Mississippi teens and the local library, and teachers had built benches set to become part of an outdoor learning area. The Rosedale teens, stopping by as part of a larger trip to Chicago, gave a presentation to the Kaneland School District 302 middle-school students about their school system, and were set to later give a presentation at a district elementary school.

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Linda Zulkowski, a Kaneland elementary-school teacher, described the project as "making the world a little smaller."

Teens with the Rosedale Freedom Project, along with its leader, gave a presentation to Kaneland students during a larger trip to Chicago. The district collected books and donated other items for the small Mississippi town. (Sarah Freishtat / The Beacon-News)

The idea for the project was sparked by a trip Zulkowski took to Rosedale, a town of just over 1,800 at the last census. She said her daughter-in-law is from the area, and the two drove down over the summer with Zulkowski's grandchildren.

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She described Rosedale's downtown having a grocery, pharmacy and several churches. Several buildings were falling down, she recalled. And there was also a library, with a roof that had leaked and not very many books, she said.

"It's just this little rural town, kind of in the middle of nowhere," she said. "But (a) beautiful, gorgeous area with some really rich history to it."

She also met Jeremiah Smith, who said he came to Rosedale with Teach for America and chose to stay. He opened the Rosedale Freedom Project, which he described as a leadership program designed to address academics, arts, and health and wellness, and provide educational trips and leadership opportunities.

Zulkowski shared stories about her summer trip with a colleague, Harter Middle School teacher Tina Schertzer, and several months later Schertzer took on the service project, working with Smith and the freedom project.

In slightly more than a month, the community  including some area companies  collected more than 3,000 books for the Rosedale library, the freedom project and other areas in the community, Schertzer said. They raised money to help with travel expenses, and teams of teachers competed in a "bench war" to build seating to create an outdoor learning area. The Kaneland and Rosedale students have sent videos back and forth about life in their regions, she said.

Those efforts were organized largely by a core group of sixth-grade students, who learned in the process about giving to others and communication and organizational skills, Schertzer said.

"It's good to see kids reaching out to people that are different than them, and still realizing they're very much the same," she said.

During the Rosedale students' first presentation Tuesday, Kaneland middle-school students asked them what their community was like, how they are affected by the quality of their schools or what happens if the donated books don't spark interest in reading among Rosedale students.

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Afterward, some members of the group of sixth-graders who helped organize the project said they were surprised to see what Rosedale and the teens' high school were like.

"(It's) crazy to see that the people couldn't make it...to senior year," Abbey Mondi said.

Nick Overstreet, another sixth-grader, said it was "kind of cool" to get to meet the people who would be getting the books they helped collect. Some said they wanted to travel to Rosedale or visit the library, and hopefully with its shelves full.

For their part, Jones and Kasha Williams, the two teens who visited with the Rosedale Freedom Project, described Chicago and the suburbs as both cold  they arrived at Harter on a snowy morning  and beautiful. Williams said the city was bigger than she was expecting  she thought it would be comparable to Memphis, which is about a two-hour drive from Rosedale.

Both hoped the book donations would better prepare younger students.

Smith said receiving new books, rather than dated texts, would help get kids excited.

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"It's going to definitely provide our students access to reading resources that will get them excited about reading," he said. "And there's not enough of that."

Schertzer said the group is still working to raise money to repair the Rosedale library roof, and students from the two areas plan to keep in touch. She and possibly some other teachers planned to visit the town over spring break when the books and benches get delivered.

"I want (students) to see what they can do," Schertzer said. "It's just these little things they do that are going to have a real impact on the world."

sfreishtat@tribpub.com

Twitter @srfreish
The Forest Preserve District of Kane County will present "Nature Tykes" -- stories, nature hikes, songs, games and crafts for 3 year olds.

The first in the series of programs, "Wake Up, Hibernators," is set for Thursday, March 23. Successive programs are "Why Does It Rain?" on April 27, and "Flower Power" on May 25.

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Participants can explore the natural world with their parent or caregiver, or the adults can wait in the nature center or enjoy the trails of LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve. Registration is $5 per child, per session. Call 630-444-3190 or email programs@kaneforest.com to register.

"Nature Tykes" runs from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Creek Bend Nature Center, 37W700 Dean St., St. Charles.

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Gambling expansion opposed

Wesley United Methodist Church will hold an anti-gambling advocacy night on Thursday, March 23.

Anita Bidell, executive director of Illinois Church Action on Alcohol and Addiction Problems (ILCAAAP) who represents churches in Springfield, will speak on limiting or preventing the expansion of gambling in the face of legislation that would allow 10 more casinos and slot machines in Chicago airports.

The free event begins at 7 p.m. at Wesley United Methodist Church, 14 N. May St., Aurora..

Learn about undercover sting

"Operation Greylord: The True Story of America's Biggest Undercover Corruption Bust" will be explained by a former FBI agent at the Aurora Navy League Council 247 dinner meeting on Tuesday, March 21.

Terry Hake, Cook County assistant state's attorney, will share his undercover work that helped convict a record number of corrupt Cook County judges and attorneys.

Hake graduated from Loyola University School of Law in 1977 before wearing a recording device from 1980 to 1983 to tape conversations with corrupt judges and attorneys. He's written "Operation Greylord" about the undercover sting Hake and lectures on legal and professional ethics. to students, attorneys, auditors and business professionals at venues such as Yale University, University of Illinois and University of Chicago.

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Tickets are $20 and can be purchased by calling 630-816-7612.

The program opens with a reception at 5:15 p.m. and dinner is at 6 p.m. at Grandma's Table Restaurant, 1700 Douglas Rd., Montgomery.

Craft supply fundraiser in Aurora

"A to Z Craft Supplies Garage Sale," featuring 22 vendors selling tools, beads, jewelry, cardstock, stamps, cutters, yarn, knitting needles, crochet hooks and quilt supplies, is set from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 18, at Wesley United Methodist Church, 14 N. May St., Aurora.

The event is free and open to the public. Proceeds will benefit church programs for women and children worldwide.

Call 630-896-1033 for more information.

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Joy Davis is a freelance reporter for the Beacon-News.
After listening to a lengthy, sometimes loud, conversation between his half-brother Christopher Whetstone and Rachel Taylor in Aurora, Timothy Williams admitted being relieved when things quieted down the night of Jan. 13, 2014.

Williams, testifying during the second day of Whetstone's murder trial, said he exited his second-floor bedroom at the home they shared with their mother on Charles Street and went downstairs to open the front door to see whether Whetstone and Taylor had left.

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"I heard a neighbor across the street state someone got shot. I couldn't actually see what they were talking about," Williams explained, adding that he began to walk down the block in only a T-shirt and shorts. "As I got closer, I was able to recognize clothing. It was the clothing that was on Rachel. I initially kneeled down and tapped her to see if she was OK.

"She really couldn't do anything," Williams said, adding he got no response after calling out her name.

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Williams took the witness stand Wednesday as one of a handful of Charles Street residents who testified about what they saw and heard before Williams found Taylor face down on a neighboring driveway with two gunshot wounds to her abdomen. Prosecutors allege Whetstone, known by many as Maurice, shot Taylor following an argument relating to their two-year relationship that involved two young children and was described by Williams as being "rocky."

"Lovey dovey one minute, fighting the next minute," Williams said, adding Taylor lived with his family for a period of time, but had moved out at least a month before the shooting occurred.

Whetstone, 48, has pleaded not guilty to killing 22-year-old Taylor.

In addition to Williams, a woman who lived next door to Whetstone recalled looking out the window after hearing a commotion involving Whetstone and Taylor. When the neighbor went back to look outside a second time, to see if the situation had calmed down, she noticed the woman on the ground. A father-son duo from across the street each described Whetstone as holding onto Taylor while reaching to grab something from her hand during an apparent struggle and argument.

Manuel Saenz, a Charles Street resident for 18 years at the time of the shooting, testified Whetstone had Taylor in a "bear hug" as she yelled angrily. Saenz and his son left the area to pick up the son's car. When Saenz returned to his block less than 30 minutes later, police squad cars filled Charles Street. He was later taken by police to a nearby location where he identified longtime-neighbor Whetstone as wearing the same clothes he had on during the earlier altercation, Saenz testified.

Whetstone's attorneys challenged the three neighbors, none of whom reported hearing gunfire that night, over inconsistencies in their respective testimony compared to their 2014 statements to Aurora police investigators. Saenz and his son acknowledged they didn't report the physical altercation between Whetstone and Taylor to police as part of questioning by Assistant Public Defender Nicole Salonen, who also drew attention to the fact the Saenzs are related to an Aurora police officer. Salonen's questions about who he discussed the shooting with over the years struck a nerve with Manuel Saenz at one point, prompting him to say "this is not a game" before being cut off by Kane County Judge John Barsanti.

"This hurt every family in the neighborhood," Saenz said at the end of his testimony.

The trial continues Thursday and is expected to extend into next week.

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Dan Campana is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News
St. Patrick's Day is not the only noteworthy day in mid-March. Falling just two days earlier, on March 15, is the Ides of March, celebrated at Hinsdale South High School with cake and plastic knives.

"When you are in Latin Club, you have to do something on the Ides of March," said Taylor Johnson, a sophomore from Darien.

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The Ides are the first full moon of any month. But the phrase became familiar to many after William Shakespeare wrote, "Beware the Ides of March" as a warning to Julius Caesar in his play, "Julius Caesar."

"You can't learn Latin without learning about the culture," said Ali Abbas, a Burr Ridge sophomore.

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Latin teacher and club sponsor Peter DeRousse had the students read an account of Caesar's assassination, written by Nicolaus of Damascus in about A.D.14.

Habib Rehman, a freshman from Willowbrook, dons a toga for Hinsdale South's Latin Club's celebration of the Ides of March. (Kimberly Fornek / Pioneer Press)

"A lot of people wrote about the event, but this is the closest historically," DeRousse said.

Nicolaus wrote that despite the oracle's warnings and his wife's fears, Caesar went to the senate chamber where a group of men, including Caesar's friend Marcus Brutus, planned to assassinate him.

The senators, who were Roman aristocrats, drew their daggers and stabbed him 35 times about the face and body.

"Each one had to stab Caesar to show they were committed," DeRousse said.

In their fervor, some conspirators stabbed each other.

DeRousse did not think it was appropriate for the club to reenact the event with daggers. So he ordered a chocolate cake from Jewel and gave the store's cake decorators a picture of a bust of Caesar to copy on the cake and the words, "Also you my child?" in Greek.

For the Ides of March, the Latin Club had a cake decorated with the bust of Julius Caesar and the Greek words for "Also you, my child." (Peter DeRousse / HANDOUT)

Although Shakespeare quoted Caesar speaking in Latin, "Et tu, Brute," meaning "Even you, Brutus?" historians said Caesar, who was bilingual, actually said the phrase in Greek, DeRousse said.

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After watching a film clip of the assassination, the students, armed with plastic knives, cut into the cake. But unlike the turmoil in Rome that followed Caesar's murder, they then served the cake and chatted as they ate it.

kfornek@pioneerlocal.com

Twitter @kfdoings
Lee Universitys Chorale and Choral Union will hold a joint concert, Songs from the Reformation, on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. in Pangle Hall.

The evening will include joint and separate performances from both choirs, featuring songs from the Protestant Reformation period.

The choirs will combine for a special performance, conducted by Dr. William F. Green, of a Bach cantata based on Martin Luthers hymn A Mighty Fortress Is Our God. This will not only include both choirs, but also a student orchestra and several School of Music faculty solos featuring Ron Brendel, Lenena Brezna, Tony Deaton, and Andrea Dismukes. Dr. Cho-Eun Lee will perform on the harpsichord and Mary Beth Wickes on the organ.

The audience will also be invited to sing A Mighty Fortress Is Our God, arranged by Dan Forrest.

Other music for the evening includes The Doxology, arranged by Ralph Vaughan Williams, which many churches worldwide have adopted into their repertoire. The song comes from Calvinist traditions of the Protestant Reformation. The piece will feature students on brass.

Choral Union will then present Give Me Jesus, arranged by Lee music professor John Wykoff.

The night will feature music for the organ, based on musical themes also by Martin Luther, presented by faculty organist Evangeline Wykoff.

Choral Union, directed by Dr. Jonathan Rodgers, an assistant professor of choral music, performs choral music and major masterworks for mixed chorus and orchestra. The ensemble is a unique blend of Lee music and non-music majors.

Chorale, directed by Dr. Green, dean of the School of Music, is an ensemble of select vocalists. The group places an emphasis on the diversity and breadth of traditional choral literature and has been featured in performances at Carnegie Hall and throughout Europe.

The concert is a free, non-ticketed event, and it is open to the public. Pangle Hall is located on the corner of Church Street and Central Avenue.

For more information, contact the School of Music at 614-8240 or music@leeuniversity.edu.






Nate Finn (from left), Kendra Byrd and Avery Cranston work on a scene for BAC Star Student Productions' "Antigone" set for March 24-26 at Beverly Arts Center in Chicago. (Photo courtesy of Jonathan Moeller)

The actors in BAC Star Student Productions' latest show may range in age from 12-18 but they are tackling material that premiered circa 441 BC.

An original adaptation of Sophocles' Greek tragedy "Antigone" runs March 24-26 at Beverly Arts Center in Chicago and features of a cast of 21 including residents of Chicago's Mount Greenwood community, Evergreen Park, Frankfort and Oak Lawn.

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"I told them all from the first day of auditions that this was a heavy show and it would be the hardest that any of them has probably ever worked with," said Tim Stompanato, director of "Antigone."

"We've dedicated a lot of time to not just learning lines and characters but also understanding what we're saying and why we're saying it and finding an honesty in theater. They've risen to the occasion and I could not be more proud of them as a cast.

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"They have taken a show which was incredibly difficult and made it their own."

"Antigone" is billed as "when loyalty to family conflicts with loyalty to state."

"It revolves around the title character, Antigone, who is the daughter of the last king, Oedipus. A civil war between Antigone's two brothers leaves them both dead so her uncle Creon takes over," said Stompanato, theater coordinator for Beverly Arts Center since April 2014.

"Creon says that the one brother is to be named a hero while another is to be named a traitor, which causes Antigone to rebel against Creon. The Greeks were amazing in how they wrote. They wrote for things that related to humanity on a societal level.

"The things we really focus on in this play are when you have conflicting loyalty. It also plays upon pride, stubbornness and the tragic flaws we have as people. It's an incredibly powerful and relevant piece that I wanted to use to introduce the teens to classical theater."

Stompanato, who started as an actor in Beverly Arts Center's professional series in May 2013 and became a teacher at the nonprofit organization, said learning theater at a young age can have a lifelong impact.

"Theater teaches so many life skills. Even if you don't go into a theater career they translate," he said.

"It teaches confidence, not being afraid to make a decision and be wrong. It especially stresses bold decisions, creating, thinking on your feet and simply the confidence of being able to work as a team and be able to not just create something but bear your soul and share that with a huge audience.

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"For a lot of people who don't have that theater experience, getting up in a meeting and saying a quick line or two is terrifying. I see these kids that are able to get up and sing and dance or in 'Antigone' pour out these heartbreaking monologues.

"They can share what they've created unapologetically and honestly. That's incredible."

Stompanato encouraged involvement in the BAC Star Student Productions educational theater program.

"It gives students an opportunity to work with professional directors and technicians and be able to act on a professional stage. Our goal is to give a professional experience while cultivating a passion for the arts," he said.

"We're able to work with this community and the surrounding communities to create something really powerful when it comes to the arts and confidence. When you're able to see these students get it, there's no greater feeling."

Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday >

Jessi Virtusio is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.

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'Antigone'

When: 7 p.m. March 24-25; 2 p.m. March 26

Where: Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St., Chicago

Tickets: $12 ($10 center members)

Information: 773-445-3838 or www.beverlyartcenter.org

Etc.: presented by BAC Star Student Productions
Homer Glen teacher lauded by state group

Shannon Schroeder, an English/language arts teacher at Homer Junior High School, has been named 2017 Educator of the Year by Illinois Computing Educators. She was honored earlier this month at the Illinois Computing Educators State Conference. Each year, ICE selects one classroom teacher and one technology administrator/specialist for this prestigious award.

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Homer Junior High staff plunges for charity

Eighteen Homer Junior High School staff members took the Polar Plunge to raise money for Special Olympics Illinois. The educators took an icy dip March 11 in Leisure Lake at Joliet's Leisure Lake Resort with outdoor temperatures below freezing. They exceed their $5,000 goal by raising more than $8,500 for the cause.

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Backyard conservation program offered

Learn how to create an oasis for native species in your backyard. A "Conservation@Home" event will begin at 1 p.m. on Sunday at the Forest Preserve District of Will County's Plum Creek Nature Center, 27064 S. Dutton Road, Beecher. "Conservation@Home" sessions will be offered at 1:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. The "Do's & Don'ts of Native Landscaping" with botanist Kelsay Shaw of Possibility Place Nursery will be held at 2 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Registration is required at 708-946-2216.

Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday >

Marist offers community workshops for parents

Marist High School will host two workshops for parents that are open to the community. Both events will be held at 7 p.m. in the school's RedHawk Theater and are free. On March 22, guest speakers Maureen Leece, a school psychologist and educational consultant, and Robert Leece, an expert in the area of parent-child relationships, will present How to Utilize Resourcefulness & Resilience to Manage Stress and Anxiety During High School Years." On April 4 Marist guidance counselor Holly Cox and social worker Cathaleen Novak will present Teaching Adolescents How to Successfully Navigate Life's Transitions and Become Self-Advocates. Registration and information are at www.marist.net.

Veterans aid program set in Orland

Area veterans and their family members are invited to attend a free Veterans Aid and Attendance Seminar on March 30 at the Orland Park Civic Center. The seminar will include a presentation by the Veterans Assistance Commission of Will County. Attendees will receive step by step instructions along with how to qualify for non-service connected pensions with aid and attendance benefits for eligible veterans and surviving spouses. Two sessions will be offered. The first session will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. with the second session offered from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. More information is at 708-403-6115.

Orland Township sets immunization clinic

Orland Township is hosting its monthly immunization clinic from 5:30 to 8 p.m. April 11 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the township building, 14807 S. Ravinia Ave. Flu shots will also be available on this day. Orland Township is still serving children with All Kids' state insurance. Free vaccines are available to township children 18 and under. Some eligibility restrictions apply. Non-residential children who meet the eligibility guidelines are welcome. For children residing outside of the township's boundaries, a $20 administration fee per vaccine will be charged, not applicable to those with Medicaid. An up-to-date shot record is mandatory to receive any vaccine. More information is at www.orlandtownship.org.

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Joni Sorce feels conned.

Her daughter graduated from Illinois State University in 2014. They now share more than $60,000 in debt. Sorce's youngest daughter will graduate high school this spring, but her family can't afford another degree from the Land of Lincoln. She's looking for opportunity elsewhere.

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"You have to be in the upper class or in poverty to be able to afford a good four-year college in Illinois," Sorce said. She and her husband are self-employed in Streator, Illinois.

"The middle gets weeded out."

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Meanwhile, nearly 100 ISU administrators take home more than $100,000 annually, according to the most recent data from the Illinois Board of Higher Education.

Higher education is about students' pursuit of knowledge, but Illinois universities have sought more material ends: Richer administrative payrolls, multimillion-dollar pension payouts, and other reckless spending choices have been the norm for years. This has led to rapidly rising tuition costs that restrict college access for too many families, not to mention legacy costs that crowd out scarce dollars for young scholars.

So, those families send their students elsewhere. And many don't come back.

Illinois has been losing the border war for young talent since at least the turn of the century, likely losing more than 150,000 students on net to other states from 2000 to 2014, according to data from the National Center for Education Statistics.

Is it any wonder why? To go with the state's dismal economic climate, tuition and fees at Illinois' public universities have risen anywhere from 74 to 112 percent since 2006. ISU hiked average tuition and fees by more than 90 percent, to $13,666.

And costs are only going up.

Lisa Maag is a proud Illinois mother who watched her daughter attend college elsewhere. After finishing in the top 10 percent of her class at Alton High, Lisa's daughter did the simple math. The cost of attending her dad's alma mater, University of Illinois, was more than triple her tuition offer from the University of Missouri.

"It's a no-brainer," Maag said. "It's sad that she could not attend U of I, but it's nice that there's no student loan burden hanging over her head or ours."

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University of Illinois charges the highest average in-state tuition in the Midwest, compared with each state's flagship university.

University officials across the state are blaming the budget crisis for the mess in higher education. But Illinoisans shouldn't be duped.

Gridlock isn't why the system is facing financial troubles. Rather, administrative costs have effectively pulled higher education out of reach for families without the means to pay, or the means to leave.

Illinois spends more money on administrative and retirement costs than on university operations. The number of university administrators in Illinois grew by a third between 2004 and 2010, while the number of students grew by less than 3 percent, according to a report from the Illinois State Senate Democratic Caucus.

Now, more than 50 percent of the state's $4.1 billion budget for public universities is spent on retirement costs alone.

This isn't a funding problem. It's a priority problem.

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For further evidence, take a look at how universities are dealing with the budget impasse. Officials at Northeastern Illinois University, for example, have a simple message for students: It's not about you.

The university was set to fire about 300 student workers due to a new state regulation that requires schools to eliminate all state-funded student and temporary positions before implementing furlough days for university staff.

Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday >

So while about 1,000 NEIU employees will take five days of unpaid leave in March, hundreds of students would have lost access to jobs that help pay for their education.

Who are these schools supposed to serve, anyway? Thankfully, a legal loophole will allow the school to fire and rehire the student workers.

The truth is that Illinois' head honchos of higher education for years took state and federal dollars and spent them not on student needs, but on their own desires. And then they hiked tuition. If these institutions had spent their money wisely, the whole state would benefit from new talent flocking to Illinois. But we know that's not happening.

Thankfully, some universities seem to be taking smart steps to reduce costs, such as eliminating programs that overlap with similar public colleges and right-sizing payrolls. But the priority problem still remains. And tuition costs are still rising.

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"I don't appreciate the people who have fixed the system to make it impossible for someone wanting to better themselves through higher education, and yet they get things like automatic raises every year," Sorce said.

"Not to say people don't deserve good pay and benefits, but when it's on my dollar, I should have a say."

Austin Berg is a writer for the Illinois Policy Institute and wrote this column for the Illinois News Network, a project of the Institute.
An American squadron training over Miami during World War II is shown in a still from the film, "Bagels Over Berlin," which will be shown at 4 p.m. Sunday, March 19, 2017, at Prairie State College as part of the Jewish Community Centers-Chicago fourth annual Chicago Jewish Film Festival. (Ted Slowik / Daily Southtown)

Southland residents can engage in a cultural exchange and take a stand against hate this weekend by attending free screenings of two films.

For the first time, a site in the south suburbs will host screenings and discussions as part of the Jewish Community Center-Chicago's annual Chicago Jewish Film Festival.

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This is the festival's fourth year. Total attendance last year topped 3,000, about double the previous year.

"This year is our strongest lineup, and we're seeing our highest levels of engagement," said Addie Goodman, JCC's executive vice president.

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The 10-day festival of 25 films began March 9 at seven main venues in Chicago and five northern suburbs. The festival, however, features some screenings at additional satellite locations, including two Sunday at Prairie State College in Chicago Heights.

"If you think about our (Jewish) community in the south suburbs, we're geographically remote, but we're strong," said Ilene Uhlmann, JCC's director of adult programs.

Though the Southland is home to synagogues in Homewood, Olympia Fields and Park Forest, the Chicago area's Jewish population historically has been centered up north.

"Approximately 70 percent of the estimated 270,000 Jews in the Chicago metropolitan area in the 1990s lived in the suburbs, compared to just 5 percent in 1950," the "Encyclopedia of Chicago" said in 2005. "Most were concentrated in such northern suburbs as Skokie, Lincolnwood, Glencoe, Highland Park, Northbrook, and Buffalo Grove."

Uhlmann told me she chose one of the films to be screened Sunday at Prairie State because it's a documentary about congregations feeling isolated, especially in rural areas.

"There Are Jews Here" is "an intimate look at four once-thriving American Jewish communities now fighting for survival," according to the festival's description. Congregations in Pennsylvania and Montana face dwindling membership as younger members tend to move to larger cities as they become adults.

One synagogue offers a financial incentive to attract Jewish families with young children.

"We meet a Los Angeles family who takes up Dothan, Alabama's bold offer to provide Jews up to $50,000 to relocate to Dothan's Jewish community," the festival said in its synopsis of the film.

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The other film, "Bagels Over Berlin," is a documentary featuring interviews with more than 30 Jewish veterans of the U.S. Army and Air Corps who valiantly fought for America during World War II despite rampant anti-Semitism and discrimination against Jewish Americans.

"With Hitler's propaganda and anti-Jewish rhetoric sprouting from the likes of Henry Ford and Charles Lindbergh, the coming war was blamed on the Jews. Nonetheless, American Jews responded to the outbreak of war with an overwhelming determination to fight for the country they loved," the festival said in a description.

Both films will be shown Sunday at the Prairie State College Auditorium, 202 S. Halsted St., Chicago Heights. "Bagels Over Berlin" will begin at 4 p.m. and "There Are Jews Here" will be screened at 6:30 p.m. Uhlmann said she will lead discussions following each film.

Admission is free and light refreshments will be served. The program is fully funded by the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago, a Jewish United Fund partner.

When Jewish Community Center representatives asked if I would be interested in writing a story about Prairie State College's participation in this year's film festival, I thought it would be a good opportunity to talk about the festival in the context of recent hate crimes targeting Jews.

Jewish cemeteries have been vandalized in recent weeks in St. Louis, Philadelphia and New York. Jewish community centers nationwide have received more than 100 telephoned bomb threats in the past two months. Reports of graffiti on synagogues and other hate crimes have spiked in recent months.

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Some politicians have been slow to denounce expressions of hateful rhetoric and commissions of hate crimes.

Jewish Community Centers-Chicago facilities have been among those receiving threats, Goodman told me. Most of the organization's sites are clustered up north, though the network includes the Anita M. Stone JCC Day Camp off 195th Street in Flossmoor.

"At this point, every threat has been unsubstantiated," Goodman told me. "Our priority as an agency is to continue providing programs and services. We're a community center, first and foremost."

The bomb threats have been disruptive, forcing evacuations and searches by authorities. What strikes me as most stupid about the threats is that if the person or persons making the calls intends to strike fear into devout Jews, they're failing at their mission, big time.

For one, Jewish Community Centers-Chicago serves a diverse population. In other words, many of the children attending day camp programs aren't Jewish. It's similar to how you don't have to be Christian to visit a YMCA, or Catholic to receive care at a hospital founded by a religious order.

"We promote Jewish values, which are human values," Goodman said.

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Another reason I think the bomb threats are ineffective is that instead of creating fear, they seem to strengthen the resolve of good people to unite, stand up and speak out against hate.

Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday >

I think there's a connection between the increased anti-Semitism and attitudes about refugees, immigrants, Muslims, Hispanics, African-Americans and other minorities.

These attitudes aren't exclusive to America. Nationalist sentiment seems to increasing in countries throughout the world.

It's easier to blame a scapegoat than it is to negotiate solutions to complex issues. I believe humanity has enormous potential to show compassion, but it is equally inclined to demonstrate hate. The conflict plays out in the daily routine of individual choice.

In that context, I think people who choose to attend Sunday's Chicago Jewish Film Festival events at Prairie State College can make a stand against hate. They can show they're part of a community that cares about its neighbors  all of its neighbors.

"It's our feeling that the film festival is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy community," Goodman told me. "Each one of our films tells a story intended to make you think, laugh or feel more deeply. They're films about the human condition, the ties that bind us all together."

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tslowik@tribpub.com

Twitter @tedslowik
From left, Martha Sloop, 89; Mary DiStasio, 95; and Carolyn Sass are shown Thursday, March 16, 2017, at the Bremen Township Senior Lunch Program in Oak Forest. President Donald Trump on Thursday unveiled a budget blueprint that proposes drastic cuts in funding for programs that help people who are poor and elderly. (Ted Slowik / Daily Southtown)

A group of senior citizens gathered to share a meal Thursday at the Bremen Township Senior Center along Oak Park Avenue in Oak Forest.

Diners included Jerry Kowalski, 75, a retired bricklayer who shares an apartment with his brother Bern Kowalski, 73, at Hanover Place retirement community in Tinley Park.

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"We're here just about every day," Jerry Kowalski told me.

"You can't beat the food, and the price is right," his brother said.

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Thursday's menu included baked chicken breast, wild rice and broccoli. Donations of $4 per meal are requested  not a bad deal for a good-tasting, nutritious meal.

"You can't go anywhere else and get as nice a meal as you can here," said Martha Sloop, 89, who also lives at Hanover Place.

I visited Bremen Township's senior lunch program as I tried to gauge how the 2018 budget proposal President Donald Trump unveiled Thursday would impact people in the south suburbs.

It's unlikely Bremen's senior lunch program would be affected, though similar services could be cut if Congress goes along with the president's ideas. The president wants to eliminate the Department of Housing and Urban Development's $3 billion Community Development Block Grant program that provides federal funding for Meals on Wheels, along with public works projects and other programs.

Bremen Township receives $40,000 a year in federal funding for its lunch program through a different channel, the Department of Health and Human Services. The president wants to slash $15 billion from the HHS budget next year.

The township would continue offering low-cost lunches for seniors even if federal funding is eliminated, Supervisor Maggie Crotty told me.

Brothers Jerry Kowalski, 75, left, and Bern Kowalski, 73, of Tinley Park, are shown Thursday at the Bremen Township Senior Lunch Program in Oak Forest. President Donald Trump on Thursday unveiled a budget blueprint that proposes drastic cuts in programs that help poor and elderly residents. (Ted Slowik / Daily Southtown)

"We'll keep it even if we don't get funding, but it does help to get that money," she said.

Community meals cost less to provide than home-delivered services like Meals on Wheels. They also create other benefits, like a chance for seniors to socialize with peers.

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"It's a community," Sloop told me. She shared lunch Thursday with fellow Hanover Place residents Carolyn Sass, 80, and Mary DiStasio, 95  the retirement community's reigning Wii bowling champion.

Pundits' initial analysis of the president's budget proposal Thursday focused on increased spending for defense and Homeland Security and significant cuts in funding for education, environmental protection, the arts and programs that help the poor and elderly.

Some analysts said the president's proposal, "America First: A Budget Blueprint to Make America Great Again," was merely an agenda message that outlines policy priorities. It will likely be significantly revised by the time a more detailed budget is proposed in May, and Congress will have the final say on approving expenditures.

When I heard about the proposed elimination of funding for Meals on Wheels, I viewed Thursday's budget proposal as a chance to explore how federal dollars are channeled through various agencies and spent on programs that serve people in the south suburbs.

In the time I had Thursday to work on the story, I was unable to come up with a comprehensive view of how cuts might impact the Southland. I can, however, share a few snapshots of how funding cuts would affect some areas.

Elimination of the Community Development Block Grant program is part of a proposed $6.2 billion cut in HUD funding.

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"The federal government has spent over $150 billion on this block grant since its inception in 1974, but the program is not well-targeted to the poorest populations and has not demonstrated results," the president's plan said.

Seeking specifics, I found expenditure reports on the HUD website showing the CDBG program provided $8.8 million in funding for suburban Cook County in fiscal year 2015 and nearly $1.3 million in spending for Will County that year.

Expenditures in Will County that year included $506,901 in water and sewer system improvements and $7,500 to help abused and neglected children. In suburban Cook, federal funding included $276,235 for senior centers, $67,526 for food banks and $45,000 for substance abuse services.

These disbursements are minuscule allocations when considered as part of a $1.1 trillion federal budget. But they often represent significant levels of funding when they trickle down to local programs.

Many service providers are concerned about the proposed budget cuts, as well as the Republican plan to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. Agencies that serve the elderly, poor and others worry the federal government might drastically reduce the amount of funding it provides through Medicare.

"(Agencies) are making choices about what they can fund because they have fewer dollars," said Rita Lopez Brosnan, executive director of Metropolitan Family Council's Southwest Family Center.

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The center operates facilities in Blue Island and Palos Hills. The agency's 2016 annual report said it served 7,532 clients in the south and southwest suburbs last year.

The agency's work includes assisting families who adopt children from overseas and providing behavioral health counseling to adults and children. I asked Lopez Brosnan why people should care about government funding for mental health counseling, as some apparently believe such programs are expendable.

"There's research that connects a lot of chronic illnesses to mental health," she told me. People with anxiety and depression, for example, are more likely to develop serious health problems like heart disease and diabetes, which are more expensive to treat.

Agencies serving the south suburbs are particularly anxious about potential cuts in federal funding in light of the crisis over state funding for social services. The "safety net" that helps poor and elderly residents make ends meet already has many holes in it. With agencies reducing staffs and trimming services, some worry the safety net is in danger of collapsing.

Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday >

Some in the Southland would feel the impact of the proposed 13 percent cut in education funding, including elimination of nearly $4 billion for Pell Grants. Others might be more directly affected by the proposed 31 percent cut in spending for the Environmental Protection Agency and the proposed elimination of funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.

It's hard to say how many south suburban residents would be directly impacted by the proposed 29 percent cut in State Department funding and the huge cuts in spending for scientific research.

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I think Trump's budget, if approved as proposed, would most directly impact poor and elderly people in the south suburbs.

I'm unconvinced the drastic cuts in programs that serve the most vulnerable are worth the proposed $54 billion increase in spending for the Pentagon, $4 billion in initial funds to build a wall on the Mexican border and an additional $1.5 billion to enforce immigration policies.

The budget signals a shift in government policy toward greater safety and security. But if paying for those measures reduces the means to assist millions of needy Americans with food, housing, health care and other essentials, is it worth it?

tslowik@tribpub.com

Twitter @tedslowik
I get what Gov. Bruce Rauner has been trying to do, and I give him more credit than most people in Cook County would be willing to give him. From a financial perspective, this state spends more money than it takes in. That is not an opinion, or a politically-motivated jab at any political party. It is a fact. This is the reality of Illinois, the state of our state. Illinois has been bleeding money for a very long time. Bills are unpaid, money has been misspent and mishandled, and many businesses want nothing to do with this state because it is a financial wreck. The pensions are screwed up, the governor's mansion has fallen apart, and there isn't enough money to go around to fund all the schools, social service departments, and community outreach programs. Last year, some 37,000 residents fled Illinois, seeking better opportunities, lower taxes, and safer neighborhoods in other states. I can't blame them any. I'm disgusted, too. Illinois is dying a slow death, it has been for many years. Financial stability is the only way to revive it. Only then will Illinois perk up and have the opportunity to thrive, much like our prosperous neighbors.

At 29 years old, I'm still considered a young adult by many. For me, and many others in my age bracket, high school was not that long ago. I went to my local public high school for all 4 years, and I cannot recall very many instances where my teachers voiced their political opinions, personal feelings, or religious beliefs to the class. Activities, speeches, and group work did not involve highly controversial or sensitive topics. We did not discuss matters like social justice or religious tolerance, and we were not encouraged to express our feelings or beliefs by joining trendy social movements. School was school, plain and simple. The focus was on academic subjects, not on the society that existed outside of the school walls. That was my own personal experience and that was what I observed over the course of 4 years. It seems that things are very, very different now in many schools.

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If the 2005 tax return was leaked by President Donald Trump, himself, why would Rachel Maddow run with the story? Are her producers so stupid not to see this story makes the president look good, since her life and show is dedicated to Trump's destruction. I along with most Americans do all we can to pay as little as legally possible and I think the president should pay the least also.

Orland Park

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Way to go Mr. President. What have you accomplished so far? There's no wall. There's no replacement for Obamacare. There's no proof of Obama wiretapping. What have you accomplished? Absolutely nothing. Nice job.

In what feels like two of the longest months ever of a new presidential administration, with ongoing allegations of wire taps, ties with Russia, questionable accusations, blatant lies, caustic tweets, and alternate truths, if this continues and any of these allegations are substantiated, the only wall we may see is one around President Donald Trump in a cell for criminal activity.

Tinley Park

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.
Economic growth, a push for greater financial stability and the need to improve communication are some of the issues trustee candidates are highlighting in their bid to serve on the River Grove Village Board.

Candidates Roger Sewell, an incumbent, along with Michele Obaya, now serving on the board as an appointee, and Michael Konwinski, a newcomer, are running as members of the River Grove Progressive Leadership Team, against Dena Anton-Puccillo and John Wardisiani, members of the Independents for Change in River Grove group, for election to the three open slots on the board.

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David Guerin is facing off against Joseph Giovenco in the village president race, looking to usher in a new political era for the village. Marilynn May, the previous president, had led the village for 12 years before announcing last spring she was leaving for personal reasons.

Marjorie Manchen, a member of the Progressive Leadership Team, is running unopposed for another term as village clerk.

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Here's a snapshot of the candidates as culled from their responses to questionnaires and their own releases.

Dena Anton-Puccillo

Background: Anton-Puccillo is a 20-year resident of River Grove.

Experience: Over 25 years in public service. Anton-Puccillo is a management professional with a finance and administrative background. She is a real estate managing broker.

Philosophy: "Advocate for putting people before politics."

Michele Obaya

Background: Obaya was born and raised in Chicago. She has lived in River Grove since 1993. She is a former member of the River Grove School PTA, serving as that group's chair of special events. A member of the River Grove School District 85.5 Board, she earned master school board member status. She was appointed village trustee in May 2015 after the death of Trustee Kathie Bruce. A stay-at-home mother, she previously worked as a legal secretary and office manager for a Chicago law firm.

Why she's running: "Being a trustee not only allows me to continue giving back but also to be an active participant in making the town in which I chose to plant my roots, raise my children, and call home  a community that is an even more inviting place to live and raise a family than it was when I decided to do so."

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Priorities: Economic development, fiscal responsibility, community development and relations, and village operations.

Quote: "It is important to meet those priorities proactively and with integrity."

Michael Konwinski

Background: Konwinski grew up in Chicago's West Town neighborhood. The family moved to the suburbs, eventually living in Melrose Park. "When I got married, my wife and I decided to settle down in River Grove, and I have been a resident here ever since."

Professional experience: Konwinski is currently in his 28th year of service for the Franklin Park Police Department, currently serving as the department's commander of criminal investigations and support services, in charge of the detectives and tactical units.

Public service: Since 2013, he has served as member of the River Grove School Board District 85.5. In that role, he was part of the planning committee, which created a five-year plan for the school.

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Why he's running: "I work with a very dedicated group of River Grove residents on the school board, and together we have accomplished several wonderful things in and for the school. Through my school board, my professional and my life experiences, I feel that now is the perfect time to expand my role as a public servant and move in to municipal government."

Priorities and concerns: "One change that I would like to see is better communication between all elected boards (village, school and library.). The communication between the elected officials could be improved, and if communication improves I believe that our service to the community would also improve."

Quote: "It is no secret that River Grove is in need of infrastructure updates, upgrades and repairs that cost money. Taking a logical and sensible approach to address these issues will be a start to alleviating this as a concern."

Roger Sewell

Background: Sewell grew up in Oak Park and attended Ascension grammar school and Fenwick High School. His background is in building maintenance. In 2001, he was named superintendent of building and grounds at the Veterans Park District. "While at VPD, I managed a budget of approximately $1.9 million and spearheaded the renovation of nine of the district's playgrounds, including Trumbull Park in River Grove in 2001." Since 2004, he has worked for the law firm of Fitch, Even, Tabin & Flannery in downtown Chicago.

Municipal experience: In addition to working for Veterans Park District from 1990 to 2003, Sewell served on the River Grove Zoning Board of Appeals from 2005-2009, leaving that post to run for the board in 2009. He recently was tapped to lead the board's newly formed Technology Committee, which he's working to overhaul. "I would like our digital presence to be as professional as any Fortune 500 company."

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Why he's running: "Originally, I ran for office in 2009 because I believe it's important for people to be a part of the fabric of their community. ... I felt that my experience with municipal government at VPD gave me a solid framework for how to successfully manage people and public resources. I am running this spring to continue moving our town forward with a group of high-energy, creative, experienced men and women who will work tirelessly to provide a stable and secure future for our town."

Priorities and concerns: To make the village's fiscal budget as healthy as possible, take part in an overhaul of the village's website, to work toward economic growth to help ease the burden of property taxes on residents.

Quote: "Our proximity to the city and the Metra tracks is a major strength. By aggressively offering new incentives to developers, our town would greatly benefit from new housing construction that focuses on attracting commuters."

John Wardisiani

Background: A resident of River Grove since 2011, Wardisiani works as a local teacher and university professor. He has 15 years of experience in educational and organizational leadership and holds a doctorate in education.

What he brings: A "history of community service and outreach."

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Running for village clerk

Marjorie Manchen

Background: Manchen was born in Oak Park and attended Ascension grammar school, "where my mother taught music for 30 years." Her family later moved to Elmwood Park with Manchen attending Guerin High School in River Grove. She holds a law degree and was a partner with a law firm in Bensenville, and her diverse background includes working as a research analyst intern for the Chicago Crime Commission and as an investigator/security supervisor for Arapaho Investigations. She currently practices law, with an emphasis in domestic relations and family manners.

Municipal service: Manchen was a commissioner on the Elmwood Park Plan, Zoning & Development Commission, from 1996 until 2007 before moving to River Grove. She was appointed village clerk of River Grove in January 2009, elected in April 2009, and re-elected in 2013.

Why she's running again: "I thrive on learning and also on serving my community. The role of municipal clerk satisfies both priorities for me. The role of clerk is very demanding, requires knowledge in many areas of municipal work, and allows me to interact with many aspects of the community, and with many other communities."
Joseph Giovenco and David Guerin are running for village president of River Grove. (Independents for Change in River Grove / HANDOUT)

David Guerin, running to become village president of River Grove, presided over back-to-back events at his Franklin Park restaurant the Underpass last weekend.

For months now, he been actively campaigning, meeting with people, his team of 30 to 40 people knocking on doors on weekends.

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To date, though, Guerin said he's seen little of his opponent, Joseph Giovenco, whose group Independents for Change in River Grove has made bringing transparency to the village a top goal.

Guerin, asked about the issue, said Giovenco has not responded to his invitation for an open debate. He said the one time the two did appear together, at a meeting with senior citizens, the first question Giovenco was asked was "where do you live?"

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He said Giovenco responded that his primary residence was in River Grove, admitting that he had a second home outside the village and stays there often.

Giovenco, asked about the issue on March 13, maintained that there is no question about his residency  that he never would have run if there was. He acknowledged that he owns other residences outside the village, but "I have had my own house in River Grove since 1975," he said.

"I've lived in that house longer than he's alive," he said of Guerin, 38. "My kids went to River Grove schools; I work in River Grove. Currently, I'm president of a condo association of 74 units. Just because I don't sleep there every night doesn't mean I don't live in River Grove."

Giovenco suggested that such information is why members of his group have been reluctant to engage in public debate and avoid press interviews, concerned the results will be one-sided.

"We just said if you want to do a debate, we want to have the questions ahead of time," he explained.

Guerin said his own style is, if while out campaigning a resident has a specific questions or wants to meet personally, "they can call my cellphone. I'll run over and sit down and talk to them. I love the fact you want me to represent your town."

He equated his opponent's campaign strategy to more like one used in Chicago.

"You wake up on a Sunday, and the whole town is papered in fliers and names. It doesn't say what they're doing, what they are going to do, or what they've done," Guerin maintained.

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In the group's information piece, Giovenco describes himself as a retired business owner, board president of the Thatcher Woods Condominium Association, and a 25-year part-time employee of the River Grove Police Department. He said he is "dedicated to making a difference in River Grove."

Guerin, a former River Grove Library trustee, currently serves as a resident representative on the Joint Review Board of the River Grove Southwest TIF District. At 38, he's run his own business since age 20.

He is a member and current chair of the village's Zoning Board of Appeals, and just recently Interim Mayor Lynn Bjorvik appointed him to the newly formed Finance and Economic Development Committee. He pinpointed "lack of development, the condition of our streets and our parks need updating," to a question about top priorities.

"We need to operate our village in a more professional manner and strengthening our relationships our school and library needs," he said.

The other candidates of his Progressive Leadership T.E.A.M. Party (rgplt.org) are incumbent trustees Roger Sewell and Michele Obaya, and Michael Konwinski, a newcomer, seeking terms as trustees.

Marjorie Manchen, the other member of the group, is seeking another term as village clerk.

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The group's top five goals are 1. Protect and grow the value of homes; 2. A comprehensive approach to economic development, concentrating on Grand Avenue, Metra and downtown areas; 3. Professional financial management and planning while modernizing village operations. 4. Strengthening intergovernmental relations with local school and library boards. 5. Enhancing green space and parks.

Along with Giovenco, the other members of the River Grove Independent team are Dena Anton-Puccillo and John Wardiasini, both running for the first time for village trustee.

In its information sheet, the group lists as its top goals 1. Bringing transparency to the village by rebuilding relationships with the community; 2. Developing and launching a monthly community newsletter to keep residents and businesses updated; 3. Creating a pro-business committee to help streamline and expedite business development; 4. Establish a committee to obtain state and federal grants; 5. Develop improved and sustained relationships with the school boards, library and Triton College.
Lee University will welcome Dr. Stanley Porter for a lecture, Why Reading Biblical Languages Matters, on Thursday, March 23, at 7:30 p.m.

In addition to being perhaps the most widely published New Testament scholar of his era, Dr. Porter is a devoted churchman and a true friend of the faith, said Dr. Mark Proctor, assistant professor of New Testament at Lee.

Dr. Porter serves as president, dean, and professor of New Testament at McMaster Divinity College in Hamilton, Ontario. He has authored 28 books along with various contributions to journals, shorter works, and special chapters.

Dr. Porter specializes in the Greek language and linguistics, hermeneutics, and various methods of interpretation. Dr. Porter also is a specialist in papyrological research and has a deep interest in the Greco-Roman world.

His interests in the language, writing and texts of the New Testament have shaped his work over the years. He is also fascinated by various biblical authors, such as John, Luke, and Paul.

In addition to his many responsibilities at McMasters, Dr. Porter also travels to speak and represent the college.

Before coming to McMaster, Dr. Porter served in young adult ministry. He remains active in his local church, where he often teaches and preaches.

The event is free and open to the public. The lecture will take place in the Jones Lecture Hall, located in Lees School of Religion.

The lecture is part of the Coffee, Cake, & Theology series hosted by the Lee Koine Greek club.

For more information about the series or the event, contact Dr. Proctor at mproctor@leeuniversity.edu.
A man who claimed he was robbed Monday evening in Hinsdale now faces charged of disorderly conduct for allegedly filing a false police report.

Vadim Mikhalevich, 23, whose last known address was on Francis Road in New Hartford, New York, was taken to the DuPage County Jail for a bond hearing Wednesday night.

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Mikhalevich said he was robbed by two black men in their 20s, just before 8 p.m. He said the men took his wallet and cellphone.

There was some confusion over where the robbery allegedly occurred.

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On Monday, Mikhalevich clearly stated it was on 55th Street east of Interstate 294, so Hinsdale police advised him he had to report it in Western Springs, said Hinsdale Deputy Chief Erik Bernholdt.

When Mikhalevich went to the Western Springs Police Department the next day, a Western Springs officer took him out to show where the incident had occurred. Mikhalevich said the robbery happened near the southeast corner of 55th and Madison, which is by Hinsdale Central High School, Bernholdt said. Mikhalevich was staying with an acquaintance who lived in the Colonial Garden Apartments in that area and had arrived there on March 12, Bernholdt said.

"As the investigation continued, certain things came to light that did not seem to be consistent," Bernholdt said, and Hinsdale detectives determined the robbery did not take place. They arrested Mikhalevich Wednesday in Lemont, he said.

Filing a false police report of a non-existent crime is a Class 4 felony punishable by up to three years in prison and a $25,000.00 fine, Hinsdale police said.

The police did not know why Mikhalevich made up the report.

kfornek@pioneerlocal.com

Twitter @kfdoings
Waukegan police reported Thursday that a Dunkin' Donuts was robbed at gunpoint Tuesday evening, the latest of several robberies to hit the city in recent months.

Officers responded to the Dunkin' Donuts, located in the 1800 block of North Lewis Avenue, around 8:45 p.m., according to a news release.

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An employee told police that two men entered the business and demanded cash, according to the release. The employee described both of the men as black, between 5'10" and 6', with thin builds and wearing masks.

The store was empty except for one employee, Waukegan Police Cmdr. Joe Florip said.

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One of the men had a handgun, according to the release. The two men left the business on foot.

No one was hurt in the incident, Florip said.

The Waukegan Police Department, as is its policy, is not releasing information on the amount of money taken.

When asked whether the police have any reason to think this robbery is related to others that have occurred recently in Waukegan, Florip said the department is "treating this investigation independently and keeping all options open."

Armed robberies that have been reported in Waukegan include four in a five-hour period on Dec. 22, one of which resulted in an arrest in early January. In late February, police report two men robbed a cellphone store at gunpoint while wearing construction hard hats, sunglasses and yellow and orange reflective vests. On Feb. 16, police report a jewelry and loan store on Green Bay Road was robbed by a man with a handgun.

Waukegan police have announced other arrests in recent cases, including two in late February, when suspects in robberies at a gas station on Lewis Avenue and a pizza parlor on Green Bay Road were taken into custody. In January, charges were announced against a homeless man in connection with two robberies on Nov. 22 at local gas stations.

Anyone with information on Tuesday's robbery is asked by police to contact the department's tip line at 847-360-9001.

Twitter @NewsSun
When you've been in the restaurant business for more than 40 years, you've seen it all.

Vicki Chioles, co-owner with husband Peter of Gale Street Inn in Mundelein, said this is the case for the neighborhood mainstay with its famous fall-off-the-bone barbecue ribs.

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"I've seen the whole cycle, boyfriend and girlfriend, sitting here holding hands and smooching, then they get married, then their kids are having kids and grandkids," she said.

Tucked away in a neighborhood across the street from Diamond Lake, Gale Street Inn serves a customer base of longtime patrons from the neighborhood and Chicagoans wanting to drive out to the country.

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"We're in a neighborhood, not in the middle of town, not where people drive. It's down the street from the local beach and we get lots of locals and families on the weekends," Chioles said. "We face west so you can see the sun set, and that's a big draw."

The restaurant has also gotten some unusual requests from visitors, she recounted. "During the ice fishing tournaments we'll get people who call from the lake and say, 'I'm out here on the lake with a red shanty, look out your window.' I'll look out and see a red shanty and they'll say, 'I can't cook up the fish I just caught. Can I place an order?'"

On the menu: Separate lunch and dinner menus. Barbecue baby back ribs, steak, seafood, sandwiches, pasta, burgers and an old-school soup and salad bar. "Number-one combo platter is barbecue ribs and shrimp."

About the owners: Started in Chicago by Peter Chioles' parents, George and Joan Chioles, Gale Street Inn was a bar that served sandwiches off the side street named Gale. A second location opened in Mundelein in 1975, then burned down a year later and was rebuilt in 1977. Mundelein residents Peter and Vicki Chioles own the hometown spot; the family sold the Chicago location, which still serves the same food.

Philosophy: "Our goal is to serve our customers quality food at reasonable prices," Chioles said.

Decor: Nautical with a fireplace in the center.

Specialties: Fall-off-the-bone ribs, the house specialty, have been served here since 1975 and since 1963 at the original Jefferson Park location.

We're different because: "Definitely our ribs are what we're known for. We sell the most of those," Chioles said. "And with our location being on the lake there, we get a lot of repeat customers, a lot of word of mouth."

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Price range: Appetizers from $5.99 to $19.99. Pasta from $9.99 to $11.99. Salads from $6.99 to $14.99. Soups from $2.99 to $10.99 for unlimited soup and salad bar. Entrees from $9.99 to $35.99. Sandwiches from $6.99. Gluten-free and kids' menu available. Monthly dinner specials.

Logistics: Gale Street Inn 935 Diamond Lake Road, Mundelein. Hours are noon-9 p.m. Sunday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday. Contact 847-566-1090 or go to www.galest.com

Shonda Talerico Dudlicek is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun.
U.S. Congressman Brad Schneider speaks to an overflow crowd at the Northbrook library, Saturday, Feb. 18, 2017. The supportive crowd stressed the need to keep the Affordable Heath Plan, immigration reform and the need to keep a watch and speak out against Trump. (Antonio Perez/ Chicago Tribune) (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune)

For residents of northern Lake County in Illinois' 10th Congressional District who didn't make the southbound trip to Northbrook or Deerfield in recent weeks, Rep. Brad Schneider (D-Deerfield) is bringing his town hall tour closer to home this weekend.

He has announced a "Congress on Your Corner" event to be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at North Chicago Community High School.

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Schneider returned to the House of Representatives after being elected in November; he had previously served for two years before being unseated in 2014 by Republican Robert Dold.

Constituents across the nation have flooded local town hall events hosted by their representatives in Congress this year, many of them politically awakened by the election of Donald Trump as president. Since much of the political energy at the town halls has resulted from the backlash to Trump, the tone toward Schneider at his events thus far has generally been kinder than the reaction to some of his Republican colleagues.

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"There's a lot of energy," said Schneider, who represents most of Lake County along with part of northern Cook County, in a previous interview with the News-Sun. "We've had a couple of town halls, and each one gets a little bit larger."

The high school is at 1717 17th St. in North Chicago. The event is slated to last an hour.

lhammill@tribpub.com

Twitter @lucashammill
Cardinal Blase J. Cupich says Lake County Catholics dont have to avoid corned beef on St. Patricks Day, even though March 17 falls on a Friday during Lent this year. (Frank Abderholden / Lake County News-Sun)

Lake County Catholics will have the option of having corned beef or fish this St. Patrick's Day, despite it being a Friday during Lent, church officials say.

Chicago Archdiocese Cardinal Blase J. Cupich has decided to set aside church practice of abstaining from meat on Fridays during Lent in honor of St. Patrick's Day, which is commonly celebrated in the U.S. with corned beef. The Chicago Archdiocese spans to the Wisconsin border, including St. Peter Church in Antioch.

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"Cardinal Cupich has given a general dispensation to Catholics from abstaining from meat on this day," archdiocese spokeswoman Colleen Tunney-Ryan said. "Catholics in the Archdiocese of Chicago who choose to make use of this general dispensation are asked to substitute for another form of penance for the Lenten Friday abstinence."

In Lake Forest, the cardinal's dispensation is not swaying St. Patrick's Church from hosting its annual fish fry this Friday, according to the pastor, Rev. Laurence Dunn.

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For the past several years during Lent, the church has held the event not so much as a fundraiser, but as a reason for the parish community to gather. With the event previously scheduled for St. Patrick's Day, the pastor said the Cardinal's decision to allow meat is not uncommon, and will not impact the parish's plans.

Cathy McNeil of Lindenhurst prepares to dig into a plate of corned beef and cabbage following the annual St. Patrick's Day parade in Lake Villa on March 11. (Frank Abderholden / Lake County News-Sun)

"It's fairly common" for the archdiocese to allow meat on St. Patrick's Day if it falls on a Friday, Dunn said.

Of the more than 40 priests who preceded Dunn as pastor of St. Patrick Church, 991 S. Waukegan Road, all have had Irish surnames, he said.

The annual fish fry has occurred for the past five or six years, Dunn added. A couple hundred people are expected to attend. The menu is cod, scalloped potatoes, cole slaw, macaroni and cheese  and, of course, Irish soda bread. Tickets have been sold after mass for the past two weekends at $10 for adults and $5 for children.

Fasting on Fridays during Lent involves not only avoiding meat, but also not snacking between meals. Church doctrine considers it a sin for healthy adults to avoid fasting and to consume meat during Lent, with exemptions for children, the elderly and the sick. The practice is coupled with penance and alms-giving as a way for Catholics to prepare for Easter.

Bishops in neighboring dioceses, including those in Rockford and Joliet, both offered dispensation. However, in Springfield, Bishop John Paprocki did not grant the dispensation.

"In honor of the heroic virtue and sacrifice of St. Patrick in his life as a disciple, we will not be granting a dispensation from abstinence from eating meat on Friday, March 17," Paprocki said in a statement. "Instead I encourage honoring him, and Almighty God, with the sacrifice of abstinence from eating meat."

Erin Gallagher is a freelance reporter for the Lake County News-Sun.
When Glencoe native Malika Ameen was growing up, her home was always filled with the smell of her Pakistani parents cooking with a variety of spices. Her mother tucked cardamom pods in her purse and Ameen's school lunches were fragrant with the smells of spice meat patties. But when Ameen began cooking professionally, she didn't want her heritage to define her.

"I wanted to get away from spices," Ameen said. "Only over time, as I progressed in my career, I was actually using them all the time without realizing it. As I started to create and take on pastry chef positions they were creeping in more and more in a dessert. Sometimes they were really loud, but other times it was just a little bit."

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That marriage between spice and desserts is on display in Ameen's cookbook "Sweet Sugar, Sultry Spice," which was released in October. Ameen, who lives in Chicago, will discuss the book and offer samples of her dishes on March 22 at the Lake Forest Book Store.

"A handful of them are recipes that I developed throughout my career as I progressed," she said. "Many of them are inspired by travel and eating food from other cultures and eating foods from other chefs. There are foods that I grew up with and loved like oatmeal cream pies and fruit leather and I'm bringing my own personal touch to them with spices."

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While she was working in fine restaurants Ameen saw that spices were often incorporated into dishes, even if they were not mentioned in the menu. Ameen said she wanted to make people more aware of what they can add to food.

"I think that the possibilities are just so interesting," she said. "It's really about pairing and matching flavors that really complement each other."

One spice she hopes to make people reconsider is cloves, which she incorporates into numerous recipes in her cookbook including ones for pumpkin pancakes and baklava.

"I think that people are really afraid to use cloves in baking because cloves are a really pungent spice, but they add a depth of flavor and a richness to a lot of baked goods," Ameen said. "Cloves pair so well with a lot of the spices we love like cinnamon and nutmeg. My favorite way to use them is with citrus or orange zest. Just a little bit in a butter cookie goes a long way."

Ameen served as pastry chef at Los Angeles' Chateau Marmont hotel and brought some of her recipes home to Chicago, where she opened Aigre Doux. After the restaurant closed in 2009, Ameen appeared on "Top Chef: Just Desserts" in 2010. She was only on the first four episodes of the show, leaving not because the judges eliminated her but because she wasn't happy cooking competitively and wanted to return to her family.

"It was a very challenging, exhilarating experience and I'm so happy I did it," Ameen said of the show. "I think in life sometimes we make decisions that others don't understand. It's about finding yourself and what feels right for you."

Her three sons, ages 9, 12 and 14, are all very into food and helped taste test some of the recipes she was working on for the cookbook.

"Every day when they came home there were like five versions of a muffin," she said. "They had a lot of opinions on it. I wouldn't say I listened to all of them."

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While her eldest son prefers enjoying food by going out to restaurants, her younger two share their mother's love of cooking.

"My middle son likes to create his own dishes and my youngest son likes to always give me a helping hand it the kitchen," she said. "His thing now is waking up on Sundays and making pancakes."

Ameen currently does consulting work and teaches private cooking classes, which have been in higher demand since her book was released. She's also planning to launch a blog in April, which will also focus on cooking with spices.

Malika Ameen author event

When: 6 p.m. March 22

Where: Lake Forest Book Store, 662 N. Western Ave.

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Admission: Free

Information: 847-234-4420; lakeforestbookstore.com
Elawa Farm, which turns 100 years old this year, is the home of the Wildlife Discovery Center. Elawa Farm was started by a branch of the Armour family, which made its fortune in the meatpacking industry.

"The overall Armour story in that time is fascinating," said Arthur Miller, president of the Lake Forest Preservation Foundation. "J. Ogden Armour was once the second richest American, second only to Jay Rockefeller. In the 1920s, he lost all the money and took his cousins down with him by investing in the stock market."

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In 1930, after the stock market crashed, some friends of the family were going through Armour's papers and found stock certificates for Universal Oil Products, then a penny stock, Miller said.

"It turned out to be big because of patents they had for ethyl (leaded) gas," Miller said.

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Selling the stock certificates restored the family fortune, Miller said. A. Watson Armour, who was from the Kansas City branch of the family, returned to Chicago and bought 200 acres in west Lake Forest in 1917 and created Elawa Farm, according to an article on the website of the Lake Forest Lake Bluff Historical Society. The name Elawa is a combination of the names of A. Watson Armour and Elsa, his wife, it said.

They hired architects David Adler to design the garages and Alfred Hopkins to design the stables, Miller said. The Armours ran it as a gentleman's farm, one that was unconcerned with profit, according to the Historical Society article, and they lived there until the 1950s, when it was then bought by Walden and Leila Carroll. The property operated as a gentleman's farm until 1990, it said.

The Carrolls sold off much of the land in the 1980s and 1990s, Miller said. The property became two neighborhoods, the Middlefork Savanna, part of the Lake County Forest Preserve and Elawa Farm.

mlawton@pioneerlocal.com

@reporterdude
Kids can hunt eggs after they "Breakfast with the Bunny" April 8 at the Lake Zurich Retired Fire Fighters Association Hall, 77 S. Old Rand Road, Lake Zurich. (Dan Luedert / Pioneer Press)

The guest of honor will greet kids at Breakfast with the Bunny, 8-11 a.m. April 8 at the Lake Zurich Retired Fire Fighters Association Hall, 77 S. Old Rand Road, Lake Zurich.

"This is the third year we are running Breakfast with the Bunny," said Bonnie Caputo, recreation manager for the Village of Lake Zurich. "It's for all ages with adults. It's a great opportunity for the kids to come out, get a warm breakfast and meet the bunny."

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Caputo reported that they hold the breakfast downtown because, immediately following the event, at 11:30 a.m. there's a free Egg Hunt for ages 2-10 with an adult at Lions Park, 81 E. Main St.

"We'll have a DJ out there to get the kids all excited and moving and grooving," Caputo said. "We'll have a bounce house and different activities."

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Breakfast with the Bunny costs $7 for adults; $5 for children. Reservations are required. The Egg Hunt is a drop-in event.

For details, call 847-438-5146 or go to lakezurich.org/parkandrec.

New myth conceptions

Rolling Meadows High School drama students will perform tales of Odysseus, Hercules and Medusa during Greek Myths Retold, 11 a.m.-noon March 18 at Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N. Dunton Ave. Registration is required for this program for ages 5 and older with an adult.

For details, call 847-392-0100 or go to ahml.info.

Sound advice

You and your children will experience a Spring Symphony, 1 p.m. March 25 at Crabtree Nature Center, 3 Stover Road, Barrington Hills. You will learn to identify some common local bird and frog songs as you walk along the trail with a naturalist. The event is free.

For details, call 847-381-6592 or go to fpdcc.com.

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They won't be bored

at the Cardboard Challenge. Kids of all ages, with a caregiver, can build an arcade, a maze, a city, a robot or anything else that inspires them at this drop-in event, 2-4 p.m. March 24 at Barrington Area Library, 505 N. Northwest Highway.

For details, call 847-382-1300 or go to barringtonarealibrary.org.

Diverse delight

Three colorful chicks develop a surprising friendship when a fourth egg cracks open in "Egg" by Kevin Henkes. The graphic novel for preschoolers will be read at a special storytime, 11 a.m. March 18 at the Deer Park Town Center Barnes and Noble, 20600 N. Rand Road. There will be related activities and coloring.

For details, call 847-438-7444 or go to barnesandnoble.com
A woman who had sought election to the College of DuPage Board of Trustees was charged Thursday with forging her nominating petitions.

Rafath Waheed, 61, of the 6100 block of Hickory Drive in Lisle, would not comment on the charges, although her attorney, Stacey A. McCullough, said her client "vehemently denies the allegations."

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Waheed has been charged with two counts each of issuing a forged document and forgery and four counts of perjury, DuPage County State's Attorney Robert B. Berlin said. All of the charges are felonies.

The charges allege Waheed made "photocopies of two completed signature portions of the petitions, and then completed the candidate information by hand," Berlin said in a statement. She then "notarized those petitions as authentic" and submitted them to COD officials, he said.

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The fraud was uncovered during a hearing in which her petitions were successfully challenged, Berlin said. Her name will not appear on the ballot as a result.

"The bedrock of our entire system of government is free and fair elections," Berlin said. Waheed "attempted to circumvent one of the basic requirements for candidacy  filing petitions with the correct number of authentic signatures."

Waheed turned herself in to authorities Wednesday after a warrant for her arrest was issued Tuesday. She is free on $10,000 bail pending her next court date, scheduled for April 12.

McCullough, of the Momkus, McLuskey & Roberts law firm in Lisle, said her client denies any wrongdoing.

"I'm aware that she is facing an eight-count indictment, (but) until I've had the opportunity to actually see the indictment and review the allegations and purported evidence against my client, I can't comment on specifics," McCullough said.

With Waheed excluded from the ballot, the candidates seeking to fill the two six-year board terms April 4 are Christine M. Fenne, of Wheaton; Dan Markwell, of Lombard; and Taso Triantafillos, of Addison.

None of the candidates could be reached for comment Thursday.

No incumbent board members are seeking re-election. The college came under scrutiny during the tenure of former President Robert Breuder after he and other school officials were accused of spending abuses.

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Court documents show Waheed has received six traffic tickets in DuPage County since 2007 but has no criminal record.

wbird@tribpub.com
Seventh-graders in Naperville discuss the politics and people of North Korea with a CNN reporter who visited the country recently. (Chicago Tribune)

A message sent by a Naperville social studies teacher to a reporter on the other side of the world ended with a lesson on life in North Korea for his students.

Jefferson Junior High teacher Chris Heffernan said that a few weeks ago students in his seventh-grade classes were studying North Korea, with a focus on human rights issues in the country.

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Getting accurate information about life in the country can be a challenge because North Korea is such a closed society, he said.

But kismet was on his side.

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That very week, CNN's Will Ripley was reporting from North Korea, offering a rare, inside look at the country as it was celebrating the 75th birthday of its late leader Kim Jong Il.

"He was there at the same time. It was absolutely dumb luck," Heffernan said.

After watching current CNN footage in class, Heffernan said he messaged Ripley on a whim to see if the reporter would be willing to talk via Skype to some of his students.

"I never expected to hear back from him, but two hours later he replied that he'd talk to the kids," Heffernan said.

The teacher said the biggest challenge was coordinating a time to chat.

Not only did the two need to take into account the 14-hour time difference between Naperville and Tokyo, where Ripley is based, but also, Heffernan said, the recent switch to daylight saving time added another level of confusion.

An hour before first bell rang Thursday morning, about 25 seventh-graders sat in a classroom, questions in hand, waiting for the opportunity to converse across the globe.

Heffernan said the 45-minute question-and-answer session with Ripley turned out far better than he expected.

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"I have never talked directly with Will Ripley; I've only messaged him. I didn't have a clue how he would interact with the students," he said.

Ripley's candor about gender roles, patriotism, poverty and internet access captivated students the entire time and even caused some to rethink their perceptions.

Seventh-grader Gigi Going said the talk about the living conditions in North Korea and how and where the people get their food and supplies was interesting.

"We didn't know the details, and it was really cool to hear that," Gigi said.

Ripley told students that while North Korea has grocery stores, few people shop at them.

"(The people) tend to buy most of their stuff at these underground markets that exist. The government knows they exist and allows them to exist. But they don't like us to film it because they don't want people to see active capitalism," Ripley told the students.

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While most of North Korean television features news, documentaries and movies about the country's leaders and history, Ripley said, the five television stations occasionally broadcast sporting events or Russian-produced shows.

Although rare, some American programs have made the cut. " 'Sound of Music,' most North Koreans have seen that," he said.

Student Rachel Wand said she was surprised to hear people act differently on camera than they do in person when they're not being taped.

"He said they are a little more free than what we see," she said.

Ripley said he doesn't think most North Koreans actually hate America, though on camera they say the United States is evil and an imperialist country.

"They almost repeat verbatim the lines that they hear on their propaganda  what they read in the state-controlled newspaper or what they watch on state-run television," Ripley said.

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"And then when the camera is off, they'll say, 'Oh, I'm really sorry that I said that. I hope you don't take it personally. You seem really nice.' "

He said he's found that to be the case in many countries that are hostile to the United States. "On a person-to-person level, people usually are pretty friendly and don't necessarily hold a grudge against the American people, just the government and its policies," he said to the seventh-graders.

subaker@tribpub.com

Twitter @SBakerSun1
Oak Brook is planning to spend about $300,000 for commercial water meter vaults serving Oakbrook Center as part of its efforts to control water loss in the village.

Doug Patchin, Oak Brook's public works director, said it was determined during a 2016 water leak survey that 3 percent of the village's water loss came from system leaks. Some of the leaks were on private water mains, which are connected to the village water system.

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"Additionally, many of these mains are on private property and are un-metered; therefore, water loss in these private areas would go unaccounted," Patchin said. "There were some large leaks; we had about 41,000 gallons a day unaccounted for because there are no meters on those lines."

The Village Board took the first step Tuesday toward a metering system for Oakbrook Center by approving a professional engineering services agreement with American Infrastructure Technologies, LLC for $49,770, which is part of the expected $300,000 total. It covers the design, development of construction and bidding documents and the construction observation of four commercial water meter vaults serving the mall.

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Patchin explained that installation of the four underground meter vaults would provide accountability for water being used.

He said Oakbrook Center is one of five large private areas within the village's water system for which meters are needed. Plans call for other areas to be addressed in the future.

The village hired a consultant in 2015 to help find out why up to an estimated $2 million in revenue was lost from water sales over a five-year period through 2015.

The loss in water sales revenue is from the difference between what Oak Brook pays to the DuPage Water Commission for water and the revenue collected by the village for water sold to its customers, Patchin said.

That loss was an estimated at about $400,000 for 2015 when Oak Brook's water loss was about 23 percent. With some leaks being repaired, the loss is down to 19 percent, Patchin said.

"We're anticipating getting to 10 percent or lower," he said, noting that the Environmental Protection Agency's standard is no more than 10 to 12 percent by 2019.

cfieldman@pioneerlocal.com

Twitter @chuckwriting
Lisa Bucciarelli-Carlos was appointed the new principal of Lincoln Elementary School in Oak Park by District 97 board members, effective July 1. (Oak Park District 97 / Handout)

The Oak Park District 97 school board has appointed Lisa Bucciarelli-Carlos as the new principal of Lincoln Elementary School, effective July 1.

Her appointment was unanimously approved by the school board at its March 14 board meeting. Board member Jim O'Connor was absent.

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Prior to joining District 97, Carlos held two administrative positions at Kelly High School in Chicago, serving two years as assistant principal and, most recently, serving as the school's principal for the 2016-17 school year. Carlos also served as the assistant principal at Hearst Elementary School in Chicago, and has teaching experience at York High School in Elmhurst and Hinsdale Central High School.

"When I came [to interview] the first time, I was literally skipping out to my car, and [my husband Prudente] listened to me gush and gush and gush," Carlos said. "I did so much research on the school, it felt like binge-watching Netflix. From the moment I stepped into the district, I was so deeply impressed. I'm so excited."

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The Lincoln School principal job became open when former principal Cathy Hamilton had applied for the state's early retirement option in January 2013, and her request was approved by the district's board the following month. The Teacher Retirement System's early retirement option expired in July 2015 after the state legislature did not extend the law.

In recent months, several parents and faculty attended school board meetings calling for Hamilton to keep her position as principal for another three years to ensure she'd receive her full pension. According to a district announcement, Hamilton will instead be moving into the role of district administrator for substitutes and teaching assistants starting next school year.

Parent Paul Moore, who has two children at Lincoln and a third on the way, said he is a supporter of Hamilton but served on the search committee and approved of Carlos' hiring.

"I'm pretty excited to welcome her into the community," Moore said. "I'm still waiting for a decent reason for the [school district] actions that were taken. The whole thing seems wrong."

Lincoln School first-grade teacher Debbie Cooper, who also supported Hamilton, said she was one of the staff members involved with the recent interview process.

"[Carlos] is a very genuine person," Cooper said. "I am excited for the opportunity to work with her. I believe she will be an advocate for the programs that make Lincoln unique. I think she will bring optimism back to a school where morale has been low this past year due to the district's decision about our current principal. Cathy will be dearly missed, but Dr. Bucciarelli-Carlos will continue to bring the same level of care and love that makes Lincoln so special."

Carlos has a bachelor's degree in Spanish and education from Indiana University, a master's degree in Spanish from Middlebury College, a doctorate in curricular studies from DePaul University and an administration and supervision graduate certificate from Johns Hopkins University.

District 97 staff, parents and guardians, and Lincoln School staff members all participated in the principal search.

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"When I first met with the teachers, staff and parents, I knew it was the right place for me," Carlos said. "I'm honored to be coming into a wonderful, loving school."

According to district administrators, more than 70 applicants were considered for the Lincoln School principal job, of which 24 were screened by the search committee. Nine finalists were interviewed by the staff and parent teams, which led to Carlos' hiring.

"I'm very honored to be following Cathy Hamilton," Carlos said. "My principal mentor in the Chicago Public Schools went to high school with principal Hamilton, and just raved about her."

According to District 97, Carlos' one-year contract comes with a base salary of $122,774.

sschering@pioneerlocal.com

Twitter: @steveschering
Four men have been charged in a reported Feb. 6 strong arm robbery in South Haven where a man was beat up for $700 and possibly drugs, according to court records.

An arrest warrant was issued for Atreyu Ryan Hunnicutt, 18, of the 700 block of Acadia Road, South Haven. He faces up to 16 years in prison on Level 3 robbery charges and up to another year on Class A misdemeanor battery charges.

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The other three had an initial hearing March 10 and each had his trial set for the week of July 31 and bail bond set at $80,000 surety and $5,000 cash, court records state. They are::

* Brandon Allen Faught, 21, of the 100 block of County Road 600 in rural Valparaiso, was given a public defender, and faces charges of Level 3 robbery and felony intimidation, and Class A misdemeanor battery.

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* Dennis James Murphy, 18, of the 700 block of Baltimore Road has a March 31 attorney status date, and faces charges of Level 3 robbery and Class A misdemeanor battery.

* Joshua Faught, 19, of the west 9200 block of County Road 225 North in Etna Green, Ind., also has a March 31 attorney status date, on the same charges.

Hunnicutt is reported in the charging information to have invited the man, who was supposed to deliver cocaine, to his home, where the men smoked marijuana laced with cocaine. When the man's girlfriend went out to start the car, the others cornered him and demanded his wallet, beating him and giving him a laceration to the lip and a swollen eye, the charging information states.

Hunnicutt then went out to the car and threatened the girlfriend with rape and murder if she didn't tell him where the money was, and he searched the vehicle, court records state. A neighbor heard noise from the home and called police.

The man told police on Feb. 7 that Hunnicutt kept driving by his home, yelling and throwing things into the yard, court records state.

James D. Wolf Jr. is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
10 Of The Best Places To Eat When You're Hungover

By Anthony Todd in Food on Mar 16, 2017 6:41PM

By Jennifer Olvera



Weve all been therethe night got late, the drinks were free-flowing and that last one put you over the edge. Now, youre hurting and on the hunt for something to abate the pain. We feel you, so it seemed like a good time to share some of our favorite post-drinking restoratives all-but-made to cure overindulgence. From greasy burgers to rib-sticking dumplings and tummy-soothing soups, consider this your hangovers best friend.



via Fatso's Last Stand

Fatsos Last Stand

When its hard to drag yourself out of a self-inflicted fog, head to ketchup and mustard-colored Fatsos Last Stand for a no-fuss double char-dog and fries. This no-frills Ukrainian Village haunt features plenty of outdoor seating so you can breathe in some fresh air, as well as options like fried shrimp, smashburgers and a thick-cut, griddled salami sandwich that are up to the task.

Fatsos Last Stand is at 2258 W. Chicago Ave.

Don Pedro Carnitas

While it wont score high marks for its fluorescent-lit, bare-bones dAcor or its small, accident-waiting-to-happen parking lot, Don Pedro Carnitas more than makes up for its setting with a near-perfect, by-the-pound rendition of its namesake as well as juicy, sloppy beef barbacoa. Snake your way between the dual lines up front and snag a rickety table, where you can quickly prep tacos from the platter of meat put before you, topping them with pico de gallo and a spurt of lime.

Don Pedro Carnitas is at 1113 W. 18th St.



via Ruby's Facebook

Rubys Fast Food

Hit the cash station before heading to Rubys Fast Food, a counter-serve Filipino fave with a cafeteria-style, steam-table approach called turo-turo (point point). Although temptations abound, youd be wise to settle on the zingy chicken adobo, deep-fried lechon kawali and slightly sweet spaghetti stippled with hot dogs. Or the fried rice. Or the shatteringly crispy pata. Or the tapsilog. You get the idea.

Rubys Fast Food is at 3740 W. Montrose Ave.

Johnnies Beef

Day in and day out, locals shuffle through the line at Johnnies Beef for one good reason: a perfect, destination-worthy rendition of the Chicago-style classic. Do yourself (and your aching head) a favor and make it a beef and sausage combo, juicy, topped with sweet and hot peppers  plus a hydrating cup of lemon Italian ice. Just be sure to have your order ready since indecision at this legendary stand is met with indignation at best.

Johnnies Beef is at 7500 W. North Ave., Elmwood Park.



Longman and Eagle

Longman & Eagle

Hip, inviting and farm-to-table in approach, Longman & Eagle delivers comfort in the form of a pseudo-classic two eggs up platter. Only here, eggs come with house-made maple-glazed Spam, crispy potatoes and an ice-cold PBR. Pork belly Benedict, sunny-side duck hash and fried chicken and waffles are among the alternatives. Adding to the appeal, a handful of rooms upstairs are built for those who need to sleep it off.

Longman & Eagle is at 2657 N. Kedzie Ave.



Mabenka

Although it looks just like any old diner, this decades-old suburban gem is anything but ordinary thanks to an expertly executed lineup of hearty-as-a-lead-weight Polish and Lithuanian fare. Whether you order a plate of pierogi, saucy golabki or potato-stuffed cepelinai, youll be on the mend in no time. Not your cup of proverbial tea? Youll find skillets and blintzes, crepes and apple pancakes, too.

Mabenka is at 7844 S. Cicero Ave., Burbank.



Strings Ramen. Photo via Facebook.

Strings Ramen

When youre feeling under the weather, a bowl of piping-hot ramen is just the fix you need. At this wood-trimmed spot, youll be amply rewarded when you choose from the likes of shoyu, shio, miso, tonkotsu andif you daretongue-singeing hell-style broths, all of which feature house-made noodles.

Strings Ramen is at 2141 S. Archer Ave.

Doves Luncheonette

For a throwback, laid-back experience and after effects-abating Tex-Mex eats, head to Doves Luncheonette in Wicker Park, where light rock emanates from the juke and chicken fried chicken, pozole rojo and burnt ends hash cures what ails you. After you scoop up the last bite, go on and order a slice of Hoosier Mama horchata pie.

Doves Luncheonette is at 1545 N. Damen Ave.



Photo via Q-Tine

Q-Tine

When you want something more interesting than greasy spoon-type fare, make your way to Memphis-meets-Montreal Q-Tine for poutine. The Logan Square hybrid serves a dozen varieties topped with the likes of bacon, pulled pork and smoked pork belly. For a south of the border twist, try the version with skirt steak, peppers, onions, queso fresco, gravy and cilantro atop sweet potato fries.

Q-Tine is at 2339 N. Milwaukee Ave.

Davanti Enoteca

With locations in Little Italy, River North and suburban Western Springs, Davanti Enoteca turns out classy, modern Tuscan plates meant to share but good enough to hoard. Start with the honeycomb and ricotta or egg, fontina and asparagus truffle toast, moving on to the Pecorino and pepper-rich cacio e pepe or excellent prosciutto-veal meatballs on a bed of sprightly braised greens. You'll feel better in no time.

Davanti Enoteca is at 1359 W. Taylor St., 30 E. Hubbard St. and 800 Hillgrove Ave., #100, in Western Springs.




The American burger at Burgerhaus in Schererville features hardwood Applewood smoked bacon, blue cheese, caramelized onion, mayonnaise, mustard, butter lettuce and beefsteak tomato on a whole wheat bun. (Photo courtesy of Burgerhaus Restaurants)

It was a year ago in March when Burgerhaus opened in Schererville and the newest location of the local restaurant group has become the most successful.

"I do have a really strong management team backing me up," said Evan Costas, who co-owns Burgerhaus with his father, Jon.

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Brian Susoreny, formerly of Valparaiso and now of Hammond, is general manager in Schererville while Jose Puente is assistant manager.

"It's the busiest of the three so it takes a lot of effort out of our guys. It's going really well overall and our management team has been a big part of that."

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Here is the dish on this local eatery:

On the menu: Gourmet hamburgers and craft beer. March's burger of the month is the Sapporo, a USDA prime half-pound togarashi-seasoned burger on top of sriracha mayo, Asian slaw and honey citrus sauce. "Schererville's almost the test market for weekly specials because he's so creative," said Costas about kitchen manager Dionicio Torres. "The burger of the month that sells really well, that's what we implement when our menu changes, which we try to do twice a year."

About the owners: Costas and his father, both of Valparaiso, have owned Le Peep Restaurant in Valparaiso since December 2010. When looking to launch their own concept, the father and son consulted with chef Cory Muro, who co-owns Tomato Bar in Schererville and Valparaiso and now the Market and Ricochet Tacos, both in Valparaiso. "He was a big part of developing our initial menu," said Costas about Burgerhaus, which opened in November 2012 in Valparaiso and October 2014 in Indianapolis.

A mission statement: "Our motto is never stop exploring. Taste the world. We use a couple different catchphrases to encompass this travel theme," Costas said. "We try to use the finest ingredients from around the world. We have USDA prime beef, which is the best beef money can buy."

Decor: "It's industrial-looking but it's very warm. It's got a lot of oak," said Costas, who praised contractor Vaughn Staab from VLS Construction Services, of Valparaiso, on the custom woodwork. "His guys did an amazing job. There's some steel elements as well."

Specialties: "We sell a lot of the pickle chips every day just because they're hand battered. It's not a frozen product. They're crispy. Everyone loves the pickle chips," Costas said. "Our Aussie is our best-selling gourmet burger. It's got a fried egg. Our burgers are all over the place. There's something for everyone."

We're different because: "In Schererville, we have 16 beers on tap. We try to feature a number of beers from the region," said Costas, noting that the restaurant's website features an updated drink menu. Recent craft beers have included selections from Crown Brewing in Crown Point, the Devil's Trumpet Brewing Co. in Merrillville, 18th Street Brewery in Gary and Hammond, 3 Floyds Brewing Co. in Munster and Wildrose Brewing in Griffith. Burgerhaus also offers several ciders and plans to serve wine beginning in May.

Prices: Start at $7.50 for explorations (appetizers), $8.50 for fresh greens (salads) or $10 for gourmet burgers or Haus specials.

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Logistics: Burgerhaus is at 813 W. Lincoln Highway, Suite B, Schererville. Hours are 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays. Call 219-227-8442 or go to www.visitburgerhaus.com.

Extra: "We're involved with the charity Kids Alive International, which does a lot of work in Kenya and South America. We donate 38 cents of each burger we sell to Kids Alive, a Christian charity based out of Valpo," Costas said. "Since we started the program in spring 2014, we've provided just under 400,000 meals."

Jessi Virtusio is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
Kali Rasala (left) plays an eccentric tour guide named Lettice Douffet who is at odds with her supervisor Lotte Schoen, played by Christine Long, in the play Lettice and Lovage opening March 31 at Footlight Players in Michigan City. (Photo by Gary Bartholomew/Footlight Players) (Gary Bartholomew)

It doesn't matter to director Donald Beck that many people aren't familiar with the play "Lettice and Lovage,' the stage comedy he's opening March 31 for a three-weekend run at Footlight Players in Michigan City.

"This was a project that was originally written for actress Maggie Smith and it's very clever and well done for the stage," said Beck, who first suggested the work a year ago, while casting "The Glass Menagerie."

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"The reason Maggie Smith wanted this play to be created was because there were not any plays quite like this for women to do on stage with this theme. It's about strong women, which are characters I have always been drawn to as a director."

Smith went to Peter Shaffer to write the satire, which is focused on a very animated and over-the-top woman named Lettice Douffet, who is employed as tour guide of a landmark English manor. With every tour, she takes her own liberties to embellish and exaggerate the facts and details associated with the history-rich structure, much to the dislike of the "by-the-book" supervisor who runs the museum manor. Beck has cast Kali Rasala in the Lettice Douffet role, which Smith played, and Christine Long as the boss nemesis Lotte Schoen.

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The play opened in London in 1987 and Smith even traveled to do the U.S. production of "Lettice and Lovage" which played in New York in 1990. Smith won the Tony Award for Best Actress and the work was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Play in 1990, Beck admits the title is still unknown to many.

"I had read this play and watched clips on YouTube of Maggie Smith doing it, but I've never seen it produced before," Beck said.

"Even though it is a comedy, it has a great message of strong women overcoming obstacles."

Beck, whose first experiences with Footlight Players was appearing in the cast of a production of "Our Town" in 2007, said he began navigating auditions at the start of February to find the ideal talents to fill the play's nine roles.

"Casting the two female leads was the easy part, because I knew their work," he said.

"For a few of the other parts, I had to reach out to some potentials to find just the right people to complete the cast."

Beck also has a dual duty for this production, since he is also serving as the set designer and is tasked with creating an opulent English manor house, despite his limitations of a controlled budget applied to an intimate space.

"The script calls for this manor house to have this large grand staircase, which isn't so easy to make happen on a stage space that only spans 20-foot by 24-foot," Beck said.

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"The play is divided into three scenes, so I'm also devising what is the office of the manager character Lotte and then also, we need scenes that take place in the basement apartment where Lettice lives with her cat."

Fortunately, Beck said the costuming has been more simple to arrange since the play is set during a more recent time period to easier to capture with clothing styles, which cast members have helped contribute to create their own desired look.

The ending of the play was changed by the playwright prior to the 1990 Broadway launch, so a second version could offer a greater appeal to the American audiences in contrast to English humor.

"There's a happy ending with our story, which audiences will appreciate," Beck said.

"And all of the messages are conveyed with humor, which makes it easy to enjoy."

Philip Potempa is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.

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Lettice and Lovage

When: March 31 and April 1- 2 and 6-9 with performances at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday

Where: Footlight Players, 1705 Franklin St., Michigan City

Cost: $12 and $10 for ages 12 and younger

Information: 219-874-4035 or www.footlightplayers.org
Gary attorneys or law firms were selected Wednesday, March 15, to handle tax sale properties for the Gary Redevelopment Commission.

Separate contracts were awarded to three attorneys, while a fourth contract was awarded to an attorney and a law firm. Contracts went to MacArthur Drake, Angela Jones and Inga D. Lewis-Shannon, along with the combined contract for Rinzer Williams III and the Walker Law Group.

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They were among 14 attorneys or paralegals who submitted bids last month for researching the details of land transactions. Eleven bids were determined to be qualified to do the work.

Walker Law Group is based in Gary and all the other lawyers are Gary residents, except for Williams, who lives just outside the city limits in Merrillville. He serves as the official attorney for the Gary Common Council.

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Redevelopment Deputy Director Jack Eskin said the priority was placed on hiring Gary residents. Bids were submitted from Merrillville, Munster, Crown Point, Dyer, and Wadsworth, Ill.

The attorneys were hired by a 3-0 vote with President Kenya Jones abstaining and Vice President Eric Reaves absent.

In other business, the commission approved a resolution granting an easement agreement to Herbert Collins and Jennifer No who own property adjacent to some vacant lots in the 600 block of East 3rd Avenue and the 600 block of Clark Road which they want to beautify.

The commission also wants its attorneys to review the requests of five other Gary residents who want to take over adjacent vacant properties. In one case, a homeowner wants to use the lot next door to build a garage, while another wants to use it for parking spaces. Others want to extend the grounds of their own homes into the adjacent lots.

Eskin said the city permits such use if the request is from an owner adjacent to the city lot who is current on property tax payments.

A decision on the five cases will be made in April.

Gregory Tejeda is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
Hoosiers are pushing back on a roads plan that includes a new tax and a vehicle registration fee to pay for infrastructure improvements.

Representatives from groups including the Indiana Family Institute and Americans for Prosperity said raising gasoline taxes should not be a solution for improving roads and bridges, adding that it risks tarnishing Indiana's brand, according to the Associated Press.

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"The policies that conservatives say we believe in  we say lower taxes broaden the base, increase revenue  those things have happened here in Indiana," said Justin Stevens, the state director for Americans for Prosperity. He said Indiana would take a step backward if the bill passed, as is.

The proposal by Rep. Ed Soliday, R-Valparaiso, would increase gas taxes by at least 10 cents per gallon, impose a new $15 annual vehicle registration fee and give the governor stronger authority to levy roadway tolling.

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Soliday did not respond to several requests for comment.

Democrats , too, have expressed their dissatisfaction with the gasoline tax and vehicle registration fee on Hoosiers while neglecting to pull money from the state reserve funds with a balance of more than $2 billion.

"I think it was mainly philosophical that we're talking about increasing taxes  gasoline, cigarettes, etc.  to provide the funding for the roads when we on an annual basis talk about we have a rainy day fund that has over $2 billion in it," Rep. Charlie Brown, D-Gary, said.

"The thinking of Democrats was why not spend some of that money  it is a rainy day  to maintain our roads rather than taking additional dollars out of low-income and middle-income pockets when we have a fund that we originally set aside to take care of issues such as roads maintenance."

Under the current bill, starting in 2018, all monies collected through the gasoline tax would be allocated to the motor vehicle highway account, state highway fund and local road and bridge matching grant fund.

The detailed transportation tax proposal illustrates Indiana lawmakers struggle to craft a plan that finds a balance between improving an aging infrastructure and refraining from taxing Indiana citizens to acquire the necessary funding. Additionally, this bill doesn't align with Indiana Republicans' recent trend to rebuff legislation that would imposes new taxes on Indiana residents.

A proposal last year that would have raised taxes for cigarettes and gasoline died after GOP senators and former Gov. Mike Pence rejected the election-year increase.

House Minority Leader state Rep. Scott Pelath , D-Michigan City, said both Republican and Democratic legislators agree on the need to invest in Indiana's infrastructure but there is disagreement on both sides on the aisle about how to make that investment.

"The disagreement comes down to who pays and what resources to use," he said.

Should this year's increase pass, Al Parsons, of the Coalition of Central Indiana Tea Parties, warned senators could face electoral consequences.

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"The pendulum always swings," he said. "I will work to see it swing back, as will others who will be disappointed with this tax increase."

The legislative panel that heard testimony Tuesday is expected to consider amendments on the bill and vote on sending it to the full Senate at a later meeting.

Sen. Brandt Hershman , R-Lafayette, who chairs the Senate Tax and Fiscal Policy committee, said his panel will have a variety of funding mechanisms to consider in Soliday's bill.

"He's given us a menu to work from," he said, adding that lawmakers will see what makes the most sense for the state economy and taxpayers.

"The bill that passed the House is not going to be the final bill," Pelath said.

The Associated Press contributed.

jaanderson@tribpub.com

Twitter @JavonteA
Lake Station school officials are doing their homework heading into the critical May 2 referendum in which they're seeking $5.6 million in additional taxes from voters.

On Monday, the district is hosting two "night out" forums to explain the need for the funding to support the struggling district.

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For the first time, a separate forum  at 4 p.m.  will be held for Spanish-speaking residents. Superintendent Tom Cripliver said translators from the district's English as a Second Language program will help interpret his words to residents so they understand the reasons for the referendum.

School officials analyzed last year's failed referendum bid and determined that residents didn't have a firm understanding that the school district and city were two separate entities. Cripliver said many assumed that Mayor Keith Soderquist, who was convicted on public corruption charges, was also running the district.

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This year, school officials have held forums with the Lake Station Chamber of Commerce, PTA groups, the Lake Station Lions Club and with members of the volunteer fire department.

"We want people to come and learn about the financial situation and referendum," said Cripliver during Wednesday's school board meeting.

If it can't raise more money, the district could be forced to close Polk Elementary and halt school bus transportation. A combination of reduced state funding, enrollment declines and property tax caps have decreased the district's budget dramatically, officials said.

Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter at the Post-Tribune.
A panel of Indiana lawmakers on Wednesday again balked at advancing a proposal that would force Lake County to eliminate voting precincts that have fewer than 600 registered voters.

The House Elections and Apportionment Committee delayed the consolidation proposal for at least another week. Lawmakers are hoping to resolve whether precincts should be combined if they have fewer than 600 voters, as proposed in the legislation, or 500 voters, which the Lake County Board of Elections agreed to use.

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The bill reviewed Tuesday was proposed by Sen. Rick Niemeyer, R-Lowell, after an identical measure by Rep. Hal Slager, R-Schererville, stalled before the same committee in February. Niemeyer's bill cleared the Senate on a 38-11 vote.

Rep. Milo Smith, R-Columbus, said he'd hold the bill pending an amendment to set the threshold for consolidation at 600, 500 or a number in between the two.

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"I'm a little concerned that you haven't worked it out yet," Smith said. "I feel like you're at an impasse."

In February, the committee delayed action on the consolidation bill after hearing testimony that Lake County officials were prepared to review a plan to combine smaller precincts on their own without the Legislature's nudging.

Jim Wieser, chairman of the Lake County Democratic Party, said since that time, the Lake County Board of Elections established a committee and began work on identifying precincts to consolidate and on what terms.

The board, voting along partisan lines, set its consolidation threshold at 500 voters and identified 91 precincts that could be eliminated.

Wieser said that is a substantial and fair effort to reduce the number of small precincts.

"We believe that we will get this accomplished," Wieser said.

Michelle Fajman, director of the Board of Elections and Voter Registration, said the committee reviewed 184 precincts and thought 91 could be eliminated.

The number the board chose is the same used in the consolidation proposal approved in 2014, Wieser said.

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Slager said when that bill passed, there was no substantial effort to do any consolidation.

"Clearly, the Lake County Board of Elections does not want to do this," Slager said.

The board had the option to consolidate precincts with fewer than 500 people following the 2014 legislation, but didn't, Slager said. The consolidation threshold was increased to 600 because of early voting, Slager said.

"I'd much rather see an agreement on this than legislation," Slager said. "That's not happening because they don't want it to."

Meanwhile, the Lake County Council and Board of Commissioners passed resolutions, along party lines, in opposition to the legislation.

The County Council passed the resolution Tuesday by a 4-2 vote and the commissioners followed suit Wednesday, approving it by a 2-1 vote. In both cases, Republican members of both boards opposed the resolution.

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Republican Councilmen Dan Dernulc, Highland, and Eldon Strong, Crown Point, opposed the resolution during the Tuesday council meeting, and Commissioner Jerry Tippy, R-Schererville, voted against it Wednesday.

Strong said the partisan outcome of the vote was expected. He said Lake County has the largest number of small precincts out of the state's 92 counties. Consolidating precincts with fewer than 600 active voters conservatively could save more than $100,000 per election cycle.

"I wish we would work as hard to not spend money as we do to spend money," Strong said.

Council President Ted Bilski, D-Hobart, also said he is somewhere in the middle. He said there is a need to reduce some precincts. He questioned whether the current number of precincts creates an unfair advantage  during a county-wide caucus  to cities like Gary which have a large number of precincts.

If the legislation is approved, he said his community, Hobart, would lose 14 precincts.

"I find that a considerable reduction," Bilski said.

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If state officials are serious about saving money, they should be looking at consolidating counties and not precincts.

"We have 92 counties in the state. How many have less than 300,000 residents," Bilski said, adding he would like to see the issue resolved on the local level instead of by state mandate.

Dernulc said Republicans and Democrats tried to work together with the bipartisan small precinct committee established by the election board. Those efforts were unsuccessful.

"I believe something needs to be done," Dernulc said.

Councilman Jamal Washington, D-Merrillville, said the state legislation is an effort to suppress Democratic votes in Lake County.

"I want to be 100 percent clear, Lake County is the democratic hub of Indiana," Washington said. Since the legislation targets only Lake County, it is not about saving money. He said the legislation would have the most serious impact on the indigent and elderly, making it harder for them to get to a polling place.

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"The state is saying how do we get more votes out of Lake County for Republicans," Washington said. "Hands down this is voter suppression."

clyons@post-trib.com

Twitter @craigalyons

Carrie Napoleon is a freelancer reporter for the Post-Tribune.
Josh Seabrook went to war with an unusual weapon of distraction packed deep inside his Army duffle bag.

Some combat soldiers serving overseas may bring a guitar or harmonica or lucky charm or family keepsake when they go overseas. Not Seabrook, who served in the U.S. Army for two tours of duty, one in Iraq, the other in Afghanistan.

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"I brought my skateboard to war," said Seabrook, who also built skateboard ramps at his military bases to practice stunts and tricks during his off hours.

Seabrook began skateboarding at 13, later working at Warped Sportz, a skateboard and paintball shop, when it was located in Merrillville. The shop's owner, Laurie Brands, sponsored Seabrook and his friends for skateboarding events and competitions.

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Josh Seabrook, 33, of Winfield, started skateboarding at 11, and continued the sport while serving tours of duty in Afghanistan and Iraq. (Provided by Josh Seabrook)

He never forgot her gesture, even years after quitting that job to serve our country.

Seabrook, who's now 33 and lives in Winfield, served Uncle Sam from 2002 to 2010 in both the U.S. Army and Army National Guard. He joined to travel the world, earn education benefits and learn new career-minded skills.

The Army lists Seabrook's military skills as a combat soldier and laboratory technician. However, he also possesses mad skills as a skateboard enthusiast, which served him well to relieve stress while earning a paycheck in enemy territory.

After his tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, he graduated from Indiana University Northwest with a master's degree in business, eventually returning to the skateboarding community in this area.

Unlike many skateboard enthusiasts who picked up the sport as a kid, Seabrook kept riding it into adulthood. He suffered his only broken bone just recently during a fall off his skateboard. He fractured a bone, but not his zeal for the sport. Or for the business.

Last month, he again returned to Warped Sportz, this time as co-owner and business partner with Brands. Seabrook also continues to operate All Around Limousine Service after taking over the business for his grandfather.

Josh Seabrook, 33, of Winfield, serving the U.S. Army in Afghanistan in 2005. (Provied by Josh Seabrook / Josh Seabrook)

It's refreshing to write about a local veteran who has returned home to pick up where he (or she) had left off in life. As we know, too many vets struggle to return to normalcy  or a new normalcy  after going through the rigors of military service or the horrors of war.

Seabrook has been married for four years and was a foster parent to a young boy who, of course, learned how to skateboard under Seabrook's guidance. This also is refreshing to see, the generational appeal of skateboarding over the past few decades.

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I remember as a kid in the 1970s, skateboarding wasn't the most popular sport. Heck, it wasn't even considered a sport in my neighborhood. It was strictly a mode of transportation.

The skateboards from my youth seem primitive compared to today's high-tech versions.

In my teenage years, skateboarding was mostly for the cool kids who embodied the punk rock movement, complete with counter-culture attire  ripped clothes and snarled grins worn as a badge of honor. And of acceptance.

It was an identity on wheels.

Josh Seabrook, 33, of Winfield, right, first began working for Warped Sportz in 2000, before joining the U.S. Army, and later returning to the store, now located in Crown Point. (Jerry Davich / Post-Tribune)

Seabrook also landed an identity while skateboarding, and he's noticing a new generation of kids finding theirs, too, on a skateboard. He's also noticing many of Warped Sportz' earliest teenage customers returning with kids of their own to pass along the torch.

"Parents also want their kids to be more active these days, so skateboarding is helping with that," Seabrook said.

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His shop has started a program collecting gently used skateboard items for foster children and needy kids.

"We test everything we carry in the store to ensure in meets our customers' needs and expectations," said George Longfellow, Seabrook's colleague who handles the paintball side of things. "When we get something new, we test it. Actually we try to destroy it."

When I visited Warped Sportz at its new location (103 N. Main St. in Crown Point), I couldn't believe all the styles and models of skateboards. They're hanging on a wall, appearing like Andy Warhol-esque pieces of art. In fact, on the day I visited a customer bought a stylish skateboard (without the wheels) to give as a gift for his sister.

"It's to hang on her wall," he told me.

I had no idea that skateboards could be adorned as artwork, but I wasn't surprised after seeing all the boards displayed on a wall. They are perfect for "man caves," I learned.

I gravitated toward one featuring the images of Cheech and Chong, from my adolescence.

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Warped Sportz in Crown Point caters to multiple generations of skateboard enthusiasts from across Northwest Indiana. (Jerry Davich / Post-Tribune)

Skateboarding is making a resurgence with multiple skateboard parks located throughout Northwest Indiana (though many of them need upgrades), the upcoming Olympics in 2020, routine ESPN coverage, and year-round competitions across the country.

"Skateboarding is definitely more accepted now than it was in the '90s when I first started out," Seabrook said.

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So much so that even my teenage daughter is trying to learn to ride one. She's taking it slow, practicing behind a church near our home. I'm not sure if I want her to ramp up her efforts, quite literally, like so many daring boys her age.

Seabrook got started by watching his cousin perform an "ollie," a challenging trick where a rider leaps into the air with the board but without using his or her hands.

"For every board we sell to a 16-year-old kid, we're also selling a board to someone in their 30s or older," said Seabrook, who now sponsors teenage kids in the community, just like Brands did for him.

Full circle, just like with Seabrook's life as a skateboarder.

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jdavich@post-trib.com

Twitter@jdavich

Josh Seabrook will be a guest on my Casual Fridays radio show. Tune in noon on Friday at WLPR, 89.1-FM, streaming at http://lakeshorepublicradio.org/programs/casual-fridays-jerry-davich-and-karen-walker#stream/0. Also on the show will be Herb Stepherson, the recovering heroin addict I wrote about who authored the book, "Junkbox Diaries."
Chinese-American cartoonist, illustrator and writer Gene Luen Yang signs his books after he talked about his successful career Monday, March 13, 2017 as part of his Coming Together in Skokie and Niles Township book discussion at Holiday Inn Chicago North Shore in Skokie. (Mike Isaacs / Pioneer Press)

Chinese-American cartoonist, illustrator and writer Gene Luen Yang introduced himself to his audience in Skokie Monday with four words: "I am a nerd."

"I generally like things that nerds like," he said. "I like superhero comics. I like computers. I might have been genetically born a nerd but my 'nerdiness' definitely solidified when I was in the fifth grade."

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Yang then showed a picture of his fifth-grade self wearing glasses, having unkempt hair and flashing an uninhibited smile.

Yang led an book discussion before an audience of youth and adults at the Holiday Inn North Shore in Skokie.

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His graphic novel, "American Born Chinese," was selected as a main book for this year's Coming Together in Skokie and Niles Township. It tells the story of a Chinese-American student looking to fit in at school and was the winner of the Michael L. Printz Award for excellence in young adult literature and a National Book Award finalist.

Coming Together focuses on a different culture every year  this year it's China  and author visits are among the highlights of programming that spans over a few months.

What was clear during Yang's engaging and relaxed talk was that his "nerdiness" has served him well.

According to Skokie Public Library Director Richard Kong, Yang last year won a MacArthur Fellows Program "Genius Grant." He is in a two-year term as National Ambassador for Young People's Literature, a program organized by the Children's Book Council, Every Child a Reader and the Center for the Book at the Library of Congress.

"In fifth grade, I fell in love with comic books, and I fell in love with comic books because of this issue," he said, showing a picture of a "Thing and Rom" comic book, which featured two characters in one issue.

His mother wouldn't buy that comic book for him because it was too scary, he said. Instead, he wound up with the latest Superman comic. And while he later became a big Superman fan and even worked on Superman stories, he felt differently then, he said.

"In fifth grade, I thought out of all the superheroes out there, Superman was by far the most boring," he said. "He's the best behaved. He never says any bad words. He doesn't punch anybody unless he has to, and afterward if he does, he feels kind of guilty about it. He flies around his Metropolis in his blue uniform. He's like a giant flying boy scout."

Still, this Superman story had a dark side with a narrative about an atomic bomb that kills many people, Yang remembered. Even though it all turned out to be a dream, the future illustrator and author said it was enough to freak him out.

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"This combination of words and pictures did something inside my head that had never been done before," he said. "Pretty soon after this, within a few weeks of reading this issue, I went from being a comic book reader to comic book creator."

Yang's love for computer programming and illustration helped shape his career, he said. He served as director of information services and taught computer science at Bishop O'Dowd High School in Oakland, California. He currently is co-writing and drawing a middle school graphic novel aimed at teaching kids the fundamentals of computer science, he said.

"So I am a nerd," he repeated.

Despite the snowy, cold night Monday, about 100 people came to hear Yang speak  some from beyond the immediate area.

Elmhurst residents Ric and Jennie Mandigo brought their 5-year-old son Seth. They said Seth was just introduced to Yang's first comic book in his "Secret Coders" series two weeks ago.

Before the talk, Yang introduced himself to Seth, his new fan, and signed one of his books for him.

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"We checked the first book out on a whim because it looked cool," Ric Mandigo said. "We saw there was a second one and when we found out the writer was going to be in Skokie, we had to come. He loves the books and got very excited he'd be able to meet the author."

That author said he was invited to Washington D.C. by the Library of Congress and awarded with a medal when he became National Ambassador for Young People's Literature. Yang put the medal around his neck so those in the audience could see it..

His job as ambassador, he said, is to teach people about the world of books. But he said books themselves are already ambassadors.

"Books have been an ambassador for me. Books can be an ambassador for you," he said. "Books can be an ambassador into the lives of people who are different  people in different cultures, people who believe in different religions, people who live different ways of life."

misaacs@pioneerlocal.com

@SKReview_Mike
UIC Investigates Anti-Semitic 'Jewish Privilege' Flyers Posted On Campus

By Stephen Gossett in News on Mar 16, 2017 5:07PM



UIC

The University of Illinois at Chicago is investigating after anti-Semitic posters were found distributed on campus on Tuesday.

"Ending white privilege starts with ending Jewish privilege," the flyer reads. Several figures with Stars of David stand atop a pyramid. "Is the 1% Straight White Men? Or is the 1% Jewish," it reads.



Student and Rohr Chabad House president Eva Zeltser, who posted a photo of the flyer on Facebook, sent a letter to the Dean of Students asking that the university take action. "If you are against hate crimes against one group, you should be against these acts of violence for ALL groups," she wrote. "I understand free speech, but what about my freedom to feel safe on campus," she added.

As several commenters noted, the math on the flyer, which tries to cobble together two PEW Research polls, does not add up, either.

In a letter to students, faculty and staff, Chancellor Michael D. Amiridis and other university officials reaffirmed UIC's commitment to "the importance of tolerance, inclusion and diversity" and also "the right to free expression."

"Today, anti-Semitic posters were found on campus that defame, insult and negatively portray Jewish members of our campus community," the UIC announcement reads. "Such actions do not reflect the values we hold as a community. Acts that invoke hatred or violence toward members of our community will not be tolerated on our campus."

"As we investigate this recent event, we strongly encourage all members of our university to exercise their right to free speech in a manner that recognizes these principles and avoids prejudice or stereotypes," the alert adds.

Zeltser told Chicagoist that that the university's response was "better than what we've seen in past." She said the school "still has a ways to go" in getting rid of anti-Semitism on campus.

UIC representatives did not comment further about the incident beyond the campus announcement.

Other Chicago universities have been targeted with racially and ethnically charged flyers in the recent past. A white supremacist group put up several such posters in January and February on the University of Chicago campus. In December, a neo-Nazi group put up at least one poster of Adolf Hitler, emblazoned with swastikas, in UChicago's Levi Hall.

The flyers were distributed at a time when Jewish community centers have increasingly found themselves the targets of threats. JCC Chicago has received three bomb threats in as many months, the most recent one over the weekend. Acts of anti-Semitic intimidationsuch as the Loop synagogue defacement last monthhave been on the rise this year.
2022 election guide: Here are Pueblo County's top races, ballot issues

Here's what you need to know about the local candidates and ballot questions in the 2022 election, as well as how to vote in Pueblo, Colorado.
'T2 Trainspotting' Delivers The Unexpected, A Sequel That Stands On Its Own

By Tankboy in Arts & Entertainment on Mar 16, 2017 5:48PM



Mark Renton (Ewan McGregor) and Simon (Jonny Lee Miller) at nightclub in TriStar Pictures 'T2 Trainspotting'

Trainspotting was a movie that defined a generationheck, 20 years ago it was basically the official film tied to the movement that included the Britpop explosion. So, when it was announced last year that there would finally be a sequel, our hopes were high,but so were our fears that a new work would never measure up to the original.

So allow me to allay those fears.

T2 Trainspotting is the rare sequel that no only does justice to its predecessor, it can stand successfully on its own. I brought someone who had never seen the original to the screening, and they confirmed the movie was great even without any knowledge of the characters previous adventures.

After the screening I attended, director Danny Boyle told the audience that they had considered doing a sequel around the films 10th anniversary, but the script never felt right, and they feared it would come across as the further zany adventures of Renton and the crew.

It wasnt until recently that they came up with an idea that would be worth getting the whole range back together. But once the basic idea was in place Ewan McGregor (Mark Renton), Ewen Bremner (Spud), Jonny Lee Miller (Sick Boy) and Robert Carlyle (Begbie) were all convinced to reprise their original roles, and John Hodge returned to write the screenplay based on Irvine Welshs characters.

T2 Trainspotting takes place 20 years after the heist in the first film, and has Renton returning home for the first time since then. Begbie is still in jail, Spud is still a junkie and Sick Boy is still a low-level crook. But from the first couple minutes every characters situation gets turned on its head and spurs the central story forward while allowing us to see what the movie is really about. While there is plenty of action, laughs, and tension, the central core of the story is a reflection of simply dealing with getting older.



Mark Renton (Ewan McGregor) and Spud (Ewen Bremner) after their run on top of Arthurs Seat at sunset in TriStar Pictures 'T2 Trainspotting'

People have a tendency to reflect on their past more and more as they age, unwilling to face up to the fact that what lies ahead might be a little scary. And the characters in T2 Trainspotting are all guilty of that. But there also comes a point in middle-age when you have to decide whether to hold on to the past or move into the future, and the true tension of the films story is which characters actually make that move and how they accomplish it. There is a true emotional core and honesty to the movie that allows it to stand on its own.

T2 Tainspotting is not a nostalgia trip as much as it is a reflection upon nostalgic tendencies.

When the original Trainspotting makes its way into the film via judicious flashbacks, it works. Boyle mentioned it was unintentional, but once they started editing that footage the films seemed to be talking to one another which was weird. But the snippets are essential, as are flashbacks to the boys at various ages through the years to provide deeper insight into what made the characters who they are.

Visually, Boyle brings his unique eye back to the film, at times he seems to borrow various effects from his catalog of films, framing scenes via CCTV, cellphones, Snapchat filters and other unexpected vantage points. Boyles eye for turning the ordinary into the borderline hallucinogenic is still firmly there, even if this movie doesnt depend as heavily on actual drug use as the first.



Begbie (Robert Carlyle) raging over toilet cubicle in TriStar Pictures 'T2 Trainspotting'

So thats all the serious stuff to argue for the sequels validity; but is the movie fun?

T2 Trainspotting is a wild ride from start to finish. There is genuine tension running through much of the movie with just the right amount of dark humor to provide breathing points. Of course, I expected that would probably be the case going in. What I didnt expect was that a few genuinely touching emotional moments based on the relationships you see build throughout the film would pay off in a way that seemed deeper than you would expect from this cast of characters. And yes, there is an updated reprise of the "Choose Life" speech, but it takes an unexpected twist that gives that particular nugget a deeper resonance.

So whether youre a longtime fan like me that saw the original movie the day it opened in the U.S. 20 years ago, or someone who is more familiar with Ewan McGregor as a Star Wars hero or Dany Boyle as a mainstream Hollywood hot-shot, T2 Trainspotting is a must-see.

Oh, and the title? Boyle revealed that he initially didnt even want Trainspotting in the namehe wanted to call it The Least Unfamiliarsomething that horrified the moves marketing team. But after reflection, he realized tat if you asked the characters what their favorite sequel was, they would probably pick James Camerons Terminator sequel. Because the characters would want to pay their respects to one of the greatest directors in the world and at the same time piss him off.

T2 Trainspotting opens March 17 in New York and L.A., with a wider release including Chicago on March 24.
Volunteers proudly display their blood donation certificates. The China RH Union is looking for more donors to help the small number of people with rhesus negative blood in China. [Photos/China Daily]

Only a small number of people in China have rhesus negative blood, and a lack of supplies can be potentially life-threatening if they need an urgent transfusion. Zhou Wenting reports from Shanghai.

Xie Yingfeng recently quit his job to devote himself to an NGO that helps people with a rare blood type find donors who could potentially save their lives.

There are four human blood types: A, B, AB, and O. Each has a rhesus factor, either positive or negative. Generally, people with rhesus negative blood can only receive transfusions of their own type, while rhesus positive carriers can receive blood from both positive and negative donors.

Only three in every 1,000 Chinese has rhesus negative blood, so in the words of an old phrase they are "as rare as a panda", which has led to it being known as "panda blood". Moreover, many people have no idea whether their blood type is rhesus negative or positive until they need a transfusion.

The small number of people with rhesus negative blood means there is an equally small number of donors, which poses serious problems for people who require urgent transfusions, especially women who have postpartum hemorrhages.

Volunteers

Xie, 38, is the Shanghai regional head of the China RH Union, an NGO founded by volunteers in Beijing, most of whom have rhesus negative blood. Nationally the organization has about 4,000 members.

Every year, the Shanghai branch assists about 40 people who approach it in search of blood donations. For each case, Xie may receive as many as 200 phone calls from the patient's family, volunteers, friends and even strangers who have read online posts for donors.

"It's hard for me to do 9-to-5 office work because my phone is likely to ring constantly," said the former construction materials salesman, who is currently living on his savings, but is considering selling delicacies from his hometown of Urumqi, capital of the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, to earn more money.

On a typical day, he spends hours confirming patients' requests, rushing to the hospital or calling their physicians, and accompanying volunteers when they donate blood.

"The aim behind the union is that when people of the same kind are in trouble, we can stand up for each other," said Xie, who is rhesus negative himself. In the 12 years since it was founded, the union has helped more than 3,000 people nationwide.

Having spent 12 years helping other people, Xie has become less interested in material wealth, which is another reason he quit his job.

The union was founded in 2005 by Beijing resident Wang Yong, who was deeply touched by media coverage of a rhesus negative leukemia patient who had been forced to abandon medical treatment because of a shortage of suitable donors.

Although Wang has a positive blood type, he began researching the condition and discovered that millions of people across the country are carriers: "I was an IT engineer, so I set up an online platform to make it less difficult to obtain blood for this small group."

At first, the unionwhich has branches in 26 provinces and municipalitiesreceived just one or two calls a week, but it now fields as many as 20 a day. The regional heads, who never turn off their cellphones in case they are called for help, collect information about patients, verify their medical information, post messages to volunteers via an online chat group and search for donors.

A precious resource

According to the union's rules, six months must elapse between each donation, while people recovering from a cold or who have taken medicine have to wait a week after the all-clear before they are allowed to give blood. Women who are menstruating or breastfeeding are not allowed to donate. "Most of us don't visit centers to donate blood regularly. Our resource is fairly precious, so we must make every drop count," Xie said.

According to Wang, the largest amount donated by a single volunteer was 20,000 cubic centimeters, roughly five times the volume of blood in the average adult body, which required at least 50 separate donations.

"Some volunteers have stopped smoking or drinking alcohol and going to bed late to ensure they are healthy enough to make an urgent blood donation. Some slender women have even attempted to gain weight to meet the requirement that donors must weigh at least 45 kilograms," he said.

The regional heads usually look for candidates within their home province or municipality, but sometimes volunteers rush to distant locations to donate blood.

In February, the union's branch in Anhui province was looking for donors with B negative blood for a 60-something woman who was awaiting surgery. No one could be found within the immediate locality, but Kang Huiming, a primary school teacher in Lianshui county, Jiangsu province, volunteered to help. That night she asked a friend to drive her to the hospital, six hours from her home.

"It's not about showing your benevolenceit's about saving a life," Kang said.

Although the number of members has grown gradually, some quit the union after a couple of years.

"When they first join, some people feel like they are superman and can help anybody. But if their help fails to save a life, it's hard to drag them out of the low mood," Wang said.

Xie, in Shanghai, recalled an unsuccessful attempt to save the life of a 7-year-old girl with leukemia. Having received a phone call from the girl's mother, he immediately started looking for donors. Eventually, he contacted a suitable volunteer, but the man was on a business trip to Henan province in Central China. Desperate to help, the volunteer concluded his trip, flew back to Shanghai and rushed to the hospital. Unfortunately, the girl died just as he arrived.

"Many of the volunteers were sleepless that night. The volunteer who flew back even blamed himself for taking the trip," Xie said.

Others have been lured away by money. Trading in blood is illegal under Chinese law, but "black" collection and supply agencies still exist. According to Xie, 400 cc of rhesus negative blood can fetch more than 20,000 yuan ($2,900) on the black market.

Decisions and pressure

The biggest pressure Xie faces comes when he has to decide whether to ask volunteers to donate blood to someone with a minimal chance of survival.

In May, he was approached by the father of a 2-year-old boy who had double kidney failure and was about to have a transplant. The man was hoping to obtain 3,000 cc of rhesus negative blood.

"The hospital said the transplant stood very little chance of success. To provide 3,000 cc, we would have needed eight donors, but their blood might save eight other patients who have a better chance of survival," he said. Reluctantly, Xie declined the father's request. He later discovered that the parents had bought blood from illegal dealers, but the boy died during surgery.

"In such cases, I shoulder overwhelming pressure from the volunteers, the patient's family and my friends, but after all these years, I've become more rational. The truth is that we can't always provide assistance in time or help people endlessly," he said.

Wang has considered leaving the union on several occasions, but hasn't been able to bring himself to abandon the cause.

"The simple act of disseminating a message can sometimes save the life of someone who may have no other way out," he said.
By Zolzaya Erdenebileg

Although the new Cybersecurity Law of China is due to come into effect June 1, many companies are still unclear about the specific terms of the law. Given the potentially high cost of non-compliance associated with the law, and the uncertain nature of the guidelines that the government will release, managers should review draft measures and monitor related developments to ensure that their business is prepared.

Cybersecurity law of China

Promulgated on November 7, 2016 by the Standing Committee of Chinas National Peoples Congress (NPC), the Cybersecurity Law increases the national governments jurisdiction over the business of cybersecurity.

Its provisions apply specifically to what the law calls Critical Information Infrastructure (CII), which it defines as key industries that maintain data that could pose a national security or public interest risk if damaged or lost. Businesses within the fields of energy, finance, transportation, telecommunications, medical and healthcare, electricity, water, gas, and social security have been identified as CII.

According to Michael Mudd of Asian Policy Partners, The law indicates that these key industries must not use network products and services which have not passed the security examination. In addition, network products and services purchased by CII operators, where they may affect national security, must pass network security examination. Mudd further said, Departments in charge of protecting the security of CII will determine whether the purchase of network products and services by CII operators will affect national security.

In general, the Cybersecurity Law emphasizes data protection, and Chinas coined phrase, cyberspace sovereignty. Cyberspace sovereignty operates on the assumption that each country can govern its internet environment.

RELATED: IT-based Solutions from Dezan Shira & Associates

Draft measure on security reviews

On February 4, 2017, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) issued draft legislation Measures for the Security Review of Network Products and Services (the Draft Measures)  that provided some insight into how authorities would carry out the security reviews stipulated in the Cybersecurity Law.There was a one-month consultation period open to the public on the Draft Measures, which ended on March 4, 2017, but the results have not been published.

According to the Draft Measures, the relevant products and services would undergo a security assessment focusing on whether they are secure and controllable, a concept that before has been applied to banking and telecommunications, but with no clear interpretation available for other sectors. The process this would include a risk assessment covering the following concerns:

Risks the product or service may be illegally controlled, interfered with, or suspended;

Risks during the product or services development, delivery, or technical support;

Risks that the provider of the product or service may be able to collect, store, process and use the personal information of users;

Risks that the provider of the product or service may be engaged in unfair competition and compromising interests of users due to their usage of the product or service; and

Any other risks that may compromise national security or the public interest.

The security assessment can be initiated by the request of a government agency, a trade association, or through a market incident or a voluntary submission by a company. The CAC will establish a commission that will be responsible for conducting the security reviews. This commission will work with third-party institutions to carry out the assessments.

The security assessments will include background checks, laboratory testing, on-site inspections, and online monitoring. However, the Draft Measures do not specify what types of information the commission or the third-parties will require, and do not mention an appeals process in case the product or service is denied.

According to Thomas Zhang, IT Director at Dezan Shira and Associates, security assessments will mostly likely be required of larger companies  like Alibaba or Tencent  as their IT infrastructures collect personal information and are in wide use.

Data localization requirement

Besides the security reviews, another controversial measure that foreign firms have identified within the Cybersecurity Laws is the data localization requirements. According to Article 37, all personal information and other key data produced and gathered by CII companies must be stored on servers located on mainland China. If it is necessary to transfer data outside of mainland China, firms must first receive government permission and undergo a security assessment.

The punishment for failing to follow this provision results in a warning at the very least, or possible website shutdown, permit revocation, and fines ranging between RMB 50,000 and RMB 500,000 (about US$7,250 and US$72,500) for businesses or RMB 10,000 and RMB 100,000 (about US$1,450 and US$14,500) for individuals.

However, Zhang says the data localization requirement may not necessarily pose a large risk. I think one major concern is that the government can obtain the data in a certain situation if the data is saved in China. However, nowadays, it is difficult for the government to obtain the data  more and more companies are using cloud-based services where even the operator of the cloud platform cant locate the data inside of their system, Zhang said.

Additionally, while the data localization requirement attempts to increase data security, it does not necessarily guarantee it. Mudd recommends instead adhering to international security standards, such as ISO 27001, 27002, 27017 and 27018, as well as ISO 38500, and instituting IT governance for any organization.

From an international perspective, Mudd stated, compatibility with the European Unions Model Contracts and Binding Corporate Rules (BCR) or the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperations (APECs) Cross Border Privacy Rules (CBPR) system, to which China contributes, would provide commercial clarity to this section of the law.

RELATED: Weathering Chinas Cloud Computing Regulations

Network operator requirements

Under the Law, companies are now required to have structures and protocols in place to better protect their data and user data. In particular, they are required to have a tiered network security protection system, which Zhang describes as just one security system structure or architecture, which should include different factors or elements to form one security system for protecting the information.

In addition, company networks must also have the following:

Internal security management system and operating rules;

Person(s) responsible for network security and implementation;

Technological measures to prevent computer viruses, network attacks, etc.;

Technological measures to monitor and record network operational statuses and network security history, and store network logs for a period of at least six months;

Adopt security measures such as data classification, data back-up, and encryption; and

Other requirements as stipulated by the law or administrative bodies.

To better ensure readiness for these requirements, Zhang recommends three basic parts:

The basic hardware and software with security purposes like a firewall or intrusion detecting system;

A security policy and procedure which defines security objectives and methods to get the measurements in place with pre-defined ways; and

Capable security staff who can follow related procedures to perform risk control.

The company can easily compare their own practices, devices and procedures with a certain standard for review. They can also get an external IT audit on this, Zhang added.

Review and evaluate existing IT infrastructure

The new Cybersecurity Law is an important development, revealing how China will continue to address data security and advance its cyber sovereignty. It has significant consequences for businesses operating in China, and introduces new compliance requirements that companies should be aware of as and when the government releases further details.

In order to best prepare for June 1, businesspeople should review and evaluate their existing infrastructure, as well as their business scope, and check on what kind of information they are collecting from customers. In addition, it is worth evaluating alternative business options, such as domestic vendors and suppliers that can be used to build infrastructure in China to remain in compliance with Chinas new Cybersecurity Law.



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.
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A new direct air flight between Chengdu in southwest China's Sichuan Province and Los Angeles began Wednesday.

The flight on Hainan Airlines by Boeing 787 is scheduled twice a week.

The Los Angeles-bound flight will leave from Chengdu at 9:15 p.m. (Beijing time) every Wednesday and Sunday and arrive in Los Angeles at 8 p.m. (local time).

The return flight will take off from Los Angeles at 00:45 a.m. (local time) every Monday and Thursday, and land in Chengdu at 6:40 a.m. (Beijing time) the following day.

This is the second non-stop service between Chengdu and the United States. The first linked with San Francisco in 2014.
The China-Britain Entrepreneurship Competition, an initiative aimed to support and encourage new business ventures between China and Britain, was launched on Tuesday in Newcastle.

The Competition, now in its 10th year, is supported by governments, universities and businesses in the two countries.

Councilor Ged Bell, cabinet member for Investment and Development at Newcastle City Council, said that Brexit has not affected Northeast England being open to investors and business from China.

George Marston, pro vice-chancellor (Research and Innovation) at Northumbria University, said: "Partnerships, whether they are with the EU or China, are incredibly important."

The China Foundation for Youth Entrepreneurship and Employment (CFYEE) sent a congratulation letter to the competition organizing committee, saying: "CFYEE is very much willing to work together to do more meaningful things for the Chinese and British youth innovation and entrepreneurship."
Around 34 children from the Chaoyang Elementary School of Beijing visited the Embassy of Pakistan on March 14. [Photo/China.org.cn]

Around 34 children from the Chaoyang Elementary School of Beijing visited the Embassy of Pakistan on March 14. The children were also accompanied by some teachers, parent representatives and Party Secretary of the School.

During their visit to the embassy, the children expressed keen interest in Pakistan, its culture and different aspects of its society. They were also enlightened about the background and history of Pakistan-China relations.

The visiting school children also presented a short and graceful performance of the Peking opera.

Addressing the children, the Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy, Ms Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said that Pakistan-China relations continue to be embedded in deep-rooted affiliation and appreciation of each other's culture and are strengthened by such exchanges. She also highlighted that children of the two countries represent a bright future of special relations between Pakistan and China.
File photo taken on Nov. 23, 2016 shows the national flags of the United States and China during the 27th Session of the China-U.S. Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade (JCCT) in Washington D.C., capital of the United States. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu)

In the run-up to the opening of this year's National People's Congress, the session's spokeswoman Fu Ying announced China's defense spending for this year would rise about 7 percent - representing the slowest pace for year-on-year defense spending growth since 2010.

At roughly 7 percent, it is lower than the 7.6 percent increase in 2016 and is the slowest increase since a 7.3 percent rise in 2010. The decline in growth represents the second year in a row that the growth has been kept below the two decades-old 10 percent annual spending average. In fact, the budgeting increase corresponds with a broader trend in the country's economy and represents the slowest pace in defense spending since at least 1991.

Premier Li Keqiang's Government Work Report to the National People's Congress outlined the broader economic course for China in the coming year, including a lower GDP growth target of 6.5 percent. While defense spending will still increase, the rate will fall consistent with the country's broader expectations for slower overall economic growth.

All this is in sharp contrast with the recently unveiled proposal by President Donald Trump, who seeks to increase his defense budget - already the largest in the world in absolute terms - by $84 billion or 9 percent.

While much has been made of the military budget that saw China pass the trillion-yuan mark for spending for the first time, a 7 percent increase in this year's budget to 1.044 trillion yuan (from last year's 954.4 billion yuan) is the equivalent of $151 billion, less than one-third the U.S. military budget for 2016.

Granted, China does have the world's second-largest military budget, but this is appropriate given that it also has the world's second-largest economy, the largest population, the third largest territory, the longest land borders, and the largest number of neighbors.

Simply put, the growth in Chinese military spending is based on its own political requirements, security considerations, and economic development. While China will soon match and surpass the U.S. in real GDP (not per capita), why shouldn't China be able to act as a major power and spend accordingly?

Much of the increase during the past two decades has come primarily from longstanding efforts to modernize China's military, not to necessarily counter the United States. China has no intention of matching American defense spending. And yet, China's announcement of the 2017 increase was immediately seized on by hawks in the West, particularly among the "China Collapse" theorists turned "China Threat" alarmists in the U.S., as a sign that China is engaged in an arms race, is aggressively seeking regional or global hegemony, and is preparing for war against the U.S.

But, putting it in perspective, the U.S. spent approximately 3.5 percent of its GDP on defense in 2016, with a nominal expenditure almost two times higher than China's figure. Even when considering any comparative discrepancies that may be the result of ancillary and/or off-budget expenditures, China would still have to spend a great deal more in order to match the U.S.

It is also important to note that the United States maintains a global military presence while China does not since its primary focus is on its defense interests in the Asia-Pacific region. In fact, it should be noted that due to its global presence, U.S. military spending is more than the next 13 countries combined on a smaller GDP.

One could argue the U.S. cannot afford to maintain a global military presence or this level of military spending - nor should it in a multi-polar world.

China and the U.S., like every nation, budget according to their national strategic objectives - not to outspend another country. Annual increases in China's defense budget are roughly consistent with its GDP growth and constitute a declining percentage of the nation's expenditures.

This suggests that, while investment in military modernization is important, economic development remains a higher priority for China. While its slower growth rate in defense spending for 2017 underscores the nation's economic realities, it also highlights China's concern about sending signals that will reassure both the U.S. and China's neighbors.

China's spending increases have corresponded with its military procurement programs that are aimed at defending the nation's security interests as well as modernizing and reforming the military.

China's spending increases have also corresponded with the much greater role that the country plays in contributing to global governance through regional and international security, UN peacekeeping operations, anti-piracy efforts, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief.

Dr. Jon R. Taylor is a Professor of Political Science and Chair of the Department of Political Science at the University of St. Thomas in Houston.

Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.
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U.S. President Donald Trump is defending his accusation that his predecessor Barack Obama had Trump Tower wiretapped prior to the 2016 Election Day, broadening the definition of the word wiretap.

"Wiretap covers a lot of different things," Trump said in an interview with Fox News set to air Wednesday night.

"I think you're going to find some very interesting items coming to the forefront over the next two weeks," he was quoted by a theHill news daily report as saying.

It's the first time for the newly inaugurated U.S. president to voice out again on the issue following his tweet storms making the allegation with no offer of evidence earlier this month.

Earlier on Wednesday, U.S. House Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes, a Republican, said that his panel has not received any evidence that Trump was wiretapped during the 2016 presidential campaign.

"As I told you last week about the issue with the president talking about tapping Trump Tower, that evidence still remains the same, that we don't have any evidence that that took place," Nunes told reporters.

"In fact, I don't believe just in the last week of time, the people we've talked to, I don't think there was an actual tap of Trump Tower," he said.

"Are you going to take the tweets literally? And if you are, then clearly the president was wrong," Nunes added.

White House press secretary Sean Spicer on Tuesday said Trump's tweets weren't meant to be taken literally since the president could have been referring to a broad range of surveillance activity.

"He doesn't really think that President Obama went up and tapped his phone personally," Spicer said.

FBI chief James Comey reportedly urged the Justice Department to denounce Trump's claim because of a lack of evidence, but the department has not done so. Instead, the Justice Department requested on Monday more time to turn over evidence relating to Trump's claim to the House Intelligence Committee, which initially set a Monday deadline for that.

White House press secretary Sean Spicer on Tuesday said Trump is "extremely confident" that the Justice Department will produce evidence to back up his assertion, adding that the U.S. president believes the evidence will "vindicate him".

However, Spicer also suggested one day earlier that Trump means general surveillance when tweeting his Obama wiretapping accusation.

"The President used the word wiretaps in quotes to mean, broadly, surveillance and other activities," said Spicer.

On March 4, Trump claimed in a tweet storm that Obama had wiretapped Trump Tower before his election victory, offering no evidence.

"Terrible! Just found out that Obama had my 'wires tapped' in Trump Tower just before the victory. Nothing found. This is McCarthyism!" Trump tweeted.

"Is it legal for a sitting President to be "wire tapping" a race for president prior to an election? Turned down by court earlier. A NEW LOW!" he added in subsequent tweets.

Hours after Trump tweeted, Obama's spokesman said Trump's wiretapping accusation is "simply false".

"A cardinal rule of the Obama Administration was that no White House official ever interfered with any independent investigation led by the Department of Justice," Obama spokesman Kevin Lewis said in a statement.

"As part of that practice, neither President Obama nor any White House official ever ordered surveillance on any U.S. citizen. Any suggestion otherwise is simply false," said Lewis.

Since then, the White House has been under mounting pressure from the Capitol requesting evidence that the phones at Trump Tower were tapped during the elections.

"I think the president has one of two choices: either retract or to provide the information that the American people deserve, because, if his predecessor violated the law, President Obama violated the law, we have got a serious issue here, to say the least," John McCain, Chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said Sunday.
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Syrian security forces inspect the scene of a reported suicide bombing at the old palace of justice building in Damascus on March 15, 2017. (AFP photo)

The twin bombings that rocked the capital Damascus on Wednesday have killed 43 people and wounded 129 others, a well-informed security source told Xinhua.

The first explosion happened when a suicide bomber detonated his bomb vest inside the Justice Palace, or the Courthouse, in central Damascus Wednesday afternoon, leaving 43 people killed and 105 others wounded, the source told Xinhua, on condition of anonymity.

The bomber was among the people who were waiting for checking to enter the building at noontime on Wednesday.

He was in camouflaged uniform, holding a rifle and a hand grenade. Once he handed over his weapons to the checkpoint police, he was asked for further inspection. He thronged the checkpoint and entered the main hall of the Justice Palace, detonating a bomb vest he was wearing.

The bombing happened at the time of rush hour in the courthouse, causing the largest possible deaths.

An hour later, crackles of gunshots were heard in the resort area of Rabweh, west of Damascus, in what later appeared to be the Syrian police haunting down a bomber with an explosive belt. The bomber entered a restaurant in that area, detonating it, and wounding 24 people.

At the restaurant, people were about to celebrate the birthday of one of their friends, but the party was turned upside down, due to the bombing.

The blasts are the latest in a series of bombings that have sparked recently, following a long time of lull.

On Saturday, the al-Qaida-linked Nusra Front carried out a suicide bombing in Damascus, killing 74 people, including Iraqi Shiite visitors, who were in Damascus on a pilgrim visit.
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The X-band radar, a core element of the U.S. missile defense system dubbed Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD), will arrive in South Korea on March 16, a local broadcaster KBS reported on Wednesday.

The AN/TPY-2 radar and part of U.S. troops who will operate the THAAD battery are scheduled to make it to the Osan air base, some 60 km south of the capital city Seoul, on Thursday morning.

An unnamed government source was quoted as saying that other THAAD elements will arrive in South Korea one after another to respond to the advanced military threats from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

The radar will be transported to an unknown base of the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) to wait the construction of the base in southeastern South Korea where the THAAD battery is set to be installed.

The new arrival would follow two mobile launchers and part of the THAAD equipments, which got to the air base on March 6. The first pieces were also moved to an unknown USFK base.

THAAD is composed of six mobile launchers, 48 interceptors, an X-band radar and the fire and control unit.

The hurried push for THAAD was aimed to make it more difficult to put back the deployment decision as an early presidential election is scheduled to be held here on May 9.

In July last year, Seoul and Washington agreed to install a THAAD battery by the end of this year. The schedule was advanced to sometime between June and August this year and now as early as next month.

Many observers said THAAD is not a defensive weapon against the DPRK's nuclear threats but a trigger to make South Korea a part of the U.S. missile defense networking in Northeast Asia to contain China and Russia.

China and Russia strongly oppose the U.S. anti-missile system in South Korea as it breaks regional strategic balance and damages security interests of the two countries.

THAAD's X-band radar can peer deep into the territories of the two countries.
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Italian police arrested 69 people, including local politicians and entrepreneurs, in a major anti-mafia operation against Naples-based Camorra crime syndicate on Wednesday.

The operation targeted a faction within the powerful Casalesi clan, according to prosecutors of the Anti-Mafia District Directorate (DDA) in Naples.

Some 30 people were brought to jail, while 39 people were put under house arrest or other custodial measures.

All of the arrestees were variously charged with corruption, bid rigging, and external support to mafia association. A council member of the Campania region, of which Naples is the capital, and the mayor of the town of Aversa are among the charged.

The probe focused on 18 renovation public contracts assigned by various municipalities in the Naples province between 2013 and 2016. Most of the works were allegedly bestowed and carried out by few firms linked to the involved faction of the Camorra, according to prosecutors.

At least 13 cases of corruption and 15 cases of collusive tendering were ascertained during the probe, prosecutor Nunzio Fragliasso was quoted as saying by La Repubblica newspaper.

Local architects, engineers and other professionals, along with public officers working in the tendering committees, would have participating in the rigging of the contracts, according to Ansa news agency.

Wednesday's operation was a follow-up of a previous anti-corruption probe, which in 2016 brought about the arrest of the former mayor of Santa Maria Capua Vetere, north of Naples, under the charges of corruption and rigging of restoration public contract
Jin Qiao, commander of No. 4 Company [File photo provided to China.org.cn]

The All-China Women's Federation presented its annual National March 8 Red-Banner Collective award on March 8, International Women's Day, to the No. 2 Battalion of the PLA 96618 Unit, a communication regiment in the Rocket Force.

The award reflected the country's recognition of the achievements made by the all-women battalion, whose efforts had contributed to the high combativeness and readiness of the PLA's strategic missile force.

Although in the Rocket Force, these young female operators don't have the opportunity to witness the splendor when a ballistic missile blasts off; instead, they work in the Rocket Force's principal call center passing through calls between senior officers. Their adroitness is key to military efficiency.

The military's demand for confidentiality forbids an online directory of internal phone numbers, let alone those for high-ranking officers. Having an operator pass through calls still remains the most secure way, and paradoxically, the quickest way for getting through.

To meet their work's demand, operators must train what they call "four essential skills"  listening ability, brain power, typing speed and vocal enunciation, said Captain Jin Qiao, commander of No. 4 Company of the battalion; she moved up to her current post from an ordinary operator in the battalion.

She said that an operator is required to identify accurately what a caller says, even though the caller may have a strong accent or mistakenly let slip some erroneous information. "To improve our efficiency, we must remember the voices of dozens of senior leaders," said Jin. "Sometimes, we operators can recognize a senior commander right after he says hello."

"As long as we know who is calling, we can basically figure out the range of contacts he is trying to reach," she said.

An operator is required to memorize more than 2,000 telephone numbers to fasten the connection and to ensure reliability in case the computer system crashes.

Captain Li Xiaomi, now political instructor of No. 4 Company of the battalion, spent more than one month memorizing these many essential numbers when she joined the military.

"It's not uncommon for new operators to sleep talk about reciting telephone numbers," she said.

As for typing speed, the lower limit is 110 Chinese characters per minute, but most young female soldiers at the No. 2 Battalion can do more than 200. Jin holds the battalion's record of 243 characters; her typing speed even made computer freeze once, her fellow soldiers said.

Lastly, operators must speak clearly, smoothly and accent-free. According to Jin, operators are capable of assuming a completely different voice while on duty, yet most operators' working voices do sound similar.

"Many people may see female soldiers as vases, pretty but not so useful, as all they do each day is transfer phone calls. Seldom are they aware that these female operators connect the whole military's command and control, like the nerve system in our bodies," said Senior Colonel Ran Xiaofang, a senior engineer at the Rocket Force network control center.

Since Ran was enlisted more than three decades ago, the equipment has been upgraded a handful of times. "In my era, we did 'plugs and pulls' and today these young women operate on computers," said Sr. Col. Ran. "But what remains unchanged is the efficiency of female operators, along with their pursuit for such efficiency," she added.

Due to the military's nature of confidentiality, the communication battalion do not communicate with foreign militaries to exchange ideas for improvement. Ran said she was once very interested in knowing "how others were doing what we were doing". She went to search information, but her efforts ended fruitless.

The next wave of China's military reform will touch upon what is called "all parts below the neck," implying its exhaustiveness. While many fear they will become the part of the disarmament of up to 300,000 people, the communication battalion remains calm.

"However the reform unfolds, we will always obey orders and do our job; that's a soldier's duty;" said Ran. "I am sure our operators will ensure full combat capability as long as they are in service."
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Chinese Minister of Culture Luo Shugang met Ambassador Masood Khalid of Pakistan to China in Beijing on March 14.

Chinese Minister of Culture Luo Shugang (R) met Ambassador Masood Khalid of Pakistan to China in Beijing on March 14.



During the meeting, the importance of people-to-people contacts and cultural connectivity between China and Pakistan was highlighted.

Ambassador Masood Khalid said that cultural interaction between Pakistan and China has increased in recent years with exchange of cultural troupes, youth delegations and interaction of intellectuals. Currently 18,000 Pakistanis are studying various disciplines at Chinese Universities and form an important bridge between the people of Pakistan and China.

Minister Luo Shugang said that cultural exchanges between Pakistan and China have seen new heights in recent years both in quality and quantity. He thanked the Government of Pakistan for its support in the establishment of China Cultural Center in Islamabad. It was agreed to intensify cultural cooperation and people-to-people contacts between the two countries.
The first page of Rens proposal.

(Photo: China Aid)

ChinaAid

(Xiangyang, HunanMarch 16, 2017) A procuratorate in Chinas southern Hunan province returned an imprisoned Christians case files to the public security bureau for further investigation, a lawyer told ChinaAid on Friday.

The procuratorate in Dali, Hunan transferred the case of Tu Yan, who was taken into police custody on Oct. 22 on a falsified charge of using cult activities to undermine law enforcement, back to the public security bureau with orders to investigate the case further.

After perusing the procuratorates 12 files on Tu, which consist of 2,400 pages accusing her of participating in the Three Classes of Servants cult, her lawyer, Ren Quanniu, penned a proposal to the public prosecutors office, asking that she not be prosecuted. He claimed that Chinas criminal law did not identify the cult Tu was accused of participating in as illegal. As a result, he argued that they were trying to frame Tu and had no reason to imprison her.

Additionally, Tu said she is a Christian and has never participated in the cult.

Tu was seized along with four other Christians. Authorities have released three of these, but the last, Su Min, is still detained.

ChinaAid reports abuses such as those experienced by Tu in order to walk in solidarity with persecuted Christians and promote religious freedom, human rights, and rule of law.

ChinaAid Media Team

Cell: (432) 553-1080 | Office: 1+ (888) 889-7757 | Other: (432) 689-6985

Email: [email protected]

For more information, click here
With US Secretary of State Rex Tiller son's first visit to China drawing near, hopes are high that the high-level dialogue between the world's two largest economies will produce positive results and send a reassuring signal to the outside world that China and the United States will try their best to avoid conflicts and build more common ground.

Among all the important bilateral and international issues to be discussed in Beijing, Tillerson is expected to help to prepare for the first summit meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and his US counterpart Donald Trump.

It is widely anticipated that the summit could take place soon, which shows the two leaders are eager to deepen their mutual understanding and build a close working relationship so they can jointly steer bilateral ties onto a more stable terrain.

Other issues on top of Tillerson's list will likely include the tense situation on the Korean Peninsula. The decision of Washington and Seoul to accelerate the deployment of a US missile defense shield on the peninsula has strained ties in the region and triggered a series of moves from Pyongyang.

China hopes the US will play a constructive role in resolving the peninsula issue and support China's stance on involving all stakeholders, including the beleaguered parties on the peninsula, in dialogue and consultation so as to ratchet down tensions and pave the way for peaceful resolution to the issue.

The US' increasing involvement in the South China Sea also stands out as an issue between them. By sending US warships to patrol the disputed waters, Washington is doing a disservice to peace and stability, and the move has drawn the ire of Beijing.

In fact, the maritime disputes have seen noticeable signs of abating recently. China and Southeast Asian countries have been engaging in intense consultations on a code of conduct in the waters, with a framework expected to be worked out by midyear.

About the same time as Tillerson's visit to Beijing, China's Vice-Premier Wang Yang is due to meet Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte in Manila. This is a clear signal that Beijing and Manila are continuing their efforts to keep their maritime disputes at bay.

Against such a backdrop, the US should seek to play a constructive rather than divisive role in the South China Sea.

People everywhere are anxious to see China and the US transcend their differences and jointly contribute to peace and development. Frequent communication and high-level in-depth consultations are instrumental to realizing such a desirable scenario.
Inspectors check imported cars at a port in Qingdao, Shandong province. Premier Li Keqiang said on Wednesday that China vigorously advocates globalization and free trade. [Photo/China Daily]

Premier says that globalization is key to world peace

China takes an open attitude toward regional free trade arrangements that concern it and where the conditions are in place, Premier Li Keqiang said on Wednesday.

Li said China has no intention of exceeding its duties and entering arrangements in which its due role is not recognized.

The premier made the remarks when asked whether China is filling the United States' place to lead the Trans-Pacific Partnership, and his opinion about the current global trade map at a news conference after the close of the annual session of the National People's Congress in Beijing.

"China has been focusing on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and other free trade deals with countries and regional organizations including the Gulf Cooperation Council and Israel," said Jiang Shan, a researcher at the Beijing-based Center for China and Globalization.

Jiang said that even though a number of trade deals such as the TPP, the RCEP, and the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific are being discussed, they must be aware that if one is too idealistic or radical, if the standards are too high or the pace is too fast, the result may not necessarily live up to expectations, and may turn out to be just the opposite.

"The issue is how China views the nature of the TPP and other deals. We can also list a long string of alternatives such as the World Trade Organization, the China-Japan-South Korea Free Trade Agreement and the China-US Bilateral Investment Treaty," said Zhang Wenkui, a researcher at the Development Research Center of the State Council.

Under such circumstances, Premier Li stressed that the Chinese people understand the country should seize the opportunities of globalization through opening-up, no matter what the challenges are.

All countries have benefited from globalization, though there have been some problems in the process, Li said.

"China is willing to work with other countries to improve the global governance system," he added.

Globalization is inseparable to peace, development and cooperation, he said, adding that closing the door and adopting beggar-thy-neighbor policies will solve no problems.

Li said China does not want to see a trade war between China and the United States because that will result in no benefits to bilateral trade.

He also urged the European Union to ease its high-tech export restrictions on China, concerning the bloc's trade deficit with China.

"China has no intention of pursuing a trade surplus. In fact, China prefers a trade balance, otherwise it won't be sustainable," Li said, pointing out that European companies are situated at the higher end of the industrial value chain and already making a lot of money on the Chinese market.

China looks forward to a positive response from the EU on the ongoing Bilateral Investment Treaty negotiations, the premier said, adding that even without a BIT for the moment, China will further open its market to European companies and treat them the same as domestic ones.

A high-standard BIT between China and the EU will aid bilateral opening-up, said Li.
China's top banking regulator on Wednesday urged banks to draft new rules on their wealth and asset management businesses and to more tightly control risky leveraged investments.

Guo Shuqing, chairman of the China Banking Regulatory Commission, said the regulator will step up efforts to ensure funds raised from the wealth management products support real economic activity and prevent risks from the mismatching of banks' assets and liabilities, as well as risky leveraged investments.

Guo Shuqing, chairman of the China Banking Regulatory Commission. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Guo made the comments in a speech at a meeting of the China Banking Association. The association released a report on service improvements in the Chinese banking industry, which coincided with World Consumer Rights Day.

Guo said that banks should act in a timely manner in accordance to the guideline recently issued by the People's Bank of China, to regulate their surging wealth and asset management business.

The emphasis on tighter regulation of the asset management business underscored the shift in focus to containing systemic financial risks and asset bubbles by the central government.

The banking regulatory chief also said that the sector should offer greater financial support to smaller companies.

"Offering effective support to the real economy and providing better service to the clients are the most important standards to measure the success of the banking industry's reforms," Guo said.

Guo also urged the banks to strengthen the protection of investors' interests.

"The banks must explain clearly to their clients the nature of the investment products, the underlying assets as well as the potential risks," Guo said.

Zeng Gang, director of banking research at the Institute of Finance and Banking at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said that Guo's statement reflected the greater attention of the government on preventing financial risks and protecting investors' interests.

"We are expecting more policies and new rules to be rolled out soon to fill the regulation gap and to better protect investors' interests," Zeng said.
A pedestrian passes Western Union Co and MoneyGram International Inc money transfer stores in Athens, Greece. [Photo/Agencies]

Ant Financial Services Group said on Wednesday it still expected to take over money-transfer network MoneyGram International Inc by the second half of 2017, despite an unexpected counterbid by a US competitor, which analysts said could threaten the deal.

Ant Financial did not elaborate how it plans to close the deal on schedule, after US-based Euronet Worldwide Inc offered a higher bid on Tuesday and argued that an all-US deal would avoid regulatory scrutiny toward foreign bidders.

"MoneyGram and Ant Financial continue to work cooperatively under the terms of our merger agreement, and together, we are making progress on schedule toward obtaining all required regulatory and shareholder approvals," Ant Financial said in a statement.

Analysts said the counterbid potentially marked the first major impediment encountered by the Chinese digital payment leader in its increased move to buy foreign assets, but would not thwart its long-term overseas ambitions.

MoneyGram said on Wednesday its board has not changed its recommendation in support of the agreement with Ant Financial. However it added that it would carefully review and consider the proposal by Euronet and determine what would best serve the interests of the company and its shareholders.

Ant Financial is China's biggest internet-finance conglomerate, with its online payment and escrow service, a money-market fund, a credit-rating system and an internet bank. It has set a target to have 2 billion customers globally over the next decade.

Following its acquisition of a stake in Paytm in India and strategic investment in Ascend Money in Thailand, Ant Financial continued its global push in January by offering to purchase MoneyGram for $880 million in cash, or $13.25 per share. But Euronet trumped Ant Financial's bid by offering $15.20 per share.

The Ant buyout would also need green light from watchdogs including the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States.

The policy cloud has given an edge to Euronet, whose CEO Michael Brown said its offer was superior to that of Ant Financial's because the latter was "fraught with uncertainty and challenges at every level".

"The Ant Financial deal has to be delayed, as MoneyGram's board has the fiduciary duty to assess the new offer and decide whether it is superior to the old one," said Ling Xiao, partner of Huiye Law Firm, which specializes in overseas investment and financing.

Whatever the result, however, the current setback would not hinder Ant Financial's broader overseas goals, said Li Chao, an analyst with IT consultant iResearch Consulting Group.

"Even if it failed, it's a stand-alone case for Ant Financial. It will continue to push ahead with partnerships and investments beyond China's borders, both for business growth and for a decent profile ahead of its anticipated initial public offering," Li said.
A UnionPay employee introduces new bank card services to a visitor at a show in Beijing. [Photo/Xinhua]

TOKYOAmazon.com Inc's website in Japan will start accepting UnionPay cards, as the web retailer steps up efforts to sell more merchandise to Chinese shoppers across Asia.

China UnionPay Co, with more than 6 billion cards in circulation, is now a key rival to Visa Inc, Mastercard Inc and other issuers, and has become an important way for retailers around the globe to attract Chinese tourists and consumers.

UnionPay can now be used across Amazon Japan's website, the Seattle-based company said.

Amazon's revenue in the country rose 31 percent to $10.8 billion in 2016.

Amazon Japan is catering to an emerging class of consumers who are willing to shop online within Asia, and offers reduced shipping rates to homes and businesses in China.

The number of Chinese tourists in Japan rose 28 percent last year to 6.4 million.

Other Chinese digital payment companies are also eager to expand overseas.

For example, Ant Financial Services Group's payment tool Alipay was available in more than 70 economies and handled transactions in 18 currencies by the end of 2016.

Alipay also works with more than 40 financial institutions such as BNP Paribas, Barclays and Wirecard, which helps it cover more than 100,000 merchants globally.

BLOOMBERG-CHINA DAILY
WASHINGTON - China reduced its holding of US Treasury securities in January after adding $9.1 billion in the previous month, the latest data from the US Treasury Department showed on Wednesday.

China shed its treasuries holding by $7.3 billion in January, with the total holding down to $1.0511 trillion.

China's central bank chief Zhou Xiaochuan said recently that Chinese currency, the yuan, will stabilize this year amid a firming economy and global confidence in the country's growth prospects. He also reiterated that the fall in China's foreign exchange reserve is a normal phenomenon.

Japan, which overtakes China as the largest holder of US treasuries in October, increased its holding by $11.7 billion to $1.1025 trillion in January.

By the end of January, overall foreign holdings of US Treasury securities dropped to $5.9561 trillion from December's $6.0039 trillion.
Investors check stock prices at a brokerage in Fuyang, Anhui province, on Wednesday. The pension funds' allocation to the stock market will be relatively low, according to Lou Jiwei, chairman of the National Council for Social Security Fund. [Photo/China Daily]

NCSSF chairman says body has been entrusted to look after a total of $52b

Pension fund investments will have a relatively low exposure to the stock market to ensure the safety of the funds, the chairman of the National Council for Social Security Fund, Lou Jiwei, said on Wednesday.

He said the NCSSF had signed contracts with seven provinces and cities to manage and invest local pension funds on their behalf.

Pension funds worth a total of 360 billion yuan ($52 billion) have been entrusted to the NCSSF and it has so far received 137 billion yuan on its account, according to Lou.

Lou Jiwei, chairman of the National Council for Social Security Fund. [Photo provided to China Daily]

"Given the relatively shorter period of the investment contracts, our tolerance for volatilities will be low and the target for the investment yield will also be lower," Lou told reporters on the sidelines of the closing meeting of the annual session of the National People's Congress.

Lou, a former finance minister, said the investment approach of the local pension funds will be conservative and the fund management will prioritize investment safety rather than targeting high investment yields.

"We are aiming at a 95 percent probability that these funds will not see any loss. Therefore, the funds' allocation to the stock market will be relatively low," Lou said.

In addition to managing pension funds on behalf of local governments, the NCSSF also serves as the national social security reserve fund.

At of the end of last year, the NCSSF managed funds worth more than 1.6 trillion yuan, received from the central government fiscal budget as a national strategic reserve to address the issue of a rapidly aging society.

Entrusting the pension funds to professional investment agencies has been seen as a positive step by the government, to ensure the sustainable growth of the country's pension coverage.

Under the current policy, a maximum of 30 percent of pension funds is allowed to enter the stock market. Previously, pension funds in China could only be invested in low-yield bank deposits and government treasuries.

Zhu Junsheng, a researcher at the Development Research Center of the State Council, said efficient and professional investment would help ease the pressure for payouts of the country's pension funds.

"The basic pension funds are now under greater payment pressures and face the risk of value loss. A market-oriented professional investment will be of great importance to preserve and grow the value of the funds," Zhu said.
The latest agreement sealed between Shanghai Century Publishing (Group) Co. Ltd and HarperCollins Publishers at the London Book Fair (March 14 - 16, 2017) will introduce Shanghai's instructional approach to math into the classrooms of British primary schools.

The export of Shanghai's mathematics textbooks is an attempt by the British government to empower young students with consolidated mathematics skills.

In July last year, the British government announced the financing of mathematics teaching with an investment of 41 million pounds, including learning from Shanghai's educational models.

The 36 volumes of textbooks in English from Shanghai are scheduled to make their debut in September this year in some British primary schools.

By enabling students to get a good understanding of math, the textbooks will be complete with teaching approaches, an anonymous officer from HarperCollins Publishers said.

The exchange of mathematics teachers from both China and Britain started in 2014, when 73 teachers from 45 British primary schools visited their counterparts in Shanghai.

Several months on, between 2014 and 2015, 61 teachers from Shanghai visited Britain, giving presentations in 48 British primary schools on how they teach math in their home country.

The students were impressed by their flexible and individual-centered teaching methods that progressed step by step to lead the students eventually to master the skills of calculation.

Nick Gibb, the British Minister for Schools said that the teaching approaches to math used in East Asia will expand to an increasing number of young people desiring to receive a professional and quality education.

There have been nearly 30 exchange programs among schools between Shanghai and Britain. The Shanghai International Friendly Urban Youth Summer Campus has for seven consecutive years received students from Liverpool. By 2015, institutes of higher education in Shanghai had housed 1,086 British students.

Nowadays, Shanghai's pedagogic approaches have extended far beyond the exchange between the city and Britain as countries like the United States, Finland, Malaysia and Columbia, and organizations including the UN Children's Fund and the World Bank have all initiated Shanghai-bound learning trips.
LONDON - The China-Britain Entrepreneurship Competition, an initiative aimed to support and encourage new business ventures between China and Britain, was launched on Tuesday in Newcastle.

The Competition, now in its 10th year, is supported by governments, universities and businesses in the two countries.

Councilor Ged Bell, cabinet member for Investment and Development at Newcastle City Council, said that Brexit has not affected Northeast England being open to investors and business from China.

George Marston, pro vice-chancellor (Research and Innovation) at Northumbria University, said: "Partnerships, whether they are with the EU or China, are incredibly important."

The China Foundation for Youth Entrepreneurship and Employment (CFYEE) sent a congratulation letter to the competition organizing committee, saying: "CFYEE is very much willing to work together to do more meaningful things for the Chinese and British youth innovation and entrepreneurship."
Government possesses 'many tools' to handle any difficulties it may encounter this year, he promises

China is projected to see steady growth without the likelihood of a hard landing, Premier Li Keqiang said at a news conference on Wednesday, adding that the nation remains "an important growth engine" for the global economy.

Li said China, for years, has achieved sustained growth thanks to improvements in consumption and industrial upgrades, and that will continue.

On Tuesday, the nation released higher-than-expected results in macroeconomic data for the year's first two months, indicating growth remains steady. The data support analysts' projections that the economy will maintain stable growth momentum this year.

"I have continually heard voices saying China would encounter an economic hard-landing," Li said. "However, last year, despite the lowest global economic and trade growth in seven years, China maintained medium and high rates of growth.

"We will not suffer an economic hard landing. Instead, we will maintain medium and high rates of growth in the long run."

Li said China will not adopt mass stimulus measures but will continue to fuel growth momentum through deepened reform.

China's GDP growth target for this year of "around 6.5 percent" is not low given China's already large economic scale, and would not necessarily be easy for China to achieve, he said.

China will remain an important contributor of global economic growth this year, he told reporters after closure of the annual legislative session. The country contributed more than 30 percent of global growth in 2016.

Li conceded that the Chinese economy faces many uncertainties, but he dismissed the possibility of a financial crisis in the country.

"China's financial system, on the whole, is secure and there will not be systematic risks," he said. "Once we find financial risks, we will tackle them promptly to prevent them from worsening," he said. "We have many tools to tackle the situation."

He said China has ample foreign exchange reserves to satisfy the demands of imports and short-term debt repayments.

The nation's strong growth performance in the first two months has prompted many analysts to raise their forecasts of the country's growth prospects this year.

China's fixed asset investments are expected to continue their strong growth, and the momentum of the first two months is forecast to continue for the whole year, according to investment bank UBS. It has raised its forecast of China's GDP growth this year to 6.7 percent from previously forecast 6.4 percent.
WASHINGTON - Undergoing a transformation into an international hub of innovation from a traditional trade port, the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou is seeking out US companies for investment.

"We encourage US multinational companies to invest in Guangzhou, which is a well-known business-friendly city," Cai Chaolin, vice mayor of Guangzhou, said Tuesday during a roadshow for the 2017 Fortune Global Forum to be held in Guangzhou in early December.

In an address to US officials and business leaders in Washington DC, Cai introduced Guangzhou's initiatives of developing a technology innovation hub, which is expected to bring new business opportunities for US companies coming to the city.

As part of the efforts to enhance cooperation in technology innovation between Guangzhou and the United States, Cai also announced the set-up of Guangzhou's liaison offices in Boston and Silicon Valley, two famous innovation centers in the Eastern and Western coasts of the United States.

"We want to know what's happening in these innovation centers," Cai told Xinhua, adding that the two offices would help Guangzhou gather innovation resources and high-end talents around the world so as to establish its own innovation hub.

Nina Easton, co-chair of Fortune Global Forum and chair of Fortune Most Powerful Women International, said at the same event that Guangzhou, China's southern gateway to the world, is the ideal location for the 2017 Fortune Global Forum with the theme of "Openness and Innovation: Shaping the Global Economy" .

"As a center of international trade for many centuries, Guangzhou is both a renowned symbol and a modern manifestation of China's participation in global commerce," Easton said, noting that the city has become "highly attractive" to multinational companies due to initiatives launched by the municipal government to facilitate investment and trade, its strategic position on the Maritime Silk Road as well as its participation in the free trade zone of Guangdong Province.

"More than half of Fortune Global 500 companies have already made investments or set up operations in Guangzhou, with the potential to continue expansion," Easton said.

Henry Levine, senior advisor at leading US consulting firm Albright Stonebridge Group, said he was very impressed by the central role of South China in general, Guangzhou in particular, has played as a leader in openness, innovation, and creating a dynamic economy over the past 30 years.

Citing a recent business survey conducted by the American Chamber of Commerce in South China, Levine, who used to work at the US Department of Commerce, said 80 percent of US companies regarded the business climate in the region as "good" or "very good," and 60 percent of them chose to make their headquarters in Guangzhou.

As the first witness to the start of Sino-US trade, Guangzhou also has important implications for today's China-US trade relations.

In 1784, a merchant vessel named the Empress of China set off from New York Harbor, loaded with American Ginseng, leather and cotton, arrived in Guangzhou after a six-month journey, and took home tea, chinaware and silk, opening a brand new chapter in China-US bilateral trade. Today, Guangzhou has trade relations with about 200 countries in the world.

"Guangzhou is a successful example in the world that has put resources together to bring jobs and economic opportunities," said Dan Glickman, a former US Congressman and former agriculture secretary under Bill Clinton.

Glickman said the United States should not blame other countries for its trade concerns and jobs displacement, as technology, globalization, education and other factors are also related to changes in the US job market.

He also noted that the United States has to work closely with China in tackling various issues, as the world's two largest economies have common interests ranging from security to the environment.

"The US-China relationship is extremely important. Look back the US presidents and Congress over the last 50 years...there has been a steady progress in the relationship with China," he said.

As Chinese policymakers have put forward an ambitious policy agenda with more openness and economic reforms, Levine believed implementation of those reforms would not only help stabilize China's economic growth, but also reduce the investment and trade frictions between the United States and China.

Tian Deyou, economic and commercial minister counselor at the Embassy of China in the United States, hoped the two countries could continue keeping a healthy and stable economic relationship going forward.

The two sides should not resort to a trade war but seek the common objective of win-win cooperation, he added.
The headquarters of Gazprom is seen on June 27, 2014, the day of the annual general meeting of the company's shareholders in Moscow. [Photo/Agencies]

Russian gas giant Gazprom said the company plans to supply gas to China via the east route of the China-Russia natural gas pipeline as early as May 2019, rather than 2018 as scheduled, 21st Century Business Herald reported Thursday, citing the company's Vice-President Andrey Kruglov.

He said the delay was because it took almost a year to get all the necessary approvals after a deal was signed in May 2014. He added that discussions on the west route have advanced to a mature stage.

According to the contract signed under the witness of Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, the east route of the pipeline will transport 38 billion cubic meters of natural gas every year to China over a period of 30 years starting from 2018.

Kruglov said the amount of gas expected to be transported to China might match, or even exceed, east route's 38 billion cubic meters as the gas field in West Siberia could supply more.

Natural gas consumption in China is projected to reach 360 billion cubic meters, accounting for 10 percent of the entire energy mix, up from six percent in 2014, according to 21st Century Business Herald.

The Asia-Pacific, which is becoming more and more important, is of strategic importance to Gazprom, said Kruglov.

He added that the company's Asian investors have doubled in the past four year.

Gazprom and China National Petroleum Corporation's cooperation on such a large gas project has laid a solid foundation, including in the financial sector, for the company in the Asia-Pacific, said Kruglov.

He said the company might offer shares in an Asia stock market and added that the company has been in talks with the Hong Kong Exchanges for some time.
A doctor uses Wingspan's AI-enabled online diagnosis system to carry out remote diagnosis. [Photo provided to China Daily]

The application of artificial intelligence in medical diagnosis and treatment has gone far beyond wildest expectations. Medical imaging may now take the lead in commercialization of such applications.

Intelligent medical imaging diagnosis, voice-controlled electronic medical records, and intelligent diagnosis of cancer have become a hot research direction. These AI-based technologies could assist doctors to improve accuracy levels of diagnosis.

Xi'an-based Wingspan Technology, founded in 2009, has been engaged in the medical imaging field and related R&D and applications of AI technology. Its businesses cover third-party medical imaging diagnosis and treatment.

Ni Meng, founder and CEO of Wingspan, said the domestic medical imaging industry maintains a growth rate of 30 percent annually, but the demand for high-quality medical treatment could not be satisfied at present.

"The AI technologies could be used in this field to improve the diagnosis accuracy and let the doctors become stronger."

Industry insiders said 90 percent of medical data comes from medical imaging sector, whose growth rate exceeds that of doctors from medical imaging department. Moreover, the medical imaging data needs manual analysis, and diagnosis may not be accurate as doctors just rely on their experience to make a judgment.

Relying on the powerful image recognition and deep learning technology, AI will solve the problems that exist in the medical imaging sector and greatly improve the efficiency of data analysis, reduce the pressure of doctors, as well as raise the accuracy of diagnosis and treatment.

Wingspan has launched an online cloud platform, where the doctors will be provided with learning, communication, training and assessment. The contents include imaging cases, instructional videos, related learning materials and online imaging diagnosis.

"We hope to enhance the vocational skills of the doctors through online sharing, communication and training," said Bian Haifeng, CTO of Wingspan.

Bian said doctors could refer to the AI-based diagnosis results that are based on large amount of data, and then verify or improve their diagnosis accordingly. Meanwhile, patients could make a consultation directly at the platform without visiting a clinic.

In order to boost the online medical treatment segment, China now supports third-party institutions to build platforms for medical imaging, health records, electronic medical records and other medical information-sharing services.

Bian said: "With the opening-up of the third-party or independent medical imaging diagnosis centers, we hope to do more in this sector by applying deep learning and AI technologies to assist doctors.

"There is no doubt that AI will take the place of some tedious work of human beings, but it will create some new jobs gradually. It is natural that AI is being applied to the medical imaging field."

Zhang Yidan, an analyst at internet consultancy Analysys, said the application of AI technology in online patient diagnosis could ease the shortage of doctors and improve strained relations between doctors and patients.
Children participate in a trial of an intelligent device capable of facilitating kids' learning and medical diagnosis recognition at a tech fair in Hong Kong. [Photo/Xinhua]

AI finds amazing applications in sleep products

China's new-age startups are combining artificial intelligence and big data technology to make smart products that help people sleep well and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Intelligent pillows, smart sensors, intuitive lights, cool speakers, nifty headsets ... the list is growing longer by the day.

The segment is part of the global intelligent home products and services market whose annual sales are projected to reach $68 billion in 2018 on annual grow rate of 8 to 10 percent, according to Research and Markets.

In China, the fast-growing smart health products segment is estimated to clock sales of 140 billion yuan ($20.3 billion) this year, according to Feng Chao, an analyst at Analysys International in Beijing.

Small wonder, many startups are keen to make the most of consumer demand for such products.

For instance, Seblong Technology (Beijing) Co Ltd, a Beijing-based tech startup, is offering a new way for people to drift off to sleep, just the way they do listening to soothing music on a headphone before hitting the sack.

The firm's app-controlled smart pillow records sleep data and helps improve the quality of sleep.

Seblong has been engaged in research, development and sales of network security products since 2011. It entered the intelligent health gadgets segment in 2014. Its focus has been on sleep products.

Employees from Seblong Technology (Beijing) Co Ltd introduce the smart pillow to customers at a fair in Shanghai. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Snail Sleep, its app, has been online for 17 months boasting more than 5 million users. In October 2016, its smart pillow project attracted 700,000 yuan in crowd-funding on JD.com, an online marketplace.

"With a built-in controller, the smart pillow can monitor people's sleep duration, depth of sleep, time of sleeping and waking. It can also record words uttered during a dream, in addition to the decibel level, duration and frequency of snoring," said Gao Song, Seblong's CEO and founder.

The pillow measures 40cm in width and 60cm in length, weighs 2.6kg, and is priced 799 yuan. Its built-in high-tech speaker helps users to drift off into sleep faster. It also helps them get a sound sleep by playing appropriate hypnotic music, Gao said.

The pillow uses Bluetooth technology, and stops playing music automatically as soon as it senses that the user has reached the deep sleep state.

"With the rapid development of intelligent home and healthcare industry, we hope to improve people's sleep quality through technology. Our latest sensor technology and excellent algorithms give us a deeper understanding of sleep," said Gao.

He said the firm has already mastered the use of big data technology to crunch data generated by the pillow continuously.

Now, the startup is planning to offer tailor-made products aimed at solving people's sleep problems. The larger goal is to facilitate a healthy lifestyle using artificial intelligence.

Gao said the firm will launch one or two intelligent hardware products this year. "More and more products in our daily life will become intelligent with the advent of the internet of things and we will keep up with the intelligence trend."

Other tech startups, too, are speeding up efforts to launch intelligent sleep products. Beijing Shiwu Technology Co Ltd already has the Lunar, a smart sensor to monitor sleep and help people sleep better.

The Lunar can record and analyze sleep patterns, especially of people experiencing difficulty falling asleep. It could also provide them with sleep advice, sleep music, hypnotic guidance and offline psychology courses.

The gadget comes with an elegant and beveled design in white, and weighs only 12 grams, as small as a pebble. Users can place the sensor under the pillow.

When users are unable to sleep, they can press the button to play sounds automatically suggested by experts, which will help users fall asleep.

Li Yizhou, founder and CEO of Shiwu Technology, said the factors that affect sleep include changes in light, temperature and sound. The firm's products are based on these factors.

"We had worked with psychological counseling service companies to offer products that relieve work-related pressures of China's post-1980s and 1990s generations. Now, the remote control function allows users to track the sleep condition of their family members, including children and the elderly," Li said, adding the smart home products will make use of the big data technology.

The Lunar is priced 69 yuan and is available on Xiaomi Corp's crowd-funding platform.

"I was attracted to the Lunar the first time I saw it. I'd like to buy one," said Lemon Zhao, a graduate from Beijing.

That's because Zhao, a jobseeker, has difficulty in getting a sound sleep these days due to jobhunt-related stress. She thinks the Lunar is affordable for students.

Shiwu has also developed the Solar, an intelligent lamp priced 799 yuan that creates an environment conducive to sleep by adjusting brightness automatically, based on data generated by the recorder of sleep.

Cheng Yu contributed to this story.
A personal assistant should no longer be a privilege for only the rich or the powerfulthat is the philosophy behind Wang Guanchun's creation, an artificial intelligence-based Chinese-language app called Zhuli Laiye (Laiye in short, meaning 'Here comes the assistant'.)

With a few taps on the phone, users can text or speak out instructions to get everything from coffees to flowers delivered on demand and for free.

A startup from Microsoft's incubator program Accelerator, Laiye received series-A funding last year with the tech giant itself leading the investors. Among all of the tech giant's graduate programs, Laiye is the first Chinese startup to receive Microsoft's investment.

Laiye is meant to be a dream assistant: it is professional, prompt and receptive to criticism, said Wang, a Princeton graduate of machine learning, who has worked with Baidu on intelligent search.

Three emerging trends propelled Wang to set up his own business in July 2015: the deepening of online-to-offline or O2O integration of retailers; the predominant role of messaging apps in smartphones; and the rapid advances in artificial intelligence-based technologies.

"Rescheduling meetings back and forth and optimizing for attributes like timing and locationnobody likes that part of his or her job," said Wang. "What we do is to enable users to make a smooth conversation with the virtual assistant and let it handle your tasks, without realizing that you are actually talking to an algorithm the whole time."

Laiye first debuted a basic service via WeChat, the ubiquitous messaging app in China, followed by its own app. Later, it launched a premium version that caters specifically to larger and more complicated requests, and charges a monthly fee of 198 yuan ($28.6).

For instance, a regular user can order a cup of sugar-free cappuccino, pay online, and wait the drink to be delivered in an hour. Those who sign up for the VIP service are entitled to more tailored-made services, from booking flight tickets to fetching urgent documents.

In the past 18 months, it has registered over 2 million users. Over 90 percent of the interactions are AI-enabled. Only when a major challenge is detected by the app, the back-end support staff step in.

"It almost feels like having a hotel concierge around from 7 am to 10 pm, and it acts as a full-time employee that you don't have to pay full time," Wang said.

AI powers most apps that function as virtual assistants. For example, AI will take into account a client's location and tell the assistant what service should be used to complete the task.

AI technology also enables machine or app learningthat is, over time, it will learn from the user's habits by analyzing frequent tasks, and patterns in them. For instance, the app would remember Wang's preference for aisle seats when booking flight tickets, so he doesn't need to specify that requirement again and again.

For Laiye, revenue comes mainly from three sources: VIP membership fees, commission fees from merchants, and the sales of technologies to industries that want to adopt AI-enabled services to bolster business.

"For instance, we are seeing this growing trend of online skincare vendors using online beauty advisors to give tips to potential buyers. That's something we'll probably dig deeper into," he said.
In Shaanxi province, one man's rent-a-chicken business has helped hundreds of rural families cast off poverty. Zhang Chunpu's program is a free loan of chickens to farmers who then make money by selling the free-range eggs back to Zhang's cooperative.

Over the past decade, rent-a-chicken has helped more than 800 households in Yan'an city's Yanchang county, who previously survived on an annual per capita income of less than 2,300 yuan ($335).

The idea came to Zhang, 53, by accident. In 2003, he saw profits from selling healthy eggs and acquired 6,000 chickens.

"The birds nearly ate up all the grass on the mountain, fought with each other and didn't lay eggs. I was nearly bankrupt, but I couldn't see them starve to death," Zhang recalled.

He started giving the birds to villagers.

The birds he rents to farmers roam free in yards and on hillsides, eating pumpkins, cabbage and worms.

Zhang's cooperative earns 0.1 yuan from each egg, while farmers can earn 0.15 yuan. However, the real profit comes from the chickens.

Between 2 and 3 years old, hens begin to lay fewer eggs, so Zhang retrieved about 70 percent of them from farmers. It is more cost-efficient for farmers to raise younger chickens.

Farmers can keep the other chickens for their own use, but each hen means at least 30 yuan of profit for Zhang. "Raising chickens does not require much skill or labor. It's an easy way to make money for poorly educated or physically weak farmers," Zhang said, adding that a farmer earns about 100 yuan per year per chicken and that means away out of poverty.

According to the Yan'an poverty alleviation bureau, about 60 percent of the city's poor population cannot leave to find work because of poor health, disabilities or other reasons. It is a major headache for local governments who are responsible for helping them to a better life.

"Rent-a-chicken is a good answer. The cooperative needs a stable supply of products, while farmers want to sell their apples and chickens," said Zhang Ming, deputy head of Yanchang.

China aims to reduce the number of poor rural residents by more than 10 million this year to meet the goal of building a moderately prosperous society by 2020.

To support Zhang's program, Yanchang set up funds to reward the cooperative, with 1,000 yuan for each household it helps out of poverty, and it subsidizes rural families to the tune of 1,000 to 3,000 yuan.

There are more than 20,000 poor households registered in Yanchang. More than 98 percent of them had overcome poverty by the end of last year, mostly through cooperatives like Zhang's.

"More people will escape poverty through my program," said Zhang, who plans to increase his number of rental chickens from 70,000 to 300,000 in the next three years.
Xinjiang's general aviation fleet will import 10 new aircraft from Switzerland this year to develop tourism, improve emergency rescue capabilities and boost its role in the Belt and Road Initiative, according to officials.

The first of the 10 aircraft - all of which are Pilatus PC-12 produced by Switzerland's Pilatus Aircraft Co - recently arrived in Shihezi in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, and the second one is expected to arrive soon, said Lin Haitao, head of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps Aviation Business Administration.

The other eight airplanes are expected to be delivered and transported to Xinjiang in the first half of this year, Lin said.

The aircraft will be operated by Xinjiang General Aviation Co Ltd, one of the country's biggest general aviation service providers, which was established by the administration.

Liu Kuntong, director of planning with the administration, said that the 10 new airplanes will be mainly used to "transport tourists between scenic spots that are scattered across the vast autonomous region, as well as being chartered for emergency rescue missions".

"The fleet can also serve neighboring countries along the Belt and Road Initiative, if needed," Liu added.

The initiative, proposed by President Xi Jinping in 2013, aims to rejuvenate two ancient trade routes - the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road - and regional connectivity is one of the main objectives of the strategy.

"The addition of the 10 airplanes is just the start of our efforts to improve regional connectivity. We will increase investment in the sector and support the goal of building an air passage along the Belt and the Road," Liu said.

According to Lin Bin, an instructor pilot for Pilatus Aircraft, the Pilatus PC-12 aircraft is a single-engine turboprop that can seat up to eight passengers. It can travel a distance of up to 3,000 kilometers at a time, and it is most suitable for short-distance flights, business travel and private trips. It can perform in varied environments, such as mountainous regions, grassland, deserts and plateaus, which makes it suitable for transporting tourists and rescue missions.
India and China: Partners, not adversaries[By Zhai Haijun/China.org.cn]

Recently a group of scholars from two prominent conservative think tanks, the Hudson Institute and the New Delhi-based Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF) voiced their support for cooperation between India, the United States and Japan to deter Chinese assertiveness in the Asia-Pacific region. While these are the opinions of two private think tanks and do not reflect the official policies of the concerned countries, such opinion nonetheless merits serious scrutiny and strong rebuke. Of course, this is not the first time that such an opinion has been expressed by scholars affiliated to private think tanks with an intention to drive a wedge between two big Asian neighbors.

It must be recalled that following the suggestions of a section of intelligentsia from Japan, Australia and the United States in 2007, Shinzo Abe, then prime minister of Japan, proposed to set up a Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QSD) between Asian and Pacific maritime democracies - Australia, India, Japan, and the United States - to contain China's rising influence. While the QSD gathered plenty of interest and curiosity by all concerned in its initial period, it never really took off in the manner its planners were hoping for. At best, the idea has been restricted to an annual naval exercise. In fact, the then Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, who vigorously backed the idea, was the first leader to pull out of the QSD. Subsequently, other principal parties like India and the U.S. found the idea too impractical and dangerous as it would mean forming a hostile axis around a major regional power.

However, the same failed concept was brought back to life last year when Admiral Harry Harris, commander of U.S. Pacific Command, called on the leadership of India, Japan and Australia to rework the idea of quadrilateral dialogue with the U.S. Admiral Harris's obvious plan for such a quad was to checkmate China over its ongoing maritime pursuits in the South China Sea. While this undiplomatic calling from a high ranking military personnel brought the usual mob of security experts and analysts from the respective countries to revive the ghost of QSD, the quad concept once again found no serious takers. Therefore, the recent exhortation by a group of scholars should not be taken too seriously.

Of course, the quad concept should be seen in the larger game plan of the West, and particularly of the U.S., to create more security actors in the Asia-Pacific to maintain its regional hegemony. This was clearly visualized during the Obama Administration's failed Asia Pivot project, which had the singular purpose of containing China's rising influence in Asia. While plenty of people from India's policy circle lobby for India to join the geopolitical game, India's long tradition to maintain its strategic autonomy in foreign relations has prevented the country from endorsing such an alliance. While there has been occasional wavering, on the whole India has been able to resist the temptation of walking into a strategic trap. The West is clearly interested in using India as a swing state to deter Chinese dominance in the Asia-Pacific.

While there are some serious sore points between the two neighbors, the leadership of both countries sees no reason to close the channels of communication and cooperation. Such an approach was clearly displayed recently at the Strategic Dialogue when both countries decided to pay serious attention to the other's sensitivity.

To conclude, way back in 2008, then Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had famously remarked that "there is enough space for both India and China to grow and prosper while strengthening our cooperative engagement." To which Zhang Yan, the then Chinese ambassador to India, famously quipped "dragon and elephant can dance together towards common peace and prosperity." Of course, it would be naive to say that there exists no competition between the two large economies. But competition and geopolitical rivalries can co-exist with cooperation and mutual respect.

Niranjan Sahoo is Senior Fellow, Observer Research Foundation, New Delhi.

Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.
Members of the China RH Union, an NGO that provides assistance to people with rhesus negative-type blood, share a common desire. They hope that more carriers will be found and make it as easy for them to receive transfusions as people with more-common blood types.

The problem is that most people don't know whether they are rhesus positive or negative, even though the suffix is added to every member of the ABO blood group. Tests are only conducted during voluntary premarital checkups and pregnancy examinations in big cities, or when people are donating blood or need a transfusion.

Wang Yong, head of the China RH Union, said the NGO has raised nearly 100,000 yuan ($14,500), and later this year it will start a campaign to encourage every citizen to take a test to identify their blood group.

"We've reached cooperation agreements with two public hospitals in Beijing and another in Langfang, Hebei province. We will publicly advertise that we can provide 1,000 free blood tests," he said.

The volunteers also want to see improvements to the allocation system in blood centers to ensure that donated blood is used efficiently.

According to Wang, if a volunteer donates blood to specific patient but it isn't used, the only chance of stopping it going to waste is if another patient in the same hospital has the same blood type and needs a transfusion within 35 days of donation. The blood is not sent to a blood center and it cannot be used by other hospitals.

"Sometimes we make great efforts to persuade volunteers to donate blood, but if it isn't used they may be less willing to donate a second time," he said.

"Every time I see media reports of people swarming to blood centers to donate after a disaster, I realize that our society doesn't lack a benevolent spirit. However, we definitely need a better system of blood donation and management."
Mao Zhaomu shows his English books full of notes at a restaurant in Sichuan International Studies University in Chongqing, on Tuesday. [Photo from Sina Weibo]

A delivery man sent an English-language text message to his customer at a university in Chongqing when he failed to contact the latter. The message in English left students surprised, and the screenshot of the text went viral, according to Chongqing Morning Post.

Mao Zhaomu, 18, works in a restaurant at the Sichuan International Studies University and delivers takeout food on the campus. On Tuesday, he sent a text message to a student which said "Hello, your phone was powered off", and the latter posted it online.

"I just want to practice my English. I thought university students would know English," said Mao.

Mao became interested in English in middle school. But he decided to leave high school last year and began preparations to take the self-study examination to enter the Sichuan International Studies University this year.

Besides working during the day, he has also found a job in a bar at night to "talk with foreigners". During spare time, Mao chats online in English-language groups and has also found an American friend online.

"He teaches me English and I teach him Chinese," said Mao, showing his chat record with his foreign friend "Faith". He often writes compositions and asks Faith to polish them.

Every afternoon, after he finishes delivery at lunch time, Mao studies English books. The books are full of his notes.

Mao said he hopes he can go to a graduate school in Beijing after finishing undergraduate study, and eventually become an interpreter.
Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomes visiting Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdul-Aziz in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing March 16, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]

China and Saudi Arabia signed 14 agreements and memorandum of understandings (MoU) on Thursday in such areas as energy, investment, finance, culture and aerospace.

The cooperative documents were signed in Beijing during the state visit of Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdul-Aziz. The king is leading a huge delegation on a four-day visit to China from Wednesday.

Vice-Foreign Minister Zhang Ming told reporters after the signing ceremony that the king's visit to China is fruitful.

Among the 14 cooperative documents, one is an MoU on production capacity and investment cooperation, which involves 35 big projects worth $65 billion, Zhang said.

The two countries have also agreed to make joint efforts in fighting terrorism, he added.

President Xi Jinping paid a state visit to Saudi Arabia in January 2016, during which the two countries lifted their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

China became Saudi Arabia's largest trading partner in 2015 and Saudi Arabia has been China's biggest crude oil supplier and largest trading partner in West Asia for years.
President Xi Jinping holds a welcoming ceremony for visiting Saudi Arabian King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Thursday.Li Xueren / Xinhua

Among cooperation deals is one with 35 projects worth $65 billion

China and Saudi Arabia signed 14 agreements and memorandums of understanding on Thursday to deepen cooperation in such areas as energy, investment, finance, culture and aerospace.

Among the 14 cooperative documents, one is an MOU on production capacity and investment cooperation that has 35 big projects involving $65 billion, the Foreign Ministry said.

The signing of the cooperative documents in Beijing was witnessed by President Xi Jinping and Saudi Arabian King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud. The king is leading a huge delegation on a state visit to the world's second-largest economy from Wednesday to Saturday.

China is a reliable and stable market for Saudi Arabia's crude oil exports, and the two countries should make joint efforts to deepen energy cooperation, Xi told the Saudi king.

China became Saudi Arabia's largest trading partner in 2015, and Saudi Arabia has been China's biggest crude oil supplier and largest trading partner in western Asia for years.

China and Saudi Arabia should also deepen cooperation in areas including telecommunications, aerospace, culture, education, health, science and technology, tourism, media and security, Xi said. The two sides should also explore establishing platforms for finance and investment cooperation, he added.

China will continue to support Saudi Arabia's efforts to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests, and it will support Saudi Arabia to play a bigger role in regional and global affairs, the president said.

Xi said boosting development is the key to resolving many problems in the Middle East, and disputes should be settled through political dialogue.

China would like to work with all countries along the routes of the Belt and Road Initiative, including Middle Eastern nations, to jointly implement the initiative, Xi said.

The initiative, which Xi proposed in 2013, aims to revive the ancient trade route of the Silk Road, with a focus on infrastructure, through the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road.

During the meeting, the Saudi Arabian king expressed satisfaction with the current high-level development of bilateral ties.

Saudi Arabia firmly upholds the one-China policy, and the country would like to deepen cooperation with China in areas including economy and trade, investment, finance and energy, the 81-year-old king said.

Saudi Arabia thinks highly of China's important role in maintaining international peace and security, he said, adding that his country hopes China will play a bigger role in Middle East affairs.

Vice-Foreign Minister Zhang Ming told reporters after the signing ceremony that the Saudi Arabian king's visit to China is fruitful.

The two countries have also agreed to make joint efforts in fighting terrorism, he said.

King Salman's trip to China, the first by a Saudi king in 11 years, returns the favor after Xi visited the kingdom in January last year as part of the first state visit to the Middle East by a Chinese leader in seven years.

During Xi's visit, the two countries lifted their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

Jin Yong, a professor of international relations at Communication University of China, said the Belt and Road Initiative is expected to help Saudi Arabia realize its growth plan.

In a bid to diversify its heavily oil-dependent economy, Saudi Arabia announced the "Saudi Vision 2030" growth strategy last year, which includes privatizing some state-owned companies.

Saudi Arabia serves as the central hub connecting Asia, Africa and Europe, which makes the country an ideal partner for the Belt and Road Initiative, he said.
Civil code takes step forward as NPC approves first chapter

China has made a concrete step forward in compiling a comprehensive civil code to better protect citizens' rights by introducing a fundamental civil law.

The National People's Congress, the top legislature, adopted the General Provisions of the Civil Law at the closing of its annual plenary session on Wednesday.

The General Provisions, which will take effect on Oct 1, will be the opening chapter of a civil code planned to be enacted in 2020.

The civil code will include individual laws that deal with property, contracts, tort liability, marriage and inheritance, according to the legislative plan.

Zhang Dejiang, chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, called on Wednesday for stepping up work on the individual laws to ensure that a civil code that has Chinese characteristics and reflects the spirit of the time and the will of the people will be enacted in 2020.

Sun Xianzhong, deputy head of the China Civil Law Society and a drafter of the civil code, said the General Provisions will help push forward the country's social and economic development, as well as the rule of law.

"With the new law, 1.3 billion Chinese will feel more secure and enjoy more equal opportunities and dignity."

The NPC Standing Committee had reviewed the draft law three times last year and decided to submit it to the NPC plenary session for final deliberation due to its significance.

During the plenary session, national legislators had lively discussions about the law. The final version included more than 120 revisions to the draft submitted on March 8.

For example, a new clause stipulates that people will bear civil liabilities if they damage the reputation and honor of heroes and martyrs.

The clause was added because some legislators said that a few people had maliciously defamed and insulted heroes and martyrs through slander, which has harmed the public interest and caused a negative social impact, said Qiao Xiaoyang, head of the NPC Law Committee.

Another spotlight is that the adopted law provides full protection for good Samaritans by waiving people's liability if they accidentally cause harm while helping others.

"The approval of the General Provisions is a milestone that will bring our system of laws into a new age," said Wang Junfeng, a national political adviser and head of the All China Lawyers Association.

Huang Lianxi, another political adviser and lawyer from Zhejiang province, said the new law, which reflects Chinese traditional virtues like helping others and respecting the elderly, will play an active role in guiding and regulating people's daily activities.
New fund will pay for research on smog

A new fund will be set up to pool the knowledge of the country's top scientists to discover the "unique" cause of smog that frequently blankets northern China in winter, Premier Li Keqiang announced Wednesday.

"Blue skies will not be, and should not be, a luxury," he said at a news conference on Wednesday at the end of the annual two sessions.

The premier highlighted the government's increasing financial support for smog-related research, aiming to tackle the air pollution more effectively, after some scientists pointed out that the causes of smog in northern regions in winter are unique in the world.

Zhou Weijian, a member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and environmental expert, said there is little domestic research on the severe smog events, which are widespread and long lasting in northern regions in winter.

The smog has complicated components, of which 60 to 70 percent are secondary pollutants generated after chemical reactions, Zhou said on March 9, when Li attended a panel discussion with lawmakers from Shaanxi province during the annual session of the National People's Congress, the top legislature.

"We found the nitrogen oxides in the air could form sulfates, thus worsening the air pollution," she said. "It means controls on the use of nitrogen fertilizer in North China would work for air pollution controls."

The premier said such research results deserve more attention, and encouraged more research on smog to dig out the causes.

On Wednesday, Li said the government is determined to spend as much as needed for the research. He pledged that the country will fight and win the battle against smog, although it will be a long process.

NPC deputies also suggested during the annual session that more funds be allocated to support smog research.

Jin Baofang, a deputy from Hebei province, said the central government needs to allocate more resources for air pollution control measures including research in Hebei, which is frequently hit by smog.

Targeted efforts based on thorough research could speed up the pollution control process, he said.

The central government also will continue to increase regular funds for air pollution control efforts and tighten supervision over their use, Ou Wenhan, spokesman for the Ministry of Finance, said on March 8.

The ministry allocated 10.6 billion yuan ($1.5 billion) to aid smog control efforts last year.

A new fund for smog research is not included in that amount.
No hard landing in store for the economy, Li says

Government possesses 'many tools' to handle any difficulties it may encounter this year, he promises

China is projected to see steady growth without the likelihood of a hard landing, Premier Li Keqiang said at a news conference on Wednesday, adding that the nation remains "an important growth engine" for the global economy.

Li said China, for years, has achieved sustained growth thanks to improvements in consumption and industrial upgrades, and that will continue.

On Tuesday, the nation released higher-than-expected results in macroeconomic data for the year's first two months, indicating growth remains steady. The data support analysts' projections that the economy will maintain stable growth momentum this year.

"I have continually heard voices saying China would encounter an economic hard-landing," Li said. "However, last year, despite the lowest global economic and trade growth in seven years, China maintained medium and high rates of growth.

"We will not suffer an economic hard landing. Instead, we will maintain medium and high rates of growth in the long run."

Li said China will not adopt mass stimulus measures but will continue to fuel growth momentum through deepened reform.

China's GDP growth target for this year of "around 6.5 percent" is not low given China's already large economic scale, and would not necessarily be easy for China to achieve, he said.

China will remain an important contributor of global economic growth this year, he told reporters after closure of the annual legislative session. The country contributed more than 30 percent of global growth in 2016.

Li conceded that the Chinese economy faces many uncertainties, but he dismissed the possibility of a financial crisis in the country.

"China's financial system, on the whole, is secure and there will not be systematic risks," he said. "Once we find financial risks, we will tackle them promptly to prevent them from worsening," he said. "We have many tools to tackle the situation."

He said China has ample foreign exchange reserves to satisfy the demands of imports and short-term debt repayments.

The nation's strong growth performance in the first two months has prompted many analysts to raise their forecasts of the country's growth prospects this year.

China's fixed asset investments are expected to continue their strong growth, and the momentum of the first two months is forecast to continue for the whole year, according to investment bank UBS. It has raised its forecast of China's GDP growth this year to 6.7 percent from previously forecast 6.4 percent.
Employment rate to be given priority

China will not allow large-scale unemployment, given its ability and willingness to create new jobs and ensure the basic needs of those who temporarily lose their employment, Premier Li Keqiang told reporters on Wednesday.

"You may notice that this year's Government Work Report sets an employment target of 11 million new jobs in urban areas, 1 million more than last year's target," Li said at the news conference the premier customarily holds after closure of the National People's Congress annual session.

Li said China has created more than 52 million jobs over the past four years. He has repeatedly emphasized the significance of jobs as the linchpin to boosting people's incomes and maintaining social stability.

More than 13 million new jobs were created in urban areas last year, exceeding the year's target by 30 percent, according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security. China will create about 50 million jobs by 2020, according to a guideline plan on employment released this year by the State Council, China's Cabinet.

Some pressure is expected this year for job seekers, however, as a record high 7.95 million college students and about 5 million students at secondary occupational schools are expected to graduate this summer, Li said.

In addition, thousands of workers are waiting to be transferred to other posts from factories that are scheduled to cut excess production capacity.

"We will cultivate an environment that helps business startups and creates new jobs, instead of relying solely on the government. With their hard work and wisdom, the public will make 'a golden bowl' for a better life," he said, making reference to the "iron rice bowl", or guaranteed government jobs, of past eras.

Yin Weimin, minister of human resources and social security, said last week that while college graduates remain an important group, more than 3 million people from rural areas also are expected to find jobs in cities.

Che Xiaorui, an NPC deputy from Zhejiang province, suggested the strengthening of professional training and cooperation between schools and enterprises to help graduates find satisfying jobs.

Last year, 720,000 workers were transferred to other posts amid the country's campaign to cut overcapacity in some traditional industries like the coal and steel sectors, Li said. The central government spent 100 billion yuan ($14.5 billion) last year to help local governments in the campaign, the premier said.

Excess capacity will be cut in the coal-generated power sector this year, which will cause a total of 1 million workers also to be transferred to other positions, Li added.

"Jobs are the origin of wealth and the major source of residents' incomes, and we have carried out proactive policies on employment in recent years. This year, priority is being given to this area to keep a low unemployment rate," he said.
Reporters feel China's progress at sessions

Lu Yu of the Sino-US Times newspaper is covering China's annual national legislative and political consultative sessions. He tries to actively participate in every news conference and open panel discussion.

Lu has raised questions to the State Council Leading Group Office for Poverty Alleviation and Development director Liu Yongfu, Foreign Minister Wang Yi, and Zhang Mao, head of the State Administration for Industry and Commerce.

Lu is not alone. Beijing is swarming with journalists reporting on the fifth session of the 12th National People's Congress and the fifth session of the 12th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference. According to the media center, this year's sessions have received more than 3,000 journalist applications, including those from an increased number of foreign reporters.

"Because China now is such an influential country, no journalist wants to miss out on an event so abundant with news," Lu said.

Seeing is believing

It's the first time Ronald Kato, a journalist with Vision Group in Uganda, has been to China. "It's hard to understand what goes on here, until you see Chinese democracy in action," he said.

While Kato knows already how democracy in China differs from that in the West, he now sees that it works and puts people at the center of their own government.

He said that Ugandans are currently fascinated by China-the people, culture, political system and socialism with Chinese characteristics - and mostly how a country that was among the poorest in the world 40 years ago has grown to such a paradigm of inclusive development.

Old China hand

Russian reporter Andrey Kirillov of ITAR-TASS Russian news agency has been reporting on the two sessions for 20 years. He is interested in economic development in general, and this year, in China's 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-20) in particular.

China can be seen as a growth engine in the world, Kirillov said. China has set its GDP growth target for around 6.5 percent this year, and Kirillov wants to see how China's growth contributes to world growth.

Kirillov also wonders about the role of his home country in the initiative and has closely followed tripartite relations between China, the United States and Russia since US President Donald Trump took office.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi said at his March 8 news conference that China, the United States and Russia should come together in pursuit of win-win outcomes. Relations should not be a "seesaw". The three should work with, rather than against, one another.

In addition to social issues covered by foreign media, questions also touched on the prospects for relatively poor zones surrounding Beijing, rural land transfer and artificial intelligence.

Kirillov has felt more openness at the two sessions, year after year. "As foreign media, we are now welcome to attend and report on discussions by delegations from local regions."
Nation prepared to play larger role in global system

As China plays a larger role on the global stage, the two sessions are becoming increasingly significant internationally, according to a senior academic in London.

Erik Berglof, director of the London School of Economics' Institute of Global Affairs, said China's domestic reform and its championing of free trade and globalization set the scene for this year's legislative meetings.

"Chinese leaders need to do much more to take into account the international implications of domestic decisions," he said. "China is an important part of the global economic system. It cannot stand on the sidelines."

He referred to projects such as the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and the Belt and Road Initiative as important examples of the nation's aspiration to encourage global growth and development.

Meanwhile, China's domestic issues, such as the need to trim excess capacity from its heavy manufacturing sector and the rising debt levels, need to be dealt with because "those issues will have ramifications, not just for China, but also for the rest of the world".

Berglof, who formerly worked as chief economist and special adviser to the president of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, said the AIIB is an encouraging initiative, especially in setting a precedent to show that developing economies can take a leading role in establishing a multinational development bank.

"The AIIB is innovative in the way it came about," he said. "It is an initiative by an emerging economy, and it was built from a lot of learning from other institutions. It has attracted plenty of staff from other international financial institutions quickly."

He said it is also important for China to consider how to involve other countries and institutions in its projects, rather than trying to achieve objectives alone.

According to Berglof, China will have to play an increasingly important role in upholding the rules of global institutions such as the World Trade Organization because the United States under President Donald Trump is questioning their legitimacy.

cecily@mail.chinadailyuk.com

(China Daily 03/16/2017 page4)
Workers of Northern Heavy Industries Group Co. Ltd., based in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, disassemble a tunnel boring machine to transport it to Sao Paulo, Brazil (XINHUA)

Since the global financial crisis broke out in 2008, one of the major challenges for the world economy is dealing with inadequate effective demand. The Chinese economy is facing this issue as well, but the essence of the problem is that the quality of the supply does not satisfy the demand. The supply side's poor quality has impeded China's plans for economic transformation, upgrading, and growth.

The Central Economic Work Conference held in December 2016 concluded that structural imbalance is the root cause of problems facing the Chinese economy, calling for further reforms on the supply side.

Last year, China made remarkable achievements in supply-side structural reformcutting excess capacity, destocking, deleveraging, lowering corporate costs and improving weak links. However, there are still severe challenges remaining: The work of cutting excessive production capacity in steel and coal industries was uneven in 2016, and some shutdown production centers covertly resumed work after product prices soared.

Deleveraging in the real estate market achieved remarkable results, with more than 80 percent of unsold houses in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou being sold. Nonetheless, housing prices in some first and second-tier cities rose rapidly while third and fourth-tier cities still had a large amount of housing inventory. Furthermore, the cost of corporate financing, logistics, energy, land use and transactions is still not low enough to support the transformation and upgrading of the manufacturing industry. Finally, working capital is not adequate in many sectors of the economy's so-called "weak links," meaning coordinated and high-quality economic growth is stymied.

To address these problems, attention must be paid to the following issues when continuing supply-side structural reforms this year.

Correct understanding

Supply-side structural reform is a term that must be well understood. Some people mistake "cutting excess capacity" as "cutting output." Government orders to cut excess capacity could be meaningless under certain circumstanceswhen prices rise because of drops in output, industries will naturally put their shut-down production capacity into operation again.

For instance, cutting excess capacity in the steel and coal sectors in 2016 had mixed results mainly because steel and coal prices kept rising since the third quarter of the year. In major steel-producing provinces such as Hebei, Jiangsu and Shandong, output of crude steel increased rapidly amid price surges while in Shaanxi, Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia and Shanxi, China's major coal-producers, coal output also grew.

The government should instead formulate standards concerning energy and resource consumption, pollution, and workplace safety. It should also ensure that everyone adheres to the same standards, order the termination of firms which fail to obey the standards and let the market play its role.

It is hard to demonstrate fairness through compulsory overcapacity reduction. Many people have complained that when ordering firms to cut overcapacity, the government offers aid and subsidies only to state-owned enterprises (SOEs), which have more difficulty in dealing with the ensuing layoff issue, while private firms have to solve these problems by themselves. This ultimately leads to an unfair market environment and competition.

To ensure fairness, the government must formulate rules concerning safety, quality and emission reduction standards, and then ensure that these standards are obeyed by all.

During the reform process, administrative measures are emphasized because they can produce rapid results and are easy to use. But without market-oriented schemes, these measures will soon lose effectiveness.

We must stop using administrative intervention on microeconomic affairs as a way to advance supply-side structural reform. It is reasonable for the government to guide and nurture market schemes in order to solve problems caused by poor quality of the supply side. However, the ultimate goal should be to make the market play a decisive role in resource allocation.

Breakthroughs in key sectors

China's economic growth will follow an L-shape trend, which is in line with the current national condition and economic structure. However, we can unleash more potential by advancing supply-side structural reform. Several examples can be cited. A large number of domestic farm products become dead stock due to poor quality while China imports a large amount of foreign farm produce each year. Also, some Chinese refuse domestic milk for safety concerns and choose to buy milk imported from countries like Australia and New Zealand.

If Chinese firms can achieve breakthroughs in product safety and quality, less will be imported. For example, importing $10 billion less a year will push up GDP growth by 0.1 percentage point. Moreover, in the heavy and fine chemical sectors, we have to pay $500-600 billion per year for imports because of the poor quality of domestic products. China must upgrade its industries and make breakthroughs in some key sectors.

According to the Central Economic Work Conference held in December 2016, supply-side structural reform also includes invigorating the real economy, advancing supply-side reform in agriculture and establishing long-term mechanisms to ensure sound and stable real estate development. It requires that progress be made in some key areas of reform. For example, in the seven sectors of SOE monopolies such as the power, oil, natural gas, railway, aviation and defense industries, mixed-ownership reform should facilitated.

Shifting leverage

Debt-for-equity swaps will be promoted in 2017 because the corporate debt ratio is too high, which may intensify potential financial risks. Corporate leverage ratios must be lowered. However, as China strives to stabilize growth, the leverage ratio of the entire economy will inevitably rise. Therefore, the transfer of leverage is needed.

On one hand, the public sector, the government and residents need to increase leverage; on the other hand, businesses will be better off through debt-for-equity swaps, as the scheme will help introduce new strategic investors, improve the ownership and corporate governance structure, and establish medium and long-term incentive mechanismsall of which are key areas for reform in 2017.

In brief, the supply-side structural reform should focus on improving quality, reducing ineffective supply, and making the supply structure more adaptable to demand.

Reducing ineffective supply helps eliminate poor-performing companies, squeeze the market for low-quality products, strengthen oversight of product quality and crack down on counterfeit commodities. Focusing on higher-quality production helps companies establish core competitiveness, realize innovation-driven growth, and nurture more time-honored brands.

The author is deputy chief economist of the China Center for International Economic Exchanges
Full Text: Report on the Work of the Government

BEIJING -- Following is the full text of the Report on the Work of the Government delivered by Premier Li Keqiang at the Fifth Session of the 12th National People's Congress on March 5, 2017 and adopted on March 15, 2017:

REPORT ON THE WORK OF THE GOVERNMENT

Delivered at the Fifth Session of the 12th National People's Congress of the People's Republic of China on March 5, 2017

Li Keqiang

Premier of the State Council

Esteemed Deputies,

On behalf of the State Council, I will now report to you on the work of the government and ask for your deliberation and approval. I also wish to have comments on my report from the members of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

Let me begin with a review of our work in 2016.

In the past year, China's development has faced grave challenges posed by a great many problems and interwoven risks and dangers both at home and abroad. However, under the strong leadership of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, we the Chinese people have risen to the challenge and worked hard to press ahead, driving forward sustained, healthy economic and social development.

At the Sixth Plenary Session of the 18th Party Central Committee, the core position of General Secretary Xi Jinping was formally affirmed, which reflects the fundamental interests of the Party and the Chinese people, and is of crucial and far-reaching significance for ensuring the flourishing and long-term stability of the Party and the country. All regions and all government departments have steadily strengthened their consciousness of the need to maintain political integrity, think in big-picture terms, uphold the leadership core, and keep in alignment. Pushing ahead with all-around efforts, we have achieved major progress in finishing building a moderately prosperous society in all respects, made important strides in deepening reform, continued to exercise law-based governance, and made further progress in practicing strict Party self-governance; and we have accomplished the year's main tasks and targets for economic and social development, and got the 13th Five-Year Plan off to a great start.

The economy has registered a slower but stable performance with good momentum for growth.

GDP reached 74.4 trillion yuan, representing 6.7-percent growth, and seeing China outpace most other economies. China contributed more than 30 percent of global growth. The CPI rose by 2 percent. With an 8.5-percent increase in profits, industrial enterprises reversed the previous year's negative growth of 2.3 percent. Energy consumption per unit of GDP fell by 5 percent. Economic performance improved markedly in quality and returns.

Employment growth exceeded projections.

A total of 13.14 million new urban jobs were added over the course of the year. The number of college graduates finding employment or starting businesses reached another record high. The registered urban unemployment rate stood at 4.02 percent at year-end 2016, the lowest level in years. For China, a large developing country with a population of over 1.3 billion, attaining this level of employment is no easy task.

Continued advances were made in reform and opening up.

Breakthroughs were made in reforms in major sectors and key links, and initial success was achieved in supply-side structural reform. New measures were introduced for opening China up, rapid progress was made in pursuing the Belt and Road Initiative, and a number of major projects and industrial-capacity cooperation projects with other countries were launched.

Economic structural adjustment was stepped up.

Consumption was the main driver of economic growth. The value created by the service sector rose to 51.6 percent of GDP. High-tech industries and equipment manufacturing grew rapidly. In agriculture, production was stable and structural adjustments were made, and we had continued good grain harvests.

New drivers of growth gained strength.

Further progress was made in pursuing the innovation-driven development strategy, and a number of world-leading achievements were made in science and technology. Emerging industries were thriving, and the transformation and upgrading of traditional industries accelerated. People were busy launching businesses or making innovations, with a 24.5-percent year-on-year increase in the number of new businesses registered-an average of 15,000 new businesses daily.

With self-employed traders and other market entities included we had an average of 45,000 new market entities launched per day. New growth drivers are opening new prospects for China's development.

Infrastructure became ever-better able to sustain development.

Over 1,900 kilometers of new high-speed rail lines came into service, and more than 6,700 kilometers of expressways and 290,000 kilometers of rural roads were built or upgraded. Construction picked up pace on urban rail transit facilities and underground utility tunnels. Construction began on 21 major water conservancy projects. The number of 4G mobile communications subscribers grew by 340 million and over 5.5 million kilometers of optical fiber cables were added.

Living standards were improved.

Personal per capita disposable income increased by 6.3 percent in real terms. The number of people living in poverty in rural areas was reduced by 12.4 million, including more than 2.4 million people relocated from inhospitable areas. More than 6 million homes in rundown urban areas and over 3.8 million dilapidated rural houses were renovated. In tourism, domestic trips showed rapid growth, and overseas trips exceeded 120 million. People in both urban and rural areas saw arise in living standards.

China successfully hosted the G20 2016 Hangzhou Summit, and helped to deliver a number of important pioneering, leading, and institutional outcomes, thus doing its part for global economic governance.

2016 was an unusual year in our country's development. China was confronted with an external environment in which the world saw the lowest economic and trade growth in seven years, growing volatility in global financial markets, and sudden and frequent regional and global challenges. Domestically, China faced multiple difficulties: major structural problems, prominent risks and dangers, and mounting downward pressure on the economy. China found itself in a complex environment as reform entered a critical stage, profound changes took place affecting interests, and factors impacting social stability grew.

Given all these factors, it was not easy for us to maintain stable economic performance. And yet we succeeded, and even managed to make progress on many fronts. Once again, this shows that we the Chinese people have the courage, ingenuity, and ability to overcome any difficulty or hardship. It also shows that the Chinese economy possesses potential, resilience, and strengths, so we can be sure there is even better development ahead for China.

I will now move on to discuss our main work last year:

First, we continued to develop new and more effective ways of carrying out regulation at the macro level, thus keeping the economy performing within an appropriate range.

Last year, we faced difficult choices in conducting macro-level regulation, but we stood firm in not adopting strong stimulus policies that would have had an economy-wide impact, and strived instead to maintain steady growth, adjust the structure, and guard against risks through reform and innovation. We strengthened targeted and well-timed regulation on the basis of range-based regulation.


A screen shot of Deng Chao's Weibo post, which hints that he is set to appear in a Zhang Yimou film. [Photo/Official Weibo account of Deng Chao]

Chinese actor Deng Chao seems to have confirmed that he is set to appear in a new film directed by famed director Zhang Yimou.

Over the weekend, the actor posted on his Weibo account a photo of a script cover with his name written on it. The caption of the photo said in Chinese "Hello everyone, I am Zhang Yimou," suggesting that the film is to be directed by the internationally known filmmaker.

During a public appearance at the Loyola Marymount School of Film and TV in Los Angeles last month, Zhang confirmed that he is working on an untitled historical drama focused on the Three Kingdoms period in Chinese history.

Deng Chao is seen during a recent promotional event in Beijing. [Photo/Xinhua]

Deng Chao had been rumored to star in the new project, along with other big names like Gong Li and Yang Yang.

The Three Kingdoms Period refers to a span of 60 years in the 3rd century, when the Kingdoms of Wei, Shu and Wu dominated what is currently central, southern and eastern China.

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The total assets of Shanghai's banking industry amounted to 14.4 trillion yuan ($2.1 trillion) by the end of 2016, a year-on-year increase of 11.3 percent, according to data released by the Shanghai Banking Association on March 9.

The increase was greatly attributed to the banking industry's continuous efforts at reform and innovation last year, including its active role in the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free-Trade Zone (SFTZ) financial reforms. The Bank of China Shanghai Branch was the lead underwriter of some 3 billion yuan municipal bonds issued in Shanghai FTZ in 2016.

China Construction Bank Shanghai Branch also actively serves its clients in the Shanghai FTZ. Currently, the bank has had 15,000 Shanghai FTZ clients.

The industry also helped boost the development of the financial technology sector last year. Shanghai Pudong Development Bank (SPD Bank) piloted an investment-loan linkage mechanism, aiming to give small and medium-sized technology companies easier access to financial services to help their development.

By the end of February this year, the SPD Bank had served a total of 2,000 financial technology companies, granting loans up to 20 billion yuan.

Additionally, the banking industry has improved its services to small and micro-sized enterprises. The Postal Savings Bank of China Shanghai Branch developed a small loan business to give small and micro-sized enterprises easier access to loans. It also sought to develop cooperation with Shanghai Municipal Commission of Science and Technology and Shanghai Equity Exchange to strengthen its support of small and micro-sized firms.
Trade ministers of the United States and 11 other Pacific Rim countries attend a press conference after negotiating the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement in Atlanta, the United States, on Oct 5, 2015. [Photo/Xinhua]

Last Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said China is considering sending a delegation to the Pacific Alliance dialogue in Chile, which will also be attended by the countries that signed the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement. The announcement was misinterpreted by some media outlets to mean that "China is preparing to join the TPP", sparking discussions at home and abroad. The ministry finally cleared the confusion on Monday.

Even though China's Special Representative on Latin American Affairs Yin Hengmin participated in the two-day dialogue starting on Tuesday in Chile, it doesn't signal China will join the TPP. The Pacific Alliance is a regional economic organization established by Chile, Peru, Mexico and Colombia in 2011. Chile, the rotating presidency of the economic alliance this year, invited the signatory countries to the TPP, China and the Republic of Korea to attend the meeting as it was aimed at creating opportunities and meeting the challenges in the integration of the Asia-Pacific region.

China is not averse to the idea of the TPP. But since the TPP is not in line with its interests, the chances of China joining it are remote. Although the meeting in Chile included discussions on TPP-related topics, it had many other subjects on the agenda. That a four-country economic alliance can expand to its current scale is a testimony to Chile's diplomatic success, and the failure of the TPP to influence the signatory countries. And China's presence at the meeting shows its constant support for the regional economic integration of the Asia-Pacific region.

Even after the United States, which initiated the TPP, withdrew from it, China's stance on the trans-Pacific economic arrangement has not changed despite Australia and some other TPP signatory countries' wish to see China fill the vacuum created by the US' withdrawal. The TPP lags far behind the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade or the World Trade Organization in terms of their scopes.

China started working on the possibility of joining the GATT after former US president Richard Nixon's ice-breaking visit to Beijing in 1972. It continued its efforts to join the GATT/WTO during the 1980s and 1990s, and ultimately became a WTO member in 2001, which widened its reach in the global economy.

In comparison, the TPP is only a regional economic agreement and the number of its signatory countries is just a fraction of the WTO's. And because of the US' withdrawal, the gap between the TPP and WTO has widened further.

Those who speculate China could join the TPP refuse to accept the real state of the global economy. China is already the world's largest exporter and second-largest importer, and it cannot expect to gain much by joining the TPP. Moreover, the TPP is not a high-level free trade agreement, as some US experts want us to believe, because it is full of content that violates basic economic rules.

Add to the fact is, partially at least, part of the US' "pivot to the Asia-Pacific" strategy that has no place for China. So it is absurd to assume China will swallow all those bitter pills and agree to join the TPP.

The TPP is a typical example of the many international trade arrangements and rules that Western countries dominate. Such arrangements and rules have too many articles that reflect Western "values" at the cost of economic fairness.

The Trump administration's withdrawal from the TPP and its plans to ease domestic controls, and loosen financial supervision and medical care insurance are all signs that the US economy is out to fight against restraints.

But China has no reason to invite new shackles in the form of TPP membership to suffocate its trade. Therefore, any conjecture on China joining the TPP is nothing but wishful thinking.

The author is a researcher at the International Trade and Economic Cooperation Institute of the Ministry of Commerce.
Foreign Minister Wang Yi and US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson meet on the sidelines of a gathering of foreign ministers of the G20 leading and developing economies at the World Conference Center in Bonn, Germany, on Friday. CHINA NEWS SERVICE

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, unlike Secretary of Defense James Mattis, will also visit China apart from visiting Japan and the Republic of Korea during his tour of East Asia. And since Tillerson is expected prepare the groundwork for a summit meeting between President Xi Jinping and United States President Donald Trump, his visit has drawn much attention.

The White House and the US media have reported the two leaders are likely to meet in Mar-a-Lago estate in early April. Apparently, the two sides have narrowed their differences due to Trumps conversation with Taiwan leader Tsai Ing-wen on the phone soon after taking office. Later Trump promised to abide by the one China policy.

Tillerson and Mattis have made efforts to keep China-US relations on track. As a former military officer and business leader, Tillerson and Mattis are more familiar with the importance of the one China principle in the most important bilateral relations in the world. Perhaps because of their efforts, Trump reassured Xi during their 50-minute conversation on the phone on Feb 10 that the US will follow and respect the one China policy.

But China-US relations still face challenges, especially in regional security and bilateral trade. De-escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula and preventing the Democratic Peoples Republic of Koreas from developing nuclear missiles and other weapons, as well as dealing with the problem of deploying the US Terminal High Altitude Air Defense anti-missile system on ROK soil are the key issues that Tillerson is expected to address during his visit to China.

To apparently counter the DPRK threat, the ROK is under increasing pressure to bolster its defenses. But THAAD may be the wrong recipe in the Seouls defense mix to guard against its perceived missile threat from Pyongyang. Besides, THAAD is seen as a political and strategic US ploy to contain China and Russia.

China and the ROK may be at odds because of THAAD, but at the root of the problem are the DPRK and the US. Arguably, anti-ballistic missile systems are the best defense against a missile threat. But such anti-ballistic missile systems should have a limited range, because excessive defense arrangements by any country coupled with the US unmatched strategic offense capability can only be seen as a provocative strategic move.

Tillersons upcoming visit to China and State Councilor Yang Jiechis recent visit to the US can be seen as efforts to pave the way for a meeting between Xi and Trump, where the two leaders are likely discuss how to advance China-US strategic talks. As such, the DPRK nuclear issue and THAADs deployment should stimulate, rather than prevent, Beijing and Washington to find new cooperative means to reduce the threat.

Trump was elected on his promise to make America great again. There is nothing wrong with that. However, Trump should realize that China-US trade relations have their own balance and logic, and it is too simplistic to calculate the importance of bilateral trade by just using the import-export volume. The Trump administration should also realize the road to a greater America could also pass through China. By promoting Chinese import from the US, rather than imposing heavy taxes on Chinese export to the US, the Trump administration could boost US manufacturing and achieve a win-win result for the two sides. Moreover, the two countries should complete the Bilateral Investment Treaty negotiation as soon as possible now that the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement ceases to be a stumbling block.

Beijing and Washington have much to gain in working together to meet the myriad challenges facing the world. After riding out the initial uncertainty due to Trumps faulty handling of the Taiwan question, the two sides should work together to sort out the outstanding issues. And there is no greater platform than high-level institutional talks between the top leaders to do so, and Tillersons visit to China could prepare the groundwork for that.

The author is a professor at and associate dean of the Institute of International Studies, Fudan University.
Premier Li Keqiang speaks to reporters at the conclusion of a news conference after the closing session of the National People's Congress at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Wednesday. Xu Jingxing / China Daily

Premier Li Keqiang reiterated in his news conference on Wednesday the vital importance of healthy and sustainable Sino-US ties for both countries, especially emphasizing that the two countries should avoid a trade war.

The premier's confirmation that both countries are working closely on a possible meeting between President Xi Jinping and his US counterpart Donald Trump, showed it's a big concern for both countries to put bilateral ties on the right track after Trump was sworn in.

US President Donald Trump's aggressive stance against China during the election campaign and immediately after he was sworn in raised concerns over the future of Beijing-Washington trade relations. Trade imbalance and disputes are not new for the United States and China. But they have established some effective mechanisms, such as the Strategic and Economic Dialogue and the Sino-US Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade, to resolve them.

A tipping point, however, was reached last year when the anti-globalization tide compounded the trade imbalance problem, and it was used as a campaign card by Trump to win the election.

But Trump's address to the US Congress on March 1 allowed the world to see a different leader, a leader with the merits of some previous US presidents. His tone on China indicated he was realizing the importance of China. And there is reason to expect Trump's attitude toward China to be more reasonable in the future.

Officials from both countries maintain regular, intense communications at the official working level. But a meeting between the two heads of state will help further ease tensions and prompt officials from both sides to work more closely together for the benefit of not only the United States and China, but also the rest of the world.

First, both sides should work together to find a truly scientific method to measure the real state of bilateral trade. Since the current method cannot separate exports from re-exports, the US' trade deficit with China is exaggerated. Also, the current account doesn't give a complete picture of the US' international transactions, and excludes a large number of financial flows, which could be viewed as "adjustment items". When the US has a trade deficit with China, it actually means it has a financial surplus with China.

Second, further opening up their services sectors, especially the financial service market, should be on the policy radar of China and the US both. Trump seems inclined to loosen government regulations on Wall Street. And China plans to make its financial sector more efficient and provide high-quality financial services to the public. Therefore, by further opening up their financial service markets, the two sides will not only expand domestic demand but also create more mutual profitable opportunities for Chinese and US companies.

Third, Trump is planning to revive the US energy sector, and China has a huge demand for oil and gas. So the two sides should enhance cooperation in the oil industry. China has to import about 60 percent of its oil, mainly from Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries members, to meet the domestic demand. This means there is room for the US oil companies to fill. Besides, the US government should allow more US companies to sell oilfield technologies to China and relax some regulations on Chinese investment limits in US oil refineries.

Fourth, Trump has an ambitious infrastructure investment plan, which China can help fulfill because of its expertise in infrastructure construction.

And fifth, both sides should make efforts to complete the China-US Bilateral Investment Treaty negotiation now that it has reached a decisive state. Making bilateral trade and investment easier will make made-in-US products more easily exportable to China, and allow Chinese companies to execute merger and acquisition deals in US oil assets and take over some bankrupt companies, which will alleviate the unemployment problem in the US.

Considering China and the US are now so deeply interconnected that the actions of one can have a huge impact on the other, and vice-versa, neither can afford the cost of bad relations. This means Chinese and US leaders will not intentionally undermine the most important bilateral relationship in the world. As such, if both sides deepen their cooperation, and enhance mutual understanding, China-US relations will be less discordant.

The author is a research fellow at and director of the Division of American Economic Studies at the Institute of American Studies, China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations.
SHI YU/CHINA DAILY Editor's note: During the annual sessions of China's top legislature, and the top political advisory body, Yu Minhong, political advisor and CEO of New Oriental Education, said only the rich can afford to own a house in a good school district in Beijing, sparking a public debate. Two experts share their views on the issue with China Daily's Zhang Yuchen:

Resource distribution a strategic task

The distribution of education resources in China couldn't be much fairer, for the existing system of school districts is progressive in terms of admission standards.

In the recent past, of course, people with more economic resources had easier access to good schools.

It is not possible to ensure absolute fairness in the distribution of education resources. But the government measures should ensure the basic requirements for elite and average schools remain the same, from facilities, courses and arrangements to teachers, performance and evaluation.

Generally speaking, education resources have been distributed on the same principles in many regions in the country. For example, teachers inmost schools are all at least college graduates. The only difference lies in what sort of education Chinese parents want for their children, especially because they are known to pursue the best possible education for their wards.

The practice of school district housing is not exclusive to China. It is a reality in many other countries too, as there is the difference in "quality" between different schools. Besides, Chinese parents also enroll their children in special, extra-curriculum classes in the hope that they will perform better in competitive examinations. In other words, the pursuit of "quality education" has its roots in parents' desperation to make their children "winners" in the educational race.

Given these facts, equal distribution of education resources will always be a strategic task.

Li Jianzhong, associate researcher at Research Center for International Comparative Education, National Institute of Education Sciences.

Good enrollment system needed

Housing prices are skyrocketing because people who can afford to are desperate to buy a house in so-called elite school districts and property developers are capitalizing on it to make more profits. All parents want the best education for their children but few have the resources to make that happen, so the well-off families are stealing a march over those who are economically weak. This means only relatively wealthy children can get quality education because their families can afford to buy a house in "elite" school districts.

To overcome this problem, the government should fix a ratio for fairer enrollment. For example, 30 or 40 percent of the students should be admitted from outside the school district if they have the potential to excel in academics. This will offer good students from relatively poor families to get a chance to prove their mettle and thus indirectly ensure a fairer distribution of education resources.

Similar to the Chinese school district system, the United Kingdom's postcode system requires a family to be a resident of an area for a certain period to qualify to enroll its children to any of the schools in the area. But the UK government plans to abolish the system and, instead, promote more grammar or vocabulary schools where students can also learn vocational skills.

The UK's move offers a lesson, but in the meanwhile the Chinese education authorities should adjust the school enrollment process to ensure children from poor and rural families get a fairer chance to study in good schools. Gaston Chee, a member of the executive committee of the British Chamber of Commerce and CEO of BeGo Education.
President Xi Jinping takes the podium on the first day of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Jan 172017. [Photo/Agencies]

Defending globalization at the World Economic Forum in January, President Xi Jinping accentuated that the Belt and Road Initiative, which he proposed in 2013, is China's answer to problems frustrating globalization.

And in the Government Work Report he delivered last Sunday and approved by the top legislature on Wednesday, Premier Li Keqiang highlighted the initiative as a strategic move toward building a more open global economy.

Li again cited the initiative to illustrate the country's commitment to greater openness while addressing the media at the close of the fifth plenary session of the 12th National People's Congress on Wednesday.

During panel discussions throughout the just-concluded annual sessions of the top legislature and the top political advisory body, the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee, there was plenty of talk about how local economies and industries may contribute to and take advantage of the ambitious global connectivity project. But it is not just China that is benefiting.

For all suspicions that it may renege on promises of openness to foreign businesses, Beijing's all-out efforts to build international partnerships under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative should offer reassurance that that is not the case. Even from the perspective of reciprocity, China cannot afford to lock its own economy behind walls of protection.

And Chinese direct investments in countries along the Belt and Road routes have added nearly $1.1 billion in tax revenues and 180,000 jobs in those countries.

As an expansive economic connectivity regime that involves more than 60 countries, the Belt and Road Initiative, in Foreign Minister Wang Yi's words, has become "the most promising platform for international cooperation".

In May, Beijing will host the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation.

With Beijing devoting so much, so whole-heartedly, to the project, there is little doubt it will be a core vehicle for Chinese foreign policies in the foreseeable future.

Thus speculation that China's presence in Chile at the ongoing trade talks of the remaining members of the abortive Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement signals Beijing's willingness to take over Washington's role is unfounded, because there simply is no need for Beijing to assume such a role.

A more sensible way is to dovetail the existing designs for Asia-Pacific regional cooperation with those of other regions.

Integrating these inclusive regional groupings with the Belt and Road will generate unlimited growth potential for the global economy.
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang gives a press conference at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 15, 2017. [Photo by Kuang Lihua/China Daily]

WEDNESDAY WAS WORLD CONSUMER RIGHTS DAY. Premier Li Keqiang has for several times emphasized that China's economic development should enter a "quality era", while Zhi Shuping, head of the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine, said at a Tuesday news conference that quality should come first. Beijing News comments:

"Quality era" became a hot phrase with the approach of World Consumer Rights Day. But quality is more than just consumer rights, it is also about upgrading the manufacturing sector as well as improving the economic growth mode.

Long gone are the days when the domestic manufacturing industry could rely on low quality and cheap prices to survive. The new core competitiveness of China's manufacturing industry should now be good quality. Only with good quality products can it meet consumers' needs and improve its position in the global value chain.

In order to ensure quality, protection of consumers' rights and interests is a must.

There have been many examples of enterprises being chased out of the market because they ignore consumers' rights and needs.

Domestic internet enterprises are growing much faster than the traditional industries, because they know better how to serve consumers and how to meet the demands of customers. They collect big data from users and analyze the data to improve their products and services. This is something traditional manufacturers should also do.

Of course, a quality era cannot come out of the blue. In addition to relying on the market it also requires strong government regulation.

The government can improve the quality of the products by creating higher standards for product quality and strengthening quality supervision.

A quality era will not come from nowhere. Only with the joint efforts of all will it become reality.
A fishing boat is anchored in the Yangtze River in Yichang, Hubei province, April 1, 2013. [Photo by Zhou Jianping/Asianewsphoto]

YANGTZE RIVER long-tailed anchovies, a popular delicacy for residents along the river, have become increasingly scarce and more expensive as a result of overfishing and industrial pollution. Guangming Daily commented on Wednesday:

The scarcity of Yangtze River long-tailed anchovies has led to a spike in the price of anchovy dishes in restaurants, with prices reportedly three times more than they were last year.

It is laudable that the 2017 Government Work Report included ecological recovery of the Yangtze River Economic Belt as a priority task for the government. That should serve as the fundamental cure for the scarcity of the fish, as the deterioration of river environment warrants increased vigilance and more inputs for remedial actions.

Statistics show that the catch for Yangtze River long-tailed anchovies was about 3,750 tons in 1973, 370 tons 10 years later, and less than 100 tons in 2002. And the catch has continued to shrink since then.

The discharge of industrial waste into the Yangtze River and overfishing are the two causes of the declining catch.

More worrying is the fact that it is not just Yangtze River long-tailed anchovies that are becoming scarce. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, the four most popular domestic fish, including black carp and grass carp, are all threatened by pollution and overfishing.

The ministry has pledged to introduce a fishing ban in areas of the river that are breeding grounds and to promote sustainable fish farming in the Yangtze River region.

Efficient enforcement to reduce pollution and curb overfishing are urgently needed to realize these goals.
 Flash

Chinese embassy in Indonesia encourages Chinese tourists to say no to tips charged by customs officials.

In order to protect Chinese tourists legal rights, the Chinese embassy in Indonesia recently made a solemn representation before March 15 World Consumer Rights Day.

Chinese counselor Zhu Di expressed serious concern to Indonesian officials about Chinese tourists being charged tips at border checkpoints and crossings.

Zhu said the embassy received some complaints from Chinese tourists about being charged tips by Indonesian customs officials. We hope that effective measures will be taken immediately by the Indonesian government to put an end to this phenomenon. We need to protect the legal rights of Chinese tourists and it is also in accordance with Indonesian interests, said Zhu.

Three days later, the embassy warned Chinese tourists and encouraged them to say no when they are charged tips by Indonesian officials at border checkpoints and crossings.

An Indonesian immigration official said that they will pay close attention to the complaints from Chinese tourists and punish the related officials.

On March 10, a video sparked heated discussion online with many people in China complaining that they had been charged tips at border checkpoints and crossings. The 17 second video recorded the whole process of a Chinese tourist being charged tips by custom officials in Indonesia.

Many Chinese tourists face the same trouble when they travel in Southeast Asia. A Chinese tourist was even attacked after refusing to tip Vietnamese customs officials this February.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China has made solemn representations with its counterpart in Vietnam and received feedback on February 15. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam promised to punish the related officials in the incident.

Chinese tourists are also encouraged to refuse to pay tips and seek assistance from the Chinese embassies if they are charged tips by customs officials.

Complaint hotlines for tips are open for Chinese tourists in Chinese embassies in Indonesia and Cambodia respectively. The Chinese embassy in Thailand also releases safety warnings to Chinese tourists regularly.

With the development of the Chinese economy, more and more Chinese tourists choose to travel abroad. Southeast Asia is a hot destination for Chinese tourists. However, they all face the same trouble: being charged tips by customs officials in these countries.

Therefore, consular protection is needed to protect their legal rights while they travel abroad. China is improving its consular protection for its citizens abroad and protecting their legal rights when they are blackmailed.
US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson arrives at Haneda International Airport in Tokyo, Japan March 15, 2017. [Photo/Agencies]

WASHINGTON - US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson's upcoming first visit to China is to build on positive momentum in the relations between China and the Trump administration, experts said.

Tillerson began Wednesday his first three-nation Asian tour that will take him to Japan, South Korea and China. He is to visit Beijing Saturday to hold talks with Chinese leaders and senior officials on a range of bilateral and multilateral issues.

PAVING WAY FOR FIRST XI-TRUMP SUMMIT

Tillerson's first China trip attracts the most attention as the two sides are finalizing details for the first summit between Chinese President Xi Jinping and his US counterpart Donald Trump, amid media reports that it could take place in early April.

The two sides are also expected to discuss the nuclear and missile programs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), as well as bilateral trade and security issues.

"The visit is important for establishing the tone even more than the substance of relations between China and the new (Trump) administration," Ted Carpenter, senior fellow in defense and foreign policy studies at the Cato Institute, told Xinhua.

Agreement on the schedule and agenda for the Xi-Trump summit would be an important measure of how successful Tillerson's visit will be, Carpenter said.

Once the summit takes place, the two leaders are likely to talk about the DPRK, South China Sea and bilateral trade relations, among other issues, he added.

"The visit should leave the two nations closer to determining a time and agenda for the leaders to meet," Douglas Paal, vice president for studies at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, told Xinhua.

Paal expected that the two leaders would instruct their ministers how to hold a follow-on forum for dialogues, such as the Strategic and Economic Dialogue (S&ED), a cabinet-level annual talks held under the Obama administration.
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte of the VVD Liberal party appears before his supporters in The Hague, Netherlands, March 15, 2017. [Photo/Agencies]

AMSTERDAM - The Netherlands'centre-right Prime Minister Mark Rutte was on course for a resounding victory over anti-Islam and anti-EU Geert Wilders in an election on Wednesday, offering huge relief to other EU governments facing a wave of nationalism.

"It appears that the VVD will be the biggest party in the Netherlands for the third time in a row," a beaming Rutte told cheering supporters at a post-election party in The Hague.

"Tonight we'll celebrate a little."

Rutte received congratulatory messages from European leaders and spoke with some by telephone.

"It is also an evening in which the Netherlands, after Brexit, after the American elections, said 'stop' to the wrong kind of populism," he said.

Wilders said he had not achieved the electoral victory he had hoped for and was ready to offer tough opposition.

"I would rather have been the largest party.... but we are not a party that has lost. We gained seats. That's a result to be proud of," Wilder told journalists.

With 55 percent of votes counted, Rutte's VVD Party was projected to win 32 of parliament's 150 seats, down from 41 at the last vote in 2012. Wilders was in a three-way tie for second on 19 seats with the Christian Democrat CDA and centrist Democrats 66, data provided by the ANP news agency showed.

At 81 percent, turnout was the highest in 30 years in an election that was a test of whether the Dutch wanted to end decades of liberalism and choose a nationalist, anti-immigrant path by voting for Wilders and his promise to "de-Islamicise"the Netherlands and quit the European Union.
Britain's Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson (R) and UNICEF Somalia Country Director Steven Lauwerier help to load supplies for treating malnourished children affected by severe drought in Somalia onto a cargo plane at Mogadishu International Airport in Mogadishu, Somalia March 15, 2017. [Photo/Agencies]

MOGADISHU - British foreign minister Boris Johnson met Somalia's President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed on Wednesday, pledging aid to help combat the effects of a devastating drought, the Somali president's office said.

The country has been mired in civil war for more than a quarter of a century, and this year around 6.2 million Somalis, around half the population, need aid after the drought withered crops, killed livestock and dried up waterholes in East Africa.

A statement from the Somali president's office said Britain would give 110 million pounds ($134.35 million) for drought in some parts of Somalia.

The British Foreign Office said in a statement that Johnson discussed the drought and security.

Reuters
US President Donald Trump delivers remarks at the American Center for Mobility in Ypsilanti Township, Michigan, US March 15, 2017. [Photo/Agencies]

HONOLULU/NEW YORK - Just hours before President Donald Trump's revised travel ban was set to go into effect, a US federal judge in Hawaii on Wednesday issued an emergency halt to the order's implementation.

The action was the latest legal blow to the administration's efforts to temporarily ban refugees as well as travelers from six predominantly Muslim countries.

The new ban, signed by the president on March 6, had aimed to overcome legal problems with a January executive order that caused chaos at airports and sparked mass protests before a Washington judge stopped its enforcement in February.

US District Judge Derrick Watson put an emergency stop to the new order in response to a lawsuit filed by the state of Hawaii, which argued that the order discriminated against Muslims in violation of the US Constitution. President Trump has said the policy is critical for national security and does not discriminate against any religion.

Judge Watson concluded in his ruling that while the order did not mention Islam by name, "a reasonable, objective observer... would conclude that the Executive Order was issued with a purpose to disfavor a particular religion." Watson was appointed to the bench by former Democratic President Barack Obama.

Trump said the judge's legal block "makes us look weak" and represented "unprecedented judicial overreach," speaking at arally in Nashville, Tennessee. He said he'll take case "as far as it needs to go" including to the Supreme Court.

Paul Ryan, the Republican Speaker of the US House of Representatives, said the ban was needed to improve vetting of people entering the United States and he had no doubt that it would be upheld by higher courts.

The legal battle is likely to move now to the federal appeals circuit and could eventually get to the US Supreme Court.
British PM rules out new Scottish independence referendum before Brexit

Xinhua | Updated: 2017-03-16 21:40

LONDON -- British Prime Minister Theresa May ruled out Thursday a call for a Scottish independence referendum while Brexit negotiations are going on with Brussels.



May used a television interview in London to respond to a demand by Scotland's first minister Nicola Sturgeon for a referendum before a Brexit deal is reached.



She said now is not the time for Scotland to have an independence referendum and should instead work with the the government to seek a good deal with the EU for Scotland and the rest of Britain.



May said: "Just at this appoint all of our energies should be focused on our negotiations with the EU to get the right deal."



The announcement will put May on a collision course with Sturgeon and the Scottish Nationalist Party (SNP).



The Scottish parliament is to debate its referendum call in Edinburgh next week. The SNP say Scotland voted to remain in the EU by a 62-38 margin, compared to a 52-48 margin across Britain.



In 2014 the people of Scotland voted in favour of remaining part of Britain in what was described as a "once in a generation" vote among Scots.
Chinese universities are ranked second and third in the latest Times Higher Education Asia University rankings, which was published on Thursday.

Peking University took second for the second year running, while Tsinghua University climbed two places to third.

For the second year in a row, the National University of Singapore topped the rankings.

Two Hong Kong universities were in the top 10. The University of Hong Kong, the city's oldest university, slipped one place to fifth while Hong Kong University of Science and Technology was sixth, the same position as last year.

Chinese University of Hong Kong climbed two places to 11th, while City University edged up four places and Polytechnic University was ranked 17th, up from last year's22nd.

The Chinese mainland's Shanghai Jiao Tong University jumped from 32nd last year to 18th. Fudan University jumped from 19th to 16th, and Zhejiang University also broke into the top 20, being named in 19th place, six places higher than 2016.

Phil Baty, editor of the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, said: "Conversations about Asia as the next higher education superpower have tended to focus closely on one nation above all others: China."

He said China had been transformed into an international research power and set an example for other nations to follow.

Timothy W Tong, president of Hong Kong Polytechnic University, told the Times

Higher Education section: "The complementary fundamental strengths of Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland help to power Hong Kong universities to create broader economic and social impacts through innovative research and teaching."

Tong noted that many collaborative opportunities have recently opened up for Hong Kong researchers and professors, such as the China-led Belt and Road Initiative, which offered "unprecedented possibilities to advance research and nurture students in the fields of trade, financial services, construction, engineering and hotel management".

Judges look at the universities in five areas  teaching, research, citations, international outlook, and knowledge transfer.
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Vice-premier arrives as China agrees to buy $1.7 billion in Philippine products

Vice-Premier Wang Yang arrived in Manila on Thursday to start a four-day official visit intended to improve pragmatic cooperation between China and the Philippines.

Wang will meet with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and also with the Philippine Cabinet's economic management team for talks, according to the Foreign Ministry.

Wang attended the opening ceremony of the China-ASEAN Year of Tourism, reading a congratulatory message from Premier Li Keqiang, and he is expected to speak at the opening ceremony of the China-Philippines Economic and Trade Forum.

Wang's visit came a day after Chinese companies signed agreements with their Philippine counterparts to purchase $1.7 billion worth of fruit and other products.

As many as 73 trade deals were signed in Manila on Wednesday, including for such Philippine goods as bananas, pineapples, coconut oil, fiber, lumber, copper cathode and nickel ore, China News Service reported.

Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua said the agreements are "an effort to balance the trade" between the countries. They are the "advanced result" of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's state visit to China in October.

The agreements are expected to be the first of many as China seeks to import more nonfood goods such as chemicals and related products.

China increased its imports of fruit such as mangoes and pineapples from the Philippines after Duterte's visit to Beijing. In the past five months, bilateral trade has reached $100 million.

Duterte's visit to China last year, which included the signing of a number of cooperation deals, led to the thawing of both diplomatic and economic relations between the two countries, which had once been soured by the South China Sea arbitration case.

Duterte, who has been taking a positive approach toward China since taking office in June, has said he plans to attend the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing in May.

Zhou Fangyin, a professor of China's foreign policy at the Guangdong Institute for International Strategies, said the proper management of the South China Sea issue has helped lay a solid foundation for the two countries to develop bilateral trade.

Bilateral ties "encompass far more than the South China Sea issue", and trade cooperation between the two countries will in turn help solve that issue, Zhou said.

Xinhua contributed to this story.
Chinese law requires employers provide their employees certain mandatory benefits, including social insurance. China has five types of social insurance: pension, medical, unemployment, maternity and work-related injury insurance. The specific types of social insurance employers must provide and their contribution formulas vary depending on the employers location. Many foreign employers in China do not realize that failing to make full payments on required social insurance gives their employees the legal right to unilaterally terminate the employment agreement without providing any prior notice and then turn around and sue the employer for damages.

Just to make things more complicated for Chinas employers, China has several forms of social insurance violations. You obviously violate the law if you dont pay any social insurance at all, but the violations by foreign employers in China I most commonly see are more subtle and complicated than that. We see violations when employers fail to pay social insurance for the entire term of employment. This violation often happens when the employer thinks it need not pay social insurance during an employees probation period. We also see violations involving employers failing to pay for all five types of social insurance. And with rising wages in China, we have lately been seeing a rash of employer problems arising from paying social insurance based on a lower salary than is actually being paid, either because the employer failed to update the salary amount or because it intentionally reported a lower salary so as to reduce its employer contribution. These are the sorts of things we constantly look out for in our HR audits.

Employees may consent to the employer claiming a lower salary but that is irrelevant once caught or even once reported by the employee who consented. In a fairly recent case out of Jiangsu Province, the court reinstated the employers obligation to pay for all required types of social insurances at full rates the entire time. I am simplifying the facts for this post, but basically the employees monthly salary was higher than 7000 RMB, and the employer only contributed social insurance as though the salary had been 2200 RMB. The employee terminated the employment relationship and sued the employer for severance, arguing that he had been forced to leave his job because the employer failed to pay mandatory social insurance. The case went from labor arbitration, to trial, to appeal and then the employer petitioned for re-consideration by the Jiangsu Province High Peoples Court. The employer lost every single step of the way (which really should have been no surprise to any experienced China employment lawyer, sorry!) and was required  among other things  to pay the employee for statutory severance.

Each step of the litigation process, the employer made the following three (futile) arguments. One, the employee never objected to the arrangement of the employer misstating the employees salary and therefore underpaid the employees social insurance. Two, because the employee never voiced any objection to the social insurance payment arrangement, the parties essentially agreed on a different base for social insurance payments. Three, the employers failure to contribute the full amount of social insurance was not the same thing as failing to make any contributions at all, so the employee was not entitled to statutory severance. The Jiangsu Province High Peoples Court rejected all arguments and explicitly (and rightly) stated that the laws on social insurance are clear and the employers failure to contribute the full amounts based on the employees actual wages entitled the employee to terminate the employment contract and receive statutory severance pay from his employer.

To reiterate what is becoming a fairly regular theme of my China employment law posts, most China employment laws cannot be contracted away and an employees written consent does not change that. An employees written acknowledgement that he or she specifically asked for a particular employment arrangement also does not change that.

As a foreign company doing business in China, you are under a microscope and you will be treated differently than domestic Chinese companies. This means that you are both more likely to get caught on employer violations and more likely to get called out and treated harshly when caught. In our experience, if the labor authorities are not pursuing you for non-compliance, your employees almost certainly will either before or certainly after they leave. This brings me to another point. If your employee tells you she is leaving her employment and alleges she has been forced to quit because of employer wrongdoing (or even just provides inconsistent stories about why she is leaving), you should immediately work on resolving those problems (which is exactly what they are) before she takes you to court.
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US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, second left, arrives during his first trip to Asia as Secretary, at Haneda International Airport in Tokyo, Wednesday, March 15, 2017. [China Daily]

United States Secretary of State Rex Tillerson arrived in Tokyo on Wednesday, kicking off his first Asian trip that will also take him to the Republic of Korea and China.

Tillerson is scheduled to meet Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida on Thursday. They are expected to discuss Japan's plans to step up missile defense and the possible deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system, as well as President Donald Trump's concerns about the US trade imbalance with Japan, Reuters reported.

During his Senate confirmation hearing on Tuesday, US Trade Representative-designate Robert Lighthizer indicated that the US will push Japan to further open its agriculture sector, according to the Kyodo News.

"I would list, of course, Japan as being a primary target for a place where increased access for agriculture is important," Lighthizer said.

Lighthizer made the remarks after the Trump administration accused Japan last week of maintaining nontariff barriers for its automobile market and imposing high import tariffs for foreign farm products.

The US may also demand a further opening of Japan's farm market during high-level economic talks the two governments are planning to start in mid-April, when US Vice-President Mike Pence visits Japan.

In Seoul on Friday, Tillerson is scheduled to meet ROK Prime Minister and interim president Hwang Kyoahn and Foreign Minister Yun Byungse, with no schedule for meetings with opposition figures. That raises questions about the durability of any agreements, Reuters said.

On the eve of Tillerson's Asia trip, US Acting Assistant Secretary of State Susan Thornton said in Washington on Monday that former president Barack Obama's "pivot to the Pacific" effort is officially dead, and the Trump administration has its own plan for the region, even if that plan has yet to take shape.
The Christian CCC&TSPM of Suzhou hosted a seminar titled "How Urbanization Influences Chinese Churches" at Dusu-Lake Christian Church in the afternoon of March 8, 2017. Duan Qi, a researcher at the World Religions Institute at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, was invited to speak.

According to the website of the CCC&TSPM of Suzhou, Prof. Duan Qi stated at the seminar that the influence of urbanization on Chinese Christianity has four aspects. One is that the majority of the believers shifted from rural to urban believers. Second, urban churches with better economies attract younger people. Third, different types of Christians like intellectuals, bosses, and migrant workers emerged in churches. Fourth, many rural churches wither.

Everyone was deeply inspired and reminded by the brilliant seminar, which was informative on many aspects. There was a panoramic introduction, as well as case studies and trend analysis on organizations and movement.

There were 47 fellow workers of the church at the seminar. They said that this seminar helped them deeply understand the current situation of Chinese churches. The opening, reform and the urbanization process contributed to economic development, population mobility, and the diversification of society. These changes gave Chinese churches, especially urban churches, opportunities and different challenges in management, shepherding, services, evangelism, and more.

Duan Qi is a researcher at the World Religions Institute at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, who studies Christianity, and focuses on the history of Chinese Christianity and modern American Christianity. Her works are "Western Society and Church," "The Course of Endeavor-Indigenization of Christianity in China," "Evolution of US Religion," and "History of Christianity."

Translated by: Grace Hubl
(Photo : Getty Images. ) A new study has found that China's heavy smog spell is deeply linked to climate change that has caused heavy loss of ice in Arctic Sea.

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Climate change played a significant role in causing extreme air pollution in China during 2013 December and more such "airpocalypses" are most likely to become common in the coming years, the new study has found.



This new research study was led by Prof Yuhang Wang from Georgia Institute of Technology based in Atlanta. Mr Wang specifically blamed the 'fast melting ice in the Arctic sea' and 'unprecedented increase in snowfall in Serbia' for worsening climate conditions across the globe, including China.



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"The very rapid change in polar warming is really having a large impact on China," Wang said as he explained further "Mostly that's because of a very rapid change in the high Polar Regions where sea ice is decreasing and snowfall is increasing."



Wang claimed that this perturbation process "keeps cold air from getting into the eastern parts of China, where it would flush out the air pollution."



The new finding makes sense, given that even non-scientific observation found out that there seems to be an apparent link between climatic change in Arctic sea & Serbia and 'airpocalypses' that happened in 2013 and 2016. In both the years China experienced heavy smog for a prolong period, after ice levels in Arctic region fell to unprecedentedly low level and Serbia witnessed record snow fall.



What is really worrying is that this new study agrees with views of most environmentalists that claims global warming will force Arctic sea ice to decline further in coming years, which means airpocalypses are set to become a recurring phenomena in future in the world's most populous country.



This has set a concern among many people on how well China can pull off the Winter Olympics Games in 2022. Many doubt that bad air quality in China can affect the Winter Olympic games, just as it did during the Summer Olympics games of 2008.



China's air pollution problem hogged global limelight during the entire month December in 2013, when the entire Eastern China region was continuously plagued by heavy smog, bringing the lives of millions of people to a standstill. The heavy smog spell again repeated in December last year, but this time it was northern China region that was affected the most.



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Tagschina, China smog, China Air Pollution, Airpocalypses
(Photo : Getty Images) Alibaba has raised $18 million funding for WayRay to develop AR tech in cars.

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Alibaba has announced its latest investment to Swiss augmented reality developer WayRay.



The Chinese e-commerce giant has raised $18 million funding for WayRay. As part of the deal, Alibaba's Banma Technologies would be working with WayRay. WayRay and Banma will develop a new system including AR navigation, driving assistant notifications, and a virtual dashboard.



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The new tech that the two companies will produce is supposed to show navigation details at up to roughly 65 feet away. The directions will be shown on the path in front of the driver and the display will change depending on the speed and angle the car is traveling at. WayRay claims its AR heads-up displays improve safety because the navigation information, warnings, and traffic data are placed right on the windscreen.



WayRays making the windscreen a new medium for information. The futuristic in-car infotainment system is the first to use color holographic technology (they were previously only green). Furthermore, the system provides a smart driving assistant that collects your driving stats and patterns, offering up a gamified system of rewards, said Mary Lapuk, head of communications at WayRays R&D base in Russia.



A spokeswoman for WayRay said the companies will begin to test the cars and the built-in system by end of 2017. In 2018, it is expected that Banma's latest car models will have WayRay's AR navigation and infotainment system called Navion and will be initially launched in China.



Upon completion of the new technology between Alibaba and WayRay, the Chinese e-commerce giant could be the first to successfully build such a system into cars unless Tesla will develop it too. In February, Tesla CEO Elon Musk reportedly hinted that he might build a head-up display into the Model 3.



WayRay is not the first investment in virtual reality and augmented reality of Alibaba. Last month, it had built new funding in U.S. AR start-up Magic Leap, Inc. for US$793.5 million. In November 2016, it also invested in Infinity AR, a company based in Israel.



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TagsAlibaba, WayRay, AR, Augmented Reality, augmented reality navigation, Tesla, china, Banma Technologies
(Photo : Getty Images. ) Saudi Arabias King Salman was given a red carpet welcome by Chinese President Xi Jingping on Thursday. The Saudi monarch arrived in Beijing on Wednesday with a massive entourage of 1,000 officials.

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Saudi Arabia's King Salman was given a grand welcome by China's President Xi Jinping on Thursday to mark the beginning of the monarch's three-day visit to the Asian country. The high-profile visit is likely to be yet another game changer in Saudi-China relationship after Xi made a historic visit to the Middle Eastern kingdom last year.



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The 81 years old Monarch arrived in Beijing on Wednesday with a huge entourage of 1,000 officials, after concluding his visit to Japan, Malaysia, and Indonesia as a part of his month-long Asia tour. King Salman's visit to these countries is mostly motivated by economic factor as all these countries are among the fastest growing importers of Saudi oil.



Xi welcomed the monarch and his entourage at the historic Great Hall of the People with a message that the king's maiden visit showed the importance he attaches to relations with mainland China.



"This visit will push forward and continue to improve the quality of our relations and bear new fruit," Xi told reporters.



Meanwhile, China and Saudi Arabia set the ball rolling on the very first day of King Salman's visit as both countries signed several agreements and MOU worth nearly $65 billion. The agreements cover many important sectors from energy to space.



The announcement was made by China's deputy foreign minister Zhang Ming, who was present at the Great Hall of the People during Xi and King Salman's meeting. However, Zhang declined to provide any further details of the agreements.



Economically, the energy-rich China offers mammoth potential revenue to the Middle East Kingdom, which is officially the world's largest exporter of oil. But it faces fierce competition from Russia, which has been one of the largest oil exporters to its neighboring communist country. According to official data, Russia was the largest exporter of oil to Beijing last year.



However, the oil-rich Saudi Arabia is expected to go an extra mile to win over the lucrative Chinese market. It has even invited Chinese oil companies to invest in its oil behemoth Saudi Aramco, which is widely considered as the world's most valuable company.



China's Paradigm Shift in Middle East Foreign Policy



Although China is one of the five permanent members of the United Nations, it has rarely been proactively involved in the affairs of the Middle Eastern region, which is a politically volatile.



However, last year the Asian giant decided to revamp its highly passive Middle Eastern policy. The first step in this direction was taken in January last year as Xi embarked on a historic Middle Eastern tour, with Saudi Arabia being one of his stops.



In the previous year, China also made a bold decision of taking an active interest in Syrian civil war by providing economic and medical aid to Bashar al-Assad's government. However, the Asian giant has refused to militarily intervene in the civil war.



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Tagschina, China and Saudi Arabia, King Salman, Saudi King Salman
(Photo : PLAN) PLAMC ZBD-05 IFVs.

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China plans to downsize the People's Liberation Army Ground Force (PLAGF) while boosting the strength of the badly undermanned and underfunded People's Liberation Army Navy Marine Corps (PLAMC) as part of moves deemphasizing the importance of the PLAGF.



Beijing announced plans to increase the manpower of the PLAMC by 400 percent to project infantry fighting power overseas the same way as the United States Marine Corps. The PLAGF, which is trained for conventional ground combat, will have little or no role to play in any ground combat over the manmade islands built by China or those seized by China from other nations such as the Philippines and Vietnam.



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With a strength of 1.6 million men and women, the PLAGF is the largest standing army in the world. It can't fight outside mainland China, however, because China is bereft of the military and civilian ships to transport army sized units overseas.



On the other hand, the PLAMC only has 12,000 men on its rolls. These men belong to two brigades -- the 1st Marine Brigade and 164th Marine Brigade -- with a third brigade (the 77th Motorized Infantry Brigade from the PLAGF) in the process of organization.



These men are based at the city of Zhanjiang in southern Guangdong province bordering the South China Sea and off Hainan Island.



The marines operate main battle tanks (Type 59); light amphibious tanks (Type 63 and ZBD200); infantry fighting vehicles (ZBD05) and armored personnel carriers of various makes.



The men and their machines are deployed to their objectives by naval transport ships such as the Type 071 (Yuzhao class), of which only four are in service and two building.



A 400 percent increase to the current strength of 18,000 men means China plans to fund and equip an additional 72,000 men, bringing the PLAMC to about 100,000 men. This build-up will be funded by a $147 billion increase in military spending for the next year.



"The PLA marines will be increased to 100,000, consisting of six brigades in the coming future [to] fulfill new missions of our country," said sources in the People's Liberation Army (PLA), as quoted by Chinese media.



In addition, the increased funding will also go to the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), to which the PLAMC belongs, and will allow PLAN to boost its strength to 270,000 personnel from the existing 235,000.



Chinese military pundits also said the boost to both the PLAN and the PLAMC will add muscle to China's foreign policy.



"Besides its original missions of a possible war with Taiwan, maritime defense in the East and South China seas, it's also foreseeable that the PLA Navy's mission will expand overseas, including protection of China's national security in the Korean peninsula, the country's maritime lifelines, as well as offshore supply depots like in Djibouti and Gwadar port in Pakistan," said Admiral Li Jie with the Naval Military Academic Research Institute.



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Tagschina, People's Liberation Army Ground Force, People's Liberation Army Navy Marine Corps, PLAMC, United States Marine Corps, Zhanjiang
(Photo : PLAN) Liaoning launches a Shenyang J-15 fighter.

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China again claims the ongoing buildup of the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) is purely for "defensive purposes," but has gone on a propaganda offensive trumpeting its "first class" offensive fighting power.



China is anxious to close what will be an ever widening technological gap with its main rival, the U.S. Navy, which will see a resurgence in its fighting power given the additional funding it will receive under the next U.S. defense budget.



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The 2017 U.S. Navy shipbuilding plan now with Congress envisions an increase the size of the fleet to 308 ships by building 254 ships over a 30-year period.



Officially, China's defense spending amounts to only about a fourth of the U.S. defense budget, but many Western experts believe its actual military spending is much higher than the official figure. China consistently denies it is a military threat to anyone.



Vice Admiral Wang Huayong, deputy political commissar of the Eastern Theatre Command, said China's military forces are for defensive purposes only. To prove this, he noted that the People's Liberation Army Navy Marine Corps (PLAMC) "remain weak, and the number and quality of long-distance vessels do not meet expectations."



China's second aircraft carrier, the domestically built CNS Shandong, "is still in training and trial stage," said Admiral Wang.



The Shandong is now awaiting fitting, and is expected to enter service with the People's Liberation Army Navy by 2020.



In contrast to Admiral Wang's insistence on a defensive-minded PLAN, Li Yanming, a deputy of the National People's Congress and political commissar of the PLAN armaments department, said a "first-class navy should be equipped with first-class armaments."



Li also said Navy arms manufacturing would have "better quantity, quality, scope, and functionality." In addition, he believes China should be more assertive in pushing its claims in the disputed South China Sea and build more artificial islands. Defending these islands is also vital.



"We will intercept any intruding aircraft and follow every military vessel in areas under our responsibility," said Wang Weiming, PLAN deputy chief of staff.



"Our sailors should stay vigilant and be able to deal with emergencies at all times."



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Feminists in Argentina staged a fake abortion on a woman dressed as the Virgin Mary as part of an International Womens Day protest.

LifeSiteNews.com reports that the woman staged the event outside a cathedral in northern Argentina.

Women in pink masks crouch down near a woman dressed as the Virgin Mary. What appears to be blood and baby body parts are streaming out of the woman while the pseudo Mary holds a triumphant fist in the air.

It is with great sadness that we read about this highly offensive protest in Argentina," said Maureen Ferguson of The Catholic Association. "It is gravely disrespectful to mock the faith of billions of people in the woman whom National Geographic recently described as 'The Most Powerful Woman in the World' in its cover story on the Virgin Mary. It is also highly ironic for a feminist march protesting femicide to advocate for the right to take human lives, including the lives of female babies. Annually about 25 million little girls are aborted worldwide."

"This grotesque and blasphemous act represents what every abortion actually is, and those who are upset by it should be equally upset by each and every abortion that occurs," added Father Frank Pavone, National Director of Priests for Life.

Others, however, praised the demonstration, saying that the woman dressed as the Virgin Mary was aborting patriarchy and forced heterosexuality.

Photo courtesy: Thinkstockphotos.com

Publication date: March 16, 2017
Churches belonging to presbyteries of the Korean Presbyterian Church Abroad (KPCA) in the New York region have once again hosted a revival event in Masaya, Nicaragua for the first time in three years, from February 25 to 26. Some 22,000 Masaya area residents attended the conference over the two days.

The churches had organized the revival events seven consecutive years from 2008 to 2014, leading countless people to Christ. This years event, like the previous ones, featured pastoral seminars, teaching seminars, medical and dental screenings, nail art, personal evangelism, eye exams, intercessory prayer, and hair services, among other activities.

A mission team comprising of 70 members of churches in various regions such as New York, Chicago, and South Korea, ministered to the people in Masaya with one heart and as one team. The team included church members from Yale Korean Presbyterian Church of New York, Sansung Church in Busan, and Korean Presbyterian Church of Westchester, among other churches.

Attendees traveled from not only the nine cities located in Masaya, but also outer cities, and 227 buses were mobilized to bring attendees to the event.

The first day saw some 12,000 in attendance, while the second day drew about 10,000. A total of 454 individuals received Jesus as their Lord during the event, and 73 people were baptized.

I want to express my gratitude from the deepest place of my heart to those who have served through prayer, offering, and physical presence, said missionary Dong-Hong Lee. The phrase that I can still hear ringing in my ear, Masaya para Cristo, will be my rallying cry for missions and is the path that I will have to tread.
Two bills have been introduced in the Nevada Legislature that would require employers to expand contraception coverage in the medical insurance they provide for their employees, regardless of the religious background of the employers.

Assembly Bill 249 and Senate Bill 233 were heard in the Assembly and Senate Health and Human Services Committee early this month.

Current law allows businesses to be exempt from covering contraceptives for its employees on the basis of religious conscience. In 2014, the U.S. Supreme Court said in a 5-4 ruling that businesses that are operated with a few individuals are allowed to choose not to cover employees birth control.

The newly introduced bills, mainly sponsored by three Democratic members of the Legislature, aim to take those exemptions away, and would also expand the coverage that insurance can provide.

For instance, whereas currently individuals can receive a limit of 90 days of birth control prescriptions, the bill aims to expand that to a years worth of prescriptions maximum. The bill introduced in the Senate would also require that the employer-provided insurance covers screenings for diabetes, prenatal tests, and counseling for domestic violence, among other things.

My goal is to make sure that as many women as possible have access to the health services that they need, said Senator Julia Ratti (D-Sparks), who sponsored SB 233.

However, the bills are being opposed by some conservatives, who say that they are infringing on employers religious liberty.

We are very concerned about the slippery slope we are now on in this state of the erosion of religious liberty, said Janine Hansen, the state president of Nevada Families for Freedom, during the Assembly Health and Human Services Committee meeting.

Currently, four other states allow patients to receive 12 months of birth control prescriptions.
Eight native staff members of Samaritans Purse were released from detention in South Sudan on Tuesday.

The staff were reported to have been abducted by rebel forces on Monday in the Mayendit region, and some reports even mentioned that the kidnappers requested food as ransom.

However, Samaritans Purse denied that there was any ransom request, and clarified to Voice of America that the staff were detained, rather than abducted.

They were clearly held against their will, but we do not see it as a kidnapping, Ken Isaacs, vice president of programs and government relations at Samaritans Purse, told Voice of America.

The rebel forces also denied on Tuesday that they kidnapped the Samaritans Purse staff, who are also residents of the Mayendit area.

These aid workers are supporting the community and these communities are in liberated areas. So, how should we even abduct someone who supports you? Lam Paul Gabriel, a deputy rebel spokesman, told Reuters. It is unreasonable to do that. It is just a matter of branding us as bad people.

Samaritans Purse released a statement on Tuesday expressing gratitude for the safety of the staff.

Samaritans Purse is thankful to God for the safe release of our South Sudanese national staff, who had been detained by armed personnel in the Mayendit area of South Sudan, the group said.

There was no ransom request, and the previously detained staff members are now in a safe location, the statement continues. We are grateful for the World Food Programmes support in helping us relocate them.

According to Samaritans Purse, the group had been active in providing food to the people residing in the Mayendit region for over two years, but pulled out its local staff two weeks ago after the group feared violence would come in the area.

In the month of February, the local staff in the Mayendit area provided food for more than 100,000 people, the organization said.

Meanwhile, the nation of South Sudan has been undergoing a violent civil war, and the United Nations declared recently that it is also in a state of famine.

In February, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United nations (FAO), the United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF), and the World Food Programme (WFP) stated that as many as 5 million people may face extreme food shortages by the summer if they do not receive aid.

The violence in the South Sudanese villages has hindered efforts in providing food aid as well, according to Samaritans Purse.

Because of local fighting in the [Mayendit] region, we have had to temporarily halt our food distributions, the group stated. Please pray that God will enable us to restore our teams back to Mayendit and resume ministering to the physical and spiritual needs of the people there.
In the past few months, life has suddenly gotten worse for dozens of South Korean missionaries ministering in China. From CTs report:

In the past few months, China has expelled dozens of South Korean missionaries from Jilin, a northeastern province that neighbors North Korea. News media reported the raids, with estimates of the total expulsions ranging from 30 to 70.

Chinese authorities raided the homes of the missionaries, citing a problem with their visas, and told them to leave, one human rights activist and pastor told Agence France-Presse (AFP). He said that most were on tourist or student visas.

The majority of South Korean missionaries working in China serve North Korean defectors who cross the border. There are at least 500 officially registered South Korean missionaries in China, though this number could be as high as 2,000.

While missions took off in South Korea in the late 1970smaking the country the No. 2 missionary-sending country by 2006its foreign presence has been on the decline in the last decade. In fact, 2017 marks 10 years since 23 South Korean church volunteers were abducted by the Taliban while traveling in Afghanistan on a medical aid trip. They were released 43 days later, but not before two of them were killed.

The trauma caused by the event didnt shake the South Korean churchs resolve on missions, said Julie Ma, a theology professor at Oral Roberts University.

Church leaders said they will still go forward with the gospel but with more caution and wisdom, said Ma, one of the first South Korean missionaries in the Philippines. I think this terrible experience taught the Korean church a lot of things.

Ma joined assistant editor Morgan ...

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The leaders of Americas top evangelical aid groups and denominations urged Congress today to reject proposed cuts to foreign aid in a letter signed by more than 100 prominent Christians, including 2 of the 6 clergy who prayed at President Donald Trumps inauguration.

National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference president Samuel Rodriguez and Cardinal Timothy Dolan joined the many leaders on the list, which includes InterVarsity Christian Fellowships Tom Lin and Alec Hill and the presidents of Fuller, Gordon-Conwell, Denver, and Princeton seminaries. Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, and Third Day also signed [full list below].

The Trump administration released its budget blueprint Thursday, which outlines the anticipated cutbacks to international aid programs. The plan reduces the State Department and US Agency for International Development (USAID) budget by 28 percent.

As followers of Christ, it is our moral responsibility to urge you to support and protect the ...

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'Arrest Snoop Dogg' -- Black Leader Condemns Mock Assassination of President Trump Contact: 323-782-1980, 213-804-1872



LOS ANGELES, March 16, 2017 /Christian Newswire/ -- Author, activist, and radio/TV talk show host, Rev. Jesse Lee Peterson, is calling on the Department of Justice, FBI, and the Secret Service to investigate and arrest rapper Snoop Dogg (Cordozar Calvin Broadus, Jr.) and directors Jesse Wellens and James DeFina for the "Lavender" video which features Snoop Dogg shooting a clown-faced Trump stand-in with a replica gun. Snoop's lyrics also encourage shooting police officers. According to news reports, a representative for the U.S. Secret Service said they are "aware of" the video. The following is Rev. Peterson's statement regarding this issue: "Snoop Dogg and the directors of this disgusting video should be locked up for encouraging the assassination of President Trump. Enough is enough. This video is no laughing matter. The mock assassination of Donald Trump and lyrics encouraging the shooting of police are like pouring gasoline on a fire. There are angry people in this country who hate Donald Trump and want to harm him. We've seen people inspired by radical left-wing groups like Black Lives Matter carry out violence against Trump supporters and kill police officers in Dallas, TX. Snoop's music reaches millions of angry youth, and he is affiliated with gang members, so, it's possible for this video to incite these people.



"If a white artist and director depicted a mock assassination of Barack Obama, politicians and 'activists'especially members of the Congressional Black Caucus and Black Lives Matterwould be outraged. But since Donald Trump is a white Republican these hypocrites are silent. What a shame. This is the wrong message to send to black youth who are suffering not because of 'racism,' but as a result of being raised by angry single black mothers without fathers.



"Snoop Dogg has a history of violence. In 1996, he was acquitted of first-and second-degree murder charges in the shooting death of a gang member; the jury deadlocked on the manslaughter charge. On a song titled 'Deep Cover,' also known as '187,' Snoop raps about murdering undercover police. And throughout his career, Snoop has boasted about his affiliation with the Rollin' 20 Crips." Jesse Lee Peterson's latest column: Racism Does Not Exist



Rev. Jesse Lee Peterson is the founder and president of BOND, a nationally recognized nonprofit organization dedicated to "Rebuilding the Family by Rebuilding the Man." He's an author, media commentator, columnist, and national radio/TV talk show host. For interview requests call (213) 804-1872 or (323) 782-1980. For more information visit www.JesseLeePeterson.com and www.Rebuildingtheman.com.



Rev. Jesse Lee Peterson's book, "The Antidote: Healing America from the Poison of Hate, Blame, and Victimhood."

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home World Abducted Samaritan's Purse aid workers released in South Sudan

Eight local staff members of Christian aid organization Samaritan's Purse in South Sudan were released on Tuesday after they were reportedly abducted earlier this week.

Samaritan's Purse said in a statement that it was "thankful to God" for the safe release of the South Sudanese aid workers. The charity also expressed its gratitude to the World Food Programme for helping to relocate them.

A military spokesman announced on Monday that the staff members of the charity were abducted by South Sudanese rebels who were demanding aid deliveries as ransom.

According to Brigadier General Lul Ruai Koang, the aid workers were taken from a village near Mayendit, about 420 miles (680 km.) northeast of the South Sudan's capital of Juba.

"The rebels attacked and abducted eight local staff from Samaritan's Purse and they are being held to ransom. They have demanded that the organization takes aid to them," Koang told Reuters.

Samaritan's Purse confirmed the abduction in a statement but denied that there was a demand for ransom.

"Samaritan's Purse confirms that some of our South Sudanese staff in the Mayendit area of South Sudan have been detained by armed personnel," stated the humanitarian aid organization.

"We have been in contact with them, and they have not been harmed. No ransom request has been made, and we are hopeful that they will be released soon and safely," it continued.

Samaritan's Purse noted that it had been distributing food to the people in the Mayendit area for over two years. The charity was forced to remove some of its staff from the country two weeks ago due to violence.

South Sudanese rebels denied the reports that their troops abducted the aid workers, saying the kidnapping story was government "propaganda" and untrue.

According to a report from the Citizen-Times, another group of opposition forces claimed that the aid workers were "recovered" rather than kidnapped. Opposition spokesman Mabior Garang said that the Samaritan's Purse staff members were "recovered" by the opposition forces after heavy fighting with enemy combatants.

Samaritan's Purse stated that South Sudan is in the midst of a "level 4 famine." It called on all parties involved in the conflict to allow "complete and unfettered humanitarian access" in order to provide for the needs of the starving population.
home World Christianity flourishes in Bangladesh despite persecution

The Christian minority in the mostly Muslim nation of Bangladesh is growing rapidly despite the threats from Islamic leaders and extremist groups, according to a non-profit organization that runs several missions in the country.

Jim Jacobson, the president of Christian Freedom International (CFI), recently went on a fact-finding trip to Bangladesh to interview pastors, street evangelists, missionaries and converts to Christianity.

Those he interviewed said that the growth of Christianity has become a cause of concern for the country's Muslim majority, and the persecution against the Christian church has increased as a result.

Official estimates indicate that less than one percent of the country's population of over 156 million are Christians. About 89 percent are Muslims while 10 percent identify as Hindi.

However, the official reports only count the "traditional Christians," such as those who are born into the faith and attend government-approved churches. Those who converted from Islam to Christianity have not been counted, and no surveys have been made, according to CFI.

CFI noted that there is a consensus among "converts" claiming that Christians make up at least 10 percent of the country's population. Some indigenous evangelists have asserted that Bangladesh will become a Christian nation within their lifetimes.

Pastor Khaleque, 60, a former Muslim who works as a street pastor among the hill tribes in the northern part of the country, told CFI that over 20,000 Muslims have converted to Christianity in the past 12 months.

He said that the conversions have become a real problem for Muslims. The street pastor has been beaten several times, and he has been forced to pay bribes to the police in order to carry on with his work.

Pastor Rafiqul Islam, who now goes by the name Rafiqul, said that he was disowned by his family, and his businesses were taken away from him after his conversion. He was beaten when two Imams caught him talking about Christianity in the market.

His sons were able to ransom him only after they agreed to force him to return to Islam. After they failed to reconvert the pastor, they beat their father nearly to death and took all of his possessions.

Rafiqul said that he has seen more than 700 Muslims convert to Christianity in his village in the past 24 months.

"Many Muslims are converting. Mostly in the rural areas," he told CFI. "More people are converting every day. Although persecuted, we are preaching the Good News," he added.

Bangladesh is listed in the Open Doors World Watch List as the 26th country where Christians experience the most persecution. The country does not have blasphemy laws or an anti-conversion bill, but Christians are facing more and more restrictions and challenges due to pressure from radical Islamic groups, local religious leaders and families.
home World Employers may ban workers from wearing religious symbols, EU court rules

The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has ruled that employers can prohibit its workers from wearing religious symbols, such as headscarves or cross necklaces, at the workplace.

The judges had concluded that workplaces which prohibit employees from wearing visible political, philosophical or religious signs are not in violation of discrimination laws.

The decision was part of a ruling in a case in which two Belgian women were fired from their jobs for wearing headscarves at work, according to Premier.

The first case involved Samira Achbita, who worked as a receptionist for the Belgian branch of G4S. She was fired in June 2006 after she refused to remove a headscarf, which she started wearing after three years of working for the company.

In the second case, Asma Bougnaoui, a design engineer at a French IT consultancy firm called Micropole, was fired from her job after a complaint from a customer.

The two cases went to the ECJ after losing in Belgium, but the judges at the European court upheld the decision of the lower courts.

"[A]n employer's desire to project an image of neutrality towards both its public and private sector customers is legitimate," the ruling stated.

The decision may also affect people of other beliefs, such as Christians who wear crosses and Jewish men who wear skull caps.

In the case Achbita, the ECJ said that it was up to the Belgian judges to determine whether she may have been a victim of indirect discrimination if the company's policy put people of a particular faith at a disadvantage. However, the policy could still be justified if it was "genuinely pursued in a consistent and systematic manner" to project an "image of neutrality," Religion News Service reported.

In Bougnaoui's case, the European court stated that the French courts must determine whether such a rule exists. The ECJ said that there are "only very limited circumstances" in which a religious symbol could be taken as a reason for her not to work if her dismissal was only based on meeting the particular customer's preference.

The Church of England denounced the decision, saying it would prevent Christians from exercising their religious freedom.

"This judgment once again raises vital questions about freedom of expression, not just freedom of religion, and shows that the denial of freedom of religion is not a neutral act, contrary to how it might be portrayed," said Rt. Rev. Nicholas Baines, the Bishop of Leeds, as reported by Telegraph.

Islamic groups expressed concerns that the decision could legitimize attacks on Muslims.

"This gives legal cover to what is essentially an ongoing hate campaign to make Muslims second-class citizens in Europe. It will only increase feelings of marginalisation and disenfranchisement in Muslim communities," said Arzu Merali, head of research at the Islamic Human Rights Commission.
home US Evangelicals less accepting of female pastors than other denominations, says Barna survey

A new survey conducted by the Barna Group has revealed that evangelicals in the U.S. are less accepting of female leadership in the church compared to other Protestants and Catholics.

The survey results indicated that only 39 percent of evangelicals approve of women leading the church. The percentage of those who embrace the presence of female leadership in church is highest, at 80 percent, among Catholics, who have an all-male priesthood.

The acceptance rate was 74 percent among Protestants and 62 percent among practicing Christians.

Overall, 79 percent of Americans are accepting of women serving as priests or pastors. Women are more comfortable with female clergy at 84 percent, compared with men at 75 percent.

A previous study by the Barna group has indicated that the nine percent of Protestant senior pastors are women, which is triple the percentage of 25 years ago.

Barna Group editor in chief Roxanne Stone said that having women in leadership roles is a complicated issue for many evangelicals.

"There is a long history among evangelicals of emphasising motherhood and family as a woman's primary calling," she said.

"While the broader culture, and much of the Christian Church, has shifted away from this, evangelicals seem more reluctant to do so. This reluctance is often tied to a scriptural reading that insists men are to occupy primary leadership positions within the family and church and, by extension, society," she added.

Most of the female senior pastors lead mainline congregations rather than evangelical churches that are least comfortable with female ministers. Only 44 percent of non-mainline pastors said that their congregation, church network or denomination ordains women, compared with mainline pastors at 99 percent.

Stone pointed out that more than half of most congregations are women, and many of them are part of the workforce.

She further noted that since most Christians, apart from evangelicals, are more comfortable with having a woman in the pulpit, many would attend churches where they disagree with the stance against women in leadership.

Stone asserted that churches which have chosen to continue to uphold the traditional position on women in leadership will have to emphasize their theology to their members.

"Women and men in their congregations deserve to know what their church believes and why they believe it. Because such a stance will feel increasingly irrelevant and outdated, churches and members need to understand why such a theology still exists," she explained.
home US Hawaii Senate approves bill requiring pregnancy centers to refer women to abortion clinics

The Hawaii Senate approved a bill that would require pregnancy resource centers to refer women to clinics that perform abortions.

SB 501 was passed last week by the Democrat-controlled Senate by a vote of 22a3, according to PJ Media. The legislation would require pregnancy centers with limited services to provide information about the availability and enrollment procedures for reproductive health services.

Rev. Derald Skinner, a pastor at Calvary Chapel Pearl Harbor, expressed his concern about the bill because a pro-life pregnancy center is housed inside his church.

"They want to mandate all pro-life centers to put an abortion referral sign in our reception areas," Skinner said in a video published on the church's Vimeo account.

"Now our particular pro-life center is in our church. So it's very important to realize that they are dictating to us what we can and cannot say. Will they give me my sermon next and tell me what I can preach?" he added.

Under the legislation, pregnancy centers are required to post a sign or distribute flyers that advertise state-funded abortions.

Part of the notice would read: "Hawaii has public programs that provide immediate free or low-cost access to comprehensive family planning services including all FDA-approved methods of contraception, prenatal care, and abortion for eligible women."

Pregnancy centers that refuse to comply would be fined $500 for the first violation and $1,000 for future infractions.

Planned Parenthood Votes Northwest and Hawaii submitted a testimony in favor of the bill, claiming that pro-life pregnancy centers offer "biased, misleading, and false" health information.

The legislation would apply to all five of Hawaii's pregnancy resource centers, three of which submitted testimony against the bill. However, the testimonies were not posted in time for the committee vote. The bill has been sent to the Hawaii House of Representatives, where it is expected to pass.

Thomas Glessner, an attorney who heads the National Institute of Family and Life Advocates, described the measure as an "egregious violation of religious freedom." He said he is working with the Alliance Defending Freedom to challenge the legislation before the Supreme Court.

Similar laws have been passed in California and Illinois. The constitutionality of the California law was upheld by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit in October.
home Entertainment Jesus Film Project celebrates 1,500th language translation of most watched movie in history

The Jesus Film Project is celebrating the 1,500th language translation of the movie "JESUS," which holds the record for being the most-watched film in history.

The latest translation into Daasanach, which is spoken by an ethnic group inhabiting parts of Ethiopia, Kenya and Sudan, is part of the initiative known as Mission 865. The goal of the initiative is to reach the remaining 865 language groups with 50,000 or more speakers representing millions who have not heard the Gospel, according to Christian Newswire.

"The completion of the 1,500th language translation of 'JESUS' is an incredible milestone," said Josh Newell, the project's Director of Marketing and Communications.

"This marks a critical advancement in reaching those who have never heard the gospel. 'JESUS' has long been one of the most effective ways to reach people in a way they can immediately understand the message of salvation, and now our reach can go even further," he added.

After the film was shown in about 2,000 U.S. theaters in 1979, The Jesus Film Project began translating it into other languages. The film has since been used to make 7.5 billion Gospel presentations across 230 countries, with over 490 million indicating decisions to follow Christ after watching it.

Newell said that the movie has been retouched and repackaged several times. In the late 1990s, the team began the efforts to adapt the film for different audiences, which involved reshooting some scenes or making adaptations, such as adding in narration for children.

The Jesus Film Project has also made the film available in different formats, including VHS, DVD, Blu-ray and downloadable content.

The movie, which is based on the Gospel of Luke, was initiated by the late Bill Bright, co-founder of Campus Crusade for Christ, in cooperation with The Genesis Project. Bright's vision of showing the movie to people in every country is being carried out by The Jesus Film Project.

The project also offers additional tools such as "The Story of JESUS for Children" and "Magdalena," a film highlighting Jesus' ministry toward women.

"It is fantastic to see the work that we have done is being used and multiplied by so many," said Newell. "As we continue to provide excellent tools for ministry use, it will be incredible to see the numbers grow in the next decade," he added.
Leland Christenson had enough. Facing determined opposition, on Wednesday he withdrew his plan to trade 781 acres to Chippewa County for 580 acres, a trade where the county would come out $820,000 ahead and with more land for the county forest.

Lets just table it. I dont want anybody saying Im an evil developer or a bad guy, because Im not, Christenson told the countys Land Conservation and Forest Management Committee.

Christenson had proposed trading 394 acres adjacent to the Chippewa County Forest he is negotiating to buy along another 387 acres he owns next to the countys Kemper Woods and the state-owned Hallie Marsh Wildlife Area. The land the county would have received would have included the 35-acre Foster Lake.

The county would have come out with 201 more acres with the swap. According to figures distributed by Christenson at the meeting, the land the county would have received is appraised at $1.4 million while the land the county would be giving up forest land is appraised at $580,000.

The land Christenson has been negotiating to buy is from Jordan Pearlman. In January the committee voted 4-2 against buying land in the town of Sampson belonging to Pearlman. The committee was concerned that the county buying the land would take the property off the tax roll, hurting the Lake Holcombe and New Auburn school districts.

We dont need to do the land trade, Christenson said. I dont need anyone mad at me.

Instead, he said he will continue buying land around the Hallie Marsh area to preserve it. He also implied he will buy the Pearlman property.It would have been cool to restore that land, he said. He added: I think almost a million bucks is a pretty good deal for you.Christenson also said committee chairman Dean Gullickson had been unfairly criticized during the process and was owed an apology by people critical of the supervisor. The land swap had drawn heavy opposition by members of the public speaking at a committee meeting last month and again on Wednesday, when six people spoke against the swap and three spoke in support.

What Im concerned with we will continue to have land swaps that will affect private citizens in Chippewa County. .. This will continue to happen time after time, said county resident Jack Christenson, who has land adjacent to the county forest.

Ben Lane, who is an attorney in Chippewa Falls, urged the committee to reject the land swap because it would set precedent. This committee has a unique opportunity to right the ship. Clear the air, Lane said.

Gullickson lashed out against critics of Leland Christenson, saying hes a quality individual. He said what he termed the innuendo about Christenson and the land deal were hurtful. He compared it to libel and slander.

I am embarrassed, and I hope we have learned a lesson, Gullickson said.

The committee took no vote on the withdrawn plan.

The committee had advanced discussion on the swap on a 3-2 vote last month. However, Supervisor Larry Willkom was not at that meeting.

Willkom attended Wednesdays session, along with Supervisors Gullickson, Glen Sikorski, Buck Steele, Jared Zwiefelhofer and citizen representative James Pingel.
home World Knights of Columbus pledges nearly $2 million in aid to Christian refugees fleeing ISIS

The Catholic fraternal organization known as the Knights of Columbus is donating nearly $2 million to provide humanitarian support to persecuted Christians in Iraq and Syria

Knights of Columbus CEO Carl Anderson announced on Tuesday that the organization is donating $1.9 million to help Christians and other religious minority communities who were displaced by ISIS and the ongoing conflict in Syria.

Last year, the organization released a 300-page report highlighting the genocide faced by Christians in Iraq and Syria. It was also instrumental in pressuring the State Department to declare that ISIS has committed genocide against Christians.

The Knights of Columbus stated in a press release that the money would be used to fund programs such as medical clinics in Iraq, Easter food, Easter food baskets for displaced Christians, relief for the Christians of Aleppo, Syria, and support for Christian refugee relief programs of the Syriac Catholic patriarch.

"A year ago, our country declared with one voice that genocide was occurring to Christians and other religious minority communities, but words are not enough," Anderson said in a statement.

"Those targeted for genocide continue to need our assistance, especially since many have received no funding from the U.S. government or from the United Nations. The new administration should rectify the policies it found in place, and stop the de facto discrimination that is continuing to endanger these communities targeted by ISIS for genocide," he added.

Anderson has stated that 2017 may be "the decisive year in determining whether many Christian communities throughout the Middle East will continue to exist." He called on the U.S. government and the international community to provide more aid and urged prayer for those who are being persecuted for their faith.

The Knights of Columbus has also launched the "Novena of Grace and Solidarity," in which the Knights and others will recite a prayer for nine straight days. The prayer initiative began on March 12 and will continue until March 20.

Millions of dollars in foreign government aid has been sent to Iraq in recent years. However, some believe that very little of the money would actually help Christians and other religious minorities because the funds are funneled through the Iraqi government and not given directly to the organizations aiding the minorities.

The Knights of Columbus has contributed over $12 million in assistance funding to Christian refugee relief in the region since ISIS took over parts of Iraq and Syria in 2014. The organization also accepts online donations to its Christian Refugee Relief Fund.
home US Russell Moore keeps his job after meeting with SBC's Frank Page

Southern Baptist leaders have dispelled reports that Russell Moore would be asked to resign from his post as the president of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC).

Moore met with Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) Executive Committee President Frank S. Page in Nashville on Monday to discuss the issue of congregations threatening to withhold donations to the SBC's Cooperative Program.

In a joint statement released on Monday, Page and Moore said that they "fully support" each other, and they are looking forward to working together in the future.

"We will collaborate on developing future steps to deepen connections with all Southern Baptists as we work together to advance the Great Commission of our Lord Jesus Christ," the statement read, according to The Christian Post.

"We met as colleagues committed to the same priorities of proclaiming the Gospel to every man, woman, boy and girl while also addressing biblical and Gospel issues on a wide range of topics to a culture that seems to have lost its way a issues ranging from religious liberty and racial reconciliation to Kingdom diversity and the sanctity of human life from the womb to the grave," it continued.

The statement came after a report from the Washington Post suggested that Moore was in danger of losing his job because of the backlash caused by his criticisms of President Donald Trump and the religious leaders who supported the business mogul.

The ERLC also caused controversy when it signed a friend-of-the-court brief in support of a New Jersey Islamic society's right to build a mosque.

Page declined to answer questions about the meeting, but he reportedly told Washington Post reporter Sarah Pulliam Bailey that he was prepared to ask Moore for a "change in his status" if the meeting does not go well.

According to a report from the Baptist Press, Page did not set up the meeting with Moore with the intent of dismissing him, but rather to seek "bridge-building strategies."

Page said that over 100 member churches have threatened to cut off financial support for the SBC.

While the churches represent less than one percent of the SBC's 46,000 congregations, they also represent the most complaints on any issue "in recent memory," according to SBC'S Executive Committee.

The committee recently launched an investigation to study why churches are either escrowing money or withholding funds to the Cooperative Program. A full report is expected to be released this September.
home US South Dakota governor signs bill allowing adoption agencies to refuse same-sex couples

South Dakota Gov. Dennis Daugaard has affixed his signature to a bill that would allow faith-based adoption agencies to refuse placing children with same-sex couples.

Senate Bill 149, signed by the governor last Friday, grants a religious exemption to taxpayer-funded adoption and foster-care agencies, which allows them to deny child placement to unmarried or same-sex couples based on religious objections.

"I'm worried that a child placement agency may make what is in the best interest of the child a correct decision but be subject to a lawsuit by someone who has a little bit of a leg up by virtue of being in a protective class," said Daugaard, as reported by Life Site News. "And if we can forestall that with this legislation then I'm willing to do that," he added.

Adoption agencies in Massachusetts, California, Illinois and Washington D.C. have voluntarily shut down after the states enacted laws that prohibited discrimination based on sexual orientation. Sen. Alan Solano (R-District 32), the sponsor of the bill, said he wanted to prevent the same thing from happening in South Dakota.

According to a report from Church Militant, the law would protect faith-based adoption and foster care agencies from adverse state actions including loss of state funding, loss of tax-exemptions, imposition of fines, revoked licenses and cancellation of contracts.

Laura Durso, vice president of LGBT research and communications at the Center for American Progress, said that the legislation is "shamefully targeting LGBT parents and vulnerable kids."

The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) expressed its concern that the law would be used to discriminate against interracial couples and also allow "state-funded adoption and foster care agencies to discriminate against LGBTQ youth in their care."

The South Dakota Family Policy Council (SDFPC) explained that faith-based adoption agencies currently do not receive state funds for child placement services. The organization contended that the law would protect the adoption agencies from being forced to choose between closing or abandoning their religious belief.

James Kinyon, executive director of Catholic Social Services in Rapid City, said that the legislation "allows us to do what we can for the common good" without the fear of being punished by the government.

Similar laws have been passed in Michigan, North Dakota and Virginia. Lawmakers in Alabama, Texas and Oklahoma are also considering similar bills this year.
home World Turkish government to speed up trial of jailed American pastor despite lack of evidence

Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim announced on Thursday that the government will consider speeding up the trial of an American pastor who was imprisoned over alleged ties to a terrorist organization.

Pastor Andrew Brunson, who has lived in Turkey with his family for over 23 years, was detained on Oct. 7 for allegedly threatening national security, according to USA Today. CeCe Heil, an attorney with the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ), which is assisting Brunson's legal defense, said that the government has yet to provide evidence to support the charge.

"What we can do at this stage is accelerate the trial," Yildirim told a group of American journalists in Turkey. "As you will appreciate, judiciary matters are not directly controlled by us," he added.

The ACLJ, which delivered an oral intervention in support of Brunson at the United Nations, noted that the international pressure on the Turkish government is increasing.

"Our global legal advocacy campaign is beginning to put significant pressure on Turkey. But now is the time to ramp up that pressure," said ACLJ Chief Counsel Jay Sekulow.

"Pastor Andrew should not even be forced to face a trial. He has done nothing wrong. Turkey has produced no evidence against him. He is wrongfully being held for his Christian faith. He should be released immediately and allowed to return home to his family in America," he added.

When Yildirim was asked about the pastor, he shared his frustration that the U.S. has not extradited the Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen, who was accused of leading the military coup against the government last July. Gulen, who is currently living in Pennsylvania, has denied being involved in the coup attempt.

The Obama administration refused to turn the cleric over to Turkish authorities, saying Turkey must provide clear evidence of Gulen's involvement in the coup plot.

In a letter to Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, the ACLJ noted that innocent religious minorities, such as Christians, have been "swept up" during Turkey's arrest of tens of thousands of suspected coup sympathizers.

Heil said that ACLJ's lawyers have reviewed all of Brunson's contacts and meetings leading up to the coup, but they have found nothing that could be considered suspicious.

She was worried that the pastor will be held hostage for Gulen, whose extradition must go through the U.S. court system before the President Donald Trump or the State Department can make any political decision.

Yildirim said that the idea was "nonsensical" and maintained that the two matters were separate.
home World U.K. Parliament passes bill seeking to loosen restrictions on abortions

A bill that seeks to repeal existing abortion laws in the U.K. has passed its first stage following a debate in the House of Commons on Monday.

The legislation, proposed by Labour MP Diana Johnson, would remove existing restrictions on abortion and allow the procedure to be performed up to 28 weeks into pregnancy. The measure is supported by the British Pregnancy Abortion Service (BPAS), which provides abortions, according to Catholic Herald.

The House of Commons voted 174a142 in favor of the bill, despite opposition from Catholic charities and other MPs. The legislation known as Reproductive Health (Access to Terminations) Bill is expected to progress to its first reading on March 24.

According to Christian Today, relatively few of the full 650 MPs participated in the vote, and sources have suggested that the bill was not taken seriously.

Maria Caulfield, Conservative MP for Lewes, opposed the bill, saying it is a response to a "non-existent threat." She argued that the measure would "exacerbate the dangers posed by any increase in the availability of abortion pills."

"It would remove some of the few protections and regulations in abortion law a fuelling unethical and unsafe practices in many UK abortion clinics, and leaving women less safe and less informed," she added.

Caulfield also warned that the bill allows abortions beyond the 24-week limit that is currently in place as well as sex-selective abortions.

However, Johnson denied that it would remove the 24-week limit or deregulate abortions. She said that her proposal would allow professional medical bodies to oversee the practice.

Dr. Peter Saunders, chief executive of the Christian Medical Fellowship, argued that the decriminalization of abortion could lead to changes in how the procedure is conducted.

"It would mean abortion could be performed on any grounds at all up until 24 weeks, it would mean there would be no restrictions on where abortions could be performed, there wouldn't be a requirement for two doctors to agree," he told Premier.

Saunders asserted that Britain's abortion laws would be similar to those in China and Vietnam if Johnson's bill becomes law.

The measure was introduced under the Ten Minute Rule, where backbench MPs can raise a motion in a speech that does not exceed 10 minutes. Few bills introduced in this manner have been turned into law, with the exception of the Abortion Act 1967.
home World UK health and care workers encouraged to talk to dying patients about God

A new guidance from Britain's National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is encouraging health and care workers to talk to dying patients about their spiritual and religious preferences.

The guidance stated that hospital staff members need to do more to ensure that the cultural, religious or social preferences of patients are addressed, apart from their medical needs.

The advice came after a 2016 report revealed that the spiritual wishes of patients were only documented in just one in seven cases, where communication was possible, according to Telegraph.

"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 a specialist member of the NICE 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," he continued.

The professor further noted that the treatment of the dying was crucial not just to the patient, but also to family and friends.

The Church of England welcomed the advice, saying it could reduce anxiety about death if the patients felt able to talk about their religious views.

"High quality end of life care is one of the most important ways in which society can show that it values every individual for themselves and not just for their economic usefulness," said Rev. Dr. Malcolm Brown, director of mission and public affairs.

He stated that chaplains are available to dying patients who wish to discuss questions about religion and spirituality. He further noted that chaplains of different religions and beliefs can provide support for healthcare staff in broaching questions about religion with the patients.

NICE stated that there are about half a million deaths in England each year, three-quarters of which are anticipated by medical staff.

The guidance stated that patients who display symptoms that suggest they may be in the final days of life need to be monitored to determine if they are nearing death, stabilizing or recovering, and suggested that the personnel should help patients and relatives prepare for the prospect of death.

Some patients can experience difficulty in swallowing during their last days. The guidance also includes a review on how health workers may need to anticipate the need for the patient to switch from an oral medication to an injected one so that they are not left without essential medication.
home World Venezuelan church leaders accuse Maduro government of coordinating attacks against clergy

Church leaders in Venezuela have accused President Nicolas Maduro's administration of coordinating attacks against Catholic priests after the Church spoke out against alleged government misconduct, human rights abuses and the delay of free elections.

In late January, a pro-government collective interrupted a Sunday Mass at San Pedro Claver church in Caracas and shouted insults at the priest. The collective then closed the church doors to prevent the parishioners from leaving as they went on to criticize the local priest.

The collectives, which are pro-government groups tasked with organizing community events and social projects, have been accused of intimidation and violence against those who oppose the government, according to Catholic Herald.

"They started to shout insults, then would be calm, and then they would shout again," said one parishioner who has attended the church for 20 years.

"These were aggressive people, with aggressive vocabulary, using profanity, and they said all kinds of vulgarities; we felt very attacked," she added.

There has been some speculation from church leaders that the attacks could be a part of a broader, coordinated campaign.

"These are not isolated events and sometimes we even ask ourselves to what extent this is a systematic campaign," said retired Archbishop Ramon Ovidio Perez Morales of Los Teques, a town just outside Caracas.

Weeks before the incident in the Caracas church, a number of young seminarians were beaten up and stripped in Merida, in the Venezuelan Andes.

"This is all part of a general policy of confrontation with the Church. Specifically, it's against the Venezuelan episcopal conference, and it's nothing new," said Morales.

The relationship between the bishops and the government have been tense since Hugo Chavez was elected in 1999. The Church had attempted to act as a mediator between the government and the political opposition last year. But the short-lived talks collapsed with both sides blaming each other and the Vatican also receiving some backlash for its failure.

Venezuela has faced an increase in violent crime since Maduro took office in 2013. The president's opponents, including Venezuelan Bishops, have accused the government of using its power to jail protesters and circumvent elections.

Church leaders, including Morales, have frequently rebuked the government for advancing its socialist agenda. The government, on the other hand, have accused the Church of representing elite interests and the status quo at the expense of the country's poor.

Morales, the former president of the Venezuelan Episcopal Conference, said the Church will not remain silent in the face of human rights abuses allegedly committed by the government.

"Morally, I cannot accept the violation of human rights. I can't accept that the state considers itself the owner of persons," he said in an interview with Union Radio last month.
Christian pastor finds massive diamond worth millions of dollars

A Christian pastor has found one of the largest diamonds discovered in the world so far.

Pastor Emmanuel A Momoh is one of thousands of people who hunt for diamonds in Sierra Leone.

He found the 706-carat diamond, one of the 20 largest ever, in the alluvial mines in the Kono district.

The diamond was locked up in Sierra Leone's central bank in Freetown after it was presented to President Dr Ernest Bai Koroma last night by Paramount Chief Paul Saquee.

According to mines minister Alhaji Minkailu Mansaray, the diamond was discovered by Pastor Emmanuel A Momoh while he was taking part in alluvial mining at Koyadu village in Tankoro Chiefdom.

Receiving the diamond, President Koroma thanked the chief and his people for not smuggling the diamond out of the country. In a statement, the president underscored the importance of selling such a diamond in Sierra Leone itself, 'as it will clearly give the owners what is due them and benefit the country as a whole'.

The diamond has not yet been valued or named. The president said the selling process would be transparent and to the highest bidder.

Freelance, or artisanal, miners are common in Sierra Leone's diamond-rich areas, reports the BBC. Momoh's find is the biggest in Sierra Leone since 1972, when the 969-carat Star of Sierra Leone unearthed.

The largest diamond ever, 'Sergio', a black diamond weighing 3167 carats, was found in Brazil in 1893.

The famous Cullinan diamond found in South Africa in 1905, at 3,106 carats, was cut into separate stones with two now in the sceptre and crown of the British Crown Jewels.

An 813-carat diamond sold for 51 million at auction in London last summer.

Sierra Leone was traumatised for years by a civil war financed by the sale of 'blood diamonds'. More than 120,000 people are believed to have lost their lives.

The present government is taking a firm line against illicit diamond trading.
Christians denied vital aid as famine sweeps sub-Saharan Africa

Christians in sub-Saharan Africa are being denied access to vital aid as a famine affecting millions sweeps across the region, according to the charity Open Doors.

In Nigeria, where Christian refugees have fled the terror of Boko Haram, Christians have reportedly been discriminated against in refugee camps and denied food because of their faith.

The jihadist group began its reign of terror, aimed at eradicating Christianity in Nigeria, in 2009. Bishop William Naga was displaced from his home in Gowoza, Nigeria by Boko Haram in 2014.

Naga told Open Doors: 'The governor did his best when the Christians had to flee in 2014 and 2015. But when the care of the camps was handed over to other organisations, the discrimination started. They will give food to the refugees, but if you are a Christian they will not give you food. They will openly tell you that the relief is not for Christians.'

Not receiving welcome as the main camps, Christians began to form their own alternatives. John Gwamma, the chairman of an informal Christian camp, said: 'We have started informal, purely Christian camps because Christians were being segregated in the formal camps. They had not been given food, or allowed to go to church. There is a term called "arne", meaning pagan. Meaning, you are pagan and not a Muslim, and as long as you are not a Muslim, we don't like you to stay together with us.'

Some faced such dire circumstances that they were forced to eat leaves to survive. Open Doors has partnered with local churches to provide necessary aid such as food and blankets to thousands of families.

One displaced Christian, Mary Charles, was grateful for the support. She said: 'We had to flee Boko Haram because they didn't allow us to go to our farm. We had no drinking water and we didn't have anything to eat. I thank God for this food aid and I thank the people who brought it. We now have food that we can give to our children.'

According to Open Doors, Christians are 'frequently denied access to community resources, such as clean water, health clinics and higher education'. Nigeria is ranked #12 on the Open Doors World Watch List, listing the countries where it is hardest to be a Christian.
Church of Joseph Duggar's girlfriend draws flak for spreading message that 'there are no such things as homosexuals'

"Counting On" star Joseph Duggar, 22, recently announced his courtship with Kendra Caldwell, 18, much to the delight of fans.

However, Caldwell's church has run into conflict with the Duggar family's stance against homosexuality, according to NWA.

Kendra's father, Paul Caldwell, is the pastor at Lighthouse Baptist Church in Fayetteville, Arkansas. That is where Duggar and his girlfriend first met.

Despite being known for upholding conservative values, the Caldwells' church pushed a lot of hot buttons when it distributed controversial pamphlets that state: "Does God love Homosexuals? This is a flawed question... There are no such things as Homosexuals."

These pamphlets were distributed door-to-door, upsetting the local community. Joanna McCusker, one of the residents who received the printed material, said the statements made by the church were inappropriate.

"I was just offended that they would be going door-to-door in this community with that information," she said. "I think most neighbours were pretty offended."

Joan Sirlin, another resident in the community, said members of the Lighthouse Baptist Church apparently do not know where to draw the line with their beliefs. "I've had religious pamphlets dropped off, but nothing like that. I don't think it's right to push your religious beliefs on people in neighbourhoods like this or any neighbourhood," she said.

Pastor Paul Caldwell reportedly issued a message through text defending the church's action to spread its message, adding that their intent was not to offend anyone.

"Our church loves the LGBT community, hence the reason we have decided since Spring 2014 to reach out to them. This is just another avenue we are trying," he wrote. "To them it is simply a reminder that God loves them, and if I were to truly love them, then I must tell them the truth."

But McCusker does not agree. "If you read their literature, you'll see that they don't actually believe that there are such thing as gay people  it's almost a science-fiction idea that they have," she said.

Meanwhile, Joseph is the third Duggar brother to go into courtship, but he did something to make his courtship extra special. In their video announcement, Joseph revealed that he gave Kendra a promise ring. "The promise ring signifies that I promise I'm going to wait for you for marriage," he told Kendra. "It's kind of a similar token to what my other siblings have done. I just thought it was something a little it different."
EAU CLAIRE  Barb Pladziewicz says she doesnt have a left brain or a right brain.

She has a what-if brain. A brain that, it seems, has plunged her into the world of consistent publication in greeting card design. Her work is so respected locally that she was chosen as Chapter BF of the international philanthropic group P.E.O. Sisterhoods creative expert and demonstrator for the 11th Annual Stampin N Scrappin Stampede Expo at the Eagles Club in Lake Hallie on Saturday.

Pladziewicz, a retired former elementary school teacher of 32 years, will offer two free half-hour presentations at Chapter BFs Stampede event.

Pladziewicz, who grew up on a farm and attended a country school between Eau Claire and Elk Mound, has been producing greeting cards for about 18 years. It all started when I was invited to a Stampin Up party, she said. A teacher friends daughter was starting the business, and it was so fun. I like to sew, and found that making a card is so much quicker than making a quilt. She embraces the color combo and textures that result.

For me its the challenge, she said. The quarterly Stampington magazines like Stampers Sample and take 10 provide a card challenge in each issue, like, say a telephone card. Immediately I start thinking how to go about it.

Pladziewicz was first published in 2004 in Stampers Sampler when she was retired, living in Arizona with husband, Jack, a former chemistry professor at UW-Eau Claire.

While there, she said, I hadnt been stamping that long, and I picked up a Sampler. They were asking for cards to be sent in for giveaway to cancer patients. I thought that was a good idea. I did it and then they published one of my cards so it gave me incentive to submit again.

Pladziewicz has 12 cards featured in the most recent Stampers Sampler issue, all a challenge result for shabby chic, she said, and four designs in the December-February 2017 issue of take 10.

Card contributors receive no monetary rewards, but do earn a free magazine. Some of Barbs designs, if not selected, have later appeared in two other Stampington publications, Catch Up Issue or 400 More Ideas.

At the Stampede, Pladziewicz will demonstrate different ways to use 8 x 11 card stock and how patterned paper cutouts, like butterflies, flowers, and various geometrical shapes, can build a custom card configuration.

She will display her subtle pink and green laced shabby chic winner, and others, at the Expo event that not only complements education dear to her, but that of Chapter BF Sisterhood, whose mission is to raise scholarship revenue for McDonell and Chippewa High seniors. Thirty-one scholarships have been presented by Chapter BF over the past ten years.

Ten stamp vendors from across Wisconsin and Minnesota will showcase the latest in stamping and scrapbooking ideas, featuring make-and-take demonstrations. The Stampede is key for vendors to promote their products because many stamping businesses have no store front, and their products are available online only.

There are fewer retail stores for sure, said Stampede organizer Ida Simonson. Yet there is a core of (addicted) stampers throughout the country. Im one of them. People have to find a way to get stamps.

For a small admission fee, the public can spend the day, shop, see whats new, enjoy refreshments, and co-mingle with other stampers from 10 to 3:30 p.m. Pre-registration is required for the morning card buffet, 8-9:30 a.m., at which stampers choose to make n take a choice of ten or twenty cards supplied by vendors. Contact ida_gene@hotmail.com to sign up, or for more information, check out Chapter BFs Facebook page www.stampedeexpo.com.

Left or right brained, Everyone creates in their own way, Pladziewicz says. We all have our own strengths.

I like everyone to get excited about it, she says. You learn more.
France issues terror warning as eight injured in school shooting

France has issued a terror attack warning after eight people were injured in a school shooting in the southern town of Grasse on Thursday.

A 17-year-old student carrying a rifle, handguns and grenades was arrested and a second suspect is possibly on the run, police said.

One of those injured was the headmaster, according to a witness who said two students opened fire on the teacher at the Alexis de Tocqueville school.

'The individual does not seem to be known by police,' one source said, according to Reuters.

Grasse town hall said the incident was between two students and was not terror related.

A second source said: 'One of the two was arrested and the second fled. There was panic and the students took refuge in the (neighbouring) supermarket.'

Another police source it was not yet possible to confirm if there was a second shooter.

Interior ministry spokesman Pierre-Henry Brandet told BFM TV that eight people had been injured and advised families to remain patient as police took control to stabilise the situation.

The incident comes with France in a state of emergency after several militant attacks over the last year. It is less than six weeks away from a presidential election in which security and fears of terrorism are among key issues.

An eye-witness student in the school interviewed by France Inter radio said the students had heard a bang and taken cover under the tables.

'I went to close the windows and saw a guy who looked at me in the eyes. He seemed to be a student and not very big. He shot in the air and ran away,' the student said without giving his name.

Local emergency services advised residents on Twitter to stay at home. The government launched its mobile telephone application warning of a 'terrorist' attack.

Additional reporting by Reuters.
Gay couple already got their marriage licence but still want more punishment for jailed Christian clerk Kim Davis

For a gay couple in Kentucky, getting a Christian county official in jail is not enough punishment for refusing to issue them their marriage licenceeven if they eventually received such licence.

Rowan County clerk Kim Davis is once again facing a legal battle after David Ermold, the plaintiff in the 2015 discrimination lawsuit that sent Davis in jail for five days, has made known that he and the other plaintiffs "want to force her to pay more than they've already made her pay," the Liberty Counsel, the organisation supporting Davis, told CBN News.

Ermold and his partner David Moore were denied marriage licence four times by Davis in 2015, prompting them to file a case against her, resulting in her imprisonment after she defied a court order.

Ermold v. Davis was eventually dismissed after the Kentucky state legislature amended the marriage licence process, repealing the requirement for the county clerk's name and signature to appear on marriage licences.

The court dismissal of the case delivered Davis a decisive victory in her fight for religious freedom, according to Liberty Counsel.

Ermold and the other plaintiffs did receive their marriage licences. But 18 months after Davis spent time in jail, these plaintiffs are still attempting to punish her for living out her faith, according to Roger Gannom, Esq., Vice President for Legal Affairs for the Liberty Counsel in an interview with CBN News.

"These plaintiffs got a marriage licence in September while Kim Davis was in jail but rather than moving on they want to get their pound of flesh, so to speak. They want to force her to pay more than they've already made her pay," Gannom said.

Meanwhile, a federal judge in Ashland, Kentucky ruled that Davis doesn't have to pay $231,000 in legal defence fees to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), the group that led a lawsuit against her, Church Militant reported.

In his March 6 ruling, Judge Edward Atkins denied a motion by several plaintiffs who sued Davis in September 2015 for refusing to sign marriage licences for same-sex couples.

The ACLU is now vowing to fight the court ruling.

"The ACLU and others still want to punish Kim Davis for daring to take a stand for religious liberty," said Horatio Mihet, Vice President of Legal Affairs and Chief Litigation Counsel of Liberty Counsel. "The court recognized that the ACLU does not deserve to get paid for its bullying. Kim Davis never violated her conscience, and she still has her job and her freedomthat is a win for Kim and for all Americans who want to perform public service without being forced to compromise their religious liberties," said Mihet.
'Gay moment' in Beauty and the Beast will mean boycott, claims conservative group

A conservative Christian group says its supporters are far less likely to see a hit movie than they would have been because of a passing reference to homosexuality.

'Faith Driven Consumer' is a website which claims to represent 41 million Americans. It says the passing moment in Beauty and the Beast in which two characters dance with each other is driving millions of consumers away from Disney.

It says in a press release that 95 per cent of Faith Driven Consumers are less likely to see the film due to Disney's decision to include an 'exclusively gay moment'.

'Disney's decision to celebrate LGBT individuals with an "exclusively gay moment" in Beauty and the Beast is a testament to the LGBT community's success in advocating for and achieving high-profile recognition of their worldview,' said Chris Stone, founder of Faith Driven Consumer. He continued: 'Beauty and the Beast  previously an acceptable family film  is now being used, as its director proudly revealed, to promote a message that is in conflict with deeply held tenets of Faith Driven Consumers' religious beliefs.'

The impact of the Faith Driven Consumer's purported boycott seems to be limited. It's reported that the film is set to be the fastest-selling family film of all time.
Jesus said the truth really matters. Do our politicians agree?

''If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.' These familiar words from John 8 are easy to skip over. In reality though, they are vital.

As usual with Jesus, there is so much going on in just a few lines that whole books could be written. Here we get to see one of the themes that he returns to again and again.

Truth is an integral part of His message. It's so integral, in fact, that when he was asked by the disciple Thomas, 'How can we know the way?' Jesus responded, 'I am the way and the truth and the life.'

Clearly, truth was of such importance to Jesus not only because it was a good attribute to have, or even because it was embodied within the 10 Commandments ('Thou shalt not bear false witness'). For Jesus, it was bigger than that  in a real sense, he is the embodiment of truth itself.

With this in mind, Christian parents have always discouraged children from lying. We feel especially cheated by Christian leaders who fail to live up to the standards Jesus sets on truth  by living one way in secret and publicly proclaiming something different. It's also why, however tenuously, those societies which have a basis in Judeo-Christian ethics prize truth-telling.

It's that last point where things really seem to be falling apart in 2017. Jesus told truth even when it was far from convenient  think of the heavy questioning Pilate put him under, yet he stuck to his guns  'For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth.'

The Fake News phenomenon which has become such a sensation over the past few months appalls and intrigues us in equal measure because of the brazen way in which the truth is disregarded in favour of getting clicks and therefore money (Jesus had that one covered too  'the love of money is the root of all evil').

It isn't just the fake news merchants, though. Our political leaders seem to be in the grip of an epidemic of fibbing.

Donald Trump's tendentious relationship with facts has been well documented. Politifact.com, a site which covered the truthfulness of President Obama's statements, has been keeping a close eye on Trump, too. It currently calculates that around seven out of 10 of the statements from Trump it has analysed are at least 'mostly false.'

Those of us on this side of the pond shouldn't be smug. This week a minister, Dr Liam Fox, was live on Sky News when he claimed he hadn't sent a tweet. The tweet was on the screen behind him as he was speaking.

His colleagues in government also managed to tie themselves in knots explaining why the decision to raise National Insurance contributions on self-employed people didn't breach a manifesto commitment which said the government, 'will not raise VAT, National Insurance contributions or Income Tax.' With one minister even claiming the government should apologise, the policy was dropped in a fairly astonishing U-Turn.

This cavalier approach to truth isn't limited to the political right of course. The most calamitous foreign policy decision since the Suez Crisis, the 2003 invasion of Iraq, was sold to Parliament and the British people by a Labour administration. The recent Chicot inquiry found that the case made by Tony Blair at the time wasn't fully true. 'The severity of the threat posed by Iraq's weapons of mass destruction  or WMD  were presented with a certainty that was not justified' as the BBC reported.

The political commentator Peter Oborne has been chronicling the descent of mainstream politics in books such as The Rise of Political Lying and The Triumph of the Political Class. Oborne explains the lack of truth-telling at the top in stark terms. 'This involves an attack not just on truth but on democracy itself,' he says. 'Citizens have a right to form a fair and balanced judgment, and are therefore entitled to be informed about their political choices. Lying disempowers and therefore debases those who are lied to. Politicians who lie to voters deprive them of the ability to reach a well-informed decision. In doing so, they convert them into dupes... This is not just morally wrong, it is politically disastrous.

If we are to take Jesus seriously, then we must demand better from our politicians than this. We don't presume we will always agree with them, let alone like what they have to say. But we have a right to expect the truth.
Street preaching: why it's vital to protect it (even if you really hate it)

I wonder what your reaction is when you pass a street preacher. Shy away? Stop and listen? Sidle over for a discussion? Explain to your friends that this isn't 'your kind of Christianity'?

Some have been influenced by the response of Rob Bell, one-time evangelical megastar, who criticised street preaching in his Nooma video Bullhorn Guy. Bell contended that such an approach was more likely to put people off the gospel than win them to it, and suggested that Christianity was about loving the neighbour rather than preaching at them.

Just last week, in response to the arrest of two street preachers in Bristol, the Archdeacon of Oxford ackowledged that some street preaching is intended to incite religious hatred and said this need 'to be dealt with by the law'.

He went on to clarify: 'Most street preaching is fine and most street preachers are not out to incite hate.'

Whatever one thinks of the effectiveness of street preaching, calling for a ban on it is surely wrong-headed. As a helpful guide produced by the Lawyers Christian Fellowship and the Evangelical Alliance points out, sharing the gospel in public is a well-established freedom in the UK and something that should be protected.

Street preaching can claim deep biblical roots, with the Old Testament prophets providing precedents for the practice. The prophets were typically called to announce God's Word to an unbelieving nation, and  like Jeremiah  were often met with hostility and persecution (Jeremiah 1:14-19).

Standing in the line of the prophets  but far more than a prophet  Jesus proclaimed the kingdom of God to all who would hear. As well as preaching in synagogues (Mark 1:21), Jesus announced the good news in homes (Mark 2:1-2) and the countryside (Mark 4:1). As Jesus' parable of the great dinner indicates, the message of the kingdom was to go out to the 'streets and lanes,' even to those who might make unexpected guests at the banquet of the king (Luke 14:15-24).

The earliest Christian missionaries were also convinced that the good news of Jesus should be proclaimed in the entire world. While the apostles typically begin preaching within the synagogues, they also preached before crowds in places like Samaria (Acts 4:5-6), Lystra (Acts 14:8-18), and Athens (Acts 17:22). Preaching took place in streets and marketplaces as well as in religious buildings.

As well as the biblical precedents for street preaching, there are historical examples too. Forms of street preaching  or proclaiming the gospel in public spaces  feature throughout the history of the Church. Whether the Franciscans of the t13th century, the Methodists of the 18th or the Salvationists of the 19th, Christians have always sought to proclaim the gospel in public..

In today's context, street preachers offer an implicit protest to the exclusion of Christianity from the public sphere. While town centres promote consumerism and leisure, street preachers remind us that Christ claims all of life. Our public spaces should be open to an alternative message than that things make us happy, even if such a message might not always be welcome.

Can street preachers be embarrassing? For sure. Can they do more harm than good? At times, perhaps.

And yet the preached Word that seems foolish to the world is a Word that has the power to save, a Word that echoes God's saving power in the foolish cross of Christ (1 Cor 1:18-25). Whether or not we're comfortable with street preaching ourselves, its abolition would be a loss for us all.

Ed Mackenzie works in discipleship development and is the co-author of Together with God: An Introduction to Family Worship (www.togetherwithGod.org.uk).
Trump's travel ban in chaos as it is blocked by federal judge and new figures show more Muslims than Christians are entering US

Donald Trump's 'travel ban' was in disarray today after a federal judge in Hawaii blocked the new version and it emerged that more Muslims than Christians have entered the US since Trump took office.

Hours before the latest executive order was due to take effect at midnight tonight, the US District Judge Derrick Watson cited 'questionable evidence' and 'palpable' illogic in the government's argument that the ban was a matter of national security.

Meanwhile, new figures show that including refugees from countries with no travel restrictions, a total of 7,594 refugees have entered the US during Trump's first seven weeks in office (January 21 to March 10). Of these refugees, 3,410 are Muslims (45 per cent) and 3,292 are Christians (43 per cent), with those of other religions or none accounting for the rest.

A total of 2,466 refugees from the remaining six countries on his 'travel ban' have resettled in the US since Trump became president.

The refugees are from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.

The number of refugees from the six travel-restricted countries represents 32 per cent of all refugees who have entered the US since Trump took office, according to a Pew Research Center analysis of US State Department data.

Earlier this month, Trump was forced to water down his travel ban, including by removing a clause which appeared to give priority to Christians.

The ban on travel, migration and asylum from what was previously seven Muslim-majority countries now excludes Iraq from the list of countries affected.

A section was removed from the original order stating that some refugee claims could be prioritised 'on the basis of religious-based persecution, provided that the religion of the individual is a minority religion in the individual's country of nationality'. This was interpreted as giving Christians priority when it came to travelling to the US.

The new ban will last for 90 days and, unlike the last one signed on 27 January, does not apply to those with valid visas.

Further, the order does not suspend the resettlement of Syrian refugees indefinitely, but they are subject to the new order's blanket ban of resettling refugees for 120 days.

The Pew research shows that during the first full week of Trump's presidency (January 21-27), 687 refugees from the six restricted countries entered the US, accounting for 34 per cent of all refugee admissions that week.

The following week, after Trump's initial travel ban, refugee admissions from the six restricted countries all but stopped.

Refugee intake then resumed shortly after a federal judge in Washington suspended parts of the order on 3 February and lifted the travel restrictions, a decision that was upheld by a federal appeals court.

Of the six countries identified in the order, Syria (5,585), Somalia (4,703) and Iran (1,893) are the leading nationalities of refugees who have entered the US so far in the fiscal year of 2017, which began on 1 October, 2016.

A total of 595 refugees from Sudan have entered the US during this time, while 18 refugees are from Yemen and three are from Libya.
UK will not ban religious symbols at work, insists Theresa May after EU court ruling

Theresa May has insisted the government will not enforce a hijab ban after an EU court ruled employers can ban workers from wearing religious symbols.

The Prime Minister said the UK has a strong tradition of religious freedom and said she would play no part in telling women what to wear.

'There will be times when its right for a veil to be asked to be removed, such as border security or perhaps in court, and individual institutions can make their own policies,' she said in response to a question by Tory MP Tim Loughton.

'But it is not for government to tell women what they can and cannot wear and we want to continue that strong tradition of freedom of expression.'

In a Commons urgent question on the issue later, minister for equalities Caroline Dinenage said the government would be updating guidance for employers on dealing with religion at work.

But she told MPs enraged over the ban that the court's rulings were not discriminatory.

'A rule is directly discriminatory if it treats someone less favourably because of their sex, race, religion or whatever,' she said. 'A rule is indirectly discriminatory if, on the face of it, it treats everyone the same, but some people, because of their race, religion, sex and so on, find it harder to comply than others do.

'Indirect discrimination may be justifiable if an employer is acting in a proportionate manner to achieve a legitimate aim.'

Dinenage said the ruling did not affect any laws or current stances and told MPs employers can enforce a dress code banning headscarves when it applies to everyone equally.

'The judgments confirm the existing long-standing position of EU and domestic law that an employer's dress code, where it applies to and is applied in the same way to all employees, may be justifiable if the employer can show legitimate and proportionate grounds for it,' she said.

'The UK's legal position has not changed,' she went on. 'The EHRC has already published guidance for employers on religion and belief in the workplace, and we will work with it to update that guidance to take account of these rulings and to carefully explain how they should be interpreted in UK workplaces.

'But I must reiterate that this Government are absolutely committed to supporting people into work whatever their background, making Britain a country that works for everyone and not just the privileged few.'
An unprecedented series of Asian Art auctions in New York

New York sales achieve the highest-ever total for the auction series  a remarkable $332,783,188  doubling the previous record and achieving five times the pre-sales estimate

Jonathan Stone, Chairman of Asian Art, commented: This was an historic week for Christies and for Asian Art. There was an extraordinary response to the significant institutional and private collections included this season, with exceptional prices realised for Shang and Zhou dynasty ritual bronzes, classical Chinese paintings from the Fujita Museum, and the huanghuali and zitan furniture from the Virata collection.



It was rewarding to see the sustained enthusiasm from the international tour and exhibitions translate into the saleroom, Stone continued. The robust results of this week have proven the benefits of Christies strong relationships with Asian buyers and the success of Christies dynamic strategy in the region, which has seen us open major exhibition spaces in Shanghai and Beijing in recent years.

Open a larger version of this image A flambe-glazed bottle vase, circa 1800. Sold for $223,500. A very rare huanghuali circular incense stand, Xiangji, 16th-17th century. Sold for $5,847,500 in The Marie Theresa L. Virata Collection of Asian Art: A Family Legacy on 16 March 2017 at Christies in New York. Yayoi Kusama (b. 1929), Infinity-Nets WAASSO, 2008. This work is available through Post-War and Contemporary Art Private Sales
The new collectors guide to Asian contemporary art

Whos hot? Which regions are undervalued? How important is an artists auction history? Specialist Aisi Wang addresses these questions and more about a fast-growing market

1

Are editions a good way to start an Asian art collection?

Editions are an excellent way to acquire a work by an Asian artist you admire at an accessible price point. Artists who offer high-quality editions of images from their iconic series include Liu Ye, Yoshitomo Nara and Yayoi Kusama.

2

An artist I admire is best known for paintings. Should I collect the same artists works on paper or sculpture? Works on paper and sculpture can give you a different perspective on an artists process. The works on paper of Yayoi Kusama, for example, offer the possibility of an alternative interpretation of the paintings that made her famous. Similarly, Haegue Yangs mixed-media flat works can be compared with her installations. Works on paper and sculpture complement the artists primary medium, and can be collected and appreciated as works in their own right.

3

Should I focus on a particular region? Theres no need to limit yourself. In the past the market for Asian artists was more regionally focused  Chinese collectors only seeking out works by Chinese artists, for example  but now were seeing more collectors acquiring works regardless of geography or nationality. Artists from Asia are increasing their international presence and enjoying more attention from collectors globally. One example of this is Zao Wou-Ki, who has long been considered a modern master in Asia but has only recently received the same level of recognition in the United States. There have been Zao retrospectives in Taiwan since the mid-1990s, but it wasnt until 2016 that the first was held in an American museum, at the Asia Society in New York.

4

What impact does the condition of an artwork have on its value? That depends on the artwork and the artist. Takashi Murakamis prints, for example, should be in pristine condition  anything less would negatively affect the value of the work.

For some artists, however, what may appear to be deterioration or damage can be an integral part of their practice. Walasse Tings works on paper are often creased because he saturates thin Chinese paper with brightly coloured ink or acrylic paint, and the wetting and drying of the paper and mixing of different media affects the condition of the work. The resulting marks of imperfection would be considered a part of the artists technique, and not a reflection of the artworks quality.

5

Which is more important to consider, market value or historical value? Market value doesnt necessarily reflect the historical value of an artwork. The Taiwanese Fifth Moon and Ton Fan groups, for example, which included renowned artists such as Hsiao Chin, Li Yuan-Chia, and Hu Chi-Chung, are undervalued relative to their significance in the history of Asian post-war abstract art.

Tsuyoshi Maekawa is another example of an undervalued artist. He was a pioneering member of the Japanese Gutai group, who experimented with performance and painting  its most famous member being Kazuo Shiraga, who painted with his feet. Some of Shiragas paintings now sell for millions of dollars; in contrast, Maekawas works are relatively affordable when they appear at auction.

6

What are the prospects for Southeast Asian art? The market for Southeast Asian artists is growing rapidly, and shows immense potential. Many of these artists have established careers and long sale histories in their own countries, but until recently their market has been very regional. Thanks to Biennales, art fairs and international exhibitions, theyre becoming more accessible to collectors across the world.

Since Southeast Asian art is still an emerging market, the works are affordable, making this category an excellent entry point for new collectors. For example, paintings by the Vietnamese artist Vu Cao Dam, who spent much of his career living near Marc Chagall in the south of France, can still be found for relatively low prices.





7

What is the trend in Asian contemporary sculpture? We are finding many artists who are creating unique, highly conceptual pieces that blur the lines between sculpture and decorative art. For example, Zhan Wangs artificial rock sculptures echo the traditional Chinese passion for scholars rocks  fascinatingly shaped pieces of natural stone.

8

Who is collecting contemporary art from Asia at the moment? Theres a global demand for Asian contemporary art, from the United States to Europe, and of course within Asia. Were finding that collectors, particularly new buyers, are attracted to the affordability of this category. Many of the works sold at Christies are also reasonably sized and convenient to transport or hang, making them both beautiful and practical for apartments or small homes.

9

I like an artist for whom there seems to be little or no auction history. Should I be concerned? If an artist has a short auction history, it doesnt necessarily reflect their market value. Many Asian artists could be very successful in their own country through their studios, local blue-chip galleries or cultural institutions, but havent yet had the opportunity to establish themselves on the international scene or through auction houses.
Harris County sheriff's deputies are warning the public about a jury summons scam making the rounds through the Houston area.

According to investigators, the caller claims to be a law enforcement officer collecting fines for missed jury service. The scammer will threaten to put the victim in jail if the money isn't paid, Harris County sheriff's deputies said.
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With summer just around the corner, now's the time to making travel plans.

Since traveling without layovers in between destinations is the ideal form of getting around, we've compiled a roundup of some great direct flights that leave from both Hobby Airport and George Bush Intercontinental Airport.

>>See the gallery above for a list of non-stop international flights departing from Houston.

Among the newer destinations is Havana, Cuba, where you can get to non-stop from IAH. Previously blocked, Havana now welcomes U.S. residents  although special travel permits must be in place.

TEXAS TRAVEL: Unique places to vacation in Texas

Booking a flight here can be tricky and should be done well in advance of the trip, since some airlines are cutting off service due to competing companies. Frontier Airlines recently announced that it would halt flights to Cuba because "other airlines are adding too many flights to the island nation and making the routes unprofitable." Florida-based Silver Airways is also dropping service to that country as of April 22, just six months after it began offering flights out of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

UPDATED: Best places to eat on a Texas road trip

Another recent addition to the non-stop international flights out of Houston is Manchester, a city in northwest England. Situated roughly four hours from London, this spot has a slew of historical places to visit, including grand cathedrals, a stop at the world's oldest public library and a tour of an 18-century canal system.

Other direct flights from Houston travel everywhere from Europe's capitals to South American cities and Asian metros.

See the video above for a glimpse at the "perfect" spring destination.
Friendswood police arrested an 18-year-old woman suspected in several grocery store robberies, including two in the city.

Deorqunise "Checked Up Stanka" Hawkins of Houston was held under bonds totaling $50,000 in Harris County jail after being arrested March 6 in north Houston. She faces two counts of robbery and one count of aggravated robbery.
Drink specials are some folks' raison d'etre. They know the location, times and alcohol on offer like the back roads to their house.

But even at happy hour it's hard to beat 50 percent off.

Before Arthur Ave on Studewood St. closes its doors for good in March, they may see their biggest crowd yet now that they've announced they will be selling all bottles of wine at half the normal cost.

The Italian restaurant opened in 2016 to unanimous positive reviews across Houston's food scene. It landed in the top-ten of Houston Chronicle's Alison Cook's Best New Restaurants of 2016, coming in at number seven.

There were noted fluctuations in service level, but the food never disappointed. As Cook said in her 2016 review:

"For all its ups and downs, this ode to updated Italian-American from the Helen Greek Food brain trust can turn out dishes that inspire cravings."

But, the team who already runs Helen Greek Food and Wine in Rice Village said they learned some things about what not to do, and will be returning to their roots with the opening of a new version of Helen in the Heights in the location on Studewood and 11th.

Helen Greek Food and Wine was a finalist in the 2016 James Beard Award.

Arthur Ave will serve its last dish and pour its last bottle of red on March 19.
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This week in 2002, Houston-area mother Andrea Yates received a life sentence for drowning her five children in her familys Clear Lake home.

The nation was rattled by the news of housewife Yates killing her kids in the family bath the previous year. Yates called 911, asking that Houston police come to her house. She didn't tell the dispatcher why.

THE AFTERMATH: 15 years after Andrea Yates case, attitudes towards postpartum are changing

Before the incident, she had been diagnosed and medicated for both postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis.

In the years since her name has reemerged, connected usually to similar cases of women stricken with postpartum depression, killing or injuring their children, or when it's learned that she could be given certain privileges.

Yates was sentenced to life in prison on March 16, 2002 after being convicted of capital murder for the bathtub drowning deaths of Noah, 7; John, 5; Paul, 3; Luke 2; and Mary, 6 months.

An appeals court later granted Yates a new trial and a jury found her innocent by reason of insanity in 2006, sentencing her to a mental hospital.

Yates, now 52, currently resides Kerrville State Hospital, where she will likely stay for the rest of her life.

A NEW LOOK: Andrea Yates' ex-husband tells Oprah wife didn't deserve 'cruelest' murder trial

Her husband, Rusty Yates, divorced Andrea in 2004 and has since remarried and started a new family. According to her longtime attorney George Parnham, his wife and another friend of Yates' are the only visitors she receives. She spends her free time doing arts and crafts.

In 2002, Parnham and his wife created the Yates Children Memorial Fund, to help bring awareness about postpartum depression to the Houston community. Since the fund's creation, over 600,000 brochures on postpartum illnesses have been handed out around the community.

The Yates children are all interred at Forest Park East Cemetery in Webster. Their final resting place is marked by an ornate monument featuring etchings of their faces. The oldest of the Yates children, Noah, would have turned 23 in February.

Check out reporter Carol Christians first-hand account of covering the Yates case in this HoustonChronicle.com Gray Matters report.
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A registered sex offender suspected in a Rosenberg murder and arson investigation has been arrested, the Rosenberg Police announced Thursday.

Valentine Gonzalez, Jr., 52, was arrested Wednesday, March 8 and charged with murder in the suspected arson death of Nancy Dean, 32, of Rosenberg, police said.

An arrest warrant was issued for Gonzalez after the Sept. 29, 2016 house fire, which police believe was deliberately set. Dean's body was found inside the burned home.

HUGE BUST: 36 charged in synthetic drug investigation

At the time of the warrant, Gonzalez was wanted for failing to comply with sex offender requirements. Gonzales was convicted of aggravated sexual assault in 1989 and sentenced to 27 years in prison.

The suspect was located through the cooperation of the Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office, the Texas Rangers, the Cameron County Sheriff's Office and the U.S. Marshals.

Gonzalez is now being held in the Fort Bend County Jail.
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Jacki Dowling's husband had gone to work that day like so many others in his 13 years with the Houston Fire Department.

Then came the text messages. There'd been a bad fire. An accident. She rushed to the hospital.

Station 68: Texas firefighters fill in so Houston FD can attend funeral of "Iron Bill" Dowling

On Wednesday, as she stood near her husband's casket before hundreds of mourners, Dowling described the moment nearly four years ago when she realized her life had changed forever - when firefighters at the hospital handed over her husband's duffel bag.

"That's when I really lost it," she said. "Everything in my life I knew would never be the same."

Dowling relived the memories at a service Wednesday celebrating the life of Capt. William "Iron Bill" Dowling, who died last week in Colorado from complications suffered in a 2013 fire that also killed four other firefighters.

In a solemn service full of pomp and ceremony at Houston Baptist University, Dowling's family and friends remembered the captain's determination, faith and fighting spirit. And, once again, they mourned the others killed at the southwest Houston motel: Capt. Matthew Renaud, 35; Engine Operator Robert Bebee, 41; and firefighters Robert Garner, 29, and Anne Sullivan, 24, a rookie.

DOWLING'S WIDOW: 'My life... would never be the same'

Dowling's fight to survive  after both legs were amputated and brain damage left him unable to speak  touched everyone who knew him, they said.

"He gave it all to this city and we shall be forever thankful," Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said in addressing the crowd. "If this room was big enough to hold 2.2 million Houstonians, I firmly believe they would be here."

Dowling, who would have turned 44 Tuesday, left behind his wife, Jacki, and their three children - Forrest, 21; Faith, 17; and Foster, 15 - and other family.

Foster Dowling recalled his father's deep faith and devotion to his family.

"Though everyone here is mourning his passing, this is actually a time of celebration - Dad is no longer suffering," Foster Dowling said, brushing away tears. "He has his legs again, and now he's singing and dancing on the streets of gold with the many other firefighters who've gone before him."

The memorial began with a procession about 8:45 a.m. on the chill and sunlit morning, as hundreds of Houston firefighters fell silently into line at the front of the campus' Belin Tower below its cursive inscription: "He is the image of the invisible God."

RIP: Montgomery County pays tribute to late Houston fire captain

Escorted by dozens of firetrucks bearing black bands across the department shields and tributes to "Iron Bill," the procession moved along the Southwest Freeway onto Fondren before arriving at HBU's Morris Cultural Arts Center.

Bagpipes led the way as a firefighter carried an empty fire helmet near the head of the procession. Bystanders stood along the roadway watching and waving as the flag-draped casket passed by.

Inside, the firetruck-red coffin sat amid Dowling's firefighting gear and U.S. Marine Corps uniform, as one after another of his former comrades spoke of his valor.

"Bill's heroism went beyond his service to the city. He fought as hard for his family, faith and friends as on any incident on the firetruck," said Marty Lancton, president of the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association IAFF Local 341. "And he fought heroically for nearly four years. To survive the devastating injuries he endured, it has not been easy for him, or for Jacki, Forrest, Faith, and Foster."

Lancton joined Roy McGhee with the International Association of Fire Fighters, in presenting Jacki Dowling with the organization's Medal of Honor, given to more than 2,900 families of firefighters who have died over the last 27 years.

"When we use words like courage, duty and service, we will be reminded of Bill and the inspiration he gave all of us," McGhee said. "You have answered the final bell. You have served us well. Thank you for the gift of your life... May you rest in peace."

Terry Garrison, who was Houston fire chief at the time of the fire, said Dowling had exemplified bravery and leadership.

"The call came in and without hesitation, Dowling led his company into what would be the most horrific and tragic day in the history of the Houston Fire Department," said Garrison, now chief of the Glendale Fire Department in Arizona. "I'm certain Bill never paused or thought about his personal safety but rather his focus was on his mission at hand, protecting firefighters and saving lives."

Dowling was among the early responders to the five-alarm fire at the Southwest Inn motel and restaurant on May 31, 2013. As he and others looked inside for people who may have been trapped in the blaze, the roof collapsed on top of them. Four firefighters died at the scene and 15 were injured.

It took firefighters 45 minutes to extract Dowling from the burning wreckage.

Dowling battled to recover, first at his home in Spring and then in Colorado, where the family moved last year. He died from pneumonia on March 7.

Nearly 200 firefighters from across the state and Oklahoma traveled to Houston to man the city's fire stations so local crews could attend the memorial.

Six first responders from Sugar Land joined a dozen Houston volunteers in covering the 24-hour shift at Station 68, where Dowling had been based.

Even as they responded to calls for service, the crew manning Station 68 gathered around a television to watch the service. Near the donated doughnuts sitting on the long wooden table, a plaque on the wall listed every Station 68 crew member who responded to the deadly 2013 fire. Black memorial ribbons hung from the plaques with the names of the two from Station 68 who died that day, though a third ribbon had not yet been added for the captain of their engine company.

Local 341 had asked other departments to send volunteers to cover the shift, a tradition whenever a firefighter dies in the line of duty.

"As soon as that message comes through, it's an instant response and we step up," said Sugar Land Fire Capt. Randy Bates.

"It's been a typical fire-station day," he said, "[and] a very emotional day for us all."

Back at HBU, the service ended with the traditional ringing of a bell to mark the death of a fallen firefighter and the keening of bagpipes.
The Earthman Bellaire Funeral Home at Ferris and Bellaire will soon be home to a boutique fitness studio, juice bar and restaurant.

"It's simply a funeral home where people came and showed their respects and honored those who passed on, so it was a place filled with love, and it will continue to be a place filled with love, just with a little more energy," Deborah Hall, owner of Define Body & Mind in Bellaire, told KHOU.
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A Florida man has been sentenced to 90 days in the Harris County Jail and fined $1,000 for bringing his 6-year-old daughter with him when he went to a Harris County hotel for sex.

Jean Rolex Fleurine, 32, of North Miami, Florida, thought he was going to meet a prostitute on July 21, but the woman turned out to be an undercover Harris County Sheriff's Office deputy, according to law enforcement records.

PIMP DAD: Baytown dad sentenced for forcing daughter into prostitution

Fleurine was convicted and sentenced Wednesday of prostitution after a two-day trial in a case prosecuted by the Harris County District Attorney's Office Sex Crimes Division.

Fleurine got involved in the case after responding to an advertisement on a website known for sex solicitation, prosecutors said. He contacted the deputy with a text message and agreed to meet her at the hotel and pay for sex.

In the text, Fleurine told the deputy he was bringing his daughter and asked if that would be ok. "She won't know what's going on," he said.

Undercover surveillance video showed that when he arrived, Fleurine told his daughter to sit on the hotel room's queen-sized bed and turned up the TV, playing the show "Family Feud." He went into the bathroom with the deputy, expecting to have sex, but was arrested.

TEXT TROUBLE: Baylor fires football staffer for inappropriate text messages

During his trial, Fleurine maintained that he was conducting research on the sex industry, noting that in 2014, he wrote a college paper on the dangers of prostitution, the district attorney's office said.

Countering his defense, prosecutor Kimberly Ikegbunam read portions of Fleurine's paper aloud for jurors, including this passage: "Prostitution will always be a problem in America because kinky men will always be willing to pay for sex."
The local branch of a Muslim civil rights advocacy group on Wednesday called for a review of the Houston Independent School District's social media policy after they said a school teacher posted anti-Islamic messages on Twitter.

The Council on American Islamic Relations-Houston said the tweets, which included the phrase "Embrace Islam and you embrace death" and photos of mutilated children with a comment stating "Islam did this," could make Muslim students feel unsafe and discriminated against at school.

"For anyone, but especially students, to see something like that, is just unconscionable," said Ruth Nasrullah, a spokeswoman for the group.

HISD officials did not respond to requests for comment Tuesday.

Nasrullah said her group has not yet heard back from HISD and would not reveal the name or any more details about the teacher until speaking with administrators.She said the tweets come at a time of increased Islamophobia in Houston and across the country, highlighted by the election of President Donald Trump, who openly called for a travel ban against Muslims during his campaign. Trump has since limited travel from several Muslim-majority countries.

Based on surveys last year, CAIR estimated that half of all Muslim students in the United States had reported being bullied. According to Georgetown University researchers, anti-Muslim violence was "higher in 2015 than pre-9/11 levels with American Muslims approximately 6 to 9 times more likely to suffer such attacks."

Nasrullah said the local group's call also follows a series of anti-Muslim incidents in local schools in recent years.

A senior government and economics teacher at Foster High School in Richmond resigned in 2015 after handing out materials to students that called Muhammad a "false prophet" and described Islam as an "ideology of war."

In 2014, a third-grade HISD teacher was accused of making profane and anti-Muslim remarks on a public access television show.

Nasrullah said her group is not seeking the teacher's resignation.

"We're not looking to be the police of social media," she said. "We don't want to violate anyone's First Amendment rights either. What CAIR is here to do is protect people from this sort of thing."

Nasrullah said her group is also asking HISD to implement diversity and cultural sensitivity training for its employees.

A Texas Education Agency spokeswoman said there are no current state regulations requiring local school districts to address disparaging racial or religious comments, or even adopt a social media policy - some have them, some don't.

TEA has asked the legislature this year to pass a law requiring school districts to adopt an electronic media policy.
AUSTIN  State Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, author of the so-called bathroom bill, said Thursday she had received a threat on her life.

Kolkhorst, R-Brenham, spoke of the threat during a speech to a Faith and Family Day rally on the Texas Capitol steps, where supporters of legislation including the bathroom bill and anti-abortion legislation gathered.
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When the city of Sweetwater, Texas, hosted its inaugural rattlesnake round-up in 1958, law enforcement answered four to five calls per day about the slithery creatures, Rob McCann said.

The purpose of the event was to eradicate a portion of the rattlesnake population and lessen its threat to the town and surrounding communities.

Fast-forward 59 years, and the annual World's Largest Rattlesnake Round-Up  which took place over the weekend about 180 miles west of Fort Worth  pumps an estimated $8.4 million into the local economy and includes a pageant, cook-off and more, McCann said.

The killing of thousands of rattlesnakes has practically become an art.

RELATED: Texas woman battles 2 snakes with bare hands, poses for victorious photo

Between Thursday and Sunday, 8,500 pounds of rattlesnakes were killed at the event, said McCann, public relations director of the Sweetwater Jayceess, the group that organizes the round-up. Last year's event brought in a record-breaking 24,626 pounds of snakes, according to the San Angelo Standard Times.

First each snake is weighed and measured and its sex recorded and compiled into data given to Texas Parks and Wildlife, McCann said.

Then, snakes are skinned, beheaded and milked of their venom. The skin, heads, tails and rattles are preserved, while the venom is made into anti-venom and sold to pharmaceutical companies, McCann said.

RELATED: 3 snakes use 'synchronized slithering' to mate in state park footage

The meat is deep-fried and served at the festival, McCann said.

The allure of seeing thousands of rattlesnakes in one place is what makes this the town's largest annual event. This year's festival brought in about 40,000 visitors, McCann said.

"People keep coming back because it's the world's largest," McCann said. "It's a bucket list item."

Despite the fanfare, the Rattlesnake Round-Up still aims to control local rattlesnake population and educate the public about how to safely react to a rattlesnake encounter.

"If one person can be saved from getting bitten by a rattlesnake, then the event served its purpose," said McCann.

See photos from the 2017 World's Largest Rattlesnake Round-Up and past round-ups in the gallery above.

erobinson@mysa.com

Twitter: @eeelizzzabeth
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.
WASHINGTON  President Trump, during the campaign, famously said he gets his military advice from the shows.

He wasnt kidding. Now, as leader of the free world, he gets up in the morning and, long before receiving his intelligence briefing (if he receives one at all), he flips on cable news and starts tweeting. His comments are in the style of a guy in a La-Z-Boy shouting at the television, except the guy in the La-Z-Boy has 26 million Twitter followers and controls a nuclear arsenal that could destroy the world many times over.

Fox News morning show flashes a graphic alleging that 122 released Gitmo prisoners reengaged in terrorism. Within an hour, Trump tweets from the White House: 122 vicious prisoners, released by the Obama administration from Gitmo, have returned to the battlefield. Just another terrible decision! (As The Washington Posts Jenna Johnson pointed out, 113 of the 122 were released during the George W. Bush administration.)

A Fox & Friends host calls for Trump to block federal funding to universities that try to silence conservative voices, after violent protests at the University of California at Berkeley over a speech by conservative provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos. Half an hour later, Trump tweets: If U.C. Berkeley does not allow free speech and practices violence on innocent people with a different point of view  NO FEDERAL FUNDS?

Fox News OReilly Factor cites statistics about crime in Chicago. An hour later, Trump tweets the same statistics: If Chicago doesnt fix the horrible carnage going on, 228 shootings in 2017 with 42 killings (up 24% from 2016), I will send in the Feds!

Fox News labels Chelsea Manning an ungrateful traitor who had called President Barack Obama a weak leader. Fourteen minutes later, CNNs Brian Stelter notes, Trump tweets: Ungrateful TRAITOR Chelsea Manning, who should never have been released from prison, is now calling President Obama a weak leader. Terrible!

Fox News Tucker Carlson airs a report alleging that Sweden has been trying to cover up an outburst of violence caused by Muslim immigrants. The next day, Trump tells a crowd in Florida: You look at whats happening last night in Sweden. Sweden? Who would believe this?

Swedes have no idea what Trump is talking about; an international incident ensues.

Trumps virtual shouts at the television arent limited to Fox News (NBC, MSNBC and CNN have fired him up, too), and they have been about everything from Russia to Obamacare to flag burning.

Clearly we are not going to get Trump to turn off the idiot box and do his homework. But perhaps somebody could change the channel in the residence? This way, Trump could still get his frustrations out, La-Z-Boy-style  and the republic would not have to fear that the commander in chief might at any moment start World War III because of something he just heard on Fox News.

With some guidance from Hank Stuever, the Posts TV critic, I searched the proverbial dial for shows that might prove useful distractions for Trump. Following, with the necessary SPOILER ALERT, are examples of how Trump could be occupied with fictional drama to prevent him from creating real crises.

Instead of dire warnings of terrorist threats, he could tweet about Showtimes Homeland: Ungrateful TRAITOR Carrie Mathison, whose law firm helps Radical Islamic Terrorists, has daughter taken away. We are already winning again, America!

He could channel personal animosity not at Democrats but at the contestants of Discoverys Naked and Afraid: CHOKER Jason, highly overrated with 6.8 PSR, drops out on Day 11 because of parasites. Weak! Too much pixelation covering Lacey. Sad.

His unnerving rants about crime and violence could find an outlet in recent actions on CMTs Nashville: Rayna escapes knife attack but then killed after car crash. Carnage stops right now!

He might direct his conspiracy theories about rigged elections into demanding an investigation into how crooked Blake Shelton won five of 11 seasons on The Voice. His curious fondness for Russia could find a healthy outlet by watching FXs The Americans; everybody roots for Russian spies Philip and Elizabeth. And he could work through his issues with women and minorities by focusing them on HBOs Girls: Shocker! Total zero Lena Dunham gets pregnant by the foreign Muslim, Riz Ahmed.

And  who knows?  maybe watching the Weather Channel now and then might get him to reconsider climate change: Winter Storm Reggie coming followed by 2 more storms  and 49 Midwest tornadoes. I INHERITED A MESS!

Who wouldnt retweet that?
Hyderabad mar 15 : This Telugu remake of Bollywood ***** comedy 'Hunterrr' does complete justice to the original. The presence of Srinivas Avasarala and choice of female leads gives an impression that remake is better than original.



Telugu Audience doubts whether or not the bold scenes of 'Hunterrr' will be retained. The Promo clears their doubt and raises the expectations. Avasarala Srinivas is used to love making scenes as he comes from Theatre Background. He seems to have done a fine job in the bold scenes with Supriya Aysola who essays the role of a Housewife.



Tejaswi Madiwada will be seen as a young girl on whom the Protagonist had a crush. While Sreemukhi appears as the one whom Srinivas Avasarala tries to woo in the Airport, Mishty Chakraborthy essays the role of young woman with whom her marriage has been finalized. 'Babu Baga Busy' is due for release on April 13th, 2017.










Hyderabad mar 16 : Tejaswi has started sharing glamorous pictures of herself on social media and one must admit that she surely looks like a sexy lady. If not for the jinx of Telugu girls not shining in Tollywood, she would surely have been flooded with offers.Tejaswi, who has mostly played the cute girl-next-door characters except for her grown up role in RGV's 'Ice Cream', looks to be making making efforts to change her image.
The Trump administration is delaying a new rule tightening safety requirements for companies that store large quantities of dangerous chemicals. The rule was imposed after a fertilizer plant in West, Texas, exploded in 2013, killing 15 people.

Scott Pruitt, administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, delayed the effective date of the Obama-era rule until June.

Pruitts action late Monday came in response to complaints by the chemical industry and other business groups that the rule could make it easier for terrorists and other criminals to target refineries, chemical plants and other facilities by requiring companies to make public the types and quantities of chemicals stored on site.

The EPA issued a final rule in January, seven days before President Barack Obama left office. The EPA said at the time that the rule would help prevent accidents and improve emergency preparedness by allowing first responders better data on chemical storage.

A coalition of business groups opposed the rule, saying in a letter to Pruitt that it would do irreparable harm to companies that store chemicals and put public safety at risk.

Chet Thompson, president and CEO of the American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers, an industry group, praised Pruitts delay of the EPA rule.

The midnight rulemaking in the final days of the Obama administration would not enhance safety, create security vulnerabilities and divert resources from further enhancing existing safety programs, Thompson said.

Environmental groups questioned industry claims as self-interested and misleading.

Hazardous chemical incidents like the explosion in West, Texas, are frighteningly common, according to the Environmental Justice Health Alliance, an advocacy group. More than 1,500 chemical releases or explosions were reported from 20014 to 2013, causing 58 deaths and more than 17,000 injuries, the group said.

Instead of bowing to industry complaints, the EPA should stand with the first responders, at-risk communities, safety experts, workers, small businesses and others who live at daily risk of a catastrophic chemical release or explosion, the group wrote in a letter last month to members of Congress.

The Obama-era rule came after a three-year process that included eight public hearings and more than 44,000 public comments, the group said.

The Obama administration said the rule would help prevent chemical incidents such as the 2013 explosion in Texas, while enhancing emergency preparedness requirements, improving management of data on chemical storage and modernizing policies and regulations.

Sen. Jim Inhofe, R-Okla., said the Obama-era rule gives a blueprint to those who would like to do us harm, adding that existing regulations will remain in place to continue ensuring safety of chemical plants and other facilities.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Before the first snow fell, U.S. meteorologists realized there was a good chance the late-winter storm wasnt going to produce giant snow totals in big Northeast cities as predicted.

But they didnt change their forecasts because they said they didnt want to confuse the public.

National Weather Service meteorologists in Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Washington held a conference call Monday afternoon about computer models that dramatically cut predicted snow amounts. They decided to keep the super snowy warnings.

Out of extreme caution we decided to stick with higher amounts, Greg Carbin, chief of forecast operations at the Weather Prediction Center in suburban Maryland, told The Associated Press. I actually think in the overall scheme that the actions (by states and cities) taken in advance of the event were exceptional.

On Monday, the weather service predicted 18 to 24 inches of snow in New York City. By late Tuesday afternoon, Central Park was covered with a little more than 7 inches of snow with rain and sleet still falling. Other areas, including upstate New York and Connecticut, received more than a foot and a half of snow. Swaths of Pennsylvania were walloped by 20 to 30 inches of snow.

Carbin said a last-minute change downgrading snowfall totals might have given people the wrong message that the storm was no longer a threat. It still was, but real danger was from ice and sleet in places like New York City and Washington, he said.

Dramatically changing forecasts in what meteorologists call the windshield wiper effect only hurts the public, said Bob Henson, a meteorologist for the private Weather Underground.

Carbin stood by the decision.

The nature of the beast is that theres always uncertainty in every forecast and we have to get better at describing that, Carbin said.

The right amount of precipitation fell, but it came down as rain and sleet because the rain-snow line moved inland, according to Carbin and private forecasters.

The rain-snow line is a 50 mile wide north-south swath where cold Arctic air from the north and west clashes with warm, moist air from the Atlantic. West of the snow line saw heavy snow while east had rain and sleet.

The snow line happens to center on New York City so it was a bigger deal than if the line had been over a rural area, said private meteorologist Ryan Maue of WeatherBell Analytics .

Private forecast outfits said the National Weather Service did a good job forecasting a tough storm despite the beating the federal agency took on social media.

Overall the range of the forecast was very solid. It ended up being on the low end, Henson said. I understand why people can be frustrated when the expectation is the big storm.

University of Georgia meteorology professor Marshall Shepherd, host of the television show Weather Geeks, said the public focused too much on worst-case scenarios.

The perception of `bust is that it didnt materialize for New York in the manner expected. Much of the expected snow fell as sleet, Shepherd said in an email. To me, ice is a far greater hazard. If a pitcher throws a strike down the center of the plate or just off the outside corner, its still a strike.
Randell Heath isnt sure how hackers got into his companys website  all he knows is a supplier called, saying the site had become an online store selling Viagra and Cialis.

The problem might have been at the company that hosts the site. It might have been that Heaths passwords werent strong enough. But the invasion taught Heath a lesson that computer experts say many small business owners still need: Keeping your companys computers and online sites safe isnt a one-time operation, but requires continual vigilance as new kinds of attacks emerge.

Im planning on attending a Cybersecurity for Small Business briefing, says Heath, president of Coldsweep, a Mountain Green, Utah-based company that uses dry ice to clean surfaces.

The chances of a small business being invaded, of having computers, smartphones, tablets and even bank accounts hacked because of poor cybersecurity, are rapidly growing. And some of the very things small businesses are encouraged to do to make themselves more visible, like having blogs, can also make them more vulnerable.

Symantec, a maker of computer security software, analyzed threats and cyberattacks that its network encountered and found that 43 percent of all cyberattacks in 2015 targeted small businesses.

Just from 2014 to 2015, Symantec saw a 36 percent increase in new malware, and a nearly 80 percent increase in new variations of the malware targeting Android users. The company also counted one instance of malware in every 220 emails, a bigger risk than one in 244 in 2014. And even after all the warnings, a primary culprit was attachments or links that employees click on, allowing hackers to damage or delete files, track a users actions or steal data like passwords.

Invasions that render a computers files unusable unless the user pays a ransom have also surged. Cybercriminals who use this method are aggressive  one variation of ransomware attacked an estimated 100,000 computers a day within weeks of its release last year, according to the FBI.

The costs of an invasion can be steep. Heath estimates he lost $10,000 in business because the site was down. He didnt have to pay to have the website rebuilt, because his business was part of an incubator where tech help was available for free. But recreating a website could run a business well into the thousands of dollars.

Many owners believe they dont have the resources  human or financial  to keep their companies safe, which takes keeping up with frequent security updates for software and equipment.

The CEO is also the marketing person and also the (information technology) person. They simply dont have the wherewithal to manage computing platforms day to day, says Tom Desot, chief information officer at Digital Defense Inc., which helps companies protect against cyberattacks.

Desot estimates that a company with 30 to 50 employees might have to spend upward of $50,000 initially to give all its equipment the best possible protection, which includes sophisticated software and firewalls to keep intruders out, and then thousands each year to keep their security up to date. Smaller companies would have a much lower expense, but many owners still shy away from a cost that can seem prohibitive.

But theres a bigger problem: owners willful ignorance, says Diana Burley, a professor at George Washington University whose expertise includes cybersecurity.

You dont necessarily understand how vulnerable you are, because you think, why would someone target me? I dont have that much in assets, Im not lucrative, why would I be a target, she says. We operate in an environment of complacency.

Some owners dont pay attention to notices about patches or updates from computer or software makers, Burley says. Those downloads often contain security improvements because tech companies have discovered problems that make their products more vulnerable to attack.

One solution many small businesses use is to hire a company that monitors computer systems and/or websites and makes sure they stay up to date. The cost for many small enterprises can be several hundred dollars a month.

But computers can still be vulnerable. Owners often dont take the simplest precautions such as making sure passwords they and their employees use are hard to find or guess for thieves using computers called bots that search for vulnerabilities, says Rick Hogan, CEO of Bleevit Interactive, a website design company based in Reston, Virginia.

A weak password and a lackadaisical approach to website maintenance allowed hackers to break into the site of one of Hogans clients, a family-owned restaurant business. The criminals created additional pages of pornography that showed up in search results, and the intrusion went on for months because the owners didnt check their site. Hogans company cleaned up the site, but the damage to the restaurants reputation persisted  its website address was flagged as pornography.

We couldnt put a link for them on Facebook for six months, Hogan says.

Many owners dont consider when they download software or apps for their phones and tablets that those could contain malware. Even on a legitimate website, thieves sometimes attach invasive programs to ads. And using public Wi-Fi  convenient but usually lax on security  makes it easy for hackers using scanners to steal information if people log into email or bank accounts.

But many problems have solutions. Owners can start by looking for the same kind of briefing Heath sought out. Setting up a virtual private network, or VPN, can make it safe to conduct your business over public Wi-Fi, suggests Aaron Hanson, a product marketing executive with Symantec. A VPN allows information to be sent so it cant be read by cybercriminals that might intercept it. Owners should also investigate an app or plugin before they download it, and emphasize  again  that employees shouldnt click on unfamiliar links or attachments.

Businesses can also back up their data with a security company that could restore most if not all of their files in the event of ransomware or other attack.

David Cingari reaped the benefits of backing up a year ago, when an employee at his catering company came in around 7:30 a.m. to find her computer was taken hostage by ransomware. When she logged in, she got a notification that her files had been encrypted, or locked up so they couldnt be read, and that it would take paying a ransom to get them unlocked.

I just freaked out, recalls Cingari, owner of Davids Soundview Catering in Stamford, Connecticut. But he quickly called the company that maintains his systems. Technicians replaced his files with safe ones that had been backed up offsite. Instead of losing $30,000 in sales and the cost of being robbed of all its information, the company was back in business around 10 a.m.

That made it so effortless, he says.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
AKRON, Ohio - An Akron fugitive named in the U.S. Marshals' updated "Dangerous Dozen" list has surrendered.

Gary Franklin II, 24, turned himself into police Wednesday, the Marshals said in news release. He is charged in Akron Municipal Court with felonious assault in connection with a Jan. 27 shooting.

Franklin is accused of shooting his 37-year-old cousin in the legs during a fight over a woman, police said. The victim was treated for non-life-threatening injuries at Summa Akron City Hospital.

Franklin is currently in Summit County Jail. He is scheduled for arraignment 9 a.m. Thursday.

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Paul Ryan

Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan of Wisconsin uses charts and graphs March 9 to make his case for the GOP's long-awaited plan to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington. This week, the Congressional Budget Office released a report estimating that 24 million more people would become uninsured by 2026 under the Republican plan. The North Shore AFL-CIO Federation of Labor is petitioning Republican Sen. Rob Portman to support keeping the ACA, also known as Obamacare.

(Associated Press photo)

CLEVELAND, Ohio - The local AFL-CIO will deliver petitions with "thousands of signatures" to Sen. Rob Portman's office today, urging him not to support dismantling the Affordable Care Act, the head of the organization said.

It is scheduled to be the first of several visits the North Shore AFL-CIO Federation of Labor intends to make to the Republican's office to present petitions, said Harriet Applegate, the labor group's executive secretary. She said even though the national AFL-CIO gave Portman an approval rating of less than 20 percent on his voting record, organized labor considers his vote to be "very, very important." This goes for not repealing the ACA, or Obamacare, as well as programs, such as Medicare and Social Security, which may come under Congress' scrutiny in the future.

"We think -- like everybody in labor and outside of labor -- that he's potentially moveable on some of these subjects,'' Applegate said. "So, we really want to focus on him - especially around health care. He was a Republican who didn't want to take Medicaid expansion (under the ACA) away from the states.

"That really sparked our hope that Portman really may be moveable," she said. "He is not a dedicated right-wing Republican, who can't be pushed into acting independently of Trump. I guess he would be in the category of a moderate Republican."

Even though Portman supports Medicaid expansion, he said the ACA is not working. (Republican Gov. John Kasich successfully got Medicaid expansion in Ohio.)

"The status quo is unsustainable," Portman wrote in an email to The Plain Dealer. "The Affordable Care Act isn't affordable for thousands of Ohio families and small businesses that are facing skyrocketing premiums. And so I support replacing it with a better solution that lowers costs.

"However, I have outlined my concerns about the need to protect Ohio's expanded Medicaid population, and I believe that any replacement legislation should ensure they continue to have access to quality health coverage, especially for opioid and mental health care," Portman wrote.

The future of the Republican plan to replace the ACA appears uncertain. The Congressional Budget Office released a report this week estimating that 24 million more people would become uninsured by 2026 under the Republican plan. While President Donald Trump and House Speaker Paul Ryan, Republican of Wisconsin, have backed the plan, many legislators in their party have raised questions about the plan in light of the CBO report.

The AFL-CIO petition not only urges Portman to fight to keep Obamacare, but to "oppose replacing Medicare's guaranteed benefits with a voucher." It also asks the senator to support "common sense approaches to preserve vital programs like Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid."

Applegate said copies of the petitions given to Portman will also be sent to Sen. Sherrod Brown, a Democrat, as well as the U.S. Representatives whose districts include Northeast Ohio: Democrats Marcia Fudge of Warrensville Heights and Marcy Kaptur of Toldeo and Republicans David Joyce of Russell Township and Jim Renacci of Wadsworth.

Applegate said Brown and the members of Northeast Ohio's Congressional delegation aren't subjects of the petition drive. The labor organization is passing along copies of the petitions hand-delivered to Portman as information. The AFL-CIO also wants these legislators to know that they are very serious about retaining ACA and lobbying for the other issues.

"Republicans can't discount when thousands of people sign petitions," Applegate said. "I think that is the one way we have of showing them that health care, Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security enjoy broad, broad support.

"When they get petitions, they are put on notice that, 'Hey, we are watching you and you better not screw us on this,'" she said.

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CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A Seven Hills pill dealer who was connected to cases against a suburban mayoral candidate, the son of another suburban mayor and a Cleveland police officer was sentenced Wednesday to 19 months in federal prison.

Alfonso Yunis, 43, was arrested in October 2015 along with then-Brooklyn law director Scott Claussen and Bryan Byrne, son of Parma Heights mayor Mike Byrne, after a drug squad raided Yunis' Broadview Road home.

A search of his cellphone turned up text messages between him and Cleveland officer Jon Periandri. The messages showed that Periandri repeatedly requested to buy painkillers from Yunis and even agreed to act as a middleman for some drug dealers, according to a search warrant affidavit.

Yunis pleaded guilty in May to charges of conspiracy and distribution of oxycodone. On Wednesday, Chief U.S. District Judge Solomon Oliver Jr. gave Yunis a lower sentence than the one recommended by the U.S. Probation Office.

Periandri was not mentioned in open court, and his attorney Craig Weintraub declined to discuss any connection after the hearing. Weintrub previously referred to Yunis as Claussen and Bryan Byrne's dealer and friend.

U.S. postal inspectors arrested Yunis after tracking several packages mailed to him that contained drugs. They arrested Yunis after placing a tracking device in a package and waited for him to open it, according to court filings.

Agents went to Yunis' home after he opened the package, and found him, Claussen and Byrne cutting up prescription pills with credit cards. Yunis admitted to agents that he, Claussen and Byrne were shaving oxycodone pills to bake them and allow them to be snorted, filings say.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Marisa Darden told Oliver that Yunis frequently sold to white-collar drug users.

Yunis has been on electronic monitoring since December. He told Oliver that he was addicted to opiates and his arrest was a wake-up call.

"I've never used heroin, but I learned that an opiate addiction is an opiate addiction," Yunis said.

Oliver acknowledged this before imposing a sentence but said some prison time was warranted.

Claussen was a candidate for Brooklyn mayor at the time of his arrest.

He and Bryan Bryne, both attorneys, were charged in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court. Both entered deferred prosecution agreements and their charges were later dismissed.

Periandri, who resigned from the police department while in the midst of an internal investigation, pleaded guilty Feb. 28 to a felony drug possession charge. Common Pleas Judge Michael Russo put him into treatment and ordered him to serve a year on probation. If he successfully completes his probation, his case will be dropped.

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The Tamir Rice 911 call-taker, who failed to tell the police dispatcher Tamir was "probably a juvenile" and his gun was "probably fake", was suspended for eight days.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Tamir Rice 911 call-taker has been suspended eight days after failing to tell the police dispatcher that Tamir was "probably a juvenile" and that the gun he was holding was "probably fake."

The call-taker, Constance Hollinger, only faced up to a ten-day suspension. Given the consequences of Hollinger's critical omissions, and the circumstances of a previous suspension on her record, an eight-day suspension is appallingly too lenient. Especially when you consider the City of Cleveland ended up negligently giving 12-year-old Tamir Rice a death sentence for recklessly playing in a park with a fake gun.

Hollinger had taken the 911 call from a man at Cudell Recreation Center. The caller had told Hollinger Tamir was "probably a juvenile" and that the airsoft pellet gun he turned out to be holding was "probably fake."

That critical information was never passed on to dispatcher Beth Mandl. Officers Timothy Loehmann and Frank Garnback responded to Mandl's dispatch, thinking they were responding to a man waving a real gun. Within two seconds of approaching Tamir Rice, officer Loehmann fatally shot him.

Former Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Timothy J McGinty's investigation concluded that the shooting and death of Tamir may have been avoided if the omitted 911 call information had been properly given to responding officers.

Mandi resigned. Hollinger initially denied any wrong doing.

Samaria Rice, Tamir's mother, called the suspension "unacceptable," in statement.

"Eight days for gross negligence resulting in the death of a 12-year-old boy, how pathetic is that?" asked Samaria Rice's attorney, Subodh Chandra.

"How pathetic is that?" It's extremely pathetic, especially considering Hollinger was suspend five days last July for treating a caller in a "rude and unprofessional manner." The caller was a 12-year-old girl who said a 68-year-old man sexually assaulted her.

As sickening as Cleveland officials just giving Hollineger proverbial wrist slaps is, it's not surprising. This is the same city administration that thought it was a good idea to promote Michael McGrath from Police Chief to Safety Director, after a swarm of Cleveland Police officers killed two unarmed Cleveland residents in a hail of bullets following a reckless car chase, a chase that was ignited by a car backfiring.

If the circumstances of Hollinger suspension aren't grounds for termination, what is? If, God forbid, you had to call 911, would you want Hollinger to handle the call?

Speaking of termination. It's now 2017, Loehmann and Garnback have yet to face any police division discipline for their actions in the death of Tamir Rice in November, 2014.
CLEVELAND, Ohio - Utah, New York, Connecticut and London take center stage in March mysteries.

Carol Goodman

The Widow's House

William Morrow, 368 pp., $15.99

When Brooklyn hipsters Jess and Clare Martin realize they can no longer support their lifestyle in the city, they decide to move to their former college town in the Hudson Valley. They get positions as caretakers to a former professor's house, where they hope Jess will revive his once-promising writing career and Clare can reconnect with her old hometown, and her writing ambitions, too. But instead of a respite, the bucolic countryside begins to haunt Clare, who starts to see and hear babies and other things that aren't really there. Or are they? Have the Martins stumbled onto a haunted house? Or is there a more human force behind the sinister doings tearing apart the couple? Or is Clare just crazy? Goodman's haunting tale will keep readers guessing until the end.

Grade: B

A Simple Favor

Darcey Bell

Harper, 304 pp., $25.99

It's something all working moms have done - ask a friend to pick up your kid or watch him or her for a few hours because you're stuck at work. A simple favor you'll pay back another time. Except, working mother Emily never comes to pick up her kindergarten son Nicky from friend Stephanie's house in this twisty tale. Has she been harmed? Or run away? No one knows, especially not her son or husband in this latest addition to the unreliable narrator genre. Told in alternating voices by Emily, Stephanie and Emily's husband Sean, no one and nothing is what it seems in this page-turner set in the moneyed environs of Connecticut and Manhattan.

Grade: B

For Time and All Eternities

Mette Ivie Harrison

Soho, 352 pp., $26.95

Utah writer Mette Ivie Harrison is one of the most exciting new mystery writers around. And though her tales of sleuthing housewife Linda Wallheim are set in suburban America, they're some of the most exotic new mysteries, too. Harrison - and Linda - are proud, if unconventional, Mormon wives and mothers. The author presents a world unknown to most outside Utah, a world where Linda, a Bishop's wife, must navigate the rigid Mormon world of temple services, women's clubs and strict gender roles and views on homosexuality and feminism. The third book in the series finds Linda drawn into a murder on a polygamist compound most definitely not approved of by the Church of Latter Day Saints. But the crime hits close to home, and despite husband Kurt's disapproval Linda feels compelled to investigate to try to solve both the crime, and help the women she feels may be abused on the grounds. It all makes for a compelling, moral and quite entertaining mystery.

Grade: A

A Cast of Vultures

Judith Flanders

Minotaur Books, 320 pp., $25.99

London book editor Sam Clair is like a sleuthing Bridget Jones: a witty, self-effacing, smarter than she lets on, sassy singleton in the big city. Except, Clair is single-no-longer, now deeply-entrenched in a relationship with her police officer boyfriend Jake. His job is one reason she tries to keep him out of the latest off-the-books case she's trying to solve for an elderly neighbor, which begins with a little grudging breaking-and-entering. Soon the missing person case is tied up with arson, a body found in a squatter's house and drama at the publishing house. Flanders' witty prose keeps readers guessing, and charmed by her delightfully realistic protagonist.

Grade: A
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A Cuyahoga County corrections officer is accused of trying to smuggle heroin and pills into the county jail for an accused rapist, court records say.

Corrections officer Kamara Austin, 43, is charged with second-degree felony drug trafficking, drug possession and possessing criminal tools.

His bond is set at $250,000, according to court records. He is scheduled to make is first appearance Friday in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court.

Austin smuggled 16 grams of heroin and 32 unidentified yellow pills into the jail for Anthony Lett, who is accused of raping a woman during a home invasion and stealing guns from the Berea gun show, court records say.

Federal agents arrested Austin about 3:15 p.m. Wednesday in the parking lot of Miles Grocery, on East 131st Street near Miles Avenue in Cleveland.

Investigators found the heroin and pills with him. They also seized his cellphone, according to court records.

Austin was hired as a corrections officer in the Cuyahoga County jail in 1998. He was placed on unpaid leave after his arrest.

Lett, 40, is jailed on $250,000 bond in connection with an April 24, 2016 home invasion and rape in Cleveland. He has pleaded not guilty to attempted murder, rape and other charges in that case.

He and another man, James Underwood, are accused of breaking into a home on East 127th Street and forcing a husband and wife into their bedroom at gunpoint.

The two men demanded the couple's money and bank cards. The men then forced the couple back downstairs.

The husband ran from the home and Underwood fired several shots, hitting the husband once in the left arm, court records say.

Lett then took the woman to the basement and raped her, police said.

Less than a week later, the duo conspired to steal a 9-millimeter handgun from the gun show at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds, according to court records.

Lett distracted a Mansfield firearms dealer while Underwood stole a 9-millimeter pistol, court records say. A North Olmsted police officer working security at the show chased the duo. The officer caught Lett and arrested him.

That case was initially filed in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court, but has since been transferred to federal court. He is charged in federal court with possessing a gun as a felon and possessing a stolen gun. He pleaded not guilty in that case.

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Clouds of gulls billow above an iron ore freighter as it slowly moves along the Cuyahoga River shipping channel on its way to the ArcelorMittal steel mill docks. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has failed to dredge the full six-mile channel for more than a year.

(Chuck Crow/Plain Dealer file photo)

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Giant barges loaded with iron ore have returned to the Cuyahoga River shipping channel, but fears are returning that they may encounter problems along the way to their destination at the ArcelorMittal steel mill docks.

Ship captains experienced problems with the river's depth last year, and concerns are growing that the same navigational issues could arise again this year without the dredging of the entire length of the six-mile shipping channel, said Jade Davis, a spokesman for the Port of Cleveland.

"The Port is concerned that any delays in dredging this spring, such as was the case in 2016, could lead to a recurrence of river navigation issues again in 2017," Davis said on Thursday. "We hope that the Army Corps will carry out full dredging this year, in an expeditious and environmentally safe manner."

In December, the Army Corps said it would resume dredging the shipping channel this month. But now they have added a stipulation to that plan.

"The Corps of Engineers survey team will assess the federal channel to determine the need for, and priorities of, dredging," said Army Corps spokesman Andrew A. Kornacki in an email. "This should happen late-March to early-April."

Davis said Port officials consider the retraction "another example of the problems we've been having" with the Army Corps. He added that the Port expects the Corps to fulfill its obligation to dredge the entire six-mile shipping channel -- a job it has performed annually for at least the past 30 years -- and that navigation problems are sure to become worse without the dredging.

The Army Corps is a defendant in a federal lawsuit filed by the Port of Cleveland and the Ohio EPA, who are seeking a court order requiring the Corps to dredge the river and dump the sediment into a containment dike on the Lake Erie shoreline.

The Army Corps insists the dredged sediment is clean enough for open-lake disposal, and deny the agency is legally required to dredge the channel.

But in the meantime, the Army Corps has only dredged the channel once in the past year, and then only the area in the vicinity of the ArcelorMittal docks, where the sediment buildup was worst and ore ships were bottoming out.

The Army Corps' contractor, Ryba Marine Construction of Cheboygan, Mich., delayed the $3.7 million project until November, but abruptly shut down the operation on Dec. 9 after a pump on an excavator-mounted barge broke down.

Lawyers for the EPA and the Port obtained emails filed in federal court quoting Army Corps officials of intentionally delaying dredging to allow sediment to build up and threaten shipping in the river, with the intent to "put pressure on the locals."

Emails from the Corps' Cleveland Harbor project manager suggested the Corps could reduce the amount of dredging in the shipping channel to impede navigability and "keep the heat on the local users" to approve open-lake dumping.

The Army Corps' lawyers have denied those allegations.

U.S. Senator Rob Portman, Republican of Ohio, said he considers the dredging project and dike disposal of the sediment to be a key component of efforts to protect Lake Erie, and he delivered that message this week to Lt. Col. Adam Czekanski, head of the Army Corps' Buffalo District.

"I told Lt. Col. Czekanski that while I'm pleased they began the dredging last fall they must continue to ensure that the harbor is dredged as necessary for safe and efficient ship passage," Portman said.

Portman said he also addressed a Senate subcommittee investigation he is leading into the Army Corps' decision last year to cut its own budget as an apparent excuse to dump dredged contaminated sediment directly into Lake Erie.

"I also made clear that the corps must continue to cooperate" with the investigation, Portman said.
Water release at Hume Weir, on the edge of Lake Hume. Lake Hume was created on the Murray River in 1919 and later enlarged to become an integral part of the Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Scheme.

The Australian government said on Thursday it may spend up to A$2 billion ($1.5 billion) to expand a huge hydro power scheme to help solve an energy crisis, although the main owners of the dam have yet to be consulted.



The idea was floated by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, the latest in a flurry of announcements over the past week as the country looks to plug a gap in power and gas supplies that has already led to blackouts and outages across the eastern half of the country.



Australia is on track to become the world's largest exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG), yet its energy market operator has warned of a domestic gas crunch from 2019 that could trigger industry supply cuts and broad power outages.



The 2,000 megawatt expansion of the Snowy Hydro scheme could power the equivalent of 500,000 homes and meet demand in peak periods in the eastern states, Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg told the Australian Broadcasting Corp. on Thursday.



"The cost will run into the billions of dollars but the Prime Minister has made very clear that we will make all steps necessary to ensure energy security," Frydenberg said.

The plan so far is just for a feasibility study to be completed by the end of this year.



The announcement was made without consulting the biggest shareholders in Snowy Hydro, the state governments of Victoria and New South Wales, and scientists said it could damage the sensitive environment around Australia's highest mountain.
Postcards showing the British Union flag, also known as Union Jack, sit on display at a souvenir store near to the Elizabeth Tower, also known as 'Big Ben', in London, U.K.

The prospect of the U.K. and European Union failing to secure a trade agreement after Brexit negotiations would be "unthinkable" and we can only live in hope that common sense prevails in the end, the deputy director at an influential Brussels-based think tank told CNBC on Wednesday.

"(From the EU's perspective) the U.K. cannot be seen to be doing better outside the EU (but) we must remember this is the U.K. we are talking about, this is not the archetypal enemy of the EU we are still friends right?" Maria Demertzis, deputy director of Bruegel, told CNBC via phone on Wednesday.

U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May warned European leaders in January that no deal for Britain would be better than agreeing to a "bad deal" at the end of the two-year negotiating process. May has since secured the right to activate article 50 and begin the formal procedure of leaving the bloc although the market consensus is for Downing Street to wait until the end of March to do so.

"In Brussels, there are other priorities right now (such as European elections), and so we need to wait for governments, hopefully sensible ones, to be in place both in France and Germany. I just hope that the land that gave us common sense can prevail in the end we can but hope," Demertzis added.

In the absence of an agreed trade deal, Britain would default to the tariffs and rules imposed by the World Trade Organization (WTO), which critics have warned would be disastrous for the U.K.
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The White House budget proposed Thursday strips infrastructure funding from federal agencies to divert funds to a forthcoming executive branch infrastructure plan, according to Mick Mulvaney, director of the Office of Management and Budget.

"We believe those programs to be less effective than the package we're currently working on," Mulvaney said, calling such cuts "line-item reductions." The administration's approach lowers or cuts entirely funding for projects deemed to have regional benefits, in order to increase funding to those with national scope. Among the priorities that fall into the latter category are investments in the nation's power grid, cybersecurity efforts and "environmentally responsible development of energy on public lands." The biggest infrastructure programs currently sit within the Department of Transportation, which repairs highways, bridges and airports, and the Army Corps of Engineers, which maintains the country's inland waterways. The "skinny" budget proposal released Thursday proposed a $1 billion cut to funding for the Army Corps of Engineers  amount to a 16.3 percent reduction. The White House also suggested significantly cutting Department of Transportation programs, and ending funding for so-called TIGER grants that pay for discretionary road and rail projects.

Andrew Harrer | Bloomberg | Getty Images

The proposed budget withdraws future capital investment grants from the Federal Transit Administration, which counts more than 60 current projects, and it significantly reduces funding to Amtrak. Most prescriptive changes apply to the Environmental Protection Agency, whose budget the OMB proposes to cut by 31 percent. "The Budget returns responsibility for funding local environmental efforts and programs to State and local entities, allowing EPA to focus on its highest national priorities," the document said. Accordingly, the budget seeks to ax federal money funding the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, the Chesapeake Bay and other projects. The budget cuts what it calls a "duplicative" Department of Agriculture grant program investing in water and wastewater in rural communities, and estimates the government will save $498 million by shifting investment to the private sector. Many infrastructure programs on the chopping block were not assigned a price tag; of those that were, the government estimates it would save $2.3 billion from the existing budget bill. President Donald Trump, in his joint address last month, called on Congress to procure $1 trillion through legislation for infrastructure, which appears to be the "package" Mulvaney was referencing, although it's now largely believed to originate in the White House. Eight Democrats in the Senate put forth their own $1 trillion infrastructure plan in January. The administration's desire to cut costs as it pursues its own spending programs elsewhere has sparked criticism from some Democrats. "Over the last few years, President Trump repeatedly promised the American people that he wanted to rebuild and replace our aging network of crumbling roads, bridges, airports, transit systems, railways, ports, and water systems," said Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-Ore., on Thursday. "The President's budget, released today, guts many of those very investmentsthe exact opposite of what he promised."

Infrastructure purse strings as political tool
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The rising tide of political populism has had a negative impact on global economic growth over the last six months, according to a new survey conducted by CNBC of chief financial officers of the world's leading companies. However, there has not been an impact on their company's capital expenditure plans.

The main external risk for CFOs and their companies remained consumer demand. Meanwhile, the protectionist approach of U.S. President Donald Trump is a source of concern for chief financial officers across the globe. Chief financial officers (CFOs) of the world's biggest companies were particularly concerned about the prospect of a trade war between the United States and China. In the latest CNBC Global CFO Council survey, 23 percent of the respondents said they are very concerned that the new U.S. administration will provoke a trade war with China and 72 percent said they are somewhat concerned. Even before taking on the role of president, Trump accused China of being a currency manipulator and threatened to impose a tariff as high as 45 percent on Chinese exports into the U.S.

In its trade policy agenda, Trump suggested that the U.S. is not bound by World Trade Organization decisions, meaning it can unilaterally impose higher taxes and other restrictions on Chinese goods if they flood the U.S. market. If this happens, China is likely to retaliate to protect its economy and spark a war between the two. Chinese President Xi Jinping warned in January that "no one will emerge as a winner in a trade war". Problems in global trade have direct repercussions on global businesses. This is why uncertainty regarding the future of trade and tax policies in the U.S. was the second most important external risk for CFOs.

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The survey was conducted between March 1 and March 10.

Complete survey results below:

(Note: Forty of the 102 current members of the CNBC Global CFO Council responded to this quarter's survey, including 21 U.S.-based members. Members represent a diverse mix of public and private companies from around the world, with more than $4 trillion in market capitalization.)
Geopolitical tensions in East Asia have escalated in the last year as China uses its considerable soft power to push its neighbors when it feels national interests are threatened.

Well, those countries are coming to the conclusion that enough is enough, and they're heading to places like Southeast and South Asia to turn their fortunes around, according to analysts.

"South Korean multinationals may decide to diversify their manufacturing supply chain and also production facilities to other Asian locations, in order to reduce their vulnerability to future Chinese economic measures," said Rajiv Biswas, IHS Markit's Asia Pacific chief economist.

Currently, South Korea's decision to allow the U.S. to deploy an advanced missile defence system on the peninsula has culminated in a series of retaliatory measures from Beijing, including closing Lotte stores in China, limiting South Korean pop cultural imports and curbing tour groups to its neighbor.

South Korean firms have already started investing in the fast-growing Southeast Asia region as its spat with Beijing simmered for a few years.

In Vietnam, South Korea has invested heavily in establishing electronics production facilities, and that trend is likely to accelerate following the recent Chinese economic measures against the country, said IHS' Biswas.

Since 2014, the country's share of outbound direct investment (ODI) into countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations has exceeded investment into China and that's likely to accelerate as Korean firms aim to reduce their dependency on their influential neighbor, Natixis' senior economist Trinh Nguyen wrote in a report released last week.

"China will continue to be an important market for South Korea. That said, dependency comes at a great cost," she added.
Sportswear brand has been targeted by China's influential state television broadcaster for alleged false advertising.

The company was accused of selling sneakers in China that didn't have the "Zoom Air" cushion in the shoe as advertised. State media also alleged Japanese retailer Muji was selling food in its stores from areas of Tokyo with high levels of radiation.

China Central Television made the allegations in an annual program that airs on World Consumer Rights Day. In the past, the show has gone after major brands, including Apple, McDonald's, Nikon and Volkswagen, typically forcing the companies to apologize and take corrective action to regain public confidence.

The show also reflects the growing influence of China as the world's biggest consumer market of 1.4 billion people.
Uncertain global economic conditions may have led consumers to tighten their purse strings, but digital media could reverse that trend and give retailers a much needed boost, said the chief financial officer of a Hong Kong-based cosmetics chain.

Guy Look, CFO of Sa Sa, spoke with CNBC's "Squawk Box" following the release of the latest CNBC Global CFO Council Survey, in which 25 percent of respondents cited consumer demand as the biggest external risk factor they face. It was the highest among the options given.

Despite that concern, respondents seemed upbeat about the consumer discretionary segment, with 12.5 percent picking it as one of the sectors that would experience the most growth over the next six months.

Look said digital media is doing a good job in instilling confidence in consumers, which he said makes him positive about the company's outlook.

"Obviously there are government policy factor, economic factor influencing the consumers but I thinkthe smartphones and digital media are enabling consumers to feel very confident about what they buy and they have such a lot of exposure to the market that this keeps them going," he said.

"Personally, from what I see in terms of how sales are manifested, I see that consumers are aware of what they want to buy and it's much more difficult to influence them one way or the other. In that respect, given that the consumers are quite encouraged by all the excitement online, I'm generally quite positive on the outlook."

Look said 70 percent of Sa Sa's sales comes from mainland Chinese visitors to Hong Kong. The drop in the number of those tourists was a reason behind the 23 consecutive months of decline in the special administrative region's retail sales.

The strengthening of the Hong Kong dollar, which is pegged to the U.S. dollar, against the Chinese yuan is also hurting business, he said.
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The provocative budget President Donald Trump offered on Thursday presents him with a daunting new challenge: persuading not just reluctant Republicans, but also hostile Democrats. His odds of prevailing are bleak. The principal initiative of what aides call an "America First" spending plan is boosting defense outlays by $54 billion while cutting the same amount from nondefense programs. To achieve that goal, Budget Director Mick Mulvaney says the budget will request, for example, cuts of 28 percent in State Department spending and roughly 25 percent in the Environmental Protection Agency. "This is a hard-power budget, it is not a soft-power budget," Mulvaney said at a briefing for reporters. The goal of the spending blueprint is to impose Trump's priorities without increasing the fiscal 2018 deficit and the national debt.

Where Trump will hit resistance

The president's problem is that a shift in priorities of that magnitude requires legislation that alters spending caps that congressional Republicans and Democrats agreed to during President Barack Obama's second term. That legislation is subject to filibuster. Amassing the 60 votes needed to overcome that hurdle requires acquiescence by at least eight Senate Democrats  and more if some Republican senators refuse to go along. Republican resistance to Trump's request is highly likely. In 2013, after the "sequester" cuts took effect, the Republican chairman of the House Appropriations Committee called for those caps to be lifted because a spending bill was too austere to attract sufficient Republican support. The Senate's third-ranking Republican, John Thune, told me last fall "we've done as much as we can" to cut domestic spending, and that Congress now needs to turn toward curbing the massive entitlement programs of Social Security and Medicare. But Trump has promised not to touch those programs, and Mulvaney said the administration will keep that promise.

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As a result, the president's budget submission represents a fresh volley in the ongoing political argument on the size and role of government. The proposed EPA cuts, Mulvaney said, reflect the president's views on climate change, which Obama considered a threat to the planet but which Trump has previously labeled a hoax. The cuts in the Department of Housing and Urban Development, he added, reflect the president's belief that many anti-poverty programs have failed to produce results.

The idea that you can pull all this money out and have no adverse effects doesn't pass the laugh test. Robert Greenstein Center on Budget and Policy Priorities

The administration will propose beginning to wind down federal support for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Separate from its 2018 budget, the administration will also request an additional $30 billion for defense spending in fiscal 2017, with $1.5 billion allocated for Trump's planned "great wall" along the U.S.-Mexico border. Key Republicans such as Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell have already said that deep cuts to the State Department, for example, will be rejected by Congress. Democrats and their outside allies will oppose cuts in social programs such as housing even more fiercely, arguing that those harmed will include many of the "forgotten Americans" Trump vowed in his campaign to protect. "The idea that you can pull all this money out and have no adverse effects doesn't pass the laugh test," said Robert Greenstein, who directs the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. One potential outcome is for congressional Democrats to agree to higher defense spending  which many of them support  but to insist that domestic spending increase at the same time. That's how Congress broke a logjam over the sequester under Obama. Obama's successor, already enmeshed in a battle over health care, is just now entering his own budget wars.

'America First' budget's key takeaways

$54 billion boost in defense spending



defense 28% cut to State Department, USAID



31% cut to the Environment Protection Agency



Includes $1.5 billion in 2017 and $2.6 billion in 2018 for border wall



2018 budget blueprint
President Donald Trump may have just dealt a blow to his own executive order.

A federal judge in Hawaii on Wednesday put a temporary nationwide restraining order on Trump's executive order restricting travel from six Muslim-majority countries. The measure was designed to stand up to legal challenges after the courts blocked an earlier version.

But Trump, who vowed to fight what he called a "terrible ruling," may not have helped his own case Wednesday night. The president called the current order a "watered down" version of the first, potentially suggesting that they had the same intent.

"This is watered-down version of the first one. This is a watered-down version," Trump said at a campaign-style rally in Tennessee. "And let me tell you something, I think we ought to go back to the first one and go all the way (through the legal system), which is wanted I wanted to do in the first place."

Norman Eisen, a top ethics lawyer for former President Barack Obama, said in a tweet that the statement was a "legal disaster." He said Trump is "digging the grave" for the order.

Norm Eisen tweet: Legal disaster--he is digging grave for the second EO and maybe the 3rd one

The executive order, which Trump argues will help to prevent terrorist attacks in the United States, made some key changes from the first version. It removed Iraq from the list of targeted countries and did not restrict legal permanent residents from entering the country  among other differences.

Trump and his advisors' public statements have resurfaced in rulings so far. The ruling Wednesday cited Trump campaign advisor Rudy Giuliani's remark that Trump wanted a way to legally implement a Muslim ban, something he proposed on the campaign trail.

It also cited policy advisor Stephen Miller's comment that the second order had the "same basic policy outcome" as the first.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request to comment on this story.
A legal brief filed in federal court in Hawaii on Tuesday on behalf of Silicon Valley companies listed the support of 58 companies, less than half the 127 signatories to a similar brief filed in an appeals court last month after Trump's first executive order banning travel from a number of countries the administration said posed a security risk.

Apple , Alphabet 's Google and Facebook are among more than 60 technology companies that appear to have backed away from the legal fight against U.S. President Donald Trump's controversial travel ban, deciding not to put their weight behind a lawsuit seeking to block the second version of his executive order.

Airbnb, Dropbox and Kickstarter are among the companies that did sign the brief.

Major tech companies that signed on to the earlier effort but not this week included Microsoft , eBay , Intel , Netflix and Twitter .

The lawsuit may succeed despite losing the overt support of such big names. U.S. District Judge Derrick Watson in Honolulu on Wednesday ordered an emergency halt to Trump's executive order that aimed to temporarily bar entry to the United States of most refugees as well as travelers from six Muslim-majority countries. The halt is temporary.

Trump says the ban is necessary for U.S. national security, and called Watson's order "unprecedented judicial overreach."

Tech companies, which generally rely on skilled workers from overseas more than other industries, played a large part in the legal effort to halt the first version of Trump's executive order, which was put on hold by a Seattle judge in early February.

It was not immediately clear why fewer of them signed on to the "friend-of-the-court" brief this time around.

Companies will have an opportunity to join the effort as it moves through the court system, said Robert Atkins, a New York lawyer and co-author of the brief. "We do expect the group to expand."

Ride-hailing company Uber was in the process of adding its name, a spokesman said.

Box, a file-sharing service, said that although it did not sign the brief, there had been no change to its position.

A Twitter spokeswoman pointed to past company statements opposing Trump's initial travel ban in January but declined to comment further. A spokeswoman for Facebook declined to comment.

Representatives of Apple, Google, eBay, Intel, Microsoft and Netflix did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

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U.S. United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley speaks at the Security Council meeting on February 21, 2017 at UN Headquarters in New York. Kena Betancur | AFP | Getty Images

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Haley also defended Trump's orders banning travel from certain majority-Muslim nations, saying his executive actions are not the Muslim ban he proposed during his campaign  and that she vocally opposed as governor of South Carolina.

Enforcement of Trump's revised travel order, issued by the president last week, was set to begin Thursday. But a federal judge in Hawaii blocked the new ban Wednesday evening, after Haley's interview was taped and mere hours before it was to go into effect. "It's not a Muslim ban. I will never support a Muslim ban. I don't think we should ever ban anyone based on their religion. That is un-American. It is not good," Haley said prior to a judge's ruling Wednesday. "What I can tell you is, as governor of South Carolina, I knew the fears and the problems that we had with people coming into the country that we could not vet properly."

The new executive order, now on hold nationwide, is a more limited version of the first travel ban, which prohibited residents and refugees from seven Muslim-majority nations from entering the U.S. and was halted by several court orders.

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Wal-Mart will reportedly scoop up another online retailer.

According to Jezebel fashion blog, Jet.com on Thursday will ink a deal with Modcloth, an eclectic women's fashion brand known for serving curvy customers.

Jezebel obtained a recording of Modcloth CEO Matthew Kaness telling employees about the deal, which will be announced publicly on Friday, the publication said.

A spokesman for Wal-Mart, Jet's parent, declined to comment on the story. A representative for Modcloth did not respond to CNBC's request for comment.



Yet if a deal for the were to go through, it would be the latest in a spate of purchases by Wal-Mart. In a bid to close the gap with Amazon , the world's largest retailer began its buying spree with the $3.3 billion acquisition of Jet last year.

Shortly after, Jet purchased Shoebuy for $70 million. And last month, Wal-Mart snapped up outdoor apparel retailer Moosejaw for $51 million.

"Assortment is driving a lot of these acquisitions," CEO Doug McMillon said at the Bank of America Merrill Lynch Consumer & Retail Technology Conference Tuesday.

"We can pick up some of these companies that are great in terms of the assortment and the service they provide, but they don't have enough money to lose, to go market their brand and scale it."

McMillon's comments were made in relation to the company's recent acquisitions and included no mention of a potential deal with Modcloth.

Wal-Mart's acquisition strategy opens it up to a new set of shoppers. Jet's typical customer, for example, is younger, more urban and more affluent than a traditional Wal-Mart shopper.

The plan appears to be working. Wal-Mart's domestic online sales increased 29 percent during the holiday quarter.

Founded in 2002, Modcloth sells its own merchandise and products from hundreds of independent designers. The company had previously raised nearly $79 million in seven rounds of funding, according to Crunchbase.
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President Donald Trump holds a rally in Tennessee on Wednesday, returning to the campaign platform where he frequently made unpredictable and off-the-cuff remarks.

Trump speaks in Nashville as his agenda faces pressure in the early days of his administration. Republicans are trying to rally support for the House GOP bill to repeal and replace Obamacare, which faces enough opposition within the party to threaten its passage without major changes.

The president has also recently played defense over his allegation that President Barack Obama wiretapped Trump Tower before the 2016 election, which he offered without evidence. Key members of Congress said Wednesday they have not seen evidence to back the claim.

Those and other topics could come up in Trump's riffs during the rally.

Read related coverage:

Nearly 60 members of Congress are seriously worried about GOP Obamacare replacement. And those are just the Republicans

Key congressmen say they have no evidence that Obama wiretapped Trump Tower

President Trump helped write embattled Obamacare replacement bill, Speaker Ryan says as he defends plan

Trump's media allies urge him to dump House Obamacare repeal plan
To be fair, Otto's not alone. Engineers at Google have also been spotted in T-shirts with the slogan.

One of Uber's early self-driving car rides in California went viral last year after a vehicle rushed through a red light on video. Bloomberg reported that the recent snafu with Uber's self-driving cars "came as no surprise" to Uber employees who had visited Otto's headquarters:

The slogan "Safety Third" was reportedly passed around as punchline at self-driving truck start-up Otto, owned by Uber.

But Otto's co-founder Anthony Levandowski is now on the front line of a battle between Uber and Alphabet's self-driving car company, Waymo. Levandowski stole Alphabet trade secrets when he ended his employment, Waymo alleges. Uber calls that claim "baseless."

"We will have a chance to tell our side of the story in upcoming filings and look forward to that opportunity," Uber told CNBC. Waymo did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Uber's Pittsburgh team was "super unhappy" when Uber announced its acquisition of Otto, an unnamed former employee told Bloomberg.

Levandowski was a polarizing figure at Alphabet, too, Bloomberg reported: "He was so controversial, according to several former and current employees, that when he was being considered to lead the car team, a group of engineers revolted."

Indeed, while at Alphabet's Google, Levandowski hired a lobbyist to write a state law on self-driving cars  a law that Google found out about when it got the bill from the lobbyist.

But Alphabet executives are also worried they are falling behind companies like Uber, the report said. Waymo CEO John Krafcik is rattled "every time Elon [Musk] would post something on Twitter," the report said.

To read the feature on the "vicious patent fight over self-driving technology," see Bloomberg.com

Watch: Uber used secret tool to deceive authorities
Protesters march from central to the U.S. Consulate General to protest U.S. President Donald Trump's immigration ban on February 5, 2017 in Hong Kong.

President Donald Trump's controversial travel ban could affect the U.S. tourism sector, and related industries, in coming months as visitors reassess their holiday plans and business trips stateside, according to various reports.

In Asia, however, there are few signs of Trump's actions impacting visitations.

Following the release of Trump's updated, second attempt at the travel ban, AirAsiaExpedia CEO Jonty Neal told CNBC that "with this new order, and in particular its impact on travel to the U.S. from Asia, it's really too soon to tell."

"Thus far, we haven't observed anything meaningful on a trend basis, which is good news," he said. "We'll continue to watch this closely in coming weeks and months."

On Jan. 27, Trump signed the first executive order for a travel ban  related to travelers from seven Muslim-majority countries  which led to confusion across U.S. and overseas airports and resulted in nationwide protests against the order. In response to the ban, would-be travelers from countries not on the updated ban list say they are reconsidering their trips.

A survey by the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) found that 45 percent of its European members were less likely to plan travel to the U.S. after the restrictions were announced. The same survey also noted that 17 percent of the group's European corporate travel managers had cancelled business travel plans for the same reason.
A poster for the film 'Beauty and the Beast' is displayed in Singapore on March 14, 2017. Roslan Rahman | AFP | Getty Images

Calls from some conservative groups for Asian cities from Singapore to Hong Kong to boycott Disney 's Beauty and the Beast over a "gay moment" in the film have drawn flak from rights activists, as the US studio stands by its decision not to cut the scene ahead of a regional release this weekend. The episode has cast a spotlight on rising friction between Southeast Asia's tiny but vocal gay rights lobby and influential conservative groups that hold significant political sway. In Malaysia, Disney rebuffed officials' demands for the censorship of 4.5 minutes of footage deemed to depict homosexuality, putting the film's release in the country in jeopardy. In neighbouring Singapore, the national council of churches said in a statement that some Christian leaders were "deeply concerned about the LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual and questioning) representation in this new Disney movie". More from the South China Morning Post:

Why Japanese businesses are embracing the LGBT community

What Bollywood icon's fatherhood says about India's attitude to homosexuality Pakistan's forbidden romance with Bollywood

"They see this as an attempt to influence young children and socialise them at an early age into thinking that the homosexual lifestyle is normal," the statement said. It urged parents to be "aware of this strand in the movie and its possible influence on their children". Rights activists in the region deplored the conservative backlash against what they said was a minor element of the partially animated film staring Emma Watson as the titular character. In the 130-minute film, the character LeFou  sidekick to the main villain Gaston  expresses affection for his macho boss and also dances with a man at a ball. Director Bill Condon said in an interview earlier this month that the "nice, exclusively gay moment" was a first for a Disney film.

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"When people protest over a gay character in a film, what they are really saying is that LGBTQ persons should not exist, and please go back to the closet," said Jean Chong from the Singapore gay rights group Sayoni. "With growing acceptance worldwide, there's really no point in burying one's head in the sand," she added. Dede Oetomo, founder of the Indonesian gay rights group GAYa NUSANTARA, said the "brouhaha is another episode of moral panic, not based on scientific evidence" about the influence of media on sexuality. "It is also an example of the total ignorance among many adults of the possibility that a child may be gay and that could lead to a good thing," said Oetomo. The outcry in Asia is seen by some as inspired by similar protests in the West. A drive-in theatre in rural northeastern Alabama banned the screening of the film earlier this month. "The actual film features a tiny scene in which a villain is shown thinking romantically about another villain  it doesn't serve as a positive or justifying representation of homosexuality at all," said Ng Yi-Sheng, a Singaporean gay rights activist. "It's only because ultra-right Christian groups in the US began making noise that conservative Christians and Muslims in our part of the world began to imitate them," Ng added. Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim-majority nation, will screen the film without cuts but only for audiences above the age of 13. Singapore's censors gave the film a PG rating, meaning it is deemed suitable for all ages, with the caveat that parents are advised to accompany their children. Malaysian censors had originally given the film  "gay moment" edited out  a similar P13 rating. Phil Robertson, deputy director in Asia for the US-based Human Rights Watch, said groups calling for a blanket ban of the film were "extremist".

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French Police officers secure the scene near the Paris offices of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on March 16, 2017 in Paris, after a letter bomb exploded in the premises.

International Monetary Fund chief Christine Lagarde condemned an explosion at the IMF's Paris office on Thursday as "a cowardly act of violence."

The explosion, after a letter was opened, "caused injuries to one of our staff," Lagarde said in a statement.

"I condemn this cowardly act of violence and reaffirm the IMF's resolve to continue our work in line with our mandate. We are working closely with the French authorities to investigate this incident and ensure the safety of our staff," she said.



The Paris police department said the explosion was was caused by a homemade device.

"It was something that was fairly homemade," police chief Michel Cadot told

reporters.

Cadot said there had been some telephone threats made in recent days, but it was not clear if these were linked to the incident at the IMF's offices.



President Francois Hollande said French authorities would do all they could to find those responsible for the incident.



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There are good prospects for the Italy, the third largest euro economy, despite being run by a caretaker government, the chief executive officer of Generali told CNBC.

Italy will have a new general election either this year or the next following the resignation of former Prime Minister Matteo Renzi after losing a public vote to carry on with structural reforms.

Despite the political uncertainty and the rising anti-establishment sentiment among Italian voters, Philippe Donnet, CEO, Generali told CNBC the "prospective is positive for Italy."

"Generally speaking, the government is pursuing the reforms that had been started by the previous government," he noted.

Donnet added that in the last year the troubled banking system has become more resilient after the government found a solution for the oldest lender in the world Monte dei Paschi di Siena .
Saudi Arabia's King Salman oversaw the signing of deals worth potentially $65 billion on the first day of a visit to Beijing on Thursday, as the world's largest oil exporter looks to cement ties with the world's second-largest economy.

The octogenarian monarch, who has overseen the launch of an ambitious economic reform plan since his accession two years ago, is on a month-long Asian tour.



The visits to countries that are some of world's fastest growing importers of Saudi oil aim to promote investment opportunities in the kingdom, including the sale of a stake in its giant state firm Saudi Aramco.

Saudi Arabia has sought to boost oil sales to China, the world's second-largest oil market, after losing market share to Russia last year, by working mostly with China's top three state oil firms.



In Beijing's cavernous Great Hall of the People, President Xi Jinping told Salman that China was a reliable and stable oil export market and the two countries should deepen cooperation.

"For a long time, China and Islamic countries have respected each other and had win-win cooperation, and have created a model of the peaceful coexistence of different cultures," Xi said, according to China's Foreign Ministry.

Salman told Xi he hoped China could play an even greater role in Middle East affairs, the ministry added.

"Saudi Arabia is willing to work hard with China to promote global and regional peace, security and prosperity," Salman said.


Sesame Credit generates a social credit score for users based on "holistic" factors, such as credit history and social networks. Courtesy: Ant Financial

Blair Zhou, 26, uses Alipay on a daily basis, spending at least 2,500 yuan a month with the third-party payments platform on everything from transportation to dinner. "Young people rarely put much cash in their purse now. A mobile phone with Alipay is enough," she said. What makes using Alipay even more convenient is Zhou's relatively high Sesame Credit score  775 out of a possible 950  that allows her to access a host of privileges unavailable to those with lower scores. Sesame Credit, a credit-scoring service from Alibaba affiliate Ant Financial, attributes scores to Alipay users who have opted into the program. Users with higher scores are able to access benefits that run the gamut from waivers on car rental deposits to expedited airport security checks. Sesame Credit is just one of several provincial-level or private pilot programs in China's push to develop a nationwide social credit system  even as experts warn of data privacy and transparency concerns. The current implementations are currently unconnected, but may ultimately be combined under government leadership. Part financial credibility indicator and part compliance mechanism, the social credit system aims to generate a score for individuals and institutions in China based on data like tax filings and driving demerits. And while consumers may reap rewards, the score also functions as a signal mechanism for authorities about whom or what deserves to be penalized.

Carrots and sticks 2.0

Beyond Sesame Credit's reward offerings, public social credit systems offer good-behavior benefits that can be minor conveniences like enhanced borrowing privileges at a local library, or free loaner umbrellas. But rewards can also have greater financial significance like expediting loan application approvals.

Users with a high Sesame Credit score can access privileges, such as a deposit waiver on bicycle rental services. Courtesy: Ant Financial

Conversely, poor scores result in penalties enforced against individuals or organizations that have committed wrongdoings  like traffic violations or late bill payments.

And those rules are not just hypothetical. Parts of the social credit mechanism have already been put into practice, according to Rogier Creemers, a researcher specializing in Chinese law and governance at the Van Vollenhoven Institute at Leiden University.

"When rules are broken and not rectified in time, you are entered in a list of 'people subject to enforcement for trust breaking' and you are denied access from things. Rules broken can lead to companies being unable to issue corporate bonds or individuals not being allowed to become company directors," Creemers said.

According to a document released by China's State Council, "trust-breakers" can face penalties on subsidies, career progression, asset ownership and the ability to receive honorary titles from the Chinese government. In a similar vein, those who fail to repay debts are punished by travel restrictions. Just last month, the Supreme People's Court announced that 6.15 million people in the country had been banned from air travel over the last four years for defaulting on court orders, according to local media.

The Financial Times reported that some 6.73 million people were on a blacklist that had been in use by the court since 2013. To enforce penalties, the court announced it was working with a total of 44 government institutions to ensure that those blacklisted would be "limit(ed)  on multiple levels."

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While inconveniencing some, the social credit system will likely bring about benefits to the Chinese financial system. A substantial proportion of China's population remains unbanked and parts of the economy are largely cash-based: Some 21 percent of the population did not have an account at a financial institution in 2014, according to the World Bank. A social credit regime could strengthen the credibility of the Chinese financial system by enforcing legal compliance and ultimately, building trust in the marketplace. Importantly, the system does not just ensure that individuals follow the rules, it also ensures that government officials and institutions are held accountable to the law, Creemers said.

Despite that, backlash to the social credit system has been fierce with many Western media outlets highlighting the dystopian-sounding nature of the state taking a role in monitoring and policing citizen behavior. In response, state-run tabloid Global Times ran an op-ed that the system "won't be Orwellian" and such an interpretation by the West was "warped."



Establishing a 'sincerity culture'

For all its authoritarian overtones, the original rationale for creating the social credit system was considerably more benign. "As far back as 2004, there was mention of some system to respond to the lack of compliance in the market economy. The market economy brings about particular pathologies, such as people not paying their bills, companies committing fraud or the sale of substandard products," Creemers told CNBC in an interview.

It was only later in a 2014 State Council document that the idea of scoring or measuring people as a tool for stimulating legal compliance arose.

"China has huge problems with legal compliance so the regime conclusion was that since existing methods of generating compliance were not sufficient, they would step up their game with extra punishment," Creemers explained. "The system merely uses information the government already has on its citizens in a more coercive way."



The system merely uses information the government already has on its citizens in a more coercive way. Rogier Creemers Researcher at the Leiden University

While the actual workings behind the development of the system remain opaque, the idea of building trust is a common thread that runs through planning reports on social credit across multiple government agencies. The State Council, effectively China's cabinet, described social credit as an "important component of the socialist market economy system  (for) establishing the idea of a sincerity culture" in a planning outline published in 2014. It said this was necessary so that "the honest mentality and credit levels of the entire society" could be raised.

Likewise, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), an agency tasked with overseeing economic and social policy, echoed similar sentiments in its 13th Five Year Plan. In it, the NDRC stated that the development of "credibility systems" was needed to increase "integrity in all areas of society."

State media has also echoed reassurance that the social credit system was being developed to nurture a business environment where fraud, counterfeiting and intellectual property theft would be more efficiently tackled. Still, local news agency Xinhua ultimately acknowledged that given how "credit reward and punishment initiatives" were being implemented differently across cities, the social credit system lacked sufficient regulation.



Pilot projects

The most commonly cited public sector pilot program is the one carried out in Suining, a county located in the Jiangsu province. In the trial, local authorities used information they already possessed, such as tax and criminal records, to assign scores to people. Citizens were then categorized according to one of four letter grades (A-D) based on their scores. They were correspondingly rewarded or penalized. After the project met with domestic backlash, local authorities adapted the system by removing the letter grade classification. The social credit scores, however, continue to be recorded, according to the Washington Post. Businesses are just as involved in driving the system forward, even though it's often framed as a government-led initiative, Shazeda Ahmed, a doctoral candidate at Berkeley, told CNBC.

In her research, Ahmed, who specializes in Chinese internet policy, focused on Alipay's use of Sesame Credit. Both Alipay and Sesame Credit are run by Ant Financial, which is one of eight companies approved by authorities for social credit experimentation in the private sector.

Sesame Credit gives users a score based on five dimensions of information: personal information, payment ability, credit history, social networks and behaviors. Some are more objective than others. Here's an example of what a Sesame Credit score page looks like:

The private sector has an interest in encouraging rule compliance, she said, because social credit programs could encourage more consumerism. That result works on two levels. Firstly, social credit serves as a means of allaying purchasing fears since "trust-breakers" would be removed from the marketplace thanks to penalty mechanisms. That's pertinent given China's patchy history of legal compliance, which has seen luxury goods and even baby formula counterfeited.

The rewards mechanism in the social credit system could also generate higher levels of consumption, Ahmed said. While researching online reactions to Sesame Credit, she said she found plenty of buzz suggesting that users can increase their scores by spending more via Alipay. Online news platform Quartz reported in 2015 that Sesame Credit did not take into account what users purchased, but the amount of purchases affected scores.

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A spokeswoman from Ant Financial told CNBC that at present, the amount spent by Alipay users did not affect their corresponding Sesame Credit scores as much as their ability to "fulfill promises in a commercial context." As the scores are holistic in nature, the ability and willingness of users to repay debts had greater significance, she added.

Sesame Credit also maintained that user and data privacy remain of utmost importance to the company. "Sesame Credit only tracks consumption-related activities of users who have signed off to join (the service)," the company told CNBC in an email.

While it declined to disclose the number of Alipay users who had activated Sesame Credit, Ant Financial claimed it maintained strict measures to ensure a "financial level" of data security to prevent potential leaks, saying that 30 percent of Ant Financial staff are devoted to security-related work.

For now, it remains unclear how exactly scores are calculated because algorithms used by Sesame Credit are blackboxed. Unlike Alibaba, Ant Financial is not a public company and as a result, has not come under the same level of scrutiny, Ahmed said. As such, information disclosed on Sesame Credit and the way it might be developed in the future has been relatively vague.



FICO and then some

Given its potentially dystopic proposition, reactions to the social credit system have varied.

"From what has been outlined in the official sources, there is nothing more intrusive than what is commonly done in the West," said Forrest Zhang, a sociology professor at the Singapore Management University.

Other experts disagreed, arguing that the social credit system had broader objectives than simply assessing creditworthiness. FICO is only concerned with financial solvency, Creemers said, whereas "the social credit system tries to affect regulatory compliance."



From what has been outlined in the official sources, there is nothing more intrusive than what is commonly done in the West. Forrest Zhang Sociology professor at the Singapore Management University

A bigger issue could be that the social credit system could fail to address the very problem it was created to tackle. The system was built on the idea that the more known about individuals, the easier governing becomes, but Creemers suggested it could actually be more difficult to assess what a single score stands for when it encompasses such a wide scope of data.

Ahmed, the doctoral candidate at Berkeley, said social credit relied on input that was too loosely-defined, which could result in "culturally specific restrictions" baked into the system.

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"That's real cash that can't be spent elsewhere, but a smartphone is simply indispensable," Cramer said. "An [ Apple ] iPhone is the most prized and cherished purchase any American makes after his car or home."

Cramer argued that rather than spending money on clothes, eating out, and homes, consumers are dishing out large chunks of their paychecks on smartphone payments.

"It's the purloined letter of how [their] money is spent and where it's spent that matters," the " Mad Money " host said, referencing Edgar Allan Poe's short story about a letter hidden in plain sight.

Even with employment rising, Jim Cramer has noticed that consumer spending is relatively weak, and he thinks it's because consumers are chained to two things: their phones and their couches.

As a result, most of consumers' other purchases become tied to the smartphone, which they use to order food, shop online, play games, stream content, and browse social media.

"Even getting in the car became inconvenient versus having what you want delivered to your door when you want it," Cramer said, referencing e-commerce giant Amazon .

There is still some hope for retailers, especially in the home goods space, Cramer said. He said that Home Depot's , Lowe's , and TJX's numbers remain strong because consumers are paying to make their surroundings at home as nice as possible, since that's where they're spending more and more time.

"So what does pry the typical consumer off the couch? Trips to theme parks, hence why Six Flags , Cedar Fair , Disney and Comcast's Universal theme parks are jammed to the gills. Or cruise ships, because they create experiences," Cramer said.

He argued that this is because experiences make for great social media posts, and so the cycle continues.

Cramer's main point was that the consumer hasn't shrunk into the woodwork  just online, and a tidal wave of businesses has followed.

"If you follow that trail you'll know the consumer hasn't gone away. She's just not being counted because she's hiding right in front of your nose, in the last place the professional money managers would think to look," Cramer said.

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"The truth is Canada Goose has a lot going for it," the " Mad Money " host said, pointing to the company's reputable brand, commitment to quality, and various growth opportunities.

Canada Goose makes high-end outerwear, most notably the ubiquitous winter coats with red-and-white patches, which can cost up to $1,500 apiece.

Its IPO marked the second-biggest IPO of 2017, and Cramer said there's much more in store for the company than expensive winter wear. It is a surprise success for retail as others in the sector struggle with the growth of e-commerce.

After Canada Goose delivered its blowout IPO on Thursday , Cramer said the retailer has a powerful winning combination that investors rarely see among new IPOs.

"The company has been expanding from just a wholesaler that supplies various retailers worldwide, to having a direct-to-consumer business where they use the web to cut out the middleman and sell to individuals," Cramer said.

He added that the company has an iron grip on its product supply, which allows it to maintain its high prices.

All of this helped Canada Goose's sales jump 41 percent in the last nine months, even during the unusually warm weather. Its gross margin also shot up by over 50 percent during its 2017 fiscal year.

"Combine all this info  and you've got a company with accelerating revenue growth, rising margins, and genuine profitability, a powerful winning combination that we rarely see among new IPOs. If Canada Goose can keep executing like this then I wouldn't be at all surprised if the stock ends up having much more upside," Cramer said.

And Canada Goose still has a few tricks up its sleeve that should help it continue to grow, Cramer said. There's still plenty of room for it to expand globally and increase its market share, and the company has plans to add fall and spring jackets, footwear, travel accessories, and bedding to its product mix.

Cramer's big concerns were that private equity giant Bain Capital owns 57 percent of the outerwear maker, which could threaten its share price in the future if Bain decides to eventually unload its stake, and that the jackets have gone mainstream, so some markets, like New York's, feel saturated.

Still, he's optimistic. "Despite its high price tag, I think Canada Goose has a compelling story with an amazing product and some terrific accelerating revenue growth," Cramer said.

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France's presidential front-runner Emmanuel Macron told CNBC he was insistent during his meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Thursday that he could reform the country and improve relations between the European economies.

"I insisted during my discussion with the (German) Chancellor about my willingness to reform our labor market, to reform our vocational training system, to reform our education and to deliver a sensible fiscal trend," Macron told CNBC shortly after meeting Angela Merkel in Berlin on Thursday.

"Now the key question is to deliver (proposed reforms) so for me is first to be elected, and second to deliver but for sure, for me one of the key elements was to repeat my willingness to restore a strong confidence between France and Germany and to build on this basis a new pro-growth environment and a broader cooperation between our two countries and at the European scale," he added.

For decades the relationship between Germany and France has been viewed as the engine which has propelled the European Union forwards. However, Berlin has become increasingly frustrated with France and accused the country of dragging its heels when it comes to fiscal discipline.

The divergence between the two key pillars of the EU was highlighted during the euro zone's financial crisis in which Germany's finance minister, Wolfgang Schaeuble, insisted on the implementation of strict fiscal policies whereas France complained about what it perceived as a lack of direction and unity.

Both countries are poised to host general elections this year with Macron and Merkel's position decidedly uncertain. French citizens go to the polls in April before electing a new premier in May while Germany's general election is scheduled for September 24.



Macron appears to have consolidated his position as favorite to win the French presidential election in May, according to latest opinion polls, although far-right and anti-EU National Front leader Marine Le Pen still leads the polls in April's first round of the two-stage contest.
Dursun Aydemir | Anadolu Agency | Getty Images

Europe's mainstream political parties breathed a huge sigh of relief on Thursday after Dutch center-right Prime Minister Mark Rutte successfully fended off a serious challenge from Geert Wilder's far-right nationalists, yet the momentum for populist parties does not appear to have significantly wavered. Wilders' anti-Islam anti-European Union Freedom Party had led in several opinion polls for the majority of the campaign but ultimately failed to mimic the Brexit vote and U.S. President Donald Trump's election victory by sealing another anti-establishment triumph. The result was viewed by many as a bellwether for the rest of Europe ahead of general elections in both France and Germany later this year.

Wilders' defeat could breed voter complacency

Far-right parties in Europe are hoping to benefit from increased levels of support as Germany's Alternative for Deutschland (AfD) party are poised to enter federal parliament for the first time in September and, perhaps even more significantly, Marine Le Pen's anti-EU National Front (NF) are in contention to become France's ruling party in May. "The unconvincing populist performance in the Netherlands may weigh on French voters' sense of urgency when heading for the ballots for their elections," a team of analysts at UBS said in a note. "Hence, we caution against extrapolating the Dutch results, and continue to see a 40 percent chance of a Le Pen victory in France," UBS analysts added. Centrist candidate Emmanuel Macron has consolidated his position as the front-runner to win the French election in May, although Marine Le Pen still leads in April's first round of the two-stage contest, according to opinion polls published Thursday. Europe's establishment parties have vehemently argued that far-right populist groups, such as Le Pen's NF, pose a real threat to the future of the EU. Le Pen has pledged to hold a referendum on EU membership within six months of becoming president and has also called for France to ditch the single currency altogether.

Populism is 'far from dead'
Cold weather luxury apparel retailer Canada Goose 's stock rocketed 25 percent in its first day of trading on Thursday.

That debut performance is second only to the much-hyped initial public offering of Snap , which gained 44 percent on its first day.

But a stock's first day changing hands doesn't necessarily predict a further rally to new highs.

On Thursday, Snap shares ended the session at $19.89, their lowest close since they began trading. The stock has suffered amid a slew of "sell" ratings on Wall Street.

Earlier this month, CNBC analysis of FactSet data showed about 40 percent of all IPOs in the past decade were down five days after their first trading day.

Here's how Snap and Canada Goose stack up against the rest of the companies that have gone public in 2017:
Donald Trump's plan to tear up NAFTA could hit U.S. jobs, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau warned in an exclusive interview with NBC News.

The president has begun moves to renegotiate what he called the "worst trade deal ever approved in this country." However, Trudeau said the Clinton-era agreement had "led to a lot of great jobs for a whole lot of people on both sides of the border."

Trudeau spoke to NBC News' Tom Brokaw at the New York launch of "Come From Away," a Broadway musical about international friendships and the cross-border impact of 9/11.

It tells the story of the 38 international flights forced to land in Gander, Newfoundland, when U.S. airspace was closed following the attacks by al Qaeda in 2001.

Ivanka Trump and Nikki Haley, the new U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, were among the guests at Wednesday night's event.

Brokaw's interview with Trudeau will air on TODAY on Thursday morning.

Trudeau said his message to the new administration was that "good jobs, middle class, happen on both sides of the border because of the close relationship" between the neighbors.

"NAFTA's been ... improved a dozen times over the past 20 years," Trudeau said. "There's always opportunities to talk about how we can make it better. It has led to a lot of great jobs for a whole lot of people on both sides of the border and I very much take him at his word when he talks about just making a few tweaks. Because that's what we're always happy to do."

More from NBC News:

North Korea Nuclear Program: 20 Years of Diplomacy Has Failed: Tillerson

Judge Blocks Second Travel Order; Trump Slams 'Judicial Overreach'

Clinton Ally Says Smoke, But No Fire: No Russia-Trump Collusion

Trudeau added: "We've got auto parts criss-crossing the border six times before they end up in a finished product. You've got over $2 billion a day going back and forth. So, making sure that the border is  secure but also smooth in its flow of goods and people is essential to good jobs on both sides of the border."

President Trump has vowed to withdraw from NAFTA, which took effect in 1994 and includes Canada and Mexico, if he cannot renegotiate it to benefit American interests. He formally withdrew the U.S. from the Trans-Pacific Partnership within days of taking office in January and said he would renegotiate NAFTA "at the appropriate time."

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce says the United States conducts more than $3.2 billion worth of trade with its North American neighbors every day. NAFTA brings export revenue worth $36,000 for each and every American factory worker, it says.

A study published by the Center for Automotive Research in January suggested the withdrawal from NAFTA or the implementation of punitive tariffs could result in the loss of 31,000 U.S. jobs.

Trump has called the deal "one-sided," citing a "$60 billion trade deficit with Mexico."

Revisiting comments made during last month's trip to the White House, the Canadian leader said that "we'll agree to disagree on certain things."

"Come From Away" tells the story of how Gander's 10,000 inhabitants rallied to accommodate the 6,700 travelers whose planes were diverted and then stranded in the hours after the 9/11 attacks.

Trudeau said the episode underscored the close relationship between the U.S. and Canada and "encapsulates so much of what we've shared through great times and also through extraordinarily tragic times."

It also highlighted what is now a stark difference between the nations over immigration, he said.

"I know and I've always felt for Canada that we recognize that diversity is a great source of strength," Trudeau said. "I think Canadians have always been interested in the choices Americans make because the choices you make inevitably impact upon us  and how we make sure that we get that balance right between continuing to have a good relationship and standing for the things we believe in is what we expect of ourselves."
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You may own one of Canada Goose's parkas, and now you can also own shares in the luxury apparel maker. The Toronto-based business went public on Thursday, with its shares opening at $18 on the New York Stock Exchange. Canada Goose will also trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange.

Shares closed the day up more than 25 percent, slightly above US$16, marking the second biggest IPO debut of 2017 and trailing only Snap's 44-percent gain on its first day of trading earlier this month. Canada Goose priced its initial public offering of 20 million shares at CA$17, or about US$12.78, according to a source familiar with the matter. That price was above an initial expected range of between CA$14 and CA$16. The IPO raised CA$340 million, or about $255 million.

Canada Goose brand parkas in a store in New York. Noam Galai | WireImage | Getty Images

In 2016, the Canadian outerwear manufacturer said it had revenue of $291 million, and $103 million of that revenue came from U.S. consumers. The company reported a gross profit of $146 million and net income of $27 million for the same year. In going public, the business, known for its $900 parkas with fur-lined hoods, is looking to grow. Canada Goose launched its national e-commerce platform in 2015 and then opened its first U.S. retail store in New York late last year. "There is opportunity in everything," Chief Executive Dani Reiss told CNBC in an interview on Thursday. "[Canada Goose] has tremendous geographical opportunities," including in Europe and in Asia, he said. Growing won't come without a few challenges along the way, though. On Thursday, protesters from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) stood outside both the New York and Toronto stock exchanges, wearing coyote masks and waving signs reading, "Trading in Lives Is Bad for Business" and "Indecent Public Offering."

Wearing coyote masks and business suits and waving signs against Canada Goose and their use of fur, PETA members gather outside the New York Stock Exchange on March 16, 2017 to protest as Canada Goose makes its initial public offering in New York. Timothy A. Clary | AFP | Getty Images
Microsoft is putting the final nail in the coffin of its 10-year old  and often maligned  operating system, Windows Vista.

After April 11, the U.S. technology giant will end support for Vista, meaning customers will no longer get crucial security or software updates.

"Microsoft has provided support for Windows Vista for the past 10 years, but the time has come for us, along with our hardware and software partners, to invest our resources towards more recent technologies so that we can continue to deliver great new experiences," the company said in a statement on its website.

Will my computer still work?

The short answer is yes, but it might be vulnerable to viruses because Microsoft is not providing new security updates. Also, Internet Explorer 9 is no longer supported, so surfing the web with this browser could also leave you open to security vulnerabilities.

Microsoft also warned that users might find apps and devices that do not work with Vista as software and hardware manufacturers optimize services for the latest version of Windows.

What should I do next?

Microsoft's latest operating system is called Windows 10 and upgrading to this could be an option, and one that the company would prefer.

Some PCs might not be able to handle Microsoft 10 so users would need to check the specifications of the software and their hardware. Otherwise, upgrading to Windows 7 could be an option.

Windows Vista criticism

The operating system came under fire not long after it was released from users and the press. Windows Vista currently has less than 1 percent global market share in terms of PC operating systems, according to Net Applications.

But Microsoft has come a long way and Windows 10 is doing well. More than 400 million devices are running Windows 10.
The Dutch establishment held strong under a growing wave of populism as center-right Prime Minister Mark Rutte looks on course for victory following the country's biggest election in a generation.

Dutch voters turned out en masse Wednesday to elect their new government following a tumultuous campaign in which anti-Islam and anti-EU Geert Wilders' Freedom Party appeared to make significant gains, prompting concerns over a continued rise of populist sentiment across Europe.

However, current indicators suggest that incumbent Rutte's party will secure the biggest share of the vote and sit at the helm of the country's new government.

"It appears that the VVD will be the biggest party in the Netherlands for the third time in a row," a beaming Rutte told cheering supporters at a postelection party in The Hague. "Tonight we'll celebrate a little."

At current count, Rutte's VVD party will take 33 of the 150 available parliamentary seats. Wilders' PVV is set for 20 seats, the Christian Democratic Appeal and the centrist Democrats 66 look on track to secure 19, while the Socialist Party is expected to take 14. The Labour Party appears to have suffered significant loses since joining a coalition with the VVD in the last election, and is likely to secure nine seats.

The Dutch parliament requires a majority of 76 seats to form a government, so Rutte will need to strike a coalition deal with at least three other parties. Given that he has ruled out working with Wilders, it is likely that this could include the CDA and the D66 and one or more smaller parties.

The Dutch Green Party could be one among these, having seen significant gains Wednesday and securing 14 seats. However, leader Jesse Klaver told CNBC: "I don't want to go into government with the VVD," adding that he blamed Rutte's government for the rise of Wilders.



Despite coming in second place, Wilders is unlikely to hold any sway in the future government due to the fragmented parliamentary system. He lost momentum in recent days as Rutte made gains after drawing a hard line on foreign pressures from the Turkish government.

Nevertheless, Wednesday's result sees Wilders' party shift up from third place in the previous election. Wilders heralded the result a major gain for the party, tweeting "We won seats. The first gains are made."

"Rutte has not seen the back of me!!"


Reacting to President Donald Trump's new spending plan, House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer told CNBC on Thursday he doubts even Republican budgeteers think the White House budget blueprint "could" or "should be accomplished."

"It will be essentially dead on the arrival," Hoyer said on "Squawk Box," shortly after Trump's proposal became public.

The president's budget framework calls for boosts in defense spending by 9 percent or $54 billion to bolster readiness, and homeland security spending by nearly 7 percent or $2.8 billion to help start building his promised U.S.-Mexico border wall.

The White House proposal also calls for funding cuts of 28 percent or nearly $10.1 billion at the State Department, about 31 percent or $5.7 billion at the Environmental Protection Agency and 18 percent or $5.8 billion at the National Institutes of Health.

"It's probably the most irresponsible budget that I've seen and the most unrealistic budget that I've seen," Rep. Hoyer said.

The Maryland Democrat said that even if Trump's proposal were just a starting point in a negotiation, it needs to be rational. "It was simply a hatchet job to increase very substantially the defense side of the budget without paying for it except with these irrational cuts," he argued.
Sri Lanka's finance minister on Thursday dismissed allegations of possible irregularities in government bond sales that are now under investigation.

"I give 100 percent guarantee there won' be any area of dispute there. It is only anarchists who are trying to fish in troubled waters," Ravi Karunanayake told CNBC's "Street Signs."

His comments come as a Sri Lankan commission probes possible irregularities in government bond sales. The commission recorded a statement on Friday by former central bank governor Arjuna Mahendran, who oversaw a controversial sale, Reuters reported on Friday.

Karunanayake said the issue was an "inherited" problem and that the government will rectify any possible issues.

"There is no area of contention," he added.

President Maithripala Sirisena appointed the commission to investigate the sale after opposition lawmakers demanded an independent inquiry. They charge that the sale has cost the state more than $1 billion in rising borrowing costs over the past two years. The central bank rejects those claims.

The February 2015 bond auction was originally intended to sell 1 billion rupees ($6.6 million) of 30-year bonds. It eventually grew to more than 10 times that amount, to meet government borrowing needs.

More than half of the issue was sold to Perpetual Treasuries, a subsidiary of a company owned by Mahendran's son-in-law, in what has been criticized as a conflict of interest.

Despite the troubles, government bond sales are reportedly now on track.

On Tuesday, the Sri Lankan central bank said after market hours that it had on behalf of the government raised a record $973.25 million through a Sri Lanka Development Bond auction.

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One of Macy's largest competitive threats is about to get even bigger. Off-price retailers TJX , Ross and Burlington plan to open nearly 300 U.S. stores combined this year. That's roughly the same number of shops that Macy's, Sears and J.C. Penney will collectively close. Their expansion should continue to fuel off-price apparel sales, which grew 39 percent between 2011 and 2016, according to Fung Global Retail & Technology.

Yet while there's no denying off-price chains are benefiting from department stores' shrinking sales, some investors are starting to question if they're getting ahead of themselves.

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One of the biggest concerns is their footprints, which are growing as others contract. Investors also worry that vendors could limit their supply to off-price chains in an effort to sell more merchandise without a discount. Meanwhile, department stores are working to whittle down the number of products they keep on their shelves, which could potentially cut off some supply. Analysts, however, say these fears are overblown, noting the $52 billion-plus off-price business is simply too big for brands to ignore. Goldman Sachs on Thursday added TJX's stock to its conviction buy list, saying it has been a "key beneficiary of the unraveling of the regional mall." "I don't think you can avoid that type of power in the marketplace," Michael Brown, a partner in A.T. Kearney's consumer products and retail practice, told CNBC.

While speaking at a recent investor conference in New York City, Macy's CFO Karen Hoguet said off-price chains have proven a bigger long-term challenge to the company than the internet. Indeed, TJX's U.S. revenue is expected to surpass Macy's this year, according to Citi Research. Off-price stores' constantly changing merchandise and bargain prices have appealed to new and existing shoppers alike. Meanwhile, excess inventory that failed to sell at traditional shops  or was left in the market when a store closed or went bankrupt  has helped them fill their racks. Ronen Lazar, CEO of Inturn, told CNBC he doesn't see either of these things changing anytime soon. His company owns software that makes it easier for vendors and retailers to do deals. "Excess inventory is just a fact of the business," Lazar said. Even as companies like Ralph Lauren and Hugo Boss say they're shipping fewer products to off-price stores, there is an endless stream of others willing to take their place. Some brands even create products meant solely for these stores. And if a certain vendor decided to cut out off-price chains, they could also acquire inventory from third-party sellers, Lazar said. "They're going to continue to find brands to feed them," Murali Gokki, a managing director in AlixPartners' retail practice, told CNBC.

Yet as these stores grow their footprints, they'll need more inventory to fill their racks. Already, TJX has 2,800 U.S. locations through its T.J. Maxx, Marshalls and HomeGoods stores. Management has said it sees potential to add another 1,300 stores in North America long term. Despite these chains' aggressive targets, off-pricers' expansion plans remain reasonable, Brown said. Their stores are typically located outside of malls, where they aren't saddled with the additional costs of maintaining the common areas. They've also invested little into e-commerce, saving expenses and making their stores destinations. At the end of the day, Citi analyst Paul Lejuez said off-pricers' size is one of their most attractive characteristics for vendors. Often, when a company makes too much product, it doesn't want to dilute its brand by packing the excess inventory into one location. Instead, vendors prefer to have their merchandise spread across the country, where it's easier to make it "disappear," Lejuez recently told investors. "Every year somebody says, 'Have they peaked?'" Gokki said. "Every year they have proven to find avenues for growth." WATCH: Macy's CEO: We will do the right thing for our shareholders
Oxford University will be at the forefront of a multimillion-pound research program, which hopes to help develop new therapies for acute and chronic conditions by examining the effects of medical cannabis. The oldest university in England will be teaming up with private equity company, Kingsley Capital Partners who will provide up to 10 million ($12.36 million) in initial investment, which will be funded through its new biopharmaceutical firm Oxford Cannabinoid Technologies (OCT).

A worker trims cannabis at the growing facility of the Tikun Olam company on March 7, 2011 near the northern city of Safed, Israel. Uriel Sinai | Getty Images

The partnership is expected to bring together Kingsley's financial backing and Oxford's clinical expertise and research in immunology, neuroscience and cancer, to find ways of developing new treatments for those suffering with pain, cancer and inflammatory disease. Scientists at the university expect to do this by studying the cellular, molecular, and systems mechanisms of cannabinoids. "Cannabinoid research has started to produce exciting biological discoveries and this research program is a timely opportunity to increase our understanding of the role of cannabinoids in health and disease," Ahmed Ahmed, professor of gynaecological oncology at Oxford University, said in a statement. While medical cannabis and cannabinoid medicine has been seen as providing support to patients who've been in pain; research into the particular pathways and mechanisms that produce this benefit is currently "limited and long overdue", Neil Mahapatra, managing partner at Kingsley Capital Partners, explained. "Through OCT, we hope our strategic partnership with Oxford will support the development of innovative new therapies to help millions of people around the world," he added.
A girl holds a flag of Islamic political party Jamaat-e-Islami while taking part in a protest with others in Islamabad on May 20, 2010, against an online competition to draw pictures of Prophet Mohammad on Facebook which Muslims deem blasphemous. (File photo).

Pakistan has asked Facebook and Twitter to help identify users in violation of its strict blasphemy laws.

Under Pakistani law anyone suspected of blasphemy can be prosecuted and potentially sentenced to death.

According to Reuters, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said Thursday that an official in Pakistan's Washington embassy has approached the two social media companies in an effort to identify Pakistanis, either within the country or abroad, who recently shared material deemed offensive to Islam.

Authorities in Pakistan have already identified 11 people suspected of blasphemy and would seek the extradition of anyone living abroad.

Facebook said it reviews all government requests carefully, "with the goal of protecting the privacy and rights of our users.

"We disclose information about accounts solely in accordance with our terms of service and applicable law. A Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty or other formal request may be required for international requests, and we include these in our Government Requests Report," it said in a statement.

Twitter did not immediately respond to a request for comment from CNBC.


House Speaker Paul Ryan, a Republican from Wisconsin, speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Thursday, March 16, 2017.

In a separate statement later Thursday, the top Republican and Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee said that based on evidence they have, they "see no indications that Trump Tower was the subject of surveillance by any element of the United States government either before or after Election Day 2016."

"The intelligence committees in their continuing, widening ongoing investigation of all things Russia, got to the bottom  at least so far with respect to our intelligence community  that no such wiretap existed," Ryan told reporters.

House Speaker Paul Ryan on Thursday backed key lawmakers' statements that no evidence supports President Donald Trump 's claim that Trump Tower was wiretapped before the 2016 election.

On Wednesday, House Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes, R-Calif., and ranking member Adam Schiff, D-Calif., both said they had not seen evidence to back Trump's explosive allegation. Trump did not cite any specific information when he accused former President Barack Obama of tapping his phones in a series of tweets earlier this month.

"I don't think there was an actual tap of Trump Tower," Nunes said.

The White House has gradually shifted its explanation of Trump's tweets since he first made them. Press secretary Sean Spicer this week tried to cast Trump's tweets as meaning broader surveillance beyond a physical wiretap of Trump Tower, citing the quotes around "wiretapping" in one statement.

However, Trump did not use quotes in all of his tweets.

Terrible! Just found out that Obama had my "wires tapped" in Trump Tower just before the victory. Nothing found. This is McCarthyism!

Is it legal for a sitting President to be "wire tapping" a race for president prior to an election? Turned down by court earlier. A NEW LOW!

I'd bet a good lawyer could make a great case out of the fact that President Obama was tapping my phones in October, just prior to Election!

How low has President Obama gone to tapp my phones during the very sacred election process. This is Nixon/Watergate. Bad (or sick) guy!

In a Fox News interview Wednesday, Trump contended that the word wiretap "covers a lot of different things." He said "some very interesting things" may surface in the coming weeks, without specifying what those would be.

The White House previously asked Congress to add Trump's wiretapping claims to its ongoing probes into the extent of Russian influence on the 2016 U.S. election. The American intelligence community concluded that Moscow meddled, first aiming to harm then-candidate Hillary Clinton and then developing a preference for Trump.
Vladimir Putin Aleksey Nikolskyi | Kremlin | Reuters

Forget the tweets  watch the deeds

Knowing little about social networks, Putin may be inclined to disregard the daily flow of tweets coming from the White House. What he certainly takes seriously are the decisions that point to new policy priorities, muddled as they might seem now. Four such decisions should be matters of serious concern in the Kremlin. First of all, the intention to increase the U.S. defense budget by some $54 billion comes as a grave warning. Russia has been investing heavily in modernizing its military machine for the last five years, but now the country's protracted economic decline has necessitated cuts to the over-ambitious defense plans. Many half-accomplished programslike the Yasen-class nuclear submarine or the "fifth generation" PAK-FA fighterhave been delayed, while the costs of ongoing interventions in places such as Syria and Ukraine keep piling up. Trump's resolution to boost U.S. military capabilities is not only a reminder of Russia's military-industrial inferiority, but also a confirmation of his proposition to deal with Russia "from a position of strength." This doesn't sit well in Moscow at all. Second, Trump's stated disinclination to engage in talks on strategic arms control caught Putin by surprise in the first (and so far only) telephone conversation since Trump moved into the Oval Office. The Russian leader had turned down every proposition from President Barack Obama on possible new cuts of nuclear arsenals, expecting it to be a more favorable topic for conversation with his successor. Now he has to assess the scope of U.S. nuclear modernization. On top of that, there is a substantiated accusation that Russia has violated the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, which Moscow cannot make disappear by flat denials.

There were two kinds of optimistic expectations in Moscow regarding the Trump era: deal-making and confusion.

Third, Russian experts had eagerly predicted a deepening discord between the United States and its European allies and a profound confusion inside NATO. Instead, firm assertions by the vice president, secretary of state, and others on the U.S. commitment to the alliance have been accompanied by the demand that NATO allies increase defense spending. The Europeans see the need to take this demand seriously, and every euro of additional investments in their long-starved militaries buys new capabilities for containing the Russian threat. The top brass in Moscow are not amused, in particular, by NATO's determined build-up of collective defense assets in the Baltic theater. Fourth, there is now strong U.S. pressure on Russia's most sensitive pain point: the price of oil. For many months, Moscow had been in negotiation with OPEC about production cuts, seeking to achieve some upward trend in this marketonly to experience another price drop in the last couple of weeks. The primary driver of this volatility is the relaxation of regulations in the United States, bringing new drilling, which over-compensates all the OPEC cartel machinations. The Russian ruble has duly depreciated, and any promised economic stabilization before next year's national election is unlikely at best. The economy will continue to stagnate.

The joy of playing white
Rural America and the farming region where President Donald Trump found some of his strongest support would take a big hit under the White House's fiscal 2018 budget blueprint.

Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle were critical of the plan's cuts to rural and farm programs.

In particular, the U.S. Department of Agriculture would see a whopping 21 percent cut in discretionary spending, including reduced funding for water programs, statistical areas and staffing of its local Farm Service Agency offices around the country. There would be cutbacks in discretionary activities in rural development and rural business too.

Trump's election showed he had strong support in the nation's heartland and key farming regions. Rural areas facing economic hardship due to lower crop prices and weaker farmer incomes turned out in big numbers for Trump.

"Our members across the country know that we have to balance the budget," said John Newton, director of market intelligence for the American Farm Bureau Federation, the nation's largest farm organization. But the trade organization still opposes cuts to agricultural programs.

According to the so-called skinny budget, Trump requests $17.9 billion in discretionary spending, or a $4.7 billion decrease from the annualized continuing resolution level of government funding.

House Ag Committee Ranking Member Collin Peterson of Minnesota said the cuts in USDA are bad for the heartland. "It demonstrates a lack of understanding of farm programs and their impact on rural America," he said.

Added Peterson, "Cuts to the water and wastewater loan program are wrongly portrayed as duplicative when they are the only ways for small rural communities to update their waste systems. County offices are already understaffed and further cuts would mean private organizations would be tasked with helping farmers navigate farm programs. Again, it's a general lack of understanding of what really takes place in rural America."

USDA is still operating with an acting deputy running the department. Former Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue was nominated for the Agriculture secretary post but still hasn't been confirmed.

"I hope once an Agriculture secretary is in place that he will be able to explain the value of these programs and services," said Peterson, who is a member of the Minnesota Democratic Farmer Labor Party.
In this file photo taken on Thursday, Dec. 10, 2015, Russian President Vladimir Putin, center right, with retired U.S. Lt. Gen. Michael T. Flynn, center left, and Serbian filmmaker Emir Kusturica, obscured second right, attend an exhibition marking the 10th anniversary of RT (Russia Today) 24-hour English-language TV news channel in Moscow, Russia.

Russian state-owned network RT paid more than $45,000 for Michael Flynn to travel to Moscow to speak in December 2015, Yahoo News reported, citing a document obtained by a congressional committee.

At the time, Flynn was a retired lieutenant general and former Defense Intelligence Agency director. He would later become President Donald Trump's campaign advisor and first national security advisor, until he was forced to resign over misstatements about his communications with a Russian diplomat.

Flynn went on a three-day trip with his son, Michael Flynn Jr., staying in a five-star hotel at the Russian government's expense for RT's 10th anniversary celebration in 2015, according to Yahoo. Flynn got nearly $34,000 from the engagement, the report said. In addition, it said, his speaking agency received a 25 percent commission.

Some Democrats allege that Flynn's trip appeared to run afoul of rules barring former military officers from accepting consulting fees, gifts or travel expenses from a foreign government, Yahoo said. It also raises questions about what Trump knew about Flynn's Russian connections before hiring him.
Top Democrats pledged Thursday to push back against President Donald Trump's budget blueprint, which calls for big cuts to some domestic programs to fund a defense buildup.

"This budget shifts the burden off of the wealthy and special interests and puts it squarely on the backs of the middle class and those struggling to get there ... Democrats in Congress will emphatically oppose these cuts and urge our Republican colleagues to reject them as well," Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said in a statement.

Congress ultimately controls appropriations, and a president's first request serves as a wish list that often changes. Democrats, and some Republicans, will likely oppose parts of Trump's proposed cuts.

Trump will submit a broader budget proposal later this spring. That will include plans for taxation and other parts of government spending.

Trump's budget seeks a $54 billion, or 10 percent increase, in defense spending. To offset that outlat, it would chop 28 percent from the State Department and 25 percent from the Environmental Protection Agency, also taking big chunks out of the Labor Department, Education Department and Department of Housing and Urban Development, among other agencies.
The world's largest producer of diamonds by volume has reported a quadrupling of profit for 2016.

Russian miner Alrosa said profit attributable to shareholders totaled 131.39 billion roubles ($2.25 billion) versus 30.67 billion roubles in 2015.

The firm, majority-owned by the Russian government, said it had witnessed a recovery in diamond prices.

"2016 was a year of active recovery in the diamond market following the decline of 2015.

"The Company managed to deliver record-high financial performance and generate net cash flow sufficient to repay short-term and medium-term liabilities and pay out dividends to shareholders," said Alrosa's chief financial officer Igor Kulichik.

In its November 2016 diamond market outlook, ABN AMRO said optimism was returning to the sector and the diamond trade should further improve across 2017.

The report argued that improvements in the U.S. economy would translate to higher demand.

"In the US there is a very clear relationship between net worth and jewelry retail sales.

"Demand for jewelry in the US has improved over the recent quarters," the report reads.

ABN Amro said the U.S. is by far the largest market for diamond jewelry, accounting for 30-40% of the market.

It also noted that with fears of a Chinese hard landing abating, diamond export levels to China should continue to rebound.
Tesla may look expensive and risky in the near-term, but that may miss the point.

Shares of the electric carmaker are "expensive on near-term metrics," but investors have to value the company more on what it can deliver in 2019 or 2020, said Guggenheim analyst Rob Cihra, speaking on CNBC's "Power Lunch" on Thursday.

"And while that may in some ways sound silly," he said, "that really is the point. This is a company that is still just getting going, they are still spending a lot to build the infrastructure to build a lot more cars."



But in a few years, Cihra said he thinks the company could could be "pretty huge."

Cihra noted that Tesla's decision to raise capital again, announced Wednesday, was expected by investors, and "is pretty darn small when it comes to dilution."

Stocks often fall after a company announces a capital raise because investors fear their investment's value will be diluted by the additional stock. However, Tesla's stock finished nearly 2.5 percent higher Thursday.

The company plans to raise $1.15 billion ahead of its Model 3 launch.

Cihra is also skeptical of the notion that possible changes to state or federal laws around emissions or tax credits for electric vehicles pose any real threat to his investment case, or to the future of electric cars in general. California's Zero Emissions Vehicle credits, for example, form an ever smaller share of Tesla's revenue, and are "minute in terms of what I am looking for them to earn over the next several years."

"I think people are buying electric vehicles because they want to buy electric vehicles, whether they get tax credits or not," he said.

Other analysts took a dimmer view of Tesla's recently announced capital raise. CFRA's Efraim Levy said the lower-than-expected capital raise suggests Tesla may not end up with enough cash on hand. Likewise, Colin Langan of UBS said in a note Thursday that the company may have to return to markets yet again in the future.
You might have missed it, but there's a quiet revolution beginning in a corner of business that until now has been relatively untouched by technology: construction. In the past decade or so, new technologies, including better land mapping, prefabricated construction and cheaper solar power, have begun bringing the costs of housing down 20 percent to 30 percent, say experts. The new technology is enabling feats of architecture and design, like an eight-story wooden apartment building in Finland and more affordable apartments in cities like New York, where the city has financed housing for 160,000 people making less than $40,800 a year.

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At the low end of the scale, the changes may be most significant: There is a new market developing to serve 200 million households in slums in emerging markets, based on a 2014 report by McKinsey & Co.

For instance, in Pune, India, where the population density is seven times higher than in Manhattan, at 194,000 people per square kilometer, developers are building apartments between 396 and 794 square feet that sell for RS 10-25 Lakh, or $10,000$25,000. Spurred by the government's push to make affordable housing a priority, a growing number of developers and private equity firms are entering the market, including Janaadhar Infrastructure and Poddar Developers. India has a shortage of 18 million urban housing units. "Technology is a game changer for this," said Jonathan Woetzel, senior partner at McKinsey Global Institute. "Technology creates a set of solutions that we didn't have before. It will make housing cheaper and land use better."

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The construction industry is ripe for disruption. While productivity has surged in other industries, including manufacturing, it's been flat in construction for more than a decade, at $65,000 a year per worker, according to McKinsey. Whether the market and the industry develop fast enough to meet the needs is another question: Some 65 million people a year are moving into cities, Woetzel pointed out. Here are some of the new technologies driving the changes.



Mapping technology

You wouldn't think land could get lost. But in every city, there are significant parcels of land, sometimes owned by the government or a quasi-government agency, that aren't available for development. Because so much of the price of housing is driven by the land, big-data mapping that combines geography with databases on land ownership and zoning to identify more land for development indirectly has been bringing down the price of housing. For instance, an analysis of a sample of parcels in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, found that 40 square kilometers zoned residential and have access to suitable infrastructure have remained idle for two decades, according to McKinsey. Making more land available for development is key also in cities in the developed world, as in Monterrey, California, where the latest redevelopment of the former Fort Ord military base has been ongoing since 2012, with an emphasis on housing that's affordable for workers. Most people don't think of seaside Monterrey as the home of slums, but a shortage of land and the income disparities between agriculture workers and the highly educated high-tech workers mean it has had a notorious affordable housing problem.



Technology is a game changer. ... It will make housing cheaper and land use better. Jonathan Woetzel senior partner, McKinsey Global Institute

In the least developed cities in the world, many in Africa, where much of the land isn't mapped at all and ownership isn't clear, mapping technology is laying the groundwork for change. If property is mapped, developers often pay slum dwellers for land they occupy, then borrow against the land to finance housing construction and sell or rent housing to the former slum dwellers. "Some really fantastic technologies are being used in mapping by organizations, like Slum Dwellers International," said Julian Baskin, head of program at the Brussels-based Cities Alliance, a global partnership that includes the UN Habitat and World Bank, among others. "One of the first things they do is map settlements. By giving people an address, you give them a sense of identity within the city."



New construction techniques

With land in greater demand in cities around the world, more developers and architects are designing tighter spaces with prefabricated materials that ultimately cost less and are the same or higher quality. Computer modeling can more precisely estimate the strength and durability of different materials, like laminated timber and reinforced concrete, said London architect Simon Goode. That in turn is renewing interest in those materials, which may cost less to ship and takes less time to put together. A key to lowering costs is doing projects at scale: The incremental cost savings are small on an individual house but make a difference in sweeping affordable housing projects. In the West Bank of Palestine, where land is at a premium, Goode developed plans for a community of houses selling for $40,000$60,000 instead of the typical $120,000. The houses were smaller, with dual-use spaces like those common in Europe, and the houses made less use of expensive stone and used modular pieces, he said.



A Palestinian man walks past Israel's controversial separation barrier in the Palestinian neighborhood of Al-Tur. Thomas Coex | AFP | Getty Images

Goode, a partner in architecture firm Lyndon Goode Architects, passed on the building and design techniques to young women architecture students working outside Hebron, a city in the West Bank. One was from more secular Ramallah and the other from the more conservative Hebron; they worked together to develop a heavy built-in curtain for families who want separate spaces for women. "Seeing these two women from two backgrounds working together to solve their differences through design  I feel really proud of our involvement," he said. "We could pass on our optimism about the future of housing." Goode, who was lead director of the 500-million-pound high-profile redevelopment of the King's Cross Station in London, said he is also working on a low-cost housing project for the YMCA. In many cities, the government spurs the market by requiring the development of high-quality low-cost housing. For instance, in Barcelona, which is often held up as a place for profitable affordable housing development, the city government required a developer working on a brownfield site called La Marina to provide half of the 12,000 units for one-third of market prices. The business case proved profitable, McKinsey reported.



Solar power and other infrastructure

About a half-million solar panels were installed every day around the world last year, according to the International Energy Agency. Costs for solar photovoltaics are expected to drop by 25 percent by 2020. The promise of small-scale solar panels to deliver power to slums has always been apparent. Now the decline in costs rippling through the housing market is enabling investments by governments and private companies in energy that weren't possible before. In India, for instance, the government announced late last year that it would spend $150 million on lighting in the slums in Kolkata. In Egypt, agriculture company Al Tayebat spent $1.1 million on a solar-powered village for its workers. What's different now is that the time to see a return on the investment in solar power has fallen. For instance, Goode said, an embassy building that his firm, Lyndon Goode, designed in Algeria will return the investment in five years, via lower ongoing energy costs, versus 15 years. Nor is solar power the only infrastructure declining in cost. Digital networks are now reaching a much greater swathe of people, with more to come. Facebook , for instance, last year announced it would use satellites to provide internet to areas of Africa that aren't connected.



The ultimate question
The euro area could be on the brink of losing one of its most important politicians following the general election in the Netherlands.

Jeroen Dijsselbloem, the Dutch finance minister, saw his Labour Party become one of the biggest losers in the Dutch vote Wednesday, meaning that he is very unlikely to keep his current role as finance minister.

"While Jeroen Dijsselbloem has been a good finance minister  he had a pivotal role the past four years in taking some tough but necessary decisions  the chances of him returning in an upcoming cabinet are slim," Nic Vrieselaar, economist at Rabobank, told CNBC via email.

"His party, the Labour Party (PvdA) has lost more than 75 percent of support from its voters compared to the 2012 elections. It therefore seems unlikely that the PvdA will again take part in a coalition," he added.

Dijsselbloem is also the head of the Eurogroup, a meeting of all 19 finance ministers of the euro zone. He has been a loud voice in opposing a debt haircut for Greece, pushed for structural reforms in the economically troubled periphery and has been a strong supporter of further euro zone integration - including the completion of the banking union, which involves the same level of supervision for all euro banks.
Patrick Swailes Caldwell rehearses his character of Martin Shkreli for the Manhattan premiere of the musical Martin Shkrelis Game: How Bill Murray Joined the Wu-Tang Clan

Like a rare disease that you can't afford to treat because it would require a ridiculously expensive pill, Martin Shkreli the Musical is baaaaaaaaaaaaack  and it's got a brand-new name.

The satirical play based on the drug company executive-turned-national troll is returning to New York this spring for an Off-Broadway run  set to end right before the start of Shkreli's real-life criminal trial on securities fraud charges.

The scathing portrayal of the flippant pharma bro' premiered last summer for a limited, Off-Off-Broadway run as part of a Manhattan film festival.

The show played six performances to sold-out, albeit small, audiences, which included some unamused friends of Shkreli.

The musical at the time was entitled, somewhat laboriously, "Martin Shkreli's Game: How Bill Murray Joined the Wu-Tang Clan."

The new iteration's title gets to the point quicker: "Pharma Bro: An American Douchical!"

But the show, set to run from May 11 to June 18 at the Players Theater in Greenwich Village, still features a bizarre imagining of an internet rumor that spread about Shkreli, as well as references to the many bizarre things about the online provocateur that happen to be true.

The rumor claimed that the actor Bill Murray was somehow legally empowered to steal back for the hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan a single-copy album, "Once Upon a Time in Shaolin," that they had sold to Shkreli for $2 million, only to have second thoughts about doing so.
Mulvaney: Budget does not balance budget, just reallocates and reprioritizes 5:10 PM ET Thu, 16 March 2017 | 01:52

President Donald Trump's proposed budget  slashing more than $50 billion in spending on nondefense programs  is likely to spark strong political opposition from Democrats.

"President Trump is not making anyone more secure with a budget that hollows out our economy and endangers working families," Nancy Pelosi, House minority leader (D-California), told reporters Thursday. "Throwing billions at defense while ransacking America's investments in jobs, education, clean energy and lifesaving medical research will leave our nation weakened."
Cowen is bullish on Apple after its supplier Jabil Circuit released better-than-expected fiscal second-quarter results. The chipmaker on Wednesday posted diluted earnings of 48 cents per share on revenue of $4.4 billion, beating analysts expectations for earnings of 46 cents per share on revenue of $4.37 billion. "Most importantly, a bullish outlook for JBL's August Q is highly supportive of our long-held view that a super-cycle is brewing for this iPhone launch (especially in China)," Cowen analyst Timothy Arcuri said in a note on Thursday. Cowen maintained its outperform rating on the iPhone maker. Jabil released its outlook for the fiscal third quarter, expecting revenue to hit between $4.25 billion and $4.55 billion. A consensus of analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expected guidance of $4.40 billion. Apple made up 24 percent of Jabil's sales in 2016, Arcuri noted. Apple is also set to release its 10th anniversary iPhone this fall . Apple shares 5-day performance Jabil shares 5-day performance Arcuri expects iPhone innovations, corporate applications and strength in the expanding services business to boost Apple sales this year. "We remain very bullish on AAPL as our installed base work suggests a powder keg is forming where the entire growth of the base a year from today  and then some  will be from older units ( > 2 years old) that are ripe for upgrades, especially to a new OLED-enabled form factor," he said.

JBL Pulse Source: JBL
U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said on Thursday the escalating threat from North Korea's nuclear program showed a clear need for a "new approach," although he stopped short of detailing what steps the Trump administration would pursue.

Tillerson was speaking at a news conference following talks with Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida in Tokyo, the start of his first trip to Asia as secretary of state. It was the first time Tillerson, a former oil executive with no prior diplomatic experience, took questions from the media since joining office in early February.

Two decades of diplomatic and other efforts, including aid given to North Korea by the United States, had failed to achieve the goal of denuclearizing Pyongyang, he said.

"So we have 20 years of failed approach," Tillerson said. "That includes a period where the United States has provided $1.35 billion in assistance to North Korea as an encouragement to take a different pathway."

He added: "In the face of this ever-escalating threat, it is clear that a different approach is required. Part of the purpose of my visit to the region is to exchange views on a new approach."

Tillerson visits South Korea and China later in the week. The New York Times reported on Wednesday he will warn Chinese officials that the United States would increase missile defenses in the region and target Chinese banks if Beijing does not constrain North Korea's nuclear and missile ambitions.

State Department spokesman Mark Toner said on Wednesday that Tillerson will have "substantive, hard" talks with U.S. partners in Asia on next steps in dealing with North Korea, but his visit was not likely to produce an immediate specific response.

In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying repeated Foreign Minister Wang Yi's proposal last week that North Korea should stop its nuclear and missile tests and South Korea and the United States should stop joint military drills and seek talks instead.

"We welcome all parties, including the United States, to come up with their own proposals," Hua told a daily news briefing. "As long as these proposals are conducive to ameliorating the present tense situation on the Korean peninsula and are beneficial to maintaining regional peace and stability ... China will have an open attitude."

Tillerson made it clear he expected China to do more.

"We will be having discussions with China as to further actions we believe they might consider taking that would be helpful to bringing North Korea to a different attitude about its future need for nuclear weapons," he said.
U.S. infrastructure received a near-failing grade in a widely followed report last week. Trump has promised to spend $1 trillion on improving areas such as transport , and some say those developments will create the higher-paying jobs needed to help lower- and middle-class Americans.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe , one of the few world leaders U.S. President Donald Trump is on good terms with, said during his U.S. visit last month that Japan's technical expertise in high-speed rail "could contribute to President Trump's growth strategy. There will be even more new jobs being born in the United States."

"If we're going to do bullet trains, that technology is really Japan, Germany, China," he said.

"It's going to be hard to build out U.S. infrastructure without foreign capital ... or even foreign expertise. We'll need the steel, the iron ore," said Joe Quinlan, head of market and thematic strategy at Merrill Lynch and U.S. Trust.

Sorely needed  and promised  spending on U.S. infrastructure could mean foreign companies take a slice of the pie.

While health care is the focus in Congress right now, several analysts expect infrastructure proposals to come as early as this summer. As president-elect, Trump had reportedly already circulated a presentation on infrastructure projects and state governors have submitted more than 400 areas in which work could begin immediately.

William Curtin III, partner and global head of global mergers and acquisitions at law firm Hogan Lovells, said the president's proposal to spend $1 trillion on infrastructure has attracted the attention of foreign companies.

"Any global investors or global business person  will take note of that and will inquire what are the opportunities to develop in the U.S.," he said. "Some of them might say to themselves, 'We'd better transact our way into that marketplace ... to be able to capture that work,'" he said, noting one of his overseas clients is looking to expand into U.S. construction.

China also wants a part, despite the Trump administration's repeated anti-China rhetoric.

Chen Jie, director general of the municipal commission of commerce in the major Chinese city of Guangzhou, was confident that certain Chinese companies could compete well for U.S. projects, particularly in areas such as subway construction.

"Regarding U.S. infrastructure construction, I think it can bring in from China, including Guangzhou, strong, capable enterprises to participate," he told CNBC Tuesday. "I believe the marketplace is a fair one and we can fully participate in the competition because of our advantages."

Some analysts also point to government appointees for indications on how international collaboration may be part of policy.

On Trump's National Economic Council, the special assistant to the president for infrastructure policy is D.J. Gribbin. He previously headed government advisory for Macquarie Capital in establishing public-private partnerships, a strategy many say the administration will need to adopt for financing infrastructure projects.

Macquarie owns the world's largest infrastructure asset manager and the financial services firm's headquarters are in Australia, a country that exports many commodities such as iron ore.

The White House did not immediately respond to a CNBC request for comment.

"It's a good thing to have both expertise and inbound investment in infrastructure, because it's a commitment that shows the U.S. is a competitive environment to attract investors and best practices," said Heidi Crebo-Rediker, adjunct senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and CEO of advisory firm International Capital Strategies.

"Inbound investment is a vote of confidence in the U.S.," she said.

However, the enthusiasm from foreign companies may be limited by the Trump administration's focus on "America First."

Dan DiMicco, trade advisor to the president during the campaign, told CNBC in a phone interview that, "American producers will be given first priority in those infrastructure projects."

"Where products are not available, there will be accommodations made to buy those products from where they are available," he said, adding such practice would be "minimal."

DiMicco is former CEO of Nucor and on the board of the nonprofit Coalition for a Prosperous America, which represents the interests of those in manufacturing, agriculture and labor unions.

On Tuesday, the head of the newly formed National Trade Council, Peter Navarro, spoke to the coalition. In an account of that presentation, coalition CEO Michael Stumo told CNBC that "the NTC is going to be the SWAT team. They're going to deal with things like buy American, hire American."

"The NTC is going to be a defender of American production," Stumo said. But, he added, "I don't think 'buy American, hire American' cares so much about ownership as it does about location."
"This is a hard-power budget. That was done intentionally. The president wants to send a message to our allies and to our potential adversaries."

Ted Atalla runs a small business selling LED lights called EcoVelocity based in Puebla, Mexico, about an hour and a half outside of the country's capital. He said he was born in Egypt and immigrated to the United States as a child. After many years in California as an American citizen, he moved to Mexico about five years ago and counts himself among Trump's supporters.

"I've been defending what we've been doing over there," he told CNBC. "I think it's a good thing."

But Atalla said he doesn't expect to win any work on the wall: His LED lights are made in China, and that's unlikely to go over well with the administration's mantra of buying and hiring American.

"I'm just watching [the contract] to see if I can offer anything to anybody when it comes," he said.

Customs and Border Patrol has extended the deadline for initial applications several times, saying "industry interest has been high." In its request for information, the agency described plans to build a concrete wall about 30 feet high that can prevent climbing and withstand tampering or damage.

"The intent of this procurement is to acquire and evaluate available wall prototypes and provide some initial construction of some wall segments, but is not intended as the vehicle for the procurement of the total wall solution for the border with Mexico," the contract listing from Customs and Border Patrol states.

Kenneth Madsen, an Ohio State geography professor, said the agency now appears open to both a concrete wall that would block pedestrians as well as other barriers  such as a fence that might only stop vehicles. And he pointed out that in Arizona, at least, physical barriers are already in place along nearly all passable portions of the state's border with Mexico.

Trump has repeatedly claimed that Mexico will pay for the wall, though the nation's leaders have adamantly rejected that proposal. In Washington, Democrats have already vowed to reject any spending bill that includes money for the wall.

"If Republicans insist on inserting poison pill riders  they will be shutting down the government and delivering a severe blow to our economy," Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said in a statement.

Office of Management and Budget Director Mick Mulvaney said the administration is asking for $1.5 billion this fiscal year and $2.6 billion in fiscal 2018. Mulvaney said the funds would be used to create pilot projects that test different types of barriers in several locations along the Mexican border.

"This is a hard-power budget. That was done intentionally," Mulvaney told reporters during a background call Wednesday. "The president wants to send a message to our allies and to our potential adversaries."
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The White House's attempts to alter the Obama administration's plan to raise federal automobile fuel standards could be a slog and ultimately yield little change, experts say. The Department of Transportation and the Environmental Protection Agency will revisit rules finalized under President Barack Obama that would keep automakers on pace to manufacture vehicles that get more miles per gallon. But experts say it will be difficult for President Donald Trump to meaningfully relax the rules under the Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards, or CAFE. Still, Trump said on Wednesday that the review would help boost the U.S. auto industry in short order.

There is significant chance of judicial reversal if they're not careful on the review and economic analysis that supports the new rule-making. John Graham Indiana University School of Public and Environmental Affairs dean

"I'm sure you've all heard the big news that we're going to work on the CAFE standards so you can make cars in America again," Trump told auto workers during a rally in Detroit. "We want to be the car capital of the world again. We will be, and it won't be long. Believe me." The Obama administration finalized the CAFE standards for model year 2022-2025 cars and light trucks a week before Trump took office. That was well ahead of the April 2018 deadline to complete a review of tougher tailpipe rules, which would move American car makers' fleets toward an average 49.7 miles per gallon. That assessment was intended to determine how the industry was adapting to new standards and whether it was feasible to continue ratcheting up the average fuel efficiency as planned.

Making the case for rollback

Former EPA liaison and Obama campaign staffer Dan Kanninen said any impact from Wednesday's reopening of the review would likely be limited. "It's not rescinding the entire rule. It's not rescinding the standards. It would be quite difficult to do that, but it sends a signal that [Trump] is interested in going down that route," said Kanninen, now vice president for issues and advocacy at the Smoot Tewes Group, a lobbying firm. Under the 2007 law that created the CAFE standards, the Trump administration and automakers must show that stricter tailpipe rules would be financially detrimental in order to revise the current schedule, Kanninen noted. "They've got to prove real hardship on the cost, not just an inconvenience," Kanninen said.

An employee works on the assembly line at the General Motors Assembly Plant in Arlington, Texas. Mike Stone | Reuters

Automakers worry they will have to produce small, fuel-efficient cars that are currently out of fashion in today's low oil price environment to offset the impact of gas guzzlers on their fleet's average efficiency. Researchers at Indiana's University's School of Public and Environmental Affairs recently concluded the standards would have a negative impact on the economy for a few years to roughly a decade, depending on a number of market factors. However, higher fuel efficiency would be a net positive in the long term, the researchers concluded. Complying with tougher standards would lead to declining new vehicle sales and higher auto prices that drain consumer cash from other parts of the economy, SPEA researchers found. However, investments in fuel-saving technology would increase employment, output and disposable income, offsetting at least half of the negative impacts. Savings at the pump would ultimately allow consumers to spend money elsewhere in the economy.

Trump's options

That leaves room for interpretation of economic harm. Any rollback of the rules is likely to be challenged in court by states or environmentalists, and there is a long legal and scientific record that supports the Obama-era standards, including a 2007 Supreme Court verdict on regulating heat-trapping emissions from autos, experts say. Whether the Trump administration prevails will hinge on the judicial panel that hears the challenge, but some policy options are more likely to be overturned than others, said John Graham, a former senior official under George W. Bush who worked on fuel efficiency standards.

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"There is significant chance of judicial reversal if they're not careful on the review and economic analysis that supports the new rule-making," said Graham, now dean of Indiana University's SPEA. The option least likely to be reversed is extending the deadline for automakers to achieve an average 54.5 miles per gallon for their fleets to 2030, he said. Trump could also provide more credits to car manufacturers for using fuel-saving technologies. That would give them more leeway to make gas guzzlers, but a judicial panel may view that as a bolder move, said Graham. The riskiest move would be to freeze the standards at current levels until fuel prices rise to a level that typically incentivizes consumers to buy more efficient vehicles. Jamie Albertine, auto analyst at Consumer Edge Research, told CNBC's "Closing Bell" he believes an extension is likely. On Wednesday, he noted automakers still face tough tailpipe regulations in California, as well as in Europe and Asia. Morningstar analyst David Whiston told "Closing Bell" he doesn't expect automakers to shift away from fuel efficient cars in their product portfolios.

Trouble at the EPA

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Republicans and Democrats alike have cut ribbons at community centers, neighborhood rehabilitation projects and affordable housing developments  and for the past 42 years those initiatives have been supported by the Community Development Block Grant Program.

Now, President Donald Trump wants to wipe out the program, according to the budget proposal released Thursday by the Office of Management and Budget. The program's current year funding is $3 billion.

"The Federal Government has spent over $150 billion on this block grant since its inception in 1974, but the program is not well-targeted to the poorest populations and has not demonstrated results," the budget proposal says. "The Budget devolves community and economic development activities to the State and local level, and redirects Federal resources to other activities."







The cut is part of a $6 billion, or 13 percent, reduction in the fiscal 2018 budget for the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The budget also includes $35 billion for HUD's rental assistance programs and proposes reforms to that program. HUD Secretary Ben Carson has been highly critical of public assistance, suggesting that too many Americans have become dependent upon it.



"The president said he was going to go after wasteful and duplicative programs, programs that simply don't work. A lot of those are in HUD," OMB Director Mick Mulvaney told reporters. "We've spent a lot of money on Housing and Urban Development over the last decade without a lot to show for it. Certainly, there are some successes but there are a lot of programs that simply cannot justify their existence and that's where we zeroed in."



The community development program has garnered bipartisan support since President Gerald Ford signed it into law in 1975. Roughly $150 billion has been allocated to a growing number of "entitlement communities"  generally larger cities and counties, as well as states, according to HUD. Today, roughly 1,200 cities, counties, and states participate.



The community development program provides funding not just to affordable housing but for public facilities improvements like parks, health-care and child-care facilities, neighborhood rehabilitation and disaster relief. It also provides public services for seniors, youth and the disabled, among others. In 2016, close to 74,000 households received housing assistance and more than 9 million Americans benefited from public services, according to HUD's website. The program also created 17,545 jobs.



"It's the life blood for many cities," said Stephen Glaude, CEO of the Coalition for Nonprofit Housing and Economic Development and a former HUD undersecretary in the first Bush administration. "It's considered one of the most flexible federal programs in that it allows local communities to determine their greatest needs."



Glaude said he expected the program to be cut but never dreamed it would be eliminated, especially given its bipartisan popularity.



"To come in and blatantly eliminate these programs because you're trying to meet a budget number without talking to the stakeholders, the constituents of these programs, is a little concerning. In fact, it's more than a little concerning. It's actually alarming," he said. He added that without the community development program, the number of affordable housing projects that a city could do would drop dramatically, at a time when cities across the country are struggling to keep pace.


"President Trump similarly misrepresents the terrorist threat posed by immigrants in order to justify slowing immigration while imposing "extreme vetting." He claimed that "the vast majority of individuals convicted for terrorism-related offenses since 9/11 came here from outside of our country." But the people he is referencing are not immigrants!"

President Trump similarly misrepresents the terrorist threat posed by immigrants in order to justify slowing immigration while imposing "extreme vetting." He claimed that "the vast majority of individuals convicted for terrorism-related offenses since 9/11 came here from outside of our country." But the people he is referencing are not immigrants!



Over the last 40 years, 3,024 people have been killed in the United States by foreign born terrorists. But 2,834 of these deaths were caused by foreign born people who came to the United States on tourist visas.



Terrorist deaths caused by people with Lawful Permanent Resident, Asylum, and Refugee visas totaled only 15. In fact, you are nearly 300,000 times more likely to be struck by lightning than to be killed in a terrorist act committed by a refugee.



President Trump misrepresented the fiscal problems created by immigration when he claimed, "According to the National Academy of Sciences, our current immigration system costs America's taxpayers many billions of dollars a year." Actually, the referenced study provided numerous estimates  some of which showed immigrants to be a net tax drain and others a net tax gain.



Like the National Academy of Sciences study, some serious academic studies on the long-run fiscal impact of immigration find fiscal gains, and others find fiscal drains. However, the estimates tend to be small and clustered around zero. When there are drains, the solution is to tweak fiscal policy to create gains, not to restrict migration.



President Trump incorrectly blamed immigration for economic hardships faced by middle-class families. He claimed that, "By finally enforcing our immigration laws, we will raise wages [and] help the unemployed" and that eliminating low-skilled migration would "help struggling families enter the middle class."



He has no basis for such claims. Virtually no reputable scholarly study claims that immigration decreases the net number of jobs available for the native-born.

Economists debate how much wages are impacted by immigration  but not the wages of the middle class. The debate surrounds whether low-skill immigration impacts the wages of the native-born individuals without high school diplomas.



Estimates here range from no effect to a 7 percent average decline in wages. Research shows that immigration makes the native-born population, including most in the middle class  which doesn't directly compete with immigrants  wealthier, not poorer.



The real immigration problem in America is that about 11 million of the 43 million foreign born residents are here illegally. The overwhelming majority of these 11 million people are making Americans wealthier; the only "crime" they've committed is residing here illegally. Why not create a path to legality for them?



To paraphrase the President, "I believe that real and positive immigration reform is possible, as long as we focus" on real immigration problems and not populist fallacies.



Commentary by Benjamin Powell, a senior fellow with the Independent Institute, Oakland, Calif., director of the Free Market Institute and a professor of economics at the Rawls College of Business Administration at Texas Tech University.



For more insight from CNBC contributors, follow @CNBCOpinion on Twitter.


New analysis has shown that U.K. efforts to fight climate change and boost energy efficiency have seen emissions fall, with household energy bills also seeing a reduction since the Climate Change Act was introduced in 2008.



Releasing its report on Thursday, the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) said that household bills for 2016 were lower than 2008 levels, with higher prices from low carbon policies and network costs offset by "reductions in energy use."

In a news release, the CCC said that while low carbon measures had added roughly 9 ($11) per month to a typical home's energy bill in 2016, this had been tempered by a reduction of over 20 per month as a result of lower energy demand, boosted in the main by greater efficiency from lights and home appliances.

The CCC, an independent body set up to advise the U.K. government, found that energy efficiency improvements had helped the "typical household" save roughly 290 a year since 2008.

"Action to deliver a cleaner, more efficient energy system is already delivering benefits for households and businesses," the CCC's chairman John Gummer said in a statement.



"U.K. emissions are falling  down 38% from 1990 to 2015  while GDP has risen by almost 65% in the same period," Gummer added.



"Meanwhile, the typical household energy bill has fallen in real terms since 2012. The U.K.'s progress to reduce emissions, and its comparative advantage in important areas such as the automotive sector, offer opportunities for future growth and employment while delivering vital action to tackle climate change."

Friends of the Earth welcomed the report's findings, while at the same time seeing room for improvement.



"This report shows we can tackle climate change and have lower energy bills  that's a massive win-win for consumers and our environment," Friends of the Earth energy campaigner Simon Bullock said in a statement.



"But the U.K. still has some of the most heat-leaking housing in Europe, and measures to help households improve their energy efficiency have been slashed in recent years," Bullock added.



"This must be reversed in the government's imminent new climate change strategy."
Value investor Joel Greenblatt told CNBC Apple is one of his biggest positions. "It's priced as one of the cheapest stocks in the large-cap markets," said Greenblatt. "It's being priced as a hardware company, but we don't see it precisely that way." The founder of Gotham Capital famously had annual returns of 40 percent from 1985 to 2005. He wrote the New York Times best-seller "The Little Book That Still Beats the Market." Greenblatt also comments on: Why future market returns are likely to be "sub-normal" His long position in hated health-care stocks How to value a stock The full, unedited interview with Kelly Evans on CNBC's Closing Bell is only available to CNBC PRO subscribers.

Value investor Joel Greenblatt told CNBC Apple is one of his biggest positions. "It's priced as one of the cheapest stocks in the large-cap markets," said Greenblatt. "It's being priced as a hardware company, but we don't see it precisely that way." The founder of Gotham Capital famously had annual returns of 40 percent from 1985 to 2005. He wrote the New York Times best-seller "The Little Book That Still Beats the Market." Greenblatt also comments on: Why future market returns are likely to be "sub-normal"

His long position in hated health-care stocks

How to value a stock The full, unedited interview with Kelly Evans on CNBC's Closing Bell is only available to CNBC PRO subscribers.
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Press secretary Sean Spicer and Mick Mulvaney give daily briefing Thursday following the release of the White House's budget blueprint, which calls for big cuts to domestic programs to support a defense buildup.

The White House spokesman will likely face questions about the administration's request to slash costs in many domestic programs. Democrats and even some Republicans have raised concerns about certain cuts.

He may also be asked about the ongoing Republican push to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. The GOP is looking to reach a consensus on a proposal as pockets of the party oppose parts of the current bill, the American Health Care Act.

Read related coverage:



Trump rolls out a 'hard-power' spending plan  and now the budget battle begins

Schumer says Democrats will 'emphatically oppose' Trump's proposed cuts

Paul Ryan backs House committee: 'No such wiretap existed,' as Trump claims

Nearly 60 members of Congress are seriously worried about GOP Obamacare replacement. And those are just the Republicans
Geert Wilders, leader of the Netherlands' Party for Freedom, casts his vote in the Dutch general election in The Hague, Netherlands, on March 15, 2017. Jasper Juinen | Bloomberg | Getty Images

Speaking to reporters when casting his vote in the Dutch general election Wednesday, far-right candidate Geert Wilders told reporters: "Whatever the outcome of the election today, the genie will not go back into the bottle and this patriotic revolution, whether today or tomorrow, will take place." Wilders went on to finish in second place, increasing his Party for Freedom's (PVV) seat count from 12 to 20. This is largely read as disappointment considering that Wilders was polling first until late February this year. Analysts CNBC spoke to agreed that Wilders' reaction to the result would equal business as usual: continuing as a noisy member of the opposition while also shying away from concrete policy commitments. Florian Otto, head of Eurasia at Verisk Maplecroft, told CNBC via e-mail that Wilders will "continue sniping from the side lines."

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Otto also argued that Wilders' second place and likely exclusion from the next Dutch coalition government was a "blessing in disguise." Considering that his Party for Freedom increased its parliamentary seat count, it can tactically "sell the result as a success." Wilders will "capitalize on his party's exclusion from coalition negotiations" and "confirm perceptions among his supporters that they are disenfranchised," Otto explained. Wilders' claim to the Hillary Clinton-esque argument of winning the popular vote but not power itself is complicated by the nuances of the Dutch multi-party system. Pepijn Bergsen, lead analyst for the Netherlands at the Economist Intelligence Unit told CNBC via telephone that the narrative of capturing the electorate's support will instead be handed to smaller parties which polled unexpectedly well, such as the Green party which won 14 seats  up from 4. Wilders steamed ahead in polls late last year, with his party approval rating peaking at just under 21 percent in mid-December according to Reuters' survey aggregator. The anti-immigration, anti-Islam politician's score then took a largely downwards path. Other Dutch politicians vowed not to work with him.

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An agitated Sean Spicer on Thursday defended President Donald Trump's claim that the Obama administration wiretapped him, reading a barrage of news reports to try to back up the accusation even after top lawmakers on congressional intelligence committees refuted it.

The White House press secretary was asked if the president "still stands by his allegation that President Obama ordered wiretapping or surveillance on Trump Tower."

"He stands by it," Spicer told reporters, suggesting that investigations by the House and Senate intelligence committees may not have yielded all relevant information, yet.

On Thursday, the bipartisan leaders of the Senate Intelligence Committee said they did not have evidence to support Trump's claim that Obama wiretapped him ahead of the 2016 U.S. election.

"Based on the information available to us, we see no indications that Trump Tower was the subject of surveillance by any element of the United States government either before or after Election Day 2016," the statement by Republican Chairman Sen. Richard Burr and Sen. Mark Warner, the committee's Democratic vice chairman, said.

The top Republican and Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee said Wednesday they did not have evidence to support the wiretapping accusation. GOP Chairman Rep. Devin Nunes said he did not "think there was an actual tap of Trump Tower." However, he said that applies if Trump literally meant he was wiretapped.
March 16, 2017

 A new exhibition in London celebrates the life of the world's first woman to fly into space, from her days as a factory worker through her 1963 flight into Earth orbit to her continuing role as a global icon for her country.



"Valentina Tereshkova: First Woman in Space," now open at Science Museum, London, tells the story of the Russian cosmonaut through artifacts and archival photographs.



"As the first woman in space, and still the only one to have flown a solo space mission, her story continues to be an inspirational one for millions," exhibit curator Doug Millard, the deputy keeper of technologies and engineering at the Science Museum, said. "Valentina Tereshkova epitomizes the can-do spirit that propels humanity to great things."



A textile factory worker who trained to skydive, Tereshkova was one of the first five women to be selected out of more than 400 applicants to become a cosmonaut. On June 16, 1963, she launched on the former Soviet Union's Vostok 6 spacecraft, becoming the first woman to fly in space.







Valentina Tereshkova and Science Museum director Ian Blatchford at the March 15 opening of the exhibit "Valentina Tereshkova: First Woman in Space" at Science Museum, London. (Science Museum)

Tereshkova returned to Earth after rounding the planet 48 times over the course of three days, logging more hours in space than all of the American astronauts combined up to that date. It was another 19 years before the next woman flew into space, and Tereshkova remains the only woman cosmonaut to have launched alone.



Though she only flew one mission, Tereshkova's popularity launched a career in politics that continues to this day as a current member of the State Duma, the lower house of the Russian legislature. She also represents her nation on the global stage, earning recognition from the United Nations and leading delegations in support of women's rights.



"What better time to pay tribute to the achievements of such a heroic and pioneering woman than during Women's History Month?" Ian Blatchford, the director of the Science Museum Group, said in a statement.







"Valentina Tereshkova: First Woman in Space." (Science Museum)

To mark the exhibit's debut and in celebration of her 80th birthday earlier this month, Tereshkova visited the Science Museum on Wednesday (March 15), where a gala evening welcomed her with the premiere of the commissioned film, "Legend of Valentina," accompanied by a performance by the Russian Philharmonic Orchestra and virtuoso violinist Dmitri Kogan.



Among the items on exhibit in "Valentina Tereshkova: First Woman in Space" are her domra, a long-necked Russian string instrument from her time in a local folk orchestra in the early 1960s, and her parachute kit, including her suit, helmet and gloves from before she became a cosmonaut. Also on exhibit is the black and white suit Tereshkova wore on a visit to her hometown after her 1963 spaceflight and a chocolate bar named after her daughter, Alyonka, the "first space baby," who she had with fellow cosmonaut Andriyan Nikolayev.



"Valentina Tereshkova: First Woman in Space" continues a collaboration between Science Museum, London and the Russian State Museum Exhibition Center, which previously produced "Cosmonauts: Birth of the Space Age," featuring Tereshkova's Vostok 6 spacecraft, that was shown at the Science Museum from September 2015 to March 2016.







"Valentina Tereshkova: First Woman in Space." (Science Museum)

The current exhibit, open through Sep. 16, is also a central event as part of the Year of Science and Education of the United Kingdom and Russia in 2017, organized by the UK Embassy in Moscow and the British Council.



In addition to Tereshkova exhibition, the Science Museum, London also displays NASA's Apollo 10 command module, "Charlie Brown," on loan from the Smithsonian, and Soyuz TMA-19M, the Russian capsule that took British astronaut Tim Peake to the International Space Station in 2015-16.



The Science Museum has announced a companion virtual reality attraction, "Space Descent VR," which beginning on March 24 will give guests the chance to virtually join Peake in his capsule for a 360-degree tour as they experience his journey back to Earth.



For more about the "Valentina Tereshkova: First Woman in Space" exhibit, see the Science Museum, London website.
The holidays are creeping up on us
COLUMBUS  A 22-year-old Lincoln man linked by DNA evidence to the scene of a 2015 criminal mischief incident in which a Columbus mans car was damaged got some credit Wednesday for making changes in his life.

Jackson Bemis was fined $150 for his criminal mischief conviction, a Class I misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine.

Youve made significant progress, all for the better, Platte County Court Judge Frank Skorupa told the defendant.

Bemis paid the victim full restitution of $1,600 over a period of 18 months.

I dont think jail is called for in this case and probation isnt called for because youre already under supervision, Skorupa said.

Blood and partial fingerprints were found inside a local man's 2014 Chevrolet Malibu following the break-in. The evidence was submitted for testing to the Nebraska State Patrol Crime Laboratory, which in December matched the blood to Bemis DNA sample. Bemis has a 2016 conviction for theft by unlawful taking for which he is under supervision.

Bemis was initially facing a felony criminal mischief charge for the Columbus incident, in which the victim reported his vehicle was damaged when someone attempted to steal the stereo system and video screen.

The victim also reported a specialized knee brace made for his daughter while she was rehabilitating a knee injury was stolen, Columbus Police Officer Jeffrey Black wrote in his probable cause statement supporting the defendants arrest.
Today, Common Cause Georgia urged the state Senate to oppose House bill 515, a gerrymandering proposal dropped at the end of session on short notice and cleared through committee in minutes without public comment. The letter to Senate leadership emphasizes that significant numbers of Black voters would be packed into legislative districts with safe seats  thereby diluting their voting power to elect candidates of their choice  in order to move new white voters into Republican legislative districts that were carried by Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton during the presidential election.

The public was cut out of the process in this backroom deal that squelched Black voting power and potentially leaves the state on the hook for protracted and costly litigation for voting rights violations, said Sara Henderson, Policy Director of Common Cause Georgia. In a democracy, voters are supposed to choose their politicians, not the other way around. This underhanded bid to shore up the reelection chances of incumbent politicians is not a victimless crime; it has real consequences and real victims and we are urging the Senate to stop it in its tracks.

The letter sharply criticizes the lack of public transparency in the legislative process which led to the passage of House bill 515 and urges the Senate to reject the bill or any other interim redistricting measure. The costs of defending the racial gerrymander in court against voting rights challenges and the potential for awarded legal fees to someone bringing the challenge could end up costing Georgia taxpayers millions of dollars the letter warns.

The bill, the letter also emphasizes, would be an unfunded mandate on Fulton, Spalding and Henry counties which would have to produce voter cards and other voting materials and undertake mass mailings and information campaigns at a cost that could run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The letter was also sent to Senate Leadership and all members of the Senate Reapportionment Committee who will review House bill 515.

To read the letter, click here.
COLUMBUS  Teachers from a local elementary school served members of the community in a different way Tuesday night.

Instructors at St. Anthony Elementary School took a few hours of their day to serve as pseudo-employees at McDonald's, located at 3210 23rd St.

From 4-8 p.m., teachers worked the cash register, took orders and cleaned up after customers as part of McTeachers Night.

In exchange for the teachers' work, the school received 20 percent of all dine-in, carry-out and drive-through sales during the four-hour time frame.

The event is one of several held by the school to raise funds for various projects.

"The nights out are a great way to have food and fellowship," St. Anthony head teacher Amy Sokol said. "We appreciate all the businesses that offer this opportunity. We get some awesome community support."

Local schools and businesses often work hand in hand to raise money for projects.

Sokol said an initial estimate had St. Anthony raising between $725 and $750 on Tuesday. But that number could go higher as some patrons used McDonald's SCRIP cards, which earned another 8 percent for the school.

SCRIP is a program used by St. Anthony and other schools in Columbus in which gift cards to businesses are sold with a portion of the revenue going to the schools.

Sokol said the event probably raised more than $800 once the SCRIP cards used are figured in.

"It was a good night," Sokol said. "We had a lot of fun."

The money will actually go to the St. Anthony Home and School Association, a support group for the school. Plans are to purchase electronic devices for students.
For months now, weve been hearing about Microsoft Teams, Microsofts much-heralded Slack killer for corporate chat. Its now in official release (what Microsoft calls general availability) as part of Microsofts Office 365 enterprise plans. Sadly, Teams is underwhelming in its formal debut and definitely not a match for the hype Microsoft has been providing since October 2016. For a product so late to market, Microsoft should have delivered much more.

We all know Yammer was a massive failure, and Teams is meant to bury that corpse and present us a replacement. In the meantime, Slack has gained a strong following because it is a great product that works well, is highly capable, and runs on any device you might use. Its very easy to get addicted to Slack, and its set a high bar. (Atlassians HipChat is capable, but nowhere near as well designed as Slack. That may be why the new Hangouts Chat for G Suite users, expected in May or June, at first blush looks so Slack-like.)

Teams simply isnt anywhere as good as it should be. It doesnt hold a candle to Slack, in fact. Im reminded of Windows Phone, which debuted a few years after the iPhone but seems like it was designed with BlackBerry as the competition. Teams feels like that in the face of the now-several-years-old Slackits the Windows Phone of business chat.

Microsoft is the underdog here, and relying on its installed base is a dangerous strategyas Microsoft should know from its Yammer, Windows 8, and Windows Phone debacles. Microsofts imprimatur no longer guarantees a products adoption. It needs to actually be good. Yes, there are IT shops that will give Microsoft years to get things rightthey prefer it to relying on a small company like Slack or Atlassianbut thats the same miscalculation Microsoft made with Windows Phone and Windows 8.

What Microsoft Teams does right
With all the talk about streaming music this week, I thought it'd be a fine time to dive deeper into Google's own Play Music service and seek out some of its not-so-obvious advanced features.

Sure, all your music-playing basics are plainly present when you open up the app -- but like most Google products, Play Music has more to offer than what's on the surface. You just have to know where to find it.

Ready to start discovering?

1. Stream audio from YouTube Music

It's all too easy to overlook, but any Google Play Music subscription comes with access to a separate app that lets you listen to a massive library of live and rare recordings. It's called YouTube Music, and it puts YouTube's entire music catalog into an audio-friendly setup.

[ To comment on this story, visit JR's Google+ page. ]

Its existence as a separate app is a bit awkward -- and as I noted earlier this week, it really ought to coexist with Google Play Music in a more unified and coherent manner -- but regardless of its current implementation, it's still a noteworthy benefit of a Play Music subscription. And if you like listening to live music in particular, it really has the potential to expand your musical horizons.

2. Identify any playing song

Remember when Shazam was all the rage? Google Play Music actually has its own built-in ability to identify any song playing around you: Just tap the search icon or bar at the top of the app, and the first suggestion you'll see appear beneath it is "Identify what's playing."

jr

Tap that, and Play Music will start listening. After a few seconds -- if all goes well -- it'll tell you the name and artist of the track you're hearing.

jr

Note that you can also find this feature in your phone's regular Google search function (though oddly not in Google Assistant as of yet): Look for the microphone icon either within the search icon or bar at the top of your home screen or within the Google app. Tap that icon, and if music is detected, you'll see a music symbol on the screen that'll let you start a song search right then and there.

You can even put a direct shortcut to song search on your home screen, if you want super-easy access: Press and hold any open area of your home screen, then select "Widgets" and look for "Google Sound Search." (It should be grouped within the main Google app.)

3. Set a sleep timer

Like to fall asleep to the soothing sounds of System of a Down? Play Music's got you covered.

Tap the three-line menu icon in the upper-right corner of the app's main screen, then select Settings. Scroll down a bit, and you'll an option labeled "Sleep Timer." Tap it and then set the clock for however long you want the music to play.

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Happy napping.

4. Fine-tune your EQ

Think your tunes could stand to sound a bit better? Go back into Play Music's settings and find the line labeled "Equalizer." That'll give you a range of preset EQ parameters to optimize your sound for various types of music (classical, rock, heavy-metal polka, etc).

5. Fire up the fireplace

If you cast music from your phone to a TV using Chromecast or any other Cast-compatible device (like Android TV), stop what you're doing right now and go to the settings page of the Play Music desktop website. Scroll all the way down to the Labs section and flip the toggle next to "Chromecast Fireplace Visualizer."

Now, whenever you cast music to a TV, you'll see a lovely crackling fireplace on the screen instead of the same ol' floating album art. Cozy, eh?

6. Extend your desktop-listening options

While we're talking about the Play Music desktop experience, take a second to install the official Google Play Music Chrome extension on your computer's browser. It'll add a bunch of useful features into the Play Music web app -- like:

An optional floating mini-player to control playback without having to toggle tabs. With the extension installed, click the icon in the upper-right corner of the control panel to pop it out.

The ability to download your entire Play Music library in one fell swoop, should you ever desire. You'll see the command for this in the desktop app's settings once the extension's in place.

Universal keyboard shortcuts for controlling music playback from anywhere in Chrome -- regardless of what site you're viewing. You can see and customize the shortcuts by typing chrome:extensions into your browser's address bar and then clicking on the "Keyboard shortcuts" link at the very bottom of that page. By default, the shortcuts will work with your keyboard's actual media control buttons (assuming it has those), but you can also set them to work with any regular ol' key combinations.

7. Upgrade to a full-fledged desktop player

Having web-based access to your music is magnificent, but using a Chrome-centric interface for an app can have its downsides. If you're among those who'd prefer a more traditional standalone desktop app, check out the aptly named Google Play Music Desktop Player.

The open-source app works on Windows, Mac, and Linux and offers a range of features and customization options not present in its official web equivalent. It also eliminates the possibility of performance problems some people run into when leaving a resource-heavy website open in Chrome around the clock. There's even an optional companion Android app in case you ever feel the urge to control playback on your computer from your phone (ooh, such harmony!).

If you spend a lot of time listening to tunes on a computer and want to go beyond the basics, it's well worth giving a whirl.
LINCOLN  Medical professionals expressed strong opposition Wednesday to proposed legislation that would allow people who are suffering from incurable medical conditions to acquire and self-administer medication that will end their lives.

Representatives of people with disabilities and religious spokesmen also joined in opposing the bill (LB450) introduced by Sen. Ernie Chambers of Omaha.

Chambers told the Legislature's Judiciary Committee that "no third party -- including the government -- has the right to interfere with, impede or countermand the wishes" of a person who is suffering pain and agony with no hope of recovery.

The bill provides that no other person may assist in administering the medication, he said.

Opponents argued that the legislation could lead to "undue influence by others" and "fear of being a burden to others" as pressures that might lead to ending one's life, rather than agony or pain.

There sometimes also may be "economic incentives" in play, Michael Chittenden, executive director of ARC of Nebraska, warned the committee.

His organization advocates for people with disabilities.

Dr. Stephen Doran, an Omaha neurosurgeon who spoke for the Nebraska Medical Association, said the bill "fails to ensure the competence of the patient" and does not eliminate the possibility of coercion.

Some patients "may not have the ability to provide informed consent," he said.

Dr. Lloyd Pierre Jr., a Bellevue family physician, told the committee: "We are there to help, not to kill."

People could change their minds after beginning to yield to pressure to end their lives, he said, and "they need our protection."

The elderly, the disabled and the poor in particular may feel those pressures, Jeff Kanger, representing the Nebraska Catholic Conference, told the committee.

"There is a better way of treating suffering," he said.

Chambers said his bill is written in a way that does not constitute suicide, assisted suicide, mercy killing, homicide or elder abuse.

"Pointless, needless pain -- wholly useless agony -- and suffering and the loss of personal dignity is neither 'good' or 'ennobling,' nor does it comport with the concept of human dignity," he said.

Under terms of the bill, the patient would need to express a request for life-ending medication both orally and in writing and both an attending physician and a consulting physician would need to concur that the patient is competent to make medical decisions and is acting voluntarily.

Amy Miller, legal director of ACLU of Nebraska, supported the proposal as "a personal and private right."
John Bald is a former Ofsted inspector and has written two books on the history of writing and spelling.

Three of Churchills comments, respectively on education, communication, and examinations, can be of great help to us in solving current problems. The first two are his tribute to his teacher of grammar, who showed him how to construct a sentence, and his statement that, Broadly speaking, the short words are the best, and the old words best of all. Children do not, for the most part, have sufficient mastery of Latin and Greek to understand the basis of terminology derived from them, and this terminology too often creates a mystique that obscures learning instead of promoting it.

In geometry, for example, the difficult word Isosceles is just Greek for two equal legs, and a theorem is something that we can prove on the basis of things we already know. I was taught many theorems at school without anyone ever explaining to me what such a thing actually was, and similar problems persist. Maths compresses language, frequently inventing its own vocabulary and symbols to do so. All of this needs to be unpacked and practised if most children are to learn maths  going past anything that is not understood creates a block that can last a lifetime. Churchills principles of communication are as important and effective in education as they were in politics.

Of examinations, Churchill said that, the questions  were almost invariably those to which I was unable to suggest a satisfactory answer. I should have liked to be asked to say what I knew. They always tried to ask what I did not know. When I would have willingly displayed my knowledge, they sought to expose my ignorance. This sort of treatment had only one result: I did not do well in examinations.

In the security queue at Westminster some weeks ago, I met two ladies who were principals of Further Education colleges in London. One told me that she had over 2,000 students retaking maths and English at GCSE. That seemed a lot, until the second announced that she had 4,000. A friends son, in charge of maths in a home counties college, has 3,500 students. Each of these figures is larger than almost any school. The unfortunate lecturers have around eight months to get to know the students and turn round a lifetime of disappointment, with predictable results  the failure rate last year was 70 per cent, the highest Ive ever heard of in a public examination.

The students are acutely aware of their situation and, unsurprisingly, hacked off with it. My friend commented that his son could cope with all sorts of difficulties in learning maths, but was now faced with sustained unwillingness to work. The reason is not hard to grasp. Almost all of us, setting out to achieve something important  and everyone knows that maths is important  give it our best shot, and are prepared, like Robert the Bruces spider, to keep trying if we dont get it right first time. But if weve been failing for eleven years, and are given material that we have no hope of understanding, because we dont know the elements on which it is based, or understand the language and symbols in which it is expressed, we are worse off than the spider. We dont have a thread to climb.

Unsurprisingly, the two college principals felt that their sector was a poor relation, and that their lecturers were hard-working people facing an impossible task. By co-incidence, one of them was head of the college that had asked me to lead a revision day last year, so that I had seen the truth of their situation for myself. Sir Michael Wilshaw was asked at the presentation of his final annual review if the requirement for all students to resit GCSE wasnt working, and he replied diplomatically that it may be worth considering some form of test of fundamental skills.

Sir Michael was right, and his comment brings me back to Churchill. The foundation level of these maths papers, which most resit students take, has far too many questions that insert a twist to force students to apply what they know in a situation that is not obvious. An example from a sample paper is a question asking them to prove that a triangle in a diagram is Isosceles, when it is deliberately drawn without two equal sides. Another is to ask them to calculate the cost of providing some cakes for a party, involving five separate calculations, ending with the amount of change theyll receive.

These little steps and twists add appropriate rigour to higher level papers, but prevent foundation students from showing what they know in a straightforward way, and shove their limitations down their throats. GCSE foundation papers, and not just in maths, need to be redesigned on Churchills principles.
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.

I keep being told by half-clever pundits that Theresa May was never a Remainer in her heart. Some even imply that the Prime Minister privately voted Leave.

Such stories are utter tripe. I know several people who tried to convince the then Home Secretary to come out against EU membership, and who got nowhere. In private, as well as in public, Theresa May made a pragmatic case for Remain. She is, though, a sincere democrat. Once the country had voted, she understood that there was no point in sulking. The worst possible approach, as she was well aware, would be to go about Brexit peevishly or half-heartedly.

This point is worth reiterating, partly because the insinuations are a wholly unjustified attempt to cast doubt on Mays integrity, and partly because an absurd narrative is being built up around the notion that she is some sort of fanatical Brexiteer. Nick Clegg talks of a Brexit-at-all-costs government, Nicola Sturgeon of hard Tory Brexit. They, like the Labour front bench, want us to think that the country is in the hands of doctrinaire Eurosceptics. So its worth reminding ourselves that the Prime Minister, three quarters of her Cabinet and two-thirds of her MPs campaigned to stay in the EU. In accepting the peoples verdict, they are being the opposite of doctrinaire.

So why, some Remainers ask, the tough talk on immigration? Why the readiness to walk away from a trade deal rather than compromise on free movement? Well, listen to what the Prime Minister is actually saying, rather than to what some Remainers imagine her to be saying. She has made clear that she wants and expects a comprehensive trade agreement with the EU, but that shed rather have no deal than a bad deal. Thats surely the most obvious, almost banal, of positions.

I argued throughout the campaign that we could and should retain free trade with the EU, based on zero tariffs and the mutual recognition of standards. I still think this is overwhelmingly the likeliest outcome. Although some British commentators are in a competitive moan-fest about how dreadful things will be, I havent heard a single politician on either side of the Channel calling for trade barriers.

Still, it would be extraordinary  inexcusable, indeed  for May to go into the talks without a bottom line. If, for example, the rest of the EU really were to insist on a 53 billion upfront exit fee before trade talks could begin, she would quite rightly weigh that up against the cost of 5.2 billion in tariffs under WTO rules and conclude that wed be better off with a third-country status, such as is held by the United States or Australia.

The Prime Ministers attitude to the rest of the EU is co-operative and friendly. She misses no opportunity to say that Britain will be the EUs closest ally. She wants a trade deal that will, in effect, keep most of the existing economic arrangements in place. And she seems to be feeling her way toward a reasonable compromise on immigration, whereby EU nationals would be able to come to the UK on five-year work visas, though without an automatic entitlement to in-work benefits.

If youre looking for a truly doctrinaire position, look across the Channel. EU leaders have agreed a line, which they keep repeating, to the effect that the UK must not be better off in future than it is now. Thats a doubly revealing stance. First, it suggests that, other things being equal, leaving the EU will make a country better off  except in so far as Brussels deliberately seeks to damage it.

Second, it shows that the EU isnt really about the prosperity of its members. After all, why shouldnt the other 27 states, as well as Britain, aim to get a better deal than they have now? Almost every electorate in Europe would, for example, prefer what May is proposing on migration  freedom of labour subject to ultimate national control, and without automatic welfare rights  to what they have now. So why not let them have it? Because the EU elevates closer integration over the economic interests of its member states, obviously. That attitude  the truly dogmatic attitude  is why the euro exists.

And that attitude, ultimately, is why Britain is leaving. It is tempting to look for long-term explanations for big events, and many pundits, having failed to see Brexit coming, were soon telling us that it had been all about populist anger, or immigration or whatever. In truth, things usually have a more immediate cause. Brexit was prompted, as those involved with the process now admit, by David Camerons failure to come back from Brussels with any powers returned.

Until February 2016, opinion polls were finely balanced  at least when people were offered a binary in-or-out choice. Throw in a middle option, a looser form of membership, and it commanded the support of around 70 per cent of voters. Had Cameron been able to come back with such a deal  had he repatriated just one or two powers, and thereby set a precedent  hed have won.

Yet the EU could not bring itself to deviate from ever-closer union, even if that meant losing its second largest financial contributor. Which is, of course, its right. Its just that that inflexibility explains why Brexit was both inevitable and correct. Britain has always wanted a deal with the rest of the EU based on trade and co-operation, not political amalgamation. Last year, we learned that such a deal could not be had while we were members, and that we must instead seek it from the outside. Which is precisely what we are now doing.
A top-flight politician is a combination of high principle, brains, low cunning, energy, natural authority, adaptability, good judgement, experience (usually) and, perhaps above all, luck. Most Governments have four or five in the Cabinet at any one time. Margaret Thatcher had Willie Whitelaw, Geoffrey Howe, Michael Heseltine, Keith Joseph and Peter Walker in her first Cabinet. Tony Blair had Gordon Brown, Robin Cook, Jack Straw, David Blunkett and John Prescott in his.

Unlike either of these Prime Ministers, John Major never won a general election landslide. But his first Cabinet contained a galaxy of Tory stars: Heseltine (again), Ken Clarke, Chris Patten, Michael Howard, Peter Lilley. David Camerons had Theresa May, William Hague, George Osborne, Iain Duncan Smith, Michael Gove. Look back to the 1960s and 1970s, and your eyes will be dazzled. Iain Macleod, Enoch Powell, Reginald Maudling, Quintin Hogg, Roy Jenkins, Denis Healey, Barbara Castle, Tony Crosland.

It is a fact of life that policemen look younger as you get older, small people look like giants to young childrenand the politicians of each generation look less impressive than those of the last one. Up to a point, its a trick of the light. Nostalgia makes mugs of most of us. Furthermore, not all those titans of former times covered all the bases. Keith Joseph, for example, was an inspirational thinker, but not the most effective of departmental ministers. Nor did most of them toil away in their constituencies with the application of todays MPs.

None the less, ask yourself who could replace Philip Hammond as Chancellor of the Exchequer (not, repeat not, that we are recommending such a course), and the answer that comes back at you is instructive. The country faces the greatest challenge in its post-war history. The Government does not have a workable majority, as this site keeps telling its readers, and as the NICs bungle has made evident to all. But the list of Cabinet members who could step into the Chancellors shoes in present circumstances is not a long one.

I count David Davis, Damian Green, Liam Fox, Boris Johnson (fingers crossed) and Michael Fallon, the most likely replacement for Hammond were he suddenly to decide that hes had enough. One could then add Jeremy Hunt, Amber Rudd and, as a slightly longer shot, Greg Clark. Anything else looks like a stretch. This list is perhaps no shorter than that those most Cabinets would provide, but it somehow feels so in these challenging times. It looks as though our readers agree. They marked a minority of ministers above 50 per cent in our last Cabinet League Table.

May would be mad to hold a night of the long kitten heels, and sack a big slice of her Cabinet, Harold Macmillan-style. Reshuffles on that reckless scale do Prime Ministers no good, and her slender majority does not allow for making new enemies. But the grisly truth is that in terms of the effectiveness of government and its presentation to voters, the Prime Minister could lose roughly a third of the Cabinet without losing any sleep. Which Ministers lower down the pecking order might she put in it instead?

Here is a possible shortlist of five: Rory Stewart, Jo Johnson, Greg Hands, Brandon Lewis, Gavin Barwell. None bar Hands have sat around the Cabinet table before, and not all could be sent to any old department you like (another mark of a supple politician is that you can put him more or less anywhere). But a glance at it confirms that there is no shortage of people one could send in through the revolving door as others come out. Then there are the backbenches. For example, Lilley, named earlier in this piece, is still very much around.

Most senior politicians have a circle of chums, but a small minority do not. Hammond is one of them. The Chancellor has risen through brainpower. He spent most of his time in Cabinet, before going to the Treasury, in relatively sheltered departments, in Parliamentary terms at least. The Defence Secretary seldom has much legislation to take through the House, and the Foreign Secretary almost never. And the cock-ups you make seldom have an immediate impact  unless the Falkland Islands, say, are lost on your watch.

The Treasury could not be more different. The sum of the NICs bungle is that voters may soon forget about it, but lots of MPs wont. If theres one thing the J.Alfred Prufrocks of this world hate, its being made to look like mugs by Ministers  being told that the Government will not resile from a policy, sticking their necks out for it, sending the PRU staple e-mail to furious constituentsand then being left in no-mans land when Ministers do a U-turn. The cock-up was not entirely Hammonds fault, but he will feel his friendlessness during the weeks to come.

Certainly, the media will view his Autumn Budget as a contact sport. Journalists will scour and re-scour it for weaknesses, and pour out all their firepower on any that they discover. Little excites political journalists more, in the manner of those piranhas below the bridge in You Only Live Twice, than the splash of a Minister hitting the water. Hammond holds a vital place in the small team of Ministers at the top who have to manage Brexit, and the Prime Minister must stick with him. But he will be mindful that most politicians only live once.

The tale of how a tax rise ruled out by a manifesto slipped into a Budget without being spotted has a wider application. Against the backdrop of a stunning poll lead and an epically useless opposition, May has looked impregnable. ConservativeHome has warned repeatedly  and again in the wake of the Budget before the NICs row blew up  that this is not so. The Prime Minister is like her Chancellor in at least one respect: she did not get where she is today by building a wide network of Parliamentary support.

The Article 50 being now done and dusted, she is about to hit the rough water: the negotiations themselves. Sitting on the backbenches are some very senior politicians who have no reason to bear her good will: Osborne, Gove. All Governments are vulnerable to the unexpected, as the election spending saga is now showing. And at the top, this Cabinet is not a strong one. A final point. My possible Cabinet entrants have one thing in common: all are men. I am doubtless a bigoted, sexist dinosaur. The alternative is too alarming to be contemplated.
Gove v. Portes. The big fight was held last night at the Royal College of Surgeons, before an audience confidently expecting blood to be spilled.

But would Michael Gove tear Jonathan the Expert Portes limb from limb? Or would Portes pulverise Michael the Populist Gove?

Some of us did not much mind how the fight ended, as long as we witnessed a gladiatorial combat worthy of ancient Rome. Nos morituri te salutamus were the opening words to which we were looking forward.

Instead of which we were palmed off with an accurate quotation of what Gove had actually said during the referendum campaign:

I think the people of this country have had enough of experts with organisations from acronyms saying that they know what is best and getting it consistently wrong

This was discouraging. The adversaries were going to be polite to each other. They were going to treat each other with the courtesy and scrupulous scholarship which make a bloodbath less likely.

Gove was generally reported, during the campaign, to have expressed the publics fed-upness with experts. He was said to be urging the public to throw off the tyranny of the technocrats. The more expertise someone possessed, the more he wanted that persons advice to be discounted.

But now we discovered it was just economists from organisations such as the OECD, the IMF, the CBI and the Bank of Englands MPC that he could not stand. They had all been getting their forecasts wrong.

And Portes agreed that economic forecasts are indeed generally wrong. He pointed out that this is a niche part of the economics profession, and its inevitable errors should not be taken to discredit the researches of everyone else.

Here was no basis for a proper fight. But Portes did his best. He said Gove was still quite happy to appeal to authoritative experts when these happened to agree with whatever Gove was saying.

Gove began in self-deprecatory style. He said that LBJ  President Lyndon Baines Johnson  had once observed that for a politician to give a speech about economics was like urinating down your own leg: It may seem hot to you, but everyone else just thinks its embarrassing.

He nevertheless wished to spend a few seconds shooting fish in a barrel, during which he pointed out how consistently wrong the OECD and the rest had been about the immediate economic consequences of Brexit.

He issued a number of eloquent warnings against the danger of group think, which can afflict experts as much as it afflicts anyone else.

And he pointed out that if one was going to regard the opinions of experts as definitive, one might as well give up on the idea of democracy. He instanced the introduction of the euro as an example of the terrible mistakes which are caused by the rule of technocrats.

When the time came for questions, we could not help observing that as far as Germany was concerned, this was grossly unfair. German experts warned repeatedly, in the pages of the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung and elsewhere, that from a technical point of view, the euro was bound to be a disaster.

So indeed did members of the German public. In the 1990s, one could go into any bar in Germany, and find someone who said it was ridiculous for the Germans and the Italians to share a currency.

It was the German political class, dragooned by the economically illiterate Helmut Kohl, which pushed the project through, in flagrant defiance of the Bundesbank and any number of learned professors, and also in flagrant defiance of the German people, who would have preferred to keep the German mark, that healthy symbol of post-war German recovery.

So we see that experts and ordinary people quite often agree with each other. But last night, the problem was that Portes and Gove quite often agreed with other.

At the end, Gove showed a flash of anger. He said that when he led the Brexit campaign, he was annoyed to find it was thought he must be leading a revolt of numbskulls, who were motivated by unthinking atavism.

Each vote, he declared, is an equal vote, whether you have a PhD or left school at 15. But once again, Portes would not rise to the bait, and refused to declare that actually the vote of an economist is worth ten of anyone elses votes.

So a veil of good manners obscured whatever anger the two speakers felt with each other. This was a pity, for one sensed throughout the debate the essential incompatibility of their outlooks.
CORNWALL, Ontario  The City of Cornwall will continue with snow clearing operations throughout the evening on Wednesday to deal with the ongoing storm. A full complement of snow clearing equipment is being used. According to weather monitoring equipment at the City Water Purification Plant, 28 centimetres of snow had fallen as of 3 pm.

Clearing of priority one routes (such as arterials, collectors and bus routes) will continue past 3:30 pm today until the snow stops and the routes are all completed. These routes have higher traffic volumes and are often used by emergency vehicles.

Priority two routes (including residential streets and parking lots) were completed last night and during the day on Wednesday. Crews will be out again later this evening to do the routes once more.

Sidewalk machines were in operation today and work will continue this evening and all day Thursday.

With over 275 kilometres of roadways and 175 kilometres of sidewalks to care for, cleaning up after a major storm is a significant challenge. The City of Cornwall would like to thank residents and motorists for their patience and cooperation while snow clearing activities are completed.

Residents who have concerns about snow clearing activities are asked to call Municipal Works at 613-932-5354.

Reminder  Overnight Winter Parking restrictions

Residents are reminded that overnight winter parking restrictions are in effect tonight to assist with snow clearing efforts. Parking on any roadway is not permitted between the hours of 1 am  7 am. The City thanks all residents for their cooperation.
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Sperm donations in Florida are said to be infected with Zika Virus. The disease had an outbreak in Latin America in 2016 and is not yet rectified.

Zika Virus made it big in 2016 and the world Health Organization declared it as an outbreak. As of the latest update in regards to the disease, the CNN mentioned that some sperm banks in Flordia may be affected with the virus.

Dr. Peter Marks, director of the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research at the US Food and Drug Administration, explained that donated specimen are often frozen. Despite going through a rigorous process for the fertilized eggs, he stated that Zika virus might still be present.

"When semen is donated it can be stored frozen for periods of time. It does not necessarily inactivate Zika, so it could be stored in tissue banks, used subsequently and people should be made aware," Dr. Marks stated. "Women might want to use these donations from other sources."

Dr. Marks pointed out that people looking for the specimen might want to have other sources other than the ones in Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, and Broward counties. Though it was previously announced that Wynwood neighborhood of Miami was already Zika-Free in December 2016, health care experts still push for safety precautions.

In regards to the widespread of Zika virus, it was explained that 80 percent of those who are infected by the virus do not have symptoms. The only symptoms that they may be getting are fever, rash, joint pain and red eyes. These symptoms would only last for a week.

Zika virus is known to be sexually transmitted; thus using protection during sex is highly encouraged. CDC officially announced that they are already doing their best to rectify the widespread of the disease among sperm banks in the United States.

Safety precaution is still advised, especially for people who would travel to Latin America.

See Now: What Republicans Don't Want You To Know About Obamacare
A research paper published in a top San Francisco-based multidisciplinary open access journal by a non-profit, PLOS , has said that the public health spending in India (4% of GDP) is among the lowest, not only in the larger economies of the world, but also compared to poorer countries such as Malawi (8.3%), Namibia (7.7%), Tanzania (7.3%) and Sudan (6.5%). Insisting that India needs to prioritise its public health spending, especially Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) entitlements, in order to address the exceedingly high Out-Of-Pocket Expenditures (OOPE) that many women incur for maternity care, the paper says, this is particularly important given the large disparities in the cost of maternity care between public and private health facilities.Insisting that there is also a need to control the sky-rocketing costs of private health care services, and increase the availability and accessibility of quality public health facilities for maternity care in India, the paper says, India remains the highest contributor in terms of absolute numbers of female deaths occurring in the world due to pregnancy-related causes.In 2014, India along with Nigeria accounted for one-third of all global maternal deaths, with 17% (50,000) in India and 14% (40,000) in Nigeria., the paper, titled High Spending on Maternity Care in India: What Are the Factors Explaining It?, the paper adds.Further, the it complains, Public expenditure on healthcare in India has stagnated since the early 1990s. Government expenditure on health care is considerably low compared to other countries with similar levels of per-capita income, inequality and poverty.On the other hand, it adds, the private healthcare industry has witnessed an unprecedented boom, growing at a rate of over 15% compounded annually, more than twice the growth rate for all services over the same period.As a consequence, the pattern of current health spending suggests that households meet 71% of their total health spending, with government contributions accounting for only 20% (Central), 6% (State) and the remaining 2% made up by local bodies, other firms and external flows respectively, the paper underlines.Commenting on Government of India efforts to reduce OOPE on maternal health care services, and improve maternal health outcomes in the country, through JSY, the worlds largest Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) scheme under the National Health Mission (NHM), the paper says, it is grossly insufficient in providing quality health care services a forte of private health care facilities.Government health services in India are marred by unavailability and absenteeism of health professionals, poor health care facility and infrastructure, shortage of drugs and equipment, physical inaccessibility and some anecdotal evidence of callous behaviour of healthcare professionals, the paper says.Pointing out that maternal healthcare related expenditures are becoming catastrophic for households, the paper, which is based on the 2016 National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO) report, Key Indicators of the Social Consumption in India: Health, says, The average Cost of ANCs and PNCs per pregnancy were US$ 46 and US$ 28 respectively, with delivery expenditure (US$ 160) accounting for the largest share of average Total Maternity Expenditure or TME (US$ 258).Revealing that the lowest earning (5% of all households) spent 75% of what it calls households' catastrophic maternal expenditure or CME, the paper says, The proportion reduced with the rise in the income level  to 50% the 10% threshold level and further decreased to 34% at 15% level, the paper underscores.Average spending on total maternity cost was US$235 among women in the age group of 1524 years, US$ 241 in the age-group 2529 years, falling to US$ 225 for women aged 3049 years, the report states, adding, Urban women incurred higher maternity expenditure (US$ 326) than their rural counterparts (US$ 196).
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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."
Cloud News

Oracle Brags About Its Cloud Reliability, Performance Advantage Over AWS; Expects Cloud Revenue To Overtake On-Prem Next Year

Joseph F. Kovar

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Oracle's investment in the cloud seems to have paid off for the company, which said Wednesday that its cloud operations far outgrew the rest of its businesses in the company's third fiscal quarter and will generate huge growth opportunities for at least the next five years.

Chairman and CTO Larry Ellison, along with other Oracle executives, used the company's Q3 earnings call with financial analysts as an opportunity to brag about how the company has battled its cloud competitors, particular Amazon Web Services and Microsoft's Azure.

Oracle's cloud revenue was at the high-end of earlier guidance, said Oracle CEO Safra Catz. As a result, the company's cloud position is in full swing as it out-grows its competitors, Catz said.

[Related: Oracle Illuminates Plan To Compete In Public Cloud With New Data Centers, Bare Metal Servers]

"More importantly, our growth in cloud revenue is higher than for new software licenses," she said. "Next year, I expect our cloud revenue will be greater than our new license revenue."

Investors liked what they heard. In the first few hours of after-hours trading, Oracle shares were up by well over 5 percent from their Wednesday close.

Ellison said during the analyst call that while the Oracle Cloud is able to run the full Oracle Database, with full reliability, the same cannot be said about Amazon Web Services.

"Many Oracle workloads run 10 times faster in the Oracle Cloud than on AWS," Ellison said.

A four-hour service outage at AWS on Feb. 28 seriously disrupted websites, online applications and Internet services around the world. The company blamed the outage on a botched effort by an employee to debug a billing system who entered a command incorrectly.

Oracle has done well in growing its software-as-a-service and platform-as-a-service businesses for several years, but this year the vendor is also seeing strong growth in infrastructure as a service, Ellison said. "This is the first time we've ever had a technology lead in infrastructure-as-a-service," he said. "Before long, infrastructure-as-a-service will become Oracle's largest cloud business."

For its fiscal 2017 third quarter, ended February 28, Oracle reported total revenue of $9.21 billion, up about 2 percent compared to the $9.01 billion it reported for the third quarter of fiscal 2016.

Income on a GAAP basis for the quarter was $2.24 billion, or 53 cents per share, up about 5 percent from $2.14 billion, or 50 cents per share, for the same period of 2016. On a non-GAAP basis, income was $2.89 billion, or 69 cents per share, compared to last year's $2.73 billion, or 64 cents per share.

Oracle reported that cloud software-as-a-service and platform-as-a-service revenue reached $1.01 billion during the third quarter, up 73 percent over last year. Total cloud revenues, including infrastructure-as-a-service, reached $1.19 billion, up 62 percent over last year. Total cloud and on-premises software revenues reached $7.37 billion, up 4 percent.

Catz said the third quarter was the first to see the combined cloud and on-premise revenue grow year-over-year.

New software license revenue by itself, however, fell 16 percent year-over-year to $1.41 billion. That was nearly matched by the 14-percent fall in hardware product revenue to $520 million, which dragged hardware support services down by 4 percent to $508 million.

Oracle CEO Mark Hurd said the company now has a $5-billion annual cloud revenue run rate. "We are clearly the fastest-growing cloud company at scale," Hurd said.

During the third fiscal quarter, Oracle gained 1,125 new software-as-a-service customers, 210 of which also purchased platform-as-a-service from Oracle, Hurd said.

Oracle has already managed to migrate about 4,000 of its ERP (enterprise resource planning) customers to software-as-a-service, Hurd said. However, the vast majority of its ERP customers still use on-premise systems, giving the company a huge total addressable market opportunity.

Ellison said Oracle now has hundreds of thousands of database customers running tens of millions of Oracle applications, most of which will eventually move to the cloud, specifically to the Oracle cloud. "We have performance and cost advantages over Amazon," he said.

Oracle's second-generation infrastructure-as-a-service offering brings customers a large technology advantage compared to AWS and Azure, Ellison said. And that means only long-term opportunity for the company.

"How long does it take to migrate hundreds of thousands of customers and tens of millions of apps to the Oracle cloud.  The majority will move over the next five years. And that will give us an enormous growth for five years," he said.

Looking forward, Catz expects Oracle's fourth fiscal quarter 2017 software-as-a-service and platform-as-a-service revenue to grow in the range of 69 percent to 73 percent year-over-year, while infrastructure-as-a-service revenue is expected to grow in the range of 25 percent to 29 percent.

She also expects Oracle's combined software license and cloud business revenue to grow between 1 percent and 3 percent for the fourth quarter, with total revenue coming in between a decline of 1 percent to growth of 2 percent.
Cloud News

Public Cloud Pitfalls: Microsoft Azure Storage Cluster Loses Power, Puts Spotlight On Private, Hybrid Cloud Advantages

Steven Burke

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Solution providers said "storage availability" issues affecting Microsoft's Azure public cloud for eight hours and 10 minutes is once again spotlighting the benefits of private and hybrid cloud.

Microsoft said its engineering team identified a "storage cluster that lost power and became unvailable" as the preliminary cause of the storage issues which affected the Eastern United States.

The Azure public cloud issues, which affected storage availability from 5:50 p.m. EDT on March 15 to 2:00 a.m. on March 16, were first reported by VentureBeat.

[Related: Lights Out: 7 Notable AWS Outages Since 2011]

"Starting at 21:50 UTC (5:50 p.m. EST) on 15 Mar 2017 to 06:00 (2:00 a.m. EST) on 16 Mar 2017, due to a incident in East US affecting Storage, customers and service dependent on Storage may have experienced difficulties provisioning new resources or accessing their existing resources in the region," said Microsoft in a post titled "Storage Availability In East US" on an Azure status page update. "Engineering confirmed that Azure services that experienced downstream impact included Virtual Machines Azure Media Services, Application Insights, Azure Logic Apps, Azure Data Factory, Azure Site Recovery, Azure Cache, Azure Search, Azure Service Bus, Azure Event Hubs, Azure SQL Database, API Management and Azure Stream Analytics."

Jamie Shepard, senior vice president for health care and strategy at Lumenate, No. 152 on the 2016 CRN SP500, said he was not surprised by the Azure storage issues which once again point to the need for customers to adopt a hybrid computing model.

"You have to have a hybrid model right now until the cloud becomes fully fault tolerant," he said. "These are data centers. At the end of the day whether it is Microsoft or Google, they are still running data centers. They are bound to the limits of technology even as they are taking advantage of technology advancements. It's really hard to manage that."

Shepard said the Azure failure is unacceptable when using a cloud to provision and manage infrastructure. "Most customers are leveraging cloud platforms to help in bursting workloads from on premise to the cloud and that requires the ability to have a dynamic and available infrastructure so that they can quickly spin up resources during time when on premise workloads are not available," he said. "For someone like Azure to not be able to provide basic, core cloud services such as provisioning new resources and accessing existing resources is like a data center just going down."

Beside the storage availability issue in the East US, Microsoft also listed on the Azure update page storage provisioning that affected multiple services for one hour and eighteen minutes. In that case, Microsoft said engineers identified a "software error" for storage management issues. "Engineers have observed around 50 percent of success rate during the impacted window," said Microsoft. "Most customers would have succeeded upon retries."

In a post on the storage provisioning issue, Microsoft said it lasted from 6:42 p.m. EST to 8 p.m. EST. "This incident is limited to service management operations, and existing Storage resources were not impacted. Virtual Machines or Cloud Services customers may have experienced failures when attempting to provision resources," said Microsoft in an Azure status page update. "Storage customers would have been unable to provision new Storage resources or perform service management operations on existing resources. Azure Search customers may have been be unable to create, scale, or delete services. Azure Monitor customers may have been be unable to turn on diagnostic settings for resources. Azure Site Recovery customers may have experienced replication failures. API Management service activation in South India may have experienced a failure. Azure Batch customers will have been unable to provision new resources. During this time all existing Azure Batch pools would have scheduled tasks as normal. EventHub customers using a service called 'Archive' may have experienced failures. Customers using Visual Studio Team Services Build will have experienced failures. Azure Portal may have been unable to access storage account management operations and would have been unable to deploy new accounts."

CRN reached out to Microsoft for comment on the Azure storage issues but had not heard back at press time.

Raymond Tuchman, CEO of Experis Technology Group, a fast-growing Potomac, Md.-based Hewlett Packard Enterprise private cloud powerhouse  and a company that has its own 80,000 square-foot cloud services data center  said he sees more customers open to private cloud-hybrid cloud because of recent public cloud issues like the Azure storage issues and the Amazon Web Services (AWS) outage 17 days ago.

"No system is infallible whether it is public cloud or private cloud," said Tuchman. "The big problem is if a public cloud has a problem it can affect hundreds of thousands or millions of people. If you have an issue on a private cloud it only affects you. It really comes down to whether you want to have control of your own environment with your own rules and regulations or do you want to operate with someone else's rules and regulations."

Tuchman said the Azure storage cluster losing power is in sharp contrast to the recent AWS outage, which lasted just short of four hours. "[What happened with] Azure is a problem that any system could have experienced," he said. "AWS looked to me like a quality assurance issue with someone typing in something wrong affecting production systems."

AWS, in fact, apologized for its outage, which was sparked by an AWS team member entering a bad command during the debugging of an S3 billing system and disclosed "several changes" including adding safeguards that would prevent an "incorrect input from triggering a similar event in the future."

Tuchman said some customers in the drive to push the technology envelope and be more competitive are developing software so fast they have lost sight of basic quality assurance procedures. "You have to balance just how fast you need to go to remain competitive with quality assurance to make sure everything works properly," he said. "If somebody does something in a public cloud and there is not quality assurance that everything is going to work 100 percent it affects hundreds of thousands or millions of people."
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STAMFORD  The downtowns menu of restaurants has lost three staples in the past few weeks.

BBQ restaurant Mason/Dixon Smokehouse at 78 West Park Place, Wayne Steakhouse at 5 Broad St. and McFaddens at 261 Main St. have all closed in the last month, according to neighbors. The shutdowns show the city centers dining scene is not impervious to downturns, but local business leaders said they are still optimistic about the sectors prospects.

Its like the stock market  there are ups and downs, good times and down times, said Michael Marchetti, owner of Columbus Park Trattoria on Main Street and president of the Stamford Tables downtown restaurant association. Unfortunately, were now going through a tough spell.

A sign posted in McFaddens entrance notes its closure, and for-lease signs are posted on the front doors. For-rent signs hang in the front windows of Wayne Steakhouse. No signs announce the shutdown of Mason/Dixon, but blue curtains in the windows block a street view of the interior.

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None of the three lasted long. Mason/Dixon Smokehouse was particularly short-lived  it opened last November. Wayne Steakhouse did not last much longer, with its debut made last August. McFaddens launched in March 2014.

The owners of the three restaurants could not be reached for comment.

Marchetti said he did not know definitively why the three restaurants closed, but he said their owners might have assessed their long-term prospects during the quiet period following the holiday season.

Its a time when restaurants that had been struggling could be coming to the realization that they cant stay open, Marchetti said. To run a struggling restaurant is a very painful experience.

The site of Wayne Steakhouse has seen frequent turnover. Another steakhouse, Rodizio Grill, and a Houlihans previously operated for short stints in the same space.

Sandy Goldstein, president of the Downtown Special Services District, suggested that 5 Broad St. would work better if it were divided into at least two establishments. Wayne Steakhouse operated with approximately 7,000 square foot.

Someone would be successful with a smaller footprint, Goldstein said. To have a restaurant as big as Waynes was difficult. And it was pricey. But you get a business in there with the right format and it will thrive.

Downtown Stamford lost another prominent restaurant in mid-January, when Napa & Co. closed at the corner at the corner of Summer and Broad streets. In Napas case, a lack of outdoor dining and a large bar contributed to the owners decision to sell the business after a 10-year run. An Italian-American restaurant is scheduled to open in the same space later this year.

While the closings suggest the downtown could be vulnerable to over-saturation, the dining scene remains robust. Bedford Street, Main Street and the lower block of Summer Street each support thriving rows of dining establishments that bring in patrons throughout the year. There are about 85 restaurants downtown, according to the Stamford Downtown Special Services District.

Im not worried at all, and no one should be because restaurants come and go, said Jack Condlin, president and CEO of the Stamford Chamber of Commerce. Theres always have a high percentage of failure in restaurants. Its unfortunate but its the risk of that industry.

And restaurants continue to open or expand. Next door to McFaddens, Peruvian restaurant Fiesta on Main debuted last month. It relocated from Atlantic Street because it needed a larger venue for its growing business.

Im sure there will be a whole line of new restaurant groups that want to get into Stamford, Marchetti said. And there are still a lot of great restaurants in Stamford. The market will correct itself.
File Photo /Cathy Zuraw / File Photo

HARTFORD  U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal was pleased on Thursday by federal court orders that put at least a temporarily hold on President Donald Trumps latest attempt to prevent travelers from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the country.

Let me just say how emphatic and unequivocal these court rulings are in completely discrediting the executive order issued by Donald Trump, Blumenthal said during a morning news conference in the state Capitol complex. What they say and what the courts have said consistently is, there is no showing of a national-security interest and the motive and purpose is one of religious discrimination. They are plainly and simply a Muslim ban, and they were directed against countries that have not been the source of terrorist violence in this country.
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If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then Sen. Chris Murphy will be channeling his inner House Speaker Paul Ryan on Thursday when he clicks his way through a PowerPoint presentation on the evils of the Republican health-care plan.

Last week, a shirt-sleeved Ryan famously offered up a half-hour PowerPoint lecture for reporters on why the Republican health-care bill is an infinitely preferable and a workable replacement for death-spiraling Obamacare.

In case anyone missed it, Ryan underscored these points: The GOPs American Health Care Plan would provide lower costs, patient control, universal access to affordable health care and you choose the plan that suits you, not what government wants you to buy.

What will Murphys answer be? Well, hell have the new Congressional Budget Office report at his back, which estimates that by 2026 some 24 million fewer Americans would have health care than if Obamacare had stayed in place.

Murphy won fame on the lecture circuit last June with his nearly 15-hour bladder-defying filibuster to force Senate votes on guns. Now he insists hes in just the facts, maam mode, devoted to what works instead of political point scoring.

His PowerPoint counterpunch to Ryan: Trumpcare means high costs, less care and a big tax cut for the wealthy.

Im still willing to sit down with Republicans to work on ways to improve the Affordable Care Act (aka Obamacare), he said. But Republicans are showing zero willingness to do that. They are jamming this bill through the process at a seriously fast speed because they dont want the public to see and digest damage it does.

No word on shirtsleeves.

No traction for Metro-North

There was virtually no good news on Metro-North in the Federal Railroad Administrations latest quarterly progress report on installing Positive Train Control.

PTC, as youll recall, is the futuristic GPS-like satellite-relay system that once in place monitors the speed of trains, and automatically takes over if there are indications a train is out of control.

Almost two years ago the FRA approved a $1 billion loan to Metro-Norths overseer, the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority, to speed PTC installation along. PTC was touted as an important step in ending a spate of alarming derailments and crashes, including the one at Spuyten Duyvil in the Bronx, N.Y., in 2013 when an operator dozed off.

The FRA report released Wednesday noted progress on freight lines, but not so much on passenger rail (with the exception of Amtrak). On Metro-North, just five percent (26 out of 531) of train engines are PTC-equipped. And just one of 104 relay towers has been installed.

Metro-North owes its passengers an explanation for why railroads, including Amtrak, have been able to install Positive Train Control on nearly all of their railcars, while Metro-North has barely begun the work, said Sen. Richard Blumenthal. Nearly a full decade since Congress first mandated this lifesaving technology, not a single Metro-North track is equipped  a deadly shame that must be remedied immediately.

Blumenthal on the attack

And speaking of Blumenthal, Monday begins the Senate Judiciary Committees three- or four-day confirmation hearing for President Donald Trumps nominee to the Supreme Court, appeals court judge Neil Gorsuch.

At one time in his life, Blumenthals top ambition may have been to serve as a Supreme Court justice. But for a former Supreme Court clerk who argued numerous cases before the justices as Connecticuts attorney general, sitting on the Judiciary Committee dais and firing rat-a-tat-tat questions at Gorsuch is a close second.

Expect Blumenthal to pour a lifetime of legal prowess into his Q&A. Back in the day, a nominee could be vulnerable for conflicts of interest, or not fully paying taxes  or smoking marijuana. But nominees generally skated by on questions of ideology alone. Just because a nominee was conservative or liberal was not in itself enough to block the nomination.

But those days are long gone. Blumenthal and his Democratic colleagues on the committee will pick over Gorsuchs record as a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit to paint him as a tool of corporate big-money interests against those of average American workers and consumers. Also, is he independent enough to stand up to a president with a history of disparaging remarks about the nations judiciary?

I will be pressing him and aggressively questioning him on all these issues, Blumenthal said at a news conference with Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., that featured three individuals with compelling stories of Gorsuchs actions in their lawsuits. He has an obligation to come clean to the American people.

And if he doesnt, at least to Blumenthals satisfaction?

If he shows hes out of the mainstream, I will use every tool available  including filibuster  to oppose him.
BRIDGEPORT  When it comes to renewed efforts by some to build a casino in his city, Mayor Joe Ganim sounds like a gambling addict who recognizes he has a problem, but cannot quite quit.

Ganim admits a lot of time and money can go down the drain with little to no payoff.

A casino was unsuccessfully proposed for Bridgeport when Ganim was first mayor in the 1990s.

The citys been through that, Ganim said in a brief interview Thursday with Hearst Connecticut Media. Spent months  more than months, years  on something that wasnt, that never developed.

And yet the noise of the gaming tables and slot machines, and all of those visitors pouring into Bridgeport to play them, still seems to have a bit of a hold over Ganim.

If things change, if somebody approached the city from the state and said, This is a site, then I think wed have to sit down and look at it, Ganim said.

Maybe that hold is not as strong as when the legislature in 1995 rejected the Bridgeport casino proposal. It is hard to tell. The mayor is  forgive another gambling analogy  playing his cards close to the vest, even as some Bridgeport state lawmakers aggressively push for a state gaming expansion to happen here.

Two casino bills

The Indian tribes operating the two casinos in southeastern Connecticut want to partner on an East Windsor facility.

Meanwhile, a separate bill backed by Bridgeport state Reps. Chris Rosario and Ezequiel Santiago would enable a competitive process for another location, possibly Bridgeport.

Both proposals were passed out of the General Assemblys Public Safety Committee Wednesday.

Ganim, whom voters returned to office in late 2015 after 12 years, has not publicly supported Rosarios and Santiagos efforts. Rosario wants that to change.

I know gamings a sensitive issue, but were talking about bringing jobs to Bridgeport, Rosario said Thursday. It would be nice if we got some sort of positive statement supporting it.

Well watch it, Ganim said. Not going to spend a lot of time or energy on it.

Rosario and Ganim have a complicated relationship. They have to work together in their roles, but the mayor fired Rosario last winter from his other job running Bridgeports anti-blight office. Rosario had supported the man Ganim defeated in the 2015 Democratic mayoral primary, then-Mayor Bill Finch.

Still, Ganim has endorsed another of Rosarios legislative projects to smooth the way for Connecticut venues, particularly Bridgeports Webster Bank Arena, to host mixed martial arts matches.

Asked if there was still room for a casino in Bridgeport after 20 years, Ganim said, Those are not decisions you make at a local level. Thats going to be the state of Connecticut, the governor, and so on.

But does Ganim still want a casino?

This is the longest discussion Ive had on it since Ive been in office, he said. The mayor said he is focused on realistic economic development. Things we can do. We cant say, We hope and wish. The citys been through that.

White elephant

Perhaps the mayor is heeding the advice of close friend Mario Testa, Bridgeports Democratic Chairman. In 2014, amidst talk of a state gaming expansion, Hearst asked Testa about his support for a Bridgeport casino.

Testa said, Bridgeport should be a part of it  but that he preferred opening a modest slot-machine facility.

With the economy going today, definitely you dont want to open it up to high roll, Testa said at the time. Look whats happened to Atlantic City (with its failing casinos). We dont want another white elephant.

The local and state-wide gambling debate, including the ethics of profiting off of what for some is a sickness, could also just be too controversial for Ganim.

The mayor is raising money for re-election in 2019, but is rumored to be eyeing higher office.

Gambling opponents have been lining up, from neighboring state Senator Tony Hwang of Fairfield to the Council of Churches of Greater Bridgeport.

Trumbull First Selectman Timothy Herbst, a Republican, has had a decent working relationship with Ganim.

Herbst said he has not discussed the casino issue with his neighboring chief executive, but speculated Ganim, as would any big city mayor, is going to put all options on the table.

Our cities facing serious financial difficulties are looking for any and all revenue enhancements that will allow them to improve the financial situation without raising property taxes, Herbst said.

Herbst, who has formed an exploratory committee for an unspecified statewide office, said were he governor he would insist a Bridgeport casino include major infrastructure improvements to Interstate 95, the rails and the port.

And the jobs created could not come at the expense of those in and around the southeastern casinos, Herbst said.

Rev. Cass Shaw, president of the Council of Churches, has been wondering where Ganim stands on the casino push.

I understand the desire to bring more activities, more traffic, more everything into Bridgeport, Cass said. And if he were in favor of it I wouldnt be surprised. But Id be really pleased if he could take the long view and oppose it along with an awful lot of us who really dont believe this is going to help Bridgeport at all.
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The stock market isnt the only one making a rally courtesy of Donald Trump  so is Chris Murphy.

Since the beginning of the year, the Democratic senator from Connecticut has been the beneficiary of a surge in political contributions from his partys progressive wing. The $2 million haul, announced in a fundraising appeal Wednesday, has renewed conjecture that Murphy could be a contender for the presidency in 2020.

It may have emboldened him to amplify his criticism of Trump and majority Republicans in Congress, something Murphy began to do in earnest last June, with a nearly 15-hour Senate filibuster to push for gun-control reform.

And now this: Murphy mocked House Speaker Paul Ryan with a dueling PowerPoint presentation Thursday repudiating the GOPs overhaul of the Affordable Care Act, right down to rolling up his shirt sleeves like the Wisconsin congressman.

My hope is that the Republicans will abandon this disastrous approach and work with Democrats to try to make some common-sense changes to our health care system, Murphy told members of the media in the Lyndon Johnson B. Johnson Room at the U.S. Capitol.

Murphys high-profile activism comes as Democrats are soul searching after Trumps seismic upset of Hillary Clinton in last Novembers election. It has garnered the 43-year-old, former three-term House member attention beyond Connecticut and Washington.

Possible contender

Gambling websites have started to include Murphys name in their presidential odds for 2020  one lists him as a 125-to-1 shot. Leaked emails from Clintons campaign showed that Murphy was on the former secretary of states short list of vice presidential running mates.

I think Senator Murphy broke out of the Connecticut box last year and continues to capture the attention of some Democrats across the country, said Nathan Gonzales, editor of the nonpartisan Rothenberg & Gonzales Political Report in Washington.

Murphy faces his first re-election test as a senator in 2018, after withstanding a $50 million campaign onslaught by former wrestling executive Linda McMahon in 2012. McMahon is now the head of Small Business Administration, a Cabinet position appointed by Trump. No GOP challenger has emerged yet to go up against Murphy.

I think its interesting that for four years no one heard a peep out of him, said Leora Levy, a Republican National Committee member from Greenwich. Now that hes facing re-election, were hearing from him.

Standing Thursday next to a flatscreen television like Ryan did last week  a performance that was parodied in internet memes  Murphy railed against the GOPs plan to repeal and replace Obamacare.

Long odds

He cited a nonpartisan analysis by the Congressional Budget Office that found that the GOP legislation would add 24 million people to the ranks of the uninsured. Murphy said Trumpcare would cause insurance premiums to spike, especially for adults in their 60s, while giving tax breaks to wealthy insurance executives.

I worry that the bar has been set so low that minor improvements will still create a humanitarian catastrophe, Murphy said.

Levy, one of three RNC members for Connecticut, dismissed Murphy as a threat to Trump.

Id like to see Chris Murphy come up against Donald Trump any day of the year, Levy said. I guess everybody in Washington kind of envisions themselves as a potential president.

Nine of Murphys Democratic colleagues in the Senate have more favorable odds to win the Oval Office in 2020, according to the gambling website Bovada. They are Elizabeth Warren (8-1), Bernie Sanders (20-1), Cory Booker (26-1), Tim Kaine (26-1), Amy Klobuchar (26-1), Catherine Cortez Masto (30-1), Kirsten Gillibrand (30-1), Kamala Harris (30-1) and Tammy Duckworth (60-1).

I think (Murphy) is trying to be a leading voice for progressive causes, but its at a time when there are dozens of Democrats trying to be the voice and break through the clutter, Gonzales said. Everyone is trying to navigate their way out of the wilderness and lead the party out of the wilderness.

nvigdor@hearstmediact.com; 203-625-4436; http://twitter.com/gettinviggy
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WASHINGTON  While Sikorsky and other Connecticuts defense-related industries are set for a soft landing in the presidents 2018 budget unveiled Thursday, Long Island Sound cleanup and small cities like Bethel and Derby might not be so fortunate.

At a price tag of $1.5 trillion, the Trump administrations first spending plan puts a major down payment on the U.S.-Mexico border wall (that Mexico was supposed to pay for), and boosts military spending.

But it slashes most non-national-security spending by amounts unseen in decades, targeting Donald Trumps campaign demons like the Environmental Protection Administration, Education Department, and Health & Human Services for cuts between 14 and 31 percent.

How this translates into dollars for Connecticut is not yet clear. But as a blue state that has embraced the concept of government spending as an engine of economic progress and social improvement, Connecticut may well end up losing more than it gains.

vanishing cleanup money

The offices of Gov. Dannel P. Malloy and Democratic members of Congress scrambled through the day Thursday to pinpoint the hits. One that seemed clear is the $2 million in funding for monitoring and cleaning up the Long Island Sound, which is a part of the EPAs geographical programs that the Trump budget zeroes out.

Another zero is the so-called TIGER grants competitive program, which has benefited several Connecticut transportation projects, including the Barnum Station in East Bridgeport. The so-far-uncompleted station got a $10 million TIGER grant in 2015.

Connecticuts Small Cities Program, which helps low- and moderate-income people in places like Seymour, Ansonia, Bethel and Derby, is under the gun as part of cuts to the HUD Community Block Grant Development program.

Also axed is $23.5 million for Connecticuts CDBG entitlement communities, which include Norwalk, Danbury, Bridgeport, Milford and Stamford.

The governments energy-assistance program for low-income individuals and families  $8.1 million in Connecticut  is also proposed for elimination.

The state also receives about $532 million for education via the Department of Education, which is slated for a 14 percent cut  although, in line with Trumps priorities, funding for charter schools and school choice will rise.

The budget earmarks food and nutrition programs in the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Education as duplicative. Mandatory programs like Food Stamps appear to be safe, but the effect on other such benefits that serve primarily low-income families is uncertain.

Appeal to common values

Presidential budgets traditionally are aspirational  a starting point for Congress to slice and dice. Trumps budget director, Mick Mulvaney, admitted as much, telling reporters, This is not a take-it-or-leave-it budget.

Still, Malloy and the states Democratic lawmakers expressed outrage at Trumps cuts.

If President Trump truly wanted to put America first, he would start by putting our people and our common values first in his budget, Malloy said. Instead, the administration gets it terribly wrong in this proposal.

Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., said, President Trump continues to work for millionaires and billionaires, not everyday Americans, and his cuts for programs that serve Americas middle and working class are an assault to our values.

Sikorsky, with 8,000 or so employees in Connecticut, is unlikely to see any of its contracts reduced, with the presidents budget promising to strengthen the U.S. Army by rebuilding readiness, reversing end-strength reductions, and preparing for future challenges.

This is the beginning of a multi-stage budget process, and its too early to speculate on potential impacts on individual programs or locations, said Sikorsky spokesman Paul Jackson.

Trump and administration officials insisted the budget is fulfillment of campaign promises to drain the swamp and reduce the size of government.

It puts America first (and) must make the safety of our people its number one priority  because without safety, there can be no prosperity, Trump said.

dan@hearstdc.com
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STRATFORD  If you were to cast a raccoon in a Shakespeare play, what part might it be?

The off-putting Shylock? The uncaring Edmund? Perhaps the cowardly, thieving Falstaff?

That question isnt all that far-fetched because raccoons have taken up residence in the long-shuttered American Shakespeare Festival Theatre and no one can seem to agree on what steps should be taken to keep the teak-paneled playhouse from attracting vermin and falling apart.

This week the Town Council turned back a plan to hire an architect to figure out how best to mothball the huge ASFT on Elm Street, where the likes of Richard Basehart, Katharine Hepburn and Jack Palance once performed.

Im profoundly disappointed, said Town Council Chairwoman who was pushing for the idea. The vote made no sense to me because the time to stabilize the building is now  not five years from now.

The measure, to spend about $95,000 for the architects assessment, failed on a 5-5 vote; Mayor John Harkins was not there to break the tie. The money would have come from a town fund created in 2008 to maintain the building.

Mothballing does not mean that the theater would never be used again, Daponte said. But we need to stabilize the building so we can take care of this town asset until we have a plan to get this great theater up and running again.

Dist. 10 Democrat Tina Manus cast one of the no votes, although she said she wasnt entirely happy with the way the votes went.

I had wanted to table it  this was on a night of an impending snowstorm and we had other business to take care of. she said. But I could not say yes to this because stabilizing it is a dead-end plan  its fixing it up and wait-and-see.

She said that there is a nonprofit organization waiting in the wings  American Shakespeare Theatre Renaissance  which could come to rescue of the ASFT.

All this would do is to spend $95,000 to send someone to see whats wrong, Manus said. Weve been through this already and we have that information.

But Daponte was sharply critical of that assessment.

Its a very complicated building and getting it to the point where itll be weathertight is a lot more involved than one might think, she said.

The storied ASFT is where scores of stars of stage, screen and television appeared from its first production in 1955 until it made its last gasp in the early 1980s. During the glory years the stage hosted such household names as Michael Moriarty, Jill Clayburgh, Hal Holbrook, Christopher Walken, Christopher Plummer, Fred Gwynne, Roddy McDowall, Edward Herrmann, Kim Hunter and Fritz Weaver.

High school students from throughout the Northeast, accompanied by their English teachers, boarded buses bound for Stratford to see Shakespeare performed there. Some school groups from as far away as Kansas and Louisana went there, too, aided by the cheap air fares at the time.

The theater was the creation of Lawrence Langner, Lincoln Kirstein and philanthropist Joseph Verner Reed. It was Reed who largely bankrolled the venture when money ran short, which it often did. When he died in 1973, there was no money left in his will to keep it going.

Since its last full season in 1982 there were several attempts to get it up and running, all of which were met with frustration. The state took over the operation in 1983 and the town took over the property from the state in 2005. It's been the cause of much drama in Town Hall ever since.
An Ansonia tax preparer is one of three state businesses that has been suspended filing electronic income tax returns.

State Department of Revenue Services Commissioner Kevin Sullivan announced Thursday that, due to a high volume of questionable returns received, the agency has suspended processing electronic income tax returns from certain tax preparers in Ansonia, East Hartford and New Haven.
Its hard to get too lathered up about watering the lawn when its mid-March and said lawn is under a foot of frozen snow.

The good news, of course, is that all that snow is ultimately going to turn to water and what doesnt run off into the sewers will soak into the lawn.

The fact is, though, that this coming summer and lawn irrigation are going to be crucial in regard to Connecticuts stressed reservoirs.

They are under capacity. The most recent data from the Connecticut Department of Public Health puts the overall reservoir capacity now at 91.5 percent of normal. In some areas, though, the situation is far worse. In Stamford, for instance, the reservoir is at 68 percent capacity, compared with 91 percent, which is its 20-year average.

From May through October of last year, Connecticut reservoir levels fell dramatically, and then started inching up to where they are now. Last September, the U.S. Drought Monitor reported that about 70 percent of the state was under a severe drought.

Earlier this month, at a gathering of leaders in southern Fairfield County, there was dire talk about the possibility of the drought the state is experiencing becoming a permanent phenomenon. The current drought, officials estimate, is the worst the state has seen in 50 years, brought on by 30 months of below-average rainfall.

And in Danbury, the Danbury Water Department reports a current level of 90.34 percent, a slight drop from its average of 92 percent capacity.

Single-family residences, as opposed to apartments and condominiums, are the highest consumers of water.

While the drought level varies in different parts of the state, the message from officials and water suppliers like Aquarion is that we all need to conserve.

Earlier this month, at the request of the Aquarion Water Company, the DPH issued a water supply emergency order for the communities of Darien, Greenwich, New Canaan and Stamford. It bans, for the time being, outdoor irrigation of lawns.

Aquarion Water Company is the public water supply company for more than 625,000 people in 51 cities and towns throughout Connecticut.

We all need to think about our water use, whether its irrigating the lawn in the spring and summer, running the dishwasher with only a partial load inside, or just shutting off the bathroom faucet while we brush our teeth. Every little step we take will add up.

Water consumption fluctuates wildly. For instance, Aquarion officials said the top 1 percent of customers use an average of 800 gallons a day, compared with 74 gallons a day for the bottom 50 percent.

To learn how you can conserve water in your home, check out this Aquarion Water Company website: http://www.aquarionwater.com/CT/reduce-your-indoor-water-use.
Bad gun bill

This is being used as a fulcrum to weaken our rights.

Scott Wilson, president of the Connecticut Citizens Defense League, testifying in Hartford against a bill that would require a person openly carrying a gun to show a permit to an inquiring police officer.

Good gun bill

Now we cant tell you whether thats a legitimate or illegitimate carry.
Cuba and Finland sign agreement on aviation

Submitted by: Juana

Havana

Politics and Government

03 / 16 / 2017



Alfredo Cordero, president of the Cuban Institute of Civil Aeronautics, and Kimmo Lahdevirta, Director General for the Americas and Asia at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland, penned in Havana an air service between the two countries agreement.

At the headquarters of the Cuban Ministry of Transportation, the two officials signed a document that allows airlines to have operations between the two countries. This measure aims at increasing the number of Finnish visitors to Cuba as well as from other parts of Northern Europe.

The Finnish diplomat said his country has good air connections with Europe and Asia, therefore there is potential to boost tourism in Cuba.

This agreement includes commercial and charter flights and the idea is that they will start next November, he said.

At the moment, Finnair airlines charters flights to Varadero.
Cuba and Russia talk migration in Havana

Submitted by: Juana

Havana

Politics and Government

03 / 16 / 2017



Cuban and Russian officials held bilateral talks in Havana on migration consular and legal issues and the pace of cooperation projects.

The meeting considered the migration flow between the two countries and main illegal acts linked to that phenomenon. Participants also addressed current consular cooperation accords, according to the Cuban Foreign Ministry.

The Cuban participants were Ernesto Soberon, director of Consular Affairs and of Cubans Residents Abroad and Anet Pino, director of International Law at the Foreign Ministry.

The Russian delegation included the Consular Director at the Russian Foreign Ministry, Eugeniy S. Ivanov. (acn)
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Art-work by Zahira Kelly



Written by Tiffani Greenaway of Written by Tiffani Greenaway of MyMommyVents.com

Hail Mary, full of grace. One Dominican artist is reimagining the images of Catholicism.

Continue Reading



Georgia based Zahira Kelly, an Afro-Latina mami, writer, artist, mujerista, award-winning sociocultural critic, and speaker created a series of images that celebrate the Virgin Maryas a black woman.

The image has been in my head for a while, she told VIBE Viva. I have seen so many incarnations of la virgen, and wondered what one would look like drawing my own [as an] afrolatina [with a] dominican-york background.

The Virgen Negra collection features a vibrantly colored Holy Mother, which reminds me of home, Kelly says.

Raised between Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic and Bronx, New York, Kelly, also known as Bad Dominicana online, was drawing as soon as I was able to hold a pencil, and says that her art has always focused on women. My visual art is dedicated to highlighting AfroLatina and Women of Colors beautyIn my images I reexamine my bicultural upbringing, Indigenous displacement and neocolonial marginalized womanhood as well as concepts of fragility historically denied to lower class women of Afro-Descent.

Her Dominican background influences her work. Catholicism is a part of many Dominicans upbringing and I was no exception, she told Fader. For me, depicting La Virgen as a Negra is fusing our African ancestry with Catholicism like many in our country have done before with spiritual figures.

And Kellys art is more than just pretty pictures. With collections like the Nude Series and Galaxy Princess, the artist wants people to think. Can you see lower class Black women as the Holy Mother in such a classist, anti-Black misogynist postcolonial landscape?Theres a direct correlation between historically white-leaning standards for Latin American women and rage at the Holy Mother being depicted as Blackto quote Bey, I aint sorry.

See more of Zahira Kellys work here.

**********************************************

Tiffani Greenaway is the wife and mom behind MyMommyVents, a New York city parenting blog. Her tips have been seen on Yahoo Parenting, Mommy Noire, and Fit Pregnancy. Find more of Tiffanis work at mymommyvents.com.
Somerset County voters' main issue: Making sure their advanced voting will be counted

In Somerset County, there are 31,489 residents registered as Republicans and 12,435 as Democrat for a total of 48,846.
As a Democrat, I dream of an Upper House in our Parliament that is non-partisan and whose members comprise our finest minds, and our most passionate campaigners.

Men and women who want to use this privileged platform to serve the nation and not to lobby for their own personal interests.

It would be a House that scrutinises the legislation that comes before it, with a rigour based on knowledge and experience, and which, occasionally, asks the Commons to think again.

Peers, including former Chancellor Nigel Lawson (third seat on the right side of the table), were filmed in the dining room in Meet The Lords

This ideal House doesnt reflect the precise demographic make-up of the nation  with members of such intellectual heft and achievement, how could it? But it knows and understands the lives of ordinary people and what matters to them.

And even if a majority of its members disagree with the democratically expressed will of the people, my dream House is humble enough and wise enough to reject intellectual sophistry and procedural hucksterism designed to frustrate that will.

In the current House of Lords, we have a body that makes a mockery of my dream. That has been shown all too clearly in the past three weeks in BBC 2s revelatory Meet The Lords documentary, which ended on Monday.

It has been entertaining, but for many it confirmed our worst fears about our unelected second chamber as a place of undeserved privilege and excessive pomp, quick to point a magisterial finger of blame at others, yet turning a blind eye to grubby corruption in its own ranks.

How else to describe the behaviour of many, many, many peers  according to one of their own, the former Speaker of the Lords, Baroness DSouza  who turn up simply to claim their 300 tax-free daily allowance but do no work of note?

Shaming

And how is it, as the Mail revealed this week, that an investigation by the Baroness into this abuse of public money was dropped to avoid naming and shaming the offenders and triggering a press storm?

The timing of this series couldnt be worse for the Lords. Filmed last spring, I imagine they thought it would paint the Upper House as a chamber of wise souls working for the good of the nation.

Instead, I think the series has provoked unprecedented anger towards peers who have in recent times given the impression of being no less partisan and scheming than their elected colleagues  not least because of their blatant attempt to torpedo the triggering of Article 50.

What baffles me is that the Lords  on whose benches sit some of our greatest broadcasters such as Lord (Melvyn) Bragg and Baroness (Joan) Bakewell  agreed to let cameras in at all, given the enormous potential for a public relations disaster.

Nice work if you can get it: Peers get 300 a day just for turning up at the House of Lords

Did they really think the producers would be interested in the quality of debates, or the deliberations of their expert committees when there was more fun to be had filming peers quaffing wine over a silver service lunch in the historic Peers Dining Room, sipping a late morning G&T sharpener in their cosy, heavily subsidised bar, or settling in for an afternoon snooze on a Chesterfield in the library?

Given the wealth of material and the tendency of some peers to play for laughs (and have it backfire on them)  one described the Lords as the best day care centre for the elderly in London, while another joked that the country is governed from the long table in the dining room  the producers were remarkably restrained.

What we saw were too many peers living high on the hog at our expense, wall-to-wall flummery, and arcane, and frankly absurd, rituals.

We learned that the Yeomen of the Guard check the basement before the Queen arrives, in case Guy Fawkes and his co-conspirators are still lurking, while Black Rod worries about whether hes polished his diamante studded shoes sufficiently.

Crumbling

As one might expect from the BBC, Meet the Lords featured some of the least typical members of the House, presumably to suggest a diversity which does not in fact exist.

The black Labour peer Oona King and the new member John Bird, founder of The Big Issue magazine are both old friends of mine.

They filled the screen engagingly. But just out of vision sat serried ranks of white men, in their eighth, ninth and tenth decades, while the pervasive presence of walking sticks and motorised wheelchairs gave the place the air of crumbling gentility rather than the energy and vibrancy one might hope for.

You only got the real feel of the place as, over lunch, peers discussed how the pudding reminded them of school meals  more likely to be Eton Mess than Birds custard.

Or when the owner of a Scottish mansion which, he told us, cost the equivalent of 400 million today to build, proudly showed the label on a coat peg that belonged to his great grandfather when he was a member of the Lords.

What's for lunch: One of the simplest reforms would be to set a limit on the length of time a peer can serve  maybe two terms of ten years

I should declare an interest. A decade or so ago, I almost became a footnote in history, one of a handful of people to be indicted for contempt of both Houses of Parliament.

I had fallen foul of a peer who felt I had not treated her with due deference. (I was accused of trying to influence a Joint Committee on Human Rights, which was investigating disagreements within the Equality and Human Rights Commission which I then chaired.)

The woman complained to the Speaker and Lord Speaker. Conviction carried the possibility of several years in jail. I was cleared by a panel of Law Lords who thought the whole thing a waste of time. If I had not felt disdain for some peers previously, I did after this.

As I saw it then  and little has changed  the problems of the Lords are deep-rooted.

Too many of its members are overly-concerned about their personal status. And despite occasional attempts at reform, the traditions of the Lords seem to bewitch those who enter the House professing impatience with the antidiluvian procedures and yet do little to change the status quo.

Meet the Lords: Lord Walpole, a hereditary peer, looks forward to his lunch at the long table in the House of Lords Dining Room. The place is riddled with customs and traditions

However, the worst feature of the current House of Lords  as Baroness (Betty) Boothroyd pointed out in this weeks concluding episode of Meet The Lords  is that it is almost entirely in thrall to the partisan politics of the House of Commons.

Despite its much vaunted independence, prime ministers  most notably Cameron and Blair  have packed the place with former MPs and cronies, mostly as a reward for past loyalty.

Too many see themselves as the lofty superiors of the democratically-elected bunch down the corridor. The Lords have forgotten the function they claim to fulfil. Yet, if they really wanted to embrace reform, they could  swiftly.

Health

First, make it easy for members to retire if they can no longer serve because of poor health, and discreetly retire members who fail to do more than claim their allowance.

Second, set a limit on the length of time a peer can serve  maybe two terms of ten years. Third, seats should be apportioned according to the popular vote over a couple of Parliamentary elections.

That would mean, for example, that UKIP would today have some 80 members, and the Greens more than 20.

Finally, the House must stop simply replaying debates already concluded by MPs and focus more on detail and implementation.

This is how peers with experience outside politics might actually wield genuine influence. That would mean ensuring there are more scientists and engineers in the Upper House rather than the surfeit of lawyers, historians and classicists who barely grasp the revolution being wrought by modern technology in most peoples lives, and appear to care even less.

We need an Upper House for the 21st century. What we have seen is that the red benches of the Lords are a comfortable place to sleep and too many of their occupants prefer to slumber than provide the challenge to the Commons this country needs.
This was a great day for British justice, the armed forces morale, the free Press  and the decency of Mail readers, whom we heartily thank for making it possible through their generosity.

When Marine A Sergeant Alexander Blackman was convicted of murder for killing a mortally wounded Taliban insurgent in 2011, the defence ministry and top brass regarded his life sentence as a satisfactory end to an embarrassing episode.

As far as they were concerned, his jailers could throw away the key.

Justice at last: Claire Blackman (pictured, centre), her legal team and supporters celebrate victory for Marine A, aka Sergeant Alex Blackman

This paper did not see it that way. Neither did legions of our readers from every walk of life, military and civilian, who contributed sums large and small to raise 800,000 for Sgt Blackmans appeal.

Instead, we saw a soldier with an exemplary record, who had cracked under unimaginable stress on the battlefield and committed an atrocity quite out of character, before being hung out to dry.

Indeed, the top brass behaved nothing short of contemptibly in seeking to cover up their incompetence and leadership failings  even suppressing a report on mitigating factors and stopping an officer from giving evidence for the defence.

We never condoned Sgt Blackmans action. But like his brave, loyal wife Claire, we felt a terrible wrong had been done to him at his court martial. At very least, his conviction should be reduced to manslaughter.

Yesterday, the Court Martial Appeal Court agreed. Justice at last!

Yet the five judges unanimous decision  and, we pray, Sgt Blackmans early release  cannot end the matter. For during the three and a half years the former marine has been behind bars, the legal hounding of troops has continued apace.

This is in spite of the fact that ambulance-chasing human rights lawyers have been exposed as crooks, with the firm behind trumped-up charges against hundreds of servicemen shutting down, and its bent founder Phil Shiner struck off.

Meanwhile, the blow to morale has caused a sharp dip in Army recruitment and thousands of servicemen are retiring early.

As we celebrate justice for Sgt Blackman, therefore, ministers must urgently review the military covenant to ensure heroes who risk all for us are treated fairly in return.

Yes, we still demand the highest standards of our soldiers. But in the name of sanity and justice, never again should a momentary lapse of judgment in the heat of battle be treated as calculated murder.

Learn from this fiasco

Not his finest hour: Philip Hammond was forced into a cringeing U-turn

No soft soap or flannel can wipe away the truth that the U-turn over National Insurance has been a humiliating fiasco.

Indeed, it is baffling that neither Philip Hammond, nor those around him, foresaw trouble over breaking a key manifesto pledge and betraying the Tories enterprising, self-reliant, self-employed core supporters.

As for claiming the pledge not to increase NI referred only to Class 1 contributions, this was an insult to the intelligence.

Nor can No 10 escape censure for nodding the measure through  though this paper suspects all credit for yesterdays U-turn belongs to Theresa May, not the desiccated calculating machine (to borrow a jibe from Nye Bevan) at No 11.

After all, Downing Street cant claim it wasnt warned. The day before the Budget, this column cautioned strongly against tinkering with NI.

What matters now is that ministers should learn from the mistake, replacing crass advisers and never again forgetting the strivers they swore to help.

As for the 2billion fiscal hole left by the U-turn, may the Mail gently point out it could be filled many times over by diverting cash from overseas aid? Now, that would be one breach of a manifesto pledge the country would gladly forgive.
An Irish fitness vlogger has ploughed through 20,000 calories in a single day for a stomach-churning food challenge.

Rob Lipsett, 25, from Dublin, who filmed the video in a bid to boost his YouTube following, began his day by devouring seven pastries and three doughnuts, not to mention an entire pot of maple syrup.

By then he had already got through 4,402 calories - nearly double the recommended daily intake for a man, which stands at 2,500.

The clip, entitled 'EPIC Cheat Day', has earned the fitness-mad blogger 1 million YouTube views.

Rob tucks into a plate of pasties and doughnuts as part of his stomach-churning challenge. In the end, the blogger got through an incredible 20,185 calories with barely a whimper

Speaking after his first meal, which he finished at 8.40am, Rob said: 'Feeling pretty good after that, I just had a five minute lie down. The worst part were the cinnamon swirls, they were just a bit dry.'

After a light training session in the gym, Rob was ready for lunch, which he picked up from a nearby Burger King.

The staggeringly large meal consisted of a double Texas steakhouse burger, large fries, 16 onion rings and some BBQ dipping sauce.

But Rob, who with more than 150,000 YouTube subscribers is one of Ireland's most popular vloggers, managed to keep a stiff upper lip.

Commenting after 'lunch', he said: 'It was enjoyable. I might go for a little nap then I'm going to have some kind of dessert.'

Rob Lipsett, from Dublin, began his day by devouring seven pastries and three doughnuts, not to mention a pot of maple syrup

Rob broke up his epic eating challenge with two trips to the gym to burn off at least a few of the calories - but appears unfazed by the amount of calories consumed

Rob has over 150,000 YouTube subscribers, making him one of Ireland's most popular vloggers. Pictured: Rob preparing to polish off some Ben & Jerry's

'Dessert' came in the shape of an Oreo cheesecake, which topped off the calories for lunch at 3,679.

Plus, half a giant chocolate bar was melted on top, with the rest finished later, adding 5,610 calories to the total.

By 5.30pm, Rob was ready for dinner, so phoned up a local takeaway to order a giant pizza and some cookie dough.

He chomped through all 3,037 calories before rounding off with a Ben and Jerry's Sofa So Good - his second tub of ice cream that day.

BREAKFAST (4,402 cals) Rob tucking into his breakfast spread 3 Oreo doughnuts - 978kcal 3 strawberry doughnuts  711kcal 3 cinnamon swirls  1,131kcal 3 maple and pecan plaits  1,128kcal 1 chocolate twist - 279kcal 60g maple syrup  175kcal Advertisement

LUNCH (3,679 cals) Rob eating Burger King for lunch 1 Oreo cheesecake  1,330kcal 1 Double Texas Steakhouse burger - 1,173kcal 1 large fries - 395kcal 16 onion rings - 741kcal BBQ dipping sauce - 40kcal Advertisement

DINNER (4,138 cals) 1 pizza - 2,726kcal 1 cookie - 311kcal 1 Ben and Jerry's Sofa So Good - 1,101kcal Advertisement

SNACKS (7,966 cals) The Biggest Chunkiest  5,610kcal Cookie Dough switch up  1,160kcal Raspberry cheesecake pizza - 1,196kcal Advertisement

Pudding came in the form of an Oreo cheesecake topped with melted chocolate, which topped off the calories for lunch at 3,679

Later, reflecting on his achievement, he said: 'For me it's all about eating fast. It's like my brain doesn't have time to register what's going on.' Pictured: He tucks into the cheesecake

In the end, Rob smashed through an incredible 20,185 calories with barely a whimper.

Later, reflecting on his achievement, he said: 'For me it's all about eating fast. It's like my brain doesn't have time to register what's going on.'

Rob will be attending the new fitness expo FitConUK at the Olympia in London from the 21st to the 23rd April. For more information on the expo or to purchase a ticket visit fitcon.co.uk.
Who says love is just for the young? This column is for those who are venturing back to dating in midlife, and need advice and the reassurance they are not alone.

Every week, we send a couple on a blind date and ask them to report back. We also give advice to help anyone else who is looking for love.

This week, divorcee Leila Tedman had lunch with lawyer Johann Casperz at Le Pont de la Tour, near London Bridge.

Johann, 58, lives in Surrey. He has never married and has no children.

Leila, 62, also lives in Surrey. She has been mostly single for the past 13 years. She is retired and supplements her income by buying, renovating and selling houses.

Johann, 58, (left) lives in Surrey. He has never married and has no children. Leila, 62, (right) also lives in Surrey. She has been mostly single for the past 13 years. She is retired and supplements her income by buying, renovating and selling houses

Leila, 62, says:

The first thing Johann did when he arrived at the restaurant was hand me a gift wrapped in bright red paper. I was a bit taken aback and spent the first half of the meal feeling it surreptitiously under the table trying to work out what it was!

Id never even met this man before. What if it was something embarrassing?

But by the end of the meal, having chatted about everything from nationality to family and where we live and work, my initial worries evaporated and I was touched when I finally undid the wrapping to discover a lovely box of chocolates in an Easter bunny shape. I thought that was a lovely gesture.

By this point, he was flirting with me, but it was just fun banter and I didnt find it embarrassing. Its flattering when someone finds you attractive in some way. Besides, there has to be that little frisson there for a date to be a success.

Thats why its so important to meet face-to-face. Ive tried internet dating, but in real life, most guys seem not to look the same as their photos, which were presumably taken years before.

My last significant relationship was 13 years ago, although Ive had a few insignificant ones since. But quite a few men my age seem to have an old person mentality whereas Im young at heart. Im not ready for a pipe and slippers just yet!

Both of us admitted we were trying to lose weight  but then, we both had three courses!

Thankfully, nor is Johann. He turns out to be Sri Lankan, but has lived here since he was four, which was a nice surprise. He was smartly dressed in a dashing suit. Hes not as tall as I usually prefer  although I am rather vertically challenged myself  but personality is more important.

Both of us admitted we were trying to lose weight  but then, we both had three courses!

I had artichoke hearts and quails eggs, followed by pork belly, then a lovely lemon tart.

Throughout the meal, the conversation just seemed to flow and there were no awkward silences. I was mindful of the fact Johann was working later that day, but we could have kept talking for hours.

He likes to bake and showed me pictures of cakes hed made for friends. I do like a man who can cook and is in touch with his feminine side. We also both love dancing and realised we had been to the same salsa bar.

We got on well, but who knows about chemistry? Im delighted there is a plan to meet again and Im looking forward to it  if only to see what Johanns wearing!

LIKED: Interesting and not the usual run of the mill.

REGRETS: None, really.

CAB OR COFFEE? Coffee.

Verdict: 8/10

Throughout the meal, the conversation just seemed to flow and there were no awkward silences. I was mindful of the fact Johann was working later that day, but we could have kept talking for hours.

Johann, 58, says:

As I get older, I am no longer sure about what women are looking for in a man. I think I am genuine and trustworthy, and my friends tell me I am generous, too. I like to make people happy in whatever way I can. I have also reached the time in my life where I want to put my work on a back burner and enjoy life. But its no fun doing that on ones own.

I have been lucky to have travelled to many countries on holidays and I love to dance, especially the Tango. I also like to bake and cook, but it is far better cooking for two than one.

DATE DOCTOR'S VERDICT... How much should we consider age when we are looking for potential partners? Our Dating Doctor Alana Kirk finds out whether age is just a number  or limits our options . . . There is a saying that you are only as old as you feel  and the science seems to back it up. Recent research has shown that the way we think about our age actually has an impact on how we age. Those who keep active and interested in life tend to feel and look younger. So, can it be unwise to put a cap on the age of someone we think we want to date? In todays dating scene, as a result of better diets, healthcare and attitudes, age can be a very relative thing. Someone may be 60, yet have the health, looks and vitality of a 40-year-old, while others can seem ready to collect their pension when theyre still in their 40s! Age isnt just the number of birthdays youve celebrated: its about your attitude and approach to life. So, deciding that you wont date someone older or younger, or in a different age bracket altogether, might just be limiting your options. Emotional maturity and zest for life are much more likely to ensure relationship success than a chronological age. As with all aspects of dating, stay flexible and keep an open mind. As Mark Twain said: Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you dont mind, it doesnt matter. Advertisement

Im a romantic at heart and believe that a woman is to be loved and respected. This might sound very out of date in the 21st century, but thats the way I was brought up.

Yet, apart from a little online dating, I am yet to meet someone with whom I can share my life.

I have been single since the break-up of a long-term relationship. We drifted apart and developed different interests after 14 years together.

I wasnt nervous before my date. Leila was already at the table when I arrived. She was lovely  well-dressed with a good figure and a lovely smile. Better still, she was really easy to talk to and seemed at ease with herself, so there were no awkward silences.

In fact, we talked for nearly three hours about anything and everything as we discovered we had a lot in common.

If I hadnt had to go back to work, we could have stayed for much longer.

We laughed and joked and I flirted a little bit  just flirty banter. I got her a box of chocolates, which she seemed to like. I felt we were comfortable in each others company.

We are both independent people who like to go out and do things. The time just flew.

I have never had an ideal woman and, while age has never been an issue, I was thinking Id meet a younger woman, perhaps in her 40s or 50s. But I wasnt put off at all that Leila is older, as she looks very good and I told her she had a good figure.

I would like to see her again, and we have been texting and are arranging another date.

This time, the plan is to meet outside of London, perhaps halfway between our two homes, somewhere where Leila feels comfortable. I am looking forward to seeing her again.

LIKED: Her warm personality.

REGRETS: No regrets.

CAB or COFFEE? Coffee.

Verdict: 8/10
The Duke of Rutlands gregarious daughter, Lady Violet Manners, never fails to put on a sartorial show.

This week, the leggy PR girl waltzed into a fashion party in Mayfair, where guests included Samantha Cameron and Dame Natalie Massenet, wearing what appeared to be nightwear.

It was, in fact, a 1,395 Burberry olive-green silk dressing gown designed for outdoor use.

When she lived in Fulham with her two sisters, Ladies Alice and Eliza, they upset the neighbours with raucous all-night bashes that earned them the nickname the No Manners girls.

The Duke of Rutlands gregarious daughter, Lady Violet Manners, steps out in a 1,395 Burberry olive-green silk dressing gown

An odd admission from Keith Vaz in the Commons the other day: he told MPs that he cant swim.

Definitely a surprise, given how often the scandal-prone Labour MP has been in deep (and hot) water.

Robin Lustig, veteran broadcaster and former host of Radio 4s The World Tonight, believes the BBC overreacted to Princess Dianas death 20 years ago.

I think in retrospect we did get it slightly wrong, he says. I think we were taken aback by the scale of the public response, those huge piles of flowers and the crowds, but I think what we failed to understand was that there were even more people who werent responding in that way.

The thing about television pictures, in particular, is that you only see the people who do come out onto the streets, who do turn up with bunches of flowers.

You dont see all the people who stay at home, who just go about their business because they are to all intents and purposes invisible.

David Hockney may be our greatest living artist, but is he also our most vain?

Early visitors to his retrospective at Londons Tate Britain will have noticed a waxwork of the Bradford-born painter, borrowed from Madame Tussauds, in a specially painted Madame Butterfly pink alcove by the entrance.

It is there no longer. Hockney, 79, did not take kindly to the likeness, based on a 1980s photograph, saying: Id never wear clothes like that and I hate the shoes.

It was swiftly removed.

Broadcaster Jeremy Vine, whose brother, Tim, is a successful comedian, recalls that both he and his sibling used to be told off at school for showing off.

Tims school reports actually said sadly, he cannot make a living from playing the fool, says radio presenter and quiz show host Jeremy, who himself is of a more bookish bent. He is writing his first novel.

Ive finally got the plot, he says, 51 years into my life.

Dame Kristin Scott Thomas seems ever desperate to prove her youth credentials.

Just a year after joining the popular photo-sharing website Instagram, the 56-year-old actress has now signed herself up to Snapchat.

The app is commonly used by younger generations to share images that can be edited to include filters, effects, captions, and drawings.

Looking far from red carpet-ready, The English Patient star posed with a towel wrapped around her head, digitally imposed leopard ears and a button nose.

Just a year after joining the popular photo-sharing website Instagram, Dame Kristin Scott Thomas, 56, has now signed herself up to Snapchat

Its a far cry from Downton Abbey. Jessica Brown Findlay, who played demure Lady Sybil in the costume drama, has been cast as an 18th-century prostitute in new ITV series Harlots.

And she found a novel way of easing the tension while filming erotic encounters.

Its always a closed set for the sex scenes, so that helped, she says. I found it quite amusing if you put a whoopee cushion underneath someone. It breaks the ice.

Sex scenes are massively awkward, but you can make them funny.

From comrade to luvvie . . . Dour socialist Paul Mason is taking his revolution to the Young Vic. The former Newsnight and Channel 4 News economics editor is performing in a new show based on his book, Why Its Kicking Off Everywhere.

Fans of the swarthy Mancunian will have to be quick  hes only scheduled three performances. However, tickets are free. Will loonie Lefty leader Jeremy Corbyn be in the front row?

My disclosure that Tory MP Nadhim Zahawi trousered a 253,200 bonus from Gulf Keystone Petroleum  on top of the monthly 20,125 salary it pays him as chief strategy officer  stirs memories from earlier in his business career.

Even in the 1990s, when he and his chum Jeffrey Archer were co-directors of a Teletubbies clothing company, Zahawi had platinum tastes.

There was a pen for 2,000, which he had to have, so he went out and bought it, recalls an ex-colleague.

Perhaps he loaned it to Archer for a book-signing on the latters release from prison in 2003.
It's a struggle many people face: balancing cooking healthy meals with time saving, and not breaking the bank.

Now, one food co-op in Adelaide is making the entire process easy, allowing you to serve up healthy, delicious meals for as little as $1.10 a serve for a family of four.

The Playford Community Food Co-operative sells meal packs with everything needed to make a gourmet dinner at home.

Revealed: You can feed a family of four a healthy dinner for only $1.10 a serve thanks to an Adelaide store

Delish: The Playford Community Food Co-operative sells meal packs to make things like curried sausages (left) and chicken pasta (right)

Community co-op: It was an initiative of the local council, and there are now two stores

With the exact servings of each ingredient in the pack, it means not only is it cheaper, but there's less food wastage, too.

The range is quite large, with 22 different options listed on the co-op's website.

The cheapest of the meal packs - which make pumpkin or minestrone soup - cost only $4.50, or $1.10 per serve.

Prices increase for meals with meat or fish (Chow Mein or Curried sausages are two examples), but the most any meal pack will cost is $8.50, or $2.10 a serve.

Cheap as chips: Meals are as low as $1.10 a serve, like the minestrone soup (pictured)

Range: The more expensive meals are only $2.10 a serve, like cottage pie (left)

Meal prep: Some locals leave comments showing all the meals they've made with the packs

Other popular meals include spaghetti bolognese, tuna bake, cottage pie, pumpkin cous cous, chicken noodle soup and beef casserole.

The good news is that the servings aren't small, each being sized for an average adult dinner, and comfortably feeding a family of four.

The community loves it, with many leaving photos of their dinners on the co-op's Facebook page.

'Three weeks worth of dinners for my hubby for $24.50...... Awesome meals & sizes. Great price & healthy,' one woman wrote, also uploading a photo of the food on the page.

Generous: The packs serve four adults, so are more than enough for four people

Easy peasy: The meals are so simple that children can make them

The prices are so cheap because the co-op buys ingredients in bulk and isn't designed to make a profit.

It was started as an initiative of the local council, and has proven incredibly popular in the area.

The meals are all designed to be easy to cook too, with many parents saying even their kids can make some of them.

Sadly, the co-op only has stores in Adelaide, but with the community interest other councils are being encourage to take up the idea.


The moment was coming, it was so close, I could almost taste it. I gently circled the supermarket aisles, my ears trained for the imminent announcement.

Around me, I could see other shoppers doing the same thing. They were coiled, tightly sprung, ready to pounce. The atmosphere was like the starting line of a 100m sprint as we waited for the gun.

And there it was! Wed like to announce a selection of discounted foods is now available in aisle 22. Thank you for shopping at Tesco and have a nice evening.

Julia Lawrence admitted to yanking a sirloin steak out of someone's grasp when the bargains were announced

I was off. I tried not to catch the eye of the woman beside me, trying to pass on the inside. I cut her off expertly, and took the corner at speed into aisle 22, where already a sizeable crowd was gathering.

A supermarket worker was struggling to unload battered boxes and enticing white bags, all bearing the hallowed yellow sticker from a tall, cage-like trolley. This was the food about to hit its sell-by date, thats sold at the end of the day for a fraction of its original price.

Elbows were getting sharp, the crowd was becoming more dense, so I resorted to a tried tactic of going low  crouching down, rummaging between other shoppers legs and dragging out white bags at random.

Its borne terrific fruit in the past  a slab of my favourite New York deli pie for 1, and fresh tiger prawns for 50p.

And this time, joy of joys, there was a sirloin steak joint  a mighty great brick of a thing just begging to be slow pot-roasted in red wine  going for just 5.

Someone else had seen it, too, and I felt a resistance as I tried to tug the bag through the wall of legs. So I snatched it, yanking it out of someones grasp. I had to stop myself punching the air and whooping Yesssss!.

Only when I looked up and saw the revulsion in my teenage daughters eyes did the full shame of what I was doing hit me. God, you are so EMBARRASSING! she gasped. I am going to wait in the car.

What is it about discount time at the supermarket that turns so many of us into greedy, selfish, rude bullies? For all I knew, the person fighting me for that steak could have been a struggling pensioner.

For I am not poor  not by a long way. Ive worked, and saved, hard. The coat I was wearing as I scrabbled on the shop floor cost more than some people pay in monthly rent in London, and I live in a house  now, mortgage free  worth close to 1 million.

The car outside, in which my daughter was cowering in shame, is brand new. But there is just something about that magic hour that brings out the worst in me.

Kathryn Ebdon, 47, a business consultant, who lives in Paddock Wood, Kent, with husband Dave, 47, an accountant, admits theyre not short of cash, but still sniff out bargains each week

And plenty of others too, it seems. Video footage released last week showed supermarket shoppers elbowing rivals out of the way in a desperate effort to get their hands on cut-price food, at Tesco in New Malden, South-West London.

Customers were seen throwing pineapples, beans and eggs into their baskets and overturning the green vegetable containers. One man then looked at the camera and gave a thumbs-up sign as he balanced his pile of food.

A Tesco employee even injured his ankle after getting caught up in the scrum. The clip gave a shocking insight into the lengths to which some people will go to pick up bargains.

None of the people in the clip, I should stress, looked undernourished or badly dressed. But then, many see no shame in it. Well-paid professionals say harnessing bargain hour means they can fund an enviable lifestyle.

People such as Kathryn Ebdon, 47, a business consultant, who lives in Paddock Wood, Kent, with husband Dave, 47, an accountant. They too admit theyre not short of cash, but still sniff out bargains each week. The savings all add up and mean we dont have to worry about getting into debt, says Kathryn. Were in the process of putting a 100,000 extension on our period cottage and didnt have to borrow a penny.

Buying food with yellow stickers means we can eat well and feed our dog and two cats for just 50 a week, without having to give up on lifes little luxuries.

Ross Macdougall, 32, an audio visual technician from Edinburgh, and his wife Laura-Anne, 30, who works in retail, say yellow sticker shopping has enabled them to get their foot on the property ladder, and start a family (they have a son, Lewis, whos three) ahead of some of their peers.

Ross Macdougall, 32, an audio visual technician from Edinburgh, and his wife Laura-Anne, 30, who works in retail, say yellow sticker shopping has enabled them to get their foot on the property ladder, and start a family (they have a son, Lewis, pictured whos three)

They even turn it into a family outing. Last Saturday night at 9pm, my wife and I headed to our local Tesco in search of yellow sticker discounts. And we werent disappointed  picking up 37 worth of groceries for just 3.70.

Thankfully, on this particular night, things didnt turn nasty. Ive witnessed some terrible pushing and shoving in the past. Its unbelievable, says Ross.

Dr Dimitri Tsivrikos, consumer psychologist at University College London, explains we simply cannot help ourselves: What is happening here is evolutionary psychology. We are all competing for resources, regardless of how rich we are, or how much we need the food in question. We are, basically, hunters, and in a competitive environment all dignity and manners are lost.

I saw it myself last week in Waitrose, in a very nice area of North London, well-dressed ladies elbowing each other out of the way to get to a yoghurt promotion. It was very funny.

What you have to remember here is that the prize is secondary, this is all about the winning. Supermarkets capitalise on this instinct. You may notice at discount time the music may be louder, to confuse and excite us. Also, the aisles may be busier, all of which will tell us that there isnt much time and that we need to hurry, making us impatient and aggressive.

Kelly Eroglu, 41, an air stewardess who lives near Newport, Wales, with partner, Stewart, 41, and children Emma, 14, and Arin, 11, agrees. Although an bargain hunter herself  she spends no more than 35 on a weeks groceries  she is often taken aback by behaviour in the aisles.

Kelly Eroglu, 41, an air stewardess who lives near Newport, Wales, with partner, Stewart, 41, (pictured with their children Emma, 14, and Arin, 11) says although she is a bargain hunter she is taken aback by behaviour in the aisles

I saw one family of five surround the store assistant with the reduction sticker gun, so no one else could get near, then put everything she marked down into their baskets, she says.

Another time a woman used her trolley as a blockade to keep everyone else away from the reduced section, while she emptied the shelves. But the minute she took her hands off the trolley a chap grabbed it and wheeled it to the next aisle where other shoppers grabbed all her cut-price food for themselves.

Kelly, who shops for discounted food two or three times a week, says the best time to find high-end bargains is in the last wave of reductions, which usually start at around 5pm. I go to Waitrose or M&S. I put everything in the freezer. Last year, I saved 80 on birthday cakes alone.

Kelly pictured with her bargain buys

However, its not just hard-pressed parents who have the sharpest elbows. Kevin Buxton, 46, an actor from Barkway, Hertfordshire and a single dad to Alex, 15, says some of the worst behaviour is from pensioners.

They seem to think they have a divine right to this food, standing in front of the shelves, blocking anyone else from getting near. Then the pushing and shoving starts. They will throw it all into their trolley and walk away.

They then take a closer look as they walk around the store and decide what to keep. Sadly, what they dont want is left scattered around the store, where it spoils, which is incredibly wasteful.

Due to the erratic nature of his work, Kevin says 90 per cent of his groceries are discounted. I can be paid 35,000 for one commercial but I might not earn anything else for the rest of the year, so I have to eke my money out. I do get disparaging glances when people see that everything in my basket has a yellow sticker, but its just snobbery.

The ladies on the tills, however, are very used to me. If they saw me buying food at full price theyd think Id won the Lottery.

Heather Phillips, 78, who lives in Dartford, Kent, with husband Frank, 83, is unabashed by her bargain hunting. She says: We plan our meals according to whats on discount. If I see the staff coming around with the price clicker, I hover close by to see what I fancy. We dont like cheap food, we like good food for a good price  and dont see the point of paying more than we need to.

The result of their thriftiness? Annual Mediterranean cruises and membership of a David Lloyd gym, which costs 700 a year. Being thrifty with our groceries means we enjoy some of lifes other luxuries, says Heather.

Well worth a scramble in the supermarket, surely?

Interviews: Helen Carroll
When Micah June, seven, found out about a competition to dance on stage with her idol Justin Bieber she thought 'that should be me'.

The superstar asked children of all ages to learn the steps to his songs Purpose and Children and post a video link to Youtube.

Six kids would then be chosen to dance alongside Justin when he arrived in Sydney on Wednesday.

Scroll down for video

Micah June, 7, at Justin Bieber's concert on Wednesday night at Sydney's ANZ stadium

The competition had been going for almost a year but young Micah hadn't heard about it.

When she eventually did just one week before the concert, she frantically scrambled to learn the moves.

Micah's mother Anna Jacques spoke to Daily Mail Australia about her daughter's incredible opportunity.

Micah has been dancing 'forever' says her mother Anna, who owns a dance studio her daughter dances at

Power pose: The little star took to the stage dancing behind her idol Justin to songs like Purpose and Children

'Our family owns a dance studio so she's been dancing forever. There isn't a day that goes by that she's not singing and dancing.

'We were actually away on holidays when we found out about it so we only entered a day or so before the competition ended.

They uploaded the video of Micah introducing herself and answering questions about why she'd like to be chosen on Wednesday night. But the next day the seven-year-old was worried about her chances.

'Mummy I might not even get it, she'd say to me. I just told her to be positive,' said Ms Jacques.

By Sunday the family received a message to say she'd won.

'We couldn't believe it was real. It was such a last minute thing. She was screaming when we got the news.

'She went to a rehearsal with Justin's back up dancers and they rehearsed with the other five kids who had won. She was the youngest though,' said Micah's mum.

The Parramatta school girl was the youngest child dancing on the stage that night

On Wednesday night Micah took to the stage full of energy with mum Anna watching on in the crowd. Unfortunately Ms Jacques almost didn't get her performance on tape.

'I filmed everything right up until the point when Justin hugged all the kids. And then I looked at my phone and realised I hadn't even pressed record. Some of the other mums sent me through their video though!' said Ms Jacques.

The Parramatta school girl, who is 'a bit of a perfectionist', was just worried about coming on the stage in time. But her once-in-a-lifetime performance went off without a hitch.
Louise Kenny, 58, has been modelling for 40 years.

She's landed lucrative international jobs for L'Oreal and worked both on and off the runway, most recently at Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival this week.

In that time she's picked up a few handy tips and tricks to combat the signs of ageing and 'to stop yourself from completely drying out'.

'I would definitely say yoga has helped, not just in getting older, but it has completely changed my whole physiology,' Ms Kenny told Daily Mail Australia.

'I would definitely say yoga has helped, not just in getting older, but it has completely changed my whole physiology'

Lou Kenny, 58, walking the catwalk at the Melbourne Fashion Festival 2017 says yoga and oils are the key to looking youthful

'Sure it's great to be able to hit the mat every day or once a week but if that's not possible you can even do yoga walking down the street.'

Ms Kenny, who is represented by Giant Management, said making a conscious effort to time your breathing as you walk and keeping your head up works wonders for your posture.

'Nowadays everyone is looking down at their phones and it just completely tenses your body. In order to release you need to crane your neck and walk tall.'

Ms Kenny said making a conscious effort to time your breathing as you walk and keeping your head up works wonders for your posture

Standing out from the crowd: Ms Kenny has been modelling for 40 years now

Working with professional makeup artists and hair stylists for almost half a century has certainly rubbed off on the 58-year-old.

She recommends putting shampoo into your hair before it's wet and then rinsing it out in the shower.

'Oh absolutely. Shampoo before you get into the shower, massage it in, and then rinse. Then do your shampoo and conditioner as normal,' Ms Kenny said.

She also does olive and coconut oil treatments for her greying hair to 'lock the moisture in'

She also does olive and coconut oil treatments for her greying hair to 'lock the moisture in'. Ms Kenny said she might leave it in for a few hours if she's in a rush but otherwise she'll just have it in for days.

'You can put oils on your face as well. Obviously I don't leave the house with it in but if I'm just hanging around it's a good way to stay hydrated.'

The 58-year-old began as a fit model for Jantzen swimwear back in the 70s before being scouted on the streets and appearing in L'Oreal advertisements at 20.

The 58-year-old began as a fit model for Jantzen swimwear back in the 70s before being scouted on the streets and appearing in L'Oreal advertisements at 20

'Lou' as she is known in the industry is a qualified yoga teacher and regularly practices on the peace near her house at Ocean Grove

She's now represented by top agency's in Paris, London and Zurich.

Ms Kenny said that the state of the modelling industry actually hasn't changed so much over the years but now 'street' people are being cast.

'Brands will pick a person off the street instead of choosing someone from a modelling agency and they'll appear in one campaign.

'They'll say to the traditional models "You need to look fabulous but you also need to be relatable" which is a tall order. You have to be everything all at once,' she said.

The focus on weight in the industry is enough to make Ms Kenny 'really angry' as she says lots of other occupations require a weight limit

As for the focus on weight in the industry, Ms Kenny said it 'makes her angry'.

'Jockeys need to be a certain weight to compete. So do boxers. So why is there so much focus on models? Of course they have to be a certain weight or have certain measurements. It's just another competition.'

In between modelling shows and overseas trips Ms Kenny is a practicing yoga teacher in Ocean Grove, Victoria.

'Ageing definitely isn't enjoyable. But stretching makes it easier,' she said.
She's been making headlines as the first-ever transgender contestant to appear on Britain's Next Top Model - and appearing on the show hasn't just boosted Talulah-Eve Brown's career prospects.

The 22-year-old, from Burton-Upon-Trent, says that not only has appearing on the show boosted her confidence but it's helped her family come to terms with her sex change.

Speaking to Fearne Cotton on Lorraine, the beauty queen, who will compete against 11 other girls for a coveted contract with Models 1, said: 'Doing it so publicly has really helped my family accept me because they're seeing the support from people. My grandma thinks I'm crazy to be honest.'

Talulah-Eve Brown is one of the 12 contestants in Britain's Next Top Model 2017 - she is the first transgender contestant

She spoke candidly on Lorraine about her decision to go on the show and said it has helped her family to accept her

And whilst she says that putting her on the show was a 'big thing', she explained that the judges treated her just like all the other girls.

Speaking about her decision to join the show, she said: 'I'm Miss Transgender Birmingham; it was a warm up for me. I thought if I can handle being in a pageant with 100 b***** trans people, I can do Britain's Next Top Model.

'It wasn't an easy ride, it was an eye opener doing the pageant.'

The model also spoke candidly about her 'difficult' teenage years as she came to terms with her sexuality.'

Whilst she says that putting her on the show was a 'big thing', she explained that the judges treated her just like all the other girls

Born Aaron, right, Talulah-Eve, from Burton-Upon-Trent, Staffordshire, came out as gay at 13 before being diagnosed with gender dysmorphia in her teens and later decided to undergo gender reassignment surgery, left

Her comments followed an awkward slip-up when Fearne introduced Talulah-Eve as the modelling contest's first 'transgester' rather than 'transgender.' Viewers took to Twitter to dub her mistake 'the slip up of the year'

She explained: 'Growing up it was difficult for me. I didn't really understand what I was, there was no education about it - not even being gay, let alone trans.

'I read a story about Nadia from Big Brother and I realised - this is me.'

She went on to explain that she felt as though people at school wouldn't understand so she thought it would be easier to come out as gay.

'As I got older, I thought: "This is me" and I came out as a woman.'

Her comments followed an awkward slip-up when Fearne introduced Talulah-Eve as the modelling contest's first 'transgester' rather than 'transgender.'

Viewers took to Twitter to dub her mistake 'the slip up of the year'.

Speaking to MailOnline about the stumble, Talulah-Eve said: 'I found it funny! It's only one letter out. Don't see why people have gotten upset about it! I felt bad for Fearne, she was so apologetic afterwards.

Talulah-Eve took to Instagram to say: 'I never thought a girl like me would find a place on a show like this and compete against such beautiful girls'

The 22-year-old, third from left, says that not only has appearing on the show boosted her confidence but it's helped her family come to terms with her sex change

Speaking to Fearne Cotton on Lorraine, the beauty queen said: 'Doing it so publicly has really helped my family accept me because they're seeing the support from people'

Born Aaron, Talulah-Eve, from Burton-Upon-Trent, Staffordshire, came out as gay at 13 before being diagnosed with gender dysmorphia in her teens and later decided to undergo gender reassignment surgery.

Inspired by public figures like Caitlyn Jenner and Big Brother winner Nadia Almada, Talulah-Eve, who grew up playing with Barbies, started hormone treatment in 2015 to widen her hips and soften her voice.

She later paid 800 to freeze her sperm so that she could have babies once her transition was complete.

Calling herself a 'strong, independent woman', Talulah-Eve said she was prepared to one day raise a child on her own just like her own mother had done.

But her transition has been fraught with difficulties, with Talulah-Eve, who holds a black belt in karate, once admitting to receiving 'daily' death threats and being 'fetishized' by men.

Talulah-Eve came out as gay at 13 before being diagnosed with gender dysmorphia in her teens and later decided to undergo gender reassignment surgery

Inspired by public figures like Caitlyn Jenner and Big Brother winner Nadia Almada Talulah-Eve, who grew up playing with Barbies, started her hormone treatment in 2015

Talulah Eve's transition has been fraught with difficulties, admitting to receiving 'daily' death threats and being 'fetishised' by men

The 5ft 8in model and blogger, who competed in the UK's first transgender beauty pageant, first revealed her plans to crack the modelling industry and become a role model for young girls in 2015.

A self-styled trans activist, Talulah-Eve, who has never been in a relationship, has spoken out on discrimination including one 'disgusting' incident when she was thrown out of a bar for using the ladies' toilets in 2016.

'The trans community is where the gay community was 10 to 15 years ago  we need to be celebrated not tolerated and this pageant is a massive step forward,' she said in an interview with the Burton Mail.

The 5ft 8in model and blogger, who competed in the UK's first transgender beauty pageant, first revealed her plans to crack the modelling industry in 2015

Talulah-Eve added: 'I understand people may not be sure but it is only because being transgender is considered a taboo but I want to break that and be a role model which can empower people who may feel trapped.

'People are talking openly about transgender issues now and hopefully some of the stigma attached to trans people will fade.'

It is perhaps for this reason that appearing on BNTM holds such a special significance for Talulah-Eve, who yesterday took to Instagram to say: 'I never thought a girl like me would find a place on a show like this and compete against such beautiful girls.

'But I guess all you have to do is believe! Life isn't about finding a label that fits you best. Life is about finding you! And it's that journey that is incredible. Appreciate the bad just as much as the good!'
A woman 'obsessed' with giraffes has given up on her dream of stretching her neck after spending years wearing a stack of heavy metal rings.

Sydney Smith, 30, from Los Angeles, California, who calls herself 'the giraffe woman', wanted to be known around the world for her long neck.

Inspired by t he Kayan people in South East Asia, who are known for stretching their necks with brass coils, Sydney had her own set of rings custom made and spent five years slowly adding more in an attempt to push down her collarbone.

At its heaviest, the stack was made up of 15 rings and weighed an incredible 5lbs.

Wild: Sydney Smith, 30, dreamed of becoming known around the world for her long neck after being inspired by giraffes and the Kayan people of South East Asia, who wear heavy brass coils

Inspiration: Sydney Smith styled herself as the 'giraffe woman' after her favourite animal

Painful: Sydney grew tired of having to wear the metal rings, which eventually weighed 5lbs

But Sydney has now given up on her quest, admitting her life had become ruled by the rings.

She said: 'I couldn't function properly as a long neck woman with fifteen rings around my neck in the United States of America.

'Unless you are willing to completely isolate yourself and you're a trust fund baby and don't ever need to leave the house, don't ever need to drive, then maybe you can pull it off.

'I spent five years of my life with rings around my neck and I just became very introverted and isolated and felt like the rings were taking over my life in every way.

'It was always about the rings, it wasn't about Sydney anymore. I tried sticking my neck out to make it work but logic kicked in after a while.'

Sacrifice: Sydney, pictured with the rings, found her unusual quest was taking over her life

Agony: The coils left Sydney with severe bruising and made her neck feel 'very weak'

Sydney still considers herself the 'Giraffe Woman,' although these days her neck is in physical therapy a couple of times a week to ease the stiffness caused by the weight of the rings.

When Sydney took the necklace off, she had severe bruising around her collarbone and said her 'neck felt very weak, kind of like arms on a toothpick.'

Her recovery is moving along faster than doctors predicted and Sydney doesn't regret her attempts to lengthen her neck.

Transformation: Sydney said she felt her neck did stretch with the coils but has now shrunk

'People have this misconception that they think that your neck is going to look super long when you remove the rings,' she said.

'It goes back to normal. I do feel my neck is longer than when I started but I feel like it has shrunk since I took them off.

'I really enjoyed the feeling of the rings around my neck. I miss the sensation of the weight on the collarbones, which was in a weird way very comforting.'
His brother's commitment to duty is currently under scrutiny after it emerged that he went partying in the Swiss Alps instead of attending the Commonwealth Day service.

But Harry has been playing the part of a model royal this week, attending the service his brother missed and planting trees with local school children in Epping Forest yesterday.

This morning he arrived at the Veterans' Mental Health Conference at Kings College London to lead a panel discussion on getting support for mental health issues.

Prince Harry arrives to attend the Veterans' Mental Health Conference at the King's Building in the Quad, King's College London

Harry shares a joke with US veteran Ivan Castro who will run the Boston and London Marathons for the Heads Together Campaign

Not a good speech Harry? Cooper, an Assistance Dog of Philip Eaglesham, yawns as the Prince leads a panel discussion

The royal looked smart in a grey suit jacket, something of a new look for the Prince who usually favours a dark navy.

Prince Harry is attending as part of the Heads Together campaign to change the conversation on mental health which he leads with The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

During the event he chatted with Major Ivan Castro lost sight in both eyes serving in Iraq, which has affected both his physical and mental health

'Today we are fortunate to be joined by extraordinary people who have all faced mental health challenges,' he told guests.

Prince Harry gives Heads Together head bands to US veteran Ivan Castro, centre, and UK veteran Karl Hinett, left, ahead of their marathon challenges

The Prince looked smart in a grey suit jacket, a departure from his usual dark navy

Prince Harry helps former member of the US Armed Forces Ivan Castro as they arrive on stage at King's College in London

The Prince, who is currently dating US actress Meghan Markle was previously known as the party animal of the family.

The royal family were left red-faced when photos of him emerged playing naked billiards in a Vegas hotel room in August 2012.

But now an embarrassing series of videos, shows a 'worse for wear' 34-year-old Prince William letting loose with some 'dad dancing' while partying with friends at Farinet nightclub in Switzerland.

Harry is greeted by Dr Paul Knapman as he arrives at King's College in London

This morning's engagement is Harry's third of the week after joining the royals on Commonwealth Day on Monday and planting trees with school children on Wednesday

The second in line to the throne is then seen gyrating as a blonde woman - believed to be Australian model Sophie Taylor who he was seen high-fiving on the side of the slopes on the weekend - 'slut drops' in front of him.

The father-of-two - who left Kate and his two children behind to enjoy the 'lads'' trip - then playfully steals her pink cowboy hat and puts it on his head, before continuing to dance.

In further footage, while dancing to Pharrell Williams's Happy, he also appears to put his hand on a woman's waist, before leaning in to talk to her.

The Prince will lead a panel discussion with three veterans on the benefits of having open conversations and getting the right support for a range of mental health issues

The future king also shared an emotional hug with the club DJ after going into his private booth while was on the decks.

Since the start of the year, William has carried out royal duties on 13 days, according to listings in the Court Circular.

Meanwhile, today marks his brother's 19th working day of the year.




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Racegoers put their best foot forward on Ladies Day at Cheltenham on Wednesday, but today fashionable racing fans were equally eager to impress.

Led by TV presenter Carol Vorderman, the style set were out in force, with the former Countdown host ensuring all eyes were on her in a black dress that showed off her curvy figure to full effect.

She started the day with an elaborate and eye-catching feathered hat, but later opted for a flat cap as she embraced the horse racing look.

Carol Vorderman showed off her hourglass curves in a figure hugging black dress as she joined racing fans at Cheltenham

Friends were kicking off the party earlier as they treated themselves to mini bottle of wine and champagne at the Cheltenham festival in Gloucestershire

After yesterday's ladies day, it was a more casual affair for many on St Patrick's Thursday

Lady in red! This stylish attendee went for top to toe crimson, including Louis Vuitton monogrammed boots (left) while a fellow racing fan kept it simple in a cosy furry coat and lace up boots (right)

A feast of hats festooned with feathers and blooms were on show as racegoers arrived for St Patrick's Thursday, celebrating in advance of the feast of the Irish patron saint tomorrow.

Some high spirited friends were seen kicking off the party earlier with mini bottles of champagne and rose.

But overall there was a more relaxed feel to the day with many arriving in smart casual outfits as they prepared to hit the race course.

Meanwhile, the Jockey Club is hoping for a rather sedate affair after organisers introduced restrictions on purchasing alcohol.

Bated breath: One racegoer in a striking hat could hardly contain her excitement as she willed her horse across the finish line

Celebrating a winner? Zara Tindall (second Left), Dolly Maude and Mike Tindall show off their excitement while posing for a photo

Owners of Tobefair watching the Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle, although it was too much for one to handle

The emotion was getting too much for one woman who watched the action with gritted teeth (left) but she started cheering when events on the track took a positive turn (right)

Emotions were naturally running high as people cheered their favourite horses on to victory

Golfer Lee Westwood with his girlfriend Helen Storey who opted for a dramatic fur hat (left) and cyclist turned jockey Victoria Pendleton (right) who wore her trilby style fascinator at a januty angle (right)

Carol Vorderman sensibly changed out of her heels into flat boots as she walked the course to watch the second rave from the final fence

Jonjo O'Neill, one the most successful racehorse trainers in the UK and Ireland, with his glamorous wife Jacqui

Lee Westwood and girlfriend Helen Storey watch their horse Yorkhill ridden by Ruby Walsh win in the JLT Novices Steeple Chase

Racegoers are allowed to buy only four pints at a time and hospitality bars will close early in a bid to crack down on the drunken displays of previous years.

This year's festival has had a host of royal visitors with Zara Tindall joining the crowds on the first two days and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, yesterday.

Today, Princess Anne represented the royal family, looking the part in a green tweed midi coat and a gold horse racing brooch.

It's a winner! A group of friends couldn't contain their excitement as they celebrated their horse's success

That's the way to celebrate! A spectator enjoyed a cigar during a victorious moment on Thursday afternoon

Not everyone got lucky! There were some downcast faces during the first race at Cheltenham today

Former footballer turned Sky Sports pundit Chris Kamara looked to be having a great time as he enjoyed his day at the races

Former Loose Women star Carol later swapped her feathered headpiece for a more down-to-earth flat cap

TV presenter Carol Vorderman was seen greeting writer Jilly Cooper with a friendly hug as they ran into each other at the festival

Racegoers enjoy a drink during St Patrick's Thursday of the 2017 Cheltenham Festival

Feathered cocktail hats have dominated this year's festival (left) while one woman gave a nod to St Patrick with her green fascinator (right)

Getting into the spirit! A female racegoer looks excited as she reads the race card ahead of a day of sporting action

Zara made it along three days in a row, but was seen celebrating with friends and her husband Mike Tindall, while her mother watched the action from the VIP area.

Later today, two of Cheltenham's greatest heroes, Arkle and Dawn Run, will play their part in celebrating St Patrick's Day.

Horse Racing Ireland is lighting the statues of the two famous horses, both bred and trained in Ireland, green on Thursday evening at 6.30pm, which is the eve of St Patrick's Day.

Princess Anne was certainly dressed for the event, sporting a gold horse racing brooch on her scarf

A keen equestrian, Princess Anne was no doubt looking forward to the day of racing ahead

Princess Anne looked completely relaxed and at ease as she took in the sporting action with Andrew Parker Bowles

50 shades of grey! Both these ladies opted for an understated colour scheme with a touch of fur

The statues, which are situated on the crescent walkway above Cheltenham's parade ring, will remain lit during the Tattersalls sale in the parade ring after racing today.

Tomorrows Gold Cup will spark a 20 million betting bonanza across the industry in the UK and Ireland on the final day of the Cheltenham Festival.

Apart from the Grand National, the Gold Cup is the biggest betting race of the entire year.

Ladies day was on Wednesday but stylist racegoers were still determined to show off their best headgear

A group of friends looked excited about the day ahead as they headed into the grounds

Fedora hats and fur were the order of the day for stylish sporting fans at today's Cheltenham festival

Well it is St Patrick's Thursday! A group of friends donned shamrock glasses and green ties to celebrate Ireland's patron saint

A bunch of friends were in high spirits as they smiled and cheered while posing for a huge group shot

Feeling chilly? There may be a nip in the air but plenty of racegoers bravely went bare-legged in mini skirts

Luck of the Irish! One woman was determined to celebrate in style by wearing a leprechaun t-shirt, Guinness hat and shamrock sunglasses

A young racing fan was definitely in the spirit of St Patrick's Thursday as he gave the camera a big thumbs up (left) while another woman was unmistakably celebrating Irish roots (right)

Even the youngest of racing supporters were getting in to the spirit of the day at Cheltenham

No mistaking the fact it was St Patrick's Thursday as racegoers donned shamrock accessories such as tiaras and glasses
Over the course of her reign, the Queen has had the privilege of exploring the world's finest museums.

But her visit to the National Army Museum in London today held a special personal significance.

For during her tour the Queen, who turns 91 next month, came face-to-face with the Army uniform she wore as a young princess during the Second World War.

Reflection: The Queen stops to inspect the uniform that belonged to her as Honorary Brigadier in the Women's Royal Army Corps, at the National Army Museum in London today

Military duty: The Queen, then Princess Elizabeth, is photographed in uniform as she undergoes training as Second Subaltern in the Womens Auxiliary Territorial Service in 1943

The monarch looked deep in thought as she stole a private moment to inspect the green jacket, skirt and hat, which were hung on a mannequin in a glass display case.

She wore the uniform while carrying out her duties as an Honourary Brigadier in the Women's Royal Army Corps from 1949 to 1953.

PRINCESS ELIZABETH AND THE ARMY Princess Elizabeth was just 18 when she joined the Women's Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) in February 1945. When the Women's Royal Army Corps (WRAC) was founded in 1949 as a successor to the ATS, she became an Honorary Senior Controller and later Honorary Brigadier. She resigned these appointments on becoming Queen in 1953. Advertisement

She resigned the appointment on becoming Queen in 1953.

The wool barathea tunic made by Saville Row tailors Sandon & Co. is adorned with The Queens own medal ribbons including Royal Order of Victoria and Albert; King George V Silver Jubilee Medal 1935; King George VI Coronation Medal 1937 and the British War Medal 1939-1945.

The museum acquired the uniform in 1993, following the disbandment of the WRAC in 1992.

The Queen was joined by Prince Philip as she reopened the museum today following a three-year multi-million pound redevelopment.

In bloom: The Queen smiles as she is presented with a posy of flowers by a young girl at the opening of the National Army Museum in London today

Affectionate: The Queen and Prince Philip were greeted outside the museum by Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, who kissed his cousin on the cheek

Elegant: The monarch donned a powder blue tweed coat and matching hat for the occasion

Young fans: Dressed in matching pink outfits, the little girls looked excited to meet the Queen

They were met at the entrance by their youngest son, Prince Edward, who greeted his mother with an affectionate kiss on the cheek.

Making the most of the spring weather, the Queen donned a light-weight powder blue tweed coat and matching hat for the occasion.

She accessorised the outfit with a pearl necklace and earrings, and wore a black leather handbag on her arm.

Official reopening: The Queen and Prince Philip leave the Army Museum in London today

Beaming: The monarch looked in excellent spirits as she met with staff and volunteers

Gracious: The Queen waves from her car as she leaves the National Army Museum today

The royal couple met donors in the museum cafe before speaking to staff and volunteers outside. The Queen also unveiled a plaque to mark her visit.

The museum was founded in 1960 by Royal Charter and established to collect, preserve and exhibit objects and records relating to the land forces of the British Crown.

Now it has been transformed into five bright thematic galleries - soldier, army, battle, society and insight - that provide a space to explore and discuss the British Army and its relevance to society from fashion and films to flood defences and conflict.

Family visit: The Queen and Prince Philip looked excited to see Prince Edward, Duke of Kent at the museum

Collections: The Queen was given a tour of the museum by assistant director Ian Maine
A blogger has come up with a creative way of shaming her Instagram haters - by printing their negative comments onto toilet roll.

Chiara Nasti, a 19-year-old fashion blogger from Italy, had the comments printed onto toilet roll and posted a snap of her effort with the caption: 'Clean yourself with decency.'

The social media star, who has 1.3m followers, accompanied the caption with an emoji and the hashtag #forhaters.

Chiara Nasti, a 19-year-old fashion blogger from Italy, had nasty social media comments printed onto toilet roll with the caption: 'Clean yourself with decency'

The blogger, who has over a million followers, shamed her Instagram haters - by printing their negative comments onto toilet roll

Some of the comments included one saying: 'Am I the only one who thinks every photo of Chiara Nasti is vulgar? Even wearing high fashion clothes, she has no elegance.'

Other comments on the blogger's pictures, which often see her posing in skimpy clothes on exotic holidays, included one dubbing her an 'ignorant cretin' and another hailing her dress sense 's***'.

One of the comments read: 'Am I the only one who thinks every photo of Chiara Nasti is vulgar? Even wearing high fashion clothes, she has no elegance'

Other trolls dubbed her an 'ignorant cretin' and hailed her dress sense 's***'

Nasti, who has over one million followers on her Instagram account @nastilove, shared a photo on her social media networks, saying 'Clean yourself with decency'

The social star describes herself as 'a very determined Italian girl living a dream, hoping it will never end'

Chiara, who has a boyfriend, models for plenty of Italian high fashion brands. Describing herself in her bio on her website, she writes: 'A few words about myself?

'Well, I'm a very determined Italian girl! I'm living a dream, hoping it will never end.'

Chiara's takedown of her haters comes after the Italian government passed a 'cyber-bullying law' in September.

Laura Boldrini, the President of Italy's Chamber of Deputies, penned an open letter to Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Facebook, asking him to take action on social media hatred after several suicides in Italy as a direct result of online bullying.

She often flaunts her trim figure on social media in her gym kit
She may be royalty, but that doesn't rule out understated dressing for Queen Letizia.

The Spanish monarch gave a lesson in pared back chic today as she received audiences at Zarzuela Palace wearing a simple, slim-fitting trouser suit and stiletto heels.

Letizia wore no necklace, just a pair of drop earrings, and her hair was loose as she received audiences at the palace in Madrid.

The always elegant Queen Letizia opted for a pared back trouser suit with a simple, round necked jumper worn underneath

Queen Letizia kept things simple and wore no necklace, just a pair of gold drop earrings

Letizia chose a plain jumper in a contrasting shade of blue to her suit, and kept her neckline free of adornment.

The Queen, 44, also kept her makeup suitably simple to greet guests at the palace today.

She mingled with members of ALMA, a group established to help tackle gender violence.

A pair of sharp black stilettos completed the Queen of Spain's sleek look at the palace

The brunette Queen, 44, received audiences at Zarzuela Palace in Madrid today

The stylish brunette, 44, is known for having fun with fashion, having showcased an edgier look just yesterday at another engagement in Madrid.

Letizia wore a vibrant red coat with eye-catching flared sleeves over black skinny jeans to attend the Honorary Ambassadors of the Spain Brand ceremony in the capital.

The mother-of-two completed her look with this season's beauty must have - a statement dark lip.

Yesterday Letizia wore an unsual red coat over black skinny trousers, and showed off a statement dark berry lipstick

Letizia shakes hands with a guest at the palace as others look on today in Madrid

Keeping it simple: The Queen wore her shoulder length hair loose over her shoulders
She's a hard working royal and mother-of-four, but Queen Mathilde certainly never fails to look polished.

Known for her love of co-ordination, the Belgian monarch, 44, didn't disappoint as she stepped out in Holsbeek to promote Week Of Care.

The blonde royal wore a tweedy moss green dress, which she cinched at the waist with a nude belt to accentuate her trim figure.

Known for her love of co-ordination, the Belgian monarch, 44, didn't disappoint as she stepped out in Holsbeek to promote Week Of Care in a green dress with neutral accessories

She kept her accessories neutral too, teaming her frock with suede pumps and a clutch as well as a beige shawl, which she later shrugged off.

The Week of Care initiative is held yearly to create public support for the care and welfare sector in Belgium.

The Queen visited De Switch and Centrum Molenmoes, both targeting minors and youths.

She was presented with a posy of flowers by a teenage boy and a book by a girl who then gave her a kiss on the cheek.

Queen Mathilde receives a kiss on the cheek after being presented with a book by a young girl as she celebrates Week Of Care

The royal arrived wearing a beige coloured shawl as she was presented with a posy of flowers

It's been a busy time for the royal who recently made a four-day trip to Laos, where she visited communities in her role as the honorary president of Unicef Belgium.

As well as meeting the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Minister for Female Affairs and the Vice President, she took time to visit Buddhist temples and schools.

She also travelled to villages to see how Unicef health outreach programmes are helping residents.

The mother-of-four meets with a young girl as she participates in the Week van de Zorg (Week of Care)
Many a joke has begun with a rabbi, a priest, and an atheist walking into a bar, but in a real-life scenario featuring the unlikely trio, there's no punchline  just lots of marijuana.

The two holy men and single non-believer agreed to smoke together in a new video for Cut.com, which captures them lighting up and discussing spirituality while high.

The trio gets along marvelously while discussing religion, the existence of god, and what scripture says about Mary  Jane, that is.

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Not a joke set-up: A rabbi, a priest, and an atheist smoke marijuana in a new video

The subjects: Rabbi Jim Mirel, Reverend Chris Schuller (an Episcopal Priest), and a self-identified atheist named Carlos Dillard star

Not the first time: The priest and rabbi say they haven't smoked in years, while Carlos smoked earlier that day

The clip appears to have been filmed in Washington State, where recreational marijuana is legal.

Rabbi Jim Mirel, Reverend Chris Schuller (an Episcopal Priest), and a man named Carlos Dillard  who characterizes himself as an atheist, but whose views in the video appear to be agnostic  sit down to smoke together.

Both the rabbi and priest admit they've tried marijuana before, though neither has smoke in years. Carlos, meanwhile, says the last time he smoked was about an hour earlier.

Before partaking, the priest adds that 'most people who identify as Christian are probably not to down on smoking marijuana', but 'notes that there's no biblical precedent' allowing or prohibiting it.

All OK: The video appears to have been filmed in Washington, where recreational use is legal

In the bible: Rabbi Mirel notes that some scholars believe the anointing oil in the Book of Exodus had hemp oil in it

Later, after smoking, Rabbi Mirel says that from his own biblical studies, he believes  as some other scholars do  that there are many instances of people being high in the bible.

'The anointing oil, as found in the Book of Exodus, had some qualities that would elevate the person, and there is a theory that one of those was oil from a hemp plant,' he says.

'Historically, many people who've had mystical experiences, I think it's very likely they were under the influence of some mind-altering substance.'

When they first begin to smoke, the group uses a bong  and Reverend Schuller requires some help from Carlos. After the first hit, they switch to joints. Carlos says with a smile: 'This is cool, I'm smokin' with some priests, and a rabbi. Check off my bucket list.'

Serious: At one point, Reverend Schuller blesses Carlos in honor of Ash Wednesday

Coming together: The rabbi also offers prayers to both Carlos and the priest

The conversation between the three men becomes retrospective, with Carlos explaining that he grew up 'really religious'. Though he no longer is, he adds that 'no one can deny that someone brilliant did this', indicating he is spiritual or agnostic, but not actually an atheist.

That's when the debate begins. When Reverend Schuller says all stories and religious boil down to the same things, Carlos chimes in to say 'there's no story', and that scientific discoveries have eliminated the need for religion.

'Religion... was pretty much astrology. It was a way of humans understanding,' he says, rattling off a list of questions that he things disprove the existence of a god.

Carlos and Rabbi Mirel then find common group, agreeing on belief that there is life on other planets.

No problems here: Everyone seems to believe that marijuana should be legal

Wise words: 'God made dirt, dirt don't hurt,' says Carlos. 'God made weed. Weed don't make you bleed'

When asked about the legality of weed, the men also seem to agree. Reverend Schuller said he would like to see marijuana laws similar to those governing alcohol, while Rabbi Mirel says if people have a positive experience with it, that's a good thing.

'God made dirt, dirt don't hurt,' says Carlos, to the laughs of the others. 'God made weed. Weed don't make you bleed.'

Toward the end of the clip, the priest notes that it Ash Wednesday, and Carlos allows him to put a cross of ash on his forehead. He then returns the favor.

The rabbi contributes his own blessings in Hebrew before the group takes a last hit apiece.
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An impressive Beauty and the Beast-themed wedding photo shoot has brought to life Disney's romantic 1991 classic, which is getting a reboot this weekend with the release of a live-action version starring Emma Watson.

The fairy tale-inspired affair included details that eagle-eyed fans will undoubtedly spot, such as a candelabra, a clock and a chipped teacup - nods to the enchanted characters Lumiere, Cogsworth and Chip, respectively.

Photographer Raelyn Martellino, who worked with planners from Baldwin Bridal And Events and Sylver Weddings And Events, even dyed her own used wedding dress to replicate Belle's famous yellow gown.

Is this real? An impressive Beauty and the Beast-themed wedding photo shoot has brought to life the 1991 Disney classic

Sense for detail: The shoot includes a candelabra and a clock, each mimicking animated characters Lumiere and Cogsworth

Clever: The organizers made sure the table assignments (left) were shaped like books, an homage to Belle's love of reading. Photohrapher Raelyn Martellino even dyed her own wedding dress (right) yellow for the photo shoot

Fairytale romance: Models KaitLynn Markley (right) and Fabian Lopez (left) stood in as Belle and her prince

The dress went from a classical white wedding frock to an ombre creation - a strapless, modern take on Belle's ball gown in the 26-year-old animated movie.

Although the tale was first told in France by author Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve - and is set in a French village - the photo session took place more than 5,000 miles away in Fallbrook, California, at Pala Mesa Resort.

Among the details are book-shaped table assignments - an homage to Belle's love of reading - and a red rose trapped beneath a bell jar, like the enchanted flower that times Beast's quest to find requited love.

The invitations, meanwhile, proclaim 'Be our guests' - just like the hit performed by American actor Jerry Orbach and English actress Angela Lansbury in the 1991 movie.

Though the shoot wasn't for an actual wedding and was planned out just for the pictures, plenty of engaged couples are apparently eager to style their own weddings after the classic tale.

'I already have brides asking me for inspiration,' Martellino told the Huffington Post. 'I even have one who is planning a big Beauty and the Beast adult birthday party. I'm pretty sure we'll be seeing all kinds of red roses, candelabras, tea cups, and clocks with arms this year. I'm hoping we'll even see some yellow dresses!'

Team work: Martellino worked with planners from Baldwin Bridal and Events and Sylver Weddings and Events for the session

Timely: The photo shoot comes just in time for the release of the live-action version of the tale starring Emma Watson

It's all in the details! The props include a chipped teacup, standing in for cute character Chip from the animated film

Theme: Bakers from Charly's Cakes crafted a wedding cake topped with a red rose, a key element of the movie's aesthetic

Location: Although the tale was first told in France by author Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve, the photo session took place more than 5,000 miles away in Fallbrook, California, at Pala Mesa Resort

Nod: The invitations proclaim 'Be our guests' - just like the hit performed by Jerry Orbach and Angela Lansbury

Transformation: Hair and makeup artist Domenica of Domenica Beauty prepped the models to resemble the iconic couple

Princess look: KaitLynn wore jewelry by Keep Collective as she transformed into Belle for the romantic photo shoot

Sensing a trend: Martellino said several brides had gotten in touch with her for some Beauty and the Beast inspiration
If you're looking for an alternative gift to flowers and chocolates this Mother's Day then M&S might have the answer.

The high street giant is broadening its usual offering with its first gift case of beer selected especially for women.

The store said it believed its Mother's Day Mixed Beer Case was a first for the UK high street, developed in response to increasing numbers of women enjoying the drink.

M&S has broadened its Mother's Day gift offering with a beer gidt set especially for women after noticing a huge spike in ladies enjoying lager

The 27 case is selling exclusively online and includes Cambridgeshire Golden Ale, Yorkshire Gold, Amarillo Golden Ale, Cornish Pale Ale, Cascade Pale Ale, Organic Scottish Heather Honey, Cornish Red Ale, Greenwich Black IPA, Cheshire Chocolate Porter, Citra IPA, Belgian Wheat Beer and Cornish IPA.

Latest figures from the Society of Independent Brewers show 24 per cent of women are drinking more beer than they did two or three years ago.

Kim Buckenauer, 26, a brewer at Cornwall-based St Austell Brewery, which is stocked in M&S stores, recommended that non-beer drinkers tried matching beer with food to 'completely change' its characteristics.

She said: 'A great example of this is how well beer works with chocolate. The sweetness from the cocoa pairs perfectly with the fruity bitterness from the hops.'

Latest figures from the Society of Independent Brewers show 24 per cent of women are drinking more beer than they did two or three years ago

Madeleine Lovett, M&S product developer for beer, said: 'I can't imagine a better Mother's Day gift than a beer case, so we've decided to introduce one for all the beer-loving mums out there.

'Beer is certainly booming in the UK, among a wider audience than ever before and with new styles and trends being introduced all the time.

'We hope our customers will enjoy treating their mums to some great beer this Mother's Day.'
A 23-year-old woman is turning into 'stone' due to a rare condition that makes bone form in her muscles.

Jasmin Floyd, from Connecticut, suffers with Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva - a rare muscle disorder which has only 800 recorded cases worldwide.

The painful disease causes her muscles, tendons and ligaments to become calcified, effectively creating a 'second skeleton' of rigid tissue.

Doctors first diagnosed her with the disorder aged five after she complained of agonising pains in her neck.

Survivor: Jasmin Floyd suffers from the rare condition Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva

'I was complaining of stiffness on the way to kindergarten, but my parents just thought it was how I slept and was nothing to worry about,' she said.

'At the end of the school day my neck seemed abnormally positioned and it looked stiffer than normal.'

Over time, it has caused her to lose mobility in her jaw, neck, shoulders, elbows and hips, while restricting her ability to eat and speak.

Sadly, the condition also means she is slowly being restricted to a wheelchair.

'The extra bone that has grown in my joints is causing severe limited mobility,' she added.

'They describe it as bone forming over the joints, locking them in and impairing movement.

Rigid: The painful disease causes her muscles, tendons and ligaments to become calcified, effectively creating a 'second skeleton' of rigid tissue

Immobile: Gradually, the condition will cause Miss Floyd to be permanently wheelchair-bound

Young patient: Doctors first diagnosed her with the disorder aged five after she complained of agonising pains in her neck

'My spine is severely affected with scoliosis and, due to FOP's progression, I've lost full mobility in my neck and jaw, plus partial mobility in my shoulders, elbows and hips.

One of the hardest parts is trying not to be afraid of this condition, it's so unpredictable that I can never expect what will happen next. Jasmin Floyd, 23, from Connecticut

'Last summer I went through an elbow flare-up and couldn't unbend it without easing it with an ice pack. At the same time, I was also losing mobility in my jaw, which made everything much more difficult.

'Right now I can only open my mouth by a centimetre and can't open it any further.'

But, undeterred by her problems, she's determined to fulfill her bucket list of traveling and experiencing new things before her condition fully immobilises her.

Miss Floyd said: 'I try to be as independent as I can, but I can only raise my arms to my forehead and they don't move away from my body.

Painful: The bones throughout Miss Floyd's spine are gradually duplicating inside her body

Still smiling! The brave woman is now planning to travel across the world while she still can

WHAT IS FOP? Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP) is one of the rarest, most disabling genetic conditions known to medicine. It causes bone to form in muscles, tendons, ligaments and other connective tissues. Ridges of extra bone develop across joints, progressively restricting movement and forming a second skeleton that imprisons the body in bone. There are no other known examples in medicine of one normal organ system turning into another. FOP eventually results in death when the cartilage holding the ribs together also solidifies, making it impossible to breathe. Patients eventually suffocate or suffer a cardiac arrest as their bodies attempt to get enough oxygen. Source: US National Library of Medicine Advertisement

'I have a hard time bending and can tell I'm losing the ability to move as easily.

'One of the hardest parts is trying not to be afraid of this condition, it's so unpredictable that I can never expect what will happen next.

'It's important to not be totally blindsided if something does happen, I try to figure out a way to adapt around things and figure out my new normal.'

To combat this, she has specially adapted tools to help her with everyday tasks. 'I have something that I'm able to use to turn the stove top on, since I can't reach to turn the knobs,' she added.

'I've been able to adapt to some things with tools, like I have an extended bent hairbrush that my dad made for me so that I can brush my hair independently.'

Miss Floyd is fundraising to purchase mobility aids that will enable her to travel easier as well as ease her daily life.

'It would make me feel way more independent and allow me to travel more. These aids will mean, I'll be able to keep up with people easier and not need to take breaks when I'm walking.

'I also will be able to plan more trips and do as much as I can while I'm able.'

To donate visit: www.gofundme.com/jasminfloyd
They say you are what you eat, but choosing the correct tipple can also have a beneficial effect on your health.

Especially, it seems, when it comes to drinking water that's rich in silicic acid.

Aluminium, heavily linked as a cause of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Multiple Sclerosis, is known to build-up in the body.

Here, in a piece for the Hippocratic Post, Professor Chris Exley explains how the harmful toxin can be flushed out by drinking certain water.

Hidden dangers? UK tap water has low levels of silicic acid which can help detox aluminium

I think everyone should drink silicon-rich mineral water every day to remove toxic aluminium from their bodies and brains.

Over the last 10 years, my team at Keele University has been looking into the effectiveness of drinking water high in silicon to help remove aluminium from the body.

Unfortunately, aluminium is found widely in our environment. We live in the aluminium age and our bodies accumulate it over time, especially in our brains.

What we have found in clinical trials, involving both healthy individuals and individuals with disease, is that drinking around a litre of silicon-rich mineral water every day can speed up the removal of toxic aluminium from the body via the kidneys and ultimately urine.

In fact, our studies showed that individuals experienced significant reductions in their body burden of aluminium, including falls of up to 70 per cent in one case, over a 12 week period.

Silicon-rich mineral waters help to remove aluminium from the body because they are actually rich in soluble silicon or silicic acid.

Pervasive: Aluminium is found in tea, cakes, bread, wine, cosmetics and drugs like aspirin

This form of silicon immediately follows water molecules through the gut wall and into the bloodstream where it forms a complex with aluminium called an hydroxyaluminosilicate.

BRITAIN'S WORST POISONING FROM ALUMINIUM SULPHATE Carole Cross, 59, died in 2004 from a rare and aggressive form of Alzheimers disease usually associated with much older people suffering from the condition. She had been living in the Camelford area of north Cornwall in July 1988 when the poisoning occurred. She was one of 20,000 customers affected when a relief lorry driver mistakenly added 20,000 tons of aluminium sulphate to the drinking water at the Lowermoor treatment works. Her husband, Dr Doug Cross, believes her exposure to high levels of aluminium during the incident caused her death and at her inquest a coroner ruled there was 'a very real possibility' this was the case. Advertisement

This form of aluminium can be easily filtered from the blood by the kidney. Hence, silicon-rich mineral waters increase the excretion of aluminium in the urine.

Our efforts now are focused on establishing without doubt that these reduced levels of aluminium can be directly related to improvement in patient symptoms and indeed in overall health.

In the case of Alzheimers, we recently found that drinking silicon-rich water over only 12 weeks produced significant improvements in cognitive function without any known or observed side effects.

This means that simply drinking silicon-rich water is a completely non-invasive way to remove aluminium from the body and something which can potentially benefit everyone including people with diseases such as Alzheimers disease.

Now, I am keen to encourage everyone to drink more silicon-rich mineral water in their daily lives.

There are already two brands of silicon-rich mineral water available in the UK including Fiji water and Volvic.

There are several others across Europe and the rest of the world. What you need to look for is a minimum concentration of 30 mg/L or 30 ppm written as silica on the label.

This feature originally appeared in the Hippocratic Post and is reproduced here with their permission.
Scientists have hailed a first-of-its-kind blood test for autism that could detect the disorder years earlier - with 98 percent accuracy.

The new method is the first to analyze metabolic biomarkers that come before behavioral changes.

'The method presented in this work is the only one of its kind that can classify an individual as being on the autism spectrum or as being neurotypical,' said lead author Professor Juergen Hahn, of New York's Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

'We are not aware of any other method, using any type of biomarker that can do this, much less with the degree of accuracy that we see in our work.'

Breakthrough? The new method designed by New York's Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is the first to analyze metabolic biomarkers that come before behavioral changes (file image)

Although ASD affects about 1.5 percent of all children, its exact cause remains unknown, and diagnosis requires many doctors specializing in a number of different disciplines.

Previous research has revealed certain differences in metabolic processes among autistic children. But researchers have struggled to translate these into new diagnostic tools.

Professor Hahn found clear evidence children with autism have altered levels of FOCM (folate-dependent one-carbon metabolism) and TS (transulfuration) - and that this could be detected in a blood test.

In the study, Professor Hahn and colleagues used blood sample data collected at Arkansas Children's Hospital from 83 three- to 10-year-olds with autism and 76 without the condition.

With the help of advanced modelling and statistical analysis tools, the metabolic data allowed the researchers to correctly classify 97.6 and 96.1 percent of the autistic and 'neurotypical' children, respectively.

The breakthrough could also lead to new treatments for the disorder by targeting chemicals the test measures.

Identifying youngsters with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) paves the way for parents and doctors to begin treatment earlier.

It can cause a wide range of symptoms from communicating with others to perceiving the world.

Professor Hahn said further research is required to confirm the findings.

The team is also hoping to study whether treatments could be used to alter the concentrations of FOCM and TS products and, if so, whether this could impact symptoms of autism spectrum disorder.

Autism has been linked to a number of potential causes, including genes and exposure in the womb to drugs such as sodium valproate, used to treat epilepsy.

But Chinese research suggests obesity may also be a factor. Obese women are nearly 50 per cent more likely to have a child with autism compared with normal weight mothers.

It affects social interaction, communication, interests and behaviour.

Professor Hahn said: 'The number of diagnosed cases of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has increased dramatically over the last four decades.

'However, there is still considerable debate regarding the underlying pathophysiology of ASD.'

He added: 'We emphasise these models are cross validated helping to ensure the results will generalise to new samples.

'The models developed herein have much stronger predictability than any existing approaches from the scientific literature.'
A drug blamed for fueling America's drug epidemic has been singled out by the United Nations as one of the most dangerous substances in the world.

Two ingredients used to the make the drug fentanyl were added to the United Nations's international list of controlled substances on Thursday.

Fentanyl, the drug responsible for the death of musician Prince last year, is a man-made opioid 100 times more powerful than morphine.

Roughly 20,000 US overdose deaths in 2015 involved heroin or synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, according to the CDC.

The UN says this move could help fight a wave of deaths by overdose.

A UN commission has placed two ingredients used to the make the opioid fentanyl on an international list of controlled substances. Fentanyl is 100 times more powerful than morphine

An annual meeting of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs voted to 'schedule' two fentanyl precursors and a fentanyl-like substance - meaning they would be added to an international control list.

Putting the chemicals on the control list ensures closer international monitoring of suspicious orders and transactions, which should make it harder for people aiming to produce fentanyl illegally to get hold of these chemicals.

'None of us lives under the illusion that this is a silver bullet to solving our opioid crisis,' a US State Department spokeswoman said in response to the decision.

THE EFFECTS OF FENTANYL Fentanyl is a man-made opioid that is very potent. While it is excellent for controlling serious pain, it comes with with huge abuse potential. It can be between 80 and 500 times stronger than morphine. Fentanyl is a drug that can be severely harmful, or even fatal, with death usually caused by respiratory failure. It can be taken as a patch, an oral or nasal spray, a lollipop (a lozenge with a stick handle), or via injection. The drug is often sold in place of high-grade heroin - referred to as 'China White' - or added to heroin to amplify the high. Short term effects: Reduced feelings of pain

Euphoria

Relaxtion Long-term effects: Increase your risk for anoxic injury (damage due to significantly decreased oxygen in the body tissues) and multiple organ system damage

Significantly increase your risk of overdose and death

Initiate or worsen pre-existing mental health conditions, including depression and/or frequently changing moods Advertisement

'But this vote will make it harder for the criminals that are illicitly producing fentanyl to access the necessary resources.

'It will require countries to regulate the production, sale, and export of the precursors to fentanyl, and to criminalize sale or trafficking outside of those regulations.'

Fentanyl is a potent, synthetic opioid - excellent for controlling serious pain, but also with huge abuse potential. It is can be between 80 and 500 times stronger than morphine.

It can be severely harmful, or even fatal, with death usually caused by respiratory failure.

The drug is often sold in place of high-grade heroin - referred to as 'China White' - or added to heroin to amplify the high.

Overtime, fentanyl can increase your risk for anoxic injury (damage due to significantly decreased oxygen in the body tissues) and multiple organ system damage.

It can also initiate or worsen pre-existing mental health conditions, including depression and/or frequently changing moods.

The UN Commission named the two precursors as ANPP and NPP. A fentanyl analog called butyrfentanyl, which is similar to fentanyl, was also added.

The State Department spokeswoman said they were the two leading chemicals used to illegally produce fentanyl in the US.

Both UN and US officials also emphasized that the decision was an example of effective action by the United Nations at a time when the Trump administration is aiming to slash funding for both the State Department and the United Nations.

'The US mission [to the UN in Vienna]...welcomes this decision as a concrete example of how international action can have a clear benefit for the United States, as we face a crisis taking a tremendous toll on American communities,' the State Department said in a statement
A CONSTANT HEART

edited by Emily Russell (Dovecote press, 20)

Yet another book of wartime recollections by a society hostess? As I opened this book with its painting of Maud Russell sitting up in her flouncy Thirties bed on the dustjacket, I guessed these might be rather shallow diaries jazzed up with a bit of Blitz excitement.

A quick flick through confirmed there was indeed a great deal of lunched with Sibyl [Colefax] and dined at the Savoy Grill with Duff and Diana [Cooper], and a rolling gallery of posh nicknames: Bim, Bongie, Crinks and Cardie.

Maud Russell shot by Cecil Beaton from the book: A Constant Heart by Emily Russell. Maxtone-Graham writes: 'As I opened this book with its painting of Maud Russell sitting up in her flouncy Thirties bed on the dustjacket, I guessed these might be rather shallow diaries jazzed up with a bit of Blitz excitement'

But how wrong first impressions can be! I became entranced by these diaries and was deeply moved. To read them is to live through World War II inside the mind and world of an amazingly observant and warm-hearted woman. That the author happens to be the chatelaine of a large country house (Mottisfont in Hampshire) run by a legion of servants, and that she dines at Claridges, the Ritz and the Savoy each week, makes them all the more fascinating.

She has her hair done, though the salon in Bond Street has been bombed so she has to be set in the shelter; she has a manicure; tries on some hats; buys a painting or two before lunch at Cecil Beatons; and worries herself sick about the state of the world.

Perhaps we should all be made to read a wartime diary every few years, to remind ourselves that those living through a war have no idea whether its going to end in victory or defeat, or how long it will last.

Diaries remind us of the reality of our existence, which is always without foreknowledge. We live Mauds shocks, hopes and moments of utter despair just as she did, as the bad news rolls in.

After Belgium falls in 1940, she somehow manages to sit through a long evening of Don Giovanni at Sadlers Wells, hoping against hope that France will not follow. But it does.

The next day, she notes a surprising new feeling in the air: How much better peoples spirits seem now that we stand alone and all depends on us.

Maud Russell was born in 1891, of German-Jewish naturalised British parents: her father came over from Berlin in the 1880s and made his fortune with a broking firm he formed in England.

She was brought up (as her granddaughter Emily Russell, skilled editor of these diaries, explains) in Cadogan Square and educated at Miss Wolffs school where Vita Sackville-West was her main rival for the annual composition prize.

A Constant Heart edited by Emily Russell (Dovecote press, 20)

She met her future husband Gilbert Russell, a banker 16 years her senior, at a dinner party, and they had two sons.

Although Maud had Jewish relatives in Germany to worry about for six news-less years (some of them did die in the Holocaust), in England an endless parade of smart friends flitted in and out of her life: the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, Harold Nicolson, Duff and Diana Cooper, artist Rex Whistler, Randolph Churchill, Stephen Spender, Somerset Maugham, Clive Bell, Osbert Sitwell, Cecil Beaton (who took a glamorous photograph of Maud for a Vogue article called How To Use Ones Coupons) and many others.

A running theme is Rex Whistler taking ages to finish his trompe loeil murals in the Big Room at Mottisfont. He scribbles on the wall: I was painting this ermine curtain when Britain declared war on the Nazi tyrants, Sunday Sept 3rd 1939.

The longing for peace, Maud wrote in August 1939, is like a religion. People who had clear memories of World War I, as she had, were the most fervent devotees. The thought of war once again fills me with horror and loathing. I remember the cliches, clap-trap, jokes, soldiers farewells and misery of the last war.

Friends would come for parties at Mottisfont; theyd go shooting on Saturday, lie on the grass on Sunday afternoon, do imitations of other famous people and read aloud to each other in the evenings.

Maud tells us who was in the house on the night of June 14, 1941: she and her husband, six house guests, her maid Adele, three housemaids, cook, three kitchen maids, a butler, two footmen, an odd-man, a negro refugee from Southampton, five evacuee children and eight officers. Another 14 assorted batmen and evacuees were in the stables.

In 1942, Gilbert dies of asthma. Maud describes powerfully her grief for her husband, and the way the gnawing pain of it doesnt go away.

Oddly enough, while Gilbert is alive she doesnt mention him much  hes just an easy-going, often-ill husband in the background, and they sleep in different rooms. But after he dies, Maud feels like half a person. Every small pleasure is diminished and flattened by his absence. She longs to hear the bell ring and find him at the door saying: Well, Im back.

Maud has intense friendships with two men after Gilberts death. One is Ian Fleming, 16 years her junior and working for Naval Intelligence.

Theres a shocking moment in a 1944 diary entry  she hears that Ians current girlfriend, Muriel Wright, has been killed by a V1 bomb. She was killed by debris flung up from a crater in the road coming through her roof and falling on her in bed. Most of the room was untouched.

Mauds granddaughter thinks she and Fleming probably had an affair before the war, the most telling bit of evidence being an envelope with a lock of black hair inside that she found among Mauds papers. On it, Maud had written: I.

In wartime, they meet often in London restaurants, and its thanks to I that Maud gets a job in the Admiralty: unpaid, six days a week, in the Naval Intelligence propaganda unit. Maud is terrified of not being up to the job, but it saves her life.

You feel her new sense of self-esteem rising from the page: Went to the office, Went to work, Enjoying all of it.

When the war ends and the job with it, she writes: I dont care for an idle life. Filling my life with social engagements till I die seems a sad and dismal way to spend it. The sense of crippling grief and desolation returns: I wish I could have died with G.

By the end of the war, she does at least know how to milk a cow and make cheese.

Her other relationship is with Russian artist Boris Anrep, painter of the dustjacket portrait and creator of the National Gallerys mosaic floors. Boris is madly in love with her, and after the war they have an affair for 25 years. But its clear the constant heart of the title is Mauds abiding love for her husband.

The VE Day celebrations without him to share them with were quite jolly, but she could not feel elated.

No one who had seen the newsreels about Belsen could ever feel properly gay again.
WHO I AM

by Charlotte Rampling (Icon 12.99)

Some of the most beautiful creatures who ever lived blossomed in the Sixties  Julie Christie, Susannah York, Jane Asher, Marianne Faithfull, Jacqueline Bisset and Charlotte Rampling.

Strutting about in thigh-high white boots and leaping out of open-top cars, these girls were photographic models for David Bailey, Lord Snowdon and Terry ONeill.

Everything was different, writes Charlotte  Charly  Rampling in this haunting and disturbing memoir. Skirts, music, objects, language, freedom . . .

Rampling (pictured in 1967 in Naples, Italy) was the Sixties ice-queen, peerless at playing cool bitches

And was there ever a more onomatopoetic name than Rampling? The word is evocative of romps in the hay, but Rampling was the Sixties ice-queen, peerless at playing cool bitches. She is complicated in Woody Allens Stardust Memories, disturbing in The Night Porter.

Now of more mature years, her blue eyes undimmed, she is good at being imperious  as the angry wife in the award-winning 45 Years or the lawyer in Broadchurch.

Who I Am explains precisely how she grew to be as she is, with a personality that is deliberately detached, her touch of frost consciously kept up.

Lapsing into the third person, Rampling says of herself: I feel a little afraid of your intelligence, of your challenging gaze.

She is aware that if people come closer, it doesnt take long before they get the message and they back away.

Born in 1946, everything can be traced back to her army childhood. She moved seven times in her first 13 years. Her father, Colonel Godfrey Rampling of the Royal Artillery, was posted everywhere from Malta to Wales, Gibraltar to Norfolk.

Who I Am by Charlotte Rampling (Icon 12.99)

Army life was regimented down to the last detail. This meant not showing emotion when the family was uprooted yet again.

Rampling was in a permanent state of disengagement: I knew I was going to leave and that I wouldnt come back.

The family, well off after owning factories that made ecclesiastical clothes and military uniforms for 200 years, were not a jolly lot at the best of times. The Colonel had won a gold medal for the 400m relay at the Berlin Olympics in 1936, but he could never curb a rage to win. We are to believe hed never got over the trauma of losing his parents in World War I, after which he was brought up by his grandmother, a severe woman, who consigned him to boarding school aged seven.

Silence always wins, Rampling says of her own refusal to open up. One of her chief dislikes is being stared at, desired, though how does she expect the world to respond to a movie star?

Throughout the Sixties, Barbara Windsor was in those Carry Ons and youd not find her being pained and pretentious  in Paris or anywhere else. Ramplings mother, Isabel, was livelier. She wrote voluminous diaries in purple ink, enjoyed parties and wore expensive frocks and perfume.

As a youngster, Rampling and her sister, Sarah, another beauty, were flung together for company. Sarah was always troubled. She used to get up at night and sleepwalk along the corridors, haunted by dreams.

On Sarahs first trip abroad, a spirited girl throwing off the shackles of convention, she met a handsome Argentinian cattle-rancher. Without saying anything to anyone, a week after meeting him, she married him.

Within a year, Sarah had died, apparently in childbirth. Years later, Rampling discovered she had committed suicide  another subject the Colonel never mentioned as: It would kill your mother if she knew.

There was no funeral. By the time the Ramplings were informed, Sarah had been buried  because of the heat.

That was in 1967. It sheds a chilly light on Ramplings participation in the Swinging Sixties, helping to explain her reserve and aloofness, her unwillingness to join in with all the silly fun.

This elegant book describes itself as not a biography, or a song, or a betrayal, barely a novel  lets say a ballad.

As it was originally composed in French and later translated by William Hobson, can we infer that the poetic style came across as less banal in the original language? Nonetheless, though Who I Am is a tiny production, it is intricate, and I needed a lot of patience to piece together any coherent narrative.

I waded through the chronological topsy-turviness in search of hard facts  for example that the Colonel owned one of Britains first bubble cars and that his gold medal was not gold. Hitler had tricked the athletes, palmed them off with fakes.

The project was prompted by the rediscovery of the family archive.

Ramplings mothers papers, the hoarded letters, photos, certificates and documents plus those purple-ink diaries, were stuffed into plastic bags by the Colonel and chucked in a skip.

Years later, a man appeared at Ramplings door  hed found everything and offered to sell it back. A life snatched from the dump.

The Colonel, who died in 2009 aged 100, was unrepentant. In a violent voice, he shouts: I THREW THEM AWAY! 

Rampling says her fathers sole confession was: If I had to start over, Id be an actor  the magic profession for those who want to escape from themselves.

That was why she chose performing also: to go on stage, to be looked at and applauded gave her an unsettling, thrilling feeling. More unsettling than thrilling, perhaps. It must be hard being Charlotte Rampling, she concludes about herself.

It is impossible to disagree.
MIRACLE

by Amanda Leask (Ebury 6.99)

Amanda Leask was the sort of woman to inspire uncomfortable feelings of envy. Clever, attractive and married to a man who adored her, she was, as her husband would whisper in her ear at night, living the dream.

But within little more than a year, her happy life flipped over like a coin.

Amanda Leask adopted a dog from a Thai rescue centre who she named Miracle

After IVF, she became pregnant with twin boys, but there were difficulties and she gave birth at just 29 weeks. Baby Ty lived for 26 hours. His brother, Kyle, survived, but with cerebral palsy, severe brain damage and autism. He cannot walk. He cannot speak. He has never said Mummy.

The heartbreak and exhausting work involved in looking after a disabled child took its toll. Her marriage came close to ending. But then there was a miracle.

Amanda, who had always been passionate about animals, read on the internet about dogs rescued from the meat trade in Thailand. They had been heading for a dreadful death because of a Thai belief that the adrenaline which courses through a dogs veins when it is skinned alive makes the men who eat its meat more virile.

One picture touched her especially. It was of a scrap of a white dog with pointy ears who had his head and front leg dangling through a rusty cage. There was something about him  the way there was still majesty in his battered body  that impelled Amanda to save him.

Miracle by Amanda Leask (Ebury 6.99)

After eight weeks of searching online, she tracked him down to a Thai rescue centre, arranged for him to be flown to the UK and took him home to Edinburgh.

Saved, quite literally, from the jaws of death, Amanda named him Miracle (pictured together). But it was when he settled into his new home that he truly lived up to his name.

Amanda had already looked after dozens of rescue dogs, but four-year-old Kyle seemed particularly aware of Miracle. He would giggle when Miracle wagged his tail, and the dog would respond by wagging more. If Kyle got upset, Miracle would rush to him so the little boy could be comforted by his nearness.

Most extraordinary was the way Kyle, who had always been locked in his own little world and rarely looked his parents in the eye, began to maintain eye contact with Miracle.

Amanda watched, amazed, as the two gazed at each other  it was a tiny step, but a significant one. She believes Miracle saw a kindred spirit in her son. He was broken himself so he knew how to respond to this broken child. Some special alchemy was at work. Possibly two wrongs  the brutality to an animal, the cruel hand a little boy had been dealt  made some sort of right.

Rescuing Miracle and other dogs, Amanda acknowledges, helps her to find solace because, although she cannot give her son the life she would wish, she can provide these desperate animals with a happier existence.

Her story had me in tears, but also in awe at how she looks after her beloved son while saving the lives of dogs like Miracle with such grace and courage. Enviable qualities indeed.
When a political party fares as badly as the Indian National Congress did last week in Uttar Pradesh's election, it would normally give key leaders a boot, if they hadn't managed to resign first.

But not so for Rahul Gandhi, the scion of India's most famous political dynasty, who remains in charge despite his failed attempts to connect with voters in the country's most populous state, which it lost to the BJP.

The Grand Old Party won just seven of the 403 state assembly seats up for grabs in a state home to one in six Indians, marking a new low in its 70 year history, two thirds of which it has spent ruling the world's largest democracy.

Rahul Gandhi is the scion of India's most famous political dynasty, but has led the party to a humiliating defeat in UP

Filling the void is Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which won the biggest majority in the state for any party since 1977. It sets him on a path to re-election in a 2019 national ballot.

Gandhi, 46, is not yet president of Congress, but with his mother, Sonia, abroad for medical treatment, he is already its de facto leader. He spearheaded the party's 2014 general election campaign that also led to humiliating defeat.

In the wake of the Uttar Pradesh results at the weekend, senior party members have not challenged Gandhi, even as they concede the need for action.

'There is no reason for despondency,' Abhishek Manu Singhvi, a senior Congress lawmaker, told Reuters. 'There is a need for surgical, structural changes and I have no doubt they will happen.'

Modi's BJP stormed to a landslide victory in the state, where one in six Indians resides

Not everyone is so sanguine.

'There is no leader today with a pan-India acceptability who can take on Modi; the BJP in 2019,' tweeted Omar Abdullah, former chief minister of the northern state of Jammu and Kashmir whose party is allied to Congress.

'At this rate we might as well forget 2019; start planning/hoping for 2024,' he said, referring to the dates of India's next general elections.

Unmitigated liability

Gandhi's campaign in Uttar Pradesh never gained traction: people who came to see him at outdoor meetings stole the benches put out by party workers for them to sit on.

Punjab Congress President Capt Amrinder Singh and party vice-president Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi on Tuesday

His hiring of Prashant Kishor, the backroom strategist who helped chart Modi's rise to national power, did not pay off. And mother Sonia took a nasty fall after fainting on a road show in Varanasi, Modi's constituency in eastern Uttar Pradesh.

Rahul, facing the press on the steps of parliament on Tuesday, deflected questions on his future but did say: 'We need to make structural and organisational changes - that's a fact.'

That, say commentators, is a stock response and evades the fundamental issue: that Congress faces a leadership crisis.

The BJP won with a landslide majority of the votes in UP

'Rahul Gandhi is now an unmitigated liability for the party,' Pratap Bhanu Mehta, president of the Centre for Policy Research, wrote in the Indian Express.

'What diminishes the party even more is that there are no challengers to Rahul - the very lack of open revolt diminishes the party's character to the point where it is now the object of outright contempt.'

Plenty of ink has been spilled over the years on political obituaries of the Congress, which enjoyed national dominance under Indira Gandhi and in the aftermath of her 1984 assassination - the last time Congress held an absolute majority in Uttar Pradesh.

Sonia Gandhi's election victory in 2004 marked a temporary reprieve. Despite winning only 26.5 percent of the national vote, she managed to forge a ruling alliance that held for a decade.

No contest

Now, in Modi, Congress faces an adversary who is in his element on the campaign trail and is uncompromising in his quest to create a 'Congress-free India'.

'Modi is a driven, 24/7 politician and with Rahul it's just no contest. That is demoralising for the party,' said commentator Ashok Malik, a distinguished fellow at the Observer Research Foundation in New Delhi.

Narendra Modi and his ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which won the biggest majority in the state for any party since 1977

In fact, Congress won a notable victory in the state of Punjab during the latest round of local elections of which Uttar Pradesh was the most important. Even so, it actually lost votes in all five states that went to the polls.

Demonstrating the BJP's greater hunger for power, the Hindu nationalist party has laid claim to two small states where no party won a clear majority, quickly forming coalition alliances despite being outpolled by the left-leaning Congress.

'There should be red, flashing alarm bells going off within Congress,' said Milan Vaishnav, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington and author of a new book, 'When Crime Pays', on Indian electoral politics.

'The Congress has bounced back from devastation before, but they have not yet demonstrated any ability to introspect on their shortcomings.'

One option for Congress, analysts said, would be for Rahul, or possibly his low-profile sister Priyanka, to retain control of the central leadership while nurturing a new generation of state leaders who could rebuild the party's electoral viability.

Failing that, a series of regional or local alliances could blunt the BJP's advance. Yet analysts doubt such a rag-tag coalition could pose a serious challenge to Modi's bid for a second term.

And, as Uttar Pradesh showed, teaming up with Rahul Gandhi - the strategy chosen by defeated Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav - can prove toxic at the ballot box.

Gandhi's political troubles are not only national; they lie closer to home.

In Uttar Pradesh, Congress lost all four assembly seats that lie within his parliamentary constituency of Amethi.
The tables have turned in Uttar Pradesh's politics. And how!

But it's bad news for those known as 'strongmen' or criminal 'dons' currently incarcerated in the state's prisons with the widow of a murdered MLA set to become UP's jail minister after the BJP's stunning assembly election victory last week.

Alka Rai won the 'communally charged' seat of Mohammadabad in Ghazipur, defeating none other than the brother of dreaded gangster-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari.

Alka Rai won the 'communally charged' seat of Mohammadabad in Ghazipur. She defeated defeated none other than the brother of dreaded gangster-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari

The don, who is behind bars, is accused of killing Rai's husband and Bhumihar-Brahmin magnate Krishnananda Rai.

Now Alka Rai is the hot favourite of the people to head the jail ministry.

Social media users who have floated this demand want the erstwhile housewife, who never thought she would be pushed into public life, to take charge of the prison service.

Ansari is the head of the Quami Ekta Dal and won the Mau seat in Poorvanchal, that too from behind bars.

'Gangster-turned-politician' Mukhtar Ansari is currently behind bars

QED's merger with the Samajwadi Party (SP) was one of the vexed issues that ignited a feud between outgoing chief minister Akhilesh Yadav and his uncle Shivpal Yadav.

While Shivpal had facilitated the union just before elections to garner Muslim votes, Akhilesh had it annulled due to the Ansaris' 'tainted' background.

Speaking exclusively to Mail Today on the eve of the final phase of elections in which the seat went up for a verdict, Alka Rai said that she was fighting for justice after her husband's murder.

'I want those responsible for the murder of my husband to be brought to justice. As the politics of the state has unveiled in the last decade, goons, such as Mukhtar Ansari, have terrorised and traumatised the people.

'They need to be brought to justice,' she had said.

Criminals and strongmen have long been a feature of Indian politics. Their dirty money provides easy campaign cash, and they often control constituencies with strong caste or religious connections.

Krishnanand Rai, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA from Uttar Pradesh

On being asked if she was willing to join the government, Alka had told Mail Today that she was a social worker and would 'serve the party and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in whichever capacity' she was expected to.

Another MLA from Ghazipur district said: 'It will be in the order of things that she is made the jail minister.

'This sends a strong message to anti-social elements in the districts as well as the state.

'See how just when results were declared and BJP came to power, SP's Gayatri Prajapati, who was absconding for so long, was suddenly arrested. '

Doing time: When he was lodged in the Ghazipur jail, he is accused of living a good life with everything from cellphones to stooges working at his beck and call

The leader did not wish to be named.

'It had become a norm in the SP and BSP regimes that criminals such as Mukhtar Ansari were given all the facilities they might enjoy at their homes in jails cells of UP.

When he was lodged in the Ghazipur jail, Ansari had everything - from cellphones to his stooges at his beck and call,' said another MLA from the same district.

The Delhi high court scuttled Mukhtar Ansari's attempts to come out on parole just before the polls.

The court stayed the custody parole granted to Mukhtar by a trial court as the Election Commission had moved the HC citing the possibility that Mukhtar might influence witnesses in the ongoing Krishnanand Rai murder case.

Mukhtar Ansari back when he was a BSP Candidate from Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh

This time, the circumstances in which Alka Rai won the seat too had heightened the adversarial feelings between the two camps.

As nominations of SP and Congress candidates were cancelled before elections, it had made the face-off between Alka and Sibakatullah Ansari a straight one. The outcome too is being seen as a call to direct action.

At another level, the Rai-Ansari feud had strong undertones of communal fault lines.

A clear corroboration of this was the fact that BSP supremo Mayawati found Mukhtar and his QED ideally cut out for fitting her pro-Muslim strategy.

After Akhilesh Yadav scuttled QED's merger with SP, Mayawati not only took the Ansari family under her wing but also gave them three tickets. This is the second stint of the Ansaris in BSP.

They had formed QED in 2010 after being ousted from the party.
JNU MPhil student Muthukrishnan, 27 is believed to have taken his life

Following the central government's order to urgently file an FIR in the mysterious death of JNU student Muthukrishnan, Delhi Police on Wednesday registered a case of abetment to suicide, even as the post-mortem report rules out any foul play.

'An FIR under section 306 of IPC and relevant sections of Prevention of SC/ST Atrocities Act has been registered against unknown persons,' said Chinmoy Biswal, additional DCP (South).

On Wednesday, the five-member medical board constituted to conduct the autopsy stated in its preliminary report that the death was due to hanging and no injury marks were present on the body.

'The death was due to asphyxia (a condition of severely deficient supply of oxygen to the body due to abnormal breathing) as a result of ante-mortem (before death) hanging. No injury mark has been found in any part of the body,' said Dr. Sudhir Gupta, head of AIIMS forensic department.

JNU students demand answers after MPhil student Muthukrishnan, 27, was found dead in Delhi's Munirka on Monday

Meanwhile, in the evening, his body was taken to Chennai and the Tamil Nadu government had made special arrangements to transport his body from Chennai airport to Salem.

'There were signs of dribbling of saliva on the face of the deceased which is a sure sign of ante-mortem hanging. Viscera has been preserved for chemical analysis,' Gupta said.

The body of the JNU student was embalmed and handed over to police, he said, adding the autopsy procedure was filmed.

However, in a statement given to police on Tuesday, Jeevanandhaam, Muthukrishnan's father argued: 'After looking at the posture of the body in AIIMS for the second time, I am not convinced that he had committed suicide.

'His tongue was not protruding and his eyelids were not drooping.'

Talking to Mail Today, Muthukrishnan's local guardian N Sukumar said he is shocked at the 'inefficiency' of the college administration who did not not bother informing his parents and it was only after a call from a friend that the family came to know about the suicide.

'I had received a call from one of Muthukrishnan's friend two days before he took the extreme step.

'They told me they want to speak to me about Muthu. I was not in the city that time and the next call I got was on Monday, informing that Muthu has committed suicide,' Sukumar said, rueing that even till the time of post-mortem, the JNU administration had not informed the parents, who were also informed by their son's friend in Delhi.

Complaining about elitism being practised in the Centre of Historical Studies, Pradeep Shinde, another professor of JNU, who was present at the AIIMS mortuary to pay his last respects, said, 'Elitism and caste discrimination is practised in JNU.

There are professors who do not even attend students who speak in vernacular language. This pushed Muthukrishnan to take the extreme step.'
Calling the ambush an intelligence and tactical failure, senior CRPF officials admit that Rs 112 personnel of its troops of A/E 219 battalion deployed on a road opening duty' in Bheji walked into a trap laid by Maoists.

The soldiers were providing security for road construction in the area when they were ambushed by 60 heavily-armed Maoists.

The Naxals used explosive-tipped arrows to distract the attention of security forces, while attacking with landmines.

Following the episode, internal security advisor K. Vijay Kumar was amongst eight top guns who travelled on bike to visit Bheji ambush site

A senior CRPF officer told Mail Today, 'It is not a question whether the forces were following the SOP which meant that they walk at a distance.

'The Maoists knew the forces would walk right in (to an L shaped trap) for the construction of the road.

'Even though the road had plains around it. There was heavy vegetation, an effective camouflage for the Maoists.

'Maoist fired from front and from one side, even as 12 soldiers were killed.'

With 12 soldiers killed, the 100 odd soldiers could not respond effectively, giving Maoist time to loot weapons, and disappear into the plains.

A top officer of the force conceded the ambush was an intelligence and tactical failure combined with poor training.

The deputy commandant was 30 minutes away, the commandant 2 hours away.

Both responded as per top CRPF officer but the ambush was over in first 15 minutes.

A bruised CRPF officer faced loss and humiliation at the hand of Naxals who disappeared minutes after the encounter.

The soldiers were providing security for road construction in the area when they were ambushed by 60 heavily-armed Maoists

The 208 Cobra battalion that was sent to recover looted weapons, found nothing but the remains of a bloody ambush.

Following the episode, internal security advisor K. Vijay Kumar was amongst eight top guns who travelled on bike to visit Bheji ambush site.

Accompanied by top CRPF officials and Chattisgarh police, the officials used bikes over Mine Proof Vehicle (MPV) to reach the site in order to avoid risk of being a target of IEDs.
The set of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's film Padmavati was vandalised in Kolhapur on Tuesday in the second such incident this year.

Police said around 20 unidentified people torched the costumes and the animal feed kept there for horses featuring in the period drama between 1am and 2am.

Maharashtra's MoS (Home) Deepak Kesarkar said the team shooting there has now been provided police protection.

The set of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's film Padmavati in Kolhapur was vandalised for the second time this year on Tuesday

The vandalism followed a similar incident in January and a separate protest by Karni Sena activists (pictured)

The protesters allegedly got incorrect information about the film from a Ranveer Singh (pictured interview

Shobha Sant, CEO of Bhansali Productions, tweeted: 'ThankU #MaharashtraPolice for the quick intervention on the vandalised shoot of #Padmavati... No loss of life, no one seriously hurt on vandalised shoot of #Padmavati.'

She said a complaint has been filed.

'ThankU everyone for the support. Again. We are all ok. #Padmavati Filed a complaint against miscreants who vandalised our costume & jewellery and set it on fire #Padmavati #SanjayLeelaBhansali (sic),' Sant tweeted.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali was assaulted by angry members of Rajpur Karni Sena in Rajasthan earlier this year

Shobha Sant, CEO of Bhansali Productions, tweeted about the arson attack and thanked police

The shooting of the move starring Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone was underway at Mhasai Pathar, when a group of around 20 people came to the set between 1 and 2 am, police said.

The miscreants set the costumes of the film on fire and also burnt the fodder kept for the horses, said senior police inspector Dhanya Kumar Godse of Panhala police station.

They also tried to ignite vehicles belonging to the crew members parked near the set, it was claimed.

Director Bhansali has been asked to guarantee that he will not distort the image of Rani Padmavati, portrayed by Deepika Padukone (left). The film also stars Ranveer Singh (right).

Padmini, also known as Padmavati, is a legendary 13th-14th century Indian queen known for her beauty and dignity in the face of death

Deepika Padukone plays Rani Padmavati in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's film

The reason behind the protest was not yet known, police said.

'Shooting was on at Mhasai plateau, some 6km from Panhala fort in Kolhapur. After the incident, the state Home department has given them protection and deployed an officer and 12 policemen,' Kesarkar said in Mumbai.

'Prima facie, the pandals were set on fire by some 20-25 people. We are trying to find out whether the perpetrators were locals or had come from somewhere else,' the minister added.

Deepika plays the role of Rani Padmavati in the film, which also stars Ranveer as Alauddin Khilji and Shahid Kapoor as Raja Ratan Singh.

In January, some members of Karni Sena had assaulted Bhansali in Jaipur for allegedly presenting distorted facts in Padmavati.
LLOYDS SALE Taxpayers now own less than 4 per cent of Lloyds after the Government sold more of its stake in the bailed-out bank.

The state is now just 800 million short of recovering the 20.3 billion it pumped in to keep the lender afloat during the financial crisis.

At the current rate, Lloyds will be entirely back in private hands by the end of May. Yesterday, shares rose 0.6 per cent, or 0.38p, to 68.23p.

Long and winding road: Taxpayers now own less than 4 per cent of Lloyds after the Government sold more of its stake in the bailed-out bank

UKRAINE DEAL Ryanair has launched its first flights to Ukraine  with four new routes from Kiev to London Stansted, Manchester, Eindhoven and Stockholm. The low-cost airline said the new flights will ferry 250,000 travellers to Kiev every year, with fares starting from 17.41. Ryanair said it will also start flights to Lviv, its second airport in the country.

HIKMA HIKE Shares in Hikma Pharmaceuticals soared after the drugs firm reported better-than expected-results.

The company, which manufactures branded and non-branded generic drugs, said group revenue was up 35 per cent to 1.6 billion but operating profit was down 21 per cent to 247 million.The company raised its dividend for last year and it expects sales to be around 1.8 billion this year. Shares were up 8 per cent, or 171p, to 2297p.

BIFFA BUYING Waste giant Biffa is looking for ways to grow its business through acquisitions.

The firm, which collects and recycles rubbish for councils, is actively pursuing a strong pipeline of acquisition opportunities. The company added that trading was in line with expectations.

KFC CHANGES Fast-food chain KFC has announced shake-ups at the top. UK and Ireland general manager Martin Shuker will focus on growing the business across Western Europe and Paula MacKenzie, chief financial officer, will step into his shoes.

STATPRO LOSS Statpro, which provides cloud-based portfolio analysis for asset managers, swung into a loss after restructuring costs. It posted a 24 per cent jump in revenue to 37.6 million, but fell from a 2.4 million profit in 2015 to a 10.1 million loss in the year to December 31. It came after it bought US firm Investor Analytics, which it rebranded as Revolution Alpha. Statpro shares jumped by 2.3 per cent, or 2p, to 89p.

DEAL BACKED Telecoms giant AT&T has won approval from the European Commission for its planned 70 billion deal to buy Time Warner. The merger still requires approval from the US Department of Justice and is expected to close by the end of the year.

WATCHDOG CREATED A new watchdog is set to go after criminals seeking to launder money through the UK. The Office for Professional Body Anti-Money Laundering Supervision aims to supervise 25 different agencies work. It will be part of the Financial Conduct Authority and will be funded by other regulators.
A giant Swiss bank which is threatening to move hundreds of jobs from the City is paying just 6p tax for every 1 profit from UK investment arms, the Mail can reveal.

UBS has repeatedly warned it will move staff to the Continent in the wake of the EU referendum.

Yesterday, chairman Axel Weber claimed 1,500 jobs would shift from London to preserve its business on mainland Europe.

A giant Swiss bank which is threatening to move hundreds of jobs from the City is paying just 6p tax for every 1 profit from UK investment arms, the Mail can reveal

Pro-European Union campaigners have repeatedly demanded that the Government heeds the Citys warnings over the threat of Brexit, citing the 71.4 billion contribution financial firms make to the exchequer.

But many foreign banks reduce their taxes by offsetting profits against debt repayments and previous losses.

UBS does not disclose full details of its UK tax bill, but has had to reveal figures for one part of its British business in official EU documents.

In 2014 and 2015, this division made 350.1 million profit in Britain, these records show, paying 21.6 million tax - 6p for every pound of profit.

UBS has repeatedly warned it will move staff to the Continent in the wake of the EU referendum

The bank said 400 of its 5,500 staff in London work in this division, and claimed that its overall contribution is likely to be much higher.

However, the bank will not release this figure or say what percentage of its overall UK profits was paid as tax.

Corporation tax is 20 per cent and from the start of last year, banks were charged an extra 8 per cent.

It is understood taxes targeted at banks cost UBS 100 million in 2016. The lender has already faced flak for its tax affairs. Last year, it was revealed it helped highly paid staff limit liabilities.

It lost a legal challenge brought by HMRC over an offshore scheme which saw 426 staff try to wriggle out of paying 36.9 million of tax and 12.7 million in National Insurance on 92 million of bonuses.

The 2003-4 scheme was described by the Supreme Court as having no business or commercial rationale beyond tax avoidance.

Activists said there were questions over UBSs tax payments. Labour MP and Treasury Select Committee member John Mann said: UBS is in no position to lecture on the UK economy, having avoided paying tax on bankers bonuses.

The UK loses billions to tax avoidance and our economy would be in a far better state if companies like UBS did the right thing. David Hillman of the Robin Hood Tax campaign said: It is disgraceful UBS have made such huge profits but got away with paying so little in tax on them.

A string of banks warned they would shift jobs abroad before the Brexit vote but many have backtracked or fallen silent, though UBS has continued to loudly warn of its plans.

Speaking at a finance conference in Frankfurt yesterday, Axel Weber said up to 1,500 employees would move to a country that will be a long-term EU member.

He said: Institutions like ours are faced with very important decisions about how to reshape our operations, given London will no longer be part of the EU.

UBS saw profits nearly halve to 2.7 billion last year, down from 5.1 billion in 2015. Its 47,600 staff saw their bonus pool cut by 17 per cent to 2.4 billion.

Even chief executive Sergio Ermotti took a 500,000 pay cut  although he still pocketed 11.1 million. UBS declined to comment on the tax figures.
A pharmaceutical firm that links patients to drugs not yet approved has seen rising profits

A pharmaceutical company that links patients to drugs not yet been approved in the UK has revealed rising profits.

Clinigen, which supplies unlicensed drugs to patients in critical need, said it had performed strongly in the first half of the year and is now looking for acquisitions.

Profits were up 44 per cent to 58 million in the six months to December 31 while earnings rose 34 per cent to 30 million.

Shaun Chilton, chief executive, said: Often when treatment available in the country has failed, a physician has a choice to delay or find medicine thats not yet available in the country.

The firm often has to provide the medicine within a matter of hours.
US and Asian firms are set to circle British companies as the sterling slumps

US and Asian firms will still circle British companies as sterlings slump and the resilience of the UK economy increase appetite for deals, a report says.

The number of global mergers and acquisitions is expected to jump by 17 per cent as firms pay down debt and boost cash reserves, says accountancy firm KPMG.

The prospect of a surge in domestic deals is greater, with the capacity for UK firms to fund growth rising 22 per cent over the next year.

Domestic mergers and acquisitions were at their highest level since 2008, with 400 deals worth 23.9 billion last year, according to the Office for National Statistics.
One of Britains oldest independent property agents could be about to fall into French hands.

Strutt & Parker, which specialises in selling high-end homes in London and the country as well as managing farmland, is in talks with banking giant BNP Paribas.

A takeover would be a major vote of confidence in the British property market by one of Europes leading banks following the Brexit vote.

All change? Strutt & Parker specialises in selling high-end homes in London and the country as well as managing farmland

But it would also see one of the UKs most prestigious land management and estate agency firms in foreign hands.

Strutt & Parker - or Strutts as it is known - was set up by school friends Edward Strutt and Charles Parker in 1885 to manage large estates in the east of England. It is still privately owned, by 53 equity partners, who would share the proceeds of any sale.

The company saw profits dive 35 per cent to 18.3 million last year as it grappled with falling prices of high-end London houses following a hike in stamp duty on expensive homes.

Its 53 partners shared 16.2 million last year - giving them an average of more than 300,000 each - while the 864 staff earned an average of around 60,000.

The best-paid partner, thought to be senior partner Andy Martin, saw his earnings fall from 1.1 million in 2015 to 606,000 last year. The 60-year-old is standing down this year.

Discussions between Strutts and BNP Paribas Real Estate, the banks property arm, are understood to have been ongoing for a number of months.

The French lender is keen to buy the Strutts commercial arm but may join forces with another group to take on the residential estate agency business.

Sales of expensive homes and country estates have slowed since the EU referendum and tax hikes introduced by George Osborne, who raised stamp duty on homes worth more than 937,500, hitting vast swathes of the London housing market and country homes.

The increase has pushed the stamp duty on a 2 million home up by 53,750 to 153,750 while the levy on a 5 million home has gone up by 163,750 to 513,750. The buyer of the 30 million townhouse Strutts is selling in Chelsea will have to pay more than 3.5 million in stamp duty.

Osborne also introduced a three percentage point increase in stamp duty for landlords and second home owners.

But BNP, which has 7,500 staff in the UK, is understood to be keen to increase its exposure to the British property market. The UK is real estates third-biggest market behind France and Germany.

Strutt & Parker and BNP Paribas declined to comment.
Recruitment firm Robert Walters reported rising profits, despite a slowdown in hiring

Recruitment firm Robert Walters reported rising profits, despite a slowdown in financial services hiring following the EU vote.

The company said profits rose 16 per cent to 28.1 milion in the year to December 31 as it reaped the benefits of international expansion.

In the UK, fee income rose 8 per cent to 86.7 million, helped by the performance of commerce, finance and regional businesses.

But last Junes vote saw candidate and client confidence levels dip and activity levels, particularly in financial services in London, fell.

UK operating profit grew 4 per cent to 6.4 million but the groups revenue rose 15 per cent to 998.5 million as Robert Walters was buoyed by its expansion into four new territories  Canada, India, the Philippines and Portugal.
A stampede for the exit has begun at Och-Ziff as top City executives flee the troubled hedge fund after an African bribery scandal.

The quitters reportedly include star European equity analyst Drew Gillanders and more junior colleague Hamish Chalmers, both in London.

It comes after the business had to pay 339 million to the US Department of Justice over allegedly bribing Libyan dictator Colonel Gaddafis regime.

A stampede for the exit has begun at Och-Ziff as top City executives flee the troubled hedge fund after an African bribery scandal

Investors have pulled 10.7 billion out of the firm in the last 13 months amid concerns about its direction and shares plunged 29 per cent in the last month alone.

Bosses are desperate to stop good staff leaving as morale falls and have even given one trader, Jimmy Levin, a long-term bonus potentially worth more than 230 million.

But it has not been enough.

Gillanders, 44, who is believed to live in a London home worth 4.6 million, oversaw a successful bet on pharma firm Actelion before it agreed a sale with giant rival Johnson & Johnson in January.

Och-Ziffs troubles centre on a scandal in which illicit payments were made to officials.

Investigators said Och-Ziff had repeatedly funded corrupt transactions to profit from Africas bribery epidemic.




The harrowing screams of a little girl have been captured on police cameras after her father was shot dead in front of her by an officer following a high speed chase of their family van.

Roy Evans Jr., 37, was killed in front of his three young children and girlfriend Amanda Pauley in Strongsville, Ohio last week when he was eventually stopped by police following a 14-minute chase.

Evans was forced to stop his vehicle when he drove across spike strips that officers had placed across the Interstate 71.

Police dispatch logs say Evans had reached down to light a cigarette just before he was fatally shot by an officer. Officers could be seen approaching the vehicle with their guns drawn just moments before.

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Roy Evans Jr., 37, (above with his daughter) was killed in front of his three children and girlfriend Amanda Pauley in Strongsville, Ohio last week after he led cops on a chase

Dash cameras captured his distraught daughter screaming out for her mother (above) as officers appeared to lead Pauley away just moments after the deadly shooting

Dash cameras captured his distraught daughter screaming out for her mother as officers appeared to lead Pauley away.

Evans' son could also be heard in the footage crying for his father, while Pauley begged officers: 'Please don't let him die'.

The Ohio Attorney General's Office said no weapons were found in the van during a search by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

They are now investigating the shooting to determine whether or not the van itself was used as a weapon.

Pauley, who had been dating Evans for 10 years, said he was wrong to speed away from the cops and she had begged him to stop, but believes he should have been jailed and not shot dead.

Officers (above) could be seen approaching the vehicle with their guns drawn. Police dispatch logs say Evans had reached down to light a cigarette just before he was fatally shot

Pauley, who had been dating Evans for 10 years, said he was wrong to speed away from the cops and she begged him to stop, but believes he should have been jailed and not shot dead

'I see that man's face every night when I close my eyes,' Pauley told Fox8.

'I'll never forget the vibrations of the gun. I'll never forget the man I love falling, his blood all over me.

'That cop had no right to open the car door and shoot him twice in the chest.'

Few details of the shooting have been released apart from the Strongsville police dispatch log. It lists brief descriptions of radio calls made by officers.

The dispatch log indicated that the van had rammed one of the police cruisers during the 14-minute chase.

The first police radio call was logged shortly before 2.30am on Tuesday and indicated that an officer had tried to stop Evans but he refused to pull over.

The Ohio Attorney General's Office said no weapons were found in the van after Evans was shot in front of his children and girlfriend

The van exited the interstate before re-entering the interstate on its southbound lanes. The officer reported that the van was traveling with no headlights on and that its engine was 'smoking.'

Minutes later, an officer said the Ohio State Highway Patrol was setting up spike strips. The dispatch report said the van ran over the spike strips at more than 90 mph.

Three minutes later, an officer reported that a 'balding' white male was reportedly seen 'reaching down below, lighting a cigarette.' An entry a minute later said shots were fired.

Strongsville has not identified the officer who fired the fatal shot. None of the officers was wearing body cameras, but their cruisers were equipped with dashboard cameras.
NSA Whistleblower Edward Snowden could be extradited to the US by Vladimir Putin in a swap deal for a Russian criminal, MailOnline has learned.

Speculation is growing that Putin may be ready to send back Snowden to help mend the strained relationship between Washington and Moscow.

As his girlfriend Lindsay Mills posts carefree pictures on Instagram, there is growing evidence Snowden is concerned he may be handed back to the US.

A source told MailOnline: 'A way forward could be an exchange of the kind negotiated when Anna Chapman and other 'illegal agents' returned to Moscow.

'This could involve an agreement that neither side would pursue criminal action or sentences against the parties.'

Swap deal: Speculation is growing that Edward Snowden, pictured with his American girlfriend Lindsay Mills , could be sent back to the US in exchange for a Russian prisoner

Prisoner trade: Whistleblower Snowden, who leaked millions of classified US files onto the internet, is reportedly becoming concerned he could be handed back to the US, where he faces a 1,000-year jail sentence. Pictured: Snowden's girlfriend Ms Mills

Gift to trump: Speculation is growing that Putin may be ready to send back Snowden to help mend the strained relationship between Washington and Moscow. Pictured: Snowden's former pole dancing lover Ms Mills

Selfies: As his girlfriend Ms Mills, pictured with the whistleblower, posts carefree pictures on Instagram, there is growing evidence he is concerned he may be handed back to the US

Last month American channel NBC quoted a senior US official saying Russia was considering a Snowden handover 'to curry favour' with Trump.

The move would be seen as a Putin 'gift to Trump', paving the way for warmer relations and an end to sanctions, it was claimed.

Snowden could face a 1,000 year prison sentence for treachery in leaking NSA secrets in any deal handing him back to the US.

Despite happy pictures of the whistleblower and his American lover being posted on her social media, 33-year-old Snowden appears to fear that his Russian bolthole could be lost by Putin's quest for better relations with Washington.

While Americas most wanted has been told he can stay in Moscow until 2020, he is evidently worried this does not give him enough protection.

In a move that would infuriate Washington, his attorney Wolfgang Kaleck recently asked the European Parliament to consider granting him asylum.

Berlin-based attorney Mr Kaleck claimed EU countries were indebted to the whistleblower for exposing US snooping on 'friendly' European governments.

His Moscow lawyer Anatoly Kucherena has also said that he could apply for full Russian citizenship after being resident in the country for five years, which would prevent him from ever being extradited to the US.

Close: Ms Mills, pictured, and Snowden are believed to share an apartment together in Moscow but she does not live in the country permanently. Nothing of her pictures with Snowden gives away any clues as to his location

Romance: Former pole dancer Mills is believed to have been integral in Snowden's shift from US patriot to the country's most infamous whistleblower. Mills, pictured, followed him to Moscow after he fled but her photos give no indication as to where they are currently hiding

Locked up: If Snowden is handed back to the US, he faces a 1,000-year prison sentence for treachery in leaking NSA secrets. Pictured: His girlfriend Mills showing her flexibility

One of the criminals being considered in the controversial exchange is said to be convicted arms dealer Viktor Bout, 50, nicknamed the 'Merchant of Death'.

Bout, a former air force officer, was kidnapped by US authorities in Thailand in 2011 and convicted of conspiracy to kill US citizens and provide material for terrorists.

In Moscow respected journalist and political analyst Sergey Parkhomenko claimed an exchange of Snowden for Bout had already been agreed by Putin and Trump.

But this was stopped because of the political climate in the US over Trump's alleged links to Russia.

Kucherena insisted that Moscow 'has no legal basis to hand over Snowden'.

He called on Trump to make it legally safe for Snowden to return to the US.

'We all hope that the new president will take a balanced approach to this matter and make the correct decision - to terminate criminal prosecution of Edward Snowden, a man who loves America and misses it,' he said.

Loving: Snowden's girlfriend Ms Mills, has been sharing sweet snaps of the couple while the cloud of extradition hangs over them. Pictured: Mills' Instagram post showing the couple celebrating Valentine's day together

Deal: There is a suggestion that Ms Mills' boyfriend could be exchanged with the US for a Russian criminal. One of those reportedly being considered in the controversial exchange is said to be convicted arms dealer Viktor Bout, 50, nicknamed the 'Merchant of Death'

Stuck: Snowden has been told he can stay in Moscow until 2020, while his attorneys plead for the European Parliament to grant him asylum, but he is said to be concerned this does not give him adequate protection. Ms Mills, pictured, visits him in Moscow from her US home

Indebted: Snowden's Berlin-based attorney Wolfgang said EU countries owed the whistleblower for exposing US snooping on 'friendly' European governments

'The way I see it, he (Trump) would gain far more authority if he saw to it all insinuations about Edward Snowden were brought to an end.'

In Russia Snowden takes intense security measures amid fears that he could be kidnapped by US agents.

He shares an apartment with his girlfriend, a former pole dancer, who regularly visits him in Moscow from the US.

Exchange: Arms dealer Viktor Bout, above, is a name often linked to any swap with Snowden. Bout was reportedly kidnapped by US authorities in Thailand in 2011 and convicted of conspiracy to kill US citizens and provide material for terrorists

Director Oliver Stone, who last year released a movie on Snowden, said Mills was crucial to Snowdens transformation from US patriot to whistleblower.

'They said she was a pole dancer and dismissed her widely,' said Stone.

But Snowden realised 'he couldn't live without her', he said.

'I think that from being a loner, he changed, and I don't think he ever had another girlfriend, as far as I know.'

Mills' pictures include racy shots but also landscape images which seldom give any clues about their location.

Nothing in her social media gives any sense of Snowden's whereabouts in Russia, although he possibly has an IKEA blind in his bedroom.

Snowden, a former National Security Agency contractor, is wanted for espionage and theft of state secrets.

He shook the American intelligence establishment to its core in 2013 with a series of devastating leaks on mass surveillance in the US and around the world.

They included revelations about snooping on friendly foreign leaders.

He has been living in exile in Russia since summer 2013 after spending weeks in the transit zone of Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport.

Lovers: After Mills, pictured, followed him to Russia, Snowden said: 'I think the greatest freedom that I've gained is that I no longer have to worry about what happens tomorrow, because I'm happy with what I've done today'

Scenic: Mills' photos of her with 33-year-old former NSA man Snowden rarely give away clues about their secret location in Russia

In his attempts to escape 'persecution' by the US authorities, Snowden asked more than 20 countries for asylum but was unable to leave Russia after the US revoked his passport.

Snowden has said: 'I think the greatest freedom that I've gained is that I no longer have to worry about what happens tomorrow, because I'm happy with what I've done today.'
Devastated British backpacker Laura Smith has had the second year of her working holiday visa rejected because the government claims her salary was 'too low' to have completed the required days working in regional Australia to be granted a visa.

Ms Smith, from Scotland, claims she worked for 104 days in rural Australia, but the government rejected her claim based on her total earnings, which were as little as $98.65 each week. She appealed the decision with the Administrative Appeals tribunal, but was rejected, leaving her $1,600 out of pocket and being ordered to leave the country in just 28 days.

The 26-year-old worked in Mildura, Victoria, from March to August removing dead vines from the vineyards and then sorting oranges into boxes in a factory.

Ms Smith admits she struggled to pay for food and accommodation while earning just $2.50 an hour, six days a week, but the promise of an extra year's visa spurred her on.

'I would often doubt if I should continue, but my longer term goals of staying in Australia kept me there,' the qualified nurse said. 'I just begrudgingly accepted my pay packet each week'.

British backpacker Laura Smith, whose second year working holiday visa application has been rejected even though completing the 88 days work required

The 26-year-old posing with a tractor during one of her 104 days of regional work

Miss Smith said her health also suffered, particularly while spending three months removing vines, requiring her to take anti-inflammatory tablets for her sore wrists.

However, nothing was to compare with the pain of being told that her application for a second year's working holiday visa had been rejected after she submitted her application at the end of last year.

She immediately applied to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal to challenge the decision and was confident she had the paper work to win the case.



Happier times in Australia for Miss Smith as she interacts with the native wildlife

The British nurse who was left devastated when her visa application was rejected

But the Administrative Appeals Tribunal rejected her claim two weeks ago, saying they were 'not satisfied' her pay reflected the work she had done.

For her appeal, Miss Smith even called on the owner of the One Big Family Hostel in Merbein, outside Mildura, to testify in her favour.

'I had no idea what was happening, I begrudgingly accepted my pay packet each week, oblivious it wasn't in compliance with the rules,' she said.

Miss Smith found work through One Big Family Hostel in Mildura, who gave evidence in her appeal against the decision

Laura Smith worked removing vines in Mildura, in rural Victoria

The British backpacker (center) takes time out from farming to strike a pose for a photo

The final decision which has left Miss Smith baffled after completing her regional work

The Administrative Appeals Tribunal found that 'whilst sympathetic' to her situation' they had 'no capacity to circumvent this provision'.

The decision left Miss Smith enraged after spending over four months in rural Victoria with the understanding she'd receive her second year working holiday visa.

'It has been a waste of four months of my life. I've done this slave labour for nothing. The living conditions were squalid and the work was near impossible for girls. We were simply not strong enough. The only people making a respectable wage were the boys.'

The owner of the hostel where she found work, Ilario Cavallo, who made a contribution to her appeal cost, told the Tribunal that various things impacted her income - for example, the weather or how twisted the vines were.

'It's completely unfair, I've done my regional work which should entitle me to one more year in Australia, yet I having to go home,' she said.

'I'm being punished for being underpaid,' said Miss Smith.

'Not only that but I've had to shell out $1600 for the appeal and I'm not alone, there are people from my hostel in the same boat. '

'I had hoped to one day gain sponsorship and work as a qualified nurse.'

The Australian Administrative Tribunal told Daily Mail Australia the reasons for the decision had been published.

'The AAT does not provide any further comments on individual matters,' the spokesman said.

Miss Smith's plight follows the mother of murdered backpacker Mia Ayliffe-Chung criticising the working conditions of British backpackers in Australia.

In a petition to improve the standards for backpackers, Rosie Ayliffe said: 'The conditions which these youngsters are enduring in order to obtain a second year visa to stay in Australia are unacceptable.

'This seems to be ignored by the Australian authorities.'
This sickening footage shows a young leopard in Namibia being savagely attacked by four dogs before being bludgeoned to death by a man wielding an axe.

The gruesome killing lasts for several minutes and the men can be heard laughing as they watch the barbaric scene unfold.

As the leopard lies in obvious distress on the ground, one of the men pokes him in the mouth with a stick before another launches the vicious axe attack.

Audrey Delsink, director of Humane Society International, said: 'This attack will send shockwaves across Namibia and the world.'

Horrific footage shows a group of four dogs attacking a defenceless leopard lying on the floor

The dogs savagely attack the leopard while a group of men with guns stand around laughing

As the barbaric attack continues, the man circle the leopard and start beating him with sticks

Although trophy hunting of leopards with dogs is illegal in Namibia, there is a provision under the country's Nature Conservation Ordinance 4 of 1975 that allows a landowner to kill 'protected game' (which includes leopards) via a special permit when defending human or animal life or crops.

The problem is the provision leaves the door wide open for abuse and suffering, campaigners have said.

Speaking to MailOnline Masha Kalinina, International Trade Policy Specialist with Humane Society International, said: 'No appropriate kill methods are specified, meaning anything goes like cruel trapping, poisoning and hunting with dogs.

'The troubling thing is that the men in the video have guns but never use them. The animal is incapacitated, it's in a trap and it never poses a danger. However it is threatened by dogs and then bludgeoned to death.

'Under the law there is nothing to make landowners show they have tried alternative non-lethal measures first before resorting to killing. We don't know if this animal was indeed the 'problem' animal before it was killed.'

She added: 'We think this leopard was attacked because cattle was killed on the farm. The leopard looks like a juvenile, as a less mature animal finds livestock easier to catch than live game.'

The charity has launched a petition calling for reforms which would protect the animals.

One of the men shoves his stick into the leopard's mouth as he lies in agony on the ground

Despite the men carrying guns, they do not shoot the leopard - instead prolonging his agony

Ms Kalinina said the loophole that landowners are exploiting required an urgent change to prevent leopards being killed inhumanely.

'We are calling on the Namibian government, The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry, who we believe operate the farm in the video, as well as the Ministry of Tourism, that runs the nearby wildlife area, to amend the 1975 Ordinance', she explained.

'We want to prohibit cruel killing methods like trapping, poisoning, hunting with dogs and bludgeoning - anything that causes unnecessary suffering to the animal.

'These types of causes of killing are common but rarely investigated.

'We want a proper investigation into what happened and we are trying to gather as much information together as we can.

'The killing is also supposed to be reported within ten days [by law] but we believe this took place earlier this year, possibly, in February, and it's unclear if it was reported.'

In a distressing image, one of the men eventually kneels down and clubs the leopard to death with an axe

The savage killing comes at a time when the leopard is classified as 'vulnerable' on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species.

This means it is at 'high risk of endangerment in the wild.'

The leopard population in sub-Saharan Africa, which includes Namibia, has declined by more than 30 per cent in the last 20 years.

Reacting to the gruesome footage, Mrs Delsink, director of Human Society International, said: 'The killing of this leopard is one of the most heinous examples of wanton animal cruelty I have ever seen.

'This poor trapped creature endured a prolonged attack and will have suffered immensely throughout.

'What is particularly shocking is the utter disrespect displayed by the men involved, who laugh as the animal is repeatedly savaged by dogs and beaten.

'Such animal cruelty is abhorrent and will, I am sure, send shockwaves across Namibia and the world. It is imperative that the men who took part in this attack be held accountable and that the tragic death of this leopard leads to an urgent change in Namibia's law.

'No animal should ever be treated this way, and the loophole that provides carte blanche for such cruel and barbaric killing must be closed.'

Campaigners believe the attack was filmed on a government-owned commercial farm under the management of the Ministry of Agriculture, located on the east of the Waterberg Plateau National Park, which is run by the Ministry of Environment and Tourism.

A call to the governmental department went unanswered last night.

'This is a senseless and brutal act that is not justifiable under any circumstance,' said Dr Joseph Okori, Regional Director, Southern Africa for the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW).

'The Namibian government should consider reviewing its policies with regards to protected species as a whole, and to align itself with international best practices that do not allow such appalling cruelty.

'Namibia should also set in motion a process to institute sound regulations and guidelines for dealing with Problem Animal Control, similar to those in regional countries like Botswana.'
President Donald Trump has released a budget plan that makes significant cuts to spending to fund his border wall and the military build-up he's been promising - and was called 'America First' by the official who wrote it.

Cut the deepest is the State Department, which is being slapped with a 28 per cent reduction to its foreign aid division. The Environmental Protection Agency and the Housing and Urban Development Department is also expected to suffer.

The Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which provides support to NPR and PBS - the broadcaster of Sesame Street - will see its funding phased out if Trump's budget makes it past the House and Senate over the objection of both conservatives and liberals.

Trump is proposing the dramatic cuts to some agencies so he can put $1.5 billion toward his wall with Mexico this year and appropriate an additional $54 billion for defense in 2018 without adding to the federal deficit.

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President Donald Trump, pictured returning from Nashville on Wednesday night, will release a budget blueprint today that makes cuts to discretionary spending to fund his border wall and the military build-up he's been promising

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to reporters aboard Air Force One as they approach Joint Base Andrews, Maryland following his rally in Nashville

Winner: Other areas of government spending will be slashed to provide more cash for the military - including combat troops now deployed to Syria

The Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which provides support to NPR and PBS will see its funding phased out. PBS, the Public Broadcasting Service, was a creation of the CPB. It's most successful program is Sesame Street

LOSER: The State Department, which is being slapped with a 28 percent reduction to its foreign aid division. Former Secretary of State John Kerry is pictured above with actress Angelina Jolie at a State Department event

The blueprint does not deal with mandatory spending on entitlement programs such as Social Security or revenue sources nor does it try to balance the federal budget.

Cuts to discretionary spending, which came in at over $1 trillion in 2017 according to theOffice of Management and Budget, are dollar for dollar, Trump's budget director said Wednesday. It will be up to affected agencies to figure out how to implement them.

'We've given them a tremendous amount of flexibility within their own agencies this year,' OMB Director Mick Mulvaney claimed Wednesday during a briefing for White House reporters.

How much money State and the Department of Energy would be losing, he could not say. It was, however, expected to be a significant amount.

Budget Director Mick Mulvaney says the State Department will see most of its discretionary budget eliminated if Trump's has his way - but only because he wants to get rid of foreign aid

'This is a hard power budget. This is not a soft power budget,' Mulvaney said of the appropriations. 'This is a hard-power budget. And that was done intentionally. The President very clearly wants to send a message to our allies and our potential adversaries that this is a strong power administration.'

In 2017, State received $37.8 billion in discretionary spending. Most of that, $22.7 billion according to The Balance, went to foreign aid. That amounts to roughly two percent of what was put aside by the government for discretionary spending.

A 2015 review conducted by NPR of foreign aid spending found that the largest share goes to HIV/AIDS programs. Economic development such as infrastructure building and Internet access, along with humanitarian assistance, accounts for another third of the money.

Mulvaney insisted that the reduction is not meant to minimize Secretary of State Rex Tillerson or his department - the foreign aid line items 'just happen to fall within their functions.'

'We believe that we have protected the core diplomatic function of state, and that's why I say this is not a reflection of the president's policies regarding an attitude toward State,' he said. 'The president believes very strongly in what Mr. Tillerson is doing.'

The slashing of the diplomatic arm's budget had Sen. Lindsey Graham preemptively declaring Trump's budget 'dead on arrival' after the administration offered a preview of the blueprint two weeks ago.

'It's not going to happen,' the Republican senator told NBC News. 'It would be a disaster.'

Graham said the pared-down appropriations would put State Department employees at risk.

His concerns about the budget slashing were echoed by Republicans and Democrats that serve on the Senate's Foreign Relations Committee.

'Foreign Aid is not charity,' Republican Sen. Marco Rubio said in a tweet. 'We must make sure it is well spent, but it is less than 1% of budget & critical to our national security.'

Delaware Democrat Chris Coons argued, 'The aid we provide to countries around the world directly advances U.S. national interests by fostering a safer and more stable world.'

'DEAD ON ARRIVAL': The slashing of the diplomatic portion of the federal budget had Sen. Lindsey Graham preemptively declaring Trump's budget a non-starter

Mitch McConnell, the top dog in the Senate, is also against the steep State Department cuts.

'The diplomatic portion of the federal budget is very important and you get results a lot cheaper frequently than you do on the defense side,' the GOP leader told reporters, according to the Associated Press. 'So speaking for myself, Im not in favor of reducing the (foreign aid) account to that extent.'

'This is a hard power budget. This is not a soft power budget,' says OMB Director Mick Mulvaney

Commenting on the coming assault on the State Department budget and other rumored chops, House Appropriations Committee Chairman Rodney Frelinghuysen, a Republican, told the Associated Press, 'Weve reduced our discretionary spending over the last seven or eight years an incredible amount. Maybe some people dont like those agencies, but its been pretty difficult for them to meet their mandate.'

Defense spending will go up substantially, although not all of the money will be appropriated to the Pentagon, which has a $521.7 billion budget this year. The Department of Energy will get some of the money, for instance, for nuclear energy programs.

Trump is also proposing $1.5 billion for construction of his proposed border fence in fiscal year 2017 and $2.6 billion the year after that.

Of the $1.5 billion, Mulvaney said, 'It's all that we think that we can spend this year.

'The next question is going to be, how many miles of wall does that build, right? And we dont know the answer to that question because we havent settled on construction types,' he revealed. 'We havent settled on where were going to start.

'I think the funding provides for a couple of different pilot cases...different kinds of barriers in different kinds of places, as we try and find the most cost-efficient, the safest, and also the most effective border protections. They may be different in different areas,' he stated.

Cut the deepest is the State Department, which is being slapped with a 28 per cent reduction to its foreign aid division

Sidelined: Mulvaney said Trump's budget is not meant to minimize Secretary of State Rex Tillerson or his department - the foreign aid line items 'just happen to fall within their functions'

Mulvaney said Trump's full FY 2018 budget, slated for May, will include 10-year cost projections for the wall the president has said will be paid for one way or another by Mexico.

For now, the money will come out of the general Treasury.

'We did not say, we need $1.5 billion for the wall, lets go over and reduce this program over at education, and move that $1.5 billion over to the wall. We dealt with it more holistically,' Mulvaney explained.

'We plussed-up the various items I've talked about, and then we went looking for the most inefficient, most wasteful, most indefensible programs in other areas. So you couldnt follow it dollar for dollar.'

Overall, the Department of Homeland Security is slated to get a six percent increase in federal funds over its $40.6 billion budget this year, and Trump wants the Department of Defense to receive 10 percent more than it did in the past.

Mulvaney said the document also calls for an uptick in funds for private and public school choice and veterans' benefits, but he did not provide specific details.

He was also vague about funding for the National Institute of Health for studies on disease prevention - an area that Democrats have laced into the administration over.

'The same time hes talking about medical research hes going to slash it,' Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said at the end of February. 'Education. He talked about the great issue of education. Same thing. His budget is going to slash education to smithereens.'

One agency Mulvaney could recall receiving a diminution was NASA. Its $18.3 billion budget will be reduced by one percent, he said.

'But a lot of the programs within there are actually increased in order to align with the Presidents priorities, and that includes some of the exploring other planets.'

Public broadcasting funding, he said, will eventually be brought down to zero.

Some amount of public broadcasting money is 'necessary' for now 'for us to unwind our involvement with the CPB,' he sad.

'So you won't see a zero next to it. But the policy is that we're ending federal involvement with the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.'

By next year the line item might be zero, he added. 'But it may take a while to unwind that relationship. It's just the nature of contracts and so forth.'

The CPB's funding is relatively minuscule compared to how much Trump is proposing to spend annually on other programs.

At $445.5 million, it's a fraction of discretionary spending and will barely help Trump achieve his wish list.

HUD is slated for reductions, as well, although Mulvaney did not say by how much. It received $38 billion in 2017.

At the briefing Mulvaney contended that 'a lot' of the 'wasteful programs, duplicative programs, programs that simply dont work' fall under that department's purview.

'We've spent a lot of money on Housing and Urban Development over the last decades without a lot to show for it,' the Cabinet official stated. 'Certainly there are some successes, but there's a lot of programs that simply cannot justify their existence, and that's where we zeroed in.'

Mulvaney said the Department of Transportation and its $12 billion discretionary spending budget is being reduced for the same reason.

Among the things funded by the Department of Transportation are Amtrak, the national passenger railroad, and subsidies for airports and interstates.

Also on Thursday, Mulvaney said the administration will be putting out a document that asks for revisions to the 2017 budget and a supplemental request of $30 billion for defense for the current fiscal year.
Here's to lending strangers a hand - or 36 paws!

Nine sled dogs managed to pull an SUV out of the snow last weekend after mushers Neil Eklund and his son Lauro Eklund found a group of tourists trapped in Fairbanks, Alaska.

Eklund said he had never pulled a car out the snow with his dogs before, but they had plenty of power to free the SUV and send the tourists on their way.

Nine sled dogs managed to pull an SUV out of the snow last weekend after mushers Neil Eklund and his son Lauro Eklund found a group of tourists trapped in Fairbanks, Alaska

The father and son were on their way back from giving a dogsled tour of Chena River when they spotted a silver SUV trapped in the snow

'We all tugged and pushed,' Neil Eklund said. 'The dogs had a lot of fun with it'

The father and son, who run a wilderness expedition company, were on their way back from giving a dogsled tour of Chena River when they spotted a silver SUV trapped in the snow.

They lent a hand and pushed the car while their nine sled dogs pulled from the other end.

'We all tugged and pushed,' Neil Eklund told the Fairbanks Daily News Miner. 'The dogs had a lot of fun with it. When you have them all synced in unison, they can really pull.

The tourists with the SUV were taking a risk by driving to the Chena River area, since cars that have traveled on top of its frozen surface in recent years have fallen through, Eklund said.

But he added: 'At least it's a good story for them to tell when they go back home.'

Neil Eklund, who participated in the famed Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race in 1981 and 1983, is now training his son to run both the Yukon Quest sled dog race and the Iditarod.

Neil and Lauro Eklund (pictured) run a wilderness expedition company
Lawyers for the man who murdered Etan Patz are arguing for his murder conviction to be thrown out because jurors in his retrial knew members of the first jury were sitting in court with the victim's family.

Pedro Hernandez was found guilty of killing the six-year-old, who went missing in 1979, during his second trial last month.

But his attorney Alice Fontier said yesterday that Hernandez could not have received a fair trial because the jury was unfairly influenced by how close former jurors were to the Patz family.

Suspect: Pedro Hernandez (right) was convicted of the murder of Etan Patz (left) who vanished without trace in New York in 1979. Hernandez's ex-wife says he confessed to killing a boy

Members of the first jury who voted to convict Hernandez in 2015, a case that ended in a mistrial on an 11-1 vote, attended the second trial and often sat with Stan Patz in court.

They were sitting with the family when the verdict was read on February 14.

'In this highly emotional case, the presence of the prior jurors and their close and obvious relationship with the Patz family conveyed the message that they believed in Mr. Hernandez's guilt,' Fontier wrote. 'This information deprived Mr. Hernandez of a fair trial.'

Stan Patz, father of 6-year-old Etan Patz, who disappeared on the way to the school bus stop 38 years ago, arrives at Manhattan Supreme Court in New York. Jennifer O'Connor, a juror in the first trial for Pedro Hernandez, who was charged with Etan's murder, accompanies Patz

Hernandez confessed several years ago to choking Etan, but his lawyers had said that admission was the false imagining of a troubled man whose mind blurred the boundary between reality and illusion.

The Manhattan district attorney's office response is due March 22, and prosecutors said they had no comment until then.

Fontier said the defense team uncovered the information after news reports that a juror in the second trial, Michael Castellon, said he had been told by court officers that the first jury was sitting with the family. Castellon didn't respond to a request for comment yesterday.

A defense investigator, Joe O'Brien, reached an alternate who said he knew about the first jury well before deliberations but wasn't told by court officers.

Tom Hoscheid, and Michael Castellon, foreground left and right, are joined by fellow jurors in the Pedro Hernandez case during a news conference after their guilty verdict in Manhattan Supreme Court in New York

'He could not recall if it was a general announcement to the jury or if it was just a comment passed between the two of them, but he assured me that other jurors knew this as well,' according to O'Brien's affidavit filed with the motion.

The investigator didn't reach anyone who deliberated in the case.

The second jury deliberated over nine days before finding Hernandez, 56, of Maple Shade, New Jersey, guilty of murder and kidnapping. The first jury deliberated for 18 days before deadlocking after a single juror wouldn't convict. The sentencing has been postponed.

Etan's disappearance captivated the nation. He was one of the first children to be pictured on milk cartons after he vanished May 25, 1979, on his way to school. His case shaped both parenting and law enforcement in the United States.
Footage has emerged of the moment a Perth teenager is tackled to the ground and arrested by transit officers while it was streamed live on Facebook.

In the video Kane Pattinson, 19, explains that he is returning to a train station where he alleges he was abused by transit officers for trying to help someone who was in trouble with the guards.

Three transit officers are waiting outside the station as Mr Pattinson approaches them to 'see what they have to say' about the altercation.

In the video Kane Pattinson, 19, explains that he is returning to a train station where he alleges he was abused by transit officers for trying to help someone who was in trouble with the guards

Mr Pattinson points the camera at one of the officers and asks him to rate his performance.

Moments later another officer moves in on Mr Pattinson and tells him he is under arrest before tackling him to the ground.

The teenager repeatedly tells the officers they they are being live streamed as he is pinned to the ground.

'You're on live video, I haven't done anything wrong,' Mr Pattinson says.

Mr Pattinson asks one of the officers to rate his performance. Moments later another officer moves in on Mr Pattinson and tells him he is under arrest before tackling him to the ground.

'Someone help me, I've been abused.'

In the video description, Mr Pattinson says his dispute with the officers began when he aimed to help a man in trouble with the guards to walk away.

While Mr Pattinson insists he didn't do anything wrong, he concedes that he shouted at the officers during the initial confrontation.

'I needed to go back that way anyway so I thought I should record it to make sure I wasn't abused in anyway,' he said.

'Nobody was hurt in the making of this video and don't try this at home.'
Craig Hicks, the North Carolina man accused of fatally shooting three Muslim college students, faced his victims relatives for the first time in two years.

During a brief appearance Tuesday in Durham County Superior Court, Farris Barakat, Deah Barakats brother, said seeing Hicks has helped him with his anger over the loss of his brother.

'When you see another human being, you become more merciful,' said Barakat. 'You become less angry.'

Tuesday's 15-minute hearing dealt with a motion to release four pages of notes made by an FBI investigator that relate to computer evidence seized after the shootings, The News & Observer reports.

Craig Hicks (center), charged with the murder of three Muslim students in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, sits with attorneys Terry Alford (left) and Steve Freedman as he makes an appearance in a Durham County courtroom on Tuesday

Looking thin and haggard, Hicks appeared to have lost a significant amount of weight since the February 2015 fatal shootings of students Deah Barakat, 23; his wife Yusor Abu-Salha, 21; and her 19-year-old sister Razan Abu-Salha.

The three were fatally shot on February 10, 2015, at the Finley Forest Condominiums near the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Search warrants filed by Chapel Hill police said Barakat was shot in the head near the entrance to his condo. The two women were found in or near the kitchen.

Hicks, now 48, was their neighbor, and residents said he had frequent problems with where people parked in the complex.

His motive has not been established, but relatives said they believe the victims were targeted because of their Muslim faith.

The FBI investigated whether or not the murders were a hate crime but have not publicly released its results.

Murdered: Deah Shaddy Barakat, a dental student at the University of North Carolina; (left) his wife, 21-year-old Yusor Mohammad Abu-Salha (center); and her sister, 19-year-old Rezan (right) were gunned down on February 10, 2015

Hicks turned himself in to Chatham County police after the shootings and has been imprisoned since.

Ibrahim Hooper, the national communications director for the Council on American-Islamic Relations, said he believes there was a religious bias with this case.

'We believe that if the victims had not been wearing headscarves, had they not been Muslim, that this incident would not have occurred,' Hooper told Fox News.

Hicks is charged with three counts of first-degree murder. A trial date has not been scheduled.

Barakat and Mohammad were newlyweds who helped the homeless and raised money to help Syrian refugees in Turkey.

They met while helping to run the Muslim Student Association at NC State before he began pursuing an advanced degree in dentistry at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Deah, right, was a dentistry student and his wife Yusor, left, was planning on joining him at dentistry school in 2015. The couple are only thought to have been married for a month

Razan Abu-Salha (above), the 19-year-old sister of Yusor Abu-Salha, had been studying for a degree at North Carolina State University in Architecture and Environmental Design

Mohammad, who graduated in December, planned to join her husband in dentistry school in the fall.

Abu-Salha was visiting them from Raleigh, where she was majoring in design at NC State.

Hicks's wife, Karen Hicks, held a press conference shortly after the murders to say that the killings were not a hate crime and that they were a result of a dispute over parking.

The victims' cars were all parked correctly in the apartment complex where they lived on the night of the attack.

According to The New York Times, Barakat's car was parked in his assigned spot and he had taken the bus to class that day. Abu-Salha's car was in a space where she was allowed to park - and not in Hicks' spot.

Hicks shared this image online of his 'loaded 38 revolver, its holster and five extra rounds'

When Razan Abu-Salha came to visit, she parked on the street - after be warned by Barakat about disputes with their neighbors over parking.

Hicks, who was unemployed and studying to become a paralegal, posted online that he was a staunch advocate of the constitutional right to bear arms.

'Some call me a gun toting Liberal, others call me an open-minded Conservative,' Hicks wrote.

Neighbors described him as an angry man in frequent confrontations over parking or loud music, often with a gun holstered at the hip. His social media posts often discussed firearms, including a photo posted of a .38-caliber revolver.
Supermarkets have put their breads to the taste test in an attempt to find the best white, wholegrain and grain loaves.

Canstar Blue lined up a selection of market leading breads from Aldi, Coles and Woolworths to compare price, taste and freshness.

Aldi's Baker's Life bread, priced at 85c, rose to the top for white loaves after it beat other brands.

Helga's, costing $3.50, was ranked first place in the wholegrain category - again beating Coles own brand.

An independent study found that for white bread, Aldi (left) rose to the top, rating high for freshness, taste and value for money, while Woolworths (right) came in last

THE BREAD WINNERS AND LOSERS White Bread First : Aldi's Bakers Life, $0.85. Last: Woolworths home brand, $0.85 Wholegrain Bread First: Helga's, $3.50 Last: Woolworths Wholemeal loaf, $1.90 Grain and Seeded Bread First: Abbott's Village Bakery, $3.50 Last: Woolworths Bread Grain Loaf, $2.90 Advertisement

Judging by cost, taste and freshness - an independent study asked 3,000 Australians to determine which bread is best.

'Which products are ticking the boxes for taste, for good texture and really for good value for money,' Simon Downes of Canstar Blue told 9 News.

Hopeful loaves were sorted into three categories: white, wholemeal and grain and seeded bread.

For white bread, Aldi's Bakers Life was the top brand, rating high for freshness, taste and value for money at $0.85.

Woolworths home brand loaf didn't fare so well and trailed in last for their bread, which also cost shoppers $0.85.

Helga's rated five stares for their wholegrain bread - which will set back shoppers and average of $3.50, beating supermarket giants $1.90 Woolworths and $1.50 Coles, home brands.

For grain and seeded bread, Abbott's Village Bakery came first for their $3.50 loaf, again beating Woolworths $2.90 home grown offering which came in last.

Mr Downes acknowledged supermarkets like Coles and Woolworths will be disappointed with the breadwinners.

But experts say there are more factors to consider when choosing the best loaf for you.

'I definitely steer people towards choosing a whole grain bread because that usually has a lower GI but it certainly has all that fibre and nutrients there,' nutritionist Joanna McMillan told 9 News.

Loaves with low salt levels as well as being high in fibre are also recommended.

Helga's rated five stares for their wholegrain bread, beating supermarket giants Woolworths and Coles

More breadwinners: For grain and seeded bread, Abbott's Village Bakery (left) came first while Helga's (right) rated fives stars for their wholegrain loaf
The former Liberal MP endorsed by her then-leader Tony Abbott for having 'sex appeal' has urged him to quit parliament.

Fiona Scott, the former MP for the western Sydney seat of Lindsay, has accused Mr Abbott of destabilising Malcolm Turnbull's leadership and 'backstabbing' colleagues.

As the Opposition Leader in the 2013 federal election, Mr Abbott said his candidate had 'a little sex appeal'.

Scroll down for video

Mr Abbott and Ms Scott are pictured together on the campaign trail during the 2013 election

He went on to win the election before he was ousted by Mr Turnbull in September, 2015. Ms Scott lost her seat in the federal election in July last year.

On Wednesday, Ms Scott said the infighting was not going to help the country or economy.

'This war has to end,' she told Sky News on Wednesday night.

'It's not going to help our country, it's not going to help our economy  I think some of these guys need to clock off, and I include Tony Abbott in that, I think it's time he goes.'

Ms Scott and Mr Abbott are pictured during the 2013 election campaign when he said she had 'sex appeal'

She said Mr Abbott was undermining his own legacy.

'What I see of a man I've thought so much for in the past is every day that this goes on and it drags on, he's just undermining his own legacy, and I think that's also a tragedy,' Ms Scott told Sky News.

Ms Scott said she was disappointed at his 'backstabbing', which he said he would not do after the coup.

'He said, "no backstabbing and backbiting" and that's all he's done,' she told the Australian Financial Review.

Ms Scott told Sky News it was time Mr Abbott 'clocked off' from government

Ms Scott said Mr Abbott was trying to destabilise Malcolm Turnbull's government (they are pictured together in May last year, before Ms Scott lost her seat in the 2016 election)

She also said her credibility in politics was destroyed when Mr Abbott described her as having 'sex appeal' on the 2013 campaign trail.

She also said her credibility in politics when Mr Abbott 'sexually objectified' her on the 2013 campaign trail when he described her as having 'sex appeal'.

On Sky News on Wednesday night, Ms Scott also said she was denied a spot on the federal economics committee because she wasn't one of 'the big boys'.

Then-Coalition whip Scott Buchholz said 'the big boys' had PhDs and Masters of economics, Ms Scott said.
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To some it was a house of the damned - a refuge for criminals that was awash with drugs, where violence was common and death a familiar sight.

To others, it was a final refuge - the remaining stopgap between life in a jail cell and life on the streets, the last light in a dark place when all other lights had gone out.

Now for fans of The Block, The Gatwick Hotel could become one of the most famous properties in Australia after a caveat was placed over it on Wednesday by Micjoym, a company owned by Channel Nine.

The Gatwick Hotel, one of the most notorious properties in Melbourne for its long history of violence, drug abuse and criminality, is set to become a staple of family TV amid rumours it will appear on The Block season 13

The boarding house has been home to criminals, drug addicts and those with nowhere else to go since the 1950s, but regeneration of St Kilda has brought it into conflict with locals

Night Manager Michael Jewell admitted there was a huge problem with drugs in the hotel, saying that virtually every drug can either be found inside, or found by someone who knows where to get it

Police and politicians have supported The Gatwick in the past, but a rising tide of violence has turned opinion against it

The hotel was run as a house for those with nowhere else to go - former criminals, drug addicts and the mentally ill who were otherwise facing a life on the streets

Over the course of its history the property has been branded 'a festering flea-pit', 'a hellhole', and a 'hotbed of villainy'

Both the company and the owners refused to comment on the sale, but it is believed producers of The Block have had their eye on it for some time and are lining it up for their next season.

With a history that includes allegations of murder, rape, aggravated burglary, firearms offences, stabbings, bashings, and a string of drug overdoses - it is no wonder the property attracted attention.

The Gatwick's story began back in the 1950s, when Vittoria Carbone - a mother-of-five who fled war-torn Malta for Australia - bought it and turned it into a boarding house.

Located in what was then one of Melbourne's roughest neighbourhoods, it was kept as a house to support those who had little to their name.

Carbone had survived hand-to-mouth after arriving in the country, and felt the need to take care of others in her position. Her husband spent his first years living in a tree, and eating scraps from the local market.

Over the years she became known as The Queen of St Kilda, and when she died in 1998, hundreds lined the streets as a horse-drawn carriage bearing her coffin paraded through the streets.

Twins Rose Banks and Yvette Kelly, Carbone's daughters, began working at the hotel aged just 14 after their mother became too sick to handle the load by herself, and stayed there all their adult lives.

Speaking to documentary The Saints of St Kilda back in 2015, they described the job as 'tough', saying there were often days where they were thankful just to get to the end.

Crimes committed at The Gatwick include rape, arson, murder, aggravated burglary and hundreds of drug offences, though the owners maintain this is largely the fault of people coming in from outside, rather than their residents

The property was owned by twin sisters Rose Baker and Yvette Kelly, whose Maltese-immigrant mother used to run it, though on Wednesday a caveat was put over the hotel by a company owned by Channel Nine

Vittoria Carbone, a mother-of-five, fled war in Malta to settle in Australia during a depression, living hand-to-mouth at first but eventually saving enough money to buy a string of properties, including The Gatwick

Rose and Yvette began working at the hotel at the age of 14 after their father pulled them out of school, and have remained there for the entirety of their adult lives

While the property has always been run as a house for those at the bottom of society, the recent regeneration of St Kilda has caused it to come into conflict with the rest of the community

Local business owners have wanted the hotel bulldozed for years, eager to capitalise on the rising reputation of St Kilda

Still, the sisters told filmmakers that they felt an immense pride in their work, and were personally offended by some of the harsher things written about the establishment.

Feelings toward the boarding house in St Kilda were polarising. Local traders, eager to capitalise on the regeneration of the area, wanted it gone as quickly as possible.

A Facebook group dedicated to the topic was littered with comments suggesting the only solution was to bulldoze the property, while others wanted to burn it to the ground.

Even Rose and Yvette admitted that there was a problem with violence at the property. Officers shot one man dead there in 2011 after he stabbed a long-term resident in the back, while another man was stomped to death in the corridors in 2014.

Other residents confessed to a major drugs problem, saying that virtually every illicit substance could either be bought there, or acquired by someone from outside.

One police officer told the Herald Sun that he personally dealt with four overdoses in 16 months.

Despite that, senior officers praised the owners. Phil Hubbard, a detective senior-sergeant with St Kilda Police, described the sisters as 'very kind-hearted people who are helping' those living there.

Government ministers also defended The Gatwick in the past, describing previous attempts to close the venue as 'cheap stunts', praising it as a place which 'ensures our most vulnerable get the support they need'.

Indeed, following its closure, there is concern from social workers that evicting the 40 or so residents may contribute to a rise in Melbourne's already high homeless population.

As Rose pointed out in the documentary, evicting people from The Gatwick won't solve their problems, it will simply move them onto the streets, where it will likely be more difficult and time-consuming to deal with.

Despite its reputation for drugs and crime, police and local politicians supported the hotel in the past, saying it helped the people living there and supported some of the most vulnerable

In recent years support has drained as violence has increased. Recent reports suggest police were attending the hotel five times a day, while leaked crime reports show 50 offences there in a six month period last year

The 41 residents of The Gatwick were told to consider packing their bags about a week ago, it is reported, before the caveat was placed over the property this week

It was rumoured that season 13 of The Block, Australia's most popular reality show, would feature an empty lot of land in Elsternwick, but it is now thought it will focus on The Gatwick

But recently Rose and Yvette's ability to keep a lid on The Gatwick's unsavoury aspects have slipped, draining support from those who had previously flown the flag.

In the final years of its operation, police were forced to attend the property up to five times a day, according to some reports, fostering concerns that the hotel was endangering, rather than helping, those living there.

Some suggested that homeless people were actively avoiding it, preferring to take their chances on the street.

A recent report detailed a list of 50 crimes allegedly committed there over a six-month period, including arson, a stabbing, two rapes, at least 19 drug offences.

The property had been on the market for four years, with an asking price of $12million, in the hopes that a charitable organisation might step in to purchase it. But there were no takers.

Now it seems as if the former house of ill-repute, branded at various times as 'the hotel hell', a 'festering flophouse and flea-pit', and a 'hotbed of villainy' is set for a prime-time slot on family TV.

Speaking about the closure with ABC, Ms Banks confessed: 'It's a very hard decision to make. It didn't come easy but I think enough is enough.'

Filming for Season 13 of The Block is due to take place between April and July this year, with an expected release date of late 2017
A disabled pooch was delighted to find a new playmate at a California brewery.

In a video, the dog, named Scooty, sits on the ground and seems to look in the direction of a fellow canine not far away.

'Go get 'em,' a voice says.

The female dog rushes across the floor, and comes to a stop in front of her new potential friend.

The two dogs hang out with another, with Scooty turning around excitedly.

The video was posted to Scooty's Instagram, and captioned: 'Because this clip deserved its own post lol Scooty SO excited to greet dogs coming into the brewery.'

Scooty's Instagram bio says the dog was hit by a car in Mexico when she was a puppy, before she was 'smuggled to CA to live the best life possible'.

Why hello there! Scooty the dog is seen making her way over towards another canine

Fur-ever friends? Scooty is seen hanging around with her new playmate
Sir Desmond Swayne (Con, New Forest W), raffish and leonine, was in his habitual seat as he listened to Chancellor Philip Hammonds about-turn on National Insurance rises.

Side-whiskered Sir Desmond wears his grey hair quite long. It accentuates his natural elan.

Earlier this week I saw Mr Hammond watch Sir Desmond as the Hampshire knight came bowling into the Chamber. Was that envy with which Hammond the Humdrum followed dashing Sir Desmonds progress to the bench where he reclines low, like a man beside his swimming pool?

Sit and suffer: Philip Hammond did not enjoy the U-turn which had been forced upon him by his boss, Theresa May

Yesterday a hangdog Hammond stepped to the despatch box at 2.02pm. It was one week and 30 minutes, almost to the second, since he completed the booby Budget speech in which he announced the NI hikes. Now they were to be thrown out of the balloon. Or as we reporters used to say, when telephoning Fleet Street copytakers to correct a dreadful howler in earlier dictated copy: INSERT NOT!!

I wish to make a Statement on National Insurance contributions... began Mr Hammond.

Labour laughter. David Hanson (Lab, Delyn) slapped hands on thighs.

Edward Miliband (Lab, Doncaster N) hung out his upper teeth  they extend like the outdoor awning at a Primrose Hill trattoria. Helen Goodman (Lab, Bishop Auckland) rubbed an eye with vigour, delighted by Mr Hammonds palpable unease as he cancelled a big part of his Budget.

Theresa May had returned to the Chamber to sit beside her beleaguered Chancellor. She gave a twitch of discomfort. Mrs May does not enjoy mockery but you could hardly blame Labour backbenchers. They had not had much to cheer for a while.

Two hours earlier, at Prime Ministers Questions, Mrs May had been first to tell Parliament of the Budget reverse-ferret. The Treasury issued an 11.39am announcement on the matter, 21 minutes before PMQs. Unaccountably, word of the policy change did not seem to have reached Jeremy Corbyn. Uh-oh.

Shocker:Jeremy Corbyn's mind emptied when Mrs May announced the Budget re-think

Mr Corbyn pottered into the Chamber for PMQs wearing a balmy smile, armed with some stingers about, er, education policy. Mrs May announced the Budget re-think in her opening sentences. Mr Corbyn was next up and his mind emptied.

Klaxons! Hooters! Abandon ship! Unrecognised economic development in the bagging area. Two Corbyn eyes revolved in different directions. His frontbench neighbours Valerie Vaz and Rebecca Long-Bailey could have prompted him with questions  eg has the Chancellor offered to resign? But they were as clueless as Jeremy.

Poor lad, he had a shocker. Mrs May could barely believe her luck and at one point said I dont think hes quite got the hang of this. An understatement.

By the time of Mr Hammonds Statement two hours later, Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell had come up with a sharper response.

Sharper response: John McDonnell accused the Tories of a cynical breaking of their manifesto after Mr Hammond gave his statement on the U-turn

He accused the Tories of cynical breaking of their manifesto and complained that on Budget Day Mrs May had been guffawing like a feeding seal. Mrs May now scowled like a seal who had given up sprats for Lent. Boy, Hammond owes her for this balls-up.

And as Mr Hammond outlined his rethink  doing so in a lifeless manner blighted, as ever, by jargon  Sir Desmond Swaynes brow started to corrugate.

Some elusive worry fluttered across his radar. One of the sideburns twitched.

Mr Hammond was droning away, saying the NI rise had been predicted in the Press but no one had complained about the manifesto being broken.

This, if nothing else, may confirm that the Treasury cynically leaks Budget policies to gauge their likely popularity.

Finally, the penny dropped for Sir Desmond. Mr Speaker, sah, he barked. I am a slavish supporter of the Government and am in some difficulty.

As he explained, he had written an article for his constituency paper, the Forest Journal, in which he had robustly defended Mr Hammonds original NI rise.

It is already with the printers! wailed Sir Desmond. He wished to let the world know that he now recanted his pro-Hammond grovelling. Cheers. Laughter. Sir Desmonds eyes beamed. Mr Hammond just radiated dull ineptitude.
Suitcase murderer Heather Mack's baby will continue to grow up in an Indonesian prison, at least for now, as a Chicago judge has denied the baby's paternal grandmother's petition to bring her to the US.

Little Stella Schaefer, almost two years old, lives in a Bali prison with her mother, Heather Mack, who murdered her mother, Sheila von Weise-Mack, and stuffed her body into a suitcase. Mack is serving a ten year sentence, where the mother-daughter pair were vacationing at a luxury resort at the time of the killing.

Stella's father, Tommy Schaefer, was convicted in the same murder and is serving an 18 year sentence. His mother, Kia Walker, petitioned a Chicago court to be named Stella's legal guardian.

Heather Mack, above with baby Stella, gave birth while in custody in Bali after being arrested for the murder of her mother, Sheila

Kia Walker, right, mother of Tommy Schaefer, petitioned for custody of Stella but was denied

The petition was denied Tuesday because the judge said she had no jurisdiction in Indonesia, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.

Judge Susan Kennedy Sullivan ruled that without the consent of both parents, guardianship can't be transferred.

While Tommy Schaefer wants the baby to live in suburban Chicago with his mother, Heather Mack wants a guardian appointed who can live near the prison, according to the outlet.

The child will have to leave the prison when she turns two, which happens on Friday. Walker is afraid the child will then be sent into the Indonesian foster care system.

Heather Mack's daughter, Stella, has grown up with her inside of a Bali prison (above)

Mack says she wants Stella to live with a nearby guardian so she can keep getting to know her daughter while she serves her 10 year sentence

Walker's lawyer said the grandmother was 'disappointed' with the ruling, according to People. Walker is 'worried and deathly afraid Stella is going to be put into the Indonesian foster care system.'

'The child is an American citizen,' attorney Michael Goldberg told the outlet. 'We think shes being left to the whim of Indonesian law and no one seems quite sure what that is.'

Stella turns two on Friday and will have to leave her mother's side in the prison system

Heather Mack, right, murdered her mother, Sheila, left, after they went to a luxury resort in Bali in 2014 - now she says she began to plot the murder to avenge what she claims is her father's murder by Sheila, claims called 'endless lies' by Heather's aunt

Walker has appealed the decision, but nothing is likely to be settled by Friday, when the child will have to leave the care of her mother.

Complicating matters is that Stella may be in line to inherit Sheila von Weise-Mack's $1.56million trust.

According to People, the trust is now controlled by von Weise-Mack's brother, who has long maintained that because Heather Mack killed his sister, she deserves none of the money.

Writing to the judge who was overseeing a hearing about the trust, Mack wrote: '[Tommy and I] already have plans arranged for Stella when she leaves the prison. We also already have a guardian (for Stella).

'Stella will not be going back to America at all whatsoever until both Tommy and I are released from prison. Even then, there is absolutely no surety that we will ever return to America,' according to the Chicago Tribune.

In February, Heather released a video claiming that her ex-boyfriend, Tommy Schaefer (above) wasn't responsible for her mother's murder and that she tricked him into it

Mack has said she has no regrets about killing her mother. In February, she claimed in a video that she killed her mother to avenge Sheila killing her father in an Athens hotel room, according to the Chicago Tribune.

James L. Mack's obituary says he died of a pulmonary embolism. Debbi Curran, the younger sister of von Wiese-Mack, said Heather's accusation is 'endless lies.'

Heather Mack also took sole responsibility for the murder, saying Tommy Schaefer was 'innocent.'

It's unclear what will happen to Stella when she has to leave the Kerobokan Prison on Friday. Stella is an American citizen who has an American passport.

Mack's lawyer had previously said that a family in Bali was willing to care for Stella until her mother's release, reported the Chicago Sun-Times.
As he stood joking and laughing at the Despatch Box last Wednesday, Philip Hammond  a man not noted for his humility  clearly thought his first Budget was going swimmingly.

But scarcely had he sat down before a fierce backlash began. The usual post-Budget briefing of journalists by Mr Hammonds advisors was long and bloody.

Time and again, reporters demanded to know how he could square a 2p hike in National Insurance contributions for the self-employed with a promise, repeated four times in the Tory manifesto, that NI contributions would not rise.

Forgotten pledge: David Cameron may not be PM any more but the Tories have to abide by what they promised under him at the election in 2015

Indeed at one point yesterday Mr Hammond suggested it was the BBC's Political Editor Laura Kuenssberg who informed the Treasury about the 2015 pledge - before swiftly retracting the claim.

Minister finds out...live on TV Looking foolish: Rory Stewart's TV U-turn Philip Hammond's dramatic U-turn on National Insurance came while a minister was defending it on live TV. International development minister Rory Stewart, pictured on BBC2's Daily Politics, was attempting to explain the Chancellor's policy as his fellow MPs prepared for Prime Minister's Questions. Looking slightly uncomfortable, he said: 'It is important to deal with the fact that self-employed people have got a very different treatment from employed people. We need to explain very, very clearly what we are doing. This is complicated. 'We need to make absolutely sure we go into the next election with people confident about our manifesto.' Presenter Andrew Neil then informed him that the policy was being dropped. A visibly relieved Mr Stewart said: 'It sounds to me as though the Government has made a difficult decision which I think is the right decision which is that we have to keep to the spirit of the manifesto.' Advertisement

Inside the Commons and on TV, normally loyal Tories were publicly calling for a rethink and by the following day there were 20 public rebels, more than enough to erase Mrs Mays slim majority.

What Mr Hammond had hoped would be an unremarkable, steady-as-she-goes Budget will now be remembered as the most spectacularly disastrous in recent memory. George Osbornes omnishambles Budget of 2012 took days to unravel.

Mr Hammonds was in pieces within minutes. So how did it happen?

Its origins lie in Mr Hammonds admirable determination to present a balanced Budget: not spending any more than he raised in taxes. Seemingly unable to find any more cuts, his only option was to hike taxes to find billions for social care and new grammars and free schools.

The magic solution was offered by Treasury officials, who for years have been worried about the rise in self-employment hitting tax revenues. At last years Autumn Statement, the damage was put at 5billion a year.

Some of those taking advantage of the system were rich professionals, accountants and lawyers.

The Chancellors first error was to think his tax raid would be seen as targeting these groups. Instead, it was swiftly framed as a straightforward assault on self-sufficient, risk-taking entrepreneurs  many of whom are core Tory voters.

He was hammering White Van Man. Something similar happened in 2012 with the so-called pasty tax.

But Mr Hammonds bigger blunder, and the one that was ultimately his undoing, was underestimating the force of feeling among his own MPs and the wider public about the breach of the manifesto promise.

His defence was risible. Mr Hammond and his aides said the commitment was only to Class 1 contributions paid by employees and not those in Class 4. At a time he was announcing a ban on baffling small print for consumers he was relying on some of his own.

Sundays newspapers contained ugly accounts of tit-for-tat briefings over who was to blame for the fiasco. Then on Monday Theresa May met a small but powerful group of Tory MPs, the executive of the 1922 committee.

MPs warned that if the policy was not reversed, the partys promises in 2020 would not be believed. The mood was supportive but the message was clear: it must change.

Discussions between the Treasury and No 10 continued on Tuesday. Yesterday morning Mrs May and the Chancellor met at 8am and agreed the U-turn.

Awkward moment: Philip Hammond's 2017 Budget will go down in history like George Osborne's 'Omnishambles' in 2012

Just half an hour before Mrs May rose at midday for PMQs  when she would have faced tough questions on NI from her own side and Labour  the policy reversal was announced in a letter to the Treasury Select Committee. No 10 cannot escape all responsibility for the car crash and would have been well aware of its contents well in advance.

By attending Mr Hammonds statement  described by one aide as putting her arm around her Chancellor  Mrs May tacitly acknowledged that.

But among Tory MPs she was getting the credit for the swift reversal, which kills off the need for a long, painful and in all likelihood failed attempt to get NI legislation through this Autumn.

One senior Tory told the Mail: Be in no doubt. She has sorted it.

Instead, the blame was laid squarely at Mr Hammonds door, with MPs complaining about his judgment. He isnt the most sensitive soul, one said. Another berated his lack of political antennae.

The damage isnt terminal, but Mr Hammond dearly needs his next effort at a Budget to pass without a hitch. He also needs to find a couple of billion quid from somewhere.
Via Astro Awani: H5N1 outbreak Education Ministry awaits full report. The report and then a comment:

ALOR SETAR: The Education Ministry is waiting for a full report from the Kelantan Health Department on the bird flu (H5N1) outbreak in the state before taking further action such as closing the schools.

Education Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid said the report would be crucial in determining the next course of action to be taken by the ministry to protect the health of students.

"If the outbreak situation is serious, we may prohibit students from going to school, but let us wait for the full report from the Kelantan Health Department first."

Mahdzir said this to reporters after the handing-out of special allocation cheques to 74 Chinese national-type schools (SJKC) in Kedah and Perlis, at SJKC Keat Hwa, here, today.

Yesterday, the Kelantan government declared the H5N1 outbreak as a state disaster following the spread of H5N1 to two more districts, namely Bachok and Pasir Puteh, after Kota Bharu and Pasir Mas.

This is a surprising story; unless children are going to school in chicken coops, they're unlikely to contract H5N1 in their classes.
This is the moment a New York City subway passenger defends Muslim riders from bigoted harassment.

In the video, an older Latina woman verbally attacks a man who 'looks Indian Muslim', asking him why he is in the United States.

'Why are you here? Why are you in this country? You're not one of us,' the woman tells the unseen man by her side, who calmly defends himself.

When a fellow E train passenger asks her in accented English to stop bothering him, the woman becomes combative.

An unidentified woman (above) verbally attacks a man who 'looks Indian Muslim' on the New York City subway in viral video footage

A fellow E train passenger (right) asks the woman in accented English to stop bothering him

When that doesn't work, Tracey Tong, 23, (left) intervenes

'No, you don't understand; you're not even from here,' the woman yells.

It is at this point that Tracey Tong, 23, intervenes.

Tong asks the woman her country of origin.

'I am from here! I was born here in America! It doesn't matter where I come from,' the woman yells at Tong.

Tong calmly tells the woman that she is half-Chinese and half-Latin American.

After a short pause, the woman explains to Tong that although she was born in the US her family is from Puerto Rico.

Switching from English to Spanish, Tong reminds her fellow Latina that most Americans can trace their roots elsewhere.

'We need to stick together,' Tong urges the woman.

Tong (pictured) is being hailed a heroine after the video of the incident went viral

As the conversation unfolds, Tong demands that the passengers be treated with respect - in any language necessary.

'Im asking you to please respect her,' insists Tong. 'In Spanish, in English, in Chinese, in French  whatever language you want me to say it, I will say it.'

Tong is being hailed a heroine after the video of the incident went viral, with more than one million views.

Her intervention joins a list of similar incidents this year.

In Kentucky, a Caucasian woman insulted two Latinas in a mall, and in Dallas, a Caucasian man verbally assaulted a Hispanic Wal-Mart employee.
Holidaymakers will soon be able to book trips to America with Ryanair  although New York-bound travellers may have to land some 60 miles from the city.

The low-cost airline is teaming up with budget rival Norwegian to offer long-distance trips from this summer.

Customers will be able to book cheap flights from a range of UK airports to destinations such as Boston, New Jersey and New York with Norwegian.

New York next? Ryanair flights could have a US route added to their destinations this summer

Stewart International Airport, 60 miles north of Manhattan, could be one of the destinations

Bookings will be made on the website of either firm, with a single ticket, and customers will transfer at connecting airports. Passengers' baggage will be automatically transferred between planes.

'While routes are yet to be finalised, possible options include flying from regional British airports to Edinburgh, London Gatwick, Cork or Barcelona with Ryanair, then boarding a Norwegian flight on to Stewart International Airport, T.F. Green Airport or John .F. Kennedy International Airport.

Stewart is in New York State some 60 miles north of Manhattan, while T.F. Green is around 63 miles from Boston.

Allowing customers to book transatlantic flights is a significant development for Ryanair as it tries to attract more customers from upmarket rivals.

The deal is mutually beneficial for both airlines and will help open up Norwegian's rapidly expanding US routes to more airports across Europe at a low cost, while also guaranteeing higher priced seats to Ryanair, whose chief executive is Michael O'Leary.

Ryanair customers could be able to visit places such as Boston from the summer with the low-cost airline

A Ryanair spokesman said: 'Given we have the largest route network in Europe, it's a logical move and a very attractive proposition for long haul carriers.' Norwegian boss Bjorn Kjos said the tie-up was a 'natural fit' for the airline, which has close to 500 routes in Europe, compared to Ryanair's network of over 2,000.

He added that the airline is open to doing a similar deal with EasyJet, although talks are still ongoing. The feeder flights are timetabled to launch this summer, provided both companies overcome the final hurdle of aligning their computer systems.

The tie-up is likely to be another blow for so-called legacy airlines which have struggled to match Ryanair and Norwegian's rock-bottom fares.

The average Ryanair flight costs 85.10 while the average Norwegian flight costs 96.22. The average British Airways flight, however, costs 168.70, according to research by Skyscanner. A typical flight from London to New York costs upwards of 800. Ryanair calculate its average flight cost is as low as 45.00.

Michael O'Leary is the chief executive of the Irish airline Ryanair and one of Ireland's wealthiest business people

While fares for the new feeder flights are yet to be confirmed, Norwegian has previously offered fares to New York from Edinburgh for as little as 69 one-way.

Mr Kjos said that while legacy airlines have long ruled the transatlantic routes, passengers are increasingly looking for a combination of affordable fares as well as brand recognition.

The owner of British Airways, IAG, is planning to launch its own low-cost long-haul operation from Barcelona in June. It will use its budget short-haul airline, Vueling, as a feeder for flights.

Mr Kjos dismissed suggestions that BA could pose a threat in the long term, saying: 'Healthy competition on airlines is the best way to lower fares for customers.'
The grandfather of a seven-year-old boy, who died on Tuesday after being hit by a truck in Western Australia, desperately tried to revive him at the scene.

Michael Clarke was playing with his four-year-old brother Daniel outside their house, next door to a roadhouse.

The pair were on Midlands Road in Mingenew, 380km north of Perth, about 7.30pm when the incident took place, reported 7 News.

Michael Clarke, 7, (right) was hit by a truck and killed on Tuesday night while playing with his brother Daniel, 4, (left) near a roadhouse. His grandfather Mick McCarthy (centre) tried to revive Michael at the scene but he died later in hospital

Mick McCarthy, the boys' grandfather and guardian who is a former paramedic, tried to save Michael's life before he was taken to Dongara Hospital with critical injuries.

But Michael was pronounced dead shortly after arriving in hospital.

WA Police said the seven-year-old was hit at the intersection of Midlands Road and William Street and the driver did not stop at the time.

Mr McCarthy told The West Australian the two boys had run over to look at the truck when it was parked outside the roadhouse.

The incident took place on Tuesday night about 7.30pm outside a roadhouse (pictured) on the corner of Midlands Road and William Street in Mingenew, a town 380km north of Perth

Mr McCarthy said the two boys, who lived close to the roadhouse, had run out to look at the truck when it was parked. Police said it was possible the driver, who did not stop, was unaware he had hit the child

He said: 'The world has lost a beautiful human being.'

Police reportedly spoke to the driver on Wednesday and are not treating the incident as a hit-and-run, as it is possible the driver was not aware he had hit the boy.

Acting shire president Martin Whitely told 7 News the whole community was really affected by the death.

Mingenew residents are pictured comforting each other in the wake of the incident. Acting shire president Martin Whitely said the whole community was really affected by the death

Police (pictured near the scene) said they had spoken with the driver and it was not being treated as a hit-and-run incident at this stage

'Our thoughts go out to the family and everyone in the community,' Mr White said.

A local church displayed the message: 'We are praying for the family and our town'.

Major Crash officers would like to speak to anyone who saw the crash or any large truck in the area of the roadhouse prior to the incident.

Anyone with any information is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
There is little to stop a repeat of the Iraq War fiasco because official rules on sofa government are so lax, MPs said last night.

In 2003, Tony Blair sidelined his Cabinet and took his country into battle after telling US president George Bush: I will be with you, whatever.

A Commons committee warned that 14 years on, there remains an absence of safeguards in place to prevent a prime minister from disregarding Cabinet procedures.

History may repeat itself: The MPs said Tony Blair would not face an investigation into whether he misled Parliament before the Iraq War in 2003

The public administration committee also said Mr Blair would not face an investigation into whether he misled Parliament over the Iraq War unless new and relevant evidence emerges.

They said the Iraq Inquiry, led by Sir John Chilcot, did not provide a sufficient basis to hold such a probe.

Mr Blair developed a reputation while prime minister for cutting out his ministers and instead taking decisions with a small group of advisers  a practice known as sofa government.

In a critical report on the Chilcot Inquiry, the cross-party group of MPs warned that it would still be possible for a prime minister to disregard the proper Cabinet decision-making process.

They highlighted the example of the July 2002 note from Mr Blair to then US president Mr Bush.

It is generally agreed that the prime minister of the day should never have written I will be with you, whatever in his letter, against the official advice and without the explicit agreement of his key ministers, the report said.

This is just one of a number of examples identified by the Iraq Inquiry of the breakdown of collective ministerial decision-making over the development of UK policy on Iraq.

It is no longer acceptable that the present arrangements should continue without stronger means to prevent key ministers, or even the whole Cabinet, from being sidelined.

On his conscience: Mr Blair is pictured at last week's unveiling of a national memorial honouring the armed forces and civilians who served in Iraq and Afghanistan

The report said the Cabinet Secretary  the head of the civil service  should be able to object formally to a decision if it has not been taken following the correct procedure.

Committee chairman Bernard Jenkin said: There is simply nothing even a Cabinet Secretary can do to stop a prime minister from doing this again, short of resignation.

There was a lack of collective Cabinet decision-making, at a time when clear thinking and a culture of challenge was most needed. The failure to engage Cabinet on such decisions cannot be allowed to happen again, but there is no mechanism to ensure that.

The committee also criticised the seven years it took the Chilcot Inquiry to complete its work and said for many it had failed to provide some closure.
Australian travel agents have revealed the strangest questions and requests they've received, from guaranteeing there will be no crying children on a flight to trying to check in a bucket of KFC.

Matt Castell from Escape Travel in Sydney's Bondi Junction told Escape.com.au he receives a lot of 'random questions' from clients about what they can and cannot bring with them on their flight.

'23kg of prawns to New Zealand, a bucket of KFC to Manila, human remains [ashes] and even a mummified human head!' he said.

Matt Castell from Escape Travel in Sydney said he gets 'random questions' from clients about what they can bring on their flight, from 23kg of prawns to a mummified human head (stock picture)

One client even tried to check in a bucket of KFC before their flight (stock picture)

Mr Castell said he loves receiving bizarre requests from his clients because it keeps him on his toes.

'A colleague was recently asked by a male customer if she had any tips on sneaking an engagement ring through airport security as he was worried it may beep and ruin his planned surprise,' he said.

'On the other side of the romance spectrum, break-ups can put travel agents in an awkward position. I've been asked to make sure that my client's ex-boyfriend be seated on the opposite side of the plane so they wouldn't have to see each other [it was a non-refundable holiday].'

Ms Castell said another client also complained because he hadn't warned him about coconut trees and he was afraid of being hit on the head by the falling fruit (stock picture)

An Australian heading on a cruise asked their travel agent how much Coke they could bring because it is all they drink (stock picture)

One of the oddest comments he received was from a client who was terrified of coconut trees, Mr Castell said.

'I once had a customer that was angry that I hadn't warned him that there would be coconut trees in Fiji,' Castell said.

'He said he was afraid to leave his room because one could fall from a tree and kill him.'

Jenni Marr, helloworld's managing director in Vermont South in Melbourne, told Escape.com.au she would prefer her clients ask a question they're unsure about than not, but some have left her scratching her head and giggling.

A confused traveller also asked Ms Marr if they could drive from London (pictured) to Dublin

Another client who was travelling to Vietnam (pictured) didn't quite understand the need for a visa when he had a MasterCard

Ms Marr said some of her favourites included a client's concern over whether or not they would have to stand during their flight if they didn't pay for a seat reservation.

Another client who was travelling to Vietnam didn't quite understand the need for a visa when he had a MasterCard.

A confused traveller also asked Ms Marr if they could drive from London to Dublin.

Kim Culyer, Escape's travel advice columnist, said she has been asked how many Cokes a person can bring on a cruise because that was all the reader drank.

She was also asked about how to avoid crying children on a plane and how to avoid getting a rash from a backpack rubbing on skin.
ITV executives are facing crunch talks over The Nightly Show, after its ratings slumped below the key one million mark.

Bosses are under mounting pressure to reinstate the evening news bulletin in its ten oclock slot, after just 923,000 people sat down to watch Davina McCall host Tuesday nights show.

The last time the news aired at that time on a Tuesday, it pulled in an audience of 1.7million.

Just 923,000 people sat down to watch Davina McCall host Tuesday nights show

An insider at ITN  which makes the ITV News  said: How could they look at those figures and possibly deem it to be a success? Everyones talking about it.

The first couple of weeks we were waiting to see what would happen and this is all our worst fears realised.

Another ITN source said: For most people the response is somewhere between unsettled and appalled. It is a lesson to people who thought that somehow journalists were just squandering this massive audience.

ITV bosses have already discussed moving The Nightly Show later and restoring ITVs evening news bulletin to its traditional ten oclock slot.

But according to a well-placed source they agreed to leave it in place whilst its audience remained above one million. It has now slipped below that threshold.

Tuesdays ratings disaster was compounded by criticism of Miss McCalls wooden performance.

David Walliams was paid 50,000 a night to host the show in its first week

Viewers lambasted her for making cringe worthy, smutty jokes, giving the show a hen party vibe, and questioned whether she was reading off multiple autocues, because her delivery was so wooden.

One viewer compared her presenting style to a six year old reading Biff, Chip and Kipper  a reference to the popular reading scheme.

Another asked, Is Davina reading multiple cue cards? She looks completely lost.

Miss McCall is unlikely to see the comments herself, because she has already said she has given up Twitter for the duration of her stint hosting the series.

The chat show  which was supposed to emulate the success of American chat shows such as The Late Late Show and Jimmy Kimmel  is hosted by a different celebrity each week.

Comedian John Bishop followed Walliams as presenter. Dermot OLeary will take the reins next week

David Walliams was paid 50,000 a night to kick things off, and has been followed by John Bishop and McCall. Dermot OLeary will take the reins next week.

ITV executives are counting on The X Factor host to lift the shows flagging figures, but as the weeks go on, producers are finding it increasingly difficult to persuade them that a new face will make a big difference.

Other hosts have already dropped out. Former Great British Bake Off hosts Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins were supposed to host the show for a week next month  and had even filmed a trailer - but backed out citing a busy schedule.

ITV claimed that they had never signed the contract.

The broadcaster is unlikely to axe it altogether  not least because of the cost of the show. The entire eight-week production is understood to have cost around 10million.

ITV declined to comment.
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A couple have bought back their home for $7.1 million after selling it nearly seven years ago for $5.8 million.

With a stunning architectural design, views of Sydney harbour and an elegant L-shaped pool to cool off in, it's no wonder Armada Fund Management boss Christopher Monaghan and his wife, Kerryn, decided to return to their Mosman home, in Sydney's north.

'It's like they had a good piece of art work and wanted it back,' said Monika Tu, of Black Diamondz, told Domain.

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A couple have bought back their home (pictured) for $7.1 million, after selling it seven years ago for $5.8 million

The property boasts a stunning architectural design, Sydney Harbour views and an elegant L-shaped pool to cool off in

Natural light floods on of the main living areas - where Christopher Monaghan and his wife, Kerryn, will once again make themselves at home

With the luxurious design, it's no surprise why Armada Fund Management boss Christopher Monaghan and his wife Kerryn decided to return to the stunning Mosman home in Sydney's north

A balcony perfect for taking in those harbour views. The property was listed in May 2016 with an $8 million guide, before it was relisted once more in the Spring later that year with a guide between $6.8 million and $7.4 million

Wooden floors and large living spaces means the Mosman property is perfect for families and entertaining guests

An L-shaped sofa to match the pool: The sleek living space opens out onto the extravagant pool area, shrouded in stylish vegetation

The property had been listed in May 2016 with an $8 million guide, before it was relisted once more in the Spring of that year with a guide between $6.8 million and $7.4 million.

'When it first came back on the market they wanted it, but said they couldn't afford it, but things must have changed a few months later because they came back and snapped it up,' Ms Tu said.

And while the couple's reason to return to the residence is not known  one can hardly blame them looking at the luxurious property.

The extravagant pool snakes around the various choice of alfresco areas - perfect for taking in the sweeping harbour views.

Hailed an 'entertainer's paradise dedicated to relaxed in and outdoor living' the four-bedroom home also boasts a 'spacious family environment'.

Wooden floors and large living spaces throughout means the property is perfect for families and entertaining guests.

The sleek main living space opens out onto the extravagant pool area, shrouded in stylish vegetation.

The Monaghan's took the keys off Future Fund founding board member Susan Doyle and her veteran equities husband Richard Douglas - whom they had originally handed them to nearly seven years ago.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Black Diamondz for comment.

Just as luxurious in the nighttime as it is in the day. While the couple's reason to return to the residence is not known, one can hazard a guess why they chose the familiar and beautiful space

'It's like they had a good piece of art work and wanted it back,' said Monika Tu, of Black Diamondz said of the couple's return to the Mosman property

The extravagant pool snakes around the various alfresco areas - perfect for taking in the sweeping harbour views

If the couple happen to tire of the stunning views, they can always turn on the wall-mounted television in one of the many living areas

Glass and neautral tones are a main design focus at the Mosman property, which sprawls out over multiple floors

Hailed an 'entertainer's paradise dedicated to relaxed in and outdoor living' the four-bedroom home also boasts a 'spacious family environment'

Perfect for wining and dining: The Mosman home features a stunning and sleek kitchen design

The Monaghan's took the keys off Future Fund founding board member Susan Doyle and her veteran equities husband Richard Douglas - whom they had originally handed them to nearly seven years ago
His health care plan under assault from all sides, House Speaker Paul Ryan reversed course on Wednesday, suggesting that the plan would have to change to garner enough support in the House and hinting at a delay in a vote.

After a private meeting with GOP lawmakers, the Wisconsin Republican told reporters that he was open to changing the health care bill after a harsh report from the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office this week concluded that the plan would strip 24 million people of coverage in a decade.

'Now that we have our score, we can make some necessary refinements and improvements to the bill,' Ryan said, referring to the CBO report. 'This is by the way the legislative process.'

GOP leadership acknowledged that changes could delay a vote scheduled for next week.

That's a significant departure from Ryan's earlier commitments to send the bill to the Senate as-is next week, and further muddies the waters for the Obamacare revision plan that has come under fire from both right-wing Republicans and Democrats.

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House Speaker Paul Ryan spoke to reporters after a closed-door meeting of GOP lawmakers on Wednesday, admitting his health plan would need 'some necessary refinements'

The health proposal got a brutal critique from the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office this week, which determined it would strip coverage from 24 million over a decade

Vice President Mike Pence is seen entering the private meeting of GOP lawmakers on Wednesday to urge his party's Congressmen to pass the health proposal

The proposed measure would strike down much of former President Barack Obama's 2010 overhaul and reduce the federal role, including financing, for health care consumers, and is opposed uniformly by Democrats and met with skepticism by some Republicans who fear it doesn't go far enough.

Vice President Mike Pence also spoke at the private all-hands meeting of House GOP lawmakers, urged the rank-and-file Congressmen to rally behind the legislation.

'It's our job to get it out of here and get it to the Senate,' Pence told the Republicans, according to Rep. Dennis Ross, R-Fla.

That would let President Donald Trump pressure 'Democrats in these red states to come on board,' Ross said, referring to Republican-leaning states where several Democratic senators face re-election next year.

Trump urged lawmakers to back the bill in remarks later Wednesday in Nashville, Tennessee.

'The House legislation does so much for you,' Trump said at a campaign-style rally. 'It gives the states Medicaid flexibility and some of the states will take over the health care.'

'We will arbitrate, get together, and get something done,' Trump said.

The health bill faces a significant test on Thursday, as it heads to the powerful House Budget Committee for approval.

'We will arbitrate, get together, and get something done,' Trump said of the Republican health plan at a campaign-style rally in Nashville, Tennessee on Wednesday evening

Meanwhile, health secretary Tom Price was using phone calls to lobby Republican governors, some of whom oppose the bill's phase out of Obama's expansion of Medicaid to 11 million additional lower-income Americans.

Amid the maneuvering, a government report said more than 12 million people have signed up for coverage this year under the very statute that President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans want to repeal.

With Democrats uniformly opposing the Republican bill, that figure underscored the potential political impact of the GOP's next move.

KEY PROVISIONS OF GOP HEALTH PROPOSAL The bill would abolish the requirement that Americans buy coverage by eliminating the tax fine on violators.

It would end subsidies that help low-income people with high insurance premiums the most and replace them with tax credits that are bigger for older people.

It would cut Medicaid, repeal the law's tax increases on higher earning Americans.

It would allow 30 percent higher premiums for consumers who let coverage lapse, as an incentive for healthy people to retain coverage. Advertisement

Though Pence met repeatedly Wednesday with House Republicans, GOP rebels still abounded. Conservatives were unhappy the measure doesn't erase enough of Obama's law while at the other end of the party's spectrum, Republican moderates were upset that the Republican bill would strip millions of health coverage.

'Oh heck, yes,' said one conservative leader, Representative Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, asked if the GOP legislation needed changes to win his support.

Right-wing Republicans feel the plan's proposed tax credits to help people pay medical costs are to generous, while party moderates feel they're too stingy.

Hardliners also want to end Obama's expansion of Medicaid to 11 million additional low-income people next year, not 2020 as the Republican bill proposes.

In a new complication, Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, said the measure lacked the votes to pass in the Senate, where Republicans hold a precarious 52-48 majority. That left House moderates angry over being asked to take a politically risky vote for legislation that seems likely to be significantly altered.

Moderates 'don't like the idea of taking a vote in the House that may go nowhere in the Senate,' said Rep. Charlie Dent, R-Pa.

Earlier in the day, Pence told House conservatives that the administration was open to changes.

'He gave us a lot of hope,' said Rep. Mark Walker, R-N.C., leader of the group that met with Pence.

GOP support became scarcer when the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office found this week that the legislation would push 24 million Americans off coverage in a decade and shift out-of-pocket costs toward lower income, older people.

That's 4 million more than the 20 million who've gained either Medicaid or insurance coverage under Obama's law.

Hundreds of conservative activists rallied outside the Capitol in sub-freezing weather to call on congressional leaders and Trump to abandon the GOP bill and fully repeal Obama's law. The rally was organized by FreedomWorks, a conservative group backed by the billionaire Koch brothers.
Mischa Barton gave an emotional statement today describing how her worst fear was realized when she learned a sex tape of her was being shopped around Hollywood

Mischa Barton has taken out restraining orders against two former boyfriends over the 'revenge porn' sex tape being shopped around Hollywood, court documents reveal.

A judge has signed off on temporary domestic violence restraining orders against a Jon Zacharias and Adam Shaw, both of whom Barton says she dated.

According to the paperwork, seen by DailyMail.com, Barton says she started dating Zacharias last October and says he recorded videos of 'me having sex with him, taking a shower, and took other naked pictures of me.'

Barton says all videos and photos were taken without her 'knowledge or permission'.

It added: 'Jon is trying to sell those tapes without my permission for $500,000.'

In the documents filed at Los Angeles Superior Court on Tuesday Barton explains she met Zacharias in October last year when they started dating.

She says she didn't realize he was recording their 'intimate relations' and taking 'photos of me naked in the shower' until after they broke up.

Barton says she split with Zacharias after she learned he was only interested in her because she was a celebrity.

Mischa Barton leaving her lawyer's office in Los Angeles, after it was revealed she had taken out restraining orders against two former boyfriends

Ruling: This is the restraining order that Mischa Barton and her legal team filed on Tuesday

Shocking: Jon Zacharias is named as the man who filmed Mischa Barton during sex and then allegedly tried to sell it

History: Mischa laid out what happened to her and Zacharias during their relationship

She then began dating Shaw, a former friend of Zacharias, who told her that her ex had been bragging about the intimate material in his possession.

She goes on to say Shaw copied the photos and videos and tried to erase them from Zacharias' computer.

She said: 'Mr Zacharias is very technical, so I doubt that Mr Shaw was actually able to erase anything from Mr Zacharias' computer.'

Barton said her and Shaw eventually broke up recently when he, too, 'tried to take advantage of me and forged by signature on some checks. He was arrested.'

Barton claims both guys are desperate for money, and she believes one or both are responsible for shopping the sex tape.

She stated: 'The only two people who could have any sexually intimate photos or videos of me are Jon Zacharias and Adam Shaw. Each of them desperately need money. It is only a matter of hours before those videos and photos could be sold and published online without a court order preventing the sale.'

Mischa, here with her lawyer Lisa Bloom, said she has been through a painful situation after discovering her ex-lover had filmed her most intimate and private moments using hidden cameras, without my consent

OC star Barton, 31, said she would be 'devastated' if the material were published.

'It would hurt my career and I would be publicly embarrassed. The attempt to sell these videos or photos is nothing short of domestic violence in the form of revenge pornography and is being used to get back at me after the breakup of a relationship and to take advantage of my celebrity status - all without my permission, knowledge or consent.'

Earlier on Wednesday Barton gave an emotional statement describing how her worst fear was realized when she learned about the sex tape.

The actress, speaking at her lawyer Lisa Blooms office in Woodland Hills, said she has been through a painful situation after discovering an ex-boyfriend had filmed her most intimate and private moments using hidden cameras.

Mischa Barton is outraged over a sex tape featuring troubled actress being shopped around Hollywood with the starting price of $500,000, DailyMail.com can reveal. Pictured, Barton in a photo shoot in Malibu on Monday

And she added that she felt more humiliated when she realized the videos were up for sale to the highest bidder.

Barton's lawyer revealed that the police have been informed about the tape and court restraining orders have been requested, but they did not publicly name any ex boyfriends.

On Monday DailyMail.com revealed exclusively that an x-rated video showing the OC actress having sex with a dark haired man is being offered to the highest bidder with the starting price of $500,000.

The footage is being touted to online porn companies, with a number of porn industry giants considering the offer.

Barton, 31, said: I just want to say I have been put through an incredibly hard and trying time.

This is a painful situation and my absolute worst fear was realized when I learned that someone I thought I loved and trusted was filming my most intimate and private moments, without my consent with hidden cameras.

And then I learned something even worse, that someone is trying to sell these videos and make them public

The news comes just weeks after Barton's 'drug-induced' meltdown, when she was filmed by a neighbor hanging over a fence in her backyard and calling her mother a 'f****** witch'

Barton says she came forward to fight this, not only for myself, but for all the women out there.

She added: I want to protect them from the pain and humiliation Ive had to go through.

No woman should have to go through this.

It is a very hard thing to do but Im glad that Im finally standing up for myself.

Sitting next to her at the press conference Wednesday morning, Barton's attorney Ms Bloom said the star had reached to her Monday night asking for help after becoming 'devastated' at reports a broker was shopping the explicit images around.

Ms Bloom said: 'She was very clear that any such images were made without her knowledge or consent, and she wanted to know what she could do to prevent anyone from looking at them or posting them.

'We all know that once images are up online, its extremely difficult to get them removed.

'Therefore, it was important to act quickly.'

Sitting next to her at the press conference Wednesday morning, Barton's attorney Ms Bloom said the star had reached to her Monday night asking for help after becoming 'devastated' at reports a broker was shopping the explicit images around

Ms Bloom said she want to court Tuesday to request an emergency order against a man they believe is involved.

She said Barton dated the man 'briefly' and that she is protected under Californias laws against domestic violence, which prohibit all forms of abuse by a former intimate partner.

'We proceeded under those laws in seeking immediate domestic violence restraining orders,' she said.

'In short, we consider this to be a form of domestic abuse.

'The court agreed and gave us everything we asked for, including orders to stay away from Ms Barton and not contact her.

'Most importantly, the court ordered that this individual and his agents: may not sell, distribute, give away or show any naked pictures or videos of any type of Mischa Barton.

She added: 'The court has blocked the selling, distribution, giving away or showing of any of these photos or videos of Ms. Barton. We thank the court for its swift action.'

As for the x-rated video of the actress, Kevin Blatt, Hollywoods sex-tape broker (pictured with Snoop Dogg), was approached by a third party with the video and is confident Barton is the woman in the scene

She added, in a firm message to anyone attempting to traffic the tapes: 'If you continue, we will find you, come after you and bring you to justice to the fullest extent possible under the civil and criminal laws.

'Ms. Barton and I stand for a womans right to choose what images of her own body will be made public, and you have no right to exploit her or any woman for revenge or financial gain. You have been warned. You proceed at your peril.'

On Monday we revealed that Kevin Blatt, Hollywoods sex-tape broker, had been approached by a third party with the video.

He told DailyMail.com: 'The tape is being shopped around porn valley, the asking price is $500,000.

'I know that at least three large online porn sites, YouPorn.com, Porn.com and RedTube.com have reviewed it and they're all seriously considering the offer.

'I've seen stills from the video, it's clearly Mischa in my opinion.

'She's seen performing a sex act on a guy and can be seen having sex in various positions.'

It's believed the video was shot at a private residence in Hollywood within the past year.

Barton is seen wearing a grey hoodie and nothing else having sex on a double bed with a man wearing just a black t-shirt.

The explicit footage appears to have been shot in a bedroom, the bed has a leather padded headboard and mirrored panels and coffee cups and an empty bottle of Gatorade litter a bedside table.

Adding to the less than glamorous surroundings, there's also a flier on the table for CURRENT: LA, Los Angeles' first city-wide Public Art Biennial.

Earlier on Wednesday, the actress, speaking at her lawyer Lisa Blooms office in Woodland Hills, said she has been through a painful situation after discovering an ex-boyfriend had filmed her most intimate and private moments using hidden cameras, without my consent.

Barton, 31, said: I just want to say I have been put through an incredibly hard and trying time.

This is a painful situation and my absolute worst fear was realized when I learned that someone I thought I loved and trusted was filming my most intimate and private moments, without my consent with hidden cameras.

And then I learned something even worse, that someone is trying to sell these videos and make them public

Barton says she came forward to fight this, not only for myself, but for all the women out there.

A member of the press asked Bloom whether it was true that as many as 10 sex tapes were being shopped, she replied: 'I don't know if that's true there is now a police investigation.'

The same reporter told Ms Bloom that their sources had said Barton was seen looking directly at the camera in the sex tape.

Bloom responded: 'I don't think looking in any particular direction is any indication of knowing that one is being recorded, she does not know exactly how the recordings were made, whether there was a hidden camera...whether it was a phone camera, but we would strenuously object to any conclusion being drawn from some direction she may have been looking at at any particular time.'

The civil rights attorney added: 'Mischa wanted to do this not only for herself, but for others.

Barton, 31, has had a series of private meltdowns this year that included screaming in her backyard while hanging over a fence and damaging her apartment building with a U-Haul moving truck.

The star had appeared to have sprung back to life, though, in a stunning photo shoot earlier this month.

The OC vet looked in great form as she was snapped wearing a skimpy string bikini while posing for a bottled water company on the shores of Huntington Beach, California.

But yet again it is her private life that continues to trouble the New York native.
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Lee Greenwood sang 'God Bless the U.S.A'  in person, not on tape  and Donald Trump delivered a campaign-style speech Wednesday to a Nashville, Tennessee crowd that came hungry for red meat.

The leader of the free world did not disappoint, pledging to beat back a torrent of attacks on his travel ban executive order coming from federal judges in the liberal Ninth Circuit.

The day's news cycle got quickly away from the White House when a federal judge in Hawaii put a halt to the Trump administration's second attempt to curb incoming travel from a half-dozen of the world's 50 Muslim-majority countries.

Trump had words for U.S. District Judge Derrick Watson, calling his action 'in the opinion of many, an unprecedented judicial overreach.'

'We're going to fight this terrible ruling. We're going to take this case as far as it needs to go, including all the way up to the Supreme Court,' he vowed.

'We're going to win and we're going to keep our citizens safe. Believe me.'

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Fury: President Trump told the rally in Nashville, Tennessee that he would not accept the 'unprecedented overreach' of US District Jude Derrick K. Watson in Hawaii

Trump told supporters Wednesday at a campaign-style rally in Nashville, Tennessee, that he learned that a district judge in Hawaii had halted his order, which temporarily suspends the U.S. refugee program and bars the entry of people from certain Muslim-majority countries

The order Watson put on pause, he recalled, 'was a watered-down version of the first order, that was also blocked by another judge and should have never been blocked to start with.'

'I think we ought to go back to the first one and go all the way,' the president said, going off script.

'The law is clear. The need for my executive order is clear. We're never quitting, we're never going away, we're never, ever giving up.'

The president's rally was to be a defense of the Republican congressional blueprint for replacing the Obamacare medical insurance overhaul law.

He will hold another rally Monday night in nearby Kentucky, the home state of Sen. Rand Paul  who has emerged as one of the GOP's fiercest opponents to 'Trumpcare,' saying that it falls short of a complete legislative repeal.

Like the good-old-days: Trump led the excitable rally through a round-up of his first 50 days in office and told them he was going to fight the latest order blocking his controversial travel ban

Seal of approval: President Donald Trump stands on stage with singer Lee Greenwood as Greenwood sings 'God Bless the USA' at a rally on Wednesday

But Watson's ruling, which is binding on the administration, threw a monkey wrench in the works by declaring that Trump was discriminating on the basis of a religious test.

The executive order stalled the president's second attempt to suspend admission of nearly all refugees for 120 days, and to restrict visas for nationals from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen for 90 days.

Shot down: US District Jude Derrick K. Watson has ruled that Trump's latest ban is unconstitutional

After Hawaii's ruling on Wednesday, a judge in Maryland followed suit.

Early on Thursday, US District Judge Theodore Chuang issued a nationwide preliminary injunction in a similar case in Maryland brought by refugee resettlement agencies represented by the American Civil Liberties Union and the National Immigration Law Center.

Chuang ruled that the agencies were likely to succeed in proving that the travel ban portion of the executive order was intended to be a ban on Muslims and, as a result, violates the U.S. Constitution's religious freedom protection.

Trump began his windup in Nashville with the first of many attacks on reporters, whom he continued to call 'the most dishonest people.'

'I would much rather spend time with you than any of the pundits, consultants or special interests, certainly or reporters from Washington, D.C.,' he said.

Trump later bashed the 'bad, fake media' for what he anticipated would be negative reporting on his speech.

A single protester disrupted the event with a sign calling him a 'liar.'

'One person!' Trump marveled. 'And they'll be the story tomorrow.'

He also bristled at 'fake news' reports that he was hedging on his pledge to build a wall on the southern U.S. border.

Let us in: Trump supporters wait to enter the rally in Nashville, Tennessee to see the president

Victory: Hawaii Attorney General Douglas Chin, left, and Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum speak at a press conference outside the federal courthouse on Wednesday

THE US DISTRICT JUDGE WHO FROZE TRUMP'S TRAVEL BAN: DERRICK KAHALA WATSON US District Judge Derrick Kahala Watson, who was nominated by former President Barack Obama in 2012 and confirmed by the Senate with a 94-0 vote, is the fourth Native Hawaiian federal judge in U.S. history. Obama said of Watson and six other nominees he named at the time: These individuals have demonstrated the talent, expertise, and fair-mindedness Americans expect and deserve from their judicial system. Honolulu lawyers refer to Watson as a 'double Harvard' for where he received his undergraduate education in 1988 and his law degree in 1991. But his roots are in Hawaii, where he attended a private school that gives admission preference to Native Hawaiians. 'I am proud to welcome this Kamehameha Schools graduate to serve in such a prestigious capacity,' US Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said when Watson was confirmed. He then went on to serve as a US Army Reserve Captain and as a partner at a San Francisco firm. While serving at a private practice, Watson spent hundreds of hours representing pro bono clients in cases dealing with human trafficking, employment wages and landlord/tenant cases. He also partnered with a civil rights group to challenge a school districts electoral system after a Hispanic member was prevented from being elected. He later became an assistant US attorney in the District of Hawaii and Northern District of California. While at the U.S. attorney's office in Hawaii Watson was chief of the civil division. Before that he was partner at a San Francisco firm, where he focused on product liability, toxic tort, and environmental cost recovery litigation, according to his biography posted on the Honolulu federal court's website. Watson was an assistant US attorney in the Northern District of California from 1995 to 2000, including serving as deputy chief of the civil division from 1999 to 2000, the bio said. Honolulu defense attorney Michael Green has had numerous cases before Watson. 'The man is extremely strict and principled,' Green said. That strictness was evident during a sex assault trial last year, which Watson tried to keep on a tight schedule, Green said. But when Green's wife suffered a stroke during the trial, Watson showed kindness. 'He slowed the trial down so I could be there for closing argument and to finish my examination of key witnesses,' Green said. 'He can be deemed a very tough sentencer. If you look between the lines, there's compassion.' Advertisement

To chants of 'Build that wall!' he said the government has had 'hundreds of bidders' for construction.

'Everybody wants to build our wall. Usually that means you get a good price,' Trump exclaimed.

Trump timed his Nashville visit to coincide with the 250th birthday of the late U.S. president Andrew Jackson, whose tomb he visited earlier in the day ofr a wreath-laying.

Trump hung a Jackson portrait in the Oval office after his inauguration and sees similarities between the late 'Old Hickory' president's rise to power and his own.

'He understood that real leadership means putting America first,' Trump said Wednesday night.

Both men harnessed the power of previously unseen voting blocks to win the presidency, upsetting America's political apple cart in the process with a populist wave that professional prognosticators never predicted.

Not welcomed: Supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump jeer a protester who disrupted a rally with Trump at Municipal Auditorium in Nashville

Get out: A protester is removed by a police officer during a speech by President Donald Trump

Box office: A marquee announces U.S. President Donald Trump as he holds a rally at Municipal Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee

Thank you: President Donald Trump waves to the crowd after speaking at his Tennessee rally

Jackson's gains came when voting rights were expanded to include white men who were not landowners.

He was 'the people's president,' Trump declared at the Hermitage on Wednesday, 'and his election came at a time when the vote was finally being extended to those who did not own property,' Trump said.

Trump captured the imagination of Americans  mostly middle-class whites  whom he believed had been 'forgotten' by previous administrations led by both major U.S. political parties.

'The forgotten men and women of our country will never be forgotten again. Believe me,' Trump said Wednesday night.

During his brief afternoon remarks, Trump told a few hundred guests and a global TV audience that 'we must all remember Jackson's words that in the planter, the farmer, the mechanic and the laborer we will find muscle and bone of our country.'

Relaxed: White House press secretary Sean Spicer poses for photographs with supporters of President Donald Trump

With his people: Sean Spicer takes selfies with smiling fans at the Nashville rally in Tennessee on Wednesday

Prime time: Trump dominated television scheduling with his 9pm interview for Fox News' Tucker Carlson in which he attacked Obamacare and clarified his claims that former president Obama tried to illegally listen in to Trump Towers

Traveling home: President Donald Trump speaks to reporters aboard Air Force One before landing at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland before returning to the White House

And he said Jackson crusaded against government corruption, broadened veterans' benefits and leveled tough trade tariffs on foreign countries as a protectionist barrier.

'That sounds very familiar. Wait 'til you see what's going to be happening pretty soon, folks,' the president quipped. 'It's time.'

Trump also noted that Jackson was also 'a flawed and imperfect man, a product of his time,' a seeming reference to his presiding over the 'Trail of Tears' Indian removal campaign in 1838 and 1839.

'It is the duty of each generation to carry on the fight for justice.'

During a tour of Jackson's home, the president heard a curator explain that 'Old Hickory' subscribed to 16 different newspapers and kept track of which he found disagreeable.

On one editorial that particularly bothered him, Jackson drew a big black 'X.'

'We know that feeling,' Trump responded. 'We know that feeling.'
WHO has published Human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus  China. Excerpt:

Between 24 February and 7 March 2017, a total of 58 additional laboratory-confirmed cases of human infection have been reported to WHO from mainland China and China, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR).

On 24 February 2017, the National Health and Family Planning Commission of China (NHFPC) notified WHO of 35 additional laboratory-confirmed cases of human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus. On 3 March 2017, the NHFPC notified WHO of 22 additional laboratory-confirmed cases of human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus. On 7 March 2017, the Department of Health, China, Hong Kong SAR confirmed a case of human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus.

Details of the cases

Between 24 February and 3 March 2017, the NHFPC reported a total of 57 human cases of infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus. Onset dates of the cases ranged from 26 January to 27 February 2017. Of these 57 cases, 13 were female. Cases range in age from 4 to 81 years and the median age is 56 years. The cases are reported from Anhui (9), Beijing (1), Fujian (1), Guangdong (11), Guangxi (4), Guizhou (2), Henan (3), Hunan (3), Hubei (2), Jiangsu (7), Jiangxi (4), Shandong (2), Shanghai (1), Sichuan (2), and Zhejiang (5).

At the time of notification, there were 11 deaths, and 39 cases diagnosed as either pneumonia (7) or severe pneumonia (32). One case has mild symptoms. The clinical presentations of the other six (6) cases are not available at this time. Forty-three cases are reported to have had exposure to poultry or live poultry market, four (4) cases have possibility of human to human transmission (among them, two cases also had exposure history to poultry or live poultry market), four (4) had no exposure to poultry and for eight (8) the possible exposures are unknown or under investigation.

On 24 February 2017, two clusters of possible human to human transmission were reported.

First cluster:

 A 40-year-old male from Jiangsu Province, and relative of the 63-year old female described below. He had symptom onset on 26 January 2017 and was admitted to hospital. He bought a live chicken on 24 January 2017.

 A 63-year-old female from Zhejiang Province. She had symptom onset on 10 February 2017, and was admitted to hospital for pneumonia. She had exposure to domestic poultry (farmer by trade) and contact with her son.

All 21 contacts of these 2 cases were healthy and did not develop any symptoms.

Second cluster:

 A 29-year-old male from Anhui Province. He had symptom onset on 3 February 2017, and was admitted to hospital for severe pneumonia. He had exposure to live poultry before onset of disease.

 A 62-year-old female from Anhui Province. She was admitted to the same hospital as the 29-year old male case mentioned above for chronic cough. She had been on the same ward for one day. After initial improvement her condition worsened and she passed away on 16 February 2017.

 A 58-year-old male from Anhui Province, the father of the 29-year-old male case mentioned above. He had symptom onset on 17 February 2017 and was admitted to hospital. He had exposure to live poultry on 31 January 2017 but took also care for his sick son.

All 32 contacts of these 3 cases were healthy and did not develop any symptoms.

On 3 March 2017, one cluster of possible human to human transmission was reported.

 A 60-year-old male from Anhui Province, and grandfather of the 10-year-old male described below. He had symptoms onset on 24 February 2017 and was admitted to a hospital on 25 February 2017. He passed away on 1 March. He had exposure to live poultry.

 A 10-year-old male from Anhui Province. He had symptoms onset on 27 February 2017, and was admitted to hospital on 1 March 2017 for pneumonia. He also had a history of exposure to live poultry.

On 7 March 2017, the Department of Health, China, Hong Kong SAR confirmed a case of human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus in a 76-year-old man with underlying illnesses. The patient travelled to Fuzhou, Fujian between 11 February and 1 March 2017 and he visited a wet market there.

He developed symptoms on 3 March 2017. His nasopharyngeal aspirate specimen tested positive for avian influenza A(H7N9) on 7 March 2017. His clinical diagnosis is pneumonia and he is now in a critical condition. The patients close contact has remained asymptomatic so far and has been put under medical surveillance. Tracing of his other contacts in China, Hong Kong SAR is underway.

To date, a total of 1281 laboratory-confirmed human infections with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus have been reported through IHR notification since early 2013.

Later in the report, WHO notes that "The number of human cases with onset from 1 October 2016 is greater than the total numbers of human cases in earlier waves."
Donald Trump's official presidential photo will be hung in thousands of federal agencies - but they might get taken down too.

The contentiousness of Trump's victory has already played out in a power struggle at one VA medical facility in Florida.

After what some vets perceived as a delay in getting Trump's portrait up in the West Palm Beach's VA hospital's hallway, they complained to first term Republican Congressman Brian Mast, who lost both legs to an IED in Afghanistan.

Rep. Brian Mast of Florida, above, went into the West Palm Beach VA medical center and hung portraits of Trump and Secretary of Veteran's Affairs David Schulkin with the help of staff after becoming frustrated with the delay

Shortly after he left, the portraits were taken right back down by staff

Portraits of the sitting president, vice president, and other cabinet members are standard through thousands of federal agencies across the country. When they go up, however, seems to depend.

Obama's portrait was ordered removed from VA facilities on January 20, according to ABC News.

Trump's photo has already been hung at the Pentagon and most photos were expected to be hung by early March.

'It should be there. Every other president was there wasnt it? Somethings wrong,' Vietnam vet Walter Korabiak told CBS 12.

The portraits were hung by staff members, but Mast claims he was told 'He's not my president' when he complained about the delay in getting Trump's portrait on the wall

Mast told Fox News when he complained to an unnamed federal employee, the bureaucrat answered 'He's not my president.'

On Tuesday, Mast took matters into his own hands when he decided to hang Trump's photo in the facility himself.

So Mast went to the facility, where he also gets treatment, and had the maintenance staff help him put up portraits of Trump and Secretary of Veteran's Affairs David Schulkin.

But after he left, the photos were promptly taken back down.

Watch the latest video at <a href="http://video.foxnews.com">video.foxnews.com</a>

Mast wrote on his Facebook page: 'Yesterday I visited the West Palm Beach VA after numerous calls from constituents that there was a delay in hanging up photos of the new VA Secretary and Commander In Chief - photos that are hung in every VA facility across the country.

The VA hospital where Mast hung the portrait sent a letter to veterans saying as of March 6 it was still awaiting the official portrait from Trump's office

'While there, we helped to hang the official photos of Secretary Shulkin and President Trump, but they've now been taken down again. Especially after so many veterans contacted me about this issue, it's disappointing to see resistance from the VA over hanging these portraits.'

'I left and the leadership had the portraits removed,' Mast told Fox News.

The outlet claimed a similar incident happened at the Environmental Protection Agency office. But the EPA denied it, with spokesman Doug Ericksen saying, 'Anyone is taking them down, its illegal. Were focused on protecting public health and the environment - well let them play politics on the Hill.'

Officials at the West Palm Beach office told CBS 12 that the portraits were taken down not because of any ill will towards Trump but because they hadn't been approved by the central office when they're authenticated as official.

Video courtesy of CBS 12
Marine Le Pen, the Far-Right French presidential candidate, has mocked Theresa May, saying the Prime Minister is 'good at getting it wrong'.

The controversial nationalist politician was interviewed by Nigel Farage about whether she felt snubbed by Mrs May, who had welcomed her presidential rival, Emmanuel Macron, to Downing Street.

Mr Farage told Miss Le Pen that she would get to meet Mrs May if she won the election, reminding her that Number 10 had also snubbed Donald Trump before he became president. Mrs May has since met him.

Miss Le Pen replied: 'She is good at getting it wrong but this is rather reassuring!'

Marine Le Pen (left) was interviewed by Nigel Farage (right) about whether she felt snubbed by Theresa May

She told LBC Radio: 'I find it difficult to understand the consistency of the ideas and convictions in this approach of hers because Mr Macron is of course, the key salesperson of globalisation.'

Mr Macron, a former finance minister stood for 'the opposite of what Brexit stands for and the choice made by the British people', she said.

'I do not understand this discrepancy, this contradiction between what Theresa May stands for because she has decided to be the woman who will implement Brexit, and her meeting with Emmanuel Macron.'

Despite her criticism, Miss Le Pen said that France and the UK would have 'excellent relations' if she won the election. 'Thank you for showing us the way out from this huge prison which is the EU for the people,' she said.

Miss Le Pen, who expelled her father, former leader Jean-Marie Le Pen from the party last year, suggested a trade deal would exist between the UK and France, if it followed and left the EU.

'I see no reason why there should be customs duties between our countries,' she said. 'There is no reason not to take the British decision in our stride and work with Great Britain in negotiations that will take place between two nations that have had long-standing trade relations for centuries.'

Mr Farage told Miss Le Pen that she would get to meet Theresa May (pictured) if she won the election

The nationalist has pledged to renegotiate France's membership of the EU and threatened that the republic would quit the bloc if she failed to get a decent deal.

She contrasted her position with that of David Cameron's promised referendum, suggesting his had been a 'farce', designed to placate his own party.

'Mr Cameron would have never contemplated the possibility of Great Britain leaving the EU and the negotiation was not really a negotiation. It was a farce, and this is not my state of mind for the negotiation,' she said.

The Front National leader launched a blistering attack on the European Union, accusing it of applying 'blackmails and threats' to Britain in the negotiations. 'What I cannot stand in the behaviour of the EU with regards to Great Britain is blackmail, constant threat.'

She criticised Angela Merkel, the German Chancellor, for imposing her will on the EU and said that France and the UK could team up if she was elected to be 'free'.
The Queen (pictured) will give Royal Assent to the Article 50 Bill on Thursday

The Queen will today give Royal Assent to the Article 50 Bill, clearing the way for Theresa May to trigger Brexit.

She is expected to formally sign off the European Union (Notification of Withdrawal) Bill, clearing the way for Mrs May to begin the two-year process of leaving the EU.

It came as Brexit Secretary David Davis played down concerns about quitting the EU without a deal, saying it was 'not as frightening as some people think'.

The PM has declared her readiness to walk away from negotiations without an agreement, insisting that 'no deal is better than a bad deal'. Appearing before a committee of MPs, Mr Davis played down the suggestion by Remain MPs that it would be a catastrophe.

He said the Government had not conducted a formal economic assessment of the consequences of leaving without a deal. That sparked accusations that ministers were 'driving towards a cliff-edge with a blindfold on'.

Mr Davis said it might be a year before he could offer any figures on what 'no deal' would mean. He added: 'It's not as frightening as some people think, but it's not as simple as some people think.'

In Strasbourg, European Council president Donald Tusk accused the UK of threatening behaviour in the build-up to the crunch talks, and said a stalemate would be hugely damaging for Britain.

Mr Tusk said that the EU would not be 'intimated by threats'. He said the remaining 27 members want to 'remain friends', but he also insisted the EU would not cave into pressure from the UK. He added: 'I want to be clear that a 'no deal scenario' would be bad for everyone, but above all for the UK, because it would leave a number of issues unresolved.'

The PM has declared her readiness to walk away from negotiations without an agreement, insisting that 'no deal is better than a bad deal'

Without a formal trade deal, the UK would fall back on international trade rules set by the World Trade Organisation, which would increase trade tariffs on British exports.

Theresa May yesterday slapped down Brexit minister Liam Fox after he suggested foreign students should be excluded from the Government's target to reduce immigration to the tens of thousands. The PM's spokesman said Mrs May would continue to resist public and Cabinet pressure to exclude students from the statistics.

Asked if Dr Fox was speaking for the Government, he replied: 'The Prime Minister's position is clear.'
A couple who had their baby taken away from them because they were too old are still fighting to get their daughter back seven years later.

In 2009 Luigi De Ambrosis, then 70, and his wife Gabriella then 57, had their child taken from them when a judge in Italy ruled there was every possibility she would be orphaned at a young age.

The little girl was 18 months old when she was taken into care and placed with foster parents.

In 2009 Luigi De Ambrosis, then 70, and his wife Gabriella then 57, had their child (pictured together) taken from them when a judge ruled there was every possibility she would be orphaned at a young age

The baby was adopted by her foster family in 2013 and this week judges ruled that removing her from their home would be detrimental.

Mr and Mrs De Ambrosis, now 75 and 63, plan to challenge the decision in the Supreme Court.

Their daughter, who is now approaching her seventh birthday, was taken into care after an abandonment charge was brought against the couple. They were cleared of any wrongdoing four years later but their baby was never returned to them.

The child was conceived through artificial insemination after the couple were treated at an overseas clinic.

The pair made headlines after the birth and were dubbed the 'grandparent parents'.

When she was 18 months old, their daughter was taken into care and placed with foster parents. The baby was adopted in 2013 and this week judges ruled that removing her from their home would be detrimental

At the original court ruling in 2009 judges attacked so-called 'cowboy clinics' who offer treatment to parents regardless of age - providing they can pay.

They said the baby had been the 'the fruit of a distorted application of the opportunities offered by advances in genetics.'

They added: 'The parents' choice to have her beyond the laws of nature showed a disregard for the child's interests' and ordered that the baby be taken from the couple and put into the custody of social services.

The court went on to accuse the couple of being 'narcissistic' in their desire to have a child.

Judge Donata Clerici added that because of their age the child would likely be orphaned at a young age.

The couple, from Mirabella Monferrato (pictured) were told by judges that having a child at their age irresponsible

'This couple did not bear in mind their age and the fact the child will most probably by an orphan at a young age or have to care for her elderly parents when still barely a child herself, at the very moment she would need the support of her children,' he said.

Lawyers for the couple argued that Mr De Ambrosis, a former mayor and his wife, a librarian, had he means to support the child and were fit and able bodied.

However the court refused to accept the argument pointing out how neighbours had heard the child crying on several occasions and she was once left in a car for seven minutes outside their home while they prepared milk formula.

The court said it was clear the couple were not able to look after the little girl.




Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., lost it on Sen. Rand Paul on the Senate floor today after the Kentucky Republican expressed that he was against Montenegro joining NATO.

'The senator from Kentucky is now working for Vladimir Putin,' McCain loudly charged after berating his GOP peer for several minutes.

Paul issued a statement later that explained he was against Montenegro joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organization because the U.S.'s military commitments are already stretched and the country has already pledged to defend the 28 countries in NATO.

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Sen. John McCain accused Sen. Rand Paul of 'working for Vladimir Putin' by objecting to Montenegro's joining of NATO

Sen. Rand Paul uttered 'I object' when Sen. John McCain called for unanimous consent to move the bill forward and then slunk off the Senate floor - which enraged McCain further

'Is it unwise to expand the monetary and military obligations of the United States given the burden of our $20 trillion debt,' Paul said.

McCain did not see it this way and suggested that not letting Montenegro join in would mainly benefit Russian President Vladimir Putin.

'You are achieving the objectives of Vladimir Putin,' the Arizona Republican said of Paul, accusing the Russian leader of 'trying to dismember this small country, which has already been the subject of an attempted coup.'

Aiming the comments again at Paul, McCain said, 'If they object, they are now carrying out the desires and ambitions of Vladimir Putin and I do not say that lightly.'

McCain then asked for unanimous consent to move the bill forward.

Paul countered by moving toward a microphone, uttering 'I object,' and hightailing it off the Senate floor.

This move really annoyed the more senior senator.

'I note the senator from Kentucky leaving the floor without justification or any rationale for the action he has just taken,' McCain said.

'That is really remarkable, that a senator blocking a treaty that is supported by the overwhelming number  perhaps 98, at least, of his colleagues  would come to the floor and object and walk away,' he stated, visibly angered.

Then McCain took it a step further.

'The only conclusion you can draw when he walks away is he has no justification for his objection to having a small nation be part of NATO that is under assault from the Russians,' McCain said.

'So, I repeat again, the senator from Kentucky is now working for Vladimir Putin,' McCain said.

Later, McCain's communications director Julia Tarallo tried to explain what got McCain so steamed.

'The overwhelming majority of senators who support this treaty, and certainly the people of Montenegro, deserved an explanation from Senator Paul on the Senate floor as to why he sought to prevent this small, brave country from joining in the defense of the free world,' she explained.


The statement of claim was filed this week by Maddens Lawyers in Warrnambool

A group of up to 65 festival goers who were injured in a stampede at the 2016 Falls Festival have filed a class action lawsuit against the event organisers.

Maddens Lawyers in Warrnambool filed the statement of claim in the Victorian Supreme Court this week, alleging the organiser's negligence led to an 'avoidable' and 'terrifying' accident, Triple J's Hack reported.

Nineteen people were taken to hospital with broken bones and other serious injuries when up to 80 people were hurt as a stampede broke out between acts at the Falls Music and Arts Festival at Lorne on December 30.

A group of up to 65 festival goers who were injured in a stampede at the 2016 Falls Festival have filed a class action lawsuit against the event organisers for negligence

Up to 80 people were injured in a human stampede at the festival on December 30, 2016. The lead plaintiff in the lawsuit is 21-year-old Michela Burke (pictured) who suffered nerve damage in her left arm

Punters leaving the Grand Theatre Tent after watching a set from Australian rock band DMA's were caught up in a human stampede.

Many were on their way to see a set by UK band London Grammar when a reported 'bottleneck' of people trying to leave via the exits took place.

The claim alleges Ash Sounds Pty Ltd, trading as The Falls Music and Arts Festival, restricted the exit from the theatre, causing the crush.

The claim says timetabling caused a rush of people to leave, and an adequate risk assessment was not done.

Ms Burke (pictured) told Triple J's Hack she blacked out in the stampede and only remembers sitting on the grass afterwards, being unable to move her arm. She is still on pain medication and receiving medical treatment for her arm three months later

At the time, organisers blamed the incident on a 'confluence of events' and said an investigation would be done and released.

According to Brendan Pendergast, from Maddens Lawyers, about 65 festival attendees have joined the class action.

Mr Pendergast said: 'Everyone we've spoken to reports being absolutely terrified.'

'I think many people are thinking they could've potentially lost their lives.'

People paid anywhere from $249 to $468 plus booking fees to go to the four-day camping festival.

Maddens Lawyers in Warrnambool filed the statement of claim in the Victorian Supreme Court this week, alleging the organiser's negligence led to an 'avoidable' and 'terrifying' accident

Mr Prendergast says when people hand over that amount of money, they expect to be in a safe environment.

The lead plaintiff in the class action is 21-year-old Michela Burke who suffered nerve damage to her left arm when she was caught up in the stampede.

She is still on pain medication and receiving medical treatment for her arm three months later.

Ms Burke told Hack she blacked out after being caught in the crush and the next thing she remembers was sitting on the grass with her left arm limp beside her.

One of the injured festival-goers Maddy (pictured) who is not part of the class action, suffered severe bruising around her eyes and was left on crutches, unable to work in her retail job

Michaela was due to fly to Canada days after the festival to attend a university exchange to Montreal, which she also had to cancel.

Another festivalgoer Maddy, who is not part of the class action, suffered severe bruising around her eyes and is still unable to work in her retail job as she requires crutches to get around.

Tim Hunt, 29, also suffered possible broken bones in the terrifying melee and was left with deep wounds to his right knee and both ankles, facing weeks in a wheelchair.

Falls Festival co-producer Jessica Ducrou released a statement on the festival Facebook page soon after the event, apologising and promising a full debrief and investigation.

Maddy (pictured) said when the stampede happened: 'I was screaming until I couldn't anymore because the air was crushed out of my lungs... I couldn't move any limbs'

On Thursday, co-producer Ms Ducrou said in a statement the festival was co-operating with a WorkSafe investigation.

'We have had regular contact with affected patrons since the incident and are providing ongoing assistance,' she said.

'However, given the matter is as of today the subject of legal proceedings, we are not in a position to comment further.'

Ms Ducrou confirmed Falls Festival will 'definitely be going ahead in 2017'.

A spokesperson from Worksafe Victoria confirmed to Daily Mail Australia investigations into the incident were ongoing, but it was inappropriate to comment in the wake of the legal proceedings.

On Thursday, Falls Festival co-producer Jessica Ducrou said the festival was co-operating with a WorkSafe investigation but due to legal proceedings was not able to comment any further. She confirmed the festival will be going ahead in 2017




Tourists had to 'abseil' 250ft to safety after two cable cars on Mount Teide in Tenerife stopped in mid air

This is the incredible moment 70 tourists 'abseiled' 250ft to safety after two cable cars on Mount Teide in Tenerife stopped in mid-air.

The dramatic rescue took place yesterday afternoon on the island's 3,700 metre high volcano.

Helicopters, firemen, police and park rangers were called in to help with a pulley system to get the trapped tourists back on the ground.

One by one, they were lowered to safety during a four hour rescue operation. Each one was placed in a harness and then dropped through the hatch of the cable car.

There were no fatalities and it is understood no-one was hurt. However, there are reports of some of the people needing treatment for shock and altitude sickness.

There were 35 people in each of two cable cars which were automatically stopped half way up the volcano, the highest mountain in Spain and a major tourist attraction.

The dramatic rescue took place yesterday afternoon on the island's 3,700 metre high volcano

There is already widespread praise for the heroics of the rescuers who worked flat out to get people down safely.

The accident happened at about 2pm this afternoon, suspending the tourists in mid-air and only concluded at 7pm just before it got dark.

It is believed that many of the trapped were British tourists as Tenerife is a favourite destination for UK holidaymakers.

About 200 people were at the top of the cable car, having visited Mount Teide, and were waiting to come back down.

Helicopters, firemen, police and park rangers were called in to help with a pulley system to get the trapped tourists back on the ground

Most of them were able to walk to safety despite the rocky terrain but a group of people with reduced mobility are staying the night in a refuge on the mountain.

They include a number of elderly holidaymakers and families with children. It is understood there are between 40 and 70 of them.

'They have been given warm clothes, blankets and food and will be brought back down on Thursday morning,' said a spokesman.

About 50 firefighters freed those trapped using a pulley system from the ground to the cars which involved an 'abseil' with ropes. The Canary Government officially activated its emergency plan.

About 200 people were at the top of the cable car, having visited Mount Teide, and were waiting to come back down

A spokesman for the cable car operator said the emergency system had stopped the cable cars midway, presumably having detected a fault or problem.

The exact cause will not be known until tomorrow but a full rescue plan had already been prepared in case it was ever needed.

The stuck cable cars were about 40 to 50 metres above the ground. One French couple on board said they felt a 'strong blow' as the cable car shuddered to a halt.

Tenerife's island council said the rescue had gone very smoothly and there had been no risk involved.

A team of pyschologists was called in to help any of the tourists suffering from trauma.

The base station of Teide Cable Car is located at the foot of the volcano, at an altitude of 2,356 metres, and the station exceeds 3,555 metres.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has questioned the South Australian premier's state of mind after he clashed with one of his minister's during a combative media conference.

Television cameras captured the very tense moment Jay Weatherill scolded a Turnbull government minister over energy politics in Adelaide.

Federal Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg avoided making eye contact with South Australia's Labor premier as he verbally fried him for criticising his state's renewable energy policies.

'I have to say it is a little galling to be standing here next to a man who has been standing up with his prime minister bagging South Australia at every step of the way over the last six months,' Mr Weatherill said.

'It is a disgrace the way in which your government has treated our state.'

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SA Premier Jay Weatherill scolded federal Energy Minister over his stance on renewables

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull questioned the South Australian premier's state of mind

Mr Turnbull brought up Mr Weatherill's conduct during a media conference in the New South Wales Snowy Mountains town of Talbingo on Thursday.

'I understand that the premier's conduct spoke volumes about the premier's state of mind at the moment,' the Liberal prime minister said.

The Turnbull government's $2 billion expansion of the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme announcement appears to have been overshadowed by the South Australian premier's combative media conference.

The South Australian premier left their Adelaide event without exchanging goodbyes, with Mr Frydenberg making one final quip during the tense media conference relating to the state's Energy Minister Tom Koutsantonis.

'Maybe Tom will be the next premier of South Australia because I think after Jay Weatherill's conduct today, the public would think that is pretty unbecoming, pretty childish and pretty unacceptable for a senior political figure of their state to behave,' he said.

Federal Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg avoids eye contact during fiery exchange

Federal Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg chastised Premier Jay Weatherill after their clash

SA POWER STRUGGLE September 28, 2016: Severe thunderstorms bring down four major transmission lines and 21 towers in the state's north causing statewide blackout as its cut from national grid. December 27, 2016: Thunderstorms across the Adelaide Hills bring down powerlines and cause 155,000 properties to lose power. January 19, 2017: More storms black out 58,000 homes in Adelaide. February 8, 2017: Software problem with SA Power Networks causes 90,000 properties to lose power for 30 minutes. Advertisement

He later tweeted his displeasure with South Australia's left-wing premier.

'Poor form Jay Weatherill to gatecrash announcement when the commonwealth not the state government has invested in a $20 million battery storage project in SA,' Mr Frydenberg said.

The pair, who have traded barbs in the media this week, admitted neither knew the other would be attending the AGL event to mark the launch of a 1000-strong network of solar batteries on Adelaide homes.

The 'virtual power plant' aims to help more people use solar power technology without putting strain on the electricity grid through peaks - a challenge inherent in the technology, due to varying sun levels at different times of the day.

Josh Frydenberg (right) kept a straight face as the South Australian premier ripped into him

The Turnbull government is backing the $20 million project through $5 million in funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency.

Mr Frydenberg said it reflected 'very poorly' on Mr Weatherill that he had chosen the launch, for something SA had not funded, for his verbal attacks.

'I feel that the premier trying to come into this to crash tackle us at this announcement where he hasn't put any money into this important initiative, which the commonwealth and AGL have, just shows you, unfortunately, how desperate he is,' he said.

He said SA's energy plan was a '$550 million admission of failure' by the premier and, without making eye contact with him, offered him some advice.

A storm and strong winds in September 2016 brought down powerlines across the state

Malcolm Turnbull blamed SA's renewable energy policy for the statewide blackout last year (Adelaide's city centre pictured)

'I would say to you, it is in the best interests of your government to work with the other states at the COAG energy council table,' he said.

'To await the outcomes of the Finkel review, to commend the commonwealth for yesterday's announcement with the LNG providers that they will provide the gas to meet the shortfalls in the coming years.'

Mr Weatherill was upset at how Mr Turnbull last year blamed South Australia's renewable energy policies after a storm in September 2016 caused the entire state to black out.

'For you to then turn around within a few short months, when there's a blackout, and point the finger at South Australia for the fact that our leadership in renewable energy was the cause of that problem is an absolute disgrace,' the premier said.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull (pictured with Snowy Hydo chief executive Paul Broad on Thursday) has previously accused Labor state governments of ignoring energy security

Strong winds had blown over transmission lines across South Australia and tripped the inter-connector with Victoria.

South Australia plunged into darkness on September 28 last year when a wild storm brought down power lines and in the state's mid-north and shut down some wind farms.

This dramatically put pressure on the state's power inter-connector from Victoria, and shut down South Australia's electricity grid.

At the time, Mr Turnbull criticised the Weatherill government for being more concerned with green power than energy security.

'A number of the state Labor Governments have over the years set priorities and renewable targets that are extremely aggressive, extremely unrealistic, and have paid little or no attention to energy security,' he said.

South Australia has since experienced widespread blackouts, including just after Christmas and Boxing Day when thunderstorms in the Adelaide Hills left 155,000 homes without power.

Storms also caused blackouts in January, leaving 58,000 Adelaide homes without power.
The body of the boy, named locally as Tyler Warmington, was discovered by police at his home

Police have arrested a woman after her five-year-old son was found dead.

The body of the boy, named locally as Tyler Warmington, was discovered by police at his home.

His mother Emma was being held on suspicion of murder.

Floral tributes and cuddly toys were laid in front of a police cordon yesterday at the youngsters home in Faringdon, Oxfordshire, where he attended the local infant school.

Neighbour Paul Fothergill, 60, said Tyler used to attend a private prep school run by his parents in Faringdon, but it closed amid financial problems last year.

Mr Fothergill said police had told neighbours that the boys 40-year-old mother had been arrested on suspicion of murder.

He added: It blows you away. There might have been something that has triggered it. She doted on that little lad. I can say nothing bad about her, she was nice.

Another neighbour said: I think she had a job but was not working at the moment. They moved there a couple of years ago and were quiet. The lad was shy.

Crime scene: This is the Oxfordshire home where a child was found dead and a woman, 40, has been arrested on suspicion of murder

Neighbour Paul Fothergill, 60, said Tyler used to attend a private prep school run by his parents in Faringdon, but it closed amid financial problems last year

Villager Candice McArthur, 44, said: Everyone is absolutely shocked and horrified. Its a terrible tragedy, not just for the little man but for the whole wide family.

'These things can happen anywhere, but you never expect it on your doorstep in a little market town like this. Everybody feels shock and disbelief, with a huge sense of sadness.

Ray Saunders, the uncle of the boys mother, said yesterday at his home in London: Its a terrible time  its been very emotional.

A card left outside Tylers home read: Rest in peace little man! Taken far too soon, thoughts and prayers are with your family at such an awful time. Fly high angel!

The results of a post-mortem examination yesterday had not been released last night.

Superintendent Rory Freeman, of Thames Valley Police, said: This is a very shocking discovery.
New Zealand murderer and child sex offender Phillip Smith (pictured) will be allowed to wear his toupee in prison

A New Zealand murderer and child sex offender has won a legal battle that will allow him to wear his toupee in prison so he can boost his confidence.

Phillip John Smith's specialised toupee was confiscated by Auckland prison staff after he used it to disguise himself when he fled to Brazil during a temporary release in 2014.

A High Court ruled on Thursday that Smith  who is serving an additional 33 months in a New Zealand prison for the escape  can wear the toupee because his 'fundamental right to freedom of expression was ignored,' according to Stuff.co.nz.

Smith argued that his hairpiece, which had been issued to him 2013 while he was at low security prisoner at Auckland Prison at Paremoremo, was a piece of 'art' and that he was humiliated when his baldness was revealed.

Smith argued the toupee was a piece of 'art' and that he was humiliated when his baldness was revealed (pictured)

Smith's specialised toupee was confiscated by Auckland prison staff after he used it to disguise himself when he fled to Brazil during a temporary release in 2014 (pictured)

At the time of the escape Smith was serving a life sentence for killing the father of a 13-year-old boy who he had molested when he was 17-years-old.

The boy had been 10-year-old when the abuse began and after he revealed Smith's actions to his parents, they moved away and reported him to the police.

While out on bail on a separate charge of extortion in 1995, Smith tracked down the family and stabbed the boy's 35-year-old father 19 times as he tried to protect his son, according to Stuff.

Justice Edwin Wylie said on Thursday age didn't want to impede the prison's management but ruled in favour of Smith.

At the time of the escape Smith (pictured) was serving a life sentence for killing the father of a 13-year-old boy who he had molested when he was 17-years-old

While out on bail on a separate charge of extortion in 1995, Smith (pictured) tracked down the family and stabbed the boy's 35-year-old father 19 times as he tried to protect his son

Justice Wylie denied Smith's request for $5,000 in damages.

'Court should not become involved in micromanaging the prison system. Rather, prison managers should be left to maintain prison order and discipline,' he said in the decision, according to Stuff.

'In the present case, I have concluded that Mr Smith's fundamental right to freedom of expression was ignored, and circumstances which required to be taken into account.'

'In my judgement a remedy is required in this case. An important right has been breached and the breach may be material.'
Shortey is pictured here with Donald Trump Jr. The GOP senator deleted this photo from his Facebook account shortly after news broke that he was found in a motel room with a teen boy

A married-with-children Oklahoma senator who was a leader in President Donald Trump's primary campaign faces prostitution charges after he was found in a motel room that reeked of 'raw marijuana' with a teenage boy that he offered money for 'sexual stuff', police said.

State Senator Ralph Shortey, 35, who deleted a picture of himself and Donald Trump Jr from his Facebook page shortly after news of his arrest broke, is an avowed supporter of the president and served as his Oklahoma state chair in the primaries.

Shortey and the unidentified teenager were found together at a Super 8 Motel in Moore, Oklahoma, around 1am on March 9, after an anonymous tip was made to police requesting a welfare check.

Shortey and the teenager, who is 16 or 17 years old, admitted to police they had engaged in electronic conversations 'pertaining to sexual activities in exchange for money', according to a court affidavit.

The age of consent in Oklahoma is 16.

Oklahoma Senator Ralph Shortey, 35, (pictured) has been suspended after he was found in a hotel room that reeked of marijuana with a teenage boy that he offered money for 'sexual stuff'

Their text messages, going back nearly a year, were recorded on the teenager's Kindle tablet that was confiscated as evidence, police said.

Police became involved after being called by the boy's father, who had been contacted by his son's girlfriend, NewsOK reports.

The unidentified girl told police that her boyfriend had said he was 'going to get paid tonight', and she feared he might be 'involved in illegal drugs'.

So, she told police she watched him get into a white Jeep Grand Cherokee with a man and followed them to the Super 8 Motel.

Police said the boy was known to solicit himself sexually on Craigslist and had a history of drug abuse.

Police found Shortey and the unidentified boy, who is 16 or 17 years old, at this Super 8 Motel in Moore, Oklahoma, around 1am on March 9

When police arrived at the motel, Shortey told them he was alone in the room, but the teenager eventually came out after officers said they were going to enter with a master key from management.

After confronting them in the room that reportedly smelled of marijuana, police found lotion and an open pack of condoms in a backpack.

Shortey had rented the room for one night on March 8, a front-desk manager said.

'It says two adults registered,' the manager added.

While Shortey has not been arrested, he was suspended by the state Wednesday for disorderly behavior and has been stripped of practically all of his political privileges.

Cleveland County District Attorney Greg Mashburn said he is awaiting the investigator's final report before pursuing criminal charges.

Shortey may be facing three charges: soliciting prostitution of a minor, prostitution within 1,000 feet of a church and transporting for the purpose of prostitution.

The Republican from Oklahoma City was first elected in 2010.

Shortey (center) has been married to his wife, Jennifer, since 2002. They have two children

Oklahoma GOP Chairperson Pam Pollard said in a statement: 'We condemn the actions of Senator Ralph Shortey to the strongest degree.

'While we believe in the right to a fair trial and that all people deserve their day in court, the accusations against Ralph Shortey are in no way in line with the principles of the Oklahoma Republican Party.'

Earlier this year Shortey advised former state Representative Dan Kirby during a sexual harassment scandal. Kirby later resigned.

Shortey has been married to his high school sweetheart, Jennifer, since 2002. They have two children.

Before beginning his political career, Shortey attended Heartland Baptist Bible College in Oklahoma City in preparation for mission work in Uganda.
A 90-year-old owner of a Sydney Redfern terrace has been ordered to repaint his home or face a heavy fine - because the bright blue colours don't comply with the council's colour scheme.

Charles Abdullah, who has owned the Douglas Street property since 1955, painted painted the house a striking blue colour as part of a recent renovation.

But Sydney City Council says the colour doesn't meet guidelines and have ordered the pensioner to repaint the house by April 4th or face being fined, according to 7 News.

'That house belongs to me, it doesn't belong to the council,' Mr Abdullah told 7 News after the decision. 'They're trying to be dictators, like a bully.'

90-year-old Charles Abdullah sits in front of his Redfern home following the council's 'insane' decision to order the pensioner to repaint the exterior a different colour

Mr Abdullah's bright blue terrace house is within a Heritage Conservation Area and therefore is subject to regulations on the colour of its exterior

The house on Douglas Street, Redfern supposedly doesn't comply with the council's strict colour schemes

However the council are intent on having the final say on the exterior of the property and have supplied Mr Abdullah with a selection of earthy colours which do comply with their standards and sticks to their 'nouveau heritage' vision.

Mr Abdullah's son, Michael, suggested to the council they repaint the home dark grey as it would have looked in the 1940s, however they were rebuffed.

Mr Abdullah claims he has been inundated with support, with the tenants and neighbours having no issue with the colour.

The pensioner discusses potential colours for his house with son, Michael, as they reluctantly plan to abide by the council's orders

A selection of the colours the council have deemed acceptable for Mr Abdullah to paint his Redfern property

The property isn't the only home in the surrounding area with a distinct exterior which falls within the Heritage Conservation Area.

A spokesman for Sydney City Council says it is seeking an amicable arrangement with Mr Abdullah.
A fragile toddler who was found dead in her cot hours after being discharged from a Victorian hospital should never have been sent home, a NSW coroner has found.

Nineteen-month-old Bridgett Currah was found with her eyes open, not breathing and with froth around her mouth in her cot at Curlwaa, southwest NSW, early on May 22, 2013.

Her step-grandmother and carer Jan Thomas had taken Bridgett to the Mildura Base Hospital twice in the previous two days with concerns about the child's health and her excessive vomiting.

Nineteen-month-old Bridgett Currah was found dead in her cot hours after being discharged from a Victorian hospital should never have been sent home, a NSW coroner has found

An inquest has found that Bridgett, who suffered medical complications including heart disease, died from aspiration of gastric contents after a bout of gastroenteritis exacerbated her reflux disease.

Paediatrician Chellam Kirubakaran told last month's inquest that she reviewed the toddler on the night of May 21, 2013 and advised Ms Thomas that Bridgett needed to be admitted to hospital.

However, Deputy NSW Coroner Teresa O'Sullivan found that Dr Kirubakaran didn't see Bridgett when she claimed, and declared the toddler was appropriate for discharge after speaking with the hospital's medical officer over the phone.

Ms O'Sullivan criticised the hospital's 'inadequate' observations of Bridgett and said that, given the child's symptoms and medical history, there was a 'compelling case' for her to be admitted to hospital overnight.

'Because of her fragility and vulnerability and the evidence of moderate dehydration, she faced real, appreciable risks of morbidity and mortality which would have been best managed in a hospital setting,' the coroner wrote in findings delivered on Thursday.

The toddler's step-grandmother and carer Jan Thomas had taken Bridgett to the Mildura Base Hospital (pictured) twice in the previous two days with concerns about the child's health and her excessive vomiting

Ms O'Sullivan recommended training for Mildura hospital medical staff on the use of graphical observation and response charts, and training for Dr Kirubakaran on the importance of keeping up-to-date clinical notes for patient reviews.

The barrister for Bridgett's family Michael McAuley said the family was thankful the truth had come out.

'The family hope that there will be changes so that nothing similar happens in the future,' Mr McAuley said in a statement.

He said Bridgett would forever be in the heart of her family.
Just Stop Oil activists defied a High Court order banning them from disrupting the M25 today and continued to cause chaos on the roads by scaling a number of gantries to halt thousands of drivers trying to get to work. Queues tailed back for miles in the middle of the Monday morning rush (inset) as police rushed to detain the rebels bringing traffic to a standstill at more than half a dozen separate locations on the ringroad (left and bottom-right). Officers were called to protests in Surrey - at junction 6 and in three other locations between junctions 8-9, 12-13 and 13-14 - as well as in Hertfordshire at junctions 22 and 23, east London at junction 25 and Essex at junction 30. The protests took place despite a major Metropolitan Police operation to foil their plans, which saw a number of demonstrators, including leader Roger Hallam, arrested last night. National Highways was also granted a court order which was meant to put an end to disruption on Britain's busiest motorway. But the controversial campaigners, who carried out a full month of action in October, were back in force this morning, much to the fury of frustrated drivers. The disruption on the roads came as there was also trouble on the rails, as a lack of drivers forced train companies to run a reduced service - despite strikes being called off at the eleventh hour. Passengers were warned to check with train operators before they travel with some still running a reduced timetable due to the change coming at such short notice. Louise Harris, 24 (top-right), who previously compared herself to a prisoner of war after football fans pelted her with drinks when she stormed onto the pitch during a match, was one of the activists taking part in today's protest on the M25. Shouting through tears in a video, she said today: 'Hello, my name is Louise, I'm 24 years old and I'm hereI'm here because I don't have a future.
Audience members at Broadway show Come From Away were thrilled to see Canadian PM Justin Trudeau give an introductory speech - none more so, perhaps, than Ivanka Trump.

While husband Jared Kushner helped her father with his speech in Nashville, Ivanka hopped on a plane from DC to New York to take in the Wednesday-night show as Trudeau's special guest.

Even dressed-down, she looked radiant with glee as the heart-throb liberal took to the stage to introduce the critically acclaimed musical about a Canadian town's response to 9/11.

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The room where it happened: Justin Trudeau and Ivanka Trump gave a standing ovation after attending opening night of the new play 'Come From Away' (above)

Family night: Ivanka sat with US Ambassador to the United Nations Niki Haley, who brought along her husband Michael and son Nalin (above)

On Broadway: Ivanka (above with Nikki Haley) flew from DC to watch the spectacle, as Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's special guest

Big talker: Canadian PM Justin Trudeau introduced the play Come From Away in New York on Wednesday night. The musical is about a Canadian town that helped stranded 9/11 travelers

Joining Ivanka was UN Ambassador Nikki Haley, pictured in the grey jacket left; Ivanka looked radiant with glee as the heart-throb liberal took to the stage to introduce the critically acclaimed musical about a Canadian town's response to 9/11

There's no doubt that Ivanka was excited to see the play, which has only just reached Broadway, of course.

She was then seen leaving their Washington residence at 9.30 on Thursday morning.

But as she was sitting next to Trudeau in the politicians' section will have added a special frisson.

Also there were Nikki R Haley, the American ambassador to the United Nations; ex-PM Jean Chretien; and, of course, Trudeau's wife, Sophie Gregoire.

Ivanka and Trudeau appeared to get along famously during his visit to the White House last month.

So much so, in fact, that pictures of her apparently shooting the PM dreamy looks led to jokes online that she was harboring a secret crush.

What she made of the show remains to be seen - but its message seems somewhat at odds with her father's border policies.

In conversation: Prime Minister Trudeau was interviewed by Tom Brokaw at the event on Wednesday (above)

What Ivanka made of the show remains to be seen - but its message seems somewhat at odds with her father's border policies

Tennessee bound: While Ivanka enjoyed a night of fun at the theater, husband Jared Kushner (right, with Steve Bannon Wednesday) accompanied her dad in Nashville and Detroit

Gazing: Ivanka was spotted apparently gazing at Justin Trudeau during the PM's visit to the White House in February

Delighted: She seemed genuinely delighted to greet Trudeau to February's round-table discussion on the advancement of women entrepreneurs and business leaders

Jokes: The photographs of her response to the heart-throb politician leg to a series of memes and gags by social media users who joked that she had a crush on him

Come From Away is about a Canadian town welcoming in 38 stranded US plane passengers whose have been diverted in the wake of the 9/11 attacks.

Based on true events that occurred in Gander, Newfoundland, on and after 9/11, it shows the town's civilians housing, feeding and caring for the stranded foreigners.

At one point, as the passengers board their planes to return to the US, a Muslim character is subjected the a humiliating strip-search.

Speaking before the event, Trudeau - on yet another of his increasingly frequent trips to the US - commended the partnership between America and its northern neighbor.

'There is no relationship quite like the friendship between Canada and the United States,' the prime minister said, sparking off a round of applause.

He also spoke of the importance of true friendship, saying it means not just companionship but also a willingness to help and care for one another.

Before Trudeau's speech, ex-PM Chretien, who was in office during 9/11, remarked on his memories of the shocking day.

Greet expectations: Ivanka is seen here before the show, saying hello to patrons, with US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley in the background

Take a Gander: Trudeau and wife Sophie Gregoire (right) meet some of the citizens of Gander, Newfoundland, on whose real experiences of 9/11 the play is based

Look of love: Trudeau and wife Sophie Gregoire discuss Come From Away after the musical wrapped up on Wednesday night
Tyler Ray Price, 21, allegedly admitted to sexually assaulting a woman while he was having a job interview to be a police officer

A would-be cop has been charged with sexual assault after he allegedly admitted raping a drunk woman while she was passed out during his interview to become a police officer.

Tyler Ray Price, 21, of Nitro, West Virginia, was at the South Charleston Police Department on February 8 participating in the third phase of his interviews to become a cop.

That's when he said he'd had a sexual encounter with a woman and then videotaped her while she was naked and unconscious, police say.

Reports suggest, Price told Sgt. A.R. Gordon during the course of the final interview that he had sex with the woman without her consent.

It is not known what line of questioning the interview had taken that caused Price to reveal his alleged crime.

Police spoke to the woman on February 23 who said she had no knowledge of having sex or being videotaped with Price, but admitted having had a lot to drink that night.

She said on February 8, Price called her and also admitted the incident.

'We knew we had to do something, we couldn't just let this go,' South Charleston Chief of Detectives Pat Rader told WCHS.

Video courtesy of WCHS

Tyler Ray Price, above, was arrested two weeks after a job interview to be a police officer in which he allegedly admitted committing sexual assault

Price was on his third interview for the South Charleston Police when 'it all went bad'

Rader said the interviews were going fine up until the third one when 'it all went bad.'

On Monday, Price was charged with second degree sexual assault.

Part of the interview process is asking questions while the candidate is hooked up to a lie detector machine.

It's unclear if this is when Price allegedly admitted the assault.

The department says it's been hard to find qualified candidates, but in this case its tough vetting process worked.

'We're not just hiring people off the street and giving them a badge and a gun and the authority to relieve people of their freedoms,' said Rader.

'We want to make sure we're getting the best people possible.'

Price is currently being held at South Central Regional Jail on a $25,000 bond. If convicted, he faces up to 25 years.
A pregnant children's author who stabbed her chronically ill housemate to death has been jailed for 17 years.

Anna Horneshaw, 28, stabbed 67-year-old Zvonimir Petrovski 22 times with a large boning knife at the property they shared in Melbourne in November 2015.

Horneshaw, who was 20 weeks pregnant at the time, had tried to pin the blame on an imaginary intruder before her partner confessed to what she had done.

Zvonimir Petrovski, 67, was fatally stabbed 22 times with a boning knife at his Melbourne home he shared with killer Anna Horneshaw, 28, in November 2015

On Thursday Horneshaw, who co-authored popular tween book 'Two Weeks in Grade Six' with her mother, was jailed for 17 years and told to serve a minimum of 13, according to the ABC.

Judge Jane Dixon, sitting at the Supreme Court of Victoria, described the killing as 'completely unprovoked' though added Horneshaw's relationship with Mr Petrovski was one of 'frustration and dependency'.

The court previously heard Mr Petrovski had been drinking in their house on the night in question when Horneshaw demanded $70 for cigarettes.

When he refused, she followed him into the kitchen and hit him over the head, leaving him sprawled on the floor.

Horneshaw, who was suffering morning sickness alongside withdrawals from alcohol and cannabis, then flew into a fit of rage.

She grabbed the knife and stabbed Mr Petrovski 22 times as he lay defenceless, apologising to the neighbours afterward for 'making such a ruckus'.

Horneshaw's partner, Grant Brennan, called triple zero but told police that an intruder had attacked Mr Petrovski while they were in bed.

He later confessed what happened to police and was released without charge.

Victoria Supreme Court heard that Horneshaw, who was 20 months pregnant, asked Mr Petrovski for $70 for cigarettes and when he refused she attacked

The court heard that Horneshaw had considered Mr Petrovski as a father figure, and referred to him as 'daddy'.

Horneshaw gave birth to her son last April while in custody, and he is now being cared for by relatives.

The court was told Horneshaw suffers from long-term mental health issues and substance abuse problems, but had been trying to get clean in recent years.

In sentencing, Justice Dixon said Horneshaw had shown remorse for her actions, had a good chance of rehabilitation, and would have to bear the burden of not seeing her son grow up while behind bars.

But Donna Petrovska, Mr Petrovski's daughter, questioned whether that was enough. She said: 'Thirteen years. I don't know how to take that. Does my Dad deserve more?'

Speaking about her father's death, she added: ' I was thinking, what was going through your mind?

'Why couldn't you have just easily stepped out? Go for a walk or something? You didn't have to hurt him.'
Three teenagers are accused of firing shots at a food market because they got the wrong toppings on their pizza.

Djuan Bowers, 18, Tynerick Turner, 17, and a 16-year-old are each charged with 12 counts of aggravated assault, unlawful handgun possession and vehicle theft, according to The Tennessean.

Shots were fired out of a white Honda Accord towards the D.B. Todd Market in Nashville, Tennessee, on Wednesday, said police. The car had been reported stolen.

(left) Tynerick Turner, 17, and Djuan Bowers, 18, were arrested after allegedly trying to shoot up a market that gave them the wrong pizza toppings

The teenage trio allegedly shot at this DB Todd market from out of a stolen vehicle

An undercover detective in the area witnessed the shots around 2pm, said police.

The detective followed the vehicle to a house on 32nd Avenue North and called for backup. The teens were taken into custody.

Cops say they found three handguns (above) and one hydrocodone pill in the white Honda Accord (above) that the teens were driving and that had been reported as stolen

'During interviews, one of the suspects reported that the gunfire had been directed toward the market because the clerk gave them a pizza with the wrong toppings,' Nashville Metropolitan Police said in a statement.

Police found three handguns and one hydrocodone pill in the car.

Bowers and Turner were also charged with an alleged hold-up on February 20 where the victim was robbed at gunpoint.

Bowers is held on $50,000 bond and the younger teens will be charged in juvenile court.
A sex predator has been jailed for 12 years for breaking into a 14-year-old girl's bedroom and raping her twice in three months, once after threatening her at knife-point.

Corey David Fowler, 35, first broke into the young girl's bedroom while she was asleep on June 17, 2015, the High Court in Christchurch, New Zealand heard on Thursday.

Three months later on August 12, between 4am and 5am, Fowler crept in through the 14-year-old girl's bedroom window and threatened her with a knife.

Fowler crept in through the 14-year-old girl's bedroom window while she was asleep and threatened her with a knife before raping her

Fowler reportedly told her: 'This could be done the easy way, or the hard way' before sexually assaulting and raping her, the New Zealand Herald reports.

The girl reported the attack to her mother the following morning and the police were called.

When Fowler learned the police were after him, he told his girlfriend to lie and tell police they were together on the night of the attack.

His partner later withdrew her statement and told police Fowler was not in fact with her.

In the police investigation, Fowler's phone was analysed and location services showed he was in the vicinity of the young victim's home on the night of the rape.

In the victim impact statement, which was read out in court on Thursday, the girl admitted she suffered recurring nightmares of the attack

Fowler was also linked to the crime by DNA found at the scene, the New Zealand Herald reports.

Fowler, a machine operator in Phillipstown, Christchurch, ultimately admitted to his crimes.

He pleaded guilty to eight charges including two counts of rape, two counts of sexual violation by unlawful sexual connection, attempted sexual violation, sexual conduct with a young person, burglary with a weapon, and attempting to pervert the course of justice.

In the victim impact statement, which was read out in court on Thursday, the girl admitted she suffered recurring nightmares of the attack.

The girl said she suffered nightmares which replayed the attack 'frame by frame' after Fowler crept in through her bedroom window and raped her

The girl, now 16-years-old, said the nightmares replayed the attack 'frame by frame'.

She admitted she went to school the day after the first attack as if nothing happened, but the second attack left her 'scared and disgusted'.

The girl, who cannot be named, said she lost all motivation and focus and her school performance had plummeted.

'I feel he has taken away my strength and dignity,' she said in the statement.

Justic Rachel Dunningham thanked the girl for her powerful victim impact statement.

Justice Dunningham also accepted Fowler's upbringing was riddled with difficulty.

She said his upbringing was as traumatic as she had ever seen in a report submitted to the courts, the New Zealand Herald reports.

Crown prosecutor Claire Boshier reminded the court Fowler's sexual offending was extremely serious because it was premeditated and targeted a young victim.

Justice Dunningham noted 18-years had passed since Fower's last sexual offence, but he was considered at high-risk of reoffending by psychologist reports.

Fowler was given a 12 year and nine month prison sentence, ordered to serve a minimum six years and six months behind bars.

Fowler was also placed on the sex offenders register.
Tabcorp has been dealt the highest civil penalty in Australian corporate history of $45million for breaching anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing laws.

The Federal Court imposed the fine on Thursday after finding that the gambling company breached the AML/CT Act on 108 occasions over a five-year period.

Tabcorp failed to alert the Federal Government's financial intelligence and regulatory agency of suspicious behaviour that included money laundering and credit card fraud, according to ABC.

Tabcorp were dealt the highest civil penalty in Australian corporate history of for breaching anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing laws. Chief executive David Attenborough said the company have taken measures to ensure they comply with regulations in the future

The Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre filed papers to the Federal Court in July 2015 against three Tabcorp companies for non-compliance with legislation.

AUSTRAC chief executive Paul Jevtovic said failure to comply with AML/CTF laws places national security at risk.

'Failing to uphold a robust AML/CTF program creates opportunities for serious and organised crime and terrorist groups to conceal the movement and use of illicit funds for attacks and crimes against Australian citizens,' Mr Jevtovic said.

'There can be no doubt that this was a serious failure in the corporate governance and the size of the penalty reflects a consistent and extensive noncompliance.'

Tabcorp failed to alert the Federal Government's financial intelligence and regulatory agency of suspicious behaviour that included money laundering and credit card fraud

The Federal Court found that the gambling company breached the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act on 108 occasions over a five-year period.

'The noncompliance arises from a corporate culture that is indifferent to money laundering and terrorism financing requirements.'

Tabcorp chief executive David Attenborough said the company has taken measures to ensure they comply with regulations in the future.

'We have made a significant investment in enhancing our compliance over the last three years and remain focused on being the industry leader in regulatory compliance across all of our operations,' Mr Attenborough said.

'We remain firmly committed to continuing to work cooperatively with AUSTRAC into the future.'
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As the press secretary for an administration that hates the press, Sean Spicer's working days must be stressful enough - and on Sunday his personal life followed suit when he was cornered in an Apple store by an angry Trump hater.

But on Wednesday he finally had a chance to smile as fans at Trump's Nashville, Tennessee rally swarmed him asking for selfies.

The press secretary was photographed smiling with Trump supporters, and while his suit cut a sharp contrast with their Make America Great Again hats and Deplorable Lives Matter pins, he looked right at home.

Smile! White House press secretary Sean Spicer poses with a reporter after Donald Trump's speech at his Nashville, Tennessee rally on Wednesday

Two's company: Two more fans join Spicer for a selfie while more hopefuls gather behind him. Earlier, Trump had criticized a Hawaii judge's decision to halt the latest version of his travel ban and promised to repeal and replace Obamacare

Selfie time: Spicer is joined by several other people - including the photographer himself - for this selfie photograph. Spicer is not often seen with crowds of adoring fans

Cheese! Spicer is joined by two more members of the audience at the Nashville rally. On Sunday Spicer had a less pleasant experience when he was accosted in an Apple store by a critic

Group shot: Spicer continues to entertain crowds hungry for selfies during the Nashville rally. The event mimicked those seen on Trump's election campaign trail - complete with references to Hillary Clinton

Happy times: Spicer's job - as the media spokesman for a White House that loathes the media - puts him in an unenviable position. So meeting his fans gave the embattled press secretary some much-needed time off

During the rally , Trump took swings at Hawaiian Judge Derrick Watson, who suspended his most recent travel ban, saying'We're going to fight this terrible ruling.

'We're going to take this case as far as it needs to go, including all the way up to the Supreme Courty. We're going to win and we're going to keep our citizens safe. Believe me.'

Trump later bashed the 'bad, fake media' for what he anticipated would be negative reporting on his speech.

A single protester disrupted the event with a sign calling him a 'liar.'

'One person!' Trump marveled. 'And they'll be the story tomorrow.'

He also bristled at 'fake news' reports that he was hedging on his pledge to build a wall on the southern US border. 'Everybody wants to build our wall,' he said. 'Usually that means you get a good price.'

Spicer's encounters after Trump's speech echoed a similar - but less happy, for him - meeting on Sunday, when a member of the public cornered him, asking how he liked working for a 'fascist'.

He looked awkward and tried to flee as Shree Chauhan, 33, asked: 'Have you committed treason too? Just like the president. Have you committed treason too? What can you tell me about Russia?

Spicer smiles politely during the encounter and replies 'It's such a great country that allows you to be here,' before eventually walking away.

Chauhan, who is of Indian descent and was born in America, claims this was a racist. She told DailyMail.com that she felt as if Spicer was suggesting that she had no right to be in the US.

However, it's possible Spicer was referring to the right of all Americans to exercise free speech - even if they are confronting one of the most powerful people in the country while he shops.
A young restaurant worker was left 'shaken and in tears' after a expletive-filled phone call from her boss in which he calls her names and eventually fires her.

Brooke Hubbard, 18, had just returned from her break at the Big Dog Diner in Frankston, Victoria, on Tuesday when she received the shocking phone call.

'You know what I was saying the other day ... a picture says more than a thousand words,' he can be heard in the footage.

'Do you know how often people f****ng try to bulls*** me, thinking that I am as dumb as they f****ng are?'

Brooke Hubbard, 18, was left 'shaken and in tears' after a expletive-filled phone call from her boss in which he calls her names and eventually fires her

The cause for the furious phone call came after the manager had tried to phone the diner, but his calls went unanswered.

'How many times do you think I've rung the diner in the last 45 minutes?' he asked her.

The 18-year-old, who had been working at the diner for two years, told Daily Mail Australia that she had returned from her break when she noticed a missed call on her mobile phone.

'I ignored the first call, as he had asked us not to touch mobile phones - but then he called again.'

During the initial conversation, Ms Hubbard found that the diner phone was off the hook which explained the missed calls, so she contacted her boss again to clarify.

'He called me a liar and said I had did it [left the phone off the hook] on purpose.'

It was here that the 18-year-old begin filming their conversation.

In the recording, Ms Hubbard can be heard saying she was now cleaning the diner after returning from her break, but her boss claims he saw her doing nothing on the CCTV.

'I've called 15 f****ng times and nobody answered,' he says.

'It's been a real f****ng pleasure knowing you. You're gone! You're out!'

In response an upset Brooke says: 'Now? So I don't have a job?'.

He then questions why he is paying her she she 'does nothing'.

In the recording, Ms Hubbard can be heard saying she was now cleaning the diner after returning from her break, but her boss claims he saw her doing nothing on the CCTV

Ms Hubbard and the other workers were called 'c***s' and the boss tells her she will stay 'low paid' and following the same path as other 'dips***s'

His rant continues, calling Ms Hubbard and the other workers 'c***s' and tells her she will stay 'low paid' and following the same path as other 'dips***s'.

But the 18-year-old defends herself saying: 'I've literally just come in, I've mopped the floor, I've cleaned out the front, I'm doing the napkins, I've done dishes.'

Even though the conversation left her shaken, Ms Hubbard managed to finish her shift and left the restaurant just after 11.30pm.

There had been three others working that night along with Ms Hubbard, one who overheard the call said she had received a similar one just a few days prior that had left her in tears.

'He's always had that type of personality,' Ms Hubbard told Daily Mail Australia.

'It was exhausting working there. In a way it's good what's happened, it's been a real eye opener.'

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Big Dog Diner for comment

After posting the video online, the 18-year-old's shocking experience has quickly gone viral.

'I've had so much support from people since the posted the video, it's been really great,' Ms Hubbard said.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Big Dog Diner for comment.
An Amtrak train made a dramatic entrance when it pulled into a station this week.

While arriving in Rhinecliff, New York, the train drove into thick snow on the ground.

Dramatic video shows snow flying everywhere and hitting people on the platform in the Wednesday incident.

The slow-motion clip of the train's arrival was posted to YouTube by user Nick Colvin.

Here it comes: An Amtrak train is seen driving into snow, sending it flying on Wednesday

Look out! A thick cloud of snow appears to form during the train's arrival

He wrote: 'Train moving faster than usual plus fresh snow from Stella resulted in a more spectacular arrival than expected.'

Another video of the incident was posted to Facebook by Craig Oleszewski.

His video was captioned: 'First train into Rhinecliff since the storm.'

In the video's comments section, Oleszewski said: 'I wish I hadn't panned on the engine, should have stayed on the unsuspecting crowd of passengers, most of whom boarded after me and were covered in snow like little frosty ice-men.'

Whoa: The snow is seen hitting commuters at the platform in Rhinecliff, New York

The dramatic video shows snow flying everywhere and hitting people on the platform in the Wednesday incident

Several people were knocked down to the ground, one person told NBC New York.

The train seemingly traveled at a normal speed so as to clear the snowfall, Gus Ubaldi, a railroad expert, told the local news station.

Forecasters had predicted storm Stella would dump up to 2 feet of snow in New York City, but instead the Big Apple was hit with sleet and a few inches of snow.

Officials warned 50 million people on Monday to prepare for the would-be crippling effects of a blizzard that was supposed to hit the Northeast region of the country Tuesday with up to 24 inches of snow and 60mph winds.

A state of emergency was even declared in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Maryland, as many flocked to prepare for what was thought to be the worst storm of the winter season.

Help: Despite being a milder storm than anticipated, Stella still dumped at least seven inches of snow in some parts of New York City on Tuesday. Above men work together to push a cab stuck in the snow in the city on Tuesday

A worker clears snow in Times Square Tuesday morning as snow continues to fall during the winter storm

But Tuesday morning around 9am, forecasters downgraded their predictions of New York City receiving up to 2 feet of snow and canceled the blizzard warning, and instead now predict that the Big Apple will only receive 4 to 8 inches of snow.

The storm tracked a little farther west than forecasters originally anticipated, resulting in a sloppy mix of snow and sleet for larger portions of Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

In New York, there was 24 inches of snowfall in Norwich, 13 inches in Albany and 7.2 inches in Central Park on Tuesday.

The snow storm began hitting the Tri-State area early Tuesday morning causing thousands of flights to be cancelled. Above the 'Charging Bull' statue and the recently added statue of the Fearless Girl are covered in light snow in New York's Financial District on Tuesday

About three inches of snow was estimated to have fallen on New York overnight and pictures show how the usually packed Times Square in Manhattan was virtually empty apart from a few emergency crews clearing snow

Snow plows were working overtime in a bid to clear the streets of snow before rush hour Tuesday morning. This was the scene in Times Square early on Tuesday morning

As millions woke up to the storm Tuesday morning, attorney generals in New York and Pennsylvania issued a warning about price-gouging amid panic buying.

Eric Schneiderman in New York said consumers should contact his office about 'excessive increases' in the price of goods and services. Examples include food, water, gas, generators, hotels and transportation.

The price-gouging law also could apply to snow removal and equipment, salt and contractor services for storm-related damage.

Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro also alerted consumers and businesses about potential scams, urging people to report any 'suspicious activity' about home repairs, snow plowing, government assistance programs and fraudulent disaster-related fundraising to his office's Bureau of Consumer Protection.

Majority of flights were canceled at Boston's Logan International Airport on Tuesday as the nor'easter Stella crippled the country's air travel
A horror crash between five cars and a truck has killed one person and left another seriously injured.

The crash occurred about 2.45pm on Thursday, at Princes Freeway at Point Cook in Melbourne's west.

A woman in her 30s, who was in the same car, was trapped for some time and has been flown to the Royal Melbourne Hospital with head injuries in a serious condition, Victoria Ambulance told Daily Mail Australia.

A horror crash between in Melbourne five cars and a truck has killed one person and left another seriously injured

A passenger was left trapped in the wreckage in the collision at Princes Freeway at Point Cook in Melbourne's west

It's understood 13 other people were assessed by paramedics, but did not require further treatment.

It's believed the person killed in the crash was a driver of one of the cars, according to Victoria police, they have yet to be formally identified.

The passenger from the same vehicle was left trapped in the wreckage and is believed to have sustained life-threatening injuries.

The exact circumstances surrounding the crash are yet to be determined and the investigation is ongoing.

The freeway is currently closed and diversions are in place, but extensive delays are expected.

Motorists are advised to exit at Point Cook Road and use Sneydes Road if they want to get back in Princess Highway.

A woman in her 30s has been flown to the Royal Melbourne Hospital with head injuries
A mother-of-eight has been awarded more than $20,000 in compensation after it was found she was a victim of racial abuse by her employer.

Marsha Whaiapu, from New Zealand's South Island, was called a 'black b****' and a 'baby killer' by her supervisor Peter Powell while she worked at P&W Painters (PWP) as a brush hand from January 2015 until October 2015.

The Employment Relations Authority found there was a history of racial abuse within the Oamaru and Christchurch-based company, and determined it had been proved Ms Whaiapu was called the names, she alleged.

The company was ordered to pay Marsha Whaiapu compensation of $12,000 for humiliation loss of dignity and injury to her feelings.

Ms Whaiapu told Daily Mail Australia the behaviour of her supervisor made her feel degraded.

'To start working with this company I was up on a high because it was something I had always wanted to do so my dream had come true but then as time went on the nasty things just started coming out and it really ruined me,' she said.

ERA member Christine Hickey ordered the company to pay Ms Whaiapu $9360 in lost wages, plus five per cent interest on lost wages from May 30 last year and compensation of $12,000 for humiliation, loss of dignity and injury to her feelings.

Ms Hickey told the New Zealand Herald generally she placed little weight on the issue of witness demeanour because it was not a reliable indicator of credibility.

Marsha Whaiapu was awarded over $20,000 in damages after it was found she was mistreated

'However, some of Mr Powell's behaviour and comments at the investigation meeting revealed some aspects of his character which make it more likely that certain things he is alleged to have said are correct,' Ms Hickey said.

'Mr Powell likes to say things that are amusing to him and to see people react to them, even if it affects them negatively. He characterises what he says as banter and humour.'

Powell had admitted being behind nasty rumours and gossip that may have negatively effected those involved.

Ms Whaiapu told Daily Mail Australia after the incidents she would confront the company's director and manager, Warren Pitches, whenever she felt her manager's comments were inappropriate.

'My job not only effects myself but it effects my family so I naturally went and confronted my boss on every single thing Pete had said to me,' she said.

The 42-year-old said others had launched personal grievances with the same company

'If I felt bullied, I would speak to speak to Warren about it and he said he would go and deal with these issues but I whenever I would ask Warren if he had spoken to Pete he would say 'It's water under the bridge'' or he would say ''It's between you and Pete, you guys sort that out'' and that's when it hit me that he wouldn't do anything about it.'

The mother said the ERA win was positive but doesn't feel like the company will change their attitudes.

'I was over the moon to win but at the same time for myself it was not about the money and I let that be known in the meeting as well as in the mediation. I just wanted them to do something about what was going on in the company,' Ms Whaiapu said.

Ms Whaiapu has since found a new job she was excited about and wanted to go back to being a strong role model to her children.

'I am a very hard-worker. I work hard because I feel like I am an example for my children that you don't get things for free, money doesn't grow on trees, so you have to work hard and I do work hard so I will continue to,' she said.
President Donald Trump's revised travel ban was dealt another legal setback Thursday when a federal judge in Maryland rejected the prohibition against six predominantly Muslim countries.

The ruling near the nation's capital was the latest blow to Trump's ban, with a federal judge in Hawaii rejecting the measure on Wednesday. Both judges cited Trump's own words as evidence of his intent in issuing the new plan.

U.S. Judge Theodore Chuang ruled Thursday in Greenbelt, Maryland, in a case brought by the American Civil Liberties Union and other groups representing immigrants, refugees and their families.

The groups argued that the underlying rationale of the ban was to discriminate against Muslims, making it unconstitutional.

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Anti-Trump rulings: US District Court Judge Theodore Chuang (left) became the second to rule against the ban on Thursday morning in Maryland - following US District Court Judge Derrick Watson (right) in Honolulu on Wednesday

Fury: President Trump told the rally in Nashville, Tennessee that he would not accept the 'unprecedented overreach' of US District Jude Derrick K. Watson in Hawaii

Chuang, who was appointed by then-President Barack Obama, called Trump's own statements about intentions to impose a Muslim ban 'highly relevant.'

Trump's second executive order does include changes from the first order, Chuang noted, such as the removal of a preference for religious minorities in the refugee process.

'Despite these changes, the history of public statements continues to provide a convincing case that the purpose of the Second Executive Order remains the realization of the long-envisioned Muslim ban,' he said.

On Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Derrick Watson in Honolulu criticized what he called the 'illogic' of the government's arguments and cited 'significant and unrebutted evidence of religious animus' behind the travel ban.

He also noted that while courts should not examine the 'veiled psyche' and 'secret motives' of government decision-makers, 'the remarkable facts at issue here require no such impermissible inquiry.'

Watson also wrote, referring to a statement Trump issued as a candidate, 'For instance, there is nothing 'veiled' about this press release: 'Donald J. Trump is calling for a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States.''

Chuang granted a preliminary injunction on a nationwide basis.

He declined to issue an injunction blocking the entire executive order, saying that the plaintiffs didn't sufficiently develop their argument that the temporary ban on refugees offends the establishment clause and didn't provide sufficient basis to establish the invalidity of the rest of the order.

Details of the implementation of the orders also indicate that national security isn't the primary purpose of the ban, Chuang said.

'The fact that the White House took the highly irregular step of first introducing the travel ban without receiving the input and judgment of the relevant national security agencies strongly suggests that the religious purpose was primary and the national security purpose, even if legitimate, is a secondary, post hoc rationale,' he said.

'The Maryland court saw through the government's legal maneuvering and recognized the new order for what it was: a Muslim ban,' said Lee Gelernt, deputy director of the ACLU's national Immigrants' Rights Project and one of the attorneys on the case.

'And importantly, he issued a preliminary injunction, not just a [temporary restraining order], so the injunction will remain in place through trial, and not just for a couple of weeks.'

Trump called the ruling in Hawaii an example of 'unprecedented judicial overreach' and said his administration would appeal it to the U.S. Supreme Court.

He also called his new travel ban a watered-down version of the first one, which he said he wished he could implement.

'We're going to win. We're going to keep our citizens safe,' the president said at a rally in Nashville, Tennessee, on Wednesday. 'The danger is clear. The law is clear. The need for my executive order is clear.'

Initially banned: In its first iteration all Iraqi refugees were not allowed in - includin g Nadia Hanan Madalo, center her mother, Alyshooa Kannah, second from right, and other family members. They fled Batnaya, Iraq, after ISIS invaded and reached El Cajon, California, on Thursday

Government lawyers argued that the ban was substantially revised from an earlier version signed in January that was later blocked by a federal judge in Washington state. They said the ban was ordered in the interest of national security to protect the U.S. from 'radical Islamic terrorism.'

'Unless and until the president realizes that this is a battle in which he's going to keep losing and decides to do the right thing and abandon this course, for as long as he's on it we'll keep litigating it and I think we're going to keep winning,' said Omar Jadwat, who argued the case for the ACLU in Maryland.

The Justice Department public-affairs office did not immediately return a message. The case was argued Wednesday by acting U.S. Solicitor General Jeffrey Wall.

If the administration seeks an emergency stay of Watson's decision at the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals Circuit, the matter would be heard by different judges from the three who ruled on the case last month. That's because the panel of judges assigned to such cases rotates every month, said court spokesman David Madden.

The 9th Circuit on Wednesday declined to reconsider the 3-0 decision not to reinstate the original ban. In a dissent, five judges said they considered that decision incorrect and wanted it vacated.

'Whatever we, as individuals, may feel about the president or the executive order, the president's decision was well within the powers of the presidency,' Judge Jay Bybee wrote for the five.

Watson issued his 43-page ruling less than two hours after hearing Hawaii's request for a temporary restraining order to stop the ban from being put into practice.

The hearings in Maryland and Hawaitt were two of three held Wednesday in federal courts around the country. U.S. District Judge James Robart in Seattle, who blocked the initial travel ban last month, did not immediately rule on a request from an immigrant-rights group to block the revised version.

In all, more than half a dozen states are trying to stop the ban.
A Philippine politician has filed an impeachment complaint against President Rodrigo Duterte over the the thousands of deaths caused by his drug crackdown.

Rep. Gary Alejano's complaint alleged that Duterte committed bribery and corruption, violated the constitution and betrayed the public trust with his actions.

The bid, which addressed the crackdown that has sparked extrajudicial killings, faces an uphill battle because Duterte's allies hold an overwhelming majority in Congress.

A Philippine politician has filed an impeachment complaint against President Rodrigo Duterte (pictured) over the the thousands of deaths caused by his drug crackdown

Members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) operatives walks along a street during their anti-drug operations in metro Manila on Thursday

Members of the PDEA inspect suspected drug pushers and users during their anti-drug operations on Thursday

The impeachment, filed at the House of Representatives, also covers Duerte's failure to declare huge bank deposits as required by law.

'We are of the firm belief that President Duterte is unfit to hold the highest office of the land and that impeachment is the legal and constitutional remedy to this situation,' said Alejano.

Although opposition lawmakers lack the numbers to impeach Duterte, Alejano said there was a need to stop his 'excesses and crimes.'

A vote of a third of the House's more than 290 members is needed to send the complaint to the Senate for trial. More than 260 of House members belong to a pro-Duterte bloc.

'We understand that in terms of numbers we face an uphill battle,' he said. 'But precisely, the battle for impeachment must be fought both inside and outside the halls of Congress,' adding public pressure should sway lawmakers to vote rightfully.

Members of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and Philippine National Police (PNP) operatives meet during their anti-drug operations in Quezon city, Philippines

Alejano cited the 8,000 deaths of drug suspects under the crackdown to underscore the urgency of the first impeachment attempt in Duterte's presidency

'Our role is merely to be the gate-openers for those who want to be a part of this historic and moral crusade,' Alejano said.

Alejano cited the 8,000 deaths of drug suspects under the crackdown to underscore the urgency of the first impeachment attempt in Duterte's presidency. Other opposition politicians have backed calls for such a move.

House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, a Duterte ally, called the impeachment bid 'stupid,' saying it was based on fabricated allegations.

'They are not even in the league of Don Quixote so this impeachment won't fly. It will crash like a rudderless plane flown by witless pilots,' government Solicitor-General Jose Calida said.

Alejano, a former marine officer who was accused of involvement in a failed coup attempt several years ago, denied his complaint was part of an extra-constitutional attempt to unseat Duterte

Alejano echoed rights activists' label of Duterte as a 'cheerleader' for encouraging the 'summary executions' of drug suspects in violation of their rights to life and due process

Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella suggested the impeachment bid and opposition criticism were possible efforts to destabilize the Duterte administration.

Alejano, a former marine officer who was accused of involvement in a failed coup attempt several years ago, denied his complaint was part of an extra-constitutional attempt to unseat Duterte.

In his complaint, Alejano echoed rights activists' label of Duterte as a 'cheerleader' for encouraging the 'summary executions' of drug suspects in violation of their rights to life and due process.

He cited the president's repeated threats to kill drug lords and order to law enforcers and civilians to shoot drug suspects if they fight back.

He also mentioned the Senate testimony of a retired police officer and a former militiaman who said they were members of a death squad under Duterte when he was a southern mayor.

Suspected drug pushers and users sit beside tombs during the PDEA operatives' anti-drug operations inside the cemetery

He cited the president's repeated threats to kill drug lords and order to law enforcers and civilians to shoot drug suspects if they fight back

Members of the PDEA stand on guard during their anti-drug operation

The two separately testified they were involved in hundreds of killings of drug suspects and political opponents of Duterte in Davao city.

Duterte has denied he condoned extrajudicial killings. He has not responded in detail to the two men's allegations.

Alejano's complaint also cited accusations by opposition Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, who accused Duterte of failing to declare more than 2 billion pesos ($40 million) in bank deposits as required by law. Duterte has denied any wrongdoing.

In November 2000, the House sent impeachment charges for largescale corruption against then-President Joseph Estrada to the Senate for trial for the first time in Philippine history.

Prosecutors walked out of the trial two months later due to an impasse over evidence, sparking massive protests that forced Estrada to leave the presidential palace.
At least 1000 Australian teenagers have had their personal details hacked from a popular quiz app, which is now circulating the internet.

Names, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses have been stolen from the popular teen social networking app, Wishbone, which is a favourite of teenage girls.

Details of more than 2 million users around the world, were taken by hackers who accessed the application's database through unprotected software, in the massive breach of privacy.

At least 1000 Australian teenagers have had their private information stolen in a massive hack of the popular quiz app Wishbone

Security researcher Troy Hunt who runs the hacking warning site Have I Been Pwned, which lets users find out whether their information was hacked, was given a database that belonged to Wishbone earlier in the week.

A security flaw in the Wishbone app allowed hackers access to more than two million email addresses

Whilst those with com.au email addresses and +61 phone numbers could be easily identified, Mr Hunt warns that the numbers of young Australians affected by the breach could be much higher.

'Of course there'll be a lot more Aussie data in there due to the fact that so many of us use Gmail, Outlook etc and have .com email addresses,' he told News Corp Australia.

The makers of the app, Science Inc, issued a statement to Motherboard, confirming the breach and that the security flaw was fixed.

'The vulnerability has been rectified', said co-founder of Science Inc Greg Gilman.

However the millions of private details hacked in the breach continue to be online.

The app is popular with teenage girls and allows users to vote on things like celebrities and fashion

The app allows for users to have their own public profile with a picture and bio

Wishbone is amongst the top social networking app for the iPhone and is primarily targeted at girls under 18.

Wishbone is amongst the top ten social networking apps on the iPhone

The app lets teens vote on which two items they like the best, with most polls comparing celebrities or fashion.

After choosing which one they prefer, the app lets the user see how others votes and comment.

The app also encourages more active social networking with users having their own public profile with a picture and a bio and are able to private message other users.

Chief security strategist at AsTech security company, Nathan Wenzler, cautioned parents and teenagers to take care in protecting their online identity.

'Parents must help their children understand why protecting their identity is important, especially before they've reached adulthood and will be opening back accounts, credit lines and applying for loans,' he told News.com.au

'Not sharing personal information when asked for it, using strong passwords and changing them on a regular basis are important concepts that should be taught.'
Hundreds of mourners gathered to farewell a Hells Angel bikie associate known as Blackie who was shot dead as he slept.

Kemel Barakat, 29, was found dead after being hit with more than a dozen bullets in his stomach and chest while he was asleep in his home in Mortlake in Sydney in the early hours of Friday.

On Thursday, mourners arrived at the Alawi Youth Movement Centre in Marrickville for Mr Barakats funeral.

There was a heavy police presence at the service with several marked and unmarked vehicle doing laps of the industrial area as it was held, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.

Hundreds of mourners gathered to farewell a Hells Angel bikie associate who was shot dead as he slept. Pictured, the coffin carrying the body of Kemel Barakat is carried out by relatives

The service was also well attended by undercover police officers and reporters 'acting casual' in their cars.

During the memorial service, a washed Mr Barakat was wrapped up in a white cloth with his face exposed.

Relatives, including his wife Amanda, spoke to him and said heartfelt final farewells, some touching his neck.

He was carried in his casket to Rookwood Cemetery where he was buried.

Among those paying their respects was Ahmad Rock Ahmad, a close friend of Mr Barakat and the brother of murdered crime figure Wally Ahmad.

Mr Barakat was aware that he was being targeted as just weeks before his death, he avoided being shot in Sydneys western suburbs.

He had only been living in the Mortlake apartment for a month or so when he was killed.

Mourners are pictured outside the Alawi Youth Movement Centre in Marrickville following Mr Barakats funeral service

Among those paying their respects was Ahmad Rock Ahmad (pictured), a close friend of Mr Barakat and the brother of murdered crime figure Wally Ahmad

The address was only supposed to be known to his close friends, family and the police.

His unit was secure  but according to the Herald, there was no sign of forced entry inside.

It has been claimed the woman inside the apartment when Mr Barakat died was in his bed at the time of his death.

However, the woman was not injured and his wife has cast doubt on those claims.

His wife was on holiday in Thailand at the time.

Police are investigating whether Mr Barakat was killed for his alleged role in the brazen public shooting of hitman Hamad Assaad.

Mr Barakat, who was a senior member in the Comancheros before switching allegiances, is one of numerous suspects in the murder of 29-year-old Mr Assaad, who was killed outside his home in Georges Hall in October last year.

Mr Barakat (pictured) was a senior member in the Comancheros before switching allegiances

Mr Barakat (pictured with his wife) was shot dead while his wife was on holiday in Thailand

Mr Assaad is reportedly the prime suspect in the public shooting of convicted killer Walid Wally Ahmed a few months earlier.

He was killed after being shot on the rooftop car park of the Bankstown Central shopping centre in April.

One theory proposes that Mr Assaad was killed as revenge for his suspected role in Mr Ahmads death.

Ten underworld figures have been killed in Sydney since 2015.

The spate of bloody murders prompted NSW Police to launch Strike Force Osprey in November to oversee the investigations into each of the incidents.
Lonely heart Lynn Hawes, from Cheshire, who was targeted and scammed for 100,000

A lonely heart looking for love on Plenty of Fish got her revenge on the fraudster who scammed her for 100,000 by setting up a police sting.

Lynn Hawes was targeted in a 'planned, complicated, sophisticated and systematic' sting over almost 18 months.

She handed over cash, sold jewellery, took out a bank loan and borrowed from a friend supposedly to unlock a 7million inheritance in Dubai.

During that time Mrs Hawes fell in love with one of the conmen, who then disappeared, and had an intimate relationship with another, Ajibola Daudu.

But when she became suspicious of Daudu and spoke to police, she set up a meeting and officers arrested him.

Daudu, 43, of Purfleet, Essex, pleaded guilty to one count of fraud at Chester Crown Court and was jailed for three years and nine months on Wednesday.

Judge Nicolas Woodward told a sobbing Daudu that he'd carried out a 'deliberate and shameless betrayal'. Two other men involved in the scam remain at large.

In handcuffs: Ajibola Daudu, 43, admitted fraud at Chester Crown Court and was jailed for three years and nine months

When she finally accepted she was being conned, Mrs Hawes bravely strung Daudu along for two months and engineered the meeting at which police arrested him.

She told the court in a victim impact statement that her search for companionship had been 'exposed in the most cruel manner'.

She said: 'They made me feel so special and so loved. I can't believe this has happened to me. It all sounds so unbelievable.'

She said that they were the actions of 'evil people' and that she was being 'gamed' and was 'totally embarrassed, humiliated and ashamed'.

She 'met' a man calling himself John Wilmotts on the day she joined Plenty of Fish. He claimed to be an intelligence agent and said his father had died in Dubai.

But there were complications with the paperwork needed to release his inheritance. Mrs Hawes agreed to pay 2,700 to allow 'Mr Wilmotts' to travel to Dubai.

She then travelled there herself and was told she would need to pay another 10,000 for an anti-money laundering certificate, which she did.

Daudu, who lived on this road in Purfleet, Essex, had an intimate relationship with his victim

Daudu then told her they would need more money to exchange the cash from dollars to pounds.

She sold some jewellery and borrowed 10,000 from a friend and handed him 12,000 in cash at an hotel in London in June 2016.

Daudu then persuaded her to hand over a further 9,000, secured by a bank loan, because Brexit had increased the price of a currency conversion certificate.

She then became suspicious and spoke to police. Daudu then said he needed another 27,500. She arranged a meeting in London and officers arrested him.

In total Mrs Hawes lost 100,000 in money she handed over and interest on loans.

But a basis of plea which was put forward by Daudu, and accepted by the prosecution, said that he had received no more than 26,000.

Anna Price, prosecuting, told the court that Mrs Hawes joined Plenty of Fish in February 2015. On the first day of her joining 'Mr Wilmotts' began speaking to her.

In February 2016 Mrs Hawes met 'Doug' at a Crowne Plaza hotel in London (file picture) and a case of money was brought to the hotel room by a security guard

The pair began messaging each other regularly and met twice in March 2015. 'Mr Wilmotts' said that his children and their mother lived on the Wirral and that he was an intelligence agent.

After March the relationship became long distance due to ''Mr Wilmotts's' job.

'Mr Wilmotts' then explained to Mrs Hawes that his father had died in Dubai but he was struggling to make the necessary arrangements to get a 7million inheritance left to him.

Victim Mrs Hawes joined Plenty of Fish (pictured) in 2015, and on the first day a man called 'John Wilmotts' began speaking to her

Ms Price said it was at this point Mrs Hawes offered to help by paying 1,500 and 1,200 to 'cover the wages of stand in employees so that he ["Mr Wilmotts"] could travel to Dubai'.

She said that Mrs Hawes now believes that this was a way of 'testing willingness to hand over money'.

In June 2015 Mrs Hawes travelled to Dubai on 'Mr Wilmotts's' behalf and met a man called 'Phillip'.

Ms Price said that while Mrs Hawes was there everything was paid for and she was shown a suitcase with a large amount of cash - supposedly 7million.

Mrs Hawes was given an anti-money laundering certificate in relation to the money which then disappeared. She was told that it would cost 10,000 to replace.

Believing she would be paid back when 'Mr Wilmotts' received the inheritance, she paid for the replacement certificate.

Ms Price said that on her return to England she paid over further large sums for more certificates to 'Phillip'.

In October 2015 Mrs Hawes received a phone call from someone called 'Doug Benjamin'. He said that he was head of security and 'Mr Wilmotts's' agent and he had been asked by 'Phillip' to take over for him.

'Doug' was Daudu. 'Doug' told Mrs Hawes that he had spent time in the embassy working with the United Nations, had worked undercover and had dealings with the IRA.

'Doug' and Mrs Hawes met on a number of occasions in London - sometimes to hand over money, sometimes to spend time together.

At the end of 2015 their relationship became 'intimate'. Mrs Hawes was then told by 'Doug' that he had also lent money to 'Mr Wilmotts' to try and get the inheritance back and was struggling financially.

Ms Price said that Mrs Hawes had started to borrow money off family and friends to pay 'Mr Wilmotts' because she believed he needed the cash to get the money through customs.

In February 2016 she met 'Doug' at a Crowne Plaza hotel in London and a case of money was brought to the hotel room by a security guard.

Mrs Hawes was given a code to open the case and it appeared to be full of cash, this time US dollars.

There was a conversation between 'Doug' and the security guard over the fact it was meant to be British currency and the security guard asked for a 'conversion certificate'.

Mrs Hawes was told that it would cost 350,000 and they wouldn't be allowed to touch the money until they had it.

Ms Price said that at this point 'Doug' said that there was a cheaper way of getting the certificate but there was a 'sense of urgency'.

Mrs Hawes sold some jewellery and borrowed 10,000 from a friend and handed over 12,000 in cash to 'Doug' at a hotel in London in June 2016.

Ms Price said that later that month 'Doug' said the Brexit vote had an impact on the availability of the certificate and Mrs Hawes handed over a further 9,000 on July 5.

Police praise for victim as she helps to bring fraudster to justice Police have praised the courage of Lynn Hawes after she successfully helped bring Ajibola Daudu to justice. The victim continued to speak to Daudu, who she knew as 'Doug', for nearly two months after her suspicions were raised that she was being conned. She helped set up a meeting with him where he was arrested by police. Sergeant Kev Green, from Cheshire Police, said: 'This was a complex and sophisticated fraud. 'I believe Ajibola Daudu to be an intelligent and charismatic man, who utilised those attributes to skillfully secure the trust and affection of a vulnerable female. 'Knowing that the victim was fully committed to him, Daudu perpetuated the unachievable aspiration of companionship and happiness, making further requests for cash whilst continually shifting the goalposts. 'Daudu was content to financially exhaust the victim in this case to satisfy his own personal greed. 'Daudu failed to recognise the courage and determination of his victim, who once she realised was being scammed, was instrumental in his location and arrest. 'The judge has seen through Daudu's tears and recognised the sophistication of this scam and the long-lasting effect it will have on the victim by delivering the sentence of 45 months.' Advertisement

To do this she took out a bank loan of 15,000 and gave 9,000 to 'Doug' and 6,000 back to her friend.

After July 5 she became suspicious. Police had visited her on July 4 after Mrs Hawes family had called the police believing that she was being conned.

Ms Price said that Mrs Hawes reaction initially was that police were wrong.

After July 5 she contacted the police who told her to keep in touch with 'Doug' until another meeting could be arranged.

On September 22 'Doug' asked for a further 27,500 for the conversion certificate and arranged a meeting in London. Police then arrested Daudu.

Neither 'Mr Wilmotts' nor 'Phillip' have been found by police. Ms Price said that Daudu refused to be interviewed by police.

She said that Mrs Hawes had been 'completely convinced by them', 'swept off her feet' and 'she believed she and 'Mr Wilmotts' were going to have a lasting relationship'.

Mrs Hawes, bravely, read her own victim impact statement to the court where she said that her search for companionship had been 'exposed in the most cruel manner'.

She told the court that she had sex with Daudu three times and felt 'totally betrayed'. She added: 'I didn't think anyone could stoop so low.'

She said that she had been left with large debts both to her friends and family and to the bank which she will be paying 'long after he is out of prison'.

Jide Lanlehin, defending, said that Daudu wanted to apologise to Mrs Hawes.

Mr Lanlehin said that Daudu had 'become very close' to Mrs Hawes and he 'wished he had the courage at an earlier stage to tell her finally about what was going on.'

Mr Lanlehin said that Daudu had three children with an ex-partner who he regularly sees and had a law degree.

At this point Daudu, who had spent the entire hearing with his head in his hands, shouted to the court 'I deserve to lose everything for what I did to her' and started sobbing loudly.

Jailing him, Judge Nicolas Woodward said that Daudu had been involved in a 'planned, complicated, sophisticated and systematic' fraud.

He described the offence as a 'deliberate and shameless betrayal'. Daudu was jailed for a total of 45 months.

Speaking outside court Mrs Hawes said that she was 'pleased' with the sentence.

She said that she didn't believe Daudu was remorseful, adding: 'I've seen those tears before. He can put on an act. He has no remorse in my eyes.'

She said: 'It was just like a movie. There was at least six to seven people. They had everything, all the props. I felt it was 100 per cent genuine.'
When a loved ones passes away, we often are overwhelmed by grief.

When a loved one passes away with a multitude of debts, this feeling of being overwhelmed can increase greatly.

Family members do not fully understand how to deal with these debts. In fact, there is a legal order of priority of how outstanding debts should be paid if there are not enough assets to satisfy all debts. This type of estate is called an insolvent estate.

Most individuals have a Last Will and Testament, which names a Personal Representative (sometimes referred to as Executor/Executrix) to administer the individuals probate estate. The personal representative is the individual in charge of winding up the affairs of the decedent. If an individual passes away without a Last Will and Testament, Pennsylvanias intestate laws determine the priority of who may petition the Register of Wills in the county where the decedent resided to be appointed personal representative.

After being appointed personal representative, an individuals first duty is to gather information regarding the decedents assets and debts. The personal representative also has a duty to advertise that an estate has been opened to allow creditors and debtors to be notified of the individuals death so that they may file a claim.

For some estates, the value of all assets may not be enough to satisfy all valid debts. In that case, the personal representative should be aware that there is a statutory order of priorities that determines which creditors get paid from the decedents available assets.

1. Cost of administration

First, debts and expenses related to the costs of administration of an estate have highest priority for payment. These costs include probate fees, court filing fees, attorneys fees, accounting fees and an executors fee. Probate fees are charged based upon the value of the estates probate assets.

If an estate is insolvent, there also may be limits on fees that an executor or attorney can charge for their services.

2. Family exemption

The second level of priority for payment is an exemption of up to $3,500 available to a surviving spouse from the real or personal property of the decedent.

In the event the decedent does not have a surviving spouse or the spouse has forfeited his or her right to the exemption, then any child of the decedent individual may claim the exemption provided they resided in the same household as the decedent at the time of death.

Claiming this exemption may be more difficult if the decedent was a resident of a nursing home and lived there for more than a year prior to death. The personal representative may be required to provide proof of residence of a family member in order for that person to receive the exemption.

3. Cost of funeral

Cost of medicine and cost of medical care paid within six months of death

The third level of priority for payment is the cost incurred for the decedents funeral and burial. At this same level of priority are any invoices for medicine, hospital care, nursing or medical services received by the decedent, or services provided under the Medical Assistance program, within six months of the decedents death.

If there is more than one claimant entitled to this level of priority for payment and there are insufficient resources to satisfy all claims at this level of priority, remaining resources will be divided proportionally among all creditors at this level of priority according to the amount of each creditors claim.

Because this level of priority relates only to medicine and medical services provided within the six-month period prior to the decedents death, it is imperative for the personal representative to be aware of when such medicine or medical services were provided. Invoices are often sent by providers after the decedents death for services that were provided more than six months prior to death.

4. Cost of grave marker

The fourth level of priority for payment after the above mentioned claims is the cost of a headstone or other grave marker incurred on behalf of the decedent. Please note that a headstone or grave marker is different from the cost of a funeral service and burial and falls under a different priority.

5. Rent owed for decedents residence for preceding six months prior to death

Fifth, any rent owed by the decedent for the six months prior to his or her death will be paid out of any remaining assets after the higher priority claims are paid.

5.1. Claims by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and its subdivisions

Next, claims made by the Commonwealth and any political subdivisions are paid.

Examples of a political subdivision include counties, cities, towns, school districts, water districts and other special districts. A political subdivision does not include a homeowners or condominium association. Claims subject to this level of priority include, but are not limited to, tax liens and municipal liens filed by the Commonwealth and its political subdivisions.

6. All other debts and claims

Finally, after all of the above debts are paid, any outstanding claims will be paid out of remaining assets. As one can imagine, creditors with this priority level of claim often do not receive full satisfaction of their debt when an estate is insolvent.

In such an event, all claims at this level receive equal priority. This means that remaining assets will be divided on a pro rata basis among creditors at this level of claim. It is also possible that there may not be any assets left to pay any claims at this priority level.

In addition to the responsibility to pay creditors, the personal representative is required to file a Pennsylvania inheritance tax return within nine months from the date of the decedents death.

Most property in which the decedent had an ownership interest at the time of death is subject to Pennsylvania inheritance tax. Deductions for certain costs and expenses are available to reduce the amount of inheritance tax owed. Most debts and expenses described above will be allowable deductions from the amount of inheritance tax owed.

In the event that a decedents estate is determined to be insolvent, it is likely that no inheritance tax will be owed. The personal representative is still required to submit a return, however, along with documentation that supports the deductions taken.

A personal representative should keep in mind that he or she generally is not responsible for the debts of a decedent individual. If a mistake is made, however, and beneficiaries are paid prior to all valid debts being paid, or if debts are paid incorrectly, the personal representative may be personally responsible for paying any remaining debt if he or she cannot recover distributions already paid improperly to beneficiaries.

In order to prevent such mistakes from occurring, distributions from an insolvent estate often are not paid to beneficiaries without first receiving court approval.

A personal representative who is unsure if sufficient assets exist to pay all of a decedents debts should contact an experienced estate administration attorney. This will ensure that he or she receives full instructions about the rules governing payment of creditors and priority of claims prior to making any distributions to beneficiaries.

Want to learn more about estate planning and estate administration? Visit www.keystoneelderlaw to learn about upcoming free seminars on March 21, March 28 and April 4.

Learn more about the articles author, and other community education opportunities, at www.keystoneelderlaw.com. Check out the book, Long Term Care Guide: Essential Tools for Solving the Elder Care Puzzle, at the Whistlestop Bookshop or Amazon, and see Keystones free directory of services for older adults at www.mypeaceguide.com. Keystone Elder Law has offices in Mechanicsburg and Carlisle. Call 717-697-3223 for a free telephone consultation.
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Tear gas filled the streets in cities across Brazil and furious protesters clashed with police as anger mounted over plans which will see the retirement age increased and changes to employment laws.

More than 1,500 demonstrators broke into the Finance Ministry in capital Brasilia, and tens of thousands took to the streets in Sao Paulo to show their opposition to the controversial measures.

After a demonstration in Rio de Janeiro, protesters smashed windows and fought running battles with police into the night. Towards the end of the demonstration, a group of masked men threw stones and homemade bombs at troops, who responded with tear gas.

Masked demonstrators clashed with police in Rio in yesterday's nationwide rally against controversial reforms

Protesters threw stones at troops in Rio De Janeiro during a demonstration against controversial labour law and pension reforms

Thousands of people took part in a strike and demonstrations in Sao Paulo to protest President Michel Temer's proposed measures

Riot policemen walk past a barricade on fire after a clash with anti-government demonstrators during a protest in Rio

Demonstrators scuffle during a protest against a pension reform proposed by Brazilian President Michel Temer in Rio de Janeiro

They are angered by changes proposed by President Michel Temer, which they say would reduce job security for workers and force many people to work longer and reduce retirement benefits for many.

The government plans to set a minimum age of retirement at 65, in a country where people work on average until the age of 54 years before retiring.

Temer said the reform is needed to ensure the pension system does not collapse due to lack of funding, but this is disputed by trade unions. Unionists and teachers took part in demonstrations across the country yesterday.

Demonstrators in Porto Alegre take to the streets to show their opposition to the reforms by the Brazilian government

Holding a shield covered with the message 'We make war because is the only language they understand', a demonstrator runs amid tear gas during a demonstration against federal government proposed reforms in Rio de Janeiro

Protesters break the windows of a bank during a demonstration against federal government proposed reforms in Rio de Janeiro

A person on a skateboard jumps in front of a fire started during a demonstration against the Brazilian government's plans in Rio yesterday

His government also wants to give companies more flexibility in hiring, including allowing longer temporary contracts, more part-time work and longer work days.

Brazil is locked in a deep two-year-old recession which has seen unemployment rise to 12.6 percent.

Military police said more than 1,500 people in Brasilia broke into the Finance Ministry overnight and occupied it for several hours. The flag of activist group the Movement of Rural Workers Without Land, flew from one of the ministry's widows.

Angry demonstrators including teachers and unionists took to the streets of Rio to show their opposition to the government's plans

Large groups gathered to demonstrate against the proposals to change employment laws and increase the age of retirement

Protests in Rio escalated through the night, with troops being pelted and windows being smashed

Transport workers went on strike in Sao Paulo, where less than half the city's buses ran during yesterday's morning commute, and four of six subway lines operated normally.

In a speech Wednesday, Temer said his proposed overhaul would keep Brazil from having to make the kinds of radical changes that European countries like Portugal and Greece were forced to make to revive their economies.

Brazilians 'little by little will understand that it's necessary to support this road to put the country back on the rails', he said.

Thousands took to the streets across Brazil, including this protest in Rio, over plans to reform employment laws and increase the retirement age

Troops responded to disorder by using teargas on protesters as a demonstration in Rio turned ugly last night

A masked demonstrator carries a flare during a protest against proposed federal government reforms in Rio de Janeiro

A group of Brazilian troops march through the streets in Rio during yesterday's demonstrations, which saw thousands protest across the country

Pamela Lopes, a commuter in Sao Paulo disagreed, saying she wants to see more resistance to the changes even if it meant a tough commute.

'Life is difficult, and the government is deceiving us,' said Lopes, a 23-year-old who works in human resources. 'Everyone should be on strike.'

Yesterday Luiz Inacio 'Lula' da Silva, who was president in for seven years until 2010 and has signaled that he will stand in next year's election told supporters in Sao Paulo: 'I would like to congratulate you because in taking to the streets you are showing those who believe that people are happy, that people are accepting (the situation), are wrong.

Gas mask wearing demonstrators take cover as they face off with police during yesterday's demonstration in Rio

Municipal guards stand in formation as they face off with demonstrators protesting proposed federal government reforms in Rio de Janeiro
A hilarious video has emerged of a trio of burglars being stopped in their tracks as a man filming them reveals his presence by theatrically clearing his throat.

The clip shows three suspects attempting to break in to a property through a security gate in Johannesburg, South Africa

As the three stern-faced men get to work on the lock, they freeze when they realise they are being filmed before nervously looking around and scarpering.

Scroll down for video

The moment the three men realise they have been caught in the act as they try to break in

The three men stare at the man who has just cleared his throat to let them know he is filming

The would-be burglars are stopped in their tracks by a man who clears his throat as he films

One man uses a newspaper to grab the gate avoiding leaving prints while another works on the lock

A third man appears to be on lookout duty, but spends the whole time staring at the other two

The video was filmed on 8th Street in the suburb of Orange Grove.

It is thought the men were attempting to gain entry to rob the main house of the residential complex.

One man can be seen holding a newspaper between his hand and the metal gate, presumably to avoid leaving fingerprints, as he holds it steady for his accomplice to pick the lock.

The man is holding a crowbar, while a third man appears to be acting as a lookout.

When the man coughs, they all stop what they are doing and stare at the camera before glancing at each other.

Seconds later, they flee the scene.

Chairperson of the Norwood Community Policing Forum Wandile Yani told the North Eastern Tribune: 'It is clear that they have no respect for the law.

'They have no respect for anyone, seeing that they can do this in the middle of the day.'

But Mr Yani was left frustrated by the lack of police response.

He added: 'All the police stations have a crime prevention unit.

'Where were the police? Where was the police car? This is not crime prevention.'
The MI5 have been praised for helping to unmask two Russian cyberspies who allegedly hacked around 500 million Yahoo accounts.

The British security service made 'substantial contributions' to the US investigation of the massive data breach, the FBI's executive director Paul Abbate revealed.

FSB officers Dmitry Dokuchaev, 33, and Igor Sushchin, 43, and two other men face 47 charges including theft of trade secrets and computer fraud, the US Justice Department revealed on Wednesday.

The Justice Department has announced two Russian spies are among the four people charged over the massive data breach at Yahoo that impacted at least half-a-billion accounts

Sources claimed the MI5 was brought in to help the US probe as the actions of Russia's intelligence agency were classed as 'hostile actors'.

'MI5 is investigating the same parts of the Russian intelligence services as the FBI  those hostile actors look to carry out cyber attacks in the UK,' a Whitehall insider told The Times.

'The UK faces the same kind of threat. MI5 is working to counter any threat from the Russian intelligence looking to target the UK, in the same way as it has targeted the US.'

The hack targeted the email accounts of several US government figures, including 'cyber security, diplomatic, military and White House personnel', Russian journalists and opposition politicians and former government officials in neighboring countries.

McCord, acting assistant attorney general for the National Security Division, spoke to reporters in Washington DC on Wednesday morning.

Acting Assistant Attorney General Mary McCord speaks in front of a poster of one of the suspected Russian spies on Wednesday

The two other men were described as criminal hackers, and identified as: Alexsey Alexseyevich Belan, 29, and Karim Baratov - a 22-year-old Canadian and Kazakh national and a resident of Canada.

Baratov has been taken into custody in Canada, and Belan is on the list of the FBI's most wanted cyber criminals.

McCord said the Russian spies 'protected, directed, facilitated, and paid,' Belan and Baratov to take part in the operation.

'The criminal conduct at issue, carried out and otherwise facilitated by officers from an FSB unit that serves as the FBI's point of contact in Moscow on cybercrime matters, is beyond the pale,' she said in a statement.

The two Russian spies charged over the hack are Dmitry Dokuchaev (left) and Igor Sushchin (right)

WHO ARE THE YAHOO HACKERS? Alexsey Alexseyevich Belan, 29: Born in Latvia and is a Russian national and resident. US Federal grand juries have indicted Belan twice before, in 2012 and 2013, for computer fraud and abuse, access device fraud and aggravated identity theft involving three US-based e-commerce companies and the FBI placed Belan on its 'Cyber Most Wanted' list. Belan is currently the subject of a pending 'Red Notice' requesting that Interpol member nations (including Russia) arrest him pending extradition. Belan was also one of two criminal hackers named by President Barack Obama on Dec. 29, 2016, pursuant to Executive Order 13694, as a Specially Designated National subject to sanctions. Dmitry Aleksandrovich Dokuchaev, 33: Officer in the FSB Center for Information Security, aka 'Center 18.' Dokuchaev was a Russian national and resident. Igor Anatolyevich Sushchin, 43: FSB officer, and a superior to Dokuchaev within the agency, and a Russian national and resident. Sushchin was embedded as a purported employee and Head of Information Security at a Russian investment bank. Karim Baratov, aka 'Kay,' 'Karim Taloverov' and 'Karim Akehmet Tokbergenov,' 22: He is a Canadian and Kazakh national and a resident of Canada. It is believed he was the suspect taken into custody. Advertisement

One of the hackers allegedly used by the Russian spies is Alexsey Alexseyevich Belan (pictured), 29 - who is on the list of the FBI's most wanted cyber criminals

'Once again, the Department and the FBI have demonstrated that hackers around the world can and will be exposed and held accountable.

'State actors may be using common criminals to access the data they want, but the indictment shows that our companies do not have to stand alone against this threat.'

The range of charges are officially listed as: Conspiring to commit computer fraud and abuse, Conspiring to engage in and committing economic espionage, Conspiring to engage in and the theft of trade secrets, Conspiring to commit wire fraud, Accessing a computer without authorization to obtain information for the purpose of commercial advantage and private financial gain, Transmitting code with the intent to cause damage to computers, Counterfeit access device fraud, Counterfeit access device making equipment, and Aggravated identity theft.

One of the defendants has been taken into custody in Canada.

Marissa Mayer, Yahoo's outgoing CEO, tweeted her thanks to the agencies shortly after the press conference

Marissa Mayer, Yahoo's outgoing CEO, tweeted her thanks to the agencies shortly after the press conference.

'Very grateful to the FBI & DOJ for bringing to justice the Russian officials & hackers who led the attack on Yahoo,' Mayer wrote.

Yahoo's Assistant General Counsel, Head of Global Law Enforcement, Security and Safety also commented on the indictments.

'The indictment unequivocally shows the attacks on Yahoo were state-sponsored. We are deeply grateful to the FBI for investigating these crimes and the DOJ for bringing charges against those responsible,' Chris Madsen wrote.

The massive data breach at Yahoo saw the accounts of more than half-a-billion customers targeted (file photo)

YAHOO'S FULL STATEMENT ON THE HACKING INDICTMENTS Earlier today, the US Department of Justice announced the indictment of four defendants, two Russian intelligence officers and two state-sponsored hackers, for the theft of Yahoo user data in late 2014, as well as cookie forging to obtain access to user accounts on our network in 2015 and 2016. The indictment unequivocally shows the attacks on Yahoo were state-sponsored. We are deeply grateful to the FBI for investigating these crimes and the DOJ for bringing charges against those responsible. This morning's announcement is consistent with our prior disclosures. On September 22, 2016, we disclosed our belief that a state-sponsored actor had stolen a copy of certain user account information for approximately 500 million user accounts in late 2014. On December 14, 2016, we provided details on the forging of cookies to gain access to certain user accounts without a password and we linked some of that activity to the same state-sponsored actor. We appreciate the FBI's diligent investigative work and the DOJ's decisive action to bring to justice those responsible for the crimes against Yahoo and its users. We're committed to keeping our users and our platforms secure and will continue to engage with law enforcement to combat cybercrime. Advertisement

'This morning's announcement is consistent with our prior disclosures. We appreciate the FBI's diligent investigative work and the DOJ's decisive action to bring to justice those responsible for the crimes against Yahoo and its users.

'We're committed to keeping our users and our platforms secure and will continue to engage with law enforcement to combat cybercrime.'

The charges arise from a compromise of Yahoo user accounts that began at least as early as 2014.

Though the Justice Department has previously charged Russian hackers with cybercrime - as well as hackers sponsored by the Chinese and Iranian governments - this would be the first criminal case brought against Russian government officials.

It comes as federal authorities investigate Russian interference through hacking in the 2016 presidential election.

Yahoo did not disclose the 2014 breach until last September when it began notifying at least 500 million users that their 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.

Rich Mogull, CEO of security firm Securosis, said Wednesday's indictment 'shows the ties between the Russian security service and basically the criminal underground,' something that had been 'discussed in security circles for years.'

Cyber criminals gave Russian officials access to specific accounts they were targeting; and in return, Russian officials helped the criminals to evade authorities and let them keep the type of information that hackers that hack for money tend to exploit such as email addresses and logins and credit card information.

Mogull said he was surprised the Department of Justice was able to name specific individuals and issue the indictment.

'We've come to expect that you don't really figure out who performs these attacks,' he said.

The fact that the indictment ties together the FSB and criminals is a new development, he said.

'It will be very interesting to see what comes up in court, and how they tie those two together.'

Acting AAG for National Security Mary McCord speaks in front of a poster of a suspected Russian spy during Wednesday's press conference

It is alleged the FSB agents paid the hackers to target Yahoo. The spy agency has been referred to by some experts as Vladimir Putin's (pictured) modern-day KGB
In a David and Goliath-style battle, one of the biggest corporations on the planet is taking on a tiny coffee stand - and its owner - by demanding it changes its name.

Starbucks claims the London-based Star Box Coffee could 'weaken' its global brand by having a similar name.

Lawyers hand-delivered a letter to owner Nasser Kamali, warning that the trading name of Star Box Coffee was 'technically an infringement of trademark rights', despite running for five years without complaint.

The boss of the one-man kiosk was stunned when he received the demand from the American heavyweights who has 25,000 retails locations across the globe.

'I'm not taking their money and I'm not scared of them': The owner of popular Star Box Coffee, pictured above, has been forced to paint over the word 'star' after receiving a letter from Starbucks' legal team

Under pressure, Mr Kamali removed the word 'star' from his menus, posters and stickers and changed his main sign at the kiosk next to Swiss Cottage underground station.

But the 52 year old is refusing on principle to accept a 300 'goodwill payment' from Starbucks - who made a record-breaking profit last year.

The world's biggest coffee retailer took home almost 3.4 billion pounds, up 16 per cent from the previous year.

By comparison Star Box Coffee's accounts are not publicisied but expected to be much more humble, manned by just one full-time member of staff.

Mr Kamali told the Camden New Journal: 'I may be small, but inside I am big. I'm not taking their money and I'm not scared of them.

'But I could not beat Starbucks in court. Be realistic. They have all the lawyers - and the government - so I just made the changes.'

The legal letter from lawyers acting for Starbucks Corporation was hand-delivered to the hut last month.

It said that as the world's biggest coffee company it was 'critical' Starbucks protected its name and clamped down on 'unauthorised use to avoid the strength of its brand being weakened'.

It added: 'Starbucks requests that you adopt a different trading name (not commencing STAR) and change the signage used at your premises, along with the stickers currently applied to coffee cups.'

The legal letter, from solicitors Burges Salmon, boasted that Starbucks is the 'leading retailer, roaster and brand of specialty coffee in the world, with almost 25,000 retail locations'.

It is not the first time the company has cracked down on companies with similar names.

In New York, a coffee company, Charbucks, successfully challenged Starbucks in court in a similar row, according to reports.

Mr Kamali fled Iran in the early 1990s after being imprisoned for two years for his political beliefs.

He told the Camden New Journal that he ran a shop in Fortune Green before his trade was 'smashed' by the opening of a new Tesco.

Global giants: Starbucks Cooperation, who took on tiny coffee kiosk Star Box Coffee, recorded record-breaking profits in 2016, cashing in 3.4 billion pounds

He then started running the new business in Swiss Cottage.

Mr Kamali said: 'I also do believe that money means nothing in this world. I don't buy from these big companies like Starbucks and Tesco. With this letter, you see the power of capitalism.'

He added: 'I always pay my rates and rents. It is very difficult. Do they?'

Mr Kamali keeps a Karl Marx mug and red star on the shelf of his hut.

Explaining the name choice, he said: 'I do believe in Marxism and that is very important to me. That is why I had the red star logo on my stickers. I am in a box. It's my red, star box.'

He has visited 32 countries around the world on his own socialist pilgrimage to find out more about alternatives to capitalism.

'I visited east European cities and they say they had free education, always work and a house. A lot of good things,' he added.

A big supporter of Jeremy Corbyn, he could not bring himself to join Labour, however, as it was 'not a revolutionary party'.

A Starbucks spokesman told the Camden New Journal: 'Trademark law is there to protect brand identity. In this instance it was too close to our brand and could lead to such confusion.'
A police crackdown on mankinis and stag-party revellers prancing about in fake breasts has been blamed for Newquay turning into a 'ghost town'.

Once it was a byword for debauchery, with outrageous alcohol-fuelled antics - and some over-amorous couples had sea-breeze sex sessions on the beach.

But times have changed and clubbers are deserting the town in Cornwall because police and the council have now cracked down on the hi-jinks - with one nightclub manager saying the policy has 'crushed the party scene'.

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A police crackdown on mankinis and stag-party revellers prancing about has turned Newquay into a 'ghost town'

With its stunning beaches, cheap surf lodges and hotels, lax rules and more than ten nightclubs to choose from, Newquay was a magnet for clubbers from all over Britain - but now they are deserting the Cornish resort

'The council and police have made provisions over the past four or five years to crush the party scene,' said Alex Simms-Rosser, who moved to Newquay in early 2016 to manage Salt - a nightclub which has now closed due to lack of business

The decision to ban Borat-style mankinis has helped the seaside town shed its clubgoing, alcohol-fuelled image as a haven for stag and hen parties

In the 1990s and early 2000s, it was a place where youngsters flocked to party the summer away at clubs like Tall Trees, Fosters, Disco 5000, Steamers, The Beach, Berties, Sailors, Koola and Red Square. Above, a hen do out on the town

In the latest in a series of blows for the English Riviera resort, another of its once-popular nightspots is closing down.

With its stunning beaches, cheap surf lodges and hotels, lax rules and more than ten nightclubs to choose from, Newquay was a magnet for clubbers from all over Britain.

In the 1990s and early 2000s, it was a place where youngsters flocked to party the summer away at clubs like Tall Trees, Fosters, Disco 5000, Steamers, The Beach, Berties, Sailors, Koola and Red Square.

But in the past ten years, things have gradually changed after locals complained about rowdy behaviour.

In 2009, two clubbers died after falling from cliffs, when about 10,000 teenagers visited the town in July for post-exams holidays.

The tragedies led police to warn youngsters to stay away from the cliffs, specially if they had been drinking.

These days, fun-seekers are more keen to spend their money on festivals rather than night clubs. Above, a hen party at Newquay club Bertie's, which has now closed

The Newquay Safe campaign, in which the police has joined forces with residents, councils and businesses, was extended in 2012 and a zero-tolerance approach was adopted

Most of the clubs have closed; the latest, called Salt, on Beach Road, is now available to let after the leaseholder shut down due to a lack of business. Above, revellers in the town

The police drive has made the resort more family-friendly by cracking down on obscene fancy dress, fake ID and street drinking

The following year, more than 20 'drunk and incapable' under-age holiday makers were sent home from the resort.

There was a drive to make the resort more family-friendly by cracking down on obscene fancy dress, fake ID and street drinking.

The Newquay Safe campaign, in which the police has joined forces with residents, councils and businesses, was extended in 2012 and a zero-tolerance approach was adopted.

In 2009, residents in Newquay marched in protest at a perceived lack of action following the deaths of two teenagers who fell from cliffs in separate visits to the holiday hotspot

Now most of the clubs have closed; the latest, called Salt, on Beach Road, is now available to let after the leaseholder shut down due to a lack of business.

Alex Simms-Rosser, who moved to Newquay in early 2016 to manage Salt, said he's sure more nightclubs will close in Newquay in the not too distant future thanks to the efforts to make the seaside resort more genteel.

'This year I'm pretty sure there will be less choice with a good few establishments closing under the pressure of a terrible summer trade.

'The council and police have made provisions over the past four or five years to crush the party scene.

A typical night scene in the Newquay of old with clubgoers flooding the streets

A more peaceful-looking Newquay is emerging from its once-hedonistic days

'With large cutbacks and fewer police on the streets, they have opted to put into place no-nonsense strategies that make it less desirable to come to Newquay on any sort of booze-style party holiday - a scene that Newquay was famous for and that kept its economy going for many years.

'The daytime in Newquay is now thriving with hundreds of families flocking back to the streets, which is totally the wrong demographic for the nightlife.

'The town can no longer support the four nightclubs that are here - there simply isn't enough to go around.'

Hundreds of families are now flocking back to the streets of Newquay since the demographic shift (file pic)

Officers in Newquay say a determination to tackle excess drinking, public disorder and the wearing of mankinis has helped reduce crime and make the Cornish town a more family-friendly holiday destination

He also said young people today are more keen to spend their money on festivals rather than club nights.

'Festivals truly are the new club scene' he said.

'It was at its worst last summer on Boardmasters weekend. In previous years, you had a good influx of post-festival clubgoers filtering into town for the after parties.

'Last year, due to the extended licence granted to the festival, an otherwise buzzing Newquay was an absolute ghost town.

'The town can no longer support the four nightclubs that are here - there simply isn't enough to go around.'
Health authorities have warned holidaymakers headed to Bali to ensure they have been vaccinated against measles, following a surge in cases on the holiday island.

Four adults have been confirmed to have contracted the deadly virus on the popular tourist island, after returning to Western Australia in the past fortnight.

It comes only days after health officials have scrambled to prevent an outbreak after reported cases on the Gold Coast and Melbourne.

Four WA adults have been confirmed to have contracted measles whilst holidaying in Bali

WA Health Department medical epidemiologist Gary Dowse, said the reported case of measles in four adults were from different travelling parties.

'Unfortunately, it is not unusual for Australians to be infected with measles overseas, including in Bali,' Dr Dowse told The West Australian.

'But the increase in the number of cases in the past month suggests there may be a significant measles outbreak currently underway in Bali.'

The number of cases reported on Bali are much higher than from other overseas travel destinations, Dr Dowse added.

Since 2013 more than 20 cases have been reported of travellers returning from Bali with measles in Western Australia alone.

Earlier this year, two young children who had not been vaccinated were the first to be infected, leading to an outbreak of another four people in WA.

Symptoms of the measles include fever, sore eyes and a cough followed by three or four days of a red, blotch rash rash that spreads all across the body

An increase of measles cases from travellers from Bali have health authorities warning that there may be a significant outbreak on the holiday island

Symptoms of the airborne virus include fever, sore eyes and a cough followed by three or four days of a red, blotch rash rash that spreads all across the body.

Though naturally occurring measles have been eliminated from WA for about 20 years thanks to the stat'e s high vaccination coverage, cases of measles can occur because of tourists or WA residents who have been infected overseas.

A woman in Brisbane south and a man from Brisbane's north were also found to have carried the virus following a trip to Bali last week.

And an employee of a Big-W store in Melbourne's west, worked shifts between March 3 and March 6 while infections, before being diagnosed with measles.

Health authorities are warning travellers to ensure they have been vaccinated against the disease, given how contagious it is.

Travellers returning from Bali or other countries who developed a fever with other symptoms within weeks of returning home should consult their doctor and phone ahead before going to their GP clinic.
CCTV has emerged of a pair of so-called 'female Fagins' using a gang of children to steal from a boutique clothing store.

Children as young as nine are believed to have been led by the women during the thefts from a shop in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex last month.

Footage released by the shopkeeper shows two women stroll into the store with four young children, who are then used to distract the owner of men's clothing store Uptomen.

Businessman Mike Wells watched a boy move around the store touching clothes to distract him as a blonde woman swiped items with the help of two other juvenile accomplices.

This is the moment a 'female Fagin' shoplifter steals clothes with the help of a gang of children

The woman then hands a youth two hoodies - worth 49.99 each - as a slightly older teenager shields them from view.

After the quickly-executed theft, the group walk out of the boutique store.

Mr Wells, 46, slammed the crooks and said: 'It's just not nice and quite shocking,

'It's horrible to think these kids are not being brought up properly. They have nothing to aspire to and are being lead in the wrong direction.

'It's a sad reflection of this country. This kid was less than 10 years old and he was given something to walk out of the shop with.

'I'm horrified by the fact and adult would set this sort of example for a child.'

CCTV released by the stores owner shows the two women enter the shop with the children

He added: 'It is quite clear on the CCTV but I didn't notice it at the time. There were already four people in the shop who were genuine.

'Then all of a sudden two adult women, a teenager and four little kids came in.

'One of the children was going around touching everything and he was the one I had my eye on. I don't know if he was supposed to be a distraction.

'While I was watching the CCTV one of the adults took a couple of hoodies off the rail, the teenager then shielded one of the small children who took them and went straight out the door.'

Other shops in the seaside town have also been targeted and police are investigating.

A spokesman said: 'Police are investigating the theft of two hooded tops from Uptomen in Broadway, Leigh-on-Sea, at about 2.15pm on Saturday, February 25.'
German police shot a cyclist carrying a rubber horror mask who tried to flee across a field after officers attempted to stop him.

The huge police operation occurred on Wednesday and involved the elite SEK, usually deployed in terrorism and hostage situations.

There has been no official line regarding the incident, leading to speculation the man - who was wounded and underwent emergency surgery for his injuries - was a terror suspect.

Two armed police officers make their way up the embankment in pursuit of the cyclist

The operation to seize him was launched after he rode a bicycle on to the A52 autobahn near Gelsenkirchen.

When police chased after him he abandoned his bike, ran up an embankment and sprinted across fields.

That was when police opened fire on him.

Among his possessions police found a rubber 'horror' mask.

A police spokesman was unable to say why 30 SEK officers were deployed to catch one rogue cyclist and said an investigation was 'ongoing'.

The man was shot at 5.30pm and the motorway stayed closed for seven hours.

He is said to be in a stable condition.
Attack claim: Annastazia Merrett, pictured with her one-year-old daughter Savannah, alleges she was hit twice by the Uber driver

A mother suffered a black eye in a racist assault by an Asian Uber driver who called her a 'white b****' and said her daughter's father 'must be a slave', she claimed today.

Annastazia Merrett alleges she was hit twice by the driver who refused to help her open a gate after dropping her off in Elephant and Castle, South London.

The 25-year-old also claimed the driver threw a set of keys in the face of her one-year-old mixed-race daughter Savannah, and referred to her father as 'a slave'.

Police were called after they had been driven home from a wedding in Croydon, and said a community resolution was initially agreed upon by both parties.

Uber said the driver 'strongly denied' the allegations over the dispute on Saturday at about 8.20pm and they had received 'very conflicting stories' but said they had prevented him from using the app while the investigation was ongoing.

Ms Merrett claimed she was left with a black eye after the alleged attack but admitted she did hit the driver back in what she claims was 'self defence'.

She said: 'It was the most horrible experience of my life. The most horrific thing is that the police just let him get back in the car and drive off to collect his next customer.

Mother and daughter: Ms Merrett also alleged the driver threw a set of keys in the face of her one-year-old mixed-race daughter Savannah, and referred to her father as 'a slave'

'What if he does worse to someone else? I was trying to get Savannah's baby seat out of the car and unlock the heavy gate at the same time so I asked him politely for a hand.

'When I dropped my keys he picked them up and threw them in my daughter's face. He called me a "white b****" and said Savannah's dad must be 'a slave'.

'What kind of man does that? Like any mother who had seen what had just happened to my daughter I moved towards him and he took a swipe at me.

'Admittedly, I hit him back, but it was self-defence. He punched me again and tried to drag me into his car. By that time I was screaming and trying to phone the police.

'My neighbours could hear what was going on in the street and the guy got back in his vehicle. I was terrified.'

Ms Merrett claimed she was left with a black eye (pictured) after the alleged attack but admitted she did hit the driver back in what she claims was 'self defence'

Ms Merrett and Savannah had been attending a friend's wedding in Croydon that afternoon when a friend ordered them an Uber just after 7pm.

The mother-of-one claims the driver made sexist remarks to her throughout the journey after a disagreement over whether she could fit Savannah's car seat.

Ms Merrett said: 'He tried to tell me it wasn't necessary and I told him it was against the law for her not to use it. My child's safety is more important than him trying to save time.

'He kept saying to me "I don't listen to a woman" and "I tell a woman what to do, not the other way round". His views were disgusting.

'I was getting stressed and Savannah was getting upset. At one point I questioned the route he was taking because I thought he was going a longer way and I was a bit apprehensive.

Police were called after Ms Merrett (right) and her daughter had been driven home (left) from a wedding in Croydon, and said a community resolution was initially agreed by both parties

'Savannah's dad rang me and it was only when he heard me on the phone that he started going the right way again.

'The whole journey was just uneasy and then at the end of it all he assaults me? Quite clearly he is racist and has a deep hatred towards women and should never be driving people in the first place.'

Neither party was arrested after the altercation, which left Ms Merrett with bruising and marks to her left eye.

An Uber spokesman said: 'We have spoken to both the rider and driver about this incident and received very conflicting stories.

'We're currently liaising with the police to establish exactly what happened.

The mother-of-one claims the driver made sexist remarks to her throughout the journey after a disagreement over whether she could fit Savannah's car seat

'Whilst the private hire driver strongly denies these serious allegations, we have prevented him from being able to use our app while the investigation continues.'

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: 'Police were called at 8.21pm on Saturday, March 11, to reports of an assault in south-east London.

'Officers attended and a woman reported that she had been punched in the face by the driver of a private hire car.

'Officers spoke to the driver who reported that he had been assaulted by the woman.

'The officers at the scene used their discretion and concluded that there were not enough grounds to arrest either party and a community resolution was agreed by all.

'The following day the woman attended a South London police station and said she was not happy with the resolution.

'Officers are reviewing the case and will be speaking to both parties involved. Enquiries continue.'
History has been made today after the Queen gave Royal Assent to the Brexit Bill - clearing the way for Theresa May to trigger the divorce.

Speaker John Bercow told the Commons that the monarch has formally signed off the European Union (Notification of Withdrawal) Bill.

But although the PM now has the powers to invoke the two-year Article 50 process for leaving the Brussels club, she has indicated she will wait until the end of the month to do so.

The Queen, pictured visiting a museum in Chelsea today, has given Royal Assent to the Brexit Bill, paving the way for our divorce from the EU

Speaker John Bercow announced that the Bill had received Royal Assent - formally becoming an Act of Parliament - in the Commons this morning

The legislation's addition to the statute books - becoming an Act - comes after weeks of wrangling in parliament as Remoaner MPs and peers fought to water down the Bill.

Mrs May and Brexit Secretary David Davis successfully fended off attempts to amend the text of the two-clause legislation in the Commons.

But when it moved to the unelected Lords, where the government does not have a majority, Labour and Liberal Democrat peers joined with crossbenchers and a few Tory rebels to pass two changes.

The resistance was finally overcome on Monday night, when MPs overturned the amendments - which had sought to force Mrs May to guarantee rights for EU nationals already in the UK and pledge a 'meaningful' vote in parliament on a final Brexit deal.

The House of Lords then finally backed down from a confrontation with the elected chamber, allowing the Bill to pass unchanged.

Mrs May has said that the invoking of Article 50 will be a 'defining moment' for Britain.

The Queen officially reopened the National Army Museum in Chelsea today

Mr Davis said today that the government now had the power to 'deliver on the will of the British people'.

'By the end of the month we will invoke Article 50, allowing us to start our negotiations to build a positive new partnership with our friends and neighbours in the European Union, as well as taking a step out into the world as a truly Global Britain,' he said.

Change Britain Chair Gisela Stuart said: 'This is a simple yet significant step in implementing the referendum result and respecting the decision of the British people to leave the EU.

'Brexit will allow us to begin the process of national renewal, enabling us to build a robust economy, more cohesive communities and to make politicians more accountable to the public.'

In a sign of rising tensions, European Council president Donald Tusk yesterday lashed out at the PM for 'intimidation' tactics.

The PM has declared her readiness to walk away from negotiations without an agreement, insisting that 'no deal is better than a bad deal'.

Addressing the EU parliament in Strasbourg, Mr Tusk said the bloc would not be 'intimated by threats'.

He said the remaining 27 members want to 'remain friends', but he also insisted the EU would not cave into pressure from the UK.

He added: 'I want to be clear that a 'no deal scenario' would be bad for everyone, but above all for the UK, because it would leave a number of issues unresolved.'

Some EU leaders have also demanded that the UK be punished for the decision to leave the Brussels club - although this would be devastating to their own economies.

Without a formal trade deal, the UK would fall back on international trade rules set by the World Trade Organisation, which would increase trade tariffs on British exports.

The PM has declared her readiness to walk away from negotiations without an agreement, insisting that 'no deal is better than a bad deal'

The approval of the monarch was notified to MPs in the chamber today. It means Mrs May is now authorised to launched the Article 50 process

But Mr Davis has played down concerns about quitting the EU without a deal, saying it was 'not as frightening as some people think'.

Appearing before a committee of MPs, Mr Davis played down the suggestion by Remain MPs that it would be a catastrophe.

He said the Government had not conducted a formal economic assessment of the consequences of leaving without a deal. That sparked accusations that ministers were 'driving towards a cliff-edge with a blindfold on'.

Mr Davis said it might be a year before he could offer any figures on what 'no deal' would mean. He added: 'It's not as frightening as some people think, but it's not as simple as some people think.'
An asylum seeker who lied to authorities that he was a child before 'raping and murdering an EU official's daughter' in Germany has attempted suicide in prison, it has emerged today.

Hussein Khavari, from Afghanistan, tried to strangle himself in the maximum security Hohenasperg Prison over the Christmas period, according to authorities.

Khavari, accused of killing 19-year-old Maria Ladenburger in Freiburg, Germany, was discovered by a guard and taken to the hospital wing and is now under 24 hour observation at the jail.

Hussein Khavari (pictured), from Afghanistan, who is accused of killing Maria Ladenburger, 19, in Freiburg, Germany, tried to strangle himself in a maximum security prison, according to authorities.

Khavari, accused of killing 19-year-old Maria Ladenburger (pictured) in Freiburg, Germany, was discovered by a guard and taken to the hospital wing and is now under 24 hour observation at the jail

The asylum seeker came to Germany in November 2015 having fled Greece where he had been jailed for trying to murder a young girl by throwing her off a cliff.

He says he is 17 but authorities believe him to be at least 22. Khavari stands accused of raping and drowning Maria - whose father is a legal adviser to the European Commission in Brussels - in October last year. His DNA was found at the crime scene.

Maria worked as a helper in asylum homes in Freiburg. Police say Khavari pounced on her as she cycled home after a party in October, raped her and then drowned her in a river.

Her killing sparked frenzied new waves of hatred and fear of refugees. Even the boss of the country's police union said her death would have been prevented had the open door asylum-seeker policy of Chancellor Angela Merkel been less lax than it is.

Khavari stands accused of raping and drowning Maria (pictured) - whose father is a legal adviser to the European Commission in Brussels - in October last year. His DNA was found at the crime scene

Khavari was born in Ghazni in Afghanistan and came to Germany as an illegal unaccompanied minor.

In numerous posts on the Internet he liked to present himself in the guise of a gangsta rapper: hair slicked back with gel, jogging pants and training shoes.

On Facebook, before the killing of Maria on October 16, he wore his hair long but it was cut back after the crime.

A single strand of it was found at the crime scene but he left other traces of his DNA behind too.

Another disturbing photo he posted on his Facebook page in June shows a wolfman clutching a young maiden in his arms.
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A New Zealander has become the envy of the world after bagging his dream job.

Ben Mikha, 25, beat 10,000 hopefuls to win the first global internship at the Discovery Channel. He's now saddling up to jet-set across the globe for free.

The Auckland-born flight attendant will document his time hopping between Singapore, London, Iceland, New York and Italy in four-star comfort.

Taking travelling to new heights: Ben Mikha has beat 10,000 hopefuls to win the first global internship at the Discovery Channel (Pictured in Oahu, Hawaii)

Jumping for joy: The 25-year-old travel addict said he's on cloud nine since learning about his win (pictured in the Mermaid Caves Hawaaii)

The self-taught photographer and videographer told Daily Mail Australia he's been on cloud nine since learning about his win.

'It's been unreal, I'm still pretty speechless and overwhelmed,' he said.

'I love sharing the beauty of the world with people, especially those that don't get to travel.'

Aside from jetting across the globe, he will also visit some of Discovery's overseas headquarters during his journey.

'Meeting staff will be one of the most exciting parts. I grew up on the Discovery Channel, so it will be incredible to see where it all comes from.'

Mr Mikha wowed judges with his spectacular travel photos and videos online, having already snapped up a storm in the likes of Hawaii, The Pacific Islands, Ibiza and Tokyo.

The Auckland-born flight attendant will document his time being jetted between four-star accommodation in Singapore, London, Iceland, New York and Italy (pictured in Es Vedra, Ibiza Spain)

Aside from jetting across the globe, he will also visit some of Discovery's overseas headquarters over his journey 9PCITUERD in Waimea Canyon, Hawaii)

The young travel fanatic had already become a social media sensation with his enviable travel snaps: (pictured: To Sua ocean trench, Samoa)

Mr Mikha wowed judges with his spectacular travel photos and videos online, having already snapped up a storm in the likes of Hawaii, The Pacific Islands, Ibiza and Tokyo

Living on the edge: In this daring snap, he took to a building in his hometown of Auckland

He said he hopes his journey would help inspire others to pursue their own dreams (pictured: Mermaid Caves, Hawaii)

Mr Mikha won the cocompetitive intternship after 10 weeks of selections: (Left: Piha in New Zealand, right: Robot Restaurant, Tokyo)

The intern selection process took ten weeks, with ten thousand entries whittled down to the final five from which he claimed victory.

He said he hopes his journey would help inspire others to pursue their own dreams.

'I hope my journey inspires you to pursue your own dreams, because it's all definitely possible with a bit of belief and hard work.'




Video footage has caught the adorable moment a baby panda stands up and demands hugs from its keeper.

The footage was recorded today at Chengdu's Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.

Today is International Panda Day which aims to spread awareness of the cuddly creatures.

Please can I have a hug? He tries to grab the keeper's attention as if to ask for a hug

The keeper picks up Ya Zhu after he caused havoc while his keeper was trying to clean

The footage recorded exclusively for MailOnline by iPanda stars four pandas born at the base in 2016.

At the start of the video, panda cub Ya Zhu can be seen coming down a tree to greet his keeper.

Its keeper can be seen collecting bamboo and putting it in the enclosure. However Ya Zhu wants to play games with its keeper.

Ya Zhu is then picked up by the man and taken to another section of the enclosure.

Tough job: The keeper was trying to collect bamboo and put it in the enclosure at the time

Hello! Panda cub Fushun stands on its legs as he tries to get the attention of his keeper

The footage then cuts to another section of the enclosure which is being cleaned by another keeper.

Panda cub Fushun can be seen on a wooden platform watching what the woman is doing.

All of a sudden Fushun throws himself off the platform. Ironically enough, Fushun originally became famous after he face-planted to the ground during a photo shoot at the base.

The picture showing the exact moment Fushun fell to the ground was selected by Reuters as one of the best pictures of 2016.

As the keeper tries to clean out the enclosure, Fushun tries to grab hold of the brush she is using.

In order to grab her attention, he gets up on his hind legs and stands as if to demand a hug from the woman.

He then gets into the hole she was clearing and becomes stuck, needing help from the keeper to escape.

The female keeper can be seen sweeping the enclosure as Fushun tries to grab her attention

Fushun and another panda cub named Xiao Hui Hui can be seen fighting with each other

Fushun and another panda cub named Xiao Hui Hui can be seen play fighting in their enclosure.

One of the cubs is pushed to the ground and struggles to get back onto the wooden platform.

The footage then cuts to another panda cub named Cheng Shi. Cheng Shi is having photos taken of him as he sits among bamboo.

It almost looks like he's posing for the camera .

Adorable: Towards the end of the footage panda Cheng Shi sits in his enclosure

Smile for the camera! Cheng Shi poses for the camera as one of the keepers takes photos

Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda has the world's largest artificial breeding population of captive giant pandas. Founded in 1987, the centre has bred 243 cubs, with 176 surviving.
Malcolm Turnbull has awkwardly explained why Carrie Bickmore hasn't been invited to dinner at his multi-million dollar mansion.

Appearing on The Project on Thursday night, the Australian Prime Minister discussed about the Snowy Mountains hydro scheme and electricity prices.

But going off topic to wrap up the end of his television interview, Bickmore asked the top leader why he hasn't kept his promise to have her around for dinner.

Scroll down for video

Carrie Bickmore (pictured with her co-host Waleed Aly) asked the Prime Minister when she was coming around for dinner at his multi-million dollar mansion

'When are Pete [Helliar] and I coming over for dinner? You promised us we'd come for dinner,' Bickmore asked.

The cheeky politician responded: 'Well you're very busy... But if you could fit me into your schedule, you let me know.

Stunned by the Prime Minister's response, Bickmore replied: 'Oh okay, great.'

'Well I'm looking forward to that fish you promised me,' she said, to which Mr Turnbull responded: 'Okay done, we'll line it up.'

Cheeky Malcolm Turnbull told Bickmore that she has been too busy to fit him into her schedule

'We'll have that on the same day the power bills come down?' Bickmore insisted

Mr Turnbull responded: 'Well the Snowy hydro scheme take about four years to finish. So I reckon we should have dinner before then.

'But the most important thing is to make sure that the gas is affordable too and I'm dealing with that as well, otherwise, that's how we'll cook the fish.'
This is the harrowing moment a battle-hardened Iraqi soldier was brought to tears after uncovering the remains of a tiny girl murdered by ISIS.

The body was found in a mass grave of some 24 victims - most of them children - in Mosul, northern Iraq, after an area of the besieged city was seized back off the terror group.

Shocking pictures show the unknown youngster wrapped in a blanket and a soldier overcome with grief next to the burial site.

The images highlight the horrific reality of ISIS rule in the war-torn city where mass executions of civilians are carried out even for the 'crime' of trying to flee to a safer area.

Harrowing pictures show the body of an unknown girl wrapped in a blanket after a mass grave of ISIS victims was discovered in Mosul

Harrowing: An Iraqi soldier broke down in tears after his unit uncovered the body in a mass grave of 24 people - mostly children - after reclaiming and area of Mosul

Iraqi fighters came across the grave as they made further inroads in their battle to reclaim Mosul from ISIS.

Pictures show the bodies of adults and children covered with blankets next to a shallow grave in a remote patch of land about 100ft from a road.

They emerged as Iraqi government forces attempted to encircle Mosul's Old City on Thursday in a bid to bottle up ISIS militants.

However, progress was slowed by car bombs and booby-traps in houses and alleyways, officers said.

The army and security forces have made significant gains in recent days in the battle that started back in October, seizing a main bridge over the Tigris river and advancing towards the mosque in the Old City from where ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared a caliphate in 2014.

But the fighting is expected to become even harder as the militants defend their last enclaves in what was once their stronghold in Iraq.

The images highlight the horrific reality of ISIS rule in the war-torn city where mass executions of civilians are carried out even for the 'crime' of trying to flee to a safer area

An Iraqi fighter looks into a blanket at the site of a mass grave containing some two dozen people. Government forces made the horrific discovery as they made further inroads in their battle to reclaim Mosul from ISIS

'We have a plan to surround the Old City. Today we have advanced from the right and left sides and the only part left is right in the middle. God willing we will continue this plan today,' Federal Police Major General Haidar Dhirgham said.

The need to ensure the safety of civilians, many of them hungry from a lack of provisions and traumatised by living under Islamic State's harsh rule, was also a priority.

'I expect the liberation of Mosul completely in one month. I will not tell you one or two weeks, because that's not true, but within one or two months it will be completely liberated,' Dhirgham told Reuters.

Several more areas of western Mosul had been recaptured, including the hospital, over Wednesday and Thursday morning.

'There are only some neighbourhoods that remain, like the Old City. This is too narrow but our forces will be able to enter soon.'

As many as 6,000 ISIS fighters remained in Mosul, including other Arab nationalities and foreigners, he said.

Suicide bombers were driving explosive-rigged cars at troops. There had been three such attacks on Thursday morning, he said. Troops has also seized buildings in which suicide vehicles were being prepared.

Pictures show the bodies of adults and children covered with blankets next to a shallow grave in a remote patch of land about 100ft from a road

'The enemy...has started to set fire to houses which means that are on the retreat. They have destroyed homes and have destroyed families,' Dhirgham said.

Mosul has served as ISIS's de facto capital since al-Baghdadi proclaimed himself head of a caliphate spanning Iraq and Syria from the Nuri Mosque in July 2014.

The recapture of the city by the government would drive the remnants of the ISIS army into the hinterlands. In neighbouring Syria, three separate forces are advancing on the city of Raqqa, the main Syrian city under Islamic State control.

As well as waging jihad in Iraq and Syria, the militants have inspired attacks in cities in Europe, Africa and elsewhere that have killed hundreds of civilians.

U.S. and other Western countries have been providing air, artillery and other support to the Mosul offensive, reflecting the international concern over the IS threat.

However, the presence of tens of thousands of civilians in ISIS-held areas means that simply pulverising them is a risky proposition. Thousands of residents have escaped to government lines in recent days but it has been impossible to tally the number of civilian casualties.

'We will liberate civilians before liberating the land,' Dhirgham said. 'We will take them out of the neighbourhoods, if we have their consent. If they would like to flee to an area in the back flanks or if we could secure them within their neighbourhoods, we will secure them in their homes.'
A 90-year-old woman was dragged into a courtyard and violently raped by a teenager after he asked for money in a church, a court has heard.

The attacker then stole the key to her home and wrote down her address.

A Spanish-Moroccan migrant, aged 19, is accused of rape, bodily harm and theft following the attack on October 2 in Dusseldorf.

Prosecutors claim he confronted her in St Lambertus Church and shouted 'money, money!' at her.

A CCTV image was released after the attack on a 90-year-old woman in October last year

When the elderly woman said she did not have any money to give him, he dragged her outside and carried out the horrific attack before strangling her and pulling her hair.

He also stole the key to her home, but there is no evidence that he later broke in.

Police say they traced the man through DNA evidence, as a sample was on record following a robbery in May last year, RP reports.

He could face 15 years behind bars if convicted.

The woman needed hospital treatment following the horror attack.
Aidan Camacho (pictured) allegedly left his brother for dead after fleeing the scene of a car crash they were involved in, sources claimed

A mother has defended her 19-year-old son who is accused of leaving his older brother to die in the passenger seat of their car after a crash.

Fernanda Almestica denies her son Aiden was driving the car in which his brother Angel Camacho, 21, died in Queens, New York at 4.15am on Sunday.

'We are grieving  we lost one son, and we have one son thats wanted for something he didnt do,' she told the New York Daily News.

'My son will be at the precinct today with a lawyer, giving his side of the story, and we have video showing that my son wasnt driving the car.'

Aidan is accused of leaving his 'best friend' critically injured when he fled the scene after crashing his Acura into a parked car and a tree.

He left the car and hitched a ride to hospital in a passing car, according to police.

Angel later died in hospital of his injuries. Scene photos on qns.com revealed the mangled wreckage of the vehicle.

'Aidan was his younger brother who looked up to Angel like a father,' Steven Scordio, who owns the construction company where Angel worked, told the paper.

'Aidan would have never done that. He would take his last breath for his brother.'

The brothers reportedly lived together in Queens and were 'best friends' - with Angel said to have taken his little brother 'under his wings'.

Aidan Camacho, 19, is accused of being behind the wheel of his Acura, right, when it smashed into a parked car and a tree in Queens, New York. His brother died in the crash

Angel Camacho was extracted from the wreckage, pictured, before dying in hospital of his injuries

'I asked Angel, "What does your brother look like," and he said, "He looks like me without the beard." He said it with pride,' Mr Scordio told the New York Post.

Aidan was speeding when he crashed, police said.

The crash reportedly happened just a mile from where the two men grew up.

He got out of the vehicle and flagged down a passing driver, who took him to Interfaith Medical Center in Brooklyn, police said.

Firefighters arrived at the scene minutes later and freed Angel Camacho, who is now in a critical condition in hospital after suffering severe head and internal injuries, the New York Post reported.

Police are now hunting down Aidan Camacho, who could face manslaughter charges.

He had left the medical center by the time officers arrived on Sunday morning.

He was last seen wearing a white, long-sleeve hooded sweater and dark pants. He is described as being 5ft 8ins tall, weighing about 130lbs and having black hair and brown eyes.
Julia Derbyshire, 16, pictured, who died in 2015 five days after hanging herself, was being bullied for 'being gay', her father has revealed

A father who posted photos of his dying daughter in hospital after she hanged herself has revealed she 'wanted to die' after years of bullying because she came out as gay.

Heart-broken Adrian Derbyshire, 42, wants the death of his 16-year-old Julia to raise awareness of playground and online bullying.

Last week he released photos of her on a ventilator in hospital but he has now revealed the bullying started after Julia confided to a friend she 'might be a lesbian'.

Mr Derbyshire, a former Paralympic fencer, said his daughter was just 12 when she told a friend that she 'might like girls'.

He said her 'friend' then spread her sensitive feelings around school and Julia was subjected to vile bullying as she was 'spat at' and abused both mentally and psychically.

Mr Derbyshire said his daughter turned to self-harm to deal with her nightmare and had nowhere to turn because of the internet abuse.

The father-of-two, of Warrington, Merseyside, said: 'It all started when Julia was 12.

'She approached her friend and said "I'm not sure yet but I think I like girls".

Adrian Derbyshire last week shared pictures of the 16-year-old, pictured, as she lay dying in hospital to raise awareness of the consequences of bullying

Her father said Julia, pictured left and right in hospital, told a friend she 'might be a lesbian' when she was 12, which spread around her school and led to people 'spitting at her'

Mr Derbyshire, pictured with Julia, said she could 'not get away' from bullying because of the internet

'She was just exploring her sexuality and wanted to share it with her friend - but her friend told all the school and it started there.

'She was spat on, there was name calling. It was physical as well as psychological.

'It escalated and Julia started self-harming to cope with the bullies.

'But she couldn't get away with it as she was being bullied in her own bedroom because of the internet.'

Julia was born in Warrington but moved to America at the age of four along with her parents and elder sister.

When Julia was nine, Mr Derbyshire moved back to Warrington following the breakdown of his marriage.

But after finding out her plight through her teenage struggle - Mr Derbyshire brought her back home to live with him in the UK.

Julia, pictured, lived in the US between ages four and 14, which is where the bullying began

He said: 'By this point she had just turned 14 and she came over very damaged. The first thing I did was show her unconditional love.'

Mr Derbyshire said with his constant support, Julia's confidence began to grow and she had dreams of studying political journalism at university.

But he did not know the schoolgirl was was still receiving messages from American bullies.

Mr Derbyshire said: 'I think the reason why she did that was because she had gained a lot of confidence in herself and she wanted to speak to them and get them to like her for who she was.

'We gave her the confidence to go back to the haters to stick up for herself and others - but it was too much too soon.

'I did not have long enough and if we had a couple more years she would have got through this.'

Mr Derbyshire and Julia shared a pizza and watched a film together the night before she attempted to take her own life in October 2015.

The next morning he discovered the 16-year-old had collapsed in the living room after hanging herself.

Despite a desperate effort by Mr Derbyshire to save her by giving her CPR until the ambulance arrived, she died five days later in hospital.

It later came to light that Julia had been leading a double life with hidden telephones and a false identity as a member of website groups which promoted teenage self-harming and suicide.

Mr Derbyshire, pictured with Julia, is leading an anti-bullying campaign and said 'no family should go through the same devastation his has'

Mr Derbyshire released the photos on Wednesday, March 8, on what would have been Julia's 18th birthday - 16 months after her death.

He said: 'I always knew there would be a point where I may have to release them but I haven't thought about them for 16 months.

'It was a horrific week for myself, my family and Julia's friends building up to Julia's 18th birthday.

'I wasn't going out with Julia on her birthday having champagne and celebrating - I was taking flowers to her grave. I then knew something needed to be done.'

He released the hospital images, pictured, on what would have been his daughter's 18th birthday

Mr Derbyshire said 'the outpouring of support' has reaffirmed that he made the right decision.

He has so far received 10,000 messages from around the world, including 900 emails and has been in contact with a representative from the United Nations.

Mr Derbyshire said: 'The response tells us how much of a problem it is. There are kids who are getting bullied and they are sitting next to their parents at the dinner table with the iPad and being bullied.

'No parent, family or friend should ever go through the devastation and loss I have - we all have.'
Turkey's foreign minister has said that Dutch anti-Islam politician Geert Wilders' views were shared by all rival parties and were pushing Europe towards 'wars of religion'.

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte fended off the challenge of Wilders to score an election victory hailed across Europe by governments facing a rising wave of nationalism.

But Turkish minister Mevlut Cavusoglu claimed Wilders and social democrats in the Netherlands share the same mindset - to 'take Europe to the cliff'.

Turkey's foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu (left) has said that Dutch anti-Islam politician Geert Wilders' views (right) were shared by all rival parties and were pushing Europe towards 'wars of religion'

It comes amid deepening tensions between Turkey and the Netherlands after the Dutch barred Turkish ministers from speaking to rallies of overseas Turks.

'Many parties have received a similar share of votes,' Cavusoglu said at a rally in the southern city of Antalya.

'17 per cent, 20 per cent, there are lots of parties like this, but they are all the same.

'There is no difference between the mindsets of Geert Wilders and social democrats in the Netherlands.

'They all have the same mindset. That mindset is taking Europe to the cliff. Soon wars of religion may and will start in Europe.'

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte fended off the challenge of Wilders to score an election victory hailed across Europe by governments facing a rising wave of nationalism

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte shakes hands of children after casting his vote

Turkey on Monday suspended high-level relations with the Netherlands after it cited public safety in banning ministers from addressing expatriate Turks in a campaign for a referendum that would give President Tayyip Erdogan sweeping new powers.

Erdogan, who is counting on the backing of overseas Turks in the April 16 vote, accused the Dutch government of acting like 'Nazi remnants'.

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte's right-wing VVD party has easily won national elections, defying polls that suggested a close race with anti-Islam populist Geert Wilders.

Political parties were on Thursday preparing to start what is likely be a long process of coalition talks.

With most votes counted for the 150-seat legislature, Mr Rutte's VVD had 33 seats, eight fewer than in 2012.

Mr Wilders, meanwhile, had lost none of his trademark defiance, though a tweet about his party's progress failed to hide his disappointment that he fell short of becoming number one in Wednesday's vote

The far-right populist Party for Freedom of Mr Wilders was second with 20 seats, five more than the last time but still a stinging setback after polls in recent months had suggested his party could become the largest in Dutch politics.

We lost eight seats, but we're very happy to be the biggest party again,' Mr Rutte told NPO Radio 1.

Mr Wilders, meanwhile, had lost none of his trademark defiance, though a tweet about his party's progress failed to hide his disappointment that he fell short of becoming number one in Wednesday's vote.

The Christian Democrats and centrist D66 parties, probable future coalition partners for Mr Rutte, won 19 seats each.

Party leaders were expected to meet on Thursday to discuss first steps in the coalition formation process.

Screaming men face off with Dutch riot police outside the Turkish consulate in Rotterdam

A Dutch riot policeman tries to get his dog to let go of a man after riots broke out during a pro Erdogan demonstration at the Turkish consulate in Rotterdam, Netherlands

Mr Rutte warned that it could take a while.

He said: 'We have had a tough campaign, with reproaches back and forth. We need time for everybody to get back into the mood for co-operation, and that doesn't happen in a few hours.'

It comes as Turkey threatened to cancel an EU refugee deal over a continuing row with other European countries.

The country's first minister Mevlut Cavusoglu made the announcement during a televised interview on Wednesday evening.

His remarks come amid strained relations between the EU and Turkey following the continent's refugee crisis.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan previously labelled Holland a fascist nation and said the country will pay for blocking rallies in Rotterdam and the ensuing riots.

Ugly scenes erupted in the city as dogs were unleashed on Turkish nationals amid protests over two ministers being blocked from entering the Netherlands.

Erdogan repeated hugely controversial accusations that the Netherlands - occupied by Germany in the Second World War - was behaving like a fascist Nazi state and in its treatment of his officials.

The comments have provoked anger from Dutch politicians, and leader of the Freedom Party Geert Wilders demanded 400,000 Turkish nationals be stripped of their citizenship in Holland.
Chancellor Philip Hammond, pictured outside No 10 with US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin today, has to find a replacement for 600million a year in revenue

Workers have been warned they face more austerity to fill the 2billion hole in Philip Hammond's spending plans after he dropped his Budget tax raid.

The Chancellor is set to announce other measures to raise money in the Autumn after his humbling U-turn on national insurance.

And there is speculation the hole could be plugged by a slashing of pension tax relief - a hit on high earners who get tax relief on pension savings.

People who use personal service companies instead of paying tax via PAYE could also be targeted by the Chancellor in a tightening of IR35 accounting rules.

Another option for Mr Hammond could be to deepen spending cuts - but his original tax plan was designed to cover higher spending on social care and schools.

As he scrambles to fix his Budget, Prime Minister Theresa May offered a public vote of confidence in the Chancellor.

Mr Hammond had been proposing to bring in around 600million a year by hiking Class 4 National Insurance contributions from 9 per cent to 11 per cent.

That would have boosted public coffers by 2billion by 2021-2022. But the idea has now been abandoned entirely, leaving him with a yawning gap in the finances.

In his letter to Tory MPs yesterday, Mr Hammond made clear he still wanted to narrow the difference in the tax treatment for the employed and the self-employed.

He said a review into the issue would be extended 'to look at other areas of differences in treatment'.

The 2 billion shortfall will be 'funded by measures announced in the autumn budget', he said.

Coalition pensions minister Steve Webb suggested a cut in pension tax relief could be Mr Hammond's solution.

Former pensions minister Steve Webb suggested that a cut in pension tax relief could be used to plug the gap in the Budget

Mr Webb ran pensions policy during the coalition and has a detailed understanding of the reliefs involved and reforms which could be considered

No 10 refused to comment on the speculation today.

Theresa May's official spokesman said: 'The Chancellor yesterday said the implications for the public finances would be addressed in the autumn statement.

'I've no comment beyond that.'

The Prime Minister herself expressed confidence in her Chancellor today.

Asked if she had ever thought he should resign, Mrs May told ITV News: 'I have absolute faith in the Chancellor. We made very clear yesterday - he and I - about the tax lock, that we recognised the spirit of the manifesto and the change has been made.'

Despite the declaration of confidence, relations between the residents of Downing Street appear to have plunged to a new low after the PM forced Mr Hammond into an humiliating climbdown over the key Budget measure.

Mrs May told the Chancellor his hike to Class 4 National Insurance, which smashed a Tory manifesto pledge, had to be scrapped at a tense 8am meeting yesterday.

Mr Hammond has to fill the hole in the Budget after he was ordered by Prime Minister Theresa May to drop a rise in class four National Insurance Contributions yesterday

Mr Hammond made the embarrassing announcement in a letter to MPs shortly before Mrs May took Prime Minister's Questions - easily fending off a weak response from Jeremy Corbyn.

The row has laid bare the growing friction between the holders of the two most important roles in government, with the PM taking the opportunity to stamp her authority.

Mrs May's aides are believed to have been particularly infuriated by briefing to Sunday papers from 'friends' of the Chancellor, complaining of 'economic illiteracy' in No10 and saying they had been pressing for the Budget to raise more money.

According to The Times, Mrs May's team warned the Treasury before the fateful package was announced that raising NI for the self-employed was a 'bad idea'.

'No 10 said don't do it, but Philip wouldn't listen,' a ministerial source said.

The screeching U-turn has dealt a massive blow to the standing of the Chancellor, who previously held a reputation in Westminster as a safe pair of hands.
Thank goodness St. Patricks Day is upon us. Our country is in need of some Irish humor about now.

With all the vitriol in our politics these days, we could use more brotherly lovewhich reminds me of the joke about McAlister.

One Saturday night, he ordered three pints at the pub. When the bartender asked him why he wanted three, McAlister explained: Ive got two brothers, one in America and one in Australia. Every Saturday night we go to our respective pubs, order three pints and drink with each other. Right now, me brothers are sipping three pints, too.

McAlister continued his tradition for several months. But one Saturday he ordered only two pints.

Sweet goodness, said the bartender, did one of your brothers die?

The brothers are fine, said McAlister. Its just that I quit drinking.

Reports of alleged wiretapping and spying are all over the news of late. That reminds me of the one about a German spy who was sent to Ireland during World War II.

The German was instructed to meet an Irish spy named Murphy and confirm Murphys identity by saying, The weather could change by Tuesday.

After he parachuted into Ireland, he set off for town. Along the way, he asked a farmer where he might find a man named Murphy.

Well, sir, it depends on which Murphy, said the farmer. We have Murphy the doctor, Murphy the postal carrier, Murphy the stonemason and Murphy the teacher. I, too, am a Murphy, Murphy the farmer.

The German got an idea.

The weather could change by Tuesday, he said.

Aye, said the farmer, youll be wanting Murphy the spy.

The resistance of millions to our overreaching government continues to remake our political landscape. It reminds me of the time a policeman caught Seamus with a bucket of fish in a no-fishing zone.

Youve got it wrong, Seamus said to the policeman. These are my pet fish. I bring them to the reservoir every day for exercise. After they swim for 10 minutes, they come back to the bucket and I take them home.

Prove it, said the cop.

Seamus dumped his fish into the reservoir and off they swam. An hour later, they still hadnt returned.

Ha, you lying rogue, said the officer. Where are your pet fish?

Fish? said Seamus. What fish?

The economy is exploding suddenlynearly 300,000 private-sector jobs were created in February, according to ADP and Moodys Analytics, exceeding estimates by a staggering 100,000. That gives hope to millions who had dropped out of the workforce entirely.

That reminds me of the one about St. Patrick visiting an Irish pub. Donovan, McNally and Finnegan saw

St. Patrick enter the pub and each bought him a beer.

When St. Patrick shook Donovans hand, Donovan said, My arthritis! St. Patrick, your touch has cured it!

St. Patrick shook McNallys hand, and McNally said, My blind right eye! St. Patrick, youve cured it!

St. Patrick went to shake Finnegans hand. Finnegan shouted, Get away from me, St. Patrick. Im on disability!

These days, with all the conflict and disagreement going on, our public discourse could profit from a better sense of humor.

Which reminds of the time Paddy died.

Paddys wife went to the newspaper to place his obituary. The newsman said the cost was $1 a word.

I only have $2, said Mrs. Paddy. Just print Paddy died.

The newsman decided that old Paddy deserved more. He gave her three extra words at no charge.

A kind man you are, said Mrs. Paddy. Print me husbands obituary this way: Paddy died. Boat for sale.
A nurse who stabbed her ex-husband with a knife in front of one of their children near a busy Perth playground has been jailed for more than five years.

Michelle Allison Fernandez, 43, stabbed Mark Fernandez twice at the Shelley park foreshore in October 2015, the WA District Court heard on Thursday.

The mother-of-two was found guilty by a jury of causing grievous bodily harm, but insists she did not bring the knife and is not guilty of the crime.

Michelle Allison Fernandez, 43, (centre) stabbed Mark Fernandez twice at the Shelley park foreshore in October 2015, the WA District Court heard on Thursday

A nurse who stabbed her ex-husband with a knife in front of one of their children near a busy Perth playground has been jailed for more than five years

Judge Michael Bowden accepted Fernandez did not form the intention to stab the victim until shortly before it happened.

'It was traumatic, it was a brutal attack, it occurred in a public park and in essence in the middle of the day,' he said.

'There were other people, children as well, present at that park.'

Mr Fernandez suffered a 15cm wound to his bowel and a 10cm laceration to his chest, as well as injuries to his hands.

'If medical intervention had not have occurred it was very likely that the victim would have died,' Judge Bowden said.

Mr Fernandez spent 28 days in hospital, was confined to a wheelchair for four months, needed 105 stitches to his chest and abdomen, and 138 stitches to other parts of his body.

Judge Bowden noted Fernandez had no prior record, had a supportive family, and was highly thought of by workmates and friends, who described her as calm, generous and trustworthy.

The knife used in the attack against Mark Fernandez

'It's not in dispute, and it's confirmed by the references and evidence given at the trial, that you're highly competent in your profession,' he said.

'You're caring, compassionate and very professional in your work as a clinical nurse.'

Judge Bowden also noted Fernandez was unlikely to reoffend, but said she had traumatised the victim.

Fernandez was sentenced to five-and-a-half years in jail and must serve three-and-a-half years behind bars before she can be eligible for parole.
A separate Scotland faces spending years outside of the EU single market even if it votes for independence, Iceland has warned.

The country's foreign minister said only 'sovereign' states start the process of joining the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) which allows access to the EU single market.

It means Scotland could not begin its application until it was actually independent - a process expected to take several years after a referendum vote.

The SNP leader is said to be considering applying for Scottish EFTA membership, which would allow entry to the EU single market without being an EU member.

Nicola Sturgeon is said to be considering joining EFTA to secure Scottish access to the EU single market but has been warned only sovereign states are allowed in

Prime Minister Theresa May yesterday warned the SNP Scotland would leave the EU with the rest of Britain regardless of any independence vote.

It means an independent Scotland faces starting outside both the UK and EU single markets, raising a host of questions about how it trades with its current biggest markets.

The revelation is a further blow to Ms Sturgeon's plans for a second independence referendum, which are based on protecting Scotland's place in Europe.

Gudlaugur Thor Thordarson, the Icelandic Foreign Minister, warned: 'Only sovereign states can be considered for membership within EFTA, which, for obvious reasons, complicates matters for Scotland if it were to seek entry.'

Gudlaugur Thor Thordarson, the Icelandic Foreign Minister, said only sovereign states could join the EU

But, in comments reported by the Telegraph, he added: 'The future direction of Scotland is a debate that will take place in Westminster and Edinburgh and I prefer not to discuss hypotheticals.'

EFTA currently includes Iceland, Lichenstein, Norway and Switzerland and allows the countries to work on parallel EU rules without being full members.

Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson said Iceland's intervention showed Ms Sturgeon's referendum plans had 'given way beneath her'.

Ms Sturgeon was accused by Brexit Secretary David Davis of deliberately stoking rows over Britain leaving the EU to fuel her independence campaign.

He told MPs: 'If one side doesn't want to agree, which I'm afraid has been the position of the Scottish Government from time to time, there is no way seek to agree can turn into agree.

'The stance of the Scottish Government on this has been frankly a very political one, not necessarily in the interests of the people they represent.'

WHAT IS EFTA? EFTA is a four member organisation that allows countries to trade inside the EU single market without having to be full EU members. It currently includes Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway and Switzerland and operates trading rules in parallel with the EU. EFTA members are allowed to enter into trade deals with other countries, unlike EU member states - but members are expected to coordinate their activity. Britain was a founding member in 1960 but quit the group to become a full member of the then European Economic Community, a pre-cursor to the EU. Advertisement

Ms Sturgeon last night defended her plans and said Scots had a right to choose a difference path to the rest of the UK.

She told the Channel 4: 'If we don't have the option of a referendum then effectively we are accepting right now a future that is a hard Brexit future with Conservative governments at Westminster for perhaps 20 years or more.

'If people want that then that's fine, they can choose that, but I think it's right that people have a choice given how much is now at stake for our country.

'I want Scotland to stay in the EU, that's the long-standing SNP policy.

'What we have to do, as we did in 2014 but now in the different circumstances we face, is, before people are asked to make that choice, set out the process by which we secure our relationship with Europe.

'I've said I want Scotland to be in the European Union, I campaigned for remain, that is why I think that is the best future.'
Police have stormed a bank in Germany and freed a chained-up hostage after an armed robbery this morning.

The male employee had been held captive for more than three hours, but police say the gunman who was holding him had vanished.

A female employee of the bank was earlier freed shortly after 11am after being held hostage.

Police officers surrounded the bank after an armed robber took two staff members hostage this morning

Units of elite SEK police commandos are at the scene in Dorfstrasse, in the city's Rumeln district

A gunman who held up the bank in the old industrial city of Duisburg on this morning was believed to still be inside when the building was raided.

After police stormed the bank and freed the hostage there was no sign of the robber.

Earlier police had arrested two men drinking coffee in a bakery cafe near the bank. It is understood they are linked to the robbery attempt.

Noises were heard from within the vault before the bank opened for business at 9am, indicating that the armed robber had been on the premises all night

Armed police were called to the scene this morning after staff were held up by a gunman

But it is a mystery how one woman was released from inside the bank when no gunman was discovered. Whether he escaped undetected by the police is unclear.

The standoff took place at the Sparkasse bank where units of elite SEK police commandos ringed the building at the scene in Dorfstrasse, in the city's Rumeln district.

'A woman has been freed, a man remains a hostage inside,' said a police spokesman after the woman walked free.

A police helicopter was deployed and streets around the bank cordoned off when heavily armed police moved in.

One report said that staff heard noises from within the vault before the bank opened for business at 9am, indicating that the armed robber had been on the premises all night.


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Dramatic photographs have emerged revealing the moment a lion leaps high into the air to sink its teeth into the neck of an adult giraffe in a coordinated ambush.

A pair of lions worked in tandem to tire out the bull giraffe before eventually taking it down and suffocating it in a nature reserve spanning Botswana and South Africa.

The incredible pictures were taken by wildlife photographer Vincent Grafhort who said he was surprised to see the lions target an adult giraffe in an attack that lasted half an hour.

The lion leaps high into the air and sinks its teeth into the neck of the passive-looking giraffe after a long, coordinated chase

The giraffe runs away from chasing lions as one attempts to leap up onto its back with its mouth open and its claws exposed

The pair of lions worked together to tire out the bull giraffe and didn't give up after initial attempts saw them easily shaken off.

But after one of them clung on to the giraffe's hind leg, the other made its move and leapt for its neck.

Vincent revealed they pulled the long-necked animal down and suffocated him by covering his muzzle at a nature reserve spreading between Botswana and South Africa

Describing what happened, the 42-year-old said: 'Working together with surprising agility, the lions were wearing out the giraffe first. It can run fast but tires easily due to its long windpipe.

'The lions made two attempts to take down the giraffe, only to be shaken off, but managed to avoid kicks from the larger animal.

'The giraffe then tried to escape, but before he could reach full speed, one lion managed to get a firm grip on its hind leg.

'The big cat held on as the giraffe tried to shake him off. The powerful giraffe was tiring as the second lion made his move.

'They attacked him from two angles followed by hanging on to his rear.

'Approximately 440kg of lion pulled him down, and once down, it was easy to hold him down.'

The lions chased the giraffe for half an hour and the long-necked bull managed to brush off a number of attacks like this one

After a long battle, the giraffe was finally felled by the two lions and one suffocated it by clamping its windpipe

Vincent, who is originally from the Netherlands but lives in Gaborone, Botswana, said it was surprising to see lions take on an adult bull.

In his experience, they tend to target babies, but this pride roaming the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park had their eyes firmly fixed on a bigger prize.

The whole sequence took a little over half an hour, and Vincent admitted he was lucky to witness it at all because he was tracking a leopard at the time when the giraffe came running into his sight.

He added: 'In my experience lions will think twice before attacking a giraffe, they are dangerous opponents with their long legs with large hooves and long swaying necks with strong stubby horns.

'Normally the young are targeted mostly and the mortality rate amongst baby giraffes is quite high in many areas.

'This, however, was a large adult bull.

'I was quite surprised that only two lions took down this enormous animal.

'I was actually following a leopard which disappeared in a clump of bushes.

'As I waited and waited and waited, a giraffe came running past followed by these two lions.'
Tribunal: Paul Newton, 43, says he was subjected to constant jibes including being told he looked 'like a lesbian minister,' and that he was a 'proper fairy,' an 'uppity little f****t' and a 'c**k jockey' while working for Balyasny Europe Asset Management

A gay hedge fund manager who claims his homophobic colleagues called him a 'proper fairy', an 'uppity little f****t' and a 'c**k jockey' has started a 1million tribunal battle.

Paul Newton, 43, claims he was sacked by Balyasny Europe Asset Management following an 'unrelenting' 17-month campaign of abuse.

Mr Newton says traders said he looked 'like a lesbian minister' and acted like an 'uptight poofter' who would 'come on to' every male visitor to the office, which he compared to a US university 'frat house'.

His colleagues also spread rumours that he would would go 'cottaging', 'cruising' and use Grindr to meet other men for sex while his partner was away, he claims.

Mr Newton, who is seeking more than 1million compensation from the international firm, also claims he was subjected to limp-wristed hand gestures, jibes about his long hair, and that he was regularly called 'camp'.

He claims his colleagues at the multi-million pound hedge fund, which has offices in St James, central London, Joked about the size of his genitals, spreading rumours that he was having sex with the office cleaner, and referring to him openly as a 'very camp gay man.'

He said he also complained to colleagues that the office was more like a 'frat house' than a professional environment and 'quite unlike anything I had ever experienced in my career.'

Mr Newton said of his colleagues: 'They would throw rugby balls around in the office, even at times of market volatility, and when I objected to this unprofessional behaviour, I was at best ignored, sometimes called names - for example 'uptight poofter.'

He added: 'They would also regularly go into the kitchen next to my office to get snacks and say nasty things about me, such as I go 'cottaging,' 'cruising' or use the dating app Grindr when my partner is away.

'I am pretty sure they didn't realise that the walls are 'made of paper' such that I could hear their conversations.

'They would often twist my words to imply smutty homosexual double entendre, about which I complained repeatedly to their faces.'

Claims: Mr Newton said colleagues at the multimillion pound hedge fund company (pictured) openly described him as a 'very camp gay man' and added they treated him 'like a curiosity'

Mr Newton continued: 'The systems manager with whom I had extremely cordial relations, announced that the systems team had a joke with systems people in a US office about me 'splitting him in two' I was utterly horrified that my sexuality was now the subject of humour between offices with people whom I had never even met.'

Fund manager: I'm not trying to extort them Paul Newton has denied he is trying to extort his former employer, a tribunal heard today. Today under cross examination James Laddie QC, representing Balyasny, pointed out that Mr Newton had lost $10million, having made $12million the year before. He put to the claimant he was trying to extort his former employer out of money, which Mr Newton denied. Central London Employment Tribunal was taken to the transcript of a phone call between Mr Newton and the head of HR after he was fired from the company in June 2016. In the phone call he mentioned he had been seeking legal advice about possible action against the firm. Asked how long he had been seeking legal advice Mr Newton said: 'About a month before I saw a solicitor a friend had recommended to me.' Mr Laddie said: 'So you thought the writing was on the wall?' The claimant said: 'Absolutely. I saw people being interviewed for my job. Clearly it was obviously decided from that point I was likely to be replaced.' Mr Laddie pointed out during the phone call Mr Newton made threats to talk to the media about his alleged abuse and said the company would have to 'sign a big cheque'. The claimant said: 'I was trying to get the firm to change its ways. I had complained about what was happening. I had reported the situation and no changes had been made. 'It was a threat, but I was trying to get them to change their ways.' Mr Laddie said: 'I think you were interested in money and the lever you were pulling at was the threat of going public.' Mr Newton said: 'Money is the only language these people understand.' Advertisement

But he told the tribunal: 'I have never acted in an ostentatious or extravagant effeminate manner.

'I have never intentionally drawn attention to my sexuality in a way often associated with the gay community at all.'

Mr Newton detailed some of the alleged homophobic abuse he received in the office from several colleagues.

Describing one incident in his witness statement he said: 'I was walking past a colleague's desk and he shouted 'cock jockey' behind me.

'I turned round to him and glared at him. This work colleague later came to my office to apologise but I wasn't having any of it. I told him I was sick of his homophobic behaviour.

'He replied that he was not homophobic and could prove it because he had a transvestite or transsexual housekeeper. I told him to go away in fairly strong terms.'

Mr Newton, who has 20 years' experience working in the City, was fired last June.

He claimed no reason was given at the time but six weeks later the firm blamed poor performance and losses he suffered in the aftermath of the Brexit referendum vote.

Yet, he claims, other straight, male managers who lost more money kept their jobs.

He is now suing his former employers for unfair dismissal, arguing his sacking was actually the culmination of a campaign of homophobic abuse that started almost as soon as he joined in March 2014.

Mr Newton, who lives in a Thameside apartment near Tower Bridge, say he has decided to change careers since his departure from the firm, and hopes to work as a barrister in the future.

But the firm is fighting his claims, saying they are 'without merit', and insists it is well known in the industry for having a 'collaborative, collegial culture.'

The qualified Chartered Accountant and Chartered Tax Advisor Mr Newton claims he was 'subjected to unrelenting abuse based on his sexual orientation by his colleagues, within an environment suffused with homophobia.'

He says he 'was forced to work in an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for individuals with his sexual orientation', and argues the culmination of more than two years of hostility was his sacking, without warning and with just two weeks' severance pay.

The tribunal also heard Mr Newton felt he was discriminated against when he first joined the company because he was made to sit among other staff on the trading floor instead of getting his own office.

He said: 'I complained that I couldn't do the job.' In just over a week of his employment he was given an office with a full length mirror, by the firm, 'to look smart for meetings'.

He said: 'It was not furnished to my design. It was a mirror on the wall instead of a picture on the wall.'

He is seeking an admission by the hedge fund that he was harassed and discriminated against, an acceptance that he was unlawfully dismissed, and damages for the effects of his alleged treatment.

Mr Newton says in the witness statement that he has been diagnosed as suffering from anxiety and depression since his dismissal.

Balyasny Asset Management, said in a statement it is 'committed, by policy and ethical commitment, to a workforce free from harassment.'

'We take seriously any allegations of a hostile work environment and believe these allegations are without merit.,' it added.

The hearing, at Central London Employment Tribunals, continues.
Mark Tanzer, CEO of Abta, said: 'I would personally like to apologise'

A cyber attack on the website of travel trade organisation Abta may have affected around 43,000 individuals, the company said today.

The breach is said to have taken place at the end of last month, with information on 43,000 holidaymakers and 650 Abta members accessed by the hackers.

Around 1,000 files of personal identity data were taken and email addresses and passwords of registered customers and members were also stolen.

The passwords were encrypted - hackers will only see a jumble of characters - which means there is a low risk of fraud.

A smaller number of the data was from people who has submitted documents for complaints, since 11 January 2017.

Abta has urged customers to change their passwords as a precaution. The firm has alerted the police and the Information Commissioner about the incident.

Mark Tanzer, CEO of Abta, said: 'I would personally like to apologise for the anxiety and concern that this incident may cause to any customer of Abta or Abta member who may be affected.

'It is extremely disappointing that our web server, managed for Abta through a third party web developer and hosting company, was compromised, and we are taking every step we can to help those affected.

'I will personally be working with the team to look at what we can learn from this situation.'

'We are today contacting these people and providing them with information and guidance to help keep them safe from identity theft or online fraud.

'We have also alerted the relevant authorities, including the Information Commissioner and the police.'

Abta is the UK's largest travel association, representing travel agents and tour operators that sell 32billion of holidays and other travel arrangements each year.

A cyber attack on the website of travel trade organisation Abta may have affected around 43,000 individuals

Abta is the UK's largest travel association, representing travel agents and tour operators that sell 32billion of holidays and other travel arrangements each year

Kevin Cunningham, president and founder of identity governance firm SailPoint: 'Being exposed as unprepared and ill-equipped to minimise the damage associated with a breach is a fear of any organisation.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU THINK YOUR ACCOUNT WAS HACKED Its important that you act quickly.

Change any passwords which might be affected, especially those which you use elsewhere on the web.

New passwords should contain a strong alphanumeric code, including numbers, hashtags and punctuation.

Its also advisable to opt for Two-Factor Authentication whenever possible. This means that, even with your email and password, hackers cannot gain access to a website without first having access to your mobile phone. Source: Owl Detect Advertisement

'Today's organisations house vastly more sensitive data, and so everyone from the executive level down needs to ensure there is a collaborative effort from internal staff to protect that sensitive information and ultimately, the health and longevity of the company.

'In today's world, it's a matter of when, not if, a data breach will happen. So the most important factors are prevention, education, and rapid response.

'When a breach does happen, it's important to quickly find out how and why it occurred, assess the damage and required response, and put IT controls in place to address future attacks.

'This is where identity and access management solutions can help, because they can address the immediate pain while also identifying  and mitigating  other areas of exposure.'

Matthias Maier, security evangelist at Splunk, praised Abta for being prepared.

He added: 'It looks like Abta has done its homework and ensured that the third party-provider that hosts its website has been able to remediate the vulnerability and identify what has happened quickly.

'As a result, Abta has been able to alert affected customers and the relevant authorities in a timely fashion with a view to mitigating its impact.

'As we see the number of cyber attacks and breaches grow, having the capability to understand the scale of a breach by analysing all machine generated data from web applications will be key, as will having proper processes and crisis plans in place to respond effectively.'
Audience figures for Sunday Mass on Spanish public television have soared after a far-left party tried to get the weekly broadcast banned to be more 'multicultural'.

Unidos Podemos, the third biggest party in parliament, last week tabled a proposed law that would end the broadcast of the Roman Catholic Mass on La2 television.

Spain's secondary public TV channel also broadcasts secular programmes as well as Jewish and Muslim shows.

The ruling conservative Popular Party campaigned against the initiative and the broadcast of the Mass on Sunday was seen by 1.2 million viewers, its biggest since 2004, according to Spanish public broadcaster RTVE.

Socialist party Unidos Podemos, under Pablo Iglesias (centre), last week tabled a proposed law that would end the broadcast of the Roman Catholic Mass on La2 television

The audience share for the Mass surpassed 21 percent, three times greater than usual, a RTVE spokesman said.

An online petition against the elimination of the broadcast, organised by the Spanish Association of Christian Lawyers, has so far collected nearly 82,000 signatures.

Unidos Podemos says it does not oppose religious programming, but is against the broadcast of religious rituals on state-funded television in an increasingly multicultural and secular society.

The party's chief, former university professor Pablo Iglesias, has not backed down.

He posted a video on his Twitter account of Juan Antonio Reig, the arch-conservative bishop of Alcala de Henares, a town near Madrid, declaring that gays who prostitute themselves or go to gay nightclubs 'will go to hell'.

While Catholicism remains deeply embedded in Spanish culture, regular church attendance in Spain, like elsewhere in Europe, has steadily fallen. Members of the 'Santisimo Sacramento' brotherhood are pictured attending a mass in Penalsordo, Spain

'In a mass, sending someone to hell for being gay? On public television, which we all pay for. No thanks,' Iglesias wrote.

While Catholicism remains deeply embedded in Spanish culture, regular church attendance in Spain, like elsewhere in Europe, has steadily fallen.

The majority of Spaniards - 59.3 per cent - say they 'almost never' attend Mass, according to a survey published in December by the Sociological Research Centre (CIS). Just 15 per cent said they went every week.
If you were having a bad day, spare a thought for this man in China.

The handyman fell from a height while working and landed on a metal fence impaling his buttocks.

The incident took place in Xi'an, China's Shaanxi province today.

Terrible accident: The man fell while installing an air conditioning unit in Xi'an, China

According to Shaanxi fire service's Weibo account, the incident took place at Xi'an Industrial Park.

The man was installing an air conditioning unit when he fell from the second floor.

He landed on the iron fence, piercing his buttocks on two metal rods.

X-ray of the spikes: The man landed on the fence with the spiked impaling his buttocks

The spikes were removed during surgery and the man is said to be recovering in hospital

That's got to hurt: The man was rescued by firefighters who cut him free from the fence

In the footage, firefighters can be seen holding the man up as they try to cut off a small section of the fence.

The man can be heard screaming as firefighters trim the fence in order to take him to hospital.

He was taken to hospital where he underwent surgery.

The man is said to be recovering in hospital.
The body of the boy, named locally as Tyler Warmington, was discovered by police at his home. He had suffered stab wounds to his chest

A five-year-old boy found dead at his home had suffered stab wounds to his chest, it was revealed today.

Police were called to a property in Faringdon, Oxfordshire, at around 1.20pm on Tuesday and discovered the body of the child - named locally as Tyler Warmington - who was of primary school age.

A 40-year-old woman, from Faringdon - understood to be his mother, Emma - was arrested on suspicion of murder and later freed on police bail until April 12, Thames Valley Police said.

Police revealed the boy had died of stab wounds to his chest following a post-mortem examination carried out on Wednesday.

Detective Chief Inspector Ailsa Kent, of Thames Valley Police's Major Crime Unit, said: 'We continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the child's death.

'At this time, no formal identification has taken place, so I am not able to name the child. You will appreciate that this is a difficult time for his family and we continue to work with them and offer support as the investigation continues.'

Crime scene: This is the Oxfordshire home where a child was found dead. A woman, 40, was arrested on suspicion of murder and later freed on police bail until April 12, Thames Valley Police said

The alarm was raised by a member of the public who was believed to have gone to the family home at lunchtime on Tuesday.

The suspect was arrested at the house and taken to cells at the nearby Abingdon police station where she was freed on bail today.

Detectives from the Thames Valley major crime team continued to investigate the horrific stabbing of Tyler as arrangements were made with the Oxfordshire Coroner Darren Salter to open an inquest into the death.

The police spokesman said: 'A post-mortem carried out yesterday has revealed the cause of death to be stab wounds to the chest.

'A 40-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail until April 12.'

Floral tributes and cuddly toys were laid in front of a police cordon at the youngster's home, where he attended the local infant school.

Neighbour Paul Fothergill, 60, said Tyler used to attend a private prep school run by his parents in Faringdon, but it closed amid financial problems last year

Neighbour Paul Fothergill, 60, said Tyler used to attend a private prep school run by his parents in Faringdon, but it closed amid financial problems last year.

Mr Fothergill said police had told neighbours that the boy's 40-year-old mother had been arrested on suspicion of murder.

He added: 'It blows you away. There might have been something that has triggered it. She doted on that little lad. I can say nothing bad about her, she was nice.'

Another neighbour said: 'I think she had a job but was not working at the moment. They moved there a couple of years ago and were quiet. The lad was shy.'

Villager Candice McArthur, 44, said: 'Everyone is absolutely shocked and horrified. It's a terrible tragedy, not just for the little man but for the whole wide family.

'These things can happen anywhere, but you never expect it on your doorstep in a little market town like this. Everybody feels shock and disbelief, with a huge sense of sadness.'

Ray Saunders, the uncle of the boy's mother, said yesterday at his home in London: 'It's a terrible time  it's been very emotional.'

A card left outside Tyler's home read: 'Rest in peace little man! Taken far too soon, thoughts and prayers are with your family at such an awful time. Fly high angel!'

Superintendent Rory Freeman, of Thames Valley Police, said: 'This is a very shocking discovery.'
Roger Stone has claimed a hit-and-run driver tried to 'bump him off' ahead of next week's congressional probe into the Russian hacking scandal

Roger Stone claims he may have been targeted by Russians in a hit-and-run crash ahead of next week's Congressional probe into the hacking scandal.

The outspoken Trump supporter said a tinted sedan tried to 'bump him off' when it crashed into his car in Pompano Beach, Miami, on Wednesday morning.

Stone speculated that someone didn't want him to testify in the investigation over Russia's influence on the presidential election, which begins on Monday.

The advisor, who had been heading to Orlando to promote his latest book on Trump, said the incident 'certainly could be' linked to the Russian hacking scandal.

The controversial Republican told Infowars host Alex Jones that his car was 'T-boned' by 'deep state' actors.

'They have poisoned me, they have smeared me, and someone in a car tried to kill me,' he said.

'I am a consistent critic of the "deep state" - that's why I think I'm targeted.'

Describing the crash, he told CBS4 News: 'They just came at us full force. The driver then threw it in reverse and took off.

'Out of nowhere we were T-boned essentially by a late model four-door what I'm now told was a Pontiac.'

Stone, who said he was sitting in the passenger seat, was not seriously injured as airbags deployed on his side.

'I'm bruised but I'm OK,' he confirmed, adding that his vision is blurry.

Stone is one of several associates of President Trump who have come under scrutiny for possible contact with Russian intelligence officials during the year leading up to the presidential election.

He said in a statement that he has hired two attorneys to try to get the government to 'either charge me or admit they have no case whatsoever.'

The long-time Trump supporter insisted a tinted Sedan tried to 'off' him when it crashed into his car in Pompano Beach, Miami, on Wednesday morning

'You could make the case that the Russians want to off me because they do not want me to testify because it would show their hand. That would be obvious,' Stone said.

He claimed it was more probable that a different group orchestrated the crash to make it look like Russians were trying to 'bump him off'.

'I think it's more likely that someone would like it to look like the Russians tried to bump me off,' he said.

'It happens on a day when the ranking Democrat on the Intelligence Committee calls for me,' Stone added. Earlier that day, Congressman Adam Schiff, the ranking Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, had mentioned Stone.

'I have to guess that somebody doesn't want me to testify at those hearings,' he explained.

'If I testify, it is going to prove that this whole narrative on which I believe surveillance of the president was based, i.e. that the Trump campaign was infiltrated by the Russians, is false.'

Stone said he has done nothing wrong and would love to 'clear the air on this whole thing' by testifying.

Stone speculated that someone didn't want him to testify in the investigation over Russia's influence with the presidential election, which begins on Monday (pictured, scene of the crash)

Stone has previously admitted to communicating with WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and admitted last week that he was in contact last year with the hackers who are suspected of breaking into the Democratic National Committee's computer and email accounts, though he says the discussions were 'completely innocuous.'

Roger Stone told the Washington Times that he exchanged 'completely innocuous' messages online with the Twitter handle that is believed to be behind the hack of Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign chief John Podesta.

'It was so perfunctory, brief and banal I had forgotten it,' Stone told the Times on Friday.

The Broward Sheriff's Office confirmed there was a hit-and-run crash at the time and location described by Stone - however, the report doesn't mention Stone being a passenger.

Stone said this is because he left before police arrived - 70 minutes after the crash - and ordered an Uber to take him home while his driver stayed behind.

He showed CBS4 News a copy of his Uber receipt.

His driver John Kakanis, who works as an aide to Stone on his book tour, said he was 'pretty shaken' and that the incident 'looked kind of intentional'.

Stone, who said he was sitting in the passenger seat, was not seriously injured as airbags deployed on his side

The incident report shows there was extensive damage to the passenger side of Kakanis' car and that it had to be towed from the scene.

Stone's clams come as The New York Times claimed call records and intercepted conversations show 'members of Donald J. Trump's 2016 presidential campaign and other Trump associates had repeated contacts with senior Russian intelligence officials in the year before the election'.

The Times said its allegations are based on interviews it has carried out with four 'current and former American officials'.

It claims US intelligence was worried because the alleged contact was taking place as then-candidate Trump continued to praise Russian President Vladimir Putin on the campaign trail.

The Kremlin said, however, that the report was not based on any fact.

It comes as Stone sensationally claimed he was poisoned by political enemies who wanted to kill him before he could 'debunk' their 'lie' that he knew Russians would hack the US election.

It comes as Stone sensationally claimed he was poisoned by political enemies who wanted to kill him before he could 'debunk' their 'lie' that he knew Russians would hack the US election

He claimed to have been told by doctors that a mysterious and debilitating virus he was suddenly struck with in December was in fact polonium poisoning.

At the time, Stone had just been accused by the Obama administration of having prior knowledge that Vladimir Putin was planning to meddle in the election.

He says the poisoning was an attempt to stop him from testifying at a Congressional Hearing where he claimed he could prove the accusation was a lie.

'I believe I was poisoned to stop me from exposing the Russian Hacking LIE b4 the Congressional Investigation,' Stone, 64, told his Twitter followers.

Appearing on fellow Trump loyalist Infowars, he said he was targeted by the 'deep state' who wanted to stop him from revealing the truth.

'I became extremely ill. This manifested itself in over 14 days of high fever, delirium, night sweats, I had lesions on my chest and my face...

'The general consensus is I was poisoned. I was poisoned with polonium or a substance that has the characteristics of polonium and this made me exceedingly ill,' he said.

Polonium is a rare and highly radioactive chemical. It was used in the 2006 murder of Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko who is believed to have been slipped the substance in a cup of tea.
New fish species named Puntius Dolichopterus discovered in Kerala

Published: July 21, 2015

A new species of cyprinid freshwater fish named Puntius Dolichopterus has been discovered in Keralas Kayamkulam city.

It was discovered by Mathews Plamoottil, head of the department of zoology in Baby John Memorial Government College of Kollam district.

Facts about Puntius Dolichopterus

Named after two Greek words dolikhos meaning elongated and pteron meaning wing or fin. The fish has been included in the fish family Cyprinidae.

Characteristics: It has elongated pectoral fin and shorter dorsal fin. It also has unusually elongated dorsal spine which is rigid, strong and long and has longer head.

It has elongated pectoral fin and shorter dorsal fin. It also has unusually elongated dorsal spine which is rigid, strong and long and has longer head. It has lesser number of lateral line scales and pre-dorsal scales. Its body is silvery, pectoral and anal fin greenish yellow and dorsal fin is light orange red.

Its ventral fin yellow while the caudal fin dusky and an inconspicuous dusky spot present on scales.

Habitat: found in small and shallow water channels. It is edible and can be utilised as ornamental fish.

Month: Current Affairs - July, 2015

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A Greek anarchist group is 'likely behind' a letter bomb that injured a secretary at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) offices in Paris, a Greek police source said.

French investigators told their Greek counterparts that the package was sent from Athens by a group called the Conspiracy of Fire Nuclei, the source added.

The far-left Greek group had earlier claimed responsibility for an explosive device, also sent from Greece, that was intercepted on Wednesday at the offices of German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble.

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Police outside the International Monetary Fund (IMF) building in Paris this morning, where an envelope bomb exploded in a staff member's face

The envelope bomb exploded in the face of a worker at the International Monetary Fund's Paris office this morning.

A female IMF secretary suffered head and hand injuries in the blast, and damage to her eardrum.

IMF chief Christine Lagarde has branded the attack a 'cowardly act of violence'.

IMF chief Christine Lagarde has branded the attack a 'cowardly act of violence'

Paris police chief Michel Cadot revealed that IMF staff have received a number of threatening calls in recent days.

France is currently in a state of emergency after a string of deadly Islamic extremist attacks over the past two years.

The explosive device 'exploded in the face of a member of the IMF's clerical staff', said a police source.

He said the employee suffered head and hand injuries and was receiving medical treatment.

French President Francois Hollande said authorities would do all they could to find those responsible for the attack.

The IMF office is situated close to the Arc de Triomphe in the heart of the French capital

A French Army soldier talks to a woman as soldiers arrive at the scene near the Paris offices of the International Monetary Fund (IMF)

A primitive device constructed around a firecracker, which had been sent in the post, is believed to have caused the explosion

The explosive device 'exploded in the face of a member of the IMF's clerical staff', said a police source

A primitive device constructed around a firecracker, which had been sent in the post, is believed to have caused the explosion.

Around 20 people were evacuated from the highly secure building as a 'matter of routine' but hundreds of others in other offices remained, said the source.

Police were searching the area where the device went off, and also the offices of the World Bank, which are in the same building as the IMF.

French police officers take position after letter bomb exploded at the French office of the International Monetary Fund

Police are investigating the explosion at the IMF building, which injured a female member of clerical staff

In a statement, Lagarde said: 'I have been informed about the explosion in the IMF's Paris office, which caused injuries to one of our staff.

'I have been in touch with the office, and my compassion goes to the colleagues there.

'I condemn this cowardly act of violence and reaffirm the IMF's resolve to continue our work in line with our mandate.

'We are working closely with the French authorities to investigate this incident and ensure the safety of our staff.'

A cordon was set up outside the IMF office after the homemade bomb, which was sent in the post

Police were searching the area where the device went off, and also the offices of the World Bank, which are in the same building as the IMF

Michel Cadot, the head of Paris police, said 'three people were present' when the explosion happened 'just before midday'.

He said the device 'was not a bomb', but a 'big firecracker' that had been turned into a homemade booby trap.

Mr Cadot said staff at the IMF in Paris had received 'menacing phone calls' over the past few days, but these were nothing out of the ordinary.

Staff at the IMF in Paris had received 'menacing phone calls' over the past few days, but these were nothing out of the ordinary

French President Francois Hollande said authorities would do all they could to find those responsible for the attack

As more police and fire crews arrived, a wider evacuation was ordered, as some 150 members of staff began to leave the building, which is close to the Arc de Triomphe.

The parcel containing the device was addressed to the Chief of the European Bureau of the IMF, but was opened by a secretarial assistant, said Mr Cadot.

He said that the assistant was 'being treated for injuries to the face and hand' but they were not life threatening.

It comes after Greek radicals this week claimed responsibility for a parcel bomb that was sent to Germany's finance minister, Wolfgang Schaeuble.

The explosion happened inside the IMF building in Paris, police have confirmed

French Police officers secure the scene near the Paris offices of the International Monetary Fund (IMF)

French Police officers arrive at the scene following the explosion at the IMF office in Paris this morning

The padded envelope had Italian postage stamps, but police were able to diffuse the device.

The Conspiracy of Fire Cell group said in a statement: 'We still have the rage. We sent the package to Germany's finance minister as part of the second act of the Nemesis Plan. Nothing is over, everything continues.'

Nine suspected members of the armed anarchist group are currently on trial at a court set up inside Korydallos prison, for their alleged role in bombings and other attacks.

The group has claimed responsibility for a spate of parcel bombings last November that targeted embassies and even reached the office of German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Police in Berlin said yesterday: 'The first investigation results show that the package contained a so-called explosives mixture, which is frequently used to produce pyrotechnics.

'It was designed to cause considerable injuries when the package was opened.'
Philip Hammond was meeting US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin in No11 today

Philip Hammond was attempting to get on with business as usual today despite his abject climbdown over the Budget tax raid.

The Chancellor put on a brave face and smiled for the cameras as he welcomed US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin for talks at 11 Downing Street.

The two men are due to discuss the Trump administration's economic plans - and potentially the prospects for an early Transatlantic trade deal after Brexit.

But despite the brave face, Mr Hammond is under intense pressure after his humiliating volte-face over hiking national insurance for the self-employed.

Relations with the PM have plunged to a new low after Theresa May forced Mr Hammond into dropping the key Budget measure.

Mrs May told the Chancellor his hike to Class 4 National Insurance, which smashed a Tory manifesto pledge, had to be scrapped at a tense 8am meeting yesterday.

Mr Hammond made the embarrassing announcement in a letter to MPs shortly before Mrs May took Prime Minister's Questions - easily fending off a weak response from Jeremy Corbyn.

It leaves him struggling to fill a 2billion hole in his spending plans, with warnings that workers face more austerity.

There is speculation he could opt to crack down on the use of 'service companies' by well-paid contractors, or cut back pensions relief for high earners.

The row has laid bare the growing friction between the holders of the two most important roles in government, with the PM taking the opportunity to stamp her authority.

Mrs May's aides are believed to have been particularly infuriated by briefing to Sunday papers from 'friends' of the Chancellor, complaining of 'economic illiteracy' in No10 and saying they had been pressing for the Budget to raise more money.

According to The Times, Mrs May's team warned the Treasury before the fateful package was announced that raising NI for the self-employed was a 'bad idea'.

The Chancellor put on a brave face as he greeted his counterpart despite the embarrassing volte face on hiking national insurance for the self-employed

The two men are expected to discuss the Trump administration's economic plans - and potentially the prospects for an early Transatlantic trade deal after Brexit

'No 10 said don't do it, but Philip wouldn't listen,' a ministerial source said.

The screeching U-turn has dealt a massive blow to the standing of the Chancellor, who previously held a reputation in Westminster as a safe pair of hands.

He is now facing questions about his future in the role.

Mr Hammond tried to shore up his position today by pleading for the public to keep 'faith' in him, saying the climbdown showed he could be 'trusted'.

After delivering his Budget a week ago, Mr Hammond was accused of lying and breaching the Tory manifesto by placing the 2billion tax raid at the heart of his Budget.

He appeared to confess to MPs yesterday that he had not realised there could be a conflict with the manifesto until he saw it mentioned by journalists.
The pregnant children's author who brutally killed her chronically ill housemate, looked up to her victim as a father figure and would refer to him as 'Daddy'.

Anna Horenshaw, 28, was sentenced to 17 years in jail on Thursday after she stabbed her 67-year-old roommate Zvonimir Petrovski in their apartment in Melbourne's north.

Horneshaw, who was 20 weeks pregnant at the time, stabbed Mr Petrovski 22 times with a large boning knife in November 2015.

Anna Horenshaw (pictured), 28, was sentenced to 17 years in jail on Thursday after she stabbed her roommate who is said to have been like a 'father figure' to her

The Supreme Court of Victoria heard how the pregnant Horneshaw had been drinking with Mr Petrovski and her partner Grant Brennan, in their flat on the night of the murder.

Complaining to her older housemate that he was not financially providing for her, as was promised, she became furious.

Demanding money for cigarettes, Mr Petrovski - who himself was an ailing alcoholic - began to take a few notes out of his wallet, when Horneshaw snatched them from him, according to 7 News.

Following her into the kitchen, Mr Petrovski asked on Horenshaw to give him his money back when she punched him in the head before stabbing him repeatedly on the floor.

Her rage was such that at one point she needed to apologise to neighbours for making a commotion.

Horneshaw had tried to pin the blame on an imaginary intruder before her partner confessed to what she had done.

Zvonimir Petrovski (pictured), 67, was fatally stabbed 22 times with a boning knife at his Melbourne home he shared with killer Anna Horneshaw in November 2015

Justice Jane Dixon described the two's relationship as one involving 'mutual affection and care but also frustration and dependency'.

Labelling the killing as 'completely unprovoked' Justice Dixon showed sympathy to Horneshaw who she said was bullied at school and suffered from mental health problems for much of her life, according to the ABC.

Horneshaw is the daughter of childrens author Mary K Pershall, and the two co-authored the popular tween book 'Two Weeks in Grade Six' ed the 2003 book Two Weeks in Grade Six.

She gave birth to her son last April while in custody, and he is now being cared for by relatives.

Justice Jane Dixon described the Horneshaw and Mr Petrovski's relationship as one involving 'mutual affection and care but also frustration and dependency'

In sentencing, Justice Dixon said Horneshaw had shown remorse for her actions, had a good chance of rehabilitation, and would have to bear the burden of not seeing her son grow up while behind bars.

But Donna Petrovska, Mr Petrovski's daughter, questioned whether that was enough. She said: 'Thirteen years. I don't know how to take that. Does my Dad deserve more?'

Speaking about her father's death, she added: ' I was thinking, what was going through your mind?

'Why couldn't you have just easily stepped out? Go for a walk or something? You didn't have to hurt him.'
Rupert Murdoch's bid to buy all of Sky will be sent to regulators for detailed probing, Karen Bradley confirmed today.

Ms Bradley told MPs submissions from 21st Century Fox and Sky had not ended her concerns over competition and broadcasting standards, prompting her to send out the bid.

Ofcom and the Competition and Markets Authority now have until May 16 to study the deal, including carrying out a 'fit and proper person test' on the Murdochs.

Mr Murdoch's Fox announced its 11.7billion bid to buy the 61 per cent of Sky it does not own in December.

The Culture Secretary has since been under acute pressure to send out the merger which is bitterly opposed by campaigners who believe Mr Murdoch has too much control over the UK media.

An earlier deal collapsed in 2010 in the aftermath of the phone hacking scandal.

Karen Bradley has confirmed Rupert Murdoch's bid to buy all of Sky will be sent out to regulators for investigations into broadcasting standards and media competition

Last week, Fox said it 'welcomes a thorough and thoughtful regulatory review' into its planned 11.7billion takeover of broadcaster Sky.

Ms Bradley said earlier this month she was likely to intervene but invited the two companies to send her written submissions on their plans.

Announcing her decision to MPs today, Ms Bradley said: 'While the representations from 21st Century Fox highlighted areas where it contested the position taken in my minded to letter, none of the representations have lead me to dismiss the concerns I have regarding the two public interest grounds I previously specified.

'I am of the view that it remains both important, given the issues raised, and wholly appropriate for me to seek comprehensive advice from Ofcom on these public interest considerations and from the CMA on jurisdiction issues.'

Ms Bradley's decision was welcomed by Labour deputy leader Tom Watson, who has led campaigns against Mr Murdoch.

He said: 'Can you confirm in your view the broadcasting standard ground for referral gives Ofcom the power to investigate any corporate governance issue affecting 21st Century Fox, including around the phone hacking scandal, any cover up of illegality at News International, the rehiring of people responsible for governance failures and on going sexual harassment claims in the United States?'

FOX BUYS SKY: WHAT HAPPENS NOW? The Culture Secretary today issued a public interest intervention notice (PIIN) over the Fox-Sky merger. The media regulators will now spend up to 40 days carrying out a public interest test on the proposed deal, including a review of whether the holder of the broadcast licence is a 'fit and proper person'. If it has concerns, Ms Bradley will have to ask Fox to address any issues, and decide whether to accept what they suggest. A rejected compromise would send the bid to the Competition and Markets Authority for full review, which could take up to six months. After their scrutiny, Ms Bradley will have 30 days to block, approve or approve the deal with conditions. The European Commission could also take a look at the deal on competition grounds. Assuming the deal passes again, it will eventually be put to a vote of Sky shareholders. Advertisement

Ms Bradley replied: 'Corporate governance is one of the issues I am referring the matter to Ofcom and therefore I would expect them to look at it.

'But clearly, it is an independent regulator. I have made the decision to refer to Ofcom but it is for Ofcom to decide what evidence they want to look at.

'They are open to look at whatever evidence they feel is appropriate.'

A 21st Century Fox spokesperson said it was keen to co-operate with the investigation and it was confident that the merger will be approved.

The spokesperson said: 'We are confident that a thorough review of our track record over 30 years will underscore our commitment to upholding high broadcast standards, and will demonstrate that the transaction will not result in there being insufficient plurality in the UK.

'The media market has changed dramatically in recent years, as has our business.

'We believe our proposed 11.7 billion investment will benefit the UK's creative industries.

'We look forward to continuing to work with all stakeholders and are confident that the transaction will be approved.'

A Sky spokesman said: 'Sky notes the announcement by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport regarding 21st Century Fox's proposal to acquire the shares in Sky that it does not already own.

'The Secretary of State has asked Ofcom to investigate whether such a takeover would raise public interest considerations in respect of media plurality and commitment to broadcasting standards. Ofcom is to submit a report by 16 May 2017.'

Rupert Murdoch's 21st Century Fox has said it 'welcomes a thorough and thoughtful regulatory review' into its planned 11.7 billion takeover of broadcaster Sky, the company said

Earlier this month Ms Bradley (pictured) warned Fox said she was likely to intervene to see if any one company would control too much of Britain's media

Former Labour leader Ed Miliband warned that if the takeover is allowed to go ahead, it will strengthen the Murdoch empire's already 'untrammelled power'.

He said: 'Many of us believe that if you look at the conduct of the Murdochs and the untrammelled power they already have, it is not in the public interest for them to take over Sky and have full control.'

WHAT WILL MURDOCH AND FOX OWN? In 2013, following the closure of the News of the World, the media mogul split his businesses and Fox then acquired the Sky stake. The New York-based company now owns a 39 per cent stake in Sky. Sky has 22million customers across five countries - the UK, Ireland, Germany, Italy and Austria. It has annual revenues of more than 11billion and is Europe's leading investment of television content. The company has a programming budget of 4.9billion. It paid 4.2billion for the rights to show Premier League football for three years from the 2016/17 season. It also has a deal with HBO - a huge network in the US - to exclusively show a number of television series, including Game of Thrones. Sky's revenues rose by seven per cent to nearly 12bn earlier this year. Advertisement

He also urged Ms Bradley to give Ofcom more time to consider if Mr Murdoch and his family are 'fit and proper' owners, if they ask for it.

Former Tory culture secretary John Whittingdale said: 'While it is clearly sensible to ask the regulator to examine this bid, will you recognise that this transaction represents an 11.7 billion investment by an international company into a British broadcaster, and as such is a fantastic vote of confidence that the UK will remain an international centre of broadcasting long after we leave the European Union?'

Ms Bradley agreed, saying it shows the UK is 'global Britain' and will remain 'open for business'

In its initial response to Ms Bradley last week, Fox said it did not believe the deal would result in 'insufficient plurality' in the UK media.

It said: '21CF welcomes a thorough and thoughtful regulatory review. We believe this transaction is in the interest of the UK, its creative economy and its consumers.

'For the past 30 years, 21CF and Sky have been broadcasters of good standing in the UK, a responsibility we take seriously.

'The UK has a thriving creative and media sector that is becoming increasingly more plural and we are confident that this transaction would not result in there being insufficient plurality in the UK.

'We will continue to work with all relevant regulatory authorities in assisting their reviews.'

In its submission to Ms Bradley, Fox took issue with what it said were serious flaws in the process that led to the minister saying she was 'minded' to refer the deal for a full investigation.

While Fox said it would welcome a thorough regulatory review, it questioned the government's analysis of Murdoch's influence on the media market.

The company claimed the circulation of his newspapers had fallen and they were now held in a separate company.

It also rejected any suggestion Fox had a weaker record than Sky when it came to broadcasting standards and said it had learnt from the mistakes made in the past.

In a letter, it said: 'Twenty First Century Fox takes compliance matters extremely seriously and is proud of the transformation of its corporate governance and of the arrangements it has put in place since that time.'

Fox said it would welcome a decision whether to refer the bid to regulators as soon as possible, adding it was prepared to begin working with the regulatory bodies at the earliest opportunity.
Senior officer: Colonel Oliver Lee - one of the few top brass to emerge with credit  resigned in protest at the treatment of Sgt Blackman and was blocked from giving evidence

Defence chiefs have been accused of silencing two key witnesses by blocking them from giving evidence at Marine A's court martial.

Colonel Oliver Lee - one of the few top brass to emerge with credit  resigned in protest at the treatment of Sgt Blackman.

He said he was 'actively prevented [from giving evidence] by attempts to silence me from within the Royal Marines'.

And Royal Marines Warrant Officer Stephen Moran, who served alongside Sgt Blackman on the tour of Helmand in 2011, claims he was told to stay out of it by his seniors when he telephoned Sgt Blackmans legal team.

He also said he was worried Sgt Blackman's unit was poorly led and lacked frontline discipline and yet was not contacted by investigators about the Marine A case.

Later their evidence would help secure the appeal that could see his fellow soldier released as early as next week.

Last night Colonel Lee said: It is a good day and a fair day. I am very pleased Sgt Blackman has now been dealt with justly.

Judges downgraded Alexander Blackman's conviction to manslaughter after accepting expert evidence he had combat stress. The sergeant  known as Marine A when he was jailed for life at his trial  said a huge weight had been lifted from his shoulders. He could walk free within days.

Family: Claire Blackman, wife of Sergeant Alexander Blackman, has fought for her husband to be released from prison and was cheered wildly as his murder conviction was quashed yesterday

Evidence: Royal Marines Warrant Officer Stephen Moran, who served with Sgt Blackman's regiment (shown here just before the Taliban fighter was killed in 2011) claims he was told to stay out of it by his seniors when he telephoned his legal team about poor discipline

More than 30,000 Daily Mail readers helped fund the 800,000 legal challenge that led to yesterday's triumph at the Court Martial Appeal Court in London. Sgt Blackman's loyal wife Claire beamed at the verdict.

Marine A's 'heroine' wife's message for her husband and his supporters An emotional Claire Blackman on justice for her husband Claire Blackman was cheered wildly outside court as she reacted to her husband's victory. Taxi drivers passing the Royal Courts of Justice also stopped and blared their horns during wild celebrations. Jonathan Goldberg QC called her 'the heroine of this occasion'. She said: 'We are delighted at the judges' decision to substitute manslaughter by diminished responsibility. 'This is a crucial decision and one that much better reflects the circumstances that my husband found himself in during that terrible tour of Afghanistan. 'We must now wait for the sentencing hearing and hope to secure a significant reduction in Al's sentence. 'We would like to thank our fantastic legal team of Jonathan Goldberg QC, Jeffrey Israel and Senghin Kong for their excellent work to date. 'We would also like to thank the tens of thousands of supporters, especially from the Royal Marines' family, who have stood behind us throughout and who have played such an important role in getting us to this point.' Advertisement

But there was a deafening silence from the military commanders who let Sgt Blackman down on the battlefield then hung him out to dry at his court martial.

The judges reduced his conviction to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility, saying he had been subjected to exceptional pressures in the lead-up to the incident.

He will face a new sentencing hearing in about a week, where his legal team will argue he should be freed immediately because of the three and half years he has served.

Mrs Blackman emerged from the court on the Strand yesterday to wild cheering. She was with Frederick Forsyth who, in a clear reference to top brass, called for the 'villains' who put Sgt Blackman in jail to be shamed. The Day of the Jackal author added: 'The fight is not over yet. We must free a man who has been put in jail who should never have been there.

'Then we must go after those people who wrongly and villainously put him there.'

Mrs Blackman said: 'Al and I cannot thank the Daily Mail and its readers enough. They helped us up when we were down, and without the thousands of readers who gave their support, we would never have reached this moment.'

Sgt Blackman was not in court for the hearing but he spoke to his wife by telephone afterwards. She said: 'Al said a huge weight had been lifted. That means so much to us. We can start to think about the future now.'

Her husband's QC, Jonathan Goldberg, said: 'The heroine, of course, is Claire Blackman. Without her indefatigable efforts to keep the flame alive on behalf of her husband and to get that debate in Parliament, which sparked the interest of the public and the Daily Mail, and which led directly to today's victory, none of this would have happened.'

He said the hero was Mr Forsyth, who 'knew a miscarriage of justice when he smelt one'.

Mr Goldberg added: 'In a long career as defence counsel, I recall few cases that were prosecuted as remorselessly as this one from first to last. And those ones involved dangerous criminals, not a hitherto exemplary British soldier driven way past his breaking point in an impossible war by hellish conditions and inadequate moral and material support.'

The judges delivered a withering ruling that smashed the notion that Sgt Blackman, 42, had conducted a 'cold-blooded execution' in September 2011. The insurgent he shot had already been mortally wounded trying to storm a British outpost in Helmand Province.

Support: Claire Blackman, wife of Sergeant Alexander Blackman, (centre) on the steps of The Royal Courts of Justice with her legal team and friends including Frederick Forsyth (centre right) and Jonathan Goldberg QC (far right)

Winners: Blackman's counsel, Jonathan Goldberg QC, introduced Mrs Blackman as the 'heroine' of the story while Frederick Forsyth says they must pursue the 'villains' who put him in jail

Led by Britain's most senior judge, Lord Chief Justice Lord Thomas, the panel hailed the sergeant as an 'exemplary soldier' who had acted entirely out of character.

MARINE A COMRADE: 'I'M GLAD AL DID IT' Royal Marines who were on patrol with Sergeant Alexander Blackman when he shot an Afghan insurgent have spoken of their respect for him. Anthropologist and filmmaker Chris Terrill was embedded with Blackman's unit and has tracked down some of the men who were with Blackman on the day he killed the Taliban fighter while on patrol in Afghanistan on September 15 2011. The programme examines pressures faced by the Royal Marines there on tour. Interviewees featured on the programme include Blackman's comrades, speaking for the first time about the six month tour that preceded the killing. Rob Driscoll, who fought alongside Blackman in Afghanistan, said: 'Were we feral? I don't really know what we were at the end, I think we were just shell-shocked if anything. 'I don't think feral is the right word it almost implies a disregard for authority, and there was no disregard for authority. 'We respected our HQ to a degree, as much as any other soldier would on a front line. After that repetitive exposure to violence and different cultures, I'd changed.' Speaking about the killing, he said: 'Everyone wanted that guy to be dead. I'm glad Al did what he did, because all my guys went home. 'And maybe just maybe if he hadn't of done that I'd have been going to a few more funerals or laying some more flowers on people's graves, for someone I have absolutely zilch respect for because he was trying to kill my friends and me.' Sam Deen, one of Blackman's junior comrades, said: 'I said I'd put one in his head. 'Few of the other lads said that as well, I do think he took the responsibility for the younger lads ... he just took it on his shoulders; he just thought it was his responsibility to do it. 'He didn't do it in cold blood - he did it so we could draw a line in the sand.' Advertisement

They accepted the unanimous evidence of three psychiatrists who all diagnosed an 'adjustment disorder'  a recognised mental illness  which muddled his mind. The disorder was caused by the 'quite exceptional' stresses and perils that Sgt Blackman and his men faced holding the front line at their remote base.

His ability to form a rational judgement and to exercise self-control on the day of the shooting were 'substantially impaired', said the judges.

They added: 'In our view, the adjustment disorder had put the appellant in the state of mind to kill'. They said the 'decision to kill was probably impulsive'.

Comrades of Sergeant Blackman told last night's BBC Panorama they were glad he shot the insurgent. Sam Deen, who was on the fateful patrol, said they had all wanted to do it.

Another said 'everyone wanted that guy dead'.

After Sgt Blackman was convicted in 2013, David Cameron described it as an 'appalling story' and said the case of a man who served six tours of duty in Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan 'in no way represents the incredible spirit, courage and history of the Royal Marines'.

Chancellor Philip Hammond  then defence secretary  vowed there would be no clemency.

But a Daily Mail investigation revealed vital evidence had been 'deliberately withheld' from the court martial.

The Ministry of Defence tried to sweep under the carpet an internal report that cast grave doubt on the murder conviction but it was leaked to the Daily Mail.

After yesterday's victory, Theresa May told the Commons the Government respected the judgment and would examine it 'very closely'.

Conservative MP Rebecca Pow demanded the Prime Minister ensure servicemen 'be treated with fairness and understanding and given adequate resources including for mental health support' in future.

The MoD said: 'We respect the court's decision and it would be inappropriate for us to comment further on it.'
Natalie Finn, 16, starved to death in a dirty diaper on the squalid floor of her adoptive parents' home in October

A teenage girl starved to death in a dirty adult diaper while lying on the filthy linoleum floor of her adoptive mother's cat-ridden house.

Natalie Finn, 16, died in October after being found by emergency services languishing on the floor at her home in West Des Moines, Iowa.

She was taken to hospital but died of cardiac arrest brought on by severe starvation.

Her adoptive mother, Nicole Finn, is charged with her murder and with abusing and neglecting her two adoptive siblings - a 14-year-old girl and a 15-year-old boy.

Her adoptive father Joseph, who lived in a separate home, faces charges for kidnapping, child endangerment and child neglect.

Natalie had been lying in her own waste for 'some time' when police found her in October, according to a police search warrant which was unsealed on Tuesday.

Her siblings were also underweight and had bedsores, according to police.

There was no furniture in their bedroom or in the bedrooms of her other adopted siblings and the house was overrun by cats and kittens whose feces were scattered everywhere.

'Many animals roamed freely, including well over a dozen kittens and cats,' one said in an arrest affidavit that was obtained by The Des Moines Register.

Nicole Finn, 42, is charged with the teenager's murder. Her ex- husband Joseph faces child endangerment and kidnapping charges

Blankets which were 'heavily soaked' in what was believed to be urine covered the floor of the room Natalie shared with two of her siblings.

'There were numerous kennels with dogs scattered inside the residence.'

Police say the woman kept the children inside the home against their will to be tortured and starved.

She nailed boards to the windows of the house to stop them from escaping when she learned they had been panhandling for food at a nearby grocery store, according to authorities.

They adopted the children together but later separated, and Joseph lived in a different home where they would visit him.

He told police after Natalie's death that they enjoyed being in his house more because they were given more to eat.

Natalie had been lying in her own waste for 'some time' when emergency services found her

Both of the girl's adoptive parents (above in court in December) are awaiting trial. They have not yet pleaded to the charges

Child protective services and police visited Nicole's house at least once before Natalie's death but nothing was done to remove the children.

A health worker who investigated the case was fired after the teenager's death.

Authorities visited the home in August, two months before Natalie's death, but said she was starving herself

They were called in to look in to the family after receiving reports from Natalie's school, Walnut Creek Campus, that she would come to class dirty and hungry.

Despite their concern and claims from neighbors that she used to ask them for food and clothes, she was allowed to carry on living in the home.

In August, police and child protective services visited the house and even noted that Natalie was wasting away but said in a report she was starving herself.

They said there was 'ample' food in the home.

The fired health worker told colleagues she believed there may have been cause for concern but nothing was done.

She said the other children told her they were scared of their adoptive mother but that there was not enough evidence to remove them from her care.

'What happened to not only Natalie but her siblings was preventable,' Senator Matt McCoy said on Wednesday once the documents were unsealed.

'It's a horrific situation and I feel heartbroken for Natalie and her siblings who were, in essence, sealed in that room and left to die.'

The teenager had repeatedly asked neighbors for food and clothing in the months before her death in her West Des Moines house, pictured here

http://www.kcci.com/article/search-warrant-reveals-new-details-in-natalie-finn-case/9137248




The Iraqi army is giving ISIS a taste of its own medicine by bombing them with shuttlecock grenades attached to drones.

The feathered tails, usually found on badminton courts across the world, are being attached to the grenades in order to keep them balanced when they fall to ensure a more accurate explosion.

ISIS had previously been using the tactic to drop bombs on coalition forces and civilians in Iraq, but after seeing their effectiveness, the weapons are now in the hands of their opposition.

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A member of the Iraqi forces carries two grenades carrying feathers, which are to be fired from a drone in the fight against Islamic State jihadists in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul

Two Iraqi soldiers prepare the drone on the street next to a heavily-armoured vehicle for the test flight

The feathers attached to the backs of the grenades help help the explosives fly more accurately

Terrorists have used small commercial drones to drop explosives on advancing Iraqi forces since they launched the offensive to retake Iraq's second city in October.

As the battle now focuses on recapturing west Mosul, Colonel Hussein Muayad's federal police forces have adopted the tactic, equipping their own remote-controlled surveillance drones with 40 mm grenades that are usually fired from grenade launchers.

'Residents would stare at the sky during the Mosul fighting, fearing IS drones,' Nuayad said.

'Now it's the enemy whose eyes never leave the sky.

'They used to hit us once. But we can hit them up to four times with a single drone.'

Members of the Iraqi forces fly a drone to spot positions of ISIS jihadists in the Iraqi city of Mosul

An Iraqi soldier carries cases of explosives ahead of a drone flight in Mosul, Iraq

Lieutenant General Raed Shaker Jawdat of the federal police - who are taking part in the battle alongside a special forces unit - says the new tactic has been very effective.

'Dozens of terrorists have been killed and wounded. Jihadist movements have been paralysed,' Jawdat says.

The weapons are oblong explosive devices tipped by small, rounded grenades with a pin near one end and a netted skirt taken from a badminton shuttlecock on the other.

'That's so it keeps its balance as it falls,' Muayad says.

Live footage from the drones can be screened back to the army's commanding officers for them to pinpoint their targets.

Footage of previous attacks show the grenades falling in slow motion on a group of fighters gathered in front of a mosque and another batch of explosives were dropped on a car.

'West Mosul is very populated. The roads are very narrow,' Muayad says.

'The point with these drones is to have very precise strikes to target the terrorists, not the residents.'

'Day and night, there are always 12 drones in the air, ready to strike.'

He refused to say exactly how many drones - which can each carry up to four grenades - the police operate.

A drone carrying two grenades flying in a test flight by Iraqi forces before it is used to bomb Islamic State fighters

The devices have been equipped with an extra battery to prolong their flight time and can now cover a distance of eight kilometres (five miles) up from less than five kilometres (three miles) before.

Inside a ravaged courtyard in a neighbourhood recently recaptured from the jihadists, Captain Baraa Mohammed Jassem from the Rapid Response Division said his elite interior ministry force has 'perfected' drones available commercially so they can drop explosives on the enemy.

'We took the... idea from the Daesh terrorist organisation,' he said, using an Arabic acronym for IS.

IS has carried out drone attacks throughout the Mosul operation, with the first record of a deadly attack coming a few days before drive was launched in October, killing two Iraqi Kurdish fighters and wounding two French special forces soldiers.

Over the past months, the jihadist group has posted footage online filmed by the cameras of its own remote-controlled drones of explosive devices being dropped on armoured vehicles and four-wheel-drive convoys.

Jassem says the new technique has been useful to Iraqi forces, particularly when they retook important public buildings earlier this month.

'With a night drone, we found and carried out a strike on a group of eight jihadists, hitting them directly,' he said.
A mother and father have appeared in court after being charged with the murder of toddler Baden Bond, who vanished from his family home a decade ago .

The 43-year-old mother from Woodridge, south of Brisbane, and the 49-year-old father, from Toormina on the NSW north coast, appeared briefly in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Friday morning charged with the murder of 22-month old Baden.

It is alleged the toddler was killed sometime between March 26 and May 17 2007 at Woodridge or elsewhere in the state of Queensland after he vanished from his family's Wagawn St home in Woodbridge, south of Brisbane, on March 27, 2007.

His family never reported him missing.

The mother and father were remanded in custody, their case adjourned to April 10.

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Baden Bond (pictured) was just 22-months-old when he was last seen, but would be 12-years-old if he was still alive today

The charges follow an a public appeal for information on Wednesday in a bid to solve the case and revealed it is likely the boy was murdered.

Baden was in the care of his parents when he disappeared.

The family then relocated to New South Wales six months later in August 2007.

But the child's disappearance only came to light nine years later in January 2016 when a magistrate hearing a case involving the family demanded to know where he was.

The boy's parents, who have a number of other children, told the magistrate that Baden had gone to live with relatives.

However, repeated attempts to find him failed.

Detective Inspector Damien Hansen said on Wednesday police had been unable to 'find any evidence of Baden existing' after March 2007.

Although Baden Bond (pictured) was last seen in 2007, his family never reported him missing

'We do know that he was alive on that date,' he told media.

'Someone out there must know what happened to a 22-month-old child.'

Det Insp Hansen said there was no record of the toddler attending any school or medical centre in the past 10 years.

He confirmed court proceedings surrounding the case had resulted in the investigation being returned to Queensland police last November, which led to the fresh appeal for information.

Baden's family had told investigators their son was being looked after by other family members and friends.

Homicide investigators searched the family home at 23 Wagawn Street, Woodridge in Queensland in 2016 where he was last seen

Inspector Hansen said there was no sign of the toddler enrolled in schools or any records of him attending medical appointments

'They've given us a number of versions but none of them have resulted in Baden being located,' Det Insp Hansen said.

Police also confirmed bones had been found in the backyard of the family's former Woodbridge home during a forensic search a year ago.

But Det Insp Hansen said he believed it would be another few months before the lab came back with the results about whether they were human bones.

Police would not confirm if Baden had ever been in the care of child services, but said the toddler had not been there since his disappearance.

Det Insp Hansen urged any former neighbours, friends or anyone who saw anything out of the ordinary at the property between March and August 2007 to call Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.
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The teenage son of a far-right French politician launched a gun attack on his own school today, wounding four people including the headmaster.

Kylian Barbey, 17, opened fire at the Alexis de Tocqueville lycee in the perfume town of Grasse, close to France's Mediterranean coast.

The gunman, armed with two revolvers, a hunting rifle and a backpack containing fake grenades, was arrested after the headteacher and three students were injured.

Head Herve Pizzinat and three pupils, two of whom were identified solely as Julie, 16, and Akram, 17.

Kylian Barbey, 17, opened fire at the Alexis de Tocqueville lycee in Grasse, injuring the headmaster and two pupils. He is the son of far-right French politician Franck Barbey, who tweeted: 'Heartfelt support for the director, the teachers, the staff, the pupils, and the parents of pupils.' Pictured right, Kylian Barbey pictured in a clown mask

Barbey is said to be obsessed by American high school shootings and had complained of bullying.

A frightening video on his Facebook page shows a man in a clown mask pointing a gun at the camera and pulling the trigger before holding it to his temple and doing the same.

The gun in the video was not loaded.

The last photo the suspected gunman posted on his Facebook page was of an eerie Gothic skeleton figure with long hair dressed in a black coat and walking with a pistol in one hand an an assault rifle in the other.

He made it his profile picture on Monday.

His cover photo on Facebook is a picture of the Joker - the Batman villain - with the caption 'give a man a mask and he'll become his true self'.

The suspected gunman changed his profile picture to this chilling photograph of a Gothic killer before going on a shooting spree

People embrace outside the school after a gunman, also suspected to be a student, opened fire at the headteacher

Firefighters carry a woman who appears to be grimacing in pain to the back of an emergency services vehicle in France

A member of special Police unit RAID outside the Tocqueville high school after a shooting incident injuring at least three people

Anti-terror police break into the school in Grasse, Southern France, shortly after the shooting

His Twitter feed only features four posts - all about the Nice terror attack in July last year when a 19-tonne cargo truck was Bastille Day on the Promenade des Anglais in Nice, France, resulting in the deaths of 86.

Najat Vallaud-Belkacem France's education minister, visited the school this evening and described a 'mad act by a young man who is fragile and fascinated by guns'.

The four victims were in hospital tonight with non-life threatening injuries, while ten others who were lightly hurt in the rush to escape were treated at the scene.

Mr Pizzinat was thought to have intervened in a dispute between Barbey and another student, with the three students hurt by ricocheting bullets.

The shooter's father Franck Barbey is an elected municipal councillor for the hard right Rally for France (RPF) party, which fights globalisation, European federalism, and immigration.

Its members, including Mr Barbey, have traditionaly allied themselves with Marine Le Pen's National Front.

However, during France's current presidential election campaign, Mr Barbey is supporting Francois Fillon, of the conservative Republicans party.

The two were pictured together last year.

Students react after a gunman went on a shooting spree in a high school in Grasse, southern France, Thursday, March 16, 2017

Special operations team officers heavily armed with rifles and riot gear after a 17-year-old pupil went on a killing spree

Students walk up a hill away from the site of the shooting directed by a man in a bulletproof vest as RAID officers stand by

Children are escorted away from their high school after an student started firing at a headteacher in Grasse, southern France

A policeman wearing a bulletproof vest stands near a firefighters vehicle on a road near the Tocqueville high school in the southern French town of Grasse

Anti-terror police broke into the building after the shooting spree which injured at least three people and all schools in the town around 25 miles west of Nice were locked down with officers patrolling the streets.

Five others were hurt in the rush to escape.

Mr Pizzinat was thought to be the main target, with the two students hurt by ricocheting bullets.

'It was total panic,' said a student identified as Achraf, who described his ordeal to the BFM TV channel.

'The gunshots were just four or five metres from where we were. We thought the gunman was coming towards us. We heard him shouting.

'I just know the gunman by sight. He was gentle and low-key, not a nasty guy.'

Schoolgirls wrapped in gold, foil blankets are escorted away from the school as a mob of journalists huddle behind them

Worried-looking students walk away from the school as police officers line the streets in the immediate aftermath of the shooting

A schoolgirl leaves her high school after an attack in a high school in Grasse, southern France, where three people were hurt

Anti-terror police make their way to the scene of the shooting in Grasse, Southern France

A French Policeman wearing a bulletproof controls traffic on a road near the Tocqueville high school

Paramedics see to students who were evacuated from the school in France where a gunmen opened fire

Police cordon off the area as people gather to view the nearby high school following the shooting

Armed French policemen wearing bulletproof jackets walk at the Tocqueville high school in the southern French town of Grasse

Police officers coordinate operations near the Tocqueville high school in Grasse, southwestern France

A picture from the scene where a gunman is said to have opened fire inside a French high school

The Alexis de Tocqueville high school in Grasse, France, where the gunman opened fire, injuring at least two people

A rose is carried near the site of the shooting Thursday afternoon as a woman smokes a cigarette among the crowd

Members of the Research and Intervention Brigade (BRI) patrol after an attack in a high school in Grasse, southern France

French police forces stand guard near the scene of a shooting at Lycee Alexis de Tocqueville school in Grasse

Fabienne Atzori, the Grasse prosecutor, said the assailant 'went into class to find a person. He could not find him to begin with but then opened fire. The head teacher bravely intervened and was among those wounded.'

Ms Atzori added that Barbey may have been motivated by' bad relations with other pupils, he had a lot of difficulties.'

Today's three victims, including the school headteacher Herve Pizzinat, were lightly injured.

The suspected gunman's father tweeted his support for Mr Pizzinat and the school in the immediate aftermath of the shooting spree.

He wrote: 'Wholeheartedly with the principal, teachers, staff, students and parent students at Tocqueville.'

Initially, there were fears the shooter might have an accomplice, and police were looking for him around the school grounds.

The first victim was also a student at the school, who alerted others to the presence of a shooter.

People stand outside a police security cordon as a French policeman walks near the Tocqueville high school

French Police officers control traffic near the Tocqueville high school in Grasse

An armed French Police officer controls traffic near the Tocqueville high school in Grasse, southwestern France

A student called Thomas told Nice Martin he saw the shooter gun down his headteacher and despite having shrapnel in his arm, he continued to try and calm the students down.

'He was incredibly cool,' Thomas said.

'I was too far away to hear what he was saying, but he remained calm even after being hit by a first shot.

'Despite the lead in the arm, he kept trying to bring him back to reason.'

Thomas said students were in floods of tears when they realised an attack was taking place and that he immediately recognised his schoolmate.

He told the French news outlet the gunman watched 'strange war videos'.

A second source said it appeared that two students had opened fire on the headmaster, who had been injured, adding that the suspects did not seem to be militants.

'One of the two was arrested and the second fled.

'There was panic and the students took refuge in the neighbouring supermarket,' said the source.

An eye-witness student in the school interviewed by France Inter radio said the students had heard a bang and taken cover under the tables.

'I went to close the windows and saw a guy who looked at me in the eyes.

'He seemed to be a student and not very big. He shot in the air and ran away,' the student said without giving his name.

Policemen stand near police vehicles in the southern French town of Grasse, on March 16, 2017

An armed French police officer controlling traffic after a gunman opened fire at a school

According to local journalist Soren Seelow, the gunman had researched The Columbine High School massacre - a school shooting that occurred on April 20, 1999, at Columbine High School in Columbine, Colorado.

As well as shooting and killing 12 students and one teacher, perpetrators Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold planted a fire bomb to divert firefighters.

Propane tanks converted to bombs were also placed in the cafeteria and 99 explosive devices and carbombs were also involved.

As well as the 12 victims, 21 were injured.

The pair subsequently committed suicide.

The French government issued a warning of a terrorist attack in the wake of the incident after the man in possession of several weapons fired at the headteacher.

It is understood the shooting was a targeted attack upon the headteacher, who in a statement welcoming students to the school said last year: 'Do not be afraid here - 850 pupils swim like fish in the waters of this establishment.'

He also said on the school's website: 'Parents and teachers alike, school, social and health care personnel are guidelines that guide the student in the stormy ocean of adolescence and try to avoid the reefs of incivility, the song of the sirens of absenteeism or the abyss of violence.'

People sit near the Tocqueville high school in the southern French town of Grasse after police locked the are down amid fears of a terror attack

Anti-terror police swarmed the school and arrived to warn neighbours to say indoors.

Despite the terror alert from the French government, Grasse town hall attempted to play down the situation saying terrorism was not a factor.

A spokeswoman told Le Dauphine: 'Two students shot at the headmaster.'

Minister Bernard Cazeneuve cut short a trip to the northern Somme area because of the Grasse shooting, as well as a letter bomb blast at the offices of the International Monetary Fund in Paris on Thursday.

Meanwhile, the education minister Najat Vallaud-Belkacem has said she is on her way to the site.

The incident comes with France in a state of emergency after several militants attacks over the last year.

It is less than six weeks away from a presidential election in which security and fears of terrorism are among key issues.

Grasse, where a gunman is said to have opened fire on a headteacher inside the school

An envelope bomb exploded in the face of a worker at the International Monetary Fund's Paris office this morning.

A female IMF secretary suffered head and hand injuries in the blast, and damage to her eardrum.

IMF chief Christine Lagarde has branded the attack a 'cowardly act of violence'.

Paris police chief Michel Cadot revealed that IMF staff have received a number of threatening calls in recent days.

It comes after Greek radicals this week claimed responsibility for a parcel bomb that was sent to Germany's finance minister, Wolfgang Schaeuble.

French police are investigating a possible link between the Greek group and today's attack in Paris.
A revealing new book that will detail the lives of President Donald Trump's three oldest children and provide a firsthand account of what the billionaire real estate scion is like behind closed doors has been set for release later this year.

Ivana Trump is set to share some never-before-heard tales in her new memoir 'Raising Trump,' which will be hitting bookshelves on September 12 and filled with inside scoop from Donald's first wife and the mother of Donald Jr., Ivanka and Eric.

The main focus of the book will be Ivana's children, and all three will be working with their mother to contribute their own memories to the memoir.

'Every day, people ask me how I raised such great kids. They are truly amazed when I tell them that there was no magic to their upbringing,' said Ivana in a statement.

'I was a tough and loving mother who taught them the value of a dollar, not to lie, cheat or steal, respect for others, and other life lessons that Ill share now in 'Raising Trump."'

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First wives club: Ivana Trump will be releasing her second memoir on September 12, 'Raising Trump' (above with Don Jr., Eric and Ivanka in October 2011)

The Donald: Ivana will writ about her marriage to Donald (left in 1982, right in 1987) in the memoir, which will be 'non-political' and 'non-partisan'

Family time: The book will be about 'motherhood, strength and resilience,' with most of the stories about Ivana's three children, Don Jr., Eric and Ivanka (Ivana and Donald with Ivanka and Eric at Mar-a-Lagoin 1998)

The memoir will span the course of Ivana's entire life, from growing up in Czechoslovakia and her escape from the communist regime to marrying Donald and working for the Trump Organization.

And while Ivana will write about how she raised two first sons and a first daughter with the man who is now commander-in-chief, the book promises to be non-political.

The memoir will also be non-partisan according to Gallery Books, who is publishing the work.

That comes as little surprise given that Ivana was a vocal supporter of her husband in his quest for the presidency, and predicted early last year that he would take the White House.

And those looking for stories critical of President Trump will likely have to look elsewhere due to the strict nondisclosure agreement Ivana signed while finalizing their divorce.

Bestseller: Ivana's first memoir 'The Best Is Yet To Come' was released in 1995 (above)

In 1992, President Trump sued Ivana for $25million for allegedly violating that agreement on multiple occasions, and listed her second novel 'Free to Love' as an example.

He stated in court papers that parts of the book were based on their marriage. Ivana responded by countersuing, and a year later the two parties reached an agreement.

Thee years later Ivana released her first memoir, 'The Best Is Yet to Come.'

Raising Trump will be about 'motherhood, strength and resilience' according to Gallery, who also published President Trump's recent book 'Crippled America,' whose title was later changed to 'Great Again.'

'As her former husband takes his place as the 45th President of the United States, his children have also been thrust into the media spotlight but it is Ivana who raised them and proudly instilled in them what she believes to be the most important life lessons: loyalty, honesty, integrity, and drive,' wrote Gallery in their release announcing the memoir.

Don Jr., Eric and Ivanka released a joint statement after their mother's project was announced, saying: 'We are immensely proud of our mother and excited for the publication of her new book, Raising Trump. She is an amazing mom, teacher and inspiration to all of us. We are incredibly grateful to have grown up in such a loving and close family.'

Chipping in: The three oldest Trump children will also contribute to the book, sharing their own memories from their lives (Eric, Ivanka, Donald and Don Jr. above in January)

Motherhood: 'I was a tough and loving mother who taught them the value of a dollar, not to lie, cheat or steal, respect for others,' said Ivana of raising her children (Don Jr. left in 2007, Ivanka right in early 90s)

Ivana was a 28-year-old model from Czechoslovakia in 1977 when she married Donald.

The couple went on to have three children before divorcing in 1992.

She was rumored to have gotten approximately $20million, their $15million estate and 49% ownership in Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach in their divorce.

She also reportedly receives $350,000 a year in alimony and was able to keep all her jewelry.

At the time there was also much talk about Donald's relationship with Georgia beauty queen Marla Maples, and rumors that Ivana had it out with the other woman on the ski slopes of Aspen.

Donald said around that time in an interview with Vanity Fair: 'To tell you the truth, Ive made Ivana a very popular woman. Ive made a lot of satellites. Hey, whether its Marla or Ivana. Marla can do any movie she wants to now. Ivana can do whatever she wants.'

Ivana told a much different story however to Liz Smith about the horrible impact the divorce was allegedly having on the couple's children.

'The children are all wrecks. I dont know how Donald can say they are great and fine,' said Ivana.

'Ivanka now comes home from school crying, "Mommy, does it mean Im not going to be Ivanka Trump anymore?" Little Eric asks me, "Is it true you are going away and not coming back?"'

Moving on: Ivana split from Donald due to his relationship with Marla Maples (right in 1994) and went on to marry twice more, including to Rossano Rubicondi (left with Ivana, Donald and Melania in 2002)

Grandma: Ivana posed with her son Don's three oldest children during her birthday last year (l to r: Donald III, Ivana, Kai and Tristan)

Marla also spoke about her relationship with Ivana in People last year, responding to Ivana's comments to DailyMail.com that she did not accept Marla's apology for her role in the breakup of her marriage to Trump.

'That makes me sad because I wish her nothing but love,' said Marla.

'I love her kids, and if she's holding any kind of resentment toward me, I really hope, for her sake, that she can forgive me.'

Maples also said of her time with Trump; 'If I had to do it over again, I would just live my life and not worry so much about what other people thought.

'I wish I had had more fun. Even during the crazy times, I wish Id laughed more.'

Ivana went on to get married two more times, first to Riccardo Mazzucchelli in 1995, a union that was dissolved after two years.

She was then married to Rossano Rubicondi in 2008, but that union lasted less than a year with the two divorcing in 2009, though they have been seen together many times since.

DailyMail.com revealed earlier this month that Rubicondi was opening a new pizza restaurant in West Palm Beach, just a few miles from Mar-a-Lago.
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U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley warned that the U.S. should take the Russian threat 'seriously' in her first interview since gaining the post.

'We cannot trust Russia, we should never trust Russia,' she told NBC's Matt Lauer in an interview for the Today show, which happened on the heels of the Justice Department's announcement it was charging Russian intelligence officials for the 2014 Yahoo hack.

Haley, however, noted that she didn't think much should be made of conversations between Russian Amb. Sergey Kislyak and President Trump's associates.

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U.N. Ambasador Nikki Haley sat down for an interview for the first time in her new post and talked about the U.S.'s relationship with Russia

Nikki Haley (right) told NBC's Matt Lauer (left) that, 'we should never trust Russia,' though she believed not much should be made of the Russian ambassador speaking to Trump associates

'I really don't,' she said. 'And I'll tell you why.'

'Because I've talked to him about it, and while they know of people, you've got to look at the fact that ambassadors' jobs are to talk to everyone, that's what I think we've seen the Russian ambassador do,' she continued.

'At the same time, he's never once told me not to slam Russia,' she said of her now boss, President Trump. 'He's not once told me to go and be nice to Russia. He's letting me do my job.'

Haley had always taken a more aggressive position against Russia than Trump, which she noted in the interview today.

'I think he's very open about working with everyone, he doesn't want to cut anyone off,' he said of the president.

'What he's allowed me to do is when I see something wrong I call them out on it, I will always do that, but at the same time, if I see an opportunity to work on something with them, like we do with ISIS and Daesh, we're going to do that,' she said.

Lauer wanted to know how the U.S. should proceed with Russia in light of the election hacking allegations.

'I don't think we want anybody meddling in our elections, that's why these investigations are going to matter,' Haley stated.

'We have to find out exactly how involved they were and we should never be OK with that,' the former South Carolina governor added.

'We we see the facts we absolutely should have some kind of action we take in response for it,' she said.

When Lauer asked her if she and the president were now seeing eye to eye on the Russian threat, she declined to go that far.

'Now, I would not say that,' she said. 'I'm not going to talk about where the president is because I don't know.'

'I have always made it clear from my confirmation to the words that I've said at the U.N. that I don't trust Russia,' she added.

Haley was additionally asked if she supported the president's travel ban, which has since been knocked down by two federal judges.

'Yes,' she replied. 'It's not a Muslim ban. I will never support a Muslim ban, I don't think we should ever ban anyone based on their religion.'

Last night a federal judge in Hawaii suggested plaintiffs would likely be successful in making a case that the ban represents an Establishment Clause violation, as the original intent of the order was to ban Muslims.

It's unconstitutional to discriminate based on religion.

Haley was asked about another hairy subject too, the president's so-far unproven claims that President Obama 'wire-tapped' Trump Tower in the run-up to the presidential election.

At first Haley said she wasn't going to comment 'on any of that,' but then added, 'He is our president Matt, and so what he does, faults and all, he's our president so I want him to be successful.'

During last year's GOP primary, Haley threw her weight behind Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, and then endorsed Sen. Ted Cruz after Rubio dropped out.

A week before the election she went on the record to say that she would be casting a vote for he party's nominee and then Trump tapped her for the U.N. job.

'When these tweets come out, do I look at them and say, "OK, where did that some from?" Yes,' she admitted to Lauer.

'But I don't pick up the phone and say, "What are you doing?" I just know that's who he is,' she added.
There were tantrums and tears among youngsters in rural areas yesterday after a popular children's TV channel was re-tuned so it's only available in cities.

The freeview channel Tiny Pop, which features programmes including Postman Pat, Miffy's Adventures and PJ Masks, has become loved by children of primary school age since it launched in 2003.

But parents in some parts of the country have hit out after a re-tuning meant they can no longer receive it.

Channel bosses were branded 'heartless' over the move, with some accusing them of 'penalising rural populations'.

Parents told of wailing children and angry tantrums after the children's channel Tiny Pop was re-tuned so it is only available around big cities

Youngsters were desperate after missing shows including Miffy's Adventures and Postman Pat

Chantal Claridge, a grandmother who lives near Swindon, Wiltshire, told MailOnline: 'My little granddaughter of four is so upset that she can no longer watch her favourite shows, which include PJ Masks. We live in the countryside and are again being penalised for not living in a city.'

Ms Claridge called on TV chiefs to reinstate the channel for the whole of the UK.

Mother Louise Turner, from Sudbury, Suffolk, said: 'I had a very upset five-year-old this morning and I'm dreading telling her I couldn't fix it while she was at school today.

'I've emailed Tiny Pop and had no response. I'm very annoyed they have done this.'

On Twitter, Nick Hoare wrote: 'Three-year-old in tears his favourite tv channel gone now... Bedtime routine out the window now.'

Chris Hurcombe posted: 'Retuned telly tonight as requested and now we have no Tiny Pop and one very upset daughter to try and explain it too... Thanks!!'

Mother Zoe L wrote: 'Thanks for ruining today. No more Tiny Pop after retuning.'

And Carol MacInnes tweeted: 'Where has Tinypop gone. Got a very unhappy 5yr old here?'

Furious parents took to Twitter to complain of the impact on youngsters who love the show

The channel's owners have not revealed how many homes have lost the channel following the re-tune.

But a statement on their website tells parents: 'As of March 15th Tiny Pop TV will move to Local Freeview which covers the major cities in the UK. If you are not in a city you might not be able to watch the channel.

'If after returning you can no longer receive Tiny Pop then our other children's channel POP is available across most of the UK.'

They said the decision to move to Local Freeview was made 'due to availability on National Freeview'.

A spokesman for Freeview said: 'The availability of a channel on the Freeview platform is down to the decision of the individual broadcaster, in this case CSC Media Group, a subsidiary of Sony Pictures Television.'

CSC Media have been contacted for comment.

Have you been affected by the re-tune? Ring MailOnline on 0203 615 2676 or email richard.spillett@mailonline.co.uk
The ex-boyfriend of Mischa Barton accused of secretly filming a 'revenge porn' sex tape of the actress is the son of Revenge of the Nerds screenwriter Steve Zacharias, DailyMail.com can reveal.

Jon Zacharias was named this week in bombshell court documents which showed Barton had taken out a restraining order against him and a second man she once dated called Adam Shaw.

The action was aimed at preventing either man from shopping the x-rated sex tape to the highest bidder or leaking it online.

No evidence has been presented to show that Zacharias or Shaw are behind the sale of the video but Barton has accused Zacharias of secretly filming their sex sessions during their relationship.

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Mischa Barton leaving her lawyer's office in Los Angeles, after it was revealed she had taken out restraining orders against two former boyfriends, one of them Jon Zacharias

According to paperwork filed at Los Angeles Superior Court, Barton says her ex recorded videos of 'me having sex with him, taking a shower, and took other naked pictures of me.'

She said all videos and photos were taken without her 'knowledge or permission', adding: 'Jon is trying to sell those tapes without my permission for $500,000.'

Now DailyMail.com has discovered that Zacharias is a 30-year-old technology and marketing expert from Illinois and the son of comedy-writing legend Steve Zacharias.

Steve co-wrote the screenplay for hit 1984 movie Revenge of the Nerds and also wrote episodes for hit shows Happy Days, The Partridge Family and All in the Family, where he won an Emmy for 'Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series'.

Revenge of the Nerds was a classic sex comedy in which the nerds plot their revenge against the jock fraternity boys who repeatedly humiliate them. The movie had three sequels.

In court documents Barton says she first met Zacharias in October last year and her lawyer says they only dated 'briefly'.

Barton says she didn't realize Zacharias was recording their 'intimate relations' and taking 'photos of me naked in the shower' until after they broke up. The actress says she split with Zacharias after she learned he was only interested in her because she was a celebrity

Barton has accused Zacharias of secretly filming their sex sessions during their relationship

On LinkedIn Zacharias describes himself as a freelance digital marketing, branding and search engine marketing expert

On Monday DailyMail.com exclusively revealed that an x-rated video showing the OC actress having sex with a dark haired man - now believed to be Zacharias - was being offered to the highest bidder with the starting price of $500,000.

The footage was being touted to online porn companies, with a number of porn industry giants considering the offer.

In the video Barton is seen wearing a grey hoodie and nothing else, having unglamorous sex on a double bed with the man who is wearing just a black t-shirt.

The explicit footage appears to have been shot on a bed with a distinctive leather and mirror-paneled headboard.

DailyMail.com has found a photo posted on Zacharias' Facebook page that shows the exact same headboard.

Zacharias snapped a selfie in his robe cuddling up with his pet poodle Mia in the same bed in July last year - just a few months before he met Barton.

Interestingly his Facebook profile says he lives in Los Angeles and has been in a relationship since October 10, 2015, although there's no sign of a regular girlfriend in his photo album.

His father Steve Zacharias is the screenwriter of pop classic Revenge of the Nerds. He also wrote episodes for hit shows Happy Days, The Partridge Family and All in the Family, where he won an Emmy for 'Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series'

Jon Zacharias describes himself a s a technology and marketing expert on Facebook. In the court documents Mischa says he's 'great with technology'

On Valentine's Day this year Zacharias posted another photo of him and his dog Mia, showing she's the only lady in his life at the moment.

Ironically, on his timeline in November last year - around the time he will have been dating Barton - Zacharias shared a post left by The Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center on his Facebook page.

The successful sexual assault and rape advocacy center carrying his family's name is in Illinois near to where his parents live.

According to his LinkedIn profile Zacharias did some pro-bono marketing work for the center in 2013, although it's not clear what connection the family has to the center.

His LinkedIn profile says he's a 'Freelance Digital Marketing, Branding and Search Engine Marketing Expert' and has a degree from the California Western School of Law.

One of his contacts says he's an 'SEO genius'.

On Facebook he says he's the Chief Marketing Officer for AlphaBiologica, a vitamin and supplements company.

He's also listed as the Chief marketing officer at Beverly Hills Temple of the Arts at the Saban Theater, as well as working for other firms.

The explicit footage appears to have been shot on a bed with a distinctive leather and mirror-paneled headboard. DailyMail.com has found a photo posted on Zacharias' Facebook page that shows the exact same headboard

Dad Steve, 69, and mom Marcia, also 69, have been married for 39 years and are from Highland Park, Illinois. They have three children.

Marcia is listed as a professional counselor and marriage and family therapist.

On Tuesday a judge signed off on temporary domestic violence restraining orders against a Zacharias and Adam Shaw.

Barton says she didn't realize Zacharias was recording their 'intimate relations' and taking 'photos of me naked in the shower' until after they broke up.

The actress says she split with Zacharias after she learned he was only interested in her because she was a celebrity.

She then began dating Shaw, a former friend of Zacharias, who told her that her ex had been bragging about the intimate material in his possession.

She goes on to say Shaw copied the photos and videos and tried to erase them from Zacharias' computer.

She said: 'Mr Zacharias is very technical, so I doubt that Mr Shaw was actually able to erase anything from Mr Zacharias' computer.'

Barton said her and Shaw eventually broke up recently when he, too, 'tried to take advantage of me and forged my signature on some checks. He was arrested.'

The Beautiful Life star claims both guys are desperate for money, and she believes one or both are responsible for shopping the sex tape.

She stated: 'The only two people who could have any sexually intimate photos or videos of me are Jon Zacharias and Adam Shaw. Each of them desperately need money. It is only a matter of hours before those videos and photos could be sold and published online without a court order preventing the sale.'

London-born Barton, 31, said she would be 'devastated' if the material were publish.

Mischa Barton gave an emotional statement Wednesday describing how her worst fear was realized when she learned a sex tape of her was being shopped around Hollywood

Ruling: This is the restraining order that Mischa Barton and her legal team filed on Tuesday

Jon Zacharias is named as the man who filmed Mischa Barton during sex and then allegedly tried to sell it.: Mischa describes what happened to her and Zacharias during their relationship

'It would hurt my career and I would be publicly embarrassed. The attempt to sell these videos or photos is nothing short of domestic violence in the form of revenge pornography and is being used to get back at me after the breakup of a relationship and to take advantage of my celebrity status - all without my permission, knowledge or consent.'

Earlier on Wednesday Barton gave an emotional statement at her lawyer's office describing how her worst fear was realized when she learned about the sex tape.

On Monday DailyMail.com revealed that Kevin Blatt, Hollywoods sex-tape broker, had been approached by a third party with the video.

He said: 'The tape is being shopped around porn valley, the asking price is $500,000.

'I know that at least three large online porn sites, YouPorn.com, Porn.com and RedTube.com have reviewed it and they're all seriously considering the offer.

'I've seen stills from the video, it's clearly Mischa in my opinion.

'She's seen performing a sex act on a guy and can be seen having sex in various positions.'

Attempt to reach Zacharias by DailyMail.com have been unsuccessful.
A registered sex offender with a history of pedophilia has been arrested and charged with strangling to death his 21-year-old girlfriend in Las Vegas.

Investigators say 38-year-old Robert Roginsky murdered Laura Guden inside their apartment in downtown Las Vegas shortly before 9pm last Thursday.

Police were summoned to the couple's home by concerned neighbors who heard screams coming from the apartment.

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Brutal end: Robert Roginsky, 38, (left), has been charged with murder in the strangulation death of his 21-year-old girlfriend, Laura Guden (right)

Responding officers forced their way inside and found Roginsky and an unresponsive Guden, who was pronounced dead at a the scene.

According to an arrest report, the 21-year-old victim was naked and had defensive injuries to both her hands, including broken fingernails, suggesting that she had fought for her life.

When questioned by police, Roginsky claimed that his girlfriend was a victim of a drug deal gone awry.

He told detectives that his girlfriend was raped and strangled by a drug dealer named David.

Roginsky said David and another man kidnapped him after the killing and took him to an unknown location, the Las Vegas Review Journal reported.

But at one point he admitted to choking her. Neighbors also told cops that they didn't see anyone come in or out of the property during the day.

During the interview, the 38-year-old suffered an unspecified medical episode and had to be hospitalized for treatment.

Roginsky was later booked into the Clark County Detention Center without bail on one count of open murder.

Court records indicate that the 38-year-old man is a Level 2 registered sex offender who served time in prison after being convicted in 2008 of lewdness with an 11-year-old.

She fought back: Police in Las Vegas found Guden, pictured left and right, lying naked inside her home on the night of March 10, with defensive injuries to her hands

Changing story: When questioned by police, Roginsky claimed Guden was a victim of a drug deal gone awry, but at one point he admitted to choking her

Roginsky was sentenced to 10 years but was released on parole in 2011 after serving only four years.

In 2014, he was convicted of violating the conditions of his supervised release by launching an online business under a fake name, Robert Bailey

Convicted pedophile: Roginsky, pictured in a previous mugshot, is a Level 2 registered sex offender who served time in prison after being convicted in 2008 (mugshot above) of lewdness with an 11-year-old

Roginsky pleaded guilty in that case and was again given probation.

Laura Guden's sister told the station KLAS their family did not know about Robert Roginsky's criminal past, and Laura herself also may have been in the dark about it.

According to a GoFundMe campaign launched by Laura Guden's grieving mother, her murder comes just two months after the death of her beloved brother, Michael Guden.

Lauras sister Agna paid tribute to her slain sibling on Facebook on Tuesday, writing: I hope wherever you are there are a bunch of kittens waiting for you<3 I love you and wish I had the chance to tell you that more often.

Her close friend Rob Siklok Bastian, a Las Vegas DJ and club promoter, had a strong message for Lauras accused killer: I hope that you live the rest of your life incarcerated thinking about all the damage you've done, reported News 3 LV.

Laura Guden's sister said their family did not know about Roginsky's criminal past, and the 21-year-old also may have been in the dark about it

Second tragedy: Guden's violent murder comes just two months after the death of her beloved brother, Michael Guden (pictured together)

Video courtesy of KTNV-TV
Stuart Railton, 54, fell to his death from a fourth floor flat while reportedly urinating from the balcony after a night out

A former police worker plummeted to his death from a fourth floor flat while reportedly urinating from the balcony after a night out.

Stuart Railton, 54, returned to his apartment after visiting his favourite karaoke bar in Udon Thani, northern Thailand, in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

The former accountant for the Lancashire Constabulary is believed to have lost his balance while trying to urinate and plunged over the railing of the balcony, which was littered with empty beer bottles. .

Security guards at the 'Top Mansion' apartment block heard a loud thud after he plunged from his room. His body was found at 4.45am local time.

Police searched the room and discovered empty beer bottles, two bottles of 'unknown medicine' and a pool of urine on the balcony.

Security guard Pichit Burawad, 44, said: 'We heard a loud noise and thought a signboard had fallen off.

'On the ground of the parking area, we found the body of a foreigner.'

Forensic officers found Stuart in a pool of blood while police who checked the room said there was no sign of a struggle.

They said he suffered a fractured skull, neck, and left arm.

Mr Railton had moved to the country a year ago after leaving Lancashire Constabulary, according to his Linkedin profile

He had returned to his apartment after visiting his favourite karaoke bar in Udon Thani, northern Thailand, in the early hours of Wednesday morning (pictured, the balcony he fell from)

Pol Lt Ginyotin Sapsin, from Mueang Udon Thani Provincial Police Station, said that they had questioned staff who told them that Stuart regularly visited the karaoke bar.

Pol Lt Ginyotin Sapsin, from Mueang Udon Thani Provincial Police Station, said that they had questioned staff who told them that Stuart regularly visited the karaoke bar.

He added: 'On the day of the incident, Mr Railton came back alone from the bar at around 03:20 and went up to his room as usual.

'We inspected room 420 on the fourth floor where Mr Railton had been staying.

'We believe that the deceased was drunk and fell while he was urinating on or from the balcony.'

Police (pictured) searched the room and discovered empty beer bottles, two bottles of 'unknown medicine' and a pool of urine on the balcony

Pol Lt Ginyotin said that two bottles of the unknown medicine collected from the fridge had been taken for examination.

He added: 'We're going to send the bottles to the lab to determine what kind of medicine it contains.'

Stuart describes himself as an accountant who worked in various finance departments at Lancashire Constabulary between November 1998 and December 2015.

He wrote on LinkedIn that he was 'seeking permanent or contract work in Thailand' and he had previously taken 'voluntary redundancy'.
The spirit of Spring Break is alive and well on the freeways of Miami, Florida.

Bizarre footage has emerged showing a young woman twerking on top a moving car as it speeds off into the sunset.

The scantily-clad woman seems completely unfazed by the passing cars or the fact that she's only a slip away from a potentially deadly fall onto the MacArthur Causeway.

At one point she even manages to go hands free, lifting her arms up to her hair before coming back down to grip the roof of the car.

The video was first posted on Twitter by filmmaker Billy Corben, who had it passed along to him by a friend.

Corben said: 'For anyone who thought that twerking had its moment and now it's gone, that is clearly not the case.

'As social media has taught us, twerking is forever; it is a timeless tradition.'

In a daring moment the women lifts up her hands and balances herself on the roof of the car

The video has clearly captured the imagination of would-be-twerkers and Floridians alike. It's been viewed nearly 1.2 million time since it was uploaded on March 13.

Florida Highway Patrol spokeswoman Lieutenant Yosdany Veloz told Miami New Times that they have 'no record' of the incident.

The bizarre incident has been viewed nearly 1.2 million times online

Perhaps fellow motorists were too wide-eyed in disbelief to phone the police.

Miami has been inundated with thousands of college students on Spring Break over the last week.
The incredible moment a woman escaped from the trunk of a car while she was being 'kidnapped' has been captured on camera.

The 25-year-old woman, who has not been named, told police she was forced into the trunk of her own car after being approached near her apartment by a man with a gun about 10:30pm on Tuesday in Birmingham, Alabama.

The suspect allegedly demanded money from the woman, however when she did not hand any over the attacker took her cell phone and wallet instead.

Video of her daring escape was shot at the Gas Land petrol station, where the driver had briefly pulled in to stop.

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The incredible moment a woman escaped from the trunk of a car (pictured) while she was allegedly being kidnapped has been captured on camera

Security footage shows the driver walking inside the gas station and using an ATM, before returning to the kidnapped woman's black Nissan Altima.

As the car pulls out of the station, the trunk is seen being pushed open before the woman desperately flings herself out to safety.

She slams down onto the concrete, before quickly getting up and rushing inside the gas station.

After getting inside, the 25-year-old frantically runs up to a worker, who then allows her behind the counter where she crouches down to hide.

Video started by showing the kidnapping suspect getting out of his alleged victim's car (left), before going inside a gas station to try to use an ATM (right)

Footage then showed the car driving out of the gas station parking lot (left), and just seconds later the 25-year-old woman was seen jumping from the trunk (right)

Another staff member is then seen picking up a phone to call the police.

Later in the footage the victim is seen hiding in what appears to be a storage room.

The gas station's owner, Yosef Alsabah, told Alabama.com he told the suspect to leave when he was having trouble with the ATM because he was trying to withdraw too much money.

'He was not right... there was something going on with him,' Alsabah said.

'He looked like he had a pistol in his pocket - I kept an eye on him.'

The 25-year-old woman was seen hitting the concrete (left) after jumping from the car, before getting up and running towards the gas station (right)

After getting up off the ground (left), she charged to the gas station and raced through the door to safety (right)

Birmingham Police released this image of the suspect in the shocking kidnapping

He then explained what happened after seeing the woman jump out of the trunk.

'I got her inside and locked the door, then called the police,' Alsabah told the website.

Footage showed that while the woman was hiding in the store room, she grabbed the gas station owner's shotgun to protect herself in case the 'attacker' came inside.

Birmingham Police released an image of the suspect on Wednesday and asked people to help officers track him down.

The 25-year-old suffered minor injuries during her escape.

The woman then ran inside and spoke to a worker (left), who allowed her to hide behind the counter. Another staff member was then seen calling police (right)
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Bizarre sweets from the past 250 years will go on show alongside some modern favourites to mark the anniversary of one of Britain's biggest confectioners.

The history of Terry's will be unveiled at York's Chocolate Story museum in North Yorkshire, with the public able to see a selection of the most interesting's products in the firms history.

These include opium-based throat sweets, theatre chocolates with 'rustle-free paper' and other 'tasty' treats that included ingredients such as mercury, leading to the firm producing cards warning their products were 'poison'.

Terry's of York was set up in 1767 by partners William Bayldon and Robert Berry and began by selling lozenges, comfits and other simple sweets.

They were then joined by Joseph Terry in the 19th Century, who had experience working with sugared pastilles and pills, taking the firm in a new direction.

It has gone on to produce iconic treats such as the Chocolate Orange, Neapolitan, Spartan and Waifa.

Jenni Shepherd, exhibition coordinator, said: 'It has been such a joy putting together the exhibition. As well as collecting wonderful objects I have also had the opportunity to talk to so many people who worked at Terry's.

'The company has a fascinating history, from chemists to confectioners, but the stories from the factories themselves and the pride of the people who worked there is what makes the company so interesting. These unique tales and memories are what ensures that Terry's will always have a legacy in the city of York.'

The exhibition also reveals some of the secrets of the firm over the years, such as how wasted stock would often be sold to local farms to feed livestock, while the factory room where Terry's All Gold was produced was painted entirely in the colour, even the ceiling.

250 Years of Terry's begins tomorrow and runs at York's Chocolate Story until December 31.

The history of UK chocolate brand Terry's will be unveiled at a new exhibition in Yorkshire until the end of the year. The firm is celebrating its 250th anniversary this year and York's Chocolate Story museum is giving the public a chance to look back at some old favourites and some of its more bizarre products. Pictured is exhibition coordinator Jenni Shephard with some of Terry's luxury chocolates

Perhaps the most famous of Terry's products is the Chocolate Orange, first created in 1932 at the firm's factory in York. The exhibiton features a look back at the history of the confectionery, including its many different versions such as white chocolate, mint flavour and the Chocolate Orange bar, pictured. Since the Terry's factory in York closed in 2005, the Chocolate Orange has been produced in Poland

Many people will visit the exhibit to catch a glimpse of some of Terry's more rare offerings, such as the Musk Lozenges, pictured. They began being produced as medicines for sore throats because the special gum used to make them was believed to be an old cough cure when mixed with rose water and sugar. Terry's and other confectioners produced musk lozenges until the 1920s, although they replaced perfume ingredient musk, obtained from deer, with an artificial substitute

Terry's Whipped Cream Walnuts were a rival to the famous Nestle Walnut Whip brand decades ago but could not keep up with the popularity of its competitor and have since vanished from shop shelves

Although the Chocolate Orange, pictured bottom, is the company's most famous brand, it was actually preceded by Terry's Dessert Chocolate Apple, pictured top, which was released in 1926, six years before Chocolate Oranges hit the shelves. Only one would go on to become popular, however. Also pictured is a Terry's Spartan Barrell, part of the firm's dark chocolate range

Another of Terry's famous brands to last the test of time is the All Gold boxes, it's best-selling assorted chocolates. It is believed to have first been produced at the Yorkshire factory in 1931 and contain a variety of milk chocolates of different styles and flavours

Another favourite selection box and an alternative to the All Gold range was Terry's Spartan Hard Centres, pictured, a range of dark chocolates which have since been discontinued

Terry's was founded in York in 1767 by William Bayldon and Robert Berry and was initially named Bayldon and Berry Confectionery. The company name changed after scientist and chemist Joseph Terry became involved in 1823, taking over from Mr Bayldon when he retired after marrying the niece of Mr Berry. Pictured is the firm's shop in St Helen's Square, York, during the 1910s

Using the skills he learnt as a chemist, Joseph Terry developed new lines of chocolate, confectionery, sugared sweets, candied peel, marmalade, and medicated lozenges, such as this pack of linseed, licorice and chlorodyne lozenges, pictured. The latter ingredient is actually a combination of chloroform and morphine that was used as a painkiller

In the 1800s packaging was a lot more practical and less flashy as the sweets were advertised for their primary use as 'throat protectors' in 'damp, foggy or cold weather'. This poster is just one of many from the past two centuries that shows the huge changes in advertising in the confectionery industry over the years, with the long-forgotten Cyclists Refreshers sweets, right, an example of how they became more colourful and eye-catching

As well as some rare sweets and chocolates produced over the years, the exhibition also focuses on the most popular brands created by Terry's before it was bought by Kraft Foods in 1993. They include Waifa, which were similar to Kit Kats, Neapolitans - individually wrapped chocolates of different flavours, and assorted pastilles that were a specialty of Joseph Terry

Perhaps the biggest impact Terry's has had is on Yorkshire itself, with the company employing tens of thousands of workers at its shops and factory between the 1700s and 2005, when its Chocolate Works headquarters was closed by Kraft. Pictured are some of the staff in the 1960s enjoying some Terry's treats on a break from work

The iconic Chocolate Works, pictured from above, first opened in 1926 and was branded 'the home of good chocolate'. It was briefly taken over during the Second World War by the Government to produce propeller blades for aircraft but quickly returned to confectionery once the war ended. Its iconic clock tower stood out in York until its eventual closure in 2005, when 300 jobs were lost

Pictured is the packing room at the Chocolate Works in the 1930s, where dozens of women were employed to load the confectionery into their specially designed boxes and wrappers. These included special 'theatre sweets' that were designed with 'rustle-free' paper so as not to disturb audiences

By the 1960s, the products Terry's was putting out were beginning to change, with post-war rationing and limited imports of cocoa meaning the firm had to stop producing its Chocolate Apple in order to focus on the more popular All Gold and Chocolate Orange brands. Pictured are workers putting together selection boxes in the packing room in the 1960s

By the 20th Century mass production was in full flow at Terry's, with conveyor belts such as this one pictured able to send hundreds of sweets down the line to be packed away constantly. The site itself is now set to be redeveloped into a mix of houses and offices

Hundreds of people were employed at the Chocolate works and by the mid 20th Century there was as much need for office workers, pictured, as there was for staff working directly with the products

The majority of workers in the factory were women, pictured here in the Chocolate Works canteen sometime in the early 20th Century. Tens of thousands of local people were employed in the factory from when it opened in 1926 to when it closed in 2005 and it provided a huge boost to the economy

One of the more quirky moments in Terry's history were the 'poison warning cards', pictured, the firm was forced to put in with some of its sweets and lozenges following the 1908 Pure Food Act. Some products contained mercury and thus could be dangerous if consumed, meaning Terry's had to flag up to consumers just exactly what they were putting in their mouths. Pictured is Ms Shepherd with the cards

Pictured left is a Terry's factory worker in the late 20th Century sorting through sweets to go into selection boxes. Pictured right is another of the more rare examples of Terry's products - the Orchid Cachou which were sweets similar to lovehearts, only smaller, and flavoured with orange water
A Dallas postal worker was fired after being accused of dumping 'hundreds' of letters in the woods.

The letter carrier, who hasn't been identified, also faces potential criminal charges.

On Monday, Don Sutton, who lives nearby, found the letters strewn on the ground.

Sutton told CBS that he went to pick up what he though was trash when he discovered that it was actually mail that never made it to the homes of local residents.

A Dallas postal worker was fired after being accused of dumping dozens of letters (pictured) in the woods. The letter carrier, who hasn't been identified, also faces potential criminal charges

On Monday, Don Sutton (pictured), who lives nearby, found the letters strewn on the ground. Sutton said he went to pick up what he though was trash when he discovered that it was actually mail that never made it to the homes of local residents

Sutton said there were 'hundreds' of letters that 'didn't just fall, it stuck together'. He then called authorities and the next day, postal inspectors arrived to gather the letters

'It was dumped right through here all the way to the bottom,' Sutton said as he pointed to a wooded area.

Sutton told the station that there were 'hundreds' of letters that 'didn't just fall, it stuck together'.

He called authorities and the next day, postal inspectors arrived to gather the letters.

Sutton said he saw a mail truck parked across the street on his surveillance camera before he discovered the mail.

Postal service investigators were able to identify the letter carrier using the footage.

A spokesman with the postal service's Inspector General's office confirmed to CBS that the employee no longer works there.

Sutton said some of the letters were addressed to residents on Perryton Drive, about three miles away, according to the station.

Victims have been notified of their missing mail and will soon get their letters delivered to their homes. It's unclear if the letter carrier will face criminal charges.

Postal inspectors (pictured) arrived at the scene and began putting the letters in bags. Investigators said the mail is being processed and will be delivered to its rightful owners
Furious Nicola Sturgeon let rip at 'undemocratic' Theresa May today after the PM made clear she will ignore demands for a fresh independence vote before Brexit.

The First Minister accused Mrs May of 'untenable' behaviour and 'running scared' of the electorate as the bitter war of words between the two leaders escalated again.

The clash erupted when Mrs May took to the airwaves to warn Mrs Sturgeon that 'now is not the time' to push for a ballot on breaking up the UK.

She insisted Scots had to know what Brexit looked like before another referendum could even be contemplated.

In a coordinated attack by ministers, the government then went further by stating that it will not even enter negotiations about the timing of a vote until after we leave the EU in 2019.

Theresa May insisted 'now is not the time' for a second Scottish independence referendum in an interview with ITV news today

Four polls this week have delivered serious blows to Nicola Sturgeon's ambition of Scotland becoming independent

Mrs May's stinging rebuke, in a pooled broadcast interview, comes after Miss Sturgeon dramatically hardened her threats about a referendum on Monday, insisting Scotland must be given a choice about its future.

She called for a ballot to be held between Autumn next year and the following spring. But that would be before the two year Brexit process is complete - a prospect that is completely unacceptable to Downing Street.

The Westminster government has the power to prevent a binding poll being held.

But rather than blocking it outright - which ministers fear would just fuel nationalist sentiment - Mrs May is deploying more subtle tactics to kick it into the long grass.

As she prepares to embark on potentially fraught talks with Brussels, Mrs May told the First Minister that they should be 'working together, not pulling apart'.

'We should be working together, not pulling apart. Now is not the time,' she said.

Miss Sturgeon hit back by warning any block on a referendum would be 'untenable, undemocratic and totally unsustainable'.

Speaking at First Minister's questions in Holyrood, she said: 'If on Wednesday next week this Parliament votes for an independence referendum to give the people of Scotland a choice over the future of their future - will the Conservatives block the will of this Parliament? Or are the Conservatives running scared?'

In an interview later with BBC Scotland, Miss Sturgeon said: 'This is like winding the clock back to the bad old days of Margaret Thatcher.

'It is an argument for independence really in a nutshell, that Westminster thinks it has got the democratically elected mandate of the Scottish Government and the majority in the Scottish Parliament.

'History may look back on today and see it as the day the fate of the union was sealed.'

Miss Sturgeon responded to the PM on Twitter today saying it would be 'undemocratic' to block a referendum happening

The First Minister has already suffered a series of setbacks in her campaign to tear up the UK.

An array of surveys have shown there is still a solid majority in Scotland in favour of remaining in the union - and people do not want a ballot staged before Brexit happens.

Meanwhile, Spain has flatly dismissed the prospect of Scotland being allowed to keep EU membership if it breaks away.

A confident Prime Minister, boosted today by news that the historic Brexit Bill has gained Royal Assent and became law, swiped at Miss Sturgeon for manufacturing a row about Brexit to further her independence ambitions.

She said 'all our energies should be focused on our negotiations with the EU about our future relationship'.

'To be talking about an independence referendum will make it more difficult for us to be able to get the right deal for Scotland, and the right deal for the UK,' she said.

Nicola Sturgeon, seen at the Scottish Parliament today, caused a storm this week by declaring her determination to hold a second referendum as early as Autumn next year

Miss Sturgeon is facing a coordinated attack from the government to fend off her demands for an early vote on independence

'And more than that, I think it wouldn't be fair to the people of Scotland because they're being asked to make a crucial decision without all the necessary information - without knowing what the future partnership would be, or what the alternative of an independent Scotland would look like.'

She added: 'This union we have is very precious. We've been joined together for over 300 years. We've had a great history together - I believe we have a great future together.

STURGEON MUST ASK SCOTS PARLIAMENT BEFORE GOING TO UK GOVERNMENT There is a strict process that needs to be followed to hold a binding referendum: The First Minister must first get the consent of the Scottish Parliament. While she does not have an overall majority, this will be straightforward. In 2014, this was followed by a written agreement between London and Edinburgh known as the 'Edinburgh Agreement', setting the terms for the referendum taking place. Westminster must then give permission as constitutional reform is not devolved to Scotland. This means a 'section 30' order must be agreed in Parliament under the Scotland Act. If powers are passed to Holyrood, the Scottish Parliament will pass a law setting out the rules of the referendum - including the date, question and franchise. Advertisement

'Together, we should put our energies into making sure we get the right deal for Scotland and for the whole of the UK.'

In a coordinated attack on the SNP position, Scottish Secretary David Mundell and Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson held a news conference in Edinburgh later.

Mr Mundell delivered the bluntest rejection yet of Miss Sturgeon's demands, making clear that even if the Scottish Parliament approves a call for a referendum, the Westminster government will refuse to pass the Section 30 order needed to stage a binding vote.

'This argument isn't about mandates, it's about holding a referendum on established criteria which were set on in the Edinburgh Agreement,' he said.

'That established that a referendum must be legal, fair and decisive.

'The proposal brought forward is not fair, people will not be able to make an informed choice.

'Neither is there public or political support for such a referendum.

'Therefore we will not be entering into discussions or negotiations about a section 30 agreement and any request at this time will be declined.'

Speaker John Bercow announced that the Brexit Bill had received Royal Assent - formally becoming an Act of Parliament - in the Commons this morning

Miss Sturgeon fired back with an official statement of her own.

She said: 'If the Prime Minister refuses to engage on the terms of a referendum before Brexit takes place then she is effectively trying to block the people of Scotland having a choice over their future. That would be a democratic outrage.

'It is for the Scottish Parliament  not Downing Street  to determine the timing of a referendum, and the decision of the Scottish Parliament must be respected.

'It would be outrageous for the Scottish Parliament to be frozen out of the process.'

Posting on Twitter, Miss Sturgeon insisted she only wanted a referendum when the terms of Brexit are clear and 'before it is too late to choose an alternative path'.

'If the Tories refuse to do so, they would effectively be blocking Scotland's right to choose when the Brexit terms (are) clear.

'This would be undemocratic given @scotgov (the Scottish Government's) clear mandate and also proof positive that the Tories fear the verdict of the Scottish people.'

The Queen, pictured visiting a museum in Chelsea today, has given Royal Assent to the Brexit Bill, paving the way for our divorce from the EU

Research for the Scottish Daily Mail suggested 53 per cent want to stay in the union once you exclude those yet to decide. By a margin of 46 per cent to 41 per cent people oppose Mrs Sturgeon's call for a referendum to be held before the divorce process from the EU is complete.

A YouGov poll for The Times put the majority against independence even higher at 57-43.

ComRes research for the Sun found just 25 per cent of Scots thought the country should be fully independent, against 58 per cent who thought it should not and 17 per cent who were not sure.

Meanwhile, the huge annual Scottish Social Attitudes Survey included evidence of a sharp rise in Euroscepticism.

Two thirds of the public north of the border would want Brussels to have reduced powers or for the UK to leave the EU completely, according to the research.

The last referendum in 2014 - which the SNP said would settle the issue for a 'generation' - delivered a 55 per cent majority for staying the UK, equivalent to two million votes.

SNP sources have been trying to play down reports that Miss Sturgeon will downscale her ambitions to Scotland joining the European Free Trade Association if it becomes independent.

Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein are all in that group, giving them access to the single market.

But they have to comply with rules imposed by Brussels and have no real input into legislation which is drawn up in the Belgian capital.

Earlier today, history was made after theQueen gave Royal Assent to the Brexit Bill - clearing the way for Mrs May to trigger the divorce from Brussels.

Speaker John Bercow told the Commons that the monarch has formally signed off the European Union (Notification of Withdrawal) Bill.

But although the PM now has the powers to invoke the two-year Article 50 process for leaving the Brussels club, she has indicated she will wait until the end of the month to do so.
Phillip Cullen, 57, pictured outside Bristol Magistrates Court today, is accused of six offences relating to Large Blue butterflies

A collector went to protected sites to capture specimens of Britain's rarest butterfly which he killed and then kept at his home, a court heard today.

Phillip Cullen is accused of six offences relating to Large Blue butterflies, which are endangered globally.

The 57-year-old defendant from Bristol was allegedly seen climbing over a locked gate with a net at Collard Hill, near Street, Somerset, in June 2015.

Conservation volunteers are said to have watched Cullen chasing and swiping at a Large Blue (Maculinea arion) butterfly with the net before leaving the site with white plastic bags hours later.

Cullen also clambered over a gate into Daneway Banks near Cirencester in Gloucestershire on the same day, Bristol Magistrates' Court was told.

He was approached by a volunteer after being seen with a net and claimed he was interested in parasitic wasps.

The court heard Large Blue butterflies were found at Cullen's home in Cadbury Heath, Bristol, in February last year.

Prosecutor Kevin Withey told the court: 'It is an offence to capture, kill or possess that butterfly because it is a protected species in the UK.

'The Large Blue became extinct in around 1979 and was reintroduced in the 1980s.

'It was reintroduced to two areas locally, the Collard Hill nature reserve and another location near Cirencester.'

It is an offence to capture, kill or possess the Large Blue butterfly (file picture) because it is a protected species in the UK, the court heard

Mr Withey said witnesses saw Cullen with a small net and a video camera at both sites on June 18.

A warrant was executed at Cullen's home months later and officers found a large number of butterflies, including Large Blues, it is alleged.

'It is critical to the case that some of those butterflies were labelled by the defendant,' Mr Withey said. 'One is labelled CH18 and one is labelled DB18.'

Mr Withey said these referred to Collard Hill and Daneway Banks and the date the butterflies were captured, June 18.

In interviews, Cullen claimed the labels were in relation to the colours of the butterflies - cobalt hue and dark blue.

The court heard butterflies are never labelled in this manner.

UK's rarest butterfly The Large Blue is the largest and rarest of blue butterflies and has a row of black spots on its upper forewing. It spends most of the year within the nests of red ants, where the larvae feed on ant grubs. The globally-endangered species has always been rare in Britain but became extinct in 1979. In 2004, it occurred on nine sites in the country, following a major conservation programme. Advertisement

Neil Hulme, of the Butterfly Conservation charity, was at Collard Hill on June 18 and saw Cullen and another man arrive at 1am.

He told the court he watched the two men climb over a locked gate with plastic bags appearing to contain glass jars and a net.

'I knew that to be carrying a net or to be catching anything would require a permit,' Mr Hulme said.

'I saw him [Cullen] clearly chasing for a distance of 15 to 20 metres what I knew to be a Large Blue. I saw him take two swipes at it but I don't think they were successful.'

Mr Hulme took photographs of the man and later reported his behaviour to superiors at Butterfly Conservation.

When asked about people who collect Large Blue butterflies, he replied: 'It is probably really a small hardcore of people.

'It is not something which is widespread but people involved are usually quite determined in their efforts.'

The court heard the net Cullen was holding was smaller than a typical butterfly net.

'It would be very easy to catch a Large Blue in a net like that without any damage,' Mr Hulme said.

Mark Greaves, a volunteer for Butterfly Conservation, saw Cullen and another man at Daneway Banks on June 18.

He told the court the Large Blue is a native British butterfly of which numbers began to decline from the 1800s.

Large Blue butterflies were found at Cullen's home in Bristol in February 2016, the court heard

However, a reintroduction plan was started after the butterfly became extinct in the UK, using stock from Sweden.

Mr Greaves said there is a secondary market for Large Blue butterflies mocked up to look like 'old Victorian species'.

These can fetch between 200 and 300 each. The enthusiast approached Mr Cullen after spotting him with a net on the site.

'He said he was interested in parasitic wasps but he hadn't seen one,' he said. 'There are very few people who are interested in parasitic wasps.'

After leaving the site, Mr Greaves saw Cullen and the other man in a nearby lay by, looking in their white plastic bags. Cullen denies six charges, relating to two Large Blue butterflies.

Geoffrey Martin, of the Natural History Museum, said there were up to 30 trays of butterflies at Cullen's home.

The court heard that Cullen was linked to an eBay account with the username biker205.

In interview, Cullen admitted selling butterflies at auction, including those from Britain.

He said he bought butterflies from farms in Europe, set and pinned them in cases and then sold them at auction.

In court today, Cullen said he had not caught or killed any Large Blue butterflies on June 18 but had done so 'decades' earlier.

'I went out to catch butterflies and I am not sure when and where and that's the truth,' he said.

He insisted he went to Collard Hill to film the Large Blue and to collect parasitic wasps, which he had been interested in for about four years.

Cullen said he and his friend, Andrew Carter, climbed into the site as it was the quickest way in.

He admitted taking a small net but said this was only on a "scrubby field" and not the main parts of the site.

When asked if he had used it to catch Large Blue butterflies, he replied: 'Absolutely not'.

Cullen told the court he had purchased the Large Blue butterflies found at his home from abroad.

'The majority came from France, they were bought,' he said. 'I bought them in a big case of butterflies.'

He confirmed that CH referred to 'cobalt hue' and DB to 'dark blue', adding that 18 referred to the size of a butterfly's wingspan as it lands.

The trial continues.
The owner of a popular California sushi restaurant landed himself in hot water after accusing Hispanics of being bad tippers on Facebook.

In a now-deleted Facebook post, Roll One for Mi owner Steve Wayte said: 'My servers are thinking about building a wall around the restaurant.

'Why don't many Hispanics tip? Really? Zero, Ziltch, Nada.'

Wayte made the comment after staff complained that their Hispanic customers did not leave enough gratuity on Friday night.

Roll One for Mi owner Steve Wayte faced massive backlash from his comments criticizing Hispanic customers for not tipping on a Facebook post. Wayte later apologized for his 'lack of judgment'

Wayte made the remark after his staff allegedly complained that their Hispanic customers did not leave enough gratuity on Friday night

But his comments quickly caused a stir after Fresno County Supervisor Henry Perea tweeted a screen grab of the post and urged the community to boycott.

'NE Fresno Business wants to build a wall because Hispanic customer does not tip. let's build an Economic Wall around this establishment,' Perea said in a tweet.

The Facebook post prompted such huge backlash that Wayte had to bring in security into the sushi restaurant.

Video courtesy of FOX 26

The owner said a woman called at least eight times in response to his comments and asked him if he served Mexicans, the Star-Telegram reported.

He also received calls from angry customers threatening to protest outside of the eatery on Tuesday.

Wayte brought security into the restaurant located on East Champlain Drive following the threats

Former Fresno County Supervisor Henry Perea called for the community to build an 'economic wall' around the restaurant

Perea, a former mayoral candidate, (pictured) said that Wayte 'indicted the entire Hispanic community,' and felt the need to speak up after people sent him screen grabs of the owner's Facebook post

Wayte eventually apologized for his remarks saying he hoped the community would forgive him for his lack of judgment.

'There was no malice in my heart and I was just defending my staff that works hard to put a quality product and good service,' Wayte told Fox 26.

'This was nothing against the Hispanic community.'

But Perea told the news station that Wayte 'indicted the entire Hispanic community.' The former county supervisor said he felt the need to speak up after people began to send him screen grabs of Wayte's post.

'We have the opportunity to flex economic muscle. When we speak through our pocketbook, people will listen,' he said.

However, the restaurateur said he felt hurt by the idea that someone such as Perea would choose to damage him economically.

'I've done nothing to Henry Perea. It was a joke,' he said.

Chef at Roll One for Mi Carlos Rucker said he expected the comments to draw criticism, but said there is some truth to what Wayte said.

As a son of Mexican immigrants he said: 'Sometimes reality is hard to take in. Some Hispanics are very bad at tipping. It may a cultural thing. Not a personal thing.'

Wayte has since deleted his Facebook account following the controversy, and said the scandal has even affected his teenage daughter who received comments about her father being a racist.
PC Ian Clarke, 48 (pictured outside court), has been jailed for five years for raping his victim while his wife slept nearby

An 'arrogant' policeman who thought he was irresistible raped a woman as his wife slept in a room nearby.

PC Ian Clarke, 48, walked naked into his victim's room while she was sleeping and raped her.

Fifteen minutes later, he rejoined his sleeping wife - herself a detective constable - in bed.

Mold Crown Court heard how the father-of-one, a police officer working in the major crimes unit of North Wales Police, had a 'disrespectful and dismissive' attitude to woman, as well as an 'overblown sense of self importance'.

The PC, who had also served in Afghanistan with the Territorial Army, denied the rape, had claimed the sex was a consensual 'drunken dalliance'.

But he was convicted last month after failing to show an 'ounce of remorse' for the crime.

The court heard that he even complained about being made to feel unwelcome in his force - which he joined in 2013 - following the allegations.

Clarke, from Mold, Flintshire, has now been jailed for five years.

Passing sentence, Rhys Rowlands said Clarke had shown 'a complete lack of any moral compass whatsoever'.

'This was appalling behaviour on your part,' he added.

'At the trial you portrayed yourself as being the victim, suggesting this was a drunken dalliance and you simply regretted cheating on your wife who was also asleep in the room nearby.

'This was drunken risk-taking borne out of an inflated sense of your own worth, out of sheer arrogance.'

He added that he was a man with a 'high opinion of himself, in complete contrast with your victim and your wife'.

'Jail will be particularly difficult for you because of the nature of the offence and your occupation as a police officer,' he added.

During the trial, the court heard how Clarke and another man had exchanged 'immature, laddish and disrespectful' text messages.

He had also trawled dating sites behind his wife's back.

Jurors were told how Clarke thought the victim - who had consumed alcohol - would be 'up for it' and believed she would welcome his advances as she would be 'unable to resist him'.

Bob Sastry, mitigating, said the defendant still denied raping the woman and had now lost his job, marriage and freedom and also had been ostracised by his community.

He added: 'Clearly, Mr Clarke's life is now in tatters.'

Clarke, who showed no reaction as he was sent down, was also ordered to sign the sex offenders register indefinitely.

He was told he cannot work with vulnerable adults or children on his release from prison.
A handcuffed prisoner who escaped from a transport vehicle in Ohio led police on a high-speed chase in a stolen car before he was finally captured in Pennsylvania.

Wesley Massey, 34, was being transported to Pennsylvania by a private company on Wednesday night when he fled and stole a car from a rental facility.

Police spotted the vehicle on Interstate 90, and chased after Massey, who was driving at speeds exceeding 100mph until he was finally stopped with the help of spike strips.

Wesley Massey, 34, who was jailed last year for charging $42,000 to his company credit card, was being transported from Ohio to Pennsylvania when he escaped and fled

Massey, of Meadville, Pennsylvania, faces eight additional charges including fleeing the police and receiving stolen property, the Erie Times News reported.

The 34-year-old was jailed in February 2016 after he allegedly spent about $42,000 on a company credit card to pay for a Corvette along with jewelry, massages, and a Carnival Cruise for two.

He was also charged with weapons and forgery in an unrelated case.

On Wednesday night, Massey was being transported from Ohio to Pennsylvania when the Cleveland Police Department issued an alert that he had escaped around 11pm.

Massey was driving a Volkswagen Passat stolen from a rental facility near Cleveland Hopkins International Airport and was spotted on Interstate 90 at 1.50am just two miles away from crossing the Ohio state border.

Police managed to stop Massey before he sped off at speeds greater than 100mph.

The chase finally ended after police in Albion, Pennsylvania, managed to stop the 34-year-old with the help of spike strips.

Massey led police on a high speed chase until he was stopped with spike strips. He is now being held in Erie County Prison, where he faces eight additional charges

Massey, along with his wife Courtney N. Massey, were jailed on felony charges after the chief financial officer of Power Drives Inc. alerted police that he had failed to show up to work.

Massey was accused of charging the company credit card more than $42,000 in unauthorized purchases.

He later wrote a forged check for $10,890 to the Crawford County Clerk of Courts, which led to an investigation that found Massey was carrying an unlicensed handgun in his car, which had a license plate from another vehicle, police said.

Massey was then charged with additional weapons and forgery felonies.

He is now in custody at Erie County Prison, with bond set at $200,000.
Sir Roger Gale insisted he and his wife offered constituents a 'Rolls Royce service' but trended on Twitter after making the reference to 'girls'

A veteran Tory MP has been accused of 'sexism' after referring to his staff as 'girls' while defending keeping his wife on the payroll.

Sir Roger Gale insisted he and his wife offered constituents a 'Rolls Royce service' but trended on Twitter after making the reference to 'girls'.

The Thanet North MP said his office was run by a 'team' and slammed a decision by the expenses regulator to ban the employment of family members in future.

Sir Roger told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme his wife worked up to 60 hours a week, often working weekends and starting work at 7am most mornings.

'She is utterly dedicated to her job as indeed are the other girls in my office but they don't work in the same way and the same hours.'

'I know if I am away on parliamentary business - and I am quite often away these days because I have to be because of my responsibilities not just in the United Kingdom but in Europe as well - Suzy will deal with all sorts of things. She knows what I think, she knows what I will say, she knows what I want done.

'She will go and visit constituents if they are in distress, as indeed will the other girls, I have to say.'

Twitter user Georgia Evans said she was 'highly irritated' by the MPs words.

Charlie Snow said: 'Roger Gale employs "girls" at the taxpayers' expense. Can he not find any grown ups?'

Lisa Fleisher said: 'Whoa. On BBC Radio 4, MP Sir Roger Gale refers to the women who work in his constituency office as ''the girls.''

'What is this, the 1960s?'

Twitter user Georgia Evans said she was 'highly irritated' by the MPs words, which saw the Thanet North MP trend on Twitter

Lisa Fleisher said: 'Whoa. On BBC Radio 4, MP Sir Roger Gale refers to the women who work in his constituency office as ''the girls.''

Charlie Snow said: 'Roger Gale employs "girls" at the taxpayers' expense. Can he not find any grown ups?'

Cecilia Farren branded the MP 'pompous' and said: 'Roger Gale's praise of his wife and his 'team of girls' did not do him favours and gave me a sore throat yelling.'

Karen Wespieser said: '[Sir Roger Gale MP, I don't care if you employ your well qualified wife but calling your office staff 'girls' is downright offensive.'

Cecilia Farren branded the MP 'pompous' and said: 'Roger Gale's praise of his wife and his 'team of girls' did not do him favours and gave me a sore throat yelling.'

Karen Wespieser said: '[Sir Roger Gale MP, I don't care if you employ your well qualified wife but calling your office staff 'girls' is downright offensive.'

IPSA, the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, announced yesterday it would ban the recruitment of relatives from after the next election.

The new rules state that no new 'connected parties' can be taken on in politicians' offices.

IPSA, the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, announced yesterday it would ban the recruitment of relatives by MPs from after the next election

But the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (Ipsa) said it will not force MPs to sack individuals who are currently working for them.

The move will cause fury among MPs who say that their relatives are willing to work much longer hours than they could ask of other staff.

Many believe the practice helps them maintain a family life amid the long hours and pressures of Westminster.

It comes despite Ipsa previously having repeatedly refused calls - including from the Committee on Standards in Public Life - to change its long-standing support for MPs employing relatives.
A young commuter wept in court as she told how she desperately tried in vain to save the life of a baby on a bus as the mother sat 'relaxed' while holding her mobile phone.

The parents of 16-week-old Imani Wiltshire are on trial at the Old Bailey accused of murdering their daughter then trying to cover it up by staging her death in public.

Rosalin Baker, 25, was given the 'thumbs-up' by her boyfriend Jeffrey Wiltshire, 52, as she boarded a double decker with their baby in a sling on the morning of September 28 last year, the court heard.

Rosalin Baker, 25, is on trial at the Old Bailey accused of murdering her 16-week-old daughter, Imani

Baker was given the 'thumbs-up' by her boyfriend Jeffrey Wiltshire, 52, as she boarded a bus with their baby in a sling on the morning of September 28 last year. Pictured, a court sketch of the pair

It wasn't until mid-way through her journey to Ilford on the number 25, in Stratford Town Centre, that Baker raised the alarm that something was wrong with the child.

Imani, who had been born prematurely at 28 weeks, was rushed to hospital, but she had already died from a fractured skull and brain injuries caused by her being thrown against the floor or a wall, jurors heard.

She had also suffered a fractured wrist as a result of her arm being pulled or twisted, and at least 40 rib fractures, allegedly caused by her chest being squeezed as the her tiny body was shaken, the court heard.

Fjoralba Shmitz was listening to music on her earphones as she got on the bus and sat down on the lower deck behind Baker on her way to work.

She became aware of the mother when she gestured to her to come over while talking on her mobile phone.

Ms Shmitz said: 'I believe she was on the phone. She said "there's something wrong with my baby".

'I saw the baby's face. I touched her left cheek. It was cold. I straight away tried to take the baby out of the sling.

'I took the baby and I laid her down on the bus seat. The baby was not breathing. I tried to help but I didn't manage to do so. The baby had lips that were cold.'

Fjoralba Shmitz was listening to music on her earphones as she got on the number 25 and sat down on the lower deck behind Baker on her way to work

Ms Shmitz, who gave evidence via an Italian interpreter, said the child's eyes were closed and she had a blue bruise under one eye.

Weeping, she went on: 'I became distressed because the baby was there not moving. The mother was sitting there and did not have any reaction.

'At a certain point, I took the child in my arms. I went up to the bus driver and asked him to call the police and the ambulance.

'I thought that the baby was dead. I took the baby back to the bus seat and a lady - a think she was Spanish - started praying.

'I think someone spoke to the ambulance but I was in so much shock that I cannot remember.'

Prosecutor Duncan Atkinson QC asked: 'During the process of first you and others trying to help the baby, what was the lady you thought was the mother doing?'

The witness replied: 'She did not have any reaction. She was not crying, she was not shouting, she was not speaking and there were other passengers on the bus too who were asking if it was my son.'

Baker is on trial at the Old Bailey accused of murdering her daughter then trying to cover it up by staging her death in public

Cross examining, Icah Peart QC said: 'This is obviously a very shocking and distressing episode for you, but right from the very start, is it correct that the mother of the child appeared to be completely detached from what was happening to her child?'

Ms Shmitz replied: 'A detached person does not stay on the phone in her hand when her daughter is not being well. I believe when I was sitting down and she made a sign, she was on the phone to someone, so I don't know. As far as I'm concerned, she seemed very relaxed.'

Paramedic Anthony Steadman said that in 18 years on the job, he had never seen a parent react the way Baker had their dead or dying child.

He told the court: 'The mother said the baby had been crying some 10 minutes before, but the jaw was stiff and her tongue was blue. She appeared to have been dead for sometime.

'The mother displayed no emotion, there were no questions asked. But before we transported her she wanted to swap her mobile phone with her sister.

'She was very vocal. She wasn't prepared to leave until she had done that. I had never seen that reaction from a parent before - she lacked emotion and appeared to be disengaged from what was happening.

'From my impression, she seemed cold - the only emotion she showed was when we said we were going to leave the scene. Then she was very vocal until she had swapped her mobile phone with her sister.'

Paramedics reported that Imani had been very cold when they reached her, and it had been very difficult to intubate her because rigor mortis had set in.

Paramedic Lyndon Ashurst described Baker as 'quiet': 'She was very quiet - which was a little bit unusual. She wasn't really interacting with us.

'The mum seemed disengaged. She wasn't behaving like someone normally would as far as you would expect as far as when their baby was unwell.'

Prosecutor Duncan Atkinson QC said: 'The injuries after Imani had died, when inflicted, would have caused Imani very significant pain and distress.

'Yet in that last week neither parent sought to get Imani immediate medical help, or to prevent the later incidents of violence from occurring.'

Baker and Wiltshire were both arrested on the afternoon of 28 September after doctors raised concerns about their baby's injuries.

Mr Atkinson said they each lied to police and denied Wiltshire was Imani's father.

They also denied they had been together in the period before their baby's death and the night before, jurors heard.

But the prosecutor said: 'These defendants are the only realistic candidates for having caused the injuries from which Imani died.

'If they were not both responsible for the infliction of injury, at least one of them failed to intervene when the other did.'

The couple, of Newham, east London, deny murder and causing or allowing the death of their child.

The trial continues.
A Christian pastor working in a Sierra Leone mine has found a 706-carat diamond, which could be the tenth largest ever found.

The precious stone was found by Emmanuel Momoh, who was working in the Kono region, in the east of the country.

It will be sold in Sierra Leone in a 'transparent' bidding process to benefit the country, according to a government statement.

Christian pastor Emmanuel Momoh found a 706-carat diamond in a mine in Kono, Sierra Leone, which could be the tenth largest ever found (pictured)

It read: 'A 706-carat diamond was presented to President Dr Ernest Bai Koroma yesterday evening.

'Receiving the diamond President Koroma thanked the chief and his people for not smuggling the diamond out of the country.'

Diamond expert Paul Zimnisky said it could be 'between the 10th and 15th largest gem-diamonds ever recovered' and such a find is very rare in a small mine.

The diamond was found in a smaller, or artisan, mine, which diamond expert Paul Zimnisky said rarely find gems of this size and quality

The precious gem will be sold in a 'transparent' bidding process and is believed that it will likely leave the country once it is bought (file photo)

He said: 'Most recent exceptional diamond discoveries have been made by large commercial miners that mine very large volumes of kimberlite ore and process it with advanced equipment.

'Artisanal mining tends to produce smaller, lower quality diamonds because the diamonds suffer breakage and erosion.'

Zimnisky said the stone would likely be sold outside Sierra Leone, despite the government's assertion, for better access to buyers.

Without a professional assessment of the diamond's potential flaws and colouring it is impossible to value the stone.

However, a polished stone cut from the Jonker, which is the 10th largest gem-diamond ever recovered until now at 726 carats, will go on sale in Hong Kong in May.

A single 25-carat portion is likely to sell for $2.2 million to $3.6 million (1.78 million to 2.75 million), or $88,000 to $144,000 for a single carat, Zimnisky said.

A single 25-carat portion is likely to sell for $2.2 million to $3.6 million or 1.78 million to 2.75 million. Diamond expert Paul Zimnisky said that it is impossible to put a value on the diamond at this point (file photo)

A 1,111-carat diamond was discovered at a mine in Botswana in 2015, the biggest find for more than a century.

That gem is second in size only to the Cullinan diamond which was unearthed in South Africa in 1905, at 3,106 carats uncut, according to the Cape Town Diamond Museum.

The Cullinan was cut into several gems, including two set into the sceptre and crown of the British Crown Jewels.

Historically, Sierra Leone has had a controversial role in the diamond industry.

The precious stone was presented to President Dr Ernest Bai Koroma yesterday evening. Sierra Leone used to be associated with 'blood diamonds', which helped finance wars in Africa in the 1990s (file photo)

The sale of 'blood diamonds' helped finance civil wars across Africa in the 1990s and often funded military dictatorships on a continent that the London Diamond Bourse estimates provides 65 percent of the world's diamonds.

Rebels allowed traders to exploit diamond mines and ship the gems abroad via Liberia.

In one of the most notorious cases, former Liberian warlord Charles Taylor was found guilty of supporting the rebels in exchange for diamonds mined by slave labour.

The diamond was found in the same area as where US-Belgian businessman Michel Desaedeleer was accused of enslavement and diamond trafficking (file photo)

The district where the 706-carat diamond was discovered is where US-Belgian businessman Michel Desaedeleer, accused of enslavement and diamond trafficking during Sierra Leone's civil war, is alleged to have committed his crimes.

He died in jail in September before he could stand trial.

The death toll from Sierra Leone's civil war is estimated at 120,000.

The country has a population of roughly six million people, making it one of Africa's deadliest conflicts in recent history.
A man who kidnapped his estranged wife and held her captive for two days may have been planning her murder, according to a creepy note he wrote to their five kids.

Trevor Summers, 39, kidnapped his wife Alisa, 37, over the weekend and told their kids that he was taking her on a trip 'to the islands'.

But the next two days were anything but a vacation for Mrs Summers, who was tied up and gagged as her husband tried to hire a charter boat from Florida to an unknown destination.

Police rescued the 37-year-old mother and arrested her husband on Monday, after a witness spotted the couple's car and called police.

It has since been revealed that cops found a disturbing note left behind in the car, written by Mr Summers and addressed to their five children.

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Trevor Summers (center) appeared in court for the first time on Wednesday, after he was arrested on Monday for kidnapping his wife and holding her hostage for two days

Alisa Summers said she feels lucky to have survived the two-day nightmare

In the note, Mr Summers spoke as if he and his wife were already dead and lamented the break down of their marriage.

'So we have ended it for your sake,' he wrote. 'We wish you the best in everything you do and will be watching you from heaven.'

Mr Summers also appeared in court for the first time on Wednesday, and was ordered held in jail pending a bond hearing next Monday.

He wore a vest to the hearing normally reserved for inmates on suicide watch.

Meanwhile, his wife has spoken out to reporters, saying she feels lucky to have survived.

'I'm doing amazing. I can't believe that I'm alive,' Mrs Summers told Fox 13.

"I'm just so thankful for everyone who was following and the sharing the story' she added. 'I could actually feel everyone's prayers during it all and that's what got me through it.'

After arresting Mr Summers, police say they found a note left behind in the couples' car, written to their five kids. The family of seven pictured above

Mrs Summers (left and right) was kidnapped early Saturday morning by her estranged husband (left), police said. She was seen trying - and failing - to escape on Saturday night

In February Alisa told police he had kept her in his home at knifepoint for hours. He denied the claim and police did not prosecute

Police were alerted to Alisa's plight on Saturday at 9:05pm, when she was seen bolting from her car outside a Walgreens on Fishhawk Crossing Boulevard only to be bundled back in by a man.

But police said her ordeal began more than 15 hours earlier, as part of a twisted plot by her husband.

Trevor Summers has been separated from his wife since at least November, when she left him behind in Riverview and moved to Valrico, around 20 minutes away, with the children.

Prior to her kidnapping, Trevor had been secretly communicating with their 14-year-old daughter, Gee said.

He asked the girl, who is not being identified, to leave a window open in Alisa's Valrico home so that he could enter early Saturday morning, the sheriff continued.

Mr Summers had told the girl he just wanted to head over and speak to Alisa, Gee claimed, and entered early in the morning, before telling the girl to wait in his car outside.

At 5:30am Saturday he told the girl to drive her siblings to his Riverview home, 20 minutes away, saying he was going to speak to their mom over the course of the next day.

Police were only notified 15 and a half hours later, at 9:05pm, when the Walgreens witness saw Alisa with her hands tied, trying to escape from her dark-blue Saturn Outlook. Mrs Summers said they stopped at the store to get her cold medication.

A fruitless day of searching followed, but on Monday morning a citizen spotted the vehicle in Ruskin.

The car drove a mile away and parked outside a house, but details given by a witness helped police isolate, locate and surround it.

Cops say Trevor manipulated his 14-year-old daughter into leaving open a window in Alisa's home so he could sneak inside and kidnap her mom on Saturday morning

Uniformed and plain-clothes deputies converged on the address. Gee said Mr Summers stayed in the front seat while his wife exited from the rear.

Mr Summers resisted arrest, Gee said, and was hospitalized with a non-life-threatening knife wound to the throat.

His wife also had a cut on her wrist, sustained during the ordeal.

Police don't yet know what Trevor Summers' long-term plans were or why they were in Ruskin, but said those questions will be raised with Alisa.

Trevor has been hit with six charges including attempted murder, kidnapping, theft of his wife's vehicle and a violation of a domestic injunction she had already taken out on him.

Trevor told his daughter to drive her siblings to his house by herself at 5.30am, cops claim. He told her he wanted to talk to Alisa alone - but then he took the mom

As the search for the missing woman intensified over the weekend, it emerged that she told police last month that her husband threatened her with a knife.

When asked whether sheriff's deputies had not believed her claim, he said the situation was complicated by Mr Summer's conflicting statement, in which he denied her claim and said she shoved one of their children.

'The legal standards that we have to get to are very tough,' he said.

The couple - whose children, aged three to 14, who are now being cared for by Mr Summers' father - had suffered a deteriorating relationship over the past six months, including claims of violence.

On October 31 she asked a judge for a domestic violence injunction, but her request was dismissed.

In November, her Facebook page says, she moved to Valrico - around 20 minutes from her husband in Riverview - and in December she filed for divorce.

Chillingly, on February 21 she filed for another protection order, claiming that after she had gone to his home to discuss a divorce settlement, her husband had threatened her with a knife.

Alisa was seen trying to bolt from her car (pictured) outside a Walgreens on Saturday night. She failed, but police were called in. They were in the car when found Monday

She claimed he had held her against her will, and threatened to tie her up with duct tape and rope.

The following day, he filed for a protective order against her, saying she had made up the claims and had angrily pushed their 12-year-old son into a corner.

Police made no arrests because they only had the two statements to act on.

Speaking on Monday morning, Mr Summer's own lawyer, Hope Lefeber, said she was shocked to hear the claims about her client.

She said he was a Christian man with no violent criminal record.

'I know he always wanted to work out his marriage,' she said.

The breakdown of the couple's relationship may well have been spurred on by Mr Summers' conviction for wire fraud and conspiracy on September 16 last year.

Summers, who was to be sentenced Wednesday, pleaded guilty to trying to defraud investors out of at least $345,000 with a scheme to print advertisements on straws.

Trevor pleaded guilty in September to wire fraud and conspiracy charges after prosecutors said he tried to con at least $345,000 out of investors in his business

Alisa was seen screaming outside this Walgreens, around 20 minutes from Trevor's home. She was found two days later, 25 miles away in Ruskin

One of his victims, high school friend Krissy Flynn, 39, invested $10,000 in his scheme, and says he was 'brilliant but weird'.

He bought cell phones for his staff on the project, but the phones ran out when bills went unpaid.

'I don't trust this guy for a second,' Flynn said. 'He's a brilliant person, and he knows how to scam money out of people.'

A federal lawsuit against him in 2008 said he had more than 20 civil suits filed against him and that he'd filed for bankruptcy three times between 2004 and 2008.

It also claimed he had served probation for minor charges such as passing bad checks.

And in 2011 he lost a $4milion judgement although it's not known whether the plaintiffs collected.
The mother of a four-year-old child was in for a nasty shock on Friday afternoon when it was discovered her little girl had already been picked up by another woman at the school.

Holly Smith, 32, from Port Orange near Daytona Beach, Florida, was told that a coworker of hers had already collected her daughter from daycare.

It meant that when the mom-of-two arrived, one of her kids was nowhere to be found.

To make matters worse, there appeared to be a catalog of mistakes made in the run-up to the girl, called Emily, being released from the school.

Scroll down to hear the 911 call

Mom-of-two Holly Smith's child was reported gone for nearly two hours after she was picked up by the wrong person from daycare

In a 911 call in which lasted for more than ten minutes, Holly is heard desperately calling the police to tell them that her daughter is nowhere to be found.

She tearfully explains what staff at the center told her: that someone masquerading as a co-worker of hers came to pick up her child.

'I have no idea who it would have been,' she tells the dispatcher through floods of tears. 'They said they had made arrangements but I hadn't. I am sorry for calling 911 but I didn't know what else to do.'

During parts of the call, Holly completely breaks down and is unable to speak as she sobs down the line.

Towards the end of the recording, a staff member comes on the phone and explains to the dispatcher during the chaos of the children's dismissal a woman presented ID to a teacher and explained that an arrangement had been made to pick Emily up.

However, despite obvious warning signs including the little girl's reluctance to leave with a stranger she had never met, the imposter said the child's mother was on the phone and that it was okay to go.

The staff at the center then told Holly that they had been told over the phone earlier in the day that she had personally instructed a coworker to pick up her daughter.

Holly says that she neither made nor received any such call from the center.

Then, as staff then hurriedly looked for surveillance footage to determine who it was that collected Emily, it was revealed that the CCTV cameras at the Pathways Early Learning Center were not working.

There was no physical record as to whom the youngster had gone home with.

It made for a terrifying two hours for Holly who at one point questioned whether she might even see her child again.

'It was just almost two hours of pure hell,' Ms Smith told News 6. 'When I was told the cameras weren't functioning. I lost it, because that would have been the only lead in finding whoever took her.'

The center's CCTV cameras were broken, so there was no record of who came to collect the missing child

It wasn't until the daycare was about to close that staff finally realized what had happened.

Another child had been left behind and someone had somehow picked up the wrong kid, taking home Holly's daughter instead.

Eventually that woman brought Emily back to the daycare. The nursery claim that the woman is a friend of another mother and was instructed to pick up her child but accidentally collected the wrong one.

Holly has now removed both of her daughters from the center after the scare.

She claims she had chosen the facility based on its security features it boasted that included a fingerprint entry system and all-round CCTV coverage.

Caregivers are also supposed to show photo identification before picking up children.

'This is inexcusable,' Holly said. 'They have all of these security measures, and it was still allowed for my child to go home with the wrong person.'

'We just want the security measures to be thoroughly examined and fixed. No parent should ever go through what I had to go through that day.'

Pathways Early Learning Center has released the following statement:

'On Friday, there was an incorrect pairing of parent and child at school dismissal. The child's parent had made advanced arrangements to have a friend pick up the child. The friend had never met the child before. When she arrived at the center, she provided proper ID to prove she was the parent's appointee.

The center could be fined up to $500 for sending the wrong child home with a stranger. Holly Smith is no longer leaving her children there after this potentially serious mistake

'Apparently, this appointee retrieved the incorrect child. Immediately upon discovering the inadvertence, the center was able to effect the correct pairings. All children were safe and accounted for within a short time.

'The center is conducting an investigation as well as cooperating with all governmental agencies regarding the matter. The center is happy that the day ended with all children in their appropriate homes. '

Port Orange Police say no charges will be filed, but the Florida Department of Children and Families is investigating and the facility could face a $500 fine.
President Donald Trump has repeatedly vowed to cut the price of the Air Force One program, but the aircraft fleet's history shows that might be harder than he expected, according to a new report.

The Pentagon is expected to put $2.8billion more toward its Presidential Aircraft Recapitalization program by 2021.

If that money goes through, the US will have spent $11billion on the aircraft fleet over two decades - not including the funds needed to maintain the current fleet - having already spent $8.8billion since 2002.

President Barack Obama was as critical of the funding as Trump has been, but his effort to cut costs came at a significant delay and with very little success.

And a report from Bloomberg News shows that there have been several attempts at not only cutting costs, but also revamping the nearly 50-year-old fleet. Not much has been successful.

Scroll down for video

The Pentagon is expected to put $2.8billion more toward its Presidential Aircraft Recapitalization program by 2021, reaching a total of $11billion over two decades. Pictured above, Trump waves from the steps of Air Force One earlier this month

Trump first wrote about the cost of the presidential aircraft fleet in December, saying the US Air Force should cancel its order with Boeing for a pair of planes that are slated to serve as the new Air Force One and a backup aircraft

A plane revitalization project - named the Presidential Aircraft Recapitalization program - has been in the works for several years, but is has faced plenty of stoppage.

The two 747-200s that serve Air Force One will hit the end of their 30-year life expectancy this year, after first taking flight in 1987.

Many of the Marine One helicopters have been part of the fleet since as early as 1974.

The helicopter squadron contains 23 aircraft, 11 of which have been operating since 1974. Eight more date back to 1989.

Outside the helicopter fleet, is the presidential airplane fleet, which includes Air Force One, smaller Gulfstream jets and older 757s that fly the Vice President. Four ultra-reinforced 'Doomsday' 747s sit ready at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska.

In 2002, the Navy, which oversees Marine aviation programs, started a formal project to develop a new Marine One.

It came after then-President George W Bush became frustrated at the lack of communication systems aboard Air Force One on September 11.

The White House considered several options, including using other aircraft in the fleet as replacements, but ultimately decided to unveil a new helicopter by 2007.

A plane revitalization project - dubbed as the Presidential Aircraft Recapitalization program - has been in the works for several years, but is has faced plenty of stoppage

Dubbed the VH-71 by the Navy, the helicopters were projected to cost $180million each, which turned out to be an extremely low estimate.

The plan for the helicopter was for it to be an 'Oval Office in the sky', complete with video conferencing and heavy armor.

The fleet number fluctuated from 23 to 36, before going down again.

The initial budget for the program was set at $6.5billion, then increased to $11.5billion by January 2007.

By the time Obama was sworn in in 2009, the program had an estimated $13billion cost.

In May 2008, after spending $3.3billion on the project, the Pentagon shut down the Marine One Program.

But, after just three years, Obama decided to re-open the project.

The Navy took a new approach the second time around, trying to cut costs, lower passenger capacity and getting rid of the planned kitchen and toilet.

In 2013, the US Government Accountability Office praised the Navy's 'rational balance between requirements, costs and schedule'.

The Pentagon is expected to put $2.8billion more toward its Presidential Aircraft Recapitalization program by 2021. Pictured above, Trump poses in his office aboard Air Force One

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp, in Stratford, Connecticut, which manufactured every helicoptor in the squadron's first fleet, when Dwight Eisenhower was in office, won a $1.2billion contract to start the project.

Two helicoptors have been built and are currently undergoing groud testing.

If all goes well, their debut could come as early as 2020, and the full fleet would arrive by 2023.

The total cost of the project is estimated to be $5billion, but Colonel Robert Pridgen, head of the Marine One program, said the cost is 'coming down as we speak'.

But, senior Pentagon adviser John Young said, the president 'is going to get significantly less helicopter for that money'.

Trump will have a bit of influence over the next Air Force One, which is still in its planning phase.

But in the month after he was elected president, Trump voiced criticism over the cost of the new aircraft.

Trump first wrote about the cost of the presidential aircraft fleet in December, saying the US Air Force should cancel its order with Boeing for a pair of planes that are slated to serve as the new Air Force One and a backup aircraft.

'Boeing is building a brand new 747 Air Force One for future presidents, but costs are out of control, more than $4 billion. Cancel order!' Trump tweeted.

If the $2.8billion is spent on new aircraft, the US will have spent $11billion on the aircraft fleet over two decades, having already spent $8.8billion since 2002. Pictured above, Trump and First Lady Melania Trump wave from the steps of Air Force One

He hinted to reporters in the lobby of Trump Tower less than an hour later, however, that the Boeing contract could be continued once he moves in at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue because he wants Boeing to be profitable  to a point.

'The plane is totally out of control. It's going to be over $4billion  it's for [the] Air Force One program. And I think it's ridiculous,' Trump said. 'I think Boeing is doing a little bit of a number. We want Boeing to make a lot of money, but not that much money.'

Since taking office, Trump has had nothing but praise for the current Air Force One plane, taking it on regular trips to Mar-a-Lago and using it on a visit to Boeing's South Carolina facility.

It still remains unclear where Trump's $4billion number came from.

Congress set aside $1.65billion last year to cover the entire Air Force One replacement program through 2019.

Last year that number grew to $2.8billion through 2021. But as of December, Boeing's contract only called for $170million in payments for research, development and other preparations  not the plane-building itself.

Senior Pentagon official John Young told Bloomberg: 'Both of these systems cost an absurd amount of money, but that's what we choose to do for the President of the United States to have increased safety and security.

'There aren't magic lessons that's going to make it cost half as much.'
Cher Maximen, 24, of Stepney, east London, kicked, stamped and spat at officers after being arrested for being drunk and disorderly on March 10 of this year

A young actress is facing jail after she grabbed a police officer's stomach in a drunken frenzy.

Cher Maximen, 24, of Stepney, east London, kicked, stamped and spat at officers after being arrested for being drunk and disorderly on March 10 of this year.

The performer, who works as an actor, model, presenter and dancer, then attacked several officers while being strip searched, Thames Magistrates Court heard.

Henna Baig, prosecuting, said: 'Officers were attending Old Street and saw the defendant. They noticed that Ms Maximen was acting erratically, shouting, and saw that she was crying.

'They approached the defendant and arrested her for being drunk and disorderly.

'Police managed to put her in the police van, but she managed to get her arm under PC Alex Gill's vest and grab his stomach.

'He shouted for the defendant to let go and she did, and no injuries were caused.

'After being taken to custody, she attempted to spit at police several times.'

The performer, who works as an actor, model, presenter and dancer, attacked several officers while being strip searched, Thames Magistrates Court heard

Ms Baig told the court Maximen was taken to Stoke Newington police station where she attacked another officer, PC Gemma Beech.

She said: 'She stamped her left leg on PC Beech's right boot.

'During the search, she was swearing at officers constantly.

'She then kicked PC Laura Warren in her left shin.

'The defendant also grabbed hold of PC Richard Dollery's right hand and began twisting his right thumb.

Maximen admitted five counts of assaulting a constable in the execution of their duty, and one of being drunk and disorderly in a public place. She is pictured (right, in a 2013 Twitter post) with former T4 presenter Miquita Oliver

'Then Maximen grabbed PC Katie Barrowclough's forearm and scratched it with her nails.'

Maximen admitted five counts of assaulting a constable in the execution of their duty, and one of being drunk and disorderly in a public place.

District Judge Angus Hamilton adjourned the case for reports, and set a sentence date of April 6 at Thames Magistrates Court.

He said: 'Before deciding on the punishment for this offence, the court seeks the assistance of reports.

'Custody is a distinct possibility in this case, I don't want you to be under any illusions.'

Maximen, of Stepney, east London, admitted five counts of assaulting a constable in the execution of their duty, and one of being drunk and disorderly in a public place.
British officials will use the code words 'London Bridge is down' to inform each other the Queen has died, it emerged today.

The Queen's private secretary will reportedly call the Prime Minister with the coded message after the monarch passes away.

It will start in train a series of carefully planned events over how the death of the Head of State will be handled and reported to her public.

The Queen looking healthy at the National Army Museum today. The plans in place for her death emerged today, included a coded phrase which will be passed from her private secretary to the Prime Minister

Queen Elizabeth, 90, has ruled for 65 years and has appeared strong and healthy in recent public appearances.

But it emerged today that civil servants have extensive plans in place for when she does pass away, with the leaders of the 36 countries for whom she is a figurehead being the first to be informed after the UK Prime Minister, the Guardian reported.

The coded phrase is understood to be in place to prevent switchboard operators getting the news before those in power.

Once each of the Commonwealth governments have been informed, the media will be told, with TV shows on BBC One, Two and Four interrupted and going to the news. Radio 4 and Radio 5 Live will also go to the news.

Both Houses of Parliament would be recalled, according to plans, which are believed to have been in place since the 1960s.

It is understood that a period 12 days of official mourning will be announced and a funeral will take place at Westminster Abbey.

King George VI's 1952 funeral. Plans for the Queen's death have been in place since the 1960s

Her funeral will be held 12 days after her death and she will lie in state in Westminster Hall for four days, with more than half a million people expected to visit.

Around 2,000 people will attend the funeral, before the Queen's body is taken by road to Windsor Castle, where she will be buried in the Royal Vault.

Prince Charles would become King and the current Duke of Cambridge, Prince William, would become the Prince of Wales.

Despite the report of the plans being published today, the Queen is said to be fit and healthy and was in good spirits when she attended a Commonwealth Day service earlier this week.

She also has a busy diary of events over the coming months, including opening the new headquarters of the Met Police next week, visiting the Chelsea Flower Show in May and taking a salute in her birthday parade in June.

Today she attended the reopening of the National Army Museum in Chelsea, where she wore a blue tweed coat and matching hat.
A three-year-old was found dead on the front porch of his home after a passing driver noticed his body outside in freezing temperatures.

A driver called the Burke County Sheriff's Office at 7.45am on Wednesday in Morganton, North Carolina, and deputies found the toddler dead while his mother and her boyfriend were still asleep inside the house.

Investigators believe the boy, who celebrated his third birthday on Tuesday, wandered outside in the night while wind chill values fell zero.

An autopsy is scheduled for Thursday.

A three-year-old was found dead on the front porch of his home in Morganton, North Carolina, (above) after a passing driver noticed his body outside in freezing temperatures

The sheriff's office received a call on Wednesday morning from a driver who reported seeing a child laying on the front porch of a home on the 1200 block of Hopewell Road.

Deputies arrived just minutes later to find the boy dead while the mother and her boyfriend were still fast asleep inside.

Investigators said the inside door of the house was open, WSOCTV reported. It remains unclear whether the storm door closed after he was outside.

Temperatures were in the mid-20s early Wednesday, with a strong wind.

An autopsy is scheduled on Thursday, and Sheriff Steve Whisenant told WBTV: '[We're] trying to determine how the child got outside, how long the child had been outside, and what the actual cause of death is.'

An investigation is ongoing and deputies spent hours at the house collecting evidence and interviewing both the mother and her boyfriend, along with family members and neighbors.

An investigation is ongoing and deputies spent hours at the house collecting evidence and interviewing both the mother and her boyfriend, who were asleep inside the house

Pat Williams, who lives in the neighborhood, said his mother moved in earlier this month.

Another neighbor David Barrier was overwhelmed with emotion, calling the toddler's death a 'tragedy' while offering prayers for the family.

The boy's name has not been released. No charges have been filed in connection to his death.
The Kinks frontman Sir Ray Davies was knighted for services to British music today.

The rock legend, 72, whose music has been an inspiration to generations of fans, was honoured by the Prince of Wales at Buckingham Palace this afternoon.

Sir Ray, who is considered one of Britain's greatest modern songwriters, described the investiture with his typical dry wit and said: 'It lasted three minutes and it went very well and I said goodbye and went home.'

The Kinks were formed in 1963 and became one of the era's most influential bands - their influence on acts like Oasis and Blur earned Sir Ray the nickname Godfather of Britpop.

Describing how he felt when he was told he said: 'Initially I felt a mixture of surprise, humility, joy and a bit embarrassed but after thinking about it, I accept this for my family and fans as well as everyone who has inspired me to write.'

Arise Sir Ray Davies: The lead singer and songwriter for The Kinks was today knighted by the Prince of Wales at Buckingham Palace.

Dedicated follower of fashion: Sir Ray, dressed in a smart blue suit and tie, said that he went to the Palace for the three minute ceremony, posed for this photograph and 'went home'

Stars: Ray Davies, Mick Avory, Dave Davies and Pete Quaife (left to right) when the band was formed in 1963

Sir Ray has also revealed he is writing a new musical about siblings.

'It's about siblings,' he told the Press Association. 'I can't tell you too much about that.'

British war photographer also knighted British photographer Don McCullin poses with his knighthood medal Also being knighted was veteran war photographer Sir Don McCullin. His career, spanning almost 60 years, saw him covering conflicts in countries including the Congo, Biafra (Nigeria), Vietnam, Afghanistan and Iran, as well as being imprisoned in Uganda by dictator Idi Amin. The 81-year-old recently said he would work until he 'can't press that button anymore', though probably not covering warzones. 'When I was young I was like a greyhound, I could really shift across those battlefields and now I walk across them which is slightly more dangerous,' he told the Press Association. Advertisement

The 72-year-old said it was 'partially' inspired by the famously rocky relationship with his brother Dave, who once described a pattern of 'jealousy, hatred and envy' between the pair before The Kinks disbanded in 1996.

The pair recently reunited in Islington's Assembly Hall in London for the first time in almost 20 years, where they sang You Really Got Me.

The musical will not be the first time Sir Ray has stepped into the world of theatre.

His musical Come Dancing won the Mobius Award for best Off-West End production in 2009 and Sunny Afternoon won four Olivier Awards.

The Kinks were formed in 1963 and became one of the era's most popular bands, with Sir Ray penning classics such as Waterloo Sunset and Sunny Afternoon.

The band's influence on acts like Oasis and Blur earned Sir Ray the nickname Godfather of Britpop.

However, he said that receiving the knighthood honour had made him re-evaluate his life's work.

'I don't think of myself as a musician strangely enough,' he said.

'I'm a creative person. If I had a card it would say Sir Raymond Davies, creative person.'

Sir Ray, born in Muswell Hill, north London, said he was accepting the award for his family.

'I hope it inspires people to do the work. I kept on working, regardless. I was speaking to Don McCullin and we kept on doing it.'

He said he found the ceremony 'moving', particularly the classical music which played as Prince Charles handed out the honours.

'It's quite moving with the music and the theatrics. I listen to this kind of music often,' he added.
Victorians feel 'scared in their own homes' as police reveal violent crime is up following a string of terrifying burglaries in Melbourne's south-east.

Cranbourne, near Dandenong which is home to the notorious African Apex gang, has been named as one of the most dangerous places to live.

There's an average of one violent home invasion every three days in the working-class suburb - the most recent saw Rick Maaskant, 71, attacked with a pitch fork by three 'young Caucasian' men.

Cranbourne North man Rick Maaskant was allegedly stabbed in the head with a pitchfork after three Caucasian men broke into his home amid Melbourne's crime wave

The increase in aggravated burglaries was seen most in Melbourne's south-east which is home to the notorious Apeg gang, file image

There has been a 40 per cent spike in violent home invasions in the city in just one year

Police Minister Lisa Neville admits there is a problem - that families are suffering and living in fear of the spike in violent crime.

'By no means have we done the job and there's a long way to go until people feel they are not at risk of the crimes we see on the TV every night, she said.

Ms Neville also admitted her government has 'a long way to go' to fix the crime problem plaguing the state.

In just one year assaults spiked by 12 per cent, robbery is up almost 25 per cent and 24,000 cars were stolen, up 27 per cent.

Violent home invasions have increased by 40 per cent according to crime data.

Some suburbs felt this increase more than others - with the south-eastern suburbs among the worst hit.

In Dandenong violent home invasions have tripled since 2014  with 90 offences in 2016.

Neighbouring Narre Warren has also seen an explosion of aggravated robberies  from just 10 in 2013 to 68 last year.

Cranbourne appears to be one of the most targeted suburbs in the city - in 2016 there were 125 violent home invasions - that number up on 31 in 2014.

In Dandenong violent home invasions have tripled since 2014  with 90 offences in 2016, file image

The rise in dangerous crimes by young offenders has led to outrage within the community with bail laws one of the most contested issues, file image

In Sunshine, west of the city CBD, there has been 49 aggravated burglaries making it one of the most commonly hit suburbs.

Brunswick, just north of the city had 23 aggravated burglaries in 2013, this number has jumped to 50 in just three years.

Carlton, Caufield South and St Kilda have also been higlighted as areas with an increasing number of the violent crime.

Since 2014 the African Apex gang has grown to have more than 500 members operating in and around the city's south-east.

The gang has gained notoriety for their violent carjackings, home invasions and assaults.

The rise in dangerous crimes by young offenders has led to outrage within the community with bail laws one of the most contested issues.

Opposition leader Matthew guy is calling for the state to adopt a 0-tolerance to violent crime and has claimed 'crime is out of control in Victoria'.
Surveillance video from a Tennessee gas station shows the final sighting of a married teacher who filled up his car before disappearing with a 15-year-old student.

Police are still hunting Tad Cummins, who is armed with two handguns, after he disappeared with Elizabeth Thomas, 15, on Monday.

Footage from surveillance cameras at a gas station near a Shoney's in Columbia, Tennessee, shows Cummins pulling up in his silver Nissan Rogue at 8.35am on Monday morning.

The 50-year-old is seen getting out of his car and filling up, before driving off almost four minutes later.

Thomas was last seen being dropped off at the same Shoney's eatery by her friend at 8am. Her parents reported her missing later in the day.

Surveillance footage shows teacher Tad Cummins filling up his silver Nissan Rogue at a gas station near a Shoney's in Columbia, Tennessee, on the day he vanished with a student

Hours after teacher Tad Cummins filled up with gas, pictured, he and 15-year-old student Elizabeth Thomas were reported missing and have not been seen since

Investigators said Cummins had also secured a $4,500 title loan for a personal vehicle just days before his disappearance, Al.com reports.

An Amber Alert has been issued across Tennessee and Alabama for the pair who left town after Cummins was caught kissing the young student and was suspended. He has since been fired.

'To that end, the TBI would like to hear from anyone who may have had an interaction with either individual prior to their disappearance,' the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation said in a news release.

Police say the 50-year-old is wanted on a charge of sexual contact with a minor.

Cummins (left), a health science teacher at Culleoka Unit School, had been suspended in February after he and Thomas (right) were allegedly caught kissing

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation issued an Amber Alert for Thomas on Tuesday, followed by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency

A Maury County Public Schools spokesperson said Cummins was suspended last month from teaching and was fired on Tuesday.

According to reporting by the Columbia Daily Herald, Cummins, who had been at Culleoka for a decade, was removed from the classroom in February after a student caught him and Elizabeth Thomas kissing.

Thomas, who is a freshman at Culleoka, allegedly met Cummins through the local chapter of HOSA, an international student organization that promotes career opportunities in the health care industry.

The TBI said in a press release Wednesday that since issuing the Amber Alert at 6pm Central Time the night before, the agency has received about 80 leads, but none has produced any credible information.

Thomas (pictured above with students) met Cummins through the local chapter of HOSA, a student organization that promotes careers in the health care industry

Urgent search: Authorities in Tennessee and Alabama are searching for missing 15-year-old Mary Catherine 'Elizabeth' Thomas (left) and her teacher, 50-year-old Tad Cummins (right)

Investigators can place Thomas in Decatur, Alabama, at 3.06pm. Since then, efforts to track down the pair have proven unsuccessful.

The teenager is described as being 5-foot-5, weighing 120lbs, with blonde hair and hazel eyes. She was last seen wearing a flannel shirt and black leggings.

Cummins is described as 6 feet tall, with brown hair, brown eyes, and weighing 200lbs. The former health science teacher at Culleoka Unit School, is carrying two handguns and is driving a silver Nissan Rogue with Tennessee plates 976ZPT.

On his Twitter account, Cummins describes himself, in part, as a 'Jesus freak,' husband, father and grandfather.

Anyone with information on the pair's whereabouts is being asked to call the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation at 1-800-TBI-FIND, or the Maury County, Tennessee, sheriff at 931-375-8654.

Cummins is said to be armed with two handguns and driving a silver Nissan Rogue, similar to the one pictured above

Clue: Tad Cummins' vehicle has Tennessee plates 976ZPT
Laser physicist Yury Obraztsov, 54, was beaten, whipped and fed on animal food

A respected Russian scientist has escaped after three years held as a slave in Kazakhstan.

Laser physicist Yury Obraztsov, 54, was beaten, whipped and fed on animal food since he vanished in 2014.

His family reported him missing, but an international police search failed to find him after he went on a trip from his home in Novosibirsk, the largest city in Siberia, to Kazakhstan.

Looking frail and broken, scarred from beatings and whippings, he finally escaped his 'sheer hell', where he was forced to live in a barn on a remote farm.

He turned up in the city of Almaty after fleeing his captors at his fifth escape attempt, telling strangers how he had been kidnapped and forced to work on the farm alongside other kidnapped 'slaves' who remain in captivity.

'I tried to run away several times, on five occasions in all, but I was returned and beaten,' said the scientist who worked as a silicon expert for the Siberian branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences before retiring in 2013 due to fading eyesight.

His successful escape was the fifth time he had tried to get away, and he described his experience as 'sheer hell'

He was discovered by Good Samaritans Tamara and Alexander Poluektov, who were shocked by the state he was in

'Now, with God's help, I managed to escape,' he said.

'First, I ran for a long time, then I was in a car, then running again...

'I have problems with my eyes, I couldn't even read the names in neighbourhood.'

Good Samaritan Alexander Poluektov,a former military pilot, who spotted him shivering on an Almaty bench told how he and wife Tamara approached a man the police assumed to be homeless or an alcoholic.

'His ears were broken, his head was covered with scars left by a whip, he was all beaten up,' he said, according to The Siberian Times.

'And he was beaten up so badly he couldn't remember who tortured him, and where.

'Because of the sheer hell he's been through, he has lost his memory.'

The respected scientist worked in the Institute of Laser Physics in Novosibirsk before retiring in 2013 due to fading eyesight

Yury Obraztsov was found on a bench outside a shopping centre in Almaty, Kazakhstan, which is 1,826 kilometres from his home

He said: 'When he told me all that, it made my hair stand on end.

'He has been beaten up so badly that he doesn't understand anything..'.

The scientist told him how he was given bread and water - 'sometimes there was food left from animals'.

Looking frail and broken, scarred from beatings and whippings, he finally escaped his 'sheer hell'

Poluektov said: 'When he told me all that, it made my hair stand on end.

'He has been beaten up so badly that he doesn't understand anything...

'Thank god, it's all in the past... He asked me: "What year is this?"

'I was shocked... All this time he lived at a barn and worked for his kidnappers.

'He has no watch, no calendar. They even broke his glasses and he, half-blind, lived like that all these three years.

'Thank God, he still remembers his name and date of birth. He also remembers his address in Novosibirsk and the family name of his former boss.

'We found his phone, called him and asked if he had an Obraztsov working for him. He said: "Of course!"

'Then we talked to the police, Russian consulate, and posted in Facebook.... Today we found Yury's brother.'

The pair spoke by phone. Russia is arranging temporary travel documents so he can return the 1,150 miles home to be reunited with his family.

Valentin Kolyasev, a Russian diplomat in Almaty, said: 'He had been beaten up a lot.'

Russian state investigators have opened a probe into the scientist being held in conditions of 'forced labour' in ex-Soviet Kazakhstan.
An off-duty NYPD traffic cop is facing a string of charges in connection with a deadly crash on the Williamsburg Bridge that killed a student who was celebrating her 21st birthday.

Stefan Hoyte, 26, was drunk when he drove head-on into a barrier while he was travelling from Manhattan to Brooklyn at 3.15am on Thursday morning, police say.

One of his passengers, birthday girl Amanda Miner, was thrown from the car on impact and died at the scene.

Video recorded by a passing motorist captured the aftermath of the deadly crash, with a large chunk of the mangled 2013 Infiniti rolled into a ball.

Birthday girl: Amanda Miner, pictured left and right, was killed in an overnight car crash in New York City after celebrating her 21st birthday

Horrifying impact: This is a screenshot from a video shot by a passing motorist showing the aftermath of the deadly crash on the Williamsburg Bridge

Ripped apart: The 2013 Infiniti was traveling from Manhattan to Brooklyn when it smashed head-on into a barrier on the bridge, splitting the vehicle in two

Ejected: The college student was ejected from the sedan on impact and pronounced dead at the scene on the bridge span

Officers say the birthday girl Miner, from Brooklyn, was riding in the back seat and was thrown from the car on impact, suffering fatal injuries.

The man driving the car, NYPD traffic enforcement officer Hoyte, and his passenger, fellow off-duty traffic cop Michael Camacho, 24, were taken to Bellevue Hospital, where they were listed in stable condition, reported ABC 7 News.

Police say Hoyte was off duty at the time of the crash.

It is unclear where the trio were heading at the time of the crash.

'Before' picture: This photo shows Stefan Hoyte's 2013 Infiniti before Thursday's collision

Buddy cops: Hoyte (left), the 26-year-old driver of the car and an NYPD traffic officer, was injured along with his colleague and friend, 24-year-old Michael Camacho (right)

DUI case: Hoyte has been charged with driving while intoxicated, vehicular manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide

Some of the bridge's Brooklyn-bound lanes remained closed during the morning rush hour, but they has since reopened to traffic.

According to her Facebook page and reporting by multiple news outlets, Amanda Miner was a junior at Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania, majoring in social work.

Miner's heartbroken mother, Virginia Cabrera-Miner, told the New York Post the 21-year-old was the youngest of her three daughter and she was looking forward to seeing Amanda graduate from college next year.

Prior to joining the NYPD as a traffic officer, Hoyte had worked as a mechanic for Honda and a clerk at a Pathmark supermarket, according to his social media account.

His mother, Jennifer Hoyte, described the 26-year-old to the Post as a 'good son' and a good father to his 5-year-old daughter. She noted that Stefan was not a heavy drinker.

Michael Camacho is a graduate of Onondaga Community College in upstate New York.

Miner, who had celebrated her 21st birthday Wednesday night, was ejected from the sedan and was pronounced dead at the scene
A North Carolina couple was told their baby girl was getting a new heart moments after praying for it at their church.

Mike and Melanie Leitner had placed their daughter Ella's name on the transplant list in November after doctors found the baby had a large mass on her left ventricle, WBTV reported.

The mother and father were close to losing hope after they were told Ella's condition had worsened.

A true miracle: A heart donor match was found for baby Ella after her parents Melanie and Michael Leitner (pictured) prayed for their daughter at church

Healthy baby: Ella received the transplant and has since turned one year old and has been doing well

Melanie said her daughter had not breathing well and was 'gray' all the time. Doctors told the parents their daughter may not survive the weekend.

But during a church service in Mooresville in January, the congregation took a moment to pray for Ella's new heart.

While the family was on their way home from the service, they received a phone call that turned their despair into hope.

Doctors had found a donor match for baby Ella.

'Celine, our other coordinator, called and said we got the offer for the perfect heart for Ella. If this wasnt a God moment, I dont know what could be,' Melanie said.

Dr. Gonzalo Wallis from the Levine Children's Hospital's pediatric heart transplant program carries baby Ella

Happy ending: The baby girl has since turned one and is said to be doing well after her transplant

The parents also acknowledged that their baby's new heart meant tragedy for another family.

'You know that another family has lost their child. And you know that in their darkest moments they were able to make the decision that saved my little girl,' the mother said.

The family said baby Ella has recently turned one and is doing well after her transplant.
Donald Trump sent a Tennessee crowd into 'Lock her up' chants when he said that Hillary Clinton 'fortunately' would not be making presidential decisions during a rally on Wednesday.

Trump made the dig at his former presidential campaign rival while standing his ground on his immigration ban at a rally in Nashville on Wednesday night.

The speech came after US District Court Judge Derrick K. Watson put an immediate halt on Trump's revised travel ban.

Donald Trump made the dig at his former presidential campaign rival while standing his ground on his immigration ban at a rally in Nashville, Tennessee, on Wednesday night

'The order he blocked was a watered-down version of the first order that was also blocked by another judge and should have never been blocked to start with,' Trump said, referring to the decision by the federal judge from Hawaii.

'This new order was tailored to the dictates of the 9th Circuit's, in my opinion, flawed ruling. This was, in the opinion of many, an unprecedented judicial overreach.'

'The law and constitution give the president the power to suspend immigration when he deems - or she, or she, fortunately not "Hillary she" - when he or she deems it to be in the national interest of our country.'

The crowd broke out in raucous cheers when Trump said 'fortunately not Hillary', and the President took a pause from his speech.

As he stepped away from the microphone, the crowd started chanting, 'Lock her up'.

In granting the temporary restraining order in response to a lawsuit by the state of Hawaii, Judge Watson found on Wednesday that 'a reasonable, objective observer ... would conclude that the executive order was issued with a purpose to disfavor a particular religion.'

Trump said that his former campaign rival Clinton 'fortunately' would not be making presidential decisions

Early on Thursday, US District Judge Theodore Chuang issued a nationwide preliminary injunction in a similar case in Maryland brought by refugee resettlement agencies represented by the American Civil Liberties Union and the National Immigration Law Center.

Chuang ruled that the agencies were likely to succeed in proving that the travel ban portion of the executive order was intended to be a ban on Muslims and, as a result, violates the US Constitution's religious freedom protection.

'To avoid sowing seeds of division in our nation, upholding this fundamental constitutional principle at the core of our nation's identity plainly serves a significant public interest,' Chuang wrote in his ruling.

The actions were the latest legal blow to the administration's efforts to temporarily ban refugees as well as travelers from six predominantly Muslim countries. The president has said the ban is needed for national security.

However, the orders, while a victory for the plaintiffs, are only a first step and the government could ultimately win its underlying case. Watson and Chuang were appointed to the bench by former Democratic President Barack Obama.

Trump, speaking after the Hawaii ruling at a rally in Nashville, called his revised executive order a 'watered-down version' of his first.

The speech in Nashville came after US District Court Judge Derrick K Watson put an immediate halt on Trump's revised travel ban

The President said he would take the case 'as far as it needs to go,' including to the Supreme Court, in order to get a ruling that the ban is legal.

The likely next stop if the administration decides to contest the Hawaii judges ruling would be the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

Three judges on the Ninth Circuit upheld a restraining order on the first travel ban issued by a Washington state judge.

At that point, the government's legal options were to ask for a hearing by a larger panel of judges or petition the Supreme Court to hear the case. Instead, the administration withdrew the ban, promising to retool it in ways that would address the legal issues.

If the Ninth Circuit were to uphold the Hawaii court's ruling, an appeal to the Supreme Court would be complicated by its current makeup of four conservative and four liberal judges, with no ninth justice since the death of Antonin Scalia more than a year ago.

The travel ban has deeply divided the country on liberal and conservative lines, and it is unlikely that a ninth Supreme Court justice would be seated in time to hear an appeal in this case.

Trump signed the new ban on March 6 in a bid to overcome legal problems with his January executive order, which caused chaos at airports and sparked mass protests before a Washington judge stopped its enforcement in February.
Among the legislative priorities set forth by the majority caucus this year was a strong commitment to strengthening the states economy by making Missouri more attractive for businesses looking to relocate, as well as those already operating here. As we near the half-way point of this years legislative session, I am pleased to report we are making a lot of significant progress toward that end.

This weeks efforts to improve the states business climate include perfecting Senate Bill 66, which would modify provisions of law related to workers compensation. In workers comp cases, claimants are often encouraged to get third, fourth and sometimes even more medical opinions, during which time they can continue drawing temporary benefits. This creates a situation whereby both the worker and the employer are left in limbo, facing a lot of uncertainty for a prolonged period of time, which can even last years. Benefits truly intended to be temporary are lasting far longer than originally intended, creating an unsustainable burden on business owners.

Senate Bill 66 would rectify this situation by addressing Maximum Medical Improvement, or MMI. Claimants will still be able to receive a second opinion, but it would need to be obtained within six months of MMI being determined. In order to help ensure workers are receiving proper treatment and that they are getting the benefits to which they are entitled, the bill does provide for extenuating circumstances, as determined by an administrative law judge, whereby an extension of this six-month limit may be granted.

I believe this much-needed legislation will protect business owners from the financial volatility brought about by the uncertainty of open-ended claims. At the same time, great care was taken in the crafting of this bill to ensure workers rights continue to be protected.

Other bills perfected this week include:

Senate Bill 62, which would change the employer contribution for the College and University Retirement Plan and requires employees to contribute to the plan.

Senate Bill 11, which would modify the language relating to agreements that may be entered into by municipalities that participate in industrial development projects.

Senate Bill 139, which would create the Rx Cares for Missouri Program. The goals of the program are to promote medication safety and prevent prescription drug abuse.

Senate Bill 34, which would create the crime of illegal reentry, cracking down on some immigrants living in the country illegally. If the bill becomes law, previously deported immigrants who come back and commit assaults or other dangerous felonies would face three to 10 years in prison.

Senate Bill 65, which would change laws pertaining to watercraft. Presently, the operator of a motorboat is prohibited from allowing anyone to ride or sit on the gunwales, the decking over the bow, or the top of a seat-back unless the boat has adequate guards or a railing. If this common-sense bill makes it to the governors desk and is signed, youll be able to sit wherever you want on your boat without fear of a frivolous ticket.

Budget Update

The Senate Appropriations Committee, on which I sit, continues to hear testimony from the state departments. As always, one of the biggest challenges the committee will face this year is figuring out how best to fund our public schools, which serve 918,483 Missouri students, grades PK-12, in 518 school districts. The governors 2018 recommendation of $3.4 billion for the Foundation Formula is roughly $48 million short of full funding, but a lot closer than we have been in recent years.

One bright spot thus far is that a court ruled in favor of the state, enabling us to recoup $50 million in tobacco settlement money owed us. Barring a counter ruling at the federal level, the governor has reinstated $11 million of those funds for school transportation, a line item he cut by $36 million earlier this year. Unfortunately, that still leaves a $25 million shortfall in transportation funds, which is a real concern, particularly for rural districts. As one of my Senate colleagues noted in an example, school buses in Cassville, Mo. travel more than 1,700 combined miles a day, which is farther than the distance to Los Angeles.

The governor has also recommended spending the remainder of the tobacco settlement money -- $42 million  to restore his previously recommended cuts to in-home care.

Following Legislative Spring Break, which runs March 17-24, the budget bills will move over from the House to Senate Appropriations and we will begin reviewing the lower chambers budget against the governors recommendations to craft our recommended budget. We will then conference with the House Budget Committee until we arrive at a finalized budget that reflects the work of both chambers.

As noted in an earlier column, the finalized budget needs to be sent to the governors desk for his signature by April 28. As the final stretch of this legislative session promises to be extremely busy on the budget front, I look forward to keeping you apprised of developments, specifically as they relate to the 27th District.
An outraged Zaxby's customer was filmed hurling her fries at staff because they were under-salted.

Police are looking for the woman who lashed out at staff in the fast food restaurant in Jonesboro, Georgia.

Surveillance footage shows her throwing two meals back at them and also damaging a computer at the register.

Scroll down for video

The woman was filmed holding the black tray which contained the fries (left) before hurling it back over the counter at Zaxby's in Jonesboro, Georgia

Police told WSBTV that the woman ordered the food to go and paid for it alone.

Thirty seconds after leaving the restaurant, she returned furiously with a male companion to complain.

She screamed obscenities at police before launching the food, which she said was under-seasoned, back over the counter.

'The French fries did not have enough seasoning salt on them,' Detective Stefan Schindller said.

The woman then pushed over the computer cash register while her male companion watched on

The surveillance footage also showed her shoving the digital cash register before storming out.

Other customers watched the outburst in shock while the woman's male companion stood calmly beside her.

Detectives are now trying to find the woman. They say she may face charges for damaging the computer.
Far-right MP Geert Wilders' defeat in the Dutch general election has been welcomed by pro-European leaders across the continent.

Had he won power, populist Wilders had pledged to bring the Netherlands out of the European Union and ban the Koran, close mosques and end immigration from Muslim majority countries.

But his views were rejected by large sections of the Dutch electorate, with Mark Rutte winning a historic third term as Prime Minister.

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Defeat: Far-right MP Geert Wilders (pictured last night) has lost Holland's General Election to a delighted Prime Minister Mark Rutte, who said the country had rejected the 'wrong kind of populism'

The election result has been welcomed by German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who described it as 'a good day for democracy'

Following the result, German Chancellor Angela Merkel described it as 'a good day for democracy'.

She said in a speech in Berlin today: 'I was very glad, and I think many people are, that a high turnout led to a very pro-European result.'

And in a letter to Rutte, Jean-Claude Juncker, the head of the European Commission, wrote: 'The people of the Netherlands voted overwhelmingly for the values Europe stands for: free and tolerant societies in a prosperous Europe.'

Jean-Claude Juncker, the head of the European Commission, wrote: 'The people of the Netherlands voted overwhelmingly for the values Europe stands for: free and tolerant societies in a prosperous Europe'

Joy for Rajoy: Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said the Dutch people 'made a show of responsibility and maturity'

Juncker said he looks forward to 'continuing our excellent working relations, in particular our work on the future of Europe'.

The Netherlands helped found what would become the EU 60 years ago.

Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy was also pleased at the result.

In a telegram sent to Rutte on Thursday, Rajoy congratulated him for the election victory.

'In a key moment for Europe as a whole, the Dutch people made a show of responsibility and maturity,' wrote Rajoy, whose conservative Popular Party is aligned with Rutte's VVD in the pan-European conservative EPP.

Without mentioning the defeat of anti-Islam lawmaker Geert Wilders, Rajoy said that 'Europe needs stable governments committed to the European integration project'.

French presidential candidate Emmanuel Macron said it showed a 'breakthrough for the extreme right is not a foregone conclusion'

Holger Schmieding, chief economist with Berenberg bank, described it as 'a victory for common sense and a great start for Europe's election season'.

The fact that most Dutch voters had 'rebuked the siren songs of the populists may help a little' with upcoming polls in France and Germany, he said.

French presidential candidate Emmanuel Macron, expected to face far-right National Front leader Marine Le Pen in a two-way run-off on May 7, said: 'The Netherlands is showing us that a breakthrough for the extreme right is not a foregone conclusion and that progressives are gaining momentum.'

Mr Rutte said Wilders' defeat meant 'after Brexit and Trump' the country's voters had rejected the 'wrong kind of populism'.

He has refused to work with far-right leader Wilders. Speaking last night a jubilant Rutte, who leads the liberal VVD party, said: 'The Netherlands, after Brexit and Trump, said "Whoa!" to the wrong kind of populism.'

In response Mr Wilders called his comments 'very worrying, as if populists are semi-Nazis'.

He added: 'Rutte has not seen the back of me.'

Response: Mr Wilders, pictured after the election results came in, called his comments 'very worrying, as if populists are semi-Nazis'

With most votes counted for the 150-seat legislature early Thursday, Rutte's VVD has 33 seats, eight fewer than in 2012. The far-right populist Party for Freedom of Wilders is second with 20 seats, five more than the last time but still a stinging setback.

The loss represented a decrease of nine seats for Rutte and an increase of seven seats for Wilders.

Disappointed: Mr Wilders said he had hoped to be Dutch PM but added: 'Rutte has not seen the back of me'

Wilders has remained upbeat about the future of the PVV.

He tweeted: 'We won seats! The first victory is in! And Rutte hasn't seen the last of me!'

He later said: 'I'd preferred to have been the winner of the elections, but the VVD have lost 10 seats and we're among the winners in second.

'If all the losers like the VVD form a government, we need to have a strong opposition of winners like the PVV.'

Wilders' one-page election manifesto included pledges to close borders to immigrants from Muslim nations, shuttering mosques and banning the Koran, as well as taking the Netherlands out of the European Union.

His Party For Freedom had won 15 seats on the previous general election in 2012, with support reaching its peak in 2015, but his seats dwindled to just 12 before Wednesday's vote.

Speaking as he cast his vote today, he said: 'Whatever the outcome of the election today, the genie will not go back into the bottle. And this patriotic revolution, whether today or tomorrow, will stay.'

Rutte's junior partner in the outgoing coalition, Labour, suffered its worst ever result at the election, winning just nine seats, down from 38 last time.

Pictured: Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte celebrates the results of exit polls showing his party had won the country's General Election

Rutte said his victory was a sign the Netherlands had said: 'That's enough of the wrong sort of populism'. Comments Wilders said treated his supporters like 'semi-Nazis'

Rutte - who has vowed never to work alongside Wilders - will now attempt to form a coalition government and could possibly turn to the CDA and the D66.

A coalition could take weeks or even months, with at least three other parties needed to reach a majority in parliament.

The PM said: 'It seems like for third time in a row the VVD is the Netherlands biggest party.

'Our message to the Netherlands - that we will hold our course, and keep this country safe and stable - got though.'

WHO WILL FORM THE COALITION? It could take months for the parties to form a coalition government, so the exact outcome of the election will not be known for some time yet. As the leader of the party with the greatest share of the votes - a predicted 33 seats - the VVD's Mark Rutte will be invited to form a government first. That means Rutte, who has already served two terms as Prime Minister, must bring together enough other parties to meet the 76-seat majority But his long-time coalition partners the Labour Party - affiliated with the center-left British Labour party - won't be much use this time around. They have gone from 38 seats in the last election to just nine this time around. That means he'll likely need to get at least three more parties in line to collect the seats needed to form a majority government. The liberal/conservative party leader will walk straight past anti-Islam and anti-EU firebrand Geert Wilders and the 20 seats his PVV party scored, having denounced his politics as 'the wrong sort of populism'. Wilders has said that he would be happy to enter negotiations, but all of the major parties have refused to deal with him. Instead Rutte is most likely to make a beeline for the next two biggest parties - the moderate Christian Democratic Appeal and progressive direct-democracy campaigners Democracy 66, both of whom are expected to have 19 seats. That will only take him up to 71 seats, however. So he may look to GreenLeft, the 25-year-old party that has had a phenomenal rise in popularity this election under the control of 30-year-old Jesse Klavier. The progressive group - formed from a merger of Communist, pacifist, socialist and Christian parties - has gone from four to 16 seats this year. With some of the biggest rallies of the campaign, and celebrated TV debates - including much-publicised clashes with Wilders - he could make a sensible popular left choice for Rutte. Advertisement

Officials in France and Germany - both of whom have elections to fight against resurgent right-wing opposition later in the year - rushed to praise the result as a victory for middle-ground parties.

Far-right candidate Marine Le Pen is set to make France's presidential election run-off in May, while the Eurosceptic, anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany is likely to enter the German federal parliament for the first time in a September election.

French President Francois Hollande welcomed Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte's election victory over anti-Islam, anti-EU leader Geert Wilders, as did the man who hopes to beat far-right leader Marine Le Pen and take Hollande's place in a vote next May.

Hollande, near the end of his five-year term, on Thursday congratulated Rutte on the centre-right premier's unexpectedly sizeable score and lead over Wilders in a Dutch election closely watched by Europe ahead of France's presidential ballot.

'The President warmly congratulates Mark Rutte for his clear victory against extremism,' Socialist politician Hollande said in a statement.

Centrist Emmanuel Macron, tipped by most polls to end up in a second-round runoff against Le Pen, who leads France's anti-immigrant and anti-EU National Front party, offered congratulations on social network Twitter.

'The Netherlands is showing us that a breakthrough for the extreme right is not a foregone conclusion and that progressives are gaining momentum,' said the 39-year-old presidential contender, who pledges to modernise French politics and transcend traditional left-versus-right divisions.

Rutte's victory may hearten mainstream political leaders in a battle with Le Pen, who wants to ditch the euro and restore France's franc currency.

Opinion polls show Le Pen winning the first round of the election in April, but then losing a decisive second round vote in May to whichever of Macron or conservative candidate Francois Fillon makes it to the May 7 runoff. Polls now show Macron far more likely to get to the runoff than Fillon.

This year's elections saw the highest turnout in the past 31 years, with 82 per cent of people going out to vote, according to Ipsos.

Pictured: The results of the General Election compared to seats won in 2012

It is believed the Rutte took lead because of his tough stance during the Dutch government's recent row with Turkey.

The PM got a last-minute boost from the diplomatic dispute, which allowed him to take a well-timed tough line on a majority Muslim country during an election campaign in which immigration and integration have been key issues.

The spat did not hurt the chances of Denk, a party supported by Dutch Turks, which looked set to win three seats, becoming the first ever ethnic minority party, in a possible sign of deepening ethnic division.

But while Rutte averted what in the early stages of the campaign looked like a possible victory for Wilders, years of austerity pushed down his share of the vote.

Margaritis Schinas, spokesperson for the EU commission president Jean-Claude Juncker said he had spoken to Rutte and congratulated him on his victory.

Mr Juncker added that it was a: 'A vote for Europe, a vote against extremists.'

The defeat for Wilders has also been welcomed by German chancellor Angela Merkel.

A spokesman tweeted a message on her behalf to the Dutch PM saying: 'I look forward to working with you as friends, neighbours and Europeans.'

GENERAL ELECTION RESULTS People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD): 33 seats - the liberal/ conservative party of PM Mark Rutte Party For Freedom (PVV): 20 - Geert Wilders' anti-immigrant, anti Muslim party Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA): 19 - moderate pro-religion party Democracy Party (D66): 19 - liberals who want direct democracy Green Left (GL): 15 - mixture of far-left and Greens Socialist Party (SP): 14 - further to the left of Labour Labour Party (PvdA): 9 - social democratic party, sister party of British Labour Christian Union: 6 - conservative religious party Party for the Animals (PvdD): 5 - animal rights and welfare party Reformed Political Party (SGP): 3 - Protestant party, oldest in Netherlands Denk: 3 - anti-racist Labour offshoot formed by two Turkish-Dutch politicians Forum for Democracy (FvD): 2 - fights against political system status quo Advertisement

Merkel's chief of staff, Peter Altmaier, also posted his delight at the prediction that Wilders would lose.

He tweeted in Dutch: 'Netherlands you are a champion! Congratulations on this great result!

Germany faces parliamentary elections in September, in which the anti-immigration, eurosceptic Alternative for Germany party, allied with Wilders, is hoping to enter the Berlin federal parliament for the first time.

The results have been welcomed by former president of the European Parliament, Martin Schulz, who tweeted: 'We must continue to fight for an open and free Europe.'

Mabel Berezin, professor of sociology at Cornell University in the United States, said defeat for Wilders, who has been in parliament for nearly two decades, should not be considered a sign that European populism is waning.

'He does not represent a populist wave. Rather, he is part of the political landscape and how his party fares does not tell us much about European populism,' she said.

'The real bellwether election will be Marine Le Pen's quest for the French presidency, starting April 23 that is where the populist action is and that is what we should be focusing upon.'

In a subplot of the elections, the Green Left party were set to register a historic victory, turning it into the largest party on the left wing of Dutch politics for the first time.

DUTCH ELECTIONS: WHO'S WHO VVD (People's Party for Freedom)  liberal/conservative, led by PM Mark Rutte. PVV (Party for Freedom)  anti-immigrant, anti-Muslim, led by Geert Wilders PvdA (Labour Party)  social democratic party, sister party of British Labour Party SP (Socialist Party)  further to the left of Labour CDA (Christian Democrats) - moderate, pro-religion D66 (Democrats 66)  liberals, support direct democracy, founded in 1966 GL (Green Left)  upcoming alliance of far-Left and Greens, led by Jesse Klaver Advertisement

The Greens leapt from four seats to 15 in parliament after a strong campaign by charismatic leader Jesse Klaver, who invites comparisons to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

'This is a fantastic result for us, a historic victory,' Green Left chairwoman Marjolein Meijer said.

Europe Votes  What Comes Next? French President election: April 23 and May 7 German parliamentary election: September 24 Advertisement

It remains to be seen if the 30-year-old Klaver will take his party into the next ruling coalition, which looks likely to be dominated by Rutte's VVD and other right-leaning parties.

Because of the result, it also looked unlikely that Labour leader Dijsselbloem would be able to hang on to his post of leading the 19-nation Eurogroup, which manages the currency of the European Union nations that use the euro.

Queues began swelling early at the polls today and the research institute IPSOS said turnout was already 'a lot' higher than at the same point in 2012 when final participation was 74 per cent.

Amid the tussle between Prime Minister Mark Rutte and Wilders, many of the 12.9 million eligible voters had been wavering between the 28 parties running.

'Netherlands does not belong to all. Do you hear me? The Netherlands belongs to the Dutch,' Wilders said in Tuesday's debate.

In the same debate, Rutte said: 'When people look for leadership, they look to me.'

As he voted today, he said: 'This is a crucial election for The Netherlands.

'This is a chance for a big democracy like The Netherlands to make a point... to stop this... domino effect of the wrong sort of populism.'

Rutte - who has vowed never to work alongside Wilders - will now attempt to form a coalition government and could possibly turn to the CDA and the D66

Before the election, Wilders vowed: 'This patriotic revolution, whether today or tomorrow, will stay'

WHO IS GEERT WILDERS? Geert Wilders founded the right-wing Party For Freedom in 2006 and rallied against what he saw as the 'Islamification' of the Netherlands. Wilders, who has led his party in four elections, has vowed to confiscate Korans, close mosques and Islamic schools, shut Dutch borders and ban migrants from Islamic countries among a raft of other anti-Islamic moves. His policies have seen him receive a barrage of death threats and reportedly leaving him forced to wear a bullet proof vest around the clock. After working in health insurance, he ventured into politics and first took public office at Utrecht City Council in 1997 for the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy. However, he left the VVD - now led by current Dutch PM Mark Rutte - in 2004, after it supported Turkey's accession to the European Union. Wilders was temporarily banned from visiting the UK by former Labour Prime Minister Gordon Brown in 2009, after he released a offensive film linking the Koran to terrorism. In December last year, he was found guilty of discrimination against Moroccans after comments he made during an election rally in 2014. Wilders found himself at the centre of controversy again in 2015, after he attended a 'draw the prophet Muhammad' contest in Dallas, US, and it was attacked by two gunmen. The politician was a guest speaker at the event, attended by 150 people, when the shooters opened fire. They were later shot dead by police. Advertisement

Wilders' one-page election manifesto included pledges to close borders to immigrants from Muslim nations, shuttering mosques and banning the Koran

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte has framed the election as a choice between continuity and chaos, portraying himself as a safe custodian of the nation's economic recovery

Following the vote in the Netherlands (above), the French go to the polls next month with far-right candidate Marine Le Pen currently in second place behind centrist Emmanuel Macron
Twitter users have been mistakenly sharing a photo of a four-year-old British girl, who was savaged by a dog in 2008, claiming it's of a Swedish boy who was attacked by Muslims.

The image shows the scarred and bruised face of Sophie Willis, from Cardiff, who was mauled by her family dog nine years ago.

Canadian Twitter user, David G Gowing posted the pictures of Sophie, who was four at the time, to say it was a photo of an Islamic terrorist victim in Sweden.

Canadian Twitter user, David G Gowing posted the pictures of Sophie, who was four at the time, to say it was a photo of an Islamic terrorist victim in Sweden

But users from Wales recognised the photographs - and tried to correct Mr Gowing, without success

A tweeter known as Bunty first posted the correction, saying: 'That's the wee 4 year old girl from Cardiff attacked by the family dog! Nothing to do with islamist terrorists.'

The self-proclaimed 'Trump supporter' tweeted: '12 yr old Swedish boy beaten by Islamic terrorists because his eyes are blue!'

The tweet, which was posted early Sunday morning, has been retweeted more than 500 times and liked by more than 350 users.

But users from Wales recognised the photographs - and tried to correct Mr Gowing, without success.

A tweeter known as Bunty first posted the correction, saying: 'That's the wee 4 year old girl from Cardiff attacked by the family dog! Nothing to do with islamist terrorists.'

Bunty then began sharing her correction with users who had shared the incorrect post.

Some Bunty for her correction, saying:'Thank you, must say I was slightly bewildered how the cuts were inflicted.'

Four-year-old Sophie Willis, from Cardiff, was attacked and bitten by a dog that her family had recently received from a council kennel in 2008

But others, including Mr Gowing were refused to back down - even going so far as to suggest they had spoken to vets about the wounds.

'Show me the upper&lower canine teeth wounds! This child was beaten.. Dogs have upper & lower teeth besides canines, where r these wounds?' he tweeted.

When asked to comment on why he continued to share the image after he was shown its origins, Mr Gowing did not reply, and blocked our reporter from seeing his tweets.

Previous tweets by Mr Gowing have included calls for people to take up arms against 'islamic terrorists' and images of crusaders knights.
Former Peru Two jailbird Michaella McCollum has landed in England for talks to get her own prime time show and become an 'all action TV star', MailOnline can reveal today.

Miss McCollum, 24, from Northern Ireland, and Melissa Reid, also 24, from Glasgow, were jailed in 2013 for attempting to smuggle cocaine worth 1.5million out of South America to Spain.

The friends are said to be in 'advanced talks' to turn their reputation from convicted criminals to reality TV stars by appearing on the Channel 5 show, which has a 'pairs' theme this year.

Miss McCollum flew into Liverpool John Lennon Airport this morning before checking into a boutique hotel in the city where she will also discuss plans for a TV show interviewing prisoners including death row inmates and extremists.

A source close to her told MailOnline that she could meet TV executives on Merseyside before 'spending a few days with friends'.

Fresh start: Peru Two drugs mule Michaella McCollum is in Liverpool amid rumours she is trying to launch a reality TV career

Flying visit: Miss McCollum flew into Liverpool John Lennon Airport this morning (pictured) from Belfast

Relaxation: Miss McCollum checked into a boutique hotel in the city where she will also meet with friends this weekend

The friend said: 'Michaella is in Liverpool finalising negotiations for her prime time documentary series delving into unsolved or unusual crime cases around the world

'She has been inundated with offers for her own TV shows but this will see her travel around the world interviewing suspected death row inmates to extremists and people proclaiming their innocence.

Caught: Michaella McCollum (left) with their suitcases after they drugs bust with fellow Briton Melissa Reid (right)

'It's a massive opportunity for Michaella and will propel her into the prime time TV spotlight and become Ireland's first TV action woman'.

She is also said to be keen to get on to Big Brother.

Miss Reid was not with her but although she is less keen on the limelight, but producers are believed to want to sign them for the show as a pair.

While the pair denied talks were underway, a source told The Sun earlier this month: 'Michaella has made no secret of her dream to become a reality TV star.

'She's 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.'

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 after hatching the criminal plan in the Balearic island of Ibiza.

In jail they slept on concrete bunks and used a hole in the floor as a lavatory for three years.

Three years later they were released and arrived back in Britain last summer.

In the dock: Michaella McCollum, left, from Northern Ireland, and Melissa Reid, right, from Glasgow, were jailed in Peru in 2013 for attempting to smuggle cocaine worth 1.5million out of the country to Spain

Evidence: These food packages crammed with the class A drug was found in their luggage

McCollum, pictured handcuffed as she arrives for a court hearing, in Lima, Peru, on December 17, 2013

Michaella McCollum has been enjoying her time out of jail and last month was snapped in a revealing green swimsuit sitting on the sand and paddling in the surf in 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 in Malaga.

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.

'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.

'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.'

Time off: Michaella McCollum has been enjoying her time out of jail and last month was snapped in a revealing green swimsuit sitting on the sand and paddling in the surf in Spain

Fighting back: 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' in the face of criticism in Belfast

Having fun: The 24-year-old Micahella, from County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, has been enjoying her new-found freedom after being jailed four years ago

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.'

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.
Climate science is one of the biggest losers when it comes to President Trump's proposed budget, which the administration unveiled today.

'I think the president was fairly straight forward, we're not spending money on that anymore,' OMB Director Mick Mulvaney said from the White House podium today, when asked about climate science cuts. 'We consider that to be a waste of your money.'

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration could be cut by $1.5 billion, sucking millions away from coastal research programs that assist sea-touching communities prepare for global warming's expected worsening storms and sea level rise.

Over at NASA, the Trump administration wants the space agency to push funds away from researching climate, while the Trump budget also calls for zeroing out funding for climate change programs through the United Nations.

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President Donald Trump's proposed budget goes after climate science with cuts in research being done by NOAA, NASA and the United Nations

Office of Management and Budget Director Mick Mulvaney said of climate change science: 'We consider that to be a waste of your money'

The National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration could see cuts in programs that research and protect the coastlines

In the Trump budget, NASA's mission is geared toward space and not toward the earth, with a number of climate change programs on the chopping block

NOAA, which is part of the Commerce Department, could see a reduction by 16 percent, which includes a $250 million elimination of coastal research programs, including $73 million allotted for Sea Grant programs, established at universities in 33 states.

GONE COMPLETELY The Trump budget includes a radical plan to get rid of 19 agencies in their entirety. They are: African Development Foundation Appalachian Regional Commission Chemical Safety Board Corporation for National and Community Service Corporation for Public Broadcasting Delta Regional Authority Denali Commission Institute of Museum and Library Services Inter-American Foundation U.S. Trade and Development Agency Legal Services Corporation National Endowment for the Arts National Endowment for the Humanities Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation Northern Border Regional Commission Overseas Private Investment Corporation U.S. Institute of Peace U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars Advertisement

In Connecticut alone, that could spell layoffs of 13 experts in marine science and coastal policy areas headquartered at the Avery Point campus of the University of Connecticut, according to The Day.

'The budget for Sea Grant is just crumbs on the scale of the national budget, but these are crumbs that are meaningful to real people and real communities,' said Sylvain De Guise, the administrator of the Connecticut Sea Grant program.

Democratic senators in the state also decried the proposed cuts.

'As a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, I will fight this tooth and nail and will work to ensure that NOAA has the resources it needs to carry out its critical work,' Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., said.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration's budget only got a slight reduction overall  $19.1 billion from last year's $19.3  but the agency's priorities were moved away from earth and into space.

During today's White House press briefing OMB Director Mick Mulvaney pointed to statements President Trump had made.

'One of the things he told us was, "Look, I'm still interested in America being involved in space exploration," so even though the overall topline number at NASA is reduced by a small fraction,' Mulvaney explained. 'Individual line items that deal specifically with space exploration are actually plus-ed up.'

Cuts, on the other hand, seem to specifically target earth science initiatives, with four missions on the chopping block.

Ambassador to the U.N. Nikki Haley suggested she was comfortable with cuts to the United Nations, though didn't specifically address climate change programs

First, there's PACE, which measures changes in the earth's ecosystems by watching chlorophyll.

There's OCO-3, a forthcoming Space Station module, which will track carbon dioxide.

There's also DSCOVR, an acronym for Deep Space Climate Observatory, which was first proposed by former Vice President Al Gore, an active environmentalist.

DSCOVR uses satellites to measure earth's carbon levels.

Finally there's the CLARREO Pathfinder, a Climate Absolute Radiance and Refractivity Observatory, to be launched in 2020, which measures heat in the earth's atmosphere for the purpose of collecting accurate climate change data.

Robert Lightfood, NASA's acting administrator, wasn't critical of the proposed cuts.

'This is a positive budget overall for NASA,' he said. 'This is in line with our funding in recent years, and will enable us to effectively execute our core mission for the nation, even during these times of fiscal constraint.'

Under the umbrella of large State Department cuts, the proposed budget also eliminated the Global Climate Change Initiative and would kill off payments to United Nations climate change programs.

In an interview this morning with Matt Lauer, U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, a Republican, stated that she didn't mind the cuts, though didn't specifically address anything relating to climate change.

'And I will tell you it's OK because when we got to the U.S. mission the first thing we did is cut out the overtime, there was way too much overtime there, but then you look at the United Nations, the secretary general is new just like I am and we both came together on the efficiencies that we needed in peacekeeping reform, which we've spent a ton of money on, and we've come together on management reform,' Haley said.
One man was killed and another was injured after a standoff that was sparked by an argument over doughnuts, investigators said.

Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri said it began Wednesday morning when 24-year-old Jeffrey Falsey asked his mother to get him doughnuts.

When Susan DiFabbio, 63, refused, her son became angry and she called the police.

Deputies arrived at a trailer at their trailer in St Petersburg to find DiFabbio's fiance Dan Kulwicki, 68, with a gunshot wound to his head. DiFabbio had left the residence before police could arrive.

Murder over doughnuts: Jeffrey Falsey, 24, (left) allegedly shot his mother's fiance to death, Dan Kulwicki, 68, (right) during a dispute that was sparked over doughnuts

Gualtieri said Falsey had also been angry at the fact that his mother was dating Kulwicki who was a registered sex offender and had just moved in with the family.

But before deputies made the gruesome discovery, they had knocked on the door and heard a voice inviting them inside.

The men grew suspicious and spoke from behind the door until shots rang out of the trailer sending the deputies scrambling behind cars.

Falsey had allegedly watched the deputies from inside the trailer through a video surveillance system.

Deputy Michael Ficocelli was shot in the leg during the rampage and was taken to a local hospital with non life-threatening injuries.

Authorities said at least 30 rounds were fired during the shooting.

Deputies arrived at the doorstep of the trailer at 5157 80th Way N in unincorporated St. Petersburg and were met with gunshots allegedly fired by Falsey. Deputy Michael Ficocelli was shot in the leg during the rampage

Two hours later, negotiators persuaded Falsey to leave the home. Inside they found Kulwicki dead.

The trailer had smelled of gunpowder and a rifle, a pistol, and a semiautomatic hand gun were found in the home, authorities said.

All the weapons were legally owned, two of which were given to Falsey as gifts from his parents, Gualteri said.

The sheriff said the 24-year-old has mental health issues and had been arrested before for battery after allegedly hitting his mother.

'[He] had nothing on his mind other than killing people and making carnage,' Gualtieri said.

The suspect's father Michael Falsey, argued that his son did not have mental issues and claims Jeffrey told him his mother had been abusing him, the Ledger reported.

He faces multiple charges, including first-degree murder. Records don't list an attorney.
Matthew Muller, 39, faces decades in prison when a federal judge hands down his sentence on Thursday for the kidnapping of Denise Huskins in 2015

The parents of a California woman who was abducted by a disbarred Harvard University-trained attorney have told the judge they are outraged he will not be sentenced for also raping and drugging her.

Matthew Muller, 39, faces decades in prison when a federal judge hands down his sentence on Thursday for a kidnapping so elaborate and bizarre that police initially dismissed it as a 'Gone Girl' hoax.

Prosecutors are seeking a 40-year sentence for Muller after he pleaded guilty last year to kidnapping Denise Huskins, 31, and holding her for ransom two years ago.

Muller broke into the victim's home in Vallejo where she was sleeping with her boyfriend, Aaron Quinn in March 2015. He tied the couple up and blindfolded them, before drugging them and abducting Huskins.

Authorities said he put her in the trunk of car and drove to South Lake Tahoe where he held her hostage and raped her twice before releasing her.

Denise Huskins and boyfriend Aaron Quinn were tied up and drugged when Muller broke into their home in Vallejo in March 2015

Muller, a disbarred Harvard University-trained attorney and ex-Marine, pleaded guilty last year to kidnapping Denise and holding her for ransom

The victim's parents Jane Remmele and Mike Huskins wrote letters to U.S. District Judge Troy L. Nunley ahead of the sentencing on Thursday as they called for the harshest sentence possible, according to the Sacramento Bee.

'A person who kidnapped my daughter is to be sent to prison for just that - kidnapping. My daughter was also drugged, restrained, abused and sexually assaulted. Aaron was drugged and restrained,' Remmele wrote in the letters included in the federal court file.

'Should no sentence be imposed for these crimes justice will not have been served. If effect, a free pass will have been given to the felon for these other acts.

'I have no idea how this is possible and it sickens me as much as anything that has happened in the past two years.'

Her father described Muller as 'evil in nature', before adding that he deserved the maximum sentence for 'his heinous crimes of kidnapping, torture, and raping my beloved daughter'.

The victim's parents Jane Remmele (left) and Mike Huskins (right) wrote letters to U.S. District Judge Troy L. Nunley ahead of the sentencing on Thursday

The victim's mother Jane Remmele wrote a letter to U.S. District Judge Troy L. Nunley ahead of the sentencing on Thursday calling for the harshest sentence possible to be imposed

Muller could be sentenced to life in prison by the judge, despite prosecutors agreeing to recommend 40 years in exchange for his guilty plea.

'Public safety requires that he be imprisoned until he is old and weak,' Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Dean Segal said as he called the crime 'depraved and egregious.'

Defense attorney Thomas Johnson wants a 30-year sentence, saying his client has been diagnosed as manic and depressive and can be rehabilitated with proper treatment for what he called 'a truly debilitating mental illness.'

Prosecutors said Muller had used a remote-controlled drone to spy on his victims before breaking into their home and tying them up.

He made them drink a sleep-inducing liquid before playing a pre-recorded message that made it seem as if there was more than one kidnapper.

Police initially called the kidnapping a hoax and likened Denise's (above) story to the movie 'Gone Girl', in which a woman goes missing and then lies about being kidnapped

Prosecutors said Muller had used a remote-controlled drone to spy on his victims before breaking into their home in Vallejo (above) and tying them up during the ordeal

Muller put Huskins in the trunk of his car before releasing her two days later in her hometown.

After Huskins reappeared, Vallejo police called the kidnapping a hoax and erroneously likened it to the movie 'Gone Girl,' in which a woman goes missing and then lies about being kidnapped when she reappears.

Investigators dropped that theory after Muller was later arrested in an attempted robbery at another San Francisco Bay Area home.

Vallejo police have since apologized. Huskins and her boyfriend are currently suing the city and two police officers, accusing them of defamation and inflicting emotional distress.

Muller, a former Marine, was admitted to practice law in California in 2011, and his state bar profile says he attended Harvard Law School. He lost his law license in 2015 in an unrelated incident.
President Trump's budget proposal slices away at existing transportation programs, including those that spread benefits to rural and far-flung areas in ways that attract political support.

The cuts are at least in part made to make room for the a forthcoming $1 trillion infrastructure plan, which is being crafted by a task force created out of the White House.

'We believe those programs to be less effective than the package we're currently working on,' said Budget director Mick Mulvaney, who called the cuts 'line-item reductions.'

The Transportation Department budget Trump is proposing would shave $2.4 billion from existing, for a cut of 13 per cent. That would leave spending at $16.2 billion.

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Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, center, and others, listen as President Donald Trump speaks at the American Center of Mobility, Wednesday, March 15, 2017

Interstates on the skids: The Department of Transportation is responsible for the upkeep of the national road network, such as I25 in downtown Denver

Off track: All subsidies for Amtrak's long-distance trains - such as the California Zephyr - would be stopped under the Trump scheme

'The Budget request reflects a streamlined DOT that is focused on performing vital Federal safety oversight functions and investing in nationally and regionally significant transportation infrastructure projects,' according to the budget.

Programs that would get hit include those that fund rural airports, long-haul passenger train rides, and new surface transportation projects.

The steep cuts come as a Trump-created task force is identifying projects and looking for was to fund $1 trillion in new infrastructure spending. The White House has said it wants to rely on 'public-private partnerships' to provide funds.

Trump's new budget 'limits funding for the Federal Transit Administration's Capital Investment Program' to projects with 'existing full funding grant agreements only.'

Some of the cuts are to focus on national programs rather than those with regional benefits, Yahoo News reported.

President Donald Trump tours the American Center of Mobility, Wednesday, March 15, 2017, in Ypsilanti Township, Mich. From left are, GM CEO Mary Barra, EPA administrator Scott Pruitt, the president, Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder, Ford CEO Mark Fields, Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao and Fiat Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne

Also hit: Plans to boost local transit in cities which want to emulate Seattle's Link light rail are also likely to be hit

Subsidies for rural flights also get cut

According to the budget, future investments 'would be funded by the localities that use and benefit from these localized projects.'

The budget would kill funding for Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant program  which began under the Obama administration's stimulus program to boost surface transportation. The budget puts the savings at $499 million.

But like the rest of the budget, it will need to find favor with congressional appropriators.

Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), who chairs the Senate Appropriations transportation subcommittee, promised to protect the grants, The Hill reported.

The budget also proposes a change in the handling of the nation's overloaded air traffic control system  in a way that could attract the attention of lawmakers from urban and rural areas alike.

It 'initiates a multi-year reauthorization proposal to shift the air traffic control function of the Federal Aviation Administration to an independent, non-governmental organization, making the system more efficient and innovative while maintaining safety,' the budget says.

President Trump's new budget slashes Transportation programs by $2.4 billion, or 13 per cent

The transportation cuts are briefly outlined in Trump's 'America First' budget

FRIENDS IN HIGH PLACES: Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) (R), along with his wife Transportation secretary Elaine Chao look on a day before the start of the start of the Republican National Convention. The transportation cuts won't go through without the Senate Appropriations Committee

'This would benefit the flying public and taxpayers overall,' it states.

Amtrak funds would be directed toward the more profitable Northeast Corridor.

The budget 'restructures and reduces Federal subsidies to Amtrak to focus resources on the parts of the passenger rail system that provide meaningful transportation options within regions,' it says.

'The Budget terminates Federal support for Amtrak's long distance train services, which have long been inefficient and incur the vast majority of Amtrak's operating losses. This would allow Amtrak to focus on better managing its State-supported and Northeast Corridor train services,' it says.

Another section states that the budget kills funding for the 'Essential Air Service' program, which subsidizes commercial air service to rural airports.

The budget says it would wring $175 million out of the changes. According to a CBS article about the program in 2015, 44 out of 113 subsidized routes were at least two-thirds empty.

But the program is likely to draw support from many of the rural senators on the Appropriations Committee. Both Montana senators sit there.
Authorities are offering a $30,000 reward for information in relation to the brutal slaying of a retired California couple found dead in their home.

Cheng Long Wang, 60, and his 57-year-old wife, Mei Chu Chung, were found stabbed to death inside their home in Diamond Bar.

A friend found their bodies on the morning of October 20, when she went to check on the pair after their family had trouble reaching them, KTLA reported.

Tragic: The bodies of Cheng Long Wang, 60, (left) and Mei Chu Chung, 57, (right) were found with multiple stab wounds in their Diamond Bar, California, home in October

The couple had been married for 30 years and had came to the US from Taiwan in 2000

Wang and Chung, who emigrated from Taiwan in 2000, were known to their friends as 'David' and 'Marian' and had been married for 30 years.

Mr Wang worked as a computer programmer and his wife was an art teacher. The couple had two adult children.

Los Angeles County Sheriffs Captain Steve Katz said the scene showed signs of a struggle and about $10,000 in cash was robbed from the home.

Dr Gary Wang, 31, the son of the slain couple, said his parents were 'honest people living within their means.'

The death of his parents has affected his four-year-old daughter, who has been crying over her grandparents and wishes to video chat with her grandmother, he said.

'They were taken away from my life so suddenly, so brutally,' Wang told reporters during a news conference on Wednesday.

The Los Angeles County Board and the city of Diamond Bar is offering $30,000 for any information leading to the arrest of the suspect

Police said the couple's home at the 3300 block of Bent Twig Lane showed signs of a struggle and thousands of dollars had been stolen from the house

Sheriff Jim McDonnell called the family a 'classic American success story.'

The Wangs raised two children who became doctors and were well-known and respected in Diamond Bar. Mei Chu had taught children's art classes out of her own home.

'They enjoyed life spending time with their grandchildren and their family in Taiwan,' McDonnell said.

'They believed in helping others and would want someone in the community who might know something to step forward and help solve this brutal murder.'

The murder of the couple shocked the community as authorities said they were the only people killed in Diamond Bar that year.

Detectives are not sure if the perpetrator carried out the heinous attacks alone. Police have interviewed neighbors and residents in the area.

'Im not asking much. Im just asking for some justice for my parents,' Dr Wang pleaded.

During the news conference County Supervisor Janice Hahn vowed to find justice for the couple.
Paul Dockerty (above), 58, and his new wife Susan, 57, died when the Suzuki Ignis they were travelling in following their wedding in Leeds was in a collision with a 38-tonne lorry on the A64 in North Yorkshire

A couple's wedding day became 'the most horrendous day' when the bride and groom died in a car crash along with two of their friends, an inquest has heard.

Paul Dockerty, 58, and his new wife Susan, 57, died when the Suzuki Ignis they were travelling in following their wedding in Leeds was in a collision with a 38-tonne lorry on the A64 in North Yorkshire.

Their friends Joy Green, 60, and her husband Derek, 63, also died in the crash near the village of Scampston, between Malton and Scarborough, in July last year.

Coroner Michael Oakley said it was most likely that Mr Green, who was driving, was momentarily distracted by something in the car when the vehicle ploughed into the front of the lorry, driven by Vladas Monius.

The car was flipped onto its roof, leaving it with 'catastrophic' damage, the coroner said.

Mr Oakley said 'we will never know' what it was that caused Mr Green to veer into the path of the lorry on July 22, last year.

The Dockertys' friends Joy Green, 60, and her husband Derek, 63, also died in the crash in July last year. (Above, a picture of the Greens posted on Facebook in a tribute by their daughter Melanie). Coroner Michael Oakley said 'we will never know' what it was that caused Mr Green to veer into the path of the lorry on July 22 last year

He said: 'We have ruled out a number of possibilities and it has really come down to the fact that there has most likely been some form of distraction. What that distraction was, we will never know. Certainly, Mr Green did not brake.

'That led what was to be a very happy day to being the most horrendous day.'

The coroner said the four people in the car had attended Mr and Mrs Dockerty's wedding at Leeds Register Office and were heading for a week's holiday in Scarborough.

Mr Green was driving and Mr Dockerty was in the front passenger seat. The two women were the rear-seat passengers and all four were wearing seatbelts, the coroner said.

He said: 'This was to be a day of celebration.'

Lorry driver Mr Monius, who was 26 at the time of the collision, travelled from Lithuania to attend the inquest in Scarborough Town Hall.

He sat behind members of the Green and Dockerty families to hear Mr Oakley say he was blameless in the collision, which happened as he was taking frozen food from Scarborough to Nottingham.

Mr Oakley said: 'He was in no position whatsoever to avoid what was a catastrophic collision with the vehicle driven by Mr Green.'

The crash happened near the village of Scampston, between Malton and Scarborough. There was no question of alcohol or drugs being involved in the crash, the inquest heard

Traffic Constable Terry Collins, from North Yorkshire Police, said an examination of the car's lights showed that Mr Green did not brake and was travelling at 50mph, which he described as 'not an unreasonable speed' for the stretch of road.

He said there was evidence the car had travelled 'quite a considerable distance' over the white line in the centre of the road.

There was no question of alcohol or drugs being involved in the crash, the officer told the inquest.

The inquest heard that the only evidence of anything unusual before the crash was from a witness in a car behind the Suzuki who said it had drifted too close to the kerb a short distance before the impact.

The coroner recorded verdicts of accidental death on all four people in the car, who all died at the scene from multiple injuries.

He said Mr Green, who was a conservation officer, and Mrs Green, an artist, were both born in Leeds but lived in Scarborough.

Mr Dockerty, a former purchaser, and Mrs Dockerty, a former health care worker, were both born in Leeds and still lived in the city.

Their families did not want to comment after the inquest.

After the crash last year, Mr and Mrs Green's family said: 'Mum and dad were amazing, enthusiastic people who did so much in their lives and were always busy doing the things they loved.

'Their lives revolved around their family and community and Scarborough where they lived and were involved in so many things in the community.'
Three school boards will hold their monthly meetings tonight.

West County

The West County Board of Education will meet at 6 p.m. for a regular session in the Board of Education room located at 1124 Main St. in Leadwood.

A recognition ceremony for the achievements of elementary, middle and high school students is first on the agenda, followed by reports on early childhood and preschool programs, Parents as Teachers and school climate. The board will also hear presentations from school administrators and the superintendent.

Items of old business will include updates on fundraisers, capital improvements and the West County Foundation.

In new business, board members will consider a calendar proposal for the 2017-2018 school year and an E-rate funding request. They will discuss summer school, a preliminary tax rate for 2017-2018, health and ancillary insurance and a district assessment plan. In addition, a date for the April board meeting will be set.

The meeting is open to the public.

North County

The North County School Board of Education will meet in regular session today at 6 p.m. in the Administration Building, located at 300 Berry Road in Bonne Terre.

Listed under action items are the approval of updated regulation 4320 regarding personnel leave, bids for buses for 2017-18 school year and bid for softball field backstop netting.

Items on the agenda under communications include summer school handbooks and board regulation update.

This meeting is open to the public.

Bismarck

The Bismarck Board of Education will meet in regular session at 6 p.m. tonight in the elementary school library.

According to the tentative agenda, the board will hear the annual report on the district's guidance and counseling programs, as well as consider approval of the April board meeting date, summer school, the 2017-18 school calendar and updated substitute list.

The meeting is open to the public.
An urgent rescue operation has been launched to save hundreds of hippos trapped in dried-up mud baths due to a crippling drought.

Shocking photos show the Mkunumbi and Lake Kenyatta hippos suffering sunburn after getting stuck in former watering holes under the blistering sun in Lamu, Kenya.

The Kenya Wildlife Service has been frantically ferrying water to lakes, dams and rivers to avoid any more deaths - after more than 30 hippos perished in the mud.

An urgent rescue operation has been launched to save hundreds of hippos trapped in dried-up mud baths due to a crippling drought in Lamu, Kenya

The charity Care for the Wild Kenya released horrifying pictures of the suffering mammals to highlight the need for action.

They told of the urgent need for water pumps, diesel and labour to get water pumping to rescue the trapped hippos.

'This is an appeal with regard to the Mkunumbi and Lake Kenyatta hippos in Lamu,' the charity wrote on Facebook.

'The situation's gotten worse. To start off, we need to get immediate relief to the hippos, i.e hay and water, we're working on the logistics for this and are hoping to make a delivery as soon as possible.

'To get the water pumping for now, we need water pumps, pipes, diesel and labour, as we work on sustainable water solutions for the future.'

Earlier this month the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) started massive water tracking to rescue thousands of wild animals facing drought.

More than 30 hippos and hundreds of buffaloes, antelopes and gazelles are already thought to have died in Lamu after getting stuck in mud.

Shocking photos show the Mkunumbi and Lake Kenyatta hippos suffering sunburn after getting stuck in former watering holes under the blistering sun

They started rescue operations to help at least 60 hippos stuck at Lake Kenyatta, while 50 more are also stuck at Mkunumbi Dam, just 10 km from the lake.

The hippos are believed to have gone to the dam from Lake Kenyatta looking for water after the Mpeketoni Lake dried up, according to All Africa.

And at Lake Chomo at least 23 hippos and their calves are stuck in mud, with an unknown number having already died.

Lamu County KWS Senior Warden Jacob Orale said they are working non-stop to rescue as many animals alive as possible.

'We have already begun an exercise to remove wildlife stuck in mud across the county to reduce further deaths,' he explained.

'We are also carrying out intense water tracking which simply means spraying and filling up water points in the various areas including lakes and dams where the hippos are stuck to keep them hydrated.

'We believe the water tracking will also loosen the consistency of the mud to enable the animals walk freely out of the mud. We want to save the animals from perishing due to the drought.'

The Kenyan drought is the result of unreliable rainfall over the last three years.

It has led to the United Nations to appeal for 166 million dollars to address the problem - which has threatened lives of thousands of Kenyans.

'The unreliable rain is causing thirst and hunger, decimating livestock, destroying livelihoods, spreading disease, and causing large movements of people. Half of Kenya's 47 counties are affected by what the Government has declared a national drought disaster,' said the U.N. in a statement.
When Marion Kelly swaggered into the room as her father gave an interview on South Korean politics, a star was born.

The four-year-old became an internet sensation when she appeared in the background of Robert E. Kelly's BBC interview last week.

And her legion of fans across the world continues to grow after her appearance at a press conference with her family - as she has been hailed as a style guru.

Sucking on a lollipop and looking bored, the youngster was the epitome of cool, and this has not gone unnoticed.

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'President of the Earth': David Llewllyn was impressed with the way Marion Kelly handled the limelight

'Wonderful, magical little one': The adorable four-year-old has won fans all over the world

Little star: Marion (centre) with her father Robert Kelly, mother Jung-a Kim and brother James

One tweet offered tips on how to steal Marion's look after the four-year-old swaggered into the room

Images of Marion wearing a trenchcoat and glasses were shared widely on Twitter, alongside comments urging her one day to stand for 'president of the world'.

David Llewellyn wrote: 'If she isn't President of Earth by the time I'm 80, I'll be bitterly disappointed.'

Another Twitter poster quipped: 'BBC interview kid has just been cast as Commissioner Gordon in the new Batman movie.'

Another offered tips on how to 'steal her look'.

The serious look on her face didn't go unnoticed, with one Twitter post joking that she had been cast as Commissioner Gordon

Marion's look in the video is a tough one to imitate, one Twitter user pointed out today

Boss of us all: Marion Kelly has become a style icon since her appearance at a press conference today

She's now loved the world over after her brilliant interruption was viewed millions of times

Nonchalant: Her effortless demeanour added to her charm, some commenters pointed out

Swagger: Four-year-old Marion Kelly has become an icon during her time in the limelight

'Marion Kelly for President' wrote one Twitter user, alongside a picture of the four-year-old

Another comment branded her 'boss of us all'.

Linda Keating pondered: 'What kind of wonderful, magical little one rocks an entrance AND a trench coat? This one! #ImWithLittleHer'.

She stole the show at a press conference, in which her father spoke out to tell trolls that his wife had not used too much force in dragging them away - and addressed 'racist' assumptions she was his nanny.

Marion was followed into the room by baby brother James before wife Jung-a rushed in and quickly ushered them out in a 'comedy of errors' clip that has been viewed millions of times over the world.

Today he said he wanted to 'clear up rumours' sparked by the hilarious clip, telling a press conference: 'My wife Jung-a did not use too much force in removing the children from the room. People asked this.'

The South Korean politics expert whose BBC interview was gatecrashed by his two adorable children today spoke out to tell trolls that his wife had not used too much force in dragging them away - and addressed 'racist' assumptions she was his nanny

Today Prof Kelly said he wanted to 'clear up rumours' sparked by the hilarious clip, telling a press conference: 'My wife Jung-a did not use too much force in removing the children from the room. People asked this.'

Prof Kelly and his family captured the imagination of the world when his four-year-old daughter Marion, son James and wife Jung-a appeared like a 'comedy of errors' as he held forth on camera about the crisis in South Korea.

'Our children were not hurt... we normally do not treat our children the way you saw in the clip.'

He added: 'We would like to clear up some of the rumours and controversies around the video. Yes, the woman in the video is my wife, not my nanny.'

Prof Kelly, 44, also revealed he was so anxious after the 'disaster' that he had apologised to the BBC and thought his career as an interviewer was over.

The hilarious footage went viral on Friday after Professor Robert Kelly, questioned about South Korea's president, Park Geun-hye, being ousted from power was eclipsed by Marion, aged four, who performed a comical dance in the background.

She was followed by little brother James, aged just nine months, who swept in to the study in a fast-moving baby walker. Moments later a stressed-out Jung-a skidded into the room and grappled the children out of shot.

Sitting alongside his wife and two children today, with Marion sucking a lolly and James munching on a rusk, Prof Kelly was keen to defend his wife against mean-spirited comments. He said:'It is quite apparent in the video that she is frantically trying to salvage the professionalism of the interview.

'When Marian our daughter speaks in the clip she says in Korean 'Why mum' because she was responding surprise because we do not usually treat out children the way you saw in the clip.'

Prof Kelly (left, with their son James) said the video was 'terribly cute' in hindsight. His wife Jung-a (right, with their daughter Marion) said: 'It happens all the time'

Prof Kelly's daughter Marion burst into the room in a bright yellow top and performed a hilarious dance behind him

He added: 'In the same vein, no, I was not shoving Marion out of the way. When I tried to move her behind the chair. I was trying to slide Marion behind the chair because we have toys and books in the room.

'My hope was that she would play with the books for a few moments until the interview ended.'

He said they had initially been overwhelmed by the 'blooper' but were now able to laugh at it.

'My wife and I did not fight after the blooper, we did not punish our children. In fact, we thought that no television network would ever call us again.'

'We thought it was just a disaster,' said Kelly.

'I communicated with the BBC immediately afterward and I apologised to them. I said that if they never called us back or never asked me to be on television again, I would understand.

'My wife and I did not fight after the blooper, we did not punish our children. In fact, we thought that no television network would ever call us again'

'I communicated with the BBC immediately afterward and I apologised to them. I said that if they never called us back or never asked me to be on television again, I would understand'

Both parties tried to keep their cool despite the hilarious interruption from his children

His mortification doubled as his baby son excitedly made his way into the room in a stroller

'I had assumed this would end any television appearances, that would people see this and assume this was wildly unprofessional, no one would ever call me again, I'd never speak on television again'

'And I had assumed this would end any television appearances, that would people see this and assume this was wildly unprofessional, no one would ever call me again, I'd never speak on television again.'

Asked about becoming a 'poster child' for working fathers trying to balance office commitments with family life, he said: 'You have to be flexible. For example, this was my home office space and normally I hope that my children don't come in; I can get more work done.

'But we want our children to feel comfortable coming into the room and being able to approach their father. And that means you can't keep that strict boundary where some rooms are off limits.'

Addressing rumours he didn't stand up because he was wearing pajamas or pantsm he said: 'Yes, I was wearing pants! Someone at lunch recognised me today and asked me if I was wearing pants.

Prof Kelly and his wife Jung-a have seen the funny side of it since the story went viral but at the time they were both horrified with embarrassment

Prof Kelly said he was 'uncomfortable' with the fact that many people jumped to the conclusion she was his nanny, rather than his wife, but she said people should 'stop arguing' about it

'Strangers ask me if I was wearing pants. I chose not to stand, this is why people were asking me if I was wearing pants because I did not stand. I chose not to stand because I was trying to save the interview.'

Asked if he worries that the 'blooper' would have any impact on his credibility as a 'scholar', he said: 'I am a little bit wary of the fallout for my academic credentials. We didn't want this. I guess this is now the first line of my obituary right? I'm BBC dad for a while now I suppose. I would hope that people would read my work.'

'But I mean I think there's just a general sense it just sort of happened, right? So I guess not. If we were still talking about this in 6 months, I guess I would be genuinely uncomfortable. I'm surprised, actually, that this is still rolling along. It's day five and we still can't answer our phone.'

Prof Kelly also spiked rumours on the Internet that he had not been wearing trousers during the interview

'Finally, we have no serious comment about the many social analyses about the video. We see this simply as a very public family blooper, we don not see this in some political or social way or as a metaphor for anything. We have no real comment on that sort of stuff.'

He had earlier told the Wall Street Journal: 'As soon as she opened the door I saw her image on my screen. She was in a hippity-hoppity mood that day because of the school party.'

Prof Kelly, 44, said he gamely tried to continue with the interview but then nine-month-old James tottered into the room. 'Then I knew it was over,' he said.

To complete the farce, his wife Jung-a Kim then came skidding through the door.

She grabbed the two youngsters and attempted to drag them out of the door, but one of them could be heard wailing and the baby's walker got stuck in the door.

The video has been viewed 84 million times on the BBC's Facebook page, the hashtag #BBCDad was trending on Twitter and the story has been covered by media from Uruguay to Australia.

Prof Kelly, who is from Cleveland Ohio, focused entirely on the camera as he attempted to blindly hand off his daughter, who was clearly curious about who he was talking to.

His mortification soon doubled as baby James excitedly made his way into the room under his own power in a walker.

Eventually, she managed to get them both out, and the interview continued.

More formal pose: Robert Kelly and his wife Jung-a and daughter Marion - who started the interruption which created a viral sensation.

Possibly the most hilarious moment in the farce was when his wife came skidding through the door to take the children off camera

Prof Kelly could be seen squirming in his chair as his wife grabbed the youngsters and attempted to drag them out of the door, with one of them wailing and the baby's walker stuck in the door

BBC correspondent Rajini Vaidyanathan revels in the return of the #BBCDad and his family

When the interview finished, broadcaster James Menendez told him: 'There's a first time for everything. I think you've got some children who need you!'

Prof Kelly admitted today he was mortified at the time but in hindsight he could see the funny side.

He said his feelings about the incident had gone from 'surprise and embarrassment' to 'amusement' and finally 'love and affection'.

'It was terribly cute. I saw the video like everybody else and it's really funny,' said Prof Kelly.

He said the reaction on social media had been astonishing - and mostly positive - and he had been forced to switch off Twitter and Facebook alerts and put his phone on airplane mode.

'I'm not even going near YouTube or Reddit or whatever those other sites are,' said Prof Kelly.

His wife Jung-a told the Wall Street Journal: 'It happens all the time but not like this. This was the first time it happened during an interview.'

In the immediate aftermath of the video going viral many people on social media assumed she was his nanny or maid, rather than his wife.

The incident, trending as #BBCDad, led to a spate of memes and parodies

And after the segment had finished, the presenter admitted on Twitter that he had struggled to keep it together during the episode

Some people accused those who assumed she was the nanny of being racist, leading to some fairly aggressive Twitter fights.

In an interview with the BBC today Prof Kelly said: 'We were pretty uncomfortable with it.'

But Jung-a played it down and said: 'People should just enjoy it, not argue over these things. I hope they stop arguing.'

Prof Kelly was also asked to nail another myth which had prospered on the Internet.

Menendez asked him today: 'Were you wearing pyjamas at the time? Some people said the reason you didn't get up at all was that either you were in your pyjamas or maybe you didn't have any trousers on?'

But he confirmed he was wearing trousers at the time.

Prof Kelly moved to Korea in 2008, and married Jung-a Kim, a former yoga teacher who is now a stay-at-home mother to their two children, Marion, four, and James, nine-months.

The hilarious footage was first tweeted by BBC producer Julia MacFarlane, who promptly deleted it 20 minutes later.

She wrote: 'When the kids interrupt you in the middle of live TV...A lovely moment and masterfully handled by our guest this morning on South Korea'.

A BBC spokesman told MailOnline: 'We're really grateful to Professor Kelly for his professionalism. This just goes to show that live broadcasting isn't always child's play.'

A highly respected expert on South Korean politics, Prof Kelly has written for outlets including Foreign Affairs, The European Journal Of International Relations and The Economist.

He earned his bachelors degree in political science from the University of Miami and completed his PhD at Ohio State.

No sooner had the interview been broadcast that people were clamouring to share the clip online and Prof Kelly soon realised it was about to go viral

The stuff of memes: The internet was quick to react to the hilarious clip with Twitter users uploading and sharing memes

Another meme captured the exact moment despairing Professor Kelly realised his daughter was in the room and tried to nudge her out of shot

Only a tiny minority on social media did not see the funny side

Kelly's mother Ellen told DailyMail.com the clip was 'hilarious' and she had spoken to her son just as it started to become an internet sensation.

'First my sister called and then we spoke to Robert, who was a little disturbed - probably just embarrassed,' she said.

Mrs Kelly said she thought it was 'fantastic' and 'the best part' was when his wife came skidding into shot.

Ellen Kelly, 72, with her husband, Joseph, spoke to DailyMail.com and said she could be the reason behind the gaffe. She said that she regularly Skypes with the children and that 'the kids probably heard voices coming from the computer and assumed it was grandma'

Mrs Kelly, from University Heights, just outside Cleveland, told DailyMail.com she was exceptionally proud of her son and all of his accomplishments, and said he was a 'wonderful' and committed father.

She and her husband Joseph often Skype him, his wife and the two children.

She said: 'Robert usually Skypes with us from his home office, which is where he did the interview.

'The kids probably heard voices coming from the computer and assumed it was us,' she said laughing. 'It was just hilarious'.

Mrs Kelly, 72, said her son, who is an expert on South Korean politics, has done a number of interviews on network television for other outlets, including CNN, as well as CNBC, Sky News, and ITN.

She said: 'I just hope that he gains recognition for his expertise rather than for this - as great as it all is.'

'Life happens,' she said, laughing. 'The lesson is to lock the door!'

After the segment finished on Friday Menendez admitted on Twitter he had struggled to keep it together.

He posted a link to the video, with the words: 'Hard to keep a straight face.'

Afterwards, he added: 'It was the desperate reach for the door at the end that nearly did it for me.'
Gerry Marsden collapsed onstage during a gig with his band the Pacemakers

Sixties pop legend Gerry Marsden dramatically collapsed onstage during a gig with his band the Pacemakers just four years after his last heart operation.

Marsden, 74, fell flat on his back in front of shocked fans while singing Peaceful Easy Feeling by the Eagles at his show in Newport, South Wales, as part of his UK tour.

The star, who underwent a triple heart bypass in 2003 and a replacement heart valve operation in 2012, was said to look 'visibly shaken and in pain.'

He apologised to the concerned audience before leaving the stage - as the rest of the band carried on with the 'Gerry Cross the Mersey' show.

Liverpool band Gerry and the Pacemakers burst onto the scene in the 1960s with a string of hits, including 'You'll Never Walk Alone' and 'Ferry Cross the Mersey', after being signed by Beatles manager Brian Epstein.

They broke up in 1966, but Marsden reformed the group in 1974 and they have been touring ever since.

Andy Howells, who was watching the show at The Riverfront in Newport, said: 'As a song ended Gerry turned away from the audience, stumbled and appeared to lose his balance.

'The stage hand came on to help him and he appeared to regain his balance as the stage hand removed his guitar.

'Gerry then lost his balance again and fell back in front of the percussion area, landing on his back.

'As the stage hand and a band member helped him up Gerry looked visibly shaken and in pain.

Liverpool band Gerry and the Pacemakers burst onto the scene in the 1960s with a string of hits, including 'Ferry Cross the Mersey'

'He apologised to the audience explaining that he was due to go for a knee operation next week and that he had hoped to make it through the show.

'He apologised once again and was lead off by the stage hand as the audience gave him a round of applause.

'The band wished him well before proclaiming the show must go on before launching into The Love Affair hit, Everlasting Love.'

Staff at the theatre later said that Mr Marsden was resting in his dressing room.

The band's management have been approached for comment.
Toby Willis was arraigned on four child rape charges in Tennessee on Monday

TLC star Toby Willis denied four charges of child rape as he was arraigned on Monday in Tennessee.

The 46-year-old was arrested in October for allegedly raping a nine or ten-year-old girl 12 years ago.

He initially faced a single count of child rape but the charge has been quadrupled.

Officials would not address whether the charges relate to one girl or if they believe he had several victims on Thursday.

Willis's formal plea hearing will be held on July 11 and his trial has been set for the following week in Ashland City, Tennessee, in July.

Willis was one of the stars of The Willis Family, a now canceled TLC show which followed his country music-singing brood.

He and his wife Brenda appeared in it with their 12 children.

Willis was arrested last year in Greenville, Kentucky, after allegedly trying to flee police in Tennessee. Detectives said he had been hitchhiking through the state to evade them.

Their investigation began in August 2016 after a family member reported the allegation to police.

At his preliminary hearing last year, Willis's attorney suggested he wasn't competent enough to plea and requested a mental health evaluation, The Tennessean reports.

The result of the request is not known.

Willis appeared in the TLC show The Willis Family with his wife Brenda and their 12 children

The rest of the Willis family threw their support behind prosecutors in a statement released after his arrest.

'I was shocked and devastated by the revelation of events leading to Toby Willis' arrest.

'As these are very trying times for the Willis family, I kindly ask all to respect our family's privacy. As a mother of twelve, my first priority remains with my children and helping them through this traumatic event.

'We are cancelling all appearances for the foreseeable future to focus on the children and their well-being. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

'We have, and will continue, to fully cooperate with law enforcement officials and ask that you direct all inquires regarding Toby Willis' case to the District Attorney's office who have our complete support,' Brenda Willis said.

The show followed the family's efforts as a country music band. It ran for two seasons before being canceled in April last year

Willis and his family got their first taste of fame when they reached the quarterfinals in season nine in America's Got Talent in 2014.

Toby's wife Brenda sided with prosecutors when he was arrested

The Willis Family aired for two seasons on TLC before being canceled in April due to poor ratings.

Producers said they had conducted extensive background checks on all of the family and were 'shocked' by the news.

Following the father's arrest in September, network officials removed all reference to the family from its website.

This is not the first allegation of sexual abuse to arise from a TLC show.

Josh Duggar of 19 Kids And Counting was investigated for molesting five underage girls, including his sisters. The show has since been canceled.
A seven-layered bacon cheeseburger prepared by a member of the Qatari royal family has become perhaps the most expensive ever sold.

The mammoth meal commanded the huge asking price because Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Thani, a member of Qatar's royal family, helped out with the cooking.

Top chef and culinary director at Dubai's Le Gourmet Russell Impiazzi prepared the burger alongside the Sheikh.

The mammoth meal commanded the huge asking price because Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Thani (centre), a member of Qatar's royal family

For the huge price tag the buyer got seven beef patties, one to represent each of the emirates, topped with aged cheddar cheese and veal bacon strips served in a saffron brioche bun.

Asma Al Fahim, founder of Dubai lifestyle magazine Villa 88, phoned in the winning 8,000 bid

While it may seem like the ultimate extravagance, all the money went to a good cause. The proceeds went to breast cancer charity Pink Caravan, which raises awareness of the disease.

For the huge price tag the buyer got seven beef patties, one to represent each of the emirates, topped with aged cheddar cheese and veal bacon strips served in a saffron brioche bun

The pricey burger was one of four that were auctioned, alongside several other dishes, raising almost $30,000

Sheikh Al Thani said: 'Two years ago we broke the world record by selling one burger for $7,000, and this year we wanted to top that.

'All proceeds will go to breast cancer awareness and free detection at an earlier stage.'

Ms Al Fahim said she bid the large amount because she wanted to support a good cause and honor former Pink Caravan director Ameera bin Karam, who died in a house fire last year.

The pricey burger was one of four that were auctioned, alongside several other dishes, raising almost $30,000.


President Donald Trump predicted that his administration would have a 'very, very great long-term relationship' with Ireland after meeting with Taoiseach Enda Kenny for the first time this morning at the White House.

'That's my new friend; he's my new friend. Great guy,' Trump proclaimed at the annual Friends of Ireland luncheon later at the Capitol. 'We love Ireland and we love the people of Ireland.'

Kenny congratulated Trump on his election in remarks, telling the American president who likes to talk about the victory, 'You beat them all.'

But then in a coded message about the estimated 50,000 Irish living in the U.S. illegally, he raised the topic of illegals with Irish passports - carefully never using the phrase illegal or undocumented but talking about being able to 'stand out in the light'.

'We would like this to be sorted,' he said.

'It would remove a burden of so many people that they can stand out in the light and say, now I am free to contribute to America as I know I can. And that's what people want.'

Later in the speech there are Irish citizens living in the country who want to 'play their part for America, if you like, who want to make America great.'

President Donald Trump predicted that his administration would have a 'very, very great long-term relationship' with Ireland after meeting with Taoiseach Enda Kenny for the first time this morning at the White House

CHEERS: The luncheon dates back to Republican President Ronald Reagan's time in office, when he and the Speaker of the House, Democrat Tip O'Neill, an Irish American, convened the prime minister and Members of Congress for the St. Patrick's day celebration

Sitting with the president at the luncheon was New York Rep, Peter King, a fellow Republican (far right) House Speaker Paul Ryan, (far left) Kenny, (center) and Kenny's wife (not pictured)

Celebration: The fountain is dyed green on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington in honor of the visit of the Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny

The White House fountain on the South Lawn is dyed green to mark St. Patrick's Day

Before the luncheon, Kenny had breakfast at the Naval Observatory with Vice President Mike Pence, who is of Irish heritage, and General John Kelly, then traveled to the White House to meet with Trump.

In the Oval Office, the two leaders ignored reporters' questions about immigration, as they posed for the cameras.

'I love Ireland, ' Trump said during the brief session. 'I really love Ireland, he said, promising, 'I'll be back.'

Kenny is the second European Union leader Trump has met with since taking office after British Prime Minister Theresa May. He was supposed to meet with German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Tuesday but a snowstorm pushed back the visit to tomorrow.

At the Capitol, Kenny told Trump, 'Ireland and the European Union will never be anything but a friend to your country, to these United States here.'

Kenny said that at his breakfast, he discussed the topic of immigration with Kelly and Pence, 'which is so important to the fabric of our people,' and the administration agreed to reflect on its policy toward Ireland.

'That's something that, again, we will work with you diligently in this regard in the two sectors that we used to have a facility for E3 visas for young people who want to come to America and to work here. We discussed that very constructively this morning,' he said.

An estimated 50,000 of the United States' illegal immigrant population is from Ireland. Another 34.5 million Americans say they have Irish blood.

LUNCH WITH A SIDE OF HEALTH CARE?: Trump's administration spent the past week defending tweets about wiretapping - and Ryan's health care bill

Returning to the topic of immigration later in his remarks at , Kenny reminded Trump that 2,000 of the nation's 4,000 Congressional Medal of Honor recipients are Irish Americans.

'So they fought in the Revolutionary War. They beat the daylights out of each other in Fredericksburg and Gettysburg and Yorktown, and other places, in Atlanta. They fought every war for America and died for America, and will continue to do so. All they want is the opportunity to be free,' he stated.

Continuing, Kenny said he hoped that Trump's administration, along with Congress, 'would sort this out once and for all, and for future years, you determine what it is that you want to do.'

'As George Mitchell said last evening, you can't return to open immigration, but for the people who are here - who should be here, might be here - that's an issue that I'm sure your administration will reflect on. And we in Ireland will give you every assistance in that regard.'

Trump delivered his remarks before Kenny, complimenting Ireland in his speech for standing by America, 'politically speaking.'

'The people of Ireland and the people of the United States have stuck together through good times and bad times. Over many centuries we have built a bond that thrives, inspires and endures. And with us, it's going to be closer than ever before, I can tell you that,' he said, perhaps not aware that Kenny was going to publicly lobby him at the televised affair to change his immigration policy next.

The luncheon dates back to Republican President Ronald Reagan's time in office, when he and the Speaker of the House, Democrat Tip O'Neill, an Irish American, convened the prime minister and Members of Congress for the St. Patrick's day celebration.

This year's 10-table luncheon saw House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi sit with Energy and Commerce Chair Greg Walden, an author of the GOP bill that repeals and replaces Obamacare, House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, senior adviser to the president Kellyanne Conway and Pence.

Sitting with the president was New York Rep, Peter King, a fellow Republican, House Speaker Paul Ryan, Kenny, and the prime minister's wife.

'That's my new friend; he's my new friend. Great guy,' Trump proclaimed at the annual Friends of Ireland luncheon later at the Capitol. 'We love Ireland and we love the people of Ireland'

Trump press secretary, Sean Spicer, sat at another table with Members of Congress. Spicer is also Irish American. So is Ryan.

'Days like this take me back to my family's visits to Ireland. Everyone is just so easygoing there,' Ryan told his guests today. 'And when your name is Paul Ryan, you can really blend in.

'One time I was in a pub, talking to this fellow. I tell him my name, and he says, "oh, Paul Ryanyou're the hurler from Ballyboden!" I said, "No, nothe musician from Wicklow."'

Toasting his forefathers, Ryan said, 'Ireland may be a small island, but look at all she has given us. Her light floods the world.

'To America, she is as General Washington himself said, 'friend of my country in my country's most friendless day.' '
Former Trump national security advisor Michael Flynn got paid $45,000 for a 2015 speech to the Kremlin-backed RT, explosive new documents reveal  placing a dollar figure on an event that raised questions during the presidential campaign.

After his speaker's bureau, Leading Authorities, took its 25 per cent take, Flynn got $33,750, for an event celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the outlet.

Flynn, a retired Army Lt. Gen., long ago acknowledged getting paid, but wouldn't reveal the sum in an interview with the Washington Post.

The documents were released by a Congressional inquiry on Thursday.

Flynn resigned under pressure just weeks into his tenure after it was revealed he multiple contacts with Russian ambassador to the U.S. Sergey Kislyak during the transition, and didn't disclose to Vice President Mike Pence and others that sanctions on Russia were discussed.

Dining companions: Flynn was a guest at Putin's table for the December 2015 celebration of RT - for which it is now disclosed he received $45,000

Former Trump national security advisor Michael Flynn was paid $45,000 for a 2015 speech to the Kremlin-backed RT where he sat next to Putin, pictured,

Flynn, a retired military general, stepped down as President Trump's national security advisor after revelations about his ties to Russia. He got paid $45,000 to speak in Moscow at an event where he was seated next to Vladimir Putin

Documents reveal Flynn had three paid speaking engagements after getting fired form his post as head of the Defense Intelligence Agency.

Other documents show Flynn got two payments of $11,250 each, paid by two Russian companies, cargo airline Volga-Dnieper, and computer firm Kaspersky Government Security Solutions.

The publication said they were U.S. subsidiaries of the private companies.

The documents show payments to Flynn Intel Group LLC. The client is listed as RT TV - America. The publication reported that Flynn brought his son and stayed at the swank Metropol hotel.

Flynn had just left the military at the time at the time of his RT talk. He wouldn't reveal to the Washington Post how much he was paid for the engagement.

'I was asked by my speaker's bureau, LAI. I do public speaking. It was in Russia. It was a paid speaking opportunity,' Flynn told the paper.

The White House knew that Flynn may not have been entirely truthful about his contacts with the Russian ambassador, but the vice president did not find out until two weeks later, on Feb. 9, Pence's spokesman said

Flynn's cut was less than $34,000 after a commission

'The gig was to do an interview with [RT correspondent] Sophie Shevardnadze. It was an interview in front of the forum, probably 200 people in the audience,' he said.

After the speech, Flynn sat at Putin's table, and was seated at his right-and side.

Maryland Democrat Elijah Cummings wrote Trump, Defense Secretary James Mattis and FBI Director James Comey about the new information Thursday.

'I cannot recall any time in our nations history when the President selected as his National Security Advisor someone who violated the Constitution by accepting tens of thousands of dollars from an agent of a global adversary that attacked our democracy, he said.

Flynn accompanied Donald Trump frequently on the campaign trail and became his national security advisor

Pentagon rules prohibit retired officers from accepting 'consulting fees, gifts, travel expenses, honoraria or salary' immediately after they leave the military.

Flynn accepted the payments before he signed on as a Trump campaign advisor, ultimately becoming his national security advisor.

Flynn last week filed papers with the government indicating that he acted as a foreign agent on behalf of interest tied to the government of Turkey, getting paid more than $500,000.
It was an iconic picture that brought a rare moment of joy among the devastating scenes of Hurricane Katrina.

Little LaShay Brown's beaming face as she wrapped her arms around her brave rescuer Master Sergeant Mike Maroney of the U.S. Air Force.

Twelve years after the deadly hurricane, the pair are reuniting as Maroney prepares to accompany LaShay, now 14, to the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps ball on Saturday.

'I'm going because I would do anything to repay the hug to LaShay and her family. They mean as much to me as my own,' Maroney told People.

Moment of joy: Staff Sgt. Mike Maroney rescued the unknown girl and her family from their flood hit home in New Orleans, a week after Hurricane Katrina struck in 2005

Happy reunion: Air Force Reserve Master Sgt. Mike Maroney (right) rescued Morgan L'Shay Brown (left), in Hurricane Katrina. They are pictured at their reunion in 2015

LaShay said she had been inspired to join the military by the retired Air Force vet who has kept in touch ever since they were reunited back in 2015.

'I am proud of her no matter what she does and will support her in everything she does,' he says. 'I think she understands service and I believe that she will do great things no matter what she chooses.'

Maroney had set out to find the little girl who warmed his heart on the tenth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.

After a huge social media campaign, the veteran could barely hold back his tears as he and Brown were reunited on stage.

LaShay and Maroney have kept in touch since being reunited in 2015 (pictured together at a Spurs game earlier this year)

Twelve years after the deadly hurricane, the pair are reuniting again as Maroney prepares to accompany LaShay, now 14, pictured together recently to the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps ball

'Your hug, it helped me through hard days, and rough days,' said Maroney, who was battling PTSD, as they shared another embrace.

'You rescued me more than I rescued you,' he told Brown who began to cry tears of joy.

The airman said he had carried the photograph of them hugging with him, even on tours of Iraq and Afghanistan.

KTVU reports that Brown's family has since had financial trouble and Maroney can no longer serve due to an injury.

With his encouragement, LaShay decided to join the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) - a pre-training program sponsored by the US Armed Forces at Bay High School in Waveland, Mississippi.

LaShay told People: 'It was very interesting and a challenge, and because I had never done it before. I knew if I joined I would have help from Mike along the way if I needed it, or was confused about anything.'

Reunited after a decade: Maroney set out to find the little girl who warmed his heart and they shared a hug after being brought together in 2015

Maroney will be retiring from the Air Force later this month due to his injury, and now works training people for battlefield jobs such as Pararescue, CombatControl, SERE and Tacp.

But that day in New Orleans in 2005 will be forever etched in their memories.

On that day, LaShay and her family were still waiting for help about a week after the storm hit when the specialist team swooped in.

After Maroney and his team helped save LaShay, then 3, and her family, they shared the iconic hug.

The joyful image went on to appear on coinage and paper placemats at the base exchange, on phone cards and a magazine cover.

For Maroney, it was a brief moment of joy during what seemed like a hopeless mission.
A New Jersey man has been arrested for allegedly planting an improvised explosive device at the Port Authority Bus Terminal on Wednesday evening.

Arsenio Mason, 39, of Jersey City, has been charged with reckless endangerment, criminal possession of a weapon, possession of burglary tools and criminal possession of a controlled substance.

The incident began unfolding shortly after 5pm when Port Authority Police got a report about an unattended suitcase that was spotted inside a busy deli in the terminal.

'Explosive' case: Arsenio Mason, 39, pictured left after his arrest and right in court, is accused of planting a suitcase containing a 'flashbang' grenade at the Port Authority Bus Terminal

Transportation hub: The suitcase was left inside this deli on the main concourse of the terminal at around 5pm on Wednesday

Following an inspection of the suspicious item by a bomb-sniffing K-9 dog, police officers opened the luggage to discover a 'flashbang' grenade, a knife, bolt cutters and screwdrivers.

Investigators then reviewed CCTV footage from inside the terminal to determine who dropped off the suitcase in Deli Plus located on the main concourse.

The video eventually led police to Arsenio Mason, who returned to the bus terminal at around 8pm asking about his suitcase.

When questioned by police, the Jersey City resident said he had a bus ticket and was headed to Seattle, reported the New York Daily News.

Mason was allegedly found to be in possession of a glass pipe used to smoke methamphetamine.

The NYPD Bomb Squad removed the homemade explosive device to a facility in The Bronx for further testing, which revealed that the parts inside the suitcase included a fuse assembly, a cardboard tube and black flash powder.

When police opened the bag, they found inside 'flashbang' grenade, a knife, bolt cutters and screwdrivers

Mason, pictured in court on Thursday, has been charged with reckless endangerment, possession of a weapon, possession of burglary tools and possession of a controlled substance. He was remanded to jail because he is a fugitive from California

Criminal history: Mason has been arrested 29 times in California, Oregon, Washington state and Alaska

Police later stated that the device was a stun grenade refill cartridge without the explosive powder.

It has since emerged the suspect in the case has a long criminal history spanning four states.

Law enforcement sources say that Mason has been arrested 29 times in California, Oregon, Washington state and Alaska on a variety of charges, including methamphetamine possession; assault; theft; possession of stolen property and harassment.

During his initial court appearance on Thursday, a judge set Mason's bail at $500,000 but then ordered him automatically remanded to jail because he has a fugitive status in California.

The Port Authority Bus Terminal is the largest in the US and the busiest in the world by volume of traffic, handling 8,000 buses and 225,000 people per day, and more than 65million people a year.
The two most powerful members of the Senate Intelligence Committee said Thursday that they have no reason to believe President Donald Trump's claim that former president Barack Obama 'wiretapped' him during last year's presidential campaign.

'Based on the information available to us, we see no indications that Trump Tower was the subject of surveillance by any element of the United States government either before or after Election Day 2016,' Sens. Richard Burr of North Carolina and Mark Warner of Virginia said in a statement.

Burr is the committee's Republican chairman; Warner is its ranking Democrat.

Their statement comes just one day after their counterparts on the House Intelligence Committee cast similar doubt on Trump's March 4 claims, made on Twitter.

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Sen. Sen. Richard Burr, R-N.C and Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., the chair and vice chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, issued a statement saying they see 'no indications that Trump Tower was the subject of surveillance by any element of the United States government either before or after Election Day 2016'

But Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff and Republican Rep. Devin Nunes, both of California, also hinted that their access to relevant information is by no means sufficient to make a final determination.

'To date I've seen no evidence that supports the claim that President Trump made,' Schiff said Wednesday.

Nunes added: 'We don't have any evidence that that took place.'

But he said the Office of the Director of National Intelligence was reluctant to let the House Intelligence Committee have access to its high-tech materials that could establish whether Trump was right.

Nunes said it wasn't clear 'whether or not they are going to let us have the proper computer technology that we need to go through the evidence that exists out at the CIA, out at Langley, and we are trying to work through that.'

Burr and Warner (L) issued the statement after President Donald Trump tweeted that President Obama had tapped his phones at Trump Tower

'I can tell you it has become a little bit of a stumbling block for our investigators to actually be able to compile and cull through the information.'

FBI Director James Comey will be grilled next Monday in a House hearing, the majority of which Nunes and Schiff expect they will be able to conduct in public.

But Nunes said that while Trump claimed Obama personally engaged in secret surveillance, Americans would have to decide whether to season his tweets with a grain of salt.

'President Obama wouldn't physically go over and wiretap Trump Tower, so now you have to decide ... are you going to take the tweets literally, and if you are, then clearly the president was wrong,' he told reporters.

'If you're not going to take the tweets literally and there's a concern that the president has about other people, other surveillance activities looking at him or his associates either appropriately or inappropriately, we want to find that out. I think it's all in the interpretation of what you believe.'

Trump himself Wednesday that when he claimed the Obama administration had 'wiretapped' him during the campaign, he was basing his conclusions on news reports.

But he promised that Americans will soon see 'some very interesting items' that could shed light on his still-unsubstantiated claim that former President Barack Obama 'wiretapped' his phones.

Asked how he concluded he was being snooped on, Trump cited a January 20 New York Times article 'where they were talking about wiretapping. There was an article, I think they used that exact term.'

'I read other things,' he told Carlson. 'I watched your friend Bret Baier the day previous where he was talking about certain very complex sets of things happening, and wiretapping.'

'I said, "Wait a minute, there's a lot of wiretapping being talked about",' Trump recalled. 'I've been seeing a lot of things.'

The president said his administration 'will be submitting certain things' to congressional committees that are investigating his claim that the Obama administration conducted top-secret surveillance on him.

'And I will be perhaps speaking about this next week.'

Carlson challenged Trump, asking him why he wouldn't wait to tweet about a serious charge until he had evidence to support his statements.

'I think that frankly we have a lot right now,' the president replied.

He added: 'I think you're going to find some very interesting items coming to the forefront over the next two weeks.'
He is one of the most famous mousers in the world and has spent half a decade longer at Number 10 than Theresa May.

But has Larry the Cat lost his bloodthirsty edge?

Downing Street insiders have said the docile moggy is happy to snooze while mice scurry past his nose and that he lacks the killer instinct of some of his more ferocious colleagues.

While staff are full of praise for the skills of Treasury cat Gladstone and Palmerston of the Foreign Office, Larry has been spotted playing with a mouse before allowing it to scamper off.

Larry the cat, who holds the position of Chief Mouser at Downing Street, appeared to be doing his job - before allowing the little critter to escape

While staff are full of praise for the skills of Treasury cat Gladstone and Palmerston of the Foreign Office, Larry has been spotted playing with a mouse before allowing it to scamper off

Larry the chief mouser of No10 came face to face with a tiny little mouse which after some play time got away safely, said political photographer Steve Back.

Larry, a 10-year-old tabby, was recruited from Battersea dogs and cats home to tackle Number 10s mouse problem in 2011 and caught his first rodent in April of that year.

He is arguably the most famous of the pets of Westminster with more than 107,000 people following his unofficial Twitter account, @Number10cat.

But Larry is just one of a small army of Whitehall pets including cats Evie and Ossie of the Cabinet Office, and dogs Rex and Oscar, who reside upstairs in Number 10.

Larry, a 10-year-old tabby, was recruited from Battersea dogs and cats home to tackle Number 10s mouse problem in 2011 and caught his first rodent in April of that year

He is arguably the most famous of the pets of Westminster with more than 107,000 people following his unofficial Twitter account, @Number10cat

Black cat Gladstone, named after former Prime Minister William Ewart Gladstone, joined the Treasury in 2016, after Palmerston was recruited to the Foreign Office in April that year.

Larry might not be viciously attacking the Downing Street rodent problem but the very presence of a cat can often be enough to deter mice.

And despite his less-than-fearsome reputation, many in politics have asked for a mouser of their own.

London Assembly members begged mayor Sadiq Khan for a cat after a mouse fell from the ceiling in front of a group of visiting schoolchildren.

Larry might not be viciously attacking the Downing Street rodent problem but the very presence of a cat can often be enough to deter mice

Assembly member Tom Copley asked Mr Khan: Given the problem with mice in the building will you consider getting a cat for City Hall, preferably rehoming one from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home?

Mr Khan responded: I agree that the mice have been causing a nuisance in City Hall. However, I am informed by City Halls facilities management team that the mouse problem is now improving, with a 50 per cent reduction in sightings reported in the last quarter thanks to an enhanced and rigorous pest control regime.

I have asked FM to provide you with a more detailed briefing on the measures they are taking to address the problem.

Houses of Parliament staffers and MPs including Labour MP for Walthamstow Stella Creasy have also repeatedly asked for a cat.
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While her dad has been soaking up the sun in the South Pacific, Malia Obama has been hard at work in snow-covered New York City.

The former first daughter bundled up in a blue down jacket as she headed into work at her internship on Thursday. She paired the look with tights and a pair of $695 leather Phillip Lim boots.

Eighteen-year-old Malia is spending the spring interning at the Weinstein Co., reading scripts and pitching them to executives at the film production company.

Malia Obama bundled up in a dark blue down jacket as she headed into her internship at the Weinstein Co. Thursday morning in New York City

While Malia has been weathering the brutal part of New York City's winter, her father has been soaking up the sun in the South Pacific

Meanwhile, her dad, former President Barack Obama, is on the other side of the globe.

The 44th president landed in French Polynesia this week where he is staying at Marlon Brandon's private retreat on Tetiaroa atoll for the next month.

Mr Obama arrived on the island alone and it's unclear whether members of his family will join him at some point.

Mr Obama landed on the tourist island of Tahiti without his family before going to Marlon Brando's privately owned retreat Tetiaroa atoll, where he'll stay for a month

The Brando is the sole hotel on Tetiaroa, a private atoll of a dozen islets that circle a pristine lagoon 30 miles north of Tahiti

The tiny number of villas on the island means seeing someone else on the beach your villa backs on to is incredibly rare

His younger daughter, Sasha, is set to have Spring Break starting next Friday.

No political meetings have been announced during Obama's stay, and it is not clear what he plans to do during the sojourn.

But the former president and his wife Michelle have signed a bumper book deal with Penguin Random House estimated to be worth as much as $60million.

Brando bought the island in the 1960s and villas at the eco-friendly resort cost between $2,150 and $13,247 a night.
Pirates who seized a Comoros-flagged oil tanker have released the ship without conditions, an official says.

Security official Ahmed Mohamed said the pirates have left the ship, which is now heading to Bossaso port, the region's commercial hub.

He says the release occurred after negotiations by local elders and local officials with the pirates, who seized the tanker on Monday.

Pirates who seized a Comoros-flagged Aris 13 oil tanker have released the ship without conditions in the first seizure of such a vessel since 2012. Pictured, an Aris 13 tanker in 2014

Naval forces and the pirates clashed earlier on Thursday.

The hijacking of the Comoros-flagged tanker Aris 13 was the first such seizure of a large commercial vessel off Somalia since 2012.

Abdirizak Mohamed Ahmed, the director of Puntand's anti-piracy agency, confirmed the release of the ship Thursday night and said naval forces had boarded it to escort it to port.

The European Union anti-piracy operation in the region had said the pirates had been holding the crew captive and demanding a ransom.

Ahmed said the Puntland naval forces had been dispatched to the area not to free the ship by force but to cut off any supplies to the pirates.

'Attacking the ship will not help, but instead it will endanger the lives of the crew,' he said.

Families of the crew members had tearfully pleaded for the men to be released unharmed. Somali pirates usually hijack ships and crew for ransom. They don't normally kill hostages unless they come under attack.

On Monday more than two dozen men boarded the Aris 13 off the coast of Somalia, an area used by weapons smugglers and members of an al-Qaida-linked extremist group. Pictured above, an armed Somali pirate walks along the coastline near Hobyo in 2010

The ship had been carrying fuel from Djibouti to Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, on Monday when it was approached by men in two skiffs and the tanker issued a call for help.

The pirates told authorities that the only reason they seized the ship was in protest of the illegal fishing in the area that has threatened livelihoods, not for ransom, Mohamed said.

The Aris 13 on Monday reported being approached by two skiffs, John Steed with the organization Oceans Beyond Piracy said.

The ship had been carrying fuel from Djibouti to Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, he said. Eight Sri Lankan crew members were reported aboard.

An official in the semi-autonomous state of Puntland said more than two dozen men boarded the ship off Somalia's northern coast, an area known to be used by weapons smugglers and members of the al-Qaida-linked extremist group al-Shabab.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the press.

The ship was anchored off the town of Alula, said Salad Nur, a local elder.

'The ship is on the coast now and more armed men boarded the ship,' he said by phone.

The US Navy's 5th Fleet (pictured above), which is based in Bahrain and oversees anti-piracy efforts in the region, did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the incident

An official based in the Middle East with knowledge of the incident said that no ransom demand had been made.

'The vessel's captain reported to the company they were approached by two skiffs and that one of them they could see armed personnel on board,' the official said. 'The ship changed course quite soon after that report and is now anchored.'

The official spoke on condition of anonymity as no one was authorized to speak publicly about the incident.

It was not immediately clear who owned the ship or where it was flagged. Steed said it was United Arab Emirates-owned and Sri Lankan-flagged, but the Middle East-based official said it was Greek-owned and Comoros-flagged with plans to re-flag it to Sri Lanka. Such ships often are reflagged and sold many times.

A Britain-based spokeswoman for the European Union Naval Force operation off Somalia, Flt Lt Louise Tagg, confirmed that an incident involving an oil tanker had occurred and an investigation was underway.

The US Navy's 5th Fleet, which is based in Bahrain and oversees anti-piracy efforts in the region, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

This would be the first commercial pirate attack off Somalia since 2012, Steed said.

Piracy off Somalia's coast was once a serious threat to the global shipping industry.

It has lessened in recent years after an international effort to patrol near the country, whose weak central government has been trying to assert itself after a quarter-century of conflict.

But frustrations have been rising among local fishermen, including former pirates, at what they say are foreign fishermen illegally fishing in local waters.

Nur, the local elder, said that young fishermen including former pirates have hijacked the ship.

This is the first commercial pirate attack on the global trade route since 2012. Pictured above, an armed Somali pirate walks along the coastline near Hobyo in 2010

'They have been sailing through the ocean in search for a foreign ship to hijack since yesterday morning and found this ship and boarded it,' he said. 'Foreign fishermen destroyed their livelihoods and deprived them of proper fishing.'

Somali pirates usually hijack ships and crew for ransom. They don't normally kill hostages unless they come under attack, including during rescue attempts.

A United Nations report seen by the AP in November said Somali pirates retain the capacity and intent to resume the attacks and lately have shifted to targeting smaller foreign fishing boats.

Australian government records from 2014 show the ship in Monday's incident was owned by Flair Shipping Trading FZE in the United Arab Emirates and linked to UAE-based ship management firm Aurora Ship Management FZE. It was flying under the flag of Liberia at the time. It was not immediately clear if the companies were still linked to the ship.

Argyrios Karagiannis, the managing director of Flair Shipping, declined to comment. Calls and emails to Aurora went unanswered.

Concerns about piracy off Africa's coast have largely shifted to the Gulf of Guinea.

Attacks by Somali pirates raged from 2005. At the peak of the piracy epidemic in January 2011, 736 hostages and 32 boats were held.

Though anti-piracy measures ended attacks on commercial vessels, fishing boats continued to face assaults.
A Pennsylvania woman who drowned her two youngest sons in their bathtub because she wanted to be a better mother to their living older brother has been found guilty third-degree murder, but has also been deemed mentally ill.

Laurel Schlemmer killed six-year-old Daniel and three-year-old Luke in their McCandless, Pennsylvania, home in April 2014 so she could 'get them to heaven' a court heard.

Allegheny County Judge Jeffrey Manning said she was responsible for the slayings, but her mental capacity was diminished by her illness.

He said she could not form the specific intent to kill required of the first-degree murder conviction prosecutors sought.

First-degree murder carries a mandatory life sentence but, given Schlemmer's age and the penalties for third-degree murder - as much as 20 to 40 years' incarceration on each count - she may well receive what amounts to a life sentence when she returns for sentencing June 8.

Schlemmer was seen Thursday in a red jumpsuit as two Allegheny County Sheriff's deputies escorted her to court for the verdict in her murder trial.

Laurel Schlemmer (pictured going to court Thursday) who was charged with drowning her two youngest sons in their bathtub because she wanted to be a better mother to their living older brother has been found guilty but mentally ill of third-degree murder

Schlemmer was seen Thursday in a red jumpsuit as two Allegheny County Sheriff's deputies escorted her to court for the verdict in her murder trial

Defense attorney Michael Machen said the judge could sentence Schlemmer (pictured with her children) consecutively for the murders of six-year-old Daniel (right) and three-year-old Luke (left), meaning she could receive as much as 40 to 80 years in prison

Because the 43-year-old, who held her head down as she walked into court Thursday, was found mentally ill, she'll begin any prison sentence she receives in a state mental hospital and then be moved to prison to serve the remainder if doctors ever deem her cured.

'It is my fervent hope that in the future, mental health treatment will bring you, Ms. Schlemmer, to the shocking realization of what you have done so that you will continue to be punished far beyond any sentence this court may impose,' Manning said.

Defense attorney Michael Machen said the judge could sentence Schlemmer consecutively for the murders of six-year-old Daniel and three-year-old Luke, meaning she could receive as much as 40 to 80 years in prison, plus any time Manning might add for child endangerment and evidence tampering.

Machen called the case 'difficult and complex' and praised the judge for navigating the mental health issues that made the case a 'whydunit' instead of a 'whodunit'.

Manning said in delivering the verdict that he was forced to 'wrestle with some puzzling psychiatric issues'.

Allegheny County Judge Jeffrey Manning found that Schlemmer's (left and right) mental capacity was diminished by her illness so that she could not form the specific intent to kill required of the first-degree murder conviction

Psychiatrists for the prosecution and defense testified that Schlemmer (with husband Mark Schlemmer) became concerned that her two youngest sons (pictured) were autistic and would never grow up normally even though tests showed no signs of the mental condition

A friend of Schlemmer's, Jenn Martino, handed out a brief statement on behalf of other friends.

'We do not condone or excuse what she did,' the statement said.

'However, we want people to know she is not heartless, but rather a beloved child of God who sadly was suffering from mental illness in the form of depression and anxiety.'

Psychiatrists for the prosecution and defense testified that Schlemmer became concerned that her two youngest sons were autistic and would never grow up normally even though a battery of tests she put them through showed no signs of the mental condition.

Schlemmer met her husband, Mark, on a Christian singles online dating site, and told doctors she felt 'pressured' to have more children as her husband opted not to use birth control for religious reasons.

She also had three miscarriages and considered her younger sons, especially Daniel, to be 'foreign' to her and her husband.

Schlemmer is pictured at the time of her arrest in 2014

It was found that Schlemmer considered Daniel not as easy to raise as their oldest boy, who was seven when she drowned her two children after taking the oldest son to a school bus stop on April 1, 2014, Dr Bruce Wright, the prosecution's doctor said.

Schlemmer had acknowledged trying to kill Luke and Daniel in April 2013 by tying their hands and feet with twine then backing over them with her car three times, only to later claim that was an accident.

Police and social workers came to the same conclusion and no charges were filed though Schlemmer told her husband days before the drownings that she wanted to confess the earlier incident to police, but he talked her out of it, prosecutors said.

Mark Schlemmer attended last week's trial testimony but was not in the courtroom for the verdict.

Assistant District Attorney Lisa Pellegrini told the judge that Mark Schlemmer has repeatedly violated a court order that Laurel Schlemmer have no contact with their surviving son by bringing him to visit his mother while she was incarcerated awaiting trial.

Manning indicated that Mark Schlemmer would be held in contempt of court if that continued.
A peeping Tom was filmed masturbating in the backyard of a family home while peering in through the kitchen window while a mother and her teenage daughter were inside.

Daveylee Naquin III, 42, crept in to the family's yard in Metairie, Louisiana, at 8.21pm.

He was caught on a surveillance camera the family had installed pleasuring himself while looking in to the house.

The 46-year-old mother, who has not been named, discovered he had been there when she reviewed the tape days later.

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Daveylee Naquin III, was filmed pleasuring himself in the family's back yard in Metairie, Louisiana, on March 9

She had arrived home with her teenage daughter moments earlier. She said neither of the pair were in any state of undress when he appeared.

Naquin drove to the house in his white SUV and parked across the street before sneaking in to their yard.

He was arrested after police received an anonymous tip naming him for a similar incident in Alabama in 2000.

When questioned, Naquin said he knew it was wrong but that it had given him a 'rush' .

The man stood in the backyard with his hands down his pants while peering in to the family's kitchen

Naquin said he got a 'rush' out of the visit

He was arrested for criminal trespassing, Peeping Tom and obscenity and released on a $10, 750 bond.

Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Department refused to give more information on Thursday.

The woman told The Times Picayune she feared he may have been on their property more than once.

'I had no idea he was back there. There's no telling how many times he's done this before.

'I only found out about this because I had a camera.

'He could be in anybody's backyard and nobody knows it.'
The MIT- and Harvard-educated Goldman Sachs banker whom President Donald Trump has tapped for the second most senior post at the Treasury was once accused by his own father of orchestrating a fake murder-for-hire plot on his life.

For more than a decade, career banker James Donovan and his siblings have been locked in an acrimonious legal fight with their father, former MIT professor and prominent businessman John Donovan Sr, over millions of dollars in assets and prime waterfront real estate.

The drawn-out family drama has been marked by allegations of attempted murder and sexual abuse, as well as money laundering.

Father vs son: Donald Trump's pick for a senior Treasury position, Goldman Sachs banker James Donovan (left), was once accused by his father, ex-MIT professor John Donovan Sr (right), of hiring Russian assassins to kill him

The feud reached a fever pitch when in December 2005, John Donovan Sr, then aged 65, called police claiming he was shot in the stomach by two masked men with Russian accents, and was miraculously saved because two of the bullets ricocheted off his large belt buckle.

Donovan sustained a gunshot wound to his left abdomen. In hospital medical records, it was noted that he survived relatively unscathed.

During the 911 call after the shooting, Donovan pointed a finger of blame at his son James Donovan, claiming that the Goldman Sachs executive laundered $180million and had threatened to kill him.

John Donovan has been locked in a bruising legal battle over assets with son James and his brothers and sisters for the better part of a decade

Prosecutors would later claim that the elder Donovan concocted the tall tale about the failed assassination plot to exact revenge on his son and gain an advantage in a legal tug-of-war for control of trusts that he claimed were worth at least $180million.

Five months after the shooting, John Donovan, once a well-regarded technology guru who started more than a dozen companies and published 11 books, was indicted on a charge of filing a false police report.

At his trial in August 2007, a prosecutor decried Donovan's actions 'a corruption of the criminal justice system.'

Owing to his advanced age and lack of prior conviction, a judge sentenced Donovan to probation, community service and a small fine.

The presiding judge, who characterized the Donovan's behavior as 'bizarre,' also ordered him to stay away from his son James, his three daughters and their spouses.

Following the guilty verdict, a defiant Mr Donovan continued to maintain his innocence, telling the Boston Globe: 'I had nothing to do with the shooting.'

This week, the Trump administration announced the nomination of James Donovan for deputy secretary of the Treasury Department under Steven Mnuchin.

Donovan's work at the bank as a managing director has included work on corporate strategy, investment banking and investment management, the White House said in a statement released on Tuesday.

According to reporting by the Boston Globe, the Donovan family have been drifting apart from the time of John's divorce from his children's mother, Marilyn, in 1980.

But the rift grew even deeper when in 2002, one of James Donovan's sisters accused their father of molesting her as a child. John Donovan denied the claims and was never charged.

Donovan Snr. was also accused of secretly recording his dying son and 'cutting and pasting' his final wishes to 'swindle his daughter-in-law and grandchildren out of millions of dollars'.

He stood accused of trying to get his son to sign over $5million he got from the sale of 340 acres of land, his ownership of his prestigious Manchester Athletic Club and cancel $12million owed in legal payments from prior lawsuits.

The arbitrator of the case recommended earlier this month that Donovan will be barred from using his now-dead son's name.

Guilty: In 2007, John Donovan was convicted of filing a false police report, two years after he shot himself in the stomach and blamed his son James

James and his brothers and sisters were raised by their mother. In time, he would go on to graduate from MIT and the Harvard Business School, paving the way for himself to a prestigious job at Goldman Sachs.

In 2000, after working at the investment bank for seven years, James Donovan was promoted to a partner and then a managing director.

When John dOnoivasn accused of of money laundering after the 2005 shooting, Goldman Sachs launched an internal inveisdgation that failed to uncover any wrongdoing on the banker's part.

The younger Mr Donovan is married and lives with his wife and three children in Virginia.

His father taught business at MIT from 1969 to 1997, commanded big fees as a sought-after speaker to Fortune 500 companies and also worked as a clinical professor of pediatrics at Tufts University, where he did research using computer and statistical analysis to track birth defects.
A second child has died from a Pennsylvania house fire as a result of an exploding hoverboard, according to the Lehigh County Coroner's Office.

Savannah Dominick, 10, was severely injured trying to save two younger children in her home as it went up in flames Friday in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Dominick is "our hero here on Earth as she is in heaven," wrote family members on the girl's GoFundMe page.

Another child, Ashanti Hughes, 4, died Saturday of injuries sustained in the fire.

A third unidentified child is still in the hospital.

Savannah Dominick, 10, died Thursday of injuries sustained in the Pennsylvania house fire

Dominick was trying to save four-year-old Ashanti Hughes who died Saturday in the hospital

The girls were rushed to a local hospital and later transferred to Lehigh Valley burn center in Allentown, Pennsylvania, where Hughes died, PennLive reports.

Neighbors recalled seeing people frantic in the street, yelling that children were in the home.

One victim jumped from a second-floor porch roof to escape the blaze, while firefighters pulled the other girls out of their burning row home at 7.45pm Friday at 2534 Lexington Street.

Also rescued from the house fire were a father and his teenage son who were unharmed, said Harrisburg fire officials.

Fire Chief Brian Enterline said the family heard 'sizzling and cracking' coming from the outlet where the hoverboard was plugged in and charging before it caught fire.

Their home at 2534 Lexington Street in Harrisburg caught fire after a hoverboard exploded

An unidentified girl who lived here remains in critical condition at Lehigh Valley burn center

Lieutenant Dennis DeVoe (pictured here with his wife Amy) was heading to the scene when his vehicle was hit at an intersection. DeVoe died from his injuries Saturday evening

The deaths - if definitively linked to the two-wheeled, battery-powered scooter - would be the first in the United States caused by a hoverboard fire.

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission said it was working with the Harrisburg fire department to confirm the cause of the blaze, and trying to figure out if the make and model is one of the hundreds of thousands the agency has recalled due to fire hazards.

Acting commission chairman Ann Marie Buerkle warned people who own hoverboards not to charge them overnight or in unattended areas, and to maintain smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.

Buerkle said last year's recall remains active and consumers can get replacement batteries or refunds.

The agency has investigated more than 60 hoverboard-related fires.

If the deaths are definitively linked to the two-wheeled, battery-powered scooter (similar to this one) they would be the first in the United States caused by a hoverboard fire

The recalls announced last summer for 10 companies came after at least 18 injuries had been reported, including neck, leg and arm burns.

Safety concerns led to them being banned by some airlines, railroads and college campuses.

The Harrisburg fire was part of a 'devastating' evening for the department, Fire Chief Brian Enterline told PennLive.

Lieutenant Dennis DeVoe was heading to the scene when his vehicle was hit at an intersection by 19-year-old Khanyae Kendall, who was allegedly driving under the influence of an unknown substance and fled the scene, ABC 27 reports.

DeVoe died from his injuries Saturday evening at Penn State Hershey Medical Center.

Kendall, who later went to an area hospital seeking treatment for her injuries, was arrested and charged with vehicular aggravated assault, driving under the influence, driving without a license and receiving stolen property, Fox 43 reports.
President Trump has reached out to offer condolences by calling the fiance of Sandra Dunn, who was killed in a car crash by an illegal immigrant who had been deported five times.

It is just the latest in a series of gestures by President Trump to call attention to crimes committed by immigrants, as he seeks to tighten immigration, build a border wall, and cut off refugees from countries he considers a threat.

Duran's fiance, Rodrigo Macias, appeared on'Fox & Friends' on Wednesday to talk about his loss as well as immigration policy, declaring that 'Our system failed us.'

Sandra Duran (left) was killed in a crash with drunk driver and illegal immigrant Estuardo Alvarado in Los Angeles last month. Her fiance Rodrigo Macias (right) insists the 'system failed'

'It tells you a lot about this president,' Macias, told the Southern California News Group on Wednesday evening.

'You can't have the local mayor do that, but the president of the U.S. went out of his way to do that. I'm very glad my fiancee and I voted for him. In fact, I'm extremely happy,' the Los Angeles Daily News reported.

Macias also complained about Garcetti and the police chief.

'I said that the possibility of the president of the U.S. calling me first are probably better than the mayor or chief reaching out to me at this point, and that's exactly what happened,' Macias said.

Sandra Duran was returning home from church in LA last month when Estuardo Alvarado - who has been deported from the US five times - crashed into her at an intersection, according to police.

The 42-year-old mother-of-two died at the scene.

Sandra Duran was returning home from church in LA last month when Estuardo Alvarado - who has been deported from the US five times - crashed into her at an intersection, according to police

'Pertaining to these illegal immigrants, criminal illegal immigrants that are being harbored here because of [elected officials]. Because our city's almost a sanctuary city,' he said on Fox.

The couple, who have two children together, were due to be married this summer.

Instead, Marcias says his life was 'broken forever' in the horrific crash.

Alvarado, an illegal Mexican immigrant with a long rap sheet, was arrested after slamming his car into the back of Duran's vehicle in North Hills, Los Angeles on February 19 after fleeing another crash he had just been involved in.

He has been charged with five felony counts over the accident, including murder and gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Alvarado, an illegal Mexican immigrant with a long rap sheet, was arrested after slamming his car into the back of Duran's vehicle in North Hills, Los Angeles on February 19 (pictured is the scene)

The family of Sandra Dunn say their lives have been 'broken' by her loss (pictured is her funeral)

He had been on the radar of immigration officers since at least 1998 when he was first deported, the LA Daily News reports. Alvarado has been charged with more than 20 felonies and misdemeanors since he was first deported from the U.S. almost 20 years ago, according to court records.

Some of the charges include being a felon in possession of a weapon, possession of marijuana for sale and DUI.

He has been convicted or pleaded guilty to several charges before, including DUI and a misdemeanor hit-and-run. It isn't clear how long he has spent in prison previously.

Macias has since become a fierce opponent of 'sanctuary cities' which direct city employees not to notify the federal government about the immigration status of suspects.

LA is one of the most immigrant-friendly cities in the US with 1 million undocumented residents.

'People watching that are for sanctuary cities need to pay attention what is going on in these cities,' he said. 'I mean, we have these criminals that are roaming around the cities, and us not being protected as American citizens.'

While Macias was quick to attack the country's immigration stance, Duran's devastated parents did not want their daughter's death be used as a political weapon against the millions of immigrants in the country illegally who have not committed any crime.

The couple, who have two children together (pictured with Duran) were due to be married this summer

Sandra Duran (pictured on right with her sister) was a 42-year-old mother. She died at the scene of the crash in Los Angeles of blunt force trauma

'It's ruined our life. This person had DUIs and deportations,' Santos Duran, her father, told the LA Times. 'But whatever I say now isn't going to bring my daughter back. I worry, I worry about the people that are here already and settled here already and have families already and have their kids in school. I worry for those people.'

Her mother Carmen Duran added that the issue 'doesn't have to be about immigration'.

'There are people who are from here and they go out and kill other people, too. It's not only people from Mexico or anything like that. It just happened to be that he's from Mexico.'

ICE is now planning to take action against Alvarado, who is currently being held in the Men's Central Jail on $2.23 million bail in relation to the crash.

He is accused of driving his 1999 Dodge Durango on a rain-stricken road on February 19 when he tried to overtake other cars and struck a vehicle parked near the curb.

Alvarado allegedly hit Duran's Toyota Camry as he tried to flee the initial crash. Duran's oldest son was in the car at the time but survived.
A former Bachelor contestant has been arrested and charged with selling the drugs ice and cocaine online on Craigslist.

Georgia Tripos, 25, who vied for Richie Strahan's love on The Bachelor last year, allegedly ran a drug syndicate with her friend Kristiana Karakostas, 24, for months.

The pair were arrested after police executed numerous search warrants at the Mount Waverley, Melbourne, real estate agency they both work at, Nine News reported.

Georgia Tripos, 25, has been charged for allegedly selling the drug ice and cocaine online at Craigslist

Police swooped on the real estate Ms Tripos and her co-accused work at in Mount Waverley

Ms Tripos vied for Richie Strahan's love on The Bachelor last year (pictured together)

Ms Tripos was arrested on Wednesday and was granted bail at Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Thursday

A Victoria Police spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia the two women were found with a large quantity of drugs.

'Search warrants were executed about 2pm at a business premises ... with further searches conducted on a vehicle,' a police statement said.

Ms Karakostas was arrested at the real estate agency, and Ms Tripos was later arrested when police executed a search warrant at a home in Balwyn North about 11.55pm on Wednesday.

Ms Tripos is pictured with her mother, who offered a $100,000 bail surety

Ms Tripos was a contestant on The Bachelor and vied for Richie Strahan's love

Ms Tripos is pictured in Melbourne after appearing on The Bachelor series

'A 24-year-old Glen Iris woman and 25-year-old Balwyn North woman were arrested,' police said.

Both were charged with traffic cocaine, traffic commercial quantity of amphetamine, possess money being proceeds of crime, possess cocaine and possess amphetamine.

Ms Tripos appeared in court on Thursday and was granted bail to live with her mother and stepfather on a $100,000 surety.

Both women are expected to next face Melbourne Magistrates' Court on July 7.

Ms Tripos (pictured) allegedly ran the drug syndicate with her friend Kristiana Karakostas for months

Alex Nation won Richie Strahan's heart on The Bachelor program in 2016 (Strahan is pictured)

Police attended the real estate agency in Mount Waverley where she and her co-accused work, and Ms Tripos was later arrested at a residential address

Ms Tripos was a contestant in the reality television series in 2016

Ms Tripos was granted bail to live with her mother and stepfather on a $100,000 surety

Both women are expected to next face Melbourne Magistrates' Court on July 7
Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus (pictured) said: 'There are some strange programmes that would scrap the institution of family, take away its nobility and sanctity'

The Turkish government is to ban several popular television dating shows which do not fit in with 'traditions and customs'.

Matchmaking reality shows like Ne Cikarsa Bahtina (Luck of the Draw) are very popular in Turkey but there have been tens of thousands of complaints and the ruling AKP sees them as out of kilter with the Islamic values it has introduced after decades of secularism.

Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus said: 'There are some strange programmes that would scrap the institution of family, take away its nobility and sanctity.'

In an interview with a provincial TV channel carried in the Hurriyet newspaper Kurtulmus said: 'We are working on this and we are coming to the end of it. God willing, in the near future, we will most likely remedy this with an emergency decree.

'God willing, we will meet these societal demands.'

The founder of modern Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, laid down the secular foundations of the state in 1923 but President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) have been sliding toward conservative Islam, according to critics.

Kurtulmus described the dating shows as counter to the 'customs, traditions, beliefs, the Turkish family structure and the culture of Anatolian lands'.

He hit back at those who claimed they were ratings successes: 'So what the ratings are very high and thus the advertising revenue is high? Let there not be that kind of advertising revenues.'

Images of the founder of the modern Turkish state, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk remain omnipresent but the secular foundations of the state are being chipped away by Erdogan

The deputy premier said he had been told there were 120,000 individual cases of complaints against the reality shows.

Earlier this week a man who murdered two previous wives appeared on Ne Cikarsa Bahtina seeking a new partner.

Hurriyet reported that Sefer Calnak, 62, casually admitted killing but said he was 'an honest person looking for a new wife'.

The Turkish religious affairs agency Diyanet criticised dating shows last month saying they 'exploited family values and desecrated the family institution by stepping on it'.

The Turkish authorities insist there is full freedom of religious belief in the country's diverse society but many secular liberals feel increasingly uncomfortable.
Calling the meeting to order, Park Hills Mayor David Easter started off the council session Tuesday night by reminding those present about the procedural rules regarding speaking during public meetings, emphasizing that no one is allowed to speak without permission.

Unlike most city council meetings, nearly every available chair was filled, presumably because of the arrest of Councilman Steve Sutton the day before, but also because of other items on the formal agenda, including a tribute to the late Councilman Larry Kelly.

Kellys family was in attendance to hear a formal proclamation, unanimously approved for adoption by the council, memorializing Kelly who passed away in early February. Kelly had served on the city council since May of 2008 and was running for re-election on the upcoming April ballot.

The mayor read the proclamation to those gathered, standing with members of Kellys family, before presenting a plaque to Kellys wife Leann. Easter noted Kellys many contributions to the community, including his service in the U.S. Navy, on the board for the Flat River Senior Citizens Aid Society and service to other local associations and societies.

The mayor and the city council of Park Hills, Missouri, recognize the importance and the inestimable value of the voluntary contributions of time and effort given to the City of Park Hills by Larry Kelly, said Easter, reading from the proclamation.

Also during the meeting, the council heard from two citizens who had formally requested to speak. First up was Theresa Naucke, who is in the running for a seat on the council next month and had requested to speak regarding sections of the citys personnel manual that deal with disciplinary procedures.

The rule section I read from the Park Hills personnel manual is equivalent to how much you go by same said personnel manual, she said. Employee A, a 20-year employee, is suspended without pay based on an allegation  by a convicted inmate out on work release until an investigation by the Park Hills Police Department is done. Then the report is given to the council, then you determine the disciplinary action to take.

Employee B, arrested and booked for allegedly DWI and leaving the scene of an accident in a city vehicle, allegedly refusing to take a B.A. Employee Bs incident is investigated by the mayor; the same mayor that at the last council meeting pointed out three times that he has a lot of power. Im not sure what power he is referring to; maybe he has read too many of his comic books from his store. He in no way should be heading up any investigation. Our policy, our police department should have stepped in.

When employee A was informed of his suspension by the city administrator, he said that he was going by the personnel manual and advice of the city attorney. And still to this day, he has not gotten one piece of paperwork on the suspension, no copies of anything.

What I have seen so far of the mayors investigation, is equivalent to what he has done in the years as his mayor  nothing. Stand back and let the real police do the investigation, not one straight out of the comics 

At this point, City Attorney Ed Pultz interrupted Naucke and instructed her to cease making disparaging remarks.

Youre here to talk to the council, he said, not to make negative, derogatory comments about anybody. I think youre kinda bordering on stepping over that line.

Naucke continued her speech by asking the council why the personnel manual was being ignored.

I love it when I hear you guys say, come to the council meetings and speak, she said. I stopped speaking at this council meeting due to the treatment that people received when I came to talk. We the people voted you in your position. Stop automatically getting into defense mode. Just listen  listen to what we have to say, compromise, see how we can work things out together. Were a small town  Lets get some things accomplished in our town.

At the last council meeting, a council member asked if he could ask a question after a vote. The mayor told him, no you may not.

Pultz interrupted her again and asked her what she was saying had to do with the city personnel manual.

Are you gonna let me continue my speech? she said in response. Im almost done.

Pultz pointed out that she had requested to speak to the council about matters related to the personnel manual, but that she was now bringing unrelated matters before council members.

It seems like you want to complain about a lot of different issues  said Pultz before Naucke interrupted him.

You had two employees disciplined and you did not go by the personnel manual, she said in reply.

Pultz acknowledged that she was making a relevant statement in that regard, after which Naucke quickly concluded her speech by saying that the citizens need to get out and vote.

Weve gotta make a change, she said. If you cannot have a council and a mayor that runs by their personnel manual, why are you here?

Easter thanked Naucke for her interest in the city and her concerns and told her the council would take them under advisement.

Caledonia resident Mark Strother had also requested to speak before the council but had more positive things to say, specifically about the recent actions of the Park Hills Fire Department.

He said that although he lives in Caledonia, he owns a couple of houses in Park Hills and explained that a house hes currently renovating caught fire a couple of weeks ago.

The response by the fire department had to have been extremely quick, he said. They got in there and somehow got through the door without damaging it.

He remarked that when they left, they must have locked the door.

They went in, they did the minimal amount of damage thats required to get up into the attic where the smoke was, Strother said. They knocked it down, they used enough water to put the fire out but they didnt drench the entire house. They ended up having to make a hole about six inches around in the middle of my ceiling. I could have very easily lost the entire house. So I just wanted to let you know how well the fire department did.

Strother also had positive comments about the citys building inspector, Pete Pope, saying he was very helpful and supportive in advising Strother about what he needed to do to get his renovation back on track.

Next up, City Administrator Matt Whitwell gave a report on the citys various departments, summarizing the various projects the citys crews are working on and updating the council on upcoming projects.

In his report, Easter announced that a new business will be opening soon in the downtown region and that the former River Mart building has been leased.

We have a gentleman with us tonight  who will be putting in an aquatic plants and animals (business,) he said, so well be looking forward to his business opening soon.

Regarding the former River Mart building, Easter said he was not free to announce the nature of the business except that it will generate sales tax revenue for the city.

In new business, Economic Developer Norm Lucas read a proclamation declaring the month of April as Fair Housing Month, which was unanimously approved for adoption by the council.

Whitwell then presented a summary of the bid received for construction of a new Department of Public Works maintenance facility. He recommended rejecting the bid and putting the project out for new bids in order to encourage more contractors to submit a proposal for the project. He also recommended changing the specifications for the bid so that city crews can complete a significant portion of the building, thus saving the city money on the project. The council unanimously voted to follow Whitwells recommendation.

For the final item of business, the council agreed to set a public hearing on April 11 at 6 p.m. to gather public input on a zoning change requested by property owner Nicholas Gibson so that he may build a new multi-unit apartment building.
is continuing online with fake Facebook profiles being set up

They sent her abusive messages over encrypted apps which school officials and police could not trace

Brandy had been tormented by bullies using the internet to tease her

Brandy Vela shot herself in front of her horrified parents at their home in Texas City

Two people have been arrested in connection with a the tragic death of a high school senior who shot herself dead in front of her horrified parents and grandparents after being tormented by online bullies.

Brandy Vela, 18, was cyber-bullied, stalked, and harassed for months leading up to Vela's taking her own life on November 29, 2016 at her Texas home.

Her ex-boyfriend Andres Arturo Villagomez, 21, and his current girlfriend Karinthya Sanchez Romero, 22, were behind all of the harassment, police said.

Villagomez was charged with unlawful disclosure or promotion of intimate visual material and is being held on a bond of $2,500, and Romero was charged with stalking and online impersonation, and is being held on a bond of $20,000.

Vela's ex-boyfriend Andres Arturo Villagomez, 21, and his current girlfriend Karinthya Sanchez Romero, 22, were behind all of the harassment, police said

Brandy Vela died on November 29 after taking her own life. Her family pleaded with her to stop after finding her pinned up against the wall of her bedroom with a gun to her chest in their Texas City home.

The troubled teenager ignored their desperate pleas, pulling the trigger in front of her loved ones.

Her family says that online harassment that drove her to end her own life, and continued her memorial page for weeks after her death.

Within days of her death, someone had opened a social media page paying tribute to her memory, but it was quickly taken over by disturbing posts about her, with the cyber-bullying continuing.

Brandy's family says the online harassment is continuing days after her death with abusive messages plastered on Facebook pages that were supposed to be a memorial for the teen

'Two days after her funeral, somebody opened up a social media page in her name,' dad, Raul Vela said to CNN, 'and people thought the family did it, so it started with people putting sincere condolences.

'After a few minutes, either four people or the same person posting four times said some things harassing Brandy about being a big fat cow, writing "you finally did it" with a picture of a gun, writing "you're a coward," "you should have done this a long time ago," some really horrific things.'

Bogus Facebook accounts of the high school senior also continued to crop up online.

One of the profiles depicts her with guns while another shows the teenager, who was bullied for her weight, as a pig.

Another of the posts reveals a smiling Brandy with the words 'my face when you shoot yourself in front of your family.' Another is a stick figure holding a gun with the words, 'oops am I dead?' A third shows a gun hidden inside a book.

Since Brandy's death, the family has been avoiding going on social media, but the fresh abusive posts were first brought to their attention by friends.

'Theyre still harassing her, but shes no longer with us, so its more like theyre harassing me and my family,' said Raul.

Police have told the family that they will be able to trace the posts, and the culprits will be prosecuted.

They have since released a statement, that says: 'Detectives on this case worked tirelessly to identify two suspects that were behind the harassment.'

Fake Facebook pages laced with insults about Brandy have been shared with the Texas City Police Department. The 18-year-old's father calls them sick and disgusting

Brandy's sister Jacqueline (center) said she was being tormented by bullies who used encrypted messaging apps to tease her

Brandy's father hoped that his daughter's tragic death would persuade state lawmakers to increase restrictions on social media and make it harder for cyberbullies to hide behind their computer screens.

'Right now, my job is to raise awareness. Im not trying to blame people or point fingers. I want people who are still being bullied to know that I want to change things. I feel like she put this in my hands to try and get help for people in the same situation. Its unfortunate that something tragic has to happen to make changes come,' Raul told CNN.

The 18-year-old sent her siblings this heartbreaking text message before taking her own life

Brandy's parents Raul and Juana (pictured right) pleaded with their daughter (center) to put down the gun

The tasteless pages have since been removed from Facebook after the family complained, but police, who are are still investigating the death as a cyber-bullying crime, have so far been unable to determine who was behind the bullying.

'I feel like these people are cowards, these people hiding behind the texts and fake pages. Theyre the ones who pushed her to this point. She lost all her self-esteem, lost all her self-worth,' Raul said.

Before she died, Brandy had gone to the cops to file police reports about the harassment and fake accounts.

She also changed her number after receiving harassing calls, but the bullying did not stop.

Raul has spoken of how he would like each police force in the country to have an officer dedicated to pursuing those who perpetrate online crimes including cyber-bullying.

Brandy's brother Victor addressed her bullies as he spoke about her death, telling them: 'I hope this makes you happy'

Brandy's 22-year-old sister, Jacqueline, told Click 2 Houston how she was tired of being the subject of cruel bullies who taunted her about her weight in dozens of untraceable messages.

They also made fake profiles for Brandy on dating websites, she said, where they left her cell phone number and said she would 'give herself for sex for free'.

On the day of her death, Jacqueline was at home when she heard her sister crying in her bedroom. The tormented teenager also sent her siblings a text message to say goodbye.

It read: 'I love you so much just remember that please and I'm so sorry for everything.'

Jacqueline ran towards her sister's bedroom where she found her standing against the wall with the gun pointed at her chest.

She pleaded with her not to shoot before running to get her parents for help.

The 22-year-old remained in their room while they, alongside her grandparents, tried in vain to calm Brandy down.

'I was in my parents' room and I just heard the shot and my dad just yelled, "Help me, help me, help me,''' Jacqueline recalled through tears.

Victor Vela, Brandy's brother, issued a sinister message to her tormentors. 'I'm glad you got what you wanted. I hope this makes you happy,' he said.

The school district said coming to class was a 'safe environment' for the student.

'School was a safe environment for Brandy,' Melissa Tortorici,Texas City Independent school District's director of communications, said in a statement.

'She had a lot of friends and was thought of warmly by her peers and teachers. She did bring it to the school's attention before Thanksgiving break that she was getting harassing messages to her cellphone outside of school.'

Officials could not pin down the bullies at the time and told Brandy to change her phone number instead.

'Our deputy investigated it and the app that was being used to send the messages was untraceable. We encouraged her to change her phone number.' \

If you need to speak to a counselor, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling 1 (800) 273-8255.
Advertisement

Ballooning over the Pacific Ocean, this vast mushroom cloud is a breathtaking and terrifying vision of military might.

The explosion captured in this stunning picture was taken in 1958  at the height of the nuclear arms race, as the worlds Cold War adversaries tested and expanded their increasingly powerful atomic weapons.

But for nearly 60 years the picture has remained a secret, the film it was captured on slowly decaying.

It shows the so-called Nutmeg test which was conducted on May 22, 1958, on Eneman Island, part of the Marshall Islands, which lie between Hawaii and the Philippines.

Between 1955 and 1989 there were an average of 55 such tests around the world each year - carried out mainly by the US, Britain, France and the Soviet Union

Such tests played a key role in the nuclear arms race between America and its allies and the Soviet Union that followed the end of the Second World War and the detonation of the first atomic weapons over Japan in 1945.

Between 1955 and 1989 there were an average of 55 such tests around the world each year.

In 1962 alone there were 178  the same year the Cuban Missile Crisis brought the world close to nuclear Armageddon.

The United States conducted 210 atmospheric nuclear tests over remote sites in New Mexico, Nevada, and both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans between 1945 and 1962

These images are taken from 750 official movies of US nuclear detonations which have been declassified by Washington.

Scientists wanted to show the fearsome power of the weapons and they were released by Americas National Laboratory this week.

Each was filmed at 2,400 frames a second with multiple cameras capturing mankinds ultimate weapon of mass destruction from above, below and from terrifyingly near.

Now, with the help of modern technology and software experts, the team has developed tools to automate many of the processes, including determining the frame rate of each camera

The team at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory has been working to track down and declassify the films for the last five years. Doing so will allow to preserve important historical materials and reanalyse the data for more accurate figures

The footage includes atmospheric explosions such as Operation Dominic, a series of 31 tests in the Pacific Ocean in 1961.

There is also film of Operation Plumbbob, the most controversial nuclear test on the continental US, which took place in 1957 in Nevada and exposed 16,000 American troops to high levels of radiation.

The campaign to declassify the films was led by scientists at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL).

They feared the films were decomposing and would be beyond repair unless they were digitised soon.

Greg Spriggs, a nuclear weapons physicist at LLNL said he could smell the vinegar from the decomposing film when he opened the cans.

He estimates it will be another two years before everything is posted online, a commitment he said was worth it.

Mr Spriggs said: Its just unbelievable how much energys released. We hope that we would never have to use a nuclear weapon ever again.

If we capture the history of this and show what the force of these weapons are and how much devastation they can wreak, then maybe people will be reluctant to use them.
Phil Shiner has been declared bankrupt in a move that could mean he avoids an estimated bill of at least 4million

Shamed lawyer Phil Shiner has been declared bankrupt in a move that could mean he avoids an estimated bill of at least 4million for bringing baseless war crimes claims against British troops.

It has also emerged that his house, worth around 330,000, was transferred to his daughters before he was struck off the roll of solicitors for misconduct.

Shiners firm made more than 1.6million pursuing unfounded torture and murder claims that cost the public purse 31million to investigate.

After he was struck off, the Government pledged to pursue him for the 3million in legal aid his firm was paid to support the claims.

The Ministry of Defence was also poised to claim for the millions it spent defending its soldiers in court. But Shiner has now been declared bankrupt, which could make it harder to recover these costs.

In addition, his four-bedroom Edwardian home in Birmingham has been transferred to two of his daughters, Leisha, 27, and Bethany, 29, who both worked for his firm Public Interest Lawyers.

Shiner, a former solicitor of the year, was struck off last month after the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal found him guilty of professional misconduct for his role in drumming up cases against British troops.

He was found to have been repeatedly dishonest in falsely accusing soldiers of war crimes, and immediately given a costs bill of at least 250,000.

His now defunct law firm brought most of the 3,380 allegations of wrongdoing referred to the Iraq Historical Allegations Team.

Pictured: The 330,000 three-bedroom home in Birmingham, that Shiner has transferred to his daughters

The disciplinary tribunal heard that his cases, which led to the 31million Al-Sweady public inquiry, were found to be baseless and had a devastating effect on the soldiers who were falsely accused.

Soldier Jeremy Edgar, who was dragged before the inquiry over false claims that British soldiers tortured Iraqi troops, said last night: I think that the legal system in this country is a crude approximation of what it should be.

In terms of his bankruptcy, he can add this to the list alongside his moral bankruptcy. How is he bankrupt? Hes had over 3million for Al-Sweady alone. It is absolutely beyond belief.

Colonel Richard Kemp, a former British commander in Afghanistan, said: This does not surprise me at all. His avoiding the debts he owes to people is entirely predictable.

He has ruined peoples lives  he should be paying financial compensation. He has also taken taxpayers money on false pretences.

Tory MP Andrew Murrison, a former defence minister, said: It would be shocking if this gentleman was able to avoid paying up.

Now that Shiner has been declared bankrupt, officials have been appointed to trawl through his accounts and assets  including any properties he owns  to divide up what is left for those he owes.

Pictured: The back garden of Shiner's Edwardian home that now belongs to daughters Leisha, 27, and Bethany, 29

If the transfer of his home is deemed to be an attempt to avoid losing it to creditors, he may have to forfeit it to pay off his debts.

An MoD spokesman said last night: We intend to recover as much as possible from defending these claims and await the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal full decision before deciding our next steps.

A Legal Aid Agency spokesman said: Our approach to the recovery of inappropriately obtained public funds remains unchanged.

This recovery is subject to an ongoing appeal process. It would therefore be inappropriate to comment any further.

b.wilkinson@dailymail.co.uk
Kentucky Senator Rand Paul struck back at Arizona Senator John McCain, calling his rival 'unhinged' after McCain tried to link him to Russian president Vladimir Putin.

Paul took two personal digs at McCain, 80, after McCain blasted Paul as acting like a pawn of Russia by opposing a treaty.

'You know, I think he makes a really, really strong case for term limits,' Paul said of McCain, appearing on MSNBC's 'Morning Joe.'

'I think maybe he's past his prime; I think maybe he's gotten a little bit unhinged,' he added.

A day earlier, McCain lost it on Paul on the Senate floor today after the Kentucky Republican expressed that he was against Montenegro joining NATO.

Kentucky Republican Sen. Rand Paul responded to attacks from Sen. John McCain on MSNBC's 'Morning Joe'

'The senator from Kentucky is now working for Vladimir Putin,' McCain loudly charged after berating his GOP peer for several minutes.

Paul continued in the interview: 'We have a $20 trillion debt. And one of my favorite articles of the last couple years is one that talked about the angry McCains, and if they  if we put active troops and got involved in combat where McCain wants us to be, they put a little angry McCain on the globe, on the map. And it's virtually everywhere. So his foreign policy is something that would greatly endanger the United States.'

Paul issued a statement later that explained he was against Montenegro joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organization because the U.S.'s military commitments are already stretched and the country has already pledged to defend the 28 countries in NATO.

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Sen. John McCain accused Sen. Rand Paul of 'working for Vladimir Putin' by objecting to Montenegro's joining of NATO

Sen. Rand Paul uttered 'I object' when Sen. John McCain called for unanimous consent to move the bill forward and then slunk off the Senate floor - which enraged McCain further

'Is it unwise to expand the monetary and military obligations of the United States given the burden of our $20 trillion debt,' Paul said.

McCain did not see it this way and suggested that not letting Montenegro join in would mainly benefit Russian President Vladimir Putin.

'You are achieving the objectives of Vladimir Putin,' the Arizona Republican said of Paul, accusing the Russian leader of 'trying to dismember this small country, which has already been the subject of an attempted coup.'

Aiming the comments again at Paul, McCain said, 'If they object, they are now carrying out the desires and ambitions of Vladimir Putin and I do not say that lightly.'

McCain then asked for unanimous consent to move the bill forward.

Paul countered by moving toward a microphone, uttering 'I object,' and hightailing it off the Senate floor.

This move really annoyed the more senior senator.

'I note the senator from Kentucky leaving the floor without justification or any rationale for the action he has just taken,' McCain said.

'That is really remarkable, that a senator blocking a treaty that is supported by the overwhelming number  perhaps 98, at least, of his colleagues  would come to the floor and object and walk away,' he stated, visibly angered.

Then McCain took it a step further.

'The only conclusion you can draw when he walks away is he has no justification for his objection to having a small nation be part of NATO that is under assault from the Russians,' McCain said.

'So, I repeat again, the senator from Kentucky is now working for Vladimir Putin,' McCain said.

Later, McCain's communications director Julia Tarallo tried to explain what got McCain so steamed.

'The overwhelming majority of senators who support this treaty, and certainly the people of Montenegro, deserved an explanation from Senator Paul on the Senate floor as to why he sought to prevent this small, brave country from joining in the defense of the free world,' she explained.


Two days after MSNBC host Rachel Maddow transfixed a national TV audience with an overblown promise to reveal President Donald Trump's 'tax returns,' the White House pushed back against the idea that future tax filings from the First Family could be made public.

Trump has bucked a longstanding tradition by keeping his Form 1040 filings secret, claiming his lawyers have advised him to sit on them pending a series of routine IRS audits that might change their outcomes.

That practice made Maddow's Tuesday night broadcast all the more mesmerizing  and ultimately disappointing  when she produced just two pages from a 12-year-old IRS filing.

But the tantalizing promise of a glimpse at a billionaire president's financial fundamentals drove reporters to dredge the issue up again on Thursday.

White House press secretary Sean Spicer cautioned on Thursday that Donald Trump's future tax returns could be as closely held as his previous ones

MSNBC host Rachel Maddow made a mess of her Tuesday night broadcast, promising the revelation of Trumps 'tax returns' but only producing two pages from a 2005 filing

'Tax day is coming up,' one reporter announced, referring to the April 15 filing deadline for most Americans.

'A lot of Americans are putting together their tax returns. When the president puts together his tax return this year, will he release it publicly? Presumably it's not under audit.'

White House press secretary Sean Spicer deflected the room's attention to a coming quasi-holiday that features his own ethnic minority.

'St. Patrick's is tomorrow. That's what I'm more focused on, Spicer chuckled.

The journalist, undeterred, pushed forward.

'Presumably his 2016 returns are not under audit yet,' he responded. 'So will he release those when he files them?

'Again, we'll cross that bridge when he comes to it,' Spicer responded.

An administration official told DailyMail.com on Thursday that President Trump has 'no intention of ever releasing his taxes.'

That position is all the more curious given Maddow's failure to produce anything embarrassing to the administration.

Trump shown Thursady with Irish Taoiseach Enda Kenny, has long stood on a claim that his lawyers advise against the release of his tax returns due to routine IRS audits

Trump and his wife Melania, their 2005 tax return showed, paid $38 million in taxes that year on a final income level of more than $150 million.

That 25 per cent effective tax rate, even after a horde of Fifth Avenue lawyers chipped away at Trump's IRS liabilities, compared favorably with those of some of his critics.

Former presidnet and first lady Barack and Michelle Obama paid 18.7 per cent of their 2015 earnings in federal income taxes.

In the previous year, Vermont senator Bernie Sanders and his wife Jane  longtime socialist icons  paid 13.5 per cent.

And former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, the failed 2012 presidential candidate who Trump has made a parlor game out of mocking, paid 14.1 per cent in 2011.

Spicer chose on Thursday not to draw comparisons, however, but to fall back on his claim that 'the president's been very clear about his position on his tax returns.'

'And we'll have to see where it goes from there.'

'But the president's been very clear throughout the campaign and consistent that he's under a routine audit,' he said, without offering any new evidence that the IRS  a division of the Treasury Department, which reports to Trump  is auditing his personal returns.

On the subject of future tax return releases, Spicer declared that the government would 'cross that bridge when we come to it'

NBC News reported Wednesday that Spiced had told reporters: 'As soon as the audit is done we will readdress that issue.'

https://twitter.com/BraddJaffy/status/842188874596155392

Ten months ago, Trump's then-campaign manager Corey Lewsndowski told CNN much the same thing.

'I don't know what secrets you're going to find,' he told Anderson Cooper.

'You can't release your taxes under routine audit. As soon as the audit is done he will release taxes.'

https://grabien.com/story.php?id=55809
When Trump and Merkel finally meet face to face at the White House, I imagine it will be as awkward as the ex-wife at a wedding  something Donald is an expert at I guess.

They could not be more different. Trump wears his heart on his sleeve. Merkel could have murdered her own parents as they slept and eaten their liver for breakfast, and you wouldn't have the first idea.

He wants to drain the swamp. An unelected leader of unelected bureaucrats in Brussels, she is virtually the bog monster.

She is the mother of all migrants - known as Mother Merkel. And he is the author of the so-called Muslim ban.

Merkel travels with a wardrobe assistant tasked with making her look boring so people focus on her politics. Trump would spray The White House gold if he could.

If they have any hope of making political progress together, there are 10 key issues I think Trump needs to make abundantly clear to Merkel before they get down to business on Friday when they meet.

If Donald Trump and Angela Merkel have any hope of making political progress together, they need to discuss 10 key issues on Friday even before they get down to business

1) Little fish. Big pond.

In Europe you are the big fish. This is because the pond is quite little. You are Chancellor of Germany. But Germany only has 80 million people living in it, despite you inviting half of the Middle East to move in.

And while you may be the de facto leader of Europe, there was never actually an election for that role.

You were voted TIME person of the year in 2015. Some have even called you Chancellor of the Free World. And I respect that.

But here's the thing. I like to think big. America has 324 million people living in it (that we know about. I am deporting illegals as we speak). And I am President of them all. I was TIME Person of the Year 2016. And I am the Leader of the Free World.

Know your place. It's behind me.

The times they are a changing: Angela Merkel was voted TIME person of the year in 2015 and has even been called Chancellor of the Free World; But Trump won it last year

2) I love Nigel Farage and Brexit.

You and I are opposites. I like cheeseburgers You like frankfurters. I like Nigel Farage. You hate him. I like to put America First. You want to put Germany second behind the EU. I have a personality. You don't.

If we are going to work together, we need to accept that we think differently and your views are wrong.

Firm friends: Trump seems to have a soft spot for Brexit leader Nigel Farage. Merkel by contrast hates him. Katie says if they are going to work together they need to accept they are different and move on

3) Enhance your location.

Have you read The Art of the Deal? You should.

You tried to enhance your location by adding half of Syria. This was a catastrophe.

You know it, I know it, and the German nationals killed by axe, machete, lorry and bombs got to know about it, too.

Twelve months ago in Iowa I said: 'The German people are going to end up overthrowing this woman. I don't know what the hell she is thinking.'

On my Twitter I also said you are 'ruining Germany'. I was right again.

My travel ban is the only sensible way to make a country Great Again and I will not be lectured about 'regrets' over my travel ban by a woman who says 'we have much more to gain from migrants than to fear from them' even as another handful of Germans is hacked to death at one of your train stations.

You want to deport 100,000 migrants this year because you made a mistake letting them in. A travel ban cuts out the bit where you let them in and saves paying for them to go home. And makes me cleverer than you.

Refugees wait for a special railway station near the Austrian-German border after coming through Hungary and Australia; Germany's migrant policy has been perceived to be a catastrophe

4) Trade and security are a bit like peanut butter and jelly.

They go together. US trade deficits are a national security issue. If you want to reduce our $65 billion trade deficit with Germany, you might want to think about a nifty arms deal with me to enable your penny-pinching government to get closer to the 2% NATO spending target I plan to enforce.

I am Leader of the Free World. I am not the financier of the global army. And if you want to sell me your BMWs, you better get looking at my Apaches  pronto.

5) You need me.

I heard you talk to business leaders in Munich on Monday about free trade. You said: 'The United States of America is a key trading partner for Germany and for the entire European Union.'

This makes you smart. You need me and you know it.

I don't need you. And I know that. Which makes me smarter.

President Donald Trump, center, Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny, right, and House Speaker Paul Ryan, pose for photographs after a "Friends of Ireland" luncheon on Capitol Hill

6) Your Masters Voice.

You said you came up with a slogan for your visit: 'One-on-one conversations are always much better than talking about each other.'

Let me be clear: that is not a slogan. That's a German conversation. And you guys are as emotionally intelligent as Melania.

You have no idea about slogans.

Make America Great Again. Lock her up. Build a wall.

Those are slogans.

Slogans are three or four words long. Not thirteen.

You want a slogan for this visit? No more migrants. Now that's a slogan

When Trump and Merkel finally meet face to face at the White House, I imagine it will be as awkward as the ex-wife at a wedding  something Donald is an expert at I guess

7) Fake news.

You need to get a grip on fake news. Your biased press called me an 'unsophisticated yet self-absorbed political neophyte'. In German.

I don't know what that means. But I do know I am not whatever that is.

Get a grip on your press. They need to start singing from the Trump sheet. Fast.

8) Manage your currency.

Your euro is about as valuable as the Venezuelan bolivar. Which is weighed, not counted. I have cheese in my refrigerator which is worth more.

My director of National Trade says your undervalued euro, and Germany in particular, is the reason the EUUS trade agreement is a bigger failure than Hilary Clinton.

9) Make America Crude Again.

Do I look like a man who eats lentils? We need to get coal, oil and gas moving in America.

In case you have forgotten, former ExxonMobil Chief Executive Rex Tillerson is my Secretary of State.

You want to talk to me about your Paris Agreement on climate change where 194 nations sat in a room and talked hot air whilst eating mung beans?

Prove to me how that trumps the wider appeal of projects boosting the country's energy industry, providing jobs and utilizing domestic steel to boot.

And whilst you are about it, make your mind up. Havent you been lobbying US regulators to relax environmental standards for your filthy German diesel cars?

Either you are green or youre not. From where I am sitting, you appear to be ginger.

10) Money was never a big motivation to me. Except to keep score

Your net worth is $11.5 million. Mine is $3.7 billion.

I win.

Donald J Trump
China's air pollution and smog could be caused by melting ice caps in the Arctic, a new study claims.

The study published by Science Advances says that melting Arctic sea ice and increasing Eurasian snow has helped create conditions that trap pollution over the country's populated areas, reports the People's Daily Online.

Every winter parts of China chokes on poor air conditions keeping residents indoors, unable to get to work or school.

A woman wearing a mask walks in a street near Lama Temple in Beijing (File photo)

People try to continue their lives as normal in Lianyungang in China's Jiangsu province

A polar bear launches itself at a seal during the Summer drift ice season (File photo)

The study was conducted by a Chinese researcher in the US.

It claims that the melting sea ice caused by climate change has shifted China's winter monsoon.

This has helped to create atmospheric conditions that have trapped pollution over China's major industrial hubs and populated areas like Beijing.

The findings were based on the analysis of one of China's worst air pollution events ever recorded in China in 2013. During that period, smog lingered over eastern China for a month.

Yuhang Wang, a professor at Georgia's Institute of Technology told reporters: 'Emissions in China have been decreasing over the last four years, but the severe winter haze is not getting better.

The LED screen shows the rising sun on Tiananmen Square (File photo)

A giant Beijing Olympics logo is barely visible in the smog (File photo)

Reitrees practice Taichi during morning exercise in Fuyang City, Anhui province (File photo)

'Mostly that's because of a very rapid change in the high polar regions where sea ice is decreasing and snowfall is increasing. This perturbation keeps cold air from getting into the eastern parts of China where it would flush out the air pollution.'

China has introduced strict targets for cutting emissions from factories in a bid to curb air pollution.

At the opening of this year's National People's Congress on March 5, Premier Li Keqiang vowed to make China's skies blue again. He said that the country would attack the three main causes of air pollution which are coal burning, vehicle exhaust and emissions from factories.

Data analysis conducted for the research found a correlation between stagnant air conditions over China to Arctic sea ice which reached a record low at the end of 2012 and snowfall in Siberian which reached a record high in the winter.

Thick smog engulfs the Chinese capital as people make their way to work (File photo)

Masked commuters wait for buses in haze covered Beijing, China (File photo)

A girl puts a mask over her dog in Shijiazhuang, northern China (File photo)

The results suggested that the cold centre had moved.

Wang said: 'The very rapid change in polar warming is having a large impact on China.

'Our research shows that cutting greenhouse gases would help with the winter haze problem.'

However He Kebin, a Tsinghua University professor warned that weather is only an external cause of air pollution and that other measures needed to be taken to curb poor air quality in China.

Not all professors are pleased with the research paper with Zhang Renyi, professor at Texas A&M University slamming the paper as 'weak'.
Too much screen time has been found to cause health problems among children - and Google is now helping parents monitor their usage.

Called Family Link, the new app provides parents with weekly and monthly activity reports and lets them set timers for how long their kid can use the device.

Parents also have the power to remotely lock the smartphone and check its location in order to see their child's whereabouts.

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Family Link provides parents with weekly and monthly activity reports and shows them how long their child plays with specific apps. Parents can also limit how much time their child uses their device and set a bedtime so it shuts down completely

WHAT YOU CAN CONTROL Family Link provides parents with weekly and monthly activity reports and limit how much time they can use the device. Parents have the power to remotely lock your kids device when its time to play, study, or sleep. They can set limits for how long kids can sue the device and bedtimes for when the phone completely shuts down. The parent friendly app also lets adults block and approve apps not suitable for children before they are downloaded from the Google Play Store. Advertisement

When your child is ready for their first Android device, Family Link lets you create a Google Account for them, which is like your own account, and also helps you set certain digital ground rules that work for your family - like managing the apps your kid can use, keeping an eye on screen time, and setting a bedtime on your kids device, Pavini Diwanji, VP engineer at Google, said in the announcement.

To use Family Link, parents will have to purchase a device for their child that runs Android Nougat (7.0) or higher.

Then, download the app and create a Google Account for their kid.

Finally, sign them into their new device, and parents can then use Family Link as well.

The parent friendly app also lets them block and approve apps not suitable for children before they are downloaded from the Google Play Store.

You can also see how much your child spends playing with their favorite apps with weekly or monthly activity reports  and you can also set daily screen time limits on their handset.

Parents also have the power to remotely lock your kids device when its time to play, study, or sleep - and can set limits and bedtimes for when the phone completely shuts down.

The parent friendly app also lets them block and approve apps not suitable for children downloaded from the Google Play Store. You can also see how much your child spends playing with their favorite apps with weekly or monthly activity reports

Starting today, parents across the U.S. can request an invite to the Family Link early access program, Diwanji shared.

After receiving an invite, parents with kids under 13 years old can download and try the Family Link app.

Were just getting started, and well be asking parents using Family Link for feedback about how to improve the experience before we make the app broadly available.

HOW MUCH SCREEN TIME SHOULD YOUR CHILD HAVE? 0-5 years old 1. For children younger than 24 months, avoid any digital media use with the exception of video-chatting 2. For children 18 to 24 months of age, you can introduce digital media, but use it together with your child and avoid allowing the child to consume it alone 3. For children 2 to 5 years old, limit screen time to one hour per day of high-quality programming; watch with your children and help them understand what they are seeing how to apply it 4. No screen time one hour before bedtime 5. Avoid using screen time as the only method to soothe the child (the concern is that the child might not develop the ability to regulate emotion on their own) 6. Avoid fast-paced programs or apps with distracting or violent content 7. Monitor childrens media content; test apps before using them and ask the child what he or she thinks about the app 8. Bedrooms, meal times and playtimes with parents should be screen-free for both parents and child 9. See recommended hours of sleep and physical activity for your child with this 24-hour calculator. School-age children (5-18 years old) Too much screen time has been found to cause health problems among children - and Google is helping parents monitor their usage 1. Develop and be consistent in following family guidelines for media use; assess the types of media and how much is being consumed, and what is appropriate for the child 2. Place consistent limits on hours or type of media that can be used per day Promote one hour of daily physical activity and eight to 12 hours of sleep, depending on age 3. Try to not let children sleep with TVs, computers and smartphones in their bedrooms 4. Avoid media use in the hour leading up to bedtime 5. Have media-free times, like during family dinner, or create media-free areas at home 6. Relay these guidelines to babysitters or other caregivers 7. Have ongoing conversations with the child about online safety, whether its about cyberbullying, sexting, solicitations or compromising privacy 8. Have a network of trusted adults who will engage with the child through social media. Advertisement

Family Link appears to be a result of studies that warn parents about the dangers of too much screen time.

And the obsession seems to be fed by parents, with four in five believing that gadgets aid development  in contrast to growing concern among medical experts.

The American Society of Paediatrics produced detailed guidelines linking screen time to the risk of a child becoming overweight for life, sleep disturbance and developmental problems. And the more time parents spent in front of a screen, the more their children did.

A growing body of evidence suggests all this is having a devastating effect on mental and physical health.

Health bodies in the US now recommend that children under two should have no
More than 4.6 billion hours of online pornography was watched on Pornhub alone last year, accounting for 12.5 videos for every person on Earth.

But researchers have revealed that four per cent of users are addicted to watching porn.

They have devised a five-minute test to help you find out if they have a 'problematic' relationship with online pornography.

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Researchers from Eotvos Lorand University in Hungary found that four percent of porn users have an unhealthy addiction (stock image)

The test asks participants to reflect on how important porn is to their daily life, and how they would feel if they were prevented from watching it.

'We identified an optimal cutoff to distinguish between problematic and nonproblematic pornography users,' the psychologists from Eotvos Lorand University in Hungary said in a research paper.

'The PPCS is a multidimensional scale of problematic pornography use with a strong theoretical basis that also has strong psychometric properties in terms of factor structure and reliability.'

ARE YOU ADDICTED TO PORN? TAKE THE TEST Answer the 17 questions below, rating them by how much you feel they apply to you from 1 to 7, where:1 = never, 2 = rarely, 3 = occasionally, 4 = sometimes, 5 = often, 6 = very often, 7 = all the time. 1. I felt that porn is an important part of my life. 2. I used porn to restore the tranquillity of my feelings. 3. I felt porn caused problems in my sexual life 4. I felt that I had to watch more and more porn for satisfaction. 5. I unsuccessfully tried to reduce the amount of porn I watch. 6. I became stressed when something prevented me from watching porn. 7. I thought about how good it would be to watch porn. 8. Watching porn got rid of my negative feelings. 9. Watching porn prevented me from bringing out the best in me. 10. I felt that I needed more and more porn in order to satisfy my needs. 11. When I vowed not to watch porn any more, I could only do it for a short period of time. 12. I became agitated when I was unable to watch porn. 13. I continually planned when to watch porn. 14. I released my tension by watching porn. 15. I gradually watched more extreme porn, because the porn I watched before was less satisfying. 16. I resisted watching porn for only a little while before I relapsed. 17. I missed porn greatly when I didn't watch it for a while. Add the scores for all the questions together. A score of 76 or higher suggests problematic levels of pornography use. Advertisement

A similar study by researchers at the Universite Laval in Quebec found that porn users fall into three categories, which includes recreational, distressed or compulsive

THE THREE TYPES OF PORN USER Recreational: Watched an average of 24 minutes a week. This group scored low with compulsivity, intensity of efforts to access pornography. And it was mostly women and people in relationships. Distressed: Watched an average of 17 minutes a week. However, watching pornographic content was found to cause these individuals emotional stress. Compulsive: Watched an average of 110 minutes a week and was mostly men. This groups' behavior may be a result of compulsive sexuality that includes avoidance of sexual interactions with a partner. Advertisement

A similar study by researchers at the Universite Laval in Quebec found that porn users fall into three categories, which includes recreational, distressed or compulsive.

They found that around 12 per cent of porn users could be considered 'compulsive'.

This group was characterised by high scores on compulsivity to pornography and intensity of efforts to access pornography and moderate scores on emotional distress associated with pornography use.

The compulsive profile consisted of a larger proportion of men who spent the most time using pornography (ie, mean  110 minutes weekly), researches shared in the study.

They reported the highest level of compulsivity to pornography, intensity of efforts to access sexual material, and higher emotional distress associated with pornography use.

Lit-up: The brain scans of compulsive porn users (pictured bottom), show more pronounced stimulation when watching x-rated material when compared to those not addicted (pictured top)

A previous study found compulsive users of porn show the same signs of addiction in their brain as those hooked on booze or drugs.

Dr Valerie Voon, a Cambridge University neuroscientist specialising in addictions, studied 19 self-confessed compulsive pornography users.

The men, aged 19 to 34, had tried and failed to break their habit and had lost relationships and jobs as a result.
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The British isles is famous for its vast array of accents, with 56 recognised dialects in total across the UK and Ireland.

From Glaswegian to Northern Irish, Liverpudlian to received pronunciation, Britain's many accents vary wildly over relatively short distances.

Researchers created a quiz to find which of the British Isles' accents are the trickiest to decipher using 15 of our most distinct dialects.

The quiz consists of 10 questions, with users scoring an average of six.

Take the test below by clicking on the 'play' button

THE MOST RECOGNISABLE ACCENTS OF THE BRITISH ISLES 1. Glasgow - 77 per cent 2. Received Pronunciation - 74 per cent 3. Estuary - 70 per cent 4. Southern Irish - 70 per cent 5. Northern Irish - 70 per cent 6. Edinburgh - 66 per cent 7. Cockney - 61 per cent 8. Newcastle - 60 per cent 9. Liverpool - 57 per cent 10. Cornish - 57 per cent 11. Yorkshire - 56 per cent 12. Welsh - 55 per cent 13. Somerset - 53 per cent 14. Lancashire - 36 per cent 15. Birmingham - 31 per cent Advertisement

With each question users are played an audio clip of someone speaking with an accent.

They are then presented with a map of the UK and four regions to pick from.

The four answers are purely geographical as they are not labelled with the name of the region.

The researchers, from Washington-based travel company Expedia, also created an interactive dialectical map for users to explore.

'We originally decided to create the map because we were inspired by the fact there are 56 recognised accents across the UK and Ireland,' Expedia told MailOnline.

'We wanted to put together something that not only explores a good range of these very different dialects, but also doubles up as a nice educational piece.'

While the map and quiz were released last year, Expedia has released the results for the first time today.

The data was collected from 1,300,000 guesses from over 250,000 users.

The results reveal that the Glaswegian accent is the UK's most recognisable dialect, with 77 per cent of quiz contestants identifying it correctly.

This was closely followed by 'received pronunciation' - the stereotypical southern English accent - which 74 per cent of users classified correctly.

Southern and Northern Irish accents were deciphered with equal ease, with both seeing a 70 per cent correct guess rate at fifth and sixth in the chart respectively.

At the lower end of the table, the Birmingham or 'Brummie' accent was the most difficult dialect to guess.

Researchers created a quiz to find which of the British Isles' accents are the trickiest to decipher using 15 of our most distinct dialects. This graphic shows the rankings of each accent and the percentage of quiz contestants who identified them correctly

The Glaswegian accent is the most recognisable in the UK with 77 per cent of people able to correctly identify it. Actor James McAvoy (left) speaks with a Glaswegian accent. The received pronunciation accent, spoken by Benedict Cumberbatch, came second with 74 per cent

SOCIAL STIGMAS LINKED TO BRITISH ACCENTS ITV's Tonight programme polled 4,000 Britons about their preferred accents in 2013. The accents included Liverpool, Devon, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Cardiff, London (Cockney), Belfast, Received Pronunciation, Manchester and Birmingham. The Scouse accent fared the worst across all categories as ITV found it was considered unintelligent, unfriendly and untrustworthy. The Devon accent scored highly in all three of these categories, and came top of the poll for friendliness. Interestingly, women were more likely than men to find almost all the accents more friendly, in particular London Cockney. On the subject of intelligence, three in five people said that Received Pronunciation, also referred to as 'Queens English', is the most intelligent accent - almost twice the score of second place Edinburgh. One in five Brits admitted to being discriminated against because of how they talk, with Londoners and Scots believing they were most discriminated against. Advertisement

Only 31 per cent of quiz contestants correctly guessed the accent.

The Lancashire accent also caused users problems, with only 36 per cent able to identify it.

Last year a Cambridge University study found that regional accents are on their way out in the UK and Ireland.

Some of the UK's most famous accents, such as singer Adele's (left) London 'Cockney' accent or actor Sean Bean's Yorkshire accent, scored surprisingly low in the study. Cockney was 7th overall with 61 per cent of users correctly guessing it while Yorkshire was 11th with 56 per cent

This is a result of regions becoming more 'homogenised' with cheaper transport and the internet.

But the quiz's results could prove that regional dialects are still going strong.

'The response regionally to the test has been wide-ranging,' Expedia told MailOnline.

'But the discussion created around regional accents and the development, protection and proliferation of them has been fascinating to see.

'Brits really care about their regional dialects, and the threat of losing them as accents become more homogenised in the UK is really something that they are passionate about.'


A chimpanzee has been filmed cleaning the teeth of her dead son in a remarkable mourning ritual that was previously unknown to scientists.

The chimp approached the corpse of her son, selected a stem of grass and started to intently remove debris from in between his teeth.

Researchers said this behaviour could shed light on the evolution of the mortuary rituals practised by humans.

THE CHIMPANZEE'S MOURNING RITUAL Noel lives at the Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage Trust in Zambia. The chimp approached the corpse of her adopted son Thomas, selected a stem of grass and started to intently remove debris from in between his teeth. During this time, Noel kept her face within four inches (10 centimetres) of Thomas' face, never deflecting her gaze from his mouth, the researchers said. She continued to clean Thomas' teeth even after others in her group had left to find food. The researchers said Noel's actions suggest chimpanzees treat corpses of family members with respect in a similar way to humans. Advertisement

The female chimp, Noel, lives at the Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage Trust in Zambia.

Scientists had previously observed her adopting Thomas, a nine-year-old male, who also lived at the orphanage.

'Noel, a wild-born female chimpanzee living at the Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage Trust in Zambia, attended the dead body of Thomas, a nine-year-old male whom she adopted when his mother died four years earlier,' the scientists from the University of St Andrews said in a research paper.

'At the time of the reported observations, Noel was 33 years old.

'She was brought to Chimfunshi when she was 14 years old, after spending most of her life at a private home in former Zaire.'

The scientists said Thomas had most likely died from a combination of a viral and bacterial lung infection.

Noel, a 33-year-old chimpanzee pictured right, was filmed cleaning the teeth of her dead son in a remarkable mourning ritual that was previously unknown to scientists

The female chimpanzee used a tough stem of grass to meticulously clean the teeth of her nine-year-old adopted son Thomas

The researchers said: 'Noel approached Thomas' body, sat down close to his head, turned her upper body sideways to select a hard piece of grass, put the grass in her mouth, and opened Thomas' mouth with both of her hands.

'Then she wrapped her fingers around Thomas' chin and jaw, and used her thumbs to explore his teeth.

'After three seconds, she took the grass out of her mouth with her right hand, while maintaining focused grip on Thomas' mouth with her left hand, and started to meticulously poke the grass in the same dental area as where her thumbs had been.'

The corpse of Thomas, who died from a lung infection, was first spotted by Nina, left, the adolescent daughter of Noel

During this time, Noel kept her face within four inches (10 centimetres) of Thomas' face, never deflecting her gaze from his mouth, the researchers said.

She continued to clean Thomas' teeth even after others in her group had left to find food.

'The report is important because it indicates once more that the human species is not the only one capable of compassion,' Edwin van Leeuwen, lead author of the study, told New Scientist.

Noel soon joined her daughter and sat beside the corpse of Thomas. She continued to clean Thomas' teeth even after others in her group had left to find food

The researchers said Noel's actions suggest chimpanzees treat corpses of family members with respect in a similar way to humans.

'This is certainly an interesting and noteworthy observation, another case of chimpanzees showing unusual behaviour in the presence of deceased group members,' said Professor Klaus Zuberbuehler, also at St Andrews, who wasn't involved in the study.

'We have seen similar behaviour in our wild group of chimps in Budongo forest, Uganda, where individuals groomed an adult female, who had just been killed, for an extended period of time.'

Noel approached Thomas body, turned sideways to select a hard piece of grass, held the grass in her mouth while opening Thomas mouth with both of her hands, and cleaned Thomas teeth using the grass

Researchers have previously seen chimps cleaning and even extracting each other's teeth during social bonding behaviour.

Dental cleaning is thought to be a sign of a close bond between two chimps.

But the behaviour may also indicate that chimps are intrigued about the concept of death.

The researchers believe the behaviour could help understand how human mortuary practices evolved.

'Death responses represent core features of human civilisation, with great diversity in mortuary rites found across cultures,' they said.

The researchers said Noel's actions suggest chimpanzees treat corpses of family members with respect in a similar way to humans

'In general, for animals critically depending on group living, like humans and chimpanzees, responding to death may be a means to reorganise the social unit, especially when so-called "brokers" die: individuals who play an important role in maintaining group cohesion by connecting sub-groups.'

But the scientists also warned that is hard to draw meaningful conclusions from an isolated incident.

'Perhaps, such social behaviour is a manifestation of human-like mourning, perhaps the chimpanzees are just challenged by the fact that a group member has suddenly become completely motionless,' said Professor Zuberbuehler.
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While Apple puts the finishing touches on its spaceship' campus, a lesser-known location is nearing completion.

The Cupertino companys AC3 Central & Wolfe sits across the street from the Sunnyvale Crossing seven-building development Apple currently leases, and is just three miles away from Apple Park.

The AC3 campus boasts similarities of the main campus, such as curved windows and lush vegetation, but is shaped to look like Apples command key - and the tech giant will start moving in sometime in 2018.

Apple's 'AC3 Central & Wolfe sits across the street from the Sunnyvale Crossing seven-building development Apple currently leases, and is just three miles away from Apple Park. The AC3 campus boasts similarities of the main campus, such as curved windows and lush vegetation, but is shaped to look like Apples command key

THE OTHER CAMPUS AC3 Central & Wolfe sits across the street from the Sunnyvale Crossing seven-building development Apple currently leases, and is three miles away from Apple Park. It will have small parks, walking paths and wide open spaces - and the main building is shaped like Apple's command key. The entire campus, when completed, will provide 882,857 square feet of collaborative space and will consist of three curved concrete structures that connect around a courtyard. The courtyard will host food trucks and visitor parks - a majority of the parking will be underground. Advertisement

Footage of the massive structure highlights small parks on the campus, walking paths and wide open spaces  and the building is fitted with the same curved window design as Apple Park.

An Apple spokesperson told DailyMail.com in an email that the campus will be home to a 'wellness center, fitness center, a Caffe Macs, amazing landscaping and green space'.

'We expect to start moving in in 2018,' the spokesperson said.

Apple signed a lease for the campus in 2015 with Landbank Investment LCC, Apple Insider reported, it was then purchased by developer Jay Paul not too long after.

The entire campus, when completed, will provide 882,857 square feet of collaborative space and will consist of three curved concrete structures that connect around a courtyard  forming the shape of Apple's command key.

On the southeastern side of the campus, Level 10, the construction company involved with the project, is constructing an amenities building in a seven-story parking structure.

According to Apple Insider, parking will be mostly underground and the courtyard will host food trucks and some visitor parking.

Prior to Apple claiming the location, Level 10 had planned to cover the roofs with lush vegetation, but the video appears to show the plans have changed.

But the surrounding ground will be landscaped with local flora and other plants  following after Apple Park, which is boasts grassy fields and over 9,000 native and drought-resistant trees.

'AC3 Central & Wolfe is shaped to look like Apples command key (pictured)

The Central & Wolfe project has stayed out of the limelight for a majority of its construction and Apple has yet to reveal major details of the campus such as when the firm plans to move in.

DailyMail.com has contacted Apple for comment and has yet to receive a response.

Three miles away from the lesser-known campus sits Apples highly-anticipated structure  Apple Park.

Built on a massive 175 acres, the finished campus will span 2.8 million square feet house 13,000 Apple techies and be self-sufficient with trees planted in the dirt removed from the park to build the compound.

Before his death in 2011, Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, who would have turned 62 this Friday, February 24, set out to create one of the most futuristic buildings ever created.

'Steve was exhilarated, and inspired, by the California landscape, by its light and its expansiveness,' said Laurene Powell Jobs.

The entire campus, when completed, will provide 882,857 square feet of collaborative space and will consist of three curved concrete structures that connect around a courtyard  forming the shape of Apple's command key

Footage of the massive structure highlights small parks on the campus, walking paths and wide open spaces  and the building is fitted with the same curved window design as Apple Park

'It was his favorite setting for thought. Apple Park captures his spirit uncannily well.'

'He would have flourished, as the people of Apple surely will, on this luminously designed campus.'

On the southeastern side of the campus, Level 10, the construction company involved with the project, is constructing an amenities building in a seven-story parking structure. According to Apple Insider, parking will be mostly underground and the courtyard will host food trucks and some visitor parking

Prior to Apple claiming the location, Level 10 had planned to cover the roofs with lush vegetation, but the video appears to show the plans have changed. But the surrounding ground will be landscaped with local flora and other plants

To 'honor his memory and his enduring influence on Apple and the world', the theater at Apple Park will be named the Steve Jobs Theater, Apple said.

Opening later this year, the entrance to the 1,000-seat auditorium is a 20-foot-tall glass cylinder, 165 feet in diameter, supporting a metallic carbon-fiber roof.

The Steve Jobs Theater is situated on top of a hill  one of the highest points within Apple Park  overlooking meadows and the main building.

'Steve's vision for Apple stretched far beyond his time with us.

The three curved concrete buildings will surround a courtyard that will be a hangout area for employees and visitors once the campus is up and running. Apple plans to go with the same green theme that its Apple Park campus has setup - adding trees and other lush vegetation

AC3 Central & Wolfe will boast the same curved window design as Apple Park. It is not clear when the campus will be finished, but the construction appears to be moving along

Apple's AC3 Central & Wolfe sits across the street from the Sunnyvale Crossing seven-building development Apple currently leases, and is just three miles away from Apple Park.

'He intended Apple Park to be the home of innovation for generations to come,' said Tim Cook, Apple's CEO.

'The workspaces and parklands are designed to inspire our team as well as benefit the environment.

'We've achieved one of the most energy-efficient buildings in the world and the campus will run entirely on renewable energy.'

The campus's ring-shaped, 2.8 million-square-foot main building is clad entirely in the world's largest panels of curved glass, and the firm's fanatical attention to detail is seen throughout.

Three miles away from the lesser-known campus sits Apples highly-anticipated structure  Apple Park. Apple said it will take six months to move all 12,000 staff into the $5 billion (4 billion) 2.8 million-square-foot campus, which features a 1,000 seat auditorium named the Steve Jobs Theater

'Steve invested so much of his energy creating and supporting vital, creative environments, said Jony Ive, Apple's chief design officer.

'We have approached the design, engineering and making of our new campus with the same enthusiasm and design principles that characterize our products.'

'Connecting extraordinarily advanced buildings with rolling parkland creates a wonderfully open environment for people to create, collaborate and work together.

'We have been extremely fortunate to be able to work closely, over many years, with the remarkable architectural practice Foster + Partners.'

The Steve Jobs Theater is situated on top of a hill  one of the highest points within Apple Park  overlooking meadows and the main building. Opening later this year, the entrance to the 1,000-seat auditorium is a 20-foot-tall glass cylinder, 165 feet in diameter, supporting a metallic carbon-fiber roof

The campus' ring-shaped, 2.8 million-square-foot main building is clad entirely in the world's largest panels of curved glass

Apple Park will also include a visitors center with an Apple Store and cafe open to the public, a 100,000-square-foot fitness center for Apple employees, secure research and development facilities and the Steve Jobs Theater.

The parklands offer two miles of walking and running paths for employees, plus an orchard, meadow and pond within the ring's interior grounds.

A recent flyover of Apple's mothership reveals the massive $5 billion (4 billion) Campus 2 is nearly complete.

The incredible drone images also reveal the astonishing attention to detail of the site.

From the arrangement of electrical wiring to the finish of a hidden pipe, no aspect of the 2.8 million-square-foot main building has been too small to attract scrutiny.

With 17 megawatts of rooftop solar, Apple Park will run one of the largest on-site solar energy installations in the world. It is also the site of the world's largest naturally ventilated building, projected to require no heating or air conditioning for nine months of the year

The Spaceship will have 360-degree curved glass fronted walls and central courtyard as well as a 1,000-seater auditorium, a gym and 300,000 square feet of 'research' space

Since Apple unveiled its plans in 2011, the move-in date has slowly receded.

Jobs' initial projection was 2015, but this spring now seems most likely, according to people involved in the project.

More than $1 billion (800 million) was allocated for the interior of the main building alone, according to a former construction manager.

The campus is something of an exception to the trend of radically open offices aimed at fostering collaboration, said Louise Mozingo, a professor and chair of the Department of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning at University of California, Berkeley.

Its central office building - a massive ring of glass frequently likened to a spaceship - could be a challenge just to navigate, she noted.

'It's not about maximizing the productivity of the office space, it's about creating a symbolic center for this global company,' she said. 'They are creating an icon.'

An Apple spokeswoman declined to comment.

Its central office building - a massive ring of glass frequently likened to a spaceship - could be a challenge just to navigate. This image shows work progressing on the site, with the outer ring almost complete

The circular, four-story building will be around a mile in circumference and a third of a mile wide and was recently described by the San Francisco Weekly as a 'massive glass doughnut'

Technology companies have long favored generic office parks, but the Apple Campus 2 marks a new chapter in Silicon Valley architecture.

When completed, the campus will house up to 14,200 employees, according to the 2013 project description.

The main building - which boasts the world's largest piece of curved glass - will be surrounded by a lush canopy of thousands of trees.

Apple acquired the campus from Hewlett-Packard, although little remains except an original century-old barn. Apple's in-house construction team enforced many rules: No vents or pipes could be reflected in the glass. Guidelines for the special wood used frequently throughout the building ran to some 30 pages

The new campus will be located at 1 Infinite Loop in Cupertino, which is part of the world-renowned Silicon Valley. Architect German de la Torre, who worked on the project, found many of the proportions - such as the curve of a rounded corner - came from Apple's products

Little remains from the cement-laden campus Apple acquired from Hewlett-Packard, though the iPhone maker preserved a century-old barn that remained intact.

But what was most striking to those who worked on the project was Apple managers' insistence on treating the construction of the vast complex the same way they approach the design of pocket-sized electronics.

Apple's in-house construction team enforced many rules, including no vents or pipes could be reflected in the glass.

What was most striking to those who worked on the project was Apple managers' insistence on treating the construction of the vast complex the same way they approach the design of pocket-sized electronics

Pictured is the cafeteria housed in a huge atrium. There are 59 skylights along the roof, allowing natural light to come inside, while giant glass doors open to let fresh air in

Apple Campus 2 will additionally have underground parking hidden from view, meaning 80 percent of the site can be covered in trees

And guidelines for the special wood used frequently throughout the building ran to some 30 pages.

The company's keen design sense enhanced the project, but its expectations sometimes clashed with construction realities, a former architect said.

'With phones, you can build to very, very minute tolerances,' he said. 'You would never design to that level of tolerance on a building. Your doors would jam.'

The company's keen design sense enhanced the project, but its expectations sometimes clashed with construction realities, a former architect said

Early in construction, Apple managers told the construction team that the ceiling - composed of large panels of polished concrete - should be immaculate inside and out, just as the inside of the iPhone's audio jack is a finished product

Drone footage taken above the site reveals the vast extent of the construction, with hundreds, if not thousands of lorries and diggers involved

Apple's novel approach to the building took many forms.

Architect German de la Torre, who worked on the project, found many of the proportions - such as the curve of a rounded corner - came from Apple's products.

The elevator buttons struck some workers as resembling the iPhone's home button; one former manager even likened the toilet's sleek design to the device.

But Mr de la Torre ultimately saw that Apple executives were not trying to evoke the iPhone per se, but rather following something akin to the Platonic ideal of form and dimension.

Elsewhere underground, the auditorium will be where Apple's CEO Tim Cook will present the companies keynotes ahead of product launches, for example

Architects working on the building say that many of the proportions - such as the curve of a rounded corner - came from Apple's products

Much of the construction time has been spent in placing small tiles along the walls of one of the access tunnels

'They have arrived at design principles somehow through many years of experimentation, and they are faithful to those principles,' Mr de la Torre said.

Early in construction, Apple managers told the construction team that the ceiling - composed of large panels of polished concrete - should be immaculate inside and out, just as the inside of the iPhone's audio jack is a finished product, a former construction manager recalled.

Each of the thousands of ceiling panels had to win approval from both Apple's in-house team and the general contractor, once at the shop and then again at the construction site.

Natural gas will, primarily, provide the building's power and the local energy grid will only be accessed in emergencies

Technology companies have long favored generic office parks, but the Apple Campus 2 marks a new chapter in Silicon Valley architecture. Pictured left is Apple's current Cupertino campus

Covering 175 acres, Apple's 'Campus 2' headquarters will replace its current offices at 1 Infinite Loop (pictured)

'The things you can't see, they all mattered to Apple,' the former construction manager said.

One of the most vexing features was the doorways, which Apple wanted to be perfectly flat, with no threshold. The construction team pushed back, but Apple held firm.

'We spent months trying not to do that because that's time, money and stuff that's never been done before,' the former construction manager said.

Signage also required a delicate balancing act, as Apple wanted all signs to reflect its sleek, minimalist aesthetic, but the fire department needed to ensure the building could be swiftly navigated in an emergency.

This image is an artist's impression of what the Apple Campus 2 will look like from above when its complete. The site will be surrounded by a man-made forest featuring 7,000 trees. It was previously owned by Hewlett Packard and is currently covered in around 80 percent asphalt

Not all of the parking spaces will be hidden. The parts of the multi-story car park that will be on show, according to this image from Apple, will be covered in plants and greenery to help the concrete structure blend in

Much of the inside of the futuristic building will also be made of glass with stone-colored walls to add to the building's natural-looking design (pictured). The 175-acre Silicon Valley site near the 280 Highway will house 13,000 staff. Pictured are artist's impressions

During his initial proposals, Apple's co-founder Steve Jobs said he wanted the building to be covered in 40ft floor-to-ceiling panes of curved glass so that all of the building's four-story would be visible from the outside and offer a large amount of natural light (pictured). Pictured is an artist's impression

The cafeteria will additionally feature an outside dining and picnic area (pictured). Apple's Campus 2 additionally comes with a fitness centre in the northern part of the building. Pictured is an artist's impression
Samsung's 'make or break' Galaxy S8 smartphone will have a smart assistant called Bixby to take on Apple's Siri, the firm has accidentally revealed on its own website.

An Italian page found on the Samsung website clearly states 'comandi vocali con Bixby', which means 'voice commands with Bixby' when translated into English.

Bixby is believed to be central to Samsung's plan for the S8, with the handset even having a dedicated button for the assistant.

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Samsung's Galaxy S7: The latest version of its flagship phone will come in two sizes, both with curved screens. An Italian page found on the Samsung website clearly states 'comandi vocali con Bixby', which means 'voice commands with Bixby' when translated into English.

SAMSUNG'S BIXBY Bixby could be used for a wide variety of functions in a similar way to Apple's Siri. The latest rumors suggests Bixby will have visual search capabilities to analyze the image, identify objects and performing optical character recognition on visible text. Once activate, a search tool will appear allowing users to search for specific objects or use optical character recognition to process any text you point the phone at. It will be equipped with a high degree of interconnectedness to other applications For example, the technology will show you where to buy an object in and image and can also complete the transaction for you. And will be activated once users open the handsets camera app. Advertisement

The mention appears in the privacy information under 'voice services', adding Bixby can be used to 'control all operations with the touch interface using voice commands.

The Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus are set to be unveiled during a press conference on March 29th and should hit the market about a month later.

For many Samsung customers, the Galaxy S8 is not just the firm's next phone, but a chance for the smartphone maker to redeem themselves for the Galaxy Note 7 fiasco - 2.5 million devices were recalled after reports that some were exploding.



The new handset will come in two sizes, both with curved screens, according to the Wall Street Journal.

In previous versions, Samsung has released both curved 'Edge' models and a more traditional screen.

The new handset is also expected to dump the home button, and instead have a fingerprint sensor on the rear and iris scanning to unlock the phone.

It will also feature Bixby, Samsungs updated AI assistant, along with a dedicated button for the feature, the WSJ says.

Earlier today a set of leaked images claiming to be the Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus surfaced  suggesting the flagship phone will have a curved 'infinity screen'.

A set of leaked images claiming to be the Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus have surfaced  suggesting the flagship phone will have a curved 'infinity screen'. The photos of the highly-anticipated device depict a curved edge-to-edge screen

New leaks claiming to be the Samsung Galaxy S8 have surfaced that show a handset coated with a glossy black finish and is said to have been made with parts from the factories that are building the device

The photos of the highly-anticipated device depict a curved edge-to-edge screen, which means the South Korean firm has tossed out the physical home button.

Although the latest leaks do not showcase a fully assembled smartphone, it does give users an idea about what size screen to expect in the coming months.

For many Samsung customers, the Galaxy S8 is not just the firm's next phone, but a chance for the smartphone maker to redeem themselves for the Galaxy Note 7 fiasco - 2.5 million devices were recalled after reports that some were exploding.

For many Samsung customers, the Galaxy S8 is not just the firm's next phone, but a chance for the smartphone maker to redeem themselves for the Galaxy Note 7 fiasco - 2.5 million devices were recalled after reports that some were exploding.

And although other rumors speculate the handset won't be out until mid-April, it has been one of the most talked about devices for the past few months.

The clear casings were shared on the web by the web by BGR, which noted that the smartphones 'are expected to take up more of the phones' faces thanks to much smaller bezels above and below the screens'.

Zach Epstein, the reporter with BGR, also stated that the two models will be designed with AMOLED displays.

SAMSUNG'S GALAXY S8 RUMORS New renders of what could be Samsung Galaxy S8 have surfaced and they suggest the device will incorporate a dual-lens camera design and remove the home button for an edge-to-edge screen. It's speculated that Samsung could design a fingerprint-sensing display or place the feature behind the tempered glass. Because levels of concentration will be increased with a 'full screen', pictures and videos should be much clearer and even go so far as to produce a 3D effect. Rumors suggest that pixels of the dual-cameras will support 16 megapixels and 8 megapixels. Another new addition to the Galaxy S8 could also be an upgraded Application process (AP) that corresponds to handset's brain. Sources say Samsung is going to start mas-producing 10-nano Snapdragon 830s, which will be used for Galaxy S8, at the end of this year at the earliest. The artist impression also shows the handset in four vibrant shades of red, blue, purple and yellow - another feature yet to be seen by Samsung users. Advertisement

The new leaks appear to be very similar to a photo posted to Weibo, a Chinese social media platform, last month that highlights a complete device.

And it also suggests the fingerprint scanner has been relocated  either on the back or embedded under the glass.

Although the latest leak does not showcase a fully assembled smartphone, it does give users an idea about what size screen to expect in the coming months. The images coincide with previous rumors that the flagship devices will have a curved edge-to-edge display

However, because of these missing features SamMobile, which first spotted the gold Samsung S8, questions if the photo is 'a product of some Photoshop wizardry'. 'Typically, when you head into settings, they don't automatically hide,' reports Josh L.

On the other hand, Samsung could have developed a full-screen mode that manually activates, which allows for an end-to-end screen.

If this is in fact true, then users would simply swipe up from the bottom of the screen and the keys will appear.

And just last week an image showing what claims to be the bottom have of the phone hit the web  confirming multiple rumors that have been floating around for months.

A photo (pictured) was posted to Weibo, a Chinese social media platform, last month that shows a fully assembled phone and appears to resemble the recent leaked images

Another leak of the highly-anticipated Samsung Galaxy S8 surfaced just last week. The handset has a curved display, a 3.5mm audio jack, a Type-C USB and one speaker poking out of the bottom right corner. And the physical home button has been removed

There are some ports placed at the bottom and the entire handset appears to be made of metal and glass.

In December, rumors surfaced that suggests the South Korean firm had plans to remove the standard 3.5mm headphone jack, but the new leaks point to just the opposite.

TWO MAJOR FLAWS Following the release of the Samsung Galaxy Note 7, reports began surfacing that the smartphones were exploding. Samsung conducted their own investigation into the matter and revealed their findings in January. The first issue was that the battery components in the Galaxy Note 7 did not fit in the battery's casing. This caused the battery cell's upper right corner to be crimped by the casing. The second round affected the devices sent to replace the original faulty phones. These were caused by manufacturing issues, including poor welding at the battery manufacturer. Advertisement

It was also speculated that the flagship phone would be equipped with reversible USB Type-C port for easy connectivity including hassle-free charging  and this port is shown in the real-life photo.

There is also a visible microphone positioned to the right of the charging port and two antenna lines can also be spotted on the sides of the leak.

In addition to what the Galaxy S8 could look like, other rumors reveal Samsung is anticipating a high demand once the handset hits the market in mid-April, which was first revealed by The Investor.

Some outlets have claimed that the exact date has been set for April 18.

But, Samsung has not confirmed any of the rumors.

'We cannot confirm the details of the Galaxy S8 launch,' a Samsung spokesperson said.

According to the report, the firm is working toward a 60-million shipment goal  much higher than some of its more recent Galaxy S devices.

The report says Samsung will begin mass production of the S8 in March after receiving the parts from its main vendors in February, including camera iris scanner module maker Partron and camera lens firm Sekonix.

'As the release date of the S8 has been postponed to mid-April, Samsung seems to have set a more ambitious goal than before to make up for the loss caused by the Note model,' a source told The Investor.
Google Home, the search engine's rival to Amazon's Echo smart speaker, could finally be arriving in the UK.

The technology giant launched the voice-activated device in the US last October but is yet to extend its release outside of the country.

But a cryptic invitation sent out to members of the UK press suggests a product launch taking place at the end of March could be for the much anticipated device.

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Google Home (pictured) could finally be coming to the UK, if hints within a cryptic product launch announced by the search engine are to be believed. The smart speaker is the main rival to Amazon Echo, which arrived in the country last year

The invite, for an event dated March 28, asks journalists to 'Please join us for some exciting announcements.'

It also says the event will be an opportunity for reporters to 'meet the newest members of our family,' which many are interpreting as a reference to Google Home.

Google is yet to announce the official date or UK price for the smart hub.

But it has previously confirmed Home will go on sale in the UK during the 'second quarter' of this year, meaning it will be released before the end of June.

'We're in the Home stretch; Google Home is coming to the UK soon, stay tuned for more,' the tech firm said in a tweet.

The race to create a smart home assistant has already seen a range of virtual assistants released, from Apple's Siri to Amazon's Alexa and Facebook's chatbots.

Like Amazon Echo, which arrived in the UK last year, Google Home is an artificially intelligent speaker that responds to voice commands and can answer queries as well as control other internet-enabled appliances around the home.

Google's Home is the firm's latest AI move after introducing its smart assistant in the new Pixel handsets at the end of last year.

The Google Home speaker costs $130 (105), while Amazon's smart speaker is available in two versions - the full sized $180 (145) Echo shown here, and a smaller, $50 (40) version called the Echo Dot.

Google has confirmed that Google Home will go on sale in the UK during the 'second quarter' of this year, meaning it will be released before the end of June. They announced the release of Home in the UK in a tweet (pictured)

Both devices use search engines to answer questions.

Amazon Echo relies on Microsoft's Bing search engine and Wikipedia, while Google Home uses the company's own Google Search.

Both Home and Echo are continually listening for commands, though Google and Amazon say nothing gets passed back to them until the speakers hear a keyword  'OK, Google' for Home and 'Alexa' for Echo.

Google's Assistant software is also able to answer follow-up questions on the same topic, in a near-conversation style, but Echo as yet can not.

The Home speaker will give you the time, weather, estimated commute, the news and upcoming calendar appointments.

AMAZON ECHO VS GOOGLE HOME Google's $130 (105) Home speaker is triggered by the phrase 'Hey Google' while Amazon's Echo uses 'Alexa'. Amazon's smart speaker is available in two versions - the full sized $180 (145) Echo shown here, and a smaller, $50 (40) version called the Echo Dot. Amazon Echo relies on Microsoft's Bing search engine and Wikipedia, while Google Home uses the company's own Google Search. Google Home AI speaker (left) is triggered by the phrase 'Hey Google' . Amazon's Echo (right) uses 'Alexa' Both Home and Echo are continually listening for commands, though Google and Amazon say nothing gets passed back to them until the speakers hear a keyword  'OK, Google' for Home and 'Alexa' for Echo. Google's Assistant software is also able to answer follow-up questions on the same topic, in a near-conversation style, but Echo as yet can not. However, Amazon's Alexa software has a wider range of skills on offer that enable it to link up with and control more third-party devices around the home. A light comes on to remind you that it's listening. You can turn off the microphone temporarily, too. Advertisement

However, Amazon's Alexa software has a wider range of skills on offer that enable it to link up with and control more third-party devices around the home.

At the unveiling of Home in May last year, Google boss Sundar Pichai said: 'We think of the assistant as an ambient experience that goes across devices - this is more than just phones, it will be on devices they wear, in their car and in their living rooms.'

The leading tech companies are all competing to assist consumers in their online activities such as shopping, since that gives the companies a better chance of selling advertising or other services.
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SpaceX on Thursday successfully launched a communications satellite into space from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

The company's Falcon 9 rocket blasted off at 2 am (0600 GMT) carrying the EchoStar XXIII, a commercial communications satellite for EchoStar Corporation.

The satellite will be place in orbit more that 35,000 kilometers above the earth and provide telecommunications service to Brazil, SpaceX said.

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The mission took off from NASA's historic launchpad 39A, the origin of the pioneering US spaceflights that took astronauts to the Moon in the 1960s and 1970s at 2 am (0600 GMT) carrying the EchoStar XXIII, a commercial communications satellite for EchoStar Corporation

However SpaceX said it will not attempt to land Falcon 9's first stage after launch 'due to mission requirements.'

The mission took off from NASA's historic launchpad 39A, the origin of the pioneering US spaceflights that took astronauts to the Moon in the 1960s and 1970s, as well as the space shuttle missions that ran from 1981 to 2011.

Originally built to support the Apollo program, LC-39A supported the first Saturn V launch (Apollo 4), and many subsequent Apollo missions, including Apollo 11 in July 1969.

Beginning in the late 1970s, LC-39A was modified to support Space Shuttle launches, hosting the first and last shuttle missions to orbit in 1981 and 2011 respectively.

The rocket, carrying the Echostar XXIII communications satellite was delayed from Tuesday due to high winds

In 2014, SpaceX signed a 20-year lease with NASA for the use of historic Launch Complex 39A.

Since then, the company has made significant upgrades to modernize the pads structures and ground systems, while also preserving its important heritage.

Extensive modifications to LC-39A have been made to support launches of both commercial and crew missions on SpaceXs Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy launch vehicles.

SpaceX, founded and led by billionaire Elon Musk, is emerging as leader of the modern commercial space industry after becoming the first to send a private cargo carrier to the International Space Station in 2010.

The rocket, carrying the Echostar XXIII communications satellite was delayed from Tuesday due to high winds

SpaceX said it did not attempt to land Falcon 9's first stage after launch 'due to mission requirements'

Last month Musk revealed SpaceX will launch a crewed mission beyond the moon for two private paying customers in 2018, it has been revealed.

It will be the first time in 45 years humans have been in deep space, said the company, promising its mission will go 'faster and further' than any humans before them.

The week-long mission will take place some time in late 2018 and will 'skim the surface of the moon' then venture into deep space before returning to Earth, Musk revealed.

The identity of the customers and how much they paid has been kept secret.

SpaceX expects the mission to take place some time in late 2018, after it sends a crewed NASA Dragon craft to the International Space Station.

'We have been approached by private individuals,' said SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, after announcing the mission by tweeting 'fly me to the moon... ok'.

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches from Kennedy Space Center, as seen from Viera, Fla., Thursday, March 16, 2017. The rocket, carrying the Echostar XXIII communications satellite was delayed from Tuesday due to high winds.

'This is a private mission with paying customers, who have placed significant deposits,' Musk said, but added that they have so far not authorized the company to reveal their names.

Musk said the individuals know each other and are 'very serious' about the flight

'This is a really exciting thing that's happened,' Musk told reporters.

The mission will use one of SpaceX's Dragon capsules, which will be modified to allow communications in deep space.

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifts off from Pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Thursday, March 16, 2017. The rocket, carrying the Echostar XXIII communications satellite was delayed from Tuesday due to high winds.

The mission took off from NASA's historic launchpad 39A, the origin of the pioneering US spaceflights that took astronauts to the Moon in the 1960s and 1970s, as well as the space shuttle missions that ran from 1981 to 2011.

Musk said it would be roughly the cost of a crewed mission to the International Space Station, and that other flight crews have already expressed interest in later flights.

'This presents an opportunity for humans to return to deep space for the first time in 45 years and they will travel faster and further into the Solar System than any before them,' SpaceX said.

The mission would 'do a long loop around the moon' and would take about a week.

'It would skim the surface of the moon, go quite a bit further out into deep space' and then return to Earth, Musk said.

'There is some risk here,' he said, adding the hopeful passengers are not 'naive' about the dangers.

The California-based company has endured two costly disasters in the past two years - a launchpad blast that destroyed a rocket and its satellite payload in September, and a June 2015 explosion after liftoff that obliterated a Dragon cargo ship packed with provisions bound for the space station.
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Shark diving isn't your typical kind of holiday.

But for Steve Dee, 44, from New Jersey, USA, he spends much of his time off in the water with some of the world's most feared creatures.

From cage diving with Great Whites in Mexico to stroking Hammerheads in the Bahamas, the full-time psychotherapist describes the sharp-toothed creatures as nothing but 'cute water puppies'.

Opening his underwater photo album to MailOnline Travel, Mr Dee is seen getting up close to a mix of shark-toothed critters.

Swapping the beach for the deep blue: Steve Dee, who lives in New Jersey, spends his holidays diving with sharks - in the photograph above, one of his friends stands stroking the tail of a giant tiger shark

Grub's up! A great white bolts past Mr Dee with a tasty chunk of flesh between its razor-sharp teeth

Looking up: Most recently, the intrepid swimmer was in Bimini in the Bahamas diving with hammerheads

My, what big teeth you have! The full-time psychotherapist describes the sharp-toothed creatures as nothing but 'cute water puppies' - above, a 14-foot tiger shark named Emma

In one shot he is seen petting the tail of a huge tiger shark while in another image, a great white bolts past him with a tasty chunk of flesh between its teeth.

Mr Dee said that his love affair with the water started as a child, as he had a bicoastal upbringing between New Jersey and California.

He then decided to do his diving qualification while on a cruise ship with his wife more than ten years ago.

Since then beach holidays have been put to one side and diving trips have taken president. Over the past few years Mr Dee has mostly been doing shark dives.

Explaining his fascination with the mysterious creatures, he says: 'They are amazing animals and I take every opportunity to talk to people about the need to protect them.'

Starting young: Mr Dee said that his love affair with the water started as a child, as he had a bicoastal upbringing between New Jersey and California

Tiger sharks swim up close to the camera in the hope of some food, the shark species is one of the largest in the world

Dental work: A hammerhead shows off an impressive set of teeth as it glides through the bath-like waters

Mr Dee hopes his photography will help to foster shark conservation efforts.

Many shark species are threatened by commercial fishing, finning and global warming. The great white is one of the most endangered, and it's thought there are only around 3,500 left in the world's oceans.

The intrepid diver also hopes his images, which he shares on social media, will change some of the myths surrounding sharks like 'they are in the water trying to eat people'.

'Nothing could be further from the truth, in fact we are far more dangerous to them,' Mr Dee adds.

Most recently he was in the glassy waters of Bimini in the Bahamas diving with hammerheads.

He said other places on his wish list include seeing whales sharks in Mexico and seeing South Africa's annual sardine run, which attracts an array of marine wildlife.

Along with sharks Mr Dee, who shoots on a Nikon D5100 camera, also enjoys diving in to the deep to visit shipwrecks and caves. Luckily his wife Nicole shares his passion for the deep blue too.

Designed for dinnertime: The hammerhead's unique head is used as a weapon when hunting down prey

On the move: A hammerhead shark turns away from the camera, showing its gills and and underbelly to Mr Dee

Lookalike: The tiger shark gets its name from the dark stripes down its body which resemble a tiger's stripe pattern

Mesmerised: Mr Dee sits on the sea floor with a group of divers as they watch tiger sharks circle their boat

Danger, danger: Mr Dee hopes his photography will help to foster shark conservation efforts - many shark species are threatened by commercial fishing, finning and global warming
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With today's society finding it more and more difficult to switch off, an overwhelming majority of airline passengers want free onboard WiFi over free meals, research suggests.

And catering to these findings, a growing number of air carriers are striving to serve up internet as an added bonus to bread rolls and foil wrapped dishes of delight.

A new infographic shows which airlines in the world are currently offering complimentary connectivity, with Ireland's Aer Lingus, Spain's Vueling Airlines and Norwegian Air Shuttle leading the pack in Europe.

A new infographic shows which airlines in the world are currently offering complimentary connectivity, with Ireland's Aer Lingus, Spain's Vueling Airlines and Norwegian Air Shuttle leading the pack in Europe

In Asia, China Air, China Eastern, Philippine Airlines and Thailand's Nok Air all offer in-flight WiFi for no fee.

In the Middle East, Turkish Airlines is leading the trend while Jet Blue Airways is flying the flag for America.

The map of airlines providing WiFi, published by Let's Fly Cheaper in January, also shows the countries that charge for 'logging on'.

KLM Airlines, based in the Netherlands, Virgin America and Australia's Quantas are some of the pricier options when it comes to connectivity.

While a number of major American carriers currently offer WiFi to their passengers, many British airlines have been slow to meet the demand, with many not offering the service at all.

AIRLINES WITH FREE WIFI ACCESS These airlines are equipped with technology that allows passengers to use WiFi to browse the internet or check their email free-of-charge: China: China Air China: China Eastern Ireland: Aer Lingus Norway: Norwegian Air Shuttle North America: Jet Blue Airways Philippines: Philippine Airlines Spain: Vueling Airlines Thailand: Nok Air Turkey: Turkish Airlines Advertisement

When it comes to pay-for inflight internet, some of the prices can be extortionate.

Tim Farrar, president of TMF Associates, previously told MailOnline the highest price he has encountered was $45 (30) on a Virgin America flight from Washington, DC, to San Francisco.

That's more than three times the average price  8.50 ($13)  of a single session on a US domestic flight, with airlines getting a 20-25 per cent cut from providers such as Gogo, said Farrar.

Gogo, one of the world's largest providers, sells day passes for $16 (10.50) when purchased in advance, although on-board purchases can be about 25 ($40) per flight.

For 40 ($60), travellers can get a month's worth of access on all domestic flights with Gogo service, including Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, American Airlines and Virgin America.

Last year, Gogo announced a new messaging pass that allows passengers to use apps such as WhatsApp, Viber, Skype and iMessage for under 2 ($3) per flight on most flights in the US and Canada.

Airlines currently use two systems to provide WiFi access on their planes  satellite connections for flights over oceans, and air-to-ground, which is faster.

Most airlines offer download speeds of 1-3MB per second, which is OK for internet browsing or checking email, but not for streaming TV programmes or films. The average UK download speed at home is just under 23MB per second.

To meet the demand, a handful of airlines have launched free streaming using on-board technology, including Virgin America, which has partnered with Netflix. Last month JetBlue allowed its passengers to stream using Amazon Prime.

Research shows that the majority of airline passengers would prefer free onboard WiFi to free meals

WHAT DO AIRLINES CHARGE FOR IN-FLIGHT WIFI ACCESS? Pricing plans and availability vary by airline and aircraft. Here is a sampling of some of the options available to passengers: Aer Lingus: 5.85 ($9.95) per hour or 11 ($18.95) per flight; free for business class American Airlines: 10 ($16) for an all-day pass and 33 ($49.95) for a monthly pass on domestic flights; 8 ($12) for two hours, 11.50 ($17) for four hours or 12.75 ($19) for a full flight on international routes Delta Air Lines: 13.50 ($19.95) for 60 minutes on a laptop/tablet, 27 ($39.95) for a full flight on a laptop/tablet, 10 ($14.95) for 60 minutes on a mobile, 20 ($29.95) for a full flight on a mobile Emirates: 10MB of data free, with an extra 500MB for 65p ($1) on Airbus A380 aircraft Finnair: 3.50 ($5.50) for one hour or 11 ($16.50) for the entire flight on its Airbus A350 (the service is free in business class) JetBlue: Basic service is free, premium service is 6 ($9) per hour Norwegian: Free service on flights within Europe and between the US and Caribbean (no service on transatlantic flights) Qatar Airways: Free for the first 15 minutes, then 3.50 ($5) for one hour or 7 ($10) for three hours. On longer flights, passengers can access wifi for the duration of the trip for a flat fee of 14 ($20). Southwest Airlines: 5.40 ($8) a day United Airlines: 2.70 ($3.99) to 10.75 ($15.99) per domestic flight, depending on the distance; hourly rates range from 1.35 ($1.99) to 2.70 ($3.99) Virgin Atlantic: 14.99 ($22.30) per flight Advertisement

Monarch Airlines doesn't allow its customers to do things such as browse the internet or check WiFi, but uses WiFi to offer a video streaming service that costs up to 3.99 ($6) for an entire flight and operates through an app downloaded onto a tablet or laptop.

Video streaming is one of the main reasons passengers want affordable WiFi on board.

A recent Cheapflights.co.uk survey of 1,073 adults found that 70 per cent of passengers want to remain connected to avoid boredom, stay in touch with family and friends, or complete business work.

Currently, British Airways passengers are unable to use WiFi, but the airline is in discussions with satellite technology company Inmarsat.

A BA spokesperson told MailOnline: 'Starting with UK domestic routes it intends to roll out Europe's first ground-based 4G broadband network giving customers the internet access they expect on the ground while in the air.

'In terms of pricing, we are not providing further details at this stage.'

Ryanair, Europe's largest budget airline, is another airline that hasn't started offering in-flight wifi just yet.

EasyJet is also in talks to bring WiFi to its passengers.
Jeremy McConnell has been released following his arrest on suspicion of assault and criminal damage.

A spokesperson for Merseyside police told MailOnline on Thursday: 'A 27-year-old man arrested earlier today on suspicion of assault and criminal damage has been released pending a disposal decision.'

The comment follows an earlier statement which explained Jeremy had voluntarily attended a police station.

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Troubled: Jeremy McConnell has been released by police following his arrest on suspicion of assault and criminal damage earlier in the day on Thursday

Stephanie was reportedly 'shaken' after calling the police on Jeremy at the home she shares with their baby son Caben-Albi, a source told MailOnline.

Jeremy has previously vehemently denied any wrong-doing. A spokesperson for the star has been contacted for further comment.

On Wednesday, one newspaper named the alleged victim as former Hollyoaks actress Stephanie, 24, following pictures she posted of her heavily bruised legs.

Merseyside Police previously confirmed to MailOnline that were called to a property in the city on Sunday regarding an incident that happened there on 9 March.

Naming Stephanie as the victim, The Mirror claims Jeremy allegedly began 'behaving oddly' during a visit to the home where Stephanie lives with son Caben-Albi.

Shock: The investigation comes after Stephanie stunned followers on Snapchat with a picture of her bruised legs. She made no reference to the marks, simply writing: 'Trying to relax'

A spokesperson for Merseyside Police had told MailOnline: 'Merseyside Police can confirm a report was received of an assault at a property (in Liverpool) on Thursday (9 March). Officers were contacted on Sunday, 12 March and an investigation into the incident is on-going. At this time no arrests have been made.'

Meanwhile, a representative for Jeremy explained to MailOnline: 'Jeremy denies any wrong doing, however he is fully cooperating with the police in their investigations.'

The claims come a mere few days after his ex posted shocking pictures of her bruised legs on Snapchat.

Though she did not mention how she received the marks, she simply wrote: 'Trying to relax.'

Investigating: Police say they were called to a home in the city on March 9. It is alleged Stephanie made a statement

The actress went on to 'like' a tweet from a concerned fan, who wrote: 'What the hell has happened to your legs love?'

Another message liked by Stephanie read: 'Jesus love, them bruises. Hope youre OK.'

Jeremy is said to have relocated to Liverpool in recent weeks to be closer to his ex-girlfriend - who split from last year - and their two-month-old son Caben-Albi.

It was reported earlier in the week that Jeremy's auntie had died in his native Ireland, just days after his father's death - leading to claims he has jetted back to Ireland to deal with his grief.

That was then: A police spokesperson confirmed the news while a representative for Jeremy explained: 'Jeremy denies any wrong doing, however he is fully cooperating with the police in their investigations' (pictured entering the Big Brother house in January 2016)

Tough times: A spokesperson for Merseyside Police told MailOnline: 'Merseyside Police can confirm a report was received of an assault at a property (in Liverpool) on Thursday (9 March)'

Sources told The Sun: 'Jeremy has temporarily left Liverpool  where hes been renting a flat nearby Stephanies home  to be with close friends and family in Ireland. He needs the support of loved ones during this tough time and has headed home so he can have space to properly grieve.

'Its been an incredibly stressful for Jeremy... As a result his relationship with Stephanie has become strained again but hopefully some time apart will do them both good.'

Jeremy has always been candid about his tragedies, having discussed his triple loss when he first appeared on TV on MTV's now-defunct reality show Beauty School Cop Outs, with his father and sister being his only remaining family members.

Moved: Sources told The Sun: 'Jeremy has temporarily left Liverpool  where hes been renting a flat nearby Stephanies home  to be with close friends and family in Ireland'

The Dublin native had already been through incredible heartbreak, having previously opened up about his mother, brother and sister passing away within months of each other when he was a teenager.

He said: 'When I was 15 I was at my cousin's and my mum fell asleep. I got back about two hours later and she was gone  she had a brain haemorrhage. Shortly after that my brother broke his neck in a motorbike accident. After that, my sister had a heart attack  she suffered with epilepsy. All in the space of 15 months.

'Of course I miss them, I loved them dearly, but I think that's what levelled me out a bit  I express myself the way I want to. I just grew up really fast.'
She is used to dazzling on the red carpet in an array of stunning ensembles.

Yet Elle Fanning was stunning elsewhere on Wednesday as she headed to a casting call in Los Angeles, in which she opted to go braless beneath a perilously scanty dungaree dress.

The 18-year-old Maleficent star sent pulses soaring as she flashed more than expected in the white gown complete with D-ring fastening and a deeply plunging side - leaving very little to the imagination.

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Oh dear: Elle Fanning was stunning elsewhere on Wednesday as she headed to a casting call in Los Angeles, in which she opted to go braless between a perilously scanty dungaree dress

Elle nailed the summer chic style in her delicate linen dress yet ran into trouble as she failed to protect her modesty from beneath the gown.

It appeared the intention of the ensemble was to be worn with a top underneath, yet her racy wardrobe choice upped the sex appeal to full.

The bottom of the dress was adorned with a broderie anglaise detail which further added to the pretty style of the floaty gown.

Keeping the rest of the look super casual, she wore sandals with a chain detail extending across the front with a flat base.

Oops! Elle nailed the summer chic style in her delicate linen dress yet ran into trouble as she failed to protect her modesty from beneath the gown

New do: The 18-year-old Maleficent star sent pulses soaring as she flashed more than expected in the white gown complete with D-ring fastening and a deeply plunging side - leaving very little to the imagination

Looking good: It appeared the intention of the ensemble was to be worn with a top underneath, yet her racy wardrobe choice upped the sex appeal to full

Elle peeled on a pair of oversized round lens sunglasses with a dove grey rim while covering up her make-up free face. Her blonde tresses were scraped into a high ponytail while they appeared wet from the shower.

Earlier in the day, the pretty starlet opted for a sporty ensemble as she showcased her toned abs in a cropped top and leggings, on the way to a work out.

She was yet again make-up free, with a fresh glow, as she wore her blonde tresses in a high ponytail - seemingly geared up for a serious workout.

Quick change: Elle peeled on a pair of oversized round lens sunglasses with a dove grey rim while covering up her make-up free face. Her blonde tresses were scraped into a high ponytail while they appeared wet from the shower

Summer days: She wore flat white sandals, as she exited the vehicle

The teenager recently explained her decision to purposely not have a high profile on social media despite her A-list status.

Speaking to Elle, the starlet explained: 'I recently turned my Instagram public on my 18th birthday, but I still don't post everything I do. I'm not on Twitter or Facebook - you have to leave a little mystery.'

Elle continued: 'With old movie stars, all you saw were rare interview where they only shared what they wanted to - that's what made them so interesting.

Sunny day! The star had covered her eyes in mirror-lensed glasses

'You could separate the characters from the women, so if you watch them on screen you're not thinking about what they had for breakfast.'

Elle is currently attached to numerous upcoming films, but more recently appeared in the Ben Affleck directed film, Live By Night.

The film was released on January 13 and also starred Affleck and Zoe Saldana.

As well as filming for 2018 release Galveston, where she will star alongside Ben Foster and Lili Reinhart - Elle has two movies hitting the big screen this year, which are How To Talk To Girls At Parties, featuring Nicole Kidman and A Storm in the Stars.

Gym queen: Earlier in the day, the pretty starlet opted for a sporty ensemble as she showcased her toned abs in a cropped top and leggings, on the way to a work out
She's one of the most famous women working in Australian radio.

But despite her profile Jackie 'O' Henderson, 42, was more than happy to help her close friend Olivia plan her wedding in Fiji.

However on Thursday Jackie was 'mortified' to discover live on air she hadn't been invited to the 100 guest wedding because her friend didn't want the radio host to take the attention away from her.

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That's awkward! Jackie O discovers she isn't invited to close friend's wedding LIVE ON AIR as the bride to be confesses she doesn't want the radio star to steal the limelight away

'One of the big reasons is if I invite you I feel I need to throw it out to Kyle and everybody else,' Olivia said on KIIS FM's Kyle And Jackie O Show.

'And also to be completely honest, I don't want the attention to be on you on my wedding day.'

A shocked Jackie said she was surprised to learn she wasn't invited, thinking with all her help there was the 'possibility of a bridal party' role for her.

Oops: A shocked Jackie said she was surprised to learn she wasn't invited, thinking with all her help there was the 'possibility of a bridal party' role for her

The awkward revelation came after Jackie had talked excitedly on radio about going to Olivia's Fiji wedding next year.

But Olivia, who also works at KIIS FM, told Kyle it wasn't the case and the shock jock decided the two needed to set the record straight live on air.

'I feel really bad - you're not invited,' Olivia told Jackie after some prodding from Kyle.

Momentarily lost for words, Jackie regained her composure and asked Olivia why she had been left out.

'I have been helping Liv pick her dress, pick her ring, pick the location': Momentarily lost for words, Jackie regained her composure and asked Olivia why she had been left out

'So when we picked Fiji one of the big reasons behind it was so no one from work would come because we wouldn't all be able to get the time off,' Olivia explained.

But Jackie wouldn't take that answer as the only reason, citing how they frequently saw each other outside work and she had been involved in planning Olivia's wedding.

'Oh so you guys socialise?' Kyle asked.

'Of course!' Jackie replied. 'We socialise and we talk on the phone. And here's the thing I have been helping Liv pick her dress, pick her ring, pick the location.'

'One of the big reasons is if I invite you I feel I need to throw it out to Kyle and everybody else': Olivia confessed she didn't want to have too many people from work at the wedding

'I would never want to push my way onto someone's wedding invite list but you said you have got a 100 people going, why am I not in the top 100?' Jackie also asked.

'I've got a lot of close family and friends ... friends are probably about half,' Olivia said.

'So I don't rank in the top 60?' Jackie said.

'No,' Olivia answered, to which Jackie exclaimed: 'Wow I'm blown away.'

'I didn't think she would take it as I am going to book a flight': Olivia went on to explain that she had only asked Jackie to help plan the wedding because she had been to Fiji several times

Olivia went on to explain that she had only asked Jackie to help plan the wedding because she had been to Fiji several times - 'I didn't think she would take it as I am going to book a flight'.

'I'm embarrassed that I assumed actually,' Jackie said.

Rubbing salt in Jackie's wounds was when Olivia conceded she had invited one person from work to her wedding - Gordie, a KIIS 1065 day announcer.

'I actually don't want to come now, I hate weddings I actually don't know why I care,' Jackie said.
Toni Garrn was back in familiar surroundings on Wednesday evening as she returned to her native Germany for a typically stylish red carpet appearance.

The jet-setting model caught the eye as she helped celebrate the launch of new Amazon Prime show You Are Wanted in capital city Berlin.

Opting for a thigh-skimming black leather miniskirt, Toni, 24, showed off her slender model legs while posing for photos at the celebratory event.

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Here she comes: Toni Garrn was back in familiar surroundings on Wednesday evening as she returned to her native Germany for a typically stylish red carpet appearance at the launch of new Amazon Prime show You Are Wanted in capital city Berlin

The models understated ensemble was enhanced with a simple white T-shirt, while black leather ankle boots rounded things off.

In keeping with the subtle nature of her look, Toni - who features in two episodes of the new show - reduced her accessories to a series of simple bracelets, thus allowing her low-key outfit to dominate.

An effortless side-parting maintained her willowy blonde locks, while the merest hint of make-up served to accentuate her naturally pretty features.

Natural beauty: An effortless side-parting maintained her willowy blonde locks, while the merest hint of make-up served to accentuate her naturally pretty features

In good company: Toni was joined by You Are Wanted star Matthias Schweighofer at the series launch

Side by side: Toni, who features in two episodes of the new show, posed for photos alongside her co-star

The model was in high spirits while posing alongside co-star Matthias Schweighofer, who plays the victim of a cyber-crime who is wrongly accused of being involved in eco-terrorism.

Fellow cast-members Tom Beck, Karoline Herfurth, Alexandra Maria Lara and Franz Hagn were also on hand to celebrate the launch.

Speaking to The Coveteur, Toni recently admitted she prefers her look to be as natural as possible.

Striking: Ton't sharply defined model features ensured she stood out in Berlin on Wednesday evening

Coming soon: You Are Wanted stars Matthias Schweighofer as the victim of a cyber-crime who is wrongly accused of being involved in eco-terrorism

'Usually, I run out of the house and work out or go to work. Because going to work means having my hair and makeup done, I only have to put my hair in a bun and brush my teeth,' she explained.

Minimalism's her go-to, and she noted at another point: 'I've never had my hair colored or anything. I've never highlighted.

'I've never had anything done to my hair, because, yes, I like my hair color, but also I feel like it's quite sensitive and I haven't always had great hair.'
Another purification rundown: Leah Remini's show Scientology And The Aftermath has been renewed for another season it emerged Wednesday

It seems to have been a clear ratings winner.

For it has emerged Leah Remini's show Scientology And The Aftermath has been renewed for another season.

Cable network A&E have ordered 10 new episodes of the reality show, which will continue to look at the lives of former members of the controversial religion.

The King OF Queens favourite said: 'It became clear to us that although we were telling painful stories of former members of the Church of Scientology, this show was resonating strongly with people everywhere.

'The show is really about standing up for what is right and not letting bullies have their way.

'I feel it is important for people to know that you can take action to bring about change, both for yourself and for others.'

The new season will feature more accounts of 'former members whose lives have been significantly impacted by the Churchs practices.'

The Church Of Scientology, founded by science fiction writer L Ron Hubbard, has been rocked by allegations of torture and abuse in recent years.

It was dealt a heavy blow when HBO aired the investigatory documentary Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief.

Digging deep: Leah interviewing a former church member in season one

Among the claims it aired were worshipers had been held as prisoners, elite Sea Org members were tortured and that church chiefs even had a special blackmail file to keep famous follower John Travolta in check.

The 2015 film also featured an interview with famed former follower Paul Haggis, with the Oscar-winner claiming 'you have to choose to be blind' to ignore the sinister goings on, a charge he admitted being guilty of.

Leah, 46, who became a Scientologist at the age of nine, claims there are plenty more revelations to come.

Religion to the stars: The church has a famed Celebrity Centre in Hollywood

She said: 'Our intention is to send a clear message to abusers that they will not go unchecked and will not be permitted to continue harming people without being questioned and challenged.

'We have been deluged with messages from those who have stories to tell who feel the show is a forum where their voices can be heard.

We have been overwhelmed with support from well-wishers and fans of the show from around the world. But most importantly we felt compelled to proceed with another season to continue to reveal truths and seek justice for all victims.
She'll be welcoming her first child into the world with fiance Jason Statham later this year.

And Rosie Huntington-Whiteley looked absolutely glowing as she arrived in style at the UGG SS17 campaign luncheon, which she was hosting alongside stylist Rachel Zoe, at Catch LA in California on Thursday.

The 29-year-old British model dressed her growing bump with a flowing black top, which bared her shoulders with its pretty criss-cross neckline.

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Bumping along: Pregnant Rosie Huntington-Whiteley looked absolutely glowing as she arrived in style at the UGG SS17 campaign luncheon at Catch LA in California on Thursday

Rosie infused the elements of style and comfort in her look for the event, which consisted of the baby bump skimming top.

She teamed the look with a pair of ankle-grazing trousers and boosted her 5 ft 9 in height with a pair of black wedge shoes.

The catwalk queen looked every inch the yummy mummy to be as she scraped her blonde locks into a centre-parted blonde updo.

She understood that she only needed the slightest slick of make-up, which enhanced her jaw-dropping features.

Stylish arrival: The British model dressed her growing bump with a flowing black top, which bared her shoulders with its pretty criss-cross neckline

Glowing: Rosie infused the elements of style and comfort in her look for the event, which consisted of the baby bump skimming top

Fashionista: She teamed the look with a pair of ankle-grazing trousers and boosted her 5 ft 9 in height with a pair of black wedge shoes

Rosie accessorised with a pair of large gold hoop earrings and a unique Cult Gaia Gaias Ark Bag straw handbag.

The Plymouth born star proved to be in high spirits as she delivered a speech alongside Rachel Zoe.

Zoe looked fashionably on-point with her pretty bardot style blouse, which she paired with a wide-leg trousers.

A long gold chain complemented her all-white ensemble and she wore a fiery slick of red lipstick.

The likes of Olivia Culpo, Tammin Sursock and Ashleigh Dempster were also in attendance.

Stunning: The catwalk queen looked every inch the yummy mummy to be as she scraped her blonde locks into a centre-parted blonde updo

Beautiful: She understood that she only needed the slightest slick of make-up, which enhanced her jaw-dropping features

What a display: The pair had confirmed their happy news last month when she shared a bikini snap on Instagram, displaying her sizable baby bump

Rosie and Jason have been dating since 2010 and he popped the question with a dazzling 243,000 engagement ring.

The pair had confirmed their happy news last month when she shared a bikini snap on Instagram, displaying her sizable baby bump.

She gushed excitedly beside the picture: 'Very happy to share that Jason and I are expecting!! Lots of love Rosie x  Photo by @jasonstatham'.

Style queen: Rachel Zoe who was also co-hosting the luncheon looked sensational in an off-the-shoulder white blouse

White hot! The stylist paired with a wide-leg trousers

Having their say: Rosie proved to be in high spirits as she delivered a speech alongside Rachel Zoe

Details: A delicate gold choker was visible upon closer inspection. Pictured with UGG Senior Director of Global PR Alice Hampton

The pair have faced pregnancy rumours for months, after the Mad Max star was repeatedly pictured covering her stomach while out and about and on her social media pages.

The stir around the Victoria's Secret model kicked off earlier this year when she posted a shot of herself clad in a baggy poncho for her 6.7 million followers on Instagram.

She captioned the post, 'Here's to fresh starts and exciting prospects for the new year. Wishing everyone a happy and healthy 2017.'

Sartorially savvy: Olivia Culpo, who accessorised her outfit with a $395 Strathberry Nano Tote, also got in on the style action

Beauty: The former Miss.Universe flaunted her flawless features for the occasion

Shortly thereafter, sources told the Daily Mail that the blonde beauty is 'indeed pregnant and ... has been calling in clothes to suit her changing figure.'

However it is no doubt exciting news for Transformers star Rosie, who has previously discussed her thoughts about starting a family with her 49-year-old actor.

Speaking to The EDIT in 2015, Rosie confessed: 'Having a family is something I think about for sure, and whether I'd live here in America or in England. But it's not always as simple as that.'

Before she added: 'I have no idea what will happen, but it'll be interesting to find out, right? And nothing will be perfect, I'm sure.'

Enviable frame: She dressed to accentuated her fine form in a figure-hugging printed dress and towering black heels

Taking the plunge: Actress Tammin Sursok wore a daringly low-cut dress which teased at her ample assets

Trendy: Ashleigh Dempster displayed her endless legs in skinny jeans and brown lace-up boots




Last week it was reported that Jodhi Meares, 45, had split with her husband Nicholas Finn Tsindos, 29, after 14 months of marriage.

But now it appears the fashion designer has hit back at the claims, posting a picture of Nicholas and their pet dog Kova on her Instagram page, at what appears to be their home.

Her accompanying caption is also very telling, with the Upside entrepreneur writing: 'Only love for these angels, always', along with a love heart emoticon.

So no split? Jodhi Meares appears to have hit back at the claims she has split with her husband Nicholas Finn Tsindos, posting a picture of Nicholas and their pet dog on Instagram

Earlier this month, The Daily Telegraph reported that Jodhi has split from her second husband Nicholas after just over a year of marriage.

An insider reportedly told the publication that The Upside fashion designer couldn't make her long distance relationship work with the man, who is nearly two decades her junior.

'The designer and her Australian-born photographer husband agreed to separate earlier this month,' the source was quoted as saying.

Happy: Jodhi told Kate Waterhouse followers their nuptials were 'unexpected' but added she couldn't be happier, describing the tattooed hunk, who works as a photographer, as having 'so many wonderful qualities'

The insider also cited Jodhi's time-split between Los Angeles and Nicholas' Australian home base as a factor in the split.

Jodhi and Nicholas were pictured together enjoying a stroll with their pet dog as recently as three weeks ago.

Around that time, Jodhi told Kate Waterhouse followers their nuptials were 'unexpected' but added she couldn't be happier, describing the tattooed hunk, who works as a photographer, as having 'so many wonderful qualities'.

Truth? The Daily Telegraph reported that Jodhi has split from her second husband Nicholas after just over a year of marriage, according to sources close to the pair

'We get along so well. We're really great mates, so it's really nice if you go home and talk to somebody credibly, because I really love my work,' she added.

During the interview, she also admitted that her passion for her business, The Upside, is sometimes irritating for Nicholas - but doesn't stop them working together in photo-shoots.

'I'm a chatterbox. It fully drives Nicholas mad sometimes, but it's really easy because he has got such a great eye. He is already so close to the creative ... so by the time we get to shoot he knows what we're trying to do.'
He shocked fans when he unveiled a giant tattoo tribute to his wife Katie Price last year.

But Kieran Hayler proved he had no regrets as he shared a throwback snap of the moment he got inked on Instagram on Wednesday.

Posting a collage of the process and the finished piece, the former stripper, 29, wrote: 'It's almost been a year since this happened @jayhuttontat2 bet your still getting over juniors raps he was singing haha.'

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Cute couple: He shocked fans when he unveiled a giant tattoo tribute to his wife Katie Price last year. But Kieran Hayler proved he had no regrets as he shared a throwback snap

Kieran spent five hours in the tattooist's chair last May getting a lifelike copy of his wife inked onto his calf.

The stripper, who famously embarked on an affair with Katie's best friend Jane Poutney unveiled the tattoo in a spread with OK! magazine where he remarked: 'The pain I went through was nothing compared to the pain Kate went through when I cheated on her.'

Kieran chose a snap of Katie taken at the launch of her ASDA lingerie lane in 2008 as his inspiration, but decided to add wings as he sees her as his 'guardian angel'.

He explained: 'After all the issues that have gone on between me and Kate, I wanted to portray her as a guardian angel.

'She has helped me through my troubles and I wanted to show her that I think she is an angel to me. Its like shes always looking over me.

Angelic: Posting a collage of the process and the finished piece on Instagram on Wednesday, the former stripper, 29, wrote: 'It's almost been a year since this happened'

Inked up: Kieran spent five hours in the tattooist's chair last May getting a lifelike copy of his wife inked onto his calf

Ink master: Kieran went to friend and tattooist Jay Hutton for the large inking

Kieran married the former glamour model in January 2013, following a whirlwind romance.

But their relationship was rocked when Katie revealed in May 2014 that Kieran had been involved in a seven-month long affair with her best friend, which came to a head when she caught them together on the beach during a group trip to Cape Verde.

At the time, the mother-of-five was pregnant with her youngest child, Bunny.

Spot the difference: Kieran chose a snap of Katie taken at the launch of her ASDA lingerie lane in 2008 as his inspiration, but decided to add wings as he sees her as his 'guardian angel'

Touched by an angel: Talking about Kieran's decision to get the tattoo, Katie said: 'He chose a picture of me with wings because he says I found him and saved him'

Talking about Kieran's decision to get the tattoo on Loose Women, Katie said: 'He chose a picture of me with wings because he says I found him and saved him.'

Nadia Sawalha chimed in: 'You are always beautiful, but that looks like a picture of you from about twenty years ago,' she said.

Clearly a little taken aback, Katie yelled out: 'What are you saying? That I've only got a one-pack now? Are you calling me fat?'
Chris Evans feels 'rage' and 'fury' at President Donald Trump's ascension to the Oval Office.

The Captain America star dished on his political views in an expansive interview with Esquire, explaining why he feels so strongly in opposition to the commander-in-chief and certain members of his cabinet.

The Boston native, 35, said he found it 'unbelievable' that The Celebrity Apprentice host was able to defeat rival Hillary Clinton last November by selling a bill of goods to those who felt disenfranchised with the system.

Upset: Captain America actor Chris Evans, 35, told Esquire that he feels 'rage' and 'fury' at the idea that Donald Trump is the current president

The key? Evans said of Trump supporters: 'They were just so happy to hear that someone was angry'

''I feel rage. I feel fury. It's unbelievable. People were just so desperate to hear someone say that someone is to blame,' Evans told the magazine.

'They were just so happy to hear that someone was angry. Hear someone say that Washington sucks. They just want something new without actually understanding.'

The Hollywood action hero singled out Trump adviser Steve Bannon - who's been dogged by whispers of Anti-Semitism based on revelations from his 2007 divorce - as a 'man [who] has no place in politics.'

Bannon's ex-wife Mary Louise Piccard said in court docs that Bannon opposed their daughters 'going to school with Jews,' and in a separate instance asked why a school had 'so many Chanukah books in the library.'

Avengers assemble! He is best known for his work as Captain America in the Marvel comic book films

Not a fan: Evans (left) said that Trump adviser Steve Bannon (right) has 'no place in politics'

The actor acknowledged that it might not be the best professional move to potentially alienate fans of his films who support the current presidential administration, but said his personal values over-weighed self-preservation in this case.

'Look, I'm in a business where you've got to sell tickets, but, my God, I would not be able to look at myself in the mirror if I felt strongly about something and didn't speak up,' he said. 'I think it's about how you speak up. We're allowed to disagree.'

Evans said he could accept losing some fans as a price for speaking his mind.

'If I state my case and people don't want to go see my movies as a result,' he said, 'I'm okay with that.'

Walking the walk: The A-list star has lent his presence to cheer up the troops overseas

Standing his ground: Evans says he's OK with losing fans by stating his pointed political views

Evans, who appears in the upcoming drama Gifted opposite Octavia Spencer and Jenny Slate, stressed that he aims to stay calm and reasonable in his political chatter.

'Not everyone who voted for Trump is going to be some horrible bigot,' he said. 'There are a lot of people in that middle; those are the people you can't lose your credibility with.

'If you're trying to change minds, by spewing too much rhetoric you can easily become white noise.'

Gifted opens April 7.
Kal Penn had some fun at Hollywood's expense on Tuesday.

The Indian-American actor, who is currently starring on ABC's Designated Survivor, tweeted out photos of old scripts showing the racially stereotyped roles he auditioned for before finding fame.

The parts included a 'Ghandi lookalike,' a 'foreign student,' 'a quirky Indian lab buddy' and a 'Pakistani computer geek in a perpetual state of perspiration.'

Parts offered: Kal Penn, an Indian-American actor currently starring on ABC's Designated Survivor, tweeted some old scripts on Tuesday to highlight racist stereotyping in Hollywood

Old auditions: Before he found success, Penn auditioned for such roles as 'Ghandi lookalike' to go with snake charmers and fire eaters

The 39-year-old began his Twitter rant with: 'Found a bunch of my old scripts from some of my first years trying to be an actor.'

Penn, who was born in New Jersey to Indian immigrant parents, then shared a picture of script for a character called 'Careem.'

'Jeez I remember this one! They were awful. "Can you make his accent a little more AUTHENTIC?" That usually meant they wanted Apu,' he tweeted, referencing a character on The Simpsons.

Huh? The 39-year-old, born in New Jersey to Indian immigrant parents, had a beef with people who thought someone speaking with a pronounced accent was the same as being funny

Penn recoiled from the seemingly rampant belief that casting someone to speak in a pronounced accent would immediately provoke laughter.

'This was a pilot called The Stones. Tried to convince them to let me speak without an accent & make it funny on the merits (was told no),' he went on.

In another tweet, he wrote: 'King of Queens man! I used to love that show until I got to audition for it lol' and posted a few lines of dialogue where the character Sinjab has to keep repeating his name for Jerry Stiller's character Arthur, who can't understand what he's saying.

Penn also called out shows such as Sabrina The Teenage Witch and Smart Guy for racial stereotyping.

Just acting: Penn got his break after being cast as Dr. Lawrence Kutner on the medical drama House. he praised the show's creator David Shores for being 'largely color & gender blind'

The actor became a household name thanks to his casting as Dr. Lawrence Kutner on the TV medical drama House with Hugh Laurie.

In his tweets, he took time to praise House creator David Shores for being 'largely color & gender blind.'

'when you cast things like @shorez, largely color & gender blind, it's more interesting & ratings can look like this. Which is awesome!' he said.
Gwyneth Paltrow is about to consciously couple with Brad Falchuk.

A report in US Weekly claims the pair are getting set to tie the knot.

The 44-year-old 'plans on marrying' the producer, an insider told the magazine.

Consciously coupling! Gwyneth Paltrow 'plans on marrying' boyfriend Brad Falchuk who is set to propose 'soon'

'They speak about marriage all the time and know itll happen,' the source said, insisting the 46-year-old will propose 'soon'.

'Hell do it when the time is right,' they added. 'And when he does, of course she will say yes.'

The actress split from Coldplay frontman Chris Martin in 2014 after 11 years of marriage and two children: daughter Apple, 12, and son Moses, ten.

It's coming: 'They speak about marriage all the time and know itll happen,' a source said, insisting the 46-year-old will propose 'soon'.

She has been dating the Glee co-creator since August 2014, having first met when she guest-starred on the show back in 2010.

Her children approve of their potential step-dad, according to the insider.

'Her kids love him and think hes the best,' they said.

Uncoupled: The actress split from Coldplay frontman Chris Martin in 2014 after 11 years of marriage and two children: daughter Apple, 12, and son Moses, ten

Even Martin, who maintains a close friendly relationship with his ex, has apparently given his blessing.

'Chris totally approves of Brad,' the source claimed. 'He thinks hes a good guy.'

Before Martin, Gwyneth was engaged to Brad Pitt for three years, and also had a three year relationship with Ben Affleck.
Meek Mill was detained by police Wednesday and charged with assault following a St. Louis airport altercation.

The 29-year-old rapper was at St. Louis Lambert International when he was approached by an airport employee wanting a photo with him, according to an article by TMZ.

Mill refused and a fight broke out about 3 p.m. in the ticketing lobby.

Misdemeanor charge: Meek Mill, shown last month in Houston, was arrested Wednesday on a misdemeanor assault charge following a St. Louis airport altercation

St. Louis Airport Police responded and several people involved in the fight fled.

Police were able to detain Mill as well as a 22-year-old airport employee and 24-year-old airport employee.

Mill and the airport employees were charged with misdemeanor assault and given a summons to appear in court in lieu of arrest.

They were assigned a date to answer to the charges in St. Louis County Courts and Mill was spotted ordering pizza before catching his departing flight.

Departing flight: Mill, shown last week in New York City, has a Spring Break concert Thursday in Miami and another gig Saturday in Austin, Texas

The rapper, real name Robert Rihmeek Williams, was arrested when he was 18 for illegally possessing a firearm.

He has been arrested four times since for parole violation and another violation would result in imprisonment.

Mill was due to perform Thursday at a Spring Beak concert in Miami Beach, Florida.

Rap couple: Nicki Minaj is shown performing with her ex-boyfriend Mill in October 2015 in Brooklyn

He also has a concert scheduled Saturday with Gucci Mane, Ty Dolla Sign and others at Stubbs in Austin, Texas where the South By Southwest music festival is underway.

The Philadelphia rapper after being released from prison in December 2014 for a probation violation started dating rapper Nicki Minaj, 34, in early 2015.

Mill acccompanied Minaj as an opening act on her 2015 world tour.

Minaj confirmed in early January via Twitter that she was single following a two-year relationship with Mill.
Justin Bieber may technically be old enough to be his dad but three-year-old Hunter Curtis is taking fashion tips from the pop star.

On Thursday, an image of the toddler was uploaded to his Instagram account in which he wore an outfit very like Justin tends to wear.

'Channeling @justinbieber' read the caption, presumably written by Hunter's mum Roxy.

Look alikes! Justin Bieber may technically be old enough to be his dad but three-year-old Hunter Jacenko is taking fashion tips from the pop star

Hunter posed in a pair of trendy sweat pants, silver running shoes and a baggy white T-shirt.

The trendy tot had his hands raised in the air, his index fingers pointed upwards and a serious look on his face, a pose is reminiscent of Justin's stances on stage.

Hunter may not want to imitate a very different hand gesture Justin was making during a run-in with a news crew at his Queensland based private island.

During the incident, which occurred on Tuesday, Canadian told Channel Seven's staff to 'f*** off, mate' before giving them the one-finger salute.

Style hunter: On Thursday, an image of the toddler was uploaded to his Instagram account in which he wore an outfit very like Justin tends to wear

Don't copy this, Hunter! The three-year-old may not want to imitate a very different hand gesture Justin made during a run-in with a news crew at his Queensland based private island

The Love Yourself hitmaker went on to yell more expletives from a distance.

'F*** you. What's wrong with you?' he continued as he stood on the water's edge at Makepeace Island, which he'd rented from Sir Richard Branson for his stay.

Roxy attended Justin's concert at ANZ Stadium in Sydney on Wednesday night but it's unclear if she took Hunter along.

Mum's night out: Roxy attended Justin's concert at ANZ Stadium in Sydney on Wednesday night but it's unclear if she took Hunter along

The mother of two recently revealed she took son Hunter to visit her husband Oliver Curtis in prison, but left daughter Pixie at home.

Roxy told Mia Freedman on the latest episode of the No Filter podcast, 'I didn't tell Pixie because it's my duty to protect her. She's 5, she understands separation - to have taken her into that environment and then have had to go...no.'
He has become increasingly vocal about his religious beliefs over the past few years, having even tattoed a small crucifix to his face last year.

And Hillsong devotee Justin Bieber, 23, once again reminded fans of his faith by broadcasting a Christian message during his Purpose concert in Sydney this Wednesday.

During the sold-out show, Justin descended onto the stage in a transparent box baring the hand-written words: 'Mark my words Jesus loves you!!!!'

'Mark my words Jesus loves you!!!!' Hillsong devotee Justin Bieber, 23, once again reminded fans of his faith by broadcasting a Christian message during his Purpose concert in Sydney this Wednesday

It's not the first time Justin has spotlighted his religious views on-stage during his Purpose world tour.

During a recent Paris concert, Justin broke out into an impromptu rendition of Christian ballad I Could Sing Your Love Forever.

In recent years, Justin also been spotted spending time with NYC Hillsong co-pastor Carl Lentz, Hillsong NYC, worship leader Joel Houston, City Church Pastor Judah Smith, and other influential young Christian leaders.

Best night! He may have received some criticism for his sombre performance in Melbourne, but in Sydney Justin Bieber was full of smiles on Tuesday night

He is also known to attend regular Hillsong conferences, having paid a visit to a week-long Sydney Hillsong event in 2015.

Justin received criticism for his sombre performance in Melbourne, but managed to wear a brigher expressoin as he took the stage in Sydney on Tuesday.

Telling his 70,000 adoring fans in at the ANZ stadium Sydney that it was the 'best night of his life' not once, but THREE times, Justin was in great form for his Purpose World Tour.

The pop sensation even smiled at the concert and revved up the audience, thanking them and asking them to 'make some noise' while fans themselves raved that it was 'an amazing show'.

On form: Telling his 70,000 adoring fans in at the ANZ stadium Sydney that it was the 'best night of his life' not once, but THREE times, Justin was in great form

'Thank you for an amazing show' wrote one fan while one simply said, 'WAS SO GOOD.'

'Tonight was hectic! You continue to inspire me each and every day! Thank you,' wrote another.

'Thank you so much! It was amazing!' gushed one more.

Justin even went as far to invite a handful of pint size fans onto stage and introduced them to the crowds.

Happy: 'Thank you so much! It was amazing!' gushed a fan

Fan-tastic! One simply said, 'WAS SO GOOD.'

'Tonight was hectic! You continue to inspire me each and every day! Thank you,' wrote another

The performance was certainly an improvement to Melbourne where patrons at the concert were left less than impressed, with some of the 50,000 fans who packed into the arena to see the pop superstar complaining about his demeanour on stage.

They said he 'looked miserable' and 'seemed bored' throughout the one hour and forty-five minute performance.

Thanks! One fan called the star 'My man!'

Inclusive: Justin even went as far to invite a handful of pint size fans onto stage and introduced them to the crowds

Taking to Twitter, one concertgoer wrote, 'So excited, yet a little disappointed. You seemed bored.'

The user added a frowning emoji and the hashtag 'it's too late now to say sorry.'

Responding to a review in The Age, which claimed that Bieber had a 'stone face' and only had 'hollow interactions' with the audience, several other concertgoers shared their thoughts.

So disappointed with Justin Bieber,' wrote one Facebook user who added that he 'looked uninterested' and he put 'zero effort into it.'

'Couldn't decide if he was bored or just trying to be edgy,' another user wrote.

'Anyone who saw him on Ellen a few weeks ago knows he is just over it at the moment. I took my daughter and she loved it so I can't complain because the overall show is amazing.'
Waiting for you hair to grow can be so tiresome, fortunately there's a solution for that.

Vanessa Hudgens went from having just shoulder length hair to having mermaid-like locks which fell past her waist in just a few hours on Wednesday.

The 28-year-old star stopped by her hairdressers in West Hollywood, California, and emerged with a whole new look.

New look: Vanessa Hudgens went from having just shoulder length hair to having mermaid-like locks which fell past her waist in just a few hours on Wednesday

The actress walked into Nine Zero One with a lob but her stylist added long lengths of slightly wavy hair extensions so that Vanessa now has the longest hair that she has ever rocked.

Pretty excited with her new do, the Spring Breakers shared a snap of herself posed up against the salon's wall.

Walking out of the hairdressers, Vanessa could not stop smiling.

The High School Musical star had arrived a few hours earlier, with her locks tied back at the base of her neck.

Mermaid worthy locks: The 28-year-old star stopped by her hairdressers Nine Zero One in West Hollywood, California

Impressive change: The actress walked into Nine Zero One with a lob but her stylist added long lengths of slightly wavy hair extensions so that Vanessa now has the longest hair that she has ever rocked

Before going to her appoitment, the High School Musical star headed to celeb go-to coffee spot Alfred wearing an easy to wear but very chic look.

For her day at the salon, the star showed how to transition your style from winter to spring in a simple yet striking look.

Vanessa wore a pair of washed out denim jeans with on-trend ripped hems and ripped knees.

Feeling good: Walking out of the hairdressers, Vanessa could not stop smiling

The before: Over the weekend the 28-year-old wore her dark hair out and it only just touched her shoulders

The actress then made it the perfect spring look by adding a white ruffled shirt.

Vanessa incorporated some transitional accessories namely a brown and tan Celine handbag that would have fit with both a winter and a spring look and a pair of Far West shoes.

Making the look her own, Vanessa wore a dark shade of lipstick that provided a little bit of edge.

Her fav place: The High School Musical star headed to celeb go-to coffee spot Alfred before her appointment wearing an easy to wear but very chic look

Denim diva: Vanessa wore a pair of washed out denim jeans with on-trend ripped hems and ripped knees

White hot: The actress then made it the perfect spring look by adding a white ruffled shirt

Over the weekend, Vanessa had a mini High School Musical reunion, heading to brunch with co-star Ashley Tisdale.

The pals headed to West Hollywood hot spot Catch LA where they had some frozen rose or frose as its known.

They were also joined by some friends and Vanessa's sister Stella.
Patrick Stewart has revealed that he uses medical marijuana daily to help him deal with the symptoms of his arthritis.

The veteran actor, 76, made the admission as he threw his support behind a UK-first research initiative by Oxford University which aims to explore the benefits of cannabis-based medicines.

In a powerful statement, the X Men star explained that he uses an ointment, spray and edible marijuana medicine to help him with his condition.

Advocate: Sir Patrick Stewart, 76, has revealed that he uses medical marijuana daily to help him deal with the symptoms of his arthritis and has thrown his support into UK-based research into cannabis-based medicine

He explained: 'Two years ago, in Los Angeles, I was examined by a doctor and given a note which gave me legal permission to purchase, from a registered outlet, cannabis-based products, which I was advised might help the ortho-arthritis in both my hands.

'This, it would seem, is a genetically-based condition. My mother had badly distorted and painful hands.

'I purchased an ointment, spray and edibles. The ointment, while providing some relief from the discomfort, was too greasy to use during daytime and so I only use it at night.

'It helps with sleep as the pain was reduced. The spray, however, is much more usable and I spray my fingers and particularly my thumb joints several times a day.'

Candid: In a powerful statement, the X Men star explained that he uses an ointment, spray and edible marijuana medicine to help him with his condition

WHERE MARIJUANA IS LEGAL IN AMERICA Twenty-eight states and the District of Columbia have legalized marijuana for a variety of medical uses. Eight of those states, plus the nation's capital, have also legalized the drug for recreational use. Those states are: Colorado, California, Oregon, Washington, Maine, Nevada, Alaska and Massachusetts. It means almost one quarter of Americans (more than 20 percent) now have access to recreational marijuana, and more than 60 percent to the medical variety. But experts - including the White House Surgeon General Dr Vivek Gupta - have warned legalization is moving faster than research. Advertisement

Describing the process, Sir Patrick detailed: 'The spray very quickly evaporates and leaves my hands quite dry, though with a slight burning or tingling sensation, which is not unpleasant.

'I believe that the ointment and spray have significantly reduced the stiffness and pain in my hands.

'I can make fists, which was not the case before I began this treatment."

'I have had no negative side effects from this treatment and the alternative would have been to continue taking NSAID's, Advil, Aleve and Naproxen, which are known to be harsh on the liver and to cause acid reflux.

'This is an important step forward for Britain in a field of research that has for too long been held back by prejudice, fear and ignorance. I believe this programme of research might result in benefits for people like myself as well as millions of others.'

How it began: He explained: 'Two years ago, in Los Angeles, I was examined by a doctor and given a note which gave me legal permission to purchase, from a registered outlet, cannabis-based products'

Whilst Sir Patrick was keen to promote the development of British medicine, he recently revealed that he is applying for US citizenship so he can 'fight and oppose' Donald Trump.

The Star Trek actor said that getting an American passport 'might be the only good thing as the result of this election'.

The legendary thespian - who was born in West Yorkshire but lives in Brooklyn - added that he and his wife went to Washington last month to visit friends and ask them what they could do about the President.

Speaking out: Patrick said 'This is an important step forward for Britain in a field of research that has for too long been held back by prejudice, fear and ignorance'

Speaking on Thursday's episode of The View, he explained: 'I want to be an American, too.

'All of my friends in Washington said: "There is one thing you can do. Fight, fight; oppose, oppose." But I can't do it because I'm not a citizen.'

Sir Patrick, who lives in Brooklyn with his third wife Sunny, admitted that as a couple they had 'three separate dinners' with their 'Washington insider' friends to work out 'what we could do' about Trump.
She's rapidly becoming a household name in the US thanks to her role in Pretty Little Liars.

And Tammin Sursok appears to making some new famous friends in Los Angeles.

The 33-year-old cuddled up to a pregnant Rosie Huntington-Whiteley at an event held at Soho House in West Hollywood on Wednesday.

Everything is coming up roses: Tammin Sursok showed off her ample cleavage in a floral Zimmermann dress as she attended an event in Los Angeles on Wednesday

The former Home And Away star looked stunning in a floral frock by Aussie designer Zimmermann, which flaunted her ample assets.

She teamed the plunging white, orange and green ensemble with a pair of yellow stilettos.

She let her dress do all of the talking by accessorising the ensemble with simple jewels, including her diamond wedding band.

She had her brunette locks coiffed in a perfect voluminous blow dry, and let her natural beauty shine through by wearing minimal makeup.

Model pal: Tammin posed up with a pregnant Rosie Huntington-Whiteley at the event

Meanwhile, in a heartfelt essay penned for news.com.au on Thursday, Tammin revealed she suffered from post-partum anxiety.

'I suffered so much that it broke me,' the 33-year-old actress candidly shared.

'I've never really asked for help. I spent my life trying to pave my own road like a relentless, tunnel-vision warrior, re-framing every painful experience into that of a positive one.

'But then again I've never really suffered so much that it broke me.

Strike a pose: Tammin blew kisses to the camera in a video she posted on Instagram

Natural beauty: Tammin had her brunette locks coiffed in a perfect voluminous blow dry, and let her natural beauty shine through by wearing minimal makeup.

Heartfelt: Meanwhile, in a heartfelt essay penned for news.com.au on Thursday, Tammin revealed she suffered from post-partum anxiety.

On her blog Bottles and Heels last month, Tammin admitted to feeling 'guilty' for delaying fulling pregnant with a sibling for Phoenix.

'I get this pang in my gut,' she wrote. 'We [her and husband Sean McEwen] moved so we could have more room to accommodate the patter of more tiny feet.

'Oh crap. We are finally here. We have finally moved and that then begs the question when is baby number two?'

Tammin moved to a leafy, spacious new home, and it appears to be located in California.

Hollywood life: Tammin lives with husband Sean McEwen (pictured) and daughter Phoenix in California

The brunette then went on to explain how tough motherhood is, saying that it's something others cannot understand unless they've 'walked the path.'

She also wrote that she 'fears' suffering the 'zombie' state again, and sleep deprivation she experienced raising Phoenix as a baby, saying it was so intense that she left her phone in the fridge twice.

Despite these trials, Tammin wrote that she so badly wants another child that she could already picture the bub in her mind.

Going strong: The South African-born star celebrated her fifth anniversary with Sean in January

'I so want another child. I want one so badly that I can feel him/her with me. I close my eyes and I can smell their smell,' she wrote on her mummy blog.

She added: 'My body is so ready that its frustrated. I hear their name as I drift off to slumber and I know it won't be too long until we meet each other.'

The South African-born star celebrated her fifth anniversary with Sean in January.

The pair were married in 2011, in an epic ceremony and reception that lasted over three days and was held in the Italian city of Florence.
She is seldom seen to put a sartorial foot wrong.

And Rosario Dawson yet again nailed the style stakes on Wednesday as she arrived at the Iron Fist premiere in New York, while rocking a stunning, floor-sweeping gown.

The 37-year-old rocked the colourful gown to perfection, yet shunned the initially prim appearance of the look as she hiked up the hemline to offer a flash of her endless legs for the vying cameras.

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Flash: Rosario Dawson yet again nailed the style stakes on Wednesday as she arrived at the Iron Fist premiere in New York, while rocking a stunning, floor-sweeping gown

Her fabulous figure was lost under the overlapping skirts, with only her head and forearms peeking out of the mass of material.

Yet she gave a stunning touch by flashing her endless pins from beneath the floor-sweeping dress as she also sported wellies from underneath.

She was joined on the red carpet by co-stars Finn Jones, Jessica Stroup, Jessica Henwick and Tom Pelphrey.

Nurse Temple is one of the characters connecting the four Netflix Marvel series: Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage and now Iron Fist.

Mayan Temple! The 37-year-old rocked the colourful gown to perfection, yet shunned the initially prim appearance of the look as she hiked up the hemline to offer a flash of her endless legs for the vying cameras

Made for walking: she revealed a pair of black flat-soled boots

She has more than a nurse-patient relationship with Matt Murdoch's blind vigilante (Charlie Cox) who became romantically involved having saved one another on more than one occasion.

Meanwhile, it was Jones who brought her into contact with Cage in her season one finale, when the supposedly unbreakable hero was seriously wounded.

In Iron Fist, she comes into contact with the titular hero (Finn Jones) when they both join the dojo run by Colleen Wing (Jessica Henwick).

Wow: She rocked a VERY colorful loose fitting tribal-style dress of oranges, greens, black and white

Underneath your clothes: Her fabulous figure was lost under the overlapping skirts, with only her head and forearms peeking out of the mass of material

In Iron Fist, she comes into contact with the titular hero when they both join the dojo run by Colleen Wing, played by Jessica Henwick

Spin it: Rosario showed how both she and the dress could twirl

They were joined on the red carpet by co-stars (L-R) Jessica Stroup, Tom Pelphrey and Finn Jones

Iron Fist - AKA Danny Rand - is a master martial artist and wielder of the mystical force he is named after, which allows him to focus his chi - or natural energy force - to move or strike at devastating speed, or even heal himself or others.

He and his other three fellow Marvel heroes are set to unite for Netflix's upcoming crossover project, The Defenders.

Stroup and Pelphrey meanwhile play sister and brother Joy and Ward Meachum, who are childhood friends of Danny, and whose father Harold (David Wenham) was business partners with Danny's parents when they died.

Flower power: Jessica Stroup looked stunning in a brown and white patterned maxi dress

Stunning: The 30-year-old actress accentuated her porcelain skin with complimentary make-up including a swipe of shiny pink lip

Partner in crime: She was arm-in-arm with co-star Tom Pelphrey

Ravishing in red: Jessica Henwick wore a lowcut crimson number

DapperL FinnJones rocked a burgundy suit but dressed it down a bit with his grey dress shirt unbuttoned at the collar and sleeves
Dr Chris Brown returned to Australia on Wednesday after I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here came to an end.

And after over a month away filming in South Africa, the 38-year-old was clearly keen to catch-up with his new girlfriend, Kendall Bora.

The brunette beauty was seen leaving his Sydney home in the early hours of Thursday morning.

Reunited: After over a month away filming in South Africa, Dr Chris Brown was clearly keen to catch-up with his new girlfriend, Kendall Bora

The Channel Nine chief of staff looked ready for a day at work as she was pictured leaving the property in smart attire.

Climbing into her car on the drive of the Bondi Vet's house, Kendall wore a black long-sleeve top and a patterned pencil skirt.

The man himself was also seen out and about on Thursday morning, seemingly stocking up after his return to the country.

Goodbye again: The brunette beauty was seen leaving his Sydney home in the early hours of Thursday morning

Back to the grind: The Channel Nine chief of staff looked ready for a day at work as she was pictured leaving the property in smart attire

Car pool: Climbing into her car on the drive of the Bondi Vet's house, Kendall wore a black long-sleeve top and a patterned pencil skirt

He's back: The man himself was also seen out and about on Thursday morning, seemingly stocking up after his return to the country.

Chris cut a casual figure as he strolled through the wet streets clutching a cardboard box and a drink.

The Newcastle native wasn't dressed for the weather, wearing a short-sleeve t-shirt, shorts and a pair of thongs.

Chris's new flame had flown out to Cape Town to spend time with her man as he filmed the third season of the reality show.

Familiar face: Chris cut a casual figure as he strolled through the wet streets clutching a cardboard box and a drink

Dress code: The Newcastle native wasn't dressed for the weather, wearing a short-sleeve t-shirt, shorts and a pair of thongs

Romantic getaway: Chris's new flame flew out to Cape Town to spend time with her man as he filmed the third season of the reality show

Time apart: However, Kendall wasn't present when the veterinarian arrived back in the country at Sydney Airport yesterday

In the open: Chris confirmed their romance for the first time on Monday morning after being grilled on his relationship status by Nova FM's Fitzy and Wippa

However, Kendall wasn't present when the veterinarian arrived back in the country at Sydney Airport yesterday.

Chris confirmed their romance for the first time on Monday morning after being grilled on his relationship status by Nova FM's Fitzy and Wippa.

The Daily Telegraph reported that the pair had kept their romance under wraps for six months before it became public knowledge.

Laying low: The Daily Telegraph reported that the pair had been keeping their romance under wraps for six months before it became public knowledge




He's the larrikin lad that's known for his witty on air banter and hilarious online posts to Instagram.

But on Wednesday, Ryan 'Fitzy' Fitzgerald posted a sentimental message for wife Belinda Jay, marking the couple's ninth anniversary.

'My whole life. Happy 9 years,' the 40-year-old Nova co-host captioned a black-and-white photo of the pair.

'My whole life. Happy 9 years': Ryan 'Fitzy' Fitzgerald, 40, took to Instagram on Wednesday, celebrating his ninth wedding anniversary with Belinda Jay

'I can't do everything but I'd do anything for you,' Fitzy began the caption.

'My whole life. Happy 9 years,' he continued alongside two love heart emojis.

The image shared with the personality's 91,900 followers saw Fitzy and Belinda embracing, dressed down in casual attire.

'Love you forever': Belinda also took to Instagram on Thursday, sharing a playful beachside snap

Belinda also took to Instagram on Thursday, sharing a playful beachside snap.

'Over the nine wonderful years..and one day..our commitment, love and fun times are stronger than my Christmas punch drinks!!! Love you forever Amen,' the brunette wrote.

The photo saw Belinda beaming and embracing her famous husband, with her dark locks swept into an effortless ponytail.

Union: The couple tied the knot in 2008, and share two sons, Hewston, seven, and Lennox, three

Appearing to go makeup-free, stylish black sunglasses worked as a low-key accessory.

Fitzy, who made a goofy expression for the camera, sported tortoise-shell Ray Ban shades.

The couple tied the knot in 2008, and share two sons, Hewston, seven, and Lennox, three.

Close bond: Fitzy and Belinda appear stronger than ever, having been through trying times in the first year of their marriage, with the stillbirth of their daughter Cayley Jay in 2008

Fitzy and Belinda appear stronger than ever, having been through trying times in the first year of their marriage.

They tragically lost their daughter Cayley Jay in 2008, just weeks after announcing that they were to become parents for the first time.

Speaking about their loss in a video in November 2015 for a charity organisation, to help raise awareness about stillbirths, Belinda revealed at the time: 'This has brought us much closer, this has touched us in a way that we never thought we would be like this.'

Doting mother: Belinda often takes to Instagram, posting precious moments of family life

Recalling the moment when the couple first realised something was wrong, Belinda said: 'We were in the serious side of Spina bifida (the incomplete formation of the spine and spinal cord which occurs during the first month of a babys development in the womb).

'People try to tell you what to expect. But when curve balls happen in a pregnancy, youre never prepared. Even though we did everything we did by the book, it doesnt mean youre going to have the right outcome.'

Fitzy added: 'Counting the kicks is a great scheme. Women know how alive a child is in their stomach. Thats one of the great joys of being pregnant, having your child inside you.'
They're the gorgeous girls who found love on Australia's hit reality shows The Bachelor and The Bachelorette.

And on Wednesday Alex Nation, 25, and Georgia Love, 29 came together to swap stories over a cute dinner date in Melbourne.

The girls donned flowing frocks for the occasion, with Alex looking happy and relaxed in the face of reports she and beau Richie Strahan may have parted ways.

Where's Richie? On Wednesday, Alex Nation, 25, and Georgia Love, 29 enjoyed a dinner date in Melbourne amid rumours Alex has split with beau Richie Strahan

Despite the cloudy skyline sprawling behind them, the girls dressed to impress in summery dresses.

Alex opted for an off-the-shoulder pinstriped piece, with her striking blonde tresses straightened over the right side of her face.

Former Bachelorette Georgia chose a navy blue number, with her brunette locks laying in curls at her shoulder.

The two embraced in the photo, with Alex letting out a sly smile and Georgia radiantly beaming from a laugh.

They appeared to have shared a Japanese-style lunch, with Alex captioning the photo: 'When it comes to a cheeky pun, I can't keep up. Eating Japanes on the other hand... well, that's a different story!'

Noticeably absent: The girls stepped out without thir respective partners, adding fuel to the rumours that Alex and Richie may have split

Noticeably absent were their handsome beaus.

Alex's followers were quick to pick up on his absence, with one fan asking 'Where's Ritchie'

Another weighed in: 'Are you and Richie still together?'

It comes after the Perth rope technician was seen flying solo in a recent post to Instagram, sitting in a convertible car without his leading lady by his side.

The pair don't appear to posted a picture together in weeks and were last seen in a reported fight in Perth that left Alex in tears in the street.

Happier times: Alex and Richie seemed like the perfect couple until a very public argument in Perth

Meanwhile, Georgia has put on a show of affection with her boyfriend Lee Elliot earlier this week, when the two stepped out at the Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival.

As a nod to their strong bond, the smitten couple posed right alongside a sign that read: 'Where Love Lives.'

TV presenter Georgia, 29, dazzled in an oriental-print gown, that featured a high-neck and a multicoloured design.

While Lee, 35, looked dapper in a grey blazer, dark-rimmed spectacles and black accessories.
Chad Michael Murray welcomed his newborn baby daughter with wife Sarah Roemer just days earlier.

But the 35-year-old actor was back to work on Wednesday as he departed from the LAX airport and headed to New York to promote his new CMT series Sun Records.

And the former One Tree Hill star is sure to make jaws drop in a newly released sneak peek by Just Jared as he nearly bares it all in a nude scene.

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Sexy scene: Chad Michael Murray nearly bared it all in a nude clip for his CMT series Sun Records

The Agent Carter alum barely covers up as he holds a small bath towel over his genitals.

Chad, who plays Sam Phillips in the TV drama series, showcases his sculpted abs in the racy scene.

He confidently struts his stuff through the living room of his home where his wife, Becky Phillips, played by Jennifer Holland, is being informed of the town gossip being spread about him by Nadine McCluskey, played by Lucy Catharine Haskill.

A-list abs! Chad, who plays Sam Phillips in the TV drama series, showcases his sculpted abs in the racy scene

'Always a pleasure seeing you': He confidently struts his stuff through the living room of his home as Nadine McCluskey, played by Lucy Catharine Haskill, is left in shock

'Always a pleasure seeing you Nadine,' he says while giving her a wink after hearing the red-head spreading rumors about him.

The award-winning actor headed to New York to discuss the new series, which premiered last month, on Live With Kelly, Buzzfeed and the AOL Build Series.

Meanwhile, the doting dad took to Instagram on Monday to share the exciting news as he welcomed his first daughter, and second child with his wife of two years.

Promotional tour: Meanwhile the former One Tree Hill star headed to New York to discuss the new series, which premiered last month, on Live With Kelly, Buzzfeed and the AOL Build Series

In a heartwarming snapshot, Chad's daughter's tiny hand can be seen wrapped tightly around one of his fingers.

'Don't worry little girl you can hold on as tight as you want for as long as you want, I'm already yours & I'll never let go,' he captioned the beautiful image.

'I've now two incredible women in my life. My son & I are two lucky guys.'

On the road again: The award-winning actor departed LAX airport on Wednesday just days after the birth of his newborn baby daughter

Laid-back look: The father-of-two opted for comfort in black trousers with a brown tee, dark aviator shades and a black baseball cap

The couple are already parents to a two-year-old son, after marrying in 2015.

Speaking about fatherhood, the actor said becoming a dad was by far the best thing that had ever happened to him.

'Having a family just changes your perspective on everything,' he told ET last year. 'I mean, it's a world changer.'

He says it's made him a better person, too.

'For me, it was the greatest thing that's ever happened to me,' added. 'Having kids is a game changer and I think you're always walking around with the mentality that you want to make sure that they're proud and you want to represent them well and just be a great leader.'
Paris Hilton held hands with new boyfriend Chris Zylka on Wednesday as they arrived back in Los Angeles after a romantic Mexico getaway.

The 36-year-old socialite smiled while clasping Chris, 31, at Los Angeles International Airport.

Paris opted for the casual chic look with a grey scoop neck T-shirt with a Pentax camera graphic, black leggings and thick black boots.

Smitten smile: Paris Hilton held hands with boyfriend Chris Zylka as they arrived in Los Angeles on Wednesday after a romantic getaway at a resort in Mexico

She completed her look with a khaki green jacket and black cap and carried a Sprayground B-52 Bomber Wings backpack.

The Simple Life star accessorized with sunglasses and stud earrings.

Paris had her long blonde hair gathered in two loosely braided ponytails.

Chris kept it simple in an all-black ensemble that included a plain baggy sweatshirt, skinny pants and sneakers.

Look of love: Chris beamed while clasping hands with Paris at the airport

Casual style: Paris and Chris kept it casual for their trip from Mexico

Classic look: The former model did the classic chin on shoulder pose at the airport while carrying a Sprayground B-52 Bomber Wings backpack

He also sported a backward black NYPD cap.

Paris also took to Instagram on Wednesday to share snaps from their stay in Tulum.

Chris and Paris in one series of photo gazed lovingly at each other and kissed on a deck near gorgeous green and blue water.

Mexican getaway: The socialite shared photos on Instagram from her getaway in Tulum

Cool pool: Paris cooled off in a pool in another snap shared on Instagram

'The most beautiful view is the one I share with you...,' Paris wrote in the caption for her nearly 7 million followers.

She also posted photos of herself soaking up the sun in a black bathing suit with a pink coverup and standing in a pool.

'Life is Beautiful in #Paradise,' Paris wrote in the caption.

Beautiful view: Chris and Paris looked at each over lovingly in another photo

Tender moment: The Simple Life star also shared a snap of her and Chris kissing

Paris and Chris were spotted bike riding Monday along the streets of Tulum.

They stayed at an exclusive beachfront nature-centered resort that offers organic food, holistic wellness spa and daily yoga with prices starting at $1,200 per person, per night.

Paris sent her fans into a frenzy last month when she posted a photo of her and Chris on April 19 captioned: 'My Valentine'.

Soaking it up: Paris soaked up sun near palm trees and gorgeous green and blue water

Ocean breeze: The blonde beauty called the place 'Paradise'

She has since posted numerous photos of her and Chris including a set of selfies earlier this month with the caption: 'Home is where you are'.

Chris was engaged to DVF brand ambassador Hanna Beth Merjos in April 2014, but they called it off and broke up in early 2015.

Paris was previously engaged to Greek shipping heir Paris Latsis from May to October 2005 and was engaged in 2002 to fashion model Jason Shaw before their split in early 2003.

Formerly engaged: Paris is shown in June 2005 in London with former fiance Paris Latsis

The great-granddaughter of Hilton Hotels founder Conrad Hilton rose to fame on the Fox reality series The Simple Life co-starring then-friend Nicole Richie.

A sex tape of Paris and then-boyfriend Rick Salomon, 49, was leaked just weeks before the December 2003 premiere of The Simple Life.

Paris began her modeling career as a teenager and has since become a successful international DJ.
Dascha Polanco made a case for red being the new black Wednesday at a Netflix premiere in Miami Beach, Florida.

The 34-year-old actress sizzled in an off-the shoulder lacy red Milly dress at the premiere of Ingobernable at the Colony Theater.

Dascha was showing support for the new Spanish-language political drama that will debut March 24 on Netflix.

Lady in red: Dascha Polanco sizzled in a lacy red Milly dress Wednesday at a Netflix premiere in Miami Beach, Florida

Mexican actress Kate del Castillo, 44, stars as First Lady of Mexico Emilia Urquiza in the 15-episode series.

Dascha portrays inmate Dayanara Diaz in the hit Netflix comedy-drama series Orange Is The New Black.

The series focuses on a group of women in prison at Litchfield Penitentiary and will return on June 9 for its fifth season.

Netflix shared a sneak peek last month of the upcoming season.

Netflix star: The actress stars in the Netflix series Orange Is The New Black

Showing support: Dascha was showing support at the premiere for the upcoming Spanish-language political drama Ingobernable that will debut on Netflix on March 24

The 14-second trailer showed the main characters in a quick montage before ending with Daya aiming a gun.

Danielle Brooks, who plays Taystee on the show, revealed in January that season five will take place over three days.

Dascha has opened up about how fashion designers despite her success on OITNB still refuse to collaborate with her because of her size.

Hit show: Dascha will reprise her role of Dayanara Diaz for the upcoming fifth season of OITNB

Classic look: The actress struck the classic chin on shoulder pose at the premiere

Critically acclaimed: Dascha is part of the ensemble cast that has received critical acclaim

She told Vogue magazine last August about her experiences with being turned away.

'I understand that it's business, but still, it's like, really?' Dascha said.

Some of the high-end brands that rejected her were companies that she has been loyal to for some time.

She told the outlet: 'I love what they do, so I had my publicist reach out to their PR team. Their response was, ''Oh, you're not the sizes we have, not right now, maybe in the future''.'

Dascha added: 'It's disappointing, but I try to work with up-and-coming designers who will make things for me and who will collaborate with me. People who love my curves and embrace them as much as I do.'
She recently split with her Bachelor girlfriend Megan Marx.

And it looks like Tiffany Scanlon has already found some new blonde-haired reality TV beauties to take her place.

On Wednesday, the 30-year-old was spotted rubbing shoulders with Married At First Sight twins Sharon and Michelle Marsh at the opening of Perth restaurant Ku De Ta.

Blondes DO have more fun! Tiffany Scanlon enjoyed a night out with Married At First Sight's Sharon (far left) and Michelle Marsh (far right) and a mystery blonde in Perth on Wednesday

Tiffany was beaming with happiness in an photo posted to social media, with Megan seemingly far from her thoughts.

'Such a treat meeting these bombshells last night at the sneak peak of @kudetaperth,' Tiffany wrote on Instagram.

'Loved chatting about the 'reality' of reality TV and handling media, always refreshing to meet people who know first hand what you are going through.'

She concluded: 'Thanks for the chat ladies and hope there's many more to come.'

Megan who? Tiffany recently split from her reality TV girlfriend Megan Marx (left)

'Loved chatting about the "reality" of reality TV and handling media, always refreshing to meet people who know first hand what you are going through,' Tiffany wrote on Instagram

Tiffany and Megan met while competing for Richie Strahan's affections on last year's season of The Bachelor.

After months of speculation the couple confirmed they were an item late last year, moving to a Bali love nest in January.

But the romance abruptly earlier this month with Tiffany returning to Australia and Megan confirming last week that they had broken up.

Reality TV: Tiffany and Megan met while competing for Richie Strahan's affection on last year's season of The Bachelor

Tiffany recently made a bid for a role as an ambassador for youth travel company Busabout Tours, uploading a video resume on YouTube.

'I guess I'm at this point where I'm trying to make sense of the past year and wondering what it all meant,' she told Daily Mail Australia last week.

'Maybe it all had to happen the way it did so that I would end up applying for this job.'
She's one of Hollywood's most popular sex symbols, frequently topping lists of sexiest stars - and even being branded 'Earth's hottest girl' by Maxim.

And it isn't hard to see why Megan Fox has earned her pin-up reputation as she sizzles in the stunning new Frederick's of Hollywood lingerie spring 2017 campaign.

The 30-year-old actress looks simply sensational as she poses up a storm in an array of sexy ensembles, shot by esteemed photographer Ellen Von Unwerth in California's Hollywood Hills.

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Fox! Megan Fox appears in a new ad campaign for Fredrick's of Hollywood's Spring 2017 range

One shot sees her dressed in a lacy black bra-and-panties set - with matching stockings and suspenders - as she lounges on a deckchair high above Los Angeles.

With towering black heels adoring her feet, she flashes a dazzling smile as her lustrous wavy brown locks cascade down her back.

Another snap sees her wearing a turquoise bra and a midnight blue satin bathrobe as she bites her thumb while staring seductively at the camera.

True blue: The 30-year-old beauty poses in a turquoise bra with a midnight blue satin bathrobe

Breathtaking: Her pert derriere is also given a moment in the spotlight in another sultry shot

Her pert derriere is also given a moment in the spotlight as she relaxes on crispy white bed linen while wearing a purple underwear set.

The brunette beauty is co-owner, creative collaborator and global brand ambassador and features in her first campaign as the face of the brand.

'I am so excited to reveal my first Frederick's of Hollywood campaign,' she said in a statement. 'Shooting in beautiful lingerie alongside Ellen von Unwerth was such a great opportunity. I cannot wait for fans to see the new collection.'

Snapped: The campaign was shot in Hollywood by esteemed photographer Ellen von Unwerth

So excited: The screen star says she is 'so excited' to appear in her first campaign for the brand

Her appearance in the photo campaign comes after her new 30-second commercial was unveiled, enttitled Fredrick's Gets Foxy.

The Hollywood beauty - who shot the campaign just a few months after welcoming her third child - wows in a black silk negligee complete with seductive stocking as she poses like a pro.

Megan slips into sheer lace lingerie that highlights her ample assets, licking food off her fingers. The stunner slips into an array of rainbow-hued lingerie that makes the most of her killer curves.

Stunning: Actress Megan also sizzles in a 30-second commercial for the global lingerie brand

New ad: The clip, titled Fredrick's Gets Foxy, features the global underwear brand's new Spring 2017 collection in all its glory

Feline fine: She poses in a black teddy and sheer cut-out bra, working her magic for the camera

Pin-up perfection: With her glossy brunette locks and bright red lips, Megan looks like the ultimate pin-up

The brunette bombshell also models a PVC bodysuit, exuding sex appeal as she gazes into the camera.

Last September, the New Girl actress signed a deal with Fredericks of Hollywood to be their brand ambassador, stakeholder, and creative partner.

She previously told WWD: 'Ive been reluctant in the past to work with brands because theres a lot of politics behind it and its a big deal to lend your name and image to something.

Peekaboo: Screen beauty Megan doesn't take herself too seriously in the cheeky advertorial

Smoking hot: Megan slips into a PVC one-piece with a zip running down the front

Leggy lady: One quirky shot sees the New Girl actress kicking her stocking clad legs in the air

Big deal: Last September, the New Girl actress signed a deal with Fredericks of Hollywood to be their brand ambassador, stakeholder, and creative partner

'But by offering me ownership in the company and some creative say, it gives me an opportunity to be passionate about what Im promoting.'

The stunner has created a capsule collection for the company, as well as playing the part of model.

Megan has previously fronted campaigns for the likes of Giorgio Armani Beauty, Armani Jeans and Avon.

Passion for fashion: She previously told WWD, 'It gives me an opportunity to be passionate about what Im promoting'

Hard to believe: The Hollywood beauty shot the campaign just a few months after welcoming her third child into the world

Saucy: The stunner has created a capsule collection for the company, as well as playing the part of model
She's enjoyed almost three decades as a high-flying wildlife and science presenter.

But passing on her legacy to children has never been a desire of Springwatch star Kate Humble, 48, who says that she knew at 14 that parenthood wasn't for her.

Speaking to The Mirror this week, the TV presenter explained that she was lacking a maternal gene and insists it has 'never been an issue' for her, or her husband.

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Happy families: Kate Humble has revealed that she knew at the age of 14 that she did not want children

She explained: 'I know that motherhood was not for me and literally it bypassed me. I don't think I had even started my periods and I knew it wasn't something I wanted to do.

'It was as fundamental as somebody saying, 'I knew I was gay when I was a young teenager' or 'I knew I was transgender.' Not being a mum has never been an issue for me.'

Kate previously said that her partner, British TV producer Ludo Graham, shared her family ideals and instead, they share Welsh sheepdog Teg and a farm of smallholding animals.

Caring: While Kate doesn't believe she has a maternal instinct, she has been exploring a human bond with dogs (here with her own Sheepdog Teg)

Happy families: Kate (left, with husband Ludo Graham) considers herself lucky to have a partner who feels the same way

She continued: 'I never thought I would be married but I have been married 25 years this year. But it's only because I go away a lot.'

Kate previously told The Express: 'My maternal gene is missing. If I had wanted them I would have tried to have them but I didn't. It was just the right decision for me.

'I find it extraordinary in this day and age that people need to question it and you feel you have to justify it.'

Kate was also the face of Springwatch until 2012, when she was replaced by Michaela Strachen.

She held the post, which also included Winterwatch and Autumnwatch, for seven years, focusing on British wildlife.

Passionate: The star has said that she is lacking the 'maternal gene'

Travelling: Kate (here in 2015 for programme Kate Humble: Living with Nomads) said that she couldn't believe she'd been married for 25 years - but 'it's only because I go away a lot'

But her commitments to one-off programmes like Kate Humble: Into the Volcano and The Secret Life of the Sun have taken her around the globe.

In March, Kate's new programme Back To The Land - a series about the UK's most inspirational rural entrepreneurs - was viewed by two million people.

Kate and Ludo settled in South Wales in 2010 when they bought a farm in Wye Valley.

Successful career: Kate (here in 2005) has enjoyed almost three decades of successful TV work

No time to stop: The TV presenter said that her decision to bypass motherhood was as fundamental as knowing someone was gay

The pair have created a business out of the working farm, previously holding festivals including Big Day Out and hosting visits from His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall.

In 2016, Kate released a book about the special relationship between humans and dogs, called Friend For Life.

As a life-long animal lover, Kate includes tales of rescue dogs, guide dogs, service dogs and medical dogs.
He's played the teen heartthrob, a transgender pioneer and famous cosmologist Stephen Hawkings.

Now Eddie Redmayne has tried his hand at voicing an animated character in new children's flick Early Man, as a new trailer showed the much-lauded star make his latest career move where he stars opposite his old school pal Tom Hiddleston.

The movie, created by the iconic Aardman Animations, takes viewers back to the dawn of Earth when cavemen lived among dinosaurs and woolly mammoths, with the 35-year-old Londoner depicting heroic Dug.

Eddie has taken on the leading role of brave caveman Dug who goes on an adventure to unite his tribe against an enemy, joined by his sidekick Hognob.

The movie, which is currently filming in Bristol and due for release next year, sees Eddie's character joined with his best friend Hognob, take on villain Lord Nooth, played by Tom Hiddleston.

Both Eddie and Tom attended the prestigious Harrow School, previously revealing they had starred together in a school play, yet this is their first silver screen role.

Eddie will no doubt win over audiences as Dug as he sets out to protect his tribe in the movie which is another project for the production partnership with Aardman and StudioCanal, following the success of 2015's Shaun The Sheep.

Looking dapper! Eddie Redmayne has tried his hand at voicing an animated character in the new children's flick Early Man, as a new trailer showed the much-lauded star make his latest career move where he stars opposite his old school pal Tom Hiddleston

First look: The movie, created by the iconic Aardman Animations, takes viewers back to the dawn of Earth when cavemen lived among dinosaurs and woolly mammoths, with the 35-year-old Londoner depicting heroic Dug

Different look: Eddie has taken on the leading role of brave caveman Dug who goes on an adventure to unite his tribe against an enemy, joined by his sidekick Hognob

StudioCanal is joining with the British Film Institute to finance the project for release in UK, France, Germany, Australia and New Zealand, selling worldwide.

In light of the movie's first glimpse, filmmaker Nick Parker revealed Eddie is perfect for the role of the hero as he is full of energy and great fun to work with.

Nick told Empire: 'Not only is Eddie a joy to work with, his versatility and boundless energy have really helped to bring my new character to life...

'He embodies the cheeky charm, fun and plucky wit of Dug and Im sure hell get along brilliantly with Dugs sidekick Hognob.'

Long term pals: The duo have known each other for many years

Up there: StudioCanal is joining with the British Film Institute to finance the project for release in UK, France, Germany, Australia and New Zealand, selling worldwide

Cheeky chap! In light of the movie's first glimpse, filmmaker Nick Parker revealed Eddie is perfect for the role of the hero as he is full of energy and great fun to work with

In October, he also discussed Tom's involvement: 'Tom is a wonderful actor and its so thrilling to see him bring our comic villain to life with his amazing talent, energy and enthusiasm.'

'It is a great privilege to work with Tom and Im so excited to see his character Lord Nooth emerge on screen!'

Last month, Tom revealed the truth of their first ever role together at Harrow as he said on The Graham Norton Show: 'Eddie was a great talent even then. He was a huge star. It was an all boys school and the great, now Oscar winning Eddie Redmayne was playing the female lead.

Good stuff: In October, he also discussed Tom's involvement: 'Tom is a wonderful actor and its so thrilling to see him bring our comic villain to life with his amazing talent, energy and enthusiasm'

That was then: In October, he also discussed Tom's involvement: 'Tom is a wonderful actor and its so thrilling to see him bring our comic villain to life with his amazing talent, energy and enthusiasm'

'In a Passage to India theres an expedition to this cultural landmark called Marabar Caves by elephant. Im delighted to reveal that I played the front right leg of the elephant that Eddie was on.

In his latest movie, Eddie made a success of his leading role in Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling's Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them as explorer Newt Scamander.

It appears the star has become more involved in children's movies since he welcomed his first child Iris Mary with his wife Hannah in the summer of last year.

EARLY MAN is released in UK cinemas on January 26th 2018
She's usually dressed to impress in demure ensembles across her many TV hosting gigs.

But Holly Willoughby shed her wholesome image as she flaunted her fabulous frame in a saucy Instagram snap on Wednesday afternoon.

The TV presenter, 36, gave an eyeful of her tanned and toned pins as she donned a figure-hugging black frock while posing up a storm for the camera.

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'Such naughtiness coming your way': Cheeky Holly Willoughby shed her wholesome image as she paraded her perfect pins while teasing cheeky Celebrity Juice scenes

Ready to film the latest series of Celebrity Juice, the mum-of-three posed with a hand on her hip as she teased the upcoming episodes will be full of 'naughtiness'.

The blonde beauty - nicknamed Holly Willoughbooby - opted for a tight black dress which hugged her perfectly proportioned curves in all the right areas.

Featuring a plunging neckline, the This Morning host teased a slight glimpse of her famous assets as she ensured her long and lithe legs were on full display.

Holly added inches to her height thanks to a pair of strappy black stilettos, but kept her accessories simple with elegant stud earrings.

Classy: The presenter's snap is a far cry from her usual demure outfits, often seen wearing pencil skirts and high neck blouses for her stint on This Morning

It's back! Holly, who has starred in Celebrity Juice since 2008, teased the latest series was full on 'naughtiness'

She captioned the snap: 'We are back!!! @celebjuiceofficial... such naughtiness coming your way soon!'

The Play To The Whistle presenter's snap is a far cry from her usual demure outfits, often seen wearing pencil skirts and high neck blouses for her stint on This Morning.

Holly was recently left mortified after her long-term pal Jake Humphrey confessed the pair once 'shared a bed' in their twenties.

Appearing on the latest episode of Play To The Whistle, the comedian outrageously joked that they slept together 15 years ago, leaving Holly in fit of laughter.

Explaining the situation further, Holly said: 'Jake and I have actually known each other for a very long time.

Old friends: Holly was recently left mortified after her long-term pal Jake Humphrey confessed the pair once 'shared a bed' in their twenties

'In fact we first worked together in 2002 for Fame Academy on CBBC. I used to stay around your house because I hadn't even moved to London.

'So I was living in Brighton and you had a lovely flat and I'd come up and stay with you.'

Holly collected three awards during the annual TRIC awards earlier this week, where she dazzled the crowd in a monochrome midi-dress.

She took home trophies for Daytime Programme gong as host of This Morning, Satellite Digital Programme for her panelist part on Celebrity Juice and the Television Personality Award.
She's the founder and creative director of activewear brand The Upside.

And Jodhi Meares has been honoured as one of Australia's most inspiring businesswomen in the latest issue of InStyle.

The 45-year-old looked radiant in an all-white ensemble as she posed for a photo shoot and offered her best career advice.

'There is never a perfect time to start': Jodhi Meares has been honoured as one of Australia's most inspiring businesswomen in the latest issue of InStyle

The elegant black-and-white photos showcased Jodhi's beautiful features, as she let her brunette locks fall down in loose waves.

She wore a white thigh-split dress with a trench coat tied around her slender waist.

Jodhi accessorised with metallic heels and an simple silver anklet, while keeping her make-up application in neutral tones.

In the article, she also gave her best career advice: 'There is never a perfect time to start - sometimes you just have to find yourself in it and work it out.'

Inspiring: Jodhi began her career as a model, before launching fashion label Tigerlily in 2000. After seven years as the company's director, she sold the brand to Billabong. It wasn't long until she started her next venture, activewear label The Upside, in 2013

Jodhi began her career as a model, before launching fashion label Tigerlily in 2000. After seven years as the company's director, she sold the brand to Billabong.

It wasn't long until she started her next venture, activewear label The Upside, in 2013.

The publication noted Jodhi donates a considerable amount of her brand's profits to charities, including R U OK? Day and the Cambodian Children's Trust.

Charitable: The publication noted Jodhi donates a considerable amount of her brand's profits to charities, including R U OK? Day and the Cambodian Children's Trust

Taking to Instagram, she thanked the magazine for nominating her in the Lifestyle category for the InStyle And Audi Women Of Style Awards.

'With a huge amount of gratitude I want to thank @instylemag for nominating me along with some incredible woman for the lifestyle award... it's with the most humbleness I thank you for putting me in the company of of these inspiring woman,' she wrote.

Jodhi is in good company in the Lifestyle category with fashion illustrator Megan Hess and presenter, author and Swiish founder Sally Obermeder also among the nominees.

The public can vote for their favourite female leaders online, with the winners to be published in the June issue.
He's been frolicking with new girlfriend Becky Miesner on the beaches of Barbados.

But on Wednesday evening Mario Falcone returned to Essex to gush about his romantic vacation to his fellow TOWIE cast mate Chloe Sims.

Branding Becky 'The One', Mario, 29, has simply fanned the flames where it comes to the rumours he is planning to propose to her soon.

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'She definitely is The One': Mario Falcone fuels rumours that he's planning on popping the question to girlfriend Becky Miesner as he gushes about her to Chloe Sims on TOWIE

'He's crazy about her': The couple's loved-up display comes in light of reports that the hunk may be gearing up to get down on one knee and ask Becky to be his wife, years after popping the question to Lucy on TOWIE

'She definitely is The One,' he told Chloe. 'I'm obsessed with her, she's amazing! I love everything about her.'

Chloe then asked about the potential possibility of a wedding and asked if she'd be invited.

'Yes!' he assured her.

The couple looked every inch the lovebirds in a sizzling snap on Instagram last Wednesday, where they continued their sun-soaked Barbados getaway.

The reality star couldn't resist displaying his chiselled torso and bulky biceps in a pair of tiny red swim shorts, while his other half sizzled in a skimpy black bikini.

Kiss me, quick! They put on a raunchy display on the beach on Monday, where they puckered up while wearing sizzling swimwear

Mario soared to fame when he entered the ITVBe show as Lucy Mecklenburgh's boyfriend in 2011 before becoming a central character once he split from the health guru after she cheated on him with Mark Wright.

However, he seems to have moved on with gorgeous Becky, which was evident as he cosied up to her in the snap, which boasted a crystal clear waters behind them.

Wearing a bandada to tame his long brunette locks, Mario looked every inch the hunk as he exhibited his gym-honed frame.

He utilised one inked arm to keep his girlfriend close - and it wasn't difficult to see why he was marking his territory.

Smitten display: The pair have been lining Instagram with stunning photos from their Caribbean getaway

Becky flaunted her impossibly flat stomach and long legs in the black bikini, which boasted white detailing.

Adding a casual element to the ensemble, the brunette covered up slightly with an oversized-white tee, which was unbuttoned down the front.

The pair have been lining Instagram with stunning photos of their sun-kissed getaway.

The couple's loved-up display comes in light of reports that the hunk may be gearing up to get down on one knee and ask Becky to be his wife, years after popping the question to Lucy on TOWIE.

'Barbados with my best friend': Mario Falcone displayed his ripped physique as he cosied up alongside his girlfriend Becky Miesner on Instagram on Wednesday

A source recently told The Sun: 'Mario is crazy about Becky and she feels the same way. He has been planning to propose to her and can't wait to show the world how serious he is.'

Meanwhile Becky herself appears equally as smitten with the reality star - referring to him as the 'best boyfriend ever' and the 'love of her life' on her Instagram page in recent weeks.

Mario had previously teased at an engagement with the beauty, after he posted a video of Becky dancing on his Twitter page.

Reality star: Mario soared to fame when he entered the ITVBe show as Lucy Mecklenburgh's boyfriend in 2011 before becoming a central character once he split from the health guru after she cheated on him with Mark Wright

Gushing of his girl in the caption, he wrote to fans: 'I truly hope and pray I marry this girl one day!'

Mario went public with the make-up artist last year, and the pair have since moved in together. In a recent interview with Star magazine, the tailor even admitted that he is keen to start a family with Becky - confessing he had 'never felt that way' before.

He admitted to the publication: 'I can't stand to think about upsetting her like I have with other girls in the past. I can see us having kids and getting engaged, which I have never felt before.'
For almost four years, fans of First Dates have watched a stream of potential couples enjoy either revel in a romantic match or endure huge disappointment over a meal.

And now the Channel 4 hit is set to make its debut in the US next month, with Hollywood stars Drew Barrymore and Ellen DeGeneres serving as producers.

TV host and comedienne Ellen took to Twitter to share a link to a trailer of the new NBC show, which promises just as much fun and awkwardness as the British original.

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Stepping up to the plate: Ellen DeGeneres, left, and Drew Barrymore, right, have signed up to produce a US version of the hit UK reality show First Dates

Actress Drew has signed up to serve as narrator, taking over duties from the UK's Brian Protheroe on the show, which will be shot at an upscale restaurant in Chicago.

This means that Fred Sirieix, who serves as maitre d' at central London's Paternoster Chop House restaurant will not be a part of the cast across the Atlantic.

In the trailer, a host of romantic hopefuls are seen meeting over dinner as they attempt - with varying degrees of success - to woo each other.

Say it with flowers: In a trailer shared by Ellen this week, potential couples are seen meeting

Upscale eatery: The action takes place at an upscale Chicago restaurant with new wait staff

Sealed with a kiss: Two budding lovebirds are seen enjoying quite the end to their meal

With hidden cameras placed all over the establishment to catch the action, a woman is seen making a beeline for the restroom, where she complains on her phone that she 'hates' the man she is on a date with.

Barnaby Coughlin, who serves as executive producer on the show, recently told the Daily Mail: 'We get a lot of people on First Dates who wouldnt normally be on TV.

'The characters were drawn to are those that are there for a reason, and we only want people on the show who we feel we can help, real people.

Butter fingers: One dater showed he wasn't so smooth after all, as he knocked over a glass

Cam: Like the British original, cameras will be placed all over the restaurant to catch the action

Coy: Toward the end of the trailer, the couples are seen coyly assessing their first dates

Maitre d' Fred Sirieix on why he loves First Dates My favourite moment is when people come through the door and set eyes on each other. That is where the story unfolds. Even though you have an indication of whether it may work, the human heart is such that you never know whats truly going on inside it. Advertisement

'We had one man called Derek who worked in the City but couldnt take the rat race, so moved back to Chichester and used to sit at home and watch First Dates.

'He found it hard to talk to anyone and couldnt get a girlfriend, but he saw that we genuinely care about the people we feature, so he applied and we helped him find a date. It didnt work out but its the first step, right?'

He also admitted to getting quite emotional through his work, saying: 'I get choked up a lot. I remember a lovely 82-year-old man called Terence who talked about how his wife died.

'He had been in the RAF so was away a lot and he said, "I never told her I loved her enough and Ill always regret it." He welled up and I started welling up, too.

'Im married and when Im in the edit, I text my partner things such as, "By the way, I really love you and Ill never cheat. OK, bye!"'

The US version of First Dates is set to debut on NBC on April 7th.

Not amused: Another woman is seen retreating to the restroom to declare she 'hates' her date

Varied: Like the UK show, there appear to be as many disastrous dates as successful ones
He became a father for the seventh time five months ago, when fourth wife Kayte, 36, welcomed her third child.

Which explains why Kelsey Grammer, 62, was beaming from ear-to-ear as he arrived at celebrity eatery Craig's in Los Angeles with his beautiful English wife on Wednesday evening.

The Frasier star and former flight attendant got married in 2011 and have three children together - most recently welcoming a son, Auden, last November.

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Blissful domesticity: Kelsey Grammer, 62, beamed as he left celebrity eatery Craig's in Los Angeles with his beautiful English wife Kayte, 36, on Wednesday

Love at last: The Frasier star and former flight attendant got married in 2011 and have three children together - most recently welcoming a son, Auden, last November

The actor - who reportedly earned around $1 million an episode when Frasier hit its peak popularity - looked dapper in his smart charcoal grey suit and crisp white shirt.

Carrying a jumper over one arm, the Cheers star beamed and chatted for cameras, while Kayte smiled politely.

The British beauty wore her platinum blonde locks long and straight and sported a new fringe which framed her fresh face.

Teaming her billowing-sleeved light pink floral frock with high tan heels, Kayte showed off her enviably toned legs.

Gorgeous: The British beauty wore her platinum blonde locks long and straight and sported a new fringe which framed her fresh face

The acclaimed star, who has won five Emmys and three Golden Globes, has seven children with five different women.

But, after a turbulent family life which includes losing his father at the tender age of 13 and suffering through his sister Karen's murder, Kelsey seems to have found happiness at last.

He lives between New York and Los Angeles with Kate and their three children Faith, Kelsey Gabriel and Auden.

Suave: The actor - who reportedly earned around $1 million an episode when Frasier hit its peak popularity - looked dapper in his smart charcoal gray suit and crisp white shirt

The actor's first marriage to dance teacher Doreen Alderman produced a now 33-year-old daughter called Spencer Grammer.

In 1992, the Cheers actor and a hair and make-up stylist called Barrie Buckner had a daughter called Kandace Greer Grammer, who acts under her middle and surname.

Playboy model Camille Donatacci, who's since gone on to be a Real Housewife Of Beverly Hills, was his third wife.

The couple had two children together, a 15-year-old daughter called Mason and a 12-year-old son called Jude.

Coupled up: Carrying a jumper over one arm, the Cheers star beamed and chatted for cameras, while Kayte smiled primly
He was left 'fighting for his life' following a heart attack last August.

And Richard Wilson, 80, was looking happy and healthy as he stepped out in London on Thursday, enjoying a casual outing.

The One Foot In The Grave star, who has been taking it easy since the incident, was aided by a walking stick as he strolled along.

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Road to recovery: One Foot In The Grave's Richard Wilson, 80, was aided by a walking stick as he was pictured looking happy and healthy after he was left 'fighting for his life' following a heart attack last August

The TV favourite as spotted out and about in North London with the help of a walking stick.

Wrapped up in a bright red padded jacket, the veteran comedic performer wore a scarf around his neck, and sported a purple jumper underneath.

He kept things comfy in a pair of loose slacks and trainers, and donned a pair of shades to avoid squinting his way through the sunny London spring weather.

He looked wonderfully healthy and smiled to himself has he crossed the street.

Back on his feet: The Victor Meldrew actor was spotted out and about in North London with the help of a walking stick

The accident occurred right before he was due to bring Victor Meldrew back for a one man show at the Edinburgh Festival.

Fans were eagerly anticipating the one man show, given the fact that they never thought they'd see Victor alive again thanks to his One Foot In The Grave death.

But the sad turn of events saw the show cancelled, with Richard instead rushed to hospital after suffering a cardiac arrest.

Veteran Scottish actor Richard Wilson, who was born in Greenock, Renfrewshire, is believed to be in a stable condition in hospital after suffering cardiac arrest

At the time, a source told The Sun: 'Richard had a really nasty fall and hit his head.

'He was on life support in the hospital in the intensive care unit. Hes stable but very ill and in a serious condition. Its been a very difficult time for his friends and family.'

His 86-year-old sister Moira told the Mirror: 'I am praying hes OK. We havent seen each other. I cant travel.'

Richard, who was born in Greenock, Renfrewshire, had recently revealed he originally turned down his most famous role, playing Victor Meldrew in One Foot In The Grave.

The Scottish actor made his name playing the cantankerous protagonist but said he had to be talked into it because he thought he was too young for the part.

He told Radio Times: 'I was in my early 50s and Victor was 60. I turned it down.

'I think Les Dawson was being considered. A very funny man but I don't know if he could have played Victor.'

Producer/director Susan Belbin continued to pursue Wilson and, after reading more scripts, he was convinced.

He went on to play the pensioner at war with middle-class suburbia for five series from 1990 to 1995, before returning for a final run in 2000.

His 12-night run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival was due to start on a matter of days before the heart attack took place.

But concerns about his health were raised when it emerged he had pulled out of the run of shows, with his agent then confirming he had been taken ill.

Wilson had planned to re-create writer David Renwick's script for a 1993 episode called The Trial, which sees Victor waiting in the house, on a rainy day, on call for jury duty.

Half an hour with Victor would have been followed by half an hour with Wilson himself, answering questions from the audience.

The actor promised fans that the OAP - known for the catchphrase 'I don't believe it!' - would not have mellowed with age.

He said: 'I think Victor is around 80 now. But I am playing him roughly 74.

'He has not changed one bit. In fact, it's quite hard to get back to my normal, affable, lovable self after being him, even for half an hour.'
Mel Greig has publicly thanked The Project's Carrie Bickmore for cancelling her 2012 interview about the Royal Prank incident because of her concern for the former 2Day FM star's mental health.

During an appearance on the Channel Ten show on Thursday, the 34-year-old expressed her gratitude to Logie-winner Carrie, while also speaking about her Troll Free Day campaign and online bullying.

The Project had been granted a sit-down interview with Mel after the scandal in December 2012, but it was cancelled on compassionate grounds, with a producer claiming the presenters were 'not comfortable' because she was 'too upset'.

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'Thank you': Mel Greig (pictured) has publicly thanked The Project's Carrie Bickmore for cancelling her 2012 interview about the Royal Prank incident because of her concern for the former 2Day FM star's mental health

'I have to say Carrie, thank you to you,' began Mel in an emotional speech.

'A couple of days after the prank call, The Project were offered an interview and you turned it down because you were worried about my mental health when not many people were.

'I was broken, I was absolutely broken and shouldn't have been doing interviews. I shouldn't have been out of bed.'

Carrie responded: 'We could see you were struggling. I was concerned for your mental health.

'I was concerned for your mental health': The Project had been granted a sit-down interview with Mel after the scandal in December 2012, but it was cancelled on compassionate grounds, with a producer claiming the presenters were 'not comfortable' because she was 'too upset'

'It's hard, the public persona, what you see across the media is not what's going home behind closed doors.'

Carrie concluded: 'It's great to see you are back to feeling happy and confident and able to talk about it.'

Mel then spoke about her dramatic confrontation with an online troll who wished death upon her own mother over Twitter.

'It's great to see you are back to feeling happy and confident and able to talk about it': Carrie was pleased to see Mel speaking about her experience with online trolls

'He was quite shocked by the end of that, to realise that I was in fact a human being': Mel also spoke about confronting an online bully who wished death upon her mother

The emotional radio host said: 'One tweet said, "Eye for an eye. I am going to kill you and then I'm going to kill your mum". That made me think that's not an opinion, that's abuse. That's the difference with trolling.'

She then played an audio clip of herself confronting an internet troll.

'He was quite shocked by the end of that, to realise that I was in fact a human being,' Mel said.

'Through the whole Royal prank people forgot that I was human, too. I was going through a deep depression': Mel spoke candidly about the Royal Prank scandal that changed her life

Flashback: Mel was in an emotional state after the infamous Royal Prank but still took part in several TV interviews, including A Current Affair (pictured), but The Project did not take part

'In fact, through the whole Royal prank people forgot that I was human, too. I was going through a deep depression.'

In December 2012, Mel and fellow 2Day FM co-host Michael Christian posed as the Queen and Prince Charles as part of a prank to gain information about the Duchess of Cambridge during her stay at The Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital in Paddington, before the birth of Prince George.

Jacintha Saldana was the nurse who took the call at King Edward Hospital in London, taking her life two days later and mentioning the Australian radio hosts in a note she left behind.
She always loves spending time with her two children.

And on Thursday night, Roxy Jacenko stayed up late with her young son Hunter - who presumably couldn't sleep.

The three-year-old's normal bedtime is 7:30pm, but he was still up at 10.35pm watching Bubble Guppies cartoons with mum Roxy.

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Staying up? Roxy Jacenko stayed up late with her young son Hunter on Thursday night, who presumably couldn't sleep

As expected, social media enthusiast Roxy shared some photos of their late night shenanigans to Instagram.

In the first photo, which showed the mother-son duo under the sheets, she wrote: 'What 7.30pm bed time?'

In the next photo, posted later in the night, she wrote: 'Mother of the year. 10.35pm = bubble guppies.'

Up late: The three-year-old's normal bedtime is 7:30pm, but the youngster was still up at 10.35pm watching Bubble Guppies cartoons with mum Roxy

Roxy's husband Oliver Curtis was sent to jail for insider trading in June last year. It is expected he will serve 12 months in prison.

And rumours surrounding their marriage continue to plague the PR queen, who told Mia Freedman's No Filter podcast she is 'still angry' at her husband's crime.

The 36-year-old also spoke about the couple's children - Pixie, five, and Hunter - saying 'they shouldnt have to be in this situation.'

'(The children) shouldnt have to be in this situation': Roxy recently spoke about family life after her husband Oliver Curtis was sentenced to jail for insider trading in June last year

'I wouldnt have had children until this situation was sorted out, because its not right': Roxy even claimed she would have waited to have children if she knew Oliver would serve jail time

'If I had the choice, I probably wouldve done things very differently,' the founder of Sweaty Betty PR claimed.

'I wouldnt have had children until this situation was sorted out, because its not right.

'I would forego my own happiness for my children's happiness,' she added.
They have been blazing the promotional trail in recent weeks.

And leading lady Rebecca Ferguson continued to pull it out of the sartorial bag at the London photocall for new sci-fi thriller Life, where she was joined by her co-stars Jake Gyllenhaal and Ariyon Bakare.

The 33-year-old Girl On The Train star looked sensational in a textured monochrome gown with a high-neck and thick white collar paired with staggering heels while her handsome colleague, 36, was typically low-key.

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Happy pair: Leading lady Rebecca Ferguson continued to pull it out of the sartorial bag at the London photocall for new sci-fi thriller Life, where she was joined by her co-stars Jake Gyllenhaal and Ariyon Bakare

Rebecca has been turning out perfectly at every oppurtunity as she once again cut an extremely graceful figure at the promotional event.

Her ankle-skimming gown boasted an intricate black and white lace detail with the biased cut nipping in at her waist and extending into a flicked hem.

The polo-neck style collar helped highlight her lithe and elegant frame while she highlighted the details by scraping her hair into a severe chignon.

She gave a splash of colour to the look with a slick of red lipstick while the rest of her make-up was kept minimal and dewy.

The group: The 33-year-old Girl On The Train star looked sensational in a textured monochrome gown with a high-neck and thick white collar paired with staggering heels while her handsome colleague, 36, was typically low-key

Sensational display: Her ankle-skimming gown boasted an intricate black and white lace detail with the biased cut nipping in at her waist and extending into a flicked hem

Out and a pout: She gave a splash of colour to the look with a slick of red lipstick while the rest of her make-up was kept minimal and dewy

Nailing her attention to detail, she sported chunky gold bracelets by luxury jewellers Pomellato.

Jake looked typically handsome in a black crew neck T-shirt layered beneath a blazer while given a cutting edge feel with the battered boots and jeans.

Ariyon was more smartly turned out as he wore a sharp blue suit with a black polo shirt worn underneath - making for the perfect blend of smart and casual.

Earlier in the day Jake was seen heading out in the capital in a cardigan paired with movie star-worthy sunglasses and a generous smattering of facial hair.

Dashing:Jake looked typically handsome in a black crew neck T-shirt layered beneath a blazer while given a cutting edge feel with the battered boots and jeans

Out and a pout: Earlier in the day Jake was seen heading out in the capital in a cardigan paired with movie star-worthy sunglasses and a generous smattering of facial hair

Not here! Noticeably absent from the photocall was Ryan Reynolds - who plays Roy Adams - after he was forced to pull out of an appearance on The One Show on Wednesdayafter a heavy snow storm left him stranded in New York

Noticeably absent from the photocall was Ryan Reynolds - who plays Roy Adams - after he was forced to pull out of an appearance on The One Show on Wednesdayafter a heavy snow storm left him stranded in New York.

The Critics Choice Awards winner, 40, was caught up in Storm Stella, forcing his co-stars Jake and Rebecca to go on without him as they promoted their new film, Life.

It was down to hosts Matt Baker and Michelle Ackerley to break the bad news, as they explained: 'We must say hello to your co-star Ryan Reynolds who was meant to be with us today, wasn't he? But unfortunately he's been caught up in that storm in the East coast.'

Cornered:The Critics Choice Awards winner, 40, was caught up in Storm Stella, forcing his co-stars Jake and Rebecca to go on without him as they promoted their new film, Life

Out now! The movie's first trailer was released by Sony Pictures last month, giving fans a first look at the Sci-fi thriller due out later this year

Up and away: Jake and Ryan play astronauts who are a part of a team of scientists aboard the International Space Station who fight to save Earth from an evolving life form on Mars

The movie's first trailer was released by Sony Pictures last month, giving fans a first look at the Sci-fi thriller due out later this year.

Jake and Ryan play astronauts who are a part of a team of scientists aboard the International Space Station who fight to save Earth from an evolving life form on Mars.

The pair star alongside Ariyon Bakare, Rebecca Ferguson as well as Hiroyuki Sanada and Olga Dihovichnaya. It's set directed by Daniel Espinosa and written by Deadpool screenwriters Paul Wernick and Rhett Reese.

The highly-awaited flick is set to hits theatres on March 24.
She's no stranger to dealing with attention from male admirers.

And Holly Willouhgby had to fend off the affections of lovestruck Starsky & Hutch star Paul Michael Glaser, 73, on Thursday's installment of This Morning.

The presenter, 36, caught the eye of the Hollywood star, who moved over to sit beside the beautiful blonde, much to everyone's amusement.

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He's a fan! Holly Willouhgby had to fend off the affections of lovestruck Starsky & Hutch star Paul Michael Glaser, 73, on Thursday's installment of This Morning

Rather forward: Perching himself next to Holly, he reached out to touch her hand, saying,'Ive dreamt of this moment for the longest time'

Phillip Schofield kicked off the interview segment with Paul and his co-stars David Soul and Antonio Fargas by announcing to viewers: 'Paul Michael Glaser who is flirting with Holly like I have never seen before...'

The cheeky chap replied: 'Well, you only live once!'

The mother-of-three - who is loved-up with husband Dan Baldwin - looked mildly terrified as Paul leaped out of his seat and declared, 'Now weve got that out of the way, Im gonna have a seat over there because that blonde... (whistles)

Phillip Schofield announced to viewers: 'Paul Michael Glaser who is flirting with Holly like I have never seen before

Three's a crowd: While Phil looked on in glee, Holly launched into nervous giggles, doing her best to remain professional

Flirting up a storm: The mother-of-three - who is loved-up with husband Dan Baldwin - looked mildly terrified as Paul leaped out of his seat

Perching himself next to Holly, he reached out to touch her hand, saying,'Ive dreamt of this moment for the longest time.'

While Phil looked on in glee, Holly launched into nervous giggles, doing her best to remain professional.

The Starsky & Hutch trio, who have reunited for ComicCon in Liverpool, discussed the longevity of the 1970s crime series.

Full line-up: Paul Michael Glaser, David Soul and Antonio Fargas appeared on the show

Firm friends: The Starsky & Hutch trio, who have reunited for ComicCon in Liverpool, discussed the longevity of the 1970s crime series

Back in the day: The actors pictured on the show's set in 1975, with David (left) as Kenneth 'Hutch' Hutchinson and Paul as David Michael Starsky

Paul enthused: 'It's interesting how the show has migrated across the generations.'

David, who is now based in the UK, enthused: 'In the 70s there were only three television channels so it became part of the family.'

Things were equally awkward as the interview drew to a close, with Paul interrupting Holly and Phil as they attempted to close the show.

'Wait a second - we were supposed to say some other stuff!', he said, before turning to Holly and declaring, 'We wanted to say it to you though... to YOU.'

He was then seen walking off set as the credits played, much to everyone's amusement.

Paul enthused: 'It's interesting how the show has migrated across the generations'

Rounding it up: Things were equally awkward as the interview drew to a close, with Paul interrupting Holly and Phil as they attempted to close the show
Kris Smith claimed he was 're-connecting' with an ex-girlfriend while on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!, later confirming he was talking about Maddy King.

But after the Myer ambassador, 38, was spotted with his co-star Tegan Martin in Sydney earlier this week, he sparked rumours of a new romance.

However, speaking to Daily Mail Australia before taking to the runway at Myer's fashion show on Thursday, Kris clarified that the pair were just 'friends'.

'No marriage, no nothing else': Kris Smith denied rumours he 'secretly married' and also said he is just 'friends' with Tegan Martin after they were spotted together in Sydney

He explained the pair have been 'friends' since the blonde competed in Miss Universe in 2014.

Tegan and Kris were pictured grabbing coffee together at the upscale Indigo cafe in Sydney's Double Bay on Monday.

'It was as simple and innocent as "Do you want to catch up for coffee?" and "How are you surviving on the outside?"' Kris said.

'It was as simple and innocent as, "Do you want to catch up for coffee?"': Kris claimed he has been friends with Tegan since 2014 and they are not romantically involved

The male model claimed his intention was simply to 'congratulate Tegan on a massive effort' as he knew how difficult she found living in the South African jungle.

Kris also dismissed claims he was 'secretly married' as completely false, telling Daily Mail Australia: 'No, definitely not tied the not!'

Rumours of a potential marriage began after Kris was spotted wearing rings on his wedding finger, which he has now explained.

Still on the market! Speaking to Daily Mail Australia at the Myer fashion show in Sydney on Thursday, Kris also addressed rumours he was 'secretly married'

'I can only wear them on that hand': Kris explained he sometimes wears Cartier love rings on his left hand because he can't wear them on his right hand due to surgical pins

'Those were not wedding rings those were Cartier love rings,' he said.

'I can only wear them on that hand because the other hand I broke my fingers and they've got pins.'

Kris laughed: 'There's no marriage, no nothing else. It's a bit boring, sorry about that!'
She was out on the town on Wednesday night, channeling Chinese-style chic.

But on Thursday morning, Kate Moss looked all business as she was snapped leaving her London home in a conservative jumpsuit.

The black ensemble was adorned with a print of simple white/gold squares, which were splashed across the whole outfit.

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In the frame: Kate Moss leaves her London home in a stylish print suit... as her driver carries an encased black and white photograph of her singing

Career change? The model, 43, followed her driver out of the property, who was carrying a framed black and white print of Kate, seemingly singing at a microphone

The model, 43, followed her driver out of the property, who was carrying a framed black and white print of Kate, seemingly singing at a microphone.

The driver strolled ahead of her to the car, where he loaded the picture, as Kate followed, sunglasses on, blonde hair tied back.

She carried a black purse over her shoulder and allowed a slight smirk to creep across her lips as she strutted to the car, followed by another woman.

Businesswoman chic: Kate Moss looked all business as she was snapped leaving her London home in a conservative jumpsuit

Colour block: The black ensemble was adorned with a print of simple white/gold squares, which were splashed across the whole outfit

The look was completed with a pair of gold hooped earrings and she wore heeled boots to head across the gravel to the car, where her driver held the door open for her to get inside, followed swiftly by the female companion.

The British supermodel recently pulled out of her trip to India as speculation mounts that the late George Michael's funeral will be taking place this week.

It was less smirking and more grinning when Kate was spotted heading into China Tang restaurant in Mayfair on Wednesday night.

Ladies first: The look was competed with a pair of gold hooped earrings and she wore heeled boots to head across the gravel to the car, where her driver held the door open for her to get inside

Lady friend: She carried a black purse over her shoulder and allowed a slight smirk to creep across her lips as she strutted to the car, followed by another woman

The supermodel looked sensational in head-to-toe black as she sported an oriental-inspired top with red piping paired with black trousers paired with a perfectly tailored black blazer.

Kate has long been known for her sartorial prowess throughout her near 30 year career in showbiz having brought out an array of her own collections with Topshop atop modelling for some of the world's top fashion houses.

Sheer delight: Kate Moss proves the party never stops as she flashed a Hollywood grin while heading into China Tang restaurant in Mayfair on Wednesday night

The stunning star illustrated her flawless style as she slipped into the high-necked black shirt with red piping and a crossover neck - which gave a hint of a lace camisole from beneath.

While the top was dainty and oriental-themed she added a tough edge with the addition of a sharp suit with an androgynous feel.

The blazer was perfectly tailored to her slender frame to nip in at her slender waist and highlight her famously flawless frame.

Stunning: The 43-year-old supermodel looked sensational in head-to-toe black as she sported an oriental-inspired top with red piping paired with black trousers paired with a perfectly tailored black blazer

Styling: Kate has long been known for her sartorial prowess throughout her near 30 year career in showbiz having brought out an array of her own collections with Topshop atop modelling for some of the world's top fashion houses

Strutting her stuff: The stunning star illustrated her flawless style as she slipped into the high-necked black shirt with red piping and a crossover neck

Kate wore voluminous trousers which slightly drowned her slender legs although she pulled off the look with aplomb.

Her blonde tresses were worn in mussed waves which a section pinned at the front while her make-up was minimal yet striking to show her ageless complexion.

She boosted her height with a pair of round toed heels which perfectly coordinated with her chic black clutch bag.
Carrie Fishers quirky Beverly Hills home has been left untouched since her sudden death, our exclusive photos show.

The Star Wars actress, who died on December 27 after suffering a heart attack, lived next door to her mother, Oscar winner Debbie Reynolds, who passed away a day later, and left behind a Hollywood pedigreed estate.

Her bohemian bedroom looks like it could be from a different universe - with a huge colorful rug and bright bed spread, giant lit-up headboard, chandelier and antique lamps.

Carrie Fishers quirky Beverly Hills home has been left untouched since her sudden death, our exclusive photos show

Gone too soon: The Star Wars actress died aged 60 on December 27 after suffering a heart attack

The home is full of mismatched vintage furniture and collectables, including a huge stain glass window in her living room made for her by a friend in England.

Carrie previously spoke about her 1919 residence in Coldwater Canyon in a feature for Architectural Digest in 2004, saying: 'I had so much stuff, I had to live in a place where it wanted to go. The furniture was definitely in charge of where I ended up. If you can say anything about the house, it's always been playful.'

Her home originally belonged to Robert Armstrong, the ship's captain in King Kong, and the likes of Bette Davis have also lived there.

Carrie, who died aged 60, turned her guest room into a home for wandering Brits, and struck up an unlikely friendship with musician James Blunt, who wrote his hit Youre Beautiful during his stay.

Her bohemian bedroom looks like it could be from a different universe - with a huge colorful rug and bright bed spread, giant lit-up headboard, chandelier and antique lamps

The home is full of mismatched vintage furniture and collectables, including a huge stain glass window in her living room made for her by a friend in England

She fed him soup, watched home movies with him, and even put a cardboard cut-out of Princess Leia outside of his bedroom for protection.

In an interview, she said: 'Hes never been to therapy and I've had enough for both of us, so we started talking quite deeply about his time in the army and the kind of impact that had had. And so on. So I was kind of his shrink/landlady.'

He stayed at the property for five months and recorded in her bathroom, where she bizarrely keeps a piano due to the good acoustics.

Nestled in the hills: The 1919 residence situated in Coldwater Canyon in Beverly Hills

Hollywood icons: Carrie lived next door to her mother, Oscar winner Debbie Reynolds, who passed away a day after her

Security has now been upped at Carries property, which belongs to her daughter, Billie Lourd, while her uncle, Todd Fisher, decides what to do with the home.

A friend exclusively told Dailymail.com: 'There are only two members of staff left, but there is a lot more security and cameras in most rooms.

'Nobody knows what is going to happen to the property, or Debbies, but we would love celebrity tours to visit. They both collected so many fascinating items over the years and had different, unique tastes when it came to decor.'

Debbie once held a huge collection of cinematic treasures, including Marilyn Monroes famous white dress from The Seven Year Itch, and Julie Andrews' guitar from The Sound of Music.

'The furniture was definitely in charge of where I ended up. If you can say anything about the house, it's always been playful.' Carrie said in an interview Architectural Digest in September 2016

She tried for years to have the items put on display in a museum but was forced to part with them before she died, although she still kept dozens of props from movies at her home.

Meanwhile, a public memorial is being planned at Forest Lawn in Burbank, where the pair were buried side by side, giving fans the chance to pay their respects with friends and family.

A source said: 'It was a huge shock when they passed so suddenly and close together, and everyone is still grieving.

'But the family want to organize something special at the end of March for people to pay their respects.'
After months of speculation, Noel Fielding and Sandi Toksvig were confirmed as the new hosts of The Great British Bake Off on Thursday.

The trio will join expert new judge Prue Leith, as well as show stalwart Paul Hollywood, when the series returns to screens later this year on Channel 4.

However, not everyone was pleased the shock new casting, with Bake Off fans taking to Twitter to slam the line-up.

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Surprising new choice: After months of speculation, Noel Fielding has been confirmed as the as one of the new hosts of The Great British Bake Off

One user wrote: 'Noel Fielding is an unfunny creep and he's going to RUIN BAKE OFF. THIS IS THE WORST DECISION #gbbo.'

Others added: 'Is @Channel4 having an early attempt at an April fools day joke? Noel Fielding? WTF #GBBO', and 'Noel Fielding?! Really? RIP #gbbo'

Discussing his new role, Noel - famed for his role in The Mighty Boosh - said: 'GBBO is one of my favourite shows.

'Ive always loved brightly coloured cakes and Sandi Toksvig so this is a dream come true for me! Its basically the double.'

New stars: Prue Leith will be joining the new Great British Bake Off team as a judge, whilst Sandi Toksvig will take on a hosting role alongside Noel Fielding

Returning: The new line-up is completed by returning judge Paul Hollywood

Prue echoed his sentiments as she announced: 'I am just so thrilled to be joining Paul, Sandi and Noel on the biggest show on TV and I cannot wait to see what the real stars of the show  the bakers  are going to create for us.

'It is such an honour to be part of The Great British Bake Off team.'

Another new addition, Sandi, described the new role as an 'extraordinary honour' as she gushed: 'It is an extraordinary honour to part of this national treasure of a show.

The originals: Following Love Production's decision to leave the BBC, Mary Berry, Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc quit the show, whilst Paul decided to move to Channel 4

New face: Noel will take on a hosting role in the new revamped show, replacing Sue Perkins

Out with the old: Sandi will be replacing Mel Giedroyc as one half of the double act

Shoo-in: Prue Leith has been announced as Mary Berry's replacement

She continued: 'Noel Fielding is one of the nicest guys in show business. The first time I met him I felt like I had met a rather wayward cousin whose take on the world made me laugh.

'The only down side is that he has much better dress sense that I do. I spend my daytimes on Channel 4 already so it will be a treat to be there in the evenings.

'I am so delighted to be working with Love Productions and Channel 4 on this best of British show.'

The Mighty (Amouse) Boosh: A look back at new GBBO host Noel Fielding's wacky career Noel began working as a stand-up comedian in the late 1990s

He soared to fame in 2004 when he starred in long-running surreal comic fantasy series The Mighty Boosh

The star is also a talented artist, ans held his first exhibition, entitled Psychedelic Dreams of the Jelly Fox, in 2008

In 2009 he was picked to be a team captain on The Mighty Buzzcocks

In 2011 he founded alternative music band, Loose Tapestries

Noel has had guest roles in The IT Crowd, AD/BC: A Rock Opera and Garth Marenghi's Darkplace Advertisement

Explaining the changes viewers can expect to see, Channel 4 Chief Creative Officer Jay Hunt announced: 'The Great British Bake Off will have a uniquely Channel 4 take when it airs this autumn.

'Paul and Prue have huge amounts of expertise and warmth. Im looking forward to seeing them putting our great new bunch of amateur bakers through their paces.

'Sandi and Noel bring a fresh wit and quirkiness to the tent.'

Great British Bake Off ended its seven series run with the BBC in September after they were unable to match rival broadcaster Channel 4's reported bid of 75m.

Following Love Production's decision to move channels, judge Mary Berry, and hosts Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc quit the show.

Paul was the only member of the team who decided to make the move to Channel 4 with the programme.

Speculation as to who the new host could be has been rife for months, but Prue was named of the frontrunners from the start.

Ahead of the announcement, Prue told the Daily Mail that she was terrified of 'doing a Chris Evans' but admitted she would love the chance to pick up Mary Berrys mantle.

Reports have speculated Prue was offered at least 200,000 for the role, dwarfing the 70,000 Mary was paid when the BBC broadcast the show.

Unsure: Fans were not sure what to make of Noel Fielding's surprise casting

Referring to former Top Gear presenter Chris Evans' doomed attempt to step into the shoes of Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May, Prue quipped: Its a bit scary following Mary, but I dont want to do a Chris Evans.

She also backed Pauls decision to follow the show to its new home, despite the departure of his co-presenters.

She said: 'I think Paul Hollywood was quite perfectly within his rights to stay with Love Productions. Theyd made him famous, he was getting a decent salary and he was enjoying it.

'Why shouldnt he stay with them?'

Payrise: Reports have speculated Prue was offered at least 200,000 for the role, dwarfing the 70,000 Miss Berry was paid when the BBC broadcast the show

Awkward: Prue revealed she did not want to be like Chris Evans - who had a doomed attempt stepping into the shoes of Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May for Top Gear

On his side: Speaking to the Daily Mail, Prue backed Paul Hollywoods decision to follow the show to its new home on Channel 4, despite the departure of his co-presenters

Prue, who lives in a Jacobean Cotswolds village, was married to author Rayne Kruger for 38 years until his death in 2002.

The grandmothers book Leiths Cookery Bible is revered in the culinary world, and she has plenty of TV judging experience, having spent 10 years on BBC2s Great British Menu.

The author, who founded cookery school Leiths in 1975, received an OBE in 1989 and a CBE in 2010.

She married retired clothes designer John Playfair, 69, last year.
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On the night of the Oscars last month Kathy Hilton tweeted that Jennifer Aniston was 'having a baby girl'.

She posted the surprising tweet as she saw the 48-year-old actress pose on the red carpet and sent Twitter users into a frenzy as they speculated about whether Jennifer was expecting.

And on Wednesday Kathy, 58, admitted her regret over the incident as she enjoyed a night out with pals including Kris Jenner.

'You know what? Well, I made a big mistake,' she told a TMZ reporter.

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Kathy, 58, took a moment to address her bizarre tweet about Jennifer Aniston being pregnant last month. She is pictureed out with pals including Kris Jenner on Wednesday

The actress added, 'It shows you, you shouldn't talk before -' as she grinned and waved.

'I love her though, she's beautiful' Kathy gushed of the Friends alum as she got in a waiting car.

On February 27 Paris and Nicky Hilton's mother wrote': Jennifer Aniston looks so beautiful tonight I am telling you she is having a baby girl. 100/ percent!!!!!!!!!!!' followed by a stream of happy and flowery emojis.

'You know what? Well, I made a big mistake,' The 58-year-old star told a TMZ reporter outside Craig's restaurant on Wednesday (she is pictured with friend Kim Richards)

No baby bump here: Kathy posted the tweet after seeing Jennifer on the red carpet at the Oscars

Bizarre: The 58-year-old made a guess on the sex of the Friends star's baby in the tweet on February 27

At the bash Jennifer showed off her perfect slim figure in a spectacular black gown with a thigh-high split and plunging neckline.

The Friends actress has been hounded by baby rumors throughout her career, and has publicly spoken about her frustration with this fact.

Some of Kathy's followers speculated she may have somehow mixed Aniston up with Natalie Portman - who is most definitely pregnant.

Now that's a bump: Some of Kathy's followers speculated she may have somehow mixed Aniston up with Natalie Portman, who is most definitely very pregnant

While Portman didn't attend the show due to that very condition, she did show off her massive baby bump during Kimmel's special Oscar edition of Mean Tweets.

Nevertheless, Kathy's tweet remained unapologetically in place and unedited for almost a day after she posted it. However the fashion designer has now deleted it.

Kathy celebrated her birthday on Wednesday with friends Kris Jenner as well as Kyle and Kim Richards.
They got kicked off reality show Marriage Boot camp after admitting faking their relationship.

But it seems Tara Reid's friendship with pal Dean May is back on track, as they stepped out together clubbing in the early hours of Thursday morning.

The 41-year old actress puckered up to Dean as they hit Nightingale nightclub together, in Los Angeles.

Casual clubber: Tara showcased her tiny frame, wearing a boob tube underneath fitted denim dungarees

Tara showcased her tiny frame, wearing a boob tube underneath fitted denim dungarees.

She flashed the flesh in the outfit, which she teamed with dramatic blue velvet boots.

Her blonde tresses were worn loose and in a centre parting.

Phoney relationship: She shared a kiss with pal Dean May, the pair appeared on Marriage Boot camp together but were kicked off for faking their relationship

Dean has maintained his flamboyant sense of style, wearing his peroxide locks short, and draping a beige scarf around his neck.

The were axed from Marriage Boot Camp last August producers became suspicious that their relationship wasn't the real deal - after overhearing conversations between the two.

The counselors' suspicions were confirmed when they overheard a private chat in which the duo admitted to being just friends who were chasing fame and money.

Night out: Tara Reid stepped out to Nightingale Nightclub in Los Angeles in the early hours of Thursday morning

Confronted, they initially acted ignorant - with Dean calling the claims 'ridiculous' and insisting: 'We have had a romantic relationship in our 15 years of friendship, of course!'

But they were confronted by Tara, 40, also having given admitting earlier to a producer earlier their key motivation for being there, saying: 'Part of the reason we did the show is he owes money in taxes, and he could use the money, and he wouldn't mind the fame.'

Dean quickly flipped out, accusing his 'best friend' of 'throwing everybody under the bus' - and it soon became clear that even though they are not a couple their ferocious fights were not necessarily all an act.

Faked it! The were axed from Marriage Boot Camp last August producers became suspicious that their relationship wasn't the real deal - after overhearing conversations between the two

Furious: Dean quickly flipped out, accusing his 'best friend' of 'throwing everybody under the bus'

They've obviously made up since.

Meanwhile, Tara has a plethora of film commitments keeping her busy this year.

She is set to star in the fifth installment of her hugely successful Sharknado film franchise, as well as the drama thriller Worthless.

She will also grace the big screen with the flicks - Dark Ascension, Due Justice, Baby Bulldog and Andy The Talking Hedgehog.
Eager preparations for the birth of their first child were put to one side on Thursday evening as temperamental couple Binky Felstead and Josh JP Patterson enjoyed a night out in London.

The expectant Made In Chelsea stars were in attendance as the world premiere of British war drama Another Mothers Son kicked off at Odeon Cinema on Leicester Square.

Sporting a sophisticated midnight blue evening dress beneath a monochrome coat, pregnant Binky, 26, displayed her growing baby bump as she posed for photos.

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Stepping out: Eager preparations for the birth of their first child were put to one side on Thursday evening as temperamental couple Binky Felstead and Josh JP Patterson enjoyed a night out at the world premiere of Another Mothers Son in London

Completing her look, the TV personality continued a subdued colour scheme by opting for tasteful black and white striped stiletto heels.

Standing alongside his on-off girlfriend, 'JP' looked suitably smart in a woolen roll-neck sweater and matching winter coat, offset with a pair of casual slim-fit jeans.

The pair were stepping out just weeks after Binky confirmed they are expecting a baby girl.

The couple's turbulent history has been documented in the E4 reality show, with Binky recently telling Hello! magazine of her surprised pregnancy: 'It's obviously been a huge shock to both of us.'

Stylish: Sporting a sophisticated midnight blue evening dress beneath a monochrome coat, pregnant Binky, 26, looked typically elegant as she posed for photos while making her way across the blue carpet

Finishing touches: Completing her look, the TV personality continued a subdued colour scheme by opting for tasteful black and white striped stiletto heels

Dapper dude: Standing alongside his on-off girlfriend, 'JP' looked suitably smart in a woolen roll-neck sweater and matching winter coat, offset with a pair of casual slim-fit jeans

Directed by Christopher Menaul, Another Mother's Son is based on the real life story of Louisa Gould and set during World War II on the Nazi-occupied island of Jersey.

The story follows the tale of Lou, who took in an escaped Russian prisoner of war and hid him over the course of the war.

Lou is played by Jenny Seagrove, whilst Ronan Keating takes on the role of her brother - the youngest of eight who was looked up to because hed been to Britain to train as a teacher.

She's expecting: Made In Chelsea star Binky will give birth to a baby girl later this year

Discussing the role with Weekend magazine, Ronan said it was the nature of the story that attracted him to the part.

'Ive been offered other things and they havent felt right, but this script is incredible,' he explained. 'Its hard to believe what happened, and that it happened so close to home. Its fascinating.'

Another Mother's Son will be released in UK cinemas on March 24.
She celebrated her third wedding anniversary with Luke Hunt last week.

So it was only fitting that model Samantha Harris, 26, donned her engagement ring and wedding band on the runway at VMAFF's Next launch fashion show this Thursday.

The brunette beauty looked chic on the catwalk as she modelled a white frock, which featured lace overlay detailing and broderie anglais hemming.

Flashing her bling: Model Samantha Harris, 26, donned her giant engagement ring and wedding band on the runway at VMAFF's Next launch fashion show this Thursday

Her look was accessorised with a pair of blue suede heels with tie-up ankle straps.

During the show she also donned an edgier ensemble consisting of an accordion-pleat gold dress with cut-out bodice detailing.

Samantha and her husband Luke celebrated their three-year wedding anniversary a week ago, sharing a never before seen photo of their nuptials on social medida.

Elegant: The brunette beauty looked chic on the catwalk as she modelled a white frock, which featured lace overlay detailing and broderie anglais hemming

Golden girl! During the show she also donned an edgier ensemble consisting of an accordion-pleat gold dress with cut-out bodice detailing

Natural beauty: Her makeup was kept minimal, with just a touch of blush and clear lipgloss

'Happy Anniversary' she captioned the snap, in which she was seen dressed in a white Carla Zampatti bridal gown accented by a black bow around her tiny waist.

The couple tied the knot two months before Luke started a two-year jail term, after the pair were involved in a tragic accident that resulted in the death of Kenneth Lay, 78.

Samantha, 26, posted a photo of the pair on their happy day, smiling into the camera as they signed their marriage certificate.

Lovebirds: Samantha and her husband Luke Hunt celebrated their three-year wedding anniversary a week ago, sharing public displays of affection to their Instagram accounts

The couple held hands as they both gripped the same pen used to sign the certificate.

The brunette beauty revealed to Marie Claire in October last year she married Luke privately out of respect for Kenneth Lay's family.

The Sydney grandfather was killed in May 2012 when Sam and Luke's Commodore crashed into his Hyundai Lantra in Narraweena on the Northern Beaches.

Bittersweet: The couple tied the knot two months before Luke was sent to jail for two years, after they were involved in a tragic accident that resulted in the death of Kenneth Lay, 78

Low-key: The brunette beauty revealed to Marie Claire in October last year she married Luke privately out of respect for Kenneth Lay's family

The court heard at the time Luke was going about 95km/h in a 60km/h zone and was aggressively changing lanes.

Luke was charged with dangerous driving occasioning death and he quietly married Sam two months before starting his sentence.

'Would our wedding have been bigger under normal circumstances? Probably not, but I would have posted a photo or something on social media,' she stated.

'Would our wedding have been bigger under normal circumstances? Probably not, but I would have posted a photo or something on social media,' she stated

The grief from the accident took its toll on her husband, she described.

'We dont talk about the accident much because I cant handle it, but I know he feels deeply for Mr Lays family and always will.'

She recently told The Daily Telegraph her 'dream' is to be a Victoria's Secret model.

'It just looks like so much fun. They always have amazing artists. I hope its an attainable goal,' she gushed.
They've no doubt got their hands full at home caring for their twin daughters.

So it came as no surprise to see Ronnie Wood, 69, and wife Sally, 39, looked in good spirits as they let their hair down at the Roundhouse Gala at The Roundhouse in London on Thursday.

Cuddling up close to each other, the pair put on a cosy display on the outing, where they were joined by Fearne Cotton, 35 - Ronnie's daughter-in-law.

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Chirpy: It came as no surprise to see Ronnie Wood, 69, and wife Sally, 39, looked in good spirits as they let their hair down at the Roundhouse Gala at The Roundhouse in London on Thursday

Sally - who is an ambassador of the Roundhouse - looked sensational on the evening, showing off her svelte figure in a black floor length gown that clung to her slender curves.

Adorned with gold brocade print, the actress ensured she would have all eyes on her as she paraded across the hall.

Adding to the glamour, she styled her raven locks in retro Hollywood waves, whilst she painted her plump pout with a slick of red gloss.

Two's company: Sally posed for snaps with her daughter-in-law Fearne Cotton, 35

Cosy: Cuddling up close to each other, the pair put on a cosy display on the outing

Sheer delight: Sally looked sensational on the evening, showing off her svelte figure in a black floor length gown that clung to her slender curves

Ronnie also looked stylish on the evening, showcasing his usual flair for fashion in a silver suit.

Sally looked delighted to see her daughter-in-law Fearne at the event.

The radio presenter - who is married to Ronnie's son Jesse - looked incredible in a green lace co-ord that flattered her lithe frame.

Gorgeous: Adding to the glamour, she styled her raven locks in retro Hollywood waves, whilst she painted her plump pout with a slick of red gloss

Suited and booted: Ronnie also looked stylish on the evening, showcasing his usual flair for fashion in a silver suit

Fearne in ferns: Fearne - who is married to Ronnie's son Jesse - looked sensational in a co-ord adorned with leaf print that she teamed with red barely there heels

All eyes on her: Fearne turned heads as she took to the stage during the gala

All together now: Ronnie and Fearne were joined by Jeremy Clarkson, Karoline Copping and Jimmy Carr at the star-studded gala event

Loving life: The group were all smiles as they posed for snaps on the night

Terrific trio: The pair seemed delighted to be with Jeremy Clarkson

Loving it: The group were in great spirits on the outing

All smiles: The group kept laughing away on the night

With the charity being close to Sally's heart, the trio had no doubt splashed out on a Gold table for the night at a pricey 10,000.

Silver tables on the night - which did not include the perks of champagne and membership perks - cost 5,000, whilst seat prices began at 500.

During the night there was also an auction, with Ronnie appearing to sell off a guitar signed by the Rolling Stones.

Murder on the dancefloor: There were no false steps on the floor as Sally cosied up to Sophie Ellis-Bextor on the evening

Radiant: Sophie looked sensational in a canary yellow lace dress that cinched in at her slender waist

Cute couple: She cosied up to husband Richard Jones on the night

Sweet: The pair looked in good spirits on the night

The outing would have come as a well-deserved break from caring for their twins.

Ronnie has been doting over his ten-month-old girls Gracie Jane and Alice Rose, who he calls his 'little gorgeous dolly girls' since they were born last May.

They are his fifth and sixth children, but the first for theatre producer wife Sally.

Ronnie already has a son Jesse Wood, with his first wife and former model, Krissy Wood - with his firstborn now married to TV presenter Fearne Cotton.

He also has daughter Leah and son Tyrone from his second marriage, to Jo Wood, and Jamie, Jo's son from a previous marriage, whom Ronnie adopted.

Taking to the stage: Sally addressed the star-studded crowd at the event

Loving it: Barbara Windsor looked lovely in a floral shift dress at the event as she joined dapper Scott Mitchell at the party

Two of a kind: Camilla Kerslake (L) and Chris Robshaw looked in good spirits on the outing

Suited and booted: : Boris Becker payed homage to the 70s with a brown pinstripe suit

Perfect pair: Sadie Frost looked sensational in a satin emerald dress as she cuddled up to boyfriend Darren Strowger at yhe event

Two's company: Sadie posed for pictures with Frances Ruffelle on the night

Gorgeous in green: Sadie looked sensational in a satin green gown teamed with red heels

Sally first met Ronnie just over a decade ago, when she was working at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, but Ronnie was still married to his second wife, Jo, at the time.

He divorced Jo in 2008 and in 2011 they became involved - and tied the knot at the Dorchester Hotel in London that December after a whirlwind six month romance, with Rod Stewart acting as the best man.

Sally gave birth to twins Gracie Jane and Alice Rose - Ronnie's fifth and sixth children, but her first - in May.

To the stage: Jeremy Clarkson appeared behind the mic at the auction

Nostalgic: During the night there was also an auction, with Ronnie appearing to sell off a guitar signed by the Rolling Stones

Careful: The singer was careful to place the prized guitar back in its holdall

All together now: Martin Bayfield (L) and Boris Becker were in stitches on the stage

Getting down: Roger Daltrey put on quite the show at the gala

Jazzy: The star put on a very energetic display on the night

Loving it: Roger Daltrey and Wilko Johnson were in great spirits on the stage

They came under heavy criticism after announcing they were expecting twins at the end of last year, with some accusing the rocker of being selfish for becoming a father at 69.

But his third wife defended their decision, telling Hello! magazine: I do accept this is a shock to some people and ridiculous to others, but these children are loved.

There are other children being born to younger people who arent loved. Which do you prefer?

She also described her husband as 'eternally young' and admitted she's 'not blind' to his age.

Rock and roll: Ronnie took to the stage to perform some hits to the braying crowds

Pucker up! The star got affectionate on stage with Imelda May

It takes two: The pair enjoyed a duet as they took to the stage

He's still got it! The star put on a very energetic display on the outing

Cosy: Later in the night Ronnie posed for snaps with Imelda and Leah Wood

Carr-y on: Ronnie and Sally shared a table with comedian Jimmy Carr

Loving it: Sophie Ellis Bextor looked sensational in her yellow gown as she performed
They are expecting baby number two.

And Dancing with the Star's pro Anna Trebunskaya, 36, was excited to share the news on Instagram Wednesday with proof of her pregnancy test.

The dancer, who is expecting the baby with 38-year-old boyfriend Nevin Millan, captioned the image: 'Well, it looks like @nevinmillan and I will be welcoming another #tinydancer or #littleartist into our family!'

She's pregnant! Dancing with the Star's pro Anna Trebunskaya and boyfriend Nevin Millan announced they are expecting another child on Wednesday

Anna, who already has a three year old daughter with her actor beau, continued: 'Amalya is going to be a big sister!'

The Russian-born dancer's news comes just three years after she welcomed her first child with Nevin.

'It was a bit shocking at first, but I got over that pretty quick,' Anna told People in back in 2014. 'Even though this was not planned, I believe things happen for a reason and it was meant to be.'

It's baby number two: Anna, who already has a three year old daughter with her actor beau, continued: 'Amalya is going to be a big sister!

She further added: 'Ive always wanted to have a baby, but it was never the right time. I guess it was fate - or the universe - telling me it was time to be a mom.'

Anna - who did not disclose the name of the father at that time - promised that she would return to the dance competition show after the baby's arrival.

Millan, 38, is an actor who hails from St Louis, Missouri and who has appeared in small roles in such projects as the movie Being Bin Laden, and TV series True Blood, CSI: NY and Nip/Tuck.

Was #2 planned? Anna, who split from husband Jonathan Roberts in October 2012, admitted that her first pregnancy was completely unplanned

Anna, who split from husband Jonathan Roberts in October 2012, admitted that her first pregnancy was completely unplanned.

The gorgeous redhead last appeared on season 21 of Dancing with the Stars with celebrity partner Gary Busey.

She hasn't been on the series for a couple of years and won't be appearing in season 24 either.
Protesters attend a rally on Capitol Hill where conservative lawmakers voiced their criticisms of the Republican plan to replace Obamacare

US Republicans clashed Wednesday over plans to replace Obamacare, with President Donald Trump and top allies in Congress pitching a health care plan that is staring at defeat unless party rebels' demands for changes are met.

Seven years after Barack Obama's landmark reform became law -- a period when Republicans repeatedly tried and failed to yank it out by its roots -- the House and Senate will soon vote on a "repeal and replace" effort that hangs in the balance.

After facing sharp resistance from rank-and-file Republicans, House Speaker Paul Ryan acknowledged late Wednesday that changes would have to be made to get the legislation over the finish line.

Ryan said he envisioned "necessary improvements and refinements" made to the bill.

A crucial test comes Thursday, when the House Budget Committee votes on the plan. Republican Dave Brat said he will oppose it.

He is one of three members of the far-right Freedom Caucus on the 36-member Budget panel. If the three vote no, along with another Republican and united Democratic opposition, the measure would fail to advance.

Staunch conservatives like Brat hate the new plan's similarities to Obama's law.

Moderate Republicans are nervous that the bill winding through Congress would cause many struggling families to suffer, a prospect highlighted by a damning congressional projection that 24 million people could lose insurance within a decade under the plan.

And Senator Rand Paul, a key opponent who wants the entire plan scrapped in favor of a clean repeal bill, went so far as to accuse Ryan of misleading Trump about what is in the legislation.

Ryan "is selling him a bill of goods that he didn't explain to the president," Paul told reporters at a Washington rally where he urged conservatives to "bring down the Paul Ryan plan."

Trump and congressional Republicans campaigned relentlessly last year on a pledge to repeal the Affordable Care Act -- popularly known as Obamacare -- and replace it with something that lowers premium costs and allows more choice for consumers.

But the solution introduced in the House, already facing united opposition from Democrats, has been eviscerated by some in Trump's own party.

Enough opposition has swelled from Republicans in the Senate, where the party holds a narrow 52-48 majority, that the bill almost certainly will not pass without major changes.

"All of us are concerned about it," Republican Senator John McCain told AFP.

He is one of several senators raising warning flags over the plan's ending the expansion of Medicaid, the health care program for the poor and disabled.

The Congressional Budget Office on Monday projected that millions of Americans could lose their coverage if federal funding dries up for the expansion.

"My state is a Medicaid state, so obviously we have to address that," McCain said.

- 'Catastrophic Situation' -

Trump took his sales pitch on the road Wednesday, holding a rowdy campaign-style rally in Nashville, Tennessee where he warned that Americans were facing a "catastrophic situation" with millions of people losing coverage should Obamcare not be repealed immediately.

"We want Americans to be able to purchase the health insurance they want, not the plans forced on them by our government," he said.

But he conceded that "negotiation" -- even with fellow Republicans -- was the path forward.

"We will arbitrate, we will all get together, we will get something done," Trump said.

Ryan, acknowledging "refinements and improvements" to the bill were likely, meanwhile appeared to reject the prospect of an overhaul.

"The major components are staying intact, because this is something we wrote with President Trump," he told Fox News.

On Wednesday, Vice President Mike Pence headed to Capitol Hill to rally Republicans to the cause in a closed-door gathering.

Freedom Caucus chairman Mark Meadows said the bill needed to be reworked.

"Ultimately it's going to have to be amended in order to gain enough support to get passage on the House floor," he said.

The Republican plan replaces Obamacare's government subsidies with tax credits to help people buy insurance, but critics say the credits are not enough to cover insurance costs for lower-income families.

Meadows said one of his priorities is to add a work requirement for Medicaid recipients.

Several Republicans, including some governors in states that expanded Medicaid, believe such expansion to low-income adults without disabilities gives them an incentive not to work.

Senate Republican John Barrasso downplayed the divisions.

"There's still plenty of time to work on this," he said. "We need to get it right because the status quo cannot hold."
US President Donald Trump tells automotive workers: "We're going to help the companies, and they're going to help you"

President Donald Trump moved to freeze future vehicle emission targets Wednesday, during a trip to the faded US automotive hub in Michigan.

Insisting higher environmental standards hurt trade, Trump announced that targets for 2022-2025 will be put on hold pending review.

"We're going to help the companies, and they're going to help you," Trump said after touring an automotive testing facility near Detroit.

"I'm asking all of the companies here today to join us in this new industrial revolution."

The Trump White House says the rules were issued in an 11th hour move by the Obama administration without taking into consideration the realities of the market, the constraints of various actors in the field and consumer expectations.

But White House officials also admit they have not examined what impact the move may have on exports.

Major markets, including 13 US states -- most notably California-- as well as Japan and European nations have their own emission standards that are often higher than US federal levels.

In a February letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt, US auto manufacturers had asked the new president to suspend the Obama administration's restrictions, saying they could threaten employment.

Trump on Wednesday also told a roundtable of automotive chief executives that he would help them if the relationship ran both ways.

"We're going to do some wonderful work with you but you're going to have to help us with jobs," he said.

Since his January 20 inauguration, Trump has repeatedly indicated he wants to slash environmental regulations, saying they are hurting job creation in the United States.

Pruitt, the former attorney general of Oklahoma, was one of the EPA's fiercest opponents prior to being named by Trump to head the agency.

Last week, Pruitt sparked outrage when he went against scientific consensus in claiming that increasing greenhouse gas emissions were not a determining factor in climate change.
Ivana Trump, the Czech-born former model, skier and businesswoman, married Donald Trump in 1979

Donald Trump's first ex-wife Ivana is writing a memoir about bringing up the US president's eldest three children, slated for release in September, her publishers announced Wednesday.

"Raising Trump" will be a "non-partisan, non-political book about motherhood, strength, and resilience," Gallery Books said. The book is scheduled for publication on September 12.

The Republican's three eldest children, Donald Jr., Ivanka and Eric, were highly visible surrogates for their father during last year's presidential campaign.

While the two sons have stayed in New York to run the family real estate firm -- from which the president has not divested fully -- Ivanka has moved to Washington and continues to play a visible role by her father's side.

Ivana Trump's memoir will recount "the lessons she taught her children," her childhood in communist Czechoslovakia, move to New York, whirlwind romance and her success as a businesswoman, Gallery Books said.

"Every day, people ask me how I raised such great kids," 68-year-old said in a statement released by the publishing house.

"There was no magic to their upbringing. I was a tough and loving mother who taught them the value of a dollar, not to lie, cheat or steal, respect for others."

"She is an amazing mom, teacher and inspiration to all of us. We are incredibly grateful to have grown up in such a loving and close family," her children said in a joint statement.

The Czech-born former model, skier and businesswoman married Donald Trump in 1979. The couple were a fixture on the New York celebrity circuit, before divorcing in a blaze of scandal in 1992.

Trump went onto marry actress Marla Maples, with whom he had been having an affair, but they divorced six years later. Trump's third wife, the current US first lady, is Slovenian-born Melania Trump.

Ivana is perhaps best known for concocting Trump's nickname "The Donald."
US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson (C) arrives at Haneda International Airport in Tokyo on March 15, 2017

The US State Department said Wednesday that it is testing new media coverage rules as its boss Rex Tillerson traveled to Asia with no accredited reporters in tow -- a break with 50 years of tradition.

The former ExxonMobil CEO has kept a very low profile since taking up his position on February 2, speaking in public only three times.

He has not held a single news conference and never answers questions that reporters shout out when he is posing for photo ops with foreign counterparts.

Now Tillerson has angered US and foreign correspondents accredited to cover the State Department by traveling to Asia on Tuesday with just one journalist -- from a conservative publication called the Independent Journal Review.

That reporter is not a member of the group of major US and international media accredited to cover the department in charge of US diplomacy around the world.

Those 15-odd reporters normally travel on the same Air Force Boeing jetliner made available for the secretary of state, with each news outlet paying its reporter's way for a seat on the aircraft.

Asked why Tillerson is breaking with tradition as he traveled to Japan, South Korea and China from March 15-19, State Department spokesman Mark Toner said: "This is a chance, or an opportunity at the beginning of a new administration, to look at outside-the-box -- if I could say that -- approaches to how we cover or how we handle coverage of the secretary."

"It was decided to take a journalist who was not, or from an outlet that doesn't normally travel with the secretary, as part of an effort to include a broader representation of the US media," added Toner, who also served under former president Barack Obama.

Toner insisted the accredited press is not being ostracized and that the 20 or so reporters who traveled to Asia on their own to follow Tillerson would have access to him.

But Toner would not say if the novel arrangement would be repeated or whether the accredited press would again be allowed to travel with the top US diplomat the next time he travels abroad.

The traditional practice has been in place since the late 1960s in the interests of transparency and providing the public with important news.

The State Department Correspondents' Association said it was disappointed at how the latest trip was arranged and expressed hope the department would address its concerns soon.
US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is making his first major foray into crisis diplomacy, visiting a region roiled by North Korean threats

The United States' top diplomat on Thursday reassured key Asian allies that Washington stands with them in the face of the accelerating missile threat from North Korea.

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson began his first Asian tour in Tokyo and held talks with Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida before a scheduled meeting with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

President Donald Trump had caused consternation during his White House campaign by suggesting US allies Japan and South Korea need to do more to defend themselves, but since taking office has been careful to offer complete support.

Tillerson, the former oilman Trump chosen to head his diplomatic team, reiterated that message.

"The US Japan alliance remains the cornerstone of peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region," Tillerson told his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida at the start of their meeting.

But he also stressed the importance of three-way cooperation with South Korea, calling it "critical in particular as we address North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missiles programmes".

Kishida, meanwhile, thanked Tillerson for US backing.

"I highly value the fact that you chose Japan as your first place to visit in Asia," he said, adding that it indicates the "importance" the US attaches to the relationship.

Tillerson travels to South Korea on Friday, before heading to China on Saturday.

There, he will urge his hosts to pressure Kim Jong-Un's regime to halt Pyongyang's nuclear and ballistic missile programs before committing to eventual peace talks.

- Deep cuts -

The tour is Tillerson's first major foray into crisis diplomacy, after brief trips to Bonn and Mexico City, but he has not managed to leave Washington controversy behind him.

A small group of American expats protested outside the US embassy in Tokyo, demanding the former ExxonMobil chief executive respect the Paris climate change accord.

And back home, arguments raged over his decision to break with 50 years of tradition by refusing to allow the Washington diplomatic press corps to fly on his plane.

Some 20 US-based reporters flew commercially to Japan to follow the visit, but only one, a hand-picked writer from a small conservative outlet, was allowed on his jet.

Back home, Trump will unveil his budget blueprint later Thursday.

Former top diplomats have denounced the plan -- which will call for slashing State Department funding by 28 percent -- as a hammer blow to US influence.

Tillerson, while keeping a low public profile, appears ready however to cautiously support deep cuts.

- 'Head-on collision' -

State Department officials insist that the focus of the trip will be North Korea and efforts to rebalance commerce without provoking a trade war with the Chinese giant.

Acting spokesman Mark Toner told reporters this week that efforts to convince China to pressure North Korea were the "looming challenge" in trans-Pacific relations.

"He's going to have an opportunity at every stop to talk about next steps or what we do now, with respect to North Korea," he said.

After Tokyo, Tillerson will fly on to Seoul for talks with South Korea's acting leader, and at the weekend he heads to Beijing amid reports he will seek to finalise plans for Chinese leader Xi Jinping to visit Trump in April.

In a news conference on Wednesday, Premier Li Keqiang said "there are bright prospects for China-US cooperation."

US officials have been spooked by North Korea's accelerating progress towards building an intercontinental ballistic missile that could threaten US mainland cities.

China is perhaps the last country with significant leverage over North Korea, which has ignored several rounds of UN-backed sanctions targeting its banned weapons program.

Beijing shares US concerns over Pyongyang's attempts to build an arsenal of nuclear devices, but has been much more measured in its reaction to the ballistic missile program.

Xi's government is publicly more concerned about Washington's decision to deploy the THAAD missile defence program in South Korea.

Washington insists THAAD is a defensive system deployed to protect the South and US bases, but China fears its advanced radar system undermines China's nuclear deterrent.

In recent comments, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi implied the United States and North Korea were equally at fault and moving towards a "head-on collision".
US President Donald Trump ordered a review of the Obama administration's decision in January to finalize stiff fuel economy standards for the 2022-2025 period

The White House clashed with environmentalists over President Donald Trump's retreat from tough future auto emission standards, with both sides predicting potentially big consequences for America's car fleet.

Appearing in Detroit, Trump ordered a review of the Obama administration's decision in January to finalize stiff fuel economy standards for the 2022-2025 period.

Trump cast his decision as a defense of American jobs, while his new Environmental Protection Agency administrator, Scott Pruitt -- an avowed skeptic of climate-change science -- decried the rules as "costly for automakers and the American people."

But the Natural Resources Defense Council warned the move would lead to a proliferation of gas guzzlers, while Senate Democratic leader Charles Schumer called the decision "one of the first steps in an all-out assault by the Trump administration to dismantle important environmental protections."

Although Trump's action opens the door to a potentially big change, auto industry experts said it is more likely the actual consequences will turn out to be less monumental than suggested by the rhetoric on both sides.

"It's safe to assume, I imagine, we'll have a less strict proposal sometime in the future," said David Whiston, an auto industry equity analyst at Morningstar who predicted major investments in hybrid and more efficient internal combustion technology would have lasting impacts.

"Long term, companies are still going to invest in electric, and plug-in hybrids and hydrogen regardless of what these rules are."

- Big investments -

US automakers have already sunk large amounts into factories and technology programs to meet tough fuel economy standards in America and other key markets, such as Europe and China, the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) said.

"Anything that puts the US 2025 standards at risk carries with it the risk that the US could once again become a relative technology laggard in the industry, with clear implications for US-based companies' competitive position," the think-tank said.

Trump's move on Wednesday concerns a deal originally struck between Obama and many leading automakers in 2011 that envisioned a series of gradual increases through 2025, when average fuel economy would rise to 54.5 miles per gallon.

To meet the standards, automakers have adopted lighter-weight materials such as aluminum and structural tweaks to promote better aerodynamics, among other moves.

As part of the agreement, the auto industry won a promise for a "midterm evaluation" of the deal scheduled for 2018 to assess the standards in light of technological changes and business conditions.

Obama administration officials finalized the review and upheld the standards in their final days in office, drawing criticism from the industry, which argues the rules are costly and out of step with current market dynamics, including the rising popularity of light trucks in the United States.

Automakers cheered Trump's move Wednesday.

"By restarting this review, analysis rather than politics will produce a final decision consistent with the process we all agreed to... for greenhouse gases and fuel economy standards," said Mitch Bainwol, president of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers.

Efraim Levy, an auto industry analyst at the research group CFRA, said relaxing the rules should result in lower costs for automakers that can be passed on to consumers, boosting sales.

- Clash with California -

At the same time, analysts predict automakers will continue to invest heavily in hybrids and other fuel-efficient and electric vehicles to meet changing consumer tastes in an era when companies like Tesla are pushing the envelope with electric cars.

Pressure is also coming from US states that have adopted tough environmental rules, especially California, which has taken advantage of a provision under the Clean Air Act that permits states to set fuel emissions standards that go beyond federal rules.

An effort by the Trump administration to challenge California's authority would almost certainly wind up in court, where it would create a legal quagmire.

"As much as automakers might want some leniency from the standards, they don't want leniency with much greater uncertainty," ICCT program director Nic Lutsey said.

One outcome of the review could be greater leniency in how automakers are tested for fuel economy, he said, permitting more technologies that boost fuel economy but are difficult to account for during the rule-setting process.
Former US president Barack Obama landed on the tourist island Tahiti without his family for a month-long stay at a luxury resort, according to local TV channel Tahiti Nui TV

Barack Obama arrived in French Polynesia where he will spend a month at a luxury resort frequented by Hollywood stars, according to local TV channel Tahiti Nui TV.

The former US president landed on the tourist island Tahiti without his family before going to Marlon Brando's privately owned retreat Tetiaroa atoll, which the Oscar-winning actor bought in the 1960s.

Obama has checked into the eco-friendly Brando resort, whose villas boast their own plunge pools and cost between 2,000 euros ($2,150) and 12,300 euros per night.

No political meetings have been announced during Obama's stay and it is not clear what he plans to do during the sojourn or whether his family will join him.

But the former leader of the free world and his wife Michelle have signed a bumper book deal with Penguin Random House estimated to be worth as much as $60 million.

French Polynesia, a French territory in the South Pacific, is made of more than 100 islands and is best known for the French nuclear tests carried out there up to the mid-1990s.
Residents of west Mosul flee the city on March 14, 2017, among more than 150,000 that have been displaced by the offensive government forces launched against the Islamic State group last month

Iraqi authorities said Thursday that more than 150,000 people have fled fighting in and around west Mosul since security forces launched an operation to retake it from jihadists last month.

The International Organization for Migration released displacement figures on Wednesday indicating that nearly 100,000 had fled, but those statistics included fewer people residing outside of camps.

According to Iraq's ministry of migration and displaced, 152,857 people have fled the west Mosul area since the battle to recapture it from the Islamic State group began on February 19.

More than 98,000 are housed in camps, while more than 54,000 are staying in areas that have been recaptured from IS, the ministry said.

Residents of west Mosul flee the city on March 15, 2017, among more than 150,000 people who have been displaced by the offensive government forces launched against the Islamic State group last month

IS overran large areas north and west of Baghdad in 2014, but Iraqi forces backed by US-led air strikes have since retaken most of the territory they lost.

Iraqi forces launched the operation to recapture Mosul from IS in October, retaking the east of the city before setting their sights on the smaller but more densely populated west.

They have made steady progress against the jihadists, retaking a series of neighbourhoods and important sites including the airport, the train station, Mosul museum and the provincial government headquarters.

But the pace of the advance has been periodically slowed by bad weather, which makes air strikes more difficult and turns dirt streets into avenues of thick mud.
Kim Jong-Nam was poisoned with the lethal nerve agent VX on February 13 in Kuala Lumpur International Airport

Malaysian investigators used a DNA sample from a son of Kim Jong-Nam to confirm the identity of the murdered half-brother of North Korea's leader Kim Jong-Un, the deputy prime minister said Thursday.

The 45-year-old, who was living in exile in the Chinese territory of Macau, was poisoned with the lethal nerve agent VX in a brazen Cold War-style assassination on February 13 in Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

Seoul has blamed Pyongyang for his death, but the North has rejected those claims and has never confirmed the identity of the victim, who was carrying a passport bearing the name of Kim Chol when he was attacked.

Malaysia officially confirmed his identity on Friday, later revealing that authorities used his fingerprints and a DNA sample from one of his children to do so.

Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi on Thursday revealed that the sample was "taken from the son... who is living abroad".

Ahmad Zahid told reporters that Malaysian officials travelled overseas to an undisclosed location to collect the DNA sample.

"The DNA was taken and brought to Malaysia and matching was made and we confirmed that the body belonged to Kim Jong-Nam."

Two women -- one Vietnamese and one Indonesian -- have been arrested and charged with the murder. Airport CCTV footage shows them approaching the victim and apparently smearing his face with a piece of cloth.

Investigators are also seeking seven North Korean suspects, four of whom left Malaysia on the day of the murder. Interpol has issued an international arrest warrant for the four men.

There are fears Kim Jong-Nam's son Han-Sol could be targeted next

The police chief has said he believes they fled to Pyongyang while the other three are hiding in North Korea's embassy in Kuala Lumpur.

Pyongyang has denounced the investigation as an attempt to smear the secretive regime, insisting that Kim most likely died of a heart attack.

The killing has triggered a bitter row between Malaysia and North Korea, which have expelled each other's ambassadors and barred their citizens from leaving.

Kim's wife and children, who were living with him in Macau, went into hiding after the murder. He was known to have at least one son, 21-year-old Kim Han-Sol, who some fear could be targeted next.

In what may be the first comments by the family since Kim's death, a young man identifying himself as Han-Sol appeared in a video that circulated last week. The claim was later verified by South Korea's intelligence agency.

But he did not reveal his whereabouts or offer to claim his father's body, which was embalmed recently to stop it decomposing as it lies in a morgue in Kuala Lumpur.
US President Donald Trump (centre) and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meet at the White House on February 15, 2017

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday he was in discussions with Donald Trump's administration on ways to move ahead with settlement construction ahead of fresh talks with a top adviser to the US president.

Netanyahu also reiterated he intended to build a new "community" for residents of a wildcat Jewish outpost in the occupied West Bank known as Amona, which was evacuated under court order in February.

An Israeli government-sanctioned settlement would be the first official new settlement in more than 20 years and would surely draw intense international criticism.

Construction in recent years has involved expanding existing settlements in the West Bank, with many countries warning it is gradually eating away at any chance of a two-state solution with the Palestinians.

"This afternoon I will meet again with President Trump's envoy, Jason Greenblatt," Netanyahu told ministers at the start of a cabinet meeting in remarks relayed by his office.

"We are in the midst of a process of dialogue with the White House and our intention is to reach an agreed-upon policy regarding settlement construction," Netanyahu said. "Agreed-upon for us, of course, not just for the American side.

"Naturally, this will be good for the state of Israel, since we have not been in these processes for many years," Netanyahu said.

US president Barack Obama's administration frequently criticised Israel over settlement construction.

Obama's White House also declined to veto a UN Security resolution condemning Israeli settlement building in December, deeply angering Netanyahu.

Greenblatt's visit to the region marks the Trump administration's dive into the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which the new US president said he intended to resolve.

Netanyahu and Greenblatt met in Jerusalem on Monday, where the two discussed ways to reach peace and settlement construction.

The following day, Trump's envoy met Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas in Ramallah.

On Wednesday, Greenblatt met Israeli President Reuven Rivlin before travelling to Jordan for a meeting with King Abdullah II.

The peace process has been deadlocked since April 2014 when indirect negotiations led by then US secretary of state John Kerry collapsed.

The visit comes after Trump cast uncertainty over years of international efforts to foster a two-state solution to the conflict when he met Netanyahu at the White House last month.

At that meeting, Trump broke with decades of US policy by saying he was not bound to a two-state solution to the conflict and would be open to one state if it meant peace.

The international community considers continuing settlement growth in the West Bank a major obstacle to peace as they are built on land the Palestinians see as part of their future state.

In his Thursday remarks, Netanyahu stressed his committment to build a new West Bank community for the Amona settlers.

"To the residents of Amona, I reiterate: I gave you a promise to build a new community and I will honour that commitment," he said.

Israel media said the construction of a new settlement was part of discussions on Monday between Greenblatt and Netanyahu.
More than 120,000 Rohingya Muslims have languished in camps since they were driven from their homes by sectarian unrest that engulfed western Rakhine State in 2012

Myanmar should close bleak camps where tens of thousands of displaced Rohingya Muslims have been trapped for nearly five years, a commission led by former UN chief Kofi Annan said Thursday.

More than 120,000 Rohingya have languished in camps since they were driven from their homes by sectarian unrest between Buddhists and Muslims that engulfed western Rakhine State in 2012.

Most are not allowed to leave the squalid displacement camps where they live in piecemeal shelters with little access to food, and denied access to basic education and healthcare.

Myanmar's de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi last year appointed Annan to head a commission tasked with healing long-simmering divisions between Buddhists and Muslims in Rakhine.

"The commission calls for a plan to close all IDP camps in Rakhine state," Ghassan Salame, a member of the body, told reporters at the launch of the body's interim report.

The report also called for the government to ensure "security and livelihood opportunities at the site of return/relocation" for those leaving the camps, including by building new houses.

Rohingya should also be given a transparent path to becoming citizens and restrictions on the movements of those who already have it should be lifted, it added.

Myanmar has long faced international condemnation for its treatment of the Rohingya, who many in the Buddhist majority reject as illegal immigrants from Bangladesh.

The issue has reached boiling point in recent months after the army launched a bloody crackdown in the north of Rakhine after deadly attacks on several police border posts in October.

UN investigators who interviewed escapees in Bangladesh have accused Myanmar's security forces of responding with a campaign of murder, gang rape and arson that may amount to genocide.

Rights envoy Yanghee Lee called the on UN to launch its highest-level probe into the violence, which she said may be part of a government campaign to drive the Rohingya from the country.

But a draft resolution tabled by the UN Human Rights Council stopped short of calling for a Commission of Inquiry into the violence.

Salame said the Annan commission backed calls for an independent investigation into the violence in northern Rakhine in its report, but said anything further would be beyond the body's remit.

It identified three initial camps to close -- one housing over 200 Rohingya along with two others that are home to Buddhist Rakhines and Kaman Muslims who were also displaced in the 2012 violence.

Suu Kyi's office welcomed the report and said it would implement the "large majority of recommendations" without giving more details.
US President Donald Trump vowed to challenge the "terrible" decision to suspend his travel ban, before the Supreme Court if necessary

President Donald Trump braced Thursday for a long legal battle over his ban on travel from six mainly-Muslim countries after two federal judges ruled against the measure, saying the Republican's own comments suggested religious bias.

It was a humiliating setback for Trump, who saw his first attempt at limiting travel from the Muslim world halted by the federal courts last month after it had caused chaos at airports both in the US and abroad.

The White House said the Republican administration would "vigorously defend" its travel ban, after Trump vowed to challenge the "terrible" decision to suspend it, before the Supreme Court if necessary.

"We intend to appeal the flawed rulings," said the president's spokesman Sean Spicer.

The revamped executive order had been due to take effect at midnight (0400 GMT), but a federal judge in Hawaii froze Trump's efforts to close US borders to nationals of Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen for 90 days.

Trump's revised plan on travellers

Trump argues that his immigration order is needed to ensure national security and described the rulings against it as "unprecedented judicial overreach."

The Hawaii ruling also halted a 120-day suspension of the US refugee admissions program.

A second federal judge in Maryland issued a separate, more narrow nationwide block on just the core provision concerning travel from the Muslim world, ruling it would cause "irreparable harm" were it to go into effect.

Trump, who used anti-Muslim rhetoric on the campaign trail in his successful run for the White House, will now have to account for those statements in court, with both judges saying the order raised the specter of religious bias.

- Muslim ban? -

Trump's revised ban signed on March 6 had a reduced scope, exempting Iraqis, permanent US residents and valid visa holders -- an effort by the administration to ensure the order passed legal muster.

The White House said the other six countries were targeted because their screening and information capabilities could not meet US security requirements.

In Hawaii, Acting Solicitor General Jeffrey Wall, defending the government's position, said: "This order doesn't draw any religious distinction at all."

Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson address the media following a hearing about US President Donald Trump's travel ban at the US District Court in Seattle, Washington on March 15, 2017

Questioned about Trump's tweets and statements during the campaign in which he promised to enact a "Muslim ban," Wall said: "There is a difference between a president and a candidate."

But District Judge Derrick Watson rejected the idea that the order was not a Muslim ban, ruling it was plausible "to conclude that targeting these countries likewise targets Islam," given their Muslim populations all topped 90 percent.

The judge said "a reasonable, objective observer... would conclude that the Executive Order was issued with a purpose to disfavor a particular religion, in spite of its stated, religiously-neutral purpose."

He referred to several examples of Trump explicitly framing proposed action on immigration in religious tones, including a March 2016 interview during which the then president-elect said: "I think Islam hates us."

Watson indicated that the court would not stay its decision in the event of an appeal.

In Maryland, US District Judge Theodore Chuang echoed Watson's argument, as he issued a partial injunction on a separate complaint filed by advocacy groups claiming that the amended order discriminates against Muslims.

- Three strikes and you're out? -

Trump, addressing supporters late Wednesday in Nashville, assailed the Hawaii judge.

Demonstrators gather near the White House to protest President Donald Trump's travel ban on six Muslim countries on March 11, 2017

"The law in the Constitution gave the president the power to suspend immigration when he deems it to be in the national interest of our country," he said.

"We are going to take our case as far as it needs to go, including all the way up to the Supreme Court. We are going to win."

The Justice Department called the Hawaii ruling "flawed both in reasoning and in scope."

The Hawaii and Maryland rulings came after a trio of hearings Wednesday on the ban.

In Seattle, Washington state's attorney general filed an emergency motion for a temporary restraining order that would last up to 14 days in order to halt the travel restrictions, also citing "irreparable injuries."

Rights groups and states contesting the ban welcomed the rulings.

"The Constitution has once again put the brakes on President Trump's disgraceful and discriminatory ban," said Omar Jadwat, director of the immigrant rights project at the American Civil Liberties Union.

New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, who has joined the case in Washington state, said: "Today's order by the federal District Court of Hawaii marks yet another victory for the Constitution and the rule of law."

Cornell University Law School professor Stephen Yale-Loehr warned Trump against a protracted battle.

"President Trump and his advisors should think long and hard before trying to impose a travel ban a third time. They may strike out," he said.
Several foreigners have died in India's Goa over the past decade

A young Irish woman who was murdered in the popular Indian tourist destination of Goa was also raped, police said Thursday.

The body of 28-year-old Danielle McLaughlin was discovered naked in a field near a beach in the south of the picturesque state on Tuesday.

"We had sent the body for a post mortem examination. Reports have confirmed that Danielle was raped before the murder," deputy superintendent Sammy Tavares of the Goan police told AFP.

Police have charged 23-year-old Indian man Vikat Bhagat with the murder of McLaughlin, who was from Donegal in the north of Ireland.

"Besides the earlier charge of murder we have also booked him for rape. The accused will be in police custody until March 22 after which he'll be produced in court," said Tavares.

McLaughlin had been celebrating the Indian spring festival of Holi at Goa's popular Palolem beach on Monday night, according to police. Her badly bruised body was found a few kilometres away in Canacona by a farmer early the next day.

Several foreigners have died in Goa over the past decade or so, including 15-year-old British schoolgirl Scarlett Keeling, whose bruised and semi-naked body was found in shallow water on a beach in 2008.

The deaths, many in suspicious circumstances or from drug or alcohol abuse, have blighted the resort state's reputation as a tourist haven.

Last September, two Indian men were cleared of the rape and murder of Keeling, whose death became international news, shining a spotlight on the seedy side of the resort which is popular with Westerners and drawing attention to India's sluggish justice system.
Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas, after meeting Bosnia's President Mladen Ivanic (L) in the West Bank city of Ramallah on March 16, 2017, says he hopes contacts with Donald Trump's team lead to Israeli-Palestinian peace

Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas said Thursday he hopes recent meetings with US President Donald Trump's team lead to "peace" between Israelis and Palestinians.

Trump called the Palestinian president on March 10 for the first time since his inauguration, inviting him to the White House.

"We'll decide on (the date of) this meeting as quickly as possible," Abbas told a press conference at his presidential complex in the occupied West Bank.

Abbas welcomed the visits to Ramallah of several US officials, including CIA chief Mike Pompeo in mid-February and Trump's special representative for international negotiations, Jason Greenblatt, whom he met on Tuesday.

"We have exchanged many ideas," Abbas said. "Our hope is that those contacts result in the end in a peace that is led by the United States and the international community."

The next major diplomatic rendezvous for the Palestinians is March 29, when the heads of states of the Arab League will meet in Jordan.

"All the eyes of the Arab states will be turned toward the capitals of the world, especially Washington to see what can be done by this administration (American) who said it wants to reach peace," said Abbas after receiving Bosnian President Mladen Ivanic.
A Palestinian man and a child are seen in the village of Sair near the Israeli settlement of Metzad

A top adviser to US President Donald Trump met Israeli settler leaders Thursday in an unusual move that may raise fresh concerns over prospects for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The US embassy confirmed the talks between Jason Greenblatt and leaders of the Israeli settler movement took place in Jerusalem as part of the White House official's wide-ranging meetings this week.

The Yesha Council, the main Israeli settler organisation, said it was believed to be the highest level official meeting ever for the organisation with a US administration.

The meeting was attended by Yesha leaders Oded Revivi and Yossi Dagan.

"Representatives from Yesha have met with (former US secretary of state) John Kerry and others on the sidelines of events, but we have not had official meetings like this," a spokesman said.

"The previous administration never met like this."

A US government official said "the three discussed the importance of moving forward, in a tangible way, towards peace between Israelis and Palestinians."

Speaking on condition of anonymity, the official also said Greenblatt "reiterated to them President Trump's previously expressed views regarding settlements" -- a reference to Trump's call last month for Israel to "hold back on settlements for a little bit."

Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank are considered illegal under international law and major obstacles to peace as they are built on land the Palestinians see as part of their future state.

Israeli settlement expansion has been the subject of harsh international criticism, with many warning it is gradually eating away at prospects for a two-state solution, the basis of years of negotiations.

Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas meets Jason Greenblatt, the US president's special representative for international negotiations, at his office in Ramallah on March 14, 2017

Greenblatt, Trump's special representative for international negotiations, met a range of people on both the Palestinian and Israeli side during his visit this week, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas.

- 'Advancing a genuine peace' -

Abbas and Trump spoke for the first time by phone last week, and the Palestinian leader said Thursday he believed peace was possible.

"Our hope is that those contacts result in the end in a peace that is led by the United States and the international community," Abbas told journalists in Ramallah.

Greenblatt met Netanyahu again on Thursday.

A joint statement said they discussed "advancing a genuine and lasting peace between Israel and the Palestinians that strengthens the security of Israel. Toward that end, in addition to discussing how to achieve progress in the coming months, they discussed concrete measures that could help support and advance Palestinian economic development."

It said they also made progress on the issue of settlement construction. The US official said an agreement had not yet been reached.

Greenblatt's visit came after Trump cast uncertainty over years of international efforts to foster a two-state solution to the conflict when he met Netanyahu at the White House last month.

At that meeting, Trump broke with decades of US policy by saying he was not bound to a two-state solution to the conflict and would be open to one state if it meant peace.

The peace process has been deadlocked since April 2014.

- New settlement pledge -

Netanyahu had said earlier Thursday he was in discussions with Trump's administration on ways to move ahead with settlement construction.

He also reiterated he intended to build a new "community" for residents of a wildcat Jewish outpost in the occupied West Bank known as Amona, evacuated under court order in February.

US president Barack Obama's administration frequently criticised Israel over settlement construction.

Obama's White House also declined to veto a UN Security resolution condemning Israeli settlement building in December, deeply angering Netanyahu.

Greenblatt's visit to the region marks the Trump administration's dive into the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which the new US president said he intended to resolve.

Many have questioned Trump's ability to pull off the feat that stumped previous administrations, especially with newly appointed advisers such as Greenblatt having no experience in Middle East diplomacy.

An Israeli analyst agreed that Greenblatt's meeting with settler leaders was unusual, but said he did not disagree with it.

"I think what Jason Greenblatt is doing is to consult with all kinds of political forces," Eytan Gilboa, an expert on Israeli-US relations with the Begin-Sadat Centre for Strategic Studies, told AFP.

"I think it's a good thing he met them. He could have met Hamas as well as far as I'm concerned to see what they think about negotiations with Israel," he added, referring to the Islamist movement that runs the Gaza Strip and refuses to recognise Israel.

Last week, British foreign minister Boris Johnson met with anti-settlement NGO Peace Now during a visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories.

Israeli settler leaders had also called for Johnson to meet with them, but a British embassy official said the brief visit allowed no time to do so.
US President Donald Trump has offered a tough budget blueprint that slashes spending on diplomacy and the environment and boosts defense outlays

US President Donald Trump's proposed 2018 budget would slash funding for science, health and environmental programs at home and abroad, sparking an outcry Thursday among experts who say the cuts would endanger the planet.

The blueprint, which also includes sharp cuts in spending on the arts and foreign aid, has yet to undergo scrutiny in Congress and must be approved by lawmakers before it can take effect.

But environmentalists swiftly lashed out at the plan, calling it "shocking," and "drastic," particularly for the way it trimmed science programs while boosting defense spending by $52 billion.

A key target was the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which would get $5.7 billion, a 31 percent cut compared with 2017 levels. Some 3,200 jobs at the agency would be eliminated, about one-fifth of its workforce.

The proposal called for an end to funding both former president Barack Obama's Clean Power Plan and international climate-change programs in order to save $100 million for American taxpayers.

The United States typically contributes about $4-6 million per year to help fund the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, about 20 percent of its budget.

UNFCCC spokesman Nick Nuttall said "we understand that approval of such a budget can be a long and complex process and we will follow it with interest."

- Zeroed out -

Under the EPA cuts, major programs to restore the Chesapeake Bay and Great Lakes would end, along with a popular program to certify environmentally friendly appliances with the Energy Star label.

Some $250 million in programs aimed at protecting coastal life would be "zeroed out" for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, including research and education run by a program called Sea Grant.

Overall, NOAA could reportedly face as much as a $990 million cut from its annual budget.

"The message the budget sends is that our ocean -- the engine that drives an economy worth $359 billion and supports millions of people -- is simply not a priority for the Trump administration," said Addie Haughey, associate director of government relations at Ocean Conservancy.

US budget wishlist

"It is cutting bone-deep into the lives, livelihoods and safety of hundreds of thousands of coastal communities from Alaska to Hawaii, Oregon to Florida."

Jacqueline Savitz, senior vice president at the advocacy group Oceana, called on Congress to reject the cuts.

"Funding cuts of this magnitude could cripple key agencies like NOAA and the Coast Guard, which would be devastating to decades of ocean conservation," she said.

"These federal agencies, and the budgets that support them, allow our nation's bedrock conservation laws to sustainably manage our fisheries, protect marine mammals and endangered species, preserve marine habitats, clean up oil spills and so much more."

- Asteroid study axed -

The main engine for US medical health research, the National Institutes of Health, would lose $5.8 billion, or about 18 percent, bringing its 2018 budget to $25.9 billion.

Four NASA Earth science missions would be shuttered.

Three satellite programs aimed at studying climate change and oceans would never launch.

The fourth -- a deep-space Earth observing mission known as DSCOVR which was launched in 2015 and was initially the brainchild of former US vice president Al Gore -- would have its cameras turned off.

NASA would also be forced to abandon its plan to lasso an asteroid and coax it into a lunar orbit for study by a human crew sometime in the 2020s.

Otherwise, NASA's budget was left largely intact. It was trimmed by less than one percent.

NASA administrator Robert Lightfoot described the plan as "a positive budget overall for NASA."

But Greenpeace spokesman Travis Nichols had harsher words for the broader White House plan.

"The Trump administration clearly sees corporations as its true constituents, not the people of this country," said Nichols.

"This is a budget proposal that fully reveals the Trump administration's corruption, cynicism, and small-mindedness."

Manish Bapna, managing director of the World Resources Institute, agreed.

"The latest budget continues the administration's shocking disregard for priorities that are critical for people's health and the economy," said Bapna.

Prior to these proposed cuts, international, environment, science and energy programs combined accounted for only three percent of federal spending, said Bob Perciasepe, president of the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions.

"We urge Congress to avoid drastic cuts," he said.

"We should be enhancing programs that contribute to quality of life and health, US economic leadership, and long-term security. Inaction on climate today will lead to greater costs tomorrow."
The World Cocoa Foundation described the agreement as "the first collective industry commitment to specifically end deforestation and forest degradation covering the global cocoa supply chain"

Major chocolate makers, including Ferrero, Nestle and Mars, agreed Thursday a landmark initiative to tackle deforestation in top cocoa producers Ivory Coast and Ghana -- a move hailed by Prince Charles.

Twelve cocoa and chocolate companies agreed to "a statement of collective intent" committing them to work to end deforestation and forest degradation in the global cocoa supply chain, with an initial focus on the two west African nations, the industry announced following a London meeting hosted by the British heir to the throne.

"The agreement... commits the participating companies to develop and present a joint public-private framework of action to address deforestation" at UN climate talks in November, said a joint statement.

The prince told a conference that "the most powerful direct reason for action is that deforestation threatens to undermine the very resilience of the cocoa sector itself, and with it the livelihoods of the millions of smallholders who depend on it".

"I am heartened that companies are undertaking to work up, in full collaboration with host governments and civil society, a joint framework of action to make good on the commitments announced today, in time for" the UN climate change conference in November.

The World Cocoa Foundation (WCF), which held the meeting with the Sustainable Trade Initiative and Charles' International Sustainability Unit, described the agreement as "the first collective industry commitment to specifically end deforestation and forest degradation covering the global cocoa supply chain".

The dozen companies involved in the initiative comprise also Barry Callebaut, Blommer Chocolate Company, Cargill, CEMOI, ECOM, Hershey, Mondelez, Olam and Touton.

"We look forward to more companies joining the effort and are grateful for the leadership provided by The Prince of Wales in convening today's landmark event," said WCF chairman Barry Parkin.
US President Donald Trump speaks on the phone with Russia's President Vladimir Putin from the White House on January 28, 2017

Just weeks into his new administration, President Donald Trump is mired in a political and diplomatic mess of his own making after leveling unsubstantiated accusations via Twitter that Barack Obama authorized wiretaps on him.

The early morning tweets he sent out from his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida on March 4 now threaten to derail the White House's wider agenda and have sparked a spat with close ally Britain.

"Terrible! Just found out that Obama had my 'wires tapped' in Trump Tower just before the victory. Nothing found. This is McCarthyism!" Trump wrote.

"Is it legal for a sitting President to be "wire tapping" a race for president prior to an election? Turned down by court earlier. A NEW LOW!" he continued, accusing Obama of crimes comparable to those of Richard Nixon's Watergate scandal.

The accusations -- flatly denied by Obama -- were at first seen as frivolous, spur-of-the-moment comments after a politically bruising week, which Trump and his team could later retreat from without much damage.

But two weeks later, the White House has doubled down on the extraordinary accusation against a former president despite calls from his own Republican Party to recant and apologize, and despite a stern rebuke from London.

On Thursday, White House spokesman Sean Spicer, defending his boss, cited a Fox News report that Obama had recruited Britain's signals intelligence agency GCHQ last year to wiretap Trump Tower in New York, a luxury office and residential skyscraper that serves as both Trump's home and offices.

In an uncommonly blunt rebuff, GCHQ branded the Fox claims that Spicer repeated as "nonsense."

"They are utterly ridiculous and should be ignored," a spokesperson said.

After calls from British officials, the White House issued a statement saying Spicer had only mentioned the report and did not mean to suggest it was true.

"Mr Spicer was simply pointing to public reports, not endorsing any specific story," the statement said.

- Trump not backing down -

President Donald Trump has accused the Obama administration of wiretapping his Trump Tower in New York before his November 2016 election victory

Yet the White House still has not backed down from Trump's original claims -- nor has it offered any evidence to support them.

The tweets remain online, and Trump told Fox News late Wednesday that he was going to produce evidence -- eventually.

"Let's see whether or not I prove it. I just don't choose to do it right now," he said. "I think we have some very good stuff. And we're in the process of putting it together, and I think it's going to be very demonstrative."

Yet few in Washington are expecting he can do that.

This week, the top four lawmakers in Congress dealing with intelligence issues, Republicans and Democrats, all said that they have been given no evidence to support Trump's allegations.

Spicer, struggling with intense questioning on the issue at each media briefing, has also not provided any proof.

Federal Bureau of Investigation Director James Comey has so far been silent on the issue, but he is due to testify on Capitol Hill on Monday.

- Republicans press for Trump apology -

On Friday, Republicans in Congress, having earlier skirted the issue, showed concern that it was overwhelming the need to focus on major policy issues.

Several called on Trump to admit his blunder and apologize to Obama.

"I see no indication that that's true," Representative Tom Cole told CNN. "Frankly, unless you can produce some pretty compelling proof, then I think president Obama is owed an apology."

"It's inexplicable," said Representative Charlie Dent. "I think he should simply retract it."
Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson, pictured in 2016, has sparked controversy by announcing that the state plans to execute Jason McGehee and seven other death row inmates over a 10-day period in April

The Arkansas Supreme Court on Thursday rejected an appeal from one of eight inmates facing execution next month, as the state rushes to move forward before the expiration date of one of the drugs used to put them to death.

The seven-member panel, by a 4-3 vote, declined to take up the case of Jason McGehee, who was convicted and sentenced to death for the 1996 kidnapping and murder of a teenager. The court did not offer an explanation for its ruling.

Asa Hutchinson, the Republican governor of the conservative southern state, has sparked controversy by announcing that the state plans to execute McGehee and seven other death row inmates over a 10-day period in April.

The accelerated schedule comes amid a shortage of death penalty drugs across the United States, with Arkansas's stock of midazolam, a sedative used to anesthetize inmates, nearing its expiration date.

Arkansas has not executed any prisoners since 2005, and no state has carried out eight executions in 10 days since the US Supreme Court reinstated the death penalty in 1976.

The eight inmates have joined another death row prisoner in challenging state authorities' protocol for lethal injections.

There are concerns that midazolam does not bring about sufficient unconsciousness in detainees, who may in fact suffer severe pain while being executed.

Two of the prisoners are set to be executed on April 17, two on April 20, two on April 24 and two, including McGehee, on April 27.

The prisoners' joint lawyer John Williams on Thursday denounced the "dangerous" timetable for the executions, which increased the "risk of substantial harm already present" in the lethal injection protocol.

"The compressed execution schedule, asking an unpracticed staff to administer this protocol twice a day for four execution days in rapid succession, creates an extreme risk of harm and botched executions," Williams said.
Libyans demonstrate against eastern Libya's strongman Khalifa Haftar and in support of the Islamist-led Benghazi Defence Brigades (BDB), on March 10, 2017 in Tripoli

Dozens of armed factions have battled for control of oil-rich Libya since the 2011 fall of longtime dictator Moamer Kadhafi.

This week, four days of intense fighting saw pro-unity government armed forces expand their control in the capital Tripoli, where dozens of militias operate.

Further east, troops commanded by military strongman Khalifa Haftar said Tuesday they had recaptured two important oil installations seized by a rival Islamist-led force in early March.

Haftar opposes the UN-backed Government of National Accord, instead backing a rival government based in Libya's east.

Here is a run-down of the key militias vying for clout in Libya:

- The west -

The GNA signed a ceasefire deal Thursday ending four days of clashes with rival militias, including groups allied with former prime minister Khalifa Ghweil.

Ghweil was ousted from power when the GNA took office in March 2016 and has refused to recognise the new administration.

But while Thursday's deal has consolidated GNA control over parts of the capital, dozens of militias still operate there -- including several who support Ghweil.

The GNA's main backers in the capital include: the First Force, operating in Tripoli's east and centre; the Deterrence Force, an Islamist group running police-like operations in the city's east; and the Abu Slim Brigade controlling the southern working-class district of the same name.

The powerful militias of third city Misrata, east of Tripoli, also have major clout in the capital.

They played a vital role in the battle to topple Kadhafi and have been influential power-brokers in Libya ever since. They control swathes of the west including Misrata itself and districts of Tripoli.

Last year they formed the backbone of a pro-GNA coalition that ousted the Islamic State group from its coastal bastion Sirte, which they still control.

But some Misrata militias back Ghweil or Islamist militias who follow controversial Sheikh Sadek al-Ghariani, who opposes both of Libya's rival administrations.

- The east -

Troops commanded by Haftar this week ousted the Islamist Benghazi Defence Brigades from two key oil export terminals they had seized in early March.

That puts Haftar's self-proclaimed Libyan National Army (LNA) in control of much of Libya's east from the Oil Crescent to the Egyptian border -- except for Derna, which is controlled by pro-Qaeda jihadists.

The LNA includes former Libyan army officers, militiamen, fighters from allied tribes, and some Islamist fighters.

Haftar opposes the GNA, but for two years his main priority has been battling jihadists in second city Benghazi.

An array of Islamist militias have unified ranks to fight him.

Among them are the BDB and the Revolutionary Shura Council of Benghazi, an alliance of Islamist militias that includes the Al-Qaeda-linked Ansar Al-Sharia.

- The south -

Southern Libya is criss-crossed by smuggling routes for people, drugs and weapons. A mosaic of tribal and ethnic forces are fighting for control of illicit trade and oil fields there.

They include Tuaregs who control the border with southern Algeria. Further east, the Tubu people operates along the borders with Chad and Sudan.

Arab tribes in the region have supported authorities in western Libya but maintain close ties with the both west and east. They regularly clash with the Tubu.
Trapped miners rescued in Nicaragua; 5 remain

BONANZA, Nicaragua (AP)  Rescue workers and trapped miners alike frantically dug away at opposite sides of rock and mud that blocked a Nicaragua gold mine, finally succeeding in freeing at least 20 men. Efforts to reach five miners still missing continued Saturday.

Antonio Diaz said the miners tried to cheer each other up inside the dark, cold shaft, attacking the slide with their picks and shovels by the light of helmet lamps. But after 24 hours, they began feeling hungry and some started losing hope.

"The sadness of feeling yourself trapped in a hole is immense but I never lost hope," said the 32-year-old miner from a hospital bed in the town of Bonanza, near the El Comal gold and silver mine. "I kept thinking I was too young to die and above all, I thought about my two daughters."

A rescued miner, center, is greeted by another miner while being helped by a rescue worker as he leaves the El Comal gold and silver mine in Bonanza, Nicaragua, Friday, Aug. 29, 2014. The first 11 of 24 freelance gold miners trapped by a collapse in a mine have been rescued and crews were working early Saturday to free more, officials said. (AP Photo/Esteban Felix)

He said the miners finally cut a hole through the blockage and started shouting, but at first there was no answer.

"Hours later, someone heard us, and when he answered us we felt life returning to our bodies," Diaz said. "God had answered our pleas to keep living."

Bonanza Mayor Alexander Alvarado, a former miner who participated in the rescue efforts, said it took about 100 men working around the clock to reach those trapped and even then, it took about another two hours to bring the first miner out to safety.

"We kept telling them their families were waiting for them and to know that God was with them and was giving them a second chance in life," Alvarado said.

Two of the freelance miners escaped shortly after the Thursday morning slide, and officials said another 20 were brought out late Friday. Mirta Lagos, an official of the ruling Sandinista Party who was at the site, said five families reported they have a miner missing.

The rescued miners were checked by paramedics and taken to a hospital in Bonanza, about 260 miles (420 kilometers) northeast of Managua. Interior Vice Minister Carlos Najar said they were a bit dehydrated but in good health.

Rosario Murillo, Nicaragua's first lady and government spokeswoman, said all 20 miners had been released from the hospital by Saturday afternoon.

Hundreds of relatives and fellow miners prayed outside the mine Friday night as rescuers lined up ladders along a 300-foot long tunnel leading toward where the men were trapped. The mine cuts into the side of a mountain and then goes upward.

The gold and silver mine is on a concession held by Hemco, which is owned by Colombia-based Minero SA. But the trapped miners themselves are freelancers allowed to work in the area if they sell any gold they find to the firm, mining company spokesman Gregorio Downs told The Associated Press.

Downs said the company had warned miners about the danger of working in the El Comal area, especially after two miners died in a rain-caused landslide there last month.

"We live by extracting mineral from Hemco. They told us digging here was risky, but sometimes one is willing to risk it for a few more cents," said Absalon Toledo, leader of the informal miners.

According to the Hemco's website, the company has mined in the north Atlantic municipality since 1995 and employs 532 workers, who process 700 tons of material a day. The company says it produces more than 2,500 pounds (1,150 kilograms, 37,000 troy ounces) of gold a year and is Nicaragua's 12th largest exporter.

___

Luis Manuel Galeano reported from Managua. Associated Press writer Olga R. Rodriguez contributed from Mexico City.

A rescued mines is helped by rescue workers as he leaves on his own feet the entrance to the El Comal gold and silver mine in Bonanza, Nicaragua, Friday, Aug. 29, 2014. The first 11 of 24 freelance gold miners trapped by a collapse in a mine have been rescued and crews were working early Saturday to free more, officials said. (AP Photo/Esteban Felix)

A rescue miner is carried away on a stretcher as he is evacuated from the El Comal gold and silver mine in Bonanza, Nicaragua, Friday, Aug. 29, 2014. The first 11 of 24 freelance gold miners trapped by a collapse in this mine have been rescued and crews were working early Saturday to free more, officials said. (AP Photo/Esteban Felix)

Miners wait for their turn to help in the rescue operations at El Comal gold and silver mine after a landslide trapped at least 24 miners inside, in Bonanza, Nicaragua, Friday, Aug. 29, 2014. Rescuers on Friday located 20 of at least 24 gold miners trapped by a landslide in northern Nicaragua, but were not immediately able to bring them to safety. (AP Photo/Esteban Felix)

A miner enters the El Comal gold and silver mine to help with rescue operations after a landslide trapped at least 24 miners inside, in Bonanza, Nicaragua, Friday, Aug. 29, 2014. Rescuers on Friday located 20 of at least 24 gold miners trapped by a landslide in northern Nicaragua, but were not immediately able to bring them to safety. (AP Photo/Esteban Felix)

Young miner Leber Vivas Gonzales, 16, center right, walks with his his arm over the shoulders of a rescue worker after he was rescued from the El Comal gold and silver mine in Bonanza, Nicaragua, late Friday, Aug. 29, 2014. Nicaraguan rescuers have saved 22 of at least 26 workers trapped in a mine collapse and were working Saturday to free the rest, officials said. (AP Photo/Esteban Felix)

Margarita Mendez is helped by friends while she waits for news her son Salvador Urbina, one of the miners trapped at El Comal gold and silver mine after a landslide trapped at least 24 miners inside, in Bonanza, Nicaragua, Friday, Aug. 29, 2014. Rescuers on Friday located 20 of at least 24 gold miners trapped by a landslide in northern Nicaragua, but were not immediately able to bring them to safety. (AP Photo/Esteban Felix)

Miners carry a coffin as they prepare for the worse possible scenario, at El Comal gold and silver mine after a landslide trapped at least 24 miners inside, in Bonanza, Nicaragua, Friday, Aug. 29, 2014. Rescuers on Friday located 20 of at least 24 gold miners trapped by a landslide in northern Nicaragua, but were not immediately able to bring them to safety. (AP Photo/Esteban Felix)

A miner takes a break from the rescue operations at El Comal gold and silver mine after a landslide trapped at least 24 miners inside, in Bonanza, Nicaragua, Friday, Aug. 29, 2014. Rescuers on Friday located 20 of at least 24 gold miners trapped by a landslide in northern Nicaragua, but were not immediately able to bring them to safety. (AP Photo/Esteban Felix)
GENEVA (AP) - The governing body of the International Labor Organization, which has taken millions of dollars in funding from Big Tobacco, has shelved a decision about whether to cut ties with the industry.

The ILO body voted Wednesday to delay until November a decision about whether to join other U.N. agencies that have pledged to fight tobacco-industry influence in policymaking.

The Geneva-based body is trying to calibrate its mandate to help ensure proper working conditions, particularly in an industry linked to child labor, amid a broader U.N. fight against the harmful health effects of tobacco use.

ILO has received over $15 million through two partnerships that aim to fight child labor in the industry with Japan Tobacco International and nonprofit group linked to some of the world's biggest tobacco companies.
VACAVILLE, Calif. (AP) - A young sea lion spotted in a Northern California farmland canal was feasting on carp as it made its way home Wednesday, a day after rescue crews tried to get him out to be evaluated.

Dr. Cara Field of the Marine Mammal Center said the 400-pound sea lion spotted Tuesday in a canal in the inland city of Vacaville started heading back toward the Sacramento-San Joaquin River delta.

Field said the sea lion was in no danger from swimming in the fresh water and could survive for years outside the ocean with a plentiful food source.

A sea lion exits a drainage pipe, where it had out in a farmland canal in Vacaville, Calif., Wednesday, March 15, 2017. Marine experts on Wednesday have suspended their effort to rescue the sea lion from a farmland canal because he seems to be headed home on his own. (Joel Rosenbaum/The Vacaville Reporter via AP)

She says he found it: carp. Field says the sea lion chowed down before heading toward the delta and kept eating as he made his way home.

Marine mammal experts had mounted a rescue effort Tuesday to get the sea lion out of the canal but he hid in a cement drainage pipe. They resumed their efforts after the sea lion emerged from the pipe on Wednesday but after seeing him swim out of the canal, officials decided to let it keep going.

"We were prepared to rescue him but the fact that he was swimming with such purpose and appeared comfortable in navigating his way back, gives us confidence he'll be just fine," Field said.

The closest body of water is the Sacramento River, about 50 miles north. Experts at the center believe the animal likely traveled up the river, took a wrong turn and followed a series of agricultural ditches and waterways to get to the canal in Vacaville, between San Francisco and Sacramento.

The mammal, believed to be a young male, is fat and looked healthy and seemed to be enjoying his adventure, center spokesman Giancarlo Rulli said.

The sea lion's swim toward the delta came a day after police officers, fire officials and more than a dozen marine responders tried unsuccessfully for hours to flush the animal out of a drainage pipe.

Officials wanted to take the animal first spotted by an animal services official to the center in Sausalito to be evaluated.

Solano County human animal services officer James Lewis, left, and Adrian Slazar make an attempt to halt the progress of a sea lion in order to wait for the arrival of a rescue and recovery crew from The Marine Mammal Center, Wednesday, March 15, 2017, in Vacaville, Calif. Marine experts on Wednesday have suspended their effort to rescue the sea lion from a farmland canal because he seems to be headed home on his own. (Joel Rosenbaum/The Vacaville Reporter via AP)

A sea lion swims in the Ulatis Creek in Vacaville, Calif., toward the delta Wednesday, March 15, 2017. Marine experts have suspended their effort to rescue the sea lion from a farmland canal because he seems to be headed home on his own. (Joel Rosenbaum/The Vacaville Reporter via AP)
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - There's no sign of U.S. abortion law changing anytime soon, but Alabama wants to be ready if it ever does.

A proposal in the Republican-controlled Legislature would declare Alabama a "right to life" state by amending the state constitution. The House of Representatives will vote on the bill Thursday, and if it passes the Legislature and is signed by the Republican governor, the constitutional amendment would go before voters in 2018.

Opponents believe Republicans are just trying to put a largely symbolic anti-abortion referendum on the ballot the same year lawmakers are up for re-election. But there is optimism among conservatives that Roe v. Wade, the 1973 law establishing a women's right to an abortion, could be overturned now that President Donald Trump is in power.

FILE - In a Feb. 2, 2013 file photo, Montevallo attorney Matt Fridy and his wife, Kim, await election results, in Birmingham, Ala. State Rep. Matt Fridy is the sponsor of a proposal in the Republican-controlled Legislature would declare Alabama a "right to life" state by amending the state constitution. The House of Representatives will vote on the bill Thursday, March 16, 2017, and if it passes the Legislature and is signed by the Republican governor, the constitutional amendment would go before voters in 2018. (AP Photo/Phillip Rawls, File)

Trump has said he would appoint justices open to overturning Roe v. Wade and nominated conservative judge Neil Gorsuch to replace the late Justice Antonin Scalia. Because of the age of some of the justices, many believe Trump may get another appointment during his presidency, perhaps giving the court a conservative majority for the first time in decades.

"We want to make sure that at a state level, if Roe v. Wade is overturned, that the Alabama Constitution cannot be used as a mechanism by which to claim that there is a right to abortion," said state Rep. Matt Fridy, the legislation's sponsor.

The proposed constitutional amendment says it would be Alabama's public policy "to recognize and support the sanctity of unborn life and the rights of unborn children, most importantly the right to life."

Fridy disputed any notion that politics were at play and said Alabama is "a pro-life state." Trump easily won Alabama in November with 62 percent of the vote.

Other states such as Missouri and Utah have approved similar "right to life" measures.

Planned Parenthood representatives said the Alabama proposal is a "trigger law" aimed at quickly changing abortion access in the state if Roe is overturned.

"The net impact is that it would completely outlaw abortion access in the state of Alabama regardless of the situation. It is total ban," said Katie Glenn, the Alabama director of Planned Parenthood Southeast.

Added Nikema Williams, vice president of Planned Parenthood Southeast: "I don't think it can be overlooked that this is again playing politics with women's health to drive turnout in 2018."

The Alabama legislation is backed by Republican leadership in the House and is part of a slate of "pro-life day" bills up for debate.

In the past five years, Alabama lawmakers have pushed a slate of abortion restrictions that have been blocked by federal courts, including a ban on the most commonly used second trimester abortion procedure. A federal judge also blocked in October enforcement of a law that would have banned abortion clinics within 2,000 feet of K-8 public schools.

In June, the Supreme Court issued its most important abortion decision in many years, striking down restrictions in Texas that required doctors who perform abortions to have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals and forced clinics to meet hospital-like building standards. The court held that placed an "undue burden" on women seeking abortion because it would force the closure of many clinics.

In the future, the court is likely to face the question of whether other types of abortion restrictions impose an undue burden. One example: laws adopted by numerous states that ban most abortions after 20 weeks of gestation on the disputed premise that a fetus can feel pain at that stage.
LOS ANGELES (AP) - Former Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca was convicted Wednesday of obstructing an FBI investigation into corrupt guards who took bribes to smuggle contraband into the jails he ran and savagely beat inmates.

The verdict was the 21st and final conviction in a wide-ranging corruption investigation that overshadowed a distinguished 50-year law enforcement career abruptly halted by Baca's 2014 resignation from the nation's largest sheriff's department as the probe spread from rank-and-file deputies to his inner circle.

In addition to tarnishing his reputation as a policing innovator and jail reformer, the conviction threatens to put Baca, 74, who is in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease, behind bars for up to 20 years. He showed no emotion in court as the verdicts were read but struck an upbeat tone outside court.

Former Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca talks to the media as he leaves federal court in Los Angeles on Wednesday, March 15, 2017. Baca was convicted Wednesday of obstructing an FBI corruption investigation of jails he ran and of lying to federal authorities. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

"My mentality is always optimistic," Baca said, reading from notes. "I look forward to winning on appeal."

Baca remained free ahead of a Monday hearing that is expected to set a sentencing date on convictions of obstruction of justice, conspiring to hinder the probe and lying to investigators.

Baca had escaped the fate of underlings indicted in the case until a year ago, when he unexpectedly pleaded guilty to a single count of making false statements to federal authorities about what role he played in efforts to thwart the FBI.

An agreement with prosecutors called for a sentence no greater than six months. But a judge - who has frequently ruled against Baca's lawyers - rejected the deal as too lenient. Baca then withdrew his guilty plea, and prosecutors hit him with the additional conspiracy and obstruction charges.

A jury in December deadlocked 11-1 in favor of acquittal on the obstruction counts after prosecutors decided to seek a separate trial on the lying charge.

Prosecutors pressed all three counts at the second trial, one of several tactical changes that may have made the difference in winning over a new jury.

Two deputies who pleaded guilty in the conspiracy testified at the second trial, putting their former boss at the head of the scheme that included efforts to intimidate an FBI agent who had launched the investigation into civil rights abuses in the jails.

The jury foreman told reporters that there were several "aha" moments in testimony that helped win over four jurors who initially voted for acquittal. The 51-year-old salesman, who didn't give his name, said the strongest evidence came from those in the department who had done the right thing and stood up to Baca.

He cited former Assistant Sheriff Cecil Rhambo, who had warned Baca he would break the law if he obstructed the federal investigation.

The foreman said jurors didn't buy claims that Baca was out of the loop about a plot carried out by subordinates, nothing that "the leader runs the ship."

The federal probe began in 2011 when Baca's jail guards discovered an inmate with a contraband cellphone was acting as an FBI mole to record jail beatings and report what he witnessed.

Word quickly reached Baca, who convened a group to derail the investigation and ferret out more about what the FBI was focused on, prosecutors said.

His subordinates hid the FBI informant from federal agents by moving him between different jails and booking him under fake names. Other department members threatened to arrest his FBI handler. Baca had told them to do everything short of handcuffing her.

"Lee Baca knew what was right and what was wrong," Acting U.S. Attorney Sandra R. Brown said. "He made a decision. That decision was to commit a crime, and he led others in a conspiracy to obstruct a federal law enforcement investigation into what he described as 'his jails.'

"And when the time came, he lied. He lied to cover up his crimes," she said.

Defense attorney Nathan Hochman didn't dispute the efforts to hide the informant and impede the FBI but said prosecutors had presented no evidence Baca gave orders to obstruct the FBI.

Hochman was frustrated in efforts to present evidence of Baca's diagnosis.

There was no evidence Baca suffered from Alzheimer's during the scheme in 2011, and Judge Percy Anderson said mention of it could sway jurors to sympathize with Baca.

Hochman was left to hint at the issue, reminding jurors that Baca was 71 at the time he spoke with prosecutors and wasn't lying but had forgotten details. Baca did not testify.

"The jury is only as good as the evidence it gets to consider," Hochman said outside court. "The jury did not get to consider all the evidence, but the appellate court will. We look forward to prevailing on appeal."

Baca thanked his lawyers, his wife and his friends who stood by him.

"It's just a privilege to be alive," said Baca. "I feel good."

___

Associated Press writers Andrew Dalton and Michael Balsamo contributed to this story.

Former Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca, center with his wife, Carol, left, and his attorney, Nathan Hochman, leave federal court in Los Angeles on Wednesday, March 15, 2017. Baca was convicted Wednesday of obstructing an FBI investigation into corrupt and violent guards who took bribes to smuggle contraband into the jails he ran and savagely beat inmates. He could face 20 years in prison. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

Former Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca, left, and his attorney, Nathan Hochman, talks to the media as he leaves federal court in Los Angeles on Wednesday, March 15, 2017. Baca was convicted Wednesday of obstructing an FBI corruption investigation of jails he ran and of lying to federal authorities. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

Former Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca, second from right, with wife, Carol, and his attorneys, David Hochman, left, and Nathan Hochman, leave federal court in Los Angeles on Wednesday, March 15, 2017. Baca was convicted Wednesday of obstructing an FBI corruption investigation of jails he ran and of lying to federal authorities. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

Former Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca, middle, with his legal team, leaves federal court in Los Angeles on Wednesday, March 15, 2017. Baca was convicted Wednesday of obstructing an FBI corruption investigation of jails he ran and of lying to federal authorities. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
MORGANTON, N.C. (AP) - Authorities say an autopsy is planned on the body of a 3-year-old boy found on the porch of a North Carolina house a day after his birthday.

The Burke County Sheriff's Office said in a statement that a motorist called 911 on Wednesday morning saying a child appeared to be lying on the front porch of a Morganton home, about 75 miles northwest of Charlotte.

Deputies who found the boy's body said the front door of the house was open when they arrived. Sheriff Steve Whisenant said the boy's mother and her boyfriend were asleep in the house when officers arrived.

Temperatures were in the mid-20s early Wednesday.

The boy's name has not been released. No charges have been filed.

A neighbor, Pat Williams, was shocked by the death.

"I was so sorry and I didn't know the family well," she said.

Williams said her children owned the house and had been renting it to the man for about a year. He recently started dating the child's mother, and the two had moved in with the man at the beginning March.

"He kept to himself, and we kept to ourselves," Williams said.
SANTIAGO, Chile (AP) - Tompkins Conservation signed an agreement with Chile's government Wednesday to donate 1 million acres for new national parks in the largest private donation of its kind for the South American nation.

Chilean President Michelle Bachelet signed the deal with Kristine McDivitt Tompkins, the widow of American conservationist Doug Tompkins, who built a legacy protecting threatened ecosystems in Argentina and Chile.

"This is a key step to treasuring this giant source of biodiversity and safe keep it in the public interest," Bachelet said at a ceremony in southern Chile.

In this photo provided Chile's presidential office, Chile's President Michelle Bachelet, right, walks with Kristine McDivitt Tompkins, left, widow of late American conservationist Doug Tompkins in a natural reserve in Chaiten, Chile, Wednesday, March 15, 2017. The president received 407 thousand hectares donation from the Pumalin Foundation, as a donation from Tompkins widow Kris Mc Divitt. (Ximena Navarro/ Presidencia de Chile via AP)

The agreement will provide land to create three new national parks, expand three existing national parks and unite some national forests into two national parks. Bachelet is expected to sign the decrees to create the parks before she ends her presidential term in March 2018.

The proposal will eventually help create the "Route of Parks," a network of 17 parks spanning more than 1,500 miles from Puerto Montt to Cape Horn. In all, the plan ultimately seeks to increase Chile's national parkland by more than 10 million acres. Tompkins Conservation said the area that will be protected is three times the size of the United States' Yosemite and Yellowstone national parks combined.

Tompkins, co-founder of the North Face and Esprit clothing companies, used much of his fortune to buy large tracts of land in Patagonia, a sparsely populated region of untamed rivers and other natural beauty straddling southern Chile and Argentina.

At first, his purchases of land to preserve swaths of wilderness stirred suspicion and opposition by local politicians, loggers, power companies and nationalists who stirred rumors that he was trying to steal water resources. But he shrugged off the protests, insisting he would eventually return the land to both governments to be preserved as nature reserves or parks.

Since her husband's death in a kayaking accident last year, McDivitt Tompkins had been working non-stop to permanently protect from development the millions of acres the couple acquired over a quarter century.

"I wish my husband, Doug, whose vision inspired today's historic pledge, were here on this memorable day. Our team and I feel his absence deeply," she said. "But I know that if Doug were here today, he would speak of national parks being one of the greatest expressions of democracy that a country can realize, preserving the masterpieces of a nation for all of its citizenry."
LONDON (AP) - Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair won't face an investigation into whether he misled Parliament before the 2003 Iraq invasion unless new evidence emerges, a committee of lawmakers said Thursday.

A seven-year official inquiry into the war had cleared Blair of allegations that he had made a "personal and demonstrable decision to deceive Parliament or the public," Parliament's Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee said.

The committee said that several probes into the divisive war don't "provide a sufficient basis" for a parliamentary investigation.

The decision to enter the U.S.-led war was the most contentions act of Blair's decade as prime minister between 1997 and 2007. By the time British combat forces left Iraq in 2009, the conflict had killed 179 U.K. troops, almost 4,500 U.S. personnel and more than 100,000 Iraqis.

The Iraq War Inquiry led by retired civil servant John Chilcot concluded last year that Blair led Britain into the war through a mix of flawed intelligence, inadequate planning and poor judgment. But it refrained from saying whether the invasion was legal and didn't accuse Blair of deliberately misleading the public or Parliament.

The parliamentary committee said that there still aren't strong measures to prevent a prime minister from sidelining senior Cabinet colleagues when deciding to go to war.

Committee chairman Bernard Jenkin said that before the Iraq invasion, "there was a lack of collective Cabinet decision-making, at a time when clear thinking and a culture of challenge was most needed."

"The failure to engage Cabinet on such decisions cannot be allowed to happen again, but there is no mechanism to ensure that," he said.
A distraught widow broke down in court on Wednesday as she described how her husband was shot in the head and killed by a carjacker.

Tearful Jamie Friedland, 30, was the first witness called to testify about the murder of her attorney husband David Friedland, 30.

Friedland went to The Mall at Short Hills in Milburn the night of December 15, 2013 to buy his wife a new computer and phone at the Apple Store. Earlier that evening, the Hoboken couple had dinner to celebrate their wedding anniversary and buying a new condo.

It was while they were leaving the mall that they were attacked.

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Jamie Friedland broke down in tears on Wednesday, as she testified in the trial of a man accused in the carjacking murder of her husband David three years ago

Friedland was with her husband the night of December 15, 2013, when two men shot him and then stole her father-in-law's Range Rover from the parking lot of an upscale New Jersey mall

Friedland says she got into her father-in-law's Range Rover first, and then heard muffled sounds as her husband was going to his door.

She says she thought he was making friends, before she turned around and saw him struggling with two men.

'I saw the taller man who was beside the driver's side door - I saw him put the gun to Dustin's head,' Friedland said. 'And then the window shattered of the car. And then, like in slow motion it played out.'

'You dont know what to do in those situations. It was so fast,' she added.

Basim Henry is the first of the four suspects in the case to face trial. He has been accused of being the getaway driver in the carjacking. He's pictured above in court on Wednesday

Friedland says she comforted her husband until help came. He later died at the hospital. The couple pictured at their wedding above

That man then leaned into the car and ordered her out, so that he and the other man could flee the scene.

'I knew, I just knew when I turned around what I was going to see,' an emotional Friedland recalled. 'I saw Dustin lying in a pool of blood.'

Friedland says she comforted her husband until help came.

'I leaned down, I was on the floor and I was covered in his blood and he was covered in his blood and I held my hand to his head and I am screaming, I was screaming "Stay with me, stay with me." You dont even know what to do in situations like that. Friedland testified.

'Im screaming "Stay with me, stay with me," and I look at his eyes and hes looking at me and hes gasping for breath and I couldnt get my phone to work.'

'His eyes were following me, they were focused on me, he was blinking. He was gasping for breath. I know he heard me. I know he heard me,' she added.

He was later pronounced dead at Morristown Memorial Hospital.

Friedland testified in the murder trial of Basim Henry, 36, of South Orange.

Above, a view of the Frielands' carjacked Range Rover

A few days before the incident, the alleged suspects' SUV was seen on CCTV footage tailing a similar Range Rover in the same parking lot

Henry was arrested in Pennsylvania about a week after the shooting, and allegedly gave a statement to police corroborating his part in the deadline crime. Prosecutors say he was among four men involved in the carjacking, serving as a getaway driver.

He faces charges of murder, felony murder, carjacking, conspiracy and weapons offenses.

Henry's lawyer say 'the facts' will prove his innocence.

However, they declined to cross-examine Friedland on Wednesday. After stepping down from the bench, the widow could be heard sobbing in the hallway.

Karif Ford (left), Kevin Roberts (center) and Hanif Thompson (right) are the three other men charged in the case. Prosecutors say Thompson is the man who shot David Friedland

Above, a view of the parking garage where the deadly carjacking took place

The other three men accused in the carjacking are Karif Ford, Kevin Roberts and Hanif Thompson. All will have their own trials, meaning Friedland is likely to testify again. Thompson has been identified as the man who allegedly shot her husband.

Friedland is currently in the process of suing the mall, on the basis that they could have prevented her husband's death if they had better security.

Surveillance footage obtained by her lawyer shows the alleged suspects' SUV tailing another Range Rover just days before the fatal carjacking.
NEW DELHI (AP) - Four suspected militants from a banned Islamist group were killed during a police raid on a building in southeastern Bangladesh, police said Thursday.

Senior police official Shafiqul Islam said police have completed the overnight operation after cordoning off the building where the suspects stayed in Sitakunda in Chittagong district.

He said one suspect possibly belonging to Jumatul Mujahedeen Bangladesh was killed by police fire and three others died when they exploded bombs or grenades inside an apartment during the raid. Local media said one of the dead was a woman.

A Bangladeshi policeman evacuates a family after cordoning off the area where suspected militants were holding up, in Sitakunda in Chittagong district of Bangladesh, Thursday, March 16, 2017. Several suspected militants from a banned Islamist group were killed during a police raid on a building in southeastern Bangladesh, police said Thursday. (AP Photo)

Islam said two security officials were injured in a gunfight.

Bomb experts were examining the building because explosives were found inside the apartment, which was rented by the suspects, the official said. Twenty other tenants were rescued after officials cordoned off the two-story building on Wednesday afternoon.

Bangladesh has experienced a surge in attacks by suspected militants in recent years, with atheist bloggers and writers, foreigners, members of minority groups among the targets. In July, 20 hostages, including 17 foreigners, were killed in a restaurant in the nation's capital, Dhaka.

The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for that attack but the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina rejected that, saying Jumatul Mujahedeen Bangladesh was responsible. The government insists the Islamic State group has no presence in the Muslim-majority country.

In a separate development, a suspect from another banned militant group was killed in what police described as a gunfight in the eastern district of Brahmanbaria early Thursday.
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) - The leader of the United Arab Emirates has returned from a trip abroad.

The state-run WAM news agency reports that Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan returned Wednesday after a two-week private trip. It did not elaborate.

Sheikh Khalifa was born in 1948 and became president after his father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, died in 2004. He is also the ruler of Abu Dhabi, the oil-rich capital of the seven UAE sheikhdoms.

Sheikh Khalifa suffered a stroke on Jan. 24, 2014, and underwent emergency surgery. He has rarely been seen in public since.

The sheikh went abroad for several months last year and made a weeklong trip abroad in January.

The UAE is a strong Western ally and hosts American troops fighting the Islamic State group.
JERUSALEM (AP) - The Israeli military says it has carried out airstrikes against two Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip, in response to a projectile fired from Gaza into southern Israel.

No injuries were reported on either side.

The military says it carried out the airstrikes early on Thursday in retaliation for the projectile that was fired on Wednesday evening. No militant group has claimed responsibility for the firing.

Gaza is ruled by the Islamist militant Hamas group. Since a 50-day war between Israel and Gaza militants in the summer of 2014, a cease-fire has largely held. But militants in Gaza occasionally fire rockets at Israel's south, and Israel usually retaliates.

Most rocket fire since the war has come from smaller rivals of Hamas. Israel holds Hamas responsible for attacks from the territory.
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BERLIN (AP) - Federal prosecutors say they have charged a 23-year-old German man with membership in a terrorist organization for joining the Islamic State group in Syria.

In a statement Thursday, prosecutors said Anil O. traveled to Syria in August 2015 with the intention of working as a medic for the group.

Prosecutors said O., whose last name wasn't published due to German privacy law, soon became disillusioned with IS after seeing how it treated fellow Muslims.

They said he tried several times to flee IS-held territory, succeeding in January. He returned to Germany in September last year and was arrested at Duesseldorf airport.
BRUSSELS (AP) - The European Union's statistical agency says more than 1.2 million people applied for asylum in the bloc last year, mostly Syrians, Afghans and Iraqis.

In data released Thursday, Eurostat said first-time applications for international protection were slightly down on numbers from 2015.

But the figure is almost double the 562,700 people who applied for asylum for the first time in 2014.

FILE - In this Monday, Sept. 7, 2015 file photo, migrants and refugees queue as they wait for a police bus to take them to a detention center close to Hungary's border with Serbia in Roszke, Hungary. Dozens of asylum-seekers in Hungary are continuing a hunger strike launched this week, demanding to be released from detention, authorities said Tuesday, March 14, 2017. (AP Photo/Marko Drobnjakovic, File)

Of those arriving last year, around one third - 334,800 - were from war-torn Syria, while 183,000 Afghans and 127,000 Iraqis also sought sanctuary.

Eurostat says 60 percent of applications were filed in Germany, followed by Italy with 10 percent. Applications dropped markedly in Sweden, Finland, Denmark and Hungary.

It said around 1 million files were still being processed at the end of last year.
BEIJING (AP) - A North Korean diplomat said Thursday the killing of a man confirmed by Malaysian police to be the estranged half-brother of North Korea's leader was a political conspiracy engineered by Washington and Seoul.

Pak Myong Ho, a minister at North Korea's embassy in Beijing, said the Feb. 13 murder of Kim Jong Nam in Malaysia was a "despicable and extremely dangerous" plot by the U.S. and South Korea aimed at smearing North Korea's image and subverting its regime.

Pak said "indiscriminate claims of behind-the-scenes manipulation" would fail, referring to allegations by South Korea's spy agency that North Korea masterminded the assassination.

CORRECTS NAME SPELLING - Pak Myong Ho, minister of the North Korean Embassy in China, walks past portraits of the late North Korean leaders Kim Il Sung, left, and Kim Jong Il during a press conference in Beijing, China, Thursday, March 16, 2017. Pak says Pyongyang must act in self-defense against the U.S. and South Korea's joint military drills, which he said have brought the region to the brink of nuclear war. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

North Korea has demanded that Malaysia hand over the body and angrily objected when it conducted an autopsy. It also has refused to acknowledge that the victim was the older half-brother of leader Kim Jong Un, referring to him only by the name in his North Korean diplomatic passport, Kim Chol.

Malaysian media say police confirmed Kim Jong Nam's identity using DNA from his son which was obtained overseas and brought to Malaysia.

The incident has led to a sharp deterioration of ties between Malaysia and North Korea, with each expelling the other's ambassador.

North Korea has blocked Malaysians from leaving the country until a "fair settlement" of the case is reached. Malaysia then barred North Koreans from exiting its soil. The two countries have also scrapped visa-free travel for each other's citizens.

Pak Myong Ho, minister of the North Korean Embassy in China, listens to questions during a press conference in Beijing, China, Thursday, March 16, 2017. Pak says Pyongyang must act in self-defense against the U.S. and South Korea's joint military drills, which he said have brought the region to the brink of nuclear war. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Pak Myong Ho, minister of the North Korean Embassy in China, walks past portraits of the late North Korean leaders Kim Il Sung, left, and Kim Jong Il during a press conference in Beijing, China, Thursday, March 16, 2017. Pak says Pyongyang must act in self-defense against the U.S. and South Korea's joint military drills, which he said have brought the region to the brink of nuclear war. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)
KUPANG, Indonesia (AP) - An Indonesian court has sentenced a people-smuggling kingpin to six years in jail for organizing a trip for migrants to New Zealand in early 2015.

Abraham Louhenapessy, commonly known as Captain Bram, was arrested in September in western Jakarta and was convicted by the Rote Ndau District Court on Rote, a remote island on the southern end of the Indonesian archipelago.

The judicial panel led by Hiras Sitanggang also Thursday fined Louhenapessy to pay 55 million rupiah ($37,400) to the state or to serve six more months in prison.

Both the 49-year-old defendant and state prosecutors, who sought a nine-year jail sentence, have not yet decided whether to appeal.

Louhenapessy was allegedly involved in smuggling more than 1,000 people to Australia since 1999.
WORCESTER, Mass. (AP) - A woman is headed to prison for her role in the theft of 16 weapons from a U.S. Army Reserve Center in Worcester, Massachusetts.

The U.S attorney's office says 27-year-old Ashley Bigsbee was sentenced Wednesday in federal court to almost two years behind bars.

Bigsbee, of Dorchester, pleaded guilty in December to charges including conspiracy to possess and sell stolen weapons and aiding and abetting the sale of stolen firearms.

Authorities say Bigsbee and another person helped sell some of the six assault rifles and 10 handguns stolen from the Lincoln W. Stoddard U.S. Army Reserve Center in November 2015.

Bigsbee's attorney had recommended that she enter drug treatment and be sentenced to time served of 7  months, arguing that her two co-defendants were the main perpetrators.
Good morning! Here's a look at how AP's general news coverage is shaping up today. Some plans are subject to change; see the 2 p.m. News Digest for updates. You can find our contact info at the bottom of this advisory. All times EDT.

-------------

HIGHLIGHTING:

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Among today's coverage highlights as we see them at 10:15 a.m. EDT:

-- TRUMP TRAVEL BAN-LAWSUITS (sent; developing)

-- TRUMP-BUDGET (sent; developing)

-- BUDGET-IMMIGRATION (upcoming)

-- BUDGET-AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL (sent)

-- TRUMP-WORDS MATTER-ANALYSIS (upcoming)

-- TRUMP-IRISH (upcoming)

-- TRAVEL BAN-A REFUGEE'S JOURNEY (sent; may develop)

-- NETHERLANDS-ELECTIONS (sent; developing)

-- FAITH HEALING DEATHS (upcoming)

-- THEATER-J.J. ABRAMS (upcoming)

-- BOOK CRITIC AWARDS (upcoming)

-------------

WHAT WE'RE TALKING ABOUT:

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-- YAHOO-SECURITY BREACH-EMAIL TIPS (upcoming)

-- JOSE FERNANDEZ KILLED (sent; developing)

-- MENINGITIS OUTBREAK (sent; developing)

-- 3-PERSON BABY (sent)

-- THEATER-TRUDEAU (sent)

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Here are details of those stories, plus others we have in the works for today (all times EDT):

-------------

WASHINGTON/POLITICS

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TRUMP TRAVEL BAN-LAWSUITS - President Donald Trump's revised travel ban has suffered another federal court setback after a judge in Maryland rejected a revised measure that bans travel targeting six predominantly Muslim countries. SENT: 1100 words, photos, videos. UPCOMING: Developing.

TRUMP-BUDGET - Trump unveils a $1.15 trillion budget that slashes many domestic programs to finance a significant increase in the military and make a down payment on a U.S.-Mexico border wall. SENT: 990 words. UPCOMING: Developing throughout the day, 900 words by 4 p.m., photos. With TRUMP BUDGET-WINNERS AND LOSERS (sent) and other stories below.

BUDGET-AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL - Trump would privatize the nation's air traffic control operations. SENT: 520 words, photo.

BUDGET-IMMIGRATION - Trump's proposed budget would put money behind his core campaign promise to stop illegal immigration, boosting funding for Border Patrol and immigration courts while having U.S. taxpayers make a generous down payment on the border wall he said Mexico would pay for. UPCOMING: 700 words by 4 p.m., photo.

TRUMP-WORDS MATTER-ANALYSIS - Trump is learning a harsh lesson: in the White House, words do matter. Judges are using his administration's words in rulings against his travel ban. UPCOMING: 800 words by 3 p.m., photo.

CONGRESS-HEALTH OVERHAUL - The White House and Republican leaders are talking to rank-and-file lawmakers about revising the GOP health care overhaul, hoping to keep a rebellion by conservatives and moderates from snowballing and imperiling the party's showpiece legislation. SENT: 720 words. UPCOMING: Updates throughout the day, 800 words by 5 p.m., photo.

TRUMP-IRISH - Taoiseach Enda Kenny makes his traditional St. Patrick's Day visit to White House; he'll talk with Trump about Brexit and Trump's immigration policies. SENT: 800 words. UPCOMING: Updates from 10:30 a.m. meeting, 12:05 p.m. lunch, remarks at Capitol, 700 words by 4 p.m., photos.

TRUMP-TILLERSON - U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson calls on North Korea to abandon its nuclear and ballistic missile programs, saying the isolated nation has no need to fear the United States. SENT: 780 words, photos.

VETERANS AFFAIRS - The House votes on a proposal to make it easier for the VA to fire bad employees, part of a renewed Republican effort to fix what they see as mismanagement at the troubled agency. A second bill would protect the gun rights of veterans deemed incapable of handling their finances. UPCOMING: 500 words by 4 p.m., update from evening vote on gun rights bill.

TRAVEL BAN-A REFUGEE'S JOURNEY - Just a week ago, an Iraqi woman and her family received news that refugees like them have been waiting to hear: They had seats on a flight bound for the United States, with an arrival just before the latest Trump administration travel ban was supposed to take effect. Though a federal judge temporarily blocked the ban - they feel lucky that they are no longer in limbo like so many other refugees waiting to get into America. SENT: 990 words, photos, video. UPCOMING: May develop.

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WORLD

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NETHERLANDS-ELECTIONS - Dutch political parties are preparing to start what will likely be a long process of coalition talks after Prime Minister Mark Rutte's right-wing VVD easily won national elections, defying polls that suggested a close race with anti-Islam populist Geert Wilders. SENT: 250 words, photos. UPCOMING: Developing

FRANCE-SCHOOL SHOOTING - Officials say an armed high school student was arrested after a shooting in a school in southern France that left at least two wounded. SENT: 240 words, photos, video. UPCOMING: Developing.

BRITAIN-BREXIT - A bill authorizing Britain to start its exit from the European Union received royal assent and became law Thursday, empowering Prime Minister Theresa May to begin divorce proceedings from the bloc. SENT: 200 words. UPCOMING: Developing.

BRITAIN-BREXIT THRILLER - Fact to fiction: Boris Johnson's father pens Brexit thriller. SENT: 800 words, photos.

FRANCE-IMF-LETTER BOMB - A letter bomb exploded Thursday at the French office of the International Monetary Fund, lightly injuring one person, according to Paris police. SENT: 370 words, photos, video. UPCOMING: Developing.

TILLERSON-ASIA - U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson calls on North Korea to abandon its nuclear and ballistic missile programs, saying the isolated nation "need not fear" the United States. SENT: 770 words, photos.

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US

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FAITH HEALING DEATHS - For the first time, a pastor in a fundamentalist Christian sect that rejects medicine has been charged in the death of a child - his own granddaughter - from medical neglect. The novel prosecution is raising hopes among some advocates that it might spur change in a church that has resisted it. UPCOMING: 840 words by 11 a.m., photos.

MENINGITIS OUTBREAK - Jurors are set to hear closing arguments in the trial of a former pharmacy executive charged in a deadly national meningitis outbreak traced to tainted steroids made by a Massachusetts compounding pharmacy. SENT: 130 words. UPCOMING: Developing.

JOSE FERNANDEZ KILLED - Florida authorities say Miami Marlins star Jose Fernandez was likely operating a speeding boat when it crashed into a jetty, killing him and two other men. SENT:130 words. UPCOMING: Developing.

DEPUTY MARSHAL KILLED-ARRESTS - The Georgia Bureau of Investigation says three suspects have been arrested in the November shooting death of a deputy U.S. marshal in southeast Georgia. SENT: 130 words. UPCOMING: Developing.

OKLAHOMA-SENATOR-INVESTIGATION - Charges could be filed Thursday against an Oklahoma state senator who police say was found with a teenage boy in a motel room in the Oklahoma City suburb of Moore, according to a local prosecutor. SENT: 470 words, photo. UPCOMING: Developing.

OFFICERS SHOT-DETROIT - A 60-year-old man suspected in the shooting of two Detroit police officers has been arrested and the officers are in stable condition, the police chief said Thursday. SENT: 300 words. UPCOMING: Developing.

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HEALTH/SCIENCE

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3-PERSON BABY - Britain's Newcastle University says its scientists have received a license to create babies using DNA from three people, the first time such approval has been granted. SENT: 330 words.

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TECH

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YAHOO-SECURITY BREACH-EMAIL TIPS - Among other things, the federal indictment of Russian hackers on Wednesday revealed that many people still aren't safeguarding their email accounts - and hackers are exploiting that. But there are a few simple ways you can make life more difficult for would-be hackers. By Mae Anderson. UPCOMING: 400 words by noon, photos.

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BUSINESS /ECONOMY

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NERDWALLET-THE ONE CARD SOLUTION - Some people make a hobby of juggling multiple credit cards to maximize rewards; others just want simplicity. Here's why carrying a single card may be right for you - and how to select that one card to get the most out of it. By Virginia C. McGuire of NerdWallet. UPCOMING: 785 words by 11 a.m., photos.

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ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

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THEATER-TRUDEAU - Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau - along with first daughter Ivanka Trump as a guest - welcomed a new Broadway musical that celebrates Canadian compassion and openness to international travelers following the Sept. 11 attacks. SENT: 800 words, photos.

THEATER-J.J. ABRAMS - J.J. Abrams was in production on "The Force Awakens" in England when he, somewhat randomly, looking for a night off, bought tickets to a farce playing in the West End, "The Play That Goes Wrong." Abrams was delighted by it and he's now, in his first time producing a play, brought it to Broadway. By Film Writer Jake Coyle. UPCOMING: 700 words by 4 p.m., photos.

BOOK CRITIC AWARDS - Ann Patchett and Louise Erdrich are among the fiction finalists for the National Book Critics Circle awards, to be announced Thursday night. Margaret Atwood, whose "The Handmaid's Tale," has returned to best-seller lists, will accept a lifetime achievement prize. By AP National Writer Hillel Italie. UPCOMING: 500 words by 10 p.m.

FILM-BEAUTY AND THE BEAST-DAN STEVENS - "Beauty and the Beast" star Dan Stevens talks about creating a Beast worthy of Emma Watson's Belle. UPCOMING: 500 words by 2 p.m., photos.

MUSIC-DEPECHE MODE - The gloomy British electronic band Depeche Mode is back this spring with the album and a summer U.S. tour and their timing seems impeccable: Their dozen new dark songs seem the perfect soundtrack to a world rocked by Brexit and Donald Trump. UPCOMING: 700 words, photos, video.

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HOW TO REACH US

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At the Nerve Center, Alina Heineke can be reached at 800-845-8450 (ext. 1600). For photos, Alyssa Goodman (ext. 1900). For graphics and interactives, Phil Holm (ext. 7636). Expanded AP content can be obtained from http://www.apexchange.com. For access to AP Exchange and other technical issues, contact apcustomersupport@ap.org or call 877-836-9477.
WASHINGTON (AP) - Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny is urging President Donald Trump to help Irish people living in the U.S. illegally, saying they just want to "make America great."

Kenny spoke at a luncheon at the U.S. Capitol on Thursday as part of a series of events celebrating St. Patrick's Day, including a one-on-one meeting with Trump at the White House, where the two discussed immigration, trade and the Irish economy. In the evening, the pair participated in the annual shamrock ceremony, a decades-old tradition in which Trump was presented with a bowl of Ireland's famous greens.

On people living in the U.S. illegally, Kenny said: "We would like this to be sorted. It would remove a burden of so many people that they can stand out in the light and say, now I am free to contribute to America as I know I can. And that's what people want."

President Donald Trump, left, and Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny, right, hold up a bowl of Irish shamrocks during a St. Patrick's Day reception in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Thursday, March 16, 2017. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

Kenny also urged Trump to consider providing more work visas "for young people who want to come to America and to work here."

Some estimates put the Irish natives living in the country illegally in the tens of thousands. Kenny has made a similar pitch on immigration in the past, but the current U.S. administration's position on illegal immigration has heightened the underlying tension.

Trump ran on a promise to curtail illegal immigration. His revised travel ban, affecting travelers from six Muslim-majority nations, was set to go effect Thursday before it was put on hold Wednesday by a federal judge in Hawaii.

Kenny also sought to impress upon Trump the difficulties Ireland will face as a result of Britain's decision to leave the European Union. During an evening reception at the White House, he described Ireland as "a committed member" of the EU.

Trump supported the British vote to leave the 28-country bloc - known as Brexit - saying earlier this year that it would "end up being a great thing."

Trump welcomed Kenny to the White House, proclaiming his love for Ireland. At the luncheon, he called Kenny a "new friend" and quoted an Irish proverb to remember friends that "have stuck by you." Trump added, "Politically speaking, a lot of us know that."

During the evening St. Patrick's Day reception, Trump hailed the relationship between the two countries and pledged to be "an ever-faithful partner and an always loyal friend."

Kenny was the first EU politician to meet with Trump after British Prime Minister Theresa May. German Chancellor Angela Merkel was scheduled to come to the White House on Tuesday, but that visit was moved back to Friday because of the snow.

The St. Patrick's Day event at the White House dates back to the 1950s and has become an important standing engagement for Ireland, which has strong emotional and ancestral ties to the United States.

Speaking after Trump at the luncheon, Kenny showed off his country's famed wit.

"They say the Irish have the capacity to change everything," he said. "I just saw the president of the United States read from his script, entirely."

But Kenny was also complimentary.

"Let me congratulate you, President Trump, on your election," he said. "You beat them all."

___

Associated Press writers Darlene Superville and Jill Colvin contributed to this report.

President Donald Trump, center, Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny, right, and House Speaker Paul Ryan of Wis., pose for photographs after a "Friends of Ireland" luncheon on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, March 16, 2017. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny leans over to talk with President Donald Trump during their meeting in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Thursday, March 16, 2017. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny speaks to members of the media outside the West Wing of the White House in Washington, Thursday, March 16, 2017, following his meeting with President Donald Trump. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

President Donald Trump shakes hands with Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny as they meet in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Thursday, March 16, 2017. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny, sporting a green tie and shamrocks in his lapel, speaks to members of the media outside the West Wing of the White House in Washington, Thursday, March 16, 2017, following his meeting with President Donald Trump. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny waves as he walks to his vehicle after speaking to members of the media outside the West Wing of the White House in Washington, Thursday, March 16, 2017, following his meeting with President Donald Trump. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
MOSCOW (AP) - Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko signed an order Thursday imposing sanctions on Russian-owned banks in Kiev's latest protest against Russian support for separatists in the east of the country.

The move will stop Ukrainian affiliates of three Russian financial institutions from moving capital abroad, according to a statement on the Ukraine presidency website.

Poroshenko appears in recent days to have been forced into decisions under pressure from nationalist protestors, who have increasingly shaped the country's political agenda.

Russian-owned banks in Kiev were vandalized this week by activists.

The banks affected by Poroshenko's order are Russia's largest bank, state-owned Sberbank, its second largest, state-owned VTB, and Vnesheconombank, the state-owned development bank.

VTB may incur several hundred million dollars of losses because of the restrictions, the bank's head Andrei Kostin said Thursday in Moscow, the Tass news agency reported.

Sberbank said in a statement that they were "disappointed" with the decision.

Earlier this week, Ukraine imposed a road and rail blockade on rebel-held areas of the country that is likely to cause severe economic disruption to both sides.

Fighting between government forces and Russian-backed rebels in Ukraine has killed more than 9,800 people since April 2014.
WASHINGTON (AP) - In the latest outreach effort following a contentious campaign, top Trump administration officials - as well as first daughter Ivanka Trump - met Thursday with Hispanic business leaders.

Underscoring her unusual role working outside the administration, Ivanka Trump attended a round-table discussion Thursday morning with Hispanic women business owners in Washington.

Later, White House officials, including chief of staff Reince Priebus, held a meeting with other Hispanic business leaders, focused on jobs, the economy and access to capital.

The meetings were organized by the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, whose president, Javier Palomarez, slammed Donald Trump during the presidential campaign, calling him a buffoon, among other slights. He has since joined the president's National Diversity Coalition and says he's open to working with the president on issues they agree on.

"The reality of it is," Palomarez said, "I'd much rather campaign from the inside than complain from the outside."

Trump has been eyed warily by the Hispanic community since the beginning of his presidential campaign, when he claimed Mexico was sending its criminals over the border and railed against illegal immigration. Nonetheless, Trump won about 28 percent of the Latino vote - a similar share to Mitt Romney in 2012, according to exit polls.

"My representatives had a great meeting w/ the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce at the WH today," the president tweeted after the meetings. "Look forward to tremendous growth & future mtgs!"

Palomarez said Ivanka Trump, who has no official role in the administration, spent an hour and a half with the women business owners, talking about issues such as entrepreneurship and science education.

"She made it clear that she has a passion around empowering women," Palomarez said in an interview between the two meetings, adding that the topics of Trump's proposed border wall and his crackdown on people living in the U.S. illegally had not been raised.

"There will be time and the circumstances to do that," said Palomarez, adding: "They're not done deals. The negotiation, the conversation continues."

Trump said Thursday night at a rally in Nashville that his wall is "way ahead of schedule," and he has signed orders making it easier to deport people living in the U.S. illegally.
JERUSALEM (AP) - Israel is awarding its highest honor to the founder of a Jewish settler group that the Obama administration had condemned for stoking Israeli-Palestinian tensions.

Israel's pro-settler education minister, Naftali Bennett, announced Thursday that Elad Foundation founder David "David'le" Beeri is being awarded the Israel Prize for lifetime achievement.

Elad has come under criticism for settling Jewish nationalists in the heart of Arab neighborhoods in Jerusalem. The foundation says the areas are central to Jewish heritage.

In 2014, then-White House spokesman Josh Earnest condemned the purchase of 25 apartment units in an Arab neighborhood of Jerusalem, a settler takeover that Elad helped oversee.

Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat lauded Beeri as "a man of vision as he is a man of action."
QUINCY, Mass. (AP) - The driver of a tractor-trailer hauling cheese that rolled onto its side just outside Boston, blocking a major interstate, has pleaded not guilty to drunken driving charges.

Eri Pleitez was held on $2,500 bail at his arraignment Thursday, just hours after the truck crashed on an Interstate 93 exit ramp in Milton at about 1 a.m., damaging guard rails, and taking down power lines.

Prosecutors say the 43-year-old Lynn man drank six beers hours before the crash and had a blood alcohol content of .11, above the .08 that is the state's legal limit to drive.

He wasn't injured.

The highway was closed in both directions for a time and 38,000 pounds of cheese had to be removed from the truck before it was uprighted.

The driver's attorney says the crash was caused by another vehicle that cut off his client.
HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) - Ousted in a purge of President Barack Obama appointees, U.S. Attorney Deirdre Daly spent the weekend clearing out her office, receiving calls from well-wishers and making tearful farewells. Then, on Sunday night, she learned she would be staying.

Daly, the top federal law enforcement official for the district of Connecticut, is among a small number of career prosecutors who were given more time to reach service anniversaries that are important for retirement benefits.

They now enter lame-duck periods in which experts say they can be just as effective but may not have as much latitude.

FILE - In this Feb. 4, 2015 file photo, Deirdre Daly, U.S. attorney for Connecticut, stands with other federal officials while announcing a new public corruption task force in New Haven, Conn. U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions requested the resignations of 46 remaining U.S. attorneys who had been nominated by former President Barack Obama. Daly learned Sunday night, March 12, 2017, that she is among a small number of career prosecutors who were given more time to reach career service anniversaries before she has to leave office. (AP Photo/Dave Collins, File)

"It feels a bit like I've risen from the dead," Daly said in an interview. "I don't at all feel diminished by this. If anything, I feel I've received a lot of support for which I am tremendously grateful."

Attorney General Jeff Sessions, a Republican, on Friday requested the resignations of 46 remaining U.S. attorneys who had been nominated by Obama. It's fairly customary for the 93 U.S. attorneys to leave their posts once a new president is in office, and many had already left or were making plans for their departures.

Daly, a registered Democrat who never has been active politically, submitted her resignation but was given a reprieve until the end of October, when she completes 20 years with the Justice Department. The U.S. attorney for the Northern District of New York, Richard Hartunian, was allowed to stay through June, when he reaches the 20-year mark.

Fifteen-year Justice Department veteran John Huber, the U.S. attorney for Utah, will stay on an interim basis for another four months.

"As a career prosecutor and public servant, this privilege to represent our nation is the pinnacle of my career," Huber said. His office declined to comment on the reasons for his extension.

The new interim status likely will not have much effect on what these prosecutors do in their jobs, but they may have less influence or less latitude compared to those appointed by President Donald Trump's administration, according to Michael Gerhardt, a professor at the University of North Carolina School of Law.

Daly, who has led the district since 2013, said she loves the job for the ability to improve the quality of people's lives and she's grateful to stay a while longer. Like the other holdovers, she stressed common ground with Sessions on the commitment to fight violent crime.

Daly also has been known for outreach on issues that aligned with the priorities of former Attorney General Loretta Lynch, a Democrat. Her office has provided cultural competency and anti-bias training for local police, developed partnerships with Arab, Muslim and Sikh community leaders and worked to bridge a divide between law enforcement and minority communities.

Daly said she has no trepidation about the transition.

"I am optimistic that there will be no need to trim our sails and that we will continue the work that we are so committed to," she said.

Stanley Twardy, a former U.S. attorney for Connecticut, said he did not expect there would be any loss of standing for Daly.

"She has a lot of respect among the assistants as it is," he said. "That will continue and she is the boss."

A spokesman for Hartunian, in New York's Northern District, said he will not be any less effective.

"He is fully familiar with the cases and important issues in the district," said Richard Southwick, an assistant U.S. attorney. "We have every reason to believe he will be the successful chief prosecutor that he has been in the past."

___

Associated Press writer Michelle L. Price in Salt Lake City contributed to this report.
Google has overhauled the way its human reviewers work in a bid to cut down on upsetting and offensive content in search results.

The review teams - comprised of contractors known as 'quality raters' - comb through websites and other content to flag questionable items such as pornography.

Now Google has added a new category, 'upsetting-offensive,' in its guidelines for its estimated 10,000 quality raters around the world.

Google is now directing its review teams to flag content that might come across as upsetting or offensive in search results, such as content with 'racial slurs or extremely offensive terminology'.

GOOGLE'S HUMAN QUALITY RATERS Google has over 10,000 quality raters, contractors worldwide that evaluate search results. Raters are given actual searches to conduct, drawn from real searches that Google sees. They then rate pages that appear in the top results as to how good those seem as answers. Quality raters do not have the power to alter Google's results directly. Instead, the data produced by quality raters is used to improve Google's search algorithms generally. In time, that data might have an impact on low-quality pages that are spotted by raters, as well as on others that weren't reviewed. Quality raters use a set of guidelines that are nearly 200 pages long, instructing them on how to assess website quality and whether the results they review meet the needs of those who might search for particular queries. Advertisement

For example, content with 'racial slurs or extremely offensive terminology' could now get flagged as such.

While flagging something doesn't directly affect the search results themselves, it's used to tweak the company's software so that better content ranks higher.

The changes were reported in the blog Search Engine Land.

Paul Haahr, one of Google's senior engineers who is involved with search quality, told the site 'We're explicitly avoiding the term 'fake news,' because we think it is too vague.

'Demonstrably inaccurate information, however, we want to target.'

The guidelines , which run 160 pages, are an interesting look into how Google ranks the quality of its search results.

'As a Search Quality evaluator, you will work on many different types of rating projects,' it begins.

For instance, it gives examples of 'high-quality' pages, such as the home page of a newspaper that has 'won seven Pulitzer Prize awards,' and 'low-quality' pages, such as an article that includes 'many grammar and punctuation errors.'

The guidelines cite an example of 'Holocaust history' as a search query.

A resulting website listing 'Top 10 reasons why the holocaust didn't happen' would get flagged.

Another example addresses a blog claiming Angela Merkel is the daughter of Adolph (sic) Hitler.

'This LP is a blog post presenting a factually unsupported conspiracy theory that Angela Merkel is the daughter of Adolph Hitler,' the guide says.

'Because the MC is inaccurate and misleading, it completely Fails to Meet the user intent, even though the topic of the page matches the query,' the guide says, adding 'A more helpful result for this query might confirm that Adolf Hitler had no children, or provide information on the novel Hitler's Daughter by Jackie French.'

The new 'upsetting-offensive' flag instructs quality raters to 'flag to all web results that contain upsetting or offensive content from the perspective of users in your locale, even if the result satisfies the user intent.'

The guidelines also include examples. For instance, here's one for a search on 'holocaust history,' giving two different results that might have appeared and how to rate them

'The Internet contains all sorts of content, including content which many users find offensive or upsetting,' the Google guide says.

'Additionally, users of all ages, genders, races, and religions use the Internet to understand the world and other people's points of view.

'Users may issue queries on sensitive topics to understand why people believe, say, or do upsetting or offensive things.

'Search engines exist to allow users to find the information they are looking for.

'Please assign the UpsettingOffensive flag to all web results that contain upsetting or offensive content from the perspective of users in your locale, even if the result satisfies the user intent.'

Another example addresses a blog claiming Angela Merkel is the daughter of Adolph (sic) Hitler.

So even if the results are what the person searched for, such as white supremacist websites, they could still get flagged.

But it doesn't mean the results won't show up at all when someone searches for them.

Google has over 10,000 quality raters, contractors worldwide that evaluate search results.

GOOGLE CONTENT CRACKDOWN According to the updated guide, seen by Search Engine Land, Google is targeting: Content that promotes hate or violence against a group of people based on criteria including (but not limited to) race or ethnicity, religion, gender, nationality or citizenship, disability, age, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Content with racial slurs or extremely offensive terminology.

Graphic violence, including animal cruelty or child abuse.

Explicit how to information about harmful activities (e.g., how tos on human trafficking or violent assault).

Other types of content which users in your locale would find extremely upsetting or offensive. Quality raters use a set of guidelines that are nearly 200 pages long, instructing them on how to assess website quality and whether the results they review meet the needs of those who might search for particular queries. Advertisement

Raters are given actual searches to conduct, drawn from real searches that Google sees.

They then rate pages that appear in the top results as to how good those seem as answers.

Quality raters do not have the power to alter Google's results directly.

Instead, the data produced by quality raters is used to improve Google's search algorithms generally.

In time, that data might have an impact on low-quality pages that are spotted by raters, as well as on others that weren't reviewed.

Quality raters use a set of guidelines that are nearly 200 pages long, instructing them on how to assess website quality and whether the results they review meet the needs of those who might search for particular queries.
MOSCOW (AP) - Russian President Vladimir Putin says he expects German Chancellor Angela Merkel will visit Moscow in May.

"We are looking forward to her visit to Russia on May 2," Putin said Thursday at a meeting with Bavarian state governor Horst Seehofer.

The meeting would come amid tensions between Germany and Russia over Germany's support for sanctions on Russia. Merkel has been a staunch supporter of Ukraine's territorial integrity, which has irked Moscow.

However, during a visit last week by German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel in Moscow, Putin said he would like to improve ties between the two countries.

Putin told Gabriel in remarks carried by Russian news agencies that it is "our common goal to fully normalize the relations and to make sure all the difficulties we face are overcome."
WASHINGTON (AP) - Three federal judges are asking Congress not to break up the vast, San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, a longtime target of Republicans and a recent foe of President Donald Trump.

The 9th Circuit in February refused to immediately reinstate Trump's ban on travelers from seven predominantly Muslim nations, prompting the administration to release a new, narrower ban. On Wednesday, Trump renewed his criticism of the court, saying at a Nashville event that "people are screaming" to break up the 9th, which encompasses nine Western states.

Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., led a hearing on the issue Thursday. Three judges from the 9th circuit testified, and all asked Congress to leave the court alone.

The circuit has 29 judges. The next largest is the 5th Circuit, with 17 judges.
WASHINGTON (AP) - Former Indiana Sen. Dan Coats has been sworn in as the nation's top spy chief.

Vice President Mike Pence administered the oath of office after the Senate voted Wednesday to confirm Coats' nomination by a vote of 85-12.

Coats will be President Donald Trump's top intelligence official overseeing 16 other intelligence agencies.

FILE - In this Feb. 28, 2017 file photo, then-Director of National Intelligence-designate Dan Coats testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington at his confirmation hearing before the Senate Intelligence Committee. The Senate has confirmed President Donald Trump's choice for national intelligence director. Senators voted 85-12 Wednesday to approve the nomination of former Indiana Sen. Dan Coats, making him the fifth person to hold the post created after the Sept. 11 attacks. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

He'll also sit between America's intelligence workers and Trump. The president has harshly criticized the intelligence community for past failures, and for its assessment that Russia interfered in the election in an effort to tilt the outcome in Trump's favor.

Coats will be the fifth person to serve as director of national intelligence, a job the U.S. created after the 9/11 attacks.

He succeeds James Clapper, who retired just before Trump took office.
MEXICO CITY (AP) - A Mexican army general said his forces are increasingly coming under fire from drug traffickers protecting opium poppy plantations in Oaxaca state, where opium growers are moving production to take advantage of mountainous terrain and impoverished villages.

Gen. Alfonso Duarte Mugica said Wednesday that army patrols were fired at twice this week as they tried to cut down poppy plantations in western Oaxaca.

On Monday, an army helicopter searching for poppy fields was hit by gunfire from the ground, damaging the fuel tank. The chopper landed safely.

FILE - In this Jan. 27, 2015 file photo, a man stands in a poppy flower field that the government sprayed with an herbicide in the Sierra Madre del Sur mountains of Guerrero state, Mexico. A Mexican army general said Wednesday, March 15, 2017, his forces are increasingly coming under fire from drug traffickers protecting opium poppy plantations in Oaxaca state, where opium growers are moving production to take advantage of mountainous terrain and impoverished villages. (AP Photo/Dario Lopez-Mills, File)

He said a third army patrol was blocked from reaching about 30 poppy fields they could plainly see in the distance, by a demonstration of Indian residents, mostly women and children. Armed with only sticks and machetes, the Triquis stood in front of soldiers and refused to move.

Duarte Mugica said the farm communities were being recruited by the cartels and acknowledged the army is walking a thin line in Oaxaca, where Indian communities jealously guard their territories and their rights.

Any confrontation with Indians would be a public relations disaster.

"The presence of the military in this and other areas of the state is because of the important presence of opium poppy and marijuana fields that the drug cartels have been planting in the mountains of Oaxaca," Duarte Mugica said. "I want to repeat that the Defense Department and particularly the soldiers of the 8th Region are respectful and sympathize with the traditions and practices of each of the Indian groups in Oaxaca state."

The shift to Oaxaca has officials worried. The state is better known for its colonial capital and beaches, but its large impoverished Indian population and mountainous terrain could make it ideal for growing opium.

The Mexican army faces a delicate task in moving into Oaxaca's notoriously conflictive Triqui Indian communities.

The region has seen three Triqui groups locked in a decades-long armed struggle that has led to dozens of killings.

One of those groups, known as the Triqui Unification and Struggle Movement, demanded this week that the army be withdrawn completely from the area.

"Now we have the Mexican army coming in by land under the pretext of searching for poppy plantations. They staged incursions all last week in our territory, and found only corn fields and more cornfields," the movement said in a statement. "Get the army out of Triqui territory! No to the militarization of our country's indigenous lands!"

The idea that authorities are finding only corn fields is questionable; in recent months, unusually large poppy fields have been found in Oaxaca, whereas opium production used to be centered in neighboring Guerrero state.

Increasing army raids in Guerrero - and the presence of a large number of violent small drug gangs who fight among themselves for the business of buying opium paste from farmers - have apparently made Oaxaca more attractive. And Oaxaca Indian groups like the Triquis have a long history of armed resistance. Dozens have been killed in the violence, including a Finnish rights observer.

One striking aspect is the size of the opium fields the army is finding in Oaxaca. In Guerrero, such plantations rarely measure more than an acre (half hectare).

But in February, federal police found a pair of poppy fields in other part of Oaxaca that measured almost 37 acres (15 hectares).

Altogether, in the last year, Duarte Mugica said troops had destroyed a total of 1,747 acres (707 hectares) of poppy and marijuana fields, most of them poppies.

___

The story corrects spelling of name from Mujica to Mugica.
JERUSALEM (AP) - Israel's high court has recognized the special ties of Jerusalem-born Palestinians to their city - a precedent-setting ruling that could help protect their residency rights.

Since capturing traditionally Arab east Jerusalem in 1967, Israel has stripped 14,500 Palestinians of their residency rights. Reasons included prolonged absence from Jerusalem, even in cases where Palestinians moved to the outskirts because of housing shortages in the city or went abroad to study.

This week, three Supreme Court judges ordered the state to restore the residency of a Jerusalem native who spent years in the United States but returned to the city. The judges referred to Palestinians from Jerusalem as "native-born residents."

Lawyer Adi Lustigman said Wednesday that it's the first time the court recognizes the special ties of Palestinians to their native city.
CAMP BONIFAS, South Korea (AP) - U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on Friday visited the world's most heavily armed border, greeting U.S. soldiers on guard near the tense buffer zone between rivals North and South Korea.

Tillerson touched down by helicopter at Camp Bonifas, a U.S. base about 400 meters (438 yards) from the Demilitarized Zone, a Cold War vestige created after the Korean War ended in 1953. He planned to then move to the truce village of Panmunjom inside the DMZ, a cluster of blue huts where the Korean War armistice was signed.

Tillerson is the latest in a parade of senior U.S. officials to have their photos taken at the border. But it's the first trip by the new Trump administration's senior diplomat as he makes a tour of Japan, South Korea and China.

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, second from right, is greeted by U.S. officials upon his arrival at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Friday, March 17, 2017. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

Speaking in Tokyo, Tillerson earlier vowed a tougher strategy to confront North Korea's nuclear threat. But he offered no details about what would comprise the "different approach" to North Korea the U.S. will pursue. He pointedly noted that 20 years of "diplomatic and other efforts" had failed to dissuade the isolated communist government from developing its nuclear program, which he called an "ever-escalating threat."

The DMZ, which is both a tourist trap and a potential flashpoint, is guarded on both sides with land mines, razor wire fence, tank traps and hundreds of thousands of combat-ready troops. More than a million mines are believed to be buried inside the DMZ. Land mine explosions in 2015 that Seoul blamed on Pyongyang maimed two South Korean soldiers and led the rivals to threaten each other with attacks.

Hordes of tourists visit both sides, despite the lingering animosity. The Korean War ended with an armistice, not a peace treaty, which means the Korean Peninsula remains in a technical state of war.

President Donald Trump is seen as seeking to examine all options - including military ones - for halting the North's weapons programs before Pyongyang becomes capable of developing a nuclear-tipped missile that could reach the U.S. mainland.

Central to the U.S. review is China and its role in any bid to persuade Pyongyang to change course. China remains the North's most powerful ally.

While the U.S. and its allies in Seoul and Tokyo implore Beijing to press its economic leverage over North Korea, the Chinese have emphasized their desire to relaunch diplomatic talks - a non-starter for the U.S. under current conditions.

The U.S. and China also disagree over U.S. deployment of a missile defense system to South Korea. The U.S. says it's a system focused on North Korea. China sees it as a threat to its own security.

State Department officials have described Tillerson's effort this week as a "listening tour" as the administration seeks a coherent North Korea policy, well-coordinated with its Asian partners.

Last week, North Korea launched four missiles into seas off Japan, in an apparent reaction to major annual military drills the U.S. is currently conducting with South Korea. Pyongyang claims the drills are a rehearsal for invasion.

In Beijing, a North Korean diplomat said Thursday that Pyongyang must act in self-defense against the drills, which he said have brought the region to the brink of nuclear war. He said the drills are aimed at using atomic weapons for a pre-emptive strike against North Korea. Washington says the maneuvers are routine and defensive.

North Korea has accelerated its weapons development, violating multiple U.N. Security Council resolutions and appearing undeterred by tough international sanctions. The North conducted two nuclear test explosions and 24 ballistic missile tests last year. Experts say it could have a nuclear-tipped missile capable of reaching the U.S. within a few years.

During last year's election campaign, presidential candidate Donald Trump called into question U.S. security alliances and called for Tokyo and Seoul to contribute more for their defense. Tillerson, however, stressed that cooperation with Japan and South Korea was "critical."

Japan and South Korea both host tens of thousands of U.S. troops. Washington has been urging its two allies to step up security cooperation despite their historically strained relations.
MILAN (AP) - A Sicilian archbishop is taking on the Mafia in its heartland.

Monsignor Michele Pennisi is traveling to the Mafia stronghold of Corleone later this month to offer reflections on whether the mob sometimes cloaks itself in religion.

Pennisi, the archbishop of Monreale, recently contested a Corleone parish priest's decision to allow the son of Italy's most notorious mobster to become his niece's godfather during a baptism ceremony.

He followed up with a decree forbidding anyone convicted of "dishonorable crimes" or whose behavior provokes scandal from acting as a godparent.

Pennisi said Thursday that he timed March 26 visit to coincide with a day of remembrance for organized crime victims.

After a Mass, he plans to plant a pomegranate tree as a "gesture of hope for a territory fragmented by violence."
NEW YORK (AP) - The Latest on arguments in court over whether a chimpanzee should be treated as a person with legal rights (all times local):

3:45 p.m.

An attorney says in court in New York that a chimpanzee should be treated as a person with legal rights.

FILE - In this Jan. 26, 2016 file photo, animal rights lawyer Steven Wise poses for a portrait to promote the film, "Unlocking the Cage", during the Sundance Film Festival, in Park City, Utah. On Thursday, March 16, 2017, Wise will try to persuade a New York appeals court that a chimpanzee should be treated as a person with legal rights when he presents the case of two chimps named Tommy and Kiko and argues that they should be freed from cages to live in an outdoor sanctuary. (Matt Sayles/Invision/AP, File)

Attorney Steven Wise argued Thursday before the state appeals court in Manhattan that two chimps named Tommy and Kiko should be freed from cages to live in an outdoor sanctuary. Kiko's owner, Carmen Presti, says his family at an upstate Niagara Falls sanctuary isn't letting go of the deaf chimp he and his wife rescued 23 years ago.

Wise must now wait for the five-judge panel to issue their decision. That could happen in a matter of days or weeks.

Wise represents the Nonhuman Rights Project that has filed lawsuits on behalf of the chimps in various New York courts - unsuccessfully so far.

___

11:20 a.m.

Should a chimpanzee be treated as a person with legal rights?

That's what attorney Steven Wise will try to persuade a New York appeals court in Manhattan on Thursday. Wise, who represents the Florida-based Nonhuman Rights Project animal advocacy group, plans to argue that two chimps named Tommy and Kiko should be freed from cages to live in an outdoor sanctuary.

Kiko's keeper, Carmen Presti, says no way is he letting go of the deaf monkey he and his wife rescued 23 years ago from a life performing in fairs and movies. They say Kiko is a member of their family at a sanctuary in Niagara Falls.

The attorney wants the couple to give up the chimp - as a person with a right to freedom away from a cage.
SAN DIEGO (AP) - California officials have proposed spending nearly $400 million over 10 years to slow the shrinkage of the state's largest lake.

Gov. Jerry Brown's administration on Thursday unveiled a plan to build ponds on the northern and southern ends of the Salton Sea.

It is expected to evaporate at an accelerated pace starting next year when the San Diego region no longer diverts water to the desert region.

The state has so far committed $80 million. That leaves a shortfall of more than $300 million.

San Diego agreed to send water to the lake through 2017 as part of a landmark deal to buy Colorado River water from California's Imperial Valley, which includes the lake.

More exposed lakebed is likely to result in respiratory problems for residents who breathe dust.
HAVANA (AP) - Cuba has offered Colombia 1,000 medical school scholarships to support a peace accord in which the South American country's largest rebel army will relinquish its weapons, officials announced on Thursday.

The scholarships will be distributed mostly to members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia and those affected by the decades-long conflict, said Jose Luis Ponce, Colombia's Cuban ambassador. He said the move would help soldiers reintegrate into society.

"Both the government and FARC warmly welcomed this offer," he said.

Some 200 scholarships for Cuba's renowned Latin American School of Medicine will be awarded annually for the next five years and will cover all costs except flights to Cuba. Manuel Chorot, manager of state-owned Cubana de Aviacion, said he would offer affordable tickets to scholarship recipients.

The students are scheduled to start their studies in September in Cuba, which hosted peace discussions between Colombian government officials and FARC members that lasted four years and ended in 2016.

FARC commander Ivan Marquez thanked Cuba for what he said was a humanitarian gesture that would aid the peace process.
MEXICO CITY (AP) - Mexico said Tuesday it is moving aggressively to diversify its agricultural imports and exports amid trade uncertainty with the United States, by far its largest commercial partner, under President Donald Trump.

The government is carrying out a string of trade visits to Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East, Agriculture Secretary Jose Calzada Rovirosa said at an afternoon news conference, even as it's also meeting with U.S. partners to consolidate deals.

The strategy is "to look for places to sell and look for countries to buy from to satisfy the demand of the Mexican people," Calzada said.

Calzada said the United States currently buys about 78 percent of Mexico's agricultural exports, or about $24.9 billion worth last year. In turn, Mexico imported some $17.9 billion in U.S. agricultural goods.

He said it is looking at other countries from which to buy key products for which Mexico currently relies on the United States.

For wheat that could be Canada, Russia and the European Union. Rice could come from Vietnam, Indonesia and Brazil.

For soy products, which Mexico currently spends about $1.5 billion to import from the United States, it could turn to Argentina and Brazil. And for pork - representing about $1.1 billion worth in imports from the U.S. - Denmark, Brazil and others.

Trump has insisted on a renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement with Mexico and Canada, which has greatly increased commerce between the countries. Mexico and the United States conducted about $583.6 billion in cross-border trade in 2015.

"In the face of this circumstance that has been presented with the United States ... we have increased and accelerated the visits to these countries with the goal of diversifying even more, and quickly, Mexican imports and also the supply that comes to our country from diverse nations," Calzada said.

U.S. agriculture industry reps have been in Mexico this week seeking to consolidate ties despite the uncertainty.

Calzada said Mexico told them its push to diversify has nothing to do with them or U.S. producers.

"It has to do with public policies proposed by this new (U.S.) government that have injected uncertainty into the agro-alimentary sector, mainly in their country," he added.
HONOLULU (AP) - In a story March 17, about an endangered Hawaiian Monk seal dying in a fish farm pen, The Associated Press reported erroneously a funding source for the farm. The farm, Blue Ocean Mariculture, has not received federal funding. The NOAA research funding was granted to the previous owners of the facility, under the name Kona Blue Water Farms.

A corrected version of the story is below:

APNewsBreak: Rare Hawaiian seal drowns at NOAA-funded site

An endangered Hawaiian monk seal has died after wandering into a net pen and becoming trapped at a fish farm that was partially funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in Hawaii

By CALEB JONES

HONOLULU (AP) - An endangered Hawaiian monk seal has died in a net pen at a fish farm like the ones federal officials plan to expand around Hawaii.

Officials with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said Thursday the death of the 10-year-old monk seal happened at Blue Ocean Mariculture off Hawaii's Big Island. The farm is the same one that, under previous ownership, was partially funded by NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service for research of open-ocean aquaculture. Kona Blue Water Farms was acquired by Blue Ocean Mariculture in 2012.

Blue Ocean Mariculture has not received any federal funds, according to NOAA officials.

NOAA is working on a plan to expand aquaculture into federals waters despite concerns by some environmental groups and scientists who say the industrial-scale farms could do more harm than good to overall fish stocks and ocean health.

The federal plan would create a regulatory and permitting scheme for the industry. The plan includes federal permitting and management of commercial fish farms in federal waters, the area of ocean from three to 200 miles offshore, around Hawaii and other Pacific islands.

The agency has funded various research projects to study the feasibility of open-ocean fish farms in U.S. federal waters around Hawaii.

NOAA officials said at a news conference Thursday that they believe the seal drowned after the farm operators opened one panel of their net pen to release a shark that had gotten inside. The seal died on March 5.

"We did not see any signs of trauma or entanglement or any gashes or lacerations. We also saw no gross signs, meaning obvious signs, of disease," said NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service's David Schofield, the marine mammal response coordinator for the region. "The seal, B18, had a stomach full of fish and otherwise appeared in good body condition so we can draw no other conclusion than that the animal did die in the fish pen likely due to drowning or suffocation."

Schofield said it was unclear if the fish that were found in the monk seal's stomach were farmed fish from the net pen, but further testing should help determine that.

Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources Chair Suzanne Case said in a statement the death is a tragedy and the state will work with federal officials to prevent future problems with aquaculture operations.

There are only about 1400 Hawaiian monks seals left in the wild, according to official estimates.

Fish farming has been practiced for centuries in Hawaii and around the world. But modern aquaculture, some environmentalists say, carries pollution risks and the potential for non-native farmed fish to escape and enter the natural ecosystem.

Former NOAA chief scientist and founder of ocean advocacy group Mission Blue Sylvia Earle told the AP in an interview in December there are more environmentally sustainable and economically viable options than open-ocean aquaculture, which uses floating net-pens or submerged cages.

"We have to make a choice with aquaculture," she said. "Is our goal to feed a large number of people? Or is our goal to create or to serve a luxury market?"

New technologies are being developed for open-ocean aquaculture, and many U.S. companies are sending their crews overseas to farm, according to NOAA officials. NOAA says the research being conducted at the farm is designed to better understand ways to make open ocean farming safe and efficient.

"The U.S.'s view is we'd rather have these U.S. companies pursuing these opportunities in a sustainable, environmentally sound way in the U.S.," said Michael Tosatto, NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service regional administrator, in a 2016 interview.

A request for comment from Blue Ocean Mariculture was not immediately returned.

___

Follow Honolulu correspondent Caleb Jones on Twitter: https://twitter.com/CalebAP Find more of his work here: https://apnews.com/search/Caleb%20Jones%20Hawaii
Manchester United will look to finish the job in the Europa League on Thursday when Russian side FC Rostov visit Old Trafford for the second leg of their last-16 tie.

Jose Mourinhos side emerged from the Olimp-2 stadium with a 1-1 draw last week when his chief concern would have been seeing his squad sustain injuries given the state of the surface in Rostov-on-Don.

Here, Press Association Sport assess the talking points ahead of the return leg.

How fatigued will United be?

Ander Herrera's red card gave Manchester United an uphill struggle at Chelsea on Monday (Adam Davy/PA)

Having travelled back from Russia late last week, United then visited Stamford Bridge for an FA Cup tie against Mourinhos old club Chelsea. Their task became even more difficult, and more exhausting, on Monday night when Ander Herreras first-half dismissal left them with 10 men for almost an hour in their 1-0 loss. The trip back to Manchester was hardly routine either as they had to navigate the M6 overnight due to a problem with their scheduled flight, so will a gruelling few days have an impact on Thursday?

Who will Mourinho entrust to play?

Mourinho still has issues in attack having deemed that Anthony Martial is not ready to feature, despite training on Wednesday, while Wayne Rooney remains sidelined with injury too. Zlatan Ibrahimovic will almost certainly play because he has another two games left to run on his domestic ban and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who scored in the first leg, has been kept fresher than most having been withdrawn moments after Herreras dismissal at Chelsea. The much-scrutinised Paul Pogba has played every minute of Uniteds past five games and Mourinhos staunch defence of him on Thursday suggests he will be kept in.

How will Pogba respond?

Paul Pogba (left) will be under scrutiny after an underwhelming display at Chelsea (Nick Potts/PA)

The worlds most expensive player bore the brunt of the criticism as United exited the FA Cup at the hands of Chelsea. His manager had claimed he was the best player on the pitch but the Frenchmans doubters have been underwhelmed by several of Pogbas performances since his return to Old Trafford  a fact Mourinho attributed to envy on Wednesday. The spotlight will therefore be on the 24-year-old once again in this fixture and it will be intriguing to see if he delivers a response to those naysayers when he takes to the field.

Can United be ruthless at home?

Manchester United have been profligate at Old Trafford this season (Martin Rickett/PA)

On too many occasions this year United have failed to emerge victorious from home contests they have dominated. They have drawn seven times at Old Trafford in the Premier League and the likes of Burnley, Hull, Bournemouth, Stoke and West Ham have all earned a share of the spoils thanks to Uniteds profligacy in front of goal. It has been a different story when Mourinhos men have played on familiar terrain in this competition as they have won all four home games and scored 12 times. More of the same will see United advance.

Can a depleted Rostov pose problems?

Rostov will be without Aleksandr Gatskan, left (Denis Tyrin/AP)

Rostov know that due to the current aggregate score they will need to score in Manchester and there is a clear sense that their best chance of eliminating United would have been with a triumph in Russia, where Ajax and Bayern Munich had already been beaten this season. Rostov are without a victory in their previous five away games in European competitions and are shorn of the injured Vladimir Granat and the suspended Aleksandr Gatskan and Timofei Kalachev in England. With those three pivotal figures missing, it would be a shock if Uniteds run in this competition is ended by the Russians.
Toyota is to invest 240 million in its plant in Derbyshire, but the car giants boss has called for continued tariff- and barrier-free access between the UK and Europe.

The Japanese firm said the investment into its plant in Burnaston will see the centre upgraded with new equipment, technologies and systems.

Dr Johan van Zyl, president and chief executive of Toyota Motor Europe, said the cash injection was a sign of confidence in employees and suppliers, but warned: Continued tariff- and barrier-free market access between the UK and Europe that is predictable and uncomplicated will be vital for future success.

Toyota announces new investment in its UK car plant: https://t.co/pzL0vs3pJ7 pic.twitter.com/KIZ18TNHDi  ToyotaUK (@ToyotaUK) March 16, 2017

His comments come as the Government faces intense pressure to secure tariff-free access to the EUs single market for car manufacturers following Brexit.

The money will improve competitiveness and enhance the car markers supply chain efficiencies, as well as enable the production of vehicles on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, the group said.

Dr van Zyl added: We are very focused on securing the global competitiveness of our European plants. The roll-out of TNGA manufacturing capability is part of this plan.

The Toyota assembly line in Burnaston (Chris Radburn/PA)

This upgrade of Toyota Motor UK is a sign of confidence in our employees and suppliers and their focus on superior quality and greater efficiency. We welcome the UK Government funding contribution for this activity.

Our investment demonstrates that, as a company, we are doing all we can to raise the competitiveness of our Burnaston plant in Derbyshire.

The money will be backed by up to 21.3 million of Government investment, subject to independent assessment, to support skills and training, research and development and innovation.

Business and Energy Secretary Greg Clark said: Our automotive sector is one of the most productive in the world and Toyotas decision to invest 240 million upgrading its Burnaston plant is a further boost to the UK auto sector.

Theresa May has given special Brexit assurances to rival Japanese carmaker Nissan as thousands of jobs in the sector hang in the balance after the Prime Minister confirmed that she will extricate Britain from the free trade area.

Unite general secretary Len McCluskey said: The confirmation of this platform upgrade at Toyota is further evidence that the UK car industry and the people who work in it are among the best in the world at what they do.

They need to know that the Government has their back and will do whatever is necessary to ensure new models and new investment keeps coming to Britain.

Ministers urged to secure tariff free access as Toyota confirms investment plans https://t.co/p9H49KXTft pic.twitter.com/3QOU8mrQNi  Unite the union: join a union (@unitetheunion) March 16, 2017

With discussions set to start on the replacement of models such as Vauxhalls Astra and decisions due on BMWs electric Mini, it is vital that Government ministers calm nerves by stating they will secure tariff-free access to the European single market and customs union in Brexit negotiations.

Mike Hawes, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), said: After a decline in investments in the sector last year, government must continue to collaborate with industry and, as we leave the EU, deliver a deal that safeguards as many of the trading benefits we currently enjoy.
Theresa May said she has absolute faith in Chancellor Philip Hammond despite the humiliating Budget U-turn on the National Insurance hike.

The Prime Minister gave her public support to the embattled Chancellor, who was forced to drop the increase in contributions for the self-employed just a week after his first Budget.

The plan had angered Tory backbenchers who believed it not only breached a manifesto pledge not to increase income tax or National Insurance contributions but would also hit traditional Tory supporters.

Asked if she had ever thought he should resign, the Prime Minister told ITV News: I have absolute faith in the Chancellor. We made very clear yesterday  he and I  about the tax lock, that we recognised the spirit of the manifesto and the change has been made.

Mr Hammond was trying to turn the page on the row as he met US counterpart Steven Mnuchin for talks in Number 11.

The Chancellor used a newspaper column to explain why he had backed down over the measure, one of the key money-raising elements of his Budget.

Mr Hammond acknowledged the concern about the manifesto promise in an article for The Sun, which had campaigned against what it dubbed the strivers tax.

Philip Hammond

Trust matters in politics. And this Conservative Government sets great store in the faith and trust of the British people, he said.

He insisted the measure was consistent with the tax pledges made in the 2015 election manifesto, and the legislation which followed only referred to the main rate of National Insurance for employees.

But he added: For the Prime Minister and me, its not enough simply to meet to stay within the letter of our tax lock law. Its important that we meet the spirit of our commitment as well.

The policy had been set to bring in 2 billion for the Exchequer and narrow the gap in the tax paid by self-employed workers and those in employment.

Labour said the decision meant there was now a black hole in his financial plans.
The family of a young British soldier killed as he stormed a German-held hill in southern Italy during the Second World War have spoken of their euphoria at finally being able to lay him to rest.

Lance Corporal Ronald George Blackham, of the 3rd Battalion Coldstream Guards, was killed during a fierce battle on September 25 1943 as he fought to take Hill 270 near Salerno.

Arriving at the Salerno War Cemetery for the burial of Coldstream Guards Lance Corporal Ronald Blackham, killed in Italy September 25, 1943 pic.twitter.com/gOChu9iHOf  Dominic Harris (@DominicHarris8) March 16, 2017

Just 22 when he died, his remains were found in February 2014 in a shallow grave near the village of Capezzano by a group of voluntary military historians.

Alma Williams holding a photograph of her late brother Lance Corporal (LCpl) Ronald George Blackham

On Thursday, more than 73 years on from his death, 19 members of his family  including younger sister Alma Williams, 80, nephew Michael Blackham, 63, and two-year-old great-grand-nephew Conan OGrady  paid their final respects during a funeral at the Salerno War Cemetery, arranged by the MoDs joint casualty and compassionate centre.

A WWII soldier's coffin is brought to the Salerno Cemetery by Coldstream Guardsmen for burial pic.twitter.com/r9fl08UAxY  Dominic Harris (@DominicHarris8) March 16, 2017

Speaking after the service, Mr Blackham said his uncle couldnt be in a better place and that it was a relief for the family to now all be over.

For Mrs Williams, from Weaverham in Cheshire  L/Cpl Blackhams only living sibling well enough to attend the funeral  the long-awaited service brought euphoria, along with mixed feelings.

Coldstream Guardsmen carry the coffin of their fallen brother Lance Corporal Ronald Blackham to his final resting place at Salerno Cemetery pic.twitter.com/ZrvIaZkxg0  Dominic Harris (@DominicHarris8) March 16, 2017

She said: All these years its been part of my life and now its being laid to rest, thank God.

He gave his life, he gave his ultimate for it  you cant give more than he gave.

And Mrs Williams said her brother could rest in peace at long last.

Coldstream Guards padre Rev Jacob Caldwell leads the service at Salerno Cemetery, not far from where L/Cpl Blackham was killed in WWII pic.twitter.com/oRXPXzis0S  Dominic Harris (@DominicHarris8) March 16, 2017

She said: He had come to tell us what he wanted and we have given him what he wanted. There is no other thing we could have done for him.

The young soldier was laid to rest alongside two unknown soldiers from the same regiment and killed on the same day, taking the number of Second World War burials at the cemetery to 1,849.

Coldstream Guards prepare to lower Lance Corporal Ronald Blackham into his final resting place at Salerno Cemetery pic.twitter.com/R2qXDraEqh  Dominic Harris (@DominicHarris8) March 16, 2017

Against a backdrop of the Salerno mountains where their forebears lost their lives long ago, six young Coldstream Guardsmen carried their fallen brothers to their final resting places.

Draped in Union flags and adorned with regimental caps, belts and poppy wreaths  L/Cpl Blackhams also carrying a display of his medals  the pallbearers gently laid the three coffins in front of the cemeterys cross.

Coldstream Guards padre Reverend Jacob Caldwell lauded the men, saying: These three soldiers fought in difficult circumstances with courage and strength, and as we remember the sacrifice of them we call to mind the lives of all those who fought during the Second World War.

An unknown Coldstream Guards soldier is laid to rest among the 1,846 graves at Salerno Cemetery pic.twitter.com/NX3ArRkO4z  Dominic Harris (@DominicHarris8) March 16, 2017

He added: We ascribe to them the honours of the regiment and give to them the place of honour they so rightly deserve.

Once a Coldstreamer, always a Coldstreamer. Nulli secundus  second to none.

A bugler played the Last Post and then, as the family watched on alongside Italian veterans, military and Salerno residents, the pallbearers gently carried the coffins one by one to their graves.
MANILA, March 15 (Reuters) - China on Wednesday signed deals committing it to buy $1.7 billion worth of fruits and other agricultural products from the Philippines, the latest in a series of agreements in an era of cordial ties under President Rodrigo Duterte.

Zhao Jianhua, China's ambassador to the Philippines, said purchases of Philippine products by China could further increase as Beijing seeks to balance trade with Manila. China has been enjoying a trade surplus with the Southeast Asian nation.

"The Chinese market is wide open for the Filipino products and the demand is insatiable," he said. "So produce more and export more to China."

Duterte said during his visit to Beijing in October he had realigned with China, paving the way for what he called a commercial alliance as relations with longtime ally Washington soured.

China has increased its imports of Philippine mangoes and pineapples following Duterte's visit and was also looking to buy local chemical and mineral products, Zhao said.

"This is the effort by the Chinese side to carry out what we have promised, to promote bilateral relations, particularly to balance our trade," he said.

China has also committed to finance at least three infrastructure projects in the Philippines worth $3.4 billion, two of which could be rolled out in the first half of this year, trade officials from both countries said last week.

The latest deals with China come a day before Chinese Vice Premier Wang Yang arrives to meet Duterte, the most senior leader from Beijing to visit Manila.

Philippine Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said last week Manila and Beijing were due to sign a six-year development programme for economic and trade cooperation this month. (Reporting by Enrico dela Cruz, editing by David Evans)
By Anna Pujol-Mazzini

LONDON, March 15 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - The Syrian war started six years ago with protests across the country against the rule of President Bashar al-Assad and his family's 40-year rule.

"Arab Spring" protests sweeping the region had already dislodged autocrats in Tunisia and Egypt, and would later claim the long-term rulers of Libya and Yemen, two other countries still embroiled in civil wars six years on.

Assad responded to Syria's protests with unconstrained violence, turning the uprising into a war to the death.

An estimated half a million people have been killed, half the population has been uprooted in the world's biggest refugee crisis, and the war has set new standards of savagery in its impact on civilians.

Here are some facts on the humanitarian impact of the conflict:

DEATH TOLL

* About half a million people are estimated to have been killed since the conflict began. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based war monitor, said on Monday there are about 465,000 people killed and missing in the war. Among those killed are more than 96,000 civilians.

* At least 652 children were killed last year, up by 20 percent from 2015, the UNICEF, U.N.'s children agency said. The figures - collected since 2014 - only represent formally verified casualties, meaning the true toll could be higher.

REFUGEES AND DISPLACED

* There are currently almost five million registered Syrian refugees. Most of them are living in neighbouring countries such as Turkey, Jordan and Lebanon.

* 6.3 million Syrians are internally displaced.

* Altogether, the number of refugees and displaced people means that half of the Syrian population, which stood at 22 million before the start of the conflict, have fled their homes.

* In Europe, a little under a million Syrians have applied for asylum, with Germany and Sweden receiving two-thirds of applications.

AID CHALLENGES

* 13.5 million people remain in need of aid inside the country. However, aid agencies often struggle to reach people in need. "Over the last year in Syria all parties involved have blocked vital aid supplies and millions have become poorer, hungrier and more isolated from assistance," Norwegian Refugee Council's Middle East director Carsten Hansen said on Monday.

* Around five million people remain trapped in areas of active fighting, including nearly one million trapped in besieged areas inside Syria with almost no aid.

EDUCATION

* One third of the schools in Syria have been destroyed or damaged by over 4,000 attacks on schools and education facilities. Hundreds of thousands of teachers have fled the country.

* As a result, 1.75 million children and young people do not attend classes, and mathematics and reading skills are falling far behind pre-war levels.

HEALTH

* At least 814 medical personnel were killed between March 2011 and February 2017. These figures may be underestimated due to difficulties in gathering evidence, researchers say.

* 2016 was the most dangerous year for health workers in Syria, with multiple attacks including killings, imprisonment, abduction and torture.

* There were almost 200 attacks on health centres last year alone.

Sources: UNOCHA, NRC, UNHCR, Thomson Reuters Foundation, Reuters, Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, UNICEF, IRC

(Reporting by Anna Pujol-Mazzini @annapmzn, Editing by Ros Russell. Please credit the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of Thomson Reuters that covers humanitarian news, women's rights, trafficking, property rights, climate change and resilience. Visit http://news.trust.org)
ANKARA, March 15 (Reuters) - Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan weighed in on an election in the Netherlands on Wednesday saying Turks living in the European country should not vote for the government or "racist parties".

The centre-right party of Prime Minister Mark Rutte is vying with anti-Islam firebrand Geert Wilders to form the biggest group in parliament in a poll that has been fired up by a bitter dispute between the Netherlands and Turkey.

On Monday, Turkey said it would suspend high-level relations with the Netherlands after Dutch authorities barred Turkish ministers from addressing expatriate Turks in a campaign for a referendum about giving Erdogan sweeping powers.

The Turkish president is counting on the support of expatriates in the April 16 referendum and he reacted furiously to the Dutch moves over the weekend, accusing the government of acting like "Nazi remnants".

"I call on my people voting in the elections there today, do not, in any way, vote for these racist parties, do not vote for the current mentality that barred our minister," he said at a rally in the western Turkish city of Afyonkarahisar.

"Vote for parties that have a dialogue with Turkey. Be careful about this."

Erdogan has previously called Wilders a "fascist" and said Turks in the Netherlands must not vote for his PVV (Party for Freedom), which wants to "de-Islamicise" the Netherlands.

While Erdogan and the Turkish government have said on several occasions they are not interested in interfering with domestic European politics, they have demanded that European countries do the same ahead of its April referendum.

"Mind your own business Europe. Do not stick your nose in Turkey's business," Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said at a rally in the northeastern province of Artvin.

Istanbul municipality also said in a statement it had cancelled a twin city agreement with the Dutch city of Rotterdam following the suspension of diplomatic ties on Monday. (Reporting by Tuvan Gumrukcu; editing by David Dolan and David Clarke)
PARIS, March 15 (Reuters) - Conservative candidate Francois Fillon came out fighting on Wednesday saying he was certain to reach France's presidential run-off against far-right leader Marine Le Pen, but polls showed him stagnating with voters questioning his credibility.

Once the frontrunner, Fillon's troubled election campaign suffered another blow on Tuesday when magistrates put him under formal investigation on suspicion of misusing public funds.

He lags behind independent centrist Emmanuel Macron and Le Pen in opinion polls for the first round on April 23rd, after which the top two go head-to-head in a second round on May 7.

"I am innocent. The judicial system is being taken advantage of," Fillon told Radio Classique. "I won't be coming in third. I will be in the second round," he said, accusing Macron of offering very little to change the country.

"Macron has been trying to seduce everybody. There are no structural reforms in it," he said.

The former prime minister has said he is the victim of a "political assassination" and on Wednesday added that he had gone back on a promise to stand down if he was placed under investigation because the system had "derailed."

While he has managed to get his The Republicans party to rally behind him and continues to keep a core right-wing vote of about 20 percent, Fillon's image is suffering.

His legal woes have also coincided with media revelations that his children transferred back to him large amounts of taxpayers' money that he paid them, and news of a parallel inquiry by parliament's ethics ombudsman into a 13,000 euro ($13,800) gift of two suits Fillon accepted in February.

All this makes it harder to push his proposed radical economic reforms, for which he has promised to slash the government's bloated costs.

An Elabe poll published on Wednesday showed that less than 20 percent of French people believe he is honest, down from about 30 percent at the end of January. Only 36 percent of people now think he has the qualities to lead the country.

Daily pollsters Opinionway and Ifop on Wednesday both showed him losing percentage points with him now 6 to 7 points behind Macron, who is in second place behind Le Pen. Both polls show Macron defeating Le Pen comfortably in the second round.

If Fillon were to reach the run-off he is also seen winning, although the gap with Le Pen is closer.

(Reporting by John Irish and Matthias Blamont; Editing by Julia Glover)
By Temis Tormo and Jack Schofield

BRUSSELS, March 15 (Reuters) - A Belgian artist is installing a metal sculpture shaped like rising waves near the seat of the European Union to honour the victims of the militant attacks on Brussels a year ago that killed 32 people and wounded hundreds.

On March 22, 2016, three Islamic State suicide bombers targeted Brussels airport and a metro train in the capital, the deadliest such attack in Belgian history. It followed coordinated attacks on Paris four months earlier that killed 130 people and sent shockwaves across Europe and beyond.

The sculpture by Jean-Henri Compere is called "Wounded But Still Standing in Front of the Inconceivable" and is constructed from two 20-metre (66 feet) long horizontal surfaces rising skywards.

"Well, it means we've been wounded down to the ground, but we have to stand up and say 'no' to those acts that are not believable, that are not bearable," Compere told Reuters at the memorial site.

Compere said the sculpture could also symbolize two plane wings, or a subway train.

"It's a piece that should stay in the city," he said. "I want that the sculpture lives with the city, that it takes on its sheen, that it gets through the years, because time helps us build ourselves back up."

The memorial will be unveiled on March 22, exactly one year after the attacks.

"I like the fact that it's supposed to visualise the strength of the city and the resilience of the city," said U.S. citizen Evan Lamps, 31, who works in Brussels. (Editing by Richard Lough)
OSLO/STOCKHOLM, March 15 (Reuters) - Norwegian police have charged Ola Rollen, the chief executive of Swedish measurement technology and software firm Hexagon AB, with insider trading, the country's white-collar crimes unit said on Wednesday.

Rollen, one of Sweden's most successful chief executives, is accused of insider trading in connection with an investment in Norwegian company Next Biometrics ASA in October 2015, a transaction that did not involve Hexagon.

"We are convinced that Ola Rollen has done the things he's now charged with, and that we can prove it in court," Senior Public Prosecutor Marianne Bender told Reuters.

If found guilty, Rollen could face up to six years in prison, according to the police, although the length of any sentence will be decided by the courts, Bender added.

Hexagon's board said in a statement on Wednesday it continued to fully support Rollen, who denies any wrongdoing, adding he would continue as CEO.

"Im confident that the charges brought against Ola will be righted in the courts," Hexagon board chairman and top owner Melker Schorling said.

Hexagon has been transformed into one of Sweden's biggest companies under Rollen who has been at the helm since 2000 and led the move from a disparate conglomerate with a market value of just a few billion crowns.

When the company announced that Rollen had been detained on insider trading suspicion in late October, Hexagon shares fell 10 percent on the day. They have since recovered sharply.

"I will continue to lead Hexagon with full force for as long as the Board and our shareholders want me to," Rollen said in the statement. He declined to give further comments on Wednesday when contacted by Reuters.

Hexagon will hold a conference call on Thursday at 0900 GMT, where Rollen will address the case.

His lawyers said they remained convinced that the court would conclude that the case lacked merit.

"We believe that the case against Ola Rollen is based on a misconception of the rules that apply," Christian B. Hjort and Erik Keiserud said in a statement.

The trial will take place at the Oslo District Court, which has yet to set a date for the proceedings. (Reporting by Terje Solsvik and Johannes Hellstrom; Editing by Mark Potter)
By Samia Errazzouki

RABAT, March 15 (Reuters) - Moroccan King Mohammed VI is replacing Prime Minister Abdelilah Benkirane and will ask another member of the Islamist Justice and Development Party (PJD) to form a government after five months of post-election deadlock, a statement from the royal cabinet said on Wednesday.

The king took the decision "in the absence of signs that suggest an imminent formation" of a government and due to "his concern about overcoming the current blockage" in political negotiations, the royal statement said. It did not say who he would name to replace Benkirane.

Benkirane had been reappointed after the PJD, which first came to power in 2011, increased its share of the vote in October elections, maintaining its position as the biggest party.

Under Morocco's election law no party can win an outright majority in the 395-seat parliament, making coalition governments a necessity in a system where the king still holds ultimate power.

But the PJD's relations with a former coalition partner, the conservative Istiqlal party, soured over economic reforms, and talks over formation of a government with the centre-right National Rally of Independence (RNI) stalled.

Benkirane's efforts have met with resistance from parties that critics say are too close to the palace. Royalist supporters have been reluctant to share power with Islamists since the king ceded some powers in 2011 to ease protests.

The palace says the king maintains the equal distance from all parties and dismisses claims of royal interference.

Concern has mounted about the impact of the political impasse on Morocco's economy. This year's budget, which should have been approved by parliament by the end of 2016, cannot be passed until a government is in place.

Speculation had been building that King Mohammed would attempt to break the political deadlock following his return on Tuesday from a tour of African states.

The palace statement said the king would receive the new prime minister soon, and would task him with forming a government.

The king thanked Benkirane for his service as prime minister, praising him for his "effectiveness, competence and self-sacrifice".

A source in the PJD told Reuters the party will be meeting Thursday morning to discuss the king's decision, which Benkirane said he accepted.

"This is our king and he came to a decision under the framework of the constitution, which I've always expressed support for," he told Reuters.

"I'm going to perform ablution, pray, and continue working on the ground." (Writing by Aidan Lewis; Editing by James Dalgleish and Lisa Shumaker)
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):

WAGES, C/A DATA

Poland's statistics office is to release February employment and corporate sector wages data at 1300 GMT. The central bank will publish January current account at the same time.

CYFROWY POLSAT

Poland's largest media group said on Thursday that its 2016 net profit stood at 1.041 billion zlotys ($259 mln) versus 0.97 billion seen in a Reuters poll of analysts.

GRUPA AZOTY

Fertiliser producer Grupa Azoty estimated on Thursday that its 2016 net profit stood at 375 million zlotys.

RAIFFEISEN POLBANK <IPO-RBP.WA>

Parkiet daily estimated that the planned IPO of Raiffeisen's Polish unit may be worth several hundred million zlotys. As part of the public offering, the bank is to sell 15 percent of its shares.

According to Parkiet, 15 percent of shares are worth 950 million zlotys assuming a price equal to the bank's book value, but a discount for low profitability and a large Swiss franc mortgages portfolio will likely be applied, Parkiet 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 (Reporting by Warsaw Bureau)
KUALA LUMPUR, March 16 (Reuters) - Interpol has issued a red notice, the closest to an international arrest warrant, for four North Koreans wanted in connection with the murder of Kim Jong Nam, Malaysia's police chief said on Thursday.

The estranged half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was murdered on Feb. 13, when Malaysian police say two women - an Indonesian and a Vietnamese - smeared super toxic VX nerve agent on his face at Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

The two women were charged with murder earlier this month, but police are looking for seven North Korean suspects in connection with the killing, including four who are believed to have made their way back to Pyongyang.

Police requested Interpol's help to apprehend the suspects last month.

"We have obtained a red notice for the four North Korean nationals who were at the airport on the day of the incident and who have since left... we are hoping to get them through Interpol," police chief Khalid Abu Bakar told reporters.

An Interpol red notice is a request to find and provisionally arrest someone pending extradition.

The murder has resulted in a diplomatic meltdown between two countries with once strong ties.

North Korea has questioned the Malaysian investigation into the murder and refused to acknowledge that the man murdered is Kim Jong Nam.

Speaking at the North Korean embassy in Beijing at an unusual and hastily arranged news conference, diplomat Pak Myong Ho blamed the United States and South Korea.

"The recent incident that occurred in Malaysia was clearly a political scheme by the U.S. and South Korea aimed at hurting the DPRK's reputation and overthrowing the DPRK regime," Pak said, using the North's formal name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

"The only parties that will benefit from this incident are the enemy countries," Pak told a hand-picked audience of reporters in a small, sparsely decorated room inside the embassy.

At the time of the killing, Kim was carrying a diplomatic passport bearing another name, but Malaysian authorities said on Wednesday Kim Jong Nam's identity had been confirmed using DNA samples taken from one of his children.

Malaysia has also refused demands by the North Korean government for Kim Jong Nam's body to be released, saying that the remains can only be handed over to the next-of-kin under local laws. No family member has come forward to claim the body.

State news agency Bernama, quoting Malaysian deputy police chief Noor Rashid Ibrahim, said on Thursday that the family had given consent for Malaysia to manage Kim Jong Nam's remains. Noor Rashid did not say when or where the consent was given.

Kim Jong Nam had been living in the Chinese territory of Macau under Beijing's protection after the family went into exile several years ago. He had been known to speak out publicly against his family's dynastic control of North Korea.

A man claiming to be the son of Kim Jong Nam appeared in video footage last week, saying he was lying low with his mother and sister.

An official at South Korea's National Intelligence Service confirmed the man in the video was Kim Han Sol, the 21-year-old son of Kim Jong Nam.

Malaysia is one of the few countries outside China that has for decades maintained ties with North Korea.

But as relations soured, Malaysia recalled its envoy from Pyongyang and expelled the North Korean ambassador.

North Korea then barred nine Malaysians - three diplomats and their six family members - from leaving the country, prompting Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak to describe the action as "hostage" taking. The Southeast Asian country followed with a tit-for-tat action stopping North Koreans from leaving.

Najib told reporters Malaysia will begin formal negotiations with North Korea "when the time is right", clarifying previous reports saying that talks between the two countries had begun on Monday. (Reporting by Nguyen Ha Minh and Joseph Sipalan; Additional reporting by Christian Shepherd in Beijing, and Christine Kim in Seoul; Writing by Rozanna Latiff; Editing by Nick Macfie)
By Patrick Markey

MOSUL, Iraq, March 16 (Reuters) - Heavy rain slowed Iraqi government forces battling Islamic State on Thursday around Mosul's Old City, where militants holed up in narrow alleyways and homes resisted with sniper fire, suicide attacks and car bombs.

Troops from the federal police and elite Rapid Response units were about 500 m (yards) from the al-Nuri Mosque from where Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared a caliphate spanning Iraq and Syria in 2014.

The black jihadist flag was clearly visible draped from the mosque's famous leaning minaret.

The army and security forces have made significant gains in recent days in the battle that started in October, seizing a main bridge over the Tigris river and advancing towards the mosque.

"We are holding positions we took yesterday. There is a lot of resistance in that area with snipers and car bombs," Federal Police Major General Haider Dhirgham told Reuters on Thursday.

The capture of al-Nuri Mosque would be a huge symbolic victory as well as a concrete gain.

"It's important for them, it's where they declared their state," Dhirgham said.

Mosul has been the hardline group's main urban stronghold in Iraq but they have steadily lost ground since the offensive began and Iraqi leaders say the battle is reaching its final stages.

Earlier on Thursday, government forces had been attempting to encircle the Old City to bottle up Islamic State fighters. Several more areas of western Mosul had been recaptured, including the hospital, over Wednesday and Thursday morning but officers said progress was slowed by car bombs and booby-traps in houses and alleyways. Then the advance was put on hold due to bad weather.

Islamic State hit back with sporadic attacks on government positions, including mortar fire. Government forces responded with mortars and helicopter gunships strafed militant positons from above.

Police said they had killed nine militants who tried to counter-attack one of their positions with rocket-propelled grenades.

DIFFICULT TERRAIN

A Federal Police officer said commanders were meeting to adjust their plans for tackling the Old City.

"The new offensive plans should adapt with the difficult terrain of the complicated, narrow alleys," he said. "The tight roads prevent us from using armoured vehicles and that will definitely leave our soldiers vulnerable to enemy fire. New plans under study will tackle this issue."

The need to ensure the safety of civilians, many of them hungry from a lack of provisions and traumatized by living under Islamic State's harsh rule, was also a priority.

As many as 6,000 Islamic State fighters remained in Mosul, including other Aran nationalities and foreigners, Dhirgham said, talking inside the city at a police forward base as refugees trudged through the muddy streets and wrecked houses.

Islamic State suicide bombers had driven explosive-rigged cars at troops, he said. There had been three such attacks on Thursday morning. Troops has also seized buildings in which suicide vehicles were being prepared.

"The enemy ... has started to set fire to houses which means that are on the retreat. They have destroyed homes and have destroyed families," Dhirgham said.

Mosul has served as Islamic State's de facto capital since Baghdadi proclaimed himself head of a caliphate in July 2014.

Its recapture by the government would drive the remnants of the Islamic State army into the hinterlands. It is also under pressure in neighbouring Syria, where three separate forces are advancing on Raqqa, the main Syrian city under Islamic State control.

As well as waging jihad in Iraq and Syria, the militants have inspired attacks in cities in Europe, Africa and elsewhere that have killed hundreds of civilians.

U.S. and other Western countries have been providing air, artillery and other support to the Mosul offensive, reflecting the international concern over the Islamic State threat.

However, the presence of tens of thousands of civilians in Islamic State-held areas means that simply pulverising them is a risky proposition. Thousands of residents have escaped to government lines in recent days but it has been impossible to tally the number of civilian casualties.

"We will liberate civilians before liberating the land," Dhirgham said.

"I expect the liberation of Mosul completely in one month. I will not tell you one or two weeks, because that's not true, but within one or two months it will be completely liberated." (Additonal reporting by Ahmed Rasheed in Baghdad; Writing by Angus MacSwan in Erbil; Editing by Alison Williams)
By Katya Golubkova and Anastasia Lyrchikova

MOSCOW, March 16 (Reuters) - A fund created by Norilsk Nickel (Nornickel) buys palladium from Russia's central bank reserves to help meet demand from its customers, the world's largest producer of the metal said on Thursday.

Demand from Nornickel's customers is higher than its production of palladium, a metal used mainly in emissions-curbing auto catalysts, Vladimir Potanin, Nornickel's chief executive and co-owner, told reporters in Moscow.

"The central bank enables us to close this deficit," Potanin said, adding the company only used the central bank's reserves to fill orders, and not for stockpiling.

Nornickel's Global Palladium Fund bought 5 tonnes (around 160,000 troy ounces) of palladium in 2016 at market prices, Chief Financial Officer Sergey Malyshev said.

Purchases were made from Russia's central bank and other suppliers, he said, adding the Fund would buy at least 5 tonnes of palladium in 2017.

Nornickel created the fund in 2016 to develop relations with holders of existing metal stockpiles, with a commitment for potential transactions of up to $200 million.

The central bank, which holds one of the world's largest gold and foreign exchange reserves, did not provide an immediate comment. The size of its palladium stock is a state secret.

"We believe that the fund's activity in future will be focused on easing of market volatility and increasing of demand from large industrial consumers," Malyshev said.

Potanin also said Nornickel could consider a Eurobond issue in near future as the company could restructure a part of its debt.

Talking about other Nornickel projects, Malyshev said Chinese investor Highland Fund had not used its pre-emption right to buy a 40 percent stake in the Bystrinskoye gold and copper mining project in Siberia.

He also said CIS Natural Resources Fund, a Russia-focused natural resources fund established by Potanin and his partner, would decide by the end of 2017 whether to go ahead with a proposed purchase of 39 percent of the project. (Reporting by Katya Golubkova and Anastasia Lyrchikova; additional reporting by Polina Devitt and Elena Fabrichnaya; Writing by Polina Devitt; Editing by Greg Mahlich and Mark Potter)
March 16 (Reuters) - Highlights of the day for U.S. President Donald Trump's administration on Thursday:

BUDGET

Trump's first budget outline, calling for a security-heavy realignment of federal spending, draws resistance from his fellow Republicans in the U.S. Congress as many balk at proposed deep cuts to diplomatic and foreign aid programs.

It is not unusual for a new White House to present a "skinny budget" - a spending wish list for Congress and some basic economic projections - but Trump's first one takes it to an anemic level.

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson says his department's current spending was not sustainable, and he willingly accepts the "challenge" Trump is proposing in cutting more than a quarter of his agency's budget.

The Trump administration wants a 31 percent cut to the Environmental Protection Agency's budget, eliminating its climate change programs and trimming core initiatives aimed at protecting air and water.

Trump's proposal to privatize U.S. air traffic control wins the backing of major U.S. airlines, but drew criticism from other groups concerned smaller airlines and private companies would lose airport access.

Trump's proposal to defund programs to clean up the Chesapeake Bay and the Great Lakes, two of the country's largest water systems, bring scorn from a bipartisan array of lawmakers who vow to fight the cuts.

HEALTHCARE

Deeply divided Republicans squeeze their U.S. healthcare overhaul, backed by Trump, through a key House of Representatives panel despite defections by three conservatives who consider it too similar to the Obamacare law it is intended to replace.

WIRETAPPING

The leaders of the U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee issue a bipartisan statement rejecting Trump's assertion that the Obama administration tapped his phones during the 2016 presidential campaign.

TRAVEL BAN

Trump has pledged to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court if necessary to fight for his revised travel ban, parts of which were halted by two federal judges in recent days.

NORTH KOREA

Tillerson says the escalating threat from North Korea's nuclear program shows a clear need for a "new approach," but he does not say what the Trump administration has in mind.

TRADE

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin says the administration has no desire to get into trade wars, but certain trade relationships need to be re-examined to make them fairer for U.S. workers.

MIDDLE EAST

Trump's Middle East envoy pursues quiet diplomacy and avoids controversy while shuttling between Jerusalem, Ramallah and the Jordanian capital, Amman, on his first official visit to the region.

(Compiled by Bill Trott and Jonathan Oatis; Editing by James Dalgleish and Peter Cooney)
By Emma Thomasson

BERLIN, March 16 (Reuters) - Qatar's sovereign wealth fund took a stake in Rocket Internet's loss-making recipe and ingredients business HelloFresh in a December fundraising, the German company said on Thursday.

Founded in Berlin in 2007, Rocket has built up dozens of businesses from fashion e-commerce to food delivery, but many investors have become concerned about heavy losses and falling valuations for its key start-ups.

Rocket's shares, which dropped last month after major investor Kinnevik sold half its stake in the company, were up 2.3 percent at 1351 GMT.

Rocket said in December that HelloFresh had raised 85 million euros ($91 million) from an unidentified leading global investor and existing shareholder Baillie Gifford, at a 2 billion euro valuation, down from a previous 2.6 billion euros.

On Thursday, German magazine WirtschaftsWoche cited HelloFresh Chief Executive Dominik Richter as saying that Qatar had been part of the fundraising.

A spokeswoman for HelloFresh confirmed the report, saying it was very happy to welcome Qatar as a long-term investor, noting the fund usually only invests in big corporations and listed companies.

Founded in 2011, HelloFresh has been investing heavily in marketing and logistics, expanding from its base in Europe to the United States, Canada and Australia.

HelloFresh made a loss before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation of 66.3 million euros for the first nine months of 2016 on revenues of 438 million euros. Rocket Internet reports full-year results on April 27.

Rocket's stake in HelloFresh now stands at 53 percent. HelloFresh is one of its biggest holdings and is viewed as a potential candidate for an initial public offering, though a previous attempt to list the business stalled in 2015.

HelloFresh confirmed a report in WirtschaftsWoche that it agreed a 50 million euro credit line from Rocket in April, which a spokeswoman said would "be used towards expanding our business."

Meanwhile, online takeaway firm Delivery Hero, which is Rocket's other major investment, is set to report a loss of 117 million euros for 2016, WirtschaftsWoche reported.

A Delivery Hero spokesman declined to comment on the figure, but said the group's marketplace business had turned profitable by last summer, while the Foodpanda business it bought from Rocket in December was still loss-making, although growing fast.

($1 = 0.9324 euros) (Editing by David Goodman and Mark Potter)
CAPE TOWN, March 16 (Reuters) - South African President Jacob Zuma said on Thursday there was no "crisis" as doubts mount over the government's ability to make welfare payments in April to 17 million needy people because of a service-provider dispute.

"There is no crisis," Zuma said in response to a question from the opposition. South Africa's top court on Wednesday blamed Social Development Minister Bathabile Dlamini for the saga, which it described as a crisis. (Reporting by Wendell Roelf; Writing by Ed Stoddard; Editing by James Macharia)
By Denis Dumo

JUBA, March 16 (Reuters) - Gunmen have attacked an aid convoy in famine-hit South Sudan, killing two people and wounding three, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said on Thursday.

The attack underscored the dangers confronting aid agencies in the world's youngest country at a time nearly half its population, or about 5.5 million people, face food shortages. The United Nations has already declared a famine in some parts.

South Sudan has been mired in a conflict that has split the nation along ethnic lines and forced more than three million people to flee their homes. Aid workers have been kidnapped, shot at and had their supplies looted by armed men.

The attack occurred on Tuesday near Yirol, in the centre of the country about 210 km (130 miles) northwest of the capital of Juba, where the aid workers had been dealing with a cholera outbreak.

In a statement, the IOM said the convoy was targeted as it returned to Yirol, with the gunmen ambushing one of the vehicles. Two people died of gunshot wounds, the aid group said, and an IOM health officer was among the wounded.

The identity and motivation of the attackers were unknown, the statement said.

Also on Thursday, medical charity Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) said its hospital in Wau Shilluk had been looted during recent heavy fighting.

"Wau Shilluk was looted of all medicines including life-saving drugs and essential supplies," Abdalla Hussein Abdalla, the deputy head of mission for South Sudan, said in a statement. "Our hospital is in a terrible condition."

Earlier this week, gunmen briefly detained eight local employees of U.S. charity Samaritan's Purse.

The civil war erupted in 2013 when President Salva Kiir, an ethnic Dinka, fired his deputy Riek Machar, a Nuer.

Machar's rebels, the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (In Opposition), on Thursday criticised a new rebel faction led by an army general who resigned earlier this year.

A statement allegedly released by the new rebel faction said that Machar's forces in the Equatoria region, near the Ugandan frontier, had pledged loyalty to former General Thomas Cirillo Swaka. "The SPLA IO is totally amazed and at the same time DISAPPROVES the claim of Thomas Cirillo that its forces in Equatoria region have pledged loyalty to him and his new faction," the statement said.

"We urge General Thomas to reconsider his strategy and not play into the hands of Salva Kiir's allies in the region, whose intention is to divide the opposition." (Reporting by Denis Dumo; Writing by Katharine Houreld; Editing by Alison Williams and Richard Lough)
By Inmaculada Sanz

MADRID, March 16 (Reuters) - Spanish opposition parties voted down a government decree aimed at reforming restrictive labour practices at the country's ports, marking a setback for Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy as he tries to find allies in a fractured parliament.

It is the first time a so-called royal decree has been rejected in parliament since the late 1970s.

Rajoy was re-instated for a second term last October but with the smallest parliamentary minority in Spain's modern history. As a result he is forced to seek support from rivals every time he wants to pass legislation.

His cabinet passed the draft ports law in February, after Spain raked up at least 21 million euros ($22.5 million) in European Union fines since 2014 for failing to crack down on closed-shop hiring among dockers.

"The loss is not just for us, but all Spaniards who will have to pay the fine," Public Works Minister Inigo de la Serna said in parliament following the vote.

With 350 votes cast in total, the bill was rejected after 175 voted against the decree, 142 were in favour while there was 33 abstentions.

The decree caused an uproar among unions who called several days of strikes and urged the government to sit down and negotiate the reform rather than rush it through.

They said they would be willing to meet with the government and business representatives to discuss changes to the proposal following the vote.

Several opposition parties, including the centre-left Socialists and anti-austerity Podemos ("We Can"), voted against the decree on Thursday.

The Centrists Ciudadanos ("Citizens") - the fourth largest force in parliament and a party that is working in tandem with Rajoy's conservative People's Party (PP) on some policies - abstained in the vote.

The European Commission, which had suspended fines when it appeared the Spanish government was nearing a reform, has suggested these might restart if the bill did not progress through parliament.

Dockers unions said that they had cancelled all planned strikes following the vote.

Around two-thirds of Spain's imports and exports - a major part of Spanish economic base - pass through its ports and prolonged industrial action would be especially painful for the automobile industry and chemical sector. ($1 = 0.9328 euros) (Writing by Sarah White; Editing by Paul Day and Pritha Sarkar)
BRUSSELS, March 16 (Reuters) - Some 1.2 million people sought asylum in the European Union in 2016, slightly fewer than in the previous year, the bloc's statistics office said on Thursday.

The majority of those seeking asylum last year were Syrians, followed by Afghans and Iraqis. The Eurostat data also showed that Germany, Italy and France were their main destinations.

In 2015, 1.26 million people claimed asylum in the EU, Eurostat said. The figures relate to first-time asylum seekers in the country where they have applied for refuge.

The EU has been seeking to crack down on arrivals of refugees and migrants after taking in some 1.6 million people from 2014 to 2016.

Among other measures, it struck a deal with Turkey to stop illegal migrants from crossing into EU member Greece.

In an intensifying dispute with the EU, Turkey on Wednesday threatened it could cancel the deal. (Reporting by Farah Salhi; Editing by Toby Davis)
KHOBAR, Saudi Arabia, March 16 (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia's King Salman oversaw the signing of deals worth as much as $65 billion on the first day of a visit to Beijing on Thursday, as the world's largest oil exporter looks to cement ties with the world's second-largest economy.

The agreements include deals for infrastructure, refining, chemicals, training, technology and other sectors:

- Saudi Aramco and Norinco Group signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to develop a refinery and chemical facilities in Panjin City.

- Saudi Aramco and Aerosun Corp signed an MoU to manufacture reinforced thermoplastic pipe and components.

- The Saudi Fund for Development signed an agreement with China Export & Credit Insurance Corporation to cooperate in providing finance and guarantee of exports.

- King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology and China's CASA signed an agreement to manufacture drones.

- SABIC and Sinopec signed an agreement to study opportunities for joint projects in Saudi Arabia and China.

- Saudi's SAGIA investment authority awarded licenses to telecommunications equipment supplier ZTE to build smart metres and Shandong Tiejun Electric to carry out electrical and industrial activities.

- Saudi's Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu signed an agreement with PAN-ASIA to assign the location for a petchem project with $2 billion investments.

- China's Huawei will build a centre for training in Yanbu.

Saudi companies also signed agreements with Chinese developers in areas including information technology and renewable energy.

(Sources: Saudi Press Agency, Saudi Energy Ministry Twitter feed) (Compiled by Reem Shamseddine, Katie Paul and Marwa Rashad)
MOSCOW, March 16 (Reuters) - Germany's Angela Merkel will visit Moscow for talks on May 2, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday, for the first bilateral visit since Russia annexed Ukraine's Crimea Peninsula in 2014.

There is no immediate prospect that Western sanctions imposed on Moscow over the Ukraine crisis will be lifted, but Merkel's visit sends a signal that Germany, the European Union's foremost power, is willing to engage with the Kremlin.

The agenda of Merkel's visit has yet to be made public, but talks are likely to focus on Ukraine, EU sanctions, trade ties and German concerns that Russia may try to meddle in a parliamentary election in September.

Germany is also president of the G20 group of leading nations this year and Merkel will need to meet with key members ahead of an upcoming summit.

"Give my best wishes to the federal chancellor," Putin told Horst Seehofer, Bavaria's prime minister, who was in Moscow for talks on Thursday. "We are waiting for her to visit on May 2." Seehofer confirmed Merkel was planning to visit that day.

Putin and Merkel have met on numerous occasions since the Ukraine crisis, including visits to each other's capitals. But those meetings were on the sidelines of multilateral gatherings. In terms of diplomatic protocol, a bilateral visit carries more cachet.

The last bilateral visit was in June 2013, when Merkel came to Russia's second city of St Petersburg at Putin's invitation, according to the Kremlin website and Merkel's official site.

Merkel and Putin initially had warm relations but things soured after the German chancellor led the EU condemnation of Russia's actions in Ukraine.

She has said EU sanctions, imposed over the annexation of Crimea and Russian support for separatists in eastern Ukraine, must remain in force until Russia changes its behaviour.

Merkel has played a pivotal role in keeping European Union states united behind the sanctions but she has come under pressure from industrial lobbies in Germany that say businesses have suffered as a result. (Reporting by Jack Stubbs in Moscow and Scot Stevenson in Berlin; Writing by Andrew Osborn and Christian Lowe; Editing by Tom Heneghan and Robin Pomeroy)
ABUJA, March 16 (Reuters) - Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari marked his return from medical leave in London with a rare appearance at a meeting on Thursday of the government's top advisory body.

Buhari attended a session of the National Economic Council, which is chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and whose members include state governors, the central bank governor and the finance minister. He does not usually attend NEC meetings.

Buhari returned on Friday from London, where he had been receiving medical treatment for seven weeks. His longer than expected absence and the fact that the nature of his illness was not disclosed had raised concerns over the 74-year-old's health.

Osinbajo has stressed that Buhari is ready to return to work. The president said on Friday he was feeling "much better" but wanted to rest over the weekend. His appearances since he landed have been restricted to the presidential offices and the State House.

At Thursday's NEC meeting, Buhari directed the central bank and finance ministry to release funds to the federal states to pay salaries of civil servants delayed due to a shortfall in oil revenues, the presidency said.

"One of these basic things is the issue of salaries. It is most important that workers are able to feed their families, pay rent and school fees, then other things can follow," Buhari told the meeting, according a presidency statement.

The combined debts of Nigeria's 36 states, including unpaid salaries, were around 658 billion naira ($2.15 billion) as of July 2015. The government loaned its states 90 billion naira in June 2016 in the most recent attempt to provide assistance.

The NEC also said Nigeria would offer a six-month window from May for tax defaulters to pay up in a bid to boost state revenues.

Nigeria could raise $1 billion from the scheme, according to a finance ministry presentation. "Tax payers will be allowed up to three years to settle their liabilities," the NEC said.

During Buhari's absence, when Osinbajo was acting president, the central bank devalued the naira for retail customers after the NEC called for an urgent review of the bank's foreign exchange policy.

Buhari has consistently opposed devaluing the naira since taking office in May 2015.

Journalists were asked to leave the NEC session before Buhari spoke. (Reporting by Felix Onuah; Writing by Alexis Akwagyiram and Ulf Laessing; Editing by Alexander Smith and Giles Elgood)
MADRID, March 15 (Reuters) - The Bank of Spain's former governor denied responsibility for the failure of now state-controlled Bankia's stock market listing and said he was unaware of warnings from his inspectors, the lawyer who brought the case and was present at a court hearing said on Thursday.

Spain's High Court placed Miguel Angel Fernandez Ordonez and five other current and former central bank officials under investigation in February over their roles in the ill-fated 2011 listing of Bankia, which was nationalized the year after with a 22.5-billion-euros ($24 billion) bailout.

Hundreds of thousands of retail investors who bought into Bankia's listing saw the value of their shares almost completely wiped out as a result of the bailout at the height of Spain's banking crisis, triggering lengthy legal action.

In its February ruling, the High Court said there was evidence linking the officials to "criminality", after investigators studied emails from Bank of Spain inspectors who had warned against giving Bankia the go-ahead to float.

Fernandez Ordonez, who stepped down from the Bank of Spain in 2012, said at Thursday's hearing he did not receive the emails from inspectors, the lawyer who brought the case, Andres Herzog, said on Thursday.

"(He) blamed the recession, the international financial crisis, and other external circumstances, and said an additional defect was the lack of regulation," Herzog told reporters after the hearing which was closed to the press.

Herzog said Ordonez told the court that the system was not prepared for such a crisis, which he compared to "an earthquake."

Fernandez Ordonez's lawyer Bernardo del Rosal did not reply to a request to comment from Reuters.

Ordonez and the five other current and former Bank of Spain officials, along with two former senior managers at Spain's CNMV stock market regulator, have been testifying before the investigating judge, Fernando Andreu, this week.

Under the Spanish legal system people can be named as formal suspects until a more detailed investigation is carried out to bring charges.

Three of the eight - all top officials from its supervisory and inspection units - resigned in February because they did not want to affect the central bank's functions while testifying as part of the case.

The Bank of Spain said in February its staff had acted correctly in their oversight of Bankia.

($1 = 0.9468 euros)

(Reporting By Jesus Aguado; Editing by Angus Berwick and Elaine Hardcastle)
By Stefano Bernabei and Massimiliano Di Giorgio

ROME, March 16 (Reuters) - Italy is expected to replace the chief executives of Poste Italiane and Leonardo in a round of appointments at state-controlled firms this month, several sources close to the matter told Reuters on Thursday.

The Italian Treasury is expected to announce by March 20 who will run some of the country's biggest companies, including oil firm Eni and utility Enel.

Sources said it is set to give the CEOs of Eni, Enel and air traffic controller Enav new mandates but there could be changes at the top of Italian post office and defence and aerospace company Leonardo.

The Treasury and the companies involved declined to comment.

Veteran banker Alessandro Profumo, who stepped down as chairman of the troubled Monte dei Paschi di Siena in August 2015, is seen as a frontrunner to take the helm at defence group Leonardo, a source said.

Francesco Caio, a former McKinsey manager, was appointed as CEO of the post office in May 2014 to orchestrate the turnaround and privatisation of the company.

The listing of Poste Italiane was a key measure of former Prime Minister Matteo Renzi's agenda to reduce public debt and make state-owned companies more efficient.

While the government sold a 35 percent stake in October 2015, plans to sell another minority stake, initially due in autumn last year, appear to have been put on hold.

Sources also told Reuters that the government was unhappy that a consortium led by Poste Italiane pulled out of the race to buy UniCredit's asset manager Pioneer, which ended up being sold to France's Amundi.

Caio is expected to be succeeded by the head of power grid company Terna, Matteo Del Fante, the sources said, though they warned there could be last minute changes.

Two of the sources said there were still discussions about who would become the new CEO of Terna, should Caio be replaced by Del Fante.

Leonardo has benefited from a radical overhaul led by CEO Mauro Moretti, who has cut debt and streamlined the company's business to focus on core activities.

But his position was undermined after he was sentenced in January to seven years in prison for his alleged role in one of Italy's worst train accidents.

Under Italian law, Moretti can appeal the sentence twice and will not have to serve any jail time until the process ends. Moretti said on Wednesday he had the backing of investors to stay on at Leonardo. (Additional reporting by Alberto Sisto and Francesca Landini; writing by Silvia Aloisi and Giulia Segreti; editing by David Clarke and Susan Thomas)
By Kwasi Kpodo

ACCRA, March 16 (Reuters) - Ghana's main opposition party and radio phone-in callers slammed new President Nana Akufo-Addo on Thursday for naming an 'elephant size' team of 110 ministers and deputies despite a campaign promise to cut government waste.

Akufo-Addo named 50 deputy ministers and four ministers of state on Wednesday in addition to 56 ministers and deputies previously announced. It is the largest government since the West African country adopted a democratic constitution in 1992.

The agriculture ministry now has a minister, a minister of state and three deputies, while four other ministries also have three deputies each and their ministers.

"We're confronted with an elephant size of government and Akufo-Addo has proven that he's a politician rather than a president," Haruna Iddrisu, leader of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) in parliament, told Reuters.

Top government appointees receive monthly salaries equivalent to around $4,000 in addition to at least two cars, free fuel, a house, free utilities and personal protection, according to parliamentary sources.

"It's a case of jobs for the boys," politics lecturer Geoffrey Molu told Reuters. His comment was echoed on social media and by callers to radio phone-in shows.

Akufo-Addo's New Patriotic Party defeated the NDC in an election in December with vows to restore fiscal stability, boost private sector growth, create jobs, promote rural development and eliminate wasteful government spending.

Ghana exports gold, cocoa and oil and had one of Africa's most dynamic economies, but growth slowed sharply in 2014 due to a fiscal crisis and a slump in global commodities prices.

Government spokesman Nana Akomea said the criticism would cease if the government delivers on its ambitious agenda.

"For ministerial numbers to cross beyond the nineties into the hundreds will surely alarm and disappoint Ghanaians ... but Akufo-Addo believes he needs these numbers of appointees to deliver," Akomea said on Facebook. (Editing by Matthew Mpoke Bigg; Editing by Tom Heneghan)
ISTANBUL, March 16 (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson will visit Turkey on March 30, Turkish foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Thursday, in what is likely to be the most high-level meeting with Ankara since U.S. President Donald Trump took office in January.

Ties between the United States and Turkey - which has the second largest army in the NATO alliance and is key to the U.S.-led fight against Islamic State in Syria and Iraq - deteriorated sharply in the last year of the Barack Obama administration.

"Rex Tillerson has said that he would like to come to Turkey on March 30," Cavusoglu said in an interview with broadcaster Haberturk. "I have told him that we will be in Ankara and available and would happily host him," Cavusoglu said.

Tillerson was likely to also meet with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and Prime Minister Binali Yildirim, he said.

Erdogan and the Turkish government want the United States to extradite Fethullah Gulen, a U.S.-based Islamic cleric who Ankara blames for orchestrating last year's failed coup. Gulen denies involvement in the coup attempt.

Ankara has also been angered by U.S. support for the Kurdish YPG militia fighting Islamic State in Syria. It is adamant that Washington should switch support for the planned Raqqa offensive from the YPG militia to Syrian rebels that Turkey has trained.

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. Erdogan believes ties will improve under Trump. A phone call between the two earlier last month was positive, sources in Erdogan's office have said. (Reporting by Humeyra Pamuk; Editing by Robin Pomeroy and Richard Lough)
BERLIN, March 16 (Reuters) - German Chancellor Angela Merkel ruled out trading provocations with Turkey on Thursday after President Tayyip Erdogan sharply criticised bans on planned rallies by Turkish ministers in Germany and the Netherlands.

Erdogan's mounting criticism of the two countries, part of a drive to win support among Turks living abroad for a referendum to widen his powers, has strained Ankara's ties with European capitals concerned about what they see as an increasingly authoritarian and insulting tone from Turkey.

Merkel told regional newspaper Saarbruecker Zeitung that Erdogan's accusation this week that she supported terrorists from the Kurdish PKK militant group was absurd.

"I don't intend to participate in this race to trade provocations," she said. Referring to his attacks on the Netherlands, she added: "The insults need to stop."

Erdogan has accused Germany of "fascist actions" for cancelling several planned rallies by his cabinet ministers and has branded the Netherlands "Nazi remnants" for banning a rally in Rotterdam at the weekend.

Merkel has hit back at Erdogan for the Nazi comparisons, saying they are "unworthy" both of the close ties the two countries share and of their people.

She reiterated that Turkish politicians wanting to make appearances in Germany needed to openly disclose who wanted to appear and for what purpose and then stick to the laws and principles of Germany's constitution.

"Furthermore, we're looking at the situation afresh every day and are not giving anyone a carte blanche for the future," she said. (Reporting by Michelle Martin)
The Queen has given Royal Assent to the Brexit bill, clearing the way for Theresa May to start talks to leave the European Union.

The European Union (Notification of Withdrawal) Bill was passed by MPs and peers on Monday.

It allows the prime minister to notify Brussels that the UK is leaving the EU, with a two year process of exit negotiations to follow.

Mrs May says she will trigger the process by the end of the month.

It is unlikely to happen next week to avoid a clash with an informal summit of EU countries.

The meeting will mark the 60th anniversary of the Treaties of Rome, which established the European Economic Community, and in turn became the European Union.(BBC)
The defence yesterday submitted their written preliminary objection before court into the case questioning the maintainability of the inquiry, where former Defence Secretary and six others were accused of corruption charges in connection with the Avant Garde Maritime Services by the Bribery Commission.

The Bribery Commission alleged that the suspects, former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Nissanka Senadhipathi and six others had committed the offence by permitting the Avant Garde Maritime Services to operate a floating AGMS to earn Rs. 11.4 billion incurring a financial loss to the State.

The six suspects are Sujatha Damayanthi, Palitha Piyasiri Fernando, Karunaratne Bandara Adhikarai, Somathilaka Dissanayake, Jayanath Sirikumara Colambage and Jayantha Perera.

Subsequently, Colombo Chief Magistrate Lal Ranasinghe Bandara directed the prosecution to tender their counter objection on the matter within two weeks. The case was put off for May 29.

Earlier, raising an oral preliminary objection at the onset, Romesh de Silva PC moved that the prosecution had violated the law vested in the Bribery Act when bringing charges against the suspects.

He said when purported charges were brought in before court under Section 70 (Corruption), the prosecution should obtain a mandatory sanction, a written consent, from the Bribery Commission according to the section 78 (1) of the Bribery Act. However, in this case there was no such sanction visible in court, therefore, the proceedings of the case should not be continued, and straight away be discharged the suspects from the inquiry.

According to the Senior State Counsel Janaka Bandara who argued against saying that under Section 11 of the No. 19, 1994 Bribery Act, the Director General of the Bribery Commission is permitted to file charges in court with the direction of the Commission, and no certification of the commission is required in court because the direction is sufficient compliance.

However, Mr. de Silva contended that the section 78(1), which requires a sanction from the Commission, was brought in under the No. 20, 1994 Bribery Act, which passed after the No. 19 Act, thereby, the Mandatory sanction requirement is in force after the new inclusion.

But the State Counsel further elaborated and argued that there was a Supreme Court decision pertaining to a similar dispute which held that the Bribery Director is allowed to file charges with sufficient compliance of the authority of the Commission under section 11 of No.19, 1994 Bribery Act. (Shehan Chamika Silva)
Development assistance by the Korea Exim Bank Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF) to Sri Lanka will increase by US$ 300 million to 500 million over the next three years, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said yesterday.

At a media briefing held in Colombo, Foreign Affairs Minister Mangala Samaraweera said the Korean government would also provide US$ 200,000 in kind, as humanitarian assistance for drought relief.

Marking four decades of diplomatic relations with the visiting foreign minister of the Republic of Korea, Yun Byung-se, the two countries signed an MoU on Cooperation between the Bandaranaike International Diplomatic Training Institute of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka (BIDTI) and the Korean National Diplomatic Academy (KNDA) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea.

I welcome this MoU which opens a new chapter of mutual cooperation between our two diplomatic academies in training our diplomats, said Samaraweera.

Celebrating four decades of diplomatic relations between the countries, discussions were also held on ways and means of further enhancing bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including political relations, economic cooperation, development cooperation, labour relations, defence and cultural cooperation, as well as cooperation in regional and multilateral fora.

"Particular attention was paid to ways and means of further strengthening our bilateral trade and investment partnership, as well as the ongoing collaboration on the Megapolis and Western Development Plan," the minister said.

Commenting on the situation in the Korean peninsula and regional security issues, Samaraweera called upon the DPRK to abide by its international obligations, ensuring an environment conducive to peace and security. Visiting foreign minister Yun Byung-se was deeply appreciative of Sri Lankas stance on the matter.

The ministers visit is the first official visit by a Korean foreign minister since 1986. A logo was launched to celebrate 40 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. (Nabeela Hussain)
By Chandeepa Wettasinghe

The third tranche of the International Monetary Funds (IMF) US $ 1.5 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) would not be delayed in mid-2017 despite Sri Lankas inability to meet the foreign reserve targets set by the programme, the countrys Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake told reporters in Colombo, yesterday.

No, I dont think so, not at all. If you look, 90 percent of the (IMF) statement commends Sri Lanka for bringing the economy under very controllable limits in a very difficult year under an extensive fiscal policy success story, he said in reply to a question raised by a reporter whether the tranche

would be delayed.

Through higher revenue collection and expenditure cuts, the budget deficit for 2016 was reduced to 5.6 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP) slightly off the 5.4 percent. The budget deficit in 2015 hit 7.4 percent of GDP largely due to a massive fuel price cut and an unsustainable public sector salary hike.

Karunanayake said the only target not achieved in relation to the EFF was the net international reserves (NIR) and added that the reserves position would be rectified through a realignment but refused to share further details of such an exercise.

Those will be rectified. We believe that the reserves are coming back. President Trumps activities are certainly affecting emerging markets, as you know. We need to get this realignment. Yellen (US Fed Chair) will likely increase rates today so all these are drawing money out of countries like us, Karunanayake remarked.

The key activities to create reserve buffers such as the sale of the Hambantota port for US $ 1.12 billion and the sale of non-strategic state-owned enterprises (SOE) for US $ 1 billion have been delayed due to public opposition and litigation snags.

Were currently doing the valuations, Katunayake said in reference to the SOEs.

Leading economists recently told Mirror Business that the countrys reserves are unlikely to increase without debt or asset sales. Foreign direct investment (FDI) to Sri Lanka last year was a dismal US $ 400 million and the countrys export earnings have been on the decline.

Despite his realignment plan for foreign reserves, Karunanayake said that the NIR target for June is also unlikely to be met.

All targets are on, except NIR, he said when asked how the country will comply with the June targets of the EFF.

Despite Karunanayakes exuberance, Sri Lanka failed to meet the December 2016 deadline for both the signing of Statements of Corporate Intents (SCIs) for the largest SOEswhich were only signed yesterdayand the introduction of automated formulae for electricity and fuel pricing.

We did one (formula), but we were not satisfied with it. So we are getting some professional help locally from the PUCSL (Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka) and from India and other foreign countries to get us a durable policy, he said.

According to the EFF agreement, Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) and the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) are required to have formulae that will allow them to recover costs according to the changes in the international energy markets.

A formula also supposed to be applied for water once the PUCSL starts regulating that segment as well.

However, the prices are currently fixed by the government, which recently refused to allow a 5 percent increase in electricity prices for the CEB to reduce losses. The government said that the consumer cannot be burdened.

The CEB made profits last year. This year there are losses due to the drought. But just because there were losses one year doesnt mean that we should place the burden on the people. We want to find a systematic solution to this, he said.
S.A. Nicholas, the captain of the oil tanker that was hijacked by the Somali pirates, told Daily Mirror on Thursday evening that their lives were at risk because of the presence of Somalian coast guard boats in the vicinity.

He requested the Sri Lankan Government to mediate and send away the coast guard's boats as their presence put their lives in danger.

There are some coast guard boats here. Ask them to leave immediately. Otherwise these pirates will shoot us, the captain told Daily Mirror over the phone last evening. He said that all eight Sri Lankan crew members were in good health but that the authorities should immediately start negotiating with the pirates.

They (the pirates) asked us to pressure our government (the SL govt.) to tell the Somali authorities to cease firing at the pirates immediately, he said.

When asked whether they had informed the authorities of the situation, he said they had informed the Sri Lanka Foreign Ministry.

Meanwhile, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Harsha de Silva said they had personally contacted the Sri Lankan crew of the hijacked oil tanker and looked into their well being.

He said he contacted the chief of staff of the Puntland President and requested him to put a stop to the firing and they had immediately stopped firing at the oil tanker.

He said the Consul General in Dubai had already held discussions with the owner of the ship about the demands of the pirates. We are in constant touch with our Consul General in Dubai who has continued to monitor the situation of our crew, Dr. Silva said.

Meanwhile, an international news agency quoted the head of the Puntland maritime force as saying that they had exchanged gunfire with the hijackers of an oil tanker in the semi-autonomous region of Puntland.

"We tried to intercept a boat that was carrying supplies to the pirates, but the pirates on the ship fired on us and so the pirate boat escaped," said Abdirahman Mohamud Hassan, the director general of the maritime force of Puntland.

A pirate who had spoken to Reuters news agency had threatened to kill the hostages if the Puntland forces continued to fire at them. "We shall kill the crew if Puntland forces fire on us again," pirate Abdullahi told Reuters.(Darshana Sanjeewa and Ajith Siriwardane)
Removing the LTTE from ground realities, wouldnt alter the political reality that demand answers

South has no right to blame Tamils for the emergence of the LTTE

Most have fallen prey to unscrupulous loan schemes and undergone harassment

The war will come back if you dont heal the wounds of memories was a warning given by the South African Anglican priest Michael Lapsley, in his interview with Susitha R. Fernando on 10 March.

He was visiting Sri Lanka recently.



There is nothing left any more to convince the Tamil and Muslim people in war affected North-East but to understand that, wounds of war have to be healed to restart life with dignity and self respect.

In post-independent Ceylon and later Sri Lanka, they stand convinced; it was the Sinhala leaders who prepared the ground for an unwanted, unnecessary war when the Tamils wanted a shared future.

Sinhala leaders werent ready to walk together to a new and a shared life in post independent Sri Lanka. They instead dragged the country into a ruthless war that left misery and agonising devastation all round.



As Rev. Fr. Lapsley had very rightly told the Daily Mirror, .After terrible things happen; the society wants to move on, which is good. But for those who have lost much in some ways, they will never move on, because the loss is permanent. But they can be assisted to be healed. If they feel that society is listening to their pain.



What is the permanent loss in North-East society, that the Sinhala South does not want to listen to and understand?



It is wounds of neglect and ignoring the agonising devastation of war. Healing cannot happen if the Sinhala society is not prepared to accept the necessity to discuss the 69-year post independent history with a 30-year war.



The reluctance in the South to sit for serious dialogue on Truth would lead to another war which was what Rev. Fr. Lapsley warned about.



Despite victory over the LTTE and eliminating its total leadership including Velupillai Prabhakaran, despite the supremacist Sinhala rhetoric that stormed Colombo and city streets almost eight years ago promising a conflict free Sri Lanka, the same Sinhala leaders, the same Sinhala security authorities, now suspect the war could come again.



They now argue over national security and possible LTTE attempts in regrouping.

Thus for even very selfish Southern life, the Sinhala leaders need to understand the necessity to complete the process of eliminating the LTTE, by addressing political, cultural and socio economic needs of the North-East people to negate any possibility of LTTE regrouping.



That begins with the question never asked and always taken for granted here in the Sinhala society.What led to the emergence of a ruthless LTTE?



Lets accept the fact that Sinhala leaders in Independent Ceylon created doubts and suspicion in the minds of the minority communities from day one.



In the first year, plantation labour that contributed largely to our economy for over a century were made Stateless and retained as pauperised labour to work on the plantations. The Sinhala Buddhists proved that they can be cruel and wicked to innocent human beings.



Seven years after Independence, all Tamil people and most Muslim people in the East were left outside decision making by declaring Sinhala the only official language of the country.



We could have made both Sinhala and Tamil the official languages, but we didnt. What did we gain more during the 32 years that lapsed till the Constitution was amended for the 16th time in 1988 to make Tamil also an official language?



Nothing but an aggravating conflict.



With those questions, if we browse through the first 30 years of Independence, what is there to learn, is that we betrayed the democratic Tamil leadership of Thanthai Chelva and his Ilankai Tamil Arasu Katchi (ITAK) many times over.



We made them irrelevant in all their efforts to compromise and settle for democratic answers. What could take its place there after? We in the South therefore have no right to blame Tamil people for the emergence of the LTTE. The birth of the LTTE was no accident.

Theres nothing maniacal in its emergence. Removing the LTTE from

ground realities, wouldnt alter the political reality that demand answers.



In fact, now there is more chaos.

Finding political answers for all what we refused during the past 69 years and the wounds inflicted in the minds of the people who survived the brutal 30-year war is now not only urgent but harder too.

The ground is bitter and festering with human issues. If the Colombo Government the Tamils prefer to call as Sinhala Government, took it as its responsibility to seriously count the number of war widows according to age categories, according to number of children and their gender, according to children above and below five years of age, we would have known at least part of their permanent loss that needs to be healed.



If the orphaned children without both parents, without either the mother or the father were similarly accounted for, we would have come to understand what permanent loss for them is and how inhuman we are in ignoring those little lives.



Talking of more unhealed wounds, the continued deployment of the battle hardened military in North-East that has never been given the benefit and privilege of going through seriously planned re socialising programmes, is being talked of in terms of undefined national security.



This has many unwanted and bitter impacts on war affected lives, including land and livelihood. Serious lack of livelihood has on one side allowed vulnerable young men and women to be herded into not so visible community farming said to be supervised by the Civil Security Department (CSD).



Most pre-school teachers in the Vanni are co-opted to security forces pay rolls providing a network of community level young women obliged to provide any information asked for.

There are around 7,500 young men and more women in extremely exploitative employment in 19 factories with BOI-SL approval in the Vanni, where neither labour laws nor BOI guide lines are honoured.



Most others have fallen prey to unscrupulous loan schemes and undergone harassment for being unable to pay back loans. Together all of it has resulted in yet to be properly assessed increase in suicides and child abuse. In 2013, Dr. Daya Somasunderam delivered the Prof. C. Sivagnanasundram Oration titled Psychosocial Rehabilitation in a post-war context. In that he quotes a University of Jaffna Community Medicine Research study in 2010 of medical students from the Vanni.



The data is both depressing and horrifying.

It says 82% directly exposed to war, 67% narrowly escaped death, 63% had lost family or friend, 43% witnessed killings, 27% had been imprisoned, 23% kidnapped or abducted and 18% had been tortured or beaten.



In 2011 he noted, in the five districts of the Northern Province there had been 179 cases of sexual abuse of children recorded. It is common knowledge that only about 10 to 15 per cent gets into records.



Suicides in the Kilinochchi district had increased from 29 in 2010 to 42 in 2011 with 19 in first six months of 2012.



With no serious or adequate attention paid to these issues by any, not by the Government, not by heavily funded Government patronised organisations and not even by NGOs, the numbers can be more now.



In 2010 Kilinochchi recorded 180 attempted suicides. In 2011 it was 331.The first six months in 2012 showed 177 attempted suicides.



The misery, the agony and the desperation these war affected people live with need no further details.



But these are not seen as the responsibility of the Colombo (Sinhala) Government in

finding answers.



The truth is that even after two armed JVP insurgencies in 1971 and 1988, the second, far more brutal and savage than the first and comparatively more brutal than even the LTTE, the Sinhala society never came to grips with the massacres, the missing, the widows and orphaned children.

They didnt have to. The military, as presently in the North-East, was not kept camped in Sinhala villages with complex projects for surveillance, after the insurgency. They never went in search of hidden weapons. They never questioned or rehabilitated those leaders who surfaced and regrouped the JVP.



Soldiers came from the same Sinhala villages the JVP activists came from. There were kinships that could be traced between soldiers and JVP insurgents. Integration of JVP insurgents into society was thus taken for granted.



In the Sinhala South, Geneva and Human Rights violations were only meant to discredit the sitting Government. They were used only as political slogans for election campaigns.

Till 1994, HR violations were used against President Premadasa and the UNP Government was voted out.



Till 2015 January, they were used against President Rajapaksa and his Government was voted out. The HR defenders in Colombo dont have much concern for justice thereafter. They are keener in safeguarding the Government they campaigned for, to keep Rajapaksa out.



Even on such sectarian and opportunistic politics, Rajapaksa can only be marginalised if the larger moderate Sinhala society could be drawn away from his Sinhala chauvinism.



Pandering to it can only justify his racist politics and that seems what the Government is doing.

Driving a wedge between Rajapaksa politics and the Sinhala moderates needs that open dialogue Rev. Fr. Michael Lapsley explained.



It is encouraging when the nation is talking about transitional justice, healing and reconciliation. That is good. The danger is that they become slogans. It is important that society talks about it. We cannot turn the page of history without reading it. If we want to live in peace, we have to accept the damages done to each other.



We therefore need a North-South dialogue. Not carnivals and events with slogans that are funded projects not having anything to do with the people in the South.
Although basically selfish, the world economic system teaches us that happiness means personal gain accumulating more and more with power, prestige and popularity. All major religions teach something totally different. The essential religious teaching is that we will have lasting inner happiness when we speak, live and act in a manner that makes others happy. The Buddha Dhamma especially goes deeper to say, May all beings be happy. That means not only making other people but also all creatures happy and acting in a manner that does not harm or pollute anything that is part of Mother Nature. We need to live together in harmony maintaining a delicate balance in the ecological system. Unfortunately, because of the major contradictions between what a selfish world system teaches us and what liberative spirituality teaches us, most people are confused and often tempted to go for what the world system offers because it appears to be more attractive like the forbidden fruit.



Deep, liberative reflections such as these need to come to mind as we mark the United Nations International Day of Happiness on Monday, March 20. Since 2013, the UN has celebrated this day of Happiness as a way of recognising the importance of happiness in the lives of people around the world. This of course is a practical way of saying we need to be transformed from selfishness, self-centredness, greed, the tendency to grab or brag and related vices to be other-centred, working not for personal gain or glory but for the common good of all and helping others without expecting anything in return. It is based on the golden principle that we need to do unto others what we wish they would do for us.



Speaking at the High Level Meeting on Happiness and Well-Being: Defining a New Economic Paradigm convened during the 66th session of the General Assembly, the then Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said the world needed a new economic paradigm that recognized the parity among the three pillars of sustainable development. Social, economic and environmental well-being are indivisible. Together they define gross global happiness, Mr. Ban said.



The meeting was convened on the initiative of Bhutan, a small South Asian country that has recognized the supremacy of national happiness over national income since the early 1970s and famously adopted the goal of Gross National Happiness over the Gross National Product.

The UN General Assembly in a resolution proclaimed March 20 as the International Day of Happiness recognizing the relevance of happiness and well-being as universal goals and aspirations in the lives of human beings around the world and the importance of their recognition in public

policy objectives.



According to the government, Sri Lanka became happier in 2015 as mentioned in the World Happiness Report released on March 17 last year. The Fourth World Happiness Report provides a fuller accounting of the distribution of happiness among people within each country and region.The 2015 update ranks Sri Lanka at 117th position with 4,415 points, 15 notches up from the 132nd position held previously. The report evaluated 156 countries on a number of factors and assigned a score on a scale of zero to 10 with 10 representing the best possible life and 0 the worst. It is based on the Gallup World Poll data collected from people in more than 150 countries averaged over the years 2013 - 2015.



The World Happiness Report gave a special role to the measurement and consequences of inequality in the distribution of well-being among countries and regions. The 2015 Report ranked Denmark at the top of the list, followed closely by Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, Finland, Canada, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Australia and Sweden. Rwanda, Benin, Afghanistan, Togo, Syria and Burundi were at the bottom of happiness, according to the report. In the South Asian region Pakistan ranked at 92nd, India at 118th, Nepal at 107th and Bangladesh at 110th. CNN says Bhutan ranked No.1 in

happiness equality.



So what is the deep message for us? If we wish to have lasting happiness we need to work and act in a manner that makes others happy in our homes and neighbourhoods, places of worship and workplaces.
The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE), in association with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC), Sri Lankan High Commission in Australia and with the participation of stockbroker firms and unit trust companies, will host a series of Invest Sri Lanka forums in Australia and New Zealand (ANZ).

The forums, which are set to take place in Sydney (March 20), Melbourne (March 23) and Auckland (March 25) are conducted with the objective of promoting capital market investment opportunities to ANZ investors and individuals of Sri Lankan origin residing in the two countries.

The Invest Sri Lanka forums are expected to draw a combined participation of over 500 institutional investors, high-net-worth individuals and residents of Sri Lankan origin in the region.

Commenting on the initiative, SEC Chairman Thilak Karunaratne said, Our immediate priority is to fulfil the SECs mandate by initiating regulatory reforms and improving market infrastructure to ensure a level playing field in which the issuers can raise funds and investors can participate with confidence.

I am confident that Invest Sri Lanka will provide investors based in both Australia and New Zealand an excellent chance to understand potential investment opportunities in Sri Lanka. This endeavour will facilitate the governments aspiration to attract more investments from the diaspora to drive economic development.

CSE Chairman Vajira Kulatilaka stated that a strong community of individuals with a Sri Lankan origin eager to look at new Sri Lankan investment opportunities and a growing inflow of foreign investment originating from Australia highlight ANZ as a market with notable potential.

Kulatilaka said that bilateral activity surrounding the celebration of 70 years of diplomatic ties between Sri Lanka and Australia presented the CSE with a unique opportunity to promote the capital market at a time when Sri Lanka has the attention of the region.

We have taken steps to enter into partnerships with local consulates, associations and business councils considering the local context of each location and the diverse nature of our target audience, he added.

Australian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka Bryce Hutchesson commended the initiative as a valuable means of fostering closer economic ties between the two countries.

Further economic reform in Sri Lanka should see more Australian businesses and investors looking to enter the local market. There is clear scope to expand the bilateral trade and investment relationship and this Invest Sri Lanka forum initiative should contribute positively towards that goal.

Sydney marks the first stop of the series with an event taking place on March 20 at Shangri-La Hotel from 3:00 p.m. onwards. The Sydney forum is organised in association with the Sri Lanka and Australia Chamber of Commerce and Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Sydney.

The series would then move to the state of Victoria, with an event exclusive to Australian institutional investors and high-net-worth individuals hosted at the International Chamber House Melbourne on March 23 at 8:30 a.m. followed by an evening event from 6:00 p.m. onwards at the Novotel Melbourne Glen Waverley, which is set to attract the participation of individuals with a Sri Lankan origin living in Melbourne.

The Melbourne forums are organised in association with the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Melbourne and Aus-Lanka Business Council.

The final stop in the series of events will take place at the Fickling Convention Centre in Auckland on March 25 from 4:00 p.m. onwards. The event will be organised in association with the Sri Lankan New Zealand Business Council and is expected draw the participation of individuals with a Sri Lankan origin living in Auckland.

All events will feature a keynote address delivered by National Policies and Economic Affairs State Minister Niroshan Perera, while CSE Chairman Vajira Kulatilaka and SEC Director General Vajira Wijegunerwardane will make presentations on the opportunities in the Sri Lankan capital market and the reformist agenda for the capital market, respectively.

A macroeconomic overview of the country will be provided by Fitch Ratings Lanka MD/CEO/Country Head Maninda Wickramasinghe and will be followed by an insight into the economic policy direction of the country, which will be delivered by Central Bank of Sri Lanka Economic Research Director Dr. Yuthika Indraratne.

The main presentations will be followed by a panel discussion moderated by CSE CEO Rajeeva Bandaranaike and a question and answer session with the audience.

The events will also feature several leading real estate developments in Sri Lanka in the capacity of event sponsors, including the Colombo Port City (Platinum sponsor), One Galle Face by Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts (Platinum sponsor) and the luxury apartment development by Altair

(Corporate sponsor).
President Maithripala Sirisena said in a twitter message that he instructed the Navy Commander to communicate governments concern about the safety of the Sri Lankans on board the hijacked ship in Somali seas.

The President tweeted that the combined Maritime Force in Bahrain was in contact with Somali Maritime Police on behalf of the government.
Are the loyalists of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who call themselves the Joint Opposition (JO) playing into the hands of the Government?

JO had thought it fit to fight over Weerawansa, rather than agitating against the paddy black marketers!

Are the loyalists of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who call themselves the Joint Opposition (JO) playing into the hands of the Government by fighting for the demand made by Wimal Weerawansas National Freedom Front (NFF) to recognise it as a separate party in the Parliament?

Wittingly or unwittingly, they have totally diverted the focus of the masses from skyrocketing cost of living and many other burning problems by this agitation.

Soon after the Parliamentary elections in August, 2015 they also demanded the post of Opposition Leader be given to one of them without being recognised as a separate group in the House.

However, it was rejected by Speaker Karu Jayasuriya on technical grounds that no party had contested at the Parliamentary elections under the name of Joint Opposition.



Nevertheless they had the moral right to claim the post as the second biggest group in the House, craving for power.



Fresh from the humiliating defeat at the just concluded general elections, the JO did not continue its struggle for the Opposition Leader position, which went for the second time in the Sri Lankan history to a Tamil leader, Rajavarothayam Sampanthan.



However, they continued with their demand that they be accepted as a separate group in the Parliament independent of the UPFA under, which they contested at the General Elections.

In order to support their claim they argued that they did not join the UNP led Government as the other members contested under the UPFA did. True enough, in a practical sense they are the real traditional Opposition in Parliament and outside of it as it follows the tradition of opposing everything that Government does.



The UNP leadership this time agreed to accept JO senior member MP Dinesh Gunawardane as the JO group leader in Parliament, not on the capacity of MEP leader but as the leader of the JO.

Most probably UNPs strategy was to let the UPFAs simmering infighting between Maithripala and Mahinda groups to intensify by strengthening the JO, which would ultimately lead to the split of the UPFA.



UPFA functioning under President Maithripala Sirisena too on its part agreed to apportion time for the JO group from the time allocated to it for Parliamentary debates.



This amounted to the Government wittingly or unwittingly accepting the existence of a separate group called JO in Parliament. Nevertheless the JO did not seem to be keen to lay claim to the Opposition Leader post again.



Then the group acted as a separate political party holding separate daily press briefings, public meetings and borrowed Sri Lanka Podujana Party, a registered political party and appointed former minister Professor G.L. Peiris as its Chairman.



All in all, the JO is now very clearly a political grouping independent of President Sirisenas UPFA and SLFP.



It was against this backdrop NFF leader Wimal Weerawansa requested the Speaker to recognise his party also as a separate party. He was even prepared to risk the four seats his party had got at the last general elections by heeding to a request by UPFA General Secretary and Minister Mahinda Amaraweera to give in writing that his party had severed links with the UPFA.



UNP leader and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe attempted to portray Weerawansas move as a divorce by the latters party from JOs godfather-former President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

He said that he was pleased to see Weerawansa breaking away from Rajapaksa.



However, the entire JO including Rajapaksa supported Weerawansas demand.

Rajapaksa openly stated that Wimals move was a ploy within the overall strategy of the JO, in spite of the fact that ploys, tricks, and maneuvers being not disclosed by those employ them.

The Prime Minister knew that there was no rift between the NFF and the other JO partners. But he attempted to mislead the supporters of the JO and the NFF and pit them against each other.

In fact, Wimals move was aimed at gaining time and other privileges provided to party leaders in the Parliament.



There is no public interest involved in it. It is not a matter to fight for forgetting the problems of the masses or diverting the attention of the masses from their own problems.

But the JO spent almost a whole weeks business of Parliament by agitating within

the House.



Ultimately MEP leader Dinesh Gunawardane was suspended from Parliament for a week over Weerawansa issue.



During the week, when the JO was fighting for Weerawansas party, the Tamil media totally centered its focus on the UNHRC session that was underway in Geneva.



Tamil leaders and the media exerted maximum pressure on the Government using the meetings held on the sidelines of the main session of the worlds Human Rights body to implement the recommendations of the resolution adopted in the Human Rights Council in 2015.



The Government had requested two more years to implement them but the Tamil diaspora groups opposed it. The JO failed to considerably contribute in the debate during the week they fought for Weerawansa.



Prices of essential items are soaring in the market. The Government had to import rice amidst a mounting controversy over the local rice price hike, which had unprecedentedly surpassed Rs. 130 a kilo.



Farmer organisations are accusing that millers with political patronage had created an artificial rice scarcity by not releasing the rice they possess to the market in order to jack up the prices.

But the JO, the largest grouping in the Opposition had thought it fit to fight over Weerawansa, rather than agitating against the paddy black marketers!



An investigation into the Central Bank bond scam, possibly the largest ever corruption occurred in the country, is underway and most of the details transpired during the proceedings seem to need explanation for the ordinary people.



In the meantime Government Ministers are waxing eloquent to justify their lack of will and capacity to keep the promises, including action against corruption, given to the people during the last Presidential and Parliamentary elections.



Indifferent to all these, the JO is playing politics in order to gain short term political mileage.
The Donald Trump administration has read the Riot Act on the United Nations Human Rights Council. It has threatened to withdraw itself from the UNHRC, unless the council agrees to toe its line.

The warning came through a letter Secretary of State Rex Tillerson sent to a group of nine non-profit organisations this week, according to an exclusive report posted on the prestigious Foreign Policy website.



The letter said, While it may be the only such organisation devoted to human rights, the Human Rights Council requires considerable reform in order for us to continue to participate.

A senior Tillerson aid said, If they dont make these reforms, were going to question the value of our membership. Were not taking withdrawal off the table.

Certainly, the reforms the Trump administration is calling for are not aimed at making the UNHRC stronger. Washington apparently wants to make the council a rubber stamp, just as it has made the UN. Or, the Trump administration is planning something more horrendous, with a US$ 54 billion surge in military expenditure.



Successive US governments have been critical of the UNHRC. They have described it as an Israeli-bashing organisation. But at the same time, Washington has made use of the mechanism to put pressure on hostile nations.



The US warning comes as no surprise because since Trump came to power, matters human rights have been pushed to the backburner. Perhaps he is forthright and does not want to be hypocritical like his predecessors  talking big about human rights and doing the opposite. Why blame Trumps United States. Every big power is a human rights crook.



In international relations, human rights remain politicised. Human rights are often seen as a hindrance to a states national security. Violations are justified on the basis that the survival of the state is more important than a citizens human rights. Human rights have become state-centric, instead of people-centric.



This is why whistleblower Edward Snowden is refusing to leave Russia and surrender to US authorities. He fears that the US courts will uphold the power of the state at the expense of the citizens right to privacy and their freedom of expression. WikiLeaks chief editor Julian Assange is refusing to leave the Ecuadorian embassy in London to face justice in Sweden, because he fears that Stockholm, giving more importance to its relations with Washington than to its supposed commitment to uphold the peoples right to know, would extradite him to the US.



When state-centric human rights are observed, citizens are told they live and die for the state  a subtle form of Nazism. When the rights of the state are considered greater than the citizens freedom, it is also militarism, a system where rulers, democratically elected or otherwise, invoke patriotism, glorify the military and enhances its capability to use it aggressively to defend or promote national interests. So much so that militarism supersedes liberal values.



In the United States, both the Republicans and the Democrats subscribe to this unwritten doctrine. Militarism was evident during President Trumps address to Congress last month. The Democrats, who by opposing Trumps outrageous policies were posing off as champions of moral politics, shook their heads in disapproval when the billionaire-turned-President waxed eloquent on his controversial policies. But when he hailed the death of US SEAL William Owens during a raid on an al-Qaeda camp in Yemen and drew the lawmakers attention to his widow, members from both sides of the divide gave a record standing ovation.



That the botched raid killed civilians was not a matter for them to worry about. That the US troops killed eight year-old- Nawar al-Awlaki, a US citizen and daughter of radical preacher Anwar al-Awlaki, whom the Americans extra-judicially killed in a drone attack in 2011, did not bother their conscience. That the raid was a violation of the territorial integrity of a sovereign nation was far from their thoughts. That it did not have the UN approval was the least of their concerns. So much for the US politicians commitment to uphold human rights and international law!



The US commitment to human rights remains buried in the graveyard of political expediency, with the epitaph, among other horrors, mentioning the use of Agent Orange chemical weapon in Vietnam, depleted uranium on Iraqi civilians, the indiscriminate drone attacks on civilian targets in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Yemen, and Washingtons blind support for Israel to oppress the Palestinian people.

What moral right does the US State Department have to publish its annual country report assessing other countries human rights record? Probably, Trump understands this. That may be the reason that the State Department did not have the usual hype when it released the human rights country report on March 3. Downplaying the event, instead of Secretary Tillerson, an assistant secretary of state presided over the low-key ceremony.



It is interesting to note that, in an irony of ironies, China, which is usually named and shamed as one of the big-time human rights violators by the US State Department, has been hitting back at the US by publishing a human rights country report on the US since 1998.



The latest report titled was released by the Information Office of the State Council, Chinas cabinet, on March 9. It scoffs at the US for once again posing as the global judge of human rights.

Wielding the baton of human rights, the US report cast blame on the human rights situation in many countries while paying no attention to its own terrible human rights problems.



With the gunshots lingering in peoples ears behind the Statue of Liberty, worsening racial discrimination and the election farce dominated by money politics, the self-proclaimed human rights defender has exposed its human rights myth with its own deeds, the report says highlighting concerns over gun violence, women rights and minority rights, among other issues.



All major religions, for thousands of years, have been extorting their adherents to be just, fair and regard equality as a virtue. But it was only in the 19th century that slavery was abolished and only in the 20th century that civic rights of the Afro Americans in the United States were restored and apartheid was abolished in South Africa. Women were considered in most western countries as worthy of being given the right to vote only about some five decades ago.



However, the golden era for human rights dawned after the Cold War between the US-led Western bloc and the Soviet Union-led Eastern bloc ended in 1991. The United Nations Human Rights Commission was seen as inadequate to deal with human rights violations and moves were initiated to form a powerful and effective mechanism under a new UN Human Rights Council. During this period, numerous were the European Human Rights Courts decisions that gave more importance to a citizens rights than a member states action taken in the name of national security.



However, the movement towards Eldorado suffered a severe blow when US President George W. Bush launched the war on terror in 2001. Torture was justified, privacy was undermined, and the Geneva conventions on warfare and prisoners of war were dumped in the dustbin. The observation of human rights became state-centric. Last year, the Brexit vote has enabled Britain to dissociate itself from the European Union standards on human rights. The rot continues.
The internet these days is flooded with chaos, misinformation, hatred and all that epitomises confusion. And if you wish to cull out relevant information about cancer, it is a cauldron of scary facts and figures, carefully curated for anxious cancer patients and their kin.

I had the first taste of consuming dismal information about the disease when my twin sister, my best friend and my other half Monika was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia in October 2015.

After having been in remission for a few months, the disease relapsed and this time with more aggression. Since then, all I have experienced with her is a roller-coaster ride. We have together battled the disease like warriors. Not because we had no other choice.

It is because we both believed that warriors fight to win. And during the process the internet has been our worst enemy. Every time we turned towards it for hope, all it threw at us was a terrible prognosis and disappointing case studies of people succumbing to the disease.

The world outside the internet felt like the reflection of what the internet spoke about. Everybody we broke the news of her medical condition looked at us with sympathy and with an expression that cancer can only bring upon death.

For a cancer patient and his kin, even one story of success means life. And to our dismay, there was not a single thread of motivation left for us to latch on to.

Most often inspiring ideas are born from the womb of adversity. In our case, we decided to create a platform which works towards survival awareness, which means helping those affected by cancer find hope and stories of people who have fought the disease with true valour and emerged victorious.

How we arrived at the idea is in itself a story that should be recounted for sheer need of motivation among people and families affected by cancer.

One afternoon, I was sitting with the head of medical oncology at one of the best hospitals in Delhi NCR discussing a difficult course of treatment to save Monika's life.

While he was explaining the grave consequences of Flag IDA, a toxic chemotherapy drug given to patients suffering from leukemia as a salvage option, I had my gaze fixed on his lips pronouncing the painful truth. He said that my sister might not be able to tolerate the drug and might succumb within seven days of treatment and emphatically mentioned that 10 per cent patients actually die during this treatment.

I had to take a call immediately. I decided that my twin who I was born with and had spent the entire life gathering so many memories with, will take the toxic treatment. The outcome could be lethal but I took the call on her behalf that she will.

One day my twin came up with the idea of starting a website.

As I stepped out of the doctors cabin, I noticed my sister sitting outside with a confident look on her face. I felt emotional but held back the tears almost welling up in my eyes and pushed the lump gathering in my throat down. I projected to her that it was a cost-related discussion with the doctor and that he assured we were doing good.

Nonetheless, the treatment began and along with it, began the seven-day countdown. During this phase, she would be on 24X7 oxygen support with an infected lung filled with fluid. I would be with her in a bone marrow transplant ICU through the day and watch her fight the battle with complete faith on the doctors and herself.

She would often call me by her side and mutter her conviction to me. She would raise her hand in a victory symbol affirming that she will win, come what may. And Id hold her hand to say, "of course we will". Also, shed often call me near her and mumble a request and that was dont believe what the doctors say. I will win".

It wasnt easy for me as her twin to see her go through so much pain with immense strength and often found myself burying my fears, apprehensions and confusion in the face of the worst crisis of my life. Both of us were fighting a lonely battle, albeit with each other by our side.

Seven days passed like a storm but the calm after that felt surreal. She began to show miraculous improvement with her blood count rising steadily.

It was during this time that we began brainstorming about what could we possibly do to bring the change in the way people look at cancer and its prognosis. While we juggled with several ideas in the BMT ICU, one day my twin came up with the idea of starting a website called www.strongerthancancers.com with the mission to fill the void with hope for millions of cancer warriors who are made to believe that cancer cannot be cured.

To break the stigma, we decided to bring the stories of marvellous victories of cancer warriors over the disease and inspire every cancer patient to fight and win like no one ever imagined. The mission behind the website was to ensure that no one took chemotherapy with a broken morale and spread the message that cancer is only a diagnosis and not a death sentence.

From the hospital ICU, Stronger than Cancer was born and has successfully managed to bring inspiring stories of success of cancer warriors over their disease and shall continue to live its mission. After all, there is no dearth of cancer awareness. What is desperately needed is cancer survival awareness. The belief that there are so many cancer survivors out there, who fought with exemplary courage and managed to win!

While most of us are often caught up with our daily chores and feel bogged down by the challenges life throws at us, few people acquaint us with the idea of living a mission despite being in the middle of painful circumstances. People who inspire us with an undying spirit.

While I am talking about the message of hope, I cant miss the mention of Sean Swarner. Amid so much negativity spilled all over the internet about cancer, Sean has managed to deliver a very powerful message to those affected by the disease - that there is hope.

Sean is the only cancer survivor in the world to have climbed the Mt Everest with one functional lung.

Sean says: The human body can live roughly 30 days without food. The human condition can sustain itself for roughly three days without water, but no human alive can live for more than 30 seconds without hope."

Sean is a two-time cancer survivor and synonymous to the power of the human spirit over a hopeless prognosis. Sean is the only cancer survivor in the world to have climbed the Mt Everest with one functional lung.

Summiting the Everest can be a very daunting task even for climbers who are physically fit and mentally prepared to take on the mighty mountain. Here, it was a cancer survivor with one lung who managed to do the impossible. Not only this, Sean has climbed all other six tallest summits and has trekked across Antarctica to the South Pole.

At the moment, he is all geared up to trek to the North Pole to complete the Explorers Grand Slam. Sean is carrying a "Flag of Hope" along with him, with the names of cancer survivors and the names of those who fought valiantly but succumbed.

Sean calls this initiative Mission of Hope. The money raised as part of the mission will be directed towards funding cancer research, supporting those suffering from cancer and empowering survivors. In two days, Sean will begin his trek and with it the message of hope will reach millions affected by cancer and otherwise.

Another ray of hope for all cancer patients and their kin is Rahul Yadav, the founder of Yoddhas. Yoddhas is a support group created by Rahul to empower those affected by the disease. His group counsels, supports and helps families raise money for cancer treatment. Rahul is battling cancer the third time. But does that bring his spirits down? Instead, he is even more determined to battle the disease like a warrior and beat it for the third time.

In the middle of a deep crisis we often find ourselves complaining about what the ideal should be. On the contrary, we have Monika, Sean and Rahul who have managed to find a purpose in their life and are meaningfully living a mission, in the face of their worst crisis.

Though it is hard to imagine how they managed to gather the courage to plan their initiatives to bring hope, the truth is they have and with a lot of heart and toil put together.

According to a WHO report, globally one in five men and one in six women will develop cancer before the age of 75.And one in eight men, and one in 12 women, will die from the disease.
Its a truth universally acknowledged that a party that has a thorough and decisive electoral mandate, must be in search of statesmanship to whitewash its campaign-time criminal utterings. Hence, the wise gestures to rise above caste and communal sentiments in Uttar, nay, Uttam Pradesh, now that 325 out of 403 Assembly seats are in BJPs kitty.

Whether it was BJP national president Amit Shah likening his opponents to Kasab, the executed 26/11 terrorist who was caught alive, or other BJP stalwarts urging secular critics of the Modi government to go to Pakistan, polarisation as campaign strategy went far from being frowned upon to being openly embraced by the party. Mission 2017 had been the crucible on which the hopes of 2019 Lok Sabha polls would be weighed upon.

Hence, in the age of WhatsApp politics, polarisation through selective information, amplification of Hindu-Muslim issues, mis-information blitzkrieg on social media and some TV channels, continued unhinged, to reap brilliant electoral dividend. Not just in UP, but also in Uttarakhand, Manipur and Goa.

However, the aftershocks of electoral strategies continue to send ripples through the fabric of once secular India. In Jianagla, a village about 70km from Bareilly, posters have come up overnight asking Muslims residing there to leave the place by the end of this year.

According to this Times of India report, the message in Hindi says, [W]ith BJP in power in Uttar Pradesh, Hindus of the village would do what US president was doing to Muslims in that country."

Further, the posters appeared barely days after BJPs massive victory, and clearly linked the message to the ruling party in the state, that interestingly enough, is still without a chief ministerial face. What Trump is doing in America, we will do in this village because the BJP is now in power, the posters said.

If the actual goal of the posters is to instill fear among the Muslims, that objective has been achieved already.

It must be remembered that fringe Hindu groups worshipped Donald Trump when the latters election campaign was still ongoing last year, and made headlines the world over for the bizarre spectacle that the events made. A cake was cut and Trump cardboard cut-outs were given divine sanctity exactly at a time when he was calling for racist and xenophobic immigration rules and practically linking all Muslims to ISIS and all Mexicans to rape crimes.

Following Trumps election as the president of the United States, his draconian #MuslimBan came as a hardly unexpected executive order, in which citizens from seven chiefly-Muslim countries, five of which the US has bombed to Stone Age directly contributing to their economic and sociopolitical collapse, were banned from entering America for 90 days. Stalled by the courts, Trumps revised plan targeted six countries, and even that has been stalled by a judge in Hawaii.

It is absolutely stunning that random groups that form on the basis of unabashed majoritarianism are drawing strength from the Donald Trump administration and linking the administrative racism of Trump with the administrative bigotry of the Modi regime in the Centre. The posters that have come up in Jianagla have the name of a BJP MP under the section guardian.

Exactly as Indians are killed in Trumps America amidst rising hate crimes, as the ghost of the slain engineer Srinivas Kuchibholta calls out for justice, we are witnessing a two-pronged development in India, especially in BJP-ruled or BJP-eyed regions, related to religious minorities.

First, the calls from overseas Hindu groups trying their best to remain in the good books of the openly racist Donald Trump, to not see the murders of Indians as hate crimes that have direct correlation with the Trump-led White House and its reprehensible policies.

Second, the attempt to replicate the Trump (and Sangh) template by ushering in a climate of sustained hostility towards religious minorities, particularly the Muslims. This, despite the right-wing commentariat rising to defend Modi and Shah against their risible and proven Islamophobia, and flooding the mediasphere on how Muslims have, in fact, voted for the BJP in Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls.

The posters in Jianagla that were put up overnight, have led to a police complaint. The village has about 200 Muslims among a total of 2,500 residents. The posters came up after Holi, and branding them as inflammatory is exactly like calling purported hate crimes as stray incidents that have nothing to do with the official narrative of corrosion, bigotry and distrust of minorities.

The village of Jianagla may not remain an isolated case if strict action against the perpetrators isnt taken and soon. Yet, with the name of a BJP MP, (who exactly? The TOI report didnt give that away) as the guardian featuring in the posters, can we really expect any real action?

Also, if the actual goal of the posters is to instill fear among the Muslims, that objective has been achieved already, and taking the posters down would do precious little to allay fears of people who had seen one of their own dying because the meat in his fridge was rumoured to be beef.

With the anything-goes electoral strategy adopted by the BJP, and the increasing rationalisation of the criminal incitements along religious lines with planted and false stories to further inflame passions, the aftershocks are hardly unexpected. Obviously, there will be attempts to portray this as one more stray attempt by persons who have nothing to do with the BJP and its leaders.

Are we entering a period of self-imposed political myopia? Or, do we just dont care anymore?


The Justice Department unsealed a fresh indictment Tuesday charging eight Navy officials  including an admiral  with corruption and other crimes in the Fat Leonard bribery case, escalating an epic scandal that has dogged the Navy for four years.



Among those charged were Rear Adm. Bruce Loveless, a senior Navy intelligence officer who recently retired from a key job at the Pentagon, as well as four retired Navy captains and a retired Marine colonel. The charges cover a period of eight years, from 2006 through 2014.



The Navy personnel are accused of taking bribes in the form of lavish gifts, prostitutes and luxury hotel stays courtesy of Leonard Glenn Fat Leonard Francis, a Singapore-based defense contractor who has pleaded guilty to defrauding the Navy of tens of millions of dollars.



The indictment lists page after page of bribes allegedly provided to the defendants including $25,000 watches, $2,000 boxes of Cohiba cigars, $2,000 bottles of cognac and $600-per-night hotel rooms.



...



In exchange, according to federal prosecutors, the officials provided Francis with classified or inside information that enabled his firm, Glenn Defense Marine Asia, to gouge the Navy out of tens of millions of dollars.



Federal agents fanned out across six states Tuesday in a coordinated operation to arrest the defendants, authorities said.



Loveless, the retired admiral, was arrested at his home in Coronado, Calif. The Navy had announced in November 2013 that he was under scrutiny by the Justice Department and suspended his access to classified material. He was allowed to retire last fall.



Navy officials have said that about 30 admirals are under investigation, although only a handful have been named publicly.



Robert Gilbeau, a one-star admiral, was convicted last June after he pleaded guilty to making false statements to investigators about his contacts with Francis. He has since retired. He is scheduled to be sentenced next month in federal court.



Separately, the Navy has censured or disciplined three admirals for ethics violations after they accepted lavish meals and other gifts from Francis.



Others taken into custody Tuesday included David Newland, 60, a retired captain from San Antonio; James Dolan, 58, a retired captain from Gettysburg, Pa.; David Lausman, a retired captain from The Villages, Fla.; and Donald Hornbeck, a retired captain who lives in Britain.



Agents also arrested Enrico de Guzman, a retired Marine colonel from Hono*lulu; Lt. Cmdr. Stephen Shedd, an active-duty officer from Colorado Springs; and Robert Gorsuch, 48, of Virginia Beach, a retired chief warrant officer.



None of the defendants could be reached for comment Tuesday. The charges against them include bribery, conspiracy, obstruction of justice and making false statements to federal investigators.



All of the accused officers formerly held key positions on the command staff of the Japan-based 7th Fleet and were bribed by Francis because they could help steer business to Glenn Defense Marine Asia, according to court papers.



...




NextEra Energy, Inc. is the largest electric utility holding company in the US. It operates a network of power generation and distribution facilities that include fossil-fuel-generated and green energy. As of mid-2022, the company was capable of generating 58 GW of electricity with nearly 60% of the load produced by green sources including wind and solar. In their view, going green isnt an option, its the solution. NextEra Energy has been recognized multiple times as a leader in clean energy and ESG practices and was ranked the #1 electric and gas utility on the Forbes list of Most Admired Companies.

The company is the result of several mergers that begin with FPL Group. FPL Group is now a subsidiary of NextEra Energy and the third-largest provider of electricity in the US servicing nearly half of Florida. FPL and its affiliates are the single largest provider of renewable energy generated from wind and sun. The group changed its name in 2010 following a decision to shift focus onto renewable energy sources.

Today, NextEra Energy, Inc through its subsidiary FPL serves about 12 million people in eastern and southwestern Florida. The company employs nearly 14,900 people who service 5.8 million accounts. The company is in business to generate, transmit, and distribute electricity to retail and wholesale clients. Electricity is generated through wind, solar, nuclear, natural gas, and coal-fired facilities.

The company is also engaged in the construction and operation of new facilities, specifically renewable power generation, storage, and delivery facilities, and can offer custom solutions tailored to any need. Offerings include tailored services to assist businesses with their transition to clean energy.

NextEra Energy also owns and operates 7 nuclear power stations in Florida, New Hampshire, and Wisconsin generating power for the wholesale market.

Unlike other companies that are targeting net-zero emissions, NextEra Energy has a plan to reach real zero and is investing heavily to reach that goal by 2045. The company had invested nearly $50 billion in green energy infrastructure and initiatives by mid-2022. The plan is to first work on reducing its own emissions and then take its knowledge and expertise to the world.
The following companies are subsidiares of Textron: AAI Corporation, AAI Services Corporation, ALSTOM Gears, Able Aerospace, Able Aerospace Services Inc., Able Engineering & Component Services, Aeronautical Accessories LLC, Airborne Tactical Advantage Company LLC, Arctic Cat, Arctic Cat ACE Holding GmbH, Arctic Cat France SARL, Arctic Cat GmbH, Arctic Cat Inc., Arctic Cat Production LLC, Arctic Cat Production Support LLC, Arctic Cat Sales Inc., Arctic Cat Shared Services LLC, Arctic Cat UK Ltd., Arkansas Aerospace Inc., Avco Corporation, Aviation Service servis letal doo Ljubljana, Aylesbury Automation, B/K Navigational Equipment sro, BELL TEXTRON ASIA (PTE.) LTD., Beech Aircraft Corporation, Beech Holdings, Beechcraft Defense Support Holding LLC, Beechcraft Domestic Service Company, Beechcraft Germany GmbH, Beechcraft International Holding LLC, Beechcraft International Service Company, Beechcraft New Zealand, Bell Textron Canada International Inc., Bell Textron Canada Limited/Limitee, Bell Textron Co. Ltd, Bell Textron Inc., Bell Textron Korea Inc., Bell Textron LLC, Bell Textron Miami Inc., Bell Textron Prague a.s., Bell Textron Rhode Island Inc., Bell Textron Services Inc., Bell Textron Supply Center BV, Bell Textron Technical Services Inc., Benzlers, Brazaco Mapri Industrias, Burkland, Cessna Aircraft Company, Cessna Citation European Service Center SAS (99.9%; 1 share  Textron France SAS), Cessna Dusseldorf Citation Service Center GmbH, Cessna Finance Corporation, Cessna Finance Export Corporation, Cessna Mexico S de RL de CV, Cessna Spanish Citation Service Center SLU, Cessna Zurich Citation Service Center GmbH, Citation Parts Distribution International Inc., Cushman Inc., Datacom Technologies, David Brown Group, Doncaster Citation Service Centre Limited, E-Z-GO Canada Limited, Energy Manufacturing, Flexalloy, HBC LLC, Hawker Beech de Mexico S de RL de CV, Hawker Beechcraft Argentina SA , Howe & Howe Inc., Howe and Howe Technologies, Industrial Technology Inc., InteSys Technologies, International Product Support Inc., KSB Annecy SAS, Kautex (Changchun) Plastics Technology Co. Ltd., Kautex (Chongqing) Plastic Technology Co. Ltd., Kautex (Guangzhou) Plastic Technology Co. Ltd., Kautex (Pinghu) Plastic Technology Co. Ltd., Kautex (Shanghai) Plastic Technology Co. Ltd., Kautex (Wuhan) Plastic Technology Co. Ltd., Kautex Corporation, Kautex Craiova srl, Kautex Germany Holding GmbH, Kautex Inc., Kautex Japan KK, Kautex Shanghai GmbH, Kautex Textron (UK) Limited, Kautex Textron Benelux BVBA, Kautex Textron Bohemia spol sro, Kautex Textron CVS Limited, Kautex Textron GmbH & Co. KG, Kautex Textron Iberica SL, Kautex Textron Management Services Company de Puebla S. de RL de CV, Kautex Textron Portugal  Produtos Plasticos Sociedade Unipessoal Lda., Kautex Textron de Mexico S de RL de CV, Kautex Textron do Brasil Ltda., Kautex of Georgia Inc., Kaywood Products Corp., Klauke, LCI Corporation International, LLC Textron RUS, Maag, McCord Corporation, Mechtronix, Medical Numerics Inc., Midland Industrial Plastics, MillenWorks, MillenWorks Themed Technologies, MotorFist LLC, OPINICUS Simulation and Training Services LLC, OmniQuip International, Opinicus, Optical Boring Co., Opto-Electronics, Opto-Electronics Inc., Overwatch Systems, PEINER Umformtechnik, Pipistrel, Pirelli Tyres - General Rubber Goods (GRG) division, Premiair Aviation Maintenance Pty Ltd, Progressive Electronics, Ransomes, Ransomes Inc., Ransomes Investment LLC, Ransomes Jacobsen France SAS, Ransomes Jacobsen Limited, Ransomes Limited, Ransomes Pensions Trustee Company Limited, Replacement Part Solutions LLC, Response Technologies LLC, Rotor Blades Limited, Sukosim Verbindungselemente, TRU Simulation & Training Spain SL, TRU Simulation + Training Inc., TRU Simulation + Training LLC, TekGPS Engineering Srl, Textron Airland LLC, Textron Atlantic LLC, Textron Aviation Australia Pty. Ltd., Textron Aviation Canada Ltd., Textron Aviation Defense LLC, Textron Aviation Finance Corporation, Textron Aviation Inc., Textron Aviation Prague Service Center sro, Textron Aviation Rhode Island Inc., Textron Aviation Services de Mexico S de RL de CV, Textron Capital BV, Textron Communications Inc., Textron Far East Pte. Ltd., Textron Finance Holding Company, Textron Financial Corporation, Textron Financial Corporation Receivables Trust 2002-CP-2, Textron Fluid and Power Inc., Textron France Holding SAS, Textron France SAS, Textron Global Services Inc., Textron Ground Support Equipment Inc., Textron Ground Support Equipment UK Limited, Textron IPMP Inc., Textron India Private Limited , Textron Innovations Inc., Textron International Inc., Textron International Mexico S de RL de CV, Textron Limited, Textron Management Services Inc., Textron Motors GmbH, Textron Motors North America Inc., Textron Outdoor Power Equipment Inc., Textron Realty Corporation, Textron Shared Service Centre (Canada) Inc., Textron Specialized Vehicles Inc., Textron Sweden AB, Textron Systems Australia Holding Pty Ltd, Textron Systems Australia Pty Ltd, Textron Systems Canada Inc., Textron Systems Corporation, Textron Systems Electronic Systems UK (Holdings) Limited, Textron Systems Electronic Systems UK Limited, Textron Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Textron UK Pension Trustee Limited, Textron Verwaltungs-GmbH, Turbine Engine Components Textron (Newington Operations) Inc., United Industrial Corporation, Westminster Insurance Company, Williams Machine & Tool, and Zhenjiang Bell Textron Aviation Services Limited.

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Brylie Price is only 3 years old, but she's already developing her own home library, thanks to monthly book donations from the Dolly Parton Imagination Library program sponsored by the United Way of Linn County, area Rotary Clubs and the Albany Public Library.

Before Wednesday morning's story hour at the Albany Public Library, Brylie and her mother, Laura, picked out another book for their shelves.

Weve probably gotten about five so far, Laura Price said. Its wonderful. She loves the books and her older brother is jealous, but he enjoys reading them, too.

Price said her daughter looks forward to receiving books in the mail every month.

In just one year, the Imagination Library program has placed 28,155 titles in local homes, said Greg Roe, United Way executive director. The books go to more than 2,600 youngsters, one per month, delivered by mail and addressed to the child.

The goal is to improve the reading level of youngsters entering kindergarten by 30 percent, he said. Parents can sign up for this program before their child is born and start receiving the books at birth. By the time a child is in kindergarten, he or she will have 60 books.

Roe said the program costs more than $5,000 per month to operate and is supported by donations from the area Rotary Clubs, Selmet and Coastal Farm & Ranch.

Linn County based Rotary Clubs have donated more than $26,000, Roe said.

United Way does not take any administrative fee for this program, Roe said. Every dollar donated goes to buy books. We can always use more sponsors.

Roe said all of the books are age-appropriate, progressing as each child develops.

The program has been so successful, it will expand into Benton County next year, through the Benton County United Way.

Ive never been part of a program sponsored by three groups that has been so successful, Roe said.

Roe said staff members at the Albany Public Library have done a wonderful job enrolling youngsters in the program and promoting it during weekly story hours.

Area hospitals and programs such as Head Start are also key players.

Participants must be Linn County residents, submit a registration form (available at the library) filled out by parents or guardians, and notify United Way of Linn County of any address changes.

And," Roe said, "parents have to promise to read with their children."

Roe said it costs about $25 per child to operate the program.

Country music superstar Dolly Parton founded the Imagination Library program in 1995 to benefit children in her home county in Tennessee, especially poor children who might not have books at home. Five years later, the program had become so popular Parton expanded it nationwide. Since then, more than 80 million books have been sent to children in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.

Some 1,600 communities provide the Imagination Library to more than 1 million children every month.

To learn more about the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, or to become a sponsor, contact Roe at 541-926-5432.
LEBANON  Lebanon School Board member Jerry Williams, who has been volunteering as a camp host outside the school district, is still eligible to run for re-election.

That's the word from both the Linn County Clerk's Office and the Hungerford Law Firm, which represents the Lebanon Community School District. Both said Williams can work as a camp host, even for months, without giving up permanent residency in Lebanon.

The residency question came up during the public comment portion of the March 9 meeting of the Lebanon School Board. School employee Cindy Thompson asked the board to verify the rules for election to the board, saying while she appreciates Williams' service, she understands he is currently staying in Sweet Home.

Following the meeting, Williams said he has been working as a camp host at River Bend Park in Sweet Home since October, filling in for a park host who had two deaths in the family and needed help with coverage.

"I do sleep out there and stay there, but it's not permanent," he said. "It's not my residence."

Williams said he stays at the camp about four days a week and that he's not sure when the job will end, but that he'll likely do more camp host work during the summer.

"I never heard it was an issue," he said. "It's not a permanent house or anything. It's just something I enjoy doing."

Oregon law requires school board members to live in the districts they represent and have lived there for at least a year prior to election or appointment.

The Oregon School Boards Association, which issues templates for various board policies, including the policies that govern board service, said the county clerk's office makes the determination on eligibility.

Linn County Clerk Steve Druckenmiller said taking a job outside the district, even if it involves sleeping elsewhere part of the time, doesn't run afoul of the residency requirement.

"An individual does not lose residency by being away temporarily," he wrote in an email to the Democrat-Herald. "For example, often times a person's occupation can take them away periodically for extended periods of time (electrician working in a Washington shipyard). A person's residence in such instances is determined by that individual's intent to return to the place he or she considers home. I am of the opinion that this is clearly applicable to this situation and the intent of the board member here is the determinative factor of residency."

Nancy Hungerford of the Hungerford Law Firm, which represents the school district, said that's her interpretation as well. The applicable laws, she said, "suggest that a change in residency is only determinative if it is a change in the director's 'permanent residence.'"

Williams, who joined the board in 2013, lists his permanent residence on West D Street in Lebanon. He represents Zone 5, bounded by Vaughn Lane on the southwest side of town and north to Oak Street. He has filed for re-election this May to the position, a four-year term.

Zones 2 and 3, currently held by Kellie Weber and Mike Martin, also are up for re-election this May. The filing deadline is today.
Douglas James Young Jr., 45, of Lebanon, was arraigned Wednesday in Linn County Circuit Court on six counts of first-degree sexual abuse and one count of second-degree sexual abuse.

The charges stem from incidents alleged to have taken place on February 13, 14, 15, 18, and 20 of this year, and involve a boy under the age of 14. Detectives also interviewed the alleged victims of incidents from January 2007.

Young is a former Boy Scouts of America leader. According to police documents, he was questioned in the past about other allegations of sexual abuse, but no charges were filed.

Young was arrested without incident Tuesday afternoon at the Lebanon Justice Center.

At the arraignment, defense attorney Arnold Poole, who was retained by Young's family and who also has been a Boy Scout leader, noted that Judge Daniel Delsman was a Boy Scout leader as well before he became a judge, and made sure on record to establish the fact, and to declare that his client does not have a problem with the association.

"They just happen to know each other," Poole said.

Poole also told the judge that Young used to volunteer at ABC House, a center that provides help and counseling for abused children and their families.

Prosecutor Jonathon Crow asked for $150,000 security, and Delsman granted the motion. He further ordered that Young have no contact with minors, and only supervised contact with children in his family.

The next hearing is set for April 17.
Nov. 18, 1934  March 13, 2017

Lonel was born Nov. 18, 1934, in McMinnville the son of John (Milt) and Zetta (Bush) Murphy. He lived in the Dayton area throughout his childhood where he attended school, and graduated in 1953 from Dayton Union High School. After high school, he spent several years as a member of the United States Army. After military service, he returned to Oregon where he attended Chemeketa Community College, receiving an Associate of Science in Civil-Structural Engineering Technology.

Lonel worked in the engineering field for a short time, but much of his career was in carpentry work. He operated Sawyer's Landing and Marina for a period of time prior to going to work in the maintenance department of the Embarcadero Resort where he was employed for over 20 years.

He lived in the Newport, Depoe Bay and Toledo area for over 30 years, where he was the Exalted Ruler of the Toledo Elks Lodge.

He married Annette Davidson in the late 1960s and was a loving father to her sons. She preceded him in death in 2003. He reconnected with an old friend, Phyllis Schmitz, and they were married Aug. 13, 2004.

Lonel loved fishing, building things and working with horses. He attended Sweet Home Mennonite Church, loved the Lord and shared that love with those around him.

He is survived by his wife of 13 years, Phyllis Schmitz of Lebanon; daughters Jeanette Murphy of Middlewich, England, Diane Regan of Wales, and Heather Search (and Jim) of Sweet Home; sons Mike Davidson of McMinnville, Jim Davidson of Salem and Bob Davidson of Virginia; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

There will be a celebration of his life at a later time.

Huston-Jost Funeral Home is in care of final arrangements.
For a number of years my mom flirted with the idea of moving down to Charlottesville from Rhode Island with varying degrees of seriousness -- and then, as she got older, with varying degrees of worry. Could she find a comfortable place she could afford? When was the right time? Could she get enough for her old place? Had she waited too long? Was she strong and healthy enough to make the move?

When seniors are buying or selling real estate, there are a whole host of special things to consider -- and not only for the seniors, but for the whole family as well.

It has to be a real careful analysis, said Linda Broadbent, a Charlottesville realtor who specializes in working with seniors. About finances, health, long-term goals. And talking with your whole family is important. You need to do it before a senior is hit with a challenge, because then you wont have any control.

Indeed, being proactive and making a move or change sooner rather than later is key, Broadbent said.

I talk to seniors, and their families, who say they are looking to move in a couple years, says Broadbent, People say, 'Yeah, well wait a little longer.' But then, bang, it can be too late. I always ask, Why are you thinking about this now? It often means that now is the time to move.

My mom, then approaching 80 years old, eventually brought a condominium at Branchlands, an affordable older-than-55 community along U.S. 29, after selling her condo in Rhode Island.

The move down was taxing on her, as was the condo search, as she was trying to find the best place within her price range. Moving in and getting used to her new home, her new environment, new neighbors, and a new town to navigate, also proved taxing. While she enjoyed her time here and eventually did settle in, a series of health problems hit her pretty hard after about a year and a half. After she passed away last summer, our family realized she probably should have moved down here several years ago, as she would have enjoyed being closer to us all for much longer.

Broadbent said seniors often dont talk to their families -- either not wanting to bother them, or because the idea of moving scares them.

There are a lot of fears when you are in your 70s, Broadbent said. You just want to be comfortable and sit at home in your chair. But you need to have that thoughtful conversation with your family.

Because the questions can be overwhelming. Do I have the financial means to move? Will I eventually need in-home care? Does the home Im trying to sell need updating? How much space do I really need? Is what Im buying a good investment that will be handed down to my heirs? Who will help me declutter the old home and make the move? Will the new neighborhood have access to public transportation and other services should I no longer be able to drive?

Empty nesters with older parents are part of this, too, Broadbent said, even if their parents arent talking to them directly about these issues. Eventually, its going to hit them, and they need to have that conversation.

As an agent for seniors and their families, Broadbent said, she really enjoys listening to people and trying to figure out what they are thinking and why, because often they arent sure themselves. I just keep asking questions, she laughed.

The biggest problem Broadbent sees in the area is the high cost and low inventory of one-level homes.

We are still short of having affordable homes for seniors in this town, says Broadbent, and its really disturbing to me. We could use more affordable senior communities.

Indeed, Broadbents advice for families also might apply for the community. As our senior population continues to grow, we cant afford not to be proactive; we cant afford not to sit down and have a really careful analysis, and to make some real decisions. Otherwise it may be too late.
More than 300 woodturners from throughout Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana and California will show off their skills this weekend during the second annual Oregon Woodturning Symposium at the Linn County Fair & Expo Center.

There will be a lot of neat stuff on display. Its an opportunity for anyone attending to bring their wood pieces they are proud of to show off, said Mark Choitz, a member of the Willamette Valley Woodturners Club.

Choitz, who lives near Lewisburg, said the public is invited to drop in for free and view an "Instant Gallery" of wood products turned by hobbyists and professionals.

There will also be three days of skills seminars taught by professionals from around the country.

Choitz said there are five woodturning clubs in Oregon. The Willamette Valley Club has about 120 members and meets at 6:30 p.m. the second Thursday of each month at the Senior Center in Salem.

For anyone who has any inclination of getting into woodturning, this is a great opportunity to meet and ask questions of guys who turn wood for a living, Choitz said. Classes will range from woodturning basics on up to some really high-end stuff, such as turning thin-walled vessels, wood carving and wood burning.

Choitz said the first symposium was held at the Expo Center in 2015. Plans are to hold one every other year, he said.

This years event will include the donation of wooden boxes with lids to children hospitalized with serious health issues.

Hospitals provide sick children with beads to mark special events in their treatments, Choitz said. We provide the wooden boxes they can put those beads in.

He hopes there will be 50 boxes turned in by club members and they will be donated to hospitals in Kalispell, Montana, and Tacoma, Washington.

In addition to seminar instructors, the event will include a number of vendor displays.

A banquet will be held Saturday evening.
The Charlottesville Planning Commission has recommended using more than a quarter-million dollars in available federal funding for pedestrian improvements in one of the citys low-income neighborhoods.

Community Development Block Grant funds will be used in the city to conduct pedestrian improvements in the 10th and Page neighborhood, economic development activities and several public service projects that benefit low- and moderate-income citizens, commission Chairman Kurt Keesecker said Tuesday.

For decades, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has distributed money across the nation using the Community Development Block Grant program. Furthermore, the HOME Investment Partnerships Program provides money to nonprofit organizations to assist with affordable housing programs.
A federal grand jury in Eugene has indicted the owner of Albany Guns, Coins & Jewelry on charges that he sold high-caliber firearms to a person he knew was a convicted felon.

Nicholas Earle Russell, 67, was named in a four-count indictment, according to an announcement from the United States Attorney's Office for the District of Oregon.

The indictment alleges that from Nov. 19, 2016, to Jan. 25, 2017, Russell sold the guns, including a .50-caliber handgun and .223- and .308-caliber rifles. Each charge carries a potential 10-year prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Nathan J. Lichvarcik, assistant United States attorney for the District of Oregon, will prosecute.

"I had no idea," Russell said Thursday morning. "I guess there was an indictment issued, but yesterday was the first I heard of it."

Russell said he first learned of the indictment when a reporter from the Associated Press called him with questions.

At least nine ATF agents served a warrant Feb. 23 at the business, 1225 Pacific Blvd. SE, and removed records and guns.

"When you make a mistake with the ATF, they take it very serious," Russell told the Democrat-Herald on March 3.

Russell has retained Salem attorney Jason Short of the law firm Gilroy, Napoli and Short. Short did not immediately respond to a Democrat-Herald request for comment on Thursday.

We will continue to provide updates as we learn more.
On Nov. 28, 2016, a wildfire of unprecedented scale swept through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and spilled over into the surrounding community of Gatlinburg, claiming 14 lives and burning a total of 17,904 acres, and forever changing the lives of those in the greater park community.

Today, spring is coming and has come. Gatlinburg is bustling. And it is clear that the ecosystem will recover smoothly and the community, though branded with the memory of hometown disaster, will return to its position as a viable tourist destination  stronger for it.

What began as a small 1.5-acre fire smoldering slowly in the duff  the layer of organic matter on the forest floor  atop the popular Chimney Tops on Nov. 23, 5.5 miles from Gatlinburg, was rapidly bolstered into a raging blaze four days after Thanksgiving when winds registered up to 87 MPH ripped through the Smokies, already bone-dry due to several months of drought.

The scene was chaotic and undoubtedly sorrowful; and the impact on businesses, families and livelihoods cannot be downplayed. But despite the sensationalized portrayals of the situation that have colored peoples perceptions of what remains of the national park, the reality is hopeful.

Of the Parks 522,427 acres, 11,410 acresroughly 2 percent  were consumed by the fire. Whats more, because of the high winds that contributed to the rapid magnification of the fire, about 65 percent of the area that was consumed was only very lightly burned, resulting in burned undergrowth and the bases of trunks, but very few dead trees. The area of the park that was burned intensely  about 1,000 acres  represents 0.2 percent of the entire area.

The fire occurred outside of the growing season, so most vegetation was dormant, Dana Soehn, park management assistant, pointed out. Trees and shrubs were only highly affected in about 10 percent of the burned area.

In a brief walk through the forest, adjacent to one of the most heavily burned areas, buds are becoming visible on even the smallest of saplings.

The soil within the burn zone is relatively intact, too.

Duff layers, root mats and seed banks are mostly intact in over 90 percent of the burn area, said Soehn, and it shows.

Daffodils, grasses, and groundcovers have emerged from the now-moist ground as some of the first signs of spring.

To ease the worries of those who value the park for its wildlife viewing opportunities, wildlife has shown no signs of suffering.

According to park Wildlife Biologist Bill Stiver, two of an estimated 1200 black bears inhabiting the park are known to have died because of the fire. Many  including the majority of the black bear sows  were hibernating when the fire swept through.

Species that prefer open woodlands  like bats, of which the park houses 13 species, 4 of which are critically endangered  will find refuge in the newly created habitat, as will deer, which thrive around edge habitat and in new-growth forests.

Turkeys were observed in some of the burned areas almost immediately following the fire. A winter burn affects a stronger spring greenup and a long sight line, which provide the birds with food and security.

The fisheries within the park were perhaps the least affected, though 55 miles of stream were engulfed in fire.

No impacts from fire relative to nitrates, sulfates, pH, or temperature have been found, said park Fisheries Biologist Matt Kulp, citing 20 years of previous baseline data.

There has been no significant difference in sediment in the streams, either, said Kulp, as he released a healthy wild rainbow electroshocked from a Little Pigeon River tributary stream.

The 31 miles of trails closed because of the fire have been repaired and reopened to the public.

Recreation, in the form of wildlife watching, fishing, and hiking, will resume in the park this spring, providing little reason for visitors to postpone vacations and trips to the region.

The community, which sees 11.3 million visitors annually, remains fully functional.

In fact, a record number of visitors was recorded for the month of December following the fire.

Ecologically speaking, wildfire is a natural event intrinsic to eastern ecosystems, and can be interpreted as beneficial to the diversity of habitat and wildlife within the park.

Whats more, the Chimney Tops 2 wildfire will offer a unique opportunity for visitors and scientists to study and become familiar with wildfire, which has been largely avoided through management for recreation.

The park is, and will continue to be, a natural treasure in the heart of the East.

Want to help the Smokies? Go see it for yourself.
In speaking with people in our area we hear uncertainty of the future. This is unavoidable to a degree because tomorrow is always unsure. The difficulty is when we add fear to the uncertainty. This takes away hope.

As we attempt to dispel the fears that people experience and offer hope we are often asked, So, what exactly is the Green Party? Such a great question. It is a movement based upon 10 key values, a commonality among all greens. These are the values that influence a platform or a stand on an issue.

The first, and foundational, of these 10 key values is grassroots democracy. This is the political process where as much decision making authority as is practical is shifted to our lowest geographical or social level of an organization. We believe that all people must be allowed a say in decisions that affect their lives.

This plays out in two ways, in the party itself and in government. The former there is the Green Party of the United States which nominates national candidates, such as president. This is made up of 50 state parties. Here in Virginia it is the Green Party of Virginia (GPVA). Each state is then made up of locals. The particular local for this area is the Piedmont Green Party, representing Culpeper, Fauquier, Greene, Madison, Orange and Rappahannock counties.

This local is the grassroots of the party, and for the most part is an independent organization fitting into a confederation of other locals to form the GPVA. All of the decisions of the Piedmont Green Party are made by its members, and not a state or national party. Each local is free to determine its own agenda to be determined by the needs of the region it represents and the coalitions it forms with local organizations. Each local is its own grassroots democratic organization with a decentralized authority.

What this does for local candidates is give them the freedom to formulate their own platforms. The people of that region develop their platforms as it fits their needs. At times this can be difficult for voters because the Green Party candidate you are talking to in your local area may be far different than one you saw on TV or read about. It is vital to learn about that particular candidate, as they are quite free of party politics and appear far more independentonly because they are.

The foundation of the United States itself was designed to follow a similar model of grassroots democracy, which brings me to the second manner in which this key value plays out. In 2016, we saw a trend back to grassroots democracy. Over the last century or so we have lost the concept and yielded it to big government and the corporate interests that have bought it. Decisions have been based on donors and corporate interests rather than on grassroots decisions. We are no longer involved in the decision making at our lowest level; our hometowns. Lawmakers that are hundreds, if not thousands, of miles away are bought by these capital interests and then pass regulations and laws onto us for profit. This is not the America our founding fathers fought for, nor designed.

In keeping with the key value of grassroots democracy we stand firm on the decentralization of government. The authority of the government should come from the consent of the people at its lowest geographic or social level. That is our local and state representatives. This is the level where we send our friends and our neighbors to represent us and our localities. The top-down two-party system that has evolved allows for a feudal mindset to prevail. It is our contention that these local people we choose to send as representatives from the grassroots must be held accountable against this value, and if they do not pass the test they are to be replaced.

But grassroots must have a key ingredient to work, and that is participation. When that ingredient is lost, the grassroots democracy itself is lost. If we are to return to such a system we, the people, must participate fully. This is done by assuring that our current representatives meet the criteria, if not, either force them to do so, or replace them. This is the political revolution we are hearing about. Returning to full participatory grassroots democracy is nothing to fear. Losing it is our cause for fear.

This is why it is hard to know what the Green Party is, because it is what the people make it, at the lowest levels, you and me.

The Piedmont Green Party seeks to assist our citizens fully participate, and to assist our lawmakers. For more information on the Piedmont Green Party and our 10 key values, go to piedmontgreens.com.
ANKARA  Turkey  Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus, has revealed some troubling news for the EU which could effectively swamp the continent with 2 million more refugees this summer.

Already, it is spring, and the augurs do not bode well for the EU, with Britain leaving its sinking union, and the fires of patriotism burning in France and the Netherlands.

Schengen Nightmare

The corridor from Libya to Italy is a proven route for much of Africa to enter the EU, once inside they have no limitations in travelling across the EU and settling in any country they please due to the EUs suicidal Schengen zone.

Much of the traffic goes through Greeces porous borders, although some unlucky refugees are detained in Greek camps where they are treated like animals with poor sanitation, limited food and water.

This summer of 2017, we could be seeing another re-run of the mass exodus that was witnessed in 2015, when approximately 3 million people crossed into the EU causing chaos, anarchy and a human crisis not seen since World War II.

As the blossoms sprout beautifully on Europes fields, so too will the lines and lines of millions of people coming to the EU, searching for a better life, looking for what they see and hear on the internet of the privileged European dream.

Poverty, war, drought, it all adds up to a nasty soup, and the hatred of Muslims by most of the EU population, will eventually lead to some sort of civil unrest as the millions keep on coming and coming. By denying Turkey what was promised, the EU has been dangling the carrot on the stick for too long, and without any prize, Turkey has nothing to lose, it has already been burdened by over 5 million refugees from Syria and Iraq, and to see them go West will be a release of this burden.

The Turks are a hated race by many countries, and are surrounded completely by their enemies, however they should not be underestimated in their strategic role, not only militarily but in their geographic positioning. The Turk can once again aspire to invade Europe, albeit through the use of refugees, as once they did the walls of Vienna. For centuries, Turks have been vilified and feared by Europeans, and today in the 21st Century, we can see nothing has changed in history.

Erdogan, the current Turkish leader has taken Turkey back to its Islamic roots, he has thrown out all the Western reformations that Kemal Ataturk had put in place, and this is why, today instead of seeing women in high skirts walking the streets as they did in the sixties and seventies, you only see hijabs and burkas, and only a few women who dare wear Western clothes without coverings.

By going back East, looking towards China and Russia, Turkey has also endangered its place in NATO, but as the second largest army in the group, it still is useful to the U.S. so keeps its place.

There will not be any change in Turkey any time soon, unless of course there is regime change and a more moderate Western government is formed, until then, Europe will be swamped with wave after wave of refugees, the new de facto weapon of choice in a world where economic wars are waged and proxy wars utilising other elements are an every day occurrence.
Kim Weaver is the chairman of the O'Brien County Democratic Party in the northwest corner of Iowa, close to where Minnesota, South Dakota and Nebraska abut her state. In 2016 she took on the thankless tasking of running against her notoriously bigoted congressman, Steve King. And she's working towards a re-match for 2018. Trump won the district last November-- 60.9% to 33.5%. In 2012 it was the only Iowa district Obama didn't win. Romney took it 53.4% to 45.3%. In November Trump won all the Iowa districts, even the blue-leaning ones. There was a real red tide in Iowa last year. At the top of the ticket, Hillary and Patty Judge, two extremely disliked establishment politicians, dragged the whole party down with them. Kim did better than either though, winning 38.6% compared to Hillary's 33.5% in the 4th. She also won the biggest county in the district (Story County, which includes Ames), 25,785 to 21,202-- slightly better than Hillary. Judge-- who was shoved down Iowa voters' throats by a clueless Chuck Schumer-- lost Story County 25,020 to 20,934. In fact, Kim beat Hillary and beat Patty Judge in every single one of IA-04's 39 counties. With no support from the DCCC whatsoever and very limited fundraising-- she spent $148,531 to King's $954,150-- her grassroots campaign spent $1.22 per vote for about the same result the 2014 candidate, Jim Mowrer, got when he outspent King ($2,167,517 to $1,983,501)-- almost $20 per vote.





want to defeat King because they raise so much money from his regular insane outburst (like DWT readers with a guest post. Please give it a read and if you like what you see, please consider contributing to her campaign by tapping the thermometer on the right. And remember, when you give money to outfits like the DCCC, the DNC or Emily's List falling all over themselves to "defeat Steve King," they have done nothing to defeat Steve King at all and just use the money for their own lousy conservative candidates in other parts of the country and give nothing-- ZERO-- towards Kim Weaver's campaign. Friends of mine in Iowa have told me that the DCCC doesn't evento defeat King because they raise so much money from his regular insane outburst (like the ones earlier this week ). Kim, on the other hand, cares very much about working to retire this crackpot. I asked her how she thinks she can win in such a red district against someone who is so entrenched. Although, as a county chair, she was heavily pressured to caucus for Hillary, her issues are Bernie's issues and she told me that she's tremendously encouraged by grassroots activity in the district from Indivisible groups, from Our Revolution and from a group called No More King. I asked her to introduce herself toreaders with a guest post. Please give it a read and if you like what you see, please consider contributing to her campaign by tapping the thermometer on the right. And remember, when you give money to outfits like the DCCC, the DNC or Emily's List falling all over themselves to "defeat Steve King," they have done nothing to defeat Steve King at all and just use the money for their own lousy conservative candidates in other parts of the country and give nothing-- ZERO-- towards Kim Weaver's campaign.





Can Steve King Finally Be Repealed And Replaced?

-by Kim Weaver





In April of 2015 I informed the Chair of the Iowa Democratic Party that I had decided to run against Representative Steve King in the 2016 race. Her response was a look of relief as well as a big hug. Im pretty sure she had been worried that no one would step up and take him on and now, at least we had someone who was sane and articulate who could be the sacrificial lamb for the Party. I knew going into the race that it was a very uphill climb and that I would get very little help from the Party itself, but what I didnt fully realize was how much I would have to fight just to get basic support on a state and national level.





Prior to running I had a lot of experience as a campaign volunteer with my union, as well as in my role as Chair of the OBrien County Democrats. With the help of the Osceola County Chair, Kathy Winter, I co-founded a group we named the SOLO Democrats. This group was made up of four of the reddest counties in the state, Sioux, OBrien, Lyon, and Osceola. Until 2012 it was almost impossible to get a national candidate to that area of the state, but we were able to organize an event for the congressional candidate, Christie Vilsack with a turnout of over 100 people. This was pretty much unheard of in this part of the state. As a result of my organizing work, in late 2014 the Des Moines Register named me one of the top 50 Democratic activists in the state.





Because Im a single mom with two kids still in college, it was impossible for me at the time to quit my job which made fundraising very difficult. The majority of my funding came from small dollar donations, mainly through Twitter, Facebook, emails, and small private fundraisers. I got by with a team of only two paid staffers. Thankfully a good friend volunteered full time and drove me throughout the district from soup suppers to parades to county central committee meetings. In all, I put on over 48,000 miles on my car over a fifteen month time period.





I lived on about four hours of sleep a night, but as exhausting as it was, I truly enjoyed getting out and talking with people about the issues that were important to them. We discussed health care, expanding Medicare, a volunteer program for people with student loan debt, and innovative ideas to improve water quality. People were listening and supportive of my ideas.





The most disappointing aspect of the campaign was being told time and again that although I was a great candidate, various organizations declined to support me because I wasnt viable. Most organizations didnt even respond to my applications for assistance. Additionally, whenever my opponent would say some new horrific thing, I would get emails after emails from organizations asking for money to help defeat Steve King. Not a single one of those organizations passed along any of that support. King was a big money maker for them, and it appears that he still is.





At the end of the campaign I started getting phone calls and messages from supporters, telling me that the coordinated campaign in several offices wouldnt give out my yard signs unless the person who wanted one would sign up for a volunteer shift. I had to call one office to tell them to give my literature to a volunteer because they refused when she first came in, telling her that she had to carry lit for everyone. She refused and left.





I dont want to give the impression that I had no assistance from the Party. I received numerous donations from county committees, even ones outside my district. Additionally, Governor Martin OMalley, Congressmen Eric Swalwell (CA-D), IA State Senator Jack Hatch, IBEW, NEA, and SEIU were generous and supportive. I am deeply appreciative of their help.





In the end, the lessons Ive learned are many. Ive learned that there are great people in the 4th District who are hungry for a representative who will focus on solutions, not division. During my campaign, I talked about ways we can improve the lives of all our neighbors. I know that this battle wont be easy, but deeply believe it is one worth fighting and one that we can win IF I get the support I need




The Affordable Care Act continues to post some of the best numbers it's ever seen, with 47% of voters in favor of it to 39% who are opposed. When voters are asked whether they'd have rather have the Affordable Care Act or the American Health Care Act in place, the Affordable Care Act wins by 20 points at 49/29. Just 32% of voters think the best path forward with the Affordable Care Act is to repeal it and start over, while 63% think it would be better to keep what works in it and fix what doesn't.



Theres virtually no support for the Republican health care plan, said Dean Debnam, President of Public Policy Polling. Voters have been getting warmer and warmer toward the Affordable Care Act and would much rather keep it than switch to the new proposal on the table.



...Congress as a body continues to be very unpopular (18/64 approval) with Paul Ryan (34/48 approval) and Mitch McConnell (20/50 approval) unpopular individually as well. Democrats lead the generic House ballot 46-41.

The Fountainhead or Atlas Shrugged, the 2 children's books that set Ryan on the path to come up with TrumpCare. In yesterday's Washington Examiner Byron York Trump probably isn't enjoying this. And he blames Ryan for leading him down this foolish ideological path. There's no chance Trump ever reador, the 2 children's books that set Ryan on the path to come up with TrumpCare. In yesterday'sByron York hit the nail on the head : "New to Washington and with no experience in public office, Trump has become a prisoner to the House Republican leadership-- or more precisely, to the complicated procedural requirements of the House and Senate, and the judgment of the GOP leadership that must operate within those boundaries...Republicans are working on the wrong thing. And the Republican president is allowing himself to be distracted from delivering early and often on his core campaign promise of improving the economy and bringing jobs to millions of Americans... Washington is rife with intrigue over the Obamacare fight. It has brought back talk of the old tensions between Trump and the GOP establishment, especially Speaker Ryan. Every player in Republican politics or conservative media has some advice for the leadership. Trump loyalists worry that it is harming his brand. And House Republicans push ahead. 'Failure is not an option,' GOP whip Rep. Steve Scalise told Sean Hannity Tuesday."





Just one more thing before we look at those new polls for Arizona, Alaska, Maine and Nevada-- a poll of WI-01 voters . That's Ryan's district, where the DCCC has made a point of undermining any Democrat who dares to go up against Ryan in such horrific ways that no plausible candidates are willing to take on Ryan-- just what the DCCC wants, for whatever arcane reason. Ryan's favorability in his district is 49-44% (Trump's favorability there is 50-47%) But when you dig down into the specific issues, the voters and Ryan are not on the same page. Making that connection would be the job of election opponents-- the ones the DCCC have guaranteed won't exist. But on issues from holding town halls-- Ryan refuses by 83% of his constituents want him to-- to an independent investigation into Russias involvement in the 2016 Presidential election, defunding Planned Parenthood, GOP gutting of EPA rules and protecting Social Security and Medicare, Ryan's voters and Ryan are on different planets entirely. Here are two question for Ryan to think about:









OK, now let's start with Arizona. "The survey finds Arizonans would prefer to fix and improve the Affordable Care Act instead of repealing it and starting over and they would be less likely to vote for someone who voted for repeal. In addition, the survey found high unfavorable ratings for the GOP repeal bill proposed by President Trump and Republican Leadership in Congress, and people are significantly less likely to vote for someone who supports it. This survey was conducted before the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office analysis of the proposal. The polling makes clear that the GOP leaderships health care agenda has been rejected by Arizona voters, and those who support it will pay a political price. We know the bill will lead to fewer covered, less protection and higher costs for Arizona families."

 52% of people said they would be less likely-- 43% much less likely-- to vote for someone who voted to repeal the Affordable Care Act. Even 54% of Independents and 50% of white voters would be less likely.

 Only 37% (and only 35% among Independents) support the GOP position of repealing the ACA and starting "over with a new health law." An overwhelming 60% prefer fixing and improving the law instead.

 55% of voters have an unfavorable opinion-- 41% very unfavorable-- of the bill from President Trump and Republicans in Congress known as the American Health Care Act (AHCA). 63% of Independents are unfavorable towards it.

 After hearing some key information about what AHCA would do, 57% of people would be less likely-- 47% much less likely-- to support Senator Flake or their Member of Congress if they supported this bill. 58% of Independents are less likely to vote for someone who [votes for] this bill.

 A staggering 66% of people strongly oppose-- and 83% oppose overall-- the provision that lets insurance companies charge older Americans 5 times more than younger people for insurance. Opposition grows to 71% strongly opposing-- 89% overall-- among people over 65.

 An overwhelming 68% strongly oppose-- and 81% oppose overall-- the anticipated increases in premiums that are estimated to come from this bill.

 55% strongly oppose-- and 68% oppose overall-- the Medicaid cuts that will slash mental health and substance use disorder services including those for tackling the opioid crisis.

 35% strongly oppose-- and 47% oppose overall-- effectively ending the Medicaid expansion.

 42% strongly oppose-- and 66% oppose overall-- the reduction in tax credits that leads to millions losing their coverage.

The political makeup of Arizona is such that these kinds of numbers are more likely to keep Blue Dog Kyrsten Sinema from crossing the aisle and voting with the GOP, her normal default position. It is also likely to persuade Tucson Republican Martha McSally to vote NO. As for the rest of the GOP crew, the districts are too red and gerrymandered to scare any of them and most of them are so out on a limb ideologically, that it would be hard to imagine anti-health care fanatics like Franks or Schweikert or Gosar ever changing their minds-- or the bulk of their constituents voting them out.





And as bad as TrumpCare is polling in Arizona, it's even worse in the other states-- 36% support in Alaska, 34% in Maine and just 31% in Nevada. When asked if they would be less likely to vote for someone who voted for repeal 57% in Arizona said they would, but the numbers were higher in Maine (59%) and Nevada (65%-- which should be enough to give Dean Heller pause). The number is 53% in Alaska. This is the question asked to Nevada voters Heller has to look at when he decides what to do about TrumpCare:









And then there are these two if he still didn't get the point:




Indite has consistently outperformed H&M in the past few years as a result of online growth and its push into new markets.

Fashion retailer H&M's sales fell unexpectedly in February while Inditex, which owns Zara, pulled further ahead of its Swedish rival, helped by its expansion online and a bigger emerging market presence.

Inditex, the world's biggest clothing retailer, has consistently outperformed H&M in the past few years as a result of online growth and its push into new markets. The Spanish company has also diversified more quickly into higher-priced brands, reducing exposure to the rise of discount chains like Primark.

H&M has embarked on plans to roll out ecommerce in more markets this year and speed up expansion of newer brands such as the mid-market COS and & Other Stories.

But on Wednesday H&M revealed that local-currency sales fell in February for the first time in four years, slipping 1 percent year-on-year, against a forecast in a Reuters poll of analysts for a 6 percent rise. H&M's shares fell 5 percent.

In contrast, Inditex's local currency sales rose 13 percent from February 1 to March 12, as customers snapped up items from spring collections like double-breasted jackets, palazzo trousers and embroidered tulle tops.

This was adjusted for an extra trading day in February 2016. H&M sales were up 3 percent in February, taking that calendar effect into account.

Inditex results highlight the success of its strategy, with like-for-like sales up 10 percent in the year to end-January, helped by a shift towards opening bigger stores in prime locations that are then integrated with online operations.

Inditex opened stores in 56 countries during the year, including its first opening in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Photo by VnExpress/Tan Tan

Forex pressure

Inditex's gross profit margin missed analyst expectations, falling to 57.0 percent in its 2016 financial year from 57.8 percent in 2015. This weighed on the company's shares which were down 1.4 percent by 1014 GMT.

Inditex, known for speeding the latest trends from runway to stores in a matter of days, reports in euros but makes more than half its sales in other currencies, exposing it to falls in the likes of the Mexican peso and the Russian rouble.

Chairman and Chief Executive Pablo Isla said this margin metric would have increased on the year had it not been for the negative currency effects.

Analysts expect this effect to swing in Inditex's favor over the next 12 months with a consequent boost to profit margins.

"We are very keen buyers of Inditex for 2017," Anne Critchlow, analyst at Societe Generale, said. She said Inditex trades on 26 times forward earnings, compared to H&M on 21 times.

Inditex opened stores in 56 countries during the year, including first openings in New Zealand, Vietnam and Paraguay, bringing its total store count to over 7,200. It launched online sales across its stable of brands in Turkey and said on Wednesday it would start online sales in India in 2017.

H&M is more reliant on Europe than Inditex. In Germany, for example, which is H&M's biggest market, apparel sales fell 9 percent in February, according to trade journal Textilwirtschaft.

"Market conditions are the main driver of the weak February number," UBS analyst Adam Cochrane said. "There's a fear that they are losing market share on a like-for-like basis." UBS has a "buy" recommendation on H&M.

H&M reported that sales in local currencies rose 4 percent in its fiscal first quarter to February 28. That compares with a new target for annual sales growth of 10-15 percent. H&M is due to publish its full fiscal first-quarter report on March 30.

Related news:

>H&M hiring staff for first store in Hanoi

>What do Vietnamese people love to buy online?
Lone Star had initially sought to take control of all of the state-owned bank's capital as well as requesting a state guarantee covering up to 2.5 billion euros in potential losses on its non-performing assets and assets slated for sale.

US private equity firm Lone Star is closer to taking control of Portugal's Novo Banco with an offer to inject up to 1 billion euros ($1.07 billion) into the bank in return for a 75 percent stake, sources told Reuters.

Lone Star had initially sought to take control of all of the state-owned bank's capital as well as requesting a state guarantee covering up to 2.5 billion euros in potential losses on its non-performing assets and assets slated for sale.

Although Lisbon is desperate to offload Novo Banco, which it rescued in 2014, the government turned down Lone Star's initial offer as it refused to provide any guarantees. The proposal envisaged an immediate 750 million euro injection plus 750 million at a later stage.

"Under a new agreement that is being finalised and is likely to be sealed this month, Lone Star will inject 1 billion euros of capital into the bank, giving them a 75 per cent ownership, while the remaining 25 percent should stay with the (Portuguese) resolution fund," one of the sources told Reuters.

The bidding price itself "is almost irrelevant as the main action will be the 1 billion euro capital injection".

Portugal injected 4.9 billion euros in Novo Banco, which was carved out of Banco Espirito Santo, which collapsed under a mountain of debt built up by its founding family.

The money was injected via the country's bank resolution fund, meaning that it is the common responsibility of all banks operating in Portugal, who have to foot the bill for any difference between the rescue funds and the selling price.

Last year, the government agreed to extend the maturities of the loan to the resolution fund for as long as needed so as to guarantee that banks keep paying what they currently pay in fund contributions regardless of the final Novo Banco deal.

The finance ministry and Bank of Portugal officials declined to comment. Lone Star also declined to comment. Finance Minister Mario Centeno said last week the sale of Novo Banco should be concluded in coming weeks. Aside from the Portuguese authorities, the negotiations now involve the European Central Bank and the European Commission, particularly Directorate-General for Competition.

"The negotiations with DG Comp are intensive and evolving well," another source familiar with the talks said.

Under the revised offer, Lone Star has no firm obligation to inject further capital in Novo Banco, but one of the sources said they may possibly inject more capital at a later stage, "as any shareholder looking after their investment would do".

Both sources said that Lone Star is negotiating with some Portuguese entities, who could take 5 to 10 pct of Novo Banco, lowering Lone Stars investment by that amount, to help Lone Star understand the Portuguese market and manage relationships with various local players.

One of the sources said talks with Brussels were needed to specify where to park the remaining 25 per cent stake - the resolution fund or some public entity - while avoiding any impact on public accounts or competition in the banking sector.

The 25 per cent stake should later be sold off to private investors, to meet Portugal's commitments taken at the time of the rescue to fully offload its stake in the bank.
Men work with an engine at automaker Ford Vietnam's factory in Vietnam's northern Hai Duong Province. Photo by Reuters

A middle-class population and falling tariffs on car imports are the main drivers behind Vietnams car market.

Vietnamese policymakers are looking at ways to safeguard the domestic automobile industry against foreign rivals, according to an official document released by the government office.

Vietnams automobile industry is expected to face more hurdles in the years to come as the local market opens up to foreign competitors.

Locally-assembled cars could cost 20 percent more than those imported from neighboring countries such as Thailand and Indonesia in 2018, when tariffs on car imports into Vietnam from other ASEAN countries will be cut to zero from the current 50 percent, the trade ministry said.

The government has asked trade officials to look at ways to prevent a surge in car imports.

Meanwhile, the finance ministry will review import tariffs on cars and monitor their origin to prevent tax dodging.

Vietnamese policymakers also plan to adjust import tariffs on automotive parts that are not available in the domestic market.

The Southeast Asian country has targeted car manufacturing as a spearhead industry that could help it move up the global chain.

However, the fact that it still heavily relies on imported cars to meet local demand has exerted tremendous pressure on local manufacturers.

Vietnam imported 15,270 units in the first two months this year, a 35 percent jump from a year ago, customs data showed.

The import surge comes as Vietnamese people switch from motorbikes to cars, with more than half of the imported cars classed as midsize sedans, based on official statistics.

Related news:

> Automakers struggle to keep Vietnam production amid ASEAN tariff cuts

> Vietnam to tune up support industry to drive automobile growth
New Delhi: The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) has partnered with Amazon India to drive digital literacy among women entrepreneurs in Nagaland.

The initiative will enable them to sell their products internationally, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Rajiv Pratap Rudy said in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha.

"Amazon's Project Saheli aims to empower women entrepreneurs by enabling them to use Amazon's platform to showcase and sell their products using Amazon's marketing tools to tell their story," he said.

To a separate question, the minister said that under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), 19.8 lakh candidates have been trained throughout the country.
New Delhi: State-owned ONGC will invest over Rs 21,500 crore to develop India's deepest gas discovery by 2022-23, helping it more than double output from its prime KG basin block.

Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC), which had last year firmed up an investment of Rs 34,012 crore (USD 5.076.37 billion) in bringing to production 10 oil and gas discoveries in its Bay of Bengal block KG-DWN-98/2 (KG-D5), plans to invest another Rs 21,528.10 crore (USD 3.2 billion) in developing the ultra-deepsea UD-1 find.

"We have submitted to the Directorate General of Hydrocarbons a declaration of commerciaility (DoC) for the UD-1 find. We will submit a final investment plan, called the field development plan, by end-2017 and hope to bring the discovery to production by 2022-23," ONGC Director (Offshore) Tapas Kumar Sengupta told PTI.

ONGC plans to drill nine wells on the discovery that lies in water depths of 2,400-3,200 metres and will produce a peak output of 19 million standard cubic metres per day. The company had previously decided to develop other discoveries in KG-D5 block and leave the UD-1 find in the same block for a later date as it thought there was no technology available to produce gas from such water depths.

Sengupta said that there are consultants who have showed to ONGC that discoveries deeper than UD-1 have been put to production in recent times, particularly in Gulf of Mexico.

"A recent expression of interest (EoI) meeting we had for developing the KG finds saw several consultants offering solutions for such water depths," he said. ONGC is in the process of appointing a consultant who will assist in developing the UD-1 discovery.

The 7,294.6 sq km deepsea KG-D5 block, which sits next to Reliance Industries' flagging KG-D6 fields, has been broadly categorised into Northern Discovery Area (NDA - 3,800.6 sq km) and Southern Discovery Area (SDA - 3,494 sq km).

The NDA has 11 oil and gas discoveries while SDA has the nation's only ultra-deepsea gas find of UD-1. These finds have been clubbed into three groups - Cluster-1, Cluster-II and Cluster-III.

Last year, the company finalised a USD 5.07 billion plan for developing the Cluster-II finds by 2019-20. First gas production is envisaged by June 2019 and oil would start flowing from March 2020, he said.

From Cluster-II, a peak oil output of 77,305 barrels per day is envisaged within two years of start of production. Gas output is slated to peak to 16.56 million standard cubic metres per day by end-2021.

Sengupta also said that Culster-1 field will be developed at an additional investment of Rs 4,259.59 crore and will produce about 3 mmscmd of gas. Cluster-2A mainly comprises oil finds of A2, P1, M3, M1 and G-2-2 in NDA which can produce 77,305 bpd (3.86 million tonnes per annum) and 3.81 mmscmd of gas.

Cluster 2B, which is made up of four gas finds -- R1, U3, U1, and A1 in NDA -- envisages a peak output of 12.75 mmscmd of gas. Peak output is likely to last seven years, he said.
Mumbai: State Bank chairperson Arundhati Bhattacharya today blamed the governance at public sector banks for poor investor appetite for them and their resultant inability to raise cheaper funds from markets.

"State-run banks cannot have a default fall-back on the government for capital...if you are looking to raise capital...the one thing that investors always talk about is the board governance," Bhattacharya told reporters on the sidelines of a CII event.

Noting that the government has been providing capital to public sector banks whenever they required, she said, "I think it's time PSBs get out of this. But now government is very clear that it will give money only if the banks are actually efficient in all they do."

Out of the Rs 25,000 crore that the government has earmarked for recapitalising its banks this financial year, SBI alone has got over Rs 7,000 crore so far.

Last year also it had received a similar amount. Ruing the fact that many banks and organisations consider compliance of corporate governance regulations as a secondary activity, she said, "I must say it is very short-sighted way.

In fact the activities that you consider as your priority are not your priority, regulations and compliance are your priority because when you fall short of regulations and compliance, your main activity will also be sorely impacted."

Talking about the boards, she said, "The role of the board and management and how they intersect is very important for organisations to future-proof themselves from regulatory and market changes."
New Delhi: The GST Council today is likely to endorse supplementary legislations needed for implementation of the goods and service tax (GST) regime.

The Council, headed by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and comprising representatives of all states, may also take up capping the cess to be levied on demerit goods like luxury cars and tobacco products for creation of a corpus that will be used for compensating states for any loss of revenue from GST implementation in the first five years.

The panel, which had at its last meeting approved the final draft of central GST (C-GST) and integrated GST (I-GST) laws, will today take up for approval the state GST and Union Territory GST (UT-GST) laws, official sources said.

Once approved, the supporting legislations together with a GST Compensation Law, will go to the Cabinet for a formal nod before they are presented in Parliament in the ongoing Budget session that ends on April 12.

The government is hoping the C-GST, the I-GST, the UT-GST and the GST Compensation laws will be approved in the current session of Parliament and the S-GST by each of the state legislatures soon to help roll out the new indirect tax regime from July 1.

The Council may also be given an update on technology preparedness and migration of assessees to the new regime. Migration of all the 85 lakh central and state taxpayers is planned to be completed by March 31.

So far, over 51 lakh have migrated to the new system. Sources said the Council has already finalised a four- tier tax structure of 5, 12, 18 and 28 per cent, but the model

GST law has kept the peak rate at 40 per cent (20 per cent to be levied by the Centre and an equal amount by states) to obviate the need for approaching Parliament for any change in rates in future.

On similar lines, the Council is also likely to decide on a cap rate for cess to be levied at the peak rate of tax to create the compensation corpus. Sources said any law approved by Parliament cannot have open-ended tax rates and therefore a cap or peak rate will have to be mentioned.

For the levy of GST, the peak rate has been put at 40 per cent and a similar cap will also have to be approved for the cess. While the C-GST will give powers to the Centre to levy GST on goods and services after Union levies like excise and service tax are subsumed, the I-GST is to be levied on inter-state supplies.

The S-GST, which will allow states to levy the tax after VAT and other state levies are subsumed in the GST, will have to be passed by each state Assembly. The UT-GST will also go to Parliament for approval.

Sources said the model GST Law will have a clause to enable levy of up to 40 per cent tax, but the effective tax rates will be kept at the previously approved levels. This will also help in a scenario where the cess on demerit goods being proposed to compensate states for loss of revenue from GST is to be merged with the tax rate itself.
New Delhi: The number of fraud cases related to credit/debit cards and Internet banking has come down by about 6 per cent to 14,824 in 2016 from 15,733 a year ago, Parliament was informed today.

The amount involved in these frauds also saw a 3.3 per cent year-on-year reduction in 2016 to Rs 77.79 crore from Rs 80.48 crore in 2015, Minister of State for Electronics and IT P P Chaudhary said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.

Citing information from the Reserve Bank, the Minister said 77 cases of Internet banking-related frauds were reported involving Rs 2.1 crore in 2016, up over 45 per cent from 2015 when 53 cases involving Rs 5.5 crore were reported.

Similarly, ATM/debit card-related frauds saw a 26 per cent rise with 6,996 cases (involving Rs 41.64 crore) were reported in 2016 as compared to 5,546 cases (Rs 26.47 crore) in the previous year.

The number of frauds related to credit cards, however, saw a 23.5 per cent decline to 7,751 cases involving Rs 33.97 crore in 2016 from 10,134 cases for Rs 48.48 crore in the previous year, he said. He added the RBI had, in a circular dated June 2, 2016 on Cyber Security Framework in Banks, advised banks to report all unusual cyber security incidents to it within 2-6 hours of detection.

The circular states that in cases where the branch is convinced that an irregularity/fraud has been committed by its staff towards any constituent, the branch should at once acknowledge its liability and pay the just claim. In cases where banks are at fault, they should compensate customers without demur, it adds.

"In cases where neither the bank is at fault nor the customer is at fault but the fault lies elsewhere in the system, then also the banks should compensate the customers (up to a limit) as part of a Board approved customer relations policy," the circular states.

The government has been taking a number of steps to push for adoption of digital payment methods in the country, especially after its move to demonetise high-denomination notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000. The Minister said with the proliferation of IT and related services, there is a rise in number of cyber security incidents in the country, like elsewhere in the world.

"As per the information reported to and tracked by Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), a total number of 44,679, 49,455 and 50,362 cyber security incidents were observed during the year 2014, 2015 and 2016, respectively," he added.

The types of cyber security incidents include phishing, scanning/probing, website intrusions and defacements, virus/malicious code, Denial of Service attacks etc. Over a period of time, the nature and pattern of incidents are becoming more sophisticated and complex, he said.

Responding to a separate query, Chaudhary said a total of 1,600 and 3,383 cases were registered under cyber fraud using computer as a medium/target during 2014 and 2015, respectively according to National Crime Records Bureau data.
New Delhi: Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari today said he has written to the commerce ministry seeking infrastructure status for logistic parks. The move will help logistic companies easily avail loans from banks to boost infrastructure, the minister said.

"I have written to the Ministry of Commerce to get infrastructure status for logistic parks," the Road Transport, Highways and Shipping Minister said on the sidelines of an event here.

The government is planning to provide infra status to the logistic sector to boost the economy, Gadkari said. "However, the final call will be taken by the Finance Ministry," he said, adding the move is important for the development of multi-modal hubs in the country which is part of government's infra push.

The involvement of states is critical for development process as "they are our biggest allies in ensuring logistics transformation in the country. Thirty-five points have been identified for the development of logistics parks and I have personally written to chief ministers of states to make sure these projects progress," the Minister said.

Moreover, the ministry has already developed a draft policy for development of logistics parks. "The land from logistics parks can come from states and we will form a SPV with the state government. In case the land comes from private developers, we will form firm guidelines for the land usage and implementation. Any initiative and investment in these projects will be facilitated," he said.
Mumbai: Akshay Kumar has time and again proved that their are still good people in this world who never hesitate to help those in need. The actor has time and again given back to the society by indulging in charitable work. Unlike few who like to boast about their kind acts, Akshay does his bit for the society and keeps hush about it.

Recently, the actor donated Rs 1.08 crore to the families of twelve slain jawans of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). The brave soldiers, who were from 219 battalion were killed in Chhasttisgarhs Sukma district after an armed Naxal group ambushed a road opening party in the areas Bheji village on March 11, Saturday.

According to TOI, the actor was in constant contact with IPS officer Amit Lodha, DIG of Jaisalmer sector north. The actor requested Amit Lodha to share the details of the encounter and the slain jawans kin. Akshay then extended his help and expressed his desire to donate Rs 9 lakh each to families of the martyred jawans.

Touched by Akshays this sweet gesture, DIG Lodha said, Akshay himself has been in touch with me and he keeps enquiring about incidents and when I told him about the Sukma incident he immediately told me he would like to contribute and do his bit for the families of the martyred jawans, we are all grateful to him for this kind gesture.
Mumbai: Karan Johar and S S Rajamouli today came out in support of director Sanjay Leela Bhansali following the vandalism on the set of his film 'Padmavati' in Kolhapur.

Bhansali had faced a similar problem in January when members of Rajput Karni Sena disrupted the shooting of 'Padmavati' in Jaipur and allegedly misbehaved with him.

Johar, who was targeted during the release of his film 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' for casting Pakistani actor Fawad Khan, said what happened to Bhansali was "deeply saddening".

"It is deeply saddening to me as a filmmaker, as a human being and as a citizen of our prestigious and wonderful country that we have to endure something like this. All my support, thoughts, ideologies are with Sanjay," Johar said at the trailer launch of 'Bahubali 2: The Conclusion' here.

"Every time I read something like this, it really saddens me. We at our own level at the producers guild are with Sanjay and his entire cast and crew. We hope adequate measures can be taken to ensure something like this never happens to another filmmaker again," Johar, who is presenting the Hindi version of Rajamoulis film, said.

Rajamouli said freedom of speech is a fundamental right and as an artiste, Bhansali should have the liberty to realise his dream.

"... he is an artist and should be able to express his views. Freedom of speech is a fundamental right of the people of this country and any artiste, any filmmaker should be able to express his views," Rajamouli said at the trailer launch.
Washington D.C.: Looks like Malaysians will have to wait a little longer for 'Beauty and The Beast' as Disney has said that it would not allow the live-action fairytale romance to be screened with edits.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Disney said that it will not cut the gay scene from the flick for release in Malaysia, despite getting a request from the country's Film Censorship Board.

Instead, the studio has pushed back the release of the film that stars Emma Watson till March 30 in case the censor board decides to keep the scene in.

Moreover, a spokesman for the studio told the BBC that the film "has not been and will not be cut" for the release.

On a related note, the movie has also been banned by a cinema in Alabama because of the scene.
Akila Hindu Mahasabha reportedly has also filed a complaint against the actor.

Mumbai: Kamal Haasan, whos always been known to be liberally outspoken, has landed himself in legal trouble as an aftermath of his recent comments on Hinduism.

Members of the Hindu Makkal Katchi (HMK) filed a complaint against the veteran actor for hurting religious sentiments.

Reportedly, Hindu Makkal Katchis members filed a complaint against the actor in a Chennai police station on March 15.

While speaking to The News Minute, Rama Ravikumar, State Secretary of the unit, declared Kamal an Anti-Hindu, and called his comments extremely hurtful.

"Will he ever speak against the Quran or the Bible like this? When Vishwaroopam was released, Muslims (several groups) had protested against the movie (for allegedly depicting the community in a negative light). He had then said that there is no safety in this state, and that he should go somewhere else and live," he was quoted as saying.

Akila Hindu Mahasabha reportedly has also filed a complaint against the actor.
Bac Ninh Province has asked the Prime Minister to step in to solve an apparent stand-off with the transport ministry.

Officials in Bac Ninh Province are seeking help from the country's prime minister to stop dredging work on an eroding river, a move that has pitted local authorities against the transport ministry.

Leaders of the province say they have received threatening messages demanding the dredging continue, and said they want Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc to check if there is any mafia involvement behind the project, which has stirred public anger and cost at least VND30 billion ($1.32 million) in repair work.

Public awareness of environmental protection in Vietnam has been rising in recent years following a number of grassroots campaigns, but the process has also been challenged by corporate interests and various levels of action taken by authorities.

The dredging project, run by the transport ministry's Vietnam Inland Waterways Administration, started on the Cau River in 2014, Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper reported.

Illegal sand excavation has caused erosion along the river banks, Nguyen Tu Quynh, the provinces chairman, was quoted as saying. Bac Ninh has already spent VND30 billion fixing the problem, and has been calling for the work to end since 2015.

However, activities resumed in late 2016, with around 40 boats sucking up sand from the river every day.

Quynh said the province subsequently made another request for operations to be halted, which was approved by the transport ministry.

But earlier this month, Bac Ninh received a note from the ministry saying the project would continue.

Thats why we are asking for the prime minister to step in, Quynh told Tuoi Tre.

He said several Bac Ninh officials, including himself, had received threats via text messages urging them to allow the project to continue.

The province has asked the Prime Minister to order an investigation by the Ministry of Public Security to establish whether the threats came from government officials.

Related news:

> Northern province investigates bureaucrat's meteoric promotion amid media frenzy

> 900 million in Asia had to pay bribes last year - survey
It has been around 48 years since Kerala government instituted the film awards to honour the best works of each year. But it was in 2016 that for the first time an award from the state government went to Wayanad. Costume designer Stephy Xavior is the first Wayanad native to bag the Kerala state award. Yet another interesting fact is that Stephy is the youngest costumer in M-town who has received the award.

Since childhood, my ambition was to get into the film industry. It was after pursuing graduation in fashion designing from Bengaluru that I shifted to Kochi to start off as a costume designer. For the first one year, I devoted myself to designing dresses for ad-films and through that, I got the call to my first film  Lukka Chuppi, says Stephy, who started her film journey when she was just 23. Within two years, she completed around 16 films, including Lord Livingstone 7000 Kandi, Guppy and Ezra.

It was for Guppy that she bagged her maiden award. I got the call to Guppy from its production side. After the initial detailing of characters and screenplay, director John Paul offered me complete freedom to work. Cinematographer Gireesh too helped me a lot while working in Guppy, says the designer. Does she feel that the costume designers are not getting due importance compared to other technicians?

Each film has three stages  preproduction, production and post production. Costumers, make-up artists and art directors will be more in demand during the first two phases. But later, our names will not be seen in any promotional events or functions. Even during the celebrations, we will not be mentioned. It is not the case of just costumes; makeup team and art too face the same situation. In that way, we do not get enough attention like other technicians, says Stephy, who designed the costumes for Angamaly Diaries. Mammootty-starrer The Great Father is her upcoming release.
Actor Gopichands next film, Gautham Nanda, will see him in a completely new avatar. The actor is drawing quite a lot of attention, thanks to his stylish makeover in the film. Apparently, director Sampath Nandi has taken great care in sketching his character. Gopichand himself has also put in a great deal of effort to look the best for his part, and readily agreed to try various looks before zeroing in on the final one.

The talkie portions of the film have been completed and the makers are soon heading to Dubai to shoot a couple of songs. Director Sampath Nandi is making an attempt to bring out a hitherto unseen side of Gopichand through some elaborately canned action sequences. Soon, they are going to shoot in Dubai for two songs along with the lead actresses, Hansika and Catherine Tresa, and one song will be an introduction song choreographed by Raju Sundaram. The makers plan to release the movie in May, shares a source in the know. J. Bhagavan and J. Pulla Rao are producing the film under the Sri Balaji Cine Media banner.
Pawan Kalyan and Balakrishna may soon be pitted against each other; not at the box-office though, but in real life.

Pawan Kalyan and Balakrishna may soon be pitted against each other; not at the box-office though, but in real life. PK, who is back in Hyderabad after a short tour to Europe, recently held a press conference and announced his future political plans. The actor said that he would contest in both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, even expressing that he wanted to contest from Anantapur district.

Interestingly, actor-turned-politician Nandamuri Balakrishna hails from Hindupur constituency, which is also in the same district. No doubt this announcement is going to be a big topic in the industry in the coming days. Meanwhile, Pawan Kalyan also clarified that his brother Chiranjeevi wont join his party as both are representing their respective parties in the coming elections.

The actor shot a couple of songs for his upcoming film Katamarayudu during his Europe trip. With this, he has completed work on the film, which is set to release on March 24. Now, before joining the shoot of his next with director Trivikram Srinivas, the actor is busy building his political party and making plans for the coming elections.
Going viral: Fans of the Baahubali series were waiting with bated breath for the sequels trailer release on Thursday.

In a bid to create hype for the upcoming film Baahubali  The Conclusion, a private trailer launch for the movie was held in Hyderabad on Thursday morning.

However, the release ended up becoming a fiasco, as the trailer was leaked online much earlier in the morning. This forced the makers to release it to the rest of the public ahead of time on social media.

The release of the trailer in four languages  Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam and Hindi  was initially planned on Thursday at 5 pm for the public, after a private screening in Hyderabad and Mumbai.

But the makers had to do some damage control before the video began spreading widely. So, in a hurry, they released all the four trailers in the morning, reveals a source. When asked about this development, director S.S. Rajamouli said that the breach was annoying.

Also at the venue were members of the films unit and of course, Prabhas and Rana Daggubati. The films female leads were conspicuous by their absence.

Rana and Prabhas initially tried to dodge questions about when they would get married, but Prabhas eventually answered with a smile, Teledu (dont know). Rana, on the other hand, said that there was still time.

Rajamouli, who dedicated nearly five years to the film made it clear that he has no plans for now and that all he was looking forward to was a break. But he did joke, One thing is for sure, Id like to stay away from visual effects for a while.
Recently, the claims of Sridhar, a Chennai-based writer, that the script of actress Nayantharas upcoming film Dora is a rip off from his script Alibabavum Arputha Carum, caused quite a stir in film circles, considering it was likely to dampen the films name just a few days prior to its release on March 31.

In a bid to save their reputation, the makers of the film approached the South Indian Writers Association to look into the issue. Doss Ramasamy, who has written and directed the film, heaved a sigh of relief when the issue was cleared after a series of discussions.

Doss knew from the beginning that it was an original script. But it was too much of a hassle to go through, amidst the busy post-production of the film. After reviewing both the scripts, the claim was rubbished and it has been re-stated that Dora is an original script, shares a source.
It was precisely this sense of inscrutability that drew Delhi-based art historian and biographer, Yashodha Dalmia (who was last in town for the exhibition, Amrita Sher-Gil, The Passionate Quest, which she curated) to consider writing a biography on Keyt.

George Keyt (1901 - 1993) is rightly regarded as an icon of modern art, a demi-God in Sri Lanka. A Cubist painter, Keyts works have often been compared with the likes of Picasso (entrenched as they are in mythology from the subcontinent) and his contemporary, Henri Matisse. Still, running a google search for an interview of the man throws up surprisingly few results, save for an obituary written by his dear friend, Martin Russell. Much is known about Keyt the painter, although his personal life, despite his naturally gregarious nature and his love for writing, remains a mystery. It was precisely this sense of inscrutability that drew Delhi-based art historian and biographer, Yashodha Dalmia (who was last in town for the exhibition, Amrita Sher-Gil, The Passionate Quest, which she curated) to consider writing a biography on Keyt. Her book, Buddha to Krishna: 'Life and Times of George Keyt tells the story of the man behind the paintings and will be launched in Delhi next week.

"It took me about five years to research," said Dalmia, who is the author of several books on art, including The Making of Modern Indian Art and Amrita Sher-Gil - A Life. She began at his place of origin, traversing every inch of Sri Lanka to find all she could about the man. "I saw collections and travelled around, meeting people who knew him." Keyt had been a prolific letter writer, but her travels in Sri Lanka didn't throw up much. "For some reason or the other, people didn't come forth with his correspondences.

It was in London that Dalmia finally struck gold. "Martin Russell had amassed an archive during his lifetime," she said. It was through his son Julian that Dalmia found what she had been looking for - a veritable treasure trove of letters, memorabilia and photographs. It was on the basis of this that I could write my biography." The letters, she said, are monumental in the field of literature, too - Keyt was a prolific writer and published two books of poetry, Darkness Disrobed and Image in Absence, before he took to painting. "He started painting when he was around 26, before which he was a poet," Dalmia explained.

Keyts role in the context of modern art is pivotal. In 1947, Dalmia said, he had a show at the Convocation Hall in Mumbai, just before the progressive artists' group w as formed there. "Artists like Souza, Husain and Raza knew him, it's only fitting that his name is inscribed in the making of modern art in India. Moreover, the importance he held for India was tremendous," said Dalmia. Not only did he have his first show here, he was bewitched by Indian mythology, a love he made apparent in his art.

A Burgher (member of an Eurasian ethnic group in Sri Lanka), Keyts ancestor, according to legend, was a British soldier in Mumbai who fell in love with a daughter of the Nizam. This was not appreciated, Dalmia remarked, And the two of them ran away to Sri Lanka, where Keyt was born. Raised a Catholic, Keyt was firmly rooted in the culture of the subcontinent, even considering, at one point, being a Buddhist monk. He was dissuaded, by a monk.His interest in oriental religion and his close ties with India sparked a deep fascination for the Hindu scriptures  he went on to translate the Gita Govind from Sanskrit, along with his brother-in-law. "He believed that every religion had something to offer," said Dalmia. "All his work is very modern but belongs here, somehow."

All this requires a great deal of study  He chose to live quietly in a village, away from the bustle of the city, she said. Despite his attempts at solitude, no trip to Sri Lanka was deemed complete without Keyts residence being paid a visit. "He was alone, but never isolated. Anyone who visited sri Lanka went to see him, he was a true icon, in that sense." The visitors included actress Vivien Leigh, who bought his paintings, Chilean poet Pablo Neruda, who later wrote, "Keyt I think is the living nucleus of a great painter," and the British writer Evelyn Waugh, whose account (a letter to his wife) has been recorded in Dalmias book.

It was a great learning experience for me. Firstly, Sri Lanka amazed me. Its so close to us, but different in so many ways, said Dalmia. Learning about Keyt and the forces that drove him was another revelation too. "He was unfailingly honest, about other people and also about himself. It was this honesty, this objectivity, that allowed him to look at his own works and appraise them. Thats not all. What struck me most? Keyt was a survivor, one of great courage, strength and creativity, who continued to paint until the very end. It enriched everybody around him. He stands tall in the world, not just of art, but as a man."
New Delhi: For many students, exam-time is that dreaded reality which has the ability to send them into complete and utter panic.

Excessive anxiety can trigger or arise from a sense of insecurity. In a competitive environment, exam results can take on a scary image for students, where everything might seem to be pinned onto those grades - their future career path, self-worth and identity.

So it is important not to brush off or trivialise young people's reactions and instead, encourage them to find ways of dealing with the anxiety. Here are some tips by Dr Sameer Malhotra, Head, Department of Mental Health and Behavioural Sciences at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, to improve your mental well-being for a stress-free and happy examination time:

Recognize that anxiety is an emotional response to stress/perceived stress.

Get adequate sleep: Studying throughout the day and night without proper sleep can take a toll on your body, resulting in dizziness, dullness and irritability. A restful sleep helps the brain to function well and increase your focus. Sleep for at least 6 to 7 hours every day to stay energized and boost your immune system. You can listen to light music so that your thoughts are calm as you drift into sleep.

Start your day with a healthy breakfast: Breakfast will give you the extra energy to be more productive while working.

Give yourself room to focus: Take a minute to sit, breathe and mentally prepare yourself for the work you are going to do. A bit of planning can help you tackle a lot.

Take a break: Instead of studying till you're tired, taking small breaks throughout the day, will help you keep a clear and calm head. Going outside for a walk can be refreshing, enabling you to study for longer.

Maintain distance from your phone and social media: Understand that they are a distraction. Instead of having your phone propped up next to your notes, try turning it off, or at least putting it on airplane mode.

While studying, be honest with yourself: Set realistic targets when you are preparing for your exams. Plan a realistic revision timetable and map it against your most productive hours for best results. Don't psyche yourself into the amount of revision you ought to be doing, but focus on taking small steps to concentrate and complete the task at hand.

Body and mind are intertwined. Stress symptoms should be timely recognized and appropriately managed. Recognize the symptoms of anxiety: cognitive symptoms viz. worrying, apprehensions, pessimistic thoughts, impatience, feeling as if losing control over self or the situation; somatic /bodily symptoms like palpitations, feeling breathless, tremors, butterfly sensation in the stomach, sweaty palms, emotional symptoms like feeling nervous.

When it comes to mental health, a culture of stigma often prevents sufferers from voicing their distress and seeking the necessary support. As adults, we must learn to lean on the benefit of hindsight when dealing with young students. Parents and teachers should be aware that students express themselves in different ways. They should avoid being critical or condescending and instead have an encouraging and open stance when interacting with them.
Bhopal: A 58-year-old teacher of a government school has been arrested for allegedly raping a minor girl student inside the campus in Bhopal, police said on Thursday.

The incident took place on Wednesday in the office room of the primary school located in Awadhpuri on the city outskirts, City Superintendent of Police (CSP) Virendra Mishra said.

After the classes finished, accused Mohan Singh called two girls to the office room on the pretext of some work.

Subsequently, he told one of the girls to leave but asked the 11-year-old victim to stay back and later sexually assaulted her after locking up the room, he said.

The accused was arrested last evening under relevant sections of the IPC and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, after the victim's family registered a police complaint.

According to police, the victim, a Class II student, had been complaining to her mother that she was being beaten up and molested by the teacher since December last year.

However, her mother, who is a domestic help at the residence of the accused, ignored her complaint thinking that her daughter was trying to avoid school and evade studies and hence the teacher must have punished her.

At times, the mother also used to take the girl along with her for help in domestic chores at Singh's residence, the police complaint said.
Bengaluru: The police have cracked the murder of a house theft offender, whose body was found in a drain in Kengeri. Six workers of a bar have been arrested in this connection. They had allegedly killed the victim, Suresh alias Lodde (30) of Uttarahalli, after he refused to pay the restaurant and liquor bills and threatened the staff with lethal weapons.

The accused have been identified as Suresh alias Suri, 28, Shivakumar alias Kumara, 24, Avinash alias Avi, 22, Kanakaraj alias Kanaka, 24, Somashekhar alias Soma, 19, and N. Nagaraja, 38. They were working in Hamsa bar & restaurant on Chikkalasandra Main Road in Uttarahalli.

According to the police, the body of an unidentified man was found in the storm water drain that passes by the farm belonging to one, Krishnappa, behind Venkateshwara Theatre on Vidyapeeta Road in Kengeri, on March 3. The assailants had tied legs, hands and neck of the body using a single cable and thrown it in the drain a few days before it surfaced.

It was a case of murder. The assailants had left the mobile phone of the deceased with him. Though the phone was damaged, the SIM card helped us identify the deceased. We contacted his family members with the help of numbers stored in the SIM card. Later, the tower locations of his mobile phone was traced and the last point of receiving signal was in Chikkalasandra, an official said.

The Kengeri police found that Suresh was last seen at Hamsa bar & restaurant. When the bar employees were questioned, they gave contradictory versions. When grilled thoroughly, they confessed to the murder, the official added.

Suresh was a regular customer, but never paid the bills. The bar staff were fed up of him as he was threatening them with lethal weapons and assaulting them if they asked him to pay the bill. Even on February 28 around 11.15 pm, Suresh consumed alcohol and threatened the staff with a machete. But the staff overpowered and assaulted him. They strangulated him to death using a cable and tied his hands and legs with the same cable, an official said.
New Delhi: As many as 7,059 Indian nationals are lodged in foreign jails, the Lok Sabha was told on Wednesday.

In a written reply, Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh said due to the strict provisions of privacy laws, the US, Canada, Australia and many countries in Europe do not share information about Indian nationals in their prisons.

"However, as per information available, 7,059 Indian nationals are lodged in foreign jails.... Various articles seized from them include VOIP set along with SIM cards, fake passports, narcotic drugs, fake currency, boats, GPS, stimulating tablets, foreign currency and gold," he said.

Steps taken by Indian missions include requesting local authorities for speedy trials, seeking remission of sentence, providing advice and guidance in legal and other matters, ensuring fair and humane treatment in foreign jails, issuing of emergency certificates and repatriation to India of those who are released, the minister noted.

Singh also added that in some countries, the mission also requests the local government for grant of amnesty to the arrested Indians and if any mercy petition for remission of sentences is received from the family members of the Indian prisoners, the Mission forwards them to the local authorities for consideration.

India has signed Treaties for Transfer of Sentenced Persons with 42 countries, under which Indian prisoners have been brought back from some of these countries.
The government wants to eliminate 'toxic, fake content' on Google and Facebook.

Vietnam on Thursday called on all companies doing business in the country to stop advertising on YouTube, Facebook and other social media until they find a way to halt the publication of "toxic" anti-government information.

"Today we call on all Vietnamese firms that are advertising not to abet them to take advertising money from firms to use against the Vietnamese government," Information and Communications Minister Truong Minh Tuan told a meeting in Hanoi.

"We also call on all internet users to raise their voice to Google and Facebook to prevent toxic, fake content violating Vietnamese law in the online environment."

Several major Vietnamese companies including diary giant Vinamilk and Vietnam Airlines early this month said that they had stopped running ads on YouTube, following the governments announcement that the platform was violating Vietnamese laws.

The information ministry found 17 YouTube videos contained slanderous content and distorted historical facts about Vietnam that could stir public unrest. These videos came with advertisements for Vietnamese companies that had signed contracts with the platform through third parties to promote their brands.

The companies said they did not control where there ads would appear.

The culture ministry has said it will conduct further investigations and impose a penalty on YouTube for violating Vietnamese advertising regulations.

While Vietnam makes up a very small part of the business operations of companies like Google and Facebook, it is one of Asia's fastest growing economies and a hot investment target for global consumer brands.

Within Vietnam itself, YouTube and Facebook account for two-thirds of digital media market share, according to Nguyen Khoa Hong Thanh, Operations Director at digital marketing agency Isobar Vietnam.

Related news:

> Top Vietnamese brands suspend YouTube advertising deals

> Vietnam accuses YouTube of 'slander and distortion' in videos
The projects that have won technical approvals in recent months are Sawalkote, Kwar, Pakal Dul, Bursar and Kirthai I and II. (Representational photo: PTI)

New Delhi: India has fast-tracked hydro-power projects worth $15 billion in Kashmir in recent months, which based its report on three unnamed central and state officials. The acceleration by India ignores warnings from Islamabad that power stations on rivers flowing into Pakistan will disrupt water supplies.

The swift approval of projects that had languished for years came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi suggested last year that sharing the waterways could be conditional on Pakistan clamping down on anti-India terrorists.

Pakistan has opposed some of these projects before, saying they violate a World Bank-mediated treaty on the sharing of the Indus river and its tributaries upon which 80 percent of its irrigated agriculture depends.

The schemes, the largest of which is the 1,856 MW Sawalkote plant, will take years to complete.

Six hydro projects in Kashmir have either cleared viability tests or the more advanced environment and forest expert approvals in the last three months, two officials in India's Water Resources Ministry and the Central Electricity Authority said separately, according to Reuters.

Together, these projects on the Chenab river, a tributary of the Indus, would triple hydropower generation in Jammu and Kashmir from the current level of 3,000 MW, the biggest jump in decades, added the officials, declining to be named because the approvals had not yet been made public.

"We have developed barely one-sixth of the hydropower capacity potential in the state in the last 50 years," the senior official at the Water Resources Ministry said. "Then one fine morning, you see we cleared six to seven projects in three months; it definitely raises concern in Pakistan."

Pakistan's water supply is dwindling because of climate change, outdated farming techniques and an exploding population.

A 2011 report by the US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations said Delhi could use these projects as a way to control Pakistan's supplies from the Indus, seen as its jugular vein.

"The cumulative effect of these projects could give India the ability to store enough water to limit the supply to Pakistan at crucial moments in the growing season," it said.

India says the projects are "run-of-the-river" schemes that use the river's flow and elevation to generate electricity rather than large reservoirs, and do not contravene the treaty.

Modi told a meeting of government officials on the Indus treaty last year that "blood and water cannot flow together", soon after a deadly terror attack on the army base in Uri in Kashmir which left 19 people dead.

Modi's message was two-fold, Indian Foreign Ministry spokesman Gopal Baglay said. Terrorism had to stop and India must fully utilise the economic potential available to it within the Indus treaty.

The projects that have won technical approvals in recent months are Sawalkote, Kwar, Pakal Dul, Bursar and Kirthai I and II.

"I say the way you look at these projects, it is not purely a hydro project. Broaden it to a strategic water management, border management problem, and then you put in money," said Pradeep Kumar Pujari, the top ranking official in the Power Ministry.

Most of the projects have been held up for at least a decade awaiting multiple clearances. Sawalkote, which was cleared by a government-constituted environment committee in January, was first given techno-economic approval in 1991.

It is now up for forest clearance from the state authorities, after which the government will finalise financing and begin construction.

Some projects like Pakal Dul were stuck in litigation, but that has been resolved, Jammu and Kashmir's Power Minister Nirmal Singh told Reuters in the summer capital Srinagar. "Things are now in a position of take-off," he said.

Environmental groups have questioned whether the government has followed proper procedures in fast-tracking projects located in a highly seismic area.

"It's on one river, the Chenab, where you are doing so many projects. This is a very vulnerable region. It's landslide-prone, it's flash flood-prone, earthquake-prone," said Himanshu Thakkar, coordinator of South Asia Network on Dams, Rivers & People, Pakistan's Foreign Ministry spokesman, Nafees Zakaria, said India will be attending a regular meeting of the Indus Commission later this month in Lahore, even though a broader peace dialogue is on hold.

"It seems that finally India has realized the importance of this mechanism under the IWT (Indus Waters Treaty) for resolving water disputes related to the Indus water and its tributaries," he claimed.
Bengaluru: Bengaluru could soon become the electric vehicle capital of India, with the state government putting it as a priority in the budget announced on Wednesday.

Along with this unique vision, the government is planning to formulate a policy for industries like 3D printing, robotics, nanotechnology, IoT, big data analytics, artificial intelligence and machine learning, stem cell research and bespoke DNA medicine. The best performing manufacturing unit will receive an award.

Apart from emphasising on promoting new technologies, the government has allocated Rs 400 crore for acquiring land to build an industrial area in Tumakuru under the Chennai-Bengaluru-Chitradurga Industrial Corridor Project.

542 acres of land has been acquired to develop a Machine Tool Industry Park at Vasanthanarasapura in Tumakuru.

Rs 25 crore allocated to develop roads within the limits of sugar factories.

A business incubator program for women entrepreneurs.

Loans for women entrepreneurs from the Karnataka State Finance Corporation to be increased from Rs 50 lakh to Rs 2 crore at 4% interest.

More takeaways

A new 'Karnataka Road Safety Authority' will be constituted at Rs 5 crore. The Bicycle on Hire scheme currently in Mysuru, is to be replicated in selected clusters of Bengaluru

Digital display boards will be installed in KSRTC bus stations and other public places of all taluks. Rs.17 crore has been earmarked for this purpose. Rs 2 crore has been earmarked for the development of Kasturba Ashram at Arasikere.

Free bus pass to journalists in district headquarters for travel in respective city transport buses within the district.

Karnataka Integrated Government Litigation Management System will be established for effective supervision over all types of government litigations. It will be integrated with the portals of the Courts, Tribunals and Bar Councils.

Grid connected solar roof tops will be installed on PPP mode with the assistance of KREDL in Mysuru, Gadag, Kalburgi, Tumakuru and Mangaluru court complexes. Pure water units will be established in all taluks court complexes at the cost of Rs 8.12 crore.
New Delhi: Opposition today expressed concern over shortage of equipment, falling expenditure for defence modernisation and huge dependence on import by armed forces.



Participating in a debate on Demand for Grants for Defence in the Lok Sabha, Sugata Bose (Trinamool Congress) said it was unfortunate that a large proportion of the defence budget remains unutilised.



About Rs 13,000 crore was under capital expenditure was returned back in 2015-16, he added.



Lamenting the fact that Indian armed forces are heavily dependent on imports, Bose said, the government did not give any incentive for defence related manufacturing.



Taking an apparent dig at Manohar Parrikar being shifted from Defence Ministry to Goa as Chief Minister, the Trinamool member quipped that this government is having a great difficulty in giving a "full-time Raksha Mantri."



"Someone found Goan delicacy more worthwhile than providing nutritious food to our jawans," he added in a swipe at Parrikar.



Pinaki Misra (BJD) said, "This House has been bipartisan in the matter of defence but this will not prevent us from voicing our concerns."



Defence outlay as percentage of GDP has been coming down, he said.



"We are the only country in the world having nuclear capability which is reducing defence outlay," he said.



"And the other sad part is that the budgetary outlay is not fully spent and some portion lapses," he said.



Funds for capital expenditure of the overall defence budget have also been coming down, Misra said.



Referring to CAG report on defence, he said, it had also referred to shortage of equipment in the armed forces.



Claiming that 'Make-in-India' has been a non-starter as far as defence is concerned, the BJD member said not a single rupee has come under FDI till October.



On OROP, he said the government has alloted Rs 12,400 crore for this but only about Rs 3,000 crore has been spent in 9 months.



A P Jithender Reddy (TRS) said the farmers are suffering because they don't get MSP for their produce, common man is suffering due to demonetisation while soldiers are suffering due to shortage of arms and ammunition.



He also referred to the BSF jawan who had complained of poor food quality on social media some months back.



"I would like to highlight facts about DRDO...recently Navy rejected Tejas aircraft designed by DRDO," he said.



Anand Rao Adsul (SS) said there is an urgent need to modernise weapons and equipment of armed forces.



Even after surgical strike, he said, ceasefire is being violated by Pakistan on the border and government should take action against this.



He also suggested compulsory military training for college students in the country as is the case in many countries including Israel. .
Chandigarh: Newly inducted Punjab Cabinet Minister Manpreet Singh Badal today said priority of the Amarinder Singh-led Congress government will be to restore the "lost glory" of the state.

"Restoring Punjab's lost glory is what we will work for," Manpreet, the estranged nephew of ex-Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, told reporters here after taking oath as state cabinet minister.

Manpreet, who had served as the finance minister in the SAD-BJP government in 2007, said the Congress government's priority would be to "bring the state's economy, which has been completely devastated under the SAD-BJP regime, back on track".

"We are committed to bringing the state back on the path of growth and development," he said.

Replying to a question, the cabinet minister indicated that some of the "lopsided" policies of the previous SAD-BJP government will be undone by the Congress government.

"Many things will be undone... We want to restore Punjab's pride, which has gone missing. When I was a boy, there used to be a spring in our step as Punjab was right there on the top. We want to restore that," he said.

Manpreet, who won from Bathinda-Urban Assembly constituency, said education, health, improving the lot of farmers, getting investments for the state, urban development to improve the infrastructure, are some of the areas which will be immediate focus areas of the present government.

"We are committed to improve the per capita income of our people and generate new avenues of employment," he said.

Manpreet also said the Congress government is committed to eliminating the drug menace in the state.

"We are also committed to ending the VIP culture," he said.

Earlier in the day, Amarinder Singh (75) was sworn in as the 26th Chief Minister of Punjab along with nine ministers, including Navjot Singh Sidhu and Manpreet Badal.

The Congress stormed to power in Punjab after a gap of 10 years by winning 77 seats in the 117-member Assembly.
New Delhi: With Islamabad planning to declare the strategic Gilgit-Baltistan region as its fifth province, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday said such a step will not be able to hide the illegality of Pakistan's occupation of the parts of Jammu and Kashmir that it must vacate forthwith.

Stating that Jammu and Kashmir is and will always remain an integral part of India, MEA spokesperson Gopal Baglay said any unilateral attempt from Pakistan's side will be absolutely unacceptable.

"Such a step will not be able to hide the illegality of attempt and illegality of Pakistan's occupation of the parts of Jammu and Kashmir which it must vacate forthwith. It will also not be able to hide the tremendous and very concerning human rights violation and denial of freedom that has been going in those parts under Pakistan's control for the last 70 years," Baglay told the media in New Delhi.

The MEA spokesperson maintained that India's position is well known in a matter, which pertains to the country's sovereignty.

In what may come as a matter of concern for India, Pakistan is planning to declare Gilgit-Baltistan region as its fifth province.

The Gilgit-Baltistan area is Pakistan's northernmost administrative territory that borders the disputed Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

A committee headed by Adviser to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz recommended to grant the region a provincial status, reports the GeoNews.

Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and Sindh are four provinces of Pakistan.
Salem: A man allegedly hurled a chappal and a stone at Union minister Pon Radhakrishnan, who had come to pay his last respects to Dalit JNU scholar Muthukrishnan when his mortal remains were brought in Salem on Thursday.

Radhakrishnan told reporters that a five-member team has already submitted the post-mortem report of Muthukrishnan, based on which a judicial probe will be initiated.

Muthukrishnan had allegedly committed suicide at a friend's house in New Delhi on March 13.

As Radhakrishnan was addressing the media, some students and activists started raising slogans against the BJP-led Central government.

In the melee, a man allegedly hurled a chappal and a stone at the Union minister, which, however, missed the target.

Police have taken the person into custody.

Radhakrishnan described the incident as "undesirable" and asked the Tamil Nadu BJP unit not to make a big issue of it.

In response to a question on Muthukrishnan's alleged suicide, he said, "I will not accept (accusations) that this (death) has happened because of the BJP coming to power."

These incidents "have been happening at many places for the last 60 years", he claimed.

The Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways and Shipping said in Muthukrishnan's death, he felt like having lost "my own younger brother".

Earlier, Radhakrishnan placed a wreath on the body of Muthukrishnan, while Salem Collector Sampath paid floral tributes and handed over a cheque of Rs 3 lakh announced by the state government to Jeevanandam, father of Muthukrishnan.

The body was brought this morning from Chennai and kept at Muthukrishnan's home here.

The M.Phil student, who was staying at the Jawaharlal Nehru University's Jhelum hostel in New Delhi, was found hanging from the ceiling fan at a friend's residence in south Delhi's Munirka area on March 13.

In a series of tweets, Radhakrishnan said his party will continue to voice support for the welfare of Tamil Nadu and the students of the state.

Meanwhile, state BJP chief Tamilisai Soundararajan flayed the chappal-throwing incident.
New Delhi: The electronic voting machines are "fully tamper-proof, as ever", the Election Commission said on Thursday dismissing claims of BSP supremo Mayawati and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal who had questioned their reliability.

In a strongly-worded statement, the Commission said "baseless, speculative and wild allegations are being made which deserve to be rejected".

The poll panel said it did not receive specific complaints or concrete material from political parties and candidates about alleged tampering of Electronic Voting Machines (EVM) during recently held election process.

It said the BSP's representation on EVM tampering was without any specific allegation and it had rejected the claim of the party.

"Such concerns about alleged tamperability of ECI-EVM have been raised earlier also since their introduction including before high court and the Supreme Court.

"These allegations have been dismissed. ECI unequivocally reiterates that given effective technical and administrative safeguards, EVMs are not tamperable and integrity of electoral process is preserved," it said.

The EC's rebuttal came a day after Mayawati said she will move court against the alleged tampering of EVMs. Kejriwal too had alleged that EVMs may have been tampered with in Punjab, adding "it is about the credibility of the Election Commission and the faith of people in the electoral system. We have strong prima facie evidence of foul play."

The Commission today said that so far, no one has been able to actually demonstrate that EVMs used by the Election Commission can be tampered with or manipulated.

It said "what has been demonstrated or claimed to have been demonstrated is on a privately assembled look-alike of ECI-EVMs and not the actual ECI-EVMs."

Electronics Corporation of India Ltd and Bharat Electronics Ltd are the two PSUs which manufacture the EVMs for EC.

The poll watchdog assured that its EVMs are tamper-proof and it is "fully satisfied with the integrity of electoral process using EVM".

Since the year 2000, EVMs have been used in 107 assembly polls and three Lok Sabha elections held in 2004, 2009 and 2014.

It recalled that the "controversy" over the reliability of the machines was raised by political parties after the 2009 Lok Sabha polls. "However, no specific allegation was raised nor could they prove before any court," the statement said.

It said in an "extraordinary" move in August, 2009, it had invited those who had expressed reservations about the EVMs to come and demonstrate the flaws in the machines.

Those invited included political parties, petitioners before various courts and some individuals who had been writing to the Commission on this issue.

One hundred EVMs were brought from ten states  Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh -- and were kept at the Commission's office here for scrutiny and for any application to establish its alleged fallibility.

"The outcome of this exercise was that none of the persons, who were given the opportunity, could actually demonstrate any tamperability of the ECI-EVMs. They either failed or chose not to demonstrate," it elaborated.

Some activists had then showed on TV a machine which they claimed can be manipulated. The Commission had countered the allegation stating that the machine was stolen from EVM warehouse in Mumbai and modified by the activists.

"Thus it was no longer the machine used by EC," it said. Based on consultations with political parties in 2010, the Commission explored the use of Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) with a view to enhance transparency.

In VVPAT, a paper slip is generated bearing name and symbol of the candidate along with recording of vote in Control Unit, so that in case of any dispute, paper slip could be counted to verify the result being shown on the EVM.

A printer is attached to the balloting Unit and kept in the voting compartment. The paper slip remains visible on VVPAT for 07 seconds through a transparent window.

In June 2014, the Commission proposed to implement VVPAT at every polling station in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls and sought Rs 3,174 crore for the same from the Law Ministry.

The Commission had earlier this month informed the Supreme Court that it will get the 15.5 lakh VVPATs manufactured in 30 months from the time of release of fund by the government.
Hyderabad: The Telangana Government would not hesitate to "fight" with the Centre, if necessary, for the implementation of its proposed Muslims quota act, Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao said here on Thursday.

The state government proposes to pass two bills for providing reservations to Muslims and STs and then urge the Centre to include the matter in the 9th Schedule of Constitution as done in the case of Tamil Nadu, the CM said in the Legislative Council.

Rao said his government would see if an Act needs to be passed in the case of STs or a decision in state Cabinet would serve the purpose.

The state government proposes inclusion of the quotas for Muslims and STs in the 9th Schedule in view of the present cap on reservations.

"But, Muslims, we will have to pass an Act...We will make an Act, start implementation and go there (Delhi). If they don't do it, we will fight out with Centre. We will not go back," Rao said.

The quota is proposed to be provided to Muslims on the basis of their socio-economic backwardness and as per the Backward Classes Commission's report, and not on religious basis, he said.

Noting that the reservation system cannot go on based on circumstances in 1948, the CM said his government would move "heaven and earth" to get the quota implemented.

Provision of 12 per cent reservation each to minorities (from the present four per cent) and and STs was an electoral promise of Rao's party, TRS.

Reservation for Muslims is necessitated in the view of the high population of the community in Telangana, he said.

The present day Telangana was under Muslim rule for 700 years, Rao added.

On the need for providing quotas, he underlined that 90 per cent of population in Telangana belonged to weaker sections including Muslims.

The state government would "go to any extent" to get the reservation implemented, including all MLAs and other public representatives taking up a 'dharna' at Jantar Mantar in the national capital.

The Acts for providing quota to Muslims would be introduced in the ongoing budget session.

With the BJP and other opposition parties claiming that Rao planned to go for an early poll to the Legislative Assembly ahead of schedule in 2019, the Chief Minister said there is no such idea.
New Delhi: India on Thursday, on the topic of Pakistan having expressed concern over acquittal of Assemanand in Ajmer Sharif blast case, rejected Pakistans efforts and intention to meddle in the countrys internal affairs, including in the Indian judicial process.

We also totally reject the ulterior link which is sought to be established by Pakistan with any other matter under the purview of the Indian courts. A strong India democracy and justice system obviously need no self-serving sermons from anybody much less from a country like Pakistan, external affairs ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay said.

The spokesperson further said Pakistan should take action to dismantle the infrastructure of terrorism in its own territory or the territory under its control, and bring to justice the masterminds who enjoy freedom in Pakistani territory. Pakistan had summoned Indias deputy high commissioner to express its concern over Assemanands acquittal.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi eats Tirupati laddu prasadam offered by BJP president Amit Shah during the BJP parliamentary party meeting in New Delhi on Thursday. (Photo: PTI)

New Delhi: After the BJPs stupendous performance in the recently-held Assembly elections, the party top brass on Thursday asked leaders and legislators to be ready for the 2019 general election, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi informing them that na main baithunga na baithne doonga (I will not rest, nor will I let others rest). BJP president Amit Shah asked party leaders to be ready for the Lok Sabha elections, and asserted that the partys recent victories were an outcome of peoples vote against caste-ism, family rule and corruption, and in favour of Mr Modis leadership.

The BJP parliamentary party gave a standing ovation to Mr Modi and also passed a resolution on the partys extraordinary performance in the Assembly elections in five states. Later, Mr Modi was also greeted in the Rajya Sabha by the treasury benches, who responded to Congress members dekho dekho, kaun aaya hai (look who has come), by saying: Hindustan ka sher aaya hai (the lion of India has come). It was Mr Modis first visit to the Upper House after the verdict, and he sat for 15 minutes.

Earlier, at the parliamentary party meeting, Mr Modi gave a roadmap to party leaders, that included reaching out to the youth and continuing with the Dalit outreach programme.

Apparently referring to party leaders tendency to make controversial statements, Mr Modi also thanked them for refraining from such statements during the campaign, particularly in UP, when he said, Un lalon ka bhi abhinandan jinhone muh par taala band rakha.

The BJP had specially flown in prasadam from Tirupati to congratulate Mr Modi and Mr Shah for the partys triumph. Nearly 600 laddus were brought from Tirumala.

Addressing his party MPs, Mr Modi asked leaders to organise an exercise between the partys foundation day on April 6 and Bhim Rao Ambedkars birth anniversary on April 14.

Urging leaders to make the youth the ambassadors of his governments work, Mr Modi said young people depend on mobile phones more than newspapers and TV channels to get information. He also asked MPs to give their suggestions ahead of his governments third anniversary.
Headphone explosion: Yet another thing for air travelers to worry about

A passenger was listening to music midflight on her own battery-operated headphones when there was a loud explosion.

A woman whose headphones caught fire on a plane suffered burns to her face and hands, Australian officials said Wednesday as they warned about the dangers of battery-operated devices in-flight.

The passenger was listening to music on her own battery-operated headphones as she dozed about two hours into the trip from Beijing to Melbourne on February 19 when there was a loud explosion.

"As I went to turn around I felt burning on my face," she told the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) which investigated the incident.

"I just grabbed my face which caused the headphones to go around my neck. I continued to feel burning so I grabbed them off and threw them on the floor.

"They were sparking and had small amounts of fire."

Flight attendants rushed to help and poured a bucket of water on the headphones, but the battery and its cover had both melted and stuck to the floor.

Pictures show the woman, who was not named, with a blackened face and neck and blisters on her hands.

Fellow passengers had to endure the smell of melted plastic, burnt electronics and singed hair for the remainder of the flight.

"People were coughing and choking the entire way home," the woman added.

The transport safety bureau, which did not identify the airline or brand of headphones involved in the incident, said the lithium-ion batteries in the device likely caught fire.

"As the range of products using batteries grows, the potential for in-flight issues increases," it said, adding that such devices needed to be stored safely if they were not being used.

Spare batteries should be kept in carry-on luggage, and not checked in, the bureau said.

Belching smoke

The ATSB's Stuart Godley said it was the first report of headphones catching fire in Australia, but there have been a number of other phone and device battery incidents.

Last year, a flight due to leave Sydney had to be evacuated when smoke was seen coming from a passenger's hand luggage. It was later found that lithium batteries had caught fire.

Also last year, an electronic device began belching smoke then caught fire on a Qantas flight from Los Angeles to New York, with a crew member needing to use a fire extinguisher to put it out, the ATSB reported.

In another Qantas incident in 2016, attendants were alerted to smoke on a flight from Sydney to Dallas. They found a crushed and burnt out device wedged tightly in the seat.

"We've also had a case of a person using personal air purifier and the batteries in that have caught on fire on a flight," Godley told the ABC.

Many airlines last year barred all Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphones over fire risk concerns, following reports of exploding lithium-ion batteries.

The South Korean electronics giant, which prides itself on innovation and quality, was forced to recall all its Note7s, costing it billions of dollars.

Lithium-ion batteries are prized for handheld electronics because they can pack a considerable amount of energy for their weight.

Like all batteries, they use different materials, one holding positive ions -- the cathode -- and the other holding negative ions -- the anode.

These ions move one way when charging, and back again when discharging (being used).

Manufacturing flaws affecting the separators are one potential source of fires. Another is damage to the battery.

In addition, overcharging the packs -- or charging them too fast -- can also lead to overheating and a short circuit that can cause a fire.

Related news:

>Samsung confirms Galaxy Note 7 explosions caused by defective batteries

>Concerned over Galaxy Note 7 phone's fire-prone batteries, US FAA issues air travel advisory
Devadoss and other fishermens representatives expressed the hope that the government would further enhance the ceiling for subsidised diesel to mechanised boats to the level of 30,000 litres per boat, per year. (Representational image)

RAMESWARAM: Fishermen of Rameswaram on Thursday wholeheartedly welcomed the maiden Tamil Nadu budget presented by Jayakumar, also fisheries minister, as it sought to seriously address several issues faced by the states fishermen.

Fishermens representatives led by N. Devadoss, president of the Rameswaram Fishermens Association, hailed Jayakumars announcement in the state budget for 2017-18, presented in the Assembly in Chennai today, to hike the ceiling for subsidised diesel for mechanised fishing boats to 18,000 litres per year, per boat. This is expected to benefit 1,200 mechaised boats that are now under operation from this island.

The Tamil Nadu governments announcement of Rs 5 lakh compensation for each of the 18 mechanised boats of Tamil Nadu fishermen seized by Sri Lankan Navy and released but had got sunk in the sea in recent years, has also come as a huge relief for the fisher-folks here. We are extremely happy with this compensation which we have been demanding for years, said one of the fishermen here.

They also welcomed the hike in the amount received by each fisherman from the national relief fund from Rs 2, 500 to Rs 4, 500.

However, considering the frequent increase in the price of diesel, Mr Devadoss and other fishermens representatives expressed the hope that the government would further enhance the ceiling for subsidised diesel to mechanised boats to the level of 30,000 litres per boat, per year.
The ancient menhir that was discovered in Nalgonda district. The structure stands 11 feet high and was built as a memorial for warriors or tribal leaders in the region. Similar relics have been found in Guntur too.

Hyderabad: Archaeologists have discovered an ancient menhir, a memorial from the Iron Age, in Padurivarigudem in Nalgonda district of Telangana.

E. Siva Nagi Reddy and his associates uncovered the massive menhir that, according to them, dates back to 1000 BC.

Based on the information that we received from T. Saidulu, president of the local Vivekananda Youth Association, we visited the spot on Thursday and confirmed that the menhir belongs to the Megalithic period. It stands 11 feet tall, is six feet in width and goes six feet deep into the soil. The massive stone slab was installed during the Iron Age as a memorial to tribal lords or warriors in the region. It reveals the collective efforts of the ancient iron-smelting community, he said.

The team of archaeologists also examined around 20 circular burial stones, also from the Megalithic age, near the Chinna Cheruvu, a tank located in Chandupatla village.

According to the experts, these burial sites and the marking stones are prone to damage because of active agricultural operations in the area. Mr Nagi Reddy said he has asked the state government to actively protect the unique menhir, as it stands testimony to the history of Telangana from the Iron Age.

Similar menhirs have been found in the districts of Nalgonda and Guntur. Though the site where the megalithic artefacts were uncovered was not of particular significance in the Kakatiya Empire, it lies close to Chandupatla, where Kakatiya ruler Rani Rudrama Devi is believed to have died.
New Delhi: Advertisements must not interfere with TV programmes, the Information and Broadcasting (I&B) Ministry has said in an advisory to all television channels, the Lok Sabha was informed on Thursday.

In a written reply, I&B Minister M Venkaiah Naidu said 15 advisories and directives were issued since 2012, including the latest on March 10, which said, "All channels are advised to follow the provisions contained in rule 7(10) of the Advertising Code scrupulously."

The rule reads, "All advertisement should be clearly distinguishable from the programme and should not in any manner interfere with the programme viz, use of lower part of the screen to carry captions, static or moving alongside the programme."

Naidu also said showcause notices were issued in 33 cases of Programme and Advertisement Code violations by private channels in the last two years.

Talking about the restoration of old film reels, Minister of State for I&B Rajyavardhan Rathore, said before the National Film Archive of India (NFAI) came into existence, many films of the silent era were lost and not traceable.

The NFAI was established in 1964 to trace, acquire and preserve the heritage of Indian cinema. Rathore said since highly inflammable nitrate base was used in films made in the country before 1955, a large number of these were already destroyed and are no longer available.

On whether the five to six months of turmoil in the Kashmir Valley last year led to loss to press and electronic media in J&K, he said, "No sir. The DAVP has issued advertisements on regular basis to the newspapers published from J&K during the period under reference".

"Since the campaigns on TV are telecast across the states, wherein the viewers of J&K are in a position to receive the broadcast signals of all TV channels telecast from within or outside the state, there would be hardly any impact on the ground situation," he said.
New Delhi: Uttar Pradesh BJP chief Keshav Prasad Maurya was on Thursday admitted to the intensive care unit at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in Delhi after he complained of uneasiness.

According to a senior doctor of the hospital, the 48-year-old leader was admitted at 3.38 pm.

"He was suffering from cough and cold and mild fever for last seven days and overwork due to his political commitments.

"On admission his blood pressure was slightly higher. At present he is fully conscious and better. He is kept under observation for further evaluation," medical superintendent Dr A K Gadpayle said.

Maurya is being seen as one of the strong contenders for the chief minister's post in Uttar Pradesh after the BJP posted a landslide win in the assembly polls.
New Delhi: A Delhi court has acquitted a couple of rape and abetment charges as the allegations against them could not be proved due to death of the victim in the 2015 Nepal earthquake.

Additional Sessions Judge Sanjiv Jain said the case could not be proved beyond reasonable doubt as the victim did not appear before the court despite repeated notices and her testimony was not recorded.

"In the absence of the testimony of the prosecutrix, many questions remained unanswered. She was the only witness of the incident. Other witnesses came in motion at her instance after the incident. The summons to the prosecutrix were sent a number of times but she did not appear in the witness box at any time," the court said.

The court was informed by the victim's husband that his wife had gone to her native place in Nepal to meet her parents but died there in the earthquake in April 2015. It also noted that the accused were not medically examined.

"In the absence of their medical examination, no evidence came whether the accused got nail marks (of victim) on his body because of the incident," it said.

According to the complaint, on August 31, 2014, the man raped the victim at her house after breaking in with the help of his wife. The accused and the victim were neighbours.

Both the accused claimed that no such incident took place and that it was a counter complaint as the couple had earlier filed a rape case against the victim's husband.

The court acquitted the accused couple after noting the previous history of cases between the families and various material contradictions in the statements.

"Looking into the previous history of litigations between the parties and material contradictions in the statements, the case against the accused persons cannot be stated to be proved beyond reasonable doubt. I am of the view that the accused persons deserve the benefit," the judge said.
Mangaluru: There was allegedly an attempt to attack rationalist and activist Narendra Nayak near his house on Wednesday morning. The police have beefed up security cover for Nayak following the incident.

Nayak, a leading rationalist, was active in showing people how to debunk Godmen and fraudsters. He was also leading the fight to provide justice in the murder of RTI activist, Vinayak Baliga.Nayak is currently the president of Federation of Indian Rationalist Association.

In his complaint Nayak stated that around 6.30 am on Wednesday he drove his car towards MG Road, when two people in a motorcycle came near his car and indicated that a tyre was deflated.

Nayak, however, continued to drive his car. Later he stopped near a petrol bunk and found that no tyre was deflated. He alleged that had he stopped and got down from the car, there would be attempt to hit him.

On Wednesday morning I was on my way to swimming pool. At the road leading to MG road near my house, I slowed down my car to enter the main road. Just then two people came in a bike in the main road told me that my cars rear tyre was deflated. I had a doubt and did not get down. I continued to drive my vehicle and went near the nearby petrol bunk and saw that the tyre were intact. Later I felt that it was a standard tactic by Shiva gang. I doubt they wanted to attack me if I got down to see the tyres. As I was alert, their tactic did not work, he told Deccan Chronicle.

Nayak also alleged that RTI activist Baliga too was murdered similarly when assailants stopped him under the pretext of enquiring about an address and killed him.

Most probably this effort to attack was because of my role in the fight for justice in Baliga murder case. It could be a combined effort by those who are angry with me, he added. I remember both the people who came in the bike. This was clearly an act to attack me, he added.

Though Nayak has police cover, the incident took place early in the morning before the police personnel arrived. Following the incident police cover for Nayak has been increased. Police Commissioner Chandra Sekhar said that an additional Personal Security Officer has been provided to Nayak following the incident. The complaint has been registered at Urwa Police station. The CCB police are investigating it, he added
This is the third video message from the militant commander since last year. (Photo: Video grab)

Srinagar: A Hizbul Mujahideen commander Zakir Musa has posted a video on the social media urging protestors in Kashmir to turn to stone pelting on the security forces.

Musa has succeeded Burhan Wani, who was killed in July last year.

In the video, Musa said the protestors should not pelt stones in the name of nationalism, 'but for Islam.

He also warned the Jammu and Kashmir Police of alarming consequences which can take place due to an upcoming 'war' and asked them to stop supporting the armed forces.

Musa requested the youth to inform about the movement of forces in their area by posting the information on the social media.

The young commander in his monologue dismissed the idea of democracy while calling everyone to turn towards Islam.

He added that things like nationalism and democracy are 'haraam' in Islam.

This is the third video message from the militant commander since last year.

In the first two videos, he made similar threats against Kashmir police.

Last month, Chief of Army Staff General Bipin Rawat said those Kashmiris supporting terrorists would be considered anti-national.

Urging the local people to extend their support to the security forces trying to maintain peace in the Valley, Rawat said they would not be spared if they continue resorting to negative acts.

General Rawat expressed his disappointment about the involvement of local people in terrorist acts, whether directly or indirectly.
Congress MLAs, accompanied by party General Secretary Digvijay Singh, addressing the media after meeting the Governor Mridula Sinha in Panaji. (Photo: PTI)

Panaji: A section of Congress MLAs in Goa has sought appointment with the party vice-president Rahul Gandhi to apprise him about the "mismanagement" by senior leaders which they blame for the botched bid to capture power.

The anguish of the party MLAs' seems to be directed at AICC general secretary Digvijaya Singh who has been handling the party affairs in Goa ahead and after elections.

The Congress leaders are still smarting from the failure of the party managers to cobble up any post-poll alliance to attain power, despite emerging as the single largest party in Assembly elections.

Acting swiftly, the BJP which ended up as the second largest party staked the claim to form government.

Saffron veteran Manohar Parrikar yesterday took oath as chief minister for the fourth time, after the BJP managed to cobble up a disparate coalition of the local outfits and Independents.

The BJP has won 13 seats, four less than the Congress which bagged 17 seats in the 40-member House.

The BJP will have to prove majority in the Legislative Assembly tomorrow, as per the directions of the Supreme Court.

Congress MLA Vishwajeet Rane said a group of the party legislators met in Panaji last night, where they vented their anguish regarding the political scenario.

"It seems those leaders sent from Delhi never wanted Congress to form government in Goa. Congress should know the kind of mismanagement done by the in-charge of the party who came here from Delhi, which will finish the party," Rane said.

The pre and post election matters of Congress in Goa were handled by Digvijaya and the party Secretary Chellakumar, who has been camping in Goa.

Rane has also written a letter to Rahul seeking the appointment. "I have written to Rahul Gandhi asking him to take action against those responsible for the failure to form the government despite being the single largest party in Goa," he said.

Rane, son of veteran Congress leader and former chief minister Pratapsinh Rane, questioned the "delay" in electing the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader.

"Ideally, the CLP leader should have been elected immediately (after the poll results). Party's Goa Incharge has done this mismanagement.

"Those who were incharges of Goa are experienced people. They should have understood the steps needed to be taken immediately to form the government," the Valpoi MLA said.

He rued the "swift moves" by the BJP in enlisting the support of the smaller parties.

"Manohar Parrikar came from Delhi and the BJP swiftly moved and took into confidence other parties and staked claim to form the government," Rane said.

Rane said he was "open" to quit his party if no action is taken against those responsible for the Congress' debacle. "I will meet Rahul Gandhi before taking any further step. I am hopeful that Rahul ji will give us justice. If he does not respond, then we will feel that we are not in right party and we will take decision after consulting our workers.

"We will have to quit the Congress if such kind of behaviour continues."

However, he refused to elaborate whether other MLAs in the party are in sync with his views.
Chennai: DMK on Thursday described the budget presented by the AIADMK government as "old wine in new bottle."

DMK Working President and Leader of Opposition in Tamil Nadu Assembly, M K Stalin, said the first budget of the Edappadi K Palaniswami government did not spell out any new schemes, especially in power generation. There was also not any announcement on farm loan waiver, he told reporters in Chennai.

"Overall this is old wine in new bottle," he said.

He said the debt burden in AIADMK rule, "whether under (the late) J Jayalalithaa or O Panneerselvam or Palaniswami now, has only been increasing."

He pointed out the government had estimated the debt burden to touch Rs 3.14 lakh crore by March 31, 2018.

Stalin also recalled DMK's opposition to Finance Minister D Jayakumar mentioning the name of AIADMK General Secretary V K Sasikala during his budget speech.

The party had earlier in the House protested this, saying Sasikala was 'person convicted by the court' in the Rs 66 crore disproportionate assets case.

Stalin also questioned the 'absence' of some AIADMK ministers during the budget presentation.
Chennai: It's a firm no. I will not be the Chief Minister, AIADMK Deputy General Secretary T T V Dinakaran said, trying to downplay persistent speculation that he had decided to contest R K Nagar by-election only to replace Edappadi K Palanisamy as Chief Minister.

Mr Dinakaran, who was on Wednesday named as the party candidate for the by-poll, asserted that Mr Palanisami was the Chief Minister and that he was performing well.

Edappadi K Palaniswami is our chief minister. Due to certain actions of the then chief minister O Panneerselvam, there was a demand to keep the party and government in one hand, Dhinakaran told reporters when asked whether he would become chief minister if he wins the Dr R K Nagar constituency by-poll.

There has been speculation that Mr Dhinakaran would sooner than later take over as chief minister to keep up with the tradition of both the posts of head of the AIADMK and the government being held by one and the same person.

Mr Dhinakaran, who had earlier been member of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, said he considers only DMK as the AIADMKs rival and not individuals  Deepa Jayakumar, niece of late J Jayalalithaa and former chief minister O Panneerselvam.

The AIADMK deputy general secretary has been maintaining that he did not consider the OPS faction as threat to him or the party, saying the former chief minister would not be in politics after the by-election.

Dinakarans nomination cannot be rejected: Experts

T T V Dinakarans nomination cannot be rejected solely on the basis of Rs 25 crore fine imposed on him by the Directorate of Enforcement in a FERA violation case since he has not been convicted, legal experts said on Wednesday.

Constitutional expert Subhash Kashyap told Deccan Chronicle that the law clearly says that only people who have been imprisoned for more than 2 years should be debarred from contesting elections. Since this case involves only with a fine, I dont think there is any basis for rejection of nomination papers, Mr Kashyap said.

He was asked about doubts being raised in Tamil Nadu on whether Mr Dinakarans nomination to contest the Dr RK Nagar constituency by-poll will be accepted in the wake of the Madras High Court confirming the Rs 25 crore fine imposed on him.

Kashyap also said the decision of the Returning Officer, who conducts the by-election, is final. His (ROs) is the final word. But as far as the law goes, he is free to contest, he said. Sources in the Election Commission also echoed Kashyaps views saying there was no bar on a person imposed fine by a court contesting elections.

However, the sources said the Returning Officer has the powers to seek queries whether the fine amount has been paid or not. The RO is empowered to seek clarifications on any issue that he is not satisfied with, the sources pointed out.

Dhinakaran was accused of money laundering and benami transactions and came under the scanner of ED officials after huge amounts of cash deposits were made into his bank accounts during the first tenure of late J Jayalalithaa during 1991-96.
Meet the Vietnamese man who went through 'excruciating' surgery to reach new heights

Hoang Tung Anh says all the pain was worth the extra 3.5 inches.

Hoang Tung Anh was never happy about his height. For the record, he was 1.67 meters tall (five feet five inches), a little above the average for Vietnamese men.

In 2012, after spending a lot of time researching leg stretching surgeries online and overcoming his trepidation, the young man in Hanoi decided that he wanted one for an extra nine centimeters (3.5 inches). He was 19 at the time.

Hoang Tung Anh, 24, at the present with his new height. Photo by VnExpress

The painful limb lengthening surgery was once reserved for the purpose of correcting unusually short or abnormal limbs, but in recent years more young people have turned to the complex procedure simply for aesthetic reasons.

The procedure normally begins with doctors breaking the patients shin bones and inserting a telescopic rod into them.

Over time, as the bones heal, the rod pulls the bones apart gradually, by around one millimeter per day. As the bone is stretched, new bone, nerves, arteries, and skin grow to fill in the gap.

One of the 300 photos Anh keeps of the procedure

The arduous procedure takes around three months, followed by several months of physiotherapy for the patient to recover completely.

Doctors themselves describe the pain as excruciating and they do not recommend the process unless necessary.

But Anh was determined.

He underwent the first surgery at the 108 Military Central Hospital in Hanoi in early February 2012.

Then came another surgery three months later.

After that, he mostly had to stay in bed for two and a half months, in pain. Then he started learning to walk again.

He said the whole procedure cost him around VND80 million ($3,500), not to mention the costs for therapy at home.

The man, now 24 years old and 1.76 meters tall, can walk normally and carry heavy things of up to 40 kilograms.

After Anh shared his story and pictures of the procedure, many people questioned his decision even though a few praised him for his strong will.

Even before the surgery, he was not short by the Vietnamese standard.

The average height of Vietnamese adult women is 1.53 meters and for men it's nearly 1.64 meters, making them the fourth shortest people in the world, only above those in Indonesia, Bolivia and the Phillippines, according to a report by the Telegraph.

Doctors at the military hospital said Anh was among the first five patients undergoing the procedure there. All the other patients are doing well, they said.

I have no intention of promoting limb lengthening, said Anh. I just want to share my experience with anyone who wants it.

Recalling the months of pain, the man said he never had any regret.

"It was a wise decision," Anh told VnExpress.

Related news:

>100-year global study finds world's tallest are Dutch, Latvians

>Vietnamese have a long way to go to catch up with average height of other Asians
Hyderabad: TS TD working president A. Revanth Reddy on Thursday demanded Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao explain how the assets owned by him and his family members grew even as the states debt increased and borrowings touched a new high.

Speaking to newsmen here, Mr Reddy wanted to know how could the CM say increased borrowings will help the state and why does the same logic not apply to Mr Rao and his family members, whose assets have gone up heaps and bounds during the last 2.5 years.

KCRs family owns a TV channel besides publications in Telugu, English and Urdu. Besides, they have farmhouses on hundreds of acres. This means that their assets are growing, while the state is plunging into debt, he said.

Mr Reddy also sought details of the states borrowings expenditure over the last three years. In the name of a revenue surplus state, KCR is borrowing left, right and centre from various institutions resulting debt touching a record of Rs 1.5 lakh-crore, he said.
Hyderabad: The first-ever resolution of the newly-constituted TS Wakf Board to repatriate the Chief Executive Officer is likely to be quashed by Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao.

According to sources, the CM is upset with the ruling party members in the Board for succumbing to pressure from the MIM members and passing the resolution despite they being in majority in the Board.

On March 11, the managing committee, in its first meeting, resolved to repatriate CEO Mohammed Asadullah to his parent department.

The MIM which has been opposing the continuation of Mr Asadullah in the Board, moved a resolution through its members for the suspension of the CEO and also to book a criminal case against him for his alleged indulgence in certain irregularities.

As the Board has no power by itself to suspend the CEO, who is a deputy collector rank revenue department officer, it resolved to repatriate him to his parent department.

Sources said that when this came to the notice of the CM, he asked Minorities Welfare adviser A.K. Khan, Minorities Welfare secretary Syed Omar Jaleel and K. Bhoopal Reddy, special secretary to the CM, to look into the issue and submit a report.

Sources revealed that following the instructions, the trio enquired with Mr Asadullah who deposed before them. Sources said that based on Mr Asadullahs statement, a report was submitted to the CM.

When contacted, Mr Omar Jaleel told this newspaper that the file related to quashing of the resolution of the Board has been forwarded to the Chief Minister.

He said that the CM has the power to quash the resolution if he finds it contrary to the rules.

Sources in the Board revealed that Mr Asadullah may not be taken back as its CEO, but the government will quash the resolution and will post another officer in his place as the CEO.
Hyderabad: The Telangana state government will move the Supreme Court against the High Court orders dismissing the Voluntary Retirement Scheme on Health Reasons introduced by the Singareni Collieries Company Ltd. to fill hundreds of posts with wards of its existing employees.

Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao, who reviewed the HC judgement with officials on Thursday at his camp office, directed them to engage the services of senior lawyers to fight the case in Supreme Court.

The TRS government took the decision to give dependent jobs to wards of existing workers in SCCL. Accordingly, a notification was issued inviting applications for jobs.

The HC on Thursday dismissed the notification. The Chief Minister said that it was decided to give dependent jobs to the families keeping in view the hard work and difficulties the workers and employees go through.

He said it was a step aimed at helping the family members of the workers but some vested interests had approached the HC with malicious intentions. Mr Rao asked officials to depute a team of senior legal counsels who specialise in labour laws to argue the case in the Supreme Court.
TPCC president N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, along with other Opposition leaders and representatives of peoples organisation come out of the Raj Bhavan after submitting a memorandum to Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan against shifting of Dharna Chowk, in Hyderabad on Thursday. (Photo: DC)

Hyderabad: The entire Opposition on Thursday came together in opposing the proposed shifting of Dharna Chowk from the Indira Park to the city outskirts, with leaders of the Congress, BJP and TD seeking Governor E.S.L. Narasimhans intervention.

The Opposition leaders urged the Government to restore the chowk as well as restore democratic dissent. TPCC president N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, TS TD president L. Ramana and TS BJP chief K. Laxman joined hands for the common cause and represented the matter to the Governor in the Raj Bhavan.

They alleged that state government, deliberately and with the intention of snuffing dissent, decided to shift the Dharna Chowk from Indira Park which has been the epicentre of agitations for separate Telangana state.

They said that the government doesnt want any exhibition of displeasure, dissatisfaction or dissent by the people of state in the form of dharnas at the Indira Park which is known for such activities for the last 20 years.

The Opposition leaders said that the government has stopped granting permission for holding of peaceful protests or dharnas at the Chowk, which is nothing but a clear violation of democratic and Constitutional norms.
Improving our Ease of Doing Business rank has been on the cards for some time and as a part of that a conscious effort to haul everyone on a digital platform is being made. Last October, India was reportedly hit by its largest financial data breach which affected nearly 32 lakh debit cards across 19 banks, highlighting the concerns of many who have been questioning data security. In the past few years, the urban citizen has progressively taken to application-based services, online shopping and e-payments. A measure of this growth is the increase in mobile wallet transactions from Rs 10 billion in 2012-13 to more than `490 billion in 2015-16. The economy had been steadily moving towards online transactions but with demonetisation, there was a significant surge. The reduction in cash circulation resulted in a sudden dependency on digital options for all sections of society. Frequent usage of digital options peaked. BHIM was launched to make cashless transactions more accessible and has crossed 17 million downloads already.

Online transactions are merely an aspect of the larger Digital India campaign. Recently, the government has announced that after April 1, 2017, below poverty line families will not be provided monthly rations if they fail to link their Aadhaar number with the food and civil supplies department. Evidently, a digital approach to governance is on the agenda with initiatives such as Bharat Net, Digi-Locker and the Digital India platform. This will certainly eliminate duplication of benefits and reduce costs for verification drastically. With ready availability of transactions history as well as credit worthiness, it will integrate individuals and SMEs with a larger variety of creditors and increase bargaining power. The benefits of such governance are being recognised widely with successful examples of direct bank transfers possibly paving the way for Universal Basic Income soon. But there are certain risks to this approach, which are not as frequently discussed. There are polarised views for and against moving towards digital governance altogether. The use of Aadhaar for authentication, payments, creation of a national repository for documents through digi-locker, among others, are viewed by some with scepticism. The concern of groups opposed to it seems to be that digitisation is being force-fed to the masses without proper infrastructure and despite privacy concerns. They fear that availability of personal data with the government will make it unsecure and enhance surveillance.

Though these concerns have some merit, it is unfair to demonise Aadhaar. The growth of a digital citizen is a joint result of increased Internet access, e-commerce and social media. Data brokerage and misuse is a risky byproduct of the same. Absent Without Aadhaar, there is still ample information available with private parties like Google, Facebook, Amazon, E-bay, Flipkart, etc. Recent reports have boldly claimed that data brokers are selling personal data such as age, marital status, residential address, phone numbers, purchase history and income profiles for dirt cheap prices. Technological advances have made it possible to track a persons location, profile their preferences and transactions. In 2015, the minister for communications and information technology said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha that on an average 5,000 interception orders are passed every month. That year India was ranked the second most intrusive country by Google in terms of requests for data on users. Perhaps, a better outcome would require defining the rights and liabilities of digital citizens, private players and boosting digital governance.

The present system suffers from four thematic flaws. First, the contours of privacy are not clear. Globally, the right to privacy is recognised by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 1948, of which India is a signatory. In 2016, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution acknowledging human rights on the Internet, including privacy. The Indian Constitution does not explicitly guarantee the right to privacy, and this remains a subject of debate. Though the Supreme Court has in earlier decisions provided a limited right to privacy, the question of whether it is a fundamental right is sub-judice. Turning the clock back a few years, Western citizens conceded their privacy rights to traffic authorities by allowing surveillance through traffic cameras. Today, with the advancement of technology, the information collected by these cameras is filtered through anthropological and criminological research-based algorithms to provide information about possible hotspots for crime. This tool of predictive policing helps in better allocation of resources. Similarly, in India, the digital citizen has to acknowledge that issues of national security and prospects of better governance in some cases form a limitation to the right to privacy. Finding the right balance is crucial. Second, the Indian scenario is plagued by overlapping legislation governing this area which are outdated and vague. Interception of data can be allowed under three separate laws  the Indian Post Office Act 1898, Indian Telegraph Act 1885 and Information Technology Act 2000. It is odd that WhatsApp messages today can possibly be intercepted through powers granted by the first two laws as well, which were drafted long before such a concept was even conceivable.

Third, the threshold and manner of interception are suspect on account. Absence of a positive right to privacy and data protection coupled with a widely couched power to intercept any data leads to legitimate apprehension. Surveillance in the United States, albeit controversial, has a more scientific approach with bulk collection of metadata, use of algorithms analysing patterns and the requirement to obtain warrants upon probable cause to listen to a phone call or read emails. In India, critics say the power to intercept for investigation of any offence could well be stretched to apply to a situation where a possible traffic violation is being investigated. There is no comprehensive list of intercepting agencies and their scope available in the public domain. Orders on surveillance requests by intercepting agencies are required to be granted by the Union home secretary or a state home secretary in a time-bound manner. No standard procedure is in place for exchange of relevant information between intercepting authorities. Systems like the Central Monitoring System (CMS) and Network Traffic Analysis (NETRA) used for surveillance are established by executive process and the review of surveillance orders is also through an executive process. Checks and balances, which form the core of any democratic process, are absent here. Given the quantum of interception orders handed out monthly, a team within the home ministry can specifically look at this aspect and be subject directly to parliamentary review.

Lastly, the vulnerability of data is a core concern. This debate is overshadowed by apprehensions that Aadhaar data, stored through private players, may be susceptible to theft and misappropriation during transmission and private players will shrug off responsibility thereafter. Again, these concerns go beyond Aadhaar, personal data and usage patterns are exchanged commercially to feed into advertisements or articles that we see online. An absolute restriction on these would make unviable the modern economy as we know it. It would be prudent to mandate maintenance of basic security protocols by all private players, restrict exchange of data without proper consent, make it mandatory to inform the end user in case of a breach and a redressal mechanism for this. Maintenance of Aadhaar data, being sensitive personal information, can be held to a higher standard of accountability. Its a fools errand to resist digital advancements or deny big datas underbelly. Better governance through digitisation isnt some evil design. Its the next stop in our current growth trajectory. However, it must be accompanied by guaranteeing the digital citizens right to privacy, ensuring best efforts of data security and narrowly defining the exception of surveillance.
The just-concluded election to the 60-member Manipur Assembly has many firsts  it was the most bitterly fought polls in the states electoral history; for the first time, there had been a straight contest between two national parties, the Congress and the BJP; after many years, the electorate delivered a fractured verdict; and a Congress member (or a member from any other party for that matter) sided with the BJP even before taking the oath as an MLA, and then got inducted as a Cabinet minister, fully aware of the possibility of being disqualified under the anti-defection law! There are other firsts as well  the most important being the installation of the first-ever BJP-led government in the troubled frontier state. It is indeed interesting to note how the BJP cobbled up the magic figure of 31. With a vote share of over 36.3 per cent over the Congress 35 per cent, the BJP can claim to have won the popular vote. However, the BJP had won only 21 seats against the Congress 28. Two loose allies of the NDA came in handy  the Naga Peoples Front (NPF) and the National Peoples Party (NPP)  both of which won four seats each. Another NDA ally, the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP), won one seat. That brought the tally of the BJP and its allies to 30.

There was an obvious tug-of-war between the BJP and the Congress for the lone Independent MLA Ashabuddin. He had almost come into the BJP fold, but could not make up his mind in time. Then, from the saffron partys bag of surprises came Congress MLA Shyamkumar Singh, who joined the BJP delegation that went to Raj Bhavan to stake claim. The BJP suddenly had the numbers! Like in Goa, the Congress in Manipur too was caught napping. It could have made a serious effort to garner the backing of the Trinamul Congress MLA as well as the lone Independent. That could have put the Congress and the BJP into a tie, making it a little difficult for the BJP to stitch up the alliance. Besides, the Congress failed to anticipate that one or more of its own MLAs, too could defect. That is history now. The BJP has been smart because the party knows that even if the Congress MLA, who has since been inducted into the ministry, is disqualified under the anti-defection law, the government would still have the numbers because the strength of the House would then come down from 60 to 59. And why on earth has Shyamkumar been made a minister? Well, his newfound status as a Cabinet minister will help when the constituency goes for a bypoll in the event of his disqualification, and he would then be the BJP candidate.

The BJP masterminds for Manipur  MP Ram Madhav and Assam minister Himanta Biswa Sarma  may have skillfully sewed up the numbers, but the new chief minister, N. Biren Singh, has a tough job in hand. First, he has to take his alliance partners along, and then he has to restore a semblance of order in the state, faced with an economic blockade by the agitated Nagas under the banner of the United Naga Council (UNC) since November 1 last year. Mr Singh himself was lucky to have landed in the hot seat because two of his veteran party colleagues, former Union minister and BJPs state unit president Chaoba Singh and another frontrunner Erabot Singh, had lost the polls. The choice fell on Biren Singh, who had joined the BJP from the Congress only in October last because he knows the minds of several possible fence-sitters within the Congress who could well switch sides anytime, taking the cue from Shyamkumar. This is actually part of the BJPs advance planning for the Lok Sabha elections in 2019. The fact that all the four NPP members figure in the nine-member ministry (along with the CM) that was sworn in on Wednesday, with the regional partys Y. Joykumar being made deputy chief minister, indicates the hard bargaining done by the NPP. One of the NPF members, the lone LJP member and the Congress member who defected have also been made ministers. The chief minister aside, the BJP got just one berth as of now in the form of Biswajit Singh, who was also in the race for the top job.

Running the hotch- potch coalition will be as challenging for the chief minister as bringing in rays of hope among Manipurs youth. The deep divide between the people in the Imphal valley and the hill districts is something the new government has to deal with. Biren Singh is more than aware of that, and, therefore, the first thing he said after assuming office is that his government would adopt a go to the hills policy in a bid to bring about equitable development in Manipurs hills and the valley. The Nagas in the hills of Manipur have been clamouring for autonomy and many feel they would like to merge with adjoining Nagaland as part of a deal with the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah group). The Meiteis in the valley, who are the dominant population in Manipur, are against any dismemberment of the state. This is at the root of the divide and frequent blockades of the road leading through Naga-dominated areas to Imphal, which is the link Manipur has to the rest of India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had categorically stated Manipur will not be divided, and that if the BJP wins, the four-month-long blockade would be lifted within 24 hours. As you read this, it is already more than 36 hours since Biren Singh became Manipurs chief minister.
Higher spending on cyber security is one of the top priorities for the ministry over the next five years.

Several Polish municipalities that have hosted US troops under a planned NATO operation suffered cyber attacks in January, a senior government official told Reuters, saying it highlighted the need for Poland's sharp increase in cyber-defence spending.

Poland will spend about 1 billion zlotys ($250 million) a year on cyber security, several times the amount seen only a few years ago, following a trend in other NATO countries that have been increasingly subject to Internet security breaches.

"We are constantly seeing large destructive cyber and information activity by certain countries," Deputy Defence Minister Tomasz Szatkowski said in an interview. "The process has been intensifying."

He declined to specify who was behind the attacks, but said they included pro-Russian content.

The websites attacked with anti-NATO and anti-US propaganda in January belonged to at least two municipalities where thousands of US troops along with tanks and heavy equipment arrived to beef up NATO's Eastern European allies.

"It is clear to us who is the author and who inspires such activities," Szatkowski said. The attacks aimed at sowing a negative image of Poland's allies and "presenting the Russian version of the conflict in eastern Ukraine", he said.

The largest US military reinforcement of Europe in decades of about 2,700 troops, out of 3,500 planned, arrived in mid-January as part of operation Atlantic Resolve, aimed at showing Moscow Washington's commitment to its allies.

The Kremlin said the troops' presence is a threat to Russia.

Higher spending on cyber security is one of the top priorities for the ministry over the next five years, along with enhancing Poland's armed forces, air and sea patrols as well as the formation of a territorial defence forces.

Modernisation of the army has been a key priority for the government run by the conservative Law and Justice (PiS) party, which built its popularity partly on promising greater security and deterrence against cross-border threats from Russia.

Poland spends about 2 percent of its gross domestic product on defence, although some military officials press for more, saying that nearly two-thirds of the armoury dates from the era when the country was in the Moscow-led Warsaw Pact.

Warsaw is awaiting a US government export approval to close a $5 billion deal to buy eight Patriot missile defence systems from Raytheon Co, a purchase considered central to the modernisation plans and Poland's strategy towards Washington.

"The United States is our key ally," Szatkowski said. "Opinions that we should take into account only the armament and military equipment produced in Europe, are not correct."

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When Musk accepted Cannon-Brookes's offer, the Australian replied in another tweet, "You're on mate. Give me seven days to try and sort out politics & funding."

The co-founder of Australian software firm Atlassian Corp Plc said on Tuesday he was close to meeting a self-imposed one-week deadline of getting political and financial support for a plan to use batteries from Tesla Inc to bridge an electricity supply gap in South Australia.

Mike Cannon-Brookes and Tesla boss Elon Musk have become Australia's most talked about corporate pairing after Musk said he could solve the energy crisis plaguing the state in 100 days and Cannon-Brookes offered to help, in exchange for "mates rates", in a series of Twitter posts on March 9.

When Musk accepted Cannon-Brookes's offer, the Australian replied in another tweet, "You're on mate. Give me seven days to try and sort out politics & funding."

Five days on, Cannon-Brookes told Reuters the publicity generated by the exchange had resulted in two Australian state leaders and the prime minister speaking to Musk on the phone, as well as encouraging investors to ask him about backing the A$25 million ($19 million) Tesla project.

"I don't know what the definition of 'politics sorted out' was, there wasn't really a plan there, but we've now had the various premiers and the prime minister talking to Elon on the phone talking about storage," Cannon-Brookes told Reuters.

"I don't think it will be challenging to get the funds for at least one, if not more, large-scale battery installations," he added.

Musk's initial offer followed a string of power outages in South Australia, the country's fourth-largest state, including a blackout that left industry crippled for up to two weeks and stoked fears of more outages across the national electricity market due to tight supplies.

South Australia, the country's most renewables-dependent state, on Tuesday released an energy plan which involved A$150 million to encourage the development of 100 megawatts of battery storage, possibly provided by Tesla.

The following day, neighbouring Victoria state published an energy plan.

Some local energy technology firms have said they want Australian manufacturers to supply any renewable storage networks, but Cannon-Brookes said no local products could match the large workload.

"Someone's got to plug these things in, connect it to the grid, do the maintenance, plan the facility, do the economics, there's a lot of other pieces here that need to happen," he said, referring to the potential role of Australian firms.

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New York: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau - along with first daughter Ivanka Trump as a guest - welcomed a new Broadway musical that celebrates Canadian compassion and openness to international travelers following the Sept. 11 attacks.

Trudeau and Trump and some 120 ambassadors from around the world attended the show "Come From Away" on Wednesday night at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre, in a city where the bulk of the 3,000 people on 9/11 died and in a country furiously discussing borders and immigration.

The musical is set in the small Newfoundland town of Gander, which opened its arms and homes to some 7,000 airline passengers diverted there when the U.S. government shut down its airspace.

In a matter of a few hours, the town was overwhelmed by 38 planeloads of travelers from dozens of countries and religions, yet locals went to work in their kitchens and cleaned up spare rooms.

In remarks before the show, Trudeau got on the stage and said he was pleased that, "the world gets to see what it is to lean on each other and be there for each other through the darkest times."

The show got a standing ovation, including from Trump, who sat near Trudeau, his wife and U.N. ambassador Nikki Haley. Also in attendance was Jean Chretien, a former Canadian prime minister, and the mayor of Gander.

Trump was seen clapping along happily as the band played at the curtain call. Later went backstage to greet the performers. The actors did not make any changes to the script or acknowledge the special audience, but one afterward was still buzzing.

"When do we have the opportunity to share a story about kindness, gratitude and love that takes place in a country that is known for opening their hearts to people?" said actor Rodney Hicks. "It just meant the world to all of us."

Trudeau, who champions global free trade and has welcomed 40,000 Syrian refugees, was celebrating the 150th anniversary of Canada's confederation and also hoped to reaffirm the special friendship between Canadians and Americans.

"Our friends are there for those tough times, when you lose a parent or a loved one, when you get knocked off your path at a difficult moment in your life. Where you go through difficult times, that's when you turn and you lean on your friends," he said. "That ultimately is what this story is all about - being there for each other."

In the show, a cast of a dozen play both residents and marooned passengers, telling true stories of generosity, compassion and acceptance, while fear and suspicion reigned in America.

The show arrives just as a debate over immigration and open borders has reignited following the Trump administration's push for a ban on travelers from six predominantly Muslim nations.

Canadian husband-and-wife writing team Irene Sankoff and David Hein wrote the book, music and lyrics, and it was directed by Christopher Ashley, the artistic director of the La Jolla Playhouse.

The musical veers its focus from weighty matters - a mother anxious about her missing firefighter son in New York - to more silly events, like a rowdy evening at a local bar where visitors are urged to kiss a cod.

Security at the theater was intense and theatergoers had to navigate through frozen snow drifts as well as black SUVs. But Trudeau seemed comfortable on the stage.

"I have to sort of personally say, on behalf of all Canadians, thank you for making us so welcome with the snow," he said. "It's a nice touch. You really went out of your way."

Trudeau's warm reception was in contrast to the ones that greeted two other world leaders who recently attended the Broadway smash "Hamilton" - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Vice President-elect Mike Pence. Both received more than a smattering of boos.

One woman in attendance on Wednesday was seeing "Come From Away" for the 58th time, having followed it as it made its way from California to Seattle to Washington, D.C., then Gander and now Broadway.

That was Beverley Bass, the first female captain at American Airlines, who was at the helm of Flight 49, going from Paris to Dallas-Fort Worth, when she ended up in Gander on 9/11. She was interviewed by the musical's creators for her story and is portrayed onstage by Jenn Colella.

After almost 60 performances, might she at some point just step in for Colella one night and play her own life? Bass laughed: "I can't sing and dance, so her role is safe from me," she said. Then she thought for a moment and added: "But I guess she can't fly jets."
Washington: The Indo-US ties are one of the most important in the world and essential to maintain stability in South Asia, a Republican Senator has said while stressing that India's neighbour makes things challenging.

Senator Richard Burr, who has first-hand access to the information on terrorism in the region and Pakistan's tacit support to such groups, made the remarks while speaking at a round-table organised by the US-India Friendship Council and the US-India Business Council at the Capitol Visitor Center.

"The United States-India relationship is one of the most important in the world. Its absolutely essential to stability in that region. And how do I say this in a diplomatic way. (India's) Neighbourhood is not one of the best in the world," Burr, the chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, said on Wednesday.

"Neighbourhood makes things very challenging," he said without naming Pakistan. "So to have stable governments that look towards prosperity for its people and looks towards the United States for relationships that are long lasting and trustworthy, we could not have a better partner than we do in India," he added.

The North Carolina senator said when America is prosperous, the rest of the world is prosperous as well and when it does not have a right architecture for everybody who wants to succeed here, it dampens the opportunities elsewhere around the world.

The 90-minute panel discussion was also attended by several other US lawmakers including Senators Thom Tilles and Joe Donnelly.

Congressman George Holding and Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, the two Co-Chairs of the Congressional India Caucus, along with Indian-American lawmakers Ami Bera and Ro Khanna and Congressman Ted Yoho attended the event during which they reiterated their commitment to India-US relationship.

"In Washington, one of the few things that Republicans and Democrats alike agree on is strengthening the Indo-US partnership. The need now is for a positive and concrete agenda in the 115th Congress and with the Trump Administration to take advantage of this historic opportunity," Indian-American entrepreneur Swadesh Chatterjee said in his address.

He said if India and the US cannot cooperate as the closest of friends, addressing mutual interests will be severely harmed.

"These interests range from the fight against terrorism to the prevention of hegemony in Asia and to economic development," he said.


March 15, 2017

Information from Rebecca Segal

New Mexico passes rescission of all prior Article V Con Cons including BBA!

Why Article V Rescission Resolutions are Critically Important

By Janine Hansen, National Eagle Forum Constitutional Issues Chairman

Balanced Budget Amendment Article V applications passed in 32 states during the 1970s, 80s and 90s. The BBA nearly succeeded in achieving the needed 34 states for an Article V Convention. Our strategy became one of the rescissions. We began efforts to rescind in many states, rescinding in state after state until we rescinded the Article V BBA in 16 states. That ended their nearly successful drive for an Article V Convention and stopped their efforts for more than a decade.

We must implement this Rescission Strategy again if we are to successfully stop the multiple efforts for an Article V Convention including Balanced Budget Amendment (BBA), Convention of States, Compact for Balanced Budget Amendment, the Article V to overturn Citizens United, and others. including Balanced Budget Amendment (BBA), Convention of States, Compact for Balanced Budget Amendment, the Article V to overturn Citizens United, and others.

In 2016 Delaware passed a Resolution Rescinding all previous Article V Applications which helped to stop the momentum of the BBA which now has 28 instead of 29 states. Copies of Delawares Resolution and a sample rescission resolution from Alabama are available.

If your state is targeted for passage or has passed an application for an Article V Convention, it would be strategically useful if you would find a sponsor to introduce a Resolution to rescind all previous applications for an Article V in your state

Resolutions to Rescind have several strategic advantages even if you dont succeed in getting the resolution passed.

Resolutions to Rescind:

Put you on the offensive.

Create an excellent opportunity for educating Legislators on why an Article V is so harmful.

Force the Article V proponents to use resources, money, staff, volunteers, etc. to oppose the resolution to rescind.

Force Article V proponents to take time and resources away from passing their Article V to oppose your Resolution.

Provide Legislators with an alternate resolution to support.

And most importantly, your state may pass, like Delaware did in 2016, a Resolution to Rescind all Previous Article V Applications.

A Rescission in any state will help to stop the momentum of Article Vs in other states and around the country.

THIS IS HOW WE STOPPED THE ARTICLE V BBA IN THE 1980s and 1990s. This is how we can do it again!
San Diego: Just a week ago, Nadia Hanan Madalo and her family had received news that refugees like them have been waiting to hear: They had seats on a flight bound for the US from Iraq, with an arrival just before the latest Trump administration travel ban was to take effect.

But until they set foot on US soil, they weren't sure. All Madalo's family knew was that they couldn't go back to their Christian village. Islamic State fighters had invaded several years ago and only devastation remains. Roads are filled with land mines. The town has been destroyed. And their family home was burned to the ground.

"Thank God we ran from there and come here," she told her brother in Arabic, who translated her words to English after Madalo, her husband and four children arrived at the San Diego airport on Wednesday.

Tears streamed down her face as she gave him, her other siblings and mother a long embrace. As Madalo and her family flew to the US on Wednesday, a federal judge in Hawaii put a hold on President Trump's newest ban - the latest development in a fight between the administration and the courts that injected more uncertainty into the lives of refugees.

Resettlement agencies say more than 67,000 refugees were in the stages of being approved and allowed into the US when Trump's January order halted travel for 90 days from seven majority-Muslim countries: Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen. The order also suspended the refugee program for 120 days.

After a federal court in California blocked the order in February, declaring it unconstitutional, thousands rushed to get in before the anticipated new order was issued. The Trump administration said the revised ban addresses the legal problems of the last one, and dropped Iraq from the list of countries.

US District Judge Derrick Watson blocked the order, citing "questionable evidence supporting the government's national security motivation." Trump, who has said the order is necessary to prevent terrorists from entering the US, criticised the ruling, saying: "The danger is clear. The law is clear."

Madalo and her family were booked on a refugee flight leaving Wednesday after originally offered Thursday, the day the travel ban was to go into effect. The renewed order allowed refugees with booked tickets by the end of Thursday to still come into the country until the end of the month.

They felt lucky, after waiting for four years to get into the United States. Madalo's sister in Lebanon is among those still waiting for approval. Before leaving, Madalo and her husband returned one last time to their village.

The family had not been back in three years since IS fighters moved in. Government forces have since pushed the fighters out, but their home was in ruins - grim confirmation that they needed to leave.

Still, it was a difficult moment. Madalo's husband, Salim Tobiya Kato, cried for hours as he said goodbye to his siblings, not knowing when he would see them again. "It's hard to leave my birthplace, where all my memories are, and where my parents are buried," he said.

At the same time, he looked forward to reuniting with his 21-year-old son who got into the US a year earlier. Madalo was happy her family could stop fleeing. Their children had been struggling since they had left their village in 2014 and fled to Iraq's semi-autonomous northern Kurdish region where they attended an overcrowded school for the displaced.

Their final destination was the San Diego suburb of El Cajon, home to the nation's second largest population of Chaldeans, where her brother hosted a celebration with their mother, siblings and cousins.

But for every family celebrating a joyous reunion, thousands of other people remain in limbo. People such as Midya Alothman.

The Syrian refugee and her two siblings in Buffalo, New York, expected their parents and remaining siblings to arrive in February. They bought the ingredients for a feast, got their father's favourite strong coffee and made plans to pick up tulips in their mother's favourite colors - purple and pink.

Then their February 16 flight was cancelled without explanation. They were unable to rebook their flight before the start of the renewed ban.

"Maybe they can stand for two months, three months, and that's fine. OK. What's going to happen after that? I'm afraid about this. I'm scared about this," said Alothman, a Kurdish Muslim from Syria who works 24 hours a week for minimum wage at a Catholic clinic as a translator and receptionist.

The 16-page executive order calls for a 55 percent reduction in refugee visas overall. Instead of the planned 110,000 slated for this year, there would be just 50,000. By this week, nearly 38,000 will have already been admitted.

Madalo and her siblings understand the pain of waiting. Their parents spent three years going through the vetting process before they got approved for a flight. Then it was cancelled. There were more delays as her father's health worsened. In 2015, as her parents traveled to the US, her father died.

Her brother, Gassan Kakooz, who came to the US in 2008 as a refugee, buried his father in San Diego. In his apartment, he keeps a photo of him displayed high up, as if he is watching over the room.

Over the years, Kakooz has welcomed his siblings one by one, helping them to find homes and get jobs. He and his wife and children have become US citizens, and have no plans to go back to Iraq. Now his youngest sister and her family were here too. "I am so happy," he said. "I cannot tell you how happy I am."
The Naval Academy in Annapolis saw three more reports compared to last year. (Photo: AP)

New York: There was a rise in reports of sexual assault at US Navy and Army military academies in the last year, the Department of Defence said on Wednesday.

An annual report, based on anonymous surveys, said reports of sexual assault in total across the military academies had decreased slightly in the last year, and the Air Force Academy specifically saw a decrease from 49 reports to 32.

But the Military Academy at West Point received 26 reports of sexual assault, up from 17 in the previous year, and the Naval Academy in Annapolis saw three more reports compared to last year.

"This years survey results underscore the unique challenges the academies face in sustaining long-term decreases in the occurrence of sexual assault," an accompanying Pentagon statement said.

US Senators grilled the Navy and Marine Corps' top leaders on Tuesday about a scandal involving a Facebook group called "Marines United" for sharing explicit pictures of female members of the armed forces.

The Naval Criminal Investigative Service has opened an inquiry into the matter.
New York: Just hours before President Donald Trump's revised travel ban was set to go into effect, a US federal judge in Hawaii on Wednesday issued an emergency halt to the order's implementation.

The action was the latest legal blow to the administration's efforts to temporarily ban refugees as well as travelers from six predominantly Muslim countries, which the President has said is needed for national security. Trump lashed out at the judge's ruling, saying it "makes us look weak."

Trump signed the new ban on March 6 in a bid to overcome legal problems with a January executive order that caused chaos at airports and sparked mass protests before a Washington judge stopped its enforcement in February.

U.S. District Judge Derrick Watson put an emergency stop to the new order in response to a lawsuit filed by the state of Hawaii, which argued that the order discriminated against Muslims in violation of the U.S. Constitution.

Judge Watson concluded in his ruling that while the order did not mention Islam by name, "a reasonable, objective observer ... would conclude that the Executive Order was issued with a purpose to disfavor a particular religion." Watson was appointed to the bench by former Democratic President Barack Obama.

Speaking at a rally in Nashville, Trump called his revised executive order a "watered-down version" of his first. "I think we ought to go back to the first one and go all the way, which is what I wanted to do in the first place," Trump said.

Trump called the judge's block "unprecedented judicial overreach" and said he will take the case "as far as it needs to go," including to the U.S. Supreme Court.

The Department of Justice called the ruling "flawed both in reasoning and in scope," adding that the president has broad authority in national security matters. "The Department will continue to defend this Executive Order in the courts," it said a statement.

The nation's highest court is currently split 4-4 between liberals and conservatives with Trump's pick - appeals court judge Neil Gorsuch - still awaiting confirmation.

Paul Ryan, the Republican Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, said the ban was needed to improve vetting of people entering the United States in order to prevent attacks and said he had no doubt that it would be upheld by higher courts.

Rebuke

Watson's order is only temporary until the broader arguments in the case can be heard. He set an expedited hearing schedule to determine if his ruling should be extended.

Trump's first travel order was more sweeping than the second revised order. Like the current one, it barred citizens of Iran, Libya, Syria, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen from entering the country for 90 days, but it also included Iraq, which was subsequently taken off the list.

Refugees were blocked from entering the country for 120 days in both orders, but an indefinite ban on all refugees from Syria was dropped in the new one.

The revised ban also excluded legal permanent residents and existing visa holders. It provided a series of waivers for various categories of immigrants with ties to the United States.

Hawaii and other opponents of the ban claimed that the motivation behind it was Trump's campaign promise of "a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States."

The government, in its court filings cautioned the court against looking for secret motives in the executive order and against performing "judicial psychoanalysis of a drafters heart of heart."

Watson said he did not need to do that, because evidence of motive could be found in the president's public statements. He said he did not give credence to the government's argument that the order was not anti-Muslim because it targeted only a small percentage of Muslim-majority countries.

"The notion that one can demonstrate animus toward any group of people only by targeting all of them at once is fundamentally flawed," the judge wrote.

Several Cases

The case was one of several moving through U.S. courts on Wednesday that were brought by states' attorneys general and immigrant advocacy groups.

In Maryland, refugee resettlement agencies represented by the American Civil Liberties Union and the National Immigration Law Center argued in court for a restraining order.

In Washington state, a group of plaintiffs applying for immigrant visas asked U.S. District Judge James Robart in Seattle - who suspended the first ban - to stop the new order. Robart was appointed to the bench by Republican former President George W. Bush.

Both Judge Robart and U.S. District Judge Theodore Chuang in Maryland said they would issue written rulings in their cases, but did not specify a time line.

Washington state, joined by California, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York and Oregon, said in court filings they supported the plaintiffs in Seattle.

If more judges side with Watson, the government's case may be harder to make at higher courts. The 9th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals upheld Robart's ruling against the first ban and Watson referenced that decision in his order.

Various groups and companies said they would be harmed by the travel restrictions.

A group of 58 technology companies, including Airbnb Inc, Lyft Inc and Dropbox Inc, filed a "friend of the court" brief in the case saying the order hurt their ability to recruit the best talent from around the world.

A longer list of companies, including Apple Inc , Facebook Inc and Alphabet Inc's Google - filed a brief opposing the first ban in a different court challenge brought by Washington state, which is ongoing.

It was not immediately clear why fewer tech companies signed on to the brief this time around.
Tokyo: US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Thursday that two decades of efforts to stop North Korea's nuclear ambitions have not worked and that a new approach is needed.

"I think it's important to recognise that the political and diplomatic efforts of the past 20 years to bring North Korea to the point of denuclearisation have failed," he told a press conference with Japan's foreign minister. "In the face of the ever escalating threat it is clear that a new approach is required."

He also said that the US will continue to work closely with Japan and South Korea in countering the North Korean threat, but also extended an olive branch to the country's people.

"North Korea and its people need not fear the United States or its neighbours," he said, suggesting that criticism was aimed at the regime in Pyongyang. He also called on China, where he will visit on Saturday, to do more to pressure its ally North Korea.

"We do believe they have a very important role to play," Tillerson said. "We will be having discussions with China as to other actions that they should be undertaking."
Lyon: Interpol has issued a red notice, the closest to an international arrest warrant, for four North Koreans wanted in connection with the murder of Kim Jong Nam, Malaysia's police chief said on Thursday.

The estranged half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was murdered on Feb. 13, when Malaysian police say two women - an Indonesian and a Vietnamese - smeared super toxic VX nerve agent on his face at Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

The two women were charged with murder earlier this month, but police are looking for seven North Korean suspects in connection with the killing, including four who are believed to have made their way back to Pyongyang. Police requested Interpol's help to apprehend the suspects last month.

"We have obtained a red notice for the four North Korean nationals who were at the airport on the day of the incident and who have since left... we are hoping to get them through Interpol," police chief Khalid Abu Bakar told reporters.

An Interpol red notice is a request to find and provisionally arrest someone pending extradition. The murder has resulted in a diplomatic meltdown between two countries with once strong ties.

North Korea has questioned the Malaysian investigation into the murder and refused to acknowledge that the man murdered is Kim Jong Nam.

Speaking at the North Korean embassy in Beijing at an unusual and hastily arranged news conference, diplomat Pak Myong Ho blamed the United States and South Korea.

"The recent incident that occurred in Malaysia was clearly a political scheme by the U.S. and South Korea aimed at hurting the DPRK's reputation and overthrowing the DPRK regime," Pak said, using the North's formal name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

"The only parties that will benefit from this incident are the enemy countries," Pak told a hand-picked audience of reporters in a small, sparsely decorated room inside the embassy.

At the time of the killing, Kim was carrying a diplomatic passport bearing another name, but Malaysian authorities said on Wednesday Kim Jong Nam's identity had been confirmed using DNA samples taken from one of his children.

Malaysia has also refused demands by the North Korean government for Kim Jong Nam's body to be released, saying that the remains can only be handed over to the next-of-kin under local laws. No family member has come forward to claim the body.

State news agency Bernama, quoting Malaysian deputy police chief Noor Rashid Ibrahim, said on Thursday that the family had given consent for Malaysia to manage Kim Jong Nam's remains. Noor Rashid did not say when or where the consent was given.

Kim Jong Nam had been living in the Chinese territory of Macau under Beijing's protection after the family went into exile several years ago. He had been known to speak out publicly against his family's dynastic control of North Korea.

A man claiming to be the son of Kim Jong Nam appeared in video footage last week, saying he was lying low with his mother and sister. An official at South Korea's National Intelligence Service confirmed the man in the video was Kim Han Sol, the 21-year-old son of Kim Jong Nam.

Malaysia is one of the few countries outside China that has for decades maintained ties with North Korea. But as relations soured, Malaysia recalled its envoy from Pyongyang and expelled the North Korean ambassador.

North Korea then barred nine Malaysians - three diplomats and their six family members - from leaving the country, prompting Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak to describe the action as "hostage" taking. The Southeast Asian country followed with a tit-for-tat action stopping North Koreans from leaving.

Najib told reporters Malaysia will begin formal negotiations with North Korea "when the time is right", clarifying previous reports saying that talks between the two countries had begun on Monday.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has been allegedly accused by Rep. Gary Alejano of housands of deaths that have happened during his anti-drug crackdown. (Photo: AFP/File)

Manila: A Philippine lawmaker has filed an impeachment complaint against President Rodrigo Duterte because of the thousands of deaths that have happened during his anti-drug crackdown and for alleged corruption, although the bid faces an uphill battle because Duterte's allies hold an overwhelming majority in Congress.

Rep. Gary Alejano says the complaint he filed at the House of Representatives on Thursday alleges that the president violated the constitution and betrayed the public trust with his actions, including the crackdown that has sparked extrajudicial killings of drug suspects and because of a failure to declare huge bank deposits as required by law.

House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, a vocal Duterte ally, called the impeachment bid "stupid," saying it is based on fabricated allegations.
The Finance for Growth Development Policy is a policy credit of $300 million that would assist Pakistans efforts in promoting an inclusive and transparent financial sector, a statement by the World Bank said.

The World Bank on Thursday approved a financial assistance worth $450 million to Pakistan to support its efforts to help the poor and most vulnerable people in the country.

The Finance for Growth Development Policy is a policy credit of $300 million that would assist Pakistans efforts in promoting an inclusive and transparent financial sector, a statement by the World Bank said.

The bank said the programme aims to raise financial access throughout Pakistan to 50 per cent of adults, including 25 per cent women, by 2020.
The court also played recordings of the music and heard it had mainly been played at the weekend. (Photo: Pixabay)

London: A 51-year-old Indian-origin nurse has been handed a noise abatement order after residents in north-east England complained about her playing loud dance music.

Sarina Saiger, from Ireshopeburn village in County Durham was served the order by Durham County Council after the neighbours complained.

She had fought the order, but her case was dismissed at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court this week, leaving her with an estimated 8,000-pound legal bill.

She now plans to appeal the decision further. "I am unable to comment on matters which will be the subject of an appeal before the crown court," she said.

Saiger, who started as a nurse and then studied for a degree and PhD in nursing to become a nursing director at the UK's state-funded National Health Service (NHS), denied that she was responsible for the music, claiming she was not present on several occasions when it was played.

But the court did not agree with her argument and ordered her to pay legal costs.

"We are pleased that the court agreed we were right to serve the abatement notice. We don't want to stop anyone enjoying themselves in their own home but no-one should have to live with excessively loud music from their neighbours," Joanne Waller, head of environment, health and consumer protection at the council said after the hearing.

"Residents can be assured we will continue to investigate all complaints of noise disturbance and that we will take appropriate action where we find a nuisance," Waller said.

According to the 'Northern Echo', eight witnesses, including the environmental health officers, nearby residents and occupants of a caravan park, gave evidence against and three witnesses, including two of neighbours, gave evidence on behalf of Saiger.

The court also played recordings of the music and heard it had mainly been played at the weekend.
There have been a number of inmate fights at prisons in Nuevo Leon between members of rival drug gangs. (Representational Image)

Mexico City: A state government in northern Mexico says it is investigating alleged inmate abuse at one of its prisons.

The scandal surfaced with a video posted on social media sites showing a group of male inmates wearing nothing but thong underwear and being forced to scrub floors on their hands and knees, while apparently being kicked and shoved by other inmates.

The government of Nuevo Leon state says the incident occurred at a prison in Apodaca, suburb of the city of Monterrey. It condemned the incident, and in response staged a search of the prison Wednesday that officials say found a number of knife-like objects and drugs.

There have been a number of inmate fights at prisons in Nuevo Leon between members of rival drug gangs.
Francis made the comments at his general audience after appealing for a resolution to a labor dispute at Sky Italia, where employees are facing job cuts and relocation as the satellite channel moves offices from Rome to Milan. (Photo: AP)

Vatican City: Pope Francis said on Wednesday that employers who fire workers for unclear economic reasons are committing a "very grave sin" and should ensure dignified work for all their employees.

Francis made the comments at his general audience after appealing for a resolution to a labor dispute at Sky Italia, where employees are facing job cuts and relocation as the satellite channel moves offices from Rome to Milan.

Francis called for a solution that respects the rights of all, "especially families."

Speaking off-the-cuff, he added: "Those who for economic reasons or to conclude unclear negotiations, close factories and business ventures and take away jobs, this person is committing a very grave sin."

Francis has spoken out frequently about the need for dignified work for all, lamenting the high rate of unemployment and youth unemployment in Italy and elsewhere.

The audience was marked by an emotional encounter at its start as a small group of Chinese pilgrims approached Francis on their knees and wept at his feet as he blessed them in St.

Peter's Square. The pilgrims said they were from Tianjin and brought with them a statue of the Madonna.

Francis has been working to improve relations with Beijing, particularly over the thorny issue of bishop nominations.

China has an estimated 12 million Catholics, millions of whom are loyal to the pope and worship in independent congregations outside the control of the communist party's Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association.
Is God a Macro- or Micro- Economist? By: G. Patrick Lynch

by G. Patrick Lynch

In an essay published in 1978 the late economist Paul Heyne grappled with the place of ethics in economics. Long before scholars such as Deirdre McCloskey had taken it upon themselves to try and awaken the economics profession to the colorless and barren depiction of human life they were presenting and in some ways promoting, Heyne noted that Economists are accused of doing economics on the basis of analytical preconceptions that cause them to count as solutions what their critics perceive as problems that prevent them from even seeing certain social relationships as in any sense problematic. (from Economics and Ethics: The Problem of Dialogue, in Are Economists Basically Immoral? Available in the Online Library of Liberty.)

Perhaps no recent critic has taken the economics profession to task quite as publicly as Pope Francis in his recent encyclical Laudato Si, which received a lot of attention from journalists, environmentalists and social justice advocates when it was published last year. In this weeks edition of EconTalk, host Russ Roberts and Wake Forest economist Robert Whaples discuss the Popes work with more sophistication and care than the average economist, but one can still wonder whether members of the economics profession can ever fully divorce themselves from the perspective of utility maximization, a topic they discuss during the podcast.

The key question raised, from my perspective, is one that Roberts himself addresses  do markets encourage human flourishing or inhibit it? As he acknowledges at one point, the tendency of economists to marvel at the ability of the unplanned coordination of markets to create wealth and, undoubtedly, enhance material well-being is pretty clear. One doesnt have to compare North Korea to Singapore to understand that fact. But where Roberts is perhaps letting his inner economist get carried away is when he describes the Popes view of the workings of markets as sterile, cruel, or heartless.

To my way of thinking the discussion over Laudato Si shows how Catholic thinking, like economics, is divided into macro and micro level concerns. Roberts and Whaples obviously have a lot of aggregate level data to support the notion that much of the empirics in the encyclical are not nearly rich enough to address issues as broad as environmental degradation, economic development, the morality of markets, and ultimately the nature of the good life. And from a micro perspective as they point out, people do tend to act in ways that generally, although not always, enhance their material well-being. However Laudato Si challenges these simplistic notions of whether growth alone is sufficient to provide for human flourishing, although it might be close to necessary, and how individuals at the micro level view work as self-affirming and relationships that are non-economic as more fundamental and profound than are market interactions.

Roberts and Whaples speculate that the Popes dim view of capitalism might be motivated by his upbringing in Argentina with an unhappy father who Whaples describes as an overworked accountant. Of course its doubtless true that we are all influenced to some degree by our upbringings. However, the important question here seems to me to be what are the limits of material wealth? Or perhaps more pointedly, can more be bad for humanity? The two discuss the question superficially when it comes to their experiences teaching undergraduates and thinking about utility maximization, but its a bit surprising that Roberts in particular did not refer to one of his heroes, Adam Smith.

Smith famously noted that commercial society produced lots and lots of stuff, but he had various concerns about how markets and exchange might have spill-over effects to society at large as wealth grew and influenced the incentives of markets participants. The corresponding changes were not merely relevant in markets; Smith also speculated that as wealth increased individuals would potentially lose their martial virtues (Book V of the Wealth of Nations) which could affect the support of classical republicanism among members of the community.

It is still important to realize here how sensitive Roberts and Whaples are in taking the encyclicals concerns in some respects quite seriously. First off, they note quite rightly, that the tendency among economists to simply accept the fact that the death of small producers as markets grow is a good thing. Net sum it probably is, but when one focuses on the poor, particularly the poorly educated and unskilled poor in parts of the world that are not easily connected to the global market, one has to acknowledge the importance of supporting the few opportunities that exist for those individuals or providing those individuals with help when market disruptions leave them without the means to work. Here the emphasis in the encyclical on micro forces is stronger. Individuals suffer during transitional periods. Additionally, the Popes support for work as a key component to leading a full and productive life receives ample attention during the podcast and is a key element to understanding how human nature is best served by social and economic institutions.

Another key element in Heynes essay was the difficulties that lay on the path towards scientism that economics had chosen. Setting aside for a moment the very complicated question of whether or not any social science can achieve the lofty standards applied to science in say chemistry or physics, the deeper challenge that Laudato Si seems to be raising is what the costs of employing such an approach have when human life always raises moral questions that need answering.

Finally, much as been made about the encyclicals emphasis on environmental concerns. Whaples himself teaches environmental economics and therefore has great sympathy for the state of the planet and ways to coordinate economic activity with preserving the condition of the earth. However, it is important to recognize, as they both do, that viewing growth as the single greatest risk to the environment is simply wrong. Whaples cites the so-called environmental Kuznets curve as just one example in which making human life materially richer has had a positive impact on environmental quality in many places.

Looking at a map of say Zimbabwe, where economic growth is stunted and backwards and property rights not respected, we can see the consequences of deforestation and wide spread environmental degradation. No one points to Cuba or the former Soviet Union as examples of good stewards of the environment. Here the encyclical needed more emphasis on alternative viewpoints and data to make a better case of how economic freedom and progress are frequently friends of the environment and planet, and could very well make a growing population, a key point for the Roman Catholic Church, more feasible and sustainable for all.



Dr. G. Patrick Lynch is a Senior Fellow at Liberty Fund. He is currently working on a book length manuscript focusing on the state of nature in political theory. He also contributes at the Library of Law and Liberty.
Istanbul: Turkey's president today accused the EU's top court of starting a "crusade" against Islam after a ruling allowing European companies to ban employees from wearing religious or political symbols including the Islamic

headscarf.

"The European Union's court, The European Court of Justice, my esteemed brothers, have started a crusade struggle against the (Muslim) crescent," Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in a televised speech, "Where is freedom of religion?" he said, referring to the court ruling this week.

"Shame on your European Union acquis!" Erdogan said, referring to EU law. "Shame on your values. Shame on your law and justice!" "Europe is swiftly rolling back to the days before World War II," he added.

The European Court of Justice said it does not constitute "direct discrimination" if a firm has an internal rule banning the wearing of "any political, philosophical or religious sign".

The response came as Turkey is locked in a mighty row with Germany, the Netherlands and other EU states over the blocking of Turkish officials from holding rallies abroad in the campaign for a referendum on expanding Erdogan's powers.

Turkey last month said it was lifting a historic ban on female officers wearing the Islamic headscarf in the country's officially secular armed forces, the last institution where the wearing of the garment was forbidden.
They said the ruling puts nearly 300,000 Sikhs in European countries at risk of being denied their right to wear turbans or carry religious symbols. (Reprsentational Image)

London: British Sikhs on Wednesday voiced concern over a European court allowing companies to ban staff from wearing religious symbols like the Muslim headscarf and said the ruling puts nearly 300,000 community members in Europe at risk.

"We are less worried about this decision in a UK context. In the UK, we are open-minded and appreciate and accept differences... Our main worry is the situation in mainland Europe," Sikh Federation UK said in a statement.

They said the ruling puts nearly 300,000 Sikhs in European countries at risk of being denied their right to wear turbans or carry religious symbols.

"There are probably 250,000 to 300,000 Sikhs in countries across mainland Europe, in countries like Italy, Spain, Portugal and Germany who are already vulnerable to widespread discrimination, especially when it comes to employment.

"The challenge with Sikh articles of faith is people often think of the turban, which can be worn by Sikh men and women but we have also had cases concerning the iron bracelet, the Kara. The Kirpan, a small sword worn by practising Sikhs is sometimes mentioned, but laws exist in the UK that recognise the Kirpan is not an offensive weapon and this has in general allowed the Kirpan to be successfully worn at work," it said.

The European Court of Justice (ECJ) yesterday ruled that a headscarf ban does not constitute "direct discrimination" if it is based on internal company rules that apply to everyone and require all employees to "dress neutrally".

The judgement was delivered in cases brought by two employees, one in Belgium and one in France, who were dismissed for refusing to remove headscarves.

British companies have already been warned that the ruling would not apply in Britain as companies would face discrimination claims under the UK law.

"This ruling strikes at the heart of practising the Sikh faith. History has shown Sikhs have been prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice to defend the right to keep their uncut hair and associated turban," said Bhai Amrik Singh, chair of Sikh Federation the UK.

The ECJ ruled that such a headscarf ban was only indirect discrimination and therefore potentially justifiable. The Islamic Human Rights Commission has said the ruling set an "alarming precedent".
The bank said the programme aims to raise financial access throughout Pakistan to 50 per cent of adults.

Islamabad: The World Bank today approved a financial assistance worth USD 450 million to Pakistan to support its efforts to help the poor and most vulnerable

people in the country.

The Finance for Growth Development Policy (FGDP) is a policy credit of USD 300 million that would assist Pakistan's efforts in promoting an inclusive and transparent financial sector, a statement by the World Bank (WB) said.

The bank said the programme aims to raise financial access throughout Pakistan to 50 per cent of adults, including 25 per cent women, by 2020, the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) reported.

According to the statement, in the next three years, FGDP aims to boost private sector credit access to small and medium enterprises to 15 per cent from 7 per cent in 2015.

"Pakistan has made significant progress in the implementation of economic reforms," WB Country Director for Pakistan Illango Patchamuthu said. However, despite the substantial development in the initial reform programmes and recent progress in the financial sector; there remains a significant unfinished reforms agenda as financial access and inclusion remain low, Patchamuthu added.

An amount of USD 100 million, under the National Social Protection Programme, will help Pakistan strengthen the national social safety net systems for the poor in a bid to improve their human capital and to promote beneficiary families' access to complementary social and productive services.

It will also support the Benazir Income Support Programme for accurately identifying right candidates for cash transfers, other social programmes and incentivise improvements in service delivery systems.

The WB will also provide an additional sum of USD 50 million under the Punjab Tourism for Growth Project to strengthen institutions, increase private sector participation and improve infrastructure to support the tourism sector in Punjab.

The project will allow the private sector to lead the development of the tourism market while ensuring that public institutions help facilitate these processes while fulfilling their respective mandates, said the statement.

According to the WB, some 100 million adults in Pakistan do not have access to formal and regulated financial services and this number represents about 5 per cent of the world's unbanked population.

"This needs to change for Pakistani women and men to realise their aspirations," Patchamuthu said. The credit is financed from the International Development

Association (IDA), the WB Group's grant and low-interest arm.
Ankara: Turkey said on Thursday there was "no difference" between the ruling Dutch liberals and the "fascist" anti-immigration politician Geert Wilders, after Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte defeated the far-right in a closely-watched election.

With Turkey locked in an explosive crisis with the European Union that erupted in the run-up to the polls, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu predicted that "religious wars" will start in Europe.

"You look at the social democrats and the fascist Wilders, there is no difference, they have the same mentality," Cavusoglu said, quoted by state-run news agency Anadolu, referring to the ruling Liberals who won the most seats against Wilders and his Freedom Party in Wednesday's election.

Turkey and Europe have been locked in a diplomatic spat after The Netherlands and Germany blocked Turkish ministers from holding rallies to secure a 'yes' vote in next month's referendum on expanding President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's powers.

While Erdogan has repeatedly accused the countries of acting like "Nazis", the European Union has warned Ankara to show moderation in its language. "Where are you going, where are you taking Europe?" asked Cavusoglu, addressing Europe's leaders.

"You have begun to disintegrate Europe and take Europe to the cliff. Soon religious wars will begin in Europe," Cavusoglu warned. "Because they were of different faiths, they killed each other for 100 years," he said, without elaborating further.

"But they learned a lesson from this and the European Union, the Council of Europe was set up," he said. "Europe is going back to those old days."

Cavusoglu questioned The Netherlands' understanding of "humanity, democracy and freedom", insisting Turkey would not remain passive against such actions.

"You will see in the coming period, we will take further steps," the minister added without giving further details.

The Istanbul municpality also announced it would break off its sister city protocol with the Dutch port city of Rotterdam -- in place since 2005 -- after Erdogan had called for the move.

Turkish ministers had wanted to hold pre-referendum rallies in Rotterdam but were blocked from doing so by Dutch police, prompting clashes in the city.

On April 16, Turks will decide whether to approve constitutional changes to create an executive presidency, which the government insists will be like the system in France or the United States but critics say it will lead to one-man rule.

On Wednesday, Cavusoglu threatened to unilaterally scrap a March 2016 deal that has substantially reduced the flow of migrants and refugees to the EU.
Kevin Michel, a Labor party candidate from Pilbara seat defeated Brendon Grylls of the Nationals Party, with a 13.7% swing in Labors favour on a two-party preferred basis. (Photo: Facebook)

Melbourne: An India-born businessman has won a local election in Western Australia.

Kevin Michel, a Labor party candidate from Pilbara seat defeated Brendon Grylls of Nationals Party, with a 13.7 per cent swing in Labor's favour on a two party preferred basis.

Michel had campaigned on a platform of jobs opposing Grylls' proposal for an increase in the iron ore production tax, according to media reports.

"Without the mining companies, there is no community," Michel had said during his election campaign.

"It was the first time I had ever seen red sand and rocks, and I fell in love with the place," he said.

Michel was born in India, moved to Australia 27 years ago and to the Pilbara in 2001. He has been living in Karratha for the past 16 years and owns an air conditioning business.

The Western Australia state election was held on March 11 this year to elect members to the state Parliament including all 59 seats in Legislative Assembly and all 36 seats in the Legislative Council.

Grylls expressed confidence the party would "rebuild" without him and "continue fighting for regional Western Australia".

Grylls had wanted to increase a 25 cent per tonne iron ore lease rental fee imposed on the two miners to Australian dollars 5 per tonne.
The latest Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report provides worrying insights into the shoddy state of Indias road connectivity in its border areas. In 2007, the Cabinet Committee on Security decided on construction of 73 strategic roads along Indias borders. These were to be completed by 2012. However, as of 2016, only 22 roads have been constructed, the CAG report says. And although 98% of the original outlay has been utilised, just 36% of the planned roads are complete. Importantly, completed roads are of low quality, the report observes, drawing attention to their improper gradient, undulating surface and improper turning radius. Most of the roads are unfit for transport of weaponry, the report points out. This is of major concern. Border road connectivity is essential for transport of troops and weaponry to the borders and is therefore a vital part of a countrys defence preparedness. For decades, Indias approach to management of its border with China was defensive. It deliberately neglected road building.



Existing roads fell into disuse and new ones were not built. The logic behind this approach was that poor overland connectivity in border areas would slow down the Chinese militarys advance into Indian territory in the event of war. However, Indian strategic thinking has changed and since the mid-2000s, the need for better overland connectivity is being stressed, not only to facilitate transport of troops to the border but also to better integrate people living in border areas with the rest of the country. Overland connectivity is also needed to improve Indias trade with its neighbours.It is unfortunate that India continues to lag on the construction of border roads even as its neighbours are racing ahead. Take China, for instance.



At Tawang, it has constructed a four-lane highway running up to the Mc Mahon Line and it takes trucks 45 minutes to cover the 37 km distance. India, in contrast has a single pot-holed road between Tawang and Bum La, the last border post on the Indian side. It takes trucks three hours to cover the 30 km distance. Its superior border connectivity has freed China of the need to deploy a large number of soldiers in the hostile terrain of the Himalayas.Sixty one of the 73 strategic roads were entrusted to the Border Roads Organisation for construction. But the BRO has not delivered, perhaps because of its serious shortage of personnel. Besides, it is overburdened. The government must relieve it of the responsibility of constructing non-border strategic roads so that it can focus its expertise and energies on the border roads. India cannot afford to drag its feet on construction of its border road infrastructure any longer.




The Manohar Parrikar government today sailed through the trust vote in the Goa Assembly with the support of 22 legislators in the 40-member House, bringing down curtains on the political uncertainty in the state after the polls threw up a hung verdict.



The Congress, the single largest party in the House with 17 MLAs, suffered a jolt as it could mobilise only 16 votes against the government with its legislator Vishwajit Rane absenting from the crucial floor test.



After winning the vote, a jubilant Parrikar said the Congress never had the numbers on its side.



He said the Congress created a hype over BJP's bid to form the government, because there was a demand for Digvijaya Singh to step down as AICC general secretary in charge of the state.



"We have proved to the people of India that we have support of 23 on the floor of the House debunking Digvijaya's claim that we don't have the numbers," he said addressing mediapersons.



"Right from the beginning Congress did not have the numbers and it was only a hype created by them possibly because there was a demand coming that Digvijaya should step down as General Secretary of the party, being the desk incharge of Goa," the CM claimed.

"It happens when you come to Goa only to enjoy, not to work," he quipped.



He was flanked by Goa Forward Party (GFP) leader Vijai Sardesai and Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) MLA Sudin Dhavalikar, whose support sealed the deal in favour of the BJP, whose tally came down to 13 from 21 this time.



The 61-year-old Chief Minister proved his majority with 12 legislators from the BJP, three from the GFP, three from the MGP, three Independents and one from the NCP supporting the trust motion.



One BJP MLA was earlier made pro tem speaker. The special Assembly session was convened to conduct the floor test following an order by the Supreme Court.



The opposition benches included 16 MLAs from Congress, while its newly-elected member Vishwajit Rane remained absent during the voting.



The test was passed through a clear division which was ordered by Pro-tem Speaker Siddharth Kuncolienkar.



Parrikar, who resigned as Defence Minister from the Central cabinet earlier this week, was sworn-in as the Chief Minister along with nine other MLAs by Governor Mridula Sinha on March 14.



Parrikar also rubbished the allegations of horse trading made by the Congress against the BJP.



"I think there are wild allegations being made. Those with coloured glasses make these allegations. We saw everyone (legislators) voluntarily came and voted," he said.

"None of them was kept in a hotel or secluded or common place, as was the case with the opposition," he further said.



Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, who played a key role in cobbling up the alliance, said the government formation in Goa was a fair deal and there was no wrong committed in it.



After the BJP stole a march on it, an aggrieved Congress moved the Supreme Court on March 13 seeking to stall the swearing-in of Parrikar with the claim that it should have been invited to form the government since it was the single largest party.



But the apex court refused to stop the swearing-in and ordered conduct of the floor test today.



Ahead of the trust vote, all the 40 legislators took oath. Parrikar said the election of Assembly Speaker will be held on March 22, followed by Governor's address on March 23 and the state budget would be presented on March 24.



He said discussions to decide on the candidate for Speaker's post were yet to be held.

"We will hold the Cabinet tomorrow. Few portfolios, one-one each would be distributed tomorrow evening. It would be notified day after tomorrow as the Governor has gone outside Goa," he said.



Parrikar said he would expand his Cabinet next month. This is for the fourth time that Parrikar has become the chief minister of Goa, though he could not complete full term in any of his earlier stints.




Hollywood star Angelina Jolie underlined the need to keep fighting against the "rising tide of nationalism masquerading as patriotism" as she delivered a United Nations speech in Switzerland.



The "Maleficent" star addressed attendees at the Annual Sergio Vieira de Mello Memorial Lecture at the United Nations Assembly Hall in Geneva, where she expressed the importance of inclusion and internationalism at a time when political and social tensions in the US and Europe are at an all time high, according to Vanity Fair.



Speaking in her role as a special envoy for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the actress called for people to "keep the flame of internationalism alive".



"I am a proud American and I am an internationalist. I believe anyone committed to human rights is. It means seeing the world with a sense of fairness and humility and recognising our own humanity in the struggles of others. It stems from a love of one's country, but not at the expense of others.



"From patriotism, but not from narrow nationalism. And that a strong nation, like a strong person, helps others to rise up and be independent."



Jolie went on to warn top politicians against turning on organisations like the UN.

"As a citizen, I find myself looking out on a global environment that seems more troubling and uncertain than any time in my lifetime," she continued.



"We are grappling with a level of conflict and insecurity that seems to exceed our capability, with more refugees than ever before, with new wars erupting on top of existing conflict. We see a rising tide in nationalism masquerading as patriotism and the reemergence of policies encouraging fear and hatred of others."



Jolie, 41, then made an apparent reference to the election of Republican leader Donald Trump as US President, who has drawn controversy for his immigration policies, including a new travel ban preventing travellers from six Muslim-majority nations from entering the US, and his plans to slash funding for the UN, which he previously dismissed as "just a club for people to get together, talk and have a good time".



"We see some politicians elected partly on the basis of dismissing international institutions and agreements," she told the crowd.



"We hear some leaders talking as if some of our proudest achievements are in fact our biggest liabilities. There is no shortcut to peace and security. We need to stand true to the ideals of the UN... We are the UN."



Jolie's speech drew high praise from attendees at the Sergio Vieira de Mello Memorial Lecture, which is held annually to address key humanitarian themes and issues highlighted by the late Brazilian diplomat, who was killed in a bombing in Iraq in 2003.



It's not the first time the star has spoken out against Trump - she recently penned a passionate op-ed for The New York Times, insisting the President's first executive order restricting immigration of refugees and other travellers in January was a big mistake.



That legislation was halted by a federal judge, but he recently introduced an updated version which is currently in effect.


France is on high-alert after the shooting was reported in a high school campus and the letter bomb-blast at IMF office in Paris.



Several people were injured in a shooting today at a high school in the southern French town of Grasse, police said.



One person was arrested and another was on the run after the shooting at the Tocqueville high school, a police source told AFP, asking not to be named.



All schools in the town some 40 kilometres west of Nice have been locked down, education authorities said.



Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve cut short a trip to the northern Somme area because of the Grasse shooting, as well as a letter bomb blast at the offices of the International Monetary Fund in Paris today.



Letter bomb blast



An employee at the Paris offices of the International Monetary Fund suffered injuries to her hands and face after opening a letter which exploded today, police said.



Several people were evacuated from the building near the Arc de Triomphe monument "as a precaution", a police source said.



Although no link has been established at this stage, a Greek far-left group claimed today that it had sent a parcel bomb to the German finance ministry in Berlin, more than six years after waging a similar campaign against European officials.



"We claim responsibility for sending a booby-trapped parcel to the German finance minister," the Conspiracy of Fire Nuclei group said in a statement posted on an anti- establishment website.



German police said yesterday that they had discovered the "explosive" package at Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble's office building, a day before he was due to host his new US counterpart Steven Mnuchin.


The Manohar Parrikar government today proved its majority on the floor of the Goa Assembly by winning the trust vote with the support of 22 legislators in the 40-member house.





The Congress, the single largest party with 17 MLAs, suffered a jolt as its legislator Viswajit Rane resigned the membership of the assembly, after refusing to vote against the trust motion defying the party whip.



Viswajit, son of Congress veteran and former chief minister Pratap Sinh Rane, said he was also quitting the party.



While Viswajit was elected from Valpoi his father won from Poriem.The Congress, which failed in the number game and accused the BJP of horse-trading and other unfair means to retain power in the state, could mobilise only 16 votes against the government.



After winning the vote, a jubilant Parrikar said the Congress never had the numbers on its side.



He said the Congress created the hype over the BJP's bid to form the government, because there was a demand for Digvijay Singh to step down as AICC general secretary in charge of the state.



"We have proved to the people of India that we have support of 23 on the floor of the House debunking Digvijay's claim that we don't have the numbers," he told mediapersons.



He was flanked by Goa Forward Party (GFP) leader Vijai Sardesai and Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) MLA Sudin Dhavalikar, whose support sealed the deal in favour of the BJP, whose tally came down to 13 from 21 this time.



The 61-year-old chief minister proved his majority with 12 legislators from the BJP, three from the GFP, three from the MGP, three Independents and one from the NCP supporting the trust motion.



One BJP MLA was made the pro tem speaker. The special assembly session was convened to conduct the floor test following an order by the Supreme Court.



The Congress was reduced to 16 MLAs, after Viswajit remained absent during the voting.

The test was passed through a clear division which was ordered by Pro-tem Speaker Siddharth Kuncolienkar.



Parrikar, who resigned as Defence Minister from the central cabinet earlier this week, was sworn-in as the chief minister along with nine other MLAs by Governor Mridula Sinha on March 14.



"Right from the beginning Congress did not have the numbers and it was only a hype created by them possibly because there was a demand coming that Digvijay should step down as General Secretary of the party, being the desk incharge of Goa," he claimed.

"It happens when you come to Goa only to enjoy, not to work," he quipped.



Parrikar also rubbished allegations of horse trading levelled by the Congress against the BJP.

"I think there are wild allegations being made. Those with coloured glasses make these allegations. We saw everyone (legislators) voluntarily came and voted," he said.



"None of them was kept in hotel or secluded or common place, as was the case with opposition," he further said.



Minutes after abstaining from the floor test, Viswajit resigned as Member of the Assembly and quit the Congress.



Viswajit, 45, said he was upset with the party leadership which has failed to form the government in Goa despite people giving mandate.



Viswajit, a three-time legislator, submitted his resignation to the Pro Tem speaker, soon after Parrikar sailed through the trust vote.



"I do not expect anything from the Congress party. They have betrayed trust of Goa by not forming the government despite people giving them clear mandate," he told PTI.



Viswajit said he would be recontesting from Valpoi seat again but refused to say which party he would join.



"Many others will follow me, you wait and watch," he said. After the BJP stole a march on it, an aggrieved Congress moved the Supreme Court on March 13 seeking to stall the swearing-in of Parrikar with the claim that it should have been invited to form the government since it was the single largest party.



But the apex court refused to stop the swearing-in and ordered conduct of the floor test today.Ahead of the trust vote, all the 40 legislators took oath.



Parrikar said the election of Assembly Speaker will be held on March 22, followed by Governor's address on March 23. The state budget would be presented on March 24.

He said discussions to decide on the candidate for Speaker's post were yet to be held.



"We will hold the Cabinet tomorrow. Few portfolios, one-one each would be distributed tomorrow evening. It would be notified day after tomorrow as the Governor has gone outside Goa," he said.



Parrikar said he would expand his Cabinet next month.This is for the fourth time that Parrikar has become the chief minister of Goa, though he could not complete full term in any of his earlier stints.



BJP veteran Nitin Gadkari, who played a central role in steering his party to power in the state, rubbished the Congress allegations asserting government formation in Goa was a "fair deal" which did not involve any wrongdoing.


It was a call from BJP chief Amit Shah to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on March 11 evening which set off a flurry of activities that culminated in the party mobilising support of a motley group of MLAs who had contested against it and won.



Amid the jubilation following the party's resounding victories in UP and Uttarakhand, the wily BJP boss wanted to have a shot at government formation in Goa where it had not even emerged as the single largest party, winning just 13 seats against Congress' 17.

The call led to Gadkari making a late evening dash for the tiny coastal state and a string of confabulations that went through the night into the early morning before a deal could be sealed.



"When results came in, the party chief (Amit Shah) called me up and asked me to meet him. I offered to come at his place rather than he visiting and we decided to meet at his residence in 30-45 minutes.



"It was 7 PM. We discussed the political situation of Goa in detail. Our strength was only 13. I told him that we do not have the support which we were expecting," Gadkari told reporters here.



However, Shah would not take 'no' for an answer and insisted that Gadkari give it a try.

"He told me that we have to form the government and asked me to go to Goa immediately," Gadkari, in-charge of BJP's Goa unit, said.



Soon, Gadkari was on a flight to Panaji. However, despondency awaited him there too.

"A delegation of leaders in Goa told me that it is not appropriate for (Manohar) Parrikar to come back to Goa after quitting the Defence Ministry. I spoke to Parrikar as well," Gadkari said.



What followed was a sleepless night for Gadkari, a former BJP president himself, as prospective alliance partners expressed their willingness to extend support but with the rider that Parrikar be made the Chief Minister.



"At 1.30 AM, MGP's Sudin Dhawlikar met me. I know him for a long time, and we had a discussion. He pledged support to us. Vijai Sardesai of Goa Forward Party came to meet (me) next.



"At 5 AM, they (MGP and GFP) put a condition that they will support BJP only if Parrikar is made the Chief Minister," Gadkari said.



Since Parrikar's return to Goa was a decision which required Prime Minister Narendra Modi's sanction, Shah was woken up at 5:15 in the morning of March 12.



"I woke up Amit Shah at 5:15 AM and conveyed this to him. I told him that I am not able to decide and asked for his advice. He said the Prime Minister is sleeping right now. He said he will call the PM at 7 AM.



"He (Shah) said if Parrikar were to be sent to Goa, the (BJP) Parliamentary Board will have to decide and his (Parrikar's) wish would also have to be considered," he said.

Much to Gadkari's relief, Shah called back at 8:30 AM, saying he had spoken to the Prime Minister and others and "everybody said that if we can form the government in Goa, and if Parrikar is ready, we should do so."



Getting Parrikar ready for a return to the state politics was much easier as the party strongman had often said he did not have friends in Delhi and that he missed Goan food.

Armed with letters of support, from MGP, GFP and some independents, Parrikar staked claim to form the government the same night, drawing accusations of use of money power from the Congress.



Today, the fourth-time Chief Minister, won an easy trust vote in the Assembly 22-16, bringing to the fore the unease in the Congress whose MLA Viswajit Rane walked out during the voting, and quit his assembly seat and the party.
India and China continue to be at loggerheads on a range of bilateral issues as China shows no signs of budging on key concerns that matter to India. Indian Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar visited Beijing recently for the China-India Strategic Dialogue but nothing much came out of it.



Though Jaishankar suggested that he came with a very strong sense of commitment to maintaining our relationship and China's top diplomat, State Councillor Yang Jiechi, underlined that he believed relations had seen positive growth in 2016, it was evident at the end of the dialogue that the two sides failed in bridging their fundamental differences.



There was no change in Beijings stance on blocking efforts to get Pakistan-based militant Maulana Masood Azhar listed as a terrorist under the United Nations norms as well as its opposition to India gaining entry to the Nuclear Suppliers Group. New Delhi has also been left asking Beijing to explain how it can take part in the Silk Road summit being held in China when the $46 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor passing through Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir violates Indias sovereignty.



Chinas reaction has been lukewarm to a new step proposed by India to help it become a permanent member of the powerful United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Last week, India said that it was willing, in exchange for induction, to surrender the important veto right that permanent members are entitled to. India along with Brazil, Germany and Japan  the G4  has been calling for a change in the UNSC permanent membership in the light of changing global order.



There was some positive engagement on an unlikeliest of issues  Afghanistan.



China reportedly expressed its admiration for Indias assistance efforts in Afghanistan and the two sides explored the possibility of joint development projects. This came against a backdrop of the growing threat of the Islamic State (IS) to China. The IS released a video last week of Chinese Uighur Muslims vowing to return home and shed blood like rivers even as the Chinese military displayed its might as a show of force in Xinjiang.



A rattled China is calling for greater global cooperation against the IS, which is also a reason why China has joined ranks with Russia in a bid to engage the Taliban in Afghanistan. But even on Afghanistan, there remain some major differences as the foreign secretary was careful to underscore.



On the Taliban, he suggested their (Chinas) characterisation was that there were elements of Taliban which are very extreme. In their view, there were also elements of Taliban that can work with international community and the Afghan government.



As Beijing and New Delhi struggle to manage their complex relationship, India has become more nuanced in its approach to dealing with its most important neighbour. Even as it seeks to engage China on a range of issues despite differences, there is now a new realism in acknowledging and articulating these bilateral differences. The diffidence of the past has been replaced by a new self-confidence in asserting

its vital interests vis-a-vis China.



This self-confidence is reflected in the manner in which India is gradually bringing Tibet and Taiwan in its bilateral matrix with China. Shrugging off Beijings protests, the Dalai Lama will be visiting the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, which China claims as part of its own territory, and where Indian government representatives will meet the religious leader.



The Chinese government has suggested that the Dalai Lamas visit will cause serious damage to China-India ties, as China is strongly opposed to Dalai Lama visiting disputed areas. Beijing argues that the Dalai-clique has long been engaging in anti-China separatist activities and its record on the border question is not that good. India seems to be taking it in its stride.



Beijing has warned India of political consequences if it interferes in the countrys internal affairs. Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister of State for Home who is from Arunachal and Prime Minister Narendra Modis point man on Tibetan issues, will be meeting the Dalai Lama, who is visiting the Buddhist Tawang monastery after an eight-year interval.



Taiwan ties

Taiwan is also now part of the Indian foreign policy discourse. A three-member womens parliamentary delegation from Taiwan visited India last week amid signals that the two sides might be getting serious about enhancing their bilateral engagement. The leader of the delegation, Kuan Bi-Ling, underscored that Taiwan is totally independent.



She said that the One-China policy is a de facto reality... We suffered a lot because of the One-China policy. We have crafted a pragmatic approach in our diplomatic engagement with major countries, including India, despite these difficulties. This visit was in contrast to last year when India had reportedly backtracked from sending representatives to the swearing-in ceremony of then Taiwanese president-elect Tsai Ing-wen.



China lodged a diplomatic protest with New Delhi asking it to deal prudently with Taipei-related issues so as to maintain sound Sino-Indian ties. India brushed off these protests from China, saying the trip was not a formal one.



China has been warning India for some time now not to fall into the trap of the US and Japan as they are trying to use it to contain China, underlining that such a move may make New Delhi face more risks. What is clear is that Sino-India relations have entered uncharted territory as New Delhi seeks to engage Beijing strictly on reciprocity, resetting the terms of bilateral engagement.



The future of Asia, in more ways than one, depends on how the two regional giants relate to each other in the coming years. The Modi government wants to ensure that India is not the one to blink first.



(The writer is a Distinguished Fellow at Observer Research Foundation, New Delhi and Professor of International Relations, Kings College, London)
In one of the firsts for an Indian corporate, Adani Group, which is trying to implement $11.5 billion coal mine project in Australia, saw the protest from Australia land at its doorsteps in Ahmedabad on Thursday.



A group of activists from Queensland, Australia, landed at the corporate headquarters of Adani Group in Ahmedabad to personally hand over an open letter against the project to the office of Gautam Adani, chairman of the group.



We have come in our individual capacity, but represent several groups opposing the project that will be a major disaster. We are not opposed to Adanis and investment if it comes in clean energy and not environmentally dangerous coal mining, Geoff Cousins of the Australian Conservation Foundation, who handed over the letter, told mediapersons outside the gate of Adani House.



In the past, we successfully stalled a coalmine project bigger than Adanis, Cousins, former advisor to the Australian prime minister, said. The delegation was here to urge Adanis not to proceed with the development of Carmichael coal project in the Galilee Basin in Central Queensland.



We have handed over the letter and hope they see our point, Cousins said.

The project involves production of 60 million tonne per annum coal, a 388 km-long rail line and construction of a new coal export terminal at the Abbot Point coal port. Though the Australian authorities, including the Australian and Queensland government, have given the project a green signal, the project has been in controversy from the outset.



Back in Australia, government licence is not sufficient. You also need a social licence by way of public support, which they will never get, Cousins added.



The key concerns from local aboriginal landowners and environmentalists include impact of the project on groundwater and climate due to burning of coal from the mine and on the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. The project would damage the fragile Reef, he added.




Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi will leave for the US on Thursday to be with his ailing mother and party president Sonia Gandhi.



Sonia (70) had gone abroad for a health checkup last week and is expected to return in a fortnight. Usually, Rahul or his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra accompany Sonia for her follow-up treatment after she underwent a surgery in 2011.



Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala, in a statement to the press, announced Rahuls travel plans in a bid to avoid controversy at a time when the party has faced its worst-ever defeat in the Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

Congress president Sonia Gandhi is travelling abroad for a health checkup. Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi shall travel there today (Thursday) to be with her and accompany the Congress president on the return journey, the statement read.



Due to her illness, Sonia had not campaigned in the elections to five states, including Uttar Pradesh  a state she represents in the Lok Sabha.



Rahuls foreign trips have often triggered controversies, with critics claiming it showed his disinterest in politics.



Only on Tuesday Rahul had said structural and organisational changes would be required in the Congress after its loss in the politically crucial state of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.


Unveiling its pan-Islamic agenda, militant outfit Hizbul Mujahideen on Thursday urged the youth of the Valley to shun Kashmiri nationalism, and fight for the implementation of Sharia and the supremacy of Islam.



In a 12-minute unverified video circulated widely on social networking sites, Zakir Bhat alias Zakir Musa asked stone-throwers to take a vow to fight for the enforcement of Sharia (Islamic law) as nationalism and democracy are forbidden in Islam.



Dont pick up stones for a nation or Kashmir. They (youth) should think before taking up stones in their hands that they are not doing it for nationalism or democracy. Neither are allowed in Islam. Our stones and weapons should not be to fight for Kashmir. It should be for the supremacy of Islam so that Sharia is enforced here, the 22-year-old Hizb commander said in Urdu.



Bhat, who was an engineering student before joining militancy in 2013, urged his supporters to stop looking at the UN or the US for a solution to the Kashmir issue. Instead, he appealed to people to turn to Islam  a hint at the outfits change in stand.



Sporting a black cap, Bhat was seen with an automatic rifle resting on his right side with a logo of Hizbul Mujahideen in the inset. He asked the youth to inform militants about the movement of security forces in their neighbourhoods by posting information on social media.



Bhat, who took charge after his predecessor Burhan Wani was killed by security forces on July 8, 2016, again threatened Jammu and Kashmir policemen and informers, while warning them of an upcoming war in the region.


The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over the probe into the blast in the Bhopal-Ujjain passenger train in Madhya Pradesh, in which a self- radicalised and IS-inspired module is claimed to be involved.



The police had killed one person in an encounter in connection with the blast and eight people have been arrested. Sources said the accused will be handed over to the NIA.



Investigators in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh have handed over the documents related to their probe to the NIA. The NIA will soon start questioning the accused.



Saifullah, who was killed in the recent Lucknow encounter, is suspected to be linked to the blast and belonged to a self-proclaimed group of IS supporters.

DH News Service
Indias new health policy promises common healthcare delivery to every citizen by engaging both government and private clinics, but stops short of making health a fundamental right along the same lines as education.



The policy, approved by the Union Cabinet on Wednesday, also does not propose any health cess to fund the government's ambitious healthcare agenda till 2025.



Both ideas were mooted in the draft policy document that was released around the end of 2014. After consultations within the central government and with the states, the ideas were dropped for want of adequate infrastructure, and on adverse feedback from the industry.



There would be no health cess. The budget would come from within the government. We propose to raise the public health expenditure to 2.5% of the GDP in a time-bound manner, Health Minister J P Nadda said here after making an announcement on the policy in Parliament.



The policy sets several new health targets for the country, including on life expectancy and eradication or reduction of diseases like tuberculosis and leprosy.



Nadda has promised free drugs and diagnostics at the primary and community health centres as well as in district hospitals.



In areas where government facilities are not available, the private sector would be engaged to offer these services free of cost to patients. The government in turn will reimburse these hospitals and clinics.



To reduce out-of-pocket expenses for patients, the policy suggests creation of a National Healthcare Standards Organisation that will be tasked to come up with standard guidelines and treatment protocols for common ailments.



This is expected to curb the practice of different hospitals charging vastly different rates for similar services and treatment.



The proposed organisation would carry out periodic evaluations at all hospitals and certify them. A separate empowered tribunal has been proposed to settle disputes.

The policy seeks to move away from the existing concept of sick care to wellness with a thrust on prevention and health promotion.


India on Thursday asked Pakistan not to meddle in its internal affairs after the neighbouring country protested against the acquittal of former RSS activist Swami Aseemanand in the 2007 Ajmer dargah blast case.



India also protested against Pakistans recent move to declare Gilgit-Baltistan region as its fifth province. New Delhi pointed out that Gilgit-Baltistan region is part of Indian territory that it (Pakistan) has been illegally occupying.



The entire State of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) acceded to India in 1947. It has been, is and will always be an integral part of India. A part of Jammu and Kashmir has been under illegal occupation of Pakistan. Any unilateral step by Pakistan to alter the status of that part will have no basis in law and will be completely unacceptable, Gopal Baglay, spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), told journalists in New Delhi.

India completely rejects Pakistans effort and intention to meddle in our internal affairs, including in judicial process, said Baglay.



He was reacting to Pakistans criticism of Swami Aseemanands acquittal by a special court in India.



Swami Aseemanand is also an accused in the 2007 Samjhauta Express blast case.

We also totally reject the completely untenable link sought to be established by Pakistan with any other matter currently under purview of the Indian courts, said Baglay.

Indias Deputy High Commissioner to Pakistan, J P Singh, had been called by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) of that country on March 10. Senior officials of MoFA conveyed to Singh Islamabads concerns over acquittal of Swami Aseemanand in Ajmer Sharif blast case.



Strong Indian democracy and justice system need no self-serving sermons, that too from a country like Pakistan, said Baglay.



Pakistan is well advised to refrain from interfering in internal affairs of India in any form; not to resort to denial from the reality of terrorism emanating from its soil; and take action to dismantle the infrastructure of terrorism in the territory under its control and bring to justice the masterminds in its territory who commit, promote and support terrorism against its neighbours, added the MEA spokesperson.



Baglay noted that Islamabads move to declare Gilgit-Baltistan as a province of Pakistan would also be a violation of the agreement between India and the neighbouring country to address all issues bilaterally through peaceful means, as was enshrined in Shimla Agreement of 1972 .



I must also say that such a step will not camouflage the illegality of Pakistans occupation of parts of J&K and the gravely concerning and serious human rights violations there, as well as denial of democracy to the people there, he said.


Around 200 to 300 people both Northeast and others expressed their solidarity with Higio Gungtey, a 20-year-old from Arunachal Pradesh who was thrashed by his landlord Hemanth Kumar for excessive use of water at his house, by holding a protest in front of Town Hall here on Thursday evening.



The protest started at around 5 pm and went on until 7pm.



A group of agitators reconstructed the events showing the brutal assault by house owner Hemanth Kumar on Gungtey.



Meanwhile, Hemanth Kumar, a lawyer by profession, has written to the Advocates Association, Bengaluru, stating that his tenant Gungtey has lodged a false and baseless complaint with the jurisdictional police.



Nationality unclear

Hemanth Kumar also contested that the police should confirm the nationality of Higio Gungtey. He said that Higio's Facebook profile showed that he is originally from Burma and did his schooling in China.



If he is a citizen of a different country, then he cannot register an atrocity complaint, Kumar added.


The Karnataka government is looking at the Goa model to deport Nigerian nationals overstaying in Bengaluru, Home Minister G Parameshwara told the Legislative Council on Thursday.



Answering a question by V Somanna of the BJP, he said drug peddling was high among Nigerians in Karnataka, especially in Bengaluru. After the expiry of their visa, some of them deliberately commit a petty crime, get bail and carry on with their illegal business, he said.

Parameshwara said police cannot deport them until the cases are adjudicated by the courts. In Goa, such cases are withdrawn and foreigners are deported.



We are considering whether such a method can be followed in the state, he added.

According to Parameshwara, 31 Nigerians had been booked for drug peddling by the Bengaluru police from 2015 till date. Many of them had arrived in Karnataka as students.

He said 48 police stations had been identified where police had been sensitised to the modus operandi of the drug peddlers.

DH News Service
Mayor G Padmavathi visited Kempambudhi lake on Thursday, where the resident washermen community expressed its concerns.



They told her that blocked drains result in stagnation of water, leaving them at a risk of contracting diseases. They said that in spite of bringing the matter to the notice of the corporator, they got no relief.



The mayor assured them that necessary steps will be taken to improve the condition of the Dhobi Ghat. She said the lake would be developed in a months time and Rs 4.5 crore will be released. Sewage water coming into the lake will be redirected, a walking track will be laid and fencing will be done, she said.


Minister for Forest and Ecology B Ramanath Rai was admitted to M S Ramaiah Hospital in Bengaluru on Thursday after he complained of pain in the chest while exercising.



Rai was examined by a team of cardiologists at the hospital. They said he is likely to be discharged on Friday. He is a known patient of hypertension. It might be due to over exertion during exercise that he has experienced pain in the chest. There was a slight variation in ECG and he has been treated for that. His condition is stable, a senior specialist from the hospital said.

DH News Service
The issue of the controversial payoff diaries rocked both Houses of the Legislature on Thursday with the principal Opposition BJP and the ruling Congress trading charges against each other.



The BJP staged a dharna demanding a debate on the reported payment of huge sums of money to the Congress high command. But the ruling party members rejected the demand and countered the BJP by questioning its stand on the Sahara-Birla diary issue. The members, including Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Opposition leaders, indulged in heated exchanges.



Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly Jagadish Shettar insisted that all ministers whose names are mentioned in Congress MLC K Govindrajs diary should resign and a CBI probe should be ordered. The entries made in the diary prove rampant corruption in the government, he charged.



Siddaramaiah said the Sahara-Birla diary also had sufficient evidence to prove that Narendra Modi had accepted kickbacks from corporate houses as Gujarat Chief Minister. But the Supreme Court has ruled that diary entries are not conclusive evidence. Hence, there is no point debating such issues, he charged.



The Speaker had disallowed the BJPs attempt to move an adjournment motion against the government over the diary issue. He had announced that he would allow a discussion. However, Minister Ramesh Kumar argued that it is beyond the jurisdiction of the House to debate the diary. The diary is with the Income Tax Department. And officials of the department cant be summoned to the House. Later, the Speaker announced that he would not allow any discussion on the issue. This led the BJP members to stage a dharna.



The Assembly was adjourned abruptly as the BJP members persisted with their demand. The BJP members in the Upper House staged a walkout when their demand for a debate was not allowed. Council Chairman D H Shankaramurthy said he cannot allow the debate as prior notice was not given in this regard.



Opposition leader K S Eshwarappa said the entire country was discussing the diary and they be allowed to raise the issue in the House. The matter was of importance as entries in the diary indicated that Siddaramaiah took kickbacks to sanction the steel flyover project in Bengaluru.



Later Shettar told reporters that his party will continue staging dharnas demanding a debate on the issue.

DH News Service

Diary duo

Two MLCs who are facing trouble over diary entries faced each other in the Legislative Council on Thursday. MLCs K Govindaraj (Cong) and Lahar Singh (BJP) gestured and greeted each other much to the members amusement.



A little after Govindaraj entered the House, Singh tried to grab his attention by waving at him. Initially, Govindaraj did not notice him and had to be alerted by his party member Jayamala. Govindaraj acknowledged Singh and looked at the ceiling. Members who witnessed the exchange were all smiles.
It took a humiliating defeat in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections for SP president Akhilesh Yadav to call for a truce with his uncle and former party state president Shivpal Singh Yadav.



The warring uncle and nephew were seen together after a gap of over 100 days at the meeting of the newly elected party legislators here on Thursday. Akhilesh and Shivpal had last shared the stage during the inauguration of the Lucknow Metros trial run on December 1.



According to party sources, the two leaders held closed-door talks before attending the MLAs meeting. According to sources, SP patron Mulayam Singh Yadav had asked Akhilesh and Shivpal to be present at the legislators meeting. Shivpal agreed to participate in the meeting after Mulayams prodding, a senior party leader said.



Shivpal had squarely blamed Akhilesh for the partys humiliating defeat. Sources said Akhilesh might hand over the presidentship of the party to Mulayam and also agree to appoint Shivpal as the state unit chief. The party may witness large-scale reshuffling at the partys national executive meet on March 25, the leader said.
The BJP legislative party in Uttar Pradesh will meet on Saturday to elect its chief minister, a week after the Assembly election results were announced, giving an unprecedented three-fourth majority to the NDA.



For Uttarakhand, the party legislative party is expected to meet on Friday to pick its chief ministerial candidate, party sources said.



Two central observers  Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu and national general secretary Bhupendra Yadav  will be in Lucknow to attend the meeting, which would be attended by 312 party MLAs.



Naidu and Bhupendra will give feedback to BJP president Amit Shah, who has been authorised by the parliamentary board to choose the chief minister of UP.



Newly elected BJP MLAs will meet in Lucknow on March 18 for electing the legislature party leader, confirmed BJP state general secretary Vijay Bahadur Pathak.



Rajnath still in race

Notwithstanding Home Minister Rajnath Singhs denial that he was interested in shifting to UP as chief minister, party sources said he may not be out of contention given that he had addressed more than 100 rallies , and is a tall leader of the state. Singh was chief minister of undivided UP, before Uttarakhand was carved out of the state.



In fact, delays in government formation in UP and Uttarakhand were attributed to extra caution by the BJP in choosing the chief ministers. The final call, however, will rest with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Shah.



Others in the race are Union Minister Manoj Sinha and state BJP chief Keshav Prasad Maurya, who was admitted to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital on Thursday after he complained of uneasiness.



Sources said former ministers Trivendra Singh Rawat and Prakash Pant continue to be frontrunners for the Uttarakhand chief ministers post. The swearing-in ceremony will be held on Saturday, a day after the MLAs decide their leader in a meeting, which will also be attended by two central observers, including Union Minister Narendra Singh Tomar.

Uttarakhand state unit president Ajay Bhatt said that Modi and Shah will lead the top brass of the central government and party to attend the swearing-in ceremony.


Capt Amarinder Singh was on Thursday sworn in as the 26th chief minister of Punjab in a simple ceremony, which was attended by a host of Congress leaders, including former prime minister Manmohan Singh and party vice president Rahul Gandhi, among others.



Capt Amarinders nine-member council of ministers was also administered the oath of secrecy by Governor V P Singh Badnore at the Raj Bhavan in Chandigarh. Unlike the previous regimes, there will be no deputy chief minister, at least for now.



Navjot Singh Sidhu, former BJP MP and Congress MLA from Amritsar East, and Manpreet Badal, former chief minister Parkash Singh Badals estranged nephew, were among those sworn in as cabinet ministers. Capt Amarinder has preferred a small cabinet to begin with.



Women MLAs Aruna Chaudhary and Razia Sultana were sworn in as ministers of state with independent charge. Sidhu will look after the local bodies department and tourism, while Manpreet will handle finance.



Capt Amarinder took charge of his new office at the secretariat amid prayers. The second floor office reverberated with the chanting of sacred hymns from the Bhagavad Gita, the Guru Granth Sahib, the Quran and the Bible as he entered the premises. The first cabinet meeting is scheduled for Saturday.



The chief minister reiterated his promise to constitute a Special Task Force to wipe out the drug menace from the state within four weeks.



Senior bureaucrat Karan A Singh was appointed as the chief secretary, replacing incumbent Sarvesh Kaushal.


This month marks the ten-year anniversary of Robert Levinsons disappearance from Iran.The retired FBI agent went missing on March 9, 2007, from Irans Kish Island. Photographs of Mr. Levinson a video of him were sent to his family seven years ago.

"The Trump Administration," said White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer, "remains unwavering in our commitment to locate Mr. Levinson and bring him home. We want him back, and we will spare no effort to achieve that goal."

"Over the last decade his family has suffered from his absence," said Acting State Department Spokesperson Mark Toner, "and our hearts go out to them on this and every day. We will not rest until the Levinson family is whole again."

Iran committed to cooperating with the United States to assist us in bringing Robert Levinson home and we call on Iran fulfill this commitment, said Mr. Toner.

In a separate statement FBI Director James Comey said, Ten years is an inhumane amount of time to ask a family to wait for word of their loved one. Our ability to reunite Bob with his family is dependent on this shared commitment and we continue to call on the Iranian government to provide assistance.

The FBI has offered a 5 million dollar reward for any information that could lead to his safe return. The U.S. calls on anyone with information about this case to contact the FBI at http://tips.fbi.gov or email the FBI at levinsonfbireward@ic.fbi.gov. Information will be kept confidential and can be provided anonymously.
Electronic voting machines have passed legal scrutiny in the past, the Election Commission underlined on Thursday, even as the BSP prepared to move court challenging the credibility of the devices.



The poll panel noted that five high courts  Madras, Delhi, Karnataka, Kerala and Bombay  have in the past held that EVMs used to conduct elections were credible, reliable and totally tamper-proof.



In some of these cases, the poll panel said, even the Supreme Court has dismissed appeals filed by some petitioners against high court orders.



The commission issued a press release, quoting from the past observations of the high courts on EVMs.



This invention (of EVMs) is undoubtedly a great achievement in the electronic and computer technology, and a national pride, the Karnataka High Court observed in its February 5, 2004, order in the case of Michael B. Fernandes versus C K Jaffer Sharief & others (election petition no 29/1999).



The Karnataka and Madras High Courts observed that the use of EVMs had several advantages over the old system of conducting elections using the ballot paper, the poll watchdog said.



In the case of AIADMK versus Chief Election Commissioner, Election Commission of India and others (writ petition no 3346 of 2001), the Madras High Court on April 10, 2001, had categorically ruled out any question of tampering of EVMs.



No question of virus, bugs

There is also no question of introducing any virus or bugs for the reason that EVMs cannot be compared to personal computers. The programming in computers, as suggested, has no bearing with EVMs.



The computer would have inherent limitations having connections through the Internet and by their very design, they may allow the alteration of the programme. But EVMs are independent units and the programme in an EVM is entirely a different system, observed the Madras High Court.



The BSP is likely to move court with its allegation that the BJP managed a landslide victory in the Assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand by tampering with a large number of EVMs.



Harish Rawat, the outgoing chief minister of Uttarakhand, echoed BSP supremo Mayawatis views to suggest that EVM tampering might have helped the BJP defeat his Congress party.



AAP leader and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has also charged that EVM tampering might have led to the partys poor performance in Punjab. The BJP has already rejected her allegations.



SP supremo Akhilesh Yadav, for his part, had said there should be an inquiry into the charges levelled by Mayawati.



BJP veteran L K Advani, too, had expressed doubts on the credibility of EVMs in 2009.




We venture into the architecture scene once again for this issue with our ARCHISCENE contributing writer LAURA VANAGAITE sitting down with architect PAULO MERLINI for an exclusive interview to talk about inspiration, architecture in Portugal, and future plans.

How long Youve been working in the architecture and design field?

Officially I work in architecture since 2007, when I opened my office. I graduated at Universidade Lusiada do Porto in 2006 and opened my office the next year. But anyway, architecture as any field of knowledge is a continuous process, so I guess Im working architecture in my mind since always. As any of us for that matter, if you think architecture represents more than 90% of the city surroundings nowadays.

Read our exclusive interview from DESIGN SCENE Magazine March 2017 edition after the jump:



Could You share with our readers something more about your beginnings, what was the hardest part after graduation?

For me, the hardest part was the beginning. When I started my graduation I hadnt the slightest clue of what architecture was. I was a formalist as many of us are when we get our first architectural love crushes. We fall in love with the form of other architects buildings. It took me three years to understand that architecture is not about form, well of course form also fulfills an important role but its only a mere fraction of what architecture really is, but more about the incredible importance of making people happy and to live a higher quality life.

Ive only felt in love with architecture when I understood its complexity, it was like a glimpse, and I remember like it was yesterday. I was in economy class thinking about the project we had to develop that year, an auditorium and music school, I was sketching suddenly everything came to mind like it has become clear at last. Architecture is like a rubrics cube, every little cube its like a specific problem, space, light, economics, form, the correlation between spaces. I fell in love at a glance, like when you see the women of your life and in a second you know thats her.

The most interesting thing that You have learnt from being an architect?

The most interesting thing Ive learned about architecture was the perception of its incredible social influence and consequent relevance on people happiness and well-being. Architecture has indeed the ability to change the world. I can give you an example at a very small scale. Imagine you are drawing a house to a young couple that just had two small babies, theyre asking you to draw the house for their future life where their kids will grow. The way you draw the house its of major influence in this family relation. Imagine you draw two big rooms for the kids where you can fit the bed and all the obvious needed furniture that comes with it, and you leave enough space to put a desk for studying in which room. What will naturally happen is that the two of them, if they have a room where they can fit their world, they will get used to constructing their own independent reality, apart from each other. But if on the other hand, you draw small rooms and a common study space, they will get used to the other one presence, exchange ideas, moments, and most probably interact much more in the future. Drawing a house, its an incredible responsibility and it should never be taken lightly, and never ever influenced by an attitude of personally disconnected ego concern.

In your career, you have done a lot of projects which include not only architecture, urban projects, but also interior design solutions. Which project was the most memorable in Your career?

I truly hope that the most memorable project in my career is yet to come. (smiles) But about the ones Ive already done I think that, because at the office we dont see our intervention as the mere attitude of creating an architectural piece and leave the set, maybe the BAKERY was the first project that showed me that my intuition was right. You see, either we like it or not when you have an office of your own you have a company, and every company has a product, service or commodity to sell, and if you dont sell it your company will not survive. Architecture its the architectural studio product, and as every company, it must be created with passion, organization and it must be shown to the world. You can have the most revolutionary product in the world but if you let it on your socks drawer it wont help anyone. Just look at Charles Darwin example, it has had the theory of natural evolution insight in his mid-twenties, but he showed it to the world more than twenty years later, and only because Russell Wallace sent him a letter asking his opinion about an idea he had had, that was nothing less than the theory of the evolution of the species. So, If architecture is your product just look at the organizational structure of the great product companies. They have every kind of departments, creative, innovation, marketing, sales etc. Integrate it in your own company, in your own way, and at your own scale and you will be much more successful on spreading your products that are nothing more than ideas crystallized in a form. And dont be mistaken, people instantly know a good idea when they see it, so it is important to show your work to the world and let them be the judges.

As an architect, do You have any inspirational designers that You like to look after them and learn from them?

Of course, I have designers I admire. There are incredibly creative and intelligent people everywhere, every day I found unbelievably creative people. Im completely fascinated by the incredible luck I have of being alive in an era that you have access to any kind of information you want in a matter of a click. Just press search on your cellular phone and one second later the world is throwing all its knowledge into the comfort of your couch. I do this on a daily basis, every night I go to bed looking for great minds does feed mine. I find them in every field of knowledge, from architecture to neuroscience, to physics, entrepreneurship, sports, you name it. When I find a fascinating mind, I absorb everything I can about it, I watch every video, documentary, book and all that I can about that person mind. Then, when I feel Ive already perceived the basis of his or her thought I move to the next one. It is not a conscious process it just is, and it gives me an immense amount of pleasure to do it. So objectively, if you find that designers are creative and that creativity is the most important feature in any field of knowledge, being that creativity is intelligence having fun as Einstein put it, yes, I have a lot of inspirational designers I look after on a daily basis.

How would You describe architecture and interior in Portugal? Does it have a very significant look, which would be noticeable to people from other countries?

Im more informed about architecture than about interior design per se. Thats my formation. We have a lot of interior design projects, but thats mainly because of these two main reasons. One, I started my office in 2007 and the international economic crisis started a couple of months later so, people that had jobs for decades became free to start new projects, like the store they always dreamed, the restaurant they always wanted etc. There was a lot of search on this kind of program and in a way, the available market defined us in this beginning phase. On the other hand, construction from scratch has a much more time-consuming licensing and bureaucratic process, and because were a young office most of our finished works, and consequently known works, are interiors. But I still think as an architect when creating interiors, thats my formation. But yes, Portuguese architecture definitely as a specific line. Thats due to the way culture processes. People get their own ideologies from the ideas that theyre exposed to, for acceptance, transformation or rejection, but peoples ideologies are always assembled over the ones of others before them, the ones you got exposed to.

What is the most typical style that Portuguese now use for their houses and interiors?

I dont think there is a typical style. Have Ive said in the last question its a question of personal taste and personal narrative reasoning?

Usually designers already have in their minds how they would build their own houses, lives. Do You have that dream house sometimes appearing in Your dreams and how would it look?

No, not really. All I know is that it has to be very much related to nature, almost fused with it and that I must have a place drawn for promoting in the best way possible one of the things I most take pleasure in life. Thinking.

What are the future dreams for your career?

I think that like everyone that loves what he does I would like to be widely recognized by my work, and positively influence as many people as possible. Not because of an ego thing, but because it means that when you achieve the positive global recognition it means your ideas made sense to a lot of people.

Ideas are like a virus, a virus is bad but some are good and of great importance for the all ecosystem, there are even theories defending them as the main responsible for evolution. If you think of global culture as a giant organism and if this organism haply absorbs your ideas, it means you positively influencing it. I believe that this is one of the greater achievements a person can aspire to.

Follow our contributor Laura @laura.vanagaite and www.behance.net/ lauravanagaite, while for more of Paulos work visit paulomerlini.com.
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A-LIST chef Michael Caines spoke passionately about the benefits of living in the Westcountry and his desire to support the local economy at the launch of the 2017 Express & Echo Business Awards .

The Exeter-born businessman, who has been awarded the Freedom of the City and an MBE for his achievements, was the keynote speaker at the event in the Exeter Guildhall.

Mr Caines gave an update on his latest business, the 8.5million creation of Lympstone Manor, which he called a "massive adventure".

The project, set alongside the River Exe on the former Courtlands Estate, will have 21 bedrooms and a 60-seat restaurant. Mr Caines has planned a two-week soft opening from March 20 with the official launch scheduled for April 3 when 400 guests are expected.

He said the aim was to make it the best country house hotel in the country.

Mr Caines also spoke about how important it was to promote the Devon economy, and the important part that the business awards played in that by recognising excellence and promoting local enterprises.

The chef, whose Lympstone Manor is sponsoring the Tourism and Hospitality category of the awards, told the audience that he went to Exeter College before his career took him to London and then France.

He said: "It's great to feel that I've been able to be successful in the business community of Exeter and the South West.

"It's a great honour to get behind an award which also showcases my industry."

Michael Caines at the business awards launch

He added: "I believe the South West offers an incredible experience to come and enjoy.

"We choose to work here in this community because of our lifestyle choices we want to make, the connections with the region in terms of its natural beauty, the coastline, the moors  it is a phenomenal place to be.

"And of course exporting that to the rest of the UK and Europe is an important part of what it's all about," he continued.

"Tourism plays an important part in terms of drawing people to the region, for them to disperse their income within the wider region and community of businesses."

Mr Caines, who told the audience that he was first mentioned in the Express & Echo for his swimming when he played water polo, also spoke of the importance of job opportunities, especially for young people, and said he was proud of the Michael Caines Academy at Exeter College.

"The awards are important to celebrate our successes," he said. "They also highlight some of the excellent businesses that are here in this community."

He added: "I chose to stay in the South West because I didn't want to leave it. I was born here, I wanted to make sure my future was secure here."

On the opportunities for tourism, he said inbound numbers from Europe were increasing, with the largest proportion from France. The drop in value of the pound after the Brexit vote meant the UK was more attractive, especially to US visitors, he claimed.

Mr Caines urged local authorities to work to further improve transport links so that when people came to the South West they discovered it was not just a holiday destination but a great place to live.

He said: "I say that life in the country may be slow but it gives us a little bit more time to enjoy it."

He pointed out that the 5.5million spent on refurbishment of Lympstone Manor was distributed among local businesses. And he was keen to work with local food producers to supply the hotel and restaurant.

He also paid tribute to the work of the Express & Echo: "Their work within the community is fantastic, the coverage that they do, not just through traditional print, but online is great too."

The business awards are now open to entries, with a deadline of March 30, and you can enter online . Judging day is April 7, and the awards ceremony takes place at Sandy Park on May 12.

There are still opportunities to sponsor the Corporate Social Responsibility, Digital and City Centre categories. For details, contact the Echo's business development manager, Alice Bryan, on 01392 346729 or email alice.bryan@expressandecho.co.uk.

Anyone who wants help with their entry can get advice from Chalk & Ward.

Headline sponsor is SW Comms and there are 12 categories for the 2017 Express & Echo Business Awards: Business of the Year (sponsored by SW Comms); City Centre; Apprenticeships (Devon County Council); Corporate Social Responsibility; Employer (Exeter College); Entrepreneur (Kitsons); Innovation (Reserved); Small Business of the Year (Pavey Group); Tourism and Hospitality (Lympstone Manor); Excellence in Manufacturing (Vanguard); Digital Business; Excellence in Customer Service (Walter C Parson). Walter H Squires is sponsoring the drinks reception.
Young people with type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes have a higher risk of developing diabetic retinopathy (DR) in later life, research suggests, and a US scientist has called for more to be done to protect at-risk youths.

Lead scientist Sophia Y. Wang, MD, says young people with diabetes deemed at risk of retinopathy should undergo early ophthalmic examinations and receive periodic eye screening by an eye care professional.

The UK guidelines for diabetic eye screening state that an appointment should be offered once per year to children aged 12 years and over.

In a forthcoming edition of Ocular Surgery News, Wang said: There is a perception that diabetic retinopathy is very uncommon in youth with [diabetes mellitus].

We hope that our study will help inform pediatricians and other health care providers who care for youth with diabetes about the importance of referring [them] to ophthalmologists or optometrists to check for DR at least as often as the current guidelines recommend.

The study, originally published in November 2016, included patients who were newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes, all of whom were aged 21 years or younger. Just over 14 per cent went on to develop retinopathy during the eight years of follow-up.

More than one in five of those with type 1 diabetes and seven per cent of those with type 2 diabetes received a retinopathy diagnosis, which surprised Wangs team, who were expecting lower figures.

A higher average HbA1c level was shown to be a direct risk factor for retinopathy, with HbA1c higher among type 1 diabetes patients, on average, than those with type 2 diabetes.

Based on our study results, we believe that additional research is needed to help better understand the ideal timing of screening for DR and that there may be groups of patients with high-risk features (i.e., worse glycemic control) who may benefit from earlier screening than other patients who have fewer risk factors, said Wang.

Wang and colleagues added that more research is needed to better understand when youths with diabetes should begin undergoing ophthalmic screenings for retinopathy.
I hope she'll be a fool -- that's the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool.

- F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby

She wore short skirts, adorned a bob in a crowd of long-haired clones, smoked cigarettes and tapped her heels to Jazz. She was beautiful, but she was no fool. Dubbed the First American Flapper by her novelist husband F. Scott Fitzgerald, Zelda Sayre Fitzgerald was anything but ordinary. One of the most iconic women of the roaring 20s, Zeldas life was summed up by contemporary American writer Theresa Fowler in her book Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald, which has now been adapted for television by Amazon and Killer Films.

A portrait of Zelda Fitzgerald

The Amazon original is now available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video in India and it is definitely worth 5 hours of your binge watching time. The TV series has 10 half-hour episodes that trace the life of the Fitzgeralds from the time they met in Montgomery, Alabama to their transition as New Yorks Enfant terribles.

Cinematography is definitely the highlight of the series, which depicts the Jazz era in all its glory. The show opens at the end of Zeldas story, which is not revealed at the close of Season 1. Those familiar with Francis and Zeldas tumultuous relationship would know how their tragic love-hate story reached its conclusion, but the studios are definitely looking at a second season of the show, which is now eligible to enter in the Best Drama series category of the 69th Emmy Awards.

Christina Ricci bares it all and Hoflin does not

The 19 year old Zelda is portrayed by Actor Christina Ricci, who has literally and figuratively bared it all on screen. The young Zelda, her defiant nature, her internal conflicts and her free spirited personality is depicted to a T by Riccis riveting performances across episodes. Episode 5, the one where Ricci emerges stark naked in a doorway during an after party/wedding reception thrown by the couple in their unpaid Biltmore Hotel suite, is completely captivating and reaffirms her strength as not just the lead, but a character actor as well.

There is not a single episode where Riccis performance is overshadowed by that of David Hoflin, who plays the inebriated, insecure author. Hoflin's acting does no justice to Fitzgeralds complex character as a struggling novelist and romantic, but I must say he does a good job of carrying the Flapper-King look (Read Leonardo Dicaprio from The Great Gatsby). There is, however, one sequence where Scott is shown having an outburst, reacting to a harsh review by a critic. Although cliche, it is still the only scene which reflects a glimpse of originality in Hoflins character.

Scott and Z sitting in a tree

If you know a bit about the American novelist, you would know that his writing was inspired to a great extent (bordering on plagiaristic) by the diary entries and letters of his wife Zelda. This inspiration is evident in Fitzgeralds first successful novel, This Side of Paradise, where he directly borrows from Zeldas letters.

While the show captures this aspect of the couples relationship perfectly, it does little to establish their initial chemistry. Maybe because there wasnt much of it in actuality. While Zelda is shown courting other men and keeping her options open as Scott struggles to get published, there is no real interaction between the couple, except for the forced, random mention of a letter or two exchanged between the two. The parasitic nature of Scott and Zeldas relationship is brought out well, as an opportunistic Zelda travels to New York to be wed to the so-called love of her life, kicking her old life to the curb. The two get lost in a whirlwind of alcohol and parties, which seem all too familiar to what we have seen in The Great Gatsby. Of course, it is a well known fact that the author lived parts of his novels in reality. In the show, however, things get too predictable and boring during these few episodes. In all honesty, there were times I caught a wink or two and had to rewatch an episode. The saving grace is the inclusion of real-life incidents from the couples life: like the one where Zelda dizzyingly run around a revolving door and the part where the duo are ordered to vacate their Biltmore suite due to their drunkenness and lack of payments.

In conclusion, Z: The Beginning of Everything is one of the few good Amazon Originals I have come across since Prime Video launched in India back in December. I would watch season 2 just to see some more of Christina Riccis stunning performances.

Platform: Amazon Prime Video

IMDB Rating: 7.4

Also Read: Marvels Iron Fist: Hes no Daredevil, but theres nothing wrong with him being white
Marine engineering company Innosea is to advise Atlantis Resources on how the tidal engine company can enter the french market.

Atlantis claims that France has the second largest tidal power resources in Europe and is aiming to develop the first tidal array sites in French waters.

Innosea will advise Atlantis on how to build a French supply chain plan for the manufacture, assembly and distribution of its AR1500 tidal turbines as well as on transportation and logistics, in Brittany, Normandy, Aquitaine, Pays-de-la-Loire and Hauts-de-France.

So far, Innosea has analysed vessel fleets, operational ports, marshalling yards and logistics companies to prepare a local deployment plan for tidal commercial projects in France for Atlantis. It is currently assessing local partners for civil engineering works, composite, steel or concrete fabrication, turbine assembly, testing and commissioning and component manufacture.

AIM-listed Atlantis is already working with Innosea in the UK on the delivery of MeyGen phase 1B, a multi- turbine array to be located adjacent to Phase 1A the in the Inner Sound of the Pentland Firth in northern Scotland.

Atlantis chief executive Tim Cornelius said: "We want to make material progress during 2017 with respect to project identification. From our perspective, deployment of generating assets is possible in one to two years' time. The AR1500 turbine system is already producing commercial scale power in Scotland.

Innoseas marine engineering chief executive Hakim Mouslim said that France has strong industry partners which we have identified for Atlantis in order to maximize the industrial local content. The industrial plan for France we have delivered is able to lead to the set-up of dedicated construction and assembly plants for Atlantis if the project pipeline if sufficient.

Shares in Atlantis Resources were up 1.64% to 55.90p at 0802 GMT.
Specialty lithium exploration and development company with assets in the Czech Republic, European Metals Holdings , released its interim unaudited financial report for the half year ended 31 December on Thursday, with its loss before tax widening to $3.16m from $1.31m.

The ASX and AIM-traded firm said that was primarily made up of share-based payment expenses of $2.67m, up from $0.56m, while revenue remained negligible at $8.5k, compared to $6.6k, with other income of $852, down from $23.3k.

Project development for the period was centered around a significant drilling programme embarked on by the company, said managing director Keith Coughlan.

There were numerous updates to this programme released to the market during the period.

Overall, results from the programme either confirmed or exceeded expectations with respect of both lithium content and width of mineralisation.

Coughlan said the drilling programme provided important data to the company's preliminary feasibility study which was ongoing throughout the period, as it appointed Ausenco and Hatch as the lead engineers to the study.

During the half year, the company announced a significant reduction of pre-production capital costs based on a review of scoping study and outstanding recoveries from test work completed.

The company announced a new exploration license, Cinovec III was granted.

The license not only covers a small area above the Cinovec deposit itself along the Czech-German border, but also gives the company exclusive rights to explore for potential deep seated lithium ore east of the Cinovec deposit.

Coughlan also highlighted that on 22 November, the company announced a significant increase in the indicated resource at Cinovec.

This upgrade was a result of the drilling programme to that point and increased the indicated resource by approximately 420%.

The company [also] announced the successful manufacture of >99.5% pure lithium carbonate using an industry proven, sodium sulphate roast-based flow-sheet from mica-concentrate from the Cinovec Project.
AIM-listed cloud communications software and solutions provider IMImobile has signed a global framework agreement with mobile operator Telenor Group following a competitive tender process.

IMImobile will supply its cloud Digital Service Delivery Platform, VAS (Value Added Services) Virtualization System and services for Telenor business units across the group.

The platform will be deployed in a secure cloud environment, and will support Telenor's long term vision to virtualise network capabilities and improve the efficiency of its core business.

Telenor provides tele, data and media services for 214m subscribers in 13 markets across Scandinavia, Central and Eastern Europe and Asia.

IMImobile chief executive officer Jay Patel said: "We are pleased to be working with Telenor on one of their key business transformation projects. By integrating our cloud Digital Service Delivery Platform, Telenor can drive both cost savings and faster time to market for new digital and unified customer services.

At 0835 GMT, the shares were up 0.5% to 175.80p.
The Bill giving the UK government authority to start talks on leaving the European Union received Royal Assent from Queen Elizabeth on Thursday.

Officially known as the The European Union (Notification of Withdrawal) Bill, it has been more commonly called the "Brexit Bill" and cleared its final parliamentary hurdle on Monday.

Prime Minister Theresa May has indicated she will trigger the process to start talks by invoking Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty at the end of March.

The UK voted to leave the EU in a referendum last June.
Investors will head into the weekend with the G-20 meeting of finance ministers in Germany in focus.

The gathering at the famous German resort town of Baden-Baden would also mark the first foray by the new US Treasury Secretary, Steve Mnuchin, on the world stage.

Free trade and manipulation of foreign exchange markets is expected to be figure high on the agenda following recent and sometimes bitter criticism of both from Washington.

US data was also expected to come in thick and fast, with data on industrial production and the University of Michigan gauge of consumer confidence figuring prominently.

A weekly tally of the US oil rig count late in the Wall Street session might also make some waves.



On the corporate side of things, Investec was due to update markets on recent trading, with analysts at Numis expecting the South African outfit to report a continued decline in back book asets.

However, underlying credit quality was expected to remain robust with strong underlying loan book growth - assisted by FX - and net inflows on both sides of the business, wealth and asset management.

"Overall we expect a significant increase in group profit through the second half of the year and this coupled with strong loan book growth bodes well for next year."

Friday 17 March

INTERIM DIVIDEND PAYMENT DATE

Aberdeen Private Equity Fund Ltd. Sterling Part Shares, Ashley (Laura) Holding, City of London Investment Group, Motorpoint Group, SSE

QUARTERLY PAYMENT DATE

Carnival, Real Estate Credit Investments Ltd, SQN Asset Finance Income Fund Limited

INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC ANNOUNCEMENTS

Capacity Utilisation (US) (13:15)

Industrial Production (US) (13:15)

U. of Michigan Confidence (Prelim) (US) (14:00)

FINALS

React Group

AGMS

Chemring Group, LG Electronics Inc GDS (Reg S), Premier African Minerals Ltd, Toro Limited

FINAL DIVIDEND PAYMENT DATE

Avon Rubber, easyJet, Impax Asset Management Group, Mobeus Income & Growth 4 Vct, Sanderson Group, Zegona Communications
German prosecutors have searched the offices of US law firm Jones Day, the company hired by Volkswagen to conduct an investigation into its emissions-cheating scandal.

Searches were also carried out in the headquarters of Volkswagens luxury brand Audi on Thursday as Munich prosecutors continue to deal with the fallout from the scandal.

Volkswagen criticised the raids on the two buildings, referring to them as unacceptable in every way.

"We see the actions of the Munich prosecutor as unacceptable in every way. In our opinion the search of a law firm mandated by a company contravenes the principles of the code of criminal procedure," spokesman Eric Felber said in a statement.

Jones Day conducted the internal investigation when Volkswagen admitted to having installed emissions cheating software on its cars, finding that several high-level employees were involved in the illegal practice. However, the investigation exonerated members of the firms management board.

The US Department of Justice recently charged six Volkswagen workers for their roles in the practice, after the German firm agreed to a criminal settlement. The company has estimated the costs of the scandal to have escalated to as much as $22bn.

Audi confirmed that it is complying with the ongoing investigations into its facilities in Ingolstadt and at a plant in Baden-Wuerttemberg.

Audi is fully cooperating with authorities as we have the highest interest in clarifying matters, the company spokesperson Moritz Dreschel said.
US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has called for a new approach towards the thorny issue of relations with the isolated state of North Korea , as Kim Jong-uns regime steps up its nuclear programme.

Tillerson was speaking in Tokyo on Thursday while on a tour of Asia to speak with neighbours of the highly secretive state, in order to discuss a new method of dealing with the country.

North Korea has tested several ballistic missiles in recent months as it further defies UN sanctions against it, most recently in a launch which encroached on Japans exclusive economic zone.

"The diplomatic and other efforts of the past 20 years to bring North Korea to a point of denuclearization have failed. So we have 20 years of a failed approach," the former ExxonMobil CEO said in a press conference on Thursday.

The Secretary of State added that it was no longer simply a matter of pumping money towards aid and assistance.

"The United States provided $1.35bn dollars in assistance to North Korea as an encouragement to take a different pathway. That encouragement has been met with further development of nuclear capabilities, more missile launches, including those of the recent February 11th and March 5th," he said.

North Korea claims that military exercises conducted by neighbouring South Korea in collaboration with the US are acts of aggression towards it, and its ally China has backed Kims regimes stance.
Prime Minister Mark Rutte s liberal party has comfortably repelled the challenge of Geert Wilders  far right Freedom Party to come out on top in the Dutch general election, in a key measure of support for establishment parties in Europe.

Incumbent Ruttes centre-right VVD party was assured of 33 members of parliament with over 95% of votes counted, with no major changes expected in the remaining constituencies. This was down from its current 41 seats.

That figure puts his party into a clear lead ahead of Wilders PVV, which though it increased its representation to 20 seats had led polls just weeks before Wednesdays election.

The Christian Democrats and Liberal D66 are currently locked in third position on 19 seats each, just behind the PVV, and ahead of with the newly emergent GreenLeft party as it jumped to 14 from 4 seats.

Dutch centrist politicians still face a sizeable challenge face, as a difficult and possibly lengthy process to form a coalition lies ahead.

Given the number of seats won, it is very likely that Mark Rutte will continue his role as Prime Minister, and while he will have options to form a coalition that excludes the PVV from government, he will have to form a coalition with at least three other parties.

Wilders partys rise to become the second largest party in the Netherlands has mirrored the rise of right-wing parties in the UK and the US following key votes in 2016, as well as a bubbling of anti-establishment, 'populist' parties in continental Europe, represented by the mainstream emergence of Marine Le Pens National Front party in France from the shadowy past under her father.

France will go to the polls later this year in another key indicator of European attitudes towards the EU following the successful Brexit campaign in the UK last year. Germany also faces a significant election in which Angela Merkels ruling Christian Democrats likely to haemorrhage votes to euro-sceptics Alternative for Germany.

"Our message to the Netherlands  that we will hold our course, and keep this country safe, stable and prosperous, got through." Mark Rutte

Rutte appeared at his partys election night celebration to proclaim victory in a race which was thought to have been much closer than it turned out on the day.

Our message to the Netherlands  that we will hold our course, and keep this country safe, stable and prosperous, got through, Rutte told the cheering masses late on Wednesday.

For now, markets  and pro-Europeans  will at least enjoy some comfort from these results, said analyst Bas van Geffen at Rabobank, as the result lends hope that the French and German electorates will not fall to populist sentiment either.

"However, we caution that pollsters have concluded that a large majority of VVD voters ultimately decided in favour of the party  at least partly  because of the economic conditions. With the French economy still lagging the Dutch, French voters may still be wooed by populist promises."

Economists at Berenberg said that although much political uncertainty throughout Europe is still reverberating around Europe, for the time being they felt voters were still likely to opt for the status quo.

Although the Dutch result does not in itself reduce the tail risk of a victory for Marine Le Pen in France or potentially Beppe Grillo in Italy very much, it presents an opportunity to restate our base case: While political risks are more serious than ever before in the Eurozone, the probability that they will actually materialise remains low, affirmed Berenbergs Holder Schmieding.

With around 5% of the votes still to come in the Netherlands, Ruttes party will now look to the unenviable task of forming a coalition within a highly fractured Dutch parliament, with less seats than it had before the election.

The EUR/USD rallied on the combination of Dutch election results and the US Federal Reserve rate hike announcement.
Bitter infighting broke out between Conservative MPs and the party's central office after it was revealed that one parliamentarian had been questioned by police under caution over his 2015 election expenses.

Craig Mackinlay, who fought and won the South Thanet seat against the then UKIP leader Nigel Farage, was interviewed for six hours, British media reported. The MP has denied any wrongdoing.

The Electoral Commission started a probe after a Channel 4 news investigation into spending on hotels for activists campaigning in the seat. It had been claimed that those costs, along with transport expenses, had been recorded as national instead of local in an effort to meet election campaign rules.

Another MP waded into the row on Wednesday, accusing Tory central office (CCHQ) of leaving MPs to fend for themselves over the matter.

Karl McCartney, whose bid to retain his Lincoln seat is also being probed, says a draft report into the controversy from the Electoral Commission had been hidden by Tory central office.

Twelve police forces across the country are looking into whether some MPs' agents should have filed costs associated with battle bus visits to their constituencies in their local expenses.

In an email leaked to Sky News, he told party chairman, Patrick McLoughlin MPs felt "completely cast adrift" and "left to fend for themselves".

" At what stage do you think you [the party] might inform us that another media sh*tstorm is coming? We didn't create this mess, the clever dicks at CCHQ did, and I don't see their professional reputations being trashed in the media much," he wrote.

The initial cock-ups, strategy and ineptitude with regard to this issue that has so negatively impacted our: lives, standing in our communities, standing amongst colleagues, families and our regard for particular parts of the party centrally, and were all of CCHQs making  need to stop.

We are the ones who are now [and since the beginning as individuals have been] in the media spotlight and it might have been a little more reassuring and collegiate if the powers that be in our party perhaps tried to be a little bit more supportive and less interested in covering their own backsides.

Mackinlay held Farage off by 2,812 votes and declared spending of 15,016, just below the limit of 16,000. Under election laws, any costs incurred to promote a candidate must be declared on local candidate spending returns.

Receipts for national Conservative party spending, however, show that 18,000 was spent on accommodation for party workers in the Royal Harbour hotel in Ramsgate, in the constituency, and a Premier Inn in Margate, which is just outside it, the Guardian reported.

A further 715 was spent on the Alpha hostel, used to accommodate a busload of activists who took part in a Stop Farage campaign.
International services company Serco Group was named preferred bidder to operate the New Grafton Correctional Centre (NGCC) in New South Wales, Australia on Thursday.

The FTSE 250 firm formed part of the NorthernPathways consortium which will design, build and operate NGCC in a public-private partnership for the NSW Government.

When completed, NGCC will be the largest correctional facility in Australia.

Serco's contract for operation is expected to commence in 2020, the board confirmed in a statement.

The estimated total contract value to Serco over a 20-year term is approximately AUD 2.6bn (equivalent to approximately 1.6bn).

Serco said the consortium would now enter into final contract negotiations and a further announcement will be made at the appropriate time.

The company had been looking to rebuild its reputation as a prison operator in the region, since being stripped of its contract to run the Mount Eden Corrections Facility in April 2016.

Allegations and evidence had surfaced at the time that Serco staff were at least aware of assaults and organised fight clubs happening within the walls of the remand facility in Auckland, New Zealand.
Former treasurer referred to police after Electoral Commission probe

The Conservative Party has been fined a record 70,000 and its former treasurer referred to the Metropolitan Police for breaching election campaign spending rules, the Electoral Commission said on Thursday.

An investigation concluded there were significant failures by the party to report accurately on how much it spent on campaigning at three by-elections in 2014 and at the 2015 UK parliamentary general election.

The fine caps off a miserable week for the ruling party. On Wednesday Chancellor Philip Hammond was forced into a humiliating U-turn over a key tax raising measure only seven days after announcing it in the Budget, while Brexit Secretary David Davis stunned a parliamentary committee by admitting no impact assessment had been made on the effect of leaving the EU without a trade deal.

The commission said Simon Day, registered treasurer until April 2016, had allegedly breached the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (PPERA) and was referring him to the police as it did not have the power to sanction him.

The fines come as news emerged that 12 police forces across the country were looking into whether some MPs' agents should have filed costs associated with 'battle bus' visits to their constituencies in their local expenses.

The partys 2015 UK general election spending return was missing payments worth at least 104,765, the commission found.

Separately, payments worth up to 118,124 were either not reported to the commission or were incorrectly reported by the party. The party also did not include the required invoices or receipts for 81 payments to the value of 52,924 and failed to maintain records explaining the amounts it invoiced to candidates in three 2014 by-elections, for work on their campaigns

TORIES UNCOOPERATIVE

There was also criticism of "unreasonable uncooperative conduct" by the party which delayed "without good reason and for a number of months the provision of information needed to progress the investigation".

"This in turn increased the public funds incurred by the commission during the investigation," the investigation report stated, adding that at one stage it had to go to the High Court to force the party to hand over documents.

Commission chair Sir John Holmes said the investigation had uncovered "numerous failures by a large, well-resourced and experienced party to ensure that accurate records of spending were maintained and that all of the partys spending was reported correctly".

"The rules established by parliament for political parties and their finances are there to ensure transparency and accountability. Where the rules are not followed, it undermines voters confidence in our democratic processes, which is why political parties need to take their responsibilities under the legislation seriously.

He also called for more powers for the commission to deal with what appeared to now be regular breaches by political parties in failing to report up to six figure sums following major elections, and have been fined as a result.

"There is a risk that some political parties might come to view the payment of these fines as a cost of doing business; the commission therefore needs to be able to impose sanctions that are proportionate to the levels of spending now routinely handled by parties and campaigners," he said.

The commission said Day had signed off the partys 2015 spending returns as accurate, but its the investigation established that it was "neither complete nor correct" the evidence gathered during the course of the investigation had given it "reason to suspect that an offence may have been committed".

"Knowingly or recklessly making a false declaration under this section of the Act is a criminal offence and falls outside the remit of the commissions civil sanctioning powers. It will be a matter for the police as to what steps they take following the commissions referral," it said.

In its response, the Conservatives said it regretted the "reporting error" and would "continue to keep our internal processes under review to ensure this does not happen again.

'Battle buses were used by the Tories to transport activists into key marginal constituencies during the campaign. The party has insisted that this was party of its national strategy and therefore did not have to be declared in local returns as required by law.

However, the commission said coaches of activists were transported to marginal constituencies to campaign "alongside or in close proximity to local campaigners".

"In the commissions view, there was a clear and inherent risk that activists might engage in candidate campaigning. Further, it is apparent that candidate campaigning did take place during the Battlebus2015 campaign," it said.

The probe led to bitter infighting between Conservative MPs and the party's central office which became very public on Wedensday after it was revealed that one parliamentarian had been question by police under caution over his 2015 election expenses.

Craig Mackinlay, who fought and won the South Thanet seat against the then UKIP leader Nigel Farage, was interviewed for six hours, British media reported. The MP has denied any wrongdoing.

The Electoral Commission started a probe after a Channel 4 news investigation into spending on hotels for activists campaigning in the seat. It had been claimed that those costs, along with transport expenses, had been recorded as national instead of local in an effort to meet election campaign rules.

Another MP waded into the row on Wednesday, accusing Tory central office (CCHQ) of leaving MPs to fend for themselves over the matter.

Karl McCartney, whose bid to retain his Lincoln seat is also being probed, says a draft report into the controversy from the Electoral Commission had been hidden by Tory central office.
Energy companies are braced for a sharp political backlash on Thursday as MPs debate plans to intervene in energy tariff pricing to protect consumers who are slow to switch. Fifty MPs have backed calls from John Penrose, a Conservative former minister, demanding "immediate action" from Government to ease the pressure on 20 million households which are on standard energy tariffs.  Telegraph

The Government is to set up a new watchdog to close loopholes used by criminals as part of a wider clampdown on money laundering and terrorist financing. It plans to launch the Office for Professional Body Anti-Money Laundering Supervision (OPBAS) - a new group that will sit within the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) - by the start of next year. It comes as the Government moves to introduce new, stricter money laundering regulations that it said would ensure the UK meets the latest global standards.  Telegraph

Google and Facebook risk a boycott from the worlds major advertisers unless they do more to clamp down on advertising fraud, which is costing the industry $16.4 billion this year, a leading industry figure said yesterday. Johnny Hornby, founder of The&Partnership, a media agency backed by WPP, said that the two tech groups, which together control an estimated 60 per cent of all digital advertising, had a duty to come together with media agencies, brands and advertising industry bodies to combat advertising fraud. Government should be brought in if necessary, he said.  The Times

Canary Wharf Group is in discussions to sell the 50 per cent stake that it manages and owns in the Walkie Talkie, one of the City of Londons newer landmarks, for about 600 million, according to CoStar News. The group has approached agents about pitching for the mandate to sell the share in the building at 20 Fenchurch Street, at a level which would value the whole tower at about 1.2 billion.  The Times

The news that Jones Bootmaker is on the brink of falling into administrationis a reminder of just how tough life is on the high street. The 160-year-old shoe retailer may yet be rescued, but about 1,000 workers are unsure about their future employment. Profits for bricks-and-mortar shops are being squeezed by the rise of online shopping, an increase in staff costs brought on by the introduction of the national living wage, and fierce discounting of the price of their products, which is designed to attract shoppers but hurts profit margins. On top of this is business rates  a tax that takes no account of falling profit and is now more costly than corporation tax for many shops. - Guardian
Specialty lithium exploration and development company with assets in the Czech Republic, European Metals Holdings , released its interim unaudited financial report for the half year ended 31 December on Thursday, with its loss before tax widening to $3.16m from $1.31m.

The ASX and AIM-traded firm said that was primarily made up of share-based payment expenses of $2.67m, up from $0.56m, while revenue remained negligible at $8.5k, compared to $6.6k, with other income of $852, down from $23.3k.

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Oilex posted its interim report for the six months to 31 December on Thursday, with revenue down by almost two thirds at $0.06m, compared to $0.17m in the first half of 2015.

The AIM-traded companys cost of sales was down significantly, however, to $0.19m from $0.54m, resulting in a gross loss of $0.13m compared to $0.37m in the comparative period.

-

Miton Group's shares enjoyed an uptick of more than 8% as investors liked its doubling of full-year pre-tax profit and upbeat out-looking commentary.

"The business has demonstrated its resilience with momentum regained since the half year," said chairman Ian Dighe.

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Shares in Seeing Machines are down more than 12% after the company swung to a first-half loss on moving from a direct-to-market model in mining to a royalty arrangement with Caterpillar.

Seeing Machines said its pre-tax loss for the six months was A$14.1m, from a profit of A$11.3m. Total revenue was down to A$3.6m, from A$29.3m.

-

Content-engineering group Stilo International improved its full-year pre-tax profits and revenue, accompanied with a rise in total dividend.

"The 2016 results benefited from the weakening of the UK pound, post the Brexit referendum in June 2016," said chairman David Ashman.

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High-growth technology-focussed venture capital company TMT Investments announced its final results for the year ended 31 December on Thursday, a year in which it made $6.15m of profitable cash exits from Depositphotos and VitalFields.

The AIM-traded firm also reported a $4.08m positive revaluation of Pipedrive, and $2.57m impairments of WhalePath, Adinch and Gild.

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AIM-listed engineer Hayward Tyler Group has won a $2m a nuclear related order through its US business.

The company will deliver seven units from 2018-20 and retrofit existing reactor water clean-up motors with its seal-less technology for a 3,400 megawatt US nuclear facility.

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Shares in Amerisur Resources surged on Thursday as the Oil and gas producer announced it will buy assets in Colombia for $4.85m in order to position the company for significant growth the Caguan-Putumayo basin.

The assets, subject to approval by the Agencia Nacional de Hidrocarburos (ANH), are to be bought from Meta Petroleum Corporation and Pacific Stratus Energy Colombia Corporation, who are both owned by Pacific Exploration and Production, a Canadian listed firm.

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AIM-listed investor LXB Retail Properties has completed the sale of most of its remaining land interests in Ayr, Scotland for 3.35m.

The proceeds, after accounting for expenditure, disposal fees and contracted costs, will have a minimal impact on the companys net asset value.

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Aircraft investment firm Avation confirmed on Thursday that it was in discussion with a single prospective buyer over the sale of a number of its regional turboprop assets.

The AIM-traded company had announced on 26 October 2016 that it received an expression of interest to purchase a portfolio of 22 ATR 72 aircraft.

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Connected healthcare software and services EMIS Group announced its final results for the year to 31 December on Thursday, with total revenue rising 2% to 158.7m and recurring revenue 4% stronger at 128.5m.

The AIM-traded firm recorded adjusted profit of 38.8m, up 6% on 2015, while its reported profit surged 106% to 23.5m.

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AIM-listed Pharmaceuticals Clinigen and Diurnal are to launch a managed access programme in Europe for their drugs Infacort, which treats children with adrenal insufficiency, and Chronocort, which treat patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

The managed access programme, which will be run by Clingens Idis managed access division, will enable physicians in the European Union to access Infacort and Chronocort as unlicensed medicines on an individual named patient basis for people who have no other treatment options, ahead of European approval and a commercial launch.

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Karelian Diamond Resources announced a 100 metre extension to the North West of the Riihivaara kimberlite body on Thursday.

The AIM-traded firm said the extension was indicated by the results of a series of till samples taken by the Geological Survey of Finland on behalf of the company.

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Marine engineering company Innosea is to advise Atlantis Resources on how the tidal engine company can enter the french market.

Atlantis claims that France has the second largest tidal power resources in Europe and is aiming to develop the first tidal array sites in French waters.

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AIM-listed explorer Regency Mines has created a joint venture with for a coal project in the US with cocal magnate Stephen Moscicki.

A memorandum of agreement has established a joint venture, 25% Regency and 75% Moscicki, to conduct due diligence over a metallurgical coal property of about 6,500 acres in northeastern Alabama in order to bring it into operation early.

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AIM-listed cloud communications software and solutions provider IMImobile has signed a global framework agreement with mobile operator Telenor Group following a competitive tender process.

IMImobile will supply its cloud Digital Service Delivery Platform, VAS (Value Added Services) Virtualization System and services for Telenor business units across the group.

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Bus operator Rotala has won a series of new contracts with Transport for the West Midlands (TfWM).

The contracts were won following TfWM's latest tender round for its supported bus contracts, which are due to commence operations on 23 April and will attract a subsidy from TfWM of around 866,000 a year.
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By KEN SWEET

AP Business Writer

NEW YORK  It's 1 a.m. You've had a few too many at a crowded bar and walk out without paying the tab. Your credit card and driver's license sit behind the cash register, leaving your personal info widely accessible while you sleep off those vodka tonics.

There's a new option that might lessen the pain. Not the hangover pain  for that, you'll need aspirin. But if you've ever left your credit card at a bar by mistake, or spent several minutes trying to flag down a harried bartender to close you out, there may be a new option.





. . .
The US yesterday charged two Russian intelligence agents and two criminal hackers with masterminding the 2014 theft of 500 million Yahoo accounts, in the first instance of the US government pressing charges against Russian spies for cyber offenses. According to computer security experts, the huge Yahoo security breach may be able to provide clues to other hacks, that might have been carried out at the instance of foreign governments. That would include an FBI investigation into whether the Russian government hired hackers to interfere with the November election brought president Donald Trump into the Oval Office. ''This makes you more optimistic that they will get to the bottom of what has been going on,'' said Robert Cattanach, a former Department of Justice (DOJ) attorney now in private practi\ce, The Washing Post reported. According to the DOJ, the Yahoo hack was carried out by two Russian intelligence agents, who hired a pair of hackers to carry out a heist that affected at least half a billion user accounts. The four men ran a scheme that coupled intelligence gathering with financial greed, to hack the email accounts of Russian and US government officials, Russian journalists and employees of financial services and other private businesses. In some cases they used a technique called ''spear-phishing'' to dupe Yahoo users into thinking they were receiving legitimate emails. Using the technique they were able to access at least 500 million accounts as they went about looking for personal information and financial data such as gift card and credit card numbers, prosecutors said. "The criminal conduct at issue, carried out and otherwise facilitated by officers from an FSB unit that serves as the FBI's point of contact in Moscow on cyber crime matters, is beyond the pale,'' acting assistant attorney general Mary McCord said at a press conference announcing the charges. The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB), is the successor to the KGB. The charges announced yesterday are not related to the hacking of Democratic Party emails during the 2016 US presidential election. According to US intelligence agencies, the hacks were carried out by Russian spy services, including the FSB, to help the campaign of Republican candidate Donald Trump. The FSB officers named in the indictment are Dmitry Dokuchaev and his superior, Igor Sushchin, who are both in Russia. According to the Russian news agency Interfax, Dokuchaev was arrested for treason in December. The alleged criminals involved in the scheme are Alexsey Belan, who had been one of the FBI's most-wanted cyber criminals. Belan was arrested in Europe in June 2013 but escaped to Russia before he could be extradited to the US, according to the DOJ. The indictment also named one Karim Batov, who was born in Kazakhstan but had Canadian citizenship.










Ferrero International to buy US chocolate confectionery maker Fannie May

Italian chocolate and confectionery maker Ferrero International SA yesterday struck a deal to buy US chocolate confectioner Fannie May for an undisclosed sum.

Ferrero said that it will also enter into a strategic commercial partnership l for selected Ferrero and Fannie May products in 1-800-Flowers gift baskets, towers and on e-commerce sites.

Post closing, Fannie May will operate as a standalone entity and brand within the Ferrero Group and continue to run by Fannie May's current management team.

Ferrero plans to maintain Fannie May's plant in Ohio, as well as its distribution centres in Ohio and Illinois. Ferrero will continue to operate the network of Fannie May retail stores, and said that it will grow the network over time.

''Fannie May represents a strong strategic and cultural fit for Ferrero and we are happy that Fannie May's talented people, premium brand and quality products will become part of the Ferrero Group,'' said Giovanni Ferrero, CEO of the Ferrero Group.

''The US is an important growth market for Ferrero and we are excited about the opportunity to support and grow a great American brand as we continue to expand our presence in the US,'' he added.

Founded in 1920 in Chicago, Illinois, by Teller Archibald, Fannie May is a manufacturer of premium chocolates and confections.

Over nearly 100 years, the company has grown into one of the best-known premium confectionery brands in the Midwestern US.

Currently owned by 1-800-Flowers, a multi-brand provider of gourmet and floral gifts, Fannie May's primary distribution channels include online 1-800-Flowers.com's e-commerce platform  telephone, QVC home shopping channel, a network of 80 retail stores operated by Fannie May, conventional retail, and private label / contract manufacturing activities.

The company operates a production facility in Ohio and distribution centers in Ohio and Illinois, and employs 750 people.

Founded in 1946, Ferrero is the world's third-largest chocolate confectionery manufacturer, with global sales expected to over $11 billion this year.

It has distribution centres in over 160 countries, and a workforce of more than 30,000 people across 53 countries.

Ferrero entered the US in 1969 with Tic Tac breath mints, which have become an icon in the US breath mint market. The company subsequently introduced Ferrero Rocher pralines and Nutella hazelnut spread.
The title of the Kathmandu Triennale My City, My Studio / My City, My Life reflects the strong and complex interaction between art and life in this city. The studio, as the symbolic locus for the artistic practice, is exchanged for the city. The city as a platform and working ground for artists, the context in which most artistic practices are rooted.



Top: Mithu Sen, No star, No land, No word, No commitment, artificial human hair, 2004-2014. Courtesy Kunstmuseum Bochum, Germany, 2014; KNMA Museum, New Delhi, 2010; Art Omi, New York, 2004. Above: Hitman Gurung, The Red Barcode, from the series "Digital print on fine art archival paper", digital print on fine archival paper, 2016

Today, Kathmandu is a city where the challenges of tradition and modernity meet. Through the heavy pollution and dense traffic of this wonderful city, one still finds plenty of moments where ancient traditions (religious and other) organize life. The city of Kathmandu is an exceptional and inspiring research station where artists from Nepal and other countries can develop their work independent of the burden of the art world.

Bart Lodewijks, in situ, Kathmandu, 2017. Photo Huig Bartels

The exhibition therefore articulates the multiple and complex interrelations between the artist and his practice and the city as a metaphor for life. Kathmandu as a framework, as a piece of chequered paper to which the artists contribute, add visions and ideas to complement the organic growth of the city.



Lois Weinberger, Feldarbeit, 2002. Courtesy collection S.M.A.K.
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Funding of 17m for key roads projects in Donegal has been announced today.

Phase two of the upgrade of the N56 at Gweebara is to receive 12m and 5m has been pledged to progress three other key routes.

Donegal TD and diaspora minister Joe McHugh also announced the completion of the latest phase of works on the 11.5M route from Boyoughter to Kilkenny stretch of the N56.

I am delighted to announce the completion of Phase 2 of the uprgrade of the N56 at Gweebarra, said Minister McHugh.

I use the route frequently and to see the progress along the N56 is brilliant.

The engineering involved particularly on this latest phase to Kilkenny is first class and a credit to everyone in the Donegal National Roads Office and Donegal County Council.

The latest completed phase cost 11.5M and I am delighted to announce its completion.

But I am also delighted to now announce that we are not stopping there; that we are now moving quickly on to the next phase from Kilkenny to Letterilly which is a 3.6km phase involving costs estimated at around 12M.

This is more good news for the area and completion of this part of the route is expected in 2019.

Tenders for the works on Phase 3 will be published shortly with works due to begin in the autumn.

And preparatory work is already going ahead on Phase 4 from Letterilly to Glenties.

Minister McHugh said the Government through Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) has fully supported the N56 upgrade.

The route under re-construction runs for 26.9kms and has an estimated cost  excluding land purchases  over around 70M.

Minister McHugh also announced that a 5M Engineering Consultant Services Contract has been awarded to bring three Ten-T schemes through to design and CPO stages.

The three Ten-T schemes are: N56/N14 Letterkenny to Manorcunningham, N14 Manorcunningham to Lifford/Strabane(Including A5 link) and the N15 Ballybofey-Stranorlar Bypass.

These are all important projects for the people of Donegal and as the economy continues to improve it is important that we all see progress on these schemes, said Minister McHugh.

I am also working hard for funding for the Blue Banks on the N56 so that the road from Illistrin to Kilmacrennan Road can be improved.


The Presbyterian Church in Ireland has launched a church-wide special appeal to support the international relief effort in East Africa, following the worst drought to hit the region in over half a century, and will be releasing an initial 60,000 (69,100) to its aid partners in the region.

With millions of people at risk of food shortages and possible starvation, Presbyterian Moderator, Rt. Rev. Dr. Frank Sellar has written to all ministers and congregations across Ireland, to launch a special appeal for the East Africa Crisis.

Launching his appeal Dr. Sellar said, Parts of South Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia have all suffered two seasons of prolonged dry spells and crop failures leaving a shocking 16 million people at risk. Famine was declared in parts of South Sudan in February  making it the first official famine in any part of the world in the past six years.

Given the scale of this disaster, and following consultation with colleagues, I am launching a special Moderators Appeal today towards the emergency relief effort. I would take the opportunity to encourage our members to respond in a generous and timely way, just as they have on many previous occasions.

The Church is immediately releasing 60,000 (69,100) to be distributed to PCIs partners, Christian Aid, Tearfund and the Presbyterian Church of South Sudans Relief and Development Agency (PRDA). All are already engaged in longer term sustainable development work in the affected regions, and all are now well-placed to direct additional efforts to the unfolding crisis.

Despite this challenging situation, these agencies and the PRDA will ensure that contributions are used wisely in the provision of immediate relief of those struggling the most in East Africa.

Dr. Sellar concluded by saying, In Nepal last year I had the privilege of seeing first-hand the very real and practical results of our giving following the 2015 earthquake and our subsequent appeal. I would encourage you to continue to pray and to give generously to this new urgent request, so that we may play our part in saving lives and restoring hope to the many caught up in this catastrophic situation.

Donations can also be made via www.presbyterianireland.org/ donate
As events in Washington are watched closely everywhere in Ireland, on can only assume that there will be many in Donegal, and nationally, who will have very mixed views on any visit such is the depth of feeling for and against Mr Trump.

The Green Party said today that any Presidential visit by Donald Trump would be strongly protested, and that Ireland should not condone his actions by inviting him on an official state visit.

Various media outlets are reporting that Taoiseach Enda Kenny has confirmed he had invited Mr Trump to visit Ireland during his presidency, because in Ireland invitations are always returned, and returned in kind".

Although no reaction has emerged so far from Donegal politicians to a possible visit, it's safe to assume that not all will welcome the news.

Speaking in response to Trumps meeting with the Taoiseach at the White House today, Green Party Leader Eamon Ryan TD said: Our message in response to Trumps remarks today are clear: you are not welcome here. He may claim to love Ireland, but we certainly dont love him. We are opposed to his divisive, nationalist, protectionist approach to politics and would protest against any future visit.

For all these reasons we regret the fact that the Taoiseach's visit went ahead today as if it is business as usual in the White House. We should not be giving any further succour to the current administration by extending a visit to Ireland.

Meanwhile Solidarity TDs have responded to U.S President Donal Trumps declaration that he intends to visit Ireland during his term of office by saying that he wont be welcomed but will be met with protests of opposition.

Paul Murphy TD said Donald Trump wont be welcomed in Ireland by the vast majority of people who oppose his racist, sexist agenda.

He has already had to reschedule a trip to the United kingdom because of the force of opposition to his visit and the huge protests he was going to be met with.

Mick Barry TD said We want to send a clear message to Donald Trump that he will be met with huge protests of young people, women and migrants who oppose his policies. He should reconsider his travel plans.

Ruth Coppinger TD said Obviously, Enda Kenny was so forceful in telling Donald Trump that he was a racist and his ideas are dangerous that he felt free to invite himself to Ireland. Im sure the next leader of Fine Gael will be delighted that the Taoiseach has passed this onto them. They should decline the visit if they dont want to see what could be possibly the biggest street protests in decades.
After more than six hours of testimony over two days at a hearing for habeas corpus for Enterprise murder suspect David Cunningham, District Court Judge Shannon Clark will take the possibility of granting Cunningham bond under advisement.

District Attorney Tom Anderson is seeking to prosecute Cunningham, 20, for capital murder in regards to the February 2016 murder of 33-year-old Enterprise resident Matthew Hill.

Cunningham has been in police custody since he was arrested in February of 2016 and has been denied bond twice previously due to the nature of the crime.

Under Alabama law, there must be mitigating and aggravating circumstances that accompany a murder for it to be a capital offense, meaning a crime like robbery or hijacking must accompany the murder.

The state has charged Cunningham with robbery, along with murder, leading to the capital murder charge as he had possession of Hills EBT, or food stamp card, when he was arrested.

Cunninghams lawyer, Sonny Reagan, argues that simply being in possession of the EBT card is not sufficient evidence of a robbery charge, and states that Cunningham had possession of the card because he frequently purchased the groceries for Hill, who suffered from hydrocephalus.

The cause of Hills death was blunt force trauma, but after he died he was bound and gagged before being stabbed repeatedly in the head and back.

The police were tipped off to the possibility of the murder by Jeffry Ivey, who employed Cunningham on his familys farm. Ivey claimed that Cunningham admitted the murder to him.

A separate witness came forward stating that Cunningham also admitted to the murder while he was in Coffee County Jail with Cunningham.

The defense brought up a number of what it claimed were discrepancies in the states case, including the fact that Ivey is a convicted felon and the second witness claimed that Cunningham had admitted to committing another murder along with Ivey, but this hearing was about whether or not the state met the burden of proof for a capital murder charge and whether Cunningham should receive bond.

According to Detective Thomas Arias, the case agent for the Hill murder, Hills EBT card was found in Cunninghams wallet when Coffee County Sheriffs deputies arrested Cunningham, and that on Feb. 17, 2016  the day believed to be when Hill was murdered  a balance inquiry and pin number change request were made on Hills EBT card.

However, the defense asserts that there is no video or photographic evidence of Cunningham using the card and there is no way to know who made the balance inquiry on Feb. 17. Reagan also insisted that Cunningham routinely purchased Hills groceries for him because he simply couldnt do it himself.

Judge Clark said that she was taking the matter under advisement and would make a decision in the near future.
Dale County Schools students will not attend classes at the Ozark City Schools systems Carroll High School Career Center next year.

The two school systems were unable to come to an agreement regarding compensation for use of the facility by Dale County students. The county had supplied two teachers and two aides for the center, but the Ozark City Schools wanted staff and a per student fee. The two systems couldnt settle on a reimbursement amount, so the partnership will end.

About 150 students from the county system took courses at the career center.

Dale County students currently attending the center will continue to do so until the end of the year. Ozark City Schools Superintendent Rick McInturf said Dale County students who are far along in center programs and close to taking career certification tests will likely be able to return to the center next year to finish their courses.

Dale County School Superintendent Ben Baker said the county system will look into renting a facility to provide career tech classes to its students.

McInturf said the departure of Dale Countys students will not likely lead to any cost savings, but result in smaller class sizes for the remaining Ozark and Daleville City Schools students at the center. Daleville pays Ozark for use of its facility.

The changes may result in the end of a construction program because the teacher for that program was a Dale County Schools employee.
Jeep has strapped on its hiking boots and is ready to go bush.

The American brand has revealed its updated Grand Cherokee SUV range, with the highlight being the addition of an off-road focused Trailhawk model, while also dropping the Summit model.

This is the first Grand Cherokee to wear the Trailhawk badge, which is also currently worn by the Cherokee and Renegade. In order to wear the Trailhawk badge the model must be 'Trail Rated' by the brand, which requires passing a number of off-road tests, including wading depth, wheel articulation and ground clearance.

The Trailhawk is priced from $74,000 before on-road costs, which positions it only below the range topping performance-focused SRT model and the more luxury focused Overland.

Power comes in the form of the brand's 184kW/570Nm 3.0-litre six-clyinder turbo-diesel which is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Jeep has equipped the bush-basher with an uprated four-wheel drive system that features an electronic limited slip rear differential. New air suspension also helps the off-road pedigree by raising the ground clearance to 260mm.

Underbody protection to be beefed too with the recruitment of four skid plates.

Red front tow hooks, black bonnet decal, grey side mirrors and grille and trailhawk badging complete the look.

Changes to the entire range include a slightly revised version of the 3.6-litre V6 petrol engine that now produces 213kW, up from 210kW. While on the outside the big SUV scores a new grille, headlights, front facia, LED fog lamps and new 18- and 20-inch alloy wheels.

Interior alterations have been kept to a minimum with the addition of a new gear selector the only notable new entry.

Jeep has also included lane departure warning, self parking features and new camera view that allows drivers to keep an eye on their trailers to its safety suite.

Other engine options remain the same with the 184kW/570Nm 3.0-litre turbo-diesel unit providing oomph to the majority of the range, while the SRT is still propelled by the 6.4-litre V8 Hemi that produces 344kW and 624Nm.

Pricing has remained fairly stable across the range with some variants' price rising by either $500 or $1000 depending on the model.

All new models are now covered by Jeep's five-year/unlimited km warranty.

The refreshed Jeep Grand Cherokee goes on sale during March.

2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee prices*

Laredo 2WD petrol - $47,500 (+$500)

Laredo 4WD petrol - $52,500 (+$500)

Laredo 4WD diesel - $59,000 (unchanged)

Limited 4WD petrol - $62,500 (+$500)

Limited 4WD diesel - $69,000 (unchanged)

Trailhawk - $74,000 (new model)

Overland - $80,000 (+$1000)

SRT - $91,000 (+$1000)

*All prices exclude on-road cost
Home Two wheelers KTM Confirms Fuel Injection For Two-Strokes oi-Sreejith

Austrian two-wheeler manufacturer KTM has officially announced that it will bring fuel injection technology called Transfer Port Injection to its 2018 enduro lineup. Finally, the rumours can be put to rest, and fuel injection for production two-strokes are going to become a reality.

{photo-feature}
After the report about the flat OLED design for the new iPhone 8, another Apple update came out. The 5.8-inch iPhone may have the curve design but a bit gentler than the Samsung's Galaxy S7 Edge.

The upcoming iPhone 8 will have its gentler curved design; however, the new iPhone will not offer any other new function. Samsung Company will be the exclusive provider of the said design since they are the ones who pioneered the curved OLED screens.

This curved screen will allow a bold area for 5.2 inches that make the iPhone 8 looks sleeker. KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo expects for a 5.8-inch display with 5.15 inch for screen space from the upcoming iPhone 8. Nevertheless, he added that the remaining space would be for the virtual buttons. Chinese research firm TrendForce and Ming-Chi Kuo presumes that iPhone 8 will have the 2.5D cover glass, which refers to the slight curved front glass. The Apple Company had already adopted the said design with their iPhone 6 last 2014.

"Some reports suggest in recent days that Apple will only give the premium handset a flat display, but the source said that would not be using OLED optimally. Nonetheless, the design has not been finalized and could still change." Nikkei reported. In addition, Hon Hai Precision Industry is in charge with the front glass covers. While China's Biel Crystal and Lens Technology will provide the glass backs for the iPhone 8.

On the other hand, Apple buyers are expecting that iPhone 8 will have new specs and features aside from its new display design. One of the exciting features will be the possible 3D sensing front-facing camera. Other new specs of iPhone 8 are wireless charging, better battery life, improved water resistance, function are with a 5.8-inch display with 5.2 inches usable space.

Overall, whatever the iPhone 8 choose its final look, there is no doubt that this upcoming iPhone will be another success for Apple Company. With its promising specs and features, iPhone 8 will surely hit the market.
Dundalk-born scientist Dr Pearse Lyons has been awarded a St Patricks Day medal by the Taoiseach to recognise his contribution to science.

Dr Lyons was honoured by Taoiseach Enda Kenny in a ceremony in Washington. The Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) awards, now in their fourth year, mark the achievements of experts living and working in the US who have strong links to Ireland.

Born and raised in Dundalk, Dr Lyons graduated with a first class honours degree in Biochemistry. While at college, he worked in Harp Lager in Dundalk and later graduated with a Master of Science in Brewing Science, from the British School of Malting and Brewing (now the School of Biochemistry), University of Birmingham in 1968. He received a PhD in Biochemistry in 1971.

Dr Lyons' work led him to Kentucky in 1976, where in 1980 he founded scientific research company Alltech with the aim of improving the health and performance of people, animals and plants.

Dr Lyons was honoured along with Dublin born statistician, Professor Adrian Raftery, at the United States Institute of Peace in Washington. Mr Kenny said: "I am delighted to present the SFI St Patrick's Day Science Medal on behalf of Science Foundation Ireland, to these two exceptional leaders.

"Dr Lyons and Prof Raftery have both had a huge impact in their own areas of expertise and played pivotal roles in the development of researchers in Ireland.

"They have demonstrated how academic and industry based scientific research can create jobs, tackle global problems and impact positively on people and society. These distinguished medal recipients are driving globally significant innovation in the areas of agriculture, food production, health, and population and weather forecasting, to name just a few."

Dr Lyons said he was "so proud" to accept the medal.

"While my business is global, my passion for biochemistry and entrepreneurship started at home in Ireland.

"As a company, we still have very close links to Ireland with one of our three biosciences research centres based in Dunboyne, Co Meath. Science and technology play a very important part in my company's success and all of the Alltech team work to innovate every day.

"We strive to put scientific research at the core of our business and to use that research to drive our success at home and abroad."
Here are the details for different St Patricks Day parades in Louth and Monaghan this year.

Dundalk Parade

Parade starts at 1.00 pm.

Gold & Silver Paralympic Medallist Eve McCrystal will be the 2017 Grand Marshall! This year's parade theme is "TEAM Dundalk". This represents the great community spirit here in the town which we see every year in the parade.

www.dundalk.ie

Ardee Parade

Parade starts at the Fair Green at 3.00 pm

This year Elizabeth Byrne, local youth leader with the Ardee Girl Guides and the Ardee branch of Order of Malta, will lead the parade as Grand Marshal.

www.thisisardee.ie/events/st-patricks-day-parade-2017/

Drogheda Parade

Parade starts at 12.00 noon sharp.

The Grand Marshall for the 2017 parade will be Brendan Fay.

Many people will remember Drogheda born gay activist and filmmaker, Brendan Fay, founder of the inclusive St. Pats for All Parade in New York, was one of eleven recipients of the 2016 Presidential Distinguished Service Awards for the Irish Aboard, presented by President Michael D. Higgins.

www.droghedaparade.ie

Ballybay Parade

Parade starts at 5.00pm

Further information is available from 087 6853316.

Carrickmacross Parade

Parade starts at 3.00pm

Carrickmacross Main Street

For more information contact:

Stephanie on 042 966 1236

Monaghan Parade

Parade starts at 3.00pm

Introducing the theme "Inclusion - A Monaghan for Everyone", participants are asked to incorporate this theme into their entry and we look forward to seeing the results at the parade.

Prizes will be awarded for Best Commercial Float, Best Community Float, and Best Marching Band. An award will also be given to the best window display incorporating the use of the Irish Language.

For more details contact Monaghan Municipal District Office on 047 73777 or email: monaghan@monaghancoco.ie

Newbliss Parade

Parade starts at 5.00pm

Assemble at Killeevan National School at 4.30 pm

Parade commences at 5pm

Prize will be awarded for the best float.

A fun filled afternoon for all the family. Everyone welcome.
Irish Water have announced that due to essential works, the water supply to parts of Dundalk will be affected from 21st to 24th March.

Irish Waters alerts are as follows:

Water main upgrades may cause supply disruptions to Marian Park and surrounding areas in Dundalk, Co. Louth.

Works are scheduled to take place from 9am until 5pm on 22 March.

If you need to contact Irish Water about this supply and service alert, please quote this unique alert reference number: LOU009045.

Works are also scheduled to take place here from 9am until 5pm on 23rd March.

If you need to contact Irish Water about this supply and service alert, please quote reference number: LOU009046.

Essential maintenance works may cause supply disruptions to Barrack Street, Peter Street, Mountain View Crescent and surrounding areas in Dundalk, Co. Louth.

Works are due to be carried out here from 8am to 5pm from 21st to 24th March.

If you need to contact Irish Water about this supply and service alert, please quote this unique alert reference number: LOU009040

A traffic management system will be in place for the duration of the works in all areas.
CARSON CITY  Two of Nevadas pioneer families  the Currys of Carson City and the Mayers of Elko County  are the subject of the first in a new exhibition series at the Nevada Historical Society.

Nevada Families in Focus will debut with a reception from 4-7 p.m. on April 1 with The Currys and the Mayers. The reception is free to NHS members and $5 for non-members. Admission is free for children 17 and younger.

The exhibit includes photographs, documents and artifacts, which combine to tell the stories of these families, how they came to settle in western and eastern Nevada and their contributions to the development of the state.

The Mayer family moved to Fort Halleck, Elko County, in the early 1870s from Missouri. Once the fort was abandoned in the mid-1880s, the family moved to the town of Elko where Charles Mayer operated the Depot Hotel and Mayer Hotel.

Abe Curry is often referred to as the father of Carson City for his role in the citys development and growth from its founding in 1858 to his death in 1873.

The exhibit follows the two families around the mid-19th century, and uses their photographs and artifacts to show who they were, how they came to Nevada, and what they did once they arrived. Photographs are a key component of the exhibit, as the photos within the collections allow us to see the not only the growth of the two families, but also the growth of early photographic processes from daguerreotypes to the more familiar paper-based prints.

The Nevada Families in Focus Series will alternate between families from Nevadas past and present to examine how these families help shape our sense of individuality, community and cultural heritage.

The Nevada Historical Society is located at 1650 N. Virginia St., in Reno. For details, call 775-688-1190.
Make the most of Cotswold market town life at Crossways

Idyllic market towns are amongst the most sought-after locations in the UK, with property prices in 70% of market towns being higher than those in neighbouring areas, according to research by Lloyds Bank. For buyers in search of a home in one of the Cotswolds oldest and prettiest market towns, Spitfire Bespoke Homes will be launching a second show home at their popular Crossways development in picturesque Stow-on-the-Wold, Gloucestershire, on Saturday 18 March.

Market towns are popular because they are so quintessentially British, offering excellent amenities, character and charm, in beautiful rural surroundings. Dating back to the 18th Century, Stow-on-the-Wold epitomises the very best of English market town life, boasting an elegant mix of fashionable restaurants, boutiques and galleries, nestled in the magnificent Cotswold countryside.

Part of Spitfires Cotswold Collection, Crossways is a bespoke development of 20 three and four-bedroom properties, located in the very heart of Stow-on-the-Wold. The homes have been designed to replicate the distinctive honey-coloured stone streets around them, integrating seamlessly into the historic market town.

Mark Johnson, Partner at Knight Frank, comments: Research has consistently shown that market towns are one of the most desired residential locations in the country, and it is easy to see why. They provide a balance between modern upmarket amenities and quiet country life that can be hard to come by, and are usually steeped in character and history. Crossways has proved as successful as you would expect given its fantastic location, with more than 50 per cent of the homes sold already.

All of the homes at Crossways boast an individually designed, hand-painted solid oak kitchen, with quartz worktops, glass splashbacks, and Siemens integrated appliances. Meanwhile the bathrooms are fitted with contemporary white sanitary ware by Villeroy and Boch, with high-quality polished chrome fittings by Hansgrohe. Every property also benefits from parking space for two cars, within a timber clad car barn.

Situated in the centre of Stow, Crossways is brilliantly positioned for residents to enjoy the towns fantastic amenities. Stow attracts a sophisticated clientele, owing to its mix of chic restaurants, delis, boutiques and galleries, as well as cosy country pubs, tea shops and antique stores. The Cotswolds is the largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in England, and as the highest town in the Cotswolds, Stow offers spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.

Stow is an ideal place to raise a family, with a superb selection of primary, secondary, public and state schools nearby. The Cotswold School, for 11-18 year olds, is conveniently located just a few miles from Crossways, and has been rated Outstanding by Ofsted for its last four consecutive inspections. The development is also within easy reach of the highly-regarded Cheltenham Ladies School, Cheltenham College and Kirkbrook School.

Crossways is only a short drive from Moreton-in-Marsh train station, from where services into London Paddington take around 90 minutes. It is also served by excellent links to the M4, M5 and M40 for Bristol, the Midlands, and the South.

Prices at Crossways currently start from 445,000 for a three-bedroom cottage. For more information, visit spitfirepg.co.uk/new-homes-collection/crossways.
ECB Forum on Central Banking 26-28 June 2017, Sintra

Every year the European Central Bank (ECB) invites PhD students to participate in the Poster session of the ECBs flagship Forum on Central Banking, held in Sintra, Portugal. Selected students are given the unique opportunity to present their research findings to policymakers and top academics from around the world and engage with them during the Forum.

Based on the papers they submit, 8-10 students will be chosen by the ECBs Directorate General Research. During the Forum, these students will display the main findings of their research in the form of a poster and answer questions from participants. A committee made up of senior ECB staff and top academics will then select the winning poster, assisted by anonymous online ratings submitted by Forum participants. The winning poster will be announced by the ECB President in a ceremony at the end of the Forum and its author will be awarded a prize of 10,000.

Who can participate?

PhD students of economics or finance, of all nationalities, who are currently enrolled in a PhD programme. (Candidates who are currently employed by the ECB or with ECB-affiliated co-authors are prohibited from applying.)

What is the theme of the 2017 competition?

Investment and growth in advanced economies. However, papers on other core central banking topics, such as monetary policy or financial stability, will also be considered.

How will the students be selected?

Students will be selected based on their papers, which will be assessed in terms of (i) innovative thinking and scientific merit, and (ii) European policy relevance.

How to apply?

Interested PhD students should send an email to ecbforum.postersession@ecb.europa.eu, attaching the following: (i) their CV, (ii) the paper they intend to present, and (iii) a letter of recommendation from their main tutor. The candidates should submit their emails no later than 24 March 2017.

Successful candidates will be notified around mid-April 2017 and will subsequently receive further information on the Forum. Submissions from female candidates are particularly encouraged. The ECB will cover the selected students travel and accommodation expenses.

Related information
There is no more beautiful sight than an American made car, Pr*sident Trump said while he was in Michigan today, and thats why hes going to fight to keep vehicle production in the United States. During my first week in office I brought automobile industry leaders to the White House, Trump said. He went on to say that no president had brought them to the Oval Office before, but he did. This, of course, is rubbish. In fact, President Obama had leaders of all the major automakers at the White House in May of his first term to announce his plan to improve vehicle mileage standards which will save car owners thousands of dollars over the life of a car and reduce pollution dramatically.

Trump was in town today, largely to let the country know that hes restoring a review of the emission standards put in place by the Obama administration that will raise the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) to an average of 50.8 mpg by 2025 from 35.3 mpg now. Right before he left office, the Obama administration cancelled a review of these new standards:

The EPA said it decided no change is necessary for future emissions regulations because the automotive industry has demonstrated in recent years it is able to adapt to increasingly stricter regulations. My decision today rests on the technical record created by over eight years of research, hundreds of published reports including an independent review by the National Academy of Sciences, hundreds of stakeholder meetings, and multiple opportunities for the public and the industry to provide input, EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy said in a statement.

During a roundtable discussion with industry leaders today, United Auto Workers president Dennis Williams said he appreciated Trump being there but expressed his concern about environmental standards for the automobile industry. Trump responded, We all agree with you 100%. 100%. We want you to make great cars but if it takes an extra thimble of fuel, we want you to do it.

For Trump to suggest that nearly doubling the fuel economy of the average American vehicle is simply to save an extra thimble of fuel is, of course, absurd offensive. And it flies in the face of his contention that American automakers are the best in the world. Despite this contention, he seems to be also suggesting that American automakers arent savvy enough and smart enough to engineer cars that get good fuel economy and (b) that regulations involving an extra thimble of fuel are enough to kill their ability to be competitive. If we were simply arguing over an extra thimble of fuel, we wouldnt even be having this conversation.

As I mentioned in a previous piece, Trumps choice of Ypsilanti for his staged event was a deliberate SCREW YOU to the men and women who work at the National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory in Ann Arbor. It is this group that has worked hand in hand with the automakers and other stakeholders to establish challenging but attainable fuel economy standards. Trumps dismissal of their important work is an undisguised insult to all of them.

During his visit, Trump also leaned heavily on the leaders of the auto companies to manufacture their vehicles in the United States. During this discussion Williams spoke up again, saying that he wanted to add to Trumps maxim that plants be built in America. He said he also wants the workers to be UAW members. We want the workers to rise too, Williams said. Trump responded by nodding and smiling and saying, some things never change. He is completely correct, of course; the fight for a safe work place, decent wages, and adequate benefits is not some fad that will pass.

While he was in Ypsilanti today, Trump was greeted by hundreds and hundreds of protestors who braved sub-freezing temperatures to make their voices heard. Here are more photos from the protest along with a Facebook Live video, all by Anne C. Savage, special to Eclectablog.



Protesters stand in front of the Trump Unity Bridge float



Michigan gubernatorial candidate Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, who also spoke at the protest, being interviewed by FOX 2 News Charlie Langton



Tad Wysor plays the guitar while event organizer and Washtenaw County Commissioner Michelle Deatrick holds the speaker

*Donald Trump is the biggest loser of the popular vote ever to become President of the United States.
WikiLeaks on Tuesday dumped thousands of classified documents onto the Internet, exposing hacking programs used by the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency.

The torrent of data is just the first in a series of dumps WikLeaks is calling Vault 7. This first installment includes 8,761 documents and files stolen from an isolated high-security network within the CIAs Center for Cyber Intelligence in Langley, Virginia.

This first batch of data, according to WikiLeaks, introduces the scope and direction of the CIAs global covert hacking program, its malware arsenal, and dozens of zero-day weaponized exploits against a wide range of U.S. and European company products  among them, Apples iPhone, Googles Android operating system, Microsofts Windows OS, and Samsungs smart TVs, which are turned into covert microphones.

The source leaking the documents to WikiLeaks did so to raise policy questions about the CIAs hacking program, the organization said, and to open a discussion about the agencys power and the governments oversight mechanisms to keep it in check.

The CIA offered a terse response to WikiLeaks actions: We do not comment on the authenticity or content of purported intelligence documents, agency spokesperson Heather Fritz Horniak told TechNewsWorld.

Bigger Than Facebook

According to WikiLeaks, by the end of 2016, the CIA had produced more than a thousand hacking systems, trojans, viruses and other weaponized malware.

Such is the scale of the CIAs undertaking that by 2016, its hackers had utilized more code than that used to run Facebook, it stated.

The CIA had created, in effect, its own NSA with even less accountability and without publicly answering the question as to whether such a massive budgetary spend on duplicating the capacities of a rival agency could be justified, WikiLeaks contended.

In a departure from the way it has carried out previous data dumps, WikiLeaks appears to have taken some steps to avoid collateral damage from its latest revelations.

One thing that strikes me this time is the apparent care WikiLeaks took to redact sensitive information, said Mark Graff, CEO of Tellagraff.

They were much more responsible this time than theyve been in the past, he told TechNewsWorld.

Hurting US Security

WikiLeaks claimed it redacted ten of thousands of CIA targets and attack machines throughout Latin America, Europe and the United States, and that it avoided including information in its data dump that could lead to the distribution of armed cyberweapons.

No matter how careful WikiLeaks may have attempted to be, its Year Zero data dump undermines U.S. national security, according to Robert Cattanach, an attorney with Dorsey & Whitney.

WikiLeaks release will rock the intelligence communities, he told TechNewsWorld.

The CIAs ability to access the target devices and technologies certainly is compromised, Cattanach maintained, noting that the release appears to contain highly sensitive organizational and operational internal CIA information.

The uses foreign intelligence services might have for such data can only be imagined, he added.

Then theres the threat of that actual tools the CIA has used for hacking having been obtained but not yet released, Cattanach said.

Loss of Important Tools

Although no source code for the hacking tools appear to have been included in this batch of data, the information that has been released may still be turned into a weapon, noted John Hayes, CTO of BlackRidge Technology.

There are going to be some very bright people looking at this, and if theyre pointed in the right direction, you may be giving them enough hints to recreate some of this stuff even if they dont have the source code, he told TechNewsWorld.

The Vault 7 leaks have the potential to be very damaging to the U.S. intelligence community, said Adam Klein, a senior fellow with the Center for a New American Security.

It could mean the loss of some very important tools for the intelligence community, he told TechNewsWorld  tools that would be directed at great power adversaries: Russia and China, rogue states like Iran and North Korea, terrorist groups, drug traffickers, and criminal enterprises around the world.

The extent of the damage may be tempered if WikiLeaks has overplayed its hand.

Given WikiLeaks past record, it is unlikely that all or even most of the allegations are true, maintained James Scott, a senior fellow at the Institute for Critical Infrastructure Technology.

If nothing else, the tools and malware capabilities provided are not exceptionally devastating over the tools and exploits already available on Deep Web markets and forums, he told TechNewsWorld.

Authentication Needed

The first step the U.S. government should take is to authenticate the data in the dump, Scott said.

If the documents are authentic, then the CIA already knows what secure network was compromised, which tools are now exposed, and what exploits now need to be patched against adversarial use, he explained.

After the Snowden incident and the NSA platform leak, it is possible that the agency even has an incident response plan for this scenario, Scott added.

The Vault 7 material may have been turned over to WikiLeaks by a CIA insider, but the assistance of a nation state cant be ruled out.

Some experts are speculating that exfiltration at this scale would necessitate the involvement of a well-resourced nation state threat actor, Scott said.

These disclosures help the adversaries of the United States, Klein added. Thats not a concern for WikiLeaks, but its a concern of me  and it should be a concern of all Americans.
The U.S. Department of Justice on Wednesday announced charges against four individuals, including two officers of Russias Federal Security Service, or FSB, for carrying out the massive cyberbreach that affected about 500 million Yahoo account holders in 2014.

The FBI carried out the investigation with the assistance of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, RCMB Sergeant Harold Pfleiderer told the E-Commerce Times.

A federal grand jury in Northern California charged the defendants  the FSB officials and two Russian cybercriminals  with using stolen data to gain illegal access to the accounts of Russian journalists, Russian and U.S. government officials, and private sector employees of financial, transportation and other companies.

The indictment alleges that Dmitry Aleksandrovich Dokuchaev, 33, a Russian officer in the FSB, and Igor Anatolyevich Sushchin, 43, Dokuchaevs superior, directed, facilitated, paid and provided protection for criminal hackers to collect information using cyberintrusions in the U.S. and elsewhere.

Yahoo and Beyond

At the direction of the FSB agents, Alexsey Alexseyevich Belan, aka Magg, 29, a Latvian-born Russian national, in late 2014 allegedly stole a copy of at least part of Yahoos secret User Database, which contained usernames, emails, recovery emails, phone numbers, and information to create mint Web browser cookies for about 500 million Yahoo members.

He also allegedly gained access to Yahoos Account Management Tool, proprietary software that allowed users to log changes to their accounts.

The co-conspirators also used spear phishing tactics to trick users into giving up access to their accounts, according to court filings.

After the suspects learned they had information to customer accounts outside of Yahoo, the fourth suspect, Karim Baratov, aka Kay, a 22-year old Canadian and Kazakh national, allegedly gained access to 80 accounts in exchange for commission payments.

Kay was arrested in Canada on Tuesday, following the DoJs issuance of a provisional warrant to Canadian officials last week.

The Justice Department has charged all four defendants with conspiracy to commit computer fraud and abuse, carrying up to 10 years in prison.

The DoJ also charged Dokuchaev, Sushchin and Belan with conspiracy to commit economic espionage, carrying 15 years in prison; theft of trade secrets, 10 years; conspiracy to commit wire fraud, 20 years; and counterfeit access device fraud, among other charges.

Baratov and both FSB officers were charged with conspiracy to commit access device fraud, carrying 7 1/2 years in prison; and wire fraud, carrying 20 years in prison. Dokuchaev and Baratov also were charged with aggravated identity theft, carrying two years.

With these charges, the United States Department of Justice is continuing to send the powerful message that we will not allow individuals, groups, nation states, or a combination of them to compromise the privacy of our citizens, the economic interests of our companies or the security of our country, said Mary McCord, acting assistant AG for national security.

Belan has been indicted twice before in the U.S. for three cyberattacks into e-commerce companies that impacted millions of customers, McCord noted, and has been one of the FBIs most wanted cybercriminals for three years.

Despite his history and an Interpol red notice, the FSB failed to detain Belan but continued to use him for illegal hacking, McCord said.

Election Connection?

The charges announced Wednesday are consistent with Yahoos prior disclosures about the hack, said Chris Madsen, assistant general counsel and head of global law enforcement, security and safety at Yahoo.

Yahoo last fall disclosed that it believed a state-sponsored attack had resulted in the theft of a copy of certain information for about 500 million user accounts as of late 2014.

Yahoo later disclosed further details on the forging of cookies to gain access to user accounts without a password and linked some of that activity to the same state-sponsored actor, according to Madsen.

Were committed to keeping our users and our platforms secure and will continue to engage with law enforcement to combat cybercrime, he said.

Due to the lack of a U.S. extradition treaty with Russia, its unlikely there will be more evidence concerning Russian involvement unless there are further proceedings involving Baratov, who was arrested in Canada, suggested Mark Nunnikhoven, vice president for cloud research at Trend Micro.

In any case, the Yahoo and Verizon names will continue to be linked to this case while the companies focus on recovery and strengthening defenses going forward, Nunnikhoven told the E-Commerce Times.

The charges come amid congressional investigations into the Russian interference in the U.S. presidential election. No direct link has been established between the Yahoo hack and the election, but the case at best reflects the United States wide vulnerability to attacks by foreign state actors.

State-sponsored activity such as this is being carried out by all well-resourced nations, which include Russia, China  and of course, the U.S., noted Troy Hunt, a Microsoft regional director and MVP  developer security.

What it shows us is how valuable digital capabilities are becoming, he told the E-Commerce Times.

The reach, effectiveness and cost efficiency of cyberactivities like these make enormously attractive weapons. As we digitize and connect more and more critical infrastructure, their effectiveness only increases  and consequently, so does the threat, Hunt explained.

Obviously, the U.S. needs to strengthen cybersecurity, said Marc Rotenberg, president of the Electronic Privacy Information Center, but EPIC also believes there should be greater focus on specific threats to personal information.

The U.S. needs a data protection agency similar to agencies in other democratic governments, he told the E-Commerce Times.

EPIC sent a letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee on Russian interference in the election, Rotenberg noted, and has submitted two Freedom of Information Act requests seeking additional details.
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CARSON CITY  The Nevada Legislature was inundated with men and women wearing the caps of various patriotic organizations on Wednesday.

Members of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Disable American Veterans, Marine Corps League, Korean War Veterans Association, Vietnam Veterans of America, Pearl Harbor Survivors, Gold Star Mothers and Scottish American Military Society took to the Capitol Block to raise awareness of and support for veterans issues.

Also on hand were members of the Nevada National Guard, high school students from the Carson High School Navy JROTC, and numerous other patriotic groups.

At the Nevada Veterans Memorial behind the State Capitol, a crowd of more than 200 gathered for the opening ceremony of Veterans Day at the Nevada Legislature. The ceremony began with presentation of colors by the Nevada National Guard Joint Honor Guard. Leadership members of both houses were present to welcome the veterans, and were joined by Gov. Brian Sandoval.

In his opening remarks, Assembly Speaker Jason Frierson said, The men and women present here today are a reminder of the persistent dedication to service shown by our veterans every day.

Senate Majority Leader Aaron Ford echoed with similar sentiments, calling the veterans issues an opportunity to reach out in civility, in brotherhood and sisterhood. He was referring specifically to three bills that were signed into law during the ceremony by Sandoval, after being passed unanimously by both houses. Coincidentally, the three bills are also the first three to be signed into law from the 79th Session.

In his remarks, Sandoval highlighted his goal of making Nevada the most veteran-friendly state in the nation, saying We can and always must do more for our veterans.

He then signed the three bills into law. The first was Assembly Bill 24, which expands those given exemption from paying tuition at Nevada higher education institutions. The new groups given exemption are: Gold Star families, children of those in the Armed Forces, those on active duty in and near Nevada, and those who retired out or were discharged in Nevada.

The second bill, Senate Bill 76, requires that the Nevada Department of Veterans Services to collect and preserve abandoned or unclaimed artifacts of military or historical value, making them available for transfer to the State Museum, State Historical Society, or other state agencies and nonprofit organizations.

The third bill, Senate Bill 58, expanded the Nevada Veterans Service Commission to include a member who is a part of the Women Veterans Advisory Committee, and a member who is a student veteran in Nevada.

Additionally, Director Katherine Miller of the Nevada Department of Veterans Services presented two awards. The first was the Nevada Veteran of the Month, presented to former Marine Sgt. John Louritt of Douglas County. Louritt works to provide services to many veterans in the county. He is also a member of the School Board and Parks Commission.

The second award was Nevada Veteran Supporter of the Month, and was presented to Honor Flight Nevada. Each year the Honor Flight program sends dozens of veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit the various memorials to their service. Information about the program and eligibility for veterans can be found at www.honorflightnv.org.

The ceremony ended with a presentation of the Bronze Star with a Valor device to SP4 Dick Moyer for his heroic actions during the Vietnam War in 1968. He and his fellow soldiers were on patrol when they were attacked by the North Vietnamese. Despite being wounded by a rocket-propelled grenade, Moyer continued moving his fellow wounded soldiers to safety, waiting for quick reaction forces to come in and sweep the area before finally yielding and allowing himself to be treated.

Brigadier General William R. Burks, the Adjutant General of Nevada, made the presentation. In his remarks, Burks said, Without the veterans this country wouldnt exist. The debt of gratitude to the veterans that is owed from all the prior wars is written in our history and the freedoms we have today.

Visiting veterans were honored in both the Assembly and the Senate, and a resolution was passed unanimously by both houses designating Nevada as a Purple Heart State.
Snowball-throwing Sen. James Inhofe of Oklahoma has accused the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of releasing propaganda that is brainwashing our kids.

Inhofe said the remarks during an interview on CNNs New Day as he discussed President Trumps drastic $2.8 billion cut to the EPA, or nearly a third of the agencys $8.1 billion current budget.

The Republican lawmaker said that the cutswhich would slash climate and science-related research, grants, programs and agenciesare good for the American people.

We ought to make things clean, Inhofe continued. But we ought to take all this stuff that comes out of the EPA thats brainwashing our kids, that is propaganda, things that arent true, allegations.

Inhofe did not go into the specifics to back up his claim, but has said the brainwashing comment before. In a 2016 radio interview, he accused schools of brainwashing children.

My own granddaughter came home one day and said  Popi, why is it you dont understand global warming? I did some checking, and Eric, the stuff that they teach our kids nowadays, they are brainwashyou have to un-brainwash them when they get out

Later in the New Day interview, host Poppy Harlow asked Inhofe about his opinion of EPA head Scott Pruitt, who has sued the EPA more than a dozen times as Oklahoma Attorney General and stirred new controversy when he said that carbon dioxide is not the primary contributor to climate change, contrary to accepted science.

Inhofe defended Pruitt, saying the former AG was doing a good job trying to block aggressive over-regulations  that was very detrimental to our economy.

Going further, Harlow highlighted Oklahomas alarming spate of induced-earthquakes likely caused by the injection of fracking wastewater into underground wells.

Its the EPA that regulates that, she remarked. Are you comfortable with [big EPA cuts]  that may mean more of these earthquakes in your home state?

Inhofe, a member and former chairman of the Environment and Public Works Committee chairman, then incorrectly responded that wastewater disposal was the jurisdiction of the Oklahoma Corporation Commission, not the EPA.

No, it is the EPA, Harlow shot back. To prove her point, she pulled up a graphic of mandates that states, EPA regulates the construction, operation, permitting and closure of injection wells used to place fluids underground for storage or disposal.

Inhofes statement after that is pretty excruciating to watch, at least in my opinion:

Inhofe is an outspoken climate change skeptic who threw a snowball across the Senate floor in Feb. 2015 to show that just because its snowing, global warming isnt real.

In case we have forgotten, because we keep hearing that 2014 has been the warmest year on record, I ask the chair, do you know what this is? Inhofe said then. Its a snowball. And its just from outside here. So its very, very cold out. Very unseasonable.

In an op-ed published on USA TODAY on Wednesday, Inhofe praised the Trump administrations actions to roll back environmental regulations.

This is just scratching the surface of the work ahead for President Trump as he seeks to lift the heavy hand of regulations by the federal government on the private sector, and it should be a signal to the American people that this country is again open for business, Inhofe wrote.
Kenya just became the latest country to ban plastic bags. According to Environment Cabinet Secretary Judi Wakhungu, The ministry has banned the use, manufacture and importation of all plastic bags used for commercial and household packaging.

Kenyas ban follows the United Nations new Clean Seas initiative, which has already inspired 10 governments to address plastic pollution.

Indonesia has pledged to reduce marine waste by 70 percent within the next eight years, and Africa, Rwanda and Morocco have already announced bans on plastic bags, with other countries expected to sign on within a month.

Kenya should be commended for its environmental leadership, said Erik Solheim, head of UN Environment. Its a great example that I hope will inspire others, and help drive further commitments to the Clean Seas campaign.

Kenya is taking decisive action to remove an ugly stain on its outstanding natural beauty, Solheim added. Plastic waste also causes immeasurable damage to fragile ecosystemsboth on land and at seaand this decision is a major breakthrough in our global effort to turn the tide on plastic.

Recent reports tell of whales suffering and dying after ingesting plastic waste. Including a whale found dead with more than 30 plastic bags in its stomach.

Many marine creatures such as fish, seabirds and turtles are choking on the 8 million metric tons of plastic garbage infesting oceans each year.

According to Douglas Broderick of the UN, 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic are swirling around in the worlds seas. Five giant patches of garbage are floating in the worlds oceans. They are nearly equivalent to the entire land mass of Indonesia. Theyre growing. Patches have collected so much trashmostly plasticthey can be seen from space.

Broderick estimated that at current pollution rates, there could be more plastic particles than fish in the oceans by 2050.

Kenyas ban, which begins in September, will require sweeping changes to business as usual. Supermarket shoppers, for example, use about 100 million plastic bags annually. Local entrepreneurs are already preparing to sell sustainable alternatives. Watch here:

https://youtu.be/48mK-KBRkfQ
With the near-extinct vaquita porpoise now numbering less than 30, conservation was dealt a blow on March 12, when Sea Shepherd found a dead newborn vaquita on the beach just 33 km south of San Felipe, in the Northern area of the Gulf of California.

The non-profit marine conservation societys anti-poaching ships, the M/V Farley Mowat and M/Y Sam Simon, have been patrolling the upper Gulf since last fall as part of Operation Milagro III to save the vaquita and the endangered totoaba bass.

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The body of a second, adult vaquita was reported to the crew not far from where the neonate was found, but after several days of searching by the crew, it has yet to be located. However, the locals who spotted it took pictures and gave them to Sea Shepherd in hopes that its body would still be found.

Sea Shepherd handed over the baby vaquita corpse to the Mexican authorities and a necropsy will be performed to determine the cause of death. The most common cause in the Gulf of California for the vaquita is getting caught in one of the numerous illegal gillnets hidden underwater, set up to trap the totoaba bass. Both the vaquita and the totoaba are similar in size and once the vaquita becomes entangled in the net, it is unable to reach the surface of the water to breathe, causing it to drown.

A dead newborn vaquita. Sea Shepherd Conservation Society

Under the stress of fighting for its life, a mother could have discharged the calf, hypothesized Operation Milagro campaign leader Captain Oona Layolle.

A female vaquita gives birth to a calf approximately once every two years. It is not known if the adult vaquita body spotted by locals was the newborns mother or not.

Unprecedented Number of Dead Totoaba in One Net

Sea Shepherd Conservation Society

The marine life devastation in the Gulf of California continued March 14, when the M/V Farley Mowat found and retrieved a net containing 66 dead totoaba. A 67 one was found alive and set free.

Illegal fisherman and the Mexican criminal cartels target the totoaba just to export its swim bladder for sale on the black market in China and Hong Kong for unsubstantiated medicinal properties. There it can fetch more than $20,000 per kilo. Due to this high street value, the totoaba bladder is frequently referred to as aquatic cocaine and is the only reason these animals are being killed.

Sea Shepherd Conservation Society

We never found as many dead totoaba in one net, said Captain Layolle, who was on hand to witness their destruction by the Federal Agency of the Environmental Protection after the carcasses were handed over to the Mexican government organization. It was heartbreaking and disgusting to see so many animals die to feed the Chinese demand for swim bladders. The trafficking of their swim bladder is destroying the entire ecosystem of the Gulf of California.

The illegal fishing activity has never been so dramatic here in the Gulf of California, Captain Layolle continued. We have been witnessing poachers activity day and night. High season for totoaba poaching is now hitting hard. It is having a huge impact on the biodiversity of this place; this is our last chance to save the species from extinction. But it seems that human ignorance and greed wont stop.

Sea Shepherd Conservation Society

Sea Shepherd founder Captain Paul Watson added: We are on the threshold of the doorways to extermination of many marine species. If we lose the vaquita, what next? Sea Shepherd needs all the help we can get to prevent the extinction of the worlds smallest and most endangered porpoise.
The Trump administration released its first official 2018 budget proposal this morning and copies obtained by multiple outlets yesterday confirmed deep cuts across the board for climate and science-related research, grants, programs and agencies.

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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, one of the budgets biggest targets, would suffer a cut of $2.8 billion or nearly a third of its $8.1 billion current budgetmuch higher than previous estimates of 25 percentincluding a $100 million cut for climate programs.

Funding for climate finance in the State Department budget, clean energy research at the Energy Department and funds for NOAA and NASA research also take serious hits in the draft proposal. The budget is one of the skinniest first budget documents in history and experts predict many of its short-on-policy-detail proposals will not sit well with Congress.

Money talks, and Trumps budget proposal screams that the only thing that matters in his America is corporate polluters profits and Wall Street billionaires, said Michael Brune, executive director of the Sierra Club. If Trump refuses to be serious about protecting our health and climate, or our publicly owned lands, then Congress must act, do its job, and reject this rigged budget.

Manish Bapna, managing director of World Resources Institute, agrees: The administration should respect science and continue to respond to the growing impacts of climate change, which is understood by the scientific and security communities alike. Its now up to Congress to restore funding, recognizing that Americas economic and security interests are intertwined with the well-being of people and the planet.

For a deeper dive:

General: New York Times, Washington Post, AP EPA: Washington Post, WSJ, Politico Pro, Bloomberg, Reuters State: Washington Post, Reuters

NOAA: Washington Post NASA: Washington Post DOE: Science Mag

For more climate change and clean energy news, you can follow Climate Nexus on Twitter and Facebook, and sign up for daily Hot News.

[facebook https://www.facebook.com/EcoWatch/videos/1460041177342148/
The Trump administration intends to scrap and rewrite an

Obama-era rule designed to make fracking on federal lands safer.

Drilling has taken place on federal lands for years, with more than 100,000 wells in existence. In 2015, the Interior Dept. issued new standards aimed at making the process safer, including stricter and higher design standards for wells and waste fluid storage facilities to mitigate risks to air, water and wildlife. Companies would also be required to publicly disclose chemicals used in fracking.

https://twitter.com/EcoInternet3/status/840315668419428352

However, U.S. District Judge Scott Skavdahl blocked the Obama rule in June after accepting the argument from energy companies and several states that federal regulators lack congressional authority to set rules for fracking.

The Obama administration appealed the decision to the 10th Circuit, but the rule could be killed for good. The Trump administration said in court filings Wednesday it is withdrawing from the lawsuit.

Justice Dept. lawyers representing Interior and the Bureau of Land Management asked the court to continue the oral argument and hold these appeals in abeyance pending a new rulemaking on the issue.

As part of this process, the Department has begun reviewing the 2015 Final Rule (and all guidance issued pursuant thereto) for consistency with the policies and priorities of the new Administration, the motion reads. This initial review has revealed that the 2015 Final Rule does not reflect those policies and priorities.

A spokeswoman for Interior Sec. Ryan Zinke confirmed with the Associated Press that the administration intends to submit a new rule.

Neal Kirby of the Independent Petroleum Association of America praised the withdrawal of the rule, calling it unnecessary, duplicative and would further drive away independent producers from federal lands.

Every energy-producing area has different needs and requirements, which is why the states are far more effective at regulating hydraulic fracturing than the federal government, he said.

Many environmental advocates felt that the 2015 rule was already too lenient, but the Trump administrations latest action could be even more worrisome to fracking opponents.

https://twitter.com/foodandwater/status/578980172663246848

This disturbing decision highlights Trumps desire to leave our beautiful public lands utterly unprotected from oil industry exploitation, said Michael Saul, an attorney with the Center for Biological Diversity. Backing away from these modest rules is doubly dangerous given the administrations reckless plans to ramp up fracking and drilling on public lands across America.

Other environmental organizations spoke out against the announcement.

Todays news demonstrates the degree to which Secretary Zinke and the Trump administration are in the pocket of the oil and gas industry, said Earthjustice attorney Mike Freeman.

Earthworks policy director Lauren Page said: By moving to overturn these common-sense protections, the Trump administration is positioning itself against the disclosure of toxic chemicals, protecting clean water and preserving our public land.

Groundwater contamination is one of the biggest concerns about unconventional oil and natural gas production. While the industry maintains the safety of the process, in December the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released its highly anticipated final report identifying cases of impacts on drinking water at each stage in the hydraulic fracturing water cycle.

The disposal of fracking wastewater into underground wells has also been linked to the alarming increase in seismic activity in states such as Oklahoma and Kansas.

With [Wednesdays] decision, Trump is making it clear that he thinks we need more fracking operations contaminating our drinking water, causing earthquakes and polluting our environment, not less, Sierra Club Beyond Dirty Fuels campaign director Lena Moffitt said. The Sierra Club will continue to defend this rule, ensuring that our publicly-owned lands remain protected from fracking and Donald Trump.

President Trump has

plans to open up federal lands for more energy development. As a candidate, Trump campaigned on a promise to unleash Americas $50 trillion in untapped shale, oil, and natural gas reserves, plus hundreds of years in clean coal reserves.

https://twitter.com/EcoWatch/status/819711881552269314

He accused President Obama of denying millions of Americans access to the energy wealth sitting under our feet by restricting leasing and banning new coal extraction.

Incidentally, the actions of the current administration go against the sentiments of the majority of Americans, who are opposed to fracking and drilling of public lands, according to

a new Gallup poll.

The poll, released on Tuesday, determined that 53 percent of Americans oppose fracking as a means of increasing the production of natural gas and oil in the U.S. Only 46 percent support for opening up federal lands for oil exploration, compared to 65 percent who favored it in 2014.

Americans Tilt Toward Protecting Environment, Alternative Fuels Gallup

The Gallup poll found that 72 percent of Americans support spending more government money on energy alternatives such as solar and wind power. About two-thirds of Americans favor more strongly enforcing federal environmental regulations and setting higher emissions standards for business and energy.

Public opposition to fracking has grown in recent years, as counties and cities across the country are passing resolutions and ordinances to ban the practice.

Even states are getting behind the action. The Maryland House of Delegates

passed a milestone bill earlier this month that would ban fracking statewide.

Fracking opponents are now urging the Maryland Senate to pass the same legislation. On Thursday morning, a group of protesters including including faith leaders and western Maryland residents, barred the entrance to the State House in a peaceful act of civil disobedience. Thirteen were arrested.

https://twitter.com/ThomasMeyer24/status/842384782818463744

As stewards of Gods creation, United Methodists are opposed to hydraulic fracturing because of the serious consequences for the environment, including damage to water and geological stability, said Rev. Julie Wilson, chair for the Board of Church and Society for the Baltimore Washington Conference of the United Methodist Church. We support a ban on fracking.

Garrett County in western Maryland is likely to be the first area targeted if fracking is allowed. The demonstrators say that fracking would threaten the areas local economy, which relies heavily on tourism and agriculture.

https://twitter.com/RiannaEckel/status/842396722840100866

Western Maryland would be targeted first by fracking, and western Marylanders overwhelmingly know that we can never allow it to take place, said Ann Bristow, Garrett County resident and member of Gov. OMalleys Marcellus shale advisory commission.

The more we learn about fracking, the more we know we need a ban. Our water, health and climate are far more important than short term gain for the natural gas industry. Once free of worrying about fracking in Maryland, we can all turn our attention to a renewable and sustainable future.
(Reuters/Dado Ruvic/Illustration)An Islamic State flag is seen in this picture illustration taken February 18, 2016.

A Sydney man, who visited Syria after finishing his studies in a Catholic school, is slated to face eight years in jail for serious terrorism charges if convicted.

John Zakhariev, 21, was arrested in Bulgaria in September 2016, and has been detained in a maximum security prison in Sofia, Bulgaria. Officials believe that he had ties with the jihadist terrorist group.

Zakhariev allegedly tried  and failed  to join the organization four years ago due to his insufficient combat abilities, possessed "jihadist materials," and participated in shooting ranges. His family believes that he is accused of crimes he did not commit.

The son of a Bulgarian-Australian man and a Vietnamese-Australian woman, Zakhariev was raised in Sydney and finished his studies in Waverley College in 2012.

In an interview with Bulgarian media, Zakhariev said that he converted to Islam when he was still a high school student. "When I became a Muslim it was a very emotional time in my life," he shared. "I just broke up with a girlfriend and I had problems with my family ... And it seemed to me at the time that Islam offered something which I really wanted which was companionship and friendship. I have to admit I never really fully believed in Islam."

He returned to being a Catholic in 2016. Hristo Botev, Zakhariev's lawyer, talked about his client's questionable trips and associations to Syria in an interview with Fairfax Media. According to the lawyer, Zakhariev became a member of the Street Dawah when he was 17 years old. The group was led by one Mohammad Ali Baryalei who would go on to become a high-ranking recruiter for the Islamic State.

He travelled to Syria after learning about the situation there to see if he can help. In his eight days in the war-torn country, he stayed in a house under the control of the Jaish al-Mukajireen wal-Ansar, which was not a condemned terrorist organization at the time. Zakhariev left after seeing the violence and brutality of the jihadists.

He went to Europe to take his planned holiday before going back home to continue his studies at the University of Sydney. In 2015, Zakhariev tried to visit Bulgaria, his father's home country, but his passport was confiscated. It was returned after two weeks.

Zakhariev travelled to Bulgaria the following year to help his father return to his home country. Botev admitted that his client went to a legal shooting range, but he refuted that Zakhariev's visit had ill motivations.

Svetlomir, Zakhariev's father and former diplomat at the United Nations, had been supporting the young man through his incarceration until he passed away in late February.

The Australian-Bulgarian student's family expressed their concerns about his situation. "At first, I just thought it was a big misunderstanding, we laughed it off thinking he'd be home in a couple of weeks because he's done nothing wrong," Nevena, Zakhariev's sister, told Fairfax Media. "But as months and months passed, it became more serious. My fear is that the government wants to make an example out of him and he'll go to jail for something he didn't do."

Zakhariev is scheduled to appear at a court hearing on March 17.
(Photo: Screen grab from Bolivia President Evo Morales presents the gift to Pope Francis)Bolivia President Evo Morales seeks to present Pope Francis with a crucifix mounted on a hammer and sickle on July 9, 2015.

Americans are considerably less favourably inclined to Pope Francis than they were a year ago, a new Gallup poll has found, two months before he is to visit the United States.

Pope Francis' favorability rating among the general public in the United States has returned to where it was when he was elected to the papacy and some believe his strong comments and capitalism and climate may be fueling that change .

Francis current popularity rating among Americans is now at 59 per cent, down from 76 per cent in early 2014.

The pontiff's rating is similar to the 58 per cent he received from Americans in April 2013, soon after he was elected.

Pope Francis' favourability rating among American Catholics has also dropped almost one-fifth in a little over a year.

In 2014, 89 per cent of U.S. Catholics said they viewed him favorably.

According to the poll published July 22, that figure stands at 71 per cent  a drop of nearly 20 per cent, or one-fifth, of the country's Catholics.

Similarly the percentage of other Christians who rate Francis favourably has dropped from 73 per cent to 52 per cent.

"With the official release of Pope Francis's encyclical on the environment [Lauadato si'], it's clear that several strains of thought prominent in the U.S. will be particularly challenged by the document," Chris Mooney commented in The Washington Post on June 18.

"That includes U.S. individualists who tend to support limited government and fewer environmental restrictions  [conservative radio host] Rush Limbaugh has already accused Francis of Marxism - and also those who perceive a strong conflict between science and religion."

Mooney wrote, "So in sum, here we have a leader of one of the world's dominant churches articulating - and soon, coming to the U.S. to further articulate - a vision in which science and faith are partners in a communal quest to protect the vulnerable from the rampant profit motive and exploitation of the Earth.

"For U.S. individualists and science-religion battlers, that is going to be serious cause for contemplation - which, perhaps most of all, is what Francis's encyclical is asking us for."

One commentator told Catholic News Agency that most Americans have a favorable view of Francis, but an apparent decline in their numbers may be due to his implicit challenge to American culture.

"Americans never react well when an international leader criticizes their culture," Dr. Kathleen Cummings, a University of Notre Dame professor of American Studies, told CNA July 24.

"Given that Pope Francis has done so implicitly in his recent remarks and writings, it is not surprising to see that his approval ratings have declined in the United States."

The Tablet, a UK-based Catholic newsspaper commented July 23, "The negative response to Laudato si' is often linked to the other anti-Francis tack taken by right-wing American Catholics  that his fierce critique of the free-market economic system only applies to Latin America, or indeed just Argentina, and hence says nothing about what happens elsewhere including the United States.

"This is to treat Pope Francis as a fool. They forget that he is not the first Pope to sound left-wing to their ears. Even the one that conservative Catholics in America tend most to admire, St John Paul II, had his encyclical Sollicitudo Rei Socialis rubbished in The Wall Street Journal as "warmed-over Marxism."
(Image from The Economist)How The Economist of April 19-25 depicts Pope Francis after his first year as pontiff.

Employers are obliged to protect peoples' dignity, and those who lay off employees solely for economic gain commit a serious sin, Pope Francis has told employees of a TV platform in Italy.

Francis said, "He who shuts factories and closes companies as a result of economic operations and unclear negotiations, depriving men and women from work, commits a very grave sin."

The Pope was speaking to a group of employees of the Italian branch of the TV platform Sky on the firing of employees, Catholic News Agency reported.

"Work gives dignity, and managers are obliged to do all possible so that every man and woman can work and so carry their heads high and look others in the eye with dignity," said Francis.

The Pope made the remarks at the end of his weekly General Audience on March 15.

Sky Italy is a platform for digital satellite television, partly owned by 21st Century Fox, it is also a major sports' broadcaster for sports.

Sky has recently announced plans to downsize and move 300 employees and their families from the capital in Rome to the Italian commercial center of Milan in the north of the country.

The pontiff expressed his hope for a rapid solution that "takes into account the respect for the rights of all, especially for families."

Since he became the leader of 1.2 billion Catholics four years ago, Francis has strongly defended the rights of workers, Reuters news agency reported.

As in other countries throughout the world, Italy has seen companies and factories close as production has moved abroad to take advantage of lower labour costs or as a result of restructuring and mergers.

Sky Italia is owned by the Rupert Murdoch-controlled British pay TV operator Sky and its employees who opposed to its plan to move most of its operations to Milan from Rome, which unions say could lead to hundreds of job cuts and forced transfers have recently been on strike.

Murdoch was born in Australia, but is now an America citizen.

In another case that has dominated Italian newspapers, up to 2000 people may lose their jobs in restructuring at loss-making airline Alitalia, whose failure to fend off low-cost competition is widely blamed on decades of poor management.

Exacerbating the threat of job losses in these and other cases is the fear of long-term unemployment for those affected.

Italy's jobless rate stands at about 12 per cent and its youth unemployment is close to 40 per cent, Reuters reported.
How should educators respond to fake news? Recently, this question has been discussed on NPR and dozens of other media outlets. It pervades education blogs, gets raised urgently at teacher meetings, and circulates around the faculty lunch table at the independent school where I teach. Lessons and classes on media literacy are proliferating almost as fast as the presidents tweets. While the phrase is newly in vogue, students well educated in U.S. history should already be quite familiar with fake news and how to assess it.

Fake news is integral to the American political tradition. It surfaces especially in moments of crisis. It often involves conspiracy theories, outright lying, and deceitful inference. It has presented as both fringe and mainstream.

I have taught this lesson for over 30 years, in both high schools and colleges, and have seen how many terrific history teachers impart the tools needed to ferret out fake political claims. They do so, first, by contextualizing the rhetoric of fakery: placing it in a larger stream of events and ideas. They also provide contrasting points of view and arguments. Additionally, good teachers dissect political rhetoric: Does it appeal to hope or fear? Does it indict by inference or fact? What role does it consign speaker and audience? Finally, committed teachers of history prize complexity while insisting on truthan end arrived at through painstaking research and thought. Thus, history teachers empower students to assess false assertions.

In his Pulitzer-winning classic from the 1960s, Harvard historian Bernard Bailyn analyzed The Ideological Origins of the American Revolution and discovered the colonists profound, yet groundless, insistence that there existed a conspiracy in England to rob them of their liberties. Revolutionary-era pamphlets repeatedly identified the architect of this plot as the English politician John Stuart, Lord Bute, whose apparent absence from politics since 1763 could be seen as one of his more successful dissimulations, Bailyn deadpanned. Thomas Jefferson wrote conspiracy into the Declaration of Independence by asserting that King George IIIs treatment of America evinces a design to reduce [the colonies] under absolute despotism.

Good teachers dissect political rhetoric: Does it appeal to hope or fear? Does it indict by inference or fact?"

History teachers should help students understand how historical context and opposing viewpoints can shed new light on such political rhetoric. In 1776, for instance, most English politicians saw their American policy as mild and enlightened. The Revolutionaries, on the other hand, saw English policy as a massive plot. It wasnt.

The run-up to the Civil War also included prominent claims of conspiracy. Abolitionists and politicians proclaimed the existence of a sinister Slave Power cabal intent on expanding slavery and dominating the federal government.

Abraham Lincoln famously referenced this conspiracy and proved it by inference in his House Divided speech of 1858. Describing slaverys spread westward and the pro-slave result of the Dred Scott U.S. Supreme Court case, Lincoln asserted: We cannot absolutely know that all these exact adaptations are the result of preconcert. Comparing the major conspirators of the slave power to workmen building a house; referring to Sen. Stephen A. Douglas, President Franklin Pierce, Chief Justice Roger B. Taney, and President James Buchanan; and depicting the systematic expansion of slavery, Lincoln concluded that we find it impossible not to believe that Stephen, Franklin, Roger, and James all understood one another from the beginning, and all worked upon a common plan or draft before the first lick was struck. Historians have yet to find the smoking gun that eluded Lincoln in his speech.

This can offer students another instructive example of why context matters in political rhetoric. At the time of Lincolns speech in 1858, for instance, Southern slaveholders imagined themselves an embattled minority in national politicsnot an implacable power.

In a famous essay from 1964, the historian Richard Hofstadter described a Paranoid Style in American Politics. His analysis ranged from 19th-century beliefs in Masonic and Catholic plots to usurp traditional values, to Sen. Joseph McCarthys 1951 smear of the eminent soldier and secretary of state George Marshall. What distinguished modern political paranoia, Hofstadter said, may be traced to the effects of the mass media. It enabled a literature of the paranoid style ... richer and more circumstantial and provided a vast theater for the paranoid imagination. Paranoid rants, which Hofstadter identified with those on the extreme right and their fears of being dispossessed, had become even more grandiose and pervasive in modern times. So it looked more than a half-century ago.

In a history classroom, students should look not just at the substance of this paranoia, but, for example, at how McCarthys message formed part of the fabric of the Cold War.

In its method and subject matter, history is uniquely suited to explaining our recurring fascination for fake news. Sure, Twitter and the internet are recent platforms for deceit, news cycles today run faster than ever, and some teachers lack the training or ability to lead students to critical perspectives. But, getting to the bottom of why we continuously fall for fake news requires a deep understanding of our past.
To build the largest and most complete Amateur Radio community site on the Internet - a "portal" that hams think of as the first place to go for information, to exchange ideas, and be part of whats happening with ham radio on the Internet. eHam.net provides recognition and enjoyment to the people who use, contribute, and build the site. This project involves a management team of volunteers who each take a topic of interest and manage it with passion. The site will stand above all other ham radio sites by employing the latest technology and professional design/programming standards, developed by a team of community programmers who contribute their skills to the effort. The site will be something of which everyone involved can be proud to say they were a part. We welcome your comments. The eHam.net Team, Revision 07/2020.
The glistening white salt of the world famous Bonneville Salt Flats is shrinking near the Utah-Nevada line. The prehistoric lakebed has long been a mecca for daredevil speed racers, as well as a backdrop for famous movie scenes and destination for selfie-seeking tourists. Concerns are mounting about the future of the treeless expanse of salt crystals and yet another study has been launched as researchers try to pinpoint the cause and solution. They know a century of mining a potassium-based salt called potash has played a role and are also trying to assess how racing, tourism and climate change factor in.
A longtime friend of Ellsworth and champion for our nations military has received the highest award given to non-Department of Defense civilians.

Alton Al Cornella, a civic leader and retired local business owner, received the Air Force Distinguished Public Service Award for advocating for the Air Force, connecting regional and professional communities to the service, and bolstering a better understanding of the nations youngest branch of the military whose mission is to fly, fight and win.

Col. Gentry Boswell, commander of the 28th Bomb Wing, officially presented the award to Cornella at a Military Affairs Committee luncheon at Ellsworth March 16 before a crowd of Airmen, Soldiers, family, friends, community leaders and representatives of the states political leaders.

It is a distinct honor to present this award to a leader that has dedicated so much effort and talent to champion both our service and our Airmen and their families, Boswell said. Al is a beacon of this community, he has been a key force behind so much of our mutual success and has been instrumental in helping countless individuals - at all levels - understand the vital mission of the Air Force and Ellsworth. This honor recognizes over two decades of devoted service working at the both the local level, and at the highest levels of national leadership with the Chief of Staff of the Air Force and the Secretary of Defense. He has made a profound and lasting positive impact, we are forever grateful and indebted for his service.

Cornella received the prestigious award specifically for the work he did between 2012 and 2016 as a part of the Chief of Staff of the Air Forces Civic Leader Group. He was one of 24 business owners, teachers and lawyers from across the nation hand-picked by retired Gen. Mark Welsh III, former Chief of Staff of the Air Force, to visit Air Force bases around the globe, communicating with Airmen and assessing needs and conditions. According to the groups charter, they provide something valuable to the Air Force: perspective.

I am honored and humbled to receive this medal, said Cornella, a veteran and member of the Air Force Civic Leader program who has served on a variety of boards and commissions dealing with military and environmental issues. Its really been a privilege serving.

Cornella says that his work as a civil servant comes from a sense of duty inspired by his father, who served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

I grew up in the 1950s and all of the World War II vets were still young men, he said. My dad told me about every vet in our hometown  where they served, things like that. I can still tell you their names, branches of service and where most of them served, from the Pacific to Normandy.

He recalls walking to school and passing the homes of Gold Star families - banners first flown by families during World War I. The flag included a blue star for every immediate family member serving in the armed forces. If that loved one died, the blue star was replaced by a gold star.

The Stockings lost two sons in Europe and the Birds son died on a submarine in the Pacific, Cornella recalled as his eyes reddened. I realized very early on the price that people have paid to preserve our freedoms.

The North Dakota native enlisted in the National Guard the day he turned 17, and joined active duty as an electrician in the Navy two years later. During his time in the service he found himself in numerous leadership roles, often in charge of senior ranking sailors. In 1969, after a stint in Vietnam and almost six years in the military, he left the service and returned to South Dakota to marry his fiance, Mariette.

During his return back to civilian life, the young veteran learned about refrigeration as part of a military program. Cornella soon started his own commercial refrigeration company in Rapid City, South Dakota, and now, 42 years later, has handed the reins to his eldest son, Scott.

Im so proud of him, Scott said. He has taught me everything I know about business and I respect him tremendously.

In addition to raising a family and building and running his own company, Al was heavily involved in the Rapid City and Ellsworth communities. He served as the honorary commander for the 44th Missile Wing and 28th Bomb Wing, chairman of several military-related organizations and currently serves on the South Dakota Board of Military Affairs as well as the Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation Board of Directors.

When somebody asks me which branch of the service I served in, I have to stop and think, Cornella said. I always want to say Air Force, and its almost a slip. Ive been around the Air Force for so long and love it so much that I feel like I am part of it.

According to his son, Cornellas love and support of the military have been apparent by his actions.

It was clearly evident growing up, Scott said. Even though hes a civilian, he has lived a military lifestyle.

While Al is now retired and is focused on spending time with his family and six grandchildren, he continues to serve as a meritorious member of the Civic Leader Program and an active member of the South Dakota Board of Military Affairs  continuing the commitment of ensuring the Air Force continues to be the preeminent air, space and cyberspace force in the world.
Eastern Airways add weekend flights for TT

Eastern Airways will operate extra flights at the weekends during TT fortnight.

The airline took over the Belfast City and Newcastle routes at the start of this week after CityWing entered liquidation earlier this month.

The operator plans to run additional services to the two airports on the final weekend in May as well as the first two weekends in June, when visitors will be heading to and from the Island for the races.

Bike fans from Northern Ireland in particular had expressed concern about transport to the Island following CityWing's collapse.
Work permit applications drop

Applications for work permits dropped by almost 600 last year.

Department of Economic Development figures show 3,299 people applied for permission to work on the Isle of Man last year compared with 3,891 in 2015.

The number is also over 1,100 fewer than in 2014, when almost 4,500 applications were received.

However, just 54 of the applicants were rejected, while the average processing time is down compared with the previous year.

Recently published figures from the 2016 census showed the Island's population has fallen over the last five years.
At the beginning of the decade, five companies began eyeing Spains underground resources, promising that the US shale boom could be reproduced on the Iberian peninsula. The conservative government of the Popular Party (PP) lent its weight to fracking  or hydraulic fracturing, the technique used to extract gas from underground shale deposits  in order to reduce the countrys near-complete dependence on hydrocarbon imports. But low gas prices and strong social rejection, including from local and regional authorities, have thwarted those plans. Now, all five firms have given up on fracking altogether.

Anti-fracking sign in the village of Quintanilla-Sobresierra (Burgos). GORKA LEJARCEGI

The fracking process involves injecting water, sand and chemicals at high pressure through a well in order to fracture the rock that contains the gas and oil, which can then be extracted. Fracking has revolutionized the energy market in the US, and industry players thought the same would soon happen in Spain.

We cannot ban it, but we can make it impossible

Francisco Martinez Arroyo, Castilla-La Mancha environment chief

Spain, and most particularly the Basque Country and Cantabria regions to the north, contains a gas supply potential equal to 70 years of consumption, according to a 2013 report commissioned by the Spanish Association of Research, Exploration and Production of Hydrocarbons and Subterranean Storage Companies (ACIEP).

That amount is worth 700 billion, according to this industry group.

But getting at the gas involves a drilling technique demonized by environmental groups, whose anti-fracking message has been widely adopted by Spanish society. The PP administration changed national legislation to make it more favorable to fracking, but soon it was the PP itself that was fracturing.

Regional dissent

In Spains national Congress, the PP managed to keep its deputies in check, and the partys absolute majority ensured that legislative changes got greenlighted. But inside several regional assemblies, including those of Cantabria and the Basque Country, PP representatives supported anti-fracking laws instead.

The rejection trickled down to the local level. Five municipalities with PP mayors in Burgos province vocally opposed a fracking project in the area led by the Canadian company BNK. It created a sense of legal insecurity, hydrocarbon industry sources admit.

A protest in the Valencia city of Castellon. Marti Domenech

In March 2016, with the PP no longer in a majority position, congressional groups presented an initiative calling on the government to ban the practice. By then, companies were already pulling out of Spain, partly because of a global drop in gas and oil prices.

At this point, all five firms at the helm of a pro-fracking lobby called Shale Gas Espana  BNK, Heyco, R2 Energy, San Leon and the Basque Countrys own Sociedad de Hidrocarburos de Euskadi (SHESA)  have given up on fracking in Spain.

SHESA is a public corporation that answers to the Basque government. The company admits that it has already ceded one of its five licenses, covering fracking rights on a section of land known as Angosto 1 and extending over Cantabria, the Basque Country and the region of Castilla y Leon. SHESA will now fight for its other four licenses, but it plans to use conventional techniques there.

Its a similar story at the other four companies leading the fracking movement in Spain. BNK gave up on its two licenses in 2016, and San Leon did the same with its six permits. When the PP lost control over the regional government of Valencia in 2015, R2 Energy announced it would not use fracking under its three licenses there. And Heyco was working in association with SHESA.

The Basque way

One might say that Spains fracking fever  or bubble  begins and ends in the Basque Country. In 2011, the regional premier at the time, the Socialist Patxi Lopez, traveled to Texas and, standing at the foot of a shale gas well, announced that his region had enough resources to be self-sufficient for 70 years. But six years on, while Basque legislation may not ban fracking outright, it places such high environmental demands on operators that it is almost nonviable. The law was born out of a popular initiative that collected more than 100,000 signatures, and received favorable votes from the PP, Basque Socialists (PSE) and the radical nationalists of EH Bildu, in a rare display of political agreement.

Several regional governments had banned fracking outright before this, but Spains Constitutional Court struck down these laws one by one on the grounds that regional authorities were overstepping their powers and encroaching on federal prerogatives. So Basque legislators came up with the idea of allowing the technique while imposing extremely strict conditions. The central government has appealed, and the Constitutional Court is still considering the case.

One might say that Spains fracking fever begins and ends in the Basque Country

Meanwhile, the regional assembly of Castilla-La Mancha has gone the Basque way and recently approved similar legislation.

We cannot ban it, but we can make it impossible, sums up the regional environmental chief, Francisco Martinez Arroyo. There is a very significant movement of social rejection.

Social pressure has played a relevant role, not just in Spain, but all over Europe, says Samuel Martin-Sosa, of the green group Ecologistas en Accion. The only EU country that remains clearly pro-fracking is Britain.

English version by Susana Urra.
An alleged front man for the President of Equatorial Guinea, a Russian named Vladimir Kokorev, paid a Madrid communications agency 140,000 to whitewash his own familys reputation and to investigate a lawyer and two journalists  one of them an EL PAIS reporter  according to documents confiscated by police from the apartment of the now-jailed history professor in the Spanish capital.

Vladimir Kokorev (right) at his extradition hearing in Panama.

Kokorev, who is alleged to have worked for Teodoro Obiang, attracted the attention of the authorities when it was discovered that he and his family had received more than 30 million from the state coffers of the oil-rich West African State, which was formerly a Spanish colony.

Along with his family, he was arrested in Panama and extradited to Spain, where the Spanish Tax Agency brought charges against him for fraud to the tune of 18 million.

The head of Quantumleap only remembered working for the Kokorevs when confronted with the contract

In an attempt to bury the past and clear the family name, the Kokorevs enlisted the services of the Quantumleap agency to query negative news on their activities, distribute positive reports on the African dictator and publish a book challenging the police and judicial investigation that has since led to Vladimirs imprisonment as well as that of his wife Julie, who claims to be a journalist, and their son Igor, for money laundering and tax evasion. Their youngest son, Vladimir Jr, is still at large.

Quantumleap is run by Jesus Timoteo Alvarez, a professor of communications and journalism at Madrids Complutense University, who signed a contract in 2010, undertaking to build a webpage that reflected positively on the Kokorevs, launch what was termed an elite qualitative investigation and publish a book on Equatorial Guinea with the collaboration of students from the Complutense. These PR stunts would, in one way or another, involve a wide range of entities, including the Anti-Corruption Attorneys Office, newspapers EL PAIS, El Mundo and Canarias, banks, the Foreign Affairs Ministry, spokespeople from the Foreign Affairs Committees parliamentary groups, experts on Equatorial Guinea and the foreign affairs secretaries and coordinators from political parties across the spectrum in Spain.

The contract signed by Kokorev and Quantumleap.

According to the contract, the work requires skill, discretion and intelligence, and calls for a professional team with a great deal of experience.

The book, for example, would reveal the true role of the Kokorev family and their Kalunga Company in President Obiangs affairs. The contract goes on to stipulate that the book would also form part of a PR campaign, using lobbying techniques to target audiences and resolve the situation in which we find ourselves.

According to the contract, the agency would assign an author or two authors (either with a doctorate in journalism or studying for a doctorate) with the task of drawing up a report/thesis on the attempted coup in Equatorial Guinea in 2004. This report/thesis must include one or two chapters clarifying issues concerning the Kokorev family. The estimated cost for this literary endeavor was to be 40,000.

Different jobs, different price tags

Concerning coverage on the Kokorevs in newspapers, particularly EL PAIS, Quantumleap proposed carrying out an elite qualitative investigation, using intelligence techniques to find out why those writing the articles kept returning to the story. We need to know the reasons behind this situation before we can come up with a strategy to tackle and solve it. This, it was noted, would be an expensive operation costing between 15,000 to 27,000.

Among the documents confiscated by the police, are three detailed reports: one on the lawyer Manuel Olle from the Spanish Pro Human Rights Association (APDHE) who filed a lawsuit against Obiang and triggered judicial proceedings against the dictator; a second concerns El Mundo journalist Antonio Rubio who reported on the case; and the third is a brief on an EL PAIS journalist who has been investigating the Kokorevs since 2007, when 30 million was transferred to the Kalunga Companys bank account in Las Palmas.

Teodoro Obiang won nearly 100% of votes cast in the Equatorial Guinea elections of 2016. EFE

These reports are the result of Quantumleaps so-called elite qualitative investigation and contain a detailed profile of each subjects professional life and repeated insinuations about them of a false and grave nature that the Kokorevs managed to get published anonymously in Russian media outlets such as the old Soviet newspaper, Pravda.

Among these reports are handwritten notes, presumably penned by the employees of Quantumleap, pointing out that the bank accounts of the three subjects had been investigated. One note states: Still to be determined, and later speaks about the origin of an unusual transaction in 2006, but concludes that there is no plot linking the trio.

Quantumleaps Jesus Timoteo Alvarez denies having signed any contract with Vladimir Kokorev, although he does admit meeting him on the Complutense University campus and trying to visit him in jail when he was arrested because hes a friend of mine, a good person and very intelligent.

Only when presented with a signed receipt for the first installment of 35,000 and a copy of the contract entitled: Kokorev: Work Plan and Schedule, bearing Quantumleaps logo and the words Highly Confidential, did he admit to having worked for him. That was many years ago and I dont remember much about it, the professor told EL PAIS. I helped him to respond to the attacks he was under from the newspapers, and to look for ways of reacting to certain pieces of news  the profiles written by you, the journalists, if possible.

When asked if the book on Equatorial Guinea had been published, Timoteo Alvarez answered that this was the case. When further questions about the book were posed such as what it was called, how many copies had been published and whether the authors were also Complutense lecturers, he replied: I dont know. I dont remember. I would need to get permission from the authors to tell you the title of the book.

One document indicates the bank accounts of a lawyer and two journalists were spied on

Alvarez denied that Quantumleap snooped on the bank accounts of the lawyer or the two journalists but admits that he commissioned Carmen Fernandez Camacho, a professor of journalism at Madrids King Juan Carlos University to write a report of journalistic expertise to accompany a criminal lawsuit filed by Vladimir Kokorev against EL PAIS for defamation and libel. Fernandez Camachos report alleged that the information published by this newspaper had been manipulated, falsified or simply invented.

This lawsuit was summarily dismissed by Antonio Saenz de San Pedro of Madrids Magistrates Court number 38, whose judicial writ pointed out that the articles in EL PAIS were based on police reports and contained neutral or verified information. They are not invented or superfluous assertions rather they are the distillation of dense police reports, a fact none of the journalists attempted to hide, he said.

Alvarez claims he does not recall how much he charged the Kokorevs for the report or how much he paid Fernandez Camacho for writing this work of journalistic expertise.

English version by Heather Galloway.
Jesse James has been cheating on former wife Sandra Bullock. The former tabloid king has his own explanation on why he cheated on her.

Jesse James and Sandra Bullock had been married for five years when reports of his cheating leaked into the press. The 47-year-old American television personality has a surprising reason. "In general, both women and men cheat. It is part of life," he said in an interview with Daily Mail.

This does not mean that Jesse James did not apologize to Sandra Bullock. He acknowledged his actions and took accountability for it. But that is the end of the story according to the former CEO of Austin Speed Shop.

In 2010, Jesse James and Sandra Bullock split. It happened just weeks after the 52-year-old actress won the Oscar's Best Actress for her role in "The Blind Side." He was reported to have cheated on his wife with tattooed model Michelle McGee, stripper Melissa Smith and Los Angeles photographer Brigitte Daguerre.

Jesse James is currently on wife number four including Sandra Bullock. He is now married to Alexis DeJoria, who is a drag racer and billionaire heiress. He now lives in Texas and owns a gun manufacturing business and a National Rifle Association clothing line.

According to Jesse James, his first marriage with Karla James does not count because he was only 20 years old at that time and his former wife was 30. However, they have two children: Elli, 19 years old and Chandler, 22. He was also married briefly to Janine Lindemulder who is a porn actress. They have a 13-year-old daughter named Sunny. Jesse James and Sandra Bullock have no children.

Sandra Bullock is now doing well as a mom to two adopted children without Jesse James. In 2015, she has started dating photographer Bryan Randall. However, according to E! News insider, "It took Sandy some time to actually open up to a man, trust and love again."
Kate Middleton is said to be a bit disappointed because she missed out a big opportunity to meet Angelina Jolie. It can be recalled that the actress and her son Maddox took a private tour of the Buckingham Palace last March 15.

Angelina was spotted leaving the palace with her son last Tuesday and unfortunately, Kate Middleton was nowhere in sight. Some people have speculated if the Duchess felt bad for not able to meet Brad Pitt's ex-wife. But before her visit to the palace, Jolie gave a lecture on the rights of women at the London School of Economics.

In the lecture, Angelina Jolie elaborated the effect and impact of displacement and war to refugee women of which she is an advocate as per Daily Mail. Even if Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie reportedly met Kate Middleton and Prince William during their trip in London way back 2015, the actress was not able to meet any member of the royal family this time.

During their meeting in 2015, it has been reported that Kate and Angelina enjoyed a tea together at Kensington Palace but it seems like that did not happen this time. Besides, the actress has another purpose in going there and perhaps it was not meeting with the royal family but for a certain cause.

Some of the royal insiders were shocked that Kate Middleton was not around when Angelina Jolie and her son Maddox visited and toured the Buckingham Palace. It can be recalled that Kate has been reported to have been enjoying rubbing elbows with Hollywood's elite. Last time, it has been reported too that the Duchess of Cambridge did whatever it takes so Prince William will bring her to the BAFTA's last January as per The Sun.

No one really knows what kept Kate Middleton busy during the past week since she was also absent during the celebration of the Commonwealth Day services while Prince William was on a ski trip. Like the Duchess, Angelina Jolie also had her reasons for visiting Buckingham Palace which did not include meeting any member of the royal family.
Cyber crime seems to evolve and innovate as much as the tech industry it seeks to exploit. In recent times, ransomware has become an especially potent tool of cyber criminals looking to exploit compan...
While the new incumbent of the White House invests time and energy in overturning Obamacare, a Spanish communications engineer and two US colleagues have teamed up to create an alternative that challenges President Trumps ambition to rid the United States of the nearest thing to a national healthcare system the country has ever seen.

Carlos Reines in New York.

More information El espanol que ofrece una sanidad accesible en Estados Unidos

Founded in 2013 by Madrid-born Carlos Reines and Gil Addo, a Forbes Magazine 30 Under 30 in healthcare, RubiconMD offers US patients the chance to side-step costly appointments with medical specialists in a healthcare system renowned for its exorbitant fees.

An e-Consult platform, RubiconMD allows GPs to connect with first-rate specialists using telematics to verify a diagnosis and confirm patient treatment. Now, RubiconMD has just been endorsed by the prestigious Zuckerberg Hospital in San Francisco, which has joined forces with the initiative.

GPs say RubiconMD improves their practice and is like ongoing training Carlos Reines

With 24 employees, RubiconMD already operates in 32 states, serving health centers, company clinics and insurance companies. In 2016, it was used to either diagnose or treat one million patients, just three years after it was launched.

The cost for a general practitioner subscribing to the platform is $250 a month. This GP is then able to send patient details online to a medical specialist in one of more than 115 areas. An algorithm then selects the right specialist for the patient and the answer to the query comes back within four or five hours.

Our specialists are people who have graduated from Harvard, Stanford and Columbia, says Reines, 32, adding that 80% studied on scholarships and 60% now work in the best training hospitals in America.

We want to make healthcare more democratic, he explains. We estimate that 40% of visits to specialists could be avoided if the family doctor had access to more information.

Obamacare was introduced in 2010 and obliges all US citizens to buy medical insurance. The policy provides subsidies for people on low-incomes and supports companies that dont discriminate against certain patients, such as those with a pre-existing illness. Obamacare also makes provision for the poorest sector of the population with the state health care initiative, Medicaid. Obamacare has provided 20 million more people with access to health care, paid for by raising taxes.

Trumps proposal waives the obligation to buy medical insurance, radically changes Medicaid and removes the tax hike. RubiconMD is an option for the 14 million people who it is thought will be left without medical insurance next year if Trumps reforms go through.

I think the mission of making access to healthcare more democratic is more relevant than ever, given this new framework, says Reines. But even during Obamas presidency, millions of patients had problems accessing specialists due to waiting lists, co-payments they couldnt afford and trouble paying for transport. These problems are even more acute amongst the poorest Americans and that is where RubiconMD can have the biggest impact, by making access easier for more people and allowing them to bypass unnecessary fees.

The most immediate effect of Trumps proposal has been to generate uncertainty among practitioners, who are postponing decisions until the details of the new system become clear, but despite that, RubiconMD is managing to forge ahead.

Its partnership with the Zuckerberg Hospital and its associated university, the University of California in San Francisco (UCSF), has the added advantage that the latter is a pioneer in the development of digital consultations and has carried out research on the impact of these consultations on the quality of healthcare and treatment, according to Reines. Together we have redesigned its model using RubiconMD technology, which has improved communication for doctors and medical teams and set a precedent when it comes to connecting academic hospitals and healthcare clinics, irrespective of location and the socioeconomic conditions of the patient, he says. Now we have many hospitals asking us to introduce similar models to their system, which means we are laying the foundation for our platforms expansion.

The Zuckerberg Hospital regularly uses telematics to access specialists. Were going to make it possible for any clinic that uses RubiconMD to do e-consultations with specialists from UCSF, starting with two departments and then expanding from there, says Reines.

RubiconMD allows GPs to connect with first-rate specialists using telematics to verify a diagnosis

Besides nurturing the dream of transforming US healthcare provision, RubiconMD is also pleased with GPs response to the consultation tool. They have told us that it improves the practice and they learn with it, says Reines. Its like ongoing training.

So how did Reines come to found a start-up that could change healthcare in the United States?

Having begun his career at Siemens Healthcare, he went on to head a division of Spains leading telecoms operator Telefonica as a telecommunications engineer. But he was keen to re-route to healthcare and so undertook an MBA at Harvard, where it became clear where his future lay.

While I was in Boston I felt the need to do something that linked technology to healthcare, its something thats always interested me, he explains.

Meanwhile, Reiness business partner, Gil Addo, a graduate from both Yale and Harvard, had a grandmother with a brain tumor who had to travel thousands of miles for treatment and follow-up support, inspiring him to come up with an alternative.

Among RubiconMDs investors is the California Healthcare Foundation, which provides medical care to the lowest income earners on the West Coast. The company has also enlisted Nwando Olayiwola, the Director of the Center for Excellence in Primary Care and Associate Professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at University of California, as its Chief Clinical Transformation Officer.

English version by Heather Galloway.
The term endpoint security is often used by vendors and security professionals alike, but what is it really all about? While it might seem obvious that endpoint security by definition is all about defending endpoints, as opposed to say networks, there are many levels of nuance and technologies involved in endpoint security.

In a session at the SecTor security conference in Toronto, Kurtis Armour, principal security specialist at Scalar Decisions, provided an overview of the endpoint security landscape from a penetration testers point of view.

Endpoint protection technologies are intended to give organizations the ability to detect and respond to security events within their environments.

How endpoints are compromised

Armour said endpoints are being compromised by a variety of different methods that ultimately aim to gain some kind of foothold in a victim system. Among the most popular forms of endpoint exploits is the use of various dropper technologies, which literally drop a malicious payload on an endpoint. Droppers can be delivered via malicious files, links and macros, among other infection vectors.

Endpoints are being compromised for a variety of different reasons: insufficient security controls, lack of user education, lack of patch management and lack of environment hardening.

The endpoint security stack

While attackers have multiple tools for exploiting endpoints, organizations also have multiple tools that can be used to make up a complete endpoint security stack, including:

Endpoint protection platform (EPP)

Armour said the goal of an Endpoint Protection Platform is all about preventing code execution.

EPP technologies include anti-virus (AV) and anti-malware technologies that aim to block malicious code from running on endpoints. EPP can be used to block known vulnerabilities as well. EPP has expanded in recent years beyond its AV roots and can also include encryption and data loss prevention (DLP) capabilities.

Endpoint detection and response (EDR)

Armour said sometimes the prevention capabilities that an EPP provides arent enough, and thats where data recorders for endpoints come in as part of endpoint detection and response (EDR) platforms.

EDR gives organizations the ability to see whats happening on an endpoint and enables security professionals to hunt for bad things that might be present in an environment that an EPP might not know about.

Capabilities commonly found in EDR include: a recording system, behavior detection capabilities, data search, suspicious activity detection and response capabilities.

If youre looking for an EDR solution be sure to try out eSecurity Planets EDR selection tool

Application and process whitelisting

In Armours view, application whitelisting is perhaps the number one approach used by organizations to stop file-based malware from executing in a corporate environment.

Implementing application whitelisting isnt always an easy task though. Armour said organizations need to first have a strategy in place to determine what asset will be covered. Application whitelisting isnt effective for dynamic users where things change often, but Armour said it can be beneficial for static servers or point-of-sale (POS) systems that are intended to be limited to certain range of tasks.

Process whitelisting is another endpoint security approach that can be highly effective. Armour noted that Microsoft Windows Device Guard feature can be used to explicitly allow process that are trusted to run, while blocking the execution of unknown, untrusted processes.

Privilege management

Protecting privileged accounts is a core element of endpoint security, as one of the main activities that an attacker does is steal credentials in order to gain wider access to an environment.

Privileged accounts include local administrator accounts as well as domain-level accounts. Armour said that if an attacker can compromise one system in an environment and there are shared passwords across the entire organization for local admins, the attacker will be able to authenticate across the entire organization.

Privilege management technologies enable organizations to limit the ability for password compromise and reuse.

Vulnerability and patch management

Vulnerability and patch management technologies are two different but highly related capabilities that are often tightly integrated.

Armour said vulnerability management technology is used to identify unknown security vulnerabilities within an organization.

Knowing that and being able to patch that information makes it so that someone cannot exploit an application or an operating system that is vulnerable to attack, he said. Patch management obviously goes hand in hand with vulnerability management. You have to be able to patch the vulnerabilities that you know about.

Looking for more information on patch management? Check out the eSecurity Planet Guide to the Top 10 Patch Management solutions

Operating system hardening

Operating Systems such as Windows, Linux and MacOS dont always have the most secure setting on by default. Armour said there are multiple steps organizations can take to harden desktop operating systems to make it harder for attackers to compromise.

Armour said hardening takes time and is specific to each corporate environment.

Deception

An increasingly popular endpoint security approach in recent years has been the use of deception techniques to trick attackers.

With deception technologies, bogus credentials and services are presented to an attacker. When the deception services are attacked, the organization is alerted and can take additional steps to limit risks and protect the rest of their environment.

Deception is used as an early indicator of threat actors in your environment, he said.

Central alerting and monitoring

While having the other elements of an endpoint security stack are important, Armour said that having the ability to ingest alerts from across an enterprise infrastructure is critical.

If youre not looking at the entire endpoint environment, you could miss something that is happening, he said.

He added that visibility into alerts from a central location is key to being able to respond in a timely fashion.

Security information and event management SIEM can also play a role in monitoring, learn more in eSecurityPlanets SIEM guide

The endpoint maturity model

Having an endpoint security stack is one thing, but having one that properly limits risk can be another discussion altogether. Armour suggests that a comprehensive endpoint security stack needs to be comprehensively deployed.

When youre looking at your endpoint security strategy, you need to cover your entire environment, he said. So make sure that you know what assets are in your organization and that youre doing an assessment, and make sure that theyre covered by your endpoint security strategy.

Additionally, its important for organizations to make full use of the capabilities that are present in the endpoint security technologies that are deployed. Armour also suggests that organization get proper training and implementation support for endpoint security technologies rather than trying to do it on their own.

Dont just buy something and implement it yourself, especially if its a difficult product to implement, because that is going to be a failed deployment, he said.

Sean Michael Kerner is a senior editor at eSecurityPlanet and InternetNews.com. Follow him on Twitter @TechJournalist.
Dawlat Zadran and Rashid Khan took four wickets each as Ireland faltered from a dominant position in a chase of 293 to concede the first ODI to Afghanistan by 30 runs

Afghanistan 292 for 7 (Rahmat 78, Noor Ali Zadran 51, Kevin O'Brien 3-47) beat Ireland 262 (Porterfield 119, Stirling 68, Rashid 4-48, Dawlat Zadran 4-53) by 30 runs

Scorecard and ball-by-ball details

File photo - Rashid Khan's four wickets gave Afghanistan a come-from-behind win in the first ODI  Peter Della Penna

It was a collapse of some proportion. Ireland, who had looked dominant for a considerable portion of the match, paid the price for making a mess of what should have been a straightforward finish to a chase of 293. From 206 for 2 in the 36th over, they slid drastically to be bowled out for 262 as Afghanistan took a 1-0 lead in the five-match ODI series in Greater Noida.

And it was Rashid Khan , the 18-year old legspinner who once again came to the fore, picking up four wickets, including that of Niall O'Brien that triggered the collapse. Rashid had great support from pacer Dawlat Zadran , who took the wicket that arguably swung the match Afghanistan's way, sending back William Porterfield , whose ravaging 119 had put Ireland on cruise control.

Rashid was held back until the 19th over of the match, and with Porterfield and Paul Stirling going great guns, it begged the question if Asghar Stanikzai had missed a trick. His introduction, however, did nothing to put the brakes on the scoring. His first over yielded 11 and he was taken out after a three-over first spell where he had gone at a run a ball.

He was brought back in the 29th over, and struck with his fourth ball, deceiving Stirling with a googly that was harmlessly chipped back to the bowler. Dawlat's double strike next over - first Porterfield, who was caught driving on the up and then Wilson who was trapped leg before by one that skidded on - gave Afghanistan a real sniff, and they never conceded ground thereafter.

The rest of the order crumbled to a combination of poor strokes and good deliveries as an already sluggish surface showed signs of slowing down even more. Amir Hamza conjured up a beauty, opening up Kevin O'Brien with a length ball that spun away just enough to have him stumped.

Rashid asked more questions of the batsmen, showing great adeptness at using the googly, and struck in each of his last two overs. Tim Murtagh, seeing one drifting away, opened up for a cut but the ball spun in to ping him on the back pad. Then, George Dockrell played for the turn to a quicker one that instead merely straightened and beat the inside edge to trap him in front. By then, Ireland were nine down, and Dawlat wrapped it up when he had Peter Chase top-edge a pull to long-on.

Before the collapse, Porterfield and Stirling had produced a superb display of batting on a slow pitch. Both batsmen demonstrated the importance of singles and kept the score ticking by nudging the ball either side of the wicket. Porterfield established himself as the dominant partner and was immaculate with his shot selection. Stanikzai's attempt to stack up the off-side field and get his bowlers to bowl full outside off was met with a series of reverse sweeps through third man. Along with Stirling, he added 157 for the second wicket at over a run a ball. Even the dismissal of Stirling hardly slowed him down as he raised his ninth ODI century with a punch off Mohammad Nabi, but could not see his team through.

As with the ball, Afghanistan were solid with the bat. Most of their batsmen came good after Stanikzai opted to make first use of the surface. Mohammad Shahzad played a characteristically entertaining 43 off 41 balls, laced with seven fours and a six and dominated an opening partnership of 68. When he fell, it was to his own undoing, ambling across after pushing a Mulder delivery to midwicket.

But Noor Ali Zadran, in the company of Rahmat Shah , consolidated Afghanistan's position with a second-wicket partnership of 83. Rahmat was all poise and class in his 78, which came with the help of four fours and three sixes. His 92-ball effort took a fair bit out of him, and he fell to a tired shot, holing out to long-on off Kevin O'Brien, Ireland's best bowler on the day. At that point, Afghanistan had lost some ground, having lost three wickets for 46 runs.
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Get the latest on all the biggest court and crime news in Essex direct from our expert court reporter

A former police officer who dealt with a Chelmsford paedophile before he was jailed had a "gut feeling" he could be a sex offender.

Mark Jones, 42, has spoken about his encounters with Paul Mountain, who is currently serving a five year and three month sentence for raping a 15-year-old girl, and sexually touching another 14-year-old girl back in 2013.

Mr Jones' contact with Mountain, from Great Baddow, Chelmsford, came from dealing with various domestic disputes between the paedophile and his mother.

He said: "He had a dysfunctional relationship with his mum, as much as she loved him. She would be at work all day and come back to find he hadn't done anything.

"They would have an argument and then she woukld call us, and this would happen time and time again."

Chelmsford Crown Court heard how Mountain, 26, preferred the company of younger people, due to his own mental deficiencies.

"To be fair I felt really sorry for him, he never really fitted in," said Mr Jones, who lost his job with the force for grabbing a Chelmsford boy by the neck and pushing him into a bush.

Essex Police sacked Jones on the grounds of using excessive and unnecessary force, discreditable conduct and for failing to act with honesty and integrity.

"He always hung around with younger people," he added.

"If he hung around with people his own age he would have been a small fish, but this way he was the leader of the group. He could be the big man. I think he craved that."

At his sentencing, Mountain was described by Judge Emma Peters as "a menace to young girls, young girls whose innocence you have taken away".

Speaking about Mountain's crimes, Mr Jones said: "I had my suspicions he could turn that way, but it was my own gut feeling given everything else.

"I think I said to some of my colleagues that he's a rape waiting to happen, but of course that wasn't backed up by any evidence.

"I haven't got a degree in psychology, this is just based on my own experiences with him."
The European Court of Justice ruled that private companies can ban the Muslim head scarf in its first decision on Europe-wide controversy about religious symbols in the workplace. The ruling essentially states that banning religious symbols does not constitute discrimination and comes at a very critical moment when the old continent is being roiled by disagreement over what religions expression at work and public means. Coupled with the dilemma on how to address mostly Muslim migrants from the Middle East and North Africa, both issues are at the center of the elections in the Netherlands and France.

The new ruling comes in the wake of the years of attacks on Islam by Europes populist movements, portraying the religion as incompatible with European values. This anti-Islam and anti-migrant rhetoric has resonated with many votes, thus forcing even centrist political parties to tackle divisive and controversial issues. For example, last summer many French towns banned the full-body swimsuit known as burkini worn by Muslim women but a top French court suspended the ban on the grounds of fundamental freedoms.

Observers warn that the new ban on religious symbols can easily become a harbinger of broader discrimination. Companies can ban religious, political and philosophical symbols in the workplace if such guidelines are in place for all beliefs in which case an employer can fire an employee for noncompliance. According to Amnesty International, these disappointing rulings by the European Court of Justice give greater leeway to employers to discriminate at a time when identity and appearance has become a political battleground, people need more protection against prejudice, not less.
The European Union will continue its intensive support for the UN political process in Syria and will work to strengthen the Syrian political opposition and civil society. High Representative Federica Mogherini and the European Commission have formulated a new proposal on a new forward-looking strategy for Syria. The paper comes as Syria enters its 6th year of conflict and following the resumption of the UN-led Geneva talks.

Mrs. Mogherini said that the EU supported a political solution to the war as the only way to bring peace to Syria. The joint communication also defined what the European Union could do in a post-agreement context and reconstruction. And there is much the European Union is ready to do, together with the United Nations and the rest of the international community. The Syrians want peace, they deserve it, as they want and deserve to finally have the possibility to shape the future of their country. We are at their side to support the future of Syria, Mrs. Mogherini added.

The proposal presents the current political, military and humanitarian context in Syria and the state of play of EUs aid and assistance to the crisis. It also comes up with clear lines of action to implement these objectives, in close coordination with regional partners and international community, the EU plans to support Syria in the long-run. So far, the bloc has mobilized more than 9.4 billion in aid since the outbreak of the war, providing life-saving humanitarian assistance and resilience support to the Syrian people and neighboring countries hosting Syrian refugees.
The number of Spaniards born in Spain but now living abroad has grown for the eighth year in a row. The amount of people listed in 2017 on PERE, a register of Spaniards with foreign residence, is 794,209; last year, that figure was 766,996, according to data released on Wednesday by the National Statistics Institute (INE).

Rocio Veneros and her daughter in Avignon.

But in reality, the figure could be higher, as the register only reflects the status of people who register at Spanish embassies and consulates around the world. An association called Marea Granate, made up of Spanish expats, claims that this figure is inaccurate, because not all [Spanish expats] sign up.

Taking into account individuals who hold Spanish citizenship but were not born in Spain, the number of Spaniards living abroad rises to 2,406,611, a 4.4% increase from 2016.

The decision to leave was not taken to broaden our minds, but to stop being a burden on our families

Marea Granate

Specific figures tracking Spaniards who move abroad were first released in 2009, soon after the economic crisis hit. That year, the number of registered Spanish expats was 633,750.

Going abroad is an enriching experience, said Spains foreign minister, Alfonso Dastis, during a congressional address last December.

Arantxa Alba, a 32-year-old from Madrid who has been living in the German city of Dusseldorf since 2012, believes that this is mostly true when you go abroad out of choice, not out of necessity.

This economics graduate and her partner, an engineer, moved to Germany in search of better jobs. She now works at Essen University, where she is doing research work on the economics of health.

I didnt have a lot of research experience but they gave me a chance, and besides, I can have a family here. In Spain, it would be unthinkable, she says.

Employment figures for Spain, which has the second-highest jobless rate in the European Union, show that there are 4.2 million people out of work in a country with a population of 46 million. Last year ended with job creation, but most of those positions were precarious.

Arantxa Alba in Dusseldorf, Germany.

Arantxa Alba had a baby in August of last year, and she admits that ever since then she has felt like coming home more than ever before.

In Germany we have the jobs that we like, but that is all, she notes. If we stay, my son will have a father and a mother, but in Spain he would have an entire family with grandparents, uncles and aunts.

Returning to Spain, however, means giving up on professional dreams.

Online video apps such as Skype have helped keep in touch with the family back home. My mother knows her grandson more through the computer screen than in person, says Arantxa.

The story will sound familiar to Rocio Veneros, a 33-year-old from Madrid who moved to the French city of Avignon in August 2011. She says that her four-year-old daughter has been on Skype ever since she was a baby.

In Spain, you can just barely get by

Rocio Veneros

Veneros admits that, while she has settled down in her new home, it is not where I want to be. Every time she goes back to Spain on holidays, her daughter asks why they cannot stay.

In France its just her and me, nobody else. In Spain she feels the warmth and loving care of the entire family.

It began in September 2010, when the school she had been working at as a social integrator, in the Madrid district of Vallecas, did not renew her contract. She started working at supermarkets, but felt very frustrated. In May 2011, the Indignados popular protest movement that swept Spain gave her new hopes.

The crisis was hitting hard. A lot of people were sick and tired of precarious jobs, she recalls.

A few months later, she and two friends went to France for the grape harvest. It was going to be a one-month adventure, but she stayed on as a house cleaner, then managed to land a job as a school activity coordinator.

Pablo Torija and his kids in Vienna.

She was offered a job in Spain last Christmas, but the wages were too low. I am doing well here, although I am alone, she says. In Spain, you can just barely get by. I am not in that situation in France. The state makes things easier.

There are Spaniards who have no plans of ever coming back. Pablo Torija, 35, packed his bags in 2007 to take a masters degree in economics in Denmark. Back then they were very expensive in Spain, and it was free over there, he says.

After graduation, he tried returning to Madrid for a PhD, but what they were paying was ridiculous. Now he is living in Vienna with his partner, an Austrian woman, and they have two children ages five and two.

The Marea Granate association considers that the foreign ministers words in Congress were an attempt to understate the dramatic situation of thousands of youngsters who are going abroad because of the lack of jobs.

Ever since the crisis began in 2008, the vast majority of those who left our country did so simply because we had no choice, reads a release posted by the group in reply to Dastis statements. So dont call it initiative, call it need. And dont call it interest, call it despair. Mr Minister, dont call it broadmindedness because the decision to leave was not taken to broaden our minds, but to stop being a burden on our families, to help them out financially, and above all, to seek out a dignified life.

English version by Susana Urra.
Written by ACM



*Strasbourg/EU Parliament/Angelo Marcopolo/- Speaking to "Eurofora" from 2 clearly Opposed Viewpoints on BREXIT, EU Parliament's vice-President Rainer Wiener, a prominent Christian-Democrat from nearby Germany, and EFDD Group's Chairman Nigel Farage, a UKIP Leader from the UK, appeared set to clearly Prefer that the UK Government's Decision on Triggering the Article 50 (of Lisbon EU Treaty) Procedure would be Taken well Before the forthcoming French Elections of April 2017.



That concrete Point unexpectedly became a "Hot" Issue, when British Prime Minister Theresa May, who had initialy Foreseen to Start that Legal Procedure on March 2017, and had just Prepared things for that, Suddenly made an U-Turn, Today, reportedly Due also to Scotland's NP party's critical stance.





--------------------------------------



- Wieland, speaking Earlier to "Eurofora", stressed from the outset : - "I think that we (EU) should Proceed very Solidly.



- "The Next Step will be the Question whether and when the UK is going" out of the EU, he observed.



- In that regard, "there will be a Letter confirming the (procedure of) Article 50 for the United Kingdom".



- "And we (EU 27) have to be very Clear : It's Not a "Punishment" of the UK. It's a Question whether Europe is a Cherry-Cake, where everybody can Pick up what he wants". "In this, will, obviously, show Clearly that we are very Solid", he advised.



- Nowadays, "by the way, what Happens in the UK shows that it's Not a Fairy Tale, and reminds us what will be the case If the UK Leaves the EU", he Warned.



- Meanwhile, "We always Hope" to "have enough Time" for that, as well as Other Important Political RDVs, in the foreseable Road Ahead for Europe's Future, President Wieland pointed out, in Conclusion, reiterating a preference for an early enough triggering of the BREXIT Legal Process, so that Uncertainties don't Waste too much Time, (probably in view, also, of the forthcoming, May 2019 EU Parament's next Elections).



+ Even more Important : - "Then, I think, this (i.e. the above-mentioned UK-BREXIT related Developments : Comp. SUpra), will also Influence the Elections in France !", Wieland added, referring to the forthcoming, April/May 2017 French Presidential Elections. I.e. something which, in order to work, obviously requires an Early enough Trigerring of the Article 50 procedure by the UK Government, initialy promissed by British Prime Minister Theresa May for this Month of March 2017, (Comp. Supra),



--------------------------------

Farage, almost met, in practice, Wieland's assessment on BREXIT's Timing :

- As things stand Now, - "I think that the Big Debate (of Wednesday, March 15) "will be withOut BREXIT". In fact, "BREXIT is going to be Barely Mentionedn Tomorrow", Farage regretted, as far as a forthcoming MEP's main Topical Debate about EU's Future is concerned, as can be Highlighted by the Latest EU Summit in Brussels, Last Week (9 - 10/3/2017), and the Forthcoming EU Summit for the 60th Anniversary of Rome Treaties, Next Week in Italy, (25/3/2017).



=> - That's "Because We (the UK) will Wait until the 4rth of April" 2017, i.e. the Next EU Parliament's Plenary Session in Strasbourg, (which, by a Coincidence, is also Just 1 Day After Nigel Farage's own, personal BirthDay : April 3)..



- Indeed, "on the 4rth of April, We (EU Parliament) will have the Big "BREXIT" Debate", he pointed out, in a quite Affirmative way.



- Since, Meanwhile, "the Article 50" Procedure "will have been Triggered", and "the Parliament will have a Resolution to Vote on", Farage further foresaw.



- "So, Tomorrow it's Not a BREXIT Debate", Contrary to what many had Initialy Expected, up to the Last Minute, (as, f.ex., inter alia, t's revealed also by EU Parliament's earlier anounced Readiness to eventualy Change its Agenda, even at the Last Minute, If the UK Prime Minister, Theresa May, would Decide to trigger the Article 50 procedure this Week).



- "But, are you Sure about that April Rendez-Vous ? Or, Anything may Happen ?", asked "Eurofora".



- "It will better be !...", "I'm Sure about that", Replied with a Bitter Smile, Chairman Farage, clearly Warning that, Otherwise, i.e. in case of any Further Delay to timely Trigger the Article 50 Procedure for BREXIT, there would be a Strong InFight inside the UK...



In Other Words, Both those Diametricaly Opposed, Key MEPs, even without explicitly saying so, (and, obviously for Differend Reasons each one of them), seem to Want to Avoid an even Longer Delay and Uncertainty about UK's position vis a vis the EU, Urging for a prompt Clarification now, Before the French Presidential Elections start on April 23.



--------------------------



EU Parliament's vice-President Wieland, a Long-Time mainstream MEP from Nearby Baden-Wurtemberg, is also President of the "Federalist" Citizen's Movement "Europa Union" in Germany, since 2011, where he succeeded eminent European Politicians, such as former EU Parliament's President Hans Gert Poettering, (currently "Adenauer Foundation"'s President), Elmar Brok, (Experienced Top MEP and Long-Time former President of EU Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee, recently EU co-Rapporteur on the Future of Europe), and Peter Altmeier (MP and Top Counselor of Chancelor Angie Merkel).



EFFDD Group of MEP's Chairman, Farage, a Key "Euro-Sceptic" Leader of the pro-BREXIT Movement in the UK, Long-Time Head of the UKIP party, supported New US President Don Trump's Electoral Campaign, Recently Works also for North American "Fox-News" Media, as well as with UK's "LBC" Radio, (to which he was Broadcasting every Evening", as an EU Parliament's Radio-TV Technician told "Eurofora" this week, probably given, precisely, also the reNewed Topicality of the "BREXIT" issue nowdays).



Paradoxicaly, these, otherwise, Diametricaly Opposed, Key MEPs, Both Claim, however, to give a particular importance to the potential Role of Citizens.



"Eurofora" Project's, clearly declared, initial main Aim, from the Start, was to try to progressively build a Political Forum on Topical Issues affecting European People's Lives, where Diverse Viewpoints would Present their Opposed Arguments, as a Part of a much Needed "European Space for Public Debate" throughout all EU/CoE Countries united together, and well beyond.

(../..)

***





(NDLR : President Wieland, and Chairman Farage's above mentioned declarations to "Eurofora", were made at Different Moments, but at the Same Place : EU Parliament in Strasbourg, and on the Same Issue : BREXIT, which notoriously Became Anew Topical this week, Given, particularly, several Recent, still-on going Developmenrts inside the UK, etc).
Written by ACM



*Strasbourg/EU Parliament/Angelo Marcopolo/- Herbert Reul, Head of the German Governing Christiandemocrat MEPs in EU Parliament, speaking to "Eurofora" Today, stressed that EU Politicians Must really Move Nowadays towards Defining Europe's Future, Independently of When full Final Decisions might be officialy Taken, as far as the precise Timing is concerned, particularly regarding the Forthcoming French and German Electoral period of April - September 2017, (See concrete details Infra).



Reul, an Experienced, Long-Time serving MEP, is Member of the Bureau of the Biggest EU Parliament's Group of MEPs, that of ChristianDemocrats/EPP, already since 2005, and the elected President of the Governing in Germany CDU/CSU Parties' Delegation to the EU, since 2012, (as well as Member of the governing National CDU Party's Executive, in Berlin, since that Same Date).



He Timely spoke to "Eurofora", in EU Parliament in Strasbourg, just one Day before Wednesday's (15/3/2017) Plenary Debate on the Latest EU Summit in Brussels, Last Week (9-10/3/2017), and in the run-up to the Forthcoming, Exceptional EU Summit in Rome, Italy, Next Week (25/3/2017), for the 60th Anniversary of EU Treaties' Signing, Both of which Eyed (according to the "Bratislava RoadMap" : See : ...) to Advance towards much Needed EU Changes, in order to succesfuly Face Today's Big Challenges.



- "May be", the Final Decisions on Europe's Future might have to be Taken After the forthcoming French and German Elections, (of April-June and September 2017, respectively), as, f.ex. EU Commission's President, Jean-Claude Juncker, apparently suggested.



- But, However, "No", we (EU) don't have to Postpone Everything for December 2017, (i.e. the First EU Heads of State/Government Summit well After these Crucial Elections, he spontaneously reacted.



- Because, at any case, "Meanwhile, We (EU) Must Do what Has to be done !", President Reul stressed.



- Indeed, "Now, We (EU) Must be Prepared. It's Time", he Urged.



- However, Indeed, "Perhaps, we'll Come Together" for Final Decisions "When we shall have more Time". And "then, this is After the Elections" in France and Germany, "May Be".



- But, Meanwhile, "We Must Use the Time", that is available now. I.e., at least, "We Must Start it", (i.e. the process of Defining Europe's foreseable Future).



- For the Rest, it's obviously true, that, "Perhaps, it's Better to Have the Results, when the Situation Will be Clear". Herbert Ruel acknowledged.



- More Precisely, "Probaly, there is not so much Problems in Germany", about that, "but in France", he observed. "Because", in Fact, Nowadays, "there is No Real Government" in Paris, the Experienced EU Top Politician regretted, for the Time being.



-------------------------



Reul's assessment, on this Last Point, (Important also for the Precise Timing, since the French Elections will End on June/July, while German Elections take place on September 2017), Meets, inter alia, also Experienced, mainstream MEP, and former EU Affairs Minister as well as EU Parliament's Budget Committee President, French MEP Alain Lamassure's recent Statements to "Eurofora" :



- "Anything may Happen ! Really", as far as the Crucial Forthcoming "French Elections" are concerned, (obviously given the Recent Exceptional Upheavals : See, f.ex. : ...), Lamassoure sharply Replied to a relevant "Eurofora"s Question, Confirming this Astonishing statement Twice, (See, f.ex. at : ....).

As if to Symbolize, that, therefore, he was Ready, precisely, for ..."Anything", Lamasoure ostensibly Weared, when he said that, with an Enigmatic Smile, a quite Heavy Coat, (See relevant Photo)...





-------------------------------------



However, meanwhile, ChristianDemocrat/EPP Group President, Martin Weber, spearking Earlier to "Eurofora", strongly expressed the view that his Group of MEPs' (the Biggest in EU Parliament) Draft Plan on EU's Future, (partly Highlighted in the 3 Compromise Reports, (Agreed mainly between EPP - Socialists - Liberals, and some Other Groups' MEPs, f.ex., at least, selectively, several "Greens", etc), which were debated and Adopted (more or less with a "Tight" Majority, particularly on certain "Hot" Key Issues) during the Previous Plenary Session in Strasbourg, back on February 2017), would become Able to Start to be Realized during the current run-up to the Forthcoming 2019 European Elections :



- "We shall do it !", Weber stressed with a Smile, Replying with obvious Voluntarism, to a relevant "Eurofora"s Question on the "Europe's Future" Debate and that Crucial EU Electoral Horizon of 2019.
With numbers of international students applying to study in the United States due to visa concerns, New Zealand is set to continue to encourage more young people from abroad to move to the country for higher education.New research has found that international students are contributing to New Zealand from an economic point of view but also in terms of business and communities as well.  The obvious benefit is that students spend money in the local economy and also pay tuition fees, thus benefitting the universities and colleges where they study, but the research shows that their presence promotes a deeper understanding of international outlooks and markets.These findings help give us a more complete picture and gain a deeper understanding of the economic outcomes our regions are seeing due to the growth of international education, as well as where the opportunities lie, said Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment Minister Paul Goldsmith.While the financial return of the international education sector is important, we are also seeing positive experiences and value for Kiwi learners, business and communities, thanks to the sectors ability to link individuals, businesses, institutions and communities with international markets, he added.International education is making an important contribution to economic development and GDP growth in our regions. The highest contribution in the new series of reports is attributed to Dunedin, at $117 million in 2015/2016.The total economic value of New Zealands international education industry is put at $4.28 billion, making it the countrys fourth largest export industry but Goldsmith said that what is important is that the international education sector is also creating and supporting jobs across the regions, with the sector directly linked to the creation of 504 jobs in the Tauranga and Western Bay of Plenty area alone.International education is a significant export industry for New Zealand, and it is important that we know whether the benefits delivered are worth the investment made by Government and our regions, Goldsmith added.The regional reports were produced by Infometrics and the National Research Bureau (NRB) for Education New Zealand in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, Statistics New Zealand, and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.Education New Zealand (ENZ) commissioned the research as part of its Regional Partnership Programme, designed to support the development of international education across New Zealand and ensure that smaller communities are also able to see the benefits of the sector.
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AUSTIN  If youre a rapper or hip-hop artist at South By Southwest Music Festival, an official showcase is akin to speed dating.

Ones got to get to the point fast. Thats because theyre universally short, whether one is famous or not.

Angry young San Antonio rapper Izaq Roland (born Izaq Roland Esparza) did just that during his 10-minute set at Palm Door on Sixth on Wednesday.

You gotta make an impression, Roland said moments before his showcase. I like stuff to break.

He was supported by S.A. beat king DJ Lil Durag (born Jeremy Garcia), who manipulated the bass-heavy pulse from behind his Pioneer DDJ-SX2 digital controller, set up on a folding table onstage.

It fell to Roland, 23, to open the SXSW show on an outdoor stage under a giant white party tent covering some artificial turf. The distinct smell of marijuana wafted throughout the patio. Its allowed  but with a caveat.

It smells delicious here, said a stage manager, who warned several performers and fans not to be smoking on the bright green plastic grass.

If he was feeling the pressure, Roland didnt show it. The rapper and his girlfriend, Neve Cruz, sporting matching snow white Nike Air Force 1 sneakers, went shopping at an outlet mall before making the gig.

Roland was wearing a Houston Astros T-shirt and a FTP-brand (Expletive) the Population cap.

He explained what his raw music is about. Its just for outcasts, said Roland, who also goes by the nickname Quico.

If you dont fit in, youll fit in here.

Roland has tattoos, honoring his baby sisters, on his arms  Ava on the right, Izzy on the left. His grandfathers first name is also there on his left forearm. The letter M is tattooed behind his left ear for his grandmother.

Wednesdays patio show was a Texas rap, hip-hop and DJ showcase, but it drew support from other regions. Chicago rapper Ether was in the house, as was Los Angeles rap artist Zaire Muzik.

Roland opened with a new track, Blue Flame.

I was born with a rain cloud over me, rapped the rising star, head tilted back and barking rapid-fire with a double-track vocal effect. Let it rain, Ill soak it up.

Early on, the young colt climbed up on the speakers, only to have the system turned off. Getting on the equipment is a no-no.

But he recovered quickly with joints like Kobe Bryant and created a mini mosh pit explosion of pogo-dancing and slam dancing, by jumping into the crowd for his song Donuts, whose killer hook and a sense of humor recalls Slim Shady era Eminem.

Thats how to make an impression.

Hsaldana@express-news.net
AUSTIN -- Providers would be banned from selling or donating tissue garnered from elective abortions under a bill approved by the Senate on Wednesday. This issue arose in 2015 following a series of undercover videos of Planned Parenthood employees discussing the sale of tissue and altering of abortion procedure to better recover fetal organs, a clear violation of federal law, according to bill author and Georgetown Sen. Charles Schwertner.

"While these videos ultimately failed to demonstrate beyond a reasonable doubt any acts of criminal wrong-doing on the part of Planned Parenthood, they nonetheless succeeded in bringing national attention to the highly concerning issue with far reaching moral and bioethical implications," he said. Schwertner's bill, SB 8, would ban the sale at the state level, as well as placing additional restrictions on the disposition of fetal tissue.

Under SB 8, only tissue from medically-necessary abortions or miscarriages could be donated for research purposes, and then only to accredited research institutions. Because the sale of fetal tissue is banned only at a federal level, Schwertner says it only applies when that activity crosses state lines, leaving the issue up to federal officials to decide if and when to intervene. His bill would make it illegal in the state, empowering state officials to enforce the law. It also includes higher accounting standards for permissible costs for the transport, storage and other costs associated with fetal tissue research, in order to ensure no one profits from the trade.

The bill also bans partial-birth abortions in the state. Though outlawed by the federal government in 2003, Schwertner says the lack of state statute once again leaves enforcement up to the discretion of federal officials. The bill passed 24-6 and now heads to the House for consideration.

The Senate also tentatively passed another abortion-regulation bill Wednesday, one that would restrict a specific type of procedure. Dilation and evacuation abortions are most commonly performed in the second trimester of pregnancy, and a subset of that type uses a dismemberment procedure, according to author Sen. Charles Perry. His bill would ban the procedure, which he calls the most appalling procedure still allowed in law. "[Senate Bill 415] ends the tortuous and inhumane practice of ending the life of an unborn child by dismembering him or her piece by piece, causing them to bleed to death in the womb, he said. Perry said his bill would not ban second-trimester abortions and includes exceptions for medical emergencies. It must still face a final vote, likely early next week.

Also Wednesday, the Senate gave final approval to the bill regulating who can use which bathroom in public buildings. SB 6 by Brenham Sen. Lois Kolkhorst would require people to use the bathroom designated for use by the sex on their current birth certificates. Several members rose both in support and opposition to the measure. Those against raised concerns about economic impact of the law, the practice of overriding local ordinances and the impact it could have on the transgender community. "My concern is that Senate Bill 6 would have an unintended consequence of causing great harm to transgender men and women, boys and girls, said Laredo Sen. Judith Zaffirini. Supporters argued it protects women and children, answers an incidence of federal overreach, and creates a state-wide standard that avoids confusion and chaos at local levels. "The state must ensure that we have a fair and reasonable path forward so we do not have the kind of fight we had in Fort Worth in every school board meeting and every city hall across Texas, said Sen. Konni Burton, who represents the school district that sparked a state-wide controversy when they passed guidelines relating to transgender students last year. The bill now heads to the House for consideration.

The Senate will reconvene Monday, March 20 at 2 p.m.
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The Homeland Security Department is moving forward on condemning property for several miles of South Texas border fence that was authorized a decade ago but never built.

Landowners in Los Ebanos, near McAllen, and in Roma, 30 miles upstream, said that in recent months, they received notices the federal government is reviving long-dormant lawsuits to condemn acreage they own near the Rio Grande.

Noe Benavides, a former Roma city councilman, said earlier this month that he received a letter telling him the government is taking 5.7 acres of real estate his family owns near the riverbank.

The land initially was condemned in 2008 after then-President George W. Bush signed the Secure Fence Act, but a clerical error kept the government from taking control of his property, Benavides said.

Its a strip 60 feet wide by the lands on the river that we have there, he said. And you know, I wouldnt mind if they went parallel to the river, but theyre not. Theyre following a road that I have there, and theres probably about 20 acres plus left behind the fence.

Spokespeople for DHS and the Border Patrol didnt respond to requests for comment.

More Information The border wall See More Collapse

The U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of Texas, which has filed lawsuits to condemn property for the fence under the Bush era law, said in a statement: No land has been condemned in South Texas to date as a result of any executive order of the current administration.

President Donald Trump has ordered DHS to build a wall, one estimated to cost $21 billion, but Congress has yet to fund it and the notices sent out this year are related to an earlier law that authorized construction of a physical barrier on the border with Mexico.

Scott Nicol, co-chair of the Borderlands Team for the Sierra Club, said DHS is likely trying to build 14 miles of fencing that were abandoned in 2008 because they were planned in the Rio Grande floodplain.

About 650 miles of fencing was constructed, much of it in Arizona and New Mexico, under the 2006 Secure Fence Act. Almost 60 miles were built in the Rio Grande Valley, most of it on levies above the river.

An international treaty restricts construction in the floodplain, and in 2008 the International Boundaries and Water Commission, the bi-national organization that oversees the U.S.-Mexico border, rejected DHSs request to build segments of fence near Roma, Rio Grande City and Los Ebanos, Nicol said.

In 2012, the U.S. Section of the commission reversed itself, over the objection of its Mexican counterpart, and authorized the construction, but the funds werent available, he said.

Recognizing Trumps wall could be held up by years of legal wrangling, like its predecessor, Nicol said DHS appears to be going after low-hanging fruit: Sections of fencing that were authorized by Congress but never constructed.

My guess is, as soon as Trump was elected, (U.S. Customs and Border Protection) said, This is where were going to be able to build quick, so lets finish it up so we can build walls and give him something to stand in front of, Nicol said.

A spokeswoman for the commission directed questions to DHS.

Yvette Salinas of Mission said that on Jan. 12, before Trumps inauguration, DHS sent her family a letter warning it was moving forward on condemning 1.2 acres near Los Ebanos and offering the family $2,900.

The federal government had tried to condemn the property in 2008, Salinas said. It belonged to her great-grandmother, who died without a will, leaving ownership of the property unclear. Salinas said shes not sure why DHS now is moving forward with the condemnation.

My familys completely against it, because while its just 1.2 acres, not to mention the low compensation, its part of a bigger piece of land that belongs to our ancestors, because not only is it gong to taint the space, but its going to devalue the land. she said. They want to take the part on the side of the river, but we have cattle and cows there, and that would essentially mean the cattle cant drink from the river.

The Texas Observer first reported on Salinas property.

Benavides said he also received a notice about fence construction near real estate his family owns in Romas central square and he heard the city received similar notices about property it owns. The Roma mayor and city manager did not respond to requests for comment Wednesday afternoon.

Benavides said his riverfront property was granted to his wifes family in the 18th century by the king of Spain. His family uses it regularly, and he used to host local Boy Scout troops.

We used to have camporees for the council here, and our family always picnics there by the river, but I guess my son and my daughter are the last generation thats going to do that. My grandchildren wont be able to do that. Are we giving the land to Mexico? he said. I cant say were happy, because you cant be happy when somebody comes in and says, hey, were going to take this property thats been in my wifes family since 1767, since they gave out these porciones (Spanish land grants).

If its something thats going to benefit the whole, then were all for it, but not a wall thats not going to be effective. A virtual wall, sensors, the helicopters that we have gong by every day, the blimps we have between here and McAllen  are probably more effective than the walls.

jbuch@express-news.net

Twitter: @jlbuch
Spanish lawmakers have approved a ban on docking dogs tails, ratifying a 1987 European Convention for the Protection of Pet Animals , which forbids surgical procedures modifying the appearance of pets for non-medical reasons. On Thursday, Congress voted to ratify Spains adherence to the convention, which also bans cropping ears, cutting vocal chords, and removing claws and teeth.

Pablo Iglesias speaking in Congress. JAIME VILLANUEVA

The move was supported by the Unidos Podemos coalition, the Socialist Party (PSOE) and the Catalan Republican Left (ERC). The ruling Popular Party voted against it, while its allies in Congress, Ciudadanos, abstained, as did the Basque Nationalist Party (PNV).

The conservative PP had meant to add an exception to the ban for hunting dogs, but Pablo Iglesias, the leader of Podemos, personally got behind an amendment proposed by its parliamentary partners Equo, a merger of Spains green parties, to eliminate this exception.

Pablo Iglesias read out Pablo Nerudas A Dog Has Died

A dog owner himself, Iglesias highlighted his personal reasons for supporting the ban on docking dogs tails in every case.

I am sure that those of you who have a dog will have arrived home and enjoyed what is one of the best moments of the day, when your dog greets you, said Iglesias. In an effort to win over the PP, Iglesias referred to Prime Minister Mariano Rajoys own retriever, Rico: I am sure that he loves him as much as any of us loves our animals.

Iglesias called for unanimous support for the initiative, saying: The type of society we aspire to be is at stake. A society that respects dogs is, paradoxically, a more humane society.

He then concluded his presentation with a brief quotation from Chilean poet Pablo Nerudas A Dog Has Died: I believe in a heaven I'll never enter. Yes, I believe in a heaven for all dogdom where my dog awaits my arrival waving his fan-like tail in friendship.

The PP failed to win over Congress about allowing hunting dogs to be docked

Speaking on behalf of the Socialist Party, Zaida Cantera outlined the impact on dogs of docking their tails, saying it produced chronic pain, and lifelong movement problems.

Guillermo Diaz, of Ciudadanos, described the process as unnecessary torture and that those who inflicted the procedure on dogs were on many occasions a danger to society, noting: How many sociopaths have begun by torturing animals?

The PP failed to win over Congress with its arguments about maintaining the practice in the case of hunting dogs as long as docking was carried out while the animal was still a puppy. Spokesman Martin Bernabe justified docking on the grounds that it helped dogs enter warrens, and also prevented them from becoming trapped in brambles.

A latecomer The European Convention for the Protection of Pet Animals was approved in Strasbourg in 1987. Since then, it has been ratified by 23 countries, many of them in the 1990s and early 2000s. Sweden was the first in 1989. Belgium and Germany did so in 1991. Italy ratified it in 2011, and Ukraine in 2014.

Docking will still be allowed in Spain in certain cases when decided by a vet, for medical reasons and under anaesthesia where required.

In the absence of an overarching national legislation in Spain, seven regional authorities had already unilaterally banned docking: Andalusia, Aragon, Catalonia, Valencia, Madrid, Murcia and Navarre.

English version by Nick Lyne.
Vietnam-era veteran Armando Aguilar is on the way to getting his life back on course with help from the Veterans Services Team at Haven for Hope. During the process hes bonded with social worker...
After months of citing no confidence in the South San Antonio Independent School District board of trustees, the state-appointed conservators recent reports reveal optimism about the members change of direction.

Texas Education Agency conservator Judy Castleberrys 2017 reports state that she is hopeful that the apparent commitment of several board members is genuine.

In February 2016, the agency appointed Castleberry to oversee governance and financial management of the board when it didnt comply with a corrective action plan the TEA had directed earlier that year. South San Antonio ISD is one of three districts in San Antonio under the oversight of state-appointed conservators.

Castleberry said a majority of the trustees began to work together after they took part in a six-hour, TEA-sponsored Lone Star Governance training session with Superintendent Abelardo Saavedra in Austin.

They have really bought into that model and are working conscientiously to get to a point where they dont need a conservator, she said. Theyd like for me to go away, which is understandable, but theyre willing to go about it by working with the state to get there and not resisting each report.

Castleberry said shes seen signs of positive change at meetings.

In the past, former board President Connie Prado had district lawyers send replies challenging Castleberrys reports to the TEA.

Where previously there were outbursts from trustees and vocal disagreements, recent meetings have seen a more professional approach to discussions.

In past assessments, the conservator wrote that the board was unable or unwilling to function as a team. Other notations included an inability to work with the executive administration and occasions of open hostility.

The first indication of change came at a November meeting, when three new elected members, Elda L. Flores, Linda Longoria and Louis Ybarra Jr., joined the board and District 1 trustee Angelina Osteguin became the new board president.

Once part of a board majority that challenged the conservator, Osteguin has been working with trustees to achieve a healthy standing with TEA and Castleberry.

I think Ms. Osteguin is a strong leader, the conservator said, and committed to doing whats best for the district.

Recent changes by the board have also affected monthly meetings. Saavedra now sits with the trustees at meetings. In February, the board began a two-meeting schedule for each month to allow members more time to talk about the districts strategic process.

District 7 trustee Flores said attending the training session as a team helped bring the board together and that the trustees focus should always be on the students and student outcomes.

Flores, a South San Antonio ISD educator for 38 years, said she hopes the board is moving toward the day when they will be able to govern without oversight from the state.

Thats what all of us are striving for, including Dr. Castleberry, Flores said. Im sure shed like to say, Im leaving the district in a good place and its time for me to go. The forecast would be, are we all working toward that common goal?

Castleberry said the TEA commissioner will decide when she leaves. Earlier this month, A.J. Crabil, TEA deputy commissioner of governance, sent a letter to Osteguin saying that after a quarterly review, he was continuing Castleberrys appointment as conservator of the district.

Theyre going to have some hard decisions over the next few months, Castleberry said, referring to the board. Im hoping to be around through those decisions.

vtdavis@express-news.net




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Nico LaHood approaches his job as the district attorney of Bexar County with the combativeness of a fighter and the certitude of a fundamentalist.

Last month, that combustive mix sparked a confrontation with defense attorneys in a judges chambers. Joe Gonzales and Christian Henricksen claimed in a court filing that LaHood, looking at first one, then the other  said that he would destroy and shut down their practices and would make sure they never got hired on another case again in Bexar County.

In an interview this week, LaHood acknowledged the outburst. But he doesnt recall saying the words destroy or shut down, and he claimed his anger was righteous because Gonzales had accused him in bad faith of prosecutorial misconduct and threatened to go to the press.

I said, Please do me the (expletive) favor.  In defending this office, Im going to expose you, and lets see how that affects your practice, LaHood recalled.

He added, Someone punches me, I punch back.

LaHood has studied Wing Chun, a Chinese martial art meant for combat in close quarters. Hes also a devout Christian. On Tuesday, I met him at a North Side coffee shop. He had just come from Bible study; that morning, scripture would wend its way into his animated defense against the allegations against his office.

The district attorney was wearing a T-shirt, a departure from his signature suspenders. Tattoos of the names of his four children  Maya, Michael, Leah and Zaiter  were visible on his arms.

The case that has descended into acrimony between LaHood and the defense attorneys, ending in a mistrial, was a murder case. On Jan. 11, 2015, Laura Carter, 33, was shot five times in the head while sitting in a car on the Southeast Side. Two weeks later, Miguel Martinez was arrested and charged in the killing.

Shortly after the arrest, Assistant District Attorney Jason Goss gave another prosecutor a case file to read. (LaHood told me the document was merely a prosecution guide.) The next day, the prosecutor informed Goss shed had a sexual encounter three years earlier with Gregory Dalton, a crucial witness for the state who could place Martinez at the crime scene.

Goss instructed the prosecutor to have nothing more to do with the case. He told no one else about the relationship for nearly two years, according to the court filing.

LaHood announced last month that he would prosecute the case himself due to the sheer callousness and cold bloodedness of the defendants actions.

Before trial, Goss told LaHood about the prosecutors sexual encounter with the witness. But they did not fully disclose the conflict to the defense attorneys until after a jury was selected and the trial already had begun.

In a motion to dismiss the indictment against their client, Gonzales and Henricksen argued that LaHood by law should have disclosed the information sooner because it could negate the guilt of Martinez.

LaHood refuted that.

The sexual encounter with the witness became irrelevent after the prosecutor was dismissed from the case, he told me. Disclosing it would have unnecessarily damaged her reputation.

Shes a wife and a mommy, LaHood said. As lawyers, thats all we have are our reputations.

Ultimately, LaHood agreed to a mistrial. But in the judges chambers, he punched back when Gonzales threatened to challenge a retrial due to prosecutorial misconduct.

At the coffee shop, I asked LaHood whether he regretted the outburst. Wasnt turn the other cheek a relevant Christian doctrine?

So is eye for an eye, LaHood replied. Eye for an eye is not a revenge scripture. I met Joe where he was at.  He raised his voice and made a threat based on bad faith.

The threat was not sincere, he said. They dont truly believe its prosecutorial misconduct.  When they close their eyes at nighttime and its only them and God, they know damn well that they dont believe.

How does one argue with that?

As LaHood would have it: You dont.

bchasnoff@express-news.net
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San Antonios historic commission on Wednesday gave the go-ahead on three major construction projects that will dramatically change the downtown office market.

The Historic and Design Review Commission approved a 10-story office tower at The Pearl, a 23-story state-of-the-art new headquarters for Frost Bank and a plan to overhaul two vacant office buildings on the River Walk into a new headquarters for CPS Energy.

The three projects will create or refurbish about 1.2 million square feet of office space in the downtown area  more than a fifth of the 4.9 million square feet that exist downtown today, according to commercial real estate firm Transwestern. The Pearl office development is technically two blocks north of downtown.

The $142 million Frost Tower, which still needs HDRC approval of its landscaping, will be the first new office tower downtown since the Weston Centre was built in 1989. It will include about 460,000 square feet of class A office space and will be 386 feet tall.

At Wednesdays meeting, local resident Shannon Deason criticized the tower for not being taller. Commenters on newspaper articles and online forums have raised similar concerns.

Weston Urbans president, Randy Smith, said the buildings size was limited by office demand and Frost Banks specifications for its new headquarters. It will be part of a larger transformation Weston Urban is planning for west downtown, he said.

I wish Kahwi Leonard were 6 foot 11, Smith said. We all wish things were a little bit taller, but we think the building fits perfectly in its spot.

CPS Energy also won approval for plans to spend $122 million renovating two towers at 530 McCullough Ave. into 430,000 square feet of office space that would house all 1,200 of its employees. The company would replace the towers brick-and-concrete exteriors with metal and glass, according to the HDRC agenda. CPS would also build a six-story parking garage at the corner of Avenue B and Brooklyn Avenue with retail on the ground level.

The towers, built around 1980, formerly served as offices for AT&T and as the headquarters for Valero Energy Corp. CPS bought them in June.

Silver Ventures, the developer of the Pearl, also got the green light to build two office towers, one of them 10 stories tall and the other six, covering nearly the entire block at the northwest corner of Broadway and Pearl Parkway. Altogether, the towers will include 344,000 square feet of office space.

The towers would bring a new level of density to the lower stretch of Broadway, which has become dominated by midrise apartment buildings in recent years. They would also have a huge impact on the office market along US 281 north of downtown, an area known as Midtown. The area is currently home to about 948,000 square feet of office space, according to Transwestern; Silver Ventures towers would increase that amount by 36 percent.

HDRC also granted preliminary approval Wednesday to local developer Keller Hendersons plan to renovate a 1920s-era building on Main Plaza into 23,000 square feet of creative office space with a restaurant on the roof.

The building has been vacant for seven years, said Henderson, who is also building luxury apartments on the River Walk. He will have to return to HDRC for final approval.

Some tech companies and law firms have already expressed interest in leasing space in the building, which is across the street from the Bexar County Courthouse and a block away from San Antonio City Hall, Henderson said.

We have sort of a confluence of two different market forces at the site, he said, noting that its only two blocks from Geekdom. The architecture of the building lent itself right away to creative loft offices.

rwebner@express-news.net

@rwebner
He is called Ladio Veron but his real name, his Guarani name, is Ava Taperende, which means little shining path: Brazilian law prohibits registering babies with indigenous names. Veron represents the Guarani-Kaiowa community of the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso do Sul. A subgroup of the Guarani, the countrys most numerous native people, they are around 45,000 strong. But this community is under threat.

I have come to seek political support, so that people here will become sensitive to the plight of the Guarani-Kaiowa, says Veron, speaking in Madrid.

We are facing many difficulties from the government and from agribusiness. Our land has been devastated and taken by big landowners, he says.

The land is of interest to agribusiness, which is building factories and planting crops

Ladio Veron, leader of the Guarani-Kaiowa

Veron, whose own father Marcos was beaten to death by rancher-backed militias, will visit 12 European countries between now and June 9 to try to raise awareness about the plight of his people.

The Guarani-Kaiowa were among the first native groups to be contacted over 500 years ago by settlers landing in modern-day Brazil. They once occupied a territory covering 350,000 square kilometers, but enormous cattle ranches and fields of soya and sugar cane have taken the place of the forest they once knew.

As a result, the Guarani-Kaiowa have lost their traditional way of life based on hunting and fishing. Some of them are squeezed into tiny reservations surrounded by massive plantations, while others lack even that and live by roadsides, with no access to fresh water. Children suffer from malnutrition, and the suicide rate is unlike that of any other native people in South America.

Ladio Veron with a sign showing support for his people. L. H.

In 1953 my people were evicted from their land, and the government demarcated eight small areas that we were taken to, says Veron, speaking inside the Maloka cultural association in Madrids Lavapies district.

Ever since then, they have been fighting to get their homeland back based on the 1988 Constitution, which upholds the rights of indigenous people to the lands that they have traditionally occupied. Since 1995, they have also been peacefully occupying land in what they call retomadas, or re-takings.

We have waited a long time to get our land back. Today there are 46 areas which have been taken back, and 16 of them have been legally recognized by the government as belonging to us.

Survival International has been denouncing the violations against the Guarani for years at international forums like the United Nations. But successive governments choose to silence them.

Survival International has been denouncing the violations against the Guarani for years

Before her own impeachment, former Brazilian president Dilma Rousseff signed a decree to legalize 16 of the 88 areas claimed back by the Guarani-Kaiowa. But in 2016, her successor Michel Temer placed a rancher at the helm of the National Indian Foundation (Funai), and the government announced a review of the legalization plan, which has been placed on hold.

I have come to Europe now because the government has signed a decree to remove us from the 46 areas we have taken back, including the recognized ones. It has done so because the land is of interest to agribusiness, which is building factories and planting soya, sugar cane and eucalyptus. The state supports that, because it has given them the freedom to build their factories, says Veron.

New threats

Survival International reports that many members of the new government are also members of a rural, anti-indigenous movement attempting to push through a constitutional reform it says would prohibit future land demarcation, reduce the surface area of existing land, and open it up to mining, hydrocarbon exploration, roads, military bases and other projects that could be fatal to the indigenous people.

The deadline for leaving the occupied land expired 10 days after the decree was signed, but the Guarani-Kaiowa have not left, and the police have not been sent to throw them out. Not yet, at least. The Funai agency has been ordered to take everyone back to the confined areas, but Veron believes this is not possible.

We wont all fit, there are too many people, he says, warning that his people will not leave peacefully. We will resist at any price, because all we have left to lose is our lives. If we have to fight, well fight.

English version by Susana Urra.
Hello again!

As I sit here on this cold Monday morning writing my article for the Thursday edition, the big story today is the weather. Snow is coming, snow is coming, is what we keep hearing.

By the time you read this, we will know if the weather guessers, as I fondly call them, were right or wrong.

I can remember the days that my mom and dad would watch the 6 oclock news almost religiously, because if they missed it at six they would have to stay up until 11.

My Dad, who worked outside relied on the weather forecasts to plan his days. Could he pour concrete or dig for basement footers today or was the rain going to keep him indoors.

The days that they got the forecast wrong, and his concrete ended up wet, he was not a very happy man. But, of course, the next night he was still watching the weather forecast at 6 p.m.

Oh the faith that man had! Thinking that this time someone could really predict what nature can throw at us.

If you have a cell phone in your pocket you can see the forecast broken down hourly. You can see the satellite radar with a time lapse showing an approximate time of the snows arrival.

And yet, we still sit here, wondering will we get 4 inches of snow or 8.

Our phones are amazing, we have access to so much information at the click of a few buttons assuming you know which buttons to press.

Texting system

The good news is FSA is keeping up with the technology that we all seem to like the best, text messages. They are quick, and we can read them when we want.

You can sign up for text messaging from FSA specifically from the county office of where you live. You will receive no more than two text messages a month. Here are the details on how the notification system will work.

The Ohio USDA FSA County offices now offers farmers and producers the opportunity to receive notifications from their county office through text messages on their cell phone.

Whether producers are in the field, or on a tractor, this service enables FSA customers and stakeholders to receive notifications while on the go. Producers will receive text messages regarding important program deadlines, reporting requirements and program updates.

To enroll, producers must text a keyword consisting of the two letter state abbreviation and the county name from which they want to receive alerts to FSANOW or the numeric keys 372669 on your cell phone.

For example, producers wishing to receive alerts from Columbiana County FSA would text the keyword OHCOLUMBIANA to 372669.

Producers interested in enrolling in a different county would need to text OH and the county name to 372669 to begin to receive alerts from their FSA County office. Producers will receive a system generated reply if they have successfully enrolled.

Standard text messaging rates apply. Contact your wireless carrier for details associated with your particular data plan. Participants may unsubscribe at any time.

Contact your county FSA office if you have questions regarding FSAs email news service or the new text message option.

See you next week,

FSA Andy
LEXINGTON, Ky.  The Ohio River Valley Woodlands and Wildlife Workshop will return to Kentucky March 25. This years workshop, a tri-state event covering Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio, will be held in the Boone County Cooperative Extension Enrichment Center in Burlington.

Forestry experts will provide an array of forestry and wildlife-related educational sessions to help woodland owners get the most from their properties.

Sponsored by the Cooperative Extension Services of the University of Kentucky, The Ohio State University and Purdue University, as well as the Kentucky Division of Forestry and Kentucky State University, the one-day workshop will run from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

The Boone County Enrichment Center, 1955 Burlington Pk., is an 80-minute drive from Lexington. From Lexington, take Interstate 75 north to Exit 181, turn left onto Route 237. Follow the Forestry Program signs to the center, which will be on the left.

Registration is $45 per person prior to March 10 and $55 after. To register, make checks payable to UK Forestry Extension and mail to 216 T. P. Cooper Building, Lexington, KY., 40546-0073, or register online at http://www.tristatewoods.org.
ALTOONA, Pa.  Hundreds of landowners, natural resource professionals and conservationists interested in forests will gather at the Blair County Convention Center in Altoona March 24-25 to learn how to better care for their woodlands.

The attraction will be the third biennial Forest Landowners Conference, sponsored by Penn States Center for Private Forests.

Enriching Woodland Values will be the theme for this years conference, which will feature professional presentations, informative and inspirational keynote talks, field tours, and workshops on a variety of wildlife and woodland-related topics intended to equip landowners with information and resources to effectively steward their woods.

Topics covered

During the nearly 100 presentations, conference attendees will learn about improving wildlife habitat, getting invasive plants under control, ideas to generate supplemental income, tools and technology for the woods, restoring degraded woodlands, conservation strategies for the legacy of their woodland, tax tips and financial insights, and more.

In addition, the exhibit hall will showcase dozens of forest-related tools and services from vendors and service providers. Attendees can arrive early on Friday morning to attend one of the optional pre-conference field tours or in-depth workshops.

A keynote talk by Jeff Larkin, professor of wildlife ecology and conservation at Indiana University, of Pennsylvania, will kick off the conference. An expert in forestry, wildlife ecology and conservation implementation, Larkin has worked closely with the Natural Resources Conservation Service to deliver conservation programs to benefit forests, forest birds, and forest owners, and also serves as the Forest Birds Habitat Coordinator for the American Bird Conservancy.

Keynote speakers

Susan Morse, founder of Keeping Track, will offer the Friday night banquet keynote address, based on her years of tracking and photographing wildlife. Bern Sweeney, director, president and senior research scientist at the Stroud Water Research Center, will close out the conference with a presentation based on his years of applied research experience, explaining stream function, ecology and protection.

Registration and conference details are available online at ecosystems.psu.edu/forest-conference. Online registration closes March 17; participants may still register through March 20 by calling 877-778-2937; walk-in registrations will also be welcomed.
CHARLESTON, W.Va.  West Virginia Commissioner of Agriculture Kent Leonhardt is sending a reminder to West Virginias poultry farmers  both commercial and backyard  to step up biosecurity practices and to watch for any signs of sickness in their birds following the discovery of high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) at a farm in Lincoln County, Tennessee.

Poultry is West Virginias largest agricultural sector, providing more than $320 million in receipts in 2015, said Leonhardt. While weve seen no sign of AI here, and it doesnt pose a serious risk to human health or the food supply, it is important that we work together to protect this vital industry.

Poor biosecurity has been linked to the spread of disease in past outbreaks.

Recommended biosecurity practices

Limit visitation. Keep farm visitors to an absolute minimum, and keep records of those who do visit in case authorities need to trace a disease outbreak. AI can survive on vehicle tires, footwear and even in the nasal passages of humans.

Keep farm visitors to an absolute minimum, and keep records of those who do visit in case authorities need to trace a disease outbreak. AI can survive on vehicle tires, footwear and even in the nasal passages of humans. Clean and disinfect shoes, clothes, hands and vehicle tires before entering production areas and park as far away as practical. Clean all visible dirt and then apply disinfectant.

Clean all visible dirt and then apply disinfectant. Disposable boots and coveralls are advisable for visitors. Dont share equipment with other farms.

Dont share equipment with other farms. Avoid live bird sales or other places where fowl are co-mingled. Prevent contact among wild birds and domestic fowl.

Prevent contact among wild birds and domestic fowl. Report diseases. Immediately report any signs of disease (unusual bird deaths, sneezing, nasal discharge, diarrhea, poor appetite, drop in egg production, etc.) to the WVDA at 304-538-2397. If after business hours, call 304-558-2214, or the USDA at 1-866-536-7593.

Patient zero

This is the only confirmed case of HPAI in the U.S. so far this year. In 2015, a multi-state AI outbreak affected 48 million birds on 223 farms in the West and Midwest and became the largest animal health emergency in U.S. history.

West Virginia previously dealt with AI in 2002 and 2007. WVDA tests every commercial flock before they are moved from the farm for any reason.
Agricultural exports of certain products to Vietnam could be worth $190 million

By Diego Flammini

Assistant Editor, North American Content

Farms.com

Minister of Agriculture Lawrence MacAulay recently wrapped up an agricultural trade mission that took him to Vietnam and India.

During his time in Vietnam, Minister MacAulay promoted Canadian grains and oilseeds, livestock genetics, blueberries, and lobster. He also participated in events designed to showcase Canadian beef.

Its estimated exports of those products to Vietnam could be worth $190 million to the Canadian economy.

As of 2015, Canadian agriculture and agri-food exports totaled $357 million to Vietnam. Non-durum wheat, other than seed for sowing, was worth $86 million in ag exports in 2015.

While in India, Minister MacAulay was joined by an agricultural delegation to promote Canadian products and producers.

He secured several memoranda of understanding between Canadian canola distributors and Indian retailers.

In 2015, Canadian agriculture and agri-food exports to India totaled nearly $1.5 billion. Dried lentils accounted for 62 per cent, or $964 million worth, of ag exports to India.

And as India and Vietnam's populations and economies grow, its a prime opportunity for Canadian agriculture.

"Canada is committed to expanding global trade opportunities in Asia and around the world, Minister MacAulay said in a release. Vietnam and India have seen rapid economic growth in recent years, and the emergence of a vibrant consumer middle class in both countries represents new opportunities for Canadian agri-food producers that will strengthen bilateral trade, benefit the middle class, and grow the Canadian economy."
Ameriabank: At the Vanguard of Armenia's Banking Sector

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SUBSCRIBERS OF UCOMS ALL TIME BEST OFFER TO ENJOY ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

Armenia-Azerbaijan: EU sets up monitoring capacity along the international borders

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PACE co-rapporteurs on Armenia concerned by reports of alleged war crimes or inhuman treatment perpetrated by Azerbaijans armed forces

There is still 35% gender pay gap: Sona Ghazaryan

Global Finance Names Ameriabank the Safest Bank in Armenia

Mikayel and Karen Vardanyans provided 136 million AMD support for the overhaul of the Myasnikyan statue, which was in unsafe state of disrepair

Believe me, as a representative of a country which uses the Schengen system very often, it is quite important. Vardanyan

I really look forward to having answers from the Azerbaijani side for these alleged gross human rights violations: Secretary General

I call on Armenian and Azerbaijani parliamentarians to use this Assembly as an agora of opportunities President Tiny Kox

UCOMS SPECIAL OFFER OF THE UNLIMITED INTERNET IS NOW TERMLESS

There is no place for the death penalty in a State that respects human rights: PACE General Rapporteur

EU and CoE call on two Member States that have not yet acceded to this Protocol  Armenia and Azerbaijan  to do so without delay

An urgent debate requested on "The military hostilities between Armenia and Azerbaijan".

UCOM AND PES-PES CONTINUE COOPERATION WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF EDUCATIONAL PROJECT

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The statement of the meeting between Prime Minister Pashinyan, President Aliyev, President Macron and President Michel of October 6, 2022

Largest Corporate Bond Program at the Securities Market of Armenia Completed Successfully

The statement of the Defender on the video of the execution of Armenian PoWs by the Azerbaijani armed forces

LEVEL UP ONLY FOR STUDENTS: UCOM OFFERS X2 AND X3 MORE INTERNET

STATEMENT BY SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN

This criminal act is another proof that the Armenophobia policy. Tatoyan

Nikol Pashinyan, Nancy Pelosi discuss a number of issues related to the Armenian-American agenda and regional developments

Delegation by Nancy Pelosi Accompanied by Alen Simonyan Visits Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex

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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
The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, wrapped up a two-country Asian trade mission, strengthening agricultural bilateral ties and exploring market access opportunities for Canadian food and agri-food businesses.

The Government of Canada is committed to strong relationships with both Vietnam and India, and to expanding trade across the Asia-Pacific region  a priority market for Canadian agriculture and agri-food products. Deepening commercial ties will help Canada as well as Vietnam and India grow their respective economies, create new opportunities for Canadian businesses, and help create jobs and foster long-term growth for farmers and Canadian families.

While in Vietnam, Minister MacAulay met with his counterparts at various ministries and facilitated business-building opportunities to promote Canadian agricultural, agri-food and seafood products such as lobster, livestock genetics, blueberries, grains and oilseeds. He also participated in events showcasing Canadian agricultural products, including beef and seafood. Industry estimates that, added together, the market for these products in Vietnam could be worth $190 million in annual exports.

Continuing to India, Minister MacAulay and a delegation of Canadian industry participants representing various sectors promoted Canadian agricultural products in New Delhi and Mumbai. The Minister met with his counterparts, various agriculture and agri-food businesses, as well as importers and exporters. The Minister helped secure several Memoranda of Understanding between Canadian canola oil distributors and Indian retailers. He also opened the Canada Pavilion at AAHAR, India's largest food and hospitality fair, where 16 Canadian companies and the provinces of Ontario and Quebec showcased a variety of agriculture and agri-food products. Canadian industry representatives reported qualifying nearly 400 leads and nearly $3.5 million in anticipated sales over the next year.

Minister MacAulay held talks with Indian Ministers highlighting the quality of Canadian pulses and the importance of ensuring trade predictability. Discussions are on-going towards a resolution on this front.

Source : Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
By Ellen Essman



While livestock producers in Ohio have been subject to standards for the care of livestock since 2011, animal welfare remains a topic of debate around the country. Most recently, attention turned to the care of livestock raised under the National Organic Program and animals raised in confinement in Massachusetts. In this post, we examine the proposed federal organic standards and a livestock care ballot initiative passed in Massachusetts. The discussion provides an opportunity to take a look at the status of Ohios livestock care standards.



Federal Organic Standards



On January 19, 2017, the USDAs Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) promulgated a final rule for the National Organic Program (NOP). The rule concerns practices for organic livestock and poultry. Namely, the rule clarifies how producers and handlers participating in the NOP must treat livestock and poultry to ensure their wellbeing. These treatment standards are applicable at numerous times throughout the lives of livestock, including when the animals are transported or slaughtered. Additionally, the rule spells out the amount and type of indoor and outdoor space organic poultry must have under NOP. The rule also describes the timing and methods for physically altering livestock and poultry under NOP. The rule allows [p]hysical alterationsonlyfor an animals welfare, identification, or safety. For example, the rule limits the use of teeth clipping and tail docking in pigs, and prohibits the de-beaking of chickens or face branding of cattle. Many other banned and limited alterations are spelled out in the rule, as well as provisions that require active monitoring of animal health and treatment of injuries, sicknesses, and diseases. The rule was originally supposed to become effective on March 20, 2017. The Trump Administration, however, has since instituted a regulatory freeze in order to review recently made regulations. In response to the regulatory freeze, AMS pushed back the effective date to May 19, 2017. Barring any decisions by the new administration to the contrary, the rule should become effective on that date. More information concerning this final rule is available here.



Massachusetts voters approve livestock confinement ballot initiative



Some states have taken it upon themselves to address various aspects of animal welfare. This past Election Day, Massachusetts passed Question 3, a ballot initiative concerning confinement of livestock. Question 3, also called the Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act, applies to farm owners and operators who raise breeding pigs, veal calves, and egg-laying hens within the state, and also to business owners and operators who sell products from such livestock within the state. When the Act becomes effective on January 1, 2022, this will mean that any farmers or businesses selling their pork, veal, or eggs in Massachusetts, even if they are not physically located within the state, would have to comply with the states confinement rules. The law prohibits the aforementioned livestock being confined in a cruel manner, meaning that the animals cannot be confined so as to prevent [them] from lying down, standing up, fully extending [their] limbs, or turning around freely. There are certain exceptions to this rule, including during transport, at fairs, during a veterinary examination, etc. When the Act goes into effect, violators will face a $1,000 civil fine per violation, and/or an injunction



Ohio Livestock Care Standards



As many will remember, Ohio has its own laws and regulations concerning livestock welfare. Voters passed an amendment to the Ohio Constitution in 2009. The amendment created the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board, which was tasked with creating the actual care standards for livestock animals in the state. The first of these livestock care standards, or rules, became effective on September 29, 2011. Standards exist for different types of livestock and cover everything from acceptable euthanasia practices for each species, to the provision of food and water, to acceptable methods of transportation. The board continues to meet regularly to review the care standards.



The regulations on livestock care include an investigation process initiated by complaints on potential violations of the standards. Since the standards became effective, the Ohio Department of Agriculture has received a number of complaints and works with operators to bring them into compliance if the agency finds a violation. According to Farm and Dairy, there were 51 such investigations in 2012, 29 in 2013, and 23 in 2014. In 2015, there were 33 investigations23 of which resulted in no violations of the standards. Producers can learn more about the livestock care standards at http://www.agri.ohio.gov/LivestockCareStandards.

Source:osu.edu
Warrenton, VA (20186)

Today

Areas of patchy fog early. Morning clouds will give way to afternoon sunshine. High 76F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Clear to partly cloudy. Low 42F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph.
US Charges Russians in 2014 Attack on Yahoo (video)

Voice of America The United States has announced charges against four people suspected of stealing information from at least 500 million Yahoo user accounts in 2014. The four are accused of targeting the email accounts of Russian and U.S. government officials, reporters, financial services employees and military personnel, officials said. Assistant Attorney General Mary McCord announced the indictments on Wednesday. She said the defendants are two officers of the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) and two computer experts who helped them in the attack. The FSB officers, identified as Dmitry Dokuchaev and Igor Sushchin, protected, directed, facilitated and paid criminal hackers to collect information through computer intrusions in the United States and elsewhere, she said. One of the hackers, Alexsey Belan, is on the Federal Bureau of Investigations list of most-wanted cyber criminals. The other, Karim Baratov, was arrested Tuesday in Canada, McCord said. A grand jury in California indicted the four men for computer hacking, economic espionage and other crimes. In the past, the U.S. Justice Department has charged Russian hackers with cybercrime. It has also taken legal action against hackers supported by China and Iran. However, this is the first criminal case brought against Russian government officials. McCord said the FSB officers role in the hacking made this crime much more egregious. She added, There are no free passes for foreign state-sponsored criminal behavior. Read more on the source website
Searching for perverse incentives that can become compliance land mines means messing with peoples pay.

You are not just looking to eliminate potentially dangerous design elements, but also identifying changes to variable plans that preserve as much of the positive power of your incentives as possible, while addressing the risks. This requires a level of trust by plan recipients that the people doing this work understand the pressures faced by front-line employees and have substantial experience with incentives and related governance structures.

This can present an unusual challenge for financial, legal, and compliance leaders. The process forces them to ask: How do I contribute to the planning and execution of these plans before and after they hit the front-lines of our business?

Too often, compliance, ethics, and even HR leaders dont have a seat at that table, so expect push-back with any change.

A good incentive package benefits everyone. However, some might not give it time, and leave the organization, wanting more lucrative and short-term upside, especially where competitors flout such packages. Preparing for those challenges in advance helps to insure a process that embraces all organizational perspectives as well as individual concerns.

A critical analysis of incentives isnt an attack on goal-setting or the rewarding of performance. Its recognition that with incentives you dont just get what you pay for; you can get a lot more, some of which might be unintended and very unwelcome.

Remember that nearly all of the recent scandals were in organizations that had robust and well-articulated codes of ethics and compliance programs. But their incentives and controls combined to create a lethal, unspoken message that cutting corners was tolerable, even desirable.

Think and ask, is it worth considering an investment  internal or external or both  toward making sure that your incentives do not create hidden land mines?

* * *

The prior posts in our series about perverse incentives can be found here.

_____

Richard Bistrong is a contributing editor of the FCPA Blog and CEO of Front-Line Anti-Bribery LLC. In 2010 he pleaded guilty to a conspiracy to violate the FCPA and served fourteen-and-a-half months at a U.S. federal prison camp. He now consults, writes and speaks about compliance issues. In 2015 he was named one of Ethispheres 100 Most Influential in Business Ethics. He can be contacted by email here and on twitter @richardbistrong.

Marc Hodak is Partner at Farient Advisors, an independent executive compensation and performance advisory firm. He has taught corporate governance as a professor at NYUs Stern School and as visiting lecturer at the University of St. Gallen in Switzerland. He can be contacted here.

This post was adapted from an article that appeared in Compliance Week Is It Time For An Incentive Mine-Sweep? by the same authors.
Your daily actions need to be as life affirming as your thoughts. What you do needs to reflect what you think. Your actions need to send out the right signals and attract good things into your life in the same way your thoughts do. In my latest book 21 Rituals to Change Your Life I outline daily positive actions or rituals that can make you a magnet for success and happiness.

Theresa Cheung

One of the most powerful and simple ways to increase your chances of happiness and the happiness of those around you is to make gratitude a daily ritual. Saying thank you to the universe and to others is easy but you need to move beyond just words to change your life for the better. You need to express gratitude with deep meaning and ritualise it with a small action. Here are ten things you can DO rather than say or think that will make a world of difference.

1) In the morning when you wake up say thank you out loud for a new day and the fact that you are alive to live it.

2) Write down three things that you are grateful for every day for at least three weeks. Studies show that this exercise truly does work and at the end of a few weeks people felt happier. Make it work for you.

3) Write a grateful comment for someone who has posted something inspiring on Facebook or other social media.

4) Hug someone in your life that you care about for no reason but to show them how much you appreciate them in your life.

5) Offer to do something helpful for a family member, friend or colleague. This could be as simple as making them a cup of tea or collecting their dry cleaning. Actions speak louder than words when it comes to relationships.

6) Buy someone you love a little gift  doesnt have to be expensive or for any reason just to show them how much you appreciate them.

7) Leave a thank you note surprise for someone to find when they least expect it. You can thank them for something they did or simply thank them for being themselves.

8) In conversation or on social media acknowledge someone and thank them for the light they bring into the world.

9) When life isnt going as planned write down in a journal or notebook what you can learn from the experience and how you can grow from it. Be grateful for what it teaches you.

10) Before each meal spend a few moments giving thanks for the food you are about to receive and before you go to bed at night spend a few moments giving thanks for your day. If you have a favourite gratitude prayer recite it to yourself out loud.

Try these rituals of gratitude for at least three weeks and see how it changes you from the inside out and makes you feel happier. See how your attitude of gratitude lights the way for others to follow and start right now with the most simple of gratitude rituals. After reading this feature greet everyone and everything  including yourself when you look in the mirror - with a big smile because there is so much in your life you have to be grateful for.
Writing about bad experiences isnt always cathartic

Paula Knight

Although the writing process was a conduit for my emotions at times, it hasnt been ultimately cathartic. After I finished my book, the grief over not having a baby increased, and writing about it probably kept things in the present for longer than was emotionally healthy!

My book is not my baby

I think that the childbirth metaphor for anything creative is somewhat overused. Ive written a book about not having children, so its all too easy to liken my writing process to the creation of a baby. However, its definitely just a book made from paper  not very cuddly, and thankfully I dont have to change its nappy.

The next two items illustrate my concern over how Brexit might affect opportunities for young people:

Ive been behind the iron curtain

I went on a cultural music exchange to Czechoslovakia in my teens. Staying with a family from a completely different political landscape was eye-opening and nourishing. It was both thrilling and unnerving to be held at a border with watch towers while our instrument cases were searched.

I was complicit in hijacking a train

As a student I took part in an Erasmus exchange to Bologna. The Universities were occupied by students protesting privatisation, so classes were cancelled for the first two months of my trip. My time there included joining the mass occupation of a train to Naples for a demonstration, learning a new language, living in an isolated C16th villa, and a dusty sculpture studio with no hot water, sharing bunk beds with five others.

Life experiences can be just as educating as exams and formal learning.

I have ME/CFS

While I was working on my book, my illness escalated, resulting in an already labour-intensive medium taking even longer. Im lucky to be able to work from home and pace myself, but many people have to give up work completely and struggle to get benefits and healthcare. I hope my book will raise awareness about the illness.

My favourite place to read is in the bath

This is good for my wellbeing, but not at all healthy for books! I dont allow library books in the bath.

I grow oak trees

Im raising my own tiny woodland as my means of feeling connected to the future. Ive planted three in The National Forest, and have a further 1520 saplings growing in pots.

I write with words and pictures

In my work for both adults and children, much of the storytelling happens in pictures. I think its a shame that were weaned off books with pictures as we progress through school. Words are not the only medium through which to tell stories: Pictures can often say things in ways that words cant.

I once played a benefit gig for a diabetic cat

The first writing I ever attempted was in the form of song lyrics for my band. This gave me confidence that, as well as being an illustrator, perhaps I could also write books.

She woke up and it was all a dream!

One of the hardest things I find about writing is finding a good ending
Azealia Banks has accepted a plea deal after she allegedly punched a nightclub security guard and bit her breast.

Azealia Banks

The outspoken rap star was set to stand trial for misdemeanour, assault and attempted assault - but she will now instead complete a 26-week series of anger management classes, which will ultimately see her charge reduced to disorderly conduct.

Lawyer John Vafa, who helped negotiate the agreement, told Pitchfork: "After conferring and working with Ms Banks' New York criminal attorney, we were able to negotiate and accept a plea deal.

"Ms Banks will participate in the ordered courses by the district attorney and the judge for 26 weeks."

Under the terms of the agreement, the '212' hitmaker is required to check in with the judge regularly and ensure that she stays out of any further trouble.

Failure to comply with the agreement could see Azealia, 25, spend up to a year in jail.

Meanwhile, Azealia was blasted by the judge earlier this month after she failed to show up for scheduled court appearance in New York City.

The controversial star blamed her failure to appear in court to face allegations of attacking the nightclub bouncer on tardiness, but Justice Kathryn Paek refused to accept Azealia's explanation.

According to defence lawyer Jess Berkowitz, Azealia was out of the country and mistakenly thought her court date was set for later in the week.

Speaking in court, Azealia said: "I just wanted to apologise for being tardy."

But Paek snapped back, saying: "Not tardy! You missed your court date, your case is on for hearing and trial, and you did not appear. Do you understand the difference?"

To which Azealia - who was reportedly at Paris Fashion Week when she was originally supposed to be in court - replied: "Yes."
Sigma (live) and Louisa Johnson have joined the line up for MTV Crashes Plymouth this summer.

Louisa Johnson

The mini-music festival is returning to Britain's Ocean City in South West England for another year with the chart-topping drum and bass duo - comprised of Cameron Edwards and Joseph Lenzie - and the 'So Good' pop beauty for the first night of the two-day event on July 27.

Sigma said: "We can't wait to bring our live show to MTV Crashes Plymouth this year. The crowd always looks amazing and up for a party!"

Louisa - who shot to success in 2015 after winning 'The X Factor' - said: "It feels SO GOOD to be playing MTV Crashes Plymouth this year, what an amazing line up to be a part of. I can't wait!"

As for day two, electronic dance star Martin Garrix - who has collaborated with the likes of Usher, Bebe Rexha and Dua Lipa - as well as Club MTV Resident DJs R3WIRE & Varski.

'Scared To Be Lonely' hitmaker Martin said: "Plymouth! I'm so excited to be heading your way this summer to perform! I can't wait to party with you guys, hope to see you there!"

And R3WIRE & Varksi said: "Plymouth we're so excited to be returning with MTV! How could we resist partying by the sea again?"

Last year saw Jess Glynne, Jonas Blue and Rudimental wow 35,000 fans.

were joined by Raleigh Ritchie and Anne-Marie on Plymouth Hoe - the coastal location on which Sir Francis Drake played bowls 1588 before heading out to sea to defend England from the oncoming Spanish Armada.

Tickets are on sale now at www.theticketstore.co.uk/mtvcrashes
Jeremy McConnell has been arrested on suspicion of assault and criminal damage.

Jeremy McConnell

The 27-year-old model is in police custody waiting to be questioned after he "voluntarily attended" a Merseyside police station over claims he assaulted former 'Hollyoaks' actress and on/off girlfriend Stephanie Davis.

A spokesperson for Merseyside Police said: "Following a report of an assault at an address in Stephenson Grove, Rainhill, a man has this morning (16.03.17) been arrested.

"A 27-year-old man from Liverpool city centre has been arrested on suspicion of assault and criminal damage after voluntarily attending a police station on Merseyside. He remains in police custody for questioning."

Whilst a source added to The Sun newspaper: "Jeremy has flown back to Liverpool for questioning. He is continuing to cooperate with officers as they investigate the claim further. He's hoping to fly back to Ireland later this evening."

It comes after Jeremy was involved in an alleged altercation with Stephanie - the mother of his child Caben-Ali - in Liverpool on March 9 with Stephanie giving a statement to police on March 12.

A police spokesperson said at the time: "Merseyside Police can confirm a report was received of an assault at a property on Thursday 9 March.

"Officers were contacted on Sunday, 12 March and an investigation into the incident is on-going. At this time no arrests have been made."

In a recent Snapchat post, Stephanie showed off a series of bad bruises on her legs as she took a bubble bath, captioning the post, "Trying to relax."

Jeremy had been spending time in Ireland following the recent deaths of his father and his aunt.

Meanwhile, a representative for Jeremy has insisted the 'Celebrity Big Brother' star is "fully cooperating" with police.

They said: "Jeremy denies any wrong doing, however he is fully cooperating with the police in their investigations."
Ameriabank: At the Vanguard of Armenia's Banking Sector

STATEMENT OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARTSAKH

SUBSCRIBERS OF UCOMS ALL TIME BEST OFFER TO ENJOY ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

Armenia-Azerbaijan: EU sets up monitoring capacity along the international borders

PACE co-rapporteurs on Armenia concerned by reports of alleged war crimes or inhuman treatment perpetrated by Azerbaijans armed forces

There is still 35% gender pay gap: Sona Ghazaryan

Global Finance Names Ameriabank the Safest Bank in Armenia

Mikayel and Karen Vardanyans provided 136 million AMD support for the overhaul of the Myasnikyan statue, which was in unsafe state of disrepair

Believe me, as a representative of a country which uses the Schengen system very often, it is quite important. Vardanyan

I really look forward to having answers from the Azerbaijani side for these alleged gross human rights violations: Secretary General

I call on Armenian and Azerbaijani parliamentarians to use this Assembly as an agora of opportunities President Tiny Kox

UCOMS SPECIAL OFFER OF THE UNLIMITED INTERNET IS NOW TERMLESS

There is no place for the death penalty in a State that respects human rights: PACE General Rapporteur

EU and CoE call on two Member States that have not yet acceded to this Protocol  Armenia and Azerbaijan  to do so without delay

An urgent debate requested on "The military hostilities between Armenia and Azerbaijan".

UCOM AND PES-PES CONTINUE COOPERATION WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF EDUCATIONAL PROJECT

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The statement of the meeting between Prime Minister Pashinyan, President Aliyev, President Macron and President Michel of October 6, 2022

Largest Corporate Bond Program at the Securities Market of Armenia Completed Successfully

The statement of the Defender on the video of the execution of Armenian PoWs by the Azerbaijani armed forces

LEVEL UP ONLY FOR STUDENTS: UCOM OFFERS X2 AND X3 MORE INTERNET

STATEMENT BY SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN

This criminal act is another proof that the Armenophobia policy. Tatoyan

Nikol Pashinyan, Nancy Pelosi discuss a number of issues related to the Armenian-American agenda and regional developments

Delegation by Nancy Pelosi Accompanied by Alen Simonyan Visits Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex

Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi Arrives in Yerevan

Armenian Revytech, global technology leader SAP and financial services software specialist SAP Fioneer sign a cooperation agreement

With 120 million drams donated by Mikael Vardanyan, the defenders of the homeland will be treated in a new building

OSCE Chairman-in-Office and OSCE Secretary General call for immediate cessation of hostilities along Armenia-Azerbaijan border

Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Artsakh
Paul O'Grady has been announced as new host of 'Blind Date'.

Paul O'Grady and Cilla Black

The 61-year-old comedian will take over the role of matchmaker from his late friend Cilla Black, who fronted the show for 18 years, when the popular dating show returns to screens later this year, following a revamp, on its new home Channel 5.

In an official statement issued by Channel 5, Paul said: "'Blind Date' is an incredibly special family show which brought laughter, tears and joy to TV viewers throughout out the land. I am honoured to present the brand new series and after speaking to Channel 5, I know the series is in safe hands. I can't wait to see if we can find love."

The classic game show was fronted by Cilla for almost two decades from 1985 until 2003 and, although a reboot has been in the pipeline for some time, she tragically passed away in 2015 following a fatal fall at her Spanish home.

Renowned for presenting 'The Paul O'Grady Show', the fellow Scouser has beat the likes of Vicky Pattison, Olly Murs, Georgia May Foote and Helen Flanagan to the job as they were among those rumoured to have been in talks about taking over as the presenter of the dating series.

A source previously revealed: "Blind Date is the original dating show and it's huge news to bring it back.

"It's a classic format that will be rebooted to make it young, sexy and modern. Expect sparks to fly. In an age of Tinder, you have got to earn the right to love on this show."

Bosses are keen to keep some of the "traditional" elements of the previous run but have decided to give it an updated twist to appeal to a "new generation of viewers".

It's expected to run on Friday nights - rather than its traditional Saturday night slot - and will consist of six to eight episodes per series for the first few installments.

The programme sees three singletons grilled by a member of the opposite sex in order to find the perfect match without being able to see them. The new couple then pick an envelope with their holiday destination - abroad or in the UK - inside and will spend the next week trying to get to know one another.

Channel 5 have bought the rights to the dating show but they will have some stiff competition from ITV as it has 'Take Me Out' and 'Meet The Parents'.

'Blind Date' proved a hit with viewers for years but the plug was pulled in 2003 when Cilla announced she was quitting during a live episode following a drop in ratings.

It is set to be filmed at London Studios on the South Bank, where the original series was shot, and be produced by So Television, which makes the 'The Graham Norton Show' and Stellify Media, a firm part-owned by Sony Pictures Television.
Lovisa Malmberg Gomis, the winner of KappAhls sustainable design contest 2016, is set to design new and exciting clothing in the form of two multifunctional, intelligent dresses that can each be used in three different ways. KappAhl is a leading fashion chain in the Nordic region, in Sweden, with close to 400 stores in Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Poland.Lovisa Malmberg Gomis design builds on an idea to create so-called intelligent clothing  that is to say, garments that can be varied and that have multiple areas of use, thereby gaining a longer lifespan. Lovisa has designed two dresses, each with three functions  perfect for both everyday wear and parties.

Lovisa Malmberg Gomis, the winner of KappAhl's sustainable design contest 2016, is set to design new and exciting clothing in the form of two multifunctional, intelligent dresses that can each be used in three different ways. KappAhl is a leading fashion chain in the Nordic region, in Sweden, with close to 400 stores in Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Poland.#

Gomis said, By creating a garment that can be used in different ways and in different situations, you extend its lifespan. In a playful and creative way, we can actually make a smarter choice for our environment and future. Sustainability is as simple as that.Maria Segergren, KappAhls vice president, assortment and design said, Lovisas idea for smart clothing is both spot on and an inspiration to us at KappAhl. We work hard to find creative solutions that promote more sustainable fashion consumption. And this is just what Lovisa has done in our competition, with her design for multifunctional dresses.Lovisas dresses will be available in selected KappAhl stores and online by the end of April 2017. (GK)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
The Sri Lankan apparel exporting sector has urged the industry to move away from producing low value added and also low cost garments, and instead turn into a sourcing hub for high value added clothing, by adopting industrial technological modernisation. They said the industry should capitalise on the country being recognised in terms of quality and delivery.The Sri Lanka Apparel Exporters Association (SLAEA) also observed that there was a need for consistency in terms of investment policy, as recent figures related to foreign direct investments were not so great.

The Sri Lankan apparel exporting sector has urged the industry to move away from producing low value added and also low cost garments, and instead turn into a sourcing hub for high value added clothing, by adopting industrial technological modernisation They said the industry should capitalise on the country being recognised in terms of quality and delivery.#

Sri Lankan media reports also quoted SLAEA as urging the government to think about removing the Simplified Suspended Value Added Tax (SVAT) scheme or exempt the industry from it. (AR)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
Brexit will be beneficial for Indian manufacturers as a bilateral deal with the UK will be better than the current EU system, according to Sriramulu Balakrishnan, MD of KG Denim. He also says that as India does not enjoy any preferential tariffs relating to the US, any increase in import tariffs by President Donald Trump will not affect Indian exporters.

"US imports of textiles and garments from India are already subject to tariff. India does not enjoy any preferential tariffs relating to the US. Any increase in import tariffs will not affect Indian exporters, and this increase will be applicable to all countries. India exports denim fabrics to many countries in Asia, Africa and South America, which in turn are exporting garments to the US on a favourable nation policy. Only after concrete policies are announced in the US, can we discuss the impact of protectionism," Balakrishnan told Fibre2Fashion in an exclusive interview.

Talking about the global demand for denim fabrics, he said that they are changing every season with innovative finishes and technical aspect of the product.

Brexit will be beneficial for Indian manufacturers as a bilateral deal with the UK will be better than the current EU system, according to Sriramulu Balakrishnan, MD of KG Denim. He also says that as India does not enjoy any preferential tariffs relating to the US, any increase in import tariffs by President Donald Trump will not affect Indian exporters.#

"Jeans is a fashion product, brands and retailers are moving towards fast fashion. Our customers are moving towards selling fashion at a price, trying to imitate the Zara model. Therefore, there is constant pressure to provide new products on a regular basis," added Balakrishnan.

When asked about the competition in the textile product segments, he said, "All products in the textiles and apparel segment face competition. Our strategy has been to focus on niche segments so as to insulate our price and margin structure. Our ethical practices regarding labelling in organic and other segments have helped us build trust with our customers."

The demand for denim in the domestic market has grown at a strong rate of about 7.5 per cent CAGR in the past 6 years (2009-10 to 2015-16). Domestic market demand will continue to grow, with short-term variations due to demonetisation, fashion and domestic economic cycles. Export demand is currently stagnant due to uncertainties in many overseas markets, noted Balakrishnan. (KD)

Click here to read the complete interview.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
Severe cotton shortage in Kenya has negatively impacted the operation of the Rift Valley Textile (Rivatex) company, which has urged the cotton farmers of the country to increase acreage for producing more cotton. The Eldoret based company is producing 10,000 bales of cotton on an average, as against its capacity of 70,000 bales annually.

Close to Sh300 million has been invested to upgrade the machines in order to produce items that adhere to international standards, said Thomas Kipkurgat, managing director of the company.

The national assembly had approved Sh500 million in 2015 for funding the company's purchase of new equipment, facilitating increase in production and in turn generating more income, according to Kenyan media reports.

Severe cotton shortage in Kenya has negatively impacted the operation of the Rift Valley Textile (Rivatex) company, which has urged the cotton farmers of the country to increase acreage for producing more cotton. The Eldoret based company is producing 10,000 bales of cotton on an average, as against its capacity of 70,000 bales annually. #

Rivatex is also carrying out aggressive marketing to sensitize farmers for increasing the acreage of cotton, said Kipkurgat. He added that farmers need to increase their production to supply more raw materials to help the firm sustain its annual operations.

The company has also acquired about 250 acres of land to teach farmers to grow high-yield cotton.

Farmers from North Rift have also appealed to the government to introduce a stabilisation fund for a guaranteed market and better returns to save them from unpredictable prices. (KD)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
It's Not In My DNA

"That is such an age-old stereotype and definitely not in my DNA," Priyanka told IANS when asked if actors today have become more open when it comes to appreciating the work of their colleagues, unlike the common perception that they have cat fights due to jealousy.

I'm Very Secure

"I'm very secure in who I am and the work I do. These are my friends and colleagues, and I like to share in their achievements and happiness.''

We Don't Live In The Dark Ages

''Good work should be applauded. I believe that there is enough work out there for everyone. We don't live in the dark ages any more.''

2017 Has Begun Well

"2017 has begun well. To win a second People's Choice Award, this time as a Favourite Dramatic TV Actress, is an awesome feeling.''

Winning An Award From The People Is A Vindication

''Winning an award from the people, the audience, is a vindication that both Quantico and my character connected globally. Also, when I see the amazingly talented women I was nominated with, it feels like I must be doing something right. As for the rest of the year, I'm looking forward to it."

I Have Lots Of Exciting Projects Lined Up

"Baywatch releases on May 26 and we will be promoting the film across the globe. As a producer with my production house Purple Pebble Pictures, I have a lot of exciting projects lined up across genres and languages. Many announcements are on the anvil on that front.''

I Have To Believe In A Brand To Endorse It

"I have to believe in a brand to endorse it. I look at products that I endorse as a consumer... Is it something I would use, do I like what it offers? If my name and brand are being used to advertise a product, then it's something I believe in.''
The audio launch ceremony of Honey Bee 2, the film directed by Jean Paul Lal that is scheduled to hit the theatres next week, was held yesterday (March 15, 2017) in Kochi.

The ceremony held at Gokulam Park Inn, Kochi was attended by the entire cast and crew of the movie along with other celebrities, as well. But, it was actor Vinayakan, who stole the show with his presence.

Image Courtesy: Facebook Page Of Honey Bee 2

The actor, who won the Kerala State Film Award for the Best Actor, was honoured by team Honey Bee 2 during the occasion. Interestingly, it was the first honouring ceremony held in the name of the actor, after the award announcement.

The crowd did go crazy when Vinayakan appeared on the stage and the State Award-winning actor did get a grand reception.

Image Courtesy: Facebook Page Of Honey Bee 2

Jayasurya, who has worked with Vinayakan in a good number of movies, was the one who handed over the memento to the actor. In his speech, Jayasurya showered praises on Vinayakan.

The grand event was attended by Asif Ali, Lal, Lal Jr, Lena, Sreenivasan, Vysakh, Sibi Malayil, Suresh Krishna, Baburaj, Sreenath Bhasi, Balu Varghese, Remya Nambeesan, Udayakrishna, Harisree Asokan etc. Honey Bee 2 will hit the theatres on March 23, 2017.
Avita Medical Limited (ASX:AVH) (OTCQX:AVMXY), a regenerative medicine company focused on the treatment of wounds and skin defects, today announced that it has received a Research and Development Tax Incentive cash rebate from the Australian Tax Office of A$974,908 for the financial year ending 30 June 2016. The R&D Tax Incentive provides a tax cash rebate to support Australian companies undertaking research and development projects.

"The receipt of the non-dilutive payment resulting from Australia's R&D Tax Incentive program delivers an important additional resource towards the buildup of our global commercial, clinical, and regulatory programs. We are grateful to the Australian Government for supporting our efforts to innovate new advancements and exploration of additional applications for our proprietary technology platform, ReCell," commented Adam Kelliher, Avita Medical's Chief Executive Officer.

ABOUT RECELL AND RES

ReCell is Avita Medical's unique proprietary technology that enables a clinician to rapidly create, at point of care in approximately 30 minutes, Regenerative Epithelial Suspension (RES) using a small sample of the patient's skin. RES is an autologous suspension comprising the cells and wound healing factors necessary to regenerate natural, healthy skin. RES has a broad range of applications and can be used to restart healing in unresponsive wounds, to repair burns using less donor skin, yet with improved functional and aesthetic outcomes, and to restore pigmentation and improve cosmesis of damaged skin.

ABOUT AVITA MEDICAL LIMITED

Avita Medical develops and distributes regenerative products for the treatment of a broad range of wounds, scars and skin defects. Avita's patented and proprietary collection and application technology provides innovative treatment solutions derived from a patient's own skin. The Company's lead product, ReCell, is used in the treatment of a wide variety of burns, plastic, reconstructive and cosmetic procedures. ReCell is patented, CE-marked for Europe, TGA-registered in Australia, and CFDA-cleared in China. In the United States, ReCell is an investigational device limited by federal law to investigational use, and a pivotal U.S. approval trial is underway. To learn more, visitwww.avitamedical.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170315006560/en/

Contacts:

Avita Medical Ltd

Adam Kelliher, +44 020 8947 9804

Chief Executive Officer

akelliher@avitamedical.com

or

Avita Medical Ltd

Tim Rooney, 1 (661) 367-9170

Chief Financial Officer

trooney@avitamedical.com

or

Australia

Monsoon Communications

Sarah Kemter, +61 (0)3 9620 3333

sarahk@monsoon.com.au

Mobile: +61 (0)407 162 530

or

USA

Westwicke Partners

Jamar Ismail, +1 (415) 513-1282

jamar.ismail@westwicke.com
WINNIPEG, MANITOBA -- (Marketwired) -- 03/15/17 -- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC)

Member of Parliament Dan Vandal on behalf of Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Lawrence MacAulay, was in Winnipeg today to provide remarks at the Canadian Horticultural Council 95th Annual General Meeting, where he announced more than $274,000 in Growing Forward 2 funding to help expand markets for Canadian potatoes.

This project, funded under the AgriMarketing Program, provides the Canadian Horticultural Council with up to $274,714 to help grow foreign and domestic markets for Canadian potatoes, through trade shows, targeted advertising, incoming missions, market research and development, and product promotion.

This investment is part of the federal government's plan to help Canadian farmers expand markets at home and abroad.

Quotes

"The Government of Canada is committed to working with the Canadian Horticultural Council to grow Canada's dynamic horticulture industry. These investments will help expand markets and demand for Canadian potatoes, while ensuring the highest standards for consumers around the world."

- Dan Vandal, Member of Parliament for Saint Boniface - Saint Vital

"The Canadian Horticultural Council and the Canadian Potato Council appreciate the funding received through the AgriMarketing Program, Market Development Stream, to support the export growth of high quality Canadian seed and fresh potatoes."

- Keith Kuhl, Outgoing President of the Canadian Horticultural Council

"The funding has allowed Canadian growers to maintain a presence in international markets by participating in tradeshows, international standard setting processes, and in phytosanitary market access activities."

- John Bareman, Chair of the Canadian Horticultural Council Potato Committee

Quick Facts

-- Canada's horticulture sector has almost $5 billion in farm-gate receipts annually; and $3.8 billion in exports annually. -- Canadian potato exports are currently $1.6 billion dollars annually. -- The Canadian Horticultural Council is a voluntary, not-for-profit, national association which represents the Canadian horticulture industry, including potatoes, tree fruits, berries, and several vegetables. -- These investments are made through the Growing Forward 2, AgriMarketing Program, a five-year, $341-million initiative aimed at improving the agriculture, agri-food and agri-based products sector's competitiveness in domestic and international markets.

Additional links

Growing Forward 2 (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada)

AgriMarketing Program (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada)

Canadian Horticultural Council

Follow us on Twitter: @AAFC_Canada

Like us on Facebook: CanadianAgriculture

Contacts:

Guy Gallant

Director of Communications

Office of the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay

613-773-1059



Media Relations

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Ottawa, Ontario

613-773-7972

1-866-345-7972



Rebecca Lee

Executive Director

Canadian Horticultural Council

613-226-4880




Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - March 15, 2017) - Roscan Minerals Corporation (TSXV: ROS.H) ("Roscan" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that Gregory Isenor (P. Geo) has been appointed a director of the Company. Mr. Isenor is a professional geologist with over 45 years of world wide experience in the mineral industry and with the past 14 years focused on West Africa gold exploration. He was formerly the President and Chief Executive Officer of Merrex Gold Inc., a company that was recently acquired by Iamgold Corporation.

To accommodate Mr. Isenor's appointment, Mr. Gordon Cudmore has resigned from the Company's board of directors. The Company wishes to thank Mr. Cudmore for his long time contribution to the Company and wishes him every success in the future.

The Company also announces that it has granted Mr. Isenor 300,000 options to purchase common shares at an exercise price of $0.06 per common share expiring on March 15, 2022.

For further information, please contact:

Mark McMurdie,

Chief Financial Officer

Tel: (416) 293-8437

Email: info@roscan.ca

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 contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "would", "potential", "proposed" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. These statements are only predictions. Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the information is provided, and is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. For a description of the risks and uncertainties facing the Company and its business and affairs, readers should refer to the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change, unless required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information.
BERLIN and COPENHAGEN, Denmark, June 26, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

ONE will be a fully licensed risk carrier and will be integrated into the wefox platform as an innovation partner from September 2017

ONE will operate as a transparent digital insurer, making its full range of innovations available to wefox innovation partners

ONE will set new standards in real-time data access, revolutionizing the customer experience.

At Money2020, an international FinTech event in Copenhagen, InsurTech company wefox is today announcing that it will be integrating a digital insurance carrier into its wefox platform. ONE, which will begin offering insurance to customers in Germany in September 2017, will be an entirely digital, mobile, real-time operation. ONE will be integrated into the wefox platform as an innovation partner. Initially, its products will comprise home contents and liability cover, but the portfolio will expand, going forward, to cover all aspects of life. By integrating ONE into the wefox platform, wefox underscores its path-breaking role in the InsurTech marketplace.

Since wefox began operating 18 months ago, the InsurTech company's platform has become firmly established as a marketplace for insurance solutions across Germany, Austria and Switzerland, offering insurance companies access to the high-growth broker sales channel. The service platform is open to all insurers. To date, wefox has succeeded in gaining more than 300 insurance companies, 600 brokers, and over 125,000 end-customers. In addition to a number of innovation partners in Austria and Switzerland, the companies ERGO, Barmenia and VHV in Germany have also come on-board with the aim of co-initiating product and process innovations for brokers and insurance customers through integration on the wefox platform. Agreements with other renowned partners are due to be signed shortly.

Integrating ONE

Wefox is to integrate ONE into the wefox platform in order to keep pace with the digital revolution. ONE's goal is to continuously improve the user experience for customers and brokers. Once integrated, the risk carrier ONE, operating transparently as a digital insurer, will be accessible to all the insurance companies in the marketplace. ONE will share its innovations and experience in full with its current and future wefox innovation partners in regular innovation labs.

Reinsured by Munich Re

Munich Re, which will provide ONE's reinsurance cover, has been supporting product development and data analytics since January 2017 as well. Munich Re is convinced by ONE's future-focused business model and the strategic and operational strengths of the parties involved.

Digital, mobile, real-time

ONE is setting the direction when it comes to data access. All its procedures - in the front and back office - are fully digital. The process of applying for insurance is both extremely simple and supported by artificial intelligence. Customers can pick and purchase insurance, complete with easy payment, within three minutes. The company is redefining the customer experience in claims management, too: Claims can be filed through ONE's mobile app. The aim is to process around 60 percent of all claims fully automatically and in real time. Because data is handled in real time, customers can check their current insurance status instantly. In addition, ONE will reward claim-free customers through a points system that returns part of their premium.

Managerial changes

With ONE's market entry and the involvement of the wefox Group, there are managerial changes at wefox. Julian Teicke, who until now has served as wefox's CEO, is to become the wefox Group's CEO and will concentrate fully on strategic management. Stephan Ommerborn, formerly an executive at Zurich Insurance Group for many years, is CEO at ONE. Ommerborn has been building up ONE since 2016 and has played a key role in driving the development of the transparent digital insurance carrier. Says Stephan Ommerborn: "By integrating ONE into the wefox platform, we are cutting through structural dependencies to enhance insurers' service levels. ONE is playing a path-breaking role when it comes to availability, ease of understanding and speed."

About wefox

Initially formed under the FinanceFox brand in Switzerland in November 2014, wefox is an InsurTech company that unites insurance-sector expertise and extensive experience with advanced digital capabilities. Its wefox service platform enables customers, brokers and insurance companies to manage insurance and financial products and business processes smartly and efficiently. The wefox platform combines advanced technology with classic insurance-industry consulting. Since it began operating in Switzerland in 2015, in Germany in October 2015 and in Austria in March 2017, wefox has acquired more than 125,000 policyholders in record time. The company, which has more than 100 employees, works with numerous local insurance brokers in a continuously widening network, and is preparing to expand its activities into other countries.

About ONE

ONE is a transparent digital insurer started up by Stephan Ommerborn and Samir El-Alami in 2016. Munich Re is ONE's official reinsurance partner. ONE is scheduled to begin operating in Germany in September 2017.

Further information: http://www.wefox.de / http://www.one-insurance.eu

Press Inquiries:

FinanceFox Services GmbH

Victoria Krasnov

Tel. +49(0)30-220662365

victoria.krasnov@wefox.com

Fink & Fuchs AG

Tanja Walter-Dunne

Tel. +49(0)611-74131-45

tanja.walter.dunne@finkfuchs.de

wefox@finkfuchs.de


SINGAPORE, Mar 16, 2017 - (ACN Newswire) - Cornerstone Global Partners ('CGP' in Mainland China) announced the appointment of Kent Yar as Practice Leader for its Aerospace & Aviation business. Based in Singapore, Kent will be responsible for developing CGP's aerospace & aviation business in the Asia Pacific, including general aviation, airliners, manufacturers and MROs, and assist the Company's efforts in client retention, new business production, and talent development. He will also work closely with the other teams in APAC to service regional and international clients.Chris Watkins, Managing Partner at Cornerstone Global Partners, said: "Kent's appointment marks an exciting new era for us in Asia Pacific. He brings significant international experience in the Aerospace & Aviation sector and will provide further knowledge and expertise to our clients in the region". "Having worked previously within the Aerospace and Aviation sector for the executive search industry, Kent understands the needs of our clients and candidates," said Watkins. "We are delighted to welcome Kent to our expanding team in Singapore and we are confident he will develop the growth of our Aerospace and Aviation business across the region.""I am excited to join a group that has such encouraging growth prospects and it makes such a deep impact for me in knowing the group's focus and strategy in growing its aerospace & aviation business especially in China," Kent said. "I'm looking forward to partnering with the team at CGP and playing my part in growing this practice across the region and supporting increasing communication and engagement with our stakeholders."Kent specialises in Aerospace, Aviation and Defense executive search across Asia Pacific and provides advisory to MNCs and start-up in the region related to Aerospace OEMs, MROs, Airliners, Defence Contractors, Airport Authorities and Venture Capitalist. He has worked previously in senior roles in companies such as Spring Professional and Kelly Services as well as other search firms. His last role was Deputy Managing Director at Morgan Philips Singapore.About CGPCGP, one of the largest search firm in Asia, delivers human capital to a range of industries from Fortune 500 to Small & Medium-sized Enterprises. Our leadership and recruitment team has immediate access to the leading executives and mid-level talent throughout Asia which has led to the track record of completing over 3000 executive searches over the last several years. http://cornerstoneglobalpartners.comContact:Cornerstone Global Partnersinfo@cpgtalent.comSource: Cornerstone Global PartnersCopyright 2017 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved.
CANBERA (dpa-AFX) - The New Zealand dollar weakened against the other major currencies in the Asian session on Thursday. The NZ dollar fell to a 6-day low of 79.25 against the yen and a 2-day low of 1.5343 against the euro, from yesterday's closing quotes of 79.84 and 1.5233, respectively. Against the U.S. dollar, the kiwi dropped to 0.6989 from yesterday's closing value of 0.7043. The kiwi slipped to 1.0987 against the Australian dollar, from yesterday's closing value of 1.0940. This may be compared to an early near 1-year low of 1.0996. If the kiwi extends its downtrend, it is likely to find support around 78.00 against the yen, 1.55 against the euro, 0.68 against the greenback and 1.10 against the aussie. 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.
Zurich (ots) - Grosser Bahnhof nachste Woche in Genf: Bill Gates,Microsoft-Grunder und Wohltater, gibt der Rhonestadt aus Anlass einermehrtagigen Konferenz zum Thema Tropenkrankheiten die Ehre. AlsVeranstalterin figuriert Uniting to Combat, eine Initiative zurBekampfung von Krankheiten wie Chagas, Schlafkrankheit und Lepra, dievon der Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation unterstutzt wird. Ziel dervor funf Jahren formulierten London Declaration ist es, die zehnwichtigsten Tropenkrankheiten bis 2020 auszurotten.Die Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation ist mit einem Stiftungskapitalvon fast 40 Milliarden Dollar und Ausschuttungen von 4,2 MilliardenDollar im Jahr 2015 die mit Abstand grosste wohltatige Stiftung derWelt. Auch die Pharmaindustrie wird in Genf prominent vertreten sein.Fur Novartis, die mit Coartem uber ein bedeutendes und fur dieBehandlung von Kindern gut geeignetes Malariamittel verfugt, nimmtKonzernchef Joe Jimenez teil. Der amerikanische Pharma- undKonsumguterkonzern Johnson & Johnson schickt seinen ForschungschefPaul Stoffels nach Genf.Originaltext: HandelszeitungDigitale Medienmappe: http://www.presseportal.ch/de/nr/100009535Medienmappe via RSS: http://www.presseportal.ch/de/rss/pm_100009535.rss2Kontakt:Nahere Auskunft erhalten Sie unter Tel. 058 269 22 90
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 03/16/17 -- Maxtech Ventures Inc. (CSE: MVT)(CSE: MVT.CN)(OTC PINK: MTEHF)(FRANKFURT: M1N), ("Maxtech" or the "Company") has signed a Letter of Intent ("LOI") to form a joint venture to develop the Buriturama Mine in the State of Bahia, Brazil with Plantiminas Empreendimentos Rurais Ltda.

(iii)At the request of IIROC the Company wishes to clarify specific disclosure in its March 16, 2017 news release. Readers should disregard the disclosure in the earlier release.

The Buriturama Mine is located in the northern portion of the State of Bahia, 862 km from Porto de Aratu with access to railroad, port facilities and infrastructure. The Buriturama Mine has significant historical mining records as well as a current Gia (trial mining license) which authorizes mining and processing of mineralized materials. Small scale mining has been undertaken on the project and there are outcrops located throughout the project area as well as mining pits. An application has been submitted to Departmento Nacional de Proucao Mineral ("DNPM") for a Lavra licence which provides for unlimited mining. The company will do both technical and legal due diligence on the asset prior to signing a definitive agreement.

Vale's Mina do Azul Mine is situated approximately 100km's north of the Buriturama Mine in Bahia, and is responsible for a large percentage of Vale's manganese output. Vale SA is the largest manganese producer in Brazil and the Mina do Azul Mine is recognized internationally for its mineralized materials which contains high concentrations of manganese and a high manganese-iron ratio.

The markets for manganese mineralized materials and ferroalloys are highly competitive. High-grade manganese competes on a global seaborne basis while low-grade mineralized materials competes on a regional basis. The ferroalloy market is characterized by a large number of participants who compete primarily on the basis of price. The competitive factors affecting this market are the costs of the mineralized materials, electricity, logistics, and reductants.

Peter Wilson, Maxtech CEO, said, "We will begin the due diligence process immediately. The Plantiminas Empreendimentos Rurais Ltda. strategic partnership in the Buriturama Mine will enable Maxtech to build vertical manganese operation in Brazil."

The Company also announces that pursuant to its stock option plan it will issue 1,000,000 options to certain officers, directors and consultants at a price of $0.57 cents per share. The options granted are exercisable up to five years from the issue date.

About Maxtech Ventures Inc.

Maxtech Ventures Inc. is a Canadian based diversified industries corporation with gold and manganese mineral properties. Its focus is on mining and the products that are derived therefrom.

For additional information see the Company's web site at http://www.maxtech-ventures.com.

Further information about the Company is available on www.SEDAR.com under the Company's profile.

Certain statements contained in this release may constitute "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" (collectively "forward-looking information") as those terms are used in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and similar Canadian laws. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words "could", "intend", "expect", "believe", "will", "projected", "estimated", "anticipates" and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Company's current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. Actual future results may differ materially. In particular, this release contains forward-looking information relating to the business of the Company, the Property, financing and certain corporate changes. The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof and the Company is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Because of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The foregoing statements expressly qualify any forward-looking information contained herein.

Contacts:

Maxtech Ventures Inc.

Peter Wilson

Chief Executive Officer

604-484-8989

peter@maxtech-ventures.com



info@maxtech-ventures.com

www.maxtech-ventures.com




TO VIEW THE FULL HALF YEARLY REPORT AS A .PDF PLEASE VISIT THE COMPANY WEBSITE:

http://www.auraenergy.com.au/investor/ASX%20Announcements/2017/Half%20Year%20Report%20December%202016.pdf

16 MARCH 2017

AURA ENERGY LIMITED

("Aura" or the "Company")

Half Yearly Report

Aura Energy Limited(ASX:AEE / AIM:AURA), the uranium development company focused on developing projects in Africa and Europe towards production, has released its Half Yearly report.

Principal activities

The principal activity of the Group is mineral exploration, primarily the discovery and development of uranium deposits in Mauritania and Sweden.

Operating Results

The consolidated interim statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income shows a Loss after tax of $1,514,366 for the half-year ended 31 December 2016 (2015: $777,258), including one-off costs associated with the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) admission of $683,121.

Review of operations

Aura is an Australian incorporated and listed entity with its Tiris Project located in Mauritania and its Haggan Project located in Sweden. During the Half-Year, Aura completed a successful listing on the Alternative Investment market as well as an Australian Placement to raise $5 million and diversified its portfolio with the acquisition of the Tasiast South gold prospects and the application for Lithium and Soda Ash research permits.

With the funding from the AIM admission, the Company recommenced its Feasibility Study (FS) activities on its Tiris uranium project in northern Mauritania and began planning for further drilling activities at its Haggan project in Sweden.

TIRIS PROJECT (Mauritania)

Aura re-commenced the feasibility study of its 100% owned 49 million pound U3O8 calcrete project in Mauritania (see Figure 1). The project has low operating costs and low development capital with strong financial returns under long-term pricing scenarios.

Tiris Project Studies

The Tiris FS restarted across many critical areas of the project during the period. In general terms, the main areas remaining in the study are resource upgrade and validation, leaching test work and process design, environmental and social impact study and infrastructure.

During the Half-Year the main aspects of work were:

Recruitment of a Study Manager who has developed projects in the relevant regions of Africa

Permanent appointment of Dr Will Goodall as Principal Metallurgist for the Company

as Principal Metallurgist for the Company Completion of a downhole logging survey as part of the resource validation assessment

Ultra-detailed ground radiometric surveying over the key resource zones to establish more precisely the outlines of, and zonation within, mineralisation across the major resources

This ground radiometric survey work was continued over the Hippolyte South prospect, currently under application, which hosts extensive and strong radiometric anomalies south of the main Hippolyte resource. This will define drill targets for future resource drilling on this very prospective target

Planning for continuation of previous metallurgical studies for leaching and beneficiation

Environmental and social impact assessment field work was undertaken with consultants on all resource sites. Associated meetings with relevant government officials have also taken place and are continuing

The Terms of Reference for the Environmental and Social Impact Statement was submitted to the government

Water search consultants have commenced work which involves an initial program of ground geophysics to select drill targets prior to drill testing of these sites. The study will focus principally on the basal sedimentary units of the Taoudeni Basin to the south of the project area. These are known to host substantial water supplies elsewhere in the region. A few favourable sites on Reguibat Shield rocks closer to the project site will also be tested in this program

Preparation of documents for the Mining Lease Application

Two additional Exploration Permits were granted to Aura during the Half- Year. One, Oum Ferkik South, covers the extension to the south of the mineralised zone that contains Aura's Ferkik Resource. The other, Aguelet, contains an Inferred Resource of 0.7 million lbs U3O8 at 240 ppm U3O8

AMARE LITHIUM AND SODA ASH PROJECT (Mauritania)

During the Half-Year, the Company announced that as part of a continual review of mineral opportunities in Mauritania, it has taken a position in 2 large Sabkhas (salt pans) in the region of its Tiris Uranium Project with a view to exploring them for soda ash and other minerals.

Soda ash is the leach agent proposed for the Tiris project and if the source were confirmed it would provide significant benefits to the project economics.

The Sabkhas which are 165 km from Hippolyte are large on a relative basis covering an area of over 85 km2 (see Figure 2). Sabkha is an Arabic name for a salt-flat that has come into general use in sedimentology. They are also known as "Salars" in South America and generically as salt pans or flats. The valuable salts can occur in the Sabkha environment either in clays at or near surface or in brine reservoirs deeper in the lake sediments.

The location of the Sabkha between Aura's Tiris project East and West tenements provide a favourable location should a source of soda ash (Na2CO3) be identified.

Initial sampling of the Amare lithium and soda ash prospect was undertaken during the Half-Year and assaying is underway.

Aura will continue to review other opportunities for similar mineral occurrences throughout the local region given the favourable conditions for the numerous Sabkhas close to its project areas.

TASIAST SOUTH GOLD PROJECT (Mauritania)

The Company announced on 27 June 2016 that it has secured rights to acquire 175 km2 covering two under-explored mineralised greenstone belts in Mauritania (see Figure 3). The areas lie along strike from Kinross' giant Tasiast Gold Mine and from Algold's Tijirit gold deposits. The two areas are currently held under exploration permit applications and are expected to be granted in the near future.

These highly prospective gold areas represent an excellent opportunity in lightly explored Archean greenstone belts and will leverage Aura's extensive operating experience in this part of the world. The project is favourably located 200 km from Aura's Nouakchott office, 60 km from the coast, and can be managed efficiently within the company's existing management resources without distraction from Aura's core uranium focus.

Aura's Tasiast South Project area has the following attributes:

Tenements over two lightly explored greenstone belts covering 175 km2.

The +20 Moz Tasiast gold deposit is nearby on the same greenstone belt and highlights the potential for major deposits in the region (see Figure 3).

$3m has been expended by the previous explorer on airborne geophysics, reverse circulation and air- core drilling, and sampling.

has been expended by the previous explorer on airborne geophysics, reverse circulation and air- core drilling, and sampling. Broad zones of gold mineralisation have been identified with strong similarities to the Tasiast Gold Mine mineralisation and alteration.

No testing deeper than 150m with most previous holes less than 100m.

High grade drill intersections have been reported by others in the district from both past and current programs, including one in progress with Algold Resources (TSX), which highlight the current interest and potential in these poorly tested belts.

Half-Year Aura continued to plan and assess the best approach to the exploration of these tenements.

Nickel and base metal potential

Previous exploration for gold on these permit areas also located strongly anomalous nickel values in several areas, associated with ultramafic rocks (see Figure 4). In parts of the tenements high nickel values are associated with anomalous copper highlighting potential for nickel-copper sulphide mineralisation, as occurs also in the greenstone belts of Australia and Canada. At this stage, there has been no follow-up work carried out on these nickel targets.

Future work program and other opportunities

Next steps envisaged at Tasiast South are:

Ground electrical geophysics to locate the strongest zones of disseminated sulphide development for drill targeting.

Additional bedrock sampling by air- core or auger-drilling to better define the high nickel ultramafics and zones of copper/nickel for follow up drilling.

Deep drill testing (RC and DD) of targets defined.

Aura's timing for this work is dependent on granting of the permits and on financing however some of the work described is relatively low cost and may be funded from existing resources. Aura will also explore other financing options to progress this work plan including joint ventures, royalties and work-for-equity funding.

HAGGAN PROJECT (Sweden)

The Haggan project has an Inferred Resource of 803 million pounds of U3O8. Scoping studies previously completed by Aura have indicated that the Haggan Project has the potential be a very large low cost uranium producer.

Work continued regarding a community engagement for the Haggan Project.

The key aspects of the community liaison program are twofold:

Recruitment of an appropriate representative and further the education and understanding of Aura's project in those areas.

Completion of an economic development study to outline the benefits of the project in terms of direct and indirect jobs, capital outlay and broader contribution to the local and regional economy.

Aura continues to press the Haggan project as a unique and strategic energy source in Europe which the European nuclear energy sector is beginning to realise can play an important role as a uranium source in the future.

The Company believes Haggan is a 5-7 year proposition as a development project and is scoping its work program around that time frame.

A program of 750m of diamond drilling in 3 holes is programmed for the first Quarter 2017 for geostatistical and resource upgrade purposes.

Uranium sector and price

The price of uranium has enjoyed improved sentiment and recovered from its recent lows in the face of producer cutbacks. The current price series is as follows:

Spot Price - US$23.65 /lb

/lb Mid Term - US$22.00 /lb

/lb Long Term - US$30.00 /lb

Key points of interest to note from the uranium sector have been:

KazAtomProm stated it would cut output by 10%, equivalent to 2000t or 3 % of global supply, because of low prices.

The Trump presidency may result in a more pro-nuclear stance by the US and policy shifts in the US under a new administration are likely to play an important role in the nuclear industry over the next few years.

Over the next 2-3 years, many of the long-term supply contracts will expire requiring renegotiation at prices unlikely to be done at current midterm or long-term pricing

A key point worth repeating and highlighting is the lack of term contracting in 2013 and 2014 as shown in the chart below. This remains a key risk for utilities going forward and will need to be filled at some stage. This contracting phase will strongly impact the Long-Term price as evidenced in the chart below between 2004 and 2007.

CORPORATE

Mauritanides Conference - Mauritania

Aura Energy attended the Mauritanides conference in Nouakchott Mauritania in October 2017. The government sponsored bi-annual conference is the key resources conference in the country and is attended by the President, Prime Minister and Mines Minister.

Key points of the conference and trip were:

Excellent company meetings with the Mines Minister demonstrating strong support for Aura's activities in the country.

The depth of resource industry involvement in the country including significant oil and gas activity.

Recent success of Algold's gold exploration and its significance to Aura's gold properties

Subsequent events

During the course of February 2017, the Company secured the support of a number of option holders to advance its newly secured gold project in Mauritania. The option holders exercised 72,642,413 options over ordinary shares at an exercise price of 2.5 cents per option over ordinary share. The exercise of the options over ordinary shares has provided the Company with $1,816,060 to dedicate to the advancement of its gold projects and specifically, undertaking a detailed drilling campaign.

Condensed consolidated interim statement of financial position

As at 31 December 2016



Note 31 DEC 2016

$ 31 DEC 2015

$ Assets Current assets Cash and cash equivalents 8 3,432,754 317,758 Trade and other receivables 9 74,351 57,708 Other 10 43,594 43,625 Total current assets 3,550,699 419,091 Non-current assets Exploration and evaluation 11 14,160,331 14,137,710 Property, plant and equipment 20,808 - Total non-current assets 14,181,139 14,137,710 Total assets 17,731,838 14,556,801 Liabilities Current liabilities Trade and other payables 12 372,358 550,844 Provisions 13 160,992 165,251 Total current liabilities 533,350 716,095 Total liabilities 533,350 716,095 Net assets 17,198,488 13,840,706 Equity Issued and paid-up capital 14 37,750,260 32,784,203 Reserves 890,935 1,029,542 Accumulated losses (21,442,707) (19,973,039) Total equity 17,198,488 13,840,706

Condensed consolidated interim statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income

For the six months ended 31 December 2016



NOTE 6 MONTHS TO '31 DEC 2016 6 MONTHS TO

'31 DEC 2015 Finance income 1,784 2,970 Other income - - Administrative expenses (324,543) (367,165) Depreciation expense - (1,603) Employee benefits expense (320,014) (379,803) Exchange fluctuation (72,191) (614) Finance costs - (5,008) Listing costs on AIM market (683,121) - Share-based payments (120,458) (145,293) Other 4,177 (20,742) Loss before tax (1,514,366) (917,258) Income tax benefit - 140,000 Total profit/(loss) for the period after tax (1,514,366) (777,258) Other comprehensive income/(loss) (237,156) 204,758 Total comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to members of Aura Energy Limited (1,751,522) (572,500) Earnings/(loss) per share attributable to members of Aura Energy Limited Basic earnings/(loss) per share (cents) (0.25) (0.21) Diluted earnings/(loss) per share (cents) (0.25) (0.21)

Condensed consolidated interim statement of cash flows

For the six months ended 31 December 2016

NOTE 6 MONTHS TO '31 DEC 2016 6 MONTHS TO

'31 DEC 2015 Cash flows from operating activities Payments to suppliers and employees (1,533,891) (659,193) Interest received 1,784 2,970 Interest and borrowing payments - (1,211) Net cash from/ (used in) operating activities (1,532,107) (657,434) Cash flows from investing activities Exploration and evaluation payments (253,339) (719,772) Acquisition of property, plant and equipment (20,808) - Net cash from/ (used in) investing activities (274,147) (719,772) Cash flows from financing activities Share issues 5,129,719 860,870 Equity raising costs (137,624) (52,343) Repayment of borrowings - (8,656) Net cash from/(used in) financing activities 4,992,095 799,871 Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 3,185,841 (577,335) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period 317,758 943,011 Exchange fluctuation (70,845) (614) Cash and cash equivalents at period end 3,432,754 365,062

Condensed consolidated interim statement of changes in equity

For the six months ended 31 December 2016

SHARE CAPITAL



$ SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS RESERVE

$ OPTION-BASED PAYMENTS RESERVE

$ TRANSLATION RESERVE



$ ACCUMULATED LOSSES



$ TOTAL





$ Balance at 1 July 2015 31,311,988 - 398,924 502,328 (18,451,415) 13,761,825 Share issues 957,376 - - - - 957,376 Equity raising costs (52,343) - - - - (52,343) Exercise of options over ordinary shares - - - - - - Vest of options over ordinary shares - - - - - - Transfer to share-based payments reserve - 34,253 - - - 34,253 Transfer to option-based payments reserve - - 145,293 - - 145,293 Loss after tax for the period - - - - (777,258) (777,258) Other comprehensive income/(loss) for the period - - - 204,758 - 204,758 Balance at 31 December 2015 32,217,021 34,253 544,217 707,086 (19,228,673) 14,273,904 Balance at 1 July 2016 32,784,203 - 495,651 533,891 (19,973,039) 13,840,706 Share issues 5,157,183 - - - - 5,157,183 Equity raising costs (318,167) - - - - (318,167) Exercise of options over ordinary shares 127,041 - - - - 127,041 Expiry of options over ordinary shares - - (44,698) - 44,698 - Vest of options over ordinary shares - - - - - - Transfer to share-based payments reserve - - - - - - Transfer to option-based payments reserve - - 143,247 - - 143,247 Loss after tax for the period - - - - (1,514,366) (1,514,36) Other comprehensive income/(loss) for the period - - - (237,156) - (237,156) Balance at 31 December 2016 37,750,260 - 594,200 296,735 (21,442,707) 17,198,488

TO VIEW THE FULL HALF YEARLY REPORT AS A .PDF PLEASE VISIT THE COMPANY WEBSITE:

http://www.auraenergy.com.au/announcements-2017.html

ENDS

For more information please visitwww.auraenergy.com.auor contact the following :

Aura Energy Limited

Peter Reeve(Executive Chairman) Telephone: +61 (3) 9516 6500

info@auraenergy.com.au WH IrelandLimited

Adrian Hadden

James Bavister Telephone:+44 (0) 207220 1666 Yellow Jersey PR Limited

Felicity Winkles

Joe Burgess Telephone:

+44 (0) 7748 843 871

+44 (0) 7769 325 254

Aura Energy is a dual-listed (ASX/AIM)uranium company focused on developing projects in Africa and Europe towards production. The Company has100% ownership of a portfolio of prospective uranium projects.

Aurahas a simple development approach as it looks to build itself into a cash-generative uranium producer in the near to mid-term.Its immediate growth strategy is focused ondevelopmentof its 49MlbsTiris uranium project in Mauritania ("Tiris"), a Feasibility Study of which is currently underway and expected to be completed in late 2017,with mine construction following. The Company is also advancing its longer-term803Mlbs Haggan uranium project in Sweden ("Haggan"). In addition, the Company is exploring opportunities in gold, lithium and soda ash in Mauritania.




Hitachi Ltd Corporate Communications Tel: +81-3-3258-1111

TOKYO, Mar 16, 2017 - (JCN Newswire) - Kanazawa University and Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE: 6501) today announced the joint development of a compact sensor capable of identifying the source of electromagnetic interference(1) that causes malfunction in component for autonomous operation. The realization of the compact sensor will not only allow multiple sensors to be embedded in vehicles such as automobiles and trains, but also by configuring it with several antennas, enable the direction of this low-frequency electromagnetic interference emitted by aging components to be precisely detected, and thus allow the accurate identification of the electromagnetic interference source. By using this sensor, the risk of malfunction in autonomous operation component or transport systems can be avoided by continuously monitoring electromagnetic interference, and preventing the loss of sensor data related to cruise control. Kanazawa University and Hitachi will continue with the application of sensing technology detecting electromagnetic interference, to contribute to improving safety in societal infrastructure.In the recent years with the progress of IoT, initiatives are rapidly growing to connect components embedded in automobiles or trains, or autonomous operation. To ensure the long term reliability and safety of aging component and systems, it is necessary not only to increase the reliability of the components themselves but also to obtain normal sensor data. Low-frequency electromagnetic interference that interferes with surrounding signals and sensor data, however, leaks from aging or integrated electronic components that may result in equipment or system malfunction.Currently, there are two technologies to identify the source of low-frequency electromagnetic interference: (a) the application of high-frequency direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimation(2) used in wireless communication, and (b) the application of DOA estimation using Poynting vector(3). High-frequency DOA estimation, however, requires either larger sensors or the installment of sensors over a wide area, etc., therefore making practical application in autonomous operation component difficult. On the other hand, DOA estimation using Poynting vector measures either the electric or magnetic field, and obtains the other value by conversion to determine the probable direction of the source, producing an error of approximately 45 degrees(4) preventing the accurate identification of the electromagnetic interference sources.To precisely identify the source of low-frequency electromagnetic interference, Kanazawa University and Hitachi developed a compact sensor applying the Poynting vector method that can simultaneously measure both the electric field as well as the magnetic field in three dimensions from the same location. Features of this sensor are as follows:1. Two loop antennas(5) arranged in a pair structure to enable simultaneous measurement of electric and magnetic fieldsTwo loop antennas, conventionally only used in magnetic field measurement, are arranged as a pair structure on the same plane to enable simultaneous measurement of the electric field occurring between antenna.2. Three pairs of loop antennas arranged to cross each other achieves sensor's high accuracy and small-sizeThree paired loop antennas are arranged so that the circuit for detecting electromagnetic interference set in the center can obtain all the data at once. This allows the data on the electric and magnetic fields to be simultaneously detected in three dimension. As the loop antennas are aligned perpendicularly, measurement accuracy is improved without interference from each other. In addition, as the detection circuit is integrated in the center of the pair structured loop antenna, a compact size of 110 cubic mm was realized.Using the sensor developed to identify the direction of electromagnetic interference of 200kHz - 10MHz, detection with an error of less than 2 degrees of the actual direction was confirmed. This converts to an error of less than 10cm when the distance between the sensor and the noise sources is 3m. By using three sensors, it is possible to specify the source of electromagnetic interference as the point where the three detected directions cross, thus allowing component malfunctions to be prevented.Kanazawa University and Hitachi, by applying this sensor to the establishment of error prevention systems for autonomous operation component, will contribute to enhancing the safety of societal infrastructure.A part of this achievement will be presented at the IEICE General Conference to be held from 22nd to 25th March 2017 at Meijo University, Nagoya, Japan.(1) Electromagnetic interference: Weak electromagnetic wave from circuits and power devices of electronics that causes interferences to surrounding electronic field and loss of sensor data. This can be the factor of communication failure or electronic errors.(2) High-frequency DOA estimation: Most of these techniques are based on phase delay of antenna arrays with a sophisticated algorithm like multiple signal classification (MUSIC) or estimation of signal parameters via rotational invariance technique (ESPRIT). To achieve high resolution in the incident angle, it is necessary to place receiving sensors for each distance of about half the wavelength. A Luneburg lens with photonic sensors or power detectors is another DOA technique. But it is necessary to make the lens size larger than the wavelength. So if the frequency of electromagnetic wave is 1MHz, it requires placing sensors for each 150m distance or a lens larger than 300m.(3) Poynting vector: Vector that shows the direction of electromagnetic wave and the amount of energy.(4) Error of approximately 45 degrees: If the distance between the sensor and the source is 3m, the location error would be 3m.(5) Loop antenna: Antenna is loop shaped wire made of metals, etc.About Kanazawa UniversityThe origin of Kanazawa University dates back to a smallpox vaccination center established by the Kaga Clan in 1862. We have a history of 150 years in Kanazawa. Succeeding the history and tradition of multiple predecessors, the university was established in1949. We are comprised of 3 colleges and 16 schools, 6 graduate schools, University Hospital, Cancer Research Institute and other sectors. The enrollment is over 10,300, and students come from 43 nations and 1 region around the world. For more information, please see: http://www.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/e/About Hitachi, Ltd.Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE: 6501), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, delivers innovations that answer society's challenges with our talented team and proven experience in global markets. The company's consolidated revenues for fiscal 2014 (ended March 31, 2015) totaled 9,761 billion yen ($81.3 billion). Hitachi is focusing more than ever on the Social Innovation Business, which includes power & infrastructure systems, information & telecommunication systems, construction machinery, high functional materials & components, automotive systems, healthcare and others. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company's website at www.hitachi.com.Source: Hitachi, Ltd.Contact:Copyright 2017 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved.
A solid start to Columbus' new strategy Columbus2020 with a revenue of DKK 1.193m, a growth of 6%, and EBITDA* of DKK 144m, corresponding to a growth of 37%. Release no. 6/2017



Columbus A/S has today published the Annual Report 2016, cf. release no. 5/2017.



In 2016, Columbus delivered a revenue of DKK 1,193m, and EBITDA* amounted to DKK 144m., corresponding to increases of 6% and 37% respectively compared to 2015. The net result for the year increased by 25% to DKK 81.5m.



The revenue growth was primarily driven by a solid growth in the services business and acquisitions made in 2015 and 2016.



The increase in EBITDA* was primarily due to a significant growth in profitability in the services business and secondly due to the effect of the acquisitions made in 2015 and 2016. EBITDA* was also impacted by a non-recurring extraordinary income of DKK 5,6m.



Based on the net result and cash flow, the Board of Directors proposes that the General Meeting adopts a dividend payment of 10% of the nominal share capital.



A solid start of the Columbus2020 strategy



In March 2016, Columbus announced the company's new five-year strategy Columbus2020. The ambition is to be a leading global value provider of digital business solutions in selected industries.



Columbus continues the optimizing and streamlining of the business to improve customer success and to improve profitability, while investing in new innovative business applications that will drive growth and further strengthen the company's market position.



Cloud transition - a market condition



The shift towards cloud-based solutions started some years ago, however, the cloud transition accelerated in 2016.



This creates significant business opportunities for Columbus, as we together with our partners, can offer complete and compelling industry-based business applications running in the cloud, however, short-term the cloud conversion will cause a decline in revenue and earnings (see below).



Financial value drivers (KPI's) show an upward trend



In connection with Columbus' five-year strategy, the Group has determined three value drivers, which reflect the new strategic direction. The value drivers measure the development in relation to significant success criteria for future growth and value creation.



Value drivers:



1. Improve profitability in the services business



In 2016 Service Revenue increased by 11% and the Service EBITDA increased from DKK 40m to DKK 91m, an increase of 131%. The main reason for this improvement was an increase in chargeable hours from 55% to 58%, with the greatest progress coming from Columbus Norway and Columbus US.



Acquisitions are also an important contributor to the improved Service EBITDA.



2. Scaling of own software sales



In 2016, Columbus Software decreased by 6% to DKK 91m (2015: DKK 97m). The decline is due to a 15% decline in Columbus Software license sales, while Columbus software subscriptions increased by 5%, due to a strong license sale in 2015. The main reason for the decreasing sale of licenses is that the expected cloud conversion is taking place faster than anticipated. The decline in license sale in 2016 is also due to a very strong sale in 2015.



3. Growth in recurring revenue



In 2016, recurring revenue increased by 11%, primarily affected by the acquisition of the cloud and hosting company SystemHosting A/S, which Columbus acquired in February. The proportion of recurring revenue constitutes 25% of the total revenue in 2016.



Acquisitions in 2016 create critical mass



In February, Columbus acquired SystemHosting A/S, a leading Danish cloud and hosting company with 29 employees and more than 300 customers. In July, Columbus acquired the US consultancy Client Strategy Group, LLC, recognized for their specialized competencies and solutions within ERP. The company has 19 employees. In December, Columbus acquired the UK services company Cambridge Online Systems Ltd, which is a leading IT services and cloud company with a substantial market share within ERP, CRM and cloud. The company has 71 employees.



The integration of the these companies is progressing as planned.



Expectations to 2017 - the progress continues



The expectations for 2017 are summarized below:



-- Revenue in the level of DKK 1.35bn -- EBITDA* in the level of DKK 150m -- Columbus Software revenue in the level of DKK 80m -- Service EBITDA of DKK 140m -- 10% dividend on nominal share capital



The cloud transition will have impact on revenue and EBITDA for Columbus in 2017 because revenue is recognized over time with the consumption instead of up front payment as with perpetual licenses. Short term revenue will decrease, but in the longer run the impact is expected to be positive.



Columbus expects that the total impact on revenue in 2017 will be in the level of DKK



-40m. The impact on EBITDA is expected to be in the level of DKK -25m.



Columbus increases long-term expectations to EBITDA* margin until 2019



Columbus has updated the long-term expectation to the Company's growth and earnings. Columbus expects to deliver an average revenue growth of 10% per year until 2019. The long-term expectation to EBITDA* margin is increased from 10% to 11%.



"We are satisfied with the results that we achieved in 2016, and first of all, these results show that our strategy is well received by our customers. We help our customers digitally transforming their businesses and take care of customers' needs from initiation of the projects to lifetime support", says Thomas Honore, CEO & President in Columbus.



*EBITDA before share-based payment



Ib Kune Thomas Honore Chairman CEO & President Columbus A/S Columbus A/S For further information, please contact: CEO & President, Thomas Honore .: +45 70 20 50 00



Translation: In the event of any inconsistency between this document and the Danish language version, the Danish language version shall be the governing version.



Attachment:

https://cns.omxgroup.com/cds/DisclosureAttachmentServlet?messageAttachmentId=620394

Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de
LONDON, 2017-03-16 09:30 CET (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- IMImobile (LSE:IMO), a cloud communications software and solutions provider, today announces that it has signed a Global Framework Agreement with Telenor Group following a competitive tender process. Under the agreement, IMImobile will supply its cloud Digital Service Delivery Platform, VAS (Value Added Services) Virtualization System and services for Telenor Business Units across the Telenor Group. The platform will be deployed in a secure cloud environment, and will support Telenor's long term vision to virtualise network capabilities and improve the efficiency of its core business. Telenor Group is one of the leading mobile operators, providing tele, data and media services for 214 million subscribers in 13 markets across Scandinavia, Central and Eastern Europe and Asia. Nitin Gupta, Sr. Group Expert Business Applications, at Telenor Group commented: "Throughout the tender process, IMImobile was able to successfully demonstrate that its Digital Service Delivery Platform and VAS Virtualization products meet our criteria to enhance digital service deployments across the Group. The partnership will enable Telenor Group to respond to the growing demand to digitally transform and optimise our business processes, allowing for faster and more efficient service delivery." Jay Patel, Chief Executive Officer at IMImobile commented: "We are pleased to be working with Telenor on one of their key business transformation projects. By integrating our cloud Digital Service Delivery Platform, Telenor can drive both cost savings and faster time to market for new digital and unified customer services. Notes to Editors IMImobile is a cloud communications software and solutions provider that enables companies to use mobile and digital technologies to communicate and engage with their customers. Organisations that trust us to deliver smarter digital customer engagement solutions include Vodafone Group, O2, Telefonica, Aircel, Airtel, EE, AT&T, MTN, Orange Group, Centrica, Universal Music, Tata, AA, BBC and major financial institutions. IMImobile is headquartered in London with offices in Hyderabad, Atlanta, Dubai and Johannesburg and has over 850 employees worldwide. IMImobile is quoted on the London Stock Exchange's AIM market with the TIDM code IMO. Media Contacts IMImobile Matthew Hooper / Alex Klose via Redleaf Redleaf Communications 020 7382 4730 Charlie Geller / Geet Chawla IMImobile@redleafpr.com

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 03/16/17 -- Editors Note: There are two photos associated with this press release.

First Cobalt Corp. (TSX VENTURE: FCC) ("First Cobalt" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has secured an option to acquire 100% of the historic Keeley-Frontier silver-cobalt mine in Northern Ontario, the largest past producer of cobalt in the Silver Centre mining camp.

Highlights

-- Keeley and Frontier mines produced over 3.3 million pounds of cobalt and 19.1 million ounces of silver from approximately 300,000 tonnes of ore, for an estimated recovery of 0.5% Co and 1,800 g/t Ag -- Keeley-Frontier was the largest past producer of cobalt in the Silver Centre mining camp -- Highest ratio of cobalt-to-silver of all the major silver producers in both the Cobalt and Silver Centre mining camps, producing 1 pound of cobalt for every 5.8 ounces of silver -- First Cobalt can earn a 100% interest, for a payment of $1.45 million

"This strategic transaction provides First Cobalt with a dominant land position in a historic mining district with outstanding infrastructure that has not seen meaningful exploration activity in modern times," said President & CEO Trent Mell. "This is a meaningful progression in the Company's strategy of building a leading cobalt resource company and we continue to evaluate opportunities in Canada and elsewhere."

Keeley-Frontier Overview

The neighbouring towns of Silver Centre and Cobalt, Ontario were historically the most prolific cobalt jurisdictions in Canada. It is estimated that these two mining camps produced 50 million pounds of cobalt and 600 million ounces of silver over a 60-year period.

From 1908 to 1965, Keeley-Frontier produced over 3.3 million pounds of cobalt at a recovered grade of 0.5% and 19.1 million ounces of silver at a recovered grade of over 1,800 g/t. The property consists of 5 mining leases, 13 patented mineral claims and 7 unpatented mineral claims. Both surface and mining rights are attached to lands subject to easements for the purpose of establishing transmission lines and some surface rights withheld by the Ministry of Mines and Northern Development.

The mines have extensive underground workings, including 10 shafts and several winzes extending to a depth from surface of 465 metres (source: "Technical Report on Keeley Frontier Project, South Lorrain Township, Larder Lake M.D. Ontario for Canadian Silver Hunter Inc." by G.A. Harron P.Eng., G.A. Harron & Associates Inc, December 31, 2010).

Keeley and Frontier were developed and operated as separate mines and were integrated in 1961. The Keeley Mine produced intermittently from 1908 to 1965 with most of the production occurring between 1921 and 1931. Total reported production was 12,154,353 oz Ag and 1,617,784 lbs Co. The Frontier Mine operated from 1921 to 1965 and produced 7,023,110 oz Ag and 1,692,772 lbs Co. The data is historical in nature and First Cobalt has not independently verified the results; consequently, these results should not be relied upon.

First Cobalt selected this asset as a primary exploration target as it had the best cobalt-to-silver ratio of all the major historic mines in the camp. The Keeley-Frontier mine is immediately adjacent to First Cobalt's South Lorrain land package, consisting of 136 claim units in 17 blocks covering 1,950 hectares (19.5 square kilometres). Together with Keeley-Frontier's patented mining claims, First Cobalt now controls 2,100 hectares (21 square kilometers) of contiguous land in this historic mining camp.

Options Terms

Further to the Company's news release of February 2, 2017, First Cobalt has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire all of the outstanding share capital of Cobalt Projects International Corp. ("Cobalt Projects"), a privately-held Ontario-based mineral exploration company. Cobalt Projects holds the rights to earn up to a 100% interest from Canadian Silver Hunter Inc. in the Keeley-Frontier mine, located within the historic Silver Centre camp, and bordering on the Company's existing South Lorrain cobalt claim blocks. As consideration for the acquisition, the Company will issue 4.45 million shares to existing shareholders of Cobalt Projects, which shall vest in 6 equal tranches over a 4 to 18-month period.

First Cobalt may earn up to a 100% interest in Keeley-Frontier as follows:

-- 50% interest upon payment of $850,000 (of which $350,000 has been paid) and incurring expenditures of $1,750,000 on the property over a period of three years. -- 51% interest upon payment of $200,000 within 60 days of having exercised the first option and producing a technical report in compliance with NI 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects by the fourth anniversary. -- 100% interest upon payment of $750,000 and incurring additional expenditures of $1,250,000 by the fifth anniversary.

Upon earning a 100% interest, Canadian Silver Hunter shall be granted a 2% net smelter return royalty, subject to First Cobalt having the right to purchase 1% for $1 million over the ensuing 10 years. The Company may elect to accelerate the earn-in. Completion of the acquisition of Cobalt Projects remains subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.

Geology

Geologically, the property is located within the Cobalt Embayment in the Southern Province of the Canadian Shield where Huronian Supergroup sedimentary rocks lay unconformably overly Archean basement rocks. Both the Huronian sediments and Archean rocks have been intruded by Proterozoic-aged Nipissing diabase occurring as both sills and dykes.

The majority of the mineralization is related to and occurs within 250 metres of the intrusion contact between the Nipissing Diabase and surrounding rocks. Silver-cobalt mineralization occurs in steeply-dipping carbonate veins controlled by complex fault networks. Most silver-cobalt was extracted from veins above the diabase sill, however limited exploration below the sill did locate high grade silver as well as cobalt veins.

Recent Activity

In 2012, a 6-hole 2,058-metre diamond drill program, power-stripping and channel sampling was completed by Canadian Silver Hunter. Results from this exploration program and compilation of historical data suggest that there is significant potential to discover new high grade cobalt and silver mineralization.

The Company has begun a systematic compilation and 3D model of all existing data of the Silver Centre mining camp, focusing on the western side of the camp held by First Cobalt. Based on this data the Company expects to conduct field work in the upcoming summer field season. First Cobalt recently completed a $6 million financing. The Company continues to assess other targets both in this mining camp and elsewhere.

Qualified Person

Stephen Wallace PGeo, is the qualified person for this release as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects and has reviewed and verified the technical information contained herein. Mr. Wallace is independent of First Cobalt.

About First Cobalt

First Cobalt is focused on building a diversified global portfolio of assets that are highly leveraged to the cobalt market. Approximately 50% of global cobalt production is used in the manufacture of lithium-ion and other batteries.

The Company is currently advancing its Silver Centre, Ontario property, a 2,100-hectare property in a historic mining camp located 25 kilometers south of Cobalt, Ontario. The property includes the former producing Keely-Frontier mine, a high-grade mine that produced over 3.3 million pounds of cobalt and 19.1 million ounces of silver from 301,000 tonnes of ore.

On behalf of First Cobalt Corp.

Trent Mell, President & Chief Executive Officer

For more information, visit www.firstcobalt.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.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release may contain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (together, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities laws and the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking statements. Generally, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of terminology such as "plans", "expects', "estimates", "intends", "anticipates", "believes" or variations of such words, or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results, performance and opportunities to differ materially from those implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements include the reliability of the historical data referenced in this press release and risks set out in First Cobalt's public documents, including in each management discussion and analysis, filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Although First Cobalt believes that the information and assumptions used in preparing the forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on these statements, which only apply as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed times frames or at all. Except where required by applicable law, First Cobalt disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

To view the photos associated with this release visit the following links:

Figure 1: First Cobalt Silver Centre Land Package, Ontario, Canada - http://www.marketwire.com/library/20170316-F1-gr.jpg

Figure 2: Keeley-Frontier Underground Infrastructure - http://www.marketwire.com/library/20170316-F2-lg.jpg

Contacts:

First Cobalt Corp.

Trent Mell

President & Chief Executive Officer

info@firstcobalt.com



First Cobalt Corp.

Mario Vetro

1.604.687.7130

www.firstcobalt.com




Following Southern Gas Corridor CJSC's ("SGC") inaugural US$1bn 6.875% 10 year Eurobond offering in March 2016, the issuer successfully returned to the international capital markets with a landmark US$1bn 144A/RegS tap of its existing 2026s bond. The notes are guaranteed by the Republic of Azerbaijan. The transaction priced with a final yield of 5.80%, well inside the original reoffer yield of 7.00%, underlining the improved market sentiment for SGC and the Republic of Azerbaijan. The tap increases the total size of the 2026 notes to US$2bn, making it the largest Eurobond from the country.

The transaction generated significant investor demand with the US taking the largest share at 45%, followed by the UK at 40%, the rest of Europe accounting for 13% and Asia Middle East accounting for 2% of the orderbook. The issue was well-oversubscribed and enabled a diversified distribution among high-quality institutional investors, with fund managers constituting about 90% of the offering. This transaction marks the 2nd successful Eurobond issuance by SGC in the international capital markets in the past 12 months. This reinforces investors' confidence in Azerbaijan's strong economic fundamentals and its commitment to develop transportation infrastructure for one of the world's largest gas fields.

SGC, the issuer, is directly and indirectly 100% owned by the Republic of Azerbaijan and represents the country's interest in the Southern Gas Corridor Project, an ongoing cross-border gas value chain stretching over 3,500 kilometres, supported by the EU, and aimed at exporting natural gas from Azerbaijan to Europe.

Citi, J.P. Morgan and UniCredit acted as Joint Lead Managers on the transaction and Lazard Freres as Financial Adviser to the issuer. Clifford Chance LLP and Omni Law Firm acted as the issuer's Legal Counsel and White Case LLP and BM Morrison Partners LLC acted as JLMs' Legal Counsel.

This announcement may not be distributed, taken or transmitted in or into the United States, its territories or possessions or any other jurisdiction in which to do so would be unlawful and any forwarding, distribution or reproduction of this announcement in whole or in part is unauthorised. Failure to comply with this notice may result in a violation of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), or the applicable laws of other jurisdictions.

This announcement is not an offer of securities for sale in the United States. Any securities referred to herein have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act or with any securities regulatory authority of any state or other jurisdiction of the United States and may not be offered or sold in the United States unless such securities are registered under the Securities Act or are offered and sold pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and in compliance with state securities laws. any public offering of securities to be made in the United States will be made by means of a prospectus that may be obtained from the Issuer and that will contain detailed information about the Issuer.

The information contained herein shall not constitute or form part of any offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of the securities referred to herein in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration, exemption from registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

This communication does not constitute an offer of securities to the public in the United Kingdom. Consequently, this communication is directed only at (i) persons who are outside the United Kingdom, (ii) persons who have professional experience in matters relating to investments falling within Article 19(1) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the "Order"), (iii) high net worth entities falling within Article 49(2) of the Order and (iv) other persons to whom it may lawfully be communicated (all such persons together being referred to as "relevant persons"). Any investment activity to which this communication relates will only be available to, and will only be engaged with, relevant persons. Any person who is not a relevant person should not act or rely on this document or any of its contents.

In any EEA Member State that has implemented the Prospectus Directive, this communication is only addressed to and is only directed at qualified investors in that Member State within the meaning of the Prospectus Directive. The "Prospectus Directive" means Directive 2003/71/EC (and amendments thereto, including Directive 2010/73/EU, to the extent implemented in that Member State), and includes any relevant implementing measures in that Member State.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170316005574/en/

Contacts:

Citi

Belinda Marks

+44 20 7508 3082

belinda.marks@citi.com
DETROIT, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Stratview Research announces the launch of a new research report onGlobal Composite Vacuum Consumables Marketby Material Type (Vacuum Bagging Film, Release Film, Peel Ply, Breather & Bleeders, and Others), by End Use Industry (Aerospace & Defense, Wind Energy, Marine, Transportation, and Others), by Application Type (Prepreg Layup, VARTM Process, and Others), and by Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World), Trend, Forecast, Competitive Analysis, and Growth Opportunity: 2016 - 2021.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160831/402975LOGO )



This market report, from Stratview Research, studies the vacuum consumables market in the global composites industry over the period 2010 to 2021. The report provides detailed insights on the market dynamics to enable informed business decision making and growth strategy formulation based on the opportunities present in the market.

Vacuum Consumables Market in the Global CompositesIndustry: Highlights

As per Stratview Research, the global composite vacuum consumables market offers a robust growth of 6.5% CAGR during the forecast period of 2016 to 2021 and reach an estimated US$604 million in 2021, which offers an opportunity to the composites industry players to align themselves with the market growth.

There are several factors bolstering the growth of vacuum consumables in the global composites industry. The author of the report cited increasing use of prepreg in the aerospace & defense and automotive industries, recovering marine market, and sustainable growth in the wind energy as major growth drivers of the global composite vacuum consumables market.

Aerospace & defense is expected to remain the largest end-use industry for composite vacuum consumables during the forecast period, followed by wind energy. High use of prepreg lay-up process for manufacturing structural composite components is the prime driver of vacuum consumables in the aerospace & defense industry. Automotive industry is expected to experience the highest growth during the forecast period driven by stringent government regulations which is compelling OEMs to use lightweight materials.

As per the study, vacuum bagging film is the largest material segment in the global composite vacuum consumables market, closely followed by release films which is the estimated to be the fastest growing material type in the market over the next five years.

Prepreg layup and VARTM are the two largest application processes for composite vacuum consumables, capturing almost the complete market and is expected to remain so during the forecast period as well.

In terms of region, North America is expected to remain the largest market for composite vacuum consumables during the forecast period. The region is the world's capital of composite manufacturing with presence of many big to small composite parts molders. However, Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest growing market during the forecast period.

The global market for composite vacuum consumables is highly consolidated with the top two players occupying more than 80% of the market. The keyglobal manufacturers are Airtech International and Solvay S.A. (Umeco Plc). New product development, regional expansion, and long term relation with prepreg manufacturers are the key strategies adopted by the major players to gain competitive edge in the market.

Report Features

This report provides market intelligence in the most comprehensive way. The report structure has been kept such that it offers maximum business value. It provides critical insights on the market dynamics and will enable strategic decision making for the existing market players as well as those willing to enter the market. The following are the key features of the report:

Market structure: Overview, industry life cycle analysis, supply chain analysis.

Market environment analysis: Growth drivers and constraints, Porter's five forces analysis, SWOT analysis.

Market trend and forecast analysis.

Market segment trend and forecast.

Competitive landscape and dynamics: Market share, product portfolio, product launches, etc.

Attractive market segments and associated growth opportunities.

Emerging trends.

Strategic growth opportunities for the existing and new players.

Key success factors.

This report studies global composite vacuum consumables market and has segmented the market in four ways, keeping in mind the interest of all the stakeholders across the value chain. The following are the four ways in which the market is segmented:

Global Composite Vacuum Consumables Market by Material Type:

Vacuum Bagging Film (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and Rest of the World)

Release Film (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and Rest of the World)

Peel Ply (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and Rest of the World)

Breathers & Bleeders (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and Rest of the World)

Others(Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and Rest of the World)

Global Composite Vacuum Consumables Market by Application Type:

Prepreg Lay-up Process (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and Rest of the World)

VARTM Process (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and Rest of the World)

Other Processes(Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and Rest of the World)

Global Composite Vacuum Consumables Market by End-Use Industry:

Aerospace & Defense (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and Rest of the World)

Wind Energy (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and Rest of the World)

Transportation (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and Rest of the World)

Others(Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and Rest of the World)

Global Composite Vacuum Consumables Market by Region:

North America (Country Analysis: US, Canada , and Mexico )

Europe (Country Analysis: Germany , France , United Kingdom , Italy , and Rest of the Europe )

Asia-Pacific (Country Analysis: China , Japan , South Korea , India , and Rest of the Asia-Pacific )

Rest of the World(Country Analysis: Brazil , Middle East , and Others)

Stratview Research has several high value market reports in the advanced materials industry. Please refer to the following link to browse through our reports:

Click Here for Other Reports from Stratview Research in the advanced materials Industry

Related premium market reports in the advanced materials industry are:

Global High Performance Glass Fiber Market by End Use Industry, by Usage, and by Region, Trend, Forecast, Competitive Analysis, and Growth Opportunity: 2016 - 2021

Global Composite Preforms Market by Application Segment, by Fiber Type, by Product Type, by Structure Type, and by Region, Trend, Forecast, Competitive Analysis, and Growth Opportunity: 2016 - 2021

About Stratview Research

Stratview Research is a global market intelligence firm providing wide range of services including syndicated market reports, custom research and sourcing intelligence across industries, such as Advanced Materials, Aerospace & Defense, Automotive & Mass Transportation, Consumer Goods, Construction & Equipment, Electronics and Semiconductors, Energy & Utility, Healthcare & Life Sciences, and Oil & Gas.

We have a strong team of industry veterans and analysts with an extensive experience in executing custom research projects for mid-sized to Fortune 500 companies, in the areas of Market Assessment, Opportunity Screening, Competitive Intelligence, Due Diligence, Target Screening, Market Entry Strategy, Go to Market Strategy, and Voice of Customer studies.

Stratview Research is a trusted brand globally, providing high quality research and strategic insights that help companies worldwide in effective decision making.

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Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 16, 2017) - True Leaf Pet Inc., wholly owned subsidiary of True Leaf International Ltd. (CSE: MJ) (FSE: TLA) has signed an agreement with Chuck Latham Associates (CLA) that will see the firm represent the innovative True Hemp product line to major national and online pet retailers like Petco, PetSmart, Pet Supplies Plus, and Amazon.

CLA is known as 'The Pet Channel Expert' with four strategically located offices and over 800 company associates working across the USA. CLA is the leading firm in the pet specialty market that provides national coverage across all major sales channels, including independent pet stores, farm stores, national pet retailers, and Internet retailers.

"This is a significant milestone for us," said True Leaf CEO Darcy Bomford. "CLA is the gold-standard rep-firm in the pet industry and we're happy to have their team represent our line across the US." True Leaf Pet signed on after discussions with CLA earlier this year and is now in the on-boarding process with the firm as it moves into the busy spring season.

CLA Executive Bob Haege says True Leaf was a great fit "because they have an innovative product line that meets US regulatory criteria, led by a great team with vast industry experience. We see True Hemp as a growth engine for stores looking for a legal & effective product line for hemp-friendly consumers, especially the valuable millennial demographic. "

True Leaf Pet is now preparing for the busy trade show season and putting together the finishing touches on a newly expanded product line that will be on display at the upcoming Global Pet Expo March 22-24 in Orlando Florida. "We have meetings set with the CLA team and prospective customers at the show and look forward to a great response to our new products," says True Leaf Pet CEO Darcy Bomford.

About True Leaf

True Leaf Medicine International Ltd., through its wholly-owned subsidiary 'True Leaf Pet', has entered the $104.9 billion global pet care industry with a line of hemp-focused pet chews and supplements marketed through natural pet health and veterinary channels in Europe, Canada, and the United States. The company has also filed an application under Health Canada's Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (ACMPR) to become a Canadian licensed producer through its 'True Leaf Medicine' subsidiary. It has passed through the preliminary and enhanced screening process of Health Canada's review and is currently awaiting security clearance and 'pre-licensing inspection' approval.

Media Contact:

Paul Sullivan

BreakThrough Communications

O: 604-685-4742

M: 604-603-7358

Investor Contact:

Kevin Bottomley

Director and Corporate Relations

M: 778-389-9933

E: kevin@trueleaf.com

NEITHER THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER HAVE REVIEWED OR ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS PRESS RELEASE.

FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION

This press release contains forward-looking statements. The use of any of the words "anticipate", "continue", "estimate", "expect", "may", "will", "project", "should", "believe" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Since forward looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. These statements speak only as of the date of this press release. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks discussed in the Company's continuous disclosure filings available under the Company's profile on www.sedar.com. While the Company may elect to, it does not undertake to update this information at any particular time.
DUBAI, UAE, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Award winners to be announced at the Festival of Media MENA Awards event on 26 April, 2017 at theMusicHall, Zabeel Saray, The Palm

DUBAI The Shortlist for the Festival of Media MENA Awards is revealed today.

(Logo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/479123/Festival_of_Media_MENA_Awards_Logo.jpg )



Starcom has achieved an impressive 18 shortlisted entries for this year's Festival of Media MENA Awards in categories including Best Communications Strategy, Best Use of Content, Best Social Media Strategy and Best Use of Gamification, while OMD is in the running for 15 awards including Best Use of Real-Time Marketing, Best Local Execution of a Brand and Best Use of Traditional Media.

Other agency networks posting impressive numbers of shortlisted entries include UM (14), MEC (11), Initiative (9) and Zenith (9) for categories such as Best Event/Experiential Campaign, Creative Use of Data Award, Best Use of Video and Best Engagement Strategy.

There is also a good mix of entering countries with UAE dominating, but some great contributions from campaigns that ran in Egypt, Lebanon, Tunisia, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.

The Festival of Media MENA Awards is dedicated to showcasing media excellence throughout the region. In its third year, the Awards recognise the work of the best agencies, media owners and tech companies, representing some of the world's leading brands such as Mastercard; Reebok; Chevrolet; Jaguar; Emirates; Mondelez; HSBC; PepsiCo; Samsung and McDonald's.

A jury comprising of judges from leading advertisers, media agencies, tech companies and media owners evaluated the quality of the campaigns over the course of the last few weeks, while the winners will be decided by a final jury panel that includes senior marketers from GSK, Unilever, J&J, Ferrero, Visa and IBM.

The successful entrants will be revealed during an awards party on Wednesday 26 April in Dubai at the MusicHall, Zabeel Saray on the The Palm.

The ceremony closes the day-long Festival of Media MENA conference, also held in Dubai on 26 April, which showcases the latest trends and insights dominating the new world order of media with speakers including Huawei, Unilever, Google and Mondelez.

More information on entering, or attending the Festival of Media MENA conference or Awards can be found here. Connect with us on Facebook, LinkedIn and watch our videos on YouTube.

Press contact:

Sara Naja

Senior Manager - Business Development

MediaQuest | Paris | Dubai | Beirut | Algiers | Tunis | Riyadh

T:+971-4-369-75-73 (ext. 254) |M: + 971-55-851-01-00 |F:+971-4-390-87-37

W:http://www.mediaquestcorp.com

P.O. BOX72184 Dubai Media City, Zee Tower, Office 206 | United Arab Emirates


Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 1, 2017) - Goldbelt Empires Limited (TSXV: GBE) (the "Company" or "Goldbelt Empires") is pleased to announce today it has commissioned a geochemical orientation survey (the Phase IIA exploration program) over the Farana Prospect, the Syinsorola Trend, the Northern Line Prospect, and the K3SX Prospect, located in the Company's South Morila gold concession in Mali. EurekaGeo, based in Bamako, Mali, will conduct the field work.

The Farana Prospect, Northern Line Prospect, and Syinsorola Trend are highly prospective targets Goldbelt identified in its Phase I exploration works conducted in 2015-2016. The The K3SX Prospect was identified in prior exploration works on the concession. The orientation multi-element geochemical survey (shallow auger drilling) will assist the Company in deploying its 6,000 meter scout drilling campaign planned for mid-2017. The survey team will also undertake ground reconnaissance checking over target areas, and resampling to confirm anomalous gold results from prior exploration works on the concession as described in the Company's NI 43-101.

The Farana Prospect is marked by a large potassium anomaly first identified by the airborne geomagnetic survey conducted in 2015-2016, with associated granodiorites, and is situated in an area with historic artisanal workings. The Syinsorola Trend is a string of previously undetected potassium anomalies along a line from the southeastern corner of the area and trending northwest. The Northern Line Prospect also shows a definite but previously undetected potassium signature.

Phase II exploration will drill multiple high potential targets as part of a recommended 6,000 meter campaign of scout drilling. These prospects include previously undetected major potassium anomalies that pose compelling targets, as well as previously known mineralized sites now deemed high-priority prospects enhanced by the new geophysical data set acquired in Phase I exploration.

Jonathan Challis, CEO of Goldbelt Empires, commented: "We are excited about our planned 6,000 meter scout drilling over multiple highly prospective targets in South Morilla. This geochemical orientation survey will be one of several advance missions in the run-up to drilling, and will assist greatly in the drill planning."

Jonathan Challis (C.Eng & FIMMM), CEO of Goldbelt Empires is the Qualified Person, as defined by National Instrument 43-101, who approved the scientific and technical information in this news release.

About Goldbelt Empires

Goldbelt Empires is a gold explorer focused on the West African Goldbelt, and listed its shares on the TSX Venture Exchange in October 2015. Its flagship property is the South Morila gold concession in the Republic of Mali. The South Morila concession covers an area approximately 150 km2 in size, and is located in the southern part of Mali approximately 250 km southeast of the capital of Bamako. The Company has previously announced a planned drilling campaign over multiple high potential targets in the South Morila concession. For more information also go to the Company's web site www.goldbeltempires.com.

Additional Information on Goldbelt Empires Ltd.

For more information on the business and property of the Company, readers are referred to the Company's Final Prospectus dated September 22, 2015, available at the Company's SEDAR profile at www.SEDAR.com.

The foregoing contains forward-looking information relating to the future performance of the Company. Forward looking information is 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.

Such risks and other factors include, among others, the actual results of development activities, changes in world commodity markets or equity markets, the risks of the mining industry including, without limitation, those associated with the environment, delays in obtaining governmental approvals, permits or financing or in the completion of development or exploration activities, title disputes, change in government and changes to regulations affecting the mineral industry, and other risks and uncertainties detailed from time to time in the Company's Final Prospectus and other filings with Canadian securities regulatory authorities (available at www.SEDAR.com). Forward-looking statements are made based on various assumptions and on management's beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date the statements are made. Although the expectations reflected in this forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in the forward-looking information contained herein. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these assumptions, beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by applicable law.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Goldbelt Empires Limited

Jonathan Challis

Chief Executive Officer and Director

United Kingdom

Telephone: +44 (78) 4120-2386

Goldbelt Empires Limited

Victor Dusik

Chief Financial Officer and Director

Executive Corporate Secretary

Canada

Telephone: +1 (604) 818-4100

THIS PRESS RELEASE IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO THE UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES
TULIKIVI CORPORATION STOCK EXCHANGE RELEASE March 16, 2017 at 1.00 p.m.



NOTICE TO THE GENERAL MEETING OF TULIKIVI CORPORATION 2017



Notice is given to the shareholders of Tulikivi Corporation to the Annual General Meeting to be held on 20 April 2017 starting at 12:00 noon at Ekberg Extra, Bulevardi 9 A, II floor, Helsinki. The reception of persons who have registered for the meeting will commence at 11:30 a.m.



A. Matters on the agenda of the general meeting



The following matters will be considered at the Annual General Meeting:



1. Opening of the meeting



2. Calling the meeting to order



3. Election of persons to scrutinise the minutes and to supervise the counting of votes



4. Recording the legality of the meeting



5. Recording the attendance at the meeting and adoption of the list of votes



6. Presentation of the annual accounts, the report of the Board of Directors and the auditor's report for the year 2016



- Review by the CEO.



7. Adoption of the annual accounts



8. Resolution on the use of the result shown on the balance sheet



- The Board of Directors proposes to the General Meeting that dividends shall not be paid.



9. Resolution on the discharge of the members of the Board of Directors and the CEO from liability



10. Resolution on the remuneration of the members of the Board of Directors



- The Nomination Committee of the Board of Directors proposes to the General Meeting that the annual remuneration of each member of the Board of Directors is EUR19,000. 60% of the annual remuneration shall be paid in cash and 40% in the form of Series A shares in Tulikivi Corporation so that the shares are purchased on the stock exchange by 31 December 2017 for EUR 7,600. The purchase of shares shall take place on the basis of the General Meeting's resolution and instructions. If the company is unable to effect the purchase of the shares by the above date, the remuneration shall be paid in cash. Unless the Board of Directors grants express permission in advance on a case-by-case basis, the members of the Board of Directors are not allowed to transfer any shares received in this manner until their membership in the Board of Directors has ended. The Chairman of the Board of Directors shall, in addition to this, be paid a monthly remuneration of EUR 4,500 for this work. The member of the Board of Directors serving as secretary to the Board of Directors shall, in addition to this, be paid a monthly remuneration of EUR 1,400 for this work. Those members of the Board of Directors who perform non-Board of Directors assignments for the company shall be paid a fee on the basis of time rates and invoices approved by the Board of Directors. Travel costs shall be reimbursed in accordance with the company's travelling compensation regulations.



The members of the Audit Committee and the Nomination Committee of the Board of Directors shall receive a fee of EUR 330 per meeting.



11. Resolution on the number of members of the Board of Directors



- The Nomination Committee of the Board of Directors proposes to the General Meeting that six members shall be elected to the Board of Directors.



12. Election of members of the Board of Directors



- The Nomination Committee of the Board of Directors proposes to the General Meeting that the following persons shall be elected as the members of the Board of Directors: Jaakko Aspara, Markku Ronkko, Paula Salastie, Reijo Svanborg, Jyrki Tahtinen and Heikki Vauhkonen.



13. Resolution on the remuneration of the auditor



- The Board of Directors proposes to the General Meeting that the fees of the auditor shall be paid according to approved invoices.



14. Election of auditor



- The Board of Directors proposes to the General Meeting that authorised public accountants KPMG Oy Ab will be elected as the auditor, with Ms Kirsi Jantunen, Authorised Public Accountant, acting as the auditor in charge.



15. Authorising the Board of Directors to decide on the issuance of shares and issuance of rights of option and other special rights entitling to shares



- The Board of Directors proposes to the General Meeting that the General Meeting authorises the Board of Directors to decide on the issue of new shares or the company's own shares in the possession of the company. The new shares and the company's own shares in possession of the company could be issued either against payment or without payment to the company's shareholders in accordance with their proportional ownership of the company's shares or through a directed issue by deviating from the shareholders' pre-emptive subscription right provided that there is a weighty financial reason for the deviation from the company's point of view. A directed share issue could only be made without payment if there is an especially weighty financial reason for it from the point of view of the company and all its shareholders.



In addition, the authorisation would include a right to issue shares without payment to the company itself, provided that the number of shares issued to the company would not exceed one tenth (1/10) of all shares in the company. When calculating this number, the number of shares held by the company as well as those held by its subsidiaries must be taken into account as set out in Chapter 15, section 11(1) of the Companies Act.



The authorisation would also include the right to issue special rights, as defined in Chapter 10, section 1 of the Companies Act, which entitle to subscribe for new shares in the company or the company's own shares in the possession of the company against payment. The payment may be made either in cash or by setting off the subscriber's receivables against the company as payment for the share subscription.



The Board of Directors may use the authorisation for the purpose of making fee / salary payments in the form of shares.



The Board of Directors is entitled to decide on other issues related to the share issues.



No more than 20% of the number of Series A shares on the date of this notice, i.e. 10,437,748 Series A shares in the aggregate, and no more than 20% of the number of Series K shares on the date of this notice, i.e. 1,536,500 Series K shares in the aggregate (i.e. no more than 20% of the number of shares on the date of this notice, i.e. 11,974,248 shares in the aggregate) may be issued on the basis of this authorisation, regardless of whether such shares are new shares or the company's own shares in the company's possession.



The authorisation to issue shares is in force until the Annual General Meeting to be held in 2018 but until 30 June 2018 at the latest.



16. Closing of the Meeting



B. Documents of the general meeting



The above-mentioned proposals of the Board of Directors as well as this notice are available on Tulikivi Corporation's website at http://www.tulikivi.com/en/tulikivi/General_meetings. The annual report of Tulikivi Corporation, including the company's annual accounts, the report of the Board of Directors, and the auditor's report as well as the Corporate Governance Statement will be available on the above-mentioned website as from 24 March 2017. The proposals and other documents referred to above are available also at the meeting, and copies of them and this notice will be sent to shareholders upon request. The minutes of the General Meeting will be available on the above-mentioned website as from 4 May 2017.



C. Instructions for the participants to the General Meeting



1. Shareholders registered in the shareholders' register



Each shareholder who is registered on 6 April 2017 in the shareholders' register of the company held by Euroclear Finland Ltd. has the right to participate in the General Meeting. Shareholders whose shares are registered on their personal Finnish book-entry account are registered in the shareholders' register of the company.



Shareholders wishing to participate in the General Meeting shall register for the meeting no later than 10 April 2017 by notifying the company of their participation. The registration shall be received by the company no later than on the above-mentioned date.



Shareholders can register for the General Meeting:



a) by email / kaija.jaatinen@tulikivi.fi;



b) by telephone at +358 207 636 322 (Mon to Fri from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.);



c) by telefax at +358 20 605 0701; or



d) by regular mail to Tulikivi Corporation / General Meeting, Kuhnustantie 65, FI-83900 Juuka, Finland; or



e) at the company's offices at Joensuuntie 1226 B, 83900 Juuka (Mon to Fri from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.).



In connection with the registration, shareholders shall notify their name, personal identity code, address, telephone number, and the name of any assistant or proxy and his / her personal identity code.



Personal data given to Tulikivi Corporation is used only in connection with the General Meeting and with the processing of related registrations.



Shareholders and their representatives or proxies shall be able to prove their identity and / or right to represent the shareholder upon request.



2. Holders of a nominee registered shares



Holders of nominee registered shares have the right to participate in the General Meeting by virtue of such shares based on which he / she on the record date of the General Meeting, i.e. on 6 April 2017, would be entitled to be registered in the shareholders' register of the company held by Euroclear Finland Ltd. In addition, the right to participate in the General Meeting requires that the shareholder on the basis of such shares has been registered into the temporary shareholders' register held by Euroclear Finland Ltd. at the latest by 13 April 201710:00 a.m. As regards nominee registered shares, this constitutes due registration for the General Meeting.



Holders of nominee registered shares are advised to request in good time necessary instructions regarding the temporary registration in the shareholders' register of the company, the issuing of proxy documents and registration for the General Meeting from their custodian bank. The account management organisation of the custodian bank shall register the holder of nominee registered shares who wishes to participate in the General Meeting to be temporarily entered into the shareholders' register of the company at the latest by the time stated above.



3. Proxy representative and powers of attorney



Shareholders may participate in the General Meeting and exercise their rights at the meeting by way of proxy representation. Proxy representatives shall produce a dated proxy document or otherwise prove in a reliable manner their right to represent the shareholder at the General Meeting. When a shareholder participates in the General Meeting by means of several proxy representatives representing the shareholder with shares at different securities accounts, the shares by which each proxy representative represents the shareholder shall be identified in connection with the registration for the General Meeting.



Any proxy documents should be delivered in originals to Tulikivi Corporation / General Meeting, Kuhnustantie 65, FI-83900 Juuka, Finland on or before the last date for registration.



4. Other instructions and information



Pursuant to Chapter 5, section 25 of the Companies Act, a shareholder who is present at the General Meeting has the right to request information with respect to the matters to be considered at the meeting.



On the date of this notice to the Annual General Meeting, the total number of shares in Tulikivi Corporation is 59,871,243 of which the number of Series A shares is 52,188,743 and the number of Series K shares is 7,682,500. Of these shares, a total of 124,200 Series A shares are held by the company. Series A shares have 52,188,743 votes altogether and Series K shares have 76,825,000 votes. On the basis of the above, a maximum of 128,889,543 votes can be cast at the General Meeting.



In Juuka, on 15 March 2017



TULIKIVI CORPORATION



BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 03/16/17 -- Lydian International Limited (TSX: LYD) ("Lydian" or "the Company") announced today that the Company will attend the European Gold Forum to be held April 4-6, 2017 in Zurich, Switzerland. Howard Stevenson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Lydian, will host one-on-one meetings during the conference and present to attendees on Wednesday, April 5, 2017 at 5:20 pm CET. The presentation will provide an update on construction and upcoming activities at the Company's Amulsar Gold Project in Armenia.

The presentation will be available on Lydian's website at www.lydianinternational.co.uk.

About Lydian International Limited

Lydian is a gold developer, focusing on construction at its 100%-owned Amulsar Gold Project, located in south-central Armenia. Amulsar presents an opportunity for a large-scale, low-cost operation with production expected to begin in 2018. Open pit mining and conventional heap leach processing contribute to excellent scale and economic potential. Amulsar will be Armenia's largest gold mine, with estimated mineral resources containing 3.5 million measured and indicated gold ounces and 1.3 million inferred gold ounces. Gold production is targeted to average approximately 225,000 ounces annually over an initial 10-year mine life. Existing mineral resources and open extensions provide opportunities to improve average annual production and extend the life of mine. The Company is committed to good international industry practices in all aspects of its operations including production, sustainability, and corporate social responsibility. For more information and to directly contact us, please visit www.lydianinternational.co.uk.

Caution regarding forward-looking information

Certain information contained in this news release is "forward looking". All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical fact, that address events, results, outcomes or developments that the Company expects to occur are "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects", "intends", "anticipates", "proposed" or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "will", "may", "could", "would", "should", or "occur" or the negative connotation of such terms. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, among others, statements with respect to: the realization of mineral resource estimates and the timing of development of the Amulsar Gold Project, including the expected start date of production; the potential improvement of average annual production and extension of the Amulsar Gold Project mine life through the evaluation of currently defined inferred resources and from open extensions at depth; the commitment to and implementation of good international industry practices; the expected gold production from, and life of mine of, the Amulsar Gold Project; the expected mining methods at the Amulsar Gold Project; the estimated cash cost per ounce of gold over the life of mine of the Amulsar Gold Project; and the expected cost of operations at the Amulsar Gold Project. Statements concerning mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates may also be deemed to constitute forward-looking information to the extent that they involve estimates of the mineralization that will be encountered when the property is developed.

Forward-looking statements are necessarily based on estimates and assumptions that are inherently subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks, uncertainties and factors include, without limitation: changes in gold and silver prices; adverse general economic, market or business conditions; regulatory changes; failure to improve average annual production and extend the Amulsar Gold Project mine life through the evaluation of defined inferred resources and from open extensions at depth; as well as "Risk Factors" included in the disclosure documents filed on and available at www.sedar.com. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results and future events could materially differ from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. All of the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are qualified by these cautionary statements. The Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, events or otherwise, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

Contacts:

Doug Tobler

CFO

+1 720-307-5087 (d) or +1 303-905-4442 (m)



Pamela Solly

Vice President of Investor Relations

+1 720-464-5649 (d) or +1 303-810-4863 (m)



moreinfo@Lydianinternational.co.uk

www.lydianinternational.co.uk




Frankfurt am Main (ots) -- Christian K. Murach entering retirement - Andreas Ufer in new role on the Management Board - Claudia Schneider newly appointed to the Management BoardA number of changes in personnel are taking place on the Management Board at KfW IPEX-Bank: The member of the Management Board responsible for the area "Markets II and Treasury" at KfW IPEX-Bank, Christian K. Murach, will begin his retirement at midnight on 16 March 2017. His successor as from 17 March 2017 will be Andreas Ufer, currently responsible at Management Board level for the area of "Risk". Claudia Schneider is appointed as the new Management Board member in charge of "Risk" as from 17 March 2017. Currently General Manager of KfW IPEX-Bank, she will simultaneously succeed Andreas Ufer in the role of CRO (Chief Risk Officer). The Management Board is completed by Klaus R. Michalak and Markus Scheer, who will remain in their current roles as CEO, CFO and member responsible for "Finance, Products and Corporate Affairs", and member of the Management Board in charge of the "Markets I" division, respectively."On behalf of the KfW Executive Board and of the Supervisory Board at KfW IPEX-Bank, I would like to thank Mr Murach for his decades of dedicated work in various roles at KfW. He particularly deserves our gratitude for playing a leading part in supporting and guiding the spin-off of KfW IPEX-Bank. Thanks to his involvement, the bank - as a specialist financier supporting the German and European economies - has established itself as a reliable player among its customers and their consortium partners," commented Dr Norbert Kloppenburg, a member of the Executive Board at KfW and Chairman of the Supervisory Board at KfW IPEX-Bank GmbH, adding: "Thanks to a forward-looking plan of succession, KfW IPEX-Bank will remain in the control of a Management Board that has vast market experience and will ensure continuity."Apart from a four-year hiatus, Claudia Schneider has worked for KfW since 1997, holding various management roles, and she has been General Manager of KfW IPEX-Bank since 2015. Andreas Ufer has worked in export and project finance at KfW since 1988 and has served on the Management Board at KfW IPEX-Bank since 2015.Christian K. Murach joined KfW in 1984 and, after working for several years in various roles in KfW Group, has played a crucial role in past years particularly in shaping the strategic orientation of export and project finance. From 2004 he was involved in preparing the spin-off of KfW IPEX-Bank as a member of the bank's management, and, following its spin-off as a legally independent subsidiary in 2008, has been serving on its Management Board. In this role, he has made vital contributions in helping the newly founded KfW IPEX-Bank establish itself in its markets, and has managed the departments assigned to him with great success.Here you will find the members of the Management Board of KfW IPEX-Bank at a glance including printable portraits: http://ots.de/QxLIPOriginaltext: KfW digital press kits: http://www.presseportal.de/nr/41193 press kits via RSS: http://www.presseportal.de/rss/pm_41193.rss2Contact: KfW, Palmengartenstr. 5 - 9, 60325 Frankfurt Kommunikation (KOM), Wolfram Schweickhardt, Tel. +49 (0)69 7431 1778, Fax: +49 (0)69 7431 3266, E-Mail: Wolfram.Schweickhardt@kfw.de, Internet: www.kfw.de
ECHR to consider 23 lawsuits in connection with Artsakh war

More than 700 lawsuits in connection with the protection of the rights of the deceased and injured servicemen during April War have been filed against Azerbaijan at the Europan Court of Human Rights (ECHR), said Gevorg Kostanyan, representative of the RA Government at the ECHR, today at the meeting with journalists. Armenias Government has been notified by the ECHR and is officially involved in those cases as a third party. Gevorg Kostanyan said that the Government of Azerbaijan also announced that they had also filed 500-600 lawsuits against Armenia. They can even file more lawsuits, it is another side of the issue, but there is a very important fact, in the lawsuits against Armenia, Armenia is a respondent, yet in the lawsuits filed by Azerbaijan Armenia is the third party. In both cases Armenia is notified by the ECHR. As of now Armenia has been notified only with 5 cases out of 500 filed by Azerbaijan. It means that only 5 out 500 lawsuits will be considered by the ECHR. Yet, 23 lawsuits filed by the Armenian side against Azerbaijan will be considered by the ECHR.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK -- (Marketwired) -- 05/01/17 -- Editors Note: There is a photo associated with this press release.

Winning Brands Corporation (OTC PINK: WNBD) www.WinningBrands.com and Supreme Sweets, Inc. of Toronto www.SupremeSweetsInc.com have entered into negotiations regarding the cooperative launch and marketing of branded food innovations - a growing field due to health and lifestyle segmentation, such as the increasing demand for new gluten-free products. The cooperation arises from the Innovators Community initiative of Winning Brands, by which innovators gain unique advantages through joint-venturing with Winning Brands, www.InnovatorsCommunity.com. Winning Brands and Supreme Sweets will target leading U.S. and Canadian retailers and food service vendors, who are already responding favourably to the new product launch proposals.

Supreme Sweets is a new food sector venture for founders Barbara and Mario Parravano, who have previously created new and profitable branded baked goods solutions for top retailers in North America under various brands and organizations. Mrs. Parravano has in the past been honoured amongst listings of top women entrepreneurs by Profit Magazine, Chatelaine and in other ways. Mr. and Mrs. Parravano have both been multiple food service award winners and have operated professional, unionized production facilities. Since its founding in 2015, Supreme Sweets has already established new customers in the U.S., including supermarket distribution, as well as Canadian food service sales to well-known chains. Supreme Sweets has its own production facility in Toronto and is presently manufacturing. The innovative couple are now taking their product development experience, relationships and ideas to new level via public company joint venture arrangements with Winning Brands. The contemplated joint venture with Winning Brands is designed to accelerate success for both companies through expanded reach to new stakeholders, enhanced exposure and innovative operational structure.

Both parties have executed an Exploratory Discussion Agreement providing a period during which both teams will seek to finalize an operating agreement and proceed. Winning Brands announces its Exploratory Discussion Agreements for Innovators Community projects in order to avoid rumours, openly mobilize expert assistance and to increase awareness of the prospective projects for the benefit of both announcing parties.

In such joint venture launches, Winning Brands will deploy a portion of its contemplated public financing proceeds to support innovation launch opportunities and contribute the work of subject matter experts. Winning Brands has formed an "adaptive network" model that assigns specialists to launch projects according to their sector experience. Innovators, such as Supreme Sweets, consider the joint-venture model of cooperation with Winning Brands appealing because Winning Brands focuses on revenue sharing with launch partners rather than encroaching upon their equity. Innovators otherwise find their technology or company ownership heavily encroached by traditional venture capital. Supreme Sweets' association with Winning Brands is particularly suitable because of the diversity of Supreme Sweets launch concepts awaiting realization. These include spin-offs that expand beyond baked goods or even food. The U.S. market is targeted by the proposed JV as an important driver of growth. The JV's financial objective is to maximize future profits by avoiding waste, adding value and deploying superior organizational design.

Winning Brands CEO, Eric Lehner, comments: "Our mutual objective is to share expertise, work together and to meet ambitious goals. The Parravanos personify the enormous talent and energy of innovation 'winners'. It's an honour for Winning Brands to develop a joint venture relationship together. Further announcements in this file are anticipated in coming weeks."

Winning Brands maintains a CEO weblog for the benefit of shareholders at www.WinningBrandsCorporation.com/blog. It is a journal of the company's mission, providing answers to many shareholder questions. It is a regular source of public information pertaining to the company pursuant to SEC Fair Disclosure guidelines. Mr. Lehner also maintains a Twitter presence: www.Twitter.com/WinningCEO.

ABOUT SUPREME SWEETS, INC.

Supreme Sweets Inc is a new private Canadian corporation whose founders have vast experience in developing new branded food products with and for major North American retailers. With its own physical production facility in Toronto, the company already has the means to manufacture marketable baked goods innovations and related products for widespread distribution. With a strong interest and competence in gluten free product development, Supreme Sweets is uniquely qualified to tap into this multi-billion dollar segment of the continuously growing baked goods sector. The company's anticipated innovation launches will in future go beyond baked goods to make fullest use of diverse innovation insights in the company's possession, including patent pending concepts.

ABOUT WINNING BRANDS CORPORATION: Winning Brands is expanding its scope to include cooperative product launches with innovators whose projects can benefit from public company partnership. www.InnovatorsCommunity.com. Winning Brands has previously been, and continues to be, a manufacturer of record for advanced environmentally oriented cleaning solutions such as ReGUARD4 fire service cleaner, KIND, 1000+ Stain Remover, World's Most Versatile Cleaning Solution, and others through its subsidiary Niagara Mist Marketing Ltd by means of contract packaging. 1000+ is an alternative to conventional cleaning solvents for consumers because of its unique desirable properties; VIDEOS Link; WEBSITE Link . The versatility of 1000+ Stain Remover can be seen on FACEBOOK. 1000+ Stain Remover is available to U.S. NAVY personnel at 7 NEX depots in Japan, Spain, Italy and the Middle East; in the U.S. at HOME DEPOT (online), WALMART (online), DO IT BEST HARDWARE stores and many independent retailers. In Canada, the leading chain retailer is LOWES HOME IMPROVEMENT:. 1000+ Stain Remover is also available in select international markets including Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, UK, Serbia and the Caribbean. TrackMoist, ReGUARD4 www.ReGUARD4.com and BRILLIANT www.BRILLIANTWetCleaning.com are industrial products by which Winning Brands serves specialized professional markets.

Safe Harbor: Statements contained in this news release, other than those identifying historical facts, constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Safe Harbor provisions as contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements relating to the Company's future expectations, including but not limited to revenues and earnings, technology efficacy, strategies and plans, are subject to safe harbors protection. Actual Company results and performance may be materially different from any future results, performance, strategies, plans, or achievements that may be expressed or implied by any such forward-looking statements. The Company disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. TrackMoist, 1000+, KIND, ReGUARD4 and BRILLIANT are trademarks of Niagara Mist Marketing Ltd in connection with indicated uses.

To view the photo associated with this press release, please visit the following link:http://www.marketwire.com/library/20170430-SupremeSweets.JPG

Contacts:

Winning Brands INFORMATION and INTERVIEWS:

Eric Lehner

CEO

(705) 737-4062

eric@winningbrands.ca




ALBANY, New York, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

The global Southeast Asia gas detection equipment market is highly competitive. The prevailing competitive trends are likely to get fiercer in the future as players focus on innovation and product differentiation to strengthen their position. Among the leading enterprises, Honeywell International, Inc., Dragerwerk AG & Co., and KGaA, Riken Keiki Co., Ltd. held the dominant share of 83.3% in the market in 2015, finds Transparency Market Research (TMR) in a new report. These companies are majorly gaining from their strong distribution network across Southeast Asia. In addition, these companies maintain a diverse product portfolio to cater to the dynamic consumer demand. As they offer value-added services besides gas detection equipment, consumer loyalty is expected to increase in the coming years.

Besides fierce competition, the market players witness considerable threat from the entry of new players. Favorable regulations are encouraging smaller players to venture into the gas detection equipment market in Southeast Asia. They also bring advance technologies, expertise, and research and development investments. Furthermore, they adopt advance manufacturing processes thus improving the overall efficiency of gas detection equipment.

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This, coupled with various other factors, will boost the gas detection equipment market at a CAGR of 9.0% between 2016 and 2024 in Southeast Asia. The regional market at this pace will reach US$172.4 mn by the end of 2024, from an estimated valuation of US$86.5 mn in 2016. By type, the fixed gas detection equipment segment held the dominant share of 52.2% in the overall market in 2016. However, during the course of the forecast period, the demand for portable variants will be higher. Country-wise, Singapore held dominance with a share of 50.8% in the Southeast Asia gas detection equipment market in 2015.

Favorable Government Policies Aid Market's Expansion

Government and industry associations across Southeast Asia have consciously implemented regulations to ascertain improved workplace safety. Besides this, the countries across Southeast Asia have stringent regulations in place to address occupational health and safety concerns across hazardous industries. Besides ensuring worker's health and safety, these regulations will prove chief drivers of the gas detection equipment market in Southeast Asia.

Also industries are exhibiting high demand for enhanced monitoring and reducing operational costs and safety concerns. Due to the growing emphasis on health and safety regulations, the demand for monitoring across industries is expected to rise further. This according to TMR will give significant impetus to the Southeast Asia gas detection equipment market.

Get more information from Research Report Press Release:http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/pressrelease/south-east-asia-gas-detection-equipment-market.htm

Besides helping them incur lesser operational expenditure, installing gas detection equipment can also help industries reduce downtime during turnaround operations. Spurred by these factors, the Southeast Asia gas detection equipment market will exhibit higher momentum in the coming years.

Fierce Competition is Likely to Hinder Growth

On the downside, the gas detection equipment market in Southeast Asia is experiencing fierce competition due to the entry of new players. Given the scenario, market players are compelled to observe competitive pricing. Lower pricing has crunched the profit margin of leading players, thereby leading to decline in investments.

Contrary to this, foreign direct investment (FDI) in green initiatives has surged in the last few years. This is forecast to help the market continue treading a positive trajectory through the course of the forecast period. Gas detection equipment is included in Greenfield projects, which attract considerable FDI. Since these projects represent nearly two-thirds of overall projects conducted in Asia Pacific and Southeast Asia, rising investment in the same will create lucrative opportunities for the gas detection equipment market in the near future.

This review is based on a report, titled "Gas Detection Equipment Market (Product Type - Fixed and Portable; Application - Mining, Steel Mill, Petro Chemical, Construction, Automobile, Material, Food & Beverage Processing & Making, Electronics, Marine, Utility Services, Government, Security, Medical, and Environment Detection) - South East Asia Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast, 2016 - 2024."

The report segments the Southeast Asia gas detection equipment market as:

Gas Detection Equipment Market, by Product Type

Fixed

Portable

Gas Detection Equipment Market, by Application

> Mining

- Coal

- Others

> Steel Mill

> Petro Chemical

- Crude Oil

- Oil Refinery

> Construction

- Tunnel

- Subway

- Others

> Automobile

> Material

> Food & Beverage Making & Processing

> Electronics

- Semiconductor

- Consumer Electronics

> Marine

- Ship Builder

- Ship Owner

- Ship Chandler

> Utility Service

- Electricity

- Water

- Gas

- Tele-communication

> Government

- Fire Fighting

- Police

- Military

- Border Control

> Security

- Building

- Medical

- Hospital & Clinic

- Others

> Environment Detection

- Pollution

- Others

In addition, the report provides analysis of the gas detection equipment market with respect to the following country segments:

Singapore

Malaysia

Indonesia

Thailand

Vietnam

Myanmar

Brunei

Philippines

Rest of South East Asia

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Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The company's exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMR's experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.

TMR's data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With extensive research and analysis capabilities, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques to develop distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.

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MONTREAL, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired) -- 03/16/17 -- TOMAGOLD CORPORATION (TSX VENTURE: LOT) ("TomaGold" or the "Corporation") is pleased to announce initial results from its 1,700-metre drilling program on its 100%-owned Obalski property. The property covers 345 hectares, including a 33-hectare mineral concession, and lies about 2 km south of Chibougamau, Quebec. Further results are pending.

The current program consists of about 1,700 metres of drilling in 11 holes. The holes target an area where mineralized zones A and B meet and are in contact with the Lac Dore anorthosite complex, which has never been tested. Hole OB-17-02, drilled about 125 metres east of the old Zone A underground workings, intersected semi-massive sulphides grading 15.0 g/t Au, 46.8 g/t Ag and 10.4% Cu over 2.0 metres, including 21.3 g/t Au, 52.3 g/t Ag and 8.6% Cu over one metre, at a vertical depth of 95 metres.

"We are excited about these initial results on Obalski," said David Grondin, President and CEO of TomaGold. "According to the old Obalski mine plans and sections, we believe that Hole OB-17-02 could be the eastern extension of Zone A, which produced 90,000 tonnes at grades of 3.0 g/t Au, 6.2 g/t Ag and 1.52% Cu between 1964 and 1972. However, more drilling will be required to confirm this hypothesis. As mentioned previously, we are also aiming to assess the property's gold potential at depth, because although over 60,000 metres of drilling has been done on the property in the past, most of it was in shallow holes."

Based on observation of the sections available, the ratio of true thickness to core length is estimated at 65% to 70%.

The technical content of this press release has been reviewed and approved by Andre Jean, Eng., a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

Sample Preparation and Analysis

TomaGold has implemented and adheres to a strict Quality Assurance/Quality Control for the present drilling program. The core is sawed in half, with one half kept as a witness sample in Chibougamau and the other half shipped directly by bus to ALS Chemex in Val-d'Or, Quebec. The half core is then ground to 1/8" and split into two halves by ALS. One half is kept as a witness (reject) by ALS in Val-d'Or. ALS pulverizes the other half at 150 mesh and takes a 50 g sample for analysis. The rest is kept at ALS and identified as "pulp".

About TomaGold Corporation

TomaGold Corporation is a Canadian-based mining exploration company whose primary mission is the acquisition, exploration and development of gold projects in Canada and abroad.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its regulation services provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. The statements in this news release that are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements". Readers are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance, and that actual developments or results may vary materially from those described in such "forward-looking" statements.

Contacts:

David Grondin

President and Chief Executive Officer

(514) 583-3490

www.tomagoldcorp.com




HONG KONG, CHINA and CALGARY, ALBERTA -- (Marketwired) -- 03/16/17 -- The Board of Directors (the "Board") of Sunshine Oilsands Ltd. (a corporation incorporated under the Business Corporations Act of the Province of Alberta, Canada with limited liability) (the "Corporation" or "Sunshine") (HKSE: 2012) is pleased to announce the following:

PLACING OF NEW SHARES UNDER GENERAL MANDATE

(a) The Placing

On March 16, 2017 in Hong Kong (March 16, 2017 in Calgary), the Corporation entered into a placing agreement (the "Placing Agreement") with China Industrial Securities International Capital Limited (the "Placing Agent" or "CISC") under which the Corporation has conditionally agreed to place, through CISC, on a best efforts basis, up to 247,350,000 common shares of the Company (the "Shares") at a price of HK$0.283 per Share (the "Placing Price") which shall be newly issued Shares pursuant to the terms of the Placing Agreement (the "Placing Shares"). It is currently expected that there will be at least six placees of the Placing Shares (who will be independent professional, institutional or other investors) who and whose ultimate beneficial owners are third parties residing in Hong Kong (the "Placees") and independent of and not connected with the Corporation or its connected persons (as defined under the Listing Rules) (the "Placing").

Assuming no further issue of new Shares or repurchase of Shares (other than those failing to be issued upon full exercise of the share options), the number of Placing Shares represents approximately 4.89% of the existing issued share capital of the Company of 5,062,601,358 Shares as at the date of this announcement and approximately 4.66% of the Company's issued share capital of 5,309,951,358 Shares as enlarged by the allotment and issue of the Placing Shares.

(b) Placing Price

The Placing Price represents:

(i) a discount of approximately 16.52% to the average closing price of approximately HK$0.339 per Share as quoted on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange for the last five consecutive trading days immediately prior to March 16, 2017 (being the last trading day immediately preceding the signing of the Placing Agreement); and

(ii) a discount of approximately 17.97% to the closing price of HK$0.345 per Share as quoted on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on March 16, 2017.

The maximum gross proceeds to be raised from the Placing will be HK$ 70,000,050 (approximately CDN$ 12,119,599 at the current exchange rate).

The Placing Price was determined with reference to the prevailing market price of the Shares and was negotiated on an arm's length basis between the Corporation and CISC. The directors of the Corporation (the "Directors") consider that the terms of the Placing are on normal commercial terms and are fair and reasonable based on the current market conditions and the Placing is in the interests of the Corporation and its shareholders as a whole.

(c) Conditions to Completion of the Placing Agreement

Completion of the Placing is subject to the fulfillment or waiver (other than conditions (i) and (ii) below which cannot be waived) of the following conditions:

i. the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the "Hong Kong Stock Exchange") approving the listing of and dealing in the Placing Shares to be issued pursuant to the Placing Agreement on or before 12:00 noon on March 31, 2017; ii. compliance of the Placing with the requirements under the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (the "Listing Rules") and iii.the receipt of all required documents as stipulated in the Placing Agreement.

(d) Termination of the Placing Agreement

The Placing Agent may terminate the Placing Agreement without liability to the Corporation by giving notice in writing prior to 9:00 am on the Placing Completion Date, if in the reasonable opinion of the Placing Agent, the success of the Placing would be adversely affected by (i) any material breach of any of the representations and warranties provided by the Corporation; or (ii) any suspension in dealings in or the listing of the Shares on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange for a period of more than three trading days (other than in connection with the Placing); or (iii) any force majeure events which may adversely affect the Corporation.

(e) Completion of the Placing

Completion of the Placing will take place on three business days (means any day excluding Saturday and Sunday on which commercial banks are generally open for business in Hong Kong) immediately following receipt of the listing approval from the Hong Kong Stock Exchange referred to in condition (c)(i) above or such other date as the parties may agree (the "Placing Completion Date").

The certificates representing the Shares placed for under the Placing will bear certain legends, as required under applicable Canadian securities laws.

Completion of the Placing is subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions. As the Placing may or may not proceed, shareholders and potential investors of the Corporation are advised to exercise caution when dealing in the securities of the Corporation.

(f) General Mandate to Issue Shares

The Placing does not require the approval of the Corporation's shareholders as the Shares under the Placing will be allotted and issued under the general mandate, which was granted to the Board at the annual general meeting of the Corporation held on June 30, 2016 (Hong Kong time) / June 29, 2016 (Calgary time) (the "AGM") to issue up to 20% of its aggregate issued and outstanding share capital as at the date of the AGM until the next annual general meeting of the Corporation (the "General Mandate"). The amount of the General Mandate is 863,699,620 Shares. Details of the General Mandate are set out in the Corporation's circular dated May 31, 2016.

As at the date of this announcement, other than (i) the issuance of 88,234,000 Shares as disclosed in the announcement dated April 28, 2016 (Hong Kong time)/April 27, 2016 (Calgary time); (ii) the issuance of 58,871,000 Shares as disclosed in the announcement dated June 22, 2016 (Hong Kong time)/June 21, 2016 (Calgary time); (iii) the issuance of 137,941,176 Shares as disclosed in the announcement dated October 24, 2016 (Hong Kong time)/October 23, 2016 (Calgary time); (iv) the issuance of 23,529,412 Share as disclosed in the announcement dated October 31, 2016 (Hong Kong time)/October 30, 2016 (Calgary time); (v) the issuance of 50,000,000 Shares as disclosed in the announcement dated December 14, 2016 (Hong Kong time)/December 13, 2016 (Calgary time); (vi) 150,000,000 Shares yet to be issued upon completion of the private placement as disclosed in the announcement dated December 29, 2016 (Hong Kong time)/December 28, 2016 (Calgary time); and (vii) the issuance of 60,000,000 Shares as disclosed in the announcement dated January 24, 2017 (Hong Kong time)/January 23, 2017 (Calgary time); the Corporation has not issued, and has not proposed to issue, any Shares under the General Mandate. The Shares when issued pursuant to the Placing will be credited as fully paid and rank pari passu in all respects with the other existing Shares.

(g) Reasons for the Placing and Use of Proceeds from the Placing

The Directors consider that the Placing represents an opportunity to raise capital for the Corporation at an important time for the Corporation. The maximum gross proceeds to be raised from the Placing will be HK$ 70,000,050 (approximately CDN$ 12,119,598.7 at the current exchange rate). Based on the estimated expenses of approximately HK$ 525,000.4 (approximately CDN$ 90,897) at the current exchange rate), the maximum net proceeds to be raised from the Placing will be approximately HK$ 69,475,049.6 (approximately CDN$ 12,028,701.7 at the current exchange rates). On this basis, the net price per Share under the Placing is approximately HK$ 0.281.

The Corporation intends to apply the net proceeds from the Placing (i) for general working capital of the Corporation and (ii) as funds for future development of the existing business of the Corporation, including funding the operation costs of the West Ells project.

(h) Fund Raising Activities of the Corporation in the Past Twelve Months

The Corporation has conducted the following equity fund raising activity in the 12 months preceding the date of this announcement.

Date of announcement Fund raising activity Approximate net proceeds raised --------------------------------------------------------------------------- April 28, 2016 Private placement of HK$ 29,399,568.80 Common Shares under (approximately General Mandate CDN$ 4,781,662 (1)) June 22, 2016 Private placement of HK$ 19,615,817.20 Common Shares under (approximately General Mandate CDN$ 3,240,570 (2)) October 24, 2016 Private placement of HK$ 45,962,004.00 Common Shares under (approximately CDN$ General Mandate 7,893,756 (3)) October 31, 2016 Private placement of HK$7,840,000.00 Common Shares under (approximately CDN$ General Mandate 1,353,264 (4)) December 14, 2016 Private placement of HK$15,929,625.00 Common Shares under (approximately CDN$ General Mandate 2,694,511.8 (5)) January 24, 2017 Private placement of HK$ 15,602,100.00 Common Shares under (approximately General Mandate CDN$ 2,673,123.6 (6)) Date of announcement Intended use of the net Actual use of the net proceeds proceeds ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- April 28, 2016 (i) for general working HK$ 29,399,568.80 capital of the (approximately Corporation; and CDN$ 4,781,662 (1)) used (ii) as funds for future as intended development of the existing business of the Corporation, including funding the development and operation costs of the West Ells project. June 22, 2016 (i) for general working HK$ 19,615,817.20 capital of the (approximately Corporation; and CDN$ 3,240,570 (2)) used (ii) as funds for future as intended development of the existing business of the Corporation, including funding the development and operation costs of the West Ells project. October 24, 2016 (i) for general working HK$ 45,962,000.00 capital of the (approximately Corporation; and CDN$ 7,893,756 (3)) used (ii) as funds for future as intended development of the existing business of the Corporation, including funding the development and operation costs of the West Ells project. October 31, 2016 (i) for general working HK$7,840,000.00 capital of the (approximately CDN$ Corporation; and 1,353,264 (4)) used as (ii) as funds for future intended development of the existing business of the Corporation, including funding the development and operation costs of the West Ells project. December 14, 2016 (i) for general working HK$15,929,625.00 capital of the (approximately CDN$ Corporation; and 2,694,511.8 (5)) used as (ii) as funds for future intended development of the existing business of the Corporation, including funding the development and operation costs of the West Ells project. January 24, 2017 (i) for general working HK$ 15,602,100.00 capital of the (approximately Corporation; and CDN$ 2,673,123.6 (6)) (ii) as funds for future used as intended development of the existing business of the Corporation, including funding the development and operation costs of the West Ells project.

Notes

1. Based on the Bank of Canada's nominal noon exchange rate (as at April 28, 2016) of CDN$1.00 = HK$6.1484. 2. Based on the Bank of Canada's nominal noon exchange rate (as at June 22, 2016) of CDN$1.00 = HK$6.0532 3. Based on the Bank of Canada's nominal noon exchange rate (as at October 24, 2016) of CDN$1.00 = HK$5.8227 4. Based on the Bank of Canada's nominal noon exchange rate (as at October 31, 2016) of CDN$1.00 = HK$5.7934 5. Based on the Bank of Canada's nominal noon exchange rate (as at December 14, 2016) of CDN$1.00 = HK$5.9118 6. Based on the Bank of Canada's nominal noon exchange rate (as at January 24, 2017) of CDN$1.00 = HK$5.8367.

(i) Effects on Shareholding Structure

The existing shareholding structure of the Corporation and the effect of the Placing on the shareholding structure of the Corporation immediately following the completion of the Placing (assuming there will be no other changes in the issued Shares between the date of this announcement and the completion) is set out below.

As at the date of this Immediately after Completion Announcement of the Placing ------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------ Name of Number of Approx. % of Number of Approx. % of Shareholder Shares Shares Shares Shares ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sun Kwok Ping 1,312,881,500 25.93% 1,312,881,500 24.72% Bright Hope Global Investment Limited(1) 267,353,088 5.28% 267,353,088 5.03% China Life Insurance (Overseas) Co., Ltd 201,941,600 3.99% 201,941,600 3.80% Tseung Hok Ming 295,893,656 5.84% 295,893,656 5.57% Sinopec Century Bright Capital Investment Limited 239,197,500 4.72% 239,197,500 4.50% Placees - - 247,350,000 4.66% Other public shareholders (excluding Placees) 2,745,334,014 54.23% 2,745,334,014 51.70% ------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------ Total 5,062,601,358 100 5,309,951,358 100 ------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------

Notes:

1. Bright Hope Global Investments Limited is a company incorporated in the British Virgin Islands. The company is 100% held by Mr. Zhang Yi. On March 15, 2016 in Hong Kong (March 15, 2016 in Calgary), the Corporation entered into a subscription agreement (the "Subscription Agreement") with Bright Hope Global Investments Limited ("Bright Hope Global") under which Bright Hope Global agreed to subscribe for a total of 558,823,500 Class "A" Common Voting Shares of the Corporation ("Common Shares") at a price of HK$ 0.34 per Common Share. The Corporation and Bright Hope Global Investments Limited mutually terminated the Subscription Agreement on 21 November 2016 (Hong Kong time). Up to the date of the termination of the Subscription Agreement, a total of 308,575,588 Common Shares were allotted and issued to Bright Hope Global Investments Limited under the Subscription Agreement. 2. As at the date of the announcement, the private placement of 150,000,000 Shares with Zhengwei International Investment and Management Co. Ltd as disclosed in the announcement dated December 29, 2016 (Hong Kong time)/December 28, 2016 (Calgary time) is yet to be completed.

ABOUT SUNSHINE OILSANDS LTD.

The Corporation is a Calgary based public corporation listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange since March 1, 2012. The Corporation is focused on the development of its significant holdings of oil sands leases in the Athabasca oil sands region. The Corporation owns interests in approximately one million acres of oil sands and petroleum and natural gas leases in the Athabasca region. The Corporation is currently focused on executing milestone undertakings in the West Ells project area. West Ells has an initial production target rate of 5,000 barrels per day.

The Placing Agent

The Placing Agent has been appointed to place, on a best efforts basis, the Placing shares at the Placing Price. The Placing Agent is a licensed corporation to carry out business in type 1 regulated activity (dealing in securities) and type 6 regulated activity (advising on corporate finance) under the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Chapter 571 of the Laws of Hong Kong). To the best of the Directors' knowledge, information and belief, having made all reasonable enquiries, the Placing Agent and its ultimate beneficial owners are independent of and not connected with the Corporation and its connected persons (as defined under the Listing Rules).

Notwithstanding that the Placing Shares shall only be placed to Placees residing in Hong Kong, the Placing Agent and the Corporation agree that the Placing and the Placees must qualify with the applicable securities laws of Alberta, Canada (the "Applicable Securities Laws") as the Corporation is a "reporting issuer" under such law. The Placing Agent agrees, inter alia, that it will offer the Placing Shares for sale on behalf of the Corporation only to Placees who are eligible to purchase such Placing Shares under the private placement exemptions available under the Applicable Securities Laws and conduct its activities in connection with the Placing in compliance with all Applicable Securities Laws.

The Placing Agent will be entitled to receive a commission of 0.75% of the amount equal to the Placing Price multiplied by the actual number of the Placing Shares successfully placed by the Placing Agent. The commission for the Placing was arrived at after arm's length negotiation between the Company and the Placing Agent with reference to the prevailing market practice.

FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION

This announcement contains forward-looking information relating to, among other things, (a) the closing of, and the anticipated timing of the closing of, the Placing; (b) the future financial performance and objectives of the Corporation; and (c) the plans and expectations of the Corporation. Such forward-looking information is subject to various risks, uncertainties and other factors. All statements other than statements and information of historical fact are forward-looking statements. The use of words such as "estimate", "forecast", "expect", "project", "plan", "target", "vision", "goal", "outlook", "may", "will", "should", "believe", "intend", "anticipate", "potential", and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the Corporation's experience, current beliefs, assumptions, information and perception of historical trends available to the Corporation, and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to those associated with resource definition and expected reserves and contingent and prospective resources estimates, unanticipated costs and expenses, regulatory approval, fluctuating oil and gas prices, expected future production, the ability to access sufficient capital to finance future development and credit risks, changes in Alberta's regulatory framework, including changes to regulatory approval process and land-use designations, royalty, tax, environmental, greenhouse gas, carbon and other laws or regulations and the impact thereof and the costs associated with compliance. Although the Corporation believes that the expectations represented by such forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct.

Readers are cautioned that the assumptions and factors discussed in this announcement are not exhaustive and readers are not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as the Corporation's actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied. The Corporation disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, subsequent to the date of this announcement, except as required under applicable securities legislation. The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this announcement and are expressly qualified by these cautionary statements. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing lists are not exhaustive and are made as at the date hereof. For a full discussion of the Corporation's material risk factors, see the Corporation's annual information form for the year ended December 31, 2015 and risk factors described in other documents we file from time to time with securities regulatory authorities, all of which are available on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange at www.hkexnews.hk, on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com or on the Corporation's website at www.sunshineoilsands.com.

By Order of the Board of Sunshine Oilsands Ltd. Sun Kwok Ping, Executive Chairman

Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited and The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited take no responsibility for the contents of this announcement, make no representation as to its accuracy or completeness and expressly disclaim any liability whatsoever for any loss howsoever arising from or in reliance upon the whole or any part of the contents of this announcement.

This announcement appears for information purpose only and does not constitute an invitation or offer to acquire, purchase or subscribe for securities of Sunshine Oilsands Ltd. As at the date of this announcement, the Board consists of Mr. Kwok Ping Sun, Mr. Hong Luo, Dr. Qi Jiang and Mr. Qiping Men as executive directors; Mr. Michael John Hibberd, Mr. Jianzhong Chen and Ms. Xijuan Jiang as non-executive directors; and Mr. Raymond Shengti Fong, Mr. Gerald Franklin Stevenson, Ms. Joanne Yan and Mr. Yi He as independent non-executive directors.

Contacts:

Mr. Hong Luo

Chief Executive Officer

(1) 403-984-1450

investorrelations@sunshineoilsands.com

www.sunshineoilsands.com




Major opportunities are coming from industries such as industrial manufacturing, food & beverages, agriculture and pharmaceuticals, finds Frost & Sullivan's Measurement & Instrumentation team

SANTA CLARA, California, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --Regulations and changes in standards for more accurate weighing equipment and technology improvements in end-user industries such as industrial manufacturing, food & beverage, agriculture and pharmaceuticals, plus a growing replacement, upgrade and retrofit market, are igniting growth and steering change in a mature market. Vendors must seek out value additions, technology connectivity and improvement strategies to increase overall revenues and augment growth.

Opportunities for Growth in the Weighing Equipment Market - USA, a recent analysis from Frost & Sullivan's Test & Measurement Growth Partnership Subscription, finds that in 2015, the weighing equipment market in the U.S. was estimated to be over $750 million and growing at a CAGR of 3.7 percent annually. The total forecast of weighing equipment in the U.S. is estimated to be close to a billion in 2020.

Click on the following link for complimentary access to more information on this analysis or to register for a Growth Strategy Dialogue, a free interactive briefing with Frost & Sullivan's thought leaders: http://frost.ly/1gr

"In a stable price, consolidated market, leading companies such as Mettler-Toledo, Avery Weightronix, Rice Lake and Sartorius-Intec pursue value-addition differentiated strategies like quality, reliability and ease of installation," said Frost & Sullivan Measurement & Instrumentation Research Director Kiran Unni. "Some companies are embracing technology connectivity and looking to offer software to connect to the intranet or cloud."

Safety and regulations are two major drivers for improvements in weighing equipment design, demand and innovation. Other improvement strategies, like focusing on data accuracy, measurement resolution, faster scanning, handling, and analysis, are being developed for a preferable combination system like checkweighers and metal detectors.

Further growth opportunities include:

Demand for floor and bench scales that account for a big portion of total market revenues.

The checkweighers market is growing at a CAGR of 4.4 percent.

Combination measurement technologies, combining weight measurement with others such as moisture, density and volume, will drive future growth.

New features based on increased connectivity, analysis of data inputs and multiple parameter measurement are technology trends enabling change and driving growth.

"Change is on the horizon for weighing equipment vendors. Today's business is heavily focused on relationships with distributors and dealers. In order to survive and thrive in the years ahead, vendors will need to sell directly to customers through ecommerce and increase their direct sales channels in an evolving ecosystem," noted Unni.

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

Opportunities for Growth in the Weighing Equipment Market - USA

K0BA-32

Contact:

Jaylon Brinkley

Corporate Communications - North America

P: (210) 247.2481

F: (210) 348.1003

E: jaylon.brinkley@frost.com

http://www.frost.com
FLORENCE, Italy, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

The Menarini Group has consolidated its presence in Latin America with new affiliates in Colombia and Peru. Both countries have emerging economies which offer the company opportunities for market expansion with its high-quality, made-in-Italy pharmaceuticals.

(Logo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/478483/The_Menarini_Group_Logo.jpg )



"We are enthusiastic about increasing our presence in Latin America with the opening of our branches in Peru and Colombia, strategic countries where Menarini has decided to strengthen its commitment to guarantee that patients have access to extremely high-quality medicinal products manufactured at our 15 Menarini sites", explained Alberto Giovanni Aleotti, Vice Chairman of the Menarini Group. "This", he added, "represents a stepping stone for international growth of the Group, which is currently present in over 130 countries, with its presence in the USA being a particularly notable success."

The Menarini Group has a global annual turnover of 3.46 billion.

2017 opens with a new challenge for the Italian company which is specialised in medicinal products for pain relief and cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive tract and urological treatment and research and development into new cancer treatments.

Colombia, a country with a population of over 47 million, is among the top 20 countries in the world in terms of the amount of direct foreign investment it receives, according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). On 9 March, Menarini inaugurated its new office in Bogota, where 40 people are now employed. The inauguration event was held at the Italian Embassy with Italian Ambassador Caterina Bertolini.

On 7 March, with an event held at the Lima Art Museum, the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Menarini in Peru with Italian Ambassador Mauro Marsili was celebrated, which currently has 30 employees.

The first Menarini branch in Latin America was opened 38 years ago in Guatemala, and in El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, and Belize. In these Central American countries and in the Caribbean, Menarini recorded an increase of 11% in the turnover for 2015, equal to 93 million for the year. The Italian company has also had a direct presence in Mexico since 2009, and through its distributors in the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Brazil, Argentina and Chile, offering work to almost 600 employees and in constant growth.

More information at http://www.menarini.com
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 16, 2017) - Power Americas Minerals Corp. (TSXV: PAM) ("Power Americas" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Province of Alberta has approved Power America's application for 100% undivided interest in a further six metallic and industrial minerals exploration permits covering six townships northwest of the Fox Creek-Swan Hills district in the Peace River Arch-Spirit River area of northwestern Alberta.

These additional six exploration permits are contiguous to the previous four townships that were acquired by Power Americas in August 2016. Power America's collective northwestern Alberta land package now has a total of 10 adjoining exploration permits covering more than 90,000 hectares (222,395 acres) or 900 square kilometres. The newly acquired permits contain more than 1000 well sites including more than 200 new and deep-basin wells that were drilled since 2010. The Spirt River project now contains potential access to more than 1900 wells, some of which contain elevated lithium-brine values as documented historically in publicly available Government of Alberta reports. Power America's exploration focus will include test assaying brine samples from the new, deep-basin wells representing virgin ground that has never been tested for the lithium-in-brine content, signifying a new target of exploration for the Company and its shareholders.

Note: To date, the company and its Qualified Professionals have been unable to verify the historical lithium-brine results and whether the lithium-enriched brine occurs, or extends, into aquifers underlying the Spirit River property.

Power America's initial Exploration Program (see news release 01-11-17) is underway on the Spirit River Lithium Project. Local area petro-operators have granted access and brine sampling will be collected from approximately 20-30 separate producing wells. The brine samples will be tested for potentially elevated concentrations of lithium and other important elements in brine reservoirs/aquifers underlying Spirit River landholdings. Further results will be released as they become available.

The Company's consultant, APEX Geoscience Ltd. of Edmonton AB, is supervising and conducting the brine sampling program in conjunction with several oil and gas producers in the region. The brine samples collected will undergo geochemical analysis by Maxxam Analytics Inc. at its Petroleum Technology Centre located in Edmonton, AB.

About Power Americas Mineral Corp

Power America's acquisition strategy focuses on acquiring affordable, cost effective and highly regarded mineral properties in areas with proven geological potential. These areas include historical and currently producing mines with existing infrastructure. This strategy includes acquiring 100% interests in mineral properties, with no payment terms or work program commitments that would threaten a junior mining company's financial stability. The Company believes it can create maximum shareholder value efficiently and cost effectively implementing this acquisition strategy.

Power Americas believes that the demand profile for Lithium, Cobalt and other essential power related materials will be fundamentally led by the growing adaptation of electric vehicles, renewable energy and increased production of super alloys. With a focus on identifying and developing ethically sourced materials within the Americas, the Company intends to address the growing demand for energy metals that are being driven by innovation and the introduction of new technologies.

Power Americas Minerals Corp. is a Canadian-based junior mining exploration company focused on the procurement, exploration and development of cobalt, lithium, copper and other energy metals in North and South America. The Company's shares are listed and posted for trading on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "PAM" and on the Frankfurt Exchange under the symbol "VV0".

The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Roy Eccles MSc, P Geol, of APEX Geoscience Ltd., an independent qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

On behalf of the Board of Directors:

"Jeffrey Cocks"

Jeffrey Cocks

President

For more information please contact:

Howard Milne V.P. Business Development

Tel: (604) 377-8994Email:hdmcap@shaw.ca

Website: www.poweramericascorp.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.

NOT FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES
NEW YORK, NY -- (Marketwired) -- 03/16/17 -- NetworkNewsWire ("NNW"), a multifaceted financial news and publishing company, today announces the publication of an editorial featuring SinglePoint, Inc. (OTC: SING), an NNW client focused on diversifying its acquisition portfolio of small to mid-sized companies.

The publication, entitled, "'No-Touch' Approach Reduces Risk as Public Companies Tap Explosive Growth of Cannabis Industry," discusses how a "hands off" approach in the marijuana industry hedges against the risks of changing federal laws and restrictions.

To view the full publication visit: https://www.networknewswire.com/no-touch-approach-reduces-risk-public-companies-tap-explosive-growth-cannabis-industry/

"SinglePoint, Inc. (SING), through its SingleSeed Payments subsidiary, years ago set up a strategy to offer payment solutions to the cannabis industry. Its mobile marketing and payment solutions include cashless ATM, Pay-by-Text and text message marketing. The plan is to develop a marketing program specifically designed for cannabis accounts, enabling consumers to use their credit and debit cards to make payments for cannabis purchases.

"In another hands-off strategy, SinglePoint has acquired (http://nnw.fm/g8OO3) an interest in Jacksam Corp., dba Convectium, the profitable, California-based developer of the 710Shark and 710Seal system. This innovative oil filling system can fill and package more than 100 cartridges or disposable vape pens in 30 seconds, making it the fastest and only filling and sealing system in the industry."

The publication further discusses SinglePoint's growing portfolio, and provides a look at several industry peers.

About SinglePoint, Inc.

SinglePoint, Inc. (SING) has grown from a full-service mobile technology provider to a publicly traded holding company. Through diversification into horizontal markets, SinglePoint is building its portfolio by acquiring an interest in undervalued subsidiaries, thereby providing a rich, diversified holding base. Through its subsidiary company SingleSeed the company is providing products and services to the cannabis industry.

Connect on social media at: www.facebook.com/SinglePointMobile, www.twitter.com/_SinglePoint_, www.linkedin.com/company/SinglePoint and www.youtube.com/user/SinglePointMobile

For more information visit www.SinglePoint.com or www.SingleSeed.com

About NetworkNewsWire

NetworkNewsWire (NNW) provides news aggregation and syndication, enhanced press release services and a full array of social communication solutions. As a multifaceted financial news and distribution company with an extensive team of journalists and contributing writers, NNW is uniquely positioned to best serve private and public companies who need to reach a wide audience of investors, consumers, journalists and the general public. NNW has an ever-growing distribution network of more than 5,000 key syndication outlets across the country. By cutting through the overload of information in today's market, NNW brings its clients unparalleled visibility, recognition and brand awareness. NNW is where news, content and information converge.

For more information, visit https://www.NetworkNewsWire.com

Please see full disclaimers on the NetworkNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by NNW, wherever published or re-published: http://nnw.fm/Disclaimer

Forward-Looking Statements

This 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. All forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain as they are based on current expectations and assumptions concerning future events or future performance of the company. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are only predictions and speak only as of the date hereof. In evaluating such statements, prospective investors should review carefully various risks and uncertainties identified in this release and matters set in the company's SEC filings. These risks and uncertainties could cause the company's actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements.

NNW Contact:



NetworkNewsWire (NNW)

New York, New York

www.NetworkNewsWire.com

212.418.1217 Office

Email Contact




BELLINGHAM, WA -- (Marketwired) -- 03/16/17 -- eXp World Holdings, Inc. (OTCQB: EXPI), the holding company for eXp Realty LLC, The Agent-Owned Cloud Brokerage, today announced that eXp Realty has grown its family of agents and brokers to more than 3,000 across all markets in the United States and Canada. The Company ended 2016 with 2,401 agents on its platform, and reached 3,000 agents on March 15, 2017, representing 25% growth year-to-date and growth of over 200% since March 15, 2016.

"eXp Realty continues to attract an increasing number of top agents, teams and brokers, which has catapulted us to a place alongside the top residential brokerage firms in the country," said Glenn Sanford, Chairman, Founder and CEO of eXp World Holdings. "In addition to the sheer volume of growth, our velocity of growth has also increased. It took us approximately four months to go from 2,000 to 3,000 agents, which is nearly half the time it took to grow from 1,000 to 2,000. We believe our rapid agent growth trajectory and corresponding revenue growth will continue to accelerate over time through the continued delivery of high value and support to our agents, our high split/low fee and cap business model, and our industry best revenue sharing incentives, all supplemented by our unique agent-ownership opportunities."

About eXp World Holdings, Inc.

eXp World Holdings, Inc. (OTCQB: EXPI) is the holding company for eXp Realty LLC, the Agent-Owned Cloud Brokerage as a full-service real estate brokerage providing 24/7 access to collaborative tools, training, and socialization for real estate brokers and agents through its 3-D, fully-immersive, cloud office environment. eXp Realty, LLC and eXp Realty of Canada, Inc. also feature an attractive revenue sharing program that pays agents a percentage of gross commission income earned by fellow real estate professionals who they attract into the Company.

As a publicly-traded company, eXp World Holdings, Inc. uniquely offers real estate professionals within its ranks opportunities to earn company stock for production and contributions to overall company growth.

For more information, please visit the Company's Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, or visit www.eXpRealty.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

The statements contained herein may include statements of future expectations and other forward-looking statements that are based on management's current views and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof, and the Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update them. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements about the Company's expansion, revenue growth, operating results, financial performance and net income changes. Such statements are not guarantees of future performance. Important factors that may cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from those expressed in forward-looking statements include changes in business or other market conditions; the difficulty of keeping expense growth at modest levels while increasing revenues; and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including but not limited to the most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=3119899



Investor Relations Contact:

Greg Falesnik

Managing Director

MZ Group - MZ North America

949-385-6449

Email Contact

www.mzgroup.us



Media Contact:

Russ Cofano

President

eXp World Holdings, Inc.

Email Contact

573-825-0780



Trade Contact:

Jason Gesing

CEO

eXp Realty, LLC

Email Contact

617-970-8518




VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 03/16/17 -- Further to the news release dated February 21, 2017, Redhawk Resources, Inc. ("Redhawk" or the "Company") (TSX: RDK)(FRANKFURT: QF7) is pleased to announce the completion of the Company's non-brokered private placement (the "Private Placement") of 2,300,000 units of the Company ("Units") at a price of $0.055 per Unit to raise total gross proceeds of $126,500. Each Unit consists of one common share of the Company (each, a "Share") and one-half of one common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each whole Warrant is exercisable into one additional Share for a period of two years at a price of $0.075 per Share.

The proceeds of the Private Placement will be used for general working capital. Finder's fees of $2,475 were paid in cash, being 5% of the gross proceeds of a portion of the Private Placement received by the Company. All securities issued pursuant to the Private Placement are be subject to a hold period expiring on July 15, 2017, being four months and a day following the date of issue.

About Redhawk

Redhawk is a Canadian-based resource exploration and development company with a focus on the continued advancement of the Copper Creek copper-molybdenum project in San Manuel, Arizona. The advanced Copper Creek Arizona property consists of approximately 75 km2 of contiguous patented and unpatented mining claims and state prospecting permits, located about 112 km northeast of Tucson, Arizona.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

J. Stephen Barley, Executive Chairman

Forward Looking Statements

This news release includes certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, including without limitation, statements relating the future operating or financial performance of the Company, are forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "potential", "possible", and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or results "will", "may", "could", or "should" occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements in this news release relate to, among other thing the use of the proceeds of the Private Placement. There can be no assurance that such forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by management of the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and management of the Company has made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation, the ability of the Company to find suitable investors, receive regulatory approval for and complete the Private Placement; and management's discretion to re-allocate the proceeds of the Private Placement.

Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release concerning these matters. Except as required by law, Redhawk does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law.

Contacts:

J. Stephen Barley

Executive Chairman

604-633-5088

info@redhawkresources.com

www.redhawkresources.com




EDMONTON, ALBERTA -- (Marketwired) -- 03/16/17 -- Iberian Minerals Ltd. (TSX VENTURE: IML)(OTCQB: SLDRF) (the "Company" or "Iberian") is pleased to announce that further to its news release of March 14, 2017, it has received a final order from the Alberta Court of Queen's Bench on the arrangement (the "Arrangement") involving Iberian, shareholders of Iberian and Enviroleach Technologies Inc. ("ETI"). The Arrangement involves the spin-out of the Iberian Technology Rights to ETI and the distribution to Iberian shareholders of 26,000,000 common shares of ETI (the "ETI Share Distribution"). The Arrangement was approved by shareholders at the Company's Special Meeting held on March 14, 2017.

All closing conditions for the Arrangement have now been met, including conditional approval from the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE") for the listing of the ETI common shares.

The Company intends to complete the Arrangement on Tuesday, March 21, 2017, making it the official record date for Iberian shareholders to receive their entitlement for ETI shares on a pro rata basis. Shareholders need to be aware that the distribution of the ETI shares is facilitated through the Company's transfer agent - Computershare, not Iberian. The Company currently expects that the ETI Shares will commence trading on the CSE on or about March 30, 2017, subject to the Company meeting all of the customary listing conditions of the CSE.

ETI has also made an application for a U.S. listing with the OTCQB and will be providing updates regarding this development on a timely basis.

"I am very pleased with the overwhelming and decisive support our shareholders shown us for the EnviroLeach spin-out.", commented Greg Pendura, President and CEO of Iberian Minerals. "To receive over 99% approval on this spin-out with a record total of over 153 million shares voted, tells us that our shareholders value the opportunity each of these two companies working together will offer to them."

Duane Nelson, President & CEO of ETI, states; "I am very pleased with the completion of the Arrangement and the continued support of the shareholders. The Company now has the necessary corporate structure and solid foundation to build upon. I am very excited about the future of EnviroLeach. It is, by far, the most innovative and disruptive technology ever introduced to the mining and E-Waste sectors. The client-side testing and validation of the process continues with excellent results. Iberian and EnviroLeach will continue to work together collectively as solution providers to both the mining and E-Waste industry sectors."

Shareholder Presentation

The Company further wishes to announce an investor presentation which will take place at 6:00 PM, March 21, 2017 at the Marriot Courtyard Edmonton West, 10011 184th Street NW, Edmonton, Alberta.

Please confirm of your attendance via email to rick@iberianminerals.ca by March 20th

About Iberian Minerals

Iberian Minerals is a Canadian junior mining company positioned for growth through the partnership of advanced cash flow mining opportunities utilizing the Mineworx environmentally friendly mineral processing technologies. In addition the Company is undertaking strategic alliances with its Spanish minerals assets.

For further information, go to www.iberianminerals.ca

Reader Advisory

This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws, respectively. The use of any of the words "expect", "potential", "target", "anticipate", "continue", "estimate", "objective", "may", "will", "project", "should", "believe", "plans", "intends" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking information or statements. More particularly and without limitation, this news release contains forward-looking statements and information concerning: the timing and anticipated receipt of the Final Order and the timing of the effective date for the Arrangement.

In respect of the forward-looking statements and information concerning the anticipated completion of the Arrangement, the Company has provided them in reliance on certain assumptions that they believe are reasonable at this time, including assumptions as to the ability of the Company to receive, in a timely manner, the necessary court, regulatory and other third party approvals and the ability of the Company to satisfy, in a timely manner, the other conditions to the closing of the Arrangement. These dates may change for a number of reasons, including inability to secure necessary court, regulatory or other third party approvals in the time assumed or the need for additional time to satisfy the other conditions to the completion of the Arrangement. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release concerning these times.

Since forward-looking statements and information address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. These include, but are not limited to, the risk that the Arrangement may not close when planned or at all or on the terms and conditions set forth in the Arrangement Agreement and the failure to obtain the necessary court, regulatory and other third party approvals required in order to proceed with the Arrangement.

The forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events, or results or otherwise, other than as required by applicable securities laws.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Contacts:

IBERIAN MINERALS LTD.

Rick Gliege

V.P. Corporate Development

(250) 751-3661

rick@iberianminerals.ca




VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 03/16/17 -- Vatic Ventures Corp. (NEX BOARD: VCV.H) (the Company) is pleased to announce that it has now commenced the first phase of its exploration and development project for the Saksrithai potash project in Thailand: a 2-D seismic survey of the license area.

The seismic programme is designed to demonstrate the continuity of the underlying geological structure and provide information regarding the depth to, and thickness of, the potash-bearing layer. The programme will consist of up to 40 line-kilometres of seismic survey.

The seismic contractor, Geocon Co. Ltd. (Geocon), has mobilised its crew and equipment to the project area and has completed a 1km test line to demonstrate the depth to the target horizons and determine the optimum geophone spacing for the survey.

Geocon is a well-qualified seismic contractor with some 30 years in potash exploration, with particular knowledge of the potash deposits within the Khorat evaporite basin where the Company's Sakarithai project is situated. Geocon has provided services to a number of potash projects in Thailand and Laos, including Asia Pacific Resources' successful project at Udon Thani, Thailand.

Dr. Gerry Wright, the Company's CEO, commented "We are excited to commence the exploration of the Saksrithai potash project. The seismic survey will enhance our technical knowledge of the project area and facilitate planning for the initial drilling programme for the project".

About Saksrithai Development Co. Ltd: Saksrithai Development Co. Ltd. (Saksrithai), is a private Thai company which is the holder of two contiguous Special Prospecting Licences (SPLs) for potash exploration, issued in 2015. The licenses encompass an area of 32 km2 in Nakon Ratchasima province, northeast Thailand and are adjacent to Thai Kali Company's Dan Khun Thod potash mine which is currently under construction.

The Company's 80% shareholding in Saksrithai has now been registered with the Thai Ministry of Commerce. Vatic is entitled to nominate four of the five Directors of Saksrithai and Dr. Gerry Wright acts as Saksrithai's Managing Director.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Dr. Gerry Wright, CEO and Director.

"Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release." The information contained herein contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking statements relate to information that is based on assumptions of management, forecasts of future results, and estimates of amounts not yet determinable. Any statements that express predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance are not statements of historical fact and may be "forward-looking statements." Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements. 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. Actual events or results could differ materially from the Company's expectations or projections.

Contacts:

Vatic Ventures Corp.

604-566-9399

604-568-8500 (FAX)

info@vaticventures.com




Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 16, 2017) - OSPREY GOLD DEVELOPMENT LTD. (the "Company" or "Osprey") (TSXV: OS) is pleased to announce the results of an updated gold resource estimate for the Goldenville Project ("Goldenville"), located in northeastern Nova Scotia, Canada near the town of Sherbrooke. This estimate has resulted in an Inferred Resource of 2,800,000 tonnes at 3.20 grams per tonne ("g/t") gold for 288,000 ounces of gold (2,800,000 tonnes at 4.96 g/t gold for 447,000 ounces of gold uncapped). The resource estimate was completed by David G. Thomas, M.Sc., P. Geo. and Neil Pettigrew, M.Sc., P. Geo. of Fladgate Exploration Consulting Corporation ("Fladgate") based in Thunder Bay, Ontario. The updated resource estimate is found in Table 1.1.

The 2017 updated resource yielded an increase of 60% in Inferred ounces (a 72% increase on an uncapped basis). The 2017 resource is classified as entirely Inferred, whereas the 2005 resource included both indicated and inferred resources.For a comparison with the previously disclosed 2005 43-101 resource entitled, "Technical Report on Mineral Resource Estimate - Acadian Gold Corporation - Goldenville Property - Guysborough County, Nova Scotia, Canada" was prepared for Acadian Gold Corporation by Mercator Geological Services Limited. (the "Acadian Gold Technical Report"), see Table 1.2 below.

Table 1.1 - Goldenville Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate, David Thomas, P. Geo. (Effective Date: March 15, 2017)

Resource Type Tonnage (t) Au (g/t) Au (Oz) Near Surface (0.75 g/t Cut-Off) 1,240,000 3.02 120,000 Underground (2.00 g/t Cut-Off) 1,560,000 3.35 168,000 Total 2,800,000 3.2 288,000

Table 1.2 - Comparison with previous 43-101 resource estimate (from the Acadian Gold Technical Report)

Year Category Cut-Off (g/t) Tonnage (t) Au (g/t)

Capped Au (g/t)

Uncapped Au (Oz)

Capped Au (Oz)

Uncapped 2005* Indicated 1.00 181,047 6.31 6.96 37,729 40,517 2005* Inferred 1.00 855,025 6.54 9.43 179,783 259,257 2017 Indicated - - - - - - 2017 Inferred Multiple** 2,800,000 3.20 4.96 288,000 447,000



Footnotes to mineral resource statement:

M ineral resources are not minera l reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. No mineral reserve s have as yet been defined. Inferred mineral resources are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be considered for estimation of mineral reserves, and there is no certainty that the inferred mineral resources will be realized.

Fladgate undertook data verification, and reviewed historical quality assurance and quality control programs on the mineral resources data. Fladgate concluded that the collar, survey, assay, and lithology data were adequate to support mineral resources estimation.

A dry bulk density value of 2.67 g/cm3 for all material was assigned from similar Meguma-type gold mineralization with similar rock types in Nova Scotia.

Fladgate assumed a metallurgical recovery of 90% based on a qualitative assessment of the gold mineralogy and grain size.

Near surface mineral resources are constrained within an open pit shell optimized with an L-G algorithm. A process and G&A cost of $25 and a mining cost of $3.00/tonne have been used.

Underground resources have been constrained within a grade shell using a 2 .0 g/t threshold, assuming a mining cost of $50/tonne in addition to the operating costs. Isolated blocks were removed from the grade shell. The mineral resources have been depleted using solids representing underground development and areas of stoping for post 1920's historical mining for which technical drawings are available, however no records are available for the abundant, pre 1920's mining development, which is known to have occurred throughout the property.

Blocks were classified as inferred in accordance with CIM Definition Standards.

The contained metal figures shown are in situ. The resource estimation methodology incorporates a significant amount of external and internal dilution due to the use of 2 meter composites, probabilistic domaining and the grade smoothing introduced by ordinary kriging with a variogram which has a short range of influence.

No assurance can be given that the estimated quantities will be produced. All figures have been rounded to reflect accuracy and to comply with securities regulatory requirements. Summations within the tables may not agree due to rounding.

*The reader is cautioned that a qualified person has not done sufficient work to classify this historical estimate as current resources and Osprey is not treating this historical estimate as a current mineral resource. While this estimate was prepared, in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 and the "Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves Definition Guidelines" in effect at the time, there is no guarantee that it would be consistent with current standards and it should not be regarded as consistent with current standards.

**2017 inferred resource includes a near surface and an underground resource with a cut-off of 0.75 g/t and 2.0 g/t respectively.

Footnotes to mineral resource comparison:

The changes are a result of changes to the method of mineral resource estimation and a change in the mineral resource classification. Fladgate's mineral resource estimate uses a minimum mining width of 2 m, Acadian Gold assumed a minimum mining width of 1.2 m. Acadian's mineral resource classification used a maximum distance of 25 m to classify Inferred mineral resources whereas Fladgate has used a maximum distance of 35 m. Fladgate also capped high grade assays at 70g/t before compositing whereas Acadian Gold used a 50g/t cap on composited grades.

In addition, Fladgate has applied differing criteria to meet the criteria of reasonable prospects of economic extraction as specified in the CIM Mineral Resource Definition Standards. Fladgate has constrained near surface resources to an L-G optimized pit shell and has constrained underground mineral resources to a grade shell above a grade cut-off incorporating an underground mining cost of $50/t.

Cooper Quinn, President of Osprey said, "I'm very encouraged by this updated resource at Goldenville. It represents a significant increase in our current gold resources. The new digital resource model applies modern 3D estimation techniques to the known deposit publicly for the first time, and will be an excellent guide to our exploration programs as we move forward at Goldenville."

Resource Estimate

The updated resource includes the results from an additional 8 holes totaling 1,280 meters drilled by Acadian Gold Corporation in 2006 that was completed after the 2005 Acadian Gold Technical Report.

The current mineral resource estimate, effective date March 15, 2017, was prepared by David G. Thomas M.Sc., P. Geo. and Neil Pettigrew M.Sc., P. Geo. using Minesight 3D commercial mining software. Resources were estimated from 150 surface core drillholes and 67 underground channel samples in 4 x 2 x 2 meter blocks by ordinary kriging coded by indicator domain. Fladgate created probabilistic indicator models to progressively constrain the mineralization into domains. Indicator models were estimated using inverse-distance weighting to the power of three (IDW3). Grade estimates were based on capped 2.0 meter composited assay data with a top cut of 70 g/t.

Differences with the previous mineral resource estimate primarily result from changes to the method of mineral resource estimation and from a change in the mineral resource classification. Fladgate has applied differing criteria to meet the criteria of reasonable prospects of economic extraction as specified in the CIM Mineral Resource Definition Standards. Fladgate has constrained near surface mineral resources to an L-G optimized pit shell and has constrained underground mineral resources to a grade shell above a grade cut-off incorporating an underground mining cost of $50/t.

Based upon the marginal gold cut-off grade, Fladgate has chosen a cut-off grade of 0.75 g/t gold for reporting the near surface Mineral Resources. For underground mineral resources, Fladgate estimates a marginal cut-off grade of 2 g/t.

Table 2.1 - Goldenville Mineral Resource and Sensitivities, Near Surface

Cut-Off Tonnes Capped Au (g/t) Capped Au (Oz) Uncapped Au (g/t) Uncapped Au (Oz) 0.50 1,370,000 2.79 123,000 4.66 206,000 0.75 1,240,000 3.02 120,000 5.08 203,000 1.00 1,125,000 3.24 117,000 5.49 199,000

Table 2.2 - Goldenville Mineral Resource and Sensitivities, Underground

Cut-Off Tonnes Capped Au (g/t) Capped Au (Oz) Uncapped Au (g/t) Uncapped Au (Oz) 2.00 1,560,000 3.35 168,000 4.87 244,000 2.25 1,310,000 3.58 151,000 5.21 220,000 2.50 1,030,000 3.91 130,000 5.68 189,000

The Goldenville Property

The Goldenville Property consists of three contiguous mineral titles totaling approximately 970 ha in Northeastern Nova Scotia. In a news release dated March 2nd, 2017, Osprey announced the closing of an option to acquire a 100% interest in Goldenville (the "Goldenville Transaction"). The Property is under option to Crosby Gold Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Osprey, which retains the right to earn a 100% interest in the claims subject to certain royalties.

Goldenville is located in Guysborough County, approximately 135 km east of Halifax and 3km southwest of the village of Sherbrooke. The Goldenville Gold District, where the Goldenville Property is located, is regarded as one of the most important gold mining districts in Nova Scotia with past gold production between 1862 and 1942 of approximately 212,300 ounces from 551,797 tonnes indicating an historic recovered grade of 11.97 g/t gold.

Technical Report

A technical report, which will include this resource estimate, will be posted on the Company's website at www.ospreygold.com and filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com within 45 days. Dave Thomas, M.Sc., P.Geo. and Neil Pettigrew, M.Sc. P.Geo, are both a 'Qualified Person' for the purpose of National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects of the Canadian securities administrators ("NI 43-101"). They have both approved the disclosure of, and are the 'Qualified Person' responsible for the scientific and technical information in this news release, inclusive of the resource estimate information. They have verified the data disclosed.

ON BEHALF OF OSPREY GOLD DEVELOPMENT LTD.,

"Cooper Quinn"

Cooper Quinn, President and Director

For further information please contact Osprey at (236) 521-0944 or cooper@ospreygold.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.

All statements in this press release, other than statements of historical fact, are "forward-looking information" with respect to Osprey within the meaning of applicable securities laws including, without limitation economic estimates and statements related to estimated mining costs.. Osprey provides forward-looking statements for the purpose of conveying information about current expectations and plans relating to the future and readers are cautioned that such statements may not be appropriate for other purposes. By its nature, this information is subject to inherent risks and uncertainties that may be general or specific and which give rise to the possibility that expectations, forecasts, predictions, projections or conclusions will not prove to be accurate, that assumptions may not be correct and that objectives, strategic goals and priorities will not be achieved. These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to exploration findings, results and recommendations in connection with the updated technical report on the Goldenville property, as well as those risks and uncertainties identified and reported in Osprey's public filings under Osprey's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. Although Osprey has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. 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 statements. Osprey disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise unless required by law.
TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 03/16/17 -- Launched just three months ago, Baro is already being recognized as one of the city's best new restaurants of the year by Toronto Life. The King West new-kid-on -the-block officially opened its doors to the food lovers of Toronto in December and since then, the reservations have been pouring in.

"The response has been nothing short of spectacular and we are so grateful for all of the support we have received" said Colin Denton, General Manager for Baro. "We know first-hand that Toronto has no shortage of exquisite restaurants and we knew that if Baro was to compete effectively, we would need to exceed all expectations, on every level. You cannot just deliver great food. You have to deliver the ambience and an unwavering, 360 degree commitment to the guest experience," said Denton. "That was our goal from the beginning and we think we have achieved just that."

Toronto Life Food Critic, Mark Pupo, carefully reviews new restaurants in the city each year and hand selects only 20 to be included in the highly anticipated "Where to Eat" spring issue. Each year, the issue is centered on Toronto's best and brightest restaurants and serves as the gospel social calendar for the next several months for the food and drink lovers of Toronto and beyond.

"We are thrilled to be ranked alongside these phenomenal chefs, restaurants and their entire staff. It is an honour," said Chef Steve Gonzalez.

Also on the list are Brothers Food & Wine, Doma, Lena, Adamson Barbeque and Noorden to name a few.

"At Baro, we focus on perfecting each dish with the distinct combination of spices and fresh ingredients. Whether it is empanada, Ceviche or guacamole, our job is to transcend borders and deliver Uruguay, Chile, Peru, Colombia and Brazil right to your table at Baro," said Gonzalez.

All 20 restaurants will be serving up their signature dishes at a sold out event at the Sony Centre for the Performing Arts on March 21st. More than 1200 people are expected to be in attendance.

"From our perspective, we have only just begun. We hold ourselves and all of our great staff, to increasingly high standards to ensure that we always deliver a truly memorable experience at Baro" said Denton. "We have many plans for the future, but we know we have to start from within and that is why we have a two year goal to become one of Toronto's Best Workplaces by 2019."

Watch out for us Toronto.

Baro is located at 485 King Street West, Toronto.

Instagram: BaroToronto

Twitter: @BaroToronto

For Reservations: info@barotoronto.com

About Baro

The Latin spirit of South America is undeniably contagious. From the southern tips of Patagonia in Argentina and Chile, to the lively street cultures of Peru, Colombia and Brazil, the energy of its diverse people radiates through the cities. It livens the Neighbourhood and it awakens the baros .The Baro is where traditional Latin culture and Cuisine is reimagined with distinct modern flair and becomes something entirely its own. Executive Chef Steve Gonzalez welcomes you to his Baro. Here comes the neighbourhood.

Contacts:

Media Inquiries:

Laura Fracassi

(647) 984-6136

laura@barotoronto.com




GLASTONBURY, Connecticut, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --On December 13, 2016, PW Power Systems, Inc., a group company of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI), signed an agreement with Power & Water Alliance LLC (P&WA) to deliver two FT8 MOBILEPAC aero-derivative gas turbine units to the General Electricity Company of Libya (GECOL). P&WA will install the units in Tripoli as part of a turnkey agreement with Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) in support of the Qatar government's humanitarian efforts to support the people of Libya.

Qatar Fund for Development's director general, Khalifa bin Jassim Al Kuwari, signed the agreement with General Electricity Company of Libya and the director general of the U.S. company Power & Water Alliance LLC. GECOL will own and operate the gas turbines which will run on diesel fuel oil and are expected to be operational in the spring of 2017.

"PW Power Systems provided rapid support for the people of Libya by delivering the FT8 MOBILEPAC gas turbine units to Libya within six weeks of contract signing," states PWPS President Peter Christman. "These fast-track mobile units will provide fuel flexibility and high reliability providing power to thousands, as well as supporting essential infrastructure such as hospitals and community care centers."

Background

Utilizing the proven SWIFTPAC gas turbine package technology, the MOBILEPAC gas turbine package is designed to provide quick, reliable power. Benefits include its environmental compatibility, dual fuel/dual frequency, and remote operability. PWPS has provided over 550 FT8 engines to the industry with 127 packages in MOBILEPAC configurations.

About PW Power Systems, Inc.

PW Power Systems, Inc. (PWPS), headquartered in Glastonbury, Conn., is a world leader in the supply of energy solutions for the power generation industry. PWPS provides an array of products and services including gas turbine packages, industrial gas turbine aftermarket services and engineering, procurement and construction services. PWPS is a group company of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI). MHI, headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is one of the world's leading heavy machinery manufacturers with consolidated net sales of $35.9 billion for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2016. MHI's diverse lineup of products and services encompasses power plants, including distributed power and chemical plants, environmental equipment, shipbuilding, steel structures, industrial and general machinery, aircraft, space systems and air-conditioning systems. To learn more about PWPS, visit www.pwps.com.

Contact: Lucia Maffucci, 860-368-5535

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/284312/pw_power_systems_logo.jpg
LAS VEGAS, NV -- (Marketwired) -- 03/16/17 -- South American Gold Corp (OTC PINK: SAGD) is announcing today that it has filed with the Secretary of State for the State of Arkansas for the creation of a new subsidiary.

SAGD, under the signature of the President & COO as original incorporator on behalf of the Company, has filed the Articles of Incorporation with the State of Arkansas to form Arkansas Medical Cannabis, Inc. The company's reasoning for filing this corporation is to properly prepare in advance for the opportunity to apply for a Cultivation License.

SAGD President & COO, David Reeves, stated, "This filing is another step towards our new vision. We are on top of the changing proposed rules within the State of Arkansas, and we feel we should be able to meet all the present proposed requirements needed to be considered for a medical cultivation license within the state, when we submit our application."

On November 8, 2016, the voters of the State of Arkansas voted to pass Issue 6, creating an amendment to allow the legalization of medical marijuana. Since that date, the Department of Health has set up the commission and issued proposed rules for medical marijuana in the State. According to the present proposed rules, applications will be released on June 2, 2017.

The State of Arkansas is presently proposing to issue a minimum of 4 and up to 8 cultivation licenses. Arkansas is also presently proposing to issue a minimum of 20 and up to 40 dispensary licenses. The present proposed rules in the State of Arkansas allow for a Cultivation License Holder to also hold a license for a single dispensary.

Mr. Reeves, added, "According to the present prosed rules, one of the biggest hurdles we see for a company to apply is obtaining an Arkansas partner/individual with 7 years of consecutive state tax returns to lead the application for license. However, we have, who we believe is the right person for us, in Mr. Don Latourette."

SAGD has appointed Mr. Don Latourette to the position of President of Arkansas Medical Cannabis, Inc., and Mr. Latourette shall also hold the position of Operational Manager for the Company's Cultivation Division.

SAGD shall post updates to the application process on Arkansas Medical Cannabis' website www.armedcannabis.com as information is readily available to be released.

SAGD shall provide information to the public as it is becomes prudent to inform the public. For up to date information regarding the company please refer to www.SAGDcorp.co.

Disclaimer

This release contains forward-looking statements that are based on beliefs of South American Gold Corp. management and reflect South American Gold Corp.'s current expectations as contemplated under section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. When we use in this release the words "estimate," "project," "believe," "anticipate," "intend," "expect," "plan," "predict," "may," "should," "will," "can," the negative of these words, or such other variations thereon, or comparable terminology, are all intended to identify forward looking statements. Such statements reflect the current views of South America Gold Corp. with respect to future events based on currently available information and are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to, risks and uncertainties pertaining to development of mining properties, changes in economic conditions and other risks, uncertainties and factors, which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievement expressed or implied by such forward looking statements to differ materially from the forward looking statements. The information contained in this press release is historical in nature, has not been updated, and is current only to the date shown in this press release. This information may no longer be accurate and therefore you should not rely on the information contained in this press release. To the extent permitted by law, South American Gold Corp. and its employees, agents and consultants exclude all liability for any loss or damage arising from the use of, or reliance on, any such information, whether or not caused by any negligent act or omission. This press release may incorporate by reference the Company's reports and other filings. Investors are encouraged to review all filings. There is no assurance South American Gold Corp. will identify projects of merit or if it will have sufficient financing to implement its business plan. There is no assurance that the Company's due diligence on the potential projects and/or acquisitions will be favorable nor that definitive terms can be negotiated. Investors should consult their financial advisor before making an investment in a company.

South American Gold Corp.

Public Inquiries:

info@sagdcorp.co




OTTAWA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 03/16/17 -- Editors Note: There is a graphic associated with this press release.

CannaRoyalty Corp. (CSE: CRZ)(CSE: CRZ.CN)(OTCQB: CNNRF) ("CannaRoyalty" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has established a new division named CR Brands. CannaRoyalty has assembled a broad portfolio of wholly-owned and licensed cannabis brands and CR Brands will now be responsible for the development, sales and marketing of this brand portfolio through a number of established distribution channels throughout North America, and ultimately, on a global basis.

To fulfill this mandate for CR Brands, the Company has appointed as its President, Dave Vautrin, a seasoned U.S. executive with significant brand development and operational experience. Mr. Vautrin has over 20 years of brand development and operational expertise with both private and public emerging growth businesses. He was CMO of Cott Beverages, Division Manager for HP Hood, New Business Development Manager at Kraft Alliant Foods, and was the co-founder of Pacific Beverage, which he built and successfully sold to HP Hood in 2003. Dave currently serves as a strategic advisor and Board of Directors member to several privately held and public companies with verticals in the Beverage, Health and Wellness, and Specialty Foods sector.

Canadian Product License & Royalty Agreement with Aphria (TSX: APH)

Aphria has begun formally evaluating CannaRoyalty's brand portfolio under CannaRoyalty's previously disclosed license and royalty agreement. This agreement allows Aphria to identify one or more products from CannaRoyalty's brand portfolio and enter into a license agreement with CannaRoyalty giving Aphria the right to manufacture and distribute such product(s) in the Canadian market. In consideration, Aphria has agreed to pay a sales royalty of 5% on any licensed CannaRoyalty products for a five-year term from date of first sale. Any such license would remain subject to the development of Canadian law to permit such uses of cannabis in Canada.

"CannaRoyalty is a strategic and innovative company with an attractive suite of quality brands and products spanning the most important product categories for both the medical and recreational consumers," said Vic Neufeld, CEO of Aphria. "We are pleased to be planning for the continued growth of our medical business and our entry into the recreational market with the strength of the CR Brands' portfolio behind us."

Potential Canadian distribution of CR Brands' products through Aphria is complemented by CannaRoyalty's distribution channels in Puerto Rico and California. The Company's Puerto Rico strategic partner, Natural Ventures PR, LLC has already both licensed and ordered products from CannaRoyalty. Moreover, in California, CannaRoyalty and River Wellness Inc. recently executed a binding term sheet that contemplates preferred distribution of the Company's products, which includes a $15 million purchase commitment. CannaRoyalty will continue seeking additional distribution channels in other jurisdictions in North America and internationally.

About CannaRoyalty

CannaRoyalty is a fully integrated, active investor and operator in the legal cannabis sector. Our focus is to build and support a diversified portfolio of growth-ready assets in high-value segments of the cannabis sector, including research, consumer brands, devices and intellectual property. Our management team combines a hands-on understanding of the cannabis industry with seasoned financial know-how, assembling a platform of holdings via royalty agreements, equity interests, secured convertible debt and licensing agreements.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this news release that are forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties concerning the specific factors disclosed here and elsewhere in CannaRoyalty's periodic filings with Canadian securities regulators. When used in this news release, words such as "will, could, plan, estimate, expect, intend, may, potential, believe, should," and similar expressions, are forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements may include, without limitation, statements including the Company's expectations with respect to pursuing new opportunities and its future growth and other statements of fact.

Although CannaRoyalty has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements, there can be other factors that cause results, performance or achievements not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended, including, but not limited to: dependence on obtaining regulatory approvals; investing in target companies or projects which have limited or no operating history and are engaged in activities currently considered illegal under US Federal Laws; changes in laws; limited operating history; reliance on management; requirements for additional financing; competition; hindering market growth and state adoption due to inconsistent public opinion and perception of the medical-use and adult-use marijuana industry and; regulatory or political change.

There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate or that management's expectations or estimates of future developments, circumstances or results will materialize. As a result of these risks and uncertainties, the results or events predicted in these forward-looking statements may differ materially from actual results or events.

Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this news release are made as of the date of this release. CannaRoyalty disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise such information, except as required by applicable law, and CannaRoyalty does not assume any liability for disclosure relating to any other company mentioned herein.

To view the graphic associated with this press release, please visit the following link: www.marketwire.com/library/20170315-cannaroyalty0316px800.jpg.

Contacts:

CannaRoyalty Corp.

1-844-556-5070

InvestorRelations@cannaroyalty.com

www.cannaroyalty.com




Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - March 16, 2017) - Crown Mining Corp. (TSXV: CWM) ("Crown" or the "Company"), is pleased to announce that it has entered into an investor relations agreement (the "Agreement") with Allyson Taylor Partners Inc.("Allyson"), an investor relations and capital markets consulting firm based in Montreal, Quebec. Allyson will be providing a number of services to Crown pursuant to the Agreement, including evaluating advantages and disadvantages of several transactions in light of the Company's objectives; assisting Crown in geographically diversifying its presence within the Canadian and European investment communities; and introducing Crown to institutional investors, retail brokers, high net-worth individuals and European investors.

The definitive terms of the Agreement include paying Allyson a monthly work fee of $10,000 (plus all applicable taxes and expenses) for a period of six (6) months, and granting to Allyson 300,000 options (the Options") to purchase common shares in the capital of the Company at $0.105 per common share for a period of thirty-six (36) months from the date of issuance (the "Expiry Date"). The Options vest equally every quarter over a twelve (12) month period and shall expire upon the earlier of the Expiry Date, or thirty (30) days following the date of termination of the Agreement. The Agreement is subject to approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.

Crown is focused on advancing its 100% controlled Moonlight-Superior Copper Project in Northeast California which includes 4 known copper deposits. The Moonlight deposit hosts a current National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") indicated resource of approximately 161 million tons (146.5 million tonnes) averaging 0.324% copper, 0.003 ounces of gold and 0.112 ounces of silver per ton for 1.044 billion pounds of copper, and an inferred resource of 88 million tons (80 million tonnes) averaging 0.282% copper per ton for 496 million pounds of copper. Further details of this resource can be found in the Technical Report on the Moonlight Copper Property dated April 12, 2007 at Sedar.com. The Superior and Engels deposits have a current NI 43-101 inferred mineral resource of 57 million metric tonnes at an average copper grade of 0.43% for 547 million pounds of copper. Further details of this resource can be found in the Technical Report on the Superior Project dated November 7, 2014 filed on Sedar which also discloses a historical resource estimate for the fourth deposit.

Mr. George Cole is the Qualified Person pursuant to NI 43-101 responsible for the technical information contained in this news release, and he has reviewed and approved this news release.

For more information please see the Crown website at www.crownminingcorp.com.

For Further Information Contact:

Mr. Stephen Dunn, President, CEO and Director, Crown Mining Corporation (416) 361-2827 or email info@crownminingcorp.com.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws and regulations, including statements regarding the future activities of the Company. Forward-looking statements reflect the current beliefs and expectations of management and are identified by the use of words including "will", "anticipates", "expected to", "plans", "planned" and other similar words. Actual results may differ significantly. The achievement of the results expressed in forward-looking statements is subject to a number of risks, including those described in the Company's management discussion and analysis as filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities which are available at www.sedar.com. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon forward-looking statements.

This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy the securities in any jurisdiction. The flow-through 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.
BLACKROCK GREATER EUROPE INVESTMENT TRUST plc (LEI - 5493003R8FJ6I76ZUW55)

All information is at 28 February 2017 and unaudited.

Performance at month end with net income reinvested

One Three One Three Launch

Month Months Year Years (20 Sep 04)

Net asset value (undiluted) 1.2% 8.2% 21.2% 24.5% 278.8%

Net asset value* (diluted) 1.2% 8.2% 21.7% 26.5% 279.2%

Share price -0.2% 8.6% 16.8% 22.1% 261.5%

FTSE World Europe ex UK 2.1% 9.9% 27.3% 26.9% 201.2%

* Diluted for treasury shares and subscription shares.

Sources: BlackRock and Datastream

At month end

Net asset value (capital only): 299.73p

Net asset value (including income): 300.43p

Net asset value (capital only)1: 299.73p

Net asset value (including income)1: 300.43p

Share price: 284.50p

Discount to NAV (including income): 5.3%

Discount to NAV (including income)1: 5.3%

Net cash: 3.6%

Net yield2: 1.9%

Total assets (including income): 286.3m

Ordinary shares in issue3: 95,295,953

Ongoing charges4: 1.07%

1 Diluted for treasury shares.

2 Based on a final dividend of 3.65p and an interim dividend of 1.65p per share for the year ended 31 August 2016.

3 Excluding 15,032,985 shares held in treasury.

4 Calculated as a percentage of average net assets and using expenses, excluding performance fees and interest costs, after relief for taxation, for the year ended 31August 2016.

Sector Analysis Total Assets Country Analysis Total Assets

(%) (%)

Industrials 28.2 France 19.0

Financials 19.8 Netherlands 12.6

Consumer Goods 17.4 Denmark 12.3

Technology 7.5 Germany 8.7

Consumer Services 7.1 Switzerland 7.8

Health Care 6.9 Belgium 7.5

Basic Materials 5.6 Sweden 5.4

Telecommunications 2.5 Ireland 5.0

Oil & Gas 1.4 Finland 4.5

Net current assets 3.6 Russia 4.2

----- Luxembourg 2.3

100.0 Turkey 2.1

===== Poland 1.7

Ukraine 1.7

Italy 1.6

Net current assets 3.6

-----

100.0

=====

Ten Largest Equity Investments

% of

Company Country Total Assets

AXA France 3.5

RELX Netherlands 3.4

Anheuser-Busch Inbev Belgium 3.3

Bayer Germany 3.3

ASML Netherlands 3.2

Vinci France 2.9

Schneider Electric France 2.8

KBC Groep Belgium 2.7

Wartsila Finland 2.6

Thales France 2.6

Commenting on the markets, Vincent Devlin, representing the Investment Manager noted:

During the month, the Company's NAV rose by 1.2% and the share price fell by 0.2%. For reference, the FTSE World Europe ex UK Index was up 2.1% during the period.

During February, European equities saw positive returns given upbeat economic data and strong Q4 earnings reported by European companies. Although political uncertainties remain with the upcoming Dutch and French elections, improving business confidence and earnings prospects are creating greater positive sentiment for now.

Most sectors were in positive territory during the month, although more defensively orientated sectors outperformed the market and the technology sector also saw strong gains. Following a strong run, the financials sector, in particular banks, gave back some performance.

From a sector perspective, the lower allocation to financials versus the index benefited performance, in particular the lower allocation to banks which proved the worst performing industry over the month as bond yields fell back. In this context, defensive sectors saw some strength over the month, with the Company's lower weighting towards health care detracting from returns in this respect.

The higher weighting to the industrials sector was positive for performance. The sector has performed well, experiencing the greatest positive earnings revisions in the market. The positive trajectory of the Eurozone Purchasing Managers' Index and the positive data out of China also continue to support this sector.

In stock specifics, not owning Unilever dented returns on a relative basis as the company's share price reacted exceptionally positively to news that Kraft-Heinz wished to make a bid for them. Whilst Kraft-Heinz then withdrew their bid, the share price proved relatively resilient at this higher level.

Pandora also detracted from returns. The company posted results which were behind market consensus on sales, with decelerating trends in the US in particular. The company is now in a negative cycle whereby optically, like-for-like sales will be decelerating as sales from brick and mortar stores fall whilst online begins to accelerate. Overall, the company is still delivering well and is ahead of its peers.

A position in Steinhoff rebounded in February after suffering underperformance at the start of the year. An overhang to the stock was removed as ShopRite and Steinhoff announced an end to merger talks. At the end of the month the company reported strong sales momentum across all regions during Q1.

A position in Mail.Ru, a Russian leading social network with associated internet businesses, also contributed positively in February. The company reported strong results on the back of acquired businesses, and investors gained confidence in management's ability to put adjacent businesses (Youla, Delivery Club) on to the social networking platform.

At the end of the period the portfolio had higher weightings when compared with the reference index to industrials, technology and consumer services. The portfolio had a lower weighting towards health care, oil & gas, utilities, basic materials, consumer goods, financials and telecoms.

Outlook

After a difficult year in 2016 we think that conditions for Europe are much brighter for 2017. The outlook for the global economy on balance is improving, with leading indicators suggesting more positive signals across regions. European earnings have historically been more sensitive to global economy pick-ups, given the large revenue exposure of European firms to global and emerging markets. The European market is now seeing a more supportive earnings revision trend and margins are now beginning to improve on the back of a better macro backdrop, cost discipline, improvement in pricing power and weaker currencies.

The asset class has been heavily sold down in the last twelve months and is currently out of favour. This can present a good entry point ahead of a potential turning point in sentiment as the economy recovers and earnings benefit from global reflationary trends. There are risks still on the horizon we need to be mindful of, most notably on the political front given the lack of clarity on policies in the US, whilst French and German elections will be the key focal points in Europe, with a fear of populist rise and anti-EU rhetoric potentially bringing some volatility along the way. We think that we should come through those events with no major change in political direction, which could bring further support to markets once this is established.

16 March 2017

ENDS
Oxea, a leading manufacturer of Oxo chemicals, has started the construction of a new world-scale propanol unit at its production site at Bay City, Texas, USA. The new unit "Propanol 2" is scheduled to come on stream in 2018. Once commissioned, it will add a capacity of 100,000 mt/year of propanol and 40,000 mt/year of propionaldehyde. Propanol is used to manufacture products mainly ending up in printing inks, coatings, adhesives, and pharmaceuticals applications. Propionaldehyde finds uses in pharmaceutical applications and the production of food preservatives, plasticizers, plastics, and rubber chemicals.

"This project reflects our long-term selective growth strategy. It helps us reinforce our strong position as the largest producer of propanol worldwide. Propanol 2 will provide Oxea with opportunities for further expansion into profitable growth areas," commented Purnendu Rai, Executive Vice President Global Sales and Oxo-Intermediates.

As Oxea is finalizing the detailed engineering phase, construction of the new plant has commenced. Site preparation, including demolition of existing foundations from previously retired equipment, and the construction of temporary project facilities has been completed. Current activities are focused on starting the execution of civil construction and completing the bid processes for the remaining construction work, primarily mechanical, and instrumentation and electrical.

"This capacity increase is another excellent example of our strong commitment to supporting our customers with sufficient and reliable supplies," stated Oxea's CEO, Salim Al Huthaili. "To continue as a profitable and sustainable company, we are significantly investing in our production platforms and continuously seeking opportunities to differentiate ourselves. We aim for further expansion of our portfolio and growth in volumes over the coming period," he added.

Oxea has awarded the construction management contract for the Propanol 2 project to Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc., one of the world's largest and most diverse providers of full-spectrum technical, professional and construction services for the industry. Jacobs' services include delivering pre-construction planning and construction management services. "We are delighted to work with Oxea on this strategically important project," said Jacobs Senior Vice President Downstream Mark Bello. "Our experience and lessons learned while executing similar U.S. Gulf Coast construction projects will contribute to the success of this important expansion."

Photo of Bay City plant: http://www.oxea-chemicals.com/presse/BayCityPlant.jpg

About Oxea

Oxea is a global manufacturer of oxo intermediates and oxo derivatives, such as alcohols, polyols, carboxylic acids, specialty esters, and amines. These products are used for the production of high-quality coatings, lubricants, cosmetics and pharmaceutical products, flavorings and fragrances, printing inks and plastics. Oxea employs more than 1,400 people worldwide. Oxea is part of the Oman Oil Company S.A.O.C. (OOC), a commercial company wholly owned by the Government of Oman. Established in 1996, it pursues investment opportunities in the wider energy sector both inside and outside Oman. OOC plays an important role in the Sultanate's efforts to diversify the economy and to promote domestic and foreign investments. For more information about Oxea, visit www.oxea-chemicals.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170316005792/en/

Contacts:

OXEA GmbH

Thorsten Ostermann

Communications and Press Relations

Phone: +49 (0)2173 9993-3009

communications@oxea-chemicals.com
NEWPORT BEACH, CA -- (Marketwired) -- 03/16/17 -- According to Newport Beach dentist John J. Cross, DDS, Invisalign is the most popular orthodontic treatment among his patients at OC Lifesmiles. Though orthodontics are most commonly associated with children and teens, many of Dr. Cross's adult patients who desire a straighter smile also take advantage of the benefits Invisalign has to offer. Since the Invisalign system utilizes clear plastic aligners instead of traditional wires, brackets, and rubber bands, his patients can straighten their teeth in a very discreet, comfortable manner -- often times achieving results more quickly than traditional braces. Now, with the innovation of AcceleDent, Dr. Cross's patients can achieve results with Invisalign even faster.

Though most of Dr. Cross's patients report that the main benefits of Invisalign include the nearly invisible, removable aligners, patients can also straighten their teeth with Invisalign in as few as six months. Compared to traditional braces, the treatment time with Invisalign is often significantly shorter. In many cases, Dr. Cross recommends FDA-approved AcceleDent in conjunction with Invisalign to further accelerate the realignment process.

"While wearing Invisalign clear plastic aligners, patients can easily fit the AcceleDent device over the orthodontics," says Dr. Cross. He goes on to note that the AcceleDent then creates gentle vibrations with the device's SoftPulse Technology, which helps teeth to move more quickly into their ideal position. Dr. Cross underscores that, when compared to patients who use Invisalign without AcceleDent, his patients who use AcceleDent have often achieved their desired results up to 50% faster. Ultimately, Dr. Cross recommends Invisalign with AcceleDent for any patient who wishes to straighten their teeth in a discreet manner as quickly as possible.

About John J. Cross, DDS

A graduate of University of California, San Diego, Dr. John Cross earned his DDS degree at the University of the Pacific in San Francisco. He now heads OC Lifesmiles in Newport Beach, a cosmetic dentistry practice that offers an extensive range of treatments, including surgically guided dental implants, CEREC same-day dental crowns, smile makeovers, tooth-colored fillings, implant supported dentures, Invisalign, and more. Dr. Cross currently serves as an active member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the American Academy of General Dentistry, and many other professional organizations. He is available for interview upon request.

To learn more about Dr. John Cross and OC Lifesmiles, please visit oclifesmiles.com, facebook.com/OCLifesmiles, and plus.google.com/u/0/+OCLIFESMILESCA/about.

To view the original source of this press release, click here: http://www.oclifesmiles.com/news-room/newport-beach-dentist-reveals-how-acceledent-can-quicken-invisalign-results/

Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=3119245



OC Lifesmiles

20271 Southwest Acacia Street

Suite 100

Newport Beach, CA 92660

(949) 261-1123



Rosemont Media

(858) 200-0044

www.rosemontmedia.com




Makeblock Will Leverage Series B Round Funds to Drive Market Expansions, Product Innovation and Global Growth



SHENZHEN, China, 2017-03-16 15:00 CET (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Makeblock Co., Ltd, the STEM education and robotics startup, today announced it has closed a $30 million Series B round at a $200 million valuation led by Evolution Media China and Shenzhen Capital Group Co., Ltd. The funding supports Makeblock's expansion into new markets, further product development and diversification of STEM education hardware, software and curriculum resources for educators, children and hobbyists.



Founded in 2011 (founded as a company in 2013), Makeblock is a leading DIY robotics construction and programming learning platform for makers, hobbyists, STEM learners, and educators. Makeblock provides over 500 mechanical parts and easy-to-use electronic modules, graphical programming software, and courses to easily turn ideas into reality. Having delighted over 1,000,000 makers, students and educators in over 140 countries and still growing, Makeblock is one of the top robotics companies making a difference, with the aim to open the field to people of all skill levels.



Makeblock will expand its global footprint with new offices in Beijing, Hong Kong, North America, Japan, and the Netherlands. Makeblock is available in more than 140 countries with 1,600 channel partners, and 20,000 schools and educational organizations implementing Makeblock's products into their educational curriculum.



"We're excited to support Makeblock at this pivotal point in their growth as they continue to elevate STEM education to a new level," said Jason Ding, President at EMC. "STEM education is the next industry to experience deep disruption, following in the footsteps of the mobile, IoT and virtual reality industries. Over the past few years, Makeblock has been leading the charge in creating STEM education products in the classroom and at home. We believe this is just the beginning of their path to transforming education."



Since 2016, Makeblock experienced significant growth, expanding its workforce to over 300 employees. Makeblock will use this latest round of funding to invest in further STEM education distribution, global expansion, and the development of new initiatives built upon its recent work with Microsoft, Intel and beyond. The company will also be expanding its retail reach in the coming months, deepening its partnership with Barnes & Noble and SoftBank to put Makeblock products in more stores across the globe.



"Creation is happening everywhere at an explosive rate. From schools using Makeblock to teaching STEM concepts, to tech giants like Microsoft, Intel, Apple Education tapping Makeblock to unleash creativity in the classroom, down to parents at home trying to aid in their child's education, the true power of Makeblock is to inspire creation," said Founder and CEO Jasen Wang, "Our goal is to get Makeblock in every school, home and creative space to give anyone, at any age the ability to be a creator or inventor."



Additionally, the funding will support the launch of Makeblock's first annual robotics competition later in 2017, which will encourage students to compete with their creative projects using the Makeblock platform. This competition is in support of Premier Li Keqiang's "Thirteenth Five Year Plan" on education announced in 2016.



Makeblock's latest products, Airblock, a modular STEM drone that raised $830,000 in December 2016 on Kickstarter, will be available for purchase in retail stores starting May 2017, and Neuron, the new product Makeblock also announced via Kickstarter in March-a programmable electronic blocks platform for open-ended gadget building, which raised over $100,000 in less than 12 hours.



About Makeblock For more information, follow @Makeblock on Twitter, Facebook or visit http://www.makeblock.com.



Contact: Yukin Pang +86(0)755-26392228-8137 yukin@makeblock.com

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WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Federal courts in two US states have blocked President Donald Trump's second attempt to ban entry of citizens from six mostly Muslim countries and suspend refugee resettlement program.



Trump first issued an Executive Order on January 27, which barred citizens from seven majority Muslim countries - Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Syria, Sudan and Yemen - from entering the US for 90 days. Under that order, Syrian refugees were barred indefinitely.



After that order was blocked by U.S. courts, Trump signed a revised Executive order on March 6, exempting Iraq from the original list.



The new order specifies that most citizens from the 6 countries cannot enter the U.S. on new visas until security procedures used to evaluate visa applications have been reviewed.



Three states - Maryland, Washington and Hawaii have taken legal action questioning the validity of Trump's revised Executive Order, and sought a temporary stay of it.



Trump's revised Executive Order was scheduled to take effect on March 16.



US District Court Judge Derrick Watson in Honolulu, Hawaii, issued a temporary restraining order nationwide over the ban, a few hours before its implementation, while a federal judge in Maryland temporarily blocked the 90-day ban Thursday morning.



A federal judge in Washington state is also in the process of evaluating challenges to the new travel ban, but may defer ruling in light of the nationwide ruling in Hawaii, CNN reported.



As a result, travelers from six Muslim-majority countries and refugees will be able to travel to the US.



This is the second set back for Trump to implement the travel ban, which he claims part of an effort to protect the U.S. from terrorist activities by foreign nationals.



Addressing a rally Wednesday night in Nashville, Tennessee, Trump termed Justice Watson's ruling as 'the bad, the sad news.'



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

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PORTLAND, Oregon and PUNE, India, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Global Chlorinated Paraffin Market Report, published by Allied Market Research, forecasts that the global market was valued at $1,902 million in 2015, and is expected to reach $2,426 million by 2022, supported by a CAGR of 3.5% during the forecast period 2016 - 2022. China is one of the prominent producers of chlorinated paraffin and held nearly one-fifth of the total market in 2015.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140911/647229 )

Chlorinated paraffin is colorless or yellowish, viscous, dense oils, except for the chlorinated paraffins of long carbon chain length with high chlorine content (about 70%), which are solid. Chlorinated paraffin offers advantages such as flame retardancy and low-temperature strength as well as increases the flexibility of the materials. Chlorinated paraffins are used as extreme pressure additives as metal working lubricants or cutting oils. This is attributed to their compatibility with oils, viscous nature, and property of emancipating hydrochloric acid at high temperatures. They improve the resistance to water and chemicals, which is most suitable when they are used in marine paints, as coatings for industrial flooring, vessels, and swimming pools.

Summary of the Chlorinated Paraffin Market can be accessed on the website at: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/chlorinated-paraffin-market

Factors that drive the growth of the global chlorinated paraffin market are rise in PVC and metal working industry coupled with aerospace & industrial sector. In addition, growth in automotive sector is also expected to fuel the demand for chlorinated paraffin in the near future. However, stringent regulations pertaining to use of short-chain chlorinated paraffin in many regions and availability of alternatives is expected to hamper the growth of this market in near future.

Medium-chain chlorinated paraffin is expected to maintain its dominance in the global chlorinated paraffin market during the forecast period. This is mainly attributed to its use as substitute to short-chain chlorinated paraffins in many applications. However, short-chain chlorinated paraffin is estimated to hold one-fourth of the market share in Asia-Pacific due to lack of regulations to prohibit its use.

Metal working fluids and lubricating additives applications cumulatively dominated the global chlorinated paraffin market with more than half share in terms of volume, in 2015. Increase in demand for flame retardant properties across various end-use industries such as automotive and aerospace is anticipated to drive the chlorinated paraffin market during the analysis period.

According to Eswara Prasad, Team Lead, Chemicals & Materials at Allied Market Research, "The demand for medium-chain and long-chain chlorinated paraffins in applications, such as metal working fluids and additives, is relatively high. A shift of manufacturing base from developed regions to Asia-Pacific region is expected in the near future. This is mainly attributed to absence of stringent regulations in this region."

Chlorinated Paraffin Market Key Findings:

In terms of value, long-chain segment is expected to expand at a CAGR of 4.3% during the forecast period.

Asia-Pacific is projected to maintain its lead position throughout 2022 and grow at a CAGR of 4.7%, in terms of value.

is projected to maintain its lead position throughout 2022 and grow at a CAGR of 4.7%, in terms of value. Lubricating additives application is estimated to occupy one-third of the total market by 2022.

China is expected to occupy more than half of the total Asia-Pacific chlorinated paraffin market by 2022.

is expected to occupy more than half of the total chlorinated paraffin market by 2022. In the global chlorinated paraffin market, China is expected to grow at the highest CAGR of 5.7% in terms of value from 2016 to 2022

In 2015, Asia-Pacific and North America collectively accounted for two-thirds of the total chlorinated paraffin market and are expected to continue this trend, specifically in China, India, and other developing economies. Rise in lubricating sector is the main reason for the growth of the market in the Asia-Pacific region.

The major companies profiled in the report include INOVYN, Altair Chimica SpA, INEOS Chlor, Caffaro Industrie S.p.A., Quimica del Cinca, S.A., LEUNA-Tenside GmbH, Dover Chemical Corporation, Handy Chemical Corporation Ltd., and Aditya Birla Chemicals.

Read similar market research reports on Renewable, Speciality and fine chemicals at:https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/materials-&-chemicals/speciality-and-fine-chemicals-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:

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#205, Portland, OR 97220

United States

Direct: +1-503-894-6022

Toll Free: +1 (800) 792-5285 (U.S. & Canada)

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Website:https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com
TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 03/16/17 -- On March 21st, Toronto Life will host the most anticipated foodie event in the city celebrating the Top 20 Best New Restaurants of 2017. Only restaurants that opened in the last year are eligible to make the list and each one vies for their spot in the top 20.

After making Top 20 in 2015 following its opening, Los Colibris is back for Toronto Life's "Crowd Favourite" as a restaurant which continues to impress.

"What an honour it is to be invited back for the second year in a row as a crowd favourite, especially alongside such great new talent that emerged within the restaurant industry this year like Doma, Lena, Canis and Baro," said Elia Herrera, Executive Chef at Los Colibris.

Each year, Toronto Life Food Critic, Mark Pupo, selects the best new restaurants of the year. After careful review, the Top 20 are selected and included in the highly anticipated "Where to Eat" Spring Issue.

"Returning as a crowd favourite serves as recognition that we continue to deliver on great food and excellent customer service. At the end of the day, you get out what you put in to something and we know we must always be focused on improvement," said Herrera.

Herrera previously served as a pastry chef at Canoe and Mistura and now has turned her attention to delivering authentic Mexican cuisine with restaurants Los Colibris and El Caballito located on King West.

"Our menus are always growing and evolving in response to changing cuisines, new technology, techniques and the constant evolution of customer expectations and preferences," said Herrera.

Don't worry, the signature dishes including Chilies en nogada, and Camarones a la Diabla remain on the menu as two of the signature dishes.

The restaurants will convene on March 21st for a sold out event at the Sony Centre for the Performing Arts to prepare their top dishes for more than 1000 food lovers.

"Congratulations to all the restaurants on this year's list. May you all continue to excel in food, drink and great customer service."

About Los Colibris

Los Colibris, meaning "the hummingbirds," is Toronto's first upscale Mexican restaurant that features exceptional hospitality, white linen service, and authentic world class Mexican cuisine by Executive Chef Elia Herrera. The grand and polished space seats 150 guests and features two private dining rooms that seat 12 and 50 respectively. Our beautiful bar and lounge area is ideal for a unique cocktail event.

http://www.loscolibris.ca/

Contacts:

Media Inquiries:

Laura Fracassi

(647) 984-6136

laura@barotoronto.com




Dubeni, Grobina parish, Grobina district, LV-3438, 2017-03-16 15:36 CET (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- JSC "Grobina" in 2015 is increased product sales reaching 12 months of 2015 the net turnover of 6 220 362 EUR. Therefore, the 12 months of 2015 were sold 113 521 mink skins at an average sales price of 40.18 EUR / pcs., An increase of 20% more than in 2014 12 months, when it was realized 94 849 mink skins at an average price of 28 39 EUR / pcs. As a result, 2015 12-month profit is 756 903 EUR which was basement for successful reconstruction process completing in 2015 with JSC "Citadele banka" , there were covered bank debts accumulated in the previous season. Therefore, 2015 net earnings per share are1,5138 EUR, 2014 when the 12-month net loss per share was 4.2797 EUR.



Although the fur market in 2015 as a whole showed a positive trend, as evidenced by the production increase in prices of 41.5% compared to the previous years of crisis in the sector - fur sales prices in 2015 still did not reach the expected levels. However, in 2015 held the Finnish auction house Saga Furs fur auctions (March, June, September) was very significant fluctuations in the price of fur, which showed that the fur market situation is not stable.



As a result, by 2016 the world's markets was fur sales price of a dramatic decline as a result of the JSC "Grobina" appealed to the court with a legal protection process application. Since the majority of the creditors, according to the Insolvency Law Article 42, third paragraph, agreed JSC "Grobina" management developed by the process of legal protection plan based on the Liepaja Court judgment of 29 June 2016 the JSC "Grobina" 17 May 2016 Legal Protection Proceedings the plan was approved. By March 03, 2017, Liepaja court decision is confirmed JSC "Grobina" legal protection proceedings plan amendments. Since JSC "Grobina" legal protection proceedings prosecution excitation, company continues economic activities in accordance with an approved JSC "Grobina" legal protection proceceedings action plan and its amendments.



JSC "Grobina" chairman of the board Gundars Jaunsleinis



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PORTLAND, Oregon and PUNE, India, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Floor coatings market report, published by Allied Market Research, forecasts that the global market is expected to garner $2,612 million by 2022, registering a CAGR of 6.6% during the period 2016-2022. Epoxy-based floor coatings segment is anticipated to remain the highest revenue contributor among other binder types. In the year 2015, Asia-Pacific held the leading position in the global market, and is expected to maintain this trend.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140911/647229 )



Floor coatings are gaining increased importance in residential, commercial, and industrial sector, as floors are an essential part of a construction that undergo damages such as spillage; abrasion; and exposure to dust, chemicals, heavy load, and UV light. Further, the prevention provided by the floor coatings promotes their usage at a global platform. Major manufacturers focus on advancement in the technology and development of products that are eco-friendly. Epoxy floor coating is a major binder type used in the global floor coatings market across all the major industries. Rise in awareness related to the benefits provided by the floor coatings in industrial, commercial, and residential spaces, and development of floor coatings in compliance to the environment are the factors that drive the growth of the market.

Summary of the Floor Coatings Market can be accessed on the website at: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/floor-coatings-market

The global epoxy floor coatings market estimated to reach $1,008 million by 2022, growing at a CAGR of 7.0% from 2016 to 2022. This market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.3%, in terms of volume.

The use of metallic epoxies for garage and other commercial floor spaces is the latest trend in the commercial floor coatings market, as they provide high-gloss, metallic finish, which enhances the look of the floor. Moreover, these floor coatings possess properties such as prolonged durability, abrasion resistance, and easy maintenance, giving a finished appearance to the indoor spaces, which further facilitate their adoption globally. Such innovation and product development create a paradigm shift in the market from use of traditional floor coatings toward new advanced floor coating solutions.

Rapid urbanization in the emerging economies, such as India, China, Brazil, and others, has led to upsurge in civil construction activities, which is a key driving factor that promotes the usage of floor coatings in the residential, commercial, and industrial. Moreover, increase in commercial and residential construction activities in the emerging economies, such as India and China, is expected to fuel the market growth in Asia-Pacific.

Key Findings of the Floor Coatings Market

Epoxy segment occupied the highest share in 2015, and is expected to grow at a high CAGR of 7.0%, in terms of value, during the forecast period.

Residential sector is the leading end user segment for floor coatings in Asia-Pacific , followed by industrial and commercial.

, followed by industrial and commercial. 2K-component segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR of 6.8%, in terms of value.

Wood floor coatings is the leading market for floor coatings in the European region, growing at a CAGR of 6.7%, in terms of value.

Asia-Pacific accounted for the largest share in the global floor coatings market in 2015, and is expected to maintain its leading position, owing to increase in building & construction and automotive manufacturing industries, and improvement in economy. China is projected to grow at the fastest rate, and is projected to remain dominant throughout the forecast period.

The prominent players profiled in this report include BASF SE, Akzo Nobel NV, Tambour, The Dow Chemical Company, The Arkema Group, The Sherwin Williams Company Inc., Maris Polymers, Nora Systems Inc., Asian Paints PPG Pvt. Ltd., and RPM Internationals Inc.

Read similar market research reports on Bulk Chemicals at: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/materials-&-chemicals/bulk-chemicals-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.



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WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - US President Donald Trump's first wife Ivana is writing a memoir about bringing up their eldest three children, her publishers have announced.



Gallery Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, said the book is scheduled for publication in September.



In the book titled 'Raising Trump', Ivana Trump reflects on her extraordinary life and the raising of her three children - Donald Trump Jr., Eric Trump, and Ivanka Trump - and recounts the lessons she taught her children as they were growing up.



Raising Trump is a non-partisan, non-political book about motherhood, strength, and resilience, according to Jennifer Bergstrom, the publisher. Though Ivana writes about her childhood in communist Czechoslovakia, her escape from the regime and relocation to New York, her whirlwind romance, and her great success as a businesswoman, the focus of the book is devoted to Ivana's raising of her children.



Ivana Trump said in a statement released by the publishing house that she will share in the book unfiltered personal stories about Don, Eric, and Ivanka from their early childhood to becoming the 'first sons and daughter.



'Every day, people ask me how I raised such great kids. They are truly amazed when I tell them that there was no magic to their upbringing. I was a tough and loving mother who taught them the value of a dollar, not to lie, cheat or steal, respect for others, and other life lessons.'



'We are immensely proud of our mother and excited for the publication of her new book, Raising Trump. She is an amazing mom, teacher and inspiration to all of us. We are incredibly grateful to have grown up in such a loving and close family,' Donald Jr., Eric, and Ivanka said in a joint statement.



They will contribute their own memories to the book.



The Czech-born former model, skier and businesswoman married Donald Trump in 1979. They divorced in a blaze of scandal in 1992.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

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WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - President Donald Trump's first budget is likely to face resistance from lawmakers, but the White House budget chief argued that the proposal is in line with the president's campaign promises.



Office of Management and Budget Director Mick Mulvaney suggested that the budget plan was crafted in part by examining excerpts from Trump's speeches and media interviews.



'You'll see reductions exactly where you would expect it from a president who just ran on an 'America First' campaign,' Mulvaney told reporters. 'If he said it on the campaign, it's in the budget.'



Trump's budget proposal includes increases in spending on defense and homeland security as well as a down payment for construction of a wall on the southern border.



The plan calls for a $54 billion or 10 percent jump in defense spending as well as a 7 percent increase in spending for the Department of Homeland Security.



In order to prevent a widening of the federal budget deficit, the increases would be offset by deep cuts to spending by most other departments.



Trump's proposal would slash funding for the Environmental Protection Agency and the State Department by 31 percent and 28 percent, respectively.



The blueprint would also eliminate funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the Interagency Council on Homelessness, the National Endowment for the Arts and a number of other agencies.



'When you start looking at places that we reduce spending, one of the questions we asked was can we really continue to ask a coal miner in West Virginia or a single mom in Detroit to pay for these programs? The answer was no,' Mulvaney said on MSNBC's 'Morning Joe.'



He added, 'We can ask them to pay for defense, and we will, but we can't ask them to continue to pay for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.'



However, the budget outline drew swift condemnation from House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., who claimed the proposal shows Trump does not value the future of children and working families.



'President Trump is not making anyone more secure with a budget that hollows out our economy and endangers working families,' Pelosi said in a statement.



She added, 'Throwing billions at defense while ransacking America's investments in jobs, education, clean energy and lifesaving medical research will leave our nation weakened.'



The release of the White House budget proposal is an early step in what is expected to be a prolonged fight over government spending.



(Photo: Gage Skidmore)



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

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SEATTLE (dpa-AFX) - Starbucks has launched an investigation after one of its workers was alleged to have written 'fat' on a schoolgirl's coffee cup instead of writing her name. The eleven-year-old girl named Teigahn Sangster visited the Starbucks branch in Fort Kinnaird, Edinburgh, with her friend. According to the schoolgirl, the Starbucks employee wrote 'fat' or 'fato' on the side of the small caramel frappucino cup that she ordered - in place of her name. This was the girl's first outing without her parents. 'I'd been excited to go as it was the first time we'd gone on our own and felt really grown up but after seeing what was written I just wanted to go home - it really spoiled it for me,' Sangster told Metro.co.uk. Sangster's mother Dionne Ford said she was disgusted by the incident. Ford said that after Sangster phoned her from the cafe to tell about the incident, she told her daughter to bring the cup home. 'The staff need extra training and if it was done as a personal attack that person should be reprimanded, it's completely disgusting,' Ford said. Starbucks said it is 'urgently investigating' the matter. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
WASHINGTON, DC--(Marketwired - March 16, 2017) - Avascent, the leading global aerospace, defense and government consultancy, is pleased to announce that Philippe Cothier has joined its Paris-based operations as a Senior Executive Advisor.

Mr. Cothier brings more than 30 years of high-level experience in the aerospace and defense sector, combining deep expertise and knowledge of the European industrial landscape with a sophisticated understanding of today's most pressing business challenges. With degrees from INSEAD, MIT, and Ecole Polytechnique, Mr. Cothier has worked in government with the French Ministry of Defense, in industry with MATRA, and as a strategy consultant with McKinsey. Mr. Cothier also serves as the honorary chairman of Centre d'etude et de prospective strategique (CEPS), an independent think tank focused on issues of technology, finance, industrial development and global security.

Based in Paris, Mr. Cothier will work with Avascent's European clients on issues ranging from global strategies to major program captures and mergers and acquisitions. Mr. Cothier joins Avascent as it continues to grow its business in Europe and beyond. With offices in Washington, DC, Paris, London, and Ottawa, as well as teams in Poland and Japan, Avascent serves clients in industry, finance and government through rigorous, fact-based analysis, deep sector knowledge, and pragmatic solutions. Avascent has long recognized that today's aerospace and defense markets will become increasingly global, requiring both an understanding of local conditions as well as an international perspective.

"We are immensely pleased to have Philippe join the Avascent team," commented Steve Irwin, president of Avascent. "In addition to his keen knowledge of the French and broader European aerospace environment, Philippe brings a strategic perspective that is invaluable in these highly uncertain times."

"It is a pleasure to work with Avascent," noted Mr. Cothier. "Their ability to derive clear, actionable insights for clients from a deep understanding of the dominant trends shaping today's environment is just amazing," Mr. Cothier commented.

ABOUT AVASCENT

Avascent is the leading strategy consulting and analytics firm serving clients operating in government-driven markets. Working with corporate leaders and financial investors, Avascent delivers sophisticated, fact-based solutions in the areas of strategic growth, value capture, and mergers and acquisitions support. With deep sector expertise, analytically rigorous consulting methodologies, and a uniquely flexible service model, Avascent provides clients with the insights and advice they need to succeed in dynamic customer environments. To find out more about Avascent, visit: avascent.com or europe.avascent.com.

Cate Walsh

Email contact


DUBLIN, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

The new research portal will provide visitors with unparalleled access to company research on Tesla, alongside comprehensive market research on their position within the automotive and energy storage industries.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160330/349511LOGO )



The consumption of rechargeable batteries is growing globally, covering all major sectors, including consumer electronics, energy, automotive, and telecom. The efficiency of the batteries (the maximum output power with respect to size and weight) has improved due to the advances in technologies. This growth in the global rechargeable battery market has prompted companies to become knowledgeable about the thermal management of battery systems, such as solutions for overheating and cold weather conditions, to improve battery life and performance.

Tesla is one of the key players in the Global Electric Vehicle Battery Thermal Management System Market, which is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 37.77% during the period 2017-2021. You can find more information on this and other markets on the new Tesla research portal.

"Tesla is a leading player within the global electric vehicle market and the new portal provides easy access to information on their performance as a company and their impact on the overall industry," says Ross Glover, CEO of Research and Markets.

For more information visit: http://www.researchandmarkets.com/companies/tesla-inc?cid=w27m8g

About Research and Markets

Research and Markets is the world's leading market research store.

With more than 1.5 million research resources, we deliver the largest collection of business information products on the market. We offer the most in-depth market analysis across a multitude of industries. Our products provide clients with an unrivalled understanding of their chosen market. No matter how specialist your field, we have the insights and market data to help you make efficient and effective decisions.

Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

press@researchandmarkets.com

For E.S.T. Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470

For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630

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Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - March 16, 2017) - DNI Metals Inc. (CSE: DNI) (FSE: DG7N) (OTC Pink: DMNKF) ("DNI" or the "Company").

DNI Metals Inc. "DNI" has a commercial Mining Permit ("Permis de Exploitation" or "PE") over its Vohitsara graphite project in Madagascar. Originally an artisanal mining permit ('PRE') at the time of the transaction, the Mining permit was granted by the Madagascar Minister for Mines through the national mining cadastre office ("Bureau du Cadastre Minier de Madagascar" or "BCMM").

The BCMM is the government agency responsible for administrative oversight of all mining tenements in Madagascar.

The obtaining of a commercial PE marked a significant milestone for DNI in Madagascar, as it allows DNI to move to commercial production at its option, subject to completion / fulfillment of the requisite environmental impact and social responsibility ("EIE" & "CSR") studies and obligations.

Neither of these requirements are onerous and DNI will be moving to fulfill these requirements concurrent with its upcoming fast-track exploration and development programme for the Vohitsara Project.

DNI's Mining ('PE') Permit has a term of 40 years and is renewable. The following table sets out the license types in Madagascar.

Dan Weir, CEO, commented, "We were attracted to Madagascar because it is known for its Large Flake, High Quality Graphite and because Madagascar has a modern and transparent Mining Code. Additionally, the area in which our Project is located contains excellent infrastructure and port facilities and the mineralisation itself is hosted within soft 'free-dig' material called saprolite, which greatly facilitates commercial extraction and processing.

Having a commercial mining permit at this stage gives DNI a significant advantage to advance its graphite production plans in Madagascar."

Permit Type PRE PR PE (DNI Permit) Permit Description Artisanal Mining Permit Exploration Permit Mining Permit Term of Validity 8 Years 5 Years 40 Years Renewal 4 years - multiple 3 Years x 2 20 Years - Multiple Eligibility Malagasy Nationals All Local Entities All Local Entities Maximum Size (km2) 100 1,000 1,000 Rights Conferred Exploration & Mining Exploration Exploration & Mining Sale of Mineral Products Yes No Yes Restrictions Maximum 20 Workers / No Mechanised Mining Operations (Artisanal Only) No Commercial Mining Allowed Full Commercial Mining Allowed Environmental Simple Preliminary Study (P.E.E.) Simple Preliminary Study (P.E.E.) Full Impact Study (E.I.E)

About DNI Metals

Certain advisors and directors of DNI have significant operational experience at historical hard rock graphite mines in Canada (e.g. Ontario and Quebec) and Australia. Between them, they have built three (3) processing plants and designed two (2) others; all, which were shut down in the 1990,'s due to increased Chinese competition.

It was our team's understanding of the high production and capital expenditure costs associated with so-called "hard rock" graphite mining that inspired DNI to search for saprolite-hosted graphite deposits.

Certain parts Madagascar and Brazil, produce graphite from weathered material called saprolite.

According to Dictionary.com, saprolite is described as:

"Soft, thoroughly decomposed and porous rock, often rich in clay, formed by the in place chemical weathering of igneous, metamorphic, or sedimentary rocks. Saprolite is especially common in humid and tropical climates. It is usually reddish brown or grayish white and contains those structures (such as cross-stratification) that were present in the original rock from which it formed."

DNI owns a commercially permitted, saprolite-hosted graphite deposit in Madagascar; located 50kms from the country's main seaport. The deposit is located less than two (2) kms from the paved national highway. DNI has the intention of developing the Vohitsara project, should the economic viability and technical feasibility be established. DNI has not established mineral resources or mineral reserves supported by a PEA or mining study (PFS or FS).

DNI has a graphite wholesale business, in which it buys and sells high quality graphite.

Steven Goertz (MAusIMM, MAIG), who is a qualified person, approved the technical disclosure in this news release.

DNI - Canadian Securities Exchange

DG7N - Frankfurt

DMNKF - OTC Pink

Issued: 40,558,775



For further information, contact:

DNI Metals Inc. - Dan Weir, CEO 416-595-1195

DanWeir@dnimetals.com

Also visit www.dnimetals.com

We seek Safe Harbour. This announcement may include forward looking statements. While these statements represent DNI's best current judgment, they are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to vary, including risk factors listed in DNI's Annual Information Form and its MD&A's, all of which are available from SEDAR and on its website.
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Senator Rand Paul, R-Ken., struck back at Senator John McCain, R-Ariz., on Thursday after the veteran lawmaker accused his libertarian-leaning colleague of working for Russian President Vladimir Putin. Paul suggested in an interview with MSNBC's 'Morning Joe' that McCain's comments are an indication he has spent too long in the Senate. 'I think he makes a really, really strong case for term limits,' Paul said. 'I think maybe he's past his prime. I think maybe he's gotten a little bit unhinged.' The comment from Paul comes after McCain lashed out at the Kentucky Senator in remarks on the Senate floor on Wednesday. McCain argued Paul was achieving the objectives of Putin by blocking an attempt to vote on a treaty that would allow Montenegro to join NATO. 'He has no justification for his objection to having a small nation be part of NATO that is under assault from the Russians,' McCain said. 'So, I repeat again, the senator from Kentucky is now working for Vladimir Putin.' Paul, who has opposed the expansion of NATO, argued McCain's foreign policy would greatly endanger and overextend the U.S. 'There's a real debate about how big NATO should be and whether or not it's been more provocative than good,' Paul said. 'We seem to be paying for all of it. Whenever there's a war fought, our soldiers fight it and our dollars pay for it.' (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.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA--(Marketwired - March 16, 2017) - Zephyr agent Lisa Perotti recently met with the Relocation Directors Mary O'Neill and Jo Lay of LeadingRE brokerages while in Chicago.

Leading Real Estate Companies of the World  (LeadingRE) is comprised of the world's preeminent residential brokerages representing over 50 countries, 500 firms and 120,000 associates. The by-invitation-only network maintains the highest standards in the industry and is dedicated to excellence in performance and experience.

Leading Real Estate Companies of the World Conference Week recently gathered in Miami to bring together the best names in the business and focus on what drives success in today's ever-changing and ever-competitive market. Zephyr Real Estate, having received a nomination for the Best Mobile Site Award, was on hand to participate in this annual event.

As part of their inhouse program called LRE-Connect, Zephyr agents are fully encouraged to make these connections in their travels to strengthen their networks, build relationships, and better serve local clients who may be relocating, as well as helping to provide connections to others who may be relocating to the Bay Area.

"Meeting with Jo Lay at Baird Warner and Mary O'Neill of @properties was a highlight of my stay in Chicago," commented Lisa. "I look forward to expanding our network to our mutual benefit."

Lisa has been in real estate in Marin County for almost 30 years and has sold well over 500 homes. She has been acknowledged as one of the top agents in the nation and genuinely enjoys helping people make one of their biggest decisions. She works out of Zephyr's Marin office in Greenbrae and may be reached at 415.298.1899 or lisap@zephyrre.com.

About Zephyr Real Estate

Founded in 1978, Zephyr Real Estate is San Francisco's largest independent real estate firm with nearly $2.3 billion in gross sales and a current roster of more than 300 full-time agents. Zephyr's highly-visited website has earned two web design awards, including the prestigious Interactive Media Award. Zephyr Real Estate is a member of the international relocation network, Leading Real Estate Companies of the World; the luxury real estate network, Who's Who in Luxury Real Estate; global luxury affiliate, Mayfair International; and local luxury marketing association, the Luxury Marketing Council of San Francisco. Zephyr has six offices in San Francisco, a brand new office in Greenbrae, and two brokerage affiliates in Sonoma County, all strategically positioned to serve a large customer base throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. For more information, visit www.ZephyrRE.com.

Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2017/3/15/11G133190/Images/Lisa_at_Baird_Warner-3bf324a85e3ea14095d50f18ae40bbb6.JPG

Contact:

Melody Foster

Zephyr Real Estate

San Francisco, CA

415.426.3203

Email contact


In celebration of the new Spring/Summer 2017 collection, PANDORA launches "DO", a new multifaceted campaign that will inspire women to be true to themselves and what they believe in.



Copenhagen, 2017-03-16 16:56 CET (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On 16 March 2017, the jewellery company PANDORA officially launches its new Spring/Summer 2017 collection. The collection consists of four parts; Spring, Mother's Day, Summer and High-Summer, where Spring traditionally is the largest. PANDORA's Spring/Summer 2017 collection consist of 164 new pieces of jewellery including 26 charms with motifs inspired by the popular Disney characters.



This year, PANDORA also introduces several new rings and earrings, not to mention a completely new bangle. Thereby PANDORA moves closer to become a full jewellery brand that enables women to express their style, celebrate their life and relive a feeling in new ways.



"PANDORA's Spring/Summer 2017 collection is bright, versatile and strong; like women. Each piece stands for something positive that women can admire and believe in, in terms of roots, actions and aesthetics. What they choose says something about them," says Stephen Fairchild, Senior Vice President and Chief Creative Officer at PANDORA.



New campaign to enforce the message Together with the new Spring/Summer 2017 collection, PANDORA launches a new communication campaign, which celebrates women to be true to who they are and take positive action.



"PANDORA is a brand rooted in transparency for more than 30 years, offering authenticity and dedication in our actions for bettering ourselves and others. The DO campaign and our new collections celebrate and bring this ethos to the forefront, ensuring that together, we are doing what is true to us," explains Minna Philipson, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at PANDORA.



A commitment to taking positive action has been at the heart of PANDORA since its inception in 1982. The Company is continually doing more to reduce its environmental impact and promote sustainable behaviours by championing conscious practices across all areas of production - from design, materials and supply chain to, most importantly, happy and healthy people.



With the assurance that PANDORA reflects shared ideals of social and environmental responsibility, like-minded women will find motivation in DO to validate their beliefs.



"Feeling proud to wear PANDORA jewellery as not only a style statement but a symbol of something "bigger", DO will inspire a new strength and determination to be honest about who you are and what life means to you," says Minna Philipson.



Read more about the new collection here.



PUBLIC RELATIONS Vita Clausen Director, Global PR, Marketing T +45 7219 5751 E vicl@pandora.net CORPORATE MEDIA Kristian Lysgaard Director, Corporate Communications T +45 7219 5774 E krly@pandora.net INVESTOR RELATIONS Magnus Thorstholm Jensen Vice President, Head of Investor Relations T +45 7219 5739 E mtje@pandora.net Brian Granberg Investor Relations Officer T +45 7219 5344 E brgr@pandora.net

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Channel partners projected to be more, not less, important to Cloud technologies: Companies with contemporary Partner Relationship Management solutions outperform competitors

LONDON, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- In a presentation today at Cloud Expo Europe, Europe's largest cloud and digital transformation show, global Partner Relationship Management (PRM) leader Impartner's European Business Development Director Pierre Poggi shared the revenue secret its customers who are exhibiting at the show already know: companies with a contemporary PRM solution deliver an average of up to $9 million more in incremental revenue than those without.

"Despite early concerns that cloud technologies would make channel partners less, not more, important, the opposite is true," said Poggi, citing analyst firm IDC's stat, that by 2020, 75 percent of cloud partner's revenue will be touched in some way by the channel. "As we exhibit at this show, we're surrounded by our customers who already know that a world-class Partner Portal ensures that you can meet your partners' expectations for a frictionless, consumer-grade partner experience and truly harness the power of your indirect channel."

In his presentation, Poggi also shared a number of other key statistics about the power of contemporary PRM solutions to accelerate channel revenue. "From every angle, from attracting the best partners to scaling your channel program, there is no metric that doesn't point to the criticality of PRM as the capstone technology for your channel program," Poggi said, noting that a full 86 percent of partners choose their vendors based on the partner portal, every dollar invested in a PRM saves $10 in manual labor costs and companies will find it difficult to scale beyond 50 partners without automating the partner management process."

This is the second year in a row Impartner has attended Cloud Expo, which draws leading SaaS companies from around the world, including Impartner customers Ciena, Splunk and SunGard Availability Services. For more information on how Impartner and PRM can help companies increase revenue by up to 120 percent, click here.

About Impartner

Impartner delivers one of the industry's most advanced SaaS-based Partner Relationship Management solutions, helping companies worldwide manage their partner relationships and accelerate revenue and profitability through indirect sales channels. Impartner PRM is the industry's most award winning PRM technology and one of the industry's only turnkey solutions that can deploy a world-class Partner Portal in as few as 30 days, using the company's highly engineered, three-step Velocity' onboarding process. For more information on Impartner, which is based in Utah's tech hotbed, the Silicon Slopes, visit www.impartner.com, or in the United States call +1 801 501 7000, for EMEA general call +33 1 40 90 31 20, for London call +44 0 20 3283 4465, and for LATAM call +1 954 364 7883.

Follow Impartner on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

Contact:

Kerry Desberg

Impartner

425-231-9529

Kerry.desberg@impartner.com

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/260238/impartner___logo.jpg
LEUVEN, Belgium, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

- Innovative Diabetic Eye Disease Clinical and Pre-Clinical Portfolio

- Provides "Multiple Shots on Goal"

- First Patients Enrolled in Phase II Clinical Study

- Evaluating THR-317 (anti-PlGF) for Diabetic Macular Edema (DME)

- Cash Position - 80.1 Million at end of December 2016

Highlights

ThromboGenics continues to advance its attractive portfolio of innovative medicines for the treatment of diabetic eye disease: 4 novel treatments for diabetic retinopathy (DR) - non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), in the presence or absence of diabetic macular edema (DME)

Clinical Update

Phase II study: THR-409 (Ocriplasmin) for Non Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (CIRCLE)

The Phase II study (CIRCLE) is assessing the ability of multiple doses of THR-409 to induce a total PVD in patients with NPDR.

CIRCLE will also explore whether generating a total PVD in patients with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy could prevent the disease from progressing to proliferative diabetic retinopathy, a serious sight threatening condition.

In December, the CIRCLE study protocol was amended to allow inclusion of patients with less severe non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy. This change was made to broaden the patient pool for this study to recruit from.

Phase II study: THR-317 (anti-PlGF) for Diabetic Macular Edema (DME)

A phase II study evaluating the safety and efficacy of 3 intravitreal injections of 2 dose levels of THR-317 (4 mg or 8 mg) recruited its first patients in January 2017 . The trial is assessing THR-317's ability to improve best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and to reduce central retinal thickness in subjects with DME.

The study aims at enrolling a total of 50 patients (including 10 anti-VEGF treatment resistant patients) over a period of about 12 months. The first results from the study are expected in Q1 2018.

ThromboGenics believes THR-317 could be used as a stand-alone therapy or as an add-on treatment to anti-VEGF medicines, for the treatment of DME or DR.

Phase I/II clinical trials in the works: THR-687 and THR- 149

Pre-clinical development of THR-687 and THR-149 is making good progress

THR-687 is being developed to treat a broad range of patients with diabetic retinopathy, with or without DME. The Company plans to start a Phase I/II clinical trial around end of 2017

THR-149 is being developed to treat edema associated with diabetic retinopathy and a Phase I/II clinical trial is expected to start in 2018.

Oncurious NV

Oncurious and its development partner BioInvent International signed a partnership agreement with the Neuroblastoma and Medulloblastoma Translational Research Center (NMTRC) for the clinical development of TB-403 for the treatment of medulloblastoma in the US in March 2016 .

A Phase I/IIa study was initiated with TB-403 in May 2016 . The study aims to recruit 27 patients with Relapsed or Refractory Medulloblastoma.

In January 2017 , the European Commission confirmed orphan drug designation for TB-403 for medulloblastoma following a positive opinion issued by the European Medicine Agency (EMA).

Financial

ThromboGenics generated overall revenues of 7.1 million in 2016. This includes a 2.5 million in royalty income.

ThromboGenics US business achieved its goal of an operational break even at the end of 2016.

In order to align the JETREA intangibles and goodwill value with the continued lower than expected sales levels, the Company has decided to take an impairment charge of 26.6 million. This charge has no impact on the Company's cash position.

Cash and investments were 80.1 million as of the end of December 2016 , compared with 101.4 million at the end of December 2015 .

ThromboGenics NV (Euronext Brussels: THR), an integrated biopharmaceutical company, focused on developing novel medicines for diabetic eye disease, today issues a business update and its financial update for the year ending December 31, 2016.

ThromboGenics is developing novel medicines for diabetic eye disease, diabetic retinopathy (DR) with or without diabetic macular edema (DME).

ThromboGenics' innovative pipeline targeting diabetic eye disease, which is one of the strongest in the industry, includes:

THR-409 - an ongoing Phase IIa (CIRCLE) clinical study is evaluating the efficacy and safety of multiple doses of ocriplasmin in inducing total posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) in patients with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR).

THR-317 - a PLGF neutralizing monoclonal antibody is being developed for DME and/or for use in combination therapy with current anti-VEGF drugs for the treatments of DME or DR. The Company is currently enrolling patients in a Phase II clinical study.

THR-687 - a small molecule integrin antagonist being developed to treat a broad range of patients with diabetic retinopathy, with or without DME. The Company is preparing for the start of a Phase I/II clinical trial around end of 2017

THR-149 - a plasma kallikrein inhibitor is being developed to treat edema associated with diabetic retinopathy. Company is preparing for a Phase I/II clinical trial to start in 2018

In addition, ThromboGenics, through its oncology subsidiary Oncurious NV, is conducting a Phase I/IIa clinical trial in children assessing TB-403 for the treatment of medullablastoma, a pediatric brain tumor.

Dr. Patrik De Haes, ThromboGenics' CEO, said: "We are happy with the progress we are making with our pipeline of potential new disease modifying medicines for the treatment of diabetic eye disease. Diabetic Retinopathy and Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) are significant indications where there are clear unmet medical needs. THR-317 (anti-PlGF) in a Phase II study to assess its ability to improve best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and to reduce central retinal thickness in subjects with DME. We are also conducting the CIRCLE study, a Phase II clinical trial to assess THR-409 as a potential treatment to reduce the risk of patients with NPDR developing sight-threatening PDR. We are also making excellent progress with our pre-clinical pipeline, including 2 molecules which could be in the clinic by next year.

With our current cash resources of around 80 million, we can support our Company's development activities for the foreseeable future, allowing us to demonstrate the value of our exciting pipeline of innovative drug candidates."

Research & Development Activities

Diabetes, Diabetic Retinopathy and DME

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 9% of adults 18 years and older had diabetes in 2014 (WHO, 2015)[1].

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the leading cause of visual disability and blindness among professionally active adults (Cunha-Vaz, 1998; Fong et al., 1999). Worldwide, the prevalence rate of vision-threatening PDR or DME was estimated to be 11.72% of the diabetic population in 2010 (Yau et al., 2012).

DR progresses from mild, non-proliferative to more severe or even proliferative stages. As DR progresses, there is a gradual closure of retinal vessels leading to impaired perfusion and retinal ischemia. When the disease progresses beyond certain thresholds, severe non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) is diagnosed.

The more advanced stage, PDR, is characterized by the development of new blood vessels at the inner surface of the retina as a result of retinal ischemia. These new vessels are prone to bleed, resulting in vitreous hemorrhage.

PDR is considered high risk when the new vessels are accompanied by vitreous hemorrhage, or when they cover a significant area of the optic disc, even in the absence of vitreous hemorrhage, patients with high risk PDR are at high risk of severe vision loss.

The current treatment standard for PDR patients is laser photocoagulation (PRP) therapy. An increasing role for anti-VEGF treatments has also been demonstrated.

PDR patients may still progress to severe vision loss or even complete vision loss despite receiving recurrent pan-retinal photocoagulation (PRP). In addition, recurrent treatment with PRP may lead to complications such as visual field loss or worsening of macular edema.[2] [3]

THR-409 for Non Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy - CIRCLE Study

The CIRCLE study is evaluating the ability of multiple doses of THR-409 (ocriplasmin) to induce a total posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) in patients with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR). The study is also assessing the safety of multiple doses of THR-409.

ThromboGenics aims to reduce the risk of disease progression to proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) by inducing a total PVD using THR-409. PDR is the major cause of blindness in patients with diabetes. Patients who progress to PDR are at high risk of experiencing severe vision loss or complete blindness.

Research has suggested that total PVD, a complete separation of vitreous and retina, could prevent the progression of NPDR to PDR. This could be explained by total PVD leading to elimination of the scaffold needed for the development of new blood vessels and/or the improvement of oxygen supply to the retina, thereby reducing retinal ischemia, production of VEGF, vascular outgrowth and neovascularization.

The CIRCLE study is a Phase II, randomized, double-masked, sham-controlled, multi-center study that will evaluate the efficacy and safety of up to 3 intravitreal injections of either 0.125mg or 0.0625mg of THR-409 in subjects with moderate to very severe NPDR, to induce total PVD in order to reduce the risk of the patient developing sight-threatening PDR.

In December the protocol of the CIRCLE study was amended to allow the trial to recruit from a broader pool of patients. Patients are being accrued from sites across the US, Canada and EMEA.

The primary endpoint of the CIRCLE study is the percentage of patients with total PVD by the month 3 visit, confirmed by both B-scan ultrasound and SD-OCT.

Furthermore, 2 year follow up of patients may provide insights into THR-409's potential to reduce the risk of progressing from NPDR to PDR.

Developing THR-317 - a potential attractive alternative or add-on to current anti-VEGF medicines when treating DME or DR

ThromboGenics enrolled the first patients in a Phase II, single-masked, multicenter exploratory study evaluating the safety and efficacy of 2 dose levels of THR-317 for the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME) in January 2017.

THR-317 (anti-PIGF) is a recombinant human monoclonal antibody directed against the receptor-binding site of human placental growth factor (PlGF).

The Phase II study will evaluate the safety of 3 intravitreal injections of 2 dose levels of THR-317 (4 mg or 8 mg). The trial will also assess THR-317's ability to improve best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and to reduce central retinal thickness in subjects with DME.

The study plans to enroll a total of 50 patients (including 10 anti-VEGF treatment resistant patients) over a period of about 12 months. The first results from the study are expected in Q1 2018.

ThromboGenics believes that THR-317 could be used as a stand-alone therapy or as an add-on treatment to anti-VEGF medicines, for the treatment of DME or DR.

Oncurious NV - orphan drug development i n pediatric oncology

Oncurious NV is an oncology company focused on the development of innovative medicines for the treatment of pediatric cancers. Oncurious is a venture between ThromboGenics NV and VIB, a leading life science research institute in Flanders, Belgium.

Oncurious is developing TB-403 a humanized monoclonal antibody against placental growth factor (PlGF). PlGF is expressed in several types of cancer, including medulloblastoma. High expression of the PlGF receptor neuropilin 1 has been shown to correlate with poor overall survival. Medulloblastoma is the most common pediatric malignant brain tumor, accounting for 20% of all brain tumors in children. Treatment with TB-403 in relevant animal models for medulloblastoma has demonstrated beneficial effects on tumor growth and survival.

In May, a Phase I/IIa study was initiated with TB-403. The study, which is being conducted by NMTRC, aims to recruit 27 patients with Relapsed or Refractory Medulloblastoma.

Tthe European Commission confirmed the orphan drug designation for TB-403 for medulloblastoma in January 2017. The confirmation by the EC followed an earlier in-depth review and positive opinion on the drug candidate by the EMA Committee for Orphan Medicinal Products (COMP).

BioInvent International is a co-development partner for this clinical program.

JETREA US and Global Update

JETREA Commercial

In 2016, ThromboGenics generated JETREA sales of 4.4 million in the US and received 2.2 million in royalties' income from Alcon's ex-US sales.

ThromboGenics reduced the size of its US commercial organization, becoming cash-neutral in 2016 as a result of lower costs.

Ocriplasmin Research Findings Presented at EURETINA, EVER and AAO

Ocriplasmin research findings were presented at:

the European Society of Retina Specialists (EURETINA) in Copenhagen in September

in September the European Association for Vision and Eye Research (EVER) 2016 in Nice in October

the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) meeting in Chicago in October.

The updated clinical data presented at these conferences confirmed the product's safety profile as described in the approved product label, with no new safety signals. Moreover, these new clinical studies and real-world data continued to confirm that appropriate patient selection leads to improved treatment outcomes in patients with sVMA/VMT.

New 'Already-Diluted' Formulation of JETREA

In June, ThromboGenics announced that the Office of Biotechnology Products of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had approved a new already-diluted formulation of JETREA (ocriplasmin).

This new formulation of JETREA offers the additional benefit of eliminating the current preparatory dilution steps prior to injection.

ThromboGenics Inc., which is commercializing JETREA in the US, plans to launch the already-diluted formulation of JETREA in 2017.

Financial review

In 2016, ThromboGenics had total revenues of  7.1 million, including  4.4 million of JETREA sales in the US,  2.2 million in royalties from Alcon based on its ex-US sales of JETREA,  0.3 million from other royalties and 0.2m from other income.

In the corresponding period in 2015, ThromboGenics had total revenues of  11.2 million, including  7.4 million of JETREA sales in the US,  3.2 million in royalties from Alcon based on its ex-US sales of JETREA, and  0.5 million from other income. In 2016, ThromboGenics' R&D expenses amounted to  17.9 million. This compares with  13.6 million of R&D expenses in the same period in 2015. These amounts exclude for both years a (annual)  6.7 million amortization of the ocriplasmin Phase III program.

The increase in R&D spending is the result of the Company's decision to re-focus its activities and resources towards drug development, and to start executing its 2016 presented development pipeline of novel disease-modifying drugs for the treatment of diabetic retinopathy, with or without diabetic macular edema.

In 2016, selling and marketing expenses amounted to 4.3 million compared with  17.6 million in 2015.

With this decrease in sales and marketing spending, the Company achieves the operational break-even target for its US commercial organization in 2016.

In order to align the JETREA intangibles and goodwill value with the continued lower than expected sales levels, the Company has decided to take an impairment charge of 26.6 million.

As a direct result of this impairment charge, the reported total net loss of the Company for 2016 amounted to 60.4 million.

Excluding this impairment charge, ThromboGenics would have reported a net loss of 33.8 million.

This compares to the reported net loss of 37.9 million in 2015.

The impairment charge has not impacted the Company's cash in 2016.

At the end of December 2016, ThromboGenics had 80.1 million in cash and investments, compared to 101.4million as of the end of December 2015.

Patrik De Haes, MD, Chief Executive Officer, and Dominique Vanfleteren, Chief Financial Officer, will host a conference call and Q&A at 18:30 CET / 17:30 GMT / 13:30 EDT to discuss the results and clinical update. The call will be conducted in English and a replay will be available via the company's website.

To access the conference call, please dial one of the appropriate numbers below quoting the conference ID:

Belgium +32-2-402-96-40

France: +33-(0)-1-72-00-15-10

Germany: +49-(0)-69-222-229-031

Netherlands: +31-10-71-38-194

UK: +44-(0)-20-3043-2440

US: +1-6467224907

Conference ID: 76917577#

To access the webcast please register here

To ensure a timely connection, it is recommended that users register at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start timing.

The presentation and transcript of the call will be made available in the investor

information section of the website.

About ThromboGenics

ThromboGenics is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative treatments for diabetic eye disease. The company's pipeline of disease modifying drug candidates is targeting the key segments of the diabetic eye disease market.

ThromboGenics is conducting the CIRCLE study, a Phase II clinical trial evaluating multiple doses of THR-409 (ocriplasmin) to induce a total Posterior Vitreous Detachment in patients with Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopath (NPDR).

Early 2017, ThromboGenics enrolled its first patient in a Phase II clinical study evaluating THR-317, a PIGF inhibitor for the treatment of diabetic macular edema, as a stand-alone or as a combination therapy with anti-VEGF treatments.

In addition, THR-149, a plasma kallikrein inhibitor, which has resulted from research collaboration with Bicycle Therapeutics, and THR-687, an integrin antagonist, which was in-licensed from Galapagos, are in late stage pre-clinical development.

ThromboGenics pioneered a new drug category of pharmacological vitreolysis with JETREA (ocriplasmin) which is now approved for the treatment of vitreomacular traction in 54 countries worldwide. ThromboGenics is commercializing JETREA via its subsidiary ThromboGenics, Inc. in the US. Novartis commercializes JETREA outside the United States.

ThromboGenics is headquartered in Leuven, Belgium, and is listed on the NYSE Euronext Brussels exchange under the symbol THR.

More information is available at www.thrombogenics.com

For further information please contact:

ThromboGenics

Wouter Piepers,

Global Head of Corporate Communications & IR

+32-16-75-13-10 / +32-478-33-56-32

wouter.piepers@thrombogenics.com

Citigate Dewe Rogerson

David Dible/Sylvie Berrebi

Tel: +44-(0)20-7282-2867

david.dible@citigatedr.co.uk

Sylvie.berrebi@citigatedr.co.uk

References:

[1]World Health Organization (WHO). (2015). Diabetes. Fact sheet N312. http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs312/en/ 21 May 2015.

[2]Bailey CC, Sparrow JM, Grey RH, Cheng H (1999). The National Diabetic Retinopathy Laser Treatment Audit. III. Clinical outcomes. Eye (Lond) 13 (Pt 2): 151-159.

[3]Fong DS, Ferris FL 3rd, Davis MD, Chew EY (1999). Causes of severe visual loss in the early treatment diabetic retinopathy study: ETDRS report no. 24. Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study Research Group. Am J Ophthalmol. 127 (2): 137-141.

Important information about forward-looking statements

Certain statements in this press release may be considered "forward-looking". Such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, and, accordingly, entail and are influenced by various risks and uncertainties. The Company therefore cannot provide any assurance that such forward-looking statements will materialize and does not assume an obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or any other reason. Additional information concerning risks and uncertainties affecting the business and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statement is contained in the Company's Annual Report.

This press release does not constitute an offer or invitation for the sale or purchase of securities or assets of ThromboGenics in any jurisdiction. No securities of ThromboGenics may be offered or sold within the United States without registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or in compliance with an exemption therefrom, and in accordance with any applicable U.S. state securities laws.

The statutory auditor, BDO Bedrijfsrevisoren represented by Gert Claes, has confirmed that the audit procedures, which have been substantially completed, have not revealed any material adjustments which would have to be made to the accounting data included in the Company's annual announcement, and intends to issue an unqualified opinion.
MONTREAL, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired) -- 03/16/17 -- Askida, a leader in custom software development and software quality assurance, is proud to announce that it has been selected as a finalist in the category Development - Web or Mobile Technology for the 37th edition of the prestigious Mercuriades awards. The company was nominated for its innovative Askida solution, which orchestrates automated tests and makes it easier to analyse the results throughout the lifecycle of an application.

Created in 1981 by the FCCQ (Federation des Chambres de Commerce du Quebec), the Mercuriades have become some of the most prestigious awards for the Quebec business community. Every year, the Mercuriades celebrate the innovation, ambition, entrepreneurship and performance of companies created in Quebec. Presented by TELUS, the category Development - Web or Mobile Technology showcases a new technology whose creativity, interactivity and/or adaptive design allowed it to reinvent and improve a business process, service or product.

"We're incredibly honoured to be finalists for this year's Mercuriades awards," says Steeve Duchesne, Askida's CEO and cofounder. "Obviously, I'd like to congratulate the entire Askida family. It's because of their efforts that our company has been able to experience so much growth and success in the past year. Our Askida solution, developed entirely in-house, is unique on the market and at the center of our practice of quality assurance. It allows us to regularly surpass our industry' highest quality standards."

The gala for this year's Mercuriades awards will be held on Monday, April 24th 2017 at the Palais des Congres in Montreal. The finalists for this year's awards were selected by an independent jury composed of industry specialists, FCCQ members and evaluators from the firm BDO.

About Askida

Askida is a company specialized in software development and quality assurance whose aim is to enhance the competitive advantages of its clients while also reducing costs and risks. The company develops high-quality custom software solutions and guarantees the quality of existing software through its own ASKIDA solution. Located throughout Quebec and North America, its clients consist of innovative organizations that require top-of-the-line solutions that cater to their unique business processes and high standards of software quality. www.askida.com

Contacts:

Askida

Guillaume Morissette

Communications officer

Office: 514 286-9366 #256

guillaume.morisette@askida.com

www.askida.com




COPENHAGEN, Denmark, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --Configit A/S and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), (BSE: 532540, NSE: TCS) a leading IT services, consulting and business solutions organization, today announced a new strategic partnership. The collaboration will provide a framework for TCS clients to take full advantage of Configit's leading digital solutions and enable Configit to meet growing demand for its services.

TCS will operate as a full-scale implementation and delivery partner of Configit software solutions, providing new services and tools for TCS global client base while also enabling Configit to strengthen its position in the global market place.

"This partnership will provide unique benefits to our customers, building on the combined strength of Configit and deep experience of TCS in Engineering & Product Development for Manufacturing Customers" commented Milind Lakkad, Global Head, Manufacturing Industry Solutions Unit, TCS."Taking advantage of the rapid developments in technology innovation is complex and requires enterprises to integrate and configure multiple systems to be effective. This partnership will benefit our clients and allow them to take advantage of Configit's industry leading configuration software solutions."

A dedicated group of TCS consultants have been trained on Configit's industry leading products and the two companies will work closely to develop a go-to-market strategy designed to meet the rapidly evolving needs of customers. With ongoing digital disruption leaving no industry untouched, organizations are looking for partners that can help build the digital core from which they can reimagine their business. This partnership is another important means of supporting customers on this journey.

"The partnership with TCS is of great value to Configit," says CEO and Founder Henrik Reif Andersen. "It aids Configit in meeting the rapidly growing international demand for our configuration software solutions and exposes us to new markets."

Configit is a global leader in Configuration Lifecycle Management (CLM) solutions and a supplier of business-critical software solutions for the configuration of complex products. All Configit products are based on the patented technology Virtual Tabulation'. This technology has redefined what is possible with configuration in terms of complexity and speed, and enables Configit to make software that can handle and utilize complex product configurations in a way that is both powerful to business and easy to use.

About TCS

Tata Consultancy Services is anIT services,consultingand business solutions organization that delivers real results to global business, ensuring a level of certainty no other firm can match. TCS offers a consulting-led, integrated portfolio ofIT,BPS,infrastructure,engineeringandassurance services.This is delivered through its uniqueGlobal Network Delivery Model', recognized as the benchmark of excellence in software development. A part of the Tata group, India's largest industrial conglomerate, TCS has over 371,000 of the world's best-trained consultants in 45 countries. The company generated consolidated revenues of US $16.5 billion for year ended March 31, 2016 and is listed on the BSE Limited and National Stock Exchange of India Limited. For more information, visit us atwww.tcs.com.

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/474104/Configit_Logo.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/478746/Configit_TATA_Consultancy_Logo.jpg
CALGARY, ALBERTA -- (Marketwired) -- 03/16/17 -- West Mountain Environmental Corp. (the "Company" or "WMT") (TSX VENTURE: WMT) received notice that a lawsuit had been filed against it by Shanghai Hehui Environmental Technology, Co. Ltd. claiming that the Company has failed to deliver the TPS unit in a timeframe that was agreed. As a result a Chinese Court ordered that WMT's bank accounts be frozen until a hearing is held on March 27th, 2017 in Shanghai. Refer to the Company's news release of October 19, 2016 for additional information regarding the underlying commercial transaction.

WMT is vigorously defending the claim and preparing a counterclaim. The Company's Chinese legal counsel believes the claim has no merit and is very optimistic that the Court ordered bank account freeze will be lifted and the claim will be dismissed once all the information is presented.

About West Mountain

West Mountain is an established Canadian environmental solutions company specializing in the thermal treatment of a variety of hazardous and non-hazardous waste streams. Through its subsidiaries it employs a unique indirectly heated, closed loop technology that allows it to extract even the most hazardous contaminants from soil and industrial sludge converting much of it into reusable oil and synthetic natural gas that it uses to sustain the process. This methodology offers significant opportunity for greenhouse gas reduction over traditional hazardous waste destruction technologies. The Company's management team maintains expertise in hazardous waste management and contaminated site remediation with experience spanning North America and 15 countries internationally.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained herein constitute forward-looking statements or forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. These statements relate to future events or the Company's future performance. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking statements or information. Forward-looking statements or information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "anticipate", "expect", "may", "will", "potential", "intend", "could", "might", "should", "believe" and similar expressions. The Company believes the expectations reflected in those forward-looking statements are reasonable but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements included herein should not be unduly relied upon. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking statements pertaining to the legal proceeding commenced against the Company by Shanghai Hehui Environmental Technology, Co. Ltd. Since forward-looking statements and information address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. The forward -looking statements and information contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and West Mountain 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.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts the responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Contacts:

West Mountain Environmental Corp.

Mr. Tim Mahoney

CEO and President

709 726 5198

info@wmtenv.com

www.westmountainenv.com




LAVAL, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired) -- 03/16/17 -- Urbanimmersive Inc. ("Urbanimmersive" or the "Company"), (TSX VENTURE: UI)(OTC PINK: UBMRF), a real estate content marketing platform is pleased to announce the signing of a reseller agreement with the marketing web agency Images & Mots. The reseller agreement will allow Images & Mots to integrate Urbanimmersive's marketing content platform to its web service offerings.

The Value Added Reseller (VAR) program of Urbanimmersive allows marketing agencies and real estate website developers to offer a turnkey solution to their clients in order to simplify the production and publication of real estate marketing content on their blogs, social networks and newsletters.

Producing original real estate content represents a challenge for the majority of real estate professionals due to, among other things, locating trusted content providers, writing of original texts, finding inspiration, linguistics, grammatical and stylistic writing rules and the challenges of formatting the content for web publication.

Using an API (Application Programming Interface) developed by Urbanimmersive, real estate website developers and marketing agencies can now integrate a white labelled content management system of Urbanimmersive into the real estate blog of their customers. In doing so, their customers get access to all features and services of Urbanimmersive's real estate content marketing platform specifically designed to simplify production, collaboration, management and publication of real estate content with trusted content providers.

The Value Added Reseller program is part of Urbanimmersive's strategy to make of its content marketing platform the reference in the industry for the production and publication of original real estate content. By allowing real estate website developers to easily integrate Urbanimmersive to their product offerings and generate revenues from it, this reseller program allows Urbanimmersive to reach more real estate professionals quickly.

"The increasing visibility of our marketing content platform provided with forward-thinking organizations is helping us to create a new digital ecosystem with Urbanimmersive's marketing content platform at the center. As organizations and partners increasingly integrate their core business functionalities into our platform, they will transform their businesses and even the real estate market itself." said Ghislain Lemire, CEO of Urbanimmersive

About Images & Mots

Founded in 1984, Images & Mots is a web marketing agency based in Boisbriand. The agency is active in the real estate industry serving home builders and real estate promoters. Images & Mots is covering a wide spread of services from advertising campaigns, web development, marketing strategy to social network management.

For more information, please visit: www.imagesmots.com

About Urbanimmersive

Urbanimmersive is a content marketing platform for the real estate industry. The Company connects real estate professionals, photographers and writers in order to simplify and optimize original content production workflow. Urbanimmersive enables its customers to leverage their marketing investment while increasing productivity, competitiveness, their web visibility, consumer engagement with their brand and ultimately, their revenue.

The TSX Venture Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Certain statements in this news release, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking information that involves various risks and uncertainties. Such statements relating to, among other things, the prospects for the company to enhance operating results, are necessarily subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which are significant in scope and nature. These uncertainties may cause actual results to differ from information contained herein. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate. Actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. These and all subsequent written and oral forward looking statements are based on the estimates and opinions of the management on the dates they are made and expressly qualified in their entirety by this notice. The Company assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements should circumstances or management's estimates or opinions change.

Contacts:

Urbanimmersive Inc.

Ghislain Lemire

President & CEO

514-394-7820 X 202

ghislainlemire@urbanimmersive.com

www.urbanimmersive.com



For investor relations:

Contact Financial Corp.

Frederick Chabot

438-863-7071

frederick@contactfinancial.com




WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - President Donald Trump's accusations of wiretapping by the Obama administration took another blow on Thursday, as the leaders of the Senate Intelligence Committee said they have seen no evidence of surveillance of Trump Tower. Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Richard Burr, R-N.C., and Vice Chairman Mark Warner, D-Virg., issued a joint statement about the wiretapping allegations. 'Based on the information available to us, we see no indications that Trump Tower was the subject of surveillance by any element of the United States government either before or after Election Day 2016,' Burr and Warner said. The release of the statement comes just hours after House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., said the intelligence community has determined that 'no such wiretap existed.' House Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes, R-Calif., has also said there has been no evidence of an actual tap of Trump Tower. Trump accused President Barack Obama of wiretapping Trump Tower in a series of posts to Twitter earlier this month. 'Terrible! Just found out that Obama had my 'wires tapped' in Trump Tower just before the victory. Nothing found. This is McCarthyism!' Trump tweeted. He added, 'How low has President Obama gone to tapp my phones during the very sacred election process. This is Nixon/Watergate. Bad (or sick) guy!' Trump and White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer have subsequently walked back the comments and suggested the president was referring to broader surveillance and other activities. FBI Director James Comey is expected to face questions about Trump's accusations during a House Intelligence Committee hearing next Monday. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

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OTTAWA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 03/16/17 -- Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council

The Government of Canada is committed to renewing the nation-to-nation relationship with Indigenous peoples based on recognition of rights, respect, co-operation and partnership. An important step towards this goal is supporting dialogue between researchers and members of Canada's Indigenous communities.

That's why the Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science, today announced 28 social sciences and humanities research projects through the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council's (SSHRC) Knowledge Synthesis Grants program, totaling $695,000 in funding. This initiative will contribute to a deeper understanding of the current and historical, cultural, social and economic experiences of First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples in Canada.

SSHRC launched this funding opportunity to support the continued engagement in research by and with Indigenous peoples, as well as to foster truth and reconciliation efforts through collective action. Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) is co-funding several of the projects.

The projects announced today will focus on a variety of topics related to the experiences and knowledge systems of Indigenous peoples. Exploring how endangered languages and cultures of Indigenous peoples contribute to global human heritage, how Canada can increase the capacity of Indigenous peoples to participate in and benefit from research, and the role digital technology can play in teaching and preserving heritage, memory and identity, are examples of a few of the projects. Several of these research projects have Indigenous partners, such as the Dene language and cultural revitalization initiative, whose co-applicants include the Sahtu Renewable Resources Board and the Deline Land Corporation.

One of the Knowledge Synthesis Grants recipients is the Inclusive Early Childhood Service System project at Ryerson University, which has partnered with the Temiskaming Native Women's Support Group. Their focus is on embedding Indigenous perspectives in early childhood education, care and intervention.

Valued at up to $25,000 each, the Knowledge Synthesis Grants are designed to combine existing research on key challenges facing Canada, while identifying knowledge gaps where future research is needed. These grants place a strong emphasis on ensuring that the outcome of these projects is accessible to a broad audience, including decision-makers across community, public and private sectors.

By supporting Indigenous focused research grants, the government is advancing its commitment to make Canada a better place for First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples, and for all Canadians. Having a better understanding of the experiences and aspirations of Indigenous peoples is essential to building a successful shared future in Canada.

Quotes

"Canadian social science and humanities researchers have a critical role in supporting reconciliation. It is our intention that these grants will facilitate dialogue between members of Indigenous communities, researchers and policy-makers, and that the knowledge gained will help our government develop policies, strategies and tools to ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for and with Indigenous Peoples."

- The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science

"These Knowledge Synthesis Grants will enhance our ability to understand and respond to complex social, cultural and economic issues and experiences facing First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples in Canada. This research will generate the insights and skills that Canada needs to understand our past, and to move forward to a better future for all."

- Ted Hewitt, President, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council

Quick facts

-- A summary report of the grants will be released in spring 2018. -- SSHRC is the federal research funding agency that promotes and supports postsecondary-based research and training in the humanities and social sciences. -- SSHRC disburses more than $345 million in funding annually to support more than 8,300 research projects. -- A shared future with First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples is one of six Future Challenge Areas identified in SSHRC's Imagining Canada's Future initiative.

Related products

Aboriginal Peoples Knowledge Synthesis Grant Award Recipients

Energy and natural resources Knowledge Synthesis Grant Award Report

Emerging technologies Knowledge Synthesis Grant Award Recipients

New ways of learning Knowledge Synthesis Grant Award Report

Associated links

Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council

Imagining Canada's Future

Follow the Minister on social media:

Twitter: @ScienceMin

Instagram: sciencemin

Follow SSHRC on Twitter: @SSHRC_CRSH

Contacts:

Stefanie Power

Press Secretary

Office of the Minister of Science

343-291-2600



Media Relations

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

343-291-1777

ic.mediarelations-mediasrelations.ic@canada.ca



Christopher Walters

Director of Communications

Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council

613-992-4283

christopher.walters@sshrc-crsh.gc.ca




H.I.G. Bayside Capital ("Bayside"), the distressed debt and special situations affiliate of H.I.G. Capital ("H.I.G."), a leading global private equity and alternative asset investment firm with more than 20 billion of equity capital under management, announced that it has entered into an agreement with Douglas, the leading European retailer in the selective beauty market, to sell The Beauty Bell Chain, S.L.U. ("Bodybell" or the "Company") after a successful restructuring of the Company's operations.

Bodybell, founded in the 1970s, is a leading specialist distributor of perfumery and household products in Spain. The Company's product range comprises selective and mass-market beauty as well as personal and home care products. Bayside acquired control of Bodybell through a complex financial restructuring that resulted in a debt-for-equity swap in 2015. Bayside also underwrote a new money facility to finance an ambitious repositioning plan that included store portfolio adjustments, a new management team and a new brand image for the Company.

The agreement is subject to a number of conditions, including merger control approval. The companies have agreed not to disclose financial details of the transaction.

Giuseppe Mirante, Managing Director of H.I.G. Bayside Capital, commented: "Bayside first acquired Bodybell debt in 2009 and subsequently injected new capital into the business as part of a debt for equity conversion, backing the operational restructuring of the Company amid increasing competition in its market. This exit proves Bayside's ability to create value in complex special situations across Europe by leveraging off our local presence and by working in partnership with key stakeholders."

Leopoldo Reano, Principal of H.I.G. Capital in Spain, added: "This transaction underscores H.I.G.'s capacity to support the transformation and repositioning of leading companies facing temporary challenges and assure their long term success. With the European industry leader Douglas, we have found the ideal partner for the future of Bodybell, allowing the Company to move to its next stage of development and further build on its leading industry position. We are confident that this transaction will generate substantial value for all stakeholders."

About Douglas

With about 1,700 stores in 18 European countries, Douglas is the selective beauty care market leader in Europe. Its multi-channel offering which is well integrated across the stores, online shop and mobile application as well as its continually updated offering of more than 30,000 products make Douglas the frontrunner in the growing selective beauty market. Supported by its about 18,000 highly qualified and committed employees, Douglas generated annual sales of about 2.7 billion in financial year 2015/2016. Douglas opened its first perfumery in Spain in November 1995. The local subsidiary currently counts 58 stores with about 300 employees.

About H.I.G. Bayside Capital

H.I.G. Bayside Capital, is the distressed debt and special situations affiliate of H.I.G. Capital. Focused on middle market companies, Bayside invests across several segments of the primary and secondary debt capital markets with an emphasis on long term returns. With eight offices throughout the U.S. and Europe and over 250 investment professionals to draw upon, Bayside has the experience, resources, and flexibility required to provide capital solutions quickly, and the strategic and operational expertise to help support its investments.

About H.I.G. Capital

H.I.G. is a leading global private equity and alternative assets investment firm with more than 20 billion of equity capital under management.* Based in Miami, and with offices in New York, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Atlanta in the U.S., as well as international affiliate offices in London, Hamburg, Madrid, Milan, Paris, Bogota, Mexico City and Rio de Janeiro, H.I.G. specializes in providing both debt and equity capital to small and mid-sized companies, utilizing a flexible and operationally focused/ value-added approach:

1. H.I.G.'s equity funds invest in management buyouts, recapitalizations and corporate carve-outs of both profitable as well as underperforming manufacturing and service businesses.

2. H.I.G.'s debt funds invest in senior, unitranche and junior debt financing to companies across the size spectrum, both on a primary (direct origination) basis, as well as in the secondary markets. H.I.G. is also a leading CLO manager, through its WhiteHorse family of vehicles, and manages a publicly traded BDC, WhiteHorse Finance.

3. H.I.G.'s real assets funds invest in value-added properties, which can benefit from improved asset management practices.

Since its founding in 1993, H.I.G. has invested in and managed more than 200 companies worldwide. The firm's current portfolio includes more than 100 companies with combined sales in excess of 28 billion. For more information, please refer to the H.I.G. website at www.higcapital.com.

Based on total capital commitments managed by H.I.G. Capital and affiliates.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170316006202/en/

Contacts:

H.I.G. Bayside Capital

Giuseppe Mirante

Managing Director

gmirante@higcapital.com

or

Leopoldo Reano

Principal

lreano@higcapital.com

T +44 (0) 207 318 5700

F +44 (0) 207 318 5749

www.higcapital.com
SAN DIEGO, CA -- (Marketwired) -- 03/16/17 -- The Renaissance San Diego Hotel proudly welcomes new General Manager Malia Empron to the downtown luxury hotel. With over 19 years of experience in the hospitality industry, her most recent role was General Manager at the Portofino Hotel & Marina in Redondo Beach with Noble House Hotels & Resorts.

Empron oversaw the oceanfront boutique hotel to great success, which included 161 guest rooms, BALEENkitchen - a stand-alone restaurant, a 181 slip marina, and 19 residential apartments. There she was responsible for the total operation of the hotel including supervising 150 associates, food and beverage operations and transitioning the team to Hotel Republic.

"With my background in luxury boutique hotels and great brands, I am thrilled to bring both areas of experience to a Renaissance Hotel," said Empron. "I have led extensive renovations at the Hilton San Diego Resort and repositioned The Portofino, and this new opportunity to take the Renaissance San Diego Hotel to an even higher level of excellence is exciting."

Empron has been part of Hilton's diversity program for top performers, and has extensive experience with many of the world's top brands, including Hilton, Starwood, Sheraton and Doubletree. She now brings her many years of success in the hospitality industry to Marriott's iconic hotel in downtown San Diego. "We're delighted to have Malia join the team at one of our flagship hotels in San Diego," said Dan Kaplan, vice president of operations at HEI Hotels & Resorts. "We're confident with her extensive experience in hospitality, she'll flawlessly lead the hotel to the exciting transformation on the horizon."

"I was in San Diego for 7 years at the Hilton San Diego Resort as the Hotel Manager, so coming back to San Diego is such a pleasure," said Empron. "I look forward to being equally involved in the community, showing my passion for volunteering in children's and women's charities, and being part of an industry where I have the ability to make a difference each and every day."

For more about news and updates at the Renaissance San Diego Hotel, or to book a stay, call the hotel directly at 1-619-398-3100.

About the Renaissance San Diego Hotel

The Renaissance San Diego Hotel offers a distinctive blend of modern convenience and boutique sophistication. The hotel features spacious work areas, flat-screen TVs and high-speed internet. Savor international cuisine, along with a warm and inviting atmosphere, at Kelvin Restaurant. For cocktails and light dining options, head to Rooftop Bar with its casual ambiance and breathtaking views of downtown. Stay fit while working up a sweat in the state-of-the-art fitness center with cardio equipment and free weights, or opt for a swim in the hotel's outdoor pool with a view. If you're here simply to conduct business, this luxury hotel offers 14 meeting venues with 16,000 square feet of total space for conferences, receptions, banquets and social gatherings. The hotel's team of expert caterers will create a menu that your guests will love. In downtime, visit Little Italy, catch a ball game at Petco Park or walk to the convention center.

Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=3120185



CONTACT:

Renaissance San Diego Hotel

421 West B Street

San Diego California 92101 USA

1-619-398-3100

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/sanyr-renaissance-san-diego-hotel/






WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - After moving sharply higher over the course of the previous session, treasuries gave back some ground during trading on Thursday.



Bond prices moved to the downside early in the session and remained stuck in the red throughout the day. Subsequently, the yield on the benchmark ten-year note, which moves opposite of its price, edged up by 1.4 basis points to 2.522 percent.



The modest pullback by treasuries came after bond prices rallied on Wednesday in reaction to the Federal Reserve's monetary policy announcement.



While the Fed raised rates by a quarter point as widely expected, the central bank's projections called for only two more rate hikes this year.



The unchanged outlook for rate hikes this year offset concerns that the Fed intends to accelerate the pace of rate increases.



On the U.S. economic front, a report from the Labor Department said first-time claims for unemployment benefits saw a modest decrease in the week ended March 11th.



The report said initial jobless claims edged down to 241,000, a decrease of 2,000 from the previous week's unrevised level of 243,000. Economists had expected jobless claims to dip to 240,000.



A separate report from the Commerce Department showed a rebound in new U.S. residential construction in the month of February, although the report also showed a sharp pullback in building permits.



The report said housing starts jumped by 3.0 percent to an annual rate of 1.288 million in February after slumping by 1.9 percent to a revised 1.251 million in January.



Economists had expected housing starts to climb to a rate of 1.260 million from the 1.246 million originally reported for the previous month.



Meanwhile, the report said building permits tumbled by 6.2 percent to an annual rate of 1.213 million in February after surging up by 5.3 percent to a revised 1.293 million in January.



Building permits, an indicator of future housing demand, had been expected to drop to a rate of 1.260 million from the 1.285 million originally reported for the previous month.



The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia also released a report showing that Philadelphia-area manufacturing activity grew at a slower rate in the month of March,



The Philly Fed said its diffusion index for general activity fell to 32.8 in March from 43.3 in February, although a positive reading still indicates growth. The index had been expected to drop to 30.0.



The pullback by the Philly Fed's index of regional manufacturing activity came after it jumped to its highest level in over thirty years in the previous month.



Another batch of economic data is scheduled to be released on Friday, with traders likely to keep an eye on reports on industrial production, consumer sentiment and leading economic indicators.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

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CAMPBELL, CA -- (Marketwired) -- 03/16/17 -- Panzura CEO Patrick Harr will be joining IBM at the upcoming IBM InterConnect conference to discuss enabling organizations to combine the economics of cloud storage with local flash performance at the edge to solve growing unstructured data challenges. Panzura will also be demonstrating its new Freedom product line at the IBM InterConnect Solution Expo.

More than 25,000 executives, IT leaders, developers, designers, architects, and cloud experts get hands-on experience with cloud technologies, IoT, IBM Watson, and other innovations at IBM InterConnect, held March 19-23 at the MGM Grand & Mandalay Bay Las Vegas. Harr will deliver his presentation, "Creating a Distributed File System Using IBM Cloud Object Storage and Panzura," alongside IBM on Monday, March 20th at 3:15 p.m. in Mandalay Bay's Lagoon L.

Panzura's Freedom product family -- Freedom Archive, Freedom NAS, and Freedom Collaboration -- frees organizations from storing unstructured data on expensive NAS systems by collapsing all data into IBM Cloud Object Storage and caching active data on local Panzura appliances. With Panzura's Freedom line, customers can choose the hybrid cloud storage functionality needed now and easily upgrade with a simple license to access additional functionality later.

As enterprises move to cloud-first strategies, Panzura has seen record growth, adding over 100 new enterprise customers in 2016 with over 26 petabytes of customer data. By replacing traditional NAS and archive systems with Panzura hybrid cloud storage, companies reduce their costs by 70 percent while still keeping local flash performance at every location. Panzura active archive, hybrid cloud NAS, and cross-site collaboration solutions are deployed in more than 33 countries across multiple industries and governments.

Panzura exhibits Freedom Archive, Freedom NAS, and Freedom Collaboration in booth 309. Media interested in a private meeting may contact Scott Kline, JPR Communications, 818-798-1474 or scottk@jprcom.com.

About Panzura

Adding multiple petabytes of new enterprise storage under management per month, Panzura is a market leader in enterprise hybrid cloud storage. Panzura's hybrid cloud storage software seamlessly combines the economics, capacity, and business model of cloud storage with the flexibility, performance, and features of enterprise storage. Using Panzura, enterprises shift from an outdated, on-premise storage model into the cloud and unlock the power of data. Organizations like the Department of Justice, Milwaukee Tool, Fluor, American College of Radiology, and Chevron use Panzura for active archive, hybrid cloud NAS, and cross-site collaboration. Please visit www.panzura.com for further information.

Follow us on Twitter: @PanzuraStorage

Follow us on LinkedIn
TORONTO, ON--(Marketwired - March 16, 2017) - Gran Colombia Gold Corp. (TSX: GCM) announced today that it has signed an option agreement with IAMGOLD Corp. (TSX: IMG) for the exploration and potential purchase of an interest in the Company's Zancudo Project.

The Zancudo Project is located in the Titiribi mining district of Antioquia, about 27 km south of Medellin, and comprises a historical gold mine, the Independencia Mine, in the Middle Cauca Gold Belt that had produced about 130,000 ounces of gold with recovered grades of 14.6 g/t Au and 108.4 g/t Ag. The Independencia Mine exploited an epithermal to mesothermal, intermediate sulphidation type vein system that was exploited over 3.5 km with known depths of over 900m. Gran Colombia had completed a 14,000m drilling program at the Zancudo Project in 2011 and 2012 that focused on defining new potential resources by following the strike and shallow dip extensions of the Santa Catalina and Manto Antiguo structures that represent the extension to the south of what was mined in the historical Independencia Mine. Following the gold price collapse in 2013, the Company halted further exploration at the project to focus on the expansion and modernization of its high-grade producing Segovia Operations.

Under the agreement, IAMGOLD has been granted an option to acquire an initial undivided 65% interest (the "First Option") in the Zancudo Project by incurring an aggregate of US$10 million of mineral exploration expenditures over a six-year period, subject to meeting specified annual work commitments during the First Option period, of which the first US$1 million to be incurred within the first year is a firm commitment and IAMGOLD has the right to cease its obligations at any time thereafter.

IAMGOLD has also been granted an additional option (the "Second Option") to acquire a further 5% undivided interest for an aggregate 70% undivided interest in the Zancudo Project by completing a feasibility study within three years after exercising the First Option.

Upon exercise of the First Option or the Second Option, as the case may be, the parties will form a joint venture to hold the Zancudo Project, to advance the exploration and, if feasible, to advance the development and mining of any commercially exploitable ore body.

About Gran Colombia Gold Corp.

Gran Colombia is a Canadian-based gold and silver exploration, development and production company with its primary focus in Colombia. Gran Colombia is currently the largest underground gold and silver producer in Colombia with several underground mines in operation at its Segovia and Marmato Operations. Gran Colombia is in the midst of an expansion and modernization project at its Segovia Operations.

Additional information on Gran Colombia can be found on its website at www.grancolombiagold.com and by reviewing its profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information:

This news release contains "forward-looking information". Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Gran Colombia to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements are described under the caption "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Information Form dated as of March 30, 2016, which is available for view on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this press release and Gran Colombia disclaims, other than as required by law, any obligation to update any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, results, future events, circumstances, or if management's estimates or opinions should change, or otherwise. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

For Further Information, Contact:



Mike Davies

Chief Financial Officer

(416) 360-4653

investorrelations@grancolombiagold.com
MONTERREY, MEXICO -- (Marketwired) -- 03/16/17 -- Fomento Economico Mexicano, S.A.B. de C.V. (NYSE: FMX) (BMV: FEMSAUBD) (BMV: FEMSAUB) ("FEMSA" or the "Company") held its Annual Ordinary General Shareholders Meeting today, during which the shareholders approved the Company's annual report for 2016 prepared by the Chief Executive Officer, the Company's consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2016 and the election of the Board of Directors and its Committees for 2017.

The shareholders approved the payment of a cash dividend in the amount of Ps. 8,636 million, consisting of Ps. 0.5383 per each Series "D" share and Ps. 0.4307 per each Series "B" share, which amounts to Ps. 2.5840 per "BD" Unit (BMV: FEMSAUBD) or Ps. 25.840 per ADS (NYSE: FMX), and Ps. 2.1534 per "B" Unit (BMV: FEMSAUB). The dividend payment will be split in two equal payments, payable on May 5, 2017 and November 3, 2017. In addition, the shareholders established the amount of Ps. 7,000 million as the maximum amount that could potentially be used for the Company's share repurchase program during 2017.

FEMSA is a leading company that participates in the beverage industry through Coca-Cola FEMSA, the largest franchise bottler of Coca-Cola products in the world by volume; and in the beer industry, through its ownership of the second largest equity stake in Heineken, one of the world's leading brewers with operations in over 70 countries. In the retail industry it participates through FEMSA Comercio, comprising a Retail Division operating various small-format store chains including OXXO, a Health Division, which includes all drugstores and related operations, and a Fuel Division, operating the OXXO GAS chain of retail service stations. Additionally, through its Strategic Businesses unit, it provides logistics, point-of-sale refrigeration solutions and plastics solutions to FEMSA's business units and third-party clients.

Media Contact:

(52) 55-5249-6843

Email Contact

www.femsa.com



Investor Contact:

(52) 81-8328-6167

Email Contact

www.femsa.com/investor




VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 03/16/17 -- Fortress Paper Ltd. ("Fortress Paper" or the "Company") (TSX: FTP) is pleased to announce that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Landqart AG ("Landqart"), has entered into an agreement with a new customer to utilize Landqart's proprietary banknote substrate, Durasafe, for the production of banknotes. The Company expects that Landqart will commence shipping orders to the new customer in the later part of 2017.

The new Durasafe order will represent the fourth country to produce a banknote on Durasafe banknote substrate, following Morocco, Kazakhstan and Switzerland.

Durasafe is an innovative composite paper-polymer-paper banknote substrate developed by Landqart in cooperation with the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich. Durasafe is composed of two cotton paper outer layers with a fully transparent polymer core. The polymer core in Durasafe adds stability and higher mechanical strength properties to banknotes as well as high security features. The substrate's unique properties allow windows to be formed virtually anywhere on the banknote and can contain a watermark and security fibres as well as traditional security features, including easy-to-recognise banknote paper tactility.

About Fortress Paper

Fortress Paper operates internationally in two distinct business segments: dissolving pulp and security paper products. The Company operates its dissolving pulp business at the Fortress Specialty Cellulose Mill located in Canada, which has expanded into the renewable energy generation sector with the construction of a cogeneration facility. The Company operates its security paper products business at the Landqart Mill located in Switzerland, where it produces banknote, passport, visa and other brand protection and security papers.

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements that reflect the current views and/or expectations of the Company with respect to its expectations, beliefs, assumptions, estimates and forecasts about its business and the industry and markets in which it operates. The reader is cautioned that statements comprising forward-looking information are not guarantees of future performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors which are difficult to predict and that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information. An example of such forward-looking information contained in this news release includes the anticipated initial shipment date for Durasafe banknotes to Landqart Mill's new customer. Assumptions underlying the Company's expectations regarding forward-looking statements contained in this news release include, among others: that the Landqart Mill will receive orders from the new customer when expected; that the Landqart Mill will have capacity to produce the required amount of banknotes; and that the Landqart Mill's equipment will operate at expected levels. Investors are cautioned that all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties including, without limitation, that market conditions for security paper products will be unfavourable, that there will be unforeseen disruptions to production and delivery at the Landqart Mill, and that the Company will be unable to product its security paper products. These risks, as well as others, could cause actual results and events to vary significantly. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Fortress Paper does not undertake any obligations to release publicly any revisions for updating any voluntary forward looking statements, except as required by applicable securities law.

Contacts:

Fortress Paper Ltd.

604-904-2328

info@fortresspaper.com




Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - March 16, 2017) - Queen's University and Eagle Graphite Incorporated (TSXV: EGA) (FSE: NJGP) (OTC: APMFF) ("Eagle Graphite" or the "Company") are pleased to report encouraging progress resulting from their joint multi-layer graphene research effort. The research was carried out under the NSERC Engage grant program as outlined in the Company's press release of October, 2016.

Multi-Layer Graphene ("MLG") is potentially useful when incorporated into polymer composites, with a consequent large improvement in strength, stiffness and heat resistance. This is important to the aerospace and automotive industries, where high performance composites are used to reduce weight and thus fuel consumption. For electric vehicles, a reduction in weight means longer range between charging points.

Dr. Aristides Docoslis, PhD, P.Eng. and Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering at Queens University in Kingston, Ontario, describes the progress made during the preliminary phase of the project. "We have developed a new environmentally-friendly, mechanical/chemical, aqueous-based process that exfoliates graphite to very fine, micron-sized multi-layer graphene (MLG) particles of controlled size distribution and aspect ratio. The yield of graphite exfoliation and MLG size distribution correlates well with key process parameters, which is promising from a process scalability point of view. The size and aspect ratio of the produced MLG makes it suitable for use in polymer-matrix based composite materials with fine-tuned properties."

George Hawley of Supermin, who acted as a consultant to the project, adds "Our work at Queen's University aims to develop a mechanical-chemical method for exfoliating Eagle's graphite to produce MLG of an aspect ratio that is estimated to be in the correct range. Preliminary results indicate that this is achievable without using conventional exfoliation methods that rely on strong acids and explosive chemicals."

"It is important to develop new methods such as this because there is presently no practical way to incorporate graphene's extremely high strength and stiffness into advanced materials such as plastic composites reinforced with carbon fibre. Monolayer graphene is so thin that it rapidly increases the viscosity of any composites beyond the capability of today's processing equipment. Current production equipment can handle only about 1% graphene, and such a tiny amount will not make enough of a difference to be worthwhile. Multi-Layer Graphene ("MLG") on the other hand should provide the right balance between strength and workability."

"We at Eagle are excited to be at the forefront developing a potentially high value product with enormous target markets," says Jamie Deith, CEO of Eagle Graphite. "These early results are very encouraging, and we plan to continue this research for as long as it shows promise."

About Queen's University

Queen's is one of Canada's oldest degree-granting institutions and a full-spectrum, research-intensive university that conducts leading-edge research in a variety of areas. It balances excellence in undergraduate studies with well-established and innovative graduate programs. The department of Chemical Engineering at Queen's is an award-winning department in both research and teaching, reflecting the dedication in the Department to achieve the highest standard of academic excellence. Its mission is to provide internationally recognized leadership in education and research at the interface of science and engineering, anticipate the needs of our students and society as a whole, and contribute to responsible solutions for future generations. The Department of Chemical Engineering is nationally recognized as one of the top research departments in Canada and internationally acknowledged as a leading department in North America.

About Supermin

Supermin Enterprises is the consulting company of George C Hawley. Mr. Hawley worked in the UK as a Research & Development Chemist for Morgan Crucible company, a leading global manufacturer of synthetic graphite products. Later, as Technical & Marketing Director at Martin Marietta Corporation in Quebec, he was responsible for the development of the Suzorite Mica business. Working closely with auto manufacturers Ford, General Motors, Chrysler and Volkswagen, and with plastics producers GE, DuPont, GAF, and Hercules, he pioneered the reinforcement of plastics using high aspect ratio mica flake, and brought this to a production capacity of 30,000 tonnes per year.



Since 2000, Mr. Hawley has been a consultant providing expert guidance to the industrial minerals industry, including graphite.

About Eagle Graphite

Eagle Graphite Incorporated is an Ontario company that owns one of only two natural flake graphite production facilities in North America, located 35 kilometres west of the city of Nelson in British Columbia, Canada, and 70 kilometres north of the state of Washington, USA, known as the Black Crystal graphite quarry. The Company's shares are listed on the TSXV under the symbol "EGA", on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the symbol "NJGP", and on the US OTC market under the symbol "APMFF".

Cautionary Statements

Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: This press release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Such information is based on assumptions, estimates, opinions and analysis made by management in light of its experience, current conditions and its expectations of future developments as well as other factors which it believes to be reasonable and relevant. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking information and accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on such information. Although the Company believes, in light of the experience of its officers and directors, current conditions and expected future developments and other factors that have been considered appropriate, that the expectations reflected in this forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. In evaluating forward-looking information, readers should carefully consider the various factors which could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward looking information. The statements in this press release are made as of the date of this release. The Company undertakes no obligation to comment on analyses, expectations or statements made by third parties in respect of the Company or its securities, its financial or operating results, as applicable.

Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Eagle Graphite Incorporated

Jamie Deith

Chief Executive Officer

(604) 909-4237

jdeith@eaglegraphite.com
LOS ANGELES, CA -- (Marketwired) -- 03/16/17 -- Crown Prince of Italy Emanuele Filiberto is also the CEO of a company that's exciting and young, yet full of heritage, called Prince of Venice, LLC. "We believe we are the world's first food truck serving gourmet, organic Italian handmade pastas and sauces, and have been successfully taking over the Los Angeles foodie scene," the Prince of Savoy said. The Company's business strategy is to expand operations by adding more Prince of Venice-branded food trucks, starting a boutique food and gift shop, and eventually offering franchise opportunities across the nation and world. "I'd like to become the Starbucks of fresh Italian pasta!" the Prince stated.

The Prince of Venice food truck has been attracting international media attention, featured on Good Day LA FOX 11, KTLA Channel 5, KCRW, Telemundo 52, W Radio of Colombia, Vogue, LA Times, The Telegraph, The Huffington Post, Gala, The Daily Mail, Boss Magazine, Closer Magazine, The Guardian, Munchies, Hola! Mexico, and L'Italo Americano, to name a few.

"Prince of Venice, which is my hereditary title from the 1,000-year-old House of Savoy, takes pride in the quality and authenticity of its handmade pasta," Prince Emanuele Filiberto said. The Prince of Venice Food Truck "is likely the most impressive and elaborate food truck operation in the city," according to the LA Times earlier this year. A glimpse of the Prince of Venice Food Truck menu reveals: decadent Tartufo made with fresh black truffle, house made truffle butter, light cream sauce, chives; delectable yet simple Maccheroni alla Bolognese made with 100% beef ground bolognese sauce and parmesan; and heavenly Orecchiette al Pesto made with basil, parmigiano cheese, pecorino cheese, almonds, parsley, and extra virgin olive oil, among other specials and favorites.

"Now that you're hungry, to fund our expansion strategy, Prince of Venice is pleased to announce our equity crowdfunding offering to raise up to $1,000,000, with more than one-third already subscribed to by new investors," the Prince stated." We also invite you to join this foodie revolution with Italian royalty as a ground-floor investor," he concluded.

You can learn more about Prince of Venice, and qualified investors can subscribe to the offering online, by going to www.FlashFunders.com/princeofvenice a major equity crowdfunding portal based in Santa Monica. View a short video that tells the Prince of Venice Food Truck story, in the Prince's own words, by clicking on https://vimeo.com/208555736. Boustead Securities, LLC, a California-based FINRA Broker/Dealer is the exclusive financial advisor to Prince of Venice, LLC.

"I look forward to welcoming you as a partner in the continued growth of the Prince of Venice Food Truck!" said HRH Emanuele Filiberto di Savoia, the Prince of Venice.

ABOUT PRINCE OF VENICE FOOD TRUCK:

Prince of Venice, LLC is a food truck operation that sells various types of gourmet pasta dishes principally in the Los Angeles, California area. Our initial truck currently makes multiple stops per week (serving lunch and dinner six days a week) at prearranged locations. Food preparation occurs at our central kitchen which supports streamlined operations within the truck by limiting in-truck operations to assembly and cooking. This allows our truck to achieve maximum revenues per hour and deliver various pasta dishes efficiently to our customers. Our business model implements the use of social media and location booking to secure sales at each stop.

The Company is committed to bringing the highest quality pasta dishes to the Los Angeles food truck market. The Company's business model relies on the continued growth and success of its existing food truck, as well as the addition of a second food truck and a restaurant/storefront. With funding to be provided to the Company from the proceeds of this Offering, the Company intends to open a second food truck and also a 30- to 40-seat restaurant that will also contain an Italian food market. Within this market, Prince of Venice intends to sell gourmet quality pastas, sauces, oils, seasonal treats and wines, along with other food-related items.

www.princeofvenicefoodtruck.com

ABOUT FLASH FUNDERS:

FlashFunders, Inc. is a tech-enabled investment bank that empowers companies to publicly fundraise from anyone, including accredited investors, international investors and the crowd. FlashFunders has built the technology and regulatory infrastructure to facilitate any type of distributed securities offering (including Reg A+, Reg D and Reg CF). As a registered FINRA Broker-Dealer Clearing Firm, Funding Portal and Transfer Agent, FlashFunders is an end-to-end resource for companies raising capital. FlashFunders was founded in 2012 and is headquartered in Santa Monica, CA.

www.flashfunders.com

ABOUT BOUSTEAD SECURITIES, LLC:

Boustead Securities, LLC is an investment banking firm that advises clients on IPOs, mergers and acquisitions, capital raises and restructuring assignments in a wide array of industries, geographies and transactions. Our core value proposition is our ability to create opportunity through innovative solutions and tenacious execution. With experienced professionals in the United States and around the world, Boustead's team moves quickly and provides a broad spectrum of sophisticated financial advice and services.

www.boustead1828.com

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Angela Saul

angela@boustead1828.com

+1 949 502 4409




CALGARY, ALBERTA -- (Marketwired) -- 03/16/17 -- Serinus Energy Inc. ("Serinus", "SEN" or the "Company") (TSX: SEN)(WARSAW: SEN) is pleased to report its financial and operating results for the year ended December 31, 2016.

2016 Highlights

-- In 2016, Serinus achieved average production (SEN WI) in Tunisia was 1,124 boe/d, down from 1,348 boe/d during 2015. Lower production during 2016 was due to natural declines and various technical issues including a blockage at WIN-12bis and ESP pump failures and subsequent un-planned workovers required at CS-1, CS-9 and CS-3. -- The netback for Tunisia in 2016 was $11.41 per boe, compared to $20.86 per boe in 2015. The lower netback was driven by lower commodity prices for most of the year partially offset by decreased production expenses. -- Funds from operations was an outflow of $1.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 (2015: inflow of $16.8 million). Funds from operations from Tunisia were $4.4 million, the corporate loss was $9.0 million and offsetting this loss from continuing operations were the funds from operations from Ukraine of $3.0 million. In 2016, the sale of Ukraine in February 2016, lower production and lower commodity prices contributed to the decrease in funds from operations. The principle drivers were the lower production and netbacks described above. -- The net loss from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2016 was $27.5 million ($0.35 per share), compared to a net loss from continuing operations of $52.2 million ($0.66 per share) in 2015. Included within this loss was asset impairment of $16.8 million (2015: $51.4 million) as a result of negative technical reserve revisions and declining oil and natural gas prices. -- Subsequent to year end, the Company filed a short form prospectus, dated February 21, 2017, which qualified for distribution 72 million common shares of the Company at CAD$0.35 per share for aggregate gross proceeds of CAD$25.2 million (net CAD$24.3 million, after agents fees of CAD$0.9 million)("the Offering"). The Offering closed on February 24, 2017, and the net proceeds will be used by the Company to fund the development of the Moftinu Gas Development Project and pre-work for the 2018 drilling program in the Satu Mare Concession in Romania, production enhancement in the Sabria block in Tunisia, and for general corporate purposes. -- In Q1 2016, Serinus announced the closing of the sale of its 70% interest in Ukraine to Resano Trading Ltd. for total cash consideration of $33.2 million including all working capital and inter-company adjustments. Net proceeds of the sale were used to repay $19.2 million of debt and interest outstanding with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development ("EBRD") against the Romania and Tunisia debt facilities. The balance of the proceeds will be used for general corporate purposes and to help fund development of the Moftinu gas discovery in Romania. The results of operations of Ukraine are included in the consolidated results of Serinus up to the date the sale closed and are reflected as discontinued operations in the statement of operations. -- As at December 31, 2016, the outstanding principal on EBRD debt was $27.1 million, reflecting prepayments made as a result of the disposition of Ukraine, regular scheduled repayments made in March and September, and a repayment under the excess cash sweep provision in May 2016.

Summary Financial Results (US$ 000's unless otherwise noted)

Three Months Ending December 31 Year Ending December 31 ---------------------------------------------------------- 2016 2015 Change 2016 2015 Change ---------------------------------------------------------- Net Oil and Gas Revenue 4,456 4,794 (7%) 15,947 25,975 (39%) Net Income from Continuing Operations (14,419) (14,333) 1% (27,521) (52,150) 47% per share, basic and diluted (0.18) (0.18) (0.35) (0.66) Funds from Continuing Operations (368) (2,192) (83%) (4,652) 935 (598%) per share, basic and diluted (0.01) (0.03) (47%) (0.06) 0.01 Capital Expenditures 975 563 73% 3,651 13,233 (72%) Average Production (net to Serinus from continuing operations) Oil (Bbl/d) 842 1,001 (16%) 853 1,055 (19%) Gas (Mcf/d) 1,733 1,655 5% 1,628 1,755 (7%) -------------------- -------------------- BOE (boe/d) 1,131 1,277 (11%) 1,124 1,348 (17%) Average Sales Price (from continuing operations) Oil ($/Bbl) $ 47.40 $ 41.85 13% $ 42.10 $ 52.75 (20%) Gas ($Mcf) $ 4.91 $ 6.17 (20%) $ 4.71 $ 8.81 (47%) -------------------- -------------------- BOE ($/boe) $ 42.82 $ 40.81 5% $ 38.75 $ 52.77 (27%) December 31 December 31 ------------------------ ------------------------ 2016 2015 2016 2015 ------------------------ ------------------------ Cash & Equivalents 4,297 6,594 4,297 6,594 Working Capital (38,475) (11,243) (38,475) (11,243) Long Term Debt - - Shares Outstanding 78,629,941 78,629,941 78,629,941 78,629,941 Average for Period 78,629,941 78,629,941 78,629,941 78,629,941

General & Financial Highlights

-- Revenue, net of royalties, from Tunisia for year ended December 31, 2016 decreased to $14.0 million, compared to $23.0 million in 2015, due to lower commodity prices and lower production. -- For the three months ended December 31, 2016, revenue net of royalties decreased to $3.7 million, from $4.2 million in the comparative period of 2015, due to lower production, partially offset by higher commodity prices. -- Total royalties paid decreased from $3.0 million in 2015 to $2.0 million.in 2016. Much of this decrease was due to lower production and lower commodity prices. -- Serinus made capital expenditures of $3.6 million in 2016, of which $1.9 million and $1.7 million were in Tunisia and Romania respectively. -- Due to the continued decline in oil prices and technical reserve revisions, Serinus took a further impairment charge of $16.8 million at December 31, 2016 against its Tunisian assets versus $51.4 million for 2015. -- In 2016, $7.6 million of the EBRD Senior Loan, including interest, was repaid from proceeds of the sale of Ukraine, scheduled semi-annual installments were paid in March and September 2016 of $1.7 million each and a repayment of $3.4 million was made in May 2016 under the cash sweep mechanism. As at December 31, 2016, the principle outstanding under the Senior Loan was $7.1 million. -- At December 31, 2016, the Company was not in compliance with the financial debt to EBITDA ratio financial covenant at the corporate level on its debt held with the EBRD. The EBRD subsequently waived compliance with this ratio for the year ended December 31, 2016. Debt repayments will follow their original scheduled repayment terms and the bank will not be acting on its security. However, given the covenant was breached as at December 31, 2016, Serinus has reclassified its long-term debt to current in the financial statements, as required under accounting standards.

Operational Highlights

-- During 2016, production from Tunisia averaged 1,124 boe/d, down from 1,348 boe/d during 2015, a decline of 17%. Lower production during 2016 was due to natural declines and various technical issues including a blockage at WIN-12bis, ESP pump failures and subsequent un-planned workovers required at CS-1, CS-9 and CS-3. -- In Q4 2016, production volumes decreased 11% to 1,131 boe per day, compared to 1,277 boe per day in the comparable period of 2015. The decreased production was due to natural declines and lower production in Chouech Es Saida as CS-3 and CS-1 wells went down in the middle of December. These two wells remain off-line in Q1 2017 pending pump replacement and workovers. CS-3 is anticipated to be back on stream in the second quarter of 2017 pending resolution of the shut-in of the Chouech Es Saida field announced February 28, 2017. The decline in production in the Chouech Es Saida field was offset by increased production in Sabria due to increased production from WIN12-bis as compared to 2015, due to a blockage in September and October restricting October 2015 production. -- Minimal capital activity was undertaken in 2016 due to the low commodity prices restricting capital spend in Tunisia. In Romania, the National Agency for Mineral Resources ("NAMR"), the Romanian regulator, granted its final approval for the Phase 3 Extension Addendum for the Satu Mare Concession ("Satu Mare") in northwest Romania. The term is for three years and expires on October 28, 2019.

Outlook

Serinus will concentrate on the development of the Moftinu Gas Development Project in Romania which will include building surface facilities. This is a near-term project that is expected to begin producing from the gas discovery wells Moftinu-1001 and Moftinu-1000 in early 2018. The Corporation has obtained all necessary approvals for, and will soon commence, the construction of a gas plant with 15 MMcf/d of operational capacity. Construction of the project will proceed over 2017 with expected first gas from this project in Q1 2018. The Company is also developing the drilling program to meet work commitments for the extension.

Average working interest production in 2017 in Tunisia to the end of February was approximately 727 boe/d (556 bbl/d of oil, 1,030 MMcf/d of gas).

The Company's production has been significantly curtailed in the first quarter of 2017 as a result of the shut-in of the Chouech Es Saida field in Tunisia, which is expected to continue for the duration of the first quarter. Assuming the continued shut-in, production is projected to be approximately 650 boe/d for the first quarter of 2017. Full year production for 2017 is dependent on the successful resolution of the sit-in at the Chouech Es Saida field and associated security and safety issues, as well as the timing of the above mentioned capital program in Sabria.

Executive Appointment

The Company is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Calvin Brackman as Vice President, External Relations & Strategy. Mr. Brackman has a wealth of external relations and strategic planning experience, including being Director of Government Relations at PetroKazakhstan Inc. from 2003 to 2005. For the past 10 years Mr. Brackman has worked as a consultant and advised numerous international oil companies. Mr. Brackman has been Director of External Relations with Serinus since December, 2016.

Supporting Documents

The full Management Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A") and Financial Statements have been filed in English on www.sedar.com and in Polish and English via the ESPI system, and will also be available on www.serinusenergy.com.

Abbreviations

---------------------------------------------------------------------------- bbl Barrel(s) bbl/d Barrels per day ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- boe Barrels of Oil Equivalent boe/d Barrels of Oil Equivalent per day ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mcf Thousand Cubic Feet Mcf/d Thousand Cubic Feet per day ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- MMcf Million Cubic Feet MMcf/d Million Cubic Feet per day ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mcfe Thousand Cubic Feet Mcfe/d Thousand Cubic Feet Equivalent Equivalent per day ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- MMcfe Million Cubic Feet MMcfe/d Million Cubic Feet Equivalent Equivalent per day ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mboe Thousand boe Bcf Billion Cubic Feet ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- MMboe Million boe Mcm Thousand Cubic Metres ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- CAD Canadian Dollar USD U.S. Dollar ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cautionary Statement:

BOEs may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation. A BOE conversion ratio of 6 Mcf:1 bbl is based on an energy equivalency conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead.

About Serinus

Serinus is an international upstream oil and gas exploration and production company that owns and operates projects in Tunisia and Romania.

For further information, please refer to the Serinus website (www.serinusenergy.com).

Translation: This news release has been translated into Polish from the English original.

Forward-looking Statements

This release may contain forward-looking statements made as of the date of this announcement with respect to future activities that either are not or may not be historical facts. Although the Company believes that its expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable as of the date hereof, any potential results suggested by such statements involve risk and uncertainties and no assurance can be given that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. Various factors that could impair or prevent the Company from completing the expected activities on its projects include that the Company's projects experience technical and mechanical problems, there are changes in product prices, failure to obtain regulatory approvals, the state of the national or international monetary, oil and gas, financial, political and economic markets in the jurisdictions where the Company operates and other risks not anticipated by the Company or disclosed in the Company's published material. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature, they involve inherent risks and uncertainties and actual results may vary materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statement. The Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements in this announcement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this announcement, unless required by law.

Notes: Serinus prepares its financial results on a consolidated basis. Unless otherwise noted by the phrases "allocable to Serinus", "net to Serinus", "attributable to SEN shareholders" or "SEN WI", all values and volumes refer to the consolidated figures. Serinus reports in US dollars; all dollar values referred to herein, whether in dollars or per share values are in US dollars unless otherwise noted.

Contacts:

Serinus Energy Inc.

Calvin Brackman

Vice President, External Relations & Strategy

+1-403-264-8877

cbrackman@serinusenergy.com



Serinus Energy Inc.

Jeffrey Auld

Chief Executive Officer

+1-403-264-8877

jauld@serinusenergy.com

www.serinusenergy.com




Global seed stage venture capital firm 500 Startups is launching its second Latin American Regional fund.

500 Startups Luchadores II Fund is targeting $10M in commitments to invest in Spanish-speaking and Latin-American founders.

The International Finance Corporation (IFC, a member of the World Bank Group) will be the first anchor investor in the fund. It is now seeking additional limited partners in the region.

Led by Santiago Zavala, Partner and Managing Partner, Rene Lomeli, Operations Director, and Daphne Salinas and Didier Quiroz, Associates, Luchadores II plans to invest in over 120 companies in Education, Health, Financial Technologies, Software as a Service, E-commerce, Health Technologies, Tourism and other industries over the next 2 years through the LatAm 500 Seed Program.

The seed program, based in Mexico City, will be a key component to Luchadores II.

500 Startups is the most active early stage investor in the LatAm & Spanish-speaking market with over 100 companies and over $8M USD invested in the region since 2013. Luchadores Is portfolio includes Konfio, Conekta, Nubity, Rocket, Clip, Boletia and 99 Minutos, among others.

FinSMEs

16/03/2017
Active Implants, a Memphis, Tenn.-based developer of orthopedic implant solutions, completed the first $10m tranche of a $40m Series D financing.

The financing is to be comprised of $30m from first-time investor LS Health Science Partners, L.P., with another $10m to be contributed by existing investors. An initial investment of $10m has been received from LS Health Science Partners, with the remaining $30m to be funded in tranches.

Led by Ted Davis, president and CEO, Active Implants develops orthopedic implant solutions that complement the natural biomechanics of the musculoskeletal system. Its NUsurface Meniscus Implant is an investigational treatment for patients with persistent knee pain following medial meniscus surgery. It is made from medical grade polymer and composite structure and design, does not require fixation to bone or soft tissues.

The company, which has European offices in Driebergen, The Netherlands, and R&D facilities in Netanya, Israel, intends to use the proceeds to continue funding two clinical trials of the implant.

FinSMEs

16/03/2017
Cell Medica, a London, UK-based cellular immunotherapy company, closed a 60m Series C funding round.

Backers included existing investors Touchstone Innovations, funds managed by Invesco Perpetual, and funds managed by Woodford Investment Management.

The company intends to use the funds to continue to progress its three proprietary technology platforms for cell-based immunotherapy products.

Led by Gregg Sando, Chief Executive Officer, CEO, Cell Medica is a cellular therapeutics company engaged in the development, manufacturing and marketing of cellular immunotherapy products for the treatment of cancer. It is developing a range of cell-based immunotherapy products using three proprietary technology platforms including activated cytotoxic T cells, chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) and engineered T cell receptors (TCRs).

The lead oncology product, baltaleucel-T (CMD-003), is currently under investigation in the CITADEL Phase 2 clinical trial for the treatment of patients with advanced lymphomas associated with the Epstein Barr virus. Over the last year, Cell Medica has expanded its technology base through two strategic collaborations and the acquisition of Delenex Therapeutics. The company has established a product development partnership with Baylor College of Medicine to develop genetically engineered chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) to reprogramme human immune cells to recognise and kill cancer cells while also preventing cancer escape mechanisms. This partnership will explore the use of NKT cells to target solid tumors.

FinSMEs

16/03/2017
TTV Capital, an Atlanta, GA-based fintech venture capital firm, closed its latest fund, at $93m.

Limited partners in TTV Fund IV include a sovereign wealth fund, endowments, foundations, family offices, Invest Georgia, and strategic investors.

Led by Gardiner Garrard, W. Thomas Smith Jr., Mark A. Johnson and Sean Banks, TTV invests in fintech businesses that serve the varying needs of the financial services sector and the consumers of financial products.

To date, the fund has invested in the early stage rounds of six startups including Apruve, Blooom, DefenseStorm, Featurespace, Gro, and SmartAsset. All of the companies are capitalizing on one or more themes for TTV, including democratizing enterprise functionality, leveraging modern technology infrastructure, modernizing an existing industry, and/or creating a hybrid solution at the intersection of different industries. All of the companies provide either a SaaS solution to underserved markets, or an enterprise solution, and already have revenue and customers.

FinSMEs

16/03/2017
Insurify, a Cambridge, MA-based virtual insurance agent for car insurance shopping, closed a $4.6m funding round.

The round wad led by MassMutual Ventures, Nationwide Ventures and its existing investors.

The company, which has raised a total funding of $6.6m, intends to use the funds to accelerate its growth.

Led by Snejina Zacharia, founder and CEO, Insurify provides a patent-pending virtual agent, powered by artificial intelligence and natural language processing, which enables drivers to compare insurance quotes by messaging. Since the companys launch in January 2016, the agent has been used by more than 1.5 million consumers.

A MIT spin-off, Insurify has also launched a U.S. car insurance comparison service on Facebook Messenger that provides car insurance quotes, advice and recommendations through the social network. Facebook users may upload a picture of their license plates, answer a few questions that an insurance agent would ask, and compare multiple quotes in 2 minutes. Consumers may subscribe to rate alerts, which monitor insurance prices and notify them if there is a more competitive rate.

FinSMEs

16/03/2017
New Delhi: With the Goods and Service Tax (GST) Council on Thursday approving the remaining two draft bills  UTGST (Union Territory GST) and SGST (state GST), all the five enabling draft bills stand approved to enable a likely rollout of the new indirect tax regime by 1 July.

"The 12th Council meeting approved UTGST and SGST onThursday. Officers had already done the groundwork, The drafts were already circulated. In the past meetings, the Council has already approved CGST (Central GST), IGST (Integrated GST) and Compensation drafts," Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, who chairs the Council, told reporters here.

With the final approvals, the legislative exercise stands complete and 1 July is the tentative date of GST's implementation, Jaitley said.

The draft bills now need to be approved by the Cabinet and tabled in Parliament's ongoing budget session.

Meanwhile, the sGST draft law will have to be approved by the legislative Assemblies of Delhi and Puducherry.

The UTGST draft law is for the union territories like Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Daman and Diu and Dadra and Nagar Haveli, which do not have legislative assemblies.

The new indirect tax regime also has nine set of rules and regulations, out of which the Council has already approved five -- registration, payment, refunds, invoices and returns.

"Four other rules - composition, valuation, input tax credit transitions - require a formal approval of the Council," Jaitley said adding the next meeting will be held on 31 March.

After 31 March, the Council will take up the exercise of fitment of various commodities in the GST tax slabs - 5 percent, 12 percent, 15 percent and 28 percent, he added.

The officials have already started the fitment process, which will be put up for discussion and approval before the Council.

Jaitley also said that the cess on sin (tobacco products) and luxury goods has been capped at 15 percent by the Council.

"Capping of cess has been done. These are not actual, but, ceiling is kept higher to give a marginal headspace," he said.
Yoga guru Baba Ramdev's Patanjali Ayurved, which has taken Indian FMCG market by storm, now seeks to take its products to China, Myanmar and Bangladesh, according to a report in the Mint newspaper. The company makes everything from noodles to biscuits to wheat and ghee but is not clear which products it plans to sell in China.

According to the report, the strategy of the company is to use the Sahibganj multi-modal terminal in Jharkhand to start exporting products to the East Asian nations.

A shipping ministry statement had earlier said that the multi modal terminal will have facilities including berthing space for two vessels, stockyard for storing, belt conveyor system with fixed hoppers, barge loader, shore protection works, roads, ramps and parking area, and terminal buildings. The terminal is being built by Larsen & Toubro.

Patanjali is in talks with the Inland Waterways Authority of India and shipping minister Nitin Gadkari to use the terminal, which will help it save logistic costs, said the Mint report.

China has been aggressively bombarding India with its cheap products be it toys, hardware, crackers to electronic appliances and also seriously dented many of the countrys home-grown industries. China is the world's largest trading nation in goods, with its exports in 2015 amounted to US $2276.5 billion.

Patanjali has been exporting select products to the UK, US, Canada and Mauritius and and has been receiving enquiries from the United Arab Emirates, Azerbhaijan and Iran, the Mint report said.

The company is on an aggressive expansion plan for which it has earmarked Rs 10,000 crore. It is considering manufacturing units in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.

It is setting up the Patanjali Herbal and Mega Food Park at Balipara in Sonitpur which will manufacture a wide range of consumer products such as cosmetics, nutritional foods and kitchen essentials among others.

The company is setting up four industrial units in Vidharbha region of east Maharashtra, including in the backward district of Gadchiroli, The units will come up in Multi-modal International Cargo Hub and Airport at Nagpur (Mihan), Amravati and Katol, besides in Gadchiroli. The Maharashtra government has decided to provide 347 acres of land in Mihan to Patanjali Yogpeeth for setting up a food processing unit.

In Greater Noida, Patanjali is setting a Rs 2,000 crore 450-acre food park on the Yamuna Expressway in Greater Nodia. Baba Ramdev had said the group will enter into textiles sector with jeans and Indian wear as well.
Several food and drink multinationals and trade groups met in recent weeks to discuss how to lobby more effectively against Indian proposals for higher taxes and stricter labelling rules on fatty or sugary foods, sources familiar with the talks said.

According to officials, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration has begun to look closely at policy proposals under discussion since at least 2015, raising concerns over the possible impact on the $57 billion sector.

Alarmed by rising rates of obesity and diabetes, India plans to frame draft rules within a month requiring manufacturers to display the fat, sugar and salt content of products on packaging.

It is also considering a nationwide "fat tax" for so-called "junk foods", a senior government official said, although that is unlikely to be rolled out in the near term.

Last month, executives from companies including PepsiCo, Nestle and Indian consumer firm ITC met trade groups in New Delhi to coordinate efforts and urge the government to resist pressure from health advocates, according to an industry source aware of the meeting.

The attendees, who felt their efforts to push back had been too piecemeal, talked about forming a core group to unify their message when engaging the government, the source said.

PepsiCo and Nestle in India did not comment directly on the meeting or its outcome. ITC did not respond to requests for comment.

Trade group All India Food Processors' Association (AIFPA), whose members range from street vendors to global conglomerates, said two industry-wide meetings were held in February.

Its members, who also discussed ways to offer more nutritious products, plan to send a joint representation to the government and approach health and food officials to express concerns about stringent regulations.

Promising growth

The stakes are high for companies like PepsiCo, Coca-Cola, Nestle and McDonald's, which have collectively committed billions of dollars to expand in the world's fastest growing major economy.

India's carbonated drinks sector is estimated to grow an average 3.7 percent annually between 2017 and 2021, while the packaged food sector will grow by 8 percent a year during the same period, Euromonitor International estimates.

Government pressure comes in various forms.

Modi recently told PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi that her company needed to focus more on public health, an aide to the prime minister said.

Separately, the prime minister's office asked PepsiCo to outline how it would reduce sugar in beverages sold in India, the aide added.

PepsiCo did not comment on those remarks by Modi and his office. It referred Reuters to its October 2016 global commitment "to transform its portfolio and offer healthier options". Modi's office did not respond to an email seeking comment.

A Coca-Cola India representative referred questions on proposed regulatory changes to the Indian Beverage Association, which said their impact was "under evaluation".

Nestle corporate affairs executive Sanjay Khajuria said the company was "working to improve the nutrient profile" of their products.

"These are complex public health issues which require (a) holistic multi-stakeholder approach and we are committed to work with authorities," Khajuria said in an email.

The CEO of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), Pawan Kumar Agarwal, welcomed industry concerns about tougher rules.

"It is a good thing if it helps in providing healthier options," he told Reuters in an interview.

Planned regulations

The number of obese men and women in India rose to about 30 million by 2014 from 1.2 million in 1975, according to a study by British medical journal The Lancet, although the comparative figure for China was around 90 million.

Concerns about the health effects of fast food and soda drinks have been growing globally in recent years.

Mexico imposed higher taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages, for example, while South Korea placed television advertising restrictions on specific food items.

But India has been slow to finalise rules on products high in fat, sugar and salt, whose consumption health advocates say urgently needs to be checked to safeguard public health.

Agarwal denied industry pressure was affecting the implementation of tighter regulations, adding that India was nudging companies to make healthier products while working on new rules.

The FSSAI is considering advertising norms to check on health claims made by companies and is working on educating consumers about the health effects of foods containing high levels of sugar or fat.

One government official said the regulator was deliberating whether disclosures about the nutritional value of food should be placed on the front of packages.

Another labelling proposal under review was a "traffic light" system, where red, yellow and green colours depict nutritional value, similar to one used in the United Kingdom. "Traffic light is making (reading labels) simple," Agarwal said. "Red people associate with danger, green is okay".

But trade body AIFPA said such labelling was of no use.

"Most Indian foods will be red. So what purpose does it serve?" said the group's president, Subodh Jindal.

Potentially more significant for major brands would be a nationwide "fat tax", which authorities are discussing and was last year announced by the southern state of Kerala.

There, branded restaurants like McDonald's and Domino's Pizza face a 14.5 percent tax, higher than that applied to smaller, indigenous outlets serving the same fare or Indian cuisine often high in sugar and fat.

"It makes the larger players nervous," said an industry executive, calling the discourse on "junk food" in India discriminatory and unscientific.

McDonald's India did not comment on the government's discussions on a nationwide "fat tax". Domino's India said its spokesman was not available.
The arrest of Yogendra Vasupal, co-founder and CEO of now-shutdown homestay aggregator Stayzilla, has startled the startup community and its various supporters who are angry at the criminal sections under which Vasupal has been arrested. The start-up system will be impacted if civil cases are treated as criminal and officials of corporates are arrested for vendor dues, said officials of The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE), Chennai, on Wednesday.

"This is bad in law and reflects badly on law and order in Tamil Nadu. The case is a civil case-non-payment to vendor," P Narayanan, president of TiE Chennai, has been quoted as saying in a report in IANS. He said banks have huge non-performing assets (NPAs) and it would be a ridiculous situation if the industrialists were taken to police station.

There are many known people from large businesses who have defaulted on payments, unable to pay creditors, etc. Vasupal is a startup entrepreneur who, according to the reports, has unpaid debts. Is this a criminal case or a civil case? Why has he been arrested under criminal sections, asks Padmaja Ruparel, president, Indian Angel Network.

Indian Angel Network was one of the early investors in Stayzilla. The funding had helped the company scale up in 2012.

If the government is serious about promoting startups and PM Modis programme -- Startup India, Standup India - then it should be make it comfortable for startups entrepreneurs to function in the country within the legal system, says Ruparel.

Vasupal refers to the same in his blog.

On March 9th, 2 policemen in Bangalore came home in mufti and stated that I am wanted in the station for questioning. I called my lawyer immediately and was informed by him that if there wasnt a summons or a warrant, I dont have to go. I got back to the cops whom I seated at my home and informed them of the same. I then asked them for more information on the reason they wanted me. I was told that there is a case against me by somebody from Chennai for cheating, intimidation and etc. I recognized the name of the complainant and informed them that there was a dispute between 2 companies and we had asked the other company to take it up in the court. I dont personally owe anybody money and I am wondering how can they get confused on such a basic matter as this was a clear civil case. I also pointed out that we have been asking the other company to take it to court if they felt they were wronged as we felt within our right. I also pointed out that my company is also owed close to 7 crores from various debtors but I am not going around filing false criminal cases against them.

Ruparel says that the accused did not get the charge sheet  a formal document of accusation prepared by law enforcement agencies and given to the alleged accused. This was the status quo until late last night. The large concern here is that the law should be allowed to take its course unhindered and without any influence or arm twisting by anybody for or against an accused, she says.

The case of Vasupal makes it important to ensure that legal rights of everyone should be ensured, says Ruparel.

In a statement issued in Delhi on Wednesday, the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) has strongly urged the Tamil Nadu government to release Vasupal and withdraw the FIR against him.

Referring to Vasupal's statement, IAMAI said there was no personal fraud involved in this case and this was a corporate matter and he had only signed on behalf of Stayzilla. Therefore, prima facie, it seems that a criminal FIR against him was not tenable. According to IAMAI, such a criminal case against a signatory of a corporate Pvt Ltd Co for a corporate liability is unprecedented and unheard of.

IAMAI said prima facie Chennai Police had deliberately acted in bad faith by resorting to legal overreach.

Meanwhile, other entrepreneurs are rallying to support Vasupal.

Girish Mathrubhootam, founder, Freshdesk told ET on Wednesday that, So far, it looks like a business dispute which should be a civil case. We cant allow intimidation of entrepreneurs in this manner."

Many have taken to Twitter to express support. Karnatakas Minister of IT and BT Priyank Karge has expressed his support on Twitter and also said that he would help Vasupal if he was on the right side of law:

Spoke to Dr. Manikandan,IT minister for his intervention in @stayzilla case, I am sure he will help if @YogiVasupal is on right side of law  Priyank Kharge (@PriyankKharge) March 15, 2017

Spoke to TN IT Pr Secretary Mr. Ramchandran on @stayzilla issue. Have asked his intervention on the merits of the case & do the needful  Priyank Kharge (@PriyankKharge) March 15, 2017

Ravi Gururaj, founder, QikPod and Nasscom board member, came down heavily on the heavy handed tactics against Vasupal. He said in a series of tweets that he had asked senior Nasscom members in Chennai to help Vasupal.

Disappointed + distressed @ heavy handed tactics against @YogiVasupal Stayzilla. Totally unacceptable. Alerting authorities requesting help!  Ravi Gururaj (@ravigururaj) March 15, 2017

A hashtag 'ReleaseYogiNow is gathering steam on Twitter with some asking for the PMO to intervene:

@PMOIndia This is pure coercion - time to show how serious we truly are about StartupIndia #ReleaseYogiNow https://t.co/1l3yeI4Acn  Kshitij Chopra (@_kshitijchopra) March 15, 2017

A grave day, a sword hanging over all our heads, a mixed system of legal recourse in India. #ReleaseYogiNow  Rehan Yar Khan (@rehanyarkhan) March 15, 2017

Some have mentioned about the speed at which cine actor Salman Khan got bail:

While most are angry at the manner of the arrest:
Prime minister Narendra Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) landslide victory in the politically important state of Uttar Pradesh has put the spotlight back on the most important aspect of development, i.e. pushing more reforms.

After winning in 325 seats out of 403 in Uttar Pradesh state assembly polls announced last week, stock market players on Dalal Street gave a big thumbs up on Tuesday as key benchmark indices rose with the Nifty hitting a record high, amid expectations that the political stability will help Modi government pursue more reforms in the days to come.

In fact, several foreign and domestic brokerage houses were quick to raise the targets for the Sensex & Nifty in the near to medium term.

So, will Modi, buoyed by his phenomenal success in recent state polls, step up and push through the politically sensitive labour reforms or banking sector reforms?

Though a section of observers do say this is the right time to take these crucial steps, there are also doubts as to whether he will indeed press ahead. Many feel the prime minister will continue with the populist rural steps in the next couple of years, given the next general elections are in 2019.

It has to be remembered ever since Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi made the 'suit boot ki sarkar' jibe in April 2015, Modi and the BJP have desperately taken steps to alter the government's corporate-friendly image.

Also there is a lesson the BJP learnt from the previous NDA government's 'India Shinning' campaign in the run-up to the 2004 general election, which backfired miserably. The general reading has been that the Atal Bihari government was booted out for ignoring the rural population in its growth strategy. Similarly, the UPA-II's 'Bharat Nirman' campaign, too, did not yield any positive results to the Congress party in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections as job losses, corruption charges and slowdown in economy hurt its electoral prospects.

With just two years to go for the general election, prime minister Narendra Modi would not want to risk his and the party's image as being a pro-business party. The suit-boot-ki-sarkar jibe by Rahul had held a mirror to the BJP, which has taken all steps possible to ensure that the Congress doesn't get a chance to repeat it.

AK Bhattacharya in an article notes ever since this charge by Rahul, that "the BJP government has become more circumspect and defensive in its approach to big reforms that would be seen as benefitting business". He argues that the policy making exercise by this government in the past 30 months indicates that even the thumping success in Uttar Pradesh may not see a "sudden spurt" in reforms.

"This cautious approach seems to be an outcome of the strong political resistance it faced during its early attempts at policy changes like amending the land acquisition law or allowing foreign investment in retail," the article says.

The Modi government has been making policy changes only after getting all political parties on board. For instance, the government recently passed the controversial Goods and Services tax (GST) bill in parliament following consensus from most of the political outfits.

Even the demonetisation exercise undertaken by the government in November last year was packaged in such a manner that the BJP party convinced the poor people in poll-bound states that the move was largely aimed to mainly root out corruption and blackmoney from the system.

Since the BJP government came to power in 2014, it has met with stiff resistance from other political parties in the Rajya Sabha to push key reforms where it doesn't have a majority.

Despite the recent poll success in UP and Uttarakhand, the government will be able to improve its numbers in the Upper House only by the middle of next year, and hence any scope for pushing big-bang reforms in the immediate term remains bleak.

In fact, a recent Bloomberg report suggests that reform pace may stagnate or reverse if the Modi government interprets the victory in UP as a reward for his demonetisaton exercise or for the several welfare measures he has taken in the recent years.

But the truth is, despite the 7.1 percent GDP growth claimed by the government, the economy is facing challenges on several fronts, especially, after the note ban that has resulted in widespread job losses in the informal sector and hurt the consumption demand in the economy.

In this context, the government should ideally feel more confident to take up reforms such as privatising loss-making PSUs, undertaking disinvestment in several blue-chip companies, taking up banking reforms, and bringing in labour law changes. These are important to attract investments into the country, which is the only way the government can create more jobs, a promise that Modi has miserably failed to meet.

However, most of these pending reforms are likely to take a backseat if Rahul's suit-boot-ki-sarkar jibe continues to play at the back of Modi's mind, prompting him to focus more on populist steps.

In other words, for Modi to push reforms, he will have to first shed the fear of suit-boot-ki-sarkar charge. Other wise, on jobs front, he may be facing a big disaster.
After acing Hindi cinema, Aamir Khan has his eyes set on regional cinema. He is planning to produce or act in Marathi films once he is fluent in the language.

DNA reports that Khan recently attended the Marathi comedy show Chala Hava Yeu Dya where he talked about what he relishes in Marathi music, cinema and delicacies. Fresh off from gorging on the seekh kebabs cooked by his mother on his birthday, Aamir chose misal pav as his favourite Maharashtrian delicacy.

He also listed his favourite films from Marathi cinema - Ravi Jadhav's 2010 film Natrang, Nagraj Manjule's 2013 film Fandry and the romantic blockbuster from last year, Sairat. He also crooned the song 'Apsara Aali' from Natrang, much to the pleasant surprise of everyone on the sets of the show, including the host Nilesh Sable.

It was then that he announced that he is looking forward to working in Marathi cinema which has been churning out some brilliant films lately. He is learning the language and will be fluent once he starts working in a Marathi film or produces one.

Recently, Khan made his wife and filmmaker Kiran Rao lend her voice to a Marathi song for the second edition of his initiative, Satayamev Jayate Water Cup. News 18 reports that the music video was directed by Manjule and the song composed by the music director duo Ajay-Atul.

The same report quotes Rao as saying, "I was made to sing the song on my husband's diktat. I had fun working with Ajay-Atul and Nagraj. I was nervous in the studio but Ajay and Atul encouraged me to sing. It was my dream to work with Nagraj. In an interview too I was asked is there any director I want to work with and I said Nagraj. My dream came true so I have to thank my husband."
Hansal Mehta and Rajkummar Rao make a formidable team  the director-actor duo have worked on three films together  Aligarh, CityLights and Shahid, and the films have won accolades for the way Mehta manages to portray a sensitive issue on the silver screen. Rajkumar Rao even won a National Award for his performance in Shahid, and became the youngest National Award winner in history.

That is why we were excited when Hansal Mehta introduced in next project with the Trapped actor with a tweet in August 2016. In the black-and-white image, Rajkummar can be seen giving an intense look while donning spectacles and sporting a beard. At that time, no further information was revealed about the film, but Mehta has given us an update about his project through a series of tweet:

Omerta will follow the life of the British born terrorist Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, known for his involvement in the kidnapping and murder of Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl in 2002, and his links to various Islamist organisations, reports Times of India.

Mehta says he was inspired to make the film after watching A Mighty Heart (2007) and wondered that while many films have tried to showcase the repercussions of terrorism, he wanted to know what went on in the minds of the terrorists. He says, "There are so many stereotypes associated with terrorism, but the truth is far more murky and cold. Omar came from a privileged background before eventually being radicalised. Actor Mukul Dev told me this story way back in 2005. I wanted to make this film before Shahid, but a lot of research was required and we kept revising the script."

About getting into the skin of the character, Rajkummar says, "It's a complete contrast to what I did in Shahid. I play the anti-hero here. I've tried my best to make this character as real as possible. I even stayed in London for a while to get the hang of his way of life. The character is extremely cold and aloof and it was a bit of a challenge to convince myself as an actor to believe in his convictions."

Mehta also commented on the sensitive subject of the film which might invite Pahlaj Nihalani's wrath. Mehta explains, "I've never been afraid of trouble or feared censorship. It's a political thriller that deals with radical groups and their nexus with intelligence syndicates. They work hand in glove. It's all a political power play to create unrest and keep the balance oscillating. Why do educated folks get radicalised? It's important to understand the entire system."
CALGARY, Alberta/NEW DELHI Indian Oil Corp became India's first refiner to buy light sweet Hibernia crude from Canada's largest oil company, doing the deal after the opening of the arbitrage for Canadian oil to flow to Asia. A decision by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to cut output strengthened Middle East benchmark Dubai against other regional markers, allowing oil from the Americas and Europe to be shipped to Asia at competitive prices.Production in North America, led by U.S. shale output, is increasing after supply cuts by OPEC and non-OPEC countries pushed oil prices to above $50 a barrel.This was also the first time that Suncor Energy has sold a cargo of offshore Canadian crude to IOC, a Suncor spokeswoman Sneh Seetal said on Wednesday.

Seetal declined to say how big the cargo was or when it would load, but confirmed Canada's biggest oil company had won an Indian Oil Corp tender. "We do market our offshore crude production globally on an opportunistic basis," she said.

Trade sources said Suncor sold the 1 million barrel cargo of Hibernia crude to IOC on a free on board basis. Separately, IOC has also bought its first Russian Urals crude cargo in about a year in another tender.IOC previously bought a cargo of Canadian White Rose oil in November 2013. State-refiners like IOC were last year given the freedom to draw up the crude import strategies that would allow them to make swift gains from changing market dynamics.

News of the Suncor cargo comes after market sources this week said two other vessels carrying Atlantic Canadian crude are on their way to China. The Stena Suede and the Jag Lalit, both Suezmaxes, loaded at Whiffen Head terminal, Newfoundland, according to Reuters ship tracking data. At least one of them was sold by Husky Energy to buyer PetroChina, two sources said. Husky had said in February it sold its first one-million-barrel cargo of offshore Atlantic Canada crude bound for China from its White Rose field. At the time a Husky spokesman said low shipping rates helped make the transaction worthwhile. (Reporting by Nia Williams in CALGARY and Nidhi Verma in NEW DELHI; Editing by Leslie Adler, Sandra Maler and Tom Hogue)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
By Neha Dasgupta and Sanjeev Miglani

| NEW DELHI

NEW DELHI India has fast-tracked hydropower projects worth $15 billion in Kashmir in recent months, three federal and state officials said, ignoring warnings from Islamabad that power stations on rivers flowing into Pakistan will disrupt water supplies.The swift approval of projects that had languished for years came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi suggested last year that sharing the waterways could be conditional on Pakistan clamping down on anti-India militants that New Delhi says it shelters.Pakistan has opposed some of these projects before, saying they violate a World Bank-mediated treaty on the sharing of the Indus river and its tributaries upon which 80 percent of its irrigated agriculture depends.The schemes, the largest of which is the 1,856 MW Sawalkote plant, will take years to complete, but their approval could prove a flashpoint between the nuclear-armed neighbours at a time when relations are at a low ebb."I say the way you look at these projects, it is not purely a hydro project. Broaden it to a strategic water management, border management problem, and then you put in money," said Pradeep Kumar Pujari, the top ranking official in the power ministry.Pakistan denies any involvement in the 28-year armed insurgency in Indian Kashmir and has repeatedly urged New Delhi to hold talks to decide the future of the region.Pakistan's foreign ministry spokesman, Nafees Zakaria, said he would confer with the Ministry of Water and Power on the proposed Indian projects, saying it was a technical matter.He noted, however, that India would be attending a regular meeting of the Indus Commission later this month in Lahore, even though the broader peace dialogue was on hold."It seems that finally India has realized the importance of this mechanism under the IWT (Indus Waters Treaty) for resolving water disputes related to the Indus water and its tributaries."TRIPLE POWER

Six hydro projects in Indian Kashmir either cleared viability tests or the more advanced environment and forest expert approvals in the last three months, two officials in India's Water Resources Ministry and the Central Electricity Authority said separately.Together these projects on the Chenab river, a tributary of the Indus, would triple hydropower generation in Jammu and Kashmir from the current level of 3,000 MW, the biggest jump in decades, added the officials, declining to be named because the approvals had not yet been made public."We have developed barely one-sixth of the hydropower capacity potential in the state in the last 50 years," the senior official at the Water Resources Ministry said."Then one fine morning, you see we cleared six to seven projects in three months; it definitely raises concern in Pakistan."Pakistan's water supply is dwindling because of climate change, outdated farming techniques and an exploding population.

A 2011 report by the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations said New Delhi could use these projects as a way to control Pakistan's supplies from the Indus, seen as its jugular vein."The cumulative effect of these projects could give India the ability to store enough water to limit the supply to Pakistan at crucial moments in the growing season," it said.India says the projects are "run-of-the-river" schemes that use the river's flow and elevation to generate electricity rather than large reservoirs, and do not contravene the treaty.Environmental groups have questioned whether the government has followed proper procedures in fast-tracking projects located in a highly seismic area."BLOOD AND WATER"

Modi told a meeting of government officials on the Indus treaty last year that "blood and water cannot flow together", soon after India blamed Pakistan-based militants for a deadly attack on its troops in Kashmir.Modi's message was two-fold, Indian foreign ministry spokesman Gopal Baglay said. Terrorism had to stop and India must fully utilise the economic potential available to it within the Indus treaty.The projects that have won technical approvals in recent months are Sawalkote, Kwar, Pakal Dul, Bursar and Kirthai I and II. Most of the projects have been held up for at least a decade awaiting multiple clearances. Sawalkote, which was cleared by a government-constituted environment committee in January, was first given techno-economic approval in 1991. It is now up for forest clearance from the state authorities, after which the government will finalise financing and begin construction.Some projects like Pakal Dul were stuck in litigation, but that has been resolved, Jammu and Kashmir's Power Minister Nirmal Singh told Reuters in the summer capital Srinagar. "Things are now in a position of take-off," he said.In January, senior federal officials made a presentation on energy security to Modi in which they proposed interest subsidies and long-term loans for hydroprojects above 100 MW, according to the document seen by Reuters.But Himanshu Thakkar, coordinator of South Asia Network on Dams, Rivers & People, said some projects had been cleared without impact assessment studies and public consultation."It's on one river, the Chenab, where you are doing so many projects. This is a very vulnerable region. It's landslide-prone, it's flash flood-prone, earthquake-prone." (Additional reporting by Saad Sayeed in ISLAMABAD and Fayaz Bukhari in SRINAGAR; Editing by Mike Collett-White)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
By Roberta Rampton and Richard Cowan

| WASHINGTON

WASHINGTON President Donald Trump's first budget outline, calling for a security-heavy re-alignment of federal spending, drew quick resistance from the U.S. Congress, with especially strong criticism of proposed deep cuts to diplomatic and foreign aid programs.Trump's plan, submitted to Congress on Thursday and showcasing his administration's economic priorities, is just the first volley in what will likely be an intense battle over spending in coming months. Although Trump's fellow Republicans control both the Senate and House of Representatives, Congress holds the federal purse strings and seldom approves presidents' budget plans.Republicans applauded Trump's call for a 10 percent increase in military spending next year in a budget that would also finance construction of a wall on the border with Mexico and provide more resources for deporting illegal immigrants.But even some conservative Republicans who traditionally fight for smaller government labeled as misguided the Trump administration's request for a 28 percent, or $10.9 billion, cut in State Department funding and other international programs.Protecting national interests requires a comprehensive approach, "including not just military engagement but also the full and responsible use of all diplomatic tools at our disposal," said Republican Representative Hal Rogers, who chairs a panel that oversees State Department and foreign aid spending.Representative Ted Yoho, a member of the right-wing House Freedom Caucus, said international programs were cost-effective, adding they "help advance U.S. national security interests at home and abroad and spur economic job growth. Trump's plan would eliminate the Overseas Private Investment Corporation that helps spur private investment in foreign development projects. Yoho called it an amazing corporation that he said helps generate billions of dollars in U.S. exports.The budget also drew criticism internationally. The French ambassador to the United Nations, Francois Delattre, warned that cutting funding of global programs could fuel instability.Democrats, whose votes would be needed later this year to sign off on the spending bills that implement any budget blueprint given the slim Republican hold on the Senate, attacked the proposed reductions to the Environmental Protection Agency and to programs that benefit the poor.The White House proposal would inflict a 31 percent, or $2.6 billion, cut on the EPA.Some veteran Republicans, including Senator Rob Portman, a former White House budget chief during the administration of President George W. Bush, vowed to preserve the EPA's Great Lakes restoration program that Trump wants to eliminate.House Speaker Paul Ryan sidestepped reporters' questions about whether he supports State Department cuts, saying the White House blueprint was just the start of the budget process.

In a message with his budget, Trump said he aimed to advance "the safety and security of the American people," adding he would do so with $54 billion in added military spending next year and putting more money into deporting illegal immigrants.Moderate Republicans expressed unease with potential cuts to popular domestic programs.Lisa Murkowski, who chairs the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, attacked plans to cut or eliminate programs that help the poor pay heating bills, provide aid for localities to deal with wastewater and subsidize air travel in rural areas like her home state of Alaska."We need to remember that these programs are not the primary drivers of our debt," Murkowski said.Other proposed reductions and cuts included community development grants at the Housing Department and more than 20 Education Department programs. Funding would disappear for 19 independent bodies that count on federal money for public broadcasting, the arts and regional programs."Throwing billions at defense while ransacking Americas investments in jobs, education, clean energy and lifesaving medical research will leave our nation weakened," said House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi.

The budget outline covered just "discretionary" spending, or programs that must be renewed annually by Congress, for the 2018 fiscal year starting on Oct. 1.It did not address mandatory "entitlement" programs, such as Social Security retirement benefits and federally-backed healthcare for the elderly, poor and disabled, that make up most of the federal budget. Conservatives have been clamoring for year for reforms to these programs to save money. DEFENSE MONEY FOR CURRENT YEAR

Trump also asked for $25 billion more for core Defense Department programs for the current fiscal year, as well as $5 billion more for combat operations. A detailed copy of this request seen by Reuters showed some of the funds would be for procurement of technology such as F-35 fighter aircraft and drone systems.About $13.5 billion of the supplemental request was earmarked for aircraft, missiles and ships. It included THAAD missiles, Blackhawk helicopters and F-35s made by Lockheed Martin Corp (LMT.N), as well as F/A-18 warplanes and Apache helicopters manufactured by Boeing Co (BA.N).Also for this fiscal year, Trump requested $3 billion more for the Department of Homeland Security, with some of that money intended for planning and construction of the border wall that he made a major part of his 2016 election campaign.

Congress will likely consider the supplemental request by April 28, when regular funding expires for most federal agencies.On the 2018 budget, Trump is willing to discuss priorities with Congress, said White House budget director Mick Mulvaney, a former South Carolina congressman who made a name for himself as a spending hawk before he was picked to join Trump's Cabinet. The budget outline does not incorporate Trump's plan for sparking $1 trillion in investments to build roads, bridges, airports and other infrastructure projects. The White House has said the infrastructure plan is still to come.The planned defense increases are matched by cuts to other programs so as to not increase the $488 billion federal deficit.Despite the proposed big cuts to the EPA and the State Department, Mulvaney said their "core functions" would be preserved. Reflecting Trump's repeated election campaign pledge to reduce illegal immigration, the Department of Homeland Security would get a 6.8 percent increase, with more money for extra staff needed to catch, detain and deport illegal immigrants.Trump wants Congress to approve $1.5 billion for the border wall in the current fiscal year - enough for pilot projects to determine the best way to build it - and a further $2.6 billion in fiscal 2018, Mulvaney said.The estimate for the total cost of the wall will be included in the full budget. That more detailed document is expected in mid-May and will project spending and revenues over 10 years.Trump has repeatedly said that Mexico will pay for the wall, and Mexico has adamantly said it will not. Since Trump took office in January, the White House has said funding would be kick-started in the United States.The full budget plan will also include economic forecasts and the president's views on "mandatory entitlements" like Social Security and Medicare, which Trump vowed to protect while he was on the campaign trail. (Additional reporting by Julia Edwards Ainsely, Patricia Zengerle, Timothy Gardner and Valerie Volcovici in Washington and Michelle Nichols in New York; Editing by Bill Trott and Frances Kerry)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Should the attorney-generals office be exempt from mandatory disclosures under the Right to Information Act? The Delhi High Court thinks so, but RTI activist Subhash Chandra Agarwal has decided to take the fight to the Supreme Court. On 3 March, in a Special Leave Petition in appeal against the Delhi High Courts ruling, Sharma has cited provisions of both the Constitution of India as well as the RTI Act to contend that the attorney-generals office shouldnt be allowed the leeway of non-disclosure.

Agarwals appeal is not a sudden development  it is only the logical next step in his running fight with the government that is determined to shield the attorney-generals office, presently occupied by Mukul Rohatgi, from the likely (and unlikely) consequences of being brought under the RTI Act. This is because the attorney-general, owing to his post, is privy to a considerable amount of confidential information that, if made public, could spring some unsavoury surprises for the government.

Seen in context, the governments staunch reluctance could possibly stem from the fact that Rohatgis role and functioning has come in for criticism from a host of quarters  including senior lawyers  in the recent past. For instance, in a 2016 article in Outlook, journalist Ushinor Majumdar detailed how people at senior levels in the lawyers profession are questioning Rohatgis scruples, and his suitability for holding a constitutional position.

On 3 February this year, a division bench of the court ruled that the scheme of the RTI Act precluded the attorney-general and his office from being brought within its ambit. The bench held that the attorney-general and his office would be exempt from the RTI Act, thus overruling a March 2015 single bench judgement that held to the contrary.

The division bench held that the predominant function of the attorney-general is to advise the government on legal matters and also represent the government in courts of law. Therefore, there exists a lawyer-client relationship between the government and the attorney-general, with the latter acting in a fiduciary capacity. As a result, no information regarding the attorney-generals transactions with the government was amenable to public disclosure.

It is this finding of the court that Agarwal has challenged in his appeal.

Advisory functions also come under RTI

Agarwals lawyer Prashant Bhushan has referred to the definition of "information" given in Section 2(f) of the Act. According to this provision, "information" also includes opinions and advice of a public authority. Section 2(h) of the RTI Act describes a public authority as any authority formed under the constitution, and the constitutions Article 88 creates the office of the Attorney General.

Thus, the words "opinions" and "advice" signify that if any public authority advises or gives opinions, it will be treated as information that warrants public disclosure, and the definition of public authority cannot be interpreted to exclude bodies that are performing essentially advisory functions.

The RTI Act overrides other laws

The RTI Act contains a provision  Section 22  that states that it should prevail over all other laws regarding disclosure (or otherwise) of information to the public, including even the Official Secrets Act. So, even if disclosure of information is prohibited by any other law, such prohibition would be invalid if the RTI Act does not provide for this.

In the Jayantilal Mistry case of 2015, the Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of Section 22.

These are the points upon which Agarwal is relying to contend that since the RTI Act does not say that information about the attorney-generals office cannot be disclosed to the public, the government is wrong in concealing such information. Since 2013, Agarwal has been fighting the government over disclosure of information from the attorney-generals office. Now, if the Supreme Court rules in his favour, public accountability will get another boost.
Sandhya Ravishankar, independent journalist from Chennai, have been tracking the issue illegal beach sand mining in Tamil Nadu for four years now. In a letter to the Press Council of India (Firstpost has a copy of the letter), Ravishankar alleged she has been harassed by the supporters of S Vaikundarajan, one of the largest beach sand miner in the country. There has been targeted attack against Ravishankar on blogs and on social media.

In the letter she states:

"I have been harassed online with trolls on social media using foul language against me, calling me a corrupt journalist, a fake journalist etc. My mobile number was published on Twitter and Facebook by the anonymous trolls supporting Mr S Vaikundarajan, the largest beach sand miner in the country (refer to Part 03 for details about him)  my mobile number was published with a note in Tamil saying that I was anti-Jallikattu and asking people not to call her. Subsequently, I received a flood of abusive and threatening calls  unknown people threatening to put chilli powder inside my private parts, threatening to beat me up and abusing me in the filthiest manner possible."

Ravishankar first broke a story on this issue in 2013 when she was working with a television channel. Ever since she has been tracking the story and recently she published a four-part series in The Wire.

Ravishankar told Firstpost, that Vaikundarajans team has sent a legal notice to her stating that they will be filing a criminal defamation case against here. She was also accused of taking bribes and in 2016, Ravishankar and her husband also got a legal summon from the Tirunelveli court.

She further states in her letter:

"In that response to the magazine, to which I have absolutely no connection, the author has alluded to me as a pimp, has stated falsely that I am bargaining with Vaikundarajan for Rs 200 crores in collusion with a retired IPS officer and that Vaikundarajan has hired 5 detective agencies to follow me and has incriminating video evidence of me sitting at a coffee shop and smoking with the aforesaid retired IPS officer to collude and plot against Vaikundarajan."

Ravishankar says Tamil publications like Vikatan, The Hindu (Tamil) have also been at the receiving end of the miner. The cyber crime cell of the Chennai police is investigating the threats that she has been receiving.
In a blow to Islamic televangelist Zakir Naik, the Delhi High Court on Thursday dismissed Islamic Research Foundation's plea challenging the Centre's decision to ban it. In its observation, Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva defended the Centre's decision and said that the move was taken to safeguard the sovereignty and integrity of India.

Delhi High Court dismisses plea of Zakir Naik led Islamic Research Foundation against immediate ban and freezing of accounts. pic.twitter.com/0ofdItBE3S  ANI (@ANI_news) March 16, 2017

On 15 November, 2016, the Union Cabinet presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi had decided to declare Islamic Research Foundation, founded by Naik, as an outlawed organisation under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act for five years for its alleged terror activities.

The government had also added that it feared that youths could be "radicalised or motivated" to join terror groups.

The move had been made after an investigation by the Home Ministry found the NGO to be allegedly having dubious links with Peace TV, an international Islamic channel, accused of propagating terrorism, the official said.

However, Naik had reacted sharply to the ban. He alleged that the ban was timed to the demonetisation announcement to divert media attention. In an open letter, which was released on 25 November, Naik had termed the ban on his organisation as an attack against Muslims and threatened to take legal action against the Modi government.

The outfit later challenged the ban. IRF told the court that the notification did not give sufficient reasons and materials for taking such a step and that the ban was imposed without giving any showcause notice.

According to the Home Ministry, Naik, who heads the IRF, has allegedly made many provocative speeches and engaged in terror propaganda.

Maharashtra police had also registered criminal cases against Naik for his alleged involvement in radicalisation of youths and luring them into terror activities, officials said.

Naik had came under the scanner of the security agencies after Bangladeshi newspaper Daily Star reported that one of the perpetrators of the 1 July terror attack in Dhaka, Rohan Imtiaz, ran propaganda on Facebook last year quoting Naik.

The Islamic orator is banned in the UK and Canada for his hate speech aimed against other religions. He is among the 16 banned Islamic scholars in Malaysia.

(With inputs from agencies)
Reacting sharply to the Justice CS Karnan fiasco, former Chief Justice of India, KG Balakrishnan on Tuesday made it clear that he did not personally know the controversial judge while appointing him to the Madras High Court in 2009.

Talking to The Indian Express, the former top judge also expressed dissatisfaction over the collegium system of selecting high court and Supreme Court judges.

"There was no way I could have known about Justice Karnan. We have no such mechanism (in the Supreme Court). We get recommendations from the high court concerned. Chief justices propose the names and we go by that. I did not make any specific inquiry about him (Karnan), the former Chief Justice of India was quoted by The Indian Express as saying.

Balakrishnan also said that he had appointed over 300 judges during his tenure as the chief justice of the country and added that it would be impossible for the collegium to scrutinise each and every candidate.

Karnan came into limelight after he had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to take action against what he termed as high corruption at the judiciary. He had gone onto name around 20 judges of the apex court and the Madras High Court in the letter dated 23 January.

However, the apex court initiated contempt of court proceedings against Karnan for making aspersions against sitting judges.

The top court has asked Karnan to appear in person before it and explain as to why contempt proceedings be not initiated against him.

The issuance of the notice was historic because for first time a constitutional court had started the contempt of court proceedings against a judge of the supreme court or high court. Nevertheless, Karnan refused to appear in front of the apex court to face charges. This led to the Supreme Court issuing a bailable warrant against the Calcutta High Court Justice on 10 March.

The day started with a seven-judge Constitution bench headed by Chief Justice Jagdish Singh Khehar asking the West Bengal Director General of Police to serve the bailable warrant personally to Justice Karnan and sought his presence before it on 31 March. The bench also asked him to furnish a personal bond of Rs 10,000.

Karnan on his part has been defended himself alleging that he has been targetted only because he is a Dalit. On the same day, he held a press conference railing against the Supreme Court order. He called it an "attempt to ruin" his life as a Dalit judge, and directed that a case be filed under the SC and ST Act.

Former union law minister and eminent lawyer Ram Jethmalani also warned Karnan to apologise for casting aspersions against 20 "corrupt" judges and seeking probe against them to curb "high corruption" in the Indian judiciary.

Jethmalani in his 11 March letter had written, "As a senior member of the Bar and living in the departure lounge of God's airport I am advising you to withdraw every word that you have uttered and humbly pray for pardon for every stupid action you have so far indulged in."

Defending the sanctity of the Indian judiciary, he added that it is the only protection that the common man have in the "corruption-dominated country" and warned him to neither destroy or weaken it.

With inputs from agencies
United Nations: India has fared moderately in a global ranking of countries as per the percentage of women appointed in ministerial positions, but was at a bleak position in another list on number of women parliamentarians.

The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and UN Women launched the 'Women in Politics 2017 Map', a visual representation of women's political empowerment on the sidelines of the ongoing session of the Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations.

India ranked 88th out of 186 countries in the list with of 18.5 percent of women appointed in ministerial positions as of 1 January, 2017. Countries like Rwanda, Kenya, Mozambique and South Sudan fared better than India in the ranking.

However, it did not score well in the ranking of nations according to number of women elected or appointed to parliaments as on 1 January.

It ranked 148 out of the 193 nations, with only 11.48 percent women in the Lower House of Parliament and 11 percent in the Upper House. Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Pakistan, China and Iraq were ranked higher than India.

According to the data presented by the Map, the number of women in executive government and in the parliaments worldwide has stagnated, with only marginal improvements since 2015.

The number of women heads of state or heads of government fell from 19 to 17 since 2015, and progress in the number of women in the parliaments continues to be slow, the data said.

"What is democracy? Is it people for the people, or men for the people," UN Women Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka told reporters at the United Nations on Wednesday at the launch of the data.

The Union, established in 1889, is the focal point for world-wide parliamentary dialogue and works for peace and co-operation among peoples and for the firm establishment of representative democracy.

The IPU supports the efforts of and works in close cooperation with the UN on relevant objectives. Its data shows that the global average of women in national parliaments increased just slightly from 22.6 percent in 2015 to 23.3 percent in 2016. The number of female Speakers of the House, however, is up to the highest so far, with 53 out of 273 posts.

"Political campaigns are expensive," Mlambo-Ngcuka said identifying some of the challenges faced by women who run for office. "Political parties are male dominated. When there isn't a specific measure in place, women fall off the ground. Men tend to choose those who are made in their own image," she said.

Women's participation in parliaments rose to 25 percent from 22.4 percent in 2015, even as the heads of state of Brazil and Argentina left office.

Number of women ministers in Africa declined after years of steady growth. About 19.7 percent of the region's ministerial posts are held by women.

In Asia, women held 11 percent of ministerial posts (from 10.6 percent in 2015). Indonesia became the country with the highest participation of women in government (25.7 percent) in the region, while Vietnam and Nepal experienced steep declines drifting below five percent.

In Europe, the total percentage stood at 22.5 percent. A surprise came from the Nordic countries which have traditionally led the global stage in politics, but whose number of female ministers fell by more than six per cent to 43.5 percent.
Research scholar J Muthukrishnan's had harboured a dream of making it to Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). His friends and associates vow that he laboured and fought hard to realise this dream. But what happened once he stepped onto the prestigious campus? Was it disillusionment with a system that never embraced him? Or did his personal struggle overpower his fight against social injustices?

Muthukrishnan's battle against institutional caste-based discrimination will now be taken up by his peers and colleagues who will demand justice, transparency and an inclusive system. How long will the movement last? It is anybody's guess. Just over a year ago, he was fighting the same fight for Dalit research scholar from University of Hyderabad (UoH) Rohith Vemula.

Not much is known about the circumstances of Muthukrishnan's death. A resident of JNU's Jhelum hostel, his body was found hanging in a room in South Delhi's Munirka area. While the student bodies claim that he was targeted for his fight for Dalit rights, the cops investigating the case said there was no suicide note found and that he was not associated with any student groups in JNU.

"He neither made any complaint to the JNU administration nor was there any complaint against him by the administration," DCP (South) Ishwar Singh told PTI on Tuesday. On Wednesday, a five-member panel of doctors from Aiims conducted the autopsy and ruled out any foul play in his death.

"Prima facie it's a case of suicide by hanging. However, it's a matter of investigation about the circumstances in which the deceased has committed suicide and abetted to suicide," the report further said.

Friends and peers say that he was feeling alienated and isolated in Delhi and was disillusioned by the university administration's way of handling student affairs. His anguished post on Facebook only reflected his state of mind. This is what he wrote on his last post:

"There is no Equality in Mphil/PhD Admission, there is no equality in viva-voce, there is only denial of equality, denying professor Sukhadeo thorat recommendation, denying Students protest places in Ad-block, denying the education of the marginals. When Equality is denied everything is denied."

Sunkanna Velpula, post-doctoral fellow at IIT-Bombay, knew Muthukrishnan back from their UoH days, when they both were active members of the Ambedkar Students' Association (ASA). He says that ever since Muthukrishnan came to Hyderabad, he had aspired to go to JNU and pursue his PhD there and has worked very hard for it. It was also in UoH when he became a part of ASA, started asking questions on the social construction of caste and identity politics and the history of Dalit identity. He was inspired by Rohith's work and his death pushed Muthukrishnan to become increasingly vocal about Dalit rights and caste-based discrimination. His activism and social awakening after Rohith's death found expression in a heartfelt post on his blog Daliterature which was addressed to Rohith's mother.

He wrote:

"At the same time, all the leading national institutes will be headed by people who cannot even clear the 10th standard exam. These people claim dissenters as anti-nationals and seditious. They are going to kill many Rohiths, like us, just for eating beef, for being rational, for being intellectually productive for the country. But we are the real sons of this land and after we are all killed, there will be no nation."

Vikas Kumar Moola, a PhD student, was one of his few friends in JNU. He says that in Hyderabad Muthukrishnan was part of a fraternity. He was proud of the fact that he has overcome institutional, cultural and language barriers and made friends in Hyderabad. It was Muthukrishnan's friends who had collected money and bought him a flight ticket to Delhi when he got through JNU.

Another ASA leader from UoH, Dontha Prashanth said that the university space was inclusive and encouraged dialogue and introspection. "Our personal experiences became part of a common shared narrative. We were constantly discussing and connecting our personal experiences with our social backgrounds and identities. As a result, our individual burden was reduced," he says.

In Hyderabad, his personal experiences found voice, which were expressed through blog and Facebook posts. Sunkanna says that Muthukrishnan was conscious of his lack of English-speaking and writing skills, but he was constantly improvising and his activism helped him overcome his language limitations.

After the news of his death broke, friends started sharing their experiences on Muthukrishnan's (Rajini Krish) Facebook wall. A fan of Rajinikanth and Kabali, Muthukrishnan was seen as an ambitious and spirited individual. Rupali Bansode wrote on his wall: "He enjoyed listening to music and we would often perform steps of few songs. He was crazy about food and would always ask to invite him home for dinner. He would say that he gets less time for studying. His life for 27 years was full of hardships, economically as well socially. He used to say that he wants to have better command over English, would like to go outside India for PhD, would like to write a book, so many aspirations, sometimes I would say ok Krishh enough of your talk."

Another PhD scholar from UoH, Nelson Mandela S, recalls Muthukrishnan as someone who could strike up a conversation with anyone. "He was lively and had a wide circle of friends and acquaintances. He was very excited to go to JNU," he says.

Though he continued with his online posts, Muthukrishnan spent the last few months in a troubled state of mind, says Vikas Moola. In his last interaction, Prashanth says Muthukrishnan expressed that he is unable to find his feet in the new campus, in a new city.

Vikas Moola, who is also a part of Bapsa-JNU (Birsa Ambedkar Phule Students' Association), says that because of Muthukrishnan's political awareness, he was constantly urged by the members of Bapsa to participate in the organisation's activities, but he refused to take part. "He used to tell me that he had struggled for five years to get into JNU and he wanted to concentrate on his academics," says Vikas. He explains that Muthukrishnan was constantly under pressure to prove himself. He sought guidance for his academics, but he never got from his classmates and the department. He confined himself to the library. Vikas feels that he was isolated for his strong opinions and activism. "He kept on telling me that macha I don't have any friends, nobody talks to me in the classroom," says Vikas. Even after Muthukrishnan's death, none of his classmates came, he adds.

Muthukrishnan's friends and family are still coming to terms with his death. His family has demanded CBI probe into his death. Delhi police have said that the student suffered from depression. "Students like Rohith, Muthukrishnan had to face personal problems to get higher education. The problems that Dalits and religious minorities face are inherited. Caste-based hierarchy and discrimination has been handed down from generation to generation. The question to ask is why Dalit scholars are not able to go ahead in institutions like JNU?" says Sunkanna.
In the midst of the debate over Hyderabad University student Rohith Vemula's suicide last year, Sukhadeo Thorat, former University Grants Commission chairperson, made some prescient observations about the continued distress of Dalit students in colleges and universities. "There is a need to apply our minds in a calm manner to address the problems that Dalit students face in institutions of higher education and find a more durable solution, now that the University of Hyderabad has revoked the suspension of students in the context of Rohith Vemulas death," Thorat wrote in The Hindu.

Expressing a deep sense of foreboding, he went on to say: "However, given past experience there is no guarantee that the Rohith Vemula story will not be repeated. While his suicide has caused great shock and resulted in outrage, similar sentiments were expressed when Senthil Kumar from Salem, another student from the University of Hyderabad, killed himself in 2008." In his article, Thorat referred to 11 cases of suicides by Dalit students in higher educational institutions between 2007 and 2013.

A little over a year after Rohiths death, we are now faced with the death of another Dalit student, who has taken his own life  this time from Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). J Muthukrishnan, 28-year-old PhD student at JNUs Centre for Historical Studies (CHS,) was found hanging from a ceiling fan at his friends house this Monday. His friends said that Krishnan had been among the students leading the movement to demand justice for Rohith. Agitated by continued discrimination and the denial of equality for Dalits, much of Krishnans academic struggles had to do with his uneasiness with the English language; a frailty he shared with many other students from similar social and educational backgrounds.

The reality is that even while crossing the threshold of higher education in numbers larger than ever before, academic and social challenges continue to stand in the way of Dalit aspirations. Recalling the discourse catalysed by Rohiths death is important in this context. The commentariat then drew our attention to the strikingly different composition of students in colleges and universities across the country. According to 2008 data, the total number of students in higher education included 4 percent Scheduled Tribes, 13.5 percent Scheduled Castes, and 35 percent Other Backward Classes.

As more and more Dalit students entered universities, one major challenge dogging their efforts was their lack of proficiency with the English language, in turn alienating them from the English speaking middle class students. This is not a new development; but it is one which politicians and policymakers have ignored. While rousing speeches about the dawn of a New India have swirled about us, no substantive political talk is heard on how this New India will be created. Surely, classrooms are fundamental sites for the production of citizens who have equal opportunities in life.

The fallout of not having proper command over English serves as a telling comment on our polarised school system, and how it fosters discrimination.

Krishnans suicide once again hammers home our basic lack of commitment to anything more than platitudes when it comes to these matters. A report in The Indian Express quotes Krishnans friend saying: His English was poor, which was one reason why he could not get into JNU earlier. He was so committed and hardworking that he worked on his English for nearly a year, spending hours together in the UoH library.

Time and again, Dalit intellectuals have stressed the need for an education system which can equip students to cope with the academic pressures of an English-centric higher education system. In an article in Hindustan Times this January, Kancha Ilaiah Shepherd, Director of the Centre for the Study of Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy, made a strong pitch for Dalits to gain proficiency in English. Citing the examples of several prominent writers, he wrote:  Writers in the English language are easily the best known in Karnataka today, going on to ask Why are no Other Backward Class (OBC) and Dalit writers from Karnataka known outside their state? Devanoor Mahadeva, for instance, a Dalit author writing in Kannada, is known only within his state. And even then, largely within Dalit circles.

The reason, he concludes, is that they are not projected by the English intellectuals of the state or national-level intellectuals who write in English. Other Dalit intellectuals like Chandrabhan Prasad  who even celebrates English as a Goddess  have long made similar arguments. At a time of rising cultural nationalism where the idea of India is being redefined every day, we need to pay close attention to these voices.
On 12 March, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) was jolted by the alleged suicide of 27-year-old Muthukrishnan Jeevanandham  a PhD student and a Dalit from Salem in Tamil Nadu  in the Centre for Historical Sciences (CHS) Department of the university. "We have registered a case of abetment to suicide and the relevant section of the Scheduled Castes (SCs) and the Scheduled Tribes (STs) (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The case has been registered against unknown persons," said a senior police officer in Delhi to PTI.

The Dalit research scholars body was taken for postmortem to Aiims on Tuesday and the hospital constituted a five-member board to conduct the autopsy and issued directions for a videography of the procedure carried out the next day. Muthukrishnan, known to his friends as 'Rajini Krish' was brought to Chennai late on Wednesday and the funeral is to be held on Thursday in Salem.

What Is Going On At CHS?

What is puzzling Krishs friends and family though is the cause for death. In his last Facebook post, Krish wrote about inequality in JNU and specifically his department.

The department that he was in has now come under question for discriminatory practices. While a section of students allege discriminatory practices within the department, on the other hand, a signature petition has also been launched by another section of students to defend the teachers, who are likely to face scrutiny.

Praveen*, a student in the MPhil/PhD program in the Center for Historical Sciences resigned as joint secretary from the Akhil Bharatiya Vidya Parishad (ABVP) students wing last year after he vehemently disagreed with its views on Rohith Vemula. "They called him an anti-national and a terrorist and that was my breaking point. While the professors are not particularly aligned with the ABVP, the people who matter are  including the vice-chancellor," Praveen said, making clear his anger towards the VC. "I cant say CHS alone is the culprit, there is a larger issue at play here. Its not safe anymore to voice dissent, to be a dissenter. They (the administration) have to answer. We have lost another Dalit scholar."

Students say viva voces (oral tests) are a prime example of significant discrimination across the board. On a scale of one to 30, SC students with a low command over English are awarded marks in the one to five range. "We have asked the VC to go easy on them and reduce the total to 15. But no one listens to us," Praveen says.

What affected Vignesh*, a Dalit student who dropped out of the Masters programme, was when he was yelled at during his viva for English and told to go read Agatha Christie. "There is no one to provide help here, and it is shameful for our lack of language skills to be exposed here," he said.

At the beginning of every semester, English proficiency classes are held, but Neethis* friends, who belong to the Dalit and OBC communities, say they are hardly helpful. The departments also recently started an English improvement class for students, but no one attends them. "This could be because no one wants to be seen as knowing little English or being spotted by other students while entering or leaving the class. My friend dropped out of her Masters programme because her professor couldnt understand her English and continued grading her so low that her self-esteem was hit," she said.

As a Dalit student, it was a struggle for Vignesh to engage with professors in class. "I once prepared an assignment for class on Bal Gangadhar Tilaks communalism and anti-Dalit stance. My professor flew into a rage and asked me how I could submit such an assignment. I was also pulled up for using the word 'Babasaheb' to refer to Ambedkar and told never to use that word again. I got stares when I said 'Jai Bhim'," he recalled. "We have a young scholars seminar, which is open to only a close-knit set of ideas. There was a student who presented a paper on 'Gandhis views on Dalits'. But he was told that he shouldnt pick topics like that and they sent him back," said Neha*, a Masters student.

While Neha, a day scholar in the Masters program, has interacted little with students, shes observed much more. The elitism, she says, is evident from the tenets that uphold the department.

Nationalism was viewed in a classical sense, she said, and there was no space for views that fell out of the purview of it. "Muthukrishnan was aspirational, very excited and very hard working. But its not a piece of cake. Some professors throw your papers in your face if they dont like your work," she said.

"He (Muthukrishnan) had an issue with changing supervisors," his close friend Vikram* said, "He was not happy with his previous supervisor and when he asked for a change in supervisors, he was turned down and asked to go back to the previous supervisor, but he wasnt accepted back because the supervisor already had students by then."

"Supervisors can make or break you," Neha said, "That said, students of the SC or OBC category who receive criticism can sometimes attribute to their category and not to an actual problem with their work." The fluent English speakers are stereotypically projected as the achievers and the bright ones. But Neha said she found out about a Dalit student who was brighter than a majority of the English speakers after working with him.

There is a strong sense of alienation, Vignesh believes. "When youre a Dalit in the CHS environment, it gets very lonely, especially when youve worked so hard to get to the top," he said. Students from lower economic and social backgrounds contend with graduates from the elite St Stephens and Presidency colleges in Delhi, even those from the US. "There is significant anger I can sense towards the SC and OBC castes," he added. Forward caste students are often friends with or know professors in some way beforehand, and some were already Masters students before they joined the MPhil course. "Its evident that the professors look at students from Central universities differently."

"For a progressive and liberal department, I found it more Brahminical," said Vignesh, who is now pursuing his Masters in History at the Indira Gandhi National Open University.

There is a tussle between students and supervisors. Students who have done their Masters and progress to the MPhil or PhD program are acquainted with the faculty, while those who have directly entered the PhD program are thrown into the deep end. They socialise little with professors because the ones whove stayed on longer hold an advantage and of course, the workload is huge to even build proper relationships with them. "Sometimes, you dont get the supervisor you want and some professors are much better to work with than other professors. There could be discrimination there," said Neethi.

"We have professors we can talk to, but who has time? Who has the energy to listen to complaints? Who wants to listen to someone who says his student should be like other students, who have graduated from colleges in the US?" asked Gagan, an MPhil-PhD student.

"I cannot comment," said Jyothi Atwal, an assistant professor at CHS. "We have currently been having condolence meetings to mourn the passing of Muthukrishnan. It is under investigation and it would be uncalled for me to say anything," she clarified.

Sukhadeo Thorat, professor at the Centre for the Study of Regional Development in JNU, who had recommended Krish to CHS, could not take questions citing legal advisory.

The CHS department head was reached for comment, but did not respond.

What emerges perhaps is a pattern of discrimination and its consequences on bright young and ambitious minds who are already wounded from prior discrimination on the basis of caste. JNU, one of the most progressive educational institutions in the country, would do well to take heed of this worrying trend. And educational institutions across the country need to be held to account for discriminatory practices, both subtle and overt. If not, young Dalits, especially, will continue to die. And that would be the biggest tragedy that India has ever witnessed.

*Names changed to protect identity

The author tweets @divya_krthk
New Delhi: Afghan Deputy Foreign Minister Hekmat Karzai on Thursday called on Minister of State for External Affairs MJ Akbar and discussed the security situation in his country, official sources said.

Karzai also met Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar and Secretary (Economic Relations) Amar Sinha.

"Both sides exchanged views on the situation in Afghanistan and reviewed the progress of developmental projects and decisions taken during the visits of President Ashraf Ghani Ahmadza to India last year," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay said.

Karzai apprised India on the current security situation and efforts being made by Afghanistan to bring about peace and reconciliation in the country.

"The Indian side reiterated its commitment to continue support to the government and people of Afghanistan in their efforts to build a peaceful, stable, prosperous and united country within which the democratic and pluralistic aspirations of their people are met," Baglay added.

Karzai is visiting India to attend an international counter-terrorism conference.

During Ghani's India visit in September, India agreed to allocate $1 billion to Afghanistan and proposed to supply world-class and easily-affordable medicines from India.
The head priest of New Delhi's famous Sufi shrine Nizamuddin Dargah, Nazim Ali Nizami, and his brother have gone missing in Pakistan since Wednesday. The senior priest had flown to Pakistan on 6 March and was living at his sister's house in Karachi. He was supposed to fly back from Lahore on 20 March.

Couldn't contact our relatives, appeal to govt to find out where my father is: Aamir Nizami, son of Asif Nizami who has gone missing in Pak pic.twitter.com/KfGjkr7yvX  ANI (@ANI_news) March 16, 2017

According to News18, Nizami travelled to Lahore on 13 March and offered chadar at Sufi saint Baba Farid's shrine, and went to another Sufi Shrine on 14 March. His family has approached the Pakistan High Commissioner in India for help. The Indian High Commission in Islamabad has also been contacted by the family.

A report by The Wire quoted official sources as saying that Nazimi's family had approached the Indian government on Thursday afternoon. The matter was soon taken up in New Delhi and Islamabad, since the circumstances of their disappearance seemed suspicious.

Nazimi has visited Pakistan frequently, since the Nizamuddin shrine has a link with the Data Darbar Sufi shrine in Lahore. He had also established connections with other religious scholars in Pakistan.

Sources said Nazimi and his elder brother Asif had gone to Lahore airport to catch a flight to Karachi. While Nazim Ali was asked to de-board the plane, his elder brother was allowed to go ahead.

When Asif Ali landed in Karachi, he spoke to his family in India to inform them about what happened. That was his last communication they had. Since then, Asif Ali and the Pakistani national who came to pick him up at the airport have both been missing.
New Delhi: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Thursday said India is taking up the issue of fishermen with the Sri Lankan government through diplomatic channels.

She also added that the Sri Lankan government has assured probe into the killing of an Indian fisherman allegedly by the Lankan Navy.

Making a statement in the Lok Sabha, the External Affairs Minister said Sri Lanka has, however, denied the role of its navy in the killing.

"We have taken up the issue of our fishermen with Sri Lankan government to ensure that our fishermen are treated in a humane manner," the minister said.

"A fishing vessel from Tamil Nadu was fired upon allegedly by the Sri Lankan Navy, leading to the death of an Indian fisherman. The government took up the matter... and expressed our strong concern over the incident," she said.

"Our High Commissioner personally spoke to Sri Lankan Prime Minister and Navy commander on this matter. They maintained their patrol boats are not authorised to fire at Indian fishermen," Swaraj said.

Six fishermen from Thangachimadam in Ramanathapuram district were fishing near the Katchatheevu islet in the narrow sea dividing the two countries when they were fired at on the night of 6 March, Indian officials said.

One fisherman, K Britjo, was killed while another was injured. The others escaped without injuries.
By Prachi Salve

There has been a decrease in the number of members of legislative assembly (MLAs) with criminal records in Uttar Pradesh (UP), Punjab and Goa of the five states that elected new state governments, according to our analysis of data compiled by Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), an advocacy.

Of 690 MLAs elected in UP, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Manipur and Goa, 27.8 percent (192) have a criminal record, while 20 percent (140) face serious criminal charges, such as murder, kidnapping and extortion, the data show.

While the number of MLAs with criminal records declined in three of five states, the number of MLAs with serious criminal charges increased in all states, except Manipur.

Source: Association for Democratic Reforms

The Bharatiya Janata Party swept UP with a record 312 of 403 seats, and the Congress emerged as the single largest party in three of five states.

As many as 1,000 candidates contesting the elections in the five states had criminal charges against them and 850 candidates had serious criminal charges, as IndiaSpend reported in March 2017.

Largest increase in MLAs without criminal record in UP.

There was a 19.2 percent rise in the number of MLAs without a criminal record in UP in 2017 over 2012, the largest increase in crime-free lower-house legislators among the five states.

The new UP assembly will have 260 MLAs (of 403) without a criminal record. The state saw a decline in the number of MLAs with a criminal record, from 189 in 2012 to 143 in 2017.

However, the number of MLAs with serious criminal records in UP has gone up from 98 in 2012 to 107 in 2017.

Source: Association for Democratic Reforms

Punjab reported a three percent increase in the number of MLAs without criminal records in 2017 over 2012, with 19 MLAs with a clean record elected in 2017 compared to 16 in 2012.

Goa saw an increase of 10 percent in MLAs without criminal records, with 31 MLAs with no criminal record being elected in 2017 compared to 28 in 2012.

Manipur and Uttarakhand saw a decline in the number of MLAs with no criminal records.

Manipur, which had no MLAs with criminal records in 2012, elected two MLAs with serious criminal charges. In Uttarakhand, these numbers more than tripled, from four in 2012 to 14 in 2017.

540 crorepatis among 690 MLAs whose records were analysed

Of the 690 MLAs whose records were analysed by ADR, 192 had criminal cases registered against them and 140 had serious offences registered: 540 are crorepatis.

Of 140 candidates in five states, 10 faced murder and 37 attempt-to-murder charges. There was a decline in the overall proportion of MLAs facing criminal charges across these states, from 33.6 percent in 2012 to 27.8 percent in 2017.

Of 403 MLAs in UP, 36 percent have a criminal record and 26 percent face serious criminal charges; the BJP has 83 (of 312) MLAs with criminal chargescompared with 25 of 47 in 2012followed by 11 of the Samajwadi Party.

Source: Association for Democratic Reforms

In UP, eight MLAs have declared cases related to murder against themselves and 34 MLAs have declared cases related to attempt to murder. These declarations are required by the Election Commission of India. Criminal cases do not debar anyone from contesting elections.

In Punjab, the number of MLAs with serious criminal records went up from five to 11 between 2012 and 2017. Punjab had 11 MLAs with criminal charges, of which seven were from the Congress, including chief-minister elect Capt Amarinder Singh (four charges relating to cheating and forgery) and Navjot Singh Sidhu (one charge of murder).

Goan MLAs with serious charges over the same period (2012-17) rose from two to six, according to the ADR data.

(Salve is an analyst with IndiaSpend.)
Back after her kidney transplant, Union External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday received a warm welcome in Parliament from her colleagues particularly Speaker Sumitra Mahajan who told her that her strong voice was sorely missed during her absence. Swaraj's return to work after a long hospitalisation has in effect ended the trail of speculation that was fuelled by her absence. And the role of WhatsApp remained so epic in these speculative exchanges that it truly be called a "WhatsApp Akhbar". Akhbar, is of course, the Hindi equivalent of newspaper.

So much so that speculations from "reliable self-made digital sources (read WhatsApp)" also talked about Swaraj being shifted out of the ministry due to her illness and a major cabinet rejig soon involving top ministers and even chief ministers. All this talk on the digital platform only missed one critical point, though. That the Budget session of Parliament is on and no cabinet reshuffle could take place during this period.

"WhatsApp Akhbar" does not distinguish between fact and fiction. Credible or not, most of its users hardly think twice before pressing the forward button to share the "incredible piece" of information that he or she just received.

"Don't you know, Devendra Fadnavis (Maharastra Chief Minister) is being shifted to Delhi, he will be new defence minister, a surprise replacement to Manohar Parrikar, Rajnath Singh will be UP chief minister, Arun Jaitley will be home minister, alternatively Shivraj Singh Chouhan will be home minister, Piyush Goel will be the new finance minister, Vasundhara Raje will be external affairs minister, Raman Singh is also being called at the centre, Ramesh Bais or anyone else will be chief minister. Can you tell me who is this Chandrakant Patil, new chief minister of Maharastra," a friend told me excitedly. His tone was so firm and convincing that it took me by surprise, not for anything else but because the kind of business he was engaged in for a living had nothing to do either with news, government or politics.

"How do you know so much"? I asked. "You don't know," he shot back, it's all over WhatsApp. It's circulating there for the last two days. Yet another friend, as also a colleague and relative called with a similar position.

What was even worse was that even a section of leaders in the BJP and else in political spectrum started talking about it in length. Three days later, a central party office bearer in BJP told Firstpost with a certain confidence, adding "let me tell you since you are a friend that Devendra Fadnavis is resigning from the post of Maharastra chief minister and coming to Delhi to take over as defence minister. Raman Singh, Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Vasundhara Raje are also being shifted to Delhi to join Modi cabinet. All big four ministers (existing) are being shifted. Rajnath Singh, in any case, is going to Uttar Pradesh, Sushmaji as it is not well and Jaitley ji could be shifted from finance." Honestly, till then I had not received any Whatsapp messages to that effect. It's a different matter that by next morning my inbox was flooded with such messages, both group, and individual, like the fictional messages which had been floating on "banking transaction tax".

A minister asked have you heard what is going on in "Chandukhana" (an English translation of this colloquial Delhi term, it roughly means garbage pit). he then narrated what others had told. It was not just Chandukhana but it was jham jham chandukhana ( garbage pit galore), I said.

Another message said how Rajnath Singh's staff had reached his Lucknow residence (Kalidas Marg where his residence is next to chief minister's official residence) to prepare for his arrival in Lucknow for swearing in. No attribution again but it was a hot topic on WhatsApp.

BJP general secretary (organisation), an RSS nominee in the party, Ramlal has become another alternate on WhatsApp for the chief ministerial position in Uttar Pradesh. So are Satish Mahana and Suresh Khanna, two unknown but multiple term MLA. No point in talking other obvious or serious probable Manoj Sinha.

BJP president Amit Shah's light-hearted statement that "Keshav ji (Keshav Prasad Maurya) has to decide" who is going to be the chief minister is being interpreted that Shah has ruled Maurya out because latter can't decide that he would be the chief minister himself and has to name someone else is the highest talking point in BJP. Thankfully, it's not on WhatsApp yet, at least not in wide circulation yet.

So far cabinet reshuffle was considered to be a sole prerogative of the prime minister, more so in the case of Modi. But fertile minds on WhatsApp have just usurped that. Behind this flight of fancy is the thought Modi would do unconventional things. So keep enjoying these WhatsApp headlines, one of it may come true.
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The exit polls projected BJP winning an average of 15 to 20 seats. Though the BJP is likely to emerge as the single largest party, there is a possibility that the party may not reach the majority mark of 21 seats. A day before the counting day, Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar said that the BJP is confident of winning a majority and will not require any post-poll alliance.

Being Indias tiniest state, the average votes cast on 4 February comes to 24,627 votes cast in each of Goas 40 constituencies. If the past is any indicator, victory margins in many constituencies could yet again be very narrow in which roughly 440 postal ballots on an average in each constituency may make or mar the chances of political parties and chief minister aspirants.

Smaller states like Goa witness different brand of political permutations and combinations. After 81 percent out of the states eligible and registered 11.09 lakh voters opted to exercise their right to franchise on 4 February, Goa continues to witness a slugfest over postal ballots.

Three exit polls Axis My India, C-Voter and MRC have given the BJP an edge over its competitors. The party is likely to win 15 to 22 seats, followed by Congress. MRC predicts 15 seats for BJP, 10 for Congress and AAP seven. Meanwhile, C-voter predicts that BJP may retain Goa with 18 seats and Congress may gain six seats. AAP which is making its debut in Goa might just end up only two seats. C-Voter exit poll predicts that BJP would be the single largest party in Goa.

The exit polls released on Thursday projected a win for BJP in the 40-seat Goa Assembly. The exit polls put Congress in the second lead and predicted that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) might not repeat its Delhi success in Goa.

Circumstances will dictate if Parrikar would be back where Goans want him to. He may be asked to form the next government if BJP falls short of the majority since his magnetic personality will attract Independents and some smaller parties to support BJP. However, if BJP gets majority on its own, Parrikar may stay put as the defence minister and asked to nominate the new chief minister, as he was asked to in 2014 when he handpicked Laxmikant Parsekar as his successor.

Union defence minister is unarguably the most popular BJP leader in Goa and the majority of Goans would want to see Parrikar back as the next chief minister. So would Parrikar, who had moved to the Centre, rather reluctantly in November 2014.

It is D-Day for candidates belonging to the ruling BJP, opposition Congress and the debutant AAP. While BJP will look to retain the state, Congress would look to make a comeback. The Aam Aadmi Party will look to recreate its Delhi magic.

Uncertainty hovers over incumbent Goa Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekars future even in the event of BJP forming the new Goa government.Parrikar had nominated Parsekar as his successor since he allegedly did not want a strong leader to emerge from the BJP ranks as his replacement.

DSouza entered Goa Assembly in 1999 and remains undefeated since then. He was appointed deputy chief minister when Parrikar formed the government in 2012. He was seen as a strong contender to replace Parrikar as chief minister in 2014 and made his displeasure public when his claim was overlooked, while asking him to continue as deputy chief minister.

Victory margins in many constituencies could yet again be very narrow in which roughly 440 postal ballots on an average in each constituency may make or mar the chances of political parties and chief minister aspirants.

In an earlier interview to Firstpost , Gomes said that Kejriwal has been the guiding force, whether it is policy formulation or implementation. Our door-to-door campaign has helped AAP a lot. We paid heed to the peoples voices and it finds representation in our manifesto, he said.

Postal counting starts at 8 AM. EVMs to be opened at 8.30 AM. Results for all the 40 seats are expected by 12 PM.

Talking to Firstpost, BJP may end up being the single largest party. AAP may not create much of a flutter in the state. However, it will probably not join hands with the Congress. The fact that Parrikar and Laxmikant Parsekar did not face any taint of corruption worked in their favour.

Counting of postal ballots have started in Goa. In all 17,590 postal ballots were issued to government servants who were deployed on election duty when Goa voted on 4 February.

Two counting centres are buzzing with activities -- counting for 19 seats of North Goa is taking place in the state capital Panaji while counting for the remaining 21 seats of South Goa is being done in Madgaon, considered as Goa's commercial capital.

The Congress, the prime opponent of the BJP, has fielded four former chief ministers - Digambar Kamat, Pratapsinh Rane, Ravi Naik and Luizinho Faleiro in their respective constituencies, while the NCP has given a ticket to Churchill Alemao.

In all 1,649 EVMs were used for Goa polls. They would be opened at 8.30 am after counting of postal ballots get over.

Goa has over a dozen chief ministerial aspirants, including some independents who are ready with their dreams and sustained dreams if Goa throws up yet another hung Assembly.

According to Times Now, Goa has its first two leads, with Congress leading in two seats while one seat has an 'Others" candidate leading.

Full country started counting at 8 am, but in Goa  where 1,649 EVMs were used, counting started at 8.30. Feni likes to be fashionably late. Builds up suspense and all, no?

According to initial trends, the Congress is leading in 3 seats in Goa while the Others is leading in one seat.

Parsekar was locked in a 7 cornered contest in his home constituency. It was widely speculated that BJP's decision not to announce him as its chief ministerial candidate had weakened his hold over the North Goa constituency.Opposition parties had targeted Mandrem and Panaji, which happened to be constituency of Manohar Parrikar, to defeat BJP and take wind out of its sails in Goa.

Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar lags behind his Congress rival Dayanand Sopte after the first round of counting in the Mandrem Assembly constituency in North Goa.

Kunal, Goa CEO said that the biggest challenge it faced during the election in Goa: "Money power plays an important role in Goa and we had our flying squads in place monitoring the situation, accompanied by the IT officials and local police. We seized cash in abundance from various places during the election and it was let off only after verification of the sources of the funds."

In the GPCC office. The vice president Sheikh along with other party members are closely monitoring the numbers. They're ecstatic that the CM is trailing in his constituency.

Goa Deputy Chief Minister Francis D'Souza leading in Mapusa constituency. He has remained undefeated here since he won this North Goa seat first in 1999.

D'Souza's victory may strengthen his claim to become first Christian chief minister from BJP's ranks. His claim was overlooked in favour of Laxmikant Parsekar when Manohar Parrikar stepped down as Goa chief minister in 2014.

Now say 'hung Assembly', b*gger. Now say it. Since when Feni was asking, "What hung Assembly?", but no one listens only.

Former Goa chief minister Pratapsingh Rane is leading in Poriem constituency. Rane has served as Goa chief minister for six terms and is among the strong contenders to become chief minister for the seventh time if his Congress party finds itself in a position to form the new government.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is headed for a disastrous debut in Goa. The party that claimed it will sweep Goa polls, is trailing in all seats it contested, including its chief ministerial candidate Elvis Gomes in Cuncolim seat.

Laxmikand Parsekar was defeated by Congress party's Dayanand Sopte, once a close confidant of Parsekar. Sopte had defected from the BJP and was rewarded with nomination by the Congress. Sopte has now won by a margin of 3,500 votes.

The Congress was leading in eight seats in Goa and the ruling BJP in five of the 40 constituencies in the state after the first three hours of counting of votes. While Goa Forward Party has gained lead in two seats, NCP leads in one. The MGP is ahead in Bicholim seat as well, with its candidate Naresh Sawal mantaining lead over BJP's Rajesh Patnekar.

National general secretary Digvijaya Singh is likely to hold a party meeting at 6 pm today. Congress in Goa is likely to form the new government and get into an alliance with the NCP, MGP and Goa Forward.

The ruling BJP suffered a major blow when Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar was defeated by Dayanand Sopte of the Congress at Mandrem by nearly 5,000 votes.

Ironically, the thrust of Modis 28 January Goa rally was stability. He urged Goa voters to give BJP big majority to avoid fractured mandate and plunge Goa into political uncertainties of the past. Goa voters had none of it as they appear to have given a fractured majority.

The best scenario for BJP was to send back Parrikar to Goa and officially name him as the chief ministerial candidate. The party refused to read the writing on the wall, just hoping that by using Parrikars name and Modis image, the party to emerge victorious.

The 63-year-old leader was at helm of affairs in Goa from 2007-12. He was booked by Goa Crime Branch in the multi-crore Louis bribery case in 2015 along with his former cabinet colleague Churchill Alemao.

Kamat further added, "The BJP-led government tried to harass me. They filed fake cases against me. They tried to jail me. Only God protected me."

"I attribute my victory to all my party workers who stood by me and reposed their faith in me," Kamat told reporters outside the counting centre here in South Goa.

MGP won in three constituencies, but lost two sitting seats Ponda  represented by Lavoo Mamlatdar  and Priol from where party President Dipak Dhavalikar was elected last time. The party retained Madkai, where its leader Sudin Dhavalikar won with a margin of more than 10,000 votes. It also won Pernem where its candidate Manohar Asgaonkar defeated BJP Minister Rajendra Arlekar and Sanvordem where its nominee Dipak Pawaskar trounced BJP's sitting MLA Ganesh Gaonkar.

Laxmikant Parsekar, who addressed a press conference, along with Manohar Parrikar said that though the number of seats are a little less than Congress, the voting percentage of BJP is 33% and Congress is 28%. "We have provided a stable government in Goa. The coming term would again witness instability, the track record of development will receive a severe and serious setback and Goa will be pushed back at least by 10 years. But it is people's mandate and we have accepted it," he said.

While the Congress has won 17 seats and is just four short of a majority in the Goa Assembly, the BJP too has is set to stake claim to retain the state. BJP which has won 13 seats is reportedly wooing parties like Goa Forward, MGP and two independents to form the next government.

Media reports suggest that defence minster Manohar Parrikar may be elected as Goa chief minister in order to woo the smaller parties to join the alliance. With BJP stuck at 13 seats, it needs 8 more MLAs to form the government. It is to be noted that Parrikar had formed the government in 2000 with just 10 MLAs.

The biggest gainers from that general sense of ennui with the established parties were Independents and small parties  particularly candidates who have performed well.

The lesson from the Goa Assembly election results is that sound and fury are not enough to counter deep political roots. People would rather trust power to those with a record of governance, even when such parties have disappointed in the recent past. The Aam Aadmi Party was the most visible during the campaign, but the relatively new party fared quite miserably. The traditional parties of governance in Goa  the Congress and the BJP, fared relatively well even though people in general had been disappointed with their performances.

"The people want Parrikar to come back to Goa. Now it will depend on the Goa Forward Party and MGP. If they support us, we will form the government in the state," said BJP legislator Michael Lobo, who got elected from Calangute constituency. He said if the GFP and MGP pledge support, the BJP can submit a letter to Goa Governor Mridula Sinha staking claim to form the state government.

Three of the BJP's newly elected MLAs today rooted for Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar to take the lead to form government in Goa, if the smaller parties back it.

Sudin Dhavalikar and his brother Deepak were ministers in the BJP-led coalition government for a good part of the last five years but were sacked by Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar two months before the 4 February polls were announced after both brothers criticised his leadership.

"We will have to strategise. How can we jump into anything? Coalition talks will happen in their own time," Dhavalikar said, even as political sources told IANS that the MGP leadership, including Dhavalikar, was in touch with both Congress and BJP leaders.

With Goa throwing up a fractured mandate, leaders of smaller parties, who have turned kingmakers, have turned cautious even as both the Congress and the BJP desperately woo them.

BJPs strategy to field eight Catholic candidates in Goa seems to have worked well for it. Although it won only 13 seats in the new 40-member Assembly, most of its Catholic candidates won their seats and one, Arthur DSilva, came second in the Curtolim constituency. The party has earned a lot of flak for fielding no Muslims in Uttar Pradesh and in several other states in the recent past. However, it adopted a different strategy in Goa with regard to minorities.

According to CNN-News 18, Manohar Parrikar resigned as defence minister and he is on his way to meet the governor of Goa and form the next government.

"MGP unanimously passed a resolution that it will extend support to BJP if they recall Parrikar from the Centre to the state and appoint him chief minister," MGP leader Sudin Dhavalikar told PTI. "The resolution is very clear. MGP will support BJP only if Parrikar is made chief minister. Our support is not to BJP but to Parrikar," he added.

Nitin Gadkari, during a press conference said that the BJP Parliamentary Board, party president Amit Shah are ready to make Manohar Parrikar as the chief minister of Goa. He clarified that he has not resigned as the defence minister yet. Depending on the governor's decision, Parrikar will resign as the defence minister before taking oath as CM.

Capping the day of fast-paced developments, Goa Governor Mridula Sinha on Sunday night appointed defence minister Manohar Parrikar, the BJP Legislature, Party leader, as the chief minister and asked him to prove majority on floor of House within 15 days of taking oath.

Parrikar may contest the bypoll from Mapusa seat, which has to be vacated by former deputy chief minister Francis D'Souza. Parrikar is not yet a member of the legislative assembly and has to contest a poll in the next six months. According to India Today, D'Souza may be accommodated in the Rajya Sabha.

MGP leader Sudin Dhavlikar is all set to be the new deputy chief minister succeeding Francis D'souza. MGP, which bagged three seats, had extended its support on the condition that Parrikar be the chief minister.

While five members of the cainet will be be from the BJP, two each will be from MGP and Goa Forward party. Two Independents will also take oath along with them, reports India Today.

India Today reports that Valpoi MLA Vishwajit Rane along with many other MLAs are all set to quit the Congress over its inability to form the government despite emerging as the single largest party in the state. The son of former chief minister Pratapsingh Rane, Vishwajit has blamed the Delhi-based leaders for teh unexpected debacle.

The Congress, which won 17 seats in the 40-member Goa assembly, on Monday night moved the Supreme Court challenging Governor Sinha's decision to invite the 13-MLA BJP, led by Parrikar, to form government, claiming that it violated the "established constitutional practice" of inviting the single-largest party in a hung Assembly. Chief Justice J S Khehar agreed to set up a special bench on Tuesday for an urgent hearing as the court is closed for a week for Holi, The Times of India reported.

A day after the Congress alleged that the BJP 'stole' the elections in Goa and Manipur, Supreme Court on Tuesday will hear the party's plea challenging Goa Governor Mridula Sinha's invitation to Manohar Parrikar to form the government in Goa.

The petition, filed by advocate Devdutt Kamath, is likely to be argued by senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi and has made the Centre and Goa as the parties.

A special bench would be constituted as the apex court is on Holi break for a week. The petition filed by Goa CLP leader Chandrakant Kavlekar has sought stay on the swearing-in of Parrikar as the chief minister. The petition has also sought quashing of the decision of the governor to appoint Parrikar as the chief minister.

The Congress moved the Supreme Court on Monday challenging Goa Governor Mridula Sinha's decision to appoint BJP leader Manohar Parrikar as the chief minister of the state. The hurriedly filed petition late on Monday evening was mentioned at the residence of Chief Justice J S Kehar, who agreed to give an urgent hearing today.

In a counter-move, Congress, late on Monday moved the Supreme Court challenging Goa Governor Mridula Sinha's decision to appoint BJP leader Manohar Parrikar as the chief minister of the state. The hurriedly filed petition on Monday evening was mentioned at the residence of Chief Justice J S Kehar, who agreed to give an urgent hearing today.

On Monday, Parrikar quit as the defence minister and reports said that the swearing-in ceremony will be held at 5.30 pm in Panaji. Congress leaders lambasted the BJP leadership for a move which was "unconstitutional". Former finance minister and senior Congress leader P Chidambaram accused the BJP of "stealing" the elections in Goa and Manipur.

Enlisting the support of two independents, three members each of the Goa Forward Party (GFP) and the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) and that of the lone NCP member, the BJP members led by the defence minister called upon Governor Mridula Sinha on Sunday evening and formally staked the government formation claim.

BJP pulled off a midnight coup in Goa and staked claim to form the next government under Manohar Parrikar despite emerging as the second largest party behind Congress in a fractured mandate.

"Despite losing the mandate of the people, our political opponents (BJP) have tried to misrepresent to your good-self that they enjoy the majority support of legislators. This is not only opportunism at its lowest but is also not constitutionally permissible," Goa CLP Leader Chandrakant Kavlekar stated in the memorandum.

The Congress urged Governor Mridula Sinha to invite the party to form the next government by virtue of being the single largest party, a day ahead of swearing-in of BJP leader Manohar Parrikar as Chief Minister. In a memorandum submitted to the Governor tonight, the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) claimed to have the requisite support and that they can prove the same on the floor of the House.

"We have adequate numbers. We are the single largest party and we should be invited to form the government," CLP leader Chandrakant Kavlekar told PTI.

The Congress Legislative Party will meet Governor Mridula Sinha on Tuesday to stake claim to form the next government in Goa, stating that they have adequate numbers on their side. "We are holding a Congress Legislative Party meeting in the morning and then will be meeting the Governor at 10.00 AM to stake claim to form the next government.

Depending upon which way the apex court views the Goa development, there is a strong possibility that Goa may be headed for a brief spell of Presidents Rule since the new Assembly must be constituted before 18 March.

The Congress party is seeking cancellation of the gubernatorial invite to Parrikar. Parrikar along with an assorted Cabinet is scheduled to be sworn-in Tuesday evening.

Eyes are fixed on how the apex court views this development and whether inviting Manohar Parrikar to form the new government can be held legitimate by it when it takes up for hearing a petition filed by the newly elected Congress legislative party leader Chandrakant Kavlekar. Chief Justice JS Khehar agreed to set up a special bench which will hear the petition at 10.30 am.

Senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh, who has been vocal about Congress' poor performance in the elections, on Tuesday said that Goa Governor Mridula Sinha must work according to the Constitution.

The petition, filed by advocate Devdutt Kamath, is likely to be argued by senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi and has made the Centre and Goa as the parties.

The hurriedly filed petition late on Monday was mentioned at the residence of Chief Justice J S Kehar, who agreed to give an urgent hearing. A special bench would be constituted as the apex court is on Holi break for a week. The petition filed by Goa CLP leader Chandrakant Kavlekar has sought stay on the swearing-in of Parrikar as the chief minister. The petition has also sought quashing of the decision of the governor to appoint Parrikar as the chief minister.

Hearing on Congress' petition challenging appointment of Manohar Parrikar as Goa chief minister begins in the Supreme Court. The Congress earlier moved the apex court challenging Goa Governor Mridula Sinha's decision to appoint BJP leader Manohar Parrikar as the chief minister of the state.

Senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh, at a press conference, said that Governor Mridula Sinha will meet "us at 1.30pm, though we wished that she should've met us earlier."

TV channels report that Supreme Court had more than a few tough words for Congress who moved the apex court challenging Manohar Parrikar's appointment as the chief minister for Goa. Asking the Congress why did it not first approach the governor with the adequate numbers, the Supreme Court asked the party about the numbers required to form the government.

-"The entire object of this hasty late night political maneuvering by the powers that be is to defeat the mandate of the people and to somehow grab power by misusing the office of the Governor."

- Governor's move, a complete "departure from the Sarkaria Commission as well as MM Punchhi commission recommendations, requiring her to invite the single largest party (in this case the Indian National Congress) to form the government, has acted with utmost haste."

- The Governor has blatantly violated the Constitution by inviting the BJP to form the Government and has scheduled to administer the oath of office to the unelected Chief Minister

Congress leader Chandrakant Kavlekar's petition challenging Governor Mridula Sinha's decision to appoint Manohar Parrikar as Goa Chief Minister, has plunged the state in a new political crisis. The Supreme Court hearing is underway, but here are the major points raised in the petition.

The Supreme Court bench also observed that numbers should determine the single largest party in Goa and the bench asked the Congress why they didn't approach the governor to stake claim to form the government. The SC also asked the Congress to show the numbers.

The tussle for government formation in Goa reached the Supreme Court, with the state Congress legislative party leader challenging the invitation extended by Governor Mridula Sinha on Sunday to BJP leader Manohar Parrikar to form government. During the hearing on Tuesday, the Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice of India JS Khehar, ordered an immediate floor test in Goa.

The apex court on Tuesday ordered a floor test in Goa Assembly on 16 March at 11 am. The Supreme Court allowed the swearing-in ceremony for Manohar Parrikar as the chief minister on Tuesday at 5 pm.

Smarting under the Supreme Court snub, the Congress party tried to put up a brave face by terming the court advancing the floor test as its victory and that Parrikar will be Goa chief minister for just two days. The big question, however, remain whether and where the Congress party will get the requisite numbers to topple the Parrikar government.

"We wanted to stake claim since 12 March. We had even given her a letter by the night of 12 March. She still did not give us time, and went against 'established conventions' and invited the BJP to form government," Singh told a press conference in Panaji. - IANS

Congress' Digvijay Singh, who is under fire from the party's central leadership said that the Goa Governor Mridula Sinha unilaterally invited the BJP to form the next government in the state, despite a letter by the Congress party to her seeking an invitation to form the government.

"How we lost in Goa was stupid," Chowdhury said, adding that he should be removed as the party's general secretary. She also sought to defend Rahul Gandhi, stating that the Congress VP trusted state leaders and gave them a free hand, according to CNN-News18.

"We have the numbers to form the government. We have more than 21 MLAs with us with the support of alliance partners," Goa BJP unit General Secretary Sadanand Tanawade told reporters in Panaji. - PTI

The BJP welcomed the Supreme Court's decision to not stay the swearing-in of Manohar Parrikar as Goa Chief Minister, and claimed it will be able to prove majority on the floor of the House.

"I will comment after the swearing-in," Parrikar told reporters in Panaji, when asked to comment on the apex court's decision to organize a floor test of his government on Thursday.

Even as the Congress termed the Supreme Court verdict ordering a floor test in Goa a victory for the party, Manohar Parrikar has chosen to keep mum.

Members of Congress, NCP and RJD raised the issue during Question Hour. Congress leader in the House Mallikarjun Kharge claimed that democracy is being murdered.

Congress and its UPA allies on Tuesday staged a walkout of the Lok Sabha to protest the alleged efforts to install BJP government in Goa and Manipur despite it having the numbers.

Slamming the Congress party for being a sour loser, Arun Jaitley of te BJP said that the grand old party has got too many complaints. On the ruckus in Lok Sabha today, Jaitley said that since Mallikarjun Kharge has used "strong words" in the House, they should either be expunged or the government be allowed to respond. The Speaker said nothing beyond the questions and answers will be allowed to go on record.

"They are saying that it is okay for them to misuse the office of the Governor...In the two states where we won, democracy has been undermined by them (BJP) using financial power, money. That is what is happening. The mandate of the people of Goa and Manipur has been stolen by the BJP," he told reporters outside Parliament.

In his Facebook post, finance minister Arun Jaitley slammed Congress for crying foul over government formation in Goa. Jaitley said, "Goa produced an inconclusive verdict. There was a hung assembly,obviously post-poll alliances will be formed".

The newly-elected Goa Assembly is likely to have its first meeting on Thursday. Floor test will be done after new legislators are administered oath by a pro-tem Speaker.

Speaking to CNN News18, former chief minister Laxmikant Parsekar said that the Congress will fail to prove its majority on the floor of the House on Thursday. He also added that his party used no money power to lure smaller parties. Parsekar, who lost his Mandrem seat, also showed confidence that Independents will back the Parrikar government on Thursday's floor test.

It can't be helped if the Congress vice-president chooses to remain in 'La La Land' but the party's charge against BJP and petition in Supreme Court that Governor Mridula Sinha 'acted in haste' should be explored from all angles. Did Sinha err in inviting BJP's chief ministerial candidate to form a government? And how accurate is the claim that a party which finishes second "has no right to form a government"? What are the political, legal and moral aspects of this charge?

Reports suggest that Manohar Parrikar has also arrived at the Raj Bhavan. Eight other MLAs will also be sworn-in along with him.

MGP leader Sudin Dhavlikar follows Manohar Parrikar in the order of precedence. He is expected to be the PWD minister.

He is followed by Sudin Dhavalikar of the MGP and Vijai Sardesai of the Goa Forward party.

The Congress has been crying foul as despite being the single-largest party in the Assembly it failed to cobble up the support of non-BJP MLAs, following which Governor Mridula Sinha gave the BJP the first go at government formation.

Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar has to prove majority in the Goa Assembly today. He stepped down as the Defence Minister to return as the chief minister on Tuesday. Parrikar enjoys the support of 22 MLAs, two more than the halfway mark of 20 in the 40-member Assembly.

Manohar Parrikar, whose party has 13 MLAs, had staked claim to form the government on Sunday mustering the support of the Goa Forward Party (GFP) and Maharashtravadi Gomantak Party (MGP) besides two Independents, which together took the tally of the combine to 21.

After being sworn-in as the Chief Minister, Manohar Parrikar exuded confidence that his government would be stable and run the full five year term. "Let everyone be very clear that this government will last for its full tenure. I agree the mandate is fractured. But if every fraction of the fractured mandate comes together, we will become 22. This is bringing together post-election coalition and the lead has been taken by regional parties, not me," he said.

Meanwhile, speaking to the media Congress MLA Vishwajeet Rane said, "It seems those leaders sent from Delhi never wanted Congress to form government in Goa. Congress should know the kind of mismanagement done by the in-charge of the party who came here from Delhi, which will finish the party."

Goa Governor Mridula Sinha has summoned the first session of the new Assembly to meet at 11:30am. The MLAs will take oath first, following which the floor test would be conducted.

Ahead of the floor test, the Congress refused to comment on their strategy asking people to "wait and watch." "You wait and watch. I will not comment anything right now," Congress Legislature Party Leader Chandrakant Kavlekar told PTI. Led by Kavlekar, all the 17 party MLAs had called upon the Governor on Tuesday seeking an invitation to the Congress to form the government, but failed to get any assurance from her.

The anguish of the Congress party MLAs' seems to be directed at AICC general secretary Digvijaya Singh who has been handling the party affairs in Goa ahead and after elections.

The Congress leaders are still smarting from the failure of the party managers to cobble up any post-poll alliance to attain power, despite emerging as the single largest party in Assembly elections.

The BJP had won 13 seats, four less than the Congress which bagged 17 seats in the 40-member House. The BJP will have to prove majority in the Legislative Assembly, as per the directions of the Supreme Court on Tuesday.

"In Goa and Manipur Congress could not stake the claim, the Honourable Governor found BJP have numbers to lead the state we were called to form the government. They went to court, even court asked them to prove the numbers, now they are writing blogs. If you have numbers prove it on floors. They are making absurd allegations of horse trading," says Venkaiah Naidu.

Trashing Parrikar's swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday, Congress leader Om Prakash Mishra told ANI that the event was a big scam. "This swearing-in ceremony of Manohar Parrikar as the Chief Minister of Goa is a big scam and BJP has resorted to unfair means. Throughout Goa people are protesting as to why the saffron party did such a low act to come to power, and why is the media not showing all this."

Under fire from his own party members for mismanagement, Singh told NDTV, "If you are seeing me smiling, that shows confidence. We will defeat the motion."

In an interview with NDTV, Congress leader and in-charge for Goa elections, Digvijaya Singh said that he was confident Parrikar would lose the trust vote. "There is no crisis as far as Goa and Manipur are concerned. The High Command had fully authorised the General Secretaries in charge to take decision and there was no interference."

"Ideally, the CLP leader should have been elected immediately (after the poll results). Party's Goa Incharge has done this mismanagement. I will meet Rahul Gandhi before taking any further step. I am hopeful that Rahul ji will give us justice. If he does not respond, then we will feel that we are not in right party and we will take decision after consulting our workers. We will have to quit the Congress if such kind of behaviour continues."

So while, there may be many legal disputes as to how best a governor should act, sometimes effective and quick rulings are better for a democracy than cold hard letters of the law. The law states that the chief minister is a member of the house, who is appointed by the governor and holds the confidence of the House. READ FULL ARTICLE HERE

So this does not become a point of who is legally authorised to hold office or not, when adjudicating these matters there are many factors at play, the cold hard letter of the law, the changing tides of democracy and the practicality of having to form of a government. So when courts get involved, the results that come out often times don't always stick to precedent like clockwork.

The governor of a state has a unique constitutional role in our system of Westminster style democracy. The role is similar to the president at the Centre. The role of the governor at the end of the day is to ensure that there is a stable government that can pass a budget and ensure supply as without passing a budget the government will stop and only the legislature can raise money.

All eyes are on Panjim right now where the Goa Legislative Assembly is scheduled to have a floor test on Thursday to see if Manohar Parrikar, recently appointed as the state's chief minister, can survive a vote of confidence in the House.

Making absurd allegations against BJP and stalling Rajya Sabha for performing its duties, this is what Congress does. People rejected Congress in 2014. Congress should have understood its role as constructive opposition. Now after landslide victory in Assembly elections, Congress should understand its role, Venkaiah Naidu tells CNN-News18.

"Two days were taken to choose a Congress Legislature Party leader. Those in charge indulged in mismanagement. The Supreme Court also said so. They are experienced people, but they did not know what to do, what step to take to form the government. Parrikar came from Delhi and swiftly spoke to everyone concerned, got the numbers and formed the government," the Congress legislator from Valpoi was quoted as saying by IANS.

After failing to act quickly to form a government in Goa, the Congress now stares at a revolt as a senior legislator said he and other "like-minded lawmakers will be forced to re-think our remaining with the Congress in future". Senior Congress leader and legislator Vishwajit Rane sought party vice-president Rahul Gandhi's intervention and action against those he claimed "mishandled" the government-formation fiasco.

The Congress claimed that Rs 1,000 crore had been spent on horse-trading and luring non-Congress legislators by the BJP to form a coalition government in Goa earlier this week. "Nothing less than Rs 1,000 crore have been spent by the BJP to lure and buy MLAs over to their side," All India Congress Committee (AICC) Secretary Girish Chodankar told CNN-News18.

Leader of the Goa Forward Party, Vijay Sardesai, who is backing the Parrikar government in Goa told News18, "The BJP was quicker. They deemed Goa important enough to send their minister (Parrikar) back from Delhi to Goa. Now there will be more development here too. This is why we supported the BJP. The Congress has many grand old men all vying for power. They could not have decided a leader and provided stability, so there was no point in going with them. They have backstabbed me twice, tried to scuttle my political plans. Digvijaya Singh is not really responsible for this mess in Congress."

After Kejriwal and Mulayam allege elections were won by tampering EVMs, Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi alleged that the BJP had "stolen" the election and the allies by buying them out. "BJP ne Manipur aur Goa mein paise ka prayog kiya, sarkaar chori ki hai (BJP has used money to steal the governments of Manipur and Goa).

"We have the people with us," he said. Earlier, Goa Congress chief Luizinho Faleiro had expressed his confidence saying, "Congress is united and strong and we will prove our majority in Assembly."

The actual floor test would start after all the newly-elected members of the 40-member assembly are sworn in as legislators.

The much awaited floor test of the newly installed Manohar Parrikar-led Goa government is underway. While the BJP which heads the coalition government is confident of surviving the crucial test, considering it continues to enjoy support of its new-found allies, the rival Congress party entered the House still claiming it has the majority by its side.

The Congress has 17 seats in the Goa Assembly, four short of majority mark. The party has been unable to enlist the support of non-BJP MLAs.

The first MLA to be sworn-in in the Goa Assembly today was Dayanand Sopte, the Congress leader who registered a record win against former CM Laxmikant Parsekar in Mandrem constituency

The Congress needs only four more MLAs to reach the crucial mark. Sinha on Sunday had granted Parrikar 15 days to prove his majority in the assembly, but the Supreme Court, which was hearing a petition filed by Congress legislative party leader Chandrakant Kavlekar, directed on Tuesday that the floor test should be held without delay on Thursday.

Sources in the Congress party told IANS on condition of anonymity, that the Congress leadership, which is being accused of acting sluggishly and thereby losing the opportunity to form the government, is now in contact with leaders from the MGP and GF, requesting them to switch over.

BJP claims, it enjoys support of 22 legislators, including its own 13 MLA. It had submitted letters supporting its claim of 21 legislators to Goa Governor Mridula Sinha on Sunday. Since then another Independent legislator Prasad Gaonkar, MLA from Sanguem constituency, has joined the ruling coalition. There are indications that former chief minister and the lone Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) legislator Churchill Alemao, who won South Goas Benaulim seat, may also vote in favour of Parrikar government, helping it sail through the floor test ordered by the Supreme Court on Tuesday easily.

It is highly unlikely that BJPs new-found partners will vote themselves out of power. All three legislators of the Goa Front are already ministers, two-each among three Maharashtra Gomantak Party (MGP) and thee Independents gave been accommodated in the Manohar Parrikar government as cabinet ministers.

Kuncalienkar is expected to vacate the Panaji seat for Parrikar, enabling him contest the by-election and become member of the legislative assembly within six months of his appointment. Indian constitution allows a non-member to run the government for maximum six months.

Kuncalienkar, who worked as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to Parrikar while he was Goa chief minister from 2012 to 2014 before he moved to the centre as Indian defence minister, was elected to the assembly from Parrikars Panaji seat in 2015 in by-election. He retained the seat defeating thus far unconquered Atanasio Monserrate of the UGP by little over 1000 votes.

Kuncalienkar was sworn in as the pro-tem speaker by Governor Mridula Sinha on Wednesday. He will continue in the post until the assembly elects its new Speaker, likely to take place couple of days before the Manohar Parrikar government presents its budget sometime next week.

While BJP has numbers by its side to sail through todays floor test without any hiccups, the rival Congress party is raising questions over selection of pro-tem speaker Sidharth Kuncalienkar, BJP legislator from Panaji seat.

BJP got the support of 22 MLAs, 16 were opposed and one was absent during the Goa floor test. Parrikar has the challenge of assigning the portfolios.

In a major embarrassment, newly-elected Congress party legislator Vishwajit Rane did not vote, giving signals that all is not well with the Congress party. He walked out of the House after taking oath as legislator.

Parrikar government got support of 22 legislators, excluding the pro-tem speaker who was not required to cast his vote, while the Congress could manage only 17 votes.

"We have won the floor test, debunking Digvijaya's claim that they have the numbers. This is what happens when you come to Goa to have fun."

BJP claims, it enjoys support of 22 legislators, including its own 13 MLA. It had submitted letters supporting its claim of 21 legislators to Goa Governor Mridula Sinha on Sunday. Since then another Independent legislator Prasad Gaonkar, MLA from Sanguem constituency, has joined the ruling coalition. There are indications that former chief minister and the lone Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) legislator Churchill Alemao, who won South Goas Benaulim seat, may also vote in favour of Parrikar government, helping it sail through the floor test ordered by the Supreme Court on Tuesday easily.

It is highly unlikely that BJPs new-found partners will vote themselves out of power. All three legislators of the Goa Front are already ministers, two-each among three Maharashtra Gomantak Party (MGP) and thee Independents gave been accommodated in the Manohar Parrikar government as cabinet ministers.

Kuncalienkar is expected to vacate the Panaji seat for Parrikar, enabling him contest the by-election and become member of the legislative assembly within six months of his appointment. Indian constitution allows a non-member to run the government for maximum six months.

Kuncalienkar, who worked as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to Parrikar while he was Goa chief minister from 2012 to 2014 before he moved to the centre as Indian defence minister, was elected to the assembly from Parrikars Panaji seat in 2015 in by-election. He retained the seat defeating thus far unconquered Atanasio Monserrate of the UGP by little over 1000 votes.

Kuncalienkar was sworn in as the pro-tem speaker by Governor Mridula Sinha on Wednesday. He will continue in the post until the assembly elects its new Speaker, likely to take place couple of days before the Manohar Parrikar government presents its budget sometime next week.

While BJP has numbers by its side to sail through todays floor test without any hiccups, the rival Congress party is raising questions over selection of pro-tem speaker Sidharth Kuncalienkar, BJP legislator from Panaji seat.

BJP got the support of 22 MLAs, 16 were opposed and one was absent during the Goa floor test. Parrikar has the challenge of assigning the portfolios.

In a major embarrassment, newly-elected Congress party legislator Vishwajit Rane did not vote, giving signals that all is not well with the Congress party. He walked out of the House after taking oath as legislator.

Parrikar government got support of 22 legislators, excluding the pro-tem speaker who was not required to cast his vote, while the Congress could manage only 17 votes.

"We have won the floor test, debunking Digvijaya's claim that they have the numbers. This is what happens when you come to Goa to have fun."

We have proved before the people of India, we had support of 23 and we proved it on the floor of house: Manohar Parrikar,Goa CM pic.twitter.com/Qkr1JiaADd

It is a government of coalition & decision in this regard will be taken by the coalition: Goa CM Parrikar on question of need of deputy CM pic.twitter.com/HZ8v3bgHzX

Everyone voluntarily came and voted, none of them were kept in a hotel room or secluded common place as was the case of opposition: Parrikar

Manohar Parrikar, who quit as Defence Minister, was sworn in as chief minister of Goa on Tuesday to head a coalition government of local allies and Independents, three days after the BJP ended up second behind the Congress in a fractured mandate. The Congress, on Tuesday morning, suffered a setback in the Supreme Court which refused to stay 61-year-old Parrikar's swearing-in ceremony as sought by the party.

According to the directions of the apex court, Parrikar, who claimed to have support of 21 MLAs including 13 of the BJP, will have to prove majority on the floor of the assembly on March 16. The decks for his swearing-in were cleared after a bench headed by Chief Justice J S Khehar refused to grant the stay on the Congress' plea and ordered a floor test.

The bench directed that the assembly session be called at 11 am on 16 March exclusively for holding of the floor test after swearing-in of the members. Parrikar returned to Goa as the chief minister for the fourth time, though he could not complete full terms in his earlier stints. He had formally staked claim to form the coalition government on Sunday, following which he got an invite from Governor Mridula Sinha to prove majority in House.

At a function held at the Raj Bhavan, the governor administered the oath of office and secrecy to Parrikar along with nine MLAs including two members of the BJP, three of the Goa Forward Party, two of the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) and as many Independents. They will be allotted ministerial portfolios after the floor test. Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his best wishes to Parrikar on becoming the chief minister of Goa and hoped that he will take the state to new heights of progress.

Addressing reporters later, Parrikar exuded confidence that his government will last its full term. "I would prove majority on the floor of the House on Thursday only after which the portfolios would be distributed to the ministers who are inducted in the cabinet. The day after tomorrow, the procedure of proving majority on the floor of the House would be completed," he said.

Parrikar said the regional parties have taken the lead to form this government and have requested him to head the dispensation by resigning as defence minister. "My priority would be to retain speciality of Goa that is Goanness. The statement about the common minimum programme (CMP) would be issued within a month," he said. The BJP leader, who is an IIT-Bombay alumnus, said they have the support of 22 MLAs in total.

"There was a speculation for last two days whether BJP really got the majority required to form the government and here we are, we have 22 legislators with us," he said. Among the allies who took oath along with Parrikar are Ramakrishna alias Sudin Dhavalikar and Manohar Asgaonkar (both MGP), Vijai Sardesai, Jayesh Salgaoncar and Vinod Palyekar (all GFP), and Independents Rohan Khaunte and Govind Gawade.

The two BJP MLAs who were sworn in are outgoing deputy chief minister Francis D'Souza and Pandurang Madkaikar. BJP president Amit Shah along with Union ministers Venkaiah Naidu and Nitin Gadkari were present at the ceremony. Parrikar, who had served as the chief minister between 2000-2002, 2002-2005 and 2012-2014, said he would discuss the allocation of portfolios with his colleagues.

"Though the mandate was fractured, all the alliance partners have come together to take the number to 22 in the Assembly. "I agree that the mandate is fractured. But if every fraction of fractured mandate comes together we become 22. The lead for (effecting) the post-poll coalition was taken by the regional parties and not me," he said replying to a query.

Parrikar said the Independent candidates and the local parties, who have extended support to the BJP-led government, had set a pre-condition that "Prime Minister Narendra Modi should relieve me as Defence Minister and send me back to Goa as CM." He said the BJP's alliance partners have taken this decision in the larger interest of Goa.

"Their support is only for the sake of Goa's development and state's speciality which is called as 'goenkarponn' (Goanness). I am very thankful to them for the support," he said.

On the Congress approaching the Supreme Court saying they had the first right to form government by virtue of being the largest party, Parrikar said, "the court had specifically told them (Congress) to go to governor if they have majority with them. No one has stopped them (Congress) from approaching Governor with the majority support."

Parrikar's anointment came amid an intense tug-of-war between the BJP and the Congress, which has questioned the legitimacy of the saffron party's bid to power given it has failed to secure the popular mandate.

Earlier in the day, the Congress alleged the governor did not invite it to form government in the coastal state despite the party giving her a letter on Sunday seeking appointment to stake the claim.

"We wanted to stake the claim on March 12 itself. We had given her the letter on that day itself but still she (Governor) did not give us an appointment," AICC General Secretary Digvijaya Singh told reporters here, after chairing a meeting of the Goa Congress Legislature Party.

Meanwhile, a day after submitting a representation to the governor asking her to invite the party to form government, the Goa Congress today called on the governor with all its newly-elected 17 MLAs to seek an opportunity to prove majority in the assembly, but could not get any assurance from her.

The MLAs led by Congress Legislature Party leader Chandrakant Kavlekar held talks with the governor at Raj Bhavan for about half-an-hour arguing that being the single largest party, the Congress should have been called first to form the government.

"We requested the governor that the Congress be given an opportunity to form the government. Allowing Parrikar to be sworn in is against the Constitution. We have majority on our side," Goa Congress Chief Luizinho Faleiro told reporters outside Raj Bhavan. "The governor told us that she would take a decision as per her wisdom," he said.

With inputs from agencies
It turned out to be the proverbial much ado about nothing as the newly installed Manohar Parrikar-led coalition government in Goa cleared the floor test, ordered by the Supreme Court on Tuesday.

Parrikar government got support of 22 out of 40 members of the Assembly. While rebel Congress legislator Vishwajit Rane walked out of the House and did not vote, pro-tem speaker Sidharth Kuncalienkar was not required to cast his vote as per the parliamentary tradition in which the presiding officer casts vote only in case of a tie. Besides the three members each of the Goa Forward party and Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) who stood by BJP leader Parrikar, all three Independent legislators and the lone Nationalist Congress Party leader Churchill Alemao also voted for the government. Alemao and Independent Prasad Gaonkar were not among those who had initially announced their support to BJP's bid to form the government following the election of a hung assembly.

The Congress party continues to make a mockery of itself after fritting away the opportunity of dislodging BJP from power after winning 17 seats and emerging as the single largest party. The faction-ridden Congress party took two days to name its legislative party leader before Chandrakant Kavlekar emerged as a compromise candidate of all four factions. By then it was too late as BJP, armed with letters of support had staked claim to form the government and procured the gubernatorial invite too. The Congress partys bid to stall the swearing-in ceremony of Parrikar government also came to naught as the Supreme Court dismissed its petition on Tuesday while instructing the Parrikar government to prove its majority within two days.

That the Congress party lives in a dream world was reflected when its general secretary in-charge for Goa, Digvijaya Singh, claimed that the Parrikar government will enjoy power for merely two days.

The party unnecessarily questioned the appointment of BJP legislator Sidharth Kuncalienker as the pro-tem speaker, whose only job was to conduct the oath-taking ceremony of newly elected legislators and preside over the floor test. While traditionally the senior-most member of the House is named as the pro-tem speaker, Parrikar government was within its right to name Kuncalienker for the post in the absence of any such rule. Anyway, the pro-tem speakers role could have become crucial only in case of a tie, but as it turned out, Parrikar government received the majority vote without any hiccup.

Even as the newly elected legislators were trooping in for the crucial floor test, the Congress party leaders were engaged in a futile bid to woo GF and MGP to vote against their own government, in which all three GF and two out of three MGP legislators are Cabinet ministers. The party was totally aloof to the storm brewing up inside.

Vishwajit Rane, the MLA from Valpoi, took oath as the legislator and walked out without voting. Later, he announced his resignation from the Congress party and claimed that three other legislators too wanted to boycott the floor test but he asked them not to do so. The Rane-led rebellion may witness a vertical split in the Congress party, robbing whatever chances it may have been nurturing of dislodging the BJP from power anytime soon as those three may join hands with Rane.

Jennifer Monserrate, the lone Congress party woman legislator from Taleigao constituency, has already spoken out against the party leadership and is supposed to be the one who may walk out of the Congress party. Rane has not yet announced his future plan of action though chances of him floating a regional party or joining hands with the BJP cannot be ruled out.

Rane junior, while claiming he would return to the assembly with increased votes, charged Singh of behaving like just yet another tourist in Goa. Singh is being seen as the villain in the story since instead of trying to bring all factions together, he seems to have created more frictions within the party.

While the Congress party continues to cry hoarse accusing BJP of indulging in horse-trading and spending crores of rupees to win the support of the two regional parties and three Independents, they claim that they decided to join hands with the BJP in Goas interest as Parrikar was capable of getting more central grants for the states speedy development.

Given Goas history of unpredictable behaviour of politician, it would be a real challenge for Parrikar to carry on the coalition for the entire five-year tenure. But for the time being, Congress party will have to sit in the Opposition fretting over the lost opportunity.

Soon after passing the floor test, Chief Minister Parrikar said that the first meeting of his Cabinet would take place on Friday and that all partners in power would soon work out the common minimum programme that would guide his government. Allocation of portfolios would be finalised on Friday and officially announced on Saturday since Goa Governor Mridula Sinha is scheduled to be out of Goa on Friday.
New Delhi: Uttar Pradesh BJP chief Keshav Prasad Maurya was today admitted to the intensive care unit at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital here after he complained of uneasiness.

According to a senior doctor of the hospital, the 48-year-old leader was admitted at 3.38 PM. "He was suffering from cough and cold and mild fever for last seven days and overwork due to his political commitments.

"On admission his blood pressure was slightly higher. At present he is fully conscious and better. He is kept under observation for further evaluation," medical superintendent Dr A K Gadpayle said.

Maurya is being seen as one of the strong contenders for the chief minister's post in Uttar Pradesh after the BJP posted a landslide win in the assembly polls.
There is this new tactic in politics  to kill a career with praise. You pump sunshine up the derriere of an individual, by telling him how much you value his opinion and his standing in the party and how you will honour him by backing his candidature for a plum post. That way the guy looks less like an ass and pretends it's a jolly good idea while his wife and family know daddy has been diddled.

So much nicer and classier and softer than saying listen dude, you have ten criminal cases against you and we don't want you adding to it as chief minister of Uttar Pradesh where the Yadavs and Mayawati will eat you for breakfast. And frankly, this is one decent way of shoving you off the stage, so go find a patsy, some little stooge of yours and place him on the chair, so you don't rent asunder our image of good, clean governance. And if you cannot find one, we will find one for you.

Imagine the conversation between Amit Shah and Keshav Prasad Maurya, who has just told Mrs Maurya how he intends to be the new chief minister. Aren't we going to have a blast, you the first lady of the state of UP, girl, get your hair done, smarten up a bit, we're the power couple, Keshav must have told his wife.

He's sunning himself in self-love when the phone rings and Amit says, Heyyyy, man, congrats on the wipe out, you were so good, the party is indebted to you.

So when do I take the oath, Keshav asks.

Sorry, it is a bad line, cannot hear you.

When do I take the oath as CM? Will Modiji come down? Parrikar has already taken his, so how about 5 pm tomorrow?

Do you know how busy the prime minister is?

Okay then day after? Theek hai, Chalega? Nahin?

Well about that, old son, Modiji sees you as a lot more valuable than being wasted in the red tapism that comes with being CM...

What are you talking about? I'm the architect of the victory, the kingpin, the lord of the rings, are you stopping me from being the boss?

No,no, no, perish the thought, it's just that as a former chaiwala yourself, you appreciate the need to create the right mix  cheeni, doodh, chaipatti, you understand what I am saying

No

What I am saying is you have ten criminal cases against you and we are a clean government. We swear by it, we are like that detergent that wipes the dirt away (there is a pause as the ditty from Nirma, washing powder Nirma, plays in the background) murder, extortion, hanky panky, so we cannot rent asunder the image...

What rent, I have paid my rent and who is A. Sunder? I don't know any A Sunder, what is going on here?

What is going on here moi comrade in arms is I doing a hatchet job on you, ashiving a knife up your gut and you are too damn dumb to figure it out. I am telling you to take a hike 'coz you ain't becoming no chief minister.

What do I do, woe is me.

Well, now that you mention it, Kesh, old bean, it's a bit of a squash, but we will select your nominee and save your face.

Forget my face, what about my career?

Behind the scenes, buddy, like me, pull the strings, and yes, fall ill, get into ICU so we can express regret.

What regret?

That as much as we hold you in the highest esteem (murder, extortion et al aside) your health comes first and yes, we are sending you the name of the nominee you will announce as your choice and how you wish to slog on as a servant of the party... why are you breathing so heavily, you okay?

Because my blood pressure is rising and I want to know why you are doing this to me?

Let's put it this way, mon ami, your cup of tea isn't Modiji's cup of tea, see you in the ICU.

As Keshav gets flung into the ambulance, he mumbles, who is A Sunder, back stabber.
Mumbai: The deadlocked issue of loan waivers for farmers is set to continue into the second week of the Budget Session, but Thursday marked the first time that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis assured the House that a state government delegation will meet the Union finance and agriculture ministers to ask them for help with loan waivers. At the same time, the chief minister launched a scathing attack on Opposition parties, particularly the Congress and NCP, blaming them for the deaths of more than 16,000 farmers between 2009 (when loan waivers were rolled out) and 2014.

"The Congress-NCP government only gave out Rs 7,000 crore in packages for farmers, but in the past 30 months, we have given more than Rs 31,000 crore for farmers. The Opposition is only making political demands and after the defeat in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, legislative council and zilla parishad elections, the Opposition parties are only pulling stunts," he alleged.

During the present government's tenure, the numbers of farmer suicides have been 3,228 (in 2015) and 3,500 (in 2016). And so, between 2009 and 2016, more than 23,000 farmers have killed themselves in the state.

For the fifth consecutive day, members of the Shiv Sena, Congress and NCP have been trying to stall proceedings  on two separate occasions for half an hour at a time  by demanding loan waivers to farmers. The chief minister made a statement in the Assembly that while the state government was ready to give loan waivers, he wanted to focus on other remedies to help the farmers. "The Opposition party is responsible for the mess with loan waivers. They are only using it to play politics. But, I assure the House that I will lead the delegation of members from the BJP and Shiv Sena and meet the Union finance minister and agriculture minister at an appropriate time," he said.

In his statement, Fadnavis clarified that in the state, the the actual amount to be waived is Rs 30,500 crore. "So if we provide loan waivers to all the farmers, the burden on the state is Rs 30,500 crore," said the chief minister, "On the other hand, the total expenses of the state are Rs 2.57 lakh crore  salary and pension expenses account for around Rs 1.32 lakh crore. but in the past 30 months, the Central government has given Rs 19,000 crore for drought-relief; and for other things, we gave Rs 11,500 crore. So we have already given Rs 31,000 crore for agriculture sector. But the Congress-NCP government had given only Rs 7,000 crore, but after the loan waiver in 2009, the number of farmers suicides is increasing drastically."

"In terms of productivity, Maharashtra is lagging behind other states. Neighbouring states like Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat have provided remedies for improving the standard of living for farmers. We are focusing on relief and rehabilitation of farmers, and are seeking the help of the Centre," said the chief minister.

But after the chief minister's statement, Shiv Sena MLA from Junnar Anil Kadam strongly appealed that the Sena wanted a complete loan waiver. "He should tell us when he will visit the Centre and meet the concerned ministers and the Sena is firm on its stand," he said. But later on, the Opposition parties and Sena stalled the proceedings of the House in the Assembly and Council, forcing both to be adjourned for the day.

"The interesting thing is that during the Fadnavis government's tenure in 2015, 3,228 farmers ended their lives, whereas in the 2016, more than 3,500 farmers committed suicide. So who is responsible for the suicide of 7,000 farmers in just two years?" asked former deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar. Opposition leader Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil alleged that the BJP was indulging in double standards with farmers. "We have been demanding loan waivers for the past week and this statement by the chief minister is totally politically-motivated," he said.
Imphal: The United Naga Council (UNC) has rejected Manipur's new Chief Minister N Biren Singh's appeal to end the economic blockade of the state.

During his election campaign, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had vowed to end the blockade within 48 hours if the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) took power in the state.

But the UNC made it clear that the blockade would continue until the government held talks with it over its demands.

"The government has not invited us for talks on the issue. The economic blockade shall continue," a UNC leader said.

Biren Singh chaired a meeting of ministers and ruling coalition MLAs to take stock of the situation arising out of the economic blockade imposed from November 1 against the government move to create two new districts.

The then Congress government hit back by forming seven districts.

The blockade by Nagas of the two main highways that link Manipur with Assam, Nagaland and Myanmar have led to major shortages in the state, particularly in Imphal.

However, around 900 trucks carrying supplies are allowed to reach Manipur in a week. But residents say much of what they carry almost immediately reaches the black market.

Biren Singh will face a floor test on March 23 to prove his majority in the 60-member assembly.

A coalition ministry led by the BJP was sworn in on Wednesday. Two BJP MLAs, including Biren Singh, four of the National People's Party and one each of the LJP, Congress and the Naga People's Party took oath.

The Manipur chief minister can induct three more ministers. "My priority is to lift the blockade which has caused hardships to the people," he said.
Panaji/Mumbai: After winning the trust vote, Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on Thursday took a dig at the Congress's state in-charge Digvijaya Singh, saying his party lost out because he came to the coastal state "only to enjoy and not work." Ahead of the trust vote, the AICC general secretary had described Parrikar, who was sworn in on Tuesday, as a "48-hour chief minister" and oozed optimism that the Congress, the single largest party, will pull the rug from under BJP's feet during the floor test.

Parrikar took on Singh even as the BJP and the Congress again clashed over government formation in Goa and Manipur with the former being accused of using money power to lure regional parties and independents, a charge denied by the saffron party. Parrikar said the Congress leader had sought to create a hype over the situation in state as he was worried about losing his party post if he failed in the number game.

"Right from the beginning Congress did not have the numbers and it was only a hype created by them possibly because there was a demand coming that Digvijaya should step down as General Secretary of the party, being the desk in-charge of Goa," Parrikar said. "It happens when you come to Goa only to enjoy, not to work," he quipped. "We have proved to the people of India that we have support of 23 on the floor of the House debunking Digvijaya's claim that we don't have the numbers," he told reporters in Panaji.

Singh and other Congress leaders had accused the BJP of indulging in unfair means to cobble up the numbers to retain power in the state after it failed to get a simple majority. He also alleged that Governor Mridula Sinha did not invite the Congress to form the ministry despite it emerging as the single largest party. Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi again charged the BJP with "stealing" the mandate of people in Goa and Manipur and forming governments in these states by using money power. "The BJP used money power in Manipur and Goa. They stole the mandate of the people...," Gandhi said while replying to a question by reporters on BJP forming government in Manipur as well as in Goa.

The Congress leader was speaking on the sidelines of the swearing-in of Capt Amarinder Singh as Punjab chief minister at a function in Raj Bhavan in Chandigarh. Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu trashed the Congress' allegations that the BJP used money power to form governments in Goa and Manipur, terming them as "absurd". Naidu hit back at the Congress for questioning the BJP

over forming the governments despite not emerging as the single largest party there. He stressed that the saffron party came to power "as per precedents" set in the past.

"Now after this massive victory (of the BJP) in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and even in Manipur, the Congress is yet to learn lessons and is making absurd allegations. "It could not find support to stake claim in Goa, Manipur," Naidu told reporters in Delhi. The Information and Broadcasting Minister stated the BJP formed governments in the two states after the Congress failed to stake such claim.

"And when the BJP has mobilised the support, other parties have started questioning... this is not acceptable in a democracy, it will be a mockery of democracy," he retorted. Union minister Nitin Gadkari said the Congress should not 'preach' BJP on the government formation exercise. "There have been 50 incidents like this (government formation). Madhu Koda was one such case in Jharkhand. Those who have carried out such experiments should not sermonise us, it is wrong," Gadkari told reporters in Mumbai responding to the Congress' claims of wrongdoing on BJP's part to come to power in the coastal state.

Rubbishing allegations of horse-trading, Gadkari conceded that ministerial berths were offered to the MLAs during negotiations to garner support. "No one is a sadhu-sanyasi in politics," he said. "This (Parrikar being invited to form government, despite BJP having less seats than Congress) is not against democracy. There have been many precedents of smaller parties coming together to form government and not the largest party," the Shipping Minister said.
The BJP-led coalition of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar won the crucial floor test in Goa Assembly on Thursday. Parrikar got the vote of trust from 22 MLAs, while 16 Congress MLAs opposed, 22 supported and one was absent during the floor test. Nationalist Congress Party's Churchill Alemao voted in favour of the BJP government.

Addressing a press conference after coming back as the Goa chief minister for the fourth term, Parrikar started by taking a jibe at in-charge of Congress for Goa Digvijaya Singh. "The floor test had to be clear the speaker made us stand and the count was clear. We have won the floor test, debunking Digvijaya's claim that they had the "magic" numbers. There was talk that Digvijaya has stepped down as desk in-charge. This happens when you come to Goa only to enjoy and not to work."

This is what happens when you come to Goa only for a holiday: @manoharparrikar takes a dig at @digvijaya_28 after winning trust vote pic.twitter.com/zUV74kQfAb  NDTV (@ndtv) March 16, 2017

When asked whether the BJP "bought" MLAs, Parrikar said, "There are wild allegations being made with coloured glasses. As you saw, everyone voluntarily came and voted. Nobody was kept in a hotel or secluded place. It is a government of coalition and decision in this regard will be taken by the coalition."

Everyone voluntarily came and voted, none of them were kept in a hotel room or secluded common place as was the case of opposition: Parrikar  ANI (@ANI_news) March 16, 2017

When asked about his feelings on leaving the defence portfolio and coming back to head the state, the newly-appointed chief minister said, "It was need of the nation to go in central ministry then, so I went there and now prime minister felt I was needed here (Goa) so I came back."

Congress leader Vishwajeet Rane, who was in news for the past couple of days for speaking out against the Congress leadership and blaming Digvijaya for the drubbing that the party recieved after the Assembly election, allegedly walked out of the Assembly when the trust vote was underway. When asked about Rane, Parrikar said, "I don't want to comment on MLAs from other parties."

"I have not cleared policy decision files yet. Though it is appropriate since the vote of confidence had to be complied with, not because I was under pressure." Parrikar told reporters in Panaji that cabinet meeting has been scheduled for Friday. A full-fledged allotment of portfolios will take place in April, once the Budget session is completed, Parrikar added.

While the BJP won 13 seats in the 4 February elections, after votes were counted on 11 March, the saffron party leaders were quick off the block and garnered support of three MLAs each from the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) and Goa Forward (GF) as well as two Independent legislators, before meeting the Governor. One more Independent, Prasad Gaonkar from Sanguem constituency, joined the ruling coalition on Monday, taking its strength to 22, one more than the magic mark of 21 seats.

Sources in the Congress party told IANS on condition of anonymity, that the Congress leadership, which is being accused of acting sluggishly and thereby losing the opportunity to form the government, is now in contact with leaders from the MGP and GF, requesting them to switch over. The Congress needs only four more MLAs to reach the crucial mark.

Sinha on Sunday had granted Parrikar 15 days to prove his majority in the assembly, but the Supreme Court, which was hearing a petition filed by Congress legislative party leader Chandrakant Kavlekar, directed on Tuesday that the floor test should be held without delay on Thursday. The apex court ordered the vote of confidence following a petition by the Congress which alleged that Goa Governor Mridula Sinha had played a partisan role in inviting the BJP to form a government although the Congress was the single largest party with 17 MLAs in the 40-member Assembly. This was after BJP pulled a midnight coup, cobbled up numbers and staked claim to form the government in Goa.

Parrikar was sworn-in as the chief minister of Goa on Wednesday. Goa went to polls on 4 February and voted for a hung Assembly.

Vishwajeet Rane quits Congress

Rebel Congress party leader Vishwajit Rane has resigned from the party. Rane announced disassociation with the Congress party soon after the Manohar Parrikar-led BJP coalition government proved its majority in the floor test demanded by the Supreme Court on Tuesday. Rane did not clarify if he had quit the Goa assembly too, though resignation from the parent party would automatically result into his disqualification from the assembly under anti-defection laws.

Rane is son of former Goa chief minister Pratapsingh Rane. While Rane senior voted against the Parrikar government, Rane junior opted to walk out of the assembly soon after taking oath as its legislator. He was miffed at the manner the Congress party failed to form the government after emerging the single largest party with 17 seats in the 40-member Goa assembly in the just concluded elections.

He questioned the manner the party took two days to name its legislative party leader, giving the rival BJP enough time to stich up a post-poll coalition and stake claim to form the new government. Rane criticised Congress general secretary in-charge for Goa Digvijaya Singh saying he was acting as if he was one of the tourists in Goa.

Singh had earlier said Rane junior was in touch with Parrikar and had a meeting with him in a Goa hotel. Parrikar admitted to the meeting inn his press conference, saying being a small state, everyone knows everyone. It is not yet clear if Vishwajit Rane will join BJP or contest the resultant by-election as an independent. Probability of another three newly elected Congress legislators joining hands with him are high.

With inputs from Ajay Jha, political commentator.
In an insightful article, Sanjaya Baru, the media advisor to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, has pointed towards lack of new data and tools that is hampering political science from analysing correctly the sweeping winds of change blowing across Indian political landscape.

In Baru's own words from the The Indian Express column: "Contemporary political analysis continues to use theoretical tools from inter-war Europe or statistical tools from post-war American political science to explain the rise of the BJP and the popularity of Narendra Modi."

For students of Indian politics, wading through oceans of reportages/analyses pre and post Assembly elections has been a frustrating experience. While journalists failed to detect the wave in Modi's favour, pollsters and data scientists were unable to capture the extent of his domination. Post facto analyses, ensconced in ossified ideological compartments of Left and Right, have hardly fared any better. We see a regurgitation of tired cliches such as 'reverse polarisation', 'Hindu consolidation', 'rainbow coalition of castes', 'majoratiarian agenda', 'populism' and so on. These tell us more about the commentators than the subject they are trying to analyse.

And yet a clear understanding of the factors behind a Modi-fied BJP's rise is central to the question that concerns us the most: What will be Modi's roadmap for the future now that he has got the mandate?

To arrive at that question, we must first grasp the genesis of Congress's decline and the rise of a 'new BJP'. As always, Pratap Bhanu Mehta offers clarity. In his column for The Indian Express, he writes: "As far as electoral politics goes, the obsession with the mathematics of every sub-caste tells us more about an elite trying to do cheap sociology, entirely ignoring the fact that people are willing to vote big mandates, if they seem convinced of your sincerity and capability."

Theories about majoritarian agenda and communal politics may trap us within a maze of obsolescence. It will be far more useful to see Modi's rise as a change emanating from within the bowels of Indian democracy  a sort of reactionary movement against decades of votebank politics that focused on doles and appeasement, not empowerment.

Remember, the scale of BJP's recent win in Uttar Pradesh surpasses its tally even during the height of Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid movement. The most cynical of Modi's detractors who puts BJP's UP victory down to polarisation, sees it as best as an 'undercurrent'.

This should tell us that we are barking up the wrong tree when we see polarisation behind Modi's rise. BJP's win (with a 40 percent vote share) was stitched across the length and breadth of India's most populous state  including in Muslim-dominated regions. The portends are clear. It is a ringing endorsement of hope from a primarily young electorate who for once want to invest in theirs and India's future and sees the best catalyst of that change in the prime minister.

Viewed from here, Modi is merely the product of his times. He is the inevitable pushback against an elitocracy that ruled by way of disenfranchising the masses under the facade of a democracy. The shrewd, hard-working, ground-to-the-ear mass leader that Modi is, he understood this urge for real change and tapped into the narrative of hope. This is why the opposition has failed miserably in stopping him. The more they abused Modi, the bleaker they made it for themselves.

In her column for TheNewsMinute, Chitra Subramaniam writes, "What most commentary missed is Modi is coming from the future, Indians are responding and willing to move with or without dead wood. They want to seize power democratically and this bumpy ride is neither rootless nor random  it is focussed on a search for a better living. The ala kamaan (High Command) trap does not offer it, Modi does. He will get things wrong, but viewed against what he has enabled - real democracy  the rest must be negotiated with the electorate.

If we understand Modi's mandate primarily as the plebeian longing for real franchise and hope, then it places an unbearable amount of responsibility on Modi. The central question, therefore, should be this: How will Modi cope with this burden and shape his legacy and India's future? What will be his roadmap?

I break it down into three areas that require Modi's pinpoint focus  economic, social and political.

It doesn't require knowledge of rocket science to figure out that economy poses the biggest challenge. India's primarily young electorate is ambitious and impatient. The force that put Modi in power and renewed faith will become antagonistic with a vengeance if the prime minister fails to deliver. The problem is, faced with the prospect of jobless growth, how will Modi accommodate almost a million new workers each month? And that too at a moment when worldwide, job creation is under huge threat from automation?

The very inequality that cushioned Modi against the economic fallout of demonetisation and turned it into a political capital, is increasing. Job growth is anaemic. As Wall Street Journal says, India needs an "industrial boom" and Modi somehow must jack up "manufacturing to 25% of the economy in 2020 from the current 16%."

The good news is that UP win will give him the numbers in Upper House to push through crucial reforms in areas such as labour but by the time he achieves those numbers, 2019 Lok Sabha election will be here. Modi's task is, therefore, tricky and perilous and will require maximum and sustained concentration.

Socially, he must turn BJP into a more inclusive party if he is serious about occupying and staying put in the centrist space relinquished by the Congress. One must be careful. BJP cannot and should not turn into another Congress but it must take Modi's slogan 'sabka saath, sabka vikas' literally and metaphorically. Under Modi, BJP is already expanding its base from being a trader-based to a more 'pro-poor party'. While it is ironing out India's class cleavage, it must also narrow the community fault lines. Modi enjoys bipartisan appeal and is uniquely placed to do that.

As BJD Lok Sabha MP Baijayant 'Jay' Panda writes in The Times of India, "Even long-term sceptics of BJP are beginning to admit that the PM succeeded in marketing his all-aboard strategy in UP. One of the best-known faces among Indian liberal journalists told me that the partys victory in heavily Muslim dominated constituencies indicates an unprecedented breakthrough for it."

Politically, BJP's agenda must be to ensure that it does not fall into the trap of communal binaries. The time for polarisation is over. It must also avoid the hubris that accompanies absolute power. Modi's post-victory speech offers insights into his thinking. He advised BJP workers and leader to display more humility than ever before and wield power responsibly.

The cognitive dissonance at work here, though, is this: while BJP is a virile, ever-growing national force subsuming the space of rivals and allies alike, it is unwittingly driving the political parties  suffering from existential crisis  into ganging up against it. How Modi cracks this puzzle remains to be seen.
New Delhi: Members in the Rajya Sabha, cutting across party lines, on Thursday, extended a warm welcome to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj when she came to the House after a long absence due to health reasons.

As soon as she was spotted stepping into her front row seat during the Zero Hour, members began thumping their desks and it continued for some time as she acknowledged with folded hands.

Greeting 65-year-old Swaraj, Deputy Chairman P J Kurien wished her a long and healthy life.

"We are all happy to see a healthy and smiling Sushma Ji," he said, as the minister accepted the wishes.

Later responding to a Zero Hour mention by T Subbarami Reddy (Cong) on hate crimes against Indians in the US, Swaraj said she would make a detailed statement on Monday.

During the Question Hour, the minister also replied to queries to members.

Swaraj underwent a kidney transplant on 10 December at the AIIMS. She had participated in the proceedings of the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.
Exactly a week after sweeping Assembly elections in Uttarakhand, the BJP will form a government in the hill state, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party president Amit Shah are all set to attend the swearing-in ceremony on Saturday. Accordingly, the state administration has swung into action, and all preparations are in place at Dehradun's Parade Ground, the event venue.

There is only one problem: There is no chief minister to be sworn in.

Sources at the state government have confirmed PM Modi's presence at the event, however. "Narendra Modi is likely to attend the oath taking ceremony. So the administration is making proper arrangement at the Parade Ground," a source from the state government said.

There are several names doing the rounds regarding who will become chief minister of Uttarakhand. Among those considered to be frontrunners are former minister Trivendra Singh Rawat, and former speaker of state Assembly Prakash Pant. Former Union minister Satpal Maharaj, who was elected from the Chaubattakhal constituency, is also said to be in the race for the top post. BJP sources also do not rule out the possibility of a dark horse clinching the race.

In Uttarakhand, especially, social equations matter a lot, and there is a considerable population of Thakurs and Brahmins, apart from scheduled castes. While Prakash Pant is a Brahmin face, Trivendra Singh Rawat is a Thakur. "The party will keep the social factor in mind while selecting the new chief minister," said a source from the BJP.

In 2012, both Trivendra Rawat and Prakash Pant had lost the Assembly polls, and the latter had even faced defeat in the Sitarganj by-elections, when he faced then chief minister Vijay Bahuguna. Trivendra Rawat too lost by-election in 2014 from the Doiwala seat, and was given responsibility of being the party's in-charge for Jharkhand state.

On the other hand, Prakash Pant, an MLA from Pithoragarh, was the first speaker of Uttarakhand Assembly, part of the interim government in 2002. He has also been a Cabinet minister who has handled portfolios like tourism and culture, pilgrimage endowment, parliamentary affairs and reorganisation.

All claimants to the chief minister's throne and party leaders are now waiting for the arrival of central observers Narendra Singh Tomar and Saroj Pandey for a meeting with newly elected MLAs. They will also collect feedback about possible faces in the new Cabinet and their acceptability in the state.

BJP has got a massive mandate in Uttarakhand, winning 58 out of 70 seats in the Assembly, but is likely to face fresh challenges, like ensuring delivery of new schemes promised by the party during the election campaign. The party is reportedly trying to look for new faces who can meet the new challenges.

While the party's local leaders are busy speculating the new chief minister of Uttarakhand, the Congress party too is fighting its own battles. Former chief minister Harish Rawat and party's state president Kishore Upadhyay both lost their constituencies  Rawat contested from two seats and lost them both  meaning it's down to three senior leaders in the state Assembly who can become leader of Opposition. Former finance minister Indira Hridyesh, former home minister Pritam Singh, and former Assembly speaker Govind Singh Kunjwal are the candidates the Congress will need to pick from.
An academic who became a global internet sensation when his children interrupted a live television interview lamented the perils of online fame Wednesday, telling reporters: "I'm so through with this."

Robert Kelly, a professor at South Korea's Pusan National University, was sharing his insights with the BBC last Friday on the downfall of impeached president Park Guen-Hye when his daughter Marion waltzed into his home office, followed by his toddler son James, who wheeled in on his baby walker.

Kelly's wife Kim Jung-A, who was watching the interview on television from their living room, flew in seconds later, flinging her arms in a desperate attempt to retrieve the young intruders, before returning on all fours to reach out and close the door.

The interview  described as a "perfect piece of physical comedy" by the BBC  spread like wildfire, watched more than 160 million times on the broadcaster's Youtube page as of Wednesday.

Then the humour turned into extensive online commentary on how Kelly handled the situation, their home life, and a wider debate on newspaper opinion pages over perceived racism after some posters questioned whether the woman in the video was his wife or a nanny.

Major international news outlets including CNN, The Guardian and the Wall Street Journal have covered the gatecrashing, which was also parodied by the Jimmy Fallon Show. Kelly, who specialises in East Asian affairs, said he and his family had been "buried under phone calls, messages and Twitter".

"I'm so through with this that I'm not even reading the websites anymore. There are also think pieces on this too that I have given up trying to read," he told a press conference in Busan organised by his university -- which his wife and children also attended.

'Know me for my work'

US-born Kelly, who studied at Ohio State University, teaches US foreign policy at the institution where he is an associate professor, and has research interests in international politics and political theory.

He has written a number of academic papers, and regularly contributes to publications such as Newsweek or appears as a political commentator on international broadcasters.

"I hope that at some point, people know me for my work," he said. "I mean, this wouldn't be the first line in my obituary."

Asked if, with hindsight, he would have refused the BBC permission to upload the footage to its Facebook page, he said: "If I could have prevented the recording altogether from going on the Internet, yes."

The video triggered accusations of discrimination in South Korea and elsewhere after some online posters overseas immediately assumed that Kelly's wife was a nanny.

"The babysitter is currently searching for new employment as of now," said a user on Twitter.

Another tweeted: "Nanny got fired after this."

But Kelly's wife Kim shrugged off the discriminatory comments, urging viewers to take the video more light-heartedly, and expressed hopes that it could bring about change.

"There are a lot of multicultural families in the world and I hope that this could be an opportunity to change people's perception," said Kim.

The family were now looking to move on from their instant fame and return to their daily lives, said Kelly.

A Wikipedia page was created for him on Saturday, as the video began to spread, but the online encyclopedia has marked it for possible deletion amid questions over his significance.

One contributor wrote: "Just because he is interviewed by journalists (with or without his family) does not make him notable."

You can see the exact moment professor Robert Kelly knows his live interview has imploded.

As Kelly speaks from his home office via Skype with BBC about the just-ousted South Korean president, his eyes dart left as he watches on his computer screen as his young daughter parades into the room behind him. Her jaunty entrance resembles the exuberant march of the Munchkins celebrating the Wicked Witch's death in the The Wizard of Oz.

Here's a post-mortem of a the interview disaster put together by AP:

The toddler

Just as Kelly, a political science professor at Pusan National University in the port city of Busan, says "... the question is, How do democracies respond to those scandals," the unlocked door to his home office pops open and in prances Marion, 4, wearing a yellow sweater and glasses, her hair in pigtails.

Her walk  elbows raised like chicken wings, head thrown back and rocking side to side, knees high  suggests a drum major leading a marching band down Main Street.

Clearly, all is right with her world.

Dad  not so much.

Kelly keeps facing forward, but his eyes shift to the left at Skype's picture-within-picture on his computer screen. The BBC presenter, James Menendez, points out the obvious: "I think one of your children has just walked in."

When she arrives at his elbow, Kelly continues to face the camera but attempts to use his left arm to push her, gently but firmly, back.

Just as Menendez attempts to ask whether the removal from office of President Park Geun-hye will influence relations between the rival Koreas more trouble looms in the doorway.

The baby

James, 9-months-old, at the helm of a rolling walker, stops briefly and surveys the scene.

A decision quickly settled in favor of forward motion, James propels his walker into the room, legs churning, arms lifted high, like one of those "dancing" air-balloons that shimmy in front of used car shops.

Sister, rejected by dad, leans back onto a bed with books piled on it. Some of the books tumble to the floor.

Kelly attempts to soldier on with the interview. "I would be surprised if they do," he says to anyone still focused on his analysis of whether inter-Korean relations will change.

James coos and gurgles as he nears pops and sis.

Mom

In a flash, the next entrant to a scene the Marx Brothers would have appreciated slides sideways into the room on her socks, banging the door into a bookcase.

Kelly's wife, Jung-a Kim, momentarily fixes her eyes on the computer screen before shifting with laser-like focus on the escaped children.

She turns on a dime and drops down. As her knees bang on the floor, Kelly closes his eyes for much longer than a typical blink. "Pardon me," he says.

Kim gets her right hand on the baby's walker, her left hand on her daughter and, with a double-yanking motion, begins to back out of the room, still crouched down. More books bang onto the floor.

"My apologies," Kelly says, bowing his head and laughing nervously.

The presenter attempts another question  "What does this mean for the region?"  just as mom lets go of the baby walker, keeping the squirming daughter still in her grip, opens the door and backs out, dragging both kids with her.

Kelly again closes his eyes for a long beat. Another "My apologies." Some voices of childlike complaint from the hallway. "Sorry," Kelly murmurs.

Mom then appears again, on her knees. She stretches out and pulls the door closed, causing a map on the wall to billow slightly. As one of the children lets loose a cry of anger and frustration from the other room, Kelly attempts to continue his answer: "South Korea's policy toward North Korea ..."

The aftermath

Menendez said in a follow-up interview that the moment made the Kellys "the most famous family in the world," but the professor says it's been a bit overwhelming. He turned off his phone for a while and stopped posting on social media.

"We understand why people find it enjoyable," Kelly told Menendez, Kim and their children by his side in the same room as the first video. "It's sort of catching a regular family off guard."

Kim said it has been "a little bit stressful."

Kelly said the family was "pretty uncomfortable" with online comments that assumed Kim was the nanny.

He also addressed another online theory  that the reason he didn't help corral the kids himself was because he wasn't wearing any pants or was in his pajama bottoms.

"Yes," he said, laughing, "I was wearing pants."

With inputs from AP and AFP
By Anthony Deutsch and Toby Sterling

| AMSTERDAM

AMSTERDAM EU leaders lined up on Thursday to congratulate Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte on beating far-rightist Geert Wilders in the first of a series of European elections this year in which populist insurgent parties are hoping to rock the establishment.The centre-right prime minister had trailed in opinion polls for much of the campaign but emerged the clear victor of Wednesday's election, albeit with fewer seats than before.Wilders, who campaigned on an anti-immigration platform and wanted to shut mosques and ban the Koran, won a third more seats than at the last election but was thwarted in his bid to become the biggest party.Rutte, whose win helped boost the euro and European shares, called it an "evening in which the Netherlands, after Brexit, after the American elections, said 'stop' to the wrong kind of populism."A win for Wilders would have been seen as a boost for French far-right leader Marine Le Pen, running second in opinion polls before a presidential election in April and May, and for populist parties elsewhere that want to curb immigration and weaken or break up the European Union.The sense of relief among European leaders was palpable."The Netherlands are our partners, friends, neighbours. Therefore I was very happy that a high turnout led to a very pro-European result, a clear signal," said German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who will run for re-election in September.French presidential candidate Emmanuel Macron, expected to face Le Pen in a two-way run-off on May 7, said: "The Netherlands is showing us that a breakthrough for the extreme right is not a foregone conclusion and that progressives are gaining momentum."The risk premium demanded by investors to hold French government bonds rather than safe-haven German bunds sank in early trade to its lowest level in two weeks, although it later widened again as France released new supply into the market via a debt auction.GIFT FROM TURKEY

With 99 percent of votes counted, Rutte's VVD Party had won 33 of parliament's 150 seats, down from 41 at the last vote in 2012. Wilders was second with 20, and the CDA and centrist Democrats 66 tied for third with 19 each, data provided by the ANP news agency showed.

Rutte is now virtually guaranteed a third term, leading a government that can be expected to continue tightening immigration policy in the Netherlands, already among the strictest in the EU.A number of parties including the VVD and the third-placed Christian Democrats (CDA), have already adopted most of Wilders' anti-immigration platform, if not his fiery anti-Islam rhetoric.With his strong second-place finish, Wilders warned Rutte that he had not seen the last of his Party for Freedom. He added that he wanted to participate in coalition talks, even though mainstream parties have ruled out working with him."We were the 3rd largest party of the Netherlands. Now we are the 2nd largest party. Next time we will be number 1," Wilders said.Rutte got a last-minute boost from a diplomatic row with Turkey, which allowed him to take a tough line on a majority Muslim country during an election campaign in which immigration and integration have been key issues.

"Rutte profited from moving to the right, but also from Wilders having radicalized a lot over the last years and being invisible in the campaign," said Cas Muddle, associate professor at the University of Georgia, referring to Wilders' decision to forego election debates until the final week."On top of that, Turkish President (Tayyip) Erdogan gave (Rutte) a beautiful gift."Turkey has been locked in a deepening row with the Netherlands after the Dutch barred Turkish ministers from speaking to rallies of overseas Turks.Turkey's foreign minister said the views of Wilders - who wants to close all mosques and ban the Koran - were shared by rival parties and were pushing Europe towards "wars of religion".Erdogan on Thursday said that while Rutte may have won the election, he had lost his country's friendship.

FOCUS NEXT ON LE PEN

With 13 parties set to enter a fragmented parliament under the proportional Dutch voting system, it will likely take months for Rutte to negotiate a ruling coalition. He will need at least three other parties to reach a majority.At 80 percent, turnout was the highest in a decade in an election that was a test of whether the Dutch wanted to end decades of liberalism and choose a nationalist, anti-immigrant path by voting for Wilders and his promise to "de-Islamicise" the Netherlands and quit the EU. Outgoing French President Francois Hollande called the result a "clear victory against extremism", and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker called it "an inspiration for many".France's Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault tweeted: "Congratulations to the Dutch for stemming the rise of the far-right."But Mabel Berezin, professor of sociology at Cornell University in the United States, said defeat for Wilders should not be considered a sign that European populism is waning."The real bellwether election will be Marine Le Pen's quest for the French presidency, starting April 23  that is where the populist action is and that is what we should be focusing upon," she said.While Rutte overtook Wilders in the closing stages of the campaign, years of austerity pushed down his share of the vote. His junior partner in the outgoing coalition, Labour, suffered its worst ever result, winning just nine seats, down from 38 last time.Wilders' tally of 20 seats is five more than before, but still well below a 2010 high of 24 seats. Support for the two most pro-EU parties, the progressive D66 and GreenLeft, was way up.Denk, a party supported by Dutch Turks, looked set to win three seats and become the first ever ethnic minority party in parliament. (Additional reporting by Stephanie van den Berg, Phil Blenkinsop, Thomas Escritt, Brian Love, Alastair Macdonald, Abhinav Ramnarayan and Madeline Chambers; Editing by Mark Trevelyan)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte on Wednesday claimed a dominating parliamentary election victory over anti-Islam lawmaker Geert Wilders, who failed the year's first litmus test for populism in Europe.

Provisional results with over half the votes counted suggested Rutte's party won 32 seats in the 150-member legislature, 13 more than Wilders' party, which took third place with 19 seats. The surging CDA Christian Democrats claimed 20.

Following last year's shock Brexit referendum and Donald Trump's victory in the US, the Dutch vote was being closely scrutinised as a gauge of the rise of populism on the continent ahead of crucial elections in France and Germany.

"This was the evening when The Netherlands, after Brexit and the American elections, said 'stop' to the wrong kind of populism," Rutte told cheering supporters.

"Now of course it's important to unite the country in the coming weeks and months and that we succeed in forming a stable government for the next four years," he added.

Relieved European leaders, fearing the rise of anti-EU sentiment in one of the bloc's founding members, congratulated Rutte, now headed for a third term at the head of the one the Euro zone's largest economies.

A spokesman for EU Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker hailed it as a "vote against extremists" while one senior European source told AFP on condition of anonymity: "Common sense strikes back."

Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault of France, where the far-right Marine Le Pen is currently seen winning the first round of the presidential election in April, congratulated Rutte for "stopping the rise of the far-right".

Both France and Germany have elections this year in which far-right candidates and parties are hoping to make an impact.

French President Francois Hollande congratulated Rutte on his election success and his "clear victory against extremism." He also said, "The values of openness, respect for others, and a faith in Europe's future are the only true response to the nationalist impulses and isolationism that are shaking the world."

In Germany, Socialist leader Martin Schulz tweeted. "I am relieved, but we need to continue to fight for an open and Free Europe."

Wilders heeft de verkiezing in NL niet kunnen winnen. Ik ben opgelucht, maar we moeten verder voor een open en vrij Europa blijven vechten.  Martin Schulz (@MartinSchulz) March 15, 2017

Wilders, who campaigned on radical pledges to close borders to migrants from Muslim nations, close mosques, ban the Quran and take the Netherlands out of the EU, had insisted that whatever the result of the election, the kind of populist politics he and others in Europe represent aren't going away. "Rutte has not seen the back of me," Wilders said after the results had sunk in.

His Party for Freedom clinched 24 seats in 2010 before sinking to 15 in 2012, and Wednesday's total left him with about 12 percent of the electorate, far less than populists in Britain and the United States have scored.

"Those are not the 30 seats we hoped for," Wilders told reporters early on Thursday, adding that he'd "rather have been the biggest party".

Rutte, who for much of the campaign appeared to be racing to keep pace with Wilders, may have profited from the hard line he drew in a diplomatic standoff with Turkey over the past week.

The fight erupted over the Netherlands' refusal to let two Turkish government ministers address rallies in Rotterdam about a referendum that could give Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan more powers. It gave Rutte an opportunity to show his statesmanship by refusing to bow to foreign pressure, a stance with widespread backing in the nation.

"I mean this is your electoral campaign dream, right? You can't script this if it was a movie," Amsterdam Free University political scientist Andre Krouwel said. "It's really helped Rutte to take the lead and a big lead over Wilders."

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said during a speech in Berlin on Thursday: "I was very glad, and I think many people are, that a high turnout led to a very pro-European result."

She added that it was "a clear signal  and that after days in which the Netherlands had to endure accusations from Turkey that are completely unacceptable, and after days in which we showed it our solidarity."

After boosts in Britain and the United States over the past year and Wednesday's setback in the Netherlands, populism now heads to France for its next test of political viability. Now, it is for Le Pen of the National Front to carry the torch in presidential elections starting next month.

When French, German, Italian and Bulgarian voters cast ballots in the year ahead, they won't be out to mimic Dutch voters. Instead, they'll be driven as much by local issues as global concerns.

The challenge now for candidates like France's Le Pen is to keep up the momentum of her gospel against immigrants, the political elite and European unity. It has resonated so widely that she's likely to come out on top of the first round of presidential voting 23 April, though is much less likely to win the 7 May final round.

And the challenge for Europe's more moderate candidates, like Le Pen's chief rival, independent Emmanuel Macron, is to reconnect with voters alienated by EU bureaucracy and frustrated by economic stagnation. They could also take some lessons from the Dutch.

With inputs from agencies
The Hague: Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte easily defeated far-right rival Geert Wilders in key elections seen as a bellwether of populist

support in Europe, partial vote counts said on Thursday.

With more than 54 percent of votes counted, Rutte's Liberal VVD party was set to win 32 seats, making it the largest in the new 150-seat parliament, with Wilders and his Freedom Party (PVV) beaten into second place alongside two others on 19 seats, the Dutch news agency ANP said.

Millions of Dutch flocked to the polls in a near-record turnout, with the stakes high in an election pitting the pro-European Rutte against his anti-immigration and anti-EU rival.

Following last year's shock Brexit referendum and Donald Trump's victory in the US, the Dutch vote was being closely scrutinised as a gauge of the rise of populism on the continent ahead of crucial elections in France and Germany.

"This was the evening when The Netherlands, after Brexit and the American elections, said 'stop' to the wrong kind of populism," Rutte told cheering supporters.

"Now of course it's important to unite the country in the coming weeks and months and that we succeed in forming a stable government for the next four years," he added.

Relieved European leaders, fearing the rise of anti-EU sentiment in one of the bloc's founding members, congratulated Rutte, now headed for a third term at the head of the one the Eurozone's largest economies.

A spokesman for EU Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker hailed it as a "vote against extremists" while one senior European source told AFP on condition of anonymity: "Common sense strikes back."

Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault of France, where the far-right Marine Le Pen is currently seen winning the first round of the presidential election in April, congratulated Rutte for "stopping the rise of the far-right".

Wilders had pledged to close the borders to Muslim immigrants, shut mosques, ban sales of the Koran and leave the EU if he won the polls.

He thanked his supporters in a message on Twitter, with his party set to boost its number of MPs to 19. The PVV won 15 seats in the 2012 elections, which had slipped to 12 in the outgoing parliament.

"We won seats. The first gains are made. And Rutte is not rid of me yet," he said. Eyeing weeks, if not months, of protracted coalition

talks ahead, Wilders offered early Thursday to work with the new government.

"I would still like to co-govern as the PVV, if possible. But if that doesn't work ... we'll support the cabinet, where needed, on the issues that are important to us."

Most of the other leaders, including Rutte have vowed not to work with Wilders, denouncing his incendiary rhetoric and his go-it-alone attitude.
PARIS An attack at a high school in southeastern France on Thursday was "a crazy act by a fragile young man fasinated by firearms," Education Minister Najat Vallaud-Belkacem said.

Vallaud-Belkacem was visiting the town of Grasse where the teenage student opened fire, injuring three people, including the headmaster, in an attack carried out after he had watched American-style mass shooting videos.

(Reporting by John Irish; Editing by Adrian Croft)

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MOSCOW Germany's Angela Merkel will visit Moscow for talks on May 2, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday, the chancellor's first trip to Russia in nearly two years. The agenda of Merkel's visit has yet to be made public, but talks are likely to focus on the Ukraine crisis, EU sanctions imposed on Moscow, trade ties, and German concerns that Russia may try to meddle in a parliamentary election in September.

Putin and Merkel last met face-to-face in Berlin in October last year at multi-lateral talks on Ukraine. The German politician, who has said EU sanctions must stay in force until Russia alters its behaviour, last visited Moscow in May 2015 to take part in celebrations marking the end of World War Two.

"Give my best wishes to the federal chancellor," Putin told Horst Seehofer, Bavaria's prime minister, who was in Moscow for talks on Thursday. "We are waiting for her to visit on May 2." Seehofer confirmed Merkel was planning to visit that day.

Merkel has played a pivotal role in keeping European Union states united behind the sanctions against Russia. They were imposed over Moscow's annexation of Ukraine's Crimea Peninsula, and its support for separatists in eastern Ukraine.But Merkel's government has also come under pressure from powerful industrial lobbies in Germany who say that their businesses have suffered as a result of the sanctions. (Reporting by Jack Stubbs; Writing by Andrew Osborn; Editing by Christian Lowe)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
By Susan Cornwell and David Morgan

| WASHINGTON

WASHINGTON Conservative U.S. Republican lawmakers said on Wednesday they were close to embracing their party's healthcare overhaul plan after the White House signalled openness to ending an expansion of the government health insurance programme for the poor even sooner than proposed.Vice President Mike Pence met behind closed doors with the Republican Study Committee, the biggest group of House of Representatives conservatives, as the White House and Republican leaders strove to shore up support for the legislation backed by President Donald Trump.The bill's prospects remain uncertain. Many conservatives have rebelled against it, arguing in part that key provisions are too close to the Obamacare law it is intended to supplant. Democrats are unified against it, major medical providers have condemned it and moderate Republicans have expressed unease.Representative Mark Walker, who leads the group, said that during the meeting lawmakers were told to be hopeful that some of the changes they sought in the Medicaid programme for the poor would be made in the bill. Conservatives want an Obamacare Medicaid expansion to end sooner than currently proposed and to introduce work Medicaid requirements for able-bodied adults without children.The group's members are "very close to signing off" on the legislation, Walker told reporters after the Pence meeting.Republicans control both Congress and the White House for the first time in a decade. But the bill, the Republicans' first major piece of legislation under Trump, has not been an easy sell to conservatives.Republican Representative Phil Roe said after the Pence meeting the bill probably would be changed to move up by one year, to 2019, the end of the Medicaid expansion. Obamacare enabled about 20 million previously uninsured Americans to obtain medical insurance, about half through the Medicaid expansion.Just hours earlier, House Speaker Paul Ryan, who unveiled the legislation last week and is its main champion in Congress, said its chief elements would not be changed.

Ryan said he was open to making "improvements and refinements," especially after an assessment on Monday by the Congressional Budget Office, which said millions of Americans would soon lose their health insurance under the plan."Obviously, the major components are staying intact because this is something we wrote with President Trump. This is something we wrote with the Senate committees," Ryan told the Fox Business Network.Senate Republicans voiced rising unease."As written, the House bill would not pass the Senate. But I believe we can fix it," Texas Senator Ted Cruz told reporters.

'MORTALLY WOUNDED'

"It is mortally wounded," Republican Senator Lindsey Graham told NBC's "Today" show.The conservative advocacy group FreedomWorks held a rally amid snow flurries and a frigid wind outside the Capitol where several House and Senate Republicans including Cruz and Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky voiced dissatisfaction with the bill.Afterward, Paul told reporters "the White House has been much more open to negotiation on this" than House leaders. Trump on Monday promised "a big, fat, beautiful negotiation" over the plan, the first major legislative initiative of his presidency.

The CBO, a nonpartisan congressional agency, forecast on Monday the plan would increase the number of Americans without health insurance by 24 million by 2026, while cutting $337 billion off federal budget deficits over the same period.The legislation guts key provisions of the 2010 Affordable Care Act, Democratic former President Barack Obama's signature legislative achievement popularly called Obamacare.Many conservatives also have called the bill's age-based tax credits to help people buy private insurance on the open market an unwise new government entitlement.Two House committees last week approved the bill's provisions with no changes. The Budget Committee on Thursday will try to unify the plan into a single bill for consideration on the House floor. Republicans cannot afford to lose more than three from their ranks on the committee for it to pass. Three committee Republicans are members of the hardline conservative House Freedom Caucus.Shares of hospitals traded broadly higher, with Community Health Systems (CYH.N) rising 3.5 percent. Health insurer shares also gained, with Anthem (ANTM.N) up 2.6 percent after the insurer also backed its full-year profit forecast. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released data showing enrollment in the individual insurance plans created under Obamacare have declined to 12.2 million Americans.As of the end of January, enrollment in these individual insurance plans was down by about 500,000 people from 2016, it said. It is about 1.6 million people short of Obama's goal for 2017 sign-ups, the government said. (Additional reporting by David Morgan, Lewis Krauskopf, Caroline Humer; Writing by Will Dunham; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama and Alistair Bell)

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Wellington: New Zealand's Whanganui River has gained its own identity with all the corresponding rights, duties and liabilities of a legal person, after a 170-year battle, the media reported on Thursday.

Te Awa Tupua (Whanganui River Claims Settlement) Bill, which passed its third reading in parliament on Wednesday, will establish a new legal framework for the river, stuff.co.nz reported.

It recognised the river as an indivisible and living whole from the mountains to the sea.

The river is a sacred and revered waterway to New Zealand's Maori Iwi people and its interests will now be represented by an Indigenous group.

Among other things, the river could now be represented in court proceedings, Treaty Negotiations Minister Chris Finlayson said.

"I know the initial inclination of some people will say it's pretty strange to give a natural resource a legal personality.

"But it's no stranger than family trusts, or companies or incorporated societies," The New Zealand Herald quoted Finlayson as saying.

Long revered by New Zealand's Maori people, the river's interests will now be represented by two people.

The Whanganui River Deed of Settlement was signed in 2014 and legislation was introduced in 2016.
Kuala Lumpur: Interpol has issued an international arrest warrant for four North Koreans wanted by Malaysian investigators in connection with the assassination of Kim Jong-Nam, the country's police chief said on Thursday.

The estranged half-brother of North Korea's leader Kim Jong-Un was poisoned with the lethal nerve agent VX in a brazen Cold War-style killing on 13 February at Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

Two women  one Vietnamese and one Indonesian  have been arrested and charged with the murder. Airport CCTV footage shows them approaching the victim and apparently smearing his face with a piece of cloth.

Investigators are also seeking seven North Korean suspects, four of whom left Malaysia on the day of the murder. The police chief has said he believes they fled to Pyongyang while the other three are hiding in North Korea's embassy in Kuala Lumpur.

"We have... obtained a red notice for the four North Korean nationals who were at the airport on the day of the incident and who have since left," police chief Khalid Abu Bakar told reporters. "We... are hoping to get them through Interpol."

The red notice alerts police in Interpol member countries to share any information on the suspects with a view to potentially arresting and extraditing them to face justice. North Korea is not part of that network.

The Interpol notice posted online shows four North Korean men aged between 32 to 56 years old. They are named as Hong Song Hak, Ri Ji Hyon, O Jong Gil and Ri Jae Nam.

Pyongyang has denounced the Malaysian investigation as an attempt to smear the secretive regime, insisting that the 45-year-old most likely died of a heart attack. Seoul has blamed Pyongyang for his death, but the North has rejected those claims and has never confirmed the identity of the victim, who was carrying a passport bearing the name of Kim Chol when he was attacked.

Malaysia officially confirmed his identity on Friday, later revealing that authorities used his fingerprints and a DNA sample from one of his children to do so.

The killing has triggered a bitter row between Malaysia and North Korea, which have expelled each other's ambassadors. Three Malaysian embassy staff and six family members are stranded in Pyongyang after North Korea barred Malaysians from leaving the country last week, prompting a tit-for-tat move by Kuala Lumpur.

Kim's wife and children, who were living in exile in the Chinese territory of Macau, went into hiding after the murder. There are fears his 21-year-old son, Kim Han-Sol, could be targeted next.
Kuala Lumpur: Interpol has issued a "red notice" for four North Koreans wanted in connection with the killing of the half-brother of North Korea's leader.

"We have obtained a written red notice from Interpol for the four suspects, and we are hoping to get them through Interpol," Malaysian police chief Khalid Abu Bakar told reporters on Thursday, adding that he believed the four suspects had fled back to Pyongyang.

A red notice is the nearest equivalent to an international arrest warrant.

Interpol on its website posted pictures and details about the four suspects, O. Jong Gil, Ri Ji Hyon, Ri Jae Nam and Hong Song Hak, saying the four men were wanted by the judicial authorities of Malaysia for murder charges, reported Xinhua news agency.

Kim Jong-nam was killed at the Kuala Lumpur Airport with a lethal nerve agent last month, according to reports.

Two Asian women  one Vietnamese woman and one Indonesian  have been charged with killing Kim Jong-nam using the nerve agent. Both reportedly believed they were participating in a television prank.

North Korea strongly denied any role in the killing and has demanded that Malaysia turn over Kim's body.

Last week, Malaysia formally identified the murder victim as Kim Jong-nam. Authorities said this was done using DNA from one of his children, although they did not say which one.

Malaysia said Kim's body has been embalmed to prevent it from decomposing.

It is not clear where Kim's wife and children are, although his son appeared in a video last week and said the family were together.
By Lisa Baertlein

| LOS ANGELES

LOS ANGELES McDonald's Corp (MCD.N) quickly deleted a tweet sent from the company's handle slamming U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday and said its official Twitter account had been compromised. The tweet, which was copied and shared widely before being deleted, came a day after the Twitter accounts of a number of major news organizations, chief executives, government agencies and other high-profile users were hijacked."Twitter notified us that our account was compromised. We deleted the tweet, secured our account and are now investigating this," McDonald's spokeswoman Terri Hickey said in a statement. Corporate accounts are attractive targets due to their large followings and the media attention that errant tweets can attract. Twitter Inc (TWTR.N) allows for two-factor authentication, a security feature that would deter many attempts to seize an account. Twitter declined comment on Thursday citing "privacy and security reasons".High-profile Twitter accounts were hijacked on Wednesday to send anti-Nazi messages in Turkish in the midst of a diplomatic spat between Turkey, the Netherlands and Germany. Twitter said on Wednesday the source of that attack was a third-party app, whose permissions were since removed. The tweet sent from @McDonaldsCorp on Thursday morning read: "@realdonaldtrump You are actually a disgusting excuse of a President and we would love to have @BarackObama back, also you have tiny hands."Trump did not respond to the incident on Twitter.

Trump, one of the more fast-food friendly presidents in recent years, had tweeted pictures of himself eating food from McDonald's and other chains during the U.S. election campaign. A 2002 ad campaign featured Trump and the chain's Grimace mascot promoting an "amazing" $1 deal for McDonald's since-discontinued Big N' Tasty burger.The incident comes as McDonald's is bolstering its digital capabilities with mobile and kiosk ordering as part of an effort to modernize the 60-year-old chain. Analysts said the hack raises questions about security at Twitter, but was unlikely to do much damage to restaurant chain's brand. "As long as Trump doesn't tweet at them directly, which could be pretty disastrous, this will be a short-term thing for them," said Mike Froggatt, director of intelligence at L2, which monitors the digital performance of brands.

"Twitter trending topics last for maybe 6 hours, a backlash for 10 to 12 hours and then it goes and the herd moves on," said Froggatt, who added that the incident raised the question of whether McDonald's used the safety tools Twitter offers. The message from the account of the world's largest restaurant chain caused a sensation on Twitter, where users shared copies of the deleted tweet and offered jokes and comments. Vanessa Veasley and other users speculated that Trump supporters could attempt to launch a boycott of the chain, as they threatened to do when Starbucks Corp (SBUX.O) Chief Executive Howard Schultz vowed to hire 10,000 refugees after Trump's first executive order temporarily banning refugees from certain countries."McDonald's already deleted the tweet? lol Well at least Trump supporters can finally boycott something they can actually afford," Veasley (@VanessaVeasley) wrote.

Other users praised the fast-food chain, which has been fighting to reverse two straight years of customer traffic declines."Suddenly I want a Big Mac, well done @McDonalds," tweeted Shay Steward Bouley (@blackgirlinmain).Some Trump supporters said McDonald's had not done enough to atone for the tweet and advocated for a boycott."Hey @McDonaldsCorp YOU can't just undo a tweet!!! Since you don't support America, Americans will not support YOU!!! #BoycottMcDonalds," wrote Deborah Brewer (@Debbie92083). McDonald's is not the only high-profile company be compromised with fake tweets over the years, brands including Burger King (QSR.TO), Jeep and Sony Music (6758.T) also have been hit. (Reporting Lisa Baertlein in Los Angeles, David Ingram in San Francisco, Gina Cherelus and Angela Moon in New York, Dustin Volz in Washington, D.C., Nandita Bose in Chicago and Sweta Singh and Aishwarya Venugopal in Bengaluru; Editing by Saumyadeb Chakrabarty and Meredith Mazzilli)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Kathmandu: The agitating Madhesis on Thursday rejected Prime Minister Prachanda's proposal to participate in Nepal's local polls and launched fresh agitation, a day after

they withdrew support from his government.

The government has decided to hold local body polls on May 14 despite failure to reach an agreement with the alliance of Madhes-based parties which pulled out of the government after accusing it of failing to meet a seven-day ultimatum to fulfil their demands that included endorsement for the revised Constitution amendment bill.

"We held a long discussion on the Prime Minister's proposal, but we did not see any basis to trust him as he has failed to fulfil the past commitments," said Terai Madhesh Democratic Party leader Brikhesh Chandra Lal.

In a meeting with the United Democratic Madhesi Front (UDMF) leaders, Prachanda had urged them to participate in the upcoming local polls after amending the Constitution, setting aside the issue of state delineation for the time being.

He had said the government would form a commission to finalise the issues relating to provincial demarcation before holding the provincial elections. As per the programme, the UDMF, which has 39 lawmakers, would launch non-cooperation to election activities.

The Front would organise condolence meetings across the country on March 26 to pay tribute to the five Madhesi activists who were killed in alleged police firing last week. They were killed during clashes with the police as the agitating Madhesi Front tried to disrupt election campaign launched by main opposition CPN-UML.

On 28 March, sit-ins would be organised in all district election offices as part of the protests, UDMF said after the conclusion of their meeting.

The statement was signed by several Madhesi leaders. The agitation was launched against the government besides withdrawing support extended to the coalition government led by Maoist chief Prachanda, the UDMF said. A senior leader said the agitation would be peaceful this time unlike last year when they obstructed Nepal-India border, badly affecting supplies of essential goods.

Madhesis, mostly of Indian-origin, launched a six-month-long agitation against the implementation of the Constitution without amending its provisions that would address the demands for more representation and re-demarcation of state boundaries.

At least 50 people died in the violent Madhesi protest between September 2015 and February last year.
By Doina Chiacu

| WASHINGTON

WASHINGTON The Republican and Democratic leaders of the Senate Intelligence Committee said on Thursday they saw no evidence to support President Donald Trump's claim that the Obama administration tapped his phones during the 2016 presidential campaign."Based on the information available to us, we see no indications that Trump Tower was the subject of surveillance by any element of the United States government either before or after Election Day 2016," Republican Chairman Richard Burr and Senator Mark Warner, the committee's Democratic vice chairman, said in a statement.Trump, a Republican, made the accusation in a series of early morning posts on Twitter on March 4, six weeks after he took over the presidency from Democrat Barack Obama and amid rising scrutiny of his campaign's ties to Russia.The top Republican in Congress, House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan, on Thursday added his voice to those rejecting Trump's contention.

"The point is, the intelligence committees in their continuing, widening, ongoing investigation of all things Russia, got to the bottom - at least so far - with respect to our intelligence community that - that no such wiretap existed," Ryan told reporters.Trump accused Obama of wiretapping him during the late stages of the campaign, but provided no evidence. Obama said through a spokesman that it was "simply false." "How low has President Obama gone to tap my phones during the very sacred election process. This is Nixon/Watergate. Bad (or sick) guy!," Trump wrote.

At least four congressional committees added the startling accusation in their investigations of possible Russian meddling in the election campaign and Russian ties to Trump and his associates.On Wednesday, House of Representatives Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes, a Republican, and top Democrat Adam Schiff told reporters they had seen no evidence that Trump Tower was tapped and said they would ask Federal Bureau of Investigation Director James Comey about the issue during a public hearing on Monday.

Ryan told reporters he received the same intelligence briefing as Nunes and Schiff. Trump appeared to back away from his accusation of wiretapping in a Fox News interview on Wednesday night."But wiretap covers a lot of different things. I think youre going to find some very interesting items coming to the forefront over the next two weeks," Trump said. (Reporting by Doina Chiacu; Editing by David Alexander and Grant McCool)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Paris: Several people were injured in a shooting Thursday at a high school in the southern French town of Grasse, police said.

One student carrying weapons was arrested and another was on the run after the shooting at the Tocqueville high school, a police source told AFP, asking not to be named.

Schools in the southeastern French town of Grasse were placed under lockdown following the shooting, the regional educational chief said.

A crisis cell has been put in place after the attack at the Tocqueville high school, education official Emmanuel Ethis said on Twitter.

Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve cut short a trip to the northern Somme area because of the Grasse shooting, as well as a letter bomb blast at the offices of the International Monetary Fund in Paris on Thursday.

With inputs from AP and AFP
By Abdiqani Hassan

| BOSASSO

BOSASSO Somali pirates released a hijacked oil tanker and its eight Sri Lankan crew on Thursday, a Somali security official and the pirates said, bringing the first hijacking since 2012 to an unusually swift conclusion without the payment of a ransom. The release followed a gunfight earlier in the day between the pirates and the marine force, and then intensive negotiations between the marine force, clan elders and the pirates. "There has been discussion going on after the gunfight of this afternoon ... We pulled our forces back and so the pirates went away," said Abdirahman Mohamud Hassan, the director general of the maritime police force for Somalia's semi-autonomous northern region of Puntland. A pirate confirmed the release was made without a ransom payment. In previous hijackings, many crews remained in captivity for years before a ransom was paid. Eight Iranians are still being held.

But the pirates said they agreed to forego a ransom after learning that Somali businessmen had hired the ship, which was taking oil from Djibouti to the Somali capital of Mogadishu. Pirates have traditionally been wary of tangling with Somalia's powerful businessmen. "After we came to know that the Somali traders hired the oil tanker, we released it without a ransom," pirate Abdullahi told Reuters.

The release will be seen as a success for the regional Puntland government and its counter-piracy force, which is funded by the United Arab Emirates. The hijacking was the first time Somali pirates have taken over a commercial ship since 2012 and followed an outpouring of anger by locals over foreign fishermen flooding into their waters. The Somalis are also angry with their government for licensing some of the ships.

The vessel was hijacked on Monday. Residents living near where it was being held said four civilians were injured by stray bullets during Thursday's gunbattle. In their heyday in 2011, Somali pirates launched 237 attacks off the coast of Somalia, data from the International Maritime Bureau showed, and held hundreds of hostages.But attacks fell sharply after crews put safety measures into place and regional naval forces stepped up patrols. Some pirates returned to fishing, and others became involved in smuggling people and weapons across the Red Sea to Yemen. (Additional reporting by Ranga Sirilal in Colombo; Writing by Katharine Houreld; Editing by Richard Lough)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Dhaka: At least three Islamic militants blew themselves up on Thursday in Bangladesh when police raided their hideout outside the port city of Chittagong as part of an intensified crackdown on militants.

The operation 'Assault 16' was jointly carried out by Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime unit, Special Weapon and Tactic Team (SWAT), Rapid Action Battalion and Chittagong district police in Sitakunda.

The gunfight began after police stormed a two-storey building where militants were staying as tenants.

According to media reports, the suspected militants were apparently killed in "suicide explosions".

The extremists, believed to be operatives of banned Neo-Jamaatul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), hurled grenades and fired gunshots before blowing themselves up. Two policemen also injured during the raid.

Ambulances were seen coming out from the site carrying wounded policemen with officials.

"Police launched an operation when the militants started blasting grenades...explosions rocked the neighbourhood for nearly 10 minutes," a journalist told PTI.

"Several families were living in that house and they were freed after spending the night as hostages," the journalist said.

The building has been cordoned off.

Neo-JMB is said to be inclined to the Islamic State terror outfit which has claimed the responsibility for the deadly 1 July, 2016 attack on a Dhaka cafe in which 22 people, including an Indian, were killed.

Earlier, a couple was arrested from a suspected militant hideout at Chittagong's Sitakunda.

A police spokesman in Dhaka told PTI the law enforcement agencies have launched countrywide "block raids" targeting presumed militant hideout since last Thursday. Eighty militants have been killed in these raids so far.

Bangladesh witnessed a spate of attacks on secular activists, foreigners and religious minorities since 2013.

The country launched a massive crackdown on militants specially after the Dhaka cafe attack.
By Roberta Rampton and Richard Cowan

| WASHINGTON

WASHINGTON President Donald Trump asked the U.S. Congress on Thursday to approve a 2018 budget that would bolster military programs and begin building a wall on the southern border with Mexico while drastically cutting many federal agencies.Trump's plan, showcasing his administration's priorities, is just the first volley in what will likely be an intense battle over spending in coming months. Although both the Senate and House of Representatives are controlled by Trump's fellow Republicans, Congress holds the federal purse strings and seldom approves presidents' budget plans.Trump's plan took a big swipe at some federal institutions, envisaging a more than 31 percent cut, or $2.6 billion, for the Environmental Protection Agency and a 28 percent reduction, or $10.9 billion, for the State Department and other international programs.In a message with his budget submitted to Congress, Trump said he aimed to advance "the safety and security of the American people," adding he would do so with $54 billion in added military spending next year and putting more money into deporting illegal immigrants.Predictably, Democrats denounced the proposed steep cuts to spending on domestic programs. But some prominent Republicans were also quick to criticize the budget.Protecting national interests requires a comprehensive approach, "including not just military engagement but also the full and responsible use of all diplomatic tools at our disposal," said Republican Representative Hal Rogers, who chairs a panel that oversees State Department and foreign aid spending.Under Trump's plan, funding would disappear altogether for 19 independent bodies that count on federal money for public broadcasting, the arts and regional programs from Alaska to Appalachia.Moderate Republicans expressed unease with potential cuts to popular domestic programs such as home-heating subsidies, clean-water projects and job training.Trump's budget outline covered just "discretionary" spending, or programs that must be renewed annually by Congress, for the 2018 fiscal year starting on Oct. 1.It did not address mandatory "entitlement" programs, such as Social Security retirement benefits and federally-backed healthcare for the elderly, poor and disabled, that make up most of the federal budget. For years, conservatives have been clamoring for reforms to these programs to save money.Trump also asked for $25 billion more for core Defense Department programs for the current fiscal year, as well as $5 billion more for combat operations. A detailed copy of this request seen by Reuters showed some of the added funds would be for procurement of technology such as F-35 fighter aircraft and drone systems.

About $13.5 billion of the supplemental request was earmarked for aircraft, missiles and ships. It included THAAD missiles, Blackhawk helicopters and F-35s made by Lockheed Martin Corp (LMT.N), as well as F/A-18 warplanes and Apache helicopters manufactured by Boeing Co (BA.N).Also for this fiscal year, Trump requested $3 billion more for the Department of Homeland Security, with some of that money intended for planning and construction of the border wall that he made a major part of his 2016 election campaign.Congress will likely consider the supplemental request by April 28, when regular funding expires for most federal agencies.OPEN FOR DISCUSSION

On the 2018 budget, Trump is willing to discuss priorities with Congress, said White House budget director Mick Mulvaney, a former South Carolina congressman who made a name for himself as a spending hawk before he was picked to join Trump's Cabinet.House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi blasted the plan, saying, "Throwing billions at defense while ransacking Americas investments in jobs, education, clean energy and lifesaving medical research will leave our nation weakened."

Moderate Republicans expressed unease with potential cuts to popular domestic programs such as home-heating subsidies, clean-water projects and job training. For years, conservatives have sought many of these proposals, only to see them defeated amid opposition from Democrats and some moderate Republicans. It was unclear whether Trump will have more success. The budget outline does not incorporate Trump's plan for sparking $1 trillion in investments to build roads, bridges, airports and other infrastructure projects. The White House has said the infrastructure plan is still to come.The planned defense increases are matched by cuts to other programs so as to not increase the $488 billion federal deficit.Mulvaney acknowledged the proposal would likely result in significant cuts to the federal workforce, saying, "You cant drain the swamp and leave all the people in it." Reflecting Trump's repeated election campaign pledge to reduce illegal immigration, the Department of Homeland Security would get a 6.8 percent increase, with more money for extra staff needed to catch, detain and deport illegal immigrants.

WALL MONEY

Trump wants Congress to approve $1.5 billion for the border wall in the current fiscal year - enough for pilot projects to determine the best way to build it - and a further $2.6 billion in fiscal 2018, Mulvaney said.The estimate for the total cost of the wall will be included in the full budget. That more detailed document is expected in mid-May and will project spending and revenues over 10 years.Trump has repeatedly said that Mexico will pay for the wall, and Mexico has adamantly said it will not. Since Trump took office in January, the White House has said funding would be kick-started in the United States.The full budget plan will include economic forecasts and the president's views on "mandatory entitlements" like Social Security and Medicare, which Trump vowed to protect while he was on the campaign trail.Despite the proposed big cuts to the EPA and the State Department, Mulvaney said their "core functions" would be preserved. Hit hard would be foreign aid, grants to multilateral development agencies like the World Bank and climate change programs at the United Nations.Trump wants to get rid of more than 50 EPA programs, end funding for former Democratic President Barack Obama's signature Clean Power Plan aimed at reducing carbon dioxide emissions, and cut research programs on renewable energy at the Energy Department.Other reductions and cuts included community development grants at the Housing Department, which have been around since 1974, more than 20 Education Department programs, anti-poverty grants and a program that helps poor people pay their energy bills.Trump's rural base did not escape cuts. The White House proposed a 21 percent reduction to the Agriculture Department, including reducing staff in county offices and ending a popular program that helps farmers donate crops for overseas food aid.(Click here for a graphic on 'Winners and losers in Trump's budget' here) (Additional reporting by Julia Edwards Ainsely, Richard Cowan and Patricia Zengerle; Editing by Peter Cooney, Bill Trott and Frances Kerry)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
ISTANBUL U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson will visit Turkey on March 30, Turkish foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Thursday, in what is likely to be the most high-level meeting with Ankara since U.S. President Donald Trump took office in January.Ties between the United States and Turkey - which has the second largest army in the NATO alliance and is key to the U.S.-led fight against Islamic State in Syria and Iraq - deteriorated sharply in the last year of the Barack Obama administration. "Rex Tillerson has said that he would like to come to Turkey on March 30," Cavusoglu said in an interview with broadcaster Haberturk. "I have told him that we will be in Ankara and available and would happily host him," Cavusoglu said.

Tillerson was likely to also meet with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and Prime Minister Binali Yildirim, he said.Erdogan and the Turkish government want the United States to extradite Fethullah Gulen, a U.S.-based Islamic cleric who Ankara blames for orchestrating last year's failed coup. Gulen denies involvement in the coup attempt.

Ankara has also been angered by U.S. support for the Kurdish YPG militia fighting Islamic State in Syria. It is adamant that Washington should switch support for the planned Raqqa offensive from the YPG militia to Syrian rebels that Turkey has trained.

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.Erdogan believes ties will improve under Trump. A phone call between the two earlier last month was positive, sources in Erdogan's office have said. (Reporting by Humeyra Pamuk; Editing by Robin Pomeroy and Richard Lough)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday gave royal assent to a bill empowering British Prime Minister Theresa May to trigger Article 50 of the European Union's Lisbon Treaty and begin the process of leaving the EU.

House of Commons Speaker John Bercow announced that the EU (Notification of Withdrawal) Bill has received the assent of Queen Elizabeth II.

The bill was passed by Parliament on Monday.

The House of Commons had on Monday rejected amendments by the House of Lords, calling on the government to protect the status of EU nationals within three months of the start of Brexit talks, by 335 votes to 287.

They also dismissed calls for Parliament to have a meaningful vote on any Brexit deal by 331 to 286 votes.

Royal assent is a formality  no monarch has refused to sign a bill for more than 300 years

May is now free to start two years of exit negotiations, which she said she will do by 31 March.

May had said that she will be sending a letter to the European Council informing them of Britain's decision to leave the bloc by the end of March, following a majority vote for Brexit in last year's referendum.

On 9 February, the British Parliament had overwhelmingly supported a bill empowering Prime Minister May to start crucial negotiations by 31 March on leaving the European Union.

The draft legislation of the European Union (Notification of Withdrawal) Bill was approved by 494 votes to 122 by the House of Commons after its final debate.

United Kingdom decided to leave the EU after the 23 June referendum on the issue was supported by over 50 percent of the voters. After failing to keep UK in the multilateral body, the then prime minister David Cameron resigned after which May took over as the country's leader.

(With inputs from agencies)
Honolulu: For the second time, a federal court on Wednesday blocked President Donald Trump's efforts to freeze immigration by refugees and citizens of some predominantly Muslim nations, putting the president's revised travel ban on hold just hours before it was to take effect.

This time, the ruling came from a judge in Hawaii who rejected the government's claims that the travel ban is about national security, not discrimination. US District Judge Derrick Watson also said Hawaii would suffer financially if the executive order constricted the flow of students and tourists to the state, and that Hawaii was likely to succeed on a claim that the ban violates First Amendment protections against religious discrimination.

Watson criticised what he called the "illogic" of the government's arguments and cited "significant and unrebutted evidence of religious animus" behind the travel ban. He also noted that while courts should not examine the "veiled psyche" and "secret motives" of government decision-makers, "the remarkable facts at issue here require no such impermissible inquiry."

"For instance, there is nothing 'veiled' about this press release: 'Donald J. Trump is calling for a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States,'" Watson wrote, referring to a statement Trump issued as a candidate.

Trump called the ruling an example of "unprecedented judicial overreach" and said his administration would appeal it to the US Supreme Court. He also called his new travel ban a watered-down version of the first one, which he said he wished he could implement.

"We're going to win. We're going to keep our citizens safe," the president said at a rally in Nashville. "The danger is clear. The law is clear. The need for my executive order is clear."

The judge issued his 43-page ruling less than two hours after hearing Hawaii's request for a temporary restraining order to stop the ban from being put into practice.

The hearing was one of three held in federal courts around the country on Wednesday. US District Judge James Robart in Seattle, who blocked the initial travel ban last month, did not immediately rule on a request from an immigrant-rights group to block the revised version. Neither was there a ruling from US District Judge Theodore Chuang in Maryland in a challenge brought by the American Civil Liberties Union and other groups.

In all, more than half a dozen states are trying to stop the ban. A case brought by Washington state argues that the new order harms residents, universities and businesses, especially tech companies such as Washington state-based Microsoft and Amazon, which rely on foreign workers. California, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York and Oregon have joined the claim.

Trump's initial travel ban, issued on a Friday in late January, brought chaos and protests to airports around the country as travellers from seven nations  Somalia, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Libya and Yemen  were barred from entering even if they had prior permission to come to the US The State Department cancelled up to 60,000 visas.

Robart ordered the government to stop enforcing the ban, which also suspended the nation's acceptance of refugees from around the world, and a three-judge panel from the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously declined to reinstate the ban.

The administration subsequently rewrote the ban, emphasising more of a national security rationale, dropping Iraq from the list of banned countries and spelling out some reasons that travellers from the listed nations might be granted waivers allowing them into the US despite the policy. The new ban does not apply to travellers who already have visas.

Critics of the ban said the changes made it more palatable, but they still argued that it violated both the Constitution and federal immigration law, and they tweaked their lawsuits to target the revised order.

Watson is a 2012 appointee of President Barack Obama. He is the only Native Hawaiian currently sitting as a federal judge and the fourth in US history. He received his law degree from Harvard in 1991.

In his order, he found little evidence the travel ban would aid national security, noting a point brought up by the state: that a draft report from the Department of Homeland Security found nationality to be an "unlikely indicator" of terrorism threats.

Arguments at the federal court in Seattle focused on whether the travel ban is permitted by immigration law. Robart grilled the lawyers about two seemingly conflicting federal laws on immigration  one that gives the president the authority to keep any class of aliens out of the country, and another that forbids the government from discriminating on the basis of nationality when it comes to issuing immigrant visas.

In Maryland, the judge weighed whether the measure discriminates against Muslims.

"Generally, courts defer on national security to the government," Chuang said. "Do I need to conclude that the national security purpose is a sham and false?"

In response, ACLU attorney Omar Jadwat pointed to Miller's statement and said the government had put out misleading and contradictory information about whether banning travel from six specific countries would make the nation safer.

Arguing for the Justice Department, Jeffrey Wall said: "It doesn't say anything about religion. It doesn't draw any religious distinctions."

The Maryland lawsuit also argues that it's against federal law for the Trump administration to reduce the number of refugees allowed into the United States this year by more than half, from 110,000 to 50,000. Attorneys argued that if that aspect of the ban takes effect, 60,000 people would be stranded in war-torn countries with nowhere else to go.

Watson made it clear that his decision applied nationwide, ruling that the ban could not be enforced at any US borders or ports of entry or in the issuance of visas.

In the Hawaii case, the federal government said there was no need to issue an emergency restraining order because Hawaii officials offered only "generalized allegations" of harm.

Wall, arguing by telephone, challenged Hawaii's claim that the order violates due-process rights of Ismail Elshikh as a US citizen who wants his mother-in-law to visit his family from Syria. He said courts have not extended due-process rights outside of a spousal relationship.

Neal Katyal, a Washington, DC, attorney representing Hawaii, called the story of Elshiskh, an Egyptian immigrant and naturalized US citizen, "the story of America."

Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson, who filed the lawsuit that succeeded in blocking the first ban, cheered the Hawaii judge's ruling.

"It's very exciting," Ferguson said. "At this point it's a team effort  multiple lawsuits and multiple states."
Tokyo: US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on Thursday called for a "different approach" to dealing with North Korea amid the country's rising threats over its nuclear programme.

Tillerson arrived in Japan on Thursday morning beginning his first Asia tour as US secretary of state.

"I think it's important to recognise the diplomatic efforts of the last 20 years to bring North Korea to the table have failed," he said after a meeting with Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida, the Washington Post reported.

His reference to 20 years of failure alluded to the 1994 deal between the US and North Korea that would have seen Pyongyang receive aid and two proliferation-resistant nuclear power plants in return for freezing and eventually dismantling its nuclear weapons programme.

That deal collapsed in 2002 and years of stop-start efforts to reach a new deal have amounted to little, with North Korea actively pursuing nuclear weapons and the missiles with which to deliver them, according to the report.

Over that time, the US had given North Korea a total of $1.35 billion in assistance "as an encouragement to take a different pathway", Tillerson said, but it had been met with continued weapons development.

"It is clear that a different approach is required," he said, adding that he and Kishida had "exchanged views about a different approach".

Kishida said he had conveyed Japan's views to Tillerson for consideration during the policy review, but he didn't go into details.

While in Tokyo, Tillerson was also scheduled to meet Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who forged a bond with President Trump during his visit to Washington last month.

The US and the countries on Tillerson's itinerary are trying to find ways to convince the regime led by North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un to stop firing missiles and pursuing development of nuclear weapons, reported the newspaper.

On Friday, Tillerson will head to South Korea, which is in political turmoil after its President Park Geun-hye was impeached last week as the result of a corruption scandal.

There, the US is currently deploying a controversial missile interception system known as Thaad (Terminal High Altitude Area Defence), which could be halted by South Korea's next leader.

On Saturday, Tillerson would be visiting Beijing where, apart from North Korea, trade will also be a key topic of discussion.
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When Elmer Hemphill of Tulsa died in 2016, he left his son John a thriving construction company.

He also left him a three-million-pound scrap heap that reveals another side of his personality: hoarder; on the industrial scale.

aHis perfect storm was buying and storing, but never getting rid of anything,a says Louis Dakil, a Tulsa auctioneer brought in to get rid of Elmeras sprawling collection of junk.

The family is featured on the newest edition of FOX Business Networkas Strange Inheritance with Jamie Colby. It premieres on Monday, March 20 at 9:30 p.m. ET.

Elmer Hemphill was born in 1935 on a farm near Tryon, Oklahoma. He started his first business a buying and selling sheep a when he was just 13 years old.

aHe had a mind like a steel trap,a recalls his lifelong friend Earl Hart. aElmer laid awake nights trying to think of ways to make a dollar. He was just determined to succeed.a

His son John says he had a simple business philosophy:

aYou never know how far a toad will jump until you punch it.a

In other words, you canat just sit back and hope things happen, you have to go out and make them happen.

aHe was definitely one to punch the toad,a John says.

Elmer started an oil drilling company in the 1950s, and later added an aerospace manufacturing operation. In the a80s he got in on the ground floor of a new industry a cellular towers.

Despite his success, he never lost his stubborn Dust Bowl waste-not-want-not mentality.

He refused to throw away anything a from tiny sections of pipe, to thousands of feet of fencing, to huge pieces of retired equipment. Anything left over from a job a bolts, bricks, chains, springs, trucks, trailers a it all piled up.

aWe asked no questions,a says John, who began working with his father in the 1970s. aIt was pretty much known that we just needed to put it where he wanted and live with it.a

Eventually, Elmer wasnat just hoarding his own junk a he was buying other companiesa cast-off equipment, machine parts and scrap metal.

aIf it was cheap enough, head buy it and say, aSomeday itall be worth something,aa says Hart.

aHe used to say that if a trainload of pencils was cheap enough, head buy it,a recalls John.

The trainload of pencils never came in, but he did buy boxcars full of tractor seats, file cabinets and office chairs.

By the time he died, Elmeras stuff filled multiple warehouses and littered 40 acres of land surrounding the Hemphill Corporation headquarters.

John assigned his daughter Kristin to get rid of it all. She came up with an idea for an online auction, run by Dakil.

aIave appraised everything in America thatas ethical, moral or legal and when I saw Hemphillas collection I was overwhelmed,a says Dakil. aBut I told them if they can organize it, we can inventory it and sell it. Thereas one saying we have in our industry: aYou canat outlive iron.aa

The August 2016 auction lasted two days. Some items sold for as little as 50 cents. The biggest sale was an old drilling rig designed by Elmer, which fetched $4,000. All told, the auction brought in $175,000.
Tonight Show host Jack Paar called Constance Bannister the worlds most famous baby photographer. She published calendars, books -- even a syndicated comic strip. Her photography tips were printed on boxes of flashbulbs.

And when she died in 2005 at the age of 92, she left her daughter Lynda more than 100,000 images of Bannister Babies  an archive that could be worth a fortune.

The familys story is featured in the latest episode of Strange Inheritance with Jamie Colby. It airs Monday, March 20 at 9 pm ET on the FOX Business Network.

Constance Bannister was born on a Tennessee farm in 1913, the second oldest of 17 children. In the mid-1930s she packed up moved to New York City.

She wanted to be somebody, and somebody big, Lynda Bannister tells Colby in the program.

Constance enrolled in the New York Institute of Photography. After a stint as an Associated Press society photographer, she had an inspiration.

She went into Central Park and just started photographing babies, says Lynda. She ended up going back the next day with prints, sold some to a mom, and the career was born.

She opened a studio on Central Park South and quickly gained a reputation as the best baby photographer in the city.

She had a way of communicating with the baby and would get them to do the craziest things, says Lynda. She just knew exactly when to snap that shot and get that perfect picture.

She was stunning on camera herself. During World War II, Look Magazine commissioned a series of kiddie beach photos for a feature called Pin-up Babies. Next to her photographers credit the magazine published a shot of Constance in her bathing suit.

Service men wrote from all over the world asking for a signed 8x10 for their foxhole or bunker, Lynda says.

The post-war baby boom presented a new opportunity for Bannister. She offered parents free pictures of their children if they signed a release allowing her to sell the images.

Soon Bannister Babies were everywhere. So was Constance.

I have all her appointment books from 1940s and 1950s, says Lynda. Every single page is filled with meetings, radio shows and television shows. People knew her by name. They knew her on sight.

Bannister retired in the mid-1970s, and remained out of the public eye.

Before she died, she assured Lynda that the file cabinets full of prints and negatives that she would inherit were still valuable.

She actually told me, Dont mess it up, Lynda.

Lynda indeed learned that those Bannister Babies are as bankable as ever. Shes signed licensing deals with Getty, Microsoft, Yahoo and greeting card publishers, and says shes received as much as $25,000 for the rights to a single image.
Newly elected Democratic National Committee Chair Tom Perez is reiterating his call for an independent investigation into the potential connection between the Trump administration and Russia.

The narrative is pretty simple, Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin were in cahoots during the election, said Perez during an exclusive interview with Maria Bartiromo on FOX Business Mornings With Maria. This is about interference with a federal election for president. And we need an independent investigator, an independent counsel to do this.

Perez also criticized U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions who has recused himself from any investigations into the 2016 election.

Jeff Sessions went before the United States Senate, raised his hand, took an oath to tell the truth and proceeded to not tell them about two meetings he had with the Russian Ambassador, one of which took place at the Republican Convention he added.
Majorities of voters think Congress should investigate if Russia interfered with the election and allegations of coordination between the Trump campaign and Russia.

Thats according to the latest Fox News Poll, taken amidst a new volley of allegations of ties between Trump and Russia, and wiretapping of Trump Tower.

Sixty-six percent want a Congressional investigation into Russias attempts to influence the election, and 63 percent want lawmakers to look into possible connections between the Trump campaign and Russia.

Voters are split 46-49 percent over whether lawmakers should investigate the wiretapping allegation.

In a March 4 tweet, President Trump said former President Obama wiretapped Trump Tower.

The House intelligence committee asked the Justice Department to provide evidence to substantiate the claim by March 13. Monday the Justice Department asked for more time to respond to the request and the committee set the new deadline for March 20.

Views are clear on whether the president should produce evidence of his claim about the wiretaps: 76 percent think he should. That isnt just Democrats, although most agree (88 percent). Republicans (63 percent) and independents (70 percent) also think he should show proof.

About 9 in 10 Democrats want investigations into Russias attempts to influence the election and possible coordination with the Trump campaign, yet a 59 percent majority opposes looking into Trumps claim about Obama wiretapping him.

Its the reverse among Republicans, as roughly 6 in 10 opposes looking into Russian meddling and campaign collusion, yet a 58 percent majority wants Congress to investigate the wiretapping claim.

More independents (60 percent) want investigations into possible connections between Russia and the Trump campaign than want Congress to look into Obama over Trumps wiretapping claim (41 percent).

Of the issues tested, President Trump receives his worst job ratings on his handling of Americas relationship with Russia: 33 percent approve vs. 55 percent disapprove. One in ten has no opinion (12 percent).

Republicans (65 percent) are more than 10 times as likely as Democrats (6 percent) to approve of the job Trump is doing on Russia. Even so, 16 percent of Republicans disapprove, and another 18 percent has no opinion.

The presidents overall job approval rating stands at 43 percent, down from 48 percent a month ago. Fifty-one percent of voters disapprove of the job Trump is doing as president.

A record 73 percent of voters have confidence in the CIA, up from 67 percent in December.

In addition, 59 percent are confident U.S. intelligence agencies are acting in a non-partisan manner. More than a third lacks confidence (37 percent).

Voters split over whether intelligence agencies are respecting the privacy of American citizens: 50 percent are confident their privacy is being respected, while 47 percent are not.

Democrats have confidence they arent being spied on (58 percent) and the intel community is non-partisan (70 percent).

Republicans split on both privacy (48 confident vs. 51 not confident) and whether the agencies are being non-partisan (44 confident vs. 48 not confident).

WikiLeaks

The poll also asks voters about the government surveillance programs that were recently made public by WikiLeaks.

Voters are concerned about the WikiLeaks info on both the national and personal level. About three-quarters (74 percent) are worried that U.S. intelligence has been compromised. Almost as many (70 percent) are concerned about the technology WikiLeaks revealed the agencies developed to collect private info. And in an increasingly rare example of agreement, majorities of Democrats, Republicans, and independents express concern about both issues.

Thirty-one percent of voters have a favorable opinion of WikiLeaks, while 46 percent have an unfavorable view. Some are unable to rate the group (11 percent) and 12 percent say theyve never heard of it.

Independents (43 percent favorable) and Republicans (39 percent) are more likely than Democrats (21 percent) to have a favorable view of WikiLeaks.

The Fox News poll is based on landline and cellphone interviews with 1,008 randomly chosen registered voters nationwide and was conducted under the joint direction of Anderson Robbins Research (D) and Shaw & Company Research (R) from March 12-14, 2017. The poll has a margin of sampling error of plus or minus three percentage points for all registered voters.
President Donald Trump unveiled a $1.15 trillion budget on Thursday, a far-reaching overhaul of federal government spending that slashes many domestic programs to finance a significant increase in the military and make a down payment on a U.S.-Mexico border wall.

Thursday's budget proposal seeks to upend Washington with cuts to long-promised campaign targets like foreign aid and the Environmental Protection Agency as well as strong congressional favorites such as medical research, help for homeless veterans and community development grants.

"A budget that puts America first must make the safety of our people its number one priority  because without safety, there can be no prosperity," Trump said in a message accompanying his proposed budget that was titled "America First: A Budget Blueprint to Make America Great Again."

The $54 billion boost for the military is the largest since President Ronald Reagan's Pentagon buildup in the 1980s, promising immediate money for troop readiness, the fight against Islamic State militants and procurement of new ships, fighter jets and other weapons. The 10 percent Pentagon boost is financed by $54 billion in cuts to foreign aid and domestic agencies that had been protected by former President Barack Obama.

The budget goes after the frequent targets of the party's staunchest conservatives, eliminating the National Endowment for the Arts, legal aid for the poor, low-income heating assistance and the AmeriCorps national service program established by former President Bill Clinton.

"This is a hard power budget, not a soft power budget," said White House budget director Mick Mulvaney.

Such programs were the focus of lengthy battles dating to the GOP takeover of Congress in 1995 and have survived prior attempts to eliminate them. Lawmakers will have the final say on Trump's proposal in the arduous budget process, and many of the cuts will be deemed dead on arrival. Mulvaney acknowledged to reporters that passing the cuts could be an uphill struggle and said the administration would negotiate over replacement cuts.

"This is not a take-it-or-leave-it budget," Mulvaney said.

Law enforcement agencies like the FBI would be spared, while the border wall would receive an immediate $1.4 billion infusion in the ongoing fiscal year, with another $2.6 billion planned for the 2018 budget year starting Oct. 1.

Trump repeatedly claimed during the campaign that Mexico would pay for the wall when, in fact, U.S. taxpayers will foot the bill.

Twelve of the government's 15 Cabinet agencies would absorb cuts under the president's proposal. The biggest losers are Agriculture, Labor, State, and the Cabinet-level EPA. The Defense Department, Department of Homeland Security and Department of Veterans Affairs are the winners.

More than 3,000 EPA workers would lose their jobs and programs such as Obama's Clean Power Plan, which would tighten regulations on emissions from power plants seen as contributing to global warming, would be eliminated. Popular EPA grants for state and local drinking and wastewater projects would be preserved, however, even as research into climate change would be eliminated.

Trump's proposal covers only roughly one-fourth of the approximately $4 trillion federal budget, the discretionary portion that Congress passes each year. It doesn't address taxes, Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, or make predictions about deficits and the economy. Those big-picture details are due in mid-May, and are sure to show large  probably permanent  budget deficits. Trump has vowed not to cut Social Security and Medicare and is dead set against raising taxes.

"The president's going to keep his promises" to leave Social Security and Medicare alone, Mulvaney said.

But the budget increases user fees, boosting the airline ticket tax by $1 per one-way trip. It would also slash subsidies for the federal flood insurance program that's a linchpin for the real estate market, especially in coastal southern states and the Northeast.

The so-called "skinny budget" is indeed skimpy, glossing over cuts to many sensitive programs such as community health centers, national parks, and payments for rural schools, offering only a vague, two-page summary of most agencies, including the Pentagon, where allocating its additional billions is still a work in progress.

Trump's proposal is sure to land with a thud on Capitol Hill, and not just with opposition Democrats outraged over cuts to pet programs such as renewable energy, climate change research and rehabilitation of housing projects.

Republicans like Sen. Rob Portman of Ohio are irate over planned elimination of a program to restore the Great Lakes. Top Republicans like Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky and Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Corker of Tennessee are opposed to drastic cuts to foreign aid. And even GOP defense hawks like Armed Services Committee Chairman Mac Thornberry of Texas aren't satisfied with the $54 billion increase for the military.

Before the two sides go to war over Trump's 2018 plan, they need to clean up more than $1.1 trillion in unfinished agency budgets for the current year. A temporary catchall spending bill expires April 28; negotiations have barely started and could get hung up over Trump's request for the wall and additional border patrol and immigration enforcement agents, just for starters.

Some of the most politically sensitive domestic programs would be spared, including food aid for pregnant women and their children, housing vouchers for the poor, aid for special education and school districts for the poor, and federal aid to historically black colleges and universities.

But the National Institutes of Health would absorb a $5.8 billion cut despite Trump's talk in a recent address to Congress of finding "cures to the illnesses that have always plagued us." Subsidies for airlines serving rural airports in Trump strongholds would be eliminated. It would also shut down Amtrak's money-losing long-distance routes and kill off a popular $500 million per-year "TIGER Grant" program for highway projects created by Obama.
On Thursday afternoon, Office of Management and Budget Director Mick Mulvaney doubled down on the Trump administration's plans to cut funding to the United Nations and other foreign agencies, as laid out in the administrations budget proposal for fiscal year 2018.

Were absolutely reducing funding to the U.N. and to various foreign aid programsthe president said hundreds of times, 'Im going to spend less money overseas and more money at home,' Mulvaney said during a press conference.

Mulvaneys comments come after a spokesperson for the U.N. defended the organizations value upon reviewing President Donald Trumps proposed $1.1 trillion budget.

The international community is facing enormous global challenges that can only be addressed by a strong and effective multilateral system, of which the United Nations remains the fundamental pillar, a spokesperson for the Secretary-General said in a statement to Fox News.

The Trump administration stated its intention to reduce or end funding for international organizations whose missions do not substantially advance U.S. foreign policy interests, in its budget summary released early Thursday morning. The administration did not give specifics on how much it intends to slash funding, citing only "deep cuts to foreign aid," but clearly stated it will eliminate payments to the United Nations climate change programs and other affiliated agencies.

The president and his administration have made no secret about where they stand on climate regulations. Mulvaney said Thursday the White House did not want to waste citizens' money on the cause.

The U.N. spokesperson identified the organizations belief that more than military spending is needed to address the crises facing global citizens today. While acknowledging the United States generous contributions over the years, the U.N. statement cautioned a reduction in funding could have long-term consequences: Abrupt funding cuts can force the adoption of ad hoc measures that will undermine the impact of longer-term reform efforts, the statement read.

As previously reported by FOX Business, the Trump administration has had its sights set on the United Nations for some time. Trumps appointee for U.S. ambassador to the U.N., Nikki Haley, shares the presidents view that the United States is contributing a disproportionate amount to the United Nations. On Thursday Haley issued a statement saying "the U.N. spends more money than it should, and in many ways it places a much larger financial burden on the United States than on other countries."

The U.S. contributes more to the U.N. than any other nation, comprising 22% of the regular budget and more than 28% of the peacekeeping budget.

The president has been vocal about the need for other countries to step up and the pay their fair share to international governing bodies, including NATO as well.

Meanwhile, Trump has made it clear that he intends to place a larger emphasis on security at home, tweeting Thursday:

A budget that puts #AmericaFirst must make safety its no. 1 prioritywithout safety there can be no prosperity: https://t.co/9lxx1iQo7m  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 16, 2017

The budget blueprint calls for a $54 billion increase in defense spending for 2018, a 7 percent increase in funding for Homeland Security programs and a request for funds to begin the development of the wall along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Personal attorneys working for President Trump are weighing possible legal action against the cable news network MSNBC and a private journalist for reporting a portion of the presidents 2005 tax returns, a move the Trump legal staff believes could have violated federal privacy laws, the FOX Business Network has learned.

Trumps tax returns were published Tuesday by DCReport.org, a website operated by David Cay Johnston, a Pulitzer Prize winning investigative reporter. They were simultaneously aired on MSNBCs The Rachel Maddow Show.

Legal experts say any case would be a long-shot given First Amendment protections for journalists and an important Supreme Court precedent that dates back to the famous 1971 Pentagon Papers case. Trump would also have to show that the journalists were complicit in stealing his tax returnswhich both Johnston and Maddow have denied.

Trumps lawyers could try and sue but they will get the crap kicked out of them in court, said veteran white collar attorney Stanley Arkin. Its the First Amendment. What are they going to sue them for? Stealing the returns? Nobody made any money out of it. Nobody was bribed.

White House spokeswoman Hope Hicks would neither confirm nor deny the presidents interest in a possible lawsuit against MSNBC or Johnston.

In a statement, MSNBC told FOX Business: There is no legal prohibition against journalists publishing these tax returns. It is protected by the First Amendment and Supreme Court precedent.

Johnston, who obtained the tax documents before appearing on MSNBC, wrote a biography called The Making of Donald Trump in 2016 and won the Pulitzer Prize at The New York Times for exposing loopholes and inequities in the U.S. tax code. He didnt respond to emails or telephone calls for comment. During the MSNBC broadcast, Johnston said he received Trumps tax documents anonymously through the mail.

Trump, a billionaire real estate mogul with business interests around world, has refused to release his tax returns, citing an ongoing audit by the Internal Revenue Service. The move has been controversial since it broke from recent protocol dating back to the presidency of Richard Nixon in which presidents released their tax returns to disclose possible conflicts of interest.

Democrats in Congress have claimed that a full airing of Trumps tax returns could show conflicts involving his real estate and branding empire and his White House dealings.

Trump maintains no such conflicts exist now that he has handed over operational duties of the Trump Organization to his sons, Eric and Donald Jr.

The 2005 tax documents aired by MSNBC and published by Johnston, however, provided no evidence to substantiate possible conflict of interest claims; the two pages of Trumps 1040 tax forms showed little more than that Trump earned $153 million in income in 2005, and paid $38 million in taxes.

In fact, some political commentators have suggested that Trump himself leaked the forms because they portrayed his tax issues in a relatively positive light, namely that he made a lot of money and paid an effective tax rate of 24%, which is higher than what former President Obama paid in 2015 and even what large corporations pay to the government.

Still, people close to President Trump say he was incensed by their release, believing possibly that the documents were stolen, and that Johnston and MSNBC should not have aired what he believes to be illegally obtained personal information.

On Wednesday morning, Trump tweeted out:

Does anybody really believe that a reporter, who nobody ever heard of, "went to his mailbox" and found my tax returns? @NBCNews FAKE NEWS!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 15, 2017

After another MSNBC host, Joe Scarborough, suggested Trump himself leaked out the documents, Trumps personal attorney Michael Cohen tweeted:

.@JoeNBC As #potus @realDonaldTrump personal attorney, I know who has his taxes. You better have proof to back up your claim and big mouth!  Michael Cohen (@MichaelCohen212) March 15, 2017

Later that day, the president told Fox News host Tucker Carlson: I have no idea where they got it but its illegal and theyre not supposed to have it and it's not supposed to be leakedIts certainly not an embarrassing tax return at all, but its an illegal thing theyve been doing it, theyve done it before and I think its a disgrace."

During the presidential campaign, The New York Times published a portion of Trumps 1995 New York State tax returns, which showed then candidate Trump took a $916 million loss on his taxes that year. The large loss would have allowed Trump to cancel the same level of taxable income over nearly the next two decades. Marc Kasowitz, an attorney for Trump, wrote The Times that it was illegal to publish the returns, but no lawsuit was filed.

People with knowledge of the matter say Cohen is now at the center of the debate over whether to file a lawsuit for the latest tax disclosures. Cohen would neither confirm nor deny whether he and Trump are contemplating a lawsuit.

Legal experts say one federal law at the center of possible legal action would be the Unauthorized Disclosure of Information Act, which makes it illegal to publish an unauthorized tax return or return information without receiving authorization from the individual whose taxes are being reported on.

According to the federal statute, any violation of the law shall be punishable by a fine not exceeding $5,000 or imprisonment of up to five years."

Still, various First Amendment precedents protect journalists from such sanctions. In 1971, the US Supreme Court ruled against the Nixon administration, which tried to stop The New York Times and other news outlets from publishing the so-called Pentagon Papers, which were a classified government study of US involvement in Vietnam.

In the landmark ruling, the court said the government needed to show a heavy burden of proof to upend the First Amendment and stop the publication of the documents involving the machinations of public officials.

Legal experts tell FOX Business that other precedents would shield journalists from legal action unless reporters were directly involved in a theft of the tax documents, which Johnston has denied. In fact, Columbia Law School Professor John Coffee said if Trump went ahead with a lawsuit, he could end up in the same position as Richard Nixon was in in 1971 during the release of the Pentagon Papers.

MSNBC is in the same position as The New York Times, if Trump sues as the president, Coffee said. If Trump sues as an individual, he will then be subject to discovery and depositions, which he will not like.
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Bill Condon is getting tired of everyone talking about his new films gay moment.

The director of the live-action remake of Disneys fairy tale classic, Beauty and the Beast, told Vulture that hes had enough of discussing the sexuality of Gastons sidekick LeFou, played by Josh Gad, which is the character that the moment features.

'BEAUTY AND THE BEAST' FEATURES 'GAY MOMENT,' DIRECTOR REVEALS

Can I just say, Im sort of sick of this, explained the 61-year-old to the publication. Because youve seen the movie  its such a teeny thing, and its been overblown.

When the writer asked for Condons interpretation of the headline-making scene, he quickly dismissed the question, instead insisting that viewers should see the scene for themselves to better make sense of it.

Well, people havent seen the movie, he said. They have to see the movie, and theyll understand that its not what its about.

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Condon also added that Beauty and the Beauty features much more diversity than just the highly-talked about LeFou.

That was so important, said Condon on going for a level of diversity. We have interracial couples  this is a celebration of everybodys individuality, and thats whats exciting about it.

Condon previously told U.K.s Attitude magazine about LeFou experiencing a gay moment in the film.

LeFou is somebody who on one day wants to be Gaston and on another day wants to kiss Gaston, said Condon, according to the Telegraph. Hes confused about what he wants. Its somebody whos just realizing that he has these feelings.

'BEAUTY AND THE BEAST' SHELVED IN MALAYSIA BY DISNEY

He also added that Gad did an excellent job in referencing LeFous sexuality in a clever way.

Josh [Gad] makes something really subtle and delicious out it said, said Condon. And thats what has its pay-off at the end, which I dont want to give away. But its a nice, exclusively gay moment in a Disney movie.

Walt Disney has since shelved the release of Beauty and the Beast in mainly Muslim Malaysia, even though film censors said it has been approved with a minor cut involving the scene.

The countrys two main cinema chains said the movie, due to begin screening Thursday, has been postponed indefinitely. No reason was given.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau  along with first daughter Ivanka Trump as a guest  welcomed a new musical that celebrates Canadian compassion and openness to international travelers following the Sept. 11 attacks.

Trudeau and Trump and some 120 ambassadors from around the world attended the show "Come From Away" on Wednesday night at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre, in a city where the bulk of the 3,000 people on 9/11 died.

The musical is set in the small Newfoundland town of Gander, which opened its arms and homes to some 7,000 airline passengers diverted there when the U.S. government shut down its airspace. In a matter of a few hours, the town was overwhelmed by 38 planeloads of travelers from dozens of countries and religions, yet locals went to work in their kitchens and cleaned up spare rooms.

In remarks before the show, Trudeau got on the stage and said he was pleased that, "the world gets to see what it is to lean on each other and be there for each other through the darkest times."

The show got a standing ovation, including from Trump, who sat near Trudeau, his wife and U.N. ambassador Nikki Haley. Also in attendance was Jean Chretien, a former Canadian prime minister, and the mayor of Gander. Trump was seen clapping along happily as the band played at the curtain call.

The actors did not make any changes to the script or acknowledge the special audience, but one afterward was still buzzing.

"When do we have the opportunity to share a story about kindness, gratitude and love that takes place in a country that is known for opening their hearts to people," said actor Rodney Hicks. "It just meant the world to all of us."

Trudeau, who champions global free trade and has welcomed 40,000 Syrian refugees, was celebrating the 150th anniversary of Canada's confederation and also hoped to reaffirm the special friendship between Canadians and Americans.

"Our friends are there for those tough times, when you lose a parent or a loved one, when you get knocked off your path at a difficult moment in your life. Where you go through difficult times, that's when you turn and you lean on your friends," he said. "That ultimately is what this story is all about  being there for each other."

In the show, a cast of a dozen play both residents and marooned passengers, telling true stories of generosity, compassion and acceptance, while fear and suspicion reigned in America. The show arrives just as a debate over immigration and open borders has reignited following the Trump administration's push for a ban on travelers from six predominantly Muslim nations.

Canadian husband-and-wife writing team Irene Sankoff and David Hein wrote the book, music and lyrics, and it was directed by Christopher Ashley, the artistic director of the La Jolla Playhouse. The musical veers its focus from weighty matters  a mother anxious about her missing firefighter son in New York  to more silly events, like a rowdy evening at a local bar where visitors are urged to kiss a cod.

Security at the theater was intense and theatergoers had to navigate through frozen snow drifts as well as black SUVs. But Trudeau seemed comfortable on the stage.

"I have to sort of personally say, on behalf of all Canadians, thank you for making us so welcome with the snow," he said. "It's a nice touch. You really went out of your way."

Trudeau's warm reception was in contrast to the ones that greeted two other world leaders who recently attended the Broadway smash "Hamilton"  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Vice President-elect Mike Pence. Both received more than a smattering of boos.

One woman in attendance on Wednesday was seeing "Come From Away" for the 58th time, having followed it as it made its way from California to Seattle to Washington, D.C., then Gander and now Broadway.

That was Beverley Bass, the first female captain at American Airlines, who was at the helm of Flight 49, going from Paris to Dallas-Fort Worth, when she ended up in Gander on 9/11. She was interviewed by the musical's creators for her story and is portrayed onstage by Jenn Colella.

After almost 60 performances, might she at some point just step in for Colella one night and play her own life? Bass laughed: "I can't sing and dance, so her role is safe from me," she said. Then she thought for a moment and added: "I guess she can't fly jets."
Stephanie Hollman had no idea she would need what she called Jesus juice to survive her first year as a Real Housewife.

The married mother of two joined The Real Housewives of Dallas in 2016 where audiences got to witness why the drama seems to always be bigger in Texas. And while Hollman is best recognized as the soft-spoken girl next door among the group, she also wasnt afraid to let loose with the help of best friend, former Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Brandi Redmond.

'RHOD' STAR STEPHANIE HOLLMAN ON BEING 'NICE-NASTY'

Fox News: How has your life changed since you first appeared on Real Housewives of Dallas?

Stephanie Hollman: Its been a really fun experience... I can say Ive gotten closer with certain people. I think Im a stronger person and I have more of a voice. Im very grateful for the experience and with all the blessings of the show, you also have to take the burdens. But those blessings definitely outweigh the burdens.

Fox News: The entire time you were filming, you were also in therapy with your husband. Why did you reach this decision?

Hollman: You know, as soon as I decided to go forward with the show, I realized that statistically, it seems like a lot of these marriages [from reality TV] dont last. And a lot of families become torn apart. I knew it would have been hard on my marriage, and I just wanted to have somebody to make sure the important things in my life were still prioritized. I was in check with my husband because I wanted to make sure that everything that was important to us was still working. I didnt want to be part of a statistic for reality TV. I felt its good to work on the relationship before theres a problem. And we still do it! I just think if you dont work on yourself or your marriage, then you can get lost in that reality TV world and then the show becomes your life. Thats something I definitely didnt want to have happened in my life or marriage.

Fox News: Has the therapy helped the marriage in any way?

Hollman: I think its good for it! First of all, Im a very big advocate for therapy. Its good to have somebody to talk to and have a safe space where you can say anything you want and have it be a judgmental-free zone. And its good to have someone mediate when there is a conflict. For me, its always good because sometimes things get so busy that you dont have those important conversations and when you do, its almost too late. Theres so much hurt.

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Fox News: Despite being part of the Real Housewives franchise, you still wanted to be recognized as a normal person.

Hollman: Its funny, because before I even joined the franchise, I looked at all the Housewives very differently They didnt seem like normal people. Im a mom, first and foremost, and a wife. I want people to see me for who I am [as opposed] to somebody Im not. Im still the same girl. My values are the same. And for me, the things that are important are still my family and friends. You have to keep your priorities very much in check.

Fox News: How do you balance being a hands-on mom, all while being part of a popular series?

Hollman: Im a fashion blogger too, which is something nice for me to do. I get bored when the kids are at school, so it gives me something creative to do. But our producers have been really great because I made it clear to them, Look, I want to tuck in my kids at night, I want that bonding time with them as a mom without cameras. So they would film me a lot of times while the kids are at school. I still want to do homework with them, I still want to read to them, and as long as the show lets me keep those priorities, then its a win-win.

Fox News: You and your best friend Brandi have a unique nickname for wine.

Hollman: Yep, Jesus juice. That was more of a Brandi thing. Before it was mommy juice because we didnt want the kids to touch it, and then it just kind of became Jesus juice. Its our codename for wine because of the kiddos. I felt like in season one, every time we filmed, there was wine involved because we were just so nervous. I do wish I had put down the bottle a little bit... I just thought we were acting silly. Theres definitely been times where Ive felt, Oh, it didnt happen that way, but I will say I respect how the show has stayed true to pretty much everyone. Im a big goofball and I totally embrace that part of myself. So everything that you see, even if it may have been elaborated at times, did happen, so I cant be mad at myself.

STEPHANIE HOLLMAN: 'I'VE NEVER BEEN IN A PORN MOVIE, I DON'T THINK'

Fox News: What can fans expect from season two?

Hollman: We just finished filming, so that should be coming out this year sometime. I think for most of us, I can say we all experienced a lot of growth, a lot of struggle, but also a lot of strength. We all balance each other out very nicely. And yes, theres a lot of drama, which people love, but theres also a lot of heartfelt things that happen.
At 89, William Daniels has had one of Hollywoods longest and most-prolific careers, with roles that have spanned his more than 70 years in the limelight. The actor, who is instantly recognizable with his signature mustache, sat down with Fox News in a booth Los Angeles deli, with his wife of more than 65-years by his side, to discuss his headline-making new memoir "There I Go Again: How I Came to Be Mr. Feeny, John Adams, Dr. Craig, KITT, & Many Others."

Daniels is known to different generations for the types of roles that have staying power  though he may not have necessarily played the lead. In Boy Meets World he was the level-headed Mr. Feeny, on St. Elsewhere, the arrogant and at times angry Dr. Mark Craig. In Knight Rider he was the voice of KITT, and in 1776 he was John Adams.

He said his favorite role of them all was playing second President of the United States simply because I played it on Broadway for two years.

It was a big part of my life, he recalled over a mid-morning meal that included eggs, bacon and coffee. After a while I began to enjoy it tremendously. When an actor gets a chance to work on a role, even when he is playing it, that is what I did and it always kind of remained fresh for me."

Daniels admits in his memoir that his foray into show business wasnt his idea. His mother, he writes, dragged him and his sisters to endless auditions and had him learn to sing and dance so he could perform on cue, often rehearsing into the early hours of the morning.

"I wasn't aware of the abuse, he told us. I need an analyst to tell me I was an abused child. What do you mean? she said. You were abused, you were forced into this.' And then I realized I was nervous even though I didn't realize it at the time."

His career in Hollywood eventually led him to work alongside his wife Bonnie Bartlett, who played his fictional wife on St. Elsewhere.

As Daniels discusses his memories, Bartlett often chimes in.

But Daniels never planned to share his life story in a book.

"I just found myself picking up a pen and a yellow pad one day and start writing, he described. In retrospect I question my memory sometimes; its bad except for dialogue. As soon as you pick up a pen and start writing, it's like you open a door to your memory and that's the way it was with me. I was able to -- over months  [recapture] my youth, my whole experience in show business, with my sisters and [myself]."

In the memoir, the star discusses a role that has stuck to him firmly  the wise character of Mr. Feeny. Daniels began playing George Feeny in 1993 and most recently reprised the role this year in the spinoff Girl Meets World. But he nearly said no to playing Feeny in the first place, he revealed.

"I went to the first rehearsal, and it was for a teacher and I didn't want to play a dumb or humorous, gaggy kind of thing. I always respected teachers," he said while picking at a bowl of cut-up fruit.

Daniels said he tried to get out of playing the part.

"I went to Michael Jacobs, the producer, and I said 'I quit,' and he said 'Bill, give me until tomorrow, and I'm going to rewrite the part. He rewrote the whole part in a very acceptable way for me."

As Daniels and his wife Bonnie Bartlett wrapped up their meal, they turned their attention to the current political climate in the U.S.

"These young people have to pay attention to say Mr. Trump, Daniels advised. In my mind, he is totally unsuitable for the presidency and could get us into grave trouble. I will keep my fingers crossed that I am wrong about that word.

Bartlett, 87, said she feels young people need to be to be good citizens and Daniels said its imperative that they educate themselves about politics.

They have to pay attention because I know they are busy just learning what they want to do and life and love and dating but they have to pay attention to the national situation and vote as soon as they can, he said.

The star also had some advice for younger actors hoping getting their starts in show business now.

"Work hard, get a lot of rest and just keep at it because it is a very competitive business, and if you really have talent with perseverance you will make a life for yourself and if you don't have talent I suggest you get out of it."

"There I Go Again: How I Came to Be Mr. Feeny, John Adams, Dr. Craig, KITT, & Many Others" is in bookstores now.


The star of TLC's "The Willis Family, Toby Willis, was arraigned on four counts of child rape this week.

The disgraced reality star pleaded not guilty to the charges and was arraigned March 13 Cheatham County, Tennessee Circuit Court Clerk Julie Hibbs told Fox News Thursday. He has a plea date for July 11 and a trial date has been set for July 18.

Willis was arrested in September and charged with one count of child rape after an alleged encounter with an underage girl 12 years ago. According to court documents obtained by Fox News in September, a relative accused the father-of-12 of sexual assault.

DOES DISCOVERY/TLC HAVE A CHILD MOLESTER PROBLEM?

At the time of his arrest, Willis' wife Brenda released a statement saying, "I was shocked and devastated by the revelation of events leading to Toby Willis arrest. As these are very trying times for the Willis family, I kindly ask all to respect our familys privacy. As a mother of 12, my first priority remains with my children and helping them through this traumatic event."

"The Willis Family" premiered in 2015 on TLC and follows Willis, his wife and their children whose names all start with the letter "J." The network did not renew the series and its final episode aired in April 2016.

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The family of entertainers first became known when they reached the quarterfinals on season 9 of "America's Got Talent" in 2014. Before their TLC show, they had a reality show on GAC called "The Willis Clan."

This isnt the first time Discovery Communications has had to deal with a reality star scandal. Discovery Communications  which includes channels like TLC, The Discovery Channel, OWN and Animal Planet  has had similar accusations affect several of its shows.

Discovery Channels Sons of Guns was cancelled when star Will Hayden was arrested for aggravated rape of a minor, and TLC's "19 Kids and Counting" was shut down when news broke that one of the siblings featured on the show, Josh Duggar, had sexually assaulted several females.
The producers of America's bestselling beer may need to stop using a popular four-legged mascot to promote Bud Light.

Thats the gist of a new lawsuit brought against Anheuser Busch by Spuds Ventures, which claims it owns the rights to the party animal created in the 1980s-- Spuds MacKenzie.

In the lawsuit, the company contends that they own the rights to the fictional dog character with a penchant for consuming Bud Light and that Anheuser-Busch hurt them by using the canine in a Super Bowl LI ad that aired February, without first receiving permission to use the dog in its promo again.

According to the suit cited by TMZ, Anheuser Busch had moved on from its Spuds MacKenzie campaign decades ago following concerns that the pup made beer drinking appear popular to children. In 2013, Spuds Ventures took ownership of the fictional dog.

The company said that the things were quiet after that purchase and that the Bud-maker only objected to the deal last year as they were preparing for a Super Bowl commercial.

Spuds, the brainchild of a 23-year-old art director, first appeared in a Super Bowl spot in 1987 and subsequently became a pop culture phenomenon, appearing on talk shows and inspiring parodies. He even earned his own plush toy and was featured on t-shirts.

But Spuds didnt exactly become every mans best friend. According to Thrillist, stores in Ohio wound up removing Bud Light containers that showcased the dog dressed as Santa Claus as it violated a state liquor law. Some schools also banned students from wearing clothing featuring Spuds.

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Anheuser Busch eventually pivoted toward a responsible drinking ad campaign and by 1989 Spuds MacKenzie was retired and the promotion phased out amid whispers that the dog used in the spots had died.

Watch the latest video at video.foxnews.com

But this year, Bud Light resurrected Spuds from the dead in the recent spot. In the new commercial, a man preparing to stay-in for the night is inspired to head out when a CGI ghost dog visits him at home and takes him on a journey to show him what would happen in his absence. My soul can't rest when people don't drink Bud Lights with friends, Spuds says in the spot. "At this very moment your friends are hanging out and you're missing it."

Spuds Ventures is suing for damages and profits that Anheuser Busch made from the commercial.
A Miami man is facing charges after a woman told police he provided her with illegal injections during a botched at-home butt lift procedure that left her hospitalized. Carlos Gilberto Mendoza was arrested and charged with performing a medical procedure without a license, and illegally possessing prescription drugs with the intent to sell, The Miami Herald reported.

The victim, who was identified as Ileana Duarte, allegedly spent more than $4,000 on injections to her face and butt between May 2016 and February, NBC Miami reported. Duarte told police that a man and a woman told her they were injecting her with vitamins and a substance that would make her gluteus larger and harder.

Any time you have anything done, even if its just a facial and you think its going to be at a house, at a friends house, I dont recommend that, because theres a lot of things that are unsanitary that happen, an undercover detective told NBC Miami.

Mendoza, 49, was arrested at his home where police found lidocaine, botox and bacteriostatic water, The Miami Herald reported.
A Michigan father whose seemingly ordinary stomach pains turned out to be an extremely rare case of strep throat is now facing a series of procedures to amputate his hands and feet. Kevin Breen, 44, first landed in the emergency room in December for what doctors mistook as acute mild pancreatitis, WOOD-TV reported.

It didnt seem that unusual, Breen told WOOD-TV. I never thought [Id be] going in for a stomachache and coming out a totally different person, and [its] life-changing.

Although his son had been diagnosed with strep recently, a blood test came back negative for any infection. A subsequent CT scan revealed that his stomach was filled with pus, and then his organs began shutting down, WOOD-TV reported.

He was one of the sickest patients that weve ever taken care of, Dr. Elizabeth Steensma, an acute care surgeon at Spectrum Health Butterworth, told WOOD-TV. It was almost a mystery.

Doctors redirected blood flow to save his organs, which cut off blood supply to his hands and feet. Eventually, a rash indicating a possible strep infection appeared on his torso, but by the time a test was conducted on his stomach and penicillin was administered, it was too late for his hands and feet.

Steensma told the news outlet its extremely rare for a strep infection to travel from the throat to a patients stomach, and that Keen is only the second documented case involving a male.

An update on the familys GoFundMe page posted on Thursday indicated Breen was released from the hospital and is recovering from his first surgery, which removed his right food.

Life is forever going to be different, Julie, Breens wife, told WOOD-TV, suggesting her husband would eventually receive prosthetic limbs. But different doesnt necessarily have to be bad. Its just going to be what we make it, and we just have to figure it out, figure it out for our kids. Dads going to have cool hands, Dads going to have cool feet. We want to be positive
Taking ibuprofen to ease a headache may seem like no big deal, but Danish researchers caution against overdoing it. A study in the European Heart Journal suggests that ibuprofen, one of America's most popular painkillers, raises a person's risk of cardiac arrest by 31%.

Other types of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, also were linked to an increased risk of heart trouble, per a news release. The finding is based on data from 29,000 people who suffered a cardiac arrest in Denmark between 2001 and 2010.

Of those, about 3,400 had taken a NSAID in the 30 days preceding it. The biggest increase in risk, at 50%, was seen with the NSAID diclofenac, reports the Guardian.

The findings are a stark reminder that NSAIDs are not harmless," says study author Gunnar Gislason of the University of Copenhagen, who thinks the drugs are too easily available as over-the-counter treatments. The researchers say people should not take more than 1,200mg of ibuprofen per day, reports Live Science, which amounts to six 200mg-pills. The FDA has previously warned that people with heart disease or high blood pressure should consult their doctors before taking NSAIDS, because of earlier research that also raised heart concerns.

This article originally appeared on Newser: Common Meds Linked to Heart Problems
Many men and women are seemingly rejecting those cougar and sugar-daddy stereotypes, as some experts are seeing that a substantial portion of middle-age and older singles are willing to choose partners who are younger than themselves. Data seem to support that idea: A 2003 AARP survey of about 3,500 single men and women ages 40 to 69 found about 66 percent of men want to date younger women and 34 percent of women want to date younger men.

EXPERTS SAY THIS IS THE BEST WAY TO FLIRT

Celebrities like actor and director Mel Gibson, whose partner Rosalind Ross is 35 years his junior, and director Sam Taylor-Johnson, whose husband, actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson, is 24 years younger than her, apparently agree with that notion.

But what might the real benefits of dating someone younger be? Turns out, experts say compatibility between two people who just happen to have an age gap isnt as unusual as we may think. Also, many of the commonly held beliefs about dating a younger man or woman  for instance, that a junior partner may lack maturity  arent true, relationship expert and columnist April Masini told Fox News.

There are plenty of younger people who are a lot more mature than older men and women, and who are such go-getters that they're more successful than people twice their age, Masini said. They're more ready to date an older partner than you guessed.

THIS TYPE OF CHEATING IS NOW ON THE RISE, DATA SUGGEST

If youre thinking about dipping your pen into some younger ink, Masini pointed out there are several ways dating someone five, 10 or even 15 years your junior can be beneficial. Here are a handful of reasons how:

1. You may be more likely to find love

Dating a younger person opens an entire demographic that you may have been missing out on, Masini said. Thats especially true if youre a woman, as trends suggest the dating pool begins to shrink with aging. I hear from lots of people looking for love, unsuccessfully, that theyve got a restrictive list of filters, including age, Masini said. When you open your age range filter by including younger people among your possibilities, youve got a whole new group of folks to date. Think of it this way: Tapping into that bigger pool may mean an increased chance of finding new love.

9 SIGNS SHE MAY BE CHEATING ON YOU

2. You may get a boost of energy

Unlike dating an older partner, younger partners may be less inclined to be jaded, and more likely to be open minded and energetic, Masini said. This type of mentality can not only be refreshing, but it also can help lay the groundwork for a creative and happy relationship. For instance, if you want to move to Brazil, or adopt six children, or plant a vineyard on your property, or live in an igloo, someone with an open mind and less baggage may think this is a great idea, she noted, whereas someone who's older and more set in their ways may think you're amusing  and irresponsible, as well as wildly unrealistic. Put differently, if youre itching for adventure or simply a change of scenery, dating younger may be the way to go.

3. You may enjoy better sex

Its a biological fact that younger partners tend to have more sexual energy and stamina in the bedroom, Masini said. It can be nice to have someone who raises the bar and encourages your personal best in romance and your sex life together. And, she added, Many older partners find younger partners more attractive. If you can drop the judgment and not politicize this choice, and just see it as a fact, a younger partner has appeal that older ones dont.

MAKE UP OR BREAK UP? EXPERT ADVICE FOR ANY SCENARIO

4. You may gain a parenting partner

Believe it or not, younger partners may be more open-minded about the idea of lending a hand in step-parenting your kids, Masini said. Older parents who have their own children, on the other hand, may not want to take on a step-parenting role due to lifestyle preferences or a preoccupation with parenting their own biological youngsters. A younger partner has more energy, and usually fewer or no kids of his or her own, Masini said. Same thing goes for adoption: A younger partner in an adoption situation is probably going to have more energy to devote to the ups and downs of that journey, she noted.

If youre a man who is trying to grow or start a family, being open to the idea of a relationship with a younger female partner may be a wise choice. Thats because its generally biologically easier for younger women to get pregnant and carry a child to term. If youre a woman interested in dating a younger man, your partner may also be more open to using a surrogate, Masini said.

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS

5. You may enjoy the power play

Having been out in the world gives older partners a cache that many younger partners love and seek out. And in reverse, many older partners want a younger partner that they can teach and mold, Masini said. The power play can also be appealing. Many older partners enjoy being the ones to support someone, pick up the check, call the shots, and enjoy a relationship where the dynamic is more old school.
Federal judges in Hawaii and Maryland ruled against President Trumps revised travel ban with separate, but similar, orders blocking the main provisions of his executive order which limits travel and immigration to the United States from six predominately Muslim countries. Here is what you need to know about the rulings from these judges:

1.) Legally, what did the 2 judges find wrong with the revised travel ban?

Principally, that the executive order violates the Establishment Clause in the First Amendment of the Constitution because it discriminates against Muslims. The judges relied not on the detailed language of the executive order, but on several of the remarks President Trump made as a candidate on the campaign trail, even though he later revised his stance on immigrants seeking entry into the U.S.

The judges largely ignored the Presidents justification stated specifically in the ban that he was acting in the interest of national security to protect American citizens from potential terrorists because the 6 banned nations are state sponsors of terrorism (as identified by Congress and President Obama in an anti-terrorism law) and those governments do not assist the U.S. in vetting applicants with background checks.

2.) How unusual is it for a judge to rely so heavily on campaign rhetoric?

It is extraordinary and well beyond the scope of what judges are supposed to consider. Candidates for office often make statements they dont entirely mean. Or they later revise or change their views. That is what candidate Trump did. After first claiming he would institute a Muslim ban, he later changed his stance to say that he would ban entry from countries that pose a terrorist threat.

But these two judges ignored his revised position and accused the President of using national security as a pre-text for banning Muslims. In doing so, the judges were pretending to read President Trumps mind. It smacks of judicial activism and appears contrary to established law on judicial review. Courts dont normally consider campaign rhetoric in interpreting a law or executive order.

3.) At the same time, 5 judges on the 9th circuit court of appeals issued their own opinion. What was it?

This was also unusual. In an unsolicited filing, five Republican-appointed judges on the 9th Circuit (the same court which last month ruled against President Trumps first travel ban) wrote this in a published opinion:

Whatever we as individuals may feel about the President or the executive order, the Presidents decision was well within the powers of the presidency.

These five judges all but accused their colleagues of judicial activism and overreach because they dont like President Trump or his policies. The five judges recognized that the President has both constitutional (Article 1, Section 8) and statutory authority (the 1952 Immigration and Nationality Act) to dictate immigration as it applies to national security threats.

4.) So, what happens next?

The ruling by the judge in Hawaii can be appealed to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. The Maryland ruling would be appealed to the 4th Circuit. They could be reversed on appeal. Or not.

After that, the cases could wind their way up to the U.S. Supreme Court, which currently has 8 Justices. Neil Gorsuch, President Trumps nominee to fill the seat left vacant by Antonin Scalias death, is set to begin confirmation hearings next week. It is possible Democrats may try to delay his confirmation vote, leaving a potential 4-4 split on the high court. In that case, the lower appellate court rulings would stand. But if those rulings conflict, it is unclear what would happen.

But all of this may turn out to be moot. The main part of the travel ban will expire after 90 days.
If the Trump administration is serious about taking on Iran in the Middle East it must transform its strategy in Syria for fighting the terrorist Islamic State of Iraq and al Sham (ISIS). Our current strategy will only continue to strengthen Tehrans grip on the region.

The US needs a new approach that gives it the independence and leverage it needs to begin pushing back successfully.

It wont be easy. The strategy the administration inherited from President Obama sees Iran as a partner in the fight. The U.S. has therefore done nothing to contain the dramatic and alarming Iranian expansion of military power in Syria.

Yet the expansion was avoidable.

Tehran had used Syria as a base for Lebanese Hezbollah, HAMAS, and its own subversive activities for decades at no cost. The 2011 uprising against Syrian President Bashar al Assad was a blow to its position. Therefore Iran rushed to support Assad, sending in special Qods Force operatives, then advisors from the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC).

As the revolt against Assad deepened, Tehran added thousands of fighters from Lebanese Hezbollah and Iraqs Shia militias. Conventional combat forces of the IRGC joined in when a Russian air campaign in support of Assad started in late 2015.

Today, Iran commands tens of thousands more fighters in Syria than it did before the Arab Spring uprising. It has established its own military headquarters and embedded troops and advisors so deeply in the Assad regime that it cannot survive without them.

President Obama not only saw Iran as an ally against ISIS, but also feared that weakening Assad would hand Syria over to ISIS and al Qaeda. Washingtons single-minded focus on ISIS enabled the expansion of Irans military footprint and will continue to do so.

The U.S. fear was unfounded in 2011 and 2012, when secular forces dominated the opposition to Assad. Obamas failure to support the opposition at that time was an enormous missed opportunity.

But now, Al Qaeda has thoroughly co-opted the opposition. Current American strategy, with its anti-ISIS focus, has thus trapped us in a dilemma. Defeating ISIS in the current situation will leave Iran permanently entrenched in Syria and the U.S. will have no partner on the ground it can use to weaken Irans position.

This dilemma requires a counter-intuitive solution, which we have outlined in a report, Americas Way Ahead in Syria.

The U.S. must reframe its strategy away from the rush to retake territory from ISIS and toward building a new Sunni Arab partner force that can fight Al Qaeda as well as ISISand that we can ultimately support against the Iranian presence in Syria and the Assad regime.

We will not find such a force in northern Syria, where our current military efforts are concentrated.

The neighboring Turkish government has helped its proxies, heavily infiltrated and partly controlled by Al Qaeda, to dominate the opposition in the north, especially after the fall of Aleppo destroyed the last remaining acceptable opposition forces there.

The U.S. currently relies on minority Kurdish forces in Syria. They cannot form the nucleus of a Sunni Arab opposition movement even though they have brought some Sunni into their campaign.

The problem is not primarily ethnicArab vs. Kurdbut rather political. The Kurdish objective of carving out an autonomous or independent Kurdish zone, thereby precipitating the partitioning of Syria, alienates the overwhelming majority of Syrias Arabs. We will not be able to build an Arab partner in Syria on the basis of that political program.

The U.S. must therefore shift the focus of its efforts to southeastern Syria, where neither the Kurds nor Al Qaeda have yet coopted Sunni tribes. We must send troops to fight alongside the tribes, first against ISIS, then ultimately against Al Qaeda, Assad, and the Iranians.

Only then will we escape the dilemma that paralyzes usthe fear that weakening Iran and Assad will hand Al Qaeda or ISIS the victory.

Weve tried the hands-off, no-boots-on-the-ground approach for six years, and it has brought us to this unacceptable dilemma.

This is no call for a 2003-style invasion of Syria. The U.S. must work primarily through local partners. But we must choose the right partners, not the most expedient ones.

In the current situation, when no good partners exist, we must help create them.

Kimberly Kagan is the president of the Institute for the Study of War, a Washington, D.C,-based think tank
A recent study completed by the U.S. Government Accountability Office found that, on average, it takes six months to a year to remove a permanent civil servant in the federal government. Oftentimes, it takes even longer.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is not exempt from the red-tape that prevents agency leadership from firing or disciplining employees within their agency.

President Obamas former VA Deputy Secretary Sloan Gibson testified at a House Committee on Veterans Affairs hearing on the Choice Program that it was too difficult to fire a substandard VA employee. In fact, President Obama himself said, if you engage in an unethical practice, if you cover up a serious problem, you should be fired. Period. It shouldnt be that difficult.

Ive said time and time again that the vast majority of the employees at the VA are hard-working and have the best interests of our veterans at heart, but there are still too many bad apples within the department. Our veterans deserve better, and the VA employees who work tirelessly to fulfill their duties deserve better.

In the past several years, VAs civil service rules have hampered the departments ability to dismiss an employee who engaged in an armed robbery; to recoup $400,000 in relocation benefits from two senior employees who abused their authority; and hold employees accountable for their failures to manage major construction projects, including the new hospital in Aurora, Colorado, that is now several years and nearly a billion dollars over-budget.

Even worse, the VA said it would have taken up to a year to fire a nurse who assisted in a veterans emergency surgery while under the influence of alcohol. The lack of accountability at the VA isnt just a failure to our heroes; its dangerous.

This kind of behavior would never be tolerated in the private-sector, and is even more unacceptable coming from the men and women who are paid by taxpayers to serve our nations veterans.

It is past time Congress act in a bipartisan way to make the VA the best agency it can be. Thats why Ive introduced the VA Accountability First Act, legislation to bring much-needed accountability to the VA.

This important bill, which is being considered by the House this week, would provide Secretary Shulkin the tools he needs to swiftly and effectively discipline employees who fail in their sacred mission to provide world-class healthcare and benefits to the men and women who served.

The VA Accountability First Act, which has strong support from many Veterans Service organizations, would level the playing field at VA and allow for a fair and timely appeal process for all VA employees.

This bill would establish a singular expedited procedure for VA employees to respond and appeal to proposed removals, demotions, and suspensions for misconduct.

The VA Accountability First Act and would bring certainty to the department and VA employees alike by entitling employees to an expedited appeal with the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) that would be decided within 45 days.

Currently, it can take up to 264 days for an appeal to move through the process, leaving employees in limbo while their appeals are considered.

Im proud this bill would also expand and preserve protections for whistleblowers.

Whistleblowers are critical to the process of uncovering and addressing issues within the department, and I will always fight to ensure they are protected under the law. Additionally, this legislation will provide the Secretary with the direct hiring authority he has requested to hire medical center directors in a more expedient manner. Currently, it takes upwards of six months to fill a position, and this important provision will help fill the leadership vacancies across VA.

Finally, this legislation raises the standards expected of VA employees by providing the Secretary with the authority to recoup a bonus provided to an employee who engaged in misconduct or poor performance prior to receiving the bonus if that bonus would not have been paid if their poor performance or misconduct was known. It would also allow the Secretary to recoup any relocation expenses if that employee commits an act of fraud, waste or malfeasance.

Every VA employee I speak with tells me good employees want to work in an environment where they know everyone can be held accountable for their actions.

The VA Accountability First Act doesnt just build back the trust of Americas veterans; it gives VA employees the trust to know that bad actors within the department will no longer have the power to taint their good name.

Author's note: You can read more about the bill at veterans.house.gov/accountability.
NBC may have hit a new low by releasing the president's tax returns, but what we're seeing from the alt-left, propaganda-pushing, destroy-Donald-Trump-media is nothing new.

With President Trump in the Oval Office, the opposition-party press is going to new extremes and lows to take down his presidency, and they won't stop until he's out. I told my television audience in 2008 that journalism was dead. Now it's been embalmed and buried and flowers are growing on its grave. Consider this recent hit job by NBC.

"Here you have a deranged president, or a pathologically lying president, lying about the operations of the American government and lying about the previous president of the United States, said an MSNBC host named Lawrence ODonnell on March 7. That's enough to invoke the 25th Amendment, but Mike Pence and the Cabinet are not there yet.

His colleague, Chris Matthews, infamously compared Trump to Hitler after the presidents inspired inauguration speech. On March 10, Mika Brzezinski told her audience, this man is lying to you. And finally, Brian Williams, who is back from the time out NBC gave him for stealing valor with made-up stories, got in on the act, too.

Trump's critics, those who are worried about this president and this White House, saw a live special television event brought to you by narcissism, thin skin, chaos and deeply personal grievances, he said back in February.

CNN is infested with deceitful, fake news Trump bashers, too. It is beyond awful. When the alt-left propaganda media isn't attacking the integrity and mental health of the president, they're running wild with all kinds of bizarre conspiracy theories about the Trump campaign colluding with the Russians. They dont care that there is no evidence whatsoever that shows any kind of collusion.

The grand dame of the alt-left propaganda media, Rachel Maddow, went off the deep end this week in the midst of her spectacular Trump tax return fail. She claimed that a 2005 transaction with a Russian oligarch proves Trump is a White House plant put in place by the Kremlin. At least, I think thats what she meant.

To follow Maddows nimble thought process, one must believe the oligarch knew that Donald Trump was going to be president, bought a property from him in Florida for which Trump made a huge profit, all so the future president would be at Russias disposal more than a decade later. If thats the case, NBC should hire the Russian to be its pollster, because the Peacock network thought Trump as president was impossible right up until its anchors had to grudgingly call the election for him.

Two accomplished journalists at Circa News, Sara Carter and John Solomon have thoroughly and convincingly debunked the Russian conspiracy theory. Last week, they reported that the FBI has found no evidence of collusion between Trump and the Russians, affirming what President Obamas director of national intelligence, James Clapper, had said.

Now, they have taken their investigation further with a story headlined "Hillary Clinton supporter pushed Trump-Russia computer narrative investigated by FBI."

According to the report, computer scientist and Indiana University professor L. Jean Camp pushed the theory to the left-wing media that a computer server connected to Donald Trump was communicating with a Russian bank. The FBI did, in fact, look into it, according to Circa News. They found nothing to indicate collusion between the Trump campaign and the Russians.

Who is L. Jean Camp? Well, she donated $2,200 to Clintons 2016 presidential campaign. She's also donated over $10,000 to Democratic groups and candidates since 2004, including the radical group Moveon.org. On social media, she pushed the Trump-Russia conspiracy connection and talked about joining the "resistance."

Circa News reached out to Camp, who said her actions regarding the server were not politically motivated. Sure.

Earlier, I said journalism was dead and buried. But Carter and Solomon prove it is at least on life support.

Adapted from Sean Hannitys monologue on Hannity, March 15, 2017
President Trumps budget plan for fiscal 2018 increases defense spending and cuts funding for the Environmental Protection Agency and the State Department, Reuters reported, citing a congressional source.

Trump's first budget-- which is set to be released on Thursday at 7 a.m. ET-- will reportedly cut 28 percent out of the State Department's funding and about 31 percent from the EPA, which The New York Times reported is arguably the hardest hit.

Scott Pruitt, the EPA administrator, who at times has spoken out against the agency, reportedly asked the White House for about $7 billion in funding, but was denied. The White house reportedly cut the funding futher to $5.7 billion.

VIDEO: PREVIEWING TRUMP'S PROPOSED BUDGET

The saved money is expected to cover an anticipated $54 billion increase in Defense Department spending and a small increase to homeland security.

Although Republicans control both the House and the Senate, Trumps skinny budget is likely to face political hurdles. Last month, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., called Trumps original plan to cut the State Departments budget by 37 percent dead on arrival. Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., has also criticized the cuts to the State Department.

Roughly $1 trillion of Trumps overall estimated $4 trillion annual federal budget goes to Cabinet agencies and departments.

The specific details of the programs or jobs that are on the chopping block are not released until well after the initial budget is submitted. The House appropriations subcommittees reviewed Trumps plan late Wednesday.

The Times reported that members said there is to be cuts to decades-old food programs for poor countries and the complete elimination of the Department of Transportations Essential Air Service program, which reportedly subsidizes flight to rural airports in the country.

SENATE DEMOCRATS THREATEN GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN

The Times reported that the cuts are expected to affect Amtrak and public education. The plan will reportedly phase out federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

Mick Mulvaney, the director of the Office of Management and Budget, told Fox News that the budget was written using Trump's own words during the campaign. He said the plan does not balance the budget, but it also does not add to the deficit. Mulvaney said the budget will include $1.5 billion for the border wall, as a starting point.

A former OMB official told Reuters that the Trump administration is really cutting into bone. Maya MacGuineas, the president of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, told Reuters that Trumps budget is unusually skinny, possibly emaciated.
President Trump's revised travel ban was put on hold Wednesday by a federal judge in Hawaii just hours before it was set to take effect after hearing arguments that the executive order discriminates on the basis of nationality.

Trump addressed the judges move during a rally in Nashville, Tennessee calling it unprecedented judicial overreach and vowed to fight.

"We're going to win. We're going to keep our citizens safe," Trump said. "The danger is clear. The law is clear. The need for my executive order is clear."

The ruling by U.S. District Court Judge Derrick Watson prevents the executive order from going into effect, at least for now. Hawaii had requested a temporary restraining order.

"Enforcement of these provisions in all places, including the United States, at all United States borders and ports of entry, and in the issuance of visas is prohibited, pending further orders from this Court," Watson wrote in his ruling.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL RULING.

In a statement released late Wednesday night the Department of Justice said they strongly disagreed with the ruling and called the move "flawed both in reasoning and scope."

"The Presidents Executive Order falls squarely within his lawful authority in seeking to protect our Nations security, and the Department will continue to defend this Executive Order in the courts," said DOJ Spokesperson Sarah Isgur Flores.

The ruling came as opponents renewed their legal challenges across the country, asking judges in three states to block the executive order that targets people from six predominantly Muslim countries.

More than half a dozen states are trying to stop the ban, and federal courts in Maryland, Washington state and Hawaii heard arguments about whether it should be put into practice early Thursday.

Hawaii also argued to the court that the ban would prevent residents from receiving visits from relatives in the six countries covered by the order. The state says the ban would harm its tourism industry and the ability to recruit foreign students and workers.

Senator Mazie K. Hirono, D-Hawaii, welcomed the ruling and said Judge Watson exemplifies the importance of an independent judiciary.

Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard called the travel ban "bad policy" and praised Attorney General Doug Chin for stopping the order.

In Maryland, attorneys told a federal judge that the measure still discriminates against Muslims.

Government attorneys argued that the ban was revised substantially to address legal concerns, including the removal of an exemption for religious minorities from the affected countries.

"It doesn't say anything about religion. It doesn't draw any religious distinctions," Jeffrey Wall, who argued for the Justice Department, said in court.

Attorneys for the ACLU and other groups said that Trump's statements on the campaign trail and statements from his advisers since he took office make clear that the intent of the ban is to ban Muslims.

New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman called the order "yet another victory."

"President Trump's second executive order is just a Muslim Ban by another name - with the same unlawful and unconstitutional goal of discriminating based on religion and national origin," he said in a statement.

Trump policy adviser Stephen Miller has previously said the revised order was designed to have "the same basic policy outcome" as the first.

The latest version of the ban details more of a national security rationale. It is narrower and eases some concerns about violating the due-process rights of travelers, appyling only to new visas from Somalia, Iran, Syria, Sudan, Libya and Yemen and temporarily shuts down the U.S. refugee program. It does not apply to travelers who already have visas.

"Generally, courts defer on national security to the government," said U.S. District Judge Theodore Chuang. "Do I need to conclude that the national security purpose is a sham and false?"

In response, ACLU attorney Omar Jadwat pointed to Miller's statement and said the government had put out misleading and contradictory information about whether banning travel from six specific countries would make the nation safer.

The Maryland lawsuit also argues that it's against federal law for the Trump administration to reduce the number of refugees allowed into the United States this year by more than half, from 110,000 to 50,000. Attorneys argued that if that aspect of the ban takes effect, 60,000 people would be stranded in war-torn countries with nowhere else to go.

In the Hawaii case, the federal government said there was no need to issue an emergency restraining order because Hawaii officials offered only "generalized allegations" of harm.

Jeffrey Wall of the Office of the Solicitor General challenged Hawaii's claim that the order violates due-process rights of Ismail Elshikh as a U.S. citizen who wants his mother-in-law to visit his family from Syria. He says courts have not extended due-process rights outside of a spousal relationship.

Neal Katyal, a Washington, D.C., attorney representing Hawaii, called the story of Elshiskh, an Egyptian immigrant and naturalized U.S. citizen, "the story of America."

Wall told the judge that if he is inclined to issue an injunction, it should be tailored specifically to Hawaii and not nationwide.

In Washington state, U.S. District Judge James Robart -- who halted the original ban last month -- heard arguments in a lawsuit brought by the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project, which is making arguments similar to the ACLU's in the Maryland case.

Robart said he is most interested in two questions presented by the group's challenge to the ban: whether the ban violates federal immigration law, and whether the affected immigrants would be "irreparably harmed" should the ban go into effect.

He spent much of Wednesday afternoon's hearing grilling the lawyers about two seeming conflicting federal laws on immigration -- one which gives the president the authority to keep "any class of aliens" out of the country, and another that forbids the government from discriminating on the basis of nationality when it comes to issuing immigrant visas.

Robart said he would issue a written order, but he did not say when. He is also overseeing the challenge brought by Washington state.

Attorney General Bob Ferguson argues that the new order harms residents, universities and businesses, especially tech companies such as Washington state-based Microsoft and Amazon, which rely on foreign workers. California, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York and Oregon have joined the claim.

Washington and Hawaii say the order also violates the First Amendment, which bars the government from favoring or disfavoring any religion. On that point, they say, the new ban is no different than the old. The states' First Amendment claim has not been resolved.

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals refused to reinstate the original ban but did not rule on the discrimination claim.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and the White House reportedly are considering initial proposals from U.S. Central Command that would send 1,000 more troops into Syria to accelerate the fight against the Islamic State.

The proposals, first reported Wednesday by The Washington Post, would build on suggestions from Army Gen. Joseph Votel, the head of the command, who spoke last month during a visit to the region of the need for more artillery and logistics support for the coming assault by the U.S.-supported Syrian Democratic Forces on the Raqqa stronghold of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, or ISIS.

If approved by Mattis and President Donald Trump, the additional forces would likely come from a mix of troops from the Army's 82nd Airborne Division and the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, which was aboard ships headed for the Mediterranean.

Last week, the Defense Department announced that an additional 2,500 conventional troops, including troops of the 82nd Airborne Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team based at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, were being sent to Kuwait where they would be on standby for possible deployment to either Iraq or Syria to support local forces against ISIS.

About 1,700 of the 2nd BCT troops from the 82nd are already in Kuwait and Iraq in the train, advise and assist role with the Iraqi Security Forces.

"The remainder of the brigade will be leaving Fort Bragg, going to Kuwait to be postured there to do all things Mosul, Raqqa -- all in between. So the whole brigade will now be forward," Lt. Gen. Joseph Anderson, the Army's deputy chief of staff, told the House Armed Services Committee Wednesday.

Mattis has made clear since his Senate confirmation hearings that he was looking for ways to accelerate the campaign against ISIS that could include scrapping the Obama administration's separate caps on the number of U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria.

Currently, about 500 mostly Special Forces troops are permitted in Syria and a little more than 5,000 in Iraq under what are called the Force Management Levels.

However, the number of U.S. troops in Syria began going above the caps earlier this month. A small contingent of Army Rangers and Stryker combat vehicles has moved into Manbij in northeastern Syria and an estimated force of about 400 Marines from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit has deployed into Syria to set up a firebase for M777 .155mm howitzers near the ISIS stronghold of Raqqa.

On Jan. 27, in his first trip to the Pentagon, Trump directed Mattis to draw up a plan within 30 days to speed up the ISIS campaign and Mattis delivered the closely-held plan on Feb. 27.

"It is a plan to rapidly defeat ISIS," said Navy Capt. Jeff Davis, a Pentagon spokesman, said at the time but he stressed that "this is a preliminary plan" whose details would not be disclosed to allow for continued discussion and to avoid giving the enemy forewarning.

The plan called for the involvement of "all elements of national power" in what Davis called a "trans-regional approach" to defeating ISIS. "Diplomacy is a key part of the plan" that was focused on ISIS but was also shaped to include other "trans-regional" terrorist groups, Davis said. "This is really a framework for broader discussion."

Earlier at the Brookings Institution, Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Joseph Dunford said the U.S. was looking to the possibility of a long-term presence of U.S. troops in Iraq following the ouster of ISIS from its last remaining stronghold in the northwestern Iraqi city of Mosul.

"We have, as has NATO, begun a dialogue about a long-term commitment to grow the capacity, maintain the capacity of Iraqi Security Forces, but no decisions have been made yet," Dunford said.

When asked about the Mattis plan, Dunford said "It's fair to say we'll provide him (Trump) a full range of options."

-- Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com.
The head of the congressional committee investigating Hillary Clintons handling of classified information on her private email server blasted the State Department on Wednesday for hindering its probe by not providing requested documents.

Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, also served notice on the White House that its credibility in claiming transparency is on the line.

We need to understand the gravity of this. There is a reason the State Department, years after, is still holding off on giving us documents, Chaffetz told Fox News. The more they want to hold them, the more curious we are on whats in them.

Chaffetz said the State Department has been dreadfully slow in turning over some 30,000 additional documents, and that he expected the investigation to last well into 2018.

Agencies like to brag about how many thousands of documents theyve given us, but its not about the count  its about getting 100 percent of them.

The committee head said his panel plans to investigate the case from top to bottom  including investigating the meeting on an airport tarmac between then-Attorney General Loretta Lynch and President Bill Clinton in such close proximity to the conclusion of the FBIs investigation of the email scandal.

According to Chaffetz, it could be as many as 300 people who mishandled classified information at the State Department.

Its hard to believe nobody is even going to get a slap on the hand  somebody, people need to be held accountable, he said.

On Feb. 16 Chaffetz sent a letter, which committee Democrats called a waste of time, to the Justice Department requesting the prosecution of former State Department employee Brian Pagliano, who failed twice last September to comply with a committee subpoena.

Apparently, Chairman Chaffetz and President Trump are the only two people in Washington today who think we should still be investigating Secretary Clinton, Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Md., said in a statement last month. The Oversight Committee cant afford to be distracted by political vendettas against Hillary Clinton while our constituents are begging us to conduct responsible oversight of President Trump.

A Justice Department spokesperson told Fox News the letter is under review.

Separately, the State Department said it would continue to seek a dismissal of a lawsuit by Judicial Watch that seeks more Clinton emails from her tenure at the department.

For the State Department and DOJ lawyers to still say their position is what the Obama administrations position was is not good, Tom Fitton, president of Judicial Watch, told Fox News. The default position of the bureaucracy is secrecy, and in terms of partisanship, its to protect Mrs. Clinton.

I think the Obama White House and agencies were delaying this as much as they could, but theres no excuse now  were going to find out just how transparent the Trump administration is going to be, Chaffetz said. There is no doubt  were not letting go of this now.
Insisting it is their moral responsibility, more than 100 American Christian leaders are urging Congress to reject proposed steep budget cuts to foreign aid.

795 million people still go to bed hungry every night. Matthew 25 tells us when we serve the least of these, we are serving the Lord," the religious leaders said in a new letter to congressional leadership. "We are grateful for Americas global development and diplomacy programs that have been instrumental in saving lives, safeguarding religious liberties, and keeping America safe and secure.

The letter came as President Trump released his budget proposal for fiscal 2018. The plan seeks significant military increases, offset by cuts elsewhere, especially at the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development. That total budget is targeted for a 28 percent, or $10 billion, reduction.

In a statement accompanying his budget blueprint, Trump called for deep cuts to foreign aid, as part of a plan to prioritize the security and well-being of Americans, and to ask the rest of the world to step up and pay its fair share.

The signatories on the letter objecting to such cuts include Timothy Cardinal Dolan, the Archbishop of New York; Dr. Samuel Rodriguez, the president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference; and dozens of other self-described Christian leaders, and performers.

America is blessed with fertile land, abundant natural resources, a strong economy, and faithful citizens who value religious freedom, they wrote. But beyond our borders, many countries experience unparalleled suffering and loss of life due to extreme poverty, disease, natural disasters, and conflict.

They claimed the U.S. foreign affairs budget, at about 1 percent of federal spending, has already built peaceful, productive societies that do not turn to violence or terrorism. 

Supporters of the budget cuts argue with a national debt of about $20 trillion, the federal government should focus its resources on domestic priorities.

Last month, when asked whether a one-year cut to the State Department and international affairs budget of more than a third could pass Congress, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said probably not.

The presidents budget is a proposal to Congress. Lawmakers decide how much to spend and what to spend it on. The White House can then approve or veto Congress spending plans.
Majorities of voters think Congress should investigate if Russia interfered with the election and allegations of coordination between the Trump campaign and Russia.

Thats according to the latest Fox News Poll, taken amidst a new volley of allegations of ties between Trump and Russia, and wiretapping of Trump Tower.

Sixty-six percent want a Congressional investigation into Russias attempts to influence the election, and 63 percent want lawmakers to look into possible connections between the Trump campaign and Russia.

Voters are split 46-49 percent over whether lawmakers should investigate the wiretapping allegation.

In a March 4 tweet, President Trump said former President Obama wiretapped Trump Tower.

READ THE FULL FOX NEWS POLL RESULTS.

The House intelligence committee asked the Justice Department to provide evidence to substantiate the claim by March 13. Monday the Justice Department asked for more time to respond to the request and the committee set the new deadline for March 20.

Views are clear on whether the president should produce evidence of his claim about the wiretaps: 76 percent think he should. That isnt just Democrats, although most agree (88 percent). Republicans (63 percent) and independents (70 percent) also think he should show proof.

About 9 in 10 Democrats want investigations into Russias attempts to influence the election and possible coordination with the Trump campaign, yet a 59 percent majority opposes looking into Trumps claim about Obama wiretapping him.

Its the reverse among Republicans, as roughly 6 in 10 opposes looking into Russian meddling and campaign collusion, yet a 58 percent majority wants Congress to investigate the wiretapping claim.

More independents (60 percent) want investigations into possible connections between Russia and the Trump campaign than want Congress to look into Obama over Trumps wiretapping claim (41 percent).

Of the issues tested, President Trump receives his worst job ratings on his handling of Americas relationship with Russia: 33 percent approve vs. 55 percent disapprove. One in ten has no opinion (12 percent).

Republicans (65 percent) are more than 10 times as likely as Democrats (6 percent) to approve of the job Trump is doing on Russia. Even so, 16 percent of Republicans disapprove, and another 18 percent has no opinion.

The presidents overall job approval rating stands at 43 percent, down from 48 percent a month ago. Fifty-one percent of voters disapprove of the job Trump is doing as president.

A record 73 percent of voters have confidence in the CIA, up from 67 percent in December.

In addition, 59 percent are confident U.S. intelligence agencies are acting in a non-partisan manner. More than a third lacks confidence (37 percent).

Voters split over whether intelligence agencies are respecting the privacy of American citizens: 50 percent are confident their privacy is being respected, while 47 percent are not.

Democrats have confidence they arent being spied on (58 percent) and the intel community is non-partisan (70 percent).

Republicans split on both privacy (48 confident vs. 51 not confident) and whether the agencies are being non-partisan (44 confident vs. 48 not confident).

WikiLeaks

The poll also asks voters about the government surveillance programs that were recently made public by WikiLeaks.

Voters are concerned about the WikiLeaks info on both the national and personal level. About three-quarters (74 percent) are worried that U.S. intelligence has been compromised. Almost as many (70 percent) are concerned about the technology WikiLeaks revealed the agencies developed to collect private info. And in an increasingly rare example of agreement, majorities of Democrats, Republicans, and independents express concern about both issues.

Thirty-one percent of voters have a favorable opinion of WikiLeaks, while 46 percent have an unfavorable view. Some are unable to rate the group (11 percent) and 12 percent say theyve never heard of it.

Independents (43 percent favorable) and Republicans (39 percent) are more likely than Democrats (21 percent) to have a favorable view of WikiLeaks.

The Fox News poll is based on landline and cellphone interviews with 1,008 randomly chosen registered voters nationwide and was conducted under the joint direction of Anderson Robbins Research (D) and Shaw & Company Research (R) from March 12-14, 2017. The poll has a margin of sampling error of plus or minus three percentage points for all registered voters.
Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny is urging President Donald Trump to help Irish people living in the U.S. illegally, saying they just want to "make America great."



Kenny spoke at a luncheon at the U.S. Capitol on Thursday as part of a series of events celebrating St. Patrick's Day, including a one-on-one meeting with Trump at the White House, where the two discussed immigration, trade and the Irish economy. In the evening, the pair participated in the annual shamrock ceremony, a decades-old tradition in which Trump was presented with a bowl of Ireland's famous greens.



On people living in the U.S. illegally, Kenny said: "We would like this to be sorted. It would remove a burden of so many people that they can stand out in the light and say, now I am free to contribute to America as I know I can. And that's what people want."



Kenny also urged Trump to consider providing more work visas "for young people who want to come to America and to work here."



Some estimates put the Irish natives living in the country illegally in the tens of thousands. Kenny has made a similar pitch on immigration in the past, but the current U.S. administration's position on illegal immigration has heightened the underlying tension.



Trump ran on a promise to curtail illegal immigration. His revised travel ban, affecting travelers from six Muslim-majority nations, was set to go effect Thursday before it was put on hold Wednesday by a federal judge in Hawaii.



Kenny also sought to impress upon Trump the difficulties Ireland will face as a result of Britain's decision to leave the European Union. During an evening reception at the White House, he described Ireland as "a committed member" of the EU.



Trump supported the British vote to leave the 28-country bloc -- known as Brexit -- saying earlier this year that it would "end up being a great thing."



Trump welcomed Kenny to the White House, proclaiming his love for Ireland. At the luncheon, he called Kenny a "new friend" and quoted an Irish proverb to remember friends that "have stuck by you." Trump added, "Politically speaking, a lot of us know that."



During the evening St. Patrick's Day reception, Trump hailed the relationship between the two countries and pledged to be "an ever-faithful partner and an always loyal friend."



Kenny was the first EU politician to meet with Trump after British Prime Minister Theresa May. German Chancellor Angela Merkel was scheduled to come to the White House on Tuesday, but that visit was moved back to Friday because of the snow.



The St. Patrick's Day event at the White House dates back to the 1950s and has become an important standing engagement for Ireland, which has strong emotional and ancestral ties to the United States.



Speaking after Trump at the luncheon, Kenny showed off his country's famed wit.



"They say the Irish have the capacity to change everything," he said. "I just saw the president of the United States read from his script, entirely."



But Kenny was also complimentary.



"Let me congratulate you, President Trump, on your election," he said. "You beat them all."


The debate on Capitol Hill now focuses on health care.

But its really about 2018.

Major, electoral tidal waves sometimes crash into the members of the presidents party in their first midterm election.

Think 1966 after President Lyndon Johnsons first election in 1964.

LBJ advanced many of his Great Society programs in Congress. But voters revolted over the Voting Rights Act, big spending, Vietnam and racial unrest. Republicans picked up a staggering 47 House seats. But the Democrats distended House majority shrank only from 295 seats to 248 seats. Democrats maintained the majority.

Then there was 1994.

Republicans flipped control of the House for the first time in 40 years, pocketing an eye-popping 54 seats. Analysts viewed the GOPs triumphs as a repudiation to President Bill Clintons failed efforts at health care reform and gun control provisions in a major crime bill.

And of course, consider 2010.

With President Obama in in the White House and big majorities in the House and Senate, Democrats approved a massive stimulus package, ObamaCare and the financial reform measure now known as Dodd-Frank. Climate legislation called cap and trade eked its way through the House of Representatives but died in the Senate.

Republicans reclaimed the House in the 2010 midterm elections, winning an astonishing 63 seats.

Congressional Republicans are mindful of this midterm phenomenon which waylays members of a first-term president in the initial midterm. GOP strategists fret about what could happen if they fail to deliver on promises to repeal and replace ObamaCare, construct a border wall and approve tax reform.

But consider the converse 

What happens if Republicans are successful in their efforts to repeal and replace ObamaCare?

Republicans now occupy 237 House seats, down from their high-water mark of 241 before several resignations. Political parties dont capture these big majorities in Congress to sit on them. They win these seats to execute major legislative initiatives  and burn seats in the process.

Vice President Pence descended on Capitol Hill twice Wednesday to huddle with House Republicans. He met midday with the Republican Study Committee (RSC), the largest bloc of conservatives in the House. Pence returned in the late afternoon for confabs with the Tuesday Group, a coalition of 50-plus moderate Republicans. The vice president then talked to the entire House Republican Conference.

This president and this administration are standing shoulder-to-shoulder with you, said Pence to the GOP Conference, according to a source in the room. Were going to support this bill.

And what about those who dont?

The House Republican whip operation sprang into action Wednesday night, checking in with rank-and-file members. Are they yea? A nay? Lean yes? Lean no? Undecided?

The GOP can only lose 22 votes before the bill is toast.

This bill is a win for conservatives, boasted House Budget Committee Chairwoman Diane Black, R-Tenn.

Theres a plan to mollify conservatives by offering a slate of at least four non-binding motions to gin up conservative votes for the health care bill. Those motions include more state flexibility for Medicaid, work requirements for childless, able-bodied persons in order to receive Medicaid, ending the Medicaid expansion at the end of this year and some changes in tax credits to true deductions.

Consider the challenges some lawmakers face to support the bill. Look at Reps. Martha McSally, R-Ariz.; Hal Rogers, R-Ky.; and David Valadao, R-Calif. McSally represents one of the most-prominent battleground districts in the country. Hillary Clinton won McSallys district with 49 percent of the vote. President Trump scored 44 percent. Moderates like McSally met with Pence. That group argued they are the majority makers. In other words, Republicans wouldnt control the House without them. So, moderates ask why conservatives who win their districts by large margins arent the ones taking a hit. Meantime, if Republicans screw up the health care bill, Republicans could risk losing those seats  and the majority  if moderate GOPers vote yea.

Valadao represents one of the poorest districts in the nation. Nearly half of his constituents are on Medicaid. Medicaid cuts could be devastating. Then there is Rogers. He represents a rural, older district where Medicaid is popular. Never mind how many people in Rogerss district gained insurance for the first time under ObamaCare. A wrong vote by these lawmakers could spell disaster at the polls.

Black may tout what the bill does for conservatives. But the trick to passing the bill could center on how GOP leaders lure moderates.

Rep. Tom MacArthur, R-N.J., represents a district with the highest percentage of seniors in New Jersey. He said moderates told Pence during their meeting that altering the Medicaid expansion date is a non-starter for us.

MacArthur took a pass when pressed if conservatives were scoring wins in the bill and moderates would have to pick up the slack and vote yes.

Im not going to react to that, said MacArthur. This is not about the politics between moderates and conservatives.

But MacArthur conceded that conservative and moderate Republicans come from different tribes within the same family. He added that a lot of the work gets done here on the backs of centrist Republicans.

Many Republicans like MacArthur represent districts that could trend Democratic under the right circumstances. History shows that historic midterm elections sometimes unfold just two years after a new President assumes office.

The Republican brain trust may want to repeal and replace ObamaCare. They dont have the votes to do so yet.

Political parties dont score these big majorities just to sit on them. Want to repeal and replace ObamaCare? Republicans may have to burn the seats of vulnerable members from battleground districts to get there. And that wouldnt be the first time members paid for a presidents major legislative initiatives in a midterm election.

Capitol Attitude is a weekly column written by members of the Fox News Capitol Hill team. Their articles take you inside the halls of Congress, and cover the spectrum of policy issues being introduced, debated and voted on there.
Child prostitution charges were filed Thursday against an Oklahoma state senator who police say was found with a teenage boy in a motel room in the Oklahoma City suburb of Moore, according to a local prosecutor.

Republican Sen. Ralph Shortey of Oklahoma City was charged with engaging in child prostitution, transporting a minor for prostitution and engaging in prostitution within 1,000 feet of a church.

An arrest warrant has been issued.

Police in Moore have said they're still investigating the circumstances surrounding a March 9 incident involving Shortey and a teenager. Police did not immediately return a phone call for further comment.

Police released a heavily redacted report that said a juvenile boy was found in a motel room with an adult male on March 9. The names of those in the room and the boy's age are redacted in the report.

Meanwhile, the Oklahoma Senate imposed sanctions Wednesday on Shortey, voting 43-0 for a resolution that accuses him of "disorderly behavior." Among other things, it removes Shortey from membership and leadership of various Senate committees, bars him from occupying his office and reserved parking spot at the Capitol, blocks his expense allowances and authorship of bills, and revokes his right to have an executive assistant.

Senate officials said Shortey will still receive his $38,400 annual salary as a senator and will be allowed to vote.

Shortey, who was not present in the Senate chamber when the resolution was adopted without opposition, was also not in his Capitol office Wednesday and has not responded to requests for comment.

The resolution by Senate President Pro Tem Mike Schulz, a Republican from Altus, was co-sponsored by 44 of the Senate's 48 senators. In a statement following its passage, Schulz said it was not intended to be "a presumption of guilt or innocence."

"The Oklahoma Senate has full faith that the judicial system will play out appropriately and bring this matter to a lawful conclusion," Schulz said. "This resolution reserves the right of the Oklahoma Senate to pursue further action if more facts come to light."

The chair of the Oklahoma Republican Party, Pam Pollard, released a statement Wednesday condemning Shortey and alleging he is being investigated for a sex crime.

"No person, particularly a child, should be subjected to sex crimes," Pollard's statement said. "While we believe in the right to a fair trial and that all people deserve their day in court, the accusations against Ralph Shortey are in no way in line with the principles of the Oklahoma Republican Party."

Shortey was the state chair of President Trumps campaign during the primary elections.

The Associated Press contributed to this report
Five judges on the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals have broken ranks with their colleagues and voiced support for the legality of President Trumps original travel ban.

The judges, all Republican appointees, said Wednesday they disagreed with the three-judge appeals panel that struck down the initial ban on travel from seven Muslim majority nations the administration said have terrorism problems and an inability to help the U.S. vet incoming immigrants.

"Whatever we, as individuals, may feel about the President or the Executive Order, the President's decision was well within the powers of the presidency," the judges stated in an unsolicited filing.

Rather than appeal to the wider circuit in an en banc hearing or appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, the Trump administration fashioned a new version of the ban. A federal judge in Hawaii issued an injunction against the updated travel ban on Wednesday, a maneuver that could send the matter back to the same, oft-criticized Ninth Circuit which covers Hawaii.

The development comes as three judges from the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals testified Thursday at a House Judiciary subcommittee hearing on proposals to split the circuit. It is the largest of the 13 U.S. Courts of Appeals and has a reputation for being ultra-liberal and frequently overruled by the Supreme Court.

Vanderbilt Law School Professor Brian Fitzpatrick pointed to what he called the "indisputable" fact that the circuit has the highest reversal rate of any court of appeals, and said one of the reasons for this was its size.

"If we go to smaller circuits we reduce the number of outlier

decisions the court malkes, he said. "Smaller courts lead to fewer outlier decisions."

Circuit judges disagreed with Fitzpatrick, and said it would lead to other problems.

"It would certainly increase delay on the appelate level, not decrease delay," Chief Judge Sidney Thomas told lawmakers. Thomas also said the vast majority of judges on the circuit are against breaking it up. Democrats, meanwhile, warned about what they called "judicial gerrymandering."

"To manipulate federal courts in order to achieve political ends you seek is highly inappropriate, Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y., told his Republican colleagues.

The five judges in the latest filing had hoped the Trump administration would appeal the original injunction to the entire Ninth Circuit where they could formally register their dissent or even reverse the three-judge panels decision.

The comments do not impact the move by the federal judge in Hawaii who blocked Trump's new travel ban on Wednesday. Another federal judge in Maryland also issued an injunction against the travel ban, which critics say is a thinly veiled ban on Muslim immigration.

The Trump administration asserts that most of the worlds Muslims are welcome to apply to travel to the U.S., but that the ban is necessary for national security. It originally banned travel from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen. Iraq was dropped from the original list.

The initial ban was well within the presidents authority, according to the five judges.

"The panel's errors are many and obvious" and the decision "stands contrary to well-established separation-of-powers principles," wrote Judge Jay Bybee in a 26-page filing.

"We are all acutely aware of the enormous controversy and chaos that attended the issuance of the Executive Order," but "we cannot let our personal inclinations get ahead of important, overarching principles about who gets to make decisions in our democracy."

"Such personal attacks treat the court as though it were merely a political forum in which bargaining, compromise, and even intimidation are acceptable principles," the judges added. "The courts of law must be more than that, or we are not governed by law at all."
Two top senators said Thursday they see "no indications" that Trump Tower was surveilled by any element of the United States government, in one of the most definitive bipartisan rejections to date of President Trump's wiretapping allegation.

Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Richard Burr, R-N.C., and Vice Chairman Mark Warner, D-Va., issued the statement only hours after Trump told Fox News Tucker Carlson that he would be providing evidence of his claims very soon.

Based on the information available to us, we see no indications that Trump Tower was the subject of surveillance by any element of the United States government either before or after Election Day 2016, the statement from Burr and Warner said.

The language used by the senators was a degree more definitive than that used by House Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes, R-Calif., who Wednesday said his committee didnt have any evidence wiretapping took place.

Nunes also said there was no actual tap of Trump Tower, saying he believed Trump was discussing surveillance in a broad sense when he sent his initial tweet. He added that communications by Trump aides may have been gathered as part of "incidental" collection.

White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer reacted angrily Thursday to reporters' questions about the Burr and Warner statement.

"It's interesting to me that just as a point of interest, when one entity says one thing that claims one thing, you guys cover it ad nauseum," he said at his daily press briefing. "When Devin Nunes said it's very possible, there was crickets. When he said there was no connection to Russia -- crickets."

"Where was your passion and where was your concern when they said there was no connection to Russia?" he asked ABC's Jonathan Karl.

Some Republicans lawmakers, such as Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., called on the FBI to make a statement on the matter.

While I appreciate the House and Senate Intelligence Committees chairmen and ranking members putting out bipartisan statements indicating they have seen no evidence of surveillance of Trump Tower by the Obama Administration, I strongly believe that these statements by political leaders should not be a substitute for a public response from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Department of Justice on this matter," he said.

Amid the attempts of lawmakers in both parties to put the issue to rest, Trump told Carlson on Wednesday that perhaps in this next week supporting evidence would emerge that the Obama administration engaged in surveillance against Trump and his top lieutenants.

Youre going to find some very interesting items coming to the forefront over the next two weeks, Trump said.

Trumps assertions were first made public in a series of March 4 tweets that appeared to be based off a timeline of news articles reporting Trump associates that had been caught up in surveillance. Each of the articles cited anonymous sources and provided no concrete proof of a surveillance operation.

Terrible! Just found out that Obama had my wires tapped in Trump Tower just before the victory. Nothing found. This is McCarthyism! Trump tweeted.

He added: Is it legal for a sitting President to be wire tapping a race for president prior to an election? Turned down by court earlier. A NEW LOW!
U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Thursday cooperation with allies Japan and South Korea is "critical" to addressing the threat from North Korea's nuclear and missile programs.

Tillerson was speaking as he met with Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida on his first trip to Asia as the top U.S. diplomat.

North Korea is expected to top the agenda at Tillerson's talks in Tokyo. Last week, North Korea test-fired four missiles that landed in ocean off Japan.

Tillerson will meet later Thursday with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

Japan and South Korea both host tens of thousands of U.S. troops. Washington has been urging the two nations to step security cooperation despite their historically strained relations. This week, the nations' three navies have conducted missile defense information-sharing drills in the region

Tillerson said that strengthening U.S. relations with Japan and trilateral cooperation among all three "is critical in particular as we address North Korea's nuclear and missile programs."

Kishida said the fact that Japan was Tillerson's first stop showed the importance Washington attaches to the relationship. He said the U.S. and Japan had an "unwavering bond."

On Friday, Tillerson travels to South Korea, where U.S. forces are engaged in annual military drills that have angered Pyongyang.

He then goes to China. Washington wants Beijing to exert more pressure on North Korea over its provocative behavior.
The Trump administration's plan to reconsider privately run prisons faces a web of complications amid litigation and allegations the industry cuts corners at the expense of security.

Last month, Attorney General Jeff Sessions rescinded an Obama-era memo directing the Bureau of Prisons to start phasing out the use of private prisons.

Supporters maintain the private model is cheaper and more efficient, and Sessions' directive was an apparent nod to that argument. The industry also has pushed back strongly on claims it skimps on rehabilitative programs like job training.

We do not believe in cost-cutting for profit's sake as critics like the ACLU contend, Pablo Paez, vice president of corporate relations for top private prison provider GEO Group, told Fox News. Instead we believe in running an efficient operation that provides adequate staffing and relies on state of the art technology for monitoring, communication, health care and rehabilitation programs.

But critics point to a Justice Department audit that found private facilities have more safety and security problems than government-run ones. In moving to phase out these operations, the Obama administration also cited the decline in the federal prison population.

Critics also allege some for-profit prison providers enjoy a cozy relationship with Sessions.

Jeff Sessions is a private prison enthusiast, said Donald Cohen, executive director of In the Public Interest, a left-leaning Washington non-profit.

A private prison  also known as a for-profit prison  is run by a third party that is contracted by a government agency.

In the U.S., there are two leading private prison providers  GEO Group and CoreCivic (formerly known as Corrections Corp. of America). Both companies donated heavily to Republicans during the 2016 election cycle and both have seen their share prices double in value since President Trumps White House win.

GEO maintains it has never taken a position or been an advocate for or against any criminal justice, sentencing or immigration policy. Paez says the companys contributions should not be construed as an endorsement of all policies or positions adopted by any individual candidate.

Private prisons were virtually non-existent in the 1980s but shot up more than 1,600 percent between 1990 and 2009. As incarceration rates continued to climb, the private prison industry grew with it  expanding at exponential rates.

As the Obama administration began to put a damper on that growth, Democratic presidential contenders Hillary Clinton and Sen. Bernie Sanders both vowed to keep the Obama directive during last year's campaign.

Shares of GEO and CoreCivic (formerly Corrections Corporation of America) tumbled.

But with Trumps surprise November win and Sessions in place as the countrys top cop, the private prison industry has recouped its losses and is currently on track for a substantial windfall.

The market capitalization of GEO has roughly doubled to $3.7 billion; CoreCivics market capitalization is more than $4 billion.

In the Public Interest said the policy change didnt come as a total shock.

Sessions backs a no-holds-barred approach to going after drug and violent crime offenders. In a Feb. 21 memo, the former Alabama Republican senator said Obamas efforts to end privatization had impaired the U.S. Bureau of Prisons ability to meet the future needs of the federal correctional system.

Sessions' comments indicate he expects a significant rise in people being incarcerated, though the number of federal prisoners has been on the decline since 2013. It is now at its lowest rate in a decade. According to the Federal Bureau of Prisons, there are 189,041 total federal inmates. Of those, 11 percent or 21,359 federal inmates are held in private prisons.

Trump's illegal immigration crackdown, though, could represent one area where the administration hopes to employ private facilities.

Nina DiSalvo, executive director of Towards Justice, a Colorado-based nonprofit that represents low-wage workers, told The Washington Post that Trumps pledge to deport 2 million to 3 million undocumented immigrants creates an environment where for-profit prisons could make millions detaining and deporting those who cross the border illegally.

Cohen believes Sessions motives run deeper.

As Alabamas attorney general, Sessions green-lighted their use in the state, and shortly after the Obama Justice Departments original announcement, GEO Group ... hired two former Sessions aides as lobbyists, Cohen said.

The Justice Department did not respond to multiple requests for comment from Fox News.

Private prison companies operating in the United States handle facilities and inmates for the federal Bureau of Prisons, the U.S. Marshals Service and the Department of Homeland Security  which includes detainees from Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

With government contracts worth millions of dollars on the line, groups like the American Civil Liberties Union argue that a profit motive introduces perverse incentives into the job of running prisons.

The less a prison spends per inmate on things like health care, upkeep and security, the more it can make monetarily, they say.

Certain private prison companies employ shrewd tactics to obtain more and more government contracts to incarcerate prisoners, the 2011 ACLU report Banking on Bondage: Private Prisons and Mass Incarceration, claimed. The report said tactics include: use of questionable financial incentives; benefitting from the revolving door between public and private corrections; extensive lobbying; lavish campaign contributions; and efforts to control information.

Safety concerns also have been cited. After a well-documented 2010 escape from an Arizona private prison, an Arizona Department of Corrections audit revealed that prison staff hired by Management & Training Corp. were "fairly green," "not proficient with weapons," and habitually ignored sounding alarms.

Around the same time, at least 28 riots were documented in private prisons in Arizona, as well as more than 200 other "disturbances" involving dozens of inmates.

Earlier this month, a federal judge green-lighted a 2014 lawsuit filed against GEO to continue as a class-action lawsuit. Its the first time a class-action lawsuit accusing a private prison company of violating federal anti-slavery laws has been allowed to move forward.

The suit centers on conditions at the 1,500-bed prison at the Denver Contract Detention Facility. The prison, owned and operated by GEO Group, is accused of using tens of thousands of immigrants detained by ICE to work for $1 a day  or for free.

GEO maintains it did nothing wrong.

We have consistently, strongly refuted these allegations, and we intend to continue to vigorously defend our company against these claims, Paez told Fox News. 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.

In addition to allegations of forced labor at private prisons, there have also been accusations of collusion.

In 2011, for example, Pennsylvania Judge Mark Ciavarella was convicted of racketeering, racketeering conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy in connection with payments received from a private prison developer.
President Trump on Thursday morning released a $1.15 trillion budget proposal that seeks a major increase in military and other security spending while slashing spending for a wide range of other agencies including the EPA and State Department.

We are going to do more with less, and make the government lean and accountable to the people, Trump said in a statement, calling for $54 billion in reductions to non-Defense programs to offset the additional defense spending.

In a budget blueprint called America First, Trump said this would include deep cuts to foreign aid.

It is time to prioritize the security and well-being of Americans, and to ask the rest of the world to step up and pay its fair share, Trump said.

The $54 billion, 10 percent boost for the military is the largest since President Ronald Reagan's Pentagon buildup in the 1980s, promising immediate money for troop readiness, the fight against Islamic State militants and procurement of new ships, fighter jets and other weapons.

READ THE BUDGET BLUEPRINT

The proposal also makes a hefty down payment on Trumps sought-after southern border wall, seeking an immediate $1.4 billion infusion in the ongoing fiscal year, with another $2.6 billion planned for the 2018 budget year starting Oct. 1.

On the other side, the budget goes after frequent targets of the party's staunchest conservatives, eliminating the National Endowment for the Arts, legal aid and heating assistance for low-income Americans, and the AmeriCorps national service program established by former President Bill Clinton.

"This is a hard power budget, not a soft power budget," said White House budget director Mick Mulvaney.

Lawmakers will have the final say on Trump's proposal in the arduous budget process, and many of the cuts will be deemed dead on arrival. Mulvaney acknowledged to reporters that passing the cuts could be an uphill struggle and said the administration would negotiate over replacement cuts.

The battle was joined almost immediately on Capitol Hill.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., called the proposed cuts devastating to the middle class.

He said in a statement, Once again the Trump administration is showing its true colors: talk like a populist but govern like a special interests zealot.  Democrats in Congress will emphatically oppose these cuts and urge our Republican colleagues to reject them as well.

House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., gave a more positive assessment.

I welcome the presidents blueprint for next years budget, which turns the page from the last eight years, he said. We are determined to work with the administration to shrink the size of government, grow our economy, secure our borders, and ensure our troops have the tools necessary to complete their missions. I look forward to reviewing this with the Appropriations Committee and our entire conference.

The Trump proposal covers only a quarter of the roughly $4 trillion federal budget -- representing the discretionary portion that Congress passes each year. It doesn't address taxes, Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, or make predictions about deficits and the economy. Those big-picture details are due in mid-May, and are sure to show large -- probably permanent -- budget deficits. Trump has vowed not to cut Social Security and Medicare and is dead set against raising taxes.

While law enforcement agencies like the FBI would be spared in the budget plan, 12 of the government's 15 Cabinet agencies would absorb cuts under the president's proposal. The biggest losers are Agriculture, Labor, State, and the Cabinet-level EPA.

The plan calls for cutting the EPA by 31 percent over current levels. More than 3,000 EPA workers would lose their jobs and programs such as Obama's Clean Power Plan, which would tighten regulations on emissions from power plants seen as contributing to global warming, would be eliminated. Popular EPA grants for state and local drinking and wastewater projects would be preserved, however, even as research into climate change would be eliminated.

At the State Department and U.S. Agency for International Development, Trump seeks a 28 percent reduction. This will have a big impact on foreign aid, but the plan says this would free up funding for critical priorities here at home and put America first.

The Defense Department, Department of Homeland Security and Department of Veterans Affairs, meanwhile, are the winners in the budget blueprint.

The budget also increases user fees, boosting the airline ticket tax by $1 per one-way trip. It would also slash subsidies for the federal flood insurance program that's a linchpin for the real estate market, especially in coastal southern states and the Northeast.

Trump's proposal will face resistance from Capitol Hill, and not just with opposition Democrats outraged over cuts to pet programs such as renewable energy, climate change research and rehabilitation of housing projects.

Republicans like Sen. Rob Portman of Ohio are irate over planned elimination of a program to restore the Great Lakes. Top Republicans like Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky and Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Corker of Tennessee are opposed to drastic cuts to foreign aid. And even GOP defense hawks like Armed Services Committee Chairman Mac Thornberry of Texas aren't satisfied with the $54 billion increase for the military.

Before the two sides go to war over Trump's 2018 plan, they need to clean up more than $1.1 trillion in unfinished agency budgets for the current year. A temporary catchall spending bill expires April 28; negotiations have barely started and could get hung up over Trump's request for the wall and additional border patrol and immigration enforcement agents, just for starters.

Some of the most politically sensitive domestic programs would be spared, including food aid for pregnant women and their children, housing vouchers for the poor, aid for special education and school districts for the poor, and federal aid to historically black colleges and universities.

But the National Institutes of Health would absorb a $5.8 billion cut despite Trump's talk in a recent address to Congress of finding "cures to the illnesses that have always plagued us." Subsidies for airlines serving rural airports in Trump strongholds would be eliminated. It would also shut down Amtrak's money-losing long-distance routes and kill off a popular $500 million per-year "TIGER Grant" program for highway projects created by Obama.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
President Trumps discretionary budget plan set to be released Thursday reportedly includes a request for $2.6 billion in funding to begin planning and building a physical wall along the border with Mexico along with security funding.

The Wall Street Journal reported that Tump will ask Congress for billions in new spending to be earmarked ofr immigration enforcement. The paper reported that even if Trump's request is granted, the amount of money would not even come close to the amount of money needed to complete the project.

The Department of Homeland Security estimated that a border wall would cost $21 billion. There is also debate on whether or not a physical wall spanning the entire country is needed.

I support border security, but I think we need a little more definition of what the plan is. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, told the paper. I would propose we come up with a plan and then we can come up with when and how to fund it.

The warning from Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and others came in a letter Monday to Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky. The letter also warns against adding other "poison pills" such as provisions to roll back environmental or consumer protections and urges additional money for domestic programs to match the administration's planned Pentagon increases.

"We believe it would be inappropriate to insist on the inclusion of (wall) funding in a must-pass appropriations bill that is needed for the Republican majority in control of the Congress to avert a government shutdown so early in President Trump's administration," said the letter, which was provided to The Associated Press.

Trump's proposal for the wall was a centerpiece of his presidential campaign and he claimed he could persuade Mexico to pay for it.

The Associated Press contributed to this report
President Trump's first budget blueprint is calling for the elimination of federal funding to a host of arts and humanities programs, as the new administration seeks to redirect taxpayer dollars to defense.

The blueprint released by the White House proposes to eliminate funding for: the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which sends some money to PBS and National Public Radio.



Federal funding of arts programs, including money for public radio and television, has been the target of Republican administrations and congressional budget hawks for decades.

Mitt Romney said during his 2012 presidential campaign that the test of a programs value was whether it was so critical that it's worth borrowing money from China to pay for it."

Supporters of public funding of the arts have fought out challenges for years, but this year could be different with Republicans controlling the budgetary levers at both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue.

The president finally got to the point where he said, 'do I really want to make the coal miner in West Virginia, or the auto worker in Ohio, or the single mom in Detroit to pay for the National Endowment of the Arts or the Corporation for Public Broadcasting?' And the answer is no, White House budget Director Mike Mulvaney said Thursday during an appearance on "Fox & Friends."

Public broadcasters and their supporters were quick to respond to Trumps plans to fulfill a campaign promise to end federal financing of public media.

Patricia Harrison, president and CEO of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) cast the cuts in apocalyptic terms, saying they would initially devastate and ultimately destroy public medias role in early childhood education, public safety, connecting citizens to our history, and promoting civil discussions  all for Americans in both rural and urban communities.

Created by Congress in the Public Broadcasting Act of 1967, the CPB is the largest single source of funding for public radio, television, and related online services. In 2016, the CPB received a $445 million slice of the federal governments $4 trillion budgetary pie.

National Endowment of the Arts Chairman Jane Chu, an Obama administration holdover, told staff she was disappointed by the Trump administration budget blueprint, but added she looked forward to working with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to prepare information they have requested and would operate as usual until cuts were actually made.

She then noted that the NEA as a federal government agency is prohibited from engaging in advocacy, either directly or indirectly but would continue our practice of educating about the NEAs vital role in serving our nations communities.

Established in 1965, the NEAs primary mission is to provide grants to museums, symphony orchestras, as a means to encourage individual and institutional development of the arts.

The NEA also distributes funds to individual artists and to state arts agencies. In fiscal 2014 and 2015, NEA had a budget of $146,021,000, according to the NEAs latest financial statement.



The NEA has long been a target of fiscal and social conservatives, whose opposition reached peak levels in the 1980s after several controversial artists and projects received federal funds.



The more controversial grants included one to artist Andrew Serrano who featured a photo of a crucifix submerged in a glass of his own urine. Another was given to Robert Mapplethorpe, whose NEA-supported exhibit in Cincinnati was cancelled because of protests of aspects of his art that showed explicit photos of sexual acts and S&M culture.

PBS President and CEO Paula Kerger argued the annual cost to Americans was insignificant but the payoff for children was huge.

"The cost of public broadcasting is small -- only $1.35 per citizen per year -- and the benefits are tangible: increasing school readiness for kids 2-8, support for teachers and homeschoolers, lifelong learning, public safety communications and civil discourse, said Kerger in a statement.
President Trumps proposed budget, which he calls America First, would significantly cut funding for United Nations programs.

It includes deep cuts to foreign aid and U.N. funding is expected to take a big hit.

Nikki Haley, the United States Ambassador to the U.N., suggested that the U.S. was simply trying to hold the agency accountable.

"This was a promise made to the American people and a goal to restore trust and value at the UN," Haley said in a statement Thursday. "In many areas, the UN spends more money than it should, and in many ways it places a much larger financial burden on the United States than on other countries."

Haley said earlier Thursday that it was time for other countries to step up and pay their fair share.

"We've carried the burden for a really long time, Haley said. And it doesn't mean we're not going to continue to pay our due. But at some point, other countries have to step in and start funding these missions, too.

The proposed budget calls for the consolidation and reorganization of the Department of State, with proposed cuts of nearly 29 percent. The U.S. Mission to the U.N. falls under the State Department.

The United States has historically provided billions of dollars a year in funding to the United Nations. It contributes $594 million to its regular budget and $2.3 billion for peacekeeping missions. The U.S. pays 22 percent of the U.N.s regular budget and 29 percent of its peacekeeping budget.

The amount the U.S. would contribute to the U.N. budget would be reduced and the U.S. would not contribute more than 25 percent for U.N. peacekeeping costs, the budget states.

China and Japan are the second and third largest contributors, respectively, to the U.N. peacekeeping budget, with each contributing about 10 percent.

The Obama administration shelled out $1 billion on the U.N. Green Climate Fund, including $500 million transferred just days before he left office. Trump plans to pull funding for all climate change programs funded by the U.N.

U.N. BUDGET: WOULD YOU BELIEVE $13.9 BILLION?

Its unclear how deep the cuts to the U.N. will be. But Stephane Dujarric, a spokesman for U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, warned any significant cuts would have long-term consequences.

The Secretary-General is totally committed to reforming the United Nations and ensuring that it is fit for purpose and delivers results in the most efficient and cost-effective manner, Dujarric said. However, abrupt funding cuts can force the adoption of ad hoc measures that will undermine the impact of longer-term reform efforts.

Here's a list of 10 ways the UN makes a difference in the lives of millions every day.



See what else we do: https://t.co/MGT7G5uPFL pic.twitter.com/nMxHV0rvkf  United Nations (@UN) December 26, 2016

The cuts to the U.N. come as no surprise. Trump has several times criticized the value of the organization. In December, Trump tweeted: 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!

Hours later, the U.N. responded on Twitter with a list of 10 ways the UN makes a difference in the lives of millions every day.

The U.N., which aims to maintain international peace, provides food, assistance, vaccines and peacekeepers to poor nations or those that have experienced a natural disaster or armed conflict. They say the humanitarian aid they offer improves the lives of those in extreme poverty.

These services dont come cheap, and the bill for U.S. contributions to the U.N. is calculated based on national wealth. Brett Schaeffer of the Heritage Foundation told Fox News that overall, the U.S. is by far the largest contributor to the U.N. system, providing about 20 percent of total resources each year.

Some have said that by threatening to cut funding, Trump could be trying to wield influence over the organization. He has said he wants funding to focus on domestic matters rather than international programs.

OBAMA'S LAST MONEY SHOWER FOR THE UN: SOME $9.2 BILLION

Still, Dujarric said he understands the need to boost military spending. But, he added, that should not come at the expense of critical humanitarian aid.

There is also a need to address the underlying drivers of terrorism through continuing investments in conflict prevention, conflict resolution, countering violent extremism, peacekeeping, peacebuilding, sustainable and inclusive development, the enhancement and respect of human rights, and timely responses to humanitarian crises, he said. The international community is facing enormous global challenges that can only be addressed by a strong and effective multilateral system, of which the United Nations remains the fundamental pillar.

During her Senate confirmation hearing in January, Haley said she was against withholding dues to make changes to an agency  but acknowledged sometimes that tactic is necessary.

I don't believe in the slash-and-burn approach. You know, as a governor you could never do that. That's not effective, Haley said. I do think there are times where you can withhold dues. I don't think you should slash and cut across-the-board because I don't think that will accomplish the goal.

In her position, Haley reports to Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, who reportedly recently threatened to withdraw from the U.N. Human Rights Council if it did not agree to considerable reform.

For now, the U.S. will continue to participate in order to reiterate our strong principled objection to the Human Rights Councils biased agenda against Israel, Tillerson wrote in a letter to nine nonprofit groups this week.

Tillersons actions echo the rocky start of the Human Rights Council in 2006, when President George Bush chose not to have the U.S. join the council.

Schaeffer, of the Heritage Foundation, has said that if the U.S. is going to contribute so much money to the U.N., it should have more of a say on how it runs things.

To change the institution, he said, the first thing that needs to change is the thumb-on-the-scales system that makes the U.S. the biggest bill-payer, but just one of 193 voting members when it comes to demanding honesty, efficiency and effectiveness in return for its over-generous payments.

John Bolton, who served as U.S. ambassador to the U.N. in 2005-2006, told Fox News Neil Cavuto in January that all contributions to the U.N. should be voluntary and insisted that the U.S. should get what we pay for.

That revolutionary principle would have a profound impact on the U.N. And the U.N.'s strongest supporters should want that, Bolton said, because they should want a U.N. that is effective.
Of the 15 Cabinet agencies listed in President Trumps America First budget blueprint, only a sliver are seeing any increases over their 2017 levels  but the increases are generous.

Three agencies  Defense, Veterans Affairs and Homeland Security  account for the entirety of the budget hikes, amounting to a whopping $59.5 billion.

The other 12 agencies, meanwhile, face cuts worth about $57.3 billion, combined. Heres a breakdown of all the winners and losers in Trumps inaugural budget outline:

WINNERS

Defense

INCREASE: $52.3 billion, 10 percent

The $639 billion defense proposal should go over well with hawks such as Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., who notably advocated for a $640 billion budget. The huge increase restores $52 billion to the Department of Defense and $2 billion more to other defense programs in a repeal of defense sequestration. Cyber security is significantly highlighted as a key area to improve as the U.S. builds a more lethal joint force. The budget also funds efforts to strike ISIS targets, support our partnersdisrupt ISIS external operations, and cut off its financing. (Yes, the ISIL acronym is now officially replaced by ISIS.) The defense windfall also addresses warfighting readiness and shortfalls in munitions, personnel and maintenance.

Veterans Affairs

INCREASE: $4.4 billion, 5.9 percent

Representing a key area where then-presidential candidate Trump promised investment, the budget increases discretionary funding for VA health care by $4.6 billion while also investing in IT advancements to improve efficiency. It also provides monetary support for VA programs that serve homeless and at-risk veterans.

Homeland Security

INCREASE: $2.8 billion, 6.8 percent

This portion of the budget is almost all about Trumps big, beautiful wall on the Mexican border and other border enforcement priorities. It gives $2.6 billion for high-priority infrastructure and border security technology including funding to construct a physical border wall. The budget supplies $314 million to recruit, hire and train 500 new Border Patrol Agents and 1,000 new Immigration and Customs Enforcement personnel and support staff. About $1.5 billion is provided for expanded detention and removal of illegal immigrants, while $15 million is set to go to mandatory nationwide implementation of the E-Verify system. Cuts include $667 million in Federal Emergency Management Agency programs that werent authorized by Congress and underperforming Transportation Security Administration programs.

LOSERS

Health and Human Services

DECREASE: $15.1 billion, 17.9 percent

Most of the cuts come from two areas  the National Institute of Health and the Office of Community Services. Eliminating discretionary spending for OCS saves $4.2 billion while NIH spending reduction checks in at $5.8 billion. A major reorganization of NIH, including an elimination of various programs and activities, is also on tap. A Federal Emergency Response Fund is created to quickly respond to health outbreaks, with the Zika virus specifically cited.

State

DECREASE: $10.9 billion, 28.7 percent

The budget eliminates the Global Climate Change Initiative and ceases payments to United Nations climate change programs. Funding for the U.N. and affiliated agencies is also reduced overall, as is foreign aid. The State Departments Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs get cuts, as do multilateral development banks, including the World Bank. But the budget isnt all cuts. Citing the Benghazi Accountability Review Board, money is provided to maintain robust funding levels for embassy security, and $3.1 billion is provided for security assistance to Israel. Economic development assistance programs are reoriented to countries of greatest strategic importance to the U.S. and resources are provided to fulfill a $1 billion vaccine pledge.

Education

DECREASE: $9.2 billion, 13.5 percent

The budget eliminates numerous grants and programs, while safeguarding the Pell Grant program. Federal Work-Study is reduced and also reorganized to better be allocated to those undergraduate students most in need. More than 20 categorical programs that do not address national needs are reduced or eliminated.

Housing and Urban Development

DECREASE: $6.2 billion, 13.2 percent

HUDs rental assistance program is reformed and funding is eliminated for lower priority programs and Section 4 Capacity Building for Community Development and Affordable Housing. Cutting the Home Investment Partnerships Program saves $1.1 billion and wiping out the Community Development Block Grant program saves $3 billion.

Agriculture

DECREASE: $4.7 billion, 20.7 percent

Numerous loan and grant programs are eliminated, staffing at USDA Service Center Agencies is reduced and funding for USDA statistical capabilities is cut. Rural Business and Cooperative Service discretionary activities are eliminated and major new Federal land acquisitions for the National Forest System get the axe.

Labor

DECREASE: $2.5 billion, 20.7 percent

The budget reduces funding for ineffective or duplicative job training grants and focuses Bureau of International Labor Affairs on ensuring that U.S. trade agreements are fair for American workers.

Transportation

DECREASE: $2.4 billion, 12.7 percent

A proposal to shift air traffic control from the FAA to a non-governmental organization is initiated while federal funding is capped on the Federal Transit Administrations Capital Investment Program. Several grants are eliminated.

Energy

DECREASE: $1.7 billion, 5.6 percent

A trio of energy research programs are cut in favor of private sector research. The Weatherization and Assistance Program and the State Energy Program are eliminated in attempts to reduce Federal intervention in State-level issues.

Commerce

DECREASE: $1.5 billion, 15.7 percent

The budget consolidates aspects of the Economics and Statistics Administration within other statistics agencies. It eliminates two agencies: the Economic Development Administration and the Minority Business Development Agency. There are also $250 million in cuts to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration grants.

Interior

DECREASE: $1.5 billion, 11.7 percent

Programs such as discretionary Abandoned Mine Land grants are discontinued because they overlap with existing programs. Funding for major acquisitions of Federal land is reduced. Better budgeting is put in place for wild land fire suppression. About $1 billion is invested in safe, reliable and efficient management of water resources.

Justice

DECREASE: $1.1 billion, 3.8 percent

Despite the bottom-line getting cut overall, there are plenty of increases at Justice, including in counterterrorism and counterintelligence activities. Funds are also provided to target the worst of the worst criminal organizations and drug traffickers. To combat illegal immigration, the budget provides for the hiring of 75 additional immigration judges, 60 additional border enforcement prosecutors, 40 deputy U.S. Marshals and 40 attorneys. Bankruptcy filing fees are increased in an effort to produce an additional $150 million.

Treasury

DECREASE: $519 million, 4.1 percent

The budget eliminates grants, shrinks the Federal workforce and empowers the Treasury Secretary  to end taxpayer bailouts.

OTHER AGENCIES
President Trump has asked Congress to cut $54 billion from federal agencies to fund defense spending. Here are the agencies that would see the biggest cuts under the White House proposal:

1. EPA  31.4 percent cut

The budget calls for cutting Environmental Protection Agency spending by $2.6 billion. The reduction would include ending funding for the Clean Power Plan, eliminating funding for regional efforts like a Great Lakes restoration program, and much more.

2. State Dept., USAID, Treasury International Programs  28.7 percent cut

State and USAID would see a $10 billion cut from last year's level. While funding for embassy security and diplomatic duties wouldn't be crimped, foreign aid and support for multilateral organizations would be.

Read more on WashingtonExaminer.com
The huge leak of a Dun & Bradstreet database containing the details of almost 33.7 million people includes over 100,000 military personnel, according to the security researcher who reported the leak.

Researcher Troy Hunt published details of the leak Tuesday, explaining that he recently received a large 52.2 GB file from an unnamed source. The file contains the records of 33,698,126 people living in the U.S., he said.

Records include individuals names, job titles, corporate emails and phone numbers, as well as employers addresses.

MCDONALD'S TWITTER ACCOUNT HACKED, BLASTS TRUMP

The identifier netprospex contact id that appears on every record provided a clue to the databases origin, according to Hunt. Data management specialist NetProspex was acquired by business services giant Dun & Bradstreet in 2015.

Employees from a number of large corporations, including AT&T, IBM, Citigroup and Wal-Mart stores are listed in the database, although the Department of Defense is the most heavily represented organization.

Obviously seeing over 100k military personnel piqued our attention, Hunt wrote on his blog. There are over 10k unique job titles in there too, titles such as Soldier (which was the most common with 2.7k entries), but also titles like Ammunition Specialist (91 people) and Chemical Engineer (32) along with the sorts of roles you'd expect in the army such as "Intelligence Analyst" (715) and Platoon Sargent (670).

The Department of Defense has not yet responded to a request for comment on this story from Fox News.

HACKERS HIJACK TWITTER ACCOUNTS WITH SWASTIKAS, 'NAZI HOLLAND' MESSAGES

It is not clear how and when the data came to be exposed, although the leak does not appear to be the result of a hack.

Based on our analysis, it is our determination that there has been no exposure of sensitive personal information from, and no infiltration of, our system, explained Dun & Bradstreet, in a statement emailed to Fox News. The information in question is data typically found on a business card. As general practice, Dun & Bradstreet uses an agile security process and evaluates and evolves security controls to protect the integrity of our data.

Nonetheless, experts warned that the data could potentially be harnessed for a spear phishing attack that could come, for, example, via a personalized spam email.

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This database will be a rich source of information for the bad guys to create very compelling, targeted spear phishing attacks and increases the likelihood of recipients opening email attachments, which renders them, and their respective organizations, highly exposed to attack, said Simon Taylor, vice president of products at email security specialist Glasswall, in an email to Fox News.

These sentiments were echoed by Varun Badhwar, CEO of cloud security specialist RedLock. Even if the data that was leaked is mostly publicly available, having one large data dump makes it easier for attackers to run attack campaigns where they send mass phishing emails to the 33.7 million unique email addresses at the impacted organizations, he told Fox News, via email. So while its important to quickly investigate this specific breach and find the root cause, its even more important for the impacted organizations to ensure that they have tools to be able to monitor their networks for anomalous activity and stay vigilant.

Follow James Rogers on Twitter @jamesjrogers
A woman allegedly encouraged her daughter to commit suicide with comments posted on a live stream before the 14-year-old hanged herself in a bathroom, according to a horrifying report from the Florida Department of Children and Families.

But Naika Venant's mother, Gina Caze, says she only commented on the Facebook Live video after Naika's death, which she blames on the foster-care system. Naika first entered foster care in 2009 at age 6 after she was beaten with a belt for engaging in a sex act at a male babysitter's house, reports WPLG.

The Miami teen later told a therapist she slept in the same room as her mother's boyfriends and watched "sex movies," a DCF report states, per the Miami Herald.

Her mother gave up custody in April 2016. Before her death, Naika told a case manager she missed her mom, who opted to contact her through social media rather than attend court-ordered weekly visits, per DCF.

As Naika contemplated suicide on Facebook Live on Jan. 22, officials say Caze, using the name "Gina Alexis," was one of hundreds watching. But while many tried to dissuade Naika, Caze posted comments that could be "mentally injurious to her suicidal child," the DCF says, per the Tampa Bay Times.

In one, she allegedly called Naika a "sad little DCF custody jit," jit meaning young gangster. "U keep crying wolf u dead u will get buried life goes on," she added, according to DCF.

Caze says the comments came after Naika's suicide, which she didn't watch but thought was fake. A friend of Naika's saw the video and called 911, but it was too late.

This article originally appeared on Newser: Mom Allegedly Pushed Teen to Suicide, Watched It Unfold
12 years.

Thats how long Googles Director of Engineering Ray Kurzweil thinks it will take for computers to reach human levels of intelligence.

Singularity Is Coming

By 2029, computers will have human-level intelligence, Kurzweil said in an interview at the SXSW Conference with Shira Lazar and Amy Kurzweil Comix.

HOW AI FIGHTS THE WAR AGAINST FAKE NEWS

Known as the Singularity, the event is oft discussed by scientists, futurists, technology stalwarts and others as a time when artificial intelligence will cause machines to become smarter than human beings.

The time frame is much sooner than what other stalwarts have said, including British theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking, as well as previous predictions from Kurzweil, who said it may occur as soon as 2045.

Softbank CEO Masayoshi Son, who recently acquired ARM Holdings with the intent on being one of the driving forces in the Singularity, has previously said it could happen in the next 30 years.

HOW AI AND TECH COULD STRENGTHEN AMERICA'S BORDER WALL

I think a big paradigm shift is coming, Son said in an October press conference, discussing details of his upcoming $100 billion investment fund. The biggest theme in my view is the Singularity. I think it is coming into reality in the next 30 years. For that vision, I am exercising that strategy. $100 billion is an interesting size of ammunition. In my view, that is the beginning. My passion is bigger than many people think.

What is the Singularity?

Right now, computers must pass something known as the Turing test (developed by famed British computer scientist Alan Turing) to see if a machine can exhibit behavior in a manner than is equivalent or indistinguishable from a human.

Though many luminaries, including Hawking, Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk and even Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates have warned about the age of machine learnings and artificial intelligence, Kurzweil isnt worried.

NEW $27 MILLION FUND AIMS TO SAVE HUMANITY FROM DESTRUCTIVE AI

Thats not realistic, Kurzweil said of one artificial intelligence potentially enslaving humanity. We dont have one or two AIs in the world. Today we have billions.

Musk, who has said that humans must merge with machines or risk becoming irrelevant, is working with OpenAI, a non-profit artificial intelligence research company, that is focused on making AI friendly to humanity.

Kurzweil echoed Musk's sentiments, that humans need to converge with machines, pointing out the work already being done in Parkinson's patients.

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Theyre making us smarter, Kurzweil said during the SXSW interview. "They may not yet be inside our bodies, but, by the 2030s, we will connect our neocortex, the part of our brain where we do our thinking, to the cloud Were going to be funnier, were going to be better at music. Were going to be sexier. Were really going to exemplify all the things that we value in humans to a greater degree.
This week marks the 100th anniversary of known girl scout cookie sales.

Uber partnered with Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania (GSWPA) to celebrate with free Girl Scout cookies from Pittsburgh to Johnstown, Pa.

The ride-sharing company purchased 650 boxes from the Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania for its giveaway. For residents trying to get in on the celebration, a cookies option popped up in the app next to the UberX and UberXL ride options with a $0 price tag.

INDIAN RAILWAYS GETS MILK TO HUNGRY BABY ON TRAIN AFTER PASSENGER'S SOS TWEET

For Uber Driver Ron Graziano, it was a busy day of deliveries, but he says he still cant believe he gets paid to give gifts to strangers.

"Bobby Jean canceled. Bobby Jean, you missed a whole bunch of cookies, Graziano said. "Now we gotta go to Summerly.

GSWPA Public Relations Manager Lisa Shade said the regions Girl Scouts are grateful for the donation.

FOR THE LATEST TECH FEATURES FOLLOW FOX NEWS TECH ON FACEBOOK

The proceeds from that sale are going to help that troop have amazing adventures in Girl Scouts, Shade said.

Uber plans on having another free treat giveaway later this year, Graziano said.
An American Airlines flight on Monday from Miami to Chicago was diverted to Jacksonville shortly after takeoff due to a soda spill.

Matt Miller, a spokesman for American Airlines, told Jacksonville.com that a soft drink splashed on an electronic device in the main cabin. Preston Wake, 43, a passenger, said a flight attendant fumbled a soda that soaked him.

I cant really tell you how far it went, but I was soaked, Wake told the paper. I had to change my clothes and everything.

Wake praised the crew and airport staff for accommodating the passengers.

The Orlando Sentinel reported that about 150 people were on board the Boeing 737 and landed at Jacksonville International Airport at 4:45 a.m.

The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the incident.
Planning a visit to Philadelphias historic Declaration House in the near future? You might want to rethink your itinerary.

The Declaration House is one of seven historic attractions within the citys Independence National Historic Park that has closed for the coming months, as they are severely understaffed following the hiring freeze of federal employees instituted by President Trump, reports PennLive.com.

With a new hiring freeze instituted by the Trump administration, there simply arent enough people to do the work, reads a statement posted by the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) on March 10.

In addition to the historic sites  which also include the Franklin Printing Office, Thaddeus Kosciuszko House, the Fragment Museum, New Hall Military Museum, the Todd House, and the Bishop White House  the park service has also shut down the public restrooms at Independence Square.

CHINA CONTINUES REPLICATING ICONIC STRUCTURES FROM AROUND THE GLOBE

The AFGE also reports that the bathrooms won't just be closed throughout coming months, but "indefinitely" through the entire summer as well, said AFGE National Park Service Council 270 President David Fitzpatrick.

Since those rest areas are the only public bathrooms in Independence Square, the AFGE says theyve needed to redirect people to the Independence Visitor Center two blocks away  but the park already overwhelmed.

We get 30 to 40 buses in a day, and the first thing people do is look for restrooms, said Fitzpatrick. Nearby businesses are complaining to our members about the lack of restrooms at Independence Hall.

Lauren Hitt, a spokesperson for Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney, has said that the hiring freeze is a detriment to the local schoolchildren, too.

Everyone wants a more efficient and effective government, but we cant have staffing levels so low that children dont have the opportunity to learn about the founding principles that made this country great, said Hitt, according to Philly.com. Thats just bad government. We hope that as Congress and the president consider their budget, they will learn from this mistake and institute a budget that lives up to our nations proud history of serving our most vulnerable.

President Trumps federal worker hiring freeze went into effect in January, but permitted exceptions only for military, national security or public safety personnel.

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According to Philly.com, a spokeswoman for the Independence National Historic Park said they're in talks with the federal government about the issue. She also said that the Office of Management and Budget approved a plan to hire seasonal employees, but its not yet clear whether those employees would be assigned to Philadelphias historic sites.

It should be noted that certain attractions at the Independence National Historic Park have have maintained off-season visiting hours, with some sites closing early, or being opened by appointment only. Still, these new closures are beyond what the AFGE has seen in recent years.

Ive been here 17 years, and I cant recall anything like this before, said AFGEs David Fitzpatrick.
It's unique, unconventional, uncharacteriscally dark and-- without a doubt-- one of the most iconic theme park rides of all time.

Disneylands Pirate of the Caribbean ride has become a litmus test for theme park ride success around the world and this weekend, the original attraction in Anaheim, Calif. will celebrate its 50th anniversary. Yes, that's fifty years of swashbuckling adventurers, imprisoned mateys and singing bar patrons.

It's the ride not only that set the stage for a multi-billion dollar movie franchise, but since establishing itself as a must-see attraction at Disney parks around the world, it's maintained a cult-like following for decades.

5 MAJOR CHANGES HAPPENING AT DISNEY THIS YEAR

Launched on March 18, 1967, the original "Pirates" ride featured a 1,838-foot flume with a 12-minute running time, making it one of the longest theme park rides in existence. The attraction quickly became a fan favorite and an icon for the park that had just opened two years earlier. The ride was one of the first to combine multiple elements for users to enjoy: audio animatronics (via realistic looking human robots), a double drop, theatrical effects and more.

According to The San Diego Union-Tribune, the attraction was also the last one personally overseen by Walt Disney himself, who would die from lung cancer just three months before the ride opened for guests.

According to Disneyland, approximately 400 million guests have traveled on the ride following its debut a half century ago. That was due in large part to the park's revolutionary use of the audio animatronics and stage effects, which permitted Disney to run the show more frequently than other rides-- often allowing tens of thousands of visitors each day.

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Since its debut, the ride has branched out globally. In addition to the origianl attraction in California, there are "Pirates" at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla., another in Tokyo, one in Paris and a recently opened ride at the Shanghai Disney Resort in China.

Watch the latest video at video.foxnews.com

Its also inspired countless long-form animatronic attractions from the Indiana Jones Adventure to Harry Potter and plenty of others.

Sure, there have been plenty of changes to the attraction since the 1960s, including the incorporation of new characters from the film franchise starring Johnny Depp's Captain Jack Sparrow. But theres only one original-- and the park will be commemorating the occasion accordingly.

'TANGLED' STAR CLAIMS DISNEY TURKEY LEGS ARENT ACTUALLY TURKEY

Starting Thursday, Disneyland will celebrate the milestone with pirate-themed food specials (like Jolly Roger Punch and Lost Treasure Beignets) in New Orleans Square through the weekend. Limited edition souvenirs will also be up for sale, and of course Captain Jack Sparrow will make an appearance to celebrate the anniversary.

And if excitement over the Pirates of the Caribbean world hasnt been sated yet, fans will get plenty of thrills with the a fifth installment in the popular franchise - Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales - comes to theaters this May.
The luck of the Irish will likely extend to plenty of retailers and restaurants across the U.S. this Saint Patricks Day.

Thats according to the latest projections from the National Retail Federation (NRF). Based on NRF's annual survey (conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics) Americans could spend around $5.3 billion this year-- the highest amount recorded in the surveys 13-year history.

Now that winter is almost behind us and with St. Patricks Day falling on a Friday, we will see more Americans getting together to celebrate with friends and family, said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay.

CHECK OUT THE WORLD'S MOST INSANE ST. PATRICK'S DAY SHAKE

Retailers should expect a nice boost in sales as consumers purchase apparel, decorations, food and beverages to help make their celebrations special, Shay continued.

How nice of a boost can businesses expect?

According to the survey, more than 139 million Americans have plans to celebrate the day and will spend, on average, close to $40 per person. The projected $37.92 per individual is higher than 2016s $35.37 and 2015s record $36.52.

Projections also estimate that this years total amount of $5.3 billion spent will easily surpass the $4.4 billion in 2016.

According to NRF, St. Patricks Day is most popular among those aged 18-24 with 77 percent of people in that younger demographic celebrating the day. But consumers in the 25-34 age range will shell out the most cash overall, with an average spend of $46.55 per person.

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More than 139 million Americans-- over 43 percent of the population-- plan to celebrate the Irish holiday.

The survey, conducted in the first week of February, polled over 7,600 consumers about their plans for the holiday.

The number one item consumers said they planned to purchase on March 17 was food (52 percent). Beverages were second (41 percent), followed by apparel (28 percent), decorations (22 percent) and candy (14 percent).
How does Briarwood Presbyterian Church Police Department sound to you? Ready to usher in a church police department? Despite the unorthodox, unheard of, and untested notion of a church police agency, a Birmingham, Alabama house of worship has petitioned state authorities, seeking authorization to give birth to its own police force.

In a nutshell, the Briarwood Presbyterian Church and its academic component, the Briarwood Christian School, had an attorney author a bill which received the blessing from the Alabama House of Representatives and now awaits the signature of Alabama Governor Robert Bentley. The churchs bill outlines its operational intent on hiring one police officer who will have an official police vehicle and responsibility for church and school security, with full powers of arrest.

'WHEEL OF FUGITIVE' BROADCAST A HIT IN FLORIDA

Like many churches across the nation, Briarwood customarily hired off-duty cops to work security on their church and school grounds. However, they ran into occasions when police officers were unavailable for hire. The next step was to consider having their own cop shop to avoid instances when police service was needed yet unattainable. It appears the Briarwood Presbyterian Church Police Department (BPPD) will come to fruition, the first church police department in America.

What Briarwood is seeking to initiate is synonymous to the School Resource Officer (SRO) concept which is what most schools across the country currently utilize. SROs are sworn law enforcement officers employed by a city or county police entity who are assigned full-time to a school in its jurisdiction. Some school districts compensate the officers department for the service while some split the cost. Other agencies assign a cop to school grounds full-time, similar to patrolling the streets (tax dollars) except relegated to school property and whatever enforcement actions are necessary. SROs are also viable mentors and quasi-teachers while on campus, a win-win concept.

Despite the sanctity of a church, and a cop keeping it peaceful, evil lurks and is often mobile. One hell-bent lunatic walking into the church will be the challenge for the chosen Briarwood cop. For example, only recently did we learn that Dylan Roof, the shooter who walked into a Charleston, South Carolina church and killed nine congregants in 2015, departed before police arrival. Using GPS records, police tracked Roofs movements and determined hed gone to a second church. According to investigators, Roof claimed he was too tired to carry out any further havoc in the second church.

A lone cop may have his or her hands full in such a predicament, but when back-up is needed (and it likely will be) the police agency in the surrounding jurisdiction is your best friend. When a cop is in trouble, the cavalry is unfailingly going to respond. Could a lone cop prevent a Dylan Roof-type massacre from occurring? Perhaps. Off-duty cops in civilian attire, in attendance worshiping, have been in similar positions to thwart wickedness. But, the distinction between them and a uniformed, fully-marked police officer and cruiser parked out front translates to preempting a rampage by mere presence.

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A California lawmaker plans to announce legislation tomorrow that would make it a crime for service members to share nude photos and other intimate images without consent, her office announced Wednesday.

Rep. Jackie Speier, a Democrat, will introduce the bill Thursday in a Capitol Hill press conference, joined by high-profile women's rights attorney Gloria Allred and Marine veteran Erika Butner, a self-identified victim of nonconsensual photo sharing.

The move comes after the Marine Corps was rocked earlier this month by revelations that active-duty Marines were implicated in a Facebook page, Marines United, that circulated a link to a folder of nude and compromising images of female service members.

Naval Criminal Investigative Service is investigating the page, which has since been shut down, and Marine Corps officials have said that those found guilty of participation in the illicit activities face prosecution under general misconduct orders and an order forbidding "indecent broadcasting" of images.

But in a hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee, lawmakers queried Commandant Gen. Robert Neller on whether the current statutes within the Uniform Code of Military Justice were enough to deal satisfactorily with the alleged crimes.

"That's something we're going to get into with this task force, if there are provisions within UCMJ that may need to be more specific about this particular type of potential offense," Neller told Sen. Richard Blumenthal, a Democrat from Connecticut, referring to a task force the Marine Corps organized this month to determine next steps in the wake of the scandal.

Asked by Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a Democrat from Massachusetts, if a code specifically addressing "revenge porn" was called for, Neller said it might be, though it wouldn't address the whole problem.

"I think that would be helpful in the accountability process," he said. "But again, some of these pictures of these women, they were fully clothed, and it's the commentary."

Speier's bill, the Servicemembers Intimate Privacy Protection Act, or SIPPA, would prohibit service members from sharing intimate images without the consent of the individual or individuals depicted, according to a release from her office. She plans to introduce the bill following a closed-door briefing on the Marines United fallout and investigation.

Erika Butner, the 23-year-old Marine veteran who will be appearing alongside Speier, went public in a March 8 press conference with Allred to self-identify as a victim of the Marines United page.

"I can tell you that this exact behavior leads to the normalization of sexual harassment and even sexual violence," she said, according to a Reuters report.

Speier has been a longtime advocate for female service members and civilians targeted my unofficial Marine Corps Facebook pages like Marines United. In 2013, she wrote a letter to then-Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Jim Amos demanding that he take action to stop the online targeting, objectification and harassment of women.

"The military cannot eradicate this problem without fundamentally changing its approach, including its tolerance of participation in these kinds of websites," she wrote at the time.

-- Hope Hodge Seck can be reached at hope.seck@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @HopeSeck.
Everyone loves a police canine demonstration exhibiting the profoundly phenomenal skills and innate super-sensory capacity of dogs. It always thrills children when law enforcement handlers bring their police dogs to schools and put on a show. The relationship between dog and police handler is inspiring.

ALABAMA CHURCH AIMS TO HIRE ITS OWN POLICE

From tracking fleeing suspects to rooting out concealed criminals, police dogs singlehandedly (okay, okay, four fast paws and one highly equipped snout) apprehend bad guys. Homeland Security teams deploy drug detection canines at airports and amass contraband. Detectives employ the sniffing prowess of hounds to unearth cadavers sought in cold case homicides. Police dogs locate autistic children prone to elopement and wandering. And then there are dogs whose bomb-sniffing noses take the blast out of potential carnage. These olfactory officers make great police partners and save countless lives in exchange for a treat, and what a treat it is to work alongside each one of them.

How do police dogs do it?

In terms of olfactory efficiency, the canine design is incredible. Like a bi-lateral conduit, police dogs have about three hundred million sensory receptors in their moist, spongy noses, the cellular structure of which helps a dog to see justice is done by inhaling, processing and coding odorants. It is like a super-computer on four paws. Funded by the Office of Naval Research, Professor Clive Wynne of Arizona State University (ASU) operates the Canine Science Collaboratory, which researches odor discrimination learning.

'WHEEL OF FUGITIVE' BROADCAST A HIT IN FLORIDA

According to the ASU website, Dr. Wynne specializes in generating advanced methods to train canines to keep pace with terrorists who we know are devising ways to circumvent police dogs. In one 2009 case, for example, an underwear bomber wore an undergarment liner that was padded with a substance engineered by Ibrahim Hassan al-Asiri, a Saudi-born bomb aficionado who concocted novel methods to mask explosive ingredients from detection by TSA authorities and airport police dogs.

Along with federal authorities, Dr. Wynne is developing ways to counter the methods of Asiri and similar nefarious bomb makers by exposing police canines to every possibility imaginable, especially since dogs possess the innate capability necessary to successfully train to prevent bomb blasts.

On the trail of justice

A sheriffs office canine unit in Pasco County, Florida exemplifies the dynamic range of police dog skills and applications. Some are specially trained in narcotics detection, while others are trained in sniffing materials used in bomb-making.

In an ongoing criminal prosecution in which the accused shot and killed a movie theater patron, the presiding judge initiated a personal/professional visit to the Cobb Theater. Like putting a picture to a voice, the judge, prosecutors, and defense attorneys attended a simulated version in the movie house. The crux of the visit stems from scoping the exact environment in the context of the Stand Your Ground law, which the defense is arguing. Judge Susan Barthle occupied seat #9 (the one the shooter used) and watched the same previews with the exact audio and lighting levels as the time of the incident. Per the judges request, precautionary measures such as sweeping the theater were performed by a law enforcement canine skilled in such matters.

Like an advance team in the military, the PCSO canine cops deployed their sniffing sleuth Ace, an acutely trained bomb-sniffing dog, before the judge and entourage entered the theater. Other than a few errant Juicy fruits, Ace found nothing suspect. The judiciary assessed the crime scene unhindered and recorded all its nuances that may or may not be pertinent to the case.

Incidentally, the victim and his alleged killer, with respective wives, were a row apart and were there to see Lone Survivor. On that fateful day, one wife left as a witness, the other wife left as a widower on a gurney (a solitary bullet pierced her hand and lodged in her husbands chest), and the lone survivor confronts the judiciary for shooting a man he claims he feared.

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The U.S. Air Force on Thursday identified three special operations airmen who died when their U-28 single-engine turboprop aircraft crashed during a training flight in New Mexico.

Capt. Andrew Becker, Capt. Kenneth Dalga and 1st Lieutenant Frederick Dellecker were all assigned to the 318th Special Operations Squadron, according to a news release.

The squadron is an operational flying squadron and part the 27th Special Operations Wing at Cannon Air Force Base in New Mexico.

Becker, a 33-year-old native of Novi, Michigan, was a pilot for the squadron. He is survived by his spouse, mother and father, the release said.

Dellecker, 26, was a co-pilot from Daytona Beach, Florida. He is survived by his mother and father.

Dalga, 29, was a combat systems officer from Goldsboro, North Carolina. He is survived by his spouse, son and mother.

The crash occurred a quarter-mile east of Clovis Municipal Airport at 6:50 p.m. on Tuesday, according to a release from the base. The cause of the accident is under investigation.

Kyle Berkshire, director of the airport, told local NBC affiliate KOB4 News on Wednesday the plane was observed performing touch and goes on the runway during a training sortie.

"We are deeply saddened by this loss within our Air Commando family," Col. Ben Maitre, the base commander, said in a release on Wednesday. "Our sympathies are with the loved ones and friends affected by this tragedy, and our team is focused on supporting them during this difficult time," he said.

The 318th was activated in 2008 under Air Force Special Operations Command to provide "battlefield mobility for our special operations forces," according to then-Col. Timothy Leahy, the former wing commander.

The unit is tasked with flying a variety of light and medium aircraft known as non-standard aviation, according to a service release. The squadron operates PC-12 aircraft -- designated as the U-28A in the Air Force -- for intra-theater airlift missions, the release said.

The U-28A is operated by the 319th, 34th and 318th Special Operations squadrons, according to the Air Force. Training is conducted by the 5th and 19th Special Operations squadron. The units are located at Cannon and Hurlburt Field, Florida.

-- Oriana Pawlyk can be reached at oriana.pawlyk@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @Oriana0214.
A 68-year-old California pastor was stabbed in the neck and killed Tuesday night by a parishioner whom the pastor visited so they could pray together, police said.

The pastor, Herbert Valero, was able to identify the murderer to his family before he died, The Mercury News reported. He was pronounced dead at the scene despite the efforts of emergency responders.

But while Valero was allegedly able to tell his family 37-year-old Servando Ayala Silva stabbed him, the motive for the attack was still unknown.

THREE ARRESTED IN KILLING OF UNITED STATES MARSHAL IN GEORGIA

Thats one of the things were not sure if truly were ever going to be able to answer, Salinas police Cmdr. Stanley Cooper told The Mercury News. At the time of the stabbing, it was only the two of them that were out in front of the pastors house.

Silva left the scene, but officers later tracked him down at a family members house. He was arrested and booked into the Monterey County Jail on suspicion of homicide.

Valeros stabbing is the 10th homicide in Salinas in 2017, The Mercury News reported.

A vigil was held Wednesday at Victory Outreach Church, where Valero preached.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
The United States Army is the only branch of the military without a national museum  but not for long.

VIDEO: REP. BRIAN MAST REACTS AFTER VA HOSPITAL REMOVES TRUMP PHOTO

Construction of the National Museum of the United States Army begins this month in Fort Belvoir, Va., which is just south of Washington, D.C.

The $200 million museum is expected to welcome 750,000 visitors a year once it opens in 2019.

VETERAN WHO HELPS HOMELESS VETS AIMS TO MAKE IT A NATIONWIDE MOVEMENT

The 186,000-square foot museum will tell the stories of the 30 million men and women who have worn the Army uniform from 1775 to the present, according to the Army Historical Foundation, or AHF.

Weve just reached another important milestone in our timeline for building the National Museum of the United States Army, Lt. Gen. Roger Schultz, AHF president, said. There is no other museum in the Army Enterprise that tells the complete Army story and the Armys wide-ranging contributions to our nations growth and development.

Under a 2009 agreement with the Department of the Army, the AHF was designated the official fundraising arm for the museum, and launched the Capital Campaign, which was committed to raising $200 million to build the museum.

Top donors include Boeing, General Dynamics and Lockheed Martin. Each of the aerospace giants contributed more than $50,000.

The vast majority of the Museums rare and priceless artifacts, artwork and images have never been seen by the American people, read the AHF statement. We look forward to the day when we open the Museum doors and share the Armys storied 241-year history with the American public and the Army family.
Floridas governor has reassigned a case involving the killing of an Orlando police officer after a prosecutor said she would not seek the death penalty.

A spokesperson for Gov. Rick Scott said Thursday that the governor was taking State Attorney Aramis Ayala off the Markeith Loyd case after her office announced it would no longer seek the death penalty in cases.

ILLINOIS PARAMEDIC SAVES INFANT FROM SUV SUBMERGED IN LAKE

I am outraged and sickened by this loss of life and many families lives have been forever changed because of these senseless murders. These families deserve a state attorney who will aggressively prosecute Markeith Loyd to the fullest extent of the law and justice must be served, Scott said in the statement.

Through an executive order, the case was handed off to State Attorney Brad King, a prosecutor in a neighboring district northwest of Orlando.

THE WEEK IN PICTURES

According to FOX 35 Orlando, Scott had earlier asked Ayala to recuse herself from handing Loyds case; however she refused.

Under Florida law, a governor can only suspend an elected official for "malfeasance, misfeasance, neglect of duty, habitual drunkenness, incompetence, or permanent inability to perform official duties." But the law does allow a governor to reassign a particular case for "good and sufficient" reasons.

Loyd faces two first-degree murder counts and other charges in the deaths of his ex-girlfriend Sade Dixon and Lt. Debra Clayton. Authorities have said Dixon was fatally shot at her home in December and that Clayton was gunned down Jan. 9 outside a Wal-Mart while attempting to capture Loyd.

Ayala defended her decision on Thursday, saying capital punishment in Florida has led to chaos, uncertainty and turmoil.

She argued that the evidence showed that the death penalty did not increase public safety and that it was not in the best interest of this community or the best interest of justice.

EMT KILLED, PARTNER INJURED AFTER MAN HITS THEM IN NYC WITH STOLEN AMBULANCE

"I have given this issue extensive, painstaking thought and consideration," Ayala said at a news conference Thursday. "What has become abundantly clear through this process is that while I do have discretion to pursue death sentences, I have determined that doing so is not in the best interests of this community or in the best interests of justice."

Here is a statement from @ChiefJohnMina about the State Attorney's decision regarding Markeith Loyd: pic.twitter.com/qlvFR84Kua  Orlando Police (@OrlandoPolice) March 16, 2017

In a statement to Fox News, Ayala said the governer declined to have "full conversation" with her regarding her reasoning behind the death penalty.

"I have since learned he issued an Order removing my office from any cases related to Markeith Loyd," she added. "Upon receipt of any lawful order, my office will follow that Order and fully cooperate to ensure the successful prosecution of Markeith Loyd."

Ayalas decision regarding the death penalty caused outrage in Florida, especially from Orlando Police Chief John Mina.

I have seen the video of Markeith Loyd executing Lt. Debra Clayton while she lay defenseless on the ground. She was given no chance to live. A cop killer  who also killed his pregnant girlfriend should not be given a chance, Mina said in a statement posted on Twitter. The heinous crimes that he committed in our community are the very reason we have the death penalty as an option under the law.

Dixons father, Ron Daniels, seemed to support Ayala, despite her decision.

"Life, no chance of parole, we get closure, but now if you give him the death penalty, he comes back, he told Fox 35 Orlando. Every time he appeals this family or any family has to relive that case all over again."

He said with or without the death penalty, Loyd would still die in prison, if convicted.

Legal challenges in the past year brought executions to a halt in Florida. The U.S. Supreme Court declared the state's sentencing law unconstitutional because it gave judges too much power to make the ultimate decision. State lawmakers responded with a new law that capital punishment be decided by split juries, with at least a 10-2 vote. The state Supreme Court struck that down, ordering unanimous jury decisions.

Ayala announced her categorical opposition only days after Scott signed a bill complying with the court requirements.

Fox News' Kathleen Reuschle and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
A Planned Parenthood clinic in Columbia will reopen after closing for a few hours when employees reported an unknown hazardous materials emergency.



Assistant Fire Chief Brad Fraizer says four clinic employees had eye and throat irritation and were coughing when firefighters responded to the clinic Wednesday afternoon. None of the employees required medical treatment.



The Columbia Daily Tribune reports the fire department's hazmat team conducted an air quality test and found an irritant in the air. Investigators are trying to identify the substance.



Fraizer says the irritant was confined to one room. No property was damaged.



Columbia police are investigating the incident.



The building was ventilated and Planned Parenthood Great Plains said the clinic would be open Thursday.
Although he always maintained his innocence, Andrew Wilson spent 32 years languishing behind bars on murder charges. But on Wednesday, a Los Angeles judge ordered him free as soon as possible after prosecutors concluded that he did not get a fundamentally fair trial.

CHICAGO MAN WHO SPENT WRONGFUL-CONVICTION AWARD ON REBUILDING GANG SENTENCED

Wilson, now 62, was convicted of the 1984 robbery and stabbing death of Christopher Hanson, a 21-year-old man who had a disorder which prevented his blood from clotting. However, Deputy Dist. Atty. Etty Jerez cedes that cumulative errors were made at the time. Legal experts asserted that such errors included poor witness identification, failure to turn over impeachment evidence and officers pressuring witnesses to adhere to a certain agenda.

Numerous due process violations that recently came to light show conclusively that Mr. Wilson did not receive a fair trial, his attorney, Paula Mitchell, told reporters following the trial. Mr. Wilson is elated. He is so glad this is finally over.

'MAKING A MURDERER' INVESTIGATOR OPENS UP ON CASE'S UNANSWERED QUESTIONS

The district attorneys office does not intend to refile charges against Wilson, but in a letter to the Judge last week made it explicitly clear that while they believe the record shows Wilson was denied a fundamentally fair trial, the office does not believe he is factually innocent.

A hearing is slated for early May to determine whether Wilson is factually innocent, a classification he would require to receive financial compensation from the state of California.

But in the meantime, Wilson  who was expected to be released from Mens Central Jail Thursday  plans first and foremost to visit his 96-year-old mother Margie Davis in St. Louis. For three decades, Davis wrote letters to an array of media outlets and authorities insisting her son was unlawfully convicted.

I knew that he was innocent all along, she told the L.A Times following Wednesdays hearing. Its no news to me.

Click for more from Fox 11.
Police say an officer was shot in the hip in Ohio's capital city at a home where the gunfire suspect was arrested and another man was shot in the leg.



Columbus police say a 22-year-old man shot at police entering an apartment house to search for illegal drugs under a warrant Wednesday night. They say the officer returned fire, and the man dropped his weapon.



The officer was hospitalized in stable condition.



Police say suspect Shawn Toney Jr., of Columbus, was treated for unspecified injuries sustained as he was arrested. He's charged with assault of an officer. Court records listed no attorney for him before arraignment Thursday.



It wasn't immediately clear who was responsible for the gunfire that wounded the other victim, a 61-year-old man, who was treated and released.


A pregnant mother of five who is facing deportation to Guatemala had her immigration hearing postponed until the first week of April.

Thirty-three-year-old Lilian Cardona-Perez arrived in the U.S. at age 15 and received a valid work permit, which she renewed every year.

According to her attorney, Yesenia L. Polanco-Galdamez, she has always worked legally.

ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT TAKES REFUGE IN DENVER CHURCH TO AVOID DEPORTATION

She was detained in 2010 for a criminal charge that was later dismissed. She was detained in Raleigh and under the 287g program was immediately screened by ICE and placed in removal proceedings, Polanco-Galdamez said.

According to The Fayetteville Observer Homeland Security first began looking at her after she was accused of a property crime.

She was released by ICE on her own recognizance. She failed to appear at her first immigration court date and the immigration judge ordered her removed in [absentia].

Pooyan Ordoubadi, an associate attorney at Polanco Law, told Fox News Cardona-Perez was given an Order of Supervision which requires you to check-in every few months or possibly every year, depending on what the ICE Officer wants.

Polanco-Galdamez claims Cardona-Perezs never received the letter immigration officials sent and that she found out at her last check-in with ICE on February 16, 2017 she was being deported when she went to renew her paperwork.

You have to notify them of a change of address and you cannot travel outside of the ICE Office's jurisdiction for more than 48 hours without receiving permission to do so, Ordoubadi says.

The lawyer, immigration advocates and civil groups such as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) say the detention was unwarranted.

IN FACE OF RISING DEPORTATION, IMMIGRANTS INCREASINGLY FORCED TO FIGHT ALONE

Cardona-Perezs lawyer argues that President Trumps immigration executive order targets immigrants who commit crimes or live in the United States illegally, but neither of those are her clients case.

Cardona-Perez's work permit is valid through October 2017, her lawyer said.

IMMIGRANT VET AWAITS JUDGE'S DEPORTATION RULING AFTER DRUG CONVICTION

She said she is exploring her Cardona-Perezs eligibility for a U visa, which is given to people who have suffered physical or mental abuse. In addition, the lawyer told Fox News, she is looking into a crime committed against her client in Guatemala to see if she qualifies for a potential Withholding of Removal and also Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).
A pregnant Texas teen was fatally struck by a train on Friday while posing on the railroad tracks for modeling photos.

Fredzania Zanie Thompson, 19, was modeling for a friend in Navasota, Texas, when two trains approached the railroad crossing from opposite directions, according to the Dallas Morning News.

Thompson tried to cross the tracks to dodge one train, but was hit by the one coming from the other direction. She was rushed to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Her friend who was taking photos for the shoot was unharmed.

Two weeks ago, she had revealed to her 25-year-old fiance Darnell Chatman that she was pregnant.

Zanie had the most beautiful smile, Chatman said. I believe she would want everyone to know what a kind and caring person she is.

The last photo captured of Thompson was shared in a tribute on her friends Facebook page, The Eagle reported.

Click for more from the New York Post.
An improvised explosive device was found in an abandoned suitcase inside a busy Port Authority Bus Terminal eatery  and was later detonated by police, prosecutors said Thursday.

Police arrested Jersey City resident Arsenio Mason, 39, hours after he allegedly planted the device in the terminal Wednesday evening.

SHOOTING AT HIGH SCHOOL IN SOUTHERN FRANCE, POLICE SAY

Port Authority officers first noticed the luggage around 5:15 p.m. on the first floor of the terminals south wing inside Deli Plus.

A PAPD K-9 unit inspected the suitcase and brought it to a police substation within the bus terminal, sources said.

When officers opened the bag, they saw what appeared to be an improvised explosive device along with a knife, bolt cutters and screwdrivers, police sources added.

Click here for more from the New York Post.
A teenager made the discovery of a lifetime when he stumbled across a 7.44 carat diamond at an Arkansas state park.

Officials at Crater of Diamonds State Park at Murfreesboro say the rock found Saturday by 14-year-old Kalel Langford is the seventh largest found since the park was established in 1972. The park hasn't provided an estimate of the diamond's value.

It was just a few inches from a stream of water, with a bunch of other rocks that were about the same size, Langford said.

He has named it "Superman's Diamond" and plans to keep it as a souvenir of his visit.

Craig Langford, Kalel's father, said they were only at the park for 30 minutes when his son made the discovery.

"Its color was so dark that we weren't sure if it was a diamond but we knew we needed to have it looked at," said Craig.

Park interpreter Waymon Cox describes the diamond as pinto-bean sized and similar in color to coffee.

This diamond is a truly extraordinary find, Cox said. It was Kalels dream to visit the Crater of Diamonds State Park, and now he will always be part of this parks remarkable history.

The largest diamond ever discovered in the United States, the 40.23 carat "Uncle Sam," was unearthed on the land in 1924.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has arrested three people in the shooting death of a U.S. marshal.

ORLANDO PROSECUTOR WILL NO LONGER SEEK DEATH PENALTY

Patrick Thomas Carothers was part of a team executing a search warrant for a fugitive out of South Carolina when when he was killed on November 18, 2016.

Dontrell Montese Carter was wanted for attempted murder of police officers, domestic violence, and unlawfully discharging a weapon during an incident in September 2016 in Sumter County, South Carolina.

'WHEEL OF FUGITIVE' BROADCAST A HIT IN FLORIDA

The Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force had tracked Carter to a residence in Allenhurst, Georgia located in Long County.

At the residence where Carter was hiding, law enforcement also made contact and interviewed Ashley Chavon Roberts, Levy Lewis Jenkins, and Jeremy Lance Lewis.

The investigation into Carothers murder found the three committed acts which hindered Carters capture.

As a result, Roberts, 24, Jenkins, 34, and Lewis, 32, have each been charged with one count of Hindering Apprehension or Punishment of Criminal (felony) and one count of Felony Murder in Carothers death.

Carothers was a 26-year veteran of the U.S. Marshals Service and deputy commander of its Southeast Regional Task Force.

Click here for more news from Fox 5 Atlanta.
One suspect is dead and another injured and apprehended after a home invasion in Las Vegas took a surprising turn Monday night.

Two suspects entered the home and tied up a man and a woman, then demanding money, police said. The male victim broke free, retrieved a gun and shot the suspects. One was killed; the other suffered a gunshot wound to the lower back and drove himself to the hospital where he was apprehended by police. He was identified as 21-year-old Arnold Morales and is being held at the Clark County Detention Center.

CALIFORNIA PASTOR STABBED TO DEATH BY PARISHIONER, POLICE SAY

The female victim suffered a gunshot wound to the arm, but police has yet to determine if the suspects or the male resident shot her.

Neighbors in the residential area where it happened are asking themselves if they would have done the same thing. Tom Shiloh says, I wouldve shot him a couple more times to make sure he was dead, absolutely, theres no cause, no reason to be that way, to steal, to rob.

Nevada does have a "stand your ground" law but sometimes the victim is not immune from prosecution. According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, In Clark County, prosecutors have been willing to charge people in situations where deadly force could have been avoided. In self-defense cases, there has to be an immediate threat to the persons life.

Residents in the neighborhood were shook up and tense. Theyre now considering taking precautions to protect themselves. Lisa Warren says, I wish I still own a gun. I used to, I wish I still did.
Hazard, Kentucky is one of those small coal-mining towns with one main road snaking through the hollow. Both sides of the road are lined with a handful of retail stores and restaurants. The windows on about half of those stores are now covered with newspaper. The signs out front say, closed.

Thats what happens in a one-industry town when the president turns against that industry. Carla Hall at tiny Feltners Barbershop, right on the main road, knows that too well.

"My business went down tremendously, she said.

Like Carla, everyone in town, from the insurance salesman to the waitress at the coffee shop, is ultimately connected to money that comes out of the mine.

When they start getting laid off, they stretch out the haircuts, she said.

However, there is a new sense of optimism in coal country and that is linked to a new president who, from the campaign trail, frequently bellowed: We are going to put our miners back to work.

I love mining coal, Carlos Sturdill said 250 feet underground in the E4-1 mine in Hazard. That mine shut down in the Obama years. There are many factors that allowed the mine to re-open and people like Sturdill to get back to work.

For starters, the entire economy has seen a bump. That has created a demand for steel. The high-quality coal that comes out of Appalachia is well suited for making steel.

Im glad to be working. Im thankful Ive got a job again, Sturdill said. Then you have President Trump who started rolling back regulations early in his time on the job. One of Trumps early executive orders was to roll back the Stream Protection Rule. The SPR was created in the 11th hour of the Obama presidency and it would have placed a burden on coal companies to test streams before during and after mining. Trump followed up by undoing the 2015 Waters of the US rule, which broadened the definition of a body of water.

According to West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey, the rule allowed the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers to assert Federal authority over an untold number of small bodies of water, including roadside ditches, short-lived streams and any other area where water may flow every 100 years.

The industry is hopeful Trump will also repeal the Clean Power Plan and the Mercury and Air Toxic Standards act, which many argue put a heavy burden on coal by design.

"Obviously, were more optimistic, said J. Mark Campbell, President of the Cambrian Coal Group. Were looking for new projects.

That does not mean hard times are over for those people dependent on a coal mining paycheck. During the Obama administration, figures obtained by Fox News show that 36,800 coal miners lost their jobs. Last September, the number of people mining coal hit the lowest point since 1985.

Since Trump took office, 300 miners have been re-hired.

Ninety of the new hires are at the E4-1 mine in Hazard. But that was after the mine was hit by a series of layoffs since 2012 that left 460 workers out of a job.

Maybe its a little C comeback at this point, said Chris Hamilton Senior VP of the West Virginia Coal Association.

No one expects coal jobs to come back to their heyday. Some of the causes can be pinned on former President Obama.

Under pressure to get away from coal, some power plants shut down. Some were retrofitted to burn natural gas. Now that officials spent the money, they wont go back -- especially because hydraulic fracturing makes natural gas available and cheap.

"So, a lot of that chunk of the market has been taken away, said Dr. Anthony Szwilski of West Virginias Marshall University. Even though coal is coming back and there will be employment in the future, they are unlikely to go back to where it was 10-15 years ago.

Technology has also advanced. The reality is this: you can get more coal out of the ground now using fewer people.

"It will never be back like it was, Campbell said.

Even Sturgill, although happy to be back underground doing the job he loves, knows coal mining is a way of life that has a limited future.

"I dont have a son, but I wouldnt tell him to mine, he says as the beam from his headlamp follows his eyes and dips to the floor of the mine.
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte on Wednesday claimed a dominating parliamentary election victory over anti-Islam lawmaker Geert Wilders, who failed the year's first litmus test for populism in Europe.

Provisional results with over half the votes counted suggested Rutte's party won 32 seats in the 150-member legislature, 13 more than Wilders' party, which took only third place with 19 seats. The surging CDA Christian Democrats claimed 20.

Following Britain's vote to leave the European Union and Donald Trump's election as U.S. president, "the Netherlands said, 'Whoa!' to the wrong kind of populism," said Rutte, who is now poised for a third term as prime minister.

"We want to stick to the course we have  safe and stable and prosperous," Rutte added.

Wilders, who campaigned on radical pledges to close borders to migrants from Muslim nations, close mosques, ban the Quran and take the Netherlands out of the EU, had insisted that whatever the result of the election, the kind of populist politics he and others in Europe represent aren't going away.

"Rutte has not seen the back of me," Wilders said after the results had sunk in.

His Party for Freedom clinched 24 seats in 2010 before sinking to 15 in 2012, and Wednesday's total left him with about 12 percent of the electorate, far less than populists in Britain and the United States have scored.

"Those are not the 30 seats we hoped for," Wilders told reporters early Thursday, adding that he'd "rather have been the biggest party."

Both France and Germany have elections this year in which far-right candidates and parties are hoping to make an impact.

French President Francois Hollande congratulated Rutte on his election success and his "clear victory against extremism."

In Germany, Socialist leader Martin Schulz tweeted. "I am relieved, but we need to continue to fight for an open and Free Europe."

Rutte, who for much of the campaign appeared to be racing to keep pace with Wilders, may have profited from the hard line he drew in a diplomatic standoff with Turkey over the past week.

The fight erupted over the Netherlands' refusal to let two Turkish government ministers address rallies in Rotterdam about a referendum that could give Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan more powers. It gave Rutte an opportunity to show his statesmanship by refusing to bow to foreign pressure, a stance with widespread backing in the nation.

"I mean this is your electoral campaign dream, right? You can't script this if it was a movie," Amsterdam Free University political scientist Andre Krouwel said. "It's really helped Mark Rutte to take the lead and a big lead over Geert Wilders."

Under brilliant skies, the Dutch went to vote in huge numbers, with turnout estimated to have reached at 82 percent.

In a subplot of the elections, the Green Left party registered a historic victory, turning it into the largest party on the left wing of Dutch politics, together with the Socialist Party.

The provisional results showed the Greens leaping from four seats to 14 in parliament after a strong campaign by charismatic leader Jesse Klaver, who invites comparisons to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

It remains to be seen if the 30-year-old Klaver will take his party into the next ruling coalition, which looks likely to be dominated by Rutte's VVD and other right-leaning parties.

The Labor Party of Eurogroup President Jeroen Dijsselbloem appeared to have been punished by voters in the election, plunging from 38 seats at the last election to just nine, according to the Ipsos exit poll.

Because of the result, it looked unlikely Dijsselbloem would be able to hang on to his post of leading the 19-nation Eurogroup, which manages the currency of the European Union nations that use the euro.

Rutte had framed the election as a choice between continuity and chaos, portraying himself as a safe custodian of the nation's economic recovery and casting Wilders as a far-right radical who was unprepared to make tough decisions.

Although he drove through unpopular austerity measures over the last four years, the Dutch economic recovery has gathered pace and unemployment has fallen fast under the prime minister.

Wilders, meanwhile, attempted to tap into discontent among voters who said they were not benefiting from the economic recovery.

Even if his party had placed first in the election, Wilders stood a remote chance of becoming prime minister in the Netherlands, where a proportional representation system all but guarantees coalition governments.

The main political parties, including Rutte's, had ruled out forming a coalition government with the Party for Freedom.

The left-leaning Dutch Labor Party appeared to be hammered by its supporters for its role over the last four years in pushing through a tough austerity package as junior member in a two-party Cabinet with Rutte's VVD.

The coalition Rutte's VVD party had with Labor can no longer be replicated and the prime minister is likely to look to the right for new coalition partners.

Rutte has been resolute about not wanting to share power with Wilders, so that tightens the market in which he can acquire the necessary 75-seat threshold.

Weeks, if not months of coalition-building talks may be required before a new government is installed.
In what's being described as a first, lawmakers have approved giving human rights to a river.

DAKOTA ACCESS PIPELINE: TRIBES' REQUEST TO STOP OIL FLOW DENIED

In a push that started way back in 1870, New Zealand's Whanganui River this week was signed into a legal status under the Whanganui Treaty settlement. Under the approved bill, there is no legal difference between damaging the river and damaging tribespeople; thus, they are one in the same and subject to the same charges and prosecution in the eyes of the law.

Two local guardians were set to oversee the affairs of the river, located in the North Island and the countrys third-largest.

ESCAPED COBRA TURNS UP ON TWITTER

I know the initial inclination of some people will say it is pretty strange to give a natural resource a legal personality, Treaty Negotiations Minister Chris Finlayson said. But its no stranger than family trusts, or companies or incorporated societies.

However, local lawmaker Adrian Rurawhe affirmed that this wasnt such a unique concept for their community, as the prosperity of the river and the prosperity of the people were directly connected and reflected in the Maori expression I am the river and the river is me.

Negotiations with a local tribe started in 2009, news.com.au reported.

Although it is not yet clear what protective mechanisms will be put in place and what commercial and recreational provisions will be allowed, the treaty's signing was met with weeps of joy from hundreds of tribal representatives this week who saw it as a step in the right direction.

We can trace our genealogy to the origins of the universe. And therefore rather than us being masters of the natural world, we are part of it, the lead negotiator for the Whanganui tribe, Gerrard Albert stated. We want to live like that as our starting point. And that is not an anti-development, or anti-economic use of the river but to begin with the view that is a living being, and then consider its future from that central belief.

The river has seen some famous guests -- including Britain's Prince Harry, who paddled a traditional Maori canoe there in 2015.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Click for more from news.com.au
Volcanic rocks and steam injured at least 10 people  including tourists and scientists  following an explosion on Sicilys Mount Etna on Thursday, Italian media reported.

Those injured  reportedly including BBC crew members, tourists and a 78-year-old woman  suffered from head injuries, burns, cuts and bruises, though none of the ailments were thought to be serious. Six people were recovering in the nearby Catania and Acireale hospitals, Il Corriere reported.

Tourists had been drawn to Etna to observe the spectacle of the active volcano erupting, only to be caught by surprise when spewing magma hit snow, causing an explosion.

The president of the Italian Alpine Club chapter in Catania, Umberto Marino, was traveling up the volcano in a snowcat when injured people started running in his direction.

The material thrown into the air fell back down, striking the heads and bodies of people who were closest," Marino was quoted by the Catania Today website as saying.

The BBC's global science reporter, Rebecca Morelle, also was on the mountain, and described the experience in a series of tweets.

Running down a mountain pelted by rocks, dodging burning boulders and boiling steam not an experience I ever ever want to repeat," she wrote.



The BBC crew was shaken, but physically OK, having suffered cuts, bruises and burns, she wrote.



Morelle said the explosion was "a reminder of how dangerous (and) unpredictable volcanoes can be."



Mount Etna has been active for the past two days, creating a visual spectacle as it spews lava and ash into the air. A new lava flow started from the southeastern crater on Wednesday.



Fox News Courtney Walsh and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Netherlands Prime Minister Mark Rutte is meeting with leaders of other political parties in his first effort to form a new government after his party's win in Wednesdays election -- while far-right populist politician Geert Wilders vowed on Twitter to keep fighting on behalf of his party.

While Wilders' party gained seats since the last parliamentary election and secured second place, he performed under earlier expectations.

DUTCH PM RUTTE CLAIMS WIN OVER 'WRONG KIND OF POPULISM'

Rutte is portraying his win as a repudiation of the "wrong kind of populism."

"It seems the populist revolt in Holland has been stopped," Wierd Duk, a political correspondent for the Dutch daily newspaper Algemeen Dagblad, or AD, told Fox News.

NETHERLANDS ELECTION TESTS POPULISM IN EUROPE AS 'DUTCH TRUMP' CAUSES STIR

Analysts here say dislike of the policies of the Trump administration could have played a role in Wilders loss. The populist politician has been dubbed the "Dutch Donald Trump."

But others have noted that Rutte and other politicians have adopted many of Wilders controversial positions on immigration, integration and nationalism  meaning the far-right politician had far-reaching impact.

"He influences debate from the sideline," Duk said.

This vote was also seen as a bellwether for upcoming votes in France, Germany and possibly Italy. Populist lines are playing big there, too.

Politicians all across Europe were closely watching the developments in the Netherlands.

The message for them, according to Duk: "Take your citizens more seriously. Listen to them. Listen to what they have to say."

Wilders hinted in a tweet overnight that he was not going anywhere anytime soon.

"You haven't gotten rid of me yet!"
French authorities are working with officials in Greece to determine if a Greek anarchist group was behind the letter bomb attack that left one injured at the International Monetary Fund office in Paris early Thursday.

The group, called Conspiracy Cells of Fire, claimed responsibility for a failed letter bomb sent to the German Finance Minister on Wednesday. French authorities are investigating if there is a link to the IMF letter bomb.

French President Francois Hollande called Thursday's explosion in Paris "an attack" and said the government would do "everything to find out the origin of this malicious act."

SHOOTING AT HIGH SCHOOL IN SOUTHERN FRANCE, POLICE SAY

Hollande noted "a similarity with another event of the same nature in Berlin. ... We are trying to establish the causes of what happened as part of an international investigation."

After the late-morning explosion in Paris, employees of the IMF office in a chic district of western Paris were evacuated while armed military officers and police guarded the area.

It was unclear who sent the homemade explosive, which was like a "big firecracker" and sent by regular mail, Paris police chief Michel Cadot said. He said the IMF office had received threatening phone calls in recent days but they were not necessarily linked to Thursday's incident.

DUTCH PM RUTTE CLAIMS WIN OVER 'WRONG KIND OF POPULISM'

IMF director Christine Lagarde, who is French, said in a statement that she was informed about the explosion while on a trip to Germany. "I condemn this cowardly act of violence and reaffirm the IMF's resolve to continue our work in line with our mandate," she said.

The secretary who opened the letter was injured by shrapnel in the face and hurt in the eardrum because of a "rather violent noise," the police chief said.

Police searched all four floors of the building, Cadot said. No one else was injured and only light damages were incurred.

France has been on high alert after a string of deadly Islamic extremist attacks over the past two years.

The most recent attack happened last month when a machete-wielding assailant shouting Allahu Akbar! was shot by soldiers stationed outside the Louvre Museum. The attacked, who was shot four times after injuring a soldier, was identified as Egyptian-born Abdullah Reda Refaie al-Hamahmy, 28.

A Greek public order ministry official said French authorities sent Greek police photographs of the blast site, which are being examined by Greece's anti-terrorism squad.

Greek authorities were awaiting information on potential evidence from the injured secretary in the hope she might remember details about the sender's address, the ministry official said.

The official spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity, which is customary in cases involving criminal investigations.

The Greek group that claimed responsibility for the German bombing, Conspiracy Cells of Fire, claimed in an online posting Thursday on a Greek left-wing website that the attack was part of a concerted campaign by international anarchist groups.

Many Greeks resent austerity measures imposed by the IMF and the European Union and linked the financially troubled country's bailout.

The bomb sent to Germany, containing low-grade explosives like the ones used in fire crackers, was destroyed Wednesday before it could explode.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
On the heels of the British parliament's move this month to prohibit forcing women to wear high heels at work, some Canadian officials are making strides in enacting similar legislation.

Last week, Andrew Weaver, leader of the Green Party in the countrys westernmost province of British Columbia (B.C.) introduced a bill in the legislature seeking to amend the Workers Compensation Act to ensure that employers do not set varying footwear requirements for their employees based on gender, gender expression or gender identity.

SCHOOLGIRLS PROTEST DRESS CODE THEY SAY TEACHES BODY SHAME

Weaver told local reporters he was shocked to learn that numerous bars and restaurants in B.C. still had protocols mandating females wear high heels, inspiring him to push for a change. The bill has generated broad support from other political leaders, including Premier Christie Clark who called such a policy old-fashioned and unacceptable.

However, leaders in the U.K. and Canada arent the only ones shedding light on the hot-button issue. In January, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power added her own blistering thoughts.

The next petition, she wrote on Twitter, should be one requiring men to wear high heels for a 9 hour shift before they insist women do.

And while there's no doubt that high heels can indeed be uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous  causing bunions, spurs, stress fractures, bruises and arthritis  there is growing concern in the medical community that they can cause cancer too.

According to USC Professor of Medicine Dr. David Agus, the chronic discomfort produces low-level inflammation in the body, and that inflammation could lay the foundation for serious diseases like cancer.
A heavily-armed student was arrested after a shooting at a high school in southern France injured several people including the principal on Thursday, officials said.

Some students hid inside classrooms at the Alexis de Tocqueville high school in Grasse, while others bolted from the campus. Investigators said there were a total of 10 victims, four of whom were shot as others suffered from "emotional shock."

The attack was "the crazy act of a fragile young man fascinated by firearms," according to Education Minister Najat Vallaud-Belkacem, who visited the school Thursday. None of the injuries was considered life threatening.

LETTER BOMB EXPLODES AT IMF OFFICE IN FRANCE, 1 INJURED

The suspect was identified as 16-year-old Killian Barbey, according to a spokesman for France's interior ministry. Police said they had no indications this was an act of terror.

The student was making a series of threats when the principal tried to intervene -- "but unfortunately he didn't succeed," according to Christian Estrosi, president of the regional council that includes Grasse.

The teen carried a rifle, two handguns and two grenades, a police source told Reuters.

DUTCH PM RUTTE CLAIMS WIN OVER 'WRONG KIND OF POPULISM'

"It was total panic," a stunned student, identified as Andreas, told BFM-TV. "I was downstairs ... We started to run. I was with a buddy and we took refuge upstairs. Then, the riot police arrived."

Andreas added, "We hear this kind of thing in Paris. Now we understand what it is."

By the middle of the afternoon, Interior Ministry spokesman Pierre-Henry Brandet said all students at the school were safe. Police initially warned a second suspect may have been on the loose before saying there appeared to be just one shooter, BFM-TV added.

In the aftermath of the shooting, French President Francois Hollande urged the country to stay "vigilant." The attack unfolded the same day a letter bomb exploded at the International Monetary Fund office in Paris, some 500 miles north of Grasse, a hub for the country's perfume industry.

The government sent out an attack alert through its mobile app, warning people in the Grasse area to stay inside, the BBC reported. The alert came in a system implemented by the government after the deadly November 2015 attacks in Paris.

Police closed off the area as dozens of students gathered in a nearby parking lot.

France remains in a state of emergency following the Paris massacre and an attack last year in the city of Nice, which is 25 miles away from Grasse.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Pirates who seized a Comoros-flagged oil tanker released the ship Thursday without conditions, according to a Somali official.

Security official Ahmed Mohamed told The Associated Press the pirates have disembarked the ship, which is now heading to Bossaso port, the region's commercial hub.

Mohamed said the release occurred after negotiations by local elders and local officials with the pirates, who seized the tanker on Monday and held eight Sri Lankan crew members hostage.

Earlier Thursday, Naval forces clashed with the pirates after they opened fire.

The hijacking of the Comoros-flagged tanker Aris 13 was the first such seizure of a large commercial vessel off Somalia since 2012.

Abdirizak Mohamed Ahmed, the director of Puntand's anti-piracy agency, confirmed the release of the ship Thursday night to the AP and said naval forces had boarded it to escort it to port.

The European Union anti-piracy operation in the region had said the pirates had been holding the crew captive and demanding a ransom.

Ahmed said the Puntland naval forces had been dispatched to the area not to free the ship by force but to cut off any supplies to the pirates.

"Attacking the ship will not help, but instead it will endanger the lives of the crew," he said.

Families of the crew members had tearfully pleaded for the men to be released unharmed. Somali pirates usually hijack ships and crew for ransom. They don't normally kill hostages unless they come under attack.

The ship had been carrying fuel from Djibouti to Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, on Monday when it was approached by men in two skiffs and the tanker issued a call for help.

The pirates told authorities that the only reason they seized the ship was in protest of the illegal fishing in the area that has threatened livelihoods, not for ransom, Mohamed said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
A man charged with murdering an American who went missing while walking along an ancient Spanish pilgrim route showed relief after leading investigators to the spot where her corpse was hidden, said a police officer who on Thursday testified as a witness in the ongoing homicide trial.

The officer, a sub-inspector in the homicide and missing persons division of Spain's judiciary police, told the regional court that the suspect, 41-year-old Miguel Angel Munoz Blas, appeared to be put at ease when the victim's remains were found.

"It was then that he showed relief, as if he'd rid himself of a heavy burden, which happens often in such crimes, especially when the perpetrator isn't a professional murderer," said the officer, who has served as a homicide investigator for over two decades.

BODY FOUND IN CASE OF MISSING AMERICAN WOMAN ON PILGRIMAGE, SPAIN SAYS

Munoz allegedly killed Denise Pikka Thiem, a 41-year-old tourist from Arizona, on Apr. 5, 2015 while she was traveling the famous Spanish Way of St. James, one of the world's most-traveled pilgrimage routes, near Astorga, Leon province, located some 211 miles to the northwest of Madrid.

He was arrested six months later on Sept. 11 in the town of Grandas de Salime (Asturias), and quickly told police he wished to cooperate, eventually leading them to the location of the body.

The maimed cadaver was found in a remote field just a mile and a half away from his home.

The coroner's report showed that Thiem had died as a result of severe brain injuries caused by repeated blows to the head.

The sub-inspector, who took part in the manhunt for the killer in the six months leading to Munoz's arrest, said the suspect had spoken on the phone for 45 minutes with his ex-partner on Apr. 6, which contrasted with his habitual short calls.

MYSTERY SURROUNDS DISAPPEARANCE OF AMERICAN WOMAN ON ANCIENT CATHOLIC PILGRIMAGE IN SPAIN

"It's what I call the 'venting call,' which occurs when someone has committed an extremely grave act and feels the need to talk to somebody they fully trust to keep on feeling like a human being," he explained.

The officer added that Munoz was considered the homicide's prime suspect since the very beginning, pointing out that he had been in contact with both the Colombian FARC guerrilla and the Zapatista Army of National Liberation - a Mexican revolutionary group - and had previously been involved in anti-globalization activism.

The trial got underway on Monday before a nine-person jury and is expected to last until Apr. 13.

The public prosecutor has asked for a sentence of 25 years in prison for Munoz: 20 years for the murder charge and five years on a count of theft with violence.

The latter is due to Munoz also being accused of stealing over $1,100 that Thiem was carrying at the time of her death.

While he initially confessed to the murder, Munoz later retracted his confession and claimed he had only found the body.

Investigators believe he lured Thiem by painting false arrows that diverted her from the recognized route toward his secluded farmhouse.

The Way of St. James, known in Spanish as El Camino de Santiago, has for centuries led pilgrims and tourists to the northwestern city of Santiago de Compostela, where the cathedral is believed to contain the hallowed remains of the Biblical figure and martyr James the Greater, son of Zebedee, one of the 12 apostles of Jesus.
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Victoria's Secret limited edition Very Sexy Now fragrance for 2017 arrives in vivid, colorful packaging with a vintage floral print, in line with the current fashion trends. The fragrance contains an exclusive note of Mariposa flower, allegedly sought in Cubas lush Soroa Reserve.

"Destination: Sexy.

All sexy. No borders. Summer ignites with this island-inspired scent. Like hot sun on exotic blooms after a rush of rain showers."





The composition is an exotic floral - fruity, made of tropical guava, mariposa flower and Soroa coconut. Mariposa flower (Calochortus) reportedly provides a green freshness and brightness throughout the composition.

The face of the advertising campaign is Portuguese model and "Angel" Sara Sampaio, shot by James Russell. The fragrance is available as a 50 and 100 ml Eau de Parfum, 10 ml rollerball, 250 ml Fragrance Mist and Body Lotion.

EAU DE PARFUM $68/3.4 oz, $52/1.7 oz

EAU DE PARFUM ROLLERBALL $18/.23 oz

FRAGRANCE MIST $25/8.4 oz

A lighter touch of fragrance.

FRAGRANCE LOTION $25/8.4 oz

Silky, fragrant softness.
In the United States, St. Patricks Day celebrations lean on Irish cliches and stereotypes, and the same can be expected at plenty of pubs and restaurants in the Fredericksburg area. But there are some businesses here with legitimateand strongties to Ireland.

One of Stafford Countys biggest employers is Greencore, a manufacturer of convenience store foods. About 400 employees work at its factory off U.S. 17, but the company is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland.

Greencore continues to be an asset to Stafford County, said George Washington District Supervisor Bob Thomas. Its an international business known for using Virginia agriculture products, including meats and produce, in the 80,000 sandwiches it prepares daily.

Enterprise Ireland, an Irish government organization responsible for the development of Irish businesses in world markets, announced last week that Enterprise Ireland companies support more than 80,000 jobs in the U.S.

According to Enterprise Ireland, there are 700 companies like Greencore operating in the U.S. In 2016, Irish companies established 55 new U.S. operations.

Greencore is the largest Irish company in the region, where most of the Irish-focused businesses are in the service or retail industries.

J. Brians Tap Room has been in business on Hanover Street since 1994 and will celebrate St. Patricks Day with the sentiment it touts daily: Slainte (good health).

Owners Jack and Karen Hyland have owned previous bars. And Jack Hylands bar-keeping legacy goes back to his grandfather, Ireland native Harry Dougan. Hyland has spent 35 St. Patricks Days behind the bar. His only celebration is a shot of Jameson Irish Whiskey at the end of the night.

Raised in an Irish Catholic household, he said the American celebration of St. Patricks Day is not very authentic, but he attempts to keep it closer to the Irish tradition by serving Guinness and Harp and no green beer.

Nearby in downtown Fredericksburg is Irish Eyes, a store founded by Bernadette and Mike Esler in 1986. Shes from Galway, Ireland, and hes from a town in Ireland called Longford. They came here to be close to family in Northern Virginia and found Fredericksburg, which reminded them of an Irish village.

The couple celebrates the holiday every year with a traditional, religious St. Patrick in full garb, hearing confessions and offering spiritual forgiveness. Mike Esler said they also host the worlds largest leprechaun and world smallest St. Patricks Day parade.

Bernadette Esler attributes the longevity of the shop to the loyalty the Irish have to their heritage. Mike Esler said their customers keep their heritage alive with specialty items for big moments in their lives from the cradle to the grave.

In Stafford County, Paddys Steakhouse and Pub was opened in 2002 by Paddy and Helen Brosnan. Helen Brosnan said St. Patricks Day is their biggest day of the year and that she has been prepping all week.

Paddy Brosnan was born in Ireland, so when they opened a restaurant, they wanted to stay true to his heritage.

We get a lot of military and Quantico customers, Helen Brosnan said. Im always surprised how many have Irish ties.

St. Patricks Day is a double celebration for The Colonial Tavern in Fredericksburg, which bills itself as Home to the Irish Brigade. It was founded on March 17, 13 years ago. Owner Terri Hubbell said she looks forward to itits their biggest day of the year.

There are no strangers here, only friends yet to meet, Hubbell said.
The live adaptation of the Disney fairy tale finally arrives, perhaps the most anticipated Disney film ever. The story, with a widened mythology, revolves around a young prince, imprisoned in the form of a beast, who can only be freed by true love. His chance arrives when he meets Belle, the only human girl to visit the castle since it was enchanted. With Emma Watson, Dan Stevens, Luke Evans, Kevin Kline, Ewan McGregor, Ian McKellen, Emma Thompson, Stanley Tucci. Rated PG for some action violence, peril and frightening images. 129 min. [MC, RF]
Dr. Tim Powell had finished asking Sandra Dunlap about her diabetes and therapy treatments when he said something that caught her off guard.

He told her hes leaving Fredericksburg Christian Health Center this summer to teach medical school and to work with needy patients in North Carolina.

Youre not going to be here anymore? the 74-year-old Fredericksburg woman asked in disbelief. Well, sugar beets. Thats not right.

Dunlap has been a patient of Powell since he came to the area in 1993. Shes watched his four daughters grow up as shes followed him from two private practices to the current center, a faith-based clinic behind BJs Wholesale Club off State Route 3.

There, hes used a combination of grants, donations and insurance payments from patients such as Dunlap to provide $3 million worth of free care to the uninsured since 2003.

When you find somebody good who knows you and treats you well, you dont want to give him up, Dunlap said. Then, before the tears started, she sighed and said: If its meant to be, you should go.

The patient and doctor agreed they would have a good cryand prayerduring her next visit in June.

As Powell turned to leave the examining room, Dunlap said: I love you, Dr. Powell.

I love you, too, he responded.

Its hard to say how many similar exchanges the soft-spoken Powell, 54, will have through August, when he and his wife, Laura, a family nurse practitioner at the clinic, leave the area.

By then, their daughters will have graduated from high school or be headed to medical school, so it will be a good time to make the move, he said.

Laura Powell will look for a similar practice in North Carolina while her husband joins the faculty of the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University in Greenville.

I will mentor and teach the next generation of doctors, he said in his a letter to his patients, encouraging them to go into primary care and to serve the poor.

HOMETOWN MISSIONARY

Powell finished his residency at Vanderbilt University Hospital in 1993, then came to Fredericksburg, where he worked for Pratt Medical Center in Garrisonville and later started the Lees Hill Medical Associates.

He chose the combined field of internal medicine and pediatrics because he liked getting to know his patients. He said he didnt want to be a specialist, where you see them once, get them better and never see them again.

Things were going well, but there was a still, small voice he couldnt ignore.

Powell felt called by God to help the less fortunate. He considered moving his family to Africa, then decided to stay and help his neighbors.

He wanted to be a missionary, and he wanted to do it in his own hometown, and thats what hes done, said Mike Jones, owner of Tricord Homes. Hes an amazing man. I dont know that people appreciate all that hes done.

Jones liked the idea of a medical clinic uniting various churches in the common good of helping the poor. He and his business partner, Craig Jones, have given the clinic free space in a one-story brick building off Heatherstone Drive, in the same complex as Grace Church.

W.J. Vakos and Co. did the same thing at a satellite clinic at Spotsylvania Courthouse, where center staff see patients once a week or every other week.

The Mary Washington Hospital Foundation initially gave the clinic $200,000 a year, but a trust fund providing half that money dried up last year, said Dr. Theron Stinar. He joined the clinic three years ago and will take over when Powell leaves.

Ive got some big shoes to fill, Stinar said, adding hes a little worried about losing half the funding and the clinic founder. But I trust that God is going to provide.

PHENOMENAL SUCCESS

All along, Powell has followed the same model. He didnt want to rely totally on grants and donations, so he aimed to serve a mix of patients. About 70 percent have insurance, and 30 percent do not. Because the clinic is faith-based and staff members offer to pray with the patients, it isnt eligible for state or federal funds.

Since January 2003, the clinic has provided about 40,000 visits to uninsured people. Thats an average of 3,000 appointments annually for 1,000 patients. Many have been like Dunlap and stayed with him over the years to the point Powell has served four generations of some families.

The success of the clinic has been phenomenal, said M. Stephen Mandell Jr., senior medical director and vice president of Mary Washington Hospital. These patients would have been forced to delay their health care until urgent needs ariseplacing more pressure on an otherwise heavily burdened health care system.

Sue Dodson of Caroline County would be in that boat. She lost her health insurance when her husband died 10 years ago. Shes 64, too young for Medicare, and doesnt know how she could have afforded treatment for her diabetes without the center and Powell.

Hes just a great doctor, Dodson said. Very thorough.

A people person, added Dodsons daughter, Teresa Clary. This clinic has been a blessing for her.

Mandell, Powell and Stinar hope the clinic will be able to take on more uninsured patients. Several times in recent years, when the economy dipped or donations lagged, the clinic had to stop taking new patients without insurance. Stinar would like to change that trend and serve an even larger percentage of the estimated 16,000 adults in the region without health insurance.

The need is so great out there, Stinar said.

And, while Powell pioneered the model of the faith-based clinic, many others in the community have rallied behind it, Mandell said.

I do believe the heart and passion for the ministry will continue to be supported and sustained, Mandell said.
Authorities are investigating a gun shop burglary in Spotsylvania County this week and say it occurred shortly before an attempted break-in at a Fredericksburg gun store.

Police said its too early to say whether there is a connection.

The Spotsylvania break-in happened at about 5:10 a.m. Tuesday, according to the county Sheriffs Office, which is not releasing details on the incident.

An employee of the Spotsylvania shop, Ash Tactical, told The Free LanceStar that two disguised people broke into the building, which is off of U.S. 1 at the Harrison Road intersection. The employee said video surveillance shows the thieves approaching the store in a U-Haul van and using a hammer to break the glass door to enter the store.

But the guns were locked up in vaults, so the burglars instead stole a cash box that had about $100 in it. The employee said it will cost about $500 to repair the door.

About half an hour after that break-in, two hooded men attempted to break into SSG Tactical in the Westwood Office Park in Fredericksburg. One of the men shattered the glass door, but couldnt get past a locked metal gate and left.

The burglars didnt stay long at either business, leaving within a few minutes.

The Fredericksburg Police Department is investigating the attempted burglary of SSG.

Spokeswoman Sarah Kirkpatrick said there is no way to know for certain if the break-ins are related.

There was a similar burglary at a Chantilly gun store over the weekend.

On Saturday morning, three men broke into the 50 West Armory shop in Chantilly and made off with 35 guns, according to the Fairfax County Police Department.

The break-ins came on the heels of arrests made in a suspected major gun-running ring in which suspects bought guns in Virginia and sold them in New York, according to news reports. Two dozen suspects, mostly from the Virginia Beach area, were arrested last week in a sting police called Operation Tidal Wave.
Fredericksburg City Manager Tim Baroody is proposing a $93.5 million general fund budget for the coming year that includes increases in funding for city schools and salaries for city employees, along with higher real estate taxes and fees.

The budget he presented to City Council on Tuesday is 3.44 percent higher than the current budget, and would raise the real estate tax from 77 cents to 80 cents per $100 of assessed value, if approved. Two-thirds of the tax increase would go toward general government expenses and one-third would go toward federally mandated stormwater management.

Baroody also recommended a 2 percent increase in the water rate and a 4 percent sewer rate increase. That would mean a family using 10,000 gallons of water a month could expect to spend $5.76 more on their bimonthly bill for water and sewer in fiscal year 2018an annual increase of $34.53, according to Assistant City Manager Mark Whitley. The proposed budget also calls for an increase in planning and land development fees to put them on par with nearby localities.

The budget anticipates nearly $2.9 million in revenue growth. It would also use $2.75 million in reserve funds, which Baroody said is less that what has been taken out in the past.

Fredericksburg City Schools would receive $28.56 million, which is less than the nearly $29.2 million the School Board requested. It includes an $800,000 increase from the current budget for the school operating fund, a $530,000 increase for debt service related to renovation of the Original WalkerGrant building, and $2 million for the capital fund, which would include payment for buses, roof replacement and HVAC replacements. Baroodys recommended capital improvement plan for fiscal years 2018-22 includes a new elementary school, with construction suggested for 2022.

Other expenses include an additional $471,421 in the citys share of funding for the Rappahannock Regional Jail and $655,920 to provide raises for city employees.

Baroody said that a study by Evergreen Solutions found their salaries were modestly off the market by 6 percent when compared to 14 other Virginia localities and the private sector. The study also found that city benefits were generally comparable, he said, but many employees dont work a full 40-hour week.

His proposed 2018 budget includes a new pay scale with fewer grades and a broader band between minimum and maximum pay for various positions. Pay changes will be done in three phases, with employees who are now below the new minimum for their range being brought up to the minimum in the first phase and employees receiving an equity adjustment in the second phase. The proposed budget also includes partial funding for those who remain below the market/midpoint of their new range to get closer to the midpoint. The budget would institute a 40-hour work week and provide funding for tuition and training.

Baroody also proposed having the city take over maintenance of the Central Rappahannock Regional Librarys headquarters building and grounds.

It is better kept with city resources than library resources, he said. That jewel obviously deserves higher attention, and we would like to offer that attention to the library downtown.

Baroody said city officials plan to borrow $5 million in late 2018 to begin building Riverfront Park. He plans to have recommendations for City Council at its March 28 meeting about easing the downtown parking crunch, and officials are reviewing city-owned real estate to see if more is needed or if some can be sold. He also said officials are working to improve communications between staff, City Council and the public, and may hire a full-time city communications officer in the future.

*Editor's note: Story has been updated to reflect corrections and clarifications.
Republican gubernatorial frontrunner Ed Gillespie unveiled a tax reform proposal today that would cut Virginia's individual income tax rate for the first time since 1972 and push cities and counties to scrap local business taxes.

Gillespie, a former Republican National Committee chairman and political consultant who holds significant polling and fundraising advantages over his three opponents in the Republican primary, called the tax reform plan the "centerpiece" of his economic message as the GOP looks to retake the Executive Mansion after years of Democratic control.

Gillespie is expected to roll out his call for an "across-the-board" cut at two campaign events today in Northern Virginia and an online town hall meeting tonight via Facebook Live.

The proposal centers on a 10 percent cut to the individual income tax rate phased in over three years if the state brings in enough new revenue to pay for it, an approach Gillespie said would prevent government services from being disrupted for lack of funding. When fully implemented, the cut would save an average family of four almost $1,300 per year, the Gillespie campaign said.

"That's a fiscally responsible approach and it would have a desperately needed impact for a lot of Virginia workers who haven't seen their wages rise in a long time but are paying higher costs for food and health care and colleges," Gillespie said on a call with reporters Wednesday night.

In recent polls, Gillespie has trailed both Democratic candidates for governor, Lt. Gov. Ralph S. Northam and former congressman Tom Perriello. Gillespie's call for tax reform, the first major policy announcement of his campaign, offers the most detailed insight yet into how Gillespie hopes to break the trend of GOP losses in Virginia's statewide elections.

Coming at a time when Virginia has faced steep budget shortfalls that caused raises for state employees and teachers to be put off, Gillespie's plan is likely to face scrutiny from skeptics who feel the state can't afford to forego new revenue. The Gillespie campaign said its tax relief plan would take up $1.3 billion, or around 40 percent, of a projected $3.4 billion in new revenue projected over the next five years.

Because many small business owners and entrepreneurs file taxes as individuals rather than corporations, Gillespie said his proposal would spur ground-up economic growth at a "critical juncture" in Virginia's history as the state slips in tax, business and growth rankings.

"If we don't change things, nothing's going to change and we are going to stay stuck," Gillespie said. "We have talked for decades about the need to diversify our economy. And that time is upon us."

Two conservative tax policy groups that conducted economic modeling for Gillespie's plan, the Thomas Jefferson Institute and the Beacon Hill Institute, projected it would produce more than 50,000 private-sector jobs and more than $300 million in new economic activity.

The tax cuts would be based on revenue triggers, meaning they would only kick in if the state takes in enough new money cover the cost. It's unclear what economic conditions would have to be met for the tax cuts to occur. Gillespie said the triggers would be designed at a later date by budget officials and the General Assembly.

Gillespie said he would look to save money to partially offset the tax cut by ending special tax carve-outs and cut "wasteful spending," though he declined to identify specific areas he would target.

At the local level, Gillespie's plan would force cities and counties to consider doing away with the Business and Professional Occupancy License tax (or BPOL), the machinery and tools tax and the merchants' capital tax, which the Gillespie campaign called growth-inhibiting taxes that are "vestiges of a prior era when Virginia's economy was growing by leaps and bounds." The proposal would set in motion a three-year expiration date for those taxes, which many localities rely on to balance their budgets, but would allow local governments to keep them if they so choose.

"I think many counties and cities will choose to stay with the current tax system that they have. And for them it will make sense," Gillespie said. "There will be others who will take advantage of an opportunity to fix something that we have talked about for a long time."

A state commission would be formed to help localities explore other ways to make up the revenue they would lose from ending local business taxes.

To execute the plan, Gillespie said he would appoint a cabinet-level advisor focused on tax reform and call a special General Assembly session on taxes in the fall of 2018.

Two Republican lawmakers who could help shepherd the tax cuts through the legislature - House of Delegates Majority Leader M. Kirkland Cox, R-Colonial Heights, and Sen. Mark D-Obenshain, R-Rockingam - joined Gillespie on the press call.

"I think it will do more to jumpstart the Virginia economy than anything else we can do," said Cox, who will become House speaker next year if Republicans hold their majority in this year's House races.

Gillespie is competing for the Republican gubernatorial nomination with Prince William County Board of Supervisors Chairman Corey Stewart, state Sen. Frank W. Wagner, R-Virginia Beach, and distillery owner Denver Riggleman.
SMALL businesses and startups are responsible for a big chunk of U.S. economic growth and job creation. Unfortunately, many of them are stymied by local, state and federal regulation.

The good news is that the Regulatory Flexibility Act, originally enacted in 1980, could provide a lot of help. If the Trump administration pays attention it could give that tired old law a lot more energy to promote economic goals.

The law focuses on small entitiesnot only businesses but also nonprofits and small governmental units such as towns and school districts. It recognizes that small entities often bear no responsibility for health and safety problems that give rise to regulation; that regulation deters entrepreneurs from innovating; that treating small entities the same as large ones impairs productivity; that regulation is often a barrier to entry; and that it can be easy for big companies, and tough for small ones, to comply with federal mandates.

To reduce the problem, the Regulatory Flexibility Act directs federal agencies to identify and reassess rules that have a significant economic impact upon a substantial number of small entities. The legal requirement is simple: Ten years after rules are finalized, agencies have to determine whether they are having such an impact, and must decide whether they should be amended or rescinded.

These reassessments have led some agencies to reduce regulatory burdensfor example, by eliminating excessive paperwork. But the overall results have been disappointing, failing to deliver anything like the kinds of savings for which the laws advocates originally hoped.

Thats where the Trump administration comes in. One of its quieter executive orders, issued last month, calls for Regulatory Reform Task Forces within each agency to produce recommendations to repeal, replace or modify regulations. Though the executive order requires the task forces to engage with small businesses, it does not say one word about the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

Thats a big gap that the task forces should fill. By linking regulatory reform efforts with the 1980 law, and by eliminating unjustified burdens on small entities, the Trump administration could give them a real boost.

The law also aims to protect small entities from new regulations by requiring agencies to produce a regulatory flexibility analysis, which explores not only the likely effects of new rules on small entities but also the possibility of giving them exemptions.

Under the law, the Office of Advocacy of the Small Business Administration acts as a conduit to federal agencies, warning them about proposed regulations that are giving heartburn to small businesses. As a result, federal agencies have sometimes responded by giving real flexi-bility to small business.

Last year, for example, the Department of Energy reduced energy-efficiency requirements for small manufacturers of beverage vending machines, thus saving them over $500,000. But over the years, small entities have often complained that agencies do not treat either the Office of Advocacy or the regulatory flexibility law with a lot of respect. Because agencies are focused on their primary missions (clean air, worker safety, highway safety), pleas for greater flexibility often fall on deaf ears.

A 2011 memorandum from President Barack Obama directed agencies to offer flexi-bility to small entities unless they justified their failure to do so. That was a start, but the Trump administration could go further. It could make explicit provision for public outreach to small entities whenever it appears that they will be adversely affected by a regulation.

To be sure, small entities are not entitled to automatic exemptions from regulations. Whether large or small, companies should not be allowed to impose serious health risks on their workers. But it always makes sense to ask whether the arguments that justify regulation really apply to small companies, or whether the costs of burdening them outweigh the benefits.

The Regulatory Flexibility Act was a terrific idea, but it hasnt realized its promise. If the Trump administration wants to reduce regulatory burdens on small entities, and to give the economy a boost in the process, it should shake the dust off this powerful tool and give it new force.

Cass R. Sunstein is a Bloomberg View columnist. He is the author of The World According to Star Wars.
Hidden Figures authors visit draws a crowd

The Central Rappahannock Regional Library owes a big thank you to the University of Mary Washington for donating Dodd Auditorium and helping us host celebrated author Margot Lee Shetterly.

More than 1,500 people attended her uplifting March 4 presentation, and she generously spent two hours signing a book for everyone who waited. It was wonderful to see so many community members in attendance, and we were thrilled that folks came from as far as Maryland to attend.

Doug Noble, director of Dodd Auditorium, and his team ensured everything went smoothly and were unfazed by the long lines and tremendous crowds. Susan Worrell, special assistant to the president for university events, made sure we had everything we needed for CRRLs culminating event celebrating this years Rappahannock Reads.

The Hidden Figures event would not have been possible without UMWs willing and excellent partnership. Wed also like to thank the University of Mary Washington Libraries and University Librarian Rosemary Arneson for being platinum sponsors and to thank all of the sponsors who helped make the day possible.

They understand the power of CRRL to transform lives, offer unique experiences and provide lifelong learning for everyone in our community!

Martha Hutzel

Fredericksburg

The writer is the director of the Central Rappahannock Regional Library.
8 pm.

(4) (NBC) (12) (NBC) Superstore Jonah accompanies Amy on a trip to help her mom and dad move out of their home. Meanwhile, Glenn desperately wants to win the newly minted Cloud 9 Integrity Award. (N) (HD)

(20) (MNT) Bones When human remains are found alongside the railroad, Brennan and Booth are called to the case. The bones belong to Levi Yoder, a piano prodigy and a member of the Amish community who disappeared roughly two months prior to his Rumspringa. (R) (HD)

(50) (CW) (65) (CW) The Vampire Diaries With the fate of Mystic Falls at stake, Stefan and Damon must fight their greatest enemy for one last battle. (R) (HD)

(66) (ION) Blue Bloods When a newspaper reporter is targeted while wearing NYPD gear on a ride-along with Jamie and Eddie, Frank puts Danny and Baez on the hunt for the shooter who may be out for other members on the force. (R)

(A&E) The First 48 In DeKalb County, a detective investigates the murder of an 18-year-old male, gunned down in an apartment complex. (R) (HD)

(BET) The Quad Cecil Diamond tries to make amends with his sister before the Battle of the Bands. Meanwhile, Eva faces an ugly spousal support battle with Derek, and Noni runs into more band trouble. (R) (HD)

(BRAVO) The Real Housewives of Atlanta Extinguishing all hope of a peaceful getaway, the groups first dinner in Maui escalates to new heights as Kandi and Porsha erupt over whos to blame for the salacious rumors that have surfaced. Kandi plans a speed boat adventure without Porsha. (R)

(FX) Lets Be Cops (2014, Action/Comedy) Two goofball buddies are mistaken for real cops when they dress up as police officers for a costume party. Fighting crime is all fun and games until they become wrapped up in a web of real mobsters and crooked detectives.

(HGTV) Flip or Flop Tarek and Christina head to Santa Ana to check out an off-market listing. It appears to be in good shape, has a great layout, and with strong comparable sales in the area, this home could be a great buy. (R) (HD)

8:30 pm.

(4) (NBC) (12) (NBC) Trial & Error When poetry professor, Larry Henderson, is arrested for the brutal murder of his wife, lawyer Josh Segal comes from New York City to defend his first big case. (R) (HD)

9 pm.

(20) (MNT) Bones Brennan and Booth investigate human remains found at a neighborhood block party. Suburban politics and secret scandals give each neighbor in the cul-de-sac a motive, leaving Brennan, Booth and Sweets to sift through the drama to find their suspect. (R) (HD)

(30) (MHz) The Undertaker Luc and Dorig investigate the death of a local butcher found boiled in a vat of his own blood sausage. (R)

(66) (ION) Blue Bloods When Jamie is caught on camera committing what could be construed as police brutality at an anti-policy demonstration, Frank is forced to turn the case over to internal affairs. Also, Danny and Baez investigate a rape case involving an attorney. (R)

(A&E) 60 Days In As participants settle into Fulton County Jail and new ones enter, inmate suspicions and power-plays keep everyone on edge. (N) (HD)

(CNBC) Shark Tank Two men from Orlando, Fla., try to hook the Sharks into a deal with their fishing bobber made from a real shotgun shell. (R)

(COMC) Tosh.0 Daniel channels his inner game show host, makes up a musical and exposes a government cover-up with global implications. (R) (HD)

(E!) Keeping Up With the Kardashians With Robs baby only a month away, the family is excited to celebrate and go all out to plan a baby shower for the couple, but, when Rob and Chyna get into a fight, the party is ruined. (R) (HD)

(FOOD) Chopped Dumplings are the theme for this competition, as the chefs are instructed to make stuffed morsels of dough inspired by any part of the world. A flavorful pork product and a Japanese condiment make up part of the first mystery basket. (R) (HD)

(USA) Law & Order: Special Victims Unit A high school student plans a clandestine hookup with his female teacher but ends up in a far more sinister situation. (R) (HD)

(5) (FOX) (35) (FOX) Kicking & Screaming When Kirsten struggles with a serious allergic reaction, she and her partner worry that their team may be in jeopardy. Then, as the teams enter the weeks prize challenge, they quickly realize that rivalries are already forming. (N) (HD)

10 pm.

(7) (ABC) (8) (ABC) The Catch The AVI team takes on a difficult and unlikely client being hunted by a sharpshooting assassin. Meanwhile, Alice struggles to keep Tommy out of trouble as Rhys and Ben are tempted by old tricks. (N) (HD)

(26) (PBS) Brainfit: 50 Ways to Grow Your Brain With Daniel Amen, MD and Tana Amen, RN Dr. Daniel Amen and Tana Amen share their best secrets to ignite your energy and focus at any age. (R)

(30) (MHz) The Undertaker Luc tries to prevent a tragedy as Pedro launches a sting operation against the organ trafficking ring. (R)

(66) (ION) Blue Bloods Erin is overwhelmed with guilt after a man she set free is accused of killing a cop. Also, Frank and Mayor Poole continue their game of political chicken over Franks reappointment as commissioner, and Danny and Baez investigate a case of a missing cop. (R)

(COMC) Review After surviving last seasons big fall, Forrest gets back to work by reviewing a Mexican restaurants new product, the experience of putting a pet to sleep and what its like to live his dream. (N) (HD)

(DISC) Street Outlaws Chief decides to put on a first-of-its-kind team race-off. Detroit, New York and California each bring a team to compete against OKC. Five of the 405s most OG racers step up to prove again that OKC has the fastest group of street racers in the country. (N) (HD)

(E!) Keeping Up With the Kardashians During a trip to Miami, a major department store makes an offer to buy Dash that leads to Kim, Kourtney, and Khloe arguing about the stores future. Later, Kourtney struggles to enjoy herself around Scott and Khloe keeps her new relationship from Kim. (R) (HD)
First-term Irmo Mayor Barry Walker announced Sept. 26 that he had tested positive for the coronavirus. The mayors wife, Susan, also got COVD-19, Walker said on social media. As you know Im a kidney patient and require weekly dialysis, Walker wrote. This virus compromises my immune syste Read moreWhat You Missed: Irmo Mayor Barry Walker gets COVID-19
The New Land of Opportunities is Cold, but Friendly

Many Americans want nothing more than to have the equal opportunity to achieve success and prosperity through hard work, determination, and sheer sticktoitiveness.  But research from the Pew Research Center suggests that there is a growing gap between the countrys rich and poor. As the middle class gets squeezed it is becoming harder for people to realize their dreams. Some consumers in the lower class are in so much financial distress, they cant even afford to pay their electricity bills. Excuse the pun but these could very well be the darkest times of their lives, literally.

But there is a silver lining to all this. According to Scott Gilmore, a columnist for Macleans magazine, Canada is a better place than the United States to find life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness by virtually every measure.  So maybe the American dream hasnt died. It just moved north.

Canadians are more likely to have college degrees, be employed, own a home, take more vacation days, and even live longer than our neighbours to the south.  Scott says one contributing factor to a better life in Canada is thanks to our more affordable, public healthcare system. We dont have people here going bankrupt because of medical bills. We may have to wait longer than Americans to get treatment. But at least Canadians are less likely to take extreme measures to pay for high healthcare expenses.

Economic mobility is also higher in Canada. According to Scott, Canadians are twice as likely to move from the poorest quintile of the population to the wealthiest quintile compared to Americans. Similarly, the link between the income of a parent and a child is half as strong in Canada. In other words, individuals have more influence over their future outcomes than the environment they are born into.  Canadians are also 6 times less likely to be incarcerated.

The rest of the world seems to be aware of Canadas opportunities. Refugees and asylum seekers in the United States are fleeing into Canada hoping for a better future. In Latin America, migrants are crossing the U.S. border and continuing to travel north so they can reach Canada. And in overseas countries, ESL students are increasingly choosing Canada over the U.S. I work for a private college. About one in three students are from abroad. With Canada being a hotbed for new immigrants its no surprise that our real estate market continues to be an attractive asset class.

The former Canadian prime minister, Sir Wilfrid Laurier, once claimed that Canada shall be the star towards which all men who love progress and freedom shall come. It looks like he was right. 

__________________________________

Random Useless Fact:

According to an Ipsos survey in 2016, roughly 3 in 10 Canadian drivers dont use winter tires during the winter months.
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Story Highlights One in three attribute warmth to human-caused climate change

Reports of warmer winter greatest in the East, Midwest and South

Republicans, Democrats disagree on cause of temperature changes

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The 2016-2017 winter season was among the warmest on record across most of the U.S., and many Americans felt it: Nearly two in three (64%) say that winter temperatures in their local area were "warmer than usual." More of them, 35% of all Americans, attribute the warmer weather this winter to climate change, than to normal, year-to-year temperature variations (27%).

Americans' Reports of Local Weather Changes and the Perceived Cause Have temperatures in your local area been -- [ROTATED: colder than usual this winter, about the same (or) warmer than usual this winter]? (Asked of those who say the weather has been colder/warmer than usual:) Do you think temperatures are colder/warmer mainly due to -- [ROTATED: human-caused climate change (or to) normal year-to-year variation in temperatures]? 2017 % Warmer than usual 64 (Due to climate change) (35) (Due to normal variation) (27) About the same 22 Colder than usual 13 (Due to climate change) (6) (Due to normal variation) (7) March 1-5, 2017 GALLUP

While most Americans report having experienced warmer-than-usual temperatures, 22% of Americans say the winter's temperatures were "about the same," while 13% say they were "colder than usual."

These data, collected March 1-5 as part of Gallup's annual Environment poll, are similar to what Americans reported in 2016, another winter when most of the country experienced above-average temperatures.

Americans' assessments of winter temperatures, as measured each March for the past six years, have varied. In 2012, 2016 and 2017, the large majority said that temperatures were warmer than usual, while in 2014 and 2015, the view was that temperatures were colder than usual. Views in 2013 were mixed.

Generally, Americans' perceptions of temperature increases have been in line with the departure from January and February's temperature average, as recorded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Americans in the West More Likely to Have Experienced a Colder Winter

While the Southeast Regional Climate Center found that many cities across the country -- especially in the East -- had one of their warmest winters this season, this was not the case for certain areas in the Northwest, which experienced one of their coldest winters.

This bears out in how Americans living in different regions respond to the question. Large majorities of adults living in the East (82%), Midwest (78%) and South (73%) reported experiencing a warmer than usual winter, but just 21% of residents in the West said the same. Forty percent of Western residents said temperatures in their area were colder than usual and 37% said they were about the same.

Winter Temperatures Compared With Prior Winters, by Region East Midwest South West % % % % Colder than usual 4 7 4 40 About the same 13 15 22 37 Warmer than usual 82 78 73 21 March 1-5, 2017 GALLUP

Party Differences Over the Cause of Warmer Temperatures

Similar percentages of Republicans (61%), independents (64%) and Democrats (68%) say that temperatures were warmer than usual this winter. But these party groups differ over what caused the warmer temperatures.

Democrats are more inclined to attribute warmer temperatures to human-caused climate change, while Republicans generally see them as a result of normal variations in temperature.

Perceived Cause of Warmer Temperatures, by Party Groups Among those who say temperatures have been warmer than usual this winter Republicans Independents Democrats % % % Warmer than usual 61 64 68 (Due to climate change) 13 37 51 (Due to normal variation) 45 24 15 About the same 27 24 15 Colder than usual 11 12 16 (Due to climate change) 2 5 10 (Due to normal variation) 9 7 6 March 1-5, 2017 GALLUP

Bottom Line

According to NASA and the NOAA, 2016 had the warmest global surface temperature in modern record keeping. These trends appeared to carry over into the 2016-2017 winter, and a majority of Americans reported feeling the warmth.

Americans tend to attribute the unusually warm temperatures to human-caused climate change rather than normal variation in temperatures. But these perceptions are strongly influenced by one's political leanings. While Republicans and Democrats are about as likely to say the weather was warmer this season, they disagree on what caused it.

The politicization of this issue is reflected in the reversal of federal policies on climate change under the current Republican president, who is undoing many climate-conscious initiatives of his Democratic predecessor, from rewriting carbon emissions rules to minimizing the role climate change will have in decision-making across the government.

These data are available in Gallup Analytics.
Readers, we need your help to prove a merry Christmas for victims of domestic violence.
Dec. 13, 1925  Feb. 19, 2017

J Lowell Young, 91, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Feb. 19, 2017, at home in Corvallis attended by loved ones.

Lowell was born Dec. 13, 1925, in Perry, Utah, to Isaac Albert Young and Mary Elzada (Nelson) Young.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Ruth Ann (Jones) Young; son Gordon Young and wife Jeanne Young; daughters LoAnn Baker and husband Karl Baker, and Kathryn Arnold; husband Mike Arnold; son-in-law Thomas McCormack (Colene Young); 12 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and brothers Grant and Moylen Young.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Colene Young on Nov. 13, 2015; sisters Mary Stokes, Florence White, Dorothy Souter and Janet Johnston; Dean Young; and parents Isaac and Mary Elzada.

Lowell served in the United States Army Air Corps as a flight officer (navigator) between 1944 and 1946. After completing his church mission in New Zealand from 1947 to 1949, Lowell attended BYU where he met and fell in love with Ruth Ann. They married in Logan, Utah, on Sept. 15, 1950. Lowell received his bachelor of science degree from BYU in 1953 and continued his education at the Ohio State University, graduating only three years later with a Ph.D.

He spent his career in academia beginning as a research assistant post-graduate at the Ohio Agricultural Experiment Station, Columbus, 1953-1956 then as a postdoctoral fellow, 1956-1957. He moved with his family to Corvallis to become a chemist for the United States Department of Agricultures, Agricultural Research Service, 1957-1964, and a research chemist, 1964-1978. He was an assistant professor at Oregon State University, 1957-1963, associate professor, 1963-1978, professor of soil science, 1978-1988 retiring in 1988. During his career he authored over 70 publications and was associate editor for the Soil Science Society of America between 1975 and 1980. Lowell was honored in 2007 by Oregon State University as a Diamond Pioneer, an award recognizing accomplishments in agriculture and related fields.

Lowell was an avid lifelong student, teacher and leader pleading for the responsible stewardship of spaceship Earths resilient yet fragile bio-systems, including our life-sustaining soils, air and water. He contributed, via fundamental research, to knowledge about micro-size mineral, organic, and biological components of soils; about their composition and union into colloidal and micro-aggregate particulates; and about their interfaces, interaction and transformations with consequent overwhelming importance to soil stability, fertility and plant productivity. He led in the early recognition of nutrient and soil losses from erosion in Willamette Valley croplands. These efforts started studies in non-point or diffuse pollution of water in agricultural watersheds.

He cared deeply about our world and environment and in addition to his research and teaching was a long-time member, donor, and advocate to many environmental, progressive, social, and educational organizations including Nature Conservancy, Greenbelt Land Trust, Southern Poverty Legal Center, and both his alma maters.

Lowell will be deeply missed by his family and friends who will no doubt always remember and cherish his sharp wit, indomitable skepticism, and insatiable intellectual curiosity.

A graveside service will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 21, at the Oaklawn Cemetery in Corvallis. A celebration of life is planned for July 2017.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Benton Hospice Service.

Please leave your memories and condolences for the family at www.mchenryfuneralhome.com.
This log includes incidents in which there might have been a public disturbance or a risk to the public. Information comes from the Corvallis Police Department, the Benton County Sheriffs Office and Oregon State Police. It does not include all calls for service. The status of incidents might change after further investigation. Locations are approximate. People arrested or suspected in crimes are considered innocent until proven otherwise.

Benton County Sheriff's Office

TUESDAY, MARCH 14

RECKLESS DRIVING: 7:03 a.m., 29393 Bellfountain Road. A deputy arrested Justin James Allen Minor, 21, of Monroe, and charged him with reckless driving and reckless endangering following an injury crash on Bellfountain Road at the Consumers Power Inc. power substation. The deputy reported that the vehicle was traveling at a speed too fast for the conditions when it struck the guardrail and hit a power pole and high-voltage junction box. A passenger was transported to Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center for what were believed to be non-life threatening injuries.

TUESDAY, FEB. 28

SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY: 3:03 p.m., 4700 block Northwest Independence Highway, Albany. A woman reported that a green Honda Civic drove onto her property, and two people got out of the car and appeared to be "casing the house." A deputy ran a search on the license plate which was returned as coming from a stolen vehicle in Albany. The case was discontinued to lack of investigative leads.
THURSDAY

Biomass recovery, 9 a.m., Room 115, Richardson Hall, 3180 SW Jefferson Way, Corvallis. Bryent Daugherty, master of forestry candidate in sustainable forest management, will present his findings on Improving Large Trailer Access for Biomass Recovery in Steep Terrain. Daugherty is advised by John Sessions.

"The Oxford Handbook of Environmental Ethics," 2 p.m., Journey Room, Room 104, Memorial Union, 2501 SW Jefferson Way, Corvallis. This event will consist of 15- or 20-minute presentations by Holmes Rolston III, Steve Gardiner, Marion Hourdequin and Allen Thompson, followed by a panel discussion. Topics will include the ethics of geoengineering, the ethics of ecosystem management, anthropocentrism and environmental ethics in the Anthropocene.

FRIDAY

Oregon State University Anthropology Lecture Series, noon, Room 201A, Waldo Hall, 2250 SW Jefferson Way, Corvallis. Charles Klein, assistant professor of anthropology at Portland State University, will present "Real Talk: A Computer-Delivered Sexual Health Promotion Intervention for Black Gay Men." The event is part of the Anthropology Program's "Tan Sack" Lecture Series.

MARCH 23

"PERS and the 2017/18 Budget," 3 p.m., boardroom, Oregon State University Foundation, 850 SW 35th St., Corvallis. OSURA, the OSU Retirement Association, presents a talk on the Public Employees Retirement System by Tim Nesbitt, a former union leader, adviser to former Gov. John Kitzhaber, consultant on PERS issues to the Oregon Business Council, and columnist for the Oregonian/OregonLive.
New research by Professor Beth Shapiro of the UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute and University of Alberta Professor Duane Froese has identified North Americas oldest bison fossils and helped construct a bison genealogy establishing that a common maternal ancestor arrived between 130,000 and 195,000 years ago, during a previous ice age.

Shapiro, Froese and colleagues used new techniques for ancient DNA extraction and sequenced the mitochondrial genomes of more than 40 bison, including the two oldest bison fossils ever recovered. Comparing these genomes to additional Siberian and North American bison clarifies the earliest parts of the bison family tree.

There has long been a controversy about the timing of bison arrival in North America, said Shapiro. Bison arrival in North America marks the beginning of what geologists call the Rancholabrean Land Mammal Age, which is used to discriminate between different ecological periods in the continents history. Until recently, the fossil records from different parts of North America disagreed with each other, with a few fossil localities suggesting that bison arrived millions of years ago, but most old fossil sites showing no evidence of bison at all, Shapiro said. As new methods to date fossil localities emerged, the ages of the sites in North America with purportedly very old fossil bison have all been questioned, leaving the timing of bison arrival a mystery.

The new study explored fossil locations in Northern North America  the entry point for bison into the continent  and extracted DNA from two of the oldest bison fossils known on the continent. One from Chijees Bluff in the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation in northern Yukon, and another from Snowmass, Colorado.

Bison used what is called the Bering Land Bridge  a vast connection of land between Asia and North America  to cross from Asia into North America. The land bridge forms during ice ages, when much of the water on the planet becomes part of growing continental glaciers, making the sea level much lower than it is today, explained Shapiro. After they arrived in Alaska, they spread quickly across the continent, taking advantage of the rich grassland resources that were part of the ice age ecosystem.

While bison were not introduced by humans to North America, their rapid spread and diversification are hallmarks of an invasive species  and part of what make bisons role in the Great Plains ecosystem so significant. Bison arrived in North America and quickly came to dominate a grazing ecosystem that was previously reigned over by horses and mammoths for one million years, said Shapiro.

Reference:

Peter D. Heintzman, Duane Froese, John W. Ives, Andre E. R. Soares, Grant D. Zazula, Brandon Letts, Thomas D. Andrews, Jonathan C. Driver, Elizabeth Hall, P. Gregory Hare, Christopher N. Jass, Glen MacKay, John R. Southon, Mathias Stiller, Robin Woywitka, Marc A. Suchard, Beth Shapiro. Bison phylogeography constrains dispersal and viability of the Ice Free Corridor in western Canada. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2016; 113 (29): 8057 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1601077113

Note: The above post is reprinted from materials provided by University of California  Santa Cruz.
An opportunity for foodies and beer lovers to get lost in a world of food and drink from a hand-selected range of food trucks and breweries from around New Zealand.
Article

Protecting the worlds oceans  an important goal of Germanys climate diplomacy

The worlds oceans are vital to our survival. They regulate the global climate and are a source of food and income for billions of people. Only a very small part of the seas enjoys legal protection, however. Our diplomats are working in New York right now to change this state of affairs.
Google Allo app reveals search history to your friends News oi -Shilpa Hide your search history from Allo

Google Allo, an instant messaging app known for its smart reply and built-in assistant gained huge popularity among smartphone users. Now, the same app has made its way to headline because of its major privacy flaw.

A media report claimed that this app could let your friends view your search history without one's consent. This major glitch was identified by Recode's Tess Townsend while messaging his friend using Allo. This privacy flaw was found to affect group chats within Allo app and it is not just the search result, but Google Assistant have also attempted to share the address of the previous place of work.

Chrome Engineer illustrates the frustration of Google phone lovers

Townsaid explained this scenario as, "In the middle of our conversation, my friend directed Assistant to identify itself. Instead of offering a name or a pithy retort, it responded with a link from Harry Potter fan website Pottermore. The link led to an extract from 'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix,' the fifth book in J.K. Rowlings Harry Potter series. The response was not merely a non-sequitur. It was a result related to previous searches my friend said he had done a few days earlier."

If you are the kind of person who keeps clearing the search history often, then you need not panic. Otherwise, it would have been awful to see the Assistant popping up with some sensitive search result. Regarding this issue, Google spokesperson says, "We were notified about the Assistant in group chats not working as intended. We've fixed the issue and appreciate the report."

Google Allo has faced the similar criticism during its app launch as well. There were tweets by Whistleblower Edward Snowden saying that Allo is a Google app that records every message you ever send and makes it available to police upon request.

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OnePlus 3T Black Colette edition with 128GB storage goes official News oi -Abhinaya Prabhu Meet the OnePlus 3T Black Colette edition.

For the past two days, OnePlus has been teasing the launch a new device along with Colette, a French fashion and accessories brand. Prior to this, the company teased a wallpaper-kind of image making us believe that it is prepping to launch a black variant of the existing flagship. As teased OnePlus came up with an interesting announcement, which isn't a new product altogether.

The company unveiled an exclusive all-black variant of the OnePlus 3T with the colette logo engraved on its rear. This partnership is to commemorate the fashion brand's 20th anniversary. The OnePlus 3T colette edition will have 128GB storage and is priced at 479 uros (approx. Rs. 33,500). It will be exclusive to colette store that is located in Paris and will go on sale starting from March 21.

Colette fans will have to hurry up as OnePlus has claimed that it has produced just 250 units of this limited edition variant of the flagship smartphone, which is a very meager number given the vast user base of the company. The early buyers will get a pair of OnePlus Bullets for free, the company has announced.

OnePlus 3T is now available on OnePlus Store in India

Besides the new color option and the presence of the colette logo engraved at its rear, this variant of OnePlus 3T is identical to the existing ones in terms of specs and features. All that the OnePlus fans outside Paris can do is hope is to expect the company to announce the black edition of the smartphone globally in the coming weeks.

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Overall, dont let the bhoot mislead you, nothing bhootiya about this story. Had the makers tried to push the envelope, the idea could have been outstanding for a bhootiya comedy.
Estonia Court Denies Parole for Convicted Russian Spy

Sputnik News

21:36 15.03.2017(updated 21:50 15.03.2017)

Estonia's Tartu County Court on Wednesday denied parole for a former chief of the Estonian Defense Ministry's security department, Herman Simm, who was sentenced to 12.5 years in prison for espionage on behalf of Russia, the press service of the court said.

TALLINN (Sputnik)  Simm allegedly became a contact person for the Committee for State Security of the USSR in 1980s. Investigators found out that Simm, who served as the chief of the Estonian Defense Ministry's security department in 2000-2006, had handed some 3,300 classified documents to the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service.

"The court finds that although the risk of Simm committing a new crime is low, it is not possible to set him free on parole due to general preventive reasons, because he committed a very serious crime," the statement read.

In 2009, Simm pleaded guilty to treason and has already served more than a half of his sentence, finishing in March 2021.

 Sputnik

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Military Strikes Continue Against ISIS Terrorists in Syria, Iraq

From a Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve News Release

SOUTHWEST ASIA, March 15, 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.

Officials reported details of yesterday's strikes, noting that assessments of results are based on initial reports.

Strikes in Syria

In Syria, coalition military forces conducted 11 strikes consisting of 11 engagements against ISIS targets:

-- Near Dayr Az Zawr, three strikes engaged an ISIS staging area and destroyed six barges and a front-end loader.

-- Near Raqqa, eight strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units and destroyed six fighting positions, two mortar systems, an ammunition cache, an ISIS-held building and a weapons cache.

Strikes in Iraq

In Iraq, coalition military forces conducted 14 strikes consisting of 70 engagements against ISIS targets, coordinated with and in support of Iraq's government:

-- Near Asad, a strike destroyed a vehicle bomb and a weapons cache.

-- Near Beiji, two strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit and an ISIS sniper team; and destroyed five mortar systems.

-- Near Haditha, a strike destroyed five improvised bombs.

-- Near Huwayjah, a strike destroyed a vehicle.

-- Near Kisik, a strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit: and destroyed a weapons cache.

-- Near Mosul, five strikes engaged five ISIS tactical units and an ISIS sniper team; destroyed 11 fighting positions, five mortar systems, three watercraft, two supply caches, two vehicle bombs, a medium machine gun, a heavy machine gun, a rocket-propelled grenade system, an anti-air artillery system, and an ISIS headquarters; damaged 18 supply routes; and suppressed 11 ISIS mortar teams and six ISIS tactical units.

-- Near Rawah, a strike destroyed a fuel cache.

-- Near Tal Afar, two strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit; and destroyed a vehicle bomb facility and a weapons cache.

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.

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Carl Vinson Strike Group Arrives in the Republic of Korea

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS170315-01

Release Date: 3/15/2017 4:14:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Zackary Alan Landers

BUSAN, Republic of Korea (NNS) -- Aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2 and Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108) arrived in Busan, Republic of Korea (ROK) for a scheduled port visit, March 15.

The Carl Vinson Strike Group completed two weeks of routine operations in the South China Sea and will continue on their regularly scheduled Western Pacific deployment after departing Busan.

Assets from the USS Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group and other United States forces will conduct bi-lateral exercises with forces from the ROK Navy in the waters around the Korean peninsula during the annual Foal Eagle exercise.

"The training opportunities we have in this region are world-class and allow us to build upon our strong alliance with the Republic of Korea," said Rear Adm. James Kilby, commander, Carrier Strike Group 1. "For more than 60 years, the United States and Republic of Korea have operated side-by-side as partners and I couldn't be more excited to further this relationship."

The U.S. Navy routinely works with ROK forces to maintain interoperability and presence in the area. Exercises are conducted throughout the year including subject matter expert exchanges, anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare drills, communication drills, air defense exercises, counter-mine planning and distinguished visitor embarkations.

While in Busan, Team Vinson Sailors will have the opportunity to participate in multiple community relations events at local schools, tour local historic and cultural sites and sample local cuisine.

"For many Sailors, myself included, this is the first time visiting the Republic of Korea and we are looking forward to all the ROK has to offer," said Capt. Douglas Verissimo, commanding officer of Carl Vinson. "The Sailors will have opportunities to go on tours, try the local food and gain an appreciation for the Republic of Korea's rich culture."

U.S. Navy aircraft carrier strike groups have patrolled the Indo-Asia-Pacific regularly and routinely for more than 70 years and will continue to do so. Carl Vinson has deployed to the region and has operated in the South China Sea during 16 separate deployments over its 35 year history.

CSG-1 departed San Diego for a regularly scheduled deployment to the western Pacific, Jan. 5. Carl Vinson, CVW 2 and embarked Destroyer Squadron (CDS) 1 deployed with Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser Lake Champlain and Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112) and Wayne E. Meyer.

CSG-1 deployed with approximately 7,500 Sailors and will focus on maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts. The strike group assets will conduct bilateral exercises in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region to include anti-submarine warfare, maneuvering drills, gunnery exercises, and visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS) subject matter expert exchanges.

While deployed, CSG-1 will remain under U.S. 3rd Fleet command and control, including beyond the international dateline which previously divided operational areas of responsibility for 3rd and 7th Fleets. Third Fleet operating forward offers additional options to the Pacific Fleet commander by leveraging the capabilities of 3rd and 7th Fleets.

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Dutch Election Tests Anti-Immigrant Sentiment Amid Dispute With Turkey

RFE/RL March 15, 2017

Dutch voters have been casting ballots in an election that is considered an indicator of anti-immigrant and nationalist feeling and comes amid a dispute with Turkey.

Prime Minister Mark Rutte's center-right People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) is competing with the PVV (Party for Freedom) of anti-Islam, far-right politician Geert Wilders, as well as other parties, for the 150 seats in parliament.

The March 15 election is the first of three this year seen as tests of antiestablishment sentiment in the European Union and the 28-member bloc's chances of survival after Britain's vote to leave the EU and Donald Trump's election as U.S. president in 2016.

Wilders voted at a school in The Hague and told reporters that his party was a winner in the election regardless of the outcome because "everybody is talking about our issues."

Rutte, casting his vote, said that the election was an opportunity to stop the "domino effect of the wrong sort of populism."

Opinion polls indicated a 3 percentage point lead for Rutte's party over Wilders' party, but the surveys did not fully take into account tense relations with Ankara.

Pollsters expected turnout to be higher than in the last general election in 2012, when final participation was about 74 percent.

Over the weekend, the Netherlands barred Turkish ministers from addressing rallies promoting a referendum to enhance Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's powers. He accused the Dutch of behaving like Nazis, prompting an angry rebuke from Rutte.

Early indications are that the dispute with Turkey may have helped both Rutte and Wilders.

Erdogan continued his verbal attacks on the Netherlands on March 15, falsely claiming that the Dutch -- rather than Bosnian Serb forces -- killed thousands of Bosnian Muslim men and boys in Srebrenica in 1995.

"They are the ones who massacred over 8,000 Bosnian Muslims...in the Srebrenica massacre," Erdogan said. In fact, lightly armed Dutch UN peacekeepers were overrun and failed to halt the slaughter.

Wilders has vowed to "de-Islamicize" the Netherlands. He has virtually no chance of forming a government given that all the leading parties have ruled out working with him, but a PVV win would still make waves across Europe.

The vote in the Netherlands will be followed by a presidential election in France, with far-right politician Marine Le Pen likely to make the run-off in May.

Germany holds a general election in September. Right-wing Euroskeptic party Alternative for Germany, which has attacked Chancellor Angela Merkel's refugee policy, has been gaining in popularity.

With reporting by Reuters, AP, and AFP

Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/netherlands-election-wilder-rutte/28371366.html

Copyright (c) 2017. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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China Building Potential Military Asset on Paracel Islands in South China Sea

Sputnik News

22:01 15.03.2017(updated 22:02 15.03.2017)

Satellite footage taken on March 6 reveals the construction of a port that analysts believe could turn out to be a military installation on the North Island of the Paracels Island group.

Focus, a Taiwanese news agency, reported that leaders in Taipei are "keeping close tabs" on the construction work, which has so far included land-clearing and "preparation for a harbor."

China had started work on the port last year but had to restart the project after a typhoon wiped out most of the new structures, Focus noted.

The Paracels are simultaneously claimed by China, Taiwan and Vietnam. Beijing had previously vowed to cease land reclamation, UPI reported. Nevertheless, airstrips have been built on other islets such as Woody Island.

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is slated to visit China on March 18 as part of an Asian tour, and the South China Sea is sure to be a hot topic during the discussions. In a Senate hearing, Tillerson said "we're going have to send China a clear signal that, first, the island-building stops, and second, your access to those islands is not going to be allowed."

A Global Times op-ed shot back, warning that Tillerson's "unprofessional" remarks could cause a "military clash."

China has already built up the nearby Spratly Islands with structures featuring retractable roofs, which analysts warn could house surface-to-air missiles (SAM). As one US intelligence official said, "it is not like the Chinese to build anything in the South China Sea just to build it," adding, "these structures resemble others that house SAM batteries." Beijing officials have denied allegations of militarization. "China carrying out normal construction activities," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said, "is a normal right under international law for sovereign nations."

Chinese researchers have also conducted drilling in the South China Sea as part of an effort to create the world's first underwater observatory platform.

 Sputnik

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Houthis Ready for New Talks With Yemeni Gov't, but No Longer Trust UN

Sputnik News

17:19 15.03.2017

The Houthis are ready for new peace talks with the Yemeni government to resolve the long-lasting conflict, though they do not trust the United Nations anymore, a member of the Houthi Ansar Allah political movement told Sputnik on Wednesday.

MOSCOW (Sputnik)  He highlighted that the Houthis would participate in the talks in any case as they sought to present their suggestions to the other side of the conflict.

"We are ready to enter any new round of negotiations, whether it will take place in Kuwait, Muscat, or Geneva but whether it will be focused on a solid and sustainable solution against the Saudi-US aggression toward Yemen  we doubt, we are not sure and do not trust anymore the UN, as well as initiatives suggested by the International Quartet and others," the Houthi member said.

Yemen has been engulfed in a violent conflict between the government headed by Hadi and the Houthi movement backed by army units loyal to former President Ali Abdullah Saleh since 2014.

Since March 2015, the Saudi-led coalition of mostly Persian Gulf countries has been carrying out airstrikes against the Houthis at Hadi's request. Peace talks failed in August after the Houthis refused to support a road map proposed by UN Special Envoy for Yemen Ismail Ahmed that involves the rebels laying down arms and the setting up of a unity government.

The Yemen Quartet for peace comprises the United States, the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

 Sputnik

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Czechs Could Save Millions Opting for Upgraded Yak Jets From Russia

Sputnik News

15:52 15.03.2017(updated 16:11 15.03.2017)

Within the next three years the Czech Air Force will pension off its fleet of Russian-made Yak-40 tri-jet airliners and replace them with newer aircraft, Defense Minister Martin Stropnicky said.

Martin Stropnicky said that Prague planned to spend tens of millions of dollars to buy replacements for the workhorse Yak-40s primarily used by the country's top officials.

"This is millions and millions of dollars we are talking about. A single modern business jet costs between $40 million and $70 million, and they are going to buy two," aviation expert Andrei Fomin told Sputnik Czech.

He added, however, that buying new planes for the country's top leaders was the right way to go.

"Back in its day the Yak-40 was the best of its class, the first medium-range passenger jet around and the first Soviet jetliner to get flying certificates in Germany, Italy and other Western countries," Fomin noted.

By the time their production ended in 1981, 1,000 Yak-40s were built and some of them are still flying today.

"Keeping such long-serving aircraft in good shape is not cheap, so the Czechs decided that, instead of repairing old planes they would be better off buying new ones," Fomin said.

Martin Stropnicky did not say what kind of aircraft the Defense Ministry would like to buy in place of the Yak-40s.

"There are many planes of this class designed to carry 24-32 passengers available these days, with business jets built in the US, Canada and France.

These are luxury planes and cost a lot of money," Andrei Fomin continued.

When asked if there was a way to upgrade the tried-and-true Yak-40, he said that the Chaplygin Research Institute in Siberia was now working on a new-look Yak-40 to be powered by a pair of US-made Honeywell gas-turbine engines, instead of the original three-engine configuration.

The new Yak-40 will be faster, more economical and will boast an extended range of up to 5,000 kilometers.

"People at the Chaplygin Institute hope that once the prototype is ready to fly there will be companies willing to buy it," Andrei Fomin said.

He added that the Czechs too should take a closer look at the upgraded Yak-40 instead of spending countless millions to buy elsewhere.

 Sputnik

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Trump Expands Pentagon Authority to Conduct Counterterror Operations in Yemen

Sputnik News

03:31 15.03.2017

US President Donald Trump has given the Department of Defense top officials more freedom to execute counterterrorism missions in Yemen, media reported.

WASHINGTON, March 15 (Sputnik)  Pentagon commanders will have additional authority in selecting Yemen operations in order to achieve "a strategic effect" and will not need the president's approval for each strike, CNN reported on Tuesday citing official sources.

The White House is currently in talks with defense officials over similar amount of freedom in Libya and Somali, where the number of terrorist groups is rapidly growing, the media added.

On January 29, the Trump administration ordered its first military raid against the al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) terror group in Yemen, which is banned in Russia.

During the operation, US special operations forces killed 14 militants. However, the raid also resulted in death of US Navy Seal William Owens and an aircraft crash-landing. Right after the operation, media reported that as many as 20 civilians may have been killed.

 Sputnik

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Yemen 'one of worst hunger crises in the world,' UN-supported study finds

15 March 2017  An estimated 17 million people in Yemen are hungry, according to analysis released today by the United Nations and humanitarian partners, up more than 20 per cent in the past nine months.

"Twenty of the country's 22 governorates are in 'emergency' or 'crisis' food insecurity phases and almost two-thirds of the population are now facing hunger and urgently require life and livelihood-saving assistance," the UN Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) said in a press release.

These numbers represent an increase of 21 per cent since June 2016, according to information from the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) analysis, a partnership of FAO, UN World Food Programme (WFP) and a number of governmental and non-governmental organizations.

Given the number of people who are food insecure, "Yemen is currently one of the worst hunger crises in the world," FAO said.

The crisis is fuelled by the two-year long conflict, with almost 80 per cent of households in Yemen report having a worse economic situation than before the fighting.

"The conflict has a devastating impact on agricultural livelihoods. Crop and livestock production fell significantly compared to pre-crisis levels," said Salah Hajj Hassan, FAO Representative in Yemen.

UN officials are calling not only for immediate food aid but also for agricultural assistance to save livelihoods  and for access to the people in need.

"Unrestricted access to all areas, including for commercial trade, will also be critical to ensure the food insecurity in the country does not further deteriorate," said Stephen Anderson, WFP Representative and Country Director in Yemen.

The food insecurity is causing malnutrition rates to spike. Of the 2.2 million children suffering from acute malnutrition, more than 460,000 are severely and acutely malnourished, a categorization known as "SAM" in the humanitarian community.

"To put things in perspective, a SAM child is ten times more at risk of death if not treated on time than a healthy child his or her age," said Meritxell Relano, UNICEF Representative in the country. "The ongoing conflict and food insecurity will have long-term implications on the health and overall development of children in Yemen."

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Pakistani, Afghan Officials Expect London Talks to Resolve Border Dispute

By Ayaz Gul March 15, 2017

A meeting Britain is hosting Wednesday is expected to resolve the tense border dispute between Afghanistan and Pakistan, officials told VOA hours before the talks.

Pakistan closed its border with landlocked Afghanistan to all traffic nearly a month ago, after a string of terrorist attacks killed scores of people. Authorities in Pakistan blame the violence on fugitive militants Islamabad says are sheltering in Afghan territory.

The border closure fueled bilateral tensions, prompting Britain to intervene and facilitate Wednesday's meeting.

"We expect as a results of the talks in London and the recent contacts that we have had within the government and with the government of Afghanistan we expect this issue [border talks] to be resolved in the coming week," Pakistani Trade Minister Khurram Dastgir Khan told VOA in Islamabad.

He said that efforts are under way to open the Afghan border with "heightened security procedures" so that trading resumes as soon as possible.

"That should be an immediate result of it for sure," a senior Afghan official told VOA when asked if Kabul expected London talks to lead to opening the border. The official requested anonymity because he is directly involved in diplomatic engagements that paved the ground for Wednesday's meeting.

Both Minister Khan and the Afghan official spoke hours before British National Security Adviser Mark Lyall Grant was to mediate talks between Afghan National Security Adviser Hanif Atmar and Pakistani foreign policy chief Sartaj Aziz.

Khan underscored the need for Pakistan and Afghanistan to separate political and security issues from trade-related activities.

He added that Pakistan sent a proposed draft on "preferential trade agreement" to Kabul several years ago but it has since been awaiting approval by the Afghan National Security Council, making it difficult for his government to meet traders' demands for separating economics from security issues.

"The government of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif agrees completely, provided the same understanding is on the other side and whatever hurdles that were present before the recent border closure were because the government of Afghanistan insisted to take both tracks together," said the minister.

He acknowledged that the decision to close the border has inflicted heavy financial losses on traders in both countries but said he was not in a position to immediately provide estimates.

"They [traders] say it is somewhere around $40-50 million; some people say it is up to $100 million because there is a very large number of traders who deal in perishables. Those numbers take a while to come to us," he said.

Last week, Islamabad opened the border for only two days to allow tens of thousands of stranded Afghans to return to their country.

Afghanistan depends on Pakistani seaports for international trade, which is considered the war-torn country's economic lifeline. The border closure has stranded thousands of shipping containers after having left Pakistan's southern port of Karachi on the Arabian Sea.

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US Senators Call for More Special Immigrant Visas for Afghans

By VOA News March 15, 2017

A bipartisan group of U.S. senators Wednesday introduced legislation which calls for an increase in the number of visas available to Afghans who helped U.S. forces in positions such as interpreters.

The bill calls for an extra 2,500 Special Immigrant Visas specifically for Afghans who assisted the U.S. military, often risking their lives.

"This legislation would ensure the continuation of this vital Special Immigrant Visa program, and send a clear message that America will not turn its back on those who at great personal risk stand with us in the fight against terror," Senator John McCain said in a statement.

McCain, who chairs the Senate Armed Services Committee, introduced the measure alongside fellow Republican Thom Tillis, Jack Reed, the committee's top Democrat, and another Democrat, Jeanne Shaheen.

Faced with a shrinking pool of visas, the U.S. embassy in Kabul has started turning away Afghan military interpreters and other Afghan nationals seeking to immigrate to the United States through the decade-old special visa program.

A State Department official said Friday the embassy stopped scheduling new special immigrant visa interviews for Afghans on March 1 after concluding that it had enough unused visas only for those who are already in the final stages of the application process.

The Special Immigrant Visa program was created by Congress in 2008 for Afghan military translators, but was later expanded to cover any Afghan who could demonstrate "at least one year of faithful and valuable service" to or on behalf of the U.S. government.

With tens of thousands of U.S. forces serving in Afghanistan, the program long enjoyed bipartisan support, with Congress extending it annually and authorizing 7,000 visas in 2015 and 2016.

As the U.S. combat mission is winding down and anti-immigrant sentiment sparked during the recent presidential campaign continues to rise, opposition to the program has grown.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions, then a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and a longtime critic of the program, led an effort last year against increasing the number of Special Immigrant Visas to Afghans.

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US House Intelligence Panel Leaders: No Evidence Obama Wiretapped Trump Tower

By Ken Bredemeier March 15, 2017

U.S. President Donald Trump's claim that his predecessor, former President Barack Obama, wiretapped him in the weeks before last November's election is unfounded, the top leaders of the U.S. House of Representatives Intelligence Committee said Wednesday.

"We don't have any evidence that took place," Republican Congressman Devin Nunes, the panel's chairman, said. "I don't think there was a tapping of Trump Tower," the president's skyscraper headquarters in New York.

Congressman Adam Schiff, the committee's top Democrat, agreed. "To date, I see no evidence (of Obama-ordered wiretapping), no basis for that whatsoever," he said.

Awaiting info from Justice Dept.

Nunes and Schiff said they are waiting for information from the country's Department of Justice by next Monday about whether the agency knows of any court-ordered wiretaps of Trump, but said they had learned of no such bugging so far in their investigation.

The congressional probe was requested by the White House after Trump made the explosive wiretapping allegation in a March 4 Twitter comment.

The House Intelligence Committee is also looking at links between Trump campaign aides and Russian officials during the billionaire real estate mogul's long run for the White House and in the weeks after he won the election before assuming power January 20.

Nunes said that James Comey, director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the country's top law enforcement agency, would testify next Monday before the intelligence committee about the wiretapping allegation and the agency's investigation of Russian meddling in the election aimed at helping Trump win.

He said the panel expects to learn by Friday from U.S. investigators of any names of Trump aides who talked with Russian officials beyond the one known such contact, conversations between Trump's ousted national security adviser, retired Army general Michael Flynn, and the Russian ambassador to Washington.

Trump dismissed Flynn after he lied to Vice President Mike Pence about his contacts with the ambassador, Sergey Kislyak.

Original allegation

Trump first made the allegation March 4, saying, "Terrible! Just found out that Obama had my 'wires tapped' in Trump Tower just before the victory."

But the president since then has provided no evidence for his claim and dodged reporters' repeated questions about the allegation.

White House spokesman Sean Spicer has sought this week to walk back Trump's contention, saying that the wire tapping allegation was meant to refer to a broader allegation of surveillance of the Trump campaign at its skyscraper headquarters in New York and not wiretapping specifically, even though that is what the president alleged.

Yet Spicer said Tuesday that Trump is "very confident" that in the end he will be vindicated about the claim.

Schiff assailed the "irresponsibility of the president and his spokesman" in making the wiretapping claim.

Meanwhile, a key U.S. senator, Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, says he is determined to find out whether the wiretapping claim is true.

Graham, who lost last year's Republican presidential nomination to Trump, told CNN on Wednesday, "I'm going to get to the bottom of this. Congress is going to flex its muscle."

He vowed, if need be, to subpoena the country's top law enforcement agency, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, to determine whether any U.S. judge issued a secret wiretapping edict that the FBI carried out.

Graham, voicing his doubts about Trump's wiretapping claim, has sought answers from FBI Director James Comey about the president's allegation. But the South Carolina lawmaker said that so far Comey has not disclosed any information about the purported wiretap or whether the FBI is conducting a criminal investigation of links between Trump campaign aides and Russian officials in the months before the election and after Trump won.

Graham is conducting a hearing later Wednesday on Russian interference in the election, but said that Comey would not be among the witnesses. Comey, however, is set to brief a group of senators.

Russian interference

The U.S. intelligence community concluded last year that Moscow interfered in the election, with Russian President Vladimir Putin ordering the hacking of the computer of John Podesta, the campaign chief for Democrat Hillary Clinton, the former U.S. secretary of state Trump defeated in the election.

Subsequently, the anti-secrecy group WikiLeaks released thousands of Podesta's emails in the weeks before the election showing embarrassing behind-the-scenes efforts by Democratic operatives to help Clinton win the party's presidential nomination.

"I don't have political hate with the president," the senator said, adding he has had recent pleasant conversations with Trump on other issues.

But Graham said the Trump wiretap allegation is "something very, very serious" and needs to be determined one way or another.

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Dutch Vote in Parliamentary Elections

By Marthe van der Wolf March 15, 2017

The Dutch cast ballots Wednesday in an election closely followed in the rest of Europe.

Far-right leader Geert Wilders led the polls for months, but lost his momentum and was polling in second place, behind the center-right liberals led by Prime Minister Mark Rutte. The liberals and their coalition partners, however, were expected to lose many parliament seats.

With France and Germany holding elections in the coming months, the outcome of the Dutch vote is seen as an indicator as to whether western European countries are shifting to the right and supporting anti-establishment parties.

Emilie van Outeren is a political reporter for the Dutch daily NRC.

"The Dutch elections are framed as one in a series of elections, after Brexit and [U.S. President Donald] Trump and before those in France and Germany, between political establishment and xenophobe populism. Only since Wilders started dropping in the polls has there been some attention for the fact that our coalition system and the excluding by other parties will disable Wilders to govern," she said.

When it comes to media attention, Wilders wins. Despite his few public appearances, a quarter of the election news has been about the far-right leader and his anti-Islam, anti-immigrant and anti-European Union messages. All parties except for one have ruled out cooperation with Wilders' Freedom Party.

The big winner of the election is most likely to be Jesse Klaver, nicknamed "Jessiah" for his rising popularity. The 30-year-old leader of the Green Left party has been compared to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and copied campaign strategies from former U.S. President Barack Obama. The expected win of about 17 seats in the 150-seat parliament would8 be the biggest ever for Green Left.

The Christian Democrats, along with a social-liberal party known as D66, the Green Left, and the Socialist Party are all expected to finish within a few percentage points of each other. The variety of parties probably means coalition talks will take a long time.

The Social Democrats will likely be the biggest losers, set to lose a third or more of their seats. Aad de Haan, a flower shop owner in Rotterdam, the second -largest city in the Netherlands, doesn't want to disclose who he voted for but said he doesn't see the Social Democrats playing a big role in the coming coalition negotiations.

"I think the center-right Liberals and the Freedom Party will be the big winners, with the Christian Democrats coming in third place. It will be difficult to form a coalition because the two parties have said they don't want to work together," he said.

Andre Krouwel is a political scientist at the University of Amsterdam and director of Election Compass, an online tool helping people to decide which party to vote for. More than 25 parties are contending in the 2017 elections, with several one-issue parties such as a party for animal rights, a party for non-voters and a party focused on the rights of seniors.

Krouwel said the recent decline in support for Wilders has a lot to do with voters waiting for the last moment to make a final decision.

"If you ask voters a month before the elections, you will only get opinions of very convinced voters; but, 40 percent were still unsure a week before the elections; yesterday it was 20 percent and 10 percent will only decide today who they will vote for. More extremist parties usually poll high at the start of the election campaign because the moderate voters are only included now," he said.

Exit polls were expected late Wednesday and final results early Thursday following voting done by pencil and paper, and ballots counted by hand. This is due to the fact that computers could be tampered with and a fear after the U.S. elections last November of Russians possibly trying to influence the Netherlands' vote.

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British FM Makes Rare Visit to Somali Capital

By Mohamed Olad March 15, 2017

Flying unannounced into a still-dangerous city, British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson told Somalia's president Wednesday that Britain is committed to helping Somalia to boost security and avert a full-blown famine.

Johnson held a closed-door meeting with President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed at the heavily-guarded presidential palace in Mogadishu, where the two men discussed the ongoing drought, the threat of militant group al-Shabab and the London summit on Somalia, according to sources at the presidential office.

In a joint news conference after the meeting, the Somali president asked Britain to help bolster security.

"We are very hopeful that your country [Britain] and my country collaborate on security and the fight against al-Shabab, which is one of the biggest factors responsible for the country's problems, including the drought," Mohamed said.

Johnson urged humanitarian agencies to deliver assistance to save lives as Somalia tries to cope with its worst drought since the one in 2011, which killed an estimated 260,000.

British assistance

His visit comes days after the British government said it will fund a $19.5 million program to help avert famine in Somalia over the coming months. The program is aimed at getting food and water to more than 450,000 people.

Some 6.2 million Somalis are considered to be food insecure.

"You have been telling us little bit about the natural resources of Somalia and the potential of Somalia, and it shame that you are facing such problems particularly the drought and the risk of starvation," Johnson said. "I think we are moving fast to try and tackle that."

Suicide bombings and other attacks by al-Shabab militants have made Mogadishu one of the most dangerous cities in the world. Several high-profile politicans have visited the city in recent years but only under tight security.

Johnson's visit Wednesday was no different. He traveled in a fleet of armored vehicles from heavily fortified Mogadishu airport. Nearly 100 soldiers were deployed along the the busy Maka-al-Mukarama Road, where a blast near a hotel killed five people on Monday.

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U.S. Charges Russian FSB Officers and Their Criminal Conspirators for Hacking Yahoo and Millions of Email Accounts

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, March 15, 2017

FSB Officers Protected, Directed, Facilitated and Paid Criminal Hackers

A grand jury in the Northern District of California has indicted four defendants, including two officers of the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB), for computer hacking, economic espionage and other criminal offenses in connection with a conspiracy, beginning in January 2014, to access Yahoo's network and the contents of webmail accounts. The defendants are Dmitry Aleksandrovich Dokuchaev, 33, a Russian national and resident; Igor Anatolyevich Sushchin, 43, a Russian national and resident; Alexsey Alexseyevich Belan, aka "Magg," 29, a Russian national and resident; and Karim Baratov, aka "Kay," "Karim Taloverov" and "Karim Akehmet Tokbergenov," 22, a Canadian and Kazakh national and a resident of Canada.

The defendants used unauthorized access to Yahoo's systems to steal information from about at least 500 million Yahoo accounts and then used some of that stolen information to obtain unauthorized access to the contents of accounts at Yahoo, Google and other webmail providers, including accounts of Russian journalists, U.S. and Russian government officials and private-sector employees of financial, transportation and other companies. One of the defendants also exploited his access to Yahoo's network for his personal financial gain, by searching Yahoo user communications for credit card and gift card account numbers, redirecting a subset of Yahoo search engine web traffic so he could make commissions and enabling the theft of the contacts of at least 30 million Yahoo accounts to facilitate a spam campaign.

The charges were announced by Attorney General Jeff Sessions of the U.S. Department of Justice, Director James Comey of the FBI, Acting Assistant Attorney General Mary McCord of the National Security Division, U.S. Attorney Brian Stretch for the Northern District of California and Executive Assistant Director Paul Abbate of the FBI's Criminal, Cyber, Response and Services Branch.

"Cyber crime poses a significant threat to our nation's security and prosperity, and this is one of the largest data breaches in history," said Attorney General Sessions. "But thanks to the tireless efforts of U.S. prosecutors and investigators, as well as our Canadian partners, today we have identified four individuals, including two Russian FSB officers, responsible for unauthorized access to millions of users' accounts. The United States will vigorously investigate and prosecute the people behind such attacks to the fullest extent of the law."

"Today we continue to pierce the veil of anonymity surrounding cyber crimes," said Director Comey. "We are shrinking the world to ensure that cyber criminals think twice before targeting U.S. persons and interests."

" The criminal conduct at issue, carried out and otherwise facilitated by officers from an FSB unit that serves as the FBI's point of contact in Moscow on cybercrime matters, is beyond the pale," said Acting Assistant Attorney General McCord. "Once again, the Department and the FBI have demonstrated that hackers around the world can and will be exposed and held accountable. State actors may be using common criminals to access the data they want, but the indictment shows that our companies do not have to stand alone against this threat. We commend Yahoo and Google for their sustained and invaluable cooperation in the investigation aimed at obtaining justice for, and protecting the privacy of their users."

"This is a highly complicated investigation of a very complex threat. It underscores the value of early, proactive engagement and cooperation between the private sector and the government," said Executive Assistant Director Abbate. "The FBI will continue to work relentlessly with our private sector and international partners to identify those who conduct cyber-attacks against our citizens and our nation, expose them and hold them accountable under the law, no matter where they attempt to hide."

"Silicon Valley's computer infrastructure provides the means by which people around the world communicate with each other in their business and personal lives. The privacy and security of those communications must be governed by the rule of law, not by the whim of criminal hackers and those who employ them. People rightly expect that their communications through Silicon Valley internet providers will remain private, unless lawful authority provides otherwise. We will not tolerate unauthorized and illegal intrusions into the Silicon Valley computer infrastructure upon which both private citizens and the global economy rely," said U.S. Attorney Stretch. "Working closely with Yahoo and Google, Department of Justice lawyers and the FBI were able to identify and expose the hackers responsible for the conduct described today, without unduly intruding into the privacy of the accounts that were stolen. We commend Yahoo and Google for providing exemplary cooperation while zealously protecting their users' privacy."

Summary of Allegations

According to the allegations of the Indictment:

The FSB officer defendants, Dmitry Dokuchaev and Igor Sushchin, protected, directed, facilitated and paid criminal hackers to collect information through computer intrusions in the U.S. and elsewhere. In the present case, they worked with co-defendants Alexsey Belan and Karim Baratov to obtain access to the email accounts of thousands of individuals.

Belan had been publicly indicted in September 2012 and June 2013 and was named one of FBI's Cyber Most Wanted criminals in November 2013. An Interpol Red Notice seeking his immediate detention has been lodged (including with Russia) since July 26, 2013. Belan was arrested in a European country on a request from the U.S. in June 2013, but he was able to escape to Russia before he could be extradited.

Instead of acting on the U.S. government's Red Notice and detaining Belan after his return, Dokuchaev and Sushchin subsequently used him to gain unauthorized access to Yahoo's network. In or around November and December 2014, Belan stole a copy of at least a portion of Yahoo's User Database (UDB), a Yahoo trade secret that contained, among other data, subscriber information including users' names, recovery email accounts, phone numbers and certain information required to manually create, or "mint," account authentication web browser "cookies" for more than 500 million Yahoo accounts.

Belan also obtained unauthorized access on behalf of the FSB conspirators to Yahoo's Account Management Tool (AMT), which was a proprietary means by which Yahoo made and logged changes to user accounts. Belan, Dokuchaev and Sushchin then used the stolen UDB copy and AMT access to locate Yahoo email accounts of interest and to mint cookies for those accounts, enabling the co-conspirators to access at least 6,500 such accounts without authorization.

Some victim accounts were of predictable interest to the FSB, a foreign intelligence and law enforcement service, such as personal accounts belonging to Russian journalists; Russian and U.S. government officials; employees of a prominent Russian cybersecurity company; and numerous employees of other providers whose networks the conspirators sought to exploit. However, other personal accounts belonged to employees of commercial entities, such as a Russian investment banking firm, a French transportation company, U.S. financial services and private equity firms, a Swiss bitcoin wallet and banking firm and a U.S. airline.

During the conspiracy, the FSB officers facilitated Belan's other criminal activities, by providing him with sensitive FSB law enforcement and intelligence information that would have helped him avoid detection by U.S. and other law enforcement agencies outside Russia, including information regarding FSB investigations of computer hacking and FSB techniques for identifying criminal hackers. Additionally, while working with his FSB conspirators to compromise Yahoo's network and its users, Belan used his access to steal financial information such as gift card and credit card numbers from webmail accounts; to gain access to more than 30 million accounts whose contacts were then stolen to facilitate a spam campaign; and to earn commissions from fraudulently redirecting a subset of Yahoo's search engine traffic.

When Dokuchaev and Sushchin learned that a target of interest had accounts at webmail providers other than Yahoo, including through information obtained as part of the Yahoo intrusion, they tasked their co-conspirator, Baratov, a resident of Canada, with obtaining unauthorized access to more than 80 accounts in exchange for commissions. On March 7, the Department of Justice submitted a provisional arrest warrant to Canadian law enforcement authorities, requesting Baratov's arrest. On March 14, Baratov was arrested in Canada and the matter is now pending with the Canadian authorities.

An indictment is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

The FBI, led by the San Francisco Field Office, conducted the investigation that resulted in the charges announced today. The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Department of Justice National Security Division's Counterintelligence and Export Control Section and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of California, with support from the Justice Department's Office of International Affairs.

Defendants: At all times relevant to the charges, the Indictment alleges as follows:

- Dmitry Aleksandrovich Dokuchaev, 33, was an officer in the FSB Center for Information Security, aka "Center 18." Dokuchaev was a Russian national and resident. - Igor Anatolyevich Sushchin, 43, was an FSB officer, a superior to Dokuchaev within the FSB, and a Russian national and resident. Sushchin was embedded as a purported employee and Head of Information Security at a Russian investment bank. - Alexsey Alexseyevich Belan, aka "Magg," 29, was born in Latvia and is a Russian national and resident. U.S. Federal grand juries have indicted Belan twice before, in 2012 and 2013, for computer fraud and abuse, access device fraud and aggravated identity theft involving three U.S.-based e-commerce companies and the FBI placed Belan on its "Cyber Most Wanted" list. Belan is currently the subject of a pending "Red Notice" requesting that Interpol member nations (including Russia) arrest him pending extradition. Belan was also one of two criminal hackers named by President Barack Obama on Dec. 29, 2016, pursuant to Executive Order 13694, as a Specially Designated National subject to sanctions. - Karim Baratov, aka "Kay," "Karim Taloverov" and "Karim Akehmet Tokbergenov," 22. He is a Canadian and Kazakh national and a resident of Canada.

Victims: Yahoo; more than 500 million Yahoo accounts for which account information about was stolen by the defendants; more than 30 million Yahoo accounts for which account contents were accessed without authorization to facilitate a spam campaign; and at least 18 additional users at other webmail providers whose accounts were accessed without authorization.

Time Period: As alleged in the Indictment, the conspiracy began at least as early as 2014 and, even though the conspirators lost their access to Yahoo's networks in September 2016, they continued to utilize information stolen from the intrusion up to and including at least December 2016.

Crimes:

Count(s) Defendant(s) Charge Statute 18 U.S.C. Conduct Maximum Penalty 1 All Conspiring to commit computer fraud and abuse  1030(b) Defendants conspired to hack into the computers of Yahoo and accounts maintained by Yahoo, Google and other providers to steal information from them. First, Belan gained access to Yahoo's servers and stole information that allowed him, Dokuchaev, and Sushchin to gain unauthorized access to individual Yahoo user accounts. Then, Dokuchaev and Sushchin tasked Baratov with gaining access to individual user accounts at Google and other Providers (but not Yahoo) and paid Baratov for providing them with the account passwords. In some instances, Dokuchaev and Sushchin tasked Baratov with targeting accounts that they learned of through access to Yahoo's UDB and AMT (e.g., Gmail accounts that served as a Yahoo user's secondary account). 10 years 2 Dokuchaev Sushchin Belan Conspiring to engage in economic espionage  1831(a)(5) Starting on Nov. 4, 2014, Belan stole, and the defendants thereafter transferred, received and possessed the following Yahoo trade secrets: the Yahoo UDB, which was proprietary and confidential Yahoo technology and information, including subscriber names, secondary accounts, phone numbers, challenge questions and answers;

the AMT, Yahoo's interface to the UDB; and

Yahoo's cookie "minting" source code, which enabled the defendants to manufacture account cookies to then gain access to individual Yahoo user accounts. 15 years 3 Dokuchaev Sushchin Belan Conspiring to engage in theft of trade secrets  1832(a)(5) See Count 2 10 years 4-6 Dokuchaev Sushchin Belan Economic espionage  1831(a)(1), (a)(4), and 2 See Count 2 15 years (each count) 7-9 Dokuchaev Sushchin Belan Theft of trade secrets  1832(a)(1), and 2 See Count 2 10 years (each count) 10 Dokuchaev Sushchin Belan Conspiring to commit wire fraud  1349 The defendants fraudulently schemed to gain unauthorized access to Yahoo's network through compromised Yahoo employee accounts and then used the Yahoo trade secrets to gain unauthorized access to valuable non-public information in individual Yahoo user accounts. 20 years 11-13 Dokuchaev Sushchin Belan Accessing (or attempting to access) a computer without authorization to obtain information for the purpose of commercial advantage and private financial gain.  1030(a)(2)(C), 1030(c)(2)(B)(i)-(iii), and 2 The defendants gained unauthorized access to Yahoo's corporate network and obtained information regarding Yahoo's network architecture and the UDB. 5 years (each count) 14-17 Dokuchaev Sushchin Belan Transmitting code with the intent to cause damage to computers.  1030(a)(5)(A), 1030(c)(4)(B), and 2 During the course of their unauthorized access to Yahoo's network, the defendants transmitted code on Yahoo's network in order to maintain a persistent presence, to redirect Yahoo search engine users and to mint cookies for individual Yahoo accounts. 10 years (each count) 18-24 Dokuchaev Sushchin Belan Accessing (or attempting to access) a computer without authorization to obtain information for the purpose of commercial advantage and private financial gain.  1030(a)(2)(C), 1030(c)(2)(B)(i)-(iii), and 2 Defendants obtained unauthorized access to individual Yahoo user accounts. 5 years (each count) 25-36 Dokuchaev Sushchin Belan Counterfeit access device fraud  1029(a)(1), 1029(b)(1), and 2 Defendants used minted cookies to gain unauthorized access to individual Yahoo user accounts. 10 years (each count) 37 Dokuchaev Sushchin Belan Counterfeit access device making equipment  1029(a)(4) Defendants used software to mint cookies for unauthorized access to individual Yahoo user accounts. 15 years 38 Dokuchaev Sushchin Baratov Conspiring to commit access device fraud  1029(b)(2) Defendants Dokuchaev and Sushchin tasked Baratov with gaining unauthorized access to individual user accounts at Google and other Providers and then paid Baratov for providing them with the account passwords. In some instances, Dokuchaev and Sushchin tasked Baratov with targeting accounts that they learned of through access to Yahoo's UDB and AMT (e.g., Gmail accounts that served as a Yahoo user's secondary account). 7  years. 39 Dokuchaev Sushchin Baratov Conspiring to commit wire fraud  1349 See Count 38 20 years 40-47 Dokuchaev Baratov Aggravated identity theft  1028A(a)(1) See Count 38 2 years

17-278

National Security Division (NSD)

USAO - California, Northern

Topic: Counterintelligence and Export Control

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U.S. Indicts Two Russian FSB Officers In Yahoo Hack; One Charged By Moscow With Treason

Mike Eckel, Carl Schreck March 15, 2017

WASHINGTON -- U.S. authorities have indicted two Russian intelligence officers for the massive 2014 hack against Yahoo, one of whom was arrested earlier in Moscow as part a widening scandal involving Russia's top security agency.

In a March 15 announcement, the FBI, the Justice Department, and other officials said two criminal hackers were also being indicted.

U.S. officials told reporters that the indictments targeted two intelligence officers who worked for Russia's lead intelligence agency, the Federal Security Service, also known as the FSB. They were identified as Dmitry Dokuchayev and his superior, Igor Sushchin.

The Justice Department linked to the two, along with a Russian man and a Kazakh man, to the 2014 hack of Yahoo, the Internet company that announced last year that 500 million user accounts had been breached. It was one of the largest such computer intrusions publicly reported.

The other two alleged hackers were identified as Aleksei Belan and Karim Baratov. U.S. officials said Baratov was arrested a day earlier in Canada at Washington's request.

The charges appear to be unconnected to alleged Russian hacking of the Democratic National Committee and the FBI's investigation into alleged Russian interference in the 2016 election.

An official with the Russian Embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Dokuchayev was an officer with the FSB's Center for Information Security, which oversees cybersecurity efforts by the agency. Dokuchayev was arrested in December, along with another officer with the Center for Information Security, and charged with high treason, according to Ivan Pavlov, a Russian lawyer who is representing a suspect in the treason case.

Russian media reports have said Dokuchayev is a former hacker who used the alias Forb.

The other arrested FSB officer -- whom Pavlov identified as Sergei Mikhailov -- does not appear in the newly announced U.S. indictments.

Both Mikhailov, whom Russian media reports said was detained during a high-level meeting in Moscow and taken from the room with a bag over his head, and Dokuchayev are alleged to have passed classified information to U.S. intelligence, Pavlov told RFE/RL last month.

In addition to confirming the arrest of Mikhailov and Dokuchayev, Pavlov confirmed to RFE/RL the arrest of Ruslan Stoyanov, a former employee of the Interior Ministry who had worked for Kaspersky Lab, a well-known private cyberresearch company.

The news that two FSB officers were arrested and charged with treason sent ripples through intelligence watchers and experts on cybersecurity.

The growing number of arrests, and a steady stream of leaks in Russian media over the past several weeks, have offered potential glimpses into Russia's formidable security apparatus and its ties to Russia's shadowy underground hacking networks.

The U.S. indictment offers further indications of those links.

In the announcement, U.S. authorities said that Belan, the hacker, had been indicted in 2012 and 2013, named a top wanted criminal by the FBI, and an arrest warrant was issued by Interpol in 2013. He was arrested in an unnamed European country, but then escaped to Russia.

Instead of detaining Belan under the Interpol arrest notice, U.S. officials said, Dokuchayev and Sushchin "used him to gain unauthorized access to Yahoo's network." In late 2014, Belan allegedly stole Yahoo's propriety computer codes, the indictment said.

Sushchin's name had not appeared in Russian media accounts of the earlier FSB arrests. Mikhailov, however, had been identified by Russian media as Dokuchayev's superior.

Asked about Sushchin's possible connections to the earlier arrests in Moscow, Pavlov told RFE/RL on March 15: "I can't say."

Though Mikhailov's name does not appear in the U.S. indictments, he is "well-known" among Russia's cybersecurity experts, according to Andrei Soldatov, an investigative journalist who has written widely about Russian intelligence services and their cyber capabilities.

Mikhailov was a prominent witness in the trial of Pavel Vrublevsky, who ran an electronic-payment company called Chronopay and in 2013 was convicted of cyberattacks on Russian companies, including state-owned airline Aeroflot.

Vrublevsky, meanwhile, is a successful entrepreneur and colorful figure among Russia's digital elite.

In a book published in 2014, Brian Krebs, an American investigative blogger, researched some of the Russian crime networks involved in the vast amounts of e-mail spam that clutter the Internet. His book, Krebs wrote in a blog post on January 29, was based on a cache of leaked e-mails from Vrublevksy's company.

Vrublevsky told Krebs that he believed Mikhailov was the one who stole the e-mails and leaked them. Krebs said Vrublevsky was also convinced Mikhailov was leaking sensitive information to U.S. intelligence -- one possible corroboration of the high-treason charges that Russian officials have levied on Mikhailov.

Both the U.S. indictments announced on March 15, and the earlier arrests in Russia, came on the heels of an assessment by U.S. intelligence agencies in early January that concluded that Russia orchestrated a hacking-and-propaganda campaign aimed at helping Republican Donald Trump defeat his Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton, in the presidential election.

The FBI is reportedly looking into alleged communications between some of Trump's aides and Russian officials. At least five different congressional committees are also conducting different, Russian-related investigations.

Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/us-indicts-two-russia- fsb-officers-yahoo-hacking/28371740.html

Copyright (c) 2017. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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US Charges 2 Alleged Russian FSB Officers, 2 Hackers Over 2014 Yahoo Attack

Sputnik News

19:13 15.03.2017(updated 19:52 15.03.2017)

US Department of Justice announced Wednesday the indictment of two alleged Russian FSB officers and two alleged criminal hackers for 2014 theft of information on some 500 million Yahoo users.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik)  The indictment lists two alleged officers of Russian FSB intelligence agency, Dmitry Dokuchaev and Igor Sushchin. It also includes two alleged hackers Alexsey Belan and Karim Baratov

The attack on the company occurred over three years ago, in August 2013. Involving over a billion user accounts, the hack is the largest security breach in history. The company had already secured this humiliating title just three months ago, in September 2016, when the data of 500 million users was reported to have been breached. That attack was said to have been the work of a "state-sponsored actor."

Following the hack, Verizon, which planned to acquire Yahoo for $4.8 billion, announced that it would review the terms of the agreement, including the purchase price. Miliefsky noted that the hacking news amounted to an "epic fail" by Verizon's mergers and acquisitions team, and will likely affect the purchase price by a "tremendous amount."

"We are announcing indictment of four individuals responsible for hack into Yahoo and the use of that information to obtain information of yahoo accounts and other email productions," Acting Assistant Attorney General Mary McCord said. "Defendants include two officers of the Russian intelligence services and two criminal hackers with whom they conspired."

Two officers of Russia's FSB intelligence agency allegedly acted on behalf of the agency, McCord claimed.

"As our indictment alleges, and as we have reason to believe based on our evidence, they were acting in their capacities of FSB officials," McCord said when asked if officers Dmitry Dokuchaev and Igor Sushchin acted individually or on behalf of the FSB.

"The defendants targeted accounts of Russian and US government officials, including cybersecurity, diplomatic and military personnel," McCord stated. "They also targeted Russian journalists, numerous employees of other providers, whose networks conspirators sought to exploit, and employees of financial services and other commercial entities."

The indictment by the US Justice Department on Wednesday regarding the Yahoo hack does not allege any link to the hacking of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) in 2016, McCord told reporters.

"Our indictment does not allege any connection between this intrusion and the intrusions into the DNC. That's a separate investigation," McCord said on Wednesday.

Alleged criminal hacker Karim Baratov, who is charged with three other co-defendants with the 2014 theft of information about some 500 million Yahoo users, was arrested in Toronto last night, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Assistant Director Paul Abbate announced Wednesday.

"Fourth co-conspirator, Karim Baratov, was apprehended by the Toronto Police Service Squad on Tuesday," Abbate stated.

United Kingdom's MI5 security agency assisted in the investigation of alleged hacker Karim Baratov, one of four defendants charged with the 2014 theft of information from some 500 million Yahoo accounts, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Assistant Director Paul Abbate said in a press conference.

"UK MI5 security service made a substantial contribution to the investigation," Abbate stated on Wednesday.

Yahoo! Inc. is a US Internet corporation based in Sunnyvale, California. Well-known for its search engine, the company offers a number of online services, including the e-mail service Yahoo mail.

 Sputnik

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Russian Spies Indicted in Massive 2014 Yahoo Hack

By VOA News March 15, 2017

The U.S. Department of Justice on Wednesday announced indictments for two Russian spies and two other people suspected of stealing personal information from hundreds of millions of people in the 2014 hack of Yahoo.

Assistant Attorney General Mary McCord said the four indictments include two officers from the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) and two hackers who helped them in the intrusion.

The FSB officers, identified as Dmitry Dokuchaev and Igor Sushchin, "protected, directed, facilitated and paid criminal hackers to collect information through computer intrusions in the United States and elsewhere," she said.

She said the hackers targeted the accounts of government officials from both Russia and the U.S., as well as journalists, financial services employees and military personnel.

One of the co-conspirators, Alexsey Belan, has been indicted twice before by the U.S. for similar hacking exploits, and has been on the FBI's most wanted cyber criminals list for more than three years.

The other hacker, Karim Baratov, was arrested Tuesday in Canada, McCord said.

The FSB is Russia's intelligence agency. The unit within the FSB where the two defendants work, known as Center 18, is the main FBI "point of contact in Moscow for cyber-crime matters," according to McCord.

"The involvement and direction of FSB officers with law enforcement responsibilities makes this conduct that much more egregious," she said. "There are no free passes for foreign state-sponsored criminal behavior."

In 2014, Yahoo's security team uncovered evidence that a hacker backed by an unnamed foreign government had pried into user accounts, but executives "failed to act sufficiently" on that knowledge, according to the results of an internal investigation. 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.

The company's investigation into the mishandled hack led to the loss of an annual bonus for CEO Marissa Mayer and the resignation of Yahoo's general counsel, Ronald Bell.

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Judge Places Nationwide Block on Trump's Revised Travel Ban

By VOA News March 15, 2017

An angry President Donald Trump promised to fight all the way to the Supreme Court, if necessary, after a federal judge in Hawaii put his revised travel ban on hold Wednesday, hours before it was to take effect.

Judge Derrick Watson wrote that lawyers representing the U.S. Pacific state showed "irreparable injury is likely if the requested relief is not issued."

Trump told supporters in Nashville, Tennessee, hours after the judge's ruling, that "the danger is clear, the law is clear, the need for my executive order is clear," adding that he has the authority to control who is allowed into the country to keep the American people safe.

Trump accused the U.S. District Court in Hawaii of unprecedented judicial overreach, and said he would "take our case as far as it needs to go."

Hawaii argued that Trump's temporary ban on travelers and migrants from six Muslim majority countries would harm tourism, on which the Hawaiian economy heavily depends. The state also contended that its Muslim residents would suffer because their relatives from the six affected countries  Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen  would not be able to visit.

Hawaii Attorney General Doug Chin said lawyers demonstrated that the Trump ban showed a hostility toward religion, which he called unconstitutional. Chin said the winners in this decision are children and the next generation.

At least six other states are suing to stop the travel ban.

Ruling fought in several states

The ruling came as opponents renewed their legal challenges Wednesday across the country, asking judges in Hawaii, Maryland and Washington state to block the executive order that targets people from six predominantly Muslim countries.

Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson argued that the new order harms residents, universities and businesses, especially tech companies such as Washington state-based Microsoft and Amazon, which rely on foreign workers. California, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York and Oregon have joined the claim.

Washington and Hawaii also say the order also violates the First Amendment, which bars the government from favoring or disfavoring any religion. On that point, they say, the new ban is no different than the old. The states' First Amendment claim has not been resolved.

In Maryland, lawyers argued that the ban discriminates against Muslims. It also argues it is illegal for the Trump administration to reduce by half, from 110,000 to 50,000, the number of refugees allowed into the U.S.

Justice Department disputes religious argument

Attorneys from the U.S. Justice Department countered that the revised travel ban "doesn't say anything about religion. It doesn't draw any religious distinctions."

This is the second time a federal judge has put a hold on the Trump travel ban. U.S. District Judge James Robart was the first.

An appeals court in San Francisco questioned the constitutionality of the first version when it upheld Robart's decision to put it on hold.

Trump said his revised travel ban was a "watered down version of the first order ... that never should have been blocked to start with."

In Washington state, Robart heard arguments in a lawsuit brought by the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project, which is making arguments similar to the ACLU's in the Maryland case.

Robart said he is most interested in two questions presented by the group's challenge to the ban: whether the ban violates federal immigration law, and whether the affected immigrants would be 'irreparably harmed" should the ban go into effect.

He spent much of Wednesday afternoon's hearing grilling the lawyers about two seeming conflicting federal laws on immigration, one which gives the president the authority to keep "any class of aliens" out of the country, and another that forbids the government from discriminating on the basis of nationality when it comes to issuing immigrant visas.

Robart said he would issue a written order, but he did not say when. He is also overseeing the challenge brought by Washington state.

Revised ban pared from original

Trump issued a revised ban that removed Iraq from the original list of affected countries and also exempts travelers who were issued visas before January 22.

The original travel ban created chaos in airports around the world as immigration officers struggled to figure out who was covered.

U.S. attorneys say the president of the United States has the authority to control who is allowed into the country in the name of national security.

The most recent travel related executive order, issued by the president March 6, barred visas to nationals of the six countries for 90 days and all refugee admissions for 120 days beginning Thursday, with the government citing "national security" concerns.

Opponents of the executive orders maintain that the second order is as religiously discriminatory and unconstitutional as the first.

"No matter how far President Trump tries to run away from his initial statements that this was a ban on Muslims and discrimination against Muslims, he can't erase where this order originated  in an effort to discriminate against Muslims on the basis of their religion," said Cecillia Wang, deputy legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union, on a call with reporters Tuesday.

At various times while campaigning for president, Trump made sweeping statements calling for barring refugees and Muslims from entering the United States.

Victoria Macchi and the Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Highlights of Premier Li's press conference

People's Daily Online

(China Daily) 11:56, March 15, 2017

Premier Li Keqiang met reporters from home and abroad at a news conference on Wednesday at the end of the annual meeting of the National People's Congress. Premier Li answered questions on various topics such as the economy, financial reforms and diplomacy. Here are highlights of the event.

Premier Li Keqiang met reporters from home and abroad at a news conference on Wednesday at the end of the annual meeting of the National People's Congress. Premier Li answered questions on various topics such as the economy, financial reforms and diplomacy. Here are highlights of the event.

China-US relations

The One-China policy constitutes the political foundation of China-US relations which has remained unshaken despite the changing circumstances, nor can this relationship be undermined. "With that foundation in place, we believe that there are broad prospects for China-US cooperation."

Diplomats from the two countries are already engaged in discussing a face-to-face meeting between the Chinese and US presidents. "I believe it is important for both countries to uphold strategic interests, sit down to talk to each other so as to enhance mutual understanding and trust."

US companies will be the first to suffer if the US and China have a trade war. Bilateral investment and trade had created nearly one million jobs for the US, and that the two nations should look and move forward despite challenges in the ties.

Financial risks

There will not be eruption of systematic financial crisis in China and it has many policy tools available to resolve financial risks. "Once we find financial risks, we will tackle it promptly to prevent it from worsening."

China's GDP growth target for this year, which is "around 6.5 percent", is not low given China's already big economic scale and it would not be easy for China to achieve the target.

China contributed about 30 percent of global growth in 2016 and China will remain an important contributor of global economic growth this year.

Economic growth

There is little risk of a hard landing for the Chinese economy, because the country's healthy economic transformation process relies mainly on industrial upgrades.

China has, for years, achieved medium to high growth, thanks to achievements made in consumption and industrial upgrades.

China will not adopt mass stimulus measures but will continue to fuel growth momentum through deepening reform.

Exchange rate

China has ample foreign exchange reserves to satisfy the demands of imports and short-term debt repayments.

China does not want to resort to yuan depreciation to boost exports as that would dampen the restructuring and upgrading of the corporate sector.

"We also do not want any trade war with others and we have stuck to reform of the yuan's exchange rate formation mechanism to keep it basically stable at reasonable and equilibrium levels."

Employment

The Chinese government will not allow massive unemployment, and China's economy is projected to see steady growth without the likelihood of a hard landing.

"A close look at the Government Work Report will show that we have set higher targets in 2017 for all major areas of economic and social development, which includes creating 1 million more urban jobs than in 2016."

"Employment is of paramount significance for such a large country as China, which has more than 1.3 billion people. Employment is the foundation of economic development."

For the past four years, China has been creating 13 million urban jobs a year, which has helped the country keep unemployment at a fairly low level.

Asia-Pacific region

Premier Li hopes cooperation between China and the United States in the Asia-Pacific region will bring opportunities to ASEAN countries, instead of trouble.

China does not want to see any party in the Asia-Pacific region feel compelled to choose sides under the influence of a Cold-War mentality.

The Asia-Pacific is the common home of all countries in the region, and China believes regional affairs should be decided and handled on the merits of each case.

Streamlining administration and delegating power

China will continue to lower market thresholds and create an environment of fair competition.

"We have the resilience to (push forward the streamlining) no matter what kind of problems or resistance we encounter."

Governments at all levels should integrate administrative services with the internet to make life easier for the public as well as encourage "law-abiding market entities" and give a green light to entrepreneurs and innovators.

Regional trade agreements

China always takes an open attitude to various regional trade agreements, and the country will seize any possible opportunity to improve the world economy through multilateral trading system.

But China will not overreach its regional influence to seek trade arrangements where the country's due role is not in place.

Korean Peninsula issue

China doesn't want to see "chaos at its doorstep".

China, a resolute champion of the international non-proliferation system, has been implementing related UN resolutions comprehensively and strictly, and has been sticking to solving the peninsula issue through talks and achieving the denuclearization of the peninsula.

Tensions on the peninsula, even in Northeast Asia, have the potential to spark conflict and harm all parties involved.

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Iraqi forces liberate Mosul's 'Iron Bridge' from Daesh

Iran Press TV

Wed Mar 15, 2017 11:13AM

Amid battles to liberate the western side of Mosul from Daesh, Iraqi forces retake control of a third bridge crossing over Tigris River which divides the northern city into two parts.

'Iron Bridge' was recaptured from Daesh remnants in western Mosul on Wednesday following an operation enlisting the Federal police and Interior Ministry's Rapid Response units, Reuters reported, citing a police statement.

The coup marks a significant strategic victory as the bridge connects the eastern part of Mosul, which has been entirely freed of terrorists' presence, to the city's Daesh-held Old City.

The terrorists are now controlling only two other cross-river bridges.

According to Iraqi police sources, government forces are now moving towards Mosul's Grand Mosque.

"Our troops are making a steady advance towards the Grand Mosque and we are now less than 800 meters from" the building, Reuters quoted a police spokesman as saying.

Iraqi forces took control of eastern Mosul in January and launched the battle in the west on February 19.

Daesh captured Mosul in 2014 and named it as its self-proclaimed headquarters. The city is the last urban stronghold under Daesh control alongside the northern city of Raqqah in neighboring Syria.

Speaking on Tuesday, Prime Minster Haider al-Abadi said that the military operation aimed at liberating western Mosul was "in its last stage."

Abadi also reiterated his vow that the remaining terrorists who surrender would be given a fair trial, but that those who continue to fight against Iraqi forces will "definitely be killed."

In the latest figures released Wednesday, the International Organization for Migration said nearly 100,000 Iraqis have fled western Mosul amid Iraqi battles against Daesh.

Between February 25 and March 15, more than 97,000 people have been displaced from west Mosul, the IOM said on its official Twitter account.

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Islamic State Deploys Ideological Booby Trap As It Retreats

David Patrikarakos March 15, 2017

The coalition battling to take the Iraqi city of Mosul from the extremist group Islamic State (IS) is closing in. Earlier this year, coalition forces captured eastern Mosul (the city is bisected by the Euphrates River) and are now squeezing the city's western half.

According to Brett McGurk, the U.S. State Department's special presidential envoy for the global coalition to counter IS, the Islamic State group is trapped.

"Just last night, the Ninth Iraqi Army Division, up near Badush, just northwest of Mosul, cut off the last road out of Mosul," he said last week. "Any of the fighters who are left in Mosul, they're going to die there, because they're trapped. So we are very committed to not just defeating them in Mosul, but making sure these guys cannot escape."

Progress has been slow, but with good reason. As James Miller, managing editor of The Interpreter magazine notes: "The coalition is being very cautious. IS is throwing suicide bombers, vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs, in essence car bombs), snipers, and booby traps at the advancing soldiers. As a result, progress is slow -- which is smart, because IS's military defeat is all but certain and each coalition death is just fodder for their propaganda and a major hit to coalition morale. Second, there is also a balance between quickly freeing civilians and avoiding heavy fighting which might kill civilians. ... The reality is that IS is an invader, the civilians are human shields, but IS must be defeated and must not be allowed to spread."

In truth, the coalition forces need to be cautious for a third, perhaps even greater, reason. Protecting the lives of their soldiers is obviously of paramount importance, but the military battle against IS on the ground in Mosul will only eventually yield one winner. The issue is then what comes next -- and for this Miller is prescient when he talks about the need to avoid heavy civilian casualties.

Safeguarding civilian life is considered a necessary guiding moral principle for any army, let alone one that seeks to battle an enemy it rightly decries as a barbaric death cult. IS must be defeated, but it must be defeated by a force that refutes its detestable practices. Righteousness must be a strategy of war. This conflict is as much moral as it is military.

But this issue is complicated in the case of the Mosul offensive. The Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) fly Shi'ite flags freely from their armored vehicles -- the image of Ali, a key figure in Shi'ism, is ubiquitous on the ground. To make matters worse, alongside the ISF fight the highly sectarian, Iran-linked Shi'ite militias, which have on previous occasions massacred Sunni populations in towns they have "liberated" from IS. High civilian casualties must be avoided at all cost to prevent Mosul's majority Sunni population from following in the footsteps of so many other Sunni Iraqis in the face of Shi'ite persecution and flocking to the black flag.

Once IS is driven out of Mosul, it will need soldiers more than ever. The best way to drive a steady supply of new recruits into the arms of IS would be to take the city with utter disregard for human -- specifically Sunni -- life. If that happens, the coalition forces will have simultaneously defeated IS in Mosul but put it on "life support" as it retreats into the desert.

Once it does retreat into the desert, however, all pretense that it is still a state will evaporate. As Miller observes: "Islamic State put a tremendous amount of emphasis on the 'dawla,' their physical territory. It was their main propaganda recruiting tool. Now the caliphate, the physical 'state,' is doomed to fall ... but they've proven that they can slow down the advancing coalition in major cities. After Mosul, the coalition will have to push west into Syria, and I would expect them to get similarly bogged down in major cities and towns in Syria: Al-Bukamal, Deir ez-Zour, and, of course, their capital city, Raqqa."

Nonetheless, IS is in serious trouble: surrounded, cut off from foreign recruits, and in a propaganda retreat. The halcyon days of 2014 and early 2015 -- when it seemed an unstoppable force and drew thousands to its ranks every month -- are long gone.

IS will lose its physical caliphate but -- critically -- the group will not disappear along with it. Rather, its fighters will melt into the desert and continue to fight from there. Like a butterfly regressing back into a caterpillar, the group will regress from fighting like a standing quasi-state army to fighting like the terror group it has always been. And it will not stop. Salafi-Jihadism is as strong as ever -- as the continuing success of the Taliban and numerous Al-Qaeda franchises shows.

Alongside military power must come soft power; alongside guns must come words. Coalition forces must push a powerful message -- a counternarrative to IS's narrative of Sunni victimhood and of Shi'ite and Western perfidy. For this, it is crucial that Middle Eastern forces take the lead in the battle against it; that it is Sunnis, Shi'a, and Kurds, not British, Turkish, and American forces that are the primary actors in its downfall.

Those who created IS were defeated before, in Iraq, but they came back -- in a more dangerous and sophisticated form -- because they were able to successfully create a narrative that spoke to many Iraqis and Syrians. It held that foreign and sectarian forces were responsible for all their misfortunes; that, once more, those seeking to exploit the region for their own gain had invaded the Middle East. This mistake must not be repeated.

As Miller concludes: "Sectarianism and the narrative that the United States is fighting a war against Islam, or at least against Sunni Islam, are the most important enemies to defeat. And they can't be killed with bombs."

The views expressed in this blog post do not necessarily reflect the views of RFE/RL.

Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/islamic-state-ideological -booby-trap-mosul-iraq/28371537.html

Copyright (c) 2017. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Kurdistan Worker's Party Establishes Military Base Near Iraq's Refugee Camp

Sputnik News

21:27 15.03.2017

Rizgar Mihemed, the head of the administration of the Iraqi city of Mahmur, spoke with Sputnik Turkey in an interview revealing that the Kurdistan Worker's Party has established a military base in Mahmur.

Against the backdrop of the continuing presence of Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) fighters in the Sinjar area of northern Iraq, it is reported that they have recently set up a military base in the Kerecux area around the refugee camp in Mahmur, which is part of Iraqi Kurdistan.

"The PKK was previously also present in Mahmur. However, now it has significantly increased the strength of its forces in the area. When two years ago Daesh attacked the camp in Mahmur, the PKK members arrived in Mahmur to protect the civilians," Mihemed told Sputnik Turkey.

He further said that after the expulsion of Daesh from Mahmur, the members of the PKK settled in the town and increased their grip on the mountains of Kerechuh, near the Mahmur refugee camp.

The head said that he does not have information about how many PKK members are present in Mahmur right now, but their presence is certainly not needed anymore because there is no threat from Daesh, as the terrorists have been driven away.

"Currently, there are 2,700 families living in Mahmur. There are also a total of 12,000 people living in the refugee camp," Mihemed said.

Mihemed stressed that Peshmerga forces provide the security in the area and that they are sufficient.

The refugee camp in Mahmur was established in 1998 under the aegis of the UN Iraqi government of that period. After Daesh terrorists were driven out of Mahmur, the area was taken over by Peshmerga forces.

Turkey considers Syria's PYD and YPG militias linked to Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which has been listed as a terror group by Ankara. Tensions between Ankara and the Kurds escalated in July 2015 when a ceasefire between Ankara and the PKK collapsed because of a series of terror attacks allegedly committed by PKK members.

Kurds are living in parts of Turkey, Iran, Iraq and Syria. In Turkey, Kurds represent the largest ethnic minority, and are striving to create their own independent state.

 Sputnik

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Libya's unity govt. forces overrun rival militia HQ in Tripoli

Iran Press TV

Wed Mar 15, 2017 3:58PM

Forces loyal to Libya's unity government have overrun the headquarters of a rival militia following three days of fierce fighting in the capital, Tripoli.

Local residents and witnesses said on Wednesday that the forces from the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) overran the headquarters belonging to the militia, whose members are mainly from Misrata, the hometown of the former prime minister, Khalifa Ghweil.

"It's over. Ghweil's forces have pulled out and GNA forces have taken control of the area," media outlets quoted a witness as saying.

A security source also confirmed the militia's withdrawal.

The unity government forces launched an assault on the headquarters in Guest Palace, a complex of luxury villas in the city center, three days ago. They overran it after heavy fighting and artillery exchanges overnight.

Ghweil, whose administration was replaced by the GNA last year, has stepped up a campaign against the UN-backed authority.

A medic said a rocket hit Khadhra Hospital without causing any casualties.

Gunmen also stormed the headquarters of the privately owned Nabaa television, known for its Islamic leanings. The channel remained off the air on Wednesday.

The ongoing fierce fighting has brought life in the capital to a standstill with schools and shops closed.

The fresh wave of violence comes despite an appeal by Martin Kobler, the UN's Libya envoy, on Tuesday for an "immediate ceasefire."

"Civilians at grave risk in ongoing clashes," Kobler said on Twitter.

A series of violent clashes also erupted in the neighborhoods of Hay al-Andalus and Gargaresh on Monday evening. The fighting prompted the unity government to deploy tanks in the violence-hit areas.

On Tuesday, heavy fighting rocked eastern Libya, where forces loyal to General Khalifa Haftar regained control of two major oil ports of Ras Lanuf and al-Sidra from a rival faction that seized them earlier this month.

Haftar's forces do not recognize the UN-backed government. They mounted a day-long assault by land, sea and air to seize the oil terminals.

Haftar was an ally of Libya's former long-time dictator Muammar Gaddafi but joined the Libyan revolution against Gaddafi in 2011.

Libya has been rocked by violence since a NATO military intervention that followed the 2011 uprising and led to the overthrow and death of Gaddafi. Rival governments were set up in Tripoli and eastern Libya in 2014.



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Reports of Russian Military on Libyan-Egyptian Border 'Untrue' - Libyan Army

Sputnik News

16:30 15.03.2017(updated 16:31 15.03.2017)

Media reports of Russian military specialists allegedly deployed in Egypt near the border with Libya are not true, Libyan army's spokesman Col. Ahmed Mismari told Sputnik on Wednesday.

CAIRO (Sputnik)  Late on Monday, Reuters news agency reported that Russia deployed 22-member unit of special forces and several drones to an airbase in Egypt near the Libyan border, citing unnamed US and Egyptian military and diplomatic sources. The Egyptian Defense Ministry has already denied the reports.

The Russian Defense Ministry has already denied Russian military presence in Egypt, saying that certain media outlets had been "stirring the public with such mud-slinging from anonymous sources for years."

"The information is absolutely untrue," Mismari said commenting on the issue.

Vladimir Dzhabarov, first deputy chairman of the Federation Council's Committee for International Affairs, told Sputnik that Russia has not sent military specialists and drones to an airbase in Egypt.

Another Russian lawmaker, first deputy head of Russia's State Duma Defense Committee Andrei Krasov told Sputnik that media reports of alleged Russia's deployment of military personnel to an airbase in Egypt are aimed at escalating the situation.

Libya has been torn apart by internal conflict since 2011, when the civil war broke out culminating in the demise of longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi.

In December 2015, the United Nations brokered the agreement to establish the Government of National Accord (GNA), which was meant to reconcile Libya's rival governments  the Council of Deputies based in Tobruk and the Tripoli-based General National Congress. The GNA's Presidential Council was supposed to offer representation to members of Libya's conflicting groups, but the GNA has been struggling to make progress in truly uniting the country.

 Sputnik

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Russian Naval Aviation to Overhaul, Boost Helicopter Fleet by 2025

Sputnik News

20:37 15.03.2017(updated 20:43 15.03.2017)

The Russian Navy has begun overhauling its fleet of shipborne helicopters as part of a state arms procurement program running into 2025, the Russian Defense Ministry's press office said Wednesday.

MOSCOW (Sputnik)  It will receive state-of-the-art Kamov Ka-52K attack choppers, Ka-31R radar surveillance helicopters and Ka-226T on-deck helicopters, as well as revamped Ka-27PL anti-submarine choppers already in service.

"The Russian Navy performs complex tasks as part of groups sent out on long-haul missions. Helicopters are key to ensuring quality and efficiency of these tasks," Navy Commander Adm. Vladimir Korolyov was quoted by the ministry as saying.

The ministry stressed that procuring new weapons gained importance after a strike group of the Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier came back from a Mediterranean combat mission last month. Its aviation group comprises Kamov helicopters as well as Sukhoi and MiG fighter jets.

The Russian Defense Ministry said earlier that the air wing of Russian aircraft-carrying cruiser Admiral Kuznetsov destroyed over 1,000 terrorist targets during its mission in Syria.

In October 2016, Russia's naval group, consisting of the Admiral Kuznetsov, the Pyotr Veliky battle cruiser, the Severomorsk and the Vice-Admiral Kulakov anti-submarine destroyers, and support vessels, was sent to the Mediterranean. Since the group's arrival to Syria, the air wing based at the Admiral Kuznetsov had participated in Russia's anti-terror operation until January 6.

 Sputnik

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Russia Deploys Bastion, Bereg Missile and Artillery Systems in Black Sea Drill

Sputnik News

17:32 15.03.2017(updated 17:35 15.03.2017)

Russia has deployed Bastion and Bereg coastal defense missile and artillery systems during a military exercise now ongoing at a Back Sea naval base in Novorossiisk, Black Sea Fleets spokesman Vyacheslav Trukhachev told Sputnik.

"The Bastion crews conducted simulated missile launches at surface ships, and Bereg self-propelled artillery systems moved in to practice antiamphibious defense," Trukhachev said.

Meanwhile, Black Sea Fleet warships successfully conducted missile and artillery fire at surface and airborne targets, minesweepers practices demining operations and small antisubmarine ships were on the lookout for "enemy" submarines.

Trukhachev said that the coastal defense units of the Novorossiisk base practiced measures to repel an imaginary enemy attack.

The snap drill was organized by the headquarters of the Southern Ministry District.

The Bastion coastal system is designed to engage surface ships, carrier battle groups, landing craft and convoys, as well as ground-based targets. It is armed with the P-800 Oniks supersonic anti-ship missile, which is capable of cruising at speeds of up to Mach 2.5.

The Oniks has a maximum range of between 120-300 km, and can cover up to 600 km of coastline.

The weapon has the unique capability of soaring up to 14 km into the air before swooping down and skimming as little as 5 meters above the sea surface during its final stage of flight.

The Bereg 130-mm self-propelled coastal defense artillery system is designed to engage surface ships and prevent over-the-beach landings of enemy forces.

It can also engage small-size fast moving naval targets, such as small landing ships, fast attack craft and air-cushioned vessels at a range of up to 20 km. It can also engage ground targets.

 Sputnik

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Unaccompanied kids hardest hit by Syria crisis: UN

Iran Press TV

Wed Mar 15, 2017 4:9PM

The United Nations children's fund has expressed concerns about the plight of the Syrian children affected by the country's six-year-long conflict, saying those kids separated from their families are the most vulnerable.

The crisis in Syria has taken a terrible toll on the country's children, Geert Cappelaere, the regional director for the Middle East and North Africa at the UN International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF), told Reuters in the Lebanese capital Beirut on Wednesday.

"So for unaccompanied and separated children the situation is even harsher than for other children, and for children in general it's already a very, very difficult situation," Cappelaere said.

A child died or was severely injured in Syria every six hours last year, while every single school day a child is killed either sitting in the class or on the way to school, he added.

The official further described the figures as "dramatic," warning, however, that they were only verified by UNICEF and the real number of child casualties is "much higher, unfortunately."

Elsewhere in his comments, Cappelaere said that many Syrian children have suffered from indirect consequences of the conflict such as the destruction of the healthcare system.

Referring to the problem of "undocumented" children, he said it was difficult to trace and register them in shelters as well schools.

Cappelaere made the remarks after he returned from a three-day visit to the Syrian cities of Damascus, Aleppo and Homs.

On Monday, UNICEF released a report, calling 2016 the deadliest year yet for Syrian children. The agency also noted that it had documented the deaths of 652 children last year, 20 percent more than the figure recorded in 2015.

Syria has been hit by foreign-sponsored militancy since 2011. Damascus has repeatedly accused the US and some of its regional allies of arming and funding different militant groups fighting Syrian government forces on the ground.

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Aid convoys reach four Syria villages: ICRC

Iran Press TV

Wed Mar 15, 2017 8:11AM

Several aid trucks have made their way into four Syrian villages, delivering relief supplies to tens of thousands of people there, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) says.

"We are entering #Madaya, #Zabadani, #Foaa & #Kafrya with @SYRedCrescent & @UN delivering much-needed food & medical items," the ICRC announced in a tweet on Tuesday.

The aid body also said convoys of trucks were carrying medical and food supplies to residents of Foua and Kafraya villages in Idlib Province as well as Madaya and Zabadani, two villages controlled by government forces in the suburbs of the capital, Damascus.

The areas are home to 60,000 civilians, according to the UN.

On Tuesday, the Syrian Central Military Media released a video showing a convoy of SUVs from the ICRC and the Syrian Arab Red Crescent escorting two aid trucks into Madaya.

Kevin Kennedy, UN regional humanitarian coordinator for the Syrian crisis, said this is the first such aid deliveries to the villages since last November.

Elsewhere in southwestern Dara'a Province, local officials said a convoy consisting of 35 trucks and carrying 275 tons of aid supplies provided by the ICRC were dispatched to a number of towns.

The developments come amid a ceasefire holding across Syria since last December.

The truce agreement was reached between Damascus and militant groups after government troops managed to liberate the eastern sector of flashpoint Aleppo City from militant groups following four years of counterterrorism operations.

Water flows into Aleppo veins

Also on Tuesday, the official SANA news agency reported that water flow had been restored to the Suleiman al-Halabi pumping station in Aleppo.

Aleppo Governor Hussein Diab said the area had been completely deprived of water for more than two months, praising the sacrifices of army forces in securing the city's water resources.

Last week, the Syrian army captured the al-Khafsa area east of Aleppo, where treatment and pumping plants provide the city with water. The army and allied forces have made rapid gains against Daesh in the Aleppo countryside.

Meanwhile, Syria's Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva Hussam Eddin Ala rejected as "distorted" and "biased" a report by the International Commission of Inquiry to 34th Session of the UN Human Rights Council on the situation of Syria and Aleppo.

The report said the airstrikes against militants in eastern Aleppo before its liberation destroyed "all of the essentials of civilian life."

Reacting to the claims, Ala told the session that the report was based on "contradicted and inaccurate information and reveals that those who wrote it know nothing about the geography or the reality of what is taking place on the ground in Syria," SANA reported.

He said "the Syrian government has always been committed to the principles of the international law and...its obligations in terms of the war on terrorism."

The Russian delegation at the session also slammed the report, which it said was aimed at distorting the facts.

It also said the independent commission's report was first made public on March 1, when a round of UN-led peace talks was underway in Geneva.

Efforts were needed to create a positive atmosphere for a dialog, but the authors of the report "chose a different path," the delegation added.

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Syria peace talks in Astana constructive: Envoy

Iran Press TV

Wed Mar 15, 2017 7:52AM

Syria's ambassador to the United Nations has expressed satisfaction with the latest round of the intra-Syrian negotiations in the Kazakh capital city of Astana, saying the discussions were "constructive."

Bashar al-Ja'afari, who also serves as the head of the Syrian delegation to the peace talks, announced on Wednesday that he was concluding his participation in the negotiations organized by Iran, Russia, and Turkey.

An official paper was produced on demining the ancient Syrian city of Palmyra, which was fully liberated Palmyra from the grip of the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group earlier this month, he added.

Meanwhile, Tehran, Moscow and Ankara said in a joint statement read out by Kazakh Deputy Foreign Minister Akylbek Kamaldinov that they had "initiated discussions on international assistance for demining of the UNESCO cultural heritage sites in Syria."

The trio had also reached a consensus on "reporting ceasefire violations [in Syria], ensuring a decrease in breaches and bolstering the effectiveness of the trilateral monitoring mechanism," he added.

Kamaldinov further noted that the next Astana meeting will be held on May 3-4, with a preparatory meeting due in the Iranian capital on April 17-19.

The third round of consultations aimed at finding a political solution to the conflict in Syria wrapped up on Wednesday. The talks gathered the Syrian government and opposition at the negotiating table.

The negotiations started on Tuesday with a meeting between the UN and Russian delegations, and continued with more consultations among the representative teams.

Astana hosted two rounds of the negotiations respectively in January and February.

The militants had earlier boycotted this round of the talks, claiming they had to first make sure about Damascus and its allies' adherence to the ceasefire.

On Wednesday, however, Kazakhstan's Foreign Ministry said the militants' delegation would come to Astana to attend the negotiations at night.

The Interfax news agency cited a representative with the Turkey-backed Free Syrian Army (FSA) as saying that the militant group would be sending five officers to the negotiations.

Meanwhile, Osama Abu Zeid, an FSA delegate to the Astana talks, announced his resignation on Wednesday, citing "personal reasons."

The talks are hoped to positively contribute to a similar process in Geneva brokered by the UN. The Swiss city has so far hosted four rounds of discussions, with the next scheduled for March 23.

Addressing the attendees, Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev said the Astana talks will create conditions for the resolution of the Syrian crisis within the framework of the Geneva process, Russia's Sputnik network reported.

"I am confident that the meeting in Astana will provide the necessary conditions allowing to find the acceptable solution of Syrian crisis for all the interested parties in the framework of Geneva process under the auspices of the UN and will be a significant step forward to peace and stability in Syria. I wish you successful and fruitful negotiations," the statement read out by the Foreign Minister Kairat Abdrakhmanov said.

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Syrian Democratic Forces Continue to 'Build Arab Element' - Coalition

Sputnik News

21:09 15.03.2017

The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) continue to increase the number of Arabs among their ranks amid the advancement to liberate the Syrian city of Raqqa from the Daesh terror group (outlawed in many countries), US Operation Inherent Resolve spokesman Col. John Dorrian said in a briefing on Wednesday.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik)  The SDF, which include the Syrian Arab Coalition, launched the Wrath of Euphrates operation to retake Raqqa on November 5, 2016. At present, about 75 percent of the force that is isolating Raqqa is Syrian Arab, according to the US Defense Department.

"The Syrian Democratic Forces are a multi-ethnic and multi-sectarian organization and that is one of the reasons why we are working with them. They have continued to build the Arab element of their force," Dorrian told reporters.

US-led coalition member Turkey has stated that Kurdish forces, such as the Democratic Union Party (PYD) and the Popular Defense Units (YPG) seizing Raqqa, may pose a threat to Ankara after Daesh is driven from the city.

Turkey considers PYD and YPG militias linked to Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which has been listed as a terrorist organization by Ankara.

The coalition has been saying that the SDF remains the most capable force on the ground to conduct the Raqqa operation. Dorian noted that the Kurds will participate in the offensive on the city.

"We do expect that they [the Kurds] will be involved at some level. We continue working with the Syrian Democratic Forces and the Syrian Arab Coalition," the spokesperson said.

Dorrian added that the United States and Turkey continue to hammer out the scope of Turkish military involvement in the Raqqa offensive, but no agreement with Ankara has been reached yet.

 Sputnik

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Free Syrian Army Decision to Skip Astana Talks Final - Chief of Staff

Sputnik News

21:06 15.03.2017(updated 21:12 15.03.2017)

The decision of the Free Syrian Army not to send its representatives to the talks on Syria in Astana is final, Ahmed Berri, the Chief of Staff of the Free Syrian Army told Sputnik.

ASTANA (Sputnik)  On Tuesday, Abu Zeid and the head of the Syrian armed opposition delegation at the first two rounds of Astana talks on Syrian settlement, Mohammed Alloush, separately confirmed that the armed opposition made a final decision to not participate in the third round of Astana talks.

On Tuesday, the Syria talks officially kicked off in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan.

"The decision not to participate is final. The situation has not changed, " Berri said, asked on the possibility of the FSA representatives arrival to Astana.

 Sputnik

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Peace in Syria an imperative 'that cannot wait,' UN chief Guterres says as war enters seventh year

15 March 2017  As the brutal war in Syria enters its seventh year, peace "is a moral and political imperative both for the Syrian people and for the world," United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said today, urging the conflict parties to fully back a fragile ceasefire and ensure aid access, as well as to support UN-facilitated talks set to pick up again late this month.

"For six years now, the Syria people have been victims of one of the worst conflicts of our time," said Mr. Guterres in a statement on the crisis in Syria, which began in March 2011 after a crackdown on massive popular protests throughout the country turned into an armed struggle.

The UN chief issued two urgent appeals to all the parties, firstly, to make the most of the 30 December 2016 ceasefire established by the guarantors of the Astana meetings  Russia, Turkey and Iran  enhance it further, and ensure that relief aid can reach all those in need in Syria without any obstacles and impediments.

Secondly, the UN chief appealed to all those with influence on the conflict parties to overcome their differences and work together to put an end to the conflict, namely by contributing to the success of the intra-Syrian negotiations in Geneva on the basis of the Geneva Communique and relevant UN Security Council resolutions, including resolution 2254 (2015), which endorsed a road map for a peace process in Syria, including specific language on governance, constitution and elections.

The UN Special Envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura announced last week that he expects to convene intra-Syrian negotiations on 23 March.

For his part, Mr. Guterres underscored: "Peace in Syria is a moral and political imperative both for the Syrian people and for the world  an imperative that cannot wait."

'Toll taken on civilians is inexcusable'  UN Emergency Relief Coordinator

Meanwhile, as the conflict enters its seventh grim year, the Syrian people have watched huge parts of their country reduced to rubble, according to the UN humanitarian coordinator.

"The toll taken on civilians is inexcusable. Hundreds of thousands of people have been killed. Almost five million people  the majority of them women and children  have fled the grotesque violence and deprivation and are now living as refugees," said UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Stephen O'Brien in his message on the crisis.

He added that too many who set out on perilous journeys to escape the war perished on the way.

"As I speak," continued Mr. O'Brien, "more than six million people are displaced within Syria. They are among the 13.5 million people in Syria who are in dire need of humanitarian aid."

Families and entire communities are struggling to meet their most basic food needs. While food shortages worsen, a seemingly endless supply of bombs and artillery shells continue to extinguish lives. Moreover, a generation of children in Syria have known nothing but brutal conflict and fear during their short lives.

While he underscored that the conflict would never end without a genuine political commitment to peace, Mr. O'Brien asserted that "even if a political agreement were to succeed tomorrow, millions of Syrians will still require critical humanitarian assistance for months and likely years to come."

He stressed that brave humanitarians would continue to stand with the people of Syria to deliver aid to millions of civilians most in need  regardless of which side they are perceived to be on.

Mr. O'Brien, who is also the UN Emergency Relief Coordinator, said that he joined Syrians in hoping that 2017 would be the year the carnage finally ended, and that the parties to the conflict  and those that support their actions  regained their sense of humanity.

He concluded his message saying: "We owe this and so much more to the millions of battered and beleaguered women, men and children who have suffered through this most uncivil war."

Syria's healthcare system has also fallen victim to the conflict

Civilian access to health services has also seriously deteriorated, with more than half of public hospitals and primary health centres having either closed or remaining only partially functioning, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

"Substantial health needs in Syria continue to be unmet and resources to support the health workforce and health system are stretched to the limit," said Dr. Peter Salama, WHO Executive Director of Health Emergencies Programme.

While almost twothirds of healthcare workers have fled, many of the medical facilities that remain open lack clean water, electricity and sufficient medical and surgical supplies.

"On this sad anniversary of the start of war in Syria and before more lives are lost, WHO calls for systematic and unhindered access to all areas to deliver life-saving medicines, vaccines and medical supplies," stressed Dr. Salama.

Despite obstacles, including security threats, WHO has continued to support health services with medicines and supplies; by training the remaining health care staff; and assisting with medical teams and mobile clinics through cross line and cross-border programmes.

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China urged to respect Taiwan's democracy

ROC Central News Agency

2017/03/15 22:56:45

Taipei, March 15 (CNA) Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) called China on Wednesday to respect Taiwan's democracy and recognize the reality of its existence, so as to facilitate the development of constructive cross-strait relations.

The MAC made the call in a statement issued in response to Chinese Premier Li Keqiang's reiteration of the "One China" principle at a press conference in Beijing at the end of the annual session of the National People's Congress.

"It is an established policy of the government since it took office on May 20 last year to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait," the MAC said in its statement.

That policy will not be shaken no matter how the situation changes, the MAC said.

Mainland China should face the reality of differences in the development of the political regimes on each side of the Taiwan Strait, the MAC said.

China should also recognize and respect the existence of Taiwan's democracy and the core values of its administration, which are based on public opinion, the MAC said.

Only when China can do this will cross-strait ties be able to develop in a constructive manner, the MAC said.

(By Miao Chung-han and Romulo Huang)

enditem/pc

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Germany warns of Turkey's NATO departure as Ankara-Amsterdam tensions soar

Iran Press TV

Wed Mar 15, 2017 4:0PM

Germany has warned against Ankara's departure from NATO as tensions continue to escalate between Turkey and the Netherlands over an upcoming constitutional referendum that would expand the Turkish president's powers.

"Turkey is not making it easy for us within NATO. But no one should believe that a Turkey outside NATO would listen better to us or would be easier to deal with than a Turkey in NATO," German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen told AFP on Wednesday.

The German defense minister also said Berlin "must not abandon the many Turks who don't want an expansion of the president's powers with the upcoming referendum."

A bitter feud broke out between Turkey and the Netherlands last week after the Dutch government barred Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu from flying to Rotterdam.

The Turkish minister was scheduled to attend a rally as part of a campaign to garner support for the April referendum that would give the presidency sweeping new powers.

Austria and Switzerland have also canceled several similar rallies due to the growing dispute.

Erdogan, who is seeking to rally expatriate Turks living in Western Europe, especially in Germany and the Netherlands, has responded by comparing Dutch leaders to Nazis. He had earlier made a similar comment about the German government.

On Tuesday, German Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere said Ankara was playing the victim with its strong criticisms against NATO allies to galvanize support ahead of the referendum.

EU expects Turkey to honor refugee deal

Meanwhile, the soaring tension between Ankara and European countries has raised concerns that a fragile EU-Turkey deal to stem the flow of refugees to Europe might fall apart.

Turkey has threatened to re-evaluate its agreement with the European Union over the escalation of the diplomatic row with the bloc's member states.

However, the EU said on Wednesday that it was committed to the refugee deal and expected Ankara to do the same.

"We remain committed to the application of the EU-Turkey (agreement)," said a spokesperson for the European Commission, the executive arm of the EU. "This is a contract of mutual trust and delivery; we expect that both parties will comply with their commitments."

The EU-Turkey deal, which was reached in March 2016, sees refugees returned to Turkey in exchange for aid and political concessions.

Under the agreement, refugees arriving in Greece are sent back to Turkey if their asylum claim is rejected. In return, EU countries take in Syrian refugees from Turkey and reward it with money, visa waiver and progress in Ankara's EU membership negotiations.

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Turkey Blocks Cooperation With NATO Partners As EU Dispute Escalates

March 15, 2017

Turkey has blocked some military training and other work with NATO "partner countries" in an apparent escalation of a diplomatic dispute with EU states, officials and sources said on March 15.

Sources said Turkey had blocked NATO's 2017 rolling program of cooperation with non-EU countries, including political events, civilian projects and military training. Turkey was not immediately available to comment.

Turkey is angry at Germany and the Netherlands for preventing it from holding political rallies on their territories to promote an April 16 referendum granting President Recep Tayyip Erdogan sweeping new powers.

Erdogan has compared Germany and the Netherlands to fascists and Nazis. But as fellow NATO members, Turkey is unable to block cooperation with the two countries.

An unnamed NATO official said Turkey's action was apparently aimed at Austria, which is not a member of the alliance but is a partner country. Turkish referendum rallies have also been canceled in Austria.

Last year, Austria called for the European Union to end accession talks with Turkey after Ankara jailed tens of thousands of people following a failed coup attempt.

Austria's Defense Ministry confirmed the Turkish block. A spokesman said there was no immediate effect on ongoing missions but that the decision could cause problems in the longer term "for example, for the preparation of missions in Kosovo, because there are joint training programs."

Turkey's action potentially affects all 22 NATO partner states, including Sweden and Georgia, some of which contribute troops to NATO missions in places such as Afghanistan and Kosovo.

Based on reporting by Reuters and dpa

Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/turkey-nato-cooperation- dispute-netherlands-germany/28372034.html

Copyright (c) 2017. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Ukraine Announces Suspension Of Cargo Traffic With Separatist-Held Areas

RFE/RL March 15, 2017

Ukrainian authorities have announced the suspension of all cargo traffic with areas held by Russia-backed separatists in the eastern part of the country, prompting Russia to urge Kyiv to cancel the measure to avoid a "humanitarian catastrophe."

Security and Defense Council Secretary Oleksandr Turchynov announced the decision on March 15, shortly after President Petro Poroshenko proposed it at a session of the council.

The move comes after the government took steps this week to end a rail and road blockade established by Ukrainians opposed to any trade with the separatists, who control a portion of eastern Ukraine that includes coal mines and other industrial enterprises that have long been a crucial part of the country's economy. The activists maintaining the blockade called such commerce "trade in blood."

Poroshenko said that only humanitarian cargoes should be permitted to cross into separatist-held areas in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, a swath of Ukraine known as the Donbas.

However, Russia's Foreign Ministry immediately urged an end to the blockade, saying that the situation risked turning into a "humanitarian catastrophe."

The ministry said in a statement on its website that Kyiv was responsible for a recent flare-up of tensions in eastern Ukraine.

Turchynov said the suspension will remain in effect until the Russia-backed separatists relinquish control over enterprises in the Donbas and comply with the much-violated 2015 Minsk agreement. The European-brokered deal set out steps to end the war between government forces and the separatists -- which the UN said in a March 15 report has killed at least 9,940 people since April 2014 -- and restore Kyiv's control over the border with Russia, but it appears unlikely to implemented in full anytime soon.

The European-brokered deal sets out steps to end the war between government forces and the separatists, which has killed more than 9,750 people in eastern Ukraine since April 2014, and restore Kyiv's control over the border with Russia -- but it appears unlikely to implemented in full any time soon.

Shortages And Outages

The makeshift blockade put Poroshenko's government in a difficult position, adding to strains on Ukraine's war-depleted economy and opening the authorities up to accusations of colluding with the Russia-backed separatists.

It hampered deliveries of coal from the Donbas to power plants elsewhere in Ukraine, contributing to electricity shortages and outages that prompted Poroshenko to declare an emergency in late February and urge all Ukrainians to try to conserve energy.

Meanwhile, the separatists responded to the activists' blockade by seeking, as of March 1, to seize control of Ukrainian enterprises in the territory they hold, further aggravating the crisis.

Coal producer DTEK, part of Ukrainian billionaire Rinat Akhmetov's business empire, said on March 15 that the separatists have taken control of its biggest mines in separatist-held territory as well as a power plant and power distribution business. DTEK had said on March 9 that it still had control of its mining operations in the separatist-held areas but had been forced to idle them.

Citing an unidentified Russian steel-industry source, Russian news agency RBK reported on March 15 that the Russian government has urged big steelmakers to provide iron-ore to plants in separatist-held areas in eastern Ukraine.

Meanwhile, the separatists responded to the activists' blockade by announcing they would take control of enterprises in the territory they hold as of March 1, further aggravating the crisis.

Turchynov was quoted as saying that the Security and Defense Council requested from the Interior Ministry, National Police, and the Security Service to implement additional measures to beef up public safety and prevent sabotage and terrorist acts, as well as attempts to disrupt social order.

Turchynov also said that the commanding staff of the Ukrainian armed forces in Donbas was ordered to carry out "necessary measures to stand against possible provocations" by the separatists.

The government took steps to end the makeshift blockade on March 13-14. Security forces detained several dozen activists who were blocking a railway line, dismantled their camp, and cordoned off the area next to a key railway hub in the Donetsk region.

'Kindling' Russian Aggression

Those moves angered opposition lawmakers, government critics, and nationalist activists who held protests in several cities.

Opposition lawmakers demanded answers from Poroshenko, the Interior Ministry, and Ukraine's security service (SBU) on March 14 over the detentions.

Poroshenko lashed out at the "blockaders" during the Security and Defense Council meeting on March 15, saying that their actions did not support Ukraine's territorial integrity but "on the contrary, made it more difficult to secure it."

"They weakened Ukraine's influence on the other side of the contact line," he said, referring to the front line between government forces and separatist fighters in the Donbas.

"They did not remove fears imposed on our compatriots by Russian propaganda but increased them...They worsened the situation faced by our people held in [separatist] captivity," Poroshenko said. "They did not curb Russia's aggressiveness, but kindled it even more."

After a Moscow-friendly Ukrainian president was pushed from power by protests in Kyiv in February 2014, Russia seized the Crimea Peninsula from Kyiv's control and fomented separatism in the country's east and south, where many people speak Russian.

Russia denies involvement in the war in eastern Ukraine, despite what Kyiv and Western nations say is overwhelming evidence that it has sent substantial numbers of troops and weapons across the border to support separatist forces.

Russia's interference in Ukraine has badly strained its ties with the West, prompting the European Union, the United States, and other nations to impose sanctions.

With reporting by UNIAN and Reuters

Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-suspension -cargo-traffic-separatists/28371097.html

Copyright (c) 2017. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Full Transport Blockade of East Ukraine 'Pushing Donbass Away' From Kiev

Sputnik News

18:31 15.03.2017(updated 18:41 15.03.2017)

The full transport blockade of Donbass may result in deterioration of economic situation in Ukraine as well as escalation of the conflict in eastern part of the country, Rodion Miroshnyk, a representative of the self-proclaimed Lugansk People's Republic to Minsk talks, told Sputnik on Wednesday.

LUGANSK (Sputnik)  Earlier on Wednesday, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko proposed to the country's National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) to completely halt transport connection with the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Lugansk people's republics until the enterprises in regions return to Ukraine's control. Later in the day, the NSDC made the corresponding decision.

"Such kind of pressure on the republics will only result in escalation of the conflict, deterioration of the economic situation in Ukraine, radicalization of processes, pushing Donbass away from Ukraine," Miroshnyk said.

He pointed out that the introduced measure was a violation of the UN Security Council's resolution, Minsk agreements, as well as the deals reached by leaders of the Normandy Four countries comprising Russia, Ukraine, Germany and France.

"The open violation of international commitments [by Ukraine] is proves that the republics' decisions on introduction of receivership regime on [Ukrainian] enterprises was right. Four million people living in the republics cannot depend on distribution of economic flows between Poroshenko and other contenders. We must protect our people and ensure the work of enterprises, look for new markets and diversify the sources for means of living," Miroshnyk added.

On March 1, the self-proclaimed republics of Donbass decided to impose the receivership regime on Ukrainian enterprises in the area in response to the transport blockade of railway tracks launched by former Ukrainian participants of military operations in Donbass.

Ukraine launched a military operation in Donbass in April 2014, after local residents refused to recognize the new government in Kiev that they viewed as illegitimate. Despite the Minsk peace accords signed in February 2015, the sides continue to blame each other for ceasefire violations.

 Sputnik

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DPR Not to Lift Ban on Raw Material Exports to Kiev-Controlled Areas Yet

Sputnik News

15:24 15.03.2017(updated 16:52 15.03.2017)

The self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) will not lift the ban on the export of products and raw materials to territories controlled by Kiev until the Ukrainian authorities comply with the Minsk agreements, DPR leader Alexander Zakharchenko told Sputnik while commenting on the introduction of a complete transport blockade by Kiev.

DONETSK (Sputnik)  Zakharchenko stressed that on March 1 the republic had to impose the receivership regime on Ukrainian enterprises in the area in response to the transport blockade, as well as to halt the export of products and raw materials from DPR to the territories controlled by Kiev.

"We have not lifted the blockade on our part, and we are not going to, until Kiev fulfills its obligations under the Minsk agreements, first of all, the political part," Zakharchenko said.

Earlier in the day, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko proposed to the country's National Security and Defense Council on Wednesday to make a decision to completely halt transport connection with the DPR and the LPR until the enterprises in regions return to the Ukrainian jurisdiction.

In late December 2016, the so-called Ukrainian volunteer fighters group declared a trade and economic blockade of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) and Lugansk People's Republic (LPR). The Donbass regions used to supply anthracite coal for producing heat and energy in Ukraine.

Ukraine launched a military operation in Donbass in April 2014, after local residents refused to recognize the new government in Kiev that they viewed as illegitimate. Despite the Minsk peace accords signed in February last year, the sides continue to blame each other for ceasefire violations.

 Sputnik

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Vantage Data Centers has announced the delivery of three new facilities in Berlin and Frankfurt and has announced a new German office in Raunheim to support the countrys growth.
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - March 16, 2017) -

NOT FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES OR FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER OF THE SECURITIES DESCRIBED HEREIN.

Advantage Lithium Corp. (the "Company" or "Advantage Lithium") (TSX VENTURE:AAL)(OTCQX:AVLIF) is pleased to announce that, further to news releases of November 23, 2016, December 22, 2016, January 24, 2017, February 8, 2017 and February 17, 2017, the Company has entered into a definitive purchase agreement with Orocobre Ltd. ("Orocobre") - one of Argentina's leading lithium producers - and Miguel Alberto Peral ("Peral"), to indirectly acquire an initial 50% interest, with an option to acquire a total of 75%, in Orocobre's Cauchari Project and a 100% interest in five lithium brine properties located in the northern provinces of Jujuy, Salta and Catamarca in Argentina's lithium triangle (the "Argentine Properties").

Transaction Highlights

Advantage Lithium Financing. The Company closed its previously announced private placement financing of 26,667,000 subscription receipts of the Company for aggregate proceeds of approximately C$20 million to finance the transaction (the "Financing"). In accordance with the Subscription Receipts Agreement, the gross proceeds of the Financing are held in escrow pending satisfaction of the escrow release conditions which includes the completion of the transaction (the "Closing") on or before March 31, 2017.

Up to 75% Interest in the Cauchari Project, host to an inferred lithium potash resource containing an estimated 470,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate and 1.62 million tonnes of potash. SAS will acquire an immediate initial 50% interest in the Cauchari project at the Closing, with the right to earn an additional 25% interest upon incurring exploration expenditure of US$5 million over 3 years or completing a NI 43-101 feasibility study in that period, all pursuant to the JV Agreement (as defined below).

Orocobre and Peral will acquire 46,325,000 and 8,175,000 shares of the Company, respectively, with share lock-up to apply post-closing. A pooling agreement will be entered into between the Company, Orocobre, Peral and certain Advantage Lithium insiders at the Closing, pursuant to which the parties will agree not to sell their shares of Advantage Lithium for staged periods at 12, 18 and 24 months after the Closing (subject to customary exceptions).

Orocobre and Peral will acquire 2,550,000 and 450,000 warrants of the Company, respectively. Each warrant is on the same terms as issued by Advantage in the Financing, exercisable for one share of the Company at an exercise price of $1.00 per share for a period of two years.

Investor Rights Agreement. The Company, Orocobre and Peral will enter into a customary investor rights agreement at the Closing that will provide for matters including pre-emptive rights, size and composition of the Company's board, voting of the Company shares and demand and piggyback registration rights.

Royalty agreement. Orocobre will retain a 1% royalty on the Cauchari properties as will be set out in a royalty agreement to be entered into in connection with the Closing.

Finder's Fee. The Company entered into a finder's fee agreement with an arm's length party (the "Finder") whereby, at the Closing, the Company will pay to the Finder a cash payment of US$50,000 and issue 150,000 common shares, subject to the approval of the TSX-V.

The indirect acquisition of the Argentine Properties will occur by way of the Company acquiring all of the issued and outstanding securities of South American Salars Minerals Pty. Ltd. which owns all of the issued and outstanding shares of South American Salars ("SAS") which owns the Argentine Properties. Prior to Closing, SAS, which will become the Company's subsidiary at Closing, will enter into a joint venture agreement with an affiliate of Orocobre, whereby SAS may acquire an additional 25% interest for a total of 75% interest in the Cauchari Project (the "JV Agreement").

David Sidoo, President and CEO, of Advantage Lithium, commented, "Signing of the share purchase agreement brings us one step closer to creating an exploration company in Argentina without peer. We are excited to form a partnership with Orocobre, which is not only one of the country's leading lithium producers, but one of the largest lithium producers in the world."

Richard Seville, CEO and Managing Director, of Orocobre, said, "Partnering with Advantage Lithium is expected to allow a rapid development of the Cauchari Project without additional capital from Orocobre shareholders. We look forward to closely working with Advantage Lithium's award-winning technical team in further advancement of the project."

The technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved on behalf of the Company by Ross McElroy, P.Geo. Technical Advisor and Director for Advantage Lithium Corp., and a "Qualified Person" as defined in NI 43-101.

About Advantage Lithium Corp.

Advantage Lithium Corp. is a resource company specializing in the strategic acquisition, exploration and development of lithium properties and is headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia. The common shares of the company are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (TSX VENTURE:AAL), and the company is also traded on the OTCQX Best Market in the U.S. (OTCQX:AVLIF). The company has entered into a definitive purchase agreement with lithium producer, Orocobre, subject to TSX approval, to acquire 100% interest in five projects in Argentina and up to a 75% interest in a sixth, called Cauchari. Cauchari is host to a near-surface estimated inferred resource of 230 million cubic metres of brine at 380 mg/l Lithium that equates to 470,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate (LCE), and a large exploration target of 5.6mt to 0.25mt of LCE and 19mt to 0.9 of KCL. Cauchari is located just 20 km south Orocobre's flagship Olaroz Lithium Facility. The Company is also earning an interest from Nevada Sunrise Gold Corp., in a portfolio of five lithium brine projects in the Clayton and Lida Valley regions of Nevada, USA, including 70% in Clayton NE. In addition, the Company has acquired 100% of the Stella Marys lithium brine project, immediately adjacent to Orocobre's Salinas Grandes project that hosts an inferred, near-surface resource, in Argentina's Lithium Triangle.

Advantage Lithium Corp.,

David Sidoo, CEO, President, Director

Cautionary Statement:

Certain information contained in this press release constitutes "forward-looking information", within the meaning of Canadian legislation. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology 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 state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur", "be achieved" or "has the potential to". Forward looking statements contained in this press release may include statements regarding the outcome of the Closing, and the future operating or financial performance of Advantage Lithium which involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties which may not prove to be accurate. Actual results and outcomes may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in these forward-looking statements. Such statements are qualified in their entirety by the inherent risks and uncertainties surrounding future expectations. Among those factors which could cause actual results to differ materially are the following: market conditions and other risk factors listed from time to time in our reports filed with Canadian securities regulators on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are made as of the date of this press release and the Company and Advantage Lithium disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable securities legislation.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Toronto, Ontario (FSCwire) - Tartisan Resources Corp. (CSE: TTC) (Tartisan, or the Company)Tartisan Resources Corp. (Tartisan or the Company) is pleased to announce that the Company has signed a letter of intent (LOI) with Duran Ventures Inc. (V-DRV) for the purchase of the Ichuna Copper-Silver property (Ichuna or the Project) in Peru. Tartisan recently entered into an LOI with Duran regarding the purchase of the Don Pancho property (see Companys new release dated February 22, 2017).

Tartisan has entered into an agreement with Duran to acquire 100% of the Ichuna Copper-Silver property in Peru located in the department of Moquegua, 825 kilometres southwest of Lima, comprising one concession of 1000 hectares. More specifically, the Ichuna property is located 120 kilometres northeast of Arequipa and is contiguous to the San Gabriel Project, previously called the Chucapaca Project, a gold-silver discovery announced in 2010 through a joint venture with Goldfields Ltd. and Compania de Minas Buenaventura (Buenaventura). An initial resource of 83.7 MT, 1.9 g/t Au, 8.2 g/t Ag and 0.09% Cu for an 5.6 million equivalent Au ounces was published in May 2010*. *(https://www.goldfields.co.za/med_news_article.php?articleID=592)

In August 2014, Buenaventura announced the purchase of Goldfield's 51-per-cent interest in the San Gabriel Project for $81-million (U.S.) and a 1.5% net smelter royalty (NSR) on all metal sales. Currently Buenaventura is proposing an underground mine at the project, specifically on the Canahuire gold zone, located approximately three kilometres to the south of the Ichuna project.

Duran acquired the 1000 hectare Ichuna concession in 2006 before the discovery at San Gabriel. Extensive high grade surface Cu-Ag mineralization was initially observed by Durans geologists and was later followed up by a property wide geophysical survey in 2010. The work identified a large IP geophysical anomaly trending northwest-southeast measuring over 1,500 metres in length. It is important to note that the discovery of the Canahuire zone was a blind target with a strong geophysical response. Economic mineralization in the Canahuire zone does not outcrop at surface and follows a recessive area. The geophysical anomaly on Ichuna has similar characteristics to the Canahuire zone.

Duran optioned the property to a third party in 2013 and limited work was undertaken, which included seven diamond drill holes totaling 2,754 metres. Drilling focused only along intrusive and limestone contact(s) where access and community agreements were in place. The drilling did not return significant results along this contact. More importantly, the IP target was not tested adequately as only one hole collared at the most south western tip was completed. A program of more detailed geophysics and diamond drilling is planned to test this extremely interesting target.

The agreement will permit Tartisan to acquire a 100% undivided interest in the Project by paying a total $50,000 and issuing 500,000 common shares by May 17, 2017. Upon completion of 5,000 metres of drilling and/or underground development, a further 150,000 shares are payable, and if a National Instrument 43-101-compliant resource is published, a further 150,000 shares are payable, and if the Company loses control of the project either by sale or joint venture, a further 200,000 shares are payable to Duran. Duran will retain a 2%NSR, of which half (1%) can be purchased by Tartisan for US$500,000.

Tartisan Resources Corp. common shares are listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE:TTC). Currently, there are 63,287,629 shares outstanding (82,759,982 fully diluted).

For further information on Tartisan, please contact Mr. D. Mark Appleby, President & CEO and a Director of the Company, at 416-804-0280 (mark@tartisanresources.com). Additional information about Tartisan can be found at the Companys website at www.tartisanresources.com or on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. For further information on Duran, please contact Jeff Reeder at 647-302-3290 (info@duranventuresinc.com) or www.duranventuresinc.com

This news release may contain forward-looking statements including but not limited to comments regarding the timing and content of upcoming work programs, geological interpretations, receipt of property titles, potential mineral recovery processes, etc. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore, involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements.

Neither the TSXV, CSE/CNSX nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

The Canadian Securities Exchange (operated by CNSX Markets Inc.) has neither approved nor disapproved of the contents of this press release)

Jeff Reeder P.Geo. a qualified person in the context of NI 43-101 has reviewed and approved the technical content of this News Release

To view this press release as a PDF file, click onto the following link:public://news_release_pdf/Tartisan03162017.pdfSource: Tartisan Resources Corp. (CSE:TTC)

To follow Tartisan Resources Corp. on your favorite social media platform or financial websites, please click on the icons below.

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Copyright  2017 Filing Services Canada Inc.
EDMONTON, Mar 16, 2017 - Iberian Minerals Ltd. (TSX VENTURE:IML)(OTCQB:SLDRF) (the "Company" or "Iberian") is pleased to announce that further to its news release of March 14, 2017, it has received a final order from the Alberta Court of Queen's Bench on the arrangement (the "Arrangement") involving Iberian, shareholders of Iberian and Enviroleach Technologies Inc. ("ETI"). The Arrangement involves the spin-out of the Iberian Technology Rights to ETI and the distribution to Iberian shareholders of 26,000,000 common shares of ETI (the "ETI Share Distribution"). The Arrangement was approved by shareholders at the Company's Special Meeting held on March 14, 2017.All closing conditions for the Arrangement have now been met, including conditional approval from the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE") for the listing of the ETI common shares.The Company intends to complete the Arrangement on Tuesday, March 21, 2017, making it the official record date for Iberian shareholders to receive their entitlement for ETI shares on a pro rata basis. Shareholders need to be aware that the distribution of the ETI shares is facilitated through the Company's transfer agent - Computershare, not Iberian. The Company currently expects that the ETI Shares will commence trading on the CSE on or about March 30, 2017, subject to the Company meeting all of the customary listing conditions of the CSE.ETI has also made an application for a U.S. listing with the OTCQB and will be providing updates regarding this development on a timely basis."I am very pleased with the overwhelming and decisive support our shareholders shown us for the EnviroLeach spin-out.", commented Greg Pendura, President and CEO of Iberian Minerals. "To receive over 99% approval on this spin-out with a record total of over 153 million shares voted, tells us that our shareholders value the opportunity each of these two companies working together will offer to them."Duane Nelson, President & CEO of ETI, states; "I am very pleased with the completion of the Arrangement and the continued support of the shareholders. The Company now has the necessary corporate structure and solid foundation to build upon. I am very excited about the future of EnviroLeach. It is, by far, the most innovative and disruptive technology ever introduced to the mining and E-Waste sectors. The client-side testing and validation of the process continues with excellent results. Iberian and EnviroLeach will continue to work together collectively as solution providers to both the mining and E-Waste industry sectors."The Company further wishes to announce an investor presentation which will take place at 6:00 PM, March 21, 2017 at the Marriot Courtyard Edmonton West, 10011 184Street NW, Edmonton, Alberta.Please confirm of your attendance via email to rick@iberianminerals.ca by March 20Iberian Minerals is a Canadian junior mining company positioned for growth through the partnership of advanced cash flow mining opportunities utilizing the Mineworx environmentally friendly mineral processing technologies. In addition the Company is undertaking strategic alliances with its Spanish minerals assets.For further information, go to www.iberianminerals.caThis news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws, respectively. The use of any of the words "expect", "potential", "target", "anticipate", "continue", "estimate", "objective", "may", "will", "project", "should", "believe", "plans", "intends" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking information or statements. More particularly and without limitation, this news release contains forward-looking statements and information concerning: the timing and anticipated receipt of the Final Order and the timing of the effective date for the Arrangement.In respect of the forward-looking statements and information concerning the anticipated completion of the Arrangement, the Company has provided them in reliance on certain assumptions that they believe are reasonable at this time, including assumptions as to the ability of the Company to receive, in a timely manner, the necessary court, regulatory and other third party approvals and the ability of the Company to satisfy, in a timely manner, the other conditions to the closing of the Arrangement. These dates may change for a number of reasons, including inability to secure necessary court, regulatory or other third party approvals in the time assumed or the need for additional time to satisfy the other conditions to the completion of the Arrangement. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release concerning these times.Since forward-looking statements and information address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. These include, but are not limited to, the risk that the Arrangement may not close when planned or at all or on the terms and conditions set forth in the Arrangement Agreement and the failure to obtain the necessary court, regulatory and other third party approvals required in order to proceed with the Arrangement.The forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events, or results or otherwise, other than as required by applicable securities laws.Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.Rick Gliege, V.P. Corporate Development(250) 751-3661rick@iberianminerals.ca
Vancouver, March 16, 2017 - Nexus Gold Corp. ("Nexus" or the "Company") (TSX-V: NXS, OTC: NXXGF, FSE: N6E) is pleased to announce it will increase its diamond drilling program at the 178-square kilometre Niangouela exploration permit located approximately 85 kilometers north of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, West Africa.

The Company recently completed 1470 metres of the scheduled 2000 metre phase one program (see Company news release dated March 7, 2017) and will be completing the initial phase and releasing assays from the remaining holes in the coming weeks. The Company will immediately thereafter commence a phase two diamond drill program on the property that will target additional areas of interest along strike. In addition, the program will test a newly identified zone of artisanal workings occurring along strike of the shear zone another 800 metres to the east of the current drill area.

"As has been stated, we are extremely encouraged with the initial results at Niangouela. Once this first program is complete we will immediately initiate the next phase," said President and CEO, Peter Berdusco. "This second phase will continue to effectively define the shear zone structure and the quartz vein within it. We will also investigate any potential higher grade shoots and preferred mineralization trends occurring along strike," continued Mr. Berdusco.

The first phase diamond drill program was designed to test anomalous rock samples collected from underground artisanal workings and anomalous Rotary Air Blast (RAB) drilling completed by the Company in December 2016. This initial program successfully intersected gold mineralization in eight of the first nine holes drilled on the concession. The mineralization was contained in a silicified shear zone occurring in the host granite, associated with the shear was primary quartz veins.

Significant gold mineralization was encountered in four of the eight holes reporting gold intercepts. NGL-17-DD-008 returned 26.69 grams per tonne ("g/t") gold over 4.85 metres (including 8.50 g/t gold over 0.62 metre, and 120.00 g/t gold over 1.03 metres). Hole NGL-17-DD-006 returned 4.00 g/t gold over 6.20 metres (including 20.50 g/t gold over 1.00 metre).

The assay results from the first nine holes of the phase one program are tabled below:

Hole ID Azimuth Dip FROM (m) TO (m) INTERCEPT (metres) Au gram/tonne NGL-17-DD-001 10 -50 76.00 87.00 11.00 0.32 INCLUDES 83.00 84.00 1.00 1.21 NGL-17-DD-002 190 -60 84.50 85.50 2.00 1.05 104.50 105.50 1.00 1.32 NGL-17-DD-003 185 -50 86.40 91.50 5.10 1.80 INCLUDES 86.40 87.50 1.10 6.14 NGL-17-DD-004 185 -60 121.00 124.00 3.00 0.75 INCLUDES 122.00 123.00 1.00 1.23 NGL-17-DD-005 185 -70 NO SIGNIFICANT RESULTS NGL-17-DD-006 180 -50 65.00 71.20 6.20 4.00 INCLUDES 70.20 71.20 1.00 20.50? NGL-17-DD-007 180 -60 102.00 109.20 7.20 1.01 INCLUDES 104.00 105.00 1.00 2.34 AND 106.20 107.20 1.00 1.92 NGL-17-DD-008 180 -50 57.00 61.85 4.85 26.69 INCLUDES 58.35 58.97 0.62 8.50 AND 58.97 60.00 1.03 120.00? NGL-17-DD-009 180 -60 74.50 78.50 4.00 2.61 INCLUDES 76.50 77.50 1.00 5.92?

? Denotes metallic screen analysis

? Denotes gravimetric fire assay analysis

Note all assay results represent intercept lengths and are not true widths

The phase one diamond drill program tested the shear zone for over 200 metres along strike and intercepted the zone to depths of 105 metres below surface. The shear zone remains opens along strike and to depth.

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.


Vancouver, March 16, 2017 - Dajin Resources Corp. ("Dajin") (TSX-V: DJI) (OTC: DJIFF) (Germany: C2U1) is pleased to release the seismic interpretation report, with maps and cross sections, for its Teels Marsh property in Mineral County, Nevada. (See link below)

Dajin Director, Dr. Mark Coolbaugh in collaboration with researchers at the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology (NBMG), at the University of Nevada ("UNR"), Reno prepared the report. UNR's involvement was made possible by a grant to the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology at UNR from Dajin Resources (US) Corp. The report completed the analysis of the high resolution reflection seismic data and updated the structural interpretation of the playa. These data have also been used to refine well targeting as to depth and location, and will provide constraints for interpreting aquifer distributions following drilling.

The results confirm that the sedimentary basin at Teels Marsh is up to 8,200 feet (2,500 metres) in depth. The seismic sections reveal a number of strong reflectors that are variable in strength with depth but can be traced laterally for significant distances. The exact nature of these strong reflectors cannot be confirmed until drilled, but their presence verifies the stratified nature of the basin fill deposits. Many of the reflectors are likely to correspond to accumulations of volcanic ash and/or gravels or other types of sedimentary deposits. Ash deposits from Long Valley Caldera (called the Bishop Tuff) are likely to be found in the marsh due to the size of the catchment basin (313 mi2 or 812 km2 in size) and its proximity to Long Valley. These ash layers have proven to be productive brine sources in Clayton Valley, where the Silver Peak Lithium brine mine is located and operated by Albemarle Corporation.

As stated in the seismic report, "The basin is bounded by normal faults that accommodated development of a composite northwest-tilted half-graben elongate in a N20E to N30E direction and approximately 7 km (4.3 miles) long and 1 to 2.4 km (0.6 to 1.5 miles) wide. Greater displacements along normal faults that form the northwestern margin of the basin led to the development of a northwest-tilted half-graben. The half-graben is filled with generally unconsolidated sediments dipping northwesterly to westerly with dips progressively increasing from 0? near the surface to as much as 25? at 2 km (6,560 feet) depth. Due to the consistent northwesterly to westerly dip of sediments, the deepest portion of any given sedimentary layer will generally lie northwest of the central axis of the graben, but southeast of the primary bounding graben faults on the northwest."

This detailed analysis significantly expands the size of the basin filling deposits by showing that basin fill extends farther north-westward under surface gravel deposits. For this reason Dajin recently increased its claim size early this year by staking an additional 66 placer claims, bringing the total to 403 placer claims covering 7,914 acres (3,202 hectares). Dajin awaits approval from the Bureau of Land Management of a "Notice of Intent" which is required prior to commencing a drill program. Dajin has been granted the water right to the Teels Marsh by the Nevada Division of Water Resources and water permits for drilling have already been received.

To view a copy of the report "Interpretation of the Seismic Reflection Survey at Teels Marsh, Mineral County, Nevada" please click here.

The technical information in this press release has been prepared in accordance with the Canadian regulatory requirements of National Instrument 43-101 and has been reviewed and approved on behalf of Dajin Resources Corp. by Dajin Directors, Dr. Catherine Hickson, P. Geo and Dr. Mark Coolbaugh, CPG, the Qualified Persons.

About Dajin: (www.dajin.ca)

Dajin is an early stage Lithium exploration company holding a 100% interest in the aforementioned placer claims in the Teels Marsh region of Mineral County, Nevada. These claims are known to contain Lithium and Boron values and are adjacent to the birth place of US Borax Corp's first borax mine. Dajin also holds a 100% interest in 191 placer claims covering 3,851 acres (1,558 hectares) in the Alkali Lake region of Esmeralda County, Nevada, located 7 miles (11 kilometers) northeast of Albemarle's Silver Peak Lithium brine operation in Clayton Valley.

Dajin, through Dajin Resources S.A. ("Dajin S.A."), holds concessions or concession applications in Jujuy Province, Argentina that were acquired in regions known to contain brines with Potassium, Lithium and Boron values. These concessions exceed 93,000 hectares (230,000 acres) and are primarily located in the Salinas Grandes/Guayatayoc salt lakes basin. Dajin S.A. is partnered with LSC Lithium Corp. who has agreed to spend $2,000,000 to earn a 51% interest in Dajin S.A.'s Lithium properties while building a significant presence in Argentina. (click here for information on LSC Lithium Corp.)

DAJIN RESOURCES CORP.

Brian Findlay, President

The TSX Venture Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility

for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Copyright (c) 2017 TheNewswire - All rights reserved.


TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / March 16, 2017 / Royal Road Minerals Ltd. (TSX-V: RYR) ("Royal Road" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update of its exploration activities in Colombia and details of the Caza Gold acquisition projects (see press release, March 15, 2017) in Nicaragua.

COLOMBIA

With positive developments and the new political landscape in Colombia, Royal Road is actively expanding its presence by making application for over 450,000 hectares of concession contracts in Narino Province (See Fig. 1) and by reviewing other promising gold opportunities in the region of its La Golondrina and La Redencion gold projects and elsewhere throughout the country.

Image: https://www.accesswire.com/uploads/RoyalRoad_3.16.2017.jpg

Figure 1

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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The Company is liaising regularly and actively pursuing alliances with Colombian Government bodies in order to responsibly align itself with the country's post-conflict aspirations. One such initiative involves the potential joint acquisition of airborne magnetic and radiometric data covering the Company's concession contract applications and areas of state mining reserve in Narino Province. The proposed survey will cover areas known to be prospective for high-grade intrusion-related gold mineralization in the east and for porphyry copper and gold mineralization in the west (see Fig.1). The Company's plan is to rationalize and reduce its application areas and focus on newly generated targets following completion of the airborne survey and subsequent reconnaissance field work and community consultation programs.

NICARAGUA

The Company has acquired more than 90% of Nicaragua-focused Caza Gold Corp. ("Caza") and is currently completing compulsory acquisition of the remaining 10% (see press release, March 15, 2017). Caza holds close to 75,000 hectares of exploration license in the prospective Chortis Belt of western Nicaragua (see Fig.2).

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Figure 2

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The two key projects in the portfolio of Caza assets which management believe to illustrate significant size-potential are the Los Andes and Piedra Iman projects.

Los Andes Porphyry Cu-Au project

The Los Andes district is located 90 km from Managua in the Department of Boaco. Access is via a major paved highway from Managua. Caza controls 100% of six mineral exploration concessions covering the Los Andes District. The total concession package is approximately 18,500 hectares.

Within the district the dominant rocks are volcanics of andesitic composition belonging to the Late Oligocene to Early Pliocene Coyol Group. Numerous intrusive rocks cut the volcanic sequence, with at least two large dioritic porphyries identified to date. Associated with the intrusive/volcanic activity are numerous breccia pipes and diatremes. Hydrothermal alteration is extensive throughout the licence areas and is typically a combination of argillic (silica-clay), advanced argillic (silica-alunite), and silicification.

In 2015, Caza completed an airborne geophysical survey over the area which highlighted a number of well-defined structural trends and radiometric anomalies. Short exploratory drilling campaigns conducted in 2014-15 targeted silicified lithocaps and localized breccias and intersected strong alteration and anomalous copper, silver, and gold in a number of holes but failed to intersect any potentially economic intervals of mineralization.

Immediately around the lower slopes of Cerro Quizaltepe, over 1,500 rock chip samples were collected by Caza geologists with 123 returning values greater than 200ppm copper and 31 greater than 500ppm. A similar halo of elevated gold was also recorded with 82 rock chips returning greater than 50ppb. When viewed alongside the airborne geophysics, this large area of copper-gold anomalous geochemistry is thought to be indicative of a copper-gold mineralized porphyry body at depth. Drilling at Cerro Quizaltepe was too shallow to fully test the deep porphyry potential but it did intersect alteration and anomalous copper mineralization (211.7m greater than 200ppm Cu in hole QZP-003 and 10.95m @ 0.19% Cu in hole QZP-002) supporting the interpretation of potential for an underlying higher grade porphyry copper and gold body.

Recent modelling and interpretation of this data, suggests that the Los Andes area is represented by a circular caldera-style structure located immediately adjacent to and to the north of Cerro Quizaltepe (see Figs. 3 and 4). Management interprets the caldera to be a late-stage feature having developed late in the history of deep porphyry emplacement at Cerro Quizaltepe and hosting alteration that, whilst impressive in its extent, maybe distal to the main mineralized body and thus lower grade and sub-economic.

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Figure 3

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Figure 4

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Managements view is that the principal target at Los Andes is a deep copper or copper and gold porphyry body located beneath Cerro Quizaltepe and at the southern margin of the Los Andes caldera (see Fig. 5). Testing of this body will require further geological modelling and then deep drilling. The Company is actively seeking a joint-venture partner to assist it with drill testing at Cerro Quizaltepe.

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Figure 5

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Piedra Iman IOCG Cu-Au project

The Piedra Iman licence area is located 100km northwest of Managua via the Pan American Highway and 30 km north of B2 Gold's El Limon Mine. Within the greater region numerous small artisanal gold mines, including over 80 small gold processing plants, have been recorded. Caza, controls 100% of the 7,947.27 hectare Aguas Calientes Concession encompassing the Piedra Iman project

Piedra Iman was initially explored in the 70's by a Noranda subsidiary and included drilling to 200m depth and the completion of one exploration adit. This drilling and underground sampling intersected significant widths of copper mineralization. Most samples were not assayed for gold and results are historic in nature and cannot be verified. A selection of the better historic results included the following (see Fig 6):

DDH_818

9.1m @ 1.50% Cu DDH_846 14.3m @ 1.42% Cu DDH_851 36.6m @ 1.13% Cu DDH_876 14.8m @ 1.65% Cu

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Figure 6

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Gold and copper mineralization is associated with biotite, quartz veining and brecciation with the presence of magnetite, specularite and rose actinolite having been recorded in both historic drill core and hand specimen.

Recently rock-chip sampling by Caza reported grades of up to 60g/t Au and numerous copper samples grading +1% from Piedra Iman, (see Fig. 7). Royal Road Minerals plans to complete a ground-based magnetic survey as soon as possible to assist in identifying the areal extent of the potentially mineralized magnetic body. If possible, access to the underground adit will also be obtained, this will provide valuable information as to the mineralization style and characteristics at depth.

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Figure 7

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"2017 will be an exciting year for Royal Road," said Dr Tim Coughlin, Royal Road's President and CEO. "Our shareholders have given us a clear mandate to find something new, large, and exciting, and we are establishing the land package, the team, and the structure to ensure we have the best chance of doing exactly that. In Colombia we have a dominant position in the highly exciting region of Narino, which is known to be underexplored and prospective for high-grade gold and copper and in Nicaragua, a country best known for vein deposits. We have two of the very few and potentially large bulk-tonnage occurrences currently identified in that region. We look forward to keeping the market informed as we advance our exciting initiatives throughout Latin America."

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.

The information in this news release was compiled, reviewed and verified by Dr. Tim Coughlin, BSc (Geology), MSc (Exploration and Mining), PhD (Structural Geology), FAusIMM, President and CEO of Royal Road Minerals Ltd. and a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Royal Road Minerals employees are instructed to follow standard operating and quality assurance procedures intended to ensure that all sampling techniques and sample results meet international reporting standards. More information can be found on Royal Road Minerals web site at www.royalroadminerals.com.

Cautionary statement:

This news release contains certain statements that constitute forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking statements") and includes statements relating to the Offer and those describing the Company's future plans and the expectations of its management that a stated result or condition will occur. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company and Caza, or developments in the Company's and Caza's business or in the mineral resources industry, or with respect to the Offer, to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance, achievements or developments expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include all disclosure regarding possible events, conditions or results of operations that is based on assumptions about, among other things, future economic conditions and courses of action, and assumptions related to government approvals, and anticipated costs and expenditures. The words "plans", "prospective", "expect", "intend", "intends to" and similar expressions identify forward looking statements, which may also include, without limitation, any statement relating to future events, conditions or circumstances. Forward-looking statements of the Company contained in this news release, which may prove to be incorrect, include, but are not limited to, the various assumptions set forth herein and in the Company's take-over bid circular prepared and filed in accordance with applicable securities laws in Canada as well as the ability of the Company to effect a compulsory acquisition and to de-list the Caza shares from the TSX Venture Exchange.

The Company cautions you not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. There is no guarantee that the anticipated benefits of the Offer and the Company's and Caza's business plans or operations will be achieved. The risks and uncertainties that may affect forward-looking statements include, among others: economic market conditions, anticipated costs and expenditures, government approvals, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's and Caza's filings with Canadian provincial securities regulators or other applicable regulatory authorities. Forward-looking statements included herein are based on the current plans, estimates, projections, beliefs and opinions of the Company management and information provided to the Company by Caza, and, except as required by law, the Company and Caza do not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements should assumptions related to these plans, estimates, projections, beliefs and opinions change. Nothing in this news release should be construed as either an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy or sell the Company's securities.

For further information, please contact:

Dr. Timothy Coughlin

President and Chief Executive Officer

USA-Canada toll free 1800 6389205

+44 (0)1534 887166

+44 (0)7797 742800

info@royalroadminerals.com

SOURCE: Royal Road Minerals Ltd.
TORONTO, ON--(Marketwired - March 16, 2017) - Gran Colombia Gold Corp. (TSX: GCM) announced today that it has signed an option agreement with IAMGold Corp. (TSX: IMG) for the exploration and potential purchase of an interest in the Company's Zancudo Project.

The Zancudo Project is located in the TitiribA mining district of Antioquia, about 27 km south of Medellin, and comprises a historical gold mine, the Independencia Mine, in the Middle Cauca Gold Belt that had produced about 130,000 ounces of gold with recovered grades of 14.6 g/t Au and 108.4 g/t Ag. The Independencia Mine exploited an epithermal to mesothermal, intermediate sulphidation type vein system that was exploited over 3.5 km with known depths of over 900m. Gran Colombia had completed a 14,000m drilling program at the Zancudo Project in 2011 and 2012 that focused on defining new potential resources by following the strike and shallow dip extensions of the Santa Catalina and Manto Antiguo structures that represent the extension to the south of what was mined in the historical Independencia Mine. Following the gold price collapse in 2013, the Company halted further exploration at the project to focus on the expansion and modernization of its high-grade producing Segovia Operations.

Under the agreement, IAMGOLD has been granted an option to acquire an initial undivided 65% interest (the "First Option") in the Zancudo Project by incurring an aggregate of US$10 million of mineral exploration expenditures over a six-year period, subject to meeting specified annual work commitments during the First Option period, of which the first US$1 million to be incurred within the first year is a firm commitment and IAMGOLD has the right to cease its obligations at any time thereafter.

IAMGOLD has also been granted an additional option (the "Second Option") to acquire a further 5% undivided interest for an aggregate 70% undivided interest in the Zancudo Project by completing a feasibility study within three years after exercising the First Option.

Upon exercise of the First Option or the Second Option, as the case may be, the parties will form a joint venture to hold the Zancudo Project, to advance the exploration and, if feasible, to advance the development and mining of any commercially exploitable ore body.

About Gran Colombia Gold Corp.

Gran Colombia is a Canadian-based gold and silver exploration, development and production company with its primary focus in Colombia. Gran Colombia is currently the largest underground gold and silver producer in Colombia with several underground mines in operation at its Segovia and Marmato Operations. Gran Colombia is in the midst of an expansion and modernization project at its Segovia Operations.

Additional information on Gran Colombia can be found on its website at www.grancolombiagold.com and by reviewing its profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information:

This news release contains "forward-looking information". Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Gran Colombia to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements are described under the caption "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Information Form dated as of March 30, 2016, which is available for view on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this press release and Gran Colombia disclaims, other than as required by law, any obligation to update any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, results, future events, circumstances, or if management's estimates or opinions should change, or otherwise. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.
President Tran Dai Quang and Lao Minister of Public Security Somkeo Silavong (Source: VNA)



During a reception in Hanoi on March 16th for Secretary of the Lao Peoples Revolutionary Party Central Committee and Minister of Public Security Somkeo Silavong, Quang hailed his visit to attend a conference reviewing the outcomes of cooperation between the Vietnamese and Lao ministries of public security last year and sign a collaboration plan for 2017.

He congratulated Minister Silavong on being awarded with an honorary doctorate degree by the Vietnam Peoples Police Academy in honor of his contributions to personnel training of the two countries public security forces.

Discussing bilateral ties, the President wished that the two public security forces would continue their close and practical coordination to firmly safeguard national security, social safety and order in each country.

As Vietnam and Laos will celebrate the 55th anniversary of the bilateral diplomatic ties (September 5th) and the 40th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation (July 18th), the two forces need to work closely together to ensure the absolute safety of events and anniversary celebrations, contributing to deepening bilateral friendship and special solidarity, he stated.

Speaking highly of the outcomes of talks between the two Ministries, the host suggested facilitating visits by their leaders and local public security officers to share experience and promptly deal with contingencies involving security and order in each nation.

The leader required them to effectively fight cross-border drug trafficking, economic crimes and hunt for local law violators hiding in the other country.

On the occasion, he wished that the Lao people would score greater successes in the national construction and development.

Silavong, for his part, thanked the Vietnamese State and government for helping Laos successfully organise important political events in 2016 year when Laos assumed the role of ASEAN Chair.

Silavong said during talks with the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security, both sides have agreed to continue initiatives to increase the visit exchange of the two ministries leaders to share experience in maintaining social safety and order, ensuring national security, preventing crimes and non-traditional security issues.

In case of contingencies, both sides will partner to promptly deal with them, prevent hostile forces from distorting, sabotaging and hurting the bilateral special solidarity and traditional friendship.

The two sides will continue mutual consultancy and support at regional and global forums in the fight against crimes and other non-traditional security issues, he said./.
For decades, when cash was scarce, corporate pension-plan sponsors have made in-kind contributions -- non-cash assets such as securities and real estate -- to fund their retirement plans. US Steel, for example, contributed 170,000 acres of timberland to meet its pension liabilities. General Motors used securities from a subsidiary company. Facing bankruptcy, Pan American World Airways transferred the lease for its flagship terminal at New York's Kennedy Airport to its pension funds. These private-sector plan sponsors looked to their balance sheets for assets they could monetize by contributing them to their pension funds.Given the fiscal struggles that so many state and local governments face, it might seem that the idea of funding public retirement systems with cash-generating public assets or dedicated funding streams from them would be one that would have caught on long ago. It's an idea that, done properly, is worth considering. Yet state and local policymakers have only recently begun to follow the lead of corporate America. Most recently, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie cited the private sector's practice of transferring assets to pension funds when he proposed funding his state's beleaguered public pension plans with revenues from the state's lottery.The governor maintained that the strategy would immediately reduce the pension system's current unfunded liability (which is based on the actuarial assumptions for the fund), increase its funded ratio (a measure of its assets' market value), and lower the amount the state would have to pay into the system in coming years. He reckoned this would please taxpayers, bond investors, credit-rating agencies and public employees alike.How this might be done is still to be worked out, but the notion of a pension plan generating income from a lottery asset is not new. In Canada, the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan owns the licenses to operate both the British and Irish national lotteries. These assets were not in-kind contributions but rather a direct investment aimed at boosting the pension fund's returns.The difference between a pension fund buying an asset and receiving one in lieu of cash is important. The former is like a marriage for love, while the latter is more akin to an arranged marriage with a dowry of uncompensated risks. An asset such as a state lottery is also much harder to value than stocks or bonds, less readily sold and much more complex to manage. Pension trustees might rightly suggest that policymakers just sell the asset.Another complicating factor is that many pension funds are not authorized to own assets directly or to operate businesses. They can, however, acquire businesses that operate commercial assets. The British and Irish lotteries, for example, are managed by the Camelot Group, an operating company owned by the Ontario teachers' pension.Yet there is a case to be made for in-kind contributions when the risks and rewards can be structured fairly and understood clearly by all parties. For governments, an in-kind contribution can make use of a surplus asset in a way that preserves precious cash, improves balance-sheet resiliency and avoids service cuts or tax increases -- all the while keeping a civic asset in the public sector. For pension plans, an in-kind contribution presents an opportunity to obtain an asset without acquisition costs.It can also be argued that pension funds are better suited to managing certain assets than government agencies are. Gov. Christie suggested this in his proposal by acknowledging that the state government does not have the ability to tap into the significant value of a special asset like the state lottery. Case in point: The UK National Lottery has made record profits under the Ontario pension's management.The in-kind contribution being proposed in New Jersey may eventually end up resembling one executed by Pittsburgh in 2010, when the City Council irrevocably dedicated parking revenues to the city's three employee pension funds for 31 years. The city effectively transferred the value of asset ownership to the pension plan without requiring it to assume the risks of ownership or management responsibilities. This past February, Fitch Ratings rewarded the city by raising its credit rating, citing Pittsburgh's ongoing plan to improve pension funding.Both Pittsburgh's in-kind contribution and the one being proposed for New Jersey involve income-producing assets. In contrast, Hartford, Conn.'s Municipal Employees Retirement Fund is being asked to accept a 600-acre public park -- which does not currently produce revenue for the city -- as partial payment of the city's annual required contribution. This potentially puts the fund in a difficult position. Its options include selling a local civic asset, commercializing the land or accepting a reduced annual contribution.Clearly, in-kind contributions are not a silver bullet for state and local governments or for public pension funds. It is hard to identify assets suitable for this funding mechanism and even more difficult to price and structure them fairly. But they may be worth the trouble and serious consideration. One of the most profitable in-kind contributions made to a pension fund was the conveyance in 2011 of a toll-road network owned by Australia's Queensland state government to the state's pension fund. Queensland Investment Corporation, the fund's savvy manager, restructured the business, added two additional roads to the toll network and sold the asset three years later at a $3.8 billion profit for the pension fund. Bottom line: Pension fund wins are wins for taxpayers too.
Miami-Dade school leaders reaffirmed their support for undocumented students Wednesday, joining a growing number of school districts nationwide that have publicly designated schools a safe zone in the face of more aggressive immigration enforcement policies under the Trump administration.The Miami-Dade County School Board voted to review current laws and district policies to determine what else the district can do to protect undocumented immigrant students.The intent, said school board member Lubby Navarro, who sponsored the item, is "to ensure that our schools are safe havens for all students and that this message resonates throughout entire communities, our neighborhoods, our barrios, so that everyone knows that our schools are safe for our children and our families."The school district already prohibits Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents from setting foot on school property or coming to education-related events without an order from a judge. ICE also discourages its agents from carrying out immigration enforcement at schools and other "sensitive locations" like hospitals and churches, Nestor Yglesias, a spokesman for the agency, said in a statement. ICE's policy states that enforcement at these locations should be avoided except in extreme circumstances or with the approval of a high-level official.We need to repeat the words that they are safe in our classrooms, they are safe in our schools, that we are not going to treat them in any different way because of their undocumented status. United Teachers of Dade president Karla Hernandez-MatsSupporters say public shows of support like the Miami-Dade school board's have symbolic importance, however, helping to ease the anxieties of immigrant families who increasingly fear deportation following recent changes in immigration enforcement policies."We need to repeat the words that they are safe in our classrooms, they are safe in our schools, that we are not going to treat them in any different way because of their undocumented status and their parents need to be reassured that we are going to protect our children," said United Teachers of Dade president Karla Hernandez-Mats.At least a dozen residents and activists spoke in favor of the board item, including 10-year-old Jasmine Lopez, a student at Arcola Lake Elementary whose father is an undocumented immigrant and whose mother is a so-called Dreamer, an immigrant who arrived as a child and has been granted temporary immigration relief."I have been scared of losing my parents at a young age, especially when I walk, take a bus or drive to school," Lopez said. "I am here to say that we have to prevent and protect our immigrant families from getting separated because ... our people didn't came to harm this country. They came so that their children would have a better future."The school board also voted to lobby against state legislation that would cut funding for refugees and impact how much tuition undocumented immigrants pay at Florida colleges and universities, adding these issues to the board's 2017 legislative platform.One bill before the Florida Legislature (HB 427) would end Florida's participation in a federal refugee program, eliminating some benefits for refugee families and causing the school district to lose millions in funding for English and vocational training programs serving refugees at its adult education centers. Another bill (SB 82) would end the requirement that state colleges and universities provide in-state tuition for undocumented immigrant students who attended high school in Florida.The Miami-Dade school district has long been vocal in its support of undocumented immigrants. In 2012, Superintendent Alberto Carvalho joined a protest at North Miami Senior High after a judge ordered the deportation of the school's valedictorian, a Colombian immigrant whose parents brought her to the United States as a toddler. In January, the school board authorized the superintendent to write a letter to President Donald Trump expressing the school district's support for immigration relief for undocumented immigrants who were brought to the country as children.Last week, the School Board of Broward County passed a resolution declaring its schools a safe place for undocumented immigrants and voted to have schools work with parents and community organizations to come up with a plan in case a student's parents are deported. School districts across the country, including districts in Los Angeles, Chicago, Denver and Houston, have passed similar resolutions.
A federal judge in Hawaii on Wednesday temporarily blocked President Donald Trump's travel ban against citizens from six Muslim-majority nations just hours before it was due to go into effect.It was the second time a Trump order seeking to temporarily limit U.S. entry from Muslim-majority countries has been blocked by a federal judge.U.S. District Judge Derrick Watson made the ruling in a lawsuit in which Hawaii argued that the revised order would harm its Muslim population, its tourism industry and its universities' ability to recruit foreign students.In his ruling, Watson cited interviews and statements by Trump and his advisers talking about a "Muslim ban" and said Hawaii had met the burden to justify a restraining order by showing that "irreparable injury is likely if the requested relief is not issued" and that the state had "a strong likelihood of success on the merits."At a rally in Nashville, Tenn., Trump accused the judge of endangering Americans and weakening the country. He warned that such decisions not only hurt him, but future presidents' ability to determine who can enter the country."In other words, if he thinks there is danger out there, he or she, whoever is our president, can say 'I'm sorry folks, not now, please we got enough problems,' " Trump said. "We're talking about the safety of our nation. The safety and security of our people."The Hawaii ruling came as two other federal judges considered similar actions against Trump's executive order. A federal judge in Maryland was expected to rule possibly rule as early as Thursday following a hearing Wednesday morning. The federal judge in Washington state who suspended the first travel ban was hearing arguments in a court session that began at 5 p.m. Eastern time.The White House was expected to comment after all three rulings. Trump promised to appeal, which could be a precursor for a historic Supreme Court battle.The ruling is a major setback for the Trump administration, which dedicated some of its top lawyers from the Solicitor General's Office to battling the new challenges to the revised order. Lawyers from the Solicitor General's Office typically argue before the Supreme Court.Leon Fresco, a former deputy assistant attorney general who headed the U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Immigration under President Barack Obama, said he'd never heard of someone from the Solicitor General's Office arguing a case in a U.S. district court."The fact that individuals from the Solicitor General's Office are arguing in district court shows that this travel executive order is the highest litigation priority for the Trump administration right now," Fresco said. "Far above and beyond anything that is happening in the Supreme Court."Watson intended to set an expedited hearing to determine whether his temporary restraining order should be extended.Saying it was a matter of the safety of the nation, Trump vowed to fight the ruling as far as needed."We're going to take our case as far as it needs to go, including the Supreme Court," Trump said. "We're going to keep our citizens safe."Legal analysts such as University of Richmond Law School professor Carl Tobias said the ruling is significant because it keeps in place the earlier nationwide injunction and "finds that the second Executive Order violates the Constitution despite the White House assertion that it does not.""President Trump and his advisers should think long and hard before trying to impose a travel ban a third time," said Stephen Yale-Loehr, a Cornell University Law School professor. "They may strike out."Critics cheered the Hawaii judge's ruling halting what they dub a Muslim ban."As long as this hateful policy remains, it will continue to be fought in courts while thousands of people and families are trapped in uncertainty," said Margaret Huang, executive director of Amnesty International USA. "This decision against the ban tells us what we already know: this is anti-Muslim bigotry falsely packaged as security. Hatred won't make us safe. The ban must be repealed now.""This is yet another major blow against the Trump administration and a huge victory for our Constitution," said Tom Perez, chairman of the Democratic National Committee. "The United States of America does not discriminate based on religion. Period."Last week, Trump reissued his executive order limiting travel to the United States by citizens of Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.The new order addressed at least some of the legal problems that led to the blocking of the original order, including clarifying that it wouldn't apply to permanent U.S. residents and would not give special consideration to Christians. But other problems remained.Farhana Khera, president and executive director of Muslim Advocates, which filed an amicus brief in the Hawaii case, said the ban has encouraged discrimination against Muslims and those perceived to be Muslim."People with no connection to the banned countries are being stopped and searched at airports and having their trusted traveler status revoked just for being a Muslim, looking like a Muslim, or having a name that sounds Muslim," Khera said. "These policies and practices are part of a concerted effort by the Trump administration to demonize and marginalize Muslim, Latino and other immigrant communities."The original order on Jan. 27 banned admissions to the United States for 90 days of citizens of Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.The new order no longer included Iraq after leaders agreed to more vetting conditions but it freezes for 90 days the entry of anyone from the six remaining countries who does not already have a valid visa. It also puts a 120-day moratorium on refugee admissions from other countries.The White House said other countries could be excluded later if they, too, took proactive vetting steps.Trump's initial order created chaos at U.S. airports as immigration and customs agents initially blocked the entry of all citizens from the seven countries, including those who had lived in the United States for years.The release of the second ban ended weeks of haggling between Homeland Security and Justice department officials over whether to revoke the visas of some 60,000 to 100,000 people from the seven countries. Those visas were reinstated after the Seattle judge blocked the initial executive order.
On Wednesday, in the morning, at Kensington Palace, London, His Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC was received by His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester, Grand Prior of the Order of St John.

In the afternoon, in, London, the Governor addressed a roundtable lunch promoting to the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct.

Following, at Australia House, London, the Governor received a briefing by the Honourable Alexander Downer AC, Australias High Commissioner to the United Kingdom (UK), on Queensland and Australias trade, business and cultural relations with the UK.

In the evening, in London, the Governor attended the Study Gold Coast Discover Australias Gold Coast  an education experience reception, promoting the Gold Coast as an education destination, and addressed guests.
Description

GIS - 16 March, 2017: A half-day workshop to discuss on the trending issue in the digital age, including rights and tips for consumers in the digital age, was held yesterday at Voila Hotel in Bagatelle in the context of the World Consumers Rights Day 2017. The theme this year is Consumer rights in the digital age. The Minister of Industry, Commerce and Consumer Protection, Mr Ashit Gungah, was present at the opening. A half-day workshop to discuss on the trending issue in the digital age, including rights and tips for consumers in the digital age, was held yesterday at Voila Hotel in Bagatelle in the context of the World Consumers Rights Day 2017. The theme this year is Consumer rights in the digital age. The Minister of Industry, Commerce and Consumer Protection, Mr Ashit Gungah, was present at the opening.

Organised by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Consumer Protection, the workshop gave participants the opportunity to share each others views on how trading partners, stakeholders, and institutions will be able to adapt to changes in the digital age.

In his address, Minister Gungah underlined that we are in an era where technology dominates the world and has invaded almost every field which in turn affects practically all our daily activities. According to him, globalisation and the development of technology have allowed a rapid advance in the field of commerce on the net. One of the important aspects of digital commerce, he added, which directly affects consumers, concerns online shopping and which a large number of Mauritians are adopting.

The Minister cautioned consumers not to blindly trust such technologies and to be aware of the impact of online services on them. It is therefore important for consumers to ask questions pertaining to the quality, financial transaction security, and other risks, he said.

Referring to the computerisation of services of his Ministry which aims to facilitate commercial transactions, Mr Gungah pointed out that at the trade division the Single-window platform has been installed for online processing, approval and issue of import and export permits. Furthermore, at the Price Fixing Unit, the submission of data and documents by importers as well as the communication of the approved prices to them will be made online.

World Consumer Rights Day

The World Consumer Rights Day is observed on 15 March every year. It is geared towards raising awareness on the rights of consumers. This year the focus is on the use of modern day technology.

The use of internet, mobile phones and other digital technologies is spreading widely around the world. There are benefits which comes with challenges as well as consumer abuses.
Kansas, the historic linchpin of the American cattle industry and a leading beef producer, is for the first time in state history migrating its cattle brand registration process entirely online.The idea of branding cattle, and registering those brands, may sound like the history of how the Midwest was won, or else a John Ford film. But Kansas  where once cattle were herded to trains at Dodge City and Abilene, then shipped to Chicago for processing  now has its own cattle-raising industry and four of the nations top five cattle processors.Together with Nebraska, Kansas produces 25 percent of Americas cattle, but it doesnt mandate they be branded  though a state Department of Agriculture (DOA) official estimated more than 75 percent are. Those that are branded must register the design and location of their brand with the state.Currently an average of 18,000 brands are registered with the state and renewed every five years at a $45 cost. (The brand program is self-supporting.) Until recently, in a telling time lapse, while renewals were due April 1  with about 3,000 coming up in rotation every year  brands didnt expire until Oct. 1, six months later.The reason was simple: Kansas needed the months in between to process the paperwork  for thats exactly what it was. A listing of active brands, the so-called brand book printed twice a decade, migrated online in 2014, and brand applications are available online to be printed.But until this April, the process of registering a brand  originating a unique mark and an unused location from one of six on an animals hips, ribs or shoulders  has been done entirely by mail and telephone, and if an idea for a brand was rejected ranchers had to resubmit it. By mail.We heard it all the time: If I can write a check, if I can buy a new car online, why can I not renew a $45 brand online? said Dr. Justin Smith, the states deputy animal health commissioner.And so, nearly two years ago, after learning the states Pesticide and Fertilizer Program was familiar with KRS, officials began conversations with software provider Kelly Registration Systems (KRS) about utilizing its proprietary software and migrating aspects of the brand division  the brand book, registrations and renewals  to its private cloud.We looked at doing it in-house, but we just came to the point of, this mouse trap had already been developed, Smith added.KRS, which is headquartered in Georgia, helps agricultural chemical makers create and market products, and assists departments of agriculture and similar agencies in funds collection, and data capture and tracking. It handles 16 other online licensing processes for 33 other state departments of agriculture, but partnering with the Kansas DOA meant breaking new ground.This is the first time that weve done a state that has the livestock brands or cattle brands. I think the biggest thing that makes it unique is the ability to draw the brand on the screen and not have to have it submitted as a PDF, said KRS Chief Technology Officer Stuart Edmondson.Previously brand creators relied on pencil and protractor  calling the state to query Kansas officials on the particulars of whether a similar design or location may have already been registered, then mailing in their finished work and waiting for it to be accepted or rejected.Starting in April, ranchers can go online anytime of the day or night and create their own brand from eight keyboards of letters and numbers, their upside-down variants, and roughly 84 symbols, including a half-arc, a quarter-circle, a semi-circle, a spade, a heart and a question mark. Letters and numbers can be also rotated, offering additional variety. The renewal process is slightly ahead, having been taken online through KRS in March 2016.Smith said he wasnt privy to the exact amount of the contract with KRS, but the cost was shared by DOA, the Pesticide and Fertilizer Program, and other state divisions.Rolling out online brand registration and renewal likely wont be complete for some time, as in some cases officials are still working to uncover email addresses for cattlemen previously only reachable by mail or telephone.But as the agreement proves its worth, the state is finding that employees previously saddled with handling brand registration paperwork now have more time for other tasks.Were seeing that positive already in terms of the amount of paper that [we] can run through the office in a day. All that does is allow us the time to become better servants to the client as far as lost and stolen cattle reports. Those need to get out on a timely basis, Smith said.Two other cattle-raising states, North Dakota and Nevada, have differing approaches to brand registration  but one has taken aspects of tracking cattle online, and a rancher said he expects that process to continue.In North Dakota, the North Dakota Stockmens Association , a private industry organization and spokesperson, took over brand administration from the state about 20 years ago. An official said brands aren't required, but if ranchers use them, they must be registered with the state, at a cost of $25 per position per species.North Dakota makes brand registration forms available online, but submissions, certificates and acceptance or denial letters are sent by mail  though upon request the department will also notify ranchers of their brands acceptance or denial by telephone or email.Stan Misek, chief brand inspector for the association, said there is some interest in taking brand registration online  but the idea hasn't reached critical mass."Well, yeah, they want to do that, but were not that high tech yet. I know a lot of people who dont even have a cellphone," Misek said. "I think as ranchers start getting younger, thats when were going to get a push to go online."In Nevada, rancher Dave Stix Jr. is president of the Nevada Cattlemens Association , a nonprofit cattle industry trade association. Hes also CEO of the Stix Cattle Co. and raises around 2,500 head of Black Angus and Red Angus cattle.Nevada cattlemen arent required to brand their cattle unless theyre grazed on public land, Stix said  noting that roughly 87 percent of the state is, however, public land  but those that do register must pay $120 and renew every four years.New brand applications and renewals are done by mail, but Stix said state brand inspectors use tablets to do onsite brand inspections. He praised the state Department of Agriculture for having really stepped it up as far as technology, and said he expects it to continue migrating processes online.Weve gotten along with the paper for a long time, but I think as long as its done right, itll happen in due time and itll happen properly. No need to rush it, Stix said, noting that despite the emergence of radio ID ear tags, he believes the brand remains the best way to identify cattle.Theyve been trying to get us to put radio ID into cattle using our radio signal. Those are lost, we find em in our corrals, a lot of the cattle rub them off their ears, Stix said. Theres a proper way and thats the brand. Theres no better way."
The 15th meeting of the Vietnam-Cambodia Joint Committee on Economic,

Cultural and Scientific-Technological Cooperation takes place on March 15th (Photo: VNA)



Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh and Senior Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhon co-chaired the event.

The two sides reviewed the implementation of cooperation agreements signed at the joint committees 14th session and expressed their satisfaction at the growing bilateral friendship and cooperation, which have brought practical benefits to the two countries people.

They highlighted regular high-level delegation exchanges in 2016, including the visits by President Tran Dai Quang in June and National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan in September to Cambodia, and the official visit to Vietnam by Prime Minister Samdech Hun Sen in December.

Bilateral collaboration in education-training, telecommunication, agro-forestry-fisheries, tourism, finance, banking, healthcare, aviation, energy and oil and gas have been enhanced.

As of the beginning of 2017, nearly 4,000 Cambodian students were pursuing education and research in Vietnam. Vietnam has topped the list of tourist numbers to Cambodia over the past eight years. Two-way trade hit USD3 billion in 2016.

The two nations have also strengthened defence partnership and pushed forward land border demarcation and marker planting, while promoting exchanges between border localities.

During the meeting, Vietnamese and Cambodian officials discussed orientations and measures to increase comprehensive cooperation in the coming time.

They agreed to boost affiliation in education-training, economics, trade and investment as well as remove difficulties for the effective implementation licensed projects, while seeking tosign new cooperation agreements to raise two-way trade to USD5 billion in the time ahead.

Both sides also agreed to bolster coordination in natural resources and environment, agro-forestry-fisheries, energy, oil and gas, labour, and healthcare in addition to forging connectivity between the two economies, especially in the fields of transport, telecommunication, finance, banking, and tourism.

They consented to carry out an agreement on investment protection and encouragement and work for the early signing of agreements on avoidance of double taxation, border trade, and labour cooperation, along with a Memorandum of Understanding on transport cooperation strategy in 2017-2025, with a vision to 2030.

The two countries confirmed their determination to complete the land border demarcation and marker planting as soon as possible, and tighten coordination in searching for and repatriating the remains of Vietnamese soldiers killed during wartime in Cambodia.

Vietnam and Cambodia reiterated the principle of not allowing any hostile forces to use one countrys territory to conduct activities undermining security of the other country.

They agreed to ensure the legitimate rights of each others citizens in the respective countries.

Both nations emphasized the importance of sustainable use and protection of water resources in the Mekong River, whilst enhancing cooperation with other countries within the framework of the Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS), Mekong River Commission (MRC), Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Development Triangle, Cambodia-Laos-Myanmar-Vietnam (CLMV), Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS), Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), and other international forums.

They expressed their belief that the outcomes of the meeting will lay an important foundation for the two sides ministries and localities to push ahead with cooperation in the coming time, which will help propel the bilateral sound neighbourliness, traditional amity, and comprehensive, sustainable and long-term cooperation forward.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh and Senior Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhon signed the minutes of the meeting.

The 16th session of the joint committee will be held in Vietnam in 2018./.
(TNS) -- A little over a year after the governor announced a new open data initiative, and about five months since the launch of an open data portal, the chairman of the Open Data Council says she would give the effort an A or B grade for the work it has accomplished so far, but says a lot remains to be done."We're new to the open data game," said Rhonda Lehman, Strategic Enterprise Services Team Leader with the state Department of Technology and Information and chair of the state's Open Data Council. "This platform is constantly evolving for us."After then-Gov. Jack Markell signed an executive order creating the Open Data Council in January 2016, the executive branch agencies identified in the order came together to begin creating a website where public information databases could be shared.Lehman said the council reached out to other states that had open data portals. At their second meeting, they conducted a video conference with the Chief Data Officer of Connecticut to find out about that state's experiences. Council members reviewed open data portals maintained by other states, and talked to officials in some of them about their successes and pitfalls.In April, the Department of Technology and Information and the Government Information Center procured open data portal software from Socrata, an open data platform company. GIC funded the base cost and launch for the portal.Council members identified databases that they wanted in the initial launch of the website, and a list of other databases they could put up later. The website launched Oct. 19 and Lehman said she has been working with agencies to get databases online ever since, but more could be done if the state committed resources to the project."We need a dedicated person to do it," she said.Gov. John Carney included the open data portal in his Jan. 19 Action Plan for Delaware. That plan called for reissuing the executive order to continue the work of the Open Data Council and for prioritizing the collection, publishing and maintenance of open data across all state agencies. The plan did not, however, allocate any resources.While Carney did not respond to the question of adding resources, he did say, "The people of Delaware deserve a state government that is responsive to their needs and concerns. And that includes operating in a way that is transparent, and accountable. We will consistently look for opportunities to increase transparency in state government. It's important that the people of Delaware understand how their government works, and how they can participate and include their voice in important discussions facing our state."Lehman said expanding the portal to other state agencies is a goal of hers. Getting all the executive branch agencies to contribute is the first step, but she said the council would like to open it to the legislative and judicial branches as well. The response from state agencies, however, has been mixed, with some enthusiastic in their support and others reluctant to participate.Some agencies, she said, fear that the data they put out might not be accurate, or that someone looking at it might draw the wrong conclusions or take it out of context."That kind of stuff will absolutely happen as we post the data," she said. "But there are also success stories where people have lobbied government for change" after looking at data."We're looking to help agencies support their missions with open data and help them tell their stories," she said.One state agency that has embraced open data is the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control. Mike Mahaffie, Director, Web and Digital Media for DNREC, said the open data portal fits with the agency's mission and is a way to help the public understand things the agency is doing to ensure good management and use of the environment."To the extent that we want the public to follow along with our decisions, we want to share that data with the public," he said.The Department of Health and Social Services has also been a big proponent. Jill Fredel, Director of Communications for that agency and an Open Data Council member, said Health and Social Services touches every person's life in Delaware every day."From restaurant inspections to water quality, drinking water, Medicaid, child support, we know we have a lot of connections with people as a department," she said." And because we have those connections we have a lot of data."The agency has to be careful because of privacy concerns, she said, but data released in the aggregate, which doesn't include any individual identifiers, can be beneficial to people."Everybody is using data and mining it, trying to find solutions to common problems or get a better understanding of the issues," she said.The heroin epidemic is one of those issues. Fredel said that if her agency was able to post data about treatment centers, where and when the emergency treatment Naloxone is administered to overdose victims and where and when overdose deaths are occurring, someone might be able to combine the data to come up with more effective strategies to battle the problem."If we can pull it all together, we can view it and see if there is something we can do differently," she said.While some of the data DHSS has put on the open data portal is a few years old, Fredel said it is still helpful in identifying trends and showing where progress is being made.Lehman said keeping the data current is an ongoing challenge, and it is part of the reason she hopes the state will dedicate more resources to the project."I can slap databases up there all day, but we want to keep it fresh," she said.For now, Lehman's priority is coming up with a timeline for getting some of the databases that have already been identified in the initial plan online. That involves working with the individual state agencies, getting the data in a workable format and getting it up. But the council also wants the public to participate by suggesting datasets."We need citizens to say 'Here is what I want to see,'" she said.
If you build it, they will come. When it comes to government services, that is certainly the hope. In a perfect case scenario, if resources are dedicated to providing a city service, the hope is that people in need would hear about it and be able to sign up.This, however, is oftentimes not the case. Poor website design and accessibility issues being an afterthought can sever part of the target audience. In terms of Web design, some consider it best practice to build for the least capable, technology-adept potential user.The New York City Center for Economic Opportunity, which is tasked with combatting poverty through innovative programs, launched its revised ACCESS NYC site on March 15. The site prompts users with a simple walk through to determine which social programs they are eligible for by taking into account age, income and employment status. Plain language and graphics are utilized as well as translated sites in Spanish, Arabic, Haitian, Creole, Korean, Russian and Chinese.The city built the new platform with assistance from Blue State Digital, which helps build online presences for organizations including the NAACP, 100 Resilient Cities, and Barack Obamas 2008 and 2012 election campaigns. In keeping with accessibility, the group followed the US Web Design Standards from 18F and the U.S. Digital Service.The bigger problems are that a lot of these websites have a lot of information, Sachin Pavithran, chair of the U.S. Access Board and director of the Utah Assistive Technology Program toldin September. Often it comes down to how the information is organized. Even though you can access it, the way the information is laid out could create a barrier because its hard to navigate due to the structure. Thats one of the biggest barriers right now: how information is laid out.
How's Cleveland rate for information technology?

So DigitalC arose to connect us?

How do you do it?

Where are you from?

Your first glimpse of Cleveland?

Second glimpse?

What made you move here?

So how does Cleveland improve on the so-so grade you're giving it for computing?

(TNS) -- Lev Gonick is the co-founder and chief executive of DigitalC , a $2-million-per-year nonprofit trying to help Cleveland connect and compute.Lev: Back in '01, when I came to Case Western, we were at a low C. Today, we're between a B and a B+.In the 1980s, the Cleveland Freenet was one of the very first online repositories of information. But in '01 Cleveland was still licking its wounds from the end of steel and auto and really hadn't managed to lift its chin up to see over the horizon. Most people in Cleveland thought fiber was something you put in your cereal. Almost everyone in Cleveland took a pass on the internet as a passing fad. A handful of people who'd made investments lost their shirt. Universities like Case Western took a pass.Lev: It began in '03 as OneCleveland. When Akron joined, it became OneCommunity. It helped connect over 800 institutions--libraries, museums, government buildings...In 2013, I became chief executive. We later spun off Everstream, a commercial internet service provider. They're doing great.Cleveland has always been at the intersection of the most important transportation systems: the river, the canal, the railway, the interstates. Our idea was creating a blueprint for the future based on a 21st-century transportation system. OneCommunity's mission was to catalyze technology for community impact.Lev: We help leaders develop a strategy for their organizations and the region. Organizations are drowning in data. They don't know how to make the noise-to-signal ratio better. We do DataSmart boot camps to help organizations like University Hospitals' Harrington Institute use data to drive better decisions.We're helping people living in public housing to get on line. We're wiring them with better speed than I have at home in Beachwood. We're going to do eight sites.We're also creating neighborhood innovation sites with internet. They could be libraries, coffee shops... We're working with other groups to help people get the computers and skills and connections to participate in the digital economy. Fifty percent of Cleveland city residents proper do not have wired connectivity. For 60 to 80 percent of all jobs, you have to apply online.We have citizen tech series quarterly at both Happy Dogs. We're also part of Data Days, a festival at the Global Center for Health Innovation to promote open data...Lev: I was born in New York City and grew up in Winnipeg. I've lived in Toronto, L.A., Phoenix and elsewhere.Lev: On a Greyhound in 1977 on my way to Winnipeg from New York City. I got out at the same Greyhound station as today and thought this was a really harsh American city.Lev: I met a Cleveland girl in 1983 in upstate New York. I'd commute from New York City to Ohio State to see her. We came to Cleveland in 1978 for Thanksgiving dinner. The following day we went to the New York Spaghetti House on East Ninth. I thought I'd died and gone to heaven.Lev: I was recruited by CWRU. The first time I said, "We're definitely not going to Cleveland." But, after we spent a year in Africa and India, it tickled Barbara's fancy to come home.Lev: We need a CEO-backed regional strategy. They have a selfish interest in keeping tech jobs here.We've recently had three monster sales of local companies that have done extremely well: CoverMyMeds, Explorys and TOA. But there's still room for improvement.We have a huge advantage: The cost of starting up a business in Silicon Valley is fantastic. Cleveland's still very affordable, and the economy is solid here. If we can get people to look at Cleveland, we can usually get them to stay.
(TNS) -- A college's new online international relations and security degree will offer participants the chance to specialize in cyber security or global security, but that doesn't mean you'll learn how to hack into foreign governments' computers.Indiana Wesleyan University's (IWU) new degree will focus on giving students the "soft skills" needed to work in an international security environment and to think broadly about a world now interconnected by technology as never before, said Tony Manganello, director of the program in the university's School of Service and Leadership in Marion. IWU also has a satellite campus in Fort Wayne.The first group of students in the program are scheduled to begin classes April 5, but additional students still can be added, said Manganello, who worked for the U.S. Secret Service for 11 years before moving into the college academic world. Classes will for the next group of admitted students are expected to begin in August.The program is designed as a bachelor's completion degree  students who have earned an associate's degree or who have completed two years of college can continue on to earn a bachelor's degree in this specialized area, Manganello said. The program also is mainly for adults who are working in a field, such as law enforcement, and who are returning to college either to specialize in cyber or global security or to improve their opportunities for job advancement.Students must have completed at least 60 hours of transferable college credit hours before enrolling in the international relations and security degree program, he said. To earn the bachelor's degree, they must complete an additional 10 core courses and four specialization courses.IWU estimates it will take students about 20 months to complete the bachelor's degree courses.The university currently is the only one in Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and Illinois offering the program online, Manganello said.As with other IWU degrees, he is excited about the international relations and security degree integrating biblical principles into the courses. It's a perspective he hopes graduates take with them into the workplace.The Bible's book of Matthew, Chapter 10, for example, says Jesus Christ sent his disciples out into the world, but he told them they must be "shrewd but innocent," Manganello said."I take that to mean there are real dangers out there, but we can be wise and not compromise our moral integrity," he said.Students who earn the degree will be prepared for jobs in government, the military and law enforcement, Manganello said. They also will be ready for any job with an international component, such as missionary work, working for a nongovernmental organization (NGO), living abroad or working for a company involved in international business."These students certainly will know how the world works culturally and religiously and how that goes into IR (international relations)," he said.
Toto Wolff has applauded the tweaks already made in F1's post-Bernie Ecclestone era.

Since Liberty Media's buyout was completed and F1 supremo Ecclestone was ousted, former paddock and pitlane restrictions on the use of social media for instance have already been notably relaxed.

Asked if that was an important step, Mercedes chief Wolff told the Austrian newspaper Kurier: "You could not have done otherwise.

"You can only reach young people through the digital side. Formula one needs to bridge this difficult gap and transform its product," he added.

(GMM)
Ross Brawn has admitted that tweaks to the commercial arrangements inside F1 could be a key to a strong future for the sport.

Currently, one assessment of the situation in pitlane is that running a team is near-impossible for a privateer, not only financially but in terms of being competitive.

"You are right," Brawn, F1's new sporting chief in the post-Bernie Ecclestone era, told the French magazine Auto Hebdo.

"What is required is complex and that's why it's important not to rush."

Another reason not to rush is that F1's existing, Ecclestone-negotiated contracts do not expire until 2020.

Brawn said: "First we need to create the right foundations, and then we build on them. By good foundations, I mean less difference between the top and the bottom of the grid.

"The real question is 'What do we need to focus on to move in another direction in the future?' Resource dependence is one of the areas we need to explore.

"Should we move towards a capped budget or a series of technical constraints? Perhaps a combination of both?

"But we need to reduce the importance of money in the performance of the cars, because this is the current direction in F1. What we want is to try to raise the overall level of the grid without resorting to the artificial," Brawn added.

(GMM)




Overview of the requiem ceremony (Photo: VNA)

The was held by the War Veterans Association, the Buddhist Association, the Culture and Art Association of Vietnam in the Czech Republic, and the group "Brothers for the homeland".

The participants of the ceremony expressed their grief and respect for the martyrs, affirmed Vietnam's sovereignty over Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagos, as well as the responsibility of the Vietnamese community in the Czech Republic in joining hands to protect the sovereignty of the sea and islands of the country.

At the ceremony, the organizing board announced a letter of protest sent to the Chinese Embassy in the Czech Republic, which affirms Vietnam's stance against use of force and requests an end to all acts changing the status in the East Sea, for peace and stability in the region.

At the end of the ceremony, the participants and representatives of the Vietnamese community and organizations in the Czech Republic contributed to the fund supporting the families of martyrs sacrificed to protect the sea and islands of Vietnam./.
The complex business of building a workable Dutch coalition

The headline in the New York Times said it all: "Geert Wilders falls short as wary Dutch scatter their votes."

GALLERY

Geert Wilders on the 16th of May 2017.

Amsterdam (dpa) - The populist leader is for the present out of contention for a role in any new Dutch coalition. It is clear from sentiment in The Hague and the Dutch press that Prime Minister Mark Rutte is the man of the hour and will play the dominant role in the process.But those scattered votes spell trouble for Rutte. "It will take some time, I believe," he told Dutch radio on Thursday before the final votes had been counted."It is likely to be a complex coalition formation. You will see parties sitting down with each other for a number of weeks."The next step is for an "informateur" to be appointed - a senior and respected elder statesman or stateswoman who will scout out the possibilities. Where the monarch used to have a role, parliament has taken over since 2012.The process is not clearly defined, but in general the leader of the largest party - Rutte in this case - is called on to be "formateur" and asked to seek out potential partners.If all goes well, this formateur is then the future prime minister.All does not always go well. The process of forming a workable government took 54 days in 2012 and 127 in 2010. More than six months - 208 days - were needed in 1977.The party leaders are reported to have scheduled a meeting Thursday with the chairperson of the lower house, Khadija Arib, to decide on how to proceed, but it is likely to be days before any progress is reported.Rutte, whose liberal pro-market VVD has 33 seats, needs at least three partners to secure the 76 seats needed for a bare majority.He has categorically ruled out Wilders. "No, never, no," he told the country in a pre-election televised debate.Candidates include the Christian Democrats (CDA) and the centrist D66, both with 19 seats. But that leaves him five seats short.His former partner, the Labour Party (PvdA) is on nine seats, but the severe setback it received in falling from 38 seats in 2012 means it is likely to retire to the opposition benches to regroup.Green Left and the Socialists (SP), both on 14 seats, seem unlikely partners, as do the leftist Christian Union and the strongly environmentalist Party for the Animals, each with precisely the five seats that Rutte needs.
Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA), along with its component brand Detroit, unveiled the new Detroit DD8 Medium-Duty Engine at the NTEA Work Truck Show. Aimed at the vocational truck markets, the Detroit DD8 is a 7.7L in-line 6-cylinder medium-duty diesel engine. It offers a horsepower range of 260-350 hp and a torque range of 660-1050 lbft (895-1424 Nm).

The DD8 will expand on the Detroit medium-duty platform that was launched last year with the 4-cylinder, 5.1-liter DD5. Among the highlights of the platfrom are:

Advanced common rail fuel pressure system optimizes each injection event to minimize fuel consumption.

Piston and cylinder design reduce friction and provide optimal combustion.

Variable cam phasing technology for improved aftertreatment system performance.

Variable-speed fan and advanced cooling reduce fan on time, contributing to lower fuel consumption.

Simple fixed-geometry dual-stage turbo provides performance, efficiency, and reliability.

The DD8 will launch with both engine and transmission power-take-off options required for many vocational applications.

The DD8 will initially be available in the Freightliner M2106, 108SD and 114SD models. Expanded availability into additional DTNA products will come later with future availability planned for Thomas Built Buses and Freightliner Custom Chassis.

Vehicles equipped with the DD8 will feature Detroit Connect Virtual Technician remote diagnostic service.

The Detroit DD8 is scheduled for availability with vehicle production beginning in February 2018, and targets a wide range of vocational applications including, utility/maintenance/repair service, pick-up and delivery, oil field, construction, logging, plow and dump, wrecking, refuse, fire/emergency and recreational vehicles.
UC Berkeleys Energy Biosciences Institute has entered into a five-year research agreement with Shell International Exploration and Production to fund research that meets the growing demand for energy in ways that are economically, environmentally and socially responsible.

The agreement is to spend up to $25 million over five years on fundamental research in the areas of global energy transition and new energy technology. EBI and Shell are now accepting proposals to initially pursue fundamental research in the areas of solar energy transformation, advanced energy storage and novel synthesis routes to create new products, and to leverage new capabilities in computational material science and biosciences and bioengineering.

The Shell agreement brings the first of EBIs new sponsors into the institute and adds a new dimension to the research focus incorporating research in material sciences, electrochemistry, and computational analysis. John Coates, director of the EBI and a Berkeley professor of microbiology

The collaboration will also focus on creating new energy technology that will enable fuels derived from sustainable sources to be readily available alongside conventional fossil fuels in the market. EBIs research focus to date has been on enabling feedstock availabilitya goal shared with Shell, which currently holds 50% equity in Raizen, the worlds largest producer of one of the lowest-CO 2 biofuels available today.
The technologies are based on the companys own Mobile Mapping System (MMS) ( earlier post ) for the creation of highly precise three-dimensional maps that provide static information of roads and surrounding objects. Both technologies will be exhibited for the first time at CeBIT 2017 in Hannover, Germany from 20-24 March 2017.

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation has developed two new technologies to support the creation and maintenance of high-precision 3D maps required for autonomous driving ( earlier post ): AI-based automated mapping; and the extraction of transitions in mapping landscapes.

Mitsubishi Electric aims to contribute to the early implementation of maps that offer constantly updated dynamic information, such as traffic signals and information about surrounding vehicles etc., for safe, highly precise autonomous driving.

The MMSa highly accurate measuring system using car-mounted GPS antennas, laser scanners and camerasgathers 3-D positioning data of road surfaces and roadside features to an absolute accuracy of 4 inches (10 cm), allowing the creation of comprehensive 3D maps to the level of accuracy needed to support autonomous driving.

Automated Mapping Technology. The automated mapping technology uses AI to create precise, accurate three-dimensional maps quickly. Only necessary information, such as road markings and traffic signs, is extracted from laser-point clouds and camera data measured and collected by MMS.

Mitsubishi Electrics MMS provides 3D positional information of roads and roadside structures with an absolute precision within 10cm or less, which is collected via a system consisting of laser scanners, cameras and GPS antennas, while driving. AI improves the precision of extraction and recognition of the only data necessary, resulting in some 10 times faster map creation compared to industry-standard manual creation. The system also costs less than conventional methods.

Technology for Extraction of Transitions in Mapping Landscape. Mitsubishi Electric is using its difference extraction technology for earlier establishment of the dynamic map itself and more efficient updating and maintenance at a faster pace.

By automatically extracting characteristic points of past data and the latest laser-point cloud data measured with MMS, the difference extraction technology is able to distinguish differences and changes where characteristic points do not match. With this technology, the maintenance of dynamic maps and the updating of precise 3D maps can be accomplished much faster by automatic extraction of only the points that has changed, compared to updating the entire map each time.

Looking ahead, Mitsubishi Electric plans to sell software utilizing this automated mapping and difference extraction technologies to map publishers including Dynamic Map Planning Corporation this coming October. The software will be used for the creation of highly precise 3D maps of expressways in Japan.

Background. Automated driving in Japan is expected to evolve from advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) to automatic-driving level 3 (conditional autonomous operation) between 2019 and 2020, creating further demand for related systems.

Automatic driving systems will require combinations of in-vehicle sensors as well as dynamic maps; one of the biggest challenges will be to keep the map information constantly up to date. Mitsubishi Electrics new technologies for automated-mapping and extraction of transitions in mapping landscape create and renew precise 3D maps faster and efficiently, and therefore are expected to serve as the core technologies of dynamic map creation.
A Green River woman said shes finally able to start the grieving process after her brother was murdered and dismembered.

Jennifer Stone was willing to open up about her brother Phillip Brewers murder and the mutilation of his body. Brewer, 33, of Green River and his lifelong friend Jody Fortuna, 38, were allegedly murdered by Michael Montano, 37, of Gillette, in September of 2016, in Gillette.

According to a Gillette News and Record article dated Oct. 11, 2016, Man accused of killing two, cutting up their bodies, Montano was charged with two counts of second-degree murder and tw...
The Dutch Donald Trump fell far short of victory as Geert Wilders' extreme nationalism was rejected by voters in yesterday's parliamentary elections.

Meanwhile, the original Donald Trump lost two court rulings that placed his "watered down" travel ban on hold.

Trump denounced the first ruling, from Hawaii, during his campaign rally in Nashville (which featured yet another gratuitous attack on Hillary Clinton, prompting the tired "lock her up" refrain.

The decision makes the U.S. look "weak," Trump said, stating that he'd like to reinstate the first travel ban and take that case to the Supreme Court.

His legal advisers were a lot smarter than that. The first order was so bad, it could have been written by Trump personally with no legal vetting at all.

The second one is more judicious, and frankly I think it could ultimately be upheld by the courts.

Not that Trump really understands his own obligation in this matter.

He read from the 1952 immigration law that he cites as his authority:

"Whenever the President finds that the entry of any aliens or of any class of aliens into the United States would be detrimental to the interests of the United States, he may by proclamation, and for such period as he shall deem necessary, suspend the entry of all aliens or any class of aliens as immigrants or nonimmigrants, or impose on the entry of aliens any restrictions he may deem to be appropriate."

That doesn't mean a president can bar "any class of aliens" on a whim, deciding to keep out children one day, Irish the next, Jews the next, gays the next.

He has to make a finding, supporting it with facts, evidence, reasoning. This is what he's failed to do to the satisfaction of the courts so far.

By the way, then-President Harry Truman vetoed that 1952 bill, which was passed during the era of McCarthyism, denouncing it for "substituting totalitarian vengeance for democratic justice." Congress overrode the veto, but 13 years later the law was substantially changed through amendments.

While Trump claims that his order is necessary to protect our country, he hasn't demonstrated that refugees or people entering the U.S. from the six countries covered pose a real threat. The Department of Homeland Security reports that the far greater danger comes from people who become radicalized inside the United States.

Trump, ever since he called for a complete shutdown of Muslims entering the country during the campaign, has been trying to frighten the American people, which is what makes us look weak.

Dutch voters rejected their Donald Trump, funny hair and all. We may have to live with ours for a few more years.
GREENSBORO  A frigid warehouse on a run-down corner was perhaps the best kind of place to talk Wednesday night about the power of imagination in urban neighborhood development.

Dallas developer Monte Anderson told about 50 small developers and business leaders about his work that has turned blocks of ugly and even dangerous Dallas neighborhoods into a community of lively and valuable restaurants, condos and shops.

Greensboro developer Marty Kotis, who plans to turn the cold and vacant collection of buildings at 300 W. Gate City Blvd. into Tracks Bazaar, with retail, artist spaces and a micro brewery, hosted Anderson to kick off a one-day Small Scale Development Workshop in Greensboro.

Big developers, Anderson said, are financial architects who build big projects and then move on, leaving nothing that can become a true part of the local city.

Anderson, although very successful, maintains a commitment to develop land with a purpose: To stay in an area and build local neighborhoods where businesses can complement and strengthen each other while he remains a profitable developer.

Find you a territory, your place, and commit to it the rest of your life. When you do, the universe changes, Anderson said.

The city of Greensboro, Self-Help and a group called Create Your City! sponsored the seminar to spread the gospel of teaching people with limited financial means how to preserve small local buildings or find innovative ways to fill ugly vacant lots, building lively places where people can live and work.

Anderson began his career by redeveloping an old hotel full of prostitutes and transients into one of the most popular boutique hotels for musicians and artists to stay when they come to town.

He went through nearby neighborhoods, attracting businesses large and small to complement one another until he had developed properties worth millions of dollars by incremental steps.

Anderson is a co-founder of the Incremental Development Alliance, which sends representatives around the nation to cultivate 1,000 small developers with cities that support them.

Ryan Saunders, who works for Kotis Properties and founded Create Your City!, put the workshop together after 18 months of thinking about ways to cultivate commercial and residential neighborhoods. He said he ran across a podcast produced by an Atlanta group called Switchyards that helps entrepreneurs and others who want to build the city from within.

He found that in Atlanta, groups are working to cultivate neighborhoods even amid the sprawling areas automobile culture.

Saunders said one older neighborhood near downtown Greensboro fits the profile.

I thought about Walker-Elam, how much I love that neighborhood and how Walker-Elam is an example of how all neighborhoods in Greensboro could be, he said.

With its restaurants, bars, coffee shop and the Bestway grocery, its the perfect example of small-scale development, Saunders said.

He got in touch with the alliance and persuaded its director, Jim Kumon, to come for a tour.

He said a solid neighborhood (is one where) you should never have to leave your neighborhood to get your essentials, Saunders said.

He hopes this workshop will spark interest in reviving other neighborhoods, connecting them with downtown and building a community that doesnt depend so much on cars and big-box development.
The Disney live-action remakes, of which the new Beauty and the Beast is but one in an assembly line, are starting to resemble an iPhone software update. Click a button, and that old cartoon interface changes Belle into Emma Watson, the Beast into Dan Stevens and maybe fixes a few bugs in the system.

Beauty and the Beast, that tale as old as time (or, to pinpoint it, 1740, when the French fairy tale was published), could certainly use a few tweaks. It is, after all, a fable about finding beauty within that ends, curiously, with the once superficial prince falling for a beautiful woman hes kidnapped, whose name literally means beauty. If youd like to untangle those ironies, please, be our guest.

Director Bill Condons film  lets call it Beauty and the Beast 2.0  often feels in search of a purpose beyond the all-but-certain dollar signs. Much of the live-action/digital effects makeover is less lifelike than the Oscar-winning 1991 animated film: Its gained a dimension but lost a pulse. The merely fine acting and the lavish production design (the sumptuous sets nearly swallow the performers whole) dutifully strive to make this a worthy enterprise.

Opposites attract, of course. And this Beauty and the Beast is equal parts dispiriting and enchanting: overflowing in handsome craft, but missing a spirit inside. Howard Ashman and Alan Menkens songs still have their infectious kick, but most of the big musical moments feel more like very good covers of the originals. (There are also three less-memorable new songs by Menken and Tim Rice.)

And yet Beauty and the Beast finds its own verve  or, to quote Lumiere, reason detre  late. Condon (the Dreamgirls director who, having helmed much of the Twilight saga, knows a thing or two about young love and monsters), working from a script by Stephen Chbosky and Evan Spiliotopoulos, has taken many of the old tales more cringe-worthy gender roles and mixed them up in the movies bright swirling medley.

Belles bookishness is more pronounced, thanks partly to the Harry Potter credentials of Watson. Her performance is a little minor key, still, but Watson lends Belle an intelligence and agency that she has lacked. Shes less of a Stockholm Syndrome victim and more deserving of young girls admiration. And the Beast, a pile of horns, makeup and effects on top of the former Downton Abby star Stevens, is more haunted and melancholy.

But as the film nears its celebratory coda, a buoyant pluralism bursts forth. Characters  large parts and small  are freed from their prescribed roles in a glorious dance, shortly after Mrs. Potts (Emma Thompson), Cogsworth (Ian McKellen), Lumiere (Ewan McGregor) and the rest come to life. (Be sure to shake your living room and see which British star tumbles out of the furniture.) Here is where that already much discussed gay moment, as Condon has called it, arrives. It comes and goes in a flash.

Josh Gad, the MVP of many a Disney movie, plays LeFou, the doting sidekick of the caddish Gaston (Luke Evans), the dopey pursuer of Belles hand. LeFou spends much of the movie hinting at his affection for his lecherous friend, but LeFou, too, earns a chance for redemption toward the end.

Thats all it is  an easy to miss suggestion that LeFou might find another love. And yet, this slightest wink of homosexuality has drawn the ire of some who, its worth noting, raised no concerns over a romance between an imprisoned girl and a beast or, for that matter, a candelabra and a feather duster.

In fact, Beauty and the Beast would be better if it dared more such moments and went further with them. Nevertheless, the uproar suggests even this must count as progress. Perhaps well be ready for a truly up-to-date Beauty and the Beast 3.0 in another few decades.
What happens when two lives run parallel tracks, only coming together for brief moments before going their separate ways again? Plenty of Time, the latest production of the N.C. A&T Theatre Department, explores that question.

Corey and Christina meet in 1968, when he is a young, working-class man with strong political views, and she is a well-to-do, outgoing high school student.

The two have a whirlwind romance that neither expects to be permanent, particularly when Corey is drafted into service and sent to Vietnam. But somehow, the characters develop a connection that lasts, and the two lovers keep coming back together once a year for a short weekend together.

The play touches on these moments at different points in the next four decades.

The two characters go to college, start careers, get married, have families and retire. But the bond they share keeps bringing them back together.

The story is inspired by the Alan Alda movie Same Time, Next Year, although with completely original characters and circumstances.

Were letting you into the lives of two people, said senior Arricka Street, who plays Christina. In fact, the play is focused entirely on these two characters.

For that reason, director Dr. Vanita Vactor chose to cast two pairs of actors in Plenty of Time. Street performs with Xavier Harris as Corey, while LaNora Smith and Ashton Ross perform together in the same roles.

Its been interesting to watch the two casts develop over time, Vactor said, noting that each pair brings a different approach to the characters.

Smith said, Christina has a hard time growing up. She has ideas of what a woman should be, but somewhere along the way, she gets lost. The play deals with her personal growth over the course of these many years.

Ross said that Corey speaks for a generation, namely the generation of African-American baby boomers who came of age in the late 1960s and early 70s. Ross said Coreys life is impacted by the Black Panther movement in the 1960s, the Vietnam War in the 1970s, AIDs in the 1980s and South Africas apartheid in the 1990s. These historical milestones have an impact on Corey, as they did many others of his generation.

He becomes a different character throughout the play, Harris said.
March 16, 1921

Cables announced the likelihood of a trade agreement between Russia and Great Britain and definite peace negotiations between the Soviets and Poland. Rumors that Germany was getting ready to make another indemnity proposal did not receive much credence. Foreign exchanges were irregular, with sterling fractionally higher and continental currency steady within narrow limits. Call money was in moderate supply at 7 percent.
GREENSBORO  North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein said Thursday he s hopeful the federal government will help revive Edens closed MillerCoors brewery, but he hasnt received a response yet from his bipartisan request for help.

Democrat Stein joined with North Carolina Senate Leader Phil Berger (R-Eden) in recently urging the U.S. Justice Department to require the huge plants owner, InBev, to sell it as a condition of the international giants merger with fellow beer maker Anheuser-Busch.

The asset is just sitting there unused and it could be put back into production, Stein said of the shuttered Eden plant.

Berger and Stein sent their request to newly appointed U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions on March 8, but have not heard anything back. The plant closed last year, costing Rockingham County more than 500 well-paying jobs.

Gov. Roy Cooper made a similar request of the federal government last fall when he held Steins office  before the gubernatorial election  but the Justice Department under the Obama Administration did not agree.

We werent successful, said Stein, a former member of the state Senate. But now theres a new administration and a new attorney general.

Stein made the comments Thursday in a meeting with the News & Record editorial board, presenting the bipartisan effort on the MillerCoors facility as an example of his willingness to work across party lines.

He expressed disappointment in Bergers dismissive response and that of other Republicans to Coopers recent State of the State speech in which the new, Democratic governor sharply criticized the lingering HB 2 controversy as a partisan thorn, but also put forth numerous areas of potential cooperation.

Berger responded sharply to the speech, saying that Cooper was the political lefts new champion and that his proposals promised only a return to excessive spending and repeated tax increases.

The new attorney general singled out as another area of welcome bipartisanship the proposed STOP Act that targets opioid abuse and aims to help people addicted to prescription painkillers.

The act under review in the GOP-run General Assembly would tighten controls on physicians and pharmacists dispensing opioids, but also provide $20 million to help treat people who are addicted.

Twenty million dollars is not going to solve the problem, Stein said. But $20 million is an important first step in recognizing that we as a society have to value helping people get well.

Stein pointed to an area of potential friction with the General Assembly in the so-called Sanctuary Cities bill that is moving through the state House of Representatives. The measure would crack down on any local government that helps people living in the country illegally by failing to cooperate with federal immigration authorities.

The bill would require Steins office to supervise an investigation of any city or county accused of not following immigration laws and make it possible for any legal resident to lodge such a complaint.

Stein said his office was ill-equipped to supervise the sort of investigation the bill envisions being completed within three-and-a-half months, with millions of dollars in tax revenue at risk for a city or county that the attorney general deems out of compliance.

On another hot-button issue, Stein said he was still evaluating what position he should take on behalf of North Carolina regarding President Donald Trumps most recent travel ban on residents of six, Muslim-majority nations.

He continues to demonstrate that this really is about anti-Muslim sentiment, Stein said of the president.
GREENSBORO  For weeks, teachers and volunteers had been reading Peter Seegers popular storybook, Abiyoyo, in Guilford Child Developments Head Start classes.

Its about a boy whose neighbors try to discourage him from playing the ukulele around them. Later, he is able to soothe a giant  Abiyoyo  with his playing and save the town.

As a culmination of their study, professional storyteller Logie Meachum read the book from the stage at UNC-Greensboros Music Hall, with a live orchestra providing the background music and the words superimposed on the screen.

Dont go near him! Hell eat you up! the storyteller exclaimed.

At the time, rows of excited 4- and 5-year-olds in the audience repeated those words as ominous music began to play in the background.

This is how an agency that works with the poorest of children has long tackled breaking the cycle of poverty  by stimulating early learning, considered one of the key indicators of a childs success.

While advocates applaud such initiatives, the new 2017 Child Health Report Card, which looks at the well-being of children in the state, gives North Carolina an overall F for child poverty efforts, saying not enough is being done  and warns that it will haunt the states future.

I could not remember the last time the data was so severe, said Laila A. Bell, the research and data director for NC Child, a Raleigh-based advocacy organization which issued the report.

While North Carolina has reached an important milestone  the uninsured rate for children has declined by half since 2009  Bells group says such progress is being overshadowed by the number of children living in high-poverty neighborhoods. That number  one in seven  is up 56 percent from 2006 to 2010.

We really do see theres a dark cloud hanging over the progress thats been made, Bell said.

And it could get worse.

The number of children with health insurance  96 percent  is bolstered by Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act, two programs facing potentially significant changes that could remove millions of families from coverage across the country. Estimates have put 160,000 children in the state at risk for losing coverage.

About 20 percent of Greensboro lives in poverty. In 2014, the Greensboro-High Point metropolitan area was one of four North Carolina census tracts at the top of a list of cities with the fastest-growing poverty rates in the country. Most have someone working in the household.

The 27406 ZIP code in particular  which cuts a wide swath through the heart of Greensboro and extends well into the county  has a number of families falling below federal poverty guidelines, which is $11,670 for an individual or $23,850 for a family of four.

Longtime child advocate Robin Britt, who leads Guilford Child Development, doesnt write children off because of studies that show poverty as a possible link to lower achievement in school and life.

If children arrive at kindergarten and cant keep pace in the classroom they can become discipline problems and ultimately draw tremendous energy from teachers  and later communities.

We pay hugely in human costs, Britt said.

Another problem area in the report involves food insecurity. About one in five children across the state do not get enough food to eat, according to multiple organizations.

Executive director Clyde Fitzgerald of the Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina, which covers Guilford County, says most households receiving his groups help report having at least one person employed at some point in the past year  many working two or three part-time jobs with no health insurance. An overwhelming majority often say they have to choose between paying for food and medical care.

In 2008, the agency distributed seven million pounds of food to about 138,000 families.

Today, they estimate giving out about 40 million pounds of food to 300,000 families  by June.

Its not because more low-income people have moved here, Fitzgerald said.

Most of the areas problems can be traced to the early 2000s when textile companies, furniture manufacturers and call centers began eliminating jobs.

The reason children live in poverty is because their families do, Fitzgerald said. Families that could previously take care of their basic needs find themselves unable to do so.

When NC Child last gave an F, it was in 2010 and related to childhood obesity. The state and federal government worked together to combat it.

Not so with child poverty, according to Bell.

I find it a really stark contrast that child poverty is really at epic proportions and yet we are not seeing that same coordinated response, Bell said. We are not doing the same kind of investments and interventions.

A good example, she said, is how the state previously had a complement to the federal Earned Income Tax Credit, which Bell said helped low-wage workers stretch tight budgets.

Also, legislation introduced in the General Assembly last year would have limited food stamp benefits for low-income families.

The fact that they were introduced and moved through (committees) is another example of how we are not being deliberate and strategic in addressing child poverty, Bell said.

And if scheduled changes take place to Medicaid, thats another example of an investment that provided some benefit being taken away, Bell said.

What public policy can do is set the conditions that help support programs that can help stem child poverty, Bell said.

If you dont take action, Bell said, we are going to continue to see troubling findings.
The question isnt what are we going to do; the question is what arent we going to do?

 Ferris Bueller

Previously, on the prime-time thriller, You Hire My Wife, Ill Hire Yours:

The scandal comes to a head.

After troubling revelations about peculiar goings-on in the Rockingham and Person/Caswell district attorneys offices, the State Bureau of Investigation arrives. Problem is, where do they start?

The jobs that the Rockingham County and Person County DAs had given their spouses?

The apparent lack of work either spouse actually did?

The curious, cross-county wife swap in which each DA then hired the others spouse, for even more work that, in all likelihood, they didnt do, at a combined cost of more than $100,000 to taxpayers?

The amount of work the Rockingham County district attorney with the made-for-TV name, Craig Blitzer, apparently didnt do himself?

In one four-month stretch in 2016, records show, Blitzer visited his office only seven times. Small wonder. He was also training to become a law-enforcement officer. The classes, offered at Rockingham Community College, required a commitment of 40 hours a week, seven days a week  over 16 weeks.

As Danielle Battaglia has reported, while Bradsher is still on the job, Blitzer resigned last week, two days after SBI agents raided his office. Blitzers chronic absences also may account for a glaring lack of criminal trials in Rockingham County.

When requested to appear before Superior Court Judge Stuart Albright to explain the sluggish schedule, Blitzer failed to show.

What gives someone the nerve to treat a public office as a personal plaything to do with as he pleases? And how could things get so deeply and completely awful? Here are only a few of the probable causes:

Poor choices on the ballot. Blitzer took 66 percent of the vote in the 2014 Republican primary and didnt face a Democratic challenger in the general election. Democrats  and Republicans  can do better.

A culture of fear. People in both the offices of Blitzer and his Person/Caswell counterpart, Wallace Bradsher, appear to have known  or at least suspected  what was going on but declined to speak up. A former employee in Bradshers office who did raise questions, Debra Halbrook, says she lost her job for it. She has since filed a whistleblower lawsuit.

A culture of complicity. Others may have gone along to get along  or get ahead. Beyond Wallace Bradsher and Craig Blitzer, still others may have enabled the scheme or taken an active role. For instance, we do know that, in addition to Cindy Blitzer, newly elected District Court Judge John J. Stultz also is a suspect in the investigation. The former chief assistant district attorney in Caswell/Person approved Cindy Blitzers time sheets.

A lack of accountability. Both district attorneys seemed to have operated with impunity because they believed they could.

The whole mess is so brazen and absurd that its too far-fetched to be fiction. It might even be funny, if it werent real.

Instead of a pulpy thriller, imagine Ferris Buellers Day Off, starring a mischievous Triad prosecutor playing hooky  with his girlfriend in tow.

Blitzer? Blitzer? Blitzer?
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An investment firm nominally based in New Canaan raised $345 million in an initial public offering of stock, with plans to spend the money buying other companies.

Matlin & Partners Acquisition Co. is organized as a blank check company under U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission rules, a term used to describe special-purpose acquisition companies that raise money from investors to buy another company, but with no buyout target on the horizon. Under SEC rules, companies have two years to complete an acquisition or return money to shareholders.

After incorporating in Delaware in March 2016, the following month Matlin & Partners filed its initial draft registration statement with the SEC, followed by an SEC Form S-1 in February spelling out details of its IPO plans. In that document and others, Matlin & Partners lists its main office at the New Canaan home of Gregory Ethridge, who is a senior partner with the New York City firm MatlinPatterson.

The firms did not immediately respond to a query by Hearst Connecticut Media on why Matlin & Partners chose Ethridges Connecticut residence as its headquarters, rather than MatlinPattersons Manhattan address; and why it went the blank check route versus more traditional funds it has raised successfully in the past to take equity stakes in other companies.

Created in 2002 by David Matlin and another founding partner as a spinout of Credit Suisse, MatlinPatterson manages nearly $9 billion today across a trio of private equity funds the company categorizes as distressed-for-control vehicles  bailing out companies laboring under intense debt in exchange for a controlling or influential equity stake.

Though a stretch to call Matlin & Partners a Connecticut-based initial public offering, given its address in New Canaan the firm nevertheless is in the running to become the states first blank-check IPO since November 2007. That year, a Darien firm called Golden Pond Healthcare raised $133 million under Oxford Health founder Steve Wiggins, with the company electing not to complete any acquisition within its allotted time and so reimbursing investors.

Blank check IPOs peaked in 2007 with 66 offerings raking in a combined $12.1 billion, according to a firm called SPAC Analytics that tracks the sector. After tailing off sharply in the recession  there was a single blank check IPO in 2009 for $36 million  the market swelled to 20 deals in 2015 for $3.9 billion in the aggregate, before tailing off last year to 13 deals for $3.5 billion. To date this year, SPAC Analytics has tallied three blank check companies going public, raising $900 million.

Of just over 250 blank check companies SPAC Analytics has analyzed since 2003, more than half completed an acquisition with the funds they raised, with about one in three returning $10 billion to investors after failing to identify a buyout partner, and the rest pursuing a deal today.

Stamford-based Information Services Group has had perhaps the most staying power of any blank check company formed in Connecticut. After raising $269 million in 2007, ISG promptly acquiring TPI Advisory Services Americas, which consults to corporations looking to outsource or offshore business functions.

As of December, ISG employed about 1,300 people, including some brought on in December after its latest acquisition of Dallas-based Alsbridge, which consults on how companies can become more profitable by outsourcing or automating business processes. In an effort last year to improve its own profitability going forward, ISG closed operations in China, among other moves.

Ten years after its IPO, ISG shares trade above $3, well below their peak price of $8.30 in June 2007, with CEO Michael Connors having led the company from the beginning. In an early March conference call with investment analysts, Connors said the company will deliver yet for investors who wrote it the blank check to acquire TPI a decade ago.

Our 10th anniversary as ISG will be remembered as a year of momentous change, growth and new opportunity for the firm, Connors said. I believe were ... ready to deliver a breakout year.

Alex.Soule@scni.com; 203-354-1047; www.twitter.com/casoulman
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With the growth of Wheels Up, executives believe the sharing economy has hit the next industry domino.

We want to disrupt and redefine the entry level for private aviation, Wheels Up Founder and CEO Kenny Dichter told Hearst Connecticut Media. By digitizing and democratizing the space, we want to bring it to more people.

Technology companies such as Airbnb, Amazon and Uber have a reputation for broadening an industrys market, Dichter said. He envisions Wheels Up doing the same by offering private flights with the price point and convenience available to more people than have historically taken advantage of such services.

Since its start in 2013, Wheels Up, a membership-based private aviation company that allows users to book flights through an app, has sold more than 4,000 memberships, Dichter said.

Fairfield County residents account for hundreds of those, with Westchester County Airport among those providing a nearby spot to catch Wheels Up flights, he added.

We dont sell aviation as much as we do time, Dichter said. Our customers are people who value their time, so the flights we focus on are those of two to three hours, which are most affected by (the Transportation Security Administration) and the commercial system.

The cost to join Wheels Up, according to a company fact sheet, varies depending on the type of membership. For individuals and families, it includes a one-time initiation fee of $17,500 with $8,500 annual dues plus fixed hourly rates for flights. The corporate membership includes a $29,500 initiation fee, and $14,500 annual dues plus hourly rate for flight time. The lowest-cost membership tier has a price tag of $6,950.

Dichter hopes that as news of the companys services spread, its membership base will grow rapidly. Wheels Ups next membership milestone is getting to 10,000 in the next few years, which would make it the largest private aviation company in the world, he said.

For now, the Wheels Up fleet counts around 70 planes and employs many Connecticut residents, Dichter said. Some of its planes, including its most popular the King Air 350i, are operated by Gama Aviation, which has its U.S. headquarters in Shelton.

Something Wheels Up makes clear in its ads and information sheets is that it doesnt operate planes. Instead, licensed pilots through companies such as Gama are in charge of flying members. Thats a big portion of why Dichter said hes not worried about regulators interfering with his business. In addition, hes not dealing with uncertain and evolving rules regulating his industry, he said.

In what we do, regulations are very defined, Dichter said. In the industries that Uber and Airbnb operate, there have been evolving regulations.

Dichters resume is filled with other prosperous business innovations, including Tequila Avion, Marquis Jet  later acquired by Berkshire Hathaway  and Juice Press, which has a location on Greenwich Avenue. Lessons from those operations, as well as contacts, makes him confident Wheels Up could be his next success.

MBennett@greenwichtime.com, 203-625-4411; Twitter @Macaela_
Scott Brill / Contributed photo

Its hard to have a fancy dinner party when guests arrive to find the host is bleeding from a gunshot wound and his wife is missing. But the scenario makes for a surprisingly comedic tale in the hands of Tony-winning playwright Neil Simon, who uses it as the jumping off point for Rumors, his famous farce.

The show, which appeared on Broadway in 1988, is on stage at Ridgefield Theater Barn though Saturday, March 25. Directed by Scott Brill, this madcap romp opens as Ken and Chris Gorman arrive at the chic home of their friends, Charlie, the Deputy Mayor of New York, and his wife, Myra. Theyve come to celebrate the latter couples 10th wedding anniversary, but domestic bliss does not appear to be on the menu.
NEW FAIRFIELDTwo New Fairfield students joined over 200 school board members, superintendents and students from across the state for the annual Connecticut Association of Boards of Education A Day on the Hill.

Nicole Cennamo and Jared Przyborowski of New Fairfield High School, along with Superintendent Alicia Roy, represented the town at the March 8 event to promote public school education.

Attendees began the day with a briefing at The Bushnells Autorino Great Hall of the governors proposed budget and its effect on local school districts. The students and school officials then met one-on-one with legislators at the State Legislative Office Building to discuss the issues further.

The Connecticut Association of Boards of Education represents 90 percent of the states public school population with members from 150 school districts.

aquinn@newstimes.com
Many CEOs and sales managers say great salespeople are impossible to find, but some organizations consistently hire them anyway -- it's why they increase their top-line revenue year after year -- by convincing the best of the best to work for them.

Recruiting is the most important aspect to make your company grow and hit new profitability benchmarks, so never stop looking for sales talent. The market is competitive.

Here are ten tips on recruiting effectively.

1. The Interview

Don't waste time asking whether someone's personality would be a good fit for your company -- that's something you can probably figure out in the first few seconds. There are thousands of potential interview questions to ask a salesperson that you should ask, though; here are just a few to consider:

How many hours per work do you typically work? What was your greatest sales success? What customer did you acquire and why was the sale so special? How would you feel if a purchasing manager stated they would give you a very large sale in exchange for a small kick-back? Tell me about a sales opportunity you lost. Upon reflection, what would you do differently now? Reflecting on your past position (if this is not a new college graduate), share one thing you wish your sales manager or CEO would have done differently? Tell me two personality traits you want to improve upon to become a more successful salesperson. Do you love our product and/or service? Could you sell a product and/or service that you didnt believe in passionately? Do you think selling is an acquired or inherent skill? What do you enjoy doing more? Selling or Managing?

Dont forget that the salesperson is also interviewing you. You must sell yourself and the companys vision as you want to attract the best talent.

2. The best place to recruit

Everywhere. Use more than one outlet for recruiting. There are lots of potential salespeople and they all use different mediums (social media, newspapers, job fairs, online recruiters, etc.) to find opportunities. Decide on a budget and try different channels until you identify the best ones going forward.

Related: 5 Ways to Recruit Rock-Star Employees on a Budget

3. Voice and body language

It's good to have a telephone interaction with a candidate. How is their voice? Is it strong? Authoritative? Too salesy? Is it the right impression for your company?

Following the telephone discussion, set up a physical interview where you will meet face-to-face. As part of the process, become an expert in body language and study whether this salesperson has confidence, eye contact. The handshake -- is it firm? All the traits your parents taught you will come out in this meeting. It sounds simplistic, but it really does make a difference.

4. Thank-you notes

The interview was promising. You like a acandidate and want to make an offer. But wait: did you receive a thank-you note? A physical letter is best but an email note is sufficient.

The lost art of the thank-you note has disappeared in our virtual age, but they are important.

On a personal note, I would not hire a potential salesperson unless I received a note within a few days of my interview.

5. The value of recruiters

Recruiters do perform a valuable service in terms of saving you time and energy in finding the right candidates. However, prior to engaging a recruiter, you must establish compensation terms to understand the payment plan (ie. what happens if the salesperson doesnt work out after several weeks and/or months). Find recruiters that specialize in your industry -- knowing more about the players makes a big difference when finding new talent for your company.

Related: The Myriad Benefits of Diversity in the Workplace

6. Current salespeople and employees

Word of mouth is the best way to market their company. Happy salespeople want to share their story with others about the companys great work environment, aggressive compensation plans and strong work environment. Although not necessary, a finder's fee of $1,000 - $5,000 is a good incentive for employees who bring new talent to your company.

7. Preparation

"Dig your well before you're thirsty."

Seth Godins quote really hits home when discussing the recruiting process.

Recruiting is a pro-active process, not a responsive solution and certainly not a one-time event. It must be ongoing and continuous.

Even when you're content with your team, you need to manage, develop and grow them.

The secret to successfully managing people is to understand what they really want out of their careers. Be authentic. Be direct. Salespeople (like all people) can see through the BS. Authentic feedback flows in all directions.

Related: Employers Benefit Most When Every Hiring Candidate Has a Good Experience

8. Your recruiting ROI

Understand your recruiting return on investment. As businesspeople, we all know the acronym ROI; however, have you ever thought about it from a recruiting perspective.

How much money do you spend on your recruiting program? How many of your hires actually stay for over one year, three years, 10 years? How much time and money do you spend training a new salesperson?

9. References

Why would anyone interviewing at your company direct you to a bad reference?

Try going two layers deep. Yes, call the first reference, but then ask that reference for another reference. That way, you'll learn more objective information. Better questions provide better answers. Think carefully about what information you wish to ascertain from these references.

And, why ask for the standard three references if you are not going to call them? Make the calls -- it proves to the candidate that you are serious about your due diligence and follow-up (because, in 99 percent of the cases, the reference will tell the interviewee that your potential employer did indeed call).

That's all! Try one or several of these recruiting strategies as you continue to build your sales team. Good Luck!

Related:

9 Strategies to Recruiting Better Salespeople

9 Ways to Recruit the Best Talent for Your Startup

Five Recruitment Trends We Expect To See In 2017



Copyright 2017 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved
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In journalism, it's called "burying the lede."

And Rachel Maddow gave a master class in just that on her MSNBC show Tuesday night.

With huge numbers of viewers tuned in because of her earlier tweet that she had obtained President Donald Trump's tax returns, she talked ... and talked ... and talked. For an eternity - or close to 20 minutes, which certainly felt like an eternity - viewers heard about everything except the actual news. We got Russian oligarchs, Cypriot banks, the firing of former national security adviser Michael Flynn and much more.

"Haven't seen this much windup since El Duque," quipped Maggie Haberman, a New York Times reporter, referring on Twitter to former Yankee Orlando Hernandez's pitching style.

In journalism, it's called "burying the lede."

About 10 minutes in, I started wondering what would have happened if Maddow, rather than David Fahrenthold of The Washington Post, had been sent the "Access Hollywood" video? How long, how long, would we have waited to find out what a really famous guy can grab 'em by?

Some old-timers were even recalling TV host Geraldo Rivera's overhyped 1986 exploration of Al Capone's vault.

TRUMP IN ON IT? Did President Trump leak his own tax returns?

Maddow's reveal, when it finally came, was interesting if underwhelming: Trump paid $38 million taxes in 2005 at about a 25 percent rate and took a huge write-down. (Donald Trump Jr. tweeted his sarcastic thanks to Maddow for showing his father's business success; and indeed, these figures were not damaging to Trump in the way that a New York Times report last fall on his leaked 1995 taxes were.)

In the nearly 90 minutes between Maddow's initial tweet and the actual news being pronounced on her show by her star guest, investigative reporter David Cay Johnston, the White House itself had gone on the offensive to release the numbers, and the Daily Beast, where Johnston writes a column, had published a story on the same.

And by then, talk on Twitter had already turned to whether Trump himself had released the returns, possibly as a shiny-object distraction from the Republican health-care bill.

The smart money says no: Much more likely, they emanated from the unsuccessful and ill-advised 2006 lawsuit that Trump filed against former New York Times reporter and Trump biographer Timothy O'Brien in which the same returns - 2005 - were provided in discovery.

Maddow's slow reveal had its defenders, like viewer Karen Charmatz, who tweeted: "I like the way she explains things. Sometimes it's proper to contextualize an issue. This is one of those times."

But mostly, it had its critics, including Jason Del Rey of Recode: "Maddow just convinced millions more to cut the cable cord."

And, happily, the show provided educational material beyond how to bury the lede. Dictionary.com said its top request for word definition was for "transom," after Johnston described how he received the documents "over the transom," meaning that they arrived unrequested and in this case, in the old-fashioned U.S. mail - the second time Trump tax returns have come to a reporter that way in recent months.

And the cable-cutting generation under 35 who scrambled to stream the Maddow show or watch from a bar or a parent's home seemed to learn something, too: That the world of cable-TV has its own language and its own inexplicable mores.

Maddows's approach was in keeping with how she conducts her highly rated show every night. This is not a woman who believes in cutting to the chase.

As she told Michael Grynbaum of The Times in a recent interview, Maddow never assumes that her viewers have all the information and context they need: "There's new people here every night. I definitely feel like, hey, if you're new, let me meet you where you are."

In the end, a scoop is a scoop, and Maddow certainly milked it for all it was worth. To her credit, she also put the crucial subject of Trump's finances squarely back in the national conversation.

The president's Tuesday night complaint that Maddow must be "desperate for ratings" - and that the publication of the return was illegal - doesn't hold up.The publication of newsworthy material is not against the law; the president's tax returns, long denied to the public, certainly meet that test.

In addition to Maddow's not-so-short course in burying the lede, and the new understanding of how "over the transom" works, we all learned something else: just how fast Trump can move to release his tax returns when he wants to.

The transom awaits.
A new disbursement from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) program may arrive in Ukraine next week, Ukrainian Finance Minister Oleksandr Danyliuk has said.

"The meeting [of the IMF Executive Board] will take place next Monday, and we're expecting the tranche next week, which is very positive," he said at a Dragon Capital conference in Kyiv on Thursday.
A spread for the Persian New Year. Photo: Reza/Getty Images

On March 6, President Trump introduced a tweaked version of his travel ban, and once again, it looks like it wont hold up with the courts. (The original was met with widespread protests, including a strike by Yemeni bodega owners.) Joining restaurants and other businesses that have donated to Muslim and refugee-advocacy organizations, the travel website Roads & Kingdoms will launch a Banned Countries Dinner Series. The dinners are being put on with prolific cookbook author Naomi Duguid, whose most recent book is the acclaimed Taste of Persia, and Greenpoints Middle Eastern restaurant Glasserie. Theyll kick it off on March 21, from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., with a celebration of Nowruz (or Persian New Year) feast inspired by Yasmin Khan, who wrote The Saffron Tales. Tickets arent cheap at $125, but its for a good cause: Proceeds will benefit the International Rescue Committee.
Doesnt really look like much of a threat. Photo: Starbox coffee London/Facebook

Starbucks, a chain of public restrooms that also sells coffee and stale pastries, has forced a kiosk outside a London Underground station to change its name. Star Box Coffee owner, Nasser Kamali, says he was hand-delivered a cease-and-desist, in which the Seattle headquarters warned that his unauthorized use of the companys trademark could weaken the brand by confusing customers.

The letter that Kamali received instructed him to adopt a different trading name (not commencing STAR) and change the signage used  along with the stickers currently applied to coffee cups.

Of course, the names do sound sort of similar, but according to the Camden New Journal, Kamali chose the name Star Box as an homage to Marxism, not mermaids. The avowed socialist put a red star on the logo, hence Star, and his shop is indeed quite boxlike. Kamali  a political refugee from Iran  has also run his tiny takeaway spot for five years, so hes not sure why Starbucks felt this demand was suddenly so critical. The letter offered a 300 goodwill payment that Kamali claims hes rejected on principle. I may be small, but inside I am big, he explains. Im not taking their money and Im not scared of them.

Kamali realized hed never win in court, however, so he made the changes  in the sense that he appears to have just taped over the word Star on the sign, and has taken a black Sharpie to the cup logos:


Meals on Wheels in action. Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Among the many cuts that President Donald Trump has suggested in his 2018 budget proposal is the elimination of the $3 billion Community Development Block Grant program. If Congress were to approve this budget, it would cut federal funding for Meals on Wheels, the popular program that delivers food to the elderly, impoverished, veterans, and individuals otherwise unable to leave their homes. There are also reportedly significant cuts proposed for the State Departments Food for Peace program, which sends food to poor countries that have been affected by a natural disaster or war.

This wouldnt mean the end of Meals on Wheels, which doesnt derive its funding from one source, but it could mean a reduction in services. In any case, it would have to figure out how to make up for the lost funding, if Trumps budget did go through. While the New York Times says the chances of that are slim, the proposal can be seen as a statement by the Trump administration. More broadly, the Environmental Protection Agencys budget would be cut by 31 percent, the State Departments by 28 percent, and Health and Human Services by 17.9 percent, all in favor of defense spending.
At this point we're done believing that Huawei will ever make the P10 Lite official in the traditional sense - with an unveiling event or at least a press release acknowledging its existence. Instead, we're pretty sure it's just going to become available, and that's bound to happen soon.

We've already seen it go up for pre-order in both the Netherlands and Italy, and today a retailer in Portugal has put up a listing for the phone. Oddly though, its entire website is down at the moment - not just this specific page. Like in Italy, the price has been set at 349 unlocked and SIM-free. The device should start shipping at the end of the month.

The P10 Lite will be available in Portugal in white and gold, at least at first - a black model could be coming later on. It's got a 5.2-inch 1080p touchscreen, a 12 MP main camera and an 8 MP unit for selfies. 4GB of RAM and 32GB of expandable storage are in, and a 3,000 mAh battery keeps it juiced up. The handset runs Android 7.0 Nougat with EMUI 5.1 on top.

Thanks for the tip, Duarte!

Source (in Portuguese) | Via 1 (in Portuguese) | Via 2 (in Portuguese)
iPhone 6's new 32GB model to be available in Europe next week

The new, 32GB Apple iPhone 6, which is already available for purchase in some Asian markets, is now headed to Europe. According to the latest report, the device will go on sale in Belarus next week.

The model is said to cost around $522, with Space Gray bring its only color option. Other European countries should get the variant sooner than later.

In Asia, the phone recently went on sale in Malaysia for around $450. It is also available in India, China and Taiwan.

Via 1 2
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Canada's MLS to start by 2020 commercial launches of satellites with Ukrainian Cyclone 4M

Canada's Maritime Launch Services Ltd. (MLS) plans in 2020 to start commercial launches of satellites with the Cyclone 4M orbital launch vehicle from Ukraine.

"The preferred site is located in the Guysborough Municipality near Canso and Hazel Hill in Nova Scotia, Canada and would host a commercial launch complex," MLS said in a press release.

An exhaustive review was conducted which assessed 14 potential locations over the last year. "The criteria evaluated through the study included access to polar/sun synchronous orbit, very low population density, proximity to multimodal transportation, and interest from the community, province and government," the press release said.

John Isella, CEO of MLS, said: "While we have a number of challenges ahead to work through the regulatory processes, approvals and site planning, we are optimistic that we can break ground on the launch complex within a year and meet market demands with our first launch in 2020."

MLS plans to achieve a launch rate of eight per year by 2022.

"The timing is perfect for this venture. Ukraine's independent space industry, and the solid market for these launch services all add to our confidence in this program. The Cyclone 4M rocket will become the standard of the medium class space launch industry," he said.

Initial funding was obtained in 2016 from United PARADYNE Corporation (UPC) in Santa Maria, CA.

"Building on the historically close ties between Canada and Ukraine, and addressing the satellite constellation launch market with an all Ukrainian medium class (3,350kg to SSO) launch service targeted at $45 million USD, are a few of the fundamental strengths of this program," Isella added.

MLS said its key partners under this project are Yuzhnoye (Pivdenne) and Yuzhmash (Pivdenmash) in Ukraine.




Haiti - FLASH : General policy of PM Jack Guy Lafontant, debates still ongoing





The General Policy Statement is accepted by the Senate : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20375-haiti-flash-the-general-policy-statement-is-accepted-by-the-senate.html



After the failure Monday of the session of presentation of the General policy of the Prime Minister appointed Jack Guy Lafontant https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20353-haiti-flash-no-quorum-in-the-senate-composition-of-the-ministerial-cabinet.html for lack of quorum after the departure of 4 senators... https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20359-haiti-politics-why-of-senators-reverse-the-quorum.html anew session was held this Wednesday, March 15, during which the Prime Minister was able to present his General Policy to senators.



The Prime Minister appointed Jack Guy Lafontant was accompanied by the same ministerial cabinet that was to be presented Monday https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20353-haiti-flash-no-quorum-in-the-senate-composition-of-the-ministerial-cabinet.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20358-haiti-flash-who-are-these-new-ministers.html



Initially, the report on the documents tabled by Jack Guy Lafontant was presented, followed by lengthy discussions lasting 3 hours, raising doubts about his nationality, the fact that he had not paid taxes, on how he got his patente to practice... judging incomplete the work of the commission and demanding a series of missing parts.



"[...] because we do not have the capacity to decide on the choice of the Prime Minister, whether he has the qualities or not, given that this work was carried out by the President of the Republic which was made on the choice, the Prime Minister is therefore a Prime Minister appointed and therefore formed his Government, on this basis, there is only one way, and that is the constitutional way [...]" are the conclusions of the report.



A proposal to postpone the session to receive the ministers' documents was rejected by 5 for, 19 against and 3 abstentions.



Then at 9:06 pm the Prime Minister appointed read his General Policy Statement https://www.haitilibre.com/docs/declaration-de-politique-generale-lafontant.pdf afterwards the Senate observed a pause before the debates began which will be followed by the vote, surely in a few hours...



UPDATE 6h00 : This Thursday at 6 a.m. Senators are still debating on the General Policy of the Prime Minister appointed Jack Guy Lafontant, raising the shortcomings for their respective department, presenting their grievances... and the PM responding with new promises...



HL/ HaitiLibre


















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Ukraine needs to register bill on lifting moratorium on round timber exports to get EUR 600 mln

Ukraine needs only to register a draft law on removing the moratorium on untreated timber exports to attract EUR600 million of macro-financial assistance from the EU, Head of the EU Delegation to Ukraine Hugues Mingarelli has said.

"No, only register the draft law in the parliament," he said, asked by Interfax-Ukraine on the sidelines of the annual conference of Dragon Capital investment company in Kyiv.

During his speech at the conference Mingarelli noted the moratorium on timber exports was introduced in violation of Ukraine's obligations within the WTO and the Association Agreement with the EU.

In addition, the EU representative added another condition for providing the country with financing is the settlement of the issue of providing social payments to internally displaced persons in Ukraine.

Mingarelli said much has been done in this direction, but it is important that all internally displaced persons receive their payments, even those that have not yet been registered.

According to him, as soon as these issues are resolved, Ukraine within a few weeks will receive the promised funding.
How to fix Hawaiis pension problem

by Joe Kent, Grassroot Institute, Mar 16, 2017

Imagine if you could take more money out of your bank account than you could put in.

As crazy as that sounds, that is exactly how Hawaiis public pension system works, and it has resulted in a $12 billion debt problem.

Essentially, Hawaiis public pension system has been operating like a Ponzi scheme, named after that infamous huckster Charles Ponzi (1882-1949) who defrauded investors in the early part of the last century by giving them large returns on their investments initially, but primarily at the expense of later investors who ended up with nothing.

In Hawaii, this system lives on in the form of the states pension program for former state employees, which now has reached the point where it has billions of dollars in unfunded liabilities.

Unless something creative is done, this could devastate thousands of state retirees who have been counting on payouts from that system, as well as Hawaii citizens overall who stand to be tapped as taxpayers to pay off the systems growing debts, at the possible expense of various essential government services and their own economic and social well-being.

Known as a defined-benefit system, Hawaiis public retirement program basically promises state workers generous benefits at the end of their working careers, regardless of how much money has been contributed to the fund. This defined-benefit system has created the growing debt problem, which has mushroomed to the highest level in the history of the state.

This looming debt problem has stumped Hawaii leaders for decades, but solutions to the problem could be simple, if modeled after best-practices in use around the nation.

One option is to switch to a defined-contribution system. Unlike a defined-benefit system, the defined-contribution plan promises government workers benefits based on how much money was contributed to the fund, similar to a 401(k). This balances revenues with expenses, so the pension system remains fully funded.

The defined-contribution pension plan has helped nine states roll back their pension debt: Oklahoma, Michigan, Alaska, Florida, Montana, South Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio and Colorado.

Three of the states  Oklahoma, Michigan and Alaska  require all new employees to participate in the defined-contribution plan. The other six simply offer the defined-contribution plan as an option for some of their employees.

In addition, 10 other states offer a hybrid retirement plan system, which combines both defined-benefit and defined-contribution plans. These are Georgia, Utah, Michigan, Rhode Island, Virginia, Tennessee, Washington, Indiana, California and Oregon.

Hawaii would do well to learn from nationwide best-practices and switch to a retirement pension system that would keep the books balanced.

Developing solutions might be easy, but implementing them could prove to be more difficult, so long as political leaders in Hawaii opt for Band-aids to address the problem, such as raising taxes, instead of dealing with the root cause.

Raising taxes will never completely fix the fundamental problem within Hawaiis public pension system. The broken defined-benefit system will continue to make big promises to government workers without adequately funding those promises, and at some point, the money will run out.
Poroshenko, Groysman thank EU for decision to provide second EUR 600 mln assistance tranche to Ukraine

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has thanked the European Union for the decision to provide the second tranche of macrofinancial assistance in the amount of EUR 600 million.

"The president welcomes the EU decision to provide the second tranche of macrofinancial assistance in the amount of EUR 600 million to Ukraine," Ukrainian presidential spokesperson Sviatoslav Tseholko said on Facebook on Thursday.

According to the report, the president links this decision with Ukraine's progress on the way of reforms and believes that this is "a signal of full trust to the efforts of Ukrainian authorities strengthening macroeconomic stability and providing for economic growth."

"He also expects that the similar positive decision will be made by the IMF Board on March 20," Tseholko said.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman also thanked the European Union for support.

"Good news! The European Commission today published the decision to provide EUR 600 million of macrofinancial assistance to Ukraine! Thanks for support!" he wrote on Twitter.

On March 16, 2017, the European Commission approved the provision of EUR 600 million of macrofinancial assistance to Ukraine. According to the commission, the funds will be channeled to implement a large-scale program of structural reforms in the country.
Unions and engineering firm Laing O'Rourke will argue their cases before Australia's industrial umpire after more than 800 staff were stood down from the $36 billion Inpex gas project in Darwin.



The Electrical Trades Union (ETU) and the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) launched an application in the Fair Work Commission after 850 people were made unemployed by a dispute between Laing O'Rourke and Kawasaki Heavy Industries.



The unions will allege that Laing ORourke breached provisions of their agreement with their workforce that requires consultation with employees before any redundancies are made.



The company was reported to be owed $170 million by principal contractor Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) as it withdrew from the contract.



Last year, the Coalitions Minister for Employment Michaelia Cash assured the parliament her construction industry legislation would ensure subcontractors were paid promptly and that people working for them would not be disadvantaged by delays in payment, according to the CFMEU.



The minister stood in parliament and promised the people of Australia that when companies went to war, they wouldnt be endangered by the crossfire. More than 800 people have just lost their livelihoods and the minister is silent, said CFMEU construction and general national secretary Dave Noonan.



Her law supposedly requires Laing ORourke to have informed the ABCC of their situation and ensured that arrangements are made to look after these people. Either the ABCC have sat on the information and done nothing, or they have never been told.



In conjunction with Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) of Japan, Laing ORourke had been constructing four cryogenic tanks on the project for JKC Australia LNG Pty Limited, under a contract signed in 2012.



In a statement, Laing ORourke said Kawasaki Heavy Industries has not paid Laing ORourke for its work on this complex and resource-intensive remote engineering project for several months.



Laing ORourke added that they have made significant efforts to resolve the matter, but direct approaches to KHI in Japan over recent weeks have failed to produce a satisfactory outcome.



Laing ORourkes priority is to now attempt to redeploy staff to the companys significant national pipeline of projects whilst also assisting sub-contractors impacted by this demobilisation," said the statement.



Laing ORourke has ensured all staff, suppliers and contractors have received their entitlements during the period of dispute.



Labor leader Bill Shorten said workers have become cannon fodder in the legal battle between two employers.



'These people should be reinstated, he said.





This story originally ran on March 16, 2017


Sally McManus, the first female secretary of the Australian Council of Trade Unions, has been blasted by the Turnbull government following her controversial comments on her first day on the job.



McManus was asked by the ABC if the ACTU would distance itself from the Construction Forestry Mining Energy Union for more than 100 court cases in which it was accused of breaking the law or contempt of court.



There is no way well be doing that, McManus said.



It might be illegal industrial action according to our current laws and our current laws are wrong.



It shouldnt be so hard for workers in our country to take industrial action when they need to.



When asked if she believed in the rule of law, the union leader replied: I believe in the rule of law when the law is fair and the law is right, but when its unjust I dont think theres a problem with breaking it.



The comments drew criticism from the Coalition and even the Labor leader Bill Shorten.



When he was asked about the comments, Shorten said: I just dont agree.



If you dont like a law, if you think a law is unjust, use the democratic process to get it changed.



We believe in changing bad laws, not breaking them.



In a statement, the Coalitions Minister for Employment, Michaelia Cash, said this is an extraordinary admission by a newly minted union leader.



All reasonable Australians fundamentally understand that a key pillar of our peaceful, democratic society is adherence to the rule of law, she said.



Ms McManus has tonight belled the cat on the principles of militant unions in Australia: they will obey the law if and when they choose.



Corrupt unions such as the CFMEU have an atrocious record of lawlessness and militancy that has tonight been justified and excused by Ms McManus.



McManus also told Fairfax Media her highest priorities include growing union membership, winning stronger rights at work and taking on corporate greed.



"That's about making sure that working people have stronger rights but also that we can tip the balance back in favour of ordinary Australians because ... so much wealth has gone to the top 1 per cent," she said.



"Part of that is about corporations paying their fair share of tax."
Water has been integral to war since before the Belgians manipulated the dykes of the Yser River to halt a German advance, in the muddy and blood-ridden trenches of World War I. With this in mind, the fight to control dams in Syria and Iraq  as with tensions spilling over transboundary rivers around the world  are entirely predictable, and well within our grasp to resolve. Yet water continues to be misunderstood by pundits, diplomats and politicians alike as a natural resource devoid of politics; a matter for environmental scientists and engineers.

Water is a human right, but too often one of the causes and tools of todays wars. If we confront the politics behind the scenes with international standards, we can reverse that trend.

Its time we confront the politics that make water a source of conflict and destruction rather than one of nourishment.

Understanding the role of water as a source of war obliges a total rethink of the deeply-held idea that we will soon witness so-called water wars. This is a myth perpetuated by a simple, but erroneous, logic that climate change is driving water scarcity, and thus increased competition for water leading to armed conflict.

There has never been a water war, in part because water is used mainly for agriculture, counting for nearly 80 to 90 percent of usage in some countries; it is renewable; and has relatively little economic value. Unlike oil, water flows in a continuous cycle, and poor rainfall one year might be followed by good rains the next  so it is up to us to manage it within its sustainable limits. Blaming God, mother nature, or climate change for increased tensions over water wrongly tries to absolve us of responsibility for our decisions. Rather, we should focus instead on the unfair sharing of transboundary waters  or those bodies of water flowing through more one state  that does contribute to tensions that may lead to wars.

Look no further than the Tigris River, where the unchecked development of dams in upstream Turkey and Iran is drying up southern Iraq. As in Palestine, Bangladesh, or Cambodia, farming families always feel the injustice the hardest, and well before the elites in the capitals do.

The challenge is to reconcile the clash between static borders and the incessant flow of water. Sovereignty is possibly the worst concept upon which to base sustainable transboundary water management, because it lets politicians assert their territorial control over a resource that is common to all peoples.

The most pragmatic guide for diplomats facing the challenge is the principles of International Water Law (IWL), as coded in the UN Watercourses Convention. IWL calls for equitable and reasonable utilization of transboundary flows, and other sensible ways to resolve tensions. Though it entered into force in 2014, many states (Canada, United States, Turkey, Thailand, Israel, India, among others) continue to resist its ratification, suggesting that they may prefer the status quo. Still, diplomats sent to the Tigris, Jordan, Mekong, or Ganges would do well to have a copy of the Convention in their back-pocket  or risk coming up with an arrangement that is guided only by the vagaries of power, and have no sway over the path to war.

They had also better understand the role of water as destroyer, too, or as a tool of war.

As with war, water serves political ends. When the government of Israel provides water to induce its citizens to join settlements in the dry hills of the West Bank, but denies it to the Palestinian inhabitants, the precious resource lubricates a steady population transfer and stokes tensions. When the armies and militias in Mosul or Damascus vie to control the dams or drinking-water sources that their enemy is dependent upon, they are also contending for control of territory and people.

So water is politics by other means: discrimination, collective punishment, impoverishment.

And just like politics its use can be ineffective if the battle is for the hearts and minds of local populations. If water is used as a whip, people will remember will remember who is cracking it, as the government of Syria found out, when it bombed the source supplying Damascus in December 2016.

Robust international humanitarian law (IHL) prohibits attacks that will cause excessive damage to civilian objects such as water reservoirs and treatment plants. The idea is that combatants should focus on each other; not on the water. In the same way that ambulances and surgeons and nurses are, or should be, exempt from such horror, so should water infrastructure and those people trying to maintain it.



While its easy to dismiss IHL or IWL because of how often its trampled upon; the snub is a nod of support to those who benefit from business-as-usual, the status quo. It is salt in the wounds of the farmers and water workers who pay the price of our indifference. If we are to ensure water is a source of life rather than of misery, well have to confront the hidden politics that erodes the standards of what is acceptable, and fight to strengthen international law, no matter how un-fashionable the task is at this moment in world politics.



Mark Zeitoun is Professor Water Security at the School of International Development and Water Security Research Centre, University of East Anglia, as well as Adjunct Professor at McGill University. His research into water and war stems from a professional career as a humanitarian-aid water engineer, and advisor on water security policy and transboundary water negotiations throughout the Middle East and Africa. He is the author of Power and Water in the Middle East: The Hidden Politics o the Palestinian-Israeli Water Conflict.
President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko expects that Ukraine will receive a new disbursement from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in the amount of $1 billion after a decision by the IMF Executive Board expected in March.

"As I was promised by Christine Lagarde, the Managing Director of the IMF, we will receive $1 billion, and I hope it will happen as soon as in March," he said in an interview with Ukrainian television channels on Wednesday.

According to the president, he is proud that the current government has managed to ensure the receipt of the fourth disbursement from the IMF.

He said that all the funds received from the IMF are stored as the country's gold and forex reserves, which amount to almost $16 billion as of today.

"We have fulfilled all the agreements to reform the economy, the public sphere, the energy sector, and therefore the IMF tranche, and this is a strong signal for investors, is a strong signal for Ukraine," he added.
This is already the second time we have to cancel over 90 flights, Jaakko Schildt, the chief operating officer at the state-owned airline, laments in a press release .

Finnair has announced that it will be unable to operate more than 90 flights on Friday due to the ongoing labour dispute between the Finnish Aviation Union (IAU) and Service Sector Employers (Palta).

The cancellations include a large share of the domestic and continental flights scheduled to depart or arrive between 3pm and 7pm on Friday  during the four-hour work stoppage organised by the ground handling and security control staff at Helsinki Airport. A complete list of the cancellations, along with other information on the effects of the strike, is available on the website of Finnair.

The airline says it will also adjust the departure times of some of its flights to ensure they are not affected by the stoppage.

The cancellations are estimated to disrupt the travel plans of thousands of air passengers, reveals Schildt. We sincerely apologise for the trouble and concern this is causing to our customers. We hope that the parties to the dispute will reach an agreement as soon as possible, he tells.

The work stoppage will also affect catering on domestic and continental flights and baggage handling at Helsinki Airport. Passengers who are able to are urged to travel with hand baggage only to avoid what are expected to be considerable delays in baggage handling on Friday.

Finnair also reiterates that it is in no way a party to the continuing dispute over the terms and conditions of employment adopted by Airport, a provider of airport services, in early February.

Minna Helle, the National Conciliator of Finland, voiced her disappointment following the collapse of the negotiations between IAU, Airpro and Palta on Wednesday.

The negotiations between the parties have been gridlocked for some time and the parties remain quite far apart. There are currently no indications that the situation will change in the immediate future, she says in a press release.

Helle asserts that the objective is nevertheless to resolve the dispute as soon as possible, although no timetable has yet been set for resuming the conciliation process. The parties, she says, will return to the negotiation table as soon as the situation changes.

The collective agreement at the heart of the dispute is in compliance with the competitiveness pact. IAU, however, has seceded from the competitiveness pact and is demanding improved terms and conditions of employment for its members.

IAU has issued a strike warning also for 22 March, 23 March and 24 March. No estimates of the effects of the possible strikes have yet been released.

Aleksi Teivainen  HT

Photo: Antti Aimo-Koivisto  Lehtikuva
The number of cases assigned to a single social worker in recent weeks has consequently peaked at 160  almost five times the maximum of 35 recommended by Talentia, the Finnish Union of Professional Social Workers.

Sari Karisto, the head of the immigration unit, admits that the circumstances are challenging.

The average numbers arent quite as staggering, but admittedly the average numbers are also too high. A new employee cant be as productive as an experienced employee, and thats why there are differences between employees, she says to Uusi Suomi.

I cant deny that there have been concerns about the situation, she adds.

The staff shortage is a consequence of the uncertainty surrounding the future of the fixed-term employees recruited, with a special appropriation granted by the Helsinki City Council, to respond to the sharp increase in the number of asylum seekers arriving in Finland in the second half of 2015.

A total of 26 new employees joined the unit on a fixed-term basis, nearly doubling the staff to 55.

In January, the unit was informed that the fixed-term employment contracts would be extended until the end of May, 2017. In mid-February, it was announced that the fixed-term employees would be able to continue until the end of the year, but by then many of them had sought out other employment opportunities.

I dont think that anyone has left the unit in anger, but theyve prioritised options that are better for them, something that weve been unable to offer, tells Karisto. Its perfectly natural for people to look for long-term employment opportunities and possibly permanent jobs, no matter how interesting the job in question.

There is also an overall shortage of social workers in Finland.

Karisto reminds that despite the decline in the number of asylum seekers arriving in the country, the workload of authorities providing services to new residents will not decrease as dramatically.

A notable share of residence permit recipients will settle in the capital region, she adds.

Karisto admits that the staff shortage is likely to cause some delays in the provision of services to immigrants, but denies the claims of chief inspector Dennis Pasterstein, a candidate for the National Coalition in the municipal elections in Helsinki, that some customers have had to wait for a response for as long as two months.

She also points out that the delays will have no impact whatsoever on the language studies of immigrants, contrary to the claims made by Pasterstein.

The integration training of adult immigrants is organised by the Employment and Economic Development Offices (TE Offices). While the immigration unit has provided assistance to immigrant parents with children set to start school, parents can also enrol their children directly at the closest school, explains Karisto.

Aleksi Teivainen  HT

Photo: Mikko Stig  Lehtikuva

Source: Uusi Suomi
Over the course of the last few months Sturgeon and the Scottish National party government have been trying to find an agreement with British Prime Minister Theresa May concerning Scotlands future in a post-Brexit United Kingdom. Sturgeon has been demanding a special deal for Scotland that will keep them in the EU single market, only to see the idea rejected by the Conservative government.

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced on Monday that she will seek approval from the Scottish parliament for a second referendum on independence from the United Kingdom.

Sturgeon explained in Mondays speech: The UK government has not moved even an inch in pursuit of compromise and agreement. Our efforts at compromise have instead been met with a brick wall of intransigence.

The Scottish First Minister has also been left disappointed by Theresa Mays plans to limit the devolution of power to Scotland following Britains exit from the European Union. This was reiterated on Monday, with Sturgeon saying: The Prime Minister has been clear that the Brexit process will see the UK government reserve for itself powers in areas that are currently wholly devolved to the Scottish parliament.

In response to Sturgeons speech, Theresa May accused the SNP of having tunnel vision over its pursuit of Scottish independence. She went on to say that Sturgeon was creating huge uncertainty at a time when the majority of Scottish people do not want a second independence referendum. This claim, however, is not backed up by a recent opinion poll that shows 49% of Scottish citizens to be currently in favor of independence.

The results of the EU referendum in June 2016 saw 62% of Scottish citizens vote to remain in the European Union. As stated in the Scottish National partys manifesto, they have the option of holding a new independence referendum if Scotland are taken out of the EU against their will. It now appears that this option will be taken.

However, there might still be time for Theresa May to reach a compromise that could avert a second referendum. In an interview with The Guardian, senior SNP member Angus Robertson explained: There may only be days, may only be weeks, but where all of our efforts are currently focused is trying to convince the UK government to come to a compromise agreement protecting Scotlands place in Europe.

Dan Anderson

Helsinki Times

Photo AFP / Lehtikuva
THE issue of illegal parking in Henley has been reignited after two of Theresa Mays cars were seen waiting in a town centre loading bay.

The Prime Ministers dark green armoured Jaguar XJ Sentinel, with a chauffeur at the wheel, pulled up in the bay outside the Halifax bank in Bell Street at about 11.30am on Friday.

It was followed by a black Land Rover with tinted windows, which is believed to have been driven by Mrs Mays personal security team. Both vehicles then waited with their engines running.

Mrs May, who was making one of her regular visits to Henley with her husband Philip, was not in either car.

Passer-by Sandy Doggart took a photograph and waited for the PM as he wanted to congratulate her on addressing an EU leaders summit in Brussels the day before. However, when she failed to materialise after a couple of minutes, he left.

Mr Doggart, 76, of Badgemore Lane, Henley, believed Mrs May was shopping in womenswear shop Fluidity, opposite the bays, where she is a regular customer.

He said: I wanted to meet her and say well done but I realised that a woman in a dress shop can take a while!

Her security team also looked a bit concerned about me hanging around so I decided to leave. I think its nice that shes shopping in Henley as its good for the local economy. My friends often see her using the Reids dry cleaners.

The bays should only be used by drivers loading or unloading at businesses, not shoppers, and are subject to a maximum stay of 10 minutes.

However, the bays in Bell Street and Duke Street are regularly abused by drivers, as exposed by the Henley Standard.

This means delivery lorries have to park on the pavement or double-yellow lines, causing congestion and putting pedestrians at risk. Last month, following complaints from business owners and town councillors, police promised to step up patrols and fine anyone breaking the rules.

Town, district and county Conservative councillor David Nimmo Smith, who is responsible for roads in Oxfordshire, said: Its rather embarrassing.

I have no idea how long they were parked but they clearly werent loading or unloading.

I very much doubt it was Mrs Mays decision that they parked there  her team should have read the signage properly.

In October 2015 Conservative town councillor Lorraine Hillier, who was then mayor, was photographed parking her Nissan Rasheen in the loading bay outside Sainsburys in Bell Street as she was buying supplies for the Hot Gossip coffee shop in Friday Street, which she owns.

She accepted she had made a mistake but said she had spent only a few minutes inside the shop.

This week, she said: Its difficult because you shouldnt use it for personal shopping but I guess Mrs Mays people have to be near her for security reasons. Its hard to know whats best in that situation.

Personally, Id like to see a shared use of those spaces. They could be loading bays at certain times of day and short-term parking at others, which would be a more efficient use of the space and might discourage abuse.

A spokesman for 10 Downing Street referred queries to the Metropolitan Police, which handles Mrs Mays security arrangements.

A Met spokeswoman said: We would not confirm the identity of police vehicles in such instances but the unauthorised use of a parking place by a police officer would need an operational reason.
THE widow of Paul Daniels says she still isnt used to how quiet the house is a year after his death.

Debbie McGee, who was married to the magician for 28 years, said she still had dark times but had been helped by keeping busy.

Daniels, 77, who lived with his wife in Wargrave, died at home on March 17 last year, two months after being diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour.

McGee, 58, said: In the last month coming up to the year anniversary Ive really struggled but luckily Ive been so busy that it takes you out of it.

Ive not been able to do much in the magic world, as thats when the emotion hits me, but Ive kept myself busy with work, which keeps me focused during the dark times.

Work has kept me going and Im very lucky that my family, Pauls family and his sons are very close.

Every day I count my blessings that he had such a wonderful life and we had a wonderful life together.

He didnt suffer, it was very quick so when Im feeling at my worst and really missing him thats what I think about.

Every day you hear or see of people with sad lives or unhappy marriages and I cant feel sorry for myself because I remember how good it was with Paul.

The couple moved to Willow Lane in 1998 and McGee said her husband was always busy doing something.

She said: He was very noisy in the house  every two minutes hed be asking me to come and look at something or tell a joke. Thats whats hard to get used to and I havent got used to it yet. Im not sure I ever will.

When we were out and about he used to speak to everybody and you miss him making people laugh.

McGee said she had been overwhelmed by the messages of support she had received since Daniels death, including many from people in Wargrave.

The couple were well known in the village and made dozens of appearances at charity events free of charge over the years.

Daniels helped with the annual village pantomime and performed at the Wargrave Village Festival, raising at least 12,000 for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.

McGee said: Ive had so much support. I popped in and had coffee with someone in the village recently and they were all amazing.

When Paul was ill I used to open the front door and friends in the village or our lane would have left cooked dinners with instructions and a note.

When you are caring for someone you dont have the energy to see people or cook. They were amazing, real lifesavers.

Wherever I go in the country, but particularly Wargrave and Henley, people stop and talk about Paul.

I always knew people liked him and he loved people but I was shocked and overwhelmed when he died at the amount of media coverage and the love from people who wrote to me.

Women would come up to me and hug me, saying nothing, or say lovely things about Paul.

People around Wargrave all have their own little stories about how he affected them in a positive way.

Tributes to Daniels also poured in from the magic community, with famous entertainers from around the world passing on their condolences.

These included American duo Penn and Teller, who invited McGee to meet them during the London leg of their forthcoming UK tour.

McGee said: Teller was on the phone immediately asking if they could do anything and sent me a lovely message. I had a lot of letters from people who said they took up magic because of Paul.

He was a legend of the magic world when he was alive but whats been amazing since he died is what all the magicians around the world have said about him. Theyve all be in contact.

McGee said she had been trying to raise more awareness of brain tumours and has started working with the charity Brain Tumour Research.

A fund-raising page set up by the family after Daniels was diagnosed raised more than 7,000 and McGee has since designed a special badge in the shape of a rabbit in a hat to be sold to raise more funds.

The pin badge, which she helped to design, is available on eBay with a suggested donation of 5. She said: We got to know the people who run the charity, learnt more about tumours and found out that they get a very small percentage of funding compared with other cancer charities.

Ive done quite a few things through the year but its quite an emotional wrench.

McGee was attending a meeting at the House of Commons this week to try to help Brain Tumour Research get more government funding.

She said: Its about people who have found something positive to help them through it, which is what Ive been doing this year.

Its for people who cant cope with the grief and to say theres a way to get through it and help them.
WEST End director Robin Herford  famous for commissioning and directing The Woman in Black  is returning to the Mill at Sonning to direct his 11th production at the theatre.

Alan Ayckbourns Improbable Fiction opens at the Sonning Eye venue next Thursday (March 16) for an eight-week run. Bookings are being taken until Saturday, May 6.

The 2005 play tells the story of the Pendon Writers Circle and their collective struggle to tackle a chronic case of writers block. Jess writes bodice rippers. Grace creates childrens stories. Vivvi has completed her sixth crime novel  unpublished of course! Clem is a sci-fi fanatic. Brevis is adapting The Pilgrims Progress into  wait for it  a musical!

In the best corny tradition of thrillers, a raging storm ensues and the various fictions of the wannabe writers spring startlingly to life right in front of the eyes of the groups confused chairman, Arnold.

Director Robin Herford has a strong history with Sir Alan Ayckbourn, who was knighted in 1997. As an actor he has appeared in the original productions of more Ayckborn plays than any other.

He has also directed more than 30 of his productions in the UK.

Evening shows take place every night from Tuesday to Saturday, with Saturday matinees every week and Sunday matinees from March 26. There are no shows on Good Friday, Easter Sunday or Sunday, April 30.

Every ticket includes a two-course home-cooked meal.

For more information or to book, call 0118 969 8000 or visit www.millatsonning.com
The Ukrainian side is ready to lift a ban on cargo transportation through the disengagement line in eastern Ukraine, if all enterprises on territories not controlled by Kyiv are returned to Ukrainian owners and ceasefire is observed, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said.

"We say: return the enterprises to the Ukrainian owners no matter if they are state-owned legal entities or not. They seized state-owned legal entities as well. Enforce Article 1 and 2 of the Minsk agreements: the ceasefire and withdrawal of heavy equipment and artillery, and we will lift restrictive measures on cargo transportation through the contact line," Poroshenko said in an interview with Ukrainian TV channels on Wednesday.
Ukrainian, Polish foreign ministers consider acts of vandalism at memorials in their countries as part of Russia's hybrid war

Foreign ministers of Ukraine and Poland, Pavlo Klimkin and Witold Waszczykowski are assessing the recent acts of vandalism at the memorials of both nations as part of the hybrid war allegedly waged by Russia and are hoping that monitoring in the places will improve.

"The ministers have condemned the recent acts of vandalism against the sites of commemoration in Poland and Ukraine, emphasizing that those provocations are part of the hybrid war that Russia is waging, trying to cause harm to our partnership," the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry press service said following the meeting between the two ministers in Warsaw on Wednesday.

"An even closer cooperation between Ukraine and Poland, including with regard to identifying and punishing those perpetrators, will be our response to the actions by vandals," Klimkin said.

"We are aware of the acts of vandalism and we know that they are not accidental [...]. We know that this is being used absolutely on purpose," a Polish radio quoted Klimkin as having said.

Both sides are making efforts to improve monitoring at the memorials. "We talked about it today and this will be our priority," Klimkin said.

According to the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry press service, the Polish side, in turn, reaffirmed that it is ready and willing to make further efforts to strengthen a united position of the entire democratic world in support of Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty and to facilitate implementation of reform.

The counterparts also discussed issues related to security, the bilateral cooperation in the energy sector, as well as Ukraine's line towards European integration and the North Atlantic Alliance, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said. Klimkin and Waszczykowski also discussed the regional interaction amid modern challenges and the threats associated with the Russian aggression, it said.
Gardai have launched a major investigation after a 10-week-old baby girl suffered severe head injuries and broken bones.

The newborn was clinging to life last night in a ventilator at Temple Street Children's Hospital in Dublin.

The tot had been transferred to the Dublin facility after being presented at Our Lady of Lourdes' Hospital in Drogheda, Co Louth on Monday evening.

"The baby is in a critical condition, she suffered very serious injuries," a local source said last night.

Distraught

"A large number of her distraught family members are at the hospital with the child."

Officers have devoted "major resources" to the case, sources told the Herald last night.

The baby is the child of young Irish parents who live in an apartment in Ardee, Co Louth.

The baby was brought from that apartment to the hospital in Drogheda on Monday night.

One line of enquiry officers are probing is a claim that the baby suffered horrific injuries after she was thrown out of her pram when three "unknown men" approached and "accidentally" pushed into the father, who was wheeling the baby in a public area in Ardee when they were out for a walk.

Last night sources said these reports are just one strand of the massive garda investigation and "everything is being looked at" in the tragic case.

Account

The alleged incident happened at 7pm on Monday at a location close to the banks of the River Dee, according to the account given to investigating gardai.

Yesterday, officers conducted a number of searches in the Ardee area and gathered CCTV to assist with their detailed probe. No arrests have been made in the investigation.

"A 10-week-old girl was removed from a local hospital in Co Louth on Monday and transferred to a Dublin hospital where she remains in a serious condition," a garda spokesman said.

"The circumstances of how the child received her injuries is now part of a garda investigation."
Gardai have seized more than 285,000 worth of heroin and 100,000 in cash during follow-up searches targeting one of the capital's most prolific drug gangs. (Stock picture)

Gardai have seized more than 285,000 worth of heroin and 100,000 in cash during follow-up searches targeting one of the capital's most prolific drug gangs.

Detectives, who continued a detailed search all day at stables in Pelletstown, Dunshaughlin, Co Meath, discovered the haul yesterday morning.

Two men remained in garda custody last night at Blanchardstown and Finglas stations after their arrests on Tuesday morning.

They are a 23-year-old man and the 35-year-old target of the major operation by the Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (DOCB) and the Special Task Force.

On Monday, gardai seized a submachine gun and 60,000 worth of crack cocaine and heroin as well as 50,000 in cash.

Senior sources said gardai were confident there were more drugs stashed in the area, and so it proved.

"This is a great capture against a gang that has been one of the most active in the capital in the last couple of years," a senior source said.

"The 35-year-old in custody has just been getting bigger and bigger in terms of organised crime recently, so it's viewed as a major success that he has been busted in this operation."

Two months ago, the man's gang was the focus of a major operation in which 120,000 in cash was seized from them in a raid led by officers from the DOCB who swooped on two properties in the Islandbridge area of Dublin.

A suspect was arrested and detained at Kilmainham Garda Station in relation to the January cash seizure but was later released without charge.

Gardai have become increasingly concerned about the activities of the 35-year-old, whose mob is a major heroin and cocaine trafficker in the west Dublin area, particularly Ballyfermot, and in the south inner city.

Murdered

A close associate of the arrested thug was murdered more than a decade ago by brutal gangland enforcer Mark 'Guinea Pig' Desmond, who was himself shot dead in Lucan last December.

Gardai have been investigating whether the 35-year-old's gang was behind Desmond's murder last year.

They are also suspected of trying to kill him almost seven years ago.

During the April 2010 incident, three man tried to shoot Desmond as he drove a quad bike in the Memorial Park, Ballyfermot.
The investigation into the mystery of the downed Rescue 116 helicopter is focusing on whether an electrical failure may have caused it to crash into the sea.

The full-scale search is honing in on an area near the Blackrock Lighthouse, six miles off the coast of Mayo, where the aircraft's black box is now believed to be located.

The crash claimed the life of pilot Captain Dara Fitzpatrick while the crew of three - Ciaran Smith, Mark Duffy and Paul Ormsby - are all still missing.

There were emotional scenes at Blacksod yesterday as the families of the missing and Capt Fitzpatrick gathered for updates.

Impeccable

It has emerged that officials believe there was no Mayday call from the four-person crew because of a "catastrophic failure" on board.

"It takes two seconds to press the Mayday button. The fact that they did not press it shows the suddenness of the impact. They only had seconds before the crash," a source said.

Coast Guard officials also point to the impeccable safety record of Capt Fitzpatrick.

"She would never leave a stone unturned," one official said. The scale of the debris field from has led to fears the helicopter might have disintegrated on impact with the sea or suffered a catastrophic collision at around 1am on Tuesday.

The revelation came as an underwater signal was detected from the black box of the downed Sikorsky S-92A shortly after 4pm yesterday.

Rescuers detected the signal from the multi purpose flight recorder (MPFR) in water some 40 metres deep and just 60 metres from Blackrock Lighthouse.

The location is around 12km offshore from Blacksod Bay where the helicopter had planned to refuel early on Tuesday morning. Naval Service and Irish Coast Guard officials hope the main fuselage of the helicopter is at the same spot.

The failure to locate the missing men on the sea surface has led to fears the trio may not have been able to escape the fuselage of the helicopter before it sank.

Locating a signal from the MPFR is described as a critical breakthrough in the investigation and recovery effort.

Weather conditions permitting, divers will attempt to examine the debris field today.

Air Accident Investigation Unit (AAIU) chief inspector Jurgen Whyte said the signal was coming from an area of difficult water at a depth of 40m.

"Its hugely significant. Other investigation authorities have spent months literally trying to do the same thing and we've been very lucky that, within less than 36 hours, we've picked up a signal," he said.

"That means that the recorder has activated its beacon and we're now using sophisticated scanning equipment to home in on this signal."

Tragedy

Meanwhile the AAIU will also liaise with helicopter manufacturer Sikorsky to determine precisely what caused the worst tragedy in the history of the specialised search and rescue model.

US aviation engineers will assist AAIU inspectors in solving the mystery of what brought down an aircraft designed to defy the elements and to operate in the toughest flying conditions. One aviation source admitted the Rescue 116 tragedy was "baffling". The last available flight record showed the helicopter heading in the general direction of Blackrock Lighthouse at 90 knots (167kmh) at around 12.45am en route to refuel at Blacksod.

The Commissioners of Irish Lights (CIL), which operates the lighthouse, will be one of a number of agencies now assisting the AAIU with its investigation into the tragedy.

CIL official Captain Robert McCabe confirmed that all aids to navigation on the lighthouse were fully operational at the time. The family of the missing men gathered at a property near the co-ordination site in Blacksod yesterday afternoon, where they met rescue workers and politicians including Transport Minister Shane Ross.

Mr Ross praised the family members of the three missing men for their "extraordinary bravery" in recent days.

Superintendent Thomas Healy, of Belmullet Garda Station, added that a specialist family liaison officer had been appointed to the relatives of the three missing men and that they were being briefed on any updates that were available.
A van driver who told a court he still suffered stiffness in his neck four years after a minimal impact collision in a car park has lost a 60,000 claim for damages.

Judge Jacqueline Linnane told Darren Byrne in the Circuit Civil Court that she found the woman driver he sued for personal injuries to be "a more truthful witness".

The judge said the account of the incident as related by Michelle Byrne, who is no relation to the plaintiff, was more likely what had happened at Liffey Valley Shopping Centre, Clondalkin, in November 2013.

Barrister Jennifer O'Connell, for Ms Byrne, of La Touche Road, Bluebell, told the court she had reversed out of a parking space when the plaintiff's Ford Transit van backed out of his space and hit her Nissan Note with its tow bar. He had ignored the beeping of her horn.

Ms O'Connell said there was "no damage whatsoever" to the van and only a dent to the rear-wheel arch of the Nissan.

complaining

Counsel told the court that Mr Byrne (36), of Greenfort Crescent, Clondalkin, was seen two days after the accident by emergency medicine consultant Dr Jean O'Sullivan at Tallaght Hospital. He was complaining of a soft tissue injury to his neck.

He was seen by Dr O'Sullivan a year later and was complaining of a stiff neck. He saw her again three years after the incident and was still complaining of stiffness in his neck.

Mr Byrne told Ms O'Connell that he still suffered neck stiffness, four years after the accident in which both parties accused the other of reversing into their vehicle.

Judge Linnane said Mr Byrne had claimed his van never moved before the Nissan struck his tow bar.

However, she said a picture Ms Byrne had taken on her phone showed the van had moved out of its parking space "and not just by a little bit".

Dismissing Mr Byrne's claim and awarding costs against him, the judge said: "I find Ms Byrne the more truthful witness."
Taoiseach Enda Kenny has been left red-faced after a speech in which he was to give the first public acknowledgment he is on the verge of stepping down was edited at the last minute.

Government officials yesterday issued an embargoed copy of a keynote address that Mr Kenny was expected to deliver at The Ireland Fund dinner in Washington.

Among the attendees will be US Vice President Mike Pence and former US senator George Mitchell.

Mr Kenny's speech was to include the line: "On this night - my last with you as Taoiseach."

Significant

However, a revised copy of the speech was issued more than an hour later with the significant line removed.

Although the Taoiseach had privately told the Fine Gael parliamentary party that he will deal with the leadership question on his return from the US, he has never publicly said he will step down in the coming weeks.

Asked about the speech, Mr Kenny said the line should not have been included but refused to elaborate on why it was there in the first instance.

"The speech issued was not approved by the Taoiseach," a spokesman told the Herald.

The embarrassment for the Taoiseach came as Children's Minister Katherine Zappone called on him to challenge US President Donald Trump on his controversial immigration ban.

Mr Kenny is due to meet Mr Trump in the White House today.

"There is a moral obligation on all those in positions of leadership to affirm in our actions and our words, our commitment to the universality, indivisibility and interrelatedness of all human rights, to accountability for human rights violations and abuses, and to the protection of those who are most vulnerable and marginalised," Ms Zappone said.

"In Ireland we have sought to support immigrants who come to our country - indeed it could be argued that St Patrick remains the most famous migrant of all."
President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko has said that the next parliamentary election in Ukraine should be held in 2019.

"The parliament should conduct its next parliamentary elections in 2019," the president said in an interview with Ukrainian television channels on Wednesday evening.

Ukraine ought to use the time left before the election to implement some essential reforms, he said.

"Considering that, under the constitution, a decision on calling an early parliamentary election and dissolving the parliament rests solely with the president of Ukraine, I want to calm down those opposition members and point out that I will not give them the gift of early parliamentary elections, which would be in Russia's interests, as it is interested in destabilization of the situation," he said.
President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko has instructed Finance Minister Oleksandr Danyliuk to calculate and present losses to the Cabinet of Ministers from the blockade of Donbas.

"Today, Finance Minister Danyliuk was instructed to prepare calculations for the government. And the government should count losses, minimizing them, but inform the society about the price that Ukraine will pay for these irresponsible decisions [trade blockade of Donbas by activists]," he said in an interview with Ukrainian television channels on Wednesday.

Poroshenko noted that not only the DPR/LPR leaders, but also the political forces that took responsibility for the blockade: Batkivschyna and Samopomich factions, will pay for the negative consequences of the blockade.
Duda reaffirms unchanged support for territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine  Foreign ministry

On Wednesday, March 15, during a meeting with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin, the Polish president Andrzej Duda confirmed the continued support of Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty, the press service of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said.

The meeting of Klimkin and President of Poland Andrzej Duda took place within the framework of the working visit of the Ukrainian Foreign Minister to Warsaw.

"The president of Poland confirmed the unchanged support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine," the website says.

During the meeting Klimkin and Duda discussed "issues of bilateral relations and the international agenda."
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Pavlo Klimkin in Warsaw has discussed the interparliamentary cooperation of the two countries with the Marshal of the Polish Senate Stanisaw Karczewski.

Klimkin expressed gratitude to the head of the Senate of Poland for consistent support of Ukraine. The sides positively noted the friendly and good-neighborliness of the dialogue between the parliaments of the two countries, the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine reported on Wednesday.

"The next important event in the interparliamentary cooperation will be the visit of the Verkhovna Rada Speaker Andriy Parubiy to Warsaw to attend the meeting of the trilateral Interparliamentary Assembly Ukraine-Poland-Lithuania on March 27-28," a message reads.

The sides also exchanged views on new ideas and initiatives at the parliamentary level that will further strengthen the strategic partnership between Ukraine and Poland.
Deputies of the Kyiv City Council at a plenary meeting on Thursday adopted a decision "On subjects of management of the Russian Federation and those that are under direct or indirect control of individuals or legal entities of the Russian Federation who directly or indirectly conduct economic activities in the city of Kyiv."

This decision, supported by 93 deputies, recommends all enterprises, institutions and organizations of all forms of property, individuals engaged in economic activities in Kyiv, to cease any economic activities and relationships with legal entities that are located under direct or indirect control of individuals or legal entities of the Russian Federation, the press service of the Kyiv city council said.
'Normandy Four' continues debates despite lack of progress in Minsk Agreements' implementation - EU ambassador in Kyiv

"Normandy Four" representatives regularly consult each other on the phone regarding the development of a roadmap for the Minsk Agreements' implementation, Head of the EU Delegation to Ukraine Hugues Mingarelli said.

Hopefully, the roadmap on which the chiefs of state agreed at their latest meeting in the 'Normandy format' will be presented in the near future, Mingarelli said in his speech at the Dragon Capital Ukraine Investor Conference in Kyiv on Thursday.

Although the EU has seen no progress, negotiations have been regular, including phone calls between Russian Presidential Advisor Vladislav Surkov, Ukrainian Presidential Administration Deputy Head Kostiantyn Yeliseyev, German Federal Chancellor's Advisor Christoph Heusgen, and French Presidential Advisor Jacques Audibert, he said.

According to Mingarelli, elections in the parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions uncontrolled by Kyiv can be held only consistent with OSCE standards.

He expressed hope regarding the implementation of the Donbas ceasefire deal and the disengagement decision.

The 'Normandy format' of the Ukraine settlement talks includes Ukraine, Germany, France and Russia.
Freedom of speech is a privilege. We need to treat it that way.
The European Parliament after debates on Thursday will adopt a resolution on Ukrainian political prisoners in Crimea.

According to its draft, the European Parliament condemns the discriminatory policy pursued by the so-called authorities against the Crimean Tatars in the annexed Crimea, as well as those in Russia who are against the annexation of Crimea.

The parliamentarians believe that the Russian Federation, as the power actually controlling Crimea, is bound to protect human rights on the peninsula according to international laws. They call for unrestricted access to Crimea for international organizations and independent experts of the OSCE, the UN, the Council of Europe, human rights organizations and the media.

The European Parliament, in particular, reiterates support for the territorial integrity of Ukraine, expresses concern in connection with the continued large-scale militarization of the Crimean peninsula by Russia.

The deputies urge all political subjects of the EU to adhere to the policy of non-recognition of the annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol by Russia.

They also urge the Russian authorities to provide information on the details of the criminal prosecution, the state of health and the conditions of detention of Ukrainian citizens in prisons, which, in the opinion of parliamentarians, were politically motivated prosecutions in Russia. The resolution mentions the names of several prisoners and stresses that Minsk agreements can not be considered without their release.

The European Parliament calls on the Council of the EU to impose sanctions against those who participate in the illegal and politically motivated criminal prosecution of Ukrainian citizens in Russia and the Crimean Peninsula, to find ways to help Ukraine in the UN International Court of Justice.
Four Ukrainian soldiers injured in Donbas over past 24 hours

Four Ukrainian servicemen suffered injuries and traumas in the Anti-Terrorist operation (ATO) zone in Donbas in the past 24 hours, Ukrainian Defense Ministry spokesman Oleksandr Motuzianyk said.

"Four Ukrainian servicemen were injured and suffered trauma over the day," Motuzianyk told a press briefing in Kyiv on Thursday.
Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has signed a decree implementing the March 15 decision by Ukraine's National Defense and Security Council (NDSC) to temporarily halt cargo shipments across the line of demarcation between Ukrainian troops and combined Russian-separatist militant groups in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.

"To implement the NSDC decision taking on March 15, 2017, titled 'On urgent additional measures to counteract hybrid threats to Ukraine's national security,'" the decree says.

The decree takes effect upon its publication.

According the NSDC's decision, which is attached to the decree, "temporarily, until the realization of items 1 and 2 of the Minsk 'Set of measures' from February 12, 2015, as well as the return of seized enterprises to operations in accordance with the legislation of Ukraine, to cease cargo shipments across the line of demarcation in Donetsk and Luhansk regions."

The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine is ordered to immediately take measures to cease cargo shipments across the line of demarcation in Donetsk and Luhansk regions, except for cargo carrying humanitarian goods and shipments of Ukrainian and international humanitarian assistance.

The government is also tasked with ensuring the safe and reliable functioning of energy and metallurgical enterprises of Ukraine, the neutralization of economic security threats and minimization of consequences for the economy and budget of Ukraine, in accordance with a number of earlier adopted NSDC decisions and presidential decrees.

Ukraine's Foreign Ministry, the National Police of Ukraine, the National Guard, State Fiscal Service of Ukraine are ordered with the participation of Ukraine's SBU Security Service to immediately ensure fulfillment of this decision, having halted railway and overland road cargo shipments across the line of demarcation of demarcation in Donetsk and Luhansk regions, to create conditions for engaging citizens in the control of implementing these measures as provided for by this decision, as well as to take addition measures to strengthen public safety and prevent incidents of a diversionary and terrorist nature designed to disrupt public order.

In addition, the decision recommends heads of the Anti-terrorism Operation (ATO) in Donetsk and Luhansk regions to take comprehensive steps to neutralize any possible acts of armed provocation.
The next meeting of the Consultative Committee of the Presidents of Ukraine and Poland will be held in Kyiv on April 11, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine said on its Facebook page.

"Pavlo Klimkin and Secretary of State of Poland Krzysztof Szczerski discussed the agenda of the dialogue at the level of heads of state. Among the issues that were given priority attention was the preparation for the next meeting of the Consultative Committee of the presidents of Ukraine and Poland on April 11, 2017 in Kyiv, a message says.

The sides also noted the need to continue constructive dialogue at the highest level in the interests of strategic partnership between Ukraine and Poland and confirmed the commonality of the approaches of the two countries to the ways of settling the Ukrainian-Russian conflict on the basis of respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine.

Klimkin and Szczerski focused attention on the need to preserve European solidarity, including in matters of energy security.

Separately, there was an issue of the state and prospects for strengthening regional cooperation between the two countries within the framework of existing and new cooperation mechanisms, the Foreign Ministry said.

As reported earlier, in late February, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko and Polish President Andrzej Duda agreed on holding a meeting of the Consultative Committee of the two heads of state in Kyiv in the near future.
Poroshenko thanks European Parliament for adoption of resolution on Ukrainian prisoners in Russia, situation in Crimea

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has thanked members of the European Parliament (MEPs) for adoption of the resolution on the Ukrainian prisoners in Russia and the situation in Crimea.

"Thankful to our friends in the European Parliament for fruitful debates and the resolution on the Ukrainian prisoners in Russia and the situation in Crimea, and resolute support of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine," Poroshenko wrote on his Facebook page on Thursday.

He said that the today's resolution is a clear signal that despite of manipulations the occupation authorities cannot hide three years of the unlawfulness in Crimea, blatant violation of human rights and freedoms, in particular the Crimean Tatars, and detention of Ukrainian citizens for achievement of their political goals.

"International humanitarian law imposes clear liabilities on Russia as the occupant state, the non-observation of which would result in additional responsibility of the Kremlin, including new sanctions. Russia must implement the requirements of global society, in particular, the UN General Assembly, and provide the complete access to international monitoring organizations to the occupied Crimea," the Ukrainian president said.

He said that the lawsuit initiated by Ukraine against Russia in the International Court of Justice is a civilized response of Ukraine to "violation of international law, terror and discrimination by the aggressor."

"Our force is in hard-line commitment to the rule of law and the principles of law, indestructible and solid unity and solidarity in the case on de-occupation of the Crimean peninsula and release of political prisoners of the Kremlin," Poroshenko said.

According to a posting on the website of the European Parliament, in its resolution the European Parliament condemns the unlawful annexation of Crimea by Russia and the discriminatory policies imposed by the so-called authorities against, in particular, Crimeas ethnic Tatar minority, the infringement of their property rights.

The European Parliament strongly condemns the decision of the Russian authorities to give all inhabitants of Crimea Russian passports.

"The European Parliament calls on Russia to release without further delay all illegally and arbitrarily detained Ukrainian citizens, both in Russia and in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, and to provide for their safe return," reads the resolution.

The European Parliament considers that the rights of the Crimean Tatars have been gravely violated through the banning of the activities of the Mejlis and strongly reiterates its call for the immediate reversal of the related decision and its effects; deplores the legal persecution and threats of arrest of the Mejlis leaders.

"The European Parliament calls for further restrictive measures to be imposed on individuals responsible for gross human rights violations," reads the resolution.

The European Parliament supports the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.
HICKORY  This is Jennifer Cobbs third year as a faculty member for Catawba Valley Community Colleges Advertising and Graphic Design program, but the institution has been a part of her life much longer.

Shes gone on to become a strong advocate of the community college experience and how it can change lives. Sharing that message is something she does every day in the classroom.

She constantly tells us all of the time, this is going to be tough, but its going to be worth it in the end, first-year Catawba Valley Community College (CVCC) student Carlee Wiswall said of Cobb. Shes gone through this. She knows what its like for us, so she understands the work load.

Shes not only a professor but a dear friend to all of us. She genuinely cares for all of us. Shes there to make sure we succeed.

In 2007, Cobb walked on campus as a non-traditional student, looking to make a career change.

Prior to that, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from North Carolina State University and then went to work in marketing. Eventually she became the manager of a marketing department.

Working with her graphic designer, Cobb began to realize how much she enjoyed the creative side of the job.

I felt I had that natural creative insight but didnt know how to channel that into anything as far as layout and design, Cobb said. I knew at that point I needed to go back and get new training and thats when I decided to come to CVCC.

Since she already had a four-year degree, Cobb knew she had some options including pursuing an advance degree or another bachelors degree, or she could go for direct skills training.

I took a long time thinking about it. My husband (Ted) and I had two small kids at the time (Greyson and Graham). We lived in Conover, and we looked hard at those decisions, Cobb said.

Eventually, CVCC won out because she liked the level of technical training, the cost effectiveness of CVCC and it fit into her life as a mother and wife. Cobb completed her Associate of Applied Science in Advertising and Graphic Design in 2009.

She would go on to get a Masters Degree in Science and Technology at Arizona State after CVCC, but Cobb tells all her students, her time at the community college was the best education decision she made.

It really impacted my life, she said. It gave me all of the foundational components of knowing whats good design and all the Adobe Creative Suite underpinning.

For her, the college became an extension of family as well.

I had two kids. I was married and so my life after school was probably a lot different than other peoples lives after school, those who didnt have kids or maybe were right out of high school, Cobb said.

She remembered in one of her first classes she met another student who didnt look like he would have anything in common with her.

He was a lot younger than me, looked a lot different than I did and I thought, I cant imagine us having common ground, Cobb said. I felt our lives were so different. It ended up hes one of my closest friends now.

Her family eventually relocated to South Carolina for four years. While there, she got to be an adjunct professor at a couple of community colleges and realized teaching was something she felt a calling to do.

For me it was the sweet spot of being able to be creative but also seeing that creativity take root and bud in other people, Cobb said.

When she found out about a position opening up at CVCC, she was eager to interview for it.

The Department Head for Fine and Applied Arts Brian Morris knew Cobb as a student and now works with her as a colleague at CVCC.

She has a great work ethic. Shes very focused on all the aspects of what makes good design, deadlines, file management but also the creative side, staying current on design trends, Morris said.

He thinks her time as a student in the same program has helped her make a connection with them.

Shes comfortable with our process, Morris said. Shes able to help the students understand how to prioritize, and she cares about them. The students are always aware when an instructor cares about their success.

Cobb is especially proud of how her students give back to the community. The CVCC program uses student led ad agencies to offer some practical experience to the curriculum.

Each spring the second year students create their own ad agencies and seek out work from local non-profit organizations.

We were working with the Hickory Community Theater, and one day I went to the mailbox, opened it up and it was the brochure our student led group had created for the theater, Cobb said. That was a really awesome moment.

Last year, students in those ad agencies donated more than 600 hours to the community.

With the design community at large, there is a sense of urgency to give back to your community and to do what you can to not only help with messaging but of awareness for an issue, Cobb said.
My name is Emily. A little more than a year ago, I was diagnosed with leukemia.

Prior to my diagnosis, I was healthy. I didnt smoke; I didnt drink. I was the ideal weight. I was that girl who went on a cruise for her honeymoon and woke up early to hit the gym every morning. I was only 27.

I thought I knew everything but quickly realized just how much I had to learn. I spent five of the past 12 months in the hospital, and I spent an additional two months living in temporary housing located within 10 minutes of Duke Universitys cancer center.

During that time, I underwent several rounds of chemotherapy, radiation and two bone marrow transplants. I remember thinking on more than one occasion that if the cancer didnt kill me, the treatment would.

The legislation proposed by the House of Representatives to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act troubles me, but I also acknowledge the imperfections of our countrys current model.

Health care is a topic that should transcend party lines. I support a single-payer system in which health insurance is paid into by every American, and issued to every American as a basic human right.

Im skeptical of a plan that removes the ACAs individual mandate but promises to preserve the rights afforded by it, including the right to health insurance for individuals with pre-existing conditions (paid for by markedly high premiums) and the right to coverage without lifetime limitations (before insurance, my treatment cost upwards of $5 million dollars).

Is it too much to ask for both Democrats and Republicans to join almost every other developed nation in the world and consider a proposition in favor of the greater good?

The matter of life or death shouldnt be a business. Instead of grasping in the dark for something that works, lets get to work  on finding cures. On living.

Emily LaFontaine

Hickory

Trouble with politicians

In my last letter, I referred to politicians who are uninformed and willfully negligent to even be exposed to the reality of what's happening.

In cooperation with Snyder Paper, I invited four politicians to a tour and explanation of the benefits Snyder has seen by solarizing their roof.

Mayor Wright said he and Councilman Zagaroli would be there Sept. 30, 2016. Rep. Adams said he was under the weather, but would try to be there. And Commissioner Butler didn't respond. Not one showed up.

To this date, not one of these politicians has made an effort to see what Snyder has to offer. Later, Rep. Adams said if I lined up another tour he would try to make it.

All of my talks with politicians were to remain private, but this incident pushed me to go public in letters to the editor to inform citizens of what their politicians actually do rather than say.

I supplied all commissioners and then County Manager Tom Lundy with three DVDs on climate change.

One of the DVDs was an eight-minute DVD concerning the physics of CO2. Calling to thank Mr. Lundy for returning my DVDs, I asked him about the eight-minute DVD.

He said it was too difficult to understand. As a high school teacher for 30 years, I can guarantee the "average" student in high school could understand it.

In a face-to-face with Sherry Butler, who said she had watched it, I asked what she thought about "Curvy Suzie" the crux of the physics. She had no idea what I was talking about. Did they watch the DVDs?

I gave Sen. Wells the DVD "Merchants of Doubt" that examines the fossil fuel network that deceives Americans about climate change.

A week later he returned it saying his DVD player was broken. Rep. Adams refused to watch the same DVD saying it was all propaganda. I asked him if he would just watch scene eight which shows Mark Marano, who is paid by the fossil fuel industry to confuse the public on climate change, bragging about duping our citizens.

How could it be propaganda when the words are coming from the fossil fuel's chief denier spokesman?

How can constituents be pleased with their politicians who refuse to be informed on arguably the most dangerous threat to mankind this century?

Lee Brinson

Hickory
HICKORY  For 70 years, one restaurant has been a staple in Hickory  The Snack Bar.

Friends, family and community leaders joined in the celebration Tuesday morning at the restaurant. The Snack Bar first opened its doors in 1947 and at one point, operated six locations in the area.

Robert Frye started the business all those years ago, and it remains a family run restaurant.

Fryes daughter Libby Yount and her late husband Eddie Yount took over operations of the business after her father, Glenda Young said, who is a longtime friend and employee.

You think about one mans dream and what he has done, just look at this family, Young said as she introduced the family members to guests Tuesday morning.

After Eddie Yount died, Libby and her son Brad continued to operate the restaurant.

Eddie was one of the hardest working men; he appreciated loyalty, and he demanded quality and good service. He was not only a wonderful boss, but a great friend, Young said.

Hickory Mayor Rudy Wright, along with Police Chief Thurman Whisnant, Deptuy Chief of Police Reed Baer and City Councilman Hank Guess, also spoke at the celebration.

If you dont feel better after you have been to The Snack Bar in Hickory, North Carolina, and you have gotten the great service and the smiles  then there is something wrong with you, Wright said.

Wright went on to congratulate the family and proclaimed that, Today is Snack Bar Day in the City of Hickory.

Guess said he had been eating at The Snack Bar for more than 50 years and even has a favorite booth. He started frequenting the restaurant when he was a police officer and has continued to enjoy the food and company to this day.

This has really been an icon in the community; there are not very many restaurants that are in business continuously for 70 years, Guess said.

While he enjoys the meals, there is one item on the menu he calls his favorite  the banana pudding.

They were not the only ones who have frequented the establishment for years; Baer said he had been coming to the restaurant off and on for 40 years.

Whisnant presented the restaurant with an official Hickory Police nightstick made from Hickory wood, and he too said he has been a long time patron of The Snack Bar.

After the celebration, the staff got back to work and friends and family wished The Snack Bar a happy 70th birthday, and luck for the next 70 years to come.
HICKORY  The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) has served as a tool for journalists as well as citizens across the country to hold their government officials accountable. FOIA became law in 1967 and just last year, Congress passed the FOIA Improvement Act.

For those who may not be involved with government or watchdog journalism, understanding the significance of FOIA and state laws can seem confusing. As part of Sunshine Week, which is an effort to bring awareness to the importance of open government, the HDR will publish several stories to help readers understand the need for open government, and the rights they have.

The freedom of Information Act is a law that gives you the right to access information from the federal government. It is often described as the law that keeps citizens in the know about their government, according to FOIA.gov.

The Freedom of Information Act allows any member of the public to request records from any federal agency; however, there are several exemptions to the law.

There are nine exemptions to FOIA, according to FOIA.gov. These include information that is classified to protect national security and information that, if disclosed, would invade another individuals personal privacy. The full list can be found at www.foia.gov/faq.html#exemptions.

Just as the Freedom of Information Act offers U.S. citizens a chance to hold their federal government accountable, there are state laws granting North Carolina residents similar rights.

The bulk of North Carolina open government laws are found in chapters 132 and 143 of the North Carolina General Statutes.

Former North Carolina Attorney General, Gov. Roy Cooper, along with the North Carolina Press Association released a Guide to Open Government and Public Records to, help make sure people are allowed to watch their government in Action, according to the document.

Open government laws in North Carolina allow the public to obtain records and documents considered public, as well as require government bodies to conduct public meetings.

Transparency is important because as elected officials, we work for our citizens. What we do is the peoples business, and they need to know whats going on, County Commissioner Chairman Randy Isenhower said.

The laws set requirements for government officials to follow such as giving a timely public notice announcing meetings dates, times and locations as well as defines what rights citizens have to access public records.

Recently the Hickory Daily Record made several public records requests to the City of Newton and Catawba County in an effort to learn more about the agreement with Corning Optical and the two government bodies.

At the time of the request, there was no mention of what was actually to be announced, and the HDR wanted more information to ensure readers had an opportunity to attend the meeting and voice their opinions before an agreement was reached.

State laws do allow government bodies to enter into closed sessions when dealing with specific items, one of such is economic development.

The HDR submitted requests to Newton officials and members of the Catawba County Economic Development Corporation and Catawba County officials.

Pursuant to NC General Statute 132-6 (a), Every custodian of public records shall permit any record in the custodian's custody to be inspected and examined at reasonable times and under reasonable supervision by any person, and shall, as promptly as possible, furnish copies thereof upon payment of any fees as may be prescribed by law.

Catawba County complies with the law, Communications Director for Catawba County Amy McCauley said.

The meeting and following announcement of Corning opening a new location in the City of Newton came on a Monday after the requests were submitted Friday, meaning the requested information was provided after the actual announcement.

If members of the public wish to make a public records request in Catawba County, they should submit the request to the department where the information is handled, McCauley said.

Visit http://www.ncdoj.gov/getdoc/ef04d580-eee7-4cfe-b2ec-06c26a6f95b9/AG-open-government-booklet-4-8-08.aspx to view the Guide to Open Government and Public Records.
U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch has called on conducting an independent and transparent audit of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU), investigate the case of Head of the State Fiscal Service Roman Nasirov using best practices and conduct the investigation against those officials who declared too high income.

"It is important that the government guarantees transparent audit of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine," she said speaking at the Dragon Capital Ukraine Investor Conference in Kyiv on Thursday.

Yovanovitch said that the United States monitors the case of Nasirov who was suspended from the post. She said that it is important that the investigation into the case and the court hearing were in line with best practices.

She said that she is waiting that the Verkhovna Rada will create the specialized anti-corruption court, allow the NABU to wiretap for the investigation of their cases. The diplomat said that investigations into e-declarations of those officials who declared large funds incomparable with their salaries should be conducted.

Yovanovitch pointed out the importance of carrying out successful privatization of state-run enterprises in Ukraine. This will give a signal to investors and a driver for Ukraine's development. It is important to have good corporate management for those companies that cannot be privatized, she said. Ukraine should approve the rules for the land market that would allow selling and buying land.

The U.S. ambassador is confident that the best protection of Ukraine from external aggression is to continue reforms and show to the whole world that Ukraine is committed to the European values.
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President Donald Trumps first post-Inauguration speech to a joint session of US Congress last month did serve to calm somewhat the frayed nerves in Washington. But it did not last long, as tweeted allegations of Obama having ordered wiretap on his phone during the campaign, prompted sharp denials and hitherto unmet calls for substantiation.

The speech itself was preceded by intense speculation about whether he would maintain the trajectory of strident partisan rhetoric carried over from the campaign, and unexpectedly through the inauguration speech on January 20. Recent public opinion polls, showing the highest disapproval ratings for a new President, were believed to have prompted the change in tactics.

Despite sustained criticism for unpredictability and volatility in his responses, the Republican base has remained loyally supportive. He had sought to consolidate this support by continuing with the pre-election rhetoric, and signing a flurry of executive orders projected as fulfilling campaign promises. The independent voters, however, who had helped carry him past the post, now seem anxious.

The Democratic party, and its members in Congress, remain determinedly adversarial and alienated. In a manner similar to the Republican stalling tactics during the Obama administration, they have decided to come out in complete opposition to Trump and his agenda, despite their normal support for plans for job creation and infrastructure construction. The Trump-prompted Republican effort to modify the Obama healthcare provisions has given them another coalescing peg.

The Democratic base, shocked by the election result, has also been roused. Following initial large-scale protests after the inauguration, galvanised further by the reaction to the immigration ban from seven countries, it has now taken a leaf out of the Republican Tea Party activism after the Obama victory. In town hall meetings, Congressmen and Senators are being heckled by angry constituents on healthcare and immigration.

The spring shoots of the Trump order are now visible. The Administration will define itself as pursuing a core nationalist agenda, both economic and political.

This economic agenda will entail working on bilateral, rather than multilateral, trade and economic arrangements, in the assessment that US strengths give it better leverage in this framework. Taxes and tariffs would be oriented towards attracting investment and manufacturing in US, and publicly touting new investment decisions. The net impact, however, will be affected by job displacement due to technological change, and reduced demand from adversely affected trading partners.

Political nationalism would involve the US stepping back further from what is seen as unnecessary international entanglements. 9/11 had generated political compulsions for Bush to get deeply involved in Afghanistan. The flawed involvement in Iraq had prompted Obama to look negatively at any similar involvement in Libya and Syria. Unusual for recent US Presidents, Trump said in his joint session address that the US respects the sovereign rights of nations and the the right of all nations to chart their own path. This is a far cry from US belief in its exceptionalism, and being a model for rest of the world.

A key section of the new White House, led by adviser Steve Bannon, is believed to be a strong advocate of a nationalism not constrained by multilateral institutions and principles. It supports further augmentation of military capacity, and dealing with others on the basis of strength and transactional advantage. There is a preponderance of military personnel in new appointments to the National Security Council. Civilian posts of secretaries of homeland security and defence are also being occupied by former military officials. Questions are being raised about the narrower focus of professional advice that could be reaching the President. Trump has repeatedly said that the military budget would be raised, despite US already spending more than the next nine countries. There is also talk of cutting the budget of USAID and State Department, and diverting it to the Pentagon.

In foreign policy there has been some course modulation. Trump has now spoken of strongly supporting NATO, which he had earlier described as obsolete. In his conversation with the Chinese President on February 9, he reiterated the One-China policy, while questioning it before. He has now referred to sharing vital security interests with allies, while so far decrying alliance commitments.

Other countries are still watching the evolution of the Trump presidency with anxiety and a continuing sense of uncertainty. Those with key stakes in the relationship have attempted to reach out and initiate the process of dialogue and bargaining with the new parameters. The prime ministers of UK, Japan, Israel and Canada have visited, as have the foreign and defence ministers of Germany. Chinese State Councillor Yang Jiechi briefly met Trump during his call on the US NSA on February 27.

There was no reference in the joint session address to Afghanistan. The focus has clearly shifted to ISIS. North Korean nuclear weapon and missile programmes are being described as potential threats to US mainland. Pakistan, which has over the decades managed a relevance to US policy by aligning itself during the Cold War, then in the reaction to the Soviet intervention in Afghanistan in 1979, and now after 9/11, will need a new reason.

India would also inevitably fine tune its approach keeping in mind the new politics and priorities in US. The Indian foreign secretary had meetings with senior US officials earlier. The India-US political convergence and defence partnership had increased substantially over the past three presidencies of Clinton, Bush and Obama. A special effort would now be needed to look at the dimensions of the economic partnership. This has been an area of recurrent problems and disagreements. India being under the Special 301 watch list, and problems related to H1B visas are among the manifestations. It is no doubt in our interest to build our relations with all the major poles in the desired multipolar international system, so as to maintain the autonomy of our decisions. However, the trade and investment dimension, the nearly 3.5 million strong Indian origin diaspora, around 200,000 Indian students in US universities, give a particular overall dimension to this relationship. As we promote Make in India, including in defence, and seek partnerships for Start-up India in the US Silicon valley, an overall politico-economic narrative for the relationship will help soften the all-too-frequent bumps. And, even as we seek to consolidate it under a Trump administration, we should not lose sight of need to sustain the bipartisan support for the relationship.

Arun K Singh is a former Indian Ambassador to the United States

The views expressed are personal
The Congress on Thursday said it would explore all options, including a grand alliance, to defeat Prime Minister Narendra Modi and pose a formidable challenge to the BJP in the 2019 Lok Sabha election.

Its senior partners in the Bihar ruling coalition  Janata Dal (United) and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD)  joined the chorus and said Uttar Pradesh elections would have had a different outcome had the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Congress come together.

Riding on Modis popularity, the BJP stormed to power in the bellwether state, getting 312 seats in the 403-member House. Along with allies, the number rises to 325.

The Congress got seven seats and partner SP got 47.

While the BJPs vote share was 39.7%, the BSPs was 22.2%, SP 21.8% and the Congress 6.2%. The combined vote share of the three non-BJP parties adds up to 50.2%.

Congress leader CP Joshi cited the equation to push for the non-BJP grouping. The BJP did not get a very strong vote share in recent state elections whereas Congress and its allies got a good vote share despite losing the polls, he told reporters.

Everything possible will be done to counter the BJP. The Congress and its allies will pose a formidable challenge to BJP in next general elections.

The remarks were in response to a suggestion by former minister Mani Shankar Aiyar that the Congress should look at a broad alliance to ensure the BJPs defeat in 2019.

Only a fool will say that Prime Minister Narendra Modi can be defeated single-handedly, he said.

The JD(U), however, insisted its leader and Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar should lead the proposed grouping into the Lok Sabha election. Nitish Kumar should be the leader of the grand alliance, only then will it be possible to defeat the BJP, party leader Sanjay Singh said.

The CPI(M), too, pitched for a tie-up, saying it should be forged on the basis of common programmes and policies.

The UP verdict has underscored the necessity for alliances of political parties against the BJP being forged on the basis of common programmes and policies... The abject failure of the SP-Congress alliance is a pointer, former CPI(M) general secretary Prakash Karat said in the editorial of the forthcoming issue of the partys weekly mouthpiece Peoples Democracy.

On the day the Congress pitched for the alliance, party leaders defended vice-president Rahul Gandhi over the recent electoral setbacks. Rahul Gandhi is being criticised unnecessarily. He has been a good manager and his role needs to be assessed in a proper manner, Joshi said.

Aiyar, too, said nobody could take Gandhis place but the party needed young leaders in decision-making positions.

Gandhi, who promised structural changes in the party, on Thursday left India to join his mother and Congress president Sonia Gandhi who is undergoing medical checks abroad.

He will accompany the Congress president on the return journey, partys chief spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala said.

Gandhi has in the past faced criticism for his unannounced foreign trips, with rivals accusing of him being a non-serious leader.

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The National Peoples Party (NPP) has dismissed reports about the party threatening to pull out of the BJP-led coalition in Manipur unless its ministers got desired portfolios.

All four MLAs of the party were given cabinet rank in the states first BJP-led coalition government headed by N. Biren Singh, which took oath of office on Wednesday.

There is no question of going back. We are committed to staying in the coalition and work for development of Manipur for the next 5 years, NPPs national president and Lok Sabha MP Conrad Sangma told Hindustan Times.

He, however, admitted that some leaders of the partys state unit had indeed written to the BJP leadership in New Delhi as well as Biren Singh expressing their desire for certain ministries.

They had only expressed their desire if the MLAs could be accommodated in particular ministries. There is no harm in that. But there was no threat of pull out, Sangma said.

With 21 seats, the BJP finished second to the Congress (28) in the 60-member assembly but quickly cobble together a coalition to get past the majority mark. The alliance government has the support of 33 MLAs.

On Wednesday, soon after the BJP-led coalition took oath, reports started appearing that the party has threatened to quit the government.

The reports stated that the party has demanded the home, health and family welfare, Public Works Department (PWD) and rural development and panchayat ministries in order to stay with the coalition.

There is no threat to the new government from our party. I can assure that, Sangma stressed.

Besides NPP, the coalition has support of Naga Peoples Front, Lok Janashakti Party, All India Trinamool Congress and a Congress MLA Th Shyamkumar.

A total of eight cabinet ministers were sworn in with the chief minister. Portfolios havent been allotted yet.

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Ukrainian PM to visit Israel in May

Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman will visit Israel in the middle of May, Israel's Ambassador to Ukraine Eliav Belotserkovsky has said.

"The visit will take place in the middle of May," he told Interfax-Ukraine in Kyiv on Thursday.

The ambassador said that recently a diplomatic conflict was between the two states.

"We were disappointed how Ukraine voted in the UN Security Council. However, we continue moving forward and discuss the visit of the prime minister," he said.
Hours after winning the trust vote in the Goa assembly on Thursday, chief minister Manohar Parrikar took a veiled dig at the Congress leadership, saying he was happy to be back in Goa.

The Congress never had the numbers....this is what happens when you come to Goa only to holiday, not to work, Parrikar told NDTV in an interview. Though he didnt name anyone, it was an apparent jibe aimed at Digvijaya Singh, the Congress general secretary in charge of Goa.

Though Singh had rushed to Goa after the results were out on March 11, he failed to cobble up an alliance as a smart BJP leadership wasted little time in securing the crucial support from two regional parties and three Independents.

Both the BJP and the Congress fell short of the majority mark in the 40-member Goa assembly. But the Congress emerged as the single largest party with 17 seats.

Parrikar, who resigned as Union defence minister to be Goas chief minister, also admitted that it was quite problematic health-wise to stay in Delhi. He couldnt move his family to the national capital, and said he didnt have any friends in Delhi.

Information and broadcasting minister Venkaiah Naidu lauded Parrikars decision to return to Goa. He told reporters on Thursday, To leave the post of the defence minister of the country and go back to Goa requires a lot of political guts.

The Congress leadership faced criticism from local MLAs after failing to snatch the state from the BJP. During his meeting with Goa MLAs, Singh reportedly faced tough questions from lawmakers.

Thursdays floor test was also an embarrassment for the Congress as it had earlier announced that Parrikar would not last beyond two days. It had also questioned the governors decision to give the BJP a chance to form the government first.

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The number of MLAs with criminal backgrounds in Punjab is slightly less this time, as compared to the previous assembly. Of the 117 members elected to the Vidhan Sabha on Saturday, 16 have criminal cases registered against them as against the 19 that made it to the assembly in 2012.

Also read | LIVE: Capt Amarinder takes oath as Punjab CM; Modi tweets best wishes

However, 11 of these 16 legislators have serious charges against them, with three of them even facing charges of murder and attempt to murder. In 2012, there were five MLAs facing serious charges.

The data of election results, analysed by Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), reveals that nine of the total 77 Congress MLAs, four of the 20 AAP legislators and one of the 15 SAD MLAs have a criminal background.

Simarjeet Bains of the Lok Insaaf Party (LIP) has six criminal cases registered against him. He is facing cases of attempt to theft, criminal intimidation, murder, dacoity and also of obstructing public servant from performing duty.

Captain Amarinder Singh, who will be sworn as chief minister on Thursday, has four cases registered against him, including those of forgery, criminal breach of trust, cheating and destruction of evidence. Charges have not been framed against him in any of these cases.

Balwinder Singh Bains of LIP has two criminal cases registered against him in which charges have been framed.

Navjot Singh Sidhu (Cong) is facing charges related to murder with his appeal pending in the Supreme Court.

Gurpreet Singh Kangar (Cong) has two cases registered against him, including that of attempt to murder. Sanjeev Talwar (Cong) has one case registered against him by the vigilance bureau in 2011.

Among others facing criminal cases are Sukhpal Singh Bhullar of Congress (1 cheating case) and Joginder Pal (Congress).

Sunam MLA Aman Arora (AAP) is facing a case of house trespass while Congresss Sukhbinder Singh Sarkaria of Raja Sansi is facing a 30-year-old case for kidnapping a woman.

NK Sharma (SAD) of Dera Bassi is also facing one criminal case against him while AAPs Kanwar Sandhu is facing defamation charges in a case.

Some other legislators facing criminal cases are Santokh Singh (Cong), Vijay Inder Singla (Cong), Sukhpal Singh Khaira (AAP) and Baljinder Kaur (AAP).

Dont miss | Over 80% of Punjab MLAs chosen this time are crorepatis, down from last time
Goa chief minister Manohar Parrikar won a crucial trust vote in the Goa assembly on Thursday as 22 legislators backed the BJP-led coalition, potentially drawing the curtains on a dramatic government formation process in the coastal state. (HIGHLIGHTS)

The BJP won the support of 12 of its own MLAs  excluding pro-tem speaker Sidharth Kuncalienker -- three each from the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party and the Goa Forward Party, three independent lawmakers and a Nationalist Congress Party legislator.

We have proved before the people of India, we had support of 23 and we proved it on the floor of house, Parrikar was quoted as saying by ANI.

Everyone voluntarily came and voted, none of them were kept in a hotel room or secluded common place as was the case of opposition.

The opposition Congress could only muster 16 in the 40-member assembly as MLA Vishwajeet Rane boycotted the floor test. People of Goa defeated BJP but those who got elected on anti BJP vote sold Goa to BJP. Sad, Congress state in-charge Digvijaya Singh tweeted.

People of Goa defeated BJP but those who got elected on anti BJP vote sold Goa to BJP. Sad.  digvijaya singh (@digvijaya_28) March 16, 2017

The floor test was ordered by the Supreme Court after the Congress approached the top court three days ago, alleging that governor Mridula Sinha had broken the law by not calling the single-largest party, the Congress, to form the government.

The BJP finished behind the Congress in Goa but pushed ahead with government formation hours after assembly election results were declared on March 11.

Manohar Parrikar resigned as Union defence minister a couple of days later and returned to Goa  where he was chief minister twice before  to cobble together a coalition. This triggered allegations from Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi that the BJP was stealing the electoral mandate by throwing money to legislators.

Digvijayas claims that they have numbers have been debunked. Right from the beginning, they didnt have the number, Parrikar told reporters. It was only hype possibly because there was a demand that was coming that Digvijaya step down as general secretary.

The floor test loss is likely to trigger another round of clamour in the Congress, where several leaders have blamed the leadership of indecision and ceding advantage to the BJP. Minutes after the Congress failed to win the floor test, former Union minister Mani Shankar Aiyar demanded a change in party leadership.

Our position in national politics is shrinkingthere is a need to bring change in the Congress leadership, the former Panchayati Raj minister was quoted by ANI as saying.

The general secretaries need to be the young people and the old experienced people should be in the Congress working committee.

After winning the vote, Parrikar turned his attention to policy matters, laying out the schedule for swearing-in of more ministers and passage of the state budget. But he refused to speculate on whether he would appoint a deputy CM or seek the support of Rane.

But the drama refused to die out with conflicting reports about Ranes whereabouts. Congress MLA Chandrakant Kavlekar told ANI that Rane was untraceable since the floor test. We tried to find out if he was in the washroom, but could not find him.

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The Congress never had the numbers to form a government in Goa and was throwing around allegations to create hype, chief minister Manohar Parrikar said on Thursday minutes after sailing through a crucial trust vote.(LIVE COVERAGE)

The BJP won the support of 12 of its own MLAs  excluding pro-tem speaker Sidharth Kuncalienker -- three each from the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party and the Goa Forward Party, three independent lawmakers and a Nationalist Congress Party legislator.

We have proved before the people of India, we had support of 23 and we proved it on the floor of house, Parrikar was quoted as saying by ANI.

Twenty two legislators backed the BJP-led coalition, potentially drawing the curtains on a dramatic government formation process in the coastal state. The opposition Congress could only muster 16 in the 40-member assembly as MLA Vishwajeet Rane abstained from the floor test.

Everyone voluntarily came and voted, none of them were kept in a hotel room or secluded common place as was the case of opposition, Parrikar added.

The floor test was ordered by the Supreme Court after the Congress approached the top court three days ago, alleging that governor Mridula Sinha had broken the law by not calling the single-largest party, the Congress, to form the government.

The BJP finished behind the Congress in Goa but pushed ahead with government formation hours after assembly election results were declared on March 11.

Digvijayas claims that they have numbers have been debunked. Right from the beginning, they didnt have the number, Parrikar told reporters. It was only hype possibly because there was a demand that was coming that Digvijaya step down as general secretary.

Manohar Parrikar resigned as Union defence minister a couple of days later and returned to Goa  where he was chief minister twice before  to cobble together a coalition. This triggered allegations from Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi that the BJP was stealing the electoral mandate by throwing money to legislators.

After winning the vote, Parrikar turned his attention to policy matters, laying out the schedule for swearing-in of more ministers and passage of the state budget. But he refused to speculate on whether he would appoint a deputy CM or seek the support of Rane.

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After Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, the BJP has expanded its foray into the Northeast by forming a government in Manipur with its allies. However, it is not resting on its laurels just yet.

A day before the results for the Manipur assembly polls were announced, party leaders held a protest rally in Tripura  which goes to the polls in early 2018 along with Meghalaya and Nagaland. The Mizoram polls are scheduled for 2018.

The expediency being shown by the party in preparing for the next round of elections in the Northeast is a statement of its intent to break into territory that has remained unfamiliar  even unwelcome  since long.

To guide the BJPs procession into the remaining North Eastern states, the Sangh is playing charioteer because the party has little support on the ground.

The strategically sensitive region, which shares its borders with China, Myanmar and Bangladesh, has been of interest to the RSS for ages. Over the years, the Sangh  through its many affiliates such as the Vanvasi Kalyan ashram  has been making inroads in the tribal belts.

A man listens during a BJP election rally at Wangkhem village in Thoubal district, Manipur. (AFP Photo)

One of the more compelling reasons for the Sanghs outreach is the need to curb the expansion of the Church. It also sees these states as buffers against aggression from neighbouring countries, and wants to shield the indigenous people from foreign influence.

Setting up the North-East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) was a masterstroke for the party. The coalition, formed in 2016 with regional players such as the Naga Peoples Front, Sikkim Democratic Front and Asom Gana Parishad, helped the BJP edge its way into the Northeast.

In the forthcoming polls in this region, the BJP will have to deal with issues such as negligible ground support, dealing with insurgents and underground groups, and resistance from regional governments and satraps to emerge victorious. The party will also have to dispel fears that it will implement the Hindutva agenda in the region, once it comes to power.

Heres a look at how the BJP managed to win power in some Northeastern states, and is trying to gain a foothold in others.

Assam

In Assam, the RSS pulled out all stops to help the BJP dislodge the Congress government and take over its reins. It successfully raised the bogie of unwelcome Bangladeshi intruders squatting in Assam, taking away resources meant for the locals.

The BJP followed up by doing the political arithmetic. It appointed Hemanta Biswa Sharma  a Congress heavyweight  as the NEDA convenor, upped the stature of the Asom Gana Parishad, and appointed its state president, Sarbananda Sonowal, as the chief minister.

Arunachal Pradesh

In this state, the RSS is flagging concerns of conversion and demographic imbalance. Incidentally, while it supports a beef ban across the board, Sangh functionaries in the state prefer to maintain a diplomatic silence on the issue. In Arunachal Pradesh, BJP successfully adopted a backdoor method to form its own government after getting chief minister Pema Khandu and 33 legislators to switch sides.

Tripura

In this hill-state, the BJP is training its guns at the Manik Sarkar-led Left government. BJP national general secretary Ram Madhav told HT that the party has already set in motion its strategy to bag more seats in the region. The BJP is deterred neither by the Sarkars governments influence over the state populace nor the chief ministers clean image. We will prove both these claims wrong, said Madhav, who is credited with the partys success in Assam and Manipur -- besides stitching together a difficult alliance with the PDP in Jammu and Kashmir.

Manipur

The party is buoyed by its performance in this state, where it bagged 21 of 40 assembly seats on its own and increased its vote share from 2.12% in 2012 to 36.3%. With the allies bagging another nine, the party is confident of coming to power in the state.

The BJPs poll plank ranged from issues concerning territorial integrity to more basic problems like water and power.

Newly sworn-in Manipur CM Nongthombam Biren Singh with Prakash Javadekar and state BJP president Vihabananda, in Imphal. (PTI File Photo)

Meghalaya

The BJP has no mass support in Meghalaya either, but here also it will rely on the footwork of Sangh soldiers and NEDA ties with parties such as the National Peoples Party and United Democratic Party. Our brief to the BJP is to focus on local elections, said a Sangh functionary.

In Meghalaya, the party will need a unique campaign strategy to negotiate its ways through the complex division of Garos, Khasis and Pnars.

Nagaland

A tricky state for the BJP, is how a Sangh functionary in the state describes Nagaland. The BJP is making overtures towards the Naga people, but the party still remains lost in the woods. Here, the BJP is trying hard to erase the distance between the Centre and the state. The partys focus in this insurgency-affected state will be on development.

Mizoram

This Christian-dominated state will not be a cakewalk for the party. Allies such as the Mizo National Front apart, the party is up against a Congress government for the second consecutive term. The BJPs focus in Mizoram will be on development. We will criticise the present administrations poor scorecard on healthcare, education, jobs and connectivity  comparing it with BJP-ruled states, said a party functionary.

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The clamour for structural changes in the Congress grew louder on Wednesday even as partys Uttar Pradesh chief Raj Babbar offered to resign taking moral responsibility for the poll debacle in the state.

The wipeout in UP and Uttarakhand has again triggered a blame game and clamour for surgery. The Congress has shown repeatedly that it suffers from an auto-immune disease. Congress destroys Congress. We need to be treated from within to be healthy again, tweeted Priya Dutt, former Lok Sabha MP.

Later, she told reporters in Mumbai, We need to put our heads together and rebuild the party. Its not about one person. This party has not been about one person. It has been about a collective.

On Tuesday, senior Congress leader Satyvrat Chaturvedi had called for a cardiac surgery in the party.

Another senior leader, Anil Shastri, said that party vice-president Rahul Gandhi is not to be blamed for the UP defeat. How can we blame RG for UP? He tried his best with total commitment & passion but the people opted for BJPs promises as they did in 2014, he tweeted.

Our campaign in UP was focused & forceful. Rallies & roadshows were impressive but perhaps we couldnt carry conviction with the electorate. Similarly our over emphasis on threat of communalism acted as a tool for the BJP to polarise the electorate on communal lines he said in a series of tweets.

Shastri blamed former CM Harish Rawat for the Uttarakhand debacle . He should have gone for a mid-term poll after he was reinstated by court. There was great sympathy in favour of Harish Rawat as the people believed that he was ousted through machinations of the Central govt. Rawat was advised but took no heed & see what has he done to the Congress. He couldnt even take his partymen along including his PCC Chief, he said in related tweets.

Our national leaders worked hard in the five states, which went to polls, including UP. We failed to win UP, Babbar said. You dont change party leadership for losses in one or two elections. The leadership is ideology. They make teams. Our team failed in UP.

Babbar and other leaders defended Gandhi and insisted that the partys stupendous victory in Punjab and good performances in Goa and Manipur are a clear indication that the people do not support the BJPs Congress-mukt Bharat (Congress-free India) slogan.

Babbar said, I take moral responsibility for the partys defeat... I was given the responsibility but I could not fulfil it. I could not live up to the expectations despite energy and efforts invested by Rahul Gandhi. I will do what is required.

On the other hand, the Congress leadership refused to accept the resignation of general secretary BK Hariprasad, who had offered to quit following the partys rout in the recent panchayat elections in Odisha.
The suspense over the new chief minister of Uttar Pradesh is expected to end at the BJP legislature party (BJPLP) meeting to be held in Lucknow on Saturday.

The declaration of a new leader, in the presence of Union minister Venkaiah Naidu and party general secretary Bhupendra Yadav, will coincide with the partys victory day celebration on that day.

The BJPs incumbent legislature party leader, Suresh Khanna, on Thursday confirmed the news about Saturdays meeting of the partys newly-elected lawmakers.

An indication of who would be chief minister would come via Uttarakhand, where the legislature party would meet on Friday to decide the new CM of the hill state.

In Uttarakhand, Prakash Pant and Trivendra Singh Rawat are in the race.

If Pant gets the nod, it would mean that chances of Union home minister Rajnath Singh being persuaded to take up the UP assignment will brighten considerably. If Rawat is picked as CM, it would indicate that Rajnath ji isnt the likely CM in UP, a source told HT.

If Rajnath ji is coming to UP, the party might not appoint deputy chief ministers, as possibly might be the case if he refuses to return to state politics, the source said.

After Rajnath Singh, the other hot favourite appears to be Union minister Manoj Sinha, who is considered close to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Manoj ji would gel well with everyone from Modi ji to Rajnath ji. He is close to the RSS, of which some other leaders, including Ram Lal, the BJP general secretary (organisation), are tipped to be in the race. But I would say its either Rajnath ji or Manoj ji, a senior BJP leader said.

Earlier on Thursday, the possibility of Uttar Pradesh BJP chief Keshav Prasad Maurya making it as CM receded following party chief Amit Shahs statement that Maurya would decide on the new CM.

UPs big win has thrown up bigger challenges. There are 100-odd turncoats who have been elected on BJP ticket. Many of them wouldnt be aware of the BJPs philosophy. To do justice to the mandate, the BJP would require a mature leader, a party leader said.

Thats why Rajnath ji would still be in the BJPs plan But if its not him, then it would open a gamut of possibilities  from Manoj Sinha, a Bhumihar, three Sharmas  Dinesh, Shrikant and Mahesh -- or any of the RSS men, he said.

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BJP leader Nitin Gadkari on Thursday rejected allegations of foul play levelled by the Congress, stating that the rival party was just sore about failing to form its own coalition government in Goa.

Gadkari, who is also the Union minister for road transport and highways, said the Congress was too busy resolving internal disputes regarding the appointment of its chief ministerial candidate while the BJP was out sealing alliances with local parties as part of its strategy to take the reins of the state administration.

Our fast decision-making policy helped us form the government in Goa while the Congress missed the bus. We have formed the government by forging alliances with different parties, which is not undemocratic at all, he told reporters at the Shipping Corporation of India headquarters.

Even though the Congress emerged as the single-largest party, Gadkari played an important role in securing the numbers required to help the BJP wrest power in Goa. The Congress failed to approach the governor in time while we managed to show our strength with the help of our new partners  the Maharashtra Gomantak Party (MGP) and Goa Forward Party (GFP). Our rivals were having trouble picking their chief ministerial candidate because there were five aspirants for the same, the Union minister said.

Gadkari gave a blow-by-blow account of how he managed to persuade regional parties to forge an alliance, even enlisting the support of independent legislators.

On Wednesday, the Congress had dubbed the BJPs Goa strategy as unconstitutional  alleging that the central government had influenced governor Mridula Sinhas decision in its favour. Party leader Digvijaya Singh even accused the BJP of indulging in horse-trading to reach the majority mark.

The saffron party, however, rejected the allegations.

Gadkari claimed the BJPs gameplan was put into action on the night of March 11  shortly after the results of the assembly polls came out. I reached Goa late that night and entered into talks with MGP and GFP leaders. They had some conditions, including the appointment of defence minister Manohar Parrikar as the Goa chief minister, which we accepted. The next morning, we met the governor with evidence that the BJP-led alliance had the required strength to form the next government, he added.

Gadkari said the credit for the partys success in the coastal state goes to BJP president Amit Shah. It was 7 pm (when I met Shah at his residence). We discussed the political situation of Goa in detail. Our strength was only 13. I told him that we do not have the support we need, he recalled telling Shah.

However, the BJP president would not take no for an answer, and insisted that Gadkari give it a try anyway.

(With PTI inputs)
It has been almost five years since the ace actor performed last on Delhis stage. The Bandit Queen (1994) of Bollywood aka Seema Biswas is back in the Capital, but is yet to make her appearance on stage.

Mai khud taras rahi hun. Sahi subject ki talash kar rahi hun (Im longing to perform in Delhi. Im in search of the right subject), says the actor adding that its her self-doubt that propels her to excel in her craft, Jis din doubt khatam, mai khatam.

Her home, presently, is in Delhi and her heart? Dil hai jahan theatre hai, says the actor who won the National Award for her portrayal of Phoolan Devi on silver screen. I want to perform on stage but wont compete in it. Im not beyond competition but I feel shy to compete now, as the youngsters, seeking space, might say, Arre budiya humko mauka de!

The day 16th December gang rape incident happened, I was thinking how I was saved from landing into a similar tragedy once.

Her self-criticism is praiseworthy and nostalgia with Delhi striking. Judging plays at recently concluded META, the thespian, talks about how Delhi hasnt changed since she moved to Mumbai after graduating from National School of Drama.

Remembering the 16th December gang rape incident, she says, The day it happened, I was thinking how I was saved from a similar tragedy once. Travelling from Laxmi Nagar to Mandi House post-dinner in a DTC bus with my sister at around 9pm at night, I told the conductor to return the balance of four rupees, to which he replied sarcastically, 50 rupaya denge, chalega? While getting off, he abused me and only then the co-passengers intervened saying, Madam raat ho gayi hai, jaiye (Its late already, leave). I feel bad ki kuch sudhra nahi. Bade-bade flyover, metro ban gaye, par mentality nahi badli. Nothing has changed; its so sad.

Sanskar ghar se nikalta hain; usi chakkar me humare hindustan ke log barbaad hue hain. Whether its your father, brother, husband or boyfriend, the upbringing of parents is very wrong when they give special treatment to boys.

The actor is known to not mince her words; especially when it comes to the subject of the women and their decision to stand against men, when they are wrong. Sanskar ghar se nikalta hain; usi chakkar me humare hindustan ke log barbaad hue hain. Whether its your father, brother, husband or boyfriend, the upbringing of the parents is very wrong when they give special treatment to boys.

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The Foreign Ministry of Ukraine welcomes the adoption of the resolution the Ukrainian prisoners in Russia and the situation in Crimea by the European Parliament on March 16.

"The legislative body of the European Union again confirmed unfettered support of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders and gave a clear signal to the Russian Federation that its attempt to annex Crimea would never be recognized by the EU and its member states," the Foreign Ministry of Ukraine said on Thursday.

The ministry said that the European Parliament also presented unbiased facts of grievous crimes of the Russian occupation authorities and violation of human rights.

The ministry recalled that the European Parliament reiterates that Russia must urgently release all illegally and arbitrarily detained Ukrainian citizens and stop further persecutions of Ukrainians.

The ministry said that the European Parliament also supported Ukraine's lawsuit against Russia in the International Court of Justice blaming Russia for support of terrorism in eastern Ukraine and discrimination of ethnic Ukrainians and Crimean Tatars on the territory of occupied Crimea.
Bhumi Pednekar was flooded with marriage proposals right after she made her acting debut with Dum Laga Ke Haisha in 2015 where she played a newly-married woman, but the actor, with her familys consent, turned them down. Ahead of her second film opposite Ayushmann Khurrana,when asked if shes prepared for marriage now, Bhumi says that she is still unsure about marriage but would love to have a family.  I have just started my journey in the film industry. I am young. Of course, I would want a family in future, but I dont know if marriage would be part of it, says Bhumi.

So do her plans include children? Ya...in like in 10 years. If you ask me today, there is nothing happening for the next 10 years, laughs the actor.

The actor is in Delhi shooting for her next film Shubh Mangal Saavdhan. Talking about being paired with her first co-star, Ayushmann, yet again, Bhumi says that their comfort off-screen translates into their chemistry on-screen. Working him (Ayushmann), is great, as we gel well. We are friends and have no inhibitions.We joke and fool around, and critique each others work. We help each other during shooting and ask for opinions. We are very comfortable with each other, says the actor.

Bhumi will also be seen in the film Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, alongside actor Akshay Kumar and adds that she is already on the lookout for her next project. I have my next film Toilet... releasing soon. I am reading scripts actively I am lucky to have good work sent to me. There are things in the pipeline, informs Bhumi.

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Muzaffar Ali showed his directorial prowess with the iconic Rekha-starrer film Umrao Jaan (1981). The filmmaker wears many hats: hes a poet, artist, fashion designer, music lover and he also curates a popular music festival, Jahan-e-Khusrau, World Sufi Music Festival, which will be held after a gap of two years in the Capital.

Its the people who have brought it back. I obviously wanted to do it but things werent easy. We were not getting the right support. But then some people said well put the money, it seemed really encouraging, says Ali, who calls the event a peoples festival and believes that Sufism is a common thread between India and Pakistan.

The Padma Shri recipient did feel the constraint of not being able to invite Pakistani artists to the Sufi festival, which has been host to musicians such as Abida Parveen and Shafqat Amanat Ali in the past. He says, Yes, I wanted to invite artists from across the border but I thought I may not be able to If somebody embarrasses them then its not nice. I dont have any opinions on that (ban of Pakistani artists in India) but certainly we cant embarrass those people.

This, however, didnt deter Alis curatorial abilities, who will have artists such as Daler Mehndi, Sonam Kalra, Sukhwinder Singh and Malini Awasthi perform at the 13th edition of the festival this year. Its nice to have people from across the sub-continent  thats the message of oneness that should go  but under the present circumstances, this is the best, he adds.

And the whole Bollywood trap is very confusing. We would need big stars and distortion of history to make it commercial. You cannot distort history! I cant afford to play around with the Kashmiri sentiment for this film.

 Muzaffar Ali

On whether he wishes to revive his film Zooni  a biopic on the 16th century poet Habba Khatoon, which is stuck in production, he says:  The seed of this festival was sown when I was in Kashmir and saw the turmoil and poetry of the mystics. I was making my film Zooni and could see a change take place between a very absorbent, gentle atmosphere to a very harsh reality of intolerance. Thats when I thought a festival like this should take place in India. Im very keen to revive my film but It can only be done if people want it. But theres a lot of money involved. And the whole Bollywood trap is very confusing. We would need big stars and distortion of history to make it commercial. You cannot distort history! I cant afford to play around with the Kashmiri sentiment for this film.

CATCH IT LIVE What: Jahan-e-Khusrau, World Sufi Music Festival Where: Arab Ki Sarai, Humayuns Tomb Monuments When: March 24 to 26 Timings: 6.30pm Nearest Metro Station: Jangpura on Violet Line

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Karisma Kapoors ex-husband Sanjay Kapur is set to tie the knot for the third time. Media reports suggest he is looking at an April wedding with his long-time rumoured girlfriend Priya Sachdev.

According to a report in Bollywood Life, one of the couples close friends has revealed that the wedding ceremony will take place in New York which will be attended by only close friends and family. Sanjay and his family do not want to talk about any kind of marriage. For them, this divorce (with Karisma) war has not been easy, the source added.

A post shared by Cosmopolitan India (@cosmoindia) on Mar 14, 2016 at 2:30am PDT

Sanjay and Karisma got married in 2003 and their very messy divorce got finalised last year in June. Things started getting sour for them after the birth of their daughter Sumeira. The Delhi high court advised the couple to explore the possibility of a settlement. Karisma moved out of Kapurs house in 2010, and permanently shifted base to Mumbai. In 2014, the two decided to end their 12-year-long marriage and filed for divorce through mutual consent.

Karisma and Sanjay seen together in 2003. (File Photo)

Kapur had claimed Karisma used the kids as pawns and did not let the Kapurs meet them in order to claim more money. Kapur also said she deprived his ailing father access to his grandkids.

Rain Gazing  #withmyloves #octoberrains A post shared by KK (@therealkarismakapoor) on Oct 4, 2016 at 5:39am PDT

Priya Sachdev is the ex-wife of hotelier Vikram Chatwal who was recently in news for allegedly lighting up his neighbours dogs on fire. Priya and Sanjay are rumoured to be a couple since 2013.

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Actors Ayushmann Khurrana and Bhumi Pednekar, who are shooting for Aanand L Rai Production, Shubh Mangal Saavdhan, in Delhi are gearing up to celebrate Holi in the Capital. In an interview with HT City, Ayushmann said that his family - wife Tahira, son Virajveer Khurrana and daughter Varushka Khurrana - will visit him in Delhi to celebrate the festival of colours.

I feel Holi is the best time to be in Delhi. Its the best weather. Holi comes at the right time when its not warm enough. It is one of the best festivals in our country. My family is coming down to Delhi and we plan to have a great time together. We will be celebrating Holi at the hotel only - it will be our own little thing, he says. The actor also shared his Holi wishes with his rendition of Rang Barse , exclusively for Hindustan Times.

Actor Bhumi Pednekar, who will share screen space with Ayushmann Khurrana for the second time after her debut film Dum Laga Ke Haisha (2015), is ecstatic to celebrate the festival too. I have heard Delhi Holi is epic and I am so happy to be here. Holi for me has always been about water balloons and pichkaris, and as we grew up, it included a lot of colours too, she says.

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Actor Akshay Kumar has donated Rs 9 lakh each to the families of the 12 CRPF personnel who were killed in a recent Maoist ambush in Chhattisgarh. The Holiday actor donated Rs 1 crore and eight lakh in total.

Officials said, soon after the incident, the actor approached the Union Home Ministry with a request to obtain the bank account numbers of the family members of the jawans who were killed in the March 11 ambush as he wanted to make a monetary donation to them.

They said the Ministry, accepting Kumars request, directed the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) to share the bonafide bank account numbers of the families of the slain personnel.

A security personnel injured in the Maoist attack in Bheji area of Chhattisgarhs Sukma district on Saturday.(HT Photo )

Kumar, they said, transferred Rs 9 lakh each in the bank accounts on Wednesday.

Kumars gesture exhibits his patriotism and devotion towards the country in general and CRPF in particular, the paramilitary force said in a statement.

12 personnel were killed in a deadly ambush in Chhattisgarhs worst Maoist-hit district of Sukma on March 11 (Saturday) when they were out on a patrol.

The deceased CRPF personnel have been identified as Inspector Jagjit Singh, Assistant Sub-inspectors H B Bhatt and Narender Kumar Singh, head constables Jagdish Prasad Vishnoi and P R Minde and constables Mangesh Pal Pandey, Rampal Singh Yadav, Goraknath, Nand Kumar Patra, Satish Kumar Verma, K Shankar and Suresh Kumar.

The troops belonged to the 219th battalion of the force deployed in the state for conducting anti-Maoist operations.

The Khiladi fame actor had also recently met Union Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi expressing his desire to contribute to the security forces and also with a plan to develop an smartphone app (application) so that any citizen can donate money to the family of those needy jawans or officers who get killed in the line of duty.

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Apple Inc, Alphabet Incs Google and Facebook Inc are among more than 60 technology companies that appear to have backed away from the legal fight against U.S. President Donald Trumps controversial travel ban, deciding not to put their weight behind a lawsuit seeking to block the second version of his executive order.

A legal brief filed in federal court in Hawaii on Tuesday on behalf of Silicon Valley companies listed the support of 58 companies, less than half the 127 signatories to a similar brief filed in an appeals court last month after Trumps first executive order banning travel from a number of countries the administration said posed a security risk.

Airbnb Inc, Dropbox Inc and Kickstarter are among the companies that did sign the brief.

Major tech companies that signed on to the earlier effort but not this week included Microsoft Corp, eBay Inc, Intel Corp, Netflix Inc and Twitter Inc.

The lawsuit may succeed despite losing the overt support of such big names. U.S. District Judge Derrick Watson in Honolulu on Wednesday ordered an emergency halt to Trumps executive order that aimed to temporarily bar entry to the United States of most refugees as well as travelers from six Muslim-majority countries. The halt is temporary.

Trump says the ban is necessary for U.S. national security, and called Watsons order unprecedented judicial overreach.

Tech companies, which generally rely on skilled workers from overseas more than other industries, played a large part in the legal effort to halt the first version of Trumps executive order, which was put on hold by a Seattle judge in early February.

It was not immediately clear why fewer of them signed on to the friend-of-the-court brief this time around.

Companies will have an opportunity to join the effort as it moves through the court system, said Robert Atkins, a New York lawyer and co-author of the brief. We do expect the group to expand.

Ride-hailing company Uber Technologies Inc was in the process of adding its name, a spokesman said.

Box Inc, a file-sharing service, said that although it did not sign the brief, there had been no change to its position.

A Twitter spokeswoman pointed to past company statements opposing Trumps initial travel ban in January but declined to comment further. A spokeswoman for Facebook declined to comment.

Representatives of Apple, Google, eBay, Intel, Microsoft and Netflix did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
In the weeks after demonetisation, banks across India received about Rs 1.13-lakh crore in high-value deposits from customers without valid documents, indicating possible collusion of officials to conceal dodgy cash, classified government data accessed by HT revealed.

About half of these transactions took place in six states -- Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. The deposits have raised the suspicion of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), a government agency that monitors illicit transactions.

A high-value transaction is defined as a bank deposit above Rs 2.5 lakhs that the government made liable for tax scrutiny as part of its cash-purging, anti-corruption campaign launched on November 8.

Together, these states also received a third of all high-value bank deposits  with and without identity documents -- made in the first two months of demonetisation. In these states, Jan Dhan deposits under the governments banking-for-poor programme were 25-30% higher than the national average.

But to be fair, these states are farming and trading hubs that see high volumes of cash deals. Plus, farm income is not taxed.

The November 8 scrapping of 500-and 1,000-rupee banknotes was aimed at stamping out illegal cash from the economy. But many say corrupt bank officials helped some people park their ill-gotten cash in others accounts. In December, two junior central bank officials were arrested in Bangalore for illegally converting banned currencies for the new.

HT analysed bank data for 26 states that is available with the FIU. The data was sourced from 187 public, private and cooperative banks across India. A bank-wise breakup of the data was not available.

The data shows that the so-called high-value transactions across the country between November 9 and December 30 amounted to Rs 7.33-lakh crore. Of this, Rs 1.13-lakh crore was deposited without Permanent Account Numbers (PAN).

PAN details, which are mandatory for deposits above Rs 50,000, help detect tax evasion and fraud.

Experts say the demonetisation decision was so sudden that it left banks with little time to prepare, leaving gaps in enforcement of regulation.

So, some elements surely misused the system as we saw in many cases, MM Joshi, ex-chairman of Central Board of Direct Tax (CBDT), told Hindustan Times.

In the past also we have found many instances in which banking officials were party to opening of fake accounts.

Spiking deposit base

The six states reported the maximum spike in deposits above Rs 2.5 lakh, accounting for Rs 2.3-lakh crore in deposits. Of this, Rs 55,000-crore came in without PAN details.

The spike in the deposit base of these states after demonetisation has been significant.

For instance, the maximum number of high-value deposits was made in Maharashtra (Rs. 1.1-lakh crore). But the state already had a substantial bank deposit base at Rs 6.51-lakh crore on November 7.

Compare this with Rajasthan: High value amounts totalling Rs 50,000-crore were deposited within 50 days of demonetisation. The deposit base of banks in the state on November 7 was Rs 1.16 trillion.

Another pattern that emerged from the data accessed by HT showed that deposits in three conflict zones---Jammu and Kashmir, Chhattisgarh and the Northeast --- were consistent with their deposit bases.

This possibly belies government apprehensions that these insurgency-hit regions were used to push fake Indian currency and unaccounted-for money.

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India and Russia on Thursday proposed a free trade agreement (FTA) with Eurasian nations, an investment protection pact and an International North South Transport Corridor (INSTC) to cement economic ties with the erstwhile ally.

Speaking at a International Engineering Sourcing Show, commerce and industry minister Nirmala Sitharaman said she have had a detailed meeting with Russian counterpart Denis Manturov, who is in India with a high-level 120 member delegation.

We agreed that there is enormous potential to enhance the bilateral trade which is presently US$ 6.62 billion. We discussed the International North South Transport Corridor (INSTC) that would cut the time and cost for transportation of goods between both countries, she said.

We also deliberated upon other measures to enhance the trade ties, including the proposed FTA between India and the Eurasian Economic Union, which includes Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia and Kyrgyzstan. Both countries also noted the need to finalise a revised Bilateral Investment Treaty, she said.

The commerce minister invited Russia to be the Partner Country in India International Jewellery Show 2017 scheduled to be held in July 2017 in Mumbai and Advantage Healthcare India scheduled to be held in October 2017 in Delhi or Mumbai.

India is already talking to a host of countries and regions including the European Union and Britain for boosting trade and investment.

India is negotiating a broad-based Bilateral Trade and Investment Agreement (India-EU BTIA) with the European Union. The negotiation started in 2007 and sixteen rounds of negotiations have been held so far.

After the Brexit verdict, UK has started talks for a seperate trade and investment pact with India.

Soon after assuming office on January 20, President Donald Trump described India as a true friend of the US and invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit the country later this year. In a phone conversation, the two leaders discussed various issues including trade.
Indias cabinet gave the go-ahead on Wednesday for state-run Indian Oil Corp to sell a 24 percent stake in a joint venture to the US-based partner Lubrizol Corp, a government statement said.

IOC held a 50% stake in the joint venture, Lubrizol India Pvt Ltd, according to the companys 2015-16 annual report. The joint venture makes chemical additives for lubricants.

The remaining stake is held by Lubrizol Corporation, which is largely into the lube additives business.

During his budget speech finance minister Arun Jaitley said that the government will focus on divesting stake in public sector undertaking companies, and perhaps divesting IOCs stake in Lubrizol India is a move in a similar direction.

The sale will enable IOC to have long term association with its joint venture partner and ... Lubrizol India Pvt Ltd (LIPL) to have access to the latest global additive technologies developed by Lubrizol Corporation, USA, the statement said.

(With inputs from Reuters)
For some it might be a state of fear, for others it signals the future of the Indian startup ecosystem, which continues to witness companies collapsing one after another.

Yogendra Vasupal was arrested by the Chennai police on charges of fraud, and inability to pay dues after his company Stayzilla, a homestay and hotel aggregating startup, ran out of money.

Vasupals story is not very different from many startups who raised money when the market was ripe, but failed to sustain their businesses when the funding dried up, which eventually led to shutdowns.

Stayzilla shut operations a month ago, and Vasupal said that he will reboot the business. But, for that, too, he would need money. He confessed that he was chasing growth over positive unit economics -- a matrix which most startups fail to address. As a result Stayzilla ran out of funds.

That is also the case for many other startups, who grew on investor money, by offering discounts and special offers.

The e-commerce business is a classic case in point. And it is not for no reason why Vasupal has garnered so much support from the startup world -- most of them face similar problems.

Kunal Bahl, co-founder and CEO of Snapdeal tweeted: Many startup founders, including myself, have seen the ugliness of getting on the wrong side of people with bad intentions.

A quick look at Snapdeal will show that the company is going through its roughest patch. Its vendors have complained of dues for over six months. Kunal and his other co-founder Rohit Bansal has taken 100% salary cuts, and the company has laid off about 600 employees.

Bahl is a recent email confessed that Snapdeal was targeting gross merchandise value over unit economics and profitability, and that Snapdeal was trying to do, too, many things before getting the core business right.

Sachin Bansal, co-founder of Flipkart, too tweeted in support of Vasupal, and even urged the Prime Ministers office to support.

We stand together as entrepreneurs. @PMOIndia, #StartupIndia needs your support, Bansal tweeted. His second tweet read, Let the law take its course, but intimidation of Stayzilla founders crosses the line. Its unhealthy for entrepreneurship in India.

Flipkart, too, is struggling. Its valuation as per its investors is down to a third of its peak $15 billion. The company, according to widespread rumours is run by its biggest investor Tiger Global Management. Kalyan Krishnamurthy, Flipkarts new CEO is a former Tiger executive.

Deepinder Goyal, CEO and founder of food and restaurant app Zomato retweeted Bansals comments. Zomatos devaluation by HSBC, and its ups and downs have been widely reported in the media.

Mobile advertising platform InMobis founder Naveen Tewari tweeted, Entrepreneurship is the future of our country; let us save entrepreneurs, they will save India.

InMobi is also not in its best shape -- rising losses and top level exits have plagued the company. However, to be sure, InMobi was Indias first unicorn, a billion-dollar company.

For many others, Stayzillas situation is a reflection of a weak business model. However, the startup world doesnt believe so. P Narayanan, president of TiE Chennai said that Stayzilla is an icon.

India Angel Network issued a statement where it said putting Vasupal behind bars was shocking for the startup community, and that the act will trigger fear in young minds and put the brakes on the StartupIndia initiative. There are challenges in every business and startups have more than their fair share. It is imperative that the legal and regulatory framework supports and encourages new ventures to emerge and scale, the statement said.

In all probability, Vasupal might have been wronged, and at best the matter could be a civil matter. However, at the end the truth remains that his business model was not sustainable, and Stayzilla was not working on the right unit economics, and he failed to repay his dues.

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The power supply to the town of Avdiyivka in Donetsk region was fully restored on Thursday, March 16, the Ukrainian State Emergency Service said.

The heat supply to the town is being provided normally, by a thermal power station at the Avdiyivka Coke and Chemical Plant, the agency said in a statement.

"Currently water from the Donetsk filter station is being supplied on a gravity principle, there is also a reserve (4,000 cubic meters) of drinking water. The launch of the Donetsk filter station is due on March 17, provided the safety of the staff is assured," the statement said.

Avdiyivka, its Coke and Chemical Plant, and the Donetsk filter station lost power on March 14 after hostilities caused damage to a 110 kV high voltage power line.
Yogendra Singh, son of a rickshaw-puller who will graduate from IIM-Lucknow next week, is using his management skills to transform the lives of children of his village in Medininagar (Daltonganj) area of Jharkhand.

I consider myself lucky that I was able to overcome all hurdles and study at the Indian Institute of Management-Lucknow. Now, time has come for me to help underprivileged students of my locality, said the 30-year-old tribal boy.

Yogendra wants other tribal children of his village to stop working as daily wage labourers and think of cracking competitions and get through IIMs or IITs to bring a social transformation in their district.

If I can do it despite adverse conditions, why cant they? asked a confident Yogendra, who has lapped up a job in a micro finance company in Pune.

He has himself grazed cattle, milked cow and slept without food before he came to study at IIM-L. He has co-founded a society for educational development in the village.

Yogendra organises competitions related to general knowledge, essay writing, and public speaking to instil a feeling of competition in the hearts of young people so that they are better prepared for bigger competitions after 10+2.

Our society will now conduct a general aptitude test for counselling of students from Class 8 onwards. I am doing my bit to motivate children for learning, he said.

Former IIM professor Debashis Chatterjee, who mentored Yogendra when he entered the campus, was all praise for him. It is heartening to see that he is determined to give it back to the society. The institutions like IIM should inculcate such feelings among the students during their stay on the campus, he said.

Yogendra has an ambitious plan to improve the quality of education imparted at the grassroots level. He intends to do this by training local school teachers in various areas which he identified as lacking. My exposure to IIM-L has acquainted me with best practices in teaching which I can put to good use, he said.

I am developing a model of rural education which revolves around the use of digital means. I found quality database of education online like the free education resources of Khan Academy videos, Digital Study Hall, YouTube videos, etc which I believe can easily be leveraged to drastically improve the quality of education, he told Hindustan Times over phone from Medininagar.

Yogendra, who has also completed BTech, has plans to start virtual classes in rural areas for large scale dissemination of education. He took keen interest in this model. I had not tested this model but he was more than willing to take it up, said his friend and batch mate at the IIM-L, Jay M Shah, who is an admirer of this Jharkhand boy who grew up in poverty.

Yogendra wants to make his hometown prosperous and self-sustainable by sparking creativity amongst the villagers. He intends to arrange skill development programmes for women and youngsters and may take help of government machinery for the same.

His ideas of self-employment currently revolve around the use of natural resources available in the region. His area is rich in a resource that can be used to produce ink. Yogendra also wants to promote local handicrafts by using e-commerce for demand generation. He wishes to distribute the products throughout the country.

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In the aftermath of the 2014 general election debacle, I asked a senior Congressman how his party would now battle the Narendra Modi juggernaut. Not to worry, we have time on our side, he claimed rather confidently. The message was that with Rahul Gandhi still in his early forties, five years out of power wasnt an issue. Now, almost three years later, the 2017 electoral verdict in Uttar Pradesh and beyond has only confirmed that time is rapidly running out for the Congress and the Opposition. The prime minister has already made his intentions clear: He wants to see a new India emerge in 2022, underlining his determination to be in office for 10 years and beyond.

How then does a dispirited and fragmented Opposition combat a consummate 24X7 politician like Modi who seeks to monopolise the entire political narrative with his larger than life persona and astute communication skills? Today, Modi claims the nationalist space (surgical strikes against Pakistan), the anti-corruption plank (the war on black money rhetoric), the aspirational mood (the Start Up India idea), the pro-poor agenda (with schemes like the LPG-kerosene ujjwala programme) and the kisan vote (soil health card scheme). What then is left for the Opposition to claim as its own idea when even UPA schemes like Aadhaar are now linked to Brand Modi?

First, the Opposition needs to hold Modi accountable for his mistakes but end its blind hostility to any and every move of the central government. For example, the demonetisation step deserved a serious, bipartisan debate but ended up in screechy name-calling. If only the Opposition had chosen to intelligently expose the government with hard facts and figures instead of disrupting Parliament, they might have at least won over the middle classes.

Second, Modis opponents need to look beyond the 2002 Gujarat riots maut ka saudagar script, which only consolidates the BJPs growing Hindu constituency. The riots are a grave and permanent blot on the prime ministers reputation but simply recalling the bloodstained imagery of communal violence wont work any longer. Entire generations of millennial Indians who are now of voting age have no memory, visual or otherwise, of the riots. The challenge posed to a multi-religious society by the gradual spread of political Hindutva which excludes minority voices is genuine, but it cannot be done in a manner that a political party is seen to only prey on the fears of one community.

Third, while the idea of a mahagathbandhan that brings together all anti-Modi forces may appear electorally attractive, it fails to realise that chemistry matters just as much as arithmetic in a highly-competitive political arena. The Nitish-Lalu-Congress combine worked in Bihar not just because of its numerical advantage, but also because Nitish Kumar had a certain credibility as an effective chief minister. On the other hand, the UP ke ladke, Akhilesh Yadav and Rahul Gandhi, just didnt carry the same credibility quotient to match up to Modis pan-Indian appeal. Opportunistic alliances are no substitute for a convincing common programme of governance or for a trustworthy leadership.

Fourth, parties like the Congress need to shed their high command culture, which prevents autonomous decision-making and the emergence of strong regional leaders. The Congress, for example, achieved success in Punjab because they empowered Captain Amarinder Singh to lead the partys campaign in the state. Unfortunately, a national party like the Congress has very few such regional satraps left in its ranks: The fact that mass leaders like a Mamata Banerjee achieved success when out of the Congress cocoon is a sign that the party needs to look beyond its Delhi durbar to match the BJPs organisationally robust model.

Finally, the Opposition needs to redraw the vocabulary of Indian politics to appeal to a younger demographic that wants education, jobs, equal opportunity. In the age of media 360, this age group has no time for the hypocrisies of the old order. A Mayawati cannot mouth social justice platitudes even as her family blatantly self aggrandises itself. The Yadavs cannot claim to stand for secular values when Muslims are killed in Muzaffarnagar but the celebrations in Saifai carry on uninterrupted. Similarly, if the Yadavs are given preference in government recruitment, then it is an example of brazen casteism, which will invite a backlash. And if Rahul Gandhis scriptwriters resort to B grade dialogues like khoon ki dalali when our soldiers sacrifice their lives, then the nationalist India First rhetoric will get even more ammunition.

Yes, time does matter in politics. Eventually, Modi too may fail to deliver on his tall promises and get felled by anti-incumbency. The crude attempt to capture power in states like Goa and Manipur may also trap the BJP in its own smugness. But till then, the Opposition is better advised to get its own act together rather than be in a constant reactive, wait and watch mode. Or else, as National Conference leader Omar Abdullah has warned, be ready to live with the spectre of Modi in power till 2024 at least.

Post-script: So when was the UP election lost to the Opposition? My sense is that the day when Akhilesh and Rahul tied up, the endgame was clear: You cant say 27 saal UP behaal one day and kaam bolta hai the next. The Indian voter does get swayed, but cant be taken for granted.

Rajdeep Sardesai is a senior journalist and an author

The views expressed are personal

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DEHRADUN: Who the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) central leadership will choose as the partys chief ministerial candidate, is still being debated, even as former minister Trivendra Singh Rawat rushed to Delhi on Thursday.

The Rawat camp was upbeat after he flew to Delhi on a chartered plane amid reports that he had been called by the BJP central leadership.

Social media was abuzz with reports that the BJP central leadership has finalised Rawats name for the chief ministers post.

Initially, Rawat, was said to be the BJP central leaderships favourite for the top job as he had been a Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh pracharak.

A section of state BJP leaders said that the party central leadership called Rawat to Delhi to mollify him in advance as it was considering Prakash Pant, another contender for the top job owing to the latters clean image.

Our central leadership has changed its mind owing to a case relating to a seed scam allegedly involving him coming up for hearing in the high court soon, a BJP insider said, referring to the former agriculture minister.

Rawat recently told HT that a probe ordered by the Congress government failed to indict him in the case.

The case is being raked up to tarnish my image and I will soon file a defamation suit against those behind it (court case) he said.

BJP insiders said that Pant has the advantage owing to his clean image.

Pants name can be announced at its legislature party meeting to be held here on Friday, they said. .

Whosoever in chosen by the legislature party as the leader of the House, will be announced as chief minister by the two central observers who will be attending the meeting, state BJP general secretary Naresh Bansal said, referring to the partys national general secretary Saroj Pandey and Union minister Ratan Singh Tomar.

They will announce the names with the consent of the party chief Amit Shah, he said.

Apart from Pant and Rawat, four other names are also doing the rounds for the post of chief minister, including BJP national executive member Satpal Maharaj, state party chief Ajay Bhatt, parliamentarians Bhagat Singh Koshiyari and Ramesh Pokhariyal Nishank.

Party insiders said Union minister of state for textiles Ajay Tamta can also emerge as a dark horse in case his competitors get sidelined.
Services at AIIMS are likely to be hit on Friday as around 5,000 nurses of the premier hospital plan to go on mass casual leave to protest against the discrimination by the Seventh Central Pay Commission.

The AIIMS Nurses Union has also threatened to go on an indefinite strike from March 27 if their demands for revision of their pay scales and a hike in allowances are not met.

We are protesting against the retrograde recommendations of the Seventh Pay Commission. Our demand is that the entry pay grade for staff nurses should be enhanced to Rs 5,400 from the existing Rs 4,600 and the nursing allowance should be enhanced by Rs 7,800.

Besides, risk allowance and night duty allowances should be given to all nurses as it is given to all other government employees, said Harish Kumar Kajla, president of the AIIMS Nurses Union.

We deal with the deadly infections daily but we are not provided enough risk allowance. If the demands are not met, we will go on an indefinite strike from March 27, Kajla added.

The association further claimed that the AIIMS management despite giving assurances has not addressed their issues for over a year.

On the assurance give by the management in a meeting regarding recommendation of enhanced pay scale, the Nurses Union had withdrawn the agitation called upon by the All India Nurses Union and subsequently withdrawn the mass casual leave called on February 26, 2016.

The AIIMS Nurses Union was patiently waiting for the last one year for the fulfillment of the promises made by the administration but our demands went into deaf ears. Despite repeated representations, the administration has shown no mood to address the issue raised by the Union, Kajla claimed.

According to faculty members, the move will badly hit the emergency services and the functioning of the operation theatres of the institute apart from other patient services.

The pay scales proposal has been sent to the Ministry of Health for consideration while the report of government on the allowances has not yet been finalised, a senior AIIMS official said.
Buoyed by the partys sweeping victory in the neighbouring Uttar Pradesh, the Delhi unit of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is expecting to make inroads in Muslim-majority wards in the national capital in the civic polls on April 22.

Party sources said following the results in four states  Uttarakhand, Goa, Manipur, and UP  it has managed to engage members of minority community at 400 booths in Delhi, where the number was zero earlier.

There used to be 600 booths in minority-dominated areas, where the BJP hardly got workers to carry out political activities and manage elections. The party, last month, invited five names from each booth to be nominated as panchparmeshwar, but no name was forwarded from those 600 booths for management. However, after the UP poll results, the scenario has changed as it has successfully nominated panchparmeshwar in 400 booths, he said.

There are more than 13,500 booths in 272 wards in the city.

State BJP chief Manoj Tiwari also said he is hopeful that before the booth-level workers meet on Sunday, it will have requisite number of workers from the remaining 200 centres. I have taken up this responsibility. We will get five workers for all these booths for sure. These panchparmeshwars will facilitate us to establish connect with people, he said.

Tiwari said that five residents, including a youth, senior citizen and a woman, chosen from all walks of life, will be nominated for booth management in the area in the Delhi civic polls.

The party has planned a convention of booth-level workers on March 19 (Sunday) at Ramlila Maidan, in which around 60,000 people are likely to attend. BJPs national president Amit Shah will address them, Tiwari said.

According to a senior party leader, the list of panchparmeshwars will also be handed over to Shah, who may ask individuals about the polls preparation during the meet. A seating arrangement on the basis of districts and wards will be done on Sunday. This will be shared with Amit Shah. The entire exercise to strengthen the party base at grassroot level with a motto Booth jeeto, election jeeto (Win booth to win election), he said.

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A Delhi court on Thursday dismissed a plea by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwals brother-in-law for transfer of a criminal complaint filed against him and the AAP chief in the alleged PWD scam to another court, saying it was not maintainable.

The court junked the application of Kejriwals relative Surender Kumar Bansal, saying the criminal complaint against him and the chief minister is still at the stage of consideration before a metropolitan magistrate and no FIR has been lodged till date.

There is no ground to adjourn the proceedings as the present application is per se not maintainable. The matter being still at the stage of consideration under section 156 CrPC and admittedly no FIR has been registered by any agency till date, the present application is dismissed, the court said and sent back the case file to the magisterial court.

A criminal complaint has been filed by the founder of the Roads Anti-Corruption Organisation (RACO) Rahul Sharma and its general secretary Viplav Awasthy seeking a direction to police to lodge an FIR against Kejriwal and Bansal, who is the proprietor of a construction firm.
Soon you will no longer be allowed to even halt on certain roads in Delhi and will also have to pay more for parking during peak hours.

Delhi lieutenant governor Anil Baijal on Wednesday convened a meeting to review the draft Parking Policy for the city in which it was decided to categorise the whole policy into short-term, medium-term and long-term measures for strict implementation of the rules.

While the draft policy does not specifically state that free parking would be done away with in residential colonies, the issue was discussed in the meeting with the L-G. All the stakeholders agreed on one point that parking in public spaces should come at a cost. Seeing the enormity of the problem (parking in residential colonies) the idea may not fit into the short-term category, but could be included as a long-term implementation plan, a transport official said.

The L-G, reviewing the draft policy presented by Delhi transport commissioner, directed that differential pricing be introduced depending upon the area and demand as one of the rules.

Under the No Tolerance Zone move, Baijal directed the traffic police and local bodies to ensure strict enforcement to maintain road discipline, parking and vehicle movement on particular road stretches.

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has been asked to work out parking slots for para transit vehicles and underground parking for public convenience and last mile connectivity.

Officials observed that adequate authorised parking and enforcement are needed in Delhi and that roads should be categorised on the criteria of density, width and its connectivity.

Digitised short stay parking for parking management solutions will be encouraged by MCDs, NDMC and DDA. MCDs and other agencies should strictly monitor contracts of parking lots, read a statement issued by the L-G office.

Baijal has directed that comments of all stake holders must be obtained within a month for implementation thereafter.

On road cutting permission issue, the L-G directed that all agencies which have underground services and networks, should ensure that no damage is done to facilities of other agencies when they are carrying out work.

The details of the road cutting schedules should be brought into public domain. L-G has also directed that Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) should also be put in place for online clearances and for restoration after road cutting permissions, the statement stated.

It also stated that contractors should be charged for time overruns, if projects are not completed in time.

Strict monitoring before digging and after digging of roads is a must. The L-G also said that periodic review of space utilised and restricted for road cuttings should be done, an official added.

The meeting was attended by transport minister Satyendar Jain, chief secretary MM Kutty, commissioners of MCD, PWD secretary Ashwani Kumar and other senior officers from DMRC.

Key features of Delhis Parking Policy:

A number of major roads would be declared No Tolerance Zones where parking or even halting wouldnt be allowed

Differential parking to be imposed instead of uniform fares

Free Parking for Non Motorized Vehicles

Incentivising parking fees in multi-level parking lots

Parking on footpaths to be strictly prohibited

Digitising parking lots

Contractors to be charged for time overruns, if projects are not completed in time

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Following a brawl over parking, a 39-year-old businessman was crushed under the wheels of a car by two unidentified persons in west Delhi, police said on Thursday.

Police said the incident occurred on Wednesday evening around 5.30pm when the deceased, Tarun Gupta, got into a verbal duel with two persons as they parked their car in front of his restaurant in Rohini Sector 22.

One of the accused persons went to purchase some articles from a nearby shop, while another one was seated inside the car. When Tarun Gupta asked one of them to park the car at the next shop, where they were doing the shopping, they instead started a heated argument, a police officer said.

As some local shopkeepers started gathering at the spot, both the accused tried to flee. In the process, they first hit a bike from their car and then crushed Gupta under its wheels when he tried to stop the car, the officer added.

Gupta, a resident of Karala village of Rohini Sector 22, was rushed to a nearby private hospital where he was declared brought dead.

We are examining the CCTV footage of the nearby shops to ascertain the identity of the accused persons who managed to flee the spot, the police officer added.

Gupta was running his restaurant on the ground floor of his residence.
The Delhi high court on Thursday dismissed as infructuous the plea by some students challenging JNU admission policy for MPhil and PhD courses. The court said the University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines for MPhil and PhD courses are binding on all varsities

The July 5, 2016 notification had said that a professor, at any given point of time, cannot guide more than three MPhil and eight PhD scholars.

JNU students had contended the notification would result in excess seat cuts leading to no admission in the MPhil, PhD programmes at several centres of the varsity. They were on a sit in protest at the administrative block, which they have named as Freedom Square.

The petitioners who had moved the high court, had agreed to take an undertaking that they are not challenging the UGC notification and restricting their case to procedural lapses on JNUs part in adopting the notification.

The JNUs counsel had told the court the UGC regulations were binding on the university. It said the university will neither receive grant nor could award degrees if it stopped following the UGCs regulation.

The counsel further said 43 central universities were already following the UGCs notification.

The students counsel had contended that the university did not include the students representative in the meetings held to discuss the implementation of the notification. The students petition had claims that the notification threatens to put their future in jeopardy as they would not be able to find a supervisor.

The students had sought that the issue of adoption of the notification be sent back to the academic council of the varsity for urgent reconsideration.

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With the purvanchalis (migrants from Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh) tipped to play a big role in deciding the fate of upcoming MCD elections, the Aam Aadmi Party has identified constituencies where the party is planning to focus and deploy its entire leadership from the region for campaigning.

The AAP has about a dozen purvanchali legislators in the 70-member Delhi assembly -- highest ever for the group since the first assembly election in 1993. Two of these ---Gopal Rai and Kapil Mishra---are members of the Arvind Kejriwal cabinet.

Read: MCD polls to be held on April 22, ballot boxes may be a tough call: Delhi EC

AAP (Delhi) convener, Dilip Pandey, also belongs to purvanchal.

No other party has given the kind of representation to them as AAP. We continue to enjoy their support. All party legislators and office bearers from the region will focus on about 100 municipal seats, which are either dominated by purvanchalis or have a sizeable presence of the community, a senior party leader said.

Delhi has witnessed an influx of migrants over the past few decades and purvanchali population in the city is now considered to have grown to around 40 lakh, thus emerging as a major vote bank for all political parties.

Largely concentrated in the unauthorised colonies and JJ clusters, this population has traditionally been Congress supporters until the advent of the AAP, which for the first time, by fielding them in assembly elections, graduated them from just being vote bank to shareholders of power.

Read: MCD polls 2017: Kejriwal rails against EVMs, wants paper ballot instead

Bharatiya Janata Partys decision to appoint Bhojpuri cinestar-turned-politician Manoj Tiwari, who also represents North East Delhi in the Lok Sabha as Delhi unit president, is described as an attempt on part of the saffron party to woo the purvanchali population.

The partys decision to not repeat any sitting councillor in the civic polls is also an attempt to field several purvanchalis, besides trying to beat the 10-years of anti-incumbency against the party in the three municipal corporations.

AAP leaders, however, describe it as knee jerk reaction.

Manoj Tiwaris appointment is a knee-jerk reaction to AAPs clout among the purvanchali population in Delhi, said Ashish Talwar, in-charge, AAP (Delhi).

AAP leaders point at failure of Tiwari to ensure enough representation for purvanchalis in the assembly elections. In his own Lok Sabha constituency, he could manage to field only one purvanchali from Burari assembly seat, Talwar added.

Read: Delhi MCD polls: BJP will not field any sitting councillor, all new faces this time

In its 207-18 budget, the AAP government had allocated Rs 20 crore for the construction of Chhath ghats across the city. Chhath is the biggest festival of the purvanchalis.

Last November, the Delhi government had doubled the Chhath ghats, on Yamuna bank and other water bodies across the city, to about 350 where the revenue and the flood and irrigation department made special arrangements for the worshippers.

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Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has said that the lawsuit filed to the United Nations International Court of Justice (ICJ, The Hague) was the first step of Kyiv to hold Russia liable for crimes committed by the country against Ukrainian citizens in annexed Crimea and Donbas. The task of Ukraine is to prove demonstratively this and hold Moscow liable.

"Our team in the ICJ is fighting for fair punishment of those who are guilty of deaths of thousands due to terrorists' attacks in Ukrainian Donbas, who supplied tanks, modern artillery, multiple launch rocket systems, armored vehicles, arms, missiles used to shell Avdiyivka, Kramatorsk, Mariupol, a civil bus in Volnovakha and who hit MH-17," Poroshenko said at a meeting with the leaders of the Ukrainian delegation at hearings in the Hague court on Thursday.

At a meeting with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin, Justice Minister Pavlo Petrenko, Prosecutor General Yuriy Lutsenko and SBU Head Vasyl Hrytsak, Poroshenko thanks best lawyers from the Foreign Ministry, Justice Ministry, Prosecutor General's Office and the General Staff of the Armed Forces, Defense Ministry for preparing the lawsuit.

"Unfortunately, this lawsuit is not quick. It will take not months, but years. We expect that the relevant measures will be taken and they would help to shut down new supplies of weapons and terrorists," he said.
The three corporations of the city  east, south and north  have ordered the removal of all promotional and political posters put up on walls in public places and residential areas across Delhi. The move comes after the model code of conduct was enforced in the city for the upcoming municipal polls.

The commissioners of North Delhi Municipal Corporation, East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC) and South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) have asked officials to implement the Defacement of Property Act under which the civic bodies have power to slap a fine of Rs 50,000 or send a person to six months in jail if he/she is found defacing public property.

A senior official of north corporation said the civic body during a recent meeting had decided that the workers of the corporation will take the help of local police officers to clear posters and banners in areas under their jurisdiction.

A south corporation official said: We have asked politicians to remove their posters and banners within a couple of days, failing which we will take action.

The official added that residents could come forward and register complaints if they found anyone flouting norms later. The corporation has examined most of the areas where walls have been defaced but we also encourage common people to register complaints, he added.

The Delhi municipal polls are scheduled for April 22.

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The April 22 MCD polls in Delhi will be held with EVMs as Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal turned down chief minister Arvind Kejriwals request to amend rules and conduct the civic polls using ballot papers.

Officials said, in a communication to the Delhi government, the L-G has said that the change of the mode of polling was not feasible due to time constraint. It would not be possible to agree to the proposal to amend the rules at this stage when the dates have already been announced, the communique from L-G office said.

Read: MCD polls 2017: Kejriwal rails against EVMs, wants paper ballot instead

Sources said even though a written communication was sent to the government, L-G had conveyed the concerns to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal when the latter had called on him on Wednesday.

Kejriwal wrote to Baijal on Wednesday, seeking amendment in rules, in the light of allegations of discrepancy in votes cast and votes registered in the recently held Punjab assembly elections. Kejriwal had argued in the letter that in case the L-G holds a different view, he could convene an all-party meeting to discuss the issue.

The government has been informed that change in the mode of election would require huge logistics. Also, the rules cannot be amended at this stage when poll dates have already been announced and lots of preparations been made, an official said.

Officials said the government was also reminded about the state election commissions argument that general elections for municipal corporations have been conducted in a free and fair manner in the city using EVMs in 2007 and 2012.

Kejriwal had directed chief secretary MM Kutty on Tuesday to write to the state election commission, asking it to hold the upcoming municipal elections through ballot papers.

The Delhi Congress had also written to the chief minister, requesting use of ballot papers in the upcoming elections instead of EVMs.

Read: Hazare slams Kejriwal, says going back to ballot paper a retrograde step

Allegations of rigging of EVMs were first levelled by BSP supremo Mayawati after her party was decimated in Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, getting just 19 seats in the 403-member assembly.

Introduced in 1982, EVMs fast-tracked Indias electoral process. Counting that used to take days is now a matter of hours.

All states had switched to EVMs by 2000. The 2004 poll was the first general election in which EVMs, manufactured by government-owned Bharat Heavy Electricals and Electronic Corporation of India, were used.
The Delhi High Court on Thursday slammed Delhi Police for conducting a shoddy probe into the disappearance of Najeeb Ahmed, a JNU student.

Najeeb, 27, a first year MSc student, went missing from his Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) hostel on the night of October 14-15, allegedly after a row with members of Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP).

In no mood to spare the police, the court said the police were doing nothing except paperwork, wasting time and public money to trace Najeeb .

A bench of justice G S Sistani and justice Vinod Goel told Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Ramgopal Naik that it wants an answer one way or the other and told him to do whatever you have to do to find the student.

Read: HC dismisses JNU students plea on UGC guidelines

Except for paperwork, nothing else is happening. Your investigating officer (IO) is wasting time. By sending him out to check records of police stations and hospitals on the Delhi-Bareilly-Haridwar route, you are wasting public money, the bench said.

Directing the police to find him, the bench said, One way or the other we want an answer. If he is dead, say he is dead. We wont accept paperwork. Do whatever you have to. Find him.

The court directed Delhi Police to give the call records of the nine students suspected to be behind Najeebs disappearance and listed the habeas corpus petition filed by Najeebs mother on March 31. The ABVP has denied any involvement in Najeebs disappearance.

The courts observation came after advocate Pallavi Sharma, appearing for Najeebs mother, contended that the steps taken by Delhi Police to trace the student were cosmetic in nature and no serious endeavours were being made to find him.

She also claimed that the police were attempting to shield the nine students, who are suspects in the case and may have information about Najeeb, instead of interrogating them.

Read: JNU suicide: Dalit scholar was Rohith Vemulas friend at Hyderabad university

Najeebs family had on previous hearing said they wanted some other agency to probe the matter as they had no faith in the Delhi Police as its investigation has hit a dead-end. The family said if the police continues to probe the matter, every month it will come with some new story.

Najeebs mother, Fatima Nafees, has sought direction to the police to trace her son.
The message that goes out is clear and frightening. That breaking the law, violence and vandalism earns you the right to impose your intolerant views on subjects over which you have no jurisdiction.

On a day when the sets of the film Padmavati was attacked in Kolhapur, Rajasthan social justice and empowerment minister Arun Chaturvedi has said the film would be screened before a committee of the Shri Rashtriya Rajput Karni Sena (SRKS) and other knowledgeable members of society and their objections invited before the film was released in the state. In January, the SRKS had attacked filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali and destroyed his film set while shooting at Jaigarh Fort. Now that the sets have been attacked again in Kolhapur, the police have come up with an odd explanation  Bhansali had asked for police protection during the day but at night the sets were unguarded and so vulnerable.

The SRKS depredations do not stop here. On March 5, they destroyed two mirrors at Chittorgarh Fort, a Unesco world heritage site, on account of the fact that according to legend, Alauddin Khilji was shown Rani Padminis face in these.

Mr Chaturvedi, an elected representative and law maker, is colluding with vandals in order to uphold some mythical customs and traditions. The SKRS and other Hindutva groups have no locus standi on what contents a film can have or to impose conditions on its screening. That is the job of the censor board.

What Mr Chaturvedi is doing is legitimising and condoning violence, indeed rewarding it by allowing these extraneous forces to decide on what films should be made and what people can watch. This official sanction will embolden other groups to exert more demands.

Across the country, we see intolerance towards anyone who goes against what the custodians of tradition decree. We see fatwas against a young Muslim girl singing against terrorism, another Muslim girl singing Hindu devotional songs, and Hindutva groups going on the rampage for perceived insults to culture and religious beliefs. None of this should be tolerated in a democratic society where everyone has the right to express themselves in any way they please as long as they do not violate the law.

If today, the SRKS and other groups can sit in judgement on a film, tomorrow they will extend their remit to other areas. We now have the moral police deciding what women should wear, what we should eat and read and what festivals we should not celebrate.

The Rajasthan government must come out strongly condemning Mr Chaturvedi and make it clear that no one other than legitimately appointed bodies will decide on what films can be shown in the state.
A slipper was thrown at Union Minister Pon Radhakrishnan on Thursday when he arrived for the last rites of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) PhD student Muthukrishnan Jeevanantham in Salem, TamilNadu.

Jeevanantham allegedly committed suicide in the Munirka Vihar area in New Delhi late on Monday evening.

According to the Delhi Police, Jeevanantham was depressed over personal issues, though no suicide note was found near his body. There was no evidence that he killed himself due to any issues at the university.

The PhD student, however, in his Facebook post on March 10 had writing about discrimination against Dalits.

There is no Equality in MPhil/PhD Admission, there is no equality in viva-voce, there is only denial of equality. When equality is denied everything is denied, the post said.

On Wednesday, Union commerce and industry minister Nirmala Sitharaman asked the Delhi Police to register an FIR under the SC/ST Act and initiate a probe in the suspected death.

She said there should be no delay in the matter and also asked for all statements to be registered.
To ensure quality education for students from low-income groups, HRD minister Prakash Javadekar has urged MPs to recommend ten children from families with income below Rs 5 lakh for admission to Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) across the country.

KVs are centrally funded schools that provide quality education at affordable rates in the country.

In a letter requesting all Members of Parliament (MP) to send in their recommendations, Javadekar said, You are requested to recommend ten children for Kendriya Vidyalayas as per the prescribed provision. Only children whose parents have an annual income below Rs 5 lakh must be recommended because we must address the needs of low-income groups.

The KV quota for MPs was increased from six to ten in the last academic year.

The human resource development (HRD) minister also asked parliamentarians to recommend the children to different KVs instead of cramming them in one such institution. This is to ensure that class strength is maintained wherever possible.

Javadekar also asked the MPs to use money from their local area development funds to improve the quality of KVs. The manner in which they avail their student quota has also been streamlined.

Under the special dispensation quota for parliamentarians in KVs, each member can refer 10 cases for admission  over and above the class strength  in an academic year. To ensure there is no delay in admissions, MPs have been asked to send their recommendations by the first week of April. Though the last date for submitting the names is June 30, the government has insisted that the recommendations be made at the start of the academic year.

Over 1.2 million students study in 1,142 KVs across the country. As KVs have fared better than private schools in the Class 12 examinations over the years, many people who can afford swanky educational institutions have shown an inclination towards sending their wards here. Because of this, poor children are left out, an official said, adding that the HRD ministry intends to resolve this discrepancy through the MP quota.

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A day before the announcement of punishment for 31 workers convicted in the July 2012 Maruti Suzuki Manesar plant violence case, workers across industries skipped their days meal and protested silently. Workers later held a meeting at Marutis Manesar plant, and told the media that they have decided the future course of action but the execution would depend on the court announcement.

The canteens wore a deserted look on Thursday as the workers did not turnup for lunch. Several workers said it marked their resentment against the system for not providing facts before the court during trial, resulting in the conviction of 31 colleagues.

The district court, Gurgaon, had convicted 13 employees of murder, and 18 others of rioting and other charges on March 10. As many as 117 workers were acquitted.

The labour unrest and violence at Marutis Manesar plant took place on July 18, 2012 in which 100 employees were injured and one senior executive of the company was killed.

Read I Manesar violence bad dot in Marutis history: CEO

Kuldeep Singh Jhangu, general secretary, Maruti Udyog Kamgaar Union, said, It is a sensitive moment for us, as, on the one hand, we have respect for the court while on the other hand, we pray for our convicted friends who will be facing a tough time tomorrow. We are worried about their families and their financial conditions.

The members of various unions have held several meetings in the last two weeks. They held the first meeting on March 9 and held another meeting on Wednesday.

We skipped a meal earlier too as a mark of our solidarity (to the convicted workers) and we can say that sections under which they have been convicted, are a proof of poor functioning of police, Ram Niwas, another member of Manesar Union, said.

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Residents of private colonies met public works department (PWD) minister Rao Narbir Singh on Thursday and submitted a memorandum seeking his intervention in transfer of private colonies to the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG). Three days ago, residents under the banner of Gurgaon Citizens Council (GCC) had also met MCG commissioner V Umashankar in this regard.

According to the GCC, the town and country planning (TCP) and urban local bodies (ULD) departments of the state government have been sitting on files for five years and the time has come for them to act on the matter.

We have submitted a memorandum to Singh with details of past developments in the TCP department. We are also planning to meet chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar and other senior officials of the two departments to get the transfer process expedited. We are hoping Singhs intervention helps us, said RS Rathee, president, GCC.

In February 2016, the TCP department, Chandigarh, had ordered developers to hand over DLF Phases I to III, Sushant Lok I and Palam Vihar to MCG for maintenance of roads and sewage systems, but it has not been done yet. We want the order to be implemented, said Shiv Shankar Rai of Sushant Lok.

In their memorandum, the residents have highlighted civic apathy in these colonies and requested the PWD minister to help them meet the CM too.

Singh said, I have assured them of all possible help, but I can say anything concrete on transfer of colonies only after I speak with the officials.

However, Anand Mohan Sharan, principal secretary of ULD, Haryana, had said that he held a meeting with the TCP department in this regard and things are at an advanced stage.

In August 2015, then financial commissioner of the department, P Raghavendra Rao, had also ordered for the transfer procedure of private colonies to be expedited, following a representation by city councillor.

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Three men allegedly dragged three women, including two non-resident Indians women and their 75-year-old mother out of their house, thrashed them and snatched an expensive mobile phone on Wednesday in South City 1. The incident took place at block P around 5pm, police said.

A case was registered under Section 354 (B) at the Sector 40 police station on Wednesday.

As per the complaint given by the women, they came to the country from New York, USA, this week, to be with their parents. Their 84-year-old father, a retired armyman, was to undergo a surgery on Wednesday and their mother was with him and a nephew when the incident happened.

We had gone to hospital for some tests and when we returned, we saw two tall men abusing my mother. My parents are old... these men who are staying next door often trouble them. When I intervened, one of them started abusing me, Deepti Sharma (name changed), the complainant, said.

As the women rushed inside the house, the accused allegedly entered the house and broke the door. We asked for help; my sister took out her mobile phone to record the incident but one of them snatched it and called their security guards too, Rekha Sharma (name changed), the elder of the sisters, said.

The women called the police control room for help but they claim the personnel arrived late.

The police came but they were apprehensive about taking action against the men...We are helpless in this city as we have no local contact and we have to leave for the USA next week, Deepti said.

The women allegedly suffered injuries and they underwent a medical examination at the civil hospital.

Gurgaon police commissioner Sandeep Khirwar said a case has been registered and the facts are being verified. The investigation will be conducted in a fair manner and all help will be accorded to the victims, he said.

Police have also received a counter complaint from the neighbours against the family.

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Actor Amanda Seyfried has become the latest victim of Hollywoods hacking scandal after some of her nude and intimate photographs were leaked online.

Seyfried, who is expecting her first child with fiance Thomas Sadoski, has asked her legal team to take action against a website called Celeb Jihad after it published leaked, private images of her, reports aceshowbiz.com.

Seyfrieds attorney sent a letter to Celeb Jihad on Wednesday.

In the letter, her attorney stated that the photographs featured the 31-year-old either in various states of nudity or in intimate moments with her former boyfriend.

These photographs are believed to have been leaked, wrongfully obtained by a third party or parties without Ms. Seyfrieds knowledge or consent. Your unauthorised use and distribution of the Seyfried Photographs constitutes, at a minimum, copyright infringement, violation of Ms Seyfrieds right of privacy under applicable law, and tortious conduct under state and common law, the letter further read.

As per reports, her former boyfriend featured in the leaked photographs is Justin Long, whom she dated from 2013 to 2015.

Follow @htshowbiz for more
The wife of Head of the State Fiscal Service of Ukraine Roman Nasirov who has been suspended from the post stood UAH 100 million bail for his husband, the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) has reported.

"Today, the wife of Roman Nasirov who is suspected of committing a crime under Part 2, Article 364 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine [abuse of office] stood for bail granted by the investigating judge of Solomiansky District court of Kyiv on March 7, 2017 in the amount of UAH 100 million. The money arrived to the special account of Solomiansky District court," SAPO said on its Facebook page late on Thursday.
As many as 301 Indian fishermen are currently lodged in jails in Pakistan which has confirmed the presence of only 77 of them, external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj said on Thursday, adding the Indian government is making all efforts to secure their release.

Making a statement in the Rajya Sabha, she said India has taken up the issue with Pakistan and has put a policy in place where officials of both countries exchange information about prisoners lodged in each others jails.

She said the last time such an exchange took place was on January 1 this year.

Since 2014, we have been able to secure the release of 1,261 fishermen lodged in Pakistan jails. In the last three months, we have secured the release of 438 Indian fishermen.

There are a total of 301 Indian fishermen currently lodged in Pakistan jails, but Pakistan has so far confirmed the presence of only 77 of them, Swaraj informed the House.

Her statement came in response to a query by Congress member Madhusudan Mistry made earlier.

Swaraj said government has been regularly taking up the matter of consular access, early release and repatriation of the apprehended Indian fishermen in the custody of Pakistan authorities at various levels.

We have institutionalized the mechanism of sharing information about the prisoners, including fishermen, in each others custody through a Bilateral Protocol in 2008. Under this, lists of prisoners, including fishermen, are exchanged on January 1 and July 1, every year, she said.

Swaraj said the government is continuously monitoring the status of Indian fishermen in Pakistan custody and accords high priority to securing their early release and repatriation.

The minister said government continuously seeks consular access to Indian fishermen in custody and distribute to them the items of daily necessity.

On the issue of many incidents of apprehensions taking place beyond the international waters, she said under the Community Interaction Programme, regular awareness campaigns are conducted by the Indian Coast Guards in coordination with the State Fisheries Department, to educate the fishermen about the limits of the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL).

Emphasis has also been laid on the need for fishing in safe, secure and sustainable environment. Indian Coast Guards have also been undertaking enhanced patrolling in Indian waters, including safeguarding interests of Indian fishermen and keeping them out of harm, she said.
Five persons, including a woman municipal councillor, were arrested on Wednesday at Anekal in connection with the murder of BJP leader Srinivas Prasad.

Investigation was ongoing for leads to trace the son of Sorajamma, also allegedly involved in the murder, Bengaluru rural superintendent of police Vinit Singh told PTI.

Once we get him, we will get to know who was the prime accused, who hatched and executed the murder, he said.

45-year old Prasad, also known as Kithaganahalli Vasu, was hacked to death in Anekal on Tuesday by unidentified assailants, sparking off protests by BJP activists who alleged it was politically-motivated.

Home minister G Parameshwara ruled out politics being the motive. Congress and JDS workers have also been murdered.Similarly, BJP workers also have been murdered. So, we do not look at it from a political angle.

RSS has demanded strong steps to stop politically-motivated killings.
The investigation into the March 7 Bhopal-Ujjain passenger train blast reveals that it was meant to be an announcement of the arrival of the Indian chapter of the Islamic State (IS). The announcement was in the form of a letter wrapped around the pipe bomb that caused the explosion. The letter named one of the accused, Atif Muzaffar, as emir and the strike a gift from IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. The letter did not survive the blast but its contents have been revealed by the interrogation of Kanpur-born school dropout Muzaffar.

Read | MP train blast points to rise in radicalisation of Muslim youth

North Block sources told Hindustan Times that the strike was an amateurish effort but has serious security ramifications as the nine-member Lucknow module accused of the act was inspired by IS literature available on the Net. The pipe bomb used potassium chlorate and a clock detonator, and was designed after reading How to Make Bomb in the kitchen of your Mom chapter in the first edition of Inspire, the online English magazine of the Islamic State.

Ten people were injured in the blast on March 7, three of them seriously. All are all out of danger now. Ten arrests have been made so far in connection with the blast.

The nine-member module, of whom Mohammad Saifullah was killed in Lucknow on March 7-8, had familial associations. Investigations revealed that accused Danish, Faisal and Imran were brothers and that Saifullah was their cousin.

Read | Was blast revenge for SIMI enounter?

The module, which was under the scanner of Intelligence Bureau and Telangana Anti-Terrorist Squad for months, had been radicalised over the internet and was in touch with a Pakistan-Syrian module that is currently under investigation. While a section of security agencies believe that former Indian Mujahideen terrorist-turned IS recruiter Shafi Armar or Yousuf Al Hindi was in touch with the module, others attribute the attack to Pakistans Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) using IS as cover.

According to the interrogation report, Fakre Alam, another accused, had purchased country-made pistols and ammunition from Rocky Ranavat and Shailendra Yadav of Etawah in Uttar Pradesh with Atif Muzaffar providing the cash. While the weapon suppliers have been arrested, it has now come to light that Muzaffar had rented a house in Thakurganj area of Lucknow and turned it into the main base. The accused also conducted a couple of dry runs in Lucknow to test the bomb before targeting the Bhopal-Ujjain train.

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Acting tough on IAS officers who had protested in public against the arrest of a fellow officer in a corruption case, the Bihar government, on Thursday, sought explanations from all field officers (mainly district magistrates posted outside state capital), who joined the Raj Bhawan march on February 27.

On the call of the IAS Officers Association (IASOA), scores of IAS officers had formed a human chain outside the Patna Raj Bhawan to register their protest against the arrest of Bihar Staff Selection Commission (BSSC) chairman Sudhir Kumar, in connection with leaking of questions of an examination conducted by the BSSC.

Nearly 28 district magistrates had participated in the human chain.

The government also sent a letter to IASOA, asking it to clarify the issues it has raised in its memorandum to the state government.

The field officers have been asked to explain whether they had informed the competent authority (in this case divisional commissioners) before leaving the district headquarters, said chief secretary Anjani Kumar Singh.

The governments action came after association leaders declared they had decided not to accept any verbal instructions, even from the chief minister.

The IASOA, in its memorandum to the governor, had demanded adequate safeguards for officers to work fairly and fearlessly. The association also demanded that a civil officer, not below one who had attained super time scale, head any probe involving an officer in the rank of sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) or above.

The association had also announced that no IAS officer would accept the posts of chairman and controller of the Bihar Staff Selection Commission (BSSC) or the technical services recruitment board, till Kumar got justice.

The association had also submitted similar memoranda to the chief minister, speaker of Bihar assembly and the chief secretary.

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The Bihar government is set to amend the Bihar Private University Act, 2013, to relax norms for meeting infrastructure requirement of new institutions.

The Bihar Private Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2017, which will be tabled in the Bihar legislative assembly during the ongoing session (February 23 to March 31, 2017), proposes to allow universities to commence functioning from makeshift venues, provided they meet all other conditions.

With the amendment, new private universities will be able to commence operations if they have a makeshift venue of 5,000 square metres of builtup area.

Further, if they are unable to develop the prescribed 10,000 square metres of builtup area within the stipulated period of two years, they will get another two years to complete it, says the draft bill.

The move is aimed at facilitating early functioning of private universities to ensure improvement in the states gross enrolment ratio (GER), which is presently 13% against the national average of 21%. The Centre plans to take it to 30% by 2020.

Since the passage of the private universities bill in 2013, the state has so far received 14 proposals, though none has become functional for want of desired infrastructure.

At present, Bihar has no private university, while it has 13 state universities, including open, agriculture and technical universities. With the state universities also functioning at less than half the sanctioned strength of faculty, quality of education is a big casualty, forcing thousands of students to migrate to other cities in search of better avenues.

The state government has announced setting up three more universities, but considering the demand, they would still be inadequate.

The detailed project reports of 12 of the 14 proposals received for setting up universities have been referred to a committee of experts for examination. Committees will be formed to scrutinise the other two. Seven projects have been approved and letter of intent issued, while two more will be issued in the next few days, said an education department official.

According to rules for private universities, framed in 2014, one would require to apply a year in advance from the proposed date of setting up a private university, with legal documents for ownership or lease of land  10 acres in non-municipal area and five acres in municipal area  and an application fee (non-refundable) of Rs 10 lakh.

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Chants of Jai Shri Ram rang out in the Rajasthan assembly on Thursday as the BJP legislators celebrated the partys massive victory in the just-concluded Uttar Pradesh elections.

During the Question Hour, Speaker Kailash Meghwal congratulated minister for women and child development Anita Bhadel for being conferred with Presidents award for exemplary work for uplift of women.

Soon after, the parliamentary affairs minister Rajendra Rathore drew attention of the House asking the Opposition to congratulate them for a historic win in the state assembly elections, especially in reference to Uttar Pradesh.

This led to a verbal altercation between legislators from the ruling BJP and the Opposition. Amid uproar, a few BJP members in the House shouted Jai Shri Ram slogans.

This lasted for a few minutes following which the Speaker initiated with business of the House.

The BJP had won 312 of the 403 assembly seats in UP, the largest and politically crucial state in India.

Among the five states, where elections were held, BJP secured two-third majority in UP and Uttarakhand and has formed governments in Goa and Manipur with the help of smaller parties and Independents.
Uttar Pradesh BJP chief and contender for chief minister Keshav Prasad Maurya was on Thursday admitted to the intensive care unit of Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in New Delhi.

He had cough, cold and fever and felt uneasy. His blood pressure had shot up. So, as per standard protocol, he was admitted to the ICU, said Dr AK Gadpayle, medical superintendent of the hospital.

Mauryas blood pressure has now stabilised. He will be moved to a ward in the evening. There is nothing to worry about, said Dr Gadpayle, adding Maurya may be discharged on Friday.

The BJP leader is one of the front-runners for the chief ministers post in Uttar Pradesh after the partys landslide victory in the state. The BJP and its allies won 325 of the states 403 constituencies.

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Police arrested a man on Wednesday on charges of raping and murdering a 28-year-old British-Irish woman on a popular Goa beach on Holi, the latest in a series of crimes that has blighted the picturesque states reputation as a tourist haven.

Deputy superintendent of police Sammy Tavares told HT a 23-year-old local criminal identified as Vikas Bhagat was arrested after locals reported seeing him with the tourist at the Palolem beach in south Goa on Holi, celebrated on Monday.

He has confessed to raping the victim and later killing her in order to hide his identity, Tavares said.

Several foreigners have died in Goa over the past decade or so, including 15-year-old British schoolgirl Scarlett Keeling, whose bruised and semi-naked body was found in shallow water at Anjuna beach in 2008.

Last year, two men were cleared of rape charges, triggering outrage and shining a spotlight on the seedy side of a state that receives hundreds of thousands of foreign tourists every year.

Police said the tourist had come to Goa with a friend and celebrated Holi in coastal Canacona village, near Palolem. She was later found dead on Tuesday morning at an isolated spot on a beach in south Goas Devbag village, 80km from Panaji.

The womans body was lying in a pool of blood without clothes and there were injuries to her head and face, Tavares said. Suspecting rape, the police sent her body to the Goa Medical College for post-mortem. The report is still awaited. Although Bhagat confessed to the crime, the police are trying to find out if he had any accomplices.

The backpacker arrived in Goa on February 23 and was seen by locals to be celebrating Holi with friends at Palolem, the Daily Mail reported, adding that Bhagat told police he sexually assaulted her and smashed her face with a beer bottle so that no one would identify the tourist.

The suspect was arrested in 2014 in connection with a string of thefts in the area targeting foreigners, the newspaper said.

The Irish Independent reported that the woman lived in Liverpool and worked in a local bar but grew up in Irelands Buncrana in County Donegal.

In a brief statement, her mother said the family was finding it very difficult at this trying time. She will be sadly missed by us all.

A fund created by a friend to fund the repatriation of her body quickly raised more than 15,000 euros ($16,000). Anyone who knew her knew that she was a beautiful and kind hearted, funny young lady who loved life and was a loyal and devoted friend, sister and daughter.

(With agency inputs)

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A criminal court on Wednesday remanded the accused history teacher Vikas Bhagat to seven-day police custody in connection with the rape and murder of a British-Irish woman.

Bhagat was arrested in connection with the rape and murder of the woman who was found dead in the fields of Deobagh beach in Goas Canacona.

The body of the 28-year-old woman was found on Tuesday morning by the police.
Home minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said countries and state-supported groups, which violate the definition of terrorism as prescribed by the United Nations, should be punished by the international community.

Addressing the Counter Terrorism Conference 2017 in New Delhi, the home minister said coastal borders of 36 countries touch the Indian Ocean, and nations, including India, need to work together to ensure safety and protection of maritime domains and trade and economic activities through sea routes.

To achieve this, we have to accept the comprehensive definition of terrorism given by the United Nations. The nations which violate this definition should be punished and ostracised, he said.

Singh said the comprehensive definition of terrorism should include state-supported groups and nations which are supporting such groups and they should be brought under this definition.

Identification of state-sponsored terrorism and isolating such state-sponsored groups will certainly be most important encouraging factors, he said at the conference which was discussing Terrorism in the Indian Ocean Region.

The home minister said programmes on terror in Indian Ocean region should not be limited to statements and there is a need to undertake concrete measures and put in place strong mechanisms which can help friendly countries and regions in ensuring constant flow of information.

Referring to the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks and 1993 serial blasts in the metropolis, Singh said the perpetrators and material for both attacks came from Pakistan using sea routes.

We keep getting inputs that Lashkar-e-Taiba have been trying to send terrorists again through sea, he said.

Singh said due to the growing influence of Middle-East terror group Islamic State, the nearby seas of West Asia and North Africa have been vulnerable to maritime terrorism.
On Friday, March 17, at 12.30, the Interfax-Ukraine News Agency's press center will host a press conference entitled "A New Phase of the Crisis: What's Ahead?" The participants will include Director of the Institute of Global Strategies Vadym Karasiov, expert of the Gardarica Strategic Consulting Corporation Kostiantyn Matviyenko, and director of the Ukrainian Barometer sociological service Viktor Nebozhenko (8/5a Reitarska Street). Registration requires press accreditation.
The Delhi high court on Thursday dismissed a plea by Zakir Naiks Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) challenging the Centres decision to immediately ban the organisation under Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).

Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva said the government has sufficient material to immediately ban IRF. The judge added that immediate action appears to have been taken in interest of sovereignty, integrity and maintenance of public order.

On November 17, 2016, the Union home ministry imposed an immediate ban on the organisation under UAPA.

Additional solicitor general (ASG) Sanjay Jain, appearing for the Centre, produced before the court the relevant documents based on which the decision to ban IRF was made.

Jain had said the need for taking urgent step to ban IRF was felt in view of the apprehension that Indian youth could be radicalised or motivated to join terror groups like Islamic State by the alleged statements and speeches made by organisation and its members, including its President, Naik.

The government did not want to wait for some catastrophic incident to happen before taking a decision, the ASG had argued. He said that as per the notification, Naik was also accused of making statements which were derogatory of other religions and thus, spreading communal disharmony.

ASG Jain said that Mumbai Police had already lodged an FIR against six others of IRF on a complaint by the father of a Kerala-based youth who joined ISIS. He further said that some terrorists and ISIS sympathisers arrested by the authorities have allegedly claimed they were inspired by the fundamental statements made by IRF.

According to IRF, the ban order gives no reason and cites no material for taking such a step as was required by the law laid down by the Supreme Court. It said the immediate ban was imposed without giving them any show cause notice.

IRF contended that dates or content of the alleged speeches and statements have not been mentioned in the notification. It had said that it was limiting its plea to the immediate ban and not raising the issue of freezing of its accounts under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act.
Another election, another defeat and another promise of change.

After every election loss, the Congress leadership promises to transform the grand old party to stem the slide but those assurances have not stopped the spread of the saffron cover across Indias political map.

Here is a look at the statements of Congress chief Sonia Gandhi and party vice-president Rahul Gandhi after the electoral defeats since 2012.

In March 2012 after the defeat in Uttar Pradesh assembly elections, Sonia Gandhi attributed the partys drubbing to weak organisational structure and insisted that every election is a lesson for us whether we win or lose.

In December 2013 after the victory of Aam Aadmi Party in Delhi and the Congress decimation by the BJP in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, Rahul Gandhi spoke of transforming the party.

Congress party has the ability to stand up to the expectations of the people. I am going to put all my efforts to transform the organisation. I am going to make sure that a transformation happens, and I will do it in ways in which you cannot even imagine. We will involve people in a way you cannot even imagine right now, he had said.

In May 2014 after the partys worst ever electoral performance that saw it bagging just 44 seats and beating its previous lowest tally of 114 seats in 1999, both Sonia Gandhi and Rahul owned responsibility for the debacle. The peoples verdict is against us. As Congress president I take responsibility for the defeat, Sonia had said.

Congress has done pretty badly in the elections and the party will need to think about it. As Congress vice-president, with all humility I take responsibility for this debacle, said Rahul who was the partys face for the Lok Sabha elections and had led the campaign from the front.

A few days later, both Sonia Gandhi and Rahul offered to resign at the Congress Working Committee meeting. But senior Congress leaders competed with one another to stop the Gandhis from quitting.

Again in October 2014 after the rout in Maharashtra and Haryana, Rahul had asserted that the Congress party will work hard on the ground to regain the confidence of the people.

But in November 2015 after the victory of the grand alliance in Bihar, Rahul tweeted, Bihar verdict was the victory of humility over arrogance, love over hate and of unity over divisiveness.

In May 2016, the Congress had to eat the humble pie again in the assembly elections in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Assam. In a statement, Rahul said the Congress party will work harder till it wins the confidence and trust of people.

And now after the drubbing in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, Rahul again acknowledged that it was time to revamp the Congress. We need to make structural organisational changes in the party. That is a fact, he said but did not spell out what those changes would be like.

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The following stories are making the headlines today:

1) 28-year-old British woman raped and murdered in Goa, body found on beach

Goa police claimed to have solved the rape and murder case of dual British-Irish national Danielle McLaughlin, who travelled to India on a British passport and was found dead in Canacona area of south Goa on Tuesday. The police have arrested one Vikas Bhagat who has reportedly confessed to the crime. The 28-year-old McLaughlin came to Goa with a friend and celebrated Holi in Canacona village, known for its Palolem beach. She was found dead on Tuesday morning at an isolated spot on a beach in Devbag village, 80km from Panaji.

Read the full story here.

2) Goa Assembly floor test today

Goa chief minister Manohar Parrikar is expected to sail through todays floor test in the Goa Assembly. Parrikar, who was sworn-in along with nine ministers last evening, has the support of 22 legislators, two more than the halfway mark of 20 in the 40-member Assembly. The 61-year-old IITian, who stepped down as Defence Minister and became the Goa Chief Minister for the fourth time, is confident of proving the majority on the support given to him by his alliance partners Goa Forward Party (GFP), Maharashtravadi Gomantak Party (MGP) and the independents.

Follow for live updates.

3) UP BJP legislature party meets in Lucknow

Uttar Pradesh BJP legislature party is likely to meet in Lucknow today to discuss the chief ministerial candidate for the key Hindi heartland state. The partys observers, Union minister M Venkaiah Naidu and general secretary Bhupendra Yadav, will be present at the meeting. The party has authorised BJP chief Amit Shah to choose the next chief minister. The names doing the rounds are Manoj Sinha, the minister of state for railways, Keshav Prasad Maurya, an OBC leader, Dinesh Sharma, BJPs partys national vice-president, Suresh Khanna, the leader of the legislature party in the outgoing Assembly, and Siddharth Nath Singh, the grandson of Lal Bahadur Shastri.

4) Amarinder Singh takes oath as Punjab CM

Amarinder Singh, who led the Congress to victory in Punjab after a gap of 10 years, took oath as the states 26th chief minister at Chandigarh on Thursday. Singh, who turned 75 on March 11, is likely to induct nine ministers initially, party sources said adding that the cabinet would be expanded later. The state can have a maximum of 18 ministers. The Congress has 77 MLAs in the assembly.

Follow live updates here.

5) India fast-tracks hydro projects worth $15 billion in Jammu and Kashmir

India has fast-tracked hydropower projects worth $15 billion in Kashmir in recent months, three federal and state officials said, ignoring warnings from Islamabad that power stations on rivers flowing into Pakistan will disrupt water supplies. Pakistan has opposed some of these projects before, saying they violate a World Bank-mediated treaty on the sharing of the Indus river and its tributaries upon which 80% of its irrigated agriculture depends.

Read the full story here.

6) Maruti plant workers to boycott lunch as sign of solidarity

Workers in Maruti plants at Gurgaon, Manesar and Bawal will boycott their lunch today in solidarity with the 31 former colleagues who were convicted for violence in 2012. The quantum of punishment for the convicted workers will be pronounced tomorrow.

7) Demonetisation violation? Banks accepted over Rs 1 lakh crore lakh without PAN

In the weeks after demonetisation, banks across India received about Rs 1.13-lakh crore in high-value deposits from customers without valid documents, indicating possible collusion of officials to conceal dodgy cash, classified government data accessed by HT revealed. About half of these transactions took place in six states -- Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.

Read the full story here.

8) Painting it saffron: How the BJP is making inroads into the Northeast

After Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, the BJP has expanded its foray into the Northeast by forming a government in Manipur with its allies. However, it is not resting on its laurels just yet. A day before the results for the Manipur assembly polls were announced, party leaders held a protest rally in Tripura  which goes to the polls in early 2018 along with Meghalaya and Nagaland. The Mizoram polls are scheduled for later this year. Heres a look at how the BJP managed to win power in some Northeastern states, and is trying to gain a foothold in others.

Read the full story here.

9) Column: Assembly elections: Former generals should steer clear of politics

While we have always had some politicians with military backgroundsAmarinder Singh himself is a case in pointthe trend of senior retired officers entering politics is more recent. And it is deeply problematic. The military is a community with close ties between serving and retired soldiers. Politicisation of the latter will inevitably affect the former.

Read the full article here.

10) Climate change is making people sick, say American doctors

Extreme weather, such as hurricanes and droughts, may become more common, destroying not only homes and livelihoods but also wreaking havoc on peoples mental health, a report by a coalition by 11 US medical group warns. Doctors in every part of our country see that climate change is making Americans sicker, said Mona Sarfaty, a physician and director of the Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health. Physicians are on the frontlines and see the impacts in exam rooms. Whats worse is that the harms are felt most by children, the elderly, Americans with low-income or chronic illnesses, and people in communities of colour.

Read the full story here.
Congress on Wednesday alleged in the Gujarat Assembly that the state government had not taken any action against the policemen who allegedly beat up an Army jawan in Botad district.

However Minister of State for Home Pradeepsinh Jadeja said it was the Army jawan and his friends who attacked the policemen at Ranpur police station on February 28.

Congress MLA Punja Vansh raised the issue.

The written reply of the minister is not true. This is a matter concerning those who are guarding our nation...He was thrashed in such a brutal manner that he was admitted to hospital, said Vansh.

No action was taken against the policemen, he alleged.

Jadeja however defended the police.

On the night of February 28, Ranpur stations sub-inspector (PSI) stopped a bike as it had three people on it. When the PSI asked for license, Ashwinbhai, who serves in the Army, misbehaved with him. Ashwinbhai was served a memo as the bike did not have registration number, said Jadeja.

After some time, Ashwinbhai, another Army personnel Mahesh Jesinghbhai and their friends stormed into the police station and attacked some of the policemen. Five of them were arrested and presented before a magistrate who granted them bail, said the minister.

None of the Army personnels complained to the magistrate about thrashing by the police, Jadeja said, adding that even the doctors certificate said they had not been assaulted.

Mahesh had even bitten a constables hand, the minister said, adding that Mahesh got admitted to a hospital after getting bail and alleged that he had been beaten up. A non-cognisable offence was lodged against the policemen based on his complaint.
Two teenage girls were allegedly gangraped by six men in front of their father in a moving vehicle in Devgadh Baria tehsil of Gujarats Dahod district on Thursday, police said.

Five of the 13 people said to be involved in the abduction and rape case have been arrested, they added.

Kumat Baria, Gopsinh Baria and others abducted the two sisters, aged 13 and 15, and their father from his shop in Bhutpagla village on Thursday. The accused allegedly forced them into an SUV and raped the girls, police said.

Four others followed the vehicle on two motorcycles, the victims father said in the FIR.

Kumat Baria allegedly told the victims father that he wanted to take revenge because his son, who was arrested in a prohibition case, told police he used to procure liquor from Kumat. The police had subsequently filed a case against Kumat, according to the father.

The accused later dropped the two girls and their father near Mandav village and warned them not to go to the police, the FIR said.

Police sent the girls to a government hospital in Devgarh Baria for treatment.

Sub-inspector DG Raval said five people -- Kumat Baria, Ganpat Baria, Narvat Baria, Suresh Naik and Gopsinh Baria -- have been arrested in connection with the incident, while a hunt was on for the other accused.

A case has been registered against 13 people under section 376 (gangrape) and other sections of the IPC as well as under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
Former Hisar deputy superintendent of police (DSP) Bhagwan Dass, who was booked for murder of three people in Hansi on Monday and subsequently transferred to the police headquarters here, attempted suicide with his service pistol here on Wednesday.

He allegedly shot himself in the right temple at the Police Lines, Mogianand, and the bullet passed through his head. He was taken to a private hospital where he is battling for life.

Dass, 52, had come to Panchkula on Tuesday evening after being transferred on Monday for being named in an FIR for the murder of three people, including a BSF jawan, at Sekhpura village under Hansi sub-division of Hisar district.

Assistant commissioner of police (ACP) Dalip Singh had got room number 104 booked for him at the officers mess, Police Lines. Dalip is a batchmate of Dass and they had joined the Haryana Police together in 1994 as assistant sub-inspectors (ASIs).

On Wednesday, Dass called up for breakfast around 9.15 am, which was delivered to him by an attendant. Meanwhile, Dalip was on his way to Raipur Rani as agriculture minister OP Dhankar was visiting there. He decided to meet Dass on the way. When he entered his room, he saw him lying on bed and bleeding. He rushed him to Alchemist Hospital.

Talking to the media, Panchkula deputy commissioner of police (DCP) Anil Dhawan said, No suicide note has been recovered. The search of the room was conducted by a forensic team. As of now, it is not clear why he attempted suicide.

Dhawan added that Dass was extremely critical and was on ventilator. The bleeding has not stopped. I even called some policemen to come to hospital to donate blood. Dhawan also donated blood for Dass.

No case has been registered so far, said Chandimandir SHO inspector Harbhajan Singh.

Dass and 23 others were booked by the police for murder of Ram Kumar (57), Mukesh Kumar (22) and Pradeep Kumar (30) at Sekhpura. Pradeep, a BSF jawan, had come home to the village to celebrate Holi.

It is alleged that Dass had a dispute with former village sarpamch Balbir Singh who had contested panchayat election against his daughter Pooja Rani. The victims were said to be close to Balbir.
Releasing a world ranking of the number of women parliamentarians that placed India 148, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, the head of UN Women, has called for reservations for women.

The rankings of all 193 UN member countries released here on Wednesday by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and UN Women showed that women made up 11.8% of the Lok Sabha where 64 were elected to the 542-member house and 11 per cent of the Rajya Sabha with 27 of the 245 members.

India ranked 88 in the number of women ministers with five or 18.5% in the cabinet.

However, women hold important positions: Sumitra Mahajan is the Speaker and Sushma Swaraj is the External Affairs Minister.

Speaking to reporters, IPU Secretary-General Martin Chungong backed up the call for reservations for women suggesting that quotas for them could speed up the process for achieving gender equality.

At the current rate of progress, it would take 50 years for the number of women to equal that of men in legislative bodies, he said.

The percentage of women in parliaments worldwide barely ticked up from 22.6 per cent in 2015 to 23.3 per cent in 2016. Indias percentage is about half the world tally.

Mlambo-Ngcuka, the Executive Director of UN Women, the international organisations arm for empowering women, said that the most progress in increasing their ranks in parliament was achieved in countries with quotas.

A constitutional amendment bill to reserve 33 per cent of Lok Sabha and State Assembly seats for women was first proposed in 1996 but has failed in the last 20 years to make headway.

In the latest attempt, it passed the Rajya Sabha in 2010 but lapsed when the last Lok Sabha ended its term in 2014 without taking it up.

The Rashtriya Janata Dal, the Janata Dal (United) and Samajwadi Party have been leading the opposition to the constitutional amendment.

Chungong said a positive development was a move away from shunting women to soft ministries like womens affairs and instead placing them in important ministries.

In addition to Swaraj, who has the important External Affairs portfolio, Uma Bharti is the Water Resources Minister and Nirmala Sitharaman has independent charge of Commerce and Industry.

Mlambo-Ngcuka said that women politicians were held back by a number of problems, including the lack of finance for campaigns and stereotyping.

They also faced bullying online and physically, harassment and hostile treatment by the media, she added.

Rwanda ranked first in the number of women parliamentarians with 61.3 per cent in the lower house, followed by Bolivia with 53.1 per cent and Cuba 48.9 per cent.

In South Asia, Nepal ranked 48 with 29.6 per cent of the lower house seats held by women; Pakistan ranked 89 with 20.6 per cent (but with no ministers); Bangladesh was 91st with 20.3 per cent, and Sri Lanka lagged at 179th place with 5.8 per cent.

Bulgaria, France and Nicaragua tied for the first rank for the number of women ministers with 52.9 per cent each.
India on Friday reacted strongly to an attempt by Pakistan to declare the strategic Gilgit-Baltistan region, bordering disputed Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK), as its fifth province, saying such move is entirely unacceptable.

There are reports that a committee headed by Pakistans foreign affairs advisor Sartaj Aziz has proposed status of a province to Gilgit-Baltistan.

Responding to the reports, external affairs ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay said any such step would not be able to hide the illegality of Pakistans occupation of parts of Jammu and Kashmir, which it must vacate, forthwith.

The entire state of J&K is an integral part, has been an integral part and will be an integral part of India. No attempt or unilateral attempt or step to change that would have any legal basis, whatsoever, and it will be entirely unacceptable, the spokesperson said.

The move will not be able to hide the tremendous, very concerning human rights violations and denial of freedom that has been going on in parts of J&K controlled by Pakistan for the last 70 years, he said.

Gilgit-Baltistan is treated as a separate geographical entity by Pakistan. It has a regional assembly and an elected chief minister.

At present, Pakistan has four provinces -- Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

It is believed that Chinas concerns about the unsettled status of the strategic region prompted Pakistan to explore change in its status.

Asked about Pakistan having expressed concern over acquittal of Assemanand in Ajmer Sharif blast case, Baglay said India completely rejects Pakistans efforts and intention to meddle in the countrys internal affairs, including in the Indian judicial process.

We also totally reject the ulterior link which is sought to be established by Pakistan with any other matter under the purview of the Indian courts. A strong Indian democracy and justice system obviously need no self-serving sermons from anybody much less from a country like Pakistan, he asserted.

The spokesperson also advised Pakistan to refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of India and not to deny the reality of terrorism emanating from its soil, which was affecting not only India but the entire neighbourhood and beyond.

Baglay also reiterated Indias demand that Pakistan should dismantle terrorist infrastructure in its own territory or the territory under its control, and bring to justice the terror masterminds who still operate and continue to enjoy freedom on its soil.

Pakistan foreign office had last week summoned Indias deputy high commissioner J P Singh to express its concern over acquittal of right-wing activist Swami Aseemanand in 2007 Ajmer Sharif blast case.
A 17-year-old boy was detained on Thursday for allegedly raping and impregnating a teenage girl who had delivered a baby girl last month in Hyderabad, police said.

The boy and the girl, also aged around 17, were classmates of intermediate first year in a college in Hyderabad.

Following information that she had delivered a baby girl last month at a state-run hospital, the police registered a case under IPC section 376 (rape) against the boy and he has been apprehended, Alwal Police Station Inspector T Anand Reddy told PTI.

Meanwhile, a city-based child rights NGO Balala Hakkula Sangham demanded an in-depth inquiry into the case alleging that there was negligence on part of the officials of the Police and Women & Child Welfare departments in not rescuing the new born and her mother. Further probe is on.
Press Council of India chairman Justice (retd) CK Prasad on Thursday said media should not have a cordial relationship with the government.

He also underlined the need for a code of conduct for media.

You people are crusaders of trust....you are bound to come into conflict with the government and the authorities. I am of the opinion that if there is no conflict between journalists and government, that day perhaps will be the saddest day for the democracy, Justice Prasad said at a seminar in Hyderabad.

I request the media fraternity to be in conflict. I oppose the idea of a cordial relationship between media, authorities and government. So as long as Ram Rajya is not established, there has to be conflict, he said.

He also said lack of code of conduct makes journalists vulnerable and the media fraternity should review its opposition to the concept.

If there is no code, no statutory guidelines....you are more vulnerable. You are exposed to the whims and fancies of others. If it is codified you will know what the legal position is. What is misconduct and what is not, Prasad said.

The PCI chairman also advised the scribes not to use their profession to indulge in corruption or shield their own wrongdoing.

Prasad also cited an example of misreporting.

Referring to an alleged anti-Dalit comment by a Union minister, he said that when the PCI examined the issue, it found that the ministers statement had been misconstrued by the media.

The contract system under which journalists work these days does not help the profession, he opined.
Defective Google Pixel, Pixel XL? Free Replacement Offered; Pixel 2 Still Comes With A Premium Price Tag

Google Pixel and Pixel XL users are currently experiencing issues with the microphones of the devices. Reports suggest that the audio input is completely disabled in several cases.

While Google Pixel and Pixel XL are two of the popular Android smartphones today, this does not spare both from facing certain issues. In fact, several problems since their release were reported involving audio issues, unresponsiveness, lens flaring, camera freezing and Bluetooth connectivity issues among others.

Google Pixel's most recent issue includes the microphones, in which several users were reported to experience inconvenience using the feature. According to reports, the device has three microphones, but this current issue can likely disable the audio input altogether.

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Among the likely causes of the microphone, the issue includes a hairline crack in its component soldering, or a likely faulty microphone, which Google states that both are exceptionally rare, affecting only less than 1 percent of all Google Pixel users.

However, the single cause of Google Pixel's microphone issue is yet to be determined by the company. Nevertheless, Google mentioned that accidental drops may be blamed as well for the said issue. Also, given that it is a hardware concern, the company suggests that affected users should send defective devices for a free replacement, Channel News reported.

Google Pixel XL, meanwhile, is believed to be the best phone of 2017, which means that the new Google Pixel 2 will not be an eventual disappointment. It should be noted that during the Mobile World Congress, Google's Senior VP of Hardware Rick Osterioh announced that the users can depend on a successor this year, although no date of release has been revealed yet.

While reports about Google Pixel 2 appears to be a good news, the new range of phone is unlikely to come as cheap, as Pixel is confirmed to remain a premium device, SOC Pedia reported. Learn more about Google Pixel Mic Problems here:

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A police officer threatened to shoot a prominent Kashmiri photographer during an altercation with journalists outside the residence of separatist leader Syed Ali Geelani on Thursday.

The incident, which demonstrates the difficulties faced by mediapersons in the Valley, occurred while AFP photographer Tauseef Mustafa was waiting with other journalists to cover a press conference held by a number of separatist leaders  including Umar Farooq, Yasin Malik and Geelani himself.

The officer also clutched Mustafa by the throat, photographs of which later turned up on the social media.

Mustafa said he and his colleagues were accosted by law-enforcement personnel while trying to take photographs of the separatist leaders. The police were there to arrest the leaders. One of the officers caught me by the neck and starting choking me. He said he was from the SOG (special operations group), and threatened to shoot me, he told HT.

A few other photographers were also injured in the incident. Farooq Khan, president of the Kashmir Press Photographers Association (KPPA), told HT that a policeman even drove a jeep over the feet of Mubashir Khan  a photographer with the Greater Kashmir newspaper.

Later in the evening, the KPPA held a demonstration at Sringars Press Enclave to protest police high-handedness. They held up photographs of the police officer clutching Mustafa by the throat.

The officer assaulted Mustafa, caught hold of his throat, and attempted to choke him. There is clear photographic and videographic evidence of the assault, the KPPA statement stated. Farooq, for his part, said Kashmirs media fraternity would hold a mega-demonstration on Saturday evening if the police failed to take action against the personnel involved.

Ayaz Akbar, spokesperson of the hardliner Hurriyat faction, termed the police action as sheer state-sponsored terrorism. The state law-enforcement agencies have virtually turned Kashmir into a police garrison. They are imposing restrictions on everybody, he alleged.

A spokesperson of the Hurriyats moderate faction expressed similar sentiments, stating that police brutality was the worst form of state-sponsored terrorism.

In response, Jammu and Kashmir director general of police SP Vaid simply said that policemen in the state need to be counselled.

Later, the police department issued a press release stating that the incident occurred after the journalists concerned headed towards Geelanis residence despite explicit instructions against doing so. The release further added that the police were expecting breach of peace outside the separatist leaders residence.

This is not the first instance of journalists being targeted by security personnel in Kashmir. Several scribes suffered the brunt of police excesses during the unrest that followed the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani. Two photographers were hit by pellets while covering a protest, leaving one of them partially blind.

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Only three out of Indias 29 states and union territories in India, for which data is available, can meet their demand for sewage treatment.

The national average for waste treatment capacity as a proportion of sewage generated in urban India is around 38%. This data accounts only for sewage generated in urban areas. Most of rural India does not have sewage-treatment facilities.

Chandigarh tops the clean list with almost double the treatment capacity compared to sewage generated. Sikkim and Himachal Pradesh are the only two other states that can meet their sewage treatment demand, according to a statement tabled in the Lok Sabha this week by minister of state for environment state Anil Madhav Dave.

Delhi can treat 65% of its sewage. The national capital has an installed treatment capacity of 2694 million litres per day (MLD) while the city generates 4155 MLD of sewage per day.

The situation is worst in the northeastern states. Assam, Meghalaya and Tripura have negligible capacities ranging from zero to 1%. For Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Nagaland there is no information available on installed capacity. Mizoram can meet 11 % of its sewage treatment demand through its installed capacity.

Sikkim is the only bright spot in the region and outshines all other states with a treatment capacity of 133%.

Of the other states, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Kerala and West Bengal have treatment capacities below 10% of the sewage generated in urban areas.

There is not enough data for 8 of the 36 states and UTs.

The other problem is that installed sewage treatment capacity maybe higher than the effective treatment capacity. Effective treatment of sewage also depends on the efficiency of the sewage treatment plant and if they are operational.

The gap is not just between demand and supply of treatment capacity, some areas may not have sewer lines that will bring the sewage to the plants, or households there might not be connected to the sewage lines.

During hearings in a long-running Ganga pollution case, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) lashed out at officials of the UP Jal Board for the state of sewage treatment in Kanpur. Only 30% of wards in the city were found to be on sewage lines and of those not all households in the area were connected to the sewage system.

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The Odisha police on Thursday claimed to have busted a fake currency printing unit at a slum in the state capital after seizure of certain materials used for making counterfeit notes.

The seizure was made from Salia Sahi area in Bhubaneswar. A police team from Baripada in Mayurbhanj jointly with the capital police raided a house in Salia Sahi this evening.

Sources said the police got clue about printing of fake currency notes in the state after it arrested a college student from Baripada on March 9. The youth was identified as Shagen Tudu. He was caught while trying to use fake note of the face value Rs 500 at a shop in Sunagadia area.

The locals people suspected him and called police. The police have seized papers used in printing fake currency notes, colour printer and cartridge from the spot.

The police has seized at least 32 counterfeit notes of Rs 500 denomination. All the currencies bore identical series and serial number, the police said.

Shagen during interrogation had revealed that he had got the notes from a friend residing in Patia area in Bhubaneswar.
A pro-Islamic State media group has warned of attacks in India and published a graphic depicting the Taj Mahal as a possible target.

The graphic by the Ahwaal Ummat Media Center was posted on a channel of Telegram, the encrypted communication app, on March 14, according to Site Intelligence Group, which tracks jihadi activity on the web.

The graphic features a fighter in combat fatigues and black headgear armed with an assault rifle and a rocket-propelled grenade standing near the 17th century monument to love in Agra.

An inset in the graphic features another image of the Taj Mahal within crosshairs with the words New target below it. There is also an image of a van with the Arabic text Agra istishhadi (Agra martyrdom-seeker) written in English, implying the threat of a suicide attack.

This is not the first time a pro-IS group has threatened attacks in India. After terror suspect Saifullah was killed by police in Lucknow on March 8, another pro-IS channel on Telegram had incited attacks in India.

That channel had also posted a photo of Saifullah and described him as a soldier of the Khilafah from India.

Indian security officials have said they are yet to procure proof that Saifullah was directly linked to the IS. They noted the photo of Saifullah posted on the Telegram channel was one released by Uttar Pradesh Police and not an image procured by the group before his death. They also said Saifullah was self-radicalised.

According to security agencies, some 75 Indians have so far joined IS. This includes 45 who went from India, mostly from Maharashtra, Kerala and Karnataka, while the remainder were Indians living abroad. About 37 more were apprehended while they were making their way from India to territories controlled by IS.

Security agencies have stepped up efforts to prevent the radicalisation and recruitment of youngsters via the internet and communication apps, which are extensively used by the IS.

The US state department too has noted the threat to India from IS.

US Embassy New Delhi warns of an increased threat to places in India frequented by Westerners, such as religious sites, markets.. pic.twitter.com/g7lOmZPlID  Travel - State Dept (@TravelGov) November 1, 2016

An advisory for American citizens issued last November said: Recent Indian media reports indicate ISILs desire to attack targets in India. The advisory warned Americans of an increased threat in places in India frequented by Westerners.

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Tamil Nadu finance minister D Jayakumar, in a veiled reference to AIADMK rebels led by O Panneerselvam, described them on Thursday as misguided brothers who have created political turbulence.

Concluding his maiden budget address in the assembly, he said late Jayalalithaa had handed over the lamp of governance to us, and added it was to light up, the lives of the poor.

In a veiled reference to the rebels, without naming either of them including Panneerselvam who was present in the House, he said, amid the political turbulence created by some of our brothers, who have been misguided by some, that lamp has been protected.

Quoting saint-poet Tiruvalluvars couplet, he said a wise man with a determined mind will conquer even a flood of troubles. It was their duty to keep the lamp eternal to continue the journey towards progress, he added.

The AIADMK camp led by VK Sasikala had dubbed Panneerselvam as a betrayer, after he had revolted against her last month.

The former chief minister has the support of 12 MLAs and 12 MPs besides a host of other party functionaries including veteran E Madusudanan.

Hailing chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami as a man of practical wisdom, the minister said government will march forward, and implement all welfare schemes initiated by Jayalalithaa. He said government will also formulate many more people friendly programmes.

Ending his address, Jayakumar said he was always indebted to the guiding spirit, of Jayalalithaa.
PATNA The chance arrest of youth from Khajahanpur village under Cheria Bariarpur police station of Begusarai district in north Bihar on Monday has turned out to be a major catch for security agencies probing train mishaps owing to sabotage that has caused scores of deaths across the country.

Shivam Soni, 21, a resident of Jaunpur in UP, was arrested from his in-laws place Khajahanpur during Holi celebrations, after locals complained he was causing nuisance in a drunken state. He has since been remanded in judicial custody till March 29, for carrying a forged Aadhar card and I-card.

But what made Soni a big catch was evidence to suggest he had a role in terror attacks causing derailment of trains. The arrest of three persons from Motihari, having links with ISI operative Shamsul Hoda, had brought to light the sabotage angle of train accidents, a few months ago.

Although a medical test showed no evidence of alcohol in Shivams blood, a search of his possessions at his in-laws house led to the recovery of four cell phones, three railway maps of India, a railways time table, a fake AADHAR card, bank passbooks, a fake identity card and over a hundred train journey tickets.

During the examine of a railway map, the police found that some important routes between Barabanki, Lucknow, Kanpur, Varanasi (all Uttar Pradesh), Gaya and Chhapra (both in Bihar), were highlighted with pencil.

Soni was detained and subsequently interrogated by the Begusarai police, the state police, Bihar ATS, special branch, central intelligence agencies and the GRP, to elicit details of the plan to cause derailment of trains allegedly on behalf of Pakistans ISI.

The Begusarai police informed the national investigation agency (NIA) about the arrest of Soni, who is suspected to have been involved in the Indore-Patna Express derailment near Kanpur last November that left over 150 dead and many others injured.

He is also suspected to have put a concrete slab on railway track at Dalsingsarai in Samastipur district of north Bihar in January 2017 with the objective of causing a rail mishap. A case had been lodged at the Dalsingsarai police station against unidentified miscreants.

Soni had also allegedly done a recce of Ghorasahan and Nakardei railway stations in Bihar.

According to intelligence sources, Soni admitted that the time of the Kanpur rail accident, he along with others, was present at the site of occurrence. When the Indore-Patna Express train derailed near Kanpur Dehat , Soni and his associates had looted costly articles from the passengers, it is alleged.

During interrogation, Soni revealed the name of six persons from Uttar Pradesh, including Mohammad Aftab, who was detained by UP ATS and was under interrogation. On the other hand, Sonis wife told interrogators that her husband used to regularly converse with two persons. She, however, could not give details of conversion or names of the two persons.

Begusarai SP Ranjit Kumar Mishra told HT, Soni used to change his addresses frequently, from Faizabad to Varanasi. He had married a Begusarai girl in July 2016 and was spending a lot of his time with his in-laws since then.

Villagers of Khajahanpur informed the police that whenever Soni came to the village he always had a huge sum of money to spend.

The SP said the case against Soni for carrying forged Aadhar card, identity card and bank passbooks, had been lodged on the basis of the statement of the SHO of Cheria Bariarpur police station.

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Security was enhanced on Thursday at the Taj Mahal with top police officials leading a security drill on the Yamuna river flowing near the monument, against the backdrop of reports of the 17th century marvel being a possible target of the Islamic State terror group.

Superintendent of police Sushil Ghule led the security drill while crossing the Yamuna. He was accompanied by teams from the bomb disposal squad and SWAT besides Taj security personnel.

Though the SP maintained that this was part of a regular security drill associated with the Taj Mahotsav to be held this week, later senior superintendent of police (SSP) Preetinder Singh acknowledged that security was stepped up in view of media reports of a pro-Islamic State media group issuing a warning of attacks on the Taj Mahal.

There has been no security threat received nor any alert issued officially in this regard but going by media reports, security at Taj Mahal has been enhanced, the SSP told Hindustan Times.

With Taj Mahal being a destination of not only national but international importance, we already have routine security drills but for now, these security drills have been enhanced, the SSP added.

These security drills are now to take place every six hours and would be led by a gazetted officer,

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has been entrusted with the security within the Taj Mahal, Preetinder Singh said.

We are prepared for any circumstances all round the year when it comes to any important destination including Taj Mahal. The security of Taj Mahal is reviewed time to time and additions are made according to the requirement, the SSP said.

However, deputy inspector general (Agra Zone) Mahesh Kumar Mishra denied any intelligence input received about threats to the Taj.

Agra will host the Taj Mahotsav  a 10-day festival of art and craft from March 18 -- and Shilpgram, the venue of the festival, is just a kilometre east of the monument.

A pro-Islamic State media group has warned of attacks in India and published a graphic depicting the Taj Mahal as a possible target. The graphic by the Ahwaal Ummat Media Center was posted on a channel of Telegram, the encrypted communication app, on March 14, according to Site Intelligence Group, which tracks jihadi activity on the web.

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Union information and broadcasting minister Venkaiah Naidu seems to be jinxed when it comes to flying. On Wednesday, he was left high and dry after a chartered plane that was taking him and BJP chief Amit Shah to Imphal for the swearing-in ceremony of Manipurs new chief minister Biren Singh, developed a glitch and had to return to Delhi.

But Naidu is no stranger to such things and has seen worse.

Some of my colleagues joke that it is dangerous to travel with me on board. But the bottom line is: ultimately nothing bad will happen, he once said.

Naidu has faced at least nine serious situations while flying. In January 2005, his helicopter made an emergency landing in a remote, Maoist-infested village in Bihars Gaya district. Although locals ferried him to safety, Maoists burned down the chopper a few hours later.

During the first NDA government, Naidu was invited by Captain Gopinath to inaugurate the first flight of Air Deccan from Hyderabad in September 2003. But the flight had to be aborted after one of the engines caught fire. Naidu was one of the passengers on the flight.

That year, he has also experienced landing in mud when his chopper developed a snag and landed in agricultural fields in Ranchi.

In another incident, his flight landed 200 kms away from his destination in Rajasthan.

Naidu also remembers how, when he was the BJP president, he had to spend a night in an under-construction house in a remote village in the northeast as his chopper could not take off.
At odds with the Centre, the Mamata Banerjee government in West Bengal has pulled out of the Swachhata Survekshan, a survey that ranks cities on the basis of cleanliness.

The survey conducted by the Union urban development (UD), as part of the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM), has 500 cities across India in its list. But the 60 cities from West Bengal did not participate in the survey.

This is the second time the Narendra Modi government has been snubbed by the Mamata government. West Bengal had earlier pulled out of the NDA governments flagship programme, Smart Cities.

The survey, whose results will be announced this month, ranks cities on cleanliness and different aspects of urban sanitation.

UD ministry officials confirmed that none of the cities from West Bengal are part of the survey.

Onkar Singh Meena, West Bengals urban development secretary told HT that Banerjee had launched Mission Nirmal Bangla to make the state open defecation free (ODF), and it was running successfully.

In urban areas, so far 55 cities in 125 municipalities have achieved ODF status. We plan to make all cities in the state ODF by March 2018. Since we are taking up all districts one by one, it becomes irrelevant to have a comparable survey, he said.

In last years survey, Asansol in West Bengal, was ranked the second dirtiest city in India after Dhanbad in Jharkhand.

This is the second such Union urban development ministry piloted initiative that the state has put the brakes on. Last year, West Bengal had pulled out of New Town Kolkata, one of the cities picked from the state, to be made smart under the Smart Cities programme.

The Mamata Banerjee led Trinamool Congress government had cited its inability to fork out its share of Rs 100 crore every year till 2019 in this regard.

It has also expressed reservation over imposing fees for basic services like water to generate funds to finance the programme.

Initially, the state government had nominated four cities, capital Kolkata, Bidhan Nagar, New City and Haldea, under the scheme.

Banerjee had openly criticised the Centres Smart Cities project and said it will promote inequitable development.

The West Bengal government has instead proposed to develop ten green cities including Rajarhat in the next five years that will be eco-friendly as well as smart instead of just one city based on parameters fixed by the Centre.

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A special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court in Jaipur on Thursday deferred the sentencing of the two convicts in the 2007 Ajmer Dargah blast case until March 18.

Three people were killed and at least 15 others injured in an explosion at the famous shrine of Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti in Rajasthans Ajmer on October 11, 2007.

On March 8, the special NIA court convicted Bhavesh Patel, Devendra Gupta and Sunil Joshi (now dead) and had fixed March 16 for the sentencing.

The special NIA court judge Dinesh Gupta found Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) members Gupta and deceased Joshi, guilty of conspiring the blasts and Patel of planting the explosives.

The court acquitted Aseemanand, also an accused in the Samjhauta Express and Mecca Masjid blasts, and six other accused, giving them the benefit of doubt.

Gupta and Joshi were members of the RSS and worked together in Madhya Pradeshs Indore and Mhow from 1998 to 2003, the charge sheet filed by the Rajasthan ATS, said.

Gupta, a native of Ajmer, moved to Jamtara in Jharkhand in 2003 and stayed there until 2008 but the two kept in touch and met several times till Joshis mysterious death in 2007, the court was told.

We asked the court that the sentence for the convicts be decided under Section 18 of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).

In addition, we urged that Section 16 of the same act should not be clubbed with Section 120B (conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) while deciding the punishment, said Jagdish Rana, counsel for the convicts.

The Section 18 (punishment for conspiracy) of the UAPA lays down imprisonment for a term not less than 5 years whereas Section 16 lays down death or imprisonment for life if a terrorist act has resulted in the death of a person.

Public prosecutor Ashwini Kumar Sharma, however, said that the UAPA is a special act and sections of both the UAPA and the IPC can be applied while deciding the quantum of the punishment.

We also cited a Supreme Court judgment of 1957, where a section of the Prevention of Corruption Act a special act was applied with a section of the IPC, he said.
ISTANBUL, March 15 (Xinhua) -- Despite divergencies and tension standing in the way of China-U.S. relations, common interests between the two powers "far outweigh" their differences, a Turkish analyst said on Wednesday.

"Both countries are economically interdependent. China is the biggest trade partner of the U.S.," remarked Ozlem Zerrin Keyvan, an advisor on Asia Pacific studies with the Ankara Center for Crisis and Policy Studies.

"Common interests between China and the U.S. far outweigh their differences and conflict areas," she told Xinhua. "It would become impossible for them ever to fight each other."

She referred to some move taken by U.S. President Donald Trump after he took office in January that was seen to antagonize China, as well as to the two countries' differences on trade, cyber security, the South China Sea and human rights.

"Needless to say, the year 2017 will be a testing time for China and U.S. relations," she added.

In the view of Mehmet Seyfettin Erol, head of the Ankara Center for Crisis and Policy Studies, China has no intention to be involved in a crisis with U.S., especially when it has been pursuing necessary reforms at home.

"China needs to secure a peaceful and stable environment, develop relations with neighbouring countries and shape the strategic environment in the Asia Pacific region," observed Keyvan.

"The rise of China has created a responsible actor in regional and even world affairs," she said.

The China-U.S. relationship is crucial not just to the two countries themselves, but also to regional and global peace, security and stability, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said earlier in the day at a press conference held after the conclusion of the annual session of China's national legislature.

Noting that China-U.S. ties have been going forward despite various twists and turns, Li said he feels optimistic about future China-U.S. relations, because "after several decades of growth of bilateral relations, the two countries now share a wide range of common interests."
The arrival of harvested mustard crop is on its peak in Kota region but farmers are forced to sell their produce below declared minimum support price (MSP) as the market price is low. Besides, the government is yet to start purchasing mustard on MSP.

The central government has declared MSP of 3,600 per quintal and bonus of 100 per quintal on government purchase of mustard crop. The government purchases mustard through its agency -- National Agriculture Cooperative Marketing Federation (NAFED). And NAFED through its agency Rajasthan State Cooperative Marketing Federation Ltd (RAJFED).

Lack of government purchase of mustard is leading to losses to farmers since most of their produce is being sold at around 3,200 to 3,400 per quintal which is less than MSP plus bonus price of 3,700 per quintal.

Bansilal, a farmer in Mohammadpura village, said he had to sell his 10 quintals of mustard at the Bhamashah Grain Mandi of Kota in 3,251 per quintal as government purchase of mustard has not started yet. Satyanarayan, another farmer in Madanpura, said he sold his 25 quintals of mustard in Bhamashah Mandi in 3400 per quintal.

General secretary of Hadauti Kisan Union Dashrath Kumar said already the MSP of mustard is less than the cost of cultivation of mustard but even then the government purchase of mustard has not started yet.

The MSP of mustard is 3,700 per quintal (including 100 bonus) whereas the cost of mustard cultivation is 4600 per quintal so the government should increase the MSP to at least 4,000 per quintal and also start its government purchase.

RAJFED regional manager Tej Singh Nirwan said no instruction to start purchasing mustard has been received from NAFED but the Rajasthan government was in touch with the union government on the issue.

The daily average arrival of mustard in Bhamashah Mandi is around 8,000-10,000 quintals. Mustard was sown in around 2 lakh hectares area in Kota division while estimated production of mustard is likely to remain around 3 lakh tonnes this year.

Agriculture minister Prabhulal Saini had urged the union government around 10 days ago about starting government purchase of mustard.
Come Saturday, commuters in Mumbai will get to travel on the first train that is wholly made in India, including the electric control circuitry. Its called the Medha system and is more than a crore cheaper than the Bombardier rakes that now run on the Western Railway that serves 35 lakh commuters daily on its suburban services.

Indian railways procures control circuit technology from foreign companies such as Siemens and Bombardier and this is the first time it has been is developed in India, which will bring down costs. A Medha rake costs Rs43.23 crore now against a Bombardiers Rs44.36. The Medha will cost even less if more are ordered, said a Western Railway spokesperson.

The WR have received two Medha 12-car rakes of which one will be inducted in service on Saturday. However, this does not mean additional services to commuters as the train will be operated for existing services only.

Also read: Western Railway to resume trial of first indigenous Medha train
An attempt to evade arrest during a police nakabandi cost a 22-year-old biker -- who was speeding, drunk and not wearing a helmet -- his life at Milan flyover in Vile Parle (East) on Monday.

According to the police, Vile Parle resident Dhanajaykumar Laxman Prasad Gautam, 22, had borrowed a bike from his friend to take his cousin Ramesh Prasad Gautam, 24, to the Juhu beach.

Both of them got drunk during Holi celebrations, said police.

On seeing the police on their way to the beach around 2pm, they took a U-turn from the gap on the bridge.

They started speeding and crashed into the divider, said police.

Dhananjaykumar, who was not wearing a helmet, succumbed to his head injuries. We are conducting a continuous drive against helmetless driving. All police stations fine at least 100 drivers for the offence every day, said a police officer, requesting anonymity.

The pillion rider suffered cuts on lips, abrasions on hands and legs and chest injury. He is out of danger.

A first information report (FIR) has been registered against Dhananjaykumar for causing death due to negligence.

Read more: Drink driving crackdown: Mumbai learns to drive responsibly
Holi started on an ugly note for two autorickshaw drivers, as a speeding Mercedes Benz rammed into them on Monday morning, said police.

According to the Santacruz police, the accident occurred around 5am on Juhu Tara road, when 27-year-old Imran Bhatkar was heading to Santacruz (West).

At Royal junction, he lost control of the vehicle and drove into two autorickshaw drivers at the spot.

One of them, Buchra Akruti, 27, suffered head injuries and is in the ICU of a government hospital, police said.

His friend, Vishnu Sawant, 28, also a rickshaw driver, suffered a fracture to his leg and is out of danger.

Instead of helping the victims, the driver sped away. Passers-by chased down the car and informed us about the accident. Bhatkar was reeking of alcohol at the time of arrest, said a police officer.

He has been booked under section 279 (rash driving), 338 (causing grievous hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others) of the Indian Penal Code and 134 A and B (for escaping from the spot without rendering help to victims and non-cooperation with police officer) and 185 (driving by a drunken person or by a person under the influence of drugs) of the Motor Vehicle Act.

He was granted bail by a magistrates court.

Read more: Drink driving: Unhappy hours for Mumbai cops
There will be no Christies auction in Mumbai this December, or any December in the foreseeable future.

After four years of live auctions that generated plenty of excitement but dwindling sales, the international auction house has decided to end all brick-and-mortar events in India.

This is part of a scaling back of Christies operations across centres, an indication that the troubles in the art market are affecting even the biggest players.

Its been almost a decade since the US-led economic downturn of 2008 ended the boom period for the Indian art market, and for art markets around the world.

The smaller galleries were the first to shut; other scaled down operations.

So it was considered a good sign when Christies announced its first-ever live auction in India, in 2013.Sales were good, records were set and it seemed like India would prove to be where its at.

The decision to end the live auctions in Mumbai is part of a bigger and broader decision taken for Christies worldwide, confirmed Christies India director and specialist head, Sonal Singh.

We will continue to hold three annual live auctions of modern and contemporary South Asian art between London and New York and also have auctions with classical Indian art in four annual auctions between New York, London and Hong Kong. In addition to this, we plan to explore the online space, Singh added.

The truth is that revenues from the Indian art auctions never matched those from similar Christies events overseas, says Arvind Vijaymohan of Artery India, a Gurgaon-based art consultancy.

For instance, the Post-War and Contemporary sales at the Christies auction in February amounted to Rs469.53 crore  from just 54 works, says Vijaymohan.

By contrast, the highest-grossing live auction in India  the 2015 edition  brought Rs97.69 crore. In 2016, that figure slid to Rs72.16 crore, below even the first editions Rs75.27 crore. Some collectors had also complained about repetitive collections on the Indian auction scene, including at Christies events.

While the Indian market is rife with opportunity, any corporate institution would have to take into account whether their expenditure is being justified. Christies invested heavily in human resources and promotion. It is likely that the results did not meet corporate expectations, Vijaymohan says.

Market movements remain cyclical and in the current context, Sothebys is ramping up its India operations and looking to build an India team, he concluded.

Read

Christies to hold 4th annual auction on December 18 at Taj hotel in Mumbai

Gaitonde goes for Rs15.63cr at Christies art auction in city

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A joyride for four drunk men took a tragic turn on Monday as their speeding car crashed into a divider at Santacruz (West) killing one of them. The four friends had come together to celebrate Holi.

They were travelling in a WagonR from Juhu chowpatty towards Andheri.

The car was speeding and went out of control. It crashed into the divider on SV road and overturned, said an officer from Santacruz police station.

One of them, Vijay Jadhav, 48, a peon, who was sitting next to the driver, died of internal head injuries.

He was rushed to Cooper hospital, where he was declared dead on admission, said the officer.

Jadhav is survived by his wife, son and daughter.

Jadhavs friend Vishal Shirodkar, 24, who was driving the car, was apparently drunk, said police.

He was arrested and sent for a medical test.

He was booked under sections 279 (rash driving), 304 A (causing death due to negligence) of the Indian Penal Code and 185 (driving by a drunken person or by a person under the influence of drugs) of the Motor Vehicle Act. He was granted bail.

Read more: Say no to drink driving, yes to a safe ride, Mumbai university tells students
Although 45 doctors from various state-run hospitals were assaulted by the patients kin in the last three years across Maharashtra, the government has failed to implement measures to curb the violence.

In comparison, the neighbouring state of Karnataka has done a better job of protecting its doctors. By restricting the number of relatives visiting a ward and deploying adequate police personnel to handle untoward incidents, Karnataka Directorate of Medical Education (KDME) has managed to prevent its doctors from being subjected to violence at the hands of patients kin.

Dean of Bangalore Medical College, Dr S Sacchidanand, said that by restricting the access of patients relatives to the sensitive wards such as trauma and intensive care units, the college has managed to provide a safer environment for the doctors to work in.

We allow only two relatives, along with doctors, inside a ward. Besides, we have at least 3 to 4 police officers stationed at every hospital. This acts as a deterrent for those wanting to take law into their own hands, said Sacchidanand. He added that in case of an incident pertaining sporadic violence occurs on the hospital premises, the well-placed CCTV cameras help them identify the culprits.

Maharashtra, meanwhile, is still struggling to ensure safety of the doctors working at civil and state-run hospitals. In a recent incident, Dr Rohan Mhamunkar, a senior doctor at the Dhule civil Hospital, was assaulted by 15 to 20 relatives of a patient after he requested the family to shift the patient to another hospital owing to unavailability of a neurologist.

Mhamunkar, after being initially treated at the Seva hospital in Dhule, is currently recuperating at the Jupiter Hospital in Thane. Doctors here said he has lost 90% of his vision and has suffered an orbital fracture (severe trauma to eye socket) along with cranial fracture (skull), fractured ribs and injured his torso in the attack.

Dr Deoras Kiranshankar Wasudeo, who heads of the district body of Indian Medical Association (IMA) in Belgaum, Karnataka, said he has rarely noticed their doctors being subjected to such violence by the patients kin.

Though cases of sporadic violence have been reported from across the state, the numbers are definitely less than the ones reported from Maharashtra. The attacks are a result of vulnerable psychological state of the relatives when they reach the hospital with a patient, said Dr Wasudeo.

The Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DMER), a state government body that acts as an advisory and regulator of medical education across Maharashtra, has plans to up the security at hospitals and restrict relatives access medical wards.

Also read: Maharashtra to increase security for docs, restrict number of relatives visiting patients
Enter Mumbais western suburbs, and its like entering the sets of a 90s Bollywood gangster film. At its peak, the underworld thrived here. Today, films are made here, stars live here. Here, reel mirrors real. Crime thrives.

The western suburbs accounted for about a third of all crimes filed across Mumbai 10,944 of the 39,350 cases filed across the city came from the western suburbs. The police have solved just over half of these, at 56%. Thats a scary statistic for an area with 89 lakh people  the rich and famous like Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar and Priyanka Chopra, and to the middle-class Mumbaiite  and that saw the sensational murders of music label owner Gulshan Kumar and builder Pradeep Jain.

Problem areas

Twenty-one police stations oversee 127.5sqkm, between Bandra and Jogeshwari. While the 1990s saw extortion rackets in localities taken over by dons, today white-collar criminals who swindle large sums of money or cheat people of property have taken centre-stage. Praveen Salunke, joint commissioner of the Economic Offences Wing, told HT, We get 30% of our cases from west Mumbai. Fragments of the underworld have survived too  49 cases of extortion were filed in 2016. The influence Mumbais underworld had here was phenomenal. They knew when a rich businessman bought a new car. A phone call would be made to his house within hours, asking him for protection money, said a former Mumbai crime branch officer.

Crime capital

While the police have managed to pretty much wipe out the activities of the mafia, cases of theft, rape, chain-snatching, molestation and card fraud are rampant. In 2016, 175 cases of rape, 875 cases of motor vehicle theft and 675 cases of burglaries and 2,076 theft cases, among others, were filed.

Whats wrong?

The 21 police stations in the west region fall under three zones (zones 8, 9 and 10). Each zone is headed by a deputy commissioner of police (DCP) who reports to the chief of the region, additional commissioner Cherring Dorje. When HT contacted Dorje for this story, he refused to comment. Zone 9, the stretch between Bandra (West) and Jogeshwari (West), accounted for nearly half of all cases in the region  5,114 of the 10,944 cases. The zones DCP, Satya Narayan, too refused to comment. I cannot comment without analysing statistics and types of crimes. The high population could be causing the crime rate, said senior inspector Pandit Thakare from Bandra police station.

Solution: train officers

Young officers need willpower to perform with the resources they are given, DK Rupawate, who retired a few days ago as assistant commissioner of police at Andheri division. When I started off three decades ago, we had one vehicle at every police station. Today, there are four. Rupawate said, In the past five years, a lot has been given to the force. What remains is motivating young blood. Another officer said the force needs personnel. We need manpower to combat crime effectively.

Also read: Struggle for space, food fan petty crimes in Saki Naka

Juhu, a hub for money-related offences

851 FIRs registered at DN Nagar in 2016
The Maharashtra government announced that it has provided security at the shoot of Sanjay Leela Bhansalis film Padmavati after its sets in Kolhapur were vandalised and set on fire late just past midnight on Wednesday. Deepak Kesarkar, minister of state for home, made the announcement. He said an investigation was underway, adding, The government has decided to beef up security on the set. One police officer and 12 constables have been deployed to provide security to the unit.

Cultural affairs minister Vinod Tawde said that filmmakers should show some restraint while making movies on historical subjects. Filmmakers should show some restraint. They must ensure that their movies are less about fiction and more about reality, he said. He also advised Bhansali, who is also the producer of Padmavati, to resolve differences through mutual consent.

Unknown vandals attacked the sets of Padmavati at the Masai plateau in Kolhapur late on Tuesday night. Bhansali had shifted the shoot there after his sets in Rajasthan were targeted by the Karni Sena, a Rajput outfit, a few weeks ago.

The incident took place around 1am on Wednesday. The attackers are yet to be identified but based on preliminary information from Bhansalis crew, there were about 25 of them, he added.

Kesarkar said that though the inspector general and superintendent of police had met with Bhansali and requested him to file a police complaint, the director was yet to do so.

Meanwhile, Tawde said, Bhansalis movies are based on history. There may be differences of opinion on such movies. The parties should resolve their differences by mutual consent.

Also read: Mob vandalises Padmavati set in Kolhapur

We are broken emotionally: Padmavati designers on vandalism
Travel woes of those travelling via Kalanagar junction in Bandra (East) are unlikely to end anytime soon, thanks to the proposed DN Nagar-Bandra-Mankhurd (Metro 2B) corridor.

With vehicles coming from five directions, the stretch between Kalanagar and BKC witnesses crippling jams during peak hours. A survey by MMRDA showed more than 12,000 cars pass the BKC junction every hour.

To ease the traffic movement, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) came up with a plan to build three flyovers in the area and gave out a contract to Simplex Infrastructure Ltd in October 2016. The contractor, however, has been unable to start the work, as the Metro 2B corridor is in the way of one of the three flyovers. The agency is now reconsidering the alignment of the flyovers and Metro line.

According to senior MMRDA officials, a ramp of one flyover, which will connect the sea link to Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), clashes with the Metro 2B line from Kalanagar towards BKC. We are working on the designs with the consultants. We are considering having a common pier for both the flyover and Metro, but nothing is final yet, said UPS Madan, metropolitan commissioner, MMRDA.

Madan said once the designs are finalised, the contractor will start work on the flyovers in phases, to minimise the inconvenience caused to motorists.

The second flyover will be a two-lane bridge to allow commuters travelling towards the sea link to skip the traffic signals at BKC and Kalanagar junctions. The third flyover will have two sections -- one before the Mithi River bridge on Sion-Dharavi Link Road and the other from BKC junction. These sections will merge into a single three-lane elevated road above the existing Kalanagar flyover before ending at Kherwadi junction. Also, a 300- m long and 12-feet wide road will be built on the excise departments land to ensure smooth dispersal of traffic from Dharavi to Mahim and sea link.

Was eco nod needed for nine Metro-3 stations?: HC

The Bombay high court (HC) on Thursday directed the ministry of environment and forests to file by March 29 an affidavit stating whether nine stations on the Metro-3 line needed a prior environmental clearance.

A division bench of chief justice Manjula Chellur and justice Girish Kulkarni was hearing two petitions filed by Nina Verma and Pervin Jehangir. Verma has raised concerns over the apparent harm to the green cover on the Churchgate-Colaba-Cuffe Parade stretch, while Jehangir has questioned the use of public land for construction of a Metro line.

In her plea, Verma said a close scrutiny of the documents given by the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (MMRCL) showed the work on Hutatma Chowk, Churchgate and Cuffe Parade stations on the Metro line, which will connect Colaba in the island city to the industrial hubs of Bandra and SEEPZ, should not have started. Her counsel, senior advocate Janak Dwarkadas, submitted that at least nine stations on the route are protected under the Environment Impact Assessment Notifications of 2006 and 2011, which makes prior environmental clearance mandatory to start work.

They [MMRCL] will have to obtain environmental clearance before starting work on these stations, said the senior advocate.

Senior advocate Aspi Chinoy, who appeared for the MMRCL, refuted the claims. The bench said it was necessary to seek stand of the MoEF on the issue.

Jehangir said a special purpose vehicle (MMRCL) created by MMRDA for the Metro line cannot be given powers like the railways to use public land for projects. He said the Metro Railway Act requires the contractor to acquire specific rights, even for using public lands temporarily.

The MMRCL said it has obtained all necessary permissions, adding the entire track and all stations on the line will be underground and 90% to 95 % of the land required for laying the line would be restored to its original position.

(With inputs from Kanchan Chaudhari)

Read: Two new Mumbai Metro routes to get state nod soon

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UNITED NATIONS, March 15 (Xinhua) -- The international community must step up efforts to combat human trafficking and slavery in regions of conflict, said a Chinese envoy here on Wednesday.

Liu Jieyi, China's permanent representative to the UN, made the appeal at a Security Council debate on human trafficking.

Liu said international community should support countries concerned in combating such criminal activities by providing them with targeted assistance in law enforcement, border control and financial regulation.

"On the other hand, we need to enhance international cooperation with the focus on law enforcement and leverage the role of regional and sub-regional organizations, pool all resources available to investigate, disrupt and dismantle trafficking networks," he said.

Liu also said the international community should uphold unified counter-terrorism standard and take coordinated and concerted action to fight against crimes of human trafficking and enslavement.

"We need to take an integrated approach with political and economic means to stem the financial flow to terrorist organizations from human trafficking and enslavement so as to dismantle their criminal networks," he added.

In addition, Liu called for political settlement to regional conflict to eradicate the breeding ground to human trafficking and other criminal activities.

He said the international community should work harder on political solutions to hot-spot issues, advance their political process in line with principles in UN Charter, and settle disputes through dialogue and consultations.

Human trafficking thrives in regions where conflict prevails and the rule of law is weak. Extremist groups have been capturing and trading enslaved women and children to obtain funding for their terrorist activities.
Three drink-driving accidents killed two people in the suburbs on Monday.

In Santacruz (West), a Mercedez Benz hit two autorickshaw drivers, sending one of them to the ICU. In the same area, a joyride for four friends turned tragic after their car hit the divider, killing one of them.

A third drink-driving mishap occurred in Vile Parle (East). A 22-year-old biker, under the influence of alcohol, crashed into a divider on Milan flyover while trying to evade a police nakabandi.

In the accident involving the Mercedez Benz, the police said the driver, allegedly under the influence of alcohol, lost control of his vehicle around 5.30am at Juhu and crashed into two autorickshaw drivers standing on the side of the road. Instead of rendering help to the victims, the Benz driver sped away from the spot but passersby chased the car and stopped it. They also alerted us and we reached the spot, said a police officer. Imran Bhatkar, 27, a driver by profession, was arrested and has undergone a medical test top confirm if he was drunk.

One of the autorickshaw drivers, Buchra Akruti, 27, suffered head injuries and has been admitted to the ICU of a government hospital, the police said. The other autorickshaw driver Vishnu Sawant, 28, fractured his leg.

Not far away, four friends were travelling in a WagonR from Juhu Chowpatty towards Andheri around 5pm.

The car was speeding and the driver lost control and crashed into a divider and the car overturned, said a police officer from Santacruz police station.

One of the occupants, Vijay Jadhav, 48, who was sitting next to the driver on the front seat, died of internal head injuries. Two others seated at the back suffered minor injuries. An official said Jadhav did not have any visible injuries, but he was bleeding from his ears due to the internal head injury. He was rushed to nearby Cooper hospital but was declared dead on admission, said the police officer.

Meanwhile, in Vile Parle (East), Dhanajaykumar Laxman Prasad Gautam, 22, had borrowed a motorcycle from his friend to take his cousin Ramesh Prasad Gautam, 24, to Juhu beach from their Vile Parle residence.

The police said both brothers got drunk at home and were moving towards Juhu beach. While on Milan flyover, they spotted a police nakabandi and took a U-turn from a gap on the bridge. In an attempt to evade the police, the speeding bike crashed into the divider. Dhanajaykumar, who was not wearing a helmet, died of head injuries, the police said.

Also read: Drunk driver rams Mercedes into autorickshaws in Mumbai

Joyride takes tragic turn at Santacruz in Mumbai, 1 dies

22-year-old biker dies while trying to escape traffic police in Mumbai
Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawars meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Wednesday has sparked speculation in political circles in Maharashtra, coming as it does at a time when the BJPs ally, the Shiv Sena, is attacking it at every turn.

The official version is Pawar met the PM to seek loan waiver for farmers, a solution to farmer suicides, and official language status for Marathi. But given Pawars reputation as someone who always keeps his options open, the meeting has sparked all kinds conjecture. Soon after the Assembly elections of 2014, the NCP had offered the BJP unsolicited support to form a government. In fact, this move by the NCP had led to a lot of bad blood between the BJP and the Sena, which was forced to back the Devendra Fadnavis government on not so favourable terms.

Pawars meeting with the PM comes at a time when the Sena and the BJP are pulling back from a bitter fight for primacy in the Mumbai civic elections. The Sena has also been siding with the opposition in the Assembly in pressuring the Fadnavis government over the issue of farmers distress.

Wednesdays meeting also takes place against the backdrop of the BJPs victory in Uttar Pradesh assembly polls, which may impact political alignments at the national level.

Also read: No question of supporting BJP in Mumbai, says NCP chief Sharad Pawar

Endgame for Sharad Pawar after Maharashtra civic poll debacle

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Raigad Fort in the Konkan, where Shivaji was crowned Chhatrapati in 1674 and which he made his capital, will be spruced up at a cost of Rs607 crore as part of the Maharashtra governments plans to develop tourism and pilgrim sites across the state. The fort was destroyed by the British in 1818. Some conservation efforts have been carried out over the years given its significance as the seat of Maratha power.

The plans include conservation and documentation of the historical structures and providing basic amenities for visitors. The state government is also proposing to push for UNESCO heritage site status for the fort.

The area around the Lonar crater lake in Maharashtras Buldana district, which was formed when a meteor crashed into the earth during the last ice age, will also be developed at a cost of Rs93.46 crore. A research centre, laboratory, a tourist information centre, an auditorium and museum, a viewing platform and pollution-free buses are among the amenities planned.

At a meeting with key ministers and officials on Wednesday evening, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis approved development plans for the temple town of Mahur in Nanded (Rs 216.13 crore) and the hill station of Mhaismal and pilgrim centres of Verul and Sulibhanjan (Rs 438.44 crore).

Fadnavis said the concerns and needs of the locals would be kept in mind while developing facilities for visitors to these spots.

Also read: Shivaji memorial in sea: 13 firms show initial interest in building statue

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INS Viraat could become underwater destination off Konkan coast

INS Viraat, the aircraft carrier the Indian Navy just decommissioned, could end up an underwater tourist attraction off the Konkan coast if the Maharashtra governments plans go through. Otherwise, the Viraat, which was for long the Navys flagship, could end up being sold for scrap. Read

1st fully Indian-made suburban train to run in Mumbai on Saturday

Come Saturday, commuters in Mumbai will get to travel on the first train that is wholly made in India, including the electric control circuitry. Its called the Medha system and is more than a crore cheaper than the Bombardier rakes that now run on the Western Railway that serves 35 lakh commuters daily on its suburban services. Read

Shivajis capital, Raigad Fort, to be spruced up for Rs600 crore

Raigad Fort in the Konkan, where Shivaji was crowned Chhatrapati in 1674 and which he made his capital, will be spruced up at a cost of Rs607 crore as part of the Maharashtra governments plans to develop tourism and pilgrim sites across the state. Read

HSC results: Mumbai teachers need to clear 26 lakh answer sheets in 2 months

Although junior college teachers across Mumbai have started assessing answer sheets for the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) exams, a day after withdrawing their protest on Wednesday, they will have to clear a backlog of 26 lakh answer sheets in less than two months so that the results can be declared on time  before June 5. Read

Pawar meets Modi, sets off speculation

The official version is Pawar met the PM to seek loan waiver for farmers, a solution to farmer suicides, and official language status for Marathi. But given Pawars reputation as someone who always keeps his options open, the meeting has sparked all kinds conjecture. Read
Expelled Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Aman Mani Tripathi, who recently won the Nautanwa seat as an independent candidate, showered praise on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national president, Amit Shah, in Ghaziabad on Thursday.

Tripathi was in the city for a hearing in connection with the murder of his wife, Sara Singh. She was killed on July 9, 2015, in an allegedly fake road accident. After the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) took up the case, it filed a chargesheet against Tripathi in February. During his arrest in connection with the case, he was lodged in Dasna jail.

It is not just simple majority, but a major majority by the BJP (in the recent UP assembly elections). PM Modi and Amit Shah encouraged youngsters, which led to an increase in voting percentage. Their development works have also been impressive. I will work for the development of UP and my constituency, which has showered so much affection on me in these testing times, Tripathi said.

Tripathi was to contest as a Samajwadi Party (SP) candidate from Nautanwa, but was expelled from the party. However, he contested as an independent and won. In his absence due to his arrest, his sisters carried out the campaign on his behalf.

When asked whether his praise for the PM and BJP leaders was because he was expelled from the SP and wanted to join the BJP, he said, I am motivated by PM Modi who thought about the development of Gorakhpur fertiliser plant that will help in development and also provide employment to the youth in our area. My ticket (from SP) was not cancelled due to any one person, but due to the time I am going through. It (the recent election) is not SPs loss, but that of Ahankar (ego).

Tripathi was recently granted bail by the Allahabad high court and was released from judicial custody in Dasna jail. He is the son of former UP minister, Amar Mani Tripathi, who has been associated with SP and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) at various points in his political career.

Both Amar Mani and his wife Madhumani were awarded a life sentence in 2007 by a CBI court for murder of poetess Madhumita Shukla.

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The officials of Ghaziabad municipal corporation and its consultant firm have chalked out a new Rs 2,200 crore Smart City proposal for Ghaziabad.

The proposal is to be submitted to the Centre by March 31 for the next round of Smart City scheme.

The officials said the proposal will be submitted soon to the Regional Centre for Urban and Environmental Study, the nodal agency in Uttar Pradesh.

After the approval and modification, if any, the plan will be reviewed by a high-power committee and forwarded to the Centre. This will be the third time that the city will be participating in the Smart City competition.

The areas under the area-based development plan will include Vaishali, Vasundhara, parts of Site-IV Industrial area and Sahibabad vegetable market. The areas will be further developed with underground cabling, underground parking, and loading and unloading facilities for trucks. One major underground parking will also come up in Vasundhara, said Sanjay Chauhan, executive engineer, Ghaziabad municipal corporation.

We have improved a bit upon the previous plan and new plan will include the intelligent traffic management system and surveillance cameras. Proper footpaths, cycle tracks and provision for e-bicycles are also retained under the proposal, he said.

Recently, the officials had planned to redevelop and makeover the old city area in Ghaziabad which is of heritage value. But the idea was dropped and officials instead included Vaishali and Vasundhara.

Under the Centres Smart City competition, cities across the country will be reviewed on certain parameters and the selected ones will be allotted funds for development. Ghaziabad did not make the cut in previous two lists.

In the first round in January 2016, the city failed to make it to the top 20 cities. In the second round in September last year, Ghaziabad ranked 53rd among 63 cities.

Only Agra, Kanpur and Varanasi from Uttar Pradesh have made it to the list of 27 cities selected for funding under the plan in September.

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A 28-year-old man, who was part of a robbery gang, was arrested on Thursday on charges of killing one of his accomplices and shooting another after a fight broke out among them over the division of loot.

The police said the accused, Kaleem, was part of a four-member gang of robbers. All of them were living at a rented accommodation in Bishanpur village of Sector 58.

On March 2, the four men  Kalim, Sajid, Raju and Sarfaraz  all aged between 27 and 30, had returned from Jaipur after a heist of Rs 8 lakh.

While discussing their share in the cash and other valuables looted from Jaipur, Raju opened fire at Sajid, the police said.

The police suspect that they were under the influence of alcohol at the time. Sajid started bleeding profusely and was rushed to a hospital.

On their way, a fight erupted again. This time Sarfaraz was shot but he managed to jump from the car. Safaraz went to Bisrakh police station and told the police that he and his friend Sajid were travelling along with Kaleem and Raju in a car when they were attacked by some people on the way.

Following his complaint, a case was registered at Bisrakh police station. Sarfaraz was also taken to hospital and given treatment.

Police said Sajid succumbed to injuries and his body was dumped near the canal in Jarcha. The mystery unfolded on Wednesday when his body was recovered from the area.

When the Bisrakh police station was contacted, the personnel there identified the body. A police team was alerted and Kalim was arrested from Sebhai village in Greater Noida.

A murder case has been registered and we are trying to arrest Sarfaraz and Raju. All are wanted in criminal cases in different districts of Rajsthan and Uttar Pradesh, said Vinod Pandey, station house officer, Bisrakh police station.
Office bearers of the Federation of apartment owners association (FED-AOA) and officials of the Ghaziabad development authority (GDA) got into a spat over the issue of sewage backflow in Indirapuram highrises. The residents even accused the cleaning staff of demanding money for cleaning works.

A delegation of FED-AOA on Thursday reached the GDA vice-chairmans office to complain about alleged bribe being charged from them by the sanitation staff and the areas sewerage issues still remaining pending.

When we told officials about it, they were infuriated and did not reply properly. We told them that around 25 highrises were forced to pay around Rs10,000 to super sucker machine cleaning staff every time the want to get the sewers cleaned. The amount is not justified, but we are forced to pay, said DK Maurya, president of FED-AOA.

When GDA vice-chairman called up the executive engineer Chakresh Jain for an explanation, he was defiant and did not respond properly. So, we left the office. We will approach senior officials soon. Our issue of sewerage cleaning and widening of sewer lines is still pending despite a high court order, he added.

The association had moved a PIL that was disposed of by the court last year, stating that the issue should be resolved by GDA, the respondent. Later, FED-AOA and GDA officials also held meetings to discuss the issue.

In areas of Ahimsa Khand, the developers had laid the sewer lines that should have been laid by the GDA as per proper specification. The existing lines are overburdened and need cleaning regularly. This results in sewage backflow in flats. We are forced to shell out money every time and still the issue persists, said Alok Kumar, patron, FED-AOA.

However, Jain said any amount paid by highrises was not called for and should have been brought to the knowledge of GDA officials earlier.

When we asked them why they pay any such amount, they had no answer and left the office. They were not in a mood to discuss the issue further. They never told us or complained about any money being paid to the cleaning staff. The consultancy firm for sewer works was selected before elections, but work orders were pending due to the election code of conduct in place. So, the work could not be expedited, he said.

On Thursday, state officials asked us to hold all new works till the formation of a new government. This will further cause a delay as we are bound by the orders, Jain added.
During a general body meeting of the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) faculty association, a woman doctor burst into tears after she was asked to vacate an accommodation provided to her on the institute campus.

The PGI staff has been facing a shortage of housing for decades now. Three main issues were discussed in the meeting.

Also read | HT Spotlight: Its an Emergency at the PGI in Chandigarh

A woman knows how difficult it is to live with a family that has a newborn child and dependent elderly parents as members. My father is suffering from movement disorder and is admitted here. I have received a letter giving me two days to vacate, she said.

Also read | Chandigarh: Another PGI doc charge sheeted in plagiarism row

She said, The committee chairperson has given us moral support but that will not help me. I need a house. I have received a number of letters asking me to vacate the accommodation without providing any alternative.

I have been asked to vacate the house because it is given to those with a lower grade pay, she said. A PGI administration official said, Over the last 20 years, the faculty strength has increased from about 150 to over 425, but not even a single new faculty house was constructed during this period. There are nearly 125 faculty houses while the rest of the doctors are living on rent.

He said the problem is not limited to faculty only. Hardly 20% nursing staff has houses. Technicians and ward attendants are also struggling to get houses, he said. While the number of employees have increased manifold, the number of houses has not been increased. The staff anger is genuine.

Moreover, the housing rent allowance (HRA) given to the staff is not sufficient for them to afford a decent house outside, he said.

Dr TD Yadav, president, PGIMER Faculty Association, said the administration is proactive in recruiting faculty but is not paying any heed to their needs. Over 250 faculty are forced to stay on rent outside the campus. If proper measures are not taken, the PGI faculty will be forced to resort to protest. We will take a call on this in the next meeting, said Yadav.

MAKE OTS FUNCTIONAL

The PGI administration should make all operation theatres (OTs) functional that are nonfunctional like in OPD and emergency areas. Also proper OT time utilisation should be ascertained, demanded the members of governing body meeting.

PROVIDE INFRA TO NEW FACULTY MEMBERS

The PGI administration has recruited new faculty members but has not provided adequate infrastructure. In surgical branches, new faculty members are getting just a half OT table every week. Many have not been provided with offices and in some instances a faculty office is being shared by up to eight colleagues, said Yadav.

HIRING PROFESSORS

The governing body in its meeting in January 2017 had sought review of existing professors posts which are not required by the departments. But no such review has taken place and these posts were advertised, said Dr Yadav. He said, At the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi (AIIMS), New Delhi, no direct recruitment has taken place after 2005 at the level of professor.

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A 30-year-old woman has accused her father of raping her several times, and forcing her to undergo abortions thrice, in the last three years. Shockingly, the rapes were allegedly committed after the victim got married.

The woman made the revelations before Dhanbad deputy commissioner A Dodde on Wednesday, and sought action against her father  a resident of Nirsa. She also filed a written complaint, which was forwarded to the Dhanbad superintendent of police and Nirsa law-enforcement authorities for a thorough probe.

My father would rape me whenever he came visiting my in-laws in Jamtara district, the woman said in her complaint.

The victims husband, who accompanied her to the district commissioners office, said his job required him to be stationed at Chitaranjan in Bengal. My wife stayed back at the village to look after my aged mother. Since there is no male member at home, my father-in-law used to drop by frequently, he said.

The couple claimed that they had previously raised the issue with the village panchayat and submitted petitions to the Nirsa and Jamtara police stations. However, no action was taken because the accused was an influential land broker from the locality.

The woman further alleged that her father threatened to kill her husband if she told anybody about his misdeeds.

Nirsa police station in-charge Parmeshwar Prasad said a complaint has been registered, and the accused would be summoned soon for questioning. Appropriate action will be taken after the facts in the case are verified, Prasad added.

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WASHINGTON, March 15 (Xinhua) -- China reduced its holding of U.S. Treasury securities in January after adding 9.1 billion U.S. dollars in the previous month, the latest data from the U.S. Treasury Department showed on Wednesday.

China shed its treasuries holding by 7.3 billion U.S. dollars in January, with the total holding down to 1.0511 trillion U.S. dollars.

China's central bank chief Zhou Xiaochuan said recently that Chinese currency, the yuan, will stabilize this year amid a firming economy and global confidence in the country's growth prospects. He also reiterated that the fall in China's foreign exchange reserve is a normal phenomenon.

Japan, which overtakes China as the largest holder of U.S. treasuries in October, increased its holding by 11.7 billion dollars to 1.1025 trillion dollars in January.

By the end of January, overall foreign holdings of U.S. Treasury securities dropped to 5.9561 trillion U.S. dollars from December's 6.0039 trillion dollars.
The long wait to get a glimpse of the highly anticipated Baahubali 2 trailer has been worth it. Going by the first impression of the visuals, the audiences are in for a visual treat. A follow up to Baahubali: The Beginning, the trailer of Baahubali 2 is truly out of the world and it packs action and emotions in appropriate proportion to leave us in awe.

The trailer starts off with a quick rewind of what happened in the first part. It throws the spotlight on the majestic Anushka Shetty, exploring her romance with Prabhas in a few fleeting shots. The focus then shifts on Prabhas, who plays Amarendra Baahubali, and shots featuring him, will send his fans into frenzy. Its also very evident that Rajamouli and his team have pushed the envelope in terms of scale, vision, action and visual effects.

If you thought the action in Baahubali was breathtaking, its beyond comprehension how amazing the action will look in the second part, going by the visuals from the trailer. The face-off between Prabhas and Rana in the last shot of the trailer is the perfect icing on the cake.

Ah, the Amarendra Baahubali-Devasena romance...

The pain of Sivagami...

The glory of Mahishmati...

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Game of Thrones star Maisie Williams, who plays role of Arya Stark in the fantasy series, seemingly announced the death of a major character - Sansa Stark, played by Sophie Turner.

The 19-year-old was at the South by Southwest Film Festival in Texas on Sunday with on screen sister Turner.

Discussing the upcoming final seasons alongside showrunners David Benioff and Dan Weiss, the actor revealed to the crowd that Sansa might not make it to season eight, reports Express.co.uk.

A post shared by JonTyrionArya (@jontyrionarya) on Mar 16, 2017 at 12:05am PDT

Turner, 21, was sporting her natural blonde hair when an audience member asked why she doesnt have her characters bold red locks.

According to a Twitter page, A Storm of Spoilers, Williams responded: Shes dead.

Sophie Turner arrives at the 23rd annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at the Shrine Auditorium & Expo Hall on January 29, 2017, in Los Angeles. (AP)

The social media profile said a moment went by until producer Benioff said: Dont worry, they wont tell anyone.

The seventh season of the popular fantasy drama series Game of Thrones will premiere on July 16. It will be back in India on Star World, Star World HD and Star World Premiere HD.

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Mexican director Alfonso Cuaron has just wrapped up his latest movie, Roma -- a work that saw the auteur going back to his homeland to plot a 1970s story about a middle-class family.

Two years ago, Cuarons fascinating odyssey, Gravity, with George Clooney and Sandra Bullock as astronauts who lose their way in space, opened the Venice Film Festival to a fairly good critical applause. The director told reporters on Wednesday that it were movies like Gravity that enabled him to undertake a project like Roma in his native country. Films are like a cereal box -- at the bottom there is the promise of a toy... Gravity was that cereal box and I got that little toy, which usually leads to a bigger movie with more production, with more stars. But I decided to return to Mexico City to make this film with the resources I had always dreamed about... I can live abroad, but my head keeps thinking in Mexican. I am very much up on the happenings of my country, and I miss where I am from.

Gravity starred George Clooney and Sandra Bullock as astronauts who lose their way in space.

Roma is Cuarons first work after his 2001 Y Tu Mama Tambien -- a sexually explicit movie about a couple of teenagers who are seduced by an older woman on a road journey. The movie catapulted the helmer into starry heights.

Roma will recreate the horrible 1971 Corpus Christi massacre in which dozens of young student protestors were brutally killed by a paramilitary group called Los Halcones. Cuaron added that this was a historic moment in Mexico, and the subject needed to be treated with reverence and authenticity.

And, the Mexico City authorities extended their full cooperation by shutting down several streets to facilitate the shoot.

Set to open in the next few months, Roma can well be a lesson to us in India -- where many of us are obsessed with hiding the truth and obliterating history. While many, many films have been made on the horrific Holocaust and while Roma will prove that Mexico is open to even a bitter chapter from its past being the subject of a movie, India still loves to pretend that nothing untoward has ever happened here. Can there ever be a film on the Babri Masjid incident? Can there ever be a work on the spectrum scam? Why, we cannot even allow someone like Sanjay Leela Bhansali to shoot a film on what may be pure fictional fantasy. He was molested some days ago, and now his sets have been razed to the ground. What more do we need?

Follow @htshowbiz for more

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The White House on Thursday announced nominees for six senior Pentagon jobs, including a longtime Boeing Co executive for deputy secretary of defense, moving to fill out defense secretary Jim Mattis new team.

President Donald Trump has struggled to fill top Defense Department positions.

Mattis is the only administration nominee to be confirmed at the Pentagon. Until Thursday, the administration had only announced four other nominees; two of those later withdrew. Trumps pick for deputy secretary is Patrick M Shanahan.

The latest manifestation of Mattis struggle came earlier this week when he abandoned an effort to get White House approval for his choice of policy chief, Anne W Patterson, a career diplomat who was opposed by some Senate Republicans.

The White Houses nominees list on Thursday didnt include a new policy chief, but it did name a deputy policy chief.

A Pentagon spokesman, Navy Capt Jeff Davis, said Mattis recommended all six of the nominees to the White House. Each requires Senate confirmation.

As deputy secretary of defense, Shanahan would succeed Robert Work, a former Marine and Obama administration holdover.

Work is the only senior Pentagon official from the prior administration still in place, although others have been performing the duties of senior officials in the absence of Trump nominees.

Shanahan moved up through the management ranks at Boeing over a career that began in 1986.

The Puget Sound Business Journal called him a Boeing fix-it man in a March 2016 report on Shanahans promotion to his current position. He oversees the companys global supply chain strategies and use of advanced manufacturing technologies. Shanahan was a central to getting the 787 Dreamliner on track after production problems in the programs early years, the report said.

Boeings website says Shanahan is a member of the companys executive council, reporting directly to the chairman and president, Dennis Mullenburg. Shanahan previously was senior vice president of airplane programs from 2008 to 2016 and vice president and general manager of Boeing Missile Defense Systems.

A Washington state native, Shanahan is currently chairman of the University of Washingtons Board of Regents. He holds a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Washington and two advanced degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

David Joel Trachtenberg, nominated for the No. 2 policy job, is president of Shortwave Consulting, a national security consulting firm. He has held several Pentagon positions, including principal deputy assistant secretary for international security policy responsible for NATO, Europe, Russia and Eurasia issues. He penned a December 2015 commentary saying the Obama administration failed to adapt to a changing reality with Russia following its annexation of Crimea, incursions into eastern Ukraine, and more aggressive military exercises.

Despite Moscows clear shift toward a more threatening nuclear posture, US policy remains stuck in the mud of unrealistic and outdated assumptions, Trachtenberg wrote.

Elissa Slotkin, who was acting assistant secretary of defense for international security affairs for the final two years of the Obama administration, said Trachtenberg was a member of Trumps Pentagon transition team and was viewed as holding mainstream Republic views on national security issues.

We were happy to have him on the transition team because he reflected an experienced foreign policy perspective, in contrast to President Trump, she said in a telephone interview.

The White House said it also intends to nominate:

David L. Norquist, a partner with accounting firm Kearney and Co, as budget chief.

Elaine McCusker, currently director of resources and analysis at US Central Command headquarters at McDill Air Force Base in Florida, as deputy budget chief. Mattis knows her from his years as commander of Central Command.

Robert Daigle as director of Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation, which provides the secretary of defense with independent analysis of major acquisition programs. He served in that office during President George W. Bushs administration.

Kenneth P Rapuano as assistant secretary of defense for homeland defense. He is senior vice president at ANSER Corp., which describes itself as a not-for-profit research institute with emphasis on national security and homeland defense.
Two US federal courts blocked President Donald Trumps second and toned-down executive order temporarily suspending travel from six-Muslim majority countries and the entry of all refugees, saying it could be seen to disfavour a certain religion.

The stay issued a day before the executive order was to go into effect was a massive blow to the president, whose first order on this caused worldwide outrage and chaos at airports around the country and abroad as travellers flying into the US were detained for deportation on arrival.

District judge Derrick K Watson of Hawaii state issued the first stay on Wednesday, saying in a 43-page order any reasonable, objective observerenlightened by the specific historical context, contemporaneous public statements, and specific sequence of events leading to its issuancewould conclude that the Executive Order was issued with a purpose to disfavor a particular religion.

The second order, by a federal court in Maryland on Thursday, stayed the portion of Trumps executive order that prevented new visas to be issued to citizens of the six countries on his ban list, saying it was the realisation of the long-envisioned Muslim ban.

Trump hit back, calling the Hawaii stay an unprecedented judicial overreach and political, and promised to challenge it.

This ruling makes us look weak, the president told a rally in Nashville, Tennessee, on Wednesday, adding, Were going to fight this terrible ruling. Were going to take our case as far as it needs to go, including all the way up to the Supreme Court.

Both court orders will have countrywide effect as federal courts in other states continue to consider challenges to the new travel ban that Trump signed into effect on March 6, giving it 10 days before going into effect to take care of issues that caused the last one to come stuck within days of its sudden debut in January.

The new order was less sweeping in scope and nature, with the list of countries whose citizens would be temporarily denied new visas and Green Cards  for 90 days  going from seven to six  it applies to only Iran, Syria, Sudan, Somalia, Yemen and Libya (Iraq was dropped). The new order did not impact their citizens who already held US visas or Green Cards.

And though the admission of all refugees would be suspended for 120 days as proposed before, those from Syria would not be subjected to an indefinite ban, in a marked change. On resumption, the annual intake would be cut by more than half to 50,000, as also stated in the first order.

The duration of the suspension was meant to be used by relevant federal agencies  the department of homeland security, justice department and the state department to put in place a process of extreme vetting to prevent terrorists  whom he has called bad dudes  from entering the United States.

Though the administration has fought back against allegations the order  both the first and the second  targeted Muslims, the president himself and his aides have seemed not so convincing.

And it wasnt missed on the Hawaii judge, who cited this press statement from the Trump campaign after the San Bernardino, California attack in December 2015. Donald J. Trump is calling for a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States Nor is there anything secret about the Executives motive specific to the issuance of the Executive Order. Rudolph Giuliani explained on television how the Executive Order came to be. He said: When [Mr. Trump] first announced it, he said, Muslim ban. He called me up. He said, Put a commission together. Show me the right way to do it legally.
President Donald Trump suggested more information would be coming out soon about his claim that former President Barack Obama ordered a wiretap of Trump Tower during the 2016 presidential campaign.

I think youre going to find some very interesting items coming to the forefront over the next two weeks, Trump said about the wiretap claim in excerpts of an interview to be broadcast later Wednesday on Fox News.

He also said that wiretap covers a lot of different things.
National Security Advisor H.R. McMaster has tapped Dina Powell to become his deputy, promoting the Cairo-born banker and policymaker to a key White House role.

McMaster appointed Powell as deputy national security advisor with particular responsibility for developing strategy, a senior administration official told AFP.

I'm very honored to picked to be the new Deputy National Security Advisor.  Dina Powell (@APNSADinaPowell) March 16, 2017

She is expected to play a broad role in coordinating between military, diplomatic and intelligence agencies and implementing US foreign policy.

The appointment shows McMaster putting his imprimatur on the National Security Council, which had been run by retired general Michael Flynn until weeks ago.

He was forced to resign abruptly amid revelations that he misled the White House about his meetings with the Russian ambassador in Washington.

But many of his allies remain in office, including deputy national security advisor K.T. McFarland, a former Fox News analyst.

She is expected to remain at the National Security Council.

The deputy national security advisor is a vital position for the functioning of US foreign policy.

Almost all big decisions are run through the so-called deputies committee -- which the official chairs -- before framed for principals, including the secretaries of state and defense and eventually the president.

Current and former NSC staffers complain that process has not been running smoothly under McFarland and has suffered from interference from Trumps political advisors.

Powell -- a former Goldman Sachs partner and assistant secretary of state who speaks Arabic -- had already been advising Trump on economic issues and is well-respected within the administration.

She was one of a handful of US officials who attended a meeting between Trump and Saudi Arabias powerful deputy crown prince Mohammed bin Salman this week.
Poachers in Cyprus killed an estimated 2.3 million birds in autumn 2016, including 800,000 on a British military base, conservation groups said Thursday.

Poaching is banned on the Mediterranean island but songbirds including robins and blackcaps are regularly trapped and served as an illegal delicacy called ambelopoulia.

The birds, including several species that use Cyprus as a key stop-off point on their migration between Europe and Africa, are trapped with nets or glue-covered perches called limesticks.

BirdLife Cyprus and Britains Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) said poaching rates were around their highest ever, with criminal gangs earning millions from the activity.

Britains Dhekelia military base was the worst bird killing hotspot in the whole of Cyprus, the RSPB said.

The groups Jonathan Hall called on the UK government to crack down on this activity and end the illegal killing of songbirds in Dhekelia.

Britain retained sovereignty over two military base areas when Cyprus won independence in 1960 and has a police force in Dhekelia that tackles poachers.

But the conservation groups said it was not doing enough, saying poachers were making blatant and extensive use of electronic calling devices on a firing range there.

They said the most effective weapon against poaching was the removal of non-native Acacia trees, planted by trappers to lure in the birds.

But they said British authorities had largely abandoned efforts to remove the trees after protests from the illegal trapping community.

Britains defence ministry spokeswoman Connie Pierce said base area authorities had met with local community representatives after the protests to agree the best way forward while maintaining good relations.

Acacia clearance will continue at Cape Pyla (in Dhekelia) but there is no timeline on this, she said, adding that 90 acres (36 hectares) remained.

The defence ministry said the British military on the island was committed to tackling illegal bird trapping, with a record number of arrests, equipment seizures, prosecutions and fines last year.

BirdLife Cyprus chief Martin Hellicar also urged the Cypriot government to take serious action against restaurants illegally serving ambelopoulia.
A teenage student opened fire on Thursday at a high school in Grasse in southeastern France injuring three people, including the headmaster, in an attack carried out after he had watched American-style mass shooting videos, the interior ministry said.

The incident, which does not appear to be linked to terrorism, comes with France on high alert after more than 230 people were killed in the past two years by attackers allied to the militant group Islamic State.

A map showing the location of Grasse, where several people were injured in a shooting. (AFP)

With a presidential election less than six weeks away, the attack by the 17-year-old armed with a hunting rifle seemed likely to further stimulate debate on security and fears of terrorism which are among big campaign issues.

Separately, in Paris, a female employee of the International Monetary Fund was injured in the face and arms when a letter bomb posted to the world lenders Paris office blew up as she opened it, police said.

Police officers control traffic near the Tocqueville high school in Grasse, southwestern France, after the shooting incident. (AFP)

Interior ministry spokesman Pierre-Henry Brandet said three people were injured, and five others were in shock after the teenager opened fire in the high school in Grasse.

The youth, who was also carrying two handguns and two grenades, was arrested at the school. Checks were underway to establish whether there was a second assailant.

A member of a special police unit stands guard outside the Tocqueville high school. (REUTERS)

The first investigations suggest he had consulted American-style mass killings videos, the spokesman said.

France has some of the strictest gun laws in the world. French citizens are banned from owning automatic weapons, while many other guns require government authorisation and a medical exam, along with a permit from a hunting or sport shooting federation.

A police source said the youth arrested did not seem to be known to police.

Local emergency services used Twitter to advise residents of the town of about 50,000 inhabitants to stay at home. The government launched a mobile telephone application warning of a terrorist attack, although this is now automatic for any such incident.

Witnesses interviewed by local television described a scene of panic as the gunman entered the canteen with students rushing to hide under tables or sprinting for the exit.

It was total panic, Achraf, a student, said on BFM TV. The gunshots were at 4 to 5 metres from where we were. We thought the gunman was coming towards us. We heard him shouting.

I just know the gunman by sight. He was gentle and low-key key, not a nasty guy.
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said that India is a significant economic partner of the US and hoped to continue the bilateral financial talks between the two countries in the future.

US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin spoke with finance minister Arun Jaitley over phone on Tuesday and underscored Indias importance as an economic partner of the United States, the Treasury Department said in a statement on Wednesday.

The secretary and the finance minister expressed a desire to continue the robust bilateral dialogue between the Treasury and the Ministry of Finance in the year ahead, it said.

Jaitley is scheduled to visit America next month to attend the annual spring meeting of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.

The two leaders are expected to meet then.
He warns against trade war, calls for steady ties, stable region

China expects that cooperation with the United States in the Asia-Pacific region will bring opportunities to ASEAN countries instead of trouble, Premier Li Keqiang said on Wednesday.

Beijing does not want to see any party in the region feel compelled to choose sides under the influence of a Cold War mentality, he said at a news conference at the end of the annual plenary session of the National People's Congress.

He said China and the US have been cooperating for a long time in the region and noted that many US multinational companies have chosen China for their Asia-Pacific headquarters.

"China believes regional affairs should be decided and handled on the merits of each case," Li said.

The premier also said China hopes that the Asia-Pacific region will enjoy order and stability, be able to work out issues through consensus-building consultation, properly manage differences through dialogue and have the wisdom to resolve differences.

Li made the remarks in response to a question by a reporter from Thailand who said Southeast Asian countries are watching the administration of US President Donald Trump make its Asia policies and do not want to see conflicts between China and the US in the region.

When asked about Beijing's relations with Washington, Li warned the US about starting a trade war while expressing optimism that the world's two largest economies could keep relations steady.

"We do not want to see any trade war breaking out between the two countries. That wouldn't make our trade more fair," Li said.

During his election campaign, Trump had threatened to label China a currency manipulator and impose hefty tariffs on imports from China.

Li cited a report that he said indicated that if a trade war occurred, "foreign-invested companies, in particular US firms, would bear the brunt of it".

He said statistics show that bilateral investment and trade created nearly 1 million jobs for the US in the past year.

The premier stressed that the one-China policy constitutes the political foundation of the relations.

"With that foundation in place, we believe that there are broad prospects for China-US cooperation."

China and the US are currently working to arrange a meeting between the top leaders of the two countries, the premier said.

Ruan Zongze, executive vice-president of the China Institute of International Studies, said the premier's remarks on China-US ties sent a signal of confidence.

Ruan said that, based on Li's tone when answering questions about diplomacy, it seems China will "seek advancement while maintaining stability" in its diplomatic efforts this year.

Li Haidong, a professor of US studies at China Foreign Affairs University, said the question from the Thai reporter reflected widespread concerns of countries in the Asia-Pacific region about interaction between China and the US in the region.

The professor said the concerns are due to a Cold War mentality of some countries that is disturbing the region. "China does not welcome such a mentality. The premier stressed today that our security view highlights inclusiveness and stability."

Contact the writers at [email protected]
While Iranians would bear the brunt of Donald Trumps visa ban, which has been blocked on the orders of a US court, international officials say the country has quietly emerged as one of the most generous towards refugees.

The leadership demonstrated by the Iranian government has been exemplary in hosting refugees and keeping borders open, said Sivanka Dhanapala, who heads the UN High Commissioner for Refugees team in Tehran.

Its a story thats not told often enough.

Iran has been sheltering a million registered Afghans for almost four decades, and NGOs estimate there are some two million more living under the radar.

Thats the fourth-largest refugee population in the world, the UN says.

On Wednesday a federal court in Hawaii halted Trumps new visa ban on six mostly Muslim nations including Iran, with a judge ruling there was a strong likelihood it would cause irreparable injury should it go ahead.

If it comes into force, the executive order would have a particularly tough impact on the one million Iranians living and studying in the US, as well as their families.

Foreign NGO workers have noted the irony that Iran is targeted by the ban while it continues to deal with huge numbers who have fled an American-led conflict.

Dhanapala highlighted the 2015 decree by supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei ordering schools to take in all Afghan children, documented or not -- a move that left authorities scrambling to build the equivalent of 15,000 new classrooms.

Weve also worked with the government on incorporating refugees into a government-sponsored health insurance scheme which is a ground-breaking development not just for Iran but globally for refugees, Dhanapala said.

- Bitter life -

Officials are well aware that Afghans still face a harsh existence in Iran.

As in many countries, Iranians are less than pleased to be hosting so many poor foreigners, especially when their economy has been battered by years of sanctions and mismanagement.

The result is that Iran does a lot to discourage Afghans from staying, rounding up the undocumented and sending them home.

Even someone like me, who was born in Iran and has lived here 36 years is not yet an Iranian citizen and the discrimination I face in my education and work is suffocating, said one Afghan, a relatively well-established professional in Tehran, who asked to remain anonymous.

He is still grateful for his residency permit, which must be renewed every six to 12 months.

I have never seen Afghanistan, except for the bad images on the media and I truly fear returning, he said.

But for 36 years, I have lived in fear of my residency papers not being renewed and it has made life bitter for us.

- Life in the shadows -

Many Afghans are in Iran for work, and are a perennial sight on the margins of Tehran life as construction workers, parking attendants and rubbish-pickers.

What else can we do? I have two daughters and a son back in Afghanistan, said an undocumented 40-year-old who works as a cleaner and also asked not be named.

He gave up his refugee card so he could visit his family, and came back to Iran with a three-month visa which he could not renew.

I havent visited home for three years. If I go, it takes five to 12 months to get another visa, he said.

He was 14 when he fled the Soviet war in the 1980s.

When they catch you on the street, it doesnt matter if youve been here one year or 100, they take you to the deportation camp and make you pay for the bus back to the border, he said.

Ive been sent back a few times. Either you wait for a new visa or come illegally with traffickers. I dont use the traffickers -- its horrible.

- Afghan recruits -

Foreign governments have also accused Iran of rounding up young Afghans to fight in Syria.

Iran denies any coercion or government sponsorship, saying they are volunteers, though the families of those killed are given special privileges.

Meanwhile, some NGO workers privately criticise the rough treatment of Afghans, especially in border regions, but all agree Iran deserves far more credit for the burden it has accepted.

The UN hopes Iran will ease restrictions on which jobs Afghans can do, and would like a formal registration process for the undocumented, although it understands fears that this could attract yet more migrants.

But, said Dhanapala, in a world where you have multiple bad stories about hosting refugees, I think Iran is really a good news story.
A letter bomb exploded at the Paris offices of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Thursday, injuring a secretary who suffered burns to her hands and face, police said.

Employees were evacuated from the building near the Arc de Triomphe monument in the heart of the capital as a precaution after the late morning explosion, a police source said.

IMF chief Christine Lagarde condemned it as a cowardly act of violence.

She reaffirmed the IMFs resolve to continue our work in line with our mandate, according to a statement issued by her office.

We are working closely with the French authorities to investigate this incident and ensure the safety of our staff.

French President Francois Hollande called it an attack, saying it showed that we are still targeted.

The victim, a secretary for an unnamed senior manager, suffered light burns from the blast which might have been caused by a firework, a police source told AFP, asking not to be named.

Armed police and soldiers were seen securing the area around the IMF offices.

France has been the victim of a series of deadly attacks by Islamic extremists since 2015.

Although no link has been established at this stage, a Greek far-left group claimed Thursday that it had sent a parcel bomb to the German finance ministry in Berlin, more than six years after waging a similar campaign targeting European officials.

Claim by Conspiracy of Fire

The Conspiracy of Fire Nuclei group admitted responsibility in a statement posted on an anti-establishment website, but only mentioned Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeubles office as a target.

German police said they had discovered the explosive package at Schaeubles office on Wednesday, a day before he was due to host his new US counterpart Steven Mnuchin.

Conspiracy of Fire Nuclei, listed as a terrorist organisation by the United States, in 2010 sent letter bombs to foreign embassies in Greece and to three European leaders -- then European Commission chairman Jose Manuel Barroso, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and then Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi.

A Greek police source said the claim was most probably authentic.

Germany and the IMF are blamed by many Greeks for imposing years of public sector cuts and reforms in exchange for bailout packages needed to prop up the recession-hit country.

Greeces interior ministry said authorities in both Greece and Germany were working together on the case.

A Greek police source said the package had a Greek stamp. The sender of the parcel was given as a deputy leader of the opposition New Democracy party  along with his real address.
A Greek return address was on an envelope which exploded at the European offices of the International Monetary Fund in Paris on Thursday, Greeces public order minister said.

French authorities just informed us that it was mailed from Greece, public order minister Nikos Toskas told Ant1 Television.

On Wednesday, German authorities intercepted a package with explosives addressed to German finance minister Wolfgang Schaeuble.

A Greek militant group, the Conspiracy of Fire Cells, claimed responsibility for that earlier Thursday.
President Donald Trump will ask the US Congress for dramatic cuts to many federal programs as he seeks to bulk up defense spending, start building a wall on the border with Mexico and spend more money deporting illegal immigrants.

In a federal budget proposal with many losers, the Environmental Protection Agency and State Department stand out as targets for the biggest spending reductions. Funding would disappear altogether for 19 independent bodies that count on federal money for public broadcasting, the arts and regional issues from Alaska to Appalachia.

Trumps budget outline is a bare-bones plan covering just discretionary spending for the 2018 fiscal year starting on October 1. It is the first volley in what is expected to be an intense battle over spending in coming months in Congress, which holds the federal purse strings and seldom approves presidents budget plans.

Congress, controlled by Trumps fellow Republicans, may reject some or many of his proposed cuts. Some of the proposed changes, which Democrats will broadly oppose, have been targeted for decades by conservative Republicans.

Moderate Republicans have already expressed unease with potential cuts to popular domestic programs such as home-heating subsidies, clean-water projects and job training.

Trump is willing to discuss priorities, said White House budget director Mick Mulvaney, a former South Carolina congressman who made a name for himself as a spending hawk before Trump plucked him for his Cabinet.

The president wants to spend more money on defense, more money securing the border, more money enforcing the laws, and more money on school choice, without adding to the deficit, Mulvaney told a small group of reporters during a preview on Wednesday.

If they have a different way to accomplish that, we are more than interested in talking to them, Mulvaney said.

Trump wants to spend $54 billion more on defense, put a down payment on his border wall, and breathe life into a few other campaign promises. His initial budget outline does not incorporate his promise to pour $1 trillion into roads, bridges, airports and other infrastructure projects. The White House has said the infrastructure plan is still to come.

The defense increases are matched by cuts to other programs so as to not increase the $488 billion federal deficit. Mulvaney acknowledged the proposal would likely result in significant cuts to the federal workforce.

You cant drain the swamp and leave all the people in it, Mulvaney said.

AMERICA FIRST

White House officials looked at Trumps campaign speeches and America First pledges as they crunched the numbers, Mulvaney said.

We turned those policies into numbers, he said, explaining how the document mirrored pledges to spend more on the U.S. nuclear weapons arsenal, veterans health care, the FBI, and Justice Department efforts to fight drug dealers and violent crime.

The Department of Homeland Security would get a 6.8 percent increase, with more money for extra staff needed to catch, detain and deport illegal immigrants.

Trump wants Congress to shell out $1.5 billion for the border wall with Mexico in the current fiscal year - enough for pilot projects to determine the best way to build it - and a further $2.6 billion in fiscal 2018, Mulvaney said.

The estimate of the full cost of the wall will be included in the full budget, expected in mid-May, which will project spending and revenues over 10 years.

Trump has vowed Mexico will pay for the border wall, which the Mexican government has flatly said it will not do. The White House has said recently that funding would be kick-started in the United States.

The voluminous budget document will include economic forecasts and Trumps views on mandatory entitlements - big-ticket programs like Social Security and Medicare, which Trump vowed to protect on the campaign trail.

BIGGEST LOSERS

Trump asked Congress to slash the EPA by $2.6 billion or more than 31 percent, and the State Department by more than 28 percent or $10.9 billion.

Mulvaney said the core functions of those agencies would be preserved. Hit hard would be foreign aid, grants to multilateral development agencies like the World Bank and climate change programs at the United Nations.

Trump wants to get rid of more than 50 EPA programs, end funding for former Democratic President Barack Obamas signature Clean Power Plan aimed at reducing carbon dioxide emissions, and cut renewable energy research programs at the Energy Department.

Regional programs to clean up the Great Lakes and Chesapeake Bay would be sent to the chopping block.

Community development grants at the Housing Department - around since 1974 - were cut in Trumps budget, along with more than 20 Education Department programs, including some funding program for before- and after- school programs.

Anti-poverty grants and a program that helps poor people pay their energy bills would be slashed, as well as a Labor Department program that helps low-income seniors find work.

Trumps rural base did not escape cuts. The White House proposed a 21 percent reduction to the Agriculture Department, cutting loans and grants for wastewater, reducing staff in county offices and ending a popular program that helps U.S. farmers donate crops for overseas food aid.
The ruling-BJPs victory in the recent assembly polls throws up an opportunity for China to resolve the festering border question by engaging more closely with an increasingly powerful and hard-line government in New Delhi, Chinese state media said on Thursday.

Commenting on Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led BJPs sweeping victory in electorally crucial Uttar Pradesh, nationalistic tabloid, Global Times, said it has increased his chance to win in the 2019 general election.

The opinion piece said that so far no silver lining has yet emerged on the border dispute with Modi taking strong positions on foreign policy.

But the consolidation of power could give Modi the power to take decisive steps, the article indicated.

This is not the first time that Chinese state media has said that the border dispute could be resolved with India under Modi, especially in the lead-up to his win at the centre in 2014.

Since then, the expectations had tapered.

The latest assembly polls wins by BJP seemed to have brought the enthusiasm back.

Take the border disputes between Beijing and New Delhi. No silver lining has yet emerged and Modi demonstrated his firm stance over the issue by celebrating Diwali, Indias biggest holiday, with soldiers at the Sino-Indian border, it said.

But while seeming inflexible on the surface, hard-liners also have powerful strength in coming to an agreement with others once they make up their mind, given their executive ability and high efficiency, writer Ai Jun wrote.

Ai added: That said, we can still be optimistic in resolving our divergences, including border disputes, with New Delhi during Modis term as long as both sides are willing. For China, it is also an opportunity to give more consideration over how to make breakthroughs in Beijing-New Delhi relations with a hard-line Indian government.

Modis hard-line attitude is embodied in both his domestic policies, such as the ban on high-value currency notes, and in his diplomatic logic, it said.

The newspaper said that Modi has changed Indias previous attitude of trying never to offend anyone and started to take clear stands in controversial issues among other nations.

Indias effort is now to maximise its own interests, the article said.

He (Modi) enhanced New Delhis ties with China and Moscow and applied to be a member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. Yet he also upgraded defence collaboration with the US and Japan, articulated his support for the US rebalance to the Asia-Pacific strategy and Washingtons stance on the South China Sea issue, it said.
A police officer has been shot and wounded in Ohios capital city, and police say the suspect also has been shot.

It happened late Wednesday night in Columbus.

The Columbus Dispatch reports officers were executing a search warrant at an apartment house at the time.

Police say the officer was shot in the hip and is hospitalized in stable condition. The person identified as the suspect also was shot and is in stable condition.

Police have not released the names of the officer or the suspect.

No other information was immediately available.
The contrast could not be starker: a top police officer from Assam mingling with writers and publishers from across the world in the London Book Fair. But award-winning writer Kuladhar Saikia is equally at ease tackling militants and discussing literary genres.

Saikia, 58, holds the post of special director general of police (law and order), specifically tasked with dealing with the world of crime and terrorism. An IPS officer of the 1985 batch, he is one of five Sahitya Akademi writers representing India at the book fair.

Along with the other four  Arundhati Subramaniam, Yeshe Dorji Thongchi, S L Bhyrappa and B Jayamohan  Saikia spoke at a symposium about his stream of consciousness style of writing, which marks his 20 books in Assamese on the first day of the three-day event.

Writing makes you more sensitive to society, to peoples aspirations. We have been dealing with terrorism and militancy for decades; much of it is reflected in my writing. Dealing with people in their natural setting complements my writing and policing work, Saikia told HT.

Winner of the Sahitya Akademi Award in 2015 for his book, Akashar Chhabi Aru Anyanya Galpa, Saikia is keen that the smaller language literatures in Assam and the north-east are encouraged. Unless bigger communities and the state support them, they will die, he fears.

I spoke about writing in Assam and the north-eastern states. If we lose the less-spoken languages, we lose indigenous knowledge, lose cultures, he said.

There is a demand for literature in these languages with the development of a middle class.

As the superintendent of police in militant hotbeds such as Nalbari, Kokrajhar and other districts, Saikia has been closely involved in anti-terror operations over the years, including Operation Bajranj and Operation Rhino against the United Liberation Front of Asom.

On Thursday, Saikia, a former Fulbright scholar whose drive to curb witch-hunting in Assam was recognised in a case study in the Harvard Business review, narrated his short story, If A River, in the session titled My World, My Writing in the book fair.

People often ask me how I get the time to write. My simple answer is one can always find the time for ones passion; when others go out and party, I sit down to write, Saikia, who is cutting short his stay in London by a day to deal with a situation in Assam, said.

The five Sahitya Akademi writers are part of the London Book Fairs Spotlight on India series of events this year. The London Book Fair collaborated with the Indian governments export trade body, Capexil, to stage a presence over four pavilions for nearly 40 exhibitors.

Indian writers at the fair included Amit Chaudhuri and Shrabani Basu. The fair attracts a large number of writers and publishers from across the globe.

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Four suspected militants, including a woman, from a group that has pledged allegiance to Islamic State were killed in a shootout on Thursday when Bangladesh police raided their hideout in the southeast, a senior police official said.

Police said those killed were members of a faction of the Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh group, known as New JMB, which they believe were linked to an attack on a cafe in the capital, Dhaka, last July that killed 22 people, most of them foreigners.

New JMB has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State militant group, which claimed responsibility for the attack on the cafe in Dhakas diplomatic quarter.

Two policemen were wounded when the militants inside a two-storey building in Chittagong, about 200 km (120 miles) southeast of Dhaka, attacked them with at least a dozen grenades, police official Mohammad Moniruzzaman told Reuters.

It was not clear whether the militants were killed in a shootout with police or had detonated suicide vests they were wearing, Moniruzzaman said.

The operation is over. Our intelligence and bomb disposal units are now working, he said.

The raid on the building began on Wednesday night and 20 members of seven families trapped inside were taken to safety before the final assault began early on Thursday, Moniruzzaman said. Live bombs were found inside the building, he said.

Bangladesh has been hit by a spate of killings of liberals and members of religious minorities in the past few years.

Police have killed more than 50 suspected militants in shootouts since the cafe attack, including the man they say was its main planner, Bangladesh-born Canadian citizen Tamim Ahmed Chowdhury.
Up to 1,000 additional US troops could deploy to northern Syria under provisional plans drawn up by the Pentagon, a US defense official said on Wednesday.

The plans, which still need to be approved by President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, would mark a significant uptick in US boots on the ground in Syria as part of the fight against the Islamic State group.

Currently, the troop level is capped at 500 in Syria, but that number has become increasingly meaningless as commanders flow extra temporary forces in as needed -- such as last weeks deployment of a Marine artillery battery near Raqa.

The actual number of American troops in the war-torn country is likely now between 800 and 900, and a US defense official said the new plans would allow for up to 1,000 more.

Thats one of the proposals thats on the table for discussion, the official told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The possible deployment was first reported by the Washington Post, which said the extra forces would come from the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit and the US Armys 82nd Airborne Division.

The official said the troops would not be in direct combat, but rather serve in support roles for any additional capabilities the military requires in northern Syria, where a US-led coalition is training and backing a local Kurdish-Arab alliance to fight the Islamic State group.

Such missions could include additional artillery batteries and the use of rocket launchers known as HIMARS that can provide round-the-clock bombardment in the battle to recapture Raqa from IS.

Former president Barack Obama was loath to deploy combat troops into Syria and Iraq to fight IS, arguing the battle could only be meaningfully won by local forces.

Trump has said he wants to quicken the defeat of IS and told the Pentagon to come up with a range of plans that could accomplish that goal.

Syria is marking the sixth anniversary of its brutal civil war, which began with anti-government protests in March 2011 and has killed more than 320,000 people.

The civil war and the anti-IS fight are interconnected but for the most part have played out in separate parts of Syria.

The United States does remain committed to finding a peaceful, diplomatic resolution to the Syrian conflict, State Department spokesman Mark Toner said. All of us know how hard that is.
A federal US court on Wednesday blocked President Donald Trumps second and toned-down executive order temporarily suspending travel from six-Muslim majority countries and the entry of all refugees, saying it could be seen to disfavour a certain religion.

The stay issued a day before the executive order was to go into effect was a massive blow to the president, whose first order sparked worldwide outrage and chaos at airports around the country and abroad as travelers flying into the US were detained for deportation on arrival.

US district judge Derrick K Watson, of Hawaii state, said in a 43-page order that any reasonable, objective observerenlightened by the specific historical context, contemporaneous public statements, and specific sequence of events leading to its issuancewould conclude that the executive order was issued with a purpose to disfavour a particular religion.

Addressing a rally in Nashville, Tennessee later in the evening Trump hit back calling the stay an unprecedented judicial overreach and promised to challenge it.

Judge Watson was appointed by former President Barak Obama and Trump might have found a degree of support for calling the order politically motivated if it wasnt for judge James Roberts, of Washington state, who had stayed Trumps first travel ban order  he was appointed by President George W Bush, a Republican.

The Wednesday stay order will have countrywide effect as federal courts in other states continue to consider challenges to to the new travel ban that Trump signed into effect on March 6, giving it 10 days before going into effect to take care of issues that caused the last one to come unstuck within days of its debut in January.

The new order was less sweeping in scope and nature, with the list of countries whose citizens would be temporarily denied new visas and Green Cards  for 90 days  going from seven to six  it applies to only Iran, Syria, Sudan, Somalia, Yemen and Libya. Iraq was dropped.

The new order did not impact citizens of these countries who already held US visas or Green Card.

Though the admission of all refugees would be suspended for 120 days as proposed before, those from Syria would not be subjected to an indefinite ban, in a marked change. On resumption, the annual intake would be cut by more than half to 50,000, as also stated in the first order.

The duration of the suspension was meant to be used by federal agencies  the department of homeland security, justice department and the state department to put in place a process of extreme vetting to prevent terrorists  whom he has called bad dudes  from entering the United States.

Though the administration has fought back agaisnt allegations that the order  both the first and the second  targeted Muslims, the president himself and his aides have seemed not so convincing.

And it wasnt missed on the Hawaii judge, who cited a press statement from the Trump campaign after the San Bernardino, California attack in December 2015.
Reorienting trade policy has become one of the main goals of the Trump Administration, according to the 2017 Trade Policy Agenda and 2016 Annual Report of the President of the United States on the Trade Agreements Program, a congressional report released by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative on March 1. The Agenda lays out an aggressive trade policy that largely blames America's ills on trade deficits due to unfair trade.

Based on the premise that the U.S. has been put at an unfair disadvantage in global markets, Trump's new trade policy seeks to defend American sovereignty, enforce U.S. trade laws, use American leverage to open foreign markets, and negotiate new America-first trade agreements.

A major theme in the new trade policy is concern about the U.S. trade deficit. The Administration believes that the U.S. is losing at trade, and points to trade deficits as the evidence. In particular, the Administration is focused on the trade deficit with America's largest and most important trading partner -- China. In fact, the trade balance between the two countries has shown improvements and it will likely correct itself under normal market forces.

The trade balance is not some scorecard that evaluates economic strength in the China-U.S. relationship. In the current global trading system, China is not "winning" and the U.S. is not "losing" at trade, because both sides benefit from the trade relationship, even if the balance is uneven. For instance, a report earlier this year found that roughly 2.6 million jobs in the U.S. are supported by the China-U.S. economic relationship.

No doubt, China's emergence as a great economic power has certainly changed the pattern of international trade, but China's rapid growth did not kill the American Dream -- if anything, China's rapid growth has helped millions of Americans realize their dream. Enhanced cooperation between the two countries is a win-win for both sides.

An aggressive trade policy will only make America's ills worse. Any form of protectionism could hamper Trump's plans to rebuild America by making cooperation between the world's two largest economies more difficult and by increasing the likelihoodof a trade war.

China is not to blame for America's ills, nor is it a boogeyman we must fear. Days after the new trade policy was released, Peter Navarro, director of the White House's National Trade Council and a fierce China critic, explored the question of why trade deficits matter in an op-ed for The Wall Street Journal. Without mentioning China by name, he warned of the danger of having a trade deficit with "a rapidly militarizing strategic rival intent on world hegemony" seeking to "conquer by purchase."

His alarmist political rhetoric casts China as an emerging rival bent on world domination, but reality is different. China strives to build a community of shared future and has clearly stated its intention to remain committed to the path of peaceful development.

Pointing the finger at globalization will not fix America's ills. Rather than try to turn back the trend of globalization in some futile bid for greatness, the Trump Administration should fully seize the historic opportunity presented by a changing world system, and work hand in hand with the global community to improve the current global trading system. The common goal should be to make all countries great, not just America.

Curtis Stone is an editor and columnist based in Beijing, China. His work focuses on China-U.S. relations.
Lago Trasimeno is the largest lake on the Italian peninsula. It abuts the Umbria-Tuscany border roughly between the ancient city-states of Perugia and Siena. The surrounding countryside is bucolic and peaceful. More than 2,200 years ago, however, it was the site of one of the classical eras bloodiest battles.

At the outset of the Second Punic War (218201 BC) between Carthage and Rome, the Carthaginian commander Hannibal Barca invaded Italy from Spain by boldly marching over the Alps in the fall of 218 BC with a force of some 20,000 infantry and 6,000 cavalry. That winter, while Hannibal rested his troops in the Po River valley and recruited local reinforcements, his spies reported the Romans were fielding two new armies against him under the consuls Gaius Flaminius, with some 30,000 troops, and Gnaeus Servilius Geminus, with 20,000.

By early spring 217 BC Hannibal was ready to strike, while the consular armies moved to block the two main roads leading to central Italy and RomeServilius on the west coast at Ariminium (presentday Rimini), Flaminius on the Etruscan plain at Arretium (Arezzo). Hannibal drove south to Bononia (Bologna), seemingly oblivious of the waiting Roman armies, then made a surprise crossing of the snowcapped Apennine Mountains. Descending onto the Etruscan plain, the Carthaginians struggled through the treacherous marshes around the Arno River, generally considered impassable during spring flooding. Rapidly moving south, Hannibal veered around Flaminius left flank to threaten Rome. By ravaging the surrounding countryside, he hoped to draw the Roman consul into battle. Recognizing the threat to Rome, Flaminius took the bait and pursued. Hannibal, meanwhile, deployed a cavalry force to block any support elements Servilius might send.

Late on June 20 Hannibal and Flaminius made camp along the north shore of Lake Trasimeno. Hannibal had set his trap on terrain ideally suited for a large-scale ambush. The hills north of Trasimeno form a punchbowl around a flat plain stretching some four miles along the lakeshore. East and west of the plain the semicircular ridgeline runs almost to the shore. The Roman camp was near the northwest shore, just outside the entrance to the punchbowl. The Carthaginian main camp was in the hills to the east, overlooking the plain.

Hannibal now had more than 50,000 troops, including some 10,000 cavalry. During the night he concealed his forces in the forested hills ringing the plain. The west entrance to the plain was a narrow defile that ran between the lake and the high ground. There Hannibal concealed heavy cavalry and infantry to seal off the killing ground after the Romans passed through the defile.

Early on June 21 Flaminius, believing himself in pursuit of a rapidly fleeing enemy, pushed his troops through the defile with no reconnaissance and no advance or flank guards. Even the weather conspired against the Romans, as a heavy fog rolled in off the lake to conceal the surrounding hills. The lead elements passed through the defile and marched onto the plain along the lakeshore. Nearing the east end of the plain, they made contact with a Carthaginian blocking force. Assuming he had caught Hannibals rear guard, Flaminius sent word back to close up the column. The Romans pressed forward until the entire force was within the punchbowl. Only then did Hannibal spring the trap.

The Carthaginians attacked simultaneously from all sides, hitting the Romans so hard and fast that even the units on relatively open ground had no time to deploy into battle formation. Hannibals onrushing men cut down the Romans before they could draw their swords, while his heavy cavalry overwhelmed the Roman elements still in the defile. Driven into the lake, many legionaries drowned under the weight of their armor.

The carnage lasted more than three hours. By the time it was over 15,000 Romans lay dead, including Flaminius, and 5,000 had been captured. Some 10,000 managed to escape into the hills, eventually taking news of the great defeat back to Rome. Hannibals loses amounted to some 2,500 killed. Little more than a year later, on Aug. 2, 216 BC, Hannibal handed the Romans another punishing defeat, at Cannae, a battle that still fires the imagination of military tacticians.

The battlefield at Lake Trasimeno, a two-hour train ride from Rome, is one of the best preserved of the classical era. A hiking trail around the perimeter of the field takes about three hours to complete. One segment follows the stretch of ancient Roman roadway over which Flaminius and his troops marched through the western defile to their doom. Note that the lake itself has receded from the level it was in Roman times, thus the gap between the hills and the shore presented Flaminius and his ill-fated legionaries with an even tighter bottleneck than that which appears today.

Originally published in the January 2014 issue of Military History. To subscribe, click here.
Minnesotas murals

After reading The Wars Over in Minnesota, in the Field Notes section of your July 2014 issue, I must say that not only was I extremely outraged, but also disgusted and disturbed by Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton questioning the propriety of five beautiful Civil War murals that adorn the conference room in the state capitol.

I believe Governor Dayton needs to be educated on the 1st Minnesota Infantry and their brave sacrifice that helped lead the Union to victory at the Battle of Gettysburg.I also hope and pray Governor Dayton will no longer question the propriety of these beautiful Civil War murals, but instead, see them as a testament to the bravery and courage of these heroic men each time he views these murals in the conference room of the state capitol building!

Tracy D. Cosyn

Gettysburg, Pa.

In Shermans defense

Please allow me the following comments regarding the Guilt to Go Around letter in the May 2014 issue. I am well aware of the animosity our fellow Southern countrymen have regarding General William T. Sherman. It saddens me deeply to know that the loss of 640,000 lives has not been enough to dispel that animosity.

In regards to General Sherman, perhaps his critics and those who hate him so much should read those many quotes attributed to him. I will offer one example. In a letter written in May 1865, he said: I confess, without shame, that I am sick and tired of fightingits glory is all moonshine; even success the most brilliant is over dead and mangled bodies, with the anguish and lamentations of distant families, appealing for sons, husbands and fathers.it is only those who have never heard a shot, never heard the shriek and groans of the wounded and laceratedthat cry for more blood, more vengeance, more desolation.

Byron W. Bassett Jr.

Boston, Mass.

Right river, wrong crossing

A caption under the image on page 60 of the July issue incorrectly states that after crossing the B&O bridge at Monocacy Junction, John McCauslands Rebel cavalry was ambushed by Gen. James Ricketts Federals, opening the fighting. Gen. McCauslands force did not cross this bridge, as it was heavily protected with blockhouses, field artillery and an advanced guard of 350 well-entrenched skirmishers on the west side of the river. Instead, Maj. Gen. Stephen Ramseurs infantry lightly engaged this concentrated Federal force in a holding action while McCauslands cavalry brigade prudently skirted up the Monocacy River and crossed at an unguarded shallow ford near the Worthington Farm.

Peter L. Platteborze

San Antonio, Texas

Editors Note: Thanks for catching this mistake. According to Park Ranger Tracy Evans at Monocacy National Battlefeld, McCauslands cavalry crossed the Monocacy River at the Worthington Ford just down river from the Monocacy Junction.

The readers letter is essentially correct. But it is a stretch to say it was heavily defended. A mixture of 100-day men and VI Corps troops were protecting the covered wooden bridge. There were soldiers in the entrenchments on the bluff above the railroad bridge. Two blockhouses contained two pieces of artilleryone mountain howitzer that had no ammunitionand one 24-pounder howitzer that was put on the bluff.Alexanders Baltimore Battery only brought six pieces of artillery to the battle, so I wouldnt say well defended with artillery, as those cannons were deployed in different parts of the battlefield. I wouldnt describe Ramseurs attack as holding; Earlys intention was to get his men across that covered wooden bridge, the quickest route to Washington. The only troops to go across the railroad bridge were Union troops stranded on the other side when the covered bridge was burning to delay the Confederates.

Correction

In Neither slave nor free on pages 5051 of the September issue, the year for ending the Port Royal (S.C.) experiment should be 1866 rather than 1865.

Originally published in the November 2014 issue of Americas Civil War. To subscribe, click here.
Union troops divided between Arkansas and Missouri were easy targetswhat could possibly go wrong?

When Thomas Hindman Jr. entered Congress in March 1858, his reputation as an unapologetic fire-eater was well established across the Southas was his affinity for getting what he wanted. It didnt take long for his new colleagues to learn that, too. He was an irreconcilable man[who] seemed as if he were perpetually anxious to have a duel, noted Ohio Congressman Samuel Cox. Uncompromising in everything, agreed a friend, Edward Nash.

Hindmans resolve and obstinacy would prove both a blessing and a curse once the Civil War began. Elected by Arkansas voters to a second term in 1860, just as several Southern states were threatening to secede from the Union, he chose not to serve and instead began focusing on the defense of his adopted state from his home in Helena. He led recruitment of the 2nd Arkansas Infantry, becoming the regiments colonel, and in September was promoted to brigadier general. The following April he was promoted to major general for his contributions at the Battle of Shiloh, a quick ascent for a man with little antebellum military experience.

By the fall of 1862, Hindman was in command of the 14,000-man Trans-Mississippi Army, defending southwestern Missouri, the Indian Territory and most of Arkansas. He had done a commendable job that summer assembling from scratch an effective, adequately equipped force. But his ruthless tacticswhich included declaring martial law and even commandeering soldiers and supplies destined for other theaters earned him some powerful political enemies and scores of disaffected citizens.

It was not Hindmans nature to play it safe. He believed aggressive action was needed to regain territory lost at the Battle of Pea Ridge back in March, as well as in Missouri and the Indian Territory. In late November he learned that divisions of the Union Army of the Frontiertemporarily under Brig. Gen. James Blunts commandwere more than 100 miles apart. Blunt was with the 1st Division not far from Maysville, Ark., while the 2nd and 3rd Divisions, under Brig. Gen. Francis J. Herron, were camped near Springfield, Mo. On December 1, Hindman began moving toward Blunt from his headquarters at Fort Smith. After defeating Blunt, he planned to proceed back to Little Rock to refit his army and prepare for further operations in Missouri. Blunt soon realized he was in danger and sent word to Herron for relief. In one of the more remarkable achievements of the war, Herron led a forced march of some 115 miles over three days to reach the outskirts of Fayetteville the morning of December 7. Hindman had driven back Federal pickets at Cane Hill the night before and was confident hed make quick work of Blunts outnumbered Kansas Division the next day.

Though Herrons unexpected approach forced Hindman to alter his plans, he never balked. Now, with his army aligned between the two Federal forces, he would create a diversion for Blunt and strike Herron first. After taking care of Herron, he would repeat the feat on Blunt in the afternoon.

Placing a brigade on a ridge opposite Blunts position at Cane Hill, Hindman had men light extra campfires to give the impression his army was larger than it was. His cavalry, under Maj. Gen. John S. Marmaduke, began moving at 4 a.m. and made contact with Herron just after daybreak. A quick attack by Col. Joseph Shelbys troopers created a general panic among Herrons horsemen, with 40 Federals killed and 300 captured.

Hindman uncharacteristically hesitated, however. Rather than press the attack, he pulled back and established a defensive position on a nearby ridge. Given a reprieve, Herron quickly brought up two infantry regiments and a battery of 12-pounder Napoleons, driving Marmadukes cavalry four miles back to Hindmans main lines.

Realizing his precarious situation with the Confederates arrayed between his force and Blunts, Herron remained aggressive. But he knew he needed Blunts help-and soon. With both Federal forces engaged, Hindman would no longer have a decided edge in manpower.

Fought mostly in a chilly drizzle that froze soldiers clothes to their bodies, the battle quickly evolved into a slugfest. Herrons artillery caused considerable damage, but three separate Union infantry attacks failed, with devastating casualties. In one of them, the 19th Iowa and 20th Wisconsin each suffered 50 percent losses.

Four hours into the battle, his men near the breaking point, Herron began to wonder where Blunt might be, unsure hed have anything left should Hindman unleash one more attack. Herrons prayers were answered at 3:15 when Blunt, marching since before 10 a.m., finally appeared.

The Kansas Divisions arrival decided the outcome. Blunt quickly ordered an attack on Brig. Gen. Daniel Frosts Division, then withstood a furious counterattack, ultimately benefiting from his armys artillery superiority. The fighting ended at nightfall, but Blunt expected it to resume the following day and had his men sleep on their guns. Hindman, howeverlow on ammunition and food for his men and horsesretreated overnight, tying blankets around the wheels of his artillery and supply wagons to disguise the withdrawal.

Arkansas would be forever lost to the Confederacy, but Hindman continued to fight elsewhere for Southern independence. He was wounded in the neck at Chickamauga in September 1863 and again in the 1864 Atlanta Campaign. When the war ended, Hindman chose not to surrender and fled to Mexico, living in exile until 1867.

Chris Howland is a senior editor for Americas Civil War.

Originally published in the November 2014 issue of Americas Civil War. To subscribe, click here.
Half Moon Bay, CA (94019)

Today

Partly cloudy skies this morning will give way to occasional showers during the afternoon. Thunder possible. High 56F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 50%..

Tonight

Rain likely. Thunder possible. Low 48F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near an inch.
Space discoveries have been getting better day by day, especially with the recent finding of the seven planets in the TRAPPIST-1. NASA's contribution towards discoveries in space has been benchmarked in history, and it seems that they are not stopping to continue. NASA Scientists are now all set to meet with representatives from the Russian Academy of Sciences Space Research Institute.

The special mission will be called as the "Venera-D," where NASA and Russia will explore Venus together. Russia has already launched 16 space probes toward Venus as part of the Venera series. The Venera-D mission is said to launch sometime in 2020, the mission might include a solar powered airship that can fly through the upper atmosphere of the planet as per Space.

Along with this it will include an orbiter and lander to gather data from Venus, the collaboration of Russia and NASA is believed to bring great results from Venera-D. Scientists from NASA and Russian representatives will discuss objectives for the Venus exploration.

It appears that Venus and Earth share many similarities such as, proximity to the sun, size and composition. The temperature on the surface of Venus is hot enough to melt lead and the planet is even hotter than Mercury, even though the latter is closer to the sun.

NASA has also sent multiple probes to study Venus such as, the Mariner 2 orbiter. The space agency's last mission was Magellan, it was launched in 1990 and covered almost 98 percent of the planet's surface over four years.

Venus is known as the sister planet to Earth and there is much to learn from it, including the weather conditions. There are possibilities that it might have had oceans harbored life millions of years ago, while NASA and Russia explores Venus together in a special mission, The US space agencies "Curiosity Rover" still roams the Martian surface.

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Venus has been the matter of interest for NASA over a good period of time and they are taking preparations in order to discover the Hellish planet. Now it looks like, this agenda of NASA may come true sooner than it was expected as the scientists from Russian Academy of Sciences and Space Research Institute (IKI) has met with the representatives of NASA. It was officially announced by the NASA last week as the collaboration of NASA and Russia is all set to launch project Venera-D mission to Venus.



Russia has also shown a significant amount of interest over Venus for a long period of time. Russia had taken part in the Venera project actively and they have launched almost 16 probes between the years of 1961 and 1983. It was reported that only a few probes were able to reach the planet, Venus. Therefore, it is really obvious that Russia will show interest in any kind of missions which is related to the Venus. Therefore, Russia and NASA have decided to jointly collaborate in the project Venera-D and the project is scheduled to launch in the year of 2020.



Many experts believe that this joint collaboration is definitely helpful. At the same time, they think that there is a huge possibility that the project will be a real successful one.If the project is launched successfully then there is a great chance that a huge amount of exploration of the planet, Venus will be possible. If that happens then many unknown things will be clear to us.



The representatives from NASA will keep meeting the representatives of IKI in order to decide the future plans of the project. At the same time, they will decide the future objectives of the project as well.



Both Earth and Venus have few similarities in their composition and size. Therefore, it is known as the sister planet of the earth. If a complete exploration on planet Venus is made then scientists believe that the future of the earth can be predicted.

@ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Samsung, the Korean tech giant will release the most awaited flagships Galaxy S8 and S8+ soon. A fresh report straight from Korea pops-up stating that April 21, 2017, will be the global launch date of these two amazing smartphones. The report gives clear details from its unpacking event to its sales reservation and pre-order dates for buyers.

According to ETNews, the Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ will first be unveiled in New York and London, where the company will carry out multiple city events on March 29. 2017. The report also states that after the launch, pre-orders will start on April 7, 2017, and will be available up to April 17, 2017. Finally, Samsung will release the best-made smartphones on April 21, 2017, for other global tech markets.

The company has also confirmed through its website for Italy the final proof of the availability of Bixby and it has added the AI feature in its Terms and Conditions, effectively confirming what it does. The privacy statement mentions that Bixby is a voice feature with which the user can control all operations of the mobile device.

The Samsung Galaxy S8 is reported to come with a 5.8-inch AMOLED display and the Galaxy S8+ model with a 6.2-inch display. Under the hood, both the phones will feature latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor paired with 4GB RAM and 64GB / 128GB internal storage expandable via microSD. The smartphone will be IP68 certified water resistant.

The phone will is reportedly said to be running with an Android 7.0 Nougat OS and packs a 3,000mAh battery on board. The other features that will be included are the 12MP rear camera and 8MP front-facing camera, face scanner, front iris scanner, rear fingerprint scanner, AI Assistant Bixby, DeX Station, first ever aspect ratio of 18.5:9, 8-point battery safety check and Samsung Level In ANC wireless headphones with Active Noise Cancelling feature.

@ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
A judge in Hawaii has blocked Donald Trump's new travel ban, the ruling by US District Judge Derrick Watson blocks Trump executive order. Hawaii is one of several US states trying to stop the travel ban. The directive would have placed a 90-day ban on people from six Muslim nations and a 120-day ban on refugees.

President Trump said it would stop terrorists from entering the US but critics believe the travel ban is discriminatory. BBC reports that lawyers in Hawaii think the ban would violate the US constitution by discriminating against people because of their national origin. Hawaii declared the ban would harm tourism and the ability to get foreign students and workers.

An earlier version of the president's order sparked confusion and protests. Washington state Attorney General Bob Ferguson described it as fantastic news. Donald Trump's first travel ban was suspended because it violated the due process rights of individuals with valid residency and visas.

More details about it

The discussion over whether the travel ban imposed an unconstitutional religious test on some immigrants was put off until another day, which has arrived. The federal court in Hawaii used Trump's own words against him. An order that discriminates against some Muslims, is just as legally deficient as one that discriminates against them all. Now it's back to the drawing board for the Trump administration or back to the Ninth Circuit court of appeals, which ruled against Trump on the original ban just last month.

Under the revised order, citizens of six countries (Iran, Libya, Syria, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen) would once more be subject to a 90-day travel ban. Iraq was removed from the list because its government increased visa screening and data sharing. The revised order lifts an indefinite ban on Syrian refugees and says that Green Card holders from the named countries will not be affected.

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Donald Trump's new travel ban was blocked by a federal judge in Hawaii on Wednesday, this happened hours before the ban was set to go into effect. As expected the president reacted to the travel ban ruling calling it a "Judicial Overreach."

During a rally in Nashville Trump condemned the ruling by introducing his statement as "the bad, the sad news," he further added that in the opinion of many it is an unprecedented judicial overreach. The crowd that appeared at the rally was in full support as they booed the news.

It seems that the president is not going to give up easily on his promises. As the previous executive order of the travel ban included seven major Muslim countries, the new one removed Iraq from the list of banned countries as per CNN.

The new ban was all set to take effect and it was announced earlier this month, if everything had gone well for Trump people from Iran, Somalia, Libya, Syria, Sudan and Yemen would have been banned from entering the United States for 90 days. The refugees on the other hand would have been banned for 120 days.

The U.S District Court judge Derrick Watson said that it is undisputed, and it would be no paradigmatic leap to conclude that targeting these countries likewise targets Islam. The White House rewrote the travel ban hoping that the new one will survive the legal scrutiny, and the Justice Department said that it will defend the new travel ban.

Trump made a statement saying that the order blocked by Watson was a watered down version of the first one. The Department of Justice will continue to defend this executive order in the courts, as it strongly disagrees with the federal district courts ruling. The president's executive order falls within this lawful authority in seeking to protect the Nation's security.

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When Rehangul Yimir came to Beijing to attend her first National Peoples Congress (NPC) session in 2013, the nervous lady was the youngest deputy from the Xinjiang Uyghur autonomous region.

She was so afraid of being late to her meetings that she dared not sleep at night.

After five years, now the more experienced Rehangul said "coming to Beijing for the two sessions is like going to my parents' home". With more confidence and determination, she proposed bigger suggestions to further develop her hometown.

China Daily's reporter Cao Huan has recorded Rehangul's story during the two sessions annually for five years and captured her successful transformation.

From a migrant worker to an NPC deputy

Rehangul Yimir at a panel discussion in Beijing on March 12, 2017 during the National People's Congress. [Photo by Feng Yongbin/Asianewsphoto]

Born in a family with six other siblings in a small county in Xinjiang in September 1989, Rehangul dropped out of middle school as her parents could not afford the tuition fee.

Her parents then started looking for a potential husband with a stable income, but Rehangul refused and went to East China's coastal Zhejiang province to find a job.

Due to language barriers, she found it nearly impossible to communicate when she first began working at a textile factory in 2007.

But she didn't give up and worked hard to learn Mandarin and hone her skills. Within a short time she impressed the company so much with her diligence that she was named the workshop manager.

In the years that followed, she brought over 1,000 workers from Xinjiang to Zhejiang, who in turn contributed more than 10 million yuan to their hometown, as well as creating a team that became known for its "assiduousness, wisdom, honesty and integrity" in China's eastern areas.

The year 2012 was the most fruitful period for Rehangul. She was accepted in Xinjiang Vocational University with Chinese translation as her major, and elected as a delegate to the 12th National People's Congress.

Record during the two sessions

In 2013, China Daily video journalist Cao read about Rehanguls story in a Chinese outlet and contacted Rehangul to see whether she could interview and record her during the two sessions.

Rehangul gladly agreed so Cao was able to follow her from early morning to group discussion of NPC delegates to Rehangul writing her speech in her hotel room in the evening.

"She was nervous, flustered and young. She wrote a speech for panel discussions and practiced dozens of times in her room as she wasnt a fluent Mandarin speaker," Cao vividly recalled.

As the interview went well, Rehangul and Cao agreed to meet up again the next year.

Since then, Rehangul has brought news and surprises to the two sessions every year. And the filming continues.

In 2015, Rehangul featured in CCTV's Spring Festival Gala as a national model worker.

Now she is a deputy head of a township in Kashi, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region.

New suggestion, new hope

Rehangul revealed that she is expecting a baby this year. "It has been three months and one day," the mother-to-be's face lightened up when she shared this news with China Daily.

This year, her suggestion is to accelerate the construction of the China-Pakistan railway and build more training bases in Xinjiang.

Kashi, a central area in southern part of Xinjiang, borders Pakistan and other Central Asian countries. "A number of the neighboring countries surely want to know more about our culture and development," she said.

Rehangul said the problem is that companies need skilled workers but there are not proper avenues to train the local population.

"For example, Kashi has a textile factory, so a training course in textiles should be established," she suggested.

Rehangul said that though there have been changes and growth in her in the past five years, one thing that would not change is her determination to contribute to the development of Xinjiang.
(Global Times) 13:16, March 16, 2017

The King of Saudi Arabia Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud arrived in Beijing Wednesday for a state visit which will last until Saturday, a trip experts said signals Saudi Arabia's determination to treat China as a reliable and strong partner at a time Saudi-US ties are experiencing difficulties.

The king's massive delegation is comprised of about 1,500 people including 25 princes and 10 ministers. "This visit is not a normal diplomatic event but a strategic diplomatic move connected with Saudi Arabia's future, Hua Liming, former Chinese ambassador to Iran and the UAE, told the Global Times on Wednesday.

Before arriving in China, King an's delegation has been to Malaysia, Indonesia and Japan. They will land in the Maldives after finishing the China tour.

The key mission of the king's visit to China is to establish a linkage between the "Saudi Vision 2030" strategy and China's One Belt and One Road initiative, said Liu Zhongmin, a professor at the Middle East Studies Institute of Shanghai International Studies University.

Chinese President Xi Jinpingin 2013 proposed the initiative aimed at building a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along the ancient Silk Roadtrade routes.

"Saudi Arabia wants to reduce its reliability on oil production, boost industrialization and improve its infrastructure, which are the key components of 'Saudi Vision 2030,' while China has outstanding capability in infrastructure construction," Hua said, so the foundation of Sino-Saudi cooperation is solid and reliable.

Saudi Ambassador to China Turki Bin Mohamed Al-Mady said Saudi Arabia attaches great importance to China's Belt and Road initiative, reported the Xinhua News Agency.

"The king's visit shows that China and Saudi Arabia enjoy a close relationship and share broad common interests," the ambassador said.

He revealed that during the king's visit, the two sides will discuss enhancing cooperation in such areas as culture, economy, trade, technology, security and defense. They are expected to sign several agreements and memoranda on education, investment, transfer of technology, industry and trade.

According to the Chinese foreign ministry, Saudi Arabia remains China's leading supplier of crude oil and the largest trading partner in West Asia. China is the largest trading partner of Saudi Arabia. Military cooperation between the two countries has also moved forward steadily.

New partnerships

The king's trip to Asia, especially to China and Japan has another motive - to tell the US that Saudi Arabia can forge new, strong partnerships in Asia, Hua said.

Due to the US shale gas revolution, energy cooperation between Saudi Arabia and the US is shrinking, Hua said, therefore, Saudi Arabia needs to strengthen its ties with China and Japan, the two biggest oil customers of Saudi Arabia.

"Apart from energy cooperation, infrastructure and investment are also important for Riyadh, and both China and Japan are good in this area," said Yin Gang, a researcher at the Institute of West Asian and African Studies of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. "Compared to the US, the EU and Russia, China has an advantage as it has no enemies in the region," Yin stressed.

Saudi Arabia is providing opportunity to both China and Japan at the same time, and it would like to see competition between China and Japan since it can benefit from it, so for China, the opportunity also carries challenges, Yin said.

Riyadh can get more bargaining chips vis-a-vis the US by strengthening ties with China, but it will still maintain its security cooperation with the US, and Washington also needs it so as to play a significant role in the region," Liu said.

Hua said China could also be a mediator to bridge the conflict between Saudi Arabia and its regional rival Iran.

China hopes Saudi Arabia and Iran can resolve their problems through equal and friendly consultations, said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at a press conference during this year's two sessions.

"China is a friend with both Saudi Arabia and Iran. If there is a need, China is willing to play our necessary role," the foreign minister said.
T he new Lord Harlech, Jasset Ormsby Gore, 30, has a plan. He wants to sell the contents of Glyn Cywarch, a secluded 17th-century house in north Wales, known simply as Glyn, so he can convert it into a posh B&B.

Given that his mother is the stylist Amanda Harlech, known for collaborations with John Galliano and Karl Lagerfeld, the end result is likely to be very posh indeed.

Ormsby Gore, the seventh baron Harlech, inherited Glyn last year on the death of his father. Death duties in the Fifties saw off the familys stately pile in Shropshire but they moved much of its contents to Glyn, set among waterfall-strewn woodland in Snowdonia.

The sale of almost 550 lots includes a library of historic books (the earliest dated 1477), a truly magnificent, recently identified portrait by Elizabethan master Marcus Gheeraerts the Younger (lot 36, 60,000-80,000), and tons of fine old oak furniture.

The new Lord Harlech, Jasset Ormsby Gore / Bonhams

Estimates are sensible  though in many cases, Harlech provenance will add value. Theres a fabulous set of 19th-century kitchenalia, including copper saucepans bearing the Harlech H and a coronet  lot 25, estimated at 100-150.

The wide selection of good, solid furniture includes oak coffers and chests, and a surprising array of tables: gatelegs, Pembrokes, sofa tables, small occasional tables and an amazing Charles I (10ft) refectory table for the ultimate dinner party  lot 35, 8,000-12,000.

Designer: Lord Harlech's mother Amanda Harlech / Getty

Theres an important set of seven George III giltwood armchairs with hand-worked upholstery at 50,000-80,000 but there are many more affordable things, such as a pair of Regency ebonised gilt and cane chairs at 500-700 (lot 47); or a charming, pink, velvet-covered Italian 19th-century sofa, lot 92, for 500-700; or the stunning tester bed with unusual curved canopy. Delicately turned and carved, this sweetheart, lot 458, is estimated at 2,000-3,000.

500-700: a pair of Regency ebonised gilt and cane chairs (lot 47)

Then there is the library, an important sale on its own. More than 300 historic books, this collectors dream includes the 1612 first collection of Edmund Spenser (lot 352, 1,000-2,000), and Buffons wonderfully illustrated Natural History of 1785 (lot 368, 600-800).

The auction has a fun side, too, reflecting the sixth barons skill with, and passion for, cars. He evidently had a great eye for a classic. In his gatehouse he had not only a super-rare 1936 Lagonda Rapier (only 300 were ever made; lot 537, 20,000 -25,000) but also a thrillingly rangy 1925 Douglas motorbike (lot 538, 33,500-4,500). A remarkable sale, and for car-lovers the Lagonda will be on show.

The Contents of Glyn Cywarch: The Property of Lord Harlech is at Bonhams London on March 29.

2,000-3,000: tester bed with unusual curved canopy (lot 458)

THE WAR HERO, AMBASSADOR AND LOVER OF JACKIE K

A star lot, number 194, the Kennedy-Harlech papers, tells some of the story of David, the remarkable fifth Baron Harlech. As young David Ormsby Gore he was in Phantom reconnaissance in the Second World War, before being made British Ambassador to Washington by his family friend, US President John F Kennedy.

Romantic link: Jackie Kennedy and the fifth baron

Ormsby Gores good advice helped defuse the Cuban Missile Crisis. After JFKs assassination, the now Baron Harlech (whose own wife had died) corresponded romantically with Jackie Kennedy, until she married Aristotle Onassis. The poignant, unsent draft of his letter, when he knew hed lost her, is in this lot. He next set up and ran Harlech TV (the hugely successful HTV).

The lot includes many personal letters, written and received, personalised invitations to the White House, even the ambassadors embossed dispatch boxes.

The estimate is 100,000-150,000, but thats no surprise for such a truly historic and personal collection.
Dr. John McCormick, professor of European politics at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), will present the address The E.U.: An Uncertain Future on Monday, March 27, at 1 p.m. at Hope College 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.

McCormick was educated at Rhodes University in South Africa, University College London and Indiana University. His academic interests focus on the European Union, comparative politics, and transatlantic relations.

He has been a visiting professor at the universities of Exeter and Sussex in Britain, and at the College of Europe in Bruges, Belgium. During 2010-13 he held a Jean Monnet Chair from the European Commission, awarded under an international program that supports teaching activities in European integration. In the spring of 2013 he was Fulbright-Schuman Chair in US-EU Politics at the College of Europe. In the autumn of 2014 he was awarded a second three-year Jean Monnet Chair.

He is the author of 12 books and multiple book chapters and journal articles, has written seven textbooks that have been published in 24 editions and seven languages, has won three university teaching awards, and has published in Political Quarterly, the Journal of Transatlantic Studies, Environment, Il Politico and Cuadernos Europeos de Deusto.

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.

McCormick will also be speaking on Monday, March 27, at 6 p.m. at the Aquinas College Performing Arts Center. Admission to the event at Aquinas is $10.

The councils 2017 Great Decisions Global Discussion Series will conclude on Monday, April 3, with the address Shifts in the Sand: U.S.-Saudi Relations by Simon Henderson of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy of Washington, D.C.

More information about the presentations at Hope is available at hope.edu/greatdecisions. More information about the Great Decisions Global Discussion Series as a whole is available here.

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.
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CHARLESTON, S.C.  The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina announced today that it has been awarded LEED certification. The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating system, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), is the foremost program for high performance buildings, homes and communities that are designed, constructed, maintained and operated for improved environmental and human health performance.

"Enjoying this idyllic location along the Charleston coastline also comes with a social responsibility toward protecting the environment. As stewards of the land and sea, we are simply preserving what we have for future generations to enjoy," says Oliver Rooskens, Managing Director of The Beach Club. "Every time I look out on to the harbor I am reminded what a gift it is to share this experience with our guests, and knowing that we employed sustainable building practices makes me proud," he adds.

The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina achieved LEED certification for implementing practical and measurable strategies and solutions aimed at achieving high performance in: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality.

LEED is the foremost program for the design, construction and operation of green buildings. More than 12,000 commercial and institutional projects are currently participating in LEED, comprising more than 5.5 billion square feet of construction space in all 50 states and more than 164 countries and territories.

"The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina's LEED certification demonstrates tremendous green building leadership," said Mahesh Ramanujam, president and CEO, USGBC. "LEED was created to make the world a better place and revolutionize the built environment by providing everyone with a healthy, green and high performing buildings. The Beach Club serves as a prime example of how the work of innovative building projects can use local solutions to make a global impact on the environment."

Whole Building Systems, an energy efficiency engineering firm located in Charleston, South Carolina provided LEED consulting, energy modeling and commissioning services on the project.

The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina Awarded LEED Certification Photo by The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina

"The combination of high efficiency HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) and commissioning the building so that the systems work as designed was a key factor in getting the hotel LEED certified," says M. Dennis Knight, CEO of Whole Building Systems (WBS). He adds, "the energy model that WBS produced secured a $100,000 rebate for the hotel developer from SCE&G's EnergyWise for Your Business program."

The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina was designed by GBA Architecture and is located 7 miles from downtown Charleston at 20 Patriots Point Rd. in Mount Pleasant, S.C. 29464. Rates start at $249 per night.

For more information and reservations, visit www.charlestonharborresort.com/thebeachclub.com or call (843) 856-0028. Find The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor on Facebook and @beachclubcharleston on Instagram.

The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina Photo by The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina

The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina Photo by The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina

The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina Photo by The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina

About The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina

Pairing Southern hospitality and luxury amenities, The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina is part of the Leading Hotels of the World collection and is located minutes away from Charleston"s acclaimed historic district. Each guestroom features elegant decor and stunning views of Charleston"s waterfront. The Beach Club was named one of Fodor"s Best New Hotels in the World in 2016.

Darlene Fiske

Public Relations

512-331-7755

The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina
Africa is seeing a significant growth in international air travellers  arrivals were up 10.3% between September 2016 and January this year. Europe remained the leading source market with a 47.3% share, while Asia Pacific was the fastest growing, up 21.7%.

The encouraging figures for the continent's economy are released today by ForwardKeys, which monitors future travel patterns by analysing 16 million flight reservation transactions each day.

The data comes ahead of the influential Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) which will again run alongside AviaDev Africa in Kigali, Rwanda on October 10 to 12. Organised by Bench Events it brings together leading executives and investors from the worlds of aviation and hotels, alongside top government officials and politicians.

Source: The Bench

Wolfgang Neumann, President & CEO, The Rezidor Hotel Group, said: "We have been making strategic investments in Africa in line with our accelerated growth strategy for our most important emerging market. This exceptionally positive report is most affirming and if the air traffic growth is sustained, further investment in hotel development will surely flow."

Eight out of the top ten Africa destinations saw good year-end performance; some were rebounding from the impact of the Ebola crisis; wildlife destinations have been regaining their popularity, and Egypt and Tunisia recovered from safety and security concerns. Morocco's strong performance was partly due to the visa waiver for Chinese tourists beginning in June 2016. Mauritius island beach retreat continued to attract international visitors.

There were set-backs, however, for Ethiopia and Nigeria, both seeing a fall in intra-Africa international visitors. Ethiopia also saw fewer tourists from Northern Europe and the Middle East compared to the same period last year.

Source: The Bench

All the top 15 origin countries for Africa destinations contributed to the overall increase. But African markets  South Africa and Kenya  lagged behind the other long-haul origin countries in terms of growth. China's outstanding 35.9% growth can partly be accounted for by the timing of the Chinese New Year.

Source: The Bench

Looking to the immediate future, the good news continues for Africa. Forward bookings for international arrivals, February to July, are 17.3% ahead of last year. Egypt is leading the top ten field on 48.5%. Advance bookings for the Easter holidays are particularly well advanced.



Source: The Bench

Europe and the Americas are leading the surge in forward bookings to Africa partly because of Easter holiday bookings. Brazil has also skyrocketed  148% - as it emerges from economic gloom. China is behind on last year because of the shift in Chinese New Year celebrations.



Source: The Bench

Focusing on the East African Community (EAC)  Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and Tanzania  arrivals were up 16.4% from September 2016 to January this year. The top ten origin countries all sustained their places from earlier in the year, including African markets which also saw growth, Kenya up 6.4% and Uganda 11.7%.



Source: The Bench

The future is also looking good for the EAC, with forward bookings from February to July for the region currently running 16.5% ahead of the equivalent period last year.



Source: The Bench

ForwardKeys says long-haul connectivity could be improved for all EAC key airports  Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta is the only one with connections beyond Europe and the Middle East. And Kigali is the only one to see double-digit growth in international capacity for both long-haul and intra-Africa routes.

Source: The Bench

"These numbers give cause for genuine optimism", John Mirenge, the Chief Executive Officer of RwandAir said. "If the growth is sustained throughout the year and beyond, it will be good for our fast growing airline. Considering this growth and other facets of the aviation industry in Africa, very productive discussions are expected from AviaDev Africa summit in October this year, with all parties interested to explore the opening of new routes."

About the Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF)

AHIF is the premier hotel investment conference in Africa, attracting many prominent international hotel owners, investors, financiers, management companies and their advisers. It is organised by Bench Events (www.benchevents.com), which is known for producing, alongside Questex Travel + Hospitality and MEED Events, several other top-level hotel conferences around the world including Berlin (IHIF), Dubai (AHIC), Istanbul (CATHIC) and Moscow (RHIC).

Sponsors of AHIF Rwanda are: Host Partners: Rwanda Development Board; Platinum Sponsors: Hilton Worldwide, Marriott international and The Rezidor Hotel Group; Gold Sponsors: AccorHotels, Best Western; Grant Thornton; Horwath HTL, Hotel partners Africa, Kempinski, Movenpick; STR Global, Swiss Education Group and Wyndham Worldwide.

About Bench Events

Global event organiser Bench Events has a long track record of delivering multiple premium hotel investment conferences and forums across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Latin America.

Market leading annual conferences include the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference (AHIC) in Dubai, now in its 13th year, the Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) the new Asia Hotel and Tourism Investment Conference (AHTIC), The Summit in London and the Latin American Hotel & Tourism Investment Conferences (SAHIC). Bench Events' extensive portfolio also includes the Global Restaurant Investment Forum (GRIF) in Dubai and AviaDev, designed to promote the future air connectivity in Africa.

Bench Events' mission is enabling prosperity by facilitating growth, networking, and thought leadership in the hospitality industry worldwide.

www.benchevents.com

About ForwardKeys

ForwardKeys predicts future travel patterns by crunching and analysing 16m booking transactions a day. It is used by travel marketers, retailers, hotels, destination marketing organisations (DMOs), financial institutions, car rental companies, tour operators, online travel agents (OTAs), and other traveller-focussed businesses worldwide to monitor and anticipate traveller arrivals and stay ahead of the trends from a particular origin market at a specific time. The analysis enables them to anticipate the impact of events, better manage their staffing levels, fine tune supply requirements, adjust and measure the effectiveness of their marketing efforts and predict future market trends. ForwardKeys' data is retrieved daily from all the major global reservation systems worldwide.

For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact: Sophie Luis, [email protected], +44 (0) 20 7112 8556 or David Tarsh +44 (0) 20 7602 5262, [email protected].

About The Bench

The Benchhas established a legacy for delivering world-leading investment forums and conferences in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. The key principle behind these platforms has remained "dealmaking'. Transforming the way business connect, Bench has developed a reputation for creating innovative and high-impact meeting spaces for the industry.

For over two decades - government leaders, tourism ministries, global travel & tourism associations, the world's most influential hospitality brands, hotel owners & investors, renowned restaurant groups, airlines & aviation authorities, destination developers, asset managers, financial groups and consultants  have been participating in The Bench's events for their respective objectives. These include AHIC, AHIF, GRIF, FHS, AHF, IDEEA, AviaDev and RENEW where industry players showcase their brands, position themselves as thought leaders or innovators, and connect with the right opportunities and knowledge.

Learn more on thebench.com

About MEED

Launched on International Women's Day 1957, the Middle East Economic Digest, MEED, is a well-known and trusted brand used by governments and businesses operating in the region.

Encompassing a business intelligence service, digital media, publications and events MEED provides exclusive daily news, data and analysis. We are responsible for keeping our audiences of subscribers, registered users and event attendees informed, helping to facilitate decision making and connections.

Our marketing solutions team provides clients with access to our audiences. We partner with local and international companies who need to reach our high-value communities. In consultation with our clients we utilise tried and tested methods to target and engage decision makers to announce and explain, lead and grow and to contact and convert business leaders into customers.

MEED is wholly owned by data and intelligence company GlobalData Plc which means that our marketing solutions clients are also able to access a network of over 13m digital users per month across 18 different sectors.

Learn more on meed.com

Future Hospitality Summit (FHS)

Date: 19-21 September 2022

Location: Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, UAE

Sponsors

Host Sponsor: Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts

Platinum Sponsors: Accor, Dur Hospitality, Hilton, Marjan, Millennium Hotels & Resorts and Radisson Hotel Group

Emerald Sponsors: Emaar Hospitality Group, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Marriott International, NEOM, Rotana, Royal Commission for AlUla, SMIT Morocco and Taiba Investments.

Gold Sponsors: Aleph Hospitality, CBRE, Colliers, Compass Project Consulting, Dentons, ELAF Group, ENVI Lodges, GG&Grace International, Hospitality Management Holding, HVS, The Indian Hotels Company, Insignia, Interior360, Ishraq Hospitality, IT Hospitality Group, Knight Frank, Louvre Hotels Group, LXA, Mapal Group, Minor Hotels, OBMI, PwC Middle East, QUO, SSH, STR, Valor Hospitality Partners and Voltere by egis.

Silver Sponsors: Deutsche Hospitality and Katch.

Supporters: The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management, Hospitality Asset Managers Association (HAMA), Sustainable Hospitality Challenge, and Women in Hospitality (WiH).

David Tarsh

+44 (0) 20 7602 5262

The Bench
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Rattan, who is the new director of sales at the hotel, completed his Bachelors Degree in Hotel Management in 1999 and began his hospitality career with the Sheraton Hotel & Resort, Doha. From January 2000 until 2005, Rattan worked for Jumeirah Group, both in Jumeirah Emirates Towers and in their corporate sales office. Between 2005 and 2011, he worked his way up the ranks to assistant director of sales, in properties across the Middle East and India, including The Chedi in Muscat, Taj West End in Bangalore, Six Senses Spa at Sharq Village & Spa in Doha, and Wafi Hospitality. In 2011, Rohit was offered the position of director of sales and marketing for Rixos the Palm Dubai.Following a two year stint Rattan took up the position of director of sales and marketing for Emirates Grand Hotel & Apartments, overlooking a total of 776 units. In his new role as director of sales for Warwick Dubai, Rattan will be looking to boost the occupancy at the hotel and encourage more outside guests to visit the hotels F&B offerings, the hotel said in a statement.
(Global Times) 13:17, March 16, 2017

Rising populism unlikely to cast shadow on China-EU ties

The Dutch legislative elections on Wednesday will pose a litmus test for populist parties in Europe this year, experts said, with all eyes set on the far-right politician Geert Wilders, who is campaigning for more seats for his party in the Dutch parliament.

A total of 28 parties are competing for the 150 seats in the Dutch lower house of parliament, the AFP reported. Exit polls' results are expected shortly after the polls close at 8 pm local time on Wednesday.

As the leader of the Liberal VVD party, Prime Minister Mark Rutte is bidding for a third term as premier.

Wilders' Freedom Party (PVV) is not likely to win the majority, but it aims to gain more seats in the parliament than ever, which will be a "vane" for the upcoming elections in Europe, especially in France, where the far-right parties are expected to win, Wu Yikang, director of the European Studies Center at the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Wednesday.

The PVV, which has gained popularity due to the open and tolerant political culture of Netherlands, is believed to be a forceful voice in this year's election, even though it might find it difficult to build a coalition due to political differences among parties, said Cui Hongjian, director of the China Institute of International Studies' Department of European Studies.

Being the first to go to polls before presidential elections in France in April and legislative polls in Germany in September, the Dutch electionwill influence the performance of the far-right parties in the rest of Europe, Cui told the Global Times.

"The rise of far-right parties will definitely shake the European politics, a situation China wouldn't particularly like," Wu said, explaining that China always supports European integration.

Since there are no radical statements targeted at China from these far-right forces who are anti-immigration and anti-integration, their rise is not expected to cast a shadow over the bilateral relations between China and Europe or the Netherlands, Wu noted.

Chinese immigrants, however, would face social pressure, such as difficulties in access to education or employment, Cui said. There are more than 190,000 Chinese living in the Netherlands, data from the Report of World Overseas Chinese Situation in 2013 shows.

China probably will also suffer from a deep division in European politics as it may affect China's existing or planned cooperation agreements with the European nations, so China needs to prepare for potential risks when devising future agreements, Cui noted. "However, China must not blindly ignore the far-right while supporting the mainstream political parties."

The official result is expected to be announced on Tuesday by the elections commission while the new parliament will be installed on March 23, AFP said.
Reebok recently introduced their first knit sneaker, the Zoku Runner and they tapped Future to be the face of the campaign, headlining Reebok-sponsored events in London and New York City.

Today, theyve unveiled a special edition Freebandz Zoku Runner in honor of their ongoing partnership with Future, which will be hitting retailers, including Reebok.com, on Friday, March 17th for $120.

The Freebandz edition is built on a neutral black and white colorway, highlighted by Freebandz branding on the tongue and heel.

The Future-promoted Zoku Runner draws on inspiration from classic Reebok silhouettes from the 70s, 80s and 90s, featuring the ever-popular sock-like Ultraknit construction, resulting in a super lightweight feel.

Check out the all of the Reebok Zoku Runners available at Reebok.com.

Future x RBK
Meek Mill has been charged with assault following an altercation at St. Louis International Airport, reports TMZ. According to a source, a fight broke out after an airport employees request for a photo with the rapper.

Were told the airport employee wanted a photo with Meek but the rapper wasnt having it  and an altercation ensued, reads the TMZ story.

After airport police were called to the scene, Meek was charged with misdemeanor assault, as were two airport employees. The three individuals were given summons to appear in court.

Meek Mill is currently on probation, though it is unclear if this misdemeanor charge would be a violation.

A video from the scene has been obtained by TMZ. Watch it below.





The story is still developing. Stay tuned for further updates.
August's Dun Laoghaire knees-up is starting to look seriously tasty...

A DJ-ing Mark Ronson and sexy French boys Air have been unveiled as the Saturday and Sunday night headliners at the Beatyard festival, which returns to Dun Laoghaire on August 5 and 6.

They join an impressive line-up that already includes the likes of Bananarama, Toots And The Maytals, Candi Staton, Larry Heard, Katie Kim, Horse Meat Disco and  we love typing this!  Choice Music Prize winners Rusangano Family.

Nicolas Godin and Jean-Benoit Dunckel are returning to live duty after a five-year break while Mark Ronson will be riffling his way through a record box that includes everything from classic gospel, 60s funk and punk to jazz, hip hop and New Romantic.
A federal grand jury has indicted a former Army soldier for allegedly threatening to kill people and take hostages at Fort Hood, officials said Wednesday.

The indictment, handed down on Tuesday, charges Thomas Anthony Chestnut, 28, with committing one count of interstate communications with threat to injure.

On Feb. 22, Chestnut called and spoke with a sergeant in the 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood. Federal prosecutors said Chestnut threatened to stage a mass killing on post if he wasn't allowed to speak with someone of higher military rank.

Chestnut eventually talked with an Army major regarding problems about back pay that was owed to him. He threatened to shoot soldiers on the post if he didn't receive the money, officials said.

FBI agents arrested Chestnut two days later at his home in Dripping Springs. He has remained in federal custody since then.

Chestnut faces five years in federal prison if convicted.

In June 2014, Chestnut was convicted of sexually assaulting someone at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio. He was sentenced to three years at Fort Leavenworth, but his conviction was overturned in December 2016.
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Buc-ee's, the local convenience store chain known for clean restrooms, cheap gasoline and its cartoon beaver mascot, is trying to stop a Nebraska company from muscling in on the Texas market with plans to build stores called Bucky's, the latest development in a decadelong dispute between the dueling convenience store chains with names that sound the same.

Eleven years ago, both filed for trademarks months apart to protect their growing companies. After a legal battle, the two reached a truce: Bucky's in Nebraska agreed that the Texas company could continue to use "Buc-ee's" because the names, logos and market areas of the two operators were different enough that consumers were not likely to be confused, according to the 2009 consent agreement.

The agreement allowed the two chains to coexist because of their geographic distance, said Steve Levine, a trademark lawyer in Dallas. The peace lasted eight years until Bucky's owner, Buck's of Omaha, broke the truce with its Texas expansions plans.

"Bucky's in Nebraska has really, really upped the ante by moving into Texas," Levine said.

Buck's has teamed up with developers to begin building at least six Bucky's convenience stores within the next year, including locations in Houston and Nassau Bay, according to the lawsuit Buc-ee's filed Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Houston. Buc-ee's alleges that Buck's - which does business as Bucky's in the Midwest -is trying to confuse the public by using a similar name and is seeking a court order to stop the plans from moving ahead.

Bucky's has already bought property, applied for zoning permits and obtained liquor licenses for an unspecified number of stores, the lawsuit says.

"We must take action to ensure that our brand integrity remains intact and that our customers' interaction with Buc-ee's is what they have come to know and expect," Beaver Aplin, Buc-ee's CEO and co-founder, said in a prepared statement.

Bucks did not return calls for comment.

Buc-ee's accuses its rival of trademark infringement and unfair competition. Shawn Bates, a commercial trial lawyer who handles trademark cases in Houston, said the case will likely revolve around the issue of consumer confusion. The question is where people who see a sign for Bucky's will get off the highway believing they're heading for a Buc-ees, with its wide selection of Texans' favorite foods and Lone Star tchotchkes.

"In my mind, when people say Buc-ee's, they're talking about the beaver," not how it's spelled, said Bates, a Buc-ee's fan who stops at every opportunity for the honey pepper-flavored jerky.

From its beginnings in Lake Jackson in 1982, Buc-ee's and its 32 stores have become a famous Texas rest stop. Signs up and down the state's highways draw in travelers for snacks, drinks, and even home accessories such as candles, dishes and art.

"There's always something new to see in there," Bates said. "It's not just another road stop."

Buck's used Bucky's for the first time in 1982 at one of its stores in Omaha, according to court documents. Since then, the stores, which adopted the nickname of its founder Steve Buchanan, have expanded the corporate footprint.

Bucky's has nearly 50 convenience store locations in the Chicago area, 32 in Omaha and three in St. Louis, according to the company's website. Customers who belong to the "Moo Club" - which features a cartoon image of a cow - are eligible for free milk.

The stores sell traditional traveler items such as sandwiches, fountain drinks and coffee along with a line of logo tee-shirts and sweatshirts. The larger stores have at least 20 gas pumps.

The dispute between Buck's and Buc-ees started in 2006, according to court documents. Buck's filed for a trademark registration with federal authorities in January that year, and Buc-ee's applied three months later in April.

Buck's sued Buc-ee's in 2008, claiming unfair competition and deceptive trade practices. The lawsuit - and trademark dispute -were resolved when Bucky's agreed Buc-ee's could continue to use its name.

The lawsuit against Bucky's is not the first time that Buc-ee's has gone after its competitors. Buc-ee's sued the San Antonio-based operator of Choke Canyon Travel Center in 2015 for promoting its gasoline, food and other travel essentials with its grinning, lip-licking, hat-wearing, finger-pointing alligator. The alligator sits in a circle - much like the Buc-ee's beaver - and decorates a wide range of products from snacks to T-shirts. That case is ongoing.
CROWLEY, Texas  In a parking lot on Main Street in this nondescript town of 14,000, Wal-Mart is testing out what it hopes could be its next small thing  a genuine convenience store.

Walk into the 2,500-square-foot store, and the surroundings feel familiar. There's the multi-colored Icee machine, hot dogs sizzling on a roller, and beer stacked in a walk-in refrigerator.

It's one of two convenience stores Wal-Mart opened last month. The other is in Rogers, Ark., near Wal-Mart's Bentonville headquarters. Both stores are in the parking lots of Wal-Mart Supercenters. Wal-Mart continues to test small store formats even though it abandoned its 12,000-square-foot Wal-Mart Express stores last year.

Crowley was picked for being located "on the outskirts of Dallas-Fort Worth, a very important market to us," said Wal-Mart spokeswoman Anne Hatfield. And because it's just off Interstate-35, a major north-south highway in the central U.S.

Wal-Mart's strategy seems to be not reinventing the convenience store concept but rather tweaking it.

The store's hot food section sells pizza, whole and by the slice, and on another bank of hot rollers are the "tornadoes," a knockoff of 7-Eleven's taquitos. Community coffee brand is sold from six taps, regular, decaf and flavored. There's a healthy selection with fruit cups, yogurt and "Market Side" branded salads and wraps, but no calorie counts on the labels.

The rectangle-shaped building sits in front of a row of 16 gasoline pumps, all under cover.

It's a far cry from Amazon Go, a self-service food store that Amazon recently opened on the street level of one of its corporate buildings in Seattle. Amazon hasn't said much about another store under construction in Seattle with a drive-up canopy area in front of a building that locals speculate is for online grocery pick-ups.

Wal-Mart is also working on a convenience store concept for its online grocery shoppers.

In December, one of these 4,000-square-foot stores with gasoline pumps opened in Thornton, Colo. It's similar to one Wal-Mart opened a year ago in Huntsville, Ala.

Inside, the standard coffee, soda and snacks are sold, but these stores include a drive-through for picking up online grocery orders.

Both convenience store concepts are tests, Hatfield said.

"We're eager for feedback from customers. We want to know what's working," she said in an interview.

The convenience store business is not huge for a company Wal-Mart's size, but as a major seller of gasoline, its 100-and 200-square foot payment kiosks may not offer enough for many of its customers.

Wal-Mart operates a To-Go store in Bentonville, Ark., down the street from its headquarters, and it created a lot of buzz when it opened in 2014. There are no plans to build more of the single 5,000-square-foot To Go store, said Hatfield, which also has a deli section with some warm foods like rotisserie chickens.
Mattress Firm is expanding its business with Serta Simmons Bedding less than two months after losing its contract with Tempur Sealy, one of its most important suppliers.

The Houston-based retailer is purging its stores of Tempur Sealy brands and this week announced a five-year partnership with Serta Simmons, the nation's largest mattress maker. As part of the deal, the companies will develop new product lines and jointly invest $100 million in marketing.

Tempur Sealy, a major mattress manufacturer, unexpectedly terminated its contract with Mattress Firm in January after the retailer demanded costly changes to the agreement. Mattress Firm is offering the manufacturer's products at a hefty discount to clear inventory before it's forced to stop selling the brands in April.

Analysts say that both Mattress Firm and Tempur Sealy will face steep challenges after parting ways, at least in the short term. Mattress Firm had historically carried Sealy mattresses, and Tempur-Pedic, which acquired Sealy in 2013, had supplied mattresses to the chain for more than a decade.

For Serta Simmons, however, the split opened a door for the company to sell even more products through Mattress Firm, the nation's largest bedding retailer. The manufacturer has been working to expand its U.S. production volume to meet higher demand from the retailer as it phases out Tempur Sealy brands.

A Mattress Firm spokeswoman said that the company expects to unveil the new products this spring, but declined to elaborate on them.

The agreement builds on a well-established relationship between Mattress Firm and Serta Simmons, which has produced some of the retailer's fastest-growing product lines in recent years. The manufacturer makes several premium memory foam lines, including the Beautyrest Black series, that compete with popular Tempur Sealy brands such as Tempur-Pedic.

"The transition is going to be a little bit sloppy, but the relationship between Serta Simmons and Mattress Firm has gotten better over the last couple of years," Wedbush analyst Seth Basham said.

Mattress Firm's shift in strategy comes less than six months after South African conglomerate Steinhoff International Holdings acquired the company for $3.8 billion, including debt. The retailer in recent years grew its store count to 3,500 by purchasing many of its competitors, offering the foreign corporation an immediate foothold in the U.S. mattress market.

Without Steinhoff's financial backing, Basham said, Mattress Firm likely wouldn't have been able to walk away from its lucrative Tempur Sealy contract.

Tempur Sealy and Serta Simmons together accounted for about 80 percent of the company's mattress costs in fiscal 2015, according to securities filings, the last full year it reported financial results.

"It comes down to the balance of power shifting in favor of Steinhoff and Mattress Firm," Basham said.

The split could deal a larger blow to Tempur Sealy, which sold 21 percent of its products to Mattress Firm last year. SunTrust Robinson Humphrey analyst Keith Hughes wrote a note to investors last month that questioned the manufacturer's ability to sell that same mix of products through other retailers, though many are vying to fill in the gap.

"Mattress Firm, in our view, had the highest mix of all retailers, and their sales staff was particularly good at selling up on the brand," he wrote.

Already, the breakup has created two competing camps. Just weeks before Mattress Firm highlighted its "unprecedented" marketing investment, Tempur Sealy announced that it would invest in record levels of advertising this year with its "Sleep Is Power" campaign, meant to attract new customers and boost retail demand.

Tempur Sealy's stock, which plunged after the split, leveled out in recent weeks as some investors bet the company would rekindle its relationship with Mattress Firm, Hughes wrote. But with little time left to do so, he noted, such a reversal is unlikely.

"We remain skeptical that anything will change short-term," he said.
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For Jianyun Ye, the chef at Mala Sichuan Bistro, Wednesday was like any other day. He got to work in the kitchen at 10:30 a.m., clocked out at 3 p.m. and returned for dinner service two hours later.

Until the tail end of his lunch shift, Ye was unaware - as were the owners of the small restaurant sandwiched in a strip center between an electronics store and a noodle shop in Chinatown - that the James Beard Foundation had announced his name, along with Houston chef Hugo Ortega, as a finalist in the Best Chef Southwest category for the organization's annual awards, the Oscars of the food world.

In fact Ye, who doesn't speak English, didn't know much at all about the James Beard Awards. Cori Xiong, who owns Mala Sichuan with her husband, Heng Chen, explained the prestige of it to him. And even she was hazy on the details, peppering a reporter with questions about how Ye, and in tandem her restaurant, came to be considered for such an accolade.

***

When it opened in 2011, Mala Sichuan brought exciting new regional focus coupled with solid quality to Bellaire Boulevard. The complex flavors and tongue-numbing pepper wizardry of the southwestern Sichuan province had had only limited representation in Houston - and none at the high, consistent level established by Xiong and Chen.

The young couple, 31 and 30 respectively, served as the public face of the restaurant as its reputation grew. They won kudos for their smart, serious menu and savvy decision to add wines and beers curated by local cult sommelier Justin Vann. As at many Chinatown restaurants, Mala Sichuan chefs over the years labored behind the scenes (and the language barrier), unknown to all but the most fanatic diners. Other local chefs, including James Beard Award winner Chris Shepherd, became repeat customers.

The nomination for Ye was no accident. In January, the 17-member chef and restaurant committee for the Beard Awards - composed of food journalists and critics who winnow down a long list of semifinalists - met in Houston with the express intent of canvassing the city's restaurant landscape.

"We've been making a conscious effort to move beyond the obvious big-name chefs cooking in a European and Mediterranean idiom," said Texas Monthly restaurant critic Pat Sharpe, the co-chair of the judging contingent for the Southwest region, which includes Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Nevada, Oklahoma, Utah and Arizona. "We as a committee don't want to be stuck in the past. The times change.

"We liked the food there so much. (Ye isn't) a chef with a compelling story and a PR agency behind him. It was strictly based off of loving the food."

***

Ye, 58, who is from Chengdu in the Sichuan province of China, has been Mala Sichuan's chef for two years. He has lived in Houston for 16 years, previously working at a now-shuttered Chinese restaurant. He got his current job after the departure of Mala Sichuan's former chef, Rong Wu, whom Ye credits for helping put the restaurant on the map.

With Xiong as a translator, Ye said he has been working in kitchens his whole life. He graduated from culinary school in China in 1978, and cooked Sichuan food there before moving to the U.S.

"It's very rewarding to get recognition for something I've been doing for so many years," he said. Especially in the U.S., he added.

"It's more meaningful here because I'm introducing a type of food to people who aren't Chinese."

Xiong said she didn't think Ye had a shot because Mala Sichuan's food is not fine dining.

"It doesn't seem real to me," Xiong said. "Our food is ethnic food to the American people, but to Chinese people it's traditional cooking and true to its origin."

***

While it's Ye's first nomination for a Beard Award, it's Ortega's sixth. Still, he is thrilled to be a finalist.

"It means the world to all of us, and as Houstonians to represent this wonderful city," he said.

Ortega, 52, was nominated for his work at Hugo's, a Montrose restaurant serving regional Mexican food. He and his wife, Tracy Vaught, own H Town Restaurant Group, which also includes Backstreet Cafe, Caracol and Xochi.

Ortega is planning to attend the black-tie awards ceremony, to be held May 1in Chicago. But not just as a nominee. He's been invited to cook for the awards dinner, along with other superstar chefs from around the country.

"Now I have to figure out the logistics for bringing 1,200 bites of food," he said.

The other finalists in the Best Chef Southwest category are Bryce Gilmore of Barley Swine in Austin; Steve McHugh of Cured in San Antonio; Martin Rios of Restaurant Martin in Santa Fe, N.M.; and Steve Redzikowski of Acorn restaurant in Denver. Only three Houston chefs have ever won a James Beard Award: Robert Del Grande (1992), Shepherd (2014) and Justin Yu (2016).

Xiong and Ye are not sure they will attend the ceremony.

"We already have an event in May," she said.

Alison Cook and Greg Morago contributed to this story.
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Officer Jake couldn't wait to get back to work even after he was shot during a robbery investigation last month.

"He was crying to get back to work," his partner, Houston police officer Brian Schmidt said Wednesday. "He was basically bouncing off the walls."

You just can't keep a good dog down.

Houston police officials feared Jake might have to hang up his badge when he was wounded on Feb. 22 after biting another HPD officer during the pursuit of a pair of juvenile robbery suspects.

But Officer Schmidt, his human partner for about five years, said Jake's wounds have cleared up and he has bounced back.

"That's just the way he is. He's really, really energetic," Schmidt said.

(Story continues below ... )

The incident that led to the dog's injuries began shortly after noon that day when HPD officers spotted a car in a Greenspoint area apartment that had been grabbed during an armed robbery.

Police said two people in the car - later identified as juveniles, one male and one female - fled, leading officers on a short pursuit that ended when they crashed into an HPD patrol car along the 1500 block of Gears Road. The female juvenile was quickly arrested and was carrying a pistol, HPD officials said.

The male juvenile ran toward a nearby wooded area. Jake and HPD Officer L. Castillo were among those who chased after the carjacking suspect.

At some point during the foot chase, Jake bit Castillo. The officer fired his weapon twice, striking the police K-9.

The dog was hit twice, a grazing wound to the neck and another that struck near his mouth.

"That was the (injury) that was bleeding the most," Schmidt said.

Another law enforcement officer at the scene was aware of a veterinary clinic in the general area.

"They cleaned everything up and stitched the wound in the lip," Schmidt said.

Jake was later transferred to the BluePearl Veterinary Partners in Spring for more extensive medical attention - including blood work and a drain tube. He was kept under observation at the animal hospital for 24 hours and was later released to his two-legged police partner.

"We went back five days later. They took the drain tube out and said everything was looking good," Schmidt said.

The stitches have been removed and on Monday, Jake was cleared to again hit the streets.

Schmidt said he was relieved that Jake's recovery has been so complete.

"We don't have to retire him," he said.

Jake has been on the force for more than nine years and is among the oldest HPD K-9 partners. Schmidt believes his four-legged partner and friend will probably "Protect and Serve" the people of Houston for at least another year before he finally joins the ranks of retired HPD officers.

Before being cleared for duty, Jake had to go through an evaluation process - including being in the vicinity of gunfire.

"He had no problems," Schmidt said. "There is no difference in his work ethic at all."
After an investigation, Houston Police Department determined that there was no evidence of gunfire or injuries at the rodeo late Wednesday.

Police on the grounds of the Rodeo began interviewing people as the reports of gunfire came in.
The Department of Homeland Security is moving forward on condemning property for several miles of South Texas border fence that was authorized a decade ago but never built.

Landowners in Los Ebanos, near McAllen, and Roma, 30 miles upstream, said in recent months they received notices that the federal government is reviving long-dormant lawsuits to condemn acreage they own near the Rio Grande.

Noe Benavides, a former Roma city councilman, said earlier this month he received a letter telling him the government is taking 5.7 acres of real estate his family owns near the riverbank.

The land was initially condemned in 2008 after then-President George W. Bush signed the Secure Fence Act, but a clerical error kept the government from taking control of his property, Benavides said.

"It's a strip 60 feet wide by the lands on the river that we have there," he said. "And you know, I wouldn't mind if they went parallel to the river, but they're not. They're following a road that I have there, and there's probably about 20 acres plus left behind the fence."

Reviving the plan

Spokespeople for the Department of Homeland Security, the Border Patrol and the U.S. Attorney's Office, which has filed lawsuits to condemn property for the fence, did not respond to requests for comment Wednesday.

President Donald Trump has ordered DHS to build a wall, estimated to cost $21 billion. Congress has yet to fund it, and the notices sent out this year are related to an earlier law that authorized construction of a physical barrier on the border with Mexico.

Scott Nicol, co-chair of the Borderlands Team for the Sierra Club, said DHS is likely trying to build 14 miles of fencing that were abandoned in 2008 because they were planned in the Rio Grande floodplain.

About 650 miles of fencing was constructed, much of it in Arizona and New Mexico, under the 2006 Secure Fence Act. Almost 60 miles were built in the Rio Grande Valley, most of it on levies above the river.

An international treaty restricts construction in the floodplain, and in 2008 the International Boundaries and Water Commission, the bi-national organization that oversees the U.S.-Mexico border, rejected DHS's request to build segments of fence near Roma, Rio Grande City and Los Ebanos, Nicol said. In 2012, the U.S. Section of the commission reversed itself, over the objection of their Mexican counterparts, and authorized the construction, but the funds weren't available, he added.

Recognizing that Trump's wall could be held up by years of legal wrangling, like its predecessor, Nicol said DHS appears to be going after sections of fencing that were authorized by Congress but never constructed.

A spokeswoman for the commission directed questions to DHS.

'Completely against it'

Yvette Salinas of Mission said that on Jan. 12, DHS sent her family a letter warning them it is moving forward to condemn 1.2 acres near Los Ebanos and offering the family $2,900. The federal government had initially tried to condemn the property in 2008, Salinas said. It belonged to her great-grandmother who passed away without writing a will, leaving the ownership of the property unclear. Salinas said she's not sure why DHS is now moving ahead with the condemnation.

"My family's completely against it because while it's just 1.2 acres, not to mention the low compensation, it's part of a bigger piece of land that belongs to our ancestors, because not only is it gong to taint the space, but it's going to devalue the land." she said. "They want to take the part on the side of the river, but we have cattle and cows there, and that would essentially mean the cattle can't drink from the river."

The Texas Observer first reported on Salinas' property.

Benavides said he also received a notice about fence construction near real estate his family owns in Roma's central square. He said his riverfront property was granted to his wife's family in the 18th century by the king of Spain. His family uses it regularly, and he used to host local Boy Scout troops.

"We used to have camporees for the council here, and our family always picnics there by the river, but I guess my son and my daughter are the last generation that's going to do that. My grandchildren won't be able to do that."
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North Korean conundrum

Regarding "Trump has few options in North Korean crisis" (Page A15, Wednesday), so columnist Thomas Friedman argues for a "nuclear deal" with Kim Jong Un along the lines of our "deal" with Iran, a party that has proven less than willing to fulfill its treaty obligations.

Incredibly, Friedman advocates for a deal with a certifiably insane despot who heads a rogue nation that has failed to live up to past negotiations.

To quote Friedman, "Hey, what could go wrong?"

Roy Nelson, League City

Focus on the tax code

Regarding "Trump wrote off $100M in 2005" (Page A1, Wednesday), how many people would refuse to use legal deductions to reduce the taxes they would otherwise be obligated to pay? The answer is zero. Democrats are accusing Donald Trump of not paying his fair share of taxes. The problem is that the deductions he claimed to reduce his tax burden were absolutely legal. What sane person wouldn't use every deduction they qualified for?

It seems to me that the problem is not with Donald Trump but with the tax law.

Jennifer Hoepfl, Tomball

Police chases

Regarding "Driver dies during high-speed chase" (Page A3, Monday), I am extremely saddened by the senseless death of a young man killed in the high-speed chase this weekend in Katy.

I am disturbed at the lack of good judgment by the police regarding high-speed chases - this one in a residential area. I am particularly disturbed that the officer was chasing a person for an expired inspection sticker!

This is completely unacceptable so I propose a solution: An officer should not begin a high-speed chase when the offense is minor, such as broken tail lights, expired inspection stickers.

I'm sure many will say the offender should have complied with the police and pulled over. In a perfect world that would be good, but we do not live in a perfect world and people are apprehensive about being stopped by police.

Sure this person must have been very afraid for whatever the reason but now we will never know what was going through his mind when he was running. And the end result was he lost his life. This did not have to happen

Karen Crow, Katy

Reaching out to Somalia

Regarding "Global aid" editorial (Page A14, Wednesday), the editorial on the famine in Somalia was spot on, and I would add the following:

What are we to do? Alexis de Tocqueville was right, America is great because it is generous, but in Alexis' day, the United States were 'We the people', not Republicans and Democrats.

There are two big challenges to averting an apocalyptic famine in Somalia - aid, and ensuring that aid goes to those in need, not "consultants" who provide convoy safety or officials who "approve" of larger bank accounts.

If President Trump wants to "Make America great again," he needs to facilitate WE the people in providing aid from OUR pockets.

James A. Babb, Friendswood

Privacy at issue

Regarding "Lawmaker's bill takes satirical look at health care issue" (Page A4, Sunday), kudos to state Rep. Jessica Farrar for introducing a bill that shows how intimately Texas legislators have gotten into the pants of our residents. Who can object to the notion that "What's good for the goose (women) is good for the gander (men)?"

Texas legislators should leave bodily functions alone. Humans deserve privacy in these areas of our lives. When legislators get out of our underwear, the lives of Texas citizens will be much improved.

Sally Lehr, Houston
Ask any parent of a child with a disability and they will tell you, special education in Texas is broken. The system is set up to dissuade schools from identifying students who need special education services because of implied "caps" on how many students should be served. When students are identified for special education, the common response from schools is "we have a place for that," contrary to the law and educational best practice.

Most parents have to fight to ensure their child is receiving basic services. Parents of children with disabilities are desperate to find help for their child - any help. This is a tragedy in Texas, but the bigger tragedy is that some state lawmakers are capitalizing on the desperation of this vulnerable group and using them as a reason to pass school vouchers.

I read recently that Senate Education Chair Larry Taylor, R-Friendswood, and state Rep. Ron Simmons, R-Carrollton, claim that school vouchers ("Education Savings Accounts") would offer students with disabilities "a more attractive scenario" and even promote having separate "special needs charter schools."

As a mother who has fought for inclusive education for my daughter for years, I am shocked to hear lawmakers proposing legislation that would segregate my child in private or charter schools.

The "more attractive scenario" for my daughter is for lawmakers to require that public schools follow the laws already passed.

Every study ever conducted supports the fact that inclusive education is better for students with disabilities than being educated apart from typical peers. Why then would lawmakers support proposals that contradict what we know is best for students with disabilities?

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick recently referred to some students being "trapped in a school that can't help [them] get over a disability." Schools are not required to help students "get over [their] disability," but are required to provide special education services to help children learn despite their disability. If students are "trapped" in schools that do not provide required services, then why aren't lawmakers ensuring compliance for the benefit of all students? Every child cannot and will not qualify for a voucher. So what happens to those who are left behind in public schools?

Legislators should focus on fixing the failing system they have allowed to operate in dysfunction for years instead of offering a few students a $5,800 ticket out. This is not enough to pay tuition at any school, and will certainly not provide access to an inclusive school, since there are almost none of those.

This is a critical time for Texas special education. Will legislators throw in the towel on public education, pull these students out of their communities and tuck them away in schools with kids just like them? Or will they understand that inclusive education allows children with disabilities the opportunity to be productive citizens, contributors to the Texas economy, and demand that public schools prepare them to be part of it?

There actually are school districts in Texas working to develop solutions to the problems we face in special education. In Fort Bend ISD, we are working to offer inclusive pre-school in a model that can be easily replicated around the state. We have developed systems to remove barriers for identifying students who need special education services. We are working with teachers to implement co-teaching in classrooms.

I implore our state leaders to identify districts that have innovative programs and replicate those across the state; provide incentives to districts for innovative programming; reward best practices in schools and districts; require that universities prepare all teachers for instructing all students, including those with disabilities; and encourage partnerships between public schools and private and faith-based organizations. These are solutions that will benefit all Texas students in special education.

It is time to stop our culture of segregation of students with disabilities in Texas, through vouchers and in other ways, and support the "more attractive scenario" of supporting education solutions that foster inclusion of all children.

Tassin serves as president of the Fort Bend ISD board of trustees and is a mother of three daughters, one of whom has a disability.
Jia Wenqi (left) and Jia Haixia

In July 2016, 10,000 trees that two handicapped partners in rural Hebei province had cultivated for 16 years were devastated by a flood, causing the duo to lose tens of thousands of RMB. For a time, the two were near desperation, but they have gradually moved on and decided to start over.

Jia Haixia and Jia Wenqi are both 53. Jiu Haixia is blind in both eyes, while Jia Wenqi is a double amputee. Nevertheless, they have created a unique way of working together, managing to overcome their respective disabilities by becoming each other's eyes and hands.

The Ye River, which destroyed their trees in 2016.

Without money to buy saplings, the two men had to collect cuttings, which required Jia Haixia to scale large trees. Without the use of his eyes, he was guided up the trunks by his armless companion. Back on solid ground, he would create a hole and plant the shoot, after which it became Jia Wenqi's job to water the saplings.

Their efforts have been praised around the province and even the country. They were recognized as a national model for greening, and even reported on by foreign media outlets such as CNN. But today, the duo have a mixed feelings about their future. Deep in their minds, they are just two farmers who have no alternative but to earn a living by planting trees.

This photo taken in 2015 shows the brothers taking a break in front of their trees.

To support their plan of planting trees in the mountains, a website in China offered to fund the construction of a water tower to store and supply water, but no electricity was available to draw water up to the mountains. The water tower is now abandoned, after it was completed near one year ago.
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The Chinese public and media outlets have called for rational patriotism to address the intensifying dispute over South Koreas deployment of THAAD, as recent vulgar and disruptive anti-Korean protests have damaged the countrys image.

While some protests have been orderly, others are being carried out by companies and individuals for the purpose of self-promotion, including video clips recording the vandalism of a Korean supermarket and music videos containing coarse expressions.

In a 49-second viral video released on March 11, a Chinese woman crushed instant noodle packs and drank a beverage without paying for it in a Korean Lotte Mart supermarket. In another music video, internet celebrity Muyalan, who has over 4.5 million followers on Sina Weibo, performed a rap song intended to humiliate Lotte, though the video ironically featured a Korean song playing in the background.

Though both videos had been deleted as of press time, such uncivilized behavior has irritated many Chinese citizens, with some condemning the performers as shameful and irrational, questioning their motives for releasing the damaging, inflammatory videos.

Its natural to express our discontent over South Koreas deployment of THAAD, as it is a great threat to our national security, which matters for every Chinese person. But such uneducated and irrational protests should be banned, as they can only make things worse and damage Chinas image, Chen Yao (pseudonym), a PhD fellow specializing in media and public affairs at the Communication University of China, told Peoples Daily Online.

Chens belief is shared by the majority of Chinese people, who espouse the hope that patriotism can be expressed in a rational and civilized way.

I hope such obnoxious videos will not spread to South Korea, or people there may think all Chinese citizens feel hostile toward them, which is not true, one netizen wrote on Sina Weibo.

Chinese media outlets also chimed in to criticize the protests. In an editorial published on March 14, the Global Times criticized the protesters as people who want to promote their own popularity by capitalizing on political issues, adding that such behaviors do not represent the larger Chinese publics attitude toward South Korea.

Most Chinese citizens want to peacefully express their discontent over the deployment of THAAD. They neither accept South Koreas explanation nor approve of extreme statements against the country, the article stated.
The resident unemployment rate slightly rose to 3% in 2016 from 2.8% in 2015, marking the highest figure since 2010, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) said on Wednesday.



The labour market weakened in 2016, reflecting subdued conditions in several segments of the economy, it said in its Statement on Labour Market Developments.



The increase was broad-based across most age and education groups, with larger increases among those aged 30 to 39 and 50 & over, as well as those with secondary and degree qualifications.



Although the unemployment rate remained low, 2016 saw an increase in redundancies and a decline in job vacancies. Total employment grew at a slower rate, reflecting cyclical weakness in parts of the economy, a structural slowdown in local labour force growth, and tightened foreign worker policy, MOM said.



Excluding Foreign Domestic Workers (FDWs), total employment grew by 8,600  lower than in 2015 (23,300) and a large drop from the yearly average of 120,000 between 2010 and 2014.



Foreign employment contracted by 2,500, continuing a downward trend since 2011. This was mainly due to the decrease in Work Permit Holders (-7,900) in the Manufacturing, Marine and Construction sectors, MOM said.



There were 19,170 redundancies in 2016, continuing an upward trend. MOM said this was mainly due to business restructuring and reorganisation. The figure is still lower than the recessionary high (23,430) in 2009. Residents were proportionally less affected, with their share of redundancies (58%) remaining lower than their share of employment (66%).



Median income growth moderated for Singaporeans in 2016 after strong growth in 2015. The nominal median monthly income from work (including employer Central Provident Fund contributions) of full-time employed Singaporeans increased by 0.7% over the year to $3,823 in June 2016, or 1.3% in real terms, said MOM.



MOM expects labour demand to remain modest this year, in line with the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) forecast of modest GDP growth (1.0 to 3.0%).



While year-to-year employment and productivity figures may be influenced by cyclical factors affecting demand, businesses should press on with transformation efforts so that they can continue to grow in a structurally manpower-lean environment, said MOM.



With slower local labour force growth and the improving skills and education profile of our workforce, our priority is to maximise the quality of jobs, both in new growth areas as well as through re-designing of existing jobs.


Update: The Brazilian Senate Commission of Science and Technology voted unanimously in favor of Senator Randolfe Rodrigues amendments.

BRASlLIAHumane Society International is praising Senator Randolfe Rodrigues for championing strong amendments to proposed federal legislation to ban cosmetic animal testing and trade in Brazil. If adopted, the proposed changes would close major loopholes in the 2014 Chamber of Deputies bill 70/2014, building on existing state-level bans in Sao Paulo, Mato Grosso do Sul, Parana, Para and Amazonas, and position Brazil alongside the 37 other major economies that have already enacted similar legislative bans.

Sen. Rodrigues said: This humane effort is the least that can be done. The continuation of these abominable tests is a direct offense against the constitutional principle inscribed in art.225, VII, of the Constitution, according to which practices that subject animals to cruelty are forbidden. Animal abuse would already be questionable, from a constitutional and ethical point of view, even if there were a consensus about the need for such tests, but it is certain that, once it is established that these tests are unnecessary, unconstitutionality is clear and uncontroversial.

Take action to support our #BeCrueltyFree campaign!

Without Sen. Rodrigues amendments, Deputies bill 70/2014 would ban animal testing only for finished cosmetic products, saving few if any animals since most new testing is conducted to assess the safety of new cosmetic ingredients. Additionally, without the sales restriction proposed by Sen. Rodrigues, companies could circumvent a test ban alone by outsourcing animal testing to another country.

The two-part bans proposed by Sen. Rodrigues aim to:

Ban all animal testing in Brazil for cosmetic products with immediate effect, and for cosmetics ingredients after 3 years;

Ban the sale of cosmetic products and ingredients newly tested on animals anywhere in the world, after 3 years.

These measures, if adopted, would allow Brazilian consumers to buy cosmetics with the knowledge that their purchases will not contribute to cruel tests on rabbits or rodents anywhere in the world. However, many steps remain in the legislative process, beginning with vote in the Commission of Science and Technology of the Senate to approve the bill with Sen. Rondrigues amendments.

Antoniana Ottoni, HSI legislative officer for research and toxicology, said: We thank Senator Rodrigues for proposing these critical amendments to end cosmetic animal cruelty in our country. His amendments will encourage investments in human-relevant non-animal testing methods that are more protective of consumer safety than the obsolete animal tests they replace. We are strongly supporting the adoption of his report and call on every concerned citizen to get in touch with the members of the Commission of Science and Technology to ask them to support it.

Senator Rodrigues report is available here.

Media contact: Raul Arce-Contreras (US), rcontreras@humanesociety.org, +1 301.721.6440
Cyprus has seen a booming growth in terms of tourism in 2016. This has been primarily driven by the political situation in neighboring countries as well as a refreshed approach to strategy by the Cyprus Tourism Organization. Supply of beds has been playing catch-up with demand, and multiple tourism related projects are currently underway. However, as tourism numbers are forecasted to continue to grow, with probably accelerated rhythms in the coming years, the market needs to find more ways to cope with the demand.

Cyprus has seen a booming growth in terms of tourism in 2016. This has been primarily driven by the political situation in neighboring countries as well as a refreshed approach to strategy by the Cyprus Tourism Organization. Supply of beds has been playing catch-up with demand, and multiple tourism related projects are currently underway. However, as tourism numbers are forecasted to continue to grow, with probably accelerated rhythms in the coming years, the market needs to find more ways to cope with the demand.

Tourism is and will be growing exponentially in Cyprus in the next few year and the current number of beds is already reaching its limit.

The Supply - Demand Tug of War

Tourism has always been one of Cypruss key products contributing up to 10.9% of our island nations GDP in 2015. In the past few years tourism in Cyprus has been growing and in 2016 it has witnessed a huge spike from 2015s 8.9% growth to 19.8%, and it is predicted to carry on with these rates.

However, even though tourism has been growing, the recent economic crisis has caused the total bed supply on the island to decrease with many establishments being unable to maintain or develop, with an average of 221,000 visitors monthly (including domestic tourism and not accounting seasonality) in 2015 and a total bed supply of 84.5k across the island, down 1.7% from 2014. That is a 2.5/1 ratio, and given that the average length of stay tourists reaches c.10 days, undersupply is apparent.

Click here ( Adobe Acrobat PDF file) to download the complete article.

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New York was hit by a nor'easter blizzard on Tuesday. The storm brought in as much as 60 centimetres of snow in some areas, along with wickedly strong winds and chilly temperatures around the state.

But according to Ewan McGregor, New Yorkers are complaining about a whole lot of nothing.

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The Scottish actor appeared on "Late Night With Seth Myers" on Tuesday, where the host expressed his concern that McGregor could have missed the interview thanks to the weather.

"This is a walk in the park compared to what it's like in Calgary every day," McGregor joked.

McGregor stars in the upcoming third season of FX's "Fargo," which has been shooting in Calgary since January.

"I mean, I guess people are used to it there and they've got winter tires on their car and whatever ..." he continued.

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"We're pathetic," said Myers.

The same day, McGregor showed up to a press junket for his new film "Trainspotting 2," but no journalists did due to the storm.

Well I am here! @t2trainspotting NYC A post shared by Ewan McGregor (@mcgregor_ewan) on Mar 14, 2017 at 7:24am PDT

"Fargo" was inspired by the 1996 movie directed by the Coen brothers. It tells the story of fictional crimes set in the small-town Midwest.

This looks a lot like its going to be a scene from Fargo season 3. Shooting today in @InglewoodYYC#yycpic.twitter.com/HMzIDJa2ta  Jacqueline Cox (@twitadelic) January 28, 2017

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China launched its first dual-use semi-submersible vessel on March 14, pushing the countrys integrated military-civilian development one step forward.

With a tonnage of 50,000, the vessel, Zhenhua 33, is designed to transport massive semi-submersible drilling rigs and watercraft on the ships deck. Its main deck is 7,700 square meters, with a fully loaded draft of 27 meters, Thepaper.cn reported.

Semi-submersible vessels have proven useful in the military. In 2000, the U.S. Navy hired Blue Marlin, a Dutch semi-submersible heavy lift ship, to move its destroyer, USS Cole, back to the U.S. after the warship was damaged by Al-Qaeda suicide bombers in a Yemen port.

Technically speaking, semi-submersible vessels are transport ships. They are normally used for commercial purposes, but can also play an important role during wartime, Liang Yongchun, a military expert, told Thepaper.cn. According to Liang, during times of war, military funds are normally used to construct new warships, while vessels responsible for logistical support including transportation and medical aid are normally expropriated from private companies. Thus, its important to build civil-use vessels in accordance with military standards.

In 2015, China approved the Technical Standards for New Civilian Ships, which imposes national defense requirements on civilian shipbuilders to ensure that their vessels are suitable for military use in case of emergency.

The launch of Zhenhua 33 brings the integration of military and civilian technology one step further, which can significantly improve Chinas strategic transportation capacity during wartime, said Liang. He also noted that the technologies required to build dual-use semi-submersible vessels are advanced and complicated. Only a few countries in the world can design and produce such boats, including China and Norway.
The CEO of Air Canada sounds like he may be a little jealous of his competitors south of the border. On multiple occasions recently, he has compared the U.S. airline environment positively to Canada's.

This [Canadian airline] industry isnt from a taxation perspective adequately competitive, Calin Rovinescu said, as quoted by Bloomberg News. We know the U.S. is about to become even more competitive.

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In an earlier interview with BNN, Rovinescu hinted he would like to see Canada's federal government subsidize airports, in order to lower costs for airlines.

Airports in the United States tend to be subsidized to be able to encourage carriers to invest in these routes, he said. In Canada, not only is it not subsidized, but there is a ground rent thats paid by airports to the Government of Canada as part of the consolidated revenue fund."

The Trudeau government appears to be heading in the opposite direction from Rovinescu's suggestion, with news reports suggesting the federal Liberals are looking at privatizing Canadas airports, a move that could bring in tens of billions of dollars into government coffers.

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"Were taking traffic from the United States ... We dont see anything thats going on in the States diminishing that.  Air Canada CEO Calin Rovinescu

Rovinescu said Canadian airlines could suffer if that privatization leads to higher airport fees. And he said airlines could also be hurt by the governments introduction of a carbon tax, Bloomberg reports.

He has noted that Canada has among the highest air travel costs in the world, and like many others, he argues that has to do in part with high landing fees at Canadian airports.

Nor is Rovinescu concerned about the Trump administrations protectionist leanings potentially harming Air Canadas access to U.S. markets.

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Our aspirations are well beyond Canada and were taking traffic from the United States  connecting over our Canadian hubs onto other countries, he told BNN. This is a strategy that will continue to apply. We dont see anything thats going on in the States diminishing that.

Rovinescu was chief restructuring officer at Air Canada when the company was reorganized following its 2003 bankruptcy. He was appointed CEO in 2009.

He is by no means the only Canadian business leader to sound positive about the Trump administrations policies. A number of Canadian bank CEOs recently expressed optimism that Trumps planned deregulation of banking will mean more opportunities for Canadian banks in the U.S.

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So no one told Justin Trudeau life was gonna be this way (as in, he would be beat up by a 10-year-old Matthew Perry when he was in elementary school).

Yup, it's true: out of all the people in this world, Chandler Bing decided to take on the future prime minister of Canada in a Grade 5 schoolyard fight.

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The Ottawa-raised, American-born "Friends" star, whose mother, Suzanne Perry, served as press secretary to Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, appeared on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" Wednesday night and admitted to beating up Trudeau over "pure jealousy."

"I think he was excelling at a sport that we weren't as [good at], so it was pure jealousy, and, you know, we beat him up," the 47-year-old actor said. "His dad was Prime Minister at the time but that wasn't the reason we beat him up. I think he was the only kid in school that we could beat up."

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Perry, a few years older than Trudeau, noted this is something that is not worth "bragging about."

Kimmel then asked, "Dont they have secret service there protecting the children of their prime ministers? That would never happen to Barron Trump, youd be in the stockade right now, youd be in Russia somewhere."

Perry said, "This is terrible. I was a stupid kid and I didn't want to beat him up."

Could Matthew Perry be anymore apologetic? No, because he now takes credit for Trudeau's current success.

"I think I was rather instrumental in him going to such great heights and becoming Prime Minister. I think he said, 'I'm going to rise above this and become Prime Minister.'"

Heritage minute, anyone?

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McDonald's Corp. took the strongest stance of any corporation yet against U.S. President Donald Trump, labeling him "a disgusting excuse of a president" and calling for the return of President Barack Obama.

Except, of course, it wasn't the work of McDonald's itself. The company quickly pulled the tweet offline Thursday, explaining on social media that it had been told by Twitter its account had been "compromised."

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It's unclear whether the tweet was the work of a hacker or someone at McDonald's who went rogue, but Business Insider notes that the McDonald's Twitter account was sending out on-message tweets before and after the sudden outburst at Trump.

Trump himself is a fan of McDonald's. He once Instagrammed himself eating a McDonald's sandwich and fries, and reportedly had New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie delivering him his McDonald's meals.

Twitter notified us that our account was compromised. We deleted the tweet, secured our account and are now investigating this.  McDonald's (@McDonaldsCorp) March 16, 2017

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St. Patricks Day is a time to reflect on the good that can happen when Canadians open their hearts to those seeking refuge, a Liberal MP says.

Its a message that Seamus ORegan believes some Irish Canadians have forgotten.

ORegan, the MP for St. Johns South-Mount Pearl, rose in the House of Commons last week with a moving tribute to those who immigrated to Canada from Ireland in 1847, crossing the Atlantic ocean in fever-ridden coffin ships, only to be met with blatant prejudice by some.

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One-hundred thousand destitute Irish immigrants, leaving a devastating famine behind them, fleeing terror and persecution, arrived at a time when the Dominion of Canada numbered just 1.5 million, ORegan noted.

In 1847, the Irish were treated with the same contempt and vitriol that is levied at other immigrants today, he said, pointing to newspapers of the day describing the newcomers as ignorant, lazy, as vicious as they are poor. As Fenians and Papists set to impose their own religious laws.

Political parties were formed and fuelled for fear of them, for fear of us, ORegan said. Some Irish forget that. I don't.

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"In 1847, the Irish were treated with the same contempt and vitriol that is levied at other immigrants today."

Some 38,000 starving Irish landed in Toronto, then just a city of 20,000, in that year alone.

And thats what Ill remember this St. Patricks Day, ORegan said.

I'll remember that in 1847, there were enough, just enough Canadians who rose above the frank, blatant, decades-long discrimination of the day, and gave those immigrants a chance to become Canadians themselves.

Toronto has long been a 'sanctuary city': MP

Trinity-Spadina MP Adam Vaughan also rose with a members statement last Friday marking the influx of Irish immigrants that turned Toronto into a sanctuary city, welcoming desperate souls that temporarily doubled the citys population without notice.

A public health system sprung to life almost overnight, Vaughan said, but many doctors and nurses gave their lives trying to save refugees from disease. Typhus, for example, was common among the newcomers.

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The compassionate response is memorialized at Ireland Park, along the shores of Lake Ontario. A second park will be opened this fall, Vaughan said, to honour those health workers who died so others could prosper.

This St. Patricks Day, be sure to raise a glass, but also remember the brave and compassionate response of Toronto to refugees, Vaughan said.

Watch ORegans full speech above.

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Suburbs have bloomed in Canada since the end of the Second World War, built in response to the need for affordable housing for growing families.

Now two-thirds of Canadians live in one, according to a new report from the Institute for Research on Public Policy.

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People over 65 make up a bigger segment of the country's population  16 per cent in 2015. According to the report, a number of older Canadians, many of whom are less mobile and isolated, live in suburbs.

Author Glenn Miller says Canadian municipalities have a responsibility to tackle this problem, which is only likely to grow.

He writes many seniors choose to stay in their homes until health or financial circumstances force them to leave, but not all houses are well suited to them.

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"It is fair to say that our current suburbs are no place to grow old," Miller wrote.

The suburban layout, where residents have to drive to school, work and shopping centres, is suitable for younger families, but not for aging citizens who either cant drive or dont have a car.

"When amenities such as grocery stores, medical facilities or community centres are too far away to reach on foot, older adults who no longer drive become less active and are at risk of becoming isolated."

Many suburban areas also aren't well served by public transit.

"It is fair to say that our current suburbs are no place to grow old."

Miller noted that design matters. He cited research from the Region of Waterloo in Ontario highlighting how subdivisions built in the 1950s had smaller homes constructed in a grid setup  making them more walkable and closer to stores and schools.

Newer subdivisions feature curvier roads such as cul-de-sacs which discourage walking, he said. Homes have also grown in size.

"The result is that many neighbourhoods lack the critical mass of population to support local services and amenities," he wrote.

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Isolation can be dangerous

Health reporter Andre Picard estimated in a piece for the United Church Observer that about six million Canadians live in isolation.

Long term, the anti-social situation can have powerful health effects. Researchers at Brigham Young University in Utah found loneliness can be just as big a threat to lifespan as obesity.

It can also cut a life short in more concrete ways. In his piece for the Observer, Picard recalled the story of a Scarborough, Ont. senior who froze to death in 2011 after she wandered out of her suburban home in the middle of the night.

Judy Tak Fong Lam Chiu, who had dementia, banged on doors and tried to get into cars, setting off alarms, when she couldnt find her way back home. But while two people heard or saw her, neither offered help nor called 911.

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Municipalities have yet to make major concrete commitments to designing land-use plans with older peoples needs in mind, Miller wrote.

In Calgary, many seniors are forced to move away from neighbourhoods they know and into facilities in newer suburbs, Lindsay Luhnau, the founding director and board chair of the Calgary Aging in Place Co-operative, told the Calgary Herald.

"You might be in a 1970s suburban neighbourhood and youre going to have to move into a 2000 or 2010 suburban neighbourhood thats even further out from the core," she said.

She said the city's strict land-use rules prevent people from coming up with new strategies to aging, like her father wanting to turn his six-bedroom home into a care facility.

'The suburbs of the future'

In 2007, the World Health Organization released a guide on age-friendly cities, one Miller quoted in his report. The guide zeroed in on eight elements, including transportation, housing, civic and social participation and community support and health services.

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Since the report came out, provinces and the Public Health Agency of Canada have said they supported its principles, and more than 500 small Canadian communities and several larger cities said they would commit to becoming age-friendly.

But Miller said communities have to move away from band-aid solutions to improve the lives of seniors living right now, like improving housing or social services or extending the time residents have to cross a crosswalk, and towards making it part of their community plans.

The suburbs of the future are pedestrian-friendly neighbourhoods that contain a mix of housing types and provide for the needs of residents at all stages of their lives," Miller quoted author Kevin Eby in his report.

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ThomasVogel via Getty Images http://www.thomas-vogel.de/istock/is_planetearth.jpg

Tyler and Alex Mifflin spent summers in the water. Childhood memories of canoe trips and pristine waves contrast heavily with something they heard from adults time and again: "Don't swim in Lake Ontario. It's too polluted."

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That warning was the first drop in the bucket that's become a shared life goal.

Two decades later -- after four seasons as hosts, directors and videographers of the award-winning eco-adventure series The Water Brothers--they've dipped their toes in bodies of water in over 35 countries, interviewed hundreds of leading scientists, and shot thousands of hours of footage.

They travelled down the Mekong and Ganges rivers, went scuba diving with hammerhead sharks and sailed into the middle of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.

Every episode is paired with interactive educational content that make water issues more accessible to remind people that water is more than a resource--it's a life source.

March 22 is World Water Day and we need the conversation to extend beyond the environment. So we spoke with the Mifflin brothers about the importance of water and how ordinary people can take action every day in unexpected ways.

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"Water is connected to poverty, economic development, health," says Alex, the passion clear in his voice. "You can't have a functioning society or a functioning economy if you don't have clean water."

That applies to Sub-Saharan Africa as much as to Indigenous communities across Canada.

We've seen climate-linked heat waves and food shortages impact millions around the globe. Droughts from Kenya to California and record-setting wildfires across Russia's bread basket have strained economies and aid systems. Research suggests that water shortages helped spark the Syrian Civil War when a 2006 drought forced farmers to migrate to urban centers as the economy crashed, creating a tinder box of unemployed, angry men.

Most of the political and social issues of our day come back to water--and protecting it requires a major change in lifestyle.

Speaking at schools across the country, Tyler and Alex tell students that half measures are no longer enough. Shorter showers alone won't save us.

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Our well-known water conservation tactics need a boost from less obvious--and often more difficult--actions, like eating foods that require less water, Tyler says. One kilogram of beef takes just under 14,000 litres of water to produce while the same amount of chicken needs only 4,000 litres.

Beyond food, there is a hidden water price tag to almost everything we manufacture. Each plastic water bottle requires twice as much water to produce as the amount it holds. It takes 5,000 litres of water to make 500 sheets of paper and another 713 litres for one t-shirt.

Encouragingly, Tyler and Alex have seen students across the country petition their schools for bottle refill stations and begin litterless lunch movements to reduce the amount of plastic they use.

As people begin to understand the hidden impact of water, they'll see conservation as a way to help not just the environment but also the economy.

"Every day has to be World Water Day," says Tyler.

Check out more water day stories at WE.org/stories.

Craig and Marc Kielburger are the co-founders of the WE movement, which includes WE Charity, ME to WE Social Enterprise and WE Day.

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InLe Soleil on March 9, Mr. Youri Chassin chastises groups which oppose certain projects, evoking the "nightmare of the investor" about a situation that "illustrates the very real risk that the concept of social acceptability can drift into a court of public opinion, disinformation and arbitrariness."

He adds: "In this rational framework, social acceptability remains a business strategy and permits a constructive discussion." Finally, he argues in favour of "the primacy of law" and of "confidence in institutions" in order to "guarantee a transparent and fair process with all projects."

One might applaud these fine words if the arguments of Mr. Chassin were not so biased against the citizens of Quebec. The investors surreptitiously grabbed the gas claims under our feet for 10 cents /hectare with the inexcusable complicity of the minister of Natural Resources. In this instance, the report of the BAPE (Environmental Hearing Agency) tells us that the loss to the Quebec treasury was $5 billion (this sale could have been made at $500/hectare as in Alberta). (BAPE report #273, p.201)

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Another case where citizens are right to beware of the fine words of Mr. Chassin, is where the Auditor General tells us in his report that the unfortunate taxpayers must pay out $1,210,000,000 to decontaminate and restore orphan mining sites. And these are only two examples among so many others in which the exploitation of natural resources is not a win-win exercise for citizens and investors. In such circumstances, is it possible to have a "constructive discussion" while naively trusting such promoters?

A doctoral thesis would be required to shed light on all the examples where the "credibility of institutions" was damaged in circumstances which seemed bizarre. To better illustrate his assertion that "confidence in institutions" is needed, can Mr. Chassin tell us why Mr. Dan Gagnier (ex-assistant to Premier Jean Charest) had to be fired from his post of electoral campaign co-president of the Liberal Party of Canada in October 2015?

In a climate of genuine transparency, how should one explain the lack of protection of the interests of citizens? The governments of Charest, Marois and Couillard have, each in their turn, presented regulation for the protection of drinking water (RPEP) which did not insure an adequate separation between gas wells and a source of drinking water. To mitigate this insufficiency of the RPEP, which seems to have been tailor-made for the extraction industry, presently, more than 100 municipalities have decided that a minimum of two kilometers is necessary to really protect the quality of the water for their citizens; there are also more than 120 other town councils which have given a "notice of motion" in this regard. Even the City of Montreal has unanimously adopted resolution CM17 0107 supporting this measure. Can Mr. Chassin convince us that Mayor Denis Coderre, well-known for his outspokenness, has been intimidated by "the disinformation" of a ">people's court?"

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Speaking of disinformation, a communique from Mr. Chassin on May 27, 2015, deplored the loss of thousands of dollars to farmers in the lower St. Lawrence Valley due to the "moratorium." There was indeed a moratorium in the bed of the St. Lawrence river, west of Anticosti Island (Bill 18 in June 2011), but the farmers do not plow the bed of the river under the fish!

I formally challenge Mr. Chassin to publish the number of the law about that supposed moratorium along with its date of publication in the official gazette! Lie, lie, there is always something left in public opinion! Says 18th century writer Voltaire. Thus it is true that the "myth of the moratorium", so dear to Mr. Chassin, was picked up by many politicians and some journalists. Even last week, a citizen challenged that "alternative truth" to seasoned journalists who published a correction in the name of the truth.(also see text below)

In his capacity as an economist at the Economic Institute of Montreal (IEDM), could Mr. Chassin be a tool of "disinformation" including this wholly fabricated "moratorium"? Yes, we must "ensure the good functioning and credibility of existing institutions". But after so many questionable maneuvers behind closed doors to load the dice in favour of investors, can we blame the citizenry for wanting to make sure that projects must be used for the well-being of 99 per cent of the population and not only the one per cent?
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I don't know about you but I feel like a real asshole assuming the Asian woman in the viral video collecting the kids during the 'so wrong but so right' BBC interview with the professor, was his nanny.

I didn't even think twice when I was telling my co-worker she needs to watch a hilarious video clip, giggling at how the nanny scoops the kids up at the end. I even wondered if the father would be upset with the nanny for not monitoring the toddlers carefully enough while he was being interviewed on live TV.

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Sadly, it never occurred to me that the woman was his wife. Now I'm trying to figure out why.

Why would I come to this false conclusion so quickly? Am I so blinded by my North American assumptions? Am I culturally biased? Are we all? I couldn't be the only one.

Our Upbringing

I was raised in a modern Jewish household in good old suburbia, just north of Toronto. We always either had an au pair or nanny (who kind of became our extended family) to help with my two younger brothers and I. My parents are both very open minded and our upbringing reflected values of diversity and acceptance.

I'd like to believe I am well-travelled. I've lived abroad in both South Korea and the UK and met so many different types of people on my trips around Europe and Asia. But for some reason, I still, perhaps unknowingly, harbour cultural prejudices that I never really knew or believed existed in myself. How could I be so naive?

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Our Rationalizations

It's true that our rationalizations are often based on other embedded cultural assumptions. So I have to ask myself if I would have reached the same rushed conclusion on my own if perhaps I didn't have a nanny or caretaker growing up? What if I lived in a more multicultural neighbourhood, or what if I had an opportunity much earlier in life to interact with different cultural groups? Would I have had the same mindset watching the same video?

It really wasn't until I went to University in Waterloo, Ontario that I really began to develop relationships outside of my very homogeneous Jewish bubble.

Making Assumptions

Truly, the only way to avoid cultural assumptions is to realize we are making that assumption. Unfortunately there is no way we can thoroughly reassess all the concepts we take for granted, so all we can really do is be mindful, specifically of what we may deem "common sense" to give us an insight into our own cultural biases. We tend to assume that our way of understanding reality is accurate and almost never stop to examine our assumptions. Not to say our assumptions are all wrong, but we should at least try to make ourselves more aware of them.

From my experience living and working in South Korea I remember being shocked that my student's birthdays did not hold to the same individual significance and as us Westerns. In my notion of reality, a year after you are born to the date, that person turns one year old and so on. This would be considered pretty standard, common sense, right? Wrong! That's because in Korea, everyone is one years old when they are born. Then on New Year's Day everyone gets a year older, simultaneously. Very different from how we perceive birthdays in North America, obviously.

Challenge your Reality

So remember to challenge your assumptions. Be aware of your own culture or reality and understand how that affects your general worldview. Most importantly, be honest with yourself. Allow yourself to learn from the various cultural values of all the different people in your life. And when I say you, I really mean me. I mean all of us.

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Baku, Azerbaijan, Mar. 16

By Anakhanum Hidayatova  Trend:

Albania and Azerbaijan are linked by traditional and historical ties, and economic cooperation between the two countries has increased several times in recent years, Albanian President Bujar Nishani told Trend on the sidelines of the 5th Global Baku Forum.

Currently, our attention is focused on such important economic issues as the implementation of the Southern Gas Corridor (SGC) project, the Albanian president said.

Nishani said the Southern Gas Corridor is a central project not only for the states through the territory of which this pipeline passes, but also for other European countries, being an excellent way to diversify supplies of energy resources.

Therefore, the Southern Gas Corridor project is extremely important for the energy security of Europe, the Albanian president said.

Nishani also welcomed coming of new Azerbaijani companies to Albania.

We invite Azerbaijani companies to Albania, so that they can get acquainted with the situation not only in the energy sector, but also in other sectors of economy, he said.

The 5th Global Baku Forum The Future of International Relations: Power and Interests kicked off Mar. 16.

Latvian President Raimonds Vejonis, Macedonian President Gjorge Ivanov, Albanian President Bujar Nishani, Montenegrin President Filip Vujanovic, Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili, Saudi Arabian Prince, Chairman of the Board of Directors of King Faisal Centre for Research and Islamic Studies Turki Al-Faisal are among those attending the forum.

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An overweight totalitarian with a bad haircut who rules over masses of the disenfranchised through careful and systematic deprivation as well as rewarding loyalty with elite status is again in the news. No, I'm not talking about Donald Trump. I'm talking about Kim Jong-un, supreme leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) or as its commonly known as: North Korea.

The half-brother of Kim Jong-un, Kim Jong-nam, was assassinated in Malaysia's Kuala Lumpur Airport in what seems to have been an elaborate fake game show. Malaysia took a hard stance and ensured that the autopsy was conducted by them, revealing that the eldest son of the former leader Kim Jong-il was killed using the extremely toxic nerve agent VX. They have since also expelled the North Korean ambassador.

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Naturally, the first thought is that the assassination must have been ordered by Kim Jong-un. Jong-nam was hardly a major public figure, nor was he particularly outspoken against North Korea. By and large he was a mostly private figure who offered little threat to his younger half-brother. So, why kill him? Because even the slightest and smallest threat must be eliminated, that is how the North Korean regime continues to hold power.

This assassination does achieve something though, it draws attention to North Korea and how brutal its regime is. If this is the regard with which the leader's own family is treated, how must its regular citizens be treated?

It is not so easy of a fix that the damage can be reversed overnight.

The answer is heartbreaking albeit unsurprising. In February 2014 the UN Human Rights Council presented the report on its investigation on human rights in North Korea. The findings are not for the fainthearted or weak stomached. Conclusions include that the North Korean regime has systematically violated human rights including freedom of thought, expression and religion; freedom from discrimination; freedom of movement and residence; and the right to food. The State was also found to have committed crimes against humanity including "extermination, murder, enslavement, torture, imprisonment, rape, forced abortions and other sexual violence, persecution on political, religious, racial and gender grounds, the forcible transfer of populations, the enforced disappearance of persons and the inhumane act of knowingly causing prolonged starvation."

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There is no system of law or legal recourse, individuals have no right to the basic freedoms which we take for granted, there are no protections for women, children, or minorities. The DPRK uses the control of food and the threat of violence, indefinite imprisonment (including three generations of families for "crimes" committed by one individual), and death (often in the form of public executions) as a means of control. Children are brainwashed from an early age to never question the regime. Defectors from North Korea tell of how they would try to suppress questions or thoughts about their conditions as they believed that the Supreme Leader would be able to tell what was in their minds.

History will not judge the DPRK regime kindly, but what of us who allowed it to stay in power for so long?

The UN report also describes the hell that is their political prisons. Sketches submitted by former political prisoner Kim Kwang-il to the inquiry show what life, or rather the semblance of life, was like in these prisons. Even with the layers of abstraction that a sketched picture provides they are still horrifying to view. Another former prisoner Kim Hye-Sook, who spent 28 years in Camp 18 and also has drawn a series of sketches, narrates how due to the severe malnutrition in the camps the young children would be horribly stunted or malformed with extremely thin limbs and small bodies with heads appearing almost too big for their body to support. In her own words "They didn't look like human beings."

Now it is not so easy of a fix that the damage can be reversed overnight. Any collapse of the DPRK or the overthrow of its regime is not likely to be bloodless. Seoul, the capital of the Republic of Korea or South Korea as it is commonly known, is located about 35 miles to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) which despite the name is a highly militarized strip of land that is the border between the two Korean states. Seoul also contains approximately half of the entire population of South Korea. Any military action places these people in danger. As the reunification of Germany showed, there are a lot of socio-economic barriers that need to be overcome in order reintegrate a large population into life in a reunified state, and even then the reunification of East and West Germany was after a comparatively much shorter period with a much smaller gap in technological and socioeconomic conditions.

But these must not be obstacles to freeing the Korean people from one of the most repressive regimes in the world. Through inaction we are implicated. Through apathy we are condemned. History will not judge the DPRK regime kindly, but what of us who allowed it to stay in power for so long? When Nazi Germany fell in 1945 at the end of the Second World War the world was shocked by the magnitude of the inhumanity committed by that regime.

What Pandora's Box awaits us with the fall of North Korea?
For more than two decades, Canadians have been promised a gender-based analysis of the impact federal budgets will have on their lives, but Ottawa has consistently failed to deliver.

But when Finance Minister Bill Morneau stands up in the House of Commons next week to deliver the Trudeau government's second budget, he is expected to also release the first such analysis of that budget. It's a long-promised and overdue step towards true gender equality in this country, and is very welcomed.

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As commendable as this is, the fact is that Canada has been committed to doing this since 1995 when the government of Jean Chretien signed the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.

As the federal auditor general has pointed out in two audits, Canada has consistently failed to meet these obligations, beyond a few departments and agencies where "the analyses performed were not always complete and that the quality of the analyses was not consistent."

The result is that for 22 years, Canada's federal governments have not properly assessed their own budgets and policies to ensure their decisions help both women and men, and do not further widen gender inequality. The aim should be to reduce it.

The simple fact is that gender inequity will not be addressed in a meaningful way until governments and decision makers are prepared to subject our policies to a rigorous gender-based analysis.

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A cut in income taxes benefits men proportionally more than women, because men make more money on average.

The basic idea behind gender-based analysis is to take a deep look at how budget measures affect men and women differently. This goes well beyond highlighting budget measures typically considered more important to women, such as child care or domestic abuse supports, though this is certainly part of it.

As senior economist Armine Yalnizyan wrote recently in Maclean's magazine, "The goal is to identify and reduce inequalities in how men and women are treated by public policy."

Take tax cuts, a perennial policy tool for any government. A cut in income taxes benefits men proportionally more than women, because men make more money on average. Those tax cuts then lead to cuts in social services such as health care, public transit and child care that women tend to rely on more than men.

As Yalnizyan points out, that leads to a "double-whammy" for women because tax cuts hurt them both in their implementation and in the impact they have on other policies.

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Yet, tax cuts are just one example. Infrastructure investment, for instance, tends to create more jobs for men (who dominate construction and trades jobs) unless programs are in place to help women enter those fields, as well as programs such as child care to help women enter and stay in the workforce.

In applying a gender lens, let's also be clear that funding affordable child care, along with instituting a $15 living minimum wage, would significantly help women and families build better lives.

Morneau's own Advisory Council on Economic Growth has said "families with young children, and in particular low-income families, should have reasonable access to a sufficient supply of affordable, high-quality and convenient child care." I couldn't agree more with the statement, but to date we have not seen this issue translated into action.

The report also pointed out that in Quebec, which has a much more universal child care program than the rest of Canada, the workforce participation rate of women with children is 93 per cent, compared with 86 per cent in the rest of Canada.

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Raising the rest of Canada to Quebec's level could add $13 billion to Canada's GDP by helping more women join the workforce and contributing dollars and cents to the economy, the report says.

For the sake of all Canadians, that can only be a good thing.

This year marks the first real attempt at a gender-based analysis for a federal budget, and is expected to be a supplement to the budget, released simultaneously.

While it may fall somewhat short of the ideals promised in 1995 and the expectations of many today, it is a welcomed first step.

I'll be taking as close a look at this supplement, as will I to the budget itself. By setting out where the budget misses the mark on furthering gender equity, the analysis will help guide all of us -- and the federal government in particular -- as we take the needed steps to reduce gender inequity in our society.

For the sake of all Canadians, that can only be a good thing.

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Canada's medical marijuana (MMJ) dispensaries may soon become an endangered species.

They're already in danger of being legislated out of business. But it now seems that Canada's police agencies have declared open season on them.

Law enforcement raids on dispensaries have been all over the news lately.

The fact that Canada's "pot czar" is ex-cop Bill Blair already has dispensaries and cottage-industry cannabis cultivators shuddering. After all, he built his law enforcement career on throwing these kinds of people behind bars.

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To many of them, Blair is still the guy they call "Bill the Narc," someone who had their homes raided by SWAT teams. That's because he was a long-time undercover narcotics cop before he become Ttheioronto's police chief. He retired in 2015.

Canada's medical marijuana dispensaries may soon become an endangered species.

These days, Blair is a Toronto Liberal MP and parliamentary secretary to Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould and it's Blair's job to help craft the regulatory framework for recreational cannabis.

He says he's all about doing what's right for Canadians. After all, why wouldn't he? The Liberals promised legalization at the ballot box and swept into power in 2015 with the help of millions of pro-pot voters.

However, politicians are cynical creatures and Blair isn't as progressive-minded as he claims.

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Consider this: he's the same guy who shot down Bill C-246 last year -- which aimed to strengthen Canada's notoriously weak, antiquated animal cruelty laws.

In fact, he rejected the notion that Canadians unanimously agree that the rape, torture or vicious killing of stray cats and dogs should be criminal offences. There needs to be more consultation with the general public to see if we all really feel that way, he claimed.

Under current laws, only household pets are worthy of legal protection simply because they're considered to be personal possessions, much like an automobile or a sofa. And apparently that's just fine with Blair.

The Government has a Double Standard

What's really interesting is that most dispensaries diligently pay taxes to Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) -- funds that are shared with the various provinces where they operate.

Among them is Canada's first-ever dispensary -- the Vancouver-based B.C. Compassion Club Society, which has been operating for 20 years.

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It has never been harassed or shut down by the police. This is largely due to the fact that it operates discreetly while catering to genuinely ill medical marijuana patients (unlike some dispensaries). Also, it's a non-profit venture, unlike the vast majority of dispensaries.

Conversely, the world's most famous cannabis activist, Marc Emery, has been running a several highly visible, profit-oriented dispensaries for the last year or so.

All told, hundreds of dispensaries have popped up all over the land over the past few years and they have collectively paid CRA tens of millions of dollars.

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Emery says he, alone, has paid hundreds of thousands of dollars in taxes, including payroll contributions, in just the last few months.

Now he's accusing the government of hypocrisy for accepting tax money from pot sales while at the same time cracking down on dispensaries.

Marc Emery's accusing the government of hypocrisy for accepting tax money from pot sales while at the same time cracking down on dispensaries.

This makes the federal government a willing participant in the big-dollar MMJ dispensary business, he argues.

I have to agree.

Meanwhile, one of the Toronto police's arguments for putting Emery out of business is that his products may not be safe for public consumption. This is because dispensaries aren't legally required to test them for contaminants.

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If this is the case, police forces from shore to shore can use the same argument to shut down nearly all of Canada's dispensaries for not testing at all, or for not testing to the exacting standards of Health Canada.

Kicking the "Can"-nabis Down the Road

A day before Emery's highly-publicized take down, there was another setback for the cannabis community: the federal government dashed any hopes that Canada would legalize recreational pot as early as spring, 2018.

Commonly known as "licensed producers" (LPs), they've been aggressively expanding to scale-up in time to cater to a projected eight million recreational consumers.

Most LPs were gambling that spring/summer of next year would usher-in this new multi-billion dollar industry. But they guessed wrong.

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Now they may end up with lots of surplus growing capacity that could not just hurt their share prices, but also their financials.

Along with the LPs, the rest of Canada will likely have to wait until spring of 2019 (or later) for legal recreational cannabis to finally become a reality.

The protest has largely been held outside the Vancouver Art Gallery for over 20 years, but was moved to Sunset Beach last year. (Photo: John Lehmann/The Globe and Mail>

This buys the federal government enough time to devise what Emery refers to as "very tight, restrictive controls" for the cultivation and sale of recreational cannabis.

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In effect, this will pander to LPs and other big corporate players by presumably putting all the small growers and dispensaries out of business, he told me.

"The government is trying to steal the cannabis culture from the people who make up that culture and who have long been crusaders for legalization.

"The new legal system will be a cynical, deeply-controlled, top-down type of thing that favours the business establishment."

Dispensaries also deserve to be accommodated when legalization finally arrives -- but with conditions.

Here's my take: dispensary owners like Emery have tirelessly fought for many years for more liberalized cannabis laws. They've even racked up hefty legal bills while pleading their case to the highest court in the land.

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Ultimately, they've helped pave the way for the mainstreaming of medical marijuana, which has mainly benefitted "Big Business", a.k.a. LPs.

So dispensaries also deserve to be accommodated when legalization finally arrives -- but with conditions.

Just like LPs, dispensaries should be regulated and monitored to ensure that their products are always safe for public consumption. This would provide a more level playing field with competing LPs.

If instead these pot pioneers are crushed underfoot, it will leave an ugly stain on Canadian democracy.

Follow my coverage of Canadian cannabis stocks at http://www.cannabiscapitalist.ca/

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Recently a distraught young mother from British Columbia took her own life while in the grip of postpartum depression, leaving behind a grieving husband and infant son. She was a registered nurse and had been seeking treatment for depression and anxiety. Tragically, the health-care system she worked for was unable to help her.

Her husband wrote a poignant piece on Facebook beseeching baby-friendly hospitals and health-care professionals to reduce pressure on new mothers to breastfeed, since he was sure this contributed to his wife's depression. An outpouring of heartfelt support followed. Women across the nation related how their difficulty with breastfeeding contributed to their postpartum depression, and experts weighed in.

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While this is an important debate, something critical is being lost in the discussion. Research shows that breastfeeding and postpartum depression are linked, but not in the way being debated by parents and experts.

Depressed mothers are at very high risk to stop breastfeeding by eight weeks postpartum. But this is because depression often negatively colours mothers' cognitive perceptions which interferes with their ability to accurately interpret their baby's cues. This prevents them from breastfeeding successfully. For example, some depressed moms interpret their babies as not being satisfied with breastfeeding, so they stop breastfeeding.

A key goal of treatment for postpartum depression should be to provide positive supports for breastfeeding or healthy alternatives and to help these mothers interpret their baby's cues accurately so mothers can feel successful.

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What causes postpartum depression? And how can we best help mothers with postpartum depression?

We know that the biggest predictors of postpartum depression is prenatal depression and a history of depression before conception.

Postpartum depression also often arises when mothers have too many stressors to manage and insufficient support. One stressor may be breastfeeding problems. But many other stressors are also known to contribute to postpartum depression before breastfeeding even starts. For one mother, postpartum depression may arise after a traumatic birth that did not go as planned, for another mother, it may be because she is parenting alone.

Regardless of the stressor that precipitates the depression, there are supports and services that work to prevent and treat postpartum depression -- and prevent the unthinkable. We need to make sure they are available to all new moms in an accessible and timely manner. Recognizing the potential seriousness of postpartum depression, to begin with, is the important starting point.

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Obstetricians, midwives, family physicians, public health nurses and pediatricians should be screening across Canada -- identification of depression either in the prenatal or postnatal period should not be a postal code lottery. Nor should the availability of services depend on where you live. The stakes are too high.

Each and every Canadian stands to benefit from a population raised by healthy and happy parents.

Our own research revealed that mothers want to be screened for depression. For many at-risk women, depression can be prevented with simple interventions such as mother-to-mother support early in the postpartum period.

Our program, called MOMS (Mothers Offering Mentorship & Support) Link provides mother-to-mother support for postpartum depression, in a low-cost, non-stigmatizing way -- over the phone, by experienced volunteer mothers, in the comfort of new mothers' own homes. It's been found to be effective.

Interpersonal psychotherapy can also be used to treat many women with postpartum depression over the phone, at home.

Postpartum depression is a family affair and our research shows that fathers want to help and should be involved. We also know that depression in new mothers places the father at risk to experience depression too, so early screening and prevention can help the whole family.

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We encourage mothers, their partners, or other source of support to see their doctor, public health nurse or other health care professionals to ensure mothers at risk are screened for depression, in pregnancy and after to birth and to discuss the range of options available in their community.

Lots of treatments work -- but hospitals, public health and social service agencies need to provide the programs for mothers and their families to access. Phone-based methods may be one way of making sure programs are available.

Each and every Canadian stands to benefit from a population raised by healthy and happy parents. Recognizing the seriousness of depression in pregnancy and after childbirth will go a long way to ensuring that a range of services and supports are available to families. This will help defuse the ticking time bomb that can be postpartum depression.

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Babies are born with a complete understanding of one beautiful and universal mammalian language: TOUCH. Communicating love, tenderness, affection, responsiveness and respect, we are evolutionarily primed to crave touching our babies and with good reason; without it, our children fail to thrive physically and emotionally.

But, in western society touch is becoming akin to an endangered species. Tracy Cassels, PhD, suggests that on average, infants are being touched by another human only 12 to 20 per cent of the time ,which drops below 10 per cent before babies reach their first birthday. These statistics are horrifying. If we want to safeguard our children's mental and emotional health, we need to reverse current trends.

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Touch is our most primal form of communication, requiring no subtitles, translation or explanation.

Holding, comforting and touching our babies communicates our emotions in a way they can understand.

Modern parenting ideals sabotage what evolution has spent hundreds of thousands of years crafting to perfection. So, why is it so important to touch our babies (children and partners) as often as we can?

1. Because actions speak louder than words.

Newborn babies don't understand the spoken language we speak. So, while we can repeat that we love them over and over again, holding, comforting and touching our babies communicates our emotions in a way they can understand. Even as children grow, touch communicates our emotions with much greater impact than words. Dr. Tiffany Field, of the Touch Research Institute in Miami, found that infants who were reassured with touch smiled and vocalized more and cried less than those who weren't.

Dacher Keltner, a professor of psychology at the University of California, Berkeley, says touch is ""the first language we learn," and "our richest means of emotional expression" throughout life. Even the briefest touch can lead to immediate changes in how people think and feel; one study has shown students who receive a supportive touch on the back or the arm are twice as likely to volunteer in class as those who don't.

2. Because when it's most difficult is probably when it's most important.

Holding a crying baby is difficult; no two ways about it. I vividly remember my son crying continuously for what felt like hours on our second night home from the hospital after his birth. I'd nursed him, changed him, ensured he wasn't too hot or too cold but he would not stop crying. Was I failing him already? I wish I had known this powerful piece of information that night: our role isn't to stop our babies crying, but simply to be there for them. To hold them and love them through it all.

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Babies who cry alone show significant elevations in blood cortisol as a result of the stress they experience, but a baby who cries in their parent's arms does not experience the same spike in cortisol. Sometimes, like adults, babies just need to cry. And when they do, our touch provides the reassurance they need as they learn how to regulate their own emotions.

3. Because it regulates a baby's physiology.

Newborns rely on their mother's touch to help regulate their temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, blood glucose and more. When mothers hold their babies, especially skin-to-skin, their physiology mimics their mother's and their tiny bodies learn the normal set points for physiological parameters.

The warmth of a mother's breasts are naturally modulated to keep her baby at the perfect temperature, promoting restful sleep, optimal oxygen saturation and saving her baby the energy it takes to stay warm. This redirects valuable calories into more critical things, like growth. Breast temperature can rise and fall rapidly as your baby is warmed. As your baby starts to cool, your breasts heat up again -- as much as two degrees Celsius in two minutes.

4. Because it protects a mother's mental and emotional health.

Skin to skin contact releases oxytocin, the love hormone, which facilitates bonding and feelings of affection. Tiffany Field found that twice-weekly massages from their partners in women experiencing prenatal depression eased pregnancy pains but also reduced depression, anxiety and anger. Interestingly, their partners also experienced a reduction in mood related issues. So, positively touching our babies not only benefits them but also benefits us as parents.

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Ignore anyone who tells you not to hold your baby close.

5. Because it fires and wires our babies' brains.

A newborn's brain is a mere 25 per cent of its eventual adult size. Skin-to-skin contact, also known as "kangaroo care," has been shown to be a critical factor in firing and wiring brain development in a positive way. Countless studies have proven the undeniable benefits of kangaroo care in premature infants, including lower rates of infections, higher exclusive breastfeeding rates, greater weight gain and reductions in hospital stays.

In a recent decade-long study, Dr. Ruth Feldman, a professor at Bar-Ilan University, studied the impact of varying levels of physical contact on prematurely born infants. Her team found that, in the first six months of life, maternal-newborn skin-to-skin contact resulted in mothers being more sensitive and expressing more maternal behaviour towards their babies. Ten years later, children who had received more skin-to-skin contact demonstrated better cognitive skills, executive abilities, more organized sleep, better neuroendocrine response to stress and more mature functioning of the autonomic nervous system.

6. Because it makes us happier, healthier and reduces aggressive tendencies.

Massage, for as little as 20 minutes a day, has been shown to improve health conditions ranging from dermatitis, asthma, anxiety, autism, arthritis and sleep disorders. And it also reduces aggressive tendencies. Dr. Field examined the amount of touch and aggression in both preschoolers and adolescents in the United States and France. She found greater positive touch in France across all age groups and an associated decrease in aggressive and violent tendencies.

We simply can't spoil our babies with too much love.

Our world is becoming increasingly divided and pathologically disconnected. Misguided world leaders are proposing we build walls when history clearly shows us we need to tear them down and foster connection and unity. I believe, as Mother Teresa once said, that if we want to change the world, we need to go home and love our families. Positive touch is one of the most powerful communicators of our love.

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Yet, as parents we're often pressured into separating ourselves from our babies and children -- to build invisible walls and to establish artificial physical boundaries. We're told that if we touch, hug and hold our children too much we'll spoil them. It's time to challenge and bury this outdated approach -- it is laughably false, reflecting cultural values, not scientific fact or a parents' instinct.

So, ignore anyone who tells you not to hold your baby close. Enjoy skin to skin, wear your baby and ditch the stroller (even if its just sometimes). Hop in the bath together, massage your baby and sleep together, keeping your baby warm in the wee small hours of the morning.

A version of this post by Tracy Gillett originally appeared on Raised Good.

Join the Raised Good community and receive the Free 5 Day Natural Parenting Empowerment eCourse. It will help ROUSE your natural parenting instincts, EMPOWER you in your choices and FREE you from the "rules" of modern parenting. And connect with Tracy on Facebook and Instagram.

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The five things you need to know on Thursday, March 16

1) ASH WEDNESDAY

One week on from his Budget jokes, it was an ashen-faced Philip Hammond who was forced to deliver his U-turn on the White Van Man tax yesterday. But as he crashed through the central reservation, it was obvious that it was Theresa May, the newspapers and Tory backbenchers who were yanking on his steering wheel.

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The Chancellor has written a piece for the Sun, which led the charge against him, admitting trust in politics matters. The article is not quite an apology, but felt like the equivalent of Hammond being forced to sit a detention and write out I will never again breach a manifesto promise 50 times on the Commons blackboard.

Ive written an analysis HERE of how yesterdays extraordinary events unfolded - complete with a Budget-style 'winners and losers' verdict. In a nutshell, Hammond was warned by the whips that not only was he in danger of not getting the NI rise through the Commons, but the Lords was almost certain to do a tax credits and effectively kill it. As the hike was not in the manifesto (and explicitly ruled out by it), the Salisbury convention would not apply and peers could be free to make hay. The tax rise was doomed.

The Times has some lovely detail today that Hammond was still holding out on Monday and Tuesday, robustly defending his plan and leaving one cabinet colleague to tear his hair out. Talk of the Chancellor being fired is too fevered right now but the paper cites one ministerial source: Hes done for a long time. Hes lost his mojo.

Mays exceptionally long honeymoon was finally over yesterday. Wobbly Wednesday looked in danger of turning into Black Wednesday as Hammonds U-turn coincided with not just a car-crash but a multiple motorway pile-up of Tory blunders: DD on Brexit preparations, Fox on student migration, the PIP disability benefit changes, Justine Greening getting a kicking over the schools formula. And of course the news that the cops had passed prosecutors the files on 12 Tory MPs investigated for election expenses. That dirty dozen is a figure that matters when your Commons majority is just 17. This morning the Tory party has been fined 70k by the Electoral Commission over campaign expenses.

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It was May's worst day, and worst week, yet since taking over at No.10. And yet despite all that, Jeremy Corbyn forgot to ask four of his allotted questions at PMQs. One senior Labour source put it to me afterwards: Jeremy is his own kind of leader. And he's demonstrated a new kind of political leadership. Both his critics and his enemies would say that statement is indisputable.

The Tories are still a record-breaking 19 points ahead of Labour on some polls. If that gap doesnt come down dramatically after yesterday, maybe even those close to Corbyn will think again. But the decision may be taken out of their hands: talk of a snap election is picking up once more. With the U-turn out of the way, and the long journey on the A50 road started, Mrs May may want to stop at the electoral service station to refuel her Government with a bigger majority. Before any Brexit wheels come off later.

2) DD DAY

It wasnt just Yvette Cooper who emerged with some credit yesterday on a dark day for Labour. David Daviss remarks to the Brexit Select Committee, prized out of him by chairman Hilary Benn and others, exposed just how little real work has yet been done on the UKs preparations for quitting the EU.

DD stunned MPs when he admitted that no economic assessment had been made of a no deal Brexit scenario. The real political problem here was that the PM herself - who prides herself on looking at the evidence - had told us in her Lancaster House speech that she was clear that no deal for Britain is better than a bad deal for Britain. How could she possibly say that with no evidence?

No.10 said there was rigorous work ongoing across government on all implications of the potential of Brexit but it couldnt deny DDs candid view that a real assessment would only be ready in about a years time. Labours Pat McFadden was brutal: Without an assessment, you have mortgaged the countrys economic future to a soundbite. Alistair Carmichael, a Liberal Democrat MP, said: It is the equivalent of driving towards a cliff-edge with a blindfold on.

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There was a sub-plot too with DD swiping at Boris for saying no deal would be perfectly OK. I do my job on the basis of facts and data and research and analysis and operational planning, and off the back of that I will give answers that are accurate and that are factual  not throwaway lines in interviews, he said. Burn baby, burn.

3) START OF THE PEER SHOW

The EU Withdrawal Bill is set to get the Royal Assent at 11am today. But heres a new development that could temper the celebrations among Tory MPs. I can reveal that Labour in the Lords have tabled two motions overnight. Both deliver on Labours promise that it would use other methods to hold the Government to account.

The first is to force ministers to update the Lords on EU citizens status by the end of this session of Parliament. Im told the Queens Speech is pencilled in for Wednesday May 17th so that means a deadline of probably May 11. This will be after Article 50 has been triggered but may be early enough to get some answers from No.10 and Brussels alike on what will happen to reciprocal rights of expats.

The second motion by Shadow Lords leader Baroness Smith (who has blogged on this for HuffPost today) calls for the creation of a Joint Committee of Lords and Commons to consider and report on the terms and options for any votes in Parliament on the outcome of the negotiations on the UKs withdrawal from the European Union. It should report by October 31 this year.

Both motions are likely to pass with big majorities, which means the ball will be back in the Governments court. With new bills due on a range of Brexit detail, as well as the Great Repeal Bill, you can see why there is a long road ahead. And why Theresa Mays small Commons majority is still a problem.

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BECAUSE YOUVE READ THIS FAR

Watch the glorious moment when Sir Des Swayne tell MPs that his slavish article backing the NI rise was already with the printers of his local paper.

4) FOXY MUSIC

Another reason that some Tories feel an early election could be needed is simply to alllow May to strengthen her authority over her Cabinet. And yesterdays row over including students in the net migration target showed just how unruly her ministers can be.

Liam Foxs evidence to the Lords International Relations Committee came just before the NICs U-turn and was unnoticed until PoliticsHome cannily kept its eye on proceedings. On a normal day, as with the DD story, this would have been front-page news. It is an ongoing argument inside government and Ive made my views on that clear in private to the home secretary, Fox revealed. There is a value for those who come stay in the UK.

No.10s slapdown was particularly blunt, with the PMs spokesman stressing she was clear as Home Secretary, she is clear as Prime Minister..that students should continue to be included in the official immigration statistics.

5) PAYING FOR IT

Given that the whole NI rise row stemmed from the demand from No10 for more cash for the NHS and social care, its worth asking again just how serious politicians are about building cross-party consensus for funding the system. Former Treasury Perm Sec Nick Macpherson tweeted yesterday: Is the UK prepared to pay the taxes to fund public services? If not, spending cuts only answer.

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I remember New Labour, at the height of its powers after its second landslide, put a penny on NI (yes a hike in National Insurance that didnt raise a peep from voters) in 2002. But Gordon Brown ensured that little more than half ended up in NHS coffers.

Today, the BBC reports that a health expert panel set up by the Lib Dems - and including ex-GPs chief Clare Gerada and NHS chief exec David Nicholson - is calling for a hypothecated health and social care tax. It also calls for an OBR-style independent body to asses what cash is needed. This is in fact something John McDonnell has called for too. With the latest news that four-hour waits in A&E are up 300% will the public be persuaded?

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Turin (Royalty Free Image from Pixabay.com)

A sheer desire to explore and to enjoy what is beautiful in life, to visit new places and to get to know new cultures is something that moves us all. That's why architectural barriers, physical and cultural, which often represent an insurmountable obstacle for disabled travellers should not exist. I have recently been to Torino, in the north west Italy, and I pleasantly discovered that it is a city that has chosen to dismantle many of those insurmountable barriers; thus becoming one of Italy's favourite destination of tourism for the disabled.

Turin has often been overlooked in favour of more popular destinations like Rome, Venice and Florence; but in reality, the city that hosted the 2006 Winter Olympic Games has lots to offer, especially to disabled tourists. In fact, the tourism body of Torino and Province has been busy for several years making this city a top location for people with disabilities. This does not solely mean creating exclusive itineraries, but actually preferential lanes.

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For example, the website turismotorino.org has created a section solely dedicated to list accessible restaurants and cafe, that offer accessible facilities for visually impaired, blind or for anyone with limited mobility. At the bottom of the page you'll be able to find a window with the type of Accessibility you need:

The website also offers plenty of information regarding audio guides, video guides in International sign language, tactile maps and digital content for accessible services on the territory; unfortunately I noted that some of these information are not available in English, which is a shame.

Since Accessible tourism is what drives us at Seable, I decided to share with you a brief list of the accessible sightseeing locations I personally visited in Turin:

MUSEO EGIZIO

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Egyptian Museum (Royalty Free Image from Pixabay.com)

The Museo delle Antichita Egizie is the only museum other than the Cairo Museum that is dedicated solely to Egyptian art and culture. Many international scholars, since the decipherer of Egyptian hieroglyphs Jean-Francois Champollion, who came to Turin in 1824, spend much time pouring over the collections. It was Champollion who famously wrote, "The road to Memphis and Thebes passes through Turin".

The collections that make up today's Museum were enlarged by the excavations conducted in Egypt by the Museum's archaeological mission between 1900 and 1935 (a period when finds were divided between the excavators and Egypt).

The museum is accessible to wheelchair users and disabled can visit it for free.

MOLE ANTONELLIANA and the NATIONAL CINEMA MUSEUM

Mole Antonelliana (Royalty Free Image from Pixabay.com)

The Mole Antonelliana, the architectural symbol of Torino, was originally meant to be a synagogue but the Municipality of Torino bought it in 1878, while it was still under construction, with the intent of turning it into a monument to national unity. Construction was completed in 1889, and at the time of its completion, at 167.5 meters in height, it was the tallest masonry building in all of Europe. In 1961, on the occasion of the celebrations honoring the 100th anniversary of the Unity of Italy, a panoramic lift was installed. The lift was renovated in 1999 and now takes visitors up to the "small temple" and the extraordinary 360 view from its balcony over the city and the amphitheatre of the Alps. The ride in the transparent crystal cabin lasts 59 seconds as it ascends through the centre of the cupola. There are no intermediate floors between the lift's departure point at the 10 meter level and its arrival point, 85 meters higher up. The building now houses the National Museum of Cinema and it's fully accessible.

The exhibit area located on the Museum's entrance level offers an unusual and stimulating museum experience and is also accessible to sight-impaired or blind visitors. A tactile path gives visually-impaired visitors autonomous access into the Mole Antonelliana and to the exhibit area. A panel outside the Museum's entrance features a relief map and writing in Braille indicating the various services located on the Welcome Level.

There is also an exhibit area with the tactile path is dedicated to the history of the Mole Antonelliana; it is located in an alcove along the building's perimeter. Posters on the walls feature several of the building's friezes; in the centre, a wooden model of a cross section of the Mole Antonelliana (in scale 1:100), a full-size plaster cast of a head of the Gorgon Medusa and panels with visual-tactile drawings of the various construction phases of the building encourage tactile exploration.

Visitors can thus familiarize themselves with various types of materials and architectonic and decorative details of the Mole Antonelliana as they rediscover sensorial capabilities that aren't normally used to their full potential.

TURIN CATHEDRAL AND THE SHROUD

Turin Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral dedicated to Saint John the Baptist and it's mostly known for being the current resting place of the Shroud of Turin (a length of linen cloth bearing the image of a man, is believed by some to be the burial shroud of Jesus of Nazareth). The church is accessible to wheelchair users, but this entrance is situated on the right side of the church. You will have to ring the bell and you'll get access to a small lift that will give access to the church.

CAFFE AL BICERIN

This historic coffeehouse is a gem that have been serving an hot drink made with coffee (secret recipe) in Turin's piazza della Consolata since 1763, the interior hasn't much since it's last renovation in the arly 19th century. The drink is delicious and the coffeehouse is small but fully accessible.

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There is no inequality that burns brighter than the deep injustice that consigns children from deprived backgrounds to poorer health than their more affluent peers.

Nine children in an average classroom of thirty grow up in poverty. They will be less healthy at every stage of life, until the end of their days. Government figures published today reveal that 4 million children are growing up in poverty. All of society, from those in public service, healthcare professionals, the third sector, and those who serve in Parliament, have a duty to do right by all children.

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Throughout the 20th Century, the UK secured world leading improvements in child health with the NHS and innovative medical research, the envy of the world. That is no longer true today.

This is well understood by children's doctors and the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health. Having analysed the evidence, the recent report on the State of Child Health from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health concludes that the UK is falling behind European neighbours. The report is clear in showing the continuing link between poverty and poor health. Across almost every indicator, children from deprived backgrounds face much worse health and wellbeing than their better-off peers.

Science has clearly shown that what happens in infancy shapes a large part of a child's future life course; the bottom line is that inequality, and the injustice that flows from this, begins in the womb. Therefore it is of great concern that the health of deprived children in the UK is among the worst in the developed world.

The UK now suffers from higher child mortality, obesity and ill-health rates, than much of Europe. Over 4,000 infants, children and young people in the UK die every year. Many of these deaths are avoidable, particularly among adolescents. Across all age groups children who live in poverty are less likely to survive than their better-off peers. One third of 11 year-olds in the UK are overweight or obese, with four in five of them likely to become overweight as adults. The most troubling finding is that these stark inequalities in child health have widened over the last five years.

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The number of children living in poverty has to be brought down if the health of the UK population is to improve. The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health has made a series of recommendations that warrant the support of politicians across all parties.

Central to this is putting effort to end child poverty at the core of improving public health. A cross-governmental approach, taking child health into consideration in every policy area will be required. That is why it is so concerning to learn of the closure of the once influential Child Poverty Unit which previously coordinated efforts.

Also required is an end to short-sighted cuts that risk preventing children from accessing crucial services. The evidence is clear that reductions to council public health funding weigh most heavily on low-income families.

Child poverty was once central to Budget Day announcements, but a notable absence from the recent budget. It is of great importance that budgets should include an assessment of the impact on child poverty especially now when the Institute of Fiscal Studies projects that over one million more children are likely to fall into poverty as a result of current Government policies.

Child poverty predicts public health; with child poverty projected to increase, the response will do much to shape the future of the UK population.

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That sense of national purpose in tackling poverty was witnessed most memorably during the UK's darkest hours. In 1942, in the middle of a world war, the coalition government published "The Beveridge Report" that defined the national mission that would follow in peacetime, to end disease and other giant challenges.

Today, at a moment of greater uncertainty for the UK than at any time since the great wars, ending poverty once again deserves unrelenting effort. Britain's place in the world of tomorrow will be brighter from a focus on child poverty today.

The link between child poverty and their life-long health and wellbeing must be broken. Putting this right should form part of a modern national mission. Sadly children don't have a voice so we believe we have a responsibility to speak on their behalf. A national ambition to end child poverty should be a challenge that unites us all.

Dan Jarvis is the Labour MP for Barnsley Central
Bloomberg via Getty Images

As the dust settles over the Dutch parliamentary elections, the international press corps are packing their bags with one last stiff drink to cover their disappointment as they head out to Schiphol Airport, hoping that France or Germany may deliver something more exciting.

At the end, Geert Wilders's PVV only came second and will not even try to form a government. There was no "populist insurgency", which pundits seemed to be pinning their hopes on. The "Dutch Trump" will not rule over this flat European state, which most political observers had rarely even thought of before these elections. Just as well, even if Wilders had come out on top, he would not have ruled over anything more than a one-man party and his Twitter account.

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During the campaign, it seemed as if two parallel election cycles were taking place. The one was a two-horse "presidential" race in the international media between the incumbent Prime Minister Mark Rutte and Geert Wilders. The other, which had the advantage of actually happening, involved a myriad of parties fighting one another in a country with one of the lowest thresholds in the world. This became the real story, as the Dutch voters delivered a fragmented parliament with many smaller parties that will need to form a complex coalition.

It is understandable why so many international observers did not go beyond Geert Wilders's bleached haircut. To audiences unaware of the Dutch local issues, these elections were only interesting within a set narrative: a continuation of an overarching populist wave that began with Brexit, continued with Trump and then goes on to devastate mainland Europe. Moreover, with his Tweets, inflammatory language and emulation of Trumpisms like "making the Netherlands great again", Wilders embraced the story and went along with being the "Dutch Trump".

And yet, Dutch media and the voters were aware of this image of the Netherlands. Mark Rutte played into it as he disingenuously claimed that his VVD was the only power able to stop Wilders. This strategy proved to be successful. It may have been one of the factors that contributed to the decision of many undecided voters to cast their vote in favour of the incumbent and keep the VVD the largest party in parliament with 33 seats.

At the same time, the real stories of these elections are fragmentation and the demise of Dutch Labour. From a party system dominated by two main forces - the conservative VVD and the Labour party - the Dutch Second Chamber emerged as a multi-party house sustained by small vote shares. The VVD dropped from 26.5% to around 21% of the vote. Geert Wilders's PVV improved to 13% and the next parties in line, the CDA and D66, each received around 12%. The biggest success of the evening, GroenLinks - or GreenLeft - quadrupled its vote share from 2.3% to 9%, while PvdA, or Labour, dropped from 28 seats with 25% of the vote to 9 seats with less than 6% of the vote. Despite the big victory parties at the VVD and GL headquarters, no political party received a strong mandate to actually implement a coherent programme.

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The reasons for this proliferation of parties could - and should - be taken seriously by international observers, as they reflect undercurrents that exist elsewhere. These elections did not show large-scale apathy or lack of interest in politics, but rather a sense of confusion and insecurity. The day before the elections, 42% of Dutch respondents still claimed they were undecided. Yet on Election Day, 82% of the electorate came out to vote, an increase over the last elections in 2012. As they shifted their support away from traditional parties, these voters did not necessarily demonstrate distrust with parliamentary democracy per-se but a dissatisfaction with what the big parties had to offer. Many voted for parties other than the ruling VVD, PdvA or Wilders's PVV because they were tired of the relentless focus on Islam, immigration and integration, which had consumed Dutch politics in the last few years. Many voted for smaller parties in order to shift the debate to the themes voters often cited as the most important ones: social care, health and the future of the welfare state. Dutch Labour got the boot because they had failed to stand up for these issues in government.

So does this mean Wilders is insignificant? Not quite. These results, in which his PVV increased its vote share, were the best he could have hoped for. This way, he is not confronted with the expectations of forming a coalition with parties that had already ruled out cooperation with him. He can take up the mantle of the biggest opposition party and keep on being the same kind of provocateur.
Benoit Tessier / Reuters

Helen Gurley Brown, the editor who transformed an ailing Hearst title into the international magazine franchise Cosmopolitan retired at age 75. Anna Wintour, 67, remains editor-in-chief at American Vogue, the most successful (judged on all criteria) of Conde Nast's print franchise.

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Besides, obvs, from both being brilliant editors and able to predict and mine the zeitgeist, what do the late Gurley Brown (she died in 2012 aged 90) and Anna Wintour have in common? What the pair have in common is that they have (or in Gurley Brown's case, had) their career in the USA where age, i.e. being past 50, or even past 60, is no bar to editing a magazine, as it appears to be here in the UK.

Why do I make this assertion? Because if you look at a slew of UK magazine titles, you will see that for the most part, the women currently in charge are under 45. There is nothing wrong with being young and prodigiously talented (I was the youngest-ever Woman's Page Editor at the Jewish Chronicle when appointed to the role at age 32 in 1983) but when appointing a young editor involves discarding a highly competent and talented older editor not because she is failing, but just because she has a few more candles to blow out, seems mean, bad and commercially stupid.

And it's not just magazine editors; the culls extend to roles such as fashion editors and beauty editors who appear to need to be under 45 in order to pronounce on fashion collections and beauty products despite the fact that knowledge and experience should (and usually do) make you good at that type of thing.

But, no, everyone worships the smooth-faced 35-year-old whether or not she is capable of doing the job as well as the slightly wrinkled 55- or 60--year-old.

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I have no idea why Alex Shulman, 59, has decided to quit her role as editor-in-chief of British Vogue. The reason could genuinely be the one stated in her departure announcement, that having edited British Vogue for 25 years and having "steered it during its spectacular centenary" she felt it was a good moment to go.

On the other hand, with her 60th birthday approaching, perhaps she thought she'd jump before she was pushed. My suspicion that there is another motivation for her departure, lies in the comment in her departure statement that "it has been very hard to find a rational reason to leave what is unquestionably a fascinating and rewarding role..."

It appears that unlike their counterparts in America, where legislation preventing employers from forcing employees to retire has been on the statute books for much longer perhaps leading to better attitudes towards age, British media bosses have form in replacing brilliant editors with unlined younger models.

Some of these older editors (we're talking 49 or 50, by the way, not 105) retired, some had retirement forced upon them, quite a few walked away before suffering the ignominy of being pushed.

It seems that however far we women have come in terms of equality, that doesn't extend to women aged over 50. And please don't point to Mary Berry. She is brilliant, but her casting in Bake Off was originally a happy accident or, less charitably, tokenism. But we Brits took her to our hearts (and to our tables) and she has a whole new career and fantastic ratings, proving conclusively that older women should not be consigned to the scrapheap on the basis of age alone.

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But, it is women, and especially women in media who are consigned to the scrapheap on the basis of age alone. The chaps seem able to carry on editing and broadcasting well into old age. Brian Matthews was very angry to be put out of his job at age 88. He should consider himself lucky. If he was Bryony Matthews, he would have been out of a job 45 years ago!

As for Andrew Marr, as much as we (especially me, who has similar impairments following brain surgery) admire him, I would be willing to bet my house that if he was Andrea Marr with a walking stick and an unsteady gait he/she would have been off our screens faster than you can say 'Ageism in Media.'

Bloody ironic isn't it? British media that was at the forefront of the fight against sexism, is now demonstrating sexism and ageism as a toxic double-whammy. Be a woman over 45, be a woman with lines on her face and, even in print media where you would think it wouldn't matter, you are treated as if you have leprosy... that treatment has been meted out to an entire generation of women journalists and editors. I would name them, except the list is too long and it would sound like sucking up.

When did we stop respecting age and experience and start actively rejecting it?

No, wait. I know the answer. At some moment in the 1960s, we held up a mirror to our society and observed that young people had become the dominant demographic. That realisation resulted in a paradigm shift that led to the worship of youth and then to the point where we are now; with an unconditional reverence for youth and for the signifiers of youth, putting us on a path to a world requiring smooth faces, lunch-time Botox treatments and the culling of highly competent women.

I'm calling this issue of ageism-plus-sexism in media Murdah (a conflation of Purdah and Media and a handy homonym) since women in media - correction, women in UK media - have to go into Purdah when they get a wrinkle or a grey hair....

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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
Details added (first version posted on 11:16)

Baku, Azerbaijan, March 16



Trend:



Every international forum is important, and future impact on the decision-making in the world depends on the discussed topics, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said.



He made the remarks at the opening ceremony of the 5th Global Baku Forum titled The Future of International Relations: Power and Interests, which kicked off in Baku March 16.

The president said that holding of this forum has already become traditional, and this is not the first time Azerbaijan holds it. He welcomed all the participants, who represent more than fifty countries at the forum, and more than two hundred sixty guests.

"Azerbaijan, as an independent country, is relatively new. Last year we celebrated the 25th Anniversary of restoration of our independence. Our activity, projects that we initiate in our country, have positive impact on the whole region is one of the ways to present our country to the world," the president said.

Azerbaijani president went on to say that since the last Baku Global Forum meeting, the world didn't become safer.

"We still have protracted conflicts, still have confrontations, wars in our region. This of course is a very dangerous tendency. Azerbaijan in its region is playing an important role as a stabilizing factor. Our initiatives aim at regional cooperation, predictability and strengthening of security measures in the region," said Ilham Aliyev.



The president went on to add that Azerbaijan is not an island, and close neighborhood is of great concern to the country. He said there are still challenges, wars, conflicts, the migrant crisis, and it is a big humanitarian catastrophe.



"At the same time, the migrant crisis also leads to, I would say, less understanding between different parts of our world. It creates certain discomfort for the people of the countries where the migrants are heading. But, this is only the consequence of what happened, because the real reason of this crisis is external political and military interference into internal affairs of these countries," he said.
Bloomberg via Getty Images

Why the SNP should be seen off.

It is a jack-in-a-box time of year. No sooner had the Government obtained the authority of both Houses of Parliament to begin the Brexit procedures by serving notice under Article 50 of the Treaty of Lisbon, than up pops Nicola Sturgeon with a demand for a further referendum on Scottish Independence. In late 2018 or early 2019 too, at least six months before the date on which we are due to leave the EU.

The obvious question is: "why?" No, not why the Scots should want to revisit their independence following the EU departure, but why they are trying to hold a referendum then, before the outcome of the negotiations is known. No one pretends that if the day comes when they really wish to leave the Union they will be denied the opportunity, so why do they not wait until they have seen what comes out of Brexit and then, having watched it for a bit, either go along with the result or seek a further referendum at that stage?

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That would seem the obvious approach and, more than that, it is an approach which they owe to the rest of us. The decision reached in their last referendum was that they would remain in the UK. That does not just mean accepting subsidies from England but also participating wholeheartedly in the struggles in which the UK is engaged. At the moment, the UK faces a difficult time over Brexit and one would expect to find Scots politicians standing shoulder to shoulder with the rest of us and not causing deliberate political damage (for that is what it would amount to) in order to further their own political ambitions.

Of course, Ms Sturgeon and her legions do not put it like that. No, they say, it is merely a reaction to the possibility of a hard Brexit and a necessary precaution to give the Scots a choice between the consequences of that and an independent relationship with the EU which might not be available later. It is hard to believe in any of this.

As to the first part, the Government's negotiating position can hardly have come as a shock. Immigration was at the centre of the Brexit campaign and no one could have expected Britain to join the EFTA, which would mean an open border for foreign workers. Then there is the contingency planning for a no-deal exit. That too is unsurprising. The UK has to treat a no deal Brexit as a possibility if it is to have any leverage in its the negotiations with the EU. If the EU negotiators believed that we had to do a deal, they could simply write down its terms and present them as an ultimatum. It follows that making contingency plans for a "no deal" outcome is an essential step to achieving something sensible, and that is something of which Ms Sturgeon must be fully aware. Once the decision for Brexit was taken, this stance became inevitable, and if Ms Sturgeon is trying to say that the government of Scotland should not be bound by the Brexit referendum result, she should put it in those terms.

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Her protests that the British Government has not engaged with her does not really wash either. At the moment Mrs May is keeping her cards very close to her chest. The reasons for that are obvious. The negotiation is to be a difficult one carried out in very uncertain circumstances. Above everything she needs the flexibility and the ability to change her stance - and particularly her overt stance - to meet events. If she makes statements as to her approach in advance she cuts down her manoeuvrability, quite apart from undermining her negotiating position. The right course is to stay schtum for as long as possible and is for this reason that she is correct in refusing to give any protection for foreign nationals living in the UK until the EU comes up with something reciprocal.

So let's go to Ms Sturgeon's second point, that if she does not call a referendum before the UK result is available she may miss the possibility for an independent Scotland to negotiate a new deal. Theoretically there is a point here, although it only has weight if the EU is prepared to complicate matters by a separate negotiation rather than deal with Scotland's position subsequently. Who knows whether it will or not, but any opportunity for Scotland would be bought at a double price. The first part would be paid by all of us. It would severely jeopardise the UK's negotiating position to have to state the expected outcome in a way which would satisfy the Scots some six months before the negotiations came to an end. That is just the point at which we may be trying to force the EU to compromise by threatening a no deal exit. The second part would be paid by Scotland and flows, possibly as an alternative, from the first. In view of the importance of protecting the negotiations with the EU, the government would not be able to state its position frankly to the electors of Scotland who would thus go into the referendum on a basis of distorted and incorrect facts. Perhaps that is permissible in the context of a post-truth Trumpian world, but it is no way for the fate of a great nation to be determined.

Ms Sturgeon must know that for all these reasons she will not get the Government to agree to the referendum she demands. Why then is she demanding it? As always one needs to look at the lowest domestic level, and in this case that is the position of the SNP.

The cautious approach of Mrs May is far more in tune with the Scots than was that of her more flamboyant predecessor, so it may be that SNP support has reached its zenith. Is her demand a way of preserving its momentum by launching a fresh campaign? Or is the strategy more devious than that? The suggestion that a Scottish referendum be called at a time designed to jeopardise the Brexit negotiations will antagonise public opinion in the rest of the UK. A flurry of anti-Scots rhetoric south of the border - where people are likely to regard Ms Sturgeon's initiative as a betrayal - could boost her party's fortunes. What better way of garnering support for a party whose record is looking a little threadbare domestically - the decline in the rankings of Sottish education to below that of England, for example - than to create an external "enemy"? Abuse from England? Just the ticket.

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Another stormy fashion week, where tinder for the controversy fire came from the YSL Fall 17 IDOL preview campaign, shot by Inez Van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin under the creative helm of Anthony Vaccarello. The ARPP's (French advertising self-regulatory organization) hair was ruffled, receiving 120 complaints about the images to date. Raphaelle Remy-Leleu, from women's group Osez le feminisme! said the photos "ticks all the sexist boxes. The women are objectified, hyper sexualised and put in submissive positions."

Image @ysl Instagram

Women watch themselves being looked at. This determines not only most relations between men and women but also the relation of women to themselves. The surveyor of woman in herself is male: the surveyed female. Thus she turns herself into an object -- and most particularly an object of vision: a sight - John Berger, Ways of Seeing 1972

So what? It's only fashion, images, art, visual dialogue between human beings. The triviality. Run along.

But something has changed in our collective dialogue about art that supersedes the subject, and I'm not sure what to make of it. The Twitter wars, media and social media commentary as a whole seem to be getting a bit Fight Club, and I don't like it. There was the Moonlight review and the ensuing Twitter rumpus. Poor weary critics had to put up with Wolfgang's hairy bottom in his "self-satisfied" new work at The Tate, discombobulated by the intimacy, and so it goes on; artists being treated like annoying toddlers who need to pipe down a bit.

One notable response to this kind of criticism came from the YSL photographer which led me to think that we've all lost the plot a bit. Her work, featuring model Fernanda Oliveira for YSL, follows just two years after another YSL ad starring model Kiki Willems was banned in the U.K. over concerns that she was "unhealthily thin." I first saw the work on the YSL insta feed, and kept scrolling. Didn't register. Maybe I've seen similar images of women wearing fishnets and heeled roller skates, or of models so thin bending over stools like their hair weighs so much that they need support from a random wooden object. Reports rolled in from France showing protestors lobbing "sexiste" stickers on the shop posters. And even then I wasn't jolted out of my scrolling anesthesia? What did wake me up, was the photographer's response to the protests on her Instagram feed:

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"LOVE THAT PICTURE. I want it clear. The first time I saw it, I loved it. it is a strong image, beautiful and weird in a way that has become too uncommon in Fashion. Then I learned that some others hate it. It is their absolute right. But when it turned into a story where it should be banned because it was " degrading to women and inciting rape" I became both angry and worried. I don't want to live in a society where some think their opinion is better and what is against their opinion should be against the law. That's how totalitarianism stars. Women's rights is a very sensitive topic at the moment and I understand the tension but, unfortunately, there are much more important reasons to be angry than a willing model in a fashion photo shoot. To me, it is more degrading to pay a woman less than a man for the same job. What are we gonna do about this? It is more degrading to let politicians, mostly white old males, to decide what to do with OUR bodies. Look at how Trump is trying to destroy funding for abortions and birth-control in one of the biggest and more advanced countries. That is what I am worried about, not pictures. I am also angry at all those PC nazis, professionally offended people who are joining forces with fundamentalists from any sides who want to decide what a "good woman" or a " good feminist" should be. I increasingly fear being out because my dress choices doesn't fit an increasingly intolerant society. It should not be the case in 2017 in Paris. I should be supported by feminists not shamed. Feminism is a very simple thing: it means that every woman should have choices, made choice without being judged. You want to wear short skirts or pose for Saint Laurent? Great. You choose to wear a hijab? Equally great. Everyone is talking about diversity, it would be great if it applied to female choices." @inezandvinoodh Instagram

I know it's always been like this really, Tracey Emin's bed, Hirst's cow, Richard Billingham's parents, what Lena Dunham's saying, there has always something for rookie critics to moan about and for artists to roar back too - but recently the cycle of negativity between influencer and audience seems relentlessly fervent, in times when we need bringing together. And Inez is right in that, it's precisely because we are in emotionally turbulent times, our heckles rise along with our sensitivities, and we rally against pictures that may not have dented our consciousness in easier times.

My Instagram friends thought the images were out dated, and mirrored some media opinion that they are simply irrelevant, Showstudio reiterated a similar response to the catwalk show, fair enough. Many were afraid to comment publicly, and let's not forget we're talking about fashion pictures! As a whole folk were bored. But I was niggled, not by the images, but by the general aggressive sentiment on social media these days, from critics, and in this case from a photographer whose work I so admire, including her support for female creatives on the platform she co-founded Girlgaze, where their manifesto is a good one "...we are pushing back against the cultural projections and traditional gender roles imposed upon girls from the outside world, media and culture." This manifesto is about more than photography, it's asking society to re-asses its projection of women. This focus, and the rhetoric in the Instagram post seemed at odds.

"Pop culture shapes our ideas of what is normal and what our dreams can be and what our roles are. Politics, of course, decides how the power and the money in the country is distributed. Both are equally important, and each affects the other." - Gloria Steinem

Of course global politics are more important than clothes and images, but the contribution of art and its effect on social consciousness can not be underestimated.

Are our creatives unwittingly orchestrating 'controversial' images and tough talk, as an unconscious means to express confidence in uncertain times?

According to Inez's followers, the objectification is in the eye of the jaded beholder. It's your fault if you don't like them, so there. There seemed to be little sitting on the fence. You took your side, threw your grenade of words and closed your ears. I find that troubling. On other platforms I've seen this happen too, on feminist sites, in mothers networking debates, within political groups rendering activists like Owen Jones to step away from social media. My love for open discourse online is slipping away with the social climbing agenda that feeds the commentators. The argument goes round and round, and comes back to intent. It's clear to me that this particular photographer's life work is to empower and celebrate women. This roar is possibly nothing more than a bruised ego, fine, and so we move on.

One site that seems to rise above all this is the mother-daughter team being StyleLikeU. Elisa Goodkind and Lily Mandelbaum created a video series called What Lies Beneath. It's a space, "profiling style influencers from all backgrounds, who defy the cookie cutter looks of today's fashion magazines." With guests like Jemima Kirke, talking openly about their experiences with their own bodies in relation to those around them, it's a much needed nurturing hub. Equally the infamous Man Repeller, carries followers interest with fashion along with their own bumpy journey, in a way that's generous and humour filled - it's successful because it listens - to other women:

"From earliest childhood she has been taught and persuaded to survey herself continually. And so she comes to consider the surveyor and the surveyed within her as the two constituent yet always distinct elements of her identity as a woman. She has to survey everything she is and everything she does because how she appears to men, is of crucial importance for what is normally thought of as the success of her life. Her own sense of being in herself is supplanted by a sense of being appreciated as herself by another" John Berger, Ways of Seeing

Post criticism, the ranters are acting out public self-soothing, chucking civil expression out of the pram, when their comfort blanket (praise) is taken away. If they sat back, they would realise that they want the same thing as their detractors - to be listened to.

www.loumensahstudio.com
BalkansCat via Getty Images

On 13th October 2015, I crossed the border from Croatia to Hungary, along with hundreds of refugees travelling northwards through Europe towards Germany and Scandinavia. I myself am not a refugee - I was born to an English family in the Home Counties, into a very comfortable life, was privately educated and had graduated from Trinity College, Cambridge, three months earlier. On that day, though, you couldn't have told me apart from the hundreds of tired, scared, dirty figures squelching and sliding through the ankle-deep mud surrounded by hundreds of armed Hungarian officers. And neither could these officers.

The way the officers treated us was aggressively authoritarian, intentionally cruel, calculatedly degrading - designed to make us feel vulnerable, and sorry for existing. At the time, someone warned me: "Be careful, the Hungarian authorities hate refugees and are always looking to get someone into trouble." Now, 18 months later, Hungarian parliament has approved a bill permitting, if not encouraging, the arrest and detention of any asylum seeker to enter the country (the cynic might here point out a parallel to the UK's immigration detention policy) by a majority of 138 to 6, with 22 abstentions. Whilst simultaneously extending their barbed wire border fence to a 13ft electrified barrier, using prisoners (I wonder how many of them refugees...) as slave labour, and inaugurating a legion of "Border Hunters" to search out and round up refugees crossing the border and forcibly push them back to Serbia. It looks like that person was right.

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After volunteering on Lesvos, Greece, for three weeks in September 2015, I left the island with a refugee family to make the journey with them to Germany. In doing so, and documenting my experience on a blog, I wanted to see how Europeans would react to a westerner suffering the same dangers and indignities refugees are routinely - and quite openly - subjected to. I wanted to present one human's experience of that journey (and I recognise that I lacked almost all the psycho-social and physical context that my companions carried with them), highlighting the individuality and humanity of each person to counter the anonymising media rhetoric of "swarms", "waves" and "masses" turning names to numbers and faces to figures.

The train at Botovo station, recently arrived from Opatovac camp

From Lesvos, I travelled with this family as far as Opatovac, on Croatia's eastern border with Serbia. Here, on the discovery of my UK passport, I was escorted from the camp by police with a formal warning and lost contact with the family. Hitchhiking to the nearest town, 30km from the muddy field in which I was deposited at midnight in the pouring rain, I researched where this group of refugees might be taken from this camp, and spent the next 36 hours zigzagging my way across Croatia to reach what I hoped was their destination.

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I wended my way by hitchhiking, buses, trains, and on foot to Botovo, more a solitary station than a village, 1.5km short of the border with Hungary - which is where all this Hungary business begins. On the last of the trains I took through Croatia, I met a journalist, who was also heading for Botovo. I told him that I intended to slip into the crowd crossing to Hungary and board the next train. He, in turn, told me that the Hungarian authorities' response to his request for photographic permission had surmised: "Please, come to our country and take photographs of refugees. But if you do, we will shoot you." And thus was I introduced to the profoundly compassionate and obliging nature of Hungary's leadership.

Refugees leaving the train at Botovo and heading towards Hungary

As I joined the crowd of people descending from the train, the Hungarian border met us with oceans of sticky, ankle-deep mud, and an almost equal quantity of armed, scowling police officers. Keeping your balance in that cesspit was hard enough without compulsively looking from side to side to check on the barrels of two hundred guns. While at other borders, the police supervising our crossing hadn't exactly greeted us with a kiss on both cheeks, they had led us quietly, distantly and professionally, two or three officers heading a group and a couple bringing up the rear. Now, we were surrounded by hundreds of black-clad, weapon-wielding figures, shouting threateningly at us and tenderly fingering their batons and rifles.

Skating ungraciously through this field, the words of an NGO worker at Botovo station rang through my head, practically begging me not to go through with my plan: "The Hungarian police are aggressive; they have weapons, and they're not afraid to use them. They're looking for trouble. Please, don't do this." It dawned on me that I was undocumented as a refugee (I didn't have the registration paper issued on arrival in Greece which served as identification along the rest of the route), alone at this point - not part of any group who could vouch for me, as they had done previously, and had the distinct impression that producing my UK passport, far from helping me, would have got me carted off in the back of a police van for possessing a false document. I had heard stories of female refugees being beaten and raped by officers in Hungarian prisons, and began to search desperately for any of the friendly faces I had spoken to through the train window at the station.

Finally spotting Cobra, a young Afghan woman I had chatted to, travelling with her young daughter and two brothers after her husband was killed in Afghanistan, she waved me over and I raced to catch her up. We hugged, she invited me to join her group, and I felt happy and relieved. Two steps later, however, a sharp smack across my ribs winded me, and my brain tried to catch up as I felt myself being shoved backwards, pressed into the people behind me. At the same moment I realised the smack had come from an officer's baton, I saw Cobra and her daughter being shoved forwards by another officer, looking back at her brothers, beside me, desperately struggling to free themselves and catch her up. A few more unsolicited punches later, the thirty-or-so of us so gratuitously corralled were released, and the brothers raced off to find Cobra and her daughter. Of course, by this point, they were nowhere to be seen, lost in the throng. I saw Cobra fleetingly on the other side of this 8-hour journey. She had still not found her brothers.

My own photo of the muddy field in Hungary. Police officer top centre. It was difficult and potentially dangerous to take photos at this point, so I couldn't get a better shot.

The foundational rule of working in humanitarian situations or with vulnerable people - essentially a fairly basic meeting point between common sense and compassion - is never split up families. The Hungarian police's flagrant and intentional flouting of this principle puts people in danger, makes the vulnerable more vulnerable, and displays a brazen disrespect for people. Their aim was to flex the bicep of their power, incite fear, and cause inconvenience - but I doubt they realised, or ever properly considered, the full extent of their actions. There must have been two thousand people on that train, it was dark when we disembarked, and I have no way of knowing whether Cobra ever found her brothers. Certainly, this intimidation tactic worked on me and, as I approached the train - where I was certain they would ask for documentation - I felt myself lose my balance in the mud for the umpteenth time. A flash thought process shot through my mind along the lines of "If I'm pathetic and covered in mud, they might take pity on me and I can say I dropped my paperwork in the mud," and let myself fall, flat on my back, into the soupy bog.

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I'm not a person who gets scared easily, or is overly cautious, or worries too much. But I can say without hesitation that this was the most fear I have felt in my life. The environment created by the sullen police, poised like vultures around us; the abrupt physical violence; the avoidance of eye contact - it was all designed to intimidate, to threaten, to let us know we weren't welcome there. So while I deplore last Tuesday's decision to reinstate the old Hungarian practice - suspended in 2013 under pressure from the UNHCR, EU and ECHR - of detaining all asylum seekers, in contravention of EU, human rights and refugee law, and to house them in freezing shipping containers, I am in no way surprised by it.

From a government known for its authoritarian treatment of NGOs and media outlets it sees as "disrespectful", that trains its police force to inflict unprovoked violence and intimidation on vulnerable refugees, whose leader, Viktor Orban, echoed Enoch Powell's infamous "rivers of blood" speech back in 2015, this is not a shocking move. What I fear it may be is a test of the EU's ability - and willingness - to stand in the way of it implementing increasingly harsh measures against people seeking asylum, and consequently a leg-up to other EU countries, which Orban has said must "make an effort [...] to preserve Europe for Europeans." If we leave this government unchecked, not only they, but other far-right leaders, too, will see it as a green flag for increasingly extreme, inhumane, and quite frankly illegal measures. We must put pressure on the EU to hold Hungary to the laws it signed up to as a Member State.
We were both born during long and protracted wars - in Uganda, the Lord's Resistance Army fought for almost 30 years to overthrow the Government, whilst Sudan has experienced civil war over the independence of its southern regions for over 60 years. Our childhoods were shaped by violence and conflict. We witnessed it, we were victims of it and, yes, we saw children like us perpetrate it. The years that should have been spent playing, learning and building the foundations for a bright and prosperous future were, instead, spent in fear.

Of course growing up in conflict was incredibly hard. We witnessed a level of brutality that we hope no other children have to experience - killings, beatings, torture. We saw communities decimated and lives torn apart.

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So how do you build a future from such a violent past?

In our experience, education empowered us to build a better life. As young adults, we both had the opportunity to learn and grow, which we missed out on as children. We attended schools that aim to rehabilitate children affected by conflict. We gained skills and knowledge that, together, give us hope of a better future for our families and our countries after years of war.

In recent years, we have started to work with Forest Whitaker's foundation, the Whitaker Peace and Development Institute, which has supported us to meet others who had similar experiences of growing up in war. It has also helped us acquire new skills - such as mediation, peace-building and conflict resolution training, which we now use to bring hope to other young people like us.

In the last year, WPDI's partnership with Education Above All (EAA) Foundation, which provides quality education to the poorest and most marginalised children, has allowed us to take our learning even further. In October 2016, we spent four days at a workshop in Education City in Doha, Qatar, where we learned that we not only deserve an education and a peaceful future, but that it is our basic human right. Education Above All's programme, Protect Education in Insecurity and Conflict, taught us about international law and the Safe Schools Declaration, which commits countries to protecting education in conflict zones.

As a result of this, we are now working towards changing our own communities through education, teaching others to reject violence and fight for peace in the same way that we have.

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We strive to spread peace around us; but we sometimes feel that the world is not working for peace. In South Sudan, old tensions have re-awoken and spates of violence are becoming more common.

Last year, more refugees arrived in Uganda alone than arrived into every country in Europe combined. Many of them are children who have gone through some of the same experiences we both have.

With the support of organisations like EAA and WPDI, we are doing our best to reach out to these children to help them understand their rights, learn new skills and, importantly, give them hope that there is a better path open to them.

But we can't do this alone. So together, as young people from Uganda and South Sudan - different countries affected by different conflicts - we are calling on the international community not to turn away from children with stories of violence and conflict. As the world's attention once again turns to the plight of refugees and children affected by war, we are urging everyone to be a part of a solution that helps us and others like us to lead flourishing lives in East Africa.
The European Court of Justice has just ruled that religious symbols, such as hijabs, turbans and kippahs may be banned in the workplace. This is no less than an attack on people that practice a religion and are required to wear visible religious symbols; most of whom are ethnic minorities. It essentially legalises discrimination. And the right wing are celebrating.

I am a hijab wearing Muslim woman. And I am scared for the future. This ruling will affect women like me the most. Thousands of hijabis across Europe could be forced to choose between making a living and practicing their faith if employers decide to ban headscarves. We should not have to make these types of decisions in a continent that preaches human rights, including the right to religion and expression.

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Hijab wearing women are one of the most marginalised groups in European societies and usually face discrimination on four grounds; for being a woman, for being an ethnic minority, for being a Muslim, and for wearing a hijab. Instead of encouraging hijabis to enter the work force with the guarantee that the law will protect them from discrimination, the law itself is justifying workplaces pushing these women out and further alienating them from mainstream society.

Wearing a headscarf generally does not affect the way somebody does their work so there is no reasonable explanation as to why it should be banned.

In recent years, Muslims integrating and assimilating into European societies has been a major topic amongst the far right who regularly call for the hijab, niqab and burkini ban; anything that a Muslim woman wears for modesty reasons. Norway, Bulgaria, France were some of the European countries that either proposed or announced a ban on some kind of Islamic clothing last year. Last December, Angela Merkel, the leader of the Christian Democratic Union of Germany, surprised everyone when she called for a public ban on face veils in the run up to the elections. This raises the question: are right wing sentiments growing across Europe to the point where governments and judiciaries are being forced to give into their discriminatory and some very anti-immigrant demands?

The way women dress, in particular Muslim women, is politicised across the world. Saudi Arabian and Iranian women are legally obliged to wear headscarves and feminists may argue that this is oppression. But where are feminists now to argue that their Muslim sisters are being oppressed by being forced to take off their hijabs? If being forced to wear the hijab is oppression then so is being forced to take the hijab off. Ultra conservative European politicians and groups are no better than Iranian and Saudi Arabian clerics who also want to police the Muslim woman's body by telling them how to dress.

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Each and every culture are known to have a unique set of rituals and festivals, so it didn't surprise me when I saw the Daily Mail publish an article looking into the Japanese annual penis festival - also known as the Kanamara Matsuri festival.

The story behind this festival is about a jealous sharp-toothed demon believed to be hiding in the vagina of a woman he fell for. Out of jealousy, it was believed that this demon bit off the penises of two men. In an attempt to resolve this, the woman asked a blacksmith to use an iron phallus to break the teeth of the demon, which the blacksmith successfully accomplished. Thus, making the phallic object worthy of a shrine.

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People believe this festival is associated with fertility, luck and mental success. It is also believed that this ritual would shield against the contraction of sexually transmitted infections. This centuries' old tradition is generally held in early spring and is symbolic of new life.

After reading about the Kanamara Matsuri festival, I found myself interested in other festivals and rituals that may be engaged in around the world in an attempt to aid fertility - here's what I found:

- In Zimbabwe, it is believed the baboon urine encapsulates a wide variety of hormones known to be beneficial to the fertility of both men and women. Thus, drinking this urine is believed to enhance fertility. A cocktail of baboon urine with beer to aid parenthood is also common in Zimbabwe - It is, however, to be acknowledged that medical professionals in Africa are strongly encouraging avoiding this ritual.

- Greece is the home to yet another fertility festival, known as the Annual Phallus Festival. This festival involves eating penis shaped bread and kissing a giant phallic statue.

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- The Ambubachi Mela held annually in India is a festival held to symbolise menstruation. The legend behind this festival tells the story of Lord Shiva entering into a fit of rage when his wife jumped into a fire following an altercation with her father. When carrying the body of his beloved, it was believed Lord Shiva dropped parts of her body which fell back down to earth. In light of this, The Kamakhya Temple in Assam (East India) was built where her vagina was believed to have fallen. Every year the temple remains closed for three days and is believed to turn red to symbolise menstruation. Legend explains that the goddess in this temple is known as the goddess of procreation and fertility and visiting this temple over this festival is believed to enhance fertility.

- The Chao Mae Tuptim located in Bangkok, Thailand is also known as the lingam fertility shrine. It is believed a female spirit resides near this tree and those who visit this tree will be blessed with fertility. Many women visit this tree to offer phallic shaped gifts in exchange for blessings from this spirit to help them conceive.
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Women are encouraged to be submissive and chaste to avoid unwanted sexual attention, men are encouraged to be outgoing and are praised for wilfully scoping out the market of women (and I say market because the construction of sexual politics positions women as desirable objects or goods that must be thoroughly examined for flaws and breakages before purchasing)... It seems that there are unspoken rules that construct and dictate how the sexual conduct of each gender is to be dealt with in the South Asian, Muslim community and thus has emerged generations upon generations of double-standards.

I can't pretend that the stated community aren't obsessed with the sexual behaviour of women. We are OBSESSED to the point that a self-proclaimed religious preacher even promoted a marriage course by advertising that it could help to 'find out if she is a virgin,'

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and some communities in South Asia still make women go through 'virginity tests' prior to marriage or report whether she felt pain and bled during the first night of marital sex. To make matters worse, these horrid rituals are perpetuated through religion even when they are wholly un-Islamic. In Islam, men are not allowed... I repeat, NOT ALLOWED to even question the sexual history of a woman or demand evidence of virginity. In Islam, an accusation or slander against a woman must be testified by four witnesses to even be considered. (Qur'an, Surah Al-Nur, 24:4)

Lest we forget that the same holy book dedicates an entire chapter to women!

But the authentic discourses of religion are overlooked. Cultural narratives still perpetuate patriarchal discourses through religion and continue to gloss over the rights that Islam enables women to have.

To ensure that the supposed requirements of chastity are met, women are threatened with cultural notions such as izzat or are spoon-fed with religious verses that have been taken out of context and skewed by misogyny. It's almost like leaping right into 18th-century drama with all the talk of chastity and female conduct. But this is here and now. Hence, relationships, mixed interactions, sexual relationships all happen behind closed doors.

But there is a stark difference between the consequences for men and the consequences for women when their sexuality comes into public light. As a male, you can have girlfriends and parade your personal life without question. People might gossip, but the likelihood of your freedoms being revoked because of your conduct are slim. For women, well... it goes a little something like this: if you have the privilege of being born male, then you are responsible for your actions and their consequences. But, if you are a female then your actions entail consequences for your family, your future, your likelihood of retaining freedoms and finding a good spouse because you are putting your family's izzat on the line.

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Women face oppression and being ostracised from the community, men face a telling off at the most and then acceptance.

Is it there any wonder why women are chastised for the very behaviour that men are praised for in the South Asian Muslim community when we actively encourage a difference in treatment for the same actions in almost every society?

Sexual politics can be difficult to navigate in any conversation but as a South-Asian Muslim woman, it would probably be easier to swallow flames than to talk about sexuality and gender inequality. I've met women who are afraid to talk about cases of sexual abuse because of not being believed or simply having their problem blamed on female promiscuity. Women could say "I have been sexually assaulted", but the community would hear "A man has offended the honour of my family" or "my daughter has dishonoured us by having sex before marriage even though it was not consensual and had nothing to do with virginity!" I've met women who are terrified of introducing potential suitors to the family because of the fear of community-created assumptions about the nature of their relationship. Inequality is inevitable when women are inherently treated with suspicion and men are granted a pass to freedom.

Patriarchal discourses asserting cultural practices as religious ones have a direct correlation to the concept of honour systems, and the reverberations of honour-based crime are almost unthinkable. These practices are not to be mistakenly tied to any religious or ethnic group, they are rife in many communities and are reflective of underlying misogynistic societies. Even though both men and women are affected by honour-based violence and crime, most honour victims are female and an overwhelming amount of cases involve South Asian victims.

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Being South-Asian and Muslim are not to blame here, I'm merely acknowledging that as a female, South Asian Muslim, my intersecting identities have enabled me to notice gender inequality first-hand and experience the troublesome nature of sexual politics that have affected women for generations and are still affecting many of us today.

Isn't about time we talked openly about sexual politics?
Baku, Azerbaijan, Mar. 16

By Anakhanum Hidayatova  Trend:

The 5th Global Baku Forum is a very important format, where former and current leaders are gathered to discuss global problems, said former president of Bulgaria Petar Stoyanov on the sidelines of the forum.

The 5th Global Baku Forum, titled The Future of International Relations: Power and Interests kicked off in Baku on March 16.

This is a unique opportunity to meet so many politicians together and compare views, noted Stoyanov.

He also said that Azerbaijan is a place, where different religions and nations live together.

Therefore, Baku is the right place for holding such a forum, added Stoyanov.

Azerbaijan and Bulgaria have excellent relations, which are constantly developing, he noted.

Latvian President Raimonds Vejonis, Macedonian President Gjorge Ivanov, Albanian President Bujar Nishani, Montenegrin President Filip Vujanovic, Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili, Saudi Arabian Prince, Chairman of the Board of Directors of King Faisal Centre for Research and Islamic Studies Turki Al-Faisal are also attending the forum.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @Anahanum
Inmate's death opens records to earlier use-of-force incident

A cause of death for Kyle Skeen has not been determined, but officials say use of force wasn't involved.
Details added (first version posted on 11:16)

Baku, Azerbaijan, March 16



Trend:



Every international forum is important, and future impact on the decision-making in the world depends on the discussed topics, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said.



He made the remarks at the opening ceremony of the 5th Global Baku Forum titled The Future of International Relations: Power and Interests, which kicked off in Baku March 16.

The president said that holding of this forum has already become traditional, and this is not the first time Azerbaijan holds it. He welcomed all the participants, who represent more than fifty countries at the forum, and more than two hundred sixty guests.

"Azerbaijan, as an independent country, is relatively new. Last year we celebrated the 25th Anniversary of restoration of our independence. Our activity, projects that we initiate in our country, have positive impact on the whole region is one of the ways to present our country to the world," the president said.

Azerbaijani president went on to say that since the last Baku Global Forum meeting, the world didn't become safer.

"We still have protracted conflicts, still have confrontations, wars in our region. This of course is a very dangerous tendency. Azerbaijan in its region is playing an important role as a stabilizing factor. Our initiatives aim at regional cooperation, predictability and strengthening of security measures in the region," said Ilham Aliyev.



The president went on to add that Azerbaijan is not an island, and close neighborhood is of great concern to the country. He said there are still challenges, wars, conflicts, the migrant crisis, and it is a big humanitarian catastrophe.



"At the same time, the migrant crisis also leads to, I would say, less understanding between different parts of our world. It creates certain discomfort for the people of the countries where the migrants are heading. But, this is only the consequence of what happened, because the real reason of this crisis is external political and military interference into internal affairs of these countries," he said.

The president went on to say that the migrant crisis wasn't happening five or ten years ago, it happened recently.



"So this is the consequence of, I'd say, not a very thoughtful policy towards the countries of the Middle East. And this, in turn, leads to radicalization of societies of the countries where the migrants are heading," said Ilham Aliyev.



He went on to say that unfortunately, the most attractive slogans in election campaigns are slogans very close to nationalism and anti-migrant sentiment.



"We witnessed it during last months, years. And this is the tendency. I think one of the most important issues on global agenda is to reverse this tendency backwards. More to cooperation, mutual understanding, mutual respect, rather than alienation, political confrontation and lack of dialogue of civilizations," Azerbaijan's president said.



The president said Azerbaijan is a country, which geography, to certain degree, predetermines its role in the region.



"We are investing in the dialogue of civilizations and cultures. Azerbaijan itself suffers from war, occupation, humanitarian catastrophe, as a result of Armenian aggression and occupation of its territory," Ilham Aliyev said.



"This occupation lasts for more than 20 years, and twenty percent of internationally recognized part of Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh and seven districts surrounding it, are under Armenian occupation. All the infrastructure [there has been] destroyed, all our historical, religious monuments destroyed. OSCE fact-finding mission sent delegations and groups of observers to the occupied territories, and their report clearly shows that all the buildings and historical heritage of Azerbaijan have been destroyed," he said.



"This conflict is the result of Armenian aggression against its neighbor. It is the result of separatism and war against Azerbaijan. A million of Azerbaijanis suffered from that - they became refugees and internally displaced persons. This figure is one of the highest per capita in the world. Today's population of Azerbaijan is close to ten million. When the conflict started, it was eight million. So, one million of eight million in the beginning of 1990s became homeless," President Aliyev said.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Mar. 16

By Azad Hasanli  Trend:

The 5th Global Baku Forum is very interesting as it gives an opportunity to discuss issues faced not only by the regions countries, but also the whole world, Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili told reporters on the sidelines of the event.

The forum, titled The Future of International Relations: Power and Interests, kicked off in Baku on March 16.

Margvelashvili thanked Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev for the good initiative and forum, which has already become a tradition.

I participated in the previous forum, said the Georgian president, adding there is a very high level of organization here.

Margvelashvili also noted the great importance of speech of the Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev at the forums opening.

Latvian President Raimonds Vejonis, Macedonian President Gjorge Ivanov, Albanian President Bujar Nishani, Montenegrin President Filip Vujanovic, Saudi Arabian Prince, Chairman of the Board of Directors of King Faisal Centre for Research and Islamic Studies Turki Al-Faisal are also attending the forum.
Details added (first version posted on 11:16)

Baku, Azerbaijan, March 16



Trend:



Every international forum is important, and future impact on the decision-making in the world depends on the discussed topics, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said.



He made the remarks at the opening ceremony of the 5th Global Baku Forum titled The Future of International Relations: Power and Interests, which kicked off in Baku March 16.

The president said that holding of this forum has already become traditional, and this is not the first time Azerbaijan holds it. He welcomed all the participants, who represent more than fifty countries at the forum, and more than two hundred sixty guests.

"Azerbaijan, as an independent country, is relatively new. Last year we celebrated the 25th Anniversary of restoration of our independence. Our activity, projects that we initiate in our country, have positive impact on the whole region is one of the ways to present our country to the world," the president said.

Azerbaijani president went on to say that since the last Baku Global Forum meeting, the world didn't become safer.

"We still have protracted conflicts, still have confrontations, wars in our region. This of course is a very dangerous tendency. Azerbaijan in its region is playing an important role as a stabilizing factor. Our initiatives aim at regional cooperation, predictability and strengthening of security measures in the region," said Ilham Aliyev.



The president went on to add that Azerbaijan is not an island, and close neighborhood is of great concern to the country. He said there are still challenges, wars, conflicts, the migrant crisis, and it is a big humanitarian catastrophe.



"At the same time, the migrant crisis also leads to, I would say, less understanding between different parts of our world. It creates certain discomfort for the people of the countries where the migrants are heading. But, this is only the consequence of what happened, because the real reason of this crisis is external political and military interference into internal affairs of these countries," he said.

The president went on to say that the migrant crisis wasn't happening five or ten years ago, it happened recently.



"So this is the consequence of, I'd say, not a very thoughtful policy towards the countries of the Middle East. And this, in turn, leads to radicalization of societies of the countries where the migrants are heading," said Ilham Aliyev.



He went on to say that unfortunately, the most attractive slogans in election campaigns are slogans very close to nationalism and anti-migrant sentiment.



"We witnessed it during last months, years. And this is the tendency. I think one of the most important issues on global agenda is to reverse this tendency backwards. More to cooperation, mutual understanding, mutual respect, rather than alienation, political confrontation and lack of dialogue of civilizations," Azerbaijan's president said.



The president said Azerbaijan is a country, which geography, to certain degree, predetermines its role in the region.



"We are investing in the dialogue of civilizations and cultures. Azerbaijan itself suffers from war, occupation, humanitarian catastrophe, as a result of Armenian aggression and occupation of its territory," Ilham Aliyev said.



"This occupation lasts for more than 20 years, and twenty percent of internationally recognized part of Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh and seven districts surrounding it, are under Armenian occupation. All the infrastructure [there has been] destroyed, all our historical, religious monuments destroyed. OSCE fact-finding mission sent delegations and groups of observers to the occupied territories, and their report clearly shows that all the buildings and historical heritage of Azerbaijan have been destroyed," he said.



"This conflict is the result of Armenian aggression against its neighbor. It is the result of separatism and war against Azerbaijan. A million of Azerbaijanis suffered from that - they became refugees and internally displaced persons. This figure is one of the highest per capita in the world. Today's population of Azerbaijan is close to ten million. When the conflict started, it was eight million. So, one million of eight million in the beginning of 1990s became homeless," President Aliyev said.

The president went on to say that at the time, Azerbaijan, being a very poor country, had to face series of political, economic and social issues.



"Economy was in chaos. There were no clear means for economic developments, and plus a million people came from the occupied territories, and they had to be taken cared of. Since that time, of course, Azerbaijan has developed. We're capable to provide decent conditions for our compatriots, but the conflict is not resolved," said Ilham Aliyev.



He went on to say that all the important international organizations adopted resolutions and decisions which demand withdrawal of occupational Armenian forces from Azerbaijani lands.



"The UN Security Council, which is a top body on international arena, adopted 4 resolutions, demanding, I quote, immediate and unconditional withdrawal of Armenian troops from the occupied territories. But these resolutions remain on paper, Armenia ignores them, and already 25 years have passed," the president said.



"This shows also that there's a lack of mechanism of implementation of decisions of international organizations, in particular UN Security Council. On the other hand, it shows again lack of consistence, because we all know that in some cases resolutions of the Security Council are implemented within days, if not hours, but in our case, it is 25 years and still there's no progress," Ilham Aliyev said.



"Our refugees and internally displaced persons cannot go back to their native land. And this we consider the policy of double standards. In general, I think, the recent developments in the world show that the policy of double standards, unfortunately, has become a kind of standard in international relations," he said.



The president added that the norms and principles of international law are being interpreted in different countries with respect to the preferences to the current political interests.



"I think this is an important issue, when we're talking about the reforms of the United Nations. And in general, the implementation of decisions of international organizations. If the adopted decisions are not implemented, not only the countries will suffer, but also the world will be in danger, because it means that any country can use its force to change situation on land, in order to occupy territories, cause sufferings of millions of people and not be punished," Ilham Aliyev said.



The president of Azerbaijan went on to add that the country has raised this issue many times in front of international organizations - about aggression, occupation and war crimes committed by Armenia against peaceful Azerbaijani citizens.



"Armenia must be sanctioned, then it will be fair, then it will be a single standard," Ilham Aliyev said.
Details added (first version posted on 11:16)

Baku, Azerbaijan, March 16



Trend:



Every international forum is important, and future impact on the decision-making in the world depends on the discussed topics, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said.



He made the remarks at the opening ceremony of the 5th Global Baku Forum titled The Future of International Relations: Power and Interests, which kicked off in Baku March 16.

The president said that holding of this forum has already become traditional, and this is not the first time Azerbaijan holds it. He welcomed all the participants, who represent more than fifty countries at the forum, and more than two hundred sixty guests.

"Azerbaijan, as an independent country, is relatively new. Last year we celebrated the 25th Anniversary of restoration of our independence. Our activity, projects that we initiate in our country, have positive impact on the whole region is one of the ways to present our country to the world," the president said.

Azerbaijani president went on to say that since the last Baku Global Forum meeting, the world didn't become safer.

"We still have protracted conflicts, still have confrontations, wars in our region. This of course is a very dangerous tendency. Azerbaijan in its region is playing an important role as a stabilizing factor. Our initiatives aim at regional cooperation, predictability and strengthening of security measures in the region," said Ilham Aliyev.



The president went on to add that Azerbaijan is not an island, and close neighborhood is of great concern to the country. He said there are still challenges, wars, conflicts, the migrant crisis, and it is a big humanitarian catastrophe.



"At the same time, the migrant crisis also leads to, I would say, less understanding between different parts of our world. It creates certain discomfort for the people of the countries where the migrants are heading. But, this is only the consequence of what happened, because the real reason of this crisis is external political and military interference into internal affairs of these countries," he said.

The president went on to say that the migrant crisis wasn't happening five or ten years ago, it happened recently.



"So this is the consequence of, I'd say, not a very thoughtful policy towards the countries of the Middle East. And this, in turn, leads to radicalization of societies of the countries where the migrants are heading," said Ilham Aliyev.



He went on to say that unfortunately, the most attractive slogans in election campaigns are slogans very close to nationalism and anti-migrant sentiment.



"We witnessed it during last months, years. And this is the tendency. I think one of the most important issues on global agenda is to reverse this tendency backwards. More to cooperation, mutual understanding, mutual respect, rather than alienation, political confrontation and lack of dialogue of civilizations," Azerbaijan's president said.



The president said Azerbaijan is a country, which geography, to certain degree, predetermines its role in the region.



"We are investing in the dialogue of civilizations and cultures. Azerbaijan itself suffers from war, occupation, humanitarian catastrophe, as a result of Armenian aggression and occupation of its territory," Ilham Aliyev said.



"This occupation lasts for more than 20 years, and twenty percent of internationally recognized part of Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh and seven districts surrounding it, are under Armenian occupation. All the infrastructure [there has been] destroyed, all our historical, religious monuments destroyed. OSCE fact-finding mission sent delegations and groups of observers to the occupied territories, and their report clearly shows that all the buildings and historical heritage of Azerbaijan have been destroyed," he said.



"This conflict is the result of Armenian aggression against its neighbor. It is the result of separatism and war against Azerbaijan. A million of Azerbaijanis suffered from that - they became refugees and internally displaced persons. This figure is one of the highest per capita in the world. Today's population of Azerbaijan is close to ten million. When the conflict started, it was eight million. So, one million of eight million in the beginning of 1990s became homeless," President Aliyev said.

The president went on to say that at the time, Azerbaijan, being a very poor country, had to face series of political, economic and social issues.



"Economy was in chaos. There were no clear means for economic developments, and plus a million people came from the occupied territories, and they had to be taken cared of. Since that time, of course, Azerbaijan has developed. We're capable to provide decent conditions for our compatriots, but the conflict is not resolved," said Ilham Aliyev.



He went on to say that all the important international organizations adopted resolutions and decisions which demand withdrawal of occupational Armenian forces from Azerbaijani lands.



"The UN Security Council, which is a top body on international arena, adopted 4 resolutions, demanding, I quote, immediate and unconditional withdrawal of Armenian troops from the occupied territories. But these resolutions remain on paper, Armenia ignores them, and already 25 years have passed," the president said.



"This shows also that there's a lack of mechanism of implementation of decisions of international organizations, in particular UN Security Council. On the other hand, it shows again lack of consistence, because we all know that in some cases resolutions of the Security Council are implemented within days, if not hours, but in our case, it is 25 years and still there's no progress," Ilham Aliyev said.



"Our refugees and internally displaced persons cannot go back to their native land. And this we consider the policy of double standards. In general, I think, the recent developments in the world show that the policy of double standards, unfortunately, has become a kind of standard in international relations," he said.



The president added that the norms and principles of international law are being interpreted in different countries with respect to the preferences to the current political interests.



"I think this is an important issue, when we're talking about the reforms of the United Nations. And in general, the implementation of decisions of international organizations. If the adopted decisions are not implemented, not only the countries will suffer, but also the world will be in danger, because it means that any country can use its force to change situation on land, in order to occupy territories, cause sufferings of millions of people and not be punished," Ilham Aliyev said.



The president of Azerbaijan went on to add that the country has raised this issue many times in front of international organizations - about aggression, occupation and war crimes committed by Armenia against peaceful Azerbaijani citizens.



"Armenia must be sanctioned, then it will be fair, then it will be a single standard," Ilham Aliyev said.

"The conflict's resolution must be based on international law, and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan must be restored. People have the right to return to their homeland," said the president.



He went on to add that the unresolved Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict is dangerous to stability and peace.



"We want to resolve this conflict peacefully, but we want to resolve it. Armenia wants to keep the status-quo unchanged and ignores strong statements of the mediators, which are permanent members of the Security Council," said Ilham Aliyev.



He added that the US, Russia, on many occasions have said that the status quo is not acceptable and that it has to change, and that means the beginning of de-occupation of territory of Azerbaijan.



"Despite this heavy burden and the humanitarian crisis, Azerbaijan's development was rapid, it is sustainable, we have big achievements in economic transformation of our country, and I think that 25 years of freedom and independence, demonstrated that the people of Azerbaijan are not only capable to live as independent nation, but also capable to achieve success in many areas," the president said.



"If we look at economic performance of Azerbaijan, especially in the recent years, we will see that our achievements in economic area really demonstrate that we have strong political will, consolidated society. When you have unity between the government and people, you can achieve a lot, even with a conflict, and occupation," Ilham Aliyev said.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Mar. 16

By Azad Hasanli  Trend:

The modern era makes it important to reflect upon the pressing and urgent challenges faced by the international community, Italys President Sergio Mattarella said in his message that was read out at the opening of the 5th Global Baku Forum.

The 5th Global Baku Forum, titled The Future of International Relations: Power and Interests, kicked off in Baku on March 16.

Latvian President Raimonds Vejonis, Macedonian President Gjorge Ivanov, Albanian President Bujar Nishani, Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili, Montenegrin President Filip Vujanovic, Saudi Arabian Prince, Chairman of the Board of Directors of King Faisal Centre for Research and Islamic Studies Turki Al-Faisal are attending the forum.

Among them the promotion of intercultural dialogue is a priority of exceptional importance. The respect for diversity and the defense of fundamental liberties which should be a part of the international communities common heritage is under constant and often violent pressure, noted Mattarella in his message.

Initiatives such as those undertaken by the Nizami Ganjavi International Center are highly timely for support of dialogue and cooperation between different people, cultures and confessions, which is a basis for civilized coexistence between nations, according to the message.




This Isnt Our Last Love Letter



Dear Don Don,

Way back in 92



I walked into the room and knew



Never felt this way before



I shook your hand while gazing into your eyes



And the feeling grew



As I took a seat I knew



A love that would have my heart



Forever



I knew



Way back in 92





They say love at first sight doesnt always last or isnt true



We were the exception to that rule



Our love had no where to hide



A spark set fire



As if this is how the universe started





I never doubted our love or what we could do



Together we grew



Forming a bond everlasting



That became our glue



My euphoria was YOU



Im eternally grateful for the love and life we shared



For how fortunate we were :



to have and to hold

through sickness and in health

Til death do us part



Until we are together again



This isnt our last love letter



I love you with all my heart and soul



Yours forever,



Deirdre (Mrs. Hank Snow)





Im fortunate to have fallen in love with, marry and make a life with the sharpest, coolest, funniest, most rare, bad ass, tender loving, loyal man on the planet, my husband Don Imus.









A True American Hero

I dont know why it has been so hard for me to write about my dear friend Don Imus.



I certainly know what he meant to me, my family, my charity, my hospital and the millions of fans that listened and loved him for so many years.



I keep reading all the beautiful condolences that people are writing about how much a part of their lives were effected by listening to him over the years.

But what most people dont talk enough about is what he did for all of us.

In every sense of the word, he was an American Hero. His work with children with so many different illnesses and his dedication to their future was unmatched by anyone I have ever known or heard about.



Besides raising over $100,000,000 for so many causes, he took care of young people for over 20 years in a state where he could not breathe. Along with his incredible wife Deirdre, he created a world where children were not defined by their disease. That was a miracle! He was a miracle.

I will miss him ever day for the rest of my life.

I was blessed to be a part of his and Deirdes life.

No one will ever do what he did.

I love you Don Imus - A TRUE AMERICAN HERO





David Jurist

IMUS IN THE MORNING

FIRST DAY BACK!
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With Donald Trump currently sitting as President of the United States, dozens of people from throughout his very public life are trying to capitalise on the Trump brand.

Up next is Ivana Trump - the ex-Apprentice hosts first wife - who is releasing a "non-partisan, non-political" book about raising their three children, Donald Jr., Ivanka, and Eric.Ivanka, and Eric.

Titled Raising Trump, the book will be released this September by a Simon & Schuster imprint - the same group who almost published Milo Yiannopouloss book before cancelling the deal.

In a statement, Ivana Trump said the book will feature "unfiltered personal stories about Don, Eric, and Ivanka from their early childhood to becoming the 'first sons and daughter."

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

Along with highlighting the Trump childrens upbringing, the book will discuss Ivanas childhood growing up in communist Czechoslovakia and her eventual journey to New York.

Gallery Books said of the release: As her former husband takes his place as the 45th president of the United States, his children have also been thrust into the media spotlight  but it is 45th president of the United States, his children have also been thrust into the media spotlight  but it is Ivana who raised them and proudly instilled in them what she believes to be the most important life lessons: loyalty, honesty, integrity and drive.

Ivana married The Donald in 1977, the pair divorcing in 1990 after his alleged affair with model Marla Maples became a talking point in gossip columns. The controversial President is now married to Melania Trump, from Slovenia; the pair were wed in 2006 and have one child, Barron.
Get our free weekly email for all the latest cinematic news from our film critic Clarisse Loughrey Get our The Life Cinematic email for free Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

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Surprise hit Get Out is a unique kind of horror, in which the fear at the centre of it isnt the paranormal or the dark but racism.

We can all relate to others situation of course, but the film has a unique poignancy for black viewers, as protagonist Daniel visits his white girlfriends parents and has to smile through their overbearing, creepy attempts to show progressive they are.

Director Jordan Peele was conscious of the fact Get Out would play differently to audiences varying in ethnicity.

He told NPR:

"This was an exercise in ... making a movie that is meant to be inclusive. ... In any good story, whoever you are, you should be able to relate to the protagonist. At the same time, I had to recognize that black people would be watching this movie and having a different experience ... than white people would. ...

 Get Out - Trailer

"Often when I thought about a specific scene or a specific moment I'd think, I hope the black audience here is [saying] 'You know what? This is my experience. I've never seen it done in film like this, that's awesome.' And at the same moment I might recognize that there would be a lot of white people who would watch the scene and either recognize these moments as something that maybe they've done, or that they've seen someone do."

Get Out opens in UK cinemas 17 March. You can read our review here.


Details added (first version posted on 11:16)

Baku, Azerbaijan, March 16

Trend:



Every international forum is important, and future impact on the decision-making in the world depends on the discussed topics, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said.



He made the remarks at the opening ceremony of the 5th Global Baku Forum titled The Future of International Relations: Power and Interests, which kicked off in Baku March 16.

The president said that holding of this forum has already become traditional, and this is not the first time Azerbaijan holds it. He welcomed all the participants, who represent more than 50 countries at the forum, and more than 260 guests.

"Azerbaijan, as an independent country, is relatively new. Last year we celebrated the 25th Anniversary of restoration of our independence. Our activity, projects that we initiate in our country, have positive impact on the whole region is one of the ways to present our country to the world," the president said.

Azerbaijani president went on to say that since the last Baku Global Forum meeting, the world didn't become safer.

"We still have protracted conflicts, still have confrontations, wars in our region. This of course is a very dangerous tendency. Azerbaijan in its region is playing an important role as a stabilizing factor. Our initiatives aim at regional cooperation, predictability and strengthening of security measures in the region," said Ilham Aliyev.



The president went on to add that Azerbaijan is not an island, and close neighborhood is of great concern to the country. He said there are still challenges, wars, conflicts, the migrant crisis, and it is a big humanitarian catastrophe.



"At the same time, the migrant crisis also leads to, I would say, less understanding between different parts of our world. It creates certain discomfort for the people of the countries where the migrants are heading. But, this is only the consequence of what happened, because the real reason of this crisis is external political and military interference into internal affairs of these countries," he said.

The president went on to say that the migrant crisis wasn't happening five or ten years ago, it happened recently.



"So this is the consequence of, I'd say, not a very thoughtful policy towards the countries of the Middle East. And this, in turn, leads to radicalization of societies of the countries where the migrants are heading," said Ilham Aliyev.



He went on to say that unfortunately, the most attractive slogans in election campaigns are slogans very close to nationalism and anti-migrant sentiment.



"We witnessed it during last months, years. And this is the tendency. I think one of the most important issues on global agenda is to reverse this tendency backwards. More to cooperation, mutual understanding, mutual respect, rather than alienation, political confrontation and lack of dialogue of civilizations," Azerbaijan's president said.



The president said Azerbaijan is a country, which geography, to certain degree, predetermines its role in the region.



"We are investing in the dialogue of civilizations and cultures. Azerbaijan itself suffers from war, occupation, humanitarian catastrophe, as a result of Armenian aggression and occupation of its territory," Ilham Aliyev said.



"This occupation lasts for more than 20 years, and twenty percent of internationally recognized part of Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh and seven districts surrounding it, are under Armenian occupation. All the infrastructure [there has been] destroyed, all our historical, religious monuments destroyed. OSCE fact-finding mission sent delegations and groups of observers to the occupied territories, and their report clearly shows that all the buildings and historical heritage of Azerbaijan have been destroyed," he said.



"This conflict is the result of Armenian aggression against its neighbor. It is the result of separatism and war against Azerbaijan. A million of Azerbaijanis suffered from that - they became refugees and internally displaced persons. This figure is one of the highest per capita in the world. Today's population of Azerbaijan is close to ten million. When the conflict started, it was eight million. So, one million of eight million in the beginning of 1990s became homeless," President Aliyev said.

The president went on to say that at the time, Azerbaijan, being a very poor country, had to face series of political, economic and social issues.



"Economy was in chaos. There were no clear means for economic developments, and plus a million people came from the occupied territories, and they had to be taken cared of. Since that time, of course, Azerbaijan has developed. We're capable to provide decent conditions for our compatriots, but the conflict is not resolved," said Ilham Aliyev.



He went on to say that all the important international organizations adopted resolutions and decisions which demand withdrawal of occupational Armenian forces from Azerbaijani lands.



"The UN Security Council, which is a top body on international arena, adopted 4 resolutions, demanding, I quote, immediate and unconditional withdrawal of Armenian troops from the occupied territories. But these resolutions remain on paper, Armenia ignores them, and already 25 years have passed," the president said.



"This shows also that there's a lack of mechanism of implementation of decisions of international organizations, in particular UN Security Council. On the other hand, it shows again lack of consistence, because we all know that in some cases resolutions of the Security Council are implemented within days, if not hours, but in our case, it is 25 years and still there's no progress," Ilham Aliyev said.



"Our refugees and internally displaced persons cannot go back to their native land. And this we consider the policy of double standards. In general, I think, the recent developments in the world show that the policy of double standards, unfortunately, has become a kind of standard in international relations," he said.



The president added that the norms and principles of international law are being interpreted in different countries with respect to the preferences to the current political interests.



"I think this is an important issue, when we're talking about the reforms of the United Nations. And in general, the implementation of decisions of international organizations. If the adopted decisions are not implemented, not only the countries will suffer, but also the world will be in danger, because it means that any country can use its force to change situation on land, in order to occupy territories, cause sufferings of millions of people and not be punished," Ilham Aliyev said.



The president of Azerbaijan went on to add that the country has raised this issue many times in front of international organizations - about aggression, occupation and war crimes committed by Armenia against peaceful Azerbaijani citizens.



"Armenia must be sanctioned, then it will be fair, then it will be a single standard," Ilham Aliyev said.

"The conflict's resolution must be based on international law, and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan must be restored. People have the right to return to their homeland," said the president.



He went on to add that the unresolved Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict is dangerous to stability and peace.



"We want to resolve this conflict peacefully, but we want to resolve it. Armenia wants to keep the status-quo unchanged and ignores strong statements of the mediators, which are permanent members of the Security Council," said Ilham Aliyev.



He added that the US, Russia, on many occasions have said that the status quo is not acceptable and that it has to change, and that means the beginning of de-occupation of territory of Azerbaijan.



"Despite this heavy burden and the humanitarian crisis, Azerbaijan's development was rapid, it is sustainable, we have big achievements in economic transformation of our country, and I think that 25 years of freedom and independence, demonstrated that the people of Azerbaijan are not only capable to live as independent nation, but also capable to achieve success in many areas," the president said.



"If we look at economic performance of Azerbaijan, especially in the recent years, we will see that our achievements in economic area really demonstrate that we have strong political will, consolidated society. When you have unity between the government and people, you can achieve a lot, even with a conflict, and occupation," Ilham Aliyev said.

The president went on to say that due to the broad regional development program, Azerbaijan managed to reduce poverty by ten times within the last 14 years, and it currently stands at less than six percent, while unemployment stands at around five percent.



"Of course Azerbaijan's economy suffered because of the collapse of the oil prices, but at the same time this situation forced us to be more active on economic reforms, and within a very short period, we managed to overcome the difficulties," said Ilham Aliyev.



"You can imagine if your revenue drops 3-4 times, for any country, any family, a serious challenge. Countries and people get used to certain lifestyle, certain development and then all of a sudden, your revenues collapse. This was a really serious challenge for our government, but I think that we managed to overcome it," the president said.



"Though there were difficulties and they continue, but in general, the period of adaptation to low oil prices, I think, has already happened, and 2017 is the year of economic growth. Even last year, when we, for the first time in 14 years, had an economic recession, if you look at the parameters not linked to oil and gas, we see that the development of our non-oil industry grew last year by 5 percent, agriculture by more than 2 percent," Ilham Aliyev said.



He went on to add that in the first two months of this year, the same performance was shown by the non-oil industry, the country's GDP started to grow, and Azerbaijan managed to significantly increase its non-oil export within two months of 2017.



"Therefore, the diversification of economy of this policy was conducted for many years, and it is already bringing results. Now the main objective for the coming years is the diversification of our export, we need new markets, and of course to enter one, we need to have very good political relations with countries whose market is attractive for us," said the president.



The president further said that as far as foreign policy is concerned, Azerbaijan has a strong position in the region and world.



"The international community respects us because we pursue independent policy and also we always keep our word. We are a reliable partner, and we manage to build very positive, at the same time pragmatic, relations with our neighbors, which are based on history, friendship, mutual interest, mutual respect, and non-interference in internal affairs of each other," Ilham Aliyev said.



The president noted that regional cooperation and Azerbaijan's relations with all the neighbors is of extreme importance, as it is for any country.



"If a country has problems with its neighbors, both suffer. Therefore, apart from Armenian aggression, with all our neighbors we have good relations. We implement a lot of projects, energy, transportation, trade, cultural projects which bring our peoples closer," President Aliyev said.



He went on to say that Azerbaijan has established very good relations with countries, member of the EU. According to Ilham Aliyev, with nine of them, Azerbaijan signed or adopted strategic partnership document.



"I think this is also a big achievement, because it shows that many European countries treat Azerbaijan as a strategic partner. And that's not only because of energy resources, our cooperation is much broader," he said.

The president said that last month, Azerbaijan launched the negotiations with the European Commission on the new agreement, which will be a partnership agreement, and will cover many areas.



"So this policy called "balanced", I don't know if that's the proper word, but this policy based on national interests of our country. And that dictates us to build relations based on national interest, based on realistic approach. We should not put in front of us unrealistic targets and then get disappointed and frustrated when these targets are not met," he said.



He said that the same can be applied to Azerbaijan's relations with the EU.



"We put up a very realistic target, and during the time of discussions, now we see that our counterparts, they also prefer to treat Azerbaijan from realistic point of view. Instead of signing an association agreement with the EU, which, frankly speaking, wasn't an agreement which could produce some tangible results, we preferred to go on a separate track and prepare an agreement on partnership, or maybe it can be called a strategic partnership, which will be balanced, mutually beneficial and with practical results," the president explained.



"Policy without results is populism, and we don't have time to waste. We base our policy on real situations," he said.



"Azerbaijan plays also a stabilizing role in the communication between some countries which sometimes have problems. And it happened in recent history, when our neighbors had misunderstandings, clashes. We always tried to play our role, and due to the fact that Azerbaijan is considered to be a really independent country with respect to its policy, we succeeded."



President Aliyev went on to mention an important event that took place in Baku last month.



"For the first time, the representatives of military command of new US administration and that of Russia met. Chiefs of Staffs of both armies met in Baku for the first time. The selection of Azerbaijan for this meeting was of course not our initiative, we were approached by both sides. But the selection of Azerbaijan is another demonstration that we are considered a reliable partner, which is respected by big powers and which independent policy is already a reality," said the president.



"This is appreciated, because it is better to have a predictable partner rather than a satellite. We do have satellites nearby, and that doesn't lead to success or respect," Ilham Aliyev said.



He went on to add that in the future, with respect to the foreign policy, it will be based on pragmatism, national interests, security.



President Aliyev said that Azerbaijan works very actively as far as fight against terrorism is concerned.



"Azerbaijan is a reliable partner in the peacekeeping operation in Afghanistan since 2001. Since the very beginning we keep our troops there and we provide very important transportation network, which is called Northern Distribution Network, and also provide flights for NATO operations. And this is a serious contribution to the peacekeeping efforts," he said.



The president noted that Azerbaijan is one of the few non-member countries of NATO that provide serious military and economic assistance to the government of Afghanistan.
Get our free weekly email for all the latest cinematic news from our film critic Clarisse Loughrey Get our The Life Cinematic email for free Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

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Netflix has announced that it will finance the completion of acclaimed filmmaker Orson Welles' final film which has remained unfinished for decades.

The Other Side of the Wind, which Welles himself wrote alongside Oja Kodar, began shooting in 1970 with John Huston, Peter Bogdanovich, Lilli Palmer and Dennis Hopper all part of the ensemble cast.

Somewhat ironically, the film - a satire - tells the story of a legendary film director (Huston) who is attempting to craft his final masterpiece - the film's namesake.

Producer Frank Marshall (Back to the Future, Indiana Jones) will oversee completion of the film alongside actor-director Bogdanovich (The Last Picture Show, The Sopranos) using handwritten notes Welles left behind. They have been trying to get it completed for over 40 years.

The esteemed producer said: I cant quite believe it, but after 40 years of trying, I am so very grateful for the passion and perseverance from Netflix that has enabled us to, at long last, finally get into the cutting room to finish Orsons last picture.

Netflix's Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos said: Like so many others who grew up worshipping the craft and vision of Orson Welles, this is a dream come true

The promise of being able to bring to the world this unfinished work of Welles with his true artistic intention intact, is a point of pride for me and for Netflix. Cinephiles and film enthusiasts around the world will experience the magic of Orson Welles once again or for the very first time.

Welles is considered one of the most respected figures in cinema history having proved himself adeptly as actor, writer, producer and director in films ranging from Citizen Kane (1941), The Magnificent Ambersons (1942) and Touch of Evil (1958).

Ahead of his death in 1985, Welles asked Bogdanovich to lead efforts in getting the film to screen.
Get our free weekly email for all the latest cinematic news from our film critic Clarisse Loughrey Get our The Life Cinematic email for free Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

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Due to the release of Logan, Sir Patrick Stewart has undertaken an extensive promotional tour, talking about everything from superheroes to circumcision.

The 76-year-old actor has issued a statement supporting the UKs first initiative exploring the benefits of cannabis-based medicines, led by Oxford University.

Stewart revealed how he has used medical marijuana on a daily basis for two years to help with severe arthritis.

Two years ago, in Los Angeles, I was examined by a doctor and given a note which gave me legal permission to purchase, from a registered outlet, cannabis-based products, which I was advised might help the ortho-arthritis in both my hands, the statement reads.

This, it would seem, is a genetically-based condition. My mother had badly distorted and painful hands. I purchased an ointment, spray and edibles.

 Hollywood sign changed to Hollyweed' to promote cannabis legalisation

The ointment, while providing some relief from the discomfort, was too greasy to use during daytime and so I only use it at night. It helps with sleep as the pain was reduced.

Stewart explained how using a medicinal spray is remarkably easy as can be applied throughout the day, helping alleviate pain.

The spray very quickly evaporates and leaves my hands quite dry, though with a slight burning or tingling sensation, which is not unpleasant.

I believe that the ointment and spray have significantly reduced the stiffness and pain in my hands. I can make fists, which was not the case before I began this treatment.

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Films to get excited about in 2017 Show all 13 1 /13 Films to get excited about in 2017 Films to get excited about in 2017 Star Wars: The Last Jedi Director: Rian Johnson Rian Johnson Cast: Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, and Lupita Nyong'o Plot: No details yet, but it will continue directly on from Rey coming face-to-face with Luke at the end of The Force Awakens. Release Date: 15 December 2017 Films to get excited about in 2017 Thor: Ragnarok Director: Taika Waititi Taika Waititi Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Cate Blanchett, Tessa Thompson, Jeff Goldblum, Karl Urban, and Mark Ruffalo Plot: Story details are minimal as of now, but Thor's third return to screen has already been teased to feature a loose adaptation of the famous 'Planet Hulk' storyline. Release Date: 27 October 2017 Films to get excited about in 2017 You Were Never Really Here Director: Lynne Ramsay Lynne Ramsay Cast: Joaquin Phoenix, Alessandro Nivola Plot: A war veteran's attempt to save a young girl from a sex trafficking ring goes horribly wrong. Release Date: Unknown Films to get excited about in 2017 Annihilation Director: Alex Garland Alex Garland Cast: Natalie Portman, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Tessa Thompson, and Oscar Isaac Plot: A biologist's husband disappears. She thus puts her name forward for an expedition into an environmental disaster zone, but does not quite find what she's expecting. The expedition team is made up of the biologist, an anthropologist, a psychologist, and a surveyor. Release Date: Unknown Films to get excited about in 2017 Wonderstruck (image from Far From Heaven) Director: Todd Haynes Cast: Julianne Moore, Michelle Williams, and Amy Hargreaves Plot: The story of a young boy in the Midwest is told simultaneously with a tale about a young girl in New York from fifty years ago as they both seek the same mysterious connection. Release Date: Unknown Films to get excited about in 2017 Mother (image of Darren Aronofsky) Director: Darren Aronofsky Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Javier Bardem, Michelle Pfeiffer, Domhnall Gleeson, and Ed Harris Plot: A couple's relationship is tested when uninvited guests arrive at their home, disrupting their tranquil existence. Release Date: Unknown Films to get excited about in 2017 The Killing of a Sacred Deer (image from The Lobster) Director: Yorgos Lanthimos Cast: Colin Farrell, Nicole Kidman, and Alicia Silverstone Plot: A surgeon forms a familial bond with a sinister teenage boy, with disastrous results. Release Date: Unknown Films to get excited about in 2017 Blade Runner 2049 Director: Denis Villeneuve Denis Villeneuve Cast: Ryan Gosling, Harrison Ford, Robin Wright, and Jared Leto Plot: Thirty years after the events of the first film, a new blade runner, LAPD Officer K, unearths a long-buried secret that has the potential to plunge what's left of society into chaos. K's discovery leads him on a quest to find Rick Deckard, a former LAPD blade runner who has been missing for 30 years. Release Date: 6 October 2017 Films to get excited about in 2017 Lady Bird (image of director Greta Gerwig) Director: Greta Gerwig Cast: Saoirse Ronan, Laurie Metcalf, and Lucas Hedges Plot: The adventures of a young woman living in Northern California for a year. Release Date: Unknown Films to get excited about in 2017 The Kidnapping of Edgardo Mortara (image of director Steven Spielberg and star Mark Rylance) Director: Steven Spielberg Cast: Mark Rylance, Oscar Isaac Plot: The Kidnapping Of Edgardo Mortara recounts the story of a young Jewish boy in Bologna, Italy in 1858 who, having been secretly baptized, is forcibly taken from his family to be raised as a Christian. His parents' struggle to free their son becomes part of a larger political battle that pits the Papacy against forces of democracy and Italian unification. Release Date: Unknown Films to get excited about in 2017 How to Talk to Girls at Parties Director: John Cameron Mitchell John Cameron Mitchell Cast: Elle Fanning, Ruth Wilson, and Nicole Kidman Plot: An alien touring the galaxy breaks away from her group and meets two young inhabitants of the most dangerous place in the universe: the London suburb of Croydon. Release Date: Unknown Films to get excited about in 2017 The Dark Tower Director: Nikolaj Arcel Nikolaj Arcel Cast: Idris Elba, Matthew McConaughey, and Tom Taylor Plot: Gunslinger Roland Deschain roams an Old West-like landscape in search of the dark tower, in the hopes that reaching it will preserve his dying world. Release Date: 28 July 2017 Films to get excited about in 2017 Suburbicon Director: George Clooney George Clooney Cast: Matt Damon, Julianne Moore, Josh Brolin, and Oscar Isaac Plot: A crime mystery set in the quiet family town of Suburbicon during the 1950s, where the best and worst of humanity is hilariously reflected through the deeds of seemingly ordinary people. When a home invasion turns deadly, a picture-perfect family turns to blackmail, revenge and betrayal. Release Date: 24 November

Speaking about side effects, Stewart said there have been none while the alternatives - taking NSAID's, Advil, Aleve and Naproxen - are know to cause issues, particular on the liver.

He continued: This is an important step forward for Britain in a field of research that has for too long been held back by prejudice, fear and ignorance. I believe this programme of research might result in benefits for people like myself as well as millions of others.

In North America, 28 states have legalised the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes; eight of those - Colorado, California, Oregon, Washington, Maine, Nevada, Alaska and Massachusetts - have legalised marijuana for recreational use.

Recently, Attorney General Jeff Sessions claimed legal cannabis causes violent crime, despite a lack of evidence for his claim.

Meanwhile, Stewart has spoken candidly about perhaps not returning to the X-Men franchise in The Independents film podcast. Logan is in cinemas now.
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The anticipation for Victoria Beckhams collaboration with America superstore Target has been intensifying ever since it was first announced last October but the wait is over.

Beckham has been steadily teasing us with sneak peeks over the past week on Instagram culminating in a glimpse of her first-ever TV campaign set to the rhythm of Spice Girls 1997 hit Spice Up Your Life.

But, yesterday, the businesswoman, fashion designer and mother of four finally unveiled the entire collection.

Opening the brand to a wider audience, Victoria Beckham for Target includes more than 200 items for women and kids, marking the designers first foray into childrenswear; Something that she admits raising four kids came in handy for.

Designing for children is something Ive wanted to do for a long time, so I was incredibly excited to be able to incorporate childrenswear into this collection, Beckham previously told Target.

Being a mother has helped me understand whats important when it comes to the category.

I have had years of learning that function is often just as important as form, and that children need to be able to feel comfortable and free in what they wear.

The collection, which channels her Victoria, Victoria Beckham (VVB) line also proposes Beckhams inaugural plus-size offering with garments running up to size 3X.

Victoria Beckham x Target Lookbook Show all 44 1 /44 Victoria Beckham x Target Lookbook Victoria Beckham x Target Lookbook Victoria Beckham x Target drops in Target stores and online on April 9th Victoria Beckham x Target Lookbook Victoria Beckham x Target drops in Target stores and online on April 9th Victoria Beckham x Target Lookbook Victoria Beckham x Target drops in Target stores and online on April 9th Victoria Beckham x Target Lookbook Victoria Beckham x Target drops in Target stores and online on April 9th Victoria Beckham x Target Lookbook Victoria Beckham x Target drops in Target stores and online on April 9th Victoria Beckham x Target Lookbook Victoria Beckham x Target drops in Target stores and online on April 9th Victoria Beckham x Target Lookbook Victoria Beckham x Target drops in Target stores and online on April 9th Victoria Beckham x Target Lookbook Victoria Beckham x Target drops in Target stores and online on April 9th Victoria Beckham x Target Lookbook Victoria Beckham x Target drops in Target stores and online on April 9th Victoria Beckham x Target Lookbook Victoria Beckham x Target drops in Target stores and online on April 9th Victoria Beckham x Target Lookbook Victoria Beckham x Target drops in Target stores and online on April 9th Victoria Beckham x Target Lookbook Victoria Beckham x Target drops in Target stores and online on April 9th Victoria Beckham x Target Lookbook Victoria Beckham x Target drops in Target stores and online on April 9th Victoria Beckham x Target Lookbook Victoria Beckham x Target drops in Target stores and online on April 9th Victoria Beckham x Target Lookbook Victoria Beckham x Target drops in Target stores and online on April 9th Victoria Beckham x Target Lookbook Victoria Beckham x Target drops in Target stores and online on April 9th Victoria Beckham x Target Lookbook Victoria Beckham x Target drops in Target stores and online on April 9th Victoria Beckham x Target Lookbook Victoria Beckham x Target drops in Target stores and online on April 9th Victoria Beckham x Target Lookbook Victoria Beckham x Target drops in Target stores and online on April 9th Victoria Beckham x Target Lookbook Victoria Beckham x Target drops in Target stores and online on April 9th Victoria Beckham x Target Lookbook Victoria Beckham x Target drops in Target stores and online on April 9th Victoria Beckham x Target Lookbook Victoria Beckham x Target drops in Target stores and online on April 9th Victoria Beckham x Target Lookbook Victoria Beckham x Target drops in Target stores and online on April 9th Victoria Beckham x Target Lookbook Victoria Beckham x Target drops in Target stores and online on April 9th Victoria Beckham x Target Lookbook Victoria Beckham x Target drops in Target stores and online on April 9th Victoria Beckham x Target Lookbook Victoria Beckham x Target drops in Target stores and online on April 9th Victoria Beckham x Target Lookbook Victoria Beckham x Target drops in Target stores and online on April 9th Victoria Beckham x Target Lookbook Victoria Beckham x Target drops in Target stores and online on April 9th Victoria Beckham x Target Lookbook Victoria Beckham x Target drops in Target stores and online on April 9th Victoria Beckham x Target Lookbook Victoria Beckham x Target drops in Target stores and online on April 9th Victoria Beckham x Target Lookbook Victoria Beckham x Target drops in Target stores and online on April 9th Victoria Beckham x Target Lookbook Victoria Beckham x Target drops in Target stores and online on April 9th Victoria Beckham x Target Lookbook Victoria Beckham x Target drops in Target stores and online on April 9th Victoria Beckham x Target Lookbook Victoria Beckham x Target drops in Target stores and online on April 9th Victoria Beckham x Target Lookbook Victoria Beckham x Target drops in Target stores and online on April 9th Victoria Beckham x Target Lookbook Victoria Beckham x Target drops in Target stores and online on April 9th Victoria Beckham x Target Lookbook Victoria Beckham x Target drops in Target stores and online on April 9th Victoria Beckham x Target Lookbook Victoria Beckham x Target drops in Target stores and online on April 9th Victoria Beckham x Target Lookbook Victoria Beckham x Target drops in Target stores and online on April 9th Victoria Beckham x Target Lookbook Victoria Beckham x Target drops in Target stores and online on April 9th Victoria Beckham x Target Lookbook Victoria Beckham x Target drops in Target stores and online on April 9th Victoria Beckham x Target Lookbook Victoria Beckham x Target drops in Target stores and online on April 9th Victoria Beckham x Target Lookbook Victoria Beckham x Target drops in Target stores and online on April 9th Victoria Beckham x Target Lookbook Victoria Beckham x Target drops in Target stores and online on April 9th

Finally, the lauded designer is sharing her vision with women and girls of all ages, sizes and budgets.

So what can you expect from the line-up?

A crisp selection of black and white prints, peplum mini-frocks in sunny hues, gingham dresses, scalloped tops and loose shirting, the collaboration reflects the energizing spirit of VVB with corresponding style for girls, toddlers and babies.

Recommended Victoria Beckham x Estee Lauder Collaboration

Ranging from $6 (4.89) to $70 (57), with most items priced under $40 (32.60), the collection drops on April 9th in Target stores and online.

But, UK and international customers will be able to get their hands on the spring release too with selected pieces available over at VictoriaBeckham.com.
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Companies including Apple, Facebook and Google have mysteriously stopped opposing Donald Trump's Muslim ban.

The first time it was proposed, almost every major tech company publicly filed briefs against the order. But after it was brought back in a slightly less extreme form, the biggest companies have dropped their opposition to it.

A group of 58 technology companies, including Airbnb, Lyft and Dropbox, filed a "friend of the court" brief in the case saying the second order hurt their ability to recruit the best talent from around the world.

But that was much shorter than the initial list of companies, which included Apple, Facebook and Google  which filed a brief opposing the first ban in a different court challenge brought by Washington state, which is ongoing.

Gadget and tech news: In pictures Show all 25 1 /25 Gadget and tech news: In pictures Gadget and tech news: In pictures Gun-toting humanoid robot sent into space Russia has launched a humanoid robot into space on a rocket bound for the International Space Station (ISS). The robot Fedor will spend 10 days aboard the ISS practising skills such as using tools to fix issues onboard. Russia's deputy prime minister Dmitry Rogozin has previously shared videos of Fedor handling and shooting guns at a firing range with deadly accuracy. Dmitry Rogozin/Twitter Gadget and tech news: In pictures Google turns 21 Google celebrates its 21st birthday on September 27. The The search engine was founded in September 1998 by two PhD students, Larry Page and Sergey Brin, in their dormitories at Californias Stanford University. Page and Brin chose the name google as it recalled the mathematic term 'googol', meaning 10 raised to the power of 100 Google Gadget and tech news: In pictures Hexa drone lifts off Chief engineer of LIFT aircraft Balazs Kerulo demonstrates the company's "Hexa" personal drone craft in Lago Vista, Texas on June 3 2019 Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures Project Scarlett to succeed Xbox One Microsoft announced Project Scarlett, the successor to the Xbox One, at E3 2019. The company said that the new console will be 4 times as powerful as the Xbox One and is slated for a release date of Christmas 2020 Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures First new iPod in four years Apple has announced the new iPod Touch, the first new iPod in four years. The device will have the option of adding more storage, up to 256GB Apple Gadget and tech news: In pictures Folding phone may flop Samsung will cancel orders of its Galaxy Fold phone at the end of May if the phone is not then ready for sale. The $2000 folding phone has been found to break easily with review copies being recalled after backlash PA Gadget and tech news: In pictures Charging mat non-starter Apple has cancelled its AirPower wireless charging mat, which was slated as a way to charge numerous apple products at once AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures "Super league" India shoots down satellite India has claimed status as part of a "super league" of nations after shooting down a live satellite in a test of new missile technology EPA Gadget and tech news: In pictures 5G incoming 5G wireless internet is expected to launch in 2019, with the potential to reach speeds of 50mb/s Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Uber halts driverless testing after death Uber has halted testing of driverless vehicles after a woman was killed by one of their cars in Tempe, Arizona. March 19 2018 Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures A humanoid robot gestures during a demo at a stall in the Indian Machine Tools Expo, IMTEX/Tooltech 2017 held in Bangalore Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures A humanoid robot gestures during a demo at a stall in the Indian Machine Tools Expo, IMTEX/Tooltech 2017 held in Bangalore Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Engineers test a four-metre-tall humanoid manned robot dubbed Method-2 in a lab of the Hankook Mirae Technology in Gunpo, south of Seoul, South Korea Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Engineers test a four-metre-tall humanoid manned robot dubbed Method-2 in a lab of the Hankook Mirae Technology in Gunpo, south of Seoul, South Korea Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures The giant human-like robot bears a striking resemblance to the military robots starring in the movie 'Avatar' and is claimed as a world first by its creators from a South Korean robotic company Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Engineers test a four-metre-tall humanoid manned robot dubbed Method-2 in a lab of the Hankook Mirae Technology in Gunpo, south of Seoul, South Korea Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Waseda University's saxophonist robot WAS-5, developed by professor Atsuo Takanishi Rex Gadget and tech news: In pictures Waseda University's saxophonist robot WAS-5, developed by professor Atsuo Takanishi and Kaptain Rock playing one string light saber guitar perform jam session Rex Gadget and tech news: In pictures A test line of a new energy suspension railway resembling the giant panda is seen in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A test line of a new energy suspension railway, resembling a giant panda, is seen in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A concept car by Trumpchi from GAC Group is shown at the International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, China Rex Gadget and tech news: In pictures A Mirai fuel cell vehicle by Toyota is displayed at the International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A visitor tries a Nissan VR experience at the International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A man looks at an exhibit entitled 'Mimus' a giant industrial robot which has been reprogrammed to interact with humans during a photocall at the new Design Museum in South Kensington, London Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures A new Israeli Da-Vinci unmanned aerial vehicle manufactured by Elbit Systems is displayed during the 4th International conference on Home Land Security and Cyber in the Israeli coastal city of Tel Aviv Getty

Donald Trump's second ban was blocked by a Hawaii judge just hours before it was intended to go into effect. The emergency order halted the ban and led to an angry response from the President.

The action was the latest legal blow to the administration's efforts to temporarily ban refugees as well as travelers from six predominantly Muslim countries, which the President has said is needed for national security. Trump lashed out at the judge's ruling, saying it "makes us look weak."

Trump signed the new ban on March 6 in a bid to overcome legal problems with a January executive order that caused chaos at airports and sparked mass protests before a Washington judge stopped its enforcement in February.

US District Judge Derrick Watson put an emergency stop to the new order in response to a lawsuit filed by the state of Hawaii, which argued that the order discriminated against Muslims in violation of the U.S. Constitution.

Judge Watson concluded in his ruling that while the order did not mention Islam by name, "a reasonable, objective observer ... would conclude that the Executive Order was issued with a purpose to disfavor a particular religion." Watson was appointed to the bench by former Democratic President Barack Obama.

Speaking at a rally in Nashville, Trump called his revised executive order a "watered-down version" of his first. "I think we ought to go back to the first one and go all the way, which is what I wanted to do in the first place," Trump said.

Trump called the judge's block "unprecedented judicial overreach" and said he will take the case "as far as it needs to go," including to the U.S. Supreme Court.

The Department of Justice called the ruling "flawed both in reasoning and in scope," adding that the president has broad authority in national security matters. "The Department will continue to defend this Executive Order in the courts," it said a statement.

Additional reporting by agencies
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The much-heralded technological singularity will happen in 2029, according to Googles director of engineering.

Ray Kurzweil, a futurist who has made a name for himself through his predictions, shared his thoughts about whats in store for humans and machines in an interview with SXSW in Texas.

He believes that the so-called singularity  the moment when artificial intelligence exceeds man's intellectual capacity and creates a runaway effect, which many believe will lead to the demise of the human race  is little over a decade away.

Nostalgic gadgets we would love to see make a comeback Show all 10 1 /10 Nostalgic gadgets we would love to see make a comeback Nostalgic gadgets we would love to see make a comeback Apple ipod 1st generation Getty Images Nostalgic gadgets we would love to see make a comeback Motorola StarTAC Nostalgic gadgets we would love to see make a comeback Sony Mini Disc Nostalgic gadgets we would love to see make a comeback Sega Mega Drive Nostalgic gadgets we would love to see make a comeback Nintendo NES Nostalgic gadgets we would love to see make a comeback Sony Walkman Nostalgic gadgets we would love to see make a comeback Nintendo Gameboy Nostalgic gadgets we would love to see make a comeback Nokia 3310 Nostalgic gadgets we would love to see make a comeback Commodore 64 Nostalgic gadgets we would love to see make a comeback Tamagotchi

By 2029, computers will have human-level intelligence, said Mr Kurzweil. That leads to computers having human intelligence, our putting them inside our brains, connecting them to the cloud, expanding who we are.

Today, thats not just a future scenario. Its here, in part, and its going to accelerate.

However, unlike a number of famous experts, Mr Kurzweil isnt worried about artificial intelligence.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently warned that AI could make humans irrelevant, and called for humans to merge with machines in order to continue serving a purpose.

Mr Kurzweil, meanwhile, believes that machines will improve us, and even help us become better humans.

Whats actually happening is [machines] are powering all of us. Theyre making us smarter. They may not yet be inside our bodies, but, by the 2030s, we will connect our neocortex, the part of our brain where we do our thinking, to the cloud.

Were going to get more neocortex, were going to be funnier, were going to be better at music. Were going to be sexier. Were really going to exemplify all the things that we value in humans to a greater degree.

Recommended The rise of artificial intelligence risks making us all redundant

Stephen Hawking has gone further than Mr Musk, saying, You're probably not an evil ant-hater who steps on ants out of malice, but if you're in charge of a hydroelectric green energy project and there's an anthill in the region to be flooded, too bad for the ants. Let's not place humanity in the position of those ants.

He has also suggested that a world government could be used to control technological advancements.

Ultimately, it will affect everything, Mr Kurzweil continued. Were going to be able to meet the physical needs of all humans. Were going to expand our minds and exemplify these artistic qualities that we value.
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Oxford University has announced a new 10m research programme into the medical use of marijuana.

Scientists will explore the potential benefits of cannabis compounds in an attempt to create new treatments for conditions including pain, cancer and inflammatory diseases.

Zameel Cader, associate professor in clinical neurosciences, told The Independent the medical use of marijuana was an area of huge untapped potential.

Calls for cannabis to be legalised for medical use have been growing in the UK, with some MPs urging the Government to change the plants status under current drug laws so it can be prescribed by doctors for conditions including chronic pain and anxiety.

But the Home Office has said there are no plans to make the harmful drug legal.

Dr Cader said the research would focus on an area of the brain known as the endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in mood, memory and the sensation of pain.

As its name suggests, this system is also receptive to chemicals found in the cannabis plant and is behind the high feeling experienced by those who use marijuana recreationally.

The endocannabinoid system is complex and impacts on many aspects of brain function and the way that synapses operate, said Dr Cader. Its also really important in the way the immune response is governed.

We know thats particularly important for many neurological disorders, he added. Its really an area of huge untapped potential.

 Hollywood sign changed to Hollyweed' to promote cannabis legalisation

The first in a series of annual international conferences on cannabinoid research will take place at the end of 2017, said the university, which has received 10m as an initial investment for the programme from Kingsley Capital Partners.

The research programme will develop results into innovative therapies designed to help improve the quality of life of millions of patients, said the university.

Researchers will seek to identify cutting edge medical therapies through research into the molecular, cellular and systems mechanisms of cannabinoids, it said.

Recommended Heads of 35 Oxford colleges tell May to let EU staff stay after Brexit

Currently there is one licenced cannabis-based medicine in Britain, designed to reduce muscle spasms in people with multiple sclerosis (MS).

The mouth spray, called Sativex, contains two chemical extracts taken from the cannabis plant  tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol.

Sativex was licenced for use in the UK in 2010, but is not usually available on the NHS in England as it is deemed too expensive. It is, however, available to MS patients in Wales.

Dr Cader said his research involved using stem cells to grow various brain cells  neurons, brain immune cells  in a dish.

He and his colleagues then use these to reproduce disease models for a range of neurological problems including Alzheimers, Parkinsons, migraine, autism and epilepsy.

Weve been using various cannabinoids, both synthetic and those that have been extracted from the plant. There are at least 50, maybe 80 different cannabinoids, most of which we dont know what their actions are, he said.

By applying these cannabinoids to our model [brain cell] system, we can establish what their fingerprint is and then say, ah, that looks like a fingerprint that might be useful in Alzheimers, or in pain.

Cannabis around the world Show all 13 1 /13 Cannabis around the world Cannabis around the world Morocco Farmers destroy cannabis plantations under Moroccan police supervision in the northern Moroccan Larache region, pictured here in 2006 AFP/Getty images Cannabis around the world Colorado Growing business: Cannabis on sale at River Rock Wellness Sam Adams Cannabis around the world Oakland Oaksterdam in Oakland, California, is the world's only university dedicated to the study and cultivation of cannabis Alain Jocard/AFP/Getty Images Cannabis around the world Seattle A cannabis smoker marks the start of the new law by the Space Needle in Seattle Getty Images Cannabis around the world China Cannabis growing wild in China, where it has been used to treat conditions such as gout and malaria Cannabis around the world Uruguay Uruguay has voted to make the country the first to legalize marijuana AFP/Getty Cannabis around the world Colorado A groundswell of support from the public led to full legalisation in Colorado Getty Images Cannabis around the world Berlin A man smokes licenced medicinal marijuana prior to participating in the annual Hemp Parade, or 'Hanfparade', in support of the legalization of marijuana in Germany on August 7, 2010 in Berlin, Germany. The consumption of cannabis in Germany is legal, though all other aspects, including growing, importing or selling it, are not. However, since the introduction of a new law in 2009, the sale and possession of marijuana for licenced medicinal use is legal. Sean Gallup/Getty Images Cannabis around the world UK The UK latest figures show 2.3 million people used cannabis in the last year AP Cannabis around the world Amsterdam Tourists visiting Amsterdam will not be banned from using the citys famous cannabis cafes Getty Images Cannabis around the world Merseyside These 25 cannabis plants, seized in Merseyside police, could have generated a turnover of 40,000 a year Cannabis around the world San Francisco April 20, 2012: People smoke marijuana joints at 4:20 p.m. as thousands of marijuana advocates gathered at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, California. The event was held on April 20, a date corresponding with a numerical 4/20 code widely known within the cannabis subculture as a symbol for all things marijuana. Reuters Cannabis around the world Spain A cannabis users' association will pay the town of Rasquera more than 600,000 a year for the lease of the land

The research could be seen as controversial because marijuana is known to be used recreationally and its associated with schizophrenia, Dr Cader explained, adding his team wanted to show the benefit of using these cannabinoids without the associated harm.

Actor Sir Patrick Stewart told The Telegraph he supported Oxfords new research programme as he was a user of medical marijuana himself for arthritis.

He said he had benefited from using an ointment and chewy bar with active cannabis-derived ingredients, and called the launch of the programme an important step forward in a field of research that has for too long been held back by prejudice, fear and ignorance.

Scientists at the prestigious Salk Institute in California have published early research that shows chemicals found in cannabis could be used to help treat dementia, but say further research into the findings has been stymied by restrictive drug laws.

The US researchers used a small amount of synthetically-produced cannabinoids to show that they can aid the removal of dangerous dementia proteins from brain cells.

The Salk Institute is based in La Jolla, near San Diego in California, where marijuana was made legal in November.

However, as it receives funds from the US government, the institute is prohibited from using cannabis in experiments without authorisation. Applications can take six months to approve.
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As Britain prepares to leave the EU, the country hoping to win the most jobs from London's financial centre is not Germany or France, but Poland.

While the likes of Frankfurt and Paris are competing for top investment bankers after Brexit, Poland has set its sights on mid-tier financial and technical work where salaries may not be astronomical but jobs are far more numerous.

Since the country joined the EU in 2004, many Poles have gone to Britain to work; now the government wants to attract more jobs currently based in Britain for Poles to do at home.

The Association of Business Service Leaders in Poland is working on projects with seven big financial firms about shifting jobs from London, said the Association's managing director Pawel Panczyj. The focus is on middle office functions such as risk management and information technology.

We are talking with banks, insurance institutions and investment funds who want to move their middle office abroad. The main factor behind their decision [now] is Brexit, he told Reuters.

Panczyj's efforts are likely to bear fruit. The regional head of one global investment bank told Reuters that he estimates as many as 20 per cent of jobs at the lender's London base could eventually be done in Poland.

Last year's referendum when Britons voted for Brexit has forced banks and other financial firms to seek new bases for some operations in a country that will remain in the EU, allowing them to continue serving clients in the bloc.

They are also under pressure to cut costs as they look at how to reorganise their operations. In some cases, this includes work that could still be based in Britain from a regulatory point of view, but needs to be done more cheaply than is possible in Europe's dominant financial capital.

Already, post-communist Poland has established itself as a major offshoring site for banks, with estimates of financial services jobs moved from all Western countries ranging from 35,000 to 45,000. Credit Suisse and UBS are among those basing large IT and back office administrative operations in the country.

 SNP's Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh sparks fiery Brexit response from Theresa May

Now financial firms are starting to move more sophisticated work there such as risk management and product development, taking advantage of a well-educated workforce as well as office space and wages that are cheaper than in most of Europe.

Goldman Sachs has 300 people working at its office in Warsaw and is seeking 200 more this year in areas ranging from risk modelling to working on the technology for its fixed income trading systems. It wants candidates with degrees in computer science or chartered financial analyst qualifications, according to job advertisements.

UBS is looking to hire close to 300 people at its offices in Krakow and Wroclaw, according to its website.

Hubs of technology

At the very beginning banks were hiring young people without [high] qualifications, but now they are becoming hubs of high technology, said Brunon Bartkiewicz, chief executive of Dutch-controlled Polish lender ING Bank Slaski.

The growth of high-tech roles reflects the changing make up of the people who work at investment banks.

The days of trading floors packed with hundreds of highly-paid dealers are coming to an end, with more of their market operations being automated. Banks need fewer people in front-office roles, and more in technology and as well in compliance and risk management to deal with tighter regulation since the global financial crisis.

That means Frankfurt and Paris are battling over a shrinking pool of front line investment bankers. Officials from the cities' lobby groups estimate they could each win around 10,000 jobs after Brexit.

By contrast, Poland's government expects to attract around 25,000-30,000 jobs from Britain in the business services sector just this year, with many of those in finance.

The shift to Poland started well before Britain voted to leave the EU, but plans to move more jobs have accelerated since the referendum, recruiters and consultants say.

Talent battle

In central Warsaw BNP Paribas employs 700 people in the Spire office complex, supporting the French bank's fund management business. Ryszard Piskorz, who runs BNP Securities Services there, says the bank is still expanding but needs to make itself an attractive place to work to fend off competitors who are also recruiting.

Poland is an emerging country and in our sector Poland is coming out as a role expert, maybe even challenging Luxembourg as a fund industry centre, said Piskorz.

Marta Aserigadu, a recruitment consultant at Experis, part of Manpower Group, said more well-educated Poles are finding it appealing to stay in their home country as banks basing operations there pushes up wages.

There is no need to leave Poland now. The difference in salaries concerns only [recent] graduates. But this difference vanishes very quickly when you take further steps in your career, she said.

Business news: In pictures Show all 13 1 /13 Business news: In pictures Business news: In pictures Flybe collapses Airline Flybe has collapsed. All future flights on the Exeter-based airline have been cancelled  leaving more than 2,300 staff facing an uncertain future, and wrecking the travel plans of hundreds of thousands of passengers. The chief executive, Mark Anderson, said: Europes largest independent regional airline has been unable to overcome significant funding challenges to its business. AFP via Getty Business news: In pictures Future product placement will be 'tailored to individual viewers' Marketing executives say that product placement in films and televison shows on streaming services such as Netflix may be tailored to individuals in future. For instance, if data shows that a viewer is a fan of pepsi, a billboard in the background of a shot would host an advert for pepsi, while for a viewer known to have different tastes it could be for Coca-Cola Paramount Business news: In pictures Corbyn wishes Amazon a happy birthday In a card sent to Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos on the company's 25th birthday, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn writes: "You owe the British people millions in taxes that pay for the public services that we all rely on. Please pay your fair share" Business news: In pictures No deal, no tariffs The government has announced that it would slash almost all tariffs in the event of a no-deal Brexit. Notable exceptions include cars and meat, which will see tariffs in place to protect British farmers Getty Business news: In pictures Fingerprint payment NatWest is trialling a new bank card that will allow people to touch their hand to the card when paying rather than typing in a PIN number. The card will work by recognising the user's fingerprint NatWest/PA Wire Business news: In pictures Mahabis bust High-end slipper retailer Mahabis has gone into administration. 2 Jan 2019 Mahabis Business news: In pictures Costa Cola Coca-Cola has paid 3.9bn for Costa Coffee. A cafe chain is a new venture for the global soft drinks giant PA Business news: In pictures RIP Payday Loans A funeral procession for payday loans was held in London on September 2. The future of pay day lenders is in doubt after Wonga, Britain's biggest, went into administration on August 30 PA Business news: In pictures Musk irks investors and directors Elon Musk has concluded that Tesla will remain public. Investors and company directors were angry at Musk for tweeting unexpectedly that he was considering taking Tesla private and share prices had taken a tumble in the following weeks Getty Business news: In pictures Jaguar warning Iconic British car maker Jaguar Land Rover warned on July 5, 2018 that a "bad" Brexit deal could jeopardise planned investment of more than $100 billion, upping corporate pressure as the government heads into crucial talks AFP/Getty Business news: In pictures Spotif-IPO Spotify traded publically for the first time on the New York Stock Exchange on Tuesday. However, the company isn't issuing shares, but rather, shares held by Spotify's private investors will be sold AFP/Getty Business news: In pictures French blue passports The deadline to award a contract to make blue British passports after Brexit has been extended by two weeks following a request by bidder De La Rue. The move comes after anger at the announcement British passports would be produced by Franco-Dutch firm Gemalto when De La Rues contract ends in July. The British firm said Gemalto was chosen only because it undercut the competition, but the UK company also admitted that it was not the cheapest choice in the tendering process. Business news: In pictures Beast from the east economic impact The Beast from the East wiped 4m off of Flybes revenues due to flight cancellations, airport closures and delays, according to the budget airlines estimates. Flybe said it cancelled 994 flights in the three months to 31 March, compared to 372 in the same period last year.

These people can reach high-level, decisive jobs within global corporations. Staying at home, with low Polish costs of living, they can start their international careers. There is no need to leave to London and live an immigrant's life.

The government is pushing to keep this trend going. The ruling Law and Justice party has a protectionist stance against foreign lenders in retail banking, but hosting investment banks' back and middle office operations brings in jobs and taxes without any loss of control over its financial system.

Some time ago Poles were departing to London, but now it is the other way round, Deputy Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said in January.

Reuters
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The corporate worlds technology giants have stepped up their battle against Donald Trump with more than 50 companies filing papers against the US Presidents revised travel ban, according to CNN.

The broadcaster reported late on Wednesday that firms including Square, Twilio, Shutterstock, Airbnb, Lyft, Kickstarter and Pinterest, had all filed a new legal brief in support of a lawsuit against the ban in Hawaii.

Mr Trumps new travel ban was due to come into effect on Thursday but the state of Hawaii said that it could do long-term harm to tourism by creating a global perception that the US is an exclusionary country. The ban's implementation has since been put on hold.

Six other states - Washington, California, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York and Oregon - filed a separate lawsuit alleging the ban is unconstitutional and hurts states' residents, businesses and educational institutions.

The tech companies filing claims that President Trump's new travel ban is no different [to the last]. It will inflict the same substantial and irreparable harm upon US companies and their employees, according to CNN.

Last month, 97 companies, including Apple, Airbnb, Facebook, Google, Intel, Netflix, Snap, Uber Technologies and Zynga, filed an impassioned legal brief condemning the Presidents original executive order on immigration.

More generally, tech companies have been some of the most vocal in opposing Mr Trumps policies.

In January, Google set up a $4m crisis fund to help employees and other people affected by the original ban while Airbnb offered free accommodation to people left stranded by it.

Facebook chief executive Mark Zuckerberg has also spoken out publicly against Trumps policy on travel and Starbucks in January said that it would hire 10,000 refugees over the next five years in response to the presidents move.

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 Trumps revised travel ban tries to erase the notion that it was designed to target Muslims by detailing more of a national security rationale. It is narrower and eases some concerns about violating the due process rights of travellers.

It applies only to new visas from Somalia, Iran, Syria, Sudan, Libya and Yemen and temporarily shuts down the US refugee programme. It also does not apply to travellers who already have visas.
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The UKs Culture Secretary Karen Bradley said on Thursday that she had asked regulators to examine Rupert Murdochs 21st Century Foxs planned takeover of Sky.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Ms Bradley said that she had decided that it was appropriate for the potential deal to be subject to a thorough regulatory review by both Ofcom and the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), and as a result of concerns that she has around media plurality and broadcasting standards.She said that regulators would determine whether Fox was a fit and proper parent for Sky.

Earlier this month, Mr Murdochs company formally notified the European Commission that it is bidding nearly 12bn for the European pay-TV company.

At the time, Ms Bradley said that she had concerns that there may be public interest considerations  that warrant further investigation before the deal is recommended.

Responding to Ms Bradleys comments, 21st Century Fox said in a statement Thursday that it looked forward to working with the UK authorities in their reviews.

We are confident that a thorough review of our track record over 30 years will underscore our commitment to upholding high broadcast standards, and will demonstrate that the transaction will not result in there being insufficient plurality in the UK, it said.

It added that it believes the merger will benefit the UKs creative industries.

The company struck a preliminary deal to snap up the 61 per cent of Sky that it does not already own in December last year.

Reuters reported at the time that the proposed offer of 10.75 a share in cash, which was backed by Skys independent directors, would strengthen the position of James Murdoch  who is both chief executive of Fox and chairman of Sky  in his 86-year-old fathers media empire.

The deal would come five years after the media tycoons last tilt at taking full control of the business through News Corporation.

The European competition authorities are still due to decide by 7 April whether to clear the takeover, demand concessions or start a five-month-long investigation into the deal.
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Toyota will invest a further 240m in its Derbyshire car plant, the company announced on Thursday.

Starting this year, Toyota has pledged to upgrade the site in Burnaston - which employs around 2,500 people - with new equipment, technologies and systems.

The news will come as a welcome boost for an industry facing a difficult future if the UK leaves the EU without a favourable trade deal.

Recommended Government refuses to publish Nissan letter after deliberations

Continued tariff-and-barrier free market access between the UK and Europe that is predictable and uncomplicated will be vital for future success, Dr Johan van Zyl, president and chief executive of Toyota said in a statement.

Investment in the industry fell to 1.66bn last year from 2.5bn in 2015 amid uncertainty over Brexit, figures from Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders show.

More than half of the cars produced in the UK last year were exported to the EU, while many of the component parts are imported from the trading bloc, meaning any barriers could be costly.

World Trade Organisation tariffs on vehicles are 9.8 per cent while on average the EU imposes a 6 per cent tariff on car imports through its various trade deals.

British exports may also have to overcome a host of non-tariff barriers such as rules of origin requirements, which state that a minimum percentage of parts must be sourced from within the country of production.

Dr Van Zyl said: We are very focused on securing the global competitiveness of our European plants. We welcome the UK Government funding contribution for this activity.

Our investment demonstrates that, as a company, we are doing all we can to raise the competitiveness of our Burnaston plant in Derbyshire."

Business news: In pictures Show all 13 1 /13 Business news: In pictures Business news: In pictures Flybe collapses Airline Flybe has collapsed. All future flights on the Exeter-based airline have been cancelled  leaving more than 2,300 staff facing an uncertain future, and wrecking the travel plans of hundreds of thousands of passengers. The chief executive, Mark Anderson, said: Europes largest independent regional airline has been unable to overcome significant funding challenges to its business. AFP via Getty Business news: In pictures Future product placement will be 'tailored to individual viewers' Marketing executives say that product placement in films and televison shows on streaming services such as Netflix may be tailored to individuals in future. For instance, if data shows that a viewer is a fan of pepsi, a billboard in the background of a shot would host an advert for pepsi, while for a viewer known to have different tastes it could be for Coca-Cola Paramount Business news: In pictures Corbyn wishes Amazon a happy birthday In a card sent to Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos on the company's 25th birthday, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn writes: "You owe the British people millions in taxes that pay for the public services that we all rely on. Please pay your fair share" Business news: In pictures No deal, no tariffs The government has announced that it would slash almost all tariffs in the event of a no-deal Brexit. Notable exceptions include cars and meat, which will see tariffs in place to protect British farmers Getty Business news: In pictures Fingerprint payment NatWest is trialling a new bank card that will allow people to touch their hand to the card when paying rather than typing in a PIN number. The card will work by recognising the user's fingerprint NatWest/PA Wire Business news: In pictures Mahabis bust High-end slipper retailer Mahabis has gone into administration. 2 Jan 2019 Mahabis Business news: In pictures Costa Cola Coca-Cola has paid 3.9bn for Costa Coffee. A cafe chain is a new venture for the global soft drinks giant PA Business news: In pictures RIP Payday Loans A funeral procession for payday loans was held in London on September 2. The future of pay day lenders is in doubt after Wonga, Britain's biggest, went into administration on August 30 PA Business news: In pictures Musk irks investors and directors Elon Musk has concluded that Tesla will remain public. Investors and company directors were angry at Musk for tweeting unexpectedly that he was considering taking Tesla private and share prices had taken a tumble in the following weeks Getty Business news: In pictures Jaguar warning Iconic British car maker Jaguar Land Rover warned on July 5, 2018 that a "bad" Brexit deal could jeopardise planned investment of more than $100 billion, upping corporate pressure as the government heads into crucial talks AFP/Getty Business news: In pictures Spotif-IPO Spotify traded publically for the first time on the New York Stock Exchange on Tuesday. However, the company isn't issuing shares, but rather, shares held by Spotify's private investors will be sold AFP/Getty Business news: In pictures French blue passports The deadline to award a contract to make blue British passports after Brexit has been extended by two weeks following a request by bidder De La Rue. The move comes after anger at the announcement British passports would be produced by Franco-Dutch firm Gemalto when De La Rues contract ends in July. The British firm said Gemalto was chosen only because it undercut the competition, but the UK company also admitted that it was not the cheapest choice in the tendering process. Business news: In pictures Beast from the east economic impact The Beast from the East wiped 4m off of Flybes revenues due to flight cancellations, airport closures and delays, according to the budget airlines estimates. Flybe said it cancelled 994 flights in the three months to 31 March, compared to 372 in the same period last year.

The Burnaston investment programme includes up to 21.3m support from the Government for training, research and development and enhancements of the plants environmental performance.

Toyota has been producing cars at the Burnaston factory since 1992 and made around 180,000 vehicles there last year.

Despite uncertainty around the terms of the UKs departure from the EU, Nissan has committed to expanding Sunderland factory and Jaguar Land Rover has continued with its investment plans.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Mar. 16

By Azad Hasanli  Trend:

UK Prime Minister Theresa May has congratulated Azerbaijan on hosting the Global Baku Forum for a fifth year and for bringing together the distinguished group of current and former world leaders.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the UK and Azerbaijan, May said in her letter read out by Deputy Head of Mission at the UK Embassy in Baku Stephen McCormick at the opening ceremony of the Fifth Global Baku Forum Mar. 16.

Over this time we have built strong and productive relationship, reads Mays letter. We work closely together on a broad range of important issues and continue to deepen and strengthen this cooperation.

The Global Baku Forum brings together the international community to share expertise and build consensus on how best to respond to some of the major challenges facing the world today, May said in her letter. I wish you every success with this event.

The 5th Global Baku Forum The Future of International Relations: Power and Interests kicked off Mar. 16.

Latvian President Raimonds Vejonis, Macedonian President Gjorge Ivanov, Albanian President Bujar Nishani, Montenegrin President Filip Vujanovic, Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili, Saudi Arabian Prince, Chairman of the Board of Directors of King Faisal Centre for Research and Islamic Studies Turki Al-Faisal are among those attending the forum.
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The Bill to give Theresa May the authority to start the Brexit process has been granted Royal Assent  to cheers from Conservative MPs.

Commons Speaker John Bercow told MPs: I have to notify the House, in accordance with the Royal Assent 1967, that her majesty has signified her royal assent to the following acts: Supply and Appropriation (Anticipation and Adjustments) Act 2017, European Union (Notification of withdrawal) Act 2017.

The landmark moment came after MPs threw out Lords amendments this week, after which peers agreed not to prolong the fight over the detail of the Article 50 Bill.

The Prime Minister is now free to trigger the exit clause, but is not expected to do so until as late as March 29.

That means negotiations are now not expected to get underway until June  cutting short the anticipated two-year window to reach an agreement.

A Downing Street spokesman said: "The legislation has been passed unamended, we are pleased that's the case. The legislation has got Royal Assent and we look forward to triggering negotiations by the end of March."

The leaders of the remaining 27 states had planned to offer the UK a substantial response to the Article 50 notification at a European Council summit on April 6.

 David Davis says that he has not quantified the economic outcome of getting no deal for Brexit

However, senior figures in Brussels have warned that the timetable will be too tight if Ms May triggers Article 50 in the last week of March.

Because of the timing of Easter and the French presidential elections, the next summit will not take place until the end of May - and substantial talks would not start until the following month.
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The former director general of the World Trade Organisation has mocked Britains Brexit chiefs, claiming that Boris Johnson was a nasty young kid and that all ministers should read their briefs in response to David Daviss failure to examine the impact of crashing out of the EU.

Pascal Lamy, who was the chief of WTO between 2005 and 2013, also said that a comprehensive free-trade deal between the UK and the EU could take between five and six years to negotiate, casting doubt on the two-year timeframe permitted under Article 50.

Many of us, including me, believe that there is no way of removing the egg from the omelette can be done in two years, the former EU official said at an event in London.

Recommended Government granted permission to trigger Brexit bill

But when asked whether personalities on either side of the Channel would make a difference to the Brexit negotiations, Mr Lamy replied: Let me be frank, what I will say to you from knowing Boris as a child because Stanley Johnson his father was living they were near to where we used lived. So I saw Boris as a nasty young kid.

He never changed, he added, before saying he believed the eccentricity of the British would not be a problem in the complex negotiations. We credit the British with a very specific eccentricity. Imagine someone from Sweden or Norway acting like Boris.

A friend of Mr Johnson's told The Independent: "I don't think Boris will lose any sleep over this as he has a important job to do and is giving it 100 per cent to get the best deal for the UK.

"It's a shame that Mr Lamy can't talk about substance and the positive things that the Government wants to achieve from Brexit like Boris and the Government are doing.

"I am afraid his personal attack just shows he can't accept Britain has a strong voice and used it last June."

Mr Lamys comments  during an event hosted by think-tank the Institute for Government  also came after David Davis, the Brexit Secretary, admitted during a select committee hearing on Wednesday that the Government had done no economic assessment of negotiations with EU leaders breaking down.

When asked by The Independent whether this was irresponsible, Mr Lamy, who was also chief of staff to Jacques Delors during his tenure as President of the European Commission, replied: All ministers should read their briefs. Im absolutely certain knowing the politics of the UK civil service that they have provided their ministers with scenarios of this.

Im sure the job has been done and there is an evaluation on the UK side on what could happen.

On the issue of the Britains so-called divorce settlement  likely to be a contentious issue throughout the costly and complex negotiations  Mr Lamy added that there could be the possibility of a compromise. He estimated this could be between 40bn (34bn) and 60bn.

Speaking as Theresa May ruled out a second Scottish independence referendum by saying now is not the time for another vote, Mr Lamy also insisted the country would have zero technical problems rejoining the EU after Brexit.

The Frenchman added that without a trade deal, Britain would have to resort to WTO trade terms, which he described as being worse than agreement. Theresa May used this scenario at her Lancaster House speech in January, in which she threatened EU leaders with the prospect of walking away from the negotiating table rather than accepting a bad deal.
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The Government has squashed an attempt by MPs to restart a scheme which offered hope and protection to unaccompanied child refugees, that was shut down in February. Despite the fact that some local councils have said they would be willing to take in more refugee children if the government were to offer funding, the Conservatives decided to close the Dubs scheme  named after Alf Dubs whose amendment in the Lords introduced the commitment in 2016. A large number of MPs have protested the decision.

Britain has a long history of accepting child refugees  and Dubs himself was brought to the country as a child refugee from Czechoslovakia before the Second World War. But, even in the 1930s, the press was divided on the issue of child refugees, in ways that bear similarities to some recent media coverage.

Basque children in Britain

The media has always tended to agree that child refugees are usually considered most deserving of sympathy. During the 1930s, Britain offered help to many children, either on a fixed-term or permanent basis. In 1937, during the Spanish Civil War, Britain agreed to offer temporary sanctuary to several thousand children from northern Spain.

It was not a straightforward decision, as the British government was worried that helping Spanish children would compromise Britains neutrality. It was also concerned that the children might stay permanently and cost the taxpayer money. When these fears were overcome, the Spanish liner SS Habana arrived at the docks of Southampton with just under 4,000 children on board.

On their arrival, the newspapers were quick to offer praise for the rescue of these children. The Manchester City News wrote of a pitiful cargo of  fatherless, homeless, bewildered children that was being rescued by the merciful arm of Britain. The Daily Mail was quick to point out that the children would easily fit into Britain as many of them were as blonde as any English children, with bright blue eyes and lightly freckled skins. However, there were also risks associated with the large number of children arriving in Britain  and diseases such as typhoid, diphtheria, and measles were reported in The Times and the Daily Mail.

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 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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 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To begin with, the Basque children were reported on positively. The Manchester Guardian wrote that the children were heartily welcomed by all sections of the community, and communities were proud to be associated with them. It was not long though before trouble erupted. The Daily Mail coined the alliteration of Bad Basque Boys, which became a popular way to describe the children.

Undoubtedly there were bad Basque boys, who caused a riot in Brechfa, Carmarthenshire, as well as numerous disturbances across the country. Concerns were raised by MPs, who called for the children to be returned to Spain as quickly as possible because it was feared they were endangering the British public. Reports about violent disturbances helped to end feelings of humanitarianism towards Basque children, and eventually their time in Britain came to an end. Many of the children returned to Spain in 1938, just as more European children were arriving in Britain.

Jewish children to become useful citizens

From 1938, mostly Jewish children who were fleeing Nazi persecution started to arrive on the Kindertransport from Germany and Austria. While the Basque children had been seen as powerless victims of war, Jewish children were not yet considered in the same way, and there were fears spouted in the press that thousands of children would overrun the country.

A memorial to the Kindertransport at Liverpool Street Station in London (Graham C99)

The Basque children had mostly been able to continue their childhood in group homes for Basque children, and they were encouraged to keep their national identities. The Jewish children, though, were expected to become as British as possible, and many of the older girls were trained to work in domestic service and the boys in farming. As the Daily Mail explained in 1938:

Many of the boys will be given instruction in agricultural work with a view to emigration to the colonies or to other countries offering employment.

In another article, the Daily Mail talked about Jewish children who had survived terror and deprivation to a new life that holds for them freedom, happiness, and careers. The children had to become useful citizens in order to maintain positive press.

There was much protest in the 1930s about letting Jewish refugees into Britain from a variety of sources including the right-wing press, medical professionals and those living in deprived areas. People were still more concerned about what was happening in Spain and other parts of the world, rather than what was happening in Germany. Even after Kristallnacht in Germany in 1938, when the Nazis attacked Jews and their property, many of the local and national newspapers wrote about how neither politicians nor the general public should allow their emotions to cloud their vision, and reminded readers that there was a limit to how much charity could be offered to children.

For the limited number of children that the press did support coming to Britain, papers such as The Times and the Daily Mail emphasised that many of the children coming from Germany would be Christian, rather than Jewish children. This was in the hope that it would encourage people to be more charitable, even though Christian children were only ever a small proportion of those admitted via the transports.

The government and the media were keen to support schemes that would send Jewish children to Palestine, rather than support them in Britain. Ultimately, though, many thousands of Jewish children did remain in Britain, bringing great benefits to the country.

The Basque child evacuees are seldom mentioned these days, and the Kindertransport is now celebrated for its humanitarian achievements, but if you scratch the surface, the history of how welcoming the British press has been of child refugees is much more complicated than would first appear.

Rachel Pistol is an associate research fellow at the University of Exeter. This article first appeared on The Conversation (theconversation.com)
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No checks have been put in place to prevent a prime minister repeating Tony Blairs disastrous rush to war in Iraq, MPs have warned.

It remains too easy for a prime minister to disregard cabinet procedures such as ensuring ministers are shown evidence and given proper advice, a Commons committee has concluded  despite promises of change.

MPs pointed out how Mr Blair bypassed his cabinet, particularly when he defied officials by writing his notorious We will be with you, whatever note to George W Bush.

Last years Chilcot report also highlighted how the cabinet approved the 2003 invasion without being allowed to question the attorney general about his change of mind in declaring it legal.

Crucially, the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Select Committee dismissed the current Governments claim to have made changes to address weaknesses in decision-making, planning and implementation.

Instead, Bernard Jenkin, its Conservative chair, warned: At present, there is simply nothing even a cabinet secretary can do to stop a prime minister from doing this again at some time in the future, short of resignation.

There was a lack of collective cabinet decision-making, at a time when clear thinking and a culture of challenge was most needed.

The failure to engage cabinet on such decisions cannot be allowed to happen again, but there is no mechanism to ensure that.

The report called for the cabinet secretary and senior officials to be able to require a formal letter of direction, as an essential check to prevent a repeat of the Iraq debacle.

This would be required when they are being instructed to disregard the normal procedures set out in the Cabinet Manual  to safeguard officials independence and clarify their responsibility.

The MPs welcomed that the Government now recognises that a culture and spirit of challenge is essential for good decision-making in government.

But, the report added: However, this means not only having the right meetings and the right people in the meetings, but making sure that meetings are effective.

Evidence to the Chilcot inquiry revealed that both Mr Blairs foreign policy adviser and chief of staff begged him not to send the note to President Bush, eight months before the invasion.

The report also found that the former Prime Minister and three senior cabinet members knew  10 days before an emergency meeting  that the attorney general had serious doubts about the legal status of the war.

Yet none asked Lord Goldsmith why he had changed his previous view that it would be safer to obtain a second United Nations resolution because of the risk of a legal challenge.

Todays report noted that for many, the Chilcot inquiry fails to provide closure on the Iraq issue, which left an indelible scar on British politics.

The report concluded: We, as parliamentarians, must also reflect upon how Parliament could have been more critical and challenging of the government at the time.

The committee also noted the seriousness of the case made by Dr Glen Rangwala, a Cambridge University politics lecturer, that Mr Blair deliberately misled the Commons.

It said Sir John Chilcot, who led the Iraq enquiry, believes that there was no personal and demonstrable decision by the then prime minister to deceive Parliament or the public.

However, it concluded: Should further evidence, beyond the Chilcot report, come to light that supports Dr Rangwalas arguments, the House may wish to refer this matter to the Privileges Committee to take further.
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A US man is to undergo amputation on both hands and feet after contracting a virulent bacterial throat infection.

Kevin Breen, 44, of Grand Rapids, in Michigan, began feeling sick on Christmas day, but later went to hospital with severe stomach pain.

After initial problems in diagnosing the source of Mr Breens complaints, doctors discovered he had contracted strep throat, a usually non-life-threatening throat infection.

Mr Breens son had also recently had the infection.

But doctors said the bacteria had spread to Mr Breens stomach, making it much harder for his body to fight.

A CT scan revealed his stomach had grown and was full of puss, while other organs began failing.

As blood flow increased to his organs, the circulation in his hands and feet deteriorated and eventually ceased, leaving the flesh to die.

Speaking to NBC news, Mr Breen said he initially disregarded his gut complaints as anything serious.

He said: It didnt seem that unusual.

I never thought Id be going in for a stomach-ache and coming out a totally different person and its life-changing.

At one point, doctors told Mr Breens wife to gather the family and prepare for the worst.

That moment was terrifying, she told reporters. I just kind of lost it and stopped and prayed.

Dr Elizabeth Steensma, an acute care surgeon at Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital, who oversaw Mr Breens care, said at first the case seemed almost a mystery.

He was one of the sickest patients I have ever taken care of.

After discovering the cause of the illness to be strep throat, Dr Steensma said Mr Breens case was among just two recorded incidences in men where the bacteria had travelled from his throat to his stomach.

There are 32 recorded cases among women in which the virus has also travelled to their urinary tracts.

Mr Breens hands and feet have now turned black and he is awaiting surgery to have them removed.

A lifetime in an iron lung: courage in the face of a cruel disease Show all 3 1 /3 A lifetime in an iron lung: courage in the face of a cruel disease A lifetime in an iron lung: courage in the face of a cruel disease 30223.bin AP A lifetime in an iron lung: courage in the face of a cruel disease 30282.bin AP A lifetime in an iron lung: courage in the face of a cruel disease 30283.bin AP

Due to the high costs of US health care, Mr Breens family has set up a GoFundMe account to help pay for the hospital bills.
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The US state of Missouri is trying to raise its minimum age for marriage from 15 to 17, in a bid to address growing concerns over sex trafficking and forced unions.

The Midwestern state is one of 27 where parents are able to sign off on their childrens marriages from the age of 15.

But even younger children can lobby the courts for permission if they want to get wed.

Now government officials have given preliminary approval to a proposed new law that would raise the age of parental consent to those over the age of 17.

It came as child protection groups warned the state was becoming a haven for forced child marriages, attracting marriage tourism from other parts of the country.

Citing a case from last year when a father brought his pregnant 14-year-old from Idaho to marry a 24-year-old man in Kansas City, Missouri state representative Jean Evans sponsored the proposal to raise the age.

Jan Jones, the former head of the Recorders Association of Missouri, was also forced to issue a marriage licence to a pregnant 15-year-old girl and her husband in his mid-20s, after the girls mother signed her consent.

She told the St Louis Post-Dispatch she was haunted by the situation after child protective services informed her the pregnancy was being investigated and that the marriage meant the state Childrens Division was powerless to continue looking into the girls situation.

Advocacy groups have condemned the cases, highlighting that when minors marry older adults they engage in relationships that would otherwise amount to statutory rape.

At age 18, emancipated adults are free to marry on their own in Missouri and all other states.

The measure, which still needs final approval in the House before moving to the Senate, is not the first initiative to change the practice.

In Connecticut, new legislation would prohibit marriage licenses for anyone under 18.

New Jersey, New Hampshire, New York, Texas, Maryland and Pennsylvania also are considering a change.
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The judge who blocked President Donald Trumps revised hard-line immigration ban is the only native Hawaiian serving on the federal bench.

Derrick Watson halted the Presidents revised travel ban, which prevents citizens from six Muslim-majority countries from entering the US, just hours before it was due to take effect across the US at midnight. The nationwide ruling means people should not be impacted by the order.

Watson, a district judge in Hawaii who was nominated by President Barack Obama in 2012, is the fourth Native Hawaiian federal judge in US history.

Upon hearing Watson had been confirmed as a judge in 2013, Brian Emmanuel Schatz, a senior senator for Hawaii, said: "I am confident he will continue to serve our country well, and with Native Hawaiians being underrepresented on the federal bench, his confirmation is a big step in the right direction towards diversifying the court.

Keith Lee, corporate counsel for the Waianae Coast Comprehensive centre, said Judge Watson was not influenced by politics and was super fair. Lee first became acquainted with Watson in 2012 when he was still an assistant US attorney.

"He doesn't have a big ego. If anything, he's kind of understated, Lee said.

Watson rejected Mr Trumps claims the travel ban was not a Muslim ban and insisted it targets Islam.

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

He wrote: A reasonable, objective observer... would conclude that the Executive Order was issued with a purpose to disfavour a particular religion, in spite of its stated, religiously-neutral purpose.

The judge added: It is undisputed, using the primary source upon which the Government itself relies, that these six countries have overwhelmingly Muslim populations that range from 90.7 per cent to 99.8 per cent."

"It would, therefore, be no paradigmatic leap to conclude that targeting these countries likewise targets Islam. Certainly, it would be inappropriate to conclude, as the Government does, that it does not."

Mr Trump has vehemently and continuously denied the executive orders are a "Muslim ban". Shortly after his inauguration, he referred to his plans as extreme vetting instead.

The President was forced to issue an amended travel ban after his first executive order sparked global protests and unleashed chaos in airports worldwide. The new ban, which was announced earlier this month, would have barred people from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen from entering the US for 90 days and all refugees for 120 days.

Recommended Tech giants mysteriously stop opposing travel ban

The President presumed the new order, which did not involve green card holders, removed contentious language referring to religious minorities and removed Iraq from its list of barred countries, would be more legally watertight. Nevertheless, Watson still issued a Temporary Restraining Order on the new order after concluding it was unconstitutional  a ruling which was predominantly based on derogatory comments made by Mr Trump himself.

Speaking at a rally in Nashville, the billionaire property developer said Watson decisions to block the revised order was an unprecedented judicial overreach and he was prepared to take the case all the way to the Supreme Court.

"A judge has just blocked our executive order on travel and refugees coming into our country from certain countries", Mr Trump said.

"The order he blocked was a watered-down version of the first order that was also blocked by another judge and that should never have been blocked to start with.

Judge Watson was one of three federal judges across America that heard legal arguments on Wednesday. Up to half-a-dozen states are endeavouring to block the executive order and judges in Maryland and the state of Washington also listened to cases.

Additional reporting from Associated Press
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Community projects like Meals on Wheels and housing assistance are set to lose out on all of their government funding if Donald Trump's budget blueprint for the coming fiscal year is passed by politicians.

The president's proposals include the complete elimination of the $3 billion (2.4 billion) Community Development Block Grant program, which funds those programs along with other community assistance efforts.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will also see its funds slashed.

The president appears to be prioritising his promised wall along the US-Mexico border which will receive an immediate $1.5bn (1.2bn) cash injection, with another $2.6bn (2.1bn) if his spending plans for the 2018 budget year are approved by the House of Representatives.

Mr Trump  who campaigned for the presidency on a staunchly anti-immigrant platform  said repeatedly during his election bid that Mexico would pay for the wall. Instead, it appears that initially at least, US taxpayers will foot the bill.

Thursday's $1.15 trillion (1 trillion) budget  titled America First: A Budget Blueprint to Make America Great Again  will also benefit the military, which will receive the largest windfall since the Reagan administration.

The 10 per cent Pentagon boost  intended to improve troop readiness, fight Isis and buy new weapons  is financed by $54 billion (44 billion) of cuts to foreign aid and domestic agencies that had been protected by former President Barack Obama.

Mr Trump said: A budget that puts America first must make the safety of our people its number one priority  because without safety, there can be no prosperity.

The financial blueprint goes after the frequent targets of the party's staunchest conservatives, eliminating the National Endowment for the Arts, legal aid for the poor and low-income heating assistance.

Twelve of the government's 15 cabinet agencies would absorb cuts under the president's proposal. The biggest loser is arguably the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which will reportedly see its funding slashed by almost a third, receiving $2.5 billion (2 billion) instead of the current $8.2 billion (6.7 billion).

Recommended Here are the federal agencies and programs Trump wants to eliminate

Agriculture, Labour, Housing and State departments will also see funding pulled, along with Transportation programmes like Amtrak.

The $3 billion (2.4 billion) Community Development programme  which funds popular programmes such as housing assistance and Meals on Wheels  which delivers food to the elderly and disabled  will be completely dismantled.

More than 3,000 EPA workers would lose their jobs and programmes such as Mr Obama's Clean Power Plan, which would tighten regulations on emissions from power plants seen as contributing to global warming, would be eliminated.

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

Popular EPA grants for state and local drinking and waste water projects would be preserved, however.

Mr Trump's proposal only covers roughly a quarter of the approximately $4 trillion (3.3 trillion) federal budget, the discretionary portion that Congress passes each year.

It does not address taxes, social security, or Medicare and Medicaid - the a social health care program for families and individuals with limited resources.

It does not make predictions about deficits and the economy either.

Associated Press contributed to this report
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The judge who blocked Donald Trump's revised executive order barring travel from six predominantly Muslim nations has said it "targets Islam".

Hours before it was due to come into effect, Derrick Watson, a district judge in Hawaii, placed a nationwide block on the Presidents action.

Rejecting claims by Mr Trump's administration that it was not a "Muslim ban", because it did not mention religion and was instead focussed on the citizens of specific countries, he ruled that "the illogic of the Governments contentions is palpable."

He wrote: A reasonable, objective observer... would conclude that the Executive Order was issued with a purpose to disfavour a particular religion, in spite of its stated, religiously-neutral purpose."

He added: It is undisputed, using the primary source upon which the Government itself relies, that these six countries have overwhelmingly Muslim populations that range from 90.7 percent to 99.8 percent."

"It would therefore be no paradigmatic leap to conclude that targeting these countries likewise targets Islam. Certainly, it would be inappropriate to conclude, as the Government does, that it does not."

Mr Trump has denied the orders are a "Muslim ban". Shortly after his inauguration, he called his plans extreme vetting.

 Donald Trump blast "judicial overreach" as Hawaii judge blocks travel ban

Its not the Muslim ban," he told ABC News. "But its countries that have tremendous terror countries that people are going to come in and cause us tremendous problems.

The President issued the revised executive order after the first was barred in the courts.

His second attempt did not affect current visa holders but it continued to block travel to the US for citizens of Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Iran, Libya and Yemen for 90 days. The first travel ban included Iraq.

As with the first order, refugees were still blocked from entering the US for 120 days but an indefinite ban on all refugees from Syria was dropped in the new one.

The Trump administration has also said the ban is not religiously motivated because the six countries only represent a small fraction  around nine per cent  of the worlds Muslim population.

But campaigners said the new ban still discriminated, on both grounds of nationality and religion.

Judge Watson, who was appointed by former President Barack Obama, was one of three federal judges across the US that listened to legal arguments.

Up to half-a-dozen states are seeking to block the executive order and judges in Maryland and the state of Washington also heard cases.

Rudy Giuliani, the former Mayor of New York and an adviser to Mr Trump, explained the beginnings of the order and said the President had used the term Muslim ban.

When [Mr Trump] first announced it, he said, Muslim ban. He called me up. He said, Put a commission together. Show me the right way to do it legally, Mr Giuliani told Fox News.

Mass protests followed the sudden implementation of the first order which caused widespread chaos at airports.

New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban Show all 27 1 /27 New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban Ethnic Yemenis and supporters protest against President Donald Trump's executive order temporarily banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen on February 2, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. At least 1,000 Yemeni-owned bodegas and grocery-stores across the city shut down from noon to 8 p.m. today to protest the order. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban Men pray during a protest by ethnic Yemenis and supporters over President Donald Trump's executive order temporarily banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen on February 2, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. At least 1,000 Yemeni-owned bodegas and grocery-stores across the city shut down from noon to 8 p.m. today to protest the order. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban Ethnic Yemenis and supporters protest against President Donald Trump's executive order temporarily banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen on February 2, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. At least 1,000 Yemeni-owned bodegas and grocery-stores across the city shut down from noon to 8 p.m. today to protest the order. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban Men pray during a protest by ethnic Yemenis and supporters over President Donald Trump's executive order temporarily banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen on February 2, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. At least 1,000 Yemeni-owned bodegas and grocery-stores across the city shut down from noon to 8 p.m. today to protest the order. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People gather for evening prayer at a rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally with flags at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally with flags at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally with flags at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally with flags at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally with flags at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban A Yemeni business owner places a sign on the gate of his store February 2, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Across the city, Yemeni owned bodega and grocery-stores will shut down from noon to 8 p.m. to protest President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen. It is expected that over 1000 stores will be closed in protest with workers and owners participating in an afternoon rally in Brooklyn. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban A Yemeni business owner places a sign on the gate of his store February 2, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Across the city, Yemeni owned bodega and grocery-stores will shut down from noon to 8 p.m. to protest President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen. It is expected that over 1000 stores will be closed in protest with workers and owners participating in an afternoon rally in Brooklyn. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 02: Yemeni business owner Musa closes the gate to his store February 2, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Across the city, Yemeni owned bodega and grocery-stores will shut down from noon to 8 p.m. to protest President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen. It is expected that over 1000 stores will be closed in protest with workers and owners participating in an afternoon rally in Brooklyn. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban A Yemeni business owner closes the gate to his store February 2, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Across the city, Yemeni owned bodega and grocery-stores will shut down from noon to 8 p.m. to protest President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen. It is expected that over 1000 stores will be closed in protest with workers and owners participating in an afternoon rally in Brooklyn. Spencer Platt/Getty

Mr Trump issued a statement at the time in which he claimed: To be clear, this is not a Muslim ban, as the media is falsely reporting. This is not about religion  this is about terror and keeping our country safe.

There are over 40 different countries worldwide that are majority Muslim that are not affected by this order.

At a rally in Nashville Mr Trump called the move by the judge an unprecedented judicial overreach and said he was ready to take the case as far as it needs to go including to the Supreme Court.

The order he blocked was a watered-down version of the first order that was also blocked by another judge and that should never have been blocked to start with, said the President. This is, in the opinion of many, an unprecedented judicial overreach.
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A senior member of Donald Trumps Oklahoma campaign team is being investigated after he was found in a motel room with a teenage boy, police said.

Ralph Shortey, a Republican state senator who backed the US leader during the presidential contest, is facing the prospect of prostitution charges after being discovered with a boy under the age of 18.

Police in the city of Moore said theyre still investigating the circumstances surrounding a 9 March incident involving Mr Shortey and a teenager.

But they did release a heavily redacted report that said a juvenile boy was found in a motel room with an adult male on that date. The boys age is unknown but the age of consent in Oklahoma is 16.

Recommended Trump gives incoherent explanation for claim Obama wiretapped him

Mr Shortey, a father-of-two, endorsed Donald Trump in October 2015, just three months after the he announced his presidential candidacy.

He was later announced by the Trump campaign as part of its leadership team in Oklahoma.

Cleveland County District Attorney Greg Mashburn said that he could not say what charges might be filed against the senator.

But some reports have suggested that he might face prostitution charges.

Officers are also said to be reviewing text messages exchanged between the state senator and the boy. However, he has not been arrested or formally listed as a suspect.

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

An employee of the Super 8 Motel to the KFOR news channel that Mr Shortey checked in shortly after midnight on 9 March and asked for a room with two beds. Police arrived at the motel around 30 minutes later.

Mr Shorteys official biography says he has been married to his high school sweetheart since 2002 and has two children.

The Oklahoma State Senate moved quickly to punish Mr Shortey when news of the motel incident broke, stripping him of committee memberships, barring him from his office and making him return his official computer.

Democrats called on the state senator to step aside from his official duties.

While a final resolution should await completion of the police investigation, Senator Ralph Shortey owes it to his constituents and all taxpayers to suspend himself from all official activities, said Mark Hammons, chairman of the Oklahoma Democratic Party.

This is far too embarrassing to have him speak, vote or represent Oklahoma on any issue.

Mr Shortey has so far declined to comment.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Mar. 16

Trend:

First Vice-President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva has today met with UNESCO goodwill ambassador, President of the Friends Association for Children with Cancer ELPIDA and the Marianna V. Vardinoyannis Foundation Marianna Vardinoyannis, who is in Baku to attend the 5th Global Baku Forum.

Marianna Vardinoyannis congratulated Mehriban Aliyeva on her appointment as the first vice-president of Azerbaijan. She said that Azerbaijan-Greece cooperation is developing in social, educational and healthcare areas.

The UNESCO goodwill ambassador recalled with pleasure a visit of Mehriban Aliyeva to Greece in 2014. She thanked the first vice-president for supporting the activity of the ELPIDA.

Vardinoyannis stressed the necessity of exchanging experience, and noted the possibility of further expansion of the relations. She invited Mehriban Aliyeva to attend events in Greece marking the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Greece.

First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva said bonds between Azerbaijan and Greece are developing in political, economic, humanitarian and cultural areas.

Mehriban Aliyeva recalled with pleasure her visit to Greece. The Azerbaijani first vice-president noted that a concert organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation in Greece caused great interest, adding it played an important role in promoting Azerbaijans culture in Greece.
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Judge Derrick Watson was scathing about Donald Trumps revised executive order barring travel from six predominantly Muslim nations, saying it "targets Islam".

Hours before it was due to come into effect, the district judge in Hawaii, placed a nationwide block on the Presidents action.

Here are some highlights from his ruling:

Responding to the Government's argument that the executive order did not discriminate on the basis of religion because it applied to only a small fraction" of Muslim-majority nations, he said:

The illogic of the Governments contentions is palpable. The notion that one can demonstrate animus toward any group of people only by targeting all of them at once is fundamentally flawed.

It is undisputed, using the primary source upon which the Government itself relies, that these six countries have overwhelmingly Muslim populations that range from 90.7 per cent to 99.8 per cent.

It would therefore be no paradigmatic leap to conclude that targeting these countries likewise targets Islam. Certainly, it would be inappropriate to conclude, as the Government does, that it does not.

 Donald Trump blast "judicial overreach" as Hawaii judge blocks travel ban

Addressing the White House's suggestion that the courts should only consider the wording of an order when assessing its purpose, he said:

Only a few weeks ago, the Ninth Circuit commanded otherwise. The Supreme Court has been even more emphatic: courts may not 'turn a blind eye to the context in which policy arose.'"

Specifically addressing the claims of the Trump campaign Judge Watson said:

The Government appropriately cautions that, in determining purpose, courts should not look into the veiled psyche and secret motives of government decision makers and may not undertake a 'judicial psychoanalysis of a drafters heart of hearts'.

The Government need not fear. The remarkable facts at issue here require no such impermissible inquiry. For instance, there is nothing 'veiled' about this press release: Donald J Trump is calling for a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States.

He added that Mr Trumps words, along with those of his team, betrayed the true purpose of the order.

Any reasonable, objective observer would conclude, as does the Court for purposes of the instant Motion for [a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO)], that the stated secular purpose of the executive order is, at the very least, 'secondary to a religious objective' of temporarily suspending the entry of Muslims.

New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban Show all 27 1 /27 New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban Ethnic Yemenis and supporters protest against President Donald Trump's executive order temporarily banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen on February 2, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. At least 1,000 Yemeni-owned bodegas and grocery-stores across the city shut down from noon to 8 p.m. today to protest the order. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban Men pray during a protest by ethnic Yemenis and supporters over President Donald Trump's executive order temporarily banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen on February 2, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. At least 1,000 Yemeni-owned bodegas and grocery-stores across the city shut down from noon to 8 p.m. today to protest the order. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban Ethnic Yemenis and supporters protest against President Donald Trump's executive order temporarily banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen on February 2, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. At least 1,000 Yemeni-owned bodegas and grocery-stores across the city shut down from noon to 8 p.m. today to protest the order. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban Men pray during a protest by ethnic Yemenis and supporters over President Donald Trump's executive order temporarily banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen on February 2, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. At least 1,000 Yemeni-owned bodegas and grocery-stores across the city shut down from noon to 8 p.m. today to protest the order. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People gather for evening prayer at a rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally with flags at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally with flags at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally with flags at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally with flags at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally with flags at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban A Yemeni business owner places a sign on the gate of his store February 2, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Across the city, Yemeni owned bodega and grocery-stores will shut down from noon to 8 p.m. to protest President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen. It is expected that over 1000 stores will be closed in protest with workers and owners participating in an afternoon rally in Brooklyn. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban A Yemeni business owner places a sign on the gate of his store February 2, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Across the city, Yemeni owned bodega and grocery-stores will shut down from noon to 8 p.m. to protest President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen. It is expected that over 1000 stores will be closed in protest with workers and owners participating in an afternoon rally in Brooklyn. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 02: Yemeni business owner Musa closes the gate to his store February 2, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Across the city, Yemeni owned bodega and grocery-stores will shut down from noon to 8 p.m. to protest President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen. It is expected that over 1000 stores will be closed in protest with workers and owners participating in an afternoon rally in Brooklyn. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban A Yemeni business owner closes the gate to his store February 2, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Across the city, Yemeni owned bodega and grocery-stores will shut down from noon to 8 p.m. to protest President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen. It is expected that over 1000 stores will be closed in protest with workers and owners participating in an afternoon rally in Brooklyn. Spencer Platt/Getty

Concluding, he said:

Plaintiffs have shown a strong likelihood of succeeding on their claim that the executive order violates first amendment rights under the constitution.

When considered alongside the constitutional injuries and harms discussed above, and the questionable evidence supporting the Governments national security motivations, the balance of equities and public interests justify granting the plaintiffs TRO.
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A second federal judge in the US has blocked parts of Donald Trumps revised travel ban.

The move follows a nationwide block on the executive order by a judge in Hawaii, hours before it was due to take effect.

The latest impediment to Mr Trumps travel ban, which is designed to prevent citizens from six majority-Muslim countries from entering the US, comes from a federal court in Maryland.

Judge Theodore D Chuang ruled that the purpose of the Presidents first travel ban and also his revised travel ban was to discriminate against Muslims for political reasons, and the ruling cited Mr Trumps own words against him.

The ruling quotes extensively from Mr Trumps 2016 election campaign, in which he said he wished to implement a ban on Muslims entering the United States.

Were having problems with Muslims, and were having problems with Muslims coming into the country, Mr Trump said on Fox News in March 2016. The same month he told CNN that Islam hates us.

The court ruling also points to an interview with Rudy Giuliani, in which the former Mayor of New York said Mr Trump had told him he wanted a Muslim ban, and had told Mr Giuliani to show me the right way to do it legally.

The document says the Presidents remarks point to a plan to approximate a Muslim ban without calling it one.

It reads: Direct statements of President Trumps animus towards Muslims and intention to impose a ban on Muslims entering the United States, present a convincing case that the First Executive Order was issued to accomplish, as nearly as possible, President Trumps promised Muslim ban. In particular, the direct statements by President Trump and Mayor Giulianis account of his conversations with President Trump reveal that the plan had been to bar the entry of nationals of predominantly Muslim countries deemed to constitute dangerous territory in order to approximate a Muslim ban without calling it one  precisely the form of the travel ban in the First Executive Order.

As a result, Judge Chuang concludes: The court will issue an injunction barring enforcement of section 2 (c) of the executive order.

Section 2 (c) is the part of Mr Trumps executive order which suspends the unrestricted entry of nationals of Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen, for 90 days.

The effect of Judge Chuangs ruling will be to block the intended prevention of issuance of visas to people from the six affected countries.

He added that those who had launched the legal action against the Presidents order had not provided a sufficient basis for him to declare other sections of the order invalid.

New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban Show all 27 1 /27 New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban Ethnic Yemenis and supporters protest against President Donald Trump's executive order temporarily banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen on February 2, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. At least 1,000 Yemeni-owned bodegas and grocery-stores across the city shut down from noon to 8 p.m. today to protest the order. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban Men pray during a protest by ethnic Yemenis and supporters over President Donald Trump's executive order temporarily banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen on February 2, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. At least 1,000 Yemeni-owned bodegas and grocery-stores across the city shut down from noon to 8 p.m. today to protest the order. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban Ethnic Yemenis and supporters protest against President Donald Trump's executive order temporarily banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen on February 2, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. At least 1,000 Yemeni-owned bodegas and grocery-stores across the city shut down from noon to 8 p.m. today to protest the order. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban Men pray during a protest by ethnic Yemenis and supporters over President Donald Trump's executive order temporarily banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen on February 2, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. At least 1,000 Yemeni-owned bodegas and grocery-stores across the city shut down from noon to 8 p.m. today to protest the order. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People gather for evening prayer at a rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally with flags at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally with flags at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally with flags at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally with flags at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally with flags at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban A Yemeni business owner places a sign on the gate of his store February 2, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Across the city, Yemeni owned bodega and grocery-stores will shut down from noon to 8 p.m. to protest President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen. It is expected that over 1000 stores will be closed in protest with workers and owners participating in an afternoon rally in Brooklyn. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban A Yemeni business owner places a sign on the gate of his store February 2, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Across the city, Yemeni owned bodega and grocery-stores will shut down from noon to 8 p.m. to protest President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen. It is expected that over 1000 stores will be closed in protest with workers and owners participating in an afternoon rally in Brooklyn. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 02: Yemeni business owner Musa closes the gate to his store February 2, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Across the city, Yemeni owned bodega and grocery-stores will shut down from noon to 8 p.m. to protest President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen. It is expected that over 1000 stores will be closed in protest with workers and owners participating in an afternoon rally in Brooklyn. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban A Yemeni business owner closes the gate to his store February 2, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Across the city, Yemeni owned bodega and grocery-stores will shut down from noon to 8 p.m. to protest President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen. It is expected that over 1000 stores will be closed in protest with workers and owners participating in an afternoon rally in Brooklyn. Spencer Platt/Getty

But he added: In this highly unique case, the record provides strong indications that the national security purpose is not the primary purpose for the travel ban.

Trump has described judicial blocks to the ban as unprecedented judicial overreach, and has said he was willing to take the case as far as it needs to go, including to the Supreme Court.
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Two groups who have advocated against expanding rights and funding for women and the LGBTIQ community are attending a United Nations meeting on womens rights, on behalf of the US.

Both groups were named by the State Department as part of the US delegation to the 61st annual United Nations Commission on the Status of Women taking place in New York this month.

The Center for Family and Human Rights (C-FAM) is a think tank that has been labelled as a hate group for their international anti-LGBTQI advocacy work and violent rhetoric by the Southern Poverty Law Center, a legal advocacy organisation which specialises in protection of civil rights.

C-FAMs aim is discrediting socially radical policies at the UN, as outlined in their mission statement. They have referred to gay marriage and adoption as truly harmful to society and public health".

The Heritage Foundation does not advocate violence nor are they called a 'hate group'. They are often referred to as right-wing and have published researched reports citing the UNs misguided womens agenda and how UN conventions on women undermine family, religion, and sovereignty".

They have also called for deep cuts in Mr Trumps upcoming proposed federal budget to programmes meant to combat violence against women, according to a statement from OutRight Action International, international human rights advocacy group.

The Heritage Foundation wrote that funding those programmes in their recent Blueprint to Balance report on the federal budget as a misuse of federal resources and a distraction from concerns that are truly the province of the federal government.

Jessica Stern, the Executive Director of OutRight Action International, told The Independent that Vice President Pence may have been the driver behind the groups placement on the US delegation.

Though none of the final documents produced from the two-week UN conference will be legally binding, member countries take the opportunity to outline their commitment to gender equality and human rights.

Ms Stern explained that C-FAM and the Heritage Foundation are going to "quite literally be in the room where governments negotiate the outcome document.

US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley will serve as the Head of Delegation for the US at the meeting and will likely interact with both groups members. The US Mission to UN could not be reached for comment.

They will be there as advisors to and direct pressure on the US delegation and will have unfettered access to other country delegations as well, said Ms Stern.

Most of the 8,000 registered non-governmental organisation representatives attending the conference are not on country delegations and thus kept out of negotiating rooms.

What has Ms Stern and other CSW attendees particularly perturbed by the decision to include the groups is that both Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Ms Haley upheld "the right to be free from discrimination as an American value during their respective Senate confirmation hearings, Ms Stern said.

"Many Americans have recently asked themselves, what does foreign policy matter to human rights at home? Now, we have our answer, she added.

Richard Gowan, a non-resident fellow at New York Universitys Center on International Cooperation and extensive researcher of the UN, told The Independent that to date, Nikki Haley has projected a very moderate persona at the UN, reassuring other diplomats that she won't force a strong right-wing agenda on the organisation".

Mr Gowan noted that this may be a play to domestic political interest.

Ms Haley does need to reassure the Republican base that she will stand up for their values in New York too," he said. "Gestures like this will play very well with Congress and the GOP, even if they irritate UN fans."
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Donald Trumps wish to prevent citizens from six Muslim-majority countries from entering the US has suffered another set back, after a judge put his revised travel ban on hold.

Derrick Watson, a US district judge in Hawaii, ordered the temporary stay just hours before Mr Trumps action was due to come into effect at midnight. The nationwide ruling means that people should not be impacted by the order.

At a rally in Nashville President Trump called the move by the judge was an "unprecedented judicial overreach" and said he was ready to take the case "as far as it needs to go" including to the Supreme Court.

"A judge has just blocked our executive order on travel and refugees coming into our country from certain countries", Mr Trump said.

"The order he blocked was a watered-down version of the first order that was also blocked by another judge and that should never have been blocked to start with 

"This is, in the opinion of many, an unprecedented judicial overreach," he added.

Judge Watson was one of three federal judges across the US that listened to legal arguments on Wednesday. Up to half-a-dozen states are seeking to block the executive order and judges in Maryland and the state of Washington also heard cases.

Mr Trump had issued a revised travel ban after his first sparked international protests and suffered several legal setbacks from courts who judged it unconstitutional. He hoped the new order, which did not involve green card holders and which removed any reference to religion, would be legally more watertight.

But activists said the new ban still discriminated, both on the grounds of nationality and indeed religion.

Lawyers for the ACLU and other groups, said that Mr Trumps statements on the campaign trail during the 2016 election, and from his advisers since he took office, made clear the intention was to block Muslims.

The island state of Hawaii, which has a Democratic governor and legislative assembly, had argued that Mr Trumps revised order discriminated on the grounds of nationality, and would prevent Hawaii residents from receiving visits from relatives in the six countries named in the ban. It also said the order would harm its crucial tourism industry, and the ability to recruit foreign students and workers.

The lawsuit also argued that the order discriminated against Muslims in violation of the US Constitution. Judge Watson concluded in his ruling that while the order did not mention Islam by name, a reasonable, objective observer ... would conclude that the Executive Order was issued with a purpose to disfavour a particular religion. Judge Watson was appointed to the bench by former Democratic President Barack Obama.

The judge also cited questionable evidence supporting the government's national security motivation adding in his 43-page ruling that Hawaii would suffer financially if the executive order goes into effect and blocks the flow of students and tourists to the state.

The judge also said Hawaii is likely to succeed on a claim that the ban violates the First Amendment right protecting people against religious discrimination.

 Donald Trump signs revised travel ban

Mr Trump's first travel order was more sweeping than the second revised order. Like the current one, it barred citizens of Iran, Libya, Syria, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen from entering the country for 90 days, but it also included Iraq, which was subsequently taken off the list.

Refugees were blocked from entering the country for 120 days in both orders, but an indefinite ban on all refugees from Syria was dropped in the new one.

The revised ban also excluded legal permanent residents and existing visa holders. It provided a series of waivers for various categories of immigrants with ties to the United States.

The Associated Press said that a group of 58 tech companies, including Airbnb, Lyft and Dropbox, filed a friend of the court' brief in the Hawaii case saying the order hurt their ability to recruit the best talent from around the world.

A longer list of companies, which included giants such as Apple, Facebook and Google, filed a brief opposing the first ban in a different court challenge brought by Washington state, which is ongoing.

During the election campaign, Mr Trump had promised to tighten immigration regulations.

While his original order, signed on January 27, was considered racist and counter-productive by many, large number of the presidents supporters backed the move.

On Wednesday night, Mr Trumps spokesman, Sean Spicer, did not immediately respond to questions from reporters about the court decision.

The Department of Justice called the ruling flawed both in reasoning and in scope, adding that the president has broad authority in national security matters. The Department will continue to defend this Executive Order in the courts, it said a statement.

The case in Hawaii was one of several that were under motion on Wednesday, after more than half-a-dozen states, including Washington, Oregon, California and New York, said they were going to try and stop Mr Trumps revised order, which he signed on March 6.

In Maryland, lawyers told a federal judge that the measure still discriminated against Muslims. Government officials, in turn, argued that the ban had been evised to remove an exemption for religious minorities from the affected countries.

It doesnt say anything about religion. It doesnt draw any religious distinctions, said Jeffrey Wall, who argued for the Department of Justice.

In Washington state, US District Judge James Robart, who halted the original ban last month, heard arguments in a lawsuit brought by the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project.

Washington states Attorney General, Bob Ferguson, was at the hearing in Seattle, when he was told of the decision of the judge in Hawaii.

Fantastic news, Mr Ferguson said afterwards. Its very exciting. At this point it's a team effort - multiple lawsuits and multiple states.

If the Trump administration seeks an emergency stay of Judge Watson's decision in Hawaii at the 9th Circuit, the matter would be heard by different judges from the three who ruled on the travel ban case last month. That's because the panel of judges assigned to such cases rotates every month, said court spokesman David Madden.

Also on Wednesday, the 9th Circuit declined to reconsider the 3-0 decision not to reinstate the original ban. In a dissent, five judges said they considered that decision incorrect and wanted it vacated.

Whatever we, as individuals, may feel about the president or the executive order, the president's decision was well within the powers of the presidency, Judge Jay Bybee wrote for the five.
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US Attorney General Jeff Sessions never gave Donald Trump any reason to believe his campaign was wiretapped, he has said.

"My answer is no, the American government's chief lawyer told a news conference when he was asked whether he had led the US leader to believe he was under surveillance by the Obama administration.

He added that because he was active in the presidential campaign, he was barred from investigations about the alleged bugging.

Even though you may have had nothing whatsoever to do with anything improper, you should not investigate your own campaign, so I have recused myself and am unable to comment on any of these details, Mr Sessions said.

I'm not talking to the president or the people who are investigating the case. And I'm unable to comment on any of these details.

Mr Trump accused his predecessor of wiretapping the phones in New York's Trump Tower - which served as his headquarters during his presidential campaign - in a string of Twitter posts earlier this month.

He failed to provide any evidence for the claim, which Mr Obama has strenuously denied.

The Trump administration came under pressure after a congressional committee investigating the allegation said it had found no evidence to support it and said it did not believe it happened.

But earlier this week Mr Trump had said he was very confident he would be vindicated.

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Mr Sessions is the latest in a line of Republican's to dispute Mr Trump's claims.

Devin Nunes, the Republican Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, has also said he did not believe the President's phones had been tapped.

As I told you last week, in regard to the president talking about tapping Tower. That evidence still remains the same. We dont have no evidence that took place, he said.

And I dont believe, having spoken to people just in the last week, I dont believe there was an actual tap of Trump Tower.

White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer also appeared to walk back on the claims, when he insisted that the President was not referring to wire tapping specifically, but rather "surveillance and other activities".
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Politicians in Texas are considering a bill that would give legal protection to teachers who present Creationism as a scientific theory.

It is one of eight US states where similar laws have been proposed since the start of the year. Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Oklahoma and South Dakota are the others.

The Texan bill would allow science teachers to present ideas that may cause controversy on issues such as evolution and global warming.

The proposals are the latest in a long-running debate over whether religious beliefs should be allowed in the classroom.

A 2014 Gallup poll found that 42 per cent of Americans believe humans were created by God 10,000 years ago. A further 31 per cent believe in evolution, but under Gods guidance.

Only 19 per cent believe God has nothing to do with evolution.

Kimberly Villanueva, a teacher at a middle school in Texas, thinks that changing the law would actually help keep students in her classroom.

"I had children last year get up and leave the classroom when we taught plate tectonics and evolution, she told Agence France Presse news agency.

Should the bill pass, Ms Villanueva believes it would help keep her pupils in school and open minds to scientific possibilities as well.

 Amazing speech by Norwegian King on love, religion and acceptance

But critics of the bills say they are an attempt to get around constitutional limitations that separate church from state.

In giving teachers the option to teach religious theories, rather than making it compulsory, detractors have claimed it puts schools in an impossible position.

Glenn Branch, deputy director of the National Center for Science Education, told AFP: "Allowing the teacher to teach Creationism would risk the possibility of a lawsuit from a parent objecting that it's unconstitutional to teach Creationism.

"Stopping the teacher from proceeding would risk the possibility of a lawsuit from the teacher."
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While her father was at a rally in Nashville defending his travel ban, Ivanka Trump met with Justin Trudeau in Broadway to see a play celebrating Canadas openness to foreigners following the September 11 attacks.

Ms Trump was a guest of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who introduced the play in New York, together with 120 ambassadors from around the world.

The musical Come From Away is set in the small Newfoundland town of Gander, where residents opened their homes to some 7,000 airline passengers diverted there when the US government shut down its airspace following the attack.

Within a few hours, the town was overwhelmed by 38 planeloads of travellers from dozens of countries and religions but locals welcomed them and offered them food and a place to stay.

The first daughter went to see the play while Donald Trump held a rally in Nashville during which he attacked a US court in Hawai for halting what he called a "watered-down version" of his travel ban.

The president told his supporters he would fight the decision in the Supreme Court if necessary.

"We're going to win. We're going to keep our citizens safe. The danger is clear. The law is clear. The need for my executive order is clear, he said.

Ms Trumps husband Jared Kushner accompanied the US President to Nashville.

But on the Broadway stage, Mr Trudeau told the audience he was pleased that "the world gets to see what it is to lean on each other and be there for each other through the darkest times.

Mr Trudeau, who has welcomed 40,000 Syrian refugees, hopes to reaffirm the special friendship between Canada and the US.

I want to also highlight the example to the world that the close relationship between Canada and the US can showcase.

There is no relationship quite like the friendship between Canada and the US, the deep ties of economics, of business, of friends, of culture, of people travelling back and forth, of families, of all these connections and this story is very much about that.

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 show told a true story of generosity, compassion and acceptance as the US is in the heat of a debate over immigration and open borders.

After a first defeat over the travel ban, the US President revised the order and dropped Iraq from the list of banned countries. The new ban would not apply to travellers who already have visas.

The show got a standing ovation, including from Ms Trump, who was sat near Mr Trudeau.

UN ambassador Nikki Haley and Mr Trudeaus wife Sophie Gregoire were also in the audience.

"When do we have the opportunity to share a story about kindness, gratitude and love that takes place in a country that is known for opening their hearts to people. It just meant the world to all of us, said actor Rodney Hicks.
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Posters calling on Muslim residents to leave immediately have resulted in a police investigation in a village in Uttar Pradesh, India.

Written in Hindi, the posters were found in more than two dozen locations in the town of Jianagla.

They warned of dire consequences if the estimated 200 Muslim residents in the village do not all leave by the end of the year.

Narendra Modis Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have just secured a substantial victory in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections and the posters featured had the name of one of their MPs.

"With BJP in power in Uttar Pradesh, Hindus of the village would do what US president Trump was doing to Muslims in that country," the poster reportedly said, according to the Times of India.

The police have removed the majority of the posters and five men from the village have been hauled in for questioning.

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

There are approximately 2,000 Hindus and 200 Muslims living in Jianagla. Indian media reported that neither group was happy about the incident.
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Attempts to denuclearise North Korea over the past 20 years have failed, according the US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.

Calling on the secretive Communist state to abandon its dangerous and unlawful the former Exxon Mobil CEO said country need not fear America. .

"So we have 20 years of failed approach," Mr Tillerson said after a meeting with Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida in Tokyo. "That includes a period where the United States has provided $1.35 billion (1.09 billion) in assistance to North Korea as an encouragement to take a different pathway."

He added: "In the face of this ever-escalating threat, it is clear that a different approach is required. Part of the purpose of my visit to the region is to exchange views on a new approach."

Mr Tillerson made the remarks after discussion with his Japanese counterparts on possible new approaches towards dealing with North Korea.

He did not reveal how the Trump administration, which is currently doing a review of US policy towards North Korea, would tackle the country.

Mr Tillersons come at a time of increasing tension on the Korean Peninsula.

North Korea last week launched four missiles into the Sea of Japan where the US is currently conducting its annual military drills with South Korea.

Pyongyang regards these drills as a rehearsal for invasion but Washington and Seoul say they are purely defensive.

North Korea trading despite nuclear sanctions - Inside the country's special economic zone Show all 13 1 /13 North Korea trading despite nuclear sanctions - Inside the country's special economic zone North Korea trading despite nuclear sanctions - Inside the country's special economic zone AP North Korea trading despite nuclear sanctions - Inside the country's special economic zone AP North Korea trading despite nuclear sanctions - Inside the country's special economic zone North Korea trading despite nuclear sanctions - Inside the country's special economic zone AP North Korea trading despite nuclear sanctions - Inside the country's special economic zone AP North Korea trading despite nuclear sanctions - Inside the country's special economic zone AP North Korea trading despite nuclear sanctions - Inside the country's special economic zone AP North Korea trading despite nuclear sanctions - Inside the country's special economic zone AP North Korea trading despite nuclear sanctions - Inside the country's special economic zone AP North Korea trading despite nuclear sanctions - Inside the country's special economic zone AP North Korea trading despite nuclear sanctions - Inside the country's special economic zone AP North Korea trading despite nuclear sanctions - Inside the country's special economic zone AP North Korea trading despite nuclear sanctions - Inside the country's special economic zone AP

"North Korea and its people need not fear the United States or their neighbours in the region who seek only to live in peace with North Korea," Mr Tillerson told a news conference. "With this in mind, the United States calls on North Korea to abandon its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes and refrain from any further provocation."

He later met separately with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

Meanwhile in Beijing, a North Korean diplomat said that his country must act in self-defence against the US-South Korea military drills which he said have brought the region to the brink of nuclear war.

"The United States holds a joint military exercise every year to push the situation on the Korean Peninsula to a serious situation, and that is the source of the super tough measures we must take," Pak Myong Ho told reporters in a rare briefing at the North Korean Embassy in the Chinese capital.

North Korea has accelerated its weapons development in violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions and despite tough sanctions levied against it.

Last year, the North conducted two nuclear test explosions and 24 ballistic missile tests.

Experts say it could have a nuclear-tipped missile that could reach the United States within a few years.

Mr Tillerson said that his trip was intended to get input from other governments on how to deal with North Korea.

Along with Mr Kishida, he urged China use its economic leverage with North Korea to push it to change course.
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Australia's Great Barrier Reef is under serious threat of disappearing entirely and stopping global warming is the only way to save it, scientists have warned.

Damage caused by warming seawater to the worlds largest living structure is much greater than was originally thought, according to a report in the journal Nature, which said that there had been unprecedented global coral bleaching had been caused by record temperatures in 2015/16.

As a result, its authors warned that immediate global action to curb future warming was essential if coral reef are to survive.

Bleaching, which strips the reef of its colour and life, is a sign that corals are under heat stress.

Although it is often a precursor to death corals do have the capacity to recover if they are exposed to cooler water.

Although bleaching episodes have happened before, scientists found this latest one to be by far the most widespread and damaging.

We didnt expect to see this level of destruction to the Great Barrier Reef for another 30 years, the report's lead author, Professor Terry P Hughes, told The New York Times.

Professor Hughes, who serves as the director of the Centre for Coral Reef Studies at Australia's James Cook University, added: In the north, I saw hundreds of reefs  literally two-thirds of the reefs were dying and are now dead."

The research showed that in one area near the northeastern city of Cairns, up to 83 per cent of the reef has died.

The beauty of coral reefs Show all 6 1 /6 The beauty of coral reefs The beauty of coral reefs 37759.bin STERLING ZUMBRUNN/CONSERVATION INTERNATIONAL The beauty of coral reefs 38007.bin Hassin Ammar/AFP/Getty The beauty of coral reefs 38009.bin Hassan Ammar/AFP/Getty The beauty of coral reefs 38011.bin Hassan Ammar/AFP/Getty The beauty of coral reefs 38013.bin Donald Miralle/Getty The beauty of coral reefs 38012.bin Hassan Ammar/AFP/Getty

In the last two decades, exposure to heat has triggered three mass coral bleaching in 1998, 2002 and 2016.

But the phenomenon seems to be intensifying as climate change is affecting the oceans temperature and acidity levels.

Only nine per cent of the reef has reportedly avoided bleaching since 1998.

The research found that the protection of reef has little or no resistance to extreme heat and the bleaching appears to be continuing, according to an aerial survey undertaken by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) earlier this year.

I think what's important is that the climate is changing and that is bringing a much greater frequency of extreme weather events to the Great Barrier Reef," David Wachenfeld, a member of the authority, told ABC News.

He added thhat survey had given him enough information to "regrettably" confirm another mass bleaching was occurring.

"In total, those extreme weather events and the overall impact of climate change is a major threat to the future of the reef, he said.
Details added (first version posted on 11:16)

Baku, Azerbaijan, March 16

Trend:



Every international forum is important, and future impact on the decision-making in the world depends on the discussed topics, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said.



He made the remarks at the opening ceremony of the 5th Global Baku Forum titled The Future of International Relations: Power and Interests, which kicked off in Baku March 16.

The president said that holding of this forum has already become traditional, and this is not the first time Azerbaijan holds it. He welcomed all the participants, who represent more than 50 countries at the forum, and more than 260 guests.

"Azerbaijan, as an independent country, is relatively new. Last year we celebrated the 25th Anniversary of restoration of our independence. Our activity, projects that we initiate in our country, have positive impact on the whole region is one of the ways to present our country to the world," the president said.

Azerbaijani president went on to say that since the last Baku Global Forum meeting, the world didn't become safer.

"We still have protracted conflicts, still have confrontations, wars in our region. This of course is a very dangerous tendency. Azerbaijan in its region is playing an important role as a stabilizing factor. Our initiatives aim at regional cooperation, predictability and strengthening of security measures in the region," said Ilham Aliyev.



The president went on to add that Azerbaijan is not an island, and close neighborhood is of great concern to the country. He said there are still challenges, wars, conflicts, the migrant crisis, and it is a big humanitarian catastrophe.



"At the same time, the migrant crisis also leads to, I would say, less understanding between different parts of our world. It creates certain discomfort for the people of the countries where the migrants are heading. But, this is only the consequence of what happened, because the real reason of this crisis is external political and military interference into internal affairs of these countries," he said.

The president went on to say that the migrant crisis wasn't happening five or ten years ago, it happened recently.



"So this is the consequence of, I'd say, not a very thoughtful policy towards the countries of the Middle East. And this, in turn, leads to radicalization of societies of the countries where the migrants are heading," said Ilham Aliyev.



He went on to say that unfortunately, the most attractive slogans in election campaigns are slogans very close to nationalism and anti-migrant sentiment.



"We witnessed it during last months, years. And this is the tendency. I think one of the most important issues on global agenda is to reverse this tendency backwards. More to cooperation, mutual understanding, mutual respect, rather than alienation, political confrontation and lack of dialogue of civilizations," Azerbaijan's president said.



The president said Azerbaijan is a country, which geography, to certain degree, predetermines its role in the region.



"We are investing in the dialogue of civilizations and cultures. Azerbaijan itself suffers from war, occupation, humanitarian catastrophe, as a result of Armenian aggression and occupation of its territory," Ilham Aliyev said.



"This occupation lasts for more than 20 years, and twenty percent of internationally recognized part of Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh and seven districts surrounding it, are under Armenian occupation. All the infrastructure [there has been] destroyed, all our historical, religious monuments destroyed. OSCE fact-finding mission sent delegations and groups of observers to the occupied territories, and their report clearly shows that all the buildings and historical heritage of Azerbaijan have been destroyed," he said.



"This conflict is the result of Armenian aggression against its neighbor. It is the result of separatism and war against Azerbaijan. A million of Azerbaijanis suffered from that - they became refugees and internally displaced persons. This figure is one of the highest per capita in the world. Today's population of Azerbaijan is close to ten million. When the conflict started, it was eight million. So, one million of eight million in the beginning of 1990s became homeless," President Aliyev said.

The president went on to say that at the time, Azerbaijan, being a very poor country, had to face series of political, economic and social issues.



"Economy was in chaos. There were no clear means for economic developments, and plus a million people came from the occupied territories, and they had to be taken cared of. Since that time, of course, Azerbaijan has developed. We're capable to provide decent conditions for our compatriots, but the conflict is not resolved," said Ilham Aliyev.



He went on to say that all the important international organizations adopted resolutions and decisions which demand withdrawal of occupational Armenian forces from Azerbaijani lands.



"The UN Security Council, which is a top body on international arena, adopted 4 resolutions, demanding, I quote, immediate and unconditional withdrawal of Armenian troops from the occupied territories. But these resolutions remain on paper, Armenia ignores them, and already 25 years have passed," the president said.



"This shows also that there's a lack of mechanism of implementation of decisions of international organizations, in particular UN Security Council. On the other hand, it shows again lack of consistence, because we all know that in some cases resolutions of the Security Council are implemented within days, if not hours, but in our case, it is 25 years and still there's no progress," Ilham Aliyev said.



"Our refugees and internally displaced persons cannot go back to their native land. And this we consider the policy of double standards. In general, I think, the recent developments in the world show that the policy of double standards, unfortunately, has become a kind of standard in international relations," he said.



The president added that the norms and principles of international law are being interpreted in different countries with respect to the preferences to the current political interests.



"I think this is an important issue, when we're talking about the reforms of the United Nations. And in general, the implementation of decisions of international organizations. If the adopted decisions are not implemented, not only the countries will suffer, but also the world will be in danger, because it means that any country can use its force to change situation on land, in order to occupy territories, cause sufferings of millions of people and not be punished," Ilham Aliyev said.



The president of Azerbaijan went on to add that the country has raised this issue many times in front of international organizations - about aggression, occupation and war crimes committed by Armenia against peaceful Azerbaijani citizens.



"Armenia must be sanctioned, then it will be fair, then it will be a single standard," Ilham Aliyev said.

"The conflict's resolution must be based on international law, and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan must be restored. People have the right to return to their homeland," said the president.



He went on to add that the unresolved Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict is dangerous to stability and peace.



"We want to resolve this conflict peacefully, but we want to resolve it. Armenia wants to keep the status-quo unchanged and ignores strong statements of the mediators, which are permanent members of the Security Council," said Ilham Aliyev.



He added that the US, Russia, on many occasions have said that the status quo is not acceptable and that it has to change, and that means the beginning of de-occupation of territory of Azerbaijan.



"Despite this heavy burden and the humanitarian crisis, Azerbaijan's development was rapid, it is sustainable, we have big achievements in economic transformation of our country, and I think that 25 years of freedom and independence, demonstrated that the people of Azerbaijan are not only capable to live as independent nation, but also capable to achieve success in many areas," the president said.



"If we look at economic performance of Azerbaijan, especially in the recent years, we will see that our achievements in economic area really demonstrate that we have strong political will, consolidated society. When you have unity between the government and people, you can achieve a lot, even with a conflict, and occupation," Ilham Aliyev said.

The president went on to say that due to the broad regional development program, Azerbaijan managed to reduce poverty by ten times within the last 14 years, and it currently stands at less than six percent, while unemployment stands at around five percent.



"Of course Azerbaijan's economy suffered because of the collapse of the oil prices, but at the same time this situation forced us to be more active on economic reforms, and within a very short period, we managed to overcome the difficulties," said Ilham Aliyev.



"You can imagine if your revenue drops 3-4 times, for any country, any family, a serious challenge. Countries and people get used to certain lifestyle, certain development and then all of a sudden, your revenues collapse. This was a really serious challenge for our government, but I think that we managed to overcome it," the president said.



"Though there were difficulties and they continue, but in general, the period of adaptation to low oil prices, I think, has already happened, and 2017 is the year of economic growth. Even last year, when we, for the first time in 14 years, had an economic recession, if you look at the parameters not linked to oil and gas, we see that the development of our non-oil industry grew last year by 5 percent, agriculture by more than 2 percent," Ilham Aliyev said.



He went on to add that in the first two months of this year, the same performance was shown by the non-oil industry, the country's GDP started to grow, and Azerbaijan managed to significantly increase its non-oil export within two months of 2017.



"Therefore, the diversification of economy of this policy was conducted for many years, and it is already bringing results. Now the main objective for the coming years is the diversification of our export, we need new markets, and of course to enter one, we need to have very good political relations with countries whose market is attractive for us," said the president.



The president further said that as far as foreign policy is concerned, Azerbaijan has a strong position in the region and world.



"The international community respects us because we pursue independent policy and also we always keep our word. We are a reliable partner, and we manage to build very positive, at the same time pragmatic, relations with our neighbors, which are based on history, friendship, mutual interest, mutual respect, and non-interference in internal affairs of each other," Ilham Aliyev said.



The president noted that regional cooperation and Azerbaijan's relations with all the neighbors is of extreme importance, as it is for any country.



"If a country has problems with its neighbors, both suffer. Therefore, apart from Armenian aggression, with all our neighbors we have good relations. We implement a lot of projects, energy, transportation, trade, cultural projects which bring our peoples closer," President Aliyev said.



He went on to say that Azerbaijan has established very good relations with countries, member of the EU. According to Ilham Aliyev, with nine of them, Azerbaijan signed or adopted strategic partnership document.



"I think this is also a big achievement, because it shows that many European countries treat Azerbaijan as a strategic partner. And that's not only because of energy resources, our cooperation is much broader," he said.

The president said that last month, Azerbaijan launched the negotiations with the European Commission on the new agreement, which will be a partnership agreement, and will cover many areas.



"So this policy called "balanced", I don't know if that's the proper word, but this policy based on national interests of our country. And that dictates us to build relations based on national interest, based on realistic approach. We should not put in front of us unrealistic targets and then get disappointed and frustrated when these targets are not met," he said.



He said that the same can be applied to Azerbaijan's relations with the EU.



"We put up a very realistic target, and during the time of discussions, now we see that our counterparts, they also prefer to treat Azerbaijan from realistic point of view. Instead of signing an association agreement with the EU, which, frankly speaking, wasn't an agreement which could produce some tangible results, we preferred to go on a separate track and prepare an agreement on partnership, or maybe it can be called a strategic partnership, which will be balanced, mutually beneficial and with practical results," the president explained.



"Policy without results is populism, and we don't have time to waste. We base our policy on real situations," he said.



"Azerbaijan plays also a stabilizing role in the communication between some countries which sometimes have problems. And it happened in recent history, when our neighbors had misunderstandings, clashes. We always tried to play our role, and due to the fact that Azerbaijan is considered to be a really independent country with respect to its policy, we succeeded."



President Aliyev went on to mention an important event that took place in Baku last month.



"For the first time, the representatives of military command of new US administration and that of Russia met. Chiefs of Staffs of both armies met in Baku for the first time. The selection of Azerbaijan for this meeting was of course not our initiative, we were approached by both sides. But the selection of Azerbaijan is another demonstration that we are considered a reliable partner, which is respected by big powers and which independent policy is already a reality," said the president.



"This is appreciated, because it is better to have a predictable partner rather than a satellite. We do have satellites nearby, and that doesn't lead to success or respect," Ilham Aliyev said.



He went on to add that in the future, with respect to the foreign policy, it will be based on pragmatism, national interests, security.



President Aliyev said that Azerbaijan works very actively as far as fight against terrorism is concerned.



"Azerbaijan is a reliable partner in the peacekeeping operation in Afghanistan since 2001. Since the very beginning we keep our troops there and we provide very important transportation network, which is called Northern Distribution Network, and also provide flights for NATO operations. And this is a serious contribution to the peacekeeping efforts," he said.



The president noted that Azerbaijan is one of the few non-member countries of NATO that provide serious military and economic assistance to the government of Afghanistan.

The president then spoke about the recent developments in the transportation sector. He said that it isn't Azerbaijan's internal matter, since the projects which the country initiates in the region are growing and becoming global.



"With our partners with Georgia and Turkey, we initiated the construction of the railroad, which connects 3 countries and actually connects continents. Because now, we can increase trade even without having the railroad connection. It is needed to connect Asia with Europe with the shortest transportation route," President Aliyev said.



He went on say that this is the cheapest and the shortest route, and the companies that wish to save time on cargo transportation will definitely use this transportation network.



"East-West corridor is the corridor of cooperation, and business. And it already generates thousands of jobs, in Azerbaijan and in the neighboring counties. And it will generate a lot of profit for our country, and our role as a transitor will grow," said the president.



"This project was inspired by energy diversification projects, which again we started to implement with our Georgian and Turkish neighbors, and now it is growing and already with its oil pipelines and gas pipelines we have many countries enrolled in this process," Ilham Aliyev said.



Speaking about the Southern Gas Corridor project, the president said that already seven countries - Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey, Greece, Italy, Bulgaria, Albania - are the members of the project.



"And three Balkan countries - Croatia, Montenegro and Bosnia & Herzegovina are our partners for the next stage of development of this project," he said.



"This is really a project of 21st century," he said, adding that the $40-billion project, initiated by Azerbaijan, is supported by the European Commission, and is being successfully implemented.



"In the time of low oil prices for the last two years, there was no delay from the point of view of payments of our share, in order to implement this project, which is an integrated system of three pipelines stretching from Baku to Italian coast, and investment in the huge gas field in the Caspian sea," Ilham Aliyev said.



"This is a contribution to energy security. At the same time, this is contribution to regional cooperation. These countries, which are members of the Southern Gas Corridor, already became natural long-term partners and friends. So we managed to transform positive regional cooperation here in the Caucasus and Turkey towards Europe. And this creates a unique format of cooperation," President Aliyev said.



"And already three times in Baku, every February or January we gather the Southern Gas Corridor advisory Council, which took place again this year, and the declaration which is adopted by all the members of the council, once again shows the leading role of Azerbaijan," the president said.



"We initiated the projects. We invite neighbors and partners, and we see good results. None of the projects which we initiated, neither in economic, energy nor in transportation areas, failed. all of them were based on realistic approach. None of them was just for the sake of making noise or praising ourselves or using populist ideas to demonstrate our potential," Ilham Aliyev said.



"Our potential is much bigger than what is demonstrated today. We are not trying to present Azerbaijan on every corner, we're just doing our homework and time shows that we made the right choice," he said.



The president then spoke about Azerbaijan's investment in intercultural dialogue.



"Azerbaijan in two months time, will host the 4th World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue, it is already a tradition, and it is also co-sponsored by such organizations as UNESCO, ISESCO, Council of Europe, World Tourism Organization, UN Alliance of Civilizations. It is a global event, I'd say a unique event, which addresses the issues of intercultural and interreligious dialogue in the world," said the president.



He further said that Azerbaijan was selected to host it not only because the country initiated it in the first place, but also because of the country's role as a bridge between civilizations and religions.



"Religious tolerance and spirit of multiculturalism in Azerbaijan already makes us the center of this positive event. We pay very big importance to this forum, and to this movement, because this is what the world needs today," said Ilham Aliyev.



"I said it in the beginning, unfortunately we talk about dialogue, but we see alienation. We talk about tolerance, but we see hatred, which is growing, and it is dangerous for all of us," said Ilham Aliyev. "And for those who suffer from that, the role of Azerbaijan as a cultural bridge is important."



The president went on to say that at the same time, today's positive, sustainable, safe, stable development of Azerbaijan shows that only in the spirit of mutual respect, multiculturalism, respect to the traditions, religion, one can achieve success.



"Azerbaijan is a multi-confessional and multi-ethnic country. This is our big asset. We demonstrate that this is the only way to develop. Isolate yourself to cultivate hatred or any kind of superiority, will return as a boomerang," said the president.
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A Danish minister has sparked a furious backlash after she shared a photo celebrating increased immigration controls.

Integration minister Inger Stjberg posted the photograph of a celebration cake to social media after her 50th amendment to tighten immigration controls was ratified earlier this week.

The minister is seen holding a cake featuring the number 50 and a Danish flag.

Today I got the 50th amendment to tighten immigration controls ratified," she wrote. "This needs celebrating!

The minister is no stranger to controversy. She has been embroiled in a number of anti-immigration scandals in the past, including telling a story about a daycare centre banning pork in a bid to warn about the dangers of immigration, which was later proven to be false.

Ms Stjberg was also heavily involved in Denmarks Jewellery law which received widespread criticism.

Under the legislation, which has been labelled "vindictive" by Human Rights Watch, asylum seekers arriving in the country are allowed to keep up to 10,000 kroner (1,000) in cash and valuables but anything above that will be seized to pay for their stay.

Social media users were quick to condemn her post on Facebook, which received 5,000 reactions and 600 comments within the first hour of being posted, according to the Politiken newspaper.

There is something seriously wrong when it's good advertising in itself to make life harder for refugees and immigrants, one user, Jakob Ruggaard, commented.

Apparently it's gone so far that you bake a cake and write 50 on it instead of explaining what the contents of the law is. Not that it would make the situation better, but it would seem more like a real democracy.

Another user, Klaus Brandt, wrote: I could understand a celebration with cake if you had made 50 steps towards better integration.

Ms Stjberg defended her decision telling newspaper Jyllands-Posten that it is not so unnatural to celebrate political victories.

Asked by Jyllands-Posten whether she understood why the post had provoked such a backlash, she said: No, I find that very hard to understand. The restrictions mean that we can send a billion [kroner] to a number of developing countries in the region [closest to refugee source countries]. So I think theres a very good reason to celebrate it.

The Independent has contacted Ms Stjberg for comment, but none had arrived at the time of publication.
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Two people have been arrested after a hostage situation at a bank in Duisburg, Germany.

Police said the hostage situation was over after special forces entered the bank and found no more suspects inside.

Two men were arrested nearby.

Police were alerted earlier this morning that an armed man was holding at least two employees hostage.

A woman was later allowed to leave and acted as a witness to the police.

After the two men were arrested by a nearby bakery, police entered the bank and confirmed there was no longer a threat.

Initial reports said a man and a woman were being held at gunpoint inside the bank, Der Western reported.

Photos from the scene showed a heavy police presence.
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A Turkish minister has claimed "holy wars will soon begin" in Europe, in spite of the defeat of far-right leader Geert Wilders in the Netherlands elections.

Mevlut Cavusoglu, Turkeys foreign minister, did not welcome the victory for Prime Minister Mark Ruttes centre-right Peoples Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD).

Now the election is over in the Netherlands...when you look at the many parties you see there is no difference between the social democrats and fascist Wilders, he said according to a translation by Hurriyet.

 Hundreds of pro-Turkey protesters clash with police in Rotterdam

All have the same mentality. Where will you go? Where are you taking Europe? You have begun to collapse Europe. You are dragging Europe into the abyss. Holy wars will soon begin in Europe.

Mr Wilders attempted to capitalise on an ongoing diplomatic row between the Netherlands and Turkey during his election campaign, leading a small protest outside the country's embassy and calling Mr Erdogan a dictator.

His anti-Islam Party for Freedom came second in the Dutch election with 20 seats, compared to 33 for Mr Ruttes VVD, and is likely to be excluded from coalition talks.

French presidential candidate Emmanuel Macron hailed the result as a victory for progressives, while German Chancellor Angela Merkel called Mr Rutte to congratulate him overnight.

The dispute over political campaigning for a constitutional referendum in Turkey has intensified since a rally to be held by Mr Cavusoglu in Rotterdam was cancelled on Saturday.

Dutch authorities withdrew permission for the foreign ministers plane to land when he vowed to visit the country regardless, sparking a series of tit-for-tat sanctions.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and prominent ministers have called the Dutch government fascists and Nazis, while EU leaders have called the allegations offensive and detached from reality.

Turkish hackers spread the Nazi accusations across high profile Twitter accounts on Wednesday morning, posting pro-Erdogan messages and a link to the President speaking from accounts including Unicef USA, Amnesty International, BBC North America, Forbes and Justin Biebers Japanese account.

A little bit of an Ottoman Slap to you, see you on 16 April, read the identical tweets, using the hashtags #NaziGermany and #NaziHolland.

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The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. 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The dispute has sparked protests in Turkey and across Europe, while Turkish-backed rebels in Syria put out a video accusing the Dutch government of being swayed by the ideology of Mr Wilders xenophobic and racist Party for Freedom (PVV).

A protester scaled the Dutch consulate in Istanbul and replaced the national flag with the Turkish banner during demonstrations on Sunday, while Turkish protesters have been photographed stabbing oranges and holding signs reading fascist Holland.

Ankara also halted high-level talks with Dutch government officials on Monday and closed its airspace to the countrys diplomats, while repeating threats to scrap a deal struck with the EU last year to slow the flow of refugees to Greece.

Nazi allegations were initially levelled at the German government by Mr Erdogan after several cities cancelled planned rallies.

At least four German local authorities have withdrawn permission for pro-Erdogan campaign events, as well as areas of Austria and Switzerland.

Allies of the Turkish President are targeting more than a million Turkish voters living in Europe who will be eligible to cast a ballot in the vote on 16 April.

The referendum could see Turkeys parliamentary system replaced with an executive presidency using constitutional amendments that have alarmed human rights groups by granting sweeping powers to Mr Erdogan.

All rally cancellations have cited safety and administrative issues but were linked to concern over a crackdown seeing thousands of people detained in Turkey following an attempted coup in July.
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The European Parliament has urged lawmakers to improve the lives of 340 million rabbits raised for food in Europe every year.

Independent MEP Stefan Eck tabled a law on rabbits that calls for the animals to be protected in the same way as pigs or chickens raised for meat, which was quickly approved by the Parliament in Strasbourg.

"There are regulations for pork, veal, and poultry chickens, but nothing at all for the protection of rabbits," he said.

Mr Eck joined the European Parliament as a member of an animal rights party and spoke passionately about the plight of rabbits.

He argued in his directive that rabbits are "kept in old-fashioned cages" that leave a space per animal "that is less than the area of two ordinary A4 sheets of paper."

The directive is not a law but effectively a plea to the European Commission, the EU's executive arm, to take action to protect the animals.

The directive also stated rabbits "are extremely sensitive animals and can suffer from a wide range of welfare problems and diseases caused by inappropriate breeding conditions, including fatal viruses, respiratory diseases and sore hocks from sitting on wire-mesh cage floors."

However, the European Commission denied there was a need for rabbits to receive the same special treatment as other farm animals.

"The Commission does not consider it appropriate to propose an initiative on the welfare of farm rabbits," said Consumer Affairs Commissioner Vera Jourova at a debate on the topic.

She said rabbit production in the EU "is essentially concentrated in a few member states mainly Italy, Spain and France", and therefore should remain a national concern.

Additional reporting by agencies
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Dutch voters appear to have decided to stick with the familiar and rewarded Prime Minister Mark Ruttes VVD party a handsome victory over the anti-Islam Freedom Party (PVV) of Geert Wilders to become the largest in the Dutch parliament.

Tonight the Netherlands, after Brexit and the American elections, said stop to the wrong kind of populism, a jubilant Mark Rutte told his supporters in The Hague.

Although the VVD are expected to lose about 10 seats compared to 2012, with 93 per cent of the vote counted at around 5am GMT, Mr Ruttes party were projected to win 33 seats. An earlier exit poll had suggested it would be 31. That put Mr Rutte well ahead of three other parties: Wilder's PVV are set to win 20 seats, while the Christian Democrats (CDA) and Liberal Democrats (D66) all both set to win 19 each.

It appears that the VVD will be the biggest party in the Netherlands for the third time in a row, Mr Rutte said. Tonight we'll celebrate a little.

That margin of the result was surprising, polls predicted a neck and neck race with the PVV. Wilders did not hold a public event around the results but reacted on twitter. We won seats! Our first gains are a fact! And Im not done with Rutte by a long shot! he wrote.

I would rather have been the largest party, Wilders said outside his office in parliament. (But) we gained seats. Thats a result to be proud of.

Even outside of government, his party's influence on Dutch politics had been enormous, he added. Wilders said he did not understand Mr Ruttes comment that Dutch voters had said no to the wrong kind of populists.

I dont know what he means. He is implying there are good and bad populists. I don't see myself as a populist but he is suggesting I am a bad populist and some kind of Nazi.

A political spat with Turkey allowed the Prime Minister to shine just days before the polls opened. This likely increased the phenomenon known as the premiers bonus, a boost in votes for the incumbent. The fight erupted over the Netherlands' refusal to let two Turkish government ministers address rallies in Rotterdam about a referendum that could give Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan more powers.

Thirty-four per cent of voters who opted for the party said the Mr Ruttes handling of Turkey influenced their decision, but over 80 per cent attributed their choice to the economy.

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

After his victory speech Mr Rutte said that he was going to work hard to make sure those who voted for PVV would feel included.

Leaders from across Europe reacted with relief. Congratulations have come pouring in from Germany, Belgium and France.

Both France and Germany have elections this year in which far-right candidates and parties are hoping to make an impact.

French President Francois Hollande congratulated Mr Rutte on his election success and his clear victory against extremism. In Germany, Socialist leader Martin Schulz tweeted. I am relieved, but we need to continue to fight for an open and Free Europe.

German Chancellor Angela Merkels chief of staff, Peter Altmaier, could not restrain his joy, tweeting: The Netherlands, oh the Netherlands you are a champion!..... Congratulations on this great result.

At the VVD election party in The Hague, few people were dancing and a real party atmosphere was lacking. Its because we know how difficult it will be to form a coalition, Liesje Schreinemacher, a 33-year-old lawyer said.

The VVD was also affected by the loss of their coalition partner, the Labour party. That party suffered a historic defeat  projected to lose 29 seats to end up at nine. This is a bitter pill leader Lodewijk Ascher told his supporters. Tonight be are sad together about this dramatic result.

A new party now leads the left; the night saw a historic win for GroenLinks, the Green Left party led by 30-year-old Jesse Klaver, who are expected to take 14 seats, after an earlier projected suggested it would be 16.

Most pundits expect VVD, D66 and CDA to form a coalition but its remains unclear which other party could fill out the remaining seats. A majority coalition needs 76 out of 150 seats, meaning four parties will likely be required. There are likely to be weeks  if not months  of negotiations, particularly with parties pledging not to work with Wilders populist party.

Many voters The Independent spoke to emphasised the importance of this election and a record number headed to the polls. Around 81 per cent were said to have cast their vote, which would be the highest turnout since 1986.
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Pro-environment parties that prioritise tackling climate change have greatly increased the number of seats they are expected to take in the Dutch election, with the Greens doing best of all by almost quadrupling their vote share.

Support for the two most pro-EU parties, the progressive D66 and GreenLeft, was way up on 2012, exit polls show.

The Greens jumped from four seats to 14 in parliament, in part thanks to the campaign led by charismatic leader Jesse Klaver, who has been likened to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

"This is a fantastic result for us, a historic victory," said GreenLeft chairwoman Marjolein Meijer, who suggested the result showed there was "very fertile ground in the Netherlands for change and a positive and hopeful story.

"For us this is just the beginning, she added.

The Greens historic victory turned it into the largest party on the left wing of Dutch politics for the first time.

Mr Klaver said before the first exit poll was announced that left-wing friends in Europe should stand for your principles.

Be straight. Be pro-refugee. Be pro-European, he said.

"We're gaining momentum in the polls. And I think that's the message we have to send to Europe. You can stop populism."

In Amsterdam, exit polls showed GreenLeft had emerged as the largest party, with D66 in second place.

If the polls are reflected in actual votes cast in the Netherlands largest city, Mr Wilders PVV party will finish in sixth place with just 7 per cent of the vote.

Maranne Thieme, an MP with the Dutch Party of the Animals, said the combined seat total of her party, the GreenLeft, D66 and the Christian Union, which also favours environmental protection, was likely to increase to more than 40 in the 150-seat parliamant.
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A woman has been injured by a parcel loaded with explosives that was posted to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) offices in Paris.

It detonated as she opened the package, burning her hands and face in a blast that caused the building to be evacuated and put on a security lockdown.

The device was intended for the IMF's European representative, Jeffrey Franks, who has been in his post since March 2015 after 24 years at the institution.

A French Army soldier talks to a woman as soldiers arrive at the scene near the Paris offices of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Paris, after a letter bomb exploded in the premises (Getty Images)

Investigators said it was comprised of a large black cylinder, about 30cm long, with the blast radius so large the room's ceiling was hit by shrapnel.

French police described the device as a big firecracker that appeared to be homemade.

Recommended Several injured in shooting at French school

The attack bore all the hallmarks of a Greek anarchist group known as the Conspiracy of Fire Cells (Synomosia Pyrinon Tis Fotias), which claimed responsibility for another package bomb sent to the German finance ministry on Wednesday.

Police in Berlin said the device, which was safely intercepted before it reached Wolfgang Schauble, contained explosive substances commonly used in fireworks manufacturing and was designed to cause severe injuries when opened.

Greece's interior ministry said the item had a Greek stamp and was falsely sent under the name of a right-wing New Democracy party politician.

An investigation is underway into how the explosives bypassed Greek security checks to leave the country.

Conspiracy of Fire Cells militants claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it was part of their Nemesis operation in revenge for the imprisonment of activists.

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

Founded during the 2008 financial crisis, the designated terrorist group has carried out waves of fire bombings and a high-profile parcel bomb plot in 2010, where devices were sent to targets including Nicholas Sarkozy, Angela Merkel, Silvio Berlusconi, European embassies and Europol.

Police crackdowns have resulted in a series of arrests and prosecutions but a message posted online on Thursday claimed the groups comrades would continue their violent struggle.

For each comrade in prison, new comrades are ready to take his place and continue the path of attack, said a Conspiracy of Fire Cells statement, signed off with the phrase LONG LIVE ANARCHY.

We sent parcel bomb to the German finance minister as part of the second act of the Project Nemesis campaign.

Watch for more announcements in the future.

There was no immediate claim for the attack on the IMF, which followed previous targeting patterns focusing on authorities and countries linked to Greeces controversial bailout programme.

Francois Hollande, who was on a visit to the south of France near Toulon, said the package bore "a similarity with another event of the same nature in Berlin.

We are trying to establish the causes of what happened as part of an international investigation, the President added, calling the incident a new attack on France and vowing that those responsible would be found.

Police outside the International Monetary Fund (IMF) offices where an envelope exploded in Paris, France (Reuters)

Mr Hollande said: We are again confronted with an attack. There is no other word for it when you are confronted with a package bomb.

I want to tell all those who work for this great institution that we are by their side.

Michel Cadot, the chief of Paris police, said the injured secretary's hearing was also affected and that she was receiving treatment.

Asked if Mr Franks had received threats, he added: There had been some phone calls in recent days but they don't seem necessarily to be linked to this matter.

Frances anti-terrorism branch opened an investigation into attempted murder, destruction through explosive means, possession of explosive substance and links with a terrorist initiative.

IMF director Christine Lagarde, who is on a trip to Germany, said French authorities would ensure the safety of its staff.

I condemn this cowardly act of violence and reaffirm the IMF's resolve to continue our work in line with our mandate, she said.

France remains on high alert following a series of Isis-linked terror attacks that have sparked an ongoing state of emergency.

Thursday's explosion came just hours before a student opened fire at a school in Grasse, where authorities said there was no immediate link to terror.
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Desperate refugees trapped in Greece are self-harming and attempting suicide as a result of disastrous EU policies, aid agencies have warned.

More refugees are dying than ever before while attempting to reach Europe, almost a year after a controversial deal was struck with Turkey in an effort to prevent boat crossings across the Aegean Sea.

The agreement has stranded thousands of asylum seekers in Greece, where aid agencies say children are among rising numbers of migrants trying to kill themselves after months trapped in squalid camps.

Research by Save the Children found more than 5,000 minors are living in appalling conditions that are driving a mounting mental health crisis.

Clothes hung out to dry at the Vial detention centre on the Greek island of Chios (Sacha Myers/Save the Children)

It has recorded children as young as nine self-harming and 12-year-olds attempting suicide, sometimes filming themselves in the act, as well as a spike in drug and alcohol abuse by teenagers who are exploited by dealers in camps.

Violent protests and deaths are traumatising the youngest and most vulnerable refugees, whose families say they are too scared to let their children play out of sight in case they are hurt or abused.

Save the Children staff report that some unaccompanied children live in 24-hour survival mode and sleep in shifts to try to stay safe, while others disappear or pay smugglers to leave the Greek islands.

The EU-Turkey deal was meant to end the flow of irregular migrants to Greece, but at what cost? said Andreas Ring, Save the Childrens humanitarian representative.

Many of these children have escaped war and conflict only to end up in camps many of them call hell and where they say they are made to feel more like animals than humans.

Since 20 March 2016, all migrants arriving on Greek islands have been held, under threat of deportation to Turkey, while their asylum applications are processed, but legal blocks have slowed transfers and left refugees in overcrowded tent camps for up to a year.

Reza, a 23-year-old migrant from Afghanistan, arrived on Lesbos the day after the deal came into force and remains on the island, where three men died over just six days in January.

I feel I am nothing and that I dont have control over my life anymore, he told Human Rights Watch (HRW).

 Refugees in Greece: Every day you die many times

I cant leave the island and after such a long time here, I feel that nothing has a purpose anymore. You feel like crazy, wandering around without knowing why.

Reza said he received no information about the asylum process for two months and was not told borders had closed across Europe, then watched Syrians be prioritised for asylum interviews.

Eva Cosse, the HRW researcher for Greece, said authorities must ensure people have meaningful access to asylum, that is free of discrimination over nationality or religion.

The EU-Turkey deal has been an unmitigated disaster for the very people it is supposed to protect, she added.

Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) is working inside designated refugee hotspots across Greece, where charity workers are warning of the human cost of European policy failures.

Its research has shown rocketing rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, trauma and psychosis.

Louise Roland Gosselin, MSFs humanitarian affairs advisor in Greece, said tent camps on Lesbos, Leros, Samos, Chios and Kos were built as transit areas for stays of a matter of days but some are now at double capacity.

Refugee crisis - in pictures Show all 27 1 /27 Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugee crisis - in pictures A child looks through the fence at the Moria detention camp for migrants and refugees at the island of Lesbos on May 24, 2016. AFP/Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures Ahmad Zarour, 32, from Syria, reacts after his rescue by MOAS (Migrant Offshore Aid Station) while attempting to reach the Greek island of Agathonisi, Dodecanese, southeastern Agean Sea Refugee crisis - in pictures Syrian migrants holding life vests gather onto a pebble beach in the Yesil liman district of Canakkale, northwestern Turkey, after being stopped by Turkish police in their attempt to reach the Greek island of Lesbos on 29 January 2016. Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees flash the 'V for victory' sign during a demonstration as they block the Greek-Macedonian border Refugee crisis - in pictures Migrants have been braving sub zero temperatures as they cross the border from Macedonia into Serbia. Refugee crisis - in pictures A sinking boat is seen behind a Turkish gendarme off the coast of Canakkale's Bademli district on January 30, 2016. At least 33 migrants drowned on January 30 when their boat sank in the Aegean Sea while trying to cross from Turkey to Greece. Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures A general view of a shelter for migrants inside a hangar of the former Tempelhof airport in Berlin, Germany Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees protest behind a fence against restrictions limiting passage at the Greek-Macedonian border, near Gevgelija. Since last week, Macedonia has restricted passage to northern Europe to only Syrians, Iraqis and Afghans who are considered war refugees. All other nationalities are deemed economic migrants and told to turn back. Macedonia has finished building a fence on its frontier with Greece becoming the latest country in Europe to build a border barrier aimed at checking the flow of refugees Refugee crisis - in pictures A father and his child wait after being caught by Turkish gendarme on 27 January 2016 at Canakkale's Kucukkuyu district Refugee crisis - in pictures Migrants make hand signals as they arrive into the southern Spanish port of Malaga on 27 January, 2016 after an inflatable boat carrying 55 Africans, seven of them women and six chidren, was rescued by the Spanish coast guard off the Spanish coast. Refugee crisis - in pictures A refugee holds two children as dozens arrive on an overcrowded boat on the Greek island of Lesbos Refugee crisis - in pictures A child, covered by emergency blankets, reacts as she arrives, with other refugees and migrants, on the Greek island of Lesbos, At least five migrants including three children, died after four boats sank between Turkey and Greece, as rescue workers searched the sea for dozens more, the Greek coastguard said Refugee crisis - in pictures Migrants wait under outside the Moria registration camp on the Lesbos. Over 400,000 people have landed on Greek islands from neighbouring Turkey since the beginning of the year Refugee crisis - in pictures The bodies of Christian refugees are buried separately from Muslim refugees at the Agios Panteleimonas cemetery in Mytilene, Lesbos Refugee crisis - in pictures Macedonian police officers control a crowd of refugees as they prepare to enter a camp after crossing the Greek border into Macedonia near Gevgelija Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures A refugee tries to force the entry to a camp as Macedonian police officers control a crowd after crossing the Greek border into Macedonia near Gevgelija Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees are seen aboard a Turkish fishing boat as they arrive on the Greek island of Lesbos after crossing a part of the Aegean Sea from the Turkish coast to Lesbos Reuters Refugee crisis - in pictures An elderly woman sings a lullaby to baby on a beach after arriving with other refugees on the Greek island of Lesbos after crossing the Aegean sea from Turkey Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures A man collapses as refugees make land from an overloaded rubber dinghy after crossing the Aegean see from Turkey, at the island of Lesbos EPA Refugee crisis - in pictures A girl reacts as refugees arrive by boat on the Greek island of Lesbos after crossing the Aegean sea from Turkey Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees make a show of hands as they queue after crossing the Greek border into Macedonia near Gevgelija Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures People help a wheelchair user board a train with others, heading towards Serbia, at the transit camp for refugees near the southern Macedonian town of Gevgelija AP Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees board a train, after crossing the Greek-Macedonian border, near Gevgelija. Macedonia is a key transit country in the Balkans migration route into the EU, with thousands of asylum seekers - many of them from Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq and Somalia - entering the country every day Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures An aerial picture shows the "New Jungle" refugee camp where some 3,500 people live while they attempt to enter Britain, near the port of Calais, northern France Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures A Syrian girl reacts as she helped by a volunteer upon her arrival from Turkey on the Greek island of Lesbos, after having crossed the Aegean Sea EPA Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees arrive by boat on the Greek island of Lesbos after crossing the Aegean sea from Turkey Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures Beds ready for use for migrants and refugees are prepared at a processing center on January 27, 2016 in Passau, Germany. The flow of migrants arriving in Passau has dropped to between 500 and 1,000 per day, down significantly from last November, when in the same region up to 6,000 migrants were arriving daily.

Peoples mental health condition deteriorated as soon as the deal was signed, she told The Independent.

Firstly because of the conditions in the camps  crammed in these difficult conditions, with no activities to do at all in the day.

The second thing thats even harder is they dont know whats going to happen to them.

A lot of these people have fled terrible conflicts and are facing a return to Turkey, where their future would be very uncertain.

People over the last year have just been crushed, mentally and physically.

MSF is treating dozens of torture victims at a specialist centre in Athens, with asylum seekers reporting being imprisoned, beaten and raped, and fears many more are not getting the help they need.

Ms Gosselin said between 5 and 30 per cent of refugees have been tortured, including people from Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, whose citizens make up almost a third of MSFs patients.

At the moment theres real discrimination with a sense of there being good refugees and bad migrants, and the Africans are usually seen less deserving of international protection, she added. There is a need for fair procedures.

A migrant stands next to a snow-covered tent at the Moria detention camp on the Greek island of Lesbos on 7 January (AFP/Getty)

Arash, a 30-year-old asylum seeker, who was a political prisoner in Iran, said he was tortured and forced through mock executions but was not afforded protection as a vulnerable person by Greek authorities.

Ive attempted three times to kill myself, he told HRW in the EU-sponsored Moria detention centre on Lesbos.

The conditions here remind me of the prison in Iran, the nightmares, the threats and the torture.

Almost 13,000 asylum seekers are trapped on Greek islands according to UN figures  far above the 8,700 capacity  and a backlog in claims is expected to grow amid legal disputes over whether Turkey can be considered a safe country for deportations.

With many tent camps lacking proper shelter, heating and fuel, several asylum seekers were killed by hypothermia, carbon monoxide poisoning and a gas blast during a period of extreme cold over the winter, with at least 13 dying so far this year on European soil.

A grim record of 5,000 deaths at sea in 2016 is on course to be surpassed this year, with at least 525 migrants being drowned or suffocated on boat journeys over the Mediterranean in 2017.

Most lives are lost on the treacherous crossing between war-torn Libya and Italy, where numbers have increased since the EU-Turkey deal slowed shorter and comparatively safer voyages over the Aegean Sea to a trickle.

The European Union vowed to increase cooperation with Libyas fragile government at a summit last week but face opposition from humanitarian agencies as conflict between warring factions worsens in the country.

Opponents warn that any move to prevent refugees from leaving warzones in Libya force them into detention centres where they are being tortured and killed would be a violation of international law.

The British Government has sent millions of pounds in aid to Turkey, Libya and other countries housing migrants but has been criticised for scrapping a programme to resettle child refugees in the UK.
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The head of Sweden's intelligence agency has said there is "a real and serious threat against the security" in the country amid growing concerns about Russian aggression.

Sapo head Anders Thornberg said the agency has "never had a bigger and more complex task" and added Norway "has an increased military strategic importance".

While he did not explicitly talk about Russia, non-Nato member Sweden stationed permanent troops on the Baltic Sea island of Gotland in September.

The move was described as sending a signal after Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea and its "increasing pressure" in the region.

 Donald Trump: Sweden baffled by reference to unknown terror incident

Sweden, which is not a Nato member, is currently in the process of upgrading its military with a sharp hike in spending, and has urged local governments to prepare their civil defence infrastructure and procedures for a future war.

When presenting the agency's annual report, Mr Thornberg said it had investigated an undisclosed number of cases where people were suspected of giving out classified information to foreign governments.

The report came after Sweden reintroduced a military draft for both men and women over concerns about increased military action in the Baltic region.

Defence Minister Peter Hultqvist said the left-leaning government is reintroducing the draft because of a deteriorating security environment in Europe and around Sweden.

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

Under the newly approved plan, at least 4,000 18-year-olds could be called up each year, starting in January.

As in the current system, Swedes will still be able to volunteer for military service.

The country abolished the draft in 2010, when only men were eligible, because there were enough volunteers to meet the regions military needs.
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Recep Tayyip Erdogan has accused Europe of staring a clash between Christianity and Islam with a ruling allowing employers to ban headscarves as part of wider restrictions on religious and political symbols.

Speaking hours after his foreign minister warned that holy wars will soon begin, the Turkish President launched a fresh attack amid an ongoing row over the cancellation of his supporters rallies across Europe.

He said the European Court of Justice ruling that upheld the dismissal of two Muslim women who refused to remove their hijabs started a clash between crescent and cross in terminology alluding to the Crusades.

Shame on the EU. Down with your European principles, values and justice," Mr Erdogan told supporters in Sakarya. "They started a clash between the cross and the crescent, there is no other explanation."

 Hundreds of pro-Turkey protesters clash with police in Rotterdam

In a combative speech, Mr Erdogan hit out at European leaders in Netherlands and Germany after Turkish ministers were presented from holding events drumming up support ahead of a constitutional referendum.

The Turkish President said the Dutch Prime Minister, who beat far-right leader Geert Wilders in Wednesday's general election, had lost Ankara's friendship by banning Turkish political campaigning in the country.

Oh Mark Rutte, you may have come out as the first party, but you should know that you have lost a friend like Turkey, Mr Erdogan added.

The dispute has intensified since a rally to be held by foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu in Rotterdam was cancelled on Saturday.

Dutch authorities withdrew permission for the foreign ministers plane to land when he vowed to visit the country regardless, sparking a series of tit-for-tat sanctions.

Mr Cavusolglu claimed the "mentality" of Dutch and European politicians would spark "holy wars" in Europe on Thursday, claiming there was no difference between Mr Rutte's victorious party and "fascist" Mr Wilders.

The Turkish President and prominent ministers have called the Dutch government fascists and Nazis, while EU leaders have called the allegations offensive and detached from reality.

In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Show all 17 1 /17 In pictures: Turkey coup attempt In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Turkish President Erdogan attends the funeral service for victims of the thwarted coup in Istanbul at Fatih mosque on July 17, 2016 in Istanbul, Turkey Burak Kara/Getty Images In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Soldiers involved in the coup attempt surrender on Bosphorus bridge with their hands raised in Istanbul on 16 July, 2016 Gokhan Tan/Getty In pictures: Turkey coup attempt A civilian beats a soldier after troops involved in the coup surrendered on the Bosphorus Bridge in Istanbul, Turkey, 16 July, 2016 REUTERS/Murad Sezer In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Surrendered Turkish soldiers who were involved in the coup are beaten by a civilian Reuters In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Soliders involved in the coup attempt surrender on Bosphorus bridge Getty In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Supporters of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan wave flags as they capture a Turkish Army vehicle Getty In pictures: Turkey coup attempt People pose near a tank after troops involved in the coup surrendered on the Bosphorus Bridge in Istanbul, Turkey, 16 July, 2016 Reuters In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Turkish soldiers block Istanbul's Bosphorus Brigde Getty In pictures: Turkey coup attempt A Turkish military stands guard near the Taksim Square in Istanbul Reuters In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Pierre Crom/Twitter In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Turkish soldiers secure the area as supporters of Recep Tayyip Erdogan protest in Istanbul's Taksim square AP In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Murad Sezer/Reuters In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Turkish soldiers detain police officers during a security shutdown of the Bosphorus Bridge Reuters In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Turkish Army armoured personnel carriers in the main streets of Istanbul Getty In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Chaos reigned in Istanbul as tanks drove through the streets EPA/TOLGA BOZOGLU In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan speaks to media in the resort town of Marmaris Reuters In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Supporters of President Erdogan celebrate in Ankara following the suppression of the attempted coup Reuters

The dispute has sparked protests in Turkey and across Europe. A protester scaled the Dutch consulate in Istanbul and replaced the national flag with the Turkish banner during demonstrations on Sunday, while Turkish protesters have been photographed stabbing oranges and holding signs reading fascist Holland.

Ankara also halted high-level talks with Dutch government officials on Monday and closed its airspace to the countrys diplomats, while repeating threats to scrap a deal struck with the EU last year to slow the flow of refugees to Greece.

You bar my minister from entering the Netherlands...and then you expect us to grant access to migrants? Mr Erdogan said. There can be no such thing.

Allies of the Turkish President are targeting more than a million Turkish voters living in Europe who will be eligible to cast a ballot in the vote on 16 April.

The referendum could see Turkeys parliamentary system replaced with an executive presidency using constitutional amendments that have alarmed human rights groups by granting sweeping powers to Mr Erdogan.

Areas of Germany, Switzerland and Austria have stopped rallies supporting the change - with all citing safety and administrative reasons - but the cancellations have been seen as a response to a security crackdowns and purges following an attempted coup.

Angela Merkel's office said she discussed the tensions between EU nations and Turkey with Francois Hollande in a phone call on Thursday.

The two leaders reiterated that Nazi allegations levelled against Turkey's Nato allies were unacceptable, while the French President expressed solidarity with Germany and other affected countries.

A statement from the German government said the pair agreed that appearances by Turkish politicians in Germany and France can be approved - if they are registered in good time and transparently, and adhere strictly to national law.
Details added (first version posted on 17:44)

Baku, Azerbaijan, Mar. 16

Trend:

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev met with President of the Republic of Latvia Raimonds Vejonis in Baku Mar. 16.

President Aliyev expressed his satisfaction with the participation of President Vejonis in the 5th Global Baku Forum, adding this event has already become a tradition.

President Vejonis stressed the importance of the fact that delegates from 53 countries attend the 5th Global Baku Forum, and noted that the Azerbaijani side excellently organized the event.

President Vejonis said he is proud that former Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga is a co-chair of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center.

President Vejonis presented a letter to President Aliyev, inviting him to pay an official visit to Latvia.

He expressed confidence that the trip will contribute to the expansion of cooperation between the two countries. Touching upon Azerbaijan-Latvia relations in various areas, President Vejonis pointed out the work to enhance cooperation in the field of education.

President Vejonis noted that relevant measures were taken in order to ensure the study of Azerbaijani students in Latvian universities.

The sides exchanged views on the negotiations to settle the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

They underlined that bonds between Azerbaijan and Latvia are successfully developing in a variety of fields. The presidents noted that there are good opportunities for expanding bilateral cooperation.
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Turkey has threatened to end a refugee deal amid the deepening diplomatic crisis with the European Union.

Tensions are running high after Germany and the Netherlands prevented Turkish politicians from holding rallies intended to bolster support for a referendum on giving President Recep Tayyip Erdogan sweeping new powers.

Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu warned Turkey may cancel a migrant readmission agreement with the EU and said it is also reevaluating a $6bn (4.9bn) refugee deal with the bloc.

Mr Erdogan later said in a televised speech the EU could "forget about" the migrant deal, first struck in 2013 in which Turkey agreed to take back migrants who travelled illegally to the EU in return for the promise of visa-free travel.

He accused the EU of not sticking with a promise to grant Turkish nationals the right to travel visa-free in Europe and went on to accuse Europe of starting a clash between Christianity and Islam after a ruling allowed employers to ban headscarves as part of wider restrictions on religious and political symbols.

 Hundreds of pro-Turkey protesters clash with police in Rotterdam

"We may cancel the readmission agreement. The EU has been wasting our time on the visa liberalisation issue," Mr Cavusoglu said in an interview on Kanal 24.

"We are not applying the readmission agreement at the moment, and we are evaluating the refugee deal."

His comments come on the first anniversary of a deal to stop would-be refugees from crossing into Greece, in exchange for financial aid for those staying in Turkey and accelerated EU membership talks.The row escalated after the Dutch government banned a rally in Rotterdam at the weekend.

Mr Erdogan retaliated by branding the Netherlands "Nazi remnants." He also accused Germany of "fascist actions" after it cancelled several planned rallies.

EU leaders called the allegations offensive and "detached from reality."

In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Show all 17 1 /17 In pictures: Turkey coup attempt In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Turkish President Erdogan attends the funeral service for victims of the thwarted coup in Istanbul at Fatih mosque on July 17, 2016 in Istanbul, Turkey Burak Kara/Getty Images In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Soldiers involved in the coup attempt surrender on Bosphorus bridge with their hands raised in Istanbul on 16 July, 2016 Gokhan Tan/Getty In pictures: Turkey coup attempt A civilian beats a soldier after troops involved in the coup surrendered on the Bosphorus Bridge in Istanbul, Turkey, 16 July, 2016 REUTERS/Murad Sezer In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Surrendered Turkish soldiers who were involved in the coup are beaten by a civilian Reuters In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Soliders involved in the coup attempt surrender on Bosphorus bridge Getty In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Supporters of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan wave flags as they capture a Turkish Army vehicle Getty In pictures: Turkey coup attempt People pose near a tank after troops involved in the coup surrendered on the Bosphorus Bridge in Istanbul, Turkey, 16 July, 2016 Reuters In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Turkish soldiers block Istanbul's Bosphorus Brigde Getty In pictures: Turkey coup attempt A Turkish military stands guard near the Taksim Square in Istanbul Reuters In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Pierre Crom/Twitter In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Turkish soldiers secure the area as supporters of Recep Tayyip Erdogan protest in Istanbul's Taksim square AP In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Murad Sezer/Reuters In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Turkish soldiers detain police officers during a security shutdown of the Bosphorus Bridge Reuters In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Turkish Army armoured personnel carriers in the main streets of Istanbul Getty In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Chaos reigned in Istanbul as tanks drove through the streets EPA/TOLGA BOZOGLU In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan speaks to media in the resort town of Marmaris Reuters In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Supporters of President Erdogan celebrate in Ankara following the suppression of the attempted coup Reuters

Turkish hackers spread Nazi accusations across high profile Twitter accounts, posting pro-Erdogan messages from accounts including Amnesty International, BBC North America and Forbes.

A day after Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte was reelected, Mr Erdogan said he had lost the friendship of Ankara over the row.

Despite Mr Rutte's victory over the far-right populist leader Geert Wilders, the Turkish foreign minister claimed "holy wars will soon begin" in Europe.

Now the election is over in the Netherlands...when you look at the many parties you see there is no difference between the social democrats and fascist Wilders, Mr Cavusoglu said.

French President Francois Hollande said the comparisons with the Nazis are unacceptable and expressed solidarity with Germany and the Netherlands.

Mr Erdogan, who survived a military coup last summer, has defended his plans to amass greater powers, saying Turkey needs greater stability.

His crackdown on dissenting voices among the judiciary and the media since the failed coup has drawn condemnation from the West.

The EU is, however, caught between holding Mr Erdogan accountable and guaranteeing the continuation of a deal to control the flow of refugees who pass through Turkey and into Europe.
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The Russian government says that its agents weren't involved in hacking 500 million Yahoo accounts after the US charged two spies two spies over a state-sponsored cyber attack.

The Kremlin said its FSB domestic intelligence service was not involved in any unlawful activity. It appeared to suggest that no Russian intelligence agents have ever hacked anyone else.

This week it emerged that the US Department of Justice would charge two Russian spies with hacking into Yahoo in one of the biggest cyber attacks in history. It said that FSB agents had paid hackers to steal people's email accounts and try and gather information about journalists and politicians.

Dmitry Peskov claimed Russia had received no official information about the charges and had gleaned all it knew about the case from media reports.

We have said repeatedly that there can be no discussion of any official involvement of any Russian office, including the FSB being involved in any unlawful cyber activities, he added.

The Department of Justice announced the prosecutions on Wednesday, calling the 2014 hack one of the largest data breaches in US history.

The defendants include two officers of the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB), an intelligence and law enforcement agency of the Russian Federation and two criminal hackers with whom they conspired to accomplish these intrusions,  said Acting Assistant Attorney General Mary McCord.

The Department of Justice is continuing to send the powerful message that we will not allow individuals, groups, nation states or a combination of them to compromise the privacy of our citizens, the economic interests of our companies, or the security of our country.

Gadget and tech news: In pictures Show all 25 1 /25 Gadget and tech news: In pictures Gadget and tech news: In pictures Gun-toting humanoid robot sent into space Russia has launched a humanoid robot into space on a rocket bound for the International Space Station (ISS). The robot Fedor will spend 10 days aboard the ISS practising skills such as using tools to fix issues onboard. Russia's deputy prime minister Dmitry Rogozin has previously shared videos of Fedor handling and shooting guns at a firing range with deadly accuracy. Dmitry Rogozin/Twitter Gadget and tech news: In pictures Google turns 21 Google celebrates its 21st birthday on September 27. The The search engine was founded in September 1998 by two PhD students, Larry Page and Sergey Brin, in their dormitories at Californias Stanford University. Page and Brin chose the name google as it recalled the mathematic term 'googol', meaning 10 raised to the power of 100 Google Gadget and tech news: In pictures Hexa drone lifts off Chief engineer of LIFT aircraft Balazs Kerulo demonstrates the company's "Hexa" personal drone craft in Lago Vista, Texas on June 3 2019 Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures Project Scarlett to succeed Xbox One Microsoft announced Project Scarlett, the successor to the Xbox One, at E3 2019. The company said that the new console will be 4 times as powerful as the Xbox One and is slated for a release date of Christmas 2020 Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures First new iPod in four years Apple has announced the new iPod Touch, the first new iPod in four years. The device will have the option of adding more storage, up to 256GB Apple Gadget and tech news: In pictures Folding phone may flop Samsung will cancel orders of its Galaxy Fold phone at the end of May if the phone is not then ready for sale. The $2000 folding phone has been found to break easily with review copies being recalled after backlash PA Gadget and tech news: In pictures Charging mat non-starter Apple has cancelled its AirPower wireless charging mat, which was slated as a way to charge numerous apple products at once AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures "Super league" India shoots down satellite India has claimed status as part of a "super league" of nations after shooting down a live satellite in a test of new missile technology EPA Gadget and tech news: In pictures 5G incoming 5G wireless internet is expected to launch in 2019, with the potential to reach speeds of 50mb/s Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Uber halts driverless testing after death Uber has halted testing of driverless vehicles after a woman was killed by one of their cars in Tempe, Arizona. March 19 2018 Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures A humanoid robot gestures during a demo at a stall in the Indian Machine Tools Expo, IMTEX/Tooltech 2017 held in Bangalore Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures A humanoid robot gestures during a demo at a stall in the Indian Machine Tools Expo, IMTEX/Tooltech 2017 held in Bangalore Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Engineers test a four-metre-tall humanoid manned robot dubbed Method-2 in a lab of the Hankook Mirae Technology in Gunpo, south of Seoul, South Korea Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Engineers test a four-metre-tall humanoid manned robot dubbed Method-2 in a lab of the Hankook Mirae Technology in Gunpo, south of Seoul, South Korea Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures The giant human-like robot bears a striking resemblance to the military robots starring in the movie 'Avatar' and is claimed as a world first by its creators from a South Korean robotic company Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Engineers test a four-metre-tall humanoid manned robot dubbed Method-2 in a lab of the Hankook Mirae Technology in Gunpo, south of Seoul, South Korea Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Waseda University's saxophonist robot WAS-5, developed by professor Atsuo Takanishi Rex Gadget and tech news: In pictures Waseda University's saxophonist robot WAS-5, developed by professor Atsuo Takanishi and Kaptain Rock playing one string light saber guitar perform jam session Rex Gadget and tech news: In pictures A test line of a new energy suspension railway resembling the giant panda is seen in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A test line of a new energy suspension railway, resembling a giant panda, is seen in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A concept car by Trumpchi from GAC Group is shown at the International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, China Rex Gadget and tech news: In pictures A Mirai fuel cell vehicle by Toyota is displayed at the International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A visitor tries a Nissan VR experience at the International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A man looks at an exhibit entitled 'Mimus' a giant industrial robot which has been reprogrammed to interact with humans during a photocall at the new Design Museum in South Kensington, London Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures A new Israeli Da-Vinci unmanned aerial vehicle manufactured by Elbit Systems is displayed during the 4th International conference on Home Land Security and Cyber in the Israeli coastal city of Tel Aviv Getty

She named two FSB officers, Dmitry Dokuchaev and Igor Sushchin, who allegedly directed and paid hackers Alexsey Belan and Karim Baratov.

They are accused of targeting the Yahoo accounts of Russian and American government officials, including cyber security, diplomatic and military personnel, as well as Russian journalists other network providers and financial services employees.
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Israel and its allies have reacted with anger to a new report from the United Nations which has found that Israel is guilty of imposing an apartheid regime on the Palestinian people.

The analysis, commissioned and published by the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia, which recognises a Palestinian state as a working member, found that Palestinians are subjected to a strategic fragmentation that allows Israel to impose racial domination with different sets of laws for different peoples.

Palestinians are subjected to oppression on the basis of not being Jewish in education, healthcare, employment and residency rights, wrote authors Virginia Tilley, professor of political science at Southern Illinois University, and Richard Falk, a former UN special rapporteur on human rights in the Palestinian Territories.

Israel is guilty [beyond a reasonable doubt] of imposing an apartheid regime which amounts to the commission of a crime against humanity, they concluded, urging governments to support anti-Israel boycott, divestment and sanctions efforts and calling for an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice on whether Israeli practices amount to apartheid.

Israels envoy to the UN, Danny Danon, was quick to issue a statement after the reports publication on Wednesday, which he called a blatant lie.

The attempt to smear and falsely label the only true democracy in the Middle East by creating a false analogy is despicable, he said.

 Netanyahu: Friends don't take friends to the Security Council

A spokesperson for the United Nations has said the report as it stands does not reflect the views of the secretary-general and was written without consultation from the UN secretariat.

US envoy Nikki Haley welcomed the secretariats comments. The United States is outraged by the report, she said in a statement.

The United Nations secretariat was right to distance itself from this report, but it must go further and withdraw the report altogether.

The backlash comes at an already strained time for UN-Israel relations; next week the security council will meet to to discuss the implementation of Decembers symbolic vote condemning Israeli settlement building in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
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A Palestinian doctor whose three daughters and niece were killed by Israeli tank fire during the 2009 war in Gaza, is suing the Israeli government.

Dr Izzeldin Abuelaish made headlines around the world when Bessan, 21, Mayar, 15, and Aya, 14, were killed with their cousin Noor.

Shortly after the attack, he placed phone-call to an Israeli television station that was circulated across the globe.

"What have we done to them, oh God? What have we done?" he wailed. "They killed my daughters."

He is now demanding compensation and a formal apology from Israel for their deaths.

During opening arguments, Israeli Forces claimed both that Hamas operatives were in the house providing guidance to sniper fire, and that it was a Palestinians weapon cache within the building which caused the explosion.

But Dr Abuelaish told the court: "I had convinced my daughters to give life and to help others, not with tank shells, but with wisdom and education, with words from the heart".

Dr Abulaish has recently gained Canadian citizenship, and published a book entitled 'I Shall Not Hate' (wikimedia commons)

If he succeeds in winning the case, he said any damages from the trial will go to the women's education charity he has set up in their memory.

The 62-year-old was born in a Gazan refugee camp, and won a scholarship to study in Cairo before completing his training in London and at Harvard. He was the first Palestinian doctor to receive a staff position at an Israeli hospital.

He has since moved to Canada.

Speaking to the Haaretz newspaper before the trial, he said: My daughters had names, they had faces, they had plans, they had hopes... It is a disgrace to call human beings collateral damage.

His daughters and niece were killed during "Operation Cast Lead", launched by the Israeli Army in response to improvised 'Qassam' rockets fired from the Gaza Strip.

Around 1400 Palestinians, including over 900 civilians, were killed during the three-week conflict. Thirteen Israelis also died, three of whom were civilians.

The trial continues.
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Hes been arrested twice, hospitalised in 20 countries and bribed officials. Hes been smuggled across borders and been surrounded by gunfire and bombing. But he's done it. After 10 years of almost full-time travel, plenty of adventure and too many air miles to count, this week Irishman Johnny Ward achieved his goal of visiting all 197 countries in the world.

Im a little hungover, he told The Independent yesterday, after reaching his final destination, Norway and the Arctic Circle. We had a lot of champagne. Ward celebrated with his flight attendant girlfriend, family, and friends whod flown in from across the globe.

Johnny Ward's round the world tour Show all 15 1 /15 Johnny Ward's round the world tour Johnny Ward's round the world tour Life's a beach: it took 9 months to reach this beach in Yemen Johnny Ward Johnny Ward's round the world tour Ward in Thailand Johnny Ward Johnny Ward's round the world tour Johnny took his mum to Afghanistan with him Johnny Ward Johnny Ward's round the world tour It's safe to say his mum has got into the idea of her son's travels Johnny Ward Johnny Ward's round the world tour In Algeria, Ward stayed with a local family and fasted with them for a week during Ramadan Johnny Ward Johnny Ward's round the world tour Toasting their travels: Ward and girlfriend Jaa Johnny Ward Johnny Ward's round the world tour Johnny and friend Josh were arrested in Ivory Coast for trying to sneak across the border Johnny Ward Johnny Ward's round the world tour The 197 countries weren't a tick list, he insists - he spent at least 2 weeks in each Johnny Ward Johnny Ward's round the world tour Johnny's stay in Mogadishu was eventful Johnny Ward Johnny Ward's round the world tour Kalansia Beach in Yemen Johnny Ward Johnny Ward's round the world tour 197 countries get the thumbs up from Johnny Johnny Ward Johnny Ward's round the world tour Slumming it at his Bangkok condo Johnny Ward Johnny Ward's round the world tour At the police station in Ivory Coast. He was arrestedtwice. Johnny Ward Johnny Ward's round the world tour Johnny and his girlfriend celebrated the end of his travels (for now) in the Arctic Circle Johnny Ward Johnny Ward's round the world tour Dragon blood trees in Yemen Johnny Ward

Ward, 33, chose Norway as his final destination due to its proximity to Ireland. The previous two countries on his list, Saudi Arabia and Yemen, were the most challenging to visit.

Saudi Arabia doesnt even have a tourist visa and I spent nearly $1000 on paperwork, and ended up getting sponsorship to visit, when I clearly wasnt there on business, he says.

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Yemen is in the middle of a full-on civil war. Id tried and failed to get there five times. By chance I ended up meeting the grandson of the King of Socotra, who bribed Yemeni officials and I ended up hitching there on a cement cargo ship. It took nine months of trying to make it.

Im so grateful to be in this position, he adds. I think only about 100 people have done this [visited all the world's countries] in history.

Unlike other people whove ticked off countries by spending a few hours in the airport, Ward, who blogs at Onestep4ward, has spent an average two or three weeks in each. And if youre wondering how he can afford it, hes earned more than $150,000 by blogging about his travels. He now owns his own digital media company and makes a mint.

Galway-born Ward, who was raised by a single parent and grew up on benefits, first got the travel bug while working on summer camps in the USA. Back home and broke, he took part in a medical research experiment to earn 2000. He spent half on an English teaching qualification, and half on a one-way ticket to Thailand. From there, he travelled around South-East Asia on a budget of $5 a day.

Kalasia Beach, Western Socotra  worth Johnny's nine-month attempt to get there. (OneStep4Ward)

It was the start of his quest. At 26, he launched his blog and the rest is history.

It hasnt been easy. Im quite a reckless person, he admits. I broke an ankle in Korea, my leg in Thailand and Ive been in hospital about 20 times.

I saw a guy getting shot in Angola when Id only been in the country for 20 minutes. It was horrendous.

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In Guinea he faced cockroaches, and in Somalia, he says, there were bombs whistling overhead - Al Qaeda was on the attack in Mogadishu. Does he feel he's been lucky? I dont know about lucky, but I always just put a positive spin on things, he says. And it means I have stories to tell.

Sometimes, however, Ward himself is the bad guy. He was arrested after paying someone to smuggle him and a friend across the border from Liberia to Ivory Coast, when it was closed due to the Ebola crisis. I got caught, and was taken a police station, he says. I tried to bribe them. That didnt go down too well.

On his second attempt, he was caught again.

After three hours of begging them to let me go, they called the Chief of Police. I loaded up my blog to show them that I was trying to visit every country in the world, and he softened up.

Johnny was arrested twice in the Ivory Coast, but still found time for selfies (OneStep4Ward)

Ward says his travels have taught him that people are essentially the same, no matter their cultures or beliefs. Hes visited all the countries on Donald Trumps notorious ban. That really pisses me off, he says. The Middle East is my favourite place in the world. The people are so friendly.

In fact, Ward has a big following in North Africa. I was in Tunisia in 2015 when there was the terrorist attack in Sousse, he says. I put up this blog post about how this didnt represent Islam. Its not them against us, its all of us against these dickheads.

The next day, en route to Algeria, a family whod been following his travels offered to put him up for the night. It was Ramadan, and although they offered him food, he thought eating in front of them would be disrespectful. Instead, he stayed for a week, fasting with them.

Johnny and girlfriend Jaa celebrate the end of his quest in the Arctic Circle (Johnny Ward)

Has he not missed his own family on his travels? I havent sacrificed my life entirely, he says. I always try to spend a few months of the year with my friends and family in Thailand and the UK. Hes invested in a condo in the Bangkok (where his girlfriend Jaa lives) and his mum has also joined him for some of his trips, including Afghanistan. His new goal is to get her to 20 countries.

But theres a serious side to his journey, too. During his travels, he started a charity, Give Back Give Away, whose next project will be providing school equipment and building a playground for refugee Burmese children in northern Thailand.

And at the end of the year, its time for another adventure: circumnavigating the globe in 80 days.

Im always going to travel for four or six months of the year, says Ward. Im quite free financially, and I can work anywhere I want.

And the biggest lesson hes learnt? Be honest with yourself, he says. If you want to travel or want to work 9 to 5, thats fine. But just focus on your goal. I hate to see people drifting through life. Were presented with so many opportunities and its our duty to grab them.

Follow Johnny's travels at Onestep4ward.com and his charity work at Give Back Give Away

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Tomorrow, as happens every year on March 17th, swarms of visitors will descend upon Dublin, bedecked in giant leprechaun hats and ginger beards. Buildings around the city will be bathed in green, the pubs will be filled to the brim and more tourists than usual will sway in the street, loudly proclaiming their dubious Irish heritage.

But while the festivities will undoubtedly take over the city, not all are in the mood to get messy.

Danny O'Leary is the co-director of Alt Events, which runs a series of events around Dublin with one crucial USP  no alcohol is involved. This year, they are throwing a Sober St Patricks Day, giving those who want to celebrate without booze a place in which to do so.

I remember coming in to Paddys Day when I was younger, and it was fun, OLeary told The Independent. But as soon as you reach an age where you understand whats going on, the citys just full of people puking in the streets. Its chaos  its proper apocalyptic levels of pissing in peoples doorways. And everybody laughs it off, saying thats what it is to be Irish, but no youre pissing in someones doorway.

There's more to Dublin than its pubs, say these brave locals (Getty)

The event is pitched as the answer to the drink-centric culture of St Patricks Day, where its not unusual to see bodies slumped against walls in the middle of the day.

Weve reached a point where its become so normalised, that I would like to maybe illustrate how abnormal it is, says O'Leary. On St Patricks Day, when everybody is out in the streets getting blitzed out of their minds and puking everywhere, were going to have an event where you dont have to do that.

Instead, attendees will soak in acoustic music, open mic storytelling, movie screenings and video game tournaments, as well as a bring and share Dessert Party in the communal kitchen.

It's all fun and games in Dublin on St Patrick's Day... until the excessive drinking begins (Getty)

The event is being held at The Clockwork Door, a relatively new venue with an interesting concept. Billed as a 'time house', visitors pay by the minute for entry, where they can chill out on sofas, watch a movie, make a cup of tea or play a game  all in the city centre.

The Clockwork Door opened in September 2016, somewhat ironically in the notoriously rowdy district of Temple Bar. Ciaran Hogan opened the venue after living away from Ireland for six years and realising, on his return, that there didn't seem to be anywhere to meet friends apart from cafes or pubs.

I wanted a cosy place in the centre to meet, chat, relax and feel at home, Hogan told The Independent. By chance, one of the times I came home on a visit was on Good Friday, when every bar and pub [in Ireland] is closed. I was shocked to see how much of a ghost town the centre of our capital city can be without alcohol. That was shocking and disappointing, and I knew something needed to be done.

Up to 650,000 spectators are expected at Dublin's St Patrick's Day parade tomorrow. But it quickly descends into debauchery (Getty)

Having previously worked in an internet cafe, Hogan saw how the pay-by-the-minute model could work, particularly with the rise of co-working ventures in Europe, where a similar payment style is adopted.

Eventually, something clicked in my head and I realised people wanted to pay for a nice atmosphere, rather than paying indirectly through a coffee.

Ciaran Hogan opened the Clockwork Door as an alcohol-free zone in the middle of Temple Bar (Clockwork Door)

Originally, Hogan had planned on closing the doors completely for St Patricks Day. March 17th is unfortunately a very ugly, crowded, drunken, messy day in the city centre and we didn't believe we could operate under those conditions, he says. Luckily, our friends at Alt Events approached us with the idea of a special, closed door event for those seeking to escape from the madness, yet enjoy the day. Just seeing the interest in a sober event has really warmed our hearts. Dublin needs more sober events  it's crying out for them.

Its not the first time the city has seen a booze-free Paddys Day take place. Happenings run instant pop-up cultural events in Ireland, and in both 2014 and 2015 they organised Paddys Day Unlocked in Dublin and Limerick. With more of an emphasis on family fun, the days incorporated music, food, dance and live performances, all without a beer tent in sight.

I think Ireland has a great reputation throughout the world, says Peter OBrien, founder of Happenings. We're known for our art, our culture, our generosity and our craic  but at the same time Ireland has always been synonymous with alcohol.

With drunken opportunistic anti-social behaviour becoming commonplace, a family-friendly inclusive space that is free from alcohol is not only desired, but essential for the development of our national day, the St Patricks Day celebrations and most importantly our international identity.

The Clockwork Door is for people who want to pay for a nice atmosphere, rather than a coffee (Clockwork Door)

It's an attitude shared by Danny O'Leary. Im a fan of St Patricks Day! I just feel that, like anything, it could be better. It could be more enriching for the community  we could put more of an effort into making this a day to celebrate Irish community, he says.

We have this preconceived idea of Irish people being constantly drunk all the time. Im not saying its not true, but I feel like its no more true than it is of any other city on their celebratory days. Its just that we kind of play into it, and dont do anything to play it down. Maybe thats to our detriment  maybe thats something we should fight against.

Tomorrow, the fightback begins.
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A major new inquiry has just been launched into the role of the US state of North Carolina in the CIAs torture and rendition of terrorism suspects after 9/11. The CIA apparently used an aviation contractor based in North Carolina to fly kidnapped captives to secret prisons around the world, where they were brutally tortured. It is estimated that at least thirty four individuals were transported by the CIA front company, Aero Contractors, including a number of Britons.

Aeros involvement in the CIA program was first revealed in 2005, prompting local activists to press for an official investigation. But, despite repeated meetings with state officials, including North Carolinas Attorney General, no action was taken. According to Dr Christina Cowger, chair of the inquirys board, they were taking their cue from President Obama, who had decided in 2009 not to prosecute Bush officials. Their lack of cooperation led to the formation of a citizens inquiry, the North Carolina Commission of Inquiry on Torture.

 Donald Trump says General Mattis and him disagree on torture

After years of preparation, that inquiry is now ready to go. It is led by several commissioners, including some with high-level government service. At a briefing for reporters on Wednesday, Jennifer Daskal, one of the commissioners and a former official in President Obamas Justice Department, explained that the inquiry was important due to the relative lack of significant accountability for CIA wrongdoing so far and particularly important in light of President Donald Trumps willingness to consider reviving CIA torture.

The commissioners will meet in the coming weeks to establish the scope of their work. Then there will be an investigation, including interviews with witnesses such as former government officials, detainees, legal and medical experts, and others. The inquiry does not have access to classified information, but new documents may be acquired through the Freedom of Information Act. At the end of this year there will be a public hearing, and the commissions full report will be completed in 2018.

This is a very important effort, said Col (ret.) Lawrence Wilkerson, another commissioner and former chief of staff to Secretary of State Colin Powell. We might even shame Washington into some action or discourage the present administration from returning to torture and rendition. The inquiry may also help resolve some unanswered questions about the rendition program, according to Christina Cowger. It is still unknown which prisoners were on some of the flights, for example, and the commission could provide answers.

It might also illuminate the part played by foreign states, such as Britain. Some of the detainees rendered by Aero Contractors were British, including Binyam Mohamed, who was flown to Morocco in 2002 and tortured with UK complicity. There have also been rumours that the CIA detained captives on the British territory of Diego Garcia. Lawrence Wilkerson made headlines in 2015 when he told me that CIA prisoners had been held and grilled on the island. But the UK government has not yet conducted a thorough inquiry into rendition. The Carolina commission may shine some much-needed daylight on the UKs role.

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

Certainly the UK will be brought into this, said commissioner David Crane, a professor at Syracuse University College of Law and founding chief prosecutor of the Special Court for Sierra Leone. Other nations which held detainees transported by Aero Contractors, such as Morocco and Poland, will also be examined. The inquiry may help lift the lid on how many countries participated in the program. It was believed that 54 were involved, but new research shows that 15 more countries, including France and Japan, cooperated.

Aero Contractors still operates in North Carolina, according to Christina Cowger, and has only increased in size. It is unclear if the company continues to work for the CIA, but Cowger wont rule it out. Its perfectly possible theyre carrying out covert activities. President Obama did not end rendition when he took office in 2009, and the inquiry may examine his record, too. The Trump administration, which appears to have endorsed the practice, may also come under scrutiny.

The inquiry is unlikely to result in any criminal investigations, given the history of impunity for CIA torture so far. But disclosures of new information could fuel litigation and serve as a catalyst for further action, David Crane told me. Jonathan Freeman, another commissioner and a fellow at the Truman National Security Project, hopes that the inquiry will create a transparent process and effect a change in policy, even on a subtle level. But the going might be tough, especially with Trump in the White House.

Well be fighting an uphill battle, Freeman told me. Theres always resistance to these kinds of things.
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Have we reached Peak Populism? As the Dutch people and a brave American judge say Enough is enough, is the Brexit-Trump contagion now quarantined?

The Austrians said No to the hard anti-European xenophobic right late last year. Marine Le Pen has just allowed herself to be interviewed by Nigel Farage  but is the great helmsman of English nationalist populism whose party has never won a seat in Parliament the best person to advise her on how to win an election?

Le Pen has said how much she was inspired by Ukip and Brexit. But there is little evidence of a surge of support for Le Pen populism and although she will get to the second round of the French presidential election, she will not win.

Angela Merkel is to meet Emmanuel Macron and Pierre Moscovici, the French socialist EU Commissioner and former French finance minister, says he will vote for him. Its clear that Europes new Tony Blair  of the 1997 vintage, of course, not the Iraq war PM  gets ready for office. Many on the French liberal left have come to the same decision to put Macron into the Elysee.

In London, Macron filled Central Hall with supporters waving European flags. British Brexiteers were counting on anti-European politics crossing the Channel. But this appears not to be happening. Spains prime minister, Mariano Rajoy, says he wants more Europe, including a banking union. Even the grumpy Euromoaner in Warsaw, Jaroslaw Kazcynski, says Poland will join the euro once Polands GDP reaches 85 per cent of Germanys.

Growth is back and jobs are being created across the EU as Eurozone growth outstripped that of the US in 2016. That year  2016  may be the year populism scored well, but, as Britain now officially turns its back on Europe thanks to long years of campaigning against immigrants in the country, the UK now looks like the exception rather than the future rule.

Two weeks ago, the New Statesman devoted eight pages to Geert Wilders as the anti-EU, Islamaphobe revolutionary who would take power in the Netherlands and set European politics off towards a new populist future.

One cannot blame the New Statesman as the London excitement over the arrival of Marine Le Pen and the rise of anti-European, anti-immigrant politics can be found across the media spectrum. But its clear that their assumptions were misguided.

The Dutch result is also a warning to Labour. The Dutch centre-left party shares the same name as Labour but it slumped from 33 to 9 seats. Its leader, Lodowijk Aascher, tried to turn his fire on European workers in the Netherlands much as many Labour MPs have produced plans to limit Europeans working in the UK with proposals for Cold War era work permits, regional quotas, passports for London, and other schemes for external control that are archaic, bureaucratic and unenforceable short of a complete shutdown of entry into Britain.

Far better would be stronger internal controls of the UK labour market to promote local employment, training, and protection of workers. But so traumatised is post-Brexit Labour that the party has lost clarity of thought. Labour MPs quoted approvingly the PvdAs Aascher as he sought to scapegoat European workers in the Netherlands, but Dutch voters are not buying left nationalist populism.

A final judgement on whether populism has peaked awaits the French election. Marine Le Pens main policy of quitting the euro to return to the French franc has terrified her core constituency of older conservatives and anti-Muslim voters. Their savings will be ruined by a return to a weak devalued franc and many in France think this was the moment when she lost all chance of power.

On the anniversary of Brexit, Prime Minister Theresa May will confront a Europe that has turned its back on 2016 populism. Can she adapt or will she maintain her hard Ukip-stamped Brexit line and risk years of economic confrontation with the rest of Europe as well as increasing political isolation?

 Geert Wilders: 'I will never be silent'

In the late 17th century, the English welcomed a Dutch immigrant, William of Orange, and made him king. The Netherlands is probably the continental country the closest to Britain. It even has its own Sadiq Khan in the Mayor of Rotterdam, Ahmed Aboutaleb, a Labour politician who is the loudest defender of Dutch plurality and womens rights against the proselytising Islamism which is now a major European problem.

The Dutch result and the probable new President of France signals an end to Brexit-Trump nationalist populism with its nasty anti-immigrant scapegoating. Such politics will not disappear and it will infect mainstream parties, much as Ukip has now transplanted itself into the Conservative Party and even the cabinet.

But democracies are not yet ready to surrender to their extremes.

Denis MacShane is the former Minister of Europe and author of 'Brexit: Why Britain Will Leave Europe', published in 2015 by IB Tauris. He is a senior advisor at Avisa Partners, Brussels
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It was round the family dinner table, as so often, that the reality began to emerge. I was visiting my numerous aunts, uncles and cousins in the Netherlands last December, a few days before Christmas, and one of my cousins had invited the whole clan over for supper. Inevitably, over plenty of wine, the conversation turned towards Brexit, politics and the Dutch elections.

My Dutch family  large, garrulous, outward looking  abhor Geert Wilders, the shock-haired right-wing populist, and everything he stands for. Beyond that, however, they are a fairly heterogeneous bunch, politically speaking. Ive never asked them how they vote  but my guess is that some would have voted centre-right, centre-left or green.

What was striking when we were talking about the Dutch elections, however, was almost everyone around the table wanted to cast a vote that provided the best guarantee of keeping Wilders out of power. For most, that seemed to point towards supporting Mark Rutte, the affable and skilled Dutch PM, even if theyd never voted for him before.

During the same visit, I went to see Mark Rutte in his modest Prime Ministerial office in the Hague. Not for the first time, I was struck by the refreshing informality of Dutch politics compared to the stuffiness of Westminster. Mark wandered in to his office, without a bevvy of bodyguards, having popped out to the shops on his own to buy some Christmas presents. Munching a typical Dutch cheese sandwich, I told him how some members of my family were inclined to support him for the first time to keep Wilders out.

 Dutch anti-Muslim politician Geert Wilders reacts to hate speech trial

And so, three months later, it turned out. The polarisation of politics along new lines  no longer left vs right, but now open vs closed  is mobilising voters against right-wing populism. We are witnessing the beginnings of a liberal backlash against the backlash against liberalism. Of course, it wasnt just Mark Ruttes VVD which benefited, but other parties too.

D66, the second Liberal party in the Netherlands (lucky Dutch to have two liberal options) did well, surging to almost level pegging in the polls with Geert Wilders and adding seven seats to their tally in the Dutch Parliament. D66 are, ideologically, most similar to the Liberal Democrats in Britain. Alexander Pechtold, their experienced leader, told me when we met how he was going to run an unapologetically pro-European campaign. He was not going to bend to the populist times. His decision paid off handsomely.

So where does this leave the see-saw battle between liberalism and populism across Europe? Well, for a start it shows that the domino theory so beloved of Nigel Farage and the right-wing press  that Brexit was the first instalment in a wider triumph of populism  is nonsense. Having ignored Wilders, Le Pen, Farage et al for many years, parts of the media now seem to believe that they will effortlessly sweep all before them. But that was never likely to happen. It cannot be repeated enough that Donald Trump lost the popular vote to Hilary Clinton by a margin of three million votes, or that Brexit was won on a wafer-thin majority, or that more people voted for Remain last June than have ever voted for a winning party in a general election.

The depiction of an entirely discredited, decimated liberal outlook versus an all-conquering new populist insurgency was always the stuff of media hype and self-congratulatory propaganda from Michael Gove to Aaron Banks. The truth is more subtle. Liberalism is down but most certainly not out. And the populists no longer enjoy the element of surprise. Bit by bit, election by election, mainstream liberal parties are working out how to take on right-wing populists. And win.

Of course, everything could be thrown up into the air if Marine Le Pen wins in the French elections. If she were to become President of France, then Brexit would be the least of the EUs problems. She would pose a threat to the very survival of the EU  which is precisely why Nigel Farage was cosying up to her this week on his radio show.

New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban Show all 27 1 /27 New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban Ethnic Yemenis and supporters protest against President Donald Trump's executive order temporarily banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen on February 2, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. At least 1,000 Yemeni-owned bodegas and grocery-stores across the city shut down from noon to 8 p.m. today to protest the order. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban Men pray during a protest by ethnic Yemenis and supporters over President Donald Trump's executive order temporarily banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen on February 2, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. At least 1,000 Yemeni-owned bodegas and grocery-stores across the city shut down from noon to 8 p.m. today to protest the order. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban Ethnic Yemenis and supporters protest against President Donald Trump's executive order temporarily banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen on February 2, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. At least 1,000 Yemeni-owned bodegas and grocery-stores across the city shut down from noon to 8 p.m. today to protest the order. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban Men pray during a protest by ethnic Yemenis and supporters over President Donald Trump's executive order temporarily banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen on February 2, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. At least 1,000 Yemeni-owned bodegas and grocery-stores across the city shut down from noon to 8 p.m. today to protest the order. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People gather for evening prayer at a rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally with flags at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally with flags at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally with flags at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally with flags at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally with flags at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban A Yemeni business owner places a sign on the gate of his store February 2, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Across the city, Yemeni owned bodega and grocery-stores will shut down from noon to 8 p.m. to protest President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen. It is expected that over 1000 stores will be closed in protest with workers and owners participating in an afternoon rally in Brooklyn. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban A Yemeni business owner places a sign on the gate of his store February 2, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Across the city, Yemeni owned bodega and grocery-stores will shut down from noon to 8 p.m. to protest President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen. It is expected that over 1000 stores will be closed in protest with workers and owners participating in an afternoon rally in Brooklyn. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 02: Yemeni business owner Musa closes the gate to his store February 2, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Across the city, Yemeni owned bodega and grocery-stores will shut down from noon to 8 p.m. to protest President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen. It is expected that over 1000 stores will be closed in protest with workers and owners participating in an afternoon rally in Brooklyn. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban A Yemeni business owner closes the gate to his store February 2, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Across the city, Yemeni owned bodega and grocery-stores will shut down from noon to 8 p.m. to protest President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen. It is expected that over 1000 stores will be closed in protest with workers and owners participating in an afternoon rally in Brooklyn. Spencer Platt/Getty

But just imagine if Emmanuel Macron, a truly internationalist politician, won instead? And what if Martin Schultz, who unlike Angela Merkel appears to be wiling to entertain radical reforms to strengthen the eurozone, were to win in the German elections in the autumn? Then the assumption of Trump/Farage/Gove that the EU will collapse like a house of cards will look like a spiteful delusion.

Whats more, if the EU were to regroup and reform  sorting out the eurozone, straightening out its external borders  then the balance of power in the Brexit negotiations would shift sharply in the EUs direction. That, in turn, might prompt some British voters to think again about the wisdom of flouncing out of a club which is successfully standing up to the regressive chauvinism of Trump, Putin and Erdogan.
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Any responsible politician who declares in public that "holy wars will soon begin" can expect one hell of a beating. So it is with Turkeys foreign minister, Mevlut Cavusoglu.

Cavusoglu is the chap who wanted to stir up the Turkish expat community in Rotterdam at a pro-President Erdogan rally, but who was promptly banned by the Dutch government. Just so you know where hes coming from, so to speak. Hes not impressed with the Dutch politicians, and, sitting in Ankara, sees no discernible difference between the Dutch conservatives, socialists or the far-right Freedom party, led by Geert Wilders.

For the Turks, the re-elected prime minister of the Netherlands Mark Rutte is, for all practical purposes, just as obnoxious as Wilders. President Erdogan himself has gone so far as to say that the Dutch are mere Nazi remnants, which is as offensive as it is ahistorical. Hence the row.

Yet Cavusoglu has a point. He shouldnt have been banned from the Netherlands. He is a senior figure and, like all foreign ministers, should be treated with the respect he and his nation deserves. If he was coming to Holland less as a government official and more as a party politician, then no matter. After all, that is the essence of free speech  to allow people to be heard, to give them a platform, to allow them the right to offend.

 Hundreds of pro-Turkey protesters clash with police in Rotterdam

If a Dutch politician had been refused entry to attend some gig in Istanbul, what would Western commentators have made of that? The Turks are right to be aggrieved, and are right to call into question the real dedication of mainstream Western parties to the very values they purport to hold dear. As extremists of left and right, political insurgents, nationalist/separatist parties and more or less unpleasant populists make the running in every major Western democracy, the mainstream parties are forced into a position of appeasement, by adopting watered-down version of the extremists ideas  mainly Euroscepticism, isolationism and anti-migrant policies.

In France, a nominally populist figure such as President Hollande will go out of his way to enforce painful bans on the wearing of traditional religious dress and symbols  not just for Muslims, agreed, but intolerable to them certainly. Tolerance and pluralism are being eroded in the name of militant secularism and abandoned in the face of the challenge of the far-right. Marine Le Pen and Geert Wilders, in other words, do not have to win elections to influence public policy; coming a substantial and threatening second is more than enough.

The Turkish foreign minister deserves a hearing when he says that we in the West all have the same mentality, continuing: Where will you go? Where are you taking Europe? You have begun to collapse Europe. You are dragging Europe into the abyss. Holy wars will soon begin in Europe.

This is the real clash of civilisations  a refusal by the West to accept the equality of Muslims and Muslim nations. The Trump travel ban is the most explicit example of this; but it is there as an undercurrent in everything from Brexit to Austrian neo-Nazism.

 Angela Merkel tells Turkey to stop comparing Germany to the Nazis

It is precisely the reaction that Osama bin Laden earnestly yearned for on 9/11, and which Isis is cynically pursuing now. Maybe it is inevitable. When an Islamist extremist goes on a shooting spree or a bombing mission in Paris or runs a lorry into a crowd in Berlin or hacks an off-duty soldier to death in London, there will be a reaction. The videos of beheadings are designed to provoke. Rational argument is driven out by emotion.

The clash of civilisations, in that sense, is already upon us; but a clash takes two sides. The West's failure is to take the bait the Islamists have laid so skilfully. The Turks, who have much more to lose and are much closer to the places where violent perverted Islam reigns than most, understand what is going on all too well. They are right to ask the West what on earth it is playing at.
Details added (first version posted on 18:19)

Baku, Azerbaijan, Mar. 16

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Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree on March 16 pardoning 423 people.

Under the decree, 412 people, sentenced to imprisonment, have been freed from serving the remainder of their prison sentences.

Life imprisonment for two people was replaced with 25-year and 15-year imprisonment sentences.

One person was freed from deferred sentence.

Four people were freed from conditional sentence.

Moreover, one person was freed from correctional labor and three people were freed from fines.

Forty foreign citizens are among the pardoned, including 13 citizens of Iran, six citizens of Pakistan, four citizens of Georgia, four citizens of Russia, four citizens of Nigeria, three citizens of China, three citizens of Turkey, two citizens of Uzbekistan and one citizen of Ukraine.

Two activists are among the pardoned.

After reviewing appeals from a number of convicts, their family members, the Commissioner for Human Rights, organizations for human rights, addressed to the president of Azerbaijan, the pardon decision was made proceeding from the principles of humanism, taking into account the personality, health condition, marital status of the convicts and their behavior while serving their sentences, according to the presidential decree.

Azerbaijans Justice Ministry and State Migration Service have been tasked to ensure the deportation of foreign citizens freed from serving the remainder of their prison terms, in accordance with the rules set by the Migration Code.

The decree comes into force from the date of its signing.
Danielle McLaughlin was found dead in Canacona, a popular tourist area in the south of Goa

The suspect in the killing of an Irish woman at a tourist resort in Goa will face murder and rape charges, police in the Indian state have said.

Umesh Gaonkar, a superintendent with Goa Police, said a post-mortem examination showed that Danielle McLaughlin suffered cerebral damage and constriction of the neck, causing her death.

The 28-year-old victim from Buncrana, Co Donegal, was found dead in a secluded spot in Canacona, a popular area for holidaymakers, on Tuesday morning.

Local media reported the former Liverpool John Moores University student was discovered unclothed and she had marks on her head and face.

Mr Gaonkar said a suspect, a local criminal arrested a day after a farmer discovered Ms McLaughlin's body, would face rape and murder charges.

She had travelled to Goa with an Australian female friend and the pair were staying in a beach hut.

They had been celebrating Holi - a Hindu spring festival - on Monday night at a nearby village.

She left the village late at night and her body was found the next day, said Mr Gaonkar.

CCTV footage has emerged of Ms McLaughlin's final movements in which she is seen apparently walking along a street with the suspect.

Deputy superintendent Sammy Tavares told local reporters that a man named Vikas Bhagat, 24, had been arrested.

Bhagat had confessed to raping the victim and killing her, he said.

A two-wheeled vehicle and some clothes, reported to have bloodstains on them, have also been seized as part of the investigation.

Christy Duffy, a close friend of Ms McLaughlin's from Buncrana, told the Press Association her body has been released from the post-mortem and would likely begin a journey home to Ireland on Friday.

It is expected her remains will travel to Mumbai, Dubai and then Dublin.

The journey is expect to take up to six days, prolonging an agonising wait for her heartbroken mother Andrea Brannigan.

Ms McLaughlin was the the eldest of her five daughters.

"Two friends who reside in Australia are currently travelling to Goa to meet with the body to accompany it for the repatriation process," Mr Duffy said.

He has raised more than 30,000 euro to help with the costs and to "give her the send-off she deserves".

Thanking donors "from the bottom of my heart", Mr Duffy said it "has taken additional stress out of the equation, the family are holding up as well as can be expected and will be relieved to have her back on home soil".
Independence supporters gather in George Square Glasgow, after Scotlands First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced she will ask for permission to hold a second Scottish independence referendum. Photo: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon may have done all of us in Ireland a big favour by putting it up to Downing Street with a second independence referendum.

I don't believe a second referendum will result an independent Scotland, no more than Brexit will lead to a United Ireland. If anything, a hard Brexit makes it more difficult for Ireland to re-unite or for Scots to have the economic confidence to vote for independence.

However, by putting a possible break-up of the Union on the table with a referendum, Theresa May might tread a little more carefully in the EU talks over the next two years. It could contribute in some way towards a softening of her government's Brexit stance.

That would be good for Scotland and good for Ireland, the Republic and the North.

The economic case for an independent Scotland has been weakened by the Brexit vote. Many Scots, probably a majority, want an independent Scotland on cultural, historical and political grounds but the last referendum didn't pass because nationalists could not win the economic argument. Going it alone was seen as economically too risky for too many Scots.

After the Brexit vote, that argument has been strengthened. Oil prices have fallen dramatically since the last independence referendum, but more importantly, Scotland's economy could be crippled if there was an economic border with England and Wales.

Exports from Scotland to the rest of the UK are worth around 48.5bn per year. Exports to the EU are worth less than a quarter of that at 11.6bn. Exports to the EU support around 250,000 jobs, while one million jobs are linked to Scotland's trade with the rest of the UK.

Just as we in Ireland are worried about tariffs to trade and hard borders with our exports to the UK, the problem would be magnified in the case of Scotland.

Then there is the question of currency. The nature of Scotland's currency position after independence was never fully resolved in the last campaign. Currency would have mattered less where an independent Scotland was sharing a single economic market with its neighbour across Hadrian's Wall.

If they no longer shared a single market, currency would be a major factor, unless and until Scotland joined the euro. But would they want it? 'Project Euro' is not a club many countries are falling over themselves to join at the moment.

It will be nearly impossible to convince a majority of Scots to make that financial leap into the unknown in an independence referendum.

However, even the possibility of losing that referendum will at the very least sharpen the minds of the British government and one would hope, inform the path it takes in its Brexit negotiations with Brussels.

At home there hasn't been so much talk of a united Ireland in decades. Fianna Fail is even putting together a position paper on what form or structure it could take. The emotional pull of a united Ireland clearly remains very strong but it is hard to make the leap from a Brexit vote, to a majority of people in Northern Ireland and the Republic voting to re-unite the country.

The best way to bring about a united Ireland would surely be to make it as desirable as possible for as many people as possible through enhanced interaction, trade, communication, social and sporting links, cultural exchange and movement of people. Brexit makes those things more difficult, not easier.

Take the Northern Ireland economy. Total sales by companies in the North were estimated in 2015 to be worth 66.7bn. Of that, the vast majority, as you would expect, were sales in Northern Ireland, amounting to 43.7bn.

External sales to the Republic amounted to 3.4bn, while sales to the rest of the EU came in at 1.9bn. But sales to Britain from Northern firms amounted to 13.8bn in 2015. So, the economy is much more heavily skewed towards England, Scotland and Wales than it is in terms of trade southwards or even to the rest of the EU.

Of course, sales to Britain would continue but they could be greatly hampered if there were suddenly trade barriers, different sets of regulations and of course currency differences.

Then of course there is that minor matter of the level of public services in the North, which have been cut back in recent years, but nevertheless are funded through a 9bn annual subvention from London.

The North has run up a fiscal deficit every year since 1966. It peaked in 2010 at 11.5bn but reduced to 9.1bn in 2014. That is more than double what the Irish Government takes in USC every year.

Since the success of the peace process, there have been enormous benefits. The movement of goods and people freely across the Border has increased dramatically. Yet, much of that movement seems to have been from North to the Republic, more than the other way round, which might reflect the attitude of many people south of the Border towards the North.

In the last 20 years, Irish exports to the UK have grown by 100pc. But exports to Northern Ireland have grown by 54pc in the same period. Certainly Northern Ireland is a smaller population market for business but nevertheless the growth has not kept pace.

Back in 2002, Intertrade Ireland and the ESRI surveyed businesses on both sides of the Border. They found that a greater percentage of Northern-based firms (34pc) were exporting manufactured goods south, than the other way round.

But the closer businesses were to the Border, the more inclined they were to trade. A massive 67pc of businesses surveyed located less than 10 miles south of the Border were exporting to the North. The figure fell sharply to just 39pc when that broadened to a 60-mile radius.

Tens of thousands of people are crossing the Border every day for work. It is one of the great benefits of the peace process that this has been able to happen. But when it comes to tourism, an interesting picture emerges.

In 2000, northerners made 465,000 tourist trips south. Trips in the other direction were just 189,000.

In 2012, tourist visits from the North hit 1.2m, but visits up North were just 430,000. Trips in one direction nearly tripled in the 12 years, but only doubled when it came to people in the Republic heading up North.

The economic, political and diplomatic bridges that have been built between Dublin and London over several decades have yet to be fully realised when it comes to the North/South paradigm.

A hard Brexit will actually set back the long-term gradual consensual achievement of Irish nationalist goals. When it comes to talk of a United Ireland, there is a very, very long way to go.

A slow bicycle race between Brussels and London will begin when Theresa May triggers Article 50 within the next two weeks. At least there will be some time in which the British public might realise that its politicians cannot deliver on the economic promises of the Leave campaign. There will be a Brexit but we can only hope that it ends up being a lot softer than the early rhetoric of the post-referendum British government.

The old divisions in the North, and the DUP in particular, have paralysed the place from fully making its voice heard in that process.

But Nicola Sturgeon has at least found a way of making sure her point and that of most Scots, is heard.
Former Bord Bia ceo Aidan Cotter has been appointed chairman of the new Slaney Foods and Irish Country Meats (ICM) joint venture.

The appointment comes just three months after he stood down from his role at the State-backed food marketing agency.
Details added (first version posted on 17:35)

Baku, Azerbaijan, Mar. 16

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President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev met with President of Georgia Giorgi Margvelashvili in Baku Mar. 16.

Saying he is pleased that President Margvelashvili attends the 5th Global Baku Forum, President Aliyev noted that his visit also created a good opportunity to discuss the issues of expanding bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

Noting that he attends the Global Baku Forum every year, the Georgian president hailed the importance of the forum.

The Georgian president said his visit to Azerbaijan gives him an opportunity to meet with the Azerbaijani president, and emphasized the significance of the visit in terms of holding discussions with his counterparts too.

President Margvelashvili underlined the deepening strategic relations between the two countries, hailing these ties as excellent.

President Aliyev praised close collaboration between the two countries and the high level of Azerbaijan-Georgia bilateral relations.

He noted that these ties play an important role in the region, and in general on international arena.

President Aliyev emphasized the importance of further strengthening of Azerbaijan-Georgia bilateral relations. He noted that global projects implemented by the two countries contribute to strengthening of cooperation in other areas too.
Students Emily Browne, Tara Frehill, Shauna Jager and Eithne Murray from Our Ladys School, Terenure, who reared five Angus cross calves. Photo: Finbarr ORourke

A group of Dublin schoolgirls have been crowned the winners of the Certified Irish Angus Beef schools competition for rearing calves.

The four students from Our Lady's School, Terenure, in the Dublin suburbs, may have had no farming background but entered the national competition regardless.
There was a lot of upward movement across the various divisions as the spring trade began to take shape across the country.

But I will get the negative news out of the way first. The weanling heifer had a difficult time of it last week, losing ground in both the 100- 299kg and 300-399kg sections.

Average prices fell by 7c//kg or 7-21/hd in the lighter section, with the 300-399kg animal dropping 5c/kg or 15-20/hd. The most marked losses were among the poorer quality animals in both sections as they fell back by 9-10c/kg or from 9-40/hd.

Part of the reason for these falls maybe to do with the strength of the weanling bull trade as buyers concentrate on getting numbers for the Turkish trade, thus turning their back slightly on the heifer. The other loser last week was the lighter bullock, with his average price slipping in the 300-399kg section by 6-8/hd or 2c/kg. The 400-499kg animal fell by 1c/kg or by 4-5/hd.

These are not massive movements and it can be expected that they will be made back up and more besides as the spring progresses.

Indeed, the bottom quarter of the 300-399kg section actually rose by 5c/kg or from 15-20/ hd last. Once you cross the line in the bullock table at 500kgs, prices only went one way last week and that was up.

The average increase in both the 500-599kg section and the 600kg+ division was 5c/kg or 25-30/hd.

The reason for that line or division is simple: while we are seeing the start of the spring trade the number of buyers ringside has not yet reached a critical mass.

Buyers are not putting too much pressure on prices or each to the point where some will drop out of the search for the more forward store of 500kg plus  the most suitable animal for short to medium term grazing or finishing and fall back to lighter weights.

Hence, while competition upped the prices of those 500kg+ bullocks last week, there were still enough of them around and enough still left in the price for everyone to more or less get what they wanted - albeit at that 25-30/hd more.

As the spring moves on, however, prices will inevitably rise as farmers attempt to combat that curious illness spring mart fever with the only acceptable antidote, the purchase of cattle at ever increasing prices.

Marts Roundup

1 TULLOW

Fridays sale at Tullow saw numbers increase with the price of stores setting the pace. Top price of the day went to four red 410kg Limousins who made 1,270 or 3.09/kg and 400kgs made 1,200/hd. Exceptional prices aside, the general run of prices for 400kg bullocks was from 2.20- 2.50/kg. Top of the market was 2.11/kg given for both Simmental and Charolais of 770-780kgs. Forward stores sold from 1.80/kg for Friesians up to 2.35/kg for Continentals.

2 MOUNTBELLEW

Wednesdays cattle sale saw 445kg Limousin bullocks make 890/hd, while Friesian cross bullocks saw 325kgs at 470/hd. Among the heifers 1,100 saw the hammer fall on a 510kg Limousin, with a 550kg Aberdeen Angus making 1,040. In the weanling ring a 370kg Belgian Blue bull found a new home at 875, while a 290kg Charolais cracked onto 780. Among the weanling heifers 745 bought a 355kg Limousin, with a 290kg Charolais making 720.

3 BALTINGLASS

Trade was driven by strong farmer and feeder demand including 235kg Charolais heifers at 600/hd; while 280kgs Charolais made 640/hd, 450kg Herefords went at 980/hd and 480kg Limousins 1,220/hd. In the bullock section 850 got you a 295kg Charolais, while the same money also bought a 375kg Charolais.

4 ROSCOMMON

The weanling sale at Roscommon saw a trial of strong bids between farmer buyers and shippers. Weanling heifers hit a high of 3.64/kg off a base of 2.58/kg or from 400-995 over the /kg. Bulls started at 2.60/kg and made it up to 3.66/kg or from 500-945 over the /kg.

5 ENNIS

Last week saw the beginnings of a spring trade with both fleshed bullocks and stores up in price. Good forward Continental stores around 600kgs hit 2.61/kg, while 2.22/kg saw an 805kg Limousin edge closer to the hook. The trade for that nice 400-500kg store saw six Limousins of 433kgs reach 2.75/kg. Heifer numbers were slightly less but quality lots from 300- 500kgs made from 2.26-2.67/kg.

6 BALLA

The forward store bullock was favoured at Balla last Saturday where the 400-500kg store averaged 2.38/kg, while factory types reached 2.16/kg. Moving to the lighter store under 400kgs they were also a fine trade, with averages of 2.71/kg. In the heifer ring the top averages of 2.89/ kg were also achieved at the lighter end, in the 200-400kg section, while the heavier 400kg+ heifer averaged from 2.39/kg. The smaller sale of weanlings saw bulls up to 450kgs make 2.68/kg, with heavier types doing 2.63/kg.

7 KILRUSH

The trade for Friesian bull calves at Kilrush on Wednesday last saw the lighter types make 30-70/hd, with stronger types selling from 74-146/hd. Aberdeen Angus and Hereford types made from 70-290/hd with the smaller number of Belgian Blues and Limousins making from 160-315/kg.
A herd of Dutch cows have become caught up in a diplomatic row between Turkey and the Netherlands.

Some 40 Holstein Friesian cows are on their way back to the Netherlands from Turkey after Turkey's Red Meat Association ordered the cows to be returned home.

It said that it no longer wants the cows, amid a diplomatic crisis between Turkey and the Netherlands.

The Dutch Holstein cows have become very common in our country. But this breed is starting to cause serious problems, Bulent Tunc, the head of the Turkish Association of Red Meat Producers, told the Anadolu news agency.

In future we do not want animal products from Holland. The first batch of Holsteins have been loaded and we will send them back."

Turkey, he said, should instead focus on breeding its own cattle. It's unclear where the cows currently are or whether Dutch authorities will allow them back into the Netherlands.

If not, Tunc said Turkey would "distribute the cuts" after slaughter.

The two countries have been involved in a diplomatic row since The Hague stopped Turkish ministers holding rallies to help expand the Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan's powers.
A dairy farmer in the US midwest recently wrote to the President of the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), telling of the anger and frustration they feel on hearing of workers being deported from farms.

President and CEO of NMPF Jim Mulhern received the note from a dairy farmer in the midwest last month, who told him of how their farm workers are feeling after hearing of workers being deported from farms in her state.

Our employees are very jittery. Weve coordinated driving to grocery stores and outlined safe roadmaps (county and town roads) to get to the dentist, doctor and grocery store.

"Theyve gotten their papers in order if they are deported so that their children can be taken care of. They are scared, frustrated, and a little angry. We as dairy farmers are too, the unidentified dairy farmer wrote to Mulhern.

There are 150,000 employees working on US dairy farms and approximately 51pc are immigrants, although exact figures on how many of these are undocumented it not known.

Jim Mulhern said that too many of US's dairy farmers are facing an ongoing, daunting challenge: finding enough American workers to fill jobs on their farms, even when they provide wages higher than those paid by other local jobs.

"This 'between a rock and hard place' dilemma has grown more acute as the national unemployment rate has dropped  and will likely get even more dire, now that US Immigration and Customs Enforcement has begun stepping up its efforts to locate and remove undocumented individuals."

Because such a large volume of milk production depends on them, losing even just a portion of foreign-born undocumented workers would have serious implications for both farmers and consumers, he said.

"In the worst-case scenario, a complete loss of immigrant labor in dairy farming could cut US economic output by $32 billion, resulting in 208,000 fewer jobs nationwide. Not only would farm workers be lost, but those further down the value chain whose jobs are tied to crop, produce and livestock production would be at risk."

He said that it's critical that any effort to solve the immigration quandary will require not just additional law enforcement, but also a means to ensure that farm employers  including dairy operations  have access to a legal, secure workforce.

"Our point to elected officials is that, as important as border security and interior law enforcement procedures are, such measures must be paired with a focus on current and future agricultural labor needs.

"Creating a guest-worker program to bring in legal employees will allow federal and state governments to focus resources on removing bad actors from the US, and prevent the migration of others who are not coming here for legitimate work opportunities."

The only current means of addressing domestic labor shortages in agriculture is the H-2A temporary and seasonal foreign agricultural workforce program, intended to help employers with short-term labor needs, he said, with many jobs in farming and food processing are not seasonal and thus cant use the H-2A program at all  which is why dairy farmers need another approach, not one centered on reforming H-2A.

"Agriculture in America cant grow without a reliable workforce. Immigrant workers are an essential part of that picture today, and they must be part of it in the future. This is a message we will continue to advance so that agriculture can help grow its contributions to Americas economy."
A farmer in Co Meath was fined 3,500 recently for destroying a hedgerow during the bird nesting season.

The case was taken against Mr Douglas by the National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) Conservation Ranger Kieran Buckley against Richard Douglas, a cattle farmer from Rathmoylan, Co Meath.

The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) welcomed the ruling from Judge Grainne Malone at Navan District Court in which the farmer appeared on a summons relating to the destruction of 800 meters of hedgerows during the bird nesting season.

The farmer pleaded guilty to the offence and admitted that on April 22, 2015, he destroyed hedgerows and part of a woodland during the bird nesting season.

The judge ordered that Mr Douglas pay a total of 3,500 to two wildlife conservation charities - 2,000 to the Butterfly Conservation Ireland and 1,500 to the IWT.

It is believed to be the largest fine imposed for such an offense.

IWT Campaigns Officer Padraic Fogarty says the ruling emphasises the importance of protecting wildilfe during the breeding season.

This is a significant fine and will hopefully send the message that regulations on the timing of hedgecutting will be rigorously enforced.

Since 2011, the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht has taken over 50 prosecutions against individuals for breaches of Section 40 of the Wildlife Acts.

Fines were imposed in most cases, ranging from 50 to 600. In some cases, the defendants were also ordered by the Court to pay legal costs and expenses.
Ireland is still seeking feedback from the European Commission on whether it will cancel long-standing anti-dumping duties on certain fertiliser imports.

"This is an issue where the pot is continuing to boil," Agriculture Minister Michael Creed told the Farming Independent. "I don't want to say a resolution is immediately ahead."

Fertiliser is the second-largest expenditure for Irish farms, largely since the EU's introduction of anti-dumping duties on imports of (mainly Russian) fertilisers in 1994. The Irish Farmers' Association says the move has sent fertiliser prices rising at twice the rate of other farm costs.

Mr Creed has spoken repeatedly to EU agriculture and trade chiefs about the issue, which he says also came during a recent trade mission to Saudi Arabia, the Gulf region's top exporter of fertilisers.

The European Commission did not respond to requests for comment in time for publication.

Meanwhile, the Government is still working to secure opt-outs for intensive farmers from EU rules limiting the nitrogen content of livestock manure.

"We're acutely conscious of the mountain we have to climb in that area, but we do believe the steps that our industry has taken, in terms of its growth and intensification, have been done in a clever way in terms of managing our environment," Mr Creed said.

The EU said in a recent report that the intensification of Irish dairy farming was a "challenge" for limiting nitrate pollution.
Former US Ambassador to Ireland Kevin O'Malley has been appointed a non-executive director of Irish food group Greencore, just weeks after vacating his post following the inauguration of US President Donald Trump.

Mr O'Malley, pictured, was appointed ambassador to Ireland by then US President Barack Obama in 2014.

Greencore - headed by chief executive Patrick Coveney, the brother of Fine Gael Housing Minister Simon Coveney - has been expanding in the United States in recent years.

It has invested significantly in plants there and in a transformational deal for the group, sealed a $747m acquisition in January of Illinois-based Peacock Foods. Peacock has annual sales of about $1bn, and the acquisition quadruples Greencore's annual sales in the United States, where its customers already include companies such as Starbucks.

Greencore, whose shares are listed in London, has a market capitalisation of 1.8bn (2bn).

Prior to his appointment as Ambassador, Mr O'Malley (69) spent 11 years as a partner of Missouri-based law firm Greensfelder, Hemker and Gale. He is also an investor in some US restaurants.

Greencore chairman Gary Kennedy welcomed Mr O'Malley's appointment .

He said that Mr O'Malley would be able to help support Greencore's overall growth "and in particular our vision to build a large scale, high-performing convenience food business in North America".
Baku, Azerbaijan, Mar. 16

Trend:

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has congratulated President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins.

On my own behalf and on behalf of the people of Azerbaijan, I extend my most sincere congratulations to you and the people of your country on the occasion of the national holiday of Ireland  Saint Patrick's Day, said President Aliyev in his congratulatory letter.

On this remarkable day, I wish you robust health, success in your activities, and the friendly people of Ireland everlasting peace and prosperity, added President Aliyev.
Traders work at their desks in front of the German share price index, DAX board, at the stock exchange in Frankfurt

The Iseq overall index of Irish shares was trading up 0.48pc on Wednesday at 6,649.52, a rise of 31.95 points.

It was a good day for Irish exploration stocks, with Providence Resources rising 6.6pc, while Kenmare Resources continued its strong week with gains of 5.9pc.

Irish agri-food group was up by 2.9pc, while Bank of Ireland stocks were up by 2.5pc.

The biggest losers of the day were financial firms First Derivatives and IFG, who lost 4.7pc and 4.2pc respectively.

Troubled food group Aryzta suffered further losses of 3.5pc as investors continued to flee from the stock following disappointing earning results earlier this week.

European shares rose on Wednesday, boosted by basic resource and oil stocks, while French aeroplane seat-maker Zodiac fell more than 13pc after its latest profit warning.

The pan-European STOXX 600 index gained 0.2pc in early trading, with the market focused on potentially divisive elections in the Netherlands and a US federal reserve policy meeting that could signal how much monetary tightening to expect during the remainder of the year.

A recovery in oil prices after a surprise US crude stockpile drawdown eased worries about a supply glut spurred a rally in basic resources stocks with the sector up 2pc, followed by major European oil-related stocks which rose 1.3pc.

British drugmaker Hikma was up 7.7pc after it posted a 2.4pc rise in full-year operating profit on growth in its injectables and branded business, which offset weakness in its generic drugs.

Zodiac was the biggest European faller, after it warned on profit after the close on Tuesday. The company, which engine-maker Safran is seeking to acquire, said it sees full-year operating income falling 10pc against a previous forecast of a 10pc to 20pc rise.

Swedish fashion retailer H&M was among the biggest fallers, with its shares down 4.8pc after it posted its first monthly sales drop in four years.

The Europe-wide retail sector index was the worst-performing, down 0.6pc, with Zara owner Inditex also down 1.3pc after it posted a 10pc rise in profit for 2016.

German utility E.ON fell 3.6pc after it posted a record 16bn loss due to impairments on its former power plant unit Uniper which it spun off last year.

In the US, shares in Snapchat hit a fresh low on Wednesday, falling as much as 2.6pc before clawing back some losses in trading as analysts questioned the company's prospects.
Ryanair will launch its first-ever services in Ukraine this October - making it the 34th country it operates from.

The Ukraine government - still locked in a tense military standoff with Russia-backed separatists - has enthusiastically welcomed the airline's decision, which it hopes will send a signal to the global investment community that the country remains open for business.

Ryanair will initially operate routes from Kiev to London, Manchester, Stockholm and Eindhoven

It will operate a total of 15 flights a week during the winter from Ukraine capital, and expects to carry 250,000 passengers a year.

Chief commercial officer David O'Brien said that the airline is also starting flights to and from Lviv in western Ukraine.

Russia annexed Ukraine's Crimea region in 2014, causing international outrage. Russia-backed forces and Ukraine have since remained engaged in sporadic military action.

"The arrival of Ryanair in Ukraine is without exaggeration a remarkable event for Ukraine," said the country's Minister for Infrastructure, Volodymyr Omelyan. He added that negotiations had lasted "several years".

"I am convinced that Ryanair will be another bridge that connects the infrastructure of Ukraine with Europe and it will be a good signal for the world's major investors," he said.

Ryanair's Ukraine debut extends the airline's march as it expands its fleet and aims to carry 120 million passengers in its current financial year, which ends this month.

Last year, it opened its first base in Israel.

Last month, it added 15 new routes to its services from the country, including Milan, Berlin and Warsaw.

Between last October and October this year, Ryanair is taking delivery of 50 new aircraft.

It will have over 500 aircraft in its fleet by 2024.

The airline had been planning to launch services to Russia for some time.

Ryanair had expected to be in a position to launch flights from Dublin to St Petersburg in autumn 2014, and had also been eyeing a service to Moscow.

It was granted permission in 2013 by Russia's federal air transport agency, Rosaviatsia, to operate the routes from early 2014 but pulled the plans in 2014, with ceo Michael O'Leary claiming that Tourism Ireland hadn't agreed to stump up any funding that might have been used to support the service.
Subscribe to The Ready Business show, in association with Vodafone via iTunes or SoundCloud.

In this weeks Ready Business podcast, Brian Purcell speaks to Liam Holton who was ten years with Punchestown Racecourse as Sales & Marketing Manager before the idea for Future Ticketing to take on Ticketmaster was born.

My ten years at Punchestown was a brilliant experience and included selling the first sponsorship to Michael OLeary and Ryanair. Theres only two reasons people buy tickets online, he told me. Either its going to be more expensive tomorrow or its not going to be there tomorrow. That's pretty much the secret OLeary told me and weve built our Future Ticketing software around that principle from day one.

Th idea for Future Ticketing came about when he realised that clients were handing over control to third parties.

Why were customers all being pushed to a third party to buy tickets when it should be the companies who are selling to their own customers that should be doing it? Ticketing should be an enabling service for the clients and for their customers."

After 18 months of bootstrapping and adding clients slowly but surely, Holton was able to leave his job and strike out on his own.

"It go to the stage where I had to make the jump to really make it work. It was now or never. You have days when you do wonder what youre doing but theres three of us in it to keep the others going. Ultimately though we do have a better product and we believe in it."

Plus, hes done it all from the midlands in Tullamore as well, not competing with the Dublin tech scene.

First clients included the Book of Kells, The Little Museum, Galway Races, Punchestown Races which all proved the product worked and worked well. Theyre adding clients each week now and have just closed a funding round to enable future development.

The Ready Business show, in association with Vodafone , is available via iTunes , SoundCloud and Stitcher or subscribe to the RSS feed of the Ready Business Podcast using your favourite podcatcher.

You can check out the full Ready Business Podcast series here .

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A glimpse of something which would otherwise be very difficult to capture arrived courtesy of the German business group Ifo. It shows what happens when the retirement age is cut - in this case to 63 years.

This was an odd affair to begin with and, wouldn't you know, the result of an election promise. The retirement age had already been increased from 65 years to 67 after the global financial crash; so this was "restoration plus," with a cut of four years.

Germans' compulsory pension contributions had reached an eye-watering 19pc of monthly income by 2014. They are due to rise further, but are capped at 22pc by 2030. It may be a cap, but it is a very big one.

There is a generous promise at the other end: that pensions should not drop below 46pc of the average net wage before 2020, or below 43pc by 2030. That is a very decent pension but, as workers know - or should know - promises, even from governments, are not guarantees.

It is also a grim illustration of just how much one has to save to fund a half-pay pension. The 20pc of earnings which all Germans will have to contribute may actually not be enough to cover the cost of the more generous scheme.

When separate plans for better pensions for homemakers are included, the government's own figures put it at 9bn extra per year by 2030. Other bodies say it could be even more. Not surprisingly, employer groups are among those bodies but they also include the official council of economic experts dubbed 'the Wise Men'.

Trade unions in Germany and here say, reasonably enough, that an increase in the retirement age is really a pay cut. Equally, a reduction on the other side is equivalent to a pay rise.

The question is who will pay? It is a sleight of hand to say "government" or "employers." If there is a savings shortfall, it will be the customers and taxpayers of the future - the children and grandchildren of the pensioners - who carry the can.

This "inter-generational" enforced bargain is a particular concern in Germany, where the population is ageing faster than almost anywhere else.

There is surely a warning here for the rest of the world, especially the euro zone. The Germans are looking to their surpluses and the resulting savings to meet this demographic implosion and no-one, not even Donald Trump, will easily change their minds.

For some, those minds seem a bit too arithmetical. The economic effects of such changes, and not just the accountancy, have to be taken into account, even though they are not easy to quantify. That is where the Ifo survey is instructive.

Over half of the firms polled said they had staff who had left at the new earlier retirement age. Of these, two-thirds reported losing highly qualified workers but a much smaller proportion saw unskilled employees or managers retire.

Firms did not find it easy to replace departed staff, with three-quarters of service companies reporting difficulty. Smaller companies (which in Germany means less than 250 employees) had particular problems.

Germany's older population means that some 90pc of the Ifo sample have workers who are within five years of the new retirement age. Where they seek to persuade workers to stay on past 63, most rely on flexible hours rather than re-training.

Even bearing in mind that this is an employer-sponsored survey, it seems clear that there will be a loss of productivity from the lower retirement age, as well as the actuarial cost. Raising the retirement age, as in Ireland, makes for big actuarial savings but it is at least possible that it will reduce productivity as well: not because workers are gone, but because they wish they were.

It will be a while before we have any data to help us find out. The State pension is now payable at 66, rising to 67 in 2021 and by a year more in 2028: assuming, of course, that the politicians hold their nerve better than their German counterparts.

That is a big assumption these days. Social Protection Minister Leo Varadkar has a roadmap for pension reform (nobody does anything these days without a roadmap) but for how long will he be in charge of the that particular vehicle?

That's the trouble with something as long-term as pensions. For half of my life as an employee, the relevant ministers talked about their plans for pension reform and here I am, collecting my own, still unreformed, State pension.

Perhaps the most important thing in Mr Varadkar's speech to the Pensions Authority earlier this month was that an actuarial review of the social insurance fund is to be prepared by the middle of the year. This is the PRSI fund from which State benefits such as the old-age pension are paid. Elections of various kinds notwithstanding, the review at least should get done.

After that, it gets difficult. Pension changes cost staff and employers money now, for benefits which will come much later. But the grand Ponzi scheme which unions and employers would prefer, where new workers pay for the pensions of the old, is no longer viable.

They depend on the inflow of new contributors matching the departure of those collecting their reward, which is rarely the case in the private sector. In the public sector, they depended on people not living for an average 20 years after they retired.

Then there is that 20pc contribution which Germans, and others, pay. Many Irish companies have baulked at that kind of saving, preferring more modest contributions from themselves and their staff, but which will deliver very little on retirement.

The roadmap is supposed to lead to a universal retirement scheme, where every worker would automatically be enrolled, or at least unless they decided to opt out and take their chances.

Employers would have to facilitate the scheme, and make contributions to it. The very low social insurance rates paid by Irish firms, when compared with other countries, would come under scrutiny. The majority of private sector workers are not in any pension scheme, so they would have to contribute something too. Plus, of course, working for longer.

Quite a wish list, as Mr Varadkar acknowledged. He noted that the Australians had managed to get agreement among the social partners for this kind of transformation - so it can be done. Some years ago, they did something similar just as radical to a health system which was very like our own in its mix of private and public. Maybe the sunshine helps.

Brendan Keenan is a member of the Pensions Council. Any views expressed are his own.
The UKs Culture Secretary Karen Bradley said that she had asked regulators to examine Rupert Murdochs 21st Century Foxs planned takeover of Sky..

Earlier this month, Mr Murdochs company formally notified the European Commission that it is bidding almost 12bn for the European pay-TV company.

At the time, Mr Bradley said that she had concerns that there may be public interest considerations  that warrant further investigation before the deal is recommended.

More to follow...
Meet the three newest recruits to the Bake Off tent.

Television chef Prue Leith has been confirmed as the new judge for The Great British Bake Off, and Sandi Toksvig and Noel Fielding will step into the presenting roles.

We take a look at the three new stars careers so far.

Prue Leith

Prue Leith first started as a cook at a firm of solicitors but has gone on to become one of Britains best loved restaurateurs and food writers.

After training at Le Cordon Bleu cookery school in London she worked as a caterer before opening her restaurant Leiths in west London in 1969.

In 1974 she founded her own cookery school, Leiths School of Food and Wine, which trains professional chefs and amateur cooks.

Famous alumni of the school include Lorraine Pascale, Gizzi Erskine and Matt Tebbutt, as well as Michelin-star chefs including Joe Mercer Nairne and Matt Christmas.

The South African-born cook, 77, has written many cookbooks, most famously Leiths Cookery Bible, which was penned as a textbook for her school and is frequently updated.

She sold the school in the early 1990s before setting up a college in South Africa and has carved out a career as a cooking columnist and novelist, as well as a television personality.

Prue judged the BBC cookery show The Great British Menu for 11 years before stepping down at the end of last year, shortly after her old friend Mary Berry announced she would not follow the Great British Bake Off to Channel 4.

Prue is a former chair of the Childrens Food Trust, which campaigns to encourage the nations children to eat more healthily, and was awarded an OBE in 1989 and a CBE in the 2010 Birthday Honours.

Video of the Day

Sandi Toksvig

Comedian and writer Sandi Toksvig began her career on the stage at Cambridge Universitys Footlights theatre group, where she was a student at the same time as Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie, Tony Slattery and Emma Thompson, and wrote the societys first-ever all-female show.

After graduating, Sandi started out in childrens television and performed on the stand-up circuit before moving into panel shows including Call My Bluff, Whose Line Is It Anyway?, Mock the Week, QI and Have I Got News for You.

Sandi is also well-known for her radio work, featuring on BBC Radio 4s Im Sorry I Havent A Clue, The Unbelievable Truth, and as the chair of The News Quiz, which she left in 2015 to co-found the Womens Equality Party.

She has written for theatre and television, is the author of more than 20 fiction and non-fiction books for children and adults, and writes regular columns for Good Housekeeping, the Sunday Telegraph and The Lady.

Sandi, 58, has hosted Channel 4 game show Fifteen To One since 2014 and took over from Stephen Fry as the host of BBC panel show QI in 2016.

Noel Fielding

Comedian and actor Noel Fielding, 43, is best known for his break-out television series The Mighty Boosh, which he co-wrote with Julian Barratt.

In the surreal BBC sitcom, Noel played lead character Vince Noir as well as a number of other roles for three series between 2004 and 2007.

The Mighty Boosh also featured as a BBC radio series in 2001 and has toured as a live show.

Noels other TV work includes his E4 sketch show Noel Fieldings Luxury Comedy, and appearances in Channel 4 comedies Nathan Barley, The IT Crowd, and Garth Marenghis Darkplace.

He made various appearances as a panellist on BBC music game show Never Mind The Buzzcocks and became a team captain in 2009 before the programme ended its 18-year run in 2015.

Noel is also part of comedy music partnership Loose Tapestries with Kasabians Sergio Pizzorno, which was set up to create music for Noel Fieldings Luxury Comedy.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Mar. 16

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The Days of Hungary kicked off in Baku Mar. 16.

The book entitled "The Tragedy of Man" by famous Hungarian poet Imre Madach was presented at the event in the Azerbaijani language.

The event supported by the Hungarian embassy in Baku was organized in the Library of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbans spouse Aniko Levai attended the presentation.

While opening the event, Hungarian Ambassador to Azerbaijan Imre Laszloczki stressed that the Days of Hungary are being held on the eve of the ancient holiday of the Azerbaijani people - Novruz.

The Azerbaijan-Hungary relations have historical roots, Vice-President of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences Isa Habibbayli said.

Habibbayli said that during the years of Azerbaijan's independence, the relations between the two countries have more expanded.

The Hungarian music will be performed at the International Mugham Center Mar. 16 at 17:30 (UTC/GMT+4).

A workshop will be held in the Library of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences Mar. 17 at 11:00 (UTC/GMT+4). The representatives of the scientific communities of the two countries will take part in the workshop.

The Hungarian textile industry will be presented in the Carpet Museum at 16:00 (UTC/GMT+4).

An exhibition of Hungarian artists and a gala concert with the participation of Hungarian musicians will be held in the Heydar Aliyev Center at 19:00 (UTC/GMT+4).
Danielle McLaughlin was a lover of travelling and has been described as an "outgoing, kind-hearted" person by friends

Danielle McLaughlin who was discovered dead in Canacona, a popular tourist area in the south of Goa (Image provided to PA by family)

A Hindu temple in Goa, India, where Danielle McLaughlin was on a backpacking adventure.

Backpacker Danielle McLaughlin who was murdered in Goa

The grieving mother of a young Irish backpacker murdered in a tourist resort in Goa has spoken of her heartbreak.

Danielle McLaughlin (28) was found dead in a secluded spot in Canacona, a popular area for holidaymakers in the south of the Indian state.

Local media reported the former Liverpool John Moores University student was discovered unclothed and she had marks on her head and face.

It is believed that she bravely tried to fight off her attacker, as a police report said there were nail injuries on the body of the suspect.

A man has been arrested and a post-mortem examination will determine if sexual assault charges are to be brought.

Andrea Brannigan, the victim's mother, said: "The family would like to express our thanks to all who have got in touch since receiving this awful news.

"As you can expect we are finding it very difficult at this trying time.

"We want to thank the Irish and British consulates, along with Colin from the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust, and many friends who have assisted at this time.

"Danielle will be sadly missed by us all."

Danielle was the eldest of her five daughters.

Expand Close Police at the scene in Canacona where Danielles body was found. Photo: RTE / Facebook

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Read more: 'The brightest stars burn the quickest' - Friends of Irish woman killed in India pay tribute

Police in India said they have a confession from Vikat Bhagat (23), who is from Canacona, on the west coast of India, and who it is claimed has a history of crime.

Suresh Velip, head constable at Goa Police, said a man remained in custody after being arrested on suspicion of murder.

Mr Velip said Ms McLaughlin's body was found in a remote area near Canacona on Tuesday morning.

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The head constable said a post-mortem examination had been carried out, but he declined to disclose any details of the findings.

The suspect is expected to appear in court in Canacona at some stage.

Ms McLaughlin grew up in Buncrana, Co Donegal, and moved to the UK where she studied and worked in Liverpool before travelling for a time in Australia.

She had returned to her home town before setting off to India on a backpacking adventure last month.

On her own Facebook page, dated February 22, Ms McLaughlin posted: "Thank you to all my friends and family for making home so special and always looking after me. I am very grateful and the luckiest person I know...Off on another adventure..."

Dozens of people posted tributes on the social media website.

One said: "Sleep peacefully Danielle, my thoughts are with your family and loved ones. The horrors you have suffered are over x x x".

Another wrote: "Love you Danielle, you had the most beautiful soul."

It is understood her body will be released for repatriation today.

A family friend is expected to accompany her body home to Ireland.

The Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin said Ms McLaughlin was travelling to India under a British passport.

"It has been confirmed that the woman travelled to India using a British passport, so the local British consulate has the lead responsibility in terms of dealings with the Indian authorities," a spokesman said.

"The Irish Embassy is liaising closely with the British authorities and an Irish consular official is travelling from New Delhi to Goa."

In 2008, British teenager Scarlett Keeling was found dead on Goa's popular Anjuna beach.

The 15-year-old drowned after allegedly being plied with drugs.

Two men, Samson D'Souza and Placido Carvalho, were cleared of raping and killing her by an Indian court last year.
The board of Bus Eireann has opened the door to go back into talks with unions to address its "perilous" finances as it makes a desperate bid to avoid an all-out strike.

Sources revealed that further route and depots closures were discussed, if the company could not draw up a survival plan with unions to be signed off on March 27. The meeting was called following two failed attempts to reach agreement on a plan to reduce its payroll by 12m at the Workplace Relations Commission.

In a statement, Bus Eireann said management outlined a number of cost-saving options that could be urgently implemented at a meeting yesterday.

It said before implementing these, it sought written clarification from unions on their position. "Subject to this clarification, there may be an opportunity to re-engage in time-limited talks," it said.

Acting chief executive Ray Hernan has warned that the company could go bust in May after suffering losses of 9m last year, and 1.5m in January. It is understood a major stumbling block at the last set of talks was the company's attempt to reduce its 13m annual overtime bill, equalling a 10th of payroll.

Unions claimed this would affect workers on 48-hour weeks with guaranteed overtime, more than those on 39-hour weeks with ad-hoc overtime.

Transport Minister Shane Ross said he hoped the board's statement could "provide a basis for realistic negotiations between both parties on the company's future".
Mr Adams vehemently denied the claims in the aftermath of the broadcast. Photo: REUTERS

Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams has initiated defamation proceedings against the BBC over a programme in which it was alleged he sanctioned the murder of an IRA double agent.

The case is being taken in the High Court in Dublin, the Irish Independent has learned.

In the programme, an anonymous man claimed Mr Adams sanctioned the killing of Denis Donaldson (55), a former Sinn Fein official who was exposed as a British spy - having worked for MI5 for two decades.

He was shot dead at his isolated cottage near Glenties, Co Donegal, in April 2006.

The explosive claims about the Louth TD were aired on a BBC Northern Ireland 'Spotlight' programme in September last year.

The man who made the claims said he was a paid state agent in the IRA.

Mr Adams indicated at the time that he intended to sue the BBC.

The proceedings were initiated on Tuesday and Mr Adams is being represented by high-profile defamation lawyer Paul Tweed, of Johnsons Solicitors.

Sinn Fein referred a request for comment to Mr Tweed's office last night.

However, Mr Tweed was unavailable.

Mr Adams vehemently denied the claims in the aftermath of the broadcast.

"It's wrong. I repudiate it, deny it absolutely and categorically and specifically," he said at the time.

In the aftermath of the broadcast, Mr Adams attributed the claims to "elements within the British system" trying to undermine him and his party.

"We have to look at what's behind this agenda," he said.

"The person who made this allegation - an anonymous, unnamed, self-professed agent of the British state.

"So whose agenda is that serving? This is an attempt to rewrite history.

"There are elements within the British system who will never be reconciled with the fact that we have got a peace process and that Sinn Fein is in the leadership of that process, along with others."

The BBC has previously stated it stands by its journalism, but no comment was forthcoming from the broadcaster last night.

The dissident republican group the Real IRA claimed responsibility for Mr Donaldson's murder in 2008.

No one has ever been prosecuted in connection with his death.
Anna Finnegan pointed at her former partner and the man accused of her murder and said: He did it, a witness has told a jury.

Korill Allen, a security officer attached to James Connolly Memorial Hospital, today gave evidence in the trial of Vesel Jahiri at the Central Criminal Court.

Mr Jahiri (35), originally from Kosovo but of no fixed abode, has pleaded not guilty to murdering Anna Finnegan (25) at Allendale Glen, Clonsilla, Dublin 15 on September 21, 2012.

He has also pleaded not guilty to assaulting Karl Finnegan, causing him harm, at the same place on the same date.

Last week, Mr Jahiri dismissed his legal team and is now representing himself at the trial. This afternoon, Mr Justice Paul Coffey addressed the jury and said that there was a prospect yesterday that Mr Jahiri would instruct a legal team but that had not happened.

Mr Allen told prosecution counsel Mr Patrick Marrinan SC that he was with his colleague Svetlana Akopova, when he heard a car arrive near the entrance of the Emergency Department at the James Connolly Memorial Hospital, at 8.40pm on September 21.

The witness told Mr Marrinan that they went outside and saw a white Ford Focus car stopping very close to the entrance. He said a person was driving the car and there was a woman inside whom he understood to be injured. Mr Allen recalled an ambulance crew approaching the car and a woman being pulled from the car. He and an ambulance man went to get a trolley and brought the trolley out to where the woman was.

Mr Allen said the woman was on the ground near the car and when he was in the process of lifting her onto the trolley, she pointed at the driver of the car and said: He did it. The witness agreed with counsel that he was holding the patients head when she said this.

He said the man she pointed to was a few metres away. The witness agreed that he was bald, in his mid-thirties and had blood on his head. The court heard that Mr Allen recalled moving the woman, who he now knew to be Anna Finnegan, on the trolley into the resuscitation area. When Mr Allen went outside after speaking to his manager, the driver and the car were gone.

In cross-examination Mr Jahiri asked Mr Allen why other witnesses have said they never saw Anna pointing at him and saying he did it. I dont know, replied Mr Allen.

Mr Jahiri put it to Mr Allen that the gardai told him to make this allegation against him. The witness denied this. The accused said the witness was lying about what he saw but Mr Allen also denied this.

Svetlana Akopova, a security officer attached to James Connolly Memorial Hospital, also gave evidence today. She told Mr Marrinan that she saw a white Ford Focus pull up very quickly at the front door of the Emergency Department of the hospital on September 21. She agreed that the driver of the car got out of his car and shouted: Help, help, help.

She agreed that a woman was being helped on the ground by a man and two ambulance crew. Ms Akopova said the woman was placed on a trolley and brought inside the hospital. She said she saw the woman try to say something but did not know what she said.

In cross-examination Ms Akopova told Mr Jahiri that she did not hear the woman say: He did it. She agreed with the accused that she did not see the deceased nor anyone else point at him. She said that after the woman was brought into the hospital, Mr Jahiri told her he wanted to park his car and would be back in five minutes but he left the grounds of the hospital.

Kevin Maypother, a firefighter with Dublin Fire Brigade, told Mr Marrinan that he was doing paper work in his ambulance on September 21 when a car flashed by. He said he saw a woman being taken out of the back seat of a white car.

Mr Maypother agreed with Mr Jahiri that he did not hear this woman say anything like he did it. He agreed with the accused that he did not

see any hands being pointed at anyone but said this woman was able to move her hands.

Mr Ken Leech, another firefighter with Dublin Fire Brigade, told Mr Marrinan that he was in the ambulance on September 21 when his attention was drawn to a car. He said there was a male lifting a female and she seemed to slip from his grasp.

Mr Leech said the man was in an agitated state and he noticed the woman had a wound on the left hand side of her chest. He said when this woman was placed on a trolley she repeated her name, address and the words my brother, my brother on a number of occasions.

In cross-examination Mr Leech told Mr Jahiri that he did not recall the woman say: He did it or point at anyone.

The trial continues before Mr Justice Coffey and a jury of nine men and three women.
Claire McKevitt leaving court after the opening day of the High Court action. Photo: Collins Courts

A bus driver who involuntarily retired because it was alleged she could possibly pass out at the wheel due to a health condition wants to be reinstated, the High Court heard.

Claire McKevitt (38), who was attached to the Phibsboro depot of Dublin Bus, alternatively wants to be compensated for unfair dismissal.

The court heard she has a condition called Vasovagal Syncope, which can make a person prone to fainting, especially in stressful situations.

Dublin Bus says driving a bus in Dublin is a stressful occupation and it has to be sure there is no risk to its driver, passengers or the public.

Ms McKevitt says she was cleared to return to commercial driving work in 2014 in a report from the falls and blackout unit of St James's Hospital in Dublin.

An Employment Appeals Tribunal had found she was unfairly dismissed and awarded her 17,000.

Dublin Bus appealed that decision and the Circuit Court also found unfair dismissal but reduced the award to 10,000.

The Circuit Court heard she joined Dublin Bus in 2007 but two years later she began to experience health difficulties.

She had over 200 days of sick leave between July 2009 and February 2012 and then went on permanent sick leave until April 2014 when she was retired.

That unit ultimately recommended she could return to work but the Dublin Bus chief medical officer (CMO) recommended she should not be allowed to return to driving duties from April 2014.

The bus company has now asked the High Court to overturn the Circuit Court decision of unfair dismissal.

The hearing continues before Ms Justice Una Ni Raifeartaigh.
A judge today ordered sale of the home of a convicted paedophile.

Judge Jacqueline Linnane said she was satisfied that John ONeill had waited enough to repay Keith Battersby, the nephew he sexually abused when the child was only six, the 100,000 damages that he was ordered to pay him four years ago.

Last year, Judge Linnane had heard that ONeill, now a 51-year-old jobless law student, had been paying his nephew Battersby 50 a week.

Barrister Cathy Smith, counsel for Mr Battersby, had told the court that ONeill had sporadically and irregularly been paying 50 a week to his nephew over the last four years with only 6,630 paid off the debt.

She said Mr Battersby was seeking a well charging order against ONeills home at 86 Sarsfield Park, Lucan, Co Dublin and, if necessary, orders for possession and sale of it.

In 2012 Keith Battersby, then aged 36, of Coill Fada, Longwood, Co Meath, sued his uncle who, he said, had committed 12 sexual assaults him between 1982 and 1984. The abuse had occurred in ONeills home and in the projection room of the Grove Cinema in Lucan where ONeill worked at the time and had commenced when Mr Battersby was just six years old.

In July 2012 Battersby sued ONeill and the then High Court President, Mr Justice Nicholas Kearns, had awarded him 100,000 and costs for horrific experiences.

Ms Smith, who appeared with Pearse Mehigan Solicitors, said there was still about 93,000 outstanding and Mr Battersby wanted payment of the award so he could finally get on with his life.

ONeill, who represented himself in the Circuit Civil Court, said he had pleaded guilty at The Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to sexually assaulting his nephew. He had been given a two year suspended sentence and had not defended his nephews claim for damages in 2012.

Following his conviction and articles about him he had lost his job in a taxi calls centre and had since been on social welfare. He was doing his best to pay off his nephew but did not want to lose his home.

ONeill said he had been a law student for the last four years and hoped on qualification to get a job and pay off his debt to his nephew. Following ONeills conviction in the Circuit Criminal Court in 2010 Mr Battersby had described his uncle as: A monster who stole my childhood.

Last year, Judge Linnane said that with a judgment already against him his credit rating had gone and it was fanciful of him to think that in the future a bank would lend him the money to pay off the award.

She said said that at the rate of 50 a week, it would take him almost 40 years paying off the debt. By that time ONeill would be 91 and his nephew 80 if both survived. And I certainly wont be around, the judge said.

She said he had told the court he wanted to deal honourably with the situation but had raised a challenge to the Circuit Courts jurisdiction to deal with the matter. She had adjourned the case to today.

Today Judge Linnane said she was satisfied the court had jurisdiction to deal with the matter and she made an order directing sale of ONeills house.

Refusing an application by ONeill to allow a six-months stay on the order, until September, Judge Linnane said a court ordered sale would not be concluded by that time anyway.
A 68-year-old man has been sent forward for trial accused of murdering his long-term partner at their south Dublin home.

Charity shop worker, Des Sullivan (59) died after he was injured at his house in Summerville Park, Rathmines, Dublin 6, on May 6 last.

His partner Desmond Duffy (68) was arrested at the same location in December and taken to Rathmines Garda station where he was charged with murdering Mr Sullivan. He had been remanded in custody at his first hearing on December 22 last but was later granted bail in the High Court.

He appeared again before Judge Kathryn Hutton at Dublin District Court on Thursday when he was served with a book of evidence by Detective Inspector George McGeary, of Terenure Garda station.

A State solicitor told Judge Hutton that the Director of Public Prosecutions has directed that Mr Duffy will face trial on indictment.

Judge Hutton granted the States request to order that Mr Duffy was being returned for trial to the Central Criminal Court. Judge Hutton warned him that if he intended to rely on an alibi in his defence he must nofity the prosecution within 14 days.

A date for his next hearing has yet to be allocated.

At his first court appearance in December, Detective Inspector George McGeary, of Terenure Garda station, had said that when the charge was put to Mr Duffy he replied: Nothing to say until I speak to my solicitor. Not Guilty.

Free legal aid was granted after the district court was provided with a statement of his means.

An inquest has heard that Mr Sullivan was pronounced dead at the scene.

Bail has been set in the sum of 10,000 and on condition he surrendered his passport and he signs on twice weekly at a garda station.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Mar. 16

By Anvar Mammadov  Trend:

Azerbaijans Economy Ministry expects the real GDP growth of the country in 2017 at the level of one percent, Director of the Institute for Scientific Research on Economic Reforms of the countrys Economy Ministry Vilayat Valiyev said.

He made the remarks in Baku Mar. 16 at the sixth annual conference of the Fitch Ratings international rating agency for the investment community of Azerbaijan.

The share of the non-oil sector of Azerbaijans GDP will grow 2.5 percent and amount to 67.9 percent, according to forecasts, Valiyev said. The share of the non-oil exports of Azerbaijans GDP is projected to grow 8.4 percent.

He said that the ministry also forecasts real growth of Azerbaijans agricultural sector by 4.9 percent.

This is due to the continuation of state support to the sector, Valiyev said. In total, 13 programs were prepared to support silkworm breeding, cotton growing, tobacco growing, production of tea, hazelnut, etc. We also forecast a 7.6 percent increase in production and services sphere, including the sectors of tourism and trade. This is related to the simplification of the visa regime, as well as the use of the Tax Free system.

The visa regime was greatly facilitated since the introduction of the ASAN Visa system, which makes it possible for foreigners and stateless persons to get an e-visa to Azerbaijan through a single online portal within three days without applying to state organizations. The online portal was launched Jan. 10, 2017.

The Tax Free system was introduced in Azerbaijan June 16, 2016. Foreign citizens can benefit from Tax Free system, if the cost of purchased goods per one e-tax invoice is not less than 300 Azerbaijani manats, including VAT. The goods should be taken out of Azerbaijans territory within 90 days from the date of purchase.

Standard VAT rate in Azerbaijan is 18 percent. Regardless of the transfer method, foreign citizens will be refunded the amount of VAT paid for the purchased goods after withholding 20 percent service fee.

The representative of Azerbaijans Economy Ministry noted that a 2.9 percent growth of the transport sector is also forecasted in 2017, and this is related to the implementation of the North-South and the East-West transport corridor projects.

In addition, a 6.7 percent growth is expected in the communications and information sphere, and a 2.2 percent growth is projected in the sphere of social and other services in Azerbaijan, Valiyev added.
MURDER accused Roy Webster appeared completely normal when he returned home after fatally beating Anne Shortall with a hammer, the Central Criminal Court has heard.

His wifes friend told gardai he had talked with his wife about picking up a childrens book for their daughter when he came in wearing dusty workclothes and with a small cut on his arm.

The friends statement was read into evidence at the murder trial today.

The jury also heard the accused was of impeccable character before he killed Ms Shortall.

Detective Sgt Fergus OBrien agreed with a defence lawyer that the case had taken a toll on the accused and his family, as well as Ms Shortalls family.

Mr Webster (40), a married father-of-two, from Ashbree, Ashford, Co Wicklow denies murdering Ms Shortall (47) on April 3, 2015 at The Murrough, also in Wicklow.

He pleaded guilty to manslaughter but that plea was not accepted by the prosecution.

The jury has been told he hit her with a claw hammer after he she blackmailed him by threatening to reveal all about a one-night stand they had.

He said he struck her about the head when she made the threat after she said she was pregnant and asked him to pay STG 6,500 for an abortion.

He then wrapped duct tape around her head and wrists and drove her in his van to his home, where he hid her body in his workshop.

In a statement read out to the court by Paul Greene SC, for the prosecution, Carmel Phibbs said she was friends with Sinead Webster and her husband.

On April 3, she drove to their house with her seven year old daughter at about 1pm. Her daughter played with the Websters four-year-old daughter and they stayed there all afternoon. Roy Webster arrived home between 4.30pm and 5pm, wearing dusty workclothes and a dusty sleeveless body-warmer.

He was acting completely normal, she said in her statement.

There was some conversation between Mr Webster and his wife about collecting a book for their daughter in Wicklow Town, as well as a cut he had on one arm, near his elbow.

Ms Phibbs saw this and said it was only a sliver.

He said he had cut it on a sharp tile. Ms Phibbs left shortly after and was at the house again on April 6. She arrived at around 10.30am and Sinead Webster drove her and their two daughters to the cinema in Arklow.

Mr Webster was not there at the time, having left the house with the baby. He returned some time in the afternoon, she said in her statement.

They knew he had been at the garda station, that there was a woman missing and he was helping gardai with their enquiries.

Ms Shortalls electricity bill was then handed into court as an exhibit. The jury had heard she had a debt of 2,222. The bill from Electric Ireland was dated February 19, 2015.

Telecom liaison officer Garda David Hamblyn gave evidence of records of contacts between Ms Shortall and Mr Websters phones between March 8 and April 8, 2015.

No content from text messages were retrieved apart from the final ones.

The first contact was a 34-second call from Ms Shortalls mobile phone to the accuseds landline at 3.26am on March 25.

Later the same morning, Mr Websters mobile phone attempted to call Ms Shortalls at 9.40am, then again three times that afternoon. None of these calls connected.

Later that day, there was a series of texts between the two phones, starting at 4.10pm, with a text from Ms Shortalls phone to Mr Websters

Contact continued on April 1, 2 and 3.

On April 3, Mr Websters phone sent two texts to Ms Shortalls at 3.31 and 3.38pm.

There was a call of zero seconds duration to her phone at 3.41pm. At 3.42pm, Mr Websters phone sent a text to Ms Shortalls with corrupted content recovered.

Ms Shortalls phone texted his at 3.43 with no content retrieved.

At 3.47pm, Mr Websters phone texted outside the Leitrim?

The reply from Ms Shortalls phone at 3.48pm was on way.

There was no further activity on her phone until her daughter Emma tried to call it at 5.02pm.

The accuseds phone next connected to his wifes at 4.43pm, the call lasting two minutes.

The next morning at 12.09am, there was a call from Ms Shortalls phone to the accuseds, lasting 44 seconds. The jury heard this was when Ms Shortalls daughter Emma had phoned and made contact with the accused.

Mr Websters home phone number had been saved under the name Roy on Ms Shortalls phone and his mobile number had been saved Ashwood.

Her number had been saved on his mobile phone under A.

The jury heard of a number of Google searches that had been made on Ms Shortalls phone on March 30, 2015.

These included Ashwood kitchens, how much does it cost for an Irish woman to go to England to have an abortion, and reproductive choice websites including Choice Ireland.

Cross-examined by Edmund Sweetman BL, for the defence, Garda Hamblyn agreed that it was clear almost everybody was deleting messages as they went along.

Earlier, Brendan Grehan SC, for the defence concluded cross-examination of Detective Sergeant Fergus OBrien.

Mr Grehan asked if it would be fair to categorise the accuseds dealings with the gardai as co-operative and trying to do his best.

Det Sgt OBrien agreed, also agreeing that the accused was someone who would have been of impeccable character before this.

The jury heard Mr Webster had chosen not to seek bail at any stage,

Apart from the terrible matter that has been visited on the Shortall family this has certainly taken a toll on Mr Webster and his own family, his wife and children, Mr Grehan said.

Absolutely, yes, Det Sgt OBrien replied.

This afternoon, Detective Garda Michael Hall gave additional evidence about the memo of interview taken from the accused around the kitchen table of his home on April 7, 2015.

In the memo, the accused had said I opened the side door, I grabbed the first thing I could and I hit her. I pushed her into the van.

After the interview was completed, the accused was asked to re-read it and made the following addition: I dont recall pushing her into the van, it was more that she fell back into the van when I hit her first.

In cross-examination, Mr Grehan said the information had come gushing out of Mr Webster in answer to prompting by his wife Sinead in particular.

Det Gda Hall agreed that the statement was read over to the accused in very emotional circumstances for all involved, including Mr Webster.

It was a hugely emotional scene, Det Gda Hall replied.

Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy told the jury the prosecution evidence was expected to conclude on Monday.
Housing Minister Simon Coveney insisted Ireland will achieve its July target of ending reliance on hotels and B&Bs for long-term accommodation for homeless families.

His vow came as dozens of families fear having to leave their hotel accommodation because of bookings pressure from St Patrick's Day tourists.

One Dublin family of five admitted they would have nowhere to go after being told they had to vacate the hotel where they had been staying because of tourist bookings.

Mr Coveney acknowledged that such reliance on hotels for homeless accommodation was not acceptable - and urged families to avail of the Dublin Regional Homeless Executive (DRHE) support service.

Difficulties

"There are over 800 families that are either in hotels or B&B accommodation," he said.

"There are about two-thirds of families in hotels and B&B accommodation who are dealt with through the Place Finders Service in the Dublin regional homeless executive.

"The other third effectively self-accommodate. If any families are having difficulties at the moment with accommodation, they need to contact the Dublin regional homeless executive."

Read more: Almost 400 families in Dublin have been living in emergency accommodation for more than one year - new figures

Mr Coveney pointed out that the Dublin family told to vacate their hotel accommodation were found alternative lodgings within hours.

"If there are issues, they will be resolved - that is always the way it is in the build-up to bank holiday weekends or busy times," he said.

"If there are pressures, we will obviously help families to find the accommodation that they need."

Mr Coveney admitted that such reliance on hotels and B&Bs was not acceptable.

"We want to end this reliance on it (hotels) as emergency accommodation - I have made that perfectly clear," he said.

"We are working intensively now to ensure that we find alternative long-term accommodation through social housing supports, through long-term leasing and rental accommodation so that families are in homes and not in hotel rooms.

"That is a big priority for the Government.

"It was always going to be a pressurised position to do that because we have a lot of families that have come in to homelessness in the past six months and are currently in hotel accommodation.

"But we are determined that the target we have set by the middle of this year can be met."

Charities including Focus Ireland, St Vincent de Paul, Simon and Threshold have repeatedly hit out that families - particularly those with young children - have to rely on hotel or B&B accommodation.
Bishop Eamonn Casey made mistakes in life for which he paid a high price, the retired Bishop of Galway has said.

Bishop Martin Drennan was speaking as he welcomed the mortal remains of Bishop Casey back to Galway Cathedral - the bishop's seat which he had been forced to abruptly abandon a quarter century ago amid a welter of controversy about his private life.

Up to 1,000 people joined a large number of diocesan priests, close relatives and friends at the celebrated "Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St Nicholas" for a simple 15-minute prayer service.

Relatives of the former Bishop of Galway and Kerry travelled from all over the country to pay their last respects to their family member.

The largest group were nephews and nieces along with grand-nephews and grand-nieces of the 79-year-old former bishop, the best known of whom is his nephew, Pat Casey, now a Fianna Fail TD for Wicklow.

But neither his son, Peter, nor the bishop's former companion, Annie Murphy, travelled from the USA for the funeral. One family member said Peter had been in touch and signalled his intention to come to Ireland later this year for a quiet visit.

Expand Close The coffin of Bishop Eamonn Casey rests in the Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St. Nicholas in Galway. Photo: Tony Gavin / Facebook

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Read more: 'Casey made mistakes for which he paid a high price'- retired Bishop of Galway tells mourners

It was the revelation in 1992 that Bishop Casey had fathered a son with Ms Murphy, back in 1974, which led to his abrupt resignation as Bishop of Galway. In recent years his son, Peter, had become reconciled to his father and visited him on occasion.

A message of sympathy from the Archbishop of Armagh, Dr Sean Brady, was read out. Earlier yesterday, Dr Brady called at the Galway funeral home where the remains were reposing and met and prayed with many of Bishop Casey's relatives.

During a short homily, Bishop Martin Drennan, who retired on grounds of failing health in 2016, said he would like to take one lesson from the life of Bishop Eamonn Casey. He cited the writings of St Therese of Lisieux who had said she wanted to go to God in death with "empty hands."

Expand Close Among those in attendance were his nephew TD Pat Casey. Photo: Tony Gavin / Facebook

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Bishop Drennan said St Therese's honesty allowed her "turn her wounds into wisdom". He said Eamonn Casey believed some things were worth fighting for in life - and this made wounds inevitable.

"He made mistakes during his life and paid a high price for them. As far as I could see he never resorted to self-pity. His love for the Church enabled him to accept retirement from active ministry bravely," Bishop Drennan said.

Bishop Drennan also said Bishop Casey faced a number of challenges when he went to live at Carrigoran Nursing Home in Clare. He had to face the challenge of adjusting from a previously active life - and he succeeded.

"Secondly, there was the issue of giving up one thing that gave him many a thrill, driving his car. He let that go too. That was wisdom at work," Bishop Drennan said.

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The Bishop said that as Eamonn Casey's memory deteriorated he recalled positive aspects, especially his years in London.
Choosing subjects for the Leaving Cert can be a difficult task for students and their parents. Concern stems from a need to ensure students do not rule themselves out of college courses they may wish to be considered for in the future. Although third level institutions have fewer requirements than one might think, one very important consideration is whether or not students should continue with a language.

This week, we look at some questions transition year and third year students may have as they begin to make the decisions that may influence their future choices. Many people wrongly believe that if a foreign language is not chosen by students, they will not be able to attend third level.

Some schools allow students not to take a language at Leaving Cert and many students who do not enjoy languages or find them difficult are happy to drop it. However, the decision to drop a language should not be taken lightly. Not having a modern language in your Leaving Certificate can greatly impact on choices in the future.

For most third level institutions, it is not necessary to have a foreign language in order to meet the matriculation requirement. For Trinity College Dublin, students are required to 'pass' English, another language and maths or Latin. The matriculation requirements for Dublin City University are maths and English or Irish. University of Limerick requires students to present English, maths and Irish or another language. Therefore, if a student does not take a foreign language at Leaving Cert, they should still meet the requirements for these universities as long as they take Irish or have an Irish exemption.

Institutes of technology generally expect students to have passes in English and maths for matriculation, so not choosing a language should have no impact on a candidate's ability to attend one of these institutions. Neither do PLC colleges require students to have taken a language.

However, students may find not taking a language a major problem when it comes to accessing the four NUI universities (UCC, NUI Galway, UCD and MU). All these colleges require students to hold an O6 or H7 in English and Irish in order to matriculate. Students must also hold an O6 or H7 in a third language to take courses in the arts, human sciences, law, social sciences, commerce, medicine and health sciences, and some other degrees. Students are not required to pass a language for entry to engineering or agricultural science. Maynooth University recently announced that it will no longer require students to have a modern European language for entry to some business courses.

A modern European language will also be required for application to cadetships in the Defence Forces.

The impact of all of the above for a student's course choices is that, while not choosing a language will not affect entry to the majority of third level institutions, it will restrict choice as they will be excluded from the majority of courses in NUI universities.

A student with an Irish exemption may apply for an exemption from the requirement to present Irish as a matriculation subject from their chosen institution. They may also apply to NUI for an exemption from the requirement to take a third language. All Level 8 (honours degree) courses require students to achieve two H5 grades and four O6 grades. Trinity requires students to achieve three H5s and three O6s for entry to Level 8 courses.

Aoife Walsh is a guidance counsellor at Malahide Community School, Co Dublin

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Spring Open Day - Teagasc Gurteen Agricultural College

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March 23

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March 24

Deadline for some art and design courses - UCAS

Q. My daughter wishes to drop out of her degree. She is a first year student and says she likes about one third of her course. She has a good Leaving Cert and high enough points. She has submitted a late application to the CAO, but we're wondering if she should leave now or is it possible to transfer to another course. What should she do?

A. It is not uncommon for students to have moments like this where they feel overwhelmed by work, unable to compete in the very different academic environment third level presents, or unclear about how this course can fit into their future. This is especially common in first year.

I would not rush into making any decision just yet. I think her first port of call is to explore why she wants to leave in a deep and meaningful way. This can be difficult to do with a parent, and perhaps a counsellor in college or locally would help. There may be something more to this, of which even she is not aware.

Next, find someone in the college to speak to about her concerns. No college wants students to drop out and it can be a matter of finding the right person. This may take a little persistence, something that can be difficult for a student who is already feeling a little inadequate in relation to college. Depending on the structure of the college, this may be a tutor, the careers department, a counsellor, head of course, etc. There may be opportunities to transfer within the college and these should be fully explored before making a decision.

It is possible to transfer college at the end of first year. In order to avail of this option, your daughter should complete first year and will be considered for other courses based on her end of first year results. Further information is available from the CAO or the college to which she wishes to transfer.

I would encourage her to finish first year, but you may wish to check if this will affect her liability for fees if she does wish to retake first year. She should aiming for the best results possible: this will help her if she does wish to transfer and she may also settle by the end of year, especially if she does better in her exams that she expects.
Other medicines from the same family of painkillers, known as non-steroidal antiinflammatoryn drugs (NSAIDs), posed a similar danger. Stock Image

One of the most popular over-the-counter painkillers can heighten the chances of suffering a potentially fatal cardiac arrest, a study has shown.

Researchers in Denmark found that taking ibuprofen was associated with a 31pc increased risk of the emergency condition, which occurs when the heart suddenly stops pumping blood.

Other medicines from the same family of painkillers, known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), posed a similar danger, according to the findings.

They included diclofenac, which raised the risk by 50pc.

Heart expert Professor Gunnar Gislason, who led the study, called for tighter controls on NSAIDs.

"Allowing these drugs to be purchased without a prescription, and without any advice or restrictions, sends a message to the public that they must be safe," he said.

"The findings are a stark reminder that NSAIDs are not harmless.

"NSAIDs should be used with caution and for a valid indication.

"They should probably be avoided in patients with cardiovascular disease or many cardiovascular risk factors.

"I don't think these drugs should be sold in supermarkets or petrol stations where there is no professional advice on how to use them.

"Over-the-counter NSAIDs should only be available at pharmacies, in limited quantities and in low doses."

The Danish investigators studied data on all patients who had an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in the country between 2001 and 2010.

Disease

In the 10-year period, 28,947 patients had an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Of these, 3,376 had been treated with an NSAID up to a month beforehand.

Prof Gislason, from Copenhagen University Hospital, warned people not to take more than 1,200mg of ibuprofen in one day.

"Diclofenac is the riskiest NSAID and should be avoided by patients with cardiovascular disease and the general population. Safer drugs are available that have similar painkilling effects so there is no reason to use diclofenac," he said.
Details added (first version posted on 10:57)

Baku, Azerbaijan, Mar. 16

Trend:

Restructuring of Azerbaijans banking sector may also continue in 2017, says a report of the international ratings agency Fitch Ratings that has been made public at the sixth annual meeting on Azerbaijan.

Fitch analysts expect the failure of several banks and the continuation of cleansing in the sector in the light of capital insufficiency, which is related to poor asset quality and currency risks.

In early 2016, the ratings of five out of the eight banks rated by Fitch, including the countrys biggest bank - the International Bank of Azerbaijan (IBA)  declined, according to Fitch analysts.

Moreover, the regulator revoked licenses of 10 banks, which were not rated by the agency, says the report.

According to Fitch experts, the devaluation of the Azerbaijani manat continues to put pressure on the countrys banking sector, and banks are facing the continuing decline in capital.

The share of problem loans of the Azerbaijani banking sector accounted for 21 percent of total volume of the banks loan portfolio in late 2016, while this figure was 12 percent in late 2015.

Fitch analysts noted that the sector also faces a high impact of project finance, where the quality of loans is mainly not tested due to their long term and grace periods.

Banks wont be able to cope with the increase in the number of new problem loans due to capital constraints, says the report, therefore, Fitch expects a decline by five percent in the volume of crediting in 2017.

The report also says that the banking sectors net losses amounted to 1.7 billion manats in 2016, and meanwhile, about 1.3 billion manats accounted for net losses of the IBA.

Currently, 32 banks operate in Azerbaijan.
The Rescue 116 helicopter is believed to have crashed into the sea not far from Blackrock Lighthouse off the Mayo coast.

Built on a rock outcrop located at sea some 12km from Blacksod Head, the lighthouse was designed to warn shipping off one of the most notorious stretches of coastline in Europe.

Several Spanish Armada vessels were wrecked in waters between Donegal, Mayo and Galway in the 16th century.

The actual lighthouse stands some 16 metres in height but, when combined with the height of the rock outcrop on which it is built, the overall height above sea level is some 84 metres.

Blackrock Lighthouse was ordered in 1857, built in 1863 and became fully operational on June 1, 1864.

Its light, which flashes white to sea and red to land, is visible for almost 34km.

Expand Close Debris from the missing Rescue 116 helicopter is brought back to Blacksod pier from another Coast Guard Helicopter. Photo: Steve Humphreys / Facebook

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Whatsapp Debris from the missing Rescue 116 helicopter is brought back to Blacksod pier from another Coast Guard Helicopter. Photo: Steve Humphreys

The Commissioners of Irish Lights (CIL), which operate the facility, will be one of a number of agencies helping the Air Accident Investigation Unit with its investigation into the tragedy.

It is now expected to task its support vessel, ILV Granuaile, to the scene.

The ship is equipped with a heavy lift crane, which helps in salvage and recovery operations.

CIL official Captain Robert McCabe confirmed that all aids to navigation on the lighthouse were operational.

Blackrock Lighthouse was one of the first in Ireland to be converted to automated rather than manned operations.

This was due to its offshore location and the demands on lighthouse keepers, particularly in the harsh winter months.

It became fully automated in 1974.

Blackrock has since been fully modernised with the most modern LED lighting and aid-to-navigation systems.

For almost 150 years, the primary aim of Blackrock Lighthouse has been to warn shipping off dangerous local rocks and guide vessels towards the shelter of Blacksod Bay.

Blackrock Lighthouse was previously associated with an aviation incident, albeit of a different kind.

In August 1940, part of the lighthouse was damaged when it was hit by stray gunfire from a German bomber which had been attacked by a merchant vessel located passing by the rock.

The aid-to-navigation systems on Blackrock Lighthouse are monitored via telemetry links from the Commission of Irish Lights headquarters in Dublin.
Vice President Mike Pence is seen in the background as U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a press conference in Trump Tower, Manhattan, New York, U.S., . REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton

US President Donald Trump (L) and Vice President Mike Pence salute during the Inaugural Parade from the main reviewing stand in front of the White House on January 20. Photo: Getty Images

US Vice President Mike Pence had an extraordinary speech about how he stood on the inauguration stand in January thinking about his Irish heritage - but it was a picture of Hillary Clinton that earned the biggest cheer on the night.

In an extraordinary and almost emotional speech, Mr Pence said: "All the I am, all that I will ever be and all the service that I will ever give is owed to my Irish heritage.

"As I serve the people of this country I will do so with the faith, the determination, the cheerfulness, the humility and the humour that is characteristic of the great people of the Emerald Isle."

Donald Trump's number two is the grandson of Richard Michael Cawley who emigrated from Tubbercurry, Co Sligo in 1923 to become a bus driver in Chicago.

He told The Ireland Fund dinner in Washington last night that people regularly ask him what went through his head as he was sworn in as the Vice President.

"I just keep thinking of that day in April 1923 when Richard Michael Cawley stepped off the boat in Ellis Island.

"I can't imagine what the sight of the statue of liberty meant to him that day. The torch of freedom," he said.

But it was a photograph of US Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton that earned the biggest cheer of the night.

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Ireland Funds ran a montage of all the dinner's previous honourees and the photograph of Mrs Clinton sparked a massive applause, as Mike Pence watched on.

In front of 700 guests including Taoiseach Enda Kenny, the controversial politician had described his family as "a small part" of the story connecting Ireland and the United States.

"As I stood on that inaugural stage I just kept thinking of that Irishman. I kept thinking of what he would be thinking about looking down.

"One, knowing me as well as he did, he'd be extremely surprised," Mr Pence said to laughter.

"And two, I have to think he just thought he was right. He was right about America. He was right to summon the courage as generations did before and since to come here and follow their dreams."

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He was presented with a special award by The Ireland Fund and a copy of the Tubbercurry National School enrolment book that contained his grandfather's name.

"The truth is that whatever I honour I receive over the course of my time as Vice Present, to receive an honour in the name of the Irish people and my Irish heritage will count as chief among them," Mr Pence said.

His sisters, Annie and Mary, attended the lavish event in Washington's Museum Building, while his mother who had been due to travel was unable to due to the storm sweeping the east coast of America.

During a 15 minute speech, Mr Pence also spoke about his visits to Doonbeg, Co Clare where he has relatives.

He also told the gathering that he was able to bring "greetings from my friend, the leader of the free world".

Mr Pence said Donald Trump knew of the contribution the Irish have made to America.

"Irish immigrants and their descendants have been proud patriots," he said, adding that the Irish were among "the strongest and most vibrant threads of our national fabric".

Mr Pence praised the Irish economic recovery and said the success was "a testament" to the "strong" leadership of Enda Kenny over the past six years.

"Many leaders around the world would do well to emulate your leadership," he told the Taoiseach.

In his speech Mr Kenny said: "The Vice President has joined the distinguished list of Irish Americans who have occupied the highest political offices in the United States.

"We take special pride in the fact that, for the first time in the history of this great republic, one Irish American has succeeded another in the office of Vice President."
Enda Kenny meets with President Trump for the first time (Photo: Gerry Mooney)

Enda Kenny meets with President Trump for the first time (Photo: Gerry Mooney)

Enda Kenny meets with President Trump for the first time (Photo: Gerry Mooney)

Enda Kenny meets with President Trump for the first time (Photo: Gerry Mooney)

Enda Kenny meets with President Trump for the first time (Photo: Gerry Mooney)

Enda Kenny meets with President Trump for the first time (Photo: Gerry Mooney)

Taoiseach Enda Kenny with US President Donald Trump at the White House

Mr Trump has this evening described the Taoiseach as "my new friend, a great guy".

He said Ireland and America could do business under his administration.

In a speech on Capitol Hill Mr Kenny jokingly mocked the President for sticking to his pre-prepared script. Mr Trump is notorious for talking off the cuff during events.

But he said Mr Trump "will have the prayers and support of the Irish people".

The Taoiseach went on to plead with Mr Trump to find a pathway to legalisation for the undocumented Irish.

"We want it sorted," Mr Kenny said.

Earlier as the pair met for the first time at the White House the President confirmed he will visit Ireland during the course of his presidency.

The president said that he "loves" Ireland as he sat in the Oval Office with Taoiseach Enda Kenny.

Mr Trump spoke only briefly while in the presence of journalists to confirm that he "absolutely" intends to visit Ireland.

"I'll be there for sure," Mr Trump said.

Expand Close Enda Kenny meets with President Trump for the first time (Photo: Gerry Mooney) / Facebook

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Asked whether an invitation had been extended to the president, Mr Kenny said he could come "during the course of his presidency".

A reporter asked whether the president had raised previous comments about Mr Trump's language being "racist and dangerous" but both leaders ignored the question.
Children's Minister Katherine Zappone has put pressure on Taoiseach Enda Kenny ahead of today's much-anticipated White House visit, saying he has a "moral obligation" to raise the issue of immigration.

Writing in today's Irish Independent, Ms Zappone said Irish people have sought to welcome migrants to our shores.

"Indeed it could be argued that St Patrick remains the most famous migrant of all," Ms Zappone said.

But in a clear reference to today's visit to the Oval Office, the Dublin South-West TD said Ireland must at all times promote freedom.

"There is a moral obligation on all those who hold the public trust and serve in positions of democratic leadership to affirm in our actions and our words, our commitment to the universality, indivisibility and interrelatedness of all human rights, to accountability for human rights violations and abuses, and to the protection of those who are most vulnerable and marginalised," Ms Zappone said.

The Independent TD made the remarks in Boston, where she is attending the St Patrick's Day festivities.

Read more: Kenny insists he won't answer to Farage as he continues to deny calling Trump a racist

In recent weeks, she has been vocal in her criticism of Mr Trump's immigration ban.

Ms Zappone referred to the fact her father fought in the US army during World War II.

"I am very proud of the fact that he and his fellow veterans did not fight solely to make America great, they fought thousands of miles from their homes because liberty, diversity and democracy had to be protected," she said.

On the issue of Brexit, Ms Zappone said challenges lie ahead.

"If it fails to reflect on these developments, the EU itself is in danger of feeding into the rise of populism and the retrenchment across Europe, which may eventually result in the demise of the EU.

"At events to mark St Patrick's Day on both sides of the Atlantic, Ireland and its representatives have an opportunity to promote freedom in all its forms - it's a message which many will be grateful to hear."
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, Mar. 16

By Huseyn Hasanov  Trend:

Turkmenistan is interested in discussing the issues related to the participation of Qatars big financial and investment structures in the implementation of transnational Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline project, said Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.

He made the remarks during negotiations in Doha, where the Turkmen president was on a state visit on March 15-16, the Neutral Turkmenistan newspaper reported March 16.

Turkmenistans abovementioned interest was expressed during negotiations with the Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani.

Berdimuhamedov also noted that Qatar is one of leaders on the export of liquefied natural gas.

Qatars experience in this sphere will be very useful for our dynamic economy, said the Turkmen president.

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.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny with John Concannon, director of Creative Ireland, at the launch in Washington of the Ireland.ie web portal. Photo: Gerry Money

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has claimed that while Donald Trump uses racist language it "doesn't follow at all" that he is actually racist.

Just hours ahead of his first meeting with the new US President, Mr Kenny indicated he will not apologise for his Dail statement about Mr Trump using "racist and dangerous" language.

However, he went on to try to backtrack on his comments by insisting he does not believe the president is prejudiced.

"I'm not into English classes. The language that was used on that occasion was in my view not the language that I would use, but it was not related to his personality," Mr Kenny said.

It came on a day of gaffes for the Taoiseach in Washington, as he also rewrote a major speech to remove what would have been the first public acknowledgement that he is to step aside in the coming weeks.

An embargoed copy of his keynote address to The Ireland Fund dinner was released to the travelling media yesterday morning, only to be withdrawn just over an hour later.

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The original version suggested Mr Kenny would tell the audience, including US Vice President Mike Pence, that he is to step aside as Taoiseach.

Mr Kenny spoke about how "for the last six years you have opened your hearts to me as Taoiseach". And he went on to say: "On this night - my last with you as Taoiseach - I want to remember particularly Lew Glucksman."

Asked by the Irish Independent as to why this line was removed, Mr Kenny said: "The speech that you got is not the speech that I'm delivering tonight. That's why. I've already explained to my own parliamentary party my intention and how I intend to go about that."

Read more: Kenny insists he won't answer to Farage as he continues to deny calling Trump a racist

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Asked a second time as to why it was removed, he replied: "Because it shouldn't have been in there. That's why."

A spokesman later said Mr Kenny had not approved the original speech before it was issued to the media.

The Taoiseach also came under an extraordinary attack from former Governor of Maryland Martin O'Malley, who questioned whether Mr Kenny wants to "go out of office as a Wolfhound or a lap dog".

Today's Shamrock Ceremony at the White House comes against a backdrop where Mr Trump's new immigration ban on six predominantly Muslim countries comes into force.

Mr O'Malley, who is tipped to be the Democratic presidential candidate in 2020, said: "A few months ago, Enda Kenny said Donald Trump was 'racist and dangerous'. Now, the great immigrant round-up has begun and he wants to have a beer with him. That the Irish - of all people - would shower this immigrant-bashing president with shamrocks is appalling."

However, a close friend of the president, Ukip's Nigel Farage, said that Mr Kenny should apologise for "saying vile things" about Mr Trump.

"Trump won't have forgotten that," he said on RTE Radio, adding: "How much more insulting can you be than to call someone racist?"

In response Mr Kenny told reporters: "I haven't come to America to answer to Nigel Farage.

"I am proud and privileged to be the leader of the Irish Government. I'm responding to an invitation sent by the president of the United States and I'm happy to go to the White House to continue the traditional connection between Ireland and the United States symbolising the contribution Irish people have made over many centuries and the fact that we want to continue with that."

The Taoiseach begins his hectic itinerary today with breakfast at Mr Pence's home.

Asked whether he would "speak up" for the gay community during the encounter, Mr Kenny said he would "if I have the opportunity".

Mr Pence has been dogged by accusations that he is a supporter of 'conversion therapy' and is against marriage equality.

"I would be happy to say to him that the experience in Ireland was one of massive relief and release for people who were able to remove themselves from the limbo in which they'd lived for years," Mr Kenny said, adding that the Irish marriage referendum "was an extraordinary circumstance where that unbridled joy was evident in our people".
Taoiseach Enda Kenny and his wife Fionnuala arrive at US VP Mike Pence's home

US Vice President Mike Pence has lavished praise on Taoiseach Enda Kenny's "extraordinary leadership" and said he is confident that ties between Ireland and America will grow under the Trump administration.

Speaking at a breakfast gathering with Mr Kenny at the Vice President's home in Washington's Naval Observatory, Mr Pence, who repeatedly referenced his grandfather's journey from Sligo to a new life in the US in the 1920s, said he was "humbled" to receive the Irish delegation.

"Let me say that under President Trump's leadership, let me say Taoiseach that I am confident the ties between our countries will only grow," Mr Pence said

"They are ties of the heart of the heart, ties of congress, they are ties of shared values.

"And under President Trump's leadership and the extraordinary leadership that you've led with your government, the prosperity of recent years has been a marvel , the best days for Ireland and America are yet to come."

Mr Kenny is due to meet with the US President later today.

Among the Irish-American guests were the secretary of Homeland Security, John Kelly, and Congressmen Peter King and Tom Rooney.

In response, the Taoiseach said Ireland will always be a friend to the United States as he wished the Trump administration every success

Mr Kenny said there are many international and global challenges for the new administration.

You and President Trump now occupy the two most powerful political seats in the world.

I'm so grateful for these gifts, and we now have them proudly displayed at the Vice President's Residence. pic.twitter.com/1KtqfUtwUo  Vice President Pence (@VP) March 16, 2017

Karen & I welcomed Taoiseach Kenny & Mrs. Kenny to our home for an Irish breakfast. Snow needs to melt before trying my new hurley. pic.twitter.com/Sr4uWT2yHL  Vice President Pence (@VP) March 16, 2017

Last night @EndaKennyTD & the American Ireland Fund presented me a framed family tree & a copy of my grandfather's school form from Ireland. pic.twitter.com/IcUosBeJJf  Vice President Pence (@VP) March 16, 2017

And this morning, I received part of the 1911 census including the Pence Family filled out by my great grandmother. Humbling & touching.  Vice President Pence (@VP) March 16, 2017

You have a responsibility and opportunity to deal with many of those [challenges], he told Mr Pence.

Its not easy but youre going to get help from Ireland and youre going to get help from the European Union.

Ireland and the EU will never be but a friend to the United States.

At one point during his address to a room that included the Secretary of Homeland Security John Kelly, the Taoiseach confused Donald Trump with former President George Bush.

He went on to speak about the important roles that immigrants have played in America over the decades and the contribution that the Irish have made to American society.

The politicians dined on a menu of layered omelette with spinach, tomato and applewood smoked bacon, along with country potatoes and fresh fruit.

Mr Kenny presented the Vice President with a hurley and in a tweet later Mr Pence said the "snow needs to melt before trying my new hurley".

Mr Kenny and and his wife Fionnuala were greeted by Mr Pence and his wife Karen at the door of the residence on a bitterly cold morning in DC at 8.30am local time, having spent much of the previous evening in their company at the Ireland Funds dinner.

"It's a beautiful sunny morning you organised for us," Mrs Kenny said as she met the Vice President. "It's very good for the shamrock," she added.

All four were wearing green and large pieces of shamrock, with March 16 unofficially designated as St Patrick's Day in the US.

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Pence is the grandson of Richard Michael Cawley, who emigrated from Tubbercurry in Sligo in 1923. He made a quite emotional speech at the Ireland Funds dinner on his ancestry last night, saying that he was thinking of his grandfather during his inauguration in January.

"As I stood on that inaugural stage I just kept thinking of that Irishman. I kept thinking of what he would be thinking looking down (on me)," he said.

"One, knowing me as well as he did, he'd be extremely surprised," he laughed.

"And two, I have to think he just thought he was right. He was right about America. He was right to summon the courage as generations did before and since to come here and follow their dreams."
Enda Kenny meets with President Trump for the first time (Photo: Gerry Mooney)

Enda Kenny meets with President Trump for the first time (Photo: Gerry Mooney)

Enda Kenny meets with President Trump for the first time (Photo: Gerry Mooney)

Enda Kenny meets with President Trump for the first time (Photo: Gerry Mooney)

Enda Kenny meets with President Trump for the first time (Photo: Gerry Mooney)

Enda Kenny meets with President Trump for the first time (Photo: Gerry Mooney)

Enda Kenny meets with President Trump for the first time (Photo: Gerry Mooney)

Enda Kenny at the White House. Photo: Gerry Mooney

Speakers Lunch Capitol Hill Washington. Speaker Paul Ryan, US president Donal Trump, Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Congressman Peter King. Picture; Gerry Mooney

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has described his meeting with Donald Trump as "very constructive and very engaging".

He said they discussed issues relating to Ireland, the US and Brexit at a bilateral meeting in the Oval Office.

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Mr Kenny also gave a "detailed account of the Northern Ireland elections" during their first meeting.

The President asked a number questions about what a border between the North and the Republic had meant in the past.

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Mr Kenny also described Ireland as a "microcosm" of Europe that had made really difficult decisions in recent years, and Mr Trump was "very complementary of the people of Ireland" for their role in the economic recovery.

A large part of the talks were taken up by immigration issues with Mr Trump expressing surprise that there are only 50,000 undocumented Irish in the US.

However, the issue of taxation was not discussed despite the proposed lowering of corporate tax in the US causing serious concern in Ireland during Trump's campaign and early days in office.

At the end of meeting both politicians agreed to continue "friendly, constructive engagement".

Mr Kenny said he told the President that in Ireland "invitations are always returned"

Mr Trump indicated he will come to Ireland during his presidency.

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The Taoiseach will later be guest at Speaker Paul Ryan's traditional St Patrick's lunch on Capitol Hill.

Earlier today Mr Kenny and and his wife Fionnuala were hosted by Mr Pence and his wife Karen at their home for breakfast.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny has said he is searching for President Trump's Irish roots as he urged the US President to "look sympathetically" on immigrants.

Speaking at an event in Capitol Hill today, where he was billed as the guest speaker, Mr Kenny congratulated President Trump on his election.

"I would like also to congratulate President Trump on his election and to thank him for so graciously agreeing to attend this event, continuing this great tradition which goes back to the era of Ronald Reagan and Tip ONeill," Mr Kenny told those in attendance.

"We have not yet identified any Irish family roots of the President, but we are working on that. But he does have an Irish connection through Doonbeg in beautiful Co Clare. And I very much appreciate his taking the time to join us here today. Thank you sir."

He also used the opportunity to address US immigration reform, but said he it was not his place to "insert myself into your political debate".

"As you know very well, immigration reform is of great and real concern to Ireland and an issue I have raised on a regular basis with you and your predecessor. This is a matter of reform of a system that affects many nations," he said.

Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close Enda Kenny meets with President Trump for the first time (Photo: Gerry Mooney) Enda Kenny meets with President Trump for the first time (Photo: Gerry Mooney) Enda Kenny meets with President Trump for the first time (Photo: Gerry Mooney) Enda Kenny meets with President Trump for the first time (Photo: Gerry Mooney) / Facebook

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"It is not for me to insert myself into your political debate but I would highlight the plight of our undocumented community of up to 50,000, hardworking Irish men and women, who are tax-paying contributors to this, their adopted home.

"Many of them came here decades ago in a different era, and have been caught in limbo without any path to regularise their status. On this day when we remember St Patrick, himself an immigrant twice over to our shores, I urge you to look sympathetically at this issue."

"Thats a separate matter from being able to do a bilateral deal with Ireland in the same way as applies to visas with Canada and Australia."

Mr Kenny also spoke about Brexit and the importance of protecting the Northern Ireland Peace Process.

He also defended the European Union, against the backdrop of President Trump's ongoing criticism of the union.

He re-affirmed Ireland's commitment to remaining in the EU:

"Membership of the European Union has been transformative for Irelands economy and society. Ireland has always been a fully participating member. That will not change," he said.

"The European Union is, above all else, a community of nations built on shared values  these values include human dignity, freedom and democracy, equality, and the rule of law.

"Values that I know are shared on this side of the Atlantic.

"I firmly believe that the EU can and will continue to be a force for good on the global stage. Ireland and Europe will never be the enemy of the United States," he said.

While he referenced Ireland's economic growth and the importance of Irish firms in the US he did not address the issue of taxation. He also did not address the issue at an earlier meeting in the Oval Office.
A Galway musician said his "toxic" relationship with alcohol and drugs drove him to his lowest point and left him homeless for seven weeks on the other side of the world.

Fiddle-player Aindrias de Staic (39) had his laptop stolen and lost his violin in a fire in Melbourne, Australia, as his addiction to alcohol and drugs spun out of control.

Now sober for more than ten years, the musician spoke about the most frightening period of his life during which he said he lost everything, including his mind, after moving to Australia in 2003.

"I was in Australia for seven years. I had this show called Around the World in Eighty Quid, which was about my journey to Australia through Eastern Europe and Italy," said Aindrias, who describes himself as being from "out the Tuam road".

"I was travelling around like this with the fiddle, the show was about the journey of a travelling fiddle player.

"In my late twenties, I had been playing a lot in Irish pubs, drinking and drugs as you do. Hanging around playing music and busking on the streets. My system just got toxic, too much drink, too much drugs, I just went a bit crazy. I started getting thrown out of pubs, wasn't able to keep it together as a musician.

"I lost my laptop, then I lost my violin in a fire, then I lost my mind and I was running around. I was homeless for seven weeks. I'll never forget it, I ran away from Melbourne with the smell of burning clothes... the smell of the fire was on me and I ran. I ran to Sydney."

Aindrias said he was lucky to fall into a good crowd in Sydney; people who were keen to get sober and regain control over their lives.

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"I met some people in Sydney, one or two Irish guys in particular, who were giving up the drink as well. I just got in with a good crowd. A community and a fellowship that were giving up the drink together. I would advise anyone in recovery to get into a community where other people are in recovery. It's hard if you're giving up the drink and your friends are still drinking. Try and find a few friends who don't drink."

The musician and renowned story-teller said it can be hard for young people coming onto the Irish music scene, as performance and alcohol are so intrinsically linked.

"Being Irish and playing music, the drink goes hand in hand. We love our music and we love our drink. It's very difficult to separate the two. I was a man and I played the fiddle and I drank pints and it took a long time for me to separate the two. To just be a man with music without drinking pints," he said.

"I started taking drugs from a young age. Growing up in Galway in the 90s, we'd smoke joints, hash was the big thing. I suppose I was in my twenties when the Celtic Tiger came to Galway and next thing there was clubs, there was cocaine, there was escasty. We thought it was rock'n'roll you know. You didn't have to go to LA to live the dream, it was happening there in Galway. It started to fall apart for me then."

As the pubs around the country prepare for a boozy celebration tomorrow, Aindrias said he will have the kettle boiled to toast to our patron saint. The performer is preparing for the Newstalk debut of his show The Man from Moogaga, a story about small-town lad from the West of Ireland who becomes a part of the Irish diaspora.

"The show, the Man from Moogaga, it basically just started from a few stories I was telling to friends of mine in the pub here and there. I didn't think it would ever work outside Galway and Mayo. It was very much a story I do for friends and family and the craic. And then I went to Westport Arts Festival last year and then my girlfriend Clodagh saw it there and said 'Why don't we do it in Dublin', so that's what we're doing now on Sunday night in the Grand Social."

"I'm lucky that in recent years I've managed to combine music with story telling. There's a huge interest now in spoken-word storytelling and comedy. People are able to listen again to storytelling. I've clicked into my own niche, particularly outside of Ireland, I've just come back from a tour in Kansas and California, at the end of the year I go back to Australia and New Zealand. There seems to be a vibe and an opening for that," he said.

Last St Patrick's Day, Aindrias spent the holiday performing at a sober celebration in Richmond, West Virgina. The musician said Irish people have so much of themselves entwined in alcohol that we feel sometimes as though we can't "have the craic" with out it.

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"It was nice, you know, I was able to play music and people were actually listening. I think that's what as Irish people we have to learn. To go back to having the craic without the booze, you know. There's nothing wrong with having a few pints but it is something we've become known for internationally and it's almost socially acceptable to get rotten drunk.

"People do it when you're young, when you're a teenager, when you're in your twenties but it gets to a point when you hit your thirties and forties when you say 'I can't do this anymore'.

"What I learned at the sober St Patrick's Day is that so many other cultures don't have that. They drink a lot in America, they drink a lot in Australia, but they still have alternatives to it. But we're still catching up to that.

"I don't have any problem with anyone having a few pints. I love to do venues when people have a few pints. When we do Body and Soul or EP, we're playing to a crowd that are off their heads but it's great craic. I'm not anti-booze or anti-craic. I'm just lucky to have come through it myself," he said.

Aindrias de Staic is bringing his show The Man From Moogaga to the Grand Social on Sunday March 19, followed by a performance by his band The Latchikos. For tickets visit www.thegrandsocial.ie. You can also catch the show on Newstalk at 6PM on March 17.
You would be ill-advised to pepper your Leaving Certificate English composition with traditional English proverbs. It would be considered somewhat cliched and is unlikely to impress any English examiner. On the other hand, however, and in sharp contrast, you would be wise to throw in the odd proverb when writing an Irish essay you intend handing up.

In fact, ending with a proverb would be considered a plus in any Leaving Certificate Irish essay. And why? Well, the Irish tradition is still profoundly rooted in a deep deference to our ancestors and here, I'm not talking about the high-flung axioms of classical literature, but of the common voice of previous generations; the thoughts and feelings of our parents and grandparents.

Whenever we quote a proverb in Irish, it is a recognition, a greeting, a nod if you like, to those who went before us, that what we do and say today has been built on what they have said and done before us. In a way, it is a means of placing ourselves within an Irish community of souls who adhere to certain commonly accepted values and traditions that are both treasured and to be promoted.

While many of the most well-known proverbs date back to the old Gaelic tradition, new ones are emerging all the time. There is a wealth of sayings which have come into frequent use over the past 50 years, such as Me-feineachas (My-selfness), Nil aon amadan mar sheanamadan (There is no fool like an old fool) or Baile, scoil, paroiste (Home, school, parish!).

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When people ask me why I devoted my life to teaching Irish I simply reply that it is, for me, one of the greatest gifts that any Irish person can offer to the next generation. And this is because, embedded in the Irish language, there's a whole universe that cannot be heard, spoken or experienced through any other language.

If music gives us a glimpse of heaven, then proverbs give non-Irish speakers a glimpse into an experiential universe hidden from them by their not knowing and being able to speak the Irish language. Ah, I hear you mutter, another insane Gaeilgeoir! Well, before you rush to judgement, please read me out.

To a certain extent, proverbs are similar to small turns of phrase that remind us of a people or experiences we have had. 'I'll be back' might remind us all of a gravelly Arnold Schwarzenegger in The Terminator, while 'I have a cunning plan' recalls Baldrick in Blackadder, or perhaps for people of my own vintage: 'Roll it there, Colette!' which would bring back memories of Gay Byrne and The Late, Late Show.

Proverbs can also capture a time, a mood, and a way of seeing the world - suil eile, as TG4 constantly reminds us.

For example, there are many Irish proverbs that reveal the shimmering soul of the common Irish woman or man, our ingrained and abiding sense of sorrow that is part and parcel of who we are: Bionn an bas mar leigheas ar an saol (Death is the cure for life), or Ni sonas seanaois aois, ni bainis bas (Old age isn't happiness and death isn't a wedding).

Very often with Irish proverbs, death is merrily introduced into a wide variety of topics, such as fishing: Bionn suil le muir ach ni bhionn suil le huaigh (There is hope [of coming home] from the sea but none from the grave), or drinking: Is iomai la sa reilig orainn ([Have another drink] because we will be in the graveyard for many the day), or even when innocently drinking tea: Marbh le tae agus marbh gan e (Dead with the tea and dead without it).

This preoccupation with death and the troubles of life has been widely and colourfully fossilized in many small nuggets of Irish folk-wisdom, more commonly known as proverbs. Other examples show our quirky Irish sense of humour: Is maith Dia agus nil an diabhal ro-olc (God is good and the devil isn't too bad), or our disdain for authority: Ma ta an cheart ag Dia, ta an da cheart ag an Eaglais (However right God is, the Church is twice as right), and often reveal details of ancient crafts and forgotten traditional skills: Ni he la na gaoithe la na scolb (The windy day isn't the day for thatching).

Even those who have forgotten all the Irish they ever learnt at school can still recall some of the proverbs that their tenacious teachers once taught them, like: Nil aon tintean na do thintean fein (There is no fireside like your own fireside), or Is maith an scealai an aimsir (Time is a good storyteller).

Proverbs stay with us independent of whether the zeitgeist of any particular era may value or scorn them and so surely in Seachtain na Gaeilge 2017 we should honour their singular importance and place in our native language.

Proverbs in Irish by Garry Bannister is out now (New Island, 11.95)
Stena Line and Norwegian are jumping on the Paddy's day bandwagon with flash sales this weekend.

Stena Line is offering 2 single foot passenger fares to Britain - in a deal available to book from March 16-18 for travel to December 15.

The offer is available on a "limited number of sailings", it says, and punters can try their luck online at stenaline.ie/2eurodeal.

Meanwhile, low-cost airline Norwegian is offering 15pc off its game-changing transatlantic fares from Dublin, Cork and Shannon to the US.

Its four-day St. Patrick's Day sale is live until 11pm on Sunday, March 19, and passengers can book on norwegian.com/ie using STPADDY2017 as a discount code.

Though the famous 69 fares have long since disappeared, one-way tickets to New York-newburgh-Stewart were available from 100.90 as we publish.

Flights from Cork to Boston Providence are available from 126.40 each way, while flights from Shannon to the same airport start from 116.70 at sale rates.

The 15pc discount is calculated on 'net' fares, after taxes and charges.

Norwegian's new transatlantic routes, set to take off this July, went on to become the airline's "fastest selling routes ever", it says.

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Baku, Azerbaijan, March 16

By Elena Kosolapova  Trend:

Kazakh government appointed Alik Aydarbayev as the first vice-minister for investments and development.

Aydarbayev will be responsible for industry, the Investments and Development Ministry said in a message March 16.

In 2013-2017, Aydarbayev headed oil-rich Mangistau region in Kazakhstans southwest.

Previously he served on high positions in Kazakh oil companies, and, in particular, at KazMunaiGas Exploration Production Company.
Ray Dempsey, General Manager, Jameson Distillery Bow St with Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Paschal Donohoe in the 'Maturation House' at the Jameson Distillery Bow St.

Ray Dempsey, General Manager, Jameson Distillery Bow St with Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and Paschal Donohoe in the 'Maturation House' at 'Jameson Distillery Bow St.

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Paschal Donohoe with Ray Dempsey, General Manager, Jameson Distillery Bow St and Claire Tolan, Managing Director Brand Homes & Education, Irish Distillers.

Dublin's Jameson Distillery has re-opened in Smithfield following an 11 million refurbishment.

The new-look 'Jameson Distillery Bow St.' (see gallery above), which officially opened last week, had been closed for several months for works.

Its multi-million euro reboot combines traditional whiskey tastings with "state-of-the-art storytelling techniques" led by BRC Imagination Arts, an experience design outfit that has worked with World of Coca-Cola in Atlanta, the Heineken Experience in Amsterdam and the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin.

Visitors have three tour options - a 40-minute 'Bow St. Experience' (18), a 90-minute 'Whiskey Makers' masterclass (55) including the chance to sample whiskey straight from the cask in the maturation warehouse, and a 90-minute 'Whiskey Shakers' cocktail masterclass designed to "unleash your inner mixologist".

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The immersive tours focus on the ingredients, triple distillation process and innovation that Jameson prides itself on, before ending with a comparative whiskey tasting and a complimentary drink in JJs Bar.

The new home of Jameson was officially opened by Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Paschal Donohoe last week - ahead of St. Patrick's Day, traditionally seen as the date Ireland's tourism season gets underway.

Irish whiskey is experiencing something of a revival, with 600,000 tourists now passing through visitor centres every year. In 2013, just four distilleries were operating in Ireland - today, there are 16 in production and 14 in planning.

A 50m Slane Distillery is on course to open on the grounds of Slane Castle in Co. Meath this summer, while last month a 12m distillery and visitor centre was granted planning permission in the historic Ebrington Square in Derry.

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"Irish whiskey is now the fastest growing premium spirit category in the world," as Miriam Mooney, head of the Irish Whiskey Association has put it, "with exports valued at 505 million last year, up more than 300pc in the last 10 years."

Last year, an all-island Irish Whiskey Tourism Strategy was launched with the target of trebling whiskey tourists to 1.9 million by 2025.

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Jameson is the world's fastest-growing Irish whiskey, according to its owner, Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard, with sales of 5.7m cases last year.

"As Smithfield continues to experience a cultural resurgence, were incredibly excited to be part of this thriving community and look forward to being here long into the future, said Ray Dempsey, General Manager at the Jameson brand home.

See jamesonwhiskey.com for tickets and further info.

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If you check Twitter on a Friday afternoon, chances are that #wineoclock will be trending. In offices around Ireland, people are eagerly counting down the hours to clocking out and rounding off a week's hard work with a well deserved drink.

But why do so many of us associate alcohol with down-time and de-stressing, especially when a night of drinking to unwind often leaves us more down and depressed than before?

"Alcohol is a relaxant," explains Dr Bobby Smyth, a child and adolescent psychiatrist and board member of Alcohol Action Ireland (alcoholireland.ie). "It's sedating and, by and large, if you're tense or stressed, it offers a degree of short-term relief."

Here's the science bit . . .

The alcohol in that glass of sauvignon blanc or pint of beer affects the balance of chemicals in your brain and alters its processes. That euphoria you might feel after the first few drinks happens because alcohol is interfering with the release of information-carrying chemicals called neurotransmitters.

With alcohol on board the excitatory neurotransmitter, glutamate, which normally deals with thinking and decision making, gets slowed down resulting in you feeling fuzzy.

Meanwhile, it increases the inhibitory neurotransmitter, GABA, which reduces brain activity giving a sluggish, sedative feeling.

Simply put, after a day where your brain has been whirring a million miles an hour, alcohol dulls the bits of the brain dealing with all that mental chatter.

It also increases the release of the so-called 'happy hormone' dopamine.

"Alcohol, like any drug, skews the amount of dopamine in the limbic system, the brain's 'reward centre'," explains Dr Smyth.

"Normally it just drips away and replenishes itself, but alcohol squeezes all the happy chemicals out in a short time giving a short-term buzz. But, like lots of things that offer a short-term reward, there's a payback down the line."

The flipside to a few hours of chemically generated happiness and suspended stress is an emotional hangover as soon as the sedative effects of alcohol wear off. Once the brain has squeezed out all its dopamine the night before, the dearth of happy hormones in the tank means post-drinking depression can ensue.

"You're depleted come Sunday morning and without that steady drop of dopamine there's a crash after a binge," explains Dr Smyth. "It depends how often you're drinking and how much, but if you're consistently drinking over the suggested limits every four or five days then you're probably never getting back to base-line."

Even with moderate drinking it can take several days for that low feeling to lift and chemical balance to restore.

Research using brain scans suggests alcohol produces increased dopamine release in men compared to women  which may help explain why men tend to be more susceptible to alcoholism. But the morning-after blues don't discriminate between sexes.

"Alcohol is a depressant and it's a drug  these simple facts are exactly the same for males and females," says Imelda McHugh, addiction services co-ordinator at St Patrick's Mental Health Services. "Alcohol is not the solution to dealing with stress, anxiety or a depressed mood because those emotions will still be there when the bottle is taken away and maybe even worse."

Why then, when we know the fallout and vow 'never again', are so many of us back in the pub when Friday comes? It's because the brain tends to associate the immediate, happy effects of alcohol more closely with drinking than the depression the next day.

"From a behavioural perspective, short-term consequences are more powerful than medium-term consequences," explains Dr Smyth. "At an extreme level, it's the same with drugs like heroin or cocaine.

"Logically, the person's brain knows it's not doing them good, but the short-term buzz is so intense it overcomes that."

Of course it doesn't help that the Irish psyche is so intrinsically linked with alcohol. Some 80pc of people over 18 drink in Ireland. Figures from Alcohol Action Ireland show that Irish adults binge drink (consuming six or more standard drinks in one sitting) more than any other European country and more than half of Irish drinkers have a harmful pattern of drinking.

Advertising and media representation re-enforce the belief that alcohol is a part of an evening with friends, celebrating your team's win (or drowning your sorrows after a loss).

Booze is habitually associated with sporting events, music and culture, and drinking, even beyond the suggested limits, is socially accepted and tolerated.

But McHugh reckons blaming our culture is just another way of giving ourselves permission to drink. "Drinking alcohol is being normalised by individuals, not some external force," she argues. "When we visited each other a few years ago we were asked if we'd like tea or coffee  now it's a glass of wine . . . at any time of the day. We're making the choice to drink to make us feel better or have 'me' time or 'I deserve it' time but this rationalising syndrome is on the continuum from sociable drinking to dependence."

She adds: "So you've had a stressful day at the office, so what? Anyone can make stress fit with the belief that alcohol is the answer, the power, the friend, the crutch, the well deserved and relaxant from life's stressors.

"But we give alcohol this power. Association with alcohol for all the above is just that, association, if alcohol had as much cure-all power as we imagine it to have, it would be radioactive!"
Blogger Belle Gibson, who lied about beating a normally deadly brain tumour through healthy eating, exploited public generosity by falsely claiming most of her income went to charities, a judge has said.

Australian Federal Court Justice Debra Mortimer ruled Ms Gibson's misleading claims about her charitable donations from the sales of her cook book 'The Whole Pantry' and a related app constituted unconscionable conduct under Australian law.

"All Ms Gibson's marketing of herself and her company projected the image of a successful, booming enterprise with a wholesale dedication to charitable giving," the judge said.

Despite Ms Gibson saying "a large part of everything the company earns is now donated to charities", only AUS$10,000 (7,140) of the earnings of AUS$420,000 (300,000) from her company Inkerman Road Nominees went to charity.

Deceptive

One of her nominated charities, Asylum Seekers Resource Centre, raised the alarm with the Victoria state consumer watchdog after no donations materialised.

Ms Gibson was not represented when a civil trial was heard in September on charges of misleading and deceptive conduct under trade law.

She could be fined up to Aus$200,000 (142,870) and her company, which is now in liquidation, could be fined up to AUS$1.1m (785,800) at a penalty hearing later this month.

Ms Gibson built a public profile from 2013 around her claim through her book, Instagram and Facebook accounts that she was diagnosed with brain cancer as a 20-year-old in 2009 and was given four months to live.

She claimed to have rejected conventional cancer treatments in favour of a quest to heal herself naturally.

With media questioning many of her claims, she admitted in 2015 that she never had cancer.
President Donald Trump acknowledges applause as he leaves the stage after speaking at a rally in Nashville (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

The top two senators on the intelligence committee say they have seen no indication that Trump Tower was "the subject of surveillance" by the US government before or after the 2016 election.

President Donald Trump accused former President Barack Obama of wiretapping him and asked congressional committees investigating Russia's interference in the election to pursue that as well.

Republican Sen Richard Burr and Democratic Sen Mark Warner issued a joint one-sentence statement and did not elaborate.

The two senators are leading one of three congressional investigations into Russia and the presidential election.

The probes include looking into Trump associates' contacts with the Kremlin.

In response to Mr Trump's claims, the Justice Department is doing its own review of whether the president or any of his associates were the subject of surveillance.
Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Mar. 16

By Demir Azizov Trend:

The delegation of the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE ODIHR) headed by the ODIHR Director Michael Georg Link will visit Uzbekistan, the press service of the countrys Foreign Ministry reported.

The OSCE ODIHR delegation will arrive in Tashkent Mar. 16, 2017, according to the press service of the Uzbek Foreign Ministry.

The OSCE ODIHR delegation will hold meetings and negotiations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Central Election Commission and the National Center for Human Rights of Uzbekistan within the framework of the visit.
President Donald Trump has unveiled a 1.15 trillion dollar budget, a far-reaching overhaul of federal government spending that slashes many domestic programmes to finance a significant increase in the military and make a down payment on a US-Mexico border wall.

Mr Trump's proposal seeks to upend Washington with cuts to long-promised campaign targets such as foreign aid and the Environmental Protection Agency as well as strong congressional favourites such as medical research, help for homeless veterans and community development grants.

"A budget that puts America first must make the safety of our people its number one priority - because without safety, there can be no prosperity," Mr Trump said in a message accompanying his proposed budget that was titled America First: A Budget Blueprint to Make America Great Again.

The 54 billion dollar (43 billion) boost for the military is the largest since President Ronald Reagan's Pentagon build-up in the 1980s, promising immediate money for troop readiness, the fight against Islamic State militants and procurement of new ships, fighter jets and other weapons.

The 10% Pentagon boost is financed by 54 billion dollars in cuts to foreign aid and domestic agencies that had been protected by former president Barack Obama.

The budget goes after the frequent targets of the party's staunchest conservatives, eliminating the National Endowment for the Arts, legal aid for the poor, low-income heating assistance and the AmeriCorps national service programme established by former president Bill Clinton.

Such programmes were the focus of lengthy battles dating to the Republican takeover of Congress in 1995 and have survived prior attempts to eliminate them.

Politicians will have the final say on Mr Trump's proposal in the arduous budget process, and many of the cuts will be deemed dead on arrival.

White House budget director Mick Mulvaney acknowledged to reporters that passing the cuts could be an uphill struggle and said the administration would negotiate over replacement cuts.

Mr Mulvaney also went after Republican favourites, including aid to rural schools and health research, while eliminating subsidies for rural air service and the federal flood insurance programme that is a linchpin for the property market, especially in coastal southern states and the north east.

Mr Trump's Republican allies on Capitol Hill gave it only grudging praise, if any.

"Congress has the power of the purse," reminded House Appropriations Committee chairman Rodney Frelinghuysen.

"I look forward to reviewing this," said House Speaker Paul Ryan.

"This is not a take-it-or-leave-it budget," Mr Mulvaney admitted.

Law enforcement agencies such as the FBI would be spared, while the border wall would receive an immediate 1.4 billion dollar (1.1 billion) infusion in the ongoing fiscal year, with another 2.6 billion dollars (2.1 billion) planned for the 2018 budget year starting on October 1.

Mr Trump repeatedly claimed during the campaign that Mexico would pay for the wall when, in fact, US taxpayers will foot the bill.

Twelve of the government's 15 cabinet agencies would absorb cuts under the president's proposal.

The biggest losers are agriculture, labour, state and the cabinet-level EPA.

The defence department, department of homeland security and department of veterans' affairs are the winners.

More than 3,000 EPA workers would lose their jobs and programmes such as Mr Obama's Clean Power Plan, which would tighten regulations on emissions from power plants seen as contributing to global warming, would be eliminated.

Popular EPA grants for state and local drinking and wastewater projects would be preserved, however, even as research into climate change would be eliminated.

Mr Trump's proposal covers only roughly a quarter of the approximately four trillion dollar federal budget, the discretionary portion that Congress passes each year.

I t does not address taxes, Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, or make predictions about deficits and the economy.

Those big picture details are due in mid-May and are sure to show large - probably permanent - budget deficits.

Mr Trump has vowed not to cut Social Security and Medicare and is dead set against raising taxes.

"The president's going to keep his promises" to leave Social Security and Medicare alone, Mr Mulvaney said.

But the budget increases user fees, boosting the airline ticket tax by one dollar per one-way trip.

The so-called "skinny budget" is indeed skimpy, glossing over cuts to many sensitive programmes such as community health centres, national parks, offering only a vague, two-page summary of most agencies, including the Pentagon, where allocating its additional billions is still a work in progress.

Mr Trump's proposal is sure to land with a thud on Capitol Hill, and not just with opposition Democrats outraged over cuts to pet programmes such as renewable energy, climate change research and rehabilitation of housing projects.

Republicans such as Senator Rob Portman of Ohio are irate over planned elimination of a programme to restore the Great Lakes.

Top Republicans such as Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky and Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman Bob Corker of Tennessee are opposed to drastic cuts to foreign aid.

And even defence hawks such as Armed Services Committee chairman Mac Thornberry of Texas are not satisfied with the 54 billion dollar increase for the military.

Before the two sides go to war over Mr Trump's 2018 plan, they need to clean up more than 1.1 trillion dollars in unfinished agency budgets for the current year.

A temporary catch-all spending bill expires on April 28; negotiations have barely started and could get hung up over Mr Trump's request for the wall and additional border patrol and immigration enforcement agents, just for starters.

Some of the most politically sensitive domestic programmes would be spared, including food aid for pregnant women and their children, housing vouchers for the poor, aid for special education and school districts for the poor, and federal aid to historically black colleges and universities.

But the National Institutes of Health would absorb a 5.8 billion dollar (4.7 billion) cut despite Mr Trump's talk in a recent address to Congress of finding "cures to the illnesses that have always plagued us".

Subsidies for airlines serving rural airports in Trump strongholds would be eliminated.

It would also shut down Amtrak's money-losing long-distance routes and kill off a popular 500 million dollar (404 million) per year programme for highway projects created by Mr Obama.

AP
The man persuaded his victims to perform sexual acts in front of a webcam, then posted the images online or threatened to do so

A man has been sentenced to nearly 11 years in prison by a Dutch court for cyberbullying dozens of young girls and gay men.

The court convicted the 38-year-old man, identified only as Aydin C, for fraud and blackmail via the internet, according to a statement from the Dutch legal authorities.

It gave him the maximum possible sentence, calling his behaviour "astonishing".

He pretended to be a boy or girl and persuaded his victims to perform sexual acts in front of a webcam, then posted the images online or threatened to do so.

In Canada, he faces a separate trial over the cyberbullying of Amanda Todd, a 15-year-old girl whose suicide drew global attention to online abuse.

He denies involvement in any cyberbullying.

The court gave him the maximum possible sentence of 10 years and eight months "because of the devastating consequences his behaviour has on the young lives of the girls" in particular, and out of fear that he could commit new offences if released, the statement said.

He was accused of abusing 34 girls and five gay men. In some cases, the abuse lasted years.

A Dutch court has approved his extradition following his trial in Amsterdam.

He has appealed against that decision and denies involvement in any cyberbullying.

In the Canadian case, he faces charges including extortion, possession of child pornography and attempting to lure a child online.

Amanda brought cyberbullying to mainstream attention by posting a video on YouTube in which she told her story with handwritten signs, describing how she was lured by a stranger to expose her breasts on a webcam.

The picture ended up on a Facebook page made by the stranger, and she was repeatedly bullied, despite changing schools.

She took her own life weeks after posting the video.

AP
People gather around part of a statue, the head of King Psamtek 1, after a press conference at the Egyptian museum in Cairo. (AP/Nariman El-Mofty)

A massive statue recently discovered in Cairo and thought to be of one of the country's most famous pharaohs may actually be of another ancient Egyptian ruler, officials say.

Antiquities Minister Khaled el-Anani told a news conference on Thursday that the colossus discovered last week in an eastern Cairo suburb almost certainly depicts Psamtek I, who ruled Egypt between 664 and 610 BC.

Mr El-Anani spoke in front of the famous Egyptian museum in the heart of Cairo.

Sitting just metres away from him were parts of the statue, including the torso and a partial head, which were ferried from the site to the museum early on Thursday.

The statue was thought to be of Ramses II, who ruled Egypt more than 3,000 years ago.
British Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond has been forced into an embarrassing budget U-turn in which he has scrapped a plan to increase tax on the self-employed.

Mr Hammond was accused of breaking a manifesto pledge not to hike national insurance contributions, made by the Tories before they won the 2015 election, when he announced the proposal in the budget on March 8. Conservatives said the move was a tax on entrepreneurs, as well as a breach of voters' trust.

With enough MPs voicing displeasure to threaten Prime Minister Theresa May's slender majority of 17, the government backed down a week after the measure was first unveiled.

"It is very important both to me and to the prime minister that we are compliant not just with the letter, but also the spirit, of the commitments that were made," Mr Hammond said in a letter to Conservative members of parliament yesterday.

While the U-turn will pacify backbench Tory MPs, it leaves Mr Hammond with dented credibility and a hole in his accounts that he must now fill. The proposed increase in the Class 4 NIC rate to 11pc from 9pc by 2019 was forecast to raise about 2.1bn (2.4bn) over four years, making it a key part of his plan to reduce the budget deficit. The first 1pc increase was due to take effect next year.

"While this could undermine Mr Hammond's authority, by doing it quickly it shows he's acknowledged the misjudgment and acted on it," Tim Bale, professor of politics at Queen Mary University of London, said.

Mr Hammond insists the cost of the changes will be funded by other measures to be announced in the autumn budget.

He had received strong backing for the move from the Institute for Fiscal Studies, which said those earning less than 15,600 (17,917) would be better off because of the planned abolition of Class 2 national insurance contributions, a flat-rate levy for those with low earnings.

Less than half-an-hour after the letter was made public, Mrs May faced lawmakers and told them that the greater number of people who are self-employed posed a problem that required a solution and that she would await the completion of a government tax review before acting.

"The trend towards greater self-employment does create a structural issue in the tax base, one which we want to act to address," she said. "We do want to ensure fairness in the tax system," Mrs May said.

Mr Hammond explained the decision to back down in a statement to parliament yesterday. Challenged by opposition Labour MP Rachel Reeves, he denied the move had been ordered by Mrs May.
British Prime Minister Theresa May has criticised the investigations into hundreds of soldiers over killings during the Troubles as "unbalanced".

Mrs May has sent a letter of support to veterans who believe they are being unfairly targeted.

In her letter, she wrote: "The UK government is concerned that the whole system of addressing the past in Northern Ireland is unbalanced and is not working well in anyone's interests."

She said the "overwhelming majority of deaths caused by soldiers and police officers will have been lawful", adding: "It is essential that investigations into the past do not unfairly treat soldiers and police officers".

The two-page letter was sent to veterans' groups last week in response to a protest in January that saw about 1,000 former soldiers march to the gates of Downing Street.

It is claimed a Police Service of Northern Ireland investigation into so-called legacy killings could be examining more than 300 deaths involving as many as 1,000 soldiers.

Mrs May said in her letter that she wanted new institutions to be established in Northern Ireland that would "ensure that the focus of the investigations will be much more on the hundreds of unsolved murders committed by terrorists, including many unsolved murders of soldiers and police".

New institutions - which were agreed in 2014 but have still to be set up due to the political stalemate in Stormont - would look at murders during the Troubles in chronological order rather than seemingly focusing on those involving troops.
Nicola Sturgeon's referendum plans were rapidly unravelling last night as it emerged she is to abandon the SNP's policy of rejoining the EU immediately amid record Euroscepticism in Scotland.

Just a day after the Scottish First Minister demanded a second vote on independence, senior Nationalist sources told reporters Ms Sturgeon would instead try to join the European Free Trade Association, whose members include Norway and Iceland.

Ms Sturgeon fears the SNP's long-standing policy of an independent Scotland joining the EU would put off the 400,000 voters who backed independence in 2014 and voted Leave in last year's EU referendum. They represent one-quarter of all those who voted for independence.

A major survey released today also shows two-thirds of Scots either want Britain to leave the EU or for the bloc to have reduced powers.

The Scottish Conservatives said the SNP's plans had "unravelled within 24 hours".

British Prime Minister Theresa May rubbed salt in the wound by telling the House of Commons that on her visits to Brussels she "did not detect any support" for an independent Scotland being allowed to join the EU.

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Spanish foreign minister Alfonso Dastis told Ms Sturgeon Scotland would have to "join the back of the queue" if it wanted EU membership, as Spain is opposed to a UK break-up. Having hijacked the news agenda from Mrs May on Monday with her demands for a second independence vote as early as autumn 2018, Ms Sturgeon was forced on to the back foot yesterday.

She appeared rattled by suggestions that, with no overall majority in the Scottish Parliament, she had no mandate for a referendum, responding on Twitter by saying she won a greater share of the vote in Scotland than the Conservatives did in the general election.
French Police officers arrive with sniffer dogs at the scene of the Paris offices of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on March 16, 2017 in Paris, after a letter bomb exploded in the premises. / AFP PHOTO / Christophe ARCHAMBAULTCHRISTOPHE ARCHAMBAULT/AFP/Getty Images

French President Francois Hollande (C) stands with Mayor of Toulon Hubert Falco as he visits the Mont Faron "Memorial du Debarquement et de la Liberation en Provence" during its inauguration in Toulon on March 16, 2017. AFP PHOTO /Getty Images

French Police officers secure the scene near the Paris offices of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on March 16, 2017 in Paris, after a letter bomb exploded in the premises.AFP PHOTO / Getty Images

A French Army soldier arrives at the scene near the Paris offices of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on March 16, 2017 in Paris, after a letter bomb exploded in the premises. AFP PHOTO / Getty Images

French POlice officers secure the scene near the Paris offices of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on March 16, 2017 in Paris, after a letter bomb exploded in the premises.AFP PHOTO /Getty Images

Police outside the International Monetary Fund (IMF) offices where an envelope exploded in Paris, France Photo: REUTERS/Philippe Wojazer

Two people were injured in a school shooting which sparked a terrorist attack warning in France.

An armed teenager has been arrested following the incident.

The French government launched the terrorist attack warning following a shooting at a high school in the southern town of Grasse.

As part of the alert, police urged residents to stay indoors.

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Two people were wounded in the shooting but all students are safe, a government minister said.

BFM TV reports that the attacker was targeting the school's headmaster at Tocqueville high school.

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Meanwhile, a letter exploded when it was opened at the offices in central Paris of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on earlier today and one person was injured, police sources said.

One person was arrested at the scene.

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Paris police department said on Twitter an operation was ongoing at the offices of the IMF and World Bank after a person was hurt following the apparent explosion of a suspect package.

"An envelope exploded after it was opened and one person was slightly injured in the offices of the IMF," one police source told Reuters.

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The incident, just six weeks before a presidential election, comes as a militant Greek group Conspiracy of Fire Cells claimed responsibility for a parcel bomb mailed to German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble on Wednesday.

Staff from the IMF office were evacuated and armed military officers and police guarded the area, in a chic district of western Paris.

The World Bank office in France is in the same compound.

No other damage was reported in the explosion, according to a police official.

It is unclear who sent the explosive.

Thursday's incident came a day after a package arrived at the German finance ministry containing low-grade explosives, like those used in firecrackers.

Mail room employees at the ministry quickly identified the package as suspicious and called in explosives experts, who destroyed it with a controlled explosion.

France remains in a state of emergency after a string of deadly Islamic extremist attacks over the past two years.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Mar. 15

By Farhad Daneshvar  Trend:

The Central Bank of Iran (CBI) has announced that the industrial production index (IPI) was supported by a 6.8 percent year-on-year increase in manufacturing sector over a period of nine months since the current Iranian calendar year began on March 20, 2016.

The CBI report however did not provide further information about the output in the mining, electric and gas industries.

The CBI said the group of "repair and installation of machinery and equipment" saw the highest level of surge (37 percent) over the mentioned period year-on-year.

According to the report, the output of the manufacturers of computer products fell by 29 percent, registering the biggest decline over the mentioned period.

Iran's unemployment rate during the year starting on March 20, 2016 stood at 12.4 percent as about 3.2 million Iranians were unemployed over the mentioned period.
Armed guards watch as voters queue outside a polling station during the Dutch general election in The Hague. Photo: Reuters

Exit polls in the Dutch general election have shown that Prime Minister Mark Rutte's centre-right VVD party will win 31 of 150 seats, compared to 19 seats for three other parties, including that of the hard-right anti-Islam politician Gert Wilders.

Weeks or months of coalition talks are expected to follow.

Mr Rutte had called on voters to "make a point" to the world and turn their backs on the rising tide of populism in Europe and America by rejecting the campaign of Mr Wilders (pictured inset).

In an election being watched nervously in Brussels and major European capitals for fear of another anti-establishment victory, Mr Rutte said it was up to the Netherlands to hold the line.

Expand Close Dutch far-right politician Geert Wilders of the PVV party votes in the general election in The Hague, Netherlands. Photo: Reuters / Facebook

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Whatsapp Dutch far-right politician Geert Wilders of the PVV party votes in the general election in The Hague, Netherlands. Photo: Reuters

"It is the third elections after Brexit, after the American elections," he said as he cast his vote at a school in The Hague. "This is a chance for a big democracy like the Netherlands to make a point - to stop this toppling over of the domino stones of the wrong sort of populism."

Early exit polls suggested his call had been heeded, with his ruling VVD party winning 31 seats in the Netherlands' 150-seat parliament - a much stronger performance than pre-vote polls had indicated.

Mr Wilder's Party for Freedom (PVV) was slated to win 19 seats, neck and neck with the pro-EU D66 party and the centre-right conservative Christian Democrats (CDA).

If the results were confirmed, it would be a disappointing showing for Mr Wilders despite representing a four-seat gain from 2012, but far short of the 40 seats he was slated to win at the height of his poll popularity in December 2015.

In the final days of the campaign, Mr Rutte had warned of "chaos" if Mr Wilders was allowed into government, urging his voters to the polls. High turnout figures in cities suggested he was successful in that appeal.

His impassioned plea for tolerance came at the end of a bitter campaign with Mr Wilders pressing his anti-immigrant agenda - at one point using the phrase "Moroccan scum" - and a ferocious diplomatic row with Turkey that further raised the temperature of the immigration debate.

As he cast his vote, Mr Wilders, who wants a referendum on EU membership, said: "The message is that many people want to regain national sovereignty, they don't want to be dependent on the political elite whether that is in their own capitals or in Brussels."

He claimed that "many European people believe we should be in charge of our own immigration policy and our own fiscal policy".

Early indications were of a high turnout at the polls, a reflection of the charged nature of the campaign in which televised debates between the candidates have won record audiences. Two-thirds of the country's 13 million voters had said they were undecided.

The fractured political landscape of the Netherlands, with more than 20 parties on the ballot sheet, means that forming a new government is expected to take months of negotiations between the parties, all of which have vowed to keep Mr Wilders from power.

The focus on questions of identity in the campaign has raised fears among Europe's political establishment that a strong showing by Mr Wilders would provide a boost in the forthcoming French presidential election for Marine Le Pen, the far-right leader.

Mr Rutte had tried to counter Mr Wilders's cruder appeals over immigration with a hardline message of his own, warning migrants in an ad campaign to "be normal or be gone".

Mr Wilders will also have to contend with a reawakening of the anti-populist left embodied in the figure of Jesse Klaver, a dynamic 30-year-old of Moroccan, Dutch and Indonesian descent who leads the progressive GreenLeft party.

Telegraph Media Group Limited [2022]
Iraqi civilians walk towards security forces after fleeing their homes due to fighting between government forces and Islamic State militants on the western side of Mosul (Khalid Mohammed/AP)

Sky News journalists have narrowly avoided a bomb blast as they fled from sniper fire in Mosul.

Sky News Chief Correspondent Stuart Ramsay is in Iraq alongside with cameraman Nathan Hale and security adviser Mike Mawhinney.

According to Sky on Wednesday their staff were forced to take shelter in a vehicle when there was an explosion and were then foreced to flee that position when it came under fire by IS fire.

"Sometimes you have to run into a front line, even though your brain is screaming 'don't go'," Stuart Ramsay told his employer.

"Dismounted from armoured Humvees in this sniper-filled battle space, there is no choice.

"We're basically hiding in rubble now, trying to find a way to get out of here. At the moment it's impossible to move, there's just too much action taking place."

Iraqi government forces besieged Islamic State militants around Mosul's Old City on Thursday, edging closer to the historic mosque from where the group's leader declared a caliphate nearly three years ago.

The militants, holed up in houses and darting through alleyways, resisted with sniper fire, suicide attacks and car bombs.

Though heavy rain hampered the advance, Federal Police and rapid response unit troops reached points about 500 m (yards) from the centuries-old al-Nuri Mosque by Thursday morning.

Meanwhile, BBC reporters have been caught up in an eruption of Mt Etna in Italy, which injured ten people.

Global science correspondent Rebecca Morelle relayed the experience in a series of tweets.

Running down a mountain pelted by rocks, dodging burning boulders and boiling steam  not an experience I ever, ever want to repeat, she wrote.

A reminder of how dangerous and unpredictable volcanoes can be  everyone had a very lucky escape."
Ivanka Trump greets patrons before the start of the Broadway debut of the musical "Come From Away" Credit: PA

Ivanka Trump has joined Justin Trudeau in attending a Broadway show that celebrates giving foreigners a warm welcome.

The president's daughter and the Canadian prime minister, who sat next to each other during the play, were part of a political power-crowd at the new musical Come From Away on Wednesday night.

Celebrating Canadian compassion following 9/11, the story is set in the small Newfoundland town of Gander, which saw its population double after it took in thousands of passengers and crew from dozens of planes diverted when US air space was closed following the terror attacks. One recurring theme involves prejudice against Muslims.

The world gets to see what it is to lean on each other and be there for each other through the darkest times, Mr Trudeau, who was with his wife Sophie, said as he introduced the play at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre.

He also hailed the friendship of the two countries. There is no relationship quite like the friendship between Canada and the United States ... Our friends are there for those tough times, he added.

While the Canadian prime minister has opened his country's borders to 40,000 refugees, Ms Trump's father is cracking down on immigration.

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The appearance of the first daughter and Mr Trudeau at the play coincided with a Hawaii judge blocking Donald Trump's efforts to freeze immigration by refugees and citizens of some predominantly Muslim nations.

The timing would not have been lost on the audience, which included about 120 ambassadors from around the world, including Nikki Haley, the US Ambassador to the United Nations.

Ms Trump and Mr Trudeau arrived at the New York theatre in the same motorcade but in different vehicles.

It was the second event they had attended together in recent weeks.

Last month, the pair took part in a roundtable discussion about women in the workforce, where photos of the first daughter's expression as she looked at the Canadian leader sent social media into a frenzy.

Trevor Noah, host of the The Daily Show, commented at the time: "She looks like shes ready to risk it all. She looks like shes considering dressing up as a Syrian refugee just so Canada will take her in, like, Let me in, Justin!'"

Security at the theatere was intense on Wednesday night and theatregoers had to navigate through frozen snow drifts as well as black SUVs. But Mr Trudeau seemed comfortable on the stage.

"I have to sort of personally say, on behalf of all Canadians, thank you for making us so welcome with the snow," he said. "It's a nice touch. You really went out of your way."

Mr Trudeau's warm reception at the theatre was in contrast to the ones that greeted two other world leaders who recently attended the Broadway smash "Hamilton" - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Vice President-elect Mike Pence. Both received more than a smattering of boos.

Telegraph Media Group Limited [2022]
The cable car operator said a security lock was triggered automatically for unknown reasons, leaving more than 250 people trapped in two cabins

Three helicopters have assisted more than 100 tourists who spent the night at high altitude after they were rescued from a malfunctioning cable car in Spain's Canary Islands.

Most tourists had been airlifted by midday while a small group was walking down from the Teide volcano on Tenerife accompanied by rescue workers, said Lourdes Jorge, a spokeswoman with the regional emergency service.

No injuries had been reported, she said.

The volcano's cable car operator said that a security lock was triggered automatically for unknown reasons on Wednesday, leaving more than 250 people trapped in two cabins.

More than half of them were evacuated by the end of Wednesday, but 111 in the higher cabin were accommodated for the night in facilities more than 3,500 metres above sea level.

AP
The US Senate has confirmed former Senator Dan Coats as the Director of National Intelligence, Sputnik reported.

The Senate voted overwhelmingly in favor of the ex-senator of Indiana. Senators approved the nomination of former US Senator Coats in a 85-12 vote, while 51 votes were needed for the confirmation.

Earlier, the tally was 77-11, while the vote was ongoing.

Despite receiving overall favorable references from lawmakers and former colleagues, Coats' confirmation comes at a time of widespread criticism of Trump's relations with the intelligence community. Coats used to serve on the Senates Intelligence Committee.

Coats previously served as the US Ambassador to Germany under George W. Bush. Coats is believed to have arisen from the team of Dan Quayle, US Vice President during the term of President George H. W. Bush. Dan Coats has links to the elite of the Republican party and the Fellowship, a conservative and Christian lobby group in Congress.

Earlier, the US president lashed out at Senate Democrats for the failure to confirm all the executive Cabinet nominees.
Rhode Island voters will head to the polls Tuesday to choose the first new face to represent the state's 2nd congressional district in 20 years as leading candidates Seth Magaziner and Allan Fung vie to replace the retiring James Langevin, who has served in the role since 2001. The tightly-contested congressional race is just one of a number of important contests taking place Tuesday as the state will also select its next Governor, voters will decide the fate of a number of high-priced ballot initiatives and towns up and down Rhode Island select their local officials in a number of highly-divisive and politicized town council and school committee races. Do you believe the results of this years election will make a positive or negative impact on your community? Let us know in this week's poll question below.

You voted:
Staff reports

KANNAPOLIS  The North Carolina Research Campus and the scientists at its eight university research centers will soon have a tool to target their business development efforts to companies in need of nutrition research. The program is coming thanks to a Catawba College Information Systems class that is creating a searchable database.

The students, all from Catawbas Ketner School of Business, will spend their spring semester on the task. They are enrolled in Dr. Pamela Thompsons information systems planning and project management class, and will work with North Carolina Research Campus (NCRC) Business Development Director Chris Ervin.

Ervin, himself a 1983 Catawba alumnus from Catawbas Ketner School of Business, looked to his alma mater to tap students for the task.

In its simplest form, the partnership merges academic learning with industry application, Ervin said. The Catawba students are being provided a real life experience that will improve their marketability while fulfilling a core business need of the NCRC.

When phase one of the project is completed at the end of April, it will provide those on the Kannapolis campus with a deeper understanding of the nutrition research landscape and the companies that are in the space that may be interested in partnering with the scientists located on the NCRC. Based on Catawba students output, NCRC will build and refine their marketing plan to drive research dollars and product commercialization, according to a press release.

Catawba students involved in the database development include Rodney Beaty, Russell Brown, Austin Humphries, Crystal Reyes, Brad Smethurst, Jordan Taylor, and Zackary Thompson.

Its not just one class doing a project, said Jay Abraham, Catawba dean of the Ketner School of Business. Theyre getting something started that will build the foundation for a three-to-five year continuous improvement plan. The database will be built upon year after year.

Eventually, another group of Catawba marketing students will work with the team at NCRC to develop materials that will be used to market the science, equipment and expertise available at the Kannapolis campus.

The completed database will be anything but static, according to Catawba student Rusty Brown. It will evolve and change over time based on changes in the marketplace and the research. New data can be entered, new relationships indicated between entities, with important milestones noted in the databases calendaring feature.

The database will give us insights into the corporations that want to invest in nutrition research, said Mark Spitzer, vice president of Castle & Cooke North Carolina Operations at the NCRC. He added, Catawba will be part of a five-tiered process for the NCRC development recruitment process.
Im going to start off with a rant today. Many of you will agree with me.
India is becoming an increasingly big player in the international medical tourism industry, otherwise known as Medical Value Travel (MVT). By 2020, Indias MVT industry will more than double its current US$3 billion in revenue to US$8 billion, with a compound annual growth rate of 15.6 percent.

Indeed, foreign nationals in need of complicated treatment, surgeries, and operations are increasingly choosing India because of the countrys affordable, high quality medical care. In 2015 alone, 500,000 foreign nationals visited India for medical care.

Indias rapidly growing MVT market offers huge potential for new investments in private medicine as well as value-added travel, which focuses on a patient-oriented business model.

Medical tourism market: Why choose India

India is one of the cheapest destinations in the world for most complicated surgeries and treatments. In India, a heart bypass surgery costs only US$5,200  compared to US$144,000 in the US, and US$15,121 in Thailand  Indias biggest regional competitor for MVT.

Despite these competitive prices, leading private hospitals in India deliver globally recognized standards of care. A 2013 study published in the Harvard Business Review found that the affordability of Indian healthcare has less to do with salary levels for its staff, and more to do with coordinated medical planning, which maximizes the use of expensive equipment and expertise, increasing productivity and reducing operational costs.

Further, many hospitals that cater to foreign patients in India are staffed by doctors who have studied and practiced in Europe and North America. These hospitals also staff translators and stock international cuisines to make themselves appear more attractive to international patients.

Currently, the majority of Indias medical tourists come from nearby South Asian countries  such as Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Maldives  as well as African countries like Kenya, Ghana, and Nigeria. However, India is also becoming an increasingly attractive destination for patients from Russia and Central Asia as well.

As Indias reputation as a global medical tourist hotspot grows, patients from Europe and North America are beginning to choose India as their destination for medical care. Indias ability to couple medical treatment with alternative forms of healing  such as yoga, homeopathy, and ayurveda  has helped increase the attractiveness of MVT in the country.

Patient-oriented business model

Medical tourists are often overwhelmed by both Indias bureaucratic procedures necessary in attaining a medical visa (or M-visa) and the unstructured nature of Indias medical tourism industry. There is great space for facilitating businesses that are competent in navigating the bureaucratic and cultural world of India for foreign patients.

As the name Medical Value Travel implies, medical tourism is a value added service that incorporates everything from bureaucratic procedures, to travel, and accommodation. Most patients choose their medical tourist destination based on price, availability of knowledge, proximity, and ease of attaining proper paperwork.

A patient-oriented business model puts the needs of the patient first, not just in medical care, but also in everything associated with the process. Pankaj Chandna, a representative of Vaidam Health, a growing player in Indias MVT industry, told India Briefing that businesses that work in MVT need to be facilitators and representatives of the patients needs and expectations.

Facilitator companies working under a patient-oriented model are well positioned to create value-added services within Indias existing tourism industry. Indias tourism industry already accounts for over 6 percent of the countrys GDP; MVT offers value added services for an already enormous market.

Investment needed to realize market potential

Indias leading private medical institutions are efficient and affordable while maintaining a high standard of care. International patients visit India predominately for major treatments and operations. As an increasing number of foreign patients visit India for medical care, there is huge room for growth in the development of new, internationally accredited hospitals that focus on advanced operations.

While leading Indian hospitals offer high quality, specialized care, there are not enough of these hospitals. The Joint Committee International (JCI), a globally recognized accreditation center for medical services, has only accredited 27 hospitals in India. Investments in already accredited hospitals opening more centers in the country will make the country more competitive as a medical tourism destination.

In tandem with the need for more facilities, India must diversify its medical expertise. According to a paper co-written by IMS Health and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), India is a leader in cardiology and orthopedic treatments, but does not yet have credibility in other procedures, such as weight loss and cosmetic, spine surgery, and dentistry.

More hospitals, and particularly, more specialized hospitals, will come up in India to facilitate this growing market. India allows 100 percent foreign direct investment (FDI) in the hospital sector, without the need of attaining approval of the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB). Another way of investing in the healthcare sector is through venture capital investments made with entitles registered with the Securities Exchange Board of India (SEBI).

Beyond these options, important business support functions are also required by the industry: organizations must make contact with patients in their home countries through networks with local care providers and provide clear, streamlined information about processes. MVT-focused call centers could help provide proper information and increase Indias credibility as an MVT destination.

The Indian government has already started promoting its medical tourism industry, and has announced plans to oversee its regulation. Though no regulation yet exists, investing in value added medical travel as well as hospitals that cater to foreign patients will situate current investors as major stakeholders in Indias growing MVT market.
Dhaka, Mar 16 (IBNS): Four suspected terrorists died in Bangladesh after police raided their hideout in the port city of Chittagong, according to media reports.

The media on Thursday quoted National Police Chief A.K.M Shahidul Hoque as saying that the operation was over and four members of the homegrown terrorist group Jamayetul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) were dead.

According to reports, two militants died in a suicide explosion after police zeroed in on the Sitakunda hideout.

The police raid on the shelter began late on Wednesday based on information that members of an Islamist group blamed for a series of deadly attacks were hiding in the building.

During the long stand-off with terrorists armed with guns and grenades, around 20 civilians were trapped inside the building. They were later brought out safely, the media reported
Baku, Azerbaijan, Mar. 16

Trend:

A letter bomb has exploded at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) office in Paris, injuring the employee who opened it, police say, BBC reports.

The IMF employee received hand and face injuries, and staff were evacuated.

IMF director Christine Lagarde condemned the "cowardly act of violence" against IMF staff.

In another development, the German finance ministry in Berlin intercepted a parcel bomb sent to Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble on Wednesday.

A Greek far-left group, the Conspiracy of Fire Cells, said on a website that it had sent the German device.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Mar. 16

Trend:

Important documents in the sphere of tourism were signed in Moscow following the talks between Turkish Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism Huseyin Yayman and the Head of the Federal Agency for Tourism of Russia (Rosturizm) Oleg Safonov, the Anadolu Agency reported.

This signing will give impetus to cooperation between the two countries, Yayman said.

Yayman, who is in Moscow to participate in the 24th International Travel and Tourism Exhibition, welcomed the steps for rapprochement with Russia.

We are always happy to welcome Russian guests in Anadolu city and we stand for cooperation, including in the tourism sector, Yayman said.

The Turkish deputy minister noted that in 2017, Turkey expects to receive about five million tourists from Russia.
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Turkeys Permanent Mission to the United Nations on Wednesday notified the global body of what it said were international law violations committed by the Dutch government, Anadolu reported.

Amsterdam breached the Vienna Convention on consular and diplomatic relations in its conduct towards Turkish Family Minister Fatma Betul Sayan Kaya and mission officials, according to the diplomatic note seen by Anadolu Agency.

Diplomatic passports belonging to Minister Kaya and her team were confiscated by police officers that intervened in a Turkish mission vehicle carrying the minister, said the note addressed to the UN Secretary-General.

The officers then detained her at a police station for 90 minutes before forcibly driving her to the German border, the note added.

Kaya was prevented from making contact to any Turkish mission officials throughout the journey, and Consulate personnel were barred from leaving the building to greet her, according to the note.

It said a Turkish charge daffaires, a consul general, and two foreign service officers were detained and all their belongings confiscated.

These actions are in contravention of diplomatic courtesy as well as the fundamental principles of international customary law, the Turkish mission wrote.

The mission requested that the note be added to a UN General Assembly report on protection of diplomatic missions and distributed to all member states.

Addressing a UN session on Wednesday, Minister Kaya spoke of the "inhumane treatment" she endured from the Dutch government.

"The Netherlands violated several European and UN conventions by restricting the freedom of speech and movement of a woman minister who has diplomatic immunity," she said.

Kaya said special operations officers who surrounded her vehicle were authorized to use deadly force and Turkish citizens waiting to welcome her were attacked by police dogs and horses.

"On behalf of my country and all women, I strongly condemn this biased, racist and xenophobic treatment, Kaya added.
Beginning June 14, The 100 Black Men of Indianapolis will kickoff the 25th installment of their flagship Summer Academy program. Each year, Summer Academy provides students in kindergarten through 8th grade with a variety of educational, cultural and social activities that help them combat summer learning loss.

Johns Hopkins University found that over summer break, students lose approximately 2.6 months of grade-level equivalency in mathematical computation skills, and they also lose valuable reading skills. The 100s Summer Academy is a retention tool designed to combat that learning loss, which has become a nationwide epidemic.

This year, The 100 Black Men of Indianapolis brought in an enthusiastic new director for their Summer Academy Keli Reese, a native of Indianapolis. Reese graduated from Pike High School before obtaining her Bachelor of Science degree in music education from Ball State University. After teaching music for eight years in Avon Community Schools and supporting The 100 as a Summer Academy teacher and music coordinator, Reese relocated to Alabama with her husband and children, where she became president of the Birmingham City School Parent Advisory Council. There, she impacted the lives of students and families at 39 different Birmingham city schools.

Excited to be back in Indianapolis, Reese shares, This year, Im eager for Summer Academy participants to experience a challenging academic environment thats interwoven with high-energy activity and fosters genuine camaraderie and connection between students and our talented team of teachers.

The Summer Academy program starts June 14 and ends on July 21, running Monday through Friday from 7 a.m.3:30 p.m. each day. The Academy will be held at IPS School 74 located at 1604 10th St. in Indianapolis, IN. Students will complete coursework rooted in Indianas Language Arts and Math Academic Standards, they will go on field trips, participate in arts programming and explore robotics and enjoy other STEM-related activities.

The enrollment fee per student is $200, and the registration deadline is May 12. For more information, contact The 100 Office by phone at (317) 921-1276 or visit live.100blackmenindy.org.
A teach-in event  featuring a panel presentation and town hall-style discussion, followed by a justice fair consisting of about 30 campus and community organizations  will take place on the Indiana University Bloomington campus at 6 p.m. March 21.

The event, Violent Intersections: Women of Color in the Age of Trump, will focus on violence against women of color both before and since the presidential inauguration and will take place at the Whittenberger Auditorium in the Indiana Memorial Union. It is open to both the IU Bloomington campus and members of the community.

I am so pleased that this event is taking place on the IU Bloomington campus and providing a forum for individuals to connect, said James Wimbush, IU vice president for diversity, equity and multicultural affairs and dean of the University Graduate School. With the excellent panelists and organizations who will be present, I think its a great opportunity for students, faculty, staff and area residents.

Panelists include Asma Afsaruddin, an IU Bloomington College of Arts and Sciences professor in the Department of Near Eastern Languages and Cultures; Kali Gross, a professor of African-American studies at Wesleyan University; and Evelyn Smith, community outreach coordinator for Bloomingtons Middle Way House, which offers programs and services to survivors of domestic abuse and sexual assault.

Afsaruddin will discuss Islamophobia and gendered violence against Muslim women. Gross, a historian, will focus on Black and Latino women and state-sanctioned violence from a national perspective. Smith will tackle intimate-partner and domestic violence in Monroe County, with an emphasis on women of color.

The discussion will be moderated by Amrita Chakrabarti Myers, IU Bloomington Ruth N. Halls associate professor of history and gender studies. Myers previously organized a 2015 teach-in and justice fair at IU Bloomington called Its Not So Black and White: Talking Race from Ferguson to Bloomington, about 2014 police shootings that sparked nationwide protests.

I think its important to expose our campus and the community to the best and brightest minds that are working on these particular issues, said Myers, winner of a 2017 IU Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Building Bridges Award. If we dont talk about these things on a university campus, where else can we? This is where we have not only incredibly smart faculty and staff but where we have incredibly intelligent, inquiring students who want to know and who are going to be our future leaders.

The hope is to actually not have just people who are already active; its to reach out and engage people who are not yet involved but are curious, who are open and would like to learn more about these issues. I think its important that we reach a cross-section of people: administrators, faculty, staff, students, residents of Bloomington, just regular, average everyday people.

Following the panel, which encourages attendees to engage in the discussion, the justice fair will take place in the University Club, also in the Indiana Memorial Union. The participating organizations will have tables with representatives available to provide resources about the issues discussed and information on how to get involved.

Additionally, there will be two creative presentations by IU faculty. Nyama McCarthy-Brown, an assistant professor of contemporary dance in the College of Arts and Sciences Department of Theatre, Drama and Contemporary Dance, will perform a choreographed piece about Muslim women and the Islamic faith. Professor Ross Gay, an acclaimed poet and the director of the creative writing program in the Department of English, will read one of his original poems.

Amrita has organized a truly remarkable event with distinguished and knowledgeable panelists, impactful campus and community organizations, and other talented IU faculty all making contributions, said John Nieto-Phillips, assistant vice provost for faculty development and diversity and associate professor of history. I believe it will be very beneficial to all who attend, and I personally look forward to learning more about the issues at hand myself.
March 14, 1992 marks the birth of this column, Al-Islam in America. We are honored by our readers 25 years of accepting the service this column has striven to offer  the service of being a benefit to our American society. Even our occasional agitations are our way of saying, We love you. Al-Islam in America only wants the best for our community.

Below is the full text of our first-ever column that was printed in The Indianapolis Recorder. Our commitment to our readers and to journalism excellence is the same today as it was 25 years ago.

***

Dear beloved readers, welcome to AL-ISLAM in America. The greetings of peace on you; As-Salaam-Alaikum. AL-ISLAM is a weekly column seeking to address many of the concerns, successes, and challenges that we face every day. We as citizens of America have much in common that needs to be recognized. The vast global realities are coming into our living rooms daily (via TV) further testifying to our commonalities  even though the victims or visitors are on the other side of the world. Whatever the issue may be, AL-ISLAM in America will offer Islamic insights, comments, opinions and questions, all in hope of offering answers to better our lives.

Another inspiration of AL-ISLAM in America is to help clarify the many misconceptions that still are prevailing in our society regarding the religion of AL-ISLAM. AL-ISLAM is not racist, sexist, anti-Christ or a haven for terrorists. In fact the Muslim way of life  AL-ISLAM  strongly abhors racial supremacy of any kind, obligates females to seek education. Muslims honor Christ Jesus (Peace Be on Him) and his virgin Mother Mary. AL-ISLAM demands justice and mercy between and among its adherents and their neighbors.

AL-ISLAM in Americas goals are to be a contribution to our society by offering Islamic advice that comes from our Holy book Al-Quran and the life example of Prophet Muhammed (Peace Be On Him) who lived in Arabia over 1,400 years ago. We pray that we obtain an appreciative readership that is seeking sobering and common sense perspectives as we sojourn through life. We pray that you become a regular supporter of AL-ISLAM in America. Peace be on you, As-Salaam-Alaikum.

***

Twenty-five years later in 2017, we can honestly say that we have reached that goal of connecting with the readership of The Indianapolis Recorder. Your support of this column has been outstanding and enduring.

Our future aspiration is to continue to connect and unite with Indianapolis in ways that surpass the artificial, man-made barriers that divide the human family based on race, gender and religious preference. It is your questions and feedback  in print and on the streets  that make Al-Islam in America possible.

We are extremely grateful to The Indianapolis Recorder for the many years of support and the opportunity to share with you insights into the faith of Al-Islam. May Allah (G_d) bless us all with His choicest blessings! Amen!

Michael Saahir is the imam at Nur-Allah Islamic Center. He can be reached at nur-allah@att.net.
1. Akshay Kumar Does It Again, Donates Rs 1.08 Cr To Kin Of CRPF Jawans Killed In Sukma Attack

Pinterest

A TOI report claims that Akshay was in constant touch with IPS officer Amit Lodha, DIG of Jaisalmer sector north. After due inquiries, Akshay requested Lodha to share the details of the slain jawans' kin. Akshay then extended monetary help of Rs 9 lakh each to families of the martyred jawans.

2. Baahubali 2 - The Conclusion Movie Trailer: The Conclusion Is Here. And It Shows A Tale Of Love, Betrayal, And War Unlike Any

Screenshot

The trailer starts with a quick recap of the first movie moving onto the intense love story between Prabhas and Anushka Shetty and concludes with a face-off between Rana - Prabhas.

3. Shahid Kapoor's Damage Control For Wife Mira's 'Puppy' Comment Is Somehow Not Convincing Enough

Instagram/Fanclubs

Supporting Mira, Shahid said, I think Mira is speaking for a section of women who really aren't being represented. There are times when those women feel that they should not be celebrated. By that I mean women who might not be doing a job, who might choose to be at home, have a baby, take care of the baby and consider that important enough to do at a certain stage in your life.

4. SRK Rushes Photographer To A Hospital Who Jumped In Front Of The Actor's Car And Hurt His Leg

BCCL

SRK's car accidentally ran over a photographers leg after he jumped on to King Khans car to click his picture. Reports suggest that the actor seemed quite worried, and he immediately stepped out of his car to check if the man was fine. He made him sit in his car and was extremely polite to all the journalists.

5. Pakistani Actress Veena Malik Divorces Husband Asad Khattak On The Grounds Of Domestic Violence

Instagram/Veena

According to reports, Veena is already staying separately and has absolutely no inclination of a reconciliation. Speaking to the Pakistani media, she revealed that her husband had physically and mentally abused her.
Bollywood director Sanjay Leela Bhansali, has been in news for his upcoming movie Padmavati, but not for making it but mostly for stalling it.

The filmmaker has been trying to make a period drama for the last four months starring Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor but somehow the film set has been getting vandalised over and over again.

Twitter

Most recently, a group of 30 unidentified men came during midnight and destroyed the set in Kolhapur.

They set the regal costumes, property and antique expensive items on fire with petrol bombs and soda cans.

After experiencing this for the second time after the Jaipur assault case, the makers have registered a police complaint.

"Two to three workers also got hurt as the miscreants hit them with bamboo sticks. Several beer bottles, petrol and soda cans were used to start the fire," said MB Tambade, Kolhapur superintendent of police, adding, "We have registered an offence under Section 436 of IPC (mischief by fire or explosive with intent to damage house), rioting and arson."

The production has reportedly incurred a loss of Rs 4crore. No group has claimed responsibility yet but it's definitely unfortunate that such incidents are happening so frequently.
The build up to Emma Watson's performance in the remake of Beauty and the Beast may have hit a slight snag, thanks to an inconvenient hack orchestrated by a real-life 'monster' who stole intimate photos of the British star.

Both Amanda Seyfried and Emma Watson had personal photos stolen and leaked online

Dozens of photos of the Harry Potter star were stolen and posted online yesterday, along with a few others. Watsons publicist confirmed that the photos were from a private fitting with a stylist a couple of years ago.They are not nude photographs. Lawyers have been instructed and we are not commenting further, she added. However, a discussion on Reddit indicates the dump did contain what were purported to be nude photos of the star, though theres no strong evidence of the same.

Amanda Seyfried was another victim of this latest mass celeb leak, and she wasnt nearly as lucky as Watson. Her own set of leaked images included nude photos, as well as intimate moments with former partner Justin Long. A letter from Seyfrieds lawyers, posted online by TMZ, explains that the images were obtained by a third party without her consent, and demands that they be taken down.

Fappening 2.0?

The leak, which seems to have begun on 4chan earlier this week before spreading to Reddit, has been titled Fappening 2.0, a reference to the celebrity hacking scandal from August 2014, which involved nude photos of the likes of Jennifer Lawrence, Kate Upton, Kaley Cuoco, and Kirsten Dunst.

Jennifer Lawrence was one of the targets of the major celebrity hack in 2014 - Reuters

In fact, this incident follows closely on the heels of 29-year-old Edward Majerczyk from Chicago receiving a nine-month prison sentence for his orchestration of the 2014 hack. In his statement to the court, Majerczyk claims he sent emails to his victims that looked to have come from internet service providers asking for usernames and passwords. He then used the data he received to hack into the iCloud accounts of the celebrities targetted.

Unfortunately, not much is yet known about the nature of the Watson-Seyfried hack. Its likely the attacker somehow gained access to the celebrities iCloud accounts, where the pictures would have been automatically backed up over time. How he or she might have carried out the operation is another question entirely, and one that has no clear answers yet. There might be a few leads for authorities to follow up, however, as the original poster in the Reddit thread mentioned above predicted the leak a day in advance. Whether that translates into eventual arrests, only time will tell.
France occupies a different place to other European countries in terms of democracy and freedoms, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Thursday, Anadolu reported.

Speaking at a meeting of Turkeys ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party in Antalya, Cavusoglu said he had held a phone conversation earlier with French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault.

Describing Ayrault as "my friend" Cavusoglu said he was "different from others".

Earlier this week Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also thanked France for not "getting involved in such games" as he criticized the West for anti-Turkey rhetoric.

Their remarks follow last week's blockade on Turkish ministers who were barred from holding public rallies both in Germany and the Netherlands ahead of an April 16 referendum in Turkey on constitutional reforms.

On Saturday, the Dutch government first canceled permission for Cavusoglus flight to land in the Netherlands and then blocked a convoy carrying Family Minister Fatma Betul Sayan Kaya from entering the Turkish consulate in Rotterdam.

In Antalya, Cavusoglu said multiculturalism was a wealth but accused Europe of not tolerating difference:

"That is the sickness in Europe. All the others who are different from me should go away. Migrants, Muslims, Jews..."

"That is inhuman," Cavusoglu said, adding: "That takes Europe into disasters and conflicts."
Today, Captain Amarinder Singh was sworn in as Punjab's Chief Minister for the second time. But it was a first for Ludhiana as it unveiled the first-ever wax statue of Singh to celebrate his victory.

ani

Other Congress MLAs who took oath today included Navjot Sidhu, Manpreet Badal, and Charanjit Channi.

An artist in Ludhiana, Chandrashekhar Prabhakar, made the wax statue to celebrate Singh's win. The wax statue took three months to be completed and was crafted to celebrate his good deeds, reports ANI.

pti

Prabhakar said that he hoped Singh would work toward the betterment of Punjab and once again, make it the number one state in the country.
A French woman, who runs a school for poor and orphans in Gaya, today met the Chief Minister of Bihar, Nitish Kumar, for help on spreading an educational project.

janaagraha/Representational Image

Jeanne Pere, Director of Mummy Jee Educational Charitable Trust, along with a few senior officials of her organisation met the Chief Minister and told him the details of their project, which is currently running in Bodh Gaya.

Pere, alias Mummy jee, who has settled in Bodh Gaya since 2000 told PTI after meeting the CM, that they have narrated to him about the project the group is running for poor and orphan children. The CM was kind enough and promised assistance for the novel work, she said.

She said Kumar promised he would pay a visit to the school during his future trip to Bodh Gaya. Pere has started two orphanages with 200 children each and boarding school in Bihar.

In recognition of her dedicated service to poor, she has been bestowed with several awards including Mother Teresa Sadbhavna Award, Glory of India award. "Our educational project is intended for very poor children who are begging in the streets, who have either no family or families with no financial means," Pere said.

The boarding school is placed in Bagha, a rural village under Bodh Gaya where 150 children are enrolled presently, she added."We wish to expand our capacity and many more children are waiting in line," she said. After primary school, Mummy jee's trust also support students to study further, Pere said.

With inputs from PTI
Goa Police have arrested one person for his involvement in the death of Danielle McLaughlin, an Irish backpacker who was found dead in Deubaug, south Goa, on Tuesday morning.

Irish Times

The arrested man has been identified as Vikat Bhagat, a local resident, whom the police say has a criminal record.

According to reports, he has admitted to having sexually assaulted and killing the 28-year-old. Police said the victim who had been in Goa previously had befriended some locals including Bhagat during her last visit.

Irish Times

McLaughlin who came back to India last month had also attended a Holi celebration on Monday organised by locals there before she disappeared.

Her naked body was found at an isolated spot on Tuesday morning. Bhagat who raped McLaughlin killed her with a broken beer bottle to prevent her from revealing his identity.

Police zeroed in on the culprit with the help of CCTV visuals from nearby which showed the duo along with three other locals.

Police are also looking into whether the three men had any involvement, even though Bhagat admitted he committed the crime by himself. Even though the culprit has been arrested it has once again raised serious international concerns over the safety of foreign tourist in Goa.

For many, it was the Scarlett Keeling incident all over again.

Keeling, a 15-year-old British girl was raped and killed in 2008 in Goa. Despite massive international pressure and attention from the world media, her killers got away unpunished last year.
While the Indian Air Force prepares to receive the latest Rafale and Tejas jets, the state of affairs is worrisome. Informing the Rajya Sabha the government stated that the Indian Air Force has suffered as many has 22 crashes since 2013-14. Most of these were as a result of human error and technical defects.

Things got worse yesterday with the double loss of a Chetak helicopter that toppled near Allahabad and a Sukhoi-30 that crashed in Rajasthan.

AP

The details were given by Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre in a written reply yesterday. Meanwhile, a Sukhoi aircraft of the IAF crashed in Rajasthan's Barmer district today, leaving three villagers injured. Both the pilots ejected safely.

A Chetak helicopter of the IAF too crash landed in Kaushambi in Uttar Pradesh today minutes after it took off from an airbase on outskirts of Allahabad.

The Minister, in his reply to a query in the Upper House, said in the current year, five fighter jets have crashed against four in 2015-16.

"Main reasons for these accidents were human error and technical defect," the Minister said.

AP

Bhamre said every accident is thoroughly investigated by a Court of Inquiry (CoI) to ascertain cause of the accident and recommendations of the CoI are implemented.

To a separate question, he identified operational hazards, weather conditions, human error and technical defects for accidents of Cheetah helicopters.

Since 2013-14, there have been four accidents involving Cheetah helicopters in which there were seven fatalities.

In reply to another query, Bhamre said the contract for 12 VVIP helicopters with Agusta Westland International Ltd, signed in 2010, was terminated with effect from January 1, 2014.

Asked about the alleged irregularities in purchase of 197 Light Utility Helicopters, he said the CBI has instituted a regular case in January, 2014 in the matter.

AP

"As per decision of the Defence Acquisition Council on August 29, 2014, the RFP (request for proposal) for 197 reconnaissance and surveillance helicopters has been retracted," he said.

Replying to another query, he said US defence major Lockheed Martin has shown interest in setting up manufacturing facilities for F-16 jets in India under the 'Make in India' initiative. However, he said, no concrete proposal has been received from the company.

The Minister said Boeing and Sweden's Saab have also shown interest in setting up manufacturing facilities for fighter aircraft in India.

Responding to a query on terrorist attacks against Army in Jammu and Kashmir, he said there were 31 army casualties in nine such incidents in 2016. The number of terrorists killed was 10.

In the current year so far, he said there have been three army casualties in two militant attacks.
There is no doubt that the Parliament's decision to pass the Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Bill, 2016, is a progressive one for working women in India employed in the organised sector. With this decision, India joins the ranks of countries with high gender parity such as Canada and Norway, which offer upto 50 weeks paid maternity leave. Perhaps thus is the reason why this bill is being met with so much apprehension  because the aforementioned countries have softer undercurrents of gender-based discrimination, compared to the tidal waves of patriarchy rampant in India.

Unsplash

The amended bill, which has increased maternity leave from 12 to 26 weeks, is waiting for the President's nod and has already faced its fair share of criticism.

Some believe that it will actually hinder organisations from hiring women, thereby reducing the already low number of women in the workforce. Others have said that in the absence of paternity leave in India, this bill is reinforcing the idea that women are natural caretakers and its only legitimate that women are offered upto six months leave to nurture their child.

In August 2016, when the bill was passed in Rajya Sabha, Union minister of women and child development, Maneka Gandhi, was lambasted for saying: Paternity leave can be considered only if, once the woman goes back to work after her 26 weeks of leave, we find that men are availing their sick leave for a month to take care of the child. Let me see how many men do that. I will be happy to give it but for a man, it will be just a holiday, he wont do anything.

Unfortunately, in the wake of this perhaps misjudged comment, people forgot that it was Mrs Gandhi who raised the idea of increasing maternity leave in the first place.

Reuters

It would be unjust to assume that the governments intention behind this bill was to reinforce the belief that women should be taking care of their newborn. The intent, however, matters less in the face of action.

Kanta Singh, who works at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) says, Probably the thought behind the bill was to provide some sort of support for mothers who are having to leave the workforce because of motherhood.

Ironically, while Indias workforce is increasing year on year, the number of women in that pool is decreasing. In 2016, it was revealed that the participation of women in the workforce fell by 10% in the last decade  the largest drop anywhere in the world. It was perhaps to address this issue of women leaving the workforce that the government thought it best to increase the length of maternity leave so that women dont feel coerced into choosing either work or home.

Lack of flexibility in the workplace was found to be one of the reasons dissuading women from continuing working after having a child.

Also, Kanta points out that not only is the talent pool getting narrower in urban cities, labour participation is also decreasing in the lower economic sections of society.

Reuters

Women, generally, do tend to take on the role of a caregiver, but they are also expected to do so. And trying to unriddle whether the individual desire of women to nurture or the expectation to do came first, is like the chicken and egg argument. Having said that, one cannot deny that biologically women are required to be around as they bear children, deliver them and then are needed for breastfeeding. However, their role ends at that and everything beyond is a gender thing, not a sex thing, says Kanta.

There is an almost unsaid need for maternity leave because women are child bearers. Beyond that role, it is needed because a newborn baby needs the full attention of its parents  mother and father. Most men living in metropolitan cities today do want paternity leave because the initial months is when you form a bond with the baby.

Kunal Mehra, a 32-year-old new father of an 8-month-old did not get paternity leave. It worked in his favour that he was in between jobs and so took time off. He said four to six weeks for fathers should be the minimum and perhaps 10 if companies can stretch it. Interesting he said that societal perceptions discourage men from taking time off even if the company allows them to do so.

"Most men won't take more than a week or so off because people will begin to question his role at home with a newborn baby," Kunal said.

There is, of course, a physical angle attached to the mother, but fathers play a substantial role as well. Currently, however, the wider perception is men's' long leave from work after having a baby is frowned upon.

In the absence of paternity leave, maternity leave is like perpetuating a vicious cycle, whereby both genders will remain stuck in preconceived notions of what their role in society should be like. The Maternity Benefit Amendment Bill 2016 will remain clouded in scepticism if the government doesnt revisit potential repercussions it could have for women, men and patriarchy in Indian society.
Amid speculations about India's withdrawal from the Indus Water Treaty, New Delhi has fast-tracked hydropower projects worth $15 billion in Kashmir in recent months. The construction is going ahead ignoring warnings from Islamabad that power stations on rivers flowing into Pakistan will disrupt water supplies.

Reuters

The swift approval of projects that had languished for years came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi suggested last year that sharing the waterways could be conditional on Pakistan clamping down on anti-India militants it shelters.

Pakistan has opposed some of these projects before, saying they violate a World Bank-mediated treaty on the sharing of the Indus river and its tributaries upon which 80 per cent of its irrigated agriculture depends.

The schemes, the largest of which is the 1,856 MW Sawalkote plant, will take years to complete, but their approval could prove a flashpoint between the nuclear-armed neighbours at a time when relations are at a low ebb.

"I say the way you look at these projects, it is not purely a hydro project. Broaden it to a strategic water management, border management problem, and then you put in money," said Pradeep Kumar Pujari, the top ranking official in the power ministry.

Reuters

Six hydro projects in Kashmir either cleared viability tests or the more advanced environment and forest expert approvals in the last three months, two officials in India's Water Resources Ministry and the Central Electricity Authority said separately.

Together these projects on the Chenab river, a tributary of the Indus, would triple hydropower generation in Jammu and Kashmir from the current level of 3,000 MW, the biggest jump in decades, added the officials, declining to be named because the approvals had not yet been made public.

"We have developed barely one-sixth of the hydropower capacity potential in the state in the last 50 years," the senior official at the Water Resources Ministry said.

Pakistan's water supply is dwindling because of climate change, outdated farming techniques and an exploding population.

A 2011 report by the US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations said New Delhi could use these projects as a way to control Pakistan's supplies from the Indus, seen as its jugular vein.

"The cumulative effect of these projects could give India the ability to store enough water to limit the supply to Pakistan at crucial moments in the growing season," it said.

India says the projects are "run-of-the-river" schemes that use the river's flow and elevation to generate electricity rather than large reservoirs, and do not contravene the treaty.

Environmental groups have questioned whether the government has followed proper procedures in fast-tracking projects located in a highly seismic area.

Reuters

Modi told a meeting of government officials on the Indus treaty last year that "blood and water cannot flow together", soon after Pakistan-based militants carried out a deadly attack on Kashmir last September.

Modi's message was twofold, Indian foreign ministry spokesman Gopal Baglay said. Terrorism had to stop and India must fully utilise the economic potential available to it within the Indus treaty.

The projects that have won technical approvals in recent months are Sawalkote, Kwar, Pakal Dul, Bursar and Kirthai I and II.

Most of the projects have been held up for at least a decade awaiting multiple clearances. Sawalkote, which was cleared by a government-constituted environment committee in January, was first given techno-economic approval in 1991.

It is now up for forest clearance from the state authorities, after which the government will finalise financing and begin construction.
Delhi police have arrested a man identified as Anubhav Yadav, for allegedly assaulting and gangraping an Uzbek woman. The incident happened in south Delhis Masoodpur area on the night of March 9.

AFP/ Representative Image

The victim is a 35-year-old Uzbek national who was living in a rented flat there. According to the complaint, Yadav was the victim's ex-boyfriend.

They had met on social media four years ago. She had moved to Delhi almost six months ago and they started meeting each other. The victim said she had broken up with Yadav two weeks ago, but he continued to harass her over the phone.

On the night of March 9, Yadav along with four of his friends went to the victim's flat. Since she knew Yadav, she opened the door, but the gang allegedly assaulted her for avoiding his calls.

She was beaten up brutally and fell unconscious following which she was gang-raped by Yadav and his friends. The victim was traumatised and scared to file a complaint, so she remained silent for days. It was only on the insistence of a friend to whom the Uzbek woman narrated the incident she filed a police complaint on Tuesday.

Reuters/ Representative Image

Based on the complaint police arrested Yadav on Wednesday. While the victim has identified one more accused as Gaurav Bhatia, a friend of Yadav, she said the other three were unknown to her.
Israel has imposed an apartheid regime of racial discrimination on the Palestinians, says a United Nation (UN) agency. Though the allegation are certain to irk Israel, but this is for the first time that UN has accused Israel so blatantly.

Israel's Foreign Ministry spokesman likened the report, which was published by the U.N. Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), to Der Sturmer - a Nazi propaganda publication that was strongly anti-Semitic.

AFP

The report concluded, "Israel has established an apartheid regime that dominates the Palestinian people as a whole."

UN Under-Secretary General and ESCWA Executive Secretary Rima Khalaf the report was the "first of its type" from a UN body that "Clearly and frankly concludes that Israel is a racist state that has established an apartheid system that persecutes the Palestinian people".

ESCWA is constituted of 18 Arab states in West Asia with an aim to support the economic and social development of the member states, Khalaf added. However, Stephane Dujarric, the UN spokesperson said in New York that the UN secretariat wasnt consulted before the publication of the report.

"The report as it stands does not reflect the views of the secretary-general (Antonio Guterres)," said Dujarric, adding that the report itself notes that it reflects the views of the authors.

The United States, an ally of Israel, said it was outraged by the report. "The United Nations secretariat was right to distance itself from this report, but it must go further and withdraw the report altogether," the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, said in a statement.

Reuters

The Israeli ministry spokesman, Emmanuel Nahshon, commenting on Twitter, also noted the report had not been endorsed by the U.N. secretary-general.

"The attempt to smear and falsely label the only true democracy in the Middle East by creating a false analogy is despicable and constitutes a blatant lie," Israel's U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon said in a statement.

The report said it had established on the "basis of scholarly inquiry and overwhelming evidence, that Israel is guilty of the crime of apartheid." "However, only a ruling by an international tribunal in that sense would make such an assessment truly authoritative," it added.

The report said the "strategic fragmentation of the Palestinian people" was the main method through which Israel imposes apartheid, with Palestinians divided into four groups oppressed through "distinct laws, policies and practices."

Reuters

It identified the four sets of Palestinians as Palestinian citizens of Israel; Palestinians in East Jerusalem; Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip; and Palestinians living as refugees or in exile.

ESCWA hoped the report would inform further deliberations on the root causes of the problem in the United Nations, among member states, and in society, Khalaf said at an event to launch the report at ESCWA's Beirut headquarters.
One can never tell about the whimsical arbitrariness of the medical world. With so many people out there being prone to so many diseases, the only constant here remains the challenge in change.

Ten-month-old Jermkwan Krathumnat, hailing from Thailand, has fallen prey to one such medical disorder. The kid suffers from Sirenomelia, also known as Mermaid Syndrome, in which a baby's limbs or extremities are fused together in the womb.

Mr bhin /Exclusivepix Media

As a result, her legs are fused, she has a severe cleft palate, blind in one eye and is also experiencing facial deformity.

MR BHIN /EXCLUSIVEPIX MEDIA

According to her family, a lot of it can be cured if treated properly on time but the kid's family is going through a cash crunch too.

Right now, Jermkwan is living with her aunt and grandparents in Thailand. Her father suffers from learning difficulties and her mother gave birth to her at a very young age.

Mr bhin /Exclusivepix Media





As of now, some doctors have pitched in to help the kid and will operate on her cleft palate and limbs once she's old enough to handle the surgeries.

Mr bhin /Exclusivepix Media

Currently, she's being treated in Srirat Hospital in Bangkok.

Mr Bhin, the man who first brought her case to everyone's notice through social media donated 30,000 baht (700) and a local TV company gave 10,000 baht (230) for her treatment.
American President Donald Trump's fight with the judiciary just got escalated on Wednesday after the revised travel ban was put on hold by a federal judge in Hawaii. It was put on hold hours before it had to take effect, by the judge who questioned whether the administration was motivated by national security concerns.

AP

US District Judge Derrick Watson also said Hawaii would suffer financially if the executive order blocked the flow of students and tourists to the state, and he concluded that Hawaii was likely to succeed on a claim that the ban violates First Amendment protections against religious discrimination.

"The illogic of the government's contentions is palpable," Watson wrote. "The notion that one can demonstrate animus toward any group of people only by targeting all of them at once is fundamentally flawed."

The judge issued his 43-page ruling less than two hours after hearing Hawaii's request for a temporary restraining order to stop the ban from being put into practice.

The ruling came as opponents renewed their legal challenges across the country, asking judges in three states to block the executive order that targets people from six predominantly Muslim countries. Federal courts in Maryland, Washington state and Hawaii heard arguments about whether it should be allowed to take effect early Thursday as scheduled.

In all, more than half a dozen states are trying to stop the ban.

ALSO READ: Donald Trump Will Skip The White House Correspondents Dinner, Here's Why We Shouldn't Be Surprised

AFP

Watson made it clear that his decision applied nationwide, ruling that the ban could not be enforced at any US borders or ports of entry or in the issuance of visas.

Nominated to the federal bench by President Barack Obama in 2012, he is currently the only Native Hawaiian judge serving on the federal bench and the fourth in US history. He received his law degree from Harvard in 1991.

AFP

In Maryland, attorneys told a federal judge that the measure still discriminates against Muslims.

Government attorneys argued that the ban was revised substantially to address legal concerns, including the removal of an exemption for religious minorities from the affected countries.

"It doesn't say anything about religion. It doesn't draw any religious distinctions," said Jeffrey Wall, who argued for the Justice Department.

Attorneys for the ACLU and other groups said that Trump's statements on the campaign trail and statements from his advisers since he took office make clear that the intent of the ban is to ban Muslims. Trump policy adviser Stephen Miller has said the revised order was designed to have "the same basic policy outcome" as the first.

ALSO READ: After His Travel Ban Was Struck Down, Donald Trump Expected To Sign A Revised One Tomorrow

AP

The new version of the ban details more of a national security rationale. It is narrower and eases some concerns about violating the due-process rights of travellers.

It applies only to new visas from Somalia, Iran, Syria, Sudan, Libya and Yemen and temporarily shuts down the US refugee program. It does not apply to travellers who already have visas.

AP

"Generally, courts defer on national security to the government," said US District Judge Theodore Chuang. "Do I need to conclude that the national security purpose is a sham and false?"

In response, ACLU attorney Omar Jadwat pointed to Miller's statement and said the government had put out misleading and contradictory information about whether banning travel from six specific countries would make the nation safer.

The Maryland lawsuit also argues that it's against federal law for the Trump administration to reduce the number of refugees allowed into the United States this year by more than half, from 110,000 to 50,000. Attorneys argued that if that aspect of the ban takes effect, 60,000 people would be stranded in war-torn countries with nowhere else to go.

Chuang made no immediate ruling.

ALSO READ: Donald Trump Issues New 'Watered Down' Executive Order On Travel Ban, Restricts It To Six Countries, Iraq Excluded

AP

In the Hawaii case, the federal government said there was no need to issue an emergency restraining order because Hawaii officials offered only "generalised allegations" of harm.

Jeffrey Wall of the Office of the Solicitor General challenged Hawaii's claim that the order violates due-process rights of Ismail Elshikh as a US citizen who wants his mother-in-law to visit his family from Syria. He says courts have not extended due-process rights outside of a spousal relationship.

Neal Katyal, a Washington, DC, attorney representing Hawaii, called the story of Elshiskh, an Egyptian immigrant and naturalised US citizen, "the story of America."

In Washington state, US District Judge James Robart _ who halted the original ban last month _ heard arguments in a lawsuit brought by the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project, which is making arguments similar to the ACLU's in the Maryland case.

Robart said he is most interested in two questions presented by the group's challenge to the ban: whether the ban violates federal immigration law, and whether the affected immigrants would be "irreparably harmed" should the ban go into effect.
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Audemars Piguet  Royal Oak Extra Plat



This year, Audemars Piguet is going back to its roots with a watch to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Jumbo, the first Royal Oak in yellow gold, unveiled in 1977. This peerless icon has a vintage look with a tone-on-tone aesthetic, 18-karat yellow gold case and petite tapisserie champagne dial. The 39 mm diameter of the new Royal Oak Extra Thin is identical to that of its forebear. Although considered oversized at the time, these days it is resolutely contemporary. Mechanically, the anniversary model runs on the same movement as the original version: the extra-thin automatic calibre 2121 with date, which measures no thicker than 3.05 mm.









Carl F. Bucherer  Manero Flyback

The timeless and elegant Manero collection by Carl F. Bucherer now includes a flyback chronograph in warm tones. Like the celebratory drink itself, the dial sparkles with subtle gradations of light and shade. The minutes track and two subdials are in contrasting shades of gold. The inset small seconds display at 9 oclock and the stop minutes at 3 oclock, along with the peripheral chapter ring with tachymetric scale, underline the three-dimensional depth of the dial. The cameo is completed by finely bevelled applied hour markers which pick up the rose gold of the hands. As its name suggests, the chronograph function of the Manero Flyback provides its wearer with the ability to time a second event, even if the chronograph is already engaged. This is achieved simply by pressing the zero reset pusher while the counters are running. The 43 mm rose gold case houses the mechanical self-winding calibre CFB 1970 by Carl F. Bucherer.



Montblanc 1858 - Chronograph Tachymeter Edition Limitee 100

Bronze, for many years appreciated for little other than its durability, has recently become phenomenally popular with watchmakers. And now its Montblancs turn to follow the fashion, with a limited edition inspired by Minerva chronographs from the 1930s and 40s. The 1858 Chronograph Tachymeter Limited Edition 100 comes with a sunburst champagne dial to complement the bronze case. This combination of colours and finishes gives the watch a low-contrast monochromatic look that accentuates its volume. The attention is consequently drawn to the details, such as the rhodium-plated cathedral hands and the Arabic numerals in the same typeface as the original, highlighting the vintage style of this timepiece. Other historic details borrowed from the original Minerva chronograph include the period Montblanc logo and the cognac-coloured alligator strap by Montblanc Pelleteria in Florence. Inside the 44 mm case lies a hand-wound monopusher chronograph movement, the calibre MB M16.29 with column wheel, horizontal clutch and V-shaped chronograph bridge. It beats at 18,000 vph, providing a power reserve of 50 hours. The movement, which can be seen through the sapphire caseback, has the typical design of the calibre 17.39 from the 1930s which inspired it. Only the finishes are different from the original.
Amongst the many battles that the world needs to fight before it becomes utopia will be its fight against stereotypes.

gelsantosrelos

Stereotypes are very prevalent these days and even the most educated, advanced, progressive, forward of us carry them. We may not share our views openly, but it shows in the choices we make.

(Also read: Watch: President Trump's Muslim Ban Dominated Hollywood Celebs' Speeches At The SAG Awards 2017)

Mansoor Shams, a former U.S. Marine is now travelling across America with an 'Ask Anything' sign to counter negative stereotypes of Muslims.

"Im Muslim and a U.S. Marine, ask anything. his sign reads.

Facebook/Mansoor Shams

Mansoor aims at educating Americans about his religion, Islam and fight the rising anti-Muslim bigotry. He thinks that it's highly imperative for him to take a lead in this because of what's going on in the political environment and the lack of understanding about his religion.

(Also read: 'Your Mothers Are Wh*res', US Mosques Receive Hate Letters Saying Trump Will Kick Muslims Out)

He kickstarted his project after the rise in Muslim-hate crimes in America post the election of President Donald Trump.

Theres no denial its about Trump  his candidacy relied on Islamophobic concepts, said Mansoor. He just wants everyone to know that a guy who looks like him- brown skinned, black beard- is not a terrorist.

So far he's covered Texas, Colorado, Washington and New York, but he wants to cover all the 50 American states. In his journey till now, people have asked him questions like How are you? to Are you American or Sharia law?

For him, his status as a US citizen and former Marine places him in a really good position to put across his idea and fight people.

People are listening to me because Im a Marine who served. I get that I earn a level of respect and trust where they can hear what I have to say, Mansoor said.

This is not the first time that a Muslim or people from this community have come forward to educate people about their religion. In the past, projects like #MeetAMuslimFamily and #VisitMyMosque have tried to build awareness, but their success is questionable.

(Also read: Trump Supporters Have Already Begun Groping Women And Pulling Off Their Hijabs)
After being silent for the past couple of years, the notorious Somali pirates have struck once again. On Tuesday they hijacked Aris 13, a Comoros Island flagged oil tanker off the northern Somali coast.

AP

Aris 13 had sent a distress call on Monday saying that it is being followed by two skiffs, but later turned off its tracking system and altered course for the Somali port town of Alula.

According to experts, this is the first time since 2012, following a multi-nation crackdown on pirates, they have successfully taken control of a ship.

Aris 13 is owned by Panama company Armi Shipping and managed by Aurora Ship Management in the United Arab Emirates.

AP

At the time of the hijack, the Aris 13 had eight crew members onboard, all Sri Lankans.

Even though the pirates haven't made any ransom demands in public, experts say they might be already in touch with the owners. Negotiations on ransom are held offshore and exact details of the amount changed hands rarely come out.

AP/ File

In 2011, during the peak of their attacks, the Somali pirates had launched 237 attacks off Somalias coast taking hundreds of hostages.

According to an estimate by Oceans Beyond Piracy, in 2011 piracy had cost the global shipping industry about $7 billion.

AP/ File

Somalia, one of the poorest countries in Africa turned into the den of pirates in the early 2000s following the years-long civil war and instability in the country.

AP/ File

Most of the pirates were fishermen who lost their livelihood after international trawlers taking advantage of the lack of a government in Somalia plundered the fish there, leaving the locals with no option but to take up arms and hijack ships.
Bana Alabed has delivered a new message and this time, it is addressed to the American President, Donald Trump. The seven-year-old made headlines when she began live-tweeting from the war-torn Syrian zone, Aleppo, and shared with the world the horrors and brutalities of war.

reuters

In an exclusive Daily Beast video, Bana addresses Trump and says,

"Donald Trump, my name is Bana Alabed, and I am seven years old from Aleppo, Syria. We are the children of Syria. We are not terrorists. We are like your children. Please help us to stop the war. The children deserve life."

daily beast

Bana escaped Aleppo last year in December. She further tells Trump,

"We want to go to school, we want to go to play now. We can't go to school, we can't go to play because of the bombing. We are suffering from hunger, we are the children. The children deserve life. There is no food, no clean water, no hospitals, no schools. Please save us, to stop the war."

Bana is known to have sent several messages to world leaders through her Twitter handle. And every message has the same urge - to help end the war.

Earlier this month, she wrote a letter to Theresa May.

Letter to @theresa_may. Dear Theresa May, please read my letter to you. Thank you pic.twitter.com/fb1Cc3xOa2  Bana Alabed (@AlabedBana) March 5, 2017

Last month, she sent the following video message to Trump.

my video to Trump. " Mr @realdonaldtrump have u ever had no food & water for 24 hrs? Just think of refugees & the children of Syria." pic.twitter.com/qbaZGp0MvB  Bana Alabed (@AlabedBana) February 1, 2017

Is it too difficult for the leaders to take notice of this girl and the plight of thousands of children who may die as we speak?
Guys put a lot of thought into proposals. They neither want to mess it up nor do they want to go overboard. While some pop the question with flowers and champagne, others do romantic dinners and surprise set ups.

But Tim Chee planned what can easily be described as the 'perfect proposal'. His way of asking his beloved to marry him was truly incredible and you will see why.

Ann Marie Yuen Photography

A week after he started dating his now wife, Candice, Tim started writing love letters to her. Over the course of three years, Tim wrote 14 letters in total, where the first initials of each love note spelled out 'Will you marry me'.

Candice Catherine

He took Candice on a surprise vacation to Hamilton Island in Australia and while on a picnic at Watsons Bay - where the couple shared their first date - Tim revealed to Candice the secrets hidden in his love notes.

Candice Catherine

Even though Tim had always been a romantic guy, Candice was taken aback by his gesture that he planned over three years. Candice burst into tears after realising what the letters contained and rest was history.

Ann Marie Yuen Photography

The couple got married a year later and Tim sang Candice a song that he wrote two months before he started dating Candice.

We bet Candice will be showered with lovelier surprises in the days to come!
For 16 years, Jose Alberto Gutierrez, has been salvaging books from the trash, which he then lends to poorer children in his community.

Most us would just disregard used books as trash, but for these children, it's treasure and Alberto is ensuring that all of them get a chance to expand their knowledge.

AP

The garbage hauler has retrieved over 20,000 books from the trash he collects from upper class neighbourhoods in Bogota, Colombia, the children lovingly call him 'Lord of the Books.'

This should be in all neighbourhoods, on each corner of every neighbourhood, in all the towns, in all departments, and all the rural areas, Gutierrez told AP in 2015. Books are our salvation and that is what Colombia needs.

Gutierrez, 53, attributes his love for reading books to his mother. He has devoured the works of Leo Tolstoy, Victor Hugo and Mario Vargas Llosa.

"There's nothing more beautiful than having a book in your pocket, in your bag or inside your car," says Gutierrez who runs the community library in his own house.

Watch the video below:
Under international pressure, Pakistan might have taken Jamaat Ud Dawa (JuD) chief and 26/11 Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafiz Muhammad Saeed into house arrest. But given his influence in the country, many have doubted the effectiveness of the move.

AFP

Now a prominent Gilgit-Baltistan activist Abdul Hamid Khan has told the United Nations that he ishighly respected in Islamabad, and has been awarded a de-facto status like that of a king by being kept under tight security so that nobody would be able to get their hands on him.

In a letter addressed to UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, Khan highlighted that there are thousands of terrorist individuals and more than a dozen terrorist organizations active within different Madrasas, religious and political parties who are enjoying full impunity under Pakistan government institutions.

AFP

Political activists and religious persons and students of Pakistan occupied Gilgit Baltistan (PoGB) who do not comply with ISIs dictation have been framed under anti-Terrorist act of Schedule 4. But the real terrorists who bomb and kill innocent civilians in Shrines, Mosques, Roadways and other places are free to roam. Its no secret that Hafiz Saeed, the head of Lashkar-e-Toiba who has been banned by the UN, is a highly respected terrorist in Pakistan, Khan said.

UNPO

ALSO READ: After Hafiz Saeed's House Arrest, His Brother-In-Law Hafiz Abdul Rehman Makki Steps In To Lead Jamaat-ud-Dawa

Noting that Pakistan wants to create fear among the indigenous people of Gilgit-Baltistan, the Baloch activist further said that those who violate Pakistani orders by demanding something peacefully are declared as terrorists, adding that there is no provision to file an appeal as there is no Constitutional or Judicial system in the disputed region.
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Neon red lipsticks, fluorescent pinks and more than a touch of the blues for the watch industry. The 80s were a time of contradictions for those who lived through them. Aesthetically, the era of style crimes and improbable geometrical motifs has left virtually no trace. The music videos of Robert Palmer and Brian Ferry, and the advertisements created by Jean-Paul Goude, celebrated powerful and sexy women, as epitomised in the photographs of Helmut Newton. But the era of cheap pop also gave us Sheena Easton, the Renault Fuego and the white Ferraris of Miami Vice. As far as watches were concerned, it was a nadir. This was when the crisis caused by the Swiss watch industrys failure to compete with its Asian competitors (often referred to  not entirely accurately  as the quartz crisis) reached its peak. But the decade also marked the beginning of a number of success stories. Cartier exploded onto the scene with the Must, along with Bulgari and the Bulgari Bulgari. Raymond Weil also found its feet. It was a time when watches could be both small and ostentatious, and the two-tone gold and steel look  a combination to be handled with care  was ubiquitous.



Whether its just the pendulum making its inevitable return, a lack of inspiration, the general malaise of todays uncertain and destabilising times, or a bit of all three, its clear that, following the nostalgic return to the style of the 1950s, then the 60s and 70s, the 1980s watch is making a comeback. The Panthere de Cartier, launched in 1983, is once again available, completely unchanged and in its original form. Cartier saw no need to revise or modernise it, judging it completely in tune with contemporary sensibilities. Bulgari has never stopped working on the Bulgari Bulgari, today familiar in its Roma version, as well as the Octo, a watch whose powerful geometry is a reminder of the bold shapes used in both architecture and fashion.





Raymond Weil has always had the Tango, an iconic 80s watch  but lets have another look at it anyway. It still has its nail-head screws around the bezel, its baton hands and two-tone bracelet to match the gold bezel (gold-plated in this instance, given the target market). Gold was in fact an essential component of 80s style. Thats yellow gold, of course  no variations permitted. A certain taste for ostentation and contrast cemented the popularity of the precious metal in its native colour, which more recently was rejected in favour of the warmer and more prestigious rose gold. So, obviously, yellow gold is back. And if it looks a bit dull or cold compared with rose gold, well, that doesnt matter. Audemars Piguet has made it a core element of its range. Which is as it should be, given that the Royal Oak was also an iconic watch of the 1980s.
The IHS Energy Coal Conference of the Americas is in its 24th annual year. We will be debating the current change in global coal prices and its effects on Colombia's international exports and domestic supply balance. IHS and Industry experts will be presenting on a wide range of issues and market developments, making this the must attend coal conference for learning and networking in South America in 2017.
A Soft Coup, or Preserving Our Democracy?



Somethings happening here, what it is aint exactly clear.



By Philip Giraldi

March 15, 2017 "

Information Clearing House

" - "

American Conservative

" -

We Americans have long regarded coups as undesirable political turmoil afflicting nations in Africa, Asia and Latin America in which governments are changed by force rather than through the ballot box. During the past several weeks, political commentators are beginning to use the word when describing the series of events that began last summer with the claim that Russia was somehow interfering in our national election on behalf of one candidate. To be sure, no one expects the countrys armed forces to march on the White House and force Donald Trump out, but some commentators are suggesting that a political environment is deliberately being created that will either make it impossible for Trump to govern or, if the pieces fall together nicely, will provide grounds for impeachment. As those who might be promoting that kind of regime change are civilians who will not be resorting to armed insurrection, it might be most correct to refer to the possible coup as soft or even stealth. Conservative radio host and author Mark Levin

as a silent coup.

Coup or legitimate political pushback depends on which side of the fence one is standing on. There are two competing narratives to choose from and there is inevitably considerable gray area in between depending on what turns out to be true. One narrative, coming from the Trump camp, is that President Obama used the nations intelligence and law enforcement agencies plus judicious leaks of classified information and innuendo to the media to sabotage Trump during and after the campaign. This was largely done by spreading malicious claims about the campaigns associates, linking them to criminal activity and even suggesting that they had been subverted to support Russian interests. As of this date, none of the Manchurian candidate allegations have been supported by evidence because they are not true. The intention of the Obama/Clinton campaign is to explain the election loss in terms acceptable to the Democratic Party, to hamstring and delegitimize the new administration coming in, and to bring about the resignation or impeachment of Donald Trump. It is in all intents and purposes a coup, though without military intervention, as it seeks to overturn a completely legal and constitutional election.

The contrary viewpoint is that team Trumps ties to Russia constitute an existential national security threat, that the Russians did steal information relevant to the campaign, did directly involve themselves in the election to discredit U.S. democracy and elect Trump, and will now benefit from the process, thereby doing grave damage to our country and its interests. Adversarial activity undertaken since the election is necessary, designed to make sure the new president does not alter or eliminate the documentary record in intelligence files regarding what took place and to limit Trumps ability to make serious errors in any recalibration with Moscow. In short, Trump is a dangerous man who might be in bed with an enemy power and has to be watched closely and restrained. Doing so is necessary to preserve our democratic system.

This is what we know or think we know described chronologically:

The sources all agree that in early 2016 the FBI developed an interest in an internet server in Trump Tower based on allegations of possible criminal activity, which in this case might have meant suspicion of involvement in Russian mafia activity. The interest in the server derived from an apparent link to Alfa Bank of Moscow and possibly one other Russian bank, regarding which the metadata (presumably collected either by the Bureau or NSA) showed frequent and high-volume two-way communications. It is not clear if a normal criminal warrant was actually sought and approved and/or acted upon but, according to The New York Times, the FBI somehow determined that the server did not have any nefarious purpose and was probably used for marketing or might even have been generating spam.

The examination of the server was only one part of what was taking place, with The New York Times also reporting that, For much of the summer, the FBI pursued a widening investigation into a Russian role in the American presidential campaign. Agents scrutinized advisers close to Trump, looked for financial connections with Russian financial figures, searched for those involved in hacking the computers of Democrats. The article also noted that, Hillary Clintons supporterspushed for these investigations, which were clearly endorsed by President Obama.

In June, with Trump about to be nominated, some sources claim that the FBI sought a warrant from the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) Court to tap into the same Trump Tower server and collect information on the American users of the system. FISA warrants relate to investigations of foreign intelligence agents but they also permit inadvertent collection of information on the suspects American contacts. In this case the name Trump was reportedly part of the request. Even though FISA warrants are routinely approved, this request was turned down for being too broad in its scope.

Also in the summer, a dossier on Trump compiled by former British intelligence officer Christopher Steele that was commissioned initially by a Republican enemy of Trump and was later picked up and paid for by the Democratic National Committee began to make the rounds in Washington, though it was not surfaced in the media until January. The dossier was being worked on in June and by one account was turned over to the FBI in Rome by Steele in July . It later was passed to John McCain in November and was presented to FBI Director James Comey for action. It contained serious but largely unsubstantiated allegations about Trumps connection to Russia as a businessman. It also included accounts of some bizarre sexual escapades.

At roughly the same time the Clinton campaign began a major effort to connect Trump with Russia as a way to discredit him and his campaign and to deflect the revelations of campaign malfeasance coming from WikiLeaks. In late August, Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid wrote to Comey and demanded that the connections between the Russian government and Donald Trumps presidential campaign be investigated. In September, Senator Diane Feinstein and Representative Adam Schiff of the Senate and House intelligence committees respectively publicly accused the Russians of meddling in the election based on briefings we have received.

In October, some sources claim that the FBI resubmitted its FISA request in a narrowed down form which excluded Donald Trump personally but did note that the server was possibly related to the Trump campaign. It was approved and surveillance of the server on national security grounds rather than criminal investigatory grounds may have begun. Bear in mind that Trump was already the Republican nominee and was only weeks away from the election and this is possibly what Trump was referring to when he expressed his outrage that the government had wiretapped Trump Tower under orders from the White House.

Trump has a point about being tapped because the NSA basically records nearly everything. But as president he should already know that and he presumably approves of it.

Several other sources dismiss the wiretap story as it has appeared in the media. Former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper denied on March 5 that there had been a FISA warrant authorizing surveillance of the Trump Tower server. He stated that there had never been any surveillance of Trump Tower to my knowledge because, if there had been a FISA warrant, he would have been informed. Critics immediately noted that Clapper has previously lied about surveillance issues and his testimony contradicts other evidence suggesting that there was a FISA warrant, though none of the sources appear to know if it was ever actually used. Former George W. Bush White House Attorney General Michael Mukasey provided a view contrary to that of Clapper, saying that there was surveillance, and that it was conducted at the behest of the Justice Department through the FISA court. FBI Director Comey also entered the discussion, claiming in very specific and narrow language that no phones at Trump Tower were tapped.

The campaign to link Trump to Russia also increased in intensity, including statements by multiple former and current intelligence agency heads regarding the reality of the Russian threat and the danger of electing a president who would ignore that reality. It culminated in ex-CIA Acting Director Michael Morells claim that Trump was an unwitting agent of the Russian Federation. British and Dutch intelligence were apparently discreetly queried regarding possible derogatory intelligence on the Trump campaigns links to Russia and they responded by providing information detailing meetings in Europe. Hundreds of self-described GOP foreign policy experts signed letters stating that they opposed Trumps candidacy and the mainstream media was unrelentingly hostile. Leading Republicans refused to endorse Trump and some, like Senators John McCain, Marco Rubio and Lindsey Graham, cited his connections to Russia.

President Obama and the first lady also increasingly joined in the fray as the election neared, campaigning aggressively for Hillary. President Obama called Trumps flattery of Vladimir Putin out of step with U.S. norms.

After the election, the drumbeat about Trump and Russia continued and even intensified. There was a 25-page report issued by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence on January 6 called Assessing Russian Activities and Intentions in Recent US Elections. Four days later, this was followed by the publication of the 35-page report on Trump compiled by British intelligence officer Christopher Steele. The ODNI report has been criticized as being long on conjecture and short on evidence while the British report is full of speculation and is basically unsourced. When the Steele dossier first appeared, it was assumed that it would be fact-checked by the FBI but, if that was ever done, it has not been made public.

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Also on January 6, two weeks before the inauguration, Obama reportedly expanded the power of the National Security Agency to share globally intercepted personal communications with the governments 18 other intelligence agencies before applying privacy protections. This made it easier for derogatory or speculative information on individuals to be shared or leaked. The New York Times interpreted this to be a move intended to preserve information relating to the investigation of the Trump campaigns Russian ties. In this case, wide dissemination was viewed as a way to keep it from being deleted or hidden and to enable further investigation of what took place.

Two weeks later, just before the inauguration, The New York Times reported that the FBI, CIA, NSA and the Treasury Department were actively investigating several Trump campaign associates for their Russian ties. There were also reports of a multiagency working group to coordinate the investigations across the government.

Leaks to the media on February 8 revealed that there had been late December telephone conversations between national security advisor designate Michael Flynn and Russian ambassador Sergei Kislyak. The transcripts were apparently leaked by senior intelligence officials who had access to such highly restricted information, presumably hold-overs from the Obama Administration, and Flynn was eventually forced to resign on February 13 for having lied to Vice President Mike Pence about the calls. For what its worth, some at the CIA, FBI and State Department have been openly discussing and acknowledging that senior officers are behind the leaks. The State Department is reported to be particularly anti-Trump.

One day after Flynn resigned The Times cited four current and former officials to claim that Trump campaign associates had had repeated contacts with senior Russian intelligence officials, but admitted that there was no evidence that the campaign had in any way been influenced by the Russians.

The Attorney General Jeff Sessions saga, which appeared in the media on March 1, is still ongoing. Sessions is being accused of lying to Congress over two contacts with the Russian ambassador. No one is claiming that he did anything inappropriate with Kislyak and he denies that he lied, arguing that the question was ambiguous, as was his response. He has agreed to recuse himself from any investigation of Russia-Trump campaign ties.

Soon thereafter, also on March 1, The New York Times published a major article which I found frightening due to its revelation regarding executive power . It touched on Sessions, but was more concerned with what was taking place over Russia and Trump. It was entitled Obama Administration Rushed to Preserve Intelligence of Russian Election Hacking. It confirmed the previous European intelligence service involvement in the Trump-Russia investigation and also exposed the long-suspected U.S. intelligence agency interception of telephone communications of Russian officials within the Kremlin, revealing that they had been in contact with Trump representatives.

The Times article also described how in early December Obama had ordered the intelligence community to conduct a full assessment of Russian activity relating to the election. Soon thereafter the intelligence agencies acting under White House instruction were pushing Trump-Russia classified information through the system and into analytic documents so it would be accessible to a wide readership after the inauguration while at the same time burying the actual sources to make it difficult to either identify them or even assess the reliability of the information. Some of the information even went to European allies. The State Department reportedly sent a large cache of classified documents relating to Russian attempts to interfere in elections worldwide over to Senator Ben Cardin, a leading critic of Trump and Russia, shortly before the inauguration.

The Times article claimed, relying on anonymous sources, that President Obama was not directly involved in the efforts to collect and disseminate the information on Trump and the Russians. Those initiatives were reportedly directed by others, notably some political appointees working in the White House. I for one find that assertion hard to believe.

The turmoil on Capitol Hill is matched by street rallies and demonstrations denouncing the Trump administration, with much of the focus on the alleged Russian connection. The similarities and ubiquity in the slogans, the Resist signs and the hashtags #notmypresident have led some to believe that at least a part of the activity is being funded and organized by progressive organizations that want Trump out. The name George Soros, a Hungarian billionaire and prominent democracy promoter, frequently comes up . Barack Obama is also reported to be setting up a war room in his new home in Washington D.C. headed by former consigliere Valerie Jarrett to lead the fight and strategy to topple Trump. And Hillary Clinton has been engaged in developing a viable opposition to Trump while still seething about Putin. Two congressional inquiries are pending into the Russian connection and the FBI investigation, insofar as can be determined, is still active.

If one were to come up with a summary of what the government might or might not have been doing over the past nine months concerning Trump and the Russians it would go something like this: FBI investigators looking for criminal activity connected to the Trump Tower server found nothing and then might have sought and eventually obtained a FISA issued warrant permitting them to keep looking on national security grounds. If that is so, the government could have been using the high-tech surveillance capabilities of the federal intelligence services to monitor the activity of an opposition political candidate. Additional information was undoubtedly collected on Trump and his associates dealings with Russia using federal intelligence and law enforcement resources, and NSA guidelines were changed shortly before the inauguration so that much of the information thus obtained, normally highly restricted, could then be disseminated throughout the intelligence community and to other government agencies. This virtually guaranteed that it could not be deleted or hidden while also insuring that at least some of it would be leaked to the media.

The actions undertaken by the lame duck Obama administration were certainly politically motivated, but there also might have been genuine concern over the alleged Russian threat. The Obama administrations actions were quite likely intended to hobble the new administration in general as Trump would be nervous about the reliability of his own intelligence and law enforcement agencies while also being constantly engaged in fighting leaks, but they might also have been designed to narrow the new presidents options when dealing with Russia. Whether there is any intention to either delegitimize or bring down the Trump White House is, of course, unknowable unless you had the good fortune to be in the Oval Office when such options were possibly being discussed.

It should also be observed that all of the investigations by both the government and the media have come up with almost nothing, at least insofar as the public has been allowed to see the evidence. Someone, widely presumed but not demonstrated to be in some way associated with the Russian government, hacked into the email accounts of the Democratic National Committee and Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta. The factual information was then passed to WikiLeaks, which denies that it came from a Russian source, and was gradually released starting in July. There has been a presumption that Moscow was either trying to influence the outcome of the election in support of Donald Trump or that it was trying to somehow subvert American democracy, but no unimpeachable evidence has as of yet been produced to support either hypothesis. The two senior Trump officials  Flynn and Sessions  who have been under the gun have not been pummeled because they did anything wrong vis-a-vis the Russians they did not  but because they have been accused of lying.

So, whether there is some kind of coup in progress ultimately depends on your perspective and what you are willing to believe to be true. I would suggest that if there continue to be damaging leaks coming from inside the government intended to cripple the White House the possibility that there is a genuine conspiracy in place begins to look more attractive. And the possibility of impeachment is also not far off, as Trump is confronted by a hostile Democratic Party and numerous dissidents within the GOP ranks. But if nothing comes of it all beyond an extremely rough transition, the whole business might just be regarded as a particularly nasty bit of new style politics. If, however, it turns out that the intelligence agencies have indeed been actively collaborating with the White House in working against opposition politicians, the whole tale assumes a particularly dangerous aspect as there is no real mechanism in place to prevent that from occurring again. The tool that Obama has placed in Trumps hands might just as easily be used against the Democrats in 2020.
Revolutions Are Bloody, But So Is Doing Nothing By Paul Craig Roberts March 15, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - Graeme MacQueen, a university professor in Canada, calls attention to the American lefts inability to exercise imagination with regard to the reports of the Warren Commission and the 9/11 Commission. A collection of individuals and publications, somehow regarded as leftwing, has proven to be active agents for the conspiratorial state against true dissent. Here is the link to Graeme MacQueens article: The United States no longer has a leftwing, and neither does Europe, Greece least of all, a country whose leftwing government has agreed that Greeces creditors can loot and plunder the Greek people and the public assets of Greece in behalf of the One Percent. The British Labour Party is as rightwing as the Conservatives, and the French socialist party is more rightwing and much more acceptant of American overlordship than General Charles DeGaul. In Germany the electorate has put in place as Chancellor of Germany a US puppet who represents Washington, not the German people. And she will continue to represent Washington, even if it means war with Russia. The leftwing, once a force that attempted to hold governments accountable, has merged with the American Empire. The American left has now joined with the military/security complex to deep-six the prospect of detente with Russia. See, for example, http://www.counterpunch.org/2017/03/14/trump-and-russia-the-shortest-reset-ever/ The American leftwing has joined with the neocons, the presstitute media, and the military/security complex in a common agreement that anyone who favors better relations with Russia is a Russian agent or a dupe of Vladimir Putin. And if you know enough to doubt the Warren Commission and 9/11 Commission reports, you are a conspiracy kook and are put on Harvards list of purveyors of fake news. Everyone who does not agree with the Establishments line is fake news. And this is in a democracy with free speech. What a joke America has become! Break Free From The Matrix Get Our Free Daily Newsletter In other words, the left has accepted the neoconservative line that those who advocate peace with Russia, other than on US imposed terms, are traitors to America, including the President of the United States. Harvard University now has a PropOrNot type of list of suspect websites. All who favor normal relations with Russia are on the list. We have reached the point that even for Harvard University, no dissent from hating Russia is possible. This leaves war as the only option. Are you ready to die for the military/security complexs enormous budget? That is all you will be dying for. Dr. Paul Craig Roberts was Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for Economic Policy and associate editor of the Wall Street Journal. He was columnist for Business Week, Scripps Howard News Service, and Creators Syndicate. He has had many university appointments. His internet columns have attracted a worldwide following. Roberts' latest books are The Failure of Laissez Faire Capitalism and Economic Dissolution of the West , How America Was Lost , and The Neoconservative Threat to World Order . The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Information Clearing House. Putin speaking about the collapse of Western civilization The Valdai International Discussion Club, September 19, 2013 Full transcript - http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/19243
The Canadian plan also helps Canadians live longer and healthier than Americans. . . . We need, as a nation, to reexamine the single-payer plan, as many individual states are doing.  Donald Trump, The America We Deserve (2000)

March 15, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - The new American Health Care Act has been unveiled, and critics are calling it more flawed even than the Obamacare it was meant to replace. Dubbed Ryancare or Trumpcare ( over the objection of White House staff), the Republican health care bill is under attack from left and right, with even conservative leaders calling it Obamacare Lite, bad policy, a warmed-over substitute, and dead on arrival.

The problem for both administrations is that they have been trying to fund a bloated, inefficient, and overpriced medical system with scarce taxpayer funds, without capping its costs. US healthcare costs in 2016 averaged $10,345 per person, for a total of $3.35 trillion dollars, a full 18 percent of the entire economy, twice as much as in other industrialized countries.

Ross Perot, who ran for president in 1992, had the right idea : he said all we have to do is to look at other countries that have better health care at lower cost and copy them.

So which industrialized countries do it better than the US? The answer is, all of them . They all not only provide healthcare for the entire population at about half the cost, but they get better health outcomes than in the US. Their citizens have longer lifespans, fewer infant mortalities and less chronic disease.

President Trump, who is all about getting the most bang for the buck, should love that.

Hard to Argue with Success

The secret to the success of these more efficient systems is that they control medical costs. According to T. R. Reid in The Healing of America , they follow one of three models: the Bismarck model established in Germany, in which health providers and insurers are private but insurers are not allowed to make a profit; the Beveridge model adopted in Britain, where most healthcare providers work as government employees and the government acts as the single payer for all health services; and the Canadian model, a single-payer system in which the healthcare providers are mostly private.

A single government payer can negotiate much lower drug prices  about half what we pay in the US  and lower hospital prices. Single-payer is also much easier to administer. Cutting out the paperwork can save 30 percent on the cost of insurance. According to a May 2016 post by Physicians for a National Health Program:

Per capita, the U.S. spends three times as much for health care as the U.K., whose taxpayer-funded National Health Service provides health care to citizens without additional charges or co-pays. In 2013, U.S. taxpayers footed the bill for 64.3 percent of U.S. health care  about $1.9 trillion. Yet in the U.S. nearly 30 million of our citizens still lack any form of insurance coverage.

The for-profit U.S. health care system is corrupt, dysfunctional and deadly. In Canada, only 1.5 percent of health care costs are devoted to administration of its single-payer system. In the U.S., 31 percent of health care expenditures flow to the private insurance industry. Americans pay far more for prescription drugs. Last year, CNN reported, Americans paid nearly 10 times as much for prescription Nexium as it cost in the Netherlands.

Single payer, or Medicare for All, is the system proposed in 2016 by Democratic candidate Bernie Sanders. It is also the system endorsed by Donald Trump in his book The America We Deserve . Mr. Trump confirmed his admiration for that approach in January 2015, when he said on David Letterman :

A friend of mine was in Scotland recently. He got very, very sick. They took him by ambulance and he was there for four days. He was really in trouble, and they released him and he said, Where do I pay? And they said, Theres no charge. Not only that, he said it was like great doctors, great care. I mean we could have a great system in this country.

Contrary to the claims of its opponents, the single-payer plan of Bernie Sanders would not have been unaffordable. Rather, according to research by University of Massachusetts Amherst Professor Gerald Friedman, it would have generated substantial savings for the government:

Under the single-payer system envisioned by The Expanded & Improved Medicare For All Act (H.R. 676), the U.S. could save $592 billion  $476 billion by eliminating administrative waste associated with the private insurance industry and $116 billion by reducing drug prices . . . .

According to OECD health data , in 2013 the British were getting their healthcare for $3,364 per capita annually; the Germans for $4,920; the French for $4,361; and the Japanese for $3,713. The tab for Americans was $9,086, at least double the others. With single-payer at the OECD average of $3,661 and a population of 322 million, we should be able to cover all our healthcare for under $1.2 trillion annually  well under half what we are paying now.

The Problem Is Not Just the High Cost of Insurance

That is true in theory; but governments at all levels in the US already spend $1.6 trillion for healthcare, which goes mainly to Medicare and Medicaid and covers only 17 percent of the population. Where is the discrepancy?

For one thing, Medicare and Medicaid are more expensive than they need to be, because the US government has been prevented from negotiating drug and hospital costs. In January, a bill put forth by Sen. Sanders to allow the importation of cheaper prescription drugs from Canada was voted down. Sanders is now planning to introduce a bill to allow Medicare to negotiate drug prices, for which he is hoping for the support of the president. Trump indicated throughout his presidential campaign that he would support negotiating drug prices; and in January, he said that the pharmaceutical industry is getting away with murder because of what it charges the government. As observed by Ronnie Cummins , International Director of the Organic Consumers Association, in February 2017:

. . . [B]ig pharmaceutical companies, for-profit hospitals and health insurers are allowed to jack up their profit margins at will. . . . Simply giving everyone access to Big Pharmas overpriced drugs, and corporate hospitals profit-at-any-cost tests and treatment, will result in little more than soaring healthcare costs, with uninsured and insured alike remaining sick or becoming even sicker.

Besides the unnecessarily high cost of drugs, the US medical system is prone to over-diagnosing and over-treating. The Congressional Budget Office says that up to 30 percent of the health care in the US is unnecessary . We use more medical technology then in other countries, including more expensive diagnostic equipment. The equipment must be used in order to recoup its costs. Unnecessary testing and treatment can create new health problems, requiring yet more treatment, further driving up medical bills.

Drug companies are driven by profit, and their market is sickness  a market they have little incentive to shrink. There is not much profit to be extracted from quick, effective cures. The money is in the drugs that have to be taken for 30 years, killing us slowly. And they are killing us. Pharmaceutical drugs taken as prescribed are the fourth leading cause of US deaths , after heart disease, cancer and stroke.

The US is the only industrialized country besides New Zealand that allows drug companies to advertise pharmaceuticals. Big Pharma spends more on lobbying than any other US industry, and it spends more than $5 billion a year on advertising. Lured by drug advertising, Americans are popping pills they dont need, with side effects that are creating problems where none existed before. Americans compose only 5 percent of the worlds population, yet we consume fully 50 percent of Big Pharmas drugs and 80 percent of the worlds pain pills . We not only take more drugs (measured in grams of active ingredient) than people in most other countries, but we have the highest use of new prescription drugs, which have a 1 in 5 chance of causing serious adverse reactions after they have been approved.

The US death toll from prescription drugs taken as prescribed is now 128,000 per year. As Jon Rappaport observes , with those results Big Pharma should be under criminal investigation. But the legal drug industry has grown too powerful for that. According to Dr. Marcia Angell , former editor in chief of the New England Journal of Medicine, writing in 2002:

The combined profits for the ten drug companies in the Fortune 500 ($35.9 billion) were more than the profits for all the other 490 businesses put together ($33.7 billion). Over the past two decades the pharmaceutical industry has [become] a marketing machine to sell drugs of dubious benefit, [using] its wealth and power to co-opt every institution that might stand in its way, including the US Congress, the FDA, academic medical centers, and the medical profession itself.

Its Just Good Business

US healthcare costs are projected to grow at 6 percent a year over the next decade. The result could be to bankrupt not only millions of consumers but the entire federal government.

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Obamacare has not worked, and Ryancare is not likely to work. As demonstrated in many other industrialized countries, single-payer delivers better health care at half the cost that Americans are paying now.

Winston Churchill is said to have quipped, You can always count on the Americans to do the right thing after they have tried everything else. We need to try a thrifty version of Medicare for all, with negotiated prices for drugs, hospitals and diagnostic equipment.
UN Report: Israel Has Established an 'Apartheid Regime'



Report breaks new ground on the UN's examination of the situation in occupied Palestine by using the word 'apartheid'.



By Ben White A new United Nations report accuses Israel of having established "an apartheid regime that oppresses and dominates the Palestinian people as a whole". The publication comes amid renewed debate about whether, through its settlement policy and rejection of Palestinian self-determination, the Israeli government is creating - or even has already created - a de facto "one-state", which critics warn would constitute a form of apartheid. It urged governments to "support boycott, divestment and sanctions [BDS] activities and respond positively to calls for such initiatives". The report - Israeli Practices towards the Palestinian People and the Question of Apartheid - was commissioned and published by the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) and launched in Beirut . John Reynolds, a lecturer in law at the National University of Ireland, Maynooth, told Al Jazeera the report "breaks new ground in the context of the UN's analysis of the situation in Palestine". The report was authored by two critics of Israeli state practice: Virginia Tilley, professor of political science at Southern Illinois University, and Richard Falk, former UN special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories, and professor emeritus of international law at Princeton University. Noting how "the expert consensus [is] that the prohibition of apartheid is universally applicable and was not rendered moot by the collapse of apartheid in South Africa", the report argues that Israel is "guilty of policies and practices that constitute the crime of apartheid", a "crime against humanity under customary international law and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court". The report is a "detailed analysis of Israeli legislation, policies and practices" that highlights how Israel "operates an apartheid regime", including through "demographic engineering". Palestinian citizens of Israel are described as "subjected to oppression on the basis of not being Jewish", it said. Palestinians in East Jerusalem similarly experience "discrimination in access to education, healthcare, employment, residency and building rights", as well as "expulsions and home demolitions". Break Free From The Matrix Get Our Free Daily Newsletter Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip are governed by "military law" alongside Jewish settlers "governed by Israeli civil law", the report said. Palestinian refugees and exiles are "prohibited from returning to their homes in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory" on the basis that they "constitute a 'demographic threat' and that their return would alter the demographic character of Israel". As well as urging governments to back BDS , the report recommends that the UN and its member states should "revive the Special Committee against Apartheid, and the United Nations Centre Against Apartheid (1976-1991)", which would then "report authoritatively on Israeli practices and policies relating to the crime of apartheid". The report also suggests an advisory opinion be sought from the International Court of Justice "as to whether the means used by Israel to maintain control over the Palestinian people amount to the crime of apartheid". David Keane, associate professor in law at Middlesex University, said the new report differs from previous ones on the subject because it "expressly attaches the apartheid label". There was no immediate response from Israel to the report, which could contribute to an already deteriorating relationship between the government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the United Nations. Israeli authorities failed to respond to Al Jazeera's request for a comment. "For Palestinians and their allies, the report will help to provide a solid basis for their work," Nadia Hijab, executive director of al-Shabaka - The Palestinian Policy Network - told Al Jazeera . Citing the reputation and credibility of the authors, Hijab described the report as "a clear, concise document" whose recommendations are "timely and much needed". Ben White is a freelance journalist, writer and activist, specialising in Palestine/Israel. This article was first published at Al Jazeera The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Information Clearing House.
The Devotion to Suspect X to Premiere in China at End of March

Alec Su and Ruby Lin star in "The Devotion to Suspect X," which will premiere on March 31. (Photo : Getty Images)

Keigo Higashino, the novelist of the thriller "The Devotion to Suspect X," came up with a screenplay adaptation of the novel and collaborated with director Alec Su and actress Ruby Lin to make a movie of the same title.



Taiwanese actors Alec Su and Ruby Lin have a strong following from the mainland since the 1990s due to their popular TV series "My Fair Princess" and "Romance in the Rain."



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Alec Su has pursued directing since 2015 and became a critically acclaimed director with the film "The Left Ear."



Both Su and Lin have been good friends since their TV stint. Su said that this friendship made Lin an easy choice.



He said, "On the set, I'm quite demanding."



"Only good friends can tolerate my bad temper. Besides, Lin's veteran experience and personal flair make her pretty much match the character," he added.



The novel was also adapted in South Korea and in Japan. The Japanese feature was made by Hiroshi Nishitani.



The Korean feature, "Perfect Number" was directed by Bang Eun-jin and was released in 2012. The Chinese adaptation will be different from the Korean and Japanese versions, according to Su.



Higashino's novel won the Naoki Prize for Best Novel. It was nominated for an Edgar Award and a Barry Award.



The book was published by Macmillan Imprint and Minotaur Books. The novel was also chosen by the American Library Association as one of their Best Mystery Novels of the year.



The novel-based thriller revolves around a physicist and a mathematician, respectively played by Wang Kai and Zhang Luyi, who involve themselves in a murder investigation.



The Chinese producer of the film is Enlight Media and will also be releasing the movie in North America, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and Singapore simultaneously with the Chinese release on March 31.


March 15, 2017 "

Information Clearing House

" - While President Trump sat down for a sumptuous meal at the White House on Tuesday, March 14 with Saudi Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, millions of Yemenis are going hungry thanks to Trumps lunch guest.

Prince Salman is only 31 years old, but as the kings favorite son, he was put in charge of the nations two most critical sectors: the economy and the military. A brash defense minister, the young prince made the disastrous decision to interfere in an internal conflict in neighboring Yemen. Starting in March 2015, Prince Salman started a bombing campaign against the Yemeni Houthis, a group the Saudi rulers consider aligned with Iran. The bombing has gone on, relentlessly, for the past two years. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Raad al Hussein said that possible war crimes had been documented with alarming frequency since the Saudis became engaged.

In addition to thousands of Yemeni civilians being killed directly by Saudi bombs, the bombing has also been responsible for the massive destruction of civilian infrastructure, from water facilities to sewage treatment plants to hospitals. Particularly devastating has been the bombing of the port of Hodeidah, where most of the humanitarian aid has been entering the country. Two-thirds of the population now requires food assistance and a Yemeni child dies every 10 minutes from hunger and the lack of medical facilities. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has called Yemen the largest food insecurity emergency in the world.

The Saudis are threatening to make matters significantly worse by launching a major military campaign in the area of Hudaidah that will make the port totally inaccessible.

Its not just the Saudis and Houthis who are responsible for Yemens destruction. As Senator Chris Murphy said , the United States also has blood on its hands. President Obama sold massive amounts of weapons to the Saudis and helped the Yemen intervention with logistical support, including refueling Saudi planes in the air.

Towards the end of his tenure, President Obama began having second thoughts due to the mounting civilian death toll, including a strike on a Yemeni funeral in October 2016 that killed more than 100 people. Thats why in December 2016, the Obama administration halted a planned sale of $390 million in precision-guided munitions from Raytheon to the Saudi government.

President Trump is considering moving forward with this sale. Human rights groups worry that the sale could allow the Saudis to modify thousands of air-to-ground munitions that could be used in strikes against civilians. In a letter to Trump released the same day as the luncheon, Amnesty International urged Trump not to sign off on the sale. There is substantial risk that Saudi Arabiacould use new U.S. arms to further devastate civilian lives in Yemen, Amnesty wrote . This could implicate your administration in war crimes or violations of international humanitarian law. Amnesty International researchers have already found both unexploded U.S. bombs and identifiable fragments of exploded U.S. bombs among the ruins of Yemeni homes and other civilian objects.

Trumps Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has reportedly approved the resumption of the sale, but it needs White House approval before it moves forward. If approved, this deal would essentially have President Trump throwing gasoline on a house fire and locking the door on his way out, said Amnestys US Executive Director Margaret Huang. President Trump must not approve this arms deal.

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The Trump administration has signaled a desire to step up the fight against the Houthis in Yemen as part of its plan to get tough on Iran. It cited Irans support for the Houthi rebels when putting Iran on notice in February. The Saudi leaders are enthusiastic about Trumps hawkish position on Iran. They also appreciate his support of the oil industry (proven by naming the CEO of Exxon as Secretary of State) and his lack of interest in human rights. And they are delighted that unlike Yemen, Saudi Arabia was not included in Trumps Muslim travel ban, despite the fact that more Saudis have killed Americans on US soil than any other foreign nationals (remember: 15 of the 19 September 11 hijackers were from Saudi Arabia).
Third Time's The Charm - The Neocons Want Another Sunni Insurgency By Moon Of Alabama March 15, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - " Moon Of Alabama " - When the U.S. was confronted with an insurgency in Iraq it did not find fault with own behavior but identified Syria and Iran as the culprits. It decided to attack them too. As Seymour Hersh reported in 2007: To undermine Iran, which is predominantly Shiite, the Bush Administration has decided, in effect, to reconfigure its priorities in the Middle East. In Lebanon, the Administration has cooperated with Saudi Arabias government, which is Sunni, in clandestine operations that are intended to weaken Hezbollah, the Shiite organization that is backed by Iran. The U.S. has also taken part in clandestine operations aimed at Iran and its ally Syria. A by-product of these activities has been the bolstering of Sunni extremist groups that espouse a militant vision of Islam and are hostile to America and sympathetic to Al Qaeda. Four years later the U.S. used the Sunni militants it created to first attack Libya and then Syria. With U.S. support the militants to destroyed the independent Libyan state under Ghaddafi. The country is now in total chaos. In Syria the militants, with clandestine support from the U.S. and its allies, waged a six year long war to overthrow the government. Many of them joined the Islamic State and al-Qaeda, the Takfiri offsprings of the U.S. program and Saudi money that went (somewhat) rogue. These groups did not limit, as the U.S. wished, their attacks to U.S. enemies but committed several larger scale attacks against U.S. allied countries. Now the groups themselves are enemies. The project of creating a controllable "Sunni Arab force" to destroy Syria had failed. The Pentagon made another attempts, spending tens of millions of dollars, to train a new Sunni Arab force in Syria to attack the Syrian government as well as the Takfiris. As soon as these new groups entered into Syria they joined the Takfifirs and handed over the weapons the U.S. army had given them. The U.S. is now engaging with Russia and local Kurdish forces in Syria to destroy the Takfiri groups on the ground. The Kurds are of various religions and denominations with a mostly secular outlook. That plan made some progress though an actual attack on Raqqa, the current center of the Islamic State, is still weeks off. The Syrian government is winning its part of the fight in the west of the country. But that is not enough for the U.S. neoconservatives. Their task is to further Zionist plans by creating more chaos in the Middle East. Their partner and money source is the Sunnni-Wahhabi Saudi Arabia. Having successfully arranged the destruction of Iraq, various failed "surges" as well as the attack on Syria, they can not condone that the Syrian government survives the war. Break Free From The Matrix Get Our Free Daily Newsletter Thus they set out to create a new (the third now) Sunni Arab force to continue what their original war plan prescribed. Frederick and Kimberly Kagan, luminaries of the neoconservative family , initiate their new campaign on the neoconned opinion pages of the Wall Street Journal: A New Strategy Against ISIS and al Qaeda - The U.S. has been relying too heavily on Shiites and Kurds. It needs to cultivate Sunni Arab partners. The Kagan family, other well known members are Robert Kagan and Victoria Nuland, are also main instigators of the war on Iraq. Here they are in 2008 strolling (heavily guarded) through the occupied Basra, Iraq amusing themselves off the destruction they created.

bigger The op-ed is a shorter version of a "study" written by the "think tank" the Kagan family runs to collect money. It says in short: The U.S. shall shun the Kurds and not cooperate with Russian, Syrian or Iranian forces. It shall create another Sunni Arab proxy insurgency in Syria to fight ISIS and al-Qaeda and also the Syrian government. The first step towards that is already fiction: The US and acceptable partners seize and secure a base in southeastern Syria, such as Abu Kamal, and create a de facto safe zone. They then recruit, train, equip, and partner with local Sunni Arab anti-ISIS forces to conduct an offensive against ISIS. This independent Sunni Arab force forms the basis of a movement to destroy ISIS and al Qaeda in Iraq and Syria over many years. Building a Sunni Arab anti-ISIS partner must be the rate-determining step in the advance along the Euphrates River Valley (ERV). American forces must fight alongside their partners to reduce the trust deficit between the US and potential Sunni allies. Potential partners must not support Salafi-jihadists, Iranian proxies, or Kurdish separatism. The U.S. has already tried this since 2006 by clandestine means. Those forces morphed into al-Qaeda/ISIS. The Pentagon then tried the same concept by military means. That proxy force ran over to the enemy as soon as it could. Now a third try shall be made? The fictitious plot continues: Next Phases The US launches clearing operations along the Euphrates River Valley toward Raqqa, using US forces and the new Sunni Arab partner at Abu Kamal, and in Iraqs Anbar Province.

The US brokers a peace deal between Turkey and the Syrian-Kurdish Peoples Defense Forces (YPG), focused on the contact line in Aleppo Province.

The US implements a no-fly zone in Deraa Province, demonstrating US commitment to addressing the grievances of populations under jihadist control and facilitating a local cessation of hostilities with Russia and between pro-Assad and US-backed anti-Assad forces. The US must also help partner forces in Deraa destroy ISIS and al Qaeda, which would help facilitate a negotiated settlement of the Syrian war. The US should execute this step after the first phase and coincident with clearing operations in southeastern Syria.

The US should try to stitch together the new force with existing US-backed fighters to create a single partner that can secure terrain from jihadists, defend against pro-Assad attacks, and uphold a settlement against the Assad regime. These follow-on operations set conditions that favor broader US interests in Syria, but they do not achieve those interests. Subsequent phases will be necessary and will require a significant counter-Iranian component in Iraq and Syria. I ca not imagine how much Kool-aid one must drink to come up with so much nonsense. Let us start with those imaginary tribes in south-east Syria. The south-eastern desert of Syria is empty with little resources (besides some oil) and few people. These are rather small groups where the tribal leaders no longer have much say. The tribal members mostly live in the cities. They are members of the Syrian army or of its enemies. Some of the tribal members had joined ISIS, other fought it and were badly hurt with hundreds of casualties on their side. Most of these tribes lived quite well with the Syrian government and would be happy if it would return and control their area. Most of them have no sectarian grievances with Damascus. They have no inventive or wish to fight the Syrian state. The Turkish president Erdogan is currently trying to hire the very same tribes to fight the Syrian Kurds. He will fail with that too. The Kagans want their new grand force to also fight al-Qaeda. But al-Qaeda is in north-west Syria (and still supported by Turkey.) The Kagans emphasize the use of local forces. How are south-eastern desert tribes "local" to the people in Idleb? The real aim of the Kagans is of course in the last parts of their plan which I highlighted. They want to use these "Sunni Arab tribes" to make another attempt of destroying the Syrian state to then attack the Iranian "bridge" to Hizbullah in Lebanon. Fortunately the Kagans are at least six month behind the realities on the ground in Syria . The Pentagon will laugh at any "Sunni Arab tribes" ideas. The U.S. military will try to take Raqqa from ISIS with the help of the Kurds and in coordination with Syrian government forces. The Syrian government forces will also destroy al-Qaeda in Idleb. The chance that Trump will pick up on these neocon plans is practically zero. But who knows? The people who pay the Kagans also spend lots of money to "lobby" (i.e. bribe) the Washington establishment. They certainly hope that there is still a chance to get their ideas wormed into the minds of the White House. The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Information Clearing House.
US Delta Force, SEAL Team 6 Prepare To Take Out Kim Jong-Un, Practice Tactical North Korea "Infiltration"

By Tyler Durden

March 15, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - " Zero Hedge " - On March 1, the WSJ reported that the options contemplated by the White House in response to recent North Korean acts, include "the possibility of both military force and regime change to counter the countrys nuclear-weapons threat." The review came es amid recent events have strained regional stability including last month's launch by North Korea of a ballistic missile into the Sea of Japan, and the assassination of the estranged half brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Malaysia.

And, according to a report in Yonhap , said "regime change" may come far sooner than expected: the South Korean website writes that U.S. special operations forces, including the unit that killed Osama Bin Laden, will take part in joint military drills in South Korea "to practice incapacitating North Korean leadership in the case of conflict", a military official said Monday.

The U.S. Navys Special Warfare Development Group, better known as the SEAL Team 6, will arrive in South Korea for joint military drills and take part in an exercise simulating a precision North Korean incurion and "the removal of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un", according to the Ministry of National Defense Monday .

The U.S. Navy SEAL Team Six will join the annual Foal Eagle and Key Resolve exercises between the two allies for the first time, along with the Army's Rangers, Delta Force and Green Berets.

The counterterrorism unit is best known for its removal of Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden in May 2011, known as Operation Neptune Spear. It will be the teams first time participating in the annual Foal Eagle and Key Resolve exercises, which will run through late April.

The ministry did not say when the SEAL Team 6 will arrive. The Japan Times reported that the American unit boarded the USS Carl Vinson, a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, last Friday and are currently training in South Korean waters. The carrier will arrive in Busan Port Wednesday, according to the Japanese newspaper. The ministry did not say when the SEAL Team 6 will arrive, however according to The Japan Times, the American unit will arrive in Busan Port Wednesday, according to the Japanese newspaper.

As Korea JoongAng Daily adds , also set to touch down in South Korea is Delta Force, a special mission unit of the U.S. Army whose main tasks include hostage rescue and counterterrorism, said the Defense Ministry. Together with SEAL Team 6, they will practice removing Kim Jong-un and destruction of North Koreas weapons of mass destruction.

It will send a very strong message to North Korea, which is constantly carrying out military provocations, a ministry official said.

"A bigger number of and more diverse U.S. special operation forces will take part in this year's Foal Eagle and Key Resolve exercises to practice missions to infiltrate into the North, remove the North's war command and demolition of its key military facilities," a ministry official told Yonhap News Agency asking not to be named.

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F-35 stealth fighters will also fly from U.S. Navy bases in Japan this month and carry out strike simulations on key North Korean facilities. A joint amphibious landing operation, which will kick off next month, will see the deployment of support ships the USS Bonhomme Richard, USS Green Bay and USS Ashland.

The beefing up of U.S. special operation forces in the drills comes after North Korean leader Kim said in a New Years speech that the country was in the final stage of test-firing an intercontinental ballistic missile, the first of its kind, and pushed through two separate missile tests earlier this year, the latest on March 6. North Korea claimed through its state-run media that the most recent drill was aimed at striking the bases of the U.S. imperialist aggressor forces in Japan.

Washington and Seoul stress that the annual military drills are purely defensive, although Pyongyang sees them as a rehearsal for an invasion. South Koreas military said around 290,000 domestic soldiers and 10,000 U.S. soldiers will participate in this years drills, which by scale would be approximately the same as last year, the largest to date.
Today we have decided to celebrate an Icon in the Nollywood industry ,Joke Silva not just any actress but she is talented, beautiful and inspiring . Whats not to love about the veteran?

For years, the actress has entertained Nigerians on stage and screen. From the days of Violated, Keeping Faith, to the days of The Wives, and One Fine Day, we just cant get enough of her in depth skills.

We have put together five simple things you probably dont know about the actress.

Here we go;

1. The actress was born September 29, 1961, in Lagos Nigeria.

2. Joke Silva attended Holy Child College in Lagos. She studied English at the University of Lagos, before relocating to England where she studied drama at the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art in London.

3. The veteran kicked off her acting career on stage. However, the movies Violated by Amaka Igwe and Ego Boyo, and Yoruba film Owulorojo brought her into limelight.

4. Joke Silva is married to the talented veteran Olu Jacobs. The two who met in 1981 and married in 1985, are blessed with two children.

5. Silva is a co-founder of Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts (LAPA), a performing arts educational institution which delivers teaching and practical based training of international quality and capacity.
The oldest Spanish woman to give birth from the country has defended her decision after she was criticized.

A 64-year-old woman who gave birth to twins after undergoing fertility treatment in the US has defended her decision following criticism from people. People say her age is something that is disturbing as they worry what would happen to the kids if something bad happens to her.

The woman identified as Mauricia Ibanez gave birth to twins -Gabriel and Maria de la Cruz- at a hospital in the northern city of Burgos last month spoke out saying her age doesnt bother her at all.

She is yet to return home since the delivery in February 14 after becoming the oldest woman in Spain to give birth. She is yet to go home following the Caesarian section birth on February 14  and has faced criticism after it emerged her eldest daughter Blanca, born in 2011, was taken away from her following a social services investigation.

Speaking of her controversial decision to give birth to the twins, she told Spanish newspaper El Pais: I decided to become a mum again because the experience with my first daughter Blanca was so wonderful that I thought, And if I could have more!

My age doesnt worry me at all. Its true Im old but its been possible to fall pregnant. Science and medicine are the last opportunity we have as older people.

A man aged 65 can have children without any problem so why do we question things when a woman does it?

Admitting she was worried her two twins would also end up being taken away from her, she added: I do fret Gabriel and Maria de la Cruz may suffer the same fate.

Theyre so defenceless, so delicate. Im a bit afraid for them. I just ask God that they dont fall into the hands of social services.

In a statement after Mauricia gave birth to twins last month, identifying her only by her initials, Recoletas Hospital in Burgos confirmed: M.I.A, 64 and from the province of Burgos, has just become a mother for the second time after giving birth to twins.

The children were born via a pre-programmed Caesarian. The patient and the babies, a boy and a girl, are in a perfect state of health.

This is an exceptional case not only for the region, but also for Spain, given the fact that shes one of the few women aged more than 58 who has managed to successfully complete her pregnancy with twins.

The C-section has been a success thanks to the coordinated work of a multidisciplinary team from the hospital formed by two gynaecologists, two paediatricians, two matrons and the team of nurses and nursing assistants necessary for an operation of this magnitude.

The patient underwent IVF treatment in the United Sates and after falling pregnant, returned to Spain.

She picked the Recoletas Hospital in Burgos, a leading private clinic, which she confided in six years ago for the birth of her first daughter.

Specialists opted for a pre-programmed Caesarian which is generally favoured in cases like these.
The United Nations, the Federal Government and Cameroon have signed a tripartite agreement on the safe return of over 65,000 Internally Displaced Persons currently in Cameroon.

This was disclosed in Calabar, Cross River State on Wednesday by the Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, Hajiya Sadiya Umaru-Farouq, during the commencement of distribution food and other items to the Bakassi IDPs.

Umaru-Farouq said the agreement was signed to ensure the protection and assistance of Nigerians in Cameroon as they return voluntarily to Nigeria.

According to her, the 65,000 IDPs consist of the Boko Haram victims and the displaced people of Bakassi.

She said, We have about 65,000 Nigerians in Cameroon. The number consists of Boko Haram victims and displaced people of Bakassi. This agreement is voluntary for those willing to return to Nigeria and for those who wish to stay in Cameroon.

We will profile them and see the number that wants to return home and those that want to remain in Cameroon.

The Federal Commissioner distributed bags of rice, wheelbarrows, cartons of noodles, gallons of groundnut oil and palm oil, among others to the IDPs.

The Director-General, Cross River State Emergency Management Agency, Mr. John Inaku, said the incidence of IDPs in the state started when the oil-rich Bakassi peninsula was ceded to Cameroon in 2008.

Inaku said the Bakassi camp had over 3,720 IDPs, adding that the people suffered untold hardship because they no longer engaged in fish farming.

Speaking for the displaced Bakassi refugees, a former presidential adviser, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa noted that it was the first time that the Federal Government responded positively to the plight of the people.

Ita-Giwa said, For four years that these people had been displaced, it was the paramount ruler of Bakassi and I that made arrangement for the temporary accommodation. From that time on, we had cried for help, the children are no longer in school. There are other Bakassi people in Day Spring that are living in deplorable conditions.

This is about the first time that we have a governor that is on the same page with the people of Bakassi. We commend President Muhammadu Buhari for listening to the yearnings of the Bakassi people and other displaced Nigerians. It is imperative that he comes to see the people to further understand their plight.

Earlier during a courtesy visit, Governor Ben Ayade, said the IDPs had totally been dislocated from their ancestral homes.

Ayade said the IDPs had been reduced to what he called `elements, saying that some of them were greatly affected by the displacement.

The Bakassi IDPs can no longer afford their adequate feeding per day; they can no longer fish or farm to earn a living. They have been taken away from their source of livThe apex Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, on Wednesday, condemned what it described as indiscriminate arrest of Ile-Ife citizens by the police, following the fracas that involved Yoruba and Hausa residents a few days ago in Ife.

The body, which claimed that a monarch, the Alapoje of Alapoje community in Ife, Oba Ademola Ademiluyi, was arrested along with 14 other indigenes, said it was wrong of the police to embark on indiscriminate arrest of Yoruba residents.

Vowing to resist further indiscriminate arrests by the police, the group said some of the arrested residents were transferred to the Osun State Police Command headquarters in Osogbo, while other were transferred to the Force Headquarters in Abuja.

A statement by the Afenifere, entitled: Ife Crisis: The Hounding after and Yorubas Stand, urged the Federal Government to call all the stakeholders in the crisis to a meeting and find an amicable solution to it.

Recalling that the crisis started when a Hausa resident assaulted a Yoruba woman, the Afenifere said an undergraduate with the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Yekini Saka; Francis Eludoyin, Oshowade Lukman, Sikiru Jimoh, Isaac Omisanmi, and Adigun Osuolale, were arrested, among others.

It said, Leading citizens of Yoruba nation are grieved by the recent disturbance in Ile-Ife, the cradle of Yoruba civilisation. We are concerned that lives were lost on our land as it is not in our character to open our land for bloodletting. The whole world acknowledges that we welcome foreigners and go the extra mile to make them happy. And this explains why our space is hospitable and allows strangers to prosper and feel at home.

In Ife, in particular, the Arewa community has a record of over 80 years stay in the ancient city and has never come under attack not even when there were serious disturbances between the local communities. The Sabo area was a safe place to be in those disturbing days. This is why it is very important to interrogate the cause of the recent disturbance. Our way of life is being violently violated with sheer impunity. We shall not take it anymore.

Afenifere also commended the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, for physically going to the scene to quell the conflict.

Meanwhile, the Acting Governor of Kaduna State, Barnabas Yusuf-Bala, on Wednesday, met with security chiefs, Yoruba, Igbo and Igala leaders in Kaduna so as to avert a reprisal.

The meeting was sequel to the clash between Yoruba and Hausa residents in Ile-Ife.

The Kaduna State Police Commissioner, Agyole Abbeh; Garrison Commander, One Mechanised Division, Nigerian Army, Kaduna, Brig.-Gen. Samaila Isah, and other top government functionaries attended the meeting along with the leaders of Yoruba, Igala and Igbo communities in Kaduna.

Yusuf-Bala said, Those trying to incite unnecessary tensions in the state because of what happened in Ile-Ife, Osun State, should desist from circulating videos and images with inciting commentary and calls on citizens for reprisals.

In another development, the senator representing Osun-East senatorial district, Babajide Omoworare, has donated bags of rice, beans and cows to the Hausa community in Ife.

Omoworare also donated bags of rice and beans to the Ife Central Working Committee for the Yoruba victims of the clash.

The lawmaker, who visited the scene of the incident, pleaded with residents of the town to live in peace.

Speaking at the Oba Sijuwade Memorial Hall, Ile-Ife, Omoworare attributed the clash to the non-availability of mechanisms to detect conflicts at early stages.

Federal Commissioner, please I appeal to you to present our case to Mr. President whom I trust so much and believe would permanently resettle our brothers and sisters who have lost touch with the true meaning of life, he said.

Source: Punch
The association of Northern Christian Youth Network has told Nigerians to alleged surreptitious and dangerous moves to silence the General Overseer of the Omega Fire Ministries Worldwide, Apostle Johnson Suleiman.

The organisation said it was part of a well-orchestrated campaign to intimidate opposition elements ahead of the 2019 elections.

The association said in a statement issued in Abuja by its Secretary-General, Yunana Jacob, said the two-pronged plan being hatched by an unnamed northern governor, involved using security agents to intimidate the cleric and to cook up spurious allegations of infidelity against him.

The Christian youth group alleged that agents of the governor had been recruiting young women from across Nigeria and some other parts of the world to discredit and impugn the credibility of Apostle Suleiman in a manner that had never been seen before.

We have no doubt that from the events of the past weeks, that security agencies have been under tremendous pressure to frame up Apostle Suleiman under spurious charges to put him out of circulation, for speaking against the persecution and killing of Christians by Fulani herdsmen in Southern Kaduna, Jacob stated.

He said the group was slow to react to the unfolding drama because it was shocked when the news first broke, but realised after thorough investigation that the governors 2019 presidential ambition was at the heart of Apostle Suleimans travails.

According to him, the governors grand design was to hound his perceived opponents and to ruin every other persons chances just before the 2019 general elections, thus paving the way for him and his co-travellers to have a field day in running the polls with little or no challenge.

The group warned, however, that Nigerians are very discerning and will easily recognise when an innocent man is being framed for political reasons.

The days of anarchy, when innocent people were slammed with spurious charges or their reputation dented to satisfy the inordinate ambition of some persons are gone, the group added.

Speaking on the attempt to compromise Suleimans matrimonial home, the NCYN warned that it would fail, especially now that such devilish plans have been exposed by the same girls that have been hired to rubbish the man of God.

The life of any human being, including Apostle Suleimans, is in the hands of God. We should warn that human life is so sacred that no one should do anything to take it.

That is and would remain our stand, Jacob said.

( Punch Nigeria )
The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, said it would on Thursday commence the destruction of arms, ammunition and explosives recovered by the Rivers State Amnesty Committee from repentant militants in the state.

Some repentant militants, kidnappers and cultists in the state had before the end of 2016 surrendered their weapons and embraced the amnesty offered by the Rivers State Government.

The Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Aminu Iliyasu, who disclosed this in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, said the exercise would last for two days.

He said, In conjunction with the Rivers State Amnesty Committee, 6 Division Nigerian Army will commence the demolition/destruction of the arms, ammunition and explosives that were recovered from repentant militants by the Rivers State Amnesty Committee.

The exercise is slated to take place on Thursday 16th and Friday 17th March 2017 at Igwurita Army Range from 6.00am to 5.00pm daily. In a similar vein, minor explosive tests will be conducted within Port Harcourt Barracks (Bori Camp) during the same period, the statement read.

It advised members of the public within Igwurita Army Range and Port Harcourt Barracks not to panic on hearing explosions.

Source: Punch
The 81 Division of the Nigerian Army on Wednesday said it had set up a Board of Inquiry, and detained six soldiers over the brutality of a woman in Lagos state.

The incident occurred on 12 March in Odoguyan, Ikorodu area of Lagos.

It involved soldiers of 174 Battalion and the woman attacked has been identified in various reports as Ruth Orji.

The Punch had earlier reported that the Joint Legal Action Aids, which is representing her, has already sued the military authorities and asking for N250m in damages.

In their reaction to the incident, the military authorities failed to disclose the names of the victim and her attackers.

The Divisions spokesperson, Lt.-Col. Olaolu Daudu, in a statement said, The attention of Headquarters 81 Division, Nigerian Army, has been drawn to the social media and Newspaper online reports on alleged brutalisation of a female by soldiers.

The incident occurred in Odoguyan, Ikorodu area of Lagos state involving soldiers of 174 Battalion on Sunday, March 12.

The alleged incident is highly regrettable, even as the division under the Nigerian Army has zero tolerance for inhumane treatment.

Discipline remains the bedrock of the Nigerian Military Profession.

It is quite disheartening when such incidences occur even though such incidences will not be treated with any laxity.

Consequently, a Board of Inquiry has been constituted by the Commander 9 Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Elias Attu.

This is to investigate the circumstances that led to the incident, determine the level of the soldiers involvement, submit its findings and recommend appropriate disciplinary measures which will be communicated.

The brutalised lady, name withheld, has been taken to hospital where she is responding to treatment.

The six soldiers, also names withheld, are being detained in regards to the incident.

The Division remains committed to its tasks as part of the constitutional mandate of the Nigerian Army.

The Division continues to enjoin all to be law abiding and count on their support and cooperation.

Source: NAN
It was gathered that herdsmen forcefully entered the village to graze on farmlands but were resisted by the youths. They left only to mobilise and returned to the village in large numbers shooting sporadically and chasing everyone from their homes.

More photos below

No fewer than 10 persons were killed and several others injured after suspected herdsmen attacked Mkgovur village in Buruku Local Government Area of the state last Friday.
Duterte Calls Military to Assert Claim on Benham Rise (Photo : Getty Images)

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte commanded the military to assert the countrys claim on Benham Rise, a large ocean region off the country's northeastern coast. Last year, Philippine defense officials were alarmed as Chinese survey ships were seen in the region.



Duterte ordered the military to claim ownership of the Benham Rise in an affable manner. He reiterated that diplomacy is the only option his country has in dealing territorial disputes with China.



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"My order to my military, you go there and tell them straight that this is ours, but I say it in friendship," Duterte said in a news conference.



"I cannot match the might of China," he added.



China-PH ties had been weak due to a territorial dispute in the South China Sea, west of the Philippines. Tensions have lightened up significantly with Dutertes efforts to reach out to China. He has set aside the dispute in order to seek for the two countries to have economic cooperation.



According to Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Chinese survey ships were spotted by the Philippine military in the Benham Rise region from July to December of the previous year.



The government is looking into increasing the patrols and the building of territorial markers in the offshore region, said Lorenzana.



The presence of Chinese survey ships in the area was to be tackled at a meeting of the National Security Council executive members and Duterte, as scheduled on Monday.



The Department of Foreign Affairs has asked for Chinas explanation for the presence of its survey ships in Benham Rise. The request was made through the Chinese embassy on Friday.



Benham Rise was proclaimed a part of the Philippine continental shelf by the U.N. Commission on the Limits in 2012. The declaration has given the Philippines exclusive rights to fish and exploit resources, including undersea deposits of oil and gas.



Chinese ships have a right to pass through the area under international law, according to Chinese foreign ministry.



The Chinese foreign ministry has said its ships have a right to pass through the area under international law.



To avoid offending China, Duterte has abandoned the plans for joint Philippine patrols with the U.S. Navy in disputed waters. The president has openly criticized U.S. security policies since the beginning of his term in June 2016.



The USS Carl Vinson, a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier, has been in the region to ensure freedom of navigation in the sea, claimed virtually in its entirety by China.



America wants to pick a fight there. Why would I get into a trouble in that area?" Duterte said.



With Chinese survey ships crossing the Benham Rise, the Filipino people are hoping that Rodrigo Duterte will live up to his man-with-iron-fist image and defend the countrys territory.


Justice Lateefa Okunnu, in a judgment on Thursday, sentenced Jubril to a jail term of 10 years for the fraud.

She said the jail term would commence from Thursday.

The judge also ordered the convicts to make restitution to the Federal Government by refunding the N963.7m, which they fraudulently obtained as subsidy on the false claim that they imported 13,500 metric tonnes of Premium Motor Spirit into the country.

The convicts had fraudulently obtained the money under the Federal Governments Petroleum Support Fund between October 2010 and May 2012.

After uncovering the fraud, the EFCC dragged the oil marketer and his company to court on

November 2012 and arraigned them on 13 counts bordering on conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretext, forgery and use of false documents.

The anti-graft agency had told the judge that Jubril and his company acted contrary to Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act of 2006.

They were also said to have contravened sections 467 and 468 of the Criminal Code Laws of Lagos State 2003.

In her judgment on Thursday, Justice Okunnu found the oil marketer and his company guilty as charged by the prosecution.

The judge sentenced them to 10 years jail term on count one.

She sentenced them to eight years jail imprisonment on each of count two to 13.

She, however, held that the sentences would run concurrently.

The conviction and sentencing of Jubril and his company came barely two months after Justice Okunnu convicted the Managing Director of Ontario Oil and Gas Limited, Mrs. Ada Ugo-Ngali, and sentenced her to a jail term of 10 years for a fuel subsidy fraud of N754m.

Also convicted were the Chairman of Ontario Oil and Gas Limited, Walter Wagbatsoma, and the company itself.
A businessmans bodyguard has caused serious commotion in an Anambra State community after he began shooting during a ceremony.

About 14 persons have sustained gunshot wounds following sporadic shooting by a bodyguard working for a businessman, Chief Vincent Udeobi on Wednesday during Ede Opoto festival at Ifitedunu community in Dunukofia council area of Anambra State.

Daily Post reports that according to eyewitnesses, the guard whose name was simply given as Mungo Park, released some shots in the air, to scare away the crowd following his master who was said to be spraying money.

The gunshots, it was gathered, hit a gate and boomeranged, injuring about 14 persons in the process.

He was spreading money but his security personnel were making efforts to stop the crowd following him. At a point, one of his armed thugs shot in the air. It hit the gate and boomeranged. It injured about 14 persons, an eyewitness who pleaded anonymity said.

They were rushed to Edozie Hospital and Maternity, Ifitedunu and Ndeli Hospital, Awkuzu for treatment. But the unfortunate thing is that the shooter has no licence to carry guns. They were using pump action rife the witness added.

When journalists visited the hospitals in Ndeli Hospital, some of the victims were writhing in pains.

A 14-year-old boy, Pascal, who had a bullet in his heart, was waiting for operation.

They victims were also scared to speak to our reporter. It was later gathered that they were warned not to speak to the press.

All efforts to reach the businessman proved abortive as he neither picked his phone calls nor replied text message.

Contacted on telephone, Anambra police spokesperson, Mrs. Nkeiruka Nwude, said she would get back to reporters but has not done so as at the time of filing this report.
The Consumer Advocacy Foundation of Nigeria are set to file a class-action lawsuit against the Nigerian Bottling Company if it is established that an infraction has been committed against consumers of its beverage products, Fanta and Sprite.

A class-action lawsuit is one in which a group of people with the same or similar injuries caused by the same product or action sue the defendant as a group.

The President and Founder, Consumer Advocacy Foundation of Nigeria, Ms. Sola Salako, disclosed this to one of our correspondents in Lagos on Wednesday.

She, however, said that the first step would be to consult the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control and find out how it arrived at the level of benzoic and ascorbic acids to be used in producing soft drinks for consumption in Nigeria and why the global standard was different from that applicable in the country.

Salako said, First, we have to ascertain from NAFDAC how they arrived at a different standard limit of benzoic acid for soft drinks meant for consumption in Nigeria. What is the condition of the laboratories that the tests were carried out to determine this standard? In the last 10 years, how many studies have been carried out to determine the changes in the lifestyle of consumers?

The standard limit of benzoic acid in the United Kingdom is 150mg per kilogramme, while the standard level for Nigeria is 250mg/kg. That is too high!

She also suggested that it was possible that when the 250mg/kg standard was set, people were not consuming as much soft drinks as they were currently consuming, adding that there might be a need to review the standard.

Salako faulted the reaction of the NBC that because NAFDAC had approved the standard, it was not bothered.

They should be concerned about the health of their consumers. I would have expected them to say that in the light of the current concerns, they would consider reducing the level of the acids, because there have been a lot of health concerns with the consumption of soft drinks and sugar these days, she stated.

The President, Consumer Awareness Organisation, Dr. Felicia Monye, said that although a class action had been part of the law, the attitude of consumers to such a suit was not encouraging to consumer advocacy groups.

She said, Consumers and citizens generally do not opt for that for reasons best known to them. You will see that if 50 people agree to come together, after one or two meetings, the number will just reduce.

This lukewarm attitude of consumers is responsible for the problem of consumer protection in Nigeria. They may believe that they have a right, but when it comes to the enforcement of that right, they will not show interest, she said.

NAFDAC, NBC appeal

Meanwhile, NAFDAC and the NBC have appealed the judgment of the Lagos High Court, which directed the bottler to put a warning on Fanta and Sprite bottles that taking the products with Vitamin C was poisonous.

The Director-General, NAFDAC, Mrs. Yetunde Oni; and counsel for NBC, Mr. Olatunde Busari (SAN), stated this on Wednesday.

The NAFDAC boss said this just as the Nigerian Medical Association urged the agency and the Federal Ministry of Health to ensure the enforcement of the judgment.

The NMA held that NAFDAC failed Nigerians by declaring as fit for human consumption, drinks discovered through tests in the United Kingdom as being poisonous when mixed with Vitamin C.

The court had awarded a cost of N2m against NAFDAC. The judgment was on a suit filed by a Lagos-based businessman, Dr. Emmanuel Fijabi Adebo, and his company, Fijabi Adebo Holdings Limited, against NBC Plc and NAFDAC.

Adebo, had in the suit, asked the court to declare that NBC was negligent to its consumers by bottling Fanta and Sprite with excessive levels of benzoic acid and sunset additives.

He also urged the court to order NAFDAC to carry out routine laboratory tests on all the soft drinks and related products that NBC was bottling to ascertain their safety for consumption.

But the director-general of NAFDAC said that the agencys lawyer had filed an appeal against the judgment and a motion to stay its execution.

NAFDAC is a national regulatory authority and will react both scientifically and legally to the matter. Our lawyer has filed an appeal and a motion to stay execution of action of the judgment also filed, Oni stated.

Busari also stated that the NBC had appealed the judgment, with the beverage company adding in a statement that both drinks were produced in compliance with national and international food quality and safety standards in the country.

The statement read in part, In the judgement delivered on February 15, 2017, the Lagos High Court dismissed all claims against the NBC and held that the company had not breached its duty of care to consumers and that there was no proven case of negligence against it.

In the same judgement, the court directed NAFDAC to mandate the NBC to include a warning on its bottles of Fanta and Sprite that its contents cannot be taken with Vitamin C as it could be poisonous. This order was premised on the fact that the products contain the preservative, benzoic acid. The NBC has since appealed this order.

According to the company, the levels of benzoic and ascorbic acid in the drinks are approved by the regulatory agencies in the country.

It stated, In the subject case, which dates back to 2007, the UK authorities confiscated a consignment of our products shipped to that country by the plaintiff, because their benzoic acid levels were not within the UK national level although well within the levels approved by both the national regulators for Nigeria and the international levels set by CODEX, the joint intergovernmental body responsible for harmonising food standards globally.

The UK limits benzoic acid in soft drinks to a maximum of 150mg/kg. Both Fanta and Sprite have benzoic levels of 200mg/kg, which is lower than the Nigerian regulatory limit of 250mg/kg when combined with ascorbic acid, and 300mg/kg without ascorbic acid, and also lower than the 600mg/kg international limit set by CODEX.

Both benzoic acid and ascorbic acid, also known as Vitamin C, are ingredients approved by international food safety regulators and used in many food and beverage products around the world.

These two ingredients are also used in combination in some of these products within levels, which may differ from one country to another as approved by the respective national food and drug regulators, and in line with the range prescribed by CODEX.

It added, The permissible ingredient levels set by countries for their food and beverage products are influenced by a number of factors such as climate, an example being the UK, a temperate region, requiring lower preservative levels unlike tropical countries.

Given the fact that the benzoic and ascorbic acid levels in Fanta as well as the benzoic acid level in Sprite produced and sold by the NBC in Nigeria are in compliance with the levels approved by all relevant national regulators and the international level set by CODEX, there is no truth in the report that these products would become poisonous if consumed alongside Vitamin C.

( Punch Nigeria )
Nollywood Actor and politician, Desmond Elliot has been revealed to be partnering charitably with actress, Adediwura Blarkgold to give family support to 100 widows in Surulere, Lagos.

Adediwura Blarkgold announced this on her Instagram page. She wrote;

I feel honoured, Boss and I appreciate this a great deal God bless you, Sir #Repost @desmondelliot with @repostapp

Giving really is fun many many thanks to @adediwurablarkgold for allowing us partner with her on this project .. you too can pls be a partaker , contribution is highly permitted doesnt have to be money , materials ..equipment instruments anything that can be of benefit to a widow please feel free.. pls call +2348029569059 for enquires on how you may be a part of this Family support to the widows come join us as we make these wonderful people smile !!!

Photo Credit: Stargist
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Thursday arraigned Christian Oyovweyho, alias Femi Adesina, before Justice Z. B. Abubakar of the Federal High Court Kano on a two-count charge of obtaining by false pretence.

The defendant allegedly impersonated the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to President Muhammad Buhari, Femi Adesina, and attempted to obtain N300,000 from a professor of Economics at Bayero University Kano, Dalhatu Galadanci.

According to the complainant, sometime in July 2016, the defendant sent him a text message claiming to be Femi Adesina, S.A to the president on Media and Publicity. The defendant fraudulently claimed to be speaking on behalf of the president and that the name of the professor has been forwarded for appointment in the presidency. The complainant further stated that the defendant claimed to be searching for a better office for him.

Subsequently, the defendant asked the professor to make payment of N300,000 to facilitate his appointment to Nigeria Port Authority or Nigerian Railway Cooperation and Rural Electrification. At that point, the professor got suspicious and reported the matter to the commission.

After listening to the charge, the defendant pleaded not guilty.

Prosecution counsel Musa Isah requested a date for trial in view of the plea of defendant.

The counsel representing the defendant, T.M. Oyedema however brought a motion for bail, praying the court to admit his client to bail pending the hearing and determination of the case.

Justice Zainab granted the defendant bail in the sum of N500,000 and two sureties in like sum. One of the sureties must be a state or federal government official not below grade level 8.

The other surety must be a respected member of the society with a landed property within the jurisdiction. Also certificate of Occupancy in respect of the landed property shall be deposited with the Deputy Chief Registrar of the court.

Source: PremiumTimes
Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN) contended on Wednesday that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had no justification to freeze his Guaranty Trust Bank account with a balance of N75m.

He said the N75m was his legitimate earning, which was paid to him by one of his clients, Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State.

The SAN stressed that the N75m was only a fraction of a total of N250m legal fee which Fayose owed him.

While urging Justice Abdulaziz Anka of the Federal High Court in Lagos to reverse the freezing order obtained by the EFCC on February 7, 2017, Ozekhome said, as a lawyer, it was not his business to probe the source of his clients income from which he was paid his legitimate legal fee.

He showed the judge correspondences between him and Fayose, wherein he demanded payment of his legal fees and where Fayose, in reply, sought his (Ozekhomes) understanding, stating that he was unable to pay at the time because the EFCC had frozen his bank accounts.

Ozekhome recalled that Fayose paid him after Justice Taiwo Taiwo of the Federal High Court in Ado Ekiti on December 13, 2016 unfroze his accounts with the Zenith Bank.

The account frozen by Justice Idris had been unfrozen by Justice Taiwo and made operational after it was found that material facts were suppressed, Ozekhome said.

He said Justice Taiwo also on January 31, 2017 refused the EFCCs application to stay the execution of the December 13 judgment.

He recalled that Zenith Bank in Ekiti also allowed Fayose to withdraw N5m in cash from the account.

Ozekhome said it was wrong for the EFCC to conclude that the money paid him as legal fee by Fayose was proceeds of criminal activities by Fayose, who enjoys immunity and has not been tried or convicted.

He urged Justice Anka to lift the freezing order on his account.

But the EFCC lawyer, Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo, urged Justice Anka not to grant Ozekhomes prayer, saying the SAN ought to have known that the money paid to him formed part of proceeds of fraudulent activities.

The N75million is from the proceeds of the alleged crime fraudulently taken from the ONSA and kept in Fayoses account from where it was transferred to Ozekhome, he said.

Justice Anka adjourned till April 3, 2017 for ruling.

Source: Punch
Governor of Ekiti State , Ayodele Fayose, has told former President Olusegun Obasanjo to stop deceiving the world with his anti-corruption posture.

The governor said the former president lacked moral rights to accuse anyone of corruption, challenging him to explain to Nigerians the source of his wealth.

He was reacting to comment credited to Obasanjo that African leaders should ensure that treasury looters were exposed and that former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke, should stop mentioning his name in the controversial $1.09bn Malabu Oil deal.

Fayose, in a press release issued on Thursday by his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, challenged the former president to rather explain to Nigerians the source of his wealth.
The federal government has backed out of its earlier decision to ban commercial helicopters shuttling between Abuja and Kaduna.

LEADERSHIP recalls that National Security Adviser (NSA), Babagana Monguno, citing security reasons had directed regulatory agencies not to allow commercial helicopters make use of Abujas airspace.

However, speaking to State House correspondents, yesterday, minister of state for Aviation, Hadi Sirika, said that the ban had been lifted andthat the procedure for using the airspace will be released before theend of day.

He said, On the helicopter issue, the national security adviser has the constitutional responsibility vested on him by Mr. President to advice the president on national security matters.

Within his wisdom, he sent out letters banning the helicopters operation into the airport but the national security adviser had earlier this morning said that helicopters will of course continue to fly to Abuja airport from wherever.

The procedure that they will use to approach the airport under landing spot will be given accordingly before the end of today, which means that helicopters can come into Abuja and out bearing in mind that within the metropolitan city of Abuja, there are no fly zones, and this is very normal in every country.

According to him, negotiations were ongoing for a Nigerian airline to fly to London daily in order to make up for the airlines that have rejected Kaduna.

Source: Leadership
Hameed Ali, the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service has arrived the National Assembly for his appearance before the senators.

He decided not to follow the directive given to him by the Senate to appear in a Customs uniform, intsead arriving in mufti. He came in at about 10.30am in company of the Special Adviser to President Buhari on Senate matters, Ita Enang.

The senate this week mandated him to appear before the house dressed in his Uniform to explain the controversial motor duty policy. Hameed has however stated that he would not be wearing the Uniform as he was not employed by President Buhari to wear uniforms.

( LindaIkeji.com)
The General Overseer of Omega Power Ministry has received the backing from the Governor of Ekiti State,Ayodele Fayose as the governor claims the allegation against the pastor is a high-level conspiracy meant to destroy the integrity of the pastor and silence his critical and principled voice of truth and dissent in a nation fast becoming a one-party state.

The governor expressed his view in a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, condemning the scandal as an evil plan carried out by the All Progressives Congress (APC) cabal to destroy the controversial pastors church.

This was the same way they tried to drag the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christians Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye in the mud. The whole world was aghast at how they insulted and ridiculed the highly-revered RCCG General Overseer. But for the outcry from all over the world, they almost bundled out Pastor Adeboye from his position as RCCG General Overseer and could have even arrested the General Overseer of Winners Chapel, David Oyedepo, Mr. Fayose said.

He expressed his support for the embattled pastor, saying,

I stand by Apostle Suleman and other men of God being directly or indirectly persecuted by the All Progressives Congress cabal.

Their evil plan is to destroy the Church so as to silence every perceivable strong voice of opposition. And their mode of operation is to take on every vocal, principled, and popular man of God one after the other. Should it not interest Nigerians and the international community that up till today, none of those herdsmen that killed thousands of Nigerians in Benue, Enugu, Delta, Ogun, Plateau and Kaduna States have been arrested? Even those arrested in connection with the murder of the Abuja-based female pastor, Eunice Elisha, have been released.

Governor Fayose wondered why all the adultery allegations and blackmail against Apostle Suleman surfaced only after he spoke out against the reckless and indiscriminate killing of Christians in Southern Kaduna and his subsequent encounter with the Department of State Services (DSS).

This, no doubt, is a continuation of the desperate but despicable and condemnable attempts to destroy opposition and the voices of reason in this country so as to subjugate every decent Nigerian and turn the country into a banana republic.

After politically subjugating many Nigerians, including a section of the judiciary that refused to do their bidding, they have now turned on men of God. This is condemnable, the governor said.

Mr. Fayose charged the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and other Christian bodies not to stay aloof but to stand up resolutely and speak out vociferously against what he called an orchestrated attempt to destroy the Church and respected Church leaders in Nigeria.

He berated those behind the travails of Apostle Suleman as confirmed polygamists, serial adulterers, and others whose holier-than-thou attitudes were hypocritical.

Anyone who has a case against any man of God should swear an oath, proceed to the law court and face the rigors rather than engage in media trials and character assassination, which have become the hallmark of this administration.

The Ekiti State governor questioned why the perpetrators of the wicked scheme against Apostle Suleman were not relenting even after the father of the woman making the wild allegations had punctured her loathsome and outrageous claims.
Officials of Ping An Wifi (Photo : Twitter)

Chinese company Ping An WiFi announced that it has partnered with tech startup company Kuang-Chi Group to provide better WiFi services.



Major investment



Ping An WiFi, a subsidiary of the Ping An Group, said that Kuang Chi has pledged an investment of more than $79.5 million for the establishment of a new company called Shenzhen Ping'an Xunke. The new venture is meant to promote the two companies' "smart WiFi network application industrial alliance," China Tech News reported.



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According to Ping An, the main goal of the alliance is to encourage the development of new technologies, materials, and products to make internet connectivity more prevalent. This is in line with the two parties' push for the development of so-called smart cities.



Ping An itself has already pledged more than $14.5 million into the alliance for initial research and development of potential applications. On the other hand, Kuang Chi's main focus would be the development of hardware and materials for the project.



Rong Guoquang, the chairman of Ping'an Xunke, said that they have yet to make a profit on the venture. But he adds that he is optimistic with the new business model that the two groups have agreed upon.



The chairman also sai9d that one of the services that they could possibly launch would let users enjoy free data, while also giving benefits like higher interests when buying particular financial products.



Complementary advantages



Chen Kexiang, the vice general manager for Ping-An WiFi's parent company Ping An Insurance, also expressed his optimism for the alliance. He noted that the two companies involved have "complementary advantages" that could help each other and the venture. China Daily reported.



Chen said that Ping An WiFi's large user base will provide Kuang Chi plenty of opportunities to apply the technologies that it will develop. On the other hand, Kuang-Chi can provide Ping An with products that will boost its services, such as the former's super WiFi technology.



Kuang Chi's Super WiFi is based on metamaterials technologies and allows for quick and reliable WiFi services to be set up even in areas of high traffic.


Arrested renowned journalist and blogger,Kemi Olunloyo , says she has been charged with cybercrime for her post about Pastor David Ibiyeomie.

Olunloyo, who was arrested by the police on Tuesday, said in an Instagram post that she was driven to Port Harcourt and detained in a prison there after the pastor complained that she had defamed him in the post.

She confirmed that she had posted a letter from one of Ibiyeomies church members, levelling allegations against the pastor.

Olunloyo said she was charged along with a Rivers State journalist, who simply syndicated her story, adding that she would remain in prison till March 23 when she would appear in court for another bail hearing.

Olunloyo, who is the daughter of a former governor of Oyo State, had on Tuesday alerted her followers that she was being arrested by the police.

She revealed that officers stormed her home and whisked her away to the Oyo state Criminal Investigation Department office in Ibadan, but added that the offence she was said to have committed was not criminal.

In her post on on Thursday, she said she had been driven to Port Harcourt after her arrest.

( Punch Nigeria )
A local government chairman in Edo State, Suleman Afegbua have been murdered by suspected assassins in the state. It was learnt that he was killed on Thursday morning, along the Benin-Auchi expressway.

It was also gathered that the deceased was travelling to Benin on a convoy when he was attacked at Ogbemudia farm in Uhumwonde Local Government Area of the state.

It was also learnt that two other persons who were with him were also wounded by the attackers.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Moses Nkombe, confirmed the incident to The PUNCH.

Nkombe explained that the policemen had been deployed in the area to fish out the hoodlums.

He was in a convoy going to Benin when he was attacked. He died on the spot while two others were rushed to a hospital and they are responding to treatment.

Our men are out now for the hoodlums. As we speak, our patrol team, SARS, anti-cultism teams have been sent to the area to comb the bushes around.

A family source, who did not want to be named, however, said that the late Afegbua would be buried according to Muslim rites.

Afegbua, who hailed from Okpella community, was the immediate past chairman of Etsako East Local Government Area.

( Punch Nigeria )
Constitutional lawyers, including members of the inner bar, have argued that in spite of the rejection of the nomination of Ibrahim Magu as chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) by the Senate, there was nothing in the laws of the land that prevents him from continuing in his acting capacity.

They spoke against the backdrop of yesterdays rejection of Magu as the substantive chairman of EFCC by the Senate for a second time, following the Department of State Services (DSS) insistence that he was not fit to head the countrys anti-graft agency.

The DSS had in a third report it submitted to the Senate on Tuesday referred the lawmakers in the Red Chamber to an earlier report dated October 3, 2016 it sent to them, in which it stated that Magu failed integrity test and will eventually constitute a liability to the anti-corruption war of the current government.

Consequently, Magu was rejected by a majority of the Senate membership after some members of the upper chamber and the acting EFCC chairman traded hard tackles and insults in the course of his screening yesterday.

But some senior lawyers who spoke to LEADERSHIP yesterday maintained that Magu could be EFCCs chairman in acting capacity, his rejection by the lawmakers notwithstanding.

While some of them insisted that President Muhammadu Buhari has constitutional power to re-present his nomination a third time to the senate for confirmation as substantive chairman of EFCC or allow him to remain as acting chairman pending his appointment, others however contended that it would amount to constitutional breach on the part of the president.

Lagos lawyer and human rights activist, Chief Femi Falana (SAN) specifically said the rejection of Magu by the senate was the height of official ridicule of the presidents office, just as it was illegal and a contravention of the Rules of the Senate which states that matters that are sub judice should not be discussed by the lawmakers.

Noting that Buhari could still resubmit his name for the third time because there are precedents to multiple representation of nomination by past presidents to the Senate, he recalled that ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo forwarded nomination of former Education Minister, Babalola Aborishade, to the senate several times until he was eventually confirmed.

Falana said, The rejection of the nomination of Mr. Ibrahim Magu as the chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) this afternoon by the Senate on the basis of a security report compiled by the State Security Service is the height of official ridicule of the office of the President. It is high time the State Security Service was restrained by President Buhari from sabotaging the fight against corruption by the federal government

With respect to the Senate, the confirmation hearing hurriedly conducted today is illegal in every material particular. The participation of many senators who are either under investigation or being prosecuted by the EFCC has vitiated the entire proceedings of the Senate on grounds of conflict of interest. It is also a contravention of the Rules of the Senate which stipulates that matters which are sub judice shall not be discussed by the Senate Falana added.

He, however, noted that notwithstanding the rejection of the nomination of Magu by the Senate there were still options open to President Buhari that are clear and straight forward.

Listing the options, the learned silk said, Mr. Magus nomination may be re-presented to the Senate if and when the Federal Government decides to put its house in order. Alternatively, the President may allow Mr. Magu to remain the Acting Chairman of the EFCC since he was appointed in that capacity pursuant to section 171 of the Constitution.

But if the President is not satisfied with Mr. Magus performance he is at liberty to appoint another person whose nomination will be forwarded to the Senate in accordance with section 2 (3) of the EFCC Act, 2004.

In the light of the foregoing, President Buhari is enjoined to ensure that the fight against corruption is not derailed by highly placed corrupt elements who have enlisted the support of fifth columnists and reactionary forces in the government.

In the same vein, chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee against Corruption, Prof. Itse Sagay (SAN), insisted that as long Magu is the choice of the president to head the commission, the lawmakers have no legal justification to dictate to him who to appoint.

According to him, no law in the country prevents Magu from doing the job in acting capacity, especially when the president has the power to appoint whosoever he feels like in an acting capacity.

The professor of law said, They have no right under the constitution to tell the president the name of who he should submit. If that is who the President wants, that is the name he would submit.

Their role is confirmation and not nomination or presentation. There is no law stopping Magu from acting in the position because the president has the power to appoint whosoever he wants in an acting capacity and there is no limitation of his powers in that regard.

The worst the Senate can do is what they have done, they can not dictate that the President should submit another name. In my opinion, that rejection is perverse because you cant reject someone who has an outstanding records of integrity, honesty and achievements.

So, that rejection is transparently contrary to the interest of Nigeria and Nigerians. They know that he is an honest man and he has done excellently well in the fight against corruption, so the decision is perverse, Sagay further maintained.

Another constitutional lawyer, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN) argued, however, that President Buhari can no longer represent Magus name because of the serious moral burden, ethical challenges and legal impediments imposed on him with this second definitive rejection.

Ozekhome, who cited sections 2(1) and 2(3) of the EFCC Act, insisted that Magu ceases to be the executive chairman of the commission, because having left his acting position during his proposal to the Senate, he had also lost his acting capacity.

He said, Representing his name will raise more questions than answers as to why the insistence on one man. This is unlike the first instance when Senate merely turned him down without any screening.

That it was done shortly after the celebrated arrival of President Buhari from his medical vacation makes it more interesting and more significant as it underlines the independence of the Legislature.

On his part, another learned silk, Seyi Sowemimo (SAN), argued that Magu can not continue to function in the position of an acting chairman in the face of his rejection by the Senate because that position ought to be a temporary one.

I think since he has been rejected the second time, the presidency will be in a fix. This is because the Senate is an institution on its own and its confirmation is required. Now, that they are rejecting the man for the second time, I think that is where the matter should end. If his rejection is based on the DSS security report, it means it is not something the president can override, he stated.

Magu, Senators Trade Tackles Over Confirmation

Meanwhile, acting chairman of the EFCC, Ibrahim Magu and some Senators, yesterday engaged themselves in a verbal war over the confirmation of the former as substantive chairman of the anti-graft agency.

The confirmation hearing exercise was initially started in a friendly atmosphere, with Senator Shehu Sani jocularly telling Magu that today is the Ides of March, an indication that there were booby trap along his way.

It appeared as if Magu would scale the screening hurdle, after answering a wide range of questions at his confirmation hearing.

But all that changed the moment an APC Senator representing Kogi West, Dino Melaye, raised the issue of the SSS report dated March 14.

Dino specifically read paragraph 14 of the SSS report which states: In the light of the foregoing, Magu has failed the integrity test and will eventually constitute a liability to the anti-corruption stand of the current government.

In this regard, Magu questioned the credibility of the SSS, which he said dispatched two reports on him with varying contents the same day. What do you say about credibility of that agency? He queried.

He also recalled that himself and Dino were engaged in the war against corruption until Dino got to the senate and abandoned the course. Dino and I were fighting corruption together until he got here and turned against us.

The DSS had earlier submitted two contradictory reports to the Senate, one approving Mr. Magus confirmation and the other asking he be rejected. The Red Chamber then rejected Magus confirmation based on the one of the reports dated October 3, 2016.

President Muhammadu Buhari had in January resubmitted Mr. Magus name to the Senate for confirmation as EFCC chairman.

To this effect, Magu told the Senators that he was never invited by the DSS to defend the allegations against him. There was no fair hearing, he said.

As if the Senate was staging a drama already well-rehearsed, the lawmakers moved away from seemingly soft questions and turned questions relating to the DSS report.

Barnabas Gemade and Abiodun Olujimi, among others, asked Magu to defend his suitability and explain why he should be confirmed after all these allegations.

The fresh report was basically a reaffirmation of the earlier one, containing same allegations bordering on the nominees residence, relationship with Air Commodore Mohammed Umar (rtd) and past record as head of the EFCCs economic governance unit.

Before the fresh DSS report was raised, Magu had absolved himself of culpability in respect to allegations in the earlier report.

I would answer but I dont want to say something that will cause bad relationship between sister agencies, Magu said, explaining that he had responded to the allegations in writing.

Also on the allegation that he resides in a house rented for him by Mohammed Umar, a retired air commodore accused of corrupt practices, Mr. Magu said, Thats not true.

He said his official residence at Maitama was rented for him by the FCT authorities for ease of his work, following intervention of an undisclosed senior official in the presidency.

I was not part of the process and I dont know how much was paid. I dont even know when the rent started or will expire, he said.

Magu also told the lawmakers he could not specifically give the actual amount the EFCC had recovered to date.

After the questioning, the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, put Magus confirmation to a voice vote. Majority of the lawmakers responded nay to his confirmation and the Senate rejected it accordingly.

DSS Report Wont Stand Test Of Time  Magu

Meanwhile, acting chairman of the EFCC, Ibrahim Magu, declared yesterday that whether he is confirmed or not by the upper chamber of the National Assembly, the varying reports by the DSS on him will not stand the test of time.

Specifically, he noted that the conflicting security reports cannot stop his determination to fight corruption.

The anti-graft agency boss who also stated that the fight against corruption in the country was a fight to the finish pledged to work against graft until his last day in office.

Magu stated this while addressing some Civil Society Organizations who were gathered at the main entrance of the National Assembly to receive him immediately after his session with the Senators.

Asked whether he was threatened by the allegations against him by the DSS, Magu said, Those allegations can not stand the test of time because these allegations can not be proven. You know you cant just raise mere allegations without giving the person opportunity to answer you.

There is the issue of fundamental human rights and right to fair hearing. Up till this time, the DSS has not called me and I am even surprised that the same report is coming back and this time around, it is even signed by somebody, which I doubt the genuineness of that report but I think we need to identify those who have the interest of this country at heart.

What we are doing is to recover what has got lost before and protect the future of our children. So, if we dont work today against corruption, the future of our children is not guaranteed. We must all wake up, wherever you find yourself fight corruption and anytime you discover that I am corrupt please expose me.

On the way forward after his session with the senators, he said, My piority is to fight corruption. My confirmation or not has not changed anything. I will work until the last day, whether confirmation or no confirmation.

The greatest violation against human rights is crime against the society and humanity but everybody has a duty and responsibility to fight corruption and I also have a responsibility. I assure you that we will fight to finish.

Speaking on behalf of the CSOs who gathered to recieve Magu, co-convener of Citizen Action To Take Back Nigeria (CATBAN), Comrade Ibrahim Garba Wala, said Nigerians and President Muhamnadu Buhari believe in the nomination of Magu as the chairman of EFCC and as such, the Senate has no choice.

Wala said their gathering to recieve Magu was part of activities to create awareness among Nigerians so as to enable them know the true position of what was happening.

We are here in solidarity with the man we feel is the right man for the job and he should be confirmed. That is why we are here, he said.

Reps Set To Establish EFCC Courts

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives yesterday passed for second reading, a Bill for an Act to amend the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Act 2004 so as to provide for quick recovery procedure for stolen assets.

The amendment particularly seeks to create a special court for the EFCC, to handle all cases emanating from investigations carried out by the the commission.

According to the Bill sponsored by the member representing Aboh Mbaise/Ngor OkpalaHouse federal constituency of Imo state, Hon. Uchenna Eke, and three others, including, the Chairman, House committee on Financial Crimes, Hon. Kayode Oladele, the amendment will ensure independence and enhance effectiveness of the commission.

The court when established shall dispense within 180 days all cases properly filed before it and all appeals emanating from such cases shall also be dispensed within 90 days at the Courts of Appeal.

The court shall have divisions in the six geo-politcal zones in the federation and in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Source: Leadership
Several person have been reportedly killed after a commercial bus collided with a heavy-duty truck on the Agbor-Abudu-Benin expressway in Edo State.

It was learnt that the truck was marked, FST 280 XR, while the the 18-seater Toyota bus had the registration number, MKD 492 XB.

The commercial bus also reportedly had the inscription, NNTCL 670 at the back.

It was learnt that the fatal accident occurred at about 8pm on Wednesday around Ugoneki and Evbuobanosa near Abudu, in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of the state.

The casualty figure was still sketchy as of the time of filling the report.

But the state Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Samuel Odukoya, who confirmed the incident at about 9pm, said that four of the passengers died after they were rushed to a hospital.

However, an unofficial source claimed that about 90 per cent of the passengers on the commercial bus heading for Benin from Onitsha in Anambra State lost their lives.

A team of FRSC officials from the Abudu unit were said to have been deployed in the scene, after they were alerted by some villagers.

However, Odukoya noted that the official casualty figure would be made public at the end of its operation.

Source: Punch
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has expressed readiness to bring down hajj fares for the comfort of intending pilgrims to the 2017 holy pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.

Making this revelation is NAHCONs head of media, Alhaji Uba Mana, in a telephone interview with LEADERSHIP, yesterday.

The media head who just came back from accommodation inspection tour of Saudi Arabia saidv NAHCON in view of new government policy has negotiated with service providers in the Holy Land that accommodation for states pilgrims should be looked into according to their values.

He said, Take for example, do you expect somebody who lodge into a three star hotel in Nigeria to pay the same price as someone who seeks accommodation in a five star hotel?

He said NAHCON has inspected the houses for this years intending pilgrims, satisfied with it and asked the states to pick from them.

As I talk to you now, my chairman, our commissioner of finance and some other senior officers are still busy in Saudi Arabia trying to bring down the prices of accommodation there. From our end, we want to do the review of the accommodation price, their values and submit these to the management (of NAHCON).

Source: Leadership
Reports that the Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai is ill and flown abroad for medical attention has been debunked by the special assistant to the governor, Mr Samuel Aruwan.

Rather, it was learnt that El-Rufai had commenced receiving lectures as a part-time student of Philosophy of Doctorate degree, PhD, in Governance and Policy Analysis at United Nations University-Merit, Netherlands.

UNU-MERIT, a research and training institute of United Nations University and Maastricht University, based in the South of the Netherlands has been closely involved in research for a variety of UN agencies, including the International Labour Organization, the United Nations Childrens Fund, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, and the World Bank.

The UNU-MERIT is ranked 6th among the world best universities.

There has been wide speculation especial in the social media platform that the governor was flown for medical attention.

As at the time of filing this report, effort to reach the Special Assistant to Governor El-Rufai on Media and Publicity, Mr Samuel Aruwan proved abortive as a call to his cell phone indicated that he could not be reached.

But an online post by the United Nations University-Merit dated March 7th, 2017 at 8:23 pm noted that the university had received new intakes among them, Governor El-Rufai.

It said, United Nations University-Merit. Yesterday a new batch of students started our Dual Career Training Programme to obtain a PhD in governance and Policy Analysis(GPAC2). Good luck to all!

Also, a tweet by one of the lecturers of the university, read, Im looking forward to teaching [email protected] in November, student at UNU Merit/Maastricht University

Also, a top government official, who would not want his names in print because he was not permitted to speak on the matter, said: the governor is not sick but he is attending a program abroad.

He added, That is why the Deputy Governor, Mr Barnabas Yusuf-Bala, is presently Acting Governor pending the return of the governor after the program.

El-Rufai, a first class Quantity Surveyor graduate of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

The governor is also an alumni of Harvard University.

( Punch Nigeria )
A fresh case of soldiers brutality against a female Nigerian citizen is being investigated, the Nigerian army has said.

Six soldiers, the army said, are currently in detention over the incident.

This is the third time such incident would be occurring within a month.

The victim whose name was given as Ruth Orji was said to have been beaten on Sunday by soldiers from 174 Battalion, Ikorodu, Lagos State, for daring to challenge a soldier who reportedly slapped her brother.

Graphic photos of the brutalised woman were shared on the social media, prompting Nigerians to call for immediate action against the culprits.

The army said on Thursday that the incident was highly regrettable. It thanked the press for bringing such incidences to (the) fore.

A Board of Inquiry has been constituted by the Commander 9 Brigade, Brigadier General Elias Attu to investigate the circumstances that led to the incident, determine the level of the soldiers involvement, submit its findings and recommend appropriate disciplinary measures, the army said in a statement issued by a spokesperson, O. M Daudu, a lieutenant colonel.

Ms. Orji has been taken to the hospital for treatment, the army said.

The army in February had demoted and imprisoned two soldiers for assaulting a physically challenged man in Onitsha, Anambra State. Another soldier was jailed, also in February, for 28 days for molesting a civilian in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Source: PremiumTimes
The members of Magumeri town, in Magumeri local government area of Borno State,have been accused by the Nigerian Army for collaborating and harboring some Boko Haram members in their community.

In a statement released today, the Director Army Public Relation, Brig. General Sani Usman, says preliminary investigations into the attack have shown that the sect members that carried out the attacks lived within the community and are well known to the people. Usman says because of the seeming collaboration between residents of the community and the sect members, the community have never come under any attack until yesterday.

While troops are still consolidating and mopping up, it is imperative to state that preliminary investigation shows that the attackers of Magumeri came from the same community. The terrorists that attacked the village are well known to the people. It should also be noted that the village was never attacked throughout the period of the insurgency for some inexplicable reasons. The terrorists and their collaborators hibernating in the area were never exposed. There seems to be unholy alliance between the terrorists and the villagers. Consequently, we are constrained to state that its now high time for the people to take up the fight themselves and help the Nigerian military and other security agencies to protect them. It is a grievous mistake and criminal offence to continue to shield or harbour any known Boko Haram terrorist in their midst.

Usman described terrorists as inhuman and barbaric and should always be exposed. It is imperative that all communities in the North East especially Borno State, should fully cooperate with the military and the security agencies by exposing Boko Haram terrorists in their respective towns and villages, he said.

( Lindaikeji.com)
Nigerians have again slammed controversial Nollywood actor, Uche Maduagwu on social media but for this time wishing popular Hip-hop artiste, Olamide a happy birthday.

The actor drew the attentions of Nigerians after he released a short video clip on his Instagram post, alleging that he was a friend of the rapper.

He said; Happy birthday to a great legend, a music icon, a friend and one of the most hardworking Nigerian rapper. You are going to bring home Grammy next year, I know some haters will not agree with me on this, but who you na beef and hate EPP? Abeg, you all should park well. I dont have time for smellos! God bless you bro, may all your enemies crumble this year back to back.

See the instagram post and comments below:

Photo Credit: Herald.ng
A notorious fake mourner who has been terrorizing grieving families and obtaining money at different funerals, has been finally apprehended and served justice.

A 37-year-old man identified as Olebile Mothofela a.k.a Kabelo Montsho, who is notoriously known as a bogus (fake) mourner and has been terrorising grieving families across Zimbabwe, has this week, pleaded guilty to a single count of obtaining by false pretences after he was finally apprehended.

Mothofela who faced a possible 11-year sentence after he was arraigned before Chief Abraham Moipolai Kgaje of Shashe Bridge Customary Court on Wednesday morning, was sentenced to 18 months and four strokes on his bare bum for his transgressions.

The serial fake griever was unmasked a fortnight ago after he was caught on cameras giving a moving eulogy about his fallen friend, Corporal Dintle Dichaba at Shashe Bridge.

Mothofela had made a habit of crashing funerals under the guise that he was best friends with the deceased in order to get free food, VIP treatment and defraud the grieving family.

According to Tonota Police Station Commander, Kenanao Badumetse, Mothofela was arrested in Maunatlala on Monday morning after being spotted at a funeral in the village.

We knew that his main targets funerals and police all over the country were on high alert. The picture on The Voice also helped us a lot as people could easily identify him, said Badumetse.

Speaking exclusively to The Voice, Maunatlala Station Commander Ogaufi George, whose officers made the arrest, said that although the accused was spotted at a funeral no one in Maunatlala has reported him for any wrong doing.

Mothofela pleaded guilty to the charge and asked for leniency claiming that he takes care of his grandparents and his twin daughters. My grandmother is blind while my grandfather is wheelchair bound, he said sparking fits of muffled laughter in court.

He further said if given until month-end he would be able to reimburse Dichaba after selling his plot to which Kgaje curtly responded. If you lied in front of hundreds of people at a funeral why would you not lie in front of a handful in court.

It is heartless to target a family in mourning with lies and false promises then leave them behind in debt. It is a sin even in the eyes of God, said Kgosi Kgaje before condemning him to one and a half years in jail and four lashes of the cane.
Chinese millennials are now seen as a lucrative market for global businesses. (Photo : Getty Images)

The continued rise in the number of Chinese traveling overseas has created a huge opportunity for luggage makers in the country, making China the world's largest luggage market, China Daily reported.



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Data from Euromonitor International showed that retail sales jumped 8 percent and hit 30.9 billion yuan ($4.48 billion) last year when nearly 120 million Chinese traveled overseas.



According to the report, the Chinese traveler also changed the way he looks at luggage as simply a box of personal stuff. It is now treated as a statement of style, personal taste, fashion and status.



Taking advantage of this, manufacturers, including luxury luggage brands, make large, durable and stylish luggage.



Manufacturers also create many trendy and smart suitcase types as the demand for high-end and diversified luggage products increased, Neil Wang, head of market research agency Frost & Sullivan Greater China, said.



"There are some smart designs with GPS built into the suitcase to prevent the risk of loss. Another high-tech suitcase made by an Israeli company can follow the owner and roll by itself, avoiding obstacles," Wang said.



"Other smart features include control of the switch lock through mobile phones. Some suitcases can automatically weigh themselves. Other suitcases are equipped with USB ports inside," he added.



Retailers are optimistic about the growth prospects in the luggage market.



Luggage market sales



But among all the bag and luggage categories in China, the travel luggage segment posted the highest growth of 8 percent last year, the report said.



Euromonitor said that average price of bags and luggage also increased last year while more consumers upgraded from unbranded to branded products.



More Chinese consumers also prefer hard-case luggage for its strength and durability, the report said.



"Consumers are no longer taking luggage just as traveling tools. More Chinese travelers take luggage as diversified and individualized accessories, and they choose luggage in line with their tastes," Charles Yong, general manager of Rimowa Far East Limited, said.



Large, lightweight and strong suitcases also became popular among Chinese travelers who want to shop abroad.



Other brands also became more aggressive to get bigger market share.



German luggage maker Rimowa, which makes aluminum luggage and was bought by LVMH, posted a strong growth in China last year. Together with Samsonite, Rimowa has taken up a quarter of the global market.



"This is our tenth year in the China market, which is still nascent. In second- and third-tier Chinese cities, there are a vast number of consumers that we can still discover. Meanwhile, we have launched online stores on Tmall and JD. We are also improving our marketing efforts through social media," Rimowa said.



The strong demand for luggage can be attributed to rising Chinese travel market in recent years. A report of Singapore's DBS Bank said domestic tourist trips have risen threefold from 1.2 billion yuan in 2005 to 4 billion yuan in 2015.



But the rate of luggage sales in China is low, compared to other countries. In 2015, the per capita expenditure on luggage in China was $2.9 a year, while Japan had a much lower expenditure at $32.3 and $24.8 in North America.



Luggage sales will continue to grow, especially in some Asian countries like China, India and South Korea, DBS said.


Two kids between the ages of eight months and two years are currently at the General Hospital, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, seeking to reunite with their family.

Their mother was among some passengers that reportedly lost their lives to an accident along the Ibadan-Ijebu Ode Road on Sunday. The siblings, a boy and girl, however, escaped death by a whisker.

PUNCH Metro gathered that the woman and her children had boarded a bus from Ijebu Ode en route to Ibadan, Oyo State. The bus was said to have had a head-on collision with another vehicle around Awa community  a few kilometres from the take off point.

It was learnt that policemen and officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps removed corpses of the victims and took the injured to various hospitals in the area.

The men, however, did not see the siblings and another child, aged four, who were reportedly trapped in a river around the scene of the crash.

Our correspondent learnt that a Good Samaritan heard some faint noises coming from the river area and thereafter rescued the kids.

The three children were said to have been brought to the General Hospital, Ijebu Ode, with varying degrees of injury. The four-year-old child later died.

A nurse at the hospital, Tope Asiru, who tends to the kids at Iye Subomi Child Care Centre of the hospital, told PUNCH Metro on the telephone on Wednesday that the children were brought to the hospital in the presence of policemen.

She added that the police operatives had not come back to check on them since Sunday.

Although the identities of the policemen could not be ascertained, the hospital is within the Igbeba Area Police Command.

Asiru stated that the FRSC office was called early on Wednesday when the police did not show up. The latter had also yet to visit the hospital as of 8.30pm.

She said, The children are siblings. One is a female of about eight months and the other, a male, of about two years old. He has not really told us his name. He is just saying, Abu, which means father in Arabic. Their mother got to the hospital, but she had multiple fractures. We were unable to get any information from her before she gave up.

The children are still here; nobody has come to look for them. They were brought on Sunday around 3pm.

FRSC officials and policemen brought the victims to the hospital. Some were taken to private hospitals. A good Nigerian saw some particles in the river around the scene of the accident. He moved near and saw the children and another four-year-old boy, who died on arrival at the hospital.

Policemen were still around when the children were brought to the hospital. They even collected some property from some victims and recorded them. But they have not visited the hospital since then.

The mother of the deceased child is alive in the hospital. She was the one who told us that she boarded the same vehicle with the deceased mother and that she saw the two kids with her.

The nurse explained further that the hospital management had tried to reunite the children with their family to no avail.

The Ogun State Sector Commander of the FRSC, Clement Oladele, said he had directed the unit in charge of the area to visit the hospital.

He said, Thanks for the information. I have told the area commander at Ijebu Ode. But if there is an accident, the moment we take victims to hospitals, that is where our work ends. The only thing we can do is to be checking if they have not died.

The Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Abimbola Oyeyemi, said the case was not formally reported to the police.

He said, I have called the Igbeba Police Division and I was told that no case of such was reported. Let the hospital management make a formal report at a nearest police station and necessary actions will be taken.

Source: Punch
There was a massive protest in Abuja as Members of Tiv communities took to the streets of Abuja on Thursday, to protest against incessant killings by herdsmen in Abuja.
The United Nations, the Federal Government and Cameroon have signed a tripartite agreement on the safe return of over 65,000 Internally Displaced Persons currently in Cameroon.

This was disclosed in Calabar, Cross River State on Wednesday by the Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, Hajiya Sadiya Umaru-Farouq, during the commencement of distribution food and other items to the Bakassi IDPs.

Umaru-Farouq said the agreement was signed to ensure the protection and assistance of Nigerians in Cameroon as they return voluntarily to Nigeria.

According to her, the 65,000 IDPs consist of the Boko Haram victims and the displaced people of Bakassi.

She said, We have about 65,000 Nigerians in Cameroon. The number consists of Boko Haram victims and displaced people of Bakassi. This agreement is voluntary for those willing to return to Nigeria and for those who wish to stay in Cameroon.

We will profile them and see the number that wants to return home and those that want to remain in Cameroon.

The Federal Commissioner distributed bags of rice, wheelbarrows, cartons of noodles, gallons of groundnut oil and palm oil, among others to the IDPs.

The Director-General, Cross River State Emergency Management Agency, Mr. John Inaku, said the incidence of IDPs in the state started when the oil-rich Bakassi peninsula was ceded to Cameroon in 2008.

Inaku said the Bakassi camp had over 3,720 IDPs, adding that the people suffered untold hardship because they no longer engaged in fish farming.

Speaking for the displaced Bakassi refugees, a former presidential adviser, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa noted that it was the first time that the Federal Government responded positively to the plight of the people.

Ita-Giwa said, For four years that these people had been displaced, it was the paramount ruler of Bakassi and I that made arrangement for the temporary accommodation. From that time on, we had cried for help, the children are no longer in school. There are other Bakassi people in Day Spring that are living in deplorable conditions.

This is about the first time that we have a governor that is on the same page with the people of Bakassi. We commend President Muhammadu Buhari for listening to the yearnings of the Bakassi people and other displaced Nigerians. It is imperative that he comes to see the people to further understand their plight.

Earlier during a courtesy visit, Governor Ben Ayade, said the IDPs had totally been dislocated from their ancestral homes.

Ayade said the IDPs had been reduced to what he called `elements, saying that some of them were greatly affected by the displacement.

The Bakassi IDPs can no longer afford their adequate feeding per day; they can no longer fish or farm to earn a living. They have been taken away from their source of livelihood.

Federal Commissioner, please I appeal to you to present our case to Mr. President whom I trust so much and believe would permanently resettle our brothers and sisters who have lost touch with the true meaning of life, he said.

Source: Punch
Justice Adeniyi Ademola of a Federal High Court, his wife, Olubowale, and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr. Joe Agi, have asked a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Maitama, Abuja, where they are being jointly prosecuted, to discharge and acquit them of an alleged offence of gratification and other charges preferred against them by the Federal Government.

Arguing their respective no-case submissions before Justice Jude Okeke on Wednesday, defence lawyers said with its 16 prosecution witnesses and the documentary evidence tendered, the Federal Government was unable to prove the essential elements of the alleged offences.

The defence lawyers urged the court to uphold their clients no-case submissions and proceed to discharge and acquit them on the basis that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case against the defendants.

But the prosecution, led by Mr. Segun Jegede, urged the court to dismiss the defendants respective no-case submissions and call on them to open their defence.

The prosecuting counsel insisted that a sufficient link had been established between the defendants and the alleged crimes, a development which he said called for the trios explanations.

Justice Jude Okeke after listening to all the parties on Wednesday, fixed April 5 for his ruling on the no-case submissions.

In the 18 counts preferred against the defendants was an allegation that on January 5, 2015, in his capacity as a public servant, Justice Ademola corruptly received from Agi, a BMW saloon 320i valued at N8,500,000.

The judge allegedly received the car through his son, Ademide Ademola, as gratification in the exercise of his official functions as a judge of the Federal High Court.

The prosecution also alleged in five other counts that Justice Ademola, through his wife, Olubowale, received gratification of N30m in three instalments of N10m each from Agi between March 11 and March 26, 2015.

We urge my lord to respectfully hold that the prosecution did not establish a prima facie case to warrant the first defendant (Justice Ademola) to enter his defence, Justice Ademolas lawyer, Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), said while opening an oral argument on Wednesday.

According to Ikpeazu, the testimony of the prosecutions star witness, a Department of State Services operative, Mr. Babatunde Adepoju, who investigated the case against the three defendants, showed that the sum of N30m paid by Agi into Justice Ademolas wifes account could not have been meant for gratification to induce the judge.

The lawyer said going by the provision of section 17(1)(b) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offence Act, under which the defendants were charged with gratification offences, the prosecution needed to prove that the N30m and the car were not just gifts or considerations but must also prove that they constituted an inducement or reward for a particular act of the judge.

However, the prosecuting counsel said that under section 17(1)(b) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, both Ademide and Olubowale qualified as the agents of Justice Ademola.

He added that under section 53 of the law, such gifts were presumed to be a corrupt act.

The money paid into the account of the second defendant is gratification until the contrary is proved. What is required at this stage is prima facie evidence, he said

Source: Punch
Israel targets China citrus market

Following what it says is the substantial harvest growth of Jaffa Orri, Israels Plant Production and Marketing Board identified the China market as the next target to grow its exports in 2017.

Following what it says is the substantial harvest growth of Jaffa Orri, Israels Plant Production and Marketing Board identified the China market as the next target to grow its exports in 2017.

China is the number one grower of citrus worldwide with 20 million tons in 2016, the board said, while it also imported 21,000 tons of mandarins in the 2015/16 season - an increase of 10% over the previous year.

We expect to dramatically increase sales volumes of delicious Jaffa Orri in China market in 2017, said Tal Amit, head of the citrus sector at Israels Plant Production and Marketing Board. The Chinese are fond of fresh produce and seeking for premium mandarins and are willing to pay for its delicious taste.

According to PMA, China is the worlds largest e-commerce market and is rapidly growing. One of the main drivers of this exponential growth was sales of online fresh fruit; online purchase of fresh produce is quickly becoming a preferred purchase channel for Chinese consumers, especially among young professionals in Tier I cities. Sales of online fresh produce were nearly $4 billion in 2014, with industry forecasts predicting a market size of $16 billion and, total fresh produce market segment of 15% by 2018.

Jaffa Orri mandarin is well established in Western Europe, especially in France and Germany, said Amit. The growing demand for mandarins in China encourage us to conduct a market research in China and Japan to learn about Jaffa Orri potential in these markets, including e-commerce outlets . We hope to receive the consumer research results in April 2017.

The Jaffa Orri is a mandarin developed by scientists of the Israeli Volcani Research Center. This easy to peel mandarin is said to feature an excellent, fresh, sweet flavour while having minimal seed content and a particularly long shelf life shelf life.

As a result, Jaffa Orri aims to minimize fresh produce waste and can yield better profit, said Amit.

This variety is also said to have an extremely long harvest season of four months, which far exceeds the typical harvest season of around two months for most mandarins.

USDA estimated Chinas production forecast of mandarin and tangerine to drop 900,000 tons due to citrus greening and unfavourable weather; consequently, consumption and exports are down. China represents over two-thirds of global production and consumption and one-fourth of global exports.

This can be a great opportunity for Jaffa Orri, especially, since we successfully increased production in 2017, along with extending the shelf life, said Amit.

The Plant Production & Marketing Board was established in 2004 to assist farmers in advancing their agricultural missions. The board promotes the Jaffa brand and other registered citrus industry brands. It helps kick-start pioneering R&D projects, executes centralized crop protection initiatives, assists organizations in meeting phytosanitary standards and insures growers against weather-related losses.
Premarket summary for the S&P futures in these data-driven markets TradeGuidance - 7 minutes ago We take a look at the ON moves in the Asian & European sessions with the S&P futures ESZ22 : 3,786.50 (+0.19%)

Cotton Falling into Monday Barchart - 22 minutes ago Nearby cotton markets are working off their lows into the new week, but are still down by 70 to 106 points. Front month cotton futures added triple digits to the climb on Friday. Dec cotton closed up by... CTZ22 : 86.62 (-0.36%) CTH23 : 84.85 (-0.96%) CTK23 : 83.69 (-1.11%)

Hog Futures Head into New Week Barchart - 22 minutes ago Hogs went into the weekend mixed but mostly lower with 15 to 40 cent losses in the nearbys and 5 to 20 cent gains in the deferred contracts. For the week, December hogs ended with a $13.13 loss, while... HEZ22 : 82.975s (-0.48%) HEJ23 : 92.400s (-0.16%) KMZ22 : 93.875s (-0.13%)

New Week of Cattle Trading Barchart - 22 minutes ago Live cattle futures ended the Friday session down 10 to 50 cents in the front months. For the week, Dec fats faded by $1.35. The weeks cash price was mostly near $150 in the South and mostly near $153... LEZ22 : 151.650s (-0.20%) LEG23 : 154.375s (-0.32%) LEJ23 : 158.000s (-0.19%) GFX22 : 177.825s (-0.10%) GFF23 : 179.625s (+0.11%)

Morning Soy Futures Mostly Red Barchart - 22 minutes ago Front month soybean prices are trading near highs after a light gap lower to start the overnight. Still, beans are 1 to 3 cents in the red. Soybean bulls had a good week last week, with prices 1.14% to... ZSX22 : 1449-0 (-0.17%) ZSPAUS.CM : 14.2475 (-0.06%) ZSF23 : 1461-4 (unch) ZSH23 : 1468-6 (unch)

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Chart of the Day: Old Second Bancorp - Small but Growing Barchart - 40 minutes ago The Chart of the Day belongs to the Illinois regional bank Old Second Bancorp (OSBC). I found the stock by sorting the Russell 3000 Index stocks first by the most frequent number of new highs in the last... OSBC : 17.03 (+3.71%)
China is accused of building military facilities on man-made islands in the South China Sea. (Photo : Getty Images)

China is continuing construction on South China Sea islands which shows that Beijing is unstoppable in its pursuit to militarize the disputed waters.



The satellite photos show that there are ongoing land clearing and preparations for a harbor. Military experts believe that there is possible preparation work for constructing military facilities.



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The photos were released by the company named Planet Labs and showed that there is also ongoing construction in the nearby Tree Island and other portions in the Paracels.



The Paracels are being claimed by Taiwan and Vietnam.



Carl Thayer, an expert from the Defense Force Academy in Australia, said, "The Paracels are going to be vital to any future Chinese attempt to dominate the South China Sea."



"We can see they are committed to militarization, whatever the official rhetoric tells us, even if they are going to do it bit by bit," he added.



Experts believe that China wants to build on the Parcels as a strategic defense point from Hainan. The islands are geared to be a "maritime backyard."



The Paracels are believed to be the most strategic in the disputed waters and have more strategic importance than the Spratly Islands.



"There's also uncertainty with this young Trump administration, but this is very important work to the Chinese," said Zhang Baohui, a security expert at Hong Kong's Lingnan University.



He added, "The Paracels are vital to defending Hainan, which is in turn important to China's nuclear deterrent."



The release of the photos came before the arrival of U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson in Beijing. The official said that China is not allowed to access the islands on the South China Sea.



China's Ministry of Defense denied that there was work being done in the Paracels.



There were no comments from Vietnam.


Phoenix-based U-Haul International Inc., which operates more than 1,300 self-storage locations across North America, is converting an existing property in Swedesboro, N.J., to self-storage. The site at 510 Heron Drive is in the Pureland Industrial Complex, a 3,000-acre industrial park in Logan Township.

U-Haul Moving & Storage of Swedesboro currently offers moving and packing supplies, truck and trailer rentals, and U-Box portable-storage containers. Renovations are underway to add 300 interior storage units by the end of the year. The site will include climate control and state-of-the-art security features, according to a press release.

"I am excited that we finally have a company-owned location in the Logan Township and Swedesboro area, said Paul Kelly, president of the U-Haul Co. of Southern New Jersey. "This is one of the fastest-growing communities in New Jersey, and we plan on helping the community move into the future.

Established in 1945, U-Haul owns more than 44 million square feet of storage space. The companys corporate sustainability initiatives, which support infill development to help local communities lower their carbon footprint, has led to dozens of conversion projects in recent years.
ST. JOHNS (March 16, 2017)  For a second year in a row, ChumpCar Canada and Targa Newfoundland has entered into a cross sponsorship agreement. Two of the biggest names in Canadian motorsports will once again promote one another at public functions and at each others event.

The agreement provides ChumpCar Canada access to all potential competitors of Targa via promotion on the Targa official website, marketing material, logo placement on banners, and decals of each series on all competitor vehicles during the 16th annual Targa this September.

In return, Targa receives promotion on the ChumpCar Canada website, marketing material being available at all ChumpCar Canada events during the 2017 racing season, a large Targa banner placed within the paddock at each event, and decal placement on all ChumpCar Canada competitor vehicles.

An incentive for competitors in each event is that with the agreement, the overall winner of ChumpCar will receive an entry into Targa in for 2018, and the overall winner in Targa with the least amount of penalty time this year will be able to compete in a ChumpCar event in late 2017 or choose an event during the 2018 racing season.

Robert Giannou, President of Targa Newfoundland, is pleased that another sponsorship agreement has been renewed for the 2017 Targa.

The agreement last year worked very well. Seeing our decals on the ChumpCar Canada competitors vehicles and at the tracks gives Targa promotion we never had before. Being able to pull in new competitors is important for a healthy entry list, and another year for this agreement will continue to do that. It really shows the great motorsports community we have in this country.

Wendy Edwards, Executive Director of ChumpCar Canada, echoes Giannous excitement with the agreement.

We at ChumpCar Canada are excited to be partnering with Targa Newfoundland for the second year in a row in this cross-sponsorship program. Racing is alive and well in Canada and we hope by promoting each others events and series that we enlighten and educate even more Canadians about Targa Newfoundland and ChumpCar Canada. We look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship.

The agreements have been hatched at the last couple of Motorama Custom Car & Motorsports Expos in Toronto, where ChumpCar Canada, along with Targa, have booths and are regular participants on the discussion Road Racing Panel. Each booth promotes the others events and series via decal placement on booth vehicles and other marketing materials available for potential competitors and spectators, while providing a great platform for discussions between counterparts in the racing community in Canada.

Owned and operated by Newfoundland International Motorsports Limited, Targa Newfoundland is one of three internationally recognized Targa motorsports events in the world. The 2017 competition will start in St. Johns on September 10th and concludes back in the capital on September 15th. The annual rally will cover more than 1,600 kilometers of the challenging, twisty roads of the central and eastern portion of Newfoundland, including over 440 kilometers of closed-road, flat-out Targa stages.

Contact

Media: Robyn Moffatt 709-727-8536 robyn@targanl.com

Wendy Edwards 519-215-1948 wendy@chumpcarcanada.com or info@chumpcarcanada.com

Competitors: Darren Sheppard 1-877-332-2413 registrar@targanewfoundland.com

Websites: http://targanfld.com/  www.facebook.com/targanl  www.twitter.com/targanl  www.instagram.com/targa_nl

From: Darren Sheppard/ General Manager- Targa

Targa Bambina, June 30th to July 3rd, 2017

16th Annual Targa, September 9th to 16th, 2017

And our Competition Schools

June 17th, 18th & 24th, 25th

September 7th& 8th 2017

Enjoy Our Events: Watch from a Safe and Secure Place
This is the second time in four months that CalPERS has voted to cut benefits for one of its member agencies.

After a lengthy 21-month attempt to bring the contract of the East San Gabriel Valley Human Services Consortium into good standing, California Public Employees Retirement Systems finance and administration committee voted Wednesday to cut benefits by up to 63 percent for 191 of its former employees.

The benefits cuts will take effect July 1, according to the staffs presentation, which showed 62 of the 191 former employees are currently receiving retirement checks. CalPERS staff notified the former employees about the termination in January, Marlene Timberlake-DAdamo, CalPERS interim chief financial officer, said Wednesday during the pension plans finance and administration committee meeting. The hour-and-a-half session spilled over from the day before due to a power outage at CalPERS headquarters in Sacramento, California on Tuesday afternoon.

The now defunct East San Gabriel Valley Human Services Consortium was a joint powers authority formed by the California cities of Covina, West Covina, Azusa, and Glendora in 1976 to provide employment and training services in the area. The group, known locally as LA Works, lost a significant contract in 2014, which eventually led to its inability to pay its CalPERS contributions, Timberlake-DAdamo said during the meeting.

This is the second time in four months that CalPERS has voted to cut benefits for one of its member agencies. The pension plan said in November that the city of Loyalton was in default of its obligations and Loyaltons retirees would see their benefits reduced in accordance with California Public Employees Retirement Law. Two other agencies  the Independent Cities Association and Niland Sanitary District  are over 90 days delinquent. Timberlake-DAdamo said Niland has voluntarily terminated its contract, and CalPERS is currently working with ICA to make its payments, according to a CalPERS presentation during Wednesday meeting.

East San Gabriel Valley Human Services missed its first monthly payment in July 2015, according to a timeline provided in the presentation. Over the next 11 months, Timberlake-DAdamo said her staff made every effort to work with the group because East San Gabriel Valley Human Services had been expecting to receive a refund that would have paid off what it owed CalPERS. After it became clear that the group would not receive that refund, the pension plan in January sent final collection letters to East San Gabriel Valley Human Services Consortium and the four California cities that it served.

The cities responded saying they had no intention of paying, citing no legal obligation to pay the contributions, Timberlake-DAdamo said during the meeting Wednesday. And even if the employees tried forcing the cities to make the payment, it was apparent they would not, according to Theresa Taylor, the vice chair of CalPERS finance and administration committee.

I dont think we should get into any kind of negotiation here, Taylor said. They have a specific political agenda behind what they are saying here, and that is [against] defined benefit pension plans.

Mel Darby, vice president of the Retired Public Employees Association of California, believes the former employees werent given enough time to rally together and take action. It is our position that these folks need early notice if the agency becomes 90 days delinquent, in order for employees to get legal counsel if needed, Darby said during the public comment period of Wednesdays meeting.

Michael Bilbrey, who serves on CalPERS board governance committee, agreed, saying two months notice before an action is not appropriate.

Timberlake-DAdamo said that in the future CalPERS may decide to notify people sooner about their employers delinquent pension payments, but cautioned that it may cause unnecessary alarm in cases where employers ultimately find a way to make their contributions.
Asset management start-ups are on the rise, thanks to an increased appetite for riskier strategies, managers say.

The flood of boutique asset managers launching in Europe is a reflection of soaring demand for riskier strategies that enhance the so-called cheap beta returns dominating portfolios, according to some of the fund managers behind the trend.

Russ Oxley, a well-known fund manager in the UK; Pascal Duval, the former EMEA CEO at Russell Investments; hedge fund star Michael Cowley; and respected Spanish value investor Francisco Garcia Parames are among the high-profile names planning new ventures. (Michael Cowley did not respond to a request for comment. Francisco Garcia Parames could not be reached for comment.) Oxley had joined Old Mutual Global Investors in 2015 to head up the rates and LDI team after building a 4 billion ($4.9 billion) absolute return government bond fund for Ignis, the UK fund group later acquired by Standard Life Investments.

But, having joined OMGI in April 2015, he surprised some market commentators by departing just 14 months later. He is now putting in the ground work for a project that he says may, or may not, lead to a fund launch.

Oxley says challenging market conditions are encouraging stewards of capital to choose a mixture of cheap beta and diversified alpha strategies for their portfolios.

Setting up on your own allows you to build things expressly for the purpose of client welfare and design everything you need to maximize a client return, he explains. The industry is struggling with fee compression in traditional active management. This is being eroded further by the growth of passive.

He suggests that the response to that should be an increase in risk appetite on the active management side. Existing mandates and [incumbent manager] set ups are not necessarily well placed to increase that risk appetite, he says.

Oxley instructed his legal team in Scotland to register the brand Avrox with the UKs Intellectual Property Office in anticipation of a launch, and has, so far, given scant details of any strategy, stating only that there are attractive opportunities in liquid alternatives.

Pascal Duval, the former chief executive of Russell Investments EMEA operation, is another globally-renowned figure branching out on his own. He agrees with Oxleys assessment and says institutional asset management will become increasingly tricky for established players.

Large asset owners across the globe are trying to cut costs, he says. They are cost focused, both internally on how they run their operations but, also, in how they use external managers.

Duval highlights local authority pension funds in the UK and the so-called insourcing at sovereign wealth funds as examples of the changing institutional investment landscape.

There will be less money around and there are too many people competing for that money, he says. There are price pressures, and there is a tougher regulatory environment.

Duval left a 22-year career at Russell in October last year. At the start of 2017, he announced he was setting up Duval Capital, a business with a solutions arm to assist wealth managers meet return targets and an advisory arm for institutional clients.

Like Duval, Oxley advises investors to ask tough questions of their active managers. Specifically, he says there are three things to look for: First, are they paying more than 20 percent for the risk that is being run in total? Second, is the manager running the stated level of risk? And finally, is the manager any good?

While it can be daunting for established individuals to walk away from careers at global financial behemoths, there are plenty of success stories.

During the global financial crisis  a week before the demise of Lehman Brothers  specialist fixed income manager 24 Asset Management set up shop in the form of a partnership between a handful of financial professionals. Today it manages 9 billion in assets.

Mark Holman, the firms chief executive, said investors can certainly benefit from the nimble application of ideas within boutique fund firms, but he warns that clients expect the execution of ideas not to look or smell any different than they would at a large firm like Pimco.

Holman, a former managing director at Barclays Capital, agrees that the current extended market cycle, where beta performance has been okay, means more is being asked of active managers. He says talented fund managers who have the confidence to go it alone need only a catalyst to get started.

The founding partners at 24 had one thing in common  we had all worked for large institutions our entire working lives, he says. In a large firm, interference can be quite a large percentage of your working life. But potential minus interference equals performance.
Local government areas in northern Queensland impacted by the flood that hit between February 15 and 24, 2017, will have access to disaster assistance, according to a joint media release.



Minister for Justice Michael Keenan said the assistance is being made available through the jointly-funded Commonwealth-State Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA).



Todays announcement demonstrates the commitment of the Australian and Queensland governments to supporting disaster affected communities, Keenan said.



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The local government areas that would receive the support under the NDRRA are Burke, Carpentaria, Doomadgee, and Mornington, said Mark Ryan, Queensland minister for police, fire, and emergency services.



Available assistance for these four local government areas will include financial assistance for local and state government authorities to undertake counter-disaster operations and to restore damaged public infrastructure, Ryan said.



For more information about the disaster assistance, visit the Australian Governments Disaster Assist website and the Queensland Governments Disaster Management website.





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Disaster assistance for flood hit Tasmania

Government announces disaster assistance funding
An Australian insurer has partnered up with an online small business lender to offer its customers a simpler finance solution.The new partnership will allow NRMA Business Insurance to offer its customers access to Prospas lending service alongside its other benefits such as free online tax and legal advice, Which-50 Media reported.Established in 2011, Prospa offers small business owners in Australia loans from $5,000-$250,000 online, with approval within a day.Amanda Whiting, EGM of small business for NRMA Business Insurance, said the partnership would help its customers deal with a leading cause of stress.Small business owners often tell us that managing cash flow and financial admin are some of the hardest things about running a business, and through working with Prospa we can connect our customers to a fast and easy online lending solution, she said.Our customers already have access to a suite of services, like free tax and legal advice, which provide support beyond insurance. Through partnering with innovative businesses like Prospa we can continue to provide new ways to help small business owners thrive.Beau Bertoli, joint CEO for Prospa, said the deal is crucial for the companys future growth.Key to Prospas future growth is investing in strong partnerships with trusted brands like NRMA Business Insurance. They have longstanding relationships with Australian small business and like us, they care about their customers, Bertoli said.
The Parramatta Eels are preparing to take QBE to court over its denial of a career-ending payout to former star Anthony Watmough, it has been reported.QBE, the insurer of the NRL, refused to pay a $1.2 million claim for a career-ending knee injury suffered by the Eels star in 2016.The insurer argued that the injury was pre-existing when it ended Watmoughs career less than a year into a four year contract with the Eels.Max Donnelly, Eels chairman, told The Australian that the side is now virtually certain, to go to court with the insurance firm.The process now is we will have to gather the medical evidence to contradict the determination, Donnelly continued.In 2016, QBE stated that Watmough suffered from osteoarthritis in his left knee, pre-dating his knee injury, which occurred during pre-season training in 2016.The denial of Watmoughs claim could see other NRL clubs liable for millions of dollars in payouts that they thought would be covered by QBE as more players are believed to have lodged claims with the insurer since Watmoughs case.Following the career-ending injury to Newcastle Knights player Alex McKinnon in 2014, QBE was brought into the NRL as the insurer of the top 25 players at each club.
A peak body for Australian and New Zealand underwriting agencies has seen attendance records broken in its recent Sydney expo.The Underwriting Agencies Councils (UAC) 18th annual Sydney Underwriting Expo has been attended by 435 brokers, who registered for the first time via an event app, and 86 exhibitors.Martin Roberts, Austbrokers Businsure national manager, bagged the broker prize, bringing home $5,000 of travel vouchers.UAC chair Lyndon Turner noted the extraordinary growth of the agencies sector in the past six months due to brokers voting with their feet. NIBA CEO Dallas Booth congratulated UAC on the Sydney Expos success, and acknowledged the expos critical role in the world of intermediated insurance.Both leaders acknowledged the strong partnership between UAC and NIBA in facing challenges within the industry in an advocacy role.Jason Clarke of QBE, UACs newest strategic underwriting partner, said the sector was able to face challenges by being innovative and addressing emerging risks.The next UAC Expo will be held in Hobart on March 22.
Baidu CEO Robin Li says China should attract foreign talent that Trump does not want in the U.S. (Photo : Getty Images)

China will be implementing new visa rules to foreign talent in the country by extending work permits to five years. This will change the old rule on one-year validity.



The new China visa rules will apply to workers who have been in China for two consecutive years and are employed on multi-year contracts. The policy is welcomed by Baidu chief Robin Li.



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There will be "demonstration sites for innovative reform" in a total of nine cities and provinces. These sites will include Beijing, Wuhan and Hebei, and 11 free trade zones in Tianjin, Chongqing and Henan Province.



Li believes that Beijing should relax rules on foreign talent to attract more to come in. This way, a top international talent that is ostracized by Trump's immigration policy will be more inclined to work in China.



The Baidu big boss also said that the opportunity is great for technology companies in China to attract talent from their competitors in Silicon Valley.



Meanwhile, the anti-immigrant policy of the Trump administration is not showing any signs of easing up. Recently, mayors of local governments expressed frustration over Trump's policies.



Santa Fe Mayor Javier Gonzales said, "We know that having welcoming, inclusive societies in our communities is the key formula for having a higher quality of life and more productivity when it comes to the economy."



The mayor spoke about the U.S. President's foreign policy and the contribution of immigrants in Santa Fe. President Trump wants mayors to help the police in arresting illegal aliens.



Philadelphia Mayor James Kenney said, "If you participate in enabling the bully and give them support to be a bigger bully than they already are, then you are a bully, too."



He added, "I'm not going to throw any of our immigrant community under the bus because we have a president who is a demagogue."


Heavy competition, a sales scandal, and a lack of consumers shopping around has slowed down the growth of one notable insurer.Despite experiencing slower growth, Youi has posted a 10.3% rise in net earned premiums to $310 million and a 30% profit lift to $26 million in the half-year, according to its parent company Outsurance.The insurers claims ratio, meanwhile, suffered a slight decline, from 58.4% to 59.2%, due to higher claims from wild weather, including a severe storm in Adelaide last year, the insurers accounts showed.Its positive... but certainly slower than any heights of the past and thats a function of the marketplace, but we are approaching scale, Youi CEO Danie Matthee told The Courier-Mail.Weve still grown quite a bit faster than the industry averages.But it is a very competitive space right now, and driven also by a lack of premium increases in the marketplaces by our competitors.Youi argued that aside from an industry-wide price softening, caused by a lack of natural catastrophes and overall favourable weather, it has also been impacted by a lack of consumers shopping around for lower premiums.Matthee noted that the company had also suffered from a recent scandal which involved the use of mis-selling sales tactics, affecting 100 consumers and resulted in fines in Australia and New Zealand.Were in an industry where trust is important and consumer confidence is important, he said.The Youi boss said it was able to address the problems after an audit, and hoped to resolve queries with Australian regulators in the next few months.
A US Senator has said that Congress will only renew the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which is due to expire on September 30, if changes are made in the way it is administered.Senator Robert Menendez told Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) deputy associate administrator Roy Wright that the agency, which manages the NFIP, needs to be more accountable to the people it needs to protect.A report by publication NJ.com said that Menendez expressed his dismay over the way the NFIP, which Wright also heads, handled the claims that came pouring in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.In the aftermath of Sandy, I saw firsthand all of the problems with the program and all of the work that needs to be done, NJ.com reported Menendezs arguments during a sub-committee hearing at the Senate Banking Committee.Menendez also noted that the delays, the denials, the disputes they encountered throughout the flood insurance claims process was a manmade disaster.Reports have surfaced that insurers short-changed Sandy survivors by low balling damages.The Senator was able to pressure FEMA into reopening claims and paying out an additional $350 million to homeowners.NFIP, through Wright, has asked for a timely, multi-year reauthorization to enable FEMA to continue supporting those who take steps to protect their homes and businesses.
A worker at a Florida insurance company has been arrested on accusations of defrauding her employer out of more than $1 million in an elaborate scheme.



Jennifer Summerlott, 36, was a customer service representative at Fort Lauderdale-based Fairway Insurance Group, where she is accused of having used fake insurance invoices to reroute company funds to her own bank account, says the Department of Financial Services.



Suspicions first began to arise in 2015 when account irregularities were discovered by members of staff at Fairway, who reported the findings to the Fort Lauderdale Police Department.



Between 2010 and 2015, Summerlott, who worked as Fairways accounts payable and commercial lines manager for nine years, created and submitted dozens of fake electronic invoices, a Sun Sentinel report said.



The invoices were made to look as though they were from various companies that routinely did business with Fairway, according to investigators with Floridas Division of Financial Services.



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Summerlott then prepared company checks to pay the fake invoices, diverting the payments to her own personal bank account.



Investigators said Summerlott also refinanced 40 insurance policies that Fairway clients had already paid in full.



She used checks  sent to the company from third-party financing agencies to cover the cost of the premiums  to cover up the losses she had created, Floridas chief financial officer, Jeff Atwater, said in a statement.



In total, the former Fairway worker stole $1,189,654 from her employer, Floridas Division of Investigative and Forensic Services concluded.



Summerlott was arrested last month and charged with four first-degree felonies, including organized scheme to defraud, grand theft, criminal use personal ID and diverting insurance trust funds.




Reinsurance giant Munich Re is expecting a lower profit this year as prices remain weak and amid its plans to invest in technology.



The German reinsurer said its 2017 net income would be lower by up to 600 million (approximately $643 million) compared to its 2.6 billion profit in 2016.



For the financial year 2017, Munich Re is aiming for a profit in the range of 2.02.4 billion in what is set to be a challenging environment, chief executive Nikolaus von Bomhard said in a statement.



We havent seen the bottom (of the market) yet, von Bomhard told a news conference, as quoted by Reuters. We believe that we will have reached the bottom soon.



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He also said that Munich Re will make new partnerships amid increasing technological changes that shape consumer needs.



Digitalisation is changing client demand, allows for the development of innovative business models, and requires us to set up partnerships that would previously not have been considered, said von Bomhard, who will be replaced by Joachim Wenning next month.



Munich Re also revealed that it would buy back up to 1 billion of its own shares by April 2018, following similar buyback arrangements in the past two years.



However, von Bomhard also told the news conference that he wanted to remain flexible over future buybacks. Reuters noted that this leaves open room for investment in growth or acquisitions.


Concerns about falling temperatures and icy conditions on roads and sidewalks across the Northeast followed a late-season storm that plastered the region with sleet and snow.

Tuesdays powerful noreaster paralyzed much of the Washington-to-Boston corridor, but fell short of the predicted snowfall totals in New York, Boston and Philadelphia.

The storm, which followed a stretch of unusually mild winter weather, dumped 1 to 2 feet in many places, grounded more than 6,000 flights and knocked out power to nearly a quarter-million customers from Virginia northward.

By the time it reached Massachusetts, it had turned into a blizzard, with near hurricane-force winds gusting to over 70 mph along the coast. Boston ended up with 6.6 inches of snow, far less than what was predicted.

Plunging overnight temperatures threatened to turn the snow, sleet and sloppy mix into a slippery mess, raising fears of black ice for motorists and slick sidewalks for pedestrians.

Boston canceled school for a second day as cleanup efforts continued. Mayor Marty Walsh said he made the call out of an abundance of caution.

The storm was easily the biggest in an otherwise merciful winter that had mostly spared the region. Many, like retired gumball machine technician Don Zimmerman, of Lemoyne, Pennsylvania, werent happy.

Its horrible, Zimmerman said, using a snowblower to clear the sidewalk along his block. I thought winter was out of hereIts a real kick in the rear.

While most people heeded the warnings to stay off the roads, police said a 16-year-old girl was killed when she lost control of her car on a snowy road and crashed into a tree in Gilford, New Hampshire.

In East Hartford, Connecticut, an elderly man died after being struck by a snow plow truck.

The storm closed schools in cities big and small, Amtrak suspended service and the post office halted mail delivery. The number of flight cancellations reached more than 3,000 in the New York City area alone, stranding hundreds of passengers.

Philadelphia and New York City got anywhere from a few inches of snow to around half a foot before it switched over to sleet. Forecasters had predicted a foot or more. In New Jersey, which saw rain or just a little snow, Gov. Chris Christie called the storm an underperformer. But officials still warned of dangerous ice.

Inland areas, meanwhile, got hit hard. Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and Worcester, Massachusetts, received a foot or more of snow. The Binghamton, New York, area got over 2 feet, while Vernon, New Jersey, had at least 19 inches.

The storm came just days after the region saw temperatures climb into the 60s, and less than a week before the official start of spring.

In the nations capital, non-essential federal employees were given the option of reporting three hours late, taking the day off or working from home. The city got less than 2 inches of snow.

A few days ago, workers on Washingtons National Mall were making plans to turn on the fountains.

Obviously all that has to come to an abrupt stop until we get all the snow cleared, said Jeff Gowen, the acting facility manager for the National Mall and Memorial Parks. The cherry blossoms, theyre right on the cusp of going into bloom here. I had a feeling this was going to happen.

As the storm closed in, the National Weather Service used terms like life-threatening and urged people to shelter in place, language that has come to be associated with mass shootings. In the end, the line between snow and rain shifted slightly to the west, sparing some of the Northeasts big cities.

Government meteorologists realized by late Monday afternoon that there was a good chance the storm wasnt going to produce the giant big-city snow totals predicted. But they didnt change their forecast for fear people would mistakenly think the storm was no longer dangerous, said Greg Carbin, chief of forecast operations at the Weather Prediction Center.

In Pennsylvania, snowplows and state troopers escorted a 23-month-old child in need of a heart transplant 80 miles between hospitals. Gov. Tom Wolf said the youngster made the trip safely.

In Narragansett, Rhode Island, high winds buckled a state-owned wind turbine. In New York City, two homes under construction collapsed near the waterfront in Far Rockaway. No injuries were reported. In Longmeadow, Massachusetts, a town public works employee was killed after the snow plow he was driving was hit by an Amtrak plow train clearing the tracks.

And two ponies broke out of their stables and roamed the snowy streets of Staten Island until an off-duty police officer wrangled them with straps normally used to tow cars and tied them to a lamppost. They were taken back to the stables.

The storm coincided with New Hampshires Town Meeting Day, a Yankee tradition in which voters in more than 100 communities elect local politicians and set budgets.

Some towns postponed the meetings because of the snow. But in Hopkinton, a steady stream of voters braved the blustery conditions.

You know, theyre hardy New Englanders, and theyre coming to vote, said Debbie Norris, a candidate for the Hopkinton Budget Committee.

Lavoie reported from Whitman, Massachusetts. Associated Press writers Mark Scolforo in Lemoyne, Pennsylvania; Marc Levy in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Michael Hill and John Kekis in Albany, New York; Mark Pratt in Boston; Bruce Shipkowski in Trenton, New Jersey; Michelle R. Smith and Jennifer McDermott in Providence, Rhode Island; Dave Collins in Hartford, Connecticut; Shawn Marsh in Manasquan, New Jersey; Kristen DeGroot in Philadelphia; Holly Ramer in Hopkinton, New Hampshire; Ted Shaffrey in Newark, New Jersey; Ben Nuckols in Washington; Bob Bukaty in Yarmouth, Maine; and Michael Rubinkam in northeastern Pennsylvania contributed to this report.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics New York Windstorm Washington Massachusetts New Jersey Pennsylvania New Hampshire
Volkswagen AGs Audi brand was raided by German prosecutors as investigations into the manipulation of diesel engines continue to weigh on the automaker more than a year after revelations of emissions cheating.

More than 100 police took part in searches Wednesday [March 15] at the companys main sites in Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm as well as seven other locations across Germany. The probe is focused on potential consumer fraud related to Audis role in developing tainted 3-liter diesel engines in the U.S., with officials seeking information on individuals involved, the Munich prosecutors office said in a statement. The company said it was cooperating fully with authorities.

The raids, which started at 7:00 a.m. local time, came the same day that Audi was holding its annual press conference and mark a fresh blow to Volkswagens efforts to overcome the cheating crisis that erupted in September 2015. Rather than grappling with renewed allegations, Audi had planned to shift attention to its recovery strategy after its role in manipulating about 80,000 diesel cars led to a 1.63 billion-euro ($1.73 billion) charge last year from a settlement with U.S. authorities.

I myself have greatest interest in the clarification of the matter, Audi chief Rupert Stadler said Wednesday at the brands headquarters in Bavarian town of Ingolstadt, declining to comment on the reason and timing of the raids. The diesel crisis has been the worst disruption in our history, said the executive, who has weathered pressure even after the brand initially denied cheating before backing down. He added that neither his office nor home were searched.

On Track

Volkswagen yesterday had sought to draw a line under the crisis, with CEO Matthias Mueller saying the company is  back on track and in a position to push ahead with tackling an epochal shift in the auto industry. Still, he acknowledged that legal disputes will continue to preoccupy the company for many years.

Audi, Volkswagens biggest profit maker, is critical for Volkswagen, as the auto giant seeks to absorb 22.6 billion euros in scandal damages. That burden comes on top of more than 10 billion euros in investment needed to shift strategy toward self-driving, electric vehicles. For its part, Audi set up a new subsidiary, dubbed Autonomous Intelligent Driving GmbH, to develop robot cars and plans three battery-powered cars by 2020.

The prosecutors probe adds to Audis woes as it has been losing ground to Daimler AGs Mercedes-Benz, which overtook BMW as the worlds bestselling premium-car maker last year. Audis global sales declined 1.1 percent in February to 125,100 cars as a dispute with dealers in its largest market China escalated. Audis deliveries in China fell 5.8 percent to 32,155 cars last month.

Related:

Australia Consumer Watchdog Sues VWs Audi Unit over Emissions Scandal

Copyright 2022 Bloomberg.
Indonesias government said this week it will take strong action after a cruise ship destroyed coral reefs in a popular tourist area known for its extensive marine biodiversity.

The 4,200-ton cruise ship M.V. Caledonian Sky entered the waters of Radja Ampat in West Papua province on March 4 after visiting the surrounding islands for bird watching and art performances. When it started to sail to Bitung off Sumatra island, it ran aground on coral reefs, the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs said.

It said the ship then sailed to Bitung without waiting for an assessment of the damage, and is currently in the Philippines.

The ministry described the damage to the reefs as irreparable. A preliminary investigation found that the ship destroyed about 1,600 square meters (17,200 square feet) of coral in the heart of Radja Ampat, an archipelago with more than 1,500 small islands, cays, and shoals known as a center of marine biodiversity.

The destruction of the Radja Ampat coral reefs, which were developed by nature over hundreds of years, occurred in less than one day, the ministry said in a statement. It is simply impossible to restore that part of Radja Ampat. Fish that were normally seen in that particular area are all gone.

Ministry official Arif Havas Oegroseno said a task force has been has been formed to deal with both civil and criminal aspects of the damage.

We are ready to take any possible steps to address the issue, Oegroseno said.

Under Indonesian law, destruction of natural resources such as coral reefs, peatland and forests are criminal acts punishable by three years in jail.

Related:

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Ohios fund for injured workers wants to return more than $1 billion of its investment earnings to the states 200,000 private and public employers.

The Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation proposed the rebate on March 13. It amounts to two-thirds of the premiums that employers paid in the policy year that ended last June.

The proposal must be approved by the BWCs board. A decision is planned next month. If approved, checks could be issued in July.

The bureau says the proposal is a result of better-than-projected investment returns and strong financial management.

Republican Gov. John Kasich says the state has created a better climate for success by trying to reduce workers compensation costs and investing in workplace safety efforts.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Workers' Compensation Commercial Lines Business Insurance Ohio
Some Kansas lawmakers want the state to take over the job of writing and enforcing workplace regulations, despite concerns by a labor rights group that the change could water down safety oversight.

Lawmakers and some business groups say a state-run program approved by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration would ensure local control over regulation that has to be at least as effective as the federal program under current law.

We know our business better. We know our mix of businesses better. We know their issues better than somebody in D.C., said Sen. Julia Lynn, an Olathe Republican.

Twenty-eight states have state-run programs. Six of them just extend coverage to state and local government workers who are not covered by federal oversight. Kansas businesses are currently inspected by federal officials based in an area office in Wichita, said an official from the Department of Labor.

Republican lawmakers and business groups that support the plan say it would ease regulatory burdens but still provide for worker safety because the federal government requires state regulation plans to be at least as effective as the federal one. A labor rights group says the programs are less effective because they can be underfunded and often impose smaller fines.

Lynn introduced a bill to start the process on behalf of Senate leadership, and 24 Republican senators ran on a platform that included regulation reform. The Senate Commerce Committee will hold a hearing on the bill.

Senate President Susan Wagle said the legislature took up the bill at the urging of construction contractors because excessive regulations are very harmful to business.

Mike Gibson, executive vice president of the Associated General Contractors of Kansas, said his organization has asked the Legislature to consider the bill for the last three years. It got a hearing but not a vote in 2015. He said legal costs associated with paying and fighting fines make it harder to do business.

Officials with the AFL-CIO labor union say the state programs arent as effective, and the Government Accountability Office says some states have struggled to complete all their inspections because of funding challenges. That could be an obstacle because of Kansas budget, Lynn said.

Bruce Tunnell, lobbyist for the Kansas AFL-CIO, said Kansas didnt have the money to run the program correctly. The Government Accountability Office also says some states have struggled to retain trained inspectors.

Once they get someone trained, theyre going to chase the money and go somewhere else, Tunnell said.

He said that means unsafe work places could go uninspected or get inspected by someone who isnt qualified.

Another member of the labor group took issue with the smaller fines imposed under state plans. Peg Seminario, safety and health director for the national AFL-CIO, said state officials might be more hesitant to impose hefty fines if a business has political pull in the state.

In some cases, theyre too close, Seminario said

If the bill passes, it would direct the Department of Labor to submit a plan to the federal government for approval. The state would have to fund the program for about three years until it gets approval. Then it can impose fines and the federal government would fund up to 50 percent of the program, according to a state financial estimate.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Legislation Commercial Lines Business Insurance Kansas
Two U.S. senators from Midwestern states will introduce a bill on Tuesday that would require foreign companies buying U.S. food and agriculture firms to undergo a review aimed at ensuring the deal would not hurt U.S. food security.

The legislation from Senators Chuck Grassley, an Iowa Republican, and Debbie Stabenow, a Michigan Democrat, would add the secretaries of the Agriculture Department and Health and Human Services, which oversees the Food and Drug Administration, to a panel that reviews mergers and other deals to ensure that transactions do not harm national security.

The agencies would join a group that has traditionally focused on preventing sensitive high technology and military expertise from falling into the wrong hands.

The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, or CFIUS, as the panel is known, is headed by the Treasury Department and includes the departments of Defense, Justice, Homeland Security, Commerce, State and Energy.

The bill currently has no companion in the U.S. House of Representatives. Representative Robert Pittenger, a Republican from North Carolina, has proposed exploring the idea of putting the agriculture secretary and the head of the Food and Drug Administration on the CFIUS board.

Lawmakers have been concerned about several deals in the farm sector, and Stabenow was critical of the 2013 purchase of pork giant Smithfield Foods, Inc by Chinas Shuanghui International Holdings, Ltd.

Since the discovery of tainted baby formula in China in 2008, the country has been hit by a series of food safety scandals. Chinese officials uncovered as many as 500,000 food safety violations in the first nine months of 2016, an official told Reuters in December.

The CFIUS panel is so secretive it normally does not even comment after it makes a decision on a deal. It approves most transactions, but under former President Barack Obama, CFIUS stopped a series of Chinese acquisitions of high-end chip makers.

In December, Obama blocked Aixtrons 670 million euro ($717 million) sale to Fujian Grand Chip Investment Fund over national security concerns.

In January 2016, CFIUS stopped Philips from selling its U.S. lighting business to GO Scale Capital, made up of GSR Ventures, Oak Investment Partners, Asia Pacific Resource Development and Nanchang Industrial Group. (Reporting by Diane Bartz; Editing by Peter Cooney)

Topics Mergers & Acquisitions USA Agribusiness China
Terrorists in Xinjiang to Be Offered Government Leniency for Voluntary Surrender

Heightened military patrols are now being implemented in Xinjiang because of worsening extremist activities in the region. (Photo : Getty Images)

Government leniency will be extended to terrorists in Xinjiang who voluntary turn themselves in.



The local government of Xinjiang committed to giving gentler punishments to "separatists, terrorists and religious extremists" who voluntary surrender.



Terrorists in Xinjiang have been a source of violence in the region. Many have been killed and injured because of the conflict between the Chinese and the Muslim Uyghurs.



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The Muslims are demanding independence from China. ISIS and Chinese rebels released a viral video recently threatening to commit more attacks that will cost the lives of many.



The video was released by U.S. intelligence and the translation of the rebels' statement said, "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."



A bomb exploded near the regional Communist Party office in Xinjiang last year that killed four terrorists and one bystander.



State media claimed that the incident was a terrorist attack, but no other details were released.



The rebels denied the allegation that they caused the incident. Dilxat Raxit, a spokesman for the World Uyghur Congress, said that the reports were unclear.



"I strongly doubt the casualty toll and reason for the incident from official reports, which lack transparency," he said.



Leniency is given by the government to individuals who have committed violations of the family planning law and promotion of religious beliefs.



The local government also said that they will offer monetary compensation depending on the situation to those who turn themselves in.



"Exemption from punishment" will be given to individuals who give full confessions or provide information on terrorist activities.



However, experts believe that government intervention makes the conflict worse.



Raffaello Pantucci, director of International Security Studies of the Royal United Services Institute in the U.K. said, "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."



He added, "In some cases, it has made it worse."


The Environmental Protection Agency official who was in charge of evaluating the cancer risk of Monsanto Co.s Roundup allegedly bragged to a company executive that he deserved a medal if he could kill another agencys investigation into the herbicides key chemical.

The boast was made during an April 2015 phone conversation, according to farmers and others who say theyve been sickened by the weed killer. After leaving his job as a manager in the EPAs pesticide division last year, Jess Rowland has become a central figure in more than 20 lawsuits in the U.S. accusing the company of failing to warn consumers and regulators of the risk that its glyphosate-based herbicide can cause non-Hodgkins lymphoma.

If I can kill this I should get a medal, Rowland told a Monsanto regulatory affairs manager who recounted the conversation in an email to his colleagues, according to a court filing made public Tuesday. The company was seeking Rowlands help stopping an investigation of glyphosate by a separate office, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, that is part of the U.S. Health and Human Service Department, according to the filing.

A federal judge overseeing the glyphosate litigation in San Francisco said last month hes inclined to order Rowland to submit to questioning by lawyers for the plaintiffs, who contend he had a highly suspicious relationship with Monsanto. Rowland oversaw a committee that found insufficient evidence to conclude glyphosate causes cancer and quit last year shortly after his report was leaked to the press.

Monsanto Statement

Monsanto vice president of global strategy Scott Partridge said in a phone interview that it would be remarkable if Monsanto could manipulate the EPA under the Obama administration. The unsealed emails represent a natural flow of information between the company and the EPA, Partridge said. Its not an effort to manipulate the system.

Asked about emails specifically describing Monsanto working with Rowland to kill the glyphosate investigation by the toxic substances agency, Partridge said he would review the messages and respond at a later date.

The company also issued a statement defending its use of glyphosate.

The allegation that glyphosate can cause cancer in humans is inconsistent with decades of comprehensive safety reviews by the leading regulatory authorities around the world, Monsanto said.

The company on March 10 lost a court bid to keep glyphosate off Californias public list of cancer-causing chemicals. A state judge rejected Monsantos arguments that the chemical shouldnt be added to a list created by a voter-approved ballot initiative that requires explicit warnings for consumer products containing substances that may cause cancer or birth defects.

Rowlands Communications

The plaintiffs lawyers say Rowlands communications with Monsanto employees show the regulator who was supposed to be policing the company was actually working on its behalf.

The unsealing of the court documents represents a huge development in public health, said Tim Litzenburg, one of the lawyers suing Monsanto. Regulatory agencies, scientists, consumers and physicians can see some of what Monsanto was actually engaging in behind the scenes, and how they have manipulated the scientific literature to date. Thats important to their decision-making, not just our lawsuits.

After the phone conversation with Rowland, the Monsanto head of U.S. regulatory affairs, Dan Jenkins, cautioned his colleagues not to get your hopes up, according to an email cited in the court filing.

I doubt EPA and Jess can kill this, Jenkins wrote. He may have spoken too soon. Another internal Monsanto memorandum unsealed on Tuesday said the ATSDR, as the federal toxics agency is known, agreed, for now, to take direction from EPA.

While Monsanto cannot speak for EPA, our understanding of this comment is that EPA was concerned about ATSDR starting a duplicative safety analysis of glyphosate without realizing that EPA was already far along in its own comprehensive safety analysis, Monsanto spokeswoman Christi Dixon said in an email.

The ATSDR announced in the Federal Register in February 2015 that it planned to publish a toxicological profile of glyphosate by October that year. It never did. The agencys press office didnt respond to multiple phone messages seeking comment. EPA representatives also didnt immediately respond to phone messages seeking comment.

Ghost Writers

Plaintiffs lawyers said in another filing made public Tuesday that Monsantos toxicology manager and his boss, Bill Heydens, were ghost writers for two of the reports, including one from 2000, that Rowlands committee relied on in part to reach its conclusion that glyphosate shouldnt be classified as carcinogenic.

The EPA may be unaware of Monsantos deceptive authorship practice, the lawyers said.

Among the documents unsealed was a February 2015 internal email exchange at the company about how to contain costs for a research paper. The plaintiff lawyers cited it to support their claim that the EPA report is unreliable, unlike a report by an international agency that classified glyphosate as a probable carcinogen.

A less expensive/more palatable approach is to rely on experts only for some areas of contention, while we ghost-write the Exposure Tox & Genetox sections, Heydens wrote to a colleague.

The names of outside scientists could be listed on the publication, but we would be keeping the cost down by us doing the writing and they would just edit & sign their names so to speak, according to the email, which goes on to say thats how Monsanto handled the 2000 study.

Monsanto said the ghost writing allegations are false, and in a blog post Tuesday accused the plaintiffs lawyers of taking an email comment out of context to mischaracterize the role of a company scientist.

The contributions by Heydens to the 2000 paper were fully disclosed in the reports acknowledgments section and his own reference to ghost writing in the 2015 email was an overstatement for the minor editorial contributions he made, the company said.

It was things like editing relatively minor things, editing for formatting, just for clarity, really just for overall readability to make it easier for people to read in a more organized fashion, Heydens said in sworn testimony in the San Francisco litigation, according to the company.

The case is In re: Roundup Products Liability Litigation, MDL 2741, U.S. District Court, Northern District of California (San Francisco).

Copyright 2022 Bloomberg.

Topics USA Legislation Pollution
An increase in spearfishing and ransomware, coupled with weakened data security due to more connected and mobile devices, means businesses, insurers and their agents need to understand and protect against these threats, according to experts at a recent American Bar Association insurance coverage and litigation program.

Lisa Phillips, a national practice advisor for Wells Fargo Insurance Errors & Omissions Cyber Group, told attendees its important for business owners to understand cyber coverage and how different policies respond to varied exposures. Some important factors to consider in investigating a cyber breach include how it occurred, whether it was accidental versus intentional, internal versus external; and whether the breach occurred as a result of a lost device versus a disgruntled employee, according to Phillips.

Cyber underwriter for Amercian International Groups (AIG) western region, James Patterson, said his job is to educate agents and brokers. According to Patterson, AIG is seeing an increase in cyber claims across every industry class.

Patterson offered key questions that agents and insurers should be asking potential policyholders:

What type of information does the applicant collect?

 PII  personally identifiable information

 PHI  protected health information

 PCI  payment card information What type of data does the applicant have and where is it located? Does the applicant limit access to data? How does the applicant know who they are letting in? How is access removed from those that dont need it? How effective is the applicant at getting rid of data it doesnt need? Has the applicant experienced prior breaches?

He said emerging threats include ransomware, bring your own device programs (BYOD) and IoT, which leads to more mobile, connected devices and weaker security.

Wells Fargos Phillips said the structure of cyber policies varies according to the party protected. Third party liability policies cover privacy liability, network security, media liability and regulatory action and they may carry a sublimit. First party coverage includes reimbursement coverage, privacy notification, crisis management expenses and, often, credit monitoring services. In addition, other first party reimbursement coverages may include cyber extortion, business interruption and data restoration.

More insurers are offering loss mitigation and loss prevention services, Phillips added.

Insurers offering cyber coverage in the U.S. include AIG, Beazley, Travelers, Chubb and XL Catlin.

Carrie Raver, a Forth Wayne, Indiana-based partner with Barnes & Thornburg, said that other policies might respond to a cyber loss. She explained that commercial general liability, crime, errors and omissions, directors and officers and first party property policies may include coverage for cyber breaches.

The program, hosted by the Torts and Insurance Practice Committee, was held recently at the Arizona Biltmore Resort in Phoenix, Ariz.

Related:

Topics Cyber
Weather Analytics, a provider of weather and predictive risk software for the insurance industry, reported that global insurers Tokio Marine HCC and W. R. Berkley Corp. together have funded a $17 million Series B financing round. With the new capital, Weather Analytics total funding now exceeds $30 million.

This financing will accelerate scientific and technical innovation that vastly improve decision support in risk selection, pricing and policyholder services for insurance companies across the globe, said Bill Pardue, chairman and CEO of the Washington, D.C.-based Weather Analytics. Established providers are charging insurers too much and delivering too little. Weather Analytics is disrupting that equation.

W. Robert Berkley Jr., president and CEO of W. R. Berkley Corp., said his company is a client of Weather Analytics and is seeing concrete benefits of the technologies that were originally developed for the national intelligence and defense communities. From underwriting, to actuarial sciences, to claims  the potential for better decision-making and improved services to insureds is tremendous, Berkley said.

Chris Williams, CEO of Tokio Marine HCC, which led Weather Analytics Series A funding in 2015, said, the technology that helps differentiate his companys capabilities and the products it offers. Weather Analytics leadership and innovation within the Big Data space will help push the insurance industry into the future, Williams said.

In addition to Tokio Marine and W. R. Berkley, Weather Analytics investors include In-Q-Tel, a strategic fund focused on technologies to support the U.S. intelligence community.

Fusing historic weather and event data with claims and loss data, Weather Analytics helps build predictive models that can carriers, brokers and reinsurers can deploy to protect their bottom lines with insurance-oriented web apps.

Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Tokio Marine HCC is a specialty insurance group with offices in the United States, the United Kingdom, Spain and Ireland.

W. R. Berkley is one the largest commercial lines writers in the United States and operates worldwide in insurance and reinsurance.

Topics Mergers & Acquisitions USA Funding
You can blame it on the weather, or you can blame it on Trump.

A record number of Americans are concerned about global warming, believe it is occurring and consider it a serious threat that is caused by human activity.

A new Gallup Poll shows all the above perceptions are up significantly from 2015.

Sixty-two percent of those polled believe we are already feeling the effects of global warming, and 45 percent say they worry a great deal about it. Thats up from 37 percent a year ago, and well above the recent low point of 25 percent in 2011. Roughly one-in-five worry a fair amount about global warming, while 18 percent worry only a little, and 16 percent worry not at all.

According to Gallup, the reasons may be attributable to unusual weather, including record-breaking warm temperatures in the U.S. in over the past few years.

Gallup noted that its 2017 Environment survey was conducted March 1-5, following the nations second-warmest February on record. The same thing happened in March 2016, when Gallup reported a 5-percentage-point rise following a hot February.

Maybe we can throw a bit of blame on Trump.

In addition to warmer weather, anxiety about President Donald Trumps environmental stance could be a factor in Americans heightened concern about global warming this year, Gallup states on its website where the poll can be found.

According to the poll, 57 percent said Trump will do a poor job of protecting the environment. That far exceeds the percentages of Americans predicting the same for Barack Obama or George W. Bush at the start of each ones first term.

Trump hasnt helped his own cause in this regard. Hes called global warming a hoax on a number of occasions, and he made it one of his campaign promises to pull the U.S. out of the climate change agreement hammered out by world leaders over a year ago in Paris. By the way, nearly half of those who took an Insurance Journal poll believe it would be disastrous if the U.S. pulls out, while nearly a quarter said they believe climate change is a hoax.

The majority of those who took the Gallup poll not only believe the climate is changing, but that its Mans fault.

Sixty-eight percent of those polled believe that increases in the planets temperatures over the last century are mainly due to human activities. Less than one third attribute global warming to natural changes in the environment.

Republicans and Climate Change

Heres another thing the president may not be too happy about.

A group of 17 House Republicans have come out in support of a resolution introduced this week that supports economically viable action to combat global warming.

The legislation introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Republicans Elise Stefanik of New York, Carlos Curbelo of Florida and Ryan Costello of Pennsylvania, pledges to study and address the causes and effects of changes to the climate and find ways to balance the human activities that contribute.

This issue was regrettably politicized some 20 or so years ago and we are in the process of taking some of the politics out, reducing the noise and focusing on the challenge and on the potential solutions, Curbelo said in a call with journalists that was detailed in a Reuters article.

This is at odds with the Trump administrations stance on climate change.

Scott Pruitt, the new administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, has repeatedly stated his belief that climate change is not primarily driven by humans.

Then there was the time early this year that the Trump administration reportedly instructed the EPA to remove the climate change page from its website.

Trump this week called for a review fuel-efficiency standards for vehicles put in place under former President Barack Obama. The president said on Wednesday during a visit to Detroit, Mich., that his goal is the make the city the car capital of the world again.

The Hartford

The Hartford might just be one of the most ethical companies there is.

The Connecticut-based carrier for the ninth time was named one of the Worlds Most Ethical Companies by the Ethisphere Institute, a Scottsdale, Ariz.-based group that supports the cause of business ethics.

Making the list nine times is even more impressive considering its just the 11th year that Ethisphere has produced a list to recognize ethical companies.

The assessment for being an ethical company is based on scores in five weighted categories: ethics and compliance program (35 percent); corporate citizenship and responsibility (20 percent); culture of ethics (20 percent); governance (15 percent); and leadership, innovation and reputation (10 percent).

The corporate citizenship and responsibility category reviews a range of a companys performance indicators associated with sustainability, citizenship and social responsibility, which specifically include environmental stewardship, community involvement, corporate philanthropy, workplace impact and well-being and supply chain engagement and oversight.

Other big property/casualty insurance industry players that made the 124-company long list include Allstate, Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. and USAA. Other big companies on the list include Ford Motor Co., Intel Corp., Microsoft Corp., PepsiCo and Starbucks.

Following the recognition, The Hartford Chairman and CEO Christopher Swift said in a statement: At The Hartford, we recognize that a companys reputation for doing business the right way is essential to its sustained success.

The Hartford, which in 2015 issued its own sustainability report, has been given props for its corporate citizenship before.

Sustainability advocate Ceres gave the carrier high marks in a recent annual report that assessed insurer disclosures on climate change risks. The carrier has marketed itself as green to potential employees for some time, and it has been actively working on improving its sustainability record for at least 10 years.

Mammal Dwarfing

Global warming can have the effect of a really cold pool.

Evidently, it gave a bunch of animals shrinkage a long time ago. And a few scientists believe climate change could make it could happen again.

Some 50 million years ago, as Earth experienced a series of extreme global warming events, mammals of the day shrank. Its called mammalian dwarfism, and has been linked before to the largest of these events, according to research led by the University of New Hampshire.

The research showed this evolutionary process can also occur in smaller events known as hyperthermals, which researchers believe could help them understand some of the effects of current human-caused climate change.

Understanding the similarities and differences between biotic (pertaining to life) responses to the PETM and these other smaller hyperthermals is important for determining what kinds of biological responses might be typical for rapid global warming events like what we are experiencing today, the study published in Science Advances states.

The PETM, or Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum, is considered the largest of all ancient global warming events, occurring roughly 56 million years ago.

The researchers used mammalian fossils collected from within the northern Bighorn Basin of Wyoming that stratigraphically span known locations of periods of lesser warming than the PETM.

They found a significant decrease in the body size during a smaller hyperthermal called the ETM2 (Eocene Thermal Maximum 2), observing dwarfing in two of four taxonomic groups analyzed in the study. For example, the lineage of equids (horses) decreased in size by roughly 14 percent compared with 30 percent during the PETM.

This tells the researchers that dwarfing appears to be a common evolutionary response of some mammals during past global warming events, and that extent of dwarfing appears to be related to the magnitude of the event.

We found evidence of mammalian dwarfism during this second hyperthermal, however it was less extreme than during the PETM, Abigail DAmbrosia, a doctoral student and lead author of the study, told UNH Today in a piece published on Wednesday. During ETM2 temperatures only rose an estimated five degrees Fahrenheit and it was shorter only lasting 80,000 to 100,000 years, about half as long as the larger PETM. Since the temperature change was smaller, this suggests there may be a relationship between the magnitude of a global warming event and the degree of associated mammal dwarfism.

Past columns:

Topics USA Climate Change Pollution
When wildfires scorched more than 1 million acres in early March across parts of the Texas Panhandle, Oklahoma and Kansas, forecasters used a new weather satellite to see the infernos developing, almost in real time.

The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports when a line of severe thunderstorms produced five tornadoes in the Houston area on Feb. 14, the same satellite could see lightning strikes intensifying inside the storms. That kind of information could be helpful the next time a strong line of storms fires up west of Fort Worth.

This high-resolution data is going to give us a lot of insight into the severity of these storms, said Tom Bradshaw, meteorologist in charge at the National Weather Service office in Fort Worth, who added that lightning is one clue to the intensity of a storm.

The GOES 16 (short for Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite) was launched last November and sits more than 22,000 miles above the Earth.

The satellite is still in a testing phase and not considered operational, but it is providing stunning images, not just of weather phenomena like the West Texas dust storms, but of the sun as well.

Wildfires show up as black spots on the satellites infrared images. In remote areas, the satellite may detect them before anybody sees them on the ground. The satellite wont see one- to two-acre fires but should see anything spreading about 50 acres, Bradshaw said.

What were able to do now is detect fires pretty shortly after they start, Bradshaw said. The characteristics of how fires show up on infrared satellite data are pretty distinct.

For North Texas, the satellite could help with severe storms and large wildfires, such as the Possum Kingdom wildfire that charred 170,000 acres in Palo Pinto, Young and Stephens counties in 2011.

None of these by themselves are going to be silver bullets, Bradshaw said. But its going provide us a richer data set.

Related:

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Texas Wildfire Oklahoma Kansas
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Song Joong-ki & Park Bo Gum Bromance 3 (Photo : Instagram/Song Joong-ki)

Actions speak louder than words, but in the case of South Korean bromance couple Song Joong-ki and Park Bo Gum, the Descendants of the Sun actor does not only post their couple photos together, Park Bo Gum has verbally expressed his love for his Dominos Pizza commercial partner openly in a recent fan meet.



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Another Photo Together



Now, even the fans of the two actors are not afraid to express what they feel about the Song Joong-ki and Park Bo Gum being open about their bromance relationship. When Song Joong-ki posted another bromance photo with Park Bo Gum on Wednesday for a Dominos Pizza add, the photo got more than 100,000 likes in one day, indicating that fans like seeing the couple together.



But for one fan, marisollopezperiera, seeing bromance photos every week is a bit too much so she asked, Again these two together? ruchi1091 asked, Why u always post with him?



But two other fans found the photo cute and the bromance partners handsome and cute for hibayaalexa, while angelblue.0804 wrote, Both r looking damn handsome. Irinaglinta observed, Because he loves him and he is not afraid to show it.



Date for Awards Night



Since the two are definitely not hiding their bromance relationship, since Song Joong-ki confirmed he would attend the 29th Korea PD Awards where he is reported to be receiving the Best Performer Award under the Best Actor category, Korea Portal raised the question who would accompany him to the event.



SongSong fans are hoping to see Song Joong-ki bring Descendants of the Sun actress Song Hye Kyo to the awards night. However, bromance fan predict he would bring Park Bo Gum instead. With Song Joong-kis frequent posting of their bromance photos together  whether for Dominos Pizza or at fan meets or in private moments, many fans believe their relationship is no longer a bromance but a real romance.


A comprehensive approach

Guaranteeing the right to abortion isnt enough. We know that economic, cultural, religious, and systemic barriers prevent many people from accessing abortion care even where its legal and available.

Our solution: We work across institutions and communities to build sustainable abortion ecosystems. In such an ecosystem, people have the information they need to make decisions about reproductive health, theres community and health-system support for human rights and abortion access, and laws and policies support full bodily autonomy.
Vice Premier Wang Yang is expected to be in Manila to answer questions on Chinese vessels in Benham Rise. (Photo : Getty Images)

Chinese Vice Premier Wang Yang is arriving in Manila to attend the China-ASEAN Year of Tourism and China-Philippines Economic and Trade Forum. The top Chinese official will also be expected to answer questions on the presence of naval ships in the Benham Rise.



Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said, "At the invitation of the government of the Republic of the Philippines, Vice Premier Wang Yang of the State Council will pay an official visit to the Philippines from March 16 to 19."



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Hua added that the visit will enhance ties and promote "cooperation between the two countries in various fields and take China-Philippines relations to a new level."



The visit of Commerce Minister Zhong Shan led to the pledge of three infrastructure projects in the Philippines totaling $3.4 billion.



The Chinese government also promised and signed a purchase agreement worth $1 billion for agricultural products.



On the issue of the Benham Rise, the spokesperson said that Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte already agreed to the use of Chinese vessels in the disputed area.



She said, "China welcomes and commends relevant remarks by President Duterte. As he said, China and the Philippines have already communicated and had a friendly exchange of views on the relevant issue, clarified the facts and appropriately handled the issue."



However, Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said that the presence of Chinese ships near the oil-rich area is concerning.



He said that Chinese ships were using the Benham Bank as a dock for vessels and submarines. The ships would stay in the area for months.



The Benham Rise was declared part of Philippine territory by the United Nations in 2012.



China responded to the criticism. Foreign Minister Geng Shuang said that the U.N. declaration "does not mean that the Philippines can take it as its own territory."



Geng said that the ships were just passing by and did not conduct any other activity.



The Chinese government is being slammed by academic experts in the Philippines. They assert that the presence of the Chinese government should have obtained documentation first.



A foreign policy expert from De La Salle University, Richard J. Heydarian, said that the passage of Chinese vessels "don't connote virtually parking your vessels and conducting oceanographic research in the continental shelf of another country without a prior formal agreement."


Cambodia currently faces significant challenges amidst great power strategic competition for influence in the Asia-Pacific. The ongoing dispute in the South China Sea and US President Donald Trumps uncertain and unpredictable foreign policy in the region have presented enormous uncertainties for Cambodia, pushing Phnom Penh close to the Chinese sphere of influence. Chinas economic, military, and strategic influence over Cambodia continues to grow. China is now Cambodias largest foreign investor and its most generous economic and military benefactor. Chinese growing influence in Cambodia is alarming to Vietnams strategic interest in Cambodia. Both China and Vietnam are crucial developmental partners for Cambodia. China needs Cambodian support over several key strategic areas like the issue of the South China Sea, while Vietnam also seeks Cambodian cooperation on the overlapping issue of the South China Sea with China.

Challenges to the Trilateral Relationship

This trilateral relationship in retrospect has been worse. Cambodia was ruled by the Khmer Rouge regime from 1975-79 with generous support from China. Vietnam with Russian support invaded Cambodia in late 1978 and early 1979 with the excuse of liberating Cambodia from its brutal leader Pol Pot. China under Deng Xiaoping as Cambodias patron taught Vietnam a harsh lesson by attacking Vietnam from the north. However, the Vietnamese troops stayed in Cambodia until 1989.

The Hague ruling in July 2016 further complicated issues for the Southeast Asian states and Cambodia in particular. Oftentimes, Cambodia has been accused of being biased to the Chinese side because of the charming influence of Chinas unconditional aid and investment. Such accusations usually refer to the Phnom Penh fiasco, once in 2012 when Cambodia was chairman of ASEAN Summit, and then again in 2016 when Cambodia was believed to have blocked ASEAN efforts to issue a joint communique with strong words assailing the Chinese rejection of The Hague ruling and its growing assertive behavior in the South China Sea dispute.

As noted by some scholars, since the 2012 ASEAN Summit, relations between Cambodia and Vietnam appeared to have deteriorated. Cambodia opted to support Chinas core interests on the South China Sea dispute which resulted in ASEANs failure to produce a Joint Communique following its 45th Annual Ministerial Meeting in Phnom Penh in July 2012. It was the first time in the history of ASEAN when there was no communique as Cambodia refused to play the customary role of seeking agreement among the ten ASEAN members. As a result, Cambodia was criticized by its closest ally  Vietnam, and other ASEAN members and the international community for lacking an independent foreign policy. Although Vietnam expected Cambodia to sympathize with its position, it turned out that Cambodia had instead moved closer to China.

Another issue with Vietnam is the chronic Vietnam Syndrome and Cambodian nationalism over their border dispute. The ongoing rhetoric from the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) towards Vietnamese encroachment into Cambodian territory further contributes to the deteriorating relations between Cambodia and Vietnam. According to Chheang Vannarith, the border-related tensions are likely to stay still as long as domestic political dynamics in Cambodia continue to evolve around assertive nationalism. However, from the Vietnamese point of view, even with these issues, Cambodia remains indispensable for Vietnam because of their shared traditions and national interests. Hanoi still grapples with how special Cambodia is to Vietnam and how this special factor influences their bilateral relationship in the current regional context.

Win-Win Outlook for the Trilateral Relationship

Looking at the trade and investment dimension, bilateral trade between Cambodia and Vietnam has been fluctuating in recent years. According to the Khmer Times, total investment capital from Vietnam is USD 2.86 billion while the two-way trade volume between Cambodia and Vietnam topped USD 3.37 billion in 2015 and USD 2.38 billion at the end of 2016. Both sides had pledged to reach USD 5 billion in 2015 but failed to do so. In contrast, bilateral trade between Cambodia and China is on the rise. The bilateral trade volume between Cambodia and China stood at USD 4.4 billion in 2015 and is expected to reach USD 5 billion in 2017.

The optimism in the trilateral relationship is that the three countries, Cambodia, China, and Vietnam share a common development perception  the Good Neighbor Policy. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen frequently reiterates that Cambodia can only develop as long as it has good relations with its neighbors, and the same principle is shared by the Vietnamese top leaders. China has also demonstrated its good neighbor policy and promotes the concept of the peaceful rise, regardless of what China has been doing in the South China Sea.

With this shared perception, China is striving to initiate and boost several development projects with the countries in the Southeast Asian region. The Mekong-Lancang Cooperation, for example, serves as a platform for the top leaders from Cambodia, China, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. The aims of this initiative are to bolster industrialization, to build more infrastructure, to upgrade industrial structure, to accelerate agriculture modernization, and to encourage tourism. Both Vietnam and Cambodia can gain more advantages and so far the two countries have actively engaged in this initiative. Cambodia has played a leading role in this project by hosting the 2nd Mekong-Lancang Cooperation Foreign Ministers Meeting in 2016 in Siem Reap, a historical site in Cambodia. Cambodia can use this platform to push its development agenda, which is aimed at bringing out the common benefits for all involved.

Even with ongoing cleavages over legitimate claims to the South China Sea, Vietnam and China can manage to find a way out, which can be seen as lowering the burden on Cambodia. The recent state visits of the top Vietnamese leaders in 2016 and early 2017 and the warm welcome by their Chinese counterparts have really paved the way forward. Along with the developmental cooperation agenda, the heated issues of the South China Sea were also discussed in both state visits. If the two countries can find a common ground of understanding regarding their differences, Cambodia in this regard will be likely to feel less externally pressured.

Cambodias Strategic Choice

At the macro level, Cambodia and Vietnam seem to enjoy a fruitful relationship through political, security, and trade cooperation. However, at the micro level, Cambodian public sentiment towards Vietnam is not likely to improve. This issue needs to be addressed with effective measures. Exchange programs like the Sarus Exchange Program, which allows Cambodian and Vietnamese youth to get together and to share their culture and experiences, should be expanded. This type of joint cooperation should be increased because the future of both countries will depend on their young generations. Through the youth exchange program, the strategic mistrust arising from history can be ameliorated. If they can reach a common understanding among themselves, peace, prosperity, and stability are likely to be sustained. Chheang Vannarith has noted that understanding history through youth in this regard could help both countries to move towards reconciliation. He added, History gives light to the future but dont let history dictate the future.

When it comes to the issue of the South China Sea, moving closer to China at the expense of Vietnam is not a viable option for Cambodia. Siding with Vietnam to balance Chinese power is not a practical option either. To avoid becoming a scapegoat and to ensure friendly relations with both countries, it has been suggested that promoting a rule-based regional order is imperative, so that all states regardless of their size may approach international affairs with similar assumptions. A strong and cohesive ASEAN is vital for a rule-based regional order and for Cambodias future autonomy and prosperity, even though this regional arrangement has not proven to be effective at ensuring the security of its members, especially smaller ones like Cambodia.

Finally, Cambodias foreign policy towards China in this context is described by some Cambodian scholars as soft alignment, soft bandwagoning, or bandwagoning for benefits. However, the problem for foreign policy is that Cambodia may fall in the sphere of Chinese influence with less room for maneuver, and its foreign policy may not be seen as neutral and independent as written in its constitution. In the short run, Cambodia can gain more benefits, but in the long run Cambodia may become too dependent on China. If that is the case, the narrative of Cambodia as ASEAN spoiler will turn out to be true.

Cambodia seems to be the biggest winner if the country can walk the fine line between China and Vietnam. Both countries have significantly contributed to Cambodias economic and security development. Cambodia needs both China and Vietnam for achieving its security and economic interests. Clearly, China is the most important partner for Cambodias badly-needed economic development. However, given their geographical proximity, Cambodia cannot afford to lose Vietnam either. Good neighbor cooperation brings peace and stability for both countries and the region. Cambodia should build an independent foreign diplomacy and seek to diversify its foreign policy, working to harmonize as far as possible with countries in the region and the world. Likewise, as a small state, Cambodia must continue to see the value in engaging regional entities. Cambodias long-term interests lie in engaging with regional initiatives like ASEAN, the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), and other important international forums.

As rightly pointed out by Bernd Schaefer, a senior scholar with the Woodrow Wilson International Center and professor at George Washington University, If Cambodia places all its eggs in one basket, they will ultimately break. Cambodia needs as many baskets as possible-large, medium, and small. Thus, picking China or Vietnam to the exclusion of the other is not the best option for Cambodia. Cambodias history has shown that Cambodia had chosen sides once before and that had led to disaster.
The man, Syed, has remained silent out of fear, since the beginning of his trial last week in Berlin, according to his attorney. Syed is accused of examining targets for Iran, in the event of a war with Western nations, as well as conducting espionage on Irans behalf against Germany and France.

Evidence that has been made public shows that Syed collected information on many targets, however, only two were cited because they are public figures. One is German politician Reinhold Robbe of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), who also headed the German-Israeli Society until two years ago. The other is Daniel Rouach, a French-Israeli professor at the Ecole Superieure de Commerce de Paris.

Syed compiled a dossier on Robbe that included the politicians home and work addresses, along with his typical daily movements, that German federal prosecutors displayed. Dossiers like this are helpful in identifying locations suitable for an assassination. The dossier contained Robbes travel routes along with other possible routes he could take.

Syed studied engineering and also worked at the German Aerospace Center in the city of Bremen in northern Germany, according to public data. There is no information how or why Iran recruited Syed, or what type of training he received. Iran has used non-Iranian nationals for intelligence collection in the past.

This case is believed to be the first foreign plot in the post-Cold War era of a German politician being targeted for assassination. It is possible that other plots were never discovered or were abandoned. It demonstrates that Iran is preparing for conflict with the West, despite the nuclear agreement.

The fact that planning for this assassination attempt began before the U.S. presidential election or the current German elections, means this was not an attempt to disrupt the elections.
Two Limerick men who pleaded guilty to a "depraved and barbaric" assault during which a 53-year-old man was nailed to a kitchen floor have both been jailed for three years.

The victim, Dan Quilligan, resident of Rathkeale in County Limerick, told the Special Criminal Court that he "thought he was going to be killed".

Gerard Mackin (aged 33), a native of Northern Ireland with an address at Star Court, John Carey Park, Southill, Limerick and Patrick Hayes (aged 52), Larch Court, Kennedy Park, Limerick, both admitted today to assaulting Mr Quilligan, causing him harm, at 6, Larch Court, on September 14, 2015.

It was during the second day of the men's trial their counsel told the court the two accused would be pleading guilty to, and could be re-arraigned on, the assault charge.

The State later entered a nolle prosequi - a decision not to proceed - on a charge against both men of falsely imprisoning Mr Quilligan on the same date at the same address.

Mr Justice Tony Hunt, presiding at the three-judge, non-jury court, described the assault as "most grievous".

He said that Mr Quilligan was "assaulted in a very depraved and barbaric way by the use of a nail-gun".

Inspector Padraig Burns summarized the facts of the case. He told prosecuting counsel Tara Burns SC that at the time of the offence Hayes was living in the house at Larch Court with his brother and another man.

Mr Quilligan arrived at the house in a white van driven by a friend, the court heard. They had been directed there by Hayes, who knew Mr Quilligan.

The two men came through the back garden into the kitchen. A group of men were waiting and Mr Quilligan and his friend were "immediately set upon".

Mr Quilligan was put in a chair in the middle of the kitchen and assaulted.

His right shoe was removed and a nail gun was used. His left foot was nailed to the floor.

The assailants then left the house.

Mr Quilligan freed his left foot from the floor, got into his friend's van and went to the regional hospital.

The court heard that CCTV footage showed Mackin's car in the vicinity of Larch Court on the date and time of the assault.

It was the prosecution case that the assault was pre-planned and a joint enterprise.

Hayes was formerly employed in the Defence Forces, from 1980 to 1986. He was discharged after a robbery and assault conviction.

Mackin has no previous convictions.

The court also heard a victim impact statement from Mr Quilligan.

It said: "This has shattered my life. My life will never be the same. My legs are still in pain. There were holes in legs for weeks. This has caused me to drink heavily and has caused upset to my family. This has ruined my life and my family's life. I genuinely thought I was going to be killed that day and I'll never forget it."

Sentencing Mackin and Hayes, Mr Justice Hunt said that the maximum sentence for such an assault was five years. The court was therefore "faced with a relatively low limit" as regards a jail sentence.

The men's co-accused, Mark Heffernan (aged 32), Swallow Drive, John Carew Park, Limerick, has pleaded not guilty to the assault.

He has also denied falsely imprisoning Mr Quilligan at the same address on the same date.

His trial resumes on Monday in front of Mr Justice Hunt, sitting with Judge John O'Hagan and Judge Ann Ryan.
A Dublin-born statistician and a biochemist come entrepreneur from Dundalk have been awarded St Patrick's Day medals by the Taoiseach to recognise their contribution to science.

Professor Adrian Raftery and Dr Pearse Lyons were honoured by Enda Kenny in a ceremony in Washington.

The Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) awards, now in their fourth year, mark the achievements of experts living and working in the US who have strong links to Ireland.

Mr Raftery, who works at the University of Washington, is regarded as one of the most eminent statisticians in the world, having developed new statistical methods in the fields of social, environmental and health sciences.

His research in quantifying statistical uncertainty in demographic projections has been credited with changing approaches to population forecasting.

Dr Lyons founded scientific research company Alltech in 1980 with the aim of improving the health and performance of people, animals and plants.

Alltech is now a multi-billion dollar business that trades in 128 countries worldwide, employing thousands of people.

At a ceremony at the United States Institute of Peace, Mr Kenny said: "I am delighted to present the SFI St Patrick's Day Science Medal on behalf of Science Foundation Ireland, to these two exceptional leaders.

"Dr Lyons and Prof Raftery have both had a huge impact in their own areas of expertise and played pivotal roles in the development of researchers in Ireland.

"They have demonstrated how academic and industry based scientific research can create jobs, tackle global problems and impact positively on people and society. These distinguished medal recipients are driving globally significant innovation in the areas of agriculture, food production, health, and population and weather forecasting, to name just a few."

Professor Mark Ferguson, Director General of Science Foundation Ireland, Dr. T. Pearse Lyons, Professor Adrian E. Raftery and Taoiseach Enda Kenny, who were awarded St Patrick's Day medals by the Taoiseach to recognise their contribution to science.

Dr Lyons said he was "so proud" to accept the medal.

"While my business is global, my passion for biochemistry and entrepreneurship started at home in Ireland.

"As a company, we still have very close links to Ireland with one of our three biosciences research centres based in Dunboyne, Co Meath. Science and technology play a very important part in my company's success and all of the Alltech team work to innovate every day.

"We strive to put scientific research at the core of our business and to use that research to drive our success at home and abroad."

Prof Raftery said: "I developed my passion for statistics during my time at St Conleth's College in Dublin and at Trinity College Dublin. Statistics is vital to science, including the social sciences, and it is progressing rapidly with the current growth in big data and data science.

"I am very honoured to receive the SFI St Patrick's Day Science Medal."
A Cork man who told gardai he had gone to Monaghan for a drinking session and did not know there was half-a-tonne of fertilizer in the van he was driving has been sentenced to four-and-a-half years imprisonment for IRA membership.

Martin McHale (aged 53), with an address at Blackwater Grove, Togher, in Cork, had denied membership of an unlawful organisation, styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh na hEireann, otherwise the IRA on November 2, 2013.

The non-jury Special Criminal Court found him guilty of the offence in February.

Sentencing him to four-and-a-half years imprisonment today, Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy said McHale travelled with another man to Monaghan with half-a-metric tonne of fertiliser in a van not owned by either of them.

Ms Justice Kennedy, presiding alongside Judge Gerard Griffin and Judge Gerard Haughton, said the court was satisfied that McHale had full knowledge of the contents of the van and that he was a trusted transporter of the fertilizer.

She said the court considered belief evidence, his interviews with gardai, forensic evidence and activities at the relevant time.

She said McHale gave answers to gardai the Special Criminal Court found "false and misleading" and he refused to name the owner of the van.

McHale had no relevant previous convictions, had settled family circumstances, limited education and was entitled to credit for the manner in which he approached the case, the judge said.

McHale had told gardai during interviews that he had borrowed a friends van to go to Monaghan for a drinking session and was unaware of the bags of fertiliser in the rear.

Summarizing the facts of the case, Detective Inspector James O'Leary, of Monaghan garda station, told prosecuting counsel Anne-Marie Lawlor BL that McHale had travelled to Monaghan from Cork where he lived.

McHale and another man were observed by Detective Garda Emmett Ryan in a van in the forecourt of a filling-station, "acting suspiciously".

Det. Gda Ryan, the court heard, was concerned about their presence in the van at that time in that area, which was being monitored for dissident activity.

He approached the men and asked them what they were doing. At first, McHale refused to answer. Then he said that they were out for a spin.

According to Det Gda Ryan, the manner of McHale's answers was "anxious and ill-at-ease".

Gardai searched the van and in the back found 500 kg of agricultural fertilizer.

McHale was arrested and detained at Monaghan garda station, where he was questioned.

In its judgement, the court said that McHale's answers were "false and misleading", in particular those related to his knowledge of the fertilizer.

McHale had told the detectives he said he was unaware of the fertilizer.

However, a glove had been found in the passenger side of the van, and forensic analysis had revealed traces of the fertilizer and McHales's DNA.

McHale also refused to tell the gardai who owned the van.

During the trial the court heard evidence from Assistant Commissioner Michael Finn, who said he believed McHale was a member of the IRA and that the information on which he had based his belief was "reliable and accurate".

The court also heard that McHale has a number of previous convictions, dating from the early 1980s at the District Courts in Cork, for offences including burglary, stealing and assault.

His counsel Blaise O'Carroll SC handed into the court a number of testimonies, which, he said, spoke to the "gentle character and helpful nature of Mr McHale with his neighbours".
Brent Hinds of Mastodon and Dave Catching of Eagles of Death Metal perform on Day 2 of Reading Festival at Richfield Avenue on August 27, 2016 in Reading, England. (Photo : Getty Images/Chiaki Nozu)

Ed Sheeran, 26, will not be the only musician to appear in "Game of Thrones" Season 7. Recently, metal band Mastodon member Brent Hinds, 43, confirmed that he is appearing on the HBO series for the second time.



In 2015, Hinds and his Mastodon bandmates Bill Kelliher, 45, and Brann Dailor, 41, played wildlings in "Game of Thrones" Season 5 episode 8 titled "Hardhome." The episode was filmed in Belfast, Northern Ireland.



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"I watched my best friends Brent and Bill, murdered right in front of me as I myself was stabbed in the stomach and had my throat slit multiple times, and I didn't mind at all," Pitchfork quoted Dailor as saying of the experience. "It made me love being in Mastodon even more."



Mastodon's original song "White Walker" is featured on the "Game of Thrones" mixtape "Catch the Throne Vol. 2." Dan Weiss, David Benioff's co-creator of the HBO series, is a fan of the band.



In 2016, Hinds broke his leg in a motorcycle accident. Before it healed, he filmed another "Game of Thrones" cameo.



Because of his broken leg, Hinds staggered like a zombie. The "Game of Thrones" producers liked it and even gave his character a close-up.



In an episode of Jamey Jasta's podcast titled "The Jasta Show," Hinds revealed that he just came back from his second "Game of Thrones" cameo appearance. He said he was told that he was doing the best zombie walk and was asked to come right towards the camera and drag an axe behind him.



Hinds revealed that he will play "like a reborn, come-to-life Wildling turning into a White Walker" in "Game of Thrones" Season 7. Joining him and Sheeran in the guest cast are Jim Broadbent, Tom Hopper, Richard Rycroft, Ben Crompton, Ellie Kendrick, Rupert Vansittart, Tim McInnerny, Daniel Portman, Jacob Anderson, Bella Ramsey, Pilou Asbaek, Rosabell Laurenti Sellers, Jessica Henwick, Hafthor Julius Bjornsson, Josephine Gillan, Gemma Whelan and Diana Rigg.



Meanwhile, check how Mastodon's "Emperor of Sand" was made here:






Somali pirates who seized a Comoros-flagged oil tanker have released the ship without conditions, officials say.

Security official Ahmed Mohamed told reporters that the pirates have disembarked the ship, which is now heading to Bossaso port, the region's commercial hub.

He said the release occurred after negotiations by local elders and local officials with the pirates, who seized the tanker on Monday.

Naval forces and the pirates clashed earlier on Thursday.

The hijacking of the Comoros-flagged tanker Aris 13 was the first such seizure of a large commercial vessel off Somalia since 2012.

AP
Senior equity analyst Darren McKinley and equity analyst Dylan Simmonds in a research note said they maintained the brokers hold recommendation on the shares as the airline faces challenges in France and Germany.

Shares in Ryanair were trading at one stage yesterday about 1% lower, at 14.21, to show a fall of around 2% since the start of the year.
The 28 country reports in the recently published EUs Environmental Implementation Review show that fewer countries have a better record.

It doesnt happen by accident. Up to 2,000 herd owners here have been penalised per year, for breaching nitrates limits, not to mention the many environmental sanctions in other schemes.

For example, a farmer found to have exceeded nitrogen from livestock in 2015 by 4kg over the limit of 170 kg/hectare lost 45% of the farms 2016 direct schemes payments, because similar breaches had been identified in the previous three years.

Its a heavy penalty, considering the average farm gets about 11,000 in direct schemes payments.

But when Irish farmers travel in other member states, they are surprised to find environmental damage from agriculture at high levels.

They find large parts of the Baltic Sea are eutrophic, mostly due to nutrients from farms killing sea life, due to lack of oxygen when nutrients decompose. Much of it came from Denmark.

According to the EUs Environmental Implementation Review, agriculture remains the largest diffuse pollution contributor to coastal water in Denmark.

Denmark is also one of the countries reporting the most unfavourable habitat assessments, with agriculture and pollution the most frequently reported pressures.

Polands contribution to the nitrates in the Baltic Sea is also significant, and much of it comes from agriculture.

Many Irish visitors have been surprised to find nitrates in groundwater in intensive German farming areas exceed levels permitted by the EU. Organic farmers in these areas who irrigate are unknowingly spreading nitrates on their crops.

Unlike the Irish system, the nitrates directive in Germany has been mostly managed at federal level, with limited results, especially for high livestock density areas, which have continued to show increasing pollution trends.

According to the EUs Environmental Implementation Review, control measures have not been effective, partly due to difficulty for authorities in accessing agricultural data, because of legal barriers.

In Germany, farmers also benefit from various exemptions from many nature protection regulations.

In Belgium, Irish visitors have remarked on the absence of wildlife. Meanwhile, agricultural pressures on water in Flanders remains high, with eutrophication affecting most surface waters.

Even in Cyprus, 25% of monitoring water sites had nitrates above 25mg/l in the 2008-2011 period, attributed mainly to agriculture.

Water resources in the Czech Republic are exposed to considerable pressure, due to agriculture. And Finland is under pressure from the EU to address diffuse pollution from agriculture, mainly phosphates.

In France, the EU says agri-intensification has significantly damaged habitats and species. However, recent environmental initiatives set new targets. Diffuse pollution from agriculture is the most significant pressure on 39% of French water bodies, causing eutrophication, and higher water treatment costs.

In 2013, pesticides were found in 92% of monitoring points of surface water bodies.

Hungarys shallow sub-surface water sources are often polluted, especially from agricultural sources.

Eutrophication crops up again in the Adriatic Sea. The EU says better nitrates directive implementation in Italy would address it. Groundwater and surface water pollution is also a major challenge in Italy, blamed on wastewater, agriculture, and in particular, spreading of digestate from biogas plants in intensive livestock areas.

Diffuse pollution, mainly from agriculture, affects 26% of water bodies in Lithuania.

Tackling water quality, notably agricultural nitrates pollution, is one of three main environmental challenges the EU sets for the UK. The UK has indicated phosphorus from agriculture needs to reduce by 28-43% to meet revised standards in their river basin management plans.
It is understood the little girl was taken from an apartment complex in Ardee, Co Louth, to the local hospital on that day and gardai were notified.

Given the severity of her injuries, she was later transferred to Temple Street Childrens Hospital in Dublin.
A signal from the recorder device was detected at 4pm yesterday after 36 hours of searching. It was detected approximately 60 metres off the small island on which Blackrock lighthouse stands.

Specialist equipment arrived to Blacksod Bay in Co Mayo from Britain last night to assist in the search for R116, which crashed in the early hours of Tuesday morning, claiming the life of Captain Dara Fitzpatrick.

The helicopters other three crew members Captain Mark Duffy, winchman Ciaran Smith and winch operator Paul Ormsby are still missing. Their families are maintaining a vigil at Blacksod pier.

Weve detected a signal so the next stage will be to actually locate it. Weve now begun the process of establishing the exact position so its a process of homing and triangulation, Gerard OFlynn, head of search and rescue operations with the Irish Coast Guard, said last night.

The 86-metre high lighthouse where the black box is near lies 10km off the Mayo coast.

The Air Accident Investigation Units (AAUI) chief inspector of air accidents, Jurgen Whyte, explained the task ahead.

Its in a difficult area, difficult waters just off the large rock called Blackrock. Its in 40 metres of depth.

So we need to find the top point and when we find the top point we have a fixed position and from there we need to bring in more equipment to dive down or use a robot to dive down and actually locate the recorder there and the hope is the recorder is with the wreckage, Mr Whyte said.

He explained that smaller vessels were needed to get as close to the little chirp noise which the black box gives off.

We have the Celtic Voyager out there. Unfortunately, the Voyager couldnt get in as close but we had smaller vessels with Marine Institute people on board and they went in with smaller equipment and they started picking up the signal itself.

Its a very faint signal, its like a little chirp and as you go towards it, it gets louder and as you move away it gets quieter, said the AAUI chief inspector.

Mr Whyte described just how hard it is to find the boxs exact location in the ocean but said the cross-agency search team had all the equipment needed.

So this is sort of a needle in a haystack and youre trying to triangulate from different areas to get the loudest noise and when you get the loudest noise you know the wreckage should be beneath that point.

So far we have the right equipment and we are having to adapt the use of this equipment due to the area that we are operating in.

I can say we have more equipment coming in from the UK. Itll be arriving here at 6pm with two investigators with my equivalent in the UK and I believe we have the appropriate equipment to pinpoint this wreckage, said Mr Whyte.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Irish Lights (CIL) confirmed to the Irish Examiner that the lantern of Blackrock lighthouse was working at the time R116 was operating in the area.

The beam has a range of 20-nautical miles (white) and 16 nautical miles (red).

The CIL also confirmed that the lighthouses Automatic Identification System (AIS)  which emits a locator beacon to mariners and which can be picked up by aircraft  was also fully operational.

The search operation was scaled down yesterday evening and began again today at first light as families of the three missing crew members, who are said to be devastated, wait nearby.

Minister for Transport Shane Ross met with the families yesterday afternoon.

Theyre completely and utterly devastated by whats happened.

They told us how they felt and we saluted them for their bravery which theyre showing in this situation and for the family members which they lent to the nation, he said.
Former Maryland governor and one-time Democrat presidential candidate Martin O Malley said last night the decision to have anything to do with Mr Trump shows Mr Kenny has suffered an appalling abdication of conscience.

Speaking to the Irish Examiner before handing in the petition to the White House today, Mr O Malley said the Irish Government is wrong to be showering this immigrant-bashing president with shamrocks.

And in a highly-charged broadside at the meeting, he said the decision to put economics before morals by socialising with Mr Trumps white supremacist cronies means Ireland is effectively turning its back on US citizens in real need.

That the Irish people, of all people, would shower this immigrant-bashing president with shamrocks is appalling. That the Irish would pin tri-colours to the lapels of his white supremacist cronies shocks the conscience.

A few months ago, Enda Kenny said Donald Trump was racist and dangerous. Now, the great immigrant round-up has begun and he wants to have a beer with him.

This is an appalling abdication of conscience and unbecoming of the more noble traditions of the Irish people.

I have always had a great deal of respect for Enda Kenny. But he needs to decide where he will stand in the judgment of world history. Does he want to go out of office as a wolfhound or a lap dog, Mr O Malley said.

Mr O Malley  who served as governor of Maryland from 2007 until 2015 during which time he pushed pro-immigration reform and was an initial Democrat candidate for last years presidential election  has close ties to Ireland on both sides of his family.

However, despite the importance of St Patricks Day to Irish Americans, he said the annual is not just limited to Irish people and should showcase the need to protect people from every part of the world.

This isnt about the St Patricks party [with Donald Trump], its about the true character of the United States.

America never turned its back on Ireland. America stepped up big time for the Irish peace process. And as Ireland was once supported by her exiled children in America, we need Ireland now to stand with us.

Stand with us against the violence of moms and dads being ripped away from their children by immigrant round-up squads.

Stand with us against immigrant internment camps, against religious identification cards, against travel bans on our Muslim neighbors, he urged.

The petition is seen as being a largely symbolic gesture by Irish Americans and other people living in the US who are opposed to Mr Trumps controversial policies and comments about immigration, women, his own tax payments, fake news and the economy.

This issue has again arisen in recent days due to unsubstantiated claims Mr Trumps New York home was wire-tapped and fresh evidence of his officials links to Russia.

However, while the opposition to Mr Trump is continuing to lead to concerns about linking too closely with his administration, the Irish Government has repeatedly said Ireland and the EU must do business with the current White House incumbent.
Cork

Cork City plans to celebrate the strength of community and diversity that shaped Cork into the city it is today with its theme A City of Community, Culture and Commerce.

To celebrate 100 years of the Ford company in Cork, parade grand marshal and celebrity-chef Rachel Allen and Lord Mayor Des Cahill, fresh from his meeting President Donal Trump, will lead the procession in a Ford Model-T.

Ten vintage vehicles including a Fordson tractor, Cortina and Mustang will also feature in the parade.

Lord Mayor of Cork Des Cahill in an iconic Model T Ford with members of Dowtcha Puppets. Picture: Clare Keogh

Performance group Macnas plan on unleashing a 3.5 m high Boy Explorer who will chase a giant butterfly through the city streets.

Waterford-based group Spraoi created The Copperhead as part of its contribution to the parade, a trash percussion float based around the legacy of the copper mines in Allihies, West Cork.

Internationally acclaimed Cork puppeteers Dowtcha Puppets will also feature in the parade.

Together with a group of young Cork people, the group have imagined a futuristic community, to be represented with its Future Culture float.

And also paying homage to Ford, Dowtcha have created a float celebrating the companys legacy in Cork, including a giant Henry Ford puppet.

Over the weekend, a pop-up Patricks Festival Market will take place in Emmet Place from 10am to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday, promising to offer some of the countrys best street food.

The Lee Sessions, a series of free trad music gigs, will also take place in venues across the city centre from Friday to Sunday.

Dublin

Jully Nevado, Hugh Brown and St Patrick at Custom House Quay to launch the St Patricks Day festival 2017. Picture: Gareth Chaney Collins

Half a million visitors are expected to line the streets of Dublin this St Patricks Day to celebrate Ireland You Are  a celebration of a culturally diverse, complex and brave society, notwithstanding its challenges.

Led by grand marshal Olympic silver medallist Annalise Murphy, musicians, dancers and performers will march along the streets of the capital.

The parade promises a variety of performances themed around faerie stories, ancient mythical tribes and trailblazing pirates, to name but a few.

Visitors are urged to make the most of the long weekend with a four-day festival featuring 30 events spread across the four days.

Kicking off this evening, it will see music, film, poetry and theatre events taking place across the city until Sunday.

Organisers ask the public to take note of the changes to the parades route this year  the parade will now come down the east side of OConnell Street, on the same side as Clearys, before proceeding on Westmoreland Street.

Galway

In recognition of the citys European Green Leaf 2017 this year the parade in Galway will highlight its commitment to the environment, covering topics like waste recycling, nature, biodiversity, energy efficiency, smarter travel, water and air quality.

Live music will take place on the Eyre Square stage tomorrow afternoon and a series of family-friendly events will take place on Saturday and Sunday.

Parade highlights include Galway Arts Centre, Colours Street Theatre, An Taibhdhearc Theatre and Galway Theatre Festival with community groups such as Foroige and The Russian Culture Club creating a kaleidoscope of Galways rich mix of cultural and ethnic diversity.

The parade will come to a grand finale with local heroes Macnas presenting their youth ensemble before Gamelan na Gaillimhe chime the end of the parade with their Indonesian gongs.

Kerry

St Patricks Day kicks off with a bang in Kerry at 6am on Friday morning in Dingle, with a musical parade around the town led by Dingles Fife and Drum band.

Later that day, at 1m the St Patricks Day parade will proceed through the town.

The parade in Tralee gets underway at 12 noon on John Joe Sheedy Road, promising to be a celebration of sport in the town.

This year, Killarney will be celebrating St Patricks day with a parade themed around diversity, kicking off at 2pm from Fitzgerald Stadium.

Limerick

With more than 80,000 people expected to flock to the streets of Limerick City, the art of storytelling takes centre stage on St Patricks Day with its theme of Our stories, this is where we belong.

The parade will be led by teenager Luke Culhane, the creator of Create No Hate a viral anti-cyberbullying campaign that won the 14-year-old Limerick Person of the Year 2016.

Irelands only international band championship takes place in Limerick Sunday 19, from noon from Pery Square.

Waterford

The country has Waterford to thank for having the day off this week: it was the first city to declare the day a national holiday.

The theme of the citys parade this year is Do it the Greenway a celebration of the upcoming opening of the Waterford Greenway, a 45km route encompassing the route of the disused railway line from Dungarvan to the city.

The parade kicks off from the Glen at 1pm, continuing down to the Quay, onto The Mall, and finishing on Parnell Street.

Parade start times at a glance

Dublin start time: 12pm from Parnell Square, Dublin 1.

Cork: 1pm, starting from South Mall to Merchants Quay, via St Patricks Street.

Limerick: 12pm, starting from OConnell Avenue (Wolfe Tone Street junction) making its way through the city centre.

Waterford: 1pm starting from the Glen, finishing on Parnell Street.

Galway: 11.30am starting from Lower Dominick Street and finishing at Galway County Council Buildings.

CORK COUNTY

From the clash of the ash to maritime parades, there is lots to do and see around the county on.

Ballincollig: Parade starts at 3pm, on the Main Street. Ballincollig will also be bidding to set a world record for the biggest and loudest clash of the ash as part of the parade.

Bandon: Parade starts at 2.30pm.

Blarney: Parade starts at 3.30pm.

Castletownbere: Parade starts at 3pm, proceeding to the West End and back into the Square.

Cobh: Parade starts at 3.30pm, from the Low Road by Cobh Heritage Centre.

Clonakilty: Parade starts at 3pm, from Faxbridge to Western Road.

Fermoy: Parade starts at 11am from Cavanaghs, Cork Road.

Kinsale: Kinsale Maritime Parade takes place in the harbour at 7.30pm tonight, while the parade starts at 4pm tomorrow from the New Road.

Macroom: Parade starts at 3pm.

Mallow: Starts at 2.30pm from Park Road, proceeding down Main Street.

Midleton: Starts at 3pm, Main Street, finishing at the AIB Bank.

Mitchelstown: Parade starts at 1pm start, from Georges Street.

Skibbereen: Parade starts at 4pm from the Childrens Playground finishing in the Fairfield car park. Firework display from Kennedy Bridge at the West Cork Hotel at 7.30pm.

Youghal: Parade starts at 3pm on North Main Street.
New data from the Central Statistics Office shows Ireland also has the second highest fertility rate in the EU at 1.94, behind France at 2.01.

However, fertility rates in all EU countries in 2014 were below the population replacement level of 2.1.

The CSOs report, Measuring Irelands Progress 2015, shows just over a third of all Irish births are outside marriage, which is below the EU average of 40%. Bulgaria had the highest proportion of births outside marriage at 58.5%, while Greece had the lowest at 8.2%.

It also emerged Ireland had the lowest divorce rate in the EU in 2014, at 0.6 divorces per 1,000 population  the average EU rate was two. The highest divorce rate was in Denmark, at 3.4 divorces per 1,000 population.

Ireland was the third most expensive EU state in 2015 after Denmark and Britain with prices 22.5% above the EU average.

However, this country is not as costly as in 2008 when prices were 30% above the EU average and the second highest in the EU.

Spending per student at primary level increased here by 3.7% between 2005 and 2014 but there was no change at second level. Spending at third level fell by 27.5%.

The CSO report also shows that 48.6% of people aged between 25 and 34 have a college education, the third highest in the EU and compares with the EU average of 37%.

The number of houses built in 2015, at 12,666, was still below the 13,887 completed in 1970. The figure gradually rose to peak at almost 90,000 in 2006 but then collapsed over the next seven years to just 8,300 in 2013.

Women employees were paid 13.9% an hour less than their male counterparts in 2014 in Ireland. It was the 10th lowest gender pay gap in the EU in 2015 when the average was 16.3%. Romania had the lowest at 5.8% while it was highest in Estonia at 29.9%.
Ms Lee, whose life story was made into an Oscar-nominated movie, was in Sean Ross Abbey Mother and Baby Home where she raised her son for three years before he was adopted to the US. They never saw each other again despite both of them searching for each other at the same time.

Ms Lee said the discovery of a significant number of infant remains had affected her badly since she heard the news. I was absolutely appalled. I still cant comprehend it at all. I just cannot get over it. It really is appalling. It has affected me quite badly really thinking through on my own story. When I look back on my own story, at least I found my Anthony but lots of the women that were involved and who had babies there will never, never know what happened to them no matter how much they try to find out, she said. She said when she was in Sean Ross Abbey, the issue of children who died was never mentioned.
U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson will be arriving in Asia to talk about approaches on resolving the conflict in the Korean Peninsula. (Photo : Getty Images)

In an attempt to get North Korean defectors out of China, two Christian pastors from South Korea were arrested by Chinese authorities recently.



This is the latest arrest following many detentions and deportation of South Korean Christian pastors in the past months.



There are many South Korean pastors who were deported from the Jilin Province, the border of China and South Korea.



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One of the pastors and his wife were arrested before boarding a flight to South Korea. The other pastor and his wife were arrested in a hotel.



The wives have been released from police custody.



Apart from the arrests, missionary houses are also being raided because the authorities claim that the visas of missionary workers have expired.



As tensions escalate in the Korean Peninsula, many people from Pyongyang are trying to get out of the country. The recent deployment of THAAD missiles from the U.S. is escalating the conflict.



Rex Tillerson, White House Secretary of State, will be making a tour around Asia to see how U.S. interference will help resolve issues.



Robert Dujarric, the director of the Institute of Contemporary Asian Studies at Temple University's campus in Tokyo, said that Tillerson's visit is to strengthen cooperation between Japan, South Korea and the U.S.



He said, "The U.S. allies, Japan and South Korea, want to know that the United States is going to continue to defend them but also is going to show a certain amount of finesse and diplomatic skills in dealing with China and with North Korea."



The White House official will also visit Beijing, but an official from the American government said that Tillerson will not heed the call to stop THAAD deployment.



He said, "THAAD is non-negotiable. This is one of those things where Beijing is just going to have to adapt to or live in a perpetual cycle of outrage."


In his first public confirmation of his imminent departure as head of government, an initial draft of Mr Kennys speech to the American-Ireland Fund Gala last night said he would not be in charge in 12 months time.

In a reference to Lew Glucksman, a former Lehmann Brothers trader who was originally from Cobh, Co Cork, Mr Kenny was initially due to say:

On this night  my last with you as Taoiseach  I want to remember particularly Lew Glucksman.

However, despite the speech  which was given in front of US vice-president Mike Pence, former US special envoy to Northern Ireland George Mitchell and others  stretching to almost 1,500 words, minutes later a second version with the reference completely removed was sent out under embargo.

The decision to remove the line led to significant speculation, due to the fact it would indicate that Mr Kenny may not have accepted he will depart in the coming weeks or months.

The issue has been raised by Fine Gael back-benchers in recent weeks due to the fact Mr Kenny has yet to give a definitive date for his departure and has only said he would deal with the matter conclusively on his return from the US.

However, asked why the specific line was the only one taken out of the speech, Mr Kenny said it was because the speech you got is not the speech that Im delivering tonight.

Asked again for an explanation as to why the line was initially included before being removed for unknown reasons, he added: Because it shouldnt have been in there. Thats why. Ive already explained to my own parliamentary party my intention, and how I intend to go about that.

A spokesperson for Mr Kenny said last night that the Ireland fund speech that was issued initially was not approved by the Taoiseach, hence the requirement to re-issue the correct speech.

Mr Kenny was forced to address his departure plans at a tense Fine Gael parliamentary party meeting last month after his handling of the garda whistleblower Maurice McCabe scandal.

Fine Gael TDs have also become fearful about the partys slide in opinion polls, and the belief that a new leader would allow the party to rebuild in time for the next general election.

Since the general election, Mr Kenny has faced repeated questions over when he will step down. However, while he has said he will deal with the matter conclusively on his return from the US, no date or specific timeline has been given.
Guided at 550,000 is the Crossbarry Inn, a residential licensed premises west of the city in Crossbarry village, near Innishannon and six miles from Bandon. Its a well-kept 3,200 sq ft premises with three overhead bedrooms and living accommodation, on a half acre site with parking.

Considerable new housing was built in Crossbarry (which used to be on the West Cork Railway route) in the early to mid-2000s, and theres scope to add to the business, suggests agent Cearbhall Behan, of Behan Irwin Gosling (BIG) & Downing Commercial.
The patent is based on research by James Richard Milne, True Xiong, and Charles McCoy, and focuses on how hotspots could be used to wirelessly share power between devices.

It should be noted however that this patent only seeks to explore what could be done rather than propose the technology needed to share power wirelessly.
UNTIL his recent bungled attempt to block Donald Tusks reelection as European Council President, Polands de facto leader, Jaroslaw Kaczynski, may have appeared to many European Union leaders to be a politician in the vein of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban or some Western populist.

But that is far from the case. And now Europe has gotten a taste of Polish political culture, which has long revolved around attempting to restrain a madman.

This is what Aleksander Kwasniewski did as president, and it is what occupied Tusk when he was Polish prime minister. Now this task falls to the Polish opposition  and to Europe.

What happened in Brussels was not part of any larger plan. Kaczynskis attempt to undermine Tusk benefited no one, neither Poland nor the ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party, which Kaczynski chairs.

That is not surprising, because Kaczynski represents the antithesis of pragmatism, which he views as a hallmark of betrayal and weakness. Unlike Orban, his partner in illiberalism, Kaczynski is a paranoid fanatic, not merely a cynical opportunist.

There is little to be gained by trying to decipher Kaczynskis plans, goals, statecraft, or ideology. He is not an egoist; in Freudian terms, he is pure id, overwhelmed by the death drive.

His modus operandi is to attack his opponents, wait for them to hit back or mount resistance, and then retaliate with full force. And, as always, his views, allies, and short-term objectives are inconstant, because they ultimately matter little to him.

Given Kaczynskis belief that he was humiliated at the recent summit, he will now lash out at the EU. He will provoke, obstruct, ignore, and assign blame.

In a sign of what is to come, Polands foreign minister, Witold Waszczykowski, told the tabloid Superekspres after the summit that the EU was pursuing a policy of double standards and deceptions.

According to Waszczykowski, Poland not only must drastically reduce [its] level of trust in the EU, but must also begin to pursue a negative policy, by blocking other initiatives or playing a very aggressive game.

In fact, Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydlo had already launched that strategy, by refusing to sign off on the summits official record, as if this would render the outcome inconsequential to Poland.

Such infantile ploys have become all too characteristic of the PiS government, which has also refused to publish Polish Constitutional Tribunal decisions, as if this makes them legally non-binding.

The government has undoubtedly paralysed the court, thereby undermining the rule of law in Poland.

Kaczynski believes that the European Council deserves a similar fate. In his view, the EU elected Tusk illegally, so the European Council is still without a president.

Poland will not work with such an entity, because, according to Waszczykowski, what happened on Thursday is a sign that we will be deceived.

We can expect that the Polish government, heedless of the economic or geopolitical consequences, will now veto European Council measures, obstruct and boycott summits, and violate EU law.

One possible manoeuvre is arresting Tusk, which would force the EU to negotiate with Kaczynski for his release. The Financial Times reports that Kaczynski told German Chancellor Angela Merkel that Poland will seek an arrest warrant.

That may sound absurd. But it is no more absurd than proposing Jacek Saryusz-Wolskis candidacy to replace Tusk.

And it is certainly no more absurd than the rationale for issuing an arrest warrant: Kaczynskis belief that Tusk conspired with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the 2010 plane crash that killed his brother, then-Polish President Lech Kaczynski.

It has become clear that Kaczynski will not rest until he puts Tusk in prison.

This obviously poses a problem for the EU, because the purported criminal is the President of the European Council. The problem for Poland, and for Europe, with Kaczynskis war with the EU is that it could ultimately result in Polexit  a Polish exit from the Union.

Now that he has determined that the EU deceived Poland once, he will grasp at that conclusion continually. And Kaczynskis wars never end with a compromise.

He was unmoved by French President Francois Hollandes warning that Poland may have principles, but we have the structural funds, because he does not care about costs. As he told Reuters, his government is a revolt, and in the long term it is worth it, even if the current pace of economic growth declines.

But the EU could find a silver lining in the Polish governments outrageous behaviour, if it uses the current standoff to emancipate itself from its member states worst dictates. And with such cuckoos as Kaczynski in the nest, the EU desperately needs to be emancipated. If the EU can overrule a member state once, it can do so again.

That means effectively using double-majority voting, which EU officials have been scared to invoke but could make the EU more efficient and more deeply integrated.

Ultimately, the EU will prevail, because ordinary Poles will quickly realise that their countrys independence makes no sense without the EU and Nato.

To understand what would happen if they left the EU, Poles need look no farther than neighbouring Ukraine, which lost Crimea in 2014, and now lives with Russian-backed separatists in its eastern regions.

They might at least be reminded that Ukrainians would be only too happy to exchange places with them.

Slawomir Sierakowski, founder of the Krytyka Polityczna movement, is director of Warsaws Institute for Advanced Study. Copyright: Project Syndicate
But Mark Rutte's victory, defying polls that suggested a close race with anti-Islam populist Geert Wilders, is unlikely to extinguish the anti-immigrant, anti-establishment sentiment that has been blazing around Europe.

Mr Rutte, the Dutch prime minister who had pushed the electorate through five years of tough economic measures, emerged victorious in a bruising battle with Mr Wilders, whose relentless invective against all things Muslim and anything from the European Union failed to earn him the breakthrough that many had come to count on as a given.

After boosts in Britain and the United States over the past year and Wednesday's setback in the Netherlands, populism now heads to France for its next test of political viability.

Now it is for Marine Le Pen, of the National Front, to carry the torch in presidential elections starting next month.

When French, German, Italian and Bulgarian voters cast ballots in the year ahead, they will not be out to mimic Dutch voters.

Instead, they will be driven as much by local issues as global concerns.

The challenge now for candidates such as France's Ms Le Pen is to keep up the momentum of her gospel against immigrants, the political elite and European unity.

It has resonated so widely that she is likely to come out on top in the first round of presidential voting on April 23, though she is much less likely to win the May 7 final round.

And the challenge for Europe's more moderate candidates - such as Ms Le Pen's chief rival, independent Emmanuel Macron - is to reconnect with voters alienated by EU bureaucracy and frustrated by economic stagnation.

They could also take some lessons from the Dutch.

In the wake of the victory of Donald Trump as US president in November, Mr Wilders surged.

Now, instead of becoming the biggest party in the Netherlands, Mr Wilders's group was a very distant second, with barely 13% of the vote.

Instead, Mr Rutte was the toast of most of Europe, which was relieved there was proof the populist tide could be stopped.

Mr Rutte insisted he now wanted to listen to the message of the people who felt disenfranchised in their own nation but said the dominoes pushed over by the "wrong kind of populism" had now stopped.

Such was the relief that German Chancellor Angela Merkel called to congratulate him at a time when only exit polls were in.

The foreign ministry said in a Twitter message that "the people of the Netherlands have said no to the anti-European populists. This is good."

Germany holds a general election next September, when the virulent anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany party is expected to enter parliament for the first time.

Such is the threat of populism that German Social Democrat leader Martin Schulz immediately looked beyond the historic defeat of his Dutch left-wing political comrades and congratulated Mr Rutte - a paragon of free trade and tough austerity.

"Wilders failed to win the Dutch elections. I am relieved," Mr Schulz said.

Another socialist, French President Francois Hollande, did likewise.

He congratulated Mr Rutte for his election success and his "clear victory against extremism".

Mr Hollande said that "the values of openness, respect for others, and a faith in Europe's future are the only true response to the nationalist impulses and isolationism that are shaking the world".

There was also relief in the European Union.

"The Dutch elections are a perfect start for the electoral year because the populists and the anti-Europeans failed," said Manfred Weber, the leader of the EU's Christian Democrat EPP group.

- Associated Press
It is apt at present, considering the prospect of a harder-than-hard Brexit, the policies of Donald Trump, the rise of the far right in Europe and, most importantly, the failure of EU leaders and institutions to grapple with any one of those concerns.

In a prelude to triggering Article 50 and beginning formal negotiations on leaving the EU, British Prime Minister Theresa May has declared that she would prefer to end up with no deal rather than a bad deal.
Rapper Eminem walks backstage during the 52nd Annual GRAMMY Awards held at Staples Center on January 31, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo : Getty Images/Christopher Polk)

In October 2010, Marshall Bruce Mathers III, now 44, who is professionally known as Eminem, was interviewed by Anderson Cooper, now 48, in a special "60 Minutes" segment on CBS. The Detroit rapper talked about being bullied in school when he was a kid.



"I was beat up in the bathrooms, in the hallways, shoved in the lockers for the most part for being the new kid," Eminem told Cooper. The rapper said it was rapping that helped him overcome the phase of his life when he was bullied and he felt "like a fighter coming up."



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On Oct. 15, 1981, Eminem's lip was split by a bully named DeAngelo Bailey, now 46, at Dort Elementary School. The beating caused nightmares and anti-social behavior to Eminem, who was only nine years old at the time.



In January 1982, Bailey beat up Eminem again. Eminem's mother Debbie Mathers-Briggs, now 62, claimed her son suffered head, face, back, and neck injuries, intermittent loss of vision and hearing, post-traumatic headaches and a cerebral concussion when she filed a Circuit Court complaint, a copy of which was obtained by The Smoking Gun.



Eminem's mother sued Dort Elementary School for $10,000 in damage. However, it was dismissed on the grounds of governmental immunity.



In 1999, Eminem mentioned Bailey in his song "Brain Damage." Bailey was so embarrassed that he filed a $1 million lawsuit against the Detroit rapper calling the song slanderous.



"I was harassed daily by this fat kid named DeAngelo Bailey," Eminem raps in "Brain Damage." "He banged my head against the urinal till he broke my nose, soaked my clothes in blood, grabbed me and choked my throat."



Judge Deborah Servitto, now 61, dismissed the defamation suit filed by Bailey against Eminem. The judge concluded that the Detroit rapper was entitled to summary disposition.



"Mr. Bailey complains that his rap is trash so he's seeking compensation in the form of cash," Servitto wrote in the 10-stanza footnoted explanation of her ruling obtained by The Rolling Stone . "Bailey thinks he's entitled to some monetary gain because Eminem used his name in vain. The lyrics are stories no one would take as fact they're an exaggeration of a childish act."



On Nov. 7, 2003, Eminem released a mixtape titled "Straight from the Lab," which has a diss track titled "Bully." The track is aimed at Ja Rule, Irv Gotti and Benzino. Check it here:






To share with friends and brethren The Gospel of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (the Everlasting Gospel), and to prepare a people to stand when He returns to redeem His remnant. Also, to share relevant information of current events, and to show how they relate to prophecy; By means of articles, editorials, opinions, scripture readings, and poetry.

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Endrtimes does not necessarily endorse or agree with every opinion expressed in every article/video posted on this site. The information provided here is done so for personal edification; It's up to the reader to separate truth from error, and to examine everything (like the Bereans) from a Biblical perspective. Let the Holy Scriptures be you guide! - - - FAIR USE NOTICE: These pages/videos may contain copyrighted () material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. Such material is made available to advance understanding of ecological, POLITICAL, HUMAN RIGHTS, economic, DEMOCRACY, scientific, MORAL, ETHICAL, and SOCIAL JUSTICE ISSUES, etc. It is believed that this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior general interest in receiving similar information for research and educational purposes.
Android's mobile application build system will natively support Java 8 features going forward, with Google deprecating the Jack toolchain.

Jack has served as a toolchain to compile Java source code into Android dex byte code, with Java providing the basis of Android development. But now, Google wants to support Java 8 features directly in the current javax and dx set of tools.

Existing tools and plugins dependent on the Java class file format still should work, said Google Product Manager James Lau. Google plans to launch the native support as part of its Android Studio IDE in coming weeks.

Google had tested Java 8 support through Jack. "Over time, we realized the cost of switching to Jack was too high for our community when we considered the annotation processors, byte code analyzers, and rewriters impacted," said Lau. Developers can keep using Jack to build Java 8 code until the new support is available, and Lau predicted that the migration would mean little to no work.

Java 8, which fitted the language with lambda capabilities, debuted in March 2014. Android has supported lambdas and other Java 8 capabilities, including type annotations, method references, and default and static interface methods. The mobile platform also has supported Java 7 language features. Next up is Java 9, due in late July and featuring modularity and a host of other features. In his bulletin, Lau made no mention of the upcoming Java upgrade.

The Android build system compiles application resources and source code for packaging into Android Application Packages for testing and distribution. Android Studio uses the Gradle build toolkit to automate the build process.
Bug hunters have gathered again to test their skills against some of the most popular and mature software programs during the Pwn2Own hacking contest. During the first day, they successfully demonstrated exploits against Microsoft Edge, Apple's Safari, Adobe Reader, and Ubuntu Desktop.

The Pwn2Own contest runs every year during the CanSecWest security conference in Vancouver, Canada. It's organized and sponsored by the Zero Day Initiative (ZDI), an exploit acquisition program operated by Trend Micro after its acquisition of TippingPoint.

This year the contest has a prize pool of US$1 million for exploits in five categories: virtual machines (VMware Workstation and Microsoft Hyper-V); web browser and plugins (Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, and Flash Player running in Edge); local escalation of privilege (Windows, macOS, and Ubuntu Desktop); enterprise applications (Adobe Reader, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and server side (Apache Web Server on Ubuntu Server).

On the contest's first day, two teams managed to take down Adobe Reader and combined other Windows kernel flaws into their attacks to achieve system-level privilege escalation. The team from Chinese security company 360 Security won $50,000 for their exploit chain, and the team from China-based internet company Tencent won $25,000.

Apple's Safari was also exploited two times, first by a team made up of researchers Samuel Gro and Niklas Baumstark and later in the day by a team from the security research lab of China-based Chaitin Technology.

Both attacks combined different vulnerabilities resulting in arbitrary code execution as root on Apple's macOS. The Gro and Baumstark attack chain was considered only a partial success and was rewarded with $28,000, compared to $35,000 for Chaitin's exploit.

The Tencent security team also hacked Microsoft Edge and used a second bug to escape the browser's sandbox. Edge, along with Chrome, are considered the hardest browsers to hack due to their sandbox mechanisms.

Tencent won $80,000 for its Edge exploit and later tried to hack Chrome too, but failed to complete its exploit chain in the allotted time.

The Chaitin Security Research Lab team also successfully demonstrated a kernel privilege escalation on Ubuntu Desktop that earned them $15,000.

There were also a few other failures and withdrawals. A researcher named Richard Zhu targeted Safari on macOS but failed to complete his attack in time. Researcher Ralf-Philipp Weinmann withdrew from his attempt to hack Microsoft Edge, and the Tencent team withdrew from their plan to demonstrate a privilege escalation on Windows.

No one attacked the hypervisors or the Apache web server yet, but the contest runs for one more day. A successful virtual machine escape is worth $100,000 and a compromise of Ubuntu Server through an Apache exploit will be rewarded with $200,000.

The researchers are required to share their exploits with the organizers who then share them with the affected software vendors so they can be patched. Trend Micro also uses the information to create detection signatures for its TippingPoint intrusion prevention systems.
New research is turning on its head the idea that legacy systems -- such as Cobol and Fortran -- are more secure because hackers are unfamiliar with the technology.

New research found that these outdated systems, which may not be encrypted or even documented, were more susceptible to threats.

By analyzing publicly available federal spending and security breach data, the researchers found that a 1% increase in the share of new IT development spending is associated with a 5% decrease in security breaches.

"In other words, federal agencies that spend more in maintenance of legacy systems experience more frequent security incidents, a result that contradicts a widespread notion that legacy systems are more secure," the paper found. The research paper was written by Min-Seok Pang, an assistant professor of management information systems at Temple University, and Huseyin Tanriverdi, an associate professor in the Information, Risk and Operations Department at the University of Texas at Austin.

"Maybe the conventional wisdom that legacy systems are secure could be right," said Pang, in an interview. But the integration of these systems "make the whole enterprise architecture too complex, too messy" and less secure, he said.

Federal agencies have seen a rapid increase in security incidents, the paper points out, citing federal data assembled by the Government Accountability Office. From 2006 through 2014, the number of reported security incidents increased by more than 1,100 percent, or from 5,503 to 67,168. An incident can cover a range of activities, such as a denial of service, successfully executed malicious code, and breaches that give intruders access.

[ To comment on this story, visit Computerworld's Facebook page. ]

One of the largest federal system breaches occurred in 2015, when hackers gained access to some 18 million records at the Office of Personnel Management.

Tony Scott, the former federal CIO under President Barack Obama, told lawmakers at a hearing last year that nearly three quarters of IT budgets are spent maintaining legacy systems.

"These systems often pose significant security risks, such as the inability to utilize current security best practices, including data encryption and multi-factor authentication, which make them particularly vulnerable to malicious cyber activity," Scott said.

The U.S., overall, has more than 3,400 IT professionals employed to maintain legacy programming languages, a U.S. House committee was told after the OPM breach.

If the federal government doesn't modernize its systems, Pang said it may see more large breaches similar to the OPM hack.

In the absence of modernization, Pang said that effective IT governance "mitigates security risks of the legacy systems." It also recommended moving systems to the cloud.

Pang said the government needs to pass the Modernizing Government Technology Act. That legislation, which was approved by the House last year, would have boosted IT spending by about $9 billion from 2017 to 2021 had it reached the president's desk.

This story, "Cobol plays major role in U.S. government breaches" was originally published by Computerworld .
The competition runs 17 to 21 March; teams will parade in finishing order in front of the Giza pyramids, the sphinx and the Kufu solar boat

Egypt's Hurghada governorate will host its first ever edition of the Somabay Egyptian Solar Challenge (SESC) where a number of domestic as well as international teams will race solar cars, state news agency MENA reported.

The competition will take place from 17 to 21 March. The cars will race in the Red Sea coast's picturesque Soma Bay and will later parade in finishing order in front of the Giza pyramids, the sphinx and the Kufu solar boat.

Teams from nine countries are set to participate in the competition: Egypt, Japan, the Netherlands, Germany, France, India, Morocco, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates.

Eight Egyptian teams will participate from Cairo, Zuweil, Mansoura, Helwan, Banha, Tanta, South Valley University as well as the British University in Egypt.

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The health ministry is still investigating the cause of the incident

Related Dozens hospitalised with food poisoning in Egypt Nile Delta village

Egypt's health ministry said on Wednesday that three people died of suspected food poisoning in the Nile Delta governorate of Qaliobiya, state news agency MENA reported, the second such incident this week.

Eleven people from two related families in the Shubra El-Kheima district were hospitalised for symptoms of intestinal inflamation and suspected food poisoning including sudden vomiting, severe diarrhea and stomach ache, Amr Kandil, head of the preventive medicine sector said.

Among the afflicted were elderly people and children, who suffered from stronger symptoms. Six of the survivors were treated while two are still receiving treatment at the hospital.

The ministry is still investigating the cause of the incident. A committee of health ministry professors and epidemiologists from the ministry has been formed to monitor the situation and determine its origins.

On Tuesday, some 800 students from eight schools were hospitalised for suspected food poisoning after eating school meals in the Upper Egyptian governorate of Sohag.

Earlier in March, around 200 students were diagnosed with food poisoning after eating meals at two schools in the southern governorate of Minya.

Days later, 14 students in Upper Egypt's Assiut suffered food poisoning, prompting the health ministry to order a halt on the distribution of school meals in the governorate until food safety tests could be carried out.

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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...
One person was killed and four were injured on Thursday in Egypt's canal city of Suez after an old wartime landmine exploded, Egypt's interior ministry announced.

The ministry said the explosion occurred after a land reclamation worker touched a "cylindrical object" in the ground in the vicinity of Faisal Police Station.

Egypt is considered one of the world's most contaminated countries in terms of the number of mines and explosive war remnants scattered across its territory.

Most of the mines are located in the country's Western Desert and are remnants of World War II, although some in the Suez area are left over from Egypt's wars with Israel.

Over the past 20 years, 3,200 people have died and 4,723 have been handicapped in mine-related accidents in the country, according to the Journal of ERW and Mine Action.

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Edward Snowden says that Donald Trump, as well as, anyone who wants the public to take the alleged case of wire tapping on Trump Tower seriously has to submit evidence.

In an exclusive interview with The Intercept via his Moscow video feed, Edward Snowden had a few things to say about Donald Trump and what he thinks the President should do regarding surveillance.

Snowden talks about how Trump should show evidence to back his claims that former President Barack Obama wiretapped Trump Tower. The fact that no evidence has been submitted only shows that Trump is making "political hay" out of the bigger issue which is mass surveillance, says Snowden.

He tells The Intercept that everybody is made vulnerable because of mass surveillance, that information on America's communications are being gathered without a warrant and protected only by lax internal policy regulations. This is not enough, said Snowden, and Trump as President must address this by asking the questions why the issue is possible in the first place, and why it isn't being addressed.

Listen to the full podcast here.

In other news, the whistleblower has been working with a team in order to protect reporters from surveillance. He has been developing software that reporters can use to protect not just themselves but their sources as well, making it safer to conduct investigative journalism.

Among the many things he is working on is making the video-chat platform that he personally uses more user-friendly, as well as a system for uploading leaked materials called SecureDrop. Read more about it here.

Donald Trump tweeted last March 4, Saturday, that Barack Obama had wiretapped Trump Tower just before Trump won the elections. Trump called it "terrible" and "McCarthyism", and also that nothing was found.

For more job and business related news, follow Jobs & Hire.
Egypt's President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi has issued a presidential decree establishing a diplomatic mission to NATO.

The decree was published in Egypts official gazette on Thursday.

Earlier this month, army chief-of-staff General Mahmoud Hegazy met with General Petr Pavel, the chairman of the NATO military committee, in Cairo.

The meeting between Hegazy and Pavel gave particular focus to the ongoing crisis in Libya.

Hegazy currently sits on an Egyptian commission that mediates between rival Libyan factions.

Last month, Cairo hosted a round of talks between rival political powers in the war-torn country.

The two military commanders also discussed the latest developments in the war on terrorism, as well as coordination and cooperation in that field, according to a statement by Egypts armed forces.

Pavel expressed NATO's complete support for Egypts efforts in combating terrorism to achieve security and stability in the Middle East.

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The company said holidaymakers would be refunded if the British government's advice to avoid air travel to the city is not lifted by May

UK travel company Thomas Cook has announced it has a number of flights planned to Egypt's Red Sea resort of Sharm El-Sheikh in November 2017, raising hopes for the revival of the Red Sea tourism sector which has been hit hard since the UK and Russia suspensded flights there following a Russian airliner crash in 2015.

"We currently have a number of flights planned to Sharm El Sheikh from November 2017. Currently the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advises against all travel into Sharm El Sheikh airport and if the advice doesn't change, all holidays this winter (2017/2018) will be cancelled," the travel group clarified through a note on their website.

The UK has suspended flights to Sharm El-Sheikh since November 2015 over security concerns after a Russian Metrojet airliner crashed over Egypt's Sinai in October that year, killing all 224 passengers who were mostly Russian holidaymakers.

"We advise against all but essential travel by air to or from Sharm El-Sheikh," a statement by the FCO reads.

The FCO adds that the British government is still working with Cairo to enable regular flights between the UK and Sharm el Sheikh to resume, and says it has been liaising with travel companies to make sure flights and holidays could resume as soon as appropriate security arrangements are in place.

Holidaymakers planning trips to the resort city for the winter season through Thomas Cook will be "refunded or able to amend flights free of charge" should the FCO's travel advice not change by May 2017.

The British company still provides vacations for British holidaymakers to the Red Sea resort town of Hurghada.

The group's update comes a few weeks after Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry told British counterpart Borris Johnson that the UK's ongoing suspension of direct flights to Egypts Sharm El-Sheikh resort city was unjustified and incomprehensible.

Shoukry described Britain's decision to maintain the suspension as inconsistent with the country's repeated promises to support Egypt, especially given Cairo's achievements in improving airport security according to measures agreed on by the two countries and international standards of airport security.

Egyptian tourism, a pillar of the country's economy and a key source of hard currency, has taken a blow since the Russian airliner crash.

Sharm El-Sheikh's economy is believed to have suffered the most, especially given Moscow's decision to maintain its flight ban.

The Islamic State militant group claimed responsibility for downing the Russian jet. Egyptian investigations into the cause of the crash are still ongoing.

A number of European countries that had suspended flights or introduced restrictions for travel to Sharm El-Sheikh in 2015 have since lifted their suspensions.

In late January, Cairo convinced Berlin to lift its remaining restrictions on flights to the resort city, which had maintained some extra insurance requirements on German airlines flying there.

Germany lifted its general flight ban in May 2016. In November, Sharm El-Sheikhs airport received a German flight carrying 144 tourists, putting an end to the one-year travel ban.

The UK -- a major source of tourists for Egypt -- has yet to follow suit. Russia has also yet to lift its flight ban, despite numerous inspections of Egyptian airports by Russian aviation security experts.

Cairo and Moscow are set to sign an aviation safety protocol to monitor the adoption of airport safety measures, as part of a series of steps to pave the way for the restoration of flights between the two countries after a more than year-long suspension.

Egypts revenues from tourism dropped from $6.1 billion in 2015 to $3.4 billion in 2016, according to statements by central bank Governor Tarek Amer in January.

The number of tourists visiting the country dropped by 50 percent in the first half of 2016 compared to the previous year, according to Egypt's tourism authority.

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President Donald Trump's budget blueprint calls for massive cuts to federally funded research. The leaders of the scientific and medical establishment woke up to that startling news Thursday morning and quickly fired off statements of protest and alarm. This budget, they collectively warned, threatens America's pre-eminence in science and technology.

"This is not a budget that's designed to make America first," Rush Holt, chief executive of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), told The Washington Post.

His organization issued a statement warning that the cuts, if implemented, would "cripple the science and technology enterprise." In the interview with The Post, Holt said the Trump budget blueprint is only the first step in the budgetary process and that, historically, science and medicine have enjoyed bipartisan support from appropriators on the Hill. But this was a rough morning for some people, he said. Holt pointed to the administration's proposal to eliminate completely the Department of Energy's Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E), which does research on batteries, metals, electrical grids, etc.

"They woke up to a shock this morning. Here's an organization that thought they were doing very well in what they were designed to do and what the country needs  doing pre-commercialization, far-reaching, imaginative research. And now they're told to close their operation," Holt said.

Other science organizations are similarly alarmed. The statement Thursday morning from Christine McEntee, executive director of the American Geophysical Union, warns of what a jaundiced observer might call the Acronymageddon: "The cuts to federal agencies such as DOE, EPA, NOAA, NSF, USGS, and programs within NASA, will put the safety and wellbeing of millions of families and companies at risk." She goes on:

"We are disheartened and significantly concerned by the president's budget proposal, which clearly devalues science and research.

"Investment in Earth and space science has given us better satellite data for our military, more accurate forecasting that protects the public from natural hazards, and improved our understanding of the effects of a changing climate on agricultural, ecosystems, and human health. Without the critical data and information this research provides, who will farmers turn to when they need help managing their crops? Who will the Pentagon turn to when they need information to support effective troop movements? Who will families turn to when a hurricane or tornado threatens their lives and livelihoods?"

Glynda Becker, president of the Science Coalition, a nonpartisan organization that lobbies for federal funding for public and private universities, issued a statement saying that China, South Korea and India are aggressively investing in R&D, and said the Trump budget could imperil U.S. leadership in science:

"Since World War II, America's commitment to scientific breakthroughs has been a continual driver of U.S. economic growth. The personal computer, the Internet, smartphones are all based on research that had its beginnings in labs and centers funded in part by the federal government. Likewise, the biomedical revolution with its advancement of disease-fighting vaccines and lifesaving drugs and the advance of diagnostic tools such as the MRI would not have occurred without federal support of collaborative research. And, most of the technologies that have made our men and women in uniform the world's most effective fighting force, all had their start and ongoing improvements in federally funded scientific research."

Frances M. Visco, President of the National Breast Cancer Coalition, said in a statement sent to The Post that the Trump budget would have life-or-death consequences:

"The President's proposed budget will set back science and health by decades. It will destroy the progress that has been made. We are not just talking numbers. Lives depend on continuing this nation's level of funding for research into biomedical funding and technologies. We need to build on the billions that have been invested to date to save lives, not go back to the dark ages. This is frightening."

A spokesman for NIH, which would lose nearly a fifth of its funding under the Trump budget, said NIH would not be issuing any comment. NASA would take only a small top-line hit under the Trump budget, and the agency's acting administrator, Robert Lightfoot, issued a statement Thursday saying "This is a positive budget overall for NASA."

But Phil Larson, a former Obama White House staffer who worked on space policy, and who now is at the University of Colorado, noted that the Trump budget kills four NASA Earth Science missions. One of those, the Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR), is already almost 1 million miles from Earth, between the Earth and the sun, from which perch it monitors solar storms as well as climate change on our planet. The satellite concept was first proposed in the 1990s, and was promoted by then-vice president Al Gore, who liked the idea of a camera providing real-time images of the Earth. Critics called it the GoreSat, and more than a decade passed before the program was finally up and running. The satellite launched in 2015.

"Cutting budget for science missions that are already in space and just beginning their work is quite baffling. The hard and costly part was getting them up there. Why turn them off early?" Larson wrote in an email to The Post.

The Trump budget had good news for planetary science, with an uptick in funding and a green light for an ambitious NASA flagship mission that would send a robotic spacecraft to orbit Jupiter's moon Europa. But Joel Parriott, a policy analyst for the American Astronomical Society, said in an email to The Post that the science community should be united in the coming budget battles and avoid internecine conflicts: "We need to stand together in advocating for the critical role that all areas of science play in our nation's economic prosperity and national security."
WASHINGTON  White supremacism was never banished from American political thought, just shoved to the fringe and hushed to a whisper. Now, in the Age of Trump, its back in the mainstream and ready to roar.

Witness the words of Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa, on the subject of immigration: Culture and demographics are our destiny. We cant restore our civilization with somebody elses babies. King offered these sentiments Sunday in a tweet expressing solidarity with Geert Wilders, an openly racist and Islamophobic Dutch politician who has a chance of becoming prime minister in elections this week. Wilders is someone who understands, King wrote.

And we understand just what King meant. Former Ku Klux Klan grand wizard David Duke certainly got the message, using his vile Twitter account to proclaim, GOD BLESS STEVE KING!!!

Just so theres no confusion, King went on CNN Monday to say that I meant exactly what I said. He added: Ive been to Europe and Ive spoken on this issue and Ive said the same thing as far as 10 years ago to the German people and to any population of people that is a declining population that ... isnt willing to have enough babies to reproduce themselves. Ive said to them, You cannot rebuild your civilization with somebody elses babies. Youve got to keep your birth rate up and that you need to teach your children your values.

Why am I hearing faint strains of Deutschland uber alles? And why am I not hearing a loud chorus of condemnation from Kings Republican colleagues?

King told CNN he is merely a champion for Western civilization, which he called a superior civilization. Which means, of course, that he considers other civilizations inferior. But we knew that.

After all, King has a history of inflammatory immigrant-bashing. In 2013, he said that for every undocumented immigrant who becomes a valedictorian, theres another hundred out there that  they weigh 130 pounds, and theyve got calves the size of cantaloupes because theyre hauling 75 pounds of marijuana across the desert.

And as for race, a guy from Iowa who keeps a Confederate flag on his desk is definitely sending some kind of message. He tried unsuccessfully to block the federal governments plans to remove Andrew Jacksons image from the $20 bill and replace it with that of Harriet Tubman. King says he is proud that some of his ancestors were abolitionists. One wonders if he knows what the word means.

We should pay attention to his lexicon, however, because todays white supremacism tends to shy away from overtly racial terminology. Listen instead for words such as culture and civilization.

The idea is that the United States is the land of the free and the home of the brave because its civilization is European or Western  euphemisms, basically, for white. According to this view, immigrants have been assets to the country only to the extent that they have fully assimilated into the dominant culture. And while previous waves of immigrants may have become part of the fabric of our society, recent Latino immigrants are not blending in. And as for Muslims, well, forget about it; the Constitution may forbid the establishment of any official religion, but our civilization is resolutely Christian. African-Americans are OK so long as they accept the foregoing as true  and do not assert any sort of distinct African-American identity.

I think thats a fair reading of modern white-supremacist doctrine. Of course, its a bunch of racist, ahistorical claptrap.

Immigrants  both voluntary and involuntary  have shaped this nation since long before its founding. The first Africans were brought here in bondage in 1619, one year before the Mayflower. Americans have never been a single ethnicity, speaking a single language, bound by the centuries to a single patch of land. We have always been diverse, polyglot and restless, and our greatness has come from our openness to new people and new ideas.

Kings distress about birth rates can only be read as modern-day eugenics. If he is worried about the coming day when there is no white majority in the United States, he has remarkably little faith in our remarkable society  or in the Constitution that he, as a member of Congress, is sworn to support and defend.

President Trump played footsie with the white supremacist movement during his campaign. His chief strategist, Steve Bannon, waged civilizational war when he ran the Breitbart News site. Trump could definitively denounce Kings racism with a statement or a tweet, but so far his silence is deafening.
Six weeks into a new administration, with unified Republican government for the first time in a decade, the GOP should be busy enacting a bold reform agenda. Instead, the party is wracked by internal divisions on key issues from health care to taxes.

After House Republicans released their long-awaited bill to repeal and replace Obamacare, it was attacked from all sides of the GOP spectrum  with conservatives calling it Obamacare lite and moderates openly worrying it wont do enough for the Obamacare Medicaid expansion population or those who will lose their Obamacare subsidies. The House GOP tax plan also faces intra-Republican disagreements over a proposed border adjustment tax (BAT) that would apply a reduced corporate tax to imports, while making U.S. exports tax free.

Democrats are refusing to cooperate with any GOP initiatives, which means all these reforms must be passed with Republican votes alone using an arcane process called reconciliation. So if Republicans cant work out their differences nothing will get done. And to intimidate Republicans into inaction, the Left is ramping up anti-GOP protests across the country, sending activists to disrupt town hall meetings and harass Republican lawmakers.

Sounds like a hopeless situation? Not to Scott Walker. For the Wisconsin governor, it seems like deja vu all over again. In 2011, after winning the governorship and control to both houses of the Wisconsin legislature, Walker faced a divided Republican caucus and 100,000 protesters marching on and occupying his state capitol to protest his collective bargaining reform legislation. His polls were so low, he says, TIME magazine declared him Dead Man Walker. Yet he managed to unite his party and overcome Democratic obstruction (including 14 Democratic legislators who fled the state to prevent a quorum). (Disclosure: I have co-authored a book with Walker.)

Result? His legislation passed, and voters rewarded him at the polls. Weve now won three cycles in a row  12, 14 and 16  where Republicans have gained seats in the legislature and have moved the state so far that we not only got Ron Johnson re-elected, but, obviously, we for the first time since Reagan carried the state for a Republican presidential candidate, he says.

Walker recently met with the House Republicans to share the lessons of his experience in Wisconsin. And he gave them a clear message: ignore the protests and do what you promised. If you do, voters will reward you as well.

Some Republicans on Capitol Hill are urging their leaders to slow down, but Walker says that is a mistake. On Obamacare and tax reform, its a mistake to push it off until later this year or next year, he says. This is for two reasons. First, Walker says, the longer you wait, the more excuses there will be. Squeamish legislators begin complaining that its too close to the next election. We cant do these things. Members of Congress dont get more courageous with time.

Second, he says, You need time to show that it works. If Republicans act now, the positive effects of their legislation will be felt before voters go to the polls in 2018 and Democrats wont be able to demagogue their reforms. All the protests in the world dont have the kind of effect that the protesters want if people see their lives getting better, Walker says. Tax reform will be like pouring jet fuel into our economic engine. And then, no matter what people think about some of these other issues  building the wall, the travel issues and other things  suddenly people start seeing things that are having a positive impact in their life. And even if they dont care as much about the other issues, they see progress, and thats what people want. They want progress.

Once Republicans pass health-care and tax-reform legislation, they need to keep reforming. You dont get political capital by hoarding it. You get it by reinvesting it. So every time you have a political victory and you get one reform done, instead of sitting back, you need to reinvest that to the next one youve got teed up and keep ahead of the curve. If they do so, voters will say these guys are leading. They are actually getting things done. Theyre pushing reforms. I may not agree with every one of them, but theyre doing the things they said theyre going to do.

The Left will protest, but ultimately those protests will backfire, Walker says. The trend we saw in Wisconsin, which appears to be happening nationwide, is they overreact ... because theyre just blinded by their rage. If opposition is just rage, I think everyday citizens see that. People start to look at them and say, thats not who we are.

The worst possible outcome will be for Republicans to break their word and do nothing. Voters are sick and tired of people who they think talk a lot, but they dont get anything done, Walker says. If Republicans dont deliver, he warns, then the protests will only grow bigger  because they will be populated not just by angry liberals, but angry conservatives furious that Republicans failed to keep their promises.
On Sept. 11, 2001, al-Qaida terrorists murdered 3,000 innocent civilians on American soil while under the sanctuary of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan. In response to that attack, U.S. and NATO forces deployed to Afghanistan to hunt down those responsible and ensure that Afghanistan would never again be a haven for terrorists. Since then, more than 2,000 Americans and more than 1,000 troops from our NATO allies have given their lives to that mission.

But after more than a decade-and-a-half of war, Gen. John W. Nicholson, commander of U.S. and coalition forces in Afghanistan, told the Senate Armed Services Committee last month that the war in Afghanistan is in a stalemate. President Trump and his administration must treat Afghanistan with the same urgency as the fight against the Islamic State, or this stalemate risks sliding into strategic failure.

This month, two simultaneous suicide attacks by the Taliban in Kabul killed at least 16 people and wounded more than 40. In northern Afghanistan, the Taliban overran another district. These setbacks came on the heels of disturbing losses across the country. Nicholson recently confirmed an inspector general report that the Afghan government controls or influences just 57 percent of the countrys districts, down from 72 percent just over a year ago.

Make no mistake: Afghans are fighting ferociously to defend their country from our common enemies. At the same time, we must recognize that the United States is still at war in Afghanistan against the terrorist enemies who attacked our nation on Sept. 11 and their ideological heirs. We must act accordingly.

Unfortunately, in recent years, we have tied the hands of our military in Afghanistan. Instead of trying to win, we have settled for just trying not to lose.

Time and time again, we saw troop withdrawals that seemed to have more to do with U.S. politics than conditions on the ground. The fixation with force management levels in Afghanistan, as well as in Iraq and Syria, seemed more about measuring troop counts than measuring success.

Authorities were also tightly restricted. Until last summer, our military was prohibited from targeting the Taliban, except in the most extreme circumstances, taking the pressure off the militants and allowing them to rebuild and reattack. Indeed, while we were fighting the Islamic State in Syria and Iraq, authorities in Afghanistan were so restrictive that it took an entire year before U.S. forces were finally given authority to strike the groups fighters in Afghanistan.

While we have settled for a dont lose strategy, the risk to U.S. and Afghan forces has only grown worse as the terrorist threat has intensified.

The Taliban has grown more lethal, expanded its territorial control and inflicted heavy casualties on Afghan forces. And it is reportedly doing so with help from Iran and Russia, who want nothing more than to see the United States fail in Afghanistan.

Al-Qaida and the Haqqani network continue to threaten our interests in Afghanistan and beyond.

The Islamic State is trying to carve out another haven from which it can plan and execute attacks.

Moreover, U.S. efforts to confront these terrorist threats are continually frustrated by terrorist sanctuaries in Pakistan used to attack across its border and kill U.S. forces. Deteriorating relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan only make this problem more difficult.

President Trump has an important opportunity to turn the page, seize the initiative and take the fight to our terrorist enemies. To do this, the United States must align ends, ways and means in Afghanistan.

The U.S. objective in Afghanistan is the same now as it was in 2001: to prevent terrorists from using the countrys territory to attack our homeland.

We seek to achieve this objective by supporting Afghan governance and security institutions as they become capable of standing on their own, defending their country and defeating our common terrorist enemies with less U.S. assistance over time.

Doing this successfully requires the right number of people in the right places with the right authorities and the right capabilities. Our assessment, based on our conversations with commanders on the ground, is that a strategy for success will require additional U.S. and coalition forces and more flexible authorities. It will also require sustained support of the Afghan security forces as they develop key capabilities, especially offensive capabilities such as special operations forces and close air support needed to break the stalemate.

The United States has been at war in Afghanistan for nearly 16 years. Weary as some Americans may be of this long conflict, it is imperative that we see our mission through to success. We have seen what happens when we fail to be vigilant. The threats we face are real. And the stakes are high  not just for the lives of the Afghan people and the stability of the region, but for Americas national security.
Capsule reviews of movies in local theaters

Beauty and the Beast HH

Live action adapatation of the fairy tale about a prince turned into a beast and the beautiful girl with whom he falls in love. Rated PG.

Showing: Wynnsong, Grand 18, Lexington Cinema, Liberty Theatre, Two Rivers Cinema, Starmount

Before I Fall HH

A teenage girl (Zoey Deutch) keeps reliving the same day over and over, the day she died. She has a week to unravel the secrets of her life and the lives of those around her before she runs out of time, permanently. Rated PG-13.

Showing: Lexington Cinema

The Belko Experiment H

A group of Americans are held in an office building in Bogota, Colombia, and forced to kill one another or be killed. Rated R.

Showing: Wynnsong, Grand 18, RED Cinemas

A Dogs Purpose HH

A dog learns its purpose over several lifetimes and owners. Rated PG-13.

Showing: Wynnsong

Fifty Shades Darker HH

Christian and Anastasia must both deal with internal and external problems. Rated R.

Showing: Wynnsong, Lexington Cinema, RED Cinemas

Fist Fight H

After a teacher causes another teacher to be fired, he is challenged to an after-school fight. Rated R.

Showing: Lexington Cinema, RED Cinemas

Get Out HHH

A young black man visits the family estate of his white girlfriend and is warned by another black person on the estate to leave, quickly. Rated R.

Showing: Wynnsong, Grand 18, Lexington Cinema, RED Cinemas, Two Rivers Cinema

Hacksaw Ridge HHH

Desmond Doss was a World War II army medic who took part in the Battle of Okinawa. He refused to kill people or carry a weapon. He was the first conscientious objector to be awarded the Medal of Honor. Rated R.

Showing: Marketplace

Hidden Figures HHH

Three black women mathematicians who work for NASA work out the calculations to launch John Glenn into space and bring him back. Based on a true story. Rated PG.

Showing: Wynnsong, Grand 18, RED Cinemas

I am Not Your Negro HHHH

James Baldwins unfinished book, Remember this House, about race relations in the United States and the lives and assassinations of three of Baldwins closes friends, Medgar Evers, Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. Narrated by Samuel L. Jackson. Rated PG-13.

Showing: Aperture, RED Cinemas

John Wick: Chapter 2 HH

John Wick goes underground to repay a debt and discovers someone is out to get him. Rated R.

Showing: Grand 18, RED Cinemas

Kedi HHHH

A documentary about Istanbul as seen through the eyes of some of the citys many street cats. Not rated.

Showing: Aperture

Kong: Skull Island HH

On an uncharted Pacific island, a group of explorers and soldiers find Kong. Rated PG-13.

Showing: Wynnsong, Grand 18, Lexington Cinema, RED Cinemas, Liberty Theatre, Starmount, Two Rivers Cinema

The Lego Batman Movie HHH

An animated movie about Bruce Wayne/Batman (voice of Will Arnett) and the boy he adopts, Dick Grayson (voice of Michael Cera). Zach Galifianakis is the voice of The Joker. Rated PG.

Showing: Wynnsong, Grand 18, Lexington Cinema

Logan HHH

Logan (Hugh Jackman) is caring for Professor X in a hideout near the Mexican border. A young mutant arrives being pursued by dark forces. Also starring Patrick Stewart and Dafne Keen. Rated R.

Showing: Wynnsong, Grand 18, Lexington Cinema, RED Cinemas, Starmount, Two Rivers Cinema

Moana HHH

Moana uses her talents as a sailor to go to a celebrated island and is accompanied by Maui, a demi-god and her hero. Rated PG.

Showing: Marketplace

Monster Trucks H

Tripp, a high school senior in North Dakota, wants to leave his small rural town for adventure. He works in a junk yard and is building a monster truck. An accident in an oilfield unleashes a creature with a need for speed. Tripp may have found his traveling partner. Rated PG.

Showing: Marketplace

Our Heavenly Bodies (Wunder der Schopfung) not reviewed

A ground breaking 1925 German silent movie that shows the beauty and mystery of the universe. The movie has live accompaniment by Coupler. Not rated.

Showing: Aperture, Monday only

Persepolis HHHH

A girl growing up in Iran in the 1970s and her family want the shah removed, as do many Iranians. When the Iranian Revolution comes in 1979 and the shah leaves, they are elated. Eventually, however, the Iranian fundamentalists become as tyrannical as the shah. The girl goes abroad to study but discovers she doesnt fit in either in Europe or back home. Rated PG-13.

Showing: Aperture, Saturday only

The Sense of an Ending HH

A man rethinks his life after becoming troubled by his past. Rated PG-13.

Showing: Aperture

The Shack HH

A man whose daughter has been kidnapped and is presumed dead receives an invitation from God to meet her at a shack where the child may have been killed. Rated PG-13.

Showing: Wynnsong, Grand 18, Lexington Cinema, RED Cinemas, Starmount, Two Rivers Cinema

Sing HHH

Buster Moon, a koala bear, tries to save his theater by staging the worlds greatest singing competition. Rated PG.

Showing: Marketplace

Split HH

A man with 23 different personalities kidnaps three girls who must use the other personalities to escape. Written and directed by M. Night Shyamalan. Rated PG-13.

Showing: Marketplace

Table 19 H

Eloise, who had been asked to be maid of honor at a friends wedding, is dumped by her boyfriend, the best man, by text message. Eloise goes anyway and is seated with five strangers at Table 19. Rated PG-13.

Showing: RED Cinemas

A United Kingdom HH

In 1947, the future king of Botswana meets a woman in London and they fall in love. Unfortunately, shes white and hes black and apartheid is in its early stages in South Africa, a neighbor of Botswana. The romance and marriage trigger an international incident with the couple being ostracized by Britain, South Africa and Botswana. Based on a true story. Rated PG-13.

Showing: Aperture

xXx: Return of Xander Cage HH

Xander Cage (Vin Diesel) comes out of retirement for another mission with his handler Augustus Gibbons (Samuel L. Jackson). Rated PG-13.

Showing: Marketplace
The health ministry said that 800 students were hospitalised Tuesday, whereas the cabinet information center put the number at 3,353

Egypt's President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi ordered on Thursday the urgent formation of a committee to investigate a school meal poisoning incident that led to the food poisoning of hundreds of students in the Upper Egyptian governorate of Sohag.

"The President is closely following the incident and is receiving a updated reports on the elementary school students' health conditions," a statement from the President's office read.

The statement did not include details on the nature of the committee or who would sit on it.

Egypt's health ministry announced on Tuesday that some 800 students from eight schools in Sohag had been hospitalised with suspected food poisoning after eating school meals.

According to a source in Sohag's branch of the education ministry, the meals -- which are disbursed through the ministry -- included cheese and halva.

Later on Tuesday, however, the Egyptian cabinet information center said that 3,353 students became ill after eating the small meals, affirming that all cases but 17 had left hospitals after being treated.

Samples from the meals were reserved for testing following the incident. Samples were also taken from the affected students to determine the cause of the food poisoning.

Egypt's state-run National School Feeding Programme (NSFP) covers 13.5 million students with a total budget of 957 million Egyptian pounds.

The World Food Programme has been supporting the NSFP since 1968, and currently contributes fortified meals to 636,000 children nationwide.

Egypt has been aiming to expand its school food programme, with El-Sisi stressing that expansion in the NSFP was a priority for the state.

The European Union is one of the major contributors to school food programmes in Egypt, along with the United States, Germany and private-sector donors.

This is not the first food poisoning incident to occur at government-run schools this month.

Earlier in March, around 200 students were diagnosed with food poisoning after eating cafeteria meals at two schools in the southern governorate of Minya.

Days later, 14 students in Upper Egypt's Assiut suffered food poisoning, prompting the health ministry to halt the distribution of school meals in the governorate until food safety tests could be carried out.

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Egypt's former president Hosni Mubarak, who is under investigation over an increase in his personal wealth since 2011, filed a lawsuit on Thursday against the minister of justice and the general prosecution to unfreeze EGP 61 million of his assets.

Mubarak and his sons Alaa and Gamal filed the suit alleging that the continued freeze on their assets is in "defiance of the law."

A court has set 23 March to discuss the lawsuit, which names Egypt's Central Clearing, Depository and Registry Company, the minister of justice, the prosecutor-general and East Cairo's attorney general as the defendants, Al-Ahram Arabic website reported on Thursday.

Egypt's Central Clearing, Depository and Registry Company has been the legal custodian of Mubarak and his family's shares in the Egyptian stock market since the prosecutor-general ordered the asset freeze on Mubarak and his family in February 2011.

The asset freeze came with corruption charges filed against Mubarak shortly after the 25 January revolution of 2011.

On Monday, the prosecutor-general ordered Mubarak's release following his acquittal earlier this month on charges of killing protesters during the 25 January Revolution.

Since his ouster in 2011, Mubarak stood trial in a number of criminal cases on various charges, but has received only one final conviction in a corruption charge.

In January 2016, the Court of Cassation upheld a three-year prison sentence for Mubarak and his two sons for using public funds  slated for the maintenance of presidential palaces  to upgrade their private properties.

Mubarak was released as his sentence in the presidential palaces case was considered already served due to the time he spent in detention pending investigation.

Following the verdict in that case, Mubarak's sons were also released for time served, as they had already been behind bars for more than three years pending investigation.

Mubarak is still banned from travel pending investigations by the Illicit Gains Authority into the increase in his personal wealth since the 2011 revolution, according to his lawyer Farid El-Deeb.

Prior to his release, the 88-year-old Mubarak was confined to Maadi Military Hospital for treatment since 2012.

The former autocrat ruled Egypt from 1981 until a popular uprising ousted him on 11 February 2011.
The U.N. special envoy for Syria is condemning the latest "terrorist attacks" in Damascus on the sixth anniversary of the Syrian conflict, saying they are "plainly designed to spoil attempts to sustain political talks."

Staffan de Mistura says the attacks claimed the lives of innocent civilians and is again urging respect for the cease-fire in Syria, which he says "is being challenged by violations on the ground." He also is calling for an end to all attacks on civilians.

Suicide bombers struck the main judicial building and a restaurant in the Syrian capital on Wednesday, killing at least 30 people.

De Mistura announced a week ago that he intends to bring the government and opposition back to Geneva for a fifth round of U.N.-led talks on March 23 to pursue an agreement on a transition to end the six-year war.

He says that following the latest talks on the cease-fire in Kazakhstan that the opposition boycotted and ahead of Geneva "actions by spoilers to undermine the political track must not be allowed to succeed."

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The Arizona Supreme Court [official website] on Tuesday unanimously rejected a challenge to a voter approved minimum wage law. The court had agreed to consider the constitutionality of Proposition 206 [text, PDF] last month. The institution of this law raises minimum wage from $8.05 to $10 an hour. By 2020, the minimum wage will increase to $12 an hour as a voter-approved law. This law also requires employers to provide at least three days of paid leave for their workers annually. Business groups who contested Proposition 206 argued it violated a constitutional provision that any ballot measure requiring state spending must also include a source of revenue. The court held a hearing on the measure last week but rejected the challenge [Capitol Media Services report] Tuesday without comment.

Minimum wage and employment issues continues to be a controversial issue in the US. The US has not seen an increase [Reuters report] in federal minimum wage since 2009. In the absence of a federal increase, many states have responded by raising their own minimum wages. Voters in Arizona, Colorado, Maine and Washington all approved minimum wage increase initiatives [JURIST report] in November, while South Dakota rejected a measure to lower the minimum wage. In January the Supreme Court of Missouri [official website] ruled [JURIST report] that the Kansas City Board of Commissioners [official website] must place a minimum wage proposal on the upcoming ballot. The same month the Kentucky legislature passed [JURIST report] the right-to-work legislation. In March the Missouri Supreme Court [official website] ruled [JURIST report] that St. Louis may raise its minimum wage next year. In January a federal judge refused [JURIST report] to force Wal-Mart to pay $80 million in back pay. The same month the US Department of Labor [official website] filed [JURIST report] a lawsuit against Oracle America, Inc. alleging it had a systemic practice of paying Caucasian male workers more than other works in the same job position.
The US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit [official website] on Wednesday denied an en banc rehearing [order, PDF] regarding US President Donald Trumps [official website] original immigration order. The US Department of Justice (DOJ) [official website] had previously withdrawn its appeal [JURIST report] regarding Trumps original immigration order [case materials], which was filed after the Ninth Circuit denied a request to stay the proceedings [JURIST reports]. A judge on the Ninth Circuit called for a vote to hear the issue en banc, but the matter did not receive a majority vote in favor of the rehearing. The Ninth Circuit noted that the issue became moot since the DOJ had voluntarily withdrawn its appeal and mentioned that no party had moved to vacate the order denying the stay.

The ending of the challenge to the original immigration order comes amidst challenges to a revised immigration order [JURIST report] that Trump signed earlier this month. Two federal judgesone in Maryland early this morning and another in Hawaii [official websites] on Wednesdayissued temporary restraining orders [Hawaii order, PDF] on President Donald Trumps new 90-day travel ban. Finding that the state had established a strong likelihood of success on the merits, Hawaii District Judge Derrick Watson issued an opinion permitting continued travel from six predominantly Muslim countries listed on Trumps order. The DOJ has vowed to fight for the ban, and Trump proposed the question go to the Supreme Court. As with Trumps last travel ban, the new immigration order has engendered significant courtroom drama. Earlier this week, Massachusetts, California [JURIST reports], Maryland, New York, Oregon and Washington joined in a lawsuit [JURIST reports] opposing the ban. These lawsuits are premised on what JURIST guest columnist Jonathan Hafetz described as underlying racial discrimination [JURIST report] in the ban.
The US Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit [official website] on Wednesday granted a temporary restraining order to an Afghan man trying to enter the US on a Special Immigration Visa, which are granted to those who have assisted the US military in Afghanistan. Earlier in the week, Judge Linares [official website] of the US District Court for the District of New Jersey had ruled to allow the deportation [order, PDF], saying that the Afghan man voluntarily withdrew his application for admission to the United States and gave up his Special Immigration Visa when he was questioned at Newark International Airport. And because the unnamed Afghan man no longer possessed a valid visa, the court lacked jurisdiction to grant a temporary restraining order.

Also on Wednesday, a federal judge in Hawaii issued [JURIST report] a temporary restraining order against President Donald Trumps new travel ban barring entry to the US for people from six Muslim-majority nations in Africa and the Middle East. A federal judge in Maryland made a similar ruling early Thursday. Earlier in the week, five states, including California, [JURIST report] joined a lawsuit arguing that the ban is based on racial and religious discrimination. Last week a judge allowed [Reuters report] a similarly situated Afghan family to enter the nation after they were held at the Los Angeles International Airport for nearly two days.
[JURIST] Two federal judgesone in Maryland on Thursday and another in Hawaii [official websites] on Wednesdayissued temporary restraining orders [Hawaii order, PDF; Maryland order] against President Donald Trumps new 90-day travel ban [JURIST report]. Finding that the state had established a strong likelihood of success on the merits, Hawaii District Judge Derrick Watson issued an opinion permitting continued travel from six predominantly Muslim countries listed on Trumps order. Trump responded to the order, calling it the bad, sad news, and an unprecedented judicial overreach. The new order, which dropped Iraq from the banned countries list, would have limited emigration from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen for 90 days, and completely banned immigration of refugees for 120 days. In his stinging order, Watson stated,

The illogic of the Governments contentions is palpable. The notion that one can demonstrate animus toward any group of people only by targeting all of them at once is fundamentally flawed. Equally flawed is the notion that the Executive Order cannot be found to have targeted Islam because it applies to all individuals in the six referenced countries. It is undisputed, using the primary source upon which the Government itself relies, that these six countries have overwhelmingly Muslim populations that range from 90.7% to 99.8%. It would therefore be no paradigmatic leap to conclude that targeting these countries likewise targets Islam.

The Justice Department [official website] has vowed to fight for the ban, and Trump proposed the question go to the Supreme Court.

As with Trumps last travel ban, the new immigration order has engendered significant courtroom drama. Earlier this week, Massachusetts, California [JURIST reports], Maryland, New York, Oregon and Washington joined in a lawsuit [JURIST reports] opposing the ban. These lawsuits are premised on what JURIST guest columnist Jonathan Hafetz described as underlying racial discrimination [JURIST report] in the ban.
The judge presiding over the USS Cole bombing case, US Air Force Col. Vance Spath, said Wednesday that he plans [transcript, PDF] to set a 2018 trial date for the case. The judge stated that he anticipates that it will take months to seat a jury. He stressed the importance of keeping the case moving forward. He urged parties to finalize discovery and to being scheduling presentations for next year.

The proceedings surrounding the prosecution of the USS Cole bombing [JURIST news archive] have given rise to numerous due process concerns. In September the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit refused [JURIST report] to halt the military trial of the suspect charged with orchestrating the bombing of the USS Cole in 2000, which killed 17 US Navy sailors. In September 2015 the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit ordered [JURIST report] the release of Sudanese funds held by New York banks to satisfy a $315 million default judgment in the USS Cole case. In 2007 alleged bomber Abd al Rahim al-Nashiri declared that his confession to orchestrating the USS Cole bombing was elicited under torture [JURIST report]. Nashiri made his first court appearance [JURIST report] in November 2011 after he was captured in Dubai in 2002. Al-Nashiri is charged with war crimes relating to the bombing of the USS Cole, the bombing of the MV Limburg in 2002 and a failed plot to attack an American warship, The Sullivans, in 2000. In March of 2013 last year a US military judge ruled [JURIST report] that the medical care provided to al-Nashiri by authorities at the Guantanamo Bay detention center was adequate.
A front-runner for the 2018 Mexican Presidential election, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador [profile, in Spanish], filed a complaint [press release, in Spanish] Wednesday with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights [official website] against US President Donald Trumps proposed border security wall. Lopez Obrador announced [press release, in Spanish] his intentions to file on Monday. The complaint alleges human rights abuses by the US government. In his press release, Lopez Obrador classifies the rhetoric of the US president and his proposed border wall as discriminatory and racist. He called for action to ensure the rights and safety of Mexican immigrants would be respected by the US.

The rights of immigrants, and immigration more generally, has been a topic of much contention during the Trump Administration. Earlier this month Trump signed [JURIST report] a new immigration executive order, which contains several departures from the original January executive order. The revised order was blocked this week by two federal judgesone in Maryland on Thursday and another in Hawaii on Wednesday. Last month 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 original immigration executive order. The DOJ requested [JURIST reports] a hold on the court proceedings until Trump issues a new order on immigration. Also in February the appeals court upheld [JURIST report] a lower court decision issuing a stay on the executive orders pending proceedings.
The Lublin District Court on Tuesday accepted the prosecutors request for arrest [press release] from the Institute of National Remembrance [official website] for Michael Karkoc, a US citizen who is suspected of commanding a German-led Ukrainian military unit during the second World War to massacre the rural residents of Chaniow, Kolonia Chaniow and Kolonia Wadysawin. The prosecutor requested the arrest and the Lublin District Court ordered provisional detention for a period of three months from the date of the arrest. The man has been identified as 98-year-old Michael Karkoc, who resides in Minnesota.

International courts have recently seen an increase of war crime charges against former members of the Nazi party. Last year, Reinhold Hanning, a 94-year-old former Schutzstaffel (SS) guard in the Auschwitz death camp between 1942 and 1944, apologized to Nazi victims at his trial in Detmold [JURIST report], a small town in West Germany. Prior to 2011, German prosecutors often chose not to charge individuals they regarded as cogs in, rather than active members of, the Nazi war machine. The 2011 conviction [JURIST report] of former Nazi guard John Demjanjuk may have emboldened German prosecutors to pursue cases against all those who materially helped Nazi Germany function. In December 2015, a German court allowed [JURIST report] the trial of a 95-year-old Auschwitz paramedic accused of being an accessory to the murder of 3,681 people at Auschwitz. The most recent person imprisoned for their role in the Holocaust was Oskar Groening. Known as the accountant of Auschwitz, Groening was charged [JURIST report] in September 2014 as an accessory to the murder of 300,000 people. In July 2015 Groening was given a four-year jail sentence for his role at Auschwitz, a sentence he said he would appeal [JURIST reports].
Thousands of people in Belarus [official website] on Wednesday gathered to protest [AP report] a labor law that fines people if they do not work enough days during the year. President Alexander Lukashenko [official website] enacted Ordinance No. 3 [materials] in April 2015, and it has been attacked since its proposal as a forced-labor law [FPIF report] and a reenactment of Soviet principles [Guardian report] against social parasites. The law requires people who live in the country for more than half a year to pay a fine equal to $250 if they do not work in an officially recognized capacity for those 183 days. There are exceptions for certain groups or those that are unemployed but looking for work, and these all require official proof and recognition. Earlier this month Lukashenko suspended enforcement of the law [Reuters report] for this year, but protests have still continued [AP report]. Many Belarusians that marched on the capital of Minsk yesterday or rallied in other cities called for the resignation of Lukashenko, who has ruled since 1994.

Belarus has faced continued scrutiny over human rights abuses. A UN Special Rapporteur in December 2016 strongly condemn[ed] [JURIST report] the executions of three men in Belarus, citing the executions as a confirmation of the the persistent disregard for human rights in the country. In May 2016 UN human rights experts expressed grave concern [JURIST report] over Belarus death penalty practices after reports surfaced that a man was executed while his case was before the UN Human Rights Committee. In August of 2015 EU officials praised [JURIST report] Belarus president for his release of political prisoners. In June 2015 UN Special Rapporteur on Belarus Miklos Haraszti warned [JURIST report] that Belarus continues to sentence and imprison political opponents of the government. In April 2014 Haraszti called for the country to end its use of the death penalty, reiterating earlier statements [JURIST report] and citing politically motivated courts and the lack of fair trials.
[JURIST] UN rights experts urged the Philippines legislature on Thursday to reject a proposed death penalty bill that would reintroduce capital punishment for drug-related offenses. Specifically, the bill authorizes death penalty for the import, sale, manufacture, delivery and distribution of narcotics and for crimes committed under the influence of dangerous drugs. Special Rapporteurs, Agnes Callamard and Nils Melzer [official profiles] stated:

This is clearly not permitted under international law, which requires that even States retaining the death penalty may impose it only for the most serious crimes, that is, those involving intentional killing. Drug related offences do not meet this threshold  the lack of any persuasive evidence that the death penalty contributes more than any other punishment to reducing criminality or drug-trafficking. Therefore, reintroducing this punishment as a deterrent for drug-trafficking is as illegal as it is futile.

Callamard and Melzer particularly pointed to the severe physical and mental pain and suffering, and inherent indignity caused to human beings due to the nature of death penalty as a punishment. The bill was passed [JURIST report] earlier this month by the House of Representatives and is now in the Senate for approval.

Earlier this week the 11 representatives who voted against the bill were removed [Reuters report] from key positions, as an apparent follow through of speaker Pantaleon Alvarezs [official profile] promise to punish those who voted against the death penalty bill. The human rights situation in the Philippines has come under international scrutiny, specifically as it relates to the the nations declared 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.
Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, commenting on the results of the Dutch elections, says Europe is heading toward an abyss and religious wars.

Cavusoglu noted in comments carried by the state-run Anadolu Agency on Thursday that most parties running in Wednesday's parliamentary elections received between 17 and 20 percent of the votes.

He said: "There is no difference between the social democrat (party) and the fascist (Geert) Wilders. They are of the same mentality."

He argued that European parties are leading the continent toward its collapse.

Cavusoglu said: "You are taking Europe toward an abyss. Soon religious wars will break out in Europe. That's the way it's going."

Turkey and the Netherlands are involved in a diplomatic standoff over Dutch authorities' refusal to let Turkish ministers address Turkish citizens in rallies.

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The UN Independent Expert on Minority Issues Rita Izsak-Ndiaye [official profile] called [press release] release for action to preserve the progress made in the protection of minority rights. Speaking in her final address before the Human Rights Council [official website], Izsak-Ndiaye stated that the world needs unequivocal political will as well as strengthened legislative and institutional frameworks in order to maintain unity in diversity. Izsak-Ndiaye specifically drew attention to efforts needed to integrate migrants into the social fabric of a given nation, saying concerted bridge-building efforts were needed. Commenting on her entire six-year tenure, Izsak-Ndiaye said that she was often struck by the general lack of knowledge and understanding by the public about the daily struggles of disadvantaged minorities which was often compounded by denial or negligence on the part of officials.

The human rights of minority groups have become an issue of increased concern as nationalist political parties have gained prominence across the western world and hate crimes have risen. In November the FBI said [JURIST report] that hate crimes, especially against Muslims, were on the rise in the US. In the UK, prosecutors have been encouraged [JURIST report] to use tougher sentences against hate crimes [BBC report] in response to the nations increasingly hostile environment since the EU referendum. A spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights expressed concern [JURIST report] in November about possible crimes against humanity committed against Myanmars Rohingya Muslim minority.
Queen Elizabeth II gave royal assent on Thursday to a bill empowering British Prime Minister Theresa May to trigger Article 50 of the EU's Lisbon Treaty and begin the process of leaving the European Union.

May has said she will send a letter to the European Council informing them of Britain's decision to leave the bloc by the end of March, following a majority vote for Brexit in last year's referendum.

The House of Commons speaker John Bercow announced the final go-ahead in the parliamentary chamber, prompting cheers from ruling Conservative Party MPs.

"Her Majesty has signified her royal assent," he said.

May's spokesman told a daily briefing: "The legislation now has royal assent.

"We look forward to beginning negotiations when we trigger Article 50 by the end of March," he said.

The queen's signature on the bill allows May to invoke Article 50 at any time, starting a process that will take a maximum of two years unless Britain and its EU partners agree to extend the deadline.

May has said she will address the British parliament to inform lawmakers that she has triggered Article 50, and an initial response is expected from the European Commission within 48 hours.

Full negotiations, however, are not expected to start for several weeks or months as both sides prepare.

"This will be a defining moment for our whole country as we begin to forge a new relationship with Europe and a new role for ourselves in the world," May told MPs on Tuesday.

She had been widely expected to trigger Article 50 this week but the plan appears to have been derailed by a surprise announcement by Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on Monday that she would seek a new independence referendum.

During the EU referendum campaign, Buckingham Palace denied a report in The Sun tabloid that the queen was a supporter of Brexit.

The newspaper cited an anonymous "senior source" who said the monarch had "let rip" at pro-EU politician Nick Clegg during a lunch in 2011 when he was deputy prime minister.

"People who heard their conversation were left in no doubt at all about the queen's views on European integration," the source was quoted as saying.

"It was really something, and it went on for quite a while.

"The EU is clearly something her majesty feels passionately about," the source said.

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New York City, NY, 03/16/2017 /SubmitPressRelease123/

Sometimes called life flights, medical helicopters and fixed wing aircraft are instrumental in getting critically ill patients to hospitals faster than an ambulance on the ground. They also regularly transport organs across the country for doctors to use in life-saving organ transplants. In addition, they serve patients in rural areas, where access to medical facilities is often limited. These dedicated air crews save lives every day. Tragically, these flights are subject to the same risks as those encountered by other aircraft.

Recently, four people lost their lives in a medical aircraft accident in Nevada. According to a Fox News report, the airplane experienced mechanical problems shortly after it took off, causing it to lose power and altitude. It crash-landed in a commercial parking lot near a retirement community, causing several parked vehicles to catch on fire. The four casualties include one patient and three crew members. There were no survivors.

Sadly, this accident comes within months of an eerily similar crash involving a medical flight. In July 2016, a medical transport plane crashed in northern California, also resulting in four fatalities and no survivors. A CNN report said the pilot reported smoke on board the aircraft five minutes before losing communication with air traffic controllers on the ground.

FAA Rules for Medical Helicopter Safety

Although medical aircraft accidents are comparatively rare, says New York City aviation accident lawyer Jonathan C. Reiter, they are nevertheless devastating when they happen. Individuals who have lost a loved one in these crashes are often left wondering how such an accident could have happened.

In 2014, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) created new rules in an effort to improve helicopter safety, including flights involving medical helicopters. Under the new rule, all helicopters operating in the U.S. are now required to:

Employ stricter flight procedures in inclement weather.

Use enhanced protocols for flights in challenging weather, including flying at night and landing in remote areas.

By 2017, use the most advanced on-board technology and equipment for avoiding terrain and obstacles.

By 2018, be equipped with flight data monitoring systems.

Additionally, the new rule specifically requires air ambulance helicopter pilots to install Helicopter Terrain Awareness and Warning Systems, establish operations control centers if they operate 10 or more helicopters, use pre-flight risk-analysis programs, make sure pilots hold an instrument rating, and provide safety briefings for medical crew.

The FAA has stated that 125 fatalities occurring on air ambulance helicopters between 1991 and 2010 could have been avoided had the current rules for medical flights been in place sooner.

Media Contact:

Aviation Lawyer Jonathan C. Reiter. T: 866-324-9211.

Jonathan C. Reiter Law Firm, PLLC

The Empire State Building

350 5th Avenue #6400

New York, NY 10118

T: (212) 736-0979

source: http://injuryaccidentnews.jcreiterlaw.com/2017/03/14/aviation-lawyer-jonathan-c-reiter-discusses-medical-aircraft-crash/

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Photo Credit: Mike Coughlin

I am so excited to share this recent interview with jet-setting millennial entrepreneur, Mike Coughlin, founder of the advertising agency, Digital Blue Creative. Digital Blue Creative works with some of today's largest outdoor brands, and keeps two offices in both Boston and Miami. During the summer months, Mike spends his time in Boston and Cape Cod, and during the cold months, he spends his time in Miami Beach.

Can you tell our readers about your background?

I first began my career in the search engine marketing (SEM) space in 2004, when I landed an internship while studying at Boston University. At the time, I learned a new skillset that wasnt being taught in classrooms, and this internship experience would prove to be the stepping stone to my first post-college job. After applying to positions all over the Northeast, I was hired to work at a rapidly growing search agency in New York City. I gained tremendous experience managing large paid search media budgets for Fortune 500 companies during the five years that I worked there.

In 2010, I was becoming unhappy with recent changes in my career and decided to leap into developing my own business. Initially I took on a partner, which ended up not working out, so I went off completely on my own in 2013 by forming a new company called Digital Blue Creative. Digital Blue Creative originally starting as a search, social, and web analytics shop, but has since evolved into a full-service creative agency with a special emphasis on creating powerful brand stories through video content.

How did you become a lifestyle entrepreneur?

It all started with career dissatisfaction, some very important reading, and a strong willingness to take a risk. The most inspirational book that I have read is the Four Hour Work Week by Tim Ferris. This book changed the way I thought about my career, and it let me pursue freedom from the corporate world.

Your agency is "nature-inspired". What does that mean?

After I quit my full-time job, I moved back to Massachusetts and started spending a lot more of my time outside of the city. I had previously lived and worked in New York City, which I felt was contributing to my chronic anxiety and stress. Coincidently, my family bought a vacation home on Cape Cod at the time, a place I had grown up going to during summer, and I started working down there during hot summer days. As I started to leave the bubble of the urban, corporate world, I started to gain inspiration from the natural world. Being in the natural elements by the ocean seemed to have a therapeutic effect on my emotional well-being and even started to help me think more creatively.

After feeling it first hand, I started researching to determine if there were scientific studies to back up my hunch. Sure enough, I discovered the book, Blue Mind: The Surprising Science That Shows How Being Near, In, On, or Under Water Can Make You Happier, Healthier, More Connected, and Better at What You Do. This book reinforced every belief I had about the possible benefits of being in the natural world and even talked about how one of the most successful marketers of all time, Corona, leveraged the power of nature to build a successful brand. Inspired by brands like Corona, Margaritaville, Patagonia, and ONeill, Digital Blue Creative has set off on a journey to produce powerful brand stories for like-minded companies looking to stand out in saturated markets. To document our own story, were producing a short video series called #BlueOceanLife.

Where's your favorite place to travel during the winter?

I spend a great deal of time in Southern Florida and am partially living and working down there during the cold Northeast winters. Currently, Im residing on the beach in South Beach, where I live and work with an ocean view.

Do you have any vacations coming up this year?

Yes, Im planning on traveling to Southern California, particularly San Diego, Los Angeles, and everywhere in between. Im also going to Las Vegas, the Bahamas, and possibly Co-Boat, which is a co-working space on a catamaran that sails the Mediterranean Sea.

What other projects do you have in the pipeline?

Our biggest project planned for this year is our original short video series called #BlueOceanLife, which was inspired by my journey as a lifestyle entrepreneur. Were hoping to build an audience through this series so we can showcase our storytelling and production abilities as a company to a wider audience. On top of that, we have a variety of client video projects lined up that we believe will break the corporate mold.
Chancellor Angela Merkel is set to visit Russia on May 2, President Vladimir Putin said Thursday, a first visit by the German leader to the country in nearly two years.

"We are awaiting Mrs Merkel on May 2," Putin said while meeting with the premier of the German state of Bavaria, Horst Seehofer, a conservative critic of Merkel, particularly on the issue of refugees.

"Give my best wishes to the federal chancellor," Putin told Seehofer, who is also the leader of the Bavarian CSU party and has already made two visits to Moscow this year.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said earlier that Merkel and Putin would discuss the situation in Ukraine during their meeting.

Merkel has been the main mediator with Putin over the crisis in Ukraine that has seen Moscow seize the Crimea peninsula and back a separatist insurgency in the east of the country.

She is a key proponent of keeping sanctions on Moscow in place until a stalled peace plan to end the conflict in Europe's backyard is fulfilled.

Seehofer, who advocates lifting sanctions against Russia over the conflict in Ukraine, also met Putin last month, to some criticism at home that he was trying to sow dissent.

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The law will now move forward to a vote in the plenary session

An Egyptian parliamentary committee on Wednesday approved the country's three-year $12 billion loan agreement with the International Monetary Fund, which will next be voted on by the whole legislature.

The constitutional and legal affairs committee approved the agreement after 31 members voted in favour, five against, and one abstained, state news agency MENA reported.

The Central Bank of Egypt received an initial $2.75 billion tranche of the loan in November, following the IMF boards approval of the agreement.

During Wednesday's parliamentary session, Minister of Finance Amr El-Garhi said that all the documents related to the agreement are available for review by MPs.

El-Garhi told Reuters on Wednesday that a delegation from the IMF will visit Egypt from 28 April 28 to 8 May.

The IMF said last month it planned to complete its first review of Egypt's economic reform programme around June this year.

Parliamentary speaker Ali Abdel-Aal described the agreement as a part of a comprehensive economic reform programme, highlighting Egypt's right to borrow from international monetary organisations like any other country in the world.

In mid-August 2016, Egypt reached a staff-level agreement with the IMF over the $12 billion loan to endorse the countrys fiscal reform programme, which the government embarked on in 2014 in an attempt to curb the growing state budget deficit, estimated at 12.2 percent of GDP in 2015/16.

The fiscal reform programme included the floatation of the Egyptian pound.

The government hopes the loan will jumpstart the Egyptian economy, which has been battered by years of turmoil that have driven away investors and tourists.

Egypts foreign reserves reached $26.54 billion by the end of February 2017, up from around $26.36 billion in January, the CBE said.

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Egypt's ministers of antiquities and tourism are set to hold a press conference at the museum on the sidelines of the statue's reception

The 3,000-year-old statue was discovered last week by a German-Egyptian archaeological team in the Greater Cairo district of Matariya.

Egypt state television broadcasted a live feed of the statue's progression as it was transferred by the armed forces in cooperation with the Ministry of Antiquities after midnight from Matariya district to Tahrir Square.

The progression moved very slowly to minimize friction on the body of the statue, given its enormous weight approaching 50.8 tonnes.

Other artefacts were transferred along with the body of the statue, including its head which weighs 1.5 tonnes.

Minister of Antiquities Khaled El-Enany and Minister of Tourism Yahya Rashed are scheduled to hold a press conference at the Egyptian Museum on the sidelines of the statue's reception later on Thursday.

The statue will undergo restoration at the Egyptian Museum and eventually be displayed at the Grand Egyptian Musuem -- a facility under construction near the Giza pyramids which could become the world's largest archaeological museum.

The $795 million project, which sits on nearly 120 acres of land approximately two kilometres from the Giza pyramids, is part of a new master plan for the plateau.

It is scheduled to open partially in 2018.

Ramses II was born in 1303 BC and ruled Egypt for 67 years from 1279 BC until 1212 BC.

He ascended to power in his early twenties, and is believed to have died in his early nineties.

Ramses was the third Pharaoh of the nineteenth dynasty. His father was King Seti I.

Also referred to as Ramses the Great, the pharaoh was one of ancient Egypt's most celebrated rulers, credited with expanding the empire to its greatest historical limits.

During his reign, Ramses II led several military expeditions to the Levant and Nubia.

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The late Abdel-Moneim Tallima, who died last week at the age of 80, was not just an influential and important literary critic, but was dedicated to a social mission aimed at both understanding the world and changing it.

Tallima authored numerous books, schooled large numbers of students and supervised many academic projects, and travelled the world frequently on various scientific missions.

Until his death, he hosted weekly literary discussion meetings in his home for over five decades.

The late critic, born in 1937, graduated from the Arabic Language Department at Cairo University in 1960 and received his MA in 1963 in a thesis on Egyptian political poetry from the Orabi Revolution of 1882 until the 1919 Revolution.

He received his PhD in the theory of poetry in modern literary criticism in 1966

He also earned a diploma in pedagogy and a BA in classical literature (Latin and Greek).

His academic endeavours took him all the way to head of the Arabic Language Department at Cairo University.

After the publishing of his pivotal book An Introduction to Literature Theory in 1973, he authored An Introduction to Literary Aesthetics in 1978; The Arabs Approach to Writing Biographies 1983, and Naguib Mahfouz in 2001.

He also contributed chapters in several books and introductions to dozens of studies and essays that were not published in book form.

Tallima also republished the 1926 controversial book by the late literary giant Taha Hussein On Pre-Islamic Poetry with a new introduction.

The book was banned shortly after it was published, as Hussein faced accusations of casting doubts on basic tenets of Islamic theology.

His lectures and discussions, which he held at his home every Thursday evening in an open forum attended by generations of both writers and students, were not recorded. He believed in direct, live, open and democratic discussions.

As a matter of fact, his critical efforts, both theoretical and applied, formed a school of criticism whose pillars are on based on Marxist aesthetics on the one hand, and celebrating the value of science as well as the close relationship between art and literature and the movement of history and society on the other.

In An Introduction to Literature Theory, Tallima discussed the concept of alienation in society, celebrated the freedom of the literary creator and his independence.

According to Tallima, literary criticism is part of social criticism, because he considered literature both a portrait and a mirror of society.

His academic, political and critical contributions also spanned the cultural sphere.

Tallima faced a number of hurdles in life, including a punitive transferral from his job as a university professor to a desk job at the Ministry of Housing during the crackdown by the late president Anwar El-Sadat on all opposition in September 1981.

He was also jailed on two occasions for his political activities and beliefs.

Tallima received the State Merit Award in the Arts in 2004.

The American University in Cairo celebrated his critical works last year. At the event at AUC, he acknowledged that he learned about the Arabic lexicon from theology historian George Qanawati (1905  1993), the renewal of religious thought from Islamic thinker Sheikh Ali Abdel-Raziq (1888  1967), the interaction between literature and society from renowned philosopher Zaki Naguib Mahmoud (1905  1993), and literatures doctrines and styles from literary critic Mohamed Mandour (1907  1965).

Finally, instead of saying farewell to the late critic, the government must bear the responsibility of republishing his works, including his unpublished MA and PhD theses.

Shortly before his death, Tallima said in newspaper interviews that he was about to finish two books: The Moon on its Wall, a semi-autobiography; and I Knew Them as Men and Women, But did I Know Myself?, which explores his relationship with a number of personalities that contributed in shaping his world outlook.

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To discriminate on the grounds of sexuality is to deny the needs of the soul. Using religion to justify this discrimination is more twisted than any deviation from societal norms.

A bright orange bus emblazoned with an anti-transgender message has been forced off the roads in Spain, after activists, trade unions, and Madrid City Council united against it. The slogan on the bus read: Boys have penises, girls have vulvas. Do not be fooled.

A Catholic group, Hazte Oir, had planned to take it on a nationwide tour of Spanish cities. The group said the ban was illegal and that it planned to acquire a new bus.

A similar message on the side of the banned bus states: If you are born a man, you are a man. If you are a woman, you will continue to be one.

It is believed to be a response to posters put up in northern Spain by a transgender rights group, which read: There are girls with penises and boys with vulvas. Its as simple as that.

Apparently, we now have to make sure we obey our biology. As if thats all that we are  mammals, which need to be identified and categorised by what we carried between our legs on the day of our birth.

The needs of the soul

How about finally accepting that we are also humans  sentient beings that have a spirit and a soul, not just flesh, meat and bones? Havent we humans always separated ourselves from other animals, often in such an arrogant way that we have placed ourselves above all other forms of life, exploiting them, abusing them?

Isnt this precisely because we see ourselves as more than just animals, more than any other creatures under the heavens? In fact, it was religion that made us believe that we were Gods favourite, chosen ones.

Yet ironically, there are Catholics that insist on identifying and categorising people strictly on the basis of biology and anatomy. I am confused.

Am I a man because I was born with a penis, or because I feel like a man? How about what my spirit makes me feel and want?

What would happen to my soul and all religions promises of atonement or forgiveness in the afterlife, when my penis-identifier has withered away and returned to dust?

I wonder, then, if we belong to one sex or the other because our anatomy chose for us at birth, or because our soul urges us to behave in a certain manner.

If, that is, religion has got it right and what we think of as the spirit even exists at all. If not, should this not force us to change our perception of religion, spirituality and God?

Beyond genitalia

Science discovered in 1991 that the hypothalamus, which controls the release of sex hormones from the pituitary gland, differs between gay men and straight men. The third interstitial nucleus of the anterior hypothalamus (INAH3) was found to be more than twice as large in heterosexual men as in homosexual men. It additionally showed that in gay men, neurons in the INAH3 are packed more closely together than in straight men.

Later studies performed in 2008, have shown that the two halves of the brain are more symmetrical in homosexual men and heterosexual women than in heterosexual men and homosexual women.

These studies have also revealed that connections in the amygdala of gay men resemble those of straight women; in gay women, connections in the amygdala resemble those of straight men. The amygdala has many receptors for sex hormones and is associated with the processing of emotions.

Some studies have shown that the corpus callosum  the main connection between the two halves of the brain  has a different structure in gay men than in straight men. However, other studies have found no difference.

Gay women and gay men are more likely to be left-handed or ambidextrous than straight women and straight men, according to a number of different studies. Some researchers have suggested that this difference in handedness  preference for one hand over the other can already be observed in foetuses  is related to differences in the corpus callosum.

One should think twice before attributing any discriminatory beliefs or misconceptions to God or relying on His authority in imposing morality on our sexual behaviour

Based on the above, one should think twice before attributing any discriminatory beliefs or misconceptions to God or relying on His authority in imposing morality on our sexual behaviour.

Instead, we should start liberating ourselves from anachronistic ideologies, religious beliefs and conservative mentalities regarding sexuality. The reason being that they are simply misplaced. They are founded upon lies and false information.

Why allow religion to spread bigotry and hate?

Humans cannot be reduced to animals that only mate for procreation. Even if one believes they should be, there are plenty of examples of animals having sex just for fun. Homosexuality is not unknown among other animals either, especially the most developed ones, such as chimpanzees and dolphins.

Our sexuality is not just black or white; rather it covers all shades of grey in between. So why do some insist on stereotyping, discriminating against, excluding and even using violence towards individuals that do not fit into their idea of respectable and acceptable sexual orientations?

How come we still allow religion to spread bigotry and hatred towards our fellow human beings? Especially when the Christian faith is here to spread love and acceptance. Not to mention that it has totally failed to deal with humanitys most basic need for love and sex, let alone prove that its representatives know exactly what Gods will really is on such matters.

If zealots promise people a life after death but treat people like sheep that possess genitals only for procreation and easy categorisation, then we have the following contradiction: do sheep really care about life after death, their soul, forgiveness and paradise. If they dont, why do they need religion?

People who suppress their true selves have nothing to teach me about love and sex.

People who suppress their true selves or sexualities and choose to remain celibate in order to please their imagined version of God, or those who stay in sexless, loveless marriages out of convenience or fear of breaking societal taboos, have nothing to teach me about love and sex.

They are far more twisted than any gay or transgender individual, simply because they are the ones who go against their true nature. And I do not believe that they should be allowed to set the rules for everyone else to follow.
The EU agreed Thursday to give Ukraine 600 million euros in loans as a deadly conflict with pro-Russian rebels continues to sap efforts to stabilise its economy, a statement said.

The payment brings total EU macro-financial assistance (MFA) for Ukraine to 2.8 billion euros ($3.0 billion) since 2014, when Kiev broke decisively with Soviet-era master Russia to focus on building ties with the European Union.

The European Commission said the MFA programme has helped Ukraine raise international finance and supported EU-backed reform efforts to root out corruption and restructure the economy.

Ukraine had largely kept its commitments, the Commission said.

"Ukraine has done a remarkable job of stabilising and reforming its economy, despite the armed conflict unfolding on its soil," Commission Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis said in the statement.

"With today's disbursement ... the EU reaffirms its long-standing commitment to support Ukraine in its efforts to maintain stability and ensure economic recovery in the country."

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Israel has several reasons to launch yet another aggression on Lebanon; Tel Aviv is simply waiting for the time and the pretext

Sparring has returned between Lebanons Hezbollah and Israel. Mutual threats in which candid and harsh words have been exchanged, reveal what the situation would look like if the two sides became entangled in a military confrontation, whether one accurately calculated or hastily done.

It is not far-fetched that we would witness an attack by Hezbollah on Israels Dimona Nuclear Reactor in the Negev Desert or on Israeli natural gas platforms in the Mediterranean, which are close to Lebanese territory and maritime borders. A missile attack on factories and plants producing dangerous chemical substances near Haifa in the middle of Israel, is another possibility.

It is no more far-fetched to foresee a devastating Israeli aerial attack on Lebanese infrastructure, which the countrys intelligence minister Yisrael Katz has said would return it to the Middle Ages.

Katz, along with Hezbollahs secretary-general Hassan Nasrallah, have painted these scenes on several occasions.

Security reports closely linked to the Israeli Army speak at length on the growing missile power of Hezbollah, saying it has more than doubled in comparison with the groups capacity during the barbaric Israeli aggression on Lebanon in the summer of 2006.

The reports say the same of Hezbollahs fighting capabilities, given their combat experience in Syria against armed groups financed and trained by the Americans, the Turks and the Gulf Arabs.

According to Israeli reports, Hezbollah have 130 thousand missiles or more, of different kinds and ranges, some of which are capable of reaching any spot in Israel. They are Iranian-made and Russian-made and some are American.

It is likely that these reports exaggerate the power and ammunition of Hezbollah. They can be read as an effort to inflate the threat to Israeli security, priming public opinion to accept and support Tel Aviv, should it decide to launch a war on the group, whether in Lebanon or in Syria.

Tel Aviv would claim such war as a necessity to protect the country from a threat which is growing in power and ferocity. It is not possible to minimise Hezbollah's capacity to strike back powerfully and harshly on any Israeli war, whatever false reasons Tel Aviv employs.

Here is the rub that lies in front of the Israeli decision-maker, especially given that Israels ferocious war on Hezbollah and the whole of Lebanon in 2006 did not achieve its stated objective: to terminate the military existence of Hezbollah and subsequently enhance Israel's security.

Despite Israels brutal attacks, Hezbollah proved then its strong defense and ability to launch successful military operations that destroyed much of Israels military equipment and personnel.

While Israels aggression ended with few security gains, Hezbollah retained its weapons in different areas in Lebanon. Subsequently, the groups power and fighting capabilities have increased and its members grown accustomed to different kinds of combat fighting in cities, villages and mountains in the Syrian Civil War.

From the Israeli perspective, there are several reasons that push for aggression on Lebanon at this time. First, the US Trump administration, which strongly backs Tel Aviv, would not mind if Israel took it upon itself to trim Iranian regional fingernails. On the contrary, it may ask it to, given that Trump and his advisors see Iran as the worlds top source of terrorism.

There is no proof that such a matter was not discussed between Trump and Netanyahu during their last meeting in Washington. Generally, the new American milieu, which supports Israeli moves without limit, would tempt someone like Netanyahu to make war sooner, rather than later.

Second, Israels leaders are deeply convinced of the principle of preventive wars, which aim to kill in the cradle  or before they gets worse  what those leaders consider probable and dangerous threats such as Hezbollah and its weapons.

Third, no political solution in Syria will eliminate the gains Hezbollah has made, or encourage it to turn its gaze from Israel. Either the group will eventually return to Lebanon, where it will increase its power in the Lebanese scene, or it will continue to deploy in both Syria and Lebanon, and may venture close to the Golan Heights thus threatening the Israeli occupation there.

Ultimately, Israel sees Hezbollah as a problem with a military solution  which the Trump administration would protect  and the search continues for the perfect time and pretext to sell the idea in the marketplace of public opinion.

This can be seen in the Israeli UN delegates message to the Secretary General, which directly accused Lebanese President Michel Aoun of allowing Hezbollah to retain arms in defiance of UN resolutions no. 1701 and 1559. The delegates accusations came after Aoun said that the groups arms complemented those of the Lebanese Army and were intended to deter aggression.

Such a message is nothing but preparation for a major military operation which may not be far off.

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KEARNEY  Kearney Public Librarys Pub Quiz at the Chicken Coop will be from 8:30-9:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Teams of one to five people will answer 30 trivia questions. The theme is Nebraska. Smartphones may not be used to answer questions. The team with the most correct answers wins a prize.

The event will take place in the basement of the Chicken Coop at 2115 Ave. A.

No registration is required. Call Kearney Public Library at 233-3282 for more information. This months free question is: Nebraskas official nickname has been the Cornhusker State since 1945. What was its official nickname before 1945?
KEARNEY  A Sutton man faces at least one year in prison for sexually assaulting a girl in Buffalo County.

Andrew M. Wortman, 25, pleaded no contest last week in Buffalo County District Court to felony first-degree sexual assault of a girl at least 12 years old but less than 16. The offense happened between July 1 and Sept. 1.

Court documents outlining the details in the case have been sealed.

A charge of felony enticement by electronic device was dropped by the Buffalo County Attorneys Office. Wortman must now register with the Nebraska State Patrol as a convicted sex offender.

A no-contest plea is neither an admittance nor denial of guilt, but the plea is treated the same as a guilty plea. Judge Bill Wright accepted Wortmans plea and ordered the state probation department to conduct a presentence investigation report, including a substance abuse evaluation. Those reports detail defendants background, including their family and criminal history, employment, and any psychological or chemical dependency.

The report will be provided to Wright to help him issue an appropriate sentence.

Sentencing will be in May. Wortman faces one to 50 years in prison.

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KEARNEY  Americas farmers and ranchers will struggle with uncertainty until Congress passes a new farm bill and international trade issues are resolved, according to American Soybean Association Chief Executive Officer Steve Censky of St. Louis.

Censky updated those issues Wednesday at the Governors Ag Conference in Kearney.

Seeing a new farm bill this year is unlikely. We would want to pass a farm bill certainly before the August 2018 (congressional) recess, he said, because nothing much gets done later in any election year.

Censky, who served at the U.S. Department of Agriculture in the Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush administrations, said a vital interest in farm country is protecting and enhancing crop insurance as a safety net.

Other farm bill features being discussed by coalitions of farm and conservation groups include:

- Giving producers a choice between Agriculture Risk Coverage or Price Loss Coverage programs on a crop-by-crop, farm-by-farm basis.

- Maintaining conservation program funding.

- Protecting and growing biofuel and ethanol production and extending a renewable fuels standard. The RFS is scheduled to end in 2022, and then volume discretion shifts to the Environmental Protection Agency.

- Restarting a biodiesel credit, but for producers, not blenders.

- Doubling funding for foreign marketing programs.

Censky said no one is talking about any big new programs, but there is interest in fixing some current farm bill problems, particularly for dairy and cotton producers.

How do you make these changes without taking from someone else? he said, which is the same question being asked on a broader level about President Donald Trumps proposed budget that includes $54 billion in cuts to nondefense agencies. House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Collin Peterson of Minnesota said this morning that Trump's 2018 budget requests would cut the USDA budget by $4.7 billion, or 21 percent.

Censky said farm bills dont have enough votes to pass on their own, but must be packaged with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to draw urban lawmakers support.

Trade agreements

Trade agreements result in winners, he said, and no commodity group depends more on strong international demand and market access than U.S. soybean growers. They exported 63 percent of their crop in 2016.

Censky, who once was administrator of USDAs Foreign Agricultural Service, said ASA and other commodity groups are working to ensure Trump administration officials understand the importance of trade to farmers and ranchers.

Trump withdrew the United States from the Trans Pacific Partnership, which was estimated to have a $4.4 billion boost for ag producers. He has said he wants to make bilateral agreements that are more favorable to U.S. trade as a whole.

All right. Lets get on with it then, Censky said, with Japan as the first focus.

He said that while soybeans and soybean meal can be exported there duty-free, soybean growers domestic customers face high tariffs on meat products sold to Japans importers.

The other major trade goal is protecting the ag benefits from the North American Free Trade Agreement, which Trump also has criticized. Censky said that since NAFTA, U.S. ag exports to Mexico and Canada have quadrupled.

He has some optimism in reading Trumps trade views in books the president wrote years ago. Trump wrote about cutting better deals, not building trade walls, and acknowledged the interdependence of the worlds economies.

However, there also have been more recent Trump talk about trade wars and tariffs.

Of course there is uncertainty with the withdrawal from TPP and talk of renegotiating NAFTA, Censky said.

Some trade agreement changes can be good, as long as the significant gains for U.S. agriculture are not lost, he said, adding that Twitter exchanges will make it difficult for Mexicos president to agree to much of anything related to NAFTA.

Overall, Censky said, the trade goals should be to move quickly on agreements in Asia and negotiate prudently with China and on any NAFTA changes.

U.S. soybean growers sold $12 billion worth of soybeans to China in 2016, which he said equals more than one of every four rows planted.

We are an export powerhouse, Censky said, but a powerhouse with import tariffs significantly lower than what many other countries charge for U.S. exports. Thats why we need trade agreements.

He said that of 270 free trade agreements worldwide, the United States is involved in only 14 of them with 20 countries.

The U.S. market share is 40 percent in the free-trade countries, but only 11 percent overall in the other countries.

The rest of the world is striking these free-trade agreements. We need to have them as well, Censky said.

Other ag issues

- Infrastructure. Trumps pledge to invest $1 trillion in U.S. infrastructure  roads, ports, utilities, broadband, etc.  may involve mostly bonding and loan guarantees to private enterprises. Censky said that could work well in metropolitan areas. But we think there needs to be direct spending in rural areas.

- Regulations. A big issue will be regulations for new gene-editing technologies that allow crop breeders to turn selected genes on or off. Censky said only the biggest agribusinesses will be players if new regulations mirror those for current biotechnologies, so the goal is to have gene-editing considered as an evolution in plant breeding.

- Biotech labels. Regulations are being written now for what information will be required.
Before I turned out the light Saturday night, I dutifully but reluctantly turned my clocks ahead one hour for Daylight Savings Time. It was something I did not want to do.

To me, watching the hibernating earth yawn and stretch and awaken as winter fades is a joy. By early March, as spring steps into Mother Natures on-deck circle, I pour myself a steaming cup of coffee at 6 a.m., wrap myself in a blanket, and curl up on my front porch to watch the sun rise. Alas, Sunday, I couldnt do that. The sun had been ordered not to show her face for another hour.

A quiet revolution is spreading across the U.S. these days. A number of states, including Nebraska, are rethinking the value of Daylight Savings Time. I am, too.

Nebraska farmers, I expect, would support this move. Early risers year-round, they face an extra dark hour before sunrise. Cattle and sheep dont tinker with their internal clocks, so farmers face extra challenges. The monks I know at a nearby monastery get up at 3:30 a.m. On Sunday, they had to scrape themselves out of bed at the equivalent of 2:30 a.m. Ouch.

When I was small, I loved Daylight Savings Time, perhaps because it didnt begin until the last Sunday in April. It was nearly summer by then. Tulips were in bloom, tiny buds were opening their eyes on the trees, and frosty mornings were nearly past. We were ready for lazy summer evenings, for picnics and swimming and Little League games and jogging after dinner.

Then, a generation ago, the energy crisis hit, and somebody in Washington proclaimed that we could save energy if we instituted Daylight Savings Time in January. Dutifully, we did. In northern regions of the country, the result was sobering.

We face delayed dawns, driving to work with our headlights on, garbage trucks making their early rounds in the dark, and children waiting for the school bus in the dark. As far as saving energy, it was a ruse. We kept lights on later in the morning, a truth those Washington politicos conveniently ignored.

In time, Daylight Savings Time was sent back to early March, but thats still too early. In many places, snow is still falling. Campgrounds and lakes are closed. Many people, happy to see the sun rising earlier, must revert to driving to work in the dark. Its like being sent to the back of the line.

As far as saving energy, various experts now say that extensive research has proven that springing forward in the winter does not save energy.

The Daylight Savings Time concept has lingered for centuries. Ben Franklin proposed it in 1784 to save candles. In 1895, a New Zealand man named George Hudson championed the idea because he wanted to collect insects later on summer evenings.

The idea took hold. The first to officially adopt it were the German Empire and Austria Hungary, on April 30, 1916. Other nations followed, but not everywhere. Clocks throughout Africa stay on the same time year round, a friend from Nigeria says.

Here in the U.S., Arizona (except for the Navajo Nation) is the only state that has not adopted Daylight Savings Time. All other states do it, but decades ago, it was not necessarily adopted statewide. Cleveland, where I was born and raised, adopted Daylight Savings Time years before southern Ohio did. The state of Indiana was late to make it official, and farmers there are still fussing.

A few weeks ago, a radio talk show host invited opinions on whether to scrap Daylight Savings Time. Every caller but one  including farmers and ranchers whose days mirror the pattern of the sun year-round  said its time to leave our clocks alone and keep standard time year-round.

Sunday, as I chatted with friends after church, more than a few of them grumbled. I nearly forgot to turn my clock ahead, one said, I was nearly late. Enough of this nonsense. Daylight Savings Time has come. Next year, its time for it to go. For good.
The Nebraska Legislature has two options for addressing problems created by the states mandatory minimum sentencing requirements. Currently, judges are required to sentence people convicted of 1C felonies to at least five years in prison and those convicted of 1D felonies to at least three years in prison. These categories include robbery, possession of 10 or more grams of certain drugs, assault on a police officer and manufacturing or distribution of child pornography. Also, offenders determined to be habitual criminals are subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years added to the sentence for their crime.

Sen. Paul Schumacher, who is a former county attorney, has introduced a bill that would set up a process for a three-judge panel to consider bypassing a mandatory minimum for a specific case involving a nonviolent drug offense if requested by the presiding judge. It would also allow a review of a habitual criminal mandatory sentencing.

Right now, even if the judge feels probation or a lesser prison sentence is merited for a first-time offender, the judge has no recourse.

But Schumachers bill would make it possible for judges randomly selected by the Nebraska Supreme Courts chief justice to review whether the mandatory minimum is appropriate for a particular offender.

This would help reduce overcrowding in Nebraskas prisons as well as give first offenders the opportunity to stay out of prison, where they would likely be associating with hardened criminals who would influence them to continue breaking the law.

The other option before the Legislature is a bill introduced by Sen. Ernie Chambers that would do away with mandatory minimum sentences for 1D and 1C felonies.

This may be a harder sell with the Legislature because of concerns of prosecutors who use the threat of harsh sentences to get defendants to plead guilty to lesser crimes.

The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services has estimated Chambers bill would save the state more than $180,000 in 2019. It also estimated Schumachers bill would save the state money, but didnt have a specific number.

There are nine other states, including Iowa, that have recently passed laws reducing their mandatory minimum penalties for many drug offenders. Its time that Nebraska legislators seriously consider making it 10.

Grand Island Independent
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FILE- In this file photo dated Dec. 12, 2016, Heather Ilott, faces the cameras outside court in London. BritainAos Supreme Court ruled Wednesday March 15, 2017, against Ilott who tried to overturn her estranged motherAos will after the estate was left to animal charities. (Dominic Lipinski/PA FILE via AP)
Clarence Whitaker, whose name, misspelled, is inscribed on the cenotaph at Kelownas City Park, was among 35 men from the Okanagan who were killed at Vimy 100 years ago.
Karim Baratov is shown in a photo from his Instagram account. Baratov, a Canadian man of Kazakh origins, has been arrested in Ontario as one of four suspects in a massive hack of Yahoo emails, Toronto police said. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-Instagram
The logo of German car producer Audi is photographed behind a red light prior to the annual press conference in Ingolstadt, Germany, Wednesday, March 15, 2017. German media report that authorities are searching offices of Audi in connection with an investigation into the luxury automaker's parent company Volkswagen's cheating on diesel emissions tests. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)
Suspected people smuggler Abraham Louhenapessy, commonly known as "Captain Bram", sits on the defendant's chair as he waits for the start of his trial at the district court in Rote Ndao, Rote Island, Indonesia, Thursday, March 16, 2017. The Indonesian court has sentenced the people-smuggling kingpin to six years in jail and also fined him to pay 55 million rupiah ($37,400) to the state or to serve six more months in prison for organizing a trip for migrants to New Zealand in early 2015. Louhenapessy was allegedly involved in smuggling more than 1,000 people to Australia since 1999. (AP Photo/Djemi Amnifu)
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Just after I started at Stanfords Graduate School of Business, I wrote an article on why Im doing an MD/MBA. I argued that business school can help clinicians develop a new perspective, acquire important skills and build bridges between doctors, policymakers, and administrators.

I heard from dozens of students, faculty, and physicians who supported the idea of an MD/MBA. However, a question repeatedly came up about as to whether my classes had any real relevance to health and medicine.

Health care is unique from a business perspective. Its among the largest and most regulated industries in the U.S. economy, and it has extraordinarily high stakes, and, therefore, it doesnt follow the laws of supply and demand.

So while the notion of business training was appealing, people wondered if business school was the right way for a doctor to get it. One quarter in, I remain convinced that the answer is yes. Every class Ive taken has applications that a doctor would find useful.

Optimization and simulation modeling

OSM, a class that taught us how to model problems on Microsoft Excel, has direct relevance to health care. In fact, one of our first assignments was how to optimize the allocation of operating rooms to different surgical services. The class taught a host of analytic techniques ranging from basic optimization to decision analysis to Monte Carlo simulation.

Whether someone is a private practice doctor deciding how to allot clinic time, a hospital physician requesting resources or an academic doctor running a quality improvement project, its essential for physicians to understand how to model and make decisions.

Strategy and accounting

Strategy and accounting arent necessary for physicians at first glance, but empirical examples demonstrate their usefulness. One of our strategy cases was about workplace culture in a medical setting. Clinics that had a clear sense of direction were able to attract and retain staff, reduce costs and deliver superior outcomes.

The lesson I took away was that any physician can indirectly improve patient care by investing resources at the organizational level. Regardless of whether they are individual, hospital-based or academic, practices that have a coherent strategy and a strong financial position can better serve their patients.

Ethics, leadership labs, managerial skills, and organizational behavior

These four classes all dealt with how leaders make decisions when there isnt a clear path forward.

Medicine aspires to achieve evidence-based decision making but we often dont know the best approach to a problem. Medication regimens, behavioral counseling, and diagnostic testing often default to a trial and error approach.

At the same time, ethical quandaries permeate every aspect of medicine. For instance, we had a class discussion on the growing role of artificial intelligence in society, including its implications for health care.

More than anything else, business school teaches students how to navigate uncertainty. Many physicians question whether business classes are well suited to the complexities of health care. But its precisely because medicine is so complicated that the skills learned in business school are valuable.

An MBA isnt required for someone to become a doctor. Even so, incorporating aspects of business training into medical curricula would serve both physicians and their patients well.

Akhilesh Pathipati is a medical student who blogs at Scope, where this article originally appeared.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com
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To be clear, this is about one person. It warms my heart to know that people want to come and start new lives as Americans. Some of the best doctors got their education and training overseas. Not only have I worked with many of them, Im related to three by marriage. Most people have heard of Mr. Andrew Wakefield. He used to be a British doctor before being stripped of his license when his controversial paper linking the existing MMR vaccine to autism was found to be fraudulent. Especially scandalous was his filing of a patent for an alternative measles vaccine prior to publishing his paper. Well, he apparently lives in Texas now. Despite no longer being a physician, it would appear that he is still attempting to erode the efforts of the medical community for his own financial gain.

You probably heard about Vaxxed, the documentary directed by Mr. Wakefield which allegedly blows the lid off of the CDC and everything we know about vaccines. I havent seen it myself because I dont want to give money to his cause; youd think something apparently so important would be free for all to view.

Before you accuse me of being closed-minded, I have seen the CDC Whistleblower Revealed video narrated by Mr. Wakefield. (Its free online.) In it, he discusses an alleged link between MMR and autism in African American boys in Georgia. This apparent link was supposedly suppressed by the CDC. However, it wasnt found to be statistically significant, among many other critiques. That doesnt matter to Mr. Wakefield. In his video, he draws a comparison to the unethical Tuskegee syphilis trials and goes so far as to say  vile as the crimes of Stalin, Pol Pot, and Hitler were, these men were not hypocrites, their motives ambiguous or their rhetoric glazed with apparent caring and compassion 

Whats also free to browse is Vaxxeds website. Theres a Vaxxed bus that travels around documenting thousands of testimonials of illnesses and injuries caused by vaccines. Forget MMR and autism. Now, any vaccine can cause any illness  one just has to believe it. Check out the list of where the bus will be next and theyll film your story. I dont mean to sound callous about parents grieving about their childrens illnesses. Im just saying no evidence exists to support what they believe to be the cause. That doesnt matter to Mr. Wakefield, though. The number of testimonials goes up week after week driving traffic to his site. There, you can stream Vaxxed for a fee, donate to his cause, and visit the Vaxxed store. You can purchase Vaxxed on DVD, buy $20 Vaxxed t-shirts, or splurge on a non-returnable $332 Vaxxed movie kit, plus $25 shipping, on sale for just $250. (However, it doesnt come with the DVD or a code to stream online  you have to pay for those separately.)

It seems that Mr. Wakefield is fixated on one of the most American of virtues: capitalism. Whether its maligning an existing MMR vaccine while developing his own version, comparing the CDC to Hitler, or taking advantage of grieving parents, hes gone to some length in its pursuit. Hes even got a bug in the ear of our president whose views on vaccination are unclear, for now. No matter how fatiguing it may be, its up to the medical community to publicly and firmly discredit the many untrue assertions made by the anti-vaccine community. With declining vaccination rates across the country, the health of our kids and nation depends on it. At a time where immigration is so controversial, its clear that Mr. Andrew Wakefield is one immigrant who has nothing good to contribute to the American story.

Sean Gallagher is a pediatric resident. He can be reached on Twitter @TheKidKidDoc.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com
Congressman Henry Cuellar is calling the new proposed health care plans by republicans, unacceptable for working Americans.

Cuellar says up to 14 million Americans will lose their insurance under the new plan.

Cuellar also went onto say the new plan goes against everything President Trump promised, that no one would lose health care on his watch.

An independent office congressional budget report led by a republican shows medicaid would cut more then 800-80 billion in it's first year, which would leave children, seniors and people with disabilities defenseless.

Cuellar says working Americans will pay more for less coverage and does not support the republican plan.

Congressman Cuellar says his republican colleagues are not working together with democrats to create a new health plan.

He also says according to the CBO report, more than 24 million Americans will be out of coverage in ten years.

Cuellar says he's heard the new GOP health plan could go up for a vote next week.
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Two bullfrogs recreate the iconic Dirty Dancing scene



These frogs recreated the famous Dirty Dancing scene in a lift that ended with them both splashing ungraciously into the water. The amphibians were pictured attempting the ambitious stunt in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve in Botswana. They were captured in the iconic pose by photographer Keith Connelly, on a visit to the nature reserve.



The photo resembled this iconic image from the Dirty Dancing movie where actress Jennifer Grey is lifted into the air by hunky co-star Patrick Swayze.



Following the stunt, the frogs both collapsed spectacularly into the water. The pair were seen striking the famous pose before falling rather ungraciously into the water.



Mr Connelly, 37, from South Africa, said: 'Giant bullfrogs, once reaching maturity, compete aggressively and somewhat comically, for both space and mates in all of the large puddles and waterholes of the Kalahari. Read More...


Five lucky readers will win a pair of tickets to see one of the main acts at this year's Tradfest.

Kilkenny Tradfest, which is this year celebrating its fifth anniversary has again exceeded all expectations, with some of the countrys most influential and acclaimed musicians set to play in Kilkenny city over the St Patricks Day weekend (March 19-19).

Festival highlights include; Declan Sinnott & Vickie Keating, Heidi Talbot, Fourth Moon, Pauline Scanlon and band, The Voice Squad, plus breakout Irish traditional and folk band Beoga who have recently recorded two tracks for Ed Sheerans hotly anticipated new album, Divide.

Kilkenny Tradfest was recently awarded Best Small Live Music Festival at this years IMRO Live Music Venue of the Year Awards. The festival proudly showcases the very best of Irish traditional and folk music, in a variety of unique venues across Kilkenny city. This years festival is set to be bigger and better than ever before, with both free and ticketed events, theres something everyone can enjoy.

Commenting Malcolm Noonan, Kilkenny Tradfest Chairperson said: The festival is jam packed over the four days, and we are proud to present classic trad music, with contemporary blends as well. There really is something for everyone at Kilkenny Tradfest and without doubt it is the place to be this St. Patricks Day weekend.

To be in with a chance simply like this post and share and send your name and number to mary.cody@kilkennypeople.ie

For more see www.kilkennytradfest.com
The Department of Labors much-debated fiduciary rule  which was scheduled to go into effect in April  had its opponents from Day One.

The rule, which emphasizes eliminating conflicts of interest among financial professionals, faced strong opposition from the start. Wall Street firms funneled money into lobbying to stall progress on the fiduciary rule. If this rule came to pass, traditional financial services firms working with qualified money would be forced to adopt new business models centered on the clients best interests. Currently, some financial professionals are required to act under only a suitability standard, which means that the products they recommend must be suitable to the clients goals and objectives given their current situation, not necessarily their best interest.

In early January, Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.) introduced a bill that would delay the rules effective date by two years. While the bill has not been voted on, President Trump signed an executive order on Feb. 3 (opens in new tab) that effectively delays implementation for 180 days. A delay could give opponents time to water down the rules effectiveness, or even squash it completely.

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Which is too bad. Retirement planning is difficult enough without having to wonder if your financial professional is looking out for your best interests. The Department of Labor, which took six years to put the rules revisions in place, estimated that retirement plan participants are paying an extra $17 billion annually because of conflicts of interest (opens in new tab), backdoor payments and hidden fees.

If the regulation is repealed, the rules governing who is required to act in a clients best interest and who is held only to a suitability standard will stay the same unless addressed in the future. From my time working at a Wall Street firm, I witnessed the Wall Street business model, and it appeared some firms put their bottom line before their clients.

So its up to investors to look out for themselves  at least until they can be certain theyve found a financial professional they can trust. Its important for consumers to be informed about the DOL rule and compensation structures, regardless of the outcome.

With that in mind, here are some things to consider:

1. Brush up on your financial vocabulary.

Despite all the controversy over the DOL rule, most individuals still arent even aware there are different kinds of financial professionals.

For example, a Securities and Exchange Commission Registered Investment Adviser must follow the fiduciary standard (putting the clients best interests first, avoiding conflicts of interest, and providing full and fair disclosure of all important facts), while a registered representative, also known as a broker, must only follow a suitability standard (finding products that are suitable for the clients needs, but not necessarily the best, least expensive, or safest). Insurance-only financial professionals are also held to the suitability standard.

From conversations with my clients, it seems many individuals want a financial professional who is held to the fiduciary standard. And there are a couple of pretty easy ways to find one.

First, you can look at whether the advisers compensation is fee-based or commission-based. Many financial professionals held to a fiduciary standard choose to be compensated using a fee-based payment system. Others may choose to use a commission-based model. Starting here can help you narrow down your choices.

You also can go to https://www.sec.gov/ (opens in new tab) to see whether a financial professional is registered as an Investment Adviser Representative vs. a Registered Representative or Broker. Click on Search the Database to access the Investment Adviser Public Disclosure website.

2. Be conscious of all fees associated with your investments.

In general, I advise avoiding load mutual funds, which can come with a sales charge or commission that is paid up front. Load mutual funds used to be the standard years ago, but more individuals have become aware of other compensation methods that may be better suited for them. If you are looking for ongoing advice from a financial professional, a fee-based arrangement is generally preferred. This model incentivizes ongoing service and planning, whereas these benefits may not be provided if an upfront commission has already been paid.

Be aware of the specific investments held within a fee-based account. You could be paying a fee for these specific investments on top of the fee to your financial professional. In this case, the firm could be getting paid twice. Consider an investor who pays an advisory fee to a financial professional who builds a portfolio consisting of mutual funds. That investor is paying fees for the total portfolio, as well as fees for each fund within that portfolio. Alternatively, a portfolio of individual stocks or bonds only has a fee on the total portfolio, not on the individual holdings.

3. Have you considered going with an independent firm?

The whole point of the DOL rule is to avoid conflicts of interest, and some firms may have those conflicts built into their corporate structure. I have seen firms use revenue-sharing deals and other incentives that appear to be putting their profits and shareholders ahead of their clients. For example, a large investment advisory firm may have deals with several mutual fund companies and providers of annuity products. Each time a client buys funds or annuities from one of its preferred partners, the firm receives a payment from the partner in return.

Many large financial companies have revenue-sharing documents disclosing their conflicts of interest. Most of these firms publish these documents buried deep within their websites, but an Internet search usually pulls them up with minimal effort. However, these legal documents can be very difficult to decipher, even for the savvy investor. Even if you dont comprehend the legalese, it is important to simply know that these revenue-sharing agreements exist. These agreements can result in millions of dollars in payments per year, so make sure to look and see if a conflict of interest may exist.

And, finally, there are many advisers and firms out there who hold themselves out as being independent, but look closely. The company name may be Joe Smith Advisory Group, but in small print it will include the name of the big firm they work for. Essentially, theyre a franchise. These firms may have the same conflicts of interest as their larger counterparts.

If youre diligent  and lucky  youll find a financial professional you can trust. Just dont count on the government to lend a regulatory hand right away. Right now, the responsibility is all on the individual.

Kurt Fillmore is founder and president of Wealth Trac Financial, an independent financial services firm based in Bingham Farms, Michigan, specializing in customized wealth management and retirement planning. Kurt is an Investment Adviser Representative and licensed insurance professional.

Kim Franke-Folstad contributed to this article.

The appearances in Kiplinger were obtained through a PR program. The columnist received assistance from a public relations firm in preparing this piece for submission to Kiplinger.com. Kiplinger was not compensated in any way.
The stock market has once again entered a period of consolidation as investors wait for the results of the most important legislative decision of the year. The fight to repeal and replace Obamacare has taken the spotlight as Congress debates the passage of legislation that would eliminate its most burdensome aspects for businesses and individual taxpayers alike.

Internally, the NYSE broad market has been unsettled for the last several days after a period of relative calm in the months following the U.S. presidential election. There have been more than 40 stocks making new 52-week lows on a daily basis since last week. This makes almost two weeks that the number of daily new lows has exceeded 40, which reflects an increase in internal selling pressure. Most of that selling pressure is coming from consumer/retail stocks, bond funds and, increasingly, energy stocks.

The extremity of internal selling pressure isnt yet great enough to cause any major concerns about the strength of the stock markets intermediate-term uptrend. If the new lows dont soon diminish, however, it could eventually cause problems for the interim trend as internal weakness spreads from the above mentioned sectors to the broader market.

Following is a graph of the daily cumulative NYSE new highs-new lows. Its telling that for the first time since the Nov. 9 election, the highs-lows have stalled out. And while the trend is still technically up for the highs-lows, that trend could be broken if the new lows continue to expand in the next couple of weeks.

Its clear that the honeymoon phase of President Trumps election is over as investors arent giving a free ride to the stock market until he delivers on some of his campaign promises. The most critical of these promises concerns the proposed overhaul of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (a.k.a. Obamacare). The mainstream news media are in full swing right now with negative stories which undermine the Congress effort at eliminating the onerous taxes surrounding Obamacare. The tantalizing prospect of having the bills individual and employer mandates (which forces individuals to purchase health care or else pay a steep penalty) repealed is one big reason why the middle class turned out in droves to elect Trump.

Now its time for the Republican-controlled Congress to spit or get off the pot as the saying goes. Congress has an excellent chance to relieve a massive tax burden on individuals and small business owners by approving the proposed repeal of the Obamacare mandates. Unfortunately, there is now a concerted effort underway within Congress designed at undermining the proposed overhaul. It cant be emphasized enough that the repeal of the Obamacare taxes would be of tremendous benefit for the economy by relieving the stress created by years of burdensome taxation. That pent-up energy would likely express itself through a massive rally in the Dow and major averages, which have been tethered by the uncertainty surrounding the Obamacare reform debate in Congress.

A repeal of the individual and employer mandates would also likely result in a hiring spree by small business and would give the stock market the euphoric burst of investor confidence needed to achieve heights undreamed of by even the most optimistic bulls. This in turn would stimulate even more business activity due to the stimulative effect of Americas financially-driven economy.

Its sobering to think that how the rest of 2017 turns out for investors and wage earners alike might very well rest in the hands of Congress even as we speak. All we can do now is pray for the best outcome and hope the Congress is able to deliver what would be the most extraordinary gift that Washington could possibly give the American taxpayers.

Mastering Moving Averages

The moving average is one of the most versatile of all trading tools and should be a part of every investors arsenal. Far more than a simple trend line, its a dynamic momentum indicator as well as a means of identifying support and resistance across variable time frames. It can also be used in place of an overbought/oversold oscillator when used in relationship to the price of the stock or ETF youre trading in.
By Yuka Obayashi

TOKYO, March 16 (Reuters) - Japanese feedmakers, hit by a severe shortage of corn due to delays in shipments from the United States, say the crisis has eased and small cargoes of corn brought from China this month are likely to be the last for a while.

At least one small cargo of corn that trading company Mitsubishi Corp has purchased from China's COFCO Corp arrived at a Japanese port last week, four sources with knowledge of the deal told Reuters.

The emergency deal marked the first sale of corn from the world's No. 2 producer to the world's biggest importer since 2010. "We've seen the worst shortage in decades, but it seems the worst is nearly over although it may take until April or May to see inventories back to normal," a source at a Japanese feedmaker said, citing an improvement in U.S. shipments.

"I think trading houses won't need to buy expensive corn from China any further," he said.

Blizzards, avalanches and heavy rain in the northwestern United States early this year snarled transportation of corn, soy and wheat to ports, causing lengthy delays to crop loadings in Japan's main corn supplier. Mitsubishi bought about 15,000 tonnes of corn from the state-controlled Chinese company COFCO and at least one cargo of the grain arrived at Shibushi port in Kyushu, southern Japan, last week, three sources briefed on the deal said.

Another feedmaker source said his company has received and used some of the supplies brought from China by Mitsubishi.

"We had some concerns over quality as they may have been stored for a long time, but the ones we've received had no quality problem as they were checked by Mitsubishi before shipment," he said. He asked not to be identified as he was not authorised to speak to media.

Japanese trading company Marubeni Corp also bought about 5,000-6,000 tonnes of corn from China that is expected to arrive at Taniyama port in Kyushu this week, a source at another feedmaker said.

Japan last imported 23,702 tonnes of feed corn from China in 2010, according to trade data, and its new purchases come as China intensifies efforts to tackle a massive glut of the grain. Small volumes of corn were also imported from Vladivostok, Russia, by Mitsui & Co Ltd and Marubeni, two trader sources said.

Mitsubishi, Marubeni and Mitsui declined to comment on the deals.

Faced with falling inventories, feedmakers in top importer Japan tapped at least 330,000 tonnes of corn from emergency stockpiles last month. Japan imported a bit over 10 million tonnes of feed corn in 2016, according to official trade data.

(Reporting by Yuka Obayashi; Editing by Tom Hogue)
FRANKFURT, March 16 (Reuters) - IMF chief Christine Lagarde said she hoped an IMF staff member who was wounded by an explosion at the International Monetary Fund's Paris office on Thursday will soon be released from hospital.

"The person that was injured is in hospital and hopefully will be released in the not so distant future," Lagarde told an audience at a banking conference in Frankfurt.

"I want to reiterate that we at the IMF and many other people of the international community condemn this act of violence ... on an institution that serves the community."

(Reporting by Andreas Framke and Francesco Canepa; Editing by Robin Pomeroy)
A manager at an American metals-refining company was allegedly charged with aiding a gold smuggling network that involved illegal mines run by criminals in South America, Bloomberg reported, citing a criminal complaint.

Criminal organizations, such as Peruvian narco-terrorist groups, were able to launder billions of dollars through NTR Metals with this scheme, according to the media report.

The U.S. complaint, filed in Miami, incriminates Juan P. Granda and at least two other NTR Metals employees for buying billions of dollars worth of gold from illegal mines in Peru that reportedly practice forced labor, human trafficking, and environmental devastation, Bloomberg said.

Granda was taken into custody on Wednesday and will be making his first appearance in a Miami courtroom on Thursday, said an anonymous source, in the article.

Charges are not being brought against the company, Dallas-based NTR Metals, also known as Elemetal, in this complaint.

NTRs dealings with Perus illegal gold go back as far as 2012, according to the U.S. customs records. Between 2012 and 2015, the company reportedly imported $3.6 billion worth of illegal gold. For all of the billions of dollars worth shipped from Latin America to NTR in Miami, NTR sent billions of dollars in wire payments to Latin America from the United States, Bloomberg cited HSI agent Colberd Almeida as saying in an affidavit dated March 10.

Granda is suspected of working together with two sales representatives at NTR, who were aware of the transactions with organized crime, gold smuggling and entry of goods into the U.S. by false means and statements, illegal mining, and narcotics trafficking, all in the hopes of creating more profits for themselves and NTR, Almeida wrote.

The three employees reportedly encouraged relationships with alleged customers, inviting them on tours to the U.S. and telling them that NTR could buy the gold quicker than other companies.

The criminal complaint also revealed parts of the encrypted group mobile chats in which Granda calls himself a modern-day Pablo Escobar, referring to the Colombian drug boss, who was killed in 1993. Im like Pablo coming to Ecuador to get the coke.
BUDAPEST, March 16 (Reuters) - Hungary sold 45 billion forints ($155.76 million) worth of government bonds at an auction on Thursday, as planned, the Government Debt Management Agency (AKK) said . Series: A200923C Issue status: Auction data: AUCTION DATE 16/03/2017 02/03/2017 TOTAL BIDS (bln HUF) 43.9 69.2 ALLOTTED (bln HUF) 18.00 18.00 AVERAGE YIELD (pct) 1.52 1.52 Series: A221026B Issue status: Auction data: AUCTION DATE 16/03/2017 02/03/2017 TOTAL BIDS (bln HUF) 51.24 39.7 ALLOTTED (bln HUF) 15.00 15.00 AVERAGE YIELD (pct) 2.46 2.22 Series: A271027A Issue status: Auction data: AUCTION DATE 16/03/2017 02/03/2017 TOTAL BIDS (bln HUF) 42.37 34.9 ALLOTTED (bln HUF) 12.00 15.00 AVERAGE YIELD (pct) 3.57 3.43 ($1 = 288.9 forints)

(Reporting by Gergely Szakacs)

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this article do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.


OSLO, March 16 (Reuters) - Norway's central bank issued the following economic forecasts in a monetary policy report on Thursday after keeping rates unchanged at 0.50 percent, as expected. The forecasts are shown in comparison with the figures given in the bank's previous report in December. Figures (percentage change unless stated): 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Mar Dec Mar Dec Mar Dec Mar Sept Mar Mainland GDP 0.8 0.7 1.6 1.5 2.0 2.2 2.2 2.2 2.2 Core CPI* 3.0 3.1 1.7 2.4 1.5 1.8 1.3 1.7 1.4 Deposit rate 0.6 0.6 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.1 Oil invest. -14.7 -15.2 -9.8 -11.4 3.4 2.7 5.2 5.3 4.9 Unemployment** 3.0 3.0 2.9 3.1 2.8 2.9 2.7 2.8 2.6 Annual wages 1.7 2.3 2.5 2.8 2.8 3.2 3.1 3.5 3.3 Import-weighted FX (I-44) index 105.3 105.3 102.9 102.0 102.2 102.6 101.4 101.8 101.1 NOTES: * Core CPI is the consumer price index adjusted for tax changes and excluding energy products. ** Unemployment as calculated by NAV (Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration)

(Reporting by Oslo newsroom)

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this article do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.
* Nornickel's fund bought 5 T of palladium in 2016

* Aims to buy not less than 5 T in 2017

* Nornickel could consider a Eurobond issue soon

(Adds details, quotes from CFO)

By Katya Golubkova and Anastasia Lyrchikova

MOSCOW, March 16 (Reuters) - A fund created by Norilsk Nickel (Nornickel) buys palladium from Russia's central bank reserves to help meet demand from its customers, the world's largest producer of the metal said on Thursday.

Demand from Nornickel's customers is higher than its production of palladium, a metal used mainly in emissions-curbing auto catalysts, Vladimir Potanin, Nornickel's chief executive and co-owner, told reporters in Moscow.

"The central bank enables us to close this deficit," Potanin said, adding the company only used the central bank's reserves to fill orders, and not for stockpiling.

Nornickel's Global Palladium Fund bought 5 tonnes (around 160,000 troy ounces) of palladium in 2016 at market prices, Chief Financial Officer Sergey Malyshev said.

Purchases were made from Russia's central bank and other suppliers, he said, adding the Fund would buy at least 5 tonnes of palladium in 2017.

Nornickel created the fund in 2016 to develop relations with holders of existing metal stockpiles, with a commitment for potential transactions of up to $200 million. The central bank, which holds one of the world's largest gold and foreign exchange reserves, did not provide an immediate comment. The size of its palladium stock is a state secret.

"We believe that the fund's activity in future will be focused on easing of market volatility and increasing of demand from large industrial consumers," Malyshev said.

Potanin also said Nornickel could consider a Eurobond issue in near future as the company could restructure a part of its debt.

Talking about other Nornickel projects, Malyshev said Chinese investor Highland Fund had not used its pre-emption right to buy a 40 percent stake in the Bystrinskoye gold and copper mining project in Siberia.

He also said CIS Natural Resources Fund, a Russia-focused natural resources fund established by Potanin and his partner, would decide by the end of 2017 whether to go ahead with a proposed purchase of 39 percent of the project. (Reporting by Katya Golubkova and Anastasia Lyrchikova; additional reporting by Polina Devitt and Elena Fabrichnaya; Writing by Polina Devitt; Editing by Greg Mahlich and Mark Potter)
An amazing story at Stuff:

A new business, run by a cake decorator, which had no track record in waste management won a Westland District Council project to build a $7 million sewage plant in Franz Josef, a Stuff investigation has found. Techno Economic Services, which is based in South Auckland, won the council project in the middle of last year, despite never having provided waste management or construction services before. The company was not a registered company at the time it won the tender. It registered with the Companies Office several months after securing the Franz Josef job. Neha Bubna, the sole director and shareholder of the company, runs a cake shop in South Auckland, specialising in birthday and special occasion cakes. She is a recent migrant from India.

Incredible.

The process was overseen by Vivek Goel, the councils assets manager who stood down last month as a Serious Fraud Office (SFO) investigation into his activities began. The SFO has declined to discuss the allegations against Goel. Goel was in charge of organising tenders and supervising contracts for council projects such as wastewater treatment. The project was not put out to public tender. It is understood three companies were approached for expressions of interest in the project.

Even if this is corrupt behaviour by Goel, where were the checks and balances? Why was it not public tender? Did the Council CEO sign off on this without even asking what the track record of the winning company was?

Goels recommendation would have cost each of Franz Josef s 240 ratepayers over $28,000 each, excluding the costs of running the plant which was estimated at $150,000 a year.

Again how was this approved?

The previous council approved the plan as it progressed from stage to stage, despite intense opposition from the tiny Franz Josef community. Before the contract could be finalised, a new council was elected and in November the incoming council, led by Mayor Bruce Smith, rejected the deal.

Good.

The Stuff investigation shows Goel has a chequered history, including a string of failed businesses, a bankruptcy and a Tenancy Tribunal hearing in which he was forced to pay $650 in damages to a landowner. His companies, originally based in Auckland, included Goel Holdings, Anvik Liquor, Sai Super Mart and Sai Aden Investments. In February 2006, Goel declared bankruptcy and all his businesses were liquidated.

So how did he get hired by the Council?

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DocuSign Expands Functionality with Spring '17 Release

DocuSign, which provides solutions for e-signature and digital transaction management, has introduced DocuSign Spring '17 Release.

The release includes enhancements and updates to the company's e-signature solution and broader DTM platform, including deeper integrations with Google Docs, the availability of the electronic notary feature in eight U.S. states, the personal eHanko signing option in Japan, and the availability of DocuSign Payments.

The Spring '17 Release builds on the companys largest product update ever in December last year, in which it added more new features than in the last several quarters combined, said Ron Hirson, chief product officer at DocuSign.

New for the Spring '17 Release is the DocuSign for Google Docs add-on, a new integration that enables users to sign, send, and manage documents directly from Google Docs, with the ability to start a DocuSign workflow directly from the Google Docs editor, or from Docs' recent documents. This includes the automatic saving of signed documents to Google Drive, as well as Gmail integration for sending them.

On the real estate front, DocuSign has created its new electronic notary feature, enabling senders to request notarial acts and provide notaries with the ability to host an in-person signing session and perform the notarial acts

Released for early access in the DocuSign Winter '17 Release in December and generally available with the DocuSign Spring '17 Release, the new notary feature eliminates the need to print, scan, or mail closing documents. All actions can be performed within the DocuSign platform, including applying a seal and exporting a notary log. These in-person electronic notarizations can be performed via DocuSign in Idaho, Indiana, Florida, Kentucky, New Jersey, New York, and Washington (in addition to North Carolina, where it has been available since 2014).

For Japan, the company says, the adoption of e-signature has been influenced by the fact that signers are accustomed to using a Hanko stamp to represent their signature on paper documents. With the DocuSign Spring '17 Release, it is now possible for users to add a personal Hanko (or kanji name stamp) to represent their signature or approval on a document. This is offered in partnership with Shachihataa leading company in Japan's traditional Hanko culture and complements the basic Hanko functionality launched by DocuSign in December last year.

Additional information is available in the DocuSign Spring 17 Release Notes.

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Woori Bank CEO Lee Kwang-goo, fifth from left, poses with Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Gov. Amando Tetangco, Jr., fourth from left, and Korea's Ambassador to the Philippines Kim Jae-shin, sixth from left, during a ceremony to commemorate Woori Bank's investment into Wealth Development Bank in Manila, Wednesday. / Courtesy of Woori Bank



By Nam Hyun-woo



Heads of domestic banks are spending busy time traveling outside of Korea from early this year, boosting their efforts to secure more business opportunities in the global market.



Woori Bank said Thursday that it has held a ceremony to mark its investment in Wealth Development Bank, a mid-size savings bank in the Philippines, in Manila. Woori bought a 51 percent stake in the savings bank last October, becoming the first foreign bank to invest in a Filipino savings bank.



At the ceremony, Woori Bank CEO Lee Kwang-goo revealed a plan to cooperate with Vicsal Group, a local retail distributor running department stores and supermarkets, and expand Woori's network in the Philippines.



A Woori official said the bank plans to increase the number of networks by 3 to 4 every year so that its network posts can cover all across the Philippines until 2020. Currently, the bank has 16 network posts.



Before heading to the Philippines, Lee visited Bank Woori Saudara, the bank's local unit in Indonesia. Reportedly, Woori will support the Indonesian body through a 100 billion won rights issue, in recognition of the country's growth potential.



Industrial Bank of Korea (IBK) Chairman Kim Do-jin will also make a trip to Vietnam next week. In his trip, Kim will visit IBK's branches in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh and look for opportunities to increase the bank's presence there.



"Kim's trip is coming as the first step in his initiative to establish a financial belt in Southeast Asia," an IBK official said.



KEB Hana Bank CEO Ham Young-joo also traveled to Indonesia earlier this week. During the trip, he paid a visit to the bank's Indonesian body and discussed about the bank's plans to expand its businesses there.



Last month, KB Financial Group Chairman Yoon Jong-kyoo traveled four Southeast Asian countries  Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar. During the trip, Yoon met a number of local ranking officials, including Lao President Bounnhang Vorachit and Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, and discussed about the group's advance into the countries.



Last week, Yoon also made a trip to the United States and visited a number of financial giants, such as Goldman Sachs, and fintech and IT companies to get an idea for the group's digital transformation.



Market observers say their frequent trips are the outcome of their recognition that banks' future could be threatened if they continue to depend only on domestic revenue.



"Bank heads stressed in their New Year speeches that globalization is not an option, but a must-do," a bank official said. "Their trips are in line with their desperate effort to seek business opportunities outside of Korea."
A solitary cell at the Seodaemun Prison History Hall in Seoul / Korea Times photos by Jung Min-ho



Prison museum traces Koreans who suffered under Japanese rule

By Jung Min-ho

The issue of sex slaves has long been a source of animosity between Korea and Japan, but it is certainly not the only one.

For 35 years of Japanese occupation (1910-45), many Koreans were senselessly tortured and killed. Seodaemun Prison History Hall in western Seoul provides a vivid image of this painful past.

There, visitors can see horrendous torture devices that Korean independence fighters had to endure  in many cases  to the death. For those who survived, this is a living memory they can never forget.

With their photos, video testimonies and background information of how they ended up in the infamous prison, their stories are very personal.

For those who want to understand more about the animosity between the two nations from the victim's perspective, this is the place to go.

The Japanese government built the prison in 1908 as part of a larger system to hold Korean independence activists from across the country. Started with a capacity of 500 people, the place was expanded to hold more than 3,000 by the end of 1919 as an increasing number of people joined independence movements.

This information can be found on the first and second floors of the Exhibition Hall, in which visitors can explore the prison's overall history from its birth to 1987, listing some of the important events and key figures during the critical times.

Yu Gwan-sun, a female independence activist and key organizer of the March 1 Movement for the nation's independence, is one of the best-known prisoners who died there. Due to complications from torture and beatings, she perished at the age of 17.

At the Memorial Hall, visitors can see portraits of thousands of people who lost their lives during their struggle for independence.
















By Lee Han-soo

Chinese police have arrested a woman who posted more than 100 videos of herself vandalizing products in a Lotte Mart in retaliation against U.S. deployment of a missile defense system in South Korea on Tuesday, according to the Global Times, a Chinese news outlet.

The woman had previously become the center of criticism after posting videos of herself crushing instant noodle cups, stealing snacks, giving her middle finger in an obscene gesture at the main gate and drinking beverages before putting the containers back on the shelf.

"We issued a warning about the woman's wrong behavior," said Kuaishou on their official Weibo page. "We have submitted all the videos and related evidence to the police."

Police had also issued a statement criticizing the woman.

"Loving our country has to be done rationally," police said on Weibo. "The woman's acts cannot be written off as thickheaded but rather a vicious act that tarnishes patriotism."
Two U.S. Forces Korea privates and six Korean-Americans allegedly smuggled bags of philopon methamphetamines into Korea inside cereal boxes. / Yonhap



By Ko Dong-hwan

Prosecutors on Wednesday arrested U.S. soldiers and their Korean accomplices for smuggling bags of philopon methamphetamines worth 13.6 billion won ($11.9 million).

Suwon District Prosecutors' Office arrested an American private, 20, and two Korean-Americans for infringing Korean narcotics laws. Prosecutors also booked without arrest another American private, 20, stationed at K-6 base in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, for providing an address to where the contraband could be sent.

They are also searching for four Korean-Americans.

An accomplice in California sent the drugs to Korea in December, prosecutors claim.

They weighed 4.1 kilograms  enough for 130,000 users.

The drugs were in three bags and each was put inside a separate cereal box.

They were among 10 cereal boxes sent to the suspects.

The suspects used the Joint Military Mail Terminal (JMMT), which is known to have laxer custom service regulations than other postal terminals in Incheon International Airport.

But JMMT officials found the contraband.

Custom service agents reported the find to Korean police, the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command and Drug Enforcement Administration and requested a joint investigation.

The team searched an officetel in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, which allegedly stored the contraband, and found 90 grams of philopon and 11 grams of cocaine, according to Chosun Ilbo.

"Among the six Korean-American suspects, two were American citizens and the rest were expelled from the U.S. due to multiple criminal charges," the report said.
By Lee Kyung-min

Almost half of the North Korean defectors living here have experienced discrimination, according to a government survey Thursday.

It shows 45.4 percent said they were discriminated against because their country of origin was North Korea. The survey was conducted by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on 480 defectors aged 19 and older.

This was the first survey by the human rights watchdog quizzing only defectors. Other factors in which the defectors felt discriminated against in descending order were: educational background, employment status as a temporary worker, age and financial state.

Three out of 10 respondents did nothing when they experienced discrimination.

Of the total, about a quarter of them (27.7 percent) said they did nothing, and almost one-sixth of them (16.2 percent) asked civic groups for help.

Only 13.6 percent said they lodged a complaint with the organization or the individual who showed a discriminatory attitude.

A 10th of them (11.3 percent) filed a report with police and 8.7 percent sought help from the NHRC.

Meanwhile, three-quarters of the respondents (74.4 percent) said they had never heard of the term "human rights" while living in the North.

About 85.6 percent said they were never guaranteed privacy in the North while 64 percent said they witnessed public executions.

The two major experiences of human rights violations here were not being able to afford medical services and poor working conditions, the survey showed.

Poor social services in general and invasion of privacy were also cited.

NHRC stressed the importance of educating the public about maintaining an unbiased attitude toward North Korean defectors.

As of last year, almost 30,000 North Korean defectors lived in the South.
By Lee Kyung-min

A staunch supporter of former President Park Geun-hye was put behind bars, Thursday, for assaulting two journalists with a steel ladder at the rally near Cheong Wa Dae last Friday, after the Constitutional Court upheld the impeachment of Park.

According to the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, the Seoul Central District Court issued an arrest warrant for the man, surnamed Lee, 55, on charges of aggravated assault.

Police said Lee hit two reporters with a steel ladder, in front of Anguk Station near the Presidential office, venting frustration over the court ruling. He was one of many Park supporters who gathered near the station to participate in the rally to demand the court overturn the impeachment.

Lee told police he was enraged by the ruling and expressed his overall distrust and discontent toward the media for what he called "biased coverage against Park."

Lee was also detained and questioned for sitting in a tent that illegally occupied part of Gwanghwamun Square during Monday's Park support rally.

Meanwhile, parents of children attending Samreung Elementary School in Samseong-dong, southern Seoul nearby Park's private residence filed a complaint with police, Thursday, for the noise and harassment from Park supporters.

Police are also questioning 16 individuals, a considerable number of whom are Park supporters, suspected of committing 21 violent crimes during rallies near Cheong Wa Dae since Friday.
A Korean man who was visiting Los Angeles was arrested for assaulting a Korean woman for no apparent reason on March 10, according to the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in LA on Tuesday. / Yonhap



By Lee Han-soo

A Korean man who was visiting Los Angeles was arrested for assaulting a Korean woman for no apparent reason on March 10, according to the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in LA on Tuesday.

The incident, which is now being investigated by the LA police, happened around 6:00 p.m. in the center of Koreatown.

The man, 22, whose identity remains unknown, approached a woman, 24, whose identity was withheld upon personal request, and asked her if she was Korean.

When she answered "Yes," he allegedly left for a short period of time before coming back to assault her with a hammer.

The victim was sent to a nearby hospital for treatment and is known to have no serious injuries.

"The assailant entered the U.S. recently through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization visa waiver program," the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in LA told Yonhap.

However, the local police said no actual motive has been found, due to the assailant talking nonsense. LA police have put in a request for a psychiatric assessment after deeming the assailant mentally ill.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that if prosecuted the assailant will be incarcerated in the U.S. and serve his sentence there if he does not request extradition.
By Kim Hyo-jin





Kim Kwang-doo,

Sogang University professor

Leading presidential contender Moon Jae-in is in the hot seat over some controversial figures joining his campaign team.

After Moon recruited some conservatives, other hopefuls in the Democratic Party of Korea attacked him for indiscriminately picking such people.

Moon's campaign recruited Kim Kwang-doo, an economics professor at Sogang University, who was called an "economic tutor" for impeached former President Park Geun-hye, Wednesday.

Kim formulated the economic policies of then presidential candidate Park in the 2012 presidential election. He is now the head of her think thank, the Institute for the Future of State.

"I have discussed how to reach national unity beyond conservatives and liberals with my aides since late last year while studying the economy," Moon said, explaining the background of the recruitment. He referred to Kim's joining as a reflection of his intention for such unity.

DPK members questioned if it was an appropriate selection with the party setting its sights on becoming the new government.

Controversy has lingered with other figures too. He has taken flak for recruiting Chung Kyung-jin, a former Busan vice mayor. Chung is accused of putting pressure on the organizing committee of Busan International Film Festival to not show a film about the sinking of the ferry Sewol in 2014.

Yang Hyang-ja, a former Samsung senior executive who was recruited by Moon before the 2016 general election, also caused a stir after she showed anti-labor sentiment.

She called Banolim, a local advocacy group representing families of Samsung employees who contracted incurable diseases or died, "professional protesters," drawing much criticism. Though she apologized, the damage to the image of Moon being a liberal candidate was not removed.

But Moon, who has boasted the lead in public polls among presidential contenders for a long time, does not seem to care too much about controversy on the political identities of his personnel. He said he put more importance on the merits from figures from all over the political spectrum.












By Jun Ji-hye



Cheong Wa Dae faced allegations Thursday that it has "systematically" destroyed evidence concerning the corruption scandal involving former President Park Geun-hye since the affair surfaced last September.



Rep. Back Hye-ryun of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) said that the presidential office bought a total of 26 paper shredders between September and February, citing data from the Public Procurement Service.



The lawmaker said such a purchase was unusual, given that Cheong Wa Dae had not bought any shredders for six months before the scandal.



It bought two shredders Sept. 27, a week after the media reported Park's longtime friend Choi Soon-sil, a central figure in the corruption scandal, was behind the establishment of the K-Sports Foundation. Choi is suspected of pursuing her own interest through the foundation set up allegedly after she and Park extorted a large sum of money from leading conglomerates.



It bought six shredders Oct. 25, a day after cable TV network JTBC reported the discovery of Choi's tablet PC, which contained confidential presidential documents.



The office again purchased six shredders Nov. 7, a few days after Choi was arrested; and six more Jan. 11 during the investigation by an independent counsel into the high-profile scandal.



Another six arrived Feb. 2, a day before the independent counsel team attempted to search Cheong Wa Dae. At the time, the search and seizure attempt was blocked by the presidential office.



"The intensive buying of shredders shows Cheong Wa Dae systematically attempted to destroy evidence," Back said during a party meeting. "It is a grave offense. The problem is the presidential office can continue to destroy evidence even now."



The opposition parties called on state prosecutors to immediately conduct a search of Cheong Wa Dae.



Back said, "If the presidential office stops the investigators' search attempt again, it will show that it is a criminal group, no more, no less."



DPK spokeswoman Rep. Park Kyung-mee said, "The presidential office is destroying evidence including presidential records."



The suspicion of destruction of evidence is expected to be one of the main issues during Park's face-to-face questioning set for Tuesday.







Denial of allegations



Meanwhile, the office denied the allegations, saying the purpose of the purchase was not to destroy evidence, but just to replace aging paper shredders.



"The shredders need to be replaced every 11 years," spokesman Jung Youn-kuk said. "Those replaced in recent months were purchased and handed over by the Roh Moo-hyun government."



Park was removed from office on March 10 after the Constitutional Court upheld a National Assembly impeachment bill. She left Cheong Wa Dae, March 12, and moved to her private residence in Samseong-dong, southern Seoul.



The former president was impeached by the National Assembly in December for allegedly letting her friend Choi Soon-sil meddle in state affairs and colluding with her to extort millions of dollars from local conglomerates including Samsung Group.



Park has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, indicating that she does not accept the court ruling.



In a statement read by her former spokesman, Rep. Min Kyung-wook of the Liberty Korea Party, she said, "Although it may take time, I believe the truth will eventually be revealed."



Meanwhile, prosecutors questioned three former and incumbent senior executives of SK Group in their investigation into the bribery charges levelled against Park.



A senior prosecutor on the investigation team said they may summon officials from other conglomerates, such as Lotte and CJ, if necessary.




By James Dorsey



Saudi Arabia's King Salman was visiting China as the final leg of his one-month six-nation Asia swing that included Japan. South Korea was conspicuously absent in the king's itinerary.



The Korea-Saudi annual trade amounted to over $30 billion with the former being the fourth largest importer of Saudi oil. Ex-President Park Geun-hye visited the kingdom in 2015, making the fourth presidential visit to the kingdom since their 1962 establishment of diplomatic ties. S-Oil, the oil refinery 63 percent owned by Aramco, Saudi Arabia's state oil company, accounts for a significant market share in Korea and its stock is traded at the Korean main bourse.



Therefore, Salman's decision to skip Korea despite these important bilateral relations, by all means, has enough grounds to be taken as snub by Korea and raises a couple of questions.



First, does the Saudi king not take Korea as a friend?



If he doesn't, then Korea needs to look to other countries to diversify the sources of its oil imports. Especially, it appears that the kingdom didn't even bother to consult the Korean government for his visit and this kind of slight without a corrective action often sours the nation-to-nation ties for a long time to come. Especially, the Saudi king rarely travels with his Japan visit, for instance, coming 47 years after the previous one.



Also it is obvious that the king has a short memory, having forgotten how he received a warm welcome when he visited Korea as one of princesses who had little chance of inheriting the throne in 1999.



Second, will Saudi Arabia exclude Korea at the risk of ruining the mutual beneficial partnership to help the king's plan to reduce his country's dependence on oil and turn the kingdom into a developed diverse economy?



True, Saudi Arabia will offer many great business opportunities for other countries and Korea will certainly want to participate in them. But by denying Korea, a technologically astute nation that contributed a great deal to the Middle East development in the 1970s and 1980s, the king would make the mistake of reducing his country's scope of choice for partnerships. That would be a lapse of judgment considering his plan is being pushed at a time when oil prices are sinking like a stone with the nation suffering a 10-percent joblessness and half of its work force being imported from outside.



Also, Salman's visit comes ahead of the initial public offering of the state-owned Aramco, dubbed as the largest deal of the century. During his visit to Japan, he had offered big deals and is expected to do the same in China.



Finally, if the king decided not to visit Korea for the absence of a president, he would have been ill advised because an acting president has been in place and, more importantly, his visit would be as much to meet politicians but for a show of good will to Korean people. He may well check his ambassador here or the head of S-Oil to see whether they served the king wisely.







James M. Dorsey is a senior fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, co-director of the University of Wurzburg's Institute for Fan Culture. This story appeared in the South China Morning Post which holds all rights.




By Park Moo-jong





A little unknown term is in vogue in the political world since presidential frontrunner Moon Jae-in from the opposition Democratic Party of Korea mentioned it as his prime election pledge last month.

The term, not that familiar to the people so far, is "jeokpye (deep-rooted evils or evils of long standing) "cheongsan (eradication or liquidation).

Most presidential hopefuls and their followers of the opposition bloc say of the term on every occasion like a new political syndrome.

Moon claimed that deep-rooted evils of the bygone days must be rooted out to reconstruct the nation for a new world where the people can live a happy life.

The leader in every presidential public poll defines corruption, irregularities, bad (administrative) practices as targets to be stamped out. What a great idea for a better society in the days to come!

Unfortunately, however, Moon condemns the ruling party members as the top subject for the eradication of deep-rooted evils, claiming that he cannot go with them together (in rebuilding the nation).

In contrast, South Chungcheong Province Gov. An Hee-jung, who is Moon's archrival in the DPK, calls for a grand coalition to embrace the ruling Liberty Korea Party in order to eradicate deep-rooted evils.

Of course, Moon's side and other DPK presidential contenders flatly rejected An's idea because the ruling party is not a partner to work with but the evil to be eradicated first for being responsible for the current political turmoil following the ouster of President Park Geun-hye.

According to Korean dictionary, "jeokpye" is "pyedan (evil)" that has been accumulated for a long time or has been deep-rooted. And pyedan signifies the absence or opposite of that which is as being good as a unrighteous tendency or harmful phenomenon that takes place in certain work or action.

What's the objective standard for not being right? Depending on the angle of viewing a social phenomenon or incident, the judgment must differ.

Even a good phenomenon shall be harmful to us, if it is against our interests.

The tragedy of impeached and then dismissed President Park began with her stubborn goal to eradicate deep-rooted evils of the previous left-wing governments and openly made a blacklist of cultural figures.

While in office for four years, she considered the parliament and political parties as the hotbed of deep-rooted evils and attacked those who opposed her even in the ruling camp, condemning them as betrayers.

Such a biased governance philosophy of the former President finally boomeranged to her and the nation's tragedy. It is dreadful that Park supporters call her a martyr who suffered a defeated while fighting against evils of long-standing of the left-wing government.

In this sense, it is not desirable for the opposition forces to set the eradication of deep-rooted evils of the other kind as their prime goal to win the upcoming presidential election to be held May 9.

The opposition forces should acknowledge that it was not just Park who was impeached, but politics and politicians as well. Ruling party members must be blamed for not acting as check against Park's wrongdoings, of course. But the opposition forces are also responsible for not doing more than raising criticism and questions.

A serious problem is that the politicians, irrespective of their political affiliation, do now know what the "real" deep-rooted evil is. Really many people think that the parliament is one of the gravest evils.

Of course, the National Assembly is not a sort to be rooted out, but to be reformed drastically as a "necessary evil."

When most people think about the National Assembly and lawmakers, such negative terms as corruption, partisan strife and political interests only come to mind.

Before "vowing" to eradicate deep-rooted evils of the past, Moon should have promised the people that he would make every efforts to root out evils of the National Assembly.

I wonder whether he was listening to the public voice: "We are really sick of the National Assembly and the lawmakers. Do we need such an Assembly at such astronomical cost.

Every person I met and asked about the Assembly and its members "agreed" that the nation has too many lawmakers (now numbering 300) and they have too many privileges, not to speak of their allowances paid by the people's tax.

Moon should have also pledged that he would do his utmost, first of all, to get rid of deep-rooted evils of the opposition camp highlighted by the opposition for the sake of opposition.

British rock band Byrds sing in the last phrase of their 1962 song (composed by Pete Seeger) "Turn! Turn! Turn!:"A time of love, a time of hate; A time of war, a time of peace; A time you may embrace; A time to refrain from embracing."

Although there is a time to refrain from embracing, Moon is obliged to embrace his opponents now for the unity of the divided people. Moon needs to take a lesson from King Solomon who wrote the lyrics (except for the last line: "there is a time to refrain from embracing") adapted from the Book of Ecclesiastes in the Bible.

Park Moo-jong is The Korea Times advisor. He served as the president-publisher of the nation's first English newspaper founded in 1951 from 2004 to 2014 after he worked as a reporter of the daily since 1974. He can be reached at moojong@ktimes com or emjei20@gmail.com.
By Kang Seung-woo



U.S. President Donald Trump is still using Samsung Electronics' old, unsecured Galaxy S3 smartphone, raising security concerns it may leave him vulnerable to hackers, according to media reports, Thursday.



Amid growing concerns, more than a dozen members of Congress demanded the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee confirm if and why he is still using the dated cell phone.



The Galaxy S3, powered by older Google Android software, was first released in 2012 and so no longer receives new security updates or major software releases.



As a result, there are growing calls for Trump, who has been using the phone since before his election, to trade in his unsecured handset for a locked-down, encrypted device approved by the Secret Service. But the President has reportedly refused to drop the old phone.



Last month, Ted Lieu and 14 other House democrats sent a letter to the Oversight Committee demanding an investigation into the bad security practice.



"We fully agree _ which is why we are writing to request that the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee hold a hearing into troubling reports that the President is jeopardizing national security by egregiously failing to implement commonsense security measures across the board, from using an insecure, consumer-grade Android smartphone to discussing nuclear strategy openly in a dining room at his Mar-a-Lago Club in Florida," the letter read.



"Cybersecurity experts universally agree that an ordinary Android smartphone, which the President is reportedly using despite repeated warnings from the Secret Service, can be easily hacked."



Although the reason why Trump would still use an old Samsung phone remains unknown, his love for Samsung devices dates back to the early days of smartphones thanks to its screens that are larger than those of Apple's iPhones, according to his Twitter messages.



"I cannot believe that Apple didn't come out with a larger screen iPhone. Samsung is stealing their business. Steve Jobs is spinning in grave," Trump said on Twitter on Sept. 19, 2013.



He also said on Jan. 28, 2014, "Apple's iPhone sales fell way short-they must go to a larger screen, as alternative, fast (as I said long ago)! Samsung's size much better."



His latest message on Samsung phones was that "I use both iPhone & Samsung. If Apple doesn't give info to authorities on the terrorists I'll only be using Samsung until they give info" on Feb. 20, 2016.



Last month, Trump also sent a thank-you note to Samsung following news reports that Samsung was considering building a home appliances plant in the United States.



"Thank you, @Samsung! We would love to have you!" he wrote.




By Lee Min-hyung



Samsung Group has suffered some internal turbulence in the month since its de facto leader Lee Jae-yong was arrested, but its businesses have been unscathed by the turmoil surrounding the firm's involvement in the latest political scandal.



The Samsung Electronics vice chairman has been behind bars since mid-February for his alleged role in the company giving bribes to President Park Geun-hye's close confidant Choi Soon-sil.



But the month-long leadership vacuum has had little effect on its business, with the firm's stock price closing at a record high of 2.09 million won ($1,845) Thursday, driven by increased foreign investment. During the period, the company also finalized its acquisition of the U.S.-based auto-parts giant Harman International.



This is in contrast to earlier predictions that the tarnished brand image may put a serious damper on the firm's global businesses.



The company has, instead, had to face drastic shifts in its internal corporate structure, as part of efforts to respond to weakening public sentiment toward the firm.



Late last month, the company disbanded its Future Strategy Office, the firm's control tower, which was accused of giving some 40 billion won to Choi and her family's foundations.



With the dissolution of the strategy office, the company is empowering each affiliate to make their own decisions.



"Following our decisions to abandon the Federation of Korean Industries and disband the group-wide decision-making body, each Samsung affiliate will be able to remain more flexible with a higher degree of autonomy," a Samsung official said.



"For example, Samsung Life Insurance recently scrapped its years-long policy mandating executives to arrive in the office earlier than others."



The Samsung's insurance affiliate introduced the group-wide policy in 2012, urging executives to come to the office by 6:30 a.m. every working day.



Due to the closure of the control tower, Samsung has also stopped its weekly meeting of chiefs from key affiliates on Wednesday mornings. For the regular meeting, Samsung invited experts from a variety of sectors, including art, technology and the humanities.



To prevent a recurrence of the bribery allegations, the company decided last month to put any donation exceeding 1 billion won to a board of directors' vote.



This is because the prosecution has questioned key executives over whether the firm received any preferential treatment in exchange for the "donations" given to Choi's foundations.



The company is also pushing ahead with its plan to become a holding company, regardless of the leadership absence.



Samsung Electronics CFO Lee Sang-hoon said Tuesday that the plan was not affected by the political scandal and details will be announced in late May. The firm unveiled the plan last year, in what it calls a bid to win more investor confidence by improving the transparency of the current ownership structure.




Hyundai Merchant Marine CEO Yoo Chang-keun, center, Maersk Line CEO Soren Skou, left, and Mediterranean Shipping Company CEO Diego Aponte hold contracts in San Francisco, Wednesday (local time), after signing a deal for strategic cooperation. / Courtesy of Hyundai Merchant Marine

By Park Jae-hyuk

A strategic cooperation between Hyundai Merchant Marine (HMM) and the 2M Alliance has officially launched, as Korea's leading shipper signed a deal with Maersk Line and Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC).

According to officials of the companies, Thursday, the signing ceremony held in San Francisco was attended by HMM chief Yoo Chang-keun, Maersk head Soren Skou, Mediterranean Shipping CEO Diego Aponte and about 20 other officials.

The strategic cooperation will include slot exchanges and slot purchases on East-West routes, and will expire after three years with an option to extend.

HMM is seeking to secure stable profits by enhancing its competitiveness on East-West trade.

HMM said after the agreement its basic slot allocation rose 22 percent more than before when the shipper was a part of the G6 Alliance. Also, it said the allocation rose about 50 percent in the West Coast of the U.S.

"The deal will enhance competitiveness of the three shippers," Yoo said. "Thanks to 2M Alliance's network and containers, HMM will be able to offer more diversified services and stabilize profits."

Maersk Asia-Pacific CEO Robbert van Trooijen said: "We are very proud of our strategic cooperation with HMM. We believe this cooperation to be a win-win for all parties. Maersk Line's customers will have greater options on Trans-Pacific trade and HMM's customers will be able to leverage Maersk Line's strong Asia-Europe products."

On top of the agreement, HMM expects its financial status to be improved, as it recently signed a deal with Korea Shipping, a state-run shipbuilding financing firm, so the shipper can secure more than 850 billion won ($750 million) through selling container ships, stocks and bonds.
By Jhoo Dong-chan



Finance authorities consider injecting more funds to debt-ridden Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) as its corporate bonds worth around 940 billion won ($830 million) are set to mature by the end of this year.



According to business circles, Thursday, the shipbuilder's corporate debt worth 440 billion won is expected to mature next month, followed by 300 billion won in July and another 200 billion won in November.



DSME said the company would be able to deal with the April bonds but worried it may experience a lack of funds in the second half of the year.



Having long suffered a similar liquidity crisis because of a decline in global demand, the government bailed out DSME with 4.2 trillion won in October 2015, but it failed to improve its financial status while recording an operating deficit of over 1 trillion won last year.



Despite the shipyard's poor performance even after the bailout, the Financial Services Commission (FSC) seems to mull providing cash once again to keep the embattled company afloat.



"We cannot take drastic measures until the next administration decides what to do about DSME after the May election, but DSME may face big problems before the decision," an FSC official said.



The FSC and state-run Korea Development Bank (KDB), DSME's main creditor, asked accounting firm Samjong KPMG to estimate how much funding is necessary to salvage the troubled shipbuilder, and Samjong said it would cost up to 3 trillion won for the company to stay alive.



Public responses are skeptical about the second-round bailout plan.



"In December, the government said it would go by the book without contributing new cash to DSME," an industry insider said. "But it shifted its position after just three months, claiming the firm needs another bailout program. I am very doubtful whether the government has a long-term plan to handle the issue."



Daishin Securities also had a negative outlook for the company.



"Considering the size of debts that have to be repaid this year, DSME is likely to go through the workout program. Creditor banks may suffer huge losses over debts with DSME," a Daishin researcher said.



Some worry creditors would suffer losses amounting to 57 trillion won if DSME goes bankrupt. Included among its major creditors are KDB and the Export-Import Bank of Korea.












Daniel Maeng, a member of Starbucks Coffee Korea's young talent group

By Lee Hyo-sik

"I was happier than any time in my life when I was interning at Starbucks."

This is what Daniel Maeng, a junior at Chongshin University, said when he was asked to sum up his one-month work experience at the country's largest coffee chain.

The 22-year-old social welfare major, who suffers from peripheral nerve disorder, interned for the public relations and community service team at Starbucks Coffee Korea from Jan. 30 through Feb. 28.

"Because I cannot move freely as others do, I used to think there was no world for me," Maeng said. "Oftentimes, I was looked down upon by others and I just blamed society for my shortcomings. But since I became part of Starbucks in 2014, I have become a different person."

In October 2014, he was selected as one of 15 senior high school students under the company's youth leadership program, designed to help underprivileged but gifted students demonstrate their full potential. The students, who are now juniors at universities, have been receiving a 5 million won ($4,500) annual scholarship each.

The money comes from its community store in Daehangno, northeastern Seoul. The store has been donating 300 won from each purchase to Green Umbrella, or Child Fund Korea, which has been partnering with the coffee chain to operate the leadership program.

Some of the students, including Maeng, have been given opportunities to work at Starbucks as interns.

"Besides being famous for its coffee, Starbucks is well known for its corporate social responsibility activities. As a person who wants to become a social worker, I really wanted to be part of the organization," he said. "One month is not long but I learned a lot firsthand while working with Starbucks employees. I used to pity myself but now I consider myself a very lucky person after beating fierce competition to become a member of the firm's talented adolescent group."

Despite his disability, Maeng was treated the same as anybody else, he said, adding that this further motivated him to excel and show what he is capable of.

"I also visited several charity groups and saw how they do their work. These valuable experiences at Starbucks will definitely enable me to become a better social worker and more effectively help others in need," he said. "I treasure my time at Starbucks and am proud to be part of it."
A protester with a portrait of US President Donald Trump.



Chinese were kept out of the US for decades until 1943, so why the support for one of the US president's most controversial policies?



By Vivian Lin





Opinions among Chinese-Americans about President Donald Trump's effort to ban the citizens of several Muslim-majority countries from entering the United States are typically American  that is, strongly divided.

A revised version of the controversial ban, which will deny entry to citizens from Iran, Libya, Syria, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen, is set to come into force on Thursday, provided it clears any further legal challenges.

And with polls showing the US as a whole is separated on the issue by economics, education or political affiliation  a recent Monmouth University poll shows 50 per cent of Americans think Trump should "move on" to other issues  Chinese-Americans find themselves on opposite sides of a generational gap.

Like most of her friends and their families, Jenny Cheung, 40, is a Chinese-American immigrant and fervent supporter of Trump and his push to shut America's borders to large groups of outsiders.

"We all understand America is a nation of immigrants," Cheung said. "But it does not necessarily mean we should encourage illegal immigrants to cross the border."

Cheung, a web app developer living in Braintree, Massachusetts, with her husband and two children, first arrived in the US in 1990 and became an American citizen in 1995 when she was 25 years old.

Her family waited for visa approvals for eight years before leaving Guangdong, China. Her parents were looking for a better future for their family.

Last year, almost 75,000 immigrant visas were issued to mainland-born Chinese citizens, compared to 69,000 refugees arrivals, according to the US Department of Homeland Security's Yearbook of Immigration Statistics.

"America is not a dumping ground for other countries' problems," said Cheung.

Her family, and many others, waited years for their chance at the American dream, so why should others, she argues, be allowed to cut to the front of the queue?

But Jackson Tse, 24, a New York-based Chinese-American consultant, said Trump's executive order denied entry to America to those who needed it the most.

"We are sentencing innocent people to death and tearing lives apart," he said. "Banning an entire religion or country based on racist, xenophobic, unfounded stereotypes about Muslims is simply unacceptable."





Protesters march in Hong Kong to protest against US President Donald Trump's travel ban.



Tse, who speaks for many young Americans, said that what Trump, his supporters, and those indulging his actions in Congress are doing is inhumane.

On January 27, Trump signed an executive order that temporarily barred all refugees, indefinitely banned refugees from Syria and forbade the entry of foreign nationals from seven Muslim-majority countries.

With its constitutionality questioned by lawsuits, that ban was halted by the courts, prompting the administration to issue a revised order that exempts Iraq but still denies entry to citizens from Iran, Libya, Syria, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen.

Cheung and many of her friends are part of the Chinese Americans For Trump (CAFT), an organisation that claims to have about 7,000 members nationwide  most are Chinese-American immigrants over 40 who support Trump's immigration and refugee policies.

But for much of the younger generation who are already established in the US, Trump's policy is worrisome. It harks to one of the darkest chapters of American history, when the government sought to exclude all Chinese from America, a ban that lasted for 61 years.

The reaction of Chinese-Americans roughly falls along generational lines, differing mostly between first- and second-generation immigrants, a common occurrence in many immigrant communities.

But for those Chinese who have lived in the US for an even longer time, the ban is eerily reminiscent of several decades when Chinese immigrants were excluded from entering the US.

The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, and the subsequent Immigration Act of 1924, were efforts to drive out the Chinese who had become a scapegoat for the economic crisis in the late 19th century.

Later, all arrivals from East Asian and Southeast Asian countries were banned through the Immigration Act of 1917, which was not repealed until 1943 when China became a US ally against the Japanese during the second world war.

Gordon Chang, 68, is a Stanford University professor specialising in Asian-American history and a Hong Kong-born, fourth-generation Chinese-American whose family was directly affected by the Chinese Exclusion Act.

His grandfather entered the US for the last time in 1882, illegally. "He came through Canada and then never left the US because he had no papers," he said. "He never saw his family in China again."





Muslim woman pray in Chicago.



Chang, and others with families that suffered under the previous laws, see Trump's barring of travellers from certain Muslim-majority countries as another thinly veiled, fearful reaction to foreigners, especially those with obvious race and cultural differences, during uncertain times.

According to Chang, Trump's current ban, like the discriminatory policies of the past, "is playing on and up emotion and is not a rational policy".

"These bans were never established against any white countries," Chang explained. "In fact, during the Cold War, the US welcomed political refugees from communist countries with little fear."

Trump's ban puts Chinese-Americans in an unusual situation. Many who call it an attack on religion have family on the mainland where the Beijing government is accused of adopting increasingly repressive policies against Muslims in Xinjiang.

A crucial part of the problem, Chang said, is that not enough people know history, making it easier for the damaging choices of the past to repeat themselves.

The Chinese government's portrayal of Uygur communities in Northern China plays an important role in why many feel Muslims are a threat to security.

Critics say Trump's extreme immigration crackdown on Muslims is an attack on an entire religion to combat a tiny fraction that may pose a terror threat  some Chinese immigrants say his new policy is the same thing Beijing has done for 20 years.

Chang, however, believes the actual number of Chinese in the US who sympathise with China's "counterterrorism" measures on the Uygurs, or are even aware of their repression, is quite small.

Rather, it is measures being taken in America that evoke a much stronger response.

Lily Luo, 22, a Wellesley College graduate and political activist in Boston, said she was disappointed and heartbroken to see the US pursue this kind of policy.

"My parents immigrated to America from China because they wanted to live in a free and open society with welcoming values."

"We benefited a lot from the American Dream," she said, "and part of the meaning of this country is to not shut the door behind you on others after you've been given these opportunities."

It remains to be seen how Trump's new policy will play out in the courts. It seems certain to face challenges similar to his first attempt.

Critics argue that it still consigns countless refugees to death without any reasonable rationale that it creates any security benefits.

But for Jenny Cheung, Trump is heading in the right direction.

Having an extreme vetting system is "common sense" to her. She is concerned that Islamic State terrorists could disguise themselves as refugees to get into the US, quoting Trump, "like a Trojan horse".

"Mr Trump is simply looking after his own country and citizens from a security standpoint ... Some people may disagree with his policy, but it does not mean he is racist," she said. "You can't always make everybody happy.

"If we do not enforce the current immigration laws, why do we have such laws to begin with?" Cheung asked.
Scarlett Johansson is dubbed in Japanese in the remake of the Japanese animated movie series "Ghost in the Shell." / Courtesy of Twitter



By Eom Da-sol

The original cast of Japanese animation series "Ghost in the Shell" will dub its Hollywood film remake, starring Scarlett Johansson

Three key original cast members will provide voices to the remake, including Atsuko Tanaka, the voice of the main character Major Motoko Kusanagi.

A movie executive said, "The casting director decided to use the original cast to maintain the animation's originality."

Japan is well known for dubbing Hollywood movies, including "Prometheus" (2012), "Jurassic World" (2015) and "Beauty and the Beast" (2017).

But this is the first time in Japan that the original voice actors have been used in the remake of a Japanese animated production or movie.





Some Japanese Twitter users claim the latest dubbing is Hollywood's attempt to avoid the criticism of "whitewashing" the original work, in which all the characters are Asian.

Fans had also voiced concern when Hollywood film companies Paramount Pictures and Dreamworks said last year that they planned to use non-Asian actors in the remake.

The Japanese-dubbed version is due to be released only in Japan this month.
After dealing with accusations of plagiarizing the "No Signal" concept of BIG BANG's T.O.P for their Gaon Chart Awards performance, BTS is again plagued with accusations that they are "faking" records to generate more hype for their new material. Representatives from BTS have yet to counter the allegations but the boys seem to be taking the news in stride as they proceed with their "2017 BTS Live Trilogy Episode III: The Wings Tour."

According to an analysis of Digital Music News, the hype surrounding the records achieved by the Bangtan Boys or BTS this year alone has been the result of media outfits jumping in the bandwagon rather than actual facts. It can be recalled that among the impressive records reached by the group in the first two months of 2017 are fastest times to reach 20 million views for "Spring Day" and most number of views for "Not Today" in 24 hours.

The BTS' loyal ARMY also made sure to propel BTS' songs to the top of record charts both locally and internationally. However, based on the analysis made by the publication, these records should actually belong to PSY who shot to fame because of his megahit "Gangnam Style." While the BTS record was impressive, DMN maintained that "Gangnam Style" reached the 12 million marker in less than 24 hours and reached 1 billion views in only four days.

In a recent Idolator interview with BTS leader Rap Monster, he said that the boys don't really look at the records or the sales as a marker of their success. He said that they continue to work hard because of the support of their fans from all over the world. He said that group members continue to push harder to grow as artists and performers as a way to thank their supporters.

"It's such an honor to be rated 'popular' on global level. We're very grateful to our fans around the world," he said. "It is also very exciting for us because such popularity motivates us to be better artists who always try to come up with better music."

After kicking off their "The Wings Tour; BTS Live Trilogy Episode III" in Seoul, BTS will be performing to sold out crowds in Chile and Brazil. From March 23 to April 2, the boys will be in the US for the Newark and Anahaim legs of their tour and will return to Asia to perform in the Philippines, Thailand, Hong Kong and Indonesia before they make a last stop in Australia.
Being the baby of the group has a lot of benefits. For BTS' golden maknae Jungkook, this means that he has a lot of hyungs who are always there to support him and celebrate milestones in his life like his high school graduation.

According to SBS Pop Asia, the group recently released a video of what happened behind the graduation rites of BTS' youngest member. It seems that BTS members Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Rap Monster, Jimin and V all turned up to attend the special day for their baby bro Jungkook.

Based on the video uploaded by Bangtan Boys, Jungkook was narrating to the camera, saying that since it was his graduation and all the BTS members showed up, he would be buying them food afterwards. It was a really cute moment caught on camera and many youtube users observed that the scene seemed like a bunch of brothers sending off their baby to his first day of school,

Unfortunately, since the auditorium was a bit crowded, the BTS boys had to wait outside until Jungkook finished the rites and received his certificate. This made a lot of sense or else it would have been chaos with the screaming fans if the boys went inside.

After the graduation, the group proceeded to a restaurant where they celebrated properly by sharing a lot of food and laughter. They also recreated Jungkook's first day in school just for the fun of it.

It can be recalled that last month, BTS celebrated a similar milestone when Jin graduated from University. Unfortunately, he was unable to attend his graduation rites because it was scheduled on the same day as the Gaon Chart Awards. The boys made up for it by holding their very own graduation rite for their friend, All Kpop reported.

BTS is currently in the middle of their "The Wings Tour; BTS Live Trilogy Episode III" and will be traveling to the US from March 23 to April 2 for their shows there. They will also perform to sold out crowds in key cities in Asia like the Philippines, Thailand, Hong Kong and Indonesia before they make their last stop in Australia.
ONCE have showed overwhelming support for TWICE as tickets to their first ever fanmeet in Singapore has been sold out! TWICE will kick off their first world tour in Seoul on 17th - 19th Feb, and make their first highly anticipated appearance in Singapore on 29th Apr at The Star Theatre, The Star Performing Arts Centre!

Additional tickets to "TWICELAND" - The Opening in Singapore are priced at $208 and $168, and went on sale via APACTIX official ticketing channels on 24th Feb, 10am. As tickets are fast selling out, do not miss this chance to catch TWICE Live in Singapore! For more information, please visit www.facebook.com/OneProductionSingapore.

TWICE 1st WORLD TOUR "TWICELAND" - The Opening in Singapore

Date: 29th Apr (Sat)

Time: 6PM

Venue: The Star Theatre, The Star Performing Arts Centre

Tickets: $288 (VIP), $248, $208, $168 (excludes booking charge)

Online: WWW.APACTIX.COM

HOTLINE: +65 3158 8588

Tickets will also be available at:

Singapore Indoor Stadium box office

The Star Performing Arts Centre box office

ALL SINGPOST outlets.

This concert is brought to you by One Production Singapore.
The Latest on the Dakota Access pipeline:

11:30 a.m.

North Dakota officials appear poised to go after the U.S. government - and thus U.S. taxpayers - to recoup more than $38 million in state expenses related to protests against the Dakota Access pipeline.

A longstanding offer from project developer Energy Transfer Partners to pay up remains on the table, but it's unclear whether the state will accept it.

Republican Gov. Doug Burgum's spokesman says no decisions have been made on seeking reimbursement from the company that's worth billions. But he says the state has been talking to federal officials about reimbursement.

Dustin Gawrylow with the North Dakota Watchdog Network questions whether the financial responsibility should fall on taxpayers. He says the state should take the offered money.

Protest leaders say they think state officials already are too cozy with ETP.

___

9:40 a.m.

Tribes suing to stop the Dakota Access pipeline are asking a federal appeals court to head off the imminent flow of oil.

The move comes after U.S. District Judge James Boasberg rejected a similar request Tuesday and a motion last week to halt the final stage of construction for the $3.8 billion pipeline to move North Dakota oil to Illinois.

The Standing Rock and Cheyenne River Sioux appealed that decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. Attorney Nicole Ducheneaux on Wednesday asked the appeals court for an emergency order preventing oil through the pipeline until the appeal is resolved.

Texas-based pipeline developer Energy Transfer Partners is wrapping up construction and says it could be moving oil as early as Monday.

(Copyright 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
San Diego City Council member Barbara Bry spoke to the Bird Rock Community Council (BRCC) for the first time as an elected official during its March 7 meeting at La Jolla Masonic Lodge. With two months under her City Council belt, she addressed the progress made on issues concerning Bird Rock and greater La Jolla residents, such as short-term vacation rentals, mansionization and DecoBike.

Hopeful to have a resolution in place promptly that addresses the proliferation of short-term vacation rentals, Bry said the City is working on three different policies.

My position has not changed since the campaign in that Im fine if you want to rent a room in your house if you are on site, and fine if you rent your house while you are on vacation, what Im against is houses that are permanent mini-hotels (houses purchased just so they can be rented out) in residential neighborhoods, Bry said. But we have a strong-Mayor form of government at City Hall, and right now the Citys Planning Department is drafting three ordinances to deal with this. Ive asked to be involved in the process and have a meeting in the next few weeks  Im optimistic we will make progress on this.

Although Bry said she hasnt seen any of the proposals, I think one of them would require that renters apply for a Conditional Use Permit, which means theyd have to provide or show proof of adequate parking to be able to operate a whole house rental, which we think will be a deterrent for some. There may be a requirement that (renters) get a business license for $75, so we know who they are. In other areas, interns were brought in to help get the database of renters with a business license up and running, and their salaries are quickly paid by the fees.

In terms of mansionization  homes built to the largest legal size based on the lot and in a boxy style not consistent with the neighborhood  Bry said she has reviewed locally created guidelines, and would like to see them implemented.

Sharon Wampler and Diane Kane (who, as part of the La Jolla mansionization committee, spent more than a year developing a policy the City could implement) wrote a report and I am very pleased with the recommendations theyve made, she said. Right now, were looking at what the process is for moving some of these recommendations forward.

Wampler later told La Jolla Light did not want to disclose the details until plans had been approved.

When it comes to the Citys planned bike-share program, DecoBike, which has drawn the ire of many La Jollans, Bry said, Ive been assured DecoBike is not even close to coming to La Jolla. And before anything comes to La Jolla, they would meet with the community to field your concerns. The City has recommended as many as 17 bike-share kiosks from Bird Rock to La Jolla Shores, despite the fact that every community advisory group in 92037 has opposed their presence due to unsightliness, competition with local bike rental companies and lack of safety features such as helmets and locks.

In other Bird Rock news:

Peters office requests patience with flight noise: In light of changes to airplane flight paths that went into effect March 2, Congress member Scott Peters representative Brian Elliott was on hand to answer questions.

After Bird Rock and La Jolla Shores residents reported an increase in airplane noise starting in November 2016, Peters office began an open dialogue with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to determine the cause and a possible solution.

The FAA presented a lot of data, but not a lot was conclusive on what the problem was. The FAA said there havent been any flight plan changes, but the data supports an increase in planes turning (sooner) and then continuing on that path, which is closer to the coast going north, he said.

By way of a solution, he said on March 2, the FAA implemented new waypoint signals that provide better direction on where pilots should turn to head north.

The signal that tells pilots when to turn is now further out to sea and further away from the coast. Flights departing and going north have to go past that point  but air traffic controllers and pilots are still trying to get a sense of what is going on, so there is a grace period. Were still looking at the data and seeing if these flights can reach further out (before turning) and what impact that will have. Were joining with the San Diego Airport Authority and the FAA in asking for your patience.

However, Elliott noted this would not affect noise generated by incoming flights that could come in past the 11:30 p.m. curfew. The airport, being a public airport, can accept flights at any time of day. However, airports like San Diego will fine airlines for late flights, and thats a choice the airlines make. Last month, there were multiple $30,000 fines from San Diego.

Elliott said he would return to a future meeting with any new information.

MAD rates decrease: Barbara Dunbar, BRCC treasurer and manager of Bird Rocks Maintenance Assessment District (MAD), said the property assessment amount for 2018 probably will decrease from previous years. The proposed budget is being reviewed by the Park & Rec Department as part of the Citys budget process. But last year, everyone was told they would be assessed $90 a year, and it will likely be closer to $84 or $85. This is because we had less spending for the year and we accumulated a little more in the reserve fund, plus we are doing things a little better, she said. We only want to charge the bare minimum of what we need to charge.

Landscape committee? After discussion about Bird Rocks problems with some dying landscaping, an idea to form a BRCC Landscape Committee was raised to weigh in and determine what plants would be more appropriate, manageable and affordable. Current BRCC members (those whove paid their $35 annual dues) are eligible and can e-mail info@birdrockcc.org for more details.

 Bird Rock Community Council meets 6 p.m. first Tuesdays at various venues. More at birdrockcc.org
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...
PRESS RELEASE

East-West Committee Member Takes Heart at U.S.-Russian Military Cooperation

March 15, 2017 (EIRNS)Gilbert Doctorow, a Russia expert and member of the American Committee on East-West Accord, had an article published in Consortium News yesterday, recommending that the

"many backers of Donald Trumps planned foreign policy, which sought dEtente with Russia, [who are] are wringing their hands and shaking their heads over what looks like the policys defeat in the face of media and Democratic Party attacks,"

reconsider their view.

Doctorow pointed to the significance of the March 7 meeting of the Russian, U.S., and Turkish military chiefs-of-staff in Antalaya, Turkey in his article on "Trumps Quiet Outreach to Russia":

"Trump appears to have concluded that the way forward in relations between the U.S. and Russia is to make progress out of sight of the media. Whereas bringing Russia into the U.S.-run anti-Islamic State coalition meeting in Washington would have invited the U.S. medias brickbats, a summit of generals in a provincial coastal town of Turkey could be far more productive and produce much less controversy."

This "quiet expansion of military-to-military cooperation" can be successful, in Doctorows view, because

"Trump can also expect the greatest loyalty in the U.S. governments hierarchy from the military as well as fewer leaks from holdovers hostile to any rapprochement with Russia. Indeed, many senior U.S. officers had constructive relations with their Russian counterparts for years on crucial issues such as supplying U.S. troops in Afghanistan and in sharing intelligence on terrorism."

By removing many of Barack Obamas political nominees at the top of the Pentagon and in the State Department, the coalition of neoconservatives and liberal interventionists which opposed such constructive military-to-military relations is weakened.

Russian sentiment is still confident that U.S.-Russian relations will improve under President Trump, Doctorow reports, citing recent radio and TV discussions between some of Russias top legislators and heads of key policy think tanks.

"Unlike many American news shows where the talking heads are often journalists imparting second-hand information, the key panelists on these Russian programs tend to be well-connected legislators or other government insiders,"

he drily noted.
PRESS RELEASE

Rep. Kaptur Urges Trump To Save U.S. Steel Industry; Promises To Collaborate To Do So

March 14, 2017 (EIRNS)Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio) sent a letter with an "urgent request" to President Trump on March 11, asking him and his adminIstration to take action to avoid permanent closure of two more steel plants in Lorain, Ohio.

In a move coherent with her stated commitment to work with President Trump if he supports restoring the Glass-Steagall Act, Kaptur wrote that she

"will do all I can to assist your Administration in securing the stabilization of the U.S. steeI industry at this difficult time for domestic steel making ... and work toward a reinvestment and modernization strategy for the sake of Lorain and our nation."

Citing recent and announced lay-offs of more than 1,100 steel workers in Lorainwhere the steel industry once employed 12,000 workersRep. Kaptur invited President Trump to visit Lorain very soon, if possible. She added that

"the involvement of your economic team to meet with company and labor representatives of U.S. and Republic Steel as well as local and state officials in Washington, D.C. or Loraincould assist us as we seek an alternative pathway forward."

Kaptur makes the mistake, however, of blaming the collapse of the United States steel industry on "unfair trade practices" and "closed markets" by China and Russia, in particular, rather than on Wall Street and the deliberate decision to turn the U.S. into a post-industrial, drug-addicted heap of rust.
PRESS RELEASE

Korean Opposition: Impeach THAADChina Prepares Counter-Measures

March 15, 2017 (EIRNS)The U.S. rush to deploy its Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missiles in South Korea in the midst of political chaos in the country, is creating a major destabilization across the region. U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is arriving in Japan tonight, and will go to South Korea Friday and China on Saturday and Sunday, where he will meet with President Xi Jin Ping, Foreign Minister Wang Yi, and State Councilor Yang Jiechi. Although the official U.S. position is that THAAD deployment is irreversible, it is still possible President Trump will consider using it as a bargaining chip in order to get serious talks on North Korea started, taking advantage of the fully new environment between the U.S., China, Russia, Japan, and South Korea, to reverse Obamas insane refusal to talk to the North, driving them to proceed with nuclear weapon development.

In the meantime, with the election in South Korea now set for May 9 (60 days after the Constitutional Court upheld the impeachment of Park Geun-hye), members of the opposition parties, having successfully impeached the President, have turned their attention and their tactics to stopping the THAAD deployment. Xinhua reports today:

"Key figures of various social standings as well as civic group activists in South Korea on Wednesday demanded the impeachment of THAAD by people power, which had ousted former President Park Geun-hye."

The opposition issued a resolution calling for the population to "join their fight for peace in the Korean Peninsula and against the THAAD deployment in their soil," and called on presidential contenders to call for removing the missile system, which is now in the country but not yet deployed to the chosen site. The resolution calls THAAD "the worst catastrophe in security and diplomatic policies" under the Park regime. "When all public attentions were being centered on the impeachment ruling, [acting] Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn went ahead with the THAAD deployment step by step," said Jeong Youn-soon, chair of Lawyers for Democratic Society, an advocacy group composed of lawyers. He called for the "power of the candle" (candle light parades) to stop THAAD as it stopped Park.

China continues attacking the THAAD deployment, including imposing new sanctions against tourism to South Korea. PLA retired general Wang Hongguang said today that China could counter the THAAD by using its own anti-radar technology.

We will complete our deployment before THAAD begins operations. There is no need to wait for two months [before the election of the next South Korean president]. We already have such equipment in place. We just have to move it to the right spot."

Similarly, air force expert Fu Qianshao told SCMP that Beijing would send planes near THAAD to obstruct the systems long-range radar signals.
PRESS RELEASE

Scott Ritter Joins Drumbeat Pointing to Britains GCHQ Role in Wiretapping of Trump

March 15, 2017 (EIRNS)Former U.S. military intelligence professional Scott Ritter, best known for his vociferous campaign against the weapons of mass destruction lies which justified the invasion of Iraq, is the latest American intelligence specialist to point to the National Security Agencys British counterpart, the Govermnent Communications Headquarters (GCHQ), as the agency which likely provided Obama et al. with the wire taps on the Trump campaign.

Ritters explosive article in TruthDig yesterday, "Trumps Wiretapping Charge Could Contain Some Explosive Truth," proposes how this charge can be traced back through the transcript of Gen. Michael Flynns conversation with Russian Amb. Kislyak, and suggests that an investigation of the production and handling of that transcript could lead to a bigger-than-Watergate scandal against Obama and his officials. After all,

"the notion that U.S. government officials would knowingly and willfully violate laws designed to protect constitutionally protected rights should rightfully outrage everyone. That these violations were committed for partisan political purposes designed to undo the lawful results of a binding election (for instance, by undermining the appointment of a controversial and unpopular national security adviser) represents an attack on the very democratic processes that define the United States."

Ritter explains how "the mere fact that a transcript of Flynns phone conversations exists" both points to the general accuracy of President Trumps charge that Obama ordered his campaign wiretapped, and "represents a violation of U.S. law."

Because the existence of a transcript that identifies American citizen Flynn by name "represents a deviation from the normal practices of U.S. law enforcement and intelligence that is not readily explained," Ritter argues, that, as others have proposed, it is likely that the transcript was produced from outside of the United States.

"The most likely candidate for this sort of role would be Britains Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ)," in Ritters view. Ritter cuts to the chase:
As a writer of liberalish tendencies, and one with an active  meaning, loud  political and social presence online, I am often accused (particularly on Twitter, the Wild West of social media) of being a coastal elite. Which is to say, one of those latte-drinking multiculturalists loitering in one of the big cities with an ocean nearby  but not the Gulf of Mexico, which totally does not count  who doesnt know what its like for the honest, hard-working real Americans in the flyover country, a place someone like me would never visit.

Well. To those who accuse me thus, I invite you to visit my current hometown of Bradford, Ohio, population 1,850. Its on the edge of Darke County, population 50,000, of which roughly 98% of its inhabitants are white. In the last presidential election, a full 78% of Darke County voters pulled the lever for Donald Trump.

This coastal elite lives in a place where there is so little light pollution he can see the Milky Way, where the nearest McDonalds is 10 miles away, where a traffic jam is three cars behind an Amish buggy, and where the sound of repeated gunfire is not a cause for alarm but just the neighbors getting in some target practice.

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So this is where I live, and you know what? Its a nice place to live. Its a place where your neighbors will plow your driveway after a snowstorm, who will look after your house when youre away. They are kind and friendly people, who value family and community. I like living here.

But, and this is important, its not the only place I live on a daily basis.

The other place I live is in my community of writers and creative people, which is, in fact, multicultural, multigendered and multilifestyled, and whose members I see every day online on Twitter and Facebook, and monthly at conventions and other professional gatherings.

A full 78% of Darke County voters pulled the lever for Donald Trump....and you know what? Its a nice place to live.

Its not an exaggeration to say that thanks to travel, I see some of these creative people more often than I see some of the people in Bradford. With social media, I talk to writers and creators living in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Washington and elsewhere around the world on a more than daily basis.

This community is liberal, whereas my physical world community is conservative; almost none of my creative community voted for Trump (even the occasional nonliberal in this tribe voted for Gary Johnson or Evan McMullin). Like my real world neighbors, these virtual neighbors are lovely people, whom I can bounce creative ideas off of, celebrate achievements and commiserate career potholes with, count on for support and give support to. This community is my home, as much as the community of Bradford is my home.

My two communities are sharply defined to the point of near exclusion from each other  its fair to say that the only thing these two communities have in common is me and my family. But I rather strongly suspect that I am not the only person who finds himself in the very small overlap of two (or more!) entirely disparate communities. I am not the only liberal I know who lives in a small rural town, and in my own circle of acquaintances, I know conservatives who dwell among throngs of liberals; nor is politics the only nexus of communities, even if it is the one Im focused on now. Its fair to say weve all found ourselves simultaneously living in separate worlds, sometimes contentedly and sometimes not.

Right now, both the places where I live are highly suspicious of each other. My creative community  with reason  sees Trump as a racist, a sexist and a white nationalist, and his White House as harboring anti-Semites and those who see the Constitution of the United States as something to get around rather than revere. Theres a strong belief in this community that those who voted for Trump either signed up for this bigotry directly, or were willing to put up with it, at the expense of so many other citizens and residents of this nation, for the nebulous goal of making America great again.

My creative community  with reason  sees Trump as a racist, a sexist and a white nationalist, and his White House as harboring anti-Semites...

On the the flip side, a lot of people in Bradford and Darke County believe that what recovery happened in the U.S. over the last several years has left them behind, and that their own lives have become more precarious as others have prospered. They believe a lot of that is down to the government  not just Barack Obama (who, to be clear, many believe shouldered a great deal of responsibility), but all of the government in general.

Many of them believe that liberals helped create the problems that rural, white America faces and dont care what happens to them, instead thinking of them as racist yokels who deserve what they get. Many of them take that personally, and see Trump as a corrective.

No, Im not going to tell you that each of these arguments has objectively equal weight. I dont think they do (Im a liberal; guess which argument I think is more sound?). But Im not going to say that either argument is entirely weightless, either. The liberals are right that Trumps administration has both tacitly and explicitly condoned racism, sexism and bigotry, and has played fast and loose with the Constitution, and none of that is news  Trump is merely fulfilling the promises of his campaign on this score.

Im not so foolish as to believe that if the people in them just met each other, they would come to find a common ground, hug and then sing old-timey songs...

No one who voted for the current president can say with a straight face that he or she didnt know this was part of the package. It was, and they voted for it anyway. Its all right to hold his voters accountable for it.

Its also true that rural America was left behind in the Obama-era recovery  as were many other middle- and lower-income people, families and communities, rural and urban, as the lions share of the gains went to largely suburban and city-dwelling upper classes. Its not accurate to say that Trumps appeal was purely rooted in economic populism (theres a reason he and his crew leaned hard into bigotry and nationalism; because it worked). But its also not accurate to leave that out or to minimize it, either, and I see that happening. I think its wrong, or at the very least misleading, to focus on one entirely and not at least acknowledge theres also validity in the other.

As someone who lives in two separate communities, Im not so foolish as to believe that if the people in them just met each other, they would come to find a common ground, hug and then sing old-timey songs around a campfire. The property of community isnt necessarily commutative. Were not all going to just get along.

But if were not going to get along, maybe one small thing we can do is acknowledge where our communities have legitimate grievances. Conservatives, liberals are not wrong that the Trump administration is appallingly racist and unjust; liberals, conservatives are not wrong to fear that rural (and yes, white) America is being left behind. Sympathy in both cases might be too much to ask for, but empathy might not be.

And perhaps thats what those of us who find ourselves in the overlap of two disparate communities can offer  not fake-reasonable moderate fence-sitting, but understanding of our communities and the ability to articulate that understanding to others. Im not at all shy in my political opinions, and Im sarcastic as hell, but I find it hard to caricature either rural conservatives or creative liberals, because I live with both, every day. I know the caricatures are incomplete.

I disagree politically with most of the people I live with in Bradford. I think that theyve been sold a bill of goods in this last election and that they will suffer for it. But I cant and dont hate them (without specific, personal reason). Nor when the hammer I fear is coming falls on them, will I be able just to say, Well, thats what you voted for, and turn away. They are my neighbors.

Meanwhile, the hammer is already falling in my creative community, which is seeing racism and anti-Semitism and transphobia ramping up. I wont turn away from it either  and along with the support I can offer directly, this community deserves me arguing for it and its value to people who might listen to me, who might not otherwise listen at all.

These are things I can do. I think theyre things anyone who live in two communities can try to do. Maybe none of us will bring those communities closer together. But in a time where people have a hard time believing anyone could be a part of more than one community  more than one mind-set or way of thinking  maybe we can show that these communities are not as closed off as they seem.

Scalzi, a Los Angeles Times critic at large, is a Hugo Award-winning novelist. His latest book, The Collapsing Empire, publishes March 21.
Lots of people in the healthcare field heaved a sigh of relief last week when President Trump nominated Scott Gottlieb, a physician, venture investor and former official of the Food and Drug Administration, to be the FDAs next commissioner. Some healthcare experts were relieved that, whatever Gottliebs particular qualities, at least he wasnt someone from the camp of we-have-to-destroy-the-agency-to-save-it species of Trump appointee like, say, Environmental Protection Agency boss Scott Pruitt.

Other expressions of relief came from investors and executives in the pharmaceutical industry. They see Gottlieb as one of their own, with good reason. He has served on advisory boards or held directorships at six drug manufacturing companies at least, and received substantial stipends from many more.

From 2013 through 2015  the extent of a database maintained by the Department of Health and Human Services  Gottlieb received some $413,700 received from drug companies for consulting, speaking or other services. In 2015 alone, he collected $199,951 from eight drug companies, including GlaxoSmithKline, Squibb, Pfizer and Valeant. All are likely to have regulatory business with the FDA in coming years.

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The FDAs cumbersome approval process has been a long time in the making, but its effects are by now clear to patients, physicians, and drug makers.  Scott Gottlieb, commissioner-designate of the FDA

Gottlieb also is a venture partner at the investment firm New Enterprise Associates, which claims current investments in 50 biopharma firms, 29 medical device firms and 21 healthcare services firms.

So it shouldnt come as a surprise that Big Pharma will be happy to have Gottlieb on board. Thank God its Gottlieb, investment analyst Brian Skorney of Robert W. Baird & Co. told clients in a research note quoted by Reuters. We view this as a favorable development for the sector.

Nor should it be a surprise that critics of the pharmaceutical industry are less sanguine. Surgical oncologist David Gorski, who bird-dogs pseudoscience under the nom de plume Orac, calls Gottlieb a bona fide, honest-to-goodness pharma shill, citing his revolving-door journeys from the drug industry to the FDA (where he served as deputy commissioner from 2005 to 2007) and back again.

Gottlieb is entangled in an unprecedented web of Big Pharma ties, Michael Carome, director of the Health Research Group at the advocacy organization Public Citizen, told me.

This wouldnt be the first time that Gottliebs conflicts of interest raised eyebrows. Upon taking up his FDA post in 2005, he had to recuse himself for up to a year from participating in matters involving nine drug companies, including Eli Lilly, Roche, Procter & Gamble and Sanofi-Aventis.

As FDA commissioner, however, we dont think he can disentangle himself from these conflicts of interest even with recusal, Carome says. Thats because as the agencys top dog, Gottlieb will be weighing in on more than particular matters involving specific companies, the standard for recusal, but on policies that will have broad effects on entire industries with which hes been financially linked.

In professional terms Gottlieb, 44, certainly has the requisite qualifications to head a major federal health agency in a conservative Republican administration. Formerly a practicing physician, hes a clinical assistant professor of medicine at New York University and a resident fellow at the pro-business American Enterprise Institute.

The important question, of course, is how Gottliebs ties to the drug industry might affect his policy preferences. The answer can be found in his voluminous writings, including newspaper op-eds and papers in policy journals, where he has advocated faster drug approvals and more tolerant oversight on manufacturers marketing.

The most undistilled expression of Gottliebs philosophy can be found in a 2012 article he wrote for the conservative journal National Affairs. There he took aim at what he described as the FDAs flawed culture in which the safety of a drug has become its prime concern. In so heavily prioritizing one of its obligations  the protection of consumers  the FDA has sometimes neglected its other key obligation, which is to guide new medical innovations to market, he wrote. On the whole, the agencys reviewers believe it is appropriate to prioritize safety over speed.

Gottlieb traced this mindset to the agencys most legendary success  the blocking of the morning sickness drug thalidomide from U.S. shelves in 1960 by Frances Kelsey, an FDA reviewer. Kelseys action, which saved American families from the tide of birth defects caused by the drug in Europe and Japan, fostered an idealization of the lone reviewer championing an issue of safety against the prevailing orthodoxies, especially when it meant taking on corporate interests, Gottlieb wrote.

He argued that the pendulum had swung too far in the other direction, turning the FDAs demands for thorough safety and efficacy studies into a roadblock against prompt approval of life-saving treatments. The FDAs cumbersome approval process has been a long time in the making, he wrote, but its effects are by now clear to patients, physicians, and drug makers.

Gottlieb waved away concerns that drug makers ply doctors with incentives to overprescribe their products, including for conditions for which they havent been FDA-approvedso-called off-label uses. There is, of course, no shortage of anecdotes regarding bad doctors and unscrupulous drug-marketing practices, he acknowledged. There is a powerful sense inside the FDA today that, once a new drug is approved for one narrow purpose, poorly informed doctors manipulated by drug marketing will prescribe it for all manner of ailments.

Gottlieb implied that the FDAs suspicion of doctors and drug marketers was excessive and unwarranted. But the truth is that the evidence of unscrupulous marketing is more than anecdotal. Dozens of major drug companies have settled accusations of improper marketing for billions of dollars.

They include several companies on whose payrolls Gottlieb has appeared: GlaxoSmithKline, which paid $3 billion in 2012 to settle charges of improper marketing and other practices; Eli Lilly, which paid $1.4 billion to settle similar federal charges in 2009; Squibb, which paid a penalty of $515 million in 2007; and Pfizer, whose $2.3-billion payment in 2009 was described by the Department of Justice as the largest health care fraud settlement in the agencys history. Gottlieb wasnt associated with any of these cases, but they demonstrate that the FDAs concerns were hardly misplaced.

Gottliebs argument that the FDAs demands for rigorous safety and efficacy trials are excessive and burdensome also is questionable, though it dovetails nicely with the industrys viewpoint. FDA statistics and a study by outside experts suggest that the agency has become more efficient in recent years at clearing the path for new drugs. The average time span for FDA review of conventional new drugs has fallen from an average of about 18 months a decade or two ago to about 12 months more recently, while the percentage of approvals of drug applications also has risen, exceeding 90% in 2015.

Yet Big Pharma wants more  and tends to get it. In December, the industry scored a major triumph with the passage of the 21st Century Cures Act. The measures backers hailed it as a source of new funding for research agencies such as the National Institutes of Health, but it was in fact a huge deregulatory handout to the pharmaceutical and medical device industries. The act authorized the FDA to loosen clinical standards for judging many new drugs and took the leash off drug companies marketing their products for off-label uses.

The FDA will have to promulgate rules and implement policies under the act  but that process would unfold under the industry-friendly Scott Gottlieb if hes confirmed. Big Pharma has been trying to get its wish list of deregulatory initiatives through Congress and the White House for years. With Gottliebs nomination, it may have landed in deregulation heaven. As for that troublesome consumer-protection culture at the FDA inspired by the lesson of thalidomide, it may be on its way out. What might the consequences be for your health and safety?

Keep up to date with Michael Hiltzik. Follow @hiltzikm on Twitter, see his Facebook page, or email michael.hiltzik@latimes.com.

Return to Michael Hiltziks blog.
Proposed cuts to federal funding of public broadcasting conjure up images of Big Bird getting pink slipped from Sesame Street.

But the impact of the cuts would be a lot closer to home. President Trumps budget blueprint, released Thursday, would eliminate support for the Public Broadcasting Service and National Public Radio.

About half of the $445 million provided every year to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting is distributed among 350 member stations to fund the operations of local PBS stations. Many of those outlets provide service to smaller communities who depend on free over-the-air television.

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If this stays at zero funding this is like the tsunami crashing onshore and its the little houses will get washed away first because they are totally dependent upon on it, said Neal Shapiro, president of WNET, the New York flagship station of the Public Broadcasting System. But then the big houses will start falling too because we are an interconnected system.

Southern Californias KOCE station gets between 11% and 15% of its operating budget from the federal funds, or about $2.5 million to $3 million a year. But many of the PBS programs are produced by stations within the network, for example the station in Boston, and so the entire system could lose programs like Frontline.

It would definitely be catastrophic, said Andrew Russell, who is president and chief executive of PBS SoCal KOCE. The public television system is interdependent and the federal financing is what makes it all work. All of the great PBS programming that everyone loves just wouldnt be possible with the kind of cuts that they are proposing.

Shapiro added that the public TV outlets most vulnerable to cuts are in rural areas likely to have voted for Trump in November.

If local TV stations cant survive, that would ultimately hurt the larger outlets that create much of the programming such as Nova from WGBH in Boston and PBS Newshour from WETA in Washington that is distributed across the country.

Public radio stations in Southern California and nationwide would also be hit. KPCC 89.3 FM in Pasadena gets $1.3 million a year in federal funding, which represents 5% of its operating budget. KCRW 89.9 FM in Santa Monica receives about $1.2 million, which is 5.4% of its budget.

Its really scary, said Jennifer Ferro, president of KCRW. This is the biggest threat we have faced so far the whole system will suffer because we really do rely on each other.

For public radio, federal cuts would hurt the effort by stations to deliver local news  a job that many commercial radio outlets have abandoned due to consolidation and cost-cutting to service debt of their parent companies.

Bill Davis, president of Southern California Public Radio, which runs KPCC, said that losing the $1.3 million his station gets would jeopardize 12 full-time positions at the station. Its unclear whether the station could make up that kind of income from its fundraising drives and sponsorships.

Its clearly something that we are worried about, Davis said. At this point we certainly dont know and the message we are putting out is that membership support is more important than ever.

Smaller public radio stations will be at risk of going off the air. Stations in Indiana, Texas, Alaska and other areas receive as much as 30% to 40% of their budget from the public funds because they dont have access to big sponsors who can underwrite their programs.

The national organizations  PBS and NPR  rely on contributions from all of the stations throughout the country. So if smaller stations have to close their doors, that means NPR and PBS would get less funding overall and could pass along the cuts to the larger stations like KOCE, KPCC and KCRW.

PBS recently conducted a study that showed bi-partisan support for government funding of public broadcasting. The study found that 70% of those who voted for Trump say they would tell their elected representatives to find other places in the budget to save money if asked their opinion about eliminating federal funding for public television.

The number was even higher among voters in states that went from Democratic to Republican in the 2016 election, with 85% of voters wanting savings to come from somewhere other than public television.

Public TV stations are likely to hammer home those points to members of Congress who will have to go home and face the voters affected by the cuts.

Though public programming will most likely continue in some form without government money, its ability to reach rural areas is in greater jeopardy. Public radio and TV stations get an average of 19% of their revenue from the federal government, according to numbers from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a federally funded nonprofit entity that provides public dollars for public TV and radio stations. For some TV and radio stations, the figure rises to 50%.

Opponents of federal funding for public broadcasting often cite the private fundraising and corporate underwriting that help fund the Corporation for Public Broadcastings operational costs. While this would add up to significantly more pledge drives to help compensate for the lost government funding, the corporate influence that comes with accepting their funds runs into possible ethical questions that are contrary to public televisions mission.

In 2014, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting returned a $3.5 million grant from a Texas billionaire and former Enron official who helped fund a segment on PBS Newshour after it was learned that a ballot initiative in support of rolling back public employee pensions that was mentioned in the report was being partly funded by the same billionaire.

There is no viable substitute for federal funding that ensures Americans have universal access to public medias educational and informational programming and services, Patricia Harrison, president and chief executive of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, said in a statement, which also noted that the nonprofit provides childrens educational content and ensures public safety and homeland security through emergency alerts.

Critics also cite the increased availability of childrens programming elsewhere on cable networks and streaming services, including Netflix, Nickelodeon and HBO, the latter of which began broadcasting new episodes of Sesame Street in 2015 in an effort to offset production costs. Older episodes of the program still run on PBS.

But the loss of public television affiliates will affect poor families who may not be able to afford cable subscriptions.

stephen.battaglio@latimes.com

Twitter: @SteveBattaglio
The U.S. hit its debt limit again on Thursday  a whopping $19.9 trillion this time  and the Treasury Department started using accounting maneuvers to buy Congress several months to raise it to avoid a potential federal government default.

The statutory limit on borrowing has become a partisan flash point in recent years. During the Obama administration, conservatives in Congress tried unsuccessfully to include spending cuts with any debt increases.

Although analysts believe the limit will be raised this time, Republicans might not be able to count on as much Democratic support with President Trump in the White House.

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And with narrow House and Senate majorities, Republicans might need that support if hard-line GOP members balk again.

They have the obligation as the majority to pass this debt ceiling increase, said Rep. Joseph Crowley (D-N.Y.), a member of the House Democratic leadership. And if they cannot do it with their votes and they want our support, they need to talk to us about that.

Crowley said Democrats would support only a clean bill that doesnt include any spending cuts or other controversial provisions.

The debt limit needs to be raised to pay for spending already authorized by Congress, not for future spending.

Trump sided with hard-liners in 2013, publicly opposing an increase. I cannot believe the Republicans are extending the debt ceiling  I am a Republican & I am embarrassed! he tweeted then.

But Trumps views appeared to have changed now that hes president and would have to deal with the ramifications of a default. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin will work with Congress on a path forward, White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said this week.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) downplayed any concerns.

Were talking to the secretary of the Treasury about timing, but obviously we will raise the debt ceiling, he told reporters Tuesday.

Two leading credit rating companies, Fitch Ratings and Moodys Investors Service, said that Republican control of Congress and the White House made it more likely that the debt limit would be raised well before a potential default.

Timing is important.

A 2011 standoff in which the limit wasnt raised until the last minute caused Standard & Poors to downgrade the nations AAA credit rating for the first time. The delay in raising the limit caused the Treasury to pay an additional $1.3 billion in borrowing costs for that year alone, according to the Government Accountability Office.

Another showdown two years later -- again resolved before a default -- increased Treasurys borrowing costs by $38 million to $70 million as investors avoided buying bonds the government might not be able to repay, the GAO said.

The debt ceiling isnt a game of chicken, said Maya MacGuineas, president of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget. It should be raised as soon as possible to ensure continued confidence in our economic system here at home and around the world.

Lawmakers have until sometime this fall to act, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office reported this month. But it noted the complexity of predicting incoming tax revenues, and spending outlays made it difficult to pin down an exact date.

An analysis by the Bipartisan Policy Center think tank found the debt limit would need to be raised by October or November, but said the possibility of major changes in fiscal policy by Congress and the Trump administration give projections a higher level of uncertainty.

Mnuchin wrote to congressional leaders on March 8, encouraging them to raise the debt limit at the first opportunity. He expressed more urgency in a letter to them Thursday.

I respectfully urge Congress to protect the full faith and credit of the United States by acting to increase the statutory debt limit as soon as possible, Mnuchin wrote.

To avoid lawmakers voting to set a specific debt level  one that includes lots of zeroes  congressional leaders the past few years have advanced bills that simply suspended the limit for a period of time. At the end of that period, the debit limit automatically reset at the level of total outstanding federal government debt.

Congress used that strategy in the Bipartisan Budget Act approved in November 2015. It suspended the debt limit until Wednesday.

On Thursday, the limit was reinstated at about $19.9 trillion, the current level of outstanding public debt. To avoid going over the limit, Treasury has begun what it calls extraordinary measures.

The first accounting maneuver began Wednesday when the Treasury suspended the sale of state and local government series securities, which count against the debt limit. On Thursday, the department suspended issuing new debt for some federal employee retirement and disability funds, Mnuchin said.

There are other measures the Treasury can take to free up money to continue paying the federal governments bills.

Although there are months to go before those measures would be exhausted, diverting Treasury employees to engage in them is wasting government resources, said Shai Akabas, director of fiscal policy at the Bipartisan Policy Center. The effects increase and can include higher borrowing costs as the date gets closer  as does the risk of a default, he said.

Its troubling that its not on the agenda right now, he said of a debt limit hike.

MacGuineas said the use of extraordinary measures has become all too ordinary in recent years. She warned that the nations fiscal situation is unsustainable and urged Congress to accompany lifting the debt ceiling with specific policy measures to reduce the debt trajectory.

Trump says businesses cant borrow because of Dodd-Frank. The numbers tell another story 

Obama saw low-wage workers as struggling moms. Trump may see them as suburban teens 

jim.puzzanghera@latimes.com

Follow @JimPuzzanghera on Twitter

UPDATES:

1:05 p.m.: This article was updated with excerpts from a Thursday letter from Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin to congressional leaders.

This article originally was published at 11:30 a.m.
Buried in a nearly 400-page study on the dire repairs needed for the venerable Queen Mary is a diagram of the 81-year-old ocean liner that looks like something out of an autopsy report.

From the bow to the stern, from the keel to the crows nest, arrows point out more than 20 repair projects needed to prevent a hull collapse and flooding that threaten the stability of the ship.

The most immediate fixes would cost $5.7 million, with a total budget of $289 million for all repairs over the next five years, according to the engineering report handed to Long Beach city officials this month.

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The question now facing the coastal town is whether the overhaul would be a good investment for a floating tourist attraction that has struggled over the years to remain profitable.

City officials have committed to preserving the ship, saying they can pay for the repairs using revenue generated by the ship and the surrounding developments. Those revenues would have otherwise been diverted to the citys general fund.

The Queen Mary is an iconic asset that the city has finally, for the first time, made a commitment to, said Long Beach Councilwoman Jeannine Pearce, whose district includes the harbor area. I believe we need all of our assets together to create a strong tourist attraction.

But tourism experts say the total repair costs may not match how much the ship brings in tourism dollars.

It makes no sense, said Alan Reay, president of Atlas Hospitality. You could build a resort hotel at a million dollars a room instead.

Carl Winston, a hospitality and tourism expert from San Diego State, said the money needed for the repairs could be used on more profitable ventures, such as the city convention center.

If someone towed the Queen Mary away, I dont think a lot fewer people would be going to Long Beach, he said.

The study that calls for the urgent repairs was requested by the company that previously operated the lease for the Queen Mary, New York-based Garrison Investment Group.

A final version of the report by Simpson Gumpertz & Heger, a national engineering firm, was turned over to the city of Long Beach on March 2. The current lease operator, Urban Commons, said it is moving ahead with the necessary repairs.

Our team is already in full swing, making critical structural renovations and repairs to ensure the Queen Mary is well equipped for the next 80 years, said Taylor Woods, a principal at Urban Commons.

Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia said he is excited by the promise of this exciting new project for our city and the Queen Mary.

The ship sailed into the Long Beach harbor in 1967 and has since become an iconic landmark for the city, producing revenue from visitor fees and the 314 hotel rooms in the ship. Festivals, concerts and haunted attractions in the fall have been added to generate extra money.

You could build a resort hotel at a million dollars a room instead.  Alan Reay, president of Atlas Hospitality

Room-rental revenue has climbed from $6.3 million in 2009 to $11.6 million in 2014, according to city records. Meanwhile, special events revenue jumped from $678,000 to $3.4 million over the same period.

Over the past 50 years, the city has brought in several firms  including Walt Disney Co.  to manage the ship and develop about 43 acres of adjacent oceanfront property, with mixed results.

One previous leaseholder went bankrupt, and an operator abruptly ended its contract and walked away. During the recession, occupancy rates for the ships rooms dropped to 50%  just barely high enough to cover expenses.

Several studies have been drafted in recent years on ways to generate more revenue from the ship and the adjacent property, including a proposal last year to develop a 200-room land-side boutique hotel, restaurants, a marina, an amphitheater and even a giant Ferris wheel.

But the study by the engineering firm warned that some parts of the ship are too corroded or unstable to be open to visitors, including the indoor swimming pool and parts of an exhibition hall.

Ideally, such repairs should be done while the ship is in dry dock, the study said. But extensive repairs would be needed just to move the ship to a dry dock facility, the report said.

The Queen Mary is not sufficiently seaworthy to be towed to other facilities, the report said.

Making the repairs while the ship remains in the harbor, operating as a tourist attraction, is feasible but would take three to five years and require very careful and detailed planning, the report said.

The report does not say that the ship is in immediate danger of sinking, but it suggests that structural repairs are needed to prevent devastating problems such as flooding.

The very severe structural steel corrosion has resulted in 1-inch thin tank top being rusted away to nothing in some places, the report said. We predict at this rate of corrosion some internal collapse of the Queen Marys structure will occur within 10 years unless major action is taken soon.

Long Beach officials say the ship is safe for the public and that those areas noted in the marine survey report have been closed. Already, $23 million is being spent to fix the most serious problems, city officials say.

Major action is being taken regarding the repairs, and the public is not being put at risk, city spokeswoman Kerry Gerot said.

Council member Pearce said she was not surprised by the extent of the repairs needed, noting that no structural repairs have been done to the ship for 50 years.

Its been sitting there, she said. To think it would be preserved without us doing anything would be surprising.

She recalled that for a decade Long Beach was once the home of another icon: the Spruce Goose, the giant airship designed by famed aviator Howard Hughes. The aircraft, housed in a 400-foot wide dome, moved out of Long Beach in 1992 for an Oregon air museum.

Pearce said the city doesnt want to lose another landmark.

I think its the right bold vision that the city wants to take, she said.

hugo.martin@latimes.com

To read more about the travel and tourism industries, follow @hugomartin on Twitter.

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The first budget proposal by the Trump administration calls for big changes to the way Americans fly, including a plan to privatize the air traffic control system and raise passenger security fees.

Reaction to the presidents ideas has been mixed from airlines, airport managers and passenger advocates. The proposed changes come in era of strong air travel demand and record or near-record profits reported by the airline industry over the last few years.

During his campaign for president, Trump compared some U.S. airports to third world facilities. In February, he met with airline executives in the White House and promised to help modernize the industry.

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In total, the Trump budget proposal calls for a 13% cut in the Department of Transportations budget. The cuts include reducing subsidies to Amtrak for long distance train services, which have long been inefficient and incur the vast majority of Amtraks operating losses. Another big cut would be to the Essential Air Service program, which subsidizes commercial air service to rural airports. The budget also eliminates a local transportation grant program

Privatizing air traffic control

Trumps $1.1-trillion budget outline says spinning off air traffic operations from the Federal Aviation Administration and placing them under an independent, nongovernmental organization would make the system more efficient and innovative while maintaining safety.

There are about 50,000 average daily flights in the United States involving commercial airliners, cargo carriers and other planes, and last year the system handled the bulk of a record 823 million passengers traveling on U.S. airlines for domestic and international flights.

The nations biggest commercial airlines support the privatization idea, saying a privatized air traffic control operation would speed up a modernization plan that airline officials say has been bogged down by the FAA.

Canada transferred its air traffic system to a private, nonprofit group in 1996.

The modernization program that airlines are calling for is dubbed NextGen. It would convert the air traffic system from one that relies on outdated radar technology to modern satellite and digital technology. Under the modernization program, airplanes could fly on more direct routes while flying in closer proximity to each other.

Under Trumps plan, the FAA would continue its oversight of air-travel safety.

The airline trade group Airlines for America says the system is long overdue for the modernization that only a private operator could furnish.

Our system is safe, but it is outdated and not as efficient as it should  or could  be, Nicholas Calio, Airlines for Americas chief executive, said in a statement Thursday.

But small and general aviation airports as well as local government officials oppose privatization, fearing that the private body overseeing air traffic control would be dominated by the nations major carriers who may not look after the interests of small airports.

This proposal would allow certain private interests to make critical system decisions ranging from infrastructure funding, to taxes and fees, according to their own best interest rather than that of the public, a coalition of privatization opponents, called the Alliance for Aviation Across America, said in a statement Thursday.

The National Air Traffic Controllers Assn., the union representing about 14,000 FAA controllers, said it will carefully evaluate the White House proposal. The union said its support required, among other things, that a new system protect its workers rights and benefits.

Increased TSA fees

Trumps budget also calls for an increase to the so-called 9/11 fee, which is used to fund the screening and security work of the Transportation Security Administration in more than 400 airports nationwide. The budget report says Trump wants the fee increased so that it covers 75% of the TSA operations.

The budget proposal does not spell out the exact increase, but the news site Politico reported last month that Trump wants to add $1 to the $5.60 fee per one-way trip.

The hike would come less than three years after Congress raised the fee from $2.50 with a $5 cap, to a flat fee of $5.60 per one-way trip with no cap. A portion of the funding generated by the increase was diverted to the U.S. Treasury to help reduce the deficit.

The airline industry opposes the fee increase, saying they fear it wont be spent on its intended use: speeding or improving the screening process at airports.

Tax increases are not the answer, said Vaughn Jennings, a spokesman for Airline for America, the trade group for the nations airlines.

Charlie Leocha, chairman of Travelers United, a passenger rights group, said his group would not oppose an increase if Congress guarantees that the revenues wont be diverted.

We are fine with it as long as it stays with the TSA, he said.

hugo.martin@latimes.com

To read more about the travel and tourism industries, follow @hugomartin on Twitter.
As I was reminded during a visit to Germany this month, Berlin is not one of those cities, like Rome, where you understand history in layers, as a process of accretion. Berlin is a city where space has been cleared out  often by force  for a new version of history to stand apart from everything thats come before.

The longest preserved stretch of the Berlin Wall  officially overseen by the Topography of Terror, a museum exploring the history of the Third Reich  is an unmistakable case in point. You dont turn a corner and stumble onto it. As you approach on foot you begin to sense a full quarter-mile away that more than 500 feet of it is standing in the middle of a clearing, a pockmarked monument of concrete and exposed rebar that you can view essentially in the round.

There is a historical reason for that, of course. This section of the wall, along Niederkirchnerstrasse, formerly Prinz-Albrecht-Strasse, was built next to the ruins of the buildings that housed the Gestapo and the SS during the Nazi regime. There was no need for the East German government, as it sealed off its own citizens in the summer of 1961, to shoehorn this part of the wall into a crowded neighborhood. What had been the rubble of Nazi architecture, after those buildings were bombed and later razed, was easily transformed into a tabula rasa for Cold War construction.

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Walls that divide one country, or one ideology, from another are like that. We think of them as being pinned along an edge by necessity. In fact their path of least resistance is often to move into and occupy vacuums in the physical landscape. And in the political or philosophical one as well.

Consider the way President Donald Trumps proposed border wall has been greeted by American architects. After the Department of Homeland Security announced last month that it would be soliciting fast-track bids for several prototype wall structures in the vicinity of the United States border with Mexico, and then start awarding commissions to build actual stretches of wall by the middle of April, a debate broke out about whether it made ethical sense for architects and engineers to take part.

According to reporting by Kriston Capps for the website CityLab and my colleague Carolina Miranda in The Times, many large firms, including Bechtel, Boeing and AECOM, decided not to participate in the bidding process. (Many midsize firms were happy to.) There were also plenty of smaller architecture offices that shocked nobody by refusing to join in  and probably wouldnt have been considered given their lack of experience managing large infrastructure projects.

Instead attention focused on a tiny firm called JuneJuly that appeared on the pre-solicitation list of potential wall designers. The office was founded by Jake Matatyaou, who teaches at the Southern California Institute of Architecture in Los Angeles, and Kyle Hovenkotter, who lives in New York and teaches at Columbia University and Pratt Institute. They were approaching the wall project, they told Miranda, from a post-national point of view.

I think the nation-state is a kind of outdated construct, Hovenkotter said. 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.

Those statements, predictably, brought on heaps of ridicule. In response, the architects decided they needed to do a little damage control.

Dear Christopher, they wrote in an unsolicited email that apparently went to other critics and journalists as well, We would like to clarify our position on the border wall pre-solicitation.

What followed was not clarification but something closer to six paragraphs of rhetorical quicksand: Every time I struggled to understand what the two architects were trying to say I sank further into the muck. Heres a representative sample: Whether hard or soft, thick or thin, loud or mute, borders produce and negate various political imaginaries and subjectivities, both individual and collective.

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Left entirely unacknowledged was the fact that these two architects could have made every point they wanted to make without signing up to build a wall that is far more about fear-mongering than national security. (In fact more Mexican immigrants have left the United States to return to Mexico since 2008 than have migrated to this country; whats more, immigrants on the whole are less likely to commit crimes than people born here.) They could have written an essay about the border and its meanings or launched a studio for their students exploring similar issues. They could have sketched or built a post-national stretch of wall for a client other than the federal government or at a site removed from the border.

Instead they logged onto a federal website and added their names to a long list of firms trying to get work. They needed an actual commission to attach their theoretical notions to  a wall on which to scratch out a meandering graffito about political imaginaries.

This is all too typical of architects, this inability to notice (or in extreme cases to care) that the platform theyre leaping onto to promote their high-toned ideas is not a neutral stage but somebody elses neck.

Put in slightly more generous terms: There is something in the architectural temperament that suggests, often against all evidence, that ill-advised projects can be redeemed. This moral vacuum is carefully protected beginning in architecture school, where (with very few exceptions) nobody teaches students how to say no to an unethical or misguided client  or even, for the most part, that its possible to give such an answer.

Maybe somebody should. As the Spanish architect Inaki Abalos has suggested, the profession needs more Bartlebys, more architects willing simply to say, in the words of that Melville character, I would prefer not to.

Im also left wishing that the late architect Lebbeus Woods, who had a firmer grasp on the political implications of architecture (built or unbuilt) than anyone of his generation, were around to weigh in on Trump and the border.

This is the surprising effect of the presidents potential wall. Like the Berlin Wall before it, it is conceived in primitive terms, as a blunt instrument for division. Yet whats most striking about it, at least as viewed from the perspective of contemporary American architecture, is the space for debate it has already managed to open up  and more to the point the blind spots and half-baked philosophy it has laid bare.

christopher.hawthorne@latimes.com

Twitter: @HawthorneLAT
Using the hashtags #Nazialmanya (NaziGermany) or #Nazihollanda (NaziHolland), hackers infiltrated hundreds of accounts of politicians, high-profile CEOs, publishers, government agencies and NGOs.

The messages, in Turkish, are part of an escalation of tensions between Turkey and Europe ahead of a Turkish referendum on expanding presidential powers.

Multiple Twitter accounts were hacked Wednesday to include tweets branding the Netherlands and Germany as "Nazi" and disseminating pro-Turkish government messages.

Some of the accounts hacked include news organizations Die Welt and BBC North America as well as French politician Alain Juppe, the account of the European Parliament, and non-government organizations, including Amnesty International.

According to Twitter, the hacked accounts have all been recovered.

The pro-Turkey tweets began with a swastika and linked to a YouTube video entitled "Nazi Germany, Nazi Holland, see you April 16th" - the date of the Turkish referendum.

The hacks Wednesday coincided with Dutch parliamentary elections.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has repeatedly called the Dutch government "Nazis" for preventing two of his Cabinet ministers from speaking at a rally in The Netherlands for ethnic Turks in support of the Turkish referendum.

Turkey has also suspended high-level ties with The Netherlands as part of a package of sanctions to protest Dutch actions. The measures also include banning the Dutch ambassador, who is currently out of the country, from returning to Turkey and suspending diplomatic flights.
Misty Copeland will not dance in American Ballet Theatres new production, Whipped Cream, having its world premiere Wednesday through Sunday at Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa.

The San Pedro native had to bow out because of injury. Shes suffering from whats called a stress reaction in her leg, an ABT representative said, and to avoid a fracture shes resting up. If shes fully recovered, she will perform in ABTs production of Giselle in Oman in April.

The opening performance of Whipped Cream, however, will feature ABT principal dancer David Hallberg, who has been away from ABT for about 2 1/2 years because of an ankle injury. He returned to the stage in December, dancing the lead in the Australian Ballets production of Coppelia. Whipped Cream marks his return to ABT.

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Whipped Cream, about a young boy who falls into a sugar delirium, was choreographed by ABT artist-in-residence Alexei Ratmansky. Pop surrealist painter Mark Ryden designed the sets and costumes. The ballet is based on an obscure 1924 two-act called Schlagobers written and composed by Richard Strauss.

On opening night of Whipped Cream, Sarah Lane will perform Princess Praline, the role Copeland was going to dance. South Pasadena native Stella Abrera will play Princess Tea Flower, and Daniil Simkin will play the character known as the boy. The Pacific Symphony will perform the score live.

deborah.vankin@latimes.com

Follow me on Twitter: @debvankin

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One of the most cherished musical numbers in a Disney movie centers on a young woman ostracized from her community because she likes to read.

Look there she goes, that girl is strange no question. Dazed and distracted, cant you tell?

This is how we meet one of Disneys most progressive princesses: Belle, the girl who dared to read. Shes the nonconformist, the outsider, the nerd.

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Never part of any crowd. Cause her heads up on some cloud. No denying shes a funny girl, that Belle!

Life in Belles poor provincial town, as described in the classic song by the late lyricist Howard Ashman and composer Alan Menken, sounds quite cruel for the bookish heroine.

Not only is Belle labeled a funny girl, her inability to fit in is called a sin. But despite societal pressure, she reads on. And that passion for education was one of the emotional cornerstones director Bill Condon used to build new plot points and broaden the characters inside the retelling of Disneys Beauty and the Beast as a live-action film.

[Reading] defined Belle in the original movie, Condon says the day after the films Hollywood premiere.

Actress Emma Watson at the world premiere of Disneys Beauty and the Beast at El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood. (Valerie Macon / AFP/Getty Images)

Having Emma Watson as a partner, as a collaborator, was so crucial.  Beauty and the Beast director Bill Condon

Still energized from the positive audience response at the El Capitan Theatre, the director breaks down how he turned animated fantasy into live action reality.

Books, not boys. And everything that books represent, he says. Its a double thing for her. Theres an escape into the adventure of books, but its also just feeding her imagination, and the zeal for knowledge. Thats something that, I think, is important to a lot of us.

While the animated films townsfolk chided Belles interest in education as foolish, the new movie (opening in theaters Thursday) goes one step further  they punish her for it. One particularly harrowing scene shows the locals outraged at the sight of Belle (played by Emma Watson) teaching another girl how to read. They are so enraged by this act that they destroy Belles clever clothes washing contraption (in this movie, her father, Maurice, isnt the only inventor).

What Im proud of in our movie is that [Belles] also become an activist 25 years later, Condon says. That she not only has a private interest in [reading], but she wants to share it and figure out how to help other little girls discover books too.

No longer does Belle sit solitarily reading to disinterested sheep  Oh isnt this amazing  shes actively trying to get young women involved.

Beauty and the Beast director Bill Condon at the Montage in Beverly Hills. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

This movie is for everybody, and on the screen youll see everybody. That was important to me, I think, to all of us.  Beauty and the Beast director Bill Condon

The ramifications of reading are threaded throughout Condons feature. The heavily stocked bookshop that the original Belle frequented in her cartoon town has been swapped out for a more realistic representation of the times. New Belle picks from a minuscule collection of reading material housed in the local church.

There werent bookstores in 1740, Condon says. Its as simple as that. The church would have been the center for learning, and shes found one priest who connects to her. Everyone else thinks its just an absolutely crazy thing that a woman would be interested. This makes the eventual reveal of the Beasts expansive castle library even more impressive.

Even LeFou, the lackey to the villainous Gaston, gets an illiteracy gag in his climactic solo during the rowdy tavern performance of Gaston. Its a moment not lost on Josh Gad, the actor behind the joke and father of two little girls.

Right now, my daughter is learning how to read, Gad says. To have this character whose superpower is essentially that she devours books and is an inventor is a great thing to hold up and share with them. She is the hero of the movie. I think that now more than ever we need amazing female role models like that, and Im thrilled to be a part of a movie that has one at its core.

Beauty and the Beast isnt Condons first musical movie adaptation  he spearheaded the two-time Oscar-winning Dreamgirls in 2006. Nor is this his first brush with a devout fan base. He put the Twilight saga to bed in Breaking Dawn Parts 1 and 2. However, this is the first movie that combines massive fandom with an internationally adored songbook. The director is aware hes playing with a powerful brand of nostalgia.

Full Coverage Beauty and the Beast news, interviews, videos, reviews 

Still, Belles rebellious reading wasnt the only part of Disneys tale as old as time that was due for a little dusting. With a running time 45 minutes longer than the original, Condon hoped that his Beauty and the Beast expansion would answer questions fans may have been carrying with them for years. Some new investigations are arguably easier to answer than others, thanks to a little movie magic.

For example, how were the townsfolk seemingly unaware of the existence of a multistory, magical castle in the woods that (presumably) used to house their governing system? Simple: a magical memory wiping incantation directly tied to the Beasts curse.

Granted, the larger questions Condon attempts to answer (how did Belle and her father wind up living in a village where theyre complete outsiders, and what happened to Belles mother?) are clearly more complicated and will forever change the back story to this Disney staple. But most pressing, according to the director, was expanding the relationship between Belle and the Beast (played by Dan Stevens).

Youre asking an audience to believe that Emma Watson is falling in love with this big hunk of fur, Condon says. So you want to make it absolutely recognizable in human terms.

Its only when he actually does free her, and long after that, that she kind of lets herself open up to her feelings for him.  Beauty and the Beast director Bill Condon

That also meant addressing the Stockholm syndrome issues with the classic storys prisoner/princess relationship. When questioned about the problematic nature of the duos courtship, the director immediately lists his leading lady as a champion for this change.

Thats where having Emma Watson as a partner, as a collaborator, was so crucial, Condon says. Because shell always know more than I do about this, because shes leading the life of a strong role model for women in the 21st century.

In fact, both Stevens and Watson worked with Condon on their dialogue in hopes of refining and reshaping their complicated affair in an attempt to steer it away from victim and kidnapper.

To me, the crucial line is when they finally connect, and [Beast] says, Could you ever be happy here? [Belle] thinks about it and says, Could anybody be happy when theyre not free? 

Shes not falling in love with him. She understands the terms of what hes done, she reminds him of it, and he feels ashamed of it, Condon says. She very clearly sets up those boundaries. And its only when he actually does free her, and long after that, that she kind of lets herself open up to her feelings for him. That scene, which probably has only 10 lines, its sort of like haiku. We kept refining, word by word, to make sure that moment, that line, packed a real punch.

Whether the evolution of Belle and the Beast will alleviate modern minds troubled by the questionable romance remains to be seen, but one thing that took most by surprise was the outing and subsequent backlash at the sexuality of the aforementioned LeFou. After it was announced that LeFou would be Disneys first gay character, a Henagar, Ala., drive-in theater said it wouldnt screen the film  specifically citing LeFous sexual orientation. Overseas, Disney has decided to pull its Malaysian distribution of the film rather than censor the few minutes of content the countrys film censorship board regarded as unsuitable.

Condon spoke vaguely about the reaction at a press conference in Beverly Hills last week, noting that this too is another expansion of a character for the modern age, What has this story always been about for 300 years? he asked. Its about looking closer, going deeper, accepting people for who they really are. And in a very Disney way, we are including everybody. I think this movie is for everybody, and on the screen youll see everybody. That was important to me, I think, to all of us.

The backlash has already received plenty of backlash from the rest of the cast. Ian McKellen (who plays Cogsworth) labeled the controversy rubbish in an interview with CNN at the New York premiere. And Ewan McGregor (Lumiere), at first joking that there is a lot of gay sex in this cartoon on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, turned serious when he told Colbert, Hes a gay character. Its 2017, for ... sake.

Its only too perfect that one of the many themes in this timeless fairy tale that doesnt need updating is the proverbial sentiment: Dont judge a book by its cover.

Condon encourages his audience to look beyond Beasts intimidating horns or the beautiful filigree of the castles magical inhabitants and take in the big picture.

Only then will you realize in the live action opening number that the only children marching into the school are the boys, while the girls are stuck doing the laundry.

More about Beauty and the Beast . . .

What happens when you put Beauty and the Beast stars at a piano with composer Alan Menken? Disney magic

Review: Beauty and the Beast remake is a gilded monument to the more-is-more principle

Beauty and the Beast wont be shown in Malaysia after Disney refuses to cut gay scene

Why Beauty and the Beast will be the biggest box-office hit of the year so far

From the archives: A Beast With Heart  Kenneth Turans review of the 1991 animated Beauty and the Beast

Beauty and the Beasts Alan Menken takes pride in carrying the vision of his songwriting partner Howard Ashman

See the most-read stories in Entertainment this hour 

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A sinister world rises from the soothing, if mischievous, voice of Adam Curtis: politicians and financiers have created alternate realities that prey on our fears while Facebook and other cyberspace distractions toy with our vanities with promises of escape and virtual redemption.

At a time when what we see is often more fantastical than what we dream, Curtis new documentary, HyperNormalisation, is a disquieting peek into the trickery that runs the planet. He weaves an array of images from the last 40 years, including the rise of Donald Trump, the swagger of Vladimir Putin, the bloody end of Libyan despot Moammar Kadafi and, oddly enough, a Jane Fonda workout tape, the killing of a Japanese gambler and clips from Hollywoods apocalyptic blockbusters.

They all collide in a nearly three-hour documentary that has the sweep of a prairie and the eerie depravity of a bedtime story whispered by the Brothers Grimm. The footage, drawn from the BBCs archives, glimpses back to the 1970s and follows the world  its corruptions, conflicts, terrorism, hidden hands and technological advances  into what Curtis calls a post-political era driven by banks, financial markets, Silicon Valley and populists like Trump and Putin.

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It would be easy to mischaracterize Curtis as a leftist out to expose the establishment. But much of his work is less politically inspired than driven by a suggestion that those in power have bent our ideologies, cultures and even our subconsciousness to their whims. The Occupy Wall Street-type movements that grew out of the last recession excited him until they devolved into stifling rules and bureaucracies.

Because weve all retreated into a simplified view of the world, we havent seen where the power has shifted.  Adam Curtis, filmmaker

Because weve all retreated into a simplified view of the world, we havent seen where the power has shifted, said Curtis, who has the air of a precocious English schoolboy whose eyes gleam at the hint of conspiracy. Journalism is a lot to blame for this. Its concentration on very simple stories of goodies and baddies hasnt seen the power that has gone to finance, technology and other unaccountable forces.

It is unsettling terrain of audaciousness and irony. Released in Britain last year and available on YouTube, the film, which will have a Los Angeles screening with Curtis on Saturday at the Cinefamily, suggests that politicians have fashioned a fake world to obscure complexities they cannot fix. In Curtis view, Trumps condemnation of fake news is the latest iteration in a battle between truth and dominance.

The truth  from Moscow to Manila to Mar-a-Lago  is often recast by alternative facts and the kind of evasive vocabularies that echo through the novels of Orwell and Kafka. To tune into a news conference by White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer is at once to confront elusiveness and reality TV chutzpah. The known-knowns as it were are, in Curtis estimation, being finessed for a new world order thats challenging the global society liberal thought that arose after World War II.

Maybe its not a battle between left and right, Curtis said of Trumps election and Britains vote to break from the European Union. Maybe its a battle against the idea that were all one world and were universal. The other view is that were very different societies with different narratives, stories and traditions. That view is dangerous because it can be nationalist.

A journalist and filmmaker, Curtis, who harnesses jumbles of sequences and selective facts to fuel sprawling narratives, has long peeked behind convention and artifice. His documentaries, including The Century of the Self, about how psychoanalysis merged with consumerism, and The Power of Nightmares, a look at neo-conservatism and radical Islam, are juxtapositions of images that enthrall, anger and occasionally make you laugh at the spooky ridiculousness of the world.

In person, hes much like his films, lulling along at a comfortable pace while murmuring sly asides. He showed up at downtowns Grand Central Market the other day in a button-down white shirt, dangling eyeglasses and a pin-striped blazer. He ordered a coffee and wandered away. Oh, Im sorry, said Curtis, who these days is trolling through 60 years of BBC footage from Russia. I forgot to pay. Documentary filmmaker Errol Morris once tweeted: I want to be Adam Curtis when I grow up.

HyperNormalisation proposes that todays world was largely shaped by developments in two very different cities in 1975.

New York Citys near economic collapse and a bailout by banks emboldened Wall Street and led to the increasing power of the financial industry on global politics. In Damascus, Syria, meanwhile, Hafez Assad, father of current President Bashar Assad, aspired to unite Arab nations and return Palestinian refugees to their homeland. That threatened U.S. policy in the region and ultimately accelerated the reach of Islamic terrorism.

What emanates from these cities leads us through scrapbooks of recent history: The Cold War, acid flashbacks, punk rockers, Patti Smith, 241 American service personnel killed by a bombing in Lebanon, the fall of Soviet communism, the popularity of Prozac, the allure of artificial intelligence, the hallucinatory realm of cyberspace, the Arab Spring, the Syrian war, the fear of global terror and Sissy Spacek drenched in blood in the Stephen King inspired film Carrie.

These collages at times offer thin connections to Curtis larger point about the designs of those in power. But perhaps no one more than Kadafi makes Curtis case about the worlds duplicity and how the narratives constructed for us, especially regarding our anxieties, are often manipulated.

An egomaniac, Kadafi, was a young colonel when he took power and ruled Libya for 42 years. His ambitions and political maneuverings allowed him many guises. President Reagan  after a number of bombings  deemed him a global terrorist, even though, as Curtis reports, Syria was the likely mastermind. This double game gave Kadafi the international stature he craved and the West an eccentric bogeyman. He attempted to slip his bad guy image in the early 2000s, sharing intelligence on Al Qaeda and negotiating trade deals with Washington and London.

British Prime Minister Tony Blair visited him in Tripoli after Kadafi claimed to get rid of weapons of mass destruction. He didnt have an arsenal of much significance. But, Curtis notes, it made for a good and tidy story. The West, however, did not come to the dictators rescue when he was overthrown and assassinated  the images uploaded to YouTube  during the 2011 uprisings that shook the Middle East and North Africa.

The Kadafi saga is actually very funny in a dark way, said Curtis. It tells you a lot about the [Western] establishment, just what theyve become, how hypocritical. Kadafi, because he was ambitious and rather tragic, said Ill play any role you want. It somehow seemed to make it true and they all got locked into this thing.

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Following a pathetic, self-destructive antihero who lacks redeeming values or emotional growth proves a thoroughly unsatisfying journey in the dismal Greek import Suntan. Whatever director Argyris Papadimitropoulos and his co-writer, Syllas Tzoumerkas, had in mind, a full rethink was in order.

Kostis (Makis Papadimitriou) is a schlubby, dour, 40ish doctor brought to a tiny Aegean island to run the local clinic. A lonely winter for Kostis gives way to a swinging summer when he meets 21-year-old Anna (Elli Tringou), a sexy hedonist who arrives in tourist season with a circle of obnoxious friends.

Anna and her equally vapid, uninhibited fellow travelers inexplicably befriend the uncool Kostis, who is soon partying hearty with the kids, ineffectively  and embarrassingly  juggling beach and disco time with his busy work schedule.

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But when Kostis falls hard for Anna, hes deluded by her teasingly impulsive response and, after a humiliating (for him) hook-up, becomes obsessed with her. Anna backs off and she and her group start ignoring and demeaning Kostis, who unravels in a host of pitiful, cringeworthy ways.

The story might have had some thematic heft if we knew or cared anything about the characters. But all we can glean about the disastrous Kostis is that hes had hard times, while Anna is a total cipher. An Are you kidding me? ending caps this cinematic wipeout.

-------------

Suntan

In Greek and English with English subtitles

Not rated

Running time: 1 hour, 40 minutes

Playing: Laemmle Royal Theatre, West Los Angeles

See the most-read stories in Entertainment this hour 

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calendar@latimes.com
Looked at logically, T2 Trainspotting should not work as well as it does. In fact, it shouldnt work at all. But up there on the screen, where it matters, the dark magic remains intact and logic be damned.

When it was released in 1996, the original Trainspotting seemed the very definition of a one-shot phenomenon. Exuberant and pitiless, profane yet eloquent, flush with the ability to create laughter out of unspeakable situations, this look at the dead-end lives of a quartet of Edinburgh junkies and thugs was a high point of contemporary British cinema and made stars of its actors  especially Ewan McGregor  as well as director Danny Boyle.

No one planned for a sequel. And making one a full 20 years after the fact sounds like a recipe for catastrophe. But it has largely turned out for the best. Boyle, screenwriter John Hodge and the original actors, all looking the worse for wear, have agreed to return, and theyve made an age-appropriate story that joins a taste of the originals vitality with a meditation on masculinity, aging and the inevitable passage of time.

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Spud is angry  Simon is still furious about that stolen money. And Begbie, well Begbie doesnt need a reason to be furious, he just is.

That T2" succeeds is a tribute to the way the first film, based on the novel by Irvine Welsh (who repeats a cameo as fence Mikey Forrester), created characters of such vitality that they remain in the actors bones to this day.

These include the feckless Spud (Ewen Bremner), still a hopeless heroin addict all these years later; the devious Sick Boy, now known as Simon (Jonny Lee Miller), who has traded heroin for a business where he mixes blackmail with cocaine; and the still-terrifying psychopath Begbie (Robert Carlyle), known for doing people, not drugs. And of course McGregors ringleader Renton, who ended the first film by walking off with a criminal payoff that was supposed to be split four ways.

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Having this quartet return looking every bit of the 20 years thats passed has an emotional impact that no green-screen special effect can match. These characters have clearly lived some of the questions the film explores, from the inevitability of aging to the advisability of trying to hold onto the past, and there is no substitute for that.

Because the characters are so strong, a powerhouse plot wasnt really necessary, and though T2" (the title a playful nod to the Terminator films) has a final third thats a bit weak, it does not matter.

As screenwriter Hodge accurately told Sight & Sound magazine, You need a bit of a story, but not too much, because theyre not those kind of people. They are chaotic people, and stuff happens and stuff doesnt happen.

What plot T2" has begins with Renton returning home after 20 years of expatriate life in Amsterdam, aghast to see that the Welcome to Edinburgh greeters at the airport are Slovenians.

Not surprisingly, none of his old friends are glad to see him. Quite the contrary. Spud is angry when Rentons presence disrupts carefully made suicide plans, and Simon is still furious about that stolen money. And Begbie, well Begbie doesnt need a reason to be furious, he just is.

Yet Renton and Simon, despite the impulse to betrayal they cant quite squelch, are drawn to each other because of a shared past, no matter how painful, and the fact that this is the closest relationship either of them has had.

So when Simon reveals a plan to open a spa/brothel in a lifeless pub left to him by an aunt, Renton decides to help, at least in part because he is attracted to the sardonic Bulgarian prostitute Veronika (an effective Anjela Nedyalkova) that Simon insists is his girlfriend.

Meanwhile, Spud is trying various ways to channel his addictive personality (a Raging Spud moment is brief but funny), while Begbie is dealing with a son who would rather go to hotel management school than join his father in a family life of crime.

Unconventional sequel though it is, T2" does nod to certain moments of the previous film. Theres a cameo for Rentons crush Diane (Kelly Macdonald), a reprise of songs like Frankie Goes to Hollywoods Relax, even a reconfiguration of Rentons celebrated Choose Life monologue.

But there is lots of new stuff too, including a government hearing where the gang apply for a small business loan for an artisanal bed-and-breakfast and a scam at a Protestant gathering that culminates in a rousing improvised chorus of no more Catholics left.

An equal-opportunity energizer, director Boyle adds zip to everything he touches, and his familiarity with the material and the characters makes it easier for him to bring even the unlikeliest moments to full life. In the world of sequels, that counts for a lot.

-------------------------

T2 Trainspotting

MPAA rating: R, for drug use, language throughout, strong sexual content, graphic nudity and some violence.

Running time: 1 hour, 58 minutes

Playing: Arclight, Hollywood; Landmark, West Los Angeles

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 In this 2015 Envelope Directors Roundtable, Tom Hooper, Danny Boyle, Todd Haynes, Tom McCarthy, Ridley Scott and Quentin Tarantino chat with L.A. Times reporters Rebecca Keegan and Mark Olsen. Watch for the moment when Tarantino points out that a pl

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Music fans in Orange County wont have to miss a beat when it comes to live music in the great outdoors.

The Irvine City Council voted unanimously Monday night to approve a plan to build a temporary 12,000-seat amphitheater to pick up where Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre left off in the fall upon ending its 35-year run of major pop, rock and classical concerts.

Promoter Live Nation is partnering with FivePoint Communities Management Inc. to erect the interim facility in time to open for concerts this summer, project officials said Tuesday.

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The Irvine City Council is continuing a tradition that has brought hundreds of thousands of people together for more than three decades in our city, Irvine Mayor Donald P. Wagner said after the vote, which elicited cheers from a crowd that had gathered for the meeting.

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In doing so, we recognize the enormous economic engine that live music fuels in Irvine and beyond, and the cultural importance of live music as part of Orange Countys identity, Wagner said. FivePoint and Live Nations proposal enables us to collectively develop recreational, cultural and educational opportunities for the enjoyment of Orange County residents and visitors.

The interim amphitheater will be built on the former site of the Marine Corps Air Station El Toro adjacent the Orange County Great Park.

We believe what makes communities great is diversity and inclusivity, Emile Haddad, chairman and CEO of FivePoint, said. I dont believe there is a better place to find that than a live music venue and thats why this decision is important. Were excited because when you add music to sports, education, jobs and housing you enhance the experience for everyone and thats how a community is built.

Live Nation and FivePoint officials said the interim amphitheater will be based on Americas Cup Pavilion in San Francisco, which opened in 2013. Live Nation has committed to building 12,000 seats, 4,000 parking spots as well as concession and hospitality offerings in time for the summer concert season.

Live Nation and Aliso Viejo-based FivePoint hope to construct a permanent facility to continue serving the audience that had been patronizing Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre since it opened in 1981 as Orange Countys first major outdoor concert facility. The long-term lease on the property ended last year and the facility has been razed to make way for residential and commercial development.

I only hope that soon we will be celebrating the approval of the permanent amphitheater at the Great Park to ensure live music in Irvine continues for many generations to come, FivePoints Haddad said.

randy.lewis@latimes.com

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Tom Ford is saying goodbye to see-now-buy-now. The decision follows falls one-season experiment during which he staged a tony, civilized affair at the former Four Seasons restaurant in New York.

For spring 2018, Ford will return to the traditional calendar, but not in London, where hes shown most of his previous womens collections. Rather, he will seek a permanent slot on the New York Fashion Week calendar, perhaps at the beginning of the week. I like going first, when everyone is still in a good mood, he said.

Ford is not only exiting the London fashion calendar. With his husband Richard Buckley and son Jack, hes moving his primary residence to Los Angeles, though the family will retain its London house. And he has signed a lease on a studio space in L.A.  the old Regen Projects gallery (yes, Hedi Slimanes former studio)  where he will relocate most of his womens design staff. The mens design studio is to remain in London.

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Ford revealed the news in a Thursday morning conversation at Spring Studios, where hes showing his fall collection to press.

He said that while instant fashion is likely the way of the future, it doesnt work now for a simple reason: The industry isnt ready from a basic scheduling standpoint.

The store shipping schedule doesnt align with the fashion show schedule, he explained. The bulk of fall ships in August, but you cant have a show with clothes that have been on the selling floor for a month. While his clothes shipped by July, Ford kept them off the floor until the day after the show. We lost a month of selling. We had merchandise sitting in stockrooms, he said.

Ford found that many of his specialty store accounts, though at first excited by the prospect of see-now-buy-now, grew frustrated that the clothes had to be kept under wraps until September.

The first three weeks of September [immediately postshow] business boomed, he noted, but ultimately, the frenzy didnt make up for the loss of traditional long-lead press. Thus his return to the traditional schedule  and to New York.

I need a home [for showing] and a consistency. Paris is crammed full of competition. Milan  been there and done that. London, Ive tried and tried and tried, he said, noting that the latter capital just doesnt get the same level of international attention.

New York, he said, just feels right.

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For the last six years, the covers and stories of the magazine Lucky Peach  brightly colored as candy and just as addictive  have likely graced your coffee tables, your kitchen counters, your bedstands, your bathroom sinks. The quarterly food journal, launched in 2011 by Momofukus David Chang, former New York Times journalist Peter Meehan and McSweenys alum Chris Ying, has been one of the best places for food writing since it began, garnering many James Beard Awards and other accolades. So when news came on Tuesday that Lucky Peach was shuttering, you could hear the forks dropping.

I think its important for you to know that Lucky Peach loves you, Meehan wrote on the Lucky Peach website yesterday, confirming the news in a piece called, ironically, We need to talk. The staff at the magazine, which was told about the end of their employment on Monday, has until May 1 to put out the last issue, themed around the suburbs, as well as a retrospective double issue that will come out in the fall. The fourth and final of the Lucky Peach cookbooks, All About Eggs, comes out April 4. We were unable to confirm the status of an in-the-works eight-part Netflix documentary series. As for the future of the beloved magazine, it is currently up for sale.

The timing of this, for all of us as well as, obviously, the folks whove just lost their jobs, isnt great. Were about to lose the best food magazine in the country at a time when many of us desperately need a good read, good food and good journalism. And these days, whenever another print publication stops, it feels like the end of something bigger, more evidence that weve lost meaningful, accurate words on paper to the pinball machine of social media and aggregated content.

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It was not an accident that the tone of Meehans note was that of a fond-but-depressed divorce conversation. (You shut up, divide the furniture, do whats best for the children.) Sometimes publications, like marriages, end because the people inside them change, rewire, migrate  not because what theyve produced isnt pretty fantastic. Or that the rest of us didnt thoroughly support what they were doing. Lucky Peach was nominated for yet another James Beard award yesterday. Subscriptions were up by 20%, doubtless helped by the fact that you can find copies of the magazine under jars of pickles at half of the hippest restaurants in Los Angeles.

So read your back issues, cook from your cookbooks, wait for the last issues to come out. Pick up a copy of this springs chicken issue, if you havent already; its something to read while you wait in line with the rest of us at Night + Market or Tokyo Fried Chicken. Turbulent times should occasion introspection, hopefulness rather than despair, even a good appetite. As Meehan put it by phone yesterday:

What am I going to do? I have no idea. Ive always wanted to learn how to fish.

amy.scattergood@latimes.com

@ascattergood

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When you browse the menu at Niroj Kurdish Cuisine in Agoura Hills, youll probably be tempted to order the cold mezze platter. Its a colorful display of five dips served alongside a basket of warm homemade bread.

Two of the dips, the hummus and baba ghanoush, are very Middle Eastern but I would not claim them as Kurdish, says Niroj chef-owner Luqman Barwari. But the other three  hesandin dip, piyas and Riha ezme  are specific to Kurdish cuisine. They are like recipes back home, but with my twist, Barwari says.

Hesandin means stuffed, and the dip is similar to muhammara, containing a blend of roasted red peppers pureed with fresh carrots and walnuts, and flavored with notes of garlic, pomegranate molasses and a touch of Aleppo pepper. Piyas, meaning onions, is a vibrant sort of salad, a diced blend of colorful fresh bell peppers, red onions and parsley, brightened with a squeeze of fresh lemon and lightly sweetened with pomegranate molasses. Riha ezme is named after the city of Riha, which is known as Urfa in Turkish. The dip, a puree of roasted peppers with a variety of fresh herbs, also has a hint of spice from pepper paste and ground Aleppo pepper. Riha is where Aleppo pepper comes from, and I use the pepper a lot in my cuisine.

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Piyas, meaning onions, blends bell peppers, red onions and parsley, with a squeeze of fresh lemon and sweetened with pomegranate molasses. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Recipe: Piyas 

Barwari, who has lived most of his life in the United States, is a former scientist but switched gears a few years ago to follow his other passion: cooking. Being in America for so long, I realized how much we were lacking in good Kurdish food; no one really claims our cuisine here.

Niroj celebrated its fourth anniversary in February. The restaurants name is a take on Newroz, which means new day in Kurdish; the holiday, celebrated in a number of countries throughout the Middle East, commemorates the arrival of spring. Each nation celebrates Newroz a little differently,says Barwari. The Kurds generally go out from the cities and villages to the mountains to picnic.

Riha ezme is named after the city of Riha, which is known as Urfa in Turkish. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Recipe: Riha-ezme 

The Kurds lived in Mesopotamia for thousands of years, says Barwari. The area is mountainous, and the cuisine relies heavily on the plants and vegetables, herbs and spices collected locally. For Barwari, Kurdish food is not very spicy, but it is the most flavorful, in my opinion, in the Middle East. At Niroj, Barwari has developed close relationships with many of the farmers at the nearby farmers markets, centering his dishes around the local produce.

A variety of Kurdish dips, including, hesandin dip. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Recipe: Hesandin dip 

Riha ezme especially highlights the fresh herbs the chef finds at the markets, and he loves to eat it not just as an appetizer but also with his rice and as part of a wrap. Its not on the menu, but I make my own lavash, and I add the sauce, along with kebabs and vegetables and onions. Sounds like perfect picnic food. Yes, he says, laughing. It is.

noelle.carter@latimes.com

@noellecarter
The states high-speed rail authority board verbally assaulted the states Republican House delegation Wednesday, blaming it for the delay of a grant that would have benefited Californias bullet train project.

The commentary came at a rail authority board meeting, where members sharply criticized a letter by Californias 14 Republican congressmen that asked Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao to withhold a $647-million grant until a financial audit of the bullet train project can be conducted.

This was an unbelievable, irresponsible act on the part of these members of Congress, said rail authority board Chairman Dan Richard.

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After the GOP delegation wrote its letter in late January, the Federal Transit Administration said it was deferring any action on the grant, which would help pay for a $2-billion electrical system for the Bay Areas Caltrain commuter rail system. That power system would eventually be used both by Caltrain and the high-speed rail trains.

I have seen some low things in my life, but this went even lower.  Lynn Schenk, former member of Congress (D-Oceanside)

As a result of the federal action to defer the grant, the California director of finance, Michael Cohen, rejected a second grant of $713 million to the electrification project, which would have come out of a $9-billion bond fund that voters approved in 2008 to help build the bullet train.

Without the federal grant, the whole plan appears to be unraveling.

The Republicans asserted that because the bullet train would use the electrical system, the federal grant money in effect would also go to the bullet train project.

Democrats argued that the grant was completely separate from the bullet train and meant only to help Caltrain.

At Wednesdays board meeting, Richard said the Republican letter was based on matters that were demonstrably untrue.

The Republican members, he said, acted against the interests of their own constituents. It is shocking to me.

The states Republicans have long opposed the $64-billion bullet train, calling it a boondoggle that is draining money from more urgent transportation and water infrastructure needs. Until Donald Trump was elected president, they had little influence.

The transportation departments decision to defer the grant money indicates that the states GOP may be gaining clout in Washington.

A spokesman for House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) said the Republicans letter was rife with inaccuracies and innuendo and argued that blocking the train would cost California thousands of jobs. Gov. Jerry Brown sent Chao a letter asking that she fund the grant.

But until Wednesday, the nonpartisan high-speed rail board, which normally avoids any public discussion of politics, had not addressed the matter.

Under questioning by board member Lorraine Paskett, who lives in La Canada Flintridge, rail authority Chief Executive Jeff Morales said the delay of contractors on the project alone would cost $20 million.

Board member Lynn Schenk, a former one-term Democratic member of the House from the San Diego area, had some of the strongest comments, calling the letter a despicable act of congressional Republican politics at its worst. I have seen some low things in my life, but this went even lower.

ralph.vartabedian@latimes.com

Follow me on Twitter @rvartabedian
U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is in Japan on the first leg of a three-nation trip to Asia that is designed to reassure allies and discuss ways to counter growing nuclear and missile threats from North Korea.

As Tillerson travels to meet with foreign leaders in Japan, South Korea and China, he will not be accompanied by the usual throng of reporters from news organizations that traditionally have traveled with the secretary of state.

Instead, only one reporter, Erin McPike of the conservative leaning website the Independent Journal Review, was chosen to travel with Tillerson on this trip.

 One Reporter Selected

Under intense questioning from beat reporters Wednesday, acting State Department spokesman Mark Toner said McPike was selected by a group of decision makers in an attempt "to look at outside the box approaches to how we handle coverage of the secretary."

Toner tried to reassure inquiring reporters the media will "have broad access" to Tillerson. He said 23 journalists, including 17 from the U.S., will have access during media availibilities.

But when asked if McPike will have access to Tillerson when other reporters will not, Toner could not respond definitively. "I can't speak to what additional access may be provided to this reporter," he said.


When they unveiled the California School Dashboard on Wednesday, state officials described it as the most comprehensive way yet to assess the state of California public schools.

Supt. of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson heralded the website as a resource unlike anything weve ever had before and a high-tech report card for our schools.

But the new system, which is color coded, grades on a curve and paints a far rosier picture in academics than past measurements, a Times analysis found.

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Nearly 80% of schools serving grades three through eight are ranked as medium- to high-performing in the new ratings, earning them positive colors on report cards sent to parents.

Last year in state testing at those same schools, the majority of students failed to reach English and math standards. More than 50 of those schools whose average math scores fell below proficiency receive the dashboards highest rating for math. (The dashboard does not include high school scores.)

The shift in outlook is intentional. The dashboard reflects a new, more holistic approach to evaluating schools, one that does not see test scores as the be all and end all. It also emphasizes progress and so heaps praise on schools that do poorly but see significant score increases from one year to the next.

In response to The Times analysis, officials said its important to reward schools that show growth.

The dashboards predecessor, the Academic Performance Index, was simple to read. It gave each school a number based solely on test scores. The dashboard is harder to understand, in part because it strives to move beyond those scores and capture the complex web of values that make a school good or bad.

Instead of numbers, Californias schools now get colors. Red represents the lowest possible performance, orange is low, yellow is medium, green is high and blue is very high. Just like on a car dashboard, red and orange demand attention.

A school does not get a color rating for overall performance. It might get a rainbow of ratings in areas that include reading and math performance, as well as rates of graduation, English-language acquisition for nonnative speakers and suspension. And in each area, it gets credit for progress.

The dashboard ultimately will provide the backbone for how districts and the state rate schools  which ones they praise and where they intervene. Parents will rely on it when they pick schools for their children.

Thats why it matters that the color-coded system is, at least to according to some, too generous.

Carrie Hahnel, deputy director of research and policy at the Education TrustWest, an Oakland-based advocacy group focused on educational equity, called the spread of academic ratings terribly misleading. It doesnt do anybody any favors, she said, to communicate that things are just fine if theyre not.

The state, though, defended its methodology, including grading on a curve. You dont want to have an accountability system come out and say theres not going to be any blue or green schools, said Jenny Singh, an education research and evaluation administrator at the California Department of Education.

Brooklyn Avenue Elementary in East Los Angeles  whose principal did not immediately respond to requests for comment  is a case study in how the friendly curve might change opinions without schools changing much at all.

When test scores for the 2015-16 academic school year were released, just above half of Brooklyns students failed to meet state goals for math. Now, in its math marks on the dashboard, Brooklyn earns blue  the highest rating. Thats because Brooklyns math scores grew by 16 points.

On the other hand, more than 90% of students at West Hillsborough Elementary in San Mateo County scored above proficient in math. But that school only got a green for that subject because its scores declined slightly.

It seems almost intentionally complex, Tim Daly, the co-founder of EdNavigator, a New Orleans-based group that helps parents engage with schools, said of the overall approach. The dashboard seems to go to great lengths to not make any clear statements about school performance.

In L.A. Unified, test scores released last fall showed relatively low scores with some growth. But, because the growth is taken into account, the majority of its schools now get yellow  or medium  academic ratings.

LAUSD officials called the dashboard useful. The positive is that its based on multiple measures, said Cynthia Lim, who heads data and accountability for the district. Theres going to be a learning curve.... But everyone is thinking this is a fairer way of looking at schools.

Lim explained the new system Wednesday to a group of principals in the auditorium of East Valley High School in North Hollywood.

The good news is, theres nothing we havent already been tracking, she said, as several principals raised their phones to take pictures of her slideshow. When a slide showed how colors on the dashboard are displayed in circles that look like Trivial Pursuit pieces, some principals giggled.

They had trouble immediately accessing the site because there were some technical glitches. But they applauded the value assigned to student growth.

When Lim said that L.A. Unified will get data for the dashboard from MiSis, the districts notoriously faulty information system, one principal said Oh boy under her breath. Lim explained that the district has added a new layer of software to track errors in data entry.

Principals were not told explicitly what colors they should aim for or the consequences of low performance. The dashboard is just being tested out this year, Lim said. Accountability will come later.

Statewide, the majority of schools ranked blue or green for graduation and suspension rates. The aggregate numbers, however, do not include alternative schools, which often bring down such rates.

It remains unclear how the dashboard will be used with regard to those schools that need help.

To read the article in Spanish, click here



joy.resmovits@latimes.com

sandra.poindexter@latimes.com

Times staff writers Ben Welsh and Howard Blume contributed to this report.

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California Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye asked the Trump administration on Thursday to stop immigration agents from stalking Californias courthouses to make arrests.

Courthouses should not be used as bait in the necessary enforcement of our countrys immigration laws, she wrote in a letter to Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions and Homeland Security Secretary John F. 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.

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She said she feared the practice would erode public trust in the state courts.

Enforcement policies that include stalking courthouses and arresting undocumented immigrants, the vast majority of whom pose no risk to public safety, are neither safe nor fair, wrote Cantil-Sakauye, who was appointed by former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and is considered one of the more conservative justices on the states high court.

They not only compromise our core value of fairness but they undermine the judiciarys ability to provide equal access to justice.

I respectfully request that you refrain from this sort of enforcement in Californias courthouses.

The chief justices letter, prompted by complaints from trial judges, follows a report in The Times about teams of immigration agents  some in uniform, some not  sweeping into courtrooms or lurking outside court complexes in California, Arizona, Texas and Colorado in recent weeks.

Immigration officials say they make arrests in courthouses only when all other options have been exhausted.

In her letter, Cantil-Sakauye called the courts the main point of contact for millions of the most vulnerable Californians in times of anxiety, stress, and crises in their lives.

Crime victims, victims of sexual abuse and domestic violence, witnesses to crimes who are aiding law enforcement, limited-English speakers, unrepresented litigants, and children and families all come to our courts seeking justice and due process of law, she wrote.

Judges strive to mitigate fear and assure litigants and others that they will be treated fairly.

Cantil-Sakauye also stressed that the three branches of government have distinct obligations, and separation of powers rules ensure the harmonious existence of the rule of law.

maura.dolan@latimes.com

Twitter: @mauradolan

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10:55 a.m.: This article was updated with additional details from the chief justices letter.

This article was originally published at 9:25 a.m.
A 19-year-old man suspected of killing a 5-year-old boy in a hit-and-run crash in South Los Angeles surrendered Wednesday to police.

Flanked by his family, Homer Watford arrived at the LAPDs 77th Street Station and told a desk officer that he drove the SUV that struck the young boy, identified as Ronald ONeal.

In an interview with detectives, Watford provided a statement and admitted to his role in the crash. He was booked on suspicion of felony hit-and-run and remains in Los Angeles County jail in lieu of $50,000 bond, according to jail records.

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The deadly incident occurred Tuesday about 5:15 p.m. near 82nd Street and Towne Avenue in Florence, according to LAPD Officer Sal Ramirez.

Authorities said a dark green, faded Chevrolet Suburban from the mid-1990s was traveling westbound on 82nd Street toward Towne Avenue.

The boy ran into the street and was struck by the vehicle. Ronald was pronounced dead at a hospital.

The driver failed to stop and help the boy, authorities said.

The boys mother said he would have turned 6 in May.

Ronald was my baby, Jaychele Turner told KTLA-TV Channel 5. Im just going to miss him playing the drums, playing a game, dancing.

Turner said her son may have been trying to help nab a neighbors dog. He did not usually run into the street, she said.

Authorities said the SUV rounded a corner, then stopped after striking the boy. It drove off at a high speed. Police said the driver may have struck the boy a second time when fleeing.

Watfords 20-year-old cousin, Eric Roberts, was also in the car at the time of the crash, police said. Investigators interviewed Roberts and he provided a statement.

As of late Wednesday, Roberts had not been arrested.

matt.hamilton@latimes.com

Twitter: @MattHjourno

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UPDATES:

11:00 p.m.: This article was updated with additional details about the circumstances of the drivers arrest.

This article was originally published at 7 p.m.
A former actor who once played one of the Power Rangers in the childrens superhero television series has pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter for stabbing his roommate to death with a sword, prosecutors said.

Ricardo Medina, 38, entered the plea Thursday in Antelope Valley court, admitting that he killed Josh Sutter after the two had a dispute at a Green Valley home in January 2015, according to a statement by the Los Angeles County district attorneys office.

He faces up to six years in state prison when he is sentenced this month, prosecutors said.

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Medina was charged with first-degree murder in January 2016, one year after the fatal clash. Investigators said Medina and Sutter had argued over the way Medinas girlfriend had parked her car minutes before the stabbing.

As the argument continued, investigators said, Sutter forced his way into Medinas room. Medina grabbed a sword he kept by the door and stabbed Sutter multiple times before calling 911, police said.

Medina initially claimed that he acted in self-defense. The Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department, when asked by a reporter in 2016 why it waited a year to charge Medina, did not offer an explanation.

Aside from one-off appearances on CSI: Miami and ER, Medina was mostly known for portraying the Red Lion Wild Force Ranger in the childrens show Power Rangers Wild Force from 2002 to 2003. He also played the villainous character Deker in Power Rangers Samurai in 2011 and 2012, according to his IMDb.com profile.

In a plea agreement, prosecutors reduced the murder charge to voluntary manslaughter in return for Medinas guilty plea.

Medinas attorney, Stanley Friedman, said it made sense for his client to plead guilty given that he could have faced life imprisonment if convicted of the original first-degree murder charge.

It was an offer that was definitely worth it for him to take, Friedman said. It mitigated his risk of potentially getting a life sentence.

Sutter, 36, moved to Los Angeles in 2011 to help his sister, Rachel Kennedy, open a business specializing in the sale of rescued dogs. The home where the stabbing took place was meant to be a haven for the dogs, Kennedy said, and Medina began living there after she hired him to care for the animals.

But Medina began acting erratically not long after he was hired, Kennedy said. The two argued frequently and at one point he threatened to release the dogs into the wild, she said.

Though she didnt think six years would be a long enough prison sentence, Kennedy was relieved to finally hear Medina admit guilt in the grisly slaying, she said.

Thursday would have been her brothers 38th birthday, she said.

This was the first step in maybe getting some of my life back, Kennedy said. We just want him where he belongs, and to start trying to live again. Thats what Josh would want.

james.queally@latimes.com

Follow @JamesQueallyLAT for crime and police news in California.

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5:30 p.m.: This article was updated with comments from Medinas attorney.

This article was originally published at 1:25 p.m.
A Los Angeles County probation officer has been charged with assaulting three teen inmates at a Sylmar juvenile hall, including a videotaped beating that prosecutors contend was ordered by a supervisor.

Timothy Boundy, 42, was charged with three counts of assault under color of authority in a series of physical clashes between October 2015 and April 2016, according to a statement by the Los Angeles County district attorneys office.

Boundy pleaded not guilty Thursday. A probation supervisor, Sergio Cano, was also charged with assault under color of authority. Prosecutors allege that he ordered several officers, including Boundy, to pin down and pummel a 17-year-old inmate at the Barry J. Nidorf Juvenile Hall in Sylmar in April 2016.

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Cano pleaded not guilty Wednesday and remains on administrative leave from the probation department, according to his attorney, Winston McKesson.

The beating was caught on tape and leaked to the blog WitnessLA last year. The blog did not publish the video, but it said the footage showed four officers punching and kicking a non-combative 17-year-old probationer while a supervisor looked on.

Boundy was also accused of assaulting a teen as he tried to leave his room in February of last year, and of tossing another teen inmate to the ground and striking him in October 2015.

A third defendant, Carlos Antonio Portillo, is also facing charges of assault under color of authority in the videotaped incident, according to court records. A spokesman for the district attorneys office declined to comment on his case.

Probation officials have said they fired two probation officers in connection with the videotaped beating at the Sylmar facility but declined to identify them. Kerri Webb, an agency spokeswoman, has declined to comment on Portillos status with the department or the WitnessLA report that two additional officers were involved in the alleged assault.

Los Angeles County Chief Probation Officer Terri McDonald said Wednesday that the videotaped attack triggered a review of seven other use-of-force incidents at the Sylmar facility in which probation officers were found to have either used excessive force or lied to internal investigators.

james.queally@latimes.com

Follow @JamesQueallyLAT for crime and police news in California.
It had been nearly two years since Denise Huskins had been in the same room as the man who kidnapped her in the early morning darkness.

Standing at a podium in a Sacramento courthouse, she faced him. Then she turned her words against the man  a Harvard-educated former attorney  who had bound, drugged and raped her twice.

Now we meet face to face, eye to eye, Huskins told Matthew Muller. Im Denise Huskins, the woman behind the blindfold.

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Huskins family and friends grew teary eyed as she described her pain after Muller kidnapped her on March 23, 2015, and after the Vallejo Police Department, at one point, publicly portrayed the case as a hoax.

In an emotional scene, Huskins asked that Muller be sentenced to life in prison.

I know, without doubt or hesitation, that as long as he walks free, there will be more victims, she said.

At the sentencing, Mullers defense attorney argued for a 30-year sentence, citing his clients struggles with mental illness.

Im sick with shame, Muller said, adding that he would accept whatever sentence was imposed.

His parents sat with their younger son and their family and friends, as they waited in silence for U.S. District Court Judge Troy L. Nunley to hand down his sentence:

Forty years in prison.

The kidnapping took place before dawn as Huskins and her boyfriend, Aaron Quinn, slept in the master bedroom of his home on Mare Island. The couple awoke to find a stranger standing in the room.

Using a stun gun and a water pistol made to look like a gun, Muller ordered the couple to lie still while he bound and blindfolded them and gave them a sleep-inducing liquid, prosecutors said. A recorded message played over headsets, threatening electric shock if the couple did not comply with his orders.

Muller placed Huskins in the trunk of Quinns 2000 Toyota Camry and moved her to the trunk of another car before driving her to his familys South Lake Tahoe home.

Huskins would later tell authorities she had been secured on a bed with a zip tie and a bike lock and blindfolded with a pair of blacked-out swim goggles. She was drugged repeatedly and sexually assaulted twice, she said.

While she was held, Muller called Quinns phone and sent emails demanding a ransom amount totaling $17,000.

During that time, authorities interrogated Quinn for hours, theorizing that he might have had something to do with his girlfriends disappearance.

Quinn objected and provided blood samples to prove he was drugged, and gave the FBI and police the passwords to his email accounts and his cellphone.

His father, Joseph Quinn, said he told police that his son had never even been in a fight in his life. But worry set in when he and his wife heard police read their son his Miranda rights.

I started having chest pain, Joseph Quinn said in an interview with the Los Angeles Times. We expected them to parade him out being arrested.

Quinn was never arrested  and two days after her kidnapping, on March 25, Muller dropped Huskins off more than 400 miles away from Vallejo in Huntington Beach.

As relief set over her family, Vallejo police grew suspicious, questioning Huskins return and the fact that she reappeared carrying an overnight bag and wearing sunglasses.

Huskins did not act like a kidnapping victim, retired Vallejo police Capt. James OConnell later said in a sworn statement.

Police offered the couple immunity for whichever would give up the other one first, their families said.

At about 9:30 that night, less than 24 hours after Huskins had reappeared, Vallejo police held a news conference, calling the case a wild goose chase and a waste of police resources.

Today, there is no evidence to support the claims that this was a stranger abduction or an abduction at all, Vallejo Police Lt. Kenny Park said in a statement at the time. Given the facts that have been presented thus far, this event appears to be an orchestrated event and not a crime.

Vallejo police posted the statement to its Facebook page, where it remains today, with dozens of people criticizing Quinn and Huskins. News outlets likened Huskins to the lead character in the novel Gone Girl.

I knew what happened was real. What would be her motive to fake something like that? Thats not her, her father, Mike Huskins, said in an interview from his Huntington Beach home. I never doubted her story, never. But Vallejo did. They doubted it.

A day after police had accused the couple of orchestrating the abduction, a person claiming to be the kidnapper sent an email to a local newspaper.

But the real confirmation came when the FBI announced that Muller was Huskins kidnapper. Evidence gathered from a June 5, 2015, home-invasion robbery helped authorities link Muller to the kidnapping.

The next month, Quinn and Huskins each received identical letters of apology from the Vallejo police chief  stating that the departments comments had proved to be unnecessarily harsh and offensive.

It is now clear that there was a kidnapping on March 23, 2015, that it was not a hoax or orchestrated event and that VPD conclusions were incorrect, Police Chief Andrew Bidou said in the letters.

Huskins and Quinn have filed a federal lawsuit, saying because of the police departments allegations that her kidnapping was untrue, they were forced to move out of the town, where they had worked as physical therapists. Their reputations were tarnished, they said.

In retrospect, it almost makes sense that he should have stayed home, paid the kidnappers and then reported it, Joseph Quinn said. You go to the police for help and this is what you get? You get treated like this? They got victimized twice.

At the sentencing, Quinn and Huskins shared a kiss before he rose to speak. Quinn recalled Muller telling him that it would be 48 hours and the couple would be able to move on with their lives.

It has been more than 17,000 hours since then, Quinn said.

When does the 48 hours end? he asked.

How many times would he have to wake up Denise from a nightmare, he wondered. How many times would she have to wake him from one.

Huskins voice had an edge of anger as she spoke about Muller, whom she referred to as the voice. When she recalled the sexual assault, she broke down in tears, prompting Quinn to hug and stand beside her.

Huskins said she sleeps with a hammer by the bed.

Both Quinn and Huskins said they still believe more than one person was involved in the kidnapping.

As the victims spoke, Mullers parents sat in silence.

In a lengthy interview last year from her Orangevale home, Joyce Zarback and her ex-husband said their son seemed on track in life  a decorated U.S. Marine who graduated summa cum laude from Pomona College and went on to Harvard Law School.

In 2009, Muller confided in his parents that he had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder the year before, they said. That year, he had a psychotic break.

After that, he cycled in and out of jobs.

He was eventually disbarred in January 2015 after he was found to have failed to perform competent legal services for a client in an immigration case, according to records.

His parents never learned the full extent of his struggles until he was put in jail and wrote them letters explaining it all, they said.

He was able to maintain when he wanted to such sanity or facade of sanity, his mother said, so that it was really hard to see that he was going through all of this.

The what ifs are just endless, Zarback added. I keep thinking, what could we have done, what should we have done, how could we have done this differently? Matt was not receptive to anything so it was pretty difficult. Hes an adult.

His father grew teary-eyed as he spoke about visiting in his son in jail. Sometimes, he said, he wakes up in the middle of the night thinking its all a dream.

Muller could still face sexual assault charges in state court.

As his parents shared their pain, they also reflected on the people their son had hurt.

All the pain and everything weve gone through, on the other side, the amount of pain hes caused others  the victims, Joyce Zarback said. We feel equally just horrified by whats he done and what pain this has caused them.

Times staff writer Veronica Rocha contributed to this report.

brittny.mejia@latimes.com

Twitter: @Brittny_Mejia

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5:20 p.m.: This article was updated throughout.

3:45 p.m.: This article was updated with details of the sentencing.

This article was originally published at 4 a.m.
Police are investigating anti-Semitic vandalism discovered this week in a residence hall at UC Hastings College of the Law.

The vandalism was reported Monday when a student found his mezuzah, which was mounted on the door frame outside his dorm, partially burned. A mezuzah contains a scroll with chapters of the Torah and is placed on a doorpost to signify a Jewish home.

The third-year law student spoke to KTVU-TV on the condition he not be named. He told the station that he noticed melting on the mezuzah and that it had been scorched.

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UC San Franciscos Office of Public Safety is investigating the vandalism and will determine whether it is a possible hate crime, said Alex Shapiro, a spokesman for the law school.

In a letter to students, faculty and staff, UC Hastings Chancellor David L. Faigman said the vandalism was profoundly disturbing and appeared to be a cowardly act of anti-Semitism.

I am deeply troubled by the possible implications of such an act on our campus, he wrote. We will not tolerate hateful actions of any sort against members of our community. UC Hastings is dedicated to the principals of diversity and inclusion. Members of our community have a right to a safe educational environment and we will do everything we can to ensure the safety and security of all.

Sam Gutin, president of the Hastings Jewish Law Students Assn., said students and school officials provided overwhelming support after the vandalism was discovered.

Acts of ignorance or hate have no place in our society, and that sentiment has been reinforced and reaffirmed by members of the Hastings community at all levels, he said.

veronica.rocha@latimes.com

Twitter: VeronicaRochaLA
An on-again, off-again relationship between a man and woman came to a brutal end in Victorville on Wednesday night when the man beat the woman unconscious in a public park, got into her car and then ran her over, killing her, sheriffs deputies say.

The violence erupted at the southwest corner of Hook Park, San Bernardino County sheriffs deputies said.

Walter Maravilla, 25, a transient, went to the park with the victim about 8:30 p.m. and for reasons yet to be determined, attacked her, deputies said.

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The woman was identified Thursday as Rosa Tejada, 35, of Victorville.

Maravilla began assaulting her until she appeared to be unconscious. He then got into the victims vehicle and drove over her body, the Sheriffs Department said in a statement.

Park visitors who witnessed the beating called 911. Responding deputies were able to arrest Maravilla, but Tejada was already dead.

Maravilla was arrested on suspicion of murder. He and Tejada were in an inconsistent relationship, officials said.

joseph.serna@latimes.com

For breaking California news, follow @JosephSerna on Twitter.

UPDATES:

4:30 p.m.: This article was updated with the identity of the victim.

This article was originally published at 2:35 p.m.
A young sea lion spotted in a Northern California farmland canal was feasting on carp as it made its way home Wednesday, a day after rescue crews tried to get it out to be evaluated.

Cara Field of the Marine Mammal Center said the 400-pound sea lion, spotted Tuesday in a canal in Vacaville, had started heading back toward the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta.

The mammal, believed to be a male, was in no danger from swimming in the fresh water, Field said, and could survive for years outside the ocean with a plentiful food supply.

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And apparently he found it: carp. Field says the sea lion chowed down before heading toward the delta.

Marine mammal experts had mounted a rescue effort to get the sea lion out of the canal in the small inland city. The closest body of water is the Sacramento River, about 50 miles north. Experts at the center believe the animal likely traveled up the river, took a wrong turn and followed a series of agricultural ditches and waterways to get to the canal.

Although this is a rare location for a rescue call, this animal is in very good body condition and active, so we are hoping it just made a wrong turn, Field said.

The sea lions swim toward the delta came a day after police officers, fire officials and more than a dozen marine responders tried unsuccessfully for hours to flush the animal out of a drainage pipe.

Officials had wanted to take him to the center in Sausalito, but for now they are going to let him swim and hope he finds his way home.
Amid rising public concern about college expenses, University of California regents were told Wednesday that the cost of attending UC campuses increased by about $1,100, or 4% last year.

The public university systems new cost survey found that food, housing and healthcare costs rose, but transportation and book expenses dropped. The survey, conducted last spring at every campus, will be used to set budgets for 2017-18.

UC Berkeley recorded the biggest average cost increase, rising 7% to $34,217 annually. UC Santa Cruz  at $34,627  was the most expensive campus. UC Riverside  at $30,802  was the cheapest.

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Regent Eloy Ortiz Oakley called on regents to look for ways to lower the cost of attendance during a committee session on the first day of a two-day meeting in San Francisco. Regent John A. Perez said the universitys requirement that all students, regardless of income level, contribute about $10,000 annually to cover their costs might discourage some students from applying to UC.

The sticker shock of $10,000 is very real, he said.

Zenzile Riddick, a UC Santa Barbara sophomore, told regents that without an outside scholarship to cover that self help portion, I can say with certainty that I would not be able to attend the University of California.

In an interview, Riddick said that her unemployed mother cried when she learned about the $10,000 contribution requirement.

The first thing we said when we saw that was, Im not going there, Riddick said. She ultimately received an Oakland community scholarship to cover the amount.

Board Chairwoman Monica Lozano said she was forming a group to review the universitys education finance model, while Regent Sherry Lansing urged her colleagues to advocate for the debt-free college plan unveiled this week by Assembly Democrats. The plan could provide $1.6 billion over five years to help students close the gap between their financial aid, expected family contributions and remaining college costs.

Regents also grappled with other challenges, including plans to ease the housing crunch at UC Berkeley and UCLA. Berkeley is only able to guarantee housing for one year and provides beds for just 22% of undergraduates and 9% of graduates  the lowest in the system. The campus, which is facing a $110-million budget deficit, has yet to decide how to pay for any planned expansion.

The regents academic and student affairs committee approved changes to rules on handling faculty sexual misconduct cases  eliminating any time limits to file complaints, for instance. Regents agreed to review student requests, made earlier in the day, to give those filing complaints a greater voice in the process.

Some business was less serious. Many of the regents smiled when UC Davis asked the finance and capital strategies committee to approve a request to begin selling up to 20,000 gallons of wine produced by its renowned Department of Viticulture and Enology.

The universitys winery bills itself as the most sustainable and technologically advanced in the world  yet under state law, it was forced to pour 95% of its wine down the drain. A new law that took effect in January specifically allows the campus to form a nonprofit to sell the wine, which could bring in an estimated $50,000 a year to support further research and teaching, according to UC Davis officials.

As regents joked about wine tastings and talked about brand names and $100 bottles, UC Davis officials reminded them that Californians will not likely see Aggie Cabernet on store shelves. Most of the wine will be sold in bulk to other wineries.

The main mission is to legally sell the wine and regain some of the costs  as part of the teaching program, said Chik Brenneman, the universitys winemaker.

The request got a unanimous thumbs up.

To read the article in Spanish, click here

teresa.watanabe@latimes.com

Twitter: @teresawatanabe
Investigators "confirmed the identity of the body as Kim Jong-nam based on the sample obtained from his child," Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced. He did not specify which of Kim's children.

Malaysian authorities have verified with a DNA sample that the man who was assassinated at Kuala Lumpur International Airport on Feb. 13 was Kim Jong-nam.

Kim's first wife Shin Jong-hui and his son Kum-sol live in Beijing and his second wife Ri Hye-kyong, his son Han-sol, and his daughter Sol-hui have fled their home in Macau for an unspecified location.

In a press conference on March 10, Malaysian police said they had already identified the body, raising the possibility that Kim's family secretly delivered a DNA sample.

His jewelry, including a gold pendant he wore around the neck, was also used to identify him, the New Straits Times reported. It is engraved with the faces of his wife and one of his sons.

Meanwhile, the Asahi Shimbun on Wednesday said five North Korean agents fled to Pyongyang after the hit, not four as previously reported. The fifth, identified as Chang Nam-un by his passport, is said to be in his early 30s and was with the four others, a source told the daily.

Chang arrived in Kuala Lumpur from Pyongyang on Feb. 7 on the same flight as O Jong-gil, one of the four suspects who is presumed to be the leader of the hit squad.

Right after the Feb. 13 assassination, Chang and O returned to Pyongyang on the same flights via a couple of countries.
After more than a decade in office, German Chancellor Angela Merkel has become the most important American ally in continental Europe and the regions most powerful leader by far.

As a presidential candidate, Donald Trump derided Merkels open-arms refugee policy as a disaster, questioned her trustworthiness and threatened to impose import penalties on German car makers.

In style and substance, the two leaders  one hot-tempered and confrontational, the other unflappable and detail-oriented  could not be more different. On policy, they disagree on immigration and refugees, a resurgent Russia, global trade deals and the European Union.

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On Friday, President Trump will welcome Merkel to the White House for their first sit-down summit in what both sides see as a chance to seek common ground and restore stability in trans-Atlantic relations.

The stakes for this meeting,  and for this relationship even more so, are very high, said Heather Conley, Europe program director at the nonpartisan Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington.

But she said expectations are low for the meeting, which was postponed until Friday after a snowstorm hit the East Coast.

Im not even sure expectation is the right word, Conley said. We have to think about these things as managing through a fairly turbulent moment [in the U.S.], trying to begin to establish that relationship and framework and setting down a clear set of markers of values and principles.

The two are expected to discuss strengthening the NATO military alliance, collaborating in the fight against terrorism and Islamic State, and taking steps to resolve the conflicts in Syria and Ukraine, where Russia has intervened.

Merkel, who has been chancellor since 2005, has met with Russian President Vladimir Putin more often than any other foreign leader, and U.S. officials believe she has more than held her own.

A senior Trump administration official, who briefed reporters last week on condition of anonymity, said Trump will be very interested in hearing the chancellors views on her experience interacting with Putin  very interested in hearing her insights and what its like to deal with the Russians.

Previous U.S. administrations have viewed Germany as a bulwark against Russian aggression in an increasingly troubled Europe, and the glue that holds together U.S.-European sanctions against Moscow following its 2014 seizure of Crimea.

After Trump appeared to suggest he might ease sanctions on Russia, German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen publicly warned Washington at last months Munich Security Conference, with Vice President Mike Pence and Defense Secretary James Mattis in attendance, not to attempt to forge a separate deal with Moscow.

Administration officials have since said sanctions would remain in place.

On trade, the United States has a trade deficit with Germany, its largest trading partner in Europe. The Trump administration has accused Germany of gaining unfair trade advantages through a weak euro.

The two leaders have clashed on spending for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, the military alliance created to counter Soviet advances during the Cold War and now used to help fight the Taliban in Afghanistan and to block Russian pressure in Eastern Europe.

Senior administration officials last week said they were encouraged that Germany had agreed to boost its annual defense spending by more than 5% to $39 billion.

But German defense spending is still below the NATO target of 2% of annual economic output. The U.S. spent about 3.6% of gross domestic product on defense last year, and Trump wants to boost it by $54 billion, or 10%.

Merkels visit to Washington comes at a tumultuous time in Europe.

Following Britains referendum in June to withdraw from the European Union, regional agreements are in danger of unraveling, and nationalist populist parties have gained new currency in several countries.

In the Netherlands, Geert Wilders, leader of a far-right Freedom Party, surged in the polls after he called for shuttering mosques and closing borders to refugees and immigrants from Islamic countries. But in national elections Wednesday, Prime Minister Mark Ruttes center-right party won the largest share of the votes.

In France, a political shakeup appears likely after elections that begin on April 23. Top establishment candidates have dropped out, leaving radical nationalist leader Marine Le Pen among the three remaining contenders.

In England, Prime Minister Theresa May won a parliamentary battle this week to start the so-called Brexit talks, a move likely to damage the British economy and European unity. And Scottish leader Nicola Sturgeon called for a new referendum on Scottish independence, which could dismember Great Britain.

Putin has evinced support for Le Pen in France, as well as for the German nationalist party that could complicate Merkels attempt to win a fourth term as chancellor in September.

All these developments have thrust Europe into uncertain territory, with the added unknown of an unpredictable U.S. administration.

tracy.wilkinson@latimes.com

For more on international affairs, follow @TracyKWilkinson on Twitter
Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on his first trip to Asia made a firm if vague vow Thursday to find ways to stop North Koreas steady march to the use of nuclear weapons.

Tillerson took questions from reporters for the first time publicly since he assumed office as the Trump administrations top diplomat more than six weeks ago, amid many reports that he and his State Department have been marginalized by a White House that wants to control  and limit  foreign policy.

Tillerson said the United States had to adopt a different approach in confronting North Korea because the last two decades of policy have failed.

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Efforts over the past 20 years to bring North Korea to a point of denuclearization have failed; weve had 20 years of failed approaches, Tillerson said in Tokyo, the first stop on his six-day, three-nation Asian tour.

In the face of this ever-escalating threat, its clear that a different approach is required, Tillerson said alongside his diplomatic counterpart, Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida, and ahead of a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

Tillerson did not offer details about what a new approach might entail. His aides have said no options, including a possible preemptive military strike against North Korean nuclear facilities, are off the table. Military action, however, would endanger South Korea and anger China, the two next stops on Tillersons trip.

The United States has hoped to enlist more support from China, North Koreas main economic ally, in reining in Pyongyangs launch of ballistic missiles and nuclear tests. But President Trumps often belligerent rhetoric toward China, including his threat of trade sanctions, has complicated that task.

Tillerson, former chief executive of Exxon Mobil, said a purpose of his trip was to share ideas about how to deal with Pyongyangs advancing nuclear and missile capabilities, what he called a dangerous and unlawful advancement.

He noted that U.S. aid of $1.3 billion to North Korea in recent years was met only with more such provocative activity.

The United States, however, with the United Nations, has imposed stiff sanctions on North Korea that prohibited it from exporting raw materials, among other restrictions. Pyongyang has managed to circumvent many of the sanctions, partly with help from China.

Tillerson also affirmed the United States security commitment to Japan, the worlds fourth-largest economy. In addition to potential attacks from North Korea, the island nation is concerned about challenges to its sovereignty in the East China Sea and its trade relationship with the United States.

North Korea and its people need not fear the United States or their neighbors in the region who seek only to live in peace with North Korea, Tillerson said. The United States calls on North Korea to abandon its nuclear and ballistic missile programs and refrain from any further provocations. The U.S. commitment to the defense of Japan and its other treaty allies through the full range of our military capabilities is unwavering.

In visiting the three countries over several days, the veteran oilman but inexperienced diplomat enters a hornets nest of geopolitical intrigue and tension. China, Japan and South Korea are all concerned about the rapidly advancing nuclear and missile programs in North Korea, and each has distinct interests on the subject  and its own domestic pressures.

The uncertainty in the region  and Tillersons relative inexperience as a diplomat  has led some to set low expectations in terms of policy pronunciations for the visit.

Its not the kind of environment in which things can be firmed up or changed radically, said Koichi Nakano, a political science professor at Tokyos Sophia University.

After Japan, Tillerson is scheduled to meet with leaders and U.S. military commanders in Seoul and along the North Korean border Friday. He will then travel to China, where he is expected to request more help in pressuring North Korea.

We do believe they [the Chinese] have a very important role to play, Tillerson said Thursday. China is a major source of economic trade and activity with North Korea. China has long stated their policy that they too want a denuclearized North Korea.

Although the countries are largely aligned on the Norths weapons, they are often at odds with one another on other topics.

South Korea and Japan have tension dating back centuries, but most recently during World War II, when thousands of Korean women were forced into sexual slavery by Japanese occupation forces. A reporter raised the issue with Tillerson on Thursday.

Tillerson said he appreciated its painful dealing with such historic issues and said an agreement over the matter between South Korea and Japan was crucial to broader efforts to challenge North Korea.

Regardless, South Korea and Japan do cooperate on many issues. They also believe China could do more to pressure the reclusive government of leader Kim Jong Un, grandson of the communist nations patriarch.

China has pressured North Korea, but its also nervous about destabilizing the country so much that the Kim government collapses. That could cause a refugee crisis on their shared border  or worse.

Tillerson is also scheduled to meet with the American general commanding forces in South Korea and his diplomatic counterpart, Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se. The two met last month in Germany.

Political analysts say Tillersons messages to Tokyo and Seoul would likely be intended to reassure them that they can expect stability in their relationships with the United States. He began that effort in Japan on Thursday.

Japan and South Korea really want a commitment that the United States is going to stay involved in Asia and really backstop them and protect their freedom, said Grant Newsham, a former diplomat who is a senior research fellow at the Japan Forum for Strategic Studies.

Special correspondent Stiles reported from Seoul and Times staff writer Wilkinson from Washington. Times staff writer Jonathan Kaiman in Beijing contributed to this report.

tracy.wilkinson@latimes.com

For more on international affairs, follow @TracyKWilkinson on Twitter

UPDATES:

1:20 p.m.: This article was updated with additional comments and background.

This article was originally published at 7:05 a.m.
President Trump released a spending plan Thursday that would slash programs across government with a machete to pay for sharp increases in the military, veterans health and the construction of a wall along the southwest border.

On the chopping block: billions of dollars in research aimed at fighting diseases and climate change; job training programs; grants to local communities that pay for public transit and housing, heating oil for the poor; diplomatic efforts across the globe; and libraries.

Proposed for elimination: at least 19 independent agencies including the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities.

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Trump argued that many of the programs he wants to slash are ineffective, outdated or duplicative. Beyond that, he says the budget is sending a message to reorder $1.1 trillion in the federal governments discretionary spending around his America First agenda, putting defense and border security at the center while curtailing other government functions.

We cant spend money on programs just because they sound good, said Mick Mulvaney, director of the Office of Management and Budget and a conservative former congressman from South Carolina.

In addition to proposing cuts across the spectrum, Trump would increase funding for school choice, counter-terrorism and the hiring of more border agents and immigration judges and prosecutors. But the biggest increase, by far, would go to the military in the form of an additional $54 billion in annual spending.

The budget, which lacks many details Trump and his agency leaders will add in the coming months, will not become law in its current form.

Nearly every plank will face significant obstacles from both parties in Congress, which has been unable in recent years to reach agreement on even the most basic spending measures. But it lays out the presidents vision more specifically than any speech or statement Trump delivered during his 17 months on the campaign trail or the four months since he won election.

Aides said the proposal was adapted directly from the presidents own campaign rhetoric, starting with his pledge to restore the nations military. The proposed boost in Pentagon funding itself is greater than the overall budgets of 11 other Cabinet departments. But some promises, like curing diseases, will be harder to fulfill with a proposed cut of $5.8 billion to the National Institutes of Health.

Many of the costs taken out of the budget would be shifted to states and localities  which would lose grants they depend on to build bus lines, support teacher salaries or provide clean water to rural communities. And although the budget includes no guidance on taxes, it proposes fee hikes on airline tickets, federal bankruptcy filings and medical device manufacturers.

The Trump administration says, We are going to leave it to state and local governments who are better positioned to deal with these issues, but we are only better positioned if we have that partnership, said Phil Serna, a supervisor in Sacramento County, where a comprehensive plan to tackle the homeless problem is jeopardized by the White House budget.

The cost of backfilling all the proposed federal cuts would crush the countys budget, said Serna. It could not afford to bankroll bedrock local environmental programs and would have to abandon an urban street car program getting underway and plans to extend mass transit to the regions new airport.

The EPA suffers most under the spending plan, with a 31.4% reduction in its budget. The departments of Agriculture and Labor each face a 20% funding cut, and five more Cabinet-level departments see cuts in the teens.

A memo from Democrats on the Senate Budget Committee, led by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), warned that Trumps plan would cause even more economic pain and suffering to the elderly, the children, the sick and the most vulnerable.

The plan released Thursday is only the first step in a months-long process leading up to the beginning of the fiscal year on Oct. 1. A more detailed, line-by-line budget document that would also address mandatory spending programs will come in May. And along the way will be heated debates with lawmakers and other stakeholders about what programs to cut and which to preserve or beef up.

The Oct. 1 deadline is particularly important this year because spending levels from a past budget accord are set to expire. Without a new deal, automatic cuts would take effect that many in Congress want to avoid.

Although Trumps budget reflects long-held ambitions of conservatives eager to shrink the size and scope of the federal government, it leaves unaddressed spending on entitlement programs such as Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security that are among the biggest drivers of federal spending.

The latter point is where Trump, who pledged to protect and strengthen those entrenched safety net programs, differs most dramatically with a fellow Republican who has long pushed for a new approach: House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.).

Do I think we can cut spending and get waste out of government? Absolutely. Where and how, and what numbers, thats something well be figuring out as time goes on, Ryan told reporters.

The budget could test the coalition of traditional fiscal conservatives and the nationalists that Trump has attracted, both in his campaign and within the ranks of his senior staff.

Some steep cuts fall on programs designed to revive poorer, rural communities where Trump benefited from greater-than-expected turnout last fall. He proposed eliminating the Appalachian Regional Commission, which provides grants for education, broadband and other programs in rural communities, and a program that provides millions of poor and elderly with assistance to heat their houses in the winter.

Though the president had promised in his campaign to help revive inner cities, the Department of Housing and Urban Development will see major spending cuts. So too will the Department of Transportation, despite Trumps pledge to fix the nations crumbling infrastructure.

AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka said the plan would be devastating to workers in states like Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin  states that powered Trump to an upset election victory  by slashing infrastructure and worker-training programs.

Mulvaney explained that the spending plan will still work to address Trumps objectives in those areas, but that they can only be accomplished in part by eliminating programs that have failed to achieve those goals.

The budget is not designed to reduce the deficit at all, just shift money around, so the overall level of federal debt would continue to rise. It hit $19.9 trillion Thursday, breaching the limit set by Congress and forcing the Treasury Department to start using accounting maneuvers to avoid a federal default.

The Trump administrations plans for sweeping cuts in foreign aid  Mulvaney bluntly called it a hard power, not soft power budget  may be dead on arrival with GOP lawmakers who stress the need for a more balanced approach emphasizing both military strength and a commitment to diplomacy.

The chairmen of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees said that Trumps Pentagon funding proposal falls short of whats needed, even with the major increase.

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, traveling in Asia, said he understood the challenge he now faces in implementing the cuts in his department.

We are going to construct a way forward that allows us to be much more effective, much more efficient and be able to do a lot with fewer dollars, Tillerson said in rare public remarks.

The budget calls for $2.6 billion in spending on the presidents proposed border wall and $314 million for new Border Patrol agents and Immigration and Customs Enforcement personnel. The administration also asked Congress to pass $3 billion in funding for additional border protection measures this year. The administration will use the border funds on pilot projects that will help determine the safest and most cost-efficient methods for securing areas along the U.S.-Mexico border.

Trumps plan seeks to dismantle a major second-term priority of President Obama by cutting off funding for the Clean Power Plan, which was a core component of U.S. commitments as part of the landmark Paris agreement to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

The budget does not assume the repeal of the Affordable Care Act in favor of a new healthcare system proposed by the GOP. But it includes a nearly 18% cut in funding at the Health and Human Services Department.

The administration also wants to spend $1.4 billion to expand vouchers, including for private schools, and would pay for it with deep cuts to federal aid to public schools.

Voucher programs, a favorite cause of Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, provide funds to families that they can use to help pay for tuition at private or religious schools.

The $1.4 billion in the budget would be the down payment on a program that would be ramping up to an annual total of $20 billion, the budget says.

Times staff writers Evan Halper, Lisa Mascaro, W.J. Hennigan, Noam N. Levey, David Lauter and Tracy Wilkinson contributed to this report.

noah.bierman@latimes.com

Twitter: @noahbierman

michael.memoli@latimes.com

Twitter: @mikememoli

ALSO

Heres why the GOP is struggling to come up with a new healthcare plan: That wasnt the goal

Trump wants $54 billion more for defense. The military isnt sure what that means

Another piece of Trumps taxes revealed: More than $35 million paid on $150 million in income in 2005

UPDATES:

2:40 p.m.: This story was updated with reaction from a local official in Sacramento County.

1:10 p.m.: This story was updated throughout with details on the budget and reaction from lawmakers.

7:30 a.m.: This story was updated with details on proposals to cut all funding for certain agencies.

6:50 a.m.: This story was updated with details on proposed budget cuts.

March 16, 5:45 a.m.: This story was updated with the release of the budget.

This story was originally published March 15 at 9:05 p.m.
A federal judge in Hawaii has blocked the major provisions of President Trumps revised ban on refugee resettlement and travel from six predominantly Muslim countries, hours before the executive order was to take effect.

The decision struck down, at least temporarily, the Trump administrations attempt to pause all refugee resettlement for 120 days and block citizens of Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen from entering the U.S. for 90 days.

U.S. District Judge Derrick Watson said his ruling applies nationwide. It appears to set the stage for a battle in the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, which last month upheld a ruling blocking Trumps original travel ban.

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 UPDATE: Federal judge in Maryland blocks Trumps revised travel ban

Ruling separately in a Maryland federal court Thursday, U.S. District Judge Theodore Chuang issued a more limited order halting the travel ban. Chuangs ruling focused on blocking the bans provision that paused immigration from the six countries.

Speaking at a rally in Nashville on Wednesday after the court decision landed, Trump said it was a terrible ruling that makes us look weak. He called it unprecedented judicial overreach and vowed to take our case as far as it needs to go, including all the way up to the Supreme Court.

Trump said the new order was simply a watered-down version of the prior one.

I think we ought to go back to the first one and go all the way, he told the roaring crowd.

The case, brought by Hawaii Atty. Gen. Douglas Chin, argued that the latest travel ban would have profound and detrimental effects on residents, businesses and universities. In its complaint, the state of Hawaii also said the executive order discriminates against Muslims and violates the equal protection and due process guarantees of the U.S. Constitution.

Lawyers for the state also argued that the order illegally discriminates based upon nationality.

Arguing that Hawaii residents would be unfairly affected by the ban, lawyers cited the example of Ismail Elshikh, a naturalized U.S. citizen who is the imam of the Muslim Assn. of Hawaii. His mother-in-law is a national of Syria and would be barred from seeing her son-in-law.

In his 43-page order, Watson, who was nominated to the bench by President Obama, repeatedly referred to statements by Trump and his associates during the campaign and afterward as evidence that the executive order was intended to restrict Muslim immigration. Watson wrote that despite the bans stated secular purpose, Trumps own words acted against him by marking the travel order as a fulfillment of the presidents campaign promise to temporarily bar all Muslims from entering the U.S.

The illogic of the governments contention is palpable, Watson wrote. The notion that one can demonstrate animus toward any group of people only by targeting all of them at once is fundamentally flawed.

Government lawyers have argued that the travel restrictions did not amount to a Muslim ban, as opponents have said, since they only would apply to a fraction of the worlds Muslim population.

The Department of Justice pushed back against the Hawaii court late Wednesday but did not indicate its next steps in the case.

The Department of Justice strongly disagrees with the federal district courts ruling, which is flawed both in reasoning and in scope, it said in a statement. The presidents executive order falls squarely within his lawful authority in seeking to protect our nations security, and the department will continue to defend this executive order in the courts.

The Hawaii hearing was among four court proceedings Wednesday in which the travel ban was challenged. There were two hearings in Seattle and another in Greenbelt, Md.

I think we ought to go back to the first one and go all the way.  President Trump

Lawyers challenging the ban  which was scheduled to begin at 12:01 a.m. Eastern time Thursday  asked judges to put it on hold while the courts decided its constitutionality.

Department of Justice attorneys argued that the travel ban was necessary for national security and that it was well within the presidents powers to restrict immigration to protect the nation. The aim, they said, was to screen out visitors from countries affected by terrorism until more stringent vetting measures could be put in place.

Government lawyers said that the travel ban, a revised version of the Jan. 27 executive order that was blocked by federal courts, was modified enough to remove any legal concerns.

Democratic state officials and civil rights groups cheered the Hawaii ruling.

It appeared the judge was not willing to buy the federal governments contention that they just need to stick to the neutral language on religion, said Chin, the Hawaii attorney general, at a news conference with Gov. David Ige.

A win for Hawaii is a win for all of us, Washington state Atty. Gen. Bob Ferguson said outside the courthouse in Seattle where a judge heard two other challenges to the travel restrictions. Trump is piling up defeat after defeat after defeat. And well all be here working to make sure his streak continues.

Nihad Awad, executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, said in a statement the group welcomed the Hawaii decision as confirmation of the strength of our nations system of checks and balances. We urge the Trump administration to scrap this Muslim ban entirely because it disrespects both the Constitution and Americas longstanding tradition of religious freedom and inclusion.

Trump is piling up defeat after defeat after defeat. And well all be here working to make sure his streak continues.  Bob Ferguson, Washington state attorney general

His group has also sued over the travel restrictions in a separate case that is pending.

The original order spurred tens of thousands of visa cancellations, chaos at U.S. international airports and dozens of lawsuits.

That order stopped refugee resettlement from all countries for 120 days  and from Syria indefinitely  and banned citizens of Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen from entering the U.S. for 90 days while the government was to review its vetting procedures.

A federal judge in Seattle halted that order in February after hearing arguments that it was discriminatory against Muslims and negatively impacted Washington states universities, businesses and residents. His decision was upheld by a motions panel of three judges in the 9th Circuit.

The new order tried to address court concerns by removing a preference for refugees who are religious minorities and giving exemptions from the ban to green-card holders and those who already have valid visas.

It also removed Iraq from the list of countries whose citizens would be barred. Iraq, as a U.S. partner in the fight against Islamic State, took deep offense to a blanket ban against its citizens. The Trump administration says it had reviewed vetting procedures in Iraq and was satisfied with them.

Legal experts had predicted the new travel ban would be tougher to fight in court because of the presidents broad authority over immigration enforcement and national security when it comes to noncitizens and those without visas.

UC Irvine Law School Dean Erwin Chemerinsky described the new order as certainly better drafted than the prior version but said courts could find it to run afoul of the 1965 Immigration Act, which prohibits discrimination based on national origin.

Based on prior statements of President Trump that Christians would be allowed in, this still can be challenged as a Muslim ban, he said. Put simply, it corrects some of the problems courts found with the prior executive order, but many of the serious problems remain.

Pepperdine University law professor Douglas Kmiec, a Justice Department official in the Reagan and George W. Bush administrations, said that although he disagreed with the new travel rules, they were clearly more defensible than the prior ones and should have survived review in the District Court in Hawaii.

The revised order was a conscientious effort to meet the objections of the 9th Circuit, he said.

The revised order is not drawn along religious lines; it is irrational to view it as a Muslim ban.

Arguments in court Wednesday centered on the federal governments argument that the order is a matter of national security, questions about the potential harm it could cause, and who has legal standing to sue.

The Maryland lawsuit  filed by the International Refugee Assistance Project on behalf of immigrants from Syria, Somalia and Iran whose spouses and families are in the middle of the visa approval process  argued that the new order would prevent family reunification and discriminate on the basis of religion.

During nearly two hours of arguments, Chuang closely questioned both sides, pushing the government to explain how the reworked measure would address previous legal challenges and the plaintiffs to explain when a court can step into a matter of national security.

The government says the executive order is to protect the public, he said. On what basis can I overrule that?

By Thursday morning, the judge had issued his opinion, which said there were strong indications that the national security purpose is not the primary purpose for the travel ban. Chuang, an Obama nominee, suggested that Trump may have intended to discriminate against Muslims.

The plaintiffs in one of the Seattle cases are immigrants from Somalia and Syria whose family members have pending visa applications. Their suit pointed to campaign statements by Trump  such as his vow to suspend any Muslims from entering the U.S.  as evidence that the ban was intended to target Muslims.

In the other Seattle case heard Wednesday, the plaintiff was Washington state and the judge was James Robart.

He is the same judge who on Feb. 3 ordered a national halt to the first travel ban in a case brought by Washington and Minnesota.

On Wednesday, he declined the states request to extend his restraining order against the first ban to apply to the new order.

Robart said the two orders were too different to be treated the same but said he would allow the state and several others that have joined it to file an amended complaint in its case to challenge the new travel order

jaweed.kaleem@latimes.com

Times staff writer Laura King in Greenbelt, Md., and special correspondent Rick Anderson in Seattle contributed to this report.

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UPDATES:

March 16, 8:15 a.m.: This article has been updated with information on the decision in the Maryland case.

7:55 p.m.: This article was updated to include reaction to the court decision and background on the legal battles over the travel ban.

This article was originally published at 5:10 p.m. March 15.
Oklahoma prosecutors on Thursday filed child prostitution charges against a Republican state senator after police found him in a hotel room with a 17-year-old boy.

Ralph Shortey, 35, surrendered to authorities on charges of engaging in child prostitution, transporting a minor for prostitution and engaging in prostitution within 1,000 feet of church. His bond was set at $100,000.

I have no comment at this time, but I will soon, Shortey told television reporters as he arrived at the Cleveland County jail to surrender.

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Court records dont show if he had retained an attorney.

Moore police said that acting on a tip from the teens father, officers went to the Super 8 Hotel last week and smelled marijuana coming from a room. They found Shortey and the teen alone inside.

A search of the teens tablet uncovered a series of sexually explicit exchanges in which Shortey referred to the teen as baby boy and offered him cash in exchange for sexual stuff, according to a police report. Police also found lotion and an open box of condoms inside backpacks in the room.

The age of consent in Oklahoma is 16, but Oklahomas prostitution statute applies to any person under 18 years old.

A conservative Republican from south Oklahoma City, Shortey is married with three young children.

The Oklahoma Senate imposed sanctions Wednesday on Shortey, voting 43-0 for a resolution that accuses him of disorderly behavior.

Among other things, it removes Shortey from membership and leadership of various Senate committees, bars him from occupying his office and reserved parking spot at the Capitol, blocks his expense allowances and authorship of bills, and revokes his right to have an executive assistant.

Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb issued a statement Thursday calling on his fellow Republican to resign so that the people of his Oklahoma City district can move forward with a new state senator.

Shortey, a county coordinator and early supporter of Donald Trumps presidential campaign, wasnt present when the resolution was adopted and didnt show up to his Capitol office on Wednesday.

In a statement following its passage, Senate President Pro Tem Mike Schulz said it was not intended to be a presumption of guilt or innocence.

The Oklahoma Senate has full faith that the judicial system will play out appropriately and bring this matter to a lawful conclusion, Schulz said. This resolution reserves the right of the Oklahoma Senate to pursue further action if more facts come to light.

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UPDATES:

11:50 a.m.: This article was updated with news of Shortey surrendering to authorities.

10:45 a.m.: This article was updated with new details about the charges and with the lieutenant governor calling on Shortey to resign.

This article was originally published at 8:30 a.m.
When President Trump issued his first travel ban on citizens from several Muslim-majority countries, the stated premise was simple: Give the government 90 days to review its vetting procedures to reduce the chances that a terrorist could get a U.S. visa.

That was 48 days ago.

With the executive order blocked by the courts  and judges now halting a revised order that was supposed to take effect Thursday  the legal battle over the constitutionality of the ban stretches on. Trump has vowed to pursue it all the way to the Supreme Court.

By then his administration will have had several weeks to review screening procedures, which opponents said weakens its original case for why the ban is necessary.

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The ticking of time is just one of several problems Trump faces as his administration contemplates what so far has been a major blow to his fledgling presidency.

He keeps losing, said Steve Schmidt, a longtime Republican strategist who helped run Sen. John McCains 2008 presidential campaign. He keeps facing these setbacks. At what point do they give up?

Signing the original order was among Trumps first acts as president, an effort to make good on promises of a a total and complete shutdown of Muslims and extreme vetting to prevent terrorism that were a centerpiece of the campaign.

But the courts rebelled. After a federal judge in Seattle and the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco put the original order on hold last month, the administration retooled it in hopes of addressing constitutional concerns.

Then on Wednesday a federal judge in Hawaii blocked the revised order, which called for pausing all refugee resettlement for 120 days and blocking citizens of six Muslim-majority countries  Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen  from entering the U.S. for 90 days.

In a further rebuke of the order, a federal judge in Maryland ruled Thursday against the provision restricting travelers.

That leaves the Trump administration with few good options.

White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said Thursday that the administration would appeal the flawed rulings and focus its initial challenge on the Maryland case in the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Va.

That would let the Trump administration avoid  at least for now  taking the Hawaii case to the 9th Circuit, which Trump called a bad court after it blocked him the first time.

The 9th Circuit long ago developed a reputation for being more liberal than other federal appeals courts, although many lawyers say thats no longer the case. Judges appointed by Democratic presidents outnumber Republican appointees on both the 9th and 4th circuit courts, but depending on luck of the draw, the three-judge panels that resolve cases in either circuit could include either conservative or liberal judges.

If theres a split between the two appeals courts, then it could possibly go to the Supreme Court for review, said Jessica Levinson, a professor at Loyola Law School in Los Angeles.

If the immigration restrictions are ultimately defeated, part of the reason will have been Trump the campaigner.

In the Maryland case  which was brought on behalf of immigrants from Syria, Somalia and Iran whose families are in the middle of the visa approval process  U.S. District Judge Theodore Chuangs decision quoted Trumps campaign vows to suspend Muslim immigration as evidence that the national security purpose is not the primary purpose of the travel ban.

The judge, who was nominated to the bench by President Obama, wrote that it was likely that Trumps ban violated the Constitution by discriminating against Muslims.

The U.S. district judge in the Hawaii case, brought by state Atty. Gen. Douglas Chin, seemed to agree, writing that despite the bans stated secular purpose, Trumps own words acted against him.

The illogic of the governments contention is palpable, wrote the judge, Derrick Watson, also an Obama nominee. The notion that one can demonstrate animus toward any group of people only by targeting all of them at once is fundamentally flawed.

None of the court orders on the travel ban are permanent but instead are meant to halt it while more thorough court proceedings determine its constitutionality.

But the Trump administrations defeats have left some legal and political experts at a loss about what options it has left.

Margo Schlanger, law professor at the University of Michigan who was the head of civil rights for the Department of Homeland Security under Obama, said that Trumps decision to delay the rollout of the revised order undermines his case that the order is urgent.

It will be difficult for him to argue theres an emergency need for a stay, she said.

At the same time, the heavy focus on campaign statements in the recent rulings against Trump has perplexed other legal scholars, who predicted that Trump would prevail in appeals courts or in the Supreme Court.

Candidates often speak very loosely, and I think its very risky to give that much weight to what candidates say during the campaign, said Arthur Hellman, a law professor at the University of Pittsburgh.

Courts routinely look to legislative intent in interpreting laws passed by Congress. An appeals or Supreme Court decision in the case may determine whether they can also look to executive intent in deciding an executive orders constitutionality.

I think we ought to go back to the first one and go all the way.  President Trump

Jonathan Turley, a professor at the George Washington University Law School, said the battle would be a long one that is clearly being groomed for the Supreme Court.

But a Supreme Court case also could hold risks for Trump, who is awaiting the confirmation of his high court nominee, Neil M. Gorsuch. The court currently is split 4-4 between conservative and liberal justices.

Douglas Kmiec, a Pepperdine University law professor who was a Justice Department official in the Reagan and George W. Bush administrations, said Trump must be careful to not appear that he is pushing for Gorsuchs confirmation in order to tip the court to his side on the travel ban.

Gorsuch is a strong judge with a good record, but there is now political risk that his opposition can make it look like his appointment is being advanced to get a particular outcome in a particular case, and that politically will be very unhelpful, he said.

He also said that Trump could wind up damaging his own case if he were to start criticizing Supreme Court judges as he has done to judges in the lower courts.

Speaking at a Nashville rally on Wednesday, Trump seemed unsure of his next move, or what kind of travel order he preferred.

At first, he called the Hawaii decision terrible and an unprecedented judicial overreach and vowed to take our case as far as it needs to go, including all the way up to the Supreme Court.

Moments later, Trump said he didnt like the new order as much as the first because it was a watered-down version that he only agreed to on the advice of lawyers. We ought to go back to the first one and go all the way, he said.

Government lawyers have argued that the travel restrictions did not amount to a Muslim ban because they would apply only to a fraction of the worlds Muslim population. They said in the Hawaii and Maryland court hearings that Trump was acting within his powers to restrict immigration and protect the country from potential terrorists.

The original order, signed Jan. 27, spurred tens of thousands of visa cancellations, chaos at U.S. international airports and dozens of lawsuits.

That order stopped refugee resettlement from all countries for 120 days  and from Syria indefinitely  and banned citizens of Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen from entering the U.S. for 90 days while the government was to review its vetting procedures.

The new order tried to address court concerns by removing a preference for refugees who are religious minorities and giving exemptions from the ban to green-card holders and those who already have valid visas. It also removed Iraq from the list of countries whose nationals could not travel to the U.S.

jaweed.kaleem@latimes.com

kurtis.lee@latimes.com

Times staff writer Maura Dolan in San Francisco contributed to this report.

UPDATES:

3:50 p.m.: This article was updated throughout to include analysis from legal and political experts and the White Houses remarks on the Trump administrations next steps.

8:35 a.m.: This article has been updated throughout with Times reporting.

This article was originally published at 4:40 a.m.
The House Intelligence Committee has seen no evidence to support President Trumps claim that he was wiretapped by President Obama, the panels leaders said Wednesday, deepening a dispute with the White House over the presidents veracity.

We dont have any evidence that that took place and, in fact, I dont believe  just in the last week of time, the people weve talked to  I dont think there was an actual tap of Trump Tower, said Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Tulare), the committee chairman.

I have seen no evidence that supports the claim that President Trump made, agreed Rep. Adam B. Schiff (D-Burbank), the ranking member.

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FBI Director James B. Comey is scheduled to testify Monday at the first congressional hearing into Russias role in the 2016 campaign, and Nunes and Schiff say they will ask him whether the FBI secretly conducted electronic or other surveillance of Trump. If Comey declines to answer, they say, they could subpoena the records.

Comey also is likely to face questioning about whether the FBI opened a formal investigation into contacts between the Trump campaign and Russian government officials  a question the FBI has so far been unwilling to answer in public.

In tweets on March 4, Trump twice accused Obama of wiretapping him before his inauguration and urged Congress to investigate the claim. A spokesman for Obama described the claim as false, and no evidence has emerged to substantiate it.

I think youre going to find some very interesting items coming to the forefront over the next two weeks.  President Trump

The dispute over the seemingly rash tweets has become one of the most serious of the first months of Trumps presidency, dividing him from Republicans in Congress and raising the possibility that law enforcement and intelligence officials will publicly undercut him.

The White House has not offered any evidence of wiretapping or other surveillance, but Trump did not back down. In an interview Wednesday on Fox News Tucker Carlson Tonight, Trump suggested new disclosures would be forthcoming.

Wiretap covers a lot of different things. I think youre going to find some very interesting items coming to the forefront over the next two weeks, he said, according to an excerpt released before the interview was broadcast.

The question of whether Trump and his associates were caught up in FBI surveillance is one of many under scrutiny by the House and Senate intelligence committees. Both are in the early stages of parallel investigations into Russias attempts to influence the 2016 elections.

Nunes and Schiff say they are still seeking to hire additional staff for the House investigation and negotiating with the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, which oversees the U.S. intelligence community, over access to the computers used to store classified information on Russias role in the presidential race.

While the two lawmakers agree that no evidence of FBI surveillance of Trump has been uncovered, Nunes has raised the possibility that Trump campaign communications might have been picked up in incidental intelligence collection aimed at Russian officials.

Mondays hearing will be the first to examine Russias attempts to interfere in the 2016 presidential campaign by hacking into Democratic National Committee computers and leaking thousands of emails, as well as other operations intended to discredit the election.

The committee also is looking at whether Trump and his associates had improper contacts with Russian government officials during or after the campaign.

Nunes said he was not aware of any evidence that Trump aides spoke with Russian officials other than Sergey Kislyak, Russias ambassador to the U.S., who had multiple conversations with Trump campaign aides and surrogates, including Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions when Sessions was still in the Senate.

Sessions recused himself from Justice Department investigations into Russias role in the campaign after news reports confirmed he had met twice with Kislyak, including once in his office in September, but had failed to disclose the contacts during his Senate confirmation hearing.

Schiff, who said he had visited CIA headquarters Tuesday to examine classified documents, refused to rule out further possible contacts between Trumps team and Russian authorities.

A U.S. intelligence report issued in January, shortly before Trump took office, assessed that Russian President Vladimir Putin had ordered Russian intelligence agencies to use cyberattacks and other means to hurt Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton and help Trump.

FBI officials have refused to discuss their investigation, and there has been no proof that they have discovered wrongdoing by any Trump associate.

Nunes conceded that one should not read Trumps tweets about being wiretapped by Obama as literally true. But Trump may have been expressing concern that he and his associates came under government surveillance either appropriately or inappropriately, he said.

We want to find that out, he added.

Nunes said he was also concerned about leaks of classified information that have roiled the Trump administration.

Trumps first national security advisor, Michael Flynn, was forced to resign last month after leaks indicated he had discussed U.S. sanctions on Russia during several telephone conversations with Kislyak before Trumps inauguration, and then had misled Vice President Pence about the conversations.

Officials said surveillance in that case was aimed at the Russian ambassador, not at Flynn.

The FBI is prohibited by law from intercepting telephone calls or conducting other electronic surveillance on U.S. citizens and others living in the United States, barring a court order.

Communications involving Americans inadvertently intercepted by U.S. intelligence agencies are supposed to be kept confidential unless they contain evidence of a crime or involve foreign intelligence.

Seeking information about the source of possible leaks, Nunes and Schiff sent a letter to the FBI, CIA and National Security Agency on Wednesday seeking details of any U.S. individuals who were associated with the Trump and Clinton campaigns whose communications were picked up during surveillance of legitimate targets, and not kept confidential.

david.cloud@latimes.com

Twitter: @DavidCloudLAT

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In his opening salvo on the federal budget, President Trump proposes to undo the balance that lawmakers struck six years ago between defense and non-defense cuts as they struggled to rein in the deficit. Focusing first on the part of the budget that isnt raising the tide of red ink, he would slash education, research, foreign aid and many domestic programs to make room for one of the biggest military buildups in history.

Its such a Draconian approach and would inflict so much pain on lawmakers constituents  especially in Red State America  that Congress is expected to ignore most of Trumps proposal. But thats par for the course in Washington, where legislators hold the purse strings, and the big initiatives presidents lay out in their budgets rarely get funded.

The main purpose that these documents serve is to reveal the White Houses priorities. And no surprise, Trumps top priorities are to indulge the Pentagon and the Department of Homeland Security while delivering a shock to the federal bureaucracy (and those who rely on the money it distributes).

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Republican presidents have long sought to cut federal agencies and programs, so Trumps proposal reads a bit like a wish list of perennial GOP targets. These range from relatively small programs, such as the ones supporting public broadcasters, the arts, Amtrak and legal aid for the poor, to major initiatives funding foreign aid, community development, education and scientific research.

No surprise, Trumps top priorities are to indulge the Pentagon and the Department of Homeland Security while delivering a shock to the federal bureaucracy.

The reason those programs have endured over the years is because lawmakers see how much benefit they deliver to their constituents. But one hallmark of Trumps proposal is how little heed it pays to the core role the federal government plays in addressing national priorities and needs that local communities cant handle on their own. Instead, it would foist much of that work onto beleaguered state and local governments. That would be particularly problematic for the less populous, more rural states whose voters put Trump in the White House.

The administration proposed the cuts in order to finance a $54-billion increase in the defense budget for the fiscal year that begins Oct. 1 (on top of the additional $30 billion Trump wants to spend in the current fiscal year) and a roughly $3-billion increase in security efforts at home. "[T]his public safety and national security Budget Blueprint is a message to the world  a message of American strength, security, and resolve, Trump wrote in the documents introduction.

One might wonder why someone who campaigned against overseas American military entanglements would want to invest so much in updating and expanding military forces, equipment and weapons. But as Trumps statement suggests, the proposed 10% increase in defense spending is about messaging strength, not necessarily using it, which is not an inherently bad thing.

Still, the defense and homeland security budgets are a poor proxy for U.S. strength, security and resolve. Those are simply investments in hard power, which is just one component of American leadership. At least as important is its soft power, which it exerts through diplomacy and a strong and growing economy. Trumps budget reveals a deep skepticism in the value of diplomacy, in effect arguing that promoting stability and development around the world though foreign aid isnt in Americans interests. On the contrary, thats why we do it.

And while Trump argues that his proposal is fiscally responsible because it wouldnt increase overall spending, his budget would reject the discipline that lawmakers from both parties agreed to impose on the Pentagon in equal measure to non-defense programs. That was a political compromise struck in 2011 in the face of burgeoning deficits (caused in large measure by the deep recession, which caused tax revenues to plummet while multiplying the demand for safety-net services), but it reflects more than just the demands of congressional Democrats. Its also a recognition that Washington cant bring the federal debt under control while continuing to grant the Pentagon its every wish. Just like every other federal agency, the famously wasteful Defense Department has to become more efficient to adapt to an era of higher healthcare costs, growing Social Security outlays and a lower ratio of workers to retirees.

Californias Democrat-dominated Legislature may comfort itself with the thought that Congress isnt likely to show Trumps budget proposals the deference it didnt show his predecessors. Nevertheless, they should start planning for leaner times in case Republicans in Washington start closing the spigot of federal aid, which accounts for more than a quarter of the states budget  most of it in Medi-Cal, the states version of the Medicaid program for poor and disabled Californians. Never mind that state residents typically pay more in federal taxes than the state collects in federal aid. The House GOP leaderships proposal for Medicaid alone eventually could cut federal aid to California by as much as $20 billion, and thats reason enough to start worrying.

Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinionand Facebook
In their drive to resist President Trump, Democrats so far have put a lot of political eggs into one basket: immigration. Their strident defense of immigrants past, present and future certainly satisfies the base -- but its a strategic mistake that can only lead to electoral disappointment.

Lets recall why Trump won in November. He is the first president since 1876 to lose the popular vote by more than 2% and still win an electoral college majority. He did so by winning five swing states  Florida, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin  with less than 50% of the vote. In each case, he attracted large numbers of whites without a college degree who had voted for President Obama twice. Meanwhile, many Republicans who had voted for Sen. John McCain and former Gov. Mitt Romney threw their votes away on write-ins or third-party candidates rather than vote for Hillary Clinton.

If Democrats want to win again, they must do one of two things: Attract back the Obama-Trump voter or win over the Romney-non-Trump voter. Their protestations against border security and the travel ban are not likely to do either.

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Surveys show that Obama-Trump blue-collar voters like Trumps anti-immigration stance. These voters are likely to have felt competition from immigrants legal and illegal, and they want that competition to stop. Even though many of these voters agree with Democrats on traditional economic issues like taxes and entitlement spending, their primary concern now is to protect their livelihoods and standard of living by reducing competition from foreigners living at home and abroad.

Loud opposition to Trumps immigration policies reminds those voters every day why they no longer feel at home in todays Democratic Party.

Surveys show that Obama-Trump blue-collar voters like Trumps anti-immigration stance.

Wavering Romney-McCain Republicans, for their part, may be sympathetic to the plight of economic migrants, but are quite possibly worried about terrorism. By just saying no to Trumps travel bans, the Democrats give nothing to the Republican or GOP-leaning independent who wants a more balanced attitude.

The Democratic Party approach, such as it is, is anything but balanced. In the partys 2016 platform, immigration enforcement is at best an afterthought. The platform emphasizes a path to citizenship, reuniting families and ensuring that as few current immigrants as possible are removed from the country. It also denounces Trumps proposed religious test for immigration as well as what it called his vilification of Muslims.

While a platform is not binding, the partys behavior since inauguration day suggests that it accurately expresses Democrats sentiments. Everything the party and its leaders in Congress have done since the inauguration simply restates these beliefs without modification.

It seems Democrats remain stuck in the rut that led them to electoral disaster in the first place. Firmly convinced that Middle America shared their fear and loathing of Trump, the party ran one of the most issue-free campaigns in modern history. In paid ads, campaign stops and in the debates, Clinton rarely gave people who werent already committed Democrats or progressives a reason to vote for her. That failure explains the most telling and unexpected result on election day: Trump beat Clinton handily among the 18% of Americans who told exit pollsters they disliked both candidates.

Democrats are either unwilling to see the truth or unable to acknowledge it: They cannot win back the presidency without attracting people who disagree with some of their views. Doing that does not mean singing the same old songs louder and more clearly.

When it comes to immigration, Democrats need to ask themselves some hard questions. Can they acknowledge that the large number of immigrants in the country illegally, many of whom are relatively unskilled, gives rise to economic competition that harms job and wage prospects for voters who used to be part of their base?

Can they be pro-Muslim immigration without being blind to the fact that the very few Muslim immigrants inclined to terror can undermine public tolerance with just a few fatal attacks?

Can they admit that one can have concerns about either type of migrant without being prejudiced or racist  that there might just be some rational reason for Americans to be wary of a lax or overly trusting approach to immigration?

If Democrats can entertain and act on these thoughts, then they can begin the hard work of uniting the anti-Trump majority into a political majority. If they cannot, their resistance will be futile.

Henry Olsen is a senior fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center. He is the author of the forthcoming book, The Working Class Republican: Ronald Reagan and the Return of Blue Collar Conservatism.

Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion or Facebook

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The most relevant dystopian novel for our time is not 1984'  its Lord of the Flies

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In Tobias Wolffs short story Bullet in the Brain, a book critic is shot during a bank robbery after he annoys the robbers by mocking their cliched stick-up lines. When one of them says, Hey! Bright boy! Did I tell you to talk?, the critic sniggers: Bright boy. Right out of The Killers. And when he cant suppress a giggle after a robber orders him to shut his trap  Capiche?  bang goes the gun. In the last seconds of the critics life, his dying mind transports him to a time before everything began to remind him of something else.

This is the critics curse: to inescapably draw connections between everything you hear and see with everything youve read. If youre a critic  Ive been one since 1995  you just cant help it.

Which is why, ever since Donald Trumps inauguration, a highlight reel of dystopian novels has been looping through my head unbidden, playing, pausing, rewinding and playing again.

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As I reached for apt comparisons, I reread Sinclair Lewis It Cant Happen Here (on the rise of an America-first demagogue); Yevgeny Zamyatins We (about a totalitarian society in which even dreams are policed); Margaret Atwoods The Handmaids Tale (in which womens rights take a massive leap backward); Aldous Huxleys Brave New World (whose citizens are lulled to complacency by fake slogans and happy movies); and, of course, George Orwells 1984, in which Big Brothers surveillance state deprives individuals of all freedom and any sense of reality.

As the disordered days and weeks of the Trump administration grow more tumultuous, Lord of the Flies characters seem to appear on our TV screens every day.

But to my critics mind, none of those novels quite got it (despite abundant parallels), because each of them presupposed the existence of a coordinated, well-organized central authority that systematically implemented the governments oppressive agenda. That, to paraphrase Lewis, is not happening here.

It was not until several weeks in to the new administration  after watching White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer scold journalists and relay alternative facts; after growing inured to Trumps morning Twitter raids; after weathering one anti-democratic ambush after another  that I remembered another novel. I had overlooked it because it was not on my home librarys dystopia shelf, but in my childrens classics section, the preserve of visiting nephews and nieces. Rereading it, I recognized that this book  whose chipper, bluff, breezy beginnings careen quickly into a nightmarish, lawless, irrational power struggle  was the book for now. In its contours, mood and message, it perfectly enfolds (or limns, in critics lingo) our countrys yawing entropy.

The book is Lord of the Flies.

In that 1954 British novel, written by William Golding, a group of schoolboys  some of them adolescents, others still little children  land on an uncharted island after a plane crash and fight for dominance among themselves, without adult supervision and with disastrous results. When a brash, popular kid named Ralph (not a deep thinker), spots a conch shell in the surf, a bespectacled, unpopular boy called Piggy (because hes plump), explains that it can produce a booming sound that might summon the others. Bursting with the will to lead, Ralph takes up the conch and rallies the castaways. They agree that only the boy holding the conch may speak at meetings, and the Rule of the Conch becomes their informal Rule of Law. Soon, another boy, Jack, appears on the beach, wearing a cloak and a cap with a golden badge, leading a uniformed band. Like Ralph, Jack has the will to lead, but he is more strategic, more ruthless, and more unabashedly contemptuous of the democratic impulse.

Jack forms a feral splinter group, winning over his adherents with excitingly violent invitations to hunt wild pigs and to protect their territory from illusory foes. He refuses to listen when Ralph and Piggy implore him to respect the authority of the conch. (For instance, when Piggy tries to remind the boys to keep a signal fire going, to increase their chances of rescue.) The conch doesnt count at this end of the island, Jack sneers. He isnt really after rescue; hes into island-domination. Bollocks to the rules! he whoops. Were strong  we hunt!

One of the boys, Simon, affiliated with neither Ralph nor Jack, creeps away from the pack to whisper his anxieties to a demonic counselor in the jungle: a pigs head, swarming with winged insects, which he dubs the Lord of the Flies. (In case you didnt know, the Hebrew translation of lord of the flies is Beelzebub.) Can Beelzebub help Simon find sense in this lawless mess? Erm, as a British schoolboy would say, probably not.

As the disordered days and weeks on Goldings island lengthen and grow more tumultuous, Piggys glasses  the lenses of reason  are smashed in the general mayhem. The conch  democracy  loses any power it once had to hold the floor; and Jack lets the rescue fire burn out that might have brought salvation from above.

And as the disordered days and weeks of the Trump administration lengthen and grow more tumultuous, the characters in Lord of the Flies seem to me to appear on our television screens every day  but in long pants, not schoolboy shorts. In this scenario Spicer can stand for Piggy; Trump for Ralph; White House chief strategist Stephen Bannon for Jack. They can even switch places without doing much damage to the plot. And who speaks for the talking head in the jungle? Oh, how about that other Stephen, senior advisor Stephen Miller?

The lost boys do eventually get rescued, or most of them do. As for those in Trumps America, who are reading, watching, listening and straining their ears, hoping to hear the buzz of the engines of rationality approaching? The signal fires are lit, but the question is: Can they be kept going long enough to get us back to a civilization we recognize?

Liesl Schillinger is a writer, translator and author of the book Wordbirds.

Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion or Facebook.

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The daughter of ex-President Park Geun-hye's alleged accomplice Choi Soon-sil will seek political asylum in Denmark if the courts decide to extradite her to Korea, her lawyer told Reuters on Tuesday.

"If all court instances say she should be extradited then it's political asylum," Peter Blinkenberg said. He said he will argue that Chung Yoo-ra faces political persecution if she returns to her home country.

Chung is being held in a remand prison in the northern Danish town of Aalborg, where she fled from Germany when the corruption scandal surrounding her mother broke.

Chung is accused of being a chief beneficiary of Park's and Choi's extortion racket and of wrangling underhand admission to the prestigious Ewha Womans University.

She was arrested in Aalborg on Jan. 1.


To the editor: The linchpin of our health insurance dilemma is the mandate. With everyone in the pool, the risk is spread around. (On Obamacare, Paul Ryan has no idea what hes talking about, March 14)

House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) and President Trump say their proposal to replace the Affordable Care Act offers more choice. What they neglect to tell the American public is that unless you are careful, you will buy a cheaper policy until suddenly you need coverage for something you didnt buy.

Health is fleeting, even for the young. The reason we buy health insurance is to be prepared for the unknown. What good is insurance if it does not prevent you from declaring bankruptcy or losing your home? Trumpcare is a cruel joke, and the president needs to realize that nobody is laughing.

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Diane Welch, Cypress

..

To the editor: As an emergency physician, I get nearly apoplectic when supporters of repealing the Affordable Care Act glibly pronounce that all those people who will lose insurance are still going to be covered after all.

The refrain goes something like this: They can always go to the ER  theyre covered there.

Really? The uninsured have no coverage at any ER. While the law requires that everyone presenting to an ER must be seen and stabilized, it makes no provision for hospitals or doctors to be paid for that care.

Similarly, when did episodic care in an ER ever replace regular care by a general practitioner?

Jonathan Lawrence, MD, San Juan Capistrano

..

To the editor: I love columnist David Lazarus, but he missed a very important aspect of the GOP healthcare legislation.

I think that Republicans do believe in personal freedom in some instances and that they are ideologically opposed to the Affordable Care Acts individual insurance mandate. But much more important to them is the tax cut that their plan will be giving to the rich.

They seem not to care if people lose their coverage. After all, these individuals probably were not covered before the Affordable Care Act was enacted in 2010, and the rich were doing just fine. If they can cut taxes for wealthy donors, they have a greater chance to stay in office.

This is not the ethical or moral choice, but it is logical.

Stephanie McIntyre, Simi Valley

Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook
To the editor: Im beyond outraged that President Trump has asked Congress to pass a school voucher system that would reallocate my taxes from public education to private and religious schools, among others. (President Trump wants to create a national private school choice program. Heres how it could work, March 3)

Keep in mind that the Little Sisters of the Poor in Colorado could not compromise their principles just to file a form for an exemption from providing birth control for their employees. Also, the contorted principles of many evangelical groups cannot tolerate even one dollar going to Planned Parenthood even when abortion services are specifically excluded from being federally funded.

I do not want my tax dollars going toward these schools. Maybe I can live with a check the box option, like the many worthy causes that are included with California auto registrations. That would be the equivalent of defunding the voucher program.

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James H. Benson, Altadena

Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook
President Trumps frustration has repeatedly been visible as his successful campaign has given way to a troubled presidency, driven by the distance between his promises and the bracing difficulty of governing.

At a campaign rally Wednesday in Nashville and in a separate Fox News interview, Trump had two opportunities to encourage Americans to move toward his plans on issues like healthcare. Instead, he continued to lean on campaign bravado and deflect responsibility.

He blamed his lawyers advice for the repeatedly stalled effort to enact a travel ban that most dramatically affects Muslims. He blamed Democrats for the difficulties facing healthcare legislation, even though his most urgent current problems lie among his fellow Republicans. He complained that hed been forced to take on healthcare when he really wanted to focus on tax reform  as if he hadnt included, in every campaign speech, his vow to repeal President Obamas healthcare plan on day one.

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Trumps credibility has long rested on the notion of winning  over and over. He told his campaign audiences that when he was president they would win so much theyd be sick and tired of winning. So far, polls continue to show that he gets strong marks for keeping his promises. But hes not winning some big battles now, and the tension shows.

The week has brought a number of examples.

On Capitol Hill on Wednesday, one of Trumps most loyal defenders, Rep. Devin Nunes, a Republican from Tulare, broke with the president by acknowledging there is no evidence to support Trumps claim that Obama wiretapped him at Trump Tower.

A poll by the presidents favorite television network, Fox News, found him less popular than two entities Trump routinely mocks and wants to dismantle, Planned Parenthood and Obamacare.

A federal judge in Hawaii halted Trumps revised travel ban hours before it was to take effect. Then another federal judge in Maryland weighed in with a similar ruling.

Both judges cited Trumps own statements as problematic, saying that then-candidate Trumps public embrace of a Muslim ban provided evidence that his travel order might be improperly intended to discriminate on the basis of religion.

Little more than an hour after the first judges decision, Trump arrived onstage at a Nashville rally that looked just like the events he held when he was steamrolling over his primary challengers. Missing was any concession to the new realities he faces having graduated from candidate to president.

Indeed, he almost willfully seemed to make his administrations legal situation worse, blaming his lawyers for making him sign off on the revised version of the travel order.

I wasnt thrilled, but the lawyers all said Lets tailor it. This is a watered-down version of the first one, he said. I think we ought to go back to the first one and go all the way, which is what I wanted to do in the first place.

In his eight weeks in office, Trump has accomplished some of what he promised. Hes started to erase regulations that he says stifle the economy. His Supreme Court pick, Neil Gorsuch, seems destined for confirmation. Changes in the tax code long sought by Republicans are still on the list for later this year.

But Trumps presidency has stumbled on several fronts because its just not as easy to be president as Trump spent the last 21 months contending it was.

The eye-opening comment he made last month about his efforts to replace Obamacare  Nobody knew that healthcare could be so complicated  can serve as a mantra on many fronts.

The upside of Trumps political positioning as a blunt outsider ignoring political niceties has become a downside for his presidency. In the campaign, he could  and did  try to be many things to many people. He pledged to expand the military as never before, provide Americans with healthcare that was both cheaper and better than Obamacare, stop profligate spending even as he protected and expanded giant benefit programs like Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid.

There was very little talk of trade-offs or tough choices.

In the budget released Thursday, Trump made good on his promise to request a military buildup. But the costs, Americans are about to find out, will come in funding for much theyve come to expect from government  something Trump never explained as he campaigned.

The limitations of Trumps approach are evident in the healthcare battle.

Despite his vows, the GOP plan breaks two of his promises up front: it would be far more expensive than Obamacare for many Americans and would cut back on Medicaid spending. On Monday, the analysis from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office found that, compared with Obamacare, 14 million fewer Americans would be insured within a year, and 24 million over 10 years. That would break Trumps vow to cover everyone.

But the president has done little to calm either fearful citizens or legislators leery of walking the plank. His plan, he said in Nashville, would repeal Obamacare and make healthcare better for you and for your family. None of that explained how some Americans  particularly the older and poorer ones who formed the base of his support  would be able to afford it.

He suggested that he and legislators would negotiate away their differences  Were going to all get together, he said  but gave no further details. He said he would work to bring down the cost of prescription drugs by having the government negotiate prices, but gave no indication how hed convince his fellow Republicans to reverse their longstanding refusal to consider such an effort.

Even as Trump continues to avoid acknowledging the trade-offs his policies call for  let alone explaining and asking the public to get behind them  he continues to create distractions from his message.

As a candidate, particularly one with few specific plans for opponents to pick apart, that approach rarely seemed to impede him. It is doing so now, and sometimes glaringly.

Thats been the case with a third issue hobbling his presidency, his public accusation that President Obama wiretapped him in Trump Tower.

The charge came in multiple tweets early on a Saturday morning; it was not until a day later, in what seemed an attempt to dump the mess into someone elses lap, that the White House asked Congress to investigate the allegation.

Trumps inability to put up any evidence, even to Republicans, has driven even some loyalists to the breaking point, as Nunes showed Wednesday.

In his Wednesday interview with Trump, Fox News host Tucker Carlson returned time and again to Trumps own behavior and its potential to undermine the presidents credibility, precisely when he needs to convince Americans to support his plans.

Why not wait to tweet about it until you can prove it? he asked. Dont you devalue your words when you cant provide evidence?

Trump seemed not to have a direct answer.

For more on politics 

cathleen.decker@latimes.com

Twitter: @cathleendecker

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Updates on California politics

Live coverage of the Trump transition
President Trumps budget would deliver a painful financial blow to California, with the potential to push a state that has struggled for years to keep its books balanced back into the kind of red ink that consumed it after the housing market collapse a decade ago.

The only solace state and local officials are taking out of a White House budget plan that would cut most federal departments by about 10% to 12% is that even Republicans in Congress probably will find all the cuts on the table too hard to stomach.

The presidents blueprint would disrupt almost everything California does, in some cases quite brutally.

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Millions would lose health insurance, police forces would be cut back, schools would face layoffs and cleanup of contaminated lands would be put off. Some of the states signature initiatives for the poor  such as the massive In-Home Supportive Services program, which provides care for the elderly and disabled, and the CalFresh food stamp program, which serves hundreds of thousands of needy residents  probably would have to be scaled back dramatically.

Federal housing programs that are the bedrock of a plan approved by Los Angeles voters to confront the regions homelessness epidemic would be vastly reduced in size and ambition. The ability to respond to earthquakes and forest fires would be diminished, and college students struggling to pay tuition would get less help.

I dont think we have ever seen anything like this from the federal government, said Mike Genest, who was director of finance for former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. Cuts of this magnitude would put the states budget into a level of difficulty and disarray we havent seen since the Great Recession. If I were still the director of finance, I would be sweating bullets right now.

For all the positioning in Sacramento around standing up to the Trump administration and continuing liberal policies, the state is still deeply dependent on Washington. Federal dollars make up about a third of Californias state budget, much of it delivered in the form of Medicaid, the government health program for the poor and disabled.

And there are all the additional infusions of federal funds that arent reflected in the state budget but play a vital role to Californias economy, such as the food stamp funding and the Community Development Block Grants that go to cities and counties.

Even Trumps plan to cut thousands of people from the Environmental Protection Agency threatens the state economy. San Diego officials are nervously contemplating what it could mean for the crucial federal Border 2020 program, which improves water and air quality and works to ensure waste is properly disposed of in both San Diego and Tijuana since pollution in each city affects the other. The importance of that effort was highlighted last month after a spill of more than 150 million gallons of raw sewage in Tijuana polluted San Diego water.

A major federal effort to protect and restore the San Francisco Bay would be eliminated altogether. Mayors and county executives are bracing for the backlog of contaminated properties awaiting cleanup to grow, even as an already strained EPA workforce is targeted by the Trump administration for thousands of job eliminations.

Trump budget director Mick Mulvaney said Wednesday the presidents budget was meant to fulfill his campaign pledges.

He tried to shrink the role of government, Mulvaney said. If he said it on the campaign, its in the budget.

But those who would endure the fallout are shaken. I just dont even know how we would function, said Rep. Karen Bass (D-Los Angeles), who as a former Assembly speaker knows the California budget better than perhaps anyone in Washington.

[President Trump] tried to shrink the role of government. If he said it on the campaign, its in the budget.  Mick Mulvaney, Trump budget director

While Trumps final budget blueprint was not scheduled for release until Thursday morning, outlines offered by administration officials and leaked chapters of the plan had already put California communities in a state of high alert. The Trump budget would impose deep cuts in almost every nonmilitary federal agency to free up $54 billion for new spending on national defense.

It would eliminate scores of popular federal programs and dramatically reshape others. And it comes in tandem with Trumps push to replace Obamacare with a Republican alternative that threatens to leave 5 million more Californians without insurance and cut $15 billion from the states $66-billion Medi-Cal budget within the next few years.

California advocates and budget analysts are hard-pressed to recall another time in history when the federal government has threatened to inflict so much fiscal damage on the state.

Some are reminded of Ronald Reagans early budgets, or welfare reform during the Clinton administration. But the financial turbulence created by those times would be dwarfed by the enactment of Trumps budget. Aside from the many specific programs that would be eliminated outright or targeted for deep cuts, core services would suffer if agencies are ordered to shrink so dramatically.

Schools rely on an infusion of U.S. Department of Education funding, for example, to pay for programs for special-needs students. Many of those programs are required under state law, and schools could be forced to scramble for cash to cover them as Washington cuts back to cover military spending and fund new initiatives planned by the administration to expand charter schools. Genest said that could mean teacher layoffs.

The League of California Cities is lobbying fiercely to stop a proposal at Trumps Department of Housing and Urban Development to eliminate Community Development Block Grants, on which its members depend to fund services such as building housing for the homeless and revitalizing decaying neighborhoods. Bass noted the signature Los Angeles program that voters approved to fight homelessness would be seriously undermined by Trumps plans to eliminate thousands of Section 8 housing vouchers.

Mulvaney offered no indication the administration would reconsider. The president said he would go after wasteful programs, duplicative programs, programs that simply dont work, and a lot of those are in HUD, he said.

But many Republicans in Congress are chafing at Trumps budget blueprint, which targets programs popular with their constituents. Food stamps, for example, are utilized at far higher rates in most GOP-controlled states than they are in California.

That reluctance comes as a relief to many California leaders, but it also leaves them in limbo. Long after Californias June 30 deadline to balance its own budget, the fiscal fight in Washington will probably still be raging. And many in Californias congressional delegation worry a state that so closely aligned with the Obama White House is particularly vulnerable.

I feel like there is particular emphasis on trying to punish California because we are ahead of the curve, said Rep. Linda Sanchez (D-Whittier). Its not an accident that they are very cavalier about these cuts and how it will affect California and Californians.

evan.halper@latimes.com

Follow me: @evanhalper

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Buried in President Trumps budget proposal released Thursday was an opening salvo against so-called sanctuary cities, local jurisdictions he promised to punish for refusing to cooperate with deportation officers.

Trump wants to slash $210 million in federal reimbursements to state and local jails that hold immigrants convicted of crimes while in the country illegally. The Trump administration called the program poorly targeted, adding that two-thirds of the money goes to only a handful of states, including California and Illinois, for the cost of incarcerating certain illegal criminal aliens.

The money, awarded by the Department of Justice, can make up a sizable portion of budgets for state and local police and sheriffs departments.

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Trump, who promised weeks before he was elected to cancel all federal funding to sanctuary cities, appears to be using it as a cudgel to force those local governments to comply with his administrations efforts to deport people who are in the U.S. illegally.

They are not working with the feds to try to address the immigration problem, so why should they be reimbursed for the costs of unsuccessful federal immigration enforcement? said Mark Krikorian, executive director of the Center for Immigration Studies, which favors restrictive immigration policies.

The proposal is part of Trumps effort to fulfill his campaign pledge to toughen border security. The president immediately began a widespread crackdown on illegal immigration when he took office, issuing executive orders that targeted for deportation all 11 million people estimated to live in the U.S. without authorization.

The sanctuary cities designation has existed for decades and is applied differently by each place that claims it, but generally it means that local political and law enforcement leaders have rejected taking part in immigration enforcement, saying it makes immigrants less likely to report crimes or help police conduct investigations.

A California law signed by Gov. Jerry Brown in 2013 bars state police from holding someone for immigration agents unless the suspect has been charged or convicted of a serious crime such as drug trafficking, child abuse or gang activity.

Trump often said during the campaign he would cut federal funds to cities, including Los Angeles and Chicago, that routinely refuse to hold people in local jails until immigration officials can take them into custody.

His budget proposed eliminating the money from the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program, the Justice Department program that distributes the reimbursements. The cut would nearly zero out its funding for those types of payments.

The California state government received $50.6 million in reimbursements under the program last year, according to the Department of Justice. The Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department received $6 million. The Illinois Department of Corrections brought in $4.7 million, and Cook County, home to Chicago, received $1.3 million.

Trump would use the savings in part to ramp up immigration enforcement personnel in the Department of Justice. His budget called for hiring 75 new immigration judges, bringing the total to 449, as well as adding 60 federal prosecutors to focus on border enforcement and 40 more deputy U.S. marshals to aid in the the apprehension, transportation, and prosecution of those in the country illegally.

Democrats and others condemned Trumps proposal.

This cut is utterly illogical and would force state and local law enforcement to divert funds from hiring and training officers, Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), the top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, said in a statement.

Local law enforcement should not be punished for Congress failure to pass a comprehensive immigration reform bill, Feinstein said.

The reimbursements to jails have been part of a cat-and-mouse game between the White House and Congress before.

Previous presidents, including Barack Obama, have proposed eliminating funding for the program, only to have lawmakers preserve it in appropriations bills. Obamas budget last year sought to divert the funding to juvenile justice programs, crime statistics research and body cameras for local police, among other initiatives.

Sanctuary cities are nullifying federal law, taking federal law into their own hands, said Krikorian, who sent policy proposals to the Trump transition team.

Nonetheless, Krikorian expects Congress will preserve the money for local jails.

It might be useful to keep because then you can use it as a sweetener for some jurisdictions not to be sanctuary cities, he said.

Denying funding to some states and cities and not others could open the Trump administration to lawsuits, warned Chris Rickerd, an expert on border security at the American Civil Liberties Union. Slashing the entire fund may be an easier way to get the same result, he said.

This is a test for what he can touch in terms of grant funding, Rickerd said.

Trump has called for local officials to be required to identify people who are in jail and could be deported when they are released.

During the campaign, Trump also met repeatedly with people whose loved ones were killed by immigrants in the country illegally, and he has told aides that he sees taking on sanctuary cities as necessary to improve public safety.

The July 2015 shooting of Kathryn Steinle, 32, on a pier at San Franciscos Embarcadero brought the issue of local cooperation with immigration officials into the national spotlight, and Trump cited her on the campaign trail in calling for stricter immigration enforcement.

The man arrested in her death had been jailed on an immigration law violation after returning to the U.S. despite being deported five times. He was released from custody months before the shooting after San Francisco prosecutors decided not to pursue a decades-old bench warrant in a marijuana case.

When Trump addressed Congress last month, four people whose relatives were killed by people in the country illegally sat in the House gallery. The president called them very brave Americans whose government failed them.

Twitter: @ByBrianBennett

brian.bennett@latimes.com

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California voters decisively settled the battle over the tobacco tax at the ballot box last November, overwhelmingly approving a tax hike on cigarettes in order to increase spending on healthcare.

But despite that victory, the initiative, Proposition 56, has set off another skirmish  this time in the state budget  over how Gov. Jerry Brown wants to spend an estimated $1.2 billion generated by the tax.

In one corner is the Brown administration, which has proposed using the money to boost overall spending on Medi-Cal, the subsidized healthcare program for the poor.

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In the other corner are some of the initiatives main proponents  the medical and dental lobbies  which argue that the funds should go toward increasing the reimbursements they receive for seeing Medi-Cal patients, which they say is crucial to keep doctors and dentists participating in the program.

Negotiations remain fluid. On Thursday, the medical and dental groups released a new proposal for spending the money that would give more generous payments to providers with higher Medi-Cal caseloads.

But the issue has taken on symbolic heft for legislators who say the administration has not been transparent about the reasoning behind its proposal, exposing long-smoldering tensions about how Browns finance gurus craft their budget plan and their interactions with lawmakers.

The separation of the executive branch and the Legislature  thats the fight, said Assemblyman Devon Mathis (R-Porterville). The executive branch is operating in the shadows, not being up front with us, not being honest with us, not letting us know what the conversation is.

The question of how much doctors and dentists get paid to see patients enrolled in Medi-Cal  and its dental care equivalent, Denti-Cal  has long been a sticking point in budget negotiations. California has one of the lowest reimbursement rates in the nation, and medical lobby groups have tried unsuccessfully to roll back a 10% cut to those rates imposed in 2011.

Providers argue the low reimbursement rates make it financially difficult to participate in a program that now covers one-third of the states population.

I know I will lose money in just about every Denti-Cal patient I see, said Dr. John Blake, a dentist with the Childrens Dental Clinic in Long Beach.

Around 90% of patients at his nonprofit clinic get coverage through the low-income health program, but the meager rates make it very, very difficult for any private dentist to say, Ill take 10% of my practice and make it Denti-Cal, Blake said.

Browns administration has shown skepticism that across-the-board rate increases will lead to more providers participating in the program.

After years of coming up short in the budget, medical groups turned to voters, placing a $2-per-cigarette pack tax hike on the November 2016 ballot. Partnering with labor and public health groups, the proponents squared off against tobacco companies in an expensive ad war that topped $100 million in total spending. Despite being outspent by around $40 million, the initiatives proponents won with 64% of the vote.

Political Road Map: California campaign spending broke records in 2016  expect more of the same in 2018 

The initiative directed how the revenue generated by the tax would be spent, with the bulk of money going to existing healthcare programs such as Medi-Cal. The text of the measure does not explicitly designate how to raise reimbursement rates, but it does mention improving payments and it says the funds must increase overall spending, as opposed to being used to free up dollars to be spent on other programs in the states general fund. It also says the spending should ensure access and quality care, and address service shortages across the state.

The initiative leaves the decision on how the money is allocated to the annual legislative process, because we wanted to showcase our willingness to have faith in the Legislature, have faith in the governor, in how those rates would be raised, said Janus Norman, chief lobbyist for the California Medical Assn.

But when the governor unveiled his budget proposal in January, he didnt designate any new money to increase reimbursement rates. Of the $1.7 billion in estimated tobacco tax revenue, the administration would put the bulk of those funds, $1.2 billion, toward expanding the Medi-Cal program. The rest would go to various research and law enforcement programs that were detailed in the initiative.

The availability of $1.2 billion in new tobacco tax revenue is helping the state to continue to fund the expansion of services in Medi-Cal, said H.D. Palmer, spokesman for Browns Department of Finance. These funds will be put to good use.

Because its proposal would increase what was spent on Medi-Cal compared with last year, the Brown administration says it complies with the initiative. Pointing to declining revenues and a larger burden of Medi-Cal costs now shouldered by the state under provisions of the Affordable Care Act, administration officials say the tobacco tax funds would help avert cuts to the program.

At a heated budget hearing on Monday, lawmakers drilled into the question of whether Browns proposal would supplement existing Medi-Cal funding, as the administration contends, or if it would be a substitute for money that would have come from the general fund, which would violate the terms of the initiative.

Lawmakers pressed budget officials to explain whether they had made contingency plans to make Medi-Cal cuts should the tobacco tax not pass. The administration repeatedly declined to say if such plans existed, citing confidential budget preparations.

Assemblywoman Blanca Rubio (D-Baldwin Park), who grew visibly irked at the hearing, said that under term limit extensions approved by voters in 2010, legislators are feeling emboldened to wrest power away from the executive branch.

Those days of six-year terms are over. The culture has to change, said Rubio, a first-year legislator. Getting them used to actually answering [questions] is a problem.

The unusually sharp exchange over the tobacco tax funds mirrors a larger frustration that lawmakers have in dealing with the governors office on the budget, said Assemblyman Phil Ting (D-San Francisco).

The communication between the administration and the Legislature within the budget process does need to improve, said Ting, who chairs the Assembly Budget Committee.

The Department of Finance said whats relevant to lawmakers is the proposal Brown unveiled in January, not how he arrived at it.

What [legislators] have before them is the final product of the decision the governor made in terms of his priorities, given the states overall fiscal environment, Palmer said.

Palmer emphasized that the governors proposal is not set in stone and that lawmakers can find a way to increase reimbursement rates if they so choose.

If the Legislature disagrees with what the administration has proposed regarding Prop. 56 and would propose to cut services in Medi-Cal in order to fund other programs  nothing is stopping them from making that choice, Palmer said.

Lawmakers and medical lobby groups dismiss the prospect of trading reimbursement rates for Medi-Cal cuts as a false choice. Meanwhile, the California Medical Assn. and California Dental Assn. have proposed using tobacco tax money as incentive payments, giving more money to providers who are already serving high numbers of Medi-Cal and Denti-Cal patients.

We want to make sure that our proposal increased access in a measurable way, Norman said.

Norman left open the possibility that his group could sue the administration for what he sees as a violation of the initiative by not raising reimbursement rates. But for now, he said, its way too early to have that discussion.

melanie.mason@latimes.com

Follow @melmason on Twitter for the latest on California politics.

The tobacco tax fight is different this time around, and the $100 million in funds raised is only part of it

Medi-Cal struggles to provide services to ever-growing clientele

Updates from Sacramento

UPDATES:

4:36 p.m.: This story was updated to add additional detail on the text of the tobacco tax initiative.

This article was originally published at 2:25 p.m.
Trump promotes sons Justice with Judge Jeanine interview President Trump promoted via Twitter an interview with his son Eric Trump just before it aired Saturday night on Fox News Justice with Judge Jeanine. Eric Trump on @JudgeJeanine on @FoxNews now!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 21, 2018 Eric Trump called into the show to defend his father from criticism prompted by the first government shutdown in more than four years, as well as a series of Womens March events that saw protesters in dozens of cities take to the streets to oppose the presidents policies. .@EricTrump joined me over the phone from Mar-a-Lago ! pic.twitter.com/Hro3TzUW52  Jeanine Pirro (@JudgeJeanine) January 21, 2018 Speaking to host Jeannine Piro  who is reportedly an old friend of the presidents  Eric Trump offered effusive praise for his father, ticking off glowing statistics to illustrate the strength of the U.S. economy and gains against Islamic State fighters overseas. My fathers working like no ones ever worked before to bring back this country and to fulfill his promise to make America great again, said the executive vice president of the Trump Organization. He also repeated a sentiment recently expressed on Twitter by his father: That Democratic lawmakers forced a government shutdown on the anniversary of the presidents inauguration in a bid to distract from his achievements. You look at this whole government shutdown, and the only reason they want to shut down government is to distract and to stop his momentum, Eric Trump said. I mean, my father has had incredible momentum. Hes gotten more done in one year than arguably any president in history. Facebook

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Trump tweets: a perfect day for all Women to March President Trump hailed the nationwide Womens March gatherings Saturday. On Twitter, the president called it a perfect day for all Women to March, seeming to imply that those taking part were celebrating his administrations accomplishments: Beautiful weather all over our great country, a perfect day for all Women to March. Get out there now to celebrate the historic milestones and unprecedented economic success and wealth creation that has taken place over the last 12 months. Lowest female unemployment in 18 years!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2018 Participants in the marches across the United States were actually seeking to deliver a powerful rebuke to Trumps policies and mount a crucial mobilization for this years midterm elections. But Trump continued to tout his administrations unprecedented success in tweets sent later in the day: Unprecedented success for our Country, in so many ways, since the Election. Record Stock Market, Strong on Military, Crime, Borders, & ISIS, Judicial Strength & Numbers, Lowest Unemployment for Women & ALL, Massive Tax Cuts, end of Individual Mandate - and so much more. Big 2018!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2018 The Trump Administration has terminated more UNNECESSARY Regulation, in just twelve months, than any other Administration has terminated during their full term in office, no matter what the length. The good news is, THERE IS MUCH MORE TO COME!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 21, 2018 In addition to the roll call of major American cities where womens marches took place  including New York, Washington, Los Angeles, Dallas, Philadelphia, Chicago, San Francisco, Atlanta  protesters also raised their voices in suburbs and small towns, reflecting the aim of coalescing a broad-based movement on the anniversary of Trumps inauguration to oppose the presidents stance on immigration, healthcare, racial divides and an array of other issues. Read More This post contains reporting from Times staff writer Laura King. Facebook

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Trump calls shutdown a present from Democrats By Associated Press President Trump is blaming Democrats for the government shutdown  tweeting that they wanted to give him a nice present to mark the one-year anniversary of his inauguration: This is the One Year Anniversary of my Presidency and the Democrats wanted to give me a nice present. #DemocratShutdown  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2018 That comes after Senate Democrats late Friday killed a GOP-written House-passed measure that would have kept agencies functioning for four weeks. Democrats were seeking a stopgap bill of just a few days in hopes that would build pressure on Republicans, and they were opposing a three-week alternative offered by GOP leaders. Democrats have insisted they would back legislation reopening the government once theres a bipartisan agreement to preserve protections against deporting about 700,000 immigrants  known as Dreamers  who arrived in the United States illegally as children. Trump on Saturday accused Democrats of holding our Military hostage over their desire to have unchecked illegal immigration: Democrats are holding our Military hostage over their desire to have unchecked illegal immigration. Cant let that happen!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2018 Democrats are laying fault for the shutdown on Republicans, who control both chambers of Congress and the White House and have struggled with building internal consensus. In a series of tweets hours after the shutdown began, the president tried to make the case for Americans to elect more Republicans to Congress in November in order to power through this mess: Democrats are far more concerned with Illegal Immigrants than they are with our great Military or Safety at our dangerous Southern Border. They could have easily made a deal but decided to play Shutdown politics instead. #WeNeedMoreRepublicansIn18 in order to power through mess!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2018 He noted that there are 51 Republicans in the 100-member Senate, and it often takes 60 votes to advance legislation: For those asking, the Republicans only have 51 votes in the Senate, and they need 60. That is why we need to win more Republicans in 2018 Election! We can then be even tougher on Crime (and Border), and even better to our Military & Veterans!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2018 #AMERICA FIRST!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2018 The stopgap spending measure won 50 votes in the Senate, including five from Democrats. Although the House and Senate were in session Saturday, it was unclear whether lawmakers would take any votes of consequence. Trump had been set to leave Friday afternoon for a fundraiser at his estate in Palm Beach, Fla., where he intended to mark the inauguration anniversary. But he remained in Washington and ended up scrapping his plans to attend the Saturday fundraiser. Read More Facebook

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Trump tweet casts doubt on likelihood of averting shutdown President Trump appeared to cast doubt on the likelihood of reaching a deal to avert a government shutdown Friday night in a tweet. Trump also sought to blame Democrats for what would be the first shutdown since 2013. His message came just hours before the midnight deadline by which lawmakers must pass a measure to fund government agencies, or some operations will cease. Not looking good for our great Military or Safety & Security on the very dangerous Southern Border. Dems want a Shutdown in order to help diminish the great success of the Tax Cuts, and what they are doing for our booming economy.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2018 Despite last-minute negotiations Friday between Trump and Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer, Congress remained deadlocked over a spending bill and the federal government was headed toward a shutdown at midnight. Senate Democrats  joined by some GOP deficit hawks and immigration allies  were set to filibuster a stopgap funding bill approved by the House on Thursday. A Senate vote was planned for 10 p.m. Eastern, and even White House officials predicted it would fail. Read More This post contains reporting from Times staff writer Lisa Mascaro. Facebook

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Trump signs surveillance law after confusing tweets By Associated Press President Trump on Friday signed a bill into law to renew a foreign intelligence surveillance program, announcing his action in the latest in a series of confusing tweets about the spy program: Just signed 702 Bill to reauthorize foreign intelligence collection. This is NOT the same FISA law that was so wrongly abused during the election. I will always do the right thing for our country and put the safety of the American people first!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 19, 2018 Trumps tweet on Jan. 11 created chaos in the House just before it voted to reauthorize what is known as Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. He linked the intelligence program to a dossier that alleges his presidential campaign had ties to Russia. That caused people to wonder if he didnt support the program that allows U.S. spy agencies to collect intelligence on foreign targets abroad. Trump and other Republicans have alleged that Obama administration officials improperly shared the identities of Trump presidential transition team members mentioned in intelligence reports. Democrats say there is no evidence that happened. Shortly before the House vote, and after conferring with House Speaker Paul Ryan, Trump did an apparent about-face. This vote is about foreign surveillance of foreign bad guys on foreign land, he tweeted. We need it! Get smart! In his tweet announcing that he had just signed the bill, Trump wrote: This is NOT the same FISA law that was so wrongly abused during the election. I will always do the right thing for our country and put the safety of the American people first! There are no obvious links between the dossier Trump spoke of, which includes salacious but unsubstantiated allegations against him, and the reauthorization of the spying program, or between the program and Trumps oft-repeated claims that the Obama administration conducted surveillance on Trump Tower during the presidential campaign. Facebook

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In tweet, Trump suggests that Pennsylvania trip is a political one The White House press office was once again forced to walk back a tweet from President Trump on Thursday morning after he described a trip to Pennsylvania later in the day as a political one  a statement that would force the Republican Party, not taxpayers, to pay for the journey. The White House had said Trump was going to an industrial equipment company outside of Pittsburgh to highlight the good economy and new tax cuts, making it an official, policy-oriented event. It was widely assumed that the trip had a political cast  the area is holding a special election to fill a congressional seat vacated by a Republican who resigned. Trump, by his tweet, seemed to confirm that politics was the whole purpose: Will be going to Pennsylvania today in order to give my total support to RICK SACCONE, running for Congress in a Special Election (March 13). Rick is a great guy. We need more Republicans to continue our already successful agenda!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 18, 2018 Trump later shared via Twitter a pair of video clips of his speech at H&K Equipment, in which he touted the tax cuts he signed into law just before Christmas and tried to turn the conversation back to his accomplishments after weeks dominated by distractions, including questions about his mental health and comments about immigration that some considered racist: Departing Pittsburgh now, where it was my great honor to stand with our incredible workers, and to show the world that AMERICA is back - and we are coming back bigger and better and stronger than ever before! pic.twitter.com/kWPgylqFzj  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 18, 2018 AMERICA will once again be a NATION that thinks big, dreams bigger, and always reaches for the stars. YOU are the ones who will shape Americas destiny. YOU are the ones who will restore our prosperity. And YOU are the ones who are MAKING AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! #MAGA pic.twitter.com/f2abNK47II  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 18, 2018 The Republican National Committee, rather than the White House, is supposed to pay for political travel so that taxpayers are not financing party activities; for trips that combine policy and politics, parties have split the cost under past presidents. Neither the RNC nor the White House responded to emails sent Thursday asking who would pay. White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders released a statement later Thursday suggesting that taxpayers would foot the bill. She insisted that Trump would be conducting government business while in Pennsylvania. Read More This post contains reporting from the Associated Press and Times staff writer Noah Bierman. Facebook

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Trump tweets praise of Bob Dole after awarding him Congressional Gold Medal By Associated Press Former Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole knew the art of the deal before President Trump published the 1987 book of the same name. The two shared a stage under the Capitol dome Wednesday as Dole, 94, accepted Congress highest civilian honor, the Congressional Gold Medal, for his World War II service and decades of work in the House and Senate. Trump later praised Dole in a tweet, attaching to his message a video composed of clips from the ceremony: Today, we witnessed an incredible moment in history  the presentation of Congress highest civilian honor to our friend, and true AMERICAN HERO, Bob Dole. #CongressionalGoldMedal pic.twitter.com/qNQqDLRmCk  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 17, 2018 At the ceremony, the president saluted Dole as a patriot and gave tribute to Doles struggle as a veteran who worked his way back from a grievous shoulder wound he suffered in Italy. He knows about grit, said Trump. But it was Doles penchant for working across the aisle that earned him his latest award, according to the legislation. Bob Dole was known for his ability to work across the aisle and embrace practical bipartisanship, reads the legislation Trump signed in September. Some of the awards 300 recipients include George Washington and Mother Teresa, according to the Congressional Research Service. Read More Facebook

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Trump touts report that seeks to link terrorism cases with immigration By Joseph Tanfani The Trump administration on Tuesday released a report attempting to link terrorism with migration, arguing that it was evidence of the need to dramatically reshape the nations immigration system. New report from DOJ & DHS shows that nearly 3 in 4 individuals convicted of terrorism-related charges are foreign-born. We have submitted to Congress a list of resources and reforms....  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 16, 2018 ....we need to keep America safe, including moving away from a random chain migration and lottery system, to one that is merit-based. https://t.co/7PtoSFK1n2  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 16, 2018 The report, ordered by President Trump in an executive order last year, said that 75% of the 549 people convicted of terrorism charges since 9/11 were born outside the U.S. Administration officials called that a sign that the U.S. needs to scrap its policy of family preferences for visas, which they call chain migration, and a diversity visa lottery program. But the report did not specify how many  if any  of the convicted terrorists entered the country through those means. It also did not detail how many of the convictions were related to attacks or plans in the U.S. versus overseas and how many involved people who went to fight overseas for the Islamic State or another terrorist group. Those details were not available, officials said. The report, due last year, is being released in a highly charged moment in the immigration debate, as Trump and some Republicans in Congress seek tough new border and immigration measures in return for a deal protecting the 690,000 people in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. Trump also fired off a pair of tweets on the topic earlier Tuesday: We must have Security at our VERY DANGEROUS SOUTHERN BORDER, and we must have a great WALL to help protect us, and to help stop the massive inflow of drugs pouring into our country!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 16, 2018 The Democrats want to shut down the Government over Amnesty for all and Border Security. The biggest loser will be our rapidly rebuilding Military, at a time we need it more than ever. We need a merit based system of immigration, and we need it now! No more dangerous Lottery.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 16, 2018 The focus of our immigration system should be assimilation, a senior administration official said on Tuesday, speaking on condition that his name not be used. He said the nation should give priority to potential immigrants who speak English, who have an education and those who are committed to supporting our values  not family members of people already here. The official said the timing of the report was coincidental. Read More Facebook

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Trump tweets welcome to president of Kazakhstan By Associated Press President Trump said Tuesday that he and the president of Kazakhstan are united in a shared determination to prevent North Korea from threatening the world with nuclear devastation. Trump and President Nursultan Nazarbayev discussed North Korea along with other issues during meetings at the White House. Today, it was my honor to welcome President Nursultan Nazarbayev of Kazakhstan to the @WhiteHouse! pic.twitter.com/TerYFZViax  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 16, 2018 Trump said Kazakhstan, once part of the Soviet Union, is a valued partner in our efforts to rid the Korean peninsula of nuclear weapons. Together we are determined to prevent the North Korean regime from threatening the world with nuclear devastation, he said, as both presidents addressed journalists between meetings. Nazarbayev noted that his country once had one of the worlds largest nuclear arsenals but voluntarily gave it up after the Soviet Union collapsed. He said his country is in talks with Iran, which was the focus of a global deal that lifted some economic sanctions in exchange for Irans curbing its nuclear program. Trump has sharply criticized the Iran nuclear deal and threatened last week to pull out soon unless other countries fix what he says are terrible flaws. Read More Facebook

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Trump falsely claims his approval rating among black Americans has doubled By Alex Wigglesworth President Trump lashed out at the news media Tuesday morning in a tweet denouncing the special counsel investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election and possible collusion among members of his campaign team. Do you notice the Fake News Mainstream Media never likes covering the great and record setting economic news, but rather talks about anything negative or that can be turned into the negative. The Russian Collusion Hoax is dead, except as it pertains to the Dems. Public gets it!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 16, 2018 It wasnt immediately clear exactly what prompted the presidents tweet, but it appeared as though he was watching Fox & Friends. A short time later, Trump tweeted a headline from a report that aired during that mornings episode: 90% of Trump 2017 news coverage was negative -and much of it contrived!@foxandfriends  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 16, 2018 The segment focused on the latest survey results from conservative watchdog Media Research Center, which purportedly analyzed the evening news broadcasts on ABC, CBS and NBC from Jan. 20 to Dec. 31 and found that 90% of the statements made about Trump were negative. Study: 90% of Trump media coverage in 2017 was negative pic.twitter.com/vbrwup4Drg  FOX & friends (@foxandfriends) January 16, 2018 But believe it or not, through all this negative coverage, they did a survey of 600,000 people about how black America views this president, co-host Brian Kilmeade said. His numbers have actually doubled in approval. Trump highlighted the statement in another tweet: Unemployment for Black Americans is the lowest ever recorded. Trump approval ratings with Black Americans has doubled. Thank you, and it will get even (much) better! @FoxNews  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 16, 2018 But its not true. The claim appears to have originated from a misreading of data from the online polling firm SurveyMonkey, according to factcheck.org. The firm polled 600,000 Americans in 2017 and found that Trumps approval rating among blacks actually dropped from 23% early in his presidency to about 17%, as of the week ending Jan. 3. Some conservative outlets, including Breitbart, produced an average from those and other SurveyMonkey figures and compared them to the scores Trump received from black voters in the 2016 exit polls. That methodology is not sound. And since the statistics measure different things, the comparison is misleading. Facebook

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Trump goes after senator who surfaced his immigration remark By Associated Press President Trump turned his Twitter torment Monday on the Democrat in the room where immigration talks with lawmakers took a famously coarse turn, saying Sen. Richard J. Durbin misrepresented what he had said about African nations and Haiti and, in the process, undermined the trust needed to make a deal. Senator Dicky Durbin totally misrepresented what was said at the DACA meeting, Trump tweeted, using a nickname to needle the Illinois senator. Deals cant get made when there is no trust! Durbin blew DACA and is hurting our Military. Senator Dicky Durbin totally misrepresented what was said at the DACA meeting. Deals cant get made when there is no trust! Durbin blew DACA and is hurting our Military.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 15, 2018 Trump was referring to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which protects young people who came to the United States illegally as children. Members of Congress from both parties are trying to strike a deal that Trump would support to extend that protection. Trump also cast doubt on the likelihood of reaching an agreement in tweets sent earlier Monday: Statement by me last night in Florida: Honestly, I dont think the Democrats want to make a deal. They talk about DACA, but they dont want to help..We are ready, willing and able to make a deal but they dont want to. They dont want security at the border, they dont want.....  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 15, 2018 ...to stop drugs, they want to take money away from our military which we cannot do. My standard is very simple, AMERICA FIRST & MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 15, 2018 On a day of remembrance for the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Trump spent time at his golf course with no public events, bypassing the acts of service that his predecessors staged in honor of the civil rights leader. Instead, Trump dedicated his weekly address to Kings memory, saying Kings dream and Americas are the same: A world where people are judged by who they are, not how they look or where they come from. That message was a distinct counterpoint to words attributed to Trump by Durbin and others at a meeting last week, when the question of where immigrants come from seemed at the forefront of Trumps concerns. Some participants and others familiar with the conversation said Trump challenged immigration from shithole countries of Africa and disparaged Haiti as well. Without explicitly denying using that word, Trump lashed out at the Democratic senator, who said Trump uttered it on several occasions. Read More Facebook

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Trump thanks pundit for laudatory Fox & Friends spot By Alex Wigglesworth President Trump thanked Fox News personality Stuart Varney after Varney praised Trump during an appearance on Fox & Friends. In a pair of tweets early Sunday, Trump quoted from Varneys commentary, in which he argued that Trump deserves more credit for the booming economy. The pundit, who also hosts a show on Fox Business Network, cited moves by some corporations to raise workers minimum wage or pay out one-time bonuses in response to the GOP tax cuts. President Trump is not getting the credit he deserves for the economy. Tax Cut bonuses to more than 2,000,000 workers. Most explosive Stock Market rally that weve seen in modern times. 18,000 to 26,000 from Election, and grounded in profitability and growth. All Trump, not 0...  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 14, 2018 ...big unnecessary regulation cuts made it all possible (among many other things). President Trump reversed the policies of President Obama, and reversed our economic decline. Thank you Stuart Varney. @foxandfriends  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 14, 2018 Varney was reacting to a quote from House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco), who on Thursday called the bonuses handed down to workers pathetic in comparison to the gains corporations are expected to see from the tax cuts. In terms of the bonus that corporate America received versus the crumbs that they are giving to workers to kind of put the schmooze on is so pathetic, Pelosi told reporters. Its pathetic. Varney shot back Sunday that the bonuses, along with explosive stock market growth, are enriching all Americans. This is a huge shot in the arm, its the result of this tax cut deal and I think President Trump should get the credit for it, he said. .@Varneyco Sets the economic record straight after Nancy Pelosi calls U.S. mass bonuses crumbs pic.twitter.com/BvjIHGm3HE  FOX & friends (@foxandfriends) January 14, 2018 The sweeping tax plan passed last month lowers the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% and cuts personal income taxes. Analysts say the benefits will largely flow to corporations and the wealthy, as theyre more likely to be in positions to share in corporate profits. For instance, Wells Fargo & Co., which responded to news of the tax overhaul by announcing it will raise workers pay to at least $15 an hour, also reported that it expects to pay an effective tax rate of 19% this year, down from about 31% in previous years. That should amount to tax savings of more than $3 billion annually. On average, middle-class Americans are expected to see a very small tax cut in the near term and a tax increase after 2025, when all of the tax cuts for individuals expire. The tax cuts for corporations, however, are permanent.  This post contains reporting from Times staff writer James Rufus Koren. Facebook

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Trump touts MLK proclamation in tweet, but ceremony is overshadowed by reports of racist remarks By Associated Press President Trump signed a proclamation Friday for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, noting the contributions of a great American hero. Today, it was my great honor to proclaim January 15, 2018, as Martin Luther King Jr., Federal Holiday. I encourage all Americans to observe this day with appropriate civic, community, and service activities in honor of Dr. King's life and legacy. pic.twitter.com/samlJsz1Nt  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 12, 2018 Overshadowing the event was mounting backlash from Trumps comments during a private meeting with lawmakers the day before. A short time after the meeting, which was called to discuss a possible immigration deal, reports emerged that Trump had asked participants why the United States should accept immigrants from shithole countries in Africa, Central America and the Caribbean. Illinois Sen. Richard Durbin, the Senates second-ranking Democrat, appeared to confirm those reports on Friday. Trump did not respond Friday to several questions about the incident, including whether he actually used vulgar language to describe African nations, or if he is racist. The president said at the White House that love was central to the slain civil rights leader. Trump said the nation celebrates King for standing up for the self-evident truth Americans hold so dear, that no matter what the color of our skin or place of our birth, we are all created equal by God.  This post contains reporting from Times staff writer Noah Bierman. Facebook

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Trump criticizes Democrats in tweet calling for stricter immigration rules President Trump hit out at Democrats on Thursday night in a tweet calling for stricter immigration rules. Trump wrote that members of the party seem intent on having people and drugs pour into our country from the border with Mexico: The Democrats seem intent on having people and drugs pour into our country from the Southern Border, risking thousands of lives in the process. It is my duty to protect the lives and safety of all Americans. We must build a Great Wall, think Merit and end Lottery & Chain. USA!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 12, 2018 It wasnt immediately clear exactly what prompted the tweet. Earlier Thursday, Trump rejected a bipartisan compromise to resolve the standoff over so-called Dreamers, young immigrants who were brought to the United States illegally as children but have temporary permits to work, attend school or serve in the military. The president drew widespread condemnation after reports emerged that he had asked participants in an Oval Office meeting about the proposal why the United States should accept immigrants from shithole countries in Africa, Central America and the Caribbean. Read More Facebook

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Trump touts bill aimed at improving border screening for fentanyl By Associated Press President Trump signed legislation Wednesday aimed at giving Customs and Border Protection agents additional screening devices and other tools to stop the flow of illicit drugs. Speaking at a surprise bill-signing ceremony while flanked by members of Congress from both parties in the Oval Office, Trump described the bill as a significant step forward in the fight against powerful opioids such as fentanyl, which he called our new big scourge. He echoed that language Thursday in a tweet: Yesterday, I signed the #INTERDICTAct (H.R. 2142) with bipartisan members of Congress to help end the flow of drugs into our country. Together, we are committed to doing everything we can to combat the deadly scourge of drug addiction and overdose in the United States! pic.twitter.com/ELZvFol5Lo  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 11, 2018 The legislation will pay for new portable and fixed chemical screening devices to detect and intercept fentanyl at ports of entry and in the mail, along with other laboratory equipment and personnel, including scientists. Trump has made fighting the opioid epidemic a centerpiece of his administration, though critics say he hasnt dedicated nearly enough money or resources to make a difference. Trump suggested during his remarks on Wednesday that hed like to take a more aggressive approach to the drug crisis  but the countrys not ready for what he has in mind. So were going to sign this. And its a step. And it feels like a very giant step, but unfortunately, its not going to be a giant step, because no matter what you do, this is something that keeps pouring in, he said. And were going to find the answer. There is an answer. I think I actually know the answer, but Im not sure the countrys ready for it yet, he added. Does anybody know what I mean? I think so. Facebook

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Trump applauds news that Toyota-Mazda plant is slated for Alabama By Associated Press Japanese automakers Toyota and Mazda on Wednesday announced plans to build a mammoth, $1.6-billion joint-venture plant in Alabama that will eventually employ about 4,000 people. President Trump lauded the news in a tweet: Cutting taxes and simplifying regulations makes America the place to invest! Great news as Toyota and Mazda announce they are bringing 4,000 JOBS and investing $1.6 BILLION in Alabama, helping to further grow our economy! pic.twitter.com/Kcg8IVH6iA  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 10, 2018 Good news: Toyota and Mazda announce giant new Huntsville, Alabama, plant which will produce over 300,000 cars and SUVs a year and employ 4000 people. Companies are coming back to the U.S. in a very big way. Congratulations Alabama!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 11, 2018 Several states had competed for the project, which will be able to turn out 300,000 vehicles per year and produce the Toyota Corolla compact car for North America and a new small SUV from Mazda. Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey and company executives held a news conference to announce that the facility is coming to the Huntsville area not far from the Tennessee line. Production is expected to begin by 2021. The decision to pick Alabama is another example of foreign-based automakers building U.S. factories in the South. To entice manufacturers, Southern states have used a combination of lucrative incentive packages, low-cost labor and a pro-business labor environment, because the United Auto Workers union is stronger in Northern states. Read More Facebook

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Trump highlights call for border wall in tweets on visit with Norways prime minister By Associated Press President Trump praised Norways prime minister in a tweet on Wednesday after Erna Solberg became the first foreign leader to visit with the president in 2018. Today, it was my great honor to welcome Prime Minister Erna Solberg of Norway to the @WhiteHouse - a great friend and ally of the United States! Joint press conference: https://t.co/qWR1BhfQZI pic.twitter.com/PJvwznjRCO  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 10, 2018 Trump also shared via Twitter a video clip of a joint news conference he held with Solberg on Wednesday afternoon. In the clip, Trump responds to a question from a reporter by saying there can be no bipartisan immigration deal absent funding for his long-promised wall along the U.S. border with Mexico. Republican and Democratic lawmakers have been seeking a solution for hundreds of thousands of so-called Dreamers, young people who were brought to the United States as children and are living here illegally. The United States needs the security of the Wall on the Southern Border, which must be part of any DACA approval. The safety and security of our country is #1! pic.twitter.com/4CFzQXb5aS  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 10, 2018 We need the wall for security, we need the wall for safety, we need the wall for stopping the drugs from pouring in, Trump said Wednesday.  Any solution has to include the wall because without the wall, it all doesnt work. On Tuesday, Trump drew widespread attention when he said during a meeting with a bipartisan group of lawmakers that he would be agreeable to signing a stand-alone bill to protect the Dreamers, before moving on to a more comprehensive immigration bill. That contradicted the Republican consensus that Dreamers fate needed to be part of a broader immigration bill that would include some version of Trumps promised border wall and other immigration reforms. Trump backed away from a stand-alone Dreamer bill in subsequent tweets and public comments. Read More This post contains reporting from Los Angeles Times staff writer Noah Bierman. Facebook

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Trump praises Cabinet in tweet touting meeting By Associated Press President Trump promoted a meeting of his Cabinet on Wednesday, sharing via Twitter a link to a video of the session posted on the White House YouTube account. In his tweet, Trump thanked his Cabinet for working tirelessly on behalf of our country and wrote that the last year has been one of monumental achievement. I want to thank my @Cabinet for working tirelessly on behalf of our country. 2017 was a year of monumental achievement and we look forward to the year ahead. Together, we are delivering results and MAKING AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! https://t.co/ptXa1hAPwW pic.twitter.com/yv6RALkQf3  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 10, 2018 The former reality television star continued to dispense accolades at the meeting Wednesday, greeting reporters in the Cabinet Room by saying: Welcome back to the studio. Then he proceeded to relive a Cabinet Room session from the prior day, when he had allowed reporters and TV cameras to stick around for much of his meeting with a bipartisan group of legislators on the thorny issue of immigration. It was a tremendous meeting. Actually, it was reported as incredibly good. And my performance  you know, some of them called it a performance  I consider it work, Trump said. Trump went on to say he had received letters from news anchors calling it one of the greatest meetings theyve ever witnessed. He added that the media will ultimately support Trump in the end, because theyre going to say, if Trump doesnt win in three years, theyre all out of business. Asked for examples of letters received from news anchors, the White House said it had received private communications. It also offered a series of positive on-air comments and tweets from journalists about the unusual access to the meeting. During his remarks, Trump swung from praising his own meeting coverage to telling journalists that they were dependent on his presidency for ratings to threatening a strong look at libel laws. Still, Trump thanked the journalists in front of him, joking: Youve gotten very familiar with this room. I appreciate your nice comments yesterday. Facebook

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Trump blasts DACA ruling in tweet calling courts broken and unfair By Lisa Mascaro President Trump denounced the federal courts Wednesday as broken and unfair after a district judge in San Francisco issued a nationwide injunction keeping protections in place for so-called Dreamers. Trump tweeted: It just shows everyone how broken and unfair our Court System is when the opposing side in a case (such as DACA) always runs to the 9th Circuit and almost always wins before being reversed by higher courts.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 10, 2018 On Tuesday night, U.S. District Judge William Alsup in San Francisco temporarily blocked the Trump administrations decision to phase out the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, known as DACA, which has protected from deportation some 700,000 people who came to the country illegally as children. Alsup granted a request by the state of California, the University of California and other plaintiffs to stop Trump from ending DACA on March 5. The administrations decision to end DACA, which was announced in September, was based on a flawed legal analysis, Alsup wrote in his decision. Dreamers would be irreparably harmed if their DACA protections, which allow them to live and work legally in the U.S., were stripped away before the courts had a chance to fully consider their claims, he ruled. The action is the mirror image of a ruling in 2015 by a federal judge in Texas who ruled in favor of that state when it sought to block President Obama from expanding DACA to include the parents of Dreamers. Trump administration officials praised that judicial ruling. By contrast, they sharply criticized Alsups decision. Read More Facebook

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Trump thanks lawmakers for productive immigration meeting, says deal must include border wall President Trump thanked a bipartisan group of lawmakers for participating in a meeting on immigration legislation on Tuesday. Much of the discussion involved so-called Dreamers, an estimated 700,000 young people who were brought to the country illegally as children and are now facing deportation. In a tweet, Trump wrote that there was strong agreement to negotiate a bill to protect Dreamers, as well as put into place some of the reforms favored by Republicans. Thanks to all of the Republican and Democratic lawmakers for todays very productive meeting on immigration reform. There was strong agreement to negotiate a bill that deals with border security, chain migration, lottery and DACA. https://t.co/SdqAQ3aL3z pic.twitter.com/8DYHZHspAy  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 9, 2018 The most notable exchange of the meeting came when Sen. Dianne Feinstein, the San Francisco Democrat, asked Trump whether he would be agreeable to signing a stand-alone bill to protect the Dreamers, before moving on to a more comprehensive immigration bill. Yeah, I would like to do it, Trump responded. The statement drew widespread attention because it contradicted the Republican consensus that Dreamers fate needed to be part of a broader immigration bill that would include some version of Trumps promised border wall and other immigration reforms. Trump later backed away from a stand-alone Dreamer bill, tweeting that a wall along the U.S. border with Mexico must be part of any deal: As I made very clear today, our country needs the security of the Wall on the Southern Border, which must be part of any DACA approval.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 10, 2018 Pressure has been mounting for Congress to broker an immigration deal by Jan. 19 as part of a must-pass budget package to fund the government. This post contains reporting from Times staff writer Noah Bierman. Facebook

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Trump thanks officers and veterans in tweets President Trump doled out a slew of accolades Tuesday via Twitter. He thanked the nations law enforcement officers, including in his message a hashtag denoting a day of appreciation organized by a national support group for law enforcement families. On behalf of the American people, THANK YOU to our incredible law enforcement officers. As President of the United States - I will fight for you, and I will never, ever let you down. Now, more than ever, we must support the men and women in blue! #LawEnforcementAppreciationDay pic.twitter.com/Qb4uxB4JRm  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 9, 2018 Trump later expressed gratitude for federal immigration agents, in particular: .@ICEgov HSI agents and ERO officers, on behalf of an entire Nation, THANK YOU for what you are doing 24/7/365 to keep fellow Americans SAFE. Everyone is so grateful!#LawEnforcementAppreciationDay

President @realDonaldTrump https://t.co/HXCpTlruVo  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 10, 2018 The president thanked veterans as he cited his administrations efforts to curb the number of veteran suicides by improving mental health treatment for the high-risk group: Today, it was my great honor to sign a new Executive Order to ensure Veterans have the resources they need as they transition back to civilian life. We must ensure that our HEROES are given the care and support they so richly deserve! https://t.co/0MdP9DDIAS pic.twitter.com/LP2a8KCBAp  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 9, 2018 Trumps tweet included photos of the president signing an executive order Tuesday directing the secretaries of Defense, Homeland Security and Veterans Affairs to develop a plan to provide seamless access to mental health and suicide prevention resources for 12 months for members leaving the armed forces. Also on Tuesday, Trump touted a law he signed the day before designating the birthplace of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. a national historic park: It was my great honor to sign H.R. 267, the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park Act, which redesignates the Martin Luther King, Junior, National Historic Site in the State of Georgia as the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park. https://t.co/Qe0b6HBFTY pic.twitter.com/QTgaqTawPT  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 9, 2018 And he thanked House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Bakersfield) for sharing a video compilation comprised of clips of politicians and commentators praising the GOPs tax cut bill: Thank you @GOPLeader Kevin McCarthy! Couldnt agree w/you more. TOGETHER, we are #MAGA https://t.co/QaxtqpyXTR  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 10, 2018  This post contains reporting from the Associated Press and Times staff writer Alex Wigglesworth. Facebook

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Trump hails tax bill in tweets recapping speech to farmers By Associated Press Connecting with rural Americans, President Trump on Monday hailed his tax overhaul as a victory for family farmers. Farm country is Gods country, Trump told the annual convention of the American Farm Bureau Federation. Trump became the first president in a quarter-century to address the federations convention. His Southern swing also included a stop in Atlanta for the national college football championship game. Cant wait to be back in the amazing state of Tennessee to address the 99th American @FarmBureau Federations Annual Convention in Nashville! #AFBF18



On my way now - join me LIVE at 4:00pmE: https://t.co/QaljAqekdD. pic.twitter.com/Wm7Io0hYT8  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2018 Joined by Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) and a group of Tennessee lawmakers, Trump said most of the benefits of the tax legislation are going to working families, small businesses, and who  the family farmer. The package Trump signed into law last month provides generous tax cuts for corporations and the wealthiest Americans, and more modest reductions for middle- and low-income individuals and families. In every decision we make, we are honoring Americas PROUD FARMING LEGACY. Years of crushing taxes, crippling regs, & corrupt politics left our communities hurting, our economy stagnant, & millions of hardworking Americans COMPLETELY FORGOTTEN. But they are not forgotten ANYMORE! pic.twitter.com/MdYS7xnukQ  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2018 The president vastly inflated the value of the package in his speech, citing a total of $5.5 trillion in tax cuts, with most of those benefits going to working families, small businesses and who? The family farmer. The estimated value of the tax cuts is actually $1.5 trillion for families and businesses because of cuts in deductions and the use of other steps to generate offsetting tax revenue. We have been working every day to DELIVER for Americas Farmers just as they work every day to deliver FOR US. #AFBF18 pic.twitter.com/QDH7fvFkZ7  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2018 From Nashville, Trump traveled to Atlanta to watch Alabamas Crimson Tide and Georgias Bulldogs face off Monday night in the College Football Playoff National Championship. We are fighting for our farmers, for our country, and for our GREAT AMERICAN FLAG. We want our flag respected - and we want our NATIONAL ANTHEM respected also! pic.twitter.com/16eOLXg6Fi  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2018 Before departing for the game, Trump referenced his ongoing defense of the American flag and the national anthem, saying there was enough space for people to express their views. We love our flag and we love our anthem, and we want to keep it that way, he said. Facebook

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Trump tweet hails drop in unemployment rate for African Americans By Associated Press President Trump touted a drop in the unemployment rate for African Americans on Monday in a tweet. African American unemployment is the lowest ever recorded in our country. The Hispanic unemployment rate dropped a full point in the last year and is close to the lowest in recorded history. Dems did nothing for you but get your vote! #NeverForget @foxandfriends  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2018 The rate fell to 6.8% in December, the lowest level since the government began tracking such data in 1972. The reasons range from a greater number of black Americans with college degrees to a growing need for employers in a tight job market to widen the pool of people they hire from. Trump also hailed the development via Twitter on Saturday. His latest tweet on the topic came about an hour after it was discussed during an episode of Fox & Friends, according to Mediaite. Facebook

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Trump talks up the economy and dresses down the media in Sunday tweets With President Trump cheering from the sidelines, the White House on Sunday pressed its defense of the presidents fitness to govern, as fired former aide Stephen K. Bannon reversed course and apologized for his role in a new books explosive portrait of Trump. The presidents critics, meanwhile, said Trumps stream of taunts and insults in response to the book  Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House, released last week  served only to underscore the authors unsettling portrayal of Trumps year-old presidency, depicting a leader whose own aides consider him childish, ignorant and dangerously erratic. Trump provided more ammunition Sunday morning, as he continued to attack the book via Twitter while preparing to depart Camp David for the White House: Leaving Camp David for the White House. Great meetings with the Cabinet and Military on many very important subjects including Border Security & the desperately needed Wall, the ever increasing Drug and Opioid Problem, Infrastructure, Military, Budget, Trade and DACA.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 7, 2018 Ive had to put up with the Fake News from the first day I announced that I would be running for President. Now I have to put up with a Fake Book, written by a totally discredited author. Ronald Reagan had the same problem and handled it well. So will I!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 7, 2018 The most vehement defense of Trump on Sunday came from senior advisor Stephen Miller, a onetime Bannon acolyte who distanced himself from his former mentor. In a combative appearance Sunday on CNNs State of the Union, Miller called the book grotesque and writer Michael Wolff the garbage author of a garbage book. Trump is known to closely monitor aides televised performances in putting forth his case, and he gleefully weighed in within moments of Millers televised clash with host Jake Tapper. CNN has long been a particular target of Trumps ire. Jake Tapper of Fake News CNN just got destroyed in his interview with Stephen Miller of the Trump Administration. Watch the hatred and unfairness of this CNN flunky!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 7, 2018 Trumps reaction, however, seemed to bolster Tappers on-air depiction of Miller as using his appearance on the show to play to the president rather than addressing questions put to him. I get it  theres one viewer that you care about, the host said exasperatedly after Miller turned the discussion repeatedly to negative news coverage of the president while deflecting specific queries. Later on Twitter, Trump took up two themes that have been prevalent on his social media feeds recently. The president again went after the news media, tweeting that the recipients of his self-proclaimed most dishonest & corrupt media awards of the year, which he promised earlier in the week to announce on Monday, would actually be revealed the following Wednesday: The Fake News Awards, those going to the most corrupt & biased of the Mainstream Media, will be presented to the losers on Wednesday, January 17th, rather than this coming Monday. The interest in, and importance of, these awards is far greater than anyone could have anticipated!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 7, 2018 Trump later lauded a New York Post opinion piece that compared him favorably with his predecessor, President Obama, as well as Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton. In quoting the op-ed, Trump initally misspelled consequential as consensual, but he deleted those tweets and re-sent the messages. His is turning out to be an enormously consequential presidency. So much so that, despite my own frustration over his missteps, there has never been a day when I wished Hillary Clinton were president. Not one. Indeed, as Trumps accomplishments accumulate, the mere thought of...  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2018 ...Clinton in the WH, doubling down on Barack Obamas failed policies, washes away any doubts that America made the right choice. This was truly a change election  and the changes Trump is bringing are far-reaching & necessary. Thank you Michael Goodwin! https://t.co/4fHNcx2Ydg  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2018 Trump also continued talking up the economy, which has been enjoying a period of strong gains. The Stock Market has been creating tremendous benefits for our country in the form of not only Record Setting Stock Prices, but present and future Jobs, Jobs, Jobs. Seven TRILLION dollars of value created since our big election win!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 7, 2018 In addition to Miller, other senior administration officials made the rounds of Sunday news talk shows to decry the claims made in Wolffs book. CIA Director Mike Pompeo said Wolffs characterization of Trump as averse to digesting classified briefing material was ludicrous, and the ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, insisted that that those around Trump love their country and respect their president. Read More This post contains reporting from Times staff writer Laura King. Facebook

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Responding to book that mocks his intelligence, Trump tweets hes like, really smart By Tracy Wilkinson President Trump declared himself a very stable genius on Twitter on Saturday and later in a televised news conference called the author of a book that questioned his mental fitness a fraud. His comments came on a bone-cold day at Camp David during a weekend retreat with top administration officials and Republican congressional leaders strategizing on the years legislative agenda, including matters such as infrastructure, immigration, welfare reform and national security. Now that Russian collusion, after one year of intense study, has proven to be a total hoax on the American public, the Democrats and their lapdogs, the Fake News Mainstream Media, are taking out the old Ronald Reagan playbook and screaming mental stability and intelligence.....  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2018 ....Actually, throughout my life, my two greatest assets have been mental stability and being, like, really smart. Crooked Hillary Clinton also played these cards very hard and, as everyone knows, went down in flames. I went from VERY successful businessman, to top T.V. Star.....  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2018 ....to President of the United States (on my first try). I think that would qualify as not smart, but genius....and a very stable genius at that!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2018 Still, Trumps explosive rebuttal to author Michael Wolffs claims not only opened the day, but it also ensured the presidents capability to fill the highest office in the land was a topic that would not go away. In his early-morning tweets, Trump said two of his greatest assets have been mental stability, and being, like, really smart. He noted that his former Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton, played these cards [about competence] very hard and, as everyone knows, went down in flames. I went from VERY successful businessman, to top T.V. Star to President of the United States (on my first try). Read More Facebook

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In morning tweets, Trump touts job numbers and takes digs at news media By Associated Press President Trump used Twitter on Saturday morning to tout a drop in the unemployment rate for African Americans. He also used the tweets as an opportunity to take digs at media outlets whose past coverage he has found to be critical. The African American unemployment rate fell to 6.8%, the lowest rate in 45 years. I am so happy about this News! And, in the Washington Post (of all places), headline states, Trumps first year jobs numbers were very, very good.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2018 The unemployment rate for African Americans fell to 6.8% in December, the lowest level since the government began tracking such data in 1972. The reasons range from a greater number of black Americans with college degrees to a growing need for employers in a tight job market to widen the pool of people they hire from. Still, the rate for black workers remains well above those for whites and some other groups, something experts attribute in large part to decades of discrimination and disadvantages. Robust job creation has lowered unemployment for all Americans. U.S. employers added nearly 2.1 million jobs in 2017  the seventh straight year that hiring has topped 2 million. In his tweet, Trump praised a report that noted the numbers, touting the fact that it appeared in the Washington Post (of all places). Minutes later, Trump renewed his attack on an ABC News reporter who was suspended last month after filing an erroneous report on Michael Flynn, Trumps former national security advisor. Brian Ross, the reporter who made a fraudulent live newscast about me that drove the Stock Market down 350 points (billions of dollars), was suspended for a month but is now back at ABC NEWS in a lower capacity. He is no longer allowed to report on Trump. Should have been fired!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2018 The reporter, Brian Ross, was reportedly reassigned within ABC News upon returning from his unpaid suspension. But on Saturday, Trump wrote that he should have been fired. Trumps tweets came hours before he was set to host congressional Republicans and administration officials at Camp David. The meeting scheduled to begin at midmorning Saturday was expected to touch on the budget, infrastructure, immigration, welfare reform and the shape of the midterm election this fall. Facebook

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Trump commends Sen. Rand Paul after he proposes eliminating all U.S. aid to Pakistan President Trump commended Sen. Rand Paul after the Kentucky Republican announced plans to introduce legislation that would eliminate all U.S. aid to Pakistan. Trump tweeted Friday night: Good idea Rand! https://t.co/55sqUDiC0s  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2018 On Thursday, the Trump administration announced it was suspending security assistance to Islamabad until the country moves aggressively against local militants who have attacked U.S. troops in neighboring Afghanistan. Trump has repeatedly expressed frustration at the apparent inability of Pakistani authorities to rein in militants who cross out of the countrys rugged tribal areas to attack U.S. troops in Afghanistan. Read More This post contains reporting from Times staff writer Tracy Wilkinson. Facebook

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Trump continues to lash out at Sloppy Steve Bannon in tweets on tell-all book By Associated Press President Trump is praising a major Republican donor family for distancing themselves from his former advisor Steve Bannon. Trump tweeted Friday: The Mercer Family recently dumped the leaker known as Sloppy Steve Bannon. Smart!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 5, 2018 Trump has continued to lash out at Bannon over an explosive new book that quoted his former aide as questioning Trumps competence and describing a June 2016 meeting at Trump Tower among Donald Trump Jr., Trump campaign aides and a Russian lawyer as treasonous and unpatriotic. On Thursday, billionaire GOP donor Rebekah Mercer issued a statement distancing her family from Bannon. Mercer is a co-owner of Breitbart, the populist website Bannon helps run. I support President Trump and the platform upon which he was elected, Mercer said. My family and I have not communicated with Steve Bannon in many months and have provided no financial support to his political agenda, nor do we support his recent actions and statements. The book, Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House, quickly shot atop Amazons best-seller list, and the publisher moved up its release date by four days, to Friday. Trump took up the topic again on Twitter on Friday night, denouncing both Bannon and the books author, Michael Wolff, in starkly personal terms: Michael Wolff is a total loser who made up stories in order to sell this really boring and untruthful book. He used Sloppy Steve Bannon, who cried when he got fired and begged for his job. Now Sloppy Steve has been dumped like a dog by almost everyone. Too bad! https://t.co/mEeUhk5ZV9  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2018 Trumps message linked to a meme depicting a parody book cover titled, Liar and Phony, that featured a photo of Wolff and disparaging quotes about the author. In a tweet sent earlier Friday morning, Trump suggested the book was intended to serve as a distraction from the FBIs investigation into possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia, which Trump wrote is proving to be a total hoax. Well, now that collusion with Russia is proving to be a total hoax and the only collusion is with Hillary Clinton and the FBI/Russia, the Fake News Media (Mainstream) and this phony new book are hitting out at every new front imaginable. They should try winning an election. Sad!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 5, 2018 That came amid reports that Trump directed his White House counsel to tell Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions to not recuse himself from the Justice Departments Russia investigation. Trumps effort to keep Sessions, a vocal and loyal supporter of his election bid, in charge of an investigation into his campaign offers special counsel Robert Mueller yet another avenue to explore as his prosecutors work to untangle potential evidence of obstruction. Read More Facebook

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Trump praises the economy ahead of meetings at Camp David By Associated Press President Trump is praising the strength of the U.S. economy ahead of meetings at Camp David with congressional Republicans. Trump tweeted early Friday: Dow goes from 18,589 on November 9, 2016, to 25,075 today, for a new all-time Record. Jumped 1000 points in last 5 weeks, Record fastest 1000 point move in history. This is all about the Make America Great Again agenda! Jobs, Jobs, Jobs. Six trillion dollars in value created!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 5, 2018 The president also told reporters on the South Lawn that the tax cuts are really kicking in after Congress passed a package of tax cuts at the end of 2017. And the president praised the December jobs report, which found U.S. employers added 148,000 jobs in December and the unemployment rate stayed at 4.1%, the lowest level since 2000. The modest but steady pace of hiring is a reassuring sign for investors who have been buoyed by the just-passed Republican tax plan and have been sending stock market indexes roaring to uncharted heights. The president is meeting with Republican congressional leaders and members of his Cabinet on Friday and Saturday to discuss the 2018 agenda. Read More Facebook

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Trump tweets as Dow crashes through 25,000 By Associated Press President Trump dispatched a congratulatory tweet as the Dow Jones industrial average rose above the 25,000-point mark Thursday, just five weeks after its first close above 24,000. Dow just crashes through 25,000. Congrats! Big cuts in unnecessary regulations continuing.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 After the Dow closed above 25,000, Trump shared a graphic depicting the stock indexs record-setting rise. MAKING AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! pic.twitter.com/iONbr1DkVk  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 5, 2018 Later in the day, the president was back on Twitter, complaining that news outlets had barely covered the stock market milestone. He suggested that the strength of the economy would be the biggest story on earth, had it unfolded during the presidency of his predecessor. The Fake News Media barely mentions the fact that the Stock Market just hit another New Record and that business in the U.S. is booming...but the people know! Can you imagine if O was president and had these numbers - would be biggest story on earth! Dow now over 25,000.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 5, 2018 The Dow broke past 1,000-point barriers in 2017 on its way to a 25% gain for the year, as an eight-year rally since the Great Recession continued to confound skeptics. Strong global economic growth and good prospects for higher company earnings have analysts predicting more gains, although the market may not stay as calm as it has been recently. The Dow has made a rapid trip since it reached 24,000 points Nov. 30, partly on enthusiasm over passage of the Republican-backed tax package, which could boost company profits this year with across-the-board cuts to corporate taxes. Read More Facebook

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Trump reacts to Fire and Fury book in tweet lashing out at author and Sloppy Steve President Trump lashed out at the author of a soon-to-be-released book about the chaotic first year of his presidency Thursday night. In a tweet, Trump called Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House, a phony book and claimed that hed never spoken to its author, Michael Wolff. Look at this guys past and watch what happens to him and Sloppy Steve! Trump wrote. He appeared to be referring to former White House chief strategist Stephen K. Bannon, whose stunning criticisms of Trump and his circle figure prominently in the title. I authorized Zero access to White House (actually turned him down many times) for author of phony book! I never spoke to him for book. Full of lies, misrepresentations and sources that dont exist. Look at this guys past and watch what happens to him and Sloppy Steve!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 5, 2018 Trumps tweet came hours after he had his lawyer demand that Henry Holt & Co. and Wolff stop publication the book. Instead, the publisher expedited the books release to Friday, four days before it was slated to hit bookstore shelves, in response to unprecedented demand. Published excerpts on Wednesday and Thursday whetted that appetite and roiled Washington. Bannons comments, including that it was treasonous and unpatriotic for Trumps son Donald Trump Jr., son-in-law Jared Kushner and campaign manager Paul Manafort to have met in 2016 with Russians said to have dirt on Democratic rival Hillary Clinton, prompted Trump on Wednesday to rebuke his former advisor, saying Bannon had lost his mind. Read More This post contains reporting from Times staff writers Brian Bennett and Alex Wigglesworth. Facebook

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Trump thanks senators who attended meeting on immigration President Trump tweeted thanks to Republican senators who attended a meeting about possible immigration legislation on Thursday. In his message, Trump also listed his top priorities when it comes to any type of overhaul of the nations immigration system. Thank you to the great Republican Senators who showed up to our mtg on immigration reform. We must BUILD THE WALL, stop illegal immigration, end chain migration & cancel the visa lottery. The current system is unsafe & unfair to the great people of our country - time for change!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 Trumps tweet echoed his remarks at the beginning of Thursdays meeting, when he insisted again that constructing a border wall and overhauling two legal immigration programs must be part of any deal with Democrats to protect the so-called Dreamers from deportation. Two-year deportation protections and work permits given under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program begin to expire March 6 under an executive order. Trump announced in September that he was ending the Obama-era program, but told Congress to draft a law to continue protections for people brought to the country illegally as children  a group that has widespread public support. Read More This post contains reporting from Times staff writer Brian Bennett. Facebook

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Trump resumes Twitter war against kneeling NFL players President Trump has resumed his Twitter war against NFL players who kneel during the national anthem to protest social injustice and racial inequality. In a tweet early Thursday, Trump replied to a supporter who shared a meme that appears to depict family members lying on the grave of a fallen soldier with the caption: This is why we stand. Show this picture to the NFL players who still kneel! Trump wrote. So beautiful....Show this picture to the NFL players who still kneel! https://t.co/tJLM1tvbvb  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 The president has denounced players who kneel during the anthem in previous tweets. Hes also called for the firing of players who do so. His latest message came amid news that the NFL finished the regular season with TV ratings that fell nearly 10% below the previous season. Analysts attribute the drop to controversies facing the league, as well as changing viewing habits and a possible saturation point in the number of games available. Read More This post contains reporting from Times staff writers Stephen Battaglio and Alex Wigglesworth. Facebook

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Trump credits himself with facilitating talks between North and South Korea By Associated Press President Trump says his tough stance on nuclear weapons on the Korean peninsula is helping push North Korea and South Korea to talk. Trump tweeted early Thursday: With all of the failed experts weighing in, does anybody really believe that talks and dialogue would be going on between North and South Korea right now if I wasnt firm, strong and willing to commit our total might against the North. Fools, but talks are a good thing!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 That assertion is in conflict with some of the presidents own statements. Last year, he ridiculed Secretary of State Rex Tillerson for talking about negotiations with the North. This week, Trump seemed open to the possibility of an inter-Korean dialogue after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un made a rare overture toward South Korea in a New Years Day address. But Trumps ambassador to the United Nations insisted that talks wont be meaningful unless the North is getting rid of its nuclear weapons. The overture about talks came after Trump and Kim traded more bellicose claims about their nuclear weapons. In his New Years Day address, Kim repeated fiery nuclear threats against the United States. Kim said he has a nuclear button on his office desk and warned that the whole territory of the U.S. is within the range of our nuclear strike. Trump mocked that assertion Tuesday evening in a tweet. Facebook

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After disbanding his vote fraud panel, Trump still says voting system is rigged By Brian Bennett One day after disbanding his troubled voter fraud commission without any findings of fraud, President Trump continued to call the U.S. voting system rigged and said states should require that Americans have voter-identification cards. In two tweets on Thursday morning, Trump blamed the commissions failure on the lack of cooperation from mostly Democrat States that refused to hand over voter rolls because they know that many people are voting illegally. However, voting supervisors in Republican-led states refused as well, objecting on privacy and other grounds. Many mostly Democrat States refused to hand over data from the 2016 Election to the Commission On Voter Fraud. They fought hard that the Commission not see their records or methods because they know that many people are voting illegally. System is rigged, must go to Voter I.D.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 As Americans, you need identification, sometimes in a very strong and accurate form, for almost everything you do.....except when it comes to the most important thing, VOTING for the people that run your country. Push hard for Voter Identification!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 Despite Trumps assertions, analysts have not found evidence of widespread voter fraud. Trump created the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity in May after alleging, without proof, that millions of illegal votes were cast for Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election. Trump was elected after winning a majority in the electoral college, but the nationwide count showed Clinton received nearly 3 million more votes. The commission sought personal data on voters across the country and faced mounting lawsuits in recent months over privacy concerns. Read More Facebook

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Trump touts another good day for stocks, credits tax cut By Associated Press President Trump touted another good day for the stock market Wednesday in a tweet. Stock Market had another good day but, now that the Tax Cut Bill has passed, we have tremendous upward potential. Dow just short of 25,000, a number that few thought would be possible this soon into my administration. Also, unemployment went down to 4.1%. Only getting better!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 Big gains for technology and healthcare stocks helped U.S. indexes set records again Wednesday. Some analysts attributed the surge to investor enthusiasm for Trumps $1.5-trillion tax cut. All told, Wall Street analysts estimate the tax package should boost earnings for companies in the Standard & Poors 500 index by roughly 8% this year. Thats much more generous than the average tax cut of 1.6% that middle-class families will receive, according to the Tax Policy Center. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 The public has been less enthusiastic about the tax law. A Monmouth University poll last month found that nearly half of Americans disapproved of it, with only 26% in support. Still, as Trump also noted on Twitter, some workers have seen a benefit: So far, dozens of companies have announced bonuses and higher minimum wages as a result of the tax cut. AT&T, Comcast, Bank of America, and American Airlines have all pledged to pay $1,000 bonuses to their employees. Some 40 U.S. companies have responded to President Trumps tax cut and reform victory in Congress last year by handing out bonuses up to $2,000, increases in 401k matches and spending on charity, a much higher number than previously known. https://t.co/bmWrwWzxMR  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 Investors also appear less concerned than many politicians about how the additional profits will be used. The Trump administration says it expects companies will plow much of the extra profit back into their businesses, purchasing more software, machinery, and other equipment. Those investments will make workers more productive and provide a key boost to the economys long-run growth. They should also boost wages and salaries for employees. Opponents of the tax law respond that companies are more likely to pass the windfall on to shareholders in the form of higher dividend payments and share buybacks, which raise the price of those shares still in investors hands. Previous cuts in corporate tax rates, in the United States and overseas, havent always led to higher wages. For Wall Street, its all good, at least in the short run. Most analysts take the view that either way, companies and the economy will benefit. Facebook

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Trump reacts to death of Mormon Church president By Associated Press President Trump mourned the death of Mormon Church leader Thomas S. Monson on Wednesday evening. Trump tweeted a link to a statement in which he said that Monson demonstrated wisdom, inspired leadership, and great compassion and delivered a message of optimism, forgiveness, and faith. Melania and I are deeply saddened by the death of Thomas S. Monson, a beloved President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints...https://t.co/ETD3fWtfU3  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 A church bishop at the age of 22, Monson became the youngest church apostle ever in 1963 at the age of 36. He served as a counselor for three church presidents before assuming the role of the top leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in February 2008. After a life of church service, Monson died Tuesday at his home in Salt Lake City, according to church spokesman Eric Hawkins. He was 90. Read More Facebook

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Trump tweets that Iranian protesters will see great U.S. support at the appropriate time By Associated Press President Trump continued to express support for Irans anti-government protesters on Wednesday. In a tweet, Trump commended the protesters and pledged that the United States will support them at the appropriate time. Such respect for the people of Iran as they try to take back their corrupt government. You will see great support from the United States at the appropriate time!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 3, 2018 Trumps tweet Wednesday morning came as Iranian Ambassador Gholamali Khoshroo sent a letter to United Nations officials complaining that Washington was intervening in a grotesque way in Irans internal affairs. The President and Vice-President of the United States, in their numerous absurd tweets, incited Iranians to engage in disruptive acts, the ambassador wrote to the U.N. Security Council president and U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. The U.S. didnt immediately respond to the letter, which maintains that Washington has crossed every limit in flouting rules and principles of international law governing the civilized conduct of international relations. At least 21 people have been killed and hundreds arrested in Iran during a week of anti-government protests and unrest over economic woes and official corruption. Meanwhile, tens of thousands of people took part in counter-demonstrations Wednesday backing the clerically overseen government, which has said enemies of Iran are fomenting the protests. Trump has unleashed a series of tweets in recent days backing the protesters, saying Iran is failing at every level and declaring that it is time for change in the Islamic Republic. Facebook

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Trump congratulates Sen. Orrin Hatch upon news of his retirement By Associated Press President Trump congratulated Sen. Orrin Hatch for an absolutely incredible career upon news of Hatchs impending retirement. In a tweet Tuesday afternoon, Trump called Hatch a tremendous supporter and wrote that he will be greatly missed in the Senate. Congratulations to Senator Orrin Hatch on an absolutely incredible career. He has been a tremendous supporter, and I will never forget the (beyond kind) statements he has made about me as President. He is my friend and he will be greatly missed in the U.S. Senate! pic.twitter.com/0VjzLEeHTl  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 Hatchs decision to retire from the Senate after four decades lets the Utah Republican walk away at the height of his power after helping to push through an overhaul of the tax code and persuading Trump to downsize two national monuments. Retirement also preserves the 83-year-olds legacy by allowing him to avoid a bruising reelection battle that would have broken his promise not to seek an eighth term. Read More Facebook

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Trump tweet exaggerates progress in improving veterans care By Associated Press President Trump played up tremendous progress in improving care for veterans in his first year on Tuesday in a tweet. His message linked to an Instagram video describing eight accomplishments that show Trump is fighting for our veterans. But it overstates the impact of these steps. We will not rest until all of Americas GREAT VETERANS can receive the care they so richly deserve. Tremendous progress has been made in a short period of time. Keep up the great work @SecShulkin @DeptVetAffairs! https://t.co/ir25vW15hx pic.twitter.com/OtuzIgxMn6  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 Of the eight achievements cited, two are ceremonial proclamations recognizing National Veterans and Military Families Month and National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. Two are pieces of legislation that extended the troubled Veterans Choice program on a temporary basis. This became necessary because the Trump administration repeatedly miscalculated the amount of taxpayer dollars available to pay for care from private doctors outside the Veterans Affairs system when veterans had to endure long waits for treatment at VA medical centers. The departments poor budget planning caught lawmakers off guard. A fifth claim involves telehealth, a step letting doctors practice medicine across state lines using digital technology. Announced in August, it has yet to take full effect because a proposed VA regulation hasnt been completed. The VA wants authority to practice across state lines to come from legislation, not a regulation. On Wednesday, the Senate approved a telehealth measure that now goes to the House. A sixth claim refers to legislation that streamlines the appeals process for disability compensation claims within the VA. This step has had limited effect so far because it applies to new disability claims, not the 470,000 pending claims. The last two initiatives make it easier for the VA to discipline employees. The department has pointed to more than 1,300 employees who have been fired under Trumps watch. Because their infractions are not detailed in public documents, the effect on veterans care is not fully known. Facebook

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Trump unleashes his first tweetstorm of 2018 By Noah Bierman President Trump clearly didnt resolve to change his Twitter habits this year. With nine disparate tweets over three hours on Tuesday morning, the first working day of 2018, Trump continued to exploit social media to be the most aggressive commentator in chief in American history. For any other president, his posts would have made for a monumental day of (mis-)statements. Yet for Trump, the series  attacks on political foes and media, provocations of foreign leaders and self-praise for events he had nothing to do with  was all but unremarkable. His Twitter barrage  sent between 7:09 a.m. and 10:16 a.m.  reflected a familiar gamut after nearly a year in office: Attacks on political foes: Nearly 14 months after his election, Trump called for the jailing of Huma Abedin, Crooked Hillary Clintons top aid (his misspelling, another occasional feature of Trump tweets). Crooked Hillary Clintons top aid, Huma Abedin, has been accused of disregarding basic security protocols. She put Classified Passwords into the hands of foreign agents. Remember sailors pictures on submarine? Jail! Deep State Justice Dept must finally act? Also on Comey & others  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 In the same tweet, he disparaged the Deep State Justice Dept, headed of course by his appointees, calling on it to act against James B. Comey, the FBI director he fired for investigating the Russia thing. Diplomatic provocations: Trump again called North Korean leader Kim Jong Un Rocket man, ridiculed the volatile nuclear-armed foe for recent military defections and openly speculated about potential talks between North and South Korea. Sanctions and other pressures are beginning to have a big impact on North Korea. Soldiers are dangerously fleeing to South Korea. Rocket man now wants to talk to South Korea for first time. Perhaps that is good news, perhaps not - we will see!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 Perhaps that is good news, perhaps not  we will see! Trump wrote. Later Tuesday, Trump tweeted: North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un just stated that the Nuclear Button is on his desk at all times. Will someone from his depleted and food starved regime please inform him that I too have a Nuclear Button, but it is a much bigger & more powerful one than his, and my Button works!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 3, 2018 Also later Tuesday, Trump tweeted an attack on Pakistan, his second in as many days, and added a new one against Palestinians: It's not only Pakistan that we pay billions of dollars to for nothing, but also many other countries, and others. As an example, we pay the Palestinians HUNDRED OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS a year and get no appreciation or respect. They dont even want to negotiate a long overdue...  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 ...peace treaty with Israel. We have taken Jerusalem, the toughest part of the negotiation, off the table, but Israel, for that, would have had to pay more. But with the Palestinians no longer willing to talk peace, why should we make any of these massive future payments to them?  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 Undermining media: Trump offered Congratulations! to A.G. Sulzberger, who took over as publisher of the New York Times this week. The Failing New York Times has a new publisher, A.G. Sulzberger. Congratulations! Here is a last chance for the Times to fulfill the vision of its Founder, Adolph Ochs, to give the news impartially, without fear or FAVOR, regardless of party, sect, or interests involved. Get...  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 ....impartial journalists of a much higher standard, lose all of your phony and non-existent sources, and treat the President of the United States FAIRLY, so that the next time I (and the people) win, you wont have to write an apology to your readers for a job poorly done! GL  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 But the two-part post was really yet another slam against a perceived media foe: Trump said the paper had a last chance to fulfill its journalistic mission, and accused it of relying on phony sources and substandard reporters  just days after he granted another exclusive interview to the paper. As a bonus, the tweet contained a recycled falsehood, that the paper apologized after the election for reporting on him unfairly. It didnt. Trump later said on Twitter that he would soon announce the most dishonest & corrupt media awards of the year. Stay tuned! I will be announcing THE MOST DISHONEST & CORRUPT MEDIA AWARDS OF THE YEAR on Monday at 5:00 oclock. Subjects will cover Dishonesty & Bad Reporting in various categories from the Fake News Media. Stay tuned!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 3, 2018 The president also tweeted a quote from Fox Business Networks Lou Dobbs Tonight, which aired a segment praising Trumps first-year accomplishments. Dobbs reportedly joined Trump at Mar-a-Lago on Sunday for a gala to celebrate New Years Eve. President Trump has something now he didnt have a year ago, that is a set of accomplishments that nobody can deny. The accomplishments are there, look at his record, he has had a very significant first year. @LouDobbs Show,David Asman & Ed Rollins  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 3, 2018 Taking credit: Trump congratulated himself for policing the border with Mexico, an area where his policies and anti-immigration rhetoric are believed to have had some effect on reducing illegal crossings. Thank you to Brandon Judd of the National Border Patrol Council for your kind words on how well we are doing at the Border. We will be bringing in more & more of your great folks and will build the desperately needed WALL! @foxandfriends  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 He took credit for employee bonuses by companies after he signed Republican tax cuts into law last month. Companies are giving big bonuses to their workers because of the Tax Cut Bill. Really great!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 But the jaw-dropper was Trump congratulating himself for planes not crashing. Since taking office I have been very strict on Commercial Aviation. Good news - it was just reported that there were Zero deaths in 2017, the best and safest year on record!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 It was the safest year on record worldwide, but the American streak without commercial jet passenger deaths goes back to 2009. Trump, who has promoted deregulation as one of his top accomplishments, has not signed off on any new airline safety regulations. The White House pointed to new security screening of passengers, to electronic devices to prevent terrorist attacks and to Trumps support for privatizing air traffic control  a proposal that has gotten nowhere in Congress. Falsehoods: Trump said President Obama, in brokering the 2015 nuclear arms limitation deal with Iran, foolishly gave money to the brutal and corrupt Iranian regime. He didnt. The people of Iran are finally acting against the brutal and corrupt Iranian regime. All of the money that President Obama so foolishly gave them went into terrorism and into their pockets. The people have little food, big inflation and no human rights. The U.S. is watching!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 The nuclear deal, which included major U.S. allies as signators, released Irans own funds that had long been frozen. Trumps art of the deal: When Trump sees a big deal looming, he often blasts the other side  to gain leverage, as hes written. This week he resumes a showdown with Democratic lawmakers over funding the government and immigration protections for so-called Dreamers, who were brought to the country illegally as children. Democrats are doing nothing for DACA - just interested in politics. DACA activists and Hispanics will go hard against Dems, will start falling in love with Republicans and their President! We are about RESULTS.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 Trump, who in September ordered a gradual end of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, sought to shift blame for the resulting controversy, saying Democrats are doing nothing for DACA and are just interested in politics. Trump has insisted that any help for Dreamers be paired with funding for a border wall and a crackdown on legal immigration. Democrats, and some Republicans, are opposed. Read More Facebook

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In tweet, Trump suggests U.S. will withdraw financial assistance to Pakistan By Shashank Bengali Pakistan lashed out Monday after President Trump accused its leaders of lies & deceit and suggested the United States would withdraw financial assistance to the nuclear-armed nation it once saw as a key ally against terrorism. It was the presidents latest broadside against Pakistan after a speech in August in which he demanded its leaders crack down on the safe havens enjoyed by Taliban militants fighting U.S.-backed forces in neighboring Afghanistan. The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies & deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools. They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 1, 2018 U.S. Ambassador David Hale was summoned to the Foreign Ministry to discuss the presidents statement, U.S. Embassy spokesman Richard Snelsire said. Pakistan lodged a strongly worded protest and asked for clarification about Trumps comments, according to two foreign office officials who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly. Pakistans prime minister, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, called a Cabinet meeting for Tuesday and a meeting of the National Security Committee on Wednesday to discuss Trumps New Years Day tweet. Read More Facebook

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Trump continues to tweet in support of Iranian protesters By Laura King President Trump expressed renewed support Sunday for protesters in Iran, declaring that people are finally getting wise as to how their money and wealth is being stolen and squandered on terrorism. In a tweet from his Florida estate, Mar-a-Lago, the president said the nationwide economic protests that began on Thursday  and have taken on wider political overtones as they have grown in size  were a signal that Iranians will not take it any longer. Big protests in Iran. The people are finally getting wise as to how their money and wealth is being stolen and squandered on terrorism. Looks like they will not take it any longer. The USA is watching very closely for human rights violations!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 31, 2017 Trump has tweeted about the protests for three days straight as Iranians took to the streets despite a heavy police presence, tear gas and scores of arrests. The defiance gained urgency after two people were reported shot to death in the city of Dorud, about 200 miles southwest of Tehran. As the conflict escalated, Iranian authorities on Sunday slapped a temporary ban on Instagram and the messaging app Telegram, which were widely used to fan protest fervor. Iran, the Number One State of Sponsored Terror with numerous violations of Human Rights occurring on an hourly basis, has now closed down the Internet so that peaceful demonstrators cannot communicate. Not good!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 31, 2017 Irans leaders already are casting Trumps increasingly effusive expressions of support for the demonstrators as opportunistic meddling and are painting the demonstrators as foreign pawns, adopting a strategy that some analysts say could jeopardize the legitimacy of the nascent antigovernment protests. Read More Facebook

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Trump tweets condolences after Colorado deputies are shot in ambush, one fatally By Associated Press A man fired more than 100 rounds at sheriffs deputies in Colorado early Sunday, killing one and injuring four others, before being fatally shot himself in what authorities called an ambush. Two civilians were also injured. President Trump expressed sorrow, writing on Twitter: My deepest condolences to the victims of the terrible shooting in Douglas County @DCSheriff, and their families. We love our police and law enforcement - God Bless them all! #LESM  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 31, 2017 Douglas County Sheriff Tony Spurlock said deputies came under fire almost
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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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
Fifty-six million years ago, about 10 million years after the dinosaurs went extinct, something strange happened to our planet.

It got hot.



For the record: A previous version of this post incorrectly made references to a hypothermal event. A rapid rise in temperature is a hyperthermal event.

Really hot.

Hotter than it had ever been since the Earth formed a few billion years earlier.

Carbon signatures in the geological record show that global temperature surged 5 to 8 degrees Celsius within 10,000 years.

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They also indicate that the planets temperature remained elevated for an additional 170,000 years before returning to normal.

Scientists describe this (relatively) rapid rise in temperature as a hyperthermal event, and it is not the only one that has ever occurred.

About 2 million years later, the Earth experienced another surge in temperature that was about half the magnitude of its predecessor.

Over the course of Earths history there have been other, smaller hyperthermal events as well. Most scientists would agree that we are in the midst of one right now.

Abigail DAmbrosia, a graduate student at the University of New Hampshire, is interested in what happens to living things when the global temperature jumps.

Do they go extinct? Do they adapt? Do they change?

Her research, published Wednesday in the journal Science Advances, shows that at least in the case of some mammals, they shrink.

And it turns out that the amount they shrink is directly related to how hot the planet gets.

The findings are based on a new analysis of fossilized teeth and jaw fragments collected from the Bighorn Basin in northwestern Wyoming, about 80 miles east of Yellowstone National Park.

For adult mammals, measuring teeth is a great proxy for body size, DAmbrosia said.

By comparing the change in tooth size of the same species over time, researchers have already shown that mammal dwarfing occurred during the largest ancient warming event, approximately 56 million years ago.

Specifically, they showed that the earliest equid, Sifrhippus, shrank by at least 30% during the first 130,000 years of the warming event. As the global temperature slowly returned to normal, its body size rebounded by 76%.

DAmbrosia, whose Twitter handle is @ClimateDentist, wondered whether similar dwarfing had occurred during the smaller warming event roughly 54 million years ago.

To find out, she set to work gathering and measuring teeth of four mammals that lived before and during it.

Included in her research was Arenahippus pernix (an early horse about the size of a small dog), Diacodexis metsiacus (a rabbit-sized predecessor of pigs and deer), Hyopsodus simplex (a weasel-sized herbivore) and Cantius abditus (an early primate similar to modern lemurs).

DAmbrosia said that especially for the little horse, the difference in tooth size between individuals that lived before the warming event and those that lived during it was obvious.

That was the coolest thing, she said. When I first started taking measurements my advisor started randomly grabbing teeth and guessing which came from the hyperthermal. Just visually, he could pick them out.

(You can probably pick them out too. If you look at the picture at the top of this story, you will see DAmbrosia holding two teeth from the same species. Can you guess which one lived during the warming event? The answer is in the caption.)

A scientific analysis of the data revealed that during the second warming event, Arenahippus shrank in size by an average of 14%  the equivalent of going from dog-sized to cat-sized, DAmbrosia said.

This finding suggests that at least for equids, the dwarfing response to an increase in climate change scales proportionately with the magnitude of the warming. During the first warming event, the small horse decreased in size by 30%. In the second warming event, which was about half as intense, a different small horse dwarfed by 14%.

These results are significant because they provide a new test of whether climate drives changes in body size in mammals, said Jonathan Bloch, curator of vertebrate paleontology at the Florida Museum of Natural History, who was not involved in the study.

Based on what we now understand about these repeated past experiments, it is becoming increasingly clear that one of the changes that we should expect to see with future global warming will be shifts in body size for some mammal lineages, he said.

DAmbrosia had fewer teeth from the other three species included in the study, but she was still able to report that Diacodexis, the deer predecessor, exhibited dwarfing of 15%. The change in size of the weasel-sized herbivore Hyopsodus was an insignificant 4%, and the primate Cantius bucked the trend by appearing to grow 2%. However, neither of these last two findings were significant.

Its hard to say what is going on in detail without collecting more samples, DAmbrosia said.

Although shrinking in the face of climate change may seem like a strange response, it is well known in scientific communities that mammals get smaller in warmer climates. For example, red foxes that live in higher, cooler latitudes are larger than those that live closer to the equator. This phenomenon even has its own name  Bergmanns rule.

The idea behind it is that it is more efficient to cool off if you have a small body size because you have a larger surface-area-to-volume ratio, DAmbrosia said.

This ratio allows smaller animals let off more heat, while having a larger body size in a cooler environment helps an animal retain heat.

But she added that it is also possible that animals living through ancient hyperthermal events may have shrunk for other reasons, including not being able to get enough water or food.

As the planet continues to warm today, scientists may be able to see for themselves what drives the mammal dwarf response.

Ross Secord, a professor of vertebrate paleontology at the University of Nebraska who was not involved in the new study, said there is already evidence from museum collections of modern birds and mammals that some species have gotten smaller over the last century because of a warming climate.

Unfortunately, DAmbrosia said, today is a really great experiment.

deborah.netburn@latimes.com

Do you love science? I do! Follow me @DeborahNetburn and like Los Angeles Times Science & Health on Facebook.

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UPDATES:

March 17, 6:45 p.m.: This story has been updated to include comments from vertebrate paleontologists Jonathan Bloch and Ross Secord.

This story was originally published on March 15 at 5:20 p.m.
NASA missions to the surface of Europa, a nearby asteroid and the atmosphere above our own planet would be cut from the Jet Propulsion Laboratorys portfolio under the White House budget proposal released Thursday.

But one of JPLs signature programs, the Mars 2020 mission to send a sample-collecting rover to the Red Planet, survived. So did the labs Europa Clipper, a spacecraft set to fly by Jupiters icy moon that is believed to hide a liquid ocean and is considered a promising potential home for extraterrestrial life.

Overall, the 2018 budget blueprint put forth by President Trump would cut NASA funding from roughly $19.3 billion to $19.1 billion  largely sparing it the more brutal bloodlettings proposed for other science-oriented institutions such as the National Institutes of Health and the Environmental Protection Agency.

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This is in line with our funding in recent years, and will enable us to effectively execute our core mission for the nation, even during these times of fiscal constraint, acting NASA Administrator Robert Lightfoot said in a statement.

But the plan for NASA would still shift money around in ways that reflect Trumps stated intentions to have the agency focus less on monitoring Earths vital functions and more on space exploration.

These shifts worried Rep. Adam B. Schiff (D-Burbank), whose district includes JPL in La Canada Flintridge.

It seems to be more of the continuing assault on climate science, and thats deeply concerning, Schiff said.

In terms of the planetary missions that JPL works on, Mars 2020 looks good, the Europa Clipper looks good. But I am concerned about the cancellation of the Europa landing mission, and I intend to work with my colleague John Culberson to make sure that we restore that, he said, referring to the Republican congressman from Texas.

If adopted, the budget would cancel the Asteroid Redirect Mission, a plan to capture a large asteroid and bring it close to Earth. That program, also run out of JPL, has earned its share of critics over the years. One scientist went so far as to call it a one-off costly stunt that distracted from the agencys long-term goal of getting humans to Mars.

Still, much of the technology developed for the asteroid mission will be preserved and put to use in future projects, Lightfoot said.

We will continue the solar electric propulsion efforts benefiting from those developments for [the] future in space transportation initiatives, he said.

The White House blueprint would save $115 million by shutting down NASAs Office of Education, arguing that it was performing functions that are duplicative of other parts of the agency  an assertion the budgets critics strongly deny.

The budget targets NASAs work on environmental science, cutting funding for Earth science research grants. It would eliminate several missions that are still in development, including JPLs Orbiting Carbon Observatory 3, or OCO-3, an instrument to precisely monitor the carbon dioxide in our atmosphere; the Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem mission, or PACE, which was was intended to monitor the planets ocean health; and the Climate Absolute Radiance and Refractivity Observatory pathfinder, or CLARREO, which would have used a solar spectrometer to produce highly accurate climate projections.

The White House would also cut NASAs role in the Deep Space Climate Observatory, or DSCOVR, a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration satellite. That mission was originally proposed by former Vice President Al Gore, who has long warned of the dangers of climate change.

NOAAs budget for Earth and ocean sciences would also suffer under Trumps budget, which would eliminate more than $250 million in grants and programs that support coastal and marine management, research and education.

John Holdren, a Harvard University professor who served as director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and science advisor for President Obama, called the efforts to cut both education and environmental monitoring just nuts.

I call this a know-nothing trifecta: These are people who dont know anything, theyre proud of not knowing anything, and they dont want anybody else to know anything, Holdren said. This is not only putting their own head in the sand, but trying to force everybody elses head into the sand.

The blueprint allocates $3.7 billion for NASA to continue developing the Orion capsule and Space Launch System as part of the effort to send American astronauts on deep-space missions.

This appears to be in line with Trumps call for more human exploration missions: American footprints on distant worlds are not too big a dream, he said last month while addressing a joint session of Congress.

The budget proposal does not mention any plans to send humans back to the moon, a direction in which some Trump advisors had shown interest. Nor does it contradict NASAs goal, established under Obama, to get humans to Mars by the mid-2030s.

The proposal does highlight a push for more industry involvement in space exploration, including in the operation of the International Space Station and what it called public-private partnerships for deep-space habitation and exploration systems.

Other agencies whose missions involve research in science, health and technology are facing far more dramatic cuts under the Trump plan. The Environmental Protection Agencys budget would decrease by $2.6 billion, a 31% cut, and the National Institutes of Health would lose nearly $6 billion, about 20% of its funding.

The Department of Energy would get more money to maintain its nuclear arsenal but take a significant hit to its clean-energy programs. ARPA-E, which funds and promotes cutting-edge energy research, would be eliminated entirely.

Significant cuts to other departments could also affect the space agencys mission, said Charles Bolden, who served as NASA administrator under Obama.

NASA has built partnerships with many nations on a broad spectrum of efforts, including sharing environmental data to help developing countries manage food shortages and working with Russia on the International Space Station. The State Department, whose budget Trump has proposed to slash by about one-third, has played a supportive role in many of those efforts.

Im not at all surprised, but Im very disappointed that the administration chose to go through with the threat, Bolden said. And its not just the environment  its their attack on education, its their attack on research and development, its their attack on everything that has allowed us to maintain our leadership in the world.

The budget blueprint appears to have been written without an understanding of the myriad and unexpected ways that science benefits human lives, said Rush Holt Jr., a physicist and former congressman who now leads the American Assn. for the Advancement of Science.

Either this is a fundamental misunderstanding of what science does and how important it is  or maybe a complete mistaken understanding of what science has brought to our society, to our economy, and to our culture, he said.

Holt and others noted that Trumps proposal is far from the last word on spending for the 2018 fiscal year. Budget negotiations are likely to play out in Congress over several months.

To give you an illustration, were still working on the 2017 budget, Schiff said. So that tells you how long the process can be.

Times staff writer Deborah Netburn in Los Angeles contributed to this report.

amina.khan@latimes.com

Follow @aminawrite on Twitter for more science news and like Los Angeles Times Science & Health on Facebook.

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UPDATES:

8:25 p.m.: The story was updated to include comments from Rep. Adam B. Schiff, former White House science advisor John Holdren, former NASA Administrator Charles Bolden and American Assn. for the Advancement of Science chief Rush Holt Jr.

The story was originally published at 2:50 p.m.
They asked police to ban protests within 100 m of the school and to crack down on illegal parking in the area by reporters and protesters.

Parents of children at an elementary school near the home of ex-President Park Geun-hye in Samseong-dong in southern Seoul filed a nuisance complaint on Wednesday after days of boisterous demonstrations by supporters of the ousted leader.

The Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education in a letter on behalf of the parents called for protesters to be restrained if they become violent or use offensive language and urged police to protect the children and their educational rights.

Noisy crowds of Park's supporters have been gathering in front of her house since the weekend, and the house and an adjacent rear gate of the school have been cordoned off to prevent them from getting too close.

A police officer said, "We'll check noise levels and see if the protests threaten the safety of children."


The scent of cherry blossoms will fill the air during the fourth annual Huntington Beach Cherry Blossom Festival on Sunday at the citys Central Park.

The gathering, presented by the Sister City Assn. of Huntington Beach, is expected to attract about 5,000 people to celebrate Japanese culture with food, performances, exhibits, crafts and games. Admission is free.

Read the latest headlines from the Daily Pilot >>

The festival coincides with the blooming of the cherry tree grove in Central Park and is intended to support the associations student exchange program with Huntington Beach sister city Anjo, Japan.

Festivities will take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Park is at 7111 Talbert Ave.

For more information, visit hbcbfest.com.

kathleen.luppi@latimes.com

Twitter: @KathleenLuppi
A state Assembly bill that would exempt school districts from adhering to a cap on their financial reserves under certain circumstances received support in Laguna Beach on Tuesday.

The Laguna Beach Unified School District board unanimously voted to support AB 235, recently introduced by Assemblyman Patrick ODonnell (D-Long Beach).

The law would amend Californias education code to, among other changes, alter the trigger when a cap goes into effect.

The bill passed in the Assembly Education Committee on Wednesday. Rick Pratt, the education committees chief consultant, said the bill now moves to the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

In June 2014, California enacted a law that capped school district general fund reserves if, during the previous year, the state had deposited money into its own reserve fund for schools, according to a 2015 state Legislative Analysts Office report.

The primary purpose of the state school reserve, known as the Public School System Stabilization Account, is to provide a state-level, rainy-day fund to protect schools against a falloff in revenues.

Currently, the cap would go into effect the year after a transfer is made into the PSSSA regardless of the amount of that transfer.

Under ODonnells bill, a cap would go into effect a year after funds in the PSSSA are equal to or exceed 3% of the total general fund revenues appropriated for school districts.

If only a small amount is transferred, [the PSSSA] would provide little protection against an economic downturn, according to Pratts analysis of the bill.

To date, the cap has not been triggered.

The bill would also exempt basic aid districts, like Laguna, from having to adhere to cap requirements. Basic aid districts keep the money from local property taxes and still receive the constitutionally guaranteed basic state funding.

Laguna receives most of its revenue from property taxes, which are distributed twice a year, according to a district staff report.

The local district doesnt want to be hampered in contributing to its reserve fund because of the vagaries of the housing market.

The board sent a letter to ODonnell that said: Large swings in property tax revenues, like we saw during the recent housing-driven recession, can significantly impact our district.... Community-funded school districts have no safety net when property tax revenues  their main source of funding  fall short.

Caps vary according to district size, the Legislative Analyst Office report said.

School districts use assigned and unassigned reserves to set funds aside for possible future use, according to Pratts analysis.

Unassigned reserves are typically used for economic uncertainties, while assigned reserves are earmarked for specific future spending, such as for instructional materials.

bryce.alderton@latimes.com

Twitter: @AldertonBryce
The Newport-Mesa Unified School District board announced Tuesday night that it has reached a legal settlement in which the district will pay more than $100,000 in attorney fees and change its election system so trustees would be chosen by voters in the zones they live in instead of by voters throughout the school district.

The agreement, approved in a closed session, comes seven months after Costa Mesa resident Eloisa Rangel filed a lawsuit in Orange County Superior Court alleging the districts at-large election system violates the California Voting Rights Act because it prevents Latinos from electing candidates of their choice.

Under the settlement, the district will pay $105,937 for Rangels attorney fees and court costs. In exchange, Rangel agreed to drop the lawsuit.

The new voting system is expected to be in place by the next election in November 2018.

In the boards 5-2 vote in closed session, trustees Martha Flour and Judy Franco dissented. Both also dissented in a vote earlier this month on changing the districts election system.

At that time, Flour said she was concerned that once the system is changed, constituents may feel that trustees are beholden to schools only in their voting areas.

Kevin Shenkman, a Malibu-based attorney representing Rangel, said he was pleased the parties were able to resolve the matter in a way that solves the problems of Latino voters in the district.

Britt Dowdy, president of the Newport-Mesa Federation of Teachers, said he is always in favor of supporting minority populations.

Were all about democracy and empowering people of color to be involved in democracy, Dowdy said. We have a high Latino population in Costa Mesa, so we like this idea of giving them a way to elect a local representative to the school board.

During open meetings in February, the Newport-Mesa board considered adjusting its trustee area boundaries to make the size of their populations more uniform.

Of the seven current areas, the population of Area 7, which includes five Westside Costa Mesa elementary schools, is more than half Latino.

Two public hearings will be held in Costa Mesa and Newport Beach at the end of this month to gather community input on three options for redrawing trustee area boundaries.

Shenkman has challenged several cities and school districts, arguing that their voting systems deprived Latinos of electing representatives of their choice.

He threatened to sue the city of Costa Mesa, but in November, 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.
An investigation by Orange Coast College is seeking to find whoever vandalized campus buildings with graffiti targeting the former president of the Costa Mesa colleges Republicans club.

Graffiti reading Doxx Joshua Martinez OCC Young Republicans = Fascists and a sticker saying Support your local antifa  short for anti-fascists  were found on five buildings, including the Student Success Center and bookstore.

The incident was reported at 8:25 a.m. Saturday by an OCC public safety officer who found one of the writings and later searched nearby buildings. A knife was found on the grass by the main entrance of the Forum Lecture Hall.

Surveillance video from early Saturday shows a person vandalizing buildings and carrying a skateboard, according to an OCC report.

College spokesman Juan Gutierrez said Wednesday that the investigation is continuing with assistance from the Costa Mesa Police Department.

Police Department spokeswoman Roxi Fyad said she had no additional information about the case.

Joshua Recalde-Martinez, former president of the Orange Coast College Republicans, said Wednesday that he was notified of the incident Monday by the dean of student services. Later that day, Recalde-Martinez said, he contacted Costa Mesa police and was notified that a police report hadnt been filed by the Campus Public Safety Department, so he filed a police report online.

The following day, Recalde-Martinez said, he asked to see video footage of the incident but wasnt given access.

He said he hired a private investigator to look into the case because he believed the campus had done an inadequate job.

Gutierrez said the incident was handled as efficiently as possible, even with a smaller crew on the weekend.

The safety of the faculty and staff is our biggest focus, and we dont condone the destruction of property, Gutierrez said. Were always striving to have a safe learning environment.

Recalde-Martinez said he met Wednesday morning with OCC President Dennis Harkins, Vice President of Administrative Services Rich Pagel and Dean of Students Derek Vergara to discuss the matter.

Im pleased the school is taking the situation seriously, and theyve told me theyre continuing to look into the matter, Recalde-Martinez said.

Recalde-Martinez was part of a nationwide controversy after the OCC Republicans posted a video on the clubs Facebook page in December showing professor Olga Perez Stable Cox referring to now-President Trump as a white supremacist and calling his election victory an act of terrorism. The video, secretly recorded in class by student Caleb ONeil, led to demonstrations at OCC for and against the instructor.

ONeil was told in February that he would be suspended, but the suspension was lifted two weeks later.

The graffiti incident occurred two days before another vandalism case at Orange Coast College. In that incident, a Costa Mesa man was arrested early Monday after a swastika and the n-word were carved into the hoods of two college security vehicles, authorities said.

College public safety officers indicated the act may have been carried out by a former student who had been expelled and had previous altercations with an officer.

priscella.vega@latimes.com

Twitter: @VegaPriscella
With a cool mind, steady hand and amiable manner, Bill Ficker solidified Newport Beachs place among the sailing worlds elite.

The Americas Cup champion and all-around local icon died Monday. He was 89.

A 1988 profile in the Los Angeles Times described Ficker as a most congenial man, described by friends, business associates and employees as warm, witty and fair.

Steve Rosansky, a former Newport Beach mayor who is now president and chief executive of the Chamber of Commerce, worked closely with Ficker on the campaign to move City Hall to its current location.

Though Ficker was mild-mannered and quietly focused, he was well-spoken and clearly commanded respect, Rosansky said. He could choose a path and others would walk with him, Rosansky said.

Some people just shout and shout and shout, Rosansky said. Some people are doers. Bill was a doer.

Ficker was an architect by trade, a member of the Newport Harbor Yacht Club and a former Newport Beach planning commissioner and Citizen of the Year.

As a yachtsman, he was dominant for decades. In 1958, he was a Star Class world champion. In 1970, at the helm of Intrepid, he won the Americas Cup. In 1974, he won the Congressional Cup.

The Americas Cup Hall of Fame inducted him in 1993, and last year, he joined the National Sailing Hall of Fame.

According to an account posted on the Americas Cup Hall of Fame website, the 1970 final series was a nailbiter. Intrepid was older, bigger and heavier than her challenger, Australias Gretel II. Both boats finished the first race with protest flags out. The victory went to Intrepid. The second race was called off because of fog. In the third race, Gretel came in first, but Intrepid took the victory because Gretel bashed into Intrepids port side not long after the starting gun. Gretel took the fourth race cleanly. In light wind, Intrepid took the fifth by a minute and 44 seconds.

Fickers name lent itself to a catchy slogan, Ficker is quicker, that Ted Turner  the media mogul and accomplished mariner  printed on buttons for the 1970 Americas Cup. Jackie Kennedy Onassis wore one. Ficker cringed.

I was embarrassed about them at first, Ficker told The Times in the 1988 profile. In those days, none of the sailors wanted to do anything to flaunt himself.

In a post about Fickers death on the Sailing Scuttlebutt website, Stephen Van Dyck, Fickers tactician on Intrepid, wrote: Bills acute intelligence, dry sense of humor and immense energy and focus were coupled with natural leadership skills that his loyal crews enjoyed and prospered under. No wise competitor underestimated Bill on the race course, and no competitor missed a chance to mingle easily with him at the bar to enjoy his open and friendly style.

Services for Ficker had not been announced as of Thursday afternoon.

hillary.davis@latimes.com

Twitter: @DailyPilot_HD
A Newport Beach man pleaded guilty in federal court to distributing heroin from California to Louisiana that had been disguised as the pain medication oxycodone.

Logan Brannon, 37, was three days into his jury trial in Louisiana when he pleaded guilty March 9 to conspiracy to distribute and process with intent to distribute more than 1 kilogram of heroin, distribution of heroin, conspiracy to launder drug proceeds and forfeiture, according to a U.S. attorneys office news release.

Brannon is expected to be sentenced June 29.

He was one of 10 people indicted by a federal grand jury in 2015 following a years-long investigation into a drug-trafficking conspiracy involving the shipment of heroin from California to Baton Rouge, La.

The indictment alleged the group participated in a conspiracy to distribute significant amounts of heroin that had been pressed to resemble oxycodone pills in California before they were shipped to Baton Rouge. When the drugs arrived in Baton Rouge, the pills were distributed to midlevel drug dealers and ultimately sold to drug users in East Baton Rouge and Livingston parishes, according to federal prosecutors.

According to the news release, Brannon admitted that between December 2013 and October 2015 he conspired with others in California and Louisiana to distribute thousands of pills that contained more than a kilogram of heroin.

Over a three-month period in 2015, Brannon supplied more than 30,000 heroin pills for distribution in Baton Rouge. Between July 2014 and April 2015, Brannon and others involved in the scheme also tried to conceal and disguise the source of the money they received from distributing the heroin, prosecutors alleged.

This conviction is another example of our continuing efforts to join with federal, state and local law enforcement to neutralize the heroin epidemic sweeping our country and make our community safer, U.S. Attorney Walt Green said in a statement.

hannah.fry@latimes.com

Twitter: @HannahFryTCN
The only robot in the Verdugo region that zaps away unwanted bacteria and viruses from hospital rooms arrived at USC-Verdugo Hills Hospital two weeks ago.

The Xenex robot emits a pulsating, bright white UV-C light  which is a short, wavelength, ultraviolet light that can save lives.

Once surfaces are exposed to the robots rays, harmful bacteria and viruses die, greatly reducing the odds patients will be infected with hospital-acquired infections, including those caused by superbugs such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, known as MRSA.

On Monday, USC-Verdugo Hills Hospital employees joined Xenex employees at Fremont Elementary School, where they showcased the $100,000 machine in teacher Mallory Kanes sixth-grade classroom, the same place where Keith Hobbs, chief executive of Verdugo Hills Hospital, was a sixth-grader in 1979.

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Theres no other place that I would rather be than to come back to my alma mater and share this R2D2, bug-zapping machine with you guys, Hobbs said.

The Xenex robot pulses UV-C light 67 times per second, and hospital staff take precautions when they operate it because the light can harm their eyes.

This is not any light bulb in your house, said Mary Virgallito, director of patient safety for the hospital. Its actually filled with a gas called xenon.

Virgallito said hospital employees manually clean rooms before they activate Xenex. It takes the robot about 15 minutes to clean a patients room, and 20 minutes to disinfect an operating room.

Hobbs said mothers ask if they can borrow the robot to disinfect their own homes, and Kane suggested it would be helpful in the classroom. Over the past several weeks, many of her students missed school because they were sick.

Jeff Mamalakis, business development manager for Xenex, volunteered to disinfect Kanes room when school let out.

The space would be left with a scent as if lightning had just struck, Virgallito said.

The impromptu high-tech, germ-cleansing session was a dream come true for Kane.

In sixth grade, [the curriculum] moves so quickly that even missing one day puts kids so far behind, Kane said. Having our classroom disinfected every day would be a dream come true. My kids would be here, everyone would be happy, no one would have to miss school.

--

Kelly Corrigan, kelly.corrigan@latimes.com

Twitter: @kellymcorrigan
When I walk, drive or ride my bike down the street, whether here at home or in Sacramento, I love to observe the character of the surrounding neighborhood, taking note of what gives the area its unique flavor. Certainly it starts with the people. Here in the 43rd District we have a wonderfully diverse blend of persons of all backgrounds, economic positions and interests living side-by-side.

Of all the elements that form the character of a community, its the storefront shops and services that line the streets that play the lead role. Small businesses, from independent book stores to flower shops, family-owned restaurants and boutiques  each one is the embodiment of a neighbors hard work and dreams.

As the newly appointed chair of the Select Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, I want to help those businesses to thrive. Having been a small business owner myself, I realize that in our state there are many impediments that pose challenges that can discourage or even deter a potential business owner. While maintaining our strong tradition of environmental and safety regulations, I plan to look at small business regulations holistically to find ways we can make it easier for them to succeed.

Some of the ideas we are discussing include examining the fairness of the current state fee structures based on the size of the proposed business. For instance, fees for non-health- or safety-related inspection violations could be assessed on a sliding scale, based on the size or revenue of the business. Fee structures like this could help smaller businesses to stay compliant with regulations while preventing them from being burdened by punitive fines that could potentially undermine their ability to stay solvent.

During my tenure on the Glendale City Council, we established a successful program to support small businesses in our city by streamlining permitting and enlivening the existing streetscape to attract new businesses. By focusing our efforts, we transformed the landscape in our city for small and larger businesses alike. I hope that some these ideas will translate at the state level and bring the benefits of these programs around California.

Finally, we need to look at the individual barriers to business ownership that too often fall along gender and racial lines. I plan to do everything I can to make sure all people have equal access to the resources required to pursue their dreams.

I plan to take a hard look at the permit process, the rates of penalty fees, and work with the community to come up with programs that will help give access to the information and resources necessary for people of all kinds to succeed in business.

Small businesses are the life-blood of our communities, facilitating and improving the functions of our day-to-day lives. As such, I will work hard to make sure that we can solve our problems, issue-by-issue, to make sure that we all have equal and fair access to participate in this most democratic aspect of our economy.

--

LAURA FRIEDMAN represents La Canada Flintridge, Glendale and Burbank and other communities comprising the 43rd Assembly District.
This year marks the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. To commemorate the occasion, Zicasso is introducing a custom tour that follows in the footsteps of Martin Luther, a German scholar who sparked the Reformation.

Highlights include a visit to Wittenberg and Lutherhaus, the home where Luther wrote his 95 Theses, which questioned certain practices of the Catholic Church; the castle church on which he nailed a copy of Theses to its doors; Eisleben, where he was born and died; and Eisenach and Wartburg Castle, where he hid from the Inquisition and translated the Bible into German.

The 10-day tour begins in Berlin and ends in Munich.

Dates: Available year-round

Price: From $3,249 per person, double occupancy. Includes all accommodations and breakfasts, five private tours of Berlin, Wittenberg and Munich, first-class train ticket from Berlin to Wittenberg and rental car from Wittenberg to Munich. International airfare not included.

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Info: Zicasso

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After seven decades of relying chiefly on U.S. military guarantees, Japan is considering moving its Self-Defense Forces into a more aggressive posture to help counter the growing threat from North Korea and Chinas expanding military in the region.

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson makes his first official visit to Tokyo, Seoul and Beijing this week, and his talks are expected to focus in large part on regional worries about North Korea, which test-launched four ballistic missiles last week.

His visit comes as U.S., South Korean and Japanese warships conduct military exercises off North Korea to test their ability to shoot down ballistic missiles, the U.S. Navy said. The government in Pyongyang has denounced the exercises, which have added to rising tensions in the region.

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At the same time, China has sharply criticized Washington for rushing an antimissile system known as Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense, or THAAD, to South Korea. Chinese analysts say the sophisticated radar also could be used to track Chinese missiles, giving the U.S. an advantage in case of war.

Now Japan reportedly plans to deploy its largest warship, the Izumo helicopter carrier, on a three-month tour through the South China Sea in what would be the largest show of Japanese naval force in the region since World War II.

The government in Tokyo also is considering obtaining land- or ship-based Tomahawk cruise missiles, or jets armed with standoff missiles or precision-guided bombs, for the first time.

Doing so would mark a milestone for a nation that has sent its troops abroad only for international peacekeeping missions since 1945.

After 70 years without war, it is difficult to convince Japanese that the time of peace could be over, said Toshimichi Nagaiwa, a retired lieutenant general and F-15 fighter pilot.

Look around us, our neighbors are increasing their capabilities, he said. If Japan wants to send a message of deterrence, it needs to have the right weapons.

Under the 1947 Constitution, Japan renounced war as a way to settle international disputes and affirmed that it will never again maintain land, sea, or air forces or other war potential.

During the Korean War, Japan was allowed to create a self-defense force to protect itself, but not to wage offensive war. The air, naval and ground forces now comprise about 250,000 personnel and cost $41 billion last year.

The United States has pledged to defend Japan under its nuclear umbrella and still stations about 54,000 American troops in Japan, more than in any other country.

But the growing threat from North Korea, which has tested increasingly sophisticated missiles and larger-yield nuclear devices, has sparked a debate on whether Japan should play a more aggressive role in defending itself.

The Japanese government has determined that it has the right to act preemptively to prevent an imminent attack. And the parliament agreed in 2015 to allow Japanese troops to come to the aid of allies overseas under a doctrine of collective defense.

But Japan has not obtained weapons that would allow for a first strike.

Legally, there is no issue, said Yoshihide Soeya, a political science professor at Keio Universitys law school in Tokyo. The issue is the allergy to military action within Japan.

Japan already has sea- and land-based missile defense systems that are supposed to stop an incoming North Korean barrage. The government is considering adding THAAD units, but experts say they could be overwhelmed in a large-scale attack.

If there are three or four missiles coming at you, it will make your life difficult to stop them, said Narushige Michishita, a former Japanese Defense Ministry official who teaches at the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies in Tokyo. Nothing is 100% efficient.

The Japanese government called North Koreas test of four ballistic missiles this month a simulated saturation attack designed to overwhelm Japans defense systems by launching a volley of missiles at a single target. The four fell in the ocean about 200 miles off Japan.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abes ruling Liberal Democratic Party has convened a defense study group to examine military policies, including potential first strike capabilities.

Japan needs to come to its own defense, said Hideaki Kaneda, a retired Japanese vice admiral and fellow at the Japan Institute of International Affairs. Japan needs to become a normal country.

Abe was one of the first foreign leaders to visit President Trump after the inauguration, and they were at Trumps Mar-a-Lago resort in South Florida when North Korea test-launched a ballistic missile on Feb. 12. Photos posted on Facebook by another guest showed the two leaders conferring over dinner when the news was announced.

william.hennigan@latimes.com

Twitter: @wjhenn

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PM Rutte leads Dutch exit polls ahead of populist Wilders

From:Xinhua | 2017-03-16 09:40

Dutch Prime Minister and People's Party for Freedom and Democracy VVD leader Mark Rutte gestures during election night for his liberal rightist party VVD in The Hague, the Netherlands, on March 15, 2017. The liberal rightist party VVD of Prime Minister Mark Rutte took the lead in the Dutch parliamentary elections, according to the final exit poll released on Wednesday, with the far-right party PVV staying far behind. (Xinhua/Ye Pingfan)

THE HAGUE, March 15 (Xinhua) -- The liberal rightist party VVD of Prime Minister Mark Rutte took the lead in the Dutch parliamentary elections, according to the final exit poll released on Wednesday, with the far-right party PVV staying far behind.

The definite exit poll forecasted the VVD got 31 seats of the 150 seats in the House of Representatives, or lower house of the parliament.

The PVV, the center-right Christian Democrats CDA, and the leftist liberals D66 were expected to garner 19 seats each. The green leftist GroenLinks obtained 16 seats, followed by the leftist Socialist Party SP with 14 seats and the leftist Labor party PvdA with nine seats.

The amount of 31 seats means a loss of 10 seats for the VVD compared to the previous elections in 2012. The PVV gained four seats compared to the previous elections, but the result was thought to be a disappointment for its leader Geert Wilders, because his party had long led pre-election polls.

The VVD beating the PVV in the race to become the biggest party means that the Dutch people have refused to give power to a right wing populist party.

After the Brexit vote and Donald Trump's victory in the U.S. presidential election, a win for the PVV could have been the continuation of the wind of populism blowing through Europe and a barometer for the upcoming elections in France and Germany.

With the first place, the VVD would have the right of priority to form a coalition government.

Based on the results forecasted by the exit polls, Rutte will have to form a cabinet consisting of at least four parties.

Before the elections, Rutte had already stated that CDA and D66 are his favorite parties to govern with, but the fourth party has to come from the left, GroenLinks, SP or PvdA, which will be more difficult.

The Labor which formed the outgoing coalition government with the VVD, is the biggest loser in the elections, according to the final exit poll. The Labor party lost 29 seats compared to four and a half years ago.

Compared to 2012, CDA gained six seats, D66 won seven more seats, and SP lost one seat while GroenLinks became the biggest winner with a gain of 12 seats.
First came the sighs of relief  and now come hard questions. Has the march of far-right populism in Europe been halted? Or is it still a force to be reckoned with?

Congratulations poured in Thursday from leaders across Europe after Dutch Prime Minister Mark Ruttes center-right party garnered the largest share of parliamentary seats, blunting a challenge from firebrand Geert Wilders, whos been called the Netherlands Donald Trump.

But Wilders, a stridently anti-immigrant, anti-European Union figure with a trademark shock of bleached-blond hair, still drew substantial support in Wednesdays vote, with his party scoring the second-largest bloc of parliamentary seats.

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The vote in the Netherlands had been closely watched as a potential bellwether. Elections are set later this year in France and Germany, where antiestablishment populists have also surged to greater prominence over the past year  a phenomenon driven in large measure by anxiety over immigration from Muslim-majority countries.

I think the lesson from this election is that the mainstream can stop the populist rise, but they have to take seriously the concerns of the populists, and they have to address them, said Pieter Cleppe of the European Union policy think tank Open Europe.

The series of European votes comes against the backdrop of an increasingly bitter public row between Europe  the Netherlands in particular  and its NATO ally Turkey, a consequential clash that could portend a split over the very issue most roiling Europe: refugees and migrants.

Analysts point to the fact that far-right figures like Wilders do not necessarily need electoral victories to influence policy and inflame public sentiment. He is expected to remain in his role as a flame-throwing outsider, neither seeking a role in the governing coalition to be formed, nor being courted for one.

Rutte, expected to lead the next Dutch government, portrayed the vote as a rejection of what he called the wrong kind of populism. Wilders had derided Moroccans living in the Netherlands as scum, called for the countrys borders to be closed to asylum seekers and demanded a ban on the Koran.

But during the campaign, Wilders was seen as moving the needle on political discourse, a pattern likely to continue.

Over the past week, Rutte took a hard line against Turkish politicians holding rallies in the Netherlands aimed at wooing support from the 400,000 Turks in residence, many of them eligible to vote in Turkeys constitutional referendum next month.

Wilders took credit for forcing the government to take a stand and keep the Turkish ministers away, and the Dutch daily newspaper Trouw in turn cited an assist from Ankara in helping Ruttes party win the largest share of votes.

Turkish officials offered sour non-congratulations. Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, denied permission to go to Holland over the weekend for a rally, said in comments carried by the Anadolu news agency that there was no difference between Ruttes party or that of the fascist Wilders.

They are of the same mentality, the Turkish minister said. Turkey has already threatened to abrogate a pact with the European Union that vastly slowed the migrant influx via its territory.

Commentators predicted the immigration issue will continue to be divisive and high-profile, both in the Netherlands and campaigns elsewhere. During the campaign, Rutte unleashed his strongest language yet regarding assimilation by Muslim arrivals, admonishing them in an open letter this year to either act normal or leave.

An election triumph for Wilders would have been read as an ominous portent for the European Union, still shaken by Britains vote in June to exit the 28-member bloc. European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker warmly praised the Dutch result as a victory for free and tolerant societies in a prosperous Europe and declared the result an inspiration for many.

This was the first European election to take place following Britains Brexit referendum and also the first since Trump rode an antiestablishment wave all the way to the White House. Rutte painted his countrys vote as bucking an international trend.

After Brexit, after the U.S. elections, the [Dutch] people have said no, he said.

That theme was quickly picked up in congratulatory messages. In France, where the far-right National Front has gained in popularity, President Francois Hollande called the Dutch result a clear victory against extremism in all its forms.

The values of openness, respect for others and a faith in Europes future are the only true response to the nationalist impulses and isolationism that are shaking the world, said Hollande, a Socialist who is not seeking reelection, due at least in part to his deep unpopularity.

In Germany, where elections are scheduled for September and the far-right Alternative for Germany could win seats for the first time, Chancellor Angela Merkel warmly congratulated Rutte, calling the vote a good day for democracy. Her chief of staff described the Netherlands as a champion.

With 95% of the vote counted, Ruttes Peoples Party for Freedom and Democracy looked set to secure 33 of the 150 seats in parliament, with Wilders Freedom Party coming in second with 20 seats, a gain of five over its 2012 tally.

But Wilders struck a defiant note, calling his showing a sign of his movements growing strength.

We are not a party that has lost, he said. We gained seats. Thats a result to be proud of.

That emphasis on an improved performance was echoed by far-right allies elsewhere in Europe.

Its a real success, Nicolas Bay, secretary-general of Le Pens National Front, told French radio.

Party leaders began coalition talks Thursday, but the process was expected to be a protracted one, with Rutte needing to find at least three partner parties to secure a majority of seats and form a government.

In all likelihood, Wilders voice will continue to be heard.

He wants to influence the debate and, indirectly, policy, Cleppe said. His struggle was to try to influence politics from the opposition  to a certain extent, thats working.

Special correspondent Boyle reported from London and Times staff writer King from Washington.
A Somali official says pirates who seized a Comoros-flagged oil tanker have released the ship without conditions.

Security official Ahmed Mohamed tells the Associated Press the pirates have disembarked the ship, which is now heading to Bosaso port, the regions commercial hub.

He says the release occurred after negotiations by local elders and local officials with the pirates, who seized the tanker Monday.

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Naval forces and the pirates clashed earlier Thursday.

The hijacking of the Aris 13 was the first such seizure of a large commercial vessel off Somalia since 2012.

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Kristine Tompkins and her late husband started buying and conserving land in South America more than two decades ago.

Over the years, the couple  who had run the clothing companies Patagonia Inc., North Face and Esprit  had a hand in conserving more than 3.4 million acres of land in Chile and Argentina, personally investing $345 million in park projects and philanthropic work.

Now, Tompkins, a California native, is donating 1 million of those acres to Chile as part of an agreement with the Chilean government to expand the countrys national parkland. That park space is three times the size of Los Angeles.

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Under the agreement, signed Wednesday by Chilean President Michelle Bachelet, the government is kicking in an additional 10 million acres of federally owned land for national park designation, according to the Tompkins Conservation.

Like most big ideas, to achieve them there must be partners who share the vision, those who can imagine a place or time a hundred years from now and do what is necessary to create something spectacular, something that will withstand the test of time, Tompkins said in a statement. And this we have found in the partnership with President Bachelet and her government.

The agreement will expand three national parks and create five new ones, including the Pumalin and Patagonia parks, two crown jewels of the Tompkins Conservations park creation work.

Under the agreement, Melimoyu Park will also be designated as a national park, while Cerro Castillo and Alacalufe reserves will be reclassified as national parks. Meanwhile, the Hornopiren, Corcovado and Isla Magdalena national parks will be expanded, said Tompkins Conservation spokeswoman Alison Kelman.

With national park status, those lands will receive the highest levels of federal protection, Kelman said. The designations still require the approval of Chiles National Congress.

The proposal would create a network of 17 national parks stretching across more than 1,500 miles from Puerto Montt down to Cape Horn. A popular destination for hikers and campers across the globe, the region is known for its stunning landscapes.

Tompkins, the former CEO of the Patagonia Inc., moved to Chile in 1993 with her husband, Doug, who founded the outdoor clothing retailer North Face and the apparel company Esprit. He died after a kayaking accident in 2015.

I wish my husband Doug, whose vision inspired todays historic pledge, were here on this memorable day, Tompkins said in a statement. He would speak of national parks being one of the greatest expressions of democracy that a country can realize, preserving the masterpieces of a nation for all of its citizenry.

alene.tchekmedyian@latimes.com

Follow me on Twitter @AleneTchek
Crime statistics and a Gender Scorecard compiled by womens rights activists have put chilling new perspective on an age-old social ill in India: Bride-burning and other dowry crimes take the life of a woman every hour.

Despite a rapidly expanding middle class, enviable economic growth and measurable strides in modernization since Indias 1947 independence, dowry deaths continue to rise year on year, as does the related plague of cruelty by husband and relatives -- the crime defined as torture committed against women in pursuit of more marriage bounty from their parents.

Indias National Crime Records Bureau last week reported that 8,233 Indian women were killed in 2012 in dowry-related violence, or nearly one per hour. The incidence of dowry deaths grew by nearly 3% over the previous five years, and torture at the hands of a husband or family increased by 5.4%, with 99,135 cases reported by survivors in 2011.

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The scope of the problems is likely to be wider than the statistics suggest, as many women and their parents are reluctant to seek prosecution for fear of scandal that would destroy their other daughters chances of getting married, analysts say.

Sociologists and womens rights advocates attribute the disturbingly persistent trends to rising consumerism in India, where once-scarce and unaffordable goods like appliances and motor vehicles are now available but still beyond the reach of many families.

Bride-burning and other fatal attacks over disappointing dowries began tapering off after independence as education and income levels began a slow rising trend, said Vishakha Desai, a former president of the Asia Society and professor at Columbia Universitys School of International and Public Affairs.

In 1961, Parliament passed the Dowry Prohibition Act, banning the payment of dowries as a condition for marriage. But the law is widely ignored, said Desai, especially among those newly elevated from poverty to the middle class.

What has happened in the last 25-30 years as India has become much more conscious of material possessions is that it has come back with a vengeance, she said of the fatal abuses. You have dowry demands for things like a refrigerator or a motor scooter. Its no longer about jewelry or things a woman could hold on to as her own.

For centuries tradition dictated that the brides family provide her with gold, jewelry and a trousseau as she left her parental home to live with her in-laws, a way of ensuring her a degree of economic security, said Desai.

In many ways modernization has made the problem worse, she noted. Online dating services in India make it easier for parents to check out the social and economic status of potential spouses for their children and vet their preferred candidates before the prospective couples even meet.

The persistent abuse of young brides by in-laws seeking more dowry is just one of numerous dangers faced by women that has been detailed in the 2013 Gender Scorecard compiled by Radha Kumar of the Delhi Policy Group think tank.

Another disturbing trend is the falling sex ratio in India, where there are now only 940 women for each 1,000 men because of a cultural preference for boys over girls. The gender determination now available from ultrasound early in a pregnancy apparently has led to more terminations of female fetuses, analysts have concluded.

The Gender Scorecard also noted that prosecution and conviction rates for crimes against women are abysmally low and discourage already reluctant victims from seeking justice. Convictions are secured in only 24% of rape cases and the rate is 33% for those accused of killing women in the course of trying to extort more dowry from their families, Kumar said in a televised discussion on violence against women on NDTV.

Suman Nalwa, of the Delhi Police unit responsible for crimes against women and children, told the Press Trust of India that violence by those in pursuit of dowries is seen at all economic levels.

The higher socio-economic strata is equally involved in such practices, she said. Even the highly educated class of our society do not say no to dowry. It runs deep into our social system.

Ranjana Kumari, another womens rights activist, laid the blame for barbaric attacks on young brides to a culture of greed that pervades all levels of Indian society.

Marriages have become commercialized. Its like a business proposition where the groom and his family make exorbitant demands, she was quoted as saying by the Times of India. And the wealthier the family, the more outrageous the demands.

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A foreign correspondent for 25 years, Carol J. Williams traveled to and reported from more than 80 countries in Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America.
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Samsung has officially unveiled their very own iPad Pro competitor called the Galaxy Tab S3 last month. But while the company showed off everything about their brand new tablet, they have declined to give further details on pricing or availability.

But Samsung fans are finally getting to know the Galaxy Tab S3's price in an official announcement. According to The Verge, Best Buy currently has the Tab S3 listed for $600.

That price would include the S Pen stylus, but it doesn't include Samsung's keyboard case. The keyboard will also be sold separately for $129.99, which brings the price for the full Galaxy Tab S3 package way up to about $730.

The Galaxy Tab S3 gets very pricey for an Android tablet, but despite that, it still comes in beneath the iPad Pro. Apple is currently selling its comparable model, the 9.7-inch Pro, for $599, while selling its keyboard case and stylus separately for $149 and $99, respectively.

At this point, people can find the iPad at discounted prices, but without a sale, the price for everything would go up to a whopping $847 for all three. It's even more expensive than the full package for the Tab S3.

A report from CNET states the importance of Samsung to stay competitive with Apple in terms of pricing here since the Galaxy Tab S3 is really conceptualized, developed, and designed to go head-to-head with the iPad Pro. It's a very powerful 9.7-inch tablet that is focused mainly on productivity, with a high-resolution display, four speakers, and special stylus features; it even has the same top-line description as the iPad Pro.

Of course, there are also some bigger challenges that Samsung has to overcome in terms of selling their Tab S3, most notably, the lack of great Android tablet apps. Developers have been aggressively customizing apps for the iPad's larger screen for years, but have been rather slow to do the same for Android tablets.

That can potentially lead to a worse overall experience, which makes any Android tablet a much harder product to sell. There's also still no word on the official launch date, but chances are, Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 is coming very much soon.
OnePlus 5 rumors suggest that the upcoming device will launch with some of the most sophisticated features, competing directly with market leaders - Apple and Samsung. The latest flagship OnePlus smartphone will be powered by Android 7.0 Nougat and is rumored to launch the dual edged display screen, just like Samsung Galaxy S7.

According to PC Advisor, OnePlus 5 rumors are strong enough to suggest that the much touted star device is imminent. Speculations hint that the smartphone will launch in two variants and feature glass and aluminum body.

There is also a possibility of a USB-Type C connector. Under the hood, the device will reportedly run on Snapdragon 835 processor and will sport 6GB RAM with 64GB internal storage. At the top end, another variant will feature128GB internal storage that can be expanded up to 256GB with a microSD card.

OnePlus 5 rumors also indicate that the smartphone will have 23MP rear camera and 16GB front camera. Additionally, it will come equipped with 4000mAh battery power with a provision for faster charging.

Even though the company is yet to officially confirm the device, OnePlus 5 rumors already hail the smartphone as iPhone 8 and Samsung Galaxy S8 killer. OnePlus is also speculated to introduce 4K display AMOLED screen with high quality video designed using the latest 3D technology.

Meanwhile, OnePlus 5 rumors also mention that a new device is to be launched much earlier than expected. A recent wallpaper shared on Twitter by @evleaks suggest that a new OnePlus phone, be it OnePlus 5 or OnePlus 3T, will be out soon. At the same time, David Ruddock from Android Police also tweeted that a "dark announcement" is to be expected by the Chinese manufacturer.

At the same time, GSM Arena reported that a blue colored OnePlus 3T will reportedly launch today. The smartphone manufacturer has been dropping hints about collaboration with Collette boutique in Paris, suggesting that it is up to something, and it is nothing to do with swirling OnePlus 5 rumors.

If the speculations around the matter are true, then OnePlus enthusiasts can expect to see a new OnePlus 3T smartphone in Colette's signature blue. Another possibility is that the French fashion company will introduce a line of accessories for the smartphone.
Mexican authorities have discovered a mass grave in Mexico that contains 32 bodies and nine heads hidden in the Southern part of the region. The said bodies were believed to be plagued by violence from drug cartels.

The investigators have exhumed the remains of 31 men and one woman from the mass grave in Mexico which was found on the hillside in Zitlala where the turf wars between the rival criminal gangs are common to happen.

According to The Guardian, the mass grave in Mexico contains more than 250 skulls which appear to be a burial ground on the outskirts of the city of Veracruz. Jorge Winckler, the state prosecutor, confirmed that discovered burial pits contain the victims of the drug cartels years ago.

For years, the government and the authorities are complacent with the drug cartels that killed people. The state prosecutor did not specify when the remains were found in the mass grave in Mexico and by whom.

Many advocacy groups urged the authorities to excavate the mass grave in Mexico to find their missing relatives or loved ones. According to BBC, the skulls and bones were discovered in a wooded area known as Colinas de Santa Fe.

This is the place where the activists have been exploring since 2016 by sinking rods into the ground and withdrawing them to detect an odor of decomposition from the mass grave in Mexico. When the group found the burial pits, they immediately informed the authorities to carry out the final excavations.

Jorge Winckler said that the excavation of the mass grave in Mexico covers only a part of the lot where the bodies and skulls were found. The state prosecutor said that he cannot imagine how many people were illegally buried in the mass grave in Mexico.

According to their initial reports, the mass grave in Mexico contains 2,400 individuals who went missing for several years. The advocacy groups blamed the authorities for not doing something to identify the missing people who were kidnapped and killed.




Planet Earth had become a giant snowball for at least five million years because of the event is known as the Sturtian glaciation, a no ordinary Ice Age that happened 717 million years ago. It is a mysterious phenomenon that spurred from pole to pole until now.

According to New Atlas, a new study reveals that the answer to the mystery might lie in the continual volcanic eruptions that may dump massive amounts of aerosols into the air and rapidly cool the planet. Harvard University's scientist proposes that the incidence of both snowball Earth and the major volcanism activity is not a coincidence.

With so much analysis, the researchers ended up looking into aerosols that might be the possible cause because of these volcanic emissions could give rise to such dramatic effects. These are the types of eruptions that happened over and over again all throughout the geological time, yet it is not related to any cooling events.

Mail Online reported that this mystery is known as the Franklin Large Igneous Province (LIP), a volcanic rock that is erupted through sulfur-rich sediments. These sediments will be launched into the atmosphere as a sulfur dioxide, a compound that absorbs solar radiation in the upper atmosphere. This event saw during the eruption of Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines in 1991, which produces 10 million metric tons of sulfur in the air.

The researchers found that the sulfur dioxide reaches the stratosphere is critical in the effect. Because this is where most of the solar radiation that keeps the Earth warm enters, which means the light-reflecting gas that entered is just in the right spot to activate cooling. Cooling from aerosols does not make the planet frozen but drives the ice into a critical latitude.

These events will help the researchers to understand and also could provide important insights on the past extinctions. It also helps people to predict how the geoengineering strategy may affect the climate change.
Foreign ministers of China, Burundi hold talks on ties

From:Xinhua | 2017-03-16 08:40

BEIJING, March 15 (Xinhua) -- China and Burundi agreed to expand cooperation after talks between foreign ministers of the two countries in Beijing on Wednesday.

China supports Burundi's development path, and is ready to enhance cooperation in agriculture, infrastructure, human resources development and other areas, said Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Wang also called on the two countries to expand cultural and people-to-people exchanges and conduct closer coordination on international and regional affairs.

Burundian Minister of External Relations and International Cooperation Alain Aime Nyamitwe said the Burundian government would work with the Chinese side to continue their mutual support for each other on issues involving their respective core interests and major concerns.

Nyamitwe invited Chinese companies to invest in Burundi.

The two sides also signed an agreement on a consultation mechanism between foreign ministries.
More than 120,000 Energizer Xbox One 2X Smart Chargers are being recalled for possible burn hazard. Authorities encourage owners of the Energizer Xbox One controller chargers that were manufactured in China to contact the Performance Designed Products (PDP) to get refunds.

NBC New York reports that the manufacturer has received more than 20 complaints of the Energizer Xbox One controller chargers. They detailed that the reports include burning odor smell, plastic cover deformities and overheating.

To specify the alert only covers the Energizer Xbox One controller chargers that were sold in the US from February 2016 to last month. These devices were sold for around $40 and could be bought at retailers including GameStop and Best Buy.

According to GameSpot, around 10,000 Energizer Xbox One controller chargers were also sold in neighboring countries including Mexico and Canada. The recall also detailed that nobody has been hurt by the defunct controllers so far. The voluntary product recall is a precaution for possible burn hazard from overheating based on the reports the PDP has received.

For those who don't know, the Energizer Xbox One controller chargers have a black plastic covering with a label from Energizer. The affected chargers can hold two controllers and have the code 048-052-NA printed on the back. Consumers are encouraged to stop using the hazardous controllers as it can overheat Xbox One controllers that could possibly result in overheating and burns.

Those who want refunds for the affected Energizer Xbox One controller chargers should contact the PDP instead of returning it to the retailers where they bought them. The PDP will provide full refunds for the affected chargers.

For questions and concerns regarding the affected Energizer Xbox One controller chargers, the PDP can be called at 800-263-1156. Their lines are open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on weekdays only.
Chinese envoy calls for enhanced efforts to combat human trafficking

From:Xinhua | 2017-03-16 08:40

UNITED NATIONS, March 15 (Xinhua) -- The international community must step up efforts to combat human trafficking and slavery in regions of conflict, said a Chinese envoy here on Wednesday.

Liu Jieyi, China's permanent representative to the UN, made the appeal at a Security Council debate on human trafficking.

Liu said international community should support countries concerned in combating such criminal activities by providing them with targeted assistance in law enforcement, border control and financial regulation.

"On the other hand, we need to enhance international cooperation with the focus on law enforcement and leverage the role of regional and sub-regional organizations, pool all resources available to investigate, disrupt and dismantle trafficking networks," he said.

Liu also said the international community should uphold unified counter-terrorism standard and take coordinated and concerted action to fight against crimes of human trafficking and enslavement.

"We need to take an integrated approach with political and economic means to stem the financial flow to terrorist organizations from human trafficking and enslavement so as to dismantle their criminal networks," he added.

In addition, Liu called for political settlement to regional conflict to eradicate the breeding ground to human trafficking and other criminal activities.

He said the international community should work harder on political solutions to hot-spot issues, advance their political process in line with principles in UN Charter, and settle disputes through dialogue and consultations.

Human trafficking thrives in regions where conflict prevails and the rule of law is weak. Extremist groups have been capturing and trading enslaved women and children to obtain funding for their terrorist activities.
China's aid boosts teacher education in Africa: UN official

From:Xinhua | 2017-03-16 08:40

by Ronald Ssekandi

KAMPALA, March 16 (Xinhua) -- China's aid to the education sector in Africa is helping boost teacher training, a key component in skilling the population to fast track development, a UN official has said.

Ann Therese Ndong-Jatta, Director of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Regional Office for Eastern Africa, in an interview recognized China's contribution to Africa's education sector over the years.

"We value the initiative in teacher training in Uganda and other countries in Africa. This will revitalize the teaching profession," she said.

China through UNESCO donated equipment to three teacher training institutions in Uganda on March 3. Figures from the Chinese embassy here show that 137 tutors were trained and 272 pieces of Information Communication and Technology and studio equipment were donated.

Ndong-Jatta said tutors were skilled on how to integrate technology with traditional methods of training.

China through UNESCO is funding an 8-million-U.S.-dollar project aimed at narrowing the educational quality gap on the continent.

The project "Enhancing Teacher Education for Bridging the Education Quality Gap in Africa" aims to accelerate progress towards the achievement of Education for All and the Sustainable Development Goal 4, which is quality education.

The four-year project that started in 2012 focuses on providing a sufficient number of qualified teachers in Africa through training programs.

Eight African countries including Cote d'Ivoire, Ethiopia, Namibia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Congo, Liberia, Tanzania, and Uganda are benefiting from the program.

Ndong-Jatta said besides cooperation in the primary education level, China has been cooperating with Africa to boost higher education.

China helped set up the Capacity Building Institute of Teacher Education in Ethiopia, and the regional director said some African countries also had student and teacher exchanges with China.

She said a conference has been scheduled in Djibouti to discuss how to boost further cooperation with China in the area of higher education.
Mar 16, 2017, 5:16am ET

Alfa: No replacements for compact hatchbacks

Alfa\'s plan to launch six new models by 2020 has derailed.

Alfa Romeo's plan to re-invent itself by launching six new models before 2020 has derailed, the company has confirmed.

The MiTo and the Giulietta -- models introduced in 2008 and 2010, respectively -- were initially set to spawn at least one replacement that would compete in the same segment as the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and the BMW 1 Series. However, company boss Reid Bigland has confirmed those plans have been put on ice.

"The European market will be a consideration, but we'll take quite strongly Asia and North America [into consideration too]. In China and North America, the compact segments are small," he told British magazine Autocar during an interview on the sidelines of last week's Geneva Auto Show.

Production of both hatchbacks will continue "for the foreseeable future," according to Bigland, but it sound like neither model will get a direct replacement. Instead, the next new Alfa Romeo model will be a crossover positioned either directly above or directly below the Stelvio. Company officials still haven't made up their mind, which suggests the soft-roader is still at least a couple of years from arriving in showrooms.

A product plan published in September of last year reveals Alfa's renaissance will include coupe and convertible variants of the Giulia, as well as a bigger sedan aimed directly at the BMW 5 Series and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Whether those models are still on track for production is up in the air.

Alfa Romeo Giulietta pictured. Photo by Ronan Glon.
Mar 15, 2017, 5:01pm ET

Marchionne plays hard to get: 'zero interest' in VW merger

FCA\'s CEO just days ago raised the idea of a possible merger with VW.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles chief executive Sergio Marchionne has shot down the idea of a merger with Volkswagen, just days after he raised the idea at the Geneva Motor Show.

The outspoken executive today claimed FCA has "zero interest" in pursuing merger talks with VW, as quoted by Reuters.

Perhaps Marchionne was offended by VW CEO Matthias Mueller's first reaction to the apparent proposition. Mueller initially dismissed the idea, saying "we have other problems," though he later clarified "I am not ruling out a conversation" and called for his colleague to engage such talks in private first before going public.

Finding no success in pursuing a merger with FCA's top choice, General Motors, Marchionne in Geneva claimed that GM's sale of Opel to PSA Group creates a new entity that "threatens VW most" by creating a new contender for the top global automaker.

Despite the rebuff, Marchionne promises to keep an open door if Mueller ever wants to talk merger.

"If he wants to come, he knows where I live," he said.
Mar 16, 2017, 10:07am ET

Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance could co-develop next Patrol, Pajero

Nissan and Mitsubishi could team up for the next-generation of large SUVs.

Nissan is looking to take advantage of its recent acquisition of Mitsubishi by co-developing large SUVs with its new strategic partner. Nissan purchased a controlling stake in Mitsubishi in late 2016.

Product development is a huge expenditure for automakers, so it makes sense that Nissan is already exploring ways to save money through its new partnership. The most obvious area of overlap between the two companies is large SUVs  Nissan has the Patrol (sold here as the Armada) while Mitsubishi currently sells the full-size Pajero in other global markets. Moreover, both models are advancing in age and will soon need a total overhaul.

According to Trevor Mann, chief operating officer for Mitsubishi, Nissan and Mitsubishi are currently discussing the development of the next Patrol and Pajero as a joint project. Nissan would likely handle most of the platform development while Mitsubishi would offer its expertise in plug-in hybrid drivetrains.

"How to make this work is something that we are working on because that segment is coming under increasing pressure in terms of CO2 compliance, Mann told Motoring on the sidelines of the recent Geneva Motor Show. "It is a big, heavy vehicle. One of the things that we need to look at is what are the benefits that we could have in terms of sustaining that product if we were to work with Nissan. That is something we will be exploring.

He continued: "One of the things you need with a vehicle like that is high torque and one of the things you get with an electric motor is high torque. The solution has to be technically along that direction.

A timeline for the new SUV twins hasn't been nailed down yet, but it'll likely be a few years before we see either. The Nissan Patrol was last redesigned in 2010 while the Mitsubishi Pajero hasn't seen a ground-up redesign since 2000.
Mar 16, 2017, 4:49am ET

Volkswagen bets on crossovers for US recovery

The old Tiguan will stick around for a while longer.

Volkswagen is counting on an unprecedented crossover offensive to turn around its troubled North American division.

Currently, crossovers and SUVs make up between 10 and 12 percent of the Wolfsburg-based company's lineup on our shores. Hinrich Woebcken, the head of Volkswagen's North American division, told Ward's Auto he wants that figure to balloon to about 40 percent in the coming years.

One of the more surprising tidbits of information is that the current, first-generation Tiguan will stick around for a while longer. It will be sold alongside the new, seven-seater model unveiled in January at the Detroit Auto show and positioned as an entry-level offering. It will need a new name, of course.

The Touareg will keep its spot as Volkswagen's range-topping SUV. The Atlas (pictured) could spawn a smaller model with just five seats, but Woebcken has shot down the recent rumors that claim a Honda Ridgeline-fighting pickup truck is in the works. There's no enthusiasm in Wolfsburg for such a model, he explained, because the segment is relatively small.

The focus on high-riding models doesn't mean Volkswagen will overlook its sedans. Ward's Auto has learned a brand new Jetta will make its debut next year, and the U.S.-spec Passat will be replaced in 2019. The Beetle is safe, too.

"This is typical with emotional products that peak early and then wind down. But there still is a huge community out there that still loves the car. We're going to continue bringing out special editions to keep that product fresh," he promised.
Mar 16, 2017, 11:35am ET

VW cries foul after German prosecutors raid law firm

VW had hired the firm, Jones Day, to complete an internal investigation, but the full findings were never made public.

Volkswagen has cried foul after German prosecutors raided the outside law firm, Jones Day, that handled the company's internal investigation of the emissions scandal.

Officials searched both Jones Day and Audi offices on Wednesday, hinting at an ongoing inquiry aimed at identifying individuals who may have been responsible for the emissions cheat, according to Reuters.

"In our opinion the search of a law firm mandated by a company contravenes the principles of the code of criminal procedure," VW spokesman Eric Felber said in a particularly adversarial statement.

VW initially promised to release findings from the Jones Day probe. The company later backtracked, however, and argued that it must maintain 'confidentiality' as it pursued settlement agreements with US regulators. The statement immediately raised red flags, prompting some investors to push for a wider independent investigation. The group argued that Jones Day was only focusing on lower employees and the management board, potentially shielding the supervisory board.

German prosecutors are said to be investigating at least 37 workers and executives.
A man will spend 15 years in prison after he was found with cocaine in a double-parked car in Allentown.

Khrist Gonzalez-Colon was charged after police found him Feb. 9, 2016, with the drugs in the car illegally parked in the 400 block of Seventh Street in Allentown.

He was sentenced Thursday by U.S. District Judge Edward Smith.

Police recovered 550 grams of cocaine, a handgun and $4,600 as a result of the traffic citation. Gonzalez-Colon pleaded guilty in federal court in Easton to one drug crime and two weapons offenses.

Gonzalez-Colon was on federal supervision for a prior crime when he was caught with the drugs, according to Assistant U.S. Attorney Sherri Stephan.

"Drugs, like cocaine, have an immeasurable impact on a community and deteriorate neighborhoods, destroy lives, and are the cause of other crimes including violent offenses," she wrote in her sentencing memorandum.

Golzalez-Colon grew up fatherless in a housing project in Puerto Rico, according to a sentencing memorandum by defense attorney Maria Pedraza. He was forced to work to help support his family at a young age, she wrote.

Rudy Miller may be reached at rmiller@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @RudyMillerLV. Find Easton area news on Facebook.
dewey fire

Dewey Fire Co. No. 1, in Hellertown. (Lehighvalleylive.com file photo)

The former treasurer of Dewey Fire Co. in Hellertown admitted Thursday to charges in the theft of $395,081 to fuel what prosecutors called a gambling habit.

Agnes H. Patterson, 52, of Hellertown, pleaded guilty to theft and access device fraud, both of which are felonies.

The Northampton County District Attorney's Office dropped three additional charges under a negotiated plea deal, according to court records.

Senior Judge Leonard Zito deferred sentencing to 9 a.m. May 19 to allow time for a pre-sentencing investigation.

The plea deal calls for a sentence of one to two years in Northampton County Prison, The Morning Call reports.

That offer may be moot once Zito reviews the investigation and considers Patterson's ability to repay the $395,081 through restitution, said county Assistant District Attorney Laura M. Majewski said following Thursday's plea.

"The contention lies in being able to restore that to the victims in a timely fashion," she said.

Patterson had put $25,000 toward restitution into an escrow account held by her defense attorney, Robert Eyer, according to Majewski. Eyer did not immediately return a message seeking comment Thursday afternoon.

Patterson has been free on $10,000 unsecured bail since her arrest Nov. 16.

An audit last July raised concerns about suspicious withdrawals, leading to an investigation and the charges against Patterson.

Patterson took $53,142 in cash withdrawals and made $341,939 in purchases on fire company accounts.

Patterson reportedly told fire company members she used the money to support her gambling habit.

Records show she used the money to gamble at the Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem; Mohegan Sun in Wilkes-Barre; Monticello Casino & Raceway in Monticello, New York; Foxwoods casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut; and various casinos in Atlantic City. The illegal purchases dated to 2009 and were made at several businesses.

Dewey Fire Co. was also victimized by former Hellertown Brough Council member John M. Bate, 57, who was arrested last month for improper time cards, authorities said.

Bate faces a preliminary hearing on three felony and one misdemeanor counts scheduled March 22 before District Judge Elizabeth Romig-Gainer.

Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @KurtBresswein. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
Bethlehem Township police charge trucker Maurice Adams fatally injured his wife on March 8 when he ran over her in the parking lot of a township hotel.

Maurice Butch Adams, 42, of Norcross, Georgia, is charged in an incident in Bethlehem Township after which his wife, Catrina, died March 8, 2017. (Courtesy photo | For lehighvalleylive.com)

But there has yet to be a medical ruling that she was killed.

An autopsy conducted last Thursday and overseen by the Lehigh County Coroner's Office determined Catrina Adams, 43, of Norcross, Georgia, "died from a heart contusion, multiple contusions/lacerations to her lungs, a fractured sternum, extensive blunt force trauma to the chest, multiple rib fractures, a lacerated liver and multiple vertebral fractures, determined by the pathologist and coroner to be consistent with a truck driving over the victim's body," township police said in an arrest affidavit.

Video shows Cartrina Adams about 11:15 a.m. outside the View Inn and Suites, 3191 Highfield Drive, police said. She walked toward the driver's side of the 2007 Freightliner truck cab, which then pulled out of the parking lot, police said.

"As the truck makes a left, (Catrina) Adams is seen lying in the path that the truck just drove," police said.

Maurice Adams came to his wife's aid, but she died soon after at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Muhlenberg, authorities said.

But when the autopsy was completed, Coroner Scott Grim said further testing was needed before a cause or manner of death could be determined.

Maurice Adams, 42, was charged anyway with homicide and aggravated assault and sent without bail to Northampton County Prison.

How could he be charged with homicide when the coroner hasn't ruled Catrina Adams was killed?

"The coroner's ruling, or the timing of it, is not always determinative on what and when we may charge," Northampton County District Attorney John Morganelli said. "Based on our view of the video, and the report of the autopsy, it was enough for us to charge a general count of criminal homicide which encompasses both murder and manslaughter."

Grim, who confirmed Thursday the testing continues, declined further comment, deferring to the district attorney and local police for the reasoning behind the charge.

Tony Rhodin may be reached at arhodin@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyRhodin. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
Taps Tavern in Lower Saucon Township

Taps Tavern in Lower Saucon Township. (Courtesy photo | Taps Tavern)

( )

The owner of a Lehigh Valley tavern caught a man stealing empty kegs Sunday, then learned he was the suspect in similar thefts going back 12 years, police said.

Andy Lee owns Taps Tavern off Route 378 in Lower Saucon Township, and drove to the restaurant and bar on Sunday morning.

Lee spotted a red Chevy sedan backed up to the rear of the tavern, then saw a man carrying two metal kegs, township police said.

The man put the kegs in his trunk and drove away, but not before Lee got the car's license plate number and called police. Security cameras also recorded the man and his vehicle, police said.

Police said the registration came back to Todd Smale, of the 1100 block of Eighth Street in North Catasauqua, and Smale matched the photos from the security camera.

Police said Smale was also a suspect in a similar theft of kegs from the bar, then known as Starters Pub, in 2005 and 2006. Combined, Smale is accused of stealing 46 empty kegs from the location, police said.

Keg deposits can range from $10 to $50, and each year more than 350,000 kegs are taken and not returned, according to the Beer Institute, an industry lobbying group based in Washington, D.C.

Charges of theft and receiving stolen property were filed against the 55-year-old Smale on Thursday. An attorney has not yet entered an appearance for him.

Sarah Cassi may be reached at scassi@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @SarahCassi. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
John Ibechem

John Ibechem of Palmer Township arrives for his federal court appearance March 16, 2017, in Easton on charges he smuggled a nanny into the U.S. from Nigeria.

(Rudy Miller)

The nanny working for John and Godever Ibechem left Nigeria for a chance to provide financial support for her orphaned nephews.

But her life in America did not live up to her expectations.

She said she was paid about $20 every other week to provide around-the-clock care for the Palmer Township couple's two sons. She shared a small bedroom with the boys, who were ages 1 and 2, when she arrived in the United States in 2009.

She said she rarely slept and changed the children's diapers while the parents slept. The older boy's autism made him tough to care for, she said. She did the cooking and cleaning, too.

She suffered deteriorating health but couldn't get care or leave the home because she feared the Ibechems would kill her family.

"I felt trapped. I thought I was going to die," she said in a letter read Thursday in federal court in Easton.

Each of the Ibechems was sentenced Thursday to nine months in federal prison. John Ibechem will start serving his time in 60 days. His wife will have custody of the boys until he's released and then she'll serve her nine months.

The nanny "essentially became a slave," according to U.S. District Court Judge Edward G. Smith. She was not in the courtroom and was identified only by her initials.

The judge could have tacked on more prison time for the Ibechems but determined the labor was not involuntarily coerced through threats. While the nanny feared retaliation against her family, authorities had no proof of any actual threats. One investigator described the nanny as "childlike" and unsophisticated.

She broke away from the Ibechems by soliciting the help of a neighbor to get to a safe house. But she had her own key to the Ibechem home and was free to go on walks around the neighborhood when she wanted.

"I'm not going to say it was all roses when she was here, but we're not talking about physical abuse, sexual abuse or deprivation of liberty," said defense attorney Gilbert Scutti.

"I'm not one who would have somebody in my house and treat someone with indentured servitude," said John Ibechem. "That's not my nature. That's not in my family's nature."

The nanny was 54 when she agreed to pose as Ibechem's deceased mother and used her passport to enter the country illegally. The Ibechems admitted they conspired to smuggle her in and failed to pay her minimum wage. But they sent money to the nanny's family in Nigeria, according to Scutti.

David Gorman, an agent with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, said the nanny was advised to take the deal to come to America because it was what God wanted her to do. She believed she would eventually become a legal citizen. Assistant U.S. Attorney Josh Davison said the nanny has been allowed to stay and work in the U.S. pending the result of her case. It's unclear whether she'll be permitted to stay now that the case is over.

While she was free to leave the Ibechem home, she couldn't drive and had no friends to go to for help. She had no reason to trust police given the corruption that was a part of her native culture, according to Davison.

"She had no life," he said. "She was invisible and they knew it and they took advantage of it."

Gorman said the last straw for the nanny came when her health deteriorated. She admits the Ibechems took her to doctors and even to a hospital, but they weren't willing to seek the help the nanny felt she needed because she wasn't insured and they feared her illegal status would be discovered.

She said she coughed up blood and suffered nosebleeds.

"At the end I had severe stomach pains, weight loss and blotches on my skin," the nanny wrote.

The nanny said in her letter to the court that she was scolded by the Ibechems when she went to a doctor on her own. The doctor turned her away because she didn't have "papers" she needed to be cared for, she said.

"I was heartbroken, terrified and alone," the nanny wrote.

The Ibechems agreed to pay the nanny $50,000 in restitution as part of the plea deal. Prosecutors say the nanny was cheated out of about $205,000 in wages.

John Ibechem, 60, has a master's degree and moved to the U.S. when he was 20. Godever Ibechem, 45, has a bachelor's degree and works as a nurse's aide. Both were born in Nigeria.

Rudy Miller may be reached at rmiller@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @RudyMillerLV. Find Easton area news on Facebook.
The Rev. Bernard F. O'Connor, president of DeSales University, is retiring and an alumnus of the university has been named his successor.

The Upper Saucon Township university's board of trustees on Thursday elected the Rev. James J. Greenfield to take over O'Connor's job effective Jan. 1, 2018, according to a news release.

The Rev. James Greenfield has been elected as the fourth president of DeSales University in Upper Saucon Township. He takes over on Jan. 1, 2018. (Courtesy photo)

He will be DeSales' fourth president and the first alumnus in the role.

O'Connor, who has been DeSales president since 1999, is retiring in May; Vice President for Student Affairs Gerard J. Joyce will serve as interim president until Greenfield takes over.

Greenfield currently serves as provincial of the Wilmington-Philadelphia Province of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales.

Board of Trustees Chairman W. Douglas Brown said in the news release that Greenfield has been a member of the board for nearly 15 years and is well known in the DeSales community. Brown also thanked O'Connor "for his vision and dedicated leadership of the university during the past 18 years."

Greenfield said in the release that he is honored to follow O'Connor.

"His leadership has strengthened the university's mission greatly," he said. "From my time as a student and now proud alumnus and trustee, I have experienced firsthand the deepening of the school's commitment to forming students in our rich Catholic tradition."

Greenfield's past experience in education includes serving as an adjunct lecturer at The George Washington University, The Catholic University of America, and the former Washington Theological Union. He also serves on board for several other Catholic schools in Philadelphia and Wilmington, Del.

He earned a bachelor's degree in politics from DeSales in 1984 and a master of divinity degree at DeSales School of Theology in 1990. He also holds two other degrees.

DeSales first opened in 1965 as the all-male Allentown College of St. Francis de Sales. Women were admitted to Allentown College in 1970 and the name was changed in 2001. More than 3,300 undergraduate, graduate and adult bachelor's degree students, through the ACCESS program, now attend DeSales.

Nick Falsone may be reached at nfalsone@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @nickfalsone. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
An Upper Bucks heroin ring that did almost $1 million in business in three years has been dismantled, leading to 13 arrests, Bucks County District Attorney Matthew Weintraub announced Wednesday.

Two brothers, 27-year-old Sheamus P. McCarthy and 22-year-old Casey J. McCarthy, are accused of leading the drug trafficking, initially from their remote family homestead in Richland Township and later from Springfield Township and Quakertown in Bucks, authorities said.

Casey McCarthy allegedly would pick up the heroin from a Philadelphia dealer, who is also charged, and return it to Bucks County with another vehicle driving erratically behind them, to run interference on any police who might take notice.

Sheamus McCarthy was a dealer and also "an enforcer-type, involved in fights and acts of violence," according to an excerpt from a 195-page grand jury presentment that led to the arrests.

A third brother, 25-year-old Thomas J. McCarthy, broke off and started his own, smaller operation from locations including Quakertown, Richland Township and Allentown, authorities said.

"Heroin kills. It has no redeeming value. It's poison," Weintraub said in a statement following a news conference on the arrests, held Wednesday afternoon in Doylestown. "And those who peddle this poison to our citizens -- to our children -- must be incapacitated."

The organization operated from late 2013 through late 2016, and business picked up following the arrest of another large-scale dealer in Upper Bucks in early 2014, Weintraub said. The McCathys filled the void and cemented a business relationship with the other dealer's main supplier, the presentment says.

Ryan E. Mokrynchuk, 24, of Quakertown, and Antoine H. "Twan" Harris, 28, of Philadelphia, were not in custody Wednesday, March 15, 2017, following a Bucks County grand jury presentment charging them with heroin and related crimes, authorities said. (Courtesy image | For lehighvalleylive.com)

Of the 13 facing charges, only two were not in custody Wednesday: Ryan E. Mokrynchuk, 24, of Quakertown, and the alleged Philadelphia dealer, 28-year-old Antoine H. "Twan" Harris.

The grand jury "investigated fatal and non-fatal overdoses in Upper Bucks County over the past two years, and recommended that we arrest 13 people for their part in a major heroin trafficking ring," Weintraub stated. "It will now be our job to seek justice in these cases."

The McCarthy organization trafficked in heroin bags stamped with identifying names such as Bueno, Miami, Protocol, Panela and Fresh, the grand jury said.

The Miami brand gained notoriety when an Upper Bucks man named Daniel Killion fatally overdosed on June 7, 2014, according to Weintraub's office; bags bearing the Miami stamp were found with Killion's body. Authorities could not prove the Miami heroin specifically caused Killion's death, but the incident provided police with an early link to the McCarthy organization, the presentment says.

Killion's suspected supplier, Lauren Bihl, was a low-level dealer connected by cellphone records and witness accounts to Sheamus and Casey McCarthy, the grand jury said. Bihl, 26, who has no fixed address, is charged in the scheme.

One day after Killion's overdose death, a woman named Kristine Turner suffered a non-fatal overdose after using the Miami-brand heroin in Milford Township, Bucks County, the presentment says; Turner was alleged to have purchased heroin directly from Sheamus McCarthy more than 100 times.

On Dec. 6, 2014, a man named Sean Brzyski fatally overdosed in Quakertown Although factors other than heroin also contributed to his death, police determined that Brzyski had recently bought heroin from Jillian Betts, who allegedly sold small quantities for Thomas McCarthy, the presentment says. Betts, who turns 25 this week and has no fixed address, is among those charged, as well.

By the fall of 2015, the McCarthy organization was selling between 200 and 400 bundles of heroin per week, with each bundle containing 10 to 14 bags of heroin, the presentment says.

In September 2015, a woman named Hillary Lauchmen was arrested after crashing her vehicle while high on heroin and with an 8-month-old child in the back seat, according to Weintraub. Several bags with the Panela stamp were thrown from her vehicle, and she identified a member of the McCarthy organization as her supplier, the presentment says.

Weintraub said the enterprise was a clear example of organized crime. Members of the organization would issue death threats against those who owed them money, as well as threatening their relatives, the presentment says.

The following 13 people are charged as follows, authorities said:

Sheamus Patrick McCarthy, 27, of Quakertown; charged with corrupt organizations, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities, criminal conspiracy, heroin and methamphetamine possession with intent, criminal use of a communications facility and reckless endangerment; not yet arraigned as of Wednesday afternoon.

Casey James McCarthy, 22, of Quakertown; charged with corrupt organizations, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities, heroin possession with intent to deliver, criminal conspiracy, criminal use of a communications facility and reckless endangerment; jailed in lieu of 10 percent of $15 million bail.

Thomas James McCarthy, 25, of Quakertown; charged with corrupt organizations, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities, heroin possession with intent to deliver, criminal conspiracy, criminal use of a communications facility and reckless endangerment; jailed in lieu of 10 percent of $15 million bail.

Kenneth Joseph Delp, 26, of Richlandtown; charged with corrupt organizations, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities, heroin possession with intent to deliver, criminal conspiracy, criminal use of a communications facility and reckless endangerment; jailed in lieu of 10 percent of $10 million bail.

Daniel Keith Moyer, 25, of Richlandtown; charged with corrupt organizations, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities, heroin possession with intent to deliver, criminal conspiracy and criminal use of a communications facility; jailed in lieu of 10 percent of $12 million bail.

Michael Levi Wentz, 21, of Perkasie; charged with corrupt organizations, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities, heroin and fentanyl possession with intent to deliver, criminal conspiracy, criminal use of a communications facility and reckless endangerment; jailed in lieu of 10 percent of $10 million bail.

Chad Eric Knechel, 45, of Richlandtown; charged with corrupt organizations, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities, heroin possession with intent to deliver, criminal conspiracy and criminal use of a communications facility; jailed in lieu of 10 percent of $7.5 million bail.

Lauren Elizabeth Bihl, 26, no fixed address; charged with corrupt organizations, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities, heroin possession with intent to deliver, criminal conspiracy, criminal use of a communications facility and reckless endangerment; jailed in lieu of 10 percent of $7.5 million bail.

Jonathan Benjamin King, 27, of Quakertown; charged with corrupt organizations, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities, heroin possession with intent to deliver, criminal conspiracy and criminal use of a communications facility; not arraigned as of Wednesday afternoon.

Melody Annette Clugh, 23, of Allentown; charged with corrupt organizations, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities, heroin possession with intent to deliver, criminal conspiracy and criminal use of a communications facility; jailed in lieu of 10 percent of $5 million bail.

Jillian Robyn Betts, 24, no fixed address; charged with corrupt organizations, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities, heroin possession with intent to deliver, criminal conspiracy, criminal use of a communications facility and reckless endangerment; jailed in lieu of 10 percent of $7.5 million bail.

Antoine Hakim Harris, 28, of Philadelphia; charged with corrupt organizations, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities, heroin possession with intent to deliver heroin, criminal conspiracy and criminal use of a communications facility; not in custody as of Wednesday.

Ryan Ernest Mokrynchuk, 24, of Quakertown; charged with corrupt organizations, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities, heroin possession with intent to deliver, criminal conspiracy and criminal use of a communications facility; not in custody as of Wednesday.

Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @KurtBresswein. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
Faith Healing Deaths

This Feb. 3, 2017, photo shows the Faith Tabernacle Congregation in Mechanicsburg, Pa. The church's pastor, the Rev. Rowland Foster, has been charged in connection with the pneumonia death of his granddaughter.

(AP Photo)

A pastor in a fundamentalist Christian sect that rejects doctors and drugs has been charged in the death of a child -- his own granddaughter -- from medical neglect.

The novel prosecution is raising hopes among some advocates that it might spur change in a church that has resisted it.

Faith Tabernacle Congregation has long told adherents to place their trust in God alone for healing. As a result, dozens of children, mostly in Pennsylvania, have died of preventable and treatable illnesses.

Church members reject modern medicine as a bedrock tenet of their faith, even as some have faced manslaughter charges in child deaths dating back 35 years.

Until now, though, no leader in the sect has ever faced charges.

With a routine course of antibiotics, 2-year-old Ella Foster would have almost certainly beaten the pneumonia that took her life in November. But her parents refused medical care, and she succumbed shortly after they asked the Rev. Rowland Foster to anoint her.

Foster, 72, pastor of a Faith Tabernacle Congregation church district in Berks County, was charged with a felony this month under a state law requiring clergy members, teachers and other "mandated reporters" to turn the names of suspected child abusers over to authorities for investigation.

The law makes no exception for clergy who happen to be related to the abused child, as Foster was to Ella.

Most states have similar laws that require clergy to report abuse.

"He was well aware of the fact that this child was in need of medical treatment and he never reported it, nor do I believe that he ever had the intention to report it," Berks County District Attorney John Adams, whose office is prosecuting Foster, said in an interview.

Cathleen Palm, of the Pennsylvania-based Center for Children's Justice, said she hopes the prosecution, at a minimum, will spur action in the Legislature to protect children whose parents don't seek necessary medical care based on religion.

Neither the Rev. Foster nor his attorney returned calls for comment.

Ella's parents, Jonathan and Grace Foster, were charged earlier with involuntary manslaughter and await trial. Police have said Jonathan Foster attributed Ella's death to "God's will."

The reclusive sect, founded in Philadelphia more than a century ago, does not give media interviews.

At the Faith Tabernacle church and school campus in Mechanicsburg, where Rowland Foster is the pastor, an Associated Press reporter who entered the building was quickly ordered to leave. An older man who accepted a letter seeking comment from church officials promised to shred it.

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We need to talk about Tuam  not that the victims and their relatives need to hear anything we have to say, whether it be pious ruminations or fiery denunciations.

No, its we who need to talk. We need ask ourselves hard questions and we need to answer them  like how it came to be the case that the Bon Secour nuns who ran the mother and baby home in Tuam were only doing what we wanted them to do.

As Enda Kenny put it last week in the Dail, they didnt break into our homes and steal children from us.

We gave them up to spare the savagery of gossip... we gave them up because of our perverse, morbid relationship with what you call respectability.

Hes right of course, but we have to allow ourselves to meditate on the fuller implications of that moment when somebody somewhere decided that burying 796 infants and toddlers in a septic tank was OK.

What lead them there?

What did they think as they lowered the first small body into the tank?

Or the second? Third?

The 225th?

The 796th?

Did they mourn for the child? Were there tears?

Was there even a ceremony? A few words said?

What lead those children to these places? Why did so many children die despite the fact that the State was paying handsomely for their upkeep?

Its important to note that while they were nuns, they werent from outer space. We need to ask what lead those who were nuns or lay people to a point in their lives where they worked there  and continued to work there despite everything?

We need to accept now that there will likely be several more Tuams. It was not the only home for women who would have been characterised as sinful and their children, the product of the so-called sin. In more recent days there is dark talk of children being trafficked or experimented on, and that for many years hundreds of bodies of deceased babies were donated for dissection practice to the major medical teaching colleges.

Where is the evidence of the celebration dignity of human life so preached about by church leaders?

Writing in the Guardian last Wednesday, Emer OToole suggested: Hundreds of dead babies are not an asset to those invested in the myth of an abortion-free Ireland; they inconveniently suggest that Catholic Ireland always had abortions, just very late-term ones, administered slowly by nuns after the children were already born.

Its a very very harsh thing to say, but its hard to deny it.

Its clear now that our national low self esteem was so pervasive that there was literally nothing we wouldnt do to keep up appearances.

Tuam is the logical conclusion of saying that not only is there an idealised version of the Irish citizen, but that that ideal (Catholic, genial, pure of heart, innocent of the terrible world, seemingly possessed of a native wisdom without any intellectual curiosity) is to be so preferred that we will happily lock away, maltreat, neglect to the point of death and dump in a septic tank 800 children who do not meet that strict definition.

We need to talk about hypocrisy, and why we dont like people who are different or who speak out.

I dont know the answer to this, but we need to ask if there is a meaningful difference between what happened to these babies and what happened to those the Nazis didnt like.

We need to talk about all of this  or as F. Scott FitzGerald wrote, well be the ones who beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.
Employees at the Coca Cola plant in Athy are still in shock after the drinks manufacturer announced that in the region of between eight and ten employees at the plant will be made redundant.

The job losses come as part of an operational re-org that will see up to 50 redundancies accross several other plants including Drogheda, Ballina and Athy.

According to a company spokesperson those impacted have been informed. It is understood however that the news of the re-organisation appeared online before it had been announced to all employees. Described as a 'handful of employees' that are impacted the news came as a huge shock to all involved at the plant located at Townparks Industrial Estate in Athy .

In a statement the drinks manufacturer confirmed that Coca-Cola management have indicated they are reducing a small number of roles in Ireland due to operational changes. Each person affected is being contacted individually.

Local Councillor Mark Wall said the news was a huge blow to all those impacted.

"It is sad news for the families involved. Today our thoughts are with the families impacted by this. My understanding is that some of the employees impacted have been with the plant for 30 years or more."

Coca Cola first arrived in Northern Ireland in 1934 and in the Republic in 1952.

It now employs 1,750 people at facilities in Kildare, Antrim, Dublin, Louth, Mayo, and Wexford.
Paul Egan from Sheehy Motors SKODA, Naas, has been selected to represent Ireland at the international finals of the SKODA Challenge in Budapest this May, having battled it out at the Irish National final earlier this month.

Paul will join Team SKODA Ireland and will compete against 35 countries at the international finals in the Sales Consultant category. The SKODA Challenge is now in its seventh year and Irish SKODA employees have been key contenders in the competition throughout that time.

This is the first year that a Sales Consultant category has been included in the national final and Paul Egan from Sheehy Motors SKODA is the inaugural winner. Paul who has a background in Real Estate and Media Sales joined the SKODA brand in Sheehy Motors Naas four years ago.

The SKODA Challenge has become a prestigious benchmark for measuring the qualities of the best employees in the global SKODA network and Ireland will be represented in five different categories: Parts & Accessory Sales Person; Service Advisor; Service Technician; Sales Consultant and Diagnostic Technician.

Commenting on the result, Frank Kelly, Dealer Principal at Sheehy Motors SKODA, Naas, said: We are delighted that Paul will be joining the SKODA Ireland team that will be going forward to represent the country at the international SKODA Challenge finals in Budapest. Paul is an extremely accomplished professional in his field and on behalf of all the team here in Sheehys in Naas, I would like to wish him the very best of luck in the finals.
Five Kildare schools have been shortlisted in this years Bord Gais Energy Student Theatre Awards.

The talented students from Celbridge, Kildare town, Clane, Maynooth and Crookstown caught the attention of the judging panel and will now attend the awards ceremony in the Bord Gais Energy Theatre on May 17.

Scoil Mochua in Cellbridge has been shortlisted in the Best Overall School Musical category for its production of Annie Junior. Judges praised the performance by 4th, 5th and 6th class students and said the cast were brilliant.

Scoil Mochua has also been shortlisted in the Best Choreography category for the same production of Annie Junior. Judges commended the choreography and how the students worked together as a team.

St. Laurences N.S. in Crookstown has been shortlisted in the Best Original Production category for its production of Michael D and the Tayto Factory. Judges praised the performance by 5th and 6th class students for their wonderful sense of comedic timing.

St. Brigids Primary School in Kildare Town has been shortlisted in the Best Musical Number category for its performance of Anchors Away in the school production of Pirates of the Curry Bean by 5th and 6th class students. Judges commented it was so much fun to watch because of the great acting skills.

5th class student Anna Leavy from St. Brigids Primary School has also been shortlisted in the Best Female Performance in a Leading Role category for her performance as Pearl Periwinkle in the school production of Pirates of the Curry Bean. Judges noted that Anna anchored the show with a very strong performance.

4th year student Ally Hobbs from Maynooth Post Primary School has been shortlisted in the Best Female Performance in a Leading Role category for her performance as Eva Peron in the production of Evita. Judges commented that Ally had poise, grace and substance like the real Eva herself.

6th year student Hugh Keogh from Schoil Mhuire Community School in Clane has been shortlisted in the Best Short Scene Script category for his script titled CAT. Judges commended Hugh for his cleverly written piece that captured the judges attention.

This is the fourth year of the awards, which were set up by Bord Gais Energy to recognise and reward participation in the dramatic arts in schools around Ireland.

Commenting on the shortlist Irene Gowing from Bord Gais Energy said: Year on year the standard of entries blows us away, and this year has been no different! Entries across all categories have been so impressive meaning this years judges have had a very difficult task trying to narrow down our shortlist.

On behalf of the judging panel, I would like to thank all of the Kildare schools who entered and congratulate the five schools shortlisted. We look forward to seeing them at the Awards ceremony on the 17 May 2017.
Councillors have called for the council to give the residents of a Newbridge estate greater support in dealing with problems such as illegal dumping, lighting and maintenance.

Cllr Fiona McLoughlin Healy (FG), Cllr Suzanne Doyle (FF) and Cllr Joanne Pender (Ind) asked officials at yesterday's Kildare Newbridge Muncipal District (MD) meeting, to agree to a temporary regular series of meetings onsite with Rosconnell Residents Association, to address ongoing issues in the area.

The council said one of its community workers was working with the local committee and would continue to facilitate and support them in carrying out their programme of activities for the coming year.

Rosconnell is an area that I believe needs some intervention, help and attention at the moment, said Cllr McLoughlin Healy.

She pointed out there was a number of residents, who had put a huge amount of effort, but felt they had lost a lot of support. She said the community worker, who had recently been appointed, was doing a great job, but she needed more help from the council.

Cllr Pender agreed with her MD colleague, and informed the meeting that councillors had attended the Rosconnell AGM where the residents said they felt they had been forgotten about, and the issues they were raising were falling on deaf ears.

She said the regular meetings with Dara Park were working well and why coudn't the same happen with Rosconnell.

Cllr Doyle acknowledged work was currently been done in the area, but the council needed to give encouragement to the local residents to empower them.

She also acknowledged the good work the community worker was doing. She suggested that in general, long term tennants should be consulted when designing council housing developments so the mistakes of the past could be avoided. She said it was extremely important to get the right mix of tennants.

Cllr Mark Lynch (SF) supported the motion and also emphasised the importance of correct mix of tennants.

Director of Services, Tadhg McDonnell said the community worker had been based in Rosconnell a number of days a week since the latter part of last year, and the community had been revitalised. He said the issues raised had not fallen on deaf ears.

He said two houses had been given over to community use, which was significant given the current demand for housing.

He pointed out the residents could raise any issues of concern with the community worker, who could then contact the relevant department in the council.

Cllr McLoughlin Healy said the lady could not do all the work on her own as she would get burn't out.

Cllr Aspell asked if the council owned the field beside Rosconnell where the gate was broken down. He said illegal dumping was taking place. He asked if a sign prohibiting dumping could be placed there.

Cllr Lynch said he understood one family in particular was responsible for the dumping. Cllr Morgan McCabe said serious sanctions should be imposed in relation to the dumping, if the culprits had been identified.
The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed TD, will avail of his St Patrick's Day duties to further extend his engagement with key EU Member States on Brexit over the coming days.

Coming on top of recent formal meetings with his Spanish, Estonian and Maltese counterparts, the Minister will meet his colleagues from Germany, Netherlands and Denmark to discuss common concerns about the likely impact of Brexit on the agri-food and fisheries sectors.

Speaking at the conclusion of his Saint Patrick's Day visit to Germany and ahead of a bilateral with German Agriculture Minister Christian Schmidt, Minister Creed said, "I look forward to using these bilateral meetings to emphasise the very real and serious concerns that we in Ireland have about the potential impact of Brexit on our agri-food and fisheries sectors, and to explore other Member States' assessment of the implications from their perspective.

"One thing that I believe we all have in common is that we face a very negative impact on trade. While Ireland is particularly exposed in this regard, because of the scale of our engagement with the UK market, these Member States also have a significant trading relationship with the UK. I intend therefore to explore the scope for a common approach in this area, with a view to ensuring that the interests of the agri-food sector are placed at the top of the European agenda in the negotiations."

Minister Creed also highlighted the many common concerns shared with these Member States in the fisheries area. He said: "We are confronted with potentially very grave challenges on fisheries, primarily in relation to continued access to UK waters, where much of our fishing effort is undertaken. Again, these concerns are shared by countries such as Germany, Netherlands and Denmark. I hope to discuss them in some detail, with a view to building a common platform as we seek to protect the interests of our fishing industries and communities."

Concluding, the Minister looked forward to what he hoped would be productive discussions on what will be a shared challenge for the European agriculture and fisheries sectors.
Representatives of Leitrim County Council, who are in New York for the St Patricks Day period, met with senior executives from Tourism Ireland in New York yesterday, Wednesday.

They were briefed on Tourism Irelands extensive promotional programme for 2017, which is in full swing right now.

Tourism Ireland aims to build on the success of 2016, which was the fourth record-breaking year in a row for Irish tourism from the United States. Tourism Ireland is prioritising North America this year, as a market which offers a strong return on investment, in terms of holiday visitors and expenditure.

Our important culturally curious and social energiser audiences are being targeted with distinctive vacation experiences, events and special offers tailored to their interests.

Tourism Ireland is creating stand out for the island of Ireland in the US, highlighting experiences like the Wild Atlantic Way, the Causeway Coastal Route and Irelands Ancient East. Promotions aim to grow travel to the regions of Ireland, during the shoulder and off-peak seasons.

With the recent announcement by Norwegian of new flights to Ireland from New York (Stewart International Airport) and Providence (Rhode Island), the total number of transatlantic airline seats this summer will be 60,000, from 20 North American gateways to the island of Ireland  thats 10,000 additional seats (+20%) compared to summer 2016.

Alison Metcalfe, Tourism Irelands Head of North America, said: We were delighted to meet with the representatives of Leitrim County Council and to have the opportunity to brief them about the extensive promotional programme we are undertaking in the United States this year.

Our ambition is to surpass the record-breaking performance of 2016 and to deliver a +9% increase in revenue and a +6% increase in visitor numbers from North America in 2017 i.e. 1.6 billion generated by 1.7 million visitors.

St Patricks Day traditionally marks the real start of the tourism season for us; our aim is to bring a smile to the faces of people everywhere and to convey the message that Ireland offers the warmest of welcomes and great fun, as well as wonderful scenery and heritage.

We are using every opportunity to capitalise on Irelands heightened profile this week; the saturation coverage about Ireland at this time of year  across the airwaves, in newspapers and digital media  is an invaluable boost for our overall tourism marketing drive in 2017.

Over the coming week, Tourism Ireland will participate in and promote the island of Ireland at a range of St Patricks Day events across the United States. For the first time ever, One World Trade Center (the main building of the re-built World Trade Center complex in New York and the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere), La Concha Visitors Center at the Neon Museum in Las Vegas and the fireworks show at the Plaza Hotel & Casino, also in Las Vegas, will participate in Tourism Irelands Global Greening initiative to celebrate St Patrick and Ireland.

Other major landmarks to be illuminated in green include the Empire State Building, the Welcome sign in Las Vegas and the world-famous Niagara Falls.

And Chicago will be going all out to celebrate St Patrick and Ireland once again this year, with numerous buildings and sites across the city seeing green  including Navy Pier, the John Hancock Center, the Civic Opera House, the Wrigley Building, Novak Construction, Sheraton Grand Hotel, State Street, Chicago Gaelic Park and One Prudential Plaza, as well as the Irish American Heritage Center, which joins the initiative for the first time.
A call has been made for Sligo University Hospital to 'Park the Charges' for those undergoing treatment for cancer.

Sligo Cllr Marie Casserly has tabled a motion asking for Sligo University Hospital to ensure free car parking for cancer patients and their carers and family members.

"Mayo General have this in place so hopefully raising this at local level may help get rid of the charges. I know so many people who are getting treatment in Sligo are from Leitrim."

A letter sent to the Cllr on behalf of the Irish cancer society outlines "Back in December, we published a report, Park the Charges, which revealed that cancer patients were facing parking costs of up to 63 a week, on top of the huge out of pocket payments cancer patients already face.

"Currently at Sligo Regional Hospital, cancer patients can pay up to 6 a day for parking, at a time when they are already facing significant additional costs elsewhere.

"Despite strong public support for our campaign to stop parking charges for cancer patients going through treatment, no progress has been made by any individual hospitals."

It went on to state "We have engaged with the HSE and hospital groups in the past six months to try and ensure progress is made at a national level and have proposed guidelines to the HSE that would, if published, ensure a framework that allowed for greater compassion and transparency in the levying of charges.

"So far, the HSE has not meaningfully acted on this important issue for cancer patients that is raised with our dedicated Nurseline and through our Daffodil Centres on a weekly basis."
At the age of 11 I had a choice. I could either attend a Catholic secondary school or a secondary school without a religious character. I chose the Catholic secondary school. This school, Notre Dame, had a catchment area covering half the city of Sheffield. This meant that there were pupils from affluent and less-affluent areas, from the inner city and the suburbs and from the families of many nationalities. I had classmates who were Anglican, Methodist, Catholic, Muslim and of no-faith at all. Had I chosen the non-Catholic school, all of my fellow pupils would have lived in the same neighbourhood and would been almost uniformly white-British.

My experience was not an exceptional one because Catholic schools are diverse. They have more pupils from deprived neighbourhoods, one third of the pupils attending Catholic schools are not Catholic and the percentage of black and minority ethnic pupils in Catholic schools is significantly higher than in non-faith schools. They are also more likely to have an Ofsted grade of good or outstanding. Not only that, Church schools provide a rounded education with a strong emphasis on the social and moral development of everyone, helping each person to recognise the importance of being active in their communities.

Critics of faith school frequently argue that allowing faith to be used as an admissions criterion is discriminatory and that everyone should be able to study at faith schools. An obvious response is that many pupils in Church schools do not share the faith of the school they attend. For example, there are over 26,000 Muslim pupils attending Catholic schools in England and Wales. It is important to remember that the Church provided the land, buildings and ongoing financial support for Church schools. Is it liberal to argue that central government should insist on one set of admissions rules for every school, of whatever type, in every circumstance without faith communities having a say?

Another crucial point is that every oversubscribed school must discriminate and decide who gets a place and who does not. If faith is not included as an admissions criterion, then geography is king. If you live near enough to the popular school, then you are in. In such a situation, it is those with the highest incomes and wealth who have the most choice  they can buy homes in the right catchment area. I do not see how transferring choice and opportunity to the richest and wealthiest is progressive.

I support faith schools because of my liberalism, not despite it. I welcome the diversity they bring to our education system. I like the fact that they are socially and racially diverse and that disadvantaged students do especially well in Catholic schools. It is a good thing that they focus on a rounded education and not just exam results.

Ultimately, as a liberal, I want schools to have freedoms and not to insist on a one-size-fits-all rule from Whitehall that would result in more opportunities for the rich and fewer for poorer families.

* Peter Taylor is the Liberal Democrat Elected Mayor of Watford.
Theresa May dealt a blow to Ireland in her Brexit white paper when she said she wanted in effect to leave the EU customs union, confirming Brexit poses a huge threat to frictionless cross-border trade on the island of Ireland, the mainstay of the Irish economy.

The Irish Ambassador to the UK, Daniel Mulhall said last month that comprehensive customs and border checks between Ireland and Northern Ireland are not remotely possible

Northern Ireland polled more europhilic than other regions in the UK before the election. Its Remain vote of 55.7 per cent was the third strongest in the country. Nationalists wanted the UK to remain in the EU, but unionists generally wanted to leave. Sinn Fein, the SDLP, the Ulster Unionists, Alliance and the Green Party wanted to stay. The Irish government also wanted a remain vote. The DUP, the TUV and the left-wing People before Profit party backed Brexit.

As Sinn Fein and the DUP jostle for position in a new power sharing agreement at Stormont the Brexit divide has come to the fore. If the parties are unable to agree an accommodation, we may yet see a return to direct rule of the province from Westminster.

Remain campaigners warned that a Brexit would lead to the re-establishing of a harder border along the 310-mile frontier between Northern Ireland and the Republic in order to collect customs tariffs and stop EU nationals who would no longer enjoy the right to move freely to the UK from using the North as a backdoor immigration route. Campaigners also warned, in the run up to the referendum, that the introduction of a harder border would once again put North-South relations under strain, endangering both the Peace Process and the economic dividends of peace.

They also warned that a Brexit vote is likely, sooner or later, to trigger another Scottish independence referendum which  if Scotland voted to leave the Union  would destabilise the UK constitutional settlement, with potential knock-on effects for Northern Ireland.

Brexit is expected to have a disproportionate impact on Northern Irelands economy which is reliant on exports to the EU, including in the food and agriculture sectors which would be hit hardest if the UK ends up paying EU tariffs.

The House of Lords EU select committee have published a comprehensive report on the matter titled Brexit: UK-Irish Relations. Baroness Suttie (Libdem Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland) was one of three Lib Dem Lords on the committee and will be discussing key aspects of the report at York on Saint Patricks Day. The fringe meeting will be held from 20:15 to 21:30 on March 17 in meeting room 5 of the Novotel hotel. Immediately following the debate we will be joining the York Irish Association St Patricks day festival in a marquee at nearby St Sampsons Square.

* Joe Bourke is an accountant and university lecturer, Chair of ALTER, and Chair of Hounslow Liberal Democrats.
The Manchester Gorton by-election can change things for the whole party  and we need you to come and help to make that happen.

Look at what we achieved in Witney. We sent a message loud and clear that the Lib Dem fightback was on. We proved we could take a serious number of votes from the Conservatives, angry at their former partys backing for a hard Brexit.

If we can do to Labour in Manchester what we did to the Tories in Witney or Richmond Park we will send shock waves through British politics.

We have an amazing story to tell in Manchester Gorton. From our great candidate Jackie Pearcey who has a proud 20 year record as a local councillor, to our partys positive message of hope for an open and tolerant Britain.

And thats not to mention the failure of Labour in Manchester and nationally. Labour have sided  and voted  with UKIP on Brexit  letting down the 62% of people in Manchester Gorton constituency who voted Remain. And at a local level they take Manchester and its voters for granted.

But we need your help to get that message across.

Only last Wednesday we walked into an empty shop on Stockport Road in Levenshulme for the first time to set up our new Lib Dem HQ. Within hours of getting the office keys, it was bustling with activity as we unloaded the partys by-election kit  fresh from its triumphs in Witney and Richmond Park.

Now 815 Stockport Road in Manchester is up and running as HQ for the Manchester Gorton by-election. The Greater Manchester Mayoral campaign is now also basing itself there.

I know that many activists have local elections this May  and all of us wish you the very best of luck.

But if youre not fighting to win in your own area this May, please come and help Jackie here in Manchester Gorton.

Help us take the Lib Dem fightback to Labour in the north just as Lib Dems have in local council by-elections in Sheffield, Sunderland and Rotherham.

With your help we can do this.

I look forward to seeing you all here soon.

P.s. The office is at 815 Stockport Road, Levenshulme, Manchester, M19 3BS and is open daily from 9.30am  8.30pm

As Jen Yockneys video shows  you can get to our HQ in just 2 minutes from Levenshulme Railway Station. Its only 7 minutes at its quickest from Manchester Piccadilly and 10 from Stockport. Its also on the main 192 bus route with an estimated 15 buses an hour. You can park your car across the road for free any time.

Were in this by-election to win. You can donate and volunteer to help here.

* Elspeth McCobb is the Liberal Democrat Campaign Manager for the Manchester Gorton by-election where our candidate is the excellent Jackie Pearcey.
Nick Clegg with Mark Rutte in 2010

As the FT reports, VVD, the liberal party of Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte, will once again be the largest party in the Dutch parliament:

Prime Minister Mark Rutte looks certain to form the next Netherlands government, with his party projected to secure a clear general election victory over rivals including populist challenger Geert Wilders. The projected victory was welcomed by moderates and pro-EU politicians across Europe and has calmed their fears that the continent was poised to fall under the sway of nationalists following the UKs Brexit vote and the election of President Donald Trump in the US.

Though on course to lose eight seats, Mr Ruttes VVD party is still set to hold 33 against the 20 of Mr Wilders PVV, according to state broadcaster NOS, with 95 per cent of votes counted in Wednesdays election. The Dutch parliament has 150 seats in total.

There was also good news for The Netherlands other liberal party, D66, who won 19 seats, raising the prospect of a possible coalition between the two liberal parties.

Tim Farron sent his congratulations:

Well done to our liberal allies @VVD and @D66 in Dutch elections. Looks like a victory for liberalism over politics of fear and division  Tim Farron (@timfarron) March 16, 2017

And congratulations from all here at LDV!

* Nick Thornsby is a day editor at Lib Dem Voice.
TAOISEACH Enda Kenny this week rejected calls for Michael Noonan to step down after the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) strongly criticised him over his dealings with Project Eagle.

In its final report, the PAC found that Mr Noonans interactions with the US investment fund, Cerebus, the day before the sale of the NAMA portfolio in Northern Ireland was procedurally inappropriate.

The specific finding relating to Mr Noonan was not unanimous with Fine Gael members of the committee voting against the wording contained in the final report.

Committee chairman Deputy Sean Fleming said the meeting could have given the impression that Cerberus was "benefiting from preferential treatment".

In a statement issued following the publication of the PAC report, Mr Noonan said he was disappointed that unjustified and unfounded views had made their way into the final report.

I refute absolutely the validity of any suggestion that I or my officials acted inappropriately in meeting with Cerberus in March 2014. At no point was I or my officials invited to discuss this meeting at the PAC nor was the alleged impropriety of this meeting raised in follow-up correspondence, he said.

Defending the actions of the Minister for Finance, the Taoiseach said Mr Noonan had acted entirely appropriately throughout the sale process.

Speaking in the United States on Tuesday he also questioned why the minister was not asked directly about the issue when giving evidence before the committee late last year.

The PAC has always been an independent committee of the Oireachtas and I respect that, but Michael Noonan has acted entirely appropriately in this matter, he said.

Separately, Ministers Paschal Donohoe and Richard Bruton this week expressed their full support for Michael Noonan who is now a central figure in three separate public inquiries.

Mr Bruton said he was standing behind the Minister for Finance who, he insisted, is doing a fantastic job.

Mr Donohoe said he too has full confidence in Mr Noonan. He has engaged fully in any questions in relation to his brief and discharged all of his duties to the government and to the country in an excellent manner.

The PAC report into Project Eagle will be discussed in the Dail in the coming weeks.
THE Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Patrick ODonovan, has yet to clarify whether he has sorted out the row over his job description with his senior minister in the department, Shane Ross.

No comment has been forthcoming from Minister ODonovan despite a number of attempts to get his views on the matter since it was first aired at the weekend.

Minister ODonovan is currently representing the Irish government in New Zealand where he will attend St Patricks Day celebrations.

At the weekend, a report in The Irish Times revealed that Minister ODonovan had written twice to his senior minister, Shane Ross in a bid to clarify what those delegated functions were and indicated his frustration at their absence.

But, according to the report, he had received no written reply, although a spokeswoman for Minister Ross said the two had discussed the matter privately.

In his first letter to Minister Ross, in early February, Minister ODonovan asked him to outline when he intended to bring a memo to cabinet confirming his, ODonovans responsibilities. He was anxious the matter be clarified because it had been raised by the Opposition, Minister ODonovan said in his email.

But two weeks later, on February 27, Minister ODonovan again wrote to his senior minister about the absence of a clear series of delegated functions.

And he wrote: As you will be aware. I am supposedly to have a particular focus on tourism-generating events including festivals however in the past week it has come to my attention that this has not been adhered to within the Department and has caused me a degree of frustration given that I had spent several weeks and months resolving a particular festival related issue.

He added: It is my understanding that I am the only Minister of State that does not have this level of certainty and clarity, and given that my Independent Alliance and Fine Gael colleagues as Minister of State have had this matter resolved by their line Minister, I am requesting that the same apply.

The Irish Times reported a spokeswoman for Minister Ross saying there was no precedent in the department to delegate functions.
MEMBERS of Limerick Against Pollution (LAP) will meet this Thursday night to finalise a robust appeal against the councils decision to grant Irish Cement planning permission.

The group set up in opposition to Irish Cements plans to utilise tyres and solid recovered waste in its cement production factory at Mungret were dismayed as council planners waved through the proposals.

Now, as expected, An Bord Pleanala will be asked to adjudicate on the proposals by Irish Cement to change its production process.

Tim Hourigan, the public relations officer for LAP, said: Obviously, there are procedural issues in the information which was submitted by Irish Cement which may not have been looked at properly, or the information provided was insufficient to make a decision on.

There were a lot of objections to the council initially. So the council returned to Irish Cement with a series of questions. Irish Cement did write back, but what were saying is the information they provided is not good enough to make a decision on, he explained.

Mr Hourigan pointed to air quality monitoring testing carried out by the company, saying he did not feel it was sufficient.

They did it for two days. They put two monitoring stations out on its property. One was off to the north-east, the other to the south-west. But the wind is blowing to the north-west and south-east, nowhere near either of them. We pointed these things out to the council  how can you accept this as valid information, he alleged.

Under planning law, only the 75 or so people who objected to Irish Cements initial planning application have the right to appeal to An Bord Pleanala.

To this end, LAP will be contacting every group and individual who objected to the plans to encourage them to appeal to An Bord Pleanala

Many of these objections had multiple names on them, coming from different housing estates.

It is likely An Bord Pleanala will not make a decision on the Irish Cement plans for a number of months.

And anyone appealing the decision could request an oral hearing, which would lead to further delays.

After An Bord Pleanala makes its decision, the focus will then switch to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which has the more crucial role of whether Irish Cement is given a licence to carry out its new proposals.

More than 2,000 groups and individuals have already sent objections to the EPA on this matter.

The council is also expected to enter the argument in the coming week, sending its own submission to the EPA now it has made a decision on Irish Cements plans.

It is likely that the EPA will wait until An Bord Pleanala has ruled on Irish Cements physical application before they make a decision.

LAP say they will do everything to block the 10m plans  even going to the High Court.

Were going all out on this, said spokesperson Clare Keating.
A LARGE contingent of Limericks culture community has argued that improved education and extra resources are needed if the new Creative Ireland programme is to work.

This was discussed and deliberated at a special Creative Ireland workshop at Limerick City Art Gallery, Pery Square, last Friday afternoon.

At the three-hour workshop, more than 50 individuals involved in local arts were taught about the new initiative, by its director John Concannon, and were subsequently asked to discuss what they liked about the project and how Limerick can contribute to it.

The ambitious Creative Ireland programme aims, by 2022, to place culture at the core of local and national public policy in all agencies.

Ahead of the workshop, Limerick City and County Council CEO, Conn Murray said: Limerick is in a unique position to work with the government in delivering the Creative Ireland programme at a local level.

In 2014 as first National City of Culture and during the centenary year of celebrations in 2016, Limerick citizens, of diverse backgrounds, came together to celebrate through culture. We look forward to enabling creativity in every community to continue to build the capacity of communities, organisations and individuals that is also in line with the Limerick Cultural Strategy.

One member of the public said that there is a need to invest in infrastructure for people involved in the arts community to provide an educational platform. One individual opined that funding for school buses to events can be very helpful for schools that do not have the resources to frequently provide such services.
HE is Broadfords Mr Music Man, their very own Noel Pearson and Colm T Wilkinson rolled into one.

And for the past three decades, John Pierce has masterminded the communitys annual musical.

Now, however, having reached the grand age of 80, he is toying with the idea of hanging up his producers hat.

I am tempted to give up every year, he admits.

But year after year, the principals and the chorus have continued to gather in his warm farmhouse kitchen where the first weeks of rehearsals normally take place with John and musical director Margaret ODonnell at the helm.

The first thing we do is get the songs off, John told the Limerick Leader this week, just days before the curtain goes up on this years musical, The Sound of Music. We go through all the songs, everybody together, the chorus and principals.

This is the system John adopted way back in 1989 when he first took over as producer, having given a hand to producer John Jones in two previous musicals.

And although along the way, John Pierce has himself performed in some musicals, most notably as Fagan in Oliver, he prefers, he says, to stay in the background. I am in the background this year and it is a great relief.

A love of theatre, John reveals, first brought him to musicals and continues to keep him there. If you didnt like it, you wouldnt be doing it.

Over the years, he reckons, some 300 people, young and not so young, have performed in the Broadford musicals.

People like to perform, John says in answer to why the musical tradition continues to hold sway. This is a great chance for them to perform.

Shy people, he reckons, are the ones who seem to be able to shine on stage, not the people with all the talk and guff.

And, he adds: There are people who were born to sing. It makes it easy if they are willing to let go. The talent is there only to find where it is.

Johns great gift, according to community activist Kathleen Barry, is his ability to identify talent. He has identified and developed so many young people, she says.

Mary Lee Geary, the chairperson of the Broadford Development Association agrees. He would have started a lot of young people, including soprano Mairead Buicke, she says. But she also pays tribute to Johns gift of finding a place for all would-be performers, even if they couldnt sing.

But as well as being as being a social gathering for the performers, the annual musical is always a great occasion in the community, she adds. And over the years, it has contributed to the community in very practical ways as well, such as providing new chairs for the hall. He always gives back, says Mary. All the money is ploughed back into the community.

We would be terribly sad if John gave up.

In many ways, the Broadford musical has also been a family affair for John. His wife Helen welcomed the cast into their large kitchen and their daughter Maire Sexton has been doing the sets down through the years. Johns son Mike also plays a role: this year, he is on sound. And a new generation has now come along to keep the tradition alive. Four of Johns grandchildren, Alan and Rachel Power, Claire Noonan and Laura Sexton, are in roles as Von Trappe family members in this years Sound of Music.A nephew, Martin Pierce plays Captain Von Trappe with Ide Forde as Maria and a big bunch of nuns.

Margaret ODonnell is the second half of the music partnership that has kept musicals alive in Broadford. They have done fantastic work, Mary Lee Geary declares firmly.

And from her first outing as musical director back in 1990, Margaret says it has been a wonderful experience. That musical was The Sound of Music and this year, she explains, is the first time they are repeating a musical. Over the years, Broadford has staged, among others, Calamity Jane, Oliver, Joseph and his Amazing Technicolour Coat, Showboat, Chicago, Nunsense and Anything Goes.

But picking which musical to stage is not easy and the job usually falls to John. We cant do anything that might require elaborate staging, Margaret explains. The stage is too small.

Over the years, Broadford has staged Calamity Jane, Oliver, Joseph and his Amazing Technicolour Coat, Showboat, Chicago,

But she is very clear about the value of the musicals to the local community. An amazing number of people have had their first experience of singing and stage work through the musicals in Broadford. And there is a great sense of community about it.

John is the driving force, Margaret says adding: He is a wonderful performer. He is made for the stage.

But she continues: Johns great talent is that he has some knack of uncovering new talent wherever it is. He is a great scout.

That fresh blood has been a lifeline for the musicals, coupled with the stalwarts who look forward to it every year and who have been involved all along.

Each year, she explains, people put in the hard work and it is constant practice which helps to reach a standard. You want to achieve a high standard, of course, she explains. Its down to plenty of hard work.

But she asserts: There is a great sense of achievement.

John agrees. It is nice when it all comes together. It is very satisfying.

But because there are now plans afoot to renovate the hall, it could well be out of commission as a venue this time next year. If you drop it for one year, there is a fear it wont come back, he says.

But whether this years offering is his swansong remains to be seen. And is there someone else who would take the tradition forward?

I havent thought about it, he says. Maybe if I pulled out, somebody might take over.

But, he adds, it would be a shame if the tradition were to be lost.

The Sound of Music opens this Thursday in Broadford Community Centre and runs again on Friday, Saturday and Sunday night. Tickets cost 10 and 5 for children.
BNAPS website is a must-see for all collectors of Canadas stamps

Mar 15, 2017, 1 PM

A clip from the newsletter of the BNAPS Fancy Cancel & Miscellaneous Markings Study Group. This, and many other study group newsletters, can be found on the website of the British North America Philatelic Society.

The Horace W. Harrison online library includes several decades of the British North America Philatelic Societys quarterly journal, BNA Topics.

Computers and Stamps - By William F. Sharpe

If you have any interest at all in Canadian stamps, you should visit the British North America Philatelic Societys website.

The site is very well organized. You can navigate easily by hovering your mouse over the topics listed on the top horizontal menu on the home page.

One convenient feature is the Whats New choice, which will bring you up to date on what has been added to the site. You can locate items added back as far as 2002.

Connect with Linns Stamp News:

Sign up for our newsletter

Like us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter

BNA Topics, the official journal of BNAPS, is published quarterly. By following the link to the Horace W. Harrison online library, you can view issues of the journal back to 1944. However, issues from the most recent five to six years, are available only to society members.

You can browse the issues of BNA Topics or search them for topics of interest.

The online library includes a set of PDFs (Portable Document Files) that display the table of contents for each issue of the journal.

You also can view the cover of every issue BNA Topics. If you notice something of interest on the cover, click on the thumbnail image to open that issue.

In addition, you can do an online search of the journal of the Canadian Philatelic Society of Great Britain, Maple Leaves; and the Postal History Society of Canadas publication, PHSC Journal.

The British North American Philatelic Society has 24 active study groups and 13 dormant ones. Newsletters are available online for many of these, including that of the BNAPS Fancy Cancel & Miscellaneous Markings Study Group. The newsletters of the inactive groups also are on the website.

The society includes regional groups located throughout Canada and the United States.

The Golden West group covers California, Nevada, and Oregon. This group will meet at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 29, as part of the Westpex show at the San Francisco Airport Marriott hotel. This years program includes a presentation titled An Overview of the Canadian Centennial Definitives 1967-1975.

Upcoming regional group events through September are listed on the website.

The Pacific Northwest group, which includes British Columbia, Yukon, Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, publishes a newsletter that can be read online or downloaded.

The Prairie Beaver group, covering Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana, also publishes a newsletter available online.

Membership benefits include a sales circuit, plus a 40 percent discount on BNAPS books, along with the ability to view more recent publications online.

From the main page of the BNAPS site, you can download Canadian Philately  An Outline, a 96-page book that provides an overview of British North America collecting.

You also can download a perfin handbook, Canadian Stamps with Perforated Initials, which illustrates perfins (perforated initials) used by companies on Canadian stamps. Chapter 1 of this book explores the origins of perfins in Great Britain. Use of perfins in Canada started in 1887.

Links to online resources, both at the BNAPS site and elsewhere on the Internet, can be found by clicking the first topic under the Publications and Online Library main menu.

The group holds an annual convention, usually in Canadian cities, although several conventions have been held in the United States.

The 2017 convention will take place Sept. 1-3 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, in conjunction with the Calgary Philatelic Societys Caltapex.

You can join BNAPS by completing the online application, found as the first selection under the Society menu near the top of the home page. You also can join by downloading the PDF application, printing it, completing it, and mailing it to BNAPS.

The cost of membership depends on where you live, when you join, and whether you want a one-year or three-year membership.
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Making a case for inclusive travel There's an overwhelming bias towards destinations that are meant for the fit and the able-bodied. It's time for an innovative re-think. /news/talking-point/making-a-case-for-inclusive-travel-111646892247854.html 111646892247854 story

Late one night in January, I misjudged the steps at a haveli in Jaipur. I lost my balance, twisted my ankle, and lay on the ground in excruciating pain. I was in the sprawling city of palaces and forts at the eponymous literature festival where I was to speak and moderate a few panels. The hotel staff gently lifted me and settled me on a bench, and I felt my festival was going to end before it had really begun. I was worried I may have broken my ankle. My host came looking for me, got me painkillers, asked if I wanted to be rushed to a doctor, and when I said no, he held me and took me to the dinner table.

After dinner, two friends firmly held my shoulders and guided me to a car through a labyrinthine path, avoiding the myriad footsteps that separated the dining area from the imposing main entrance. Later that night at my hotel, another old friend and a helpful member of the hotel staff took me to a hospital next door. The emergency ward doctors didnt notice any damage but I was in pain.

I spent the next few days in Jaipur on a wheelchair, seeing the world from a lower height and with different eyes. Everyone who looked after me was unfailingly courteous, kind, gracious and helpfulfrom settling me into the wheelchair, enabling me to get off and slide into a car seat even if it took me almost forever to fold my leg and stretch it again on the car floor, helping me rise out of the car and get into a wheelchair again, and pushing me through large throngs of people, patiently taking me to the venues I had to reach, and then to a quiet area where I could relax before I went to the next session. I felt awkward and uncomfortable with all the attention and pampering, yet grateful for the concern, warmth and care.

But I realized what I had, until then, taken for grantedthat many destinations in India, especially those which attract a large number of people, are not friendly to the disabled. There are long distances to walk, there are frequent steps even at places that dont require them, such as in toilets and while entering one part of a building from another, and the surface is usually uneven, if not treacherous. The wheelchairs are hard, and their footrests often dont align with the gradient of an injured foot.

After I returned to Mumbai, I went to a senior doctor who confirmed my suspicionI had a fracture, and he sealed my leg in plaster. I realized the impossibility of using public transport. Suburban trains and buses were out of the question; the act of getting in or out of them is almost impossible for someone unable to stand up or walk. I relied on taxis, but soon discovered that the ubiquitous yellow-and-black cabs were simply too difficult for me to get into.

Granted, Im not the thinnest man in the world, but my problem was not my size, but the loss of flexibility in my leg, and my inability to manoeuvre my leg in a way so that I could slip into the car without aggravating the pain. With the Ambassador car having disappeared from the citys taxi fleet, my sole option was to use Internet-based ride-hailing services, with their fleet of modern cars, and those worked. But such services are biased in favour of those who have smartphones, who know how to use the app, and have the resources to spend on long rides.

Out of curiosity, I turned to travel magazines and books, and noticed an overwhelming bias towards destinations that are meant for the fit and the able-bodied. Many publications, including Lounge, routinely publish articles on action-filled, activity-based tourismscuba-diving, sky diving, snorkelling, hiking, sailing, or white-water rafting. Nothing wrong with any of thatthese are exhilarating activities, and Ive done some of those. But for senior citizens and the disabled, be they temporarily or permanently disabled, such activities are impossible, if not irrelevant.

Tourist guides need to be innovative in serving tourists with diverse needs. I remember when I had gone to the base camp of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, hoping to catch a glimpse of Africas tallest mountain, I had found the hike strenuous. I had met an elderly couple who had decided not to continue walking with me and my guide, because the steep gradient of the walk was too much for their knees. My guide called an assistant, who took them back, and then drove them to a point a few miles away, from where they could see Kilimanjaro.

I have now put aside my four-legged medical walker whom Ive named Aadhaar", since it offered support and it was impossible to go anywhere without it, whether or not I liked it. I am beginning to learn to walk again, with a walking stick (which too will go in six weeks). I am fortunate; my disability has been temporary. But what of those who cant step out of their wheelchairs? It is important that destinations are redesigned to make them truly inclusive, and those who market tours, or write about them, remember that not every tourist is a champion athlete. The disabled may not climb the mountains, but there are other ways through which they can experience the joy of reaching the top of the trail.

Salil Tripathi writes the column Here, There, Everywhere for Mint.
This image shows the protruding iris collarette of the woman's left eye, taken during an eye exam.

Peering into the eyes of a 37-year-old woman in China, doctors were surprised to see a raised, rippled ring of tissue, encircling her irises in both eyes.

The ring, called a protruding iris collarette, is a variation of a normally flat part of the eye called the iris collarette.

The iris is the colored part of a person's eye, and has different layers and textures, said Dr. Andrea Thau, the president of the American Optometric Association, who was not involved with the new report of the woman's case. The collarette is the middle portion of the iris, found between the dark pupil that fills the center of the iris and the limbus, which is the outer edge of the iris, where the white part of the eye begins, Thau said. [Here's a Giant List of the Strangest Medical Cases We've Covered]

The iris collarette is also the thickest part of the iris, Thau told Live Science.

The image of the woman's eye shows that her case of protruding iris collarette was a particularly pronounced one, Thau said. Generally, in people with this condition, the raised ring of tissue is not as prominent as that seen in this woman, Thau said.

Still, Thau said that she has seen patients with protruding iris collarettes, and the condition is not rare.

The cause of a protruding iris collarette is unknown, and people who have the condition are born with it, Thau said. The condition is completely harmless and isn't associated with any vision problems, she added.

Indeed, in the woman's case, the striking feature wasn't causing any problems, the report said.

The reason she had gone to the doctor was that she had itchy, watery eyes  symptoms that turned out to be simply due to allergies, the doctors who treated the woman wrote in a brief report of the case, published Wednesday (March 15) in The New England Journal of Medicine.

In fact, aside from allergy symptoms, the woman's eyes were deemed healthy and her vision was normal, Dr. Lingyi Liang, an ophthalmologist at the Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center in China and the senior author of the case report, told Live Science in an email. The woman's vision was 20/20, the pressure in her eyes was normal, and her eyes adjusted properly to light and distance, the doctors wrote in the report.

The doctors gave the woman allergy medications for her itchy eyes and assured her that the interesting eye feature was nothing to worry about, the doctors wrote.

Originally published on Live Science.
President Trump's FY2018 budget proposal would make big cuts to agencies that focus on science, from monitoring Earth to protecting human health. Here the overview of his budget priorities.

President Donald Trump released his administration's preliminary 2018 budget proposal today, a request that would see funding slashed for most government agencies, including top federal science institutions.

Among the hardest hit under the White House's initial budget proposal is the Environmental Protection Agency, which would see its budget shrink by 31 percent over 2017 levels, according to the Office of Management and Budget. The budget request proposes large increases for defense and homeland security, but most other agencies will see cuts under this preliminary outline, which details only discretionary (not mandatory) spending. [What If the EPA Was Abolished?]

This budget proposal is far from a done deal, and now begins the grueling debate over spending according to news reports. The House and Senate Budget Committees will hold hearings to question officials about the budget and then will develop their own budget plans, called budget resolutions, along with 12 appropriations bills for federal programs for the fiscal year that starts on Oct. 1, 2018.

Here's how the Trump administration's 2018 budget proposal would affect the nation's science agencies.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

See the full budget infographic (Image credit: Clint Perkins/Purch)

Trump's budget proposal requests $5.7 billion for the agency, a cut of $2.6 billion, or 31 percent, from the previous year.

The budget would:

Eliminate more than 50 EPA programs, such as Energy Star (which supports energy-efficient products and buildings), Targeted Air Shed Grants (a program that assists in controlling air pollution at the local level); and the program that screens for endocrine disruptors, such as mercury and BPA that impact humans' hormone systems. [10 Ways the EPA Has Protected Earth and You]

Stop funding the Clean Power Plan, which was signed by President Barack Obama in 2015 to cut carbon emissions from current power plants.

Impact climate change science by discontinuing funding to related international programs, research, partnership programs and related climate change efforts. (President Trump has said he would pull out of international agreements to curb greenhouse gas emissions, including the Paris Agreement, which aims to combat climate change in an international effort  so far 134 countries have signed the treaty.)

Reduce funding to the Hazardous Substance Superfund Account aimed at cleaning up toxic waste sites that have been declared Superfund sites; the EPA would have to use existing settlement money to clean up these hazardous waste sites.

Eliminate funding to some regional environmental efforts, such as funds for the Great Lakes restoration initiative and one for the Chesapeake Bay, among other geographic programs.

Department of the Interior (DOI)

The DOI manages and protects the United States' lands and waters, provides scientific information about its natural resources and ensures that the nation meets its responsibilities toward native peoples.

Trump's budget proposal requests that the DOI cut $1.5 billion, a 12 percent cut to its overall budget.

The budget would:

Expand spending for energy development programs that drill for gas and oil on public lands. It would also streamline the permitting processes, giving industry faster access to energy resources. [The Oil & Gas Industry's Fractured Fairy Tales (Op-Ed)]

Cut $120 million from a program that buys new federal lands, and spend discretionary money on maintaining existing national parks, refuges and public lands.

Eliminate federal funding for National Heritage Areas and the National Wildlife Refuge System. (The NWRS employs more than 3,000 individuals, according to their website.)

Invest more than $1 billion in "safe, reliable and efficient management of water resources" in the western United States.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

NASA runs the civilian space program and funds aerospace and astrophysics research. It has several areas of focus, including better understanding the Earth through Earth observation systems, understanding the physics of the sun, exploring space and gaining insight into the early origins of the universe.

Trump's budget proposal requests $19.1 billion for the agency, which is a small cut relative to previous years.

The new budget would:

Eliminate the Asteroid Redirect Mission, a proposed mission to land on a large near-Earth asteroid, mine a large boulder from it, and then redirect it into stable orbit around the moon, as part of a larger project exploring how to gain resources for a trip to Mars. [How It Works: NASA Asteroid-Capture Mission in Pictures]

Increase planetary science research to levels higher than those achieved under President Obama.

Continue the Europa Clipper Mission, a mission to fly by Jupiter's moon Europa; the lander designed to gather samples has not been budgeted for.

The new budget does not weigh in on whether the next big mission should focus on going to Mars or the moon, though unlike Obama's budget, it does not focus on Mars. Trump has previously expressed an interest in another manned mission to the moon.

Earth Science gets a substantial cut, particularly programs focused on climate change:

Programs on the chopping block include PACE, or the Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem, which uses satellite systems to monitor the color of the oceans as a proxy for their health, and gain new insight into aerosols and clouds.

The Orbiting Carbon Observatory, the Deep Space Climate Observatory, and the CLARREO Pathfinder, which measures atmospheric heat to test climate models and predictions, are all set to be canceled. All of these programs are focused on better understanding climate change.

The Office of Education, which provides summer camps, enrichment programs, and STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) programming for kids is being cut.

Department of Energy (DOE)

The DOE oversees the nation's energy policies and research, including nuclear energy, and the environmental impacts of energy production and consumption. All the national laboratories in the U.S. are overseen by the DOE, including the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Colorado and the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory in Illinois. Together, the 17 national labs form one of the world's largest scientific research institutions.

Trump's 2018 budget proposal requests $28 billion for the agency, which is a $1.7 billion cut, or about 6 percent, relative to the previous year.

The new budget would:

Restart the Yucca Mountain project, a controversial storage facility for nuclear power plant waste, with $120 million to restart licensing operations.

Cut $900 million from the DOE's Office of Science, which supports 10 of the national labs and scientific research at more than 300 universities and institutions of higher learning across the country.

Eliminate programs focused on lowering carbon emissions, including the Title 17 Innovative Technology Loan Guarantee Program, which supports low-carbon energy projects, and the Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing Program.

Eliminate the Weatherization Assistance Program, which is used by states and some Native American tribes to assist low-income families in improving the energy efficiency of their homes.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

The HHS includes two major health and medical arms: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health.

Trump's budget proposal requests a nearly 18 percent cut from the previous year, equivalent to a reduction of about $15 billion.

Here's how the HHS could be affected.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

The Trump administration's budget proposal does not include a specific figure for the CDC, which has a current core budget of about $7 billion, nor does the preliminary request list programs that might be cut, The Washington Post reported.

The proposed budget would:

Increase spending by $500 million to help fight opioid abuse and provide access to treatment.

Create a new Federal Emergency Response Fund for public health outbreaks such as the Zika virus. According to the Washington Post, however, it is not clear how much money this fund would receive or if the money would come from other CDC programs.

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

The National Institutes of Health, a large funder of scientific research across the country, would see a $5.8 billion cut in its budget under Trump's new proposal. That's a 19 percent decrease from its current budget. The large cut could prove disruptive to researchers who rely on NIH grants to carry out studies over several years, according to the Washington Post. To implement these cuts, Trump's budget proposes a "major reorganization" of the NIH's 27 institutes and centers.

The proposed budget would:

Eliminate the NIH's Fogarty International Center, which supports global health research and helps build partnerships between research institutions in the United States and abroad.

Make the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality part of the NIH. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, which had been its own agency within HHS, is focused on improving the safety and quality of the U.S. health care system.

Initiate "other consolidations and structural changes across NIH organizations and activities." Though the budget proposal offers few other specifics about what will change at the NIH, it would also reduce administrative costs and "rebalance Federal contributions to research funding," the administration said.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

NOAA oversees research and programs that forecast weather and storms, monitor climate, and manage marine and freshwater communities and ecosystems, to better understand the processes that drive our dynamic planet, and to help predict changes in a warming world.

NOAA operates within the Department of Commerce, where it was placed upon its creation in 1970 by former President Richard Nixon. Nixon allegedly made this unorthodox choice  rather than designating NOAA as part of the Interior Department  as a reprimand directed against the Interior Secretary Wally Hickel for criticizing Nixon's policies on Vietnam, President Barack Obama recounted on Jan. 13, 2012.

Trump's budget proposal would cut more than $250 million of funding for NOAA programs and grants that support marine and coastal research, management and education.

The new budget would:

Eliminate Sea Grant, which employs thousands of scientists, engineers and outreach experts to work with U.S. coastal communities, managing resources and fueling sustainable economic growth. Funded in 2015 at $67.3 million, Sea Grant's economic impact that year was estimated at $575 million  a 854 percent return  according to a January 2017 report.

Continue development of NOAA's weather satellites, which contribute critical weather data to the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) and Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) programs, though the amount of money allocated to these programs was not specified.

Also unspecified was the amount of "annual savings" expected to be extracted from NOAA's Polar Follow On (PFO) satellite program. The administration will re-evaluate the risks of incomplete polar coverage by satellites, and examine the possibility of bolstering weather models with commercially sourced data, according to the budget description.

Live Science reporters Tia Ghose, Mindy Weisberger, Sara Miller, Rachael Rettner, Laura Geggel, Kacey Deamer, Jeanna Bryner and Denise Chow contributed to this report.

Original article on Live Science.
This article was originally published at The Conversation. The publication contributed the article to Live Science's Expert Voices: Op-Ed & Insights.

Women experience higher stress, more chronic disease, more depression, more anxiety and are more likely to be victims of violence. Women earn less than men, and in many countries they dont have the same human rights as men.

Despite the social inequality women experience, they live longer than men. This is the case without a single exception, in all countries.

For instance, in the U.S. in 2015 female full-time workers made only 80 cents for every dollar earned by men, indicating a 20 percent gender wage gap. Yet, life expectancy for women in the U.S. is 81.2 years (opens in new tab) compared to 76.4 for males.

Even in countries with larger wage gaps or extreme gender inequalities, women live longer than men.

As a researcher who studies cross-country and gender differences in health, I am always fascinated by how the intersection of these factors influences health. So why do women live longer, despite their lower social rank and worse health?

Is it basic biology?

Gender refers to social aspects of being a woman or a man such as social stress, opportunity and social expectations.

Sex, on the other hand, refers to biology. Biology can contribute to this difference in life expectancy. Women have biological advantages that let them live longer.

For instance, estrogen benefits women because it lowers low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (or LDL, what you may know as "bad" cholesterol) and increases high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (or HDL, the "good" cholesterol), which reduces cardiovascular risk.

Testosterone, on the other hand, increases blood levels of the bad cholesterol and decreases levels of good cholesterol. This puts men at greater risk of hypertension, heart disease and stroke.

When it comes to chronic diseases, women tend to have more of them. But there is a caveat here. Men and women have different types of chronic disease. Women have more nonfatal, chronic conditions, while men have more fatal conditions.

For example, women have more arthritis, which does not kill, even if disabling. In contrast, men are at higher risk of chronic diseases that are leading killers. Heart disease starts 10 years earlier in men than women.

So, biological differences play a role in this life expectancy gap, but gender, I argue, plays a bigger role.

Women are more health aware

Studies have shown that, in general, women are more health conscious, and they have higher awareness of their physical and mental symptoms. These all result in healthier lifestyles and better health care use. Women also communicate better about their problems, which helps the process of diagnosis.

Being a man means delayed initiation of treatment of any kind. Men are less adherent to treatment.

These issues collectively cause males to be vulnerable to therapeutic failure.

Masculinity is a socially learned construct, and it can have unhealthy effects. Many men define unhealthy and risky behaviors as masculine, while they see health care use and health-promoting behaviors as feminine.

Risky behavior and sensation-seeking

Testosterone puts men at risk biologically, but it also puts men at risk behaviorally. It increases aggressiveness, and, in a cascading effect, results in higher death rate from accidents and homicide.

My colleague and I followed more than 250 youth and found that baseline testestrone predicts future violent behaviors.

Women systematically overestimate risk of any type, while men consistently underestimate it. This pattern has been observed regardless of the context. These include examples ranging from crossing a road to perception of risk of volcano, smoking or a terrorist attack. Among pedestrians, males violate more rules than females. Among drivers, men more commonly break the rules.

Accidents, like motor vehicle crashes, are far more common among men than women. This is due in part to mens greater risk-taking, underestimation of risk, sensation-seeking, and tendency to be more impulsive.

This difference extends to almost any task in real life. This in part explains why women internalize and men externalize (which requires low perception of risk).

Substance use is also more common among men than among women. While that gap is narrowing, according to a 2011 study, men were 2.2 times more likely to abuse drugs than women, and 1.9 times more likely to have drug dependence.

Among those who have drug use problems, men tend to have more severe problems, defined by frequency of use, using more than one substance and risky behaviors such as injection drug use. Men with drug use problems seek care later than women do. Men also drive under the influence of drugs and alcohol more frequently than women. Men are responsible for four out of every five cases of driving under the influence of a drug or alcohol.

So why do men have a higher tendency to abuse illicit drugs and alcohol than women?

This is in part due to sensation-seeking, which makes some men search for experiences and feelings that are varied, novel, complex and intense. Higher acceptability for men of risky behaviors, peer pressure and gender roles also have a role. Although some of this may be due to testosterone levels, a considerable part of it is due to learned gender roles (opens in new tab).

In addition to higher sensation-seeking, men have more impulsive traits and have higher thresholds for punishment.

And our previous research has shown that masculinity plays a role for depression and alcohol use.

Suicide

In most countries, men are more likely to die by suicide. In the United States, for example, men are 3.5 times more likely than women to die from suicide. This is mainly because men use more lethal methods for suicide, such as firearms.

In the U.S. most suicides are white men. In fact, suicides among this group are one reason why mortality for middle-aged white American men is increasing.

One reason behind the high suicide rate among men is the high stigma about psychiatric disorders as well as mental health care use. So when men experience stress they are at higher risk of mental health problems such as depression than women, possibly because they do not talk about their emotions and they do not seek care. Such a tendency to avoid mental health care is directly related to masculinity, gender norms and social expectations for men.

Unemployment is a major cause of suicide globally and in the U.S. Unemployment may have a bigger role as a cause of suicide for men, as it results in a larger "human capital loss" among men than women.

Thinking about gender

Our gender can determine how our parents treat us, which in turn make us learn to behave in a certain way, as dictated by societal beliefs, values, attitudes and examples. Boys and girls start facing social norms that define "masculine" and "feminine" for them from an early age.

Gender differences in mortality are mainly behavioral and thus preventable, as they are learned in society and manifested in behavioral and psychological ways. Although our brain is involved, it is not in our genetics. It is learned socially and it can be unlearned.

Gender differences are rules rather than exceptions. While in many factors, women do worse than men, in the case of life expectancy, men do worse. Theese are mainly due to a wide range of social, psychological and behavioral factors such as sensation-seeking, risk-taking traits, stigma, masculinity, worse health care use, and a tendency for externalizing behavior. Males require more self-control, stigma reduction (by mass media) and incentives to seek and use professional care.

Shervin Assari, Research Investigator of Psychiatry and Public Health, University of Michigan

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.
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The next strategy to combat cellphone use in theaters, considered a plague by many performing artists and audiences, will be implemented locally for the first time April 10, when top comedian Chris Rock performs at the Palace Theatre in Albany.

Patrons of the show, which is 90 percent sold out, will be incapable of using their phones  for talk, text, photo or video  once inside the theater. Rock is requiring that all phones be secured inside locked fabric pouches made by a San Francisco company called Yondr. Attendees hold onto their devices throughout and may return to the lobby during the show to have the pouch unlocked if they need to make a call, but the theater will be a no-phone zone. Anyone found sneaking a phone into the Palace and trying to use it during the performance will be ejected.

Rock joins a growing number of artists resorting to Yondr, introduced less than two years ago, to battle the use during performances of cellphones in an era when two-thirds of American adults own a smartphone; the percentage is higher among those younger than 40, those with college educations and those with higher incomes  many concertgoers, in other words.

For a large number of comedians and some musicians, the issue is guarding intellectual property. They don't want their material diminished in value by being posted online for free.

Rock, for instance, has something substantial at stake. He is touring in part to develop material for two upcoming specials for the online streaming service Netflix, for which he was paid $20 million apiece, according to industry reports. Audiences able to watch all or parts of his set posted online by fans who recorded it during the tour likely would reduce his potential Netflix viewership and thus his appeal for future deals with the company, said Tommy Nicchi, owner of The Comedy Works in Saratoga Springs.

"If you're talking about putting $40 million of business at risk, I can justify it," Nicchi said of Rock's requiring Yondr. With only 100 seats, Comedy Works staff can be vigilant about catching anyone using a phone during a performance, but Nicchi said he would still book an artist who insisted on Yondr pouches being issued for a show. The club has not used the technology.

For artists and audiences, bright screens are a distraction, whether during a key moment in a play when a patron in a neighboring seat receives a call or decides to read a text, or when dozens of fans use their phones' cameras to take and immediately post photos or videos online.

Pre-Yondr, the solution was Draconian: stern signs at theater entrances, frequent announced warnings and multiple patrons escorted from the premises. Comedian Kevin Hart, who in August 2015 drew 10,000 people to the Times Union Center in Albany, required in his contract with the arena that multiple signs be displayed prominently, and approximately 20 announcements were made before Hart's performance  some recorded, others by opening acts  reiterating the threat of removal if anyone was found merely to be looking at his or her phone during the show. The announcements said that 150 people had been thrown out, with no refund, the previous night in Syracuse, and they regularly updated the count of Times Union Center patrons ejected. During comedian Louis CK's show at the Palace five months ago, signs and announcements noted that having a phone out for any reason, even to check the time, was grounds for banishment.

Yondr is seen as preferable to such tactics and the strong security and usher presence they require, which itself can be as distracting as smartphone screens in a dark theater. But, as an unfamiliar policy and technology, Yondr raises concerns among the theater managers who are asked to introduce it to their patrons and implement it.

The most prominent questions are logistical, such as whether there will be long lines to pick up and return the pouches. Others are more theoretical, including whether audiences in a smartphone-addicted culture will be willing to be without immediate access to their devices for two hours or so.

"Our biggest concerns are operational: how exactly it will work, and how to make sure we get the message out to everyone that these are the rules, and they're new," said Holly Brown, executive director of the Palace. The theater will send ticketholders emails specifically about the use of Yondr, she said, and it will work to get the word out via media interviews, social-media messaging and signs.

The potential for delays before and after shows and negative reaction from audiences also concern management at Proctors in Schenectady, The Egg and Times Union Center in Albany and the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall in Troy, none of which have used Yondr.

"We really don't have the ancillary spaces that I think would be required for distribution and collection," said Jon Elbaum, executive director of the Troy venue. Because the 1,200-seat hall is on the second floor of a historic building, access is via small staircases and a single elevator, all of which get backed up pre- and post-show. Elbaum said that unless he were convinced Yondr would be hassle-free, he would be inclined to refuse to book an artist who required its use.

"We'd have to asses the logistics and the cost: whether we'd need more people, and if the artist or the promoter was going to cover those costs," said Philip Morris, CEO of Proctors, which has 2,700 seats.

Counterparts at theaters that have used Yondr said they no longer have such qualms.

"They were incredible," said Chris Corl, general manager of U.S. Cellular Center in Asheville, N.C., which last month used Yondr pouches for the first time in its 2,400-seat theater as a requirement for hosting comedian Dave Chappelle, who was among the early champions of the device after years of decrying phone use during performances.

At the Charleston Music Hall in Charleston, S.C., where Chappelle started his winter tour Feb. 1 with back-to-back shows, the 1,000-seat theater was emptied and ready for the next audience within 20 minutes despite the shows being the inaugural Yondr run at the venue, according to Executive Director Charles Carmody.

U.S. Cellular, which also presented Chappelle twice in one night, saw only minimal delays, Corl said: about 10 seconds longer on entry, when the pouches are distributed and locked, only two seconds longer during departure.

"It's amazing technology  really cool," he said. As Corl described the process, simply tapping a Yondr pouch on a special magnet activates its lock. Patrons leaving a show barely slow down to unlock with a tap and drop the pouch in a box, he said. Collection stations were staffed from the theater's existing roster of volunteers. U.S. Cellular Center has yet to use Yondr in its larger venue, a 7,600-seat arena, but Corl said he would not hesitate to do so. In fact, he said, although Yondr pouches are supplied by artists, who rent them from the manufacturer, Corl is investigating whether his facility could itself arrange to use Yondr for plays, musicals and classical music.

"I didn't hear a single negative comment" from Chappelle's audiences, Corl said. "Not having to be distracted by somebody else's screen while you're trying to watch really gets you back to what the true experience should be about."

sbarnes@timesunion.com  518-454-5489  @Tablehopping  http://facebook.com/SteveBarnesFoodCritic
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Washington

With Senate confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch scheduled to begin Monday, Democrats are putting a human face on their opposition to President Trump's conservative nominee.

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand already has said she will vote "no" on Gorsuch, 49, a judge on the Denver-based U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit who is an admirer of the justice he would replace: conservative icon Antonin Scalia, who died more than a year ago.

But most Senate Democrats have stopped short of "no." Nevertheless, they are busy laying the groundwork for a defeat by portraying Gorsuch as the tool of what Democrats characterize as "corporate special interests."

Democratic strategy in part involves the compelling stories of individuals involved in lawsuits argued before Gorsuch. Their aim is personalizing the human dimension at play in the judge's sometimes arcane court rulings and dissents, which will be picked over in the three or four days of hearings before the Senate Judiciary Committee next week.

"Far too often (Gorsuch) sides with the powerful few over everyday Americans trying to just get a fair shake," said Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, who appeared Wednesday at a Capitol news conference with three such people with stories to tell. "He prefers CEOs over truck drivers, executives over employees, and corporations over consumers."

Among them was Alphonse Maddin, who related a harrowing tale of driving a tractor-trailer laden with meat through Illinois on a winter day in 2009 when his trailer's brakes froze. Although the company told him help was on the way, he stayed in the truck cab for hours with temperatures below zero, his feet turning numb, his speech slurred and his breathing uncertain.

"I started to have thoughts I was going to die," he said.

Help did not arrive. So against orders from his employer, Maddin unhooked the cab from the trailer and sought shelter  although he eventually returned and drove off with his load.

The company fired him, starting a seven-year legal battle that ultimately resulted in Maddin's victory before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit.

But Gorsuch dissented in the case, saying that while federal law stipulated drivers cannot be fired for refusing to operate a vehicle due to safety concerns, Maddin's employer "gave him the very option the statute requires," which was "to sit and remain where he was and wait for help."

At the news conference, Maddin called on the public and senators weighing Gorsuch's confirmation to "consider the national ramifications on working people if the Supreme Court had allowed (his employer) to prevail in this matter."

Detractors and defenders of the Gorsuch nomination have aired dueling TV ads. The pro-Gorsuch ad features his former law clerk Jane Nitze, who is also identified on-screen as a "former Obama administration attorney," giving reassurances that he is not an ideologue and will decide cases based upon the law and the facts.

"I have to say, I am 100-percent comfortable with Judge Gorsuch becoming the next Supreme Court justice," she says.

dan@hearst.com
Albany

A retired Ithaca school teacher is the favored choice to fill an opening on the New York State Board of Regents, a 17-member governing body that sets education policy for the state.

Susan Mittler, of Ithaca, is likely to fill a vacancy left by longtime board member James Tallon, Jr., a former state assemblyman who served on the board for 15 years. She would represent the 6th Judicial District, which covers Broome, Chemung, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Madison, Otsego, Schuyler, Tioga and Tompkins counties.

Mittler taught gifted and talented students at the Ithaca City School District from 1987 to 1991, according to her LinkedIn page. She has close ties to teachers' unions, having served as president of the Ithaca Teacher Association for nearly two decades and several years as a policy board member for New York State United Teachers, the state's major teachers' union.

A graduate of Cornell University and SUNY Cortland, Mittler leads her own business consulting on education issues, including teacher mentorship, curriculum development and collective bargaining.

Board of Regents incumbents Nan Mead and T. Andrew Brown are likely to be re-appointed to their seats. Mead was named to the board last year to fill the remaining year of a five-year term. Brown was appointed to the board in 2012 and was elected vice chancellor last year.

The state Legislature nominates board members and then votes on them, a process that's currently controlled by Assembly Democrats. Lawmakers were slated to vote Tuesday before a major storm prompted leaders to cancel the legislative session.

Assembly spokesman Michael Whyland said Wednesday the vote to confirm the nominations wasa rescheduled for Tuesday at noon.

bbump@timesunion.com  518-454-5387  @bethanybump
Albany

The state Office of Mental Health has scuttled its initial plan to place limits on the number of people that civilly confined sex offenders could contact by telephone.

The original plan, which had been in the works for several weeks, would have limited to 15 the number of people the confined person could telephone. Authorities would maintain lists of those who could be called.

In abandoning that limit, OMH proposed another protocol: Outgoing phone calls by civilly confined sex offenders would begin with a recording telling the recipient where the call is originating from; recipients would then be able to decline the call. This is similar to a system used for prison inmates.

Under civil confinement, convicted sex offenders who have completed their prison sentences can be kept in secure psychiatric hospitals if authorities convince a judge that the offender has a "mental abnormality" that drives him or her toward such offenses.

The initial phone plan prompted an outcry from offenders, who flooded the state Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs with complaints, saying the limit amounted to abuse  a charge that OMH denied.

The Justice Center has oversight over a number of institutions. While most people think of the office as watching out for the developmentally disabled, civilly confined sex offenders are deemed to be mentally ill, thus they are involuntarily kept in psychiatric hospitals.

Some of the civilly confined said they believed the proposed policy would violate federal medical privacy laws as well as the First Amendment.

Either way, OMH on Tuesday acknowledged that the first plan had been dropped. "Residents will no longer be limited to having 15 contacts,'' an agency spokesman said in an email

Instead, it will adopt a new policy that will have hospital workers check to make sure the recipient isn't someone who has requested not to be called by the confined person.

Prisoners'-rights groups said they were encouraged by the change.

"I think it's a good sign," said Wayne Bowers, executive director of Sex Offenders Restored Through Treatment.

New York allowed civil confinement about a decade ago. Recent court cases, though, have better defined the law, calling for more specific psychiatric diagnoses that would allow confinement.

rkarlin@timesunion.com  518-454-5758  @RickKarlinTU
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President Trumps latest attempt to halt travel to the U.S. from selected nations with almost entirely Muslim populations was blocked Wednesday by a federal judge  less than six hours before it was to take effect  as an act of religious discrimination.

The main purpose of the presidents executive order, as shown by the countries it targeted and Trumps own statements, was temporarily suspending the entry of Muslims, U.S. District Judge Derrick Watson of Hawaii said in a ruling barring enforcement of the order nationwide.

Trumps comments during the presidential campaign, and a revealing remark by one of his advisers after taking office, provide significant and unrebutted evidence of religious animus behind the current order and an earlier version, also blocked by the courts, Watson said.

He cited then-candidate Trumps proposal in December 2015 for a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States and Trumps statement in a March 2016 television interview that I think Islam hates us. And on Jan. 28, a day after Trumps first executive order, Watson noted, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, a Trump adviser, told a television interviewer that the president wanted a Muslim ban and had asked Giuliani to form a commission to do it legally.

Speaking shortly afterward at a rally in Nashville, Trump promised to fight this terrible ruling and predicted victory in the U.S. Supreme Court. He said Watsons decision was in the opinion of many, an unprecedented judicial overreach, apparently referring to the judges refusal to endorse arguments by Justice Department lawyers that courts should not second-guess a presidents decisions on national security.

The ruling would first be appealed to the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco, which last month upheld a decision by another federal judge, James Robart of Seattle, blocking Trumps first executive order. Trump, who had previously derided Robart as a so-called judge, proceeded down the same path Wednesday by saying Watsons court was part of the much-overturned Ninth Circuit.

Marielena Hincapie, executive director of the National Immigration Law Center, which represented refugee groups in a separate case against Trumps revised order, called Watsons ruling a rejection of the politics of hate.

The ruling came in a suit by Hawaii, which drew support from California and other states. Lawyers for Hawaii said the state was the nations most ethnically diverse and that the ban would cause harm to its university, its vital tourist industry, and its residents with relatives abroad who would be prevented from joining them.

In addition to participating in the Hawaii case, California was one of six states with a separate lawsuit before Robart. Other plaintiffs included four families with relatives in the targeted countries who would have been stranded by Trumps order, and, in a separate case in Maryland, three refugee support groups.

Judges held hearings Wednesday in the Seattle and Maryland cases but did not rule on them. Even if they both upheld Trumps order, Watsons ruling blocking it would remain in effect unless reversed by a higher court.

The executive order, which was issued March 6 and had been scheduled to take effect early Thursday, would prohibit U.S. entry for 90 days by anyone from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria or Yemen, except legal U.S. residents or those holding U.S. visas. The Trump administration says it would use that period to review screening of entrants from those nations and others and determine whether further restrictions were needed.

The order would impose a 120-day freeze on all U.S. admission of refugees, who fled violence or persecution in their homelands and have been approved for entry by federal agencies. It would also reduce U.S. admission of refugees from 110,000 to 50,000 for the fiscal year that ends Sept. 30.

Watsons ruling returns the refugee ceiling, at least for now, to the 110,000 level set by former President Barack Obama. .

Trumps previous order included a seventh nation, Iraq, in the 90-day ban, and did not exempt legal residents or visa-holders. It also included a provision giving priority to religious minorities for future admission of refugees, language cited by opponents in arguing that the travel ban was intended to exclude Muslims.

Robarts ruling blocking Trumps initial order came after a week of havoc at domestic and foreign airports, as entrants were detained and turned away and travel plans canceled. The Ninth Circuit upheld his ruling, saying the exclusions appeared to violate due process of law and might also constitute religious discrimination.

The Trump administration denounced that ruling but said it would recast the order to meet the courts objections. Justice Department lawyers argued in court papers that the revised, scaled-back March 6 order was valid under the presidents broad constitutional authority over foreign affairs and national security and would bar entry on the basis of risk of terrorism, not religion.

At a hearing Wednesday in Greenbelt, Md., Justice Department lawyer Jeffrey Wall said the six countries were among those singled out by then-President Barack Obama and Congress as potential sources of terrorism, in a law requiring their residents to obtain visas to enter the United States.

What hes concerned about are radical Islamic terrorists, Wall said, referring to Trump.

But opponents cited a recent draft report from Trumps Department of Homeland Security that said the national origin of an immigrant or refugee was no indicator of terrorism.

Watson, in Wednesdays ruling, said the administrations claim of religious neutrality was hard to square with the overwhelmingly Muslim populations of the six nations  from 90.7 percent to 99.8 percent, in a 2010 survey.

It seems logical to infer, he said, that targeting these countries likewise targets Islam.

Rejecting the administrations argument that any flaws in the first executive order had been cured in the revision, the judge cited a statement by presidential adviser Stephen Miller on Feb. 21, when the second order was being prepared. Miller said the new version would contain mostly minor technical differences but would accomplish the same basic policy outcome as the first executive order.

The state also argued that the timing of the new order, issued more than a month after the first order was blocked, was evidence that Trumps assertion of antiterrorism motivation was a pretext. Watson said the delay in the second order at least detracts from the national security urgency claimed by the administration.

Trump reiterated his security argument Wednesday, telling supporters that his executive order was essential for the safety and security of our people and that this ruling makes us look weak.

His judicial attacks drew a rebuke Wednesday from one of the Ninth Circuits most conservative judges, Jay Bybee, after the appeals court refused to reconsider its earlier decision blocking Trumps first executive order.

Bybee, joined by four colleagues, dissented, saying courts should not peek behind the curtain to look for the hidden motives of a presidents immigration-related decisions. But he also said that the personal attacks on the distinguished district judge (Robart) and our colleagues were out of all bounds of civic and persuasive discourse.

The Washington Post contributed to this report.

Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter:@egelko
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Bixby the dog is happiest when engaged in a game of fetch, her owner Mike Minnick said as she darted back and forth across a Kingwood lawn in pursuit of her chew toy.

For the past three years, Minnick and his charismatic canine companion have traveled more than 22,000 miles by cargo bicycle across the country. Their mission: to raise awareness about animal adoption and to build support for local animal shelters.

Minnick has made Bixby the focus of his initiative.

"I can't think of a better ambassador for rescue dogs," Minnick said. "She's just as sweet as she can possibly be. She's a mixed-breed, whatever she is, and she absolutely loves people."

The "Where's Bixby" campaign is now followed by thousands of people across the country through Facebook and www.wheresbixby.com.

Minnick is a graduate of Kingwood High School and still has family in Kingwood. He and Bixby recently stopped for a visit while on their current tour across the country.

"I adopted Bixby just seven years ago," Minnick said. "She came from a shelter in Austin, Texas. Little did I realize at the time the big adventure she was going to take us on."

In 2011, receiving a ticket to Burning Man ended up being a life-changing catalyst for Minnick.

"I had been living in Austin, Texas, most of my adult life," Minnick said. "I just decided a few years ago that I needed to shake the complacency off of myself, and I needed to shake my life up. I was a chain smoker; I was a bartender, and I just knew I wanted to change the trajectory I was on."

He quit his jobs, sold his belongings, bought a pickup truck, and he and Bixby went to Burning Man. That initial expedition evolved into them traveling to different national parks. They settled temporarily in Terlingua, a town in Big Bend National Park. The year-and-a-half he spent living on a bus in Terlingua inspired the next leg of their journey.

"As I stayed there, I met other people on cross-country bicycle rides," Minnick said. "It was like, 'You know what? I can do this. If I can live on a school bus in the middle of a desert for a year-and-a -half; I can ride a bicycle with my dog across the country.'"

Minnick's original plan was just to bike from Lubec, Maine, to Key West, Florida.

"When I got to Miami in 2013, a local news station came out and did a story on us," Minnick said. "They made us the final story of the year 2013. So, a half an hour before New Year's, our segment aired on the news. The segment was like three minutes long, which in news time is huge.

"Suddenly, everywhere we went around the Keys and across the Everglades, everybody wanted to take pictures with Bixby, and people wanted her paw prints. It was hilarious. That was the genesis of my taking it from a 'Can I do this' adventure to an 'OK, I did it, and now that we're getting publicity, what can I do with it?'"

On New Year's Day 2014, he visited an animal shelter in Key Largo, Florida, and witness firsthand the need for support that exists within some local animal shelters.

"Here's this place on an island of millionaires, and they're desperate for money," Minnick said. "They're doing the best that they can, but the ladies who work there are using their own money to feed these animals."

Minnick continued visiting animal shelters. Advocacy for local animal shelters became his mission.

For two-and-a-half years, Minnick and Bixby pedaled approximately 10,000 miles through towns and cities in Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Montana, Washington and all the way down the west coast through California, spreading awareness for local shelters.

"What I try to do is, as I go through a town, I use our story and the popularity we end up having in that town to educate people on why they should support their local shelters," Minnick said. "It's not only adopting - it's donations, it's food, it's your old blankets, it's old sheets and things like that. There's a lot of ways to support animal shelters."

In April 2016, Minnick received a bicycle upgrade when he was given an electric assist cargo bicycle by Yuba.

When he and Bixby launched into their new tour on the new bike, Minnick's mission expanded to include breaking the Guinness Book of World Records for distance on an electric bicycle.

The current world record is approximately 4,700 miles. Minnick and Bixby have already tripled that with more than 12,300 miles as of Feb. 21.

Minnick plans to end this current tour in northern California by April, claim the world record and then set off on a new tour in May.

"When we wrap up this tour, it's our intention to set out to break our own record," Minnick said. "So we're easily going to do this for another year-and-a-half."

He hopes the transition into the new tour will coincide with establishing the nonprofit fundraising mechanism of the "Where's Bixby" campaign. He intends plan out his upcoming tour in advance with specific fundraisers scheduled along the way to benefit local animal shelters.

Mounting press coverage and popularity of the "Where's Bixby" story has Minnick confident that he is close to achieving another of his goals, turning Bixby's adventure into a cartoon.

"I sort of treat our adventures as though we're a cartoon and, ultimately, that's kind of the goal," Minnick said. "Instead of having an orange safety flag on our bicycle, I have a rubber safety chicken named Chicken Charlie. So, Bixby is clearly the brains of the operation; Chicken Charlie is the safety chicken who keeps cars from hitting us; and I'm the guy who would be absolutely lost without them."

Minnick has plans to turn the story into a children's book and eventually hopes it will become an animated motion picture. With a narrative chalked full of inspirational messages, Minnick believes it is only a matter of time before these dreams become a reality.

In fact, it was Bixby's tireless determination to engage people in a game of fetch that inspired Minnick to invent Bixby's catchphrase: "Dreams are like sticks; you just have to chase them."

"In making Bixby the whole focus of our journey, I feel like the entire world has opened up, and that's why we get such a warm welcome everywhere we go," Minnick said. "It's given me such a greater purpose. I certainly enjoy having my best friend with me everywhere I go. We're definitely a dynamic duo - well, I should say 'trio' because of Chicken Charlie.

"I know that really good things are about to happen for us, meaning that I'm going to be in a position to do an awful lot of good. I'm really glad that I took off down this path. I say home is where your dog is, and I'm perfectly content. We've made friends all over the country. We can go just about anywhere in this country, and we have people to play fetch with."

For more information or to help support the journey, visit www.wheresbixby.com.
One of three members of Montgomery County Commissioners Court indicted on a charge of conspiring to circumvent the Texas Open Meetings Act has agreed to testify against the other two elected officials and a political consultant in their upcoming trial, according to the attorney representing him.

Precinct 4 Commissioner Jim Clark was granted a pretrial diversion in exchange for his testimony against County Judge Craig Doyal, Precinct 2 Commissioner Charlie Riley and political consultant Marc Davenport, said Conroe-based attorney E. Tay Bond, who is representing Clark.

All four face the TOMA violation charge stemming from negotiations in August 2015 to place a $280 million road bond referendum on the November 2015 ballot. After a six-month investigation, a Montgomery County grand jury indicted the four in June 2016 on one count each of the Class A misdemeanor that carries a punishment of up to six months in jail and a maximum $500 fine, if convicted. It is unclear whether a guilty verdict or plea would force the elected officials to vacate their positions.

All four are scheduled to start trial proceedings March 27 in the 221st state District Court in Montgomery County.

However, on March 13, Bond confirmed that Clark has worked out the agreement with the special prosecutor handling the case.

According to Bond, if Clark "lives up to the terms" of the diversion, his case will be dismissed. While some pretrial diversions require admission of guilt, Bond said that is not the case with Clark's agreement.

"He would be required to voluntarily complete training offered by the Texas Attorney General's Office (regarding) the Texas Open Meetings Act as required by (the) Texas Government Code," said Bond, noting that Clark then would provide documentation to Special Prosecutor Chris Downey that he completed the training. "He would have to retain a consultant to advise him and his staff on the applicability and proper implementation of the requirement of the Texas Open Meeting Act.

"He will have to testify truthfully under oath in any trials concerning this alleged violation of the Texas Open Meetings Act."

An Aug. 24, 2015, Open Records request by The Courier led to the appointment of Downey as special prosecutor to investigate the case. Then-9th state District Court Judge Kelly Case, who did not seek re-election in 2016, appointed Downey after Montgomery County District Attorney Brett Ligon requested that someone else handle the case due to some conflicts of interest involving his office. Case had the choice of hiring a special prosecutor or requesting that the state Attorney General's Office handle it, according to Downey.

The information provided to The Courier showed dozens of emails between the county judge, certain members of Commissioners Court, Davenport and others, including members of The Woodlands-based Texas Patriots PAC, which negotiated the framework of the bond package with the elected officials and political consultant. No Patriots PAC member was indicted and it is not known whether any were a subject of the special prosecutor's investigation.

The Courier did not receive any emails from Clark regarding the open records request but in the emails provided by Doyal, Bill Smith and inspector with Clark's office forwarded an email from O'Sullivan containing a draft of the memorandum of understanding between the PAC, Riley and Doyal.

In a previous article, Clark said he provided Davenport with a hard copy of his road bond projects.

The Courier requested documents between Aug. 11 and Aug. 21, 2015, because commissioners took no action on a November 2015 road bond on Aug. 11, 2015, which was the last scheduled court meeting before the Aug. 24 deadline to place a bond referendum on the November 2015 ballot. However, on Aug. 21, 2015, Doyal and Riley announced they had reached a memorandum of understanding with the Patriots PAC that opened the door for the bond referendum. At the same time, a special meeting of Commissioners Court was posted for Aug. 24, 2015. On that date, commissioners unanimously approved the referendum, and voters later passed it. The bond package did not include the controversial Woodlands Parkway extension or the Robinson Road project in Oak Ridge North. The parkway extension led to the demise of a $350 million road bond referendum in May 2015, which voters rejected due to the overwhelming opposition in The Woodlands.

The Courier also requested phone logs and text messages but never recieved any documents responsive to that request.

Clark, Doyal and Riley all are up for re-election in 2018.
Former San Francisco immigration attorney Matthew Muller will spend 40 years behind bars for a shocking Vallejo kidnapping that grabbed wide attention but was initially dismissed as a hoax by police.

Sacramento federal Judge Troy Nunley handed down the sentence, which included five years probation, during an emotional hearing Thursday afternoon, in which the victims spoke publicly for the first time since the horrific ordeal began in March 2015.

Mullers two victims in the case, Denise Huskins and her boyfriend, Aaron Quinn, each addressed their abductor, speaking with measured words but ultimately breaking into tears as they detailed their ordeal.

I knew this was probably it for me. My life was coming to an end and I made peace with that, Huskins, 31, said of being kidnapped and raped twice by Muller, a Harvard Law School graduate.

Once released, I couldnt fathom the pain that was to come, she added. I felt like a little girl, scared, wanting to hear the voices of my parents saying, Its OK.

Huskins and Quinn, 31, said the trauma they endured was compounded by the suspicions of Vallejo police, who initially did not believe them.

Within an hour of being released, I was a suspect accused of making this up, Huskins said. I lost my job and my health insurance at a time when I most needed care.

Quinn said the pain inflicted on him and Huskins endures, even in their sleep.

How many times do I have to wake up Denise from a nightmare, and how many times does she have to do this to me? he said, reading from a written statement.

At times, he addressed Muller directly.

You strategically destroyed our lives, Quinn said. I cannot and will not ever be the same. My family will not ever be the same.

After the couple spoke, Muller, 39, addressed the court.

Theres nothing I can say, he said from his seat, wearing his orange, Sacramento County jail clothes. Im sick with shame that my actions have brought such devastation. I hope my imprisonment can bring closure to Aaron and Denise and Im prepared for any sentence the court imposes.

Those were the only words he spoke except for briefly answering the judge twice, saying he understood court procedures. He sat upright the entire hearing, blinking rapidly at times with a wide stare, listening intently to every word uttered in court

Muller, who acted as head of Harvard Law Schools Immigration and Refugee Clinical Program in 2008 after spending four years in the Marine Corps, pleaded guilty to the crime last year.

He agreed to cop to the charges in exchange for prosecutors not asking for more than a 40-year sentence.

The courts probation department, though, recommended Muller get life in prison in its presentencing report.

Mullers attack on the Vallejo couple came without warning, although he had apparently been planning the attack for months and had sneaked into Quinns Mare Island home before, authorities said.

Shortly before 2 a.m. on March, 23, 2015, the well-built prowler dressed in all black, slipped into the house where he found the couple asleep in bed.

He bound his victims before playing detailed instructions on a recorded message, all the while taking precautions such as checking their blood pressures and heart rates.

With a cocktail of NyQuil and Valium, Muller drugged Quinn and took off with Huskins, switching cars en route to his hideout that authorities believe was his parents South Lake Tahoe vacation home.

Huskins on Thursday recalled being bound on the floor that day, listening as Muller scrubbed the bathroom floor and bathtub. In her mind, she said she imagined he was cleaning up the remains of other victims.

She was determined to not let her abductor have the satisfaction of seeing her in pain.

If this were my last moment, I would not go out screaming in terror, she said.

Over the next two days, Muller forced his hostage to have sex with him, telling her he was part of an organized group of criminals, while appearing to show compassion for her situation.

In order to survive, Huskins went along with the charade as Muller forced her to kiss him and pretend they were a couple while he raped her.

That will haunt me for the rest of my life, she said to Muller. I know you did that on purpose to leave your mark on the most intimate parts of my life.

As she underwent the horror, police in Vallejo cornered Quinn in an interrogation room at police headquarters, subjecting him to hours of intense questioning, apparently unconvinced by his story.

The next day, The Chronicle received a proof of life statement from Huskins kidnapper.

As teams of searchers  some with cadaver dogs  fanned out around Mare Island looking for Huskins, the woman remarkably turned up safe at her fathers home in Huntington Beach (Orange County), where her kidnapper drove her.

It blew my mind how arrogant he was - how sure he was he wouldnt get caught, Huskins said. Before releasing me, he had the nerve to say he wished we met under different circumstances.

But even as she recuperated in Huntington Beach, police in Vallejo and agents from the FBIs Fairfield branch dismissed the ordeal as bogus. Vallejo police Lt. Kenny Park got up before national television cameras and called the incident an orchestrated event and demanded the couple apologize for what he labeled a hoax.

For several days after, The Chronicle received bizarre and raving letters from Huskins apparent kidnapper, providing details of the crime, while purporting to be part of a band of Oceans Eleven, gentlemen criminals.

Things might have ended there, but less than three months later, on June 5, 2015, Muller broke into a Dublin familys home  a crime that was remarkably similar to the Vallejo home invasion.

But when the husband fought back, Muller ran away, leaving his cell phone behind. Authorities tracked the phone and Muller to the South Lake Tahoe home, where they found evidence linked to the Vallejo kidnapping.

Thursdays sentencing, though, likely isnt the end to the strange saga. Muller could face local charges for crimes against Quinn. Muller is also a suspect in at least three similar attacks in Mountain View and Palo Alto.

The Solano County District Attorneys Office told Quinns attorneys in June that prosecutors would not file any criminal charges in the case until the federal matter was resolved.

Huskins and Quinn, meanwhile, have filed a lawsuit against the city of Vallejo and its police department for defamation of character and constitutional-rights violations.

Evan Sernoffsky is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: esernoffsky@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @EvanSernoffsky
Washington

While shamrocks and smiles typically define the Irish prime minister's traditional St. Patrick's Day visit to the White House, with President Donald Trump the celebration could turn more serious.

Taioseach Enda Kenny has signaled that he will use the meeting  scheduled on Thursday, one day before St. Patrick's Day  to talk about Brexit and Trump's immigration policies. Kenny, who labeled Trump "dangerous" during the campaign, has said it is important to keep the standing date, which some critics have suggested he should cancel.

Speaking to The Irish Times, Kenny said: "European leaders need to be over here talking to Republicans, Democrats and the administration about what membership of the European Union means and the relationship that it can have with as powerful an entity as the United States."

Earlier this year, Trump said Britain's decision to leave the European Union would "end up being a great thing" and predicted the bloc would continue to break apart. The comments echoed Trump's rhetoric during his presidential campaign.

Kenny will be the first European Union politician to meet with Trump after British Prime Minister Theresa May. German Chancellor Angela Merkel was scheduled to come to the White House on Tuesday, but that visit was moved back to Friday because of the snow.

Kenny also plans to push Trump on his plans for Irish people living in the country illegally. At a dinner in New York over the weekend, Kenny said he would "renew the strong case on behalf of the hard-working, tax-paying Irish people in the United States who for too long now have been living in the shadows, and want nothing more than to continue making their contribution to this great country," according to a report in The Irish Times.

Trump ran on a promise to curtail illegal immigration.

Richard Haas, president of the Council on Foreign Relations, a non-partisan think tank, said that this meeting is more serious than in past years largely because of the fallout from Brexit, which is raising concerns about Ireland's economic prospects and the future for Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom.

He said: "You add all this up and this has become a much more substantive meeting."

Kenny spokesman Feargal Purcell said Kenny wants to discuss ways to find "positive outcomes" for an estimated 50,000 Irish people in the country illegally, and he will "outline the positive engagement there can be between Europe and the United States, especially in a post-Brexit context."

The St. Patrick's Day White House event dates back to the 1950s and has become an important standing engagement for Ireland, which has strong emotional and ancestral ties to the United States.
United Nations

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson says the United States will not continue participating in the Human Rights Council unless the U.N. rights agency undergoes "considerable reform."

He gave no time frame for reforms to take place, saying in a letter to eight non-governmental organizations that the U.S. will continue to participate in the council's current session in Geneva.

The eight organizations, which focus on human rights and support for the United Nations, wrote to Tillerson asking the United States to maintain its engagement with the rights council. He urged them to encourage reforms in the council, saying that "would be most helpful."

The secretary of state's letter was first reported by Foreign Policy magazine.

The United States has long complained that the Geneva-based Human Rights Council unduly focuses on Israel and includes member countries with poor rights records.

The United Nations and human rights groups said it would be a mistake for the U.S. to leave the council.

"The United States is an integral part of the Human Rights Council," U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters Wednesday. "It's important that every country participate in its work."

Felice Gaer, director of the Jacob Blaustein Institute for the Advancement of Human Rights, a signatory, said "Secretary Tillerson should appreciate that walking away will not 'delegitimize' the council's bad decisions; rather, it will give the foxes free reign in the henhouse as America retreats from the fight to defend our values on the world stage."

And Kenneth Roth, the head of Human Rights Watch which didn't sign the letter, said, "If the Trump administration is genuinely committed to human rights rather than just making a political statement on behalf of Israel, it would have the courage to stay and fight rather than flee in a cowardly retreat."

Responding to questions about U.S. intentions, State Department spokesman Mark Toner said Wednesday "I'm not predicting we're going to walk away from the council." But he acknowledged the U.S. would be working "to urge greater accountability and greater transparency."
The development came after Thiruvananthapuram Mayor Arya Rajendran, in whose name the letter is purportedly sent, denied having any knowledge of it.
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A person arrested in connection with reports of shots being fired late Wednesday at Rodeo Houston and and charged with evading arrest was released Thursday on $5,000 bond

After initially reporting finding no evidence of shots being fired, officers recovered a fresh 9 mm shell casing.

Authorities say the shell casing gives them reason to believe that a shot may have been fired.

However, officers are still trying to determine if there's a link between the suspect and the shell casing. At the time of the press conference, HPD had not recovered a weapon.

Raymond Nathan Colbert, 17, is charged with misdemeanor evading arrest. According to court records, Colbert was arrested at about 11:30 p.m. Wednesday night.

On Thursday, he was released after posting a $5,000 bond. He is scheduled to next appear in court March 23.

Police say Colbert ran after police approached him.

HPD Capt. D.W. Ready said Colbert matched the description of a person who may have fired a weapon, based on reports collected Wednesday night.

The details of the findings were given early Thursday afternoon during a press conference at the rodeo.

The department said it is still conducting its investigation to determine if the man in custody in fact fired a weapon on rodeo grounds.

Today, Rodeo Houston officials will review safety procedures to determine if there are any soft spots or vulnerabilities in the rodeos operations.

"If anything needs to done differently, it will be done today," Joel Cowley, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo president and CEO.

In a statement, Rodeo Houston officials said safety of rodeo guests is always the event's highest priority.

"We will continue working closely with HPD, the Harris County Sheriff's Office and the Texas Department of Public Safety to monitor the situation," the statement concluded.
Update on July 7, 2017: The capital murder charges against a suspect involved in the death of Renard Smith have been dropped since the publication of this story. MySA has removed his name from this story to protect his identity.

A man was arrested Wednesday evening after leading deputies on a chase from the Bexar County Adult Detention Center, where he had been picking up his belongings after being jailed there the day before.
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AUSTIN -- The Texas House, after a long and vocal debate that included references ranging from Superman to common sense, on Wednesday tentatively approved a statewide ban on texting while driving.

The 113-32 vote marked the fourth time that state Rep. Tom Craddick, R-Midland, has tried to pass the measure that he said was long overdue to stop distracted driving that has been blamed in numerous fatal vehicle crashes.

While several communities ban texting while driving, Texas is one of only four states that do not prohibit the practice statewide. More than 95 Texas cities already have a texting ban in effect.

House Bill 62 would make using a cell phone while driving illegal unless the driver is using a hands-free get device to talk. Texting is specifically outlawed as a misdemeanor crime punishable by a fine of between $22 and $99, or up to $200 for repeat violations.

The state already bans drivers from using cell phones in school zones, prohibits drivers under age 18 from using phones and bars school bus drivers from using their phones if children are on board.

Craddick said families across Texas have had loved ones killed or injured by drivers who were distracted while using cell phones "because of no texting while driving (ban)."

According to National Highway Traffic Safety Admnistration statistics, an average of eight people each day are killed in vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers.

Rep. Eric Johnson, D-Dallas, successfully amended the bill to prohibit police from arresting drivers for illegal cell phone use. Only tickets could be issued, he said.

Following the vote, House Speaker Joe Straus tweeted congratulations to Craddick for passing the "common-sense ban." Final passage is expected Thursday.

Though support in the House was strong, some lawmakers questioned how the texting ban could be enforced, since police would not be able to determine with certainty whether a driver was texting.

"I find it absolutely incredulous, except for Superman, who can tell what you are doing on your phone," said Rep. Harold Dutton, D-Houston. "I think this bill falls short of where this Legislature can get to in terms of texting while driving."

Various amendments that would have prohibited police from ticketing drivers from texting while going under 10 mph and to have the law apply only to highways and not local roads, among other things, were tabled.

Rep. Gene Wu, a Houston Democrat and co-sponsor of the bill, said that enforcement of texting would be much like getting cited for other moving offenses.

"If an officer sees you without a seat belt on, as a sworn officer, he will testify to that in court and then a jury is left to decide," Wu said, insisting that the texting ban will work the same way.

Motivated by the tragic death of a high-school senior named Alex Brown, who was killed by a distracted driver while on her way to school, Craddick first tried to pass the legislation in 2011. It passed the House and Senate but was killed by then-Gov. Rick Perry, who called it an unneeded "government effort to micromanage the behavior of adults."

In 2013 and 2015, the measure passed the House but died in the Senate, according to supporters. This year, Sen. Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, has an identical bill that is awaiting a vote by the full Senate after being approved by a committee.

The Texas Coalition for Affordable Insurance Solutions, one of several insurance groups that have supported the bill, applauded the House vote.

"We hope that 2017 will finally be the session that the Texas Legislature outlaws one form of distracted driving that has injured and killed too many Texans," said Beaman Floyd, executive director of the organization.
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Health agencies throughout the world are baffled at the resilience of the anti-vaccine movement, but it looks like Australian lawmakers have had enough.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbul is pushing for a nationwide "no jab, no play" policy that would ban non-vaccinated children from care centers, according to the BBC.

"This is not a theoretical exercise - this is life and death," Turnbull told multiple reporters. "If a parent says, 'I'm not going to vaccinate my child,' they are not simply putting their child at risk, they are putting everybody else's children at risk too."

HEALTH CARE: Bernie Sanders lashed out at a drug company over potentially profiting from Zika

Health organizations argue that vaccinating as many people as possible is vital for "herd immunity," or the idea that entire communities are at risk from disease if small sectors of the population refuse to get vaccinated.

Depending on how contagious a disease is, if too many people don't get vaccines, the pathogen can push past it's "critical-mass threshold," which PBS defines as "the minimum percentage of immune individuals a community needs to prevent an outbreak."

For highly contagious diseases like Measles, between 83 and 94 percent of the community must be vaccinated in order to stop an outbreak.

Australian Medical Association president Michael Gannon told Fairfax Media, "If you, as a parent, expect the community to support you by either welfare payments or access to care, then you need to do your bit to contribute to that community by protecting other children."

BE PREPARED: This year's flu shot works less than half the time. Doctors say you should still get one

Click through above to see which Texas school districts have the most amount of non-vaccinated children.
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The old proverb "the enemy of my enemy is my friend" could never ring more true with spiders.

A recent study published in The Science of Nature found that the eight-legged critters annually eat between 400 and 800 million tons of insects and pests.

In order to arrive at that number, Swiss authors Martin Nyffeler of the University of Basel and Klaus Birkhofer of Lund University started by counting the number of spiders in the world. Across Earth's many biomes, the scientists calculated 25 million metric tons' worth of spiders.

SPIDER MAN: This $314 necktie is made of spider silk

Finally, scientists used various models to see how much the spiders ate, like the "average spider biomass per square meter," along with field observations on spider prey capture.

The study also found that the best bug-killing arachnids live in forests and grasslands, and account for a stunning 95 percent of the insects killed globally by spiders.

"These estimates emphasize the important role that spider predation plays in semi-natural and natural habitats, as many economically important pests and disease vectors breed in those forest and grassland biomes," said lead author Martin Nyffeler in a news release. "We hope that these estimates and their significant magnitude raise public awareness and increase the level of appreciation for the important global role of spiders in terrestrial food webs."

BBIZARREBUG: Scientists seek to unlock the mysteries of ancient insect

Click through above to see a survival guide on Texas' spiders and other critters.


Crisanta Torres worked hard to protect her legacy, namely her children and later, her land.

With money hard to come by in the 1940s, Torres, a single mother, left her boys with their grandmother in Floresville and struck out for San Antonio looking for work that could sustain them.

She hustled to get money, daughter-in-law Sandra Torres said.

Torres died March 9 at age 91.

More Information Crisanta Torres Born: May 1, 1925, Floresville Died: March 9, 2017, San Antonio Preceded by: Husband Richard Torres; mother Josefina Martinez; father Ancieto Garcia; son Ralph Isaac; sisters Mary Mills, Victoria Gonzalea and Belen Perez; brothers Pablo Sanchez and Aniceto Garcia Jr. Survived by: Sons Gilbert Sauceda, Richard Torres Jr., Ray G. Torres and daughter-in-law Sandra Torres. Services: Rosary 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Mission Park South Funeral Home, 1700 SE Military Drive. Mass 10 a.m. at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, 125 W Whittier St. Burial follows at Mission San Jose Cemetery, 701 East Pyron. See More Collapse

Working in South Side clubs, men paid Torres 25 cents to take a spin around the dance floor.

With only a fourth-grade education, she took what was offered. If it was in the fields, then she would pick cotton, Sandra Torres said.

Staying in contact with her sons, Torres hopped freight trains to bring supplies to them. She later found work selling tacos outside a local bar.

One night while dancing, she met Richard Torres, whose family owned the bar in which she worked.

He admired her strength and how she survived being a single person raising the boys, Sandra Torres said.

The couple married and shared two sons together.

Her husbands family lived on a small strip of property next to the Hot Wells Spa and Hotel, where 1900s celebrities and public figures came to bask in sulfuric artesian pools. The resort burned down in 1925, leaving behind skeletal ruins.

Richard Torres bought his familys property. He wanted to make sure it stayed in the family, Sandra Torres said.

The family, known for their get-togethers, would host large parties on the property, Sandra Torres said. The adults played cards and barbecued while the kids ran and played, she said.

When Richard Torres died, ownership fell to his wife.

Committed to holding on to the property Torres turned down offers from local developers including one who wanted to redevelop the Hot Wells resort ruins, Sandra Torres said.

The county, wanting to build a road through the yard, sent letters asking us if they could survey the property, and we said no, her daughter-in-law said.

In a February article, Torres was adamant about keeping the land that had been in the family for 150 years.

Ive been here all my life. Ill let them do whatever they want when I die, Torres said. I wont take any money for this place.

Staff writer Richard Webner contributed to this story.

iwilgen@express-news.net
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The Memoir of Tirechan in the Book of Armagh and the Tripartite Life place Patrick in Ardagh, the birthplace of Christianity in the locality, and Granard.

He approached Maine in Ardagh (South Teabtha) and Caibre in Granard (North Teabtha). He probably knew them of old as they were sons of Niall of the Nine Hostages, a slave trader who may have been involved to some extent in St Patrick's early slavery days.

If the rumours that Patrick came from Brittany and not Britain are true, Niall was said to have sent one of his fleets to pillage the borders of France near where Martin, a reputed brother of Patrick's mother, was bishop and there was meant to be a line of O'Neills descended from Niall in that area.

Maine received Patrick with relatively open arms and Patrick established a monastery in Ardagh where he placed his nephew Mel. The original Cathedral ruins are still in Ardagh on the grounds of St Patrick's Church.

On the Edgeworthstown road out of Ardagh on the right hand side you will find, The Kneeling Stone of St Patrick. Perhaps this is where he knelt before the King of South Teabtha.

Patrick is said to have had the gift of prophesy and foresaw that Maine's concubine, who Maine presented to him to bless, was pregnant with Caibre's son's child.

Meanwhile, Caibre in the North, supposedly turned his back on the Saint and continued to worship the Sun on his mound but his sons understood this new religion was the way forward and they accepted Patrick who placed Saint Guasacht in Granard. They say Caibre never got over it and refused to speak to Patrick while Patrick called Caibre God's Enemy.

Guasacht and his sisters, the two Emers, were children of Patrick's old slavemaster, Milcho. Patrick had taught them about Christianity while still a slave. Patrick then also placed the two Emer's in Clonbroney, near their brother and it was in Clonbroney that the first convent in Ireland was established as they were the first nuns in Ireland veiled by Saint Patrick.

Another story of Saint Patrick is one where St Mel and St Lupita, his aunt, shared the same house and same bed, but not at the same time, one had it by day and the other by night. The locals' tongues were wagging at this strange arrangement and word got to Saint Patrick who had to come all the way back from Armagh in a hot temper.

Mel prayed to God to help prove his innocence and fished for salmon in a dry field in front of Saint Patrick proving his innocence. Lupita carried hot coals in her mantle to prove her innocence. Patrick was satisfied there was no sin between them but he ordered that Bri Leith stand between them and sent Lupita over the mountain where she set up her monastery two miles west of it.
A woman who appeared before last weeks sitting of Longford District Court charged under the Theft & Fraud Offences Act was convicted and fined 200.

Helena Ward (25), 14 Palace Crescent, Longford appeared before Judge seamus Hughes charged with stealing childrens clothing to the value of 300 from Heatons, Ballymahon Street, Longford on June 10, 2016.

Outlining the evidence to the court, Inspector Blathain Moran said that on the date in question at approximately 4:15pm, gardai received a report of shoplifting at the Heatons Store in Longford town.

The Inspector said that when the Gardai arrived at the scene they examined CCTV footage of the theft and observed the defendant taking a large amount of childrens clothing and leaving the store without paying for them.

After further investigation, the court heard that gardai later located the defendant and when they spoke with her, she admitted to what she had done.

In mitigation, the defendants solicitor Frank Gearty said that his client was in bad company at the time of the incident and was the mother of two small children.

She has another child on the way and has otherwise been leading a good life, he added.

Meanwhile, following his deliberations on the matter, Judge Hughes convicted the defendant and fined her 200 in respect of the matter.
Earlier this month the names of the 796 children who died over a 33 year period at the home were revealed.

The youngest child to die was just 10 minutes old, the oldest nine-years-old.

When the story first broke back in 2009, the Longford Leader spoke to Maureen Coppinger who endured 13 years of institutional abuse inside the industrial school in Newtownforbes. Ms Coppinger - who wrote 'Annies Girl' - spent much of her early childhood as an orphan behind the doors of Our Lady of Succour Industrial School in the south Longford village.

Maureen recalled the relentless, cold, persistent hunger and impoverished conditions that accompanied regular tirades of physical abuse

I have never forgotten that odour of the little children who regularly wet the bed, she said before adding that it would soak into the big calico shifts the girls wore.

The wet the beds, as they were called, were marched up to the top dormitory every morning and beaten with an ash stick across the bare bottom.

One girl, Colleen, who had been our friend, was beaten into insanity.

Eventually, she was taken away to an asylum and we never saw her again.

It was decades later before Maureen was able to speak about her feelings towards her mother and about the harsh realities of her childhood.

Her mother, Annie, died when Maureen was just 12 years old.

Maureen had been angry for so long with her mother because she never came to see her at the orphanage.

When I was born, my mother had to give me up, but it was to a couple who really loved me.

Unlike some of the other children who came straight to the orphanage and never experienced kindness, or cuddles or hugs, I was loved and cherished for those first few years of my life.

And thats the important difference.

Maureen passed away at her home in Canada surrounded by her family in 2014.
A man who appeared at last weeks sitting of Longford District Court charged under the Public Order Act was ordered to pay 350 to the court following a hearing into the matter.

Max Zimareus (20), 77 Railway Meadow, Royal Canal Park, Longford appeared before Judge Seamus Hughes charged with failing to comply with the orders of An Garda Siochana at Main Street, Longford on February 5 last.

He was also further charged with being intoxicated in a public place and engaging in threatening, abusive and insulting words or behaviour on the same date.

Outlining the evidence to the court, Inspector Blathain Moran said that on the date in question at approximately 1:20am Sergeant Loughrey observed the defendant in an altercation with door staff at a public house in Longford town.

The defendant was highly intoxicated and when Sgt Loughrey approached him and asked him to calm down, Mr Zimereus failed to do as he was asked, added Inspector Moran.

He became aggressive and abusive to Sgt Loughrey and to the people around him.

Meanwhile, in mitigation the defendants solicitor John Quinn said that his client worked in C&D.

On the night in question, the solicitor continued, he had an issue with the bouncers - he felt that they would not allow him entry to the premises.

During his deliberations on the matter, Judge Hughes remarked upon the aggression the defendant displayed on the night.

What is he going to grow into, he added, before ordering the defendant to pay 350 into the court in one weeks time.

I dont remember what happened, added the defendant, because I was too drunk.
This year, theyre jumping back in their time machine to do the complete opposite, and set the dials to March 17, 2067.

With the construction of Center Parcs taking place in Newcastle Wood, and the Governments investment in the more rural parts of the country, the small town of Ballymahon has a very bright and exciting future.

For that reason, the theme for the Ballymahon St Patricks Day parade this year is Ballymahon 2067 - a look at what the local community, businesses and sponsors of the parade think Ballymahon will be like in 50 years' time.

Last year it was easy to pick a theme because of 1916. This year, we were just thinking about all the developments in the Ballymahon area and beyond, and the schools particularly were very creative and were coming up with ideas like Ballymahon 10 years on.

So we said well, why not go with Ballymahon 50 years on? said organiser of this years parade, Cllr Pat OToole.

The people of Ballymahon have rallied around the theme with enthusiasm and put together a parade to rival the success of last years 1916-themed event.

This year, each of the schools taking part will have a float, as will several of the local businesses, and there will be many a familiar face smiling from the procession as the town celebrates the Irish holiday together.

There will also be a few extra surprises, according to Cllr OToole, but not even the Longford Leader was privy to potential spoilers - the media will have to wait and see what is in store, just like everyone else.

We think the parade this year will be very attractive for children, especially. Well have a surprise float that we dont think anyone else in the midlands will have, but were keeping that under wraps until the parade, said Cllr OToole, secretively.

What we can reveal though, is that there will be a lively atmosphere and plenty of music, with the Athlone Town Band and the Manorcunningham Pipe Band from Donegal coming to Ballymahon to march in the parade.

Founded in 1935, the award-winning Manorcunningham Pipe Band has marched in many of Ballymahons parades over the years, travelling all the way from Manorcunningham in Donegal to wow the crowds with their talent.

A bit closer to home, the Athlone Town Pipe Band has been another regular fixture in Ballymahons parades over the years, often opening the parade, and leading the various floats and participants from one end of the town to the other.

And the committee of the Ballymahon St Patricks Day Parade is hoping that this years event will attract a large crowd from the local community and beyond.

Weather permitting, we think it will be a big crowd this year. But that always depends on the weather.

We had a great parade last year for 1916. We had a couple of thousand people turn up and we would hope to emulate that this year. We had 40 floats, marching bands and all the schools took part too, said Cllr OToole.

This years parade will start at 4pm sharp on Friday March 17 from the Creevaghbeg road, but the organisers are asking people to arrive earlier and be there at least 15 minutes beforehand to avoid disruption.

As always on St Patricks Day, those attending the parade are welcome to dress up to celebrate the event and add to the atmosphere that is sure to be buzzing with excitement on Friday 17 next, thanks to the local community and businesses in the area.

Wed like to thank our main sponsors, Kepak, and all the local businesses who have been so supportive.It costs six or seven grand to run this parade every year and without that support, we wouldnt be able to do it, Cllr OToole concluded.

The Ballymahon 2067 parade will start at 4pm sharp on Friday March 17.
It all kicks off from 1pm with Siege of Jadotville veteran Michael Tighe leading proceedings from the front in his role as Grand Marshal.

Organisers have already confirmed a significant increase on entries from last years event, which was affected by the 1916 centenary parade that ran later in the year.

With Abbott Laboratories on board as the main sponsors and several of the local schools involved this year, Longford Chamber of Commerce is hoping for a good family-focused event.

Meanwhile local traders are being encouraged to take part in the shop window display initiative this year. As St Patricks Day falls on a Friday this year, the Chamber feels there is a real commercial opportunity for the town this year. Chamber CEO, Lisa Brady told the Leader: We are putting a big push on getting traders and businesses to go green for the weekend this year. It doesnt have to be overly elaborate but it would be great to see as many businesses as possible take part.

There is also a special prize for the best display and Chamber Council member, Niamh Donlon has been out with traders, encouraging them to get involved.

She told the Leader: The response has been very good and it will dovetail with the schools art competition as well.

Whilst commercial entries are strongly encouraged in the parade, the Chamber is calling on local schools, community groups and organisations to get involved in the parade this year.

With the bank holiday on the Friday, many retailers and traders believe that it could be the busiest weekend in the county town since Christmas.

Ms Donlon added: The parade and the shop window initiative are a great opportunity to put our best foot forward and show the town in a positive light.

Meanwhile, the decision to name local man, Michael Tighe as the grand marshal for the parade has been warmly welcomed by the local organisation for ex servicemen, Peter Keenan ONE Longford.

In a statement, the group said: The honour is thoroughly deserved for one of the branchs longest serving members. This is a great honour not alone for Michael but also for the Peter Keenan branch of ONE, whose members will once again lead this years parade.

The well-worn and somewhat cliched adage of 'if it isn't broke don't fix it' might not be everyone's cup of tea but when it comes to this week's St Patrick's Day Parade in Longford, nothing could be more apt.

Much of that belief is per haps best summed up by the fact that not for the first time, Abbott Ireland have once again come on board as the occasion's main sponsor.

There's novelty too, in the sense that Friday's pageant will be new Chamber President, Derek Scanlons first parade in office, a spectacle the financial adviser is looking forward to with increasing gusto.

This week he thanked Abbott site manager, Ciaran Corcoran, and all the team at the Longford facility for their continued support. He told the Leader: It is a big day for the town but it couldnt happen without the support of Abbott in particular but also Longford Co Council and of course the Gardai.

Meanwhile Chamber CEO Lisa Brady said that interest in this years event has ramped up in recent weeks as the Chamber aims to give this years parade a carnival like atmosphere.

Whilst commercial entries are strongly encouraged in the parade, the Chamber sent out an appeal for schools, community groups and organisations to get involved in the this year. The response has been excellent with several new and first time entries for this years parade.

Last year was a tough one for the parade as many groups were committed to taking part in the 1916 centenary parade and as a result didnt take part in the event.

According to Chamber CEO, Lisa Brady: The parade is back this year bigger and better and there has already been a great response.

The Chambers popular schools art competition for primary schools in conjunction with the parade has attracted record entries and it is hoped to display as many of the entries as possible on the big day.

In addition, the Chamber are also putting a big push behind the annual shop window display competition.

Businesses are urged to take part and help create an atmosphere in the town. With the bank holiday and the parade on the Friday it has the potential to be a0 busy weekend for the town so Chamber wants everybody to put their best foot forward this year.

For more information on the parade and details on taking part, contact Lisa Brady, Chamber CEO on 087 778 6834.
Local News, Community, Charity & Cause, Press Releases

By Long Island News & PR Published: March 16 2017

Senator John E. Brooks (SD-8) today invited local residents of the 8th Senate District to nominate veterans from their community to be honored in this year's New York State Veterans Hall of Fame.

Long Island, NY - March 15, 2017 - Senator John E. Brooks (SD-8) today invited local residents of the 8th Senate District to nominate veterans from their community to be honored in this year's New York State Veterans Hall of Fame.

The Veterans Hall of Fame is designed to pay tribute to New Yorkers whose bravery and courage in the U.S. Armed Forces is complemented by their service to the community.

The veterans of our military services have put their lives on the line to protect our freedom. They have dedicated their lives to their country and deserve to be recognized for their commitment, said Senator Brooks.

The Senate will honor one Veteran from the 8th Senate District along with other honorees from throughout the state on Tuesday, May 16, 2017 , at a ceremony in Albany. Each honorees photograph and biography will become part of a special online exhibit proclaiming the contributions of these exemplary New York Veterans.

The New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame was created to honor and recognize outstanding veterans from New York who have distinguished themselves both in military and civilian life. Their honorable service to our nation deserves the special recognition that only a Hall of Fame can provide, as a fitting expression of our gratitude and admiration.

Monday, April 10th . Residents with any questions are encouraged to call Senator Brooks District Office at 516-882-0630. To submit a nomination, visit Senator Brooks website here . The deadline to submit a nominee is. Residents with any questions are encouraged to call Senator Brooks District Office at 516-882-0630.
Coram Man Sentenced to Prison for Fatal 2015 DWI Crash in Deer Park

Crime, Press Releases

By Long Island News & PR Published: March 16 2017

A Coram man who pleaded guilty to vehicular manslaughter was sentenced today to a prison term of three to six years, Suffolk County District Attorney Thomas Spota said.

Stephan Harbison, 28, of Coram, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to a prison term of three to six years.

Deer Park, NY - March 15, 2017 - A Coram man who pleaded guilty to vehicular manslaughter was sentenced today to a prison term of three to six years, Suffolk County District Attorney Thomas Spota said.

Stephan Harbison, 28, crashed into a tree off Straight Path in Deer Park in January of 2015. A passenger in his vehicle, Hamzah Abdul-Hakim of Wyandanch, died at the scene.

Harbison had a blood alcohol of .15%, nearly double the legal limit (.08%).

State Supreme Court Justice Fernando Camacho sentenced Harbison to one to three years imprisonment for driving while intoxicated, a term to be served concurrently to the vehicular manslaughter sentence.
Nature & Weather, Local News, Crime, Press Releases

By Long Island News & PR Published: March 16 2017

On Mar. 2, ECOs Rob Howe and Mike Unger responded to a location in Freeport at the request of the Nassau County Fire Marshal.

Freeport, NY - March 15, 2017 - On Mar. 2, ECOs Rob Howe and Mike Unger responded to a location in Freeport at the request of the Nassau County Fire Marshal. The site is home to several businesses, including an auto body shop and an auto repair business. The ECOs found multiple containers of waste oil leaking into the ground and open buckets of waste oil that had the potential to be released into the environment.

The waste oil was not properly contained on concrete slabs and was leaking directly into the soil, potentially contaminating ground water. The ECOs also found that the auto body business had been painting cars without proper ventilation and without the required DEC air quality permit. Painting cars without proper ventilation and filtering allows hazardous paint fumes to be released directly into the environment.

The individuals responsible for the violations were charged with the improper disposal of waste oil, polluting state waters in contravention of standards, depositing a noisome or unwholesome substance on or near a highway, and operating an air contaminate source without a permit. The case is pending in the First District Nassau County Court.
Music, Movies & Entertainment, School & Education, Local News, Press Releases, Seasonal & Current Events

By Long Island News & PR Published: March 16 2017

The Long Island Music Hall of Fame has announced the recipients of their first High School Recognition Program honors.

Northport, NY - March 15, 2017 - The Long Island Music Hall of Fame has announced the recipients of their first High School Recognition Program honors. Seven Long Island high school music programs will be honored at a ceremony at 7:30PM on Monday, April 3, 2017 at Northport High School, 154 Laurel Hill Road, Northport, NY.

School music departments to be recognized are from Freeport High School, Great Neck North High School, Herricks High School, Huntington High School, Long Island High School of the Arts, Northport High School and Uniondale High School. Each school will present a performing ensemble prior to the acceptance of their award.

The event will be hosted by Denis McNamara, legendary Program Director of WLIR radio and Long Island Music Hall of Fame Inductee. More about him here

The April 3 event is free and open to the public. For photos or more information, contact Jill Nees-Russell at 631-418-6699 or email , or Jeffrey James at 516-586-3433 or email

The LIMHoF School Recognition Program is designed to identify Long Island High School music programs that are creating notable music experiences for their students and that are incorporating the National and NY State Standards for The Arts in creative and meaningful ways. Based on an extensive application submitted by the schools, seven high schools will be recognized by the Hall of Fame. Application categories included program details, inclusion of national and state standards for music in curriculum, facility, staffing, and community and board support. Applications were reviewed by a panel of music educators, some of whom have been recognized as LIMHoF "Educators of Note."



When: Monday, April 3 at 7:30 PM

Where: Northport High School, 154 Laurel Hill Road, Northport, NY

More Info: What: Long Island Music Hall of Fame High School Recognition Program Concert and Award CeremonyWhen: Monday, April 3 at 7:30 PMWhere: Northport High School, 154 Laurel Hill Road, Northport, NYMore Info: here


Nature & Weather, Local News, National & World News, Press Releases

By Long Island News & PR Published: March 16 2017

New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman led a coalition of states in expressing opposition to President Trumps action that directs federal agencies to reconsider vehicle emission standards.

New York, NY - March 15, 2017 - New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman led a coalition of states in expressing opposition to President Trumps action that directs federal agencies to reconsider vehicle emission standards.



The coalition, which includes the attorneys general of New York, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington, as well as the Commonwealth of Pennsylvanias Department of Environmental Protection, issued the following joint statement today:



President Trumps action represents a dramatic wrong turn in our nations efforts to fight air pollution from passenger cars and trucks, and protect the health of our children, seniors, and all communities.



Weakening these commonsense standards would undermine successful efforts to combat the pollution emitted by vehicles - emissions that cause widespread, substantial harm to public health and are one of the largest sources of climate change pollution. An extensive technical study by the Environmental Protection Agency already found that the standards are fully and economically achievable by the auto industry. Relaxing them would increase the air pollution that is responsible for premature death, asthma, and more  particularly in our most vulnerable communities.



We will vigorously oppose attempts by the Trump Administration to weaken our vehicle emission policies and put our public health at risk, and we wont hesitate to stand up for the right of our states to adopt stricter pollution standards that provide critical protections to the health of our residents and our environmental resources.



New York Attorney General Schneiderman also announced that he will file a motion to intervene in support of the current vehicle emission standards in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, where the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers filed suit against the standards on Monday. Yesterday, California also moved to intervene in the case.



Because motor vehicles emit a variety of air pollutants harmful to human health and the environment and are a significant source of air pollution, Section 202 of the Clean Air Act requires EPA to establish national emission standards for new motor vehicles. Section 209 of the Act authorizes the State of California to adopt emission standards that are generally more stringent than the federal standards, and Section 177 of the Act authorizes other states to adopt those same standards for new motor vehicles sold within their states.



In 2012, EPA adopted emission standards limiting greenhouse gas emissions from new passenger cars and light-duty trucks for model years 2017-25 and beyond. California has adopted parallel vehicle emission standards limiting greenhouse gas emissions for those same model years, which New York and several other states have adopted as state law. The combined emission standards, together with harmonized emission standards for other pollutants that are on the books, are expected to result in substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, dependency on foreign oil, and consumer fuel costs:

Over the lifetimes of the vehicles sold during the 2017-2025 model years, the standards are expected to cut greenhouse gas emissions by two billion metric tonsthe equivalent of the annual emissions of 422 million cars currently on the roadand save approximately four billion barrels of oil.

Combined with the first phase of vehicle emission standards for greenhouse gases for model years 2012-16, the standards for the 2017-25 model year vehicles are projected to save families more than $1.7 trillion in fuel costs and reduce the countrys dependence on oil by more than 2 million barrels per day in 2025.

In January 2017, EPA determined, in its midterm evaluation, that the current federal standards applicable to cars and light duty trucks for model years 2022-25 are readily achievable by the auto industry. After an extensive technical review, based in significant part on information from industry, advocates, and other interested parties, EPA found that automakers are well positioned to meet the standards at lower costs than previous estimated. The agency concluded that, while the record supported making the standards even more stringent, it decided to retain the current standards to provide regulatory certainty for the auto industry. California is in the process of completing a midterm review for its parallel standards after participating in the federal process and conducting its own analysis of the feasibility of the standards.



The states issuing the joint statement have a longstanding history of working with California to adopt and enforce vehicle emission standards to combat air pollution. For example, several of the states successfully defended the first vehicle emission standards California issued to limit greenhouse gases from new motor vehicles in 2005. Subsequently, they joined California in successfully defendingin the D.C. Circuit Court of AppealsEPAs 2009 decision to grant California a waiver to adopt its greenhouse gas emission regulations. Several of the states also brought the landmark Massachusetts v. EPA case in which the Supreme Court held that EPA has the authority under the Clean Air Act to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles that endanger public health and welfare, and which subsequently enabled EPAs determination that greenhouse gas emissions pose such a threat.
Local News, Crime

By Chris Boyle Published: March 16 2017

All previously convicted on Long Island and within New York City of offenses including attempted rape and sexual abuse, Federal officials said.

Long Island, NY - March 16, 2017 - After a sweeping two-day roundup effort in the New York City and Long Island area in early March, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) representatives today announced the arrests of eight men, all currently in the United States illegally, who had been previously convicted of sex crimes of varying degrees.

The suspects  all foreign nationals arrested during the course of regular ICE investigations  had been previously convicted in Nassau County, Suffolk County, Manhattan and Queens of offenses including attempted rape and sexual abuse, with some crimes even committed against underage victims, Federal officials said.

Thomas R. Decker, ICE field office director for New York, noted that all suspects are being detained pending the completion of removal proceedings, and praised the work of the agency's Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) officers, who were personally responsible for tracking down the alleged lawbreakers and getting them off the streets.

"ERO officers are out there every day enforcing immigration law with targeted enforcement actions. These actions focus our resources on the most egregious offenders and promote public safety in the communities in which we live and work, he said. Being able to note the accomplishments of our day-to-day enforcement activities, outside of operations, highlights ICEs constant commitment to make our communities safer."

ICE announced that all eight suspects arrested earlier this month  between March 5 and 7  were already in the process of being deported; some had snuck back into the country after being previously ejected, while others were scheduled for deportation but had remained out of reach of law enforcement until now.

The foreign nationals arrested will be processed administratively for removal from the United States. The arrestees who have outstanding orders of deportation, or who returned to the United States illegally after being deported, are subject to immediate removal from the country, according to a statement released by an ICE representative on their official website. The remaining individuals are in ICE custody awaiting a hearing before an immigration judge, or pending travel arrangements for removal in the near future.

While the names of those in custody were not released, ICE officials have released the details of all eight arrests:

A 45-year-old Ecuadorian man with a prior conviction of the crime of sexual abuse in the first degree in the County Court of the State of New York, County of Nassau and was sentenced to four months imprisonment and ten years probation. The victim of the crime was a female who was 22 years old. He was arrested in with a prior conviction of the crime of sexual abuse in the first degree in the County Court of the State of New York, County of Nassau and was sentenced to four months imprisonment and ten years probation. The victim of the crime was a female who was 22 years old. He was arrested in Roslyn , March 6 and will remain in ICE custody pending removal from the United States.

A 38-year-old Dominican man with a prior conviction of the crime of attempted rape in the 3rd degree in the County Court of the State of New York, County of Nassau and was sentenced to 6 years probation. The victim of the crime was a female who was 15 years old. He was arrested in with a prior conviction of the crime of attempted rape in the 3rd degree in the County Court of the State of New York, County of Nassau and was sentenced to 6 years probation. The victim of the crime was a female who was 15 years old. He was arrested in Freeport , March 6 and will remain in ICE custody pending removal from the United States.

A 48-year-old Mexican man with prior convictions of the crime of promote a sexual performance by a child and possessing sexual performance by a child in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of New York and was sentenced to six months incarceration and ten years of supervised probation on each count, to run concurrently. He was arrested in Brooklyn, March 6 and will remain in ICE custody pending removal from the United States.

A 32-year-old citizen and national of the Democratic Republic of the Congo with a prior conviction of the crime of sexual abuse 3rd degree in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of New York and was sentenced to a Conditional Discharge and an Order of Protection. The victim of the crime was a sixteen year old female. He was arrested in with a prior conviction of the crime of sexual abuse 3rd degree in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of New York and was sentenced to a Conditional Discharge and an Order of Protection. The victim of the crime was a sixteen year old female. He was arrested in New York , March 6 and will remain in ICE custody pending removal from the United States.

A 39-year-old Honduran man with a prior removal from the United States and a prior conviction of the crime of attempted forcible in the County Court of the State of New York, County of Nassau. He was arrested in with a prior removal from the United States and a prior conviction of the crime of attempted forcible in the County Court of the State of New York, County of Nassau. He was arrested in Hempstead , March 7 and will remain in ICE custody pending removal from the United States.

A 24-year-old Guatemalan man with a prior conviction of the crime of attempted rape in the County Court of the State of New York, County of Nassau and sentenced to 10 years probation. He was arrested in with a prior conviction of the crime of attempted rape in the County Court of the State of New York, County of Nassau and sentenced to 10 years probation. He was arrested in Freeport , March 7 and will remain in ICE custody pending his removal from the United States.

A 36-year-old Salvadoran man with prior convictions of the crime of forcible touching in the County Court of the State of New York, County of Suffolk and petit larceny. He was arrested in with prior convictions of the crime of forcible touching in the County Court of the State of New York, County of Suffolk and petit larceny. He was arrested in Patchogue , March 7, and will remain in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.

A 25-year-old Ecuadorian man with prior convictions of the crime of criminal sex act 2nd degree by the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of Queens and was sentenced to ten years of supervised probation. He was arrested in Jackson Heights, March 7, and will remain in ICE custody pending removal from the United States.

ICE representatives noted that their agency was responsible for numerous enforcement actions in the past year that specifically targeted criminals and wrong-doers over law-abiding individuals by a wide margin.

In fiscal year 2016, ICE conducted 240,255 removals nationwide, officials said. Ninety-two percent of individuals removed from the interior of the United States had previously been convicted of a criminal offense.
Crime, Press Releases

By Long Island News & PR Published: March 16 2017

Lynbrook Police report the details of an arrest for Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance on Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 5:42 pm in Lynbrook.

Lynbrook, NY - March 16, 2017 - Lynbrook Police report the details of an arrest for Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance on Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 5:42 pm in Lynbrook.

According to detectives, at 1:15 pm Lynbrook patrol officers responded for an aided case in the confines of Lynbrook where the aided was suffering from a heroin overdose. The aided was administered Narcan and transported to an area hospital for treatment. The Lynbrook Police Department was assisted by the Nassau County Narcotics Vice Bureau. An investigation led to the identification of Josef Dahari, 35, of Woodmere as the person who sold heroin to the aided.

Detectives were able to meet Dahari in the parking lot of CVS located at 633 Merrick Road, Lynbrook at which time he was in possession of 80 bags of heroin. As officers attempted to place Dahari under arrest he fought with them. After a struggle officers were able to handcuff him and take him into custody. He was then found to be in possession of an Amphetamine pill. No injuries are reported at this time.

Dahari is charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 3rd degree, Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance 3rd degree, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7th degree and Resisting Arrest. He will be arraigned on Thursday, March 16, 2017 at First District Court in Hempstead.
Hezbollah intends to wage its next war against Israel from deep within Syria, according to a report on a pro-Hezbollah news site last week.

The report, found on the web site Ya Sour, quoted Hezbollah sources saying the group intends to fire long-range projectiles at the Jewish state from the Qalamoun and Anti-Lebanon Mountain ranges, areas firmly under the Shiite groups control on both the Syrian and Lebanese sides of the border.

There is reason to suspect that Hezbollah has indeed built up a missile arsenal in those areas, particularly as the city of Baalbek, the heartland of its Beqaa Valley stronghold, lies nearby. Israeli airstrikes against the group in Syria have been concentrated in Qalamoun. Moreover, a spokesman for the oppositions Syrian National Salvation Front, named Fahd al-Masri, said in Dec. 2016 that Hezbollah was nearing completion of a tunnel in the Zabadani valley linking these two areas. Hezbollah seeks to facilitate the transfer of weapons and reinforce its presence in the strategically important areas in the western Damascus countryside, which includes Qalamoun, according to al-Masri.

Earlier in 2016, satellite images revealed a Hezbollah weapons warehouse slightly north of that area in Qusayr, where the group reportedly housed Katyusha rockets, mortars and howitzers. Reports also claimed Hezbollah was storing longer-range, Iranian-produced ballistic missiles there, including the Shahab-1, Shahab-2 and Fateh-110/M-600, which the organization could use to strike Israel. Intelligence has long suspected that Hezbollah possesses these missiles, but that has not been confirmed.

The Hezbollah sources told Ya Sour that the group was shifting its missile operations to the Qalamoun and Anti-Lebanon Mountain range because it would be easier to camouflage the rockets and protect their storehouses and launchers from the danger of Israeli military planes. They added that the Qalamouns vast expanses made the region ideal for easily and safely firing long-range ballistic missiles at Israel.

This latest report coincides with others that Hezbollah has transferred its longer-range rockets to Syria as part of a restructuring of its forces, as they require launching pads too large to be hidden in Lebanon from Israels aerial surveillance.

Hezbollah has good reason to prefer placing its longer-range weapons in Syria. This would place those projectiles out of range of IDF ground troops, and could be hidden in the Syrian armys hardened shelters to better insulate them from air strikes. On the second day of the 2006 Second Lebanon War, it took the Israeli Air Force 34 minutes to destroy most of Hezbollahs medium and long-range missiles tucked away in the rugged Lebanese terrain.

By dispersing the weapons across the Qalamoun Mountains, Hezbollah would complicate Israels task of replicating that success. Israeli jets would now have to cover a much larger area to locate and destroy these rockets, while also worrying about ducking Syrian and Russian air defenses.

However, these added difficulties are not insurmountable for Israel. The concentration of Israeli strikes in the Qalamoun region  43 to date  demonstrates that Hezbollahs arsenal in that area lies well within the IAFs reach. The size of the launching pads and long-range missiles, their fueling time, and their lack of mobility would make them easy prey for Israeli jets operating over Qalamoun, allowing Israel to replicate its 2006 success. Israel also has experience in overcoming Russian-made air-defenses, as it did during the 1982 Lebanon War against Syrias Soviet-built surface-to-air missile network in the Beqaa Valley. Israels new squadron of F-35 jets, expected to go into service by the end of 2017, will help surmount that challenge once again in a future war against Hezbollah.

The number of fronts on which Hezbollah will attempt fight is also part of the surprises to come in a future war, which is right around the corner or closer, the Hezbollah sources reportedly said. They claimed Hezbollah had already finished preparing the Golan Heights as an additional front to south Lebanon and had transferred high quality and specialized weapons there, fulfilling a long-standing promise by Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah. Interestingly, the sources reportedly made this assertion two days before Harakat al-Nujaba, an Iranian-controlled Iraqi militia  which once described itself and Hezbollah as twins of the resistance  announced the formation of its Golan Liberation Brigade to fight Israel.

Despite Hezbollahs claims, fighting the IDF on multiple fronts will not be enough, on its own, to overwhelm Israel. The Israelis have successfully fought such wars in the past against conventional armies. It is Hezbollahs reliance on guerilla tactics that make it a more elusive and formidable foe. However, those tactics  which depend on Lebanons more rugged topography  will be less effective in the relatively flat Syrian side of the Heights, where Israel controls the high ground.

More importantly, the claim that Israel and Hezbollah are on the verge of war must be taken with a grain of salt, as the organization remains too bogged down in Syria to seriously confront the IDF.

David Daoud is an Arabic-Language Analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies.

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New Delhi : The Congress today said the Election Commission should probe into the EVM tampering charges made by some parties to ensure that voters' confidence is not shattered and there is no blot on India's democracy. "If any party has doubts over efficacy of EVMs, it is the Election Commission's duty to hold a probe. The EC's first responsibility is the voters should have confidence that the vote cast by them reaches the person they want," Congress spokesperson Sushmita Dev said. "India is the largest democracy and we take pride in that. We should not allow any blot on it. The Election Commission should hold an investigation and we do not have any objection," she said.

Asked if the Congress is ready for a probe in Punjab too where the AAP is alleging EVM tampering, she said her party has the confidence and does not fear any investigation. Besides AAP, the BSP has made similar allegation in Uttar Pradesh and demanded a thorough investigation, even though the EC has debunked the charge. "The Congress as a party has confidence. It is the mandate of the people. If the EC wants to hold any investigation, we do not have any objection to it," Dev said.She said the Congress has a very clear stand, that it will not oppose any investigation into booth capturing, tampering of EVMs or into a complaint by any party on use of unlawful or illegal means.

"Because we are damn confident that we are not a party to do any such thing in any state, be it Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Manipur or any other state," Dev said. She said India takes pride in its democracy and electoral system and if any party casts a doubt on it, the Congress fears no investigation because it has not used any such means to get any result. Asked about its leader Ajay Maken writing to the EC, the Congress leader said her party believes in itself when it is about people's confidence that their vote is going to the one they want. PTI
Chandigarh : One of the strongest regional satraps of the Congress, Amarinder Singh put the party back in the saddle in Punjab after the "father of all battles" that decimated the SAD and crushed the AAP's dream of expanding its footprint beyond Delhi. 75-year-old Amarinder, a widely respected and popular leader, steered the Congress to a landslide victory winning 77 seats in the 117 member Assembly to occupy the chief minister's post for the second time. The maharaja's win in Punjab after 10 years has also rekindled the hopes for the revival of the grand old party.

Belonging to a very rare breed of politicians who have seen action in the Indo-Pak war, Singh this time tasted success after Akali Dal supremo Parkash Singh Badal foiled his previous attempts to become chief minister in 2007 and 2012. Once a leader of the Akali Dal, the 'scion of Patiala' fought in the 1965 war after he rejoined the army a few months after his resignation. He again resigned from the Services as a decorated soldier at the conclusion of the war. The Punjab Congress chief and husband of Patiala MP Preneet Kaur was born to late Maharaja Yadavindra Singh of Patiala.

After his initial schooling at Lawrence School, Sanawar and Doon School in Dehradun, he joined the National Defence Academy, Kharagwasla July 1959 and graduated from there in December 1963. Commissioned in the Indian Army in 1963, he was posted in 2nd Bn. Sikh Regiment (both his father and grandfather had served the battalion), served in Field Area - Indo Tibetan border for two years and was appointed Aide-de-Camp to Lt Gen Harbaksh Singh, GOC-in-C Western Command. His army career was shortlived as he resigned in early 1965 after his father was appointed Ambassador to Italy and his services were required at home. But he joined the army again immediately after hostilities broke out with Pakistan and took part in operations in the war only to resign again in early 1966 after the war was over. PTI
Chinas Economic Miracle Is Over

BY GEORGE FRIEDMAN : Chinese Premier Li Keqiang told the National Peoples Congress that Chinas GDP growth rate would drop from 7% in 2016 to 6.5% this year. In 2016, the countrys growth rate was the lowest it has been since 1990.

The precision with which any countrys economic growth is measured is dubious, since its hard to measure the economic activity of hundreds of millions of people and businesses. But the reliability of Chinas economic numbers has always been taken with a larger grain of salt than in most countries. We suspect that Chinas economy is growing less than 6.5%, if at all.

The key part of Lis statement is that the Chinese government is signaling that it has not stopped the decline in the Chinese economy. That means more economic pain is on the way. According to the BBC, Li said the Chinese economys ongoing shift is promising, but it is also painful. He likened the Chinese economy to a butterfly trying to emerge from its cocoon. Put another way, there are hard times in China that will likely become worse.

The Miracle Is Over

Chinas economic miracle, like that of Japan before it, is over. Its resurrection simply isnt working, which shouldnt surprise anyone. Sustained double-digit economic growth is only possible when you begin with a wrecked economy.

In Japans case, the country was recovering from World War II. In Chinas case, it was recovering from Mao Zedongs policies. Simply by getting back to work, an economy will surge. If the damage from which the economy is recovering is great enough, that surge can last a generation.

But extrapolating growth rates of a society that is merely fixing the obvious results of a national catastrophe is irrational. The idea that China was going to economically dominate the world was as dubious as the idea held by some in the 1980s that Japan would.

Chinas dilemma, like Japans, is that it built much of its growth on exports. Both China and Japan were poor countries and demand for goods was low. They jump-started their economies by taking advantage of low wages and sold products to advanced economies. The result was that those engaged in exporting enjoyed increasing wealth. But those who were farther from East China ports, where export industries clustered, did not.

China and Japan had two problems. The first was that wages rose. Skilled workers needed to produce more complex products were in short supply. Government policy, which focused on exports, redirected capital to businesses that were marginal at best, which increased inefficiency and costs.

But most importantand a fact often forgotten by observersis that miracles depend on customers who are willing and able to buy. In that sense, Chinas export miracle depended on demand from its customers not on Chinese policy.

Effects of 2008

In 2008, China was hit by a double tsunami. First, the financial crisis plunged its customers into a recession that was followed by extended stagnation. Thus, demand for Chinese goods contracted. Second, Chinas competitive advantage was cost, and it now had lower-cost competitors.

Chinas deepest fear was unemployment, and the countrys interior remained impoverished. If exports plunged and unemployment rose, the Chinese would face both a social and political threat, emanating from immense inequality. It would face an army of the unemployed on the coast.

This combination is what gave rise to the Communist Party in the 1920s (which the party fully understood). So, a solution was proposed that entailed massive lending to keep non-competitive businesses operating and wages paid. That resulted in even greater inefficiency and made Chinese exports even less competitive.

The Chinese surge had another result. Chinas success with boosting low-cost goods in advanced economies resulted in an investment boom by Westerners in China. Investors prospered during the surge, but it came at a cost. It damaged the economies of Chinas customers in two ways. First, low-cost goods undermined businesses in the consuming countries. Second, investment capital flowed out of the consuming countries and into China.

That inevitably had political impacts. The combination of post-2008 stagnation and Chinas urgent attempts to maintain exports by keeping its currency low and utilizing irrational banking created a political backlash when China could least endure itwhich is now.

There is talk of increasing Chinas domestic demand, but China is a vast and poor country and iPads are expensive. It will be a long time before the Chinese economy generates enough demand to consume what its industrial system can produce.

The Cost of Unemployment

In the meantime, the struggle against unemployment continues to generate irrational investment, and that continues to weigh down the economy. Economically, China needs a powerful recession to get rid of those businesses being kept alive by loans. But politically, China cant afford the cost of unemployment.

The re-emergence of a dictatorship in China under President Xi Jinping should be understood in this context. China is trapped between an economic and political imperative. One solution is to switch to a policy that keeps the contradiction under control through the use of repression.

The United States is Chinas greatest threat. President Donald Trump is threatening the one thing that China cannot withstand limits on Chinas economic links to the US. In addition, China must have access to the Pacific and Indian oceans for its exports. That means controlling the South and East China seas. The US is aggressively resisting that control.

Faced with this same problem in the past, Japan turned into a low-growth, but stable, country. But Japan did not have a billion impoverished people to deal with, nor did it have a history of social unrest and revolution.

Chinas problem is no longer economicits economic reality has been set. It now has a political problem: how to manage massive disappointment in an economy that is now simply ordinary.

China must also determine how to manage international forces (particularly the United States), which are challenging China and its core interests. China is trying to convince the world that it remains what it was a decade ago. That strategy could work for a while, but many still view China through a lens that broke long ago.

But reality is reality. China is no longer the top owner of US government debt; that honor goes to Japan. Chinas rainy day fund is being used up, and that reveals its deepest truth when countries have money they must keep safe, they bank in the US.

China carried out a greatand impressivesurge. But now, it is just another country struggling to figure out what its economy needs and what its politics permit.

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Red States Have Had Their Say Its Now the Blue States Turn

Weve not seen this level of political polarization since the Civil War. And its not unique to the U.S. Its happening around the world a backlash against globalization.

The red states scored a massive victory when President Donald Trump won against the odds. Six states switched from borderline blue to borderline red during that election.

But history has insights for us about such a revolution. For starters, they dont tend to end where they started. Despite being a clear play of opposites, like conservative and liberal, history favors the progressive side. Over the longer term, the trends are only in one direction: toward increased affluence, greater freedom, more trade, and deeper political and social tolerance.

The south or red states had the momentum in the early part of the Civil War, but lost in the end. The nation moved in the progressive direction and became more unified than ever. While the south had more conviction and cause, the north had more people, technology and affluence and were on the right side of the longer-term trends.

Whats clear in the early stages of this latest revolution is that globalization has peaked, and likely for decades. Were going to have to regroup politically around common and regional cultural and religious values before we can globalize and progress again.

But lets see what happens when the blue states have their say  as they again have the edge in economic power. California is threatening to go to ballot in 2018 to secede from the union. The red states may have won round one of this civil war, but its just getting started.

A political and social reformation the magnitude of the American Revolution is in motion and will take several years to begin to resolve. Get all the details on the Yes California campaign, see whats brought us to the point of this revolutionary movement and get a look into the historic shift ahead of the curve in our latest infographic below.

Harry

http://economyandmarkets.com

Follow me on Twitter @HarryDentjr

Harry studied economics in college in the 70s, but found it vague and inconclusive. He became so disillusioned by the state of the profession that he turned his back on it. Instead, he threw himself into the burgeoning New Science of Finance, which married economic research and market research and encompassed identifying and studying demographic trends, business cycles, consumers purchasing power and many, many other trends that empowered him to forecast economic and market changes.

Copyright  2017 Harry Dent- 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.

Harry Dent Archive

 2005-2019 http://www.MarketOracle.co.uk - The Market Oracle is a FREE Daily Financial Markets Analysis & Forecasting online publication.




Dutch and French Electons - Winners are Losers and Left is Right

The Dutch elections on Wednesday have provided a whole bunch of Orwellian narratives. PM Mark Ruttes right wing VVD party, actually the business -or should we say rent-seekers in 2017- party, who lost some 20% of the seats they had obtained in the previous parliamentary election in November 2012, down from 41 to 33 seats, is declared the big winner. While Geert Wilders very right wing party, PVV, won 25% more seats -it went from 16 to 20- and is the big loser.

Moreover, Ruttes coalition partner, labor PvdA, gave up 29 out of 38 seats to end up with just 9. Thats a loss of over 75%. Together, the coalition partners went from 79 seats in the 2012 election to 42 in 2017. Thats an almost 50% less. Not that it could prevent Rutte from proudly declaring: We want to stick to the course we have  safe and stable and prosperous.. Makes you wonder who the we are that hes talking about.

That course he wants to stick to had a finance minister named Dijsselbloem, and his party just lost by over 75%. So he wont be back. But perhaps the EU can pull another Tusk, and leave him in place in Brussels as chairman of the Eurogroup no matter what voters in his own country think of him. Still, declaring your intention to stick to the course when your coalition has just been sawed in half, its quite something.

The only reasons Ruttes VVD ended up being the biggest party all have to do with Wilders. The anxiety over the election all had to do with polls. Wilders is a one man party and a a one trick pony. If he would leave, his party would dissolve. And his sole message is that Islam is bad and should vanish from first Holland and then Europe. He doesnt really have any other political program points. Ok, theres Brussels. Doesnt like that either.

Perhaps thats why he largely shunned the pre-election debates. Problem with that is, these things attract a lot of TV viewers, crucial free air-time. All in all, since hes his own worst enemy in many respects, its not that much of a surprise that Wilders support collapsed, and thats just if we were to take Dutch pollsters more serious than their counterparts in the US and UK.

Talking of which, according to Rutte, those are the countries where the wrong kind of populism has won and delivered Trump and Brexit. And of course there are lots of people who agree with that. What either they, or Rutte himself, would label the right kind of populism is unclear. Maybe Rutte himself is the right kind of populist?

The row with Turkey over the weekend must have helped Rutte quite a bit. Not only were his actions in the row met with approval by a large majority of the Dutch population, including just about all other party leaders, the Dutch also got to think about what WIlders would do in such a situation. And there can be no doubt that Rutte is seen as much more of a statesman than Wilders.

Not that the row is over. After Turkey announced yesterday it would return 40 Dutch cows (?!) , today Turkish Foreign Minister Cavusoglu said Europes politicians are taking Europe toward an abyss, and: Soon religious wars will break out in Europe. Thats the way its going. There can be no doubt that a shouting war like this with Wilders as one of the participants would take on a whole different shape, and a different choice of words.

What Ruttes going to do next is form a new coalition, this time not with the left but with the center-right, and no-one will be able to tell the difference. If Dutch, and European, and global, politics have one main problem, its that. Left is right and right is left and winners are losers. If a guy like Dijsselbloem can squeeze Greek society dry in his capacity as Eurogroup head, while he runs as a leftist candidate in his own country, and loses hugely, anything goes.

All those who think they can see in the Dutch experience, a sign that Marine Le Pens chances in Frances presidential elections in April and May have dropped a lot, would appear to be delusional. Judging from reactions in the financial markets, many seem to be. But Le Pen is much less of a fringe figure than Wilders is, and she certainly wouldnt shun a debate. Its true that her Front National is a one-woman operation, bit she has a much clearer political program than Wilders does.

And she doesnt have an opponent like Rutte, whos become a formidable presence domestically, as anyone would be who can be PM for many years and not be put out by the curb. The man who should be Le Pens main adversary is not; Hollande is out by that curb and doesnt even dare run again. His Socialist party has become a joke. The next strongest opponent should be Francois Fillon, but hes all but gone now hes been placed under formal investigation.

That leaves only Emmanual Macron, an independent without a party and without a program. In France, you can be elected president in such a situation, but your hand are tied in all sorts of ways, because you need parliament to vote for things.

..the nuances of the French political system put Macron in a spot of bother. The president derives their power from the support of a majority in the lower house of parliament, the National Assembly. Macron was a minister for the Socialist Party government but quit in 2016 to form his own political movement. Now he doesnt even have a party, let alone a majority. Although the constitution of the French Fifth Republic, created by Charles De Gaulle in 1958, extended presidential powers, it did not enable the president to run the country. There are only a few presidential powers that do not need the prime ministers authorisation. The president can appoint a prime minister, dissolve the National Assembly, authorise a referendum and become a temporary dictator in exceptional circumstances imperilling the nation. They can also appoint three judges to the Constitutional Council and refer any law to this body. While all important tasks, this does not, by any stretch of the imagination, amount to running a country. The president cant suggest laws, pass them through parliament and then implement them without the prime minister. The role of a president is best defined as a referee. Presidential powers give the ability to oversee operations and act when the smooth running of institutions is impeded. So a president is able to step in if a grave situation arises or to unlock a standoff between the prime minister and parliament, such as by announcing a referendum on a disputed issue or by dismissing the National Assembly. So, why does everyone see the president as the key figure? In a nutshell, its because the constitution has never been truly applied. There lies the devilish beauty of French politics. A country known since the 1789 revolution for its inability to foster strong majorities in parliament has succeeded, from 1962, in providing solid majorities.

Perhaps those who believe that what happened in Holland is also likely to happen in France are swayed by the notion that both are part of the EU. But they are very different countries and cultures, and different political systems. And Le Pen is no Wilders. She doesnt say crazy things anymore, shes cleansed the public image of her party by getting rid of her father, and she keeps any remaining extremists out of view.

There is still plenty suspicion in France about her, and about her party, but there are also a lot of people who agree with a lot of what she says. The perhaps most noteworthy statement shes made recently is that she would step down if she loses the referendum about membership of the EU she intends to launch if elected president. That should keep Brussels on their toes. Marine means what she says. And a lot of French people may get to like her for that. In a political landscape in which the competition keeps shooting itself in the foot.

Another thing about Le Pen is that her political program contains quite a few bits and bolts that could be labeled leftist; a 35-hour work week, retirement at 60, lower energy prices. Its just that she wants to reserve these things for the French. Foreigners, especially, Muslims, are not invited. And she is very much opposed to neo-liberalism and globalization:

Theyve made an ideology out of it. An economic globalism which rejects all limits, all regulation of globalization, and which consequently weakens the immune defences of the nation state, dispossessing it of its constituent elements: borders, national currency, the authority of its laws and management of the economy, thus enabling another globalism to be born and to grow: Islamist fundamentalism..

Le Pens popularity does not come from an overwhelming innate racism in France -though such a thing certainly exists-. It comes instead from the formidable failure that the countrys immigration policy has been for many decades. At the outskirts of major cities ghettos have been allowed to form in which those that come from former French colonies, especially in Africa, feel trapped with no way out. The French tend to feel superior to all other people, and the political system has let the situation slip completely out of hand.

Now France, and Europe is general, will have to deal with this mess. So far, the main European reaction is to turn Greece into a prison camp for a new wave of refugees and migrants. That can of course only make things worse. And it doesnt solve any of the existing problems. Which makes the rise of Marine Le Pen inevitable.

And Wilders too; hes the no. 2 party in Holland, because his party won 33% more seats than in 2012 to go from 15 to 20. That 33% gain, versus Ruttes 20% loss, makes Wilders a loser in the eyes of many relieved observers.

Winners are losers, and as is evident in Le Pens social policies for the French, in European coalition governments that contain Labor and right wing parties, and in the course of the Democratic party in the US, left is definitely the same as right.

Orwell always wins. Next problem: the actual left are not represented by anyone anymore.

The Dutch elections on Wednesday have provided a whole bunch of Orwellian narratives. PM Mark Ruttes right wing VVD party, actually the business -or should we say rent-seekers in 2017- party, who lost some 20% of the seats they had obtained in the previous parliamentary election in November 2012, down from 41 to 33 seats, is declared the big winner. While Geert Wilders very right wing party, PVV, won 25% more seats -it went from 16 to 20- and is the big loser.

Moreover, Ruttes coalition partner, labor PvdA, gave up 29 out of 38 seats to end up with just 9. Thats a loss of over 75%. Together, the coalition partners went from 79 seats in the 2012 election to 42 in 2017. Thats an almost 50% less. Not that it could prevent Rutte from proudly declaring: We want to stick to the course we have  safe and stable and prosperous.. Makes you wonder who the we are that hes talking about.

That course he wants to stick to had a finance minister named Dijsselbloem, and his party just lost by over 75%. So he wont be back. But perhaps the EU can pull another Tusk, and leave him in place in Brussels as chairman of the Eurogroup no matter what voters in his own country think of him. Still, declaring your intention to stick to the course when your coalition has just been sawed in half, its quite something.

The only reasons Ruttes VVD ended up being the biggest party all have to do with Wilders. The anxiety over the election all had to do with polls. Wilders is a one man party and a a one trick pony. If he would leave, his party would dissolve. And his sole message is that Islam is bad and should vanish from first Holland and then Europe. He doesnt really have any other political program points. Ok, theres Brussels. Doesnt like that either.

Perhaps thats why he largely shunned the pre-election debates. Problem with that is, these things attract a lot of TV viewers, crucial free air-time. All in all, since hes his own worst enemy in many respects, its not that much of a surprise that Wilders support collapsed, and thats just if we were to take Dutch pollsters more serious than their counterparts in the US and UK.

Talking of which, according to Rutte, those are the countries where the wrong kind of populism has won and delivered Trump and Brexit. And of course there are lots of people who agree with that. What either they, or Rutte himself, would label the right kind of populism is unclear. Maybe Rutte himself is the right kind of populist?

The row with Turkey over the weekend must have helped Rutte quite a bit. Not only were his actions in the row met with approval by a large majority of the Dutch population, including just about all other party leaders, the Dutch also got to think about what WIlders would do in such a situation. And there can be no doubt that Rutte is seen as much more of a statesman than Wilders.

Not that the row is over. After Turkey announced yesterday it would return 40 Dutch cows (?!) , today Turkish Foreign Minister Cavusoglu said Europes politicians are taking Europe toward an abyss, and: Soon religious wars will break out in Europe. Thats the way its going. There can be no doubt that a shouting war like this with Wilders as one of the participants would take on a whole different shape, and a different choice of words.

What Ruttes going to do next is form a new coalition, this time not with the left but with the center-right, and no-one will be able to tell the difference. If Dutch, and European, and global, politics have one main problem, its that. Left is right and right is left and winners are losers. If a guy like Dijsselbloem can squeeze Greek society dry in his capacity as Eurogroup head, while he runs as a leftist candidate in his own country, and loses hugely, anything goes.

All those who think they can see in the Dutch experience, a sign that Marine Le Pens chances in Frances presidential elections in April and May have dropped a lot, would appear to be delusional. Judging from reactions in the financial markets, many seem to be. But Le Pen is much less of a fringe figure than Wilders is, and she certainly wouldnt shun a debate. Its true that her Front National is a one-woman operation, bit she has a much clearer political program than Wilders does.

And she doesnt have an opponent like Rutte, whos become a formidable presence domestically, as anyone would be who can be PM for many years and not be put out by the curb. The man who should be Le Pens main adversary is not; Hollande is out by that curb and doesnt even dare run again. His Socialist party has become a joke. The next strongest opponent should be Francois Fillon, but hes all but gone now hes been placed under formal investigation.

That leaves only Emmanual Macron, an independent without a party and without a program. In France, you can be elected president in such a situation, but your hand are tied in all sorts of ways, because you need parliament to vote for things.

..the nuances of the French political system put Macron in a spot of bother. The president derives their power from the support of a majority in the lower house of parliament, the National Assembly. Macron was a minister for the Socialist Party government but quit in 2016 to form his own political movement. Now he doesnt even have a party, let alone a majority. Although the constitution of the French Fifth Republic, created by Charles De Gaulle in 1958, extended presidential powers, it did not enable the president to run the country. There are only a few presidential powers that do not need the prime ministers authorisation. The president can appoint a prime minister, dissolve the National Assembly, authorise a referendum and become a temporary dictator in exceptional circumstances imperilling the nation. They can also appoint three judges to the Constitutional Council and refer any law to this body. While all important tasks, this does not, by any stretch of the imagination, amount to running a country. The president cant suggest laws, pass them through parliament and then implement them without the prime minister. The role of a president is best defined as a referee. Presidential powers give the ability to oversee operations and act when the smooth running of institutions is impeded. So a president is able to step in if a grave situation arises or to unlock a standoff between the prime minister and parliament, such as by announcing a referendum on a disputed issue or by dismissing the National Assembly. So, why does everyone see the president as the key figure? In a nutshell, its because the constitution has never been truly applied. There lies the devilish beauty of French politics. A country known since the 1789 revolution for its inability to foster strong majorities in parliament has succeeded, from 1962, in providing solid majorities.

Perhaps those who believe that what happened in Holland is also likely to happen in France are swayed by the notion that both are part of the EU. But they are very different countries and cultures, and different political systems. And Le Pen is no Wilders. She doesnt say crazy things anymore, shes cleansed the public image of her party by getting rid of her father, and she keeps any remaining extremists out of view.

There is still plenty suspicion in France about her, and about her party, but there are also a lot of people who agree with a lot of what she says. The perhaps most noteworthy statement shes made recently is that she would step down if she loses the referendum about membership of the EU she intends to launch if elected president. That should keep Brussels on their toes. Marine means what she says. And a lot of French people may get to like her for that. In a political landscape in which the competition keeps shooting itself in the foot.

Another thing about Le Pen is that her political program contains quite a few bits and bolts that could be labeled leftist; a 35-hour work week, retirement at 60, lower energy prices. Its just that she wants to reserve these things for the French. Foreigners, especially, Muslims, are not invited. And she is very much opposed to neo-liberalism and globalization:

Theyve made an ideology out of it. An economic globalism which rejects all limits, all regulation of globalization, and which consequently weakens the immune defences of the nation state, dispossessing it of its constituent elements: borders, national currency, the authority of its laws and management of the economy, thus enabling another globalism to be born and to grow: Islamist fundamentalism..

Le Pens popularity does not come from an overwhelming innate racism in France -though such a thing certainly exists-. It comes instead from the formidable failure that the countrys immigration policy has been for many decades. At the outskirts of major cities ghettos have been allowed to form in which those that come from former French colonies, especially in Africa, feel trapped with no way out. The French tend to feel superior to all other people, and the political system has let the situation slip completely out of hand.

Now France, and Europe is general, will have to deal with this mess. So far, the main European reaction is to turn Greece into a prison camp for a new wave of refugees and migrants. That can of course only make things worse. And it doesnt solve any of the existing problems. Which makes the rise of Marine Le Pen inevitable.

And Wilders too; hes the no. 2 party in Holland, because his party won 33% more seats than in 2012 to go from 15 to 20. That 33% gain, versus Ruttes 20% loss, makes Wilders a loser in the eyes of many relieved observers.

Winners are losers, and as is evident in Le Pens social policies for the French, in European coalition governments that contain Labor and right wing parties, and in the course of the Democratic party in the US, left is definitely the same as right.

Orwell always wins. Next problem: the actual left are not represented by anyone anymore.

By Raul Ilargi Meijer

Website: http://theautomaticearth.com (provides unique analysis of economics, finance, politics and social dynamics in the context of Complexity Theory) 2017 Copyright Raul I Meijer - 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.

Raul Ilargi Meijer Archive

 2005-2019 http://www.MarketOracle.co.uk - The Market Oracle is a FREE Daily Financial Markets Analysis & Forecasting online publication.




MARTINSVILLE  A former City Council candidate believes Martinsvilles budget shortfall for the new fiscal year that will start July 1 will be almost twice as much as city officials say it will.

Officials are preparing a city budget proposal for fiscal 2018 that will be presented to the council in the coming weeks. In the process, they have said the city faces a roughly $1 million shortfall  one that could lead to cuts in services to residents.

But we know almost for certainty were going to have to repay the $800,000 for the medical school, Ural Harris told the council Tuesday night, indicating he thinks little progress is occurring in efforts to establish the school. Dont that make us about two (million dollars) short?

The city obtained an $800,000 grant from the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission for the College of Henricopolis School of Medicine, which the Integrative Centers for Science and Medicine (ICSM) is trying to establish uptown.

Certain requirements for the grant so far have not been met. The commission has given the ICSM, led by Virginia Museum of Natural History founder Dr. Noel Boaz, until January to meet the requirements, extending the deadline by 12 months.

If the requirements are not met, the city will have to repay the $800,000 to the tobacco commission. The anticipated $1 million budget shortfall does not include the repayment.

In the meantime, a lawsuit against the ICSM by a former employee is moving forward in Martinsville Circuit Court. Dr. Bozenna M. Liszka, who was a consulting physician for the organization, is seeking almost $27,000 in wages and continuing medical education expenses she believes she is owed.

Harris, a Martinsville Planning Commission member who frequently voices his opinions on city issues to the council during business from the floor sessions at meetings, has unsuccessfully run for a council seat twice. The last time was the November election.

Tuesday night, he also spoke his mind about several other issues.

For fiscal 2018, the citys public schools are asking for $6,818,388 in annual local funding. That is more than the $6,437,654 allocated to the schools for the current fiscal year and the $6,757,537 they received in the prior year.

In January, the council returned to the schools $614,509 that they did not spend in the past fiscal year. The schools also are asking to keep $135,000 of that amount that they anticipate not spending in the near future as a result of an expected increase in state funding.

Enrollment in the schools has dropped in recent years, statistics show.

You cannot continue giving more money to the schools with less students, Harris told the council.

He said people have told him that amid efforts to make the schools fully accredited under the state Standards of Learning, they want to see the results of extra money the schools so far have received.

Question about reversion

During its strategic planning session last weekend, the council discussed the ideas of Martinsville, one of Virginias independent cities, legally reverting to a town in surrounding Henry County, or even combining with the county to form one local government, as part of money-saving efforts.

Such options have been studied in the past but never acted on.

Mayor Gene Teague said during the session that he will send a note to find out if the Henry County Board of Supervisors is interested in jointly meeting with the council to discuss possibilities.

Several years ago, Harris recalled Tuesday night, the council spent about $100,000 to study reversion and then voted against it after all of a sudden, we (the city) found plenty of money and (determined) the city was in great shape financially.

Dont vote to spend any money on a (new) reversion study unless youre committed to reversion, he told the council.

All of our (financial) problems come from bad decisions and self-inflicted wounds. We cant have any more of that, he told the council.

Council members and other city officials did not respond to any of Harris comments.

However, they responded to remarks by city resident Melvin Smith in support of reinstating classic car shows locally. He originally voiced support for such events during the Feb. 28 council meeting.

City Manager Leon Towarnicki said interest in past car shows held uptown eventually waned.

During later shows, there really wasnt enough people participating to justify blocking the streets, Towarnicki said.

He and council members mentioned potential competition for exhibitors and attendees with car shows now held in Bassett, Danville, Chatham, Eden, Reidsville and Mount Airy.

Past car shows in Martinsville were held on Saturdays, as are some in nearby communities. Smith mentioned the idea of having a show in the city on a Friday.

Councilwoman Sharon Brooks Hodge suggested he contact TGIF event organizers to perhaps link a car show to those events.

Vice Chairman Chad Martin said he understands there may be interest in holding a car show alongside a motorcycle show.

Towarnicki said a car show maybe could be held in conjunction with a NASCAR race at Martinsville Speedway.

In another matter, the council recognized 10 people who participated in the citys Citizens Academy in February. They are Billie Coles, Clifton Scott Jr., LaDonna Hairston, Cyndi Worley, Xavior Hopper, Kayla Hernandez, James Hagwood, Alexis Lee, Sydney Lee and Willie Johnson.

According to Assistant City Manager/Community Development Director Wayne Knox, the program was designed to help residents learn about and dispel any misconceptions they may have about  city government by hearing presentations about department/constitutional office operations and informally talking with council members and other officials.

The better you know the ins and outs of local government, said Councilwoman Jennifer Bowles, the better youre able to hold us accountable as elected officials.

Coles said she learned a lot during Februarys academy. She encouraged people to sign up for ones expected to be held in the future and be active participants.

If you dont open your mouth and ask a question, you wont be able to get an answer, she said.

The next Citizens Academy is targeted to be held in the fall, Knox said.

The council also:

@ Set a public hearing for its March 28 meeting to hear requests for tax exemptions from Act 4 Ministries and Life Stages Enrichment Service.

@ Proclaimed March as Womens History Month in Martinsville.
MARTINSVILLE  Martinsville City Public Schools are buzzing after word recently broke that an anonymous donor gave approximately $95,000 to the school systems Endowment Fund.

Used to purchase items that state dollars cant buy, the Endowment Fund helps teachers and other school employees make purchases that they believe will enhance the students learning environment.

With no limit on the amount of grant money an educator may request, the fund helps bring teachers visions to life every year.

Thats really awesome, Aji Dixon, principal at Martinsville High School, said. Its great to know that people in the community believe in the kids, the teachers, the staff.

The largest single amount in the history of the decade-long endowment fund, the $95,000 donation pleasantly surprised educators across the city.

Its encouraging that someone thinks enough of the kids to give that much, Dixon said. Its awesome to get that kind of support.

While any employee from any city school may request funds, the options for the money seemed endless to Violet Nelson, the instructional coordinator at Albert Harris Elementary School.

Nelson spoke with passion about classroom improvements she hopes could emerge from the donation.

We could use that money for our students and give them a really wonderful education  which we do anyway, but [the funds could be used to purchase] those little niceties that we can provide for them, Nelson said.

Above all, Nelson listed standing desks as her number one priority.

Sometimes you just want to get up and walk around, Nelson said. You know how it is sitting in a class or in a meeting for two or three hours and not be able to just stand and stretch.

Available from $40 to several hundred dollars depending on the model, standing desks provide unique options for students.

These are standing desks where they can get up and stand or sit down. They can be lowered to sit or raised up in order for them to stand, Nelson said. It just gives them a little more movement and makes it more relaxing.

In addition to interactive desks, based on a students needs and classroom activities, Nelson also promoted the integration of flexible seating in schools.

Have you heard of the wobble stool? Its like a big ball they could sit on, Nelson said.

For a name brand chair, theyre $150 a pop. However, the seating has benefits that outweigh the cost of outfitting an entire school.

Physically, its better for the students, especially for the ones who want to walk around, who are maybe a little more energetic like me, Nelson said.

Also, the instructional coordinator envisioned in-classroom libraries stocked with leveled reading materials.

That way the students could read books on their level, Nelson said.

Surrounded by books suitable for their grade level, Nelson felt students abilities would excel.

The more you read, the better you read. The better you read, the more you learn, Nelson said.

Nelson also mentioned the need for new outdoor equipment.

We would love to have a new playground here, Nelson said.

While the Endowment Fund might not cover all of the classroom wants and needs of each teacher in one calendar year, the huge donation will surely go a long way in the school system.

It will give us opportunities to provide for our kids and make a better learning environment, Nelson said.

With innovative classroom equipment like standing desks, Wobble Stools and leveled libraries, Nelson felt an investment in Albert Harris would be a sound choice.

Our kids could be the most important kids in the world. They are so smart. They can change our whole community, they can. And we are changing the community, Nelson said. As the school goes, the community goes and we want to make the community proud of us.
MARTINSVILLEIt appears work in the community to crack down on the drug problem is already having an impact. In statistics released recently by the Virginia Department of Health, Martinsville and Henry County saw the number of overdose-related emergency room trips cut in half.

Thats one way the state uses to monitor drug activity, by noting how many are brought in for treatment. By the end of January, Martinsville and Henry County had the highest rate for emergency department trips involving unintentional opioid, heroin or unknown substance related overdoses, coming in at 32 per 100,000 people. The average in Virginia was nine. By the end of February, that number dropped to 15.3 visits per 100,000 residents for this area.

Martinsville Police Chief Sean Dunn attributes the decline largely to increased public awareness of the issue and especially involvement of the faith community in trying to combat the problem.

Martinsville and Henry County are two of the Virginia localities combined for the purposes of calculating rate per 100,000 population.

In February, 10 localities in Virginia had higher rates than Martinsville-Henry County.

In February, Galax City and Grayson County combined had the highest rate (34.9 emergency department visits per 100,000 population), followed by: Smith County, 25.4 per 100,000; the city of Richmond, 24.5 per 100,000; the city of Norton and Wise County combined, 20.6 per 100,000; Orange County, 19.8 per 100,000; Henrico County, 19.1 per 100,000; Shenandoah County, 16.2 per 100,000; Culpeper County, 16.2 per 100,000; and Martinsville-Henry County, 15.3 per 100,000.

Opioids are a class of drugs that include the illegal drug heroin as well as powerful pain relievers available legally by prescription, says a report on the National Institute on Drug Abuse website. [That includes] oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, morphine, fentanyl, and many others. These drugs are chemically related and interact with opioid receptors on nerve cells in the body and brain.

It adds: Opioid pain relievers are generally safe when taken for a short time and as prescribed by a doctor, but they are frequently misused (taken in a different way or in a greater quantity than prescribed, or taken without a doctors prescription) because they produce euphoria in addition to pain relief. Regular useeven as prescribed by a doctorcan produce dependence, and when misused or abused, opioid pain relievers can lead to fatal overdose. The current epidemic of prescription opioid abuse has led to increased use of heroin, which presents similar dangers.

Martinsville-Henry Countys rates varied from 27.5 emergency department visits per 100,000 in August 2016, to 25.9 per 100,000 in December 2016, hitting a high of 32 percent in January.

We have raised the awareness of the issue, Dunn said, adding it was paramount to do that before fatalities occurred in this area.

An Opioid Awareness Task Force was created involving representatives of the Martinsville Police Department, West Piedmont Health District, Piedmont Community Services, the Virginia attorney generals liaison, the Army National Guard counter drug unit and the faith community, Dunn said.

Dunn said he believes the most important part of the effort has been when faith leaders when back to their churches and shared information about the issue with their congregations.

Another prong of the effort is that the police department and criminal justice system continue to address the supply side of drugs. For example, some of the indictments a Martinsville grand jury returned in February were for very large opiate distributors, Dunn alleged. We will continue going after dealers and traffickers.

Dunn said, We are pleased with the decline in the overdose rate from January to February.

I think we are on the right track. We feel like we have brought the right people to the table. Awareness is going up, Dunn said.

He said the Opioid Awareness Task Force is continuing to meet, and the group is working to stay on top of the opioid issue.

He said a door-to-door effort is being planned involving a number of agencies to distribute handouts.
RICHMOND  Gov. Terry McAuliffe has signed legislation that will allow some retired police officers to carry guns while working as security guards in Virginia schools, a reversal from last year when McAuliffe vetoed a similar bill with weaker training requirements.

Guns are generally banned from school grounds under state law, with an exception for active law enforcement personnel assigned to schools as part of their official duties. House Bill 1392 gives schools the option of hiring armed security guards as school board employees, but only if the guard is a retired law enforcement officer who has been retired for 10 years or less.

The bill passed the Republican-controlled General Assembly by wide margins in the Senate and House of Delegates. Some Democrats opposed it, calling it an ill-advised loosening of restrictions on guns in schools.

McAuliffe quietly signed the bill Monday, according to the states online legislative system. It will go into effect July 1.

Del. Scott Lingamfelter, R-Prince William, said the bill he patroned will mean better protection for teachers and students.

This gives rural communities the added benefit of being able to hire these retired police officers because they just dont have enough cops to go around, Lingamfelter said.

The bill does not force local school boards to hire armed guards but opens it up as an option for localities that want to pursue it.

McAuliffe, a Democrat who regularly opposes Republican efforts to allow more people to be armed in more places, explained his veto last year by saying the bill lacked provisions to ensure school security officers are properly trained.

Lingamfelter added more stringent requirements to the 2017 version, which requires armed guards to prove that they meet specific training and qualification standards, including receiving instruction in active shooter response. Local school boards would also have to check with the local police chief or sheriff before granting a security guard the ability to carry a gun.

McAuliffes office said the governor felt last year that the bill didnt require the highest training standards, and the General Assembly heard his concerns.

The governor reviews these bills carefully and even for bills that hes vetoed in the past if the General Assembly makes changes to address his concerns hes always open to signing them, said McAuliffe spokesman Brian Coy. Thats what happened in this particular case.

Del. Lamont Bagby, a Democrat who formerly served on the Henrico County School Board, said he opposed the bill because it wasnt clear to him at the time whether more stringent training requirements would be added, but said he had no heartburn over the bills approval.

I know several police officers that would go into this position and do a great job. And it wouldnt be as costly as getting a police officer thats still working for the department, Bagby said. We just wanted to make sure it was done properly.

Lingamfelter said he wasnt bothered by the absence of fanfare over the bill signing, saying the presence of action means more.

I took it to heart and I actually went to correct some of the concerns that he had, Lingamfelter said of the governors veto message last year.

This is one of those highly boring, un-newsworthy, atypical stories where people actually let their ears work.
Denver Riggleman, a Nelson County distillery owner turned last-minute candidate, has dropped out of the race for the Republican nomination in the June 13 statewide primary.

Riggleman made a campaign stop in Roanoke in February and appeared at a Republican candidates forum last week at Smith Mountain Lake.

Riggleman released a statement Thursday afternoon via email: Based on business considerations, resource shortages, and family health issues, I have no other choice but to suspend my campaign for Governor effective today. I want to thank everyone who has supported me, and particularly those that were willing to donate to our cause. Their sacrifices will not be in vain, because the Whiskey Rebellion will continue. Stay tuned.

With little name recognition before he showed up at the Republican Party of Virginias annual holiday retreat, Riggleman said at the beginning of his campaign that raising money to compete would be a major hurdle for his candidacy.

Rigglemans departure leaves front-runner Ed Gillespie vying with state Sen. Frank Wagner of Virginia Beach and Prince William County Board of Supervisors Chairman Corey Stewart for the nomination.

Gillespie issued a statement praising his former opponent: He is a good man who is concerned about the size and scope of government like I am. He has been a voice for Virginians who feel left behind and ignored by government, or worse. I know that Denver will continue to find ways to serve our Commonwealth and our country.
STUARTIn addition to releasing 340 indictments from last weeks manhunt, a Patrick County grand jury returned dozens of direct indictments this week. Direct indictments are cases that go straight to trial, without a preliminary hearing. Its rare to have direct indictments, as they mean no criminal complaint was filed against a defendant by a member of the public. Instead, the charges come as a result of police investigation and the jurys recommendation to move forward.

An indictment is not an indication of guilt. It is a grand jurys determination that enough evidence exists to hold a trial. In Virginia, its legal for a prosecutor to bring a criminal charge by himself through an indictment.

The direct indictments include:

Richard William Blankenship of Patrick Springs, who faces one count of assault and battery against family member  third or subsequent offense.

Kenneth Ray Lockhart of Patrick Springs, who faces one count of eluding police.

Kay Frances Reynolds of Ridgeway, who faces one count of larceny of a check value of $200 or more.

Darnell Lashawn Salda of Martinsville, who faces one count of strangulation resulting in wounding/bodily injury.

Andrew Wayne Smith of Ararat, who faces one count of assault with injury to a person with protective order,

Alexander James Cipko of Ararat, who faces two counts of gross, wanton or reckless care for a child.

William David Hylton of Stuart, who faces one count of unlawful injury, (stab, cut, wound without malicious intent); and strangulation.

Pierre Quartez Scales of Stuart, who faces one count of eluding police.

Jay Devin Griffith of Bassett, who faces one count of issuing false statements on a consent form.

Joshua Tyler Hambrick of Stuart, meanwhile, faces one count of obtaining money greater than $200 by false pretense. He also faces one count of attempted grand larceny and one count of improper disposal of 500 or more tires.

Joshua Cardale Marshall of Stuart, who faces one count of assaulting law enforcement/fire, and/or rescue personnel.

Archie Dale Belcher of Stuart, who faces one count of destruction of property value more than $1,000.

Mark Allen Mitchell, who faces one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Nicholas Ashby Morris of Stuart, who faces one count of grand larceny.

Walter Elbert Spence III of Critz, who faces one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Harvey Lee Woods of Fancy Gap, who faces one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Stephanie Lawless Lemons of Stuart, who faces five counts of embezzlement ($200 or more).

Robert Dylan Pack of Ararat, who faces three counts of proposing a sex act through a communication system with a child less than 15 years old.

William Grady Woody Adkins of Ararat, faces one count of carnal knowledge/statutory rape with no force used of a victim between 13 to 14 years old.

Amber Shay Allen of Martinsville, who faces three counts of grand larceny.

Michael Anthony Burge of Claudville, who faces one count of aggravated sexual battery of a victim under age 13, as well as indecent liberties with a child younger than age 15.

Frances Goins Hill of Mount Airy, North Carolina, faces one count of uttering a forged public record and obtaining money by false pretenses, in a sum greater than $200.

Kevin A. Johnson of Camden, New Jersey, faces one count of obtaining money by false pretenses in a sum greater than $200 and conspiracy to obtain money by false pretenses, also in a sum more than $200.

Kasie Lane Joyce of Bassett, who faces one count of forging coin or bank notes.

Roy Warner Keen of Roanoke, who faces two counts of grand larceny and one count of statutory burglary.

Kimberlee Sue Way Warner of Martinsville, who faces three counts of petit larceny-third or subsequent offense.

Timothy Walter White of Stuart, who faces three counts of aggravated sexual battery of a victim under age 13 and one count of sodomy, also with a victim under age 13.

Shelby Nichole Wingfield of Martinsville, who faces three counts of grand larceny.
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cooley

(Republican File photo)

Efforts in Western Massachusetts to fight opioid abuse have received a five-figure influx of financial support.

Florence Bank has pledged to give $50,000 to Cooley Dickinson Health Care to underwrite a plan designed to prevent opioid use and help drug users.

The two-year approach will include education, screening and new treatment services and interventions.

Key to the effort is treating opioid use as a "disease not as a moral or character flaw," said Cooley Dickinson President and Chief Executive Officer Joanne Marqusee.

"With this approach, we are developing a comprehensive, coordinated approach with our community partners to reduce opioid-use dependence," she said.

"This crisis impacts the communities we all serve - these are our neighbors and friends," said John F. Heaps, Jr., president and chief executive officer of Florence Bank. "We believe we should all do what we can to help find a solution that is both effective and compassionate."

Nearly 2,000 people in Massachusetts died from opioid overdoses in 2016, a 13 percent increase over the previous year's fatalities.

The cause of fatalities has shifted from heroin to the synthetic opioid Fentanyl, a drug that can be 50 to 100 times stronger than heroin and is often mixed with or substituted for heroin. Fentanyl contributed to 75 percent of fatal opioid overdoses in Massachusetts last year, according to the state Department of Public Health.

For every fatal overdose, there are between 10 and 12 non-fatal ones, health officials estimate.

In Massachusetts, one in every 10 opioid users seek treatment, a figure Cooley Dickinson hopes to increase.
play-doh.jpeg

Play-Doh represents long term growth at the Cartamundi plant in East Longmeadow.

(Photo Provided)

EAST LONGMEADOW -- Making stuff out of Play-Doh is child's play.

But making Play-Doh and packaging it for shipment requires giant bakery-style mixers, high-speed rollers, extruders, cutters, plastics molding machines, at least four robots and workers with the technical know-how to keep all that equipment churning away.

"It's a fairly automated and complex process," said Jeff Lombard, CEO of Cartamundi East Longmeadow, which is gearing up to start making Play-Doh for toy giant Hasbro by the end of 2018. "You need people who understand mechanics, electronics, pneumatics. You have equipment integration."

Hasbro contracts with Cartamundi to make its games and toys, and the East Longmeadow company makes 30 million Hasbro games a year. The toy giant, meanwhile, recently announced it will bring Play-Doh manufacturing back to the East Longmeadow plant for the first time since 2004, when production transferred to China.

Play-Doh demand has increased 20 percent each year for five years, and Hasbro officials say the company needs U.S. production to meet demand. The East Longmaeadow plant can also respond quickly if retailers start selling out of Play-Doh. That's hard with factories located in China or Turkey.

Demand for Hasbro board games like Monopoly and Life -- and the East Longmeadow plant's ability to fill that demand quickly -- has also led to more hiring, Lombard said.

Preparing to make Play-Doh is an engineering task -- because, according to Lombard, all the Play-Doh equipment at the East Longmeadow plant was either shipped to China or sold off, and the production line must be rebuilt. But it's also a human resources task.

Workers with basic manufacturing and mechanical aptitude, such as knowing that if one gear turns clockwise the gear meshed with it will turn counterclockwise, can be hard to find. Cartamundi and other manufacturers are facing that reality now that manufacturing business is picking up in the Pioneer Valley.

"It's a challenge," Lombard said.

Manufacturing declined here during the Great Recession and Lombard's plant, then owned by Hasbro, laid off workers. But starting in 2015, work started picking up and employees were hard to find.

It's a problem Lombard sees becoming more acute as Smith & Wesson grows and the opening of the CRRC MA rail car factory approaches. Both facilities are in Springfield.

Cartamundi plans to hire 20 additional workers at its East Longmeadow factory to make Play-Doh, pushing employment at the 1.2 million square-foot facility to 480. In 1992, when it was owned by Milton Bradley, the plant employed 2,000.

The projected number of employees represents a 13.5 percent increase from 2015, when Belgium-based Cartamundi bought the plant from Hasbro for $19.4 million.

To get those workers, Cartamundi reaches out at places job seekers with the requisite mechanical aptitude and interest are likely to congregate: Springfield Technical Community College, Asnuntuck Community College in Enfield, Connecticut, Westover Air Reserve Base in Chicopee.

"We do a lot on social media," he said. "You have to meet people where they are."

Lombard wouldn't talk salary, but he said Cartamundi is competitive and offers benefits. Production workers at Cartamundi are union members.

Current salaries, benefits and a high-tech work environment counter the outdated view some job seekers have of factories as belt-driven, 19th-century relics without much of a future.

Trade schools, the Regional Employment Board of Hampden County and others have fought the perception that manufacturing is old-fashioned and that there are no opportunities, said David C. Gadaire, executive director of Holyoke-based CareerPoint. The not-for-profit organization opened a job center at Holyoke's Dean Technical High School on March 10.

"(All these programs) have proven to be very successful in getting young kids to think about manufacturing as an alternative," Gadaire said.

For the last year, CareerPoint has run an intensive hiring program, with a dedicated recruiter, for U.S. Tsubaki in Chicopee.

The auto timing chain and timing chain systems maker plans to spend $20 million over five to seven years on an expansion of its Chicopee plant. In the near term, that means adding to its staff of 335 people.

"Our recruiting partnership has has been overwhelmingly successful," he said, noting that CareerPoint has hired more than 80 people for US Tsubaki after screening more than 400 applicants.

"Obviously a lot of people get screened out because of that skills gap," he said. "And that means we can refer those applicants who get screened out to employers who don't have such stringent requirements and we can refer them to training programs."

The process of making Play-Doh, meanwhile -- similar to the process of making any kind of dough, according to Lombard -- combines high-tech manufacturing with old-fashioned mixing and rolling like in a bakery.

Hasbro's website says the recipe is proprietary, only listing the ingredients as "primarily a mixture of water, salt and flour." According to Wikipedia and other online sources, the compound also includes boric acid, mineral oil and a scent.

Lombard said the ingredients are blended in a tank that resembles a cement mixer. Then, it gets rolled out in to sheets.

Those sheets are extruded into long sausage-like tubes. Cutters slice the tubes into chunks that fit in the 4-ounce plastic cans, which Cartamundi will also manufacture.

The material is scanned for stray bits of metal, and must be labeled and dated properly.

Robots at the East Longmeadow facility will primarily work extracting cans and lids from molding machines, and in packaging.

Hiring for Play-Doh production begins in the first quarter of 2018 with production set to launch by the middle of that year, in time for Christmas.
Boston Mayor Marty Walsh

(Gintautas Dumcius/MassLive.com)

(Gintautas Dumcius/MassLive.com)

Officials in Massachusetts were anything but quiet on Thursday in reaction to President Donald Trump releasing his 2018 fiscal budget proposal.

Sens. Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren, Gov. Charlie Baker and Boston Mayor Marty Walsh fiercely criticized the president's proposed cuts to programs that support low-income families, environmental protections, clean energy, medical research and the arts.

Mayor Walsh lambasted the budget proposal during a Thursday afternoon press conference, accusing Trump's budget office of "a lack of understanding" and "just irresponsible math."

Walsh said the city of Boston could lose up to $24 million of its $3 billion budget.

The mayor's critique focused heavily on cuts to funding for low-income families, including Community Development Building Grants, Legal Services Corporation and the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Together these services provide financial assistance, heating and housing to poor families in Boston, along with the rest of Massachusetts and across the country.

"Make no mistake about it, a budget like this will bring pain," Walsh said. "We cannot replace the much needed revenue here. No city can."

He cited the city's recent success in reducing chronic veteran homelessness and building affordable housing in an "unprecedented" way.

According to data from the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development, money from CDBG have transformed more than 3,000 housing units. The grants also fund fixtures to community areas like playgrounds and public infrastructure.

According to Walsh, Boston's chronic homeless population - which the city aimed to eliminate in the next few years - could quadruple if proposed cuts are approved.

"The budget director has no understanding of how to put a budget together, and has no understanding of how America works," Walsh said of the Trump administration. Former South Carolina representative Mick Mulvaney is the current director of the Office of Management and Budget.

Mulvaney told ABC News that the budget proposal reflects the president's campaign promises, telling George Stephanopoulos, "We took [Trump's] words and turned them into numbers. The president promised a wall. He's going to deliver it."

The Associated Press reports the $1.15 trillion budget proposal adds $54 billion to the country's military, while stripping funds from Environmental Protection Agency, AmeriCorps, the National Endowment of the Arts and grants for medical research and low-income families. The proposal also includes a down payment on a U.S.-Mexico border wall.

Mayor Walsh also alluded to potential setbacks to the city's recently-published "Go Boston 2030" initiative, which outlines extensive plans to simultaneously improve Boston's environment, safety and transportation systems.

"The state of Massachusetts produces more federal revenue than we get back...We should not pick up the pieces for Washington's failures," Walsh said.
alderman.jpg

Springfield High School

(MARK M. MURRAY / THE REPUBLICAN)

SPRINGFIELD -- One student is facing an assault charge in Springfield District Court and two others are being prosecuted in juvenile court following a fight at an alternative city high school.

Kassandra Santiago, 18, pleaded not guilty to assault and battery and disturbing school during her March 3 arraignment. Two younger students -- one 16, the other 17 -- were arraigned on the same charges in Springfield Juvenile Court.

The girls were arrested following a three-way altercation March 2 at Springfield High School, one of eight alternative public schools in the city. The trouble started around 12:45 p.m. near the second-floor stairwell as Santiago and the 16-year-old began exchanging punches and pulling each others' hair, according to the arrest report.

A Springfield police officer assigned to the Alderman Street school responded after hearing screaming and seeing students gathering in the hall; with the help of a school security guard, the officer separated the two girls, the report said.

Moments later, the 17-year-old defendant joined the fray, punching Santiago several times and then striking the security guard who attempted to push her away. At that point, a school administrator ran up and grabbed the 17-year-old and removed her from the area, the report said.

By then several police cruisers had been dispatched to the school in response to the officer's call for help. The three girls were arrested and order was restored by police and school officials, the report said.

No injuries to students, staff or police officers were listed in the report, and no reason for the fight was noted.

Santiago is due back in court on May 3. The status of the other defendants is unclear because juvenile court records are closed to the public.
Google Maps

(Google Maps)

Two snowshoers from Boston disappeared in the Canadian Rockies on Tuesday, and after attempting to locate the pair, authorities said an avalanche likely occurred in the area the snowshoers were hiking.

Royal Canadian Mounted Police declined to identify the snowshoers -- a man and a woman -- but told

both are presumed dead.

Nonetheless, a Parks Canada visitor safety specialists and Mounted Police search for the missing snowshoers continues.

The snowshoers failed to check out of their hotel in Alberta, Canada, after embarking on a trip earlier in the day Tuesday near Lake Louise, according to The Globe.

Authorities located the snowshoer's car a short distance away, on Highway 93 North in Banff National Park on the Icefields Parkway, The Globe reports.

RCMP Corporal Curtis Peters told The Globe that rescuers following the path the snowshoers were thought to have followed found evidence of "a fairly significant avalanche."

The families of both of the missing parties have been notified, Peters told The Globe.
SPRINGFIELD -- A defense lawyer for Robert Honsch, accused of fatally shooting his wife, argued Wednesday that his trial should not include any reference to the killing of his daughter.

Honsch, 73, is charged with murder in the fatal shooting of his wife more than two decades ago.

On Oct. 6, 1995, a body with a gunshot wound to the head was found in Tolland State Forest. The body was identified in 2014 as that of Marcia Honsch, 53, of Brewster, New York.

In Connecticut, Robert Honsch is a suspect in the fatal shooting of his daughter, Elizabeth Honsch, 17. Her body was found behind a shopping plaza in New Britain, Connecticut, on Sept. 28, 1995.

Honsch was arrested in July 2014 in Dalton, Ohio, where investigators said he was living under an assumed name with a new wife and three children.

His trial for murder in connection with Marcia Honsch's death is slated to begin May 1 in Hampden Superior Court.

Judge Constance M. Sweeney on Wednesday heard arguments on a defense motion to exclude any evidence about Elizabeth Honsch's killing. Sweeney took the matter under advisement.

Defense lawyer Paul Rudof said the similarities between the two crimes do not rise to the level required by law. He said the only similarities are that both women were shot with a high-caliber weapon and most likely killed a few days apart.

Rudof acknowledged the relationship between the two women is "probably the most significant" factor in judging the similarity of the crimes, but said "that alone does not carry the day."

The daughter's body was wrapped in plastic bags and a sleeping bag, Rudof said, while Marcia Honsch's body was not wrapped and was buried near where evidence showed she was shot.

Rudof said there is "enormous" risk a jury would be prejudiced against his client if evidence about Elizabeth Honsch is presented at trial.

The prosecution is expected to present testimony about a palm print identified as belonging to Robert Honsch found on trash bags wrapped around Elizabeth Honsch's body.

Rudof said his concern is that jurors may say they have to hold Honsch accountable even if they don't believe the prosecution proved he killed Marcia Honsch.

Assistant District Attorney Karen J. Bell said excluding evidence about Elizabeth Honsch would impair the prosecution's case and would not give the jury a complete picture.

Even before it was discovered that the body from Connecticut and the body from Tolland State Forest were related, Bell said, police from both jurisdictions believed there was a connection.

Bell said it is believed both women were shot with a .45-caliber gun. Both were left without any identification.

"I would suggest they were killed within days of each other if not the same day," she said. Because of decomposition it is not certain when Marcia Honsch was shot, she said.

Bell said Honsch in October 1995 told Marcia Honsch's relatives that she and Elizabeth had moved to Australia and he would be moving there too.

Honsch went to South Africa at some point and stayed until 2000. He came back, met a woman he married, took her name, and told her he had no family, Bell said.

His new wife did her own search and found a brother and sister-in-law to whom she wrote, Bell said.

Marcia and Elizabeth Honsch's relatives had been trying to report them missing for years, Bell said, but were told Robert Honsch said they had moved to Australia.

Those relatives did a search and found the same brother and sister-in-law found by Robert Honsch's new wife, she said. The brother had the letter Robert Honsch's wife had written.

The relatives contacted the wife and she was shocked to find out Robert Honsch had a wife and two daughters, Bell said.

Marcia Honsch's daughter spoke on the phone with Robert Honsch and he told her Marcia Honsch ran away with another man in Australia, Bell said.

To police Robert Honsch said he suffered malnutrition in South Africa and had trouble remembering he had a wife and children. As they continued to talk Robert Honsch remembered bits and pieces but not the death of Marcia and Elizabeth Honsch, Bell said.

The case has a March 24 date where Sweeney will hear about Rudof's motion challenging the admissibility of a prosecution expert who will testify about the palm print.

Whether that hearing is necessary will depend on Sweeney's ruling on the motion argued Wednesday.
Hampshire County jail

Hampshire County Jail and House of Correction

(Google Earth)

Northampton police intercepted a heroin delivery to Hampshire County Jail and House of Correction inmate on Monday, leading to charges against the intended deliverer of the drugs.

Acting on a tip, authorities listened in on phone calls and obtained and decoded encrypted messages between inmate Kevin Laplaca, 32, and his girlfriend Jamie L. Smith, 35, of Wilder, Vt.

"Based on the information, (authorities) began listening to Laplaca's phone calls," states a Northampton police report on the arrest. "While listening to his phone calls, it was revealed through encrypted conversations that Smith was planning to deliver narcotics to Laplaca."

Smith visited on Saturday, March 11, but the two quarreled and she "abruptly" left, according to the report.

Laplaca then plied Smith in repeated phone calls from the jailhouse to once again visit him carrying concealed heroin, which they planned to covertly exchange once together, according to police.

Smith returned on Monday accompanied by Laplaca's mother and was met by three Massachusetts State Police troopers and several other law enforcement officers.

The police took Smith into a private room and informed her that they knew the nature of her visit. According to the report, Smith said she understood and produced a small square package from her right pant leg, reportedly admitting that it contained heroin.

Smith appeared in Northampton District Court on Wednesday, where she was charged with possession of heroin and conspiracy to violate drug law.

Laplaca is serving time at the jail on heroin possession and distribution charges.
wpd cruiser via FB.jpg

The Wilbraham Police Department has posted a batch of new arrests on the department's Facebook page, including an incident involving a maid from Springfield who allegedly stole money from her employer's home in Wilbraham,

(WILBRAHAM POLICE DEPARTMENT / FACEBOOK)

WILBRAHAM -- A Springfield woman working as a maid at a Wilbraham home has been charged with larceny after stealing over $250 from the residence, according to Wilbraham police, who posted new online arrest information on the department's Facebook page Wednesday night.

Theresa Ann Rodriguez, 36, who lives on Carew Street in the Hungry Hill section of the city, was caught on camera stealing large amounts of money from a change jar inside the Wilbraham home on Evergreen Circle, according to police, who charged Rodriguez with larceny over $250 on March 6. The alleged crime occurred before that date, police said.

A speeding Mercedes was stopped on Springfield Street around 1:47 a.m. on March 4, police said. The driver, 35-year-old Troy Maylott, "did not perform field sobriety tests to the officer's satisfaction," said police, who charged the Connecticut resident with negligent operation and OUI-liqour, second offense.

At 3:45 a.m. on March 4, police arrested 37-year-old Candace Girard on a probation warrant at her home on Scenic Drive in Wilbraham. Girard was transferred to the women's jail in Chicopee, police said.

Shortly after 9 p.m. on March 5, police pulled over a Jeep Wrangler for allegedly failing to stay within its marked lane on Stony Hill Road. An odor of alcohol was coming from the driver, 30-year-old Lee Roque of Ludlow, who failed field sobriety tests, police said. Roque was charged with negligent operation and OUI-liquor.

Arman Setian, 22, of Bennet Road, Wilbraham, was charged with negligent operation and OUI-liquor following a car crash on Crane Hill Road on the night of March 5. A caller reported that the driver, later identified as Setian, had struck a tree "and appeared to be intoxicated," police said. Setian, who was injured and taken to an area hospital for treatment, will be summoned to court to answer the charges, police said.

Police responded to a report of a man slumped over the steering wheel of a car parked behind a local convenience store shortly after noon on March 7. An officer had a hard time trying to wake up 27-year-old Ryan David Doyle of Palmer, who had bundles of heroin tucked into his waistband, police said. Doyle was charged with heroin possession and illegal possession of prescription drugs, police said.

Officers stopped a Chevy Cavalier on Boston Road shortly before 5 p.m. on March 8. A registry check indicated the wrong license plates were attached to the car, whose driver was wanted on an extraditable warrant, police said. Thirty-four-year-old Michael Goins of Wilbraham was taken into custody on the warrant and also charged with attaching plates and driving with a suspended license, police said.

A record check on a Buick revealed that the registered owner was wanted on a warrant. As a result, 32-year-old Charlotte Bearse of Springfield was taken into custody around 5:30 p.m. on March 9.

Officers responded to a crash on Linwood Drive, a residential street off Brainard Road, shortly before 8:30 a.m. on March 10. The driver, 22-year-old Rachel Dane of Wilbraham, was impaired from alcohol and drugs, according to police, who charged her with OUI and operating to endanger. The crash happened near Dane's home at 37 Linwood Drive.

Around 4:30 p.m. March 10, police stopped a Nissan with an expired inspection sticker on Boston Road. An occupant of the vehicle, 24-year-old Eddie Melendez of Springfield, was wanted on a warrant. Melendez was taken into custody without incident, police said.

Police stopped a Honda Civic for an inspection violation just after 9 a.m. on March 12. The driver, 35-year-old Edgard Bell of Springfield, had an arrest warrant and was taken into custody, police said.
Massachusetts State Police troopers and other local law enforcement are remembering Trooper Thomas Clardy today, during the one-year anniversary of his death.

On March 16, 2016, Clardy was conducting a traffic stop on the westbound side of the Massachusetts Turnpike in Charlton. Another car suddenly slammed into his cruiser, causing serious injuries to Clardy. He was later pronounced dead.

Clardy, 44, was the father of seven children. He was an 11-year veteran of the State Police and a member of the 77th RTT (2005) assigned to Troop E.

A memorial Mass for Clardy will be held at 7 p.m. at the Roman Catholic Church at 21 Manning Ave. in Hudson.

David Njuguna, the man accused of being high on marijuana when he drove into Clardy's cruiser, is awaiting trial in Worcester Superior Court.

Last year, Clardy's widow, Reisa Clardy, made a video with the Campaign for a Safe and Healthy MA asking residents to vote no to legalize marijuana.

"My husband's not here anymore," she said in the emotional video. "Daddy's not going to come walking through that door one day."

On Thursday, State Police and other local law enforcement posted memories of Clardy on social media.

Please take a moment out of your day on March 16th to honor and remember the sacrifice of Trooper Thomas L. Clardy,... Posted by Massachusetts State Police on Thursday, March 16, 2017

Hard to believe tomorrow marks the one year anniversary of Mass. State Trooper Tom Clardy's death. Tpr. Clardy was... Posted by Hudson Massachusetts Police Department on Wednesday, March 15, 2017
The Worcester, Massachusetts man accused of kicking and yelling slurs at an employee in the Delta Sky Lounge at John F. Kennedy Airport in January has been indicted on hate crime charges.

Robin Rhodes was arrested on Jan. 25 after he allegedly assaulted Rabeeya Khan after arriving at JFK from a vacation in Aruba.

Rhodes allegedly followed Khan into a Delta Sky Lounge employee locker room after landing around 7 p.m. He blocked her from exiting the room and kicked her in the leg while exclaiming Muslim slurs and insults.

Rhodes was arraigned in Queens Supreme Court Thursday and charged with third-degree assault as a hate crime, unlawful imprisonment as a hate crime, third-degree menacing as a hate crime and second-degree aggravated assault, Queens District Attorney's office.

Rhodes faces up to four years in prison if convicted. He returns to court on June 12.

Rhodes was the president of NitroFreeze and the Cryogenics Institute of New England, a research center within NitroFreeze. A web page describing the history and mission of the Cryogenics Institute of New England appears to have been updated to remove mention of Rhodes.

Following his arrest, Rhodes was appointed P. Scott Dufault as his lawyer, but has since found a new attorney to represent him. In February, Dufault said that the charges were overblown.

"What I understand is that this thing was overblown, number one. Number two, if this woman was injured at all, Mr. Rhodes did not intentionally injure her at all," Dufault said.

According to the Queens District Attorney's office, Rabeeya suffered substantial pain and redness in her right leg after Rhodes kicked her.

Police detailed in an incident report that Khan was crying and extremely upset when authorities arrived at the scene.

Rhodes allegedly shouted at Khan, "(obscenity) Islam, (obscenity) ISIS, Trump is here now. He will get rid of all of you. You can ask Germany, Belgium and France about these kind of people. You will see what happens," according to the statement.
Sen Warren in Worcester

Sen. Elizabeth Warren posed for a photo with a supporter after holding "office hours" at Worcester Public Library. (Gintautas Dumcius/MassLive.com)

On a swing through Worcester, Sen. Elizabeth Warren said the city is "knocking peoples' socks off" and an "exciting place" to be in.

"It's a college town, lots of college kids spending money," Warren said while she held "office hours" at the Worcester Public Library.

Worcester has 9 colleges and universities within its borders, including Assumption College, Becker College, Clark University, Holy Cross, Quinsigamond Community College, UMass Medical School, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, and Worcester State University. The city has 182,000 residents and 36,000 students, according to Worcester's website.

Warren also pointed to artists' communities in Worcester as another factor in the city's rising profile.

A crowd of roughly 150 people attended Warren's event and many lined up afterwards to pose for pictures with the senator, who has gained a national stature for her willingness to take on Trump on television and Twitter.

"I'm rooting for Worcester," Warren, D-Mass., told the crowd.

Warren relayed that she recently met with Robin Hayes, the CEO of JetBlue Airways.

JetBlue announced in February they're setting up a daily route between Worcester Regional Airport and JFK International Airport in New York after the installation of a landing system. JetBlue already operates daily flights to Orland International Airport and Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in Florida, and in 2013, 110,000 passengers flew.

Warren said Hayes told her two things drove him to expand in Worcester: Upgraded infrastructure at the airport and the local community's support for the expansion.

"[Infrastructure] is how you keep things moving to keep all the parts alive," she said.

If Worcester has good partners at the federal and state level, Warren added, the city "takes off, big time."
By Gail Collins

New York Times News Service

Donald Trump wants us to think he's like Andrew Jackson. So there he was, at Jackson's home in Tennessee on Wednesday, celebrating Old Hickory's 250th birthday.

Fans called Jackson "Old Hickory" because he was tough and shared his men's hardship and deprivation in the Army. There are no similar anecdotes for Donald Trump, although we are looking into a rumor he once sat with an aide in business class.

Quick question: What kind of tree nickname should Donald Trump have?

A) Old Slippery Elm

B) Old Gopherwood

C) Old Hackberry

D) Old Ornamental Dogwood

The visit was part of Trump's ongoing effort to present himself as Hickory's outsider soul brother. Two instinctive friends of the common man, only one of whom has been repeatedly charged with stiffing his contractors.

"It was during the Revolution that Jackson first confronted and defied an arrogant elite. Does that sound familiar?" the president asked a crowd of visitors as he stood in front of Jackson's house, the Hermitage.

During the Revolution, while Jackson was a teenager, he served as a messenger for the rebels, was captured by the British, spent time in a prison camp, lost two brothers and his mother. The kinship here would be ... that military-themed boarding school?

Trump truly is a big Jackson fan. We know that because he said, "I'm a fan." But they're really not all that similar.

Which president would you compare him to? Some people pick James Buchanan, who always winds up on the bottom when it comes to worst presidents. I cannot tell you how eager Buchanan fans are for the day that Donald Trump gets out of office and into the rankings.

Unlike Trump, most of our chief executives came to the job after having experience holding other public office. Even Jackson was in Congress. Maybe we could better compare Trump to Zachary Taylor, who had done absolutely nothing but be a soldier. If Taylor had been required to put together a health care plan, it would probably have looked like the one that's currently staggering around Washington.

Or is Trump like Franklin Pierce? If you want to check it out, I'll bet people at Franklin Pierce's home in New Hampshire would be really, really happy to have more visitors. And since Pierce is usually near the bottom of the charts, it's another camp that's hoping the Trump administration just keeps going the way it is now.

Like Trump, Pierce was into cleanliness. And neither man was wiretapped by his predecessor. See, there's a lot of commonality.

Rutherford B. Hayes? I am only bringing him up because nobody ever brings up Rutherford B. Hayes. Hayes did get into office without winning the popular vote. And he installed the first White House telephone. Can you imagine a President Trump with no connection to the outside world but telegraph? Has to mean something.

Ronald Reagan? Don't compare Trump to Ronald Reagan. You'll just encourage him.

Since Trump was channeling Andrew Jackson, maybe we could talk about Richard Johnson, who was vice president under Jackson's successor, Martin Van Buren. Now there was a guy who rose to power with the help of an over-the-top persona. Like Jackson, Johnson presented himself as a man of humble origins. But in reality, he had a dad who owned a ton of real estate. And like Trump, he became a politician with a lot of money who complained about the moneyed class.

He also had a wild hairstyle. Things eventually went south for Johnson financially, and he attempted to recoup by opening up a tavern back home. He spent much of his vice presidency tending bar in Kentucky. While this doesn't really serve our attempts to make a connection, you have to love imagining Donald Trump winding up serving drinks at Applebee's.

But about Andrew Jackson. He subscribed to 16 newspapers, so that's a little like spending your evenings staring at Fox. And if Old Hickory had access to a Twitter account, God knows what would have happened. ("Henry Clay still plotting against me! Stealing my mail! Hiding in the bushes! Sad!")

Some critics have also noted that Jackson was very enthusiastic about clearing nonwhite residents out of the country. On Wednesday, Trump got around that one by declaring the seventh president "a product of his time."

When we think of Jackson now, we often remember his war against the banks, which set the stage for a financial panic and ensuing depression. None of that came up in Tennessee, although Trump did say approvingly that Jackson "battled the centralized financial power that brought influence at our citizens' expense."

During Trump's second week in office he started a review of an Obama rule requiring investment brokers to put their clients' interest first. Do you think Andy would have approved? Just asking.
Britain Trump Protest

Amnesty International activists hold banners while taking a demonstration in London, Thursday, March 16, 2017. The protest is against the planned introduction of the revised version of the USA's highly controversial travel ban and freezing of its refugee resettlement program. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)

President Donald Trump's travel ban just can't get any respect in the courts. No matter how much the White House tries to dress it up.

A bit more than a year ago, then-candidate Trump, seeking the Republican Party's presidential nomination, issued a statement urging a temporary ban on Muslims entering our nation.

It was clear, straightforward, and, to use one of Trump's favorite words, terrible.

The headline on the press release announcing the ban -- "Donald J. Trump Statement on Preventing Muslim Immigration" -- left little room for doubt as to its intent.

The text of the release itself was no subtler. It began:

"Donald J. Trump is calling for a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States until our country's representatives can figure out what is going on." It then cited some polling about the anti-American views of many Muslims, and continued:

"Without looking at the various polling data, it is obvious to anybody the hatred is beyond comprehension. Where this hatred comes from and why we will have to determine. Until we are able to determine and understand this problem and the dangerous threat it poses, our country cannot be the victims of horrendous attacks by people that believe only in Jihad, and have no sense of reason or respect for human life."

Over the course of the campaign, the billionaire businessman and onetime reality TV star alternatively embraced the ban and backed away from it to one degree or another. What he wanted, he'd sometimes say, wasn't a ban, exactly, but was "extreme vetting" of those from certain nations. And as it just so happened, he wouldn't generally say, those nations were lands whose citizens were mostly Muslims.

A week after Trump was inaugurated as our nation's 45th president, he issued an executive order temporarily banning entry to the United States from residents of seven Muslim-majority nations. Because folks from those lands posed a greater threat of committing some terrorist act, the White House maintained. Except that there was absolutely no reason to believe that this assertion was true.

And so a federal judge, and then an appeals court, put the ban on hold. And the administration came up with a new, revised travel ban that reduced to six from seven the number of affected nations, and made a number of largely cosmetic changes. This one, it was thought -- or so some in the administration argued -- would pass constitutional muster in the courts.

Not so fast.

On Wednesday, Travel Ban 2.0 was put on hold by a federal judge in Hawaii. The reason? It's still just a Muslim ban by another name.

U.S. District Judge Derrick K. Watson, in a 43-page opinion, noted Trump's own statements as well as comments from those in his administration as evidence that the new ban was the same as the old ban -- which was merely a gussied-up version of the ban on Muslims that Trump had promised as a candidate.

Wrote Watson: "a reasonable, objective observer -- enlightened by the specific historical context, contemporaneous public statements, and specific sequence of events leading to its issuance -- would conclude that the Executive Order was issued with a purpose to disfavor a particular religion."

Later, he blasted the administration's argument that the order cannot be seen as a ban on Muslims because it does not deny entry to all members of that faith. Wrote Watson: "The illogic of the Government's contentions is palpable.

"The notion that one can demonstrate animus toward any group of people only by targeting all of them at once is fundamentally flawed."

Seems clearly obvious, doesn't it?

One would hope that Trump would get the message and decide to stop wasting his, and everyone's, time. Forget about the travel ban. Forget about trying to revise it. Put it in the trash where it belongs. And then move onto another misguided venture. Like cutting funding for medical research and the arts.
Hampden County Hall of Justice sign.jpg

(John Suchocki / The Republican file)

By Andy Metzger

State House News Service

A former teacher and family law attorney, Claudine Wyner, was unanimously confirmed on Wednesday for a position on the Hampden County Probate and Family Court.

The Governor's Council, which vets and votes on the governor's judicial nominees, also unanimously confirmed Marguerite O'Neill for a six-year term as an administrative judge on the Industrial Accident Board, which hears workers' compensation disputes.

Wyner was a special education teacher in Northampton from 1994 to 1996 and graduated from Loyola University Chicago School of Law in 1999, according to her resume.

Early in her legal career, Wyner worked for the Juvenile Court in western Massachusetts, preparing findings of fact and researching questions of law. For a little less than a year after that, Wyner worked for the Department of Social Services - now the Department of Children and Families - prosecuting care and protection petitions in the Springfield Juvenile Court and adoption petitions in the Hampden County Probate and Family Court.

Starting in March 2002, Wyner went to practice law at the Springfield firm Marien & Hodge where she is a shareholder. At the firm, Wyner works on "all aspects of family law including divorce, custody, paternity and guardianships," according to her resume.

Wyner received a degree in elementary and special education from Boston University and spent time studying in Niger.

O'Neill has worked for the Department of Public Utilities, the state Senate in the 1980s, Liberty Mutual Insurance Company and since 2014 at the Department of Industrial Accidents.
"What were looking for are people who will provide a high degree of economic impact and are excited about Montana,"

TOM KUGLIN [email protected]

Full Story: http://helenair.com/business/destination-montana-governor-s-conference-looks-to-capture-more-montanamoments/article_de2bc18b-f3dc-53d9-8d0a-b7c1447b9fda.html

***

Governor Bullock Announces 2017 Montana Tourism Award Winners http://www.matr.net/article-75982.html

Thank You To Our 2017 Governors Conference on Tourism and Recreation Sponsors March 12-14 in Helena. http://www.matr.net/article-75881.html

Butte.Elevated wins Marketing Campaign of the Year at the Montana Tourism Awards. http://www.matr.net/article-75969.html

Ekalaka, Montanas Dino Shindig wins "Event of the Year" at the Governors Conference on Tourism and Recreation http://www.matr.net/article-75973.html

Two Butte entities recognized at state tourism conference http://www.matr.net/article-75998.html

***

About the Montana Office of Tourism and Business Development: Mission Statement

The Montana Office of Tourism and Business Development markets Montanas spectacular unspoiled nature, vibrant and charming small towns, breathtaking experiences, relaxing hospitality, and competitive business climate to promote the state as a place to visit and do business. Its goal is to sustain and enhance the quality of life for all Montanans and their communities by strengthening the economy through job creation and business development. In conjunction with other divisions of the Montana Department of Commerce and partners around the state, MOTBDs programs aim to support businesses through technical assistance, research, and access to grants and loans while inspiring visitation to maximize the economic impact of tourism, encourage private sector investment and ensure that Montana is a great place to live, work and play today and for future generations.

http://marketmt.com/
Workers compensation rate reductions allow job creators to invest in their business, employees, and Montanas economy

Governor Steve Bullock today announced that the Montana State Fund Board of Directors recently reduced workers compensation rates by 5%.

"Montanas strong fiscal management and efforts by employers to keep workers safe results in more hard-earned dollars to invest in business, employees, and Montanas economy," said Governor Bullock. "As we continue to build on the economic strength of Montana businesses, this is another step forward to help businesses grow and create more good-paying jobs."

As a result of positive loss experiences, the Montana State Fund Board of Directors made the decision on Friday to reduce the rate for 2018. There has not been a rate increase since 2006. Since 2007, rates have gone down or remained flat every year.

Full Story: http://governor.mt.gov/Newsroom/governor-bullock-announces-additional-support-for-montana-businesses-to-create-jobs-grow-the-economy
Position: GIS Engineer

NORTHWESTERN ENERGY

INTERNAL/EXTERNAL POSTING: JOB REQUISITION # 2341

POSTING DATES: March 9, 2017 through March 23, 2017

Title

GIS Engineer

Department/Division

Gas Trans & StorageSystem Integrity

Work Location

Butte, MT

Guidepost

6-9 ($47,200 to $115,900)

Employment Status

Regular Full-Time

Employment Physical

Not Required

Drug Test

Not Required

Background Check

Required

Relocation Benefit

Negotiable

SUMMARY OF JOB DESCRIPTION

The GIS engineer with work with the BT team, the GIS coordinator and the rest of the integrity team to build the necessary functionality into the GIS system to efficiently input new data and interface with existing data systems. Build policy and procedures for maintaining accurate present-day and historical data. Input pipelines and pipeline data into the system as required to make the system fully functional for IVP/MAOP requirements, compliance reporting, risk assessment analysis, operational use and engineering functions.

DESCRIPTION OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

All NorthWestern Energy employees are required to adhere to company safety standards and the Code of Business Conduct & Ethics

Ensure all actions are consistent with NorthWestern Energys values, mission, and strategic business objectives

Facilitate, manage and execute project activities for a variety of GIS software installations and data migration projects

Evaluate existing data and processes and develop action plans for migration to our enterprise GIS

Install or upgrade database software

Configure software, web services and database software

Troubleshoot issues with both GIS software and user interfaces

Test new software functionality and bug fixes

Prepare and perform detailed product demonstrations

Train on product operations, functionality and usage

Manage and perform data conversion projects

Consult on new projects and implementation of software and services

Provide technical support for both client GIS office staff and field technicians

Develop methods and processes to populate data fields with expanded data

Assist with day to day data input and updates as necessary

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS

Demonstrate and maintain a good safety record

B.S degree in Engineering required

At least 2-3 Years of practical GIS Analysis and/or IT experience; a Certified GIS Professional (GISP) is a plus

Practical working knowledge of ArcGIS software, including ArcGIS desktop, ArcGIS Server, ArcSDE and ArcGIS Online

Must be proficient in building and maintaining spatial databases in enterprise GIS applications

Programming experience (Python, Java, HTML5) and workflow automation is a plus

Knowledge of Structured Query Language (SQL) scripting language to retrieve data from relational database management systems

Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with proficiency in GIS analysis

Must possess strong interpersonal communication skills

Knowledge of gas design parameters and codes a plus

Exceptional Communication Skills, both verbal and written

Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Highly organized and detail-oriented

Ability to multi-task with exceptional time management skills

Ability to work in a fast paced and deadline driven environment

SELECTION PROCESS

When considering applicants for this position, the selection process will take into consideration the needs of NorthWestern, including such factors as reorganization requirements, diversity opportunities, relocation requirements, employee development and job succession. If any of the preceding language conflicts with the applicable bargaining unit agreements, the bargaining unit agreement will prevail.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

External applicants should apply online at http://www.northwesternenergy.com. Internal applicants should apply online at iConnect. In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act, should you have a disability that requires assistance and/or reasonable accommodation with the job application process, please contact the Human Resources department via phone at 1-800-245-6977, or via email at [email protected].

NorthWestern Energy

Human Resources Department Job # 2341

3010 West 69th Street

Sioux Falls, SD 57108

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information or any other protected class in accordance with applicable federal or state laws and statutes.
Fed up with heavy traffic, half-built street sections or the other associated quirks of Bozemans street grid complicating your commute?

City leaders understand your pain  or, at least, now have a draft Transportation Master Plan detailing the shortcomings of the citys street grid and laying out what the folks in Bozemans public works department can do about them. (Spoiler: It wont be cheap.)

At 165 pages of maps, tables and analysis compiled by engineers with Robert Peccia & Associates, the plan isnt exactly light reading. Given that, here are the plans key takeaways:

By Eric Dietrich Chronicle Staff Writer

Full Story: http://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/news/city/takeaways-from-bozeman-s-new-transportation-plan/article_48636066-fba8-5b70-9f8f-2199f803ca0f.html
This position is responsible for creating, gathering, reviewing, editing and publishing compelling and strategic content on RMCs website.

Bachelors degree is required.

Please visit http://www.rocky.edu for more information and how to apply.

AA/EOE
MBAUniverse.com Editorial Desk | Updated on November 02, 2022

Group Discussion, also called GD, is a key component in the final selection for MBA admission, SSB, Bank Officers Recruitment Services, Job Selection Interviews and others. Generally, a topic is given to 5-7 students/participants to discuss amongst themselves in 20-30 mins. Main goal of a GD exercise is to check your Communication, GK and Clarity of Thinking. GD Topics cover Business & Economy, Current Affairs, Social and International Issues. Abstract Topics like Roses are Red are also included. Read 200+ Hot and Important GD Topics with Solutions, prepared by MBAUniverse.com, Indias No 1 MBA Portal. New topics are added frequently.



50+ New & Latest GD Topics with Answers

Type of Group Discussion Topics in MBA Admission: 200+ GD Topics

The key areas of GD Topics for MBA admission and for selection in other important courses and services include Business & Economy; Current Affairs; Social Issues; International events, Abstract topics. Usually, Controversial MBA GD Topics are not included in GD Round

GD Topics for Current Affairs:

The Current affairs topics for GD are based on national or international political development, Policies and issues which are highly debated in media.

List of GD Topics for Current Affairs

1. Sustainable Development Goals: India ranked 120th; Does Sustainable Development hampers Industrial Growth and Economy

2. Tata takes over Air India

3. Farm Laws Repealed: PM MODI withdraws the three farm laws

4. Coal Crisis in India: Key Facts, Reasons, How to Overcome?

5. Gati Shakti Master Plan: Will it Boost Economic Growth?

6. Central Vista Redevelopment: Beneficial for Future or Waste of Money

7. Is India a Failing State? Opinions Vs Facts

8. India - the Pharmacy Capital of the World

9. National Education Policy 2020  Impact on Higher Education Sector

10. E-Learning: A substitute for Classroom Learning? Advantages and Disadvantages of Online Learning

11. Chinese App Banned in India  Pros and Cons

12. Lock Down: Will it check Coronavirus spread in India?

13. Citizenship (Amendment) Act 2019: What, Why, When and Whom; Relationship with NRC explained

14. Article 370 Abrogation: Correcting old folly or thrusting nationalistic agenda?

15. Single Use Plastic Ban?

16. One Nation One Election: Benefits are more for India

17. EVMs Vs Paper Ballots: Which one is Better to Use?

18. Fake News will kill Social Fiber of India unless checked

19. Modicare: Affordable healthcare or a piped dream?

20. Bullet Train: Does India really need it?

21. Mission to MARS: Can India afford spending a fortune on such projects?

22. Linking of Aadhaar: Is making Aaadhar mandatory a good idea?

23. Delhi Air Pollution: Man made Crisis or fall out of industrialization?24. Chandrayaan 2: A failed mission or a stepping stone for future glory?

MBA Entrance Exam & MBA/PGDM Admissions | Apply Now XAT 2023 Registration Open IBSAT 2022 Registration Open IIFT 2023 Registration Open MDI Gurgaon PGDM Admission 2023 IMT Ghaziabad PGDM Admissions 2023 SPJIMR Mumbai PGDM Admission 2023 MICA PGDM-C/PGDM Admissions Open 2023 K J Somaiya MBA 2023-25 Admissions Open GIM Goa PGDM Admissions 2023 Open Great Lakes PGPM & PGDM Admission 2023 LBSIM Delhi PGDM Admission 2023 IMI New Delhi PGDM Admission 2023 BIMTECH PGDM Admissions Open 2023 SDA Bocconi Asia Center IMB Admission 2023 SOIL Gurgaon PGPM & PGDM Admission 2023 XIM University MBA Admission 2023 JAGSoM Bangalore PGDM Admission 2023 IFMR GSB, Krea University MBA Admission 2023 SIBM Bengaluru MBA Admission 2023 SDMIMD Mysuru PGDM Admissions Open 2023 XLRI Double Masters Programme Admission 2023 Jaipuria Institute of Management PGDM Admission JIMS Rohini PGDM Admission Open 2023 SIOM Nashik MBA in Agri Operations Management

GD Topics for Business & Economy

Business & Economy Topics for GD include current trends in business and economy, major policy initiatives, latest business trends, and their impact globally and nationally.

List of GD Topics for Business & Economy

25. Will Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) disrupt E-Commerce, and become the next UPI and Aadhaar?

26. SUPER APP in India  Will TATA NEU work? Do customers want Integration or Decentralization

27. Russia Ukraine War: Reasons for Conflict & Impact on India

28. Facebook rebrands to Meta: Is Metaverse a revolutionary technology, or just hype?

29. Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC): Impact on Indian Financial System & Cryptocurrency

30. Air India Disinvestment by BJP Government & Acquisition by TATAs: Selling Family Silver or Saving Taxpayers Money

31. Economic Survey 2022  Top Highlights

32. Crypto Currency and Regulation of Official Digital Currency Bill 2021

33. Crises and Emergencies  Triggers for big reforms?

34. Farm Bills 2020: Will it Break the Glass Ceiling?

35. Atmanirbhar Bharat: Will the Mission make India Self Reliant?

36. Are Stock Market and Economy not co-related?

37. Coronavirus third Wave: 'Black Swan' of Global Economy; How it Impacts India?

38. Bad Bank in India: Is it good solution to wipe off NPAs?

39. Union Budget 2022: Key Highlights, Analysis, Pros & Cons

40. Gig Economy: Statistics, Why is it growing, Pros & Cons, Impact of Covid 19

41. Crypto Currency: A bright future or just a fad?

42. Facebook Reliance Jio Deal: Will it help to boost Business Growth in India?

43. Telecom Sector Trouble in India: Good or Bad for Economy

44. 5 Trillion Economy: The Vision, Challenges and Roadmap for India

45. Union Budget of India: What is Budget and Key Features of Budget

46. Impact of Technology on Jobs: Will Automation & Artificial Intelligence reduce or increase Jobs?

47. Globalization: An Opportunity or a Threat?

48. The IT Industry in India -Will it create more jobs in the future?

49. Banks Merger in India: Is it good for Indian Economy?

50. Is FDI Good for Indian Economy?

51. Universal Basic Income: Is this a good idea for India?

52. India improves Ease of Doing Business Ranking: Real progress or Chimera?

53. RBI Autonomy: Is the Government out to Impound its Autonomous Status?

54. The Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill 2017

55. Startup India: Boosting Entrepreneurship

56. Make in India: The idea will make India a manufacturing hub

57. Sensex: Sensitivity has nothing to do with economy and society?

58. E-commerce: Discounts are harmful in long run?

59. Privatization of Public Sector in India: A right step or selling family silver?

60. RCEP Agreement: Right step for national interest or running away from competition?

61. National Logistics Policy: Will it Reduce Costs & Improve Competitiveness of India

MBA Entrance Exam & MBA/PGDM Admissions | Apply Now XAT 2023 Registration Open IBSAT 2022 Registration Open IIFT 2023 Registration Open MDI Gurgaon PGDM Admission 2023 IMT Ghaziabad PGDM Admissions 2023 SPJIMR Mumbai PGDM Admission 2023 MICA PGDM-C/PGDM Admissions Open 2023 K J Somaiya MBA 2023-25 Admissions Open GIM Goa PGDM Admissions 2023 Open Great Lakes PGPM & PGDM Admission 2023 LBSIM Delhi PGDM Admission 2023 IMI New Delhi PGDM Admission 2023 BIMTECH PGDM Admissions Open 2023 SDA Bocconi Asia Center IMB Admission 2023 SOIL Gurgaon PGPM & PGDM Admission 2023 XIM University MBA Admission 2023 JAGSoM Bangalore PGDM Admission 2023 IFMR GSB, Krea University MBA Admission 2023 SIBM Bengaluru MBA Admission 2023 SDMIMD Mysuru PGDM Admissions Open 2023 XLRI Double Masters Programme Admission 2023 Jaipuria Institute of Management PGDM Admission JIMS Rohini PGDM Admission Open 2023 SIOM Nashik MBA in Agri Operations Management

Social Issues Topics for GD

Top MBA Colleges are focusing on developing socially responsible MBAs. Hence, there is a greater emphasis on issues like gender and environment sensitivity, ethics etc.

List of Social Issues Topics for GD

62. Does India need a uniform civil code?

63. Shortage of Open Spaces and Playgrounds Lead to Negative Tendencies in Children

64. Women Empowerment & Gender Justice

65. Beti Bachao Beti Padhao

66. Nirbhaya Gang Rape: Death penalties for perpetrators of crime against women. Will it reduce crime?

67. English must be the only Official Language of India

68. Free Metro Ride for Women: Step for Women Empowerment or a Political Gimmick

69. Swachh Bharat Mission: Success is still at Large

70. Social Media: A boon or a bane for society and individuals

71. Browsing at Workplace affects productivity

72. Social Activism is necessary for survival of democratic society

73. Net Neutrality is essential to make India Digital

74. Smart City Project will give wings to growth

75. Gender bias in portraying Women in Advertisements

MBA Entrance Exam & MBA/PGDM Admissions | Apply Now XAT 2023 Registration Open IBSAT 2022 Registration Open IIFT 2023 Registration Open MDI Gurgaon PGDM Admission 2023 IMT Ghaziabad PGDM Admissions 2023 SPJIMR Mumbai PGDM Admission 2023 MICA PGDM-C/PGDM Admissions Open 2023 K J Somaiya MBA 2023-25 Admissions Open GIM Goa PGDM Admissions 2023 Open Great Lakes PGPM & PGDM Admission 2023 LBSIM Delhi PGDM Admission 2023 IMI New Delhi PGDM Admission 2023 BIMTECH PGDM Admissions Open 2023 SDA Bocconi Asia Center IMB Admission 2023 SOIL Gurgaon PGPM & PGDM Admission 2023 XIM University MBA Admission 2023 JAGSoM Bangalore PGDM Admission 2023 IFMR GSB, Krea University MBA Admission 2023 SIBM Bengaluru MBA Admission 2023 SDMIMD Mysuru PGDM Admissions Open 2023 XLRI Double Masters Programme Admission 2023 Jaipuria Institute of Management PGDM Admission JIMS Rohini PGDM Admission Open 2023 SIOM Nashik MBA in Agri Operations Management

Abstract Topics for GD

These are the topics which have multiple interpretations and candidates can show their creativity and smart thinking.

List of Abstract Topics for GD

76. Friends, Enemy or Frenemies?

77. Hard Work Vs Smart Work

78. Me Too Campaign: Tool to Trap or Breaking Silence to Win the War

79. Your failures can be your stepping stones or your stumbling blocks

80. GD Topic: Ethics or Profit?

81. GD Topic: Zero (0)

82. Black or Grey

83. Work- Life Balance is a Myth

84. FAMOUS Vs IMPORTANT

85. Roses are red, crows are black

86. Water or Oxygen

87. East or West India is the best

88. Patience: A virtue in Business and Management.

89. Innovation Vs Invention: What is more important?

90. Change is the only constant

91. Freedom is a myth

92. Fact Vs Opinion: There are no facts only opinions

93. Leader or Follower

94. Strategy or Execution

95. Means or End

96. Effective manager or Ethical Manager

97. It was a bright, cold day in April and the clocks were striking thirteen.

98. Red is red, blue is blue and never the two shall meet

99. Brevity is the soul of wit

MBA Entrance Exam & MBA/PGDM Admissions | Apply Now XAT 2023 Registration Open IBSAT 2022 Registration Open IIFT 2023 Registration Open MDI Gurgaon PGDM Admission 2023 IMT Ghaziabad PGDM Admissions 2023 SPJIMR Mumbai PGDM Admission 2023 MICA PGDM-C/PGDM Admissions Open 2023 K J Somaiya MBA 2023-25 Admissions Open GIM Goa PGDM Admissions 2023 Open Great Lakes PGPM & PGDM Admission 2023 LBSIM Delhi PGDM Admission 2023 IMI New Delhi PGDM Admission 2023 BIMTECH PGDM Admissions Open 2023 SDA Bocconi Asia Center IMB Admission 2023 SOIL Gurgaon PGPM & PGDM Admission 2023 XIM University MBA Admission 2023 JAGSoM Bangalore PGDM Admission 2023 IFMR GSB, Krea University MBA Admission 2023 SIBM Bengaluru MBA Admission 2023 SDMIMD Mysuru PGDM Admissions Open 2023 XLRI Double Masters Programme Admission 2023 Jaipuria Institute of Management PGDM Admission JIMS Rohini PGDM Admission Open 2023 SIOM Nashik MBA in Agri Operations Management

Latest GD Topics 2022 on International Current Affairs

The latest Group Discussion topics with answers on Abstract ideas are shared below

Past GD Topics in IIMs, XLRI, MDI and other Top B-schools

The Group Discussion Topics for Students shared below are the topics which appeared in the GD-WAT Rounds in top MBA colleges including IIMs. Experts advise that these Group Discussion Topics for Students should be gone through while preparing for GD round as it is expected that the Topics on similar lines could be placed in final selection process this year.

Understand What is a Group Discussion or GD for MBA

Group Discussion or GD round is an important part of final selection process in top MBA colleges. GD is conducted to have a meaningful discussion on a given topic with the participants opinion on its pros and cons. The GD round in top B-schools, comprises a group of 8-10 candidates

The Group Discussion (GD) round in the final admission process for MBA/PGDM programmes in B-schools is a very important. It is an important testing tool of participants skills in following areas:

Communication Skill

Team Leadership

Ability to Present views with Coherent Flow of Ideas

GD preparation tips by experts and toppers are shared to help the candidates in cracking the process. Group Discussion round in final selection process is conducted to assess your communication skill, depth of knowledge, leadership skill, how patiently you could be a part of team work and your confidence level while you are making a point and also acknowledging what others said. So, the key group discussion tips are to be more aware and effective speaker, as it will improve your chances to crack the GD round. Second, practice with your friends on the how to participate in a live GD. So, bookmark this page for your GD preparation.. Read more about Group Discussion Tips and How to Prepare.

GD Topics with Answers PDF

MBAUniverse.com experts have prepared GD topics with answers Pdf. This Group Discussion Pdf includes. GD Topics Business & Economy Download PDF; GD Topics National Current Affairs Download PDF; GD Topics Social Issues Download PDF; GD Abstract Topics Download PDF; GD International Topics Download PDF. This GD Topic PDF Download 2022 consists of 100 Topics with answers. So, click on the links at GD Topic PDF Download 2022 for Top GD Topics which are available for download for free.

GD topics for IIMs are usually different from that of XLRI admission as it uses Abstract Topics for GD. Group Discussion Topics for Students and the GD Topics for Placement are also similar.

We are continuously adding new topics and updating new developments in topics. All these GD topics 2022 are solved and linked to give you in depth understanding of the GD topic. More GD topics will be added soon. We have also researched Previous YearsGD Topics of IIMs and Non-IIMs and other MBA Admission process to help you in MBA GD Topics Preparation.
Telangana State ICET 2022 for Admission in Top MBA Colleges on July 27 & 28: Registration Last Date Closes on June 27, 2022; Check Eligibility, Pattern, Syllabus

Latest Update: TSICET 2022 Exam Admit Card has been released on its website by Kakatiya Universe.com. You need to download the Admit Card with your loging credentials latest by the exam date.

TS-ICET-2022 exam date is July 27 & 28, 2022. The exam will be conducted in multiple sessions in 14 cities in the State of Telangana & Andhra Pradesh.. Read below all about TSICET 2022 MBA Exam details - TSICET important dates, pattern, eligibility, application process and fee, syllabus and more

Table of Contents

What is TSICET? TSICET 2022 Exam Highlights TSICET Important Dates 2022 TSICET 2022 Notification TSICET 2022 Eligibility Criteria TSICET 2022 Exam Pattern TSICET 2022 Syllabus Top Universities & MBA colleges Accepting TS ICET 2022 TSICET Registration & Application Process: How to Apply for TS ICET 2022? TSICET Exam Fee & Application submission dates TSICET 2022 Admit Card TS ICET Preparation Tips 2022: How to prepare for TSICET 2022? TSICET 2022 Exam Centers TSICET 2022 Counselling for TSICET MBA 2022 Admission

1. What is TSICET?

Telangana State Integrated Common Entrance Test -TSICET exam is for admission into M.B.A. and M.C.A. courses of all the Universities in Telangana State and their affiliated colleges for the academic year 2022-23.

TSICET will be held on July 27 and July 28, 2022 in three slots  two forenoon and one afternoon. TSICET exam TS ICET 2022 registration and application fee is Rs.650/- for open category candidates and Rs.450/- for reserved category candidates. The exam is conducted by Kakatiya University, Warangal on behalf of Telangana State Council of Higher Education, Hyderabad. Kakatiya University has successfully been conducting TS ICET every year since 2005.

2. TSICET 2022 Exam Highlights

A state level entrance test for MBA and other PG courses of Telangana State, following are the key highlights of TS ICET 2022 Exam:

TS ICET 2022 Conducting Authority Kakatiya University, Warangal TS ICET 2022 Exam Date July 27 & 28, 2022 TS ICET 2021 MBA Entrance Test Sessions Evening on July 27 and Morning & Evening on July 28, 2022 Top MBA Colleges & Universities under TSICET 2022 Kakatiya University (KU); Osmania University (OU); Telangana University (TU); Satavahana University (SU) among others TSICET MBA 2022 Application Process Online TS ICET MBA 2022 Exam Pattern Online Computer based Test Maximum Marks in the exam 200 Number of Sections in TSICET MBA Exam 3 Type of Questions MCQs Answer Options 4 Negative Marking No TSICET 2021 Test Duration 2 hours Expected number of candidates in TS ICET 2022 40000 MBA Intake through TS ICET MBA 2022 Exam 10000 Seats Appx Across Telangana

3. TSICET Important Dates 2022

TSICET 2022 exam dates for all the test related activities have been released. The TS ICET 2022 MBA exam Application process is online. The last date to apply for TS ICET entrance exam 2022 is June 27 without any late fee.

The TSICET 2022 exam offers admission to MBA and other PG courses offered by various MBA colleges and universities in Telangana. Below are the TSICET important dates as released by Kakatiya University for all the activities till the final admission process as under:

Activity for TSICET 2022 Exam Dates TSICET Important Dates TS ICET 2022 Notification Date March 30, 2022 TS ICET Registration 2022 & Submission of Online Application Start date April 6, 2022 Last date to Apply for TSICET 2022 without Late Fee June 27, 2022 Last date to Apply for TSICET 2022 with Late Fee of Rs.250/- July 11, 2022 Last date to Apply for TSICET 2022 with Late Fee of Rs.500/- July 18, 2022 Last date to Apply for TSICET 2022 with Late Fee of Rs.1000/- July 23, 2022 Correction of Online application for TS ICET MBA Exam (Data already submitted by the candidates) July 13 to 17, 2022 TS ICET 2022 Hall Ticket Download Starts July 18, 2022 Last date to Download TS ICET 2021 Hall Ticket July 27 and 28, 2022 TSICET Exam Date 2022 July 27 & 28, 2022 TSICET 2022 Answer Key Release Date August 4, 2022 Last Date to Submit Objections on TSICET 2022 Answer Key August 8, 2022 Announcement of Final TSICET 2022 Answer Key August 22, 2022 TSICET 2022 Results Date August 22, 2022

4. TSICET 2022 Notification

Kakatiya University released TSICET 2022 Notification a little late on March 30, 2022 with exam schedule, eligibility criteria, Universities and colleges accepting TS ICET 2022 exam scores and other important information. The applications vide the TSICET 2022 Notification have been invited for appearing at the Telangana State Integrated Common Entrance Test (TS ICET) for admission into M.B.A. 2022 and M.C.A. courses (full time/part-time/evening/distance mode) offered by the Universities in the State of Telangana including their affiliated colleges for the academic year 2022-2024

5. TS ICET 2022 Eligibility Criteria

TS ICET eligibility criteria for MBA admission 2022 in MBA colleges located in the State of Telangana is as below

5.1 TSICET 2022 Age Eligibility

The minimum age of the candidates should be 19 years as on the date of notification to qualify for TSICET 2022 eligibility criteria. The Candidates should have born on or before 30th March, 2003

TSICET 2022 eligibility does not prescribe any maximum age limit

5.2 TSICET 2022 Academic Eligibility

The applicant should have passed recognized bachelors degree with 3 or 4 year duration with at least 50 per cent marks (45 per cent marks in case of reserved categories) in the bachelors degree examination. Read More

6. TSICET 2022 Exam Pattern

TSICET 2022 Exam Pattern is divided into 3 sections with varying number of questions in each section. The paper will consist of total 200 objective type multiple choice questions

Medium of Test is English for Section-C on Communication Ability

The TS ICET exam is now conducted as Online computer based test with the test duration of 150 minutes

Each correct answer will be awarded +1 mark

Unanswered questions or multiple answers will receive nil marks

There is No penalty of negative marks for wrong answer.

6.1 TSICET Exam Pattern 2022: Sectional Composition

The Question Paper consists of objective type questions. TSICET 2022 Exam pattern consists of following 3 Sections:

Questions Marks Time Section- A Analytical Ability 75 75 2hr 30mins

(150 minutes) Section- B Mathematical Ability 75 75 Section- C Communication Ability 50 50 Total 200 200

6.2 Day wise Time Slots of TS ICET 2022 Exam

Day & Date Time Slot-1 (Forenoon) Time Slot-2 (Afternoon) Day-1: Wednesday, July 27, 2022 No Slot 2.30 PM to 5.00 PM Day-2: Thursday July 28, 2022 10 AM to 12.30 PM 2.30 PM to 5.00 PM

Read More

7. TSICET 2022 Syllabus

TS ICET 2022 Preparation should be done as per the TS ICET exam pattern and the TSICET 2022 Syllabus. Kakatiya University as well as the experts have devised the complete TSICET syllabus with all the key topics on all the three sections.

TS ICET 2022 Syllabus covers topics on three sections and sub sections for Analytical Ability;Data Sufficiency; Problem Solving; Mathematical Ability; Communication Ability as below

7.1 TSICET 2022 Syllabus: Sectional Composition

The TS ICET exam syllabus 2022 has following sectional composition of key topics:

TS ICET Syllabus 2022: Major Subjects TS ICET Syllabus: Sectional Sub-Division No. of questions based on TS ICET Exam Syllabus Analytical Ability 1.Data Sufficiency 2.Problem Solving 20 55 Mathematical Ability 1.Arithmetical Ability 2.Algebraical and Geometrical Ability 3.Statistical Ability 35 30 10 Communication Ability 1.Vocabulary 2.Business & Computer Terminology 3.Functional Grammar 4.Reading Comprehension 10 10 15 15 Total Questions 200

Read More

8. Top Universities & MBA colleges Accepting TS ICET 2022

Kakatiya University has informed that following universities and affiliated colleges will accept TS-ICET 2022 scores for admission to MBA/MCA 2022-24 batch.

Prof. Jayashankar Agricultural University (PJSAU)

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University (BRAOU)

JNT University, Hyderabad (JNTU-H)

Kakatiya University (KU)

Mahatma Gandhi University (MGU)

Osmania University (OU)

Palamur University (PU)

Satavahana University (SU)

Telangana University (TU)

9. TSICET 2022 Registration & Application Process: How to Apply for TS ICET 2022?

TSICET 2022 registration process is online only. Kakatiya University will accept the TSICET 2022 Application form through ONLINE mode only. The TSICET 2022 Registration fee for online submission and late fee, if applicable, may be paid at AP Online /TSOnlineCenters and also through payment gateway (Credit Card/Debit Card/ Net Banking).

The TSICET 2022 registration and TSICET 2022 application form can be completed in one go or in stages. However, you should remember that TS ICET 2022 registration can be done through filling-up the TS ICET online application and uploading your good quality recently taken photograph on the application form. The TS ICET 2022 application form is available at official website of Kakatiya University.

9.1 TSICET 2022 Registration and Application Submission Steps

You can complete TS ICET 2022 Application Process in following 3 steps

Create user ID at the TS ICET 2022 Registration window

After TS ICET Registration with personal details, Login to enter particulars with the TS ICET Registered User Id and Password

Make TS ICET application form 2022 fee payment online and submit

9.2 TSICET 2022 Form Correction

Candidates who submit their application in time and make payment of requisite application fee can make online TSICET 2022 form correction during the following TS ICET 2022 application form correction window

TSICET 2022 Application Form Correction Key Dates Days TSICET 2022 Form Correction of Online application (Data already submitted by the candidates) July 13 to 17, 2022 Wednesday to Sunday

Read More

10. TSICET Exam Fee & Application submission dates

Below are the TSICET Exam Fee and application submission dates 2022 without late fee and with late fee

10.1 TSICET 2022 Application Form Submission Without Late Fee

Rs. 450/- for SC/ST Candidates (Without late fee)

Rs. 650/- for Other Candidates (Without late fee)

Last date for Submission of Online Applications without Late Fee is June 27, 2022

10.2 TSICET 2022 Application Form Submission: Last dates With Late Fee

With a Late fee of Rs. 250/-: 11-07-2022

With a Late fee of Rs. 500/-: 18-07-2022

With a Late fee of Rs. 1,000/-: 23-07-2022

11. TSICET 2022 Admit Card

TS ICET 2022 Admit Card download process starts on July 18, 2022. The last date to download TSICET 2022 Admit Card is till 10 AM on July 28, 2022 as per the TSICET exam dates. You can download TS ICET hall ticket from the Kakatiya University TSICET website.

12. TS ICET Preparation Tips 2022: How to prepare for TSICET 2022?

TSICET 2022 preparation is not very difficult. The exam has a moderate difficulty level. However, some of the important TS ICET preparation tips by experts are:

Check TSICET Exam Pattern and Syllabus and begin TSICET preparation immediately

Get the best TSICET preparation books and prepare on the relevant topics

Take TSICET previous year question papers. These TSICET Previous year question papers are available online also. The TSICET previous year question papers are also released at TSICET website which you can download and solve

Take TSICET Mock Tests in large numbers and analyse them. Most authentic TSICET Mock Tests are available online at TSICET website. You can download them and solve

Join a good Coaching for TSICET Preparation 2022. It will help you in getting conceptual clarity, understanding of topics, attempting more practice tests and their proper analysis and will also save time as all your doubts will be cleared instantly.

13. TSICET 2022 Exam Centers

TSICET 2022 exam centers are 14 and are located in Telangana State and Andhra Pradesh. Following are the TSICET 2022 Exam Centers

Adilabad Hyderabad Karimnagar Khammam Kodad Mahabubnagar Nalgonda Nizamabad Siddipet Warangal Kurnool Tirupati Vijayawada Visakhapatnam

14. TSICET 2022 Counselling for TSICET MBA 2022 Admission

TSICET 2022 Counselling for TSICET MBA admission 2022 in 345 colleges in Telangana state will start in September after release of TSICET 2022 results. Before the start of TSICET 2022 counselling, Kakatiya University will release the complete schedule based on TSICET 2022 cut off ranks for TSICET 2022 counselling.

In last two years TSICET counseling was conducted web based procedure where a candidate can select a college and course which he/she intends to study, through internet. Where access to such facility is not available, the candidate could participate in TSICET counselling from any one of the help line centers established by Govt in each district.
When you write in Academic Writing Test (AWT) in the final selection round of IIM Ahmedabad, or Written Ability Test (WAT) of IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta, IIM Lucknow, FMS Delhi or in the CAP 2017 of 9 IIMs, before beginning to write just think, who you are writing for?



Are you writing for yourself to read or for panellists to examine you on various parameters? Obviously you do not write for yourself ignoring your overarching goal-writing for the reader, who happens to be the examiner. After WAT your essay may become a part of questions in Personal Interview. Without considering who will read your article, you will not first consider how fully you should explain the ideas. What figures, data, quotes to include, what terms and concepts you need to define. Before you start writing the essay in neat handwriting (Yes quite necessary) consider your learned reader. Many essays will be presented before the panel, to be examined, so you have to write in such a manner that would hook your reader in the first paragraph itself. Pour your knowledgeable ideas in a systematic way to maintain consistency and conclude it gracefully. It will serve you well. The guidelines and tips from experts are to move stepwise -

Step-1: Since the topics in WAT require good information and some data (Which you might like to insert) and reactions/quotes, gather your thoughts before beginning to write so that you may write in a concise and coherent manner.





Step-2: Introductory paragraph must be clear on the views that you are going to discuss in your essay So before beginning, plan the outline what you are going to say. An introduction to a given topic Trump as President of USA  Impact on India could be as follows - Donald Trumps victory as the President of USA signifies a victory against terrorism in accordance with the policy of India. Government of India will be able to strike a good equation with him. Though there is some concern in Indias business circles about Trumps views on business outsourcing and its likely impact on India, Trump is not expected to take any decision which will hurt India. He fully understands the importance of Indias role in Asia. The US cannot afford to alienate and antagonize India. Taking into account the totality of Indo-US relations, Trumps victory is a positive factor for stability, continuity and inter-dependence.

Step-3: One paragraph should discuss one segment e.g. do not mix the issues or make contradictory statements in your writing piece. On the one hand you might state that UID Aadhaar has great utility but it is difficult to have the fingerprints of certain classes and then you add Aadhaar will help nab the criminals since it is based on fingerprints  now both the statements are contradictory and crisscross each other. Avoid this.

Step-4: Avoid writing such points as you cannot discuss or on which your views could be ambiguous.

Step-5: Since there is time constraint for you, write in simple and easy to understand language. Use figurative language only when you are pretty sure of it. If you decorate your writing with floral verbiage it will look like a room with too many decorations meant to distract the visitor. Our purpose is to keep our reader glued to our theme of writing and not get distracted. So please remember that.

Step-6: Try to project positive thoughts and view points as more negative thoughts or pessimistic ideas might give a wrong message.

Step-7: It is necessary that your sentences are grammatically correct, there is proper subject verb agreement and verbosity. Number of aspirants make petty mistakes like use of advice(noun) in place of advise(verb);  device instead of devise; making plural of advice as advices or singular as  an advice; usage like many news,  furnitures and so on which should have respectively been written as pieces of advice (plural) or a piece of advice (singular); many items of news, articles of furniture etc. Framing correct sentences is of utmost importance to avoid conveying a wrong meaning and making a bad impression.

Step-8: Correct use of punctuation is also very important. Ignorance to punctuation- marks makes a disastrous change in meaning. The message which the sentence actually conveys and the message which you actually wanted to convey could be pole apart. Look at the following sentences 

i) The ministers brother who has fled to Cuba has accumulated massive wealth. (one brother has done this there may be more brothers)

ii) The ministers brother, who has fled to Cuba has accumulated massive wealth. (one brother who has done the act)

Step-9: Transition words like Nevertheless/Hence/Therefore/However" are to be judiciously used between paragraphs or the sentences. Such words may exist if you wish to flow your writing from one idea to another and to next paragraph.

GD PI WAT Preparation: Tips from Experts and Toppers

Step-10: Last or concluding paragraph should be able to give your concluding view point summarizing the writing piece. You can conclude it with some quote from India Inc., political advisors, prominent personalities, leading analysts etc. but with acknowledgements.


XAT Analysis 2023: Check Key Changes in Exam Pattern, Difficulty Level, Likely Cut Off, Impact of Decision Making Section

XAT 2023 exam Analysis will be published by MBAUniverse.com immediately after the XAT 2023 exam is over at 12.40 PM on January 8, 2023. The XAT exam 2023 will be held in a single session on Sunday January 8, 2023 with an increased time duration of 3 hours 10 minutes from 9.30 A. M. to 12.40 PM instead of earlier 3 hours.

XAT 2023 Analysis: Key Changes in Exam

Below is XAT 2023 Exam & Scoring Pattern Vs Last 3 Years XAT Exam and scoring pattern

XAT exam year XAT 2023 XAT 2022 XAT 2021 XAT 2020 Test Duration 3 Hours 10 Minutes: 9.30AM to 12.40PM 3 Hours 10 Minutes: 9.30AM to 12.40PM 3 Hours:9.30AM to 12.30PM 3 Hours:9.30AM to 12.30 PM Number of Sections 5 5 4 4 Number of Questions 101 101 100 99 Type of Questions MCQs-100; Descriptive-1 MCQs-100; Descriptive-1 MCQs MCQs Subjective Answer Questions 1 (Essay Writing Test) 1 (Essay Writing Test) No No Maximum marks 100 (Essay Evaluation after shortlisting by XLRI) 100 (Essay Evaluation after shortlisting by XLRI) 100 99 Key Change Essay Writing Test Restored Essay Writing Test Restored No Essay Writing Test No Essay Writing Test Penalty for Leaving Questions Unattempted 0.10 Negative marks penalty for every unattempted question after 8 unattempted questions 0.10 Negative marks penalty for every unattempted question after 8 unattempted questions Not Announced 0.10 Negative marks penalty for every unattempted question after 8 unattempted questions Scoring Pattern +1 Mark for each correct answer; - 0.25 mark for each wrong answer +1 Mark for each correct answer; - 0.25 mark for each wrong answer +1 Mark for each correct answer; -0.25 mark for each wrong answer +1 Mark for each correct answer; -0.25 mark for each wrong answer

The schedule of publishing the XAT 2023 Analysis on XAT exam date is as follows:



XAT 2023 Exam Analysis: Date, Time, & Release Schedule for XAT Exam Analysis

This year XAT exam duration is increased to 3 hours 10 minutes. The MBAUniverse.com XAT Exam Analysis reflects upon highlights of XAT 2023 exam pattern, paper difficulty level, key changes in question paper, good attempts and likely XAT cut off score for different percentile range in the changed XAT exam pattern with increased number of questions.

Below is shared the XAT 2023 Question Paper time and schedule for release of XAT Exam Analysis

XAT 2023 Exam Date & Time MBAUniverse XAT Exam Analysis  Expected Release time XAT 2023 Exam on January 8, 2023 from 9.30 AM to 12.40 PM 12.45 PM on January 8, 2023

XAT 2023 is the sixth computer based test conducted by XLRI in the history of 70 years of XAT exam. Earlier it used to be paper based test. MBAUniverse.com XAT Exam 2023 Analysis will reflect upon the key changes in overall & sectional XAT exam pattern, difficulty level, predictions on XAT cut offs among others to help the test takers to gauge their performance in XAT 2023 and their admission chances in XLRI and other top XAT accepting Colleges. To offer a wider perspective, MBAUniverse.com will also share XAT 2023 Exam Analysis by experts of leading institutions and top XAT coaching institutes like Arun Sharma, IMS, CL, T.I.M.E. among others.



MBAUniverse.com XAT Exam Analysis 2023: Key Highlights

MBAUniverse.com will publish XAT 2023 Exam Analysis immediately after the exam is over. MBAUniverse XAT Analysis will cover the following:

XAT Exam Pattern & key changes Variation as compared to last year in Topics, Type of Questions for each section Any Surprise elements in XAT 2023 Exam paper Exam Difficulty Level: Overall & Section wise Analysis by Experts Required Good Attempts: Overall and Section wise XAT score Cut off Predictions by Experts to help the aspirants to assess their performance and check their call chances by top XAT Accepting B-schools XAT Percentile Predictions

XAT Exam Analysis 2023 by Top XAT Coaching Institutes & Experts

MBAUniverse.com will also publish the XAT Exam Analysis from top XAT coaching institutes & XAT experts like TIME, IMS, CL, Arun Sharma with their take on exam difficulty level, sectional and overall changes and expected cut offs. The expected time schedule for release of XAT Test Analysis is as given below.

XAT 2023 Exam Date & Time XAT 2023 Exam Analysis by IMS -Expected Time XAT 2023 Exam Analysis by CL  Expected Time XAT 2023 Exam Analysis by T.I.M.E.  Expected Time XAT Exam 2023 Jan 8, 2023 From 9.30 AM to 12.40 PM 2.00 PM 3.00 PM 4.00 PM

This year XLRI has brought about many changes in its exam pattern. It is expected that the XAT exam 2023 analysis will reflect a changed difficulty level and twisted type of questions among other things.

XAT 2023 Question Paper Analysis

Given the reputation of XLRI XAT exam over the years, the XAT Test paper is changed every year. This year too, many changes are introduced in XAT pattern. Although the actual XAT 2023 question paper analysis by experts will be made after the exam is over, all the leading XAT prep institutes and XAT experts expect a different XAT 2023 as substantial changes are announced this year in XAT exam.

XAT 2023 Question Paper Pattern: Key Highlights

Key highlights of XAT 2023 question paper are

Test timing changed to 3 hr.10 Minutes: : 9.30AM to 12.40PM from last year 10AM to 1 PM

Total questions increased to 101 in XAT 2023 from 99 earlier

Single slot, single day exam

Essay Writing Test Restored in XAT 2023: Earlier this test was scrapped in 2019

Now XAT 2023 has MCQ type and Descriptive Questions

Question paper with 4 sections with MCQs and 1 section with Essay Writing Test

The GK Section with 25 questions is not counted for percentile calculation

Visually impaired candidates with scribe are given additional 25 minutes to solve Part 1 of the exam

Marks for every correct answer : +1

- 0.25 Negative Marking for wrong answer

No Negative marking for General Knowledge and Essay writing section in part-2 of question paper

All the MCQ type questions have five options with one correct option

Essay Test shall be evaluated after the candidate is shortlisted for the interview.

-0.10 Negative marks penalty for every unattempted question after 8 unattempted questions

The countdown timer at the top, right-hand side of the screen displays the time remaining. This is the time available for you to complete the examination for the part of the question paper you are answering (Part 1/Part 2)

On completion of 165 minutes, the timer will reach zero and Part 1 will be locked. You will be moved to Part 2, i.e., General Knowledge & Essay section of the Question Paper

You are not allowed to leave the test lab before completion of the test

PwD candidates are allowed to submit their answers at any point of time between 165 minutes and 220 minutes for Part 1 and between 15 to 20 minutes for Part 2. So, a PwD candidate may leave the lab between 180 minutes and 240 minutes depending upon the completion time of the test.

XAT 2023 Analysis: Sectional Composition & Scoring Pattern

XAT Analysis 2023 with sectional composition and key changes in XAT paper 2023, sectional division of questions in revised XAT test pattern are shared below

Sections in XAT 2023 with Overall Time Limit Number of questions Scoring Pattern Part-1: 165 Minutes 75 Total MCQs Max.75 Marks(+1 Mark for each Correct answer; -0.25 Negative Marking for each wrong answer) Verbal and Logical Ability 26 +1 and -0.25 (Max 26 Marks) Decision Making 21 +1 and  0.25(Max 21 Marks) Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation 28 +1 and  0.25 (Max 28 Marks) Part-2: 25 Minutes 25 MCQs + 1 Essay Writing Question Not Counted for Percentile Calculation General Knowledge 25 +1; No Negative Marking (Max 25 Marks) Essay Writing Test 1 Descriptive, Will be evaluated if you are shortlisted for PI round. Total questions (Part 1 + Part 2) 101 Max 100 Marks; Essay Evaluation after shortlisting is over based on score obtained in Part-1 sections

Salient Features of XAT Exam Pattern 2023

XAT pattern: Computer Based Test

Computer Based Test XAT Total Questions : 101

: 101 XAT Question Type : MCQs + Essay

: MCQs + Essay XAT Exam Pattern for MCQs : Each MCQ is followed by 5 answer options

: Each MCQ is followed by 5 answer options XAT Scoring Pattern : +1 Mark for Each Correct answer for MCQs

: +1 Mark for Each Correct answer for MCQs Negative Marking in XAT Pattern 2023 : 0.25 () mark deducted for MCQs from Sl. 1 to 75

: 0.25 () mark deducted for MCQs from Sl. 1 to 75 No negative marking in XAT Question Pattern : GK questions are free from Negative Marking

: GK questions are free from Negative Marking XAT Exam Time Duration : XAT 2023 exam pattern has shared a time duration of 3 hours and 10 minutes.

: XAT 2023 exam pattern has shared a time duration of 3 hours and 10 minutes. XAT Exam Pattern 2023 - Percentile Calculation : Only 3 sections in XAT exam are taken into account to calculate the XAT percentile score and XAT merit list for written exam. GK will not be counted for percentile calculation in XAT exam pattern.

: Only 3 sections in XAT exam are taken into account to calculate the XAT percentile score and XAT merit list for written exam. GK will not be counted for percentile calculation in XAT exam pattern. No Sectional Time Limit : XAT Pattern 2023 does not have sectional time limit to solve the question paper. Candidate can attempt any question from any of the three sections within the overall time limit of 165 minutes. However, candidate will be allowed to go to Part 2 in XAT 2023 after completing the time duration of Part 1

: XAT Pattern 2023 does not have sectional time limit to solve the question paper. Candidate can attempt any question from any of the three sections within the overall time limit of 165 minutes. However, candidate will be allowed to go to Part 2 in XAT 2023 after completing the time duration of Part 1 Marks for Essay: Evaluation of Essay writing test will be done only for the shortlisted

Watch this space for overall and sectional Analysis of XAT 2022 exam with good attempts and expected cut offs for XLRI



XAT Exam Analysis: Last 3 Years

Shared below is the XAT exam analysis for last three years in detail

XAT 2022 Analysis

XAT Exam Analysis 2022 by Top XAT Coaching Institutes & Experts

MBAUniverse.com has also published the XAT Exam Analysis from top XAT coaching institutes & XAT experts like TIME, IMS, CL, Arun Sharma with their take on exam difficulty level, sectional and overall changes and expected cut offs. The expected time schedule for release of XAT Test Analysis is as given below.

XAT 2022 Exam Date & Time XAT 2022 Exam Analysis by IMS -Expected Time XAT 2022 Exam Analysis by CL  Expected Time XAT 2022 Exam Analysis by T.I.M.E.  Expected Time XAT Exam 2022 Jan 2, 2022 From 9.30 AM to 12.40 PM 3.00 PM 4.00 PM 5.00 PM

XAT Exam Analysis By IMS



XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test) 2022 was conducted online on January 2, 2022, between 9:30 AM and 12:40 PM. The test had almost the same structure as last year except that the Essay Writing task was reintroduced after a gap of 3 years.Two topics was provided. The test-taker had to select one.

The structure of the test along with suggested time allocation, good attempts, and estimated cut- offs based on the feedback from IMS students and experts are in the table below:

The Question Paper consisted of two timed parts. Section No. of Questions Marks per question Total marks Suggested time allocation Good Attempts PART  A (165 minutes) No Sectional Timing within Part - A Verbal and Logical Ability 26 1 26 55-60 13-14 Decision Making 21 1 21 50-55 12-13 Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation 28 1 28 55-60 16-18 Total 75 75 PART  B (25 minutes) No Negative Marks General Awareness 25 1 25 No Negative Marks 15 Essay The essay will be assessed if the candidate is shortlisted for the interview. Part A questions invited negative marks of  0.25 for each incorrect response. In addition, there was a penalty of -0.1 mark for every un-attempted question after 8 un-attempted questions. VERDICT

Overall, XAT-2022 was similar in difficulty level to XAT 2021. The DM Section was on par with the same last year with a few questions in DM being difficult. The VALR section was slightly more challenging than the same section in XAT 2021. Based on the inputs received from students and IMS mentors who appeared for the test and based on the actual cut-offs over the last two years, we estimate the following cut-offs for XLRI BM and HRM programs: XLRI BM Program VA-LR Section DM Section QA-DI Section Overall (Part A) Male candidates 6-7 5-6 9-10 30-32 Female candidates 5-6 4-5 8-9 28-30 XLRI HRM Program VA-LR Section DM Section QA-DI Section Overall (Part A) Male (Engineers) 7-8 5-6 8-9 29-31 Female (Engineers) 6-7 4-5 7-8 27-29 Male(Non Engineers) 7-8 5-6 7-8 27-29 Female (Non Engineers) 6-7 4-5 6-7 26-28

SECTIONAL ANALYSIS

Note: For both BM and HRM programs of XLRI, the overall cut-off is significantly greater than the sum of the sectional cut-offs. Therefore, the number of good attempts for different sections has been estimated from the point of view of a student who wishes to maximize the score in that section. Part-A Verbal and Logical Ability Section (26 questions) The Verbal and Logical Ability section of XAT 2021 was at par with last years paper. There were 14 Reading Comprehension questions and 12 Verbal Ability/Reasoning questions. The Verbal ability/Verbal Reasoning questions were a fair mix of grammar, vocabulary, and reasoning- based questions (Critical Reasoning, Correct/Incorrect statements and Jumbled Paragraphs). The 14 RC questions were distributed among four passages and one poem. The poem-based RC was an abstract one and had 11 lines. The remaining four passages were of 300 - 450 words each approximately; they had a mixture of mostly medium to difficult questions. Many of the questions were inferential and application-based. The options were close and the directions emphasized choosing the best one among them. Area/Questions No. of Qs. Level of Difficulty Verbal Ability / Reasoning Grammatically incorrect sentence 2 2 Medium Grammatically correct sentence 1 1 Easy Fill in the blanks (3 blanks) 1 1 Medium Jumbled Paragraphs 2 2 Medium Critical Reasoning (Conclusions) 4 3 Medium, 1 Difficult Poem-based Inference 1 1 Medium Cloze Passage (4 blanks) 1 1 Medium Reading Comprehension Passage 1 (How lying differs from bullshitting - 300 words) 3 Medium Passage 2 (A psychologically rich life can be a good life - 450 words ) 3 Medium Passage 3 ( Stupidity as a cognitive failing - 350 words) 3 Medium Passage 4 (Publicness is as important to progress as sociability or privacy - 350 words) 3 Difficult Passage 5 (Poem - Immigrant by Tabish Khair) 2 Difficult An attempt of about 13-14 questions in this section in about 55-60 minutes, with about 75-80% accuracy would be considered a good attempt. Decision Making (21 questions) This section consisted of 21 questions, and like last year, none of the questions were quantitative. The section consisted of 7 sets of 3 questions each. Most of the questions were on Ethical Dilemma. The passages were short and easy to read. As usual, some questions had a fair deal of ambiguity  in that either no answer seemed correct or more than one option appeared correct. Overall, the questions were of medium difficulty. Therefore, the choice of sets/questions to attempt would have depended mainly on your personal preferences and strengths. Overall, the section was on par with last year's test.

Area/Questions No. of Qs. Level of Difficulty Case 1 - Allotment of accommodation to scientists (of 3 different seniority levels) in a research institute 3 Medium Case 2 - Regarding an individuals use of a vehicle (diesel-based) that is non-compliant with pollution rules 3 Medium Case 3 - Regarding recruitment and confirmation of faculty members in an engineering college 3 Medium Case 4 - Running a dosa Stall in a hospital; business 3 Difficult Case 5 - Regarding school fees payment by financially able parents during the pandemic 3 Medium Case 6 - Regarding an assignment submission in a management college 3 Difficult Case 7 - Regarding the concerns of residents of an island village about how a proposed new bridge connecting their island to the mainland might impact them, business and ethics 3 Difficult In about 50-55 minutes, an attempt of about 12-13 questions with about 75-80% accuracy would be considered to be good. Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation (28 questions) This section was of moderate level of difficulty. As a whole, it was one notch easier than XAT- 2021. Out of the 28 questions in the section, 16 were on Quantitative Ability and 12 were on Data Interpretation. There were four sets of Data Interpretation with 3 questions each. Two sets were somewhat logical in nature- one involved table and the other bar graph. LOD was medium though one question in each set was tricky. The remaining two sets were based on Calculations and Observation. Out of these two sets, one was on candlestick and the other was on Line graph. LOD of these two sets was medium. Following is the break-up of the questions in the section:

Quantitative Ability (16 questions) Easy Medium Difficult Total Arithmetic 0 1 0 1 Geometry 0 1 1 2 Modern Maths 1 2 1 4 Algebra 1 0 0 1 Numbers 5 2 1 8 7 6 3 16 Data Interpretation (12 questions) Table 0 2 1 3 Bar Graph 0 2 1 3 Candlestick 0 3 0 3 Line Graph 0 3 0 3 Total DI 0 10 2 12 Total QA-DI 7 16 5 28

An attempt of about 16-18 questions (with about 80 percent accuracy) in about 55-60 minutes would be considered a good attempt.

Part-B

There was no break between Part-A and Part-B.

General Knowledge

The 25 GK questions comprised 13 current affairs questions and 12 static GK questions. Overall, the GK section was of the same difficulty as last years test. 16 to 17 questions were based on national events, 7-8 questions were based on international events and miscellaneous topics As usual, the questions covered a wide range of areas and gave no special advantage to specialists in any one area.

To maximize the score in this section, one should have attempted 15 questions seriously. Additionally, as there was no negative marking in this section, all the remaining questions should also have been attempted. A score of 6 - 7 would be a good score in this section.

Essay Writing

Two topics were provided. The test-taker had to select one topic and write an essay in around 250 words.

The topics for the essay writing task were:

Capitalism and democracy follow different logics: unequally distributed property rights on the one hand, equal civic and political rights on the other. debate, compromise and majority decision-making within democratic politics versus hierarchical decision- making by managers and capital owners. Therefore, Capitalism and democracy cannot co-exist. In management we do not need people who have never experienced setbacks. Such people are highly risk averse. Because business schools mainly focus on stellar academic achievements during admissions, the selected students turn out to be average managers

XAT Exam Analysis: Last 3 Years

Shared below is the XAT exam analysis for last three years in detail

XAT exam year Total questions, time duration Section-wise division of questions Marking pattern for MCQs Percentile calculation Level of difficulty XAT 2020 (Scrapped Essay Writing test) 100 MCQs VARC-26

DM-21

Quant-28

GK-25 +1 mark for each correct answer;  negative marking for each wrong answer; penalty of 0.10 mark per question if more than 8 questions left unattempted Score for 75 MCQs in 1st three sections accounted for percentile calculation Moderate to difficult XAT 2019 99 VARC-26 DM-21 Quant-27 Gk-25 +1 mark for each correct answer;  negative marking for each wrong answer; penalty of 0.10 mark per question if more than 8 questions left unattempted Score for 75 MCQs in 1st three sections accounted for percentile calculation Moderate to difficult XAT 2018 (Changed to Computer Based Test) 97 MCQs

1 Essay topic

3 hours duration VARC-24

DM-21

Quant-27

GK-25

Essay topic-1 1 mark for each correct answer;  negative marking for each wrong answer; penalty of 0.05 mark per question if more than 12 questions left unattempted Score for 72 MCQs in 1st three sections accounted for percentile calculation Moderate to difficult

Read below the year wise XAT exam analysis in detail:

XAT 2020 Analysis: Tough Decision Making, Quant Moderate

The XAT 2020 got over at 12.30 PM on Sunday, January 5, 2020 with many substantial changes introduced in the exam like NAT questions. This year the Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) began at 9.30 AM with a time duration of 3 hours instead of earlier three and half hours as a computer based test.



XAT 2020 has been reported a bit more difficult exam with tricky Decision Making and it is expected that XAT cut offs may remain low in view of the difficulty level of the exam.

XAT 2020 was the third computer based test conducted by XLRI in the history of 60 years of conducting XAT. Although the technical glitches were minimal in the third computer based XAT, a bit of problems were reported at some of the centres which were overcome promptly.

XAT 2020 was conducted in 47 test cities in India and did not have any test city abroad. Earlier the exam was conducted in 49 test cities including 2 test cities abroad.

While there was no surprise element in the test structure of XAT 2020 Exam, it had number of changes as compared to last year.

Quick XAT 2020 Exam Analysis:

Total questions increased to 100 from 99 last year

No Essay Writing test

NAT Questions without negative marking introduced

Decision Making section remains tricky

Quant section is of moderate difficulty

Many Candidates could attempt less than 50% questions

Test timing changed - 9.30AM to 12.30PM from 10AM to 1 PM last year

All questions were of MCQ type

GK section not counted for percentile calculation

Negative Marking of 25%.

RC passages rated moderate

Visually impaired candidates with scribe were given additional 25 minutes only for Part 1 of XAT.

Marks for every correct answer : 1

No Negative marking for General Knowledge section in part-2

All the MCQ type questions had five options with one correct option

Expected XLRI cut off to remain 33-35 marks

XAT 2020 Pattern: Exam Divided in Two Parts

XAT 2020 was divided in two parts. The 3 sections in Part one are counted for percentile calculation to prepare the merit list while the score in GK in part two is kept out of preparing the merit list:

Section in XAT 2020 Exam Pattern Number of questions Overall Time Duration Part-1 75 Total MCQs 165 Minutes Verbal and Logical Ability 26 No Sectional Time Limit Decision Making 21 No Sectional Time Limit Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation 28 No Sectional Time Limit Part-2 25 Total MCQs 15 Minutes General Knowledge 25 Total questions (Part 1 + Part 2) 100

Candidate were allowed to go to Part 2 in XAT 2020 after completing the time duration of 165 minutes in Part 1

No Negative Marking Questions in XAT 2020

Few questions without negative marking were introduced in XAT 2020 in each section. This will provide level playing field for the candidates who are weak in one section and strong in other section as they need not fear the penalty of negative marking in the exam. Last year XLRI proposed to introduce these type of NAT questions but could not do it. This year the same has been introduced. Procedure for answering a numerical answer type (NAT) question was to enter a numerical answer by making use of virtual numeric keypad that appeared below the question. Step-wise procedure to answer the question was as under:

To enter a numerical answer, candidate had to use the virtual numeric keypad that appeared below the question

A fractional number in the decimal notation (e.g. -0.3 or -.3) could be entered as an answer with or without '0' before the decimal point.

To clear the answer, click on the Clear Response button was required.

XAT 2020 Sectional Analysis

Part-1 in XAT 2020 had 75 questions divided in three sections which included MCQs. Here is Section wiseXAT 2020 Exam Analysis:

Verbal and Logical Ability

Total Questions: 26

4 RC Passages of about 300 words followed by total 14 Questions

1 poem of moderate difficulty level

Most of the questions were inferential

12 Questions in Verbal Ability included Antonyms, parajumbles, Critical Reasoning

Section difficulty was moderate

Question Topics Number of questions Difficulty Level Error correction in sentences 2 Moderate Fill in the blanks (4 blanks) 2 Moderate to difficult Para Jumbles 2 Moderate to Difficult Questions on Critical Reasoning 6 Easy to Difficult RC Passage on Pleasure in todays world 2 Moderate to Difficult RC Passage on Knowledge as Product 3 Moderate to Difficult RC Passage on Capitalism 3 Medium to Difficult RC Passage on Culture 3 Moderate to Difficult Poem on Fire and Ice 3 Moderate to Difficult

Good Attempts

17-19 questions in this section could be attempted in one hour with 80-85 percent accuracy.

Sectional cut offs are expected to be 10-11 Marks

Decision Making

Total Questions: 21

DM question sets were on various business related problems

Questions were more difficult than last year

No question was quant based

DM Section had 7 sets of 3 questions each

Some Problem sets were short and easy to read while some questions were ambiguous

Question Topics No. of Qs. Question Type Level of Difficulty 4 Problem sets on Ethics & Dilemma 12 Moderate to Difficult 3 Problem Sets on Business Decision 9 Business Decision Moderate to Difficult

Good Attempts & Sectional Cut off

15-16 questions could be attempted in 50-55 minutes with 80-85 percent accuracy

Cut off to remain 7-8 marks

Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation

Total Questions: 28

More questions on Arithmetic (7 Questions)

22 Questions were on Quant

6 Questions were on Data Interpretation

2 DI sets in the section with 3 questions each

Section difficulty level was moderate but was more difficult than last year

20 Quant questions were standalone questions

2 questions were in the form of a set on Venn Diagrams

Out of 6 Questions on Geometry 3 were difficult

Quant DI Topics Total Questions Difficulty Level Arithmetic 7 Moderate to Difficult Geometry 6 Moderate to difficult Modern Math 5 Moderate Algebra 2 Moderate to difficult Number System 2 Moderate Table 3 Moderate Multiple graphs 3 Moderate

Good Attempts & Sectional Cut Offs

18-19 questions with 80 percent accuracy could be attempted in less than one hour.

Sectional cut off is expected to remain 10-12 marks

Part-2: General Knowledge

Total Questions 25

No Break between part I & II was given

GK questions were on moderate difficulty side

Many questions in the section were from latest GK topic published by MBAUniverse.com

Questions were framed on Budget sessions, History, Merger-Acquisition

Sectional Composition

Question Topics Number of Questions National Events 18 International Events 5 General GK 2

Overall analysis

XAT 2020 exam paper was on moderate to difficult side

Decision Making to remain turning point in merit calculation.

Many questions in Decision Making were found more difficult

Overall Cut off levels to remain 33-35 marks for XLRI

XAT Analysis: Previous XAT Exams

XAT 2019 Analysis: Moderate Quant, Tricky Decision Making to Keep the Cut offs Low

Here is XAT 2019 Analysis! The XAT 2019 got over at 1 PM on Sunday, January 6, 2019 with many substantial changes introduced for the first time in the exam. NAT questions were introduced for the first time in XAT.

This year the Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) began at 10 AM with a time duration of 3 hours instead of earlier three and half hours as a computer based test.

XAT 2019 has been reported a bit more difficult exam and it is expected that XAT cut offs may go down in view of the difficulty level of the exam.

XAT 2019 was the second computer based test conducted by XLRI in the history of 60 years of conducting XAT. Although the technical glitches were minimal in the second computer based XAT, a bit of problems were reported at some of the centres which were overcome promptly.

XAT 2019 was conducted in 47 test cities in India and did not have any test city abroad. Earlier the exam was conducted in 49 test cities including 2 test cities abroad.

While there was no surprise element in the test structure of XAT 2019 Exam, it had number of changes as compared to last year.

XAT 2019 Pattern: Exam Divided in Two Parts

XAT 2019 was divided in two parts. The 3 sections in Part one are counted for percentile calculation to prepare the merit list while the score in GK in part two is kept out of preparing the merit list:

Section in XAT 2019 Exam Pattern Number of questions Overall Time Duration Part-1 74 Total MCQs 165 Minutes Verbal and Logical Ability 26 No Sectional Time Limit Decision Making 21 No Sectional Time Limit Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation 27 No Sectional Time Limit Part-2 25 Total MCQs 15 Minutes General Knowledge 25 Total questions (Part 1 + Part 2) 99

Candidate were allowed to go to Part 2 in XAT 2019 after completing the time duration of 165 minutes in Part 1

Key Changes in XAT 2019

XAT Exam Analysis 2019 reveals the following key changes in the XAT exam pattern:

For the first time in XAT, NAT questions were introduced

XAT 2019 Exam was of 3 hours duration instead of 3 hours

Visually impaired candidates with scribe were given additional 25 minutes only for Part 1 of XAT.

Exam Timing: 10:00 AM to 01:00 PM on January 6, 2019

The Total Number of Questions for the Exam were 99 (74 + 25) instead of 100

Marks for every correct answer : 1

Negative marking for every wrong answer : 0.25

Negative marking for every unattempted question beyond 8 unattempted questions : 0.10

unattempted question beyond 8 questions : 0.10 No Negative marking for General Knowledge section in part-2

All the MCQ type questions had five options with one correct option

No Essay Writing Test in XAT 2019

NAT Questions in XAT 2019

As if the difficulty level in XAT was not enough, a new type of Numerical Answer Type Question (NAT Questions) has been introduced for the first time in XAT 2019. Procedure for answering a numerical answer type (NAT) question was to enter a numerical answer by making use of virtual numeric keypad that appeared below the question. Step-wise procedure to answer the question was as under:

To enter a numerical answer, candidate had to use the virtual numeric keypad that appeared below the question

A fractional number in the decimal notation (e.g. -0.3 or -.3) could be entered as an answer with or without '0' before the decimal point.

To clear the answer, click on the Clear Response button was required.

However, candidates have reported that despite announcing the introduction of NAT questions in XAT 2019, XLRI has refrained from placing them in the exam this year.



XAT 2019 Sectional Analysis

Part-1 in XAT 2019 had 74 questions divided in three sections which included MCQs and did not have NAT questions although XLRI had announced to introduce such type of questions this year. Here is Section wise XAT 2019 Exam Analysis:

1. Verbal and Logical Ability

Total Questions: 26

4 RC Passages followed by 3 Questions each

1 piece of Poetry followed by 2 questions

Questions in Verbal included Antonyms, parajumbles, Critical Reasoning

Section difficulty was moderate to tough

RC passages were on Creativity, Mood Disorder

No NAT questions was in this section

2. Decision Making

Total Questions: 21

Decision Making problems repeated from last year with different options. 1-2 questions were exactly same

DM question sets were on Human Resource Management, Starting a Franchise and others

Questions were moderate to difficult

3. Quantitative:

Total Questions: 27

More questions on Arithmetic

2 DI sets in the section with 3 questions each

Section difficulty level was moderate to tough

Part-2: General Knowledge

Total Questions 25

GK questions were on higher difficulty side

1 Question HUL Merger with GSKCH India from latest GK topic published by MBAUniverse.com

Questions were framed on Budget sessions, History, Merger-Acquisition

Few GK Questions

Who acquired Glaxo Smithkline Consumer Healthcare

Which of the following is not the part of VIACOM 18

Highest import to India

Giga fibre to be launched by which company

Who is the SBI Chairman

What are the names of Parliament Budget Sessions

Name of Liquid for dissolving Gold

Name of Rajasthan Snake Dance

Overall analysis

XAT 2019 exam paper was on moderate to difficult

Many questions in Decision Making were repeated on last years pattern

Overall Cut off levels to go down or to remain same as that of last year

XAT 2019 Exam Analysis 2019 will be published by MBAUniverse.com immediately after the XAT 2019 exam is over on January 6, 2019. The XAT exam analysis will reflect the XAT exam pattern, key changes in XAT 2019 and ideal attempts to improve your scores. Since last year XAT has changed its exam pattern by switching over to computer based test from paper based test and has also changed number of questions, the XAT analysis 2019 will highlight such changes and the difficulty level in XAT 2019 exam. It is expected that the XAT exam analysis 2019 will see a changed difficulty level and twisted type of questions among other things in XAT exam.

Alongwith the XAT Exam 2019 Analysis , the cut offs based on XAT Percentile Vs Marks from experts will also be published. Besides, the XAT paper analysis by Career Launcher and other prominent XAT coaching centres will be published.

For the first time in 2018 Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) was conducted in Online Mode in 314 centres across 49 cities including Dubai and Kathmandu on 7th January, 2018. The XAT analysis revealed that at 2 centres the exam couldnt be conducted due to server related technical issues. As such Re-examination was conducted at these centres for the affected students.

XAT Analysis last 3 years

XAT Exam Year 2018 2017 2016 Total Questions 100 98 104 Exam Duration 3 hours, 35 minutes 3 hours, 35 minutes (Includes 5 minutes Turn around time) 3 hours, 35 minutes (Included 5 minutes Turn around Time) Exam Format Online Computer Based Paper-Pen Based Paper-Pen based Marking Pattern +1 for each correct answer +3 For Essay Writing Test +1 for each correct answer +3 For Essay Writing Test +1 for 3 sections; +2 for Reasoning section +3 For Essay Writing Test Negative Marking -25% for each wrong answer -No Negative Marking for GK & Essay Writing Test -25% for each wrong answer -No Negative Marking for GK & Essay Writing Test -25% for each wrong answer -No Negative Marking for GK & Essay Writing Test Type of Questions MCQs + Descriptive Essay MCQs + Descriptive Essay MCQs + Descriptive Essay Answer options 5 5 5 Difficulty Level Moderate to High Moderate to High High Number of Sections 3+2 3+2 3+2 Name of Sections with Number of Questions Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning -26 Decision Making-21 Quant & DI-27 GK-25 Essay Writing-1 Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning -24 Decision Making-21 Quant & DI-27 GK-25 Essay Writing-1 Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning -26 Decision Making-23 Quant & DI-29 GK-25 Essay Writing-1 Special Feature If more than 8 questions left unattempted, a penalty of 0.05 mark for every unattempted question is applied. If more than 12 questions left unattempted, a penalty of 0.05 mark for every unattempted question is applied If more than 13 questions left unattempted, a penalty of 0.05 mark for every unattempted question is applied

XAT Exam Analysis 2018

XAT 2018 exam had 100 questions divided in 5 sections. Out of 92000 candidates who registered for XAT 2018, around 85000 appeared in XAT 2018 held on January 7, 2018 from 10AM to 1.35PM. XAT 2018 remained a bit difficult exam but has been rated moderate overall and almost at the same level as last year. Students have found XAT 2018 a bit more lengthy but not a very difficult exam except that the questions in Decision Making section were rated more difficult.

XAT Paper Analysis revealed that XAT 2018 was the first online computer based test and as such it also faced some technical glitches. Official Spokesperson of XLRI  Xavier School of Management said on this issue, This year, for the first time Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) was conducted in Online Mode in 314 centres across 49 cities including Dubai and Kathmandu on 7th January, 2018. However, at 2 centres due to server related technical issues, the exam couldnt be conducted. Re-examination will be conducted at these centres for the affected students. The new date will be will be announced very soon and communicated to the affected students.

XAT 2018 Exam Difficulty level & topic overview

Overall, XAT 2018 was a moderately difficult exam

Quant section had 27 questions and was easier compared to last year papers

Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning had 26 questions and was slightly more difficult. There was only 1 set of question on logical reasoning.

Decision Making section had 21 questions and was trickier than other two sections and was time consuming.

GK Section had 25 questions. Almost 50% of questions were based on Current Affairs.

Essay Topic was on Ethics and Sustainability. Total limit was 200 words.

XAT 2018 XLRI Cut offs is expected to be 33-35

Technical glitches were also reported from some of the XAT centres as XAT 2018 was the first online XAT exam. At some centres exam started late and at at few other centres test could not get over in time. After sorting out the technical issues, time loss was also compensated and candidates did not suffer due to any technical problem.

The test was divided into two parts. The first part was the usual XAT paper which had questions divided into three sections Verbal Ability and Logical , Decision Making, and Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation. As stated by the XAT authorities earlier, the total time allotted for attempting these questions was 170 minutes.

The second part consisted of General Awareness questions and a mandatory Essay Writing Section. The total time allotted to this section was 40 minutes.

The Verbal and Logical Ability Section had 26 questions, 2 more than last year. The section on Decision Making comprised 21 questions and the Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation section had 27 questions. Each question had 5 options and all the questions carried equal marks. There was a penalty of one-fourth marks allotted for every incorrect answer. Also, as mentioned earlier, there was a penalty of 0.05 marks for every un-attempted question after the first 8 such questions. The paper, though slightly easier, was still quite challenging.

Exam Pattern

Section No. of Questions Optimal Time in Mins Difficulty Level Good Attempts Expected Cutoff BM HR Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning 26 55 Difficult 17-19 7-7.5 6-6.5 Decision Making 21 45 Moderate 16-17 8.5-9 7.5-8 Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation 27 70 Moderate 18-19 12-13 9-10 Total 74 Moderate - Difficult 54-55 35-36 31-32

The detailed analysis of all the sections is as follows:

Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning:

Verbal ability and Logical Reasoning was tough. The section was dominated by Reading Comprehension and Critical Reasoning. The 2 para jumble questions were easy and so was the lone grammar question. The FIB questions were difficult and some of the CR questions were really difficult. The vague reasoning used in some RC questions made life difficult for the candidates. The RC passages were from familiar areas of Philosophy and Logic.

A serious candidate could have attempted 17-19 questions with 70% accuracy. It was definitely time consuming and a student could have taken around 50-55 minutes for the section.

The breakup was as follows:

Topic Number of questions Difficulty Good Attempts Reading Comprehension 13(4 passages, 3, 3, and 4 ) Moderate - Difficult 8-9 CR 5 Difficult 3-4 Poem Comprehension 2 (1 poem) Bizarre 1 Grammar  Correct the sentence 1 Easy 1 Para-jumble  5 sentence 2 Moderate 1-2 FIB  3 blanks 3 Difficult 1-2

Decision Making and Analytical Reasoning

The level of the Decision Making was slightly easier as compared to last year. There were no singlets and it made the task of reading easier. The length of the caselets was shorter than usual. Hence, the paper seemed to be easier. Situational decision making dominated the section with 18 questions. There were only three questions from Mathematical/Analytical Reasoning. This set on trains and stations was easier than the poor-sabzi set of last year. There were 5 caselets with 3 questions each and 3 caselets with 2 questions each.

The breakup was as follows:

Topic Number of questions Difficulty Good Attempts Situational 18 Moderate 13-14 Mathematical + Analytical Reasoning 3 Moderate 2-3

Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation:

The section on Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation was slightly easier than last years. However, one of the DI sets was slightly tricky. There were 17 questions of QA and most of them were from Geometry and Algebra. A Majority of the questions from Arithmetic were doable whereas the questions on Geometry were difficult in nature. There were two caselet questions based on sports.

In Data Interpretation, there were 2 sets comprising 8 questions in total. There were a few questions which were a little ambiguous.There were 2 DS questions which were slightly complex as well.

In a nutshell, one could have attempted 4-6 DI questions and 14-16 Quant questions inabout 65-70 minutes.

The break-up was as follows:

Topic Number of questions Level of Difficulty Arithmetic 4 Easy Algebra 6 Easy Modern maths 2 Easy Geometry 4 Easy-Moderate Number System 3 Easy-Moderate Data Sufficiency 2 Easy DI (Game based) 3 Easy DI (Mixed Graph) 3 Easy-moderate Total 11 Easy-moderate

General Knowledge:

The level of difficulty of the General Knowledge section was slightly higher than last year. This section comprised 25 questions. Most of the questions were single-statement based. Some of the questions having multiple-statements had more than one correct statement. The key areas from where the questions were asked were static GK (Economy, Geography, Science and Technology) and Current GK (Business economy, personalities, awards, sports and miscellaneous). Overall the difficulty level of the GK section lies in the moderate-difficult range. An attempt of 12-14 questions fetching a score of 9-10 can be considered good.

Section No. of questions Difficulty Level History 2 Difficult Geography 3 Moderate-Difficult Economy & Business 6 Moderate-Difficult Current Affairs 3 Moderate Personality & Awards 4 Moderate Science & Tech 2 Easy Polity 1 Difficult Miscellaneous 2 Moderate-Difficult Sports 2 Easy-Moderate Total 25 Moderate- Difficult

Essay Writing

The essay topic was : Ethical Practices and Sustainability: Do they co-exist?

The topic was from a familiar area. The question of profit vs. moral values has assumed a tremendous significance in the recent days. So, the student was supposed to be ready with the topic. It was definitely expected

Cut offs by CL

XLRI XIMB SP Jain GIM IMT Great Lakes Topic BM HRM GMP BM HRM VA 7+ (80%ile) 6.5+ (77%ile) - 6.25+ (75%ile) 6.25+ (75%ile) - - - DM 7.5+ (77%ile) 7+

(70%ile) - 7.25+ (75%ile) 7.25+ (75%ile) - - - QA 12+

(88%ile) 9+

(72%ile) - 9.25+ (75%ile) 9.25+ (75%ile) - - - Total 35+ (96+ile) 31+ (92.5+ile) 20+ (70+ %ile) 30+ (90%ile) 29+ (88%ile) 32+ (93%ile) 27+ (85%ile) 30+ (90%ile) 24+ (80%ile)

XAT Analysis 2017

XAT 2017 was held on January 8, 2017. XAT this year was not a very difficult exam as compared to last year exam. As promised by XLRI significant changes were brought about this year in the XAT exam. 72 questions in Part  I of XAT 2017 were not so difficult as that of last year. Your low score of 33 could lead you to XLRI-BM and score of 31 could lead you to XLRI-HR. You can Check your XAT 2018 percentile

XAT 2017 was divided in 3 sections of Verbal & Logical Ability with 24 questions, Decision Making with 21 questions and Quant & DI with 27 questions. The first section of Verbal and Logical Ability had high difficulty level although questions in Decision Making and Quant sections were a bit moderate.

XAT 2017 exam began on time at 10 AM and was over at 1.30 PM. The 72 questions in the first part of the exam had to be solved in 170 minutes and the Part-2 of the exam comprising GK and Essay Writing had to be attempted in 35 minutes. Negative marking of one fourth mark for wrong answer was applied while a penalty of 0.05 mark per question was applied in case the test taker left more than 12 questions unattempted.

The composition of the questions in XAT 2017 was more or less same as predicted by MBAUniverse.com earlier. Number of questions placed in XAT 2017 were also from forgotten topics. MBAUniverse.com forewarned the aspirants to watch out for the same. The aspirants who paid heed to the suggestions and tips shared with them definitely did better in the test. Questions on number of forgotten topics with higher level of difficulty, increased number of passages, questions which had different trends and didnt appear earlier, appeared in XAT 2017 marking their presence in various sections.



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Those who could attempt around 15 questions with accuracy in each of the 3 sections can expect a call from XLRI and other top rated B-schools like SPJIMR, IMT, XIMB among others.

Sectional division of questions & good attempts

Section No. of Questions Attempt Time LoD GoodAttempts Verbal Ability 24 55 Minutes Moderate 15 Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation 27 60 minutes Moderate 15 Decision Making 21 55 minutes Difficult 14 Total 72 170 Difficult 44

Assessment

Overall examination was moderate to difficult and those who attempted the test with judicious time management may expect to get through with a high percentile. A fair attempt of 55 to 60 questions with not more than 6-7 incorrect may expect a call from leading B schools like XLRI, XIME.

XAT 2017 is the gateway to top rated B schools and it is a good opportunity for those who expect not so high percentile in CAT 2016 to improve their percentile and explore admission possibility in XLRI, SPJIMR, IMT, XIMB, LIBA, TAPMI and other more than 100 B schools.
The 40th Annual McDowell Fire, Rescue an EMS College is this weekend with 1,200 or more registered students from all over North Carolina.

The college, having grown in numbers over the years, offers training and certification courses to both upstart personnel and veterans in the fire, rescue and EMS field.

Brad Ledbetter, director of continuing education at McDowell Technical Community College and director of the Fire, Rescue and EMS College, spoke of the schools growth since his involvement in the late 1980s.

Were not the only school that does fire and life-saving courses, but we are the largest in the state, said Ledbetter. Theyre mostly from the western end of N.C., but people like to come to the course and attend.

According to Ledbetter, at least 1,200 students have pre-registered for the college, with more to come with on-site registration.

Close to 75 classes will be held with over 100 instructors at various training facilities in McDowell County. The focus will be on three basic categories: rescue (such as land search, rappelling, vehicle rescue, and vehicle extrication), emergency medical services (including aeromedicine) and firefighting (such as ladders, forcible entry, and ventilation).

Firefighters will also train with live burns on Saturday at the training grounds on Old Greenlee Road near the Water Treatment Plant. Other classes will take place at McDowell High School with nearly 100 vendors in the commons and gymnasium selling everything from fire and rescue equipment to T-shirts and flashlights.

The college is co-sponsored by McDowell Technical Community College, McDowell County Fire and Rescue Association, with assistance from the McDowell County Emergency Management Agency, the McDowell County Fire Commission, local fire departments and the McDowell County Rescue Association.

For more information, visit mcdowelltech.edu/firerescue.html or call 828-652-0674.
Last week WIRED Health gathered hundreds of leaders and influencers from across the globe in London to discuss the field of health innovation and technology. In addition to their long lists of honors and historic accolades, the unrivaled lineup of speakers brought an infectious enthusiasm for action in healthcare.

Peter Piot of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine set the scale of the challenge, charging the audience to strive for truly global health when he spoke about epidemics. Co-discoverer of the Ebola virus and a pioneering researcher in HIV/AIDS, Peter imparted the wisdom that human behavior and prevention of disease are intimately entwined. He spoke of a need to fight on two fronts: driving tirelessly to find cures whilst working on prevention beyond pills.

The genomics theme of the day focused on cancer diagnosis and treatment spurred by the startling statistic that the U.S. death rate from cancer is almost unchanged since 1970despite President Richard Nixon declaring war on cancer in 1971. Helmy Eltoukhy of Guardant Health talked of conquering cancer with data by building the largest database of cancer genomes (40,000 and growing). The data, derived from only a few teaspoons of blood from a liquid biopsy, is already leading to better diagnosis and treatment choices. These sentiments were shared by Jurgi Camblong of Sophia Genetics who is working to make cancer a disease we live with, not die from. Together, both projects leverage data from vast numbers of genomes using machine learning tools to extract important information from what would previously been considered genetic noise.

Sally Davies from the U.K. Department Health detailed more local efforts by Genomics England, which is gathering 100,000 whole genomes from patients and their families. The data is then intelligently shared within the UK National Health Service to improve the diagnosis and treatment of rare diseases and cancer. The session was concluded by Waseem Qasim (GOSH), who works on translating this information into stem cell transplants and gene therapies. In 2015 Waseem made history and headlines with the first in-human use of gene-edited T-cell therapy for early childhood leukemia treatment. After positive results, a number of Phase I trials have now begun with hopes of creating universally compatible immune cells.

Data was also a major topic of discussion in later sessions. Jessica Mega of Alphabets Verily and Jasmin Fisher from Microsoft Research explored how their companies are exploiting the data crossover between healthcare and emerging technologies, such as driverless cars. Jessica spoke of Verilys focus on solutions that place the patient as the end user at the fore, with projects like the glucose-monitoring contact lens currently under development in their labs. Jasmins Cambridge-based lab works on what she dubbed executable biology, an interface that allows non-coders to construct computational models of cells, proteins, and signalling that unlock the programs run by healthy and diseased cells.

Between the speaker sessions, attendees had the opportunity to network and explore the days themes in a more interactive way by trying-out VR and AR headsets, movement trackers, and haptics training systemsthere was even the chance to perform a virtual knee arthroplasty.

Back at the main stage, the New Therapies speakers offered bold and radical glimpses of possible future treatments, including the Sync Project by Marko Ahtisaari. The platform uses personalized music as a drug alternative by exploiting the psychostimulant effects experienced when listening to sounds. Results have shown positive effects for depression, anxiety, insomnia, and pain management, with major reductions in opiate use post-surgery. Khaliya spoke of the global crisis from mental health problems and substance abuse causing the majority of disability worldwide. She suggested clinicians should adopt the term mental injury and explore psychedelics as a permanent fix to the decades of conventional pain relief and antidepressant medication use that are failing current patients. The session was concluded by Kriss Famm of Galvani Bioelectronics, which is developing treatments for over 20 chronic diseases by controlling the central nervous system with electronic implants placed on or near nerves.

A host of new devices and medtech were also on show from U.K. companies and further afield. Highlights included the portable real-time DNA/RNA sequencers from Oxford Nanopore, where relentless miniaturization is taking genome sequencing from the desktop to the smartphone, and with it granting increased access to billions around the world.

Under the theme of Ending Ageing, the powerful and deeply personal story of Matt Eagles brought the ultimate goal of each of the days speakers sharply into focus. Unusually, Matt was diagnosed with Parkinsons disease when he was eight years old, but since then was able to work as a professional photographer, skydive, and speak at the conference, thanks to revolutionary treatment with deep brain stimulation.

Later, Daisy Robinton of Boston Childrens Hospital talked of marrying compassion and humanity with technology and using CRISPR to advance off-the-shelf cellular replacement therapies that could correct genetic defects and increase our resilience to the disease of aging.

In one of the boldest talks of the day, Elizabeth Parrish, herself the worlds first recipient of two elective gene therapies to counter aging, challenged the audience to confront the underlying cause of aging and disease. Her company, BioViva, developed the gene therapies that she controversially self-administered and hopes to rapidly advance toward clinical use in humans.

Later in the afternoon, attendees heard from Beth Healey (ESA), who spent more than a year as a clinician on an Antarctic base, in an -80C/-112F environment where even bacteria cannot survive. She talked about how to deal with future medical problems from extreme environments, including space travel, and the consequences of losing all exposure to natural light, as she did in the long polar night.

David Halpern from the U.K. Governments Behavioural Insights Team shared experiences of the surprising successes of nudge theory in public health. Through subtle and innovative choices based in experimental psychology, Davids team has reportedly reduced unnecessary prescriptions, teen pregnancies, and smoking rates and increased exercise and organ donation across the U.K.

Eren Bali spoke about founding Carbon Health after seeing the confusion of managing health conditions in his own family and the potential for a more structured patient-clinician system. Building on Erens success with Udemy, the Carbon app coordinates care by condition with virtual and in-person interaction improving patient outcomes and reducing the burden on the local health system.

In parallel with the main speaker sessions, the EY startup stage featured 13 early-stage businesses pitching their concepts to a panel of investors, clinicians, and medtech executives. The pitch competition was won by the team at GiveVision, who are restoring sight for people suffering from low vision with an innovative smartphone-powered headset. Further entrepreneurial spirit was on display in the Sandoz Global HACk, which focused on improving access to healthcare around the world. The three winners of the HACk were: Blood Drive, a team of Maldives natives building an app to enable blood donations and treat the countrys extraordinarily high prevalence of Thalassemia; Save-a-life-app, a team from the Philippines building a community of life-savers who can administer CPR at any time or location; and Pharmacy Connect, a Ghanaian team with an app to efficiently staff rural pharmacies, which are the first point-of-call for sick patients but only have the resources to employ a pharmacist in 30% of cases.

The day was brought to a close with the theme of Unlocking the Brain. Jeremy Freeman from the recently formed Chan Zuckerberg Institute spoke of closing the data analysis loop in revolutionary models of the brain and body. The Institute has the aim of helping cure, prevent or manage all diseases in our childrens lifetime and is working on a number of projects, including a human cell atlas, to increase efficiency and sharing in science driven by the simple mantra that we cant cure what we dont understand.

Attendees glimpsed the future of human-controlled advanced robotics with a talk by Aldo Faisal (Imperial College) that featured piano players using extra thumbs and paraplegics walking with artificial legs. One of the goals of Aldos research is to map precise human movement to brain function with the possibility of reverse-engineering the process to create advanced neuro-control of robotic augmentations.

Daniel Kraft from Singularity Universitys Exponential Medicine program brought the event to a close and summarized the day with a call to action: to transform sickcare to healthcare. He spoke of the need to radically alter how we practice medicine, moving away from siloed systems preoccupied with late-stage disease and instead focusing on prevention by using our digital exhaust in smart and meaningful ways.

As with previous WIRED events, it was clear that the day had brought some of the sharpest minds together to begin answering the toughest and most relevant questions in healthcare. This was a celebration of how far healthcare has come in our lifetimes and an inspiration for the distances it still has to travel.

WIRED Health returns to London in March 2018.

Link: WIRED Health
by Tobi Elkin @tobielkin, March 16, 2017

Content discovery platform Taboola on Wednesday announced a strategic alliance with Televisa, the largest media company in Latin America. Televisa will integrate Taboolas content recommendation platform with the goal of increasing revenue through sponsored content and video, as well as driving consumer engagement through on-site personalization.

Taboola said the alliance represents the first time Televisa has implemented content recommendation as part of its monetization strategy. The company will use Taboolas predictive algorithmic technology to serve personalized content in the form of both editorial and video recirculation to its audiences online.

According to eMarketer, 65% of people access the Internet while simultaneously watching TV in Mexico. The collaboration between Taboola and Televisa is projecting 60 million page views per month.

We've seen tremendous growth in Latin America with recent announcements from top-tier publishers and brands like El Universal and Avocados From Mexico," Taboola CEO Adam Singolda told Real-Time Daily via email.

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As digital media consumption continues to grow more prominent in Mexico, the need to expand our business online -- beyond broadcast -- is more important than ever before, stated Ricardo Carvajal, digital managing director of Televisa.

Content recommendation is a new strategy for us and Taboola has helped us navigate the integration seamlessly. It also has a suite of editorial tools that we look forward to using to better inform our journalists, he said.
by Philip Rosenstein , March 16, 2017

While Rachel Maddows revelation on President Trumps taxes wasnt as big a bombshell as many expected, mostly because it was an abbreviated version of his 2005 tax return, just the 1040.

Still, viewers switched over to MSNBC in droves to watch The Rachel Maddow Show at 9 p.m. ET last night.

Maddow has been on a ratings hot streak lately, wrote CNNs Brian Stelter in last nights "Reliable Sources" newsletter. According to Deadline: For the week of March 6, Maddow ranked No. 1 among cable news shows in the news demo.

Despite strong ratings, online engagement data around the special report was mostly negative. Many were underwhelmed by the revelations. The report included an interview with Pulitzer Prize-winner David Cay Johnston, who received two pages of President Trumps 2005 returns in his home mailbox from an undisclosed sender. (He estimates the total return is over 1,000 pages.)

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Johnson has no idea who gave him the pages, but did not discount the possibility that Trump was behind the effort. On CNN he noted: "Donald has a long history of leaking things about himself and doing it indirectly and directly," Johnston told anchors Poppy Harlow and Chris Cuomo. "So it's a possibility."

Most strikingly for Maddow, many opponents of the President felt the special report did nothing but bolster Trump. It showed that he paid millions in federal taxes for 2005, despite refusing to release his tax returns for any year.

The problem is that Maddow's report missed the larger political point.

The worry over Trump's taxes is far greater than what paid to the IRS in a specific year. The major issue is his global business alliances and his debts  and whether his personal finances  such as potential loans from Russian banks, etc.  may put him in conflict with U.S. policy. Those serious concerns cannot be answered until a complete tax return is examined.

A second worry is that the two-page return was deliberate  an attempt to distract from the Russian investigations.

That may explain viewer response.

According to data crunched by Amobee, there were 364,000 tweets that mentioned Rachel Maddow between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. on Tuesday evening.

A majority 75% of tweets  had negative connotations, with 14% being positive and 11% neutral. One of the biggest complaints across Twitter: About half of the show was a preamble to the actual release.

Another common grievance found the special report distracted viewers from the far more important issue of the American Health Care Act.

Maddows revelation did have a significant impact on the news cycle. Between 9 p.m. on Tuesday and 1 a.m. on Wednesday, 30% of all digital content around President Trump was tax-return related, whereas only 11% related to health care.

The hashtag #ThankYouMaddow made the rounds last night, putting a sarcastic spin on the news of the tax returns. About 17,400 tweets shared the hashtag, mostly by people who felt Maddow had absolved Trump of this controversy.

MediaPost's TV Blog columnist Adam Buckman gave his opinion, which largely fits the overall sentiment online, in todays TVBlog.
by Thom Forbes @tforbes, March 16, 2017

Your first reaction to the concept of lab-grown chicken and duck may be yuck, but read on. Its coming. And it will not only be better for the environment  and individual members of the species themselves  it also tastes  well, good enough to eat again, at least at this point.

San Leandro, Calif.-based Memphis Meats held a tasting in San Francisco Tuesday night and yesterday formally announced the world's first chicken produced without the animal on its home page.

This is a historic moment for the clean meat movement, co-founder and CEO Uma Valeti said in a statement. Chicken and duck are at the center of the table in so many cultures around the world, but the way conventional poultry is raised creates huge problems for the environment, animal welfare, and human health. It is also inefficient. We aim to produce meat in a better way, so that it is delicious, affordable and sustainable.

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And the product pretty much tastes like chicken, according to people who were offered samples Tuesday in San Francisco, before Memphis Meats Inc.s formal unveiling on Wednesday, writes Jacob Bunge for the Wall Street Journal. Bunge was at the event Tuesday and his coverage is widely cited, including by CEO Valeti in a blog post.

Scientists, startups and animal-welfare activists believe the new product could help to revolutionize the roughly $200 billion U.S. meat industry. Their goal: Replace billions of cattle, hogs and chickens with animal meat they say can be grown more efficiently and humanely in stainless-steel bioreactor tanks, Bunge continues.

Some who sampled the strip  breaded, deep-fried and spongier than a whole chicken breast  said it nearly nailed the flavor of the traditional variety. Their verdict: They would eat it again, Bunge elaborates deeper in the story.

The company released a series of gourmet photos showing the meat prepared as southern-fried chicken and duck a l'orange. The images look indistinguishable from offerings you might expect to see in a high-end restaurant, writes Amanda Kooser for CNET.

But dont go texting an order to Vinnie the butcher. It will be 2021 before Memphis Meats expects to be in the meat case, not to mention that right now it costs almost $9,000 a pound to produce. But thats half of what it cost the company to make a cultured meatball a year ago. Eventually Memphis Meats hopes to sell its cultured meat at a comparable price to supermarket chicken (in the $3-4/lb. range) by 2021, reports Katherine Martinko for TreeHugger.

So how is this chicken made? Memphis Meats in-house senior scientist Eric Schulze explained the process to Eater in broad strokes, writes Daniela Galarza.

We start by harvesting cells from high-quality, living chickens that might otherwise go into conventional meat, Schulze told Galarza. The chickens are not killed in the process. We look for cells that have potential to renew, put them in an environment where they can grow and feed them water and nutrients  vitamins, minerals, proteins, sugars  and let them grow.

In about four to six weeks, those cells have developed into something ready for the deep fryer, wok or grill.

Poultry is widely consumed throughout the world. The U.S. Dept. of Agriculture projects consumers will eat 91.7 lbs. of chicken in 2017, up from about 90 lbs. in 2016. And China leads the world in consumption of duck  more than 6 billion lbs. per year, points out Erica Shaffer in Meat + Poultry. Cultured meat startups such as Memphis Meats, Modern Meadow Inc. [actually, leather re-imagined] and Mosa Meat aim to bring cultured meat to the masses. The products are grown using stem cells from cows, pigs and chickens.

So whats the point? Well, poultry products are great, CEO Valenti blogged yesterday. Theyre delicious, they have nutritional benefits and they play a crucial role in so many cultures around the world. They are the most consumed meat in the U.S., and soon will be the most consumed meat in the world. In fact, Americans spend roughly $90 billion per year  just on chicken.

To re-coin a phrase, that aint clean-meat scratch.
by Laurie Sullivan @lauriesullivan, March 16, 2017

The ad-supported Internet contributed about $1.121 trillion in revenue and more than 10 million jobs to the U.S. economy in 2016.



Breaking this total by contributions to identify the billions that came from search, video, and other areas reveals some surprises -- for example, the $2.4 billion in revenue from Web technology that match buyers and sellers of services such as Uber and Lyft or Airbnb.

A report titled "Economic Value of the Advertising-Supported Internet Ecosystem," led by a Harvard Business School professor for the Interactive Advertising Bureau, notes that in a prior study, search engines and portals accounted for more than 25,000 Internet employees in the Consumer Services Support layer of the report.

But since Google restructured and renamed as Alphabet, the report now refers to the company as an "Integrator."

Internet-related employment of "integrated firms" such as AT&T, Verizon, Amazon, Alphabet, Comcast, Microsoft, Google and Facebook was 442,000, which is about 11% of the Internet employment base, with revenue in aggregate of about $273 billion.

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The 2016 study shows that 4.1 million people owe their jobs directly to the advertising-supported Internet ecosystem, which grew at a compound annual growth rate of 18.5% to 19.6% when compared to the results of two earlier studies.

If the purpose of the study was to track the contributions that Internet advertising makes to the economy over time, perhaps the most surprising number in 2016 is the billions in contributions from YouTube partners.

For instance, PewDiePie contributed $15 million in revenue to the U.S. economy in 2016; Roman Atwood, $8 million; Lilly Singh, $7.5 million; Smosh, $7 million; Tyler Oakley, $4.5 million; and Rosanna Pansino, $6 million.

Social media sites such as Microsoft's LinkedIn -- as well as Twitter, Pinterest, and Snapchat -- contributed $3.4 billion in revenue and 8,893 jobs.

The study also estimates contributions from full-service advertising agencies at $11.75 billion and 52,953 jobs. Omnicom Group contributed $2.7 billion in Internet revenue and employing 13,842 in 2016. The numbers for Publicis North America came in slightly lower at $2.7 billion and 11,936; WPP, $2.4 billion and 8,851; IPG, $1.2 billion and 5,294; Dentsu Aegis Network, $442 million and 3,882; and all other general full-service agencies at $2.1 billion and 9,148, respectively.

The estimate for digital and CRM vendors contributes $13.02 billion to the economy and 53,733 jobs. Salesforce, Adobe Systems, Epsilon, Dun & Bradstreet, and Merkle took the top five spots, contributing in aggregate a bit over $9 billion and 27,157 jobs. Others called out in the list include Marketo, Harte Hanks, Bazaarvoice, and Tapjoy.

Online ad networks and exchanges contributed $2.9 billion in U.S. revenues and 3,788 jobs. Here are the top five per the study: MediaMath contributed $800 million and 375 jobs; Exponential contributed $600 million and 650 jobs; iAD contributed $341 million and 195 jobs; Rocket Fuel contributed $337 million and 755 jobs; and AppLovin $234 million and 115 jobs, respectively, in 2016.

The study names Nielsen, comScore and Quantcast as the firms that contributed $778 million to U.S. revenue and 4,272 jobs in the category of measurement and analytics.

Shippers delivering online purchases came in at $30,284 in 2016 Internet revenue and 353,315 employees

Web-enabling services such as self-employed Web designers, developers and content creators whose work isn't captures elsewhere in the study contributed $17.9 billion and 182,284 jobs.

The estimate for Financial Services Support is $2.2 billion and 7,569 jobs. Our estimate for E-learning Support is $799 million and 4,656 jobs. Our estimate for Travel Services Support is $1.2 billion and 1,906 jobs. Our estimate for Health Care Information Solutions is $2.4 billion and 11,783 jobs.

The detailed report estimates that companies in the News & Information category contributed $18.2 billion in U.S. revenue and 47,777 jobs; multi-genre content, $19.6 billion and 34,391 jobs; specializing research and user generated content on sites like Yelp and Angie's List contributing $933 million and 4,032 jobs.

Online music services from sites like Spotify, Pandora, iHeartMedia, and Rhapsody contributing $2.5 billion and 3,163 jobs; and online video from Netflix, Hulu, Vevo and YouTube partners and contributes at $6.35 billion and 38,796 jobs, to name a few.
by Larissa Faw , March 16, 2017

Denny's has appointed Publicis Groupes Conill as its Hispanic advertising AOR following a competitive review. IPGs Casanova//McCann previously served as Dennys Hispanic agency.

The California-based agency will handle strategy, creative development, social media and digital communications targeting Hispanic audiences at both the local and national level.

Conill will also work very closely with Dennys longtime agency partners Erwin Penland and Blue 449 to ensure a "holistic brand message" across all guest segments, according to the client.

Denny's advertising expenses for 2016, 2015 and 2014 were $13.1 million, $12.5 million and $12.3 million, respectively, although local co-op dollar contributions from franchisees bring total annual budgets into the $70 million-plus range. The budget for Hispanic advertising was not immediately available.

advertisement advertisement

Denny's is undergoing significant changes as it attempts to appeal to today's diners. The casual dining chain focuses on four demographics - Hispanics, Millennials, families with kids under 12, and Boomers - through traditional and new media.

Ads are designed to amplify Denny's brand strengths as "America's Diner," promoting the various breakfast, lunch, dinner, late night and Fit Fare menu offerings in addition to both value and premium limited time only offerings.

Social media has been a particular bright spot. The @DennysDiner Twitter feed has regularly topped lists of best corporate social media accounts with its entertaining and amusing messages, like 'Does it ever depress you watching a pat of butter melt, back to whence it came, a deep void of nonexistence? mmmmvoids."

Todays families are busy, connected and diverse, stated John Dillon, CMO, Denny's. As Americas Diner we strive to engage with our multicultural audience in ways beyond traditional advertising, making an emotional connection and resonating with them both in and outside our restaurants. As Americas Diner, it was important for us to look for a partner with strong strategic business acumen, intimate audience insight and a keen understanding of the dynamics of franchisee businesses. Conills credentials in these areas stood apart.

In the U.S., Denny's has over 1,700 restaurants, including 169 company operated locations with geographic concentrations along the West Coast and the Southwest, Texas and Florida.

Founded in 1968 as the nations first Latino marketing agency, Conill's roster of clients includes Aflac, Nationwide, Procter & Gamble, T-Mobile and Toyota Motor Sales.
An international research team, led by scientists at University of California San Diego School of Medicine, has created the first cellular model of anorexia nervosa (AN), reprogramming induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) derived from adolescent females with the eating disorder.

Writing in Translational Psychiatry, the scientists said the resulting AN neurons - the disease in a dish - revealed a novel gene that appears to contribute to AN pathophysiology, buttressing the idea that AN has a strong genetic factor. The proof-of-concept approach, they said, provides a new tool to investigate the elusive and largely unknown molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the disease.

"Anorexia is a very complicated, multifactorial neurodevelopmental disorder," said Alysson Muotri, PhD, professor in the UC San Diego School of Medicine departments of Pediatrics and Cellular and Molecular Medicine, director of the UC San Diego Stem Cell Program and a member of the Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine. "It has proved to be a very difficult disease to study, let alone treat. We don't actually have good experimental models for eating disorders. In fact, there are no treatments to reverse AN symptoms."

Primarily affecting young female adolescents between ages 15 and 19, AN is characterized by distorted body image and self-imposed food restriction to the point of emaciation or death. It has the highest mortality rate among psychiatric conditions. For females between 15 and 24 years old who suffer from AN, the mortality rate associated with the illness is 12 times higher than the death rate of all other causes of death.

Though often viewed as a non-biological disorder, new research suggests 50 to 75 percent of risk for AN may be heritable; with predisposition driven primarily by genetics and not, as sometimes presumed, by vanity, poor parenting or factors related to specific groups of individuals.

But little is actually known about the molecular, cellular or genetic elements or genesis of AN. In their study, Muotri and colleagues at UC San Diego and in Brazil, Australia and Thailand, took skin cells from four females with AN and four healthy controls, generated iPSCs (stem cells with the ability to become many types of cells) from these cells and induce these iPSCs to become neurons.

(Previously, Muotri and colleagues had created stem cell-derived neuronal models of autism and Williams syndrome, a rare genetic neurological condition.)

Then they performed unbiased comprehensive whole transcriptome and pathway analyses to determine not just which genes were being expressed or activated in AN neurons, but which genes or transcripts (bits of RNA used in cellular messaging) might be associated with causing or advancing the disease process.

No predicted differences in neurotransmitter levels were observed, the researchers said, but they did note disruption in the Tachykinin receptor 1 (TACR1) gene. Tachykinins are neuropeptides or proteins expressed throughout the nervous and immune systems, where they participate in many cellular and physiological processes and have been linked to multiple diseases, including chronic inflammation, cancer, infection and affective and addictive disorders.

The scientists posit that disruption of the tachykinin system may contribute to AN before other phenotypes or observed characteristics become obvious, but said further studies employing larger patient cohorts are necessary.

"But more to the point, this work helps make that possible," said Muotri. "It's a novel technological advance in the field of eating disorders, which impacts millions of people. These findings transform our ability to study how genetic variations alter brain molecular pathways and cellular networks to change risk of AN - and perhaps our ability to create new therapies."
Latest Health News Updates

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Study

Outcome of the Study

Results

The study results revealed that out of 4961 participants who were treated with immunosuppressive agents, 71 participants (0.2%) experienced serious infections.

Amongst the 2598 steroid users, 1587 non-biologic users and 776 TNF inhibitors users included in this study, the crude incidence rates of serious infections per 100 person years were reported to be 3.4 (95%), 2.3 (, and 1.5, respectively.

In the adjusted primary analyses, no statistically significant differences were observed in the risk of serious infections during pregnancy amongst the three immunosuppressive drug classes:

Non-biologics vs. steroids, hazard ratio 0.81 (95%)

steroids, hazard ratio 0.81 (95%)

TNF inhibitors vs. steroids, hazard ratio 0.91

steroids, hazard ratio 0.91

TNF inhibitors vs. non-biologics, hazard ratio 1.36

The dose-response analysis showed that high-dose steroid use was an independent risk factor for serious infections during pregnancy.

The results also revealed that risk of serious infections was significantly higher in the later months of pregnancy in all three groups.

Strengths of the Study

This is the first study of its kind to systematically analyze risk of serious infections in pregnant women undergoing treatment with immunosuppressive agents.

The sample size used was large enough to be able to conduct additional stratified analysis by underlying inflammatory conditions as well as compare the results using meta-analytic methods.

Limitations of the Study

The study only included women with a live-born infant and did not take into consideration use of some non-biologic agents which could result in abortions such as methotrexate, mycophenolate mofetil, amongst others.

Conclusion

The results of this population-based cohort study revealed no significant difference in the risk of serious infections in pregnant women who used steroid monotherapy, non-biologics (monotherapy or in combination with steroids), and tumor necrosis factor  (TNF) inhibitors (monotherapy or in combination with steroids or non-biologics).

On the other hand, steroid dose was found to be an independent risk factor for serious infections during pregnancy.

Rishi J Desai, Brian T Bateman, Krista F Huybrechts, Elisabetta Patorno, Sonia Hernandez-Diaz, Yoonyoung Park, Sara Z Dejene, Jacqueline Cohen, Helen Mogun, Seoyoung C Kim. "Risk of serious infections associated with use of immunosuppressive agents in pregnant women with autoimmune inflammatory conditions: cohort study." The British Medical Journal (2017); 356 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.j895.

There is only limited information available on the safety of immunosuppressive drugs in pregnancy and many are contraindicated for use during pregnancy due to their teratogenic potential. Hence it is important to understand the risk of infections in pregnant women using immunosuppressive agents to be able to guide them appropriately in treatment selection.Research teams from Brigham and Women's Hospital at Harvard University in Boston conducted an observational cohort study to compare the risk of serious infections in pregnant women taking steroids, non-biologic immunosuppressive agents, or tumor necrosis factor  (TNF) inhibitors to treat various autoimmune conditions.Data obtained from two large US health insurance databases, Medicaid and Optum Clinformatics were studied. Participants included 4961 pregnant women with a mean age of 29 years and were treated with immunosuppressive drugs for rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, ankylosing spondylitis , psoriatic arthritis, or inflammatory bowel disease.Patients were classified into steroid, non-biologic, or TNF inhibitors based on first filled prescription of these immunosuppressive agents during pregnancy. The date when the immunosuppressive prescription was filled for the first time during pregnancy was defined as the index date. Since TNF inhibitors are not used to treat systemic lupus erythematosus, women with this condition were excluded from comparisons involving TNF inhibitors.The objective of the study was to see if any serious infections occurred after the index date during pregnancy. Infections leading to hospitalization such as bacterial infection (meningitis, encephalitis, cellulitis, endocarditis, pneumonia, pyelonephritis, septic arthritis, osteomyelitis, and bacteremia) or opportunistic infections (tuberculosis, systemic candidiasis, cryptococcosis, aspergillosis) were considered serious in nature.Hazard ratios between immunosuppressive treatment and risk of serious infections were derived using Cox proportional hazard regression models after adjustment for confounding with propensity score fine stratification.Dose-response analysis was conducted in women filling at least one steroid prescription using a logistic regression model.Source: Medindia
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Claude Alain et al. Mild cognitive impairment is characterized by deficient brainstem and cortical representations of speech. Journal of Neuroscience; (2017) doi.org/10.1523/JNEUROSCI.3700-16.2017

The findings demonstrates that changes occur early during the brain's conversion of speech sound into understandable words.The study examined 23 older adults between the ages of 52 and 86 years with no known history of neurological or psychiatric illnesses with similar hearing acuity.Participants were separated into two groups based on their results on a dementia screening test.They were made to watch a video and the brain activity in the brainstem was measured. While participants were identifying vowel sounds, brain activity in the auditory cortex was measured.Researchers combined both sets of brain activity, using statistical methods, to predict mild cognitive impairment."This opens a new door in identifying biological markers for dementia since we might consider using the brain's processing of speech sounds as a new way to detect the disease earlier," says Dr. Claude Alain, the study's senior author and senior scientist at Baycrest's Rotman Research Institute (RRI) and professor at the University of Toronto's psychology department.The brain activity within the brainstem of these older adults demonstrated abnormally large processing of speech sound within 7-10 milliseconds of the signal hitting the ear. This could be sign of greater communication problems in the future."Losing the ability to communicate is devastating and this finding could lead to the development of targeted treatments or interventions to maintain this capability and slow progression of the disease." Alain added."When we hear a sound, the normal aging brain keeps the sound in check during processing, but those with MCI have lost this inhibition and it was as if the flood gates were open since their neural response to the same sounds were over-exaggerated," says Dr. Gavin Bidelman, first author on the study, a former RRI post-doctoral fellow and assistant professor at the University of Memphis."This functional biomarker could help identify people who should be monitored more closely for their risk of developing dementia." Bidelman added.The researchers used electroencephalogram (EEG) to measure electrical activity using in these brain regions. This technique also helped predict mild cognitive impairment (MCI), with 80% accuracy.This test could be developed into a cost-effective and objective diagnostic assessment for older adults."MCI is known to cause changes in different senses, such as vision or touch," says Dr. Alain. "If we could incorporate these changes into a wireless EEG test, we could combine all this information and develop a better biomarker. One day, doctors could administer a short, 10-minute assessment and instantly provide results.""This could offer a new diagnostic assessment that tests a person's cognitive abilities, such as their ability to communicate, and objectively measure physiological changes in the brain that reflect early signs of dementia," says Dr. Bidelman.The study is published online in theSource: Medindia


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Experts support North-South Expressway project

Several transport experts have thrown their support behind construction of the North-South Expressway despite public concerns over its huge cost, saying the road would play a vital role in north-south transport in the long run, especially in the absence of a high-speed railway.

















After the Ministry of Transport submitted the pre-feasibility study of the project to the Government with estimated capital of VND314.1 trillion (US$13.7 billion) last week, the public and some experts have deemed the project as unnecessary.

They said National Highway 1A had been widened with four lanes, in addition to railway and sea routes and Ho Chi Minh Road connecting the two ends of the nation.



However, some other experts said the project will play a vital role in the long run.



Nguyen Van Thu, former director of the Institute of Transport Planning and Management, told the Daily that National Highway 1A is forecast to become overloaded in the next few years, given the fast increasing number of vehicles. Railway lines are in poor condition while sea routes take a lot of time to travel.



If the expressway is developed, it will facilitate goods transport between the north and south, saving a huge amount of time and money, he said.



Transport expert Pham Sanh shared Thus view, saying that heavy congestion often grinds traffic to a standstill on many national highways.



He said some sections of the planned expressway should be developed first, especially in regions with heavy traffic and where traffic accidents often occur.



Besides, the Government should invest in expressways for Hanoi-Vinh, HCMC-Nha Trang and Trung Luong-Can Tho sections because of their necessity and feasibility.



Such opinions are voiced as the Government is expected to convene a meeting on March 15 to discuss whether or not to develop the North-South Expressway.



The North-South Expressway is expected to stretch 1,372 kilometers, beginning at the Cao Bo Intersection in the northern province of Nam Dinh and ending at the Dau Giay Intersection in the southern province of Dong Nai, according to the pre-feasibility study.



The project requires total capital of VND314.1 trillion, with around VND96.6 trillion (US$4.2 billion) sourced from the State budget.



The transport ministry has floated three options.



Under the first option, three sections will be built first, namely Cao Bo (Nam Dinh)-Vinh (Nghe An), Cam Lo (Quang Tri)-Tuy Loan (Hue), and Phan Thiet (Binh Thuan)-Dau Giay (Dong Nai), stretching a combined length of 467 kilometers, with VND41.4 trillion (US$1.8 billion) funded by the State budget.



In the second option, over 910 kilometers of the expressway will be constructed, including sections of Cao Bo-Van Ninh (Quang Binh), Cam Lo-Tuy Loan, Nha Trang (Khanh Hoa)-Dau Giay. The Government will provide VND63 trillion (US$2.7 billion).



For the third option, the State budget will offer VND70 trillion (US$3.06 billion) to invest in 1,015 kilometers consisting of Cao Bo-Van Ninh, and Tuy Hoa (Phu Yen)-Dau Giay sections.



The ministry has suggested the Government selecting the first option in order to meet transport demand and balance the State funding for other key transport infrastructure projects.

SGT
Dear Colleagues,

We are today in the pleasant position of holding a joint meeting of the Committee on the Parliament's Library, the Standing Committee on Educational Affairs and the Special Permanent Committee on Greeks Abroad, on the subject of cooperation between the Libraries of the Hellenic Parliament and the Theological School of Halki. A pleasure for all of us, because this is an endeavour that, following various debates and consultations, is starting to be actualised.

The Theological School of Halki, since its founding in 1844, on the island of Halki, by Patriarch Germanos IV, has played a substantial role in the development and dissemination of the ecumenical message of the Eastern Orthodox Church.

It was always enlightening and timeless, as well as timely, responding to the challenges and spiritual questions that arise from time to time. The Halki Seminary nurtured the most eminent figures of the Orthodox Church  including His All-Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew  as well as dozens of distinguished hierarchs and academics in Greece and abroad.

In the spirit of the ancient ecclesiastical and theological schools of Alexandria, of Antioch and of Constantinople, it attracted large numbers of students from all over the world, acting as a true beacon of peace, optimism and serenity.

In this spiritual, educational and social work, the Halki Seminary could not but depend on the drawing of spiritual resources from the materials of its library, which, in turn, is an ark of the wisdom of hierarchs, theologians, scholars, historians  ancient or modern  that has been offered for the benefit of students and the ecumenical community. It should be noted that the Seminary's Library pre-dated the Seminary itself by centuries, enriching its materials all the while, as Patriarch Mitrophanes III conceived of it in the mid-16th century and breathed life into its activities.

Given the huge volume of tomes and books that has accrued through the centuries of the library's operation, modern requirements pointed up the need to gather and catalogue the initially scattered materials.

Materials that came from various sources, mainly donations from private collections, and that, having been brought together, confirms that the Seminary Library is one of the richest in the world, with rare books and incunabula.

More specifically, at the Monastery of the Holy Trinity, in Halki, where the materials in question are stored, some 90,000 volumes -- mainly books from the 18th and 19th centuries, incunabula from the 16th century -- have been registered and digitised, along with over 900 titles of Greek and foreign-language periodicals. This wealth concerns not only matters of ecclesiastical history and theology, but also works of philosophy, law, rhetoric, archaeology, geography, music and literature.

So you can see that this is an extremely important project, which was brought off successfully by His Eminence Metropolitan Elpidophoros of Bursa, with the invaluable assistance of personnel from the Library of the Hellenic Parliament, scientific personnel from the Cultural Foundation of the National Bank of Greece and the University Ecclesiastical Academy of Thessaloniki, and individual volunteers, university students and even partner agencies the names of which are already known, and which deserve our warm thanks.

Recognising the importance of this wealth, eminent personnel of the Library of Parliament, headed by Director Elli Droulia, were already visiting the Ecumenical Patriarchate years ago and meeting with representatives of the Seminary Library, within the framework of the regular transfer of know-how and personnel training carried out between the two sides, leading to today's happy result of the collaboration that began in 2014.

The successful cataloguing and digitizing of the Halki Library is an important first step towards the institution's meeting the demands of the era and becoming a modern global research centre, as the space where the heart of the ecumenical Orthodox community beats should be. At the same time, it opens the way for further cooperation and creative initiatives.

It is through this prism that we should see the constructive dialogue with the Library of the Hellenic Parliament and other organizations in Greece, as well as the cooperation proposed by foundations in other countries, such as the State Library (Staatsbibliothek) of Germany, in this case regarding the work required for the preservation of ecclesiastical books and documents.

Finally, we should not overlook the lively interest shown by researchers from all of the world who visit the Library, given that it is open to the public. And, naturally, the interest expressed by people on the pages of social and tourism networks.

So it is clear that, through the dialogue we are attempting today and the cooperation we offer to the Library of the Theological School of Halki, we are creating an opening for global reach and the production of culture -- inherent elements of the Seminary that seek recipients.

We hope that, soon, Turkey, as one such recipient -- essentially as the main recipient of the Seminary's churches and its Library in terms of global reach and production of culture -- will lend a sympathetic ear to its deacons, finally allowing its vital and long-awaited normal operation.

Thank you.
The now-suspended police chief in the district of Yongsan has been booked for an investigation, along with the head of the Yongsan Ward office and two others, on charges of profess...
BAD AXE  The Huron County Board of Commissioners took the first step in temporarily banning solar energy development in county-zoned municipalities on Tuesday.

The board unanimously voted to send a moratorium on solar energy development to the Huron County Planning Commission for review.

The county currently has no language in its zoning ordinance to regulate commercial solar energy operations.

If approved by the planners and the board, the moratorium would be in effect for one year or until the commercial solar energy system regulations are adopted in the countys zoning ordinance, according to the amendment.

County officials say that some local landowners have signed leases with Cypress Creek Renewables of Arizona to receive up to $800 an acre to house solar farms on 30-acre parcels of farmland for 20 years.

Thats more than farmers could earn from agriculture.

However, the land used for solar farms would not remain eligible for the states farmland preservation program under Public Act 116, said Rich Harlow, program manager for the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development, in a recent interview.

Huron County ranks No. 1 in Michigan for acreage enrolled in PA 116 with 343,352 acres enrolled. The state has 3.3 million acres enrolled, Harlow said, which means Huron County accounts for more than 10 percent of the states total PA 116 acreage.

The proposed amendment to the county zoning ordinance calling for the moratorium states that 75.4 percent of Huron Countys farmland is enrolled in PA 116.

In order to release land from PA 116, the property would have to be rezoned from agricultural use to commercial and/or industrial usage.

If a farm is converted to solar, farmers would lose tax credits dating back seven years, Harlow told the Tribune.

Farmers would also have to put a percentage of the farm on a permanent conservation easement if the PA 116 rezoning were recent. If 30 acres of a 100-acre farm were set aside for solar, 60 acres would have to be put on a permanent conservation easement, Harlow said.

The ordinance amendment that imposes the moratorium states that Spicer Group of Saginaw will work solar energy development into the Huron County Master Plan, which is currently under revision.

The planners must return the resolution to the board by May 23.

County-zoned municipalities are: Bingham, Bloomfield, Brookfield, Dwight, Fairhaven, Gore, Grant, Hume, Lincoln, McKinley, Rubicon, Sebewaing, Sheridan, Sherman, Sigel and Winsor townships.
To the editor:

When the Huron Community Fair asked the question, How can we raise money to replace the 1940 bathrooms that presently serve guests with new year round bathroom and shower facilities? The answer was to throw a party. A giant community fund raising party!

As baskets filled with special items were carried into the Knights of Columbus Hall and other items were delivered to be auctioned off on the evening of the party, these donations added up to support from more than 120 businesses, 4-H clubs, FFA chapters, and private individuals. In addition to the auctions, raffles and 50/50 drawings added to the fun and excitement. The excitement and fun began with a wonderful meal and continued until the final grand prize ticket was drawn.

The Huron Community Fair wishes to thank all who helped make this fundraiser a great success. For each donation, bidder, worker, and supporter, we extend our extreme thanks and appreciation for your support. The reality of this project is becoming closer all of the time.

Don Wheeler

Huron Community Fair Secretary
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...
President Donald Trump's "America First Budget" renewed his pledge to boost defense spending by $54 billion and congressional Republicans immediately renewed their complaint that it was "not enough."

Trump's fiscal 2018 budget request released Thursday included $639 billion for the Department of Defense, a sum that the White House Office of Management and Budget said was an increase of $52 billion over the level authorized under a stopgap funding measure known as a continuing resolution on the 2017 budget.

The $639 billion total included $574 billion for the base budget, a 10 percent increase from the 2017 CR level, and $65 billion for Overseas Contingency Operations -- the so-called "war budget."

OMB said the budget request would end sequestration "by restoring $52 billion to DoD, as well as $2 billion to other national defense programs outside DOD, for a $54 billion total increase for national defense discretionary budget authority above the sequestration level budget cap."

The budget office claimed that the $54 billion hike over the 2017 budget of $587 billion would exceed "the entire defense budget of most countries, and would be one of the largest one-year DoD increases in American history."

"Unlike spending increases for war, which mostly consume resources in combat, the increases in the President's budget primarily invest in a stronger military," it said.

The chairman of the Senate and House Armed Services Committees -- Sen. John McCain, an Arizona Republican, and Rep. Mac Thornberry, a Texas Republican -- quickly said the $54 billion wasn't enough and would not provide for a quick enough military buildup to deter threats.

McCain said that the $54 billion "will not be sufficient to rebuild the military. Such a budget does not represent a 10 percent increase as previously described by the White House, but amounts to a mere three percent over" the budget plan that had been proposed by former President Barack Obama.

"It is clear to virtually everyone that we have cut our military too much and that it has suffered enormous damage," Thornberry said. "Unfortunately, the administration's budget request is not enough to repair that damage and to rebuild the military as the President has discussed."

In his preface to the budget request, titled "America First -- A Blueprint To Make America Great Again," Trump said, "A budget that puts America first must make the safety of our people is number one priority, because without safety there can be no prosperity."

"The core of my first budget blueprint is the rebuilding of our nation's military without adding to our federal deficit," the president said. "There is a $54 billion increase in defense spending in 2018 that is offset by targeted reductions elsewhere."

To pay for the military buildup, Trump has proposed major cuts in the Coast Guard, the State Department, the Environmental Protection Administration, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and other departments and agencies.

The president has also proposed the total elimination of funding a number of small independent agencies. The OMB hit list included the African Development Foundation; the Appalachian Regional Commission; the Chemical Safety Board; the Corporation for National and Community Service; the Corporation for Public Broadcasting; the Delta Regional Authority; the Denali Commission and the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

The list also included the Inter-American Foundation; the U.S. Trade and Development Agency; the Legal Services Corporation; the National Endowment for the Arts; the National Endowment for the Humanities; the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation; the Northern Border Regional Commission; the Overseas Private Investment Corporation; the United States Institute of Peace; the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness; and the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars."

-- Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com.
President Donald Trump named a Boeing Co. executive Thursday to replace Deputy Secretary Bob Work, a holdover from the Obama administration, as the No. 2 civilian at the Pentagon after Defense Secretary Jim Mattis.

The White House, on Mattis' recommendation, announced that fixed-wing and rotorcraft specialist Patrick Shanahan, now the senior vice president for supply chain and operations at Boeing, would be nominated as the successor to Work, a retired Marine artillery colonel who has taken on some of the toughest management assignments at the Defense Department on budgets, modernization and health care.

Work, who served under former Defense Secretary Ashton Carter, agreed to stay on at Mattis' request as the new Trump administration struggled to fill political appointments requiring Senate confirmation throughout government.

Mattis put Work in charge of budget workups that will likely keep him at the Pentagon through May. The overlap for Work put three Marines for the first time in the top three positions at the department -- Mattis, Work and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Joseph Dunford, the former Marine commandant.

Navy Capt. Jeff Davis, a Pentagon spokesman, said Mattis was grateful that Work had agreed to stay on until his successor is confirmed by the Senate.

"His steady leadership is critical during this time of transition, and Secretary Mattis continues to have full confidence in him as he carries out crucial work in managing the Department," Davis said.

At Boeing, Shanahan previously was senior vice president of airplane programs and oversaw the management for the 737, 747, 767, 777 and 787 programs, the White House said.

Before that, Shanahan was vice president and general manager of Boeing's Missile Defense Systems unit and vice president and general manager for Rotorcraft Systems in Philadelphia, where he was responsible for all U.S. Army Aviation, including the Bell-Boeing V-22 Osprey tiltrotor, the CH-47 Chinook and the AH-64D Apache attack helicopter.

Shanahan's was one of six nominations -- five of them from Virginia -- to fill posts at the Pentagon sent over to the Senate, all with Mattis' recommendations, according to the Pentagon.

David Joel Trachtenberg of Virginia will was named to serve as principal deputy undersecretary of defense for policy, following the withdrawal of the nomination to that post of former Ambassador to Egypt Anne Patterson. Several Republican senators had signaled their opposition to Patterson's nomination.

Trachtenberg is the president and CEO of Shortwaver Consulting LLC, a national security consultancy, and formerly was a staffer on the House Armed Services Committee. He previously served as principal deputy assistant secretary of defense for international security policy where he was responsible for issues relating to NATO, Europe, Russia and Eurasia, technology security, counter-proliferation, missile defense, nuclear forces, and arms control, the White House said.

Kenneth P. Rapuano of Virginia was nominated to serve as assistant secretary of defense, homeland defense and global security. Rapuano has a long career in national security and homeland security affairs in the private, public and academic sectors, the White House said. He currently serves as senior vice president and director of the studies and analysis group at the ANSER Corp.

David L. Norquist of Virginia, a partner with the accounting firm of Kearney and Co., was named to serve as undersecretary of defense, comptroller. Norquist has 27 years of experience in federal financial management beginning as a federal employee in 1989 with the Department of the Army, the White House said.

Elaine McCusker of Virginia was named to serve as principal deputy undersecretary of defense, comptroller. McCusker currently is the director of resources and analysis at the headquarters of U.S Central Command at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida.

Robert Daigle of Virginia, an Army veteran, was named to as director of cost assessment and program evaluation, known as CAPE. Daigle previously served in CAPE during the Bush administration as director of program resources and information systems management division.

The flurry of nominations for the Pentagon posts came amid reports of growing friction between Mattis and the White House over the slow pace of appointments to his staff.

-- Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com.
YPSILANTI TOWNSHIP, MI - He spoke about the history of the Willow Run factory site, but President Donald Trump did not discuss its future as an autonomous vehicle test site during his speech at the facility on Wednesday, March 15.

John Maddox, chief executive officer of The American Center for Mobility, said he is still happy with the president's speech overall and his decision to visit Willow Run.

"It didn't really bother us at all. He talked a lot about Willow Run, that's what it's all about," Maddox said. "He talked about the history of the site, he talked about the need for the U.S. auto industry to maintain its preeminence in technology moving forward."

ACM did come up during a private roundtable with automotive officials prior to Trump's speech in Hangar 1, Maddox said, along with topics like regulatory processes, fuel economy and jobs.

Both Trump and Gov. Rick Snyder discussed the importance of manufacturing and keeping it alive in the United States and in Michigan before talk turned to technology.

"Myself and a couple other CEOs and the governor brought up the need to really focus and move quickly on developing these automated vehicles and the technology that's related to make sure the United States stays in the lead," Maddox said.

Trump showed an understanding of automated vehicles and the possible translation to future jobs, Maddox said, while also questioning how states across the country can adopt uniform regulations. It's something Maddox says is one of the focus areas of ACM.

"He clearly gets the idea that we're building a site focused on future transportation," Maddox said.

In its former life, Willow Run served as a manufacturing site for automobiles and also for B-24 bombers during World War II. That was recognized during Trump's speech when he referenced the home of the iconic figure Rosie the Riveter.

It was later a General Motors factory, and closed in 2010. See a timeline of Willow Run over the last seven years here.

What is ACM?

First introduced by Snyder in January 2016, ACM is a joint initiative of the State of Michigan, including the Michigan Department of Transportation, the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor SPARK and the Michigan Economic Development Corp.

Its intention is to create an autonomous and connected vehicle testing facility for use by automotive manufacturers, and it has been named a national proving ground.

The testing facility is one step closer to completion with the unanimous approval of the preliminary site plan by the Ypsilanti Township Planning Commission Tuesday night. The plan contains concepts and details on what construction will take place over the next five years at the facility at 2930 Ecorse Road.

The property will include a 2.5-mile test track, a tech park with buildings designed for operational and testing support and a cyber security lab, with support from AT&T, and sections offering different traffic scenarios like a rural section with trees and an urban section featuring traffic signals and a six-lane intersection.

Mike Radzik, the township's director of community standards, said it was the first proposal for the site brought to the planning commission and the plans for Willow Run are a reminder of its first purpose.

The planning commission had some specific questions about the confidentiality screening for the site but was overall satisfied with the information ACM representatives provided at an earlier work session.

"It's fair to say the planning commission hasn't seen a project as unique as the American Center for Mobility," Radzik said. "We're very, very happy this is moving forward."

Construction could start as early as April, with an estimated opening date of Dec. 1. Automotive companies already are clamoring for a chance to use the testing facility, Maddox said.

"I must have had 10 questions today before the round table when we were waiting for him (Trump.) There are definitely companies now that would be here testing today if we were ready to accommodate them," Maddox said.

WHY WILLOW RUN

There is a reason for that excitement, and why Trump chose Willow Run as his first stop in Michigan since becoming the 45th president, he added.

"They wanted a site that embodied the spirit of innovation of the auto industry," Maddox said. "If you think about one of the major approaches of reinvigorating the American economy, that's what we're doing for the site."

He also pointed out Willow Run is a neutral site, versus a manufacturer's plant, for an event attended by officials from several automotive companies.

"This is a neutral site, and the fact that we have strong support from every company here today, was a pretty easy decision," Maddox said. "We certainly believe that's why they chose Willow Run."

Trump's visit was a validation for the work being done by ACM, and for the facility that will soon break ground and come to life on a property that has long sat vacant and unused.

"Everyone who came here today was strongly supportive. They knew why it was important to build this place," Maddox said. "We're very proud to have hosted it and we think it really does send a very validating message to us that we're on the right track."
The Wyoming Department of Public Safety recently honored a police officer, firefighter and building maintenance worker for their dedication to the city.

Officials named Carmen Morales as Officer of the Year, Lance Bowman as Firefighter of the Year and Milt Zaagman as Civilian of the Year during the city's annual Employee Recognition Ceremony.

Morales has been an officer with the Police Department for more than 20 years. She has been a patrol officer, detective and currently serves in the warrant unit.

Public Safety Director James Carmody praised Morales, calling her an "invaluable member of our department."

"She is passionate about bringing justice to the victims of crime and believes in the dignity of all," he said. "Her unwavering commitment to professional policing, her fellow officers and the community makes her someone we can all be proud to represent us as our Officer of the Year."

Bowman has been the director of the Fire Division's Quarter Master Program since it began in 2014. His role includes providing clothing and equipment for firefighter staff.

"Lance continues to rise above his responsibilities and be an exceptional leader within the department," Carmody said. "We commend him for his bravery and thank him for his service. His commitment to the department and his continued display of courage in emergencies serves as an exemplary role model for his peers."

Zaagman has worked in building maintenance for the city for more than 40 years.

Carmody lauded Zaagman for his work, saying he is an important part of keeping the department running successfully.

Also receiving awards during the ceremony were Det. D.J. VerHage and firefighter Brad Dornbos, who each received the Chief's Award of Professional Excellence.
mily Rose Bennett | ebennet1@mlive.com

By JOHN GONZALEZ and AMY SHERMAN | mlive.com

A little earlier today (March 16, 2017), we released our Top 10 List for Detroit's Best Burger. We traveled to the D from March 6-9, and on March 14 to sample some of your favorites.

As we said, the whole experience left us impressed with the passion of owners, managers and employees for making a great product, and locally sourcing everything.

At each stop, we sampled the best-selling burger and whatever else each finalist wanted us to try. We judged the burgers on the overall taste of the beef, freshness, quality of buns and that extra special quality that puts them a cut above the rest.

Although this is our "Best of the Rest" list, you won't go wrong at any of these restaurants. We have put them in alphabetical order.

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John Gonzalez | gonzo@mlive.com

BurgerFI, Northville

Address: 18801 Traditions Dr, Northville, MI 48168

Phone: (248) 308-3532

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Burger freshness

Owner Keith Bernek was in Florida several years ago when he was drawn to the BurgerFi concept, decor and vibe. "I could get passionate about this," he thought to himself. And he hadn't even tried the burger yet. But when he did, he was hooked. Serving 100 percent American Angus beef with no hormones, no antibiotics, BurgerFi is a chain with only two locations in Michigan, but better known in Florida and the East Coast. The fresh, free range, grass-fed beef comes from a Montana farm; and it's never frozen. In fact, Bernek doesn't have a freezer. He believes in freshness and buys his vegetables from Eastern Market and hand cuts everything. Along with the popular burgers, fans love the hand-cut fries, onion rings and veggie burger. All of it is made on site. Oh, and make sure to save room for the custard shakes, floats and concrete mixes.

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Emily Rose Bennett | ebennet1@mlive.com

The Burger Spot

Address: 550 Forest Ave #3, Plymouth, MI 48170

Phone: (734) 455-4141

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Great burgers, plus veggie/vegan options

Owners Lisa and Jack Ayoub are celebrating 3 years of ownership in May, and in that time they have built The Burger Spot into a booming business. They just purchased their third food truck, and they have traveled as far as Grand Rapids. The burgers have been a big hit, of course, but the vegetarian/vegan items are now accounting for 30 percent of their business. "And he didn't want to do it," Lisa said of Jack's reluctance to get into the vegan market. Today they have about 10 items on the menu, including a spicy/tasty Black Bean Burger ($5.50).

As for the burgers, we recommend the Ring of Fire: Jalapenos, pepper jack cheese, onion rings, and Sriracha mayo. The Burger Spot uses certified Angus beef with a 77-23 mix of lean to fat. The burger comes in fresh every day, and it's hand pattied on site and seasoned with a special "Burger Dust." Oh, make sure to save room for the Poutine fries!

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John Gonzalez | gonzo@mlive.com

Detroiter Bar

Address: 655 Beaubien St, Detroit, MI 48226

Phone: (313) 963-3355

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Classic burger bar

A popular hangout with Detroit Red Wings fans, the Detroiter Bar is known for its old-school vibe, wooden floors, exposed brick walls and the Detroit House Special. Its only $10, folks, and you get a mess of steak fries,  pound Detroiter Burger and a mug of draft beer. You might need a nap after that, said manager Tyler Tocco, who has been working at the bar since owner Evan Cossette took over the place 5 years ago. The Detroiter burger is topped with ham, bacon, American and Swiss cheese, and served on a sesame bun from Metropolitan Bread Company. The fresh ground chuck arrives three times a week from Eastern Market, where Ernst Hotel & Supply prepares the patties with their own seasoning. The burger (80-20 lean-to-fat ratio) has not changed at all over the years, according to Tocco, who co-manages the bar with Yanni Kefallinos. His grandfather was the former owner and named it Detroiter Bar in 1989. We loved the juicy, hearty bite and perfect ratio of burger to toppings. The lightly seasoned steak fries came out hot and were the perfect combination. The bar is also known for its Gyro and saganaki sausage. The Detroiter also serves a half pound burger with fries for lunch only ($5.95). The craft beer lovers will find some Detroit favorites from Atwater, Kuhnhenn and others. Make sure to leave with a Detroit Guzzles Harder T-shirt, while they last.

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Emily Rose Bennett | ebennet1@mlive.com

Falls Sports Lounge, Dearborn

Address: 19335 Carlysle St, Dearborn, MI 48124

Phone: (313) 278-0305

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Emily Rose Bennett | ebennet1@mlive.com

A long history

Falls Lounge owners Gary Enos and Nick Marano are celebrating 22 years in July, but Falls -- named after the Tahquamenon Falls in the Upper Peninsula -- has been a longtime neighborhood bar. And like any good, local bar, it has a great burger. Like our other contenders, they get fresh, never frozen meat (Ground Round, 80-20 mix) locally, and they sell a lot of burgers. The patties are 7 oz. each, which means it's a hearty burger, and come on a Brioche bun.

The secret: They use Velvetta cheese on The Classic Burger ($7.50), just like Miller's Bar (also in Dearborn). "Better than Miller's!" yelled one customer. It's worth a discussion. They are certainly different burgers. Try them for yourself.

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Emily Rose Bennett | ebennet1@mlive.com

The Ripper at Falls

Former Detroit Lions receiver Calvin Johnson would come in often and take down two of these: The Pepper Jack "The Ripper" Burger, seasoned with garlic and topped with pepper jack cheese and jalapenos.

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Emily Rose Bennett | ebennet1@mlive.com

Green Dot Stables

Address: 2200 W Lafayette Blvd, Detroit, MI 48216

Phone: (313) 962-5588

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Anything goes

Yes, we know they're sliders. But they're so good. Owner Jacques Driscoll took us through most of the 22 choices you will find on the menu. Opened on Derby Day in 2012, Green Dot takes its race theme so seriously that you even will find horse races on TV monitors throughout the bar. But it's those mouthwatering and creative (2oz.) sliders that steal the show. From the classic cheeseburger to fried bologna and Philly Cheese Steak and even PB&J, you will find something that tickles your fancy. Oh, and make sure to ask for the "Mystery Meat." (We had tuna, but you never know what odd/exotic meat is being served.) Most cost $3 each. On the menu you also will find French Fries, salads, soup and desserts.

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Tanya Moutzalias | tmoutzal@mlive.com

Irish Coffee Bar & Grill

Address: 18666 Mack Ave, Grosse Pointe Farms, MI 48236

Phone: (313) 881-5675

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Ground Round Club?

We had a great time meeting owner John Kennedy and his son/general manager Mike Kennedy. John opened the bar in 1980 with the idea of making it an Irish Coffee Bar & Grill. "I really want to emphasize the 'Bar and Grill,'" John said. A lot of people think we're just a coffee bar, and we're not." Burgers are the main attraction, and you can build your own, or order some unique versions, such as the Patty Melt Burger or Grilled Cheese Burger. The Ground Round (1/3 pound patties) is sourced locally; never frozen, always fresh. They go through 50 pounds of beef a day. The menu also includes tasty, deep-fried mushrooms, fries and homemade onion rings. Oh, and they do have a few coffee drinks, 10 of them to be exact.

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A perfect marriage

Grilled Cheese Burger ($6.95) at Irish Coffee Bar & Grill.

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Emily Rose Bennett | ebennet1@mlive.com

Lov-a-Burger

Address: 49660 Gratiot Ave, New Baltimore, MI 48051

Phone: (586) 221-1088

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Emily Rose Bennett | ebennet1@mlive.com

Kafta Burger

Owner Andy Fadour was one of the most energetic we met on the trip. A veteran of the restaurant business, he is celebrating his third year of opening Lov-a-Burger. His secret to success: "We take care of our people...Customers come back for service and the food." Everything is made to order; all the ingredients are fresh; and he also offers a Kafta Burger ($5.99; ground beef mixed with finely chopped parsley and special spices, topped with grilled onions). Oh, an we loved the Fatoush Salad.



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Emily Rose Bennett | ebennet1@mlive.com

Mason's Burger Bar

Address: 13490 Farmington Rd, Livonia, MI 48150

Phone: (734) 427-0650

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Double Shift Burger

Mason's Burger Bar and Grill owners Chanel and Brian Maloney took over this long time business not too long ago and didn't know how they would be received. The good news, the couple decided not to change anything about the decor, or the famous burgers. We loved the Double Shift Burger, two patties (1/3 pound each), American Cheese on a steamed onion roll. So good!

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John Gonzalez | gonzo@mlive.com

Mercury Burger Bar

Address: 2163 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216

Phone: (313) 964-5000

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Emily Rose Bennett | ebennet1@mlive.com

Great variety

A great diner vibe in Corktown, Mercury offers a variety of gourmet burgers for every taste. But that's not all, Chef Juan Najar offers other tasty sandwiches, entrees, hot dogs, poutine and shakes. Mercury goes through 1,000 pounds of beef every week. The patties are 6 oz. each, sourced locally with an 80-20 blend. The burger menu includes 14, hand-pressed speciality burgers along with the Classic.

We sampled: A specialty lamb burger with feta and pickled red onions atop an English muffin; the California turkey burger ($9) with Munster cheese, avocado, lettuce, tomato, onion, chipotle mayo, on a whole grain bun; The Topor burger ($11.50) with Corktown's own "Topors" Hungarian hot peppers, fried egg and hot sauce; and our favorite, the Southwest Detroit burger ($11) with chorizo, jalapenos, munster cheese, tortilla strips, avocado, and pickled spiced carrots. The best-known burger is The Juicy ($9.50), which is stuffed with Cheddar cheese. Don't leave without trying the hand dipped milkshakes - 'Not So Thin' Mint and the S'more, which comes with toasted marshmallows on top.

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John Gonzalez | gonzo@mlive.com

On the Dunes

Address: 2055 Haggerty Rd, Commerce Charter Twp, MI 48390

Phone: (248) 313-9713

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Emily Rose Bennett | ebennet1@mlive.com

Sweet Lorraine's

BREAKING NEWS: It's not often we get the scoop on a new development, but on our tour with manager John Elstro, he told us that OTD will transform in a matter of weeks with a new menu and new name: Sweet Lorraine's Game Time Grill.

OTD will maintain its batting cages, HD Golf, volleyball courts and Football Bowling (which is also new), but will put an emphasis on the new agreement with Sweet Lorraine's, and BURGERS! The Oey Gooey Burger features Sweet Lorraine's macaroni and cheese and bacon crumbles. It's so good. Check it out.

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Emily Rose Bennett | ebennet1@mlive.com

Seeburger's Cheeseburgers

Address: 71 N Main St, Mt Clemens, MI 48043

Phone: (586) 468-4200

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Diner theme

Why did Jill and Todd Seeburger decide to go in the burger business? "Because of our last name," said Jill. Actually, the husband and wife team had a history in the food/restaurant business, but it only made sense to market their last name with a trendy food item. Thus, Seeburger's decided to focus on sliders, which was a smart move. They sell them to the tune of 1,000 a week. The Mount Clemens store -- which has a '50s/diner vibe -- opened 10 years ago, and the Roseville location -- which has a car theme because it's on Gratiot -- opened about 3 years ago. Along with four different sliders, each location serves paninies, coneys, dogs, homemade soup, a couple regular burgers and Ashby's ice cream. It even has Sprecher Root Beer on tap. Oh, and don't forget the Big Clem!



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Emily Rose Bennett | ebennet1@mlive.com

Shamrock Irish Pub

Address: 7715 Auburn Rd, Utica, MI 48317

Phone: (586) 731-6886

Shamrockutica.com

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Emily Rose Bennett | ebennet1@mlive.com

Shamrock Burger

Opened in 1935, the Shamrock is owned by Joe Mayernik, who was originally an employee who purchased the bar about 30 years ago. You'll find only one burger on the menu -- the Shamrock Burger, which is the bars best seller. It's not uncommon for them to sell 500 burgers on a Saturday night, said cook John Mazzara, who has worked there for 6 years. Another best seller is the corned beef. All ingredients are fresh; the beef is never frozen.

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Emily Rose Bennett | ebennet1@mlive.com

Union Woodshop

Address: 18 S Main St, Village of Clarkston, MI 48346

Phone: (248) 625-5660

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BBQ anyone?

Obviously known for its award-winning BBQ, the Woodshop is famous for The Porker: A pork patty with house-made maple bacon and hot sausage link, pickled chilies, cold smoked cheddar and South Carolina mayo ($13.50)! The half-pound Angus burgers are sourced locally. But we also loved the use house-made buns from the Union Joints bakery.

We also loved the Woodshop Burger topped with our smoked cheddar, house-made maple bacon, sliced pickles, onion rings & Memphis mayo ($12.95), and the Juicy Lucy, two Angus beef patties stuffed with American cheese, topped with pickled red onion ($10.50).

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Top 10

Detroit's Best Burger Top 10 List 2017.

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Emily Rose Bennett | ebennet1@mlive.com

More Michigan's Best

Amy Sherman and I are always searching for Michigan's Best. Feel free to email us if you have other suggestions. Email Amy at asherma2@mlive or email me at gonzo@mlive.com.

Here are links to other stories.

Michigan's BEST PIZZA: our 12 top choices revealed

The MUST TRY DINERS in each of Michigan's 83 counties

Michigan's BEST BOWLING ALLEY: Top 10 revealed

13 U.P. PASTIES you must try on your next visit

Guide to all MICHIGAN'S BEST searches

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The Michigan's Best Series on MLive

Catch our series on MLive for more great adventures across the state.
"I have the honor of seeing our Flint kids almost every day in clinic, and they're amazing," Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha tells Kirk Heinze on Greening of the Great Lakes. "They are smart, they are strong, they are bright, they're resilient and they're brave.

"They appear to be doing well, but time will tell. Our work in Flint is really just beginning."

Dr. Mona, as she's known affectionately around the world, is an assistant professor of pediatrics in the MSU College of Human Medicine and director of the Pediatric Residency Program at Hurley Children's Hospital in Flint. She was at MSU on March 16 to give a talk titled "Flint Water Crisis: Background and Next Steps" as part of the Broad College of Business' Business and Bagels Seminar Series.

She and her colleagues have received funding from the state - with hopefully more from the federal government on the way - to build a large-scale registry to identify and track the children and to evaluate how they're doing.

"What we hope to show from this registry is not the impact of this water crisis, but we really hope to show how we turned the story around and how we were able to provide these kids with a nutrient-rich environment with robust early education, literacy support, nutrition and healthcare support and how doing that proactively mitigated the impact of this crisis.

"This is not a two or three year problem. This is something we need to be investing in for years, if not decades, to come. And we do not have that long term support to not only make sure that our kids recover, but thrive."

Dr. Mona details her work on improving literacy and nutrition for Flint's children.

"Nutrition plays a critical role in why this crisis was so damaging, but also nutrition plays an even more critical role in terms of the mitigation. We need great nutrition for brain development. That's a no-brainer. Nutrition plays a really incredible role in preventing the long term consequences of the lead exposure. So we need kids to have ready access to really great food so that their brains can grow and that they can develop and we don't see the consequences."

Hanna-Attisha tells Heinze it was an honor to be Congressman Dan Kildee's guest at President Trump's first address to Congress. She says Kildee has "been an absolute fighter for Flint." She liked a lot of what President Trump had to say about infrastructure, "but I would have liked to have heard more about investment in human infrastructure."

Click here to hear the Hanna-Attisha/Heinze conversation.

Greening of the Great Lakes airs every Sunday evening at 7:00 on News/Talk 760 WJR and around the state each weekend via the Michigan Talk Network.
PITTSFIELD TOWNSHIP, MI - An 89-year-old Ann Arbor woman was living in filthy conditions while being taken care of by a woman now charged with scamming her of at least $50,000, according to testimony given Thursday, March 16.

Cheryl Elaine Smith

A witness testified that 89-year-old Agnes Jamieson's house in the 3000 block of Rosedale in Ann Arbor was filled with feces and only had narrow pathways for the elderly woman to get from her bedroom to the kitchen and bathroom.

The witness, Amy Smith, was testifying against her sister-in-law, Cheryl Smith, who had been taking care of Jamieson since around 2014 until shortly before being charged with embezzlement of a vulnerable adult $50,000 or more but less than $100,000 and larceny over $20,000, according to testimony.

Cheryl Smith currently is at odds with family members. There is litigation between Cheryl Smith and her brother over the estate of their parents, testimony revealed.

Jamieson was neighbors with Cheryl Smith's parents, according to testimony. The Smith family has helped take care of Jamieson and Cheryl Smith eventually gained access to the 89-year-old's bank account, according to testimony.

Police accuse Smith of opening credit cards and other accounts in the victim's name with Smith listed as a user.

Testimony from Amy Smith also alleged Jamieson was living in poor conditions while under Cheryl Smith's care.

"It was in terrible shape," Amy Smith said. "There were dishes everywhere in the kitchen. The house was filthy."

Amy Smith talked about the 89-year-old's bedroom having urine and feces in it.

"The kitchen ... the bathroom ... and by her bed were filthy," Amy Smith said.

Amy Smith testified that she and her husband - Cheryl's brother - helped clean up the house.

The testimony came at Cheryl Smith's preliminary examination, held at Pittsfield Township's 14A-1 District Court, before Judge Elizabeth Hines.

The judge heard testimony from several people, including Amy Smith, Cheryl Smith's uncle, Doug Small, and a representative from Fifth Third Bank, before stopping for the day.

Both Amy Smith and Doug Small testified Jamieson's age was showing by 2015 and 2016.

"It was more difficult for her to walk," Small said. "She had more difficulty doing her everyday chores."

By then, Cheryl Smith was handling Jamieson's bank accounts.

Small said he realized something was amiss when he tried to buy Jamieson groceries in December 2016.

"She had an insufficient amount of funds for the ... food she wanted me to buy for her," he said. "She didn't have (any) extra money."

The defense, led by William Amadeo, questioned the family's testimony about the ongoing litigation between Cheryl Smith and the family members testifying against her Thursday.

"Amy Smith and her family have a clear agenda due to litigation they have pending against Cheryl in Livingston County," Amadeo wrote The News in an email Thursday night. "If Cheryl Smith is convicted it benefits them financially. Cheryl was never the caregiver for Ms. Jamieson but instead a friend that took care of her until she herself got sick. As for Doug Small, we have nothing against the man but it was clear from his testimony that he was not aware of the facts to the case."

The preliminary exam was put on pause and will resume March 21.

On that day, Judge Hines and the attorneys will travel to the care facility where Jamieson now lives to take her testimony. Court proceedings will resume at the 15th District Court after the 89-year-old woman testifies. Ann Arbor police Detective Katie Nucci is expected to testify when the judge and attorney get back in the courtroom.

If Hines finds probable cause that a crime was committed and that Cheryl Smith was the perpetrator, she could bind the case over to circuit court for trial.

Smith is free on a $25,000 personal recognizance bond. She faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted.

Editor's note: This story was updated with a comment from defense attorney William Amadeo. The spelling of Agnes Jamieson's last name was also corrected.
ANN ARBOR, MI - An expansion of lounge and study spaces, a glass-and-steel roof structure enclosing the surrounding the courtyard and a curved glass canopy over the north entryway are just a few of the new design plans the University of Michigan Board of Regents approved for its $85.2 million Michigan Union renovation project.

The schematic design was approved during the Thursday, March 16, Board of Regents meeting, where Integrated Design Solutions Senior Vice President Charles Lewis took the audience through the renovation plans on each of the building's four levels.

Lewis said the renovations will enhance student social space on the main level by expanding lounge and study spaces, while creating a student organization and student involvement space and improving space for counseling and student support services.

"In talking with students, creating more vibrancy and visibility to the Union was an important goal," Lewis said. "A key to achieving this was the strategic role of flipping the functions focused on students from the upper floors to the main and second floors."

The project also includes plans to enclose the courtyard for year-round use. The design calls for a new glass-and-steel roof structure over the courtyard. The appearance of the roof will incorporate arches and curves found in the original 1919 Michigan Union building.

The renovations will improve accessibility throughout the building in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The design also includes a new, curved glass entrance canopy over the north entryway. The design includes architectural elements reflected throughout the original union building and the Michigan League, which was designed by the same architects as the union.

The North entryway, Lewis said, is the most heavily used in the Union, with more than 1.2 million people using the entrance annually.

"In some ways it's a front door to the university for visitors, students, staff, faculty and alumni, and currently is very dark and hard to find and not very welcoming," Lewis said.

The Michigan Union's fourth floor, Lewis said, is going to be reconfigured to create a new space for student wellness, including counseling and psychological services, along with a sexual assault prevention awareness center and a reflection room.

UM Central Student Government President David Schafer said the renovation plans reflect the university's commitment to listening to the input from students throughout the planning process.

"I'm very thankful to everyone involved with this project and their commitment to elevating student voice throughout the planning stages," Schafer said. "This project will significantly broaden services that the Union provides to students. We are very excited to see the Union flourish as we head into our university's third century."

The project also plans to address infrastructure needs such as life safety, electrical, mechanical, plumbing improvements, elevator replacements and upgrades, the replacement of the roof, restoration of windows and some interior finish upgrades.

Construction is expected to begin in 2018, with completion coming in the winter of 2020. Funding for the project is provided by the $65 Student Life Fee for Facility Renewal, which was approved by the regents in 2013.
PITTSFIELD TOWNSHIP, MI - A 38-year-old Lima Township woman accused of having sex with a 14-year-old boy appeared in Pittsfield Township's 14A-1 District Court Thursday, March 16.

A judge adjourned a probable cause hearing for Brooke L. Lajiness. A new probable cause hearing was set for March 30 and a preliminary examination for April 13.

Lajiness was arraigned March 3 on 13 counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct, one count of accosting a minor for immoral purposes and one count of furnishing obscenity to a child, district court records show.

In addition to the sex charges, Lajiness is accused of exchanging nude photographs with the 14-year-old, Michigan State Police Trooper Donald Pasternak testified at a March 3 hearing where he swore to the contents of the arrest warrant.

According to a transcript of that hearing, Pasternak told Magistrate A. Thomas Truesdell that the mother of the victim walked in to a Michigan State Police post a few weeks before March 3 to lodge a complaint about Lajiness having sexual relations with her son.

The majority of the incidents charged in the case are alleged to have occurred in the backseat of Lajiness' car in a Lima Township driveway, Pasternak testified.

Lajiness confessed to having sex with the 14-year-old between eight and 15 times and exchanging naked pictures with him over the Internet, Pasternak testified.

"They started conversing and exchanging nude photographs while he was still in middle school," Pasternak said, according to the transcript.

They began having sex in the summer of 2016 while the teen was between middle school and high school, the trooper testified.

Authorities said Thursday they are looking into the possibility of more victims.

"This case involves a defendant seeking out minors for sex," Assistant Washtenaw County Prosecutor John Vella said.

Lajiness' Ypsilanti-based attorney, David I. Goldstein, objected to talking about more than one alleged victim because the current charges pertain to one boy.

"He keeps talking about 'minors,' but there's one," Goldstein said.

The attorneys were sparring over whether or not Lajiness could travel to Lucas County, Ohio -- where she's originally from -- to seek the support of family while her trial is pending. Judge J. Cedric Simpson ruled to allow her to travel to the Toledo area while she's free on bond as long as she lets the court know.

Records show Lajiness posted $50,000 in cash, the bond set at her March 3 arraignment, and is free pending trial. She appeared at Thursday's hearing accompanied by her husband.

Lajiness is not allowed near school property or any minors except her own children per the conditions of her bond, records show.

She also is not allowed to use any computers or social media websites. Simpson added a condition to her bond that she not be allowed to drink alcohol or use drugs.
PITTSFIELD TOWNSHIP, MI - After the Islamic Center of Ypsilanti was set ablaze by a suspected arsonist and destroyed, people of all faiths have stepped up to help out.

Two fundraisers have raised more than $32,000 for the center, 5909 W. Michigan Ave. in Pittsfield Township.

"People's support has been really, really amazing. Many people from many different backgrounds and different religions have reached out to see how they can be of service," said Ghufran Al-Sheemary, community programming and teacher at the Islamic Center of Ypsilanti.

The center's leaders are waiting for the trauma to ease and researching the next steps before deciding whether to rebuild or relocate, she said.

The mosque is about five years old and has become more active in the past two years, Al-Sheemary said. There are about 200 members, largely refugees.

Yumn Elkhoja, an Ann Arbor native, wanted to help in the wake of the fire and raised $28,367 in a Launch Good campaign. The Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor has raised $4,401 so far through a Crowd Rise campaign.

Elkhoja is not a member of the Islamic Center of Ypsilanti, but has friends who are, she said. When she heard the news about the center, she wanted to help. Others did, too.

The response to the Launch Good campaign, she said, was overwhelming and heartwarming.

She reached her $20,000 goal within 24 hours. Most of the funds have from from Jewish and Christian community members, who have also offered support and encouragement.

"It's very touching," she said.

All of the funds will go to the Islamic Center. Elkhoja said she's working with the center's leaders to determine how they'll use the funds. The money will stay with Launch Good until they make a decision about how they'll use it, Elkhoja said.

The response to the fire has been more than financial donations, she said. Many people have asked how they can contribute with hands-on work.

Elkhoja and the Islamic Center leaders are making a list of ways to help that she'll post on the Launch Good page when it's ready.

David Shtulman, executive director of the Greater Jewish Federation of Ann Arbor, said a number of members contacted the federation to see how they could help the Islamic Center, so the federation staff created the campaign.

Early next week, he said, they'll send a check to the Islamic Center.

"We live in very divisive times. The best way to respond when our society in general is very divided is simply by doing stuff to help each other," Shtulman said. "We're not going to let things going on in politics help determine how we act toward our neighbors."

The Islamic Center was set on fire and significantly damaged Saturday, March 11.

Pittsfield Township Police say the suspect is a 16-year-old boy, who is also an arson suspect in a Feb. 27 fire at a vacant home on Michigan Avenue.

Police have turned over the report to the Washtenaw County Prosecutor's Office for review.
YPSILANTI TOWNSHIP, MI - As Donald Trump made his first visit to Michigan as president on Wednesday, Edwin Nyhus, a 64-year-old retired union carpenter from Brighton, was there to show his support.

Not there inside the hangar at Willow Run Airport where the president spoke to a crowd of about 3,000, but outside surrounded by hundreds of protesters.

Nyhus, who said he comes from a family of blue-collar construction workers and is a pro-union Democrat, was among a small handful of Trump supporters who crashed the anti-Trump demonstration along Airport Drive in Ypsilanti Township.

He was with Livonia resident Rob Cortis, who loudly revved his motorcycle and blasted patriotic music from speakers on the back of a large trailer turned into an attention-grabbing, pro-Trump display.

Protesters weren't thrilled about it and some made it clear, booing, shouting and cursing at the men in the red "Make America Great Again" hats.

12 highlights of President Donald Trump's Michigan visit

Trump protesters clash with supporters at president's Michigan visit

University of Michigan student detained after damaging Trump supporter's flag

"I've already been threatened about six times that they're gonna do something to me, and they don't really know who they're talking to because I've been on mean picket lines," said Nyhus, who emphasized he's a pro-union Democrat, but he couldn't bring himself to vote for Hillary Clinton in the last election.

He said he voted Republican because he supports Trump's stance on securing the nation's borders and keeping blue-collar jobs in the United States.

"I'm not a Republican," Nyhus stressed. "I'm still a Democrat. But remember the old Reagan Democrats? I'm a Trump Democrat. This country is in severe trouble, and for these people to go around and keep going, 'He's not my president,' well, you know what? He wants to rebuild America. He's going to need our labor. He's going to need every laborer he can get."

In a speech largely focused on the auto industry, Trump spoke Wednesday of eliminating what he called industry-killing regulations and job-crushing taxes. He described NAFTA as a "total disaster" and said he wants to stop jobs from leaving the U.S., saying there will be consequences for companies that don't abide.

He also hinted at plans to roll back federal fuel-efficiency standards that concern automakers, announcing he is restoring a previously agreed-upon review of the standards established under Obama, a review expected by 2018.

President Trump set to undo Obama's auto emissions limits

Snyder says Trump's move to reinstate auto emissions review is 'very positive'

"Just days before my inauguration, the previous administration cut short the promised midterm review in an 11th-hour executive action," Trump said. "Today I am announcing that we are going to cancel that executive action.

"We are going to restore the originally scheduled midterm review, and we are going to ensure that any regulations we have protect and defend your jobs, your factories. We're going to be fair."

Trump also thanked Michigan voters for delivering a win for him in the 2016 election, noting it's the first time in many years the state has gone Republican and he suggested people here are going to be "very happy" with him.

"During the campaign, I came to Michigan again and again, and I made this promise, that I am going to fight for your jobs and fight very, very hard," he said. "I'm going to fight for Michigan workers. I'm going to fight to keep the automobile production in the United States of America, not outside."

That's the kind of message that resonates with Nyhus, who said he used to be a union leader for Carpenters Local 512 and once worked at Willow Run doing jobs with outside construction companies. As a union official, he said, he represented thousands of carpenter families in Michigan.

"Why our unions got behind Hillary, it just puzzles me. I was a union leader. We don't have work," he said.

"I've got a grandson who don't know where he wants to go at 24. I mean, he's got a job, but he's got no benefits, he's got nothing, and that's before Trump got here. That's not Trump's fault. It's America's fault. Corporate greed at the top."

The Trump protesters on Wednesday said they were there to speak out for a wide range of reasons, some of them concerned about issues of immigration, health care, civil rights and climate change. Some held signs that read "facts matter."

"Ypsilanti is really a community that pretty much stands against everything that the Trump administration seems to be pushing forward, so I felt an obligation to come out and speak," said Ypsilanti resident Amy Probst, who carried an anti-Trump sign designed by Michigan-based cartoonist Stu Rase. It featured Trump's face with the words "big baby is watching you."

20 protest signs from Trump's first Michigan visit as president

President Trump praises Rosie the Riveter during Michigan visit

The protest's lead organizer, County Commissioner Michelle Deatrick, led the crowd in a chant of "love trumps hate."

State Rep. Yousef Rabhi, D-Ann Arbor, said he couldn't make it because he had to be in Lansing on Wednesday, but he said he was with the protesters in spirit and he called Trump "a menace to our democracy."

Nyhus said he believes blue-collar workers who are trying to make a living for their families must unite under Trump.

"And if we unite and stand shoulder to shoulder, that's all Trump wants. That's why Rob calls this the Unity Bridge," he said of the pro-Trump display Cortis hauled to Wednesday's event.

Cortis has taken the Trump Unity Bridge, featuring messages such as "Drain The Swamp" and "Secure America's Borders," around the country in support of Trump, and Nyhus joined him when he took it to Lansing recently.

Nyhus said they didn't plan on parking amongst Trump protesters on Wednesday, but they couldn't get past the gate with it.

"I wasn't going to get involved in this, but I think this is America's last chance to gel together behind one president," he said, arguing the Democratic Party has lost touch with blue-collar workers. "They want to give us the TPP."

Nyhus said about 100 local outside carpenter jobs were lost when General Motors closed the Willow Run plant in 2010, not counting other jobs.

"Who gave us NAFTA and GATT? Bill Clinton. Who do the unions always support? Democrats," Nyhus said.

"I'm pro-union, but our unions have gotten lost and our Democratic Party has been taken over with the left liberals. They want something for nothing, the Bernie people, pay all your education. They didn't pay my education."

Nyhus said another reason he supports Trump is he wants to see the U.S. cut down on illegal immigration. He said he understands why people from places such as Mexico want to come work here, and he considers them hardworking people, but he said they can't come here illegally and take away jobs.

"A country without borders is not a solvent nation, especially in today's days, you know, with people wanting to do what they want to do to Americans," he said. "We're a land of laws. Without laws, you've got chaos."
[March 15, 2017] E-Commerce in Russia Reaches $26 Bln According to EWDN, Giulio Gargiullo Shows Online Business Opportunities

ROME, March 15, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The e-commerce market in Russia exceeds 26 billion dollars according to the latest EWDN 2017 data of the "Russian E-Commerce Report" as reported by the Online Marketing Manager, Giulio Gargiullo, engaged in business with Russia for over 15 years. With the aid of an infographic that he commissioned, Gargiullo also showed an overview of the opportunities related to E-Commerce and digital marketing in Russia. Gargiullo anticipated new digital marketing trends in Russia at the SMXL Milan international conference held recently. As the EWDN "Russian E-Commerce Report" indicates, the ecommerce market in Russia has reached 26 billion dollars, thus exceeding over 20% on an annual basis. The turnover is divided into 16 billion dollars for physical goods and 10 billion dollars for online travel. Cross-border sales have sustained the highest growth, with a value of +26% for 80% of parcels and small packages, and over 4 billion dollars just for physical goods according to the "Russian Post and Industry Association NAMO". The growth of this segment was led largely by Chinese companies such as Alibaba's B2C marketplace, Aliexpress.ru, but also by well-known Western players such as Amazon, Asos, Next and Yoox. Giulio Gargiullo continues, "It is a unique market, full of opportunities, with a large interest in making foreign purchases, in luxury and in high quality. The luxury sector in Russia deserves special attention with a reboot in progress as evidenced by 'Luxury in ... Russia: The Comeback' by ContactLab and Exan BNP Paribas." Gargiullo specifies, "Many players in the luxury sector have not yet grasped the opportunity to ave a suitable online presence in the Russian online market or do not have an online presence at all."



"It is a market with its own language, its own culture and its own very strong identity. It is important to understand the Russian mindset, to work hard on localization of online businesses and marketing, respecting the local culture and the individual region," further explains Gargiullo. Gargiullo continues, "To develop online businesses in Russia, Yandex is the leading Russian search engine, which is the main gateway to enter the Russian market for e-commerce or any online business. Yandex is not only the leading search engine (57.6% of the search market share and 72% of the search advertising market), but also consists of many services used by Russians every day, including Yandex Market dedicated to e-commerce. Even the world of social networks is dominated by one local player, Vkontakte, which is the social network most used by Russians."

Gargiullo notes that, "for any online marketing activity in Russia, the language spoken in Russia is essential. Moreover, it is also spoken in many countries of the former Soviet Republics, and in Europe, Israel and North America. The Russian Federation is the market with the largest number of users in Europe. There are 165 million native Russian speakers around the world, while there are 275 million people worldwide who can speak Russian." Regarding future prospects, Giulio Gargiullo concludes, "Online commerce in Russia will continue to grow thanks to the expansion of internet penetration, particularly from mobile devices, even in the most remote areas. This will also be encouraged by the increasing use of electronic payment methods, improvements in logistics and decreasing ongoing shipping costs. Evidence of the above can even be found in warehouse property prices, which at the end of 2016 fell to less than 60% of the prices recorded at the beginning of the crisis." About Giulio Gargiullo: Giulio Gargiullo is the Online Marketing Manager that for many years has worked between Italy and Russia and at an international level with companies and other leading facilities linked to different sectors in the domain of luxury. Giulio Gargiullo fluently speaks Italian, Russian and English and is involved in bringing new customers and business opportunities to companies worldwide through advanced business activities and digital marketing. He is also responsible for building privileged relations between business partners.

Download Infographic: about Russian online market: http://www.giuliogargiullo.com/DigitalMarketingInRussiaENG.pdf Giulio Gargiullo Online Marketing Manager [email protected] +39 0698381363 http://www.giuliogargiullo.com/ http://www.russkimarketing.com/ Related Images image1.jpg image2.jpg This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. For more info visit: http://www.newswire.com To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/e-commerce-in-russia-reaches-26-bln-according-to-ewdn-giulio-gargiullo-shows-online-business-opportunities-300424362.html SOURCE Giulio Gargiullo

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Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh

Captain Amarinder Singh took oath as the 26th Chief Minister of Punjab on Thursday in a ceremony attended by senior Congress leaders, including former prime minister Manmohan Singh and party vice-president Rahul Gandhi.

The oath was administered by Punjab Governor VP Singh Badnore at the Raj Bhavan.

The state can have a maximum of 18 ministers. The Congress has 77 MLAs in the Assembly.

Senior Congress leaders, including Sachin Pilot, Raj Babbar, Ambika Soni, Pawan Bandal and Ajay Maken, attended the ceremony.

Two days before the ceremony, the Punjab Congress had said it would be a simple affair as an austerity measure. "There will be nothing ostentatious about the oath-taking programme at the Raj Bhavan on Thursday morning, when Punjab Governor V P Singh Badnore will administer the oath of office to Amarinder Singh as the new chief minister of the state," Punjab Congress had said on Tuesday.

Singh had also urged all newly elected MLAs to keep their personal invitations to the bare minimum.

This is the second time that Singh takes oath as chief minister, having served in that capacity in 2002-2007.

Riding on strong anti-incumbency, Congress stormed to power in Punjab after a gap of 10 years by winning 77 seats in the 117-assembly seats of the Vidhan Sabha.

Ruling SAD-BJP won 18, AAP fighting its maiden assembly polls in Punjab won 20 while 2 seats went to newly floated outfit and AAP ally Lok Insaaf Party.
Mining billionaire Anil Agarwal plans to buy stake in South Africa's Anglo American Plc for up to 2 billion pounds (USD 2.4 billion) to gain a foothold in diamond mining business.

Anglo is the owner of the De Beers, the world's leading diamond exploration, mining and marketing company, producing over 30 million carats of diamonds per annum, 35 percent of global rough diamonds production.

"Volcan Investments Ltd announces that it intends to make an investment in Anglo American plc shares of up to 2 billion pounds," the company announced late last night.

Volcan is a holding company, wholly owned by the Agarwal family trust, and this is a personal investment by Vedanta Resources Group Chairman Anil Agarwal.

According to industry estimates, the investment will give Agarwal about 12-13 percent stake in Anglo, making him the second-largest shareholder after South Africa's Public Investment Corp.

The stake purchase announcement comes nearly a year after Agarwal's plans to merge his mining business with Anglo was rejected.

Agarwal said the purchase being made now was a family investment and he won't make a takeover bid.

Commenting on the investment Agarwal said: "This is an attractive investment for our family trust. Anglo American plc is a great company with excellent assets and a strong board and management team who are executing a focused strategy to drive shareholder value. I am delighted to become a shareholder in Anglo American plc."

The diamonds sold by De Beers to its clients trickles down to the secondary market in Surat and Mumbai, where they are sold to small and medium diamantaires and even big companies.

India is the largest consumer of rough diamonds in the world.

Vedanta Resources in a separate filing said the company confirms that the proposed investment is being made by Volcan alone, and that the company is not participating in Volcan's investment.

"Vedanta is committed to its strategic priorities, including ramping up production from its portfolio of low cost assets, increasing its free cash flow, and continuing to optimise and deleverage its balance sheet," it said.
The logo of India's largest online marketplace Flipkart is seen on a building in Bengaluru, India, April 22, 2015. After losing top engineering talent for years to America's tech heartland of Silicon Valley, India is luring them back as an e-commerce boom sparks a thriving start-up culture, unprecedented pay, and perks including free healthcare for in-laws. Picture taken April 22, 2015. To match INDIA-ECOMMERCE/WORKERS. REUTERS/Abhishek N. Chinnappa - RTX1BBUK

India's top investors and startup CEOs came to express solidarity with Stayzilla founder Yogi Vasupal who was arrested this week on complaints by vendors of non-payment of dues. Vasupal remains in police custody as the lawyers could not apply for bail in time today.

Flipkart's co-founder Sachin Bansal tweeted saying Let the law take its course, but intimidation of #stayzilla founders crosses a line. It's unhealthy for entrepreneurship in India.

The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE), a global entrepreneurs organisation also backed Stayzilla CEO. In a statement, R Narayanan, President, TiE Chennai said that: The recent arrest of Yogi, perfectly shows the stiff resistance that the eco-system and the players are displaying when it comes to change."

We have a situation which has reared its ugly head and promises to send Tamil Nadu back to the medieval period, he added.

Various startup CEO and investors from firms such as Matrix Partners, MobiKwik, Freshdesk and others have already expressed their support for Vasupal on social media.

"There are challenges in every business and startups have more than their fair share. It is imperative that the legal and regulatory framework supports and encourages new ventures to emerge and scale. Unlawful treatment in such situations will trigger a sense of fear in young minds and puts the brakes on the Startup India dream," Indian Angel Network issued a statement on the matter. IAN is one of the early investors in Stayzilla which had invested in 2012.

Chennai-based online homestays aggregator, Stayzilla shut down its operations last month due to tougher competition from bigger rivals and a tighter business environment.

The internet and mobile association of India also expressed concern over his arrest. In a statement issued today, the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) urged the Tamil Nadu Government to release Vasupal, and withdraw the FIR against him.

"Such a criminal case against a signatory of a corporate private limited company for a corporate liability is unprecedented and unheard of. Previously, for similar cases such as the one involving Askmebazaar the founder was not criminally charged as an individual. If this becomes a norm, then the start-up ecosystem in India will suffer," said a statement by IAMAI.

As per a blog post earlier written by Vasupal and posted this week, his cofounder Sachit got veiled threats to his child's safety in the form of some scary dolls delivered to his home on March 9 with the image of his son. The company was shut down last month, and the CEO was booked on charges of non payment of dues to its vendors on Tuesday night.
Man speaks on his mobile phone as he sits in front of a shop displaying the Idea Cellular Ltd's logo on its shutter in Mumbai

The mega Idea-Vodafone India merger is in its last lap of negotiations. Sources privy to the details say Idea is seeking a price higher than that of its last Qualified Institutional Placement (QIP).

Two independent sources with direct knowledge have said promoters of the Aditya Birla Group are very keen the pricing of the deal and the Idea price for valuations of the merger should be above Rs 134 price of last QIP done in 2014.

Idea Cellular has raised Rs 3,000 crore vai QIP in June 2014.

Idea has previously said the investors have put a lot of faith in Idea and they should not lose much in the Idea-Vodafone merger.

However, the analysts are likely to say market dynamics have changed over last couple of years in the telecom space.

Vodafone did not comment on the news.

Idea and Vodafones new merged entity will become the countrys largest telecom player in terms of volume. According to sources, the new entity will have Kumar Mangalam Birla at the helm.
A man walks past the logo of the SoftBank telecommunications company in Tokyo, Japan, May 10, 2016. REUTERS/Thomas Peter - RTX2DKEH

Japanese giant SoftBank Group looks to sell 25 percent of its stake in ARM Holdings to a technology fund it is creating with Saudi Arabia, reports the Economic Times.

This comes after lead investors expressed a desire to include the chipmaker in their portfolio, sources privy to the development told the newspaper.

SoftBank will get around USD 8 billion for its stake sale, sources said. This transaction will be separate from the USD 25 billion the company plans to contribute to Vision Fund one of the sources said.

ARM was acquired by SoftBank for USD 32 billion in September.

Masayoshi Son, founder of SoftBank is creating a USD 100 billion fund with Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi investor Mubadala Development and others.
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The outlook for steel makers appears to be improving even as demand in the domestic market remains tepid. Steel stocks rallied on Thursday on news that China was permanently cutting sub-standard steel capacity of 100 million tonnes. This would be in addition to the 30-million-tonne capacity cut China intended to undertake this year.

Steel analysts say the capacity cut by China has to be seen in the context of its declining exports, that had been flooding world markets for the last two years. Steel makers across the world have been battling cheap steel exports from China, which have hurt their profitability. Even as steel exports from China have already halved from 120 million tonnes to 60 million tonnes, the reported additional cut in steel capacity will lead to a further decline. Steel analysts expect Indian steel makers to benefit from this and exports from India to pick up in FY18.

Credit Suisse's materials analyst Trina Chen has written in a note that China's effective steel capacity is 860 MT. This is following closure of private mills of nearly 100-MT per annum capacity driven by financial loss in 2015 and 65 MT per annum enforced by Chinas National Development and Reform Commission in 2016. Given the closure of existing capacity and planned cuts, China will not be able to produce more than 800 mt of steel. This should augur well for Indian steelmakers.

The improvement in global conditions is reflected in the production data from India too. India's steel production in the month of February grew nearly 13 percent to hit an all-time high of 8.8 MT, according to the Joint Plant Committee data. Consumption, however, remained tepid to grow by just 3 percent year-on-year to 7.3 MT. Production from Essar, JSW and Jindal Steel & Power has increased significantly by 5 MT (up 22 percent year-to-date) to 28 MT, according to Goutam Chakraborty of Emkay Global. Production is up for SAIL and Tata Steel, too. Tepid steel consumption in India and higher production is an indication that Indian steel makers are focusing on exports.

Shares of Tata Steel were up 3 percent, while that of JSW were up 3.77 percent and Jindal Steel Power were up 4.15 percent by mid-day.
In the first judicial order in the predatory pricing case before Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT), the tribunal has asked the country's telecom regulator to re-examine new entrant Reliance Jio's Happy New Year Offer.

While TDSAT on Thursday refused to grant a stay on the offer, it asked TRAI to revisit its clean chit and look into four issues, namely tariff regulations, consent of consumers, reporting requirements, and the applicability of Telecom Consumers Protection Regulations (TCPR).

This effectively means that the Happy New Offer will continue unabated till its expiry date of March 31, 2017.

The tribunal was hearing a petition filed by industry leader Bharti Airtel and competitor Idea Cellular, which had raised objections to Jio's promotional offer launched in December, under which the new player had offered several free services including free voice calls and 1GB of free 4G data daily till March 31, 2017. This was an extension of Jio's Welcome Offer when it started services last September.

Bharti Airtel contended that the Happy New Year Offer was in violation of the rules that allow promotional offers only for 90 days. Fellow telecom player Vodafone had also urged the regulator to look into the validity of the offer.

On February 2, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) said the offer was not discriminatory and did not breach any norms, following which Vodafone challenged the offer in the Delhi High Court .

TRAI has two weeks to report back to the tribunal.

Reliance Jio, which crossed 100 million subscribers in less than six months, last month announced tariff plans for its customers that will come into effect from April 1.

Watch video for more...

(Disclosure: Reliance Industries, which owns Jio, also owns Network18 which publishes Moneycontrol.)
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The acquisition of Indian refiner Essar Oil, led by Russian oil company Rosneft, is set to be completed "in the nearest future, this month", VTB Chief Executive Andrei Kostin told Reuters on Thursday.

Rosneft will acquire a 49 percent stake in Essar and another 49 percent will be shared between commodities trader Trafigura and Russian private investment group United Capital Partners. VTB is involved in the financing of the deal.

Two Russian sources close to the deal told Reuters last month that the deal was set to be completed on March 15.
The fate of the old and polluting Bharat Stage III (BS-III) vehicles that number more than half a million will be decided within this fortnight even as cries for suspending their registration after the cut-off date of March 30 hit a new high.

While almost every two-wheeler manufacturer and several car makers have moved to BS-IV, commercial vehicle makers are accused of dragging their feet on the matter. A section of such manufacturers want sales of BS-III vehicles to be allowed even after April 1.

In an interview with Moneycontrol's Swaraj Baggonkar, Eric Nesselhauf, Managing Director and CEO, Daimler India Commercial Vehicles shared his views about why an extension to the emission deadline is unfair to his company and also about new products and profitability.

Is it fair to manufacturers who have upgraded to BS-IV that others be allowed to sell BS-III?

It is unfair to the environment and to the people. Pollution is going from bad to worse. Every year, lakhs of people die due to pollution in India. We need to accelerate the roll-out of BS-IV. Everybody had enough time to make the transition to BS-IV as the announcement was made well in advance. Everybody knew what the deadline was. If we can do it everybody can do it too.

Eric Nesselhauf- MD & CEO- DICV

Why is the industry dragging its feet on this?

I cannot judge what position other OEMs are in. However, I dont understand why anyone should have the liberty to sell BS-III trucks after April 1. If the government has a serious intention of reducing pollution then it should force all companies to meet the set BS-IV deadline on sales and registration. BS-IV is much more fuel-efficient and cleaner in emissions.

DICV volumes last year were flat. How do you see demand panning out this year?

It is not easy to answer that question. The key to our operations in the domestic market is the implementation of GST. It is even more important to know what the GST rates are. Depending on this, GST can create a huge impact on volumes. We also see a huge growth in exports from here. So, overall we expect to lift our volumes significantly.

Are we going to see any further investments by DICV?

Last year we invested Rs 500 crore taking our total investment in India to more than Rs 5,000 crore. We will speak about new investments at the right time. Besides that, each of our upcoming product launches represents an investment.

On the product front what can we expect from DICV?

Beginning April we will have a completely new range of heavy-duty trucks for the Indian market. We will also introduce a 16-tonne bus as well as a sub-9-tonne truck for export markets.

You closed last year with 13,000 units. Where will the numbers settle by close of this decade?

We sold 13,081 units last year and we achieved that despite the challenging economic conditions though the numbers were still lower than the previous year. Our aim will be to generate fresh momentum this year with new launches. We do not give guidance on sales.

When speaking to your rivals they say that discounts are still very high. Do you think the situation will remain like this?

Discounts on BS-III stock can be expected to sky-rocket. Thats also why we decided to not build up unnecessary BS-III stock but rely on new, more competitive BS-IV products with better performance. I dont want to be under this price pressure.

When do we see DICV getting profitable?

The target is to be profitable next year.
The GST Council is likely to endorse today supplementary legislations needed for implementation of the goods and service tax (GST) regime.

The Council, headed by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and comprising representatives of all states, may also take up capping the cess to be levied on demerit goods like luxury cars and tobacco products for creation of a corpus that will be used for compensating states for any loss of revenue from GST implementation in the first five years.

The panel, which had at its last meeting approved the final draft of central GST (C-GST) and integrated GST (I-GST) laws, will tomorrow take up for approval the state GST and Union Territory GST (UT-GST) laws, official sources said. Once approved, the supporting legislations together with a GST Compensation Law, will go to the Cabinet for a formal nod before they are presented in Parliament in the ongoing Budget session that ends on April 12.

The government is hoping the C-GST, the I-GST, the UT-GST and the GST Compensation laws will be approved in the current session of Parliament and the S-GST by each of the state legislatures soon to help roll out the new indirect tax regime from July 1. The Council may also be given an update on technology preparedness and migration of assessees to the new regime.

Migration of all the 85 lakh central and state taxpayers is planned to be completed by March 31. So far, over 51 lakh have migrated to the new system. Sources said the Council has already finalised a four- tier tax structure of 5, 12, 18 and 28 per cent, but the model GST law has kept the peak rate at 40 per cent (20 per cent to be levied by the Centre and an equal amount by states) to obviate the need for approaching Parliament for any change in rates in future.

On similar lines, the Council is also likely to decide on a cap rate for cess to be levied at the peak rate of tax to create the compensation corpus. Sources said any law approved by Parliament cannot have open-ended tax rates and therefore a cap or peak rate will have to be mentioned. For the levy of GST, the peak rate has been put at 40 per cent and a similar cap will also have to be approved for the cess.

While the C-GST will give powers to the Centre to levy GST on goods and services after Union levies like excise and service tax are subsumed, the I-GST is to be levied on inter-state supplies.

The S-GST, which will allow states to levy the tax after VAT and other state levies are subsumed in the GST, will have to be passed by each state Assembly. The UT-GST will also go to Parliament for approval.

Sources said the model GST Law will have a clause to enable levy of up to 40 per cent tax, but the effective tax rates will be kept at the previously approved levels.

This will also help in a scenario where the cess on demerit goods being proposed to compensate states for loss of revenue from GST is to be merged with the tax rate itself.
The World Bank has approved a loan of USD 210 million to strengthen gram panchayats (GPs) across the state of West Bengal to better utilize the discretionary funds that are now available to them.

Following the recommendations of the 14th Finance Commission and fourth State Finance Commission, aggregate fund flows to these GPs, the lowest tier of rural local governments, would more than double by 2020.

The state's support under the Institutional Strengthening of Gram Panchayat Program Phase II (ISGPP-II), will support all 3,342 GPs in the state to effectively utilize these funds that is being provided to them under the inter-governmental fiscal transfer system, the bank said in a release.

The World Bank support would strengthen local communities participation in the planning, budgeting, and financial management of projects undertaken in rural areas, where most of the poor in the state reside.

The loan has a grace period of eight years and a maturity of 15 years.

"Bringing the state closer to citizens has been an important promise of India s democracy. Effective and accountable Panchayati Raj institutions empowered with additional resources can help deliver on this promise," Junaid Ahmad, World Bank Country Director for India said.

Out of the 92,000 activities carried out by the GPs using ISGPP grants, 54 per cent were on transport, 23 per cent on water and sanitation, and 20 per cent on public buildings.
Source:PTI

Just hours before President Donald Trump's revised travel ban was set to go into effect, a U.S. federal judge in Hawaii on Wednesday issued an emergency halt to the order's implementation.

The action was the latest legal blow to the administration's efforts to temporarily ban refugees as well as travelers from six predominantly Muslim countries, which the President has said is needed for national security. Trump lashed out at the judge's ruling, saying it "makes us look weak."

Trump signed the new ban on March 6 in a bid to overcome legal problems with a January executive order that caused chaos at airports and sparked mass protests before a Washington judge stopped its enforcement in February.

U.S. District Judge Derrick Watson put an emergency stop to the new order in response to a lawsuit filed by the state of Hawaii, which argued that the order discriminated against Muslims in violation of the U.S. Constitution.

Judge Watson concluded in his ruling that while the order did not mention Islam by name, "a reasonable, objective observer ... would conclude that the Executive Order was issued with a purpose to disfavor a particular religion." Watson was appointed to the bench by former Democratic President Barack Obama.

Speaking at a rally in Nashville, Trump called his revised executive order a "watered-down version" of his first. "I think we ought to go back to the first one and go all the way, which is what I wanted to do in the first place," Trump said.

Trump called the judge's block "unprecedented judicial overreach" and said he will take the case "as far as it needs to go," including to the U.S. Supreme Court.

The Department of Justice called the ruling "flawed both in reasoning and in scope," adding that the president has broad authority in national security matters. "The Department will continue to defend this Executive Order in the courts," it said a statement.

The nation's highest court is currently split 4-4 between liberals and conservatives with Trump's pick - appeals court judge Neil Gorsuch - still awaiting confirmation.

Paul Ryan, the Republican Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, said the ban was needed to improve vetting of people entering the United States in order to prevent attacks and said he had no doubt that it would be upheld by higher courts.

REBUKE

Watson's order is only temporary until the broader arguments in the case can be heard. He set an expedited hearing schedule to determine if his ruling should be extended.

Trump's first travel order was more sweeping than the second revised order. Like the current one, it barred citizens of Iran, Libya, Syria, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen from entering the country for 90 days, but it also included Iraq, which was subsequently taken off the list.

Refugees were blocked from entering the country for 120 days in both orders, but an indefinite ban on all refugees from Syria was dropped in the new one.

The revised ban also excluded legal permanent residents and existing visa holders. It provided a series of waivers for various categories of immigrants with ties to the United States.

Hawaii and other opponents of the ban claimed that the motivation behind it was Trump's campaign promise of "a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States."

The government, in its court filings cautioned the court against looking for secret motives in the executive order and against performing "judicial psychoanalysis of a drafters heart of heart."

Watson said he did not need to do that, because evidence of motive could be found in the president's public statements. He said he did not give credence to the government's argument that the order was not anti-Muslim because it targeted only a small percentage of Muslim-majority countries.

"The notion that one can demonstrate animus toward any group of people only by targeting all of them at once is fundamentally flawed," the judge wrote.

SEVERAL CASES

The case was one of several moving through U.S. courts on Wednesday that were brought by states' attorneys general and immigrant advocacy groups.

In Maryland, refugee resettlement agencies represented by the American Civil Liberties Union and the National Immigration Law Center argued in court for a restraining order.

In Washington state, a group of plaintiffs applying for immigrant visas asked U.S. District Judge James Robart in Seattle - who suspended the first ban - to stop the new order. Robart was appointed to the bench by Republican former President George W. Bush.

Both Judge Robart and U.S. District Judge Theodore Chuang in Maryland said they would issue written rulings in their cases, but did not specify a time line.

Washington state, joined by California, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York and Oregon, said in court filings they supported the plaintiffs in Seattle.

If more judges side with Watson, the government's case may be harder to make at higher courts. The 9th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals upheld Robart's ruling against the first ban and Watson referenced that decision in his order.

Various groups and companies said they would be harmed by the travel restrictions.

A group of 58 technology companies, including Airbnb Inc, Lyft Inc and Dropbox Inc, filed a "friend of the court" brief in the case saying the order hurt their ability to recruit the best talent from around the world.

A longer list of companies, including Apple Inc , Facebook Inc and Alphabet Inc's Google - filed a brief opposing the first ban in a different court challenge brought by Washington state, which is ongoing.

It was not immediately clear why fewer tech companies signed on to the brief this time around.
A worker walks at Nahr Bin Umar oil field, north of Basra, Iraq December 21, 2015. Iraq has signed deals worth $1.4 billion to ship about 160,000 barrels per day of crude to two Indian refiners in 2016, sources said, upping the ante in a race among exporters to cement their market share in Asia - the world's top oil consuming region.

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India's cabinet gave the go-ahead on Wednesday for state-run Indian Oil Corp to sell a 24 percent stake in a joint venture to its US-based partner Lubrizol Corp, a government statement said.

IOC held a 50 percent stake in the joint venture, Lubrizol India Pvt Ltd, according to the company's 2015-16 annual report. The joint venture makes chemical additives for lubricants.
The Indian market touched fresh highs earlier this week after the ruling BJP gained strength in state election results especially in Uttar Pradesh, which has now further strengthened the reform agenda.

The Nifty scaled past 9,100, while the S&P BSE Sensex is trading comfortably over mount 29,000.

But, for a further rally from current levels, the government now has to walk the talk in terms of reforms and earnings momentum has to pick up the pace which has not yet happened. The hope-based rally has already fueled valuations near long-term averages and further upside looks capped, experts suggest.

The Goods & Service Tax (GST) is one big reform, which could now become a reality but the full impact on the corporate balance sheet would still take time. There is too much riding on the reform process as well as on earnings and if the government fails to push through, the big rally might come to an end, fear analysts.

GST and Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) for food will likely be executed over the next few months, but analysts do not expect the government to take up contentious reforms such as labour, land acquisition or even privatization of PSUs in its current term.

For a real breakout scenario, I think what the markets would want are some of the big bang reforms so to say and the biggest of all of them -- we have been talking about the state of PSU banks, the banking system, asset quality and the fact that they need so much of capital, Nilesh Shah of Envision Capital said in an interview with CNBC-TV 18.

The Indian markets valuation is at the upper limit of its historical trading range except for the euphoria phases. In hindsight, the euphoria phases were simply periods of mis-judgement about the earnings outlook for the market.

It is imperative that the markets expectations of strong earnings growth to which current stock prices are tethered to come through. Otherwise, current high valuations may simply mean that the market was on a high, Kotak Institutional Equities said in a

note.

On valuations, the only thing we can say with some certainty is that the Indian market is trading at 21.6X FY2017E EPS. Valuations beyond that reflect the combined predictive capabilities of the Street, a somewhat dubious thing to rely on based on past experience. We are not sure if earnings are driving stock prices or stock prices earnings, said the report.

Most analysts expect Nifty Index net profits to grow 19.4 percent and 16 percent for FY2018E and FY2019E. It is imperative for earnings to catch up with prices which are now trading at the higher end of long-term averages.

Here is a quick look at top 10 reforms according to Kotak Institutional Equities which are still work in progress and are yet to get implement:

GST:

The GST Council is expected to approve two crucial legislations at its meeting on Thursday which would take the implementation of GST closer to reality. GST implementation is likely from July 1, 2017. It will likely result in a higher tax-to-GDP ratio in the

medium term and reduce India's consolidated fiscal deficit.

DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer):

The government has started DBT for kerosene in a phased manner from April 1, 2016. Jharkhand state has moved entirely to DBT for kerosene. The government has already implemented direct cash transfer subsidy for LPG (from January 1, 2015) on a national basis.

Direct cash transfers for subsidies on fertilizers, food and fuels as and when brought under the scope of DBT will reduce leakages in the current public distribution system. States are responsible for distribution of subsidized food and kerosene under the current public distribution system.

Restructuring of PSU Banks:

The government announced Project Indradhanush in August 2015 to improve the performance of PSU banks. The focus is on greater accountability and better governance of PSU banks and the government will provide Rs 70,000 crore of capital to the PSU banks by FY19.

The government has formed a Bank Board Bureau to oversee governance practices of PSU banks.

Power Subsidies, Tariff Increases:

Power tariff increases will reduce the subsidies of states and India's consolidated fiscal deficit. This will also address potential increase in NPLs in the Indian banking system.

NPL Situation:

RBI has allowed 5-25, SDR and S4A schemes and implemented several measures for increased monitoring of stressed accounts but has recently asked banks to make additional provisions against stressed accounts as part of Asset Quality Review (AQR) exercise. The parliament passed Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code Bill on May 11, 2016.

Reduction in SLR:

RBI has already cut SLR by 150 bps and this should be headed down over the next five years as GFD/GDP and public debt/GDP decline.

Divestment Programme:

The government announced a package of reforms for PSU banks. The government has identified certain PSUs (Bharat Pumps, BEML) for strategic divestment through a reduction in government stake to below 51% or closure.

Labour Reforms:

Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan state governments have already implemented changes to labour laws to enable easier compliance with the new state laws and greater flexibility in hiring and retrenchment of employees. A few more are changing the labour laws in their states.

Land Reforms:

The government has let the Land Acquisition Ordinance lapse in August 2015 due to political opposition to its proposed amendments to the LARR Act, 2013. Land reforms may be done by states.

Tamil Nadu state government has already implemented its own land acquisition policy in January 2015 while Rajasthan is in the process of legislating its own land acquisition policy.

Reducing Bureaucracy:

The government has focused on empowering bureaucracy and streamlining decision-making.
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Jatin Khemani

Indians are known to be very smart consumers; always looking for value-for-money offerings. Fortunately or unfortunately, that should make us very good Value Investors as defined by Ben Graham.

However, how do we know if a stock is a bargain or not? By default price-earning ratio has become that barometer on which majority is trying to answer this critical question. You mention a stock and the first question would be Boss iska P/e kitna hai? (How much is its P/e?)

The reason for its popularity is its simplicity; P/e of 20 means the business is available at a market capitalization which is 20 times its annual earnings, in other words the stock price is trading at 20 times its earnings per share (EPS).

I will briefly cover three ways in which lot of us get it wrong when it comes to making sense out of P/e:

Folly 1: Lower the better; always true?

A lower P/e does not always imply that the stock is a bargain. Though the numerator of this ratio (price) is for everybody to see, what we ignore is the denominator (quality of earnings) where lies the most important information. This is all the more important in case of cyclical businesses. For instance look at following information pertaining to Ceat Tyres:

An investor basing decision only on P/e would find it expensive in 2012 at P/e of ~17 and may give a pass to a potential 10-bagger, without realizing that the earnings are depressed due to sky rocketing rubber prices (key raw material) that almost went 3x in previous three years and effected profitability of entire industry.

The same investor might find Ceat attractive in 2016 given the P/e is much lower at 10 times, again missing the point that operating margins and hence earnings are cyclically high, thanks to huge tailwind provided by falling rubber prices which doubled margins.

In reality, Ceat was cheap at 17 P/e in 2012 and relatively expensive at 10 P/e in 2016.

Then there are some businesses where inherent economics are bad or are run by crooks. These businesses are being offered to you at low P/e because of some reason and not necessarily because they are hidden gems.

On the other side of the spectrum, there are some beautiful companies out there which trade at optically High multiples; but what many ignore is how their earnings are grossly understated.

Warren Buffet spoke about Owners Earnings in his 1986 Letter to Shareholders. Thomas Russo also talks about such companies as ones with capacity to suffer' in the short term to reap benefits in the long term. These companies are investing today to remain relevant and to have ability to continue to grow tomorrow, with meaningful investments going into R&D, technology, branding etc. which all may be creating intangible assets but are being expensed to P&L.

Folly 2: Comparing apple with oranges

Based on the limited data given in the table below, please answer the following three questions

1. Given that all three operate in the footwear industry, can we assume they are all ditto same?

2. Is Liberty cheap given valuation multiple of other two?

3. Is Relaxo expensive given market leader Bata trades at lower multiple?

The correct answer to all three questions is Insufficient Information

And the reason is because all three may be vastly different in terms of:

1. Presence in different categories within that industry2. Business Model: In-house manufacturing Vs. Outsourcing (Asset light)3. Different geographic exposures, reach and growth strategies4. Quality of Balance Sheet5. Lala Vs Professional Management6. Big Talk Vs Proven Execution Capabilities7. Respect for Minority Shareholders and other Stakeholders

8. Me too Vs. Differentiated, Established/Emerging Brand etc.

Just the way no two humans are 100% alike and hence cannot be compared; we should ideally not be comparing two different companies to benchmark valuations against each other.

Lets say even if both have a lot in common, arent we assuming the peer is rightly valued? What if even that is grossly overvalued/undervalued and hence making this stock seem cheap/expensive?

Folly 3: To drive while looking at rear view mirror

Majority of the investors talk about trailing-twelve-months (ttm) multiple, as that is what is widely available. This is nothing but earnings per share of previous four quarters / 12 months.

But arent we betting on the future earnings? So, do entry multiples really matter? I am sure a lot of people would still answer yes to it.

In that case my follow-up question would be- how would one arrive at a P/e for a company that incurred one-time loss last year and has negative earnings? One cannot, as the denominator is now negative. In this case the same person will try to work out the expected earnings next year or year after that and decide whether its attractive or not. This essentially makes last years profit/loss figure less relevant and future earnings potential the key.

Whether you pay a trailing P/e of 10 or 30, in the long term your returns broadly would depend on three factors:

1. Future earnings growth A function of sales growth, margin expansion due to operating leverage and/or sales-mix change and interest cost saving (retiring debt).

A 10 P/e stock would fail to generate good returns if the business fails to grow its earnings per share, whereas a 30 P/e stock can create massive wealth if its earnings grow consistently at 30-40% CAGR. That is what makes earnings growth the most important driver of stock returns in the long run. Classic example is Page Industries which was never cheap but due to consistent and high growth in earnings became a multi-bagger.

2. Exit multiple A function of market perception of further growth potential in the business, over the next period.

Prof. Sanjay Bakshi, who has been a guiding force in investing community, suggests to be conservative while assigning exit P/E as its far out in the future. He himself never assumes more than 20, which is by the way is his best case scenario.

3. Dividends A function of reinvestment opportunity within the business.

If you invest in large companies generating lot of free cash and high payout, dividends can make meaningful contribution to returns. However in our case, we primarily invest in emerging companies from small & mid cap space, and these companies have a huge run way to grow by reinvesting capital; dividend payouts are low and hence the yields contribute insignificantly to overall returns.

Now, there is no way we can predict the earnings of a company for next year or for 2020 with any precision. However, as investors we would fail in our role if we do not even have a range of possible outcomes with their likely probabilities.

We do not know whether company X from our portfolio can report Rs 23.56 EPS in 2020, but can we attach a high (lets say 70-80%) probability that the figure will be above Rs 20 and with a reasonable exit multiple of 15 we can at least make XX% CAGR in this stock, which is above or close to our hurdle rate? And the answer is Yes We Can. By keeping assumptions conservative and working out a base case (highly likely) scenario, one can position himself for good luck. At the end of the day, investing is never certain, its all about probabilities.

Disclaimer: The stocks mentioned above are for illustration purpose only and not investment advice, please consult your advisor before investing. It is safe to assume author, his firm and clients have position in the stocks discussed.

About the Author
All eyes are on the state election results due tomorrow and whether Bharatiya Janata Party, which is also the ruling party, will secure its win in Uttar Pradesh.



Markets, which was not happy with the downgraded earnings season in January, factored in the positives of the assembly polls. This led to the re-rating of valuations as there was significant feedback from people that the ruling party will get a strong mandate in the state elections.



"This partly explains why the market is flat today," said Manishi Raychaudhuri of BNP Paribas.



Market sentiment will be positive if BJP comes to power as people will bet on the continuation of the reform agenda by the ruling party, he said.



He expects market to touch 30,300 level by the end of calendar year 2017.



Market expert Ambareesh Baliga listed few scenarios on how market will react to the results of the battle for the states.



In the first scenario he said that if BJP gets less than 150 seats, the probability of which is low then the markets will crack and will be closer to 8400-8500 level. In the second case, BJP will win around 160 to 190 seats but will not be able to form the government.



In that situation, an alliance of Samajwadi Party (SP) and Bahujan Samajwadi Party (BSP) may form the government. In this case, markets will correct as the mandate will be against BJP.



If BJP forms the government then market will be high but we will get sold into as the valuations will be steep. There will be a rally of 200 points, he said.



He further said that events like these (state elections) get digested in four to five days and then the focus of the market is back to global news, earnings.



Oil and gas stocks like ONGC, HPCL bounced back from the lows of the day. But, SP Tulsian is not in the favour of a merger between upstream and downstream companies.



If you are making a khichdi of oil marketing companies then you will not derive the right valuations, he said.



To know more, watch video...
business Courage and conviction key while investing, says Raamdeo Agrawal Raamdeo Agrawal, Joint MD, Motilal Oswal Financial Services says not all investments fetch handsome returns. In an exclusive chat with CNBC-TV18s Latha Venkatesh and veteran market expert Ramesh Damani, Agrawal decodes his wealth creating strategy.
Bulls regained strength on Thursday as the Nifty ended above psychological 9,100-mark for the first time ever after Federal Reserve delivered rate hike, and ahead of the outcome of GST Council meet later today.

After a day of consolidation, the 30-share BSE Sensex gained 187.74 points at 29,585.85, which is 96 points away from its record close of 29,682 that touched on January 29, 2015.

The 50-share NSE Nifty closed above 9,100 level for the first time, up 68.90 points at 9,153.70.

The broader markets continued to outperform benchmarks, with the Nifty Midcap up 1.4 percent to end at record closing high on positive breadth. About five shares advanced for every share falling on the exchange.

On Wednesday, Federal Open Market Committee raised the federal funds rate by 25 basis points and projected for two more rate hikes this year and three in next year.

Experts are upbeat on the positive movements and are not very concerned about high valuations.

"Growth is returning to economies and the atmosphere for global equities is good now," says Vibhav Kapoor of IL&FS who expects the Nifty to clock 10,300 by March 2018, albeit with caveats on earnings growth and 10-year yields in the US.

He says at current valuations, it is important that earnings growth should come through. In terms of a correction due to valuations, Kapoor feels it may be minimal and he does not expect deep fall in the markets.

Jayant Manglik of Religare Securities says traders should continue with buy on dips approach and avoid contrarian trades. Market is offering opportunities across the board but it's important to keep a close eye on sector rotation and timing them accordingly, he adds.

Volatility index slipped below 12, down 4 percent today and lost 15 percent during the week.

Meanwhile, the rupee ended at 65.41, the highest level against US dollar since October 30, 2015, up 27 paise from previous close after rally in equity markets.

All sectoral indices participated in the rally, wherein Nifty Metal (up 2.84 percent), Realty (up 1.24 percent) and IT (1.16 percent) gained the most.

The rally in metals stocks was largely driven by upside in global commodity prices. Tata Steel, Hindalco Industries and SAIL surged 4-6 percent.

Another factor that lifted Tata Steel was that according to CNBC-TV18's sources the company will finalise decision on UK business merger by May that will include company's largest plant Port Talbot. Tata Steel-Thyssenkrupp talks are in final stages of price negotiation. Both completed operational due diligence.

Adani Ports was the biggest gainer among Sensex and Nifty stocks, up nearly 5 percent followed by Bajaj Auto, Asian Paints and Tata Motors.

HDFC, Infosys & L&T were top contributors to the Nifty index gain, up more than 1 percent whereas Reliance Industries, Hero Motocorp, ICICI Bank and Bharti Airtel were losers.

In broader space, Reliance Defence and ABG Shipyard rallied 5 percent each as sources told CNBC-TV18 that Reliance Defence has expressed its interest in buying 'agreed assets' of ABG Shipyard but is not interested in equity stake in the company.

Reliance Capital shares rallied 8.5 percent as the company said it would expand health insurance business that would be transferred to separate subsidiary. APL Apollo surged 4.6 percent after NEXTracker will manufacture torque tubes in India in tie-up with the company.

Global markets also gained strength after Federal Reserve raised rates. In Asia, Hong Kong's Hang Seng rallied 2 percent and China's Shanghai was up 0.86 percent while markets in Europe were higher by a percent.
The Enforcement Directorate has provisionally attached properties worth Rs 415 crore of Laxmi Group companies in an on-going money laundering case connected with the NSEL scam.

The agency has attached companys land, building, godowns and real estate of the company.

In the NSEL scam, the accused entered into a criminal conspiracy to defraud the investors, inducing them to trade on the NSEL platform and also created forged documents.

NSEL committed criminal breach of trust against approximately 13,000 investors to the tune of Rs 5,600 crore. Out of this amount, Rs 720 crore went to the LOIL group of companies.

Chandigarh-based LOIL had fraudulently obtained NSELs funds, which was later diverted towards Lakshmi Energy & Foods Limited. The latter used the funds for procurement of raw material and plant expansion.
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte of the VVD Liberal party appears before his supporters in The Hague, Netherlands, March 15, 2017. REUTERS/Yves Herman - RTX317RC

Dutch centre-right Prime Minister Mark Rutte fought off the challenge of anti-Islam and anti-EU rival Geert Wilders to score an election victory that was hailed across Europe on Thursday by governments facing a rising wave of nationalism.

The euro gained as the results of Wednesday's vote showed a clear win for Rutte, albeit with fewer seats than in the last parliament.

He declared it an "evening in which the Netherlands, after Brexit, after the American elections, said 'stop' to the wrong kind of populism."

The result was a disappointment for Wilders, who had led in opinion polls until late in the campaign and had hoped to pull off an anti-establishment triumph in the first of three key elections in the European Union this year.

Political analysts said Rutte won on a mix of factors, not all of which may apply to France, where far-right National Front leader Marine Le Pen is expected to make it through to a second-round runoff in a presidential election in May.

Rutte received congratulations from European leaders including German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who faces a strong Social Democrat challenge in a September election and has shed some support to an anti-immigration party, Alternative for Germany, which is set to enter the federal parliament for the first time.

Merkel told Rutte: "I look forward to continuing our good cooperation as friends, neighbours, Europeans," her spokesman said.

GIFT FROM TURKEY

A number of parties including Rutte's VVD and the third-placed Christian Democrats (CDA) have already adopted most of Wilders' anti-immigration platform, if not his fiery anti-Islam rhetoric.

But with a strong second-place finish, Wilders warned Rutte that he had not seen the last of his Party for Freedom, which has dominated the debate on immigration. Wilders said he wanted to participate in coalition talks, even though mainstream parties have ruled out working with him.

"We were the 3rd largest party of the Netherlands.

Now we are the 2nd largest party. Next time we will be number 1," he said.

Wilders promised to offer tough opposition. "I would rather have been the largest party.... but we are not a party that has lost. We gained seats. That's a result to be proud of," he said.

With more than 95 percent of votes counted, Rutte's VVD Party had won 33 of parliament's 150 seats, down from 41 at the last vote in 2012. Wilders was second with 20, and the CDA and centrist Democrats 66 tied for third with 19 each, data provided by the ANP news agency showed.

"Rutte profited from moving to the right, but also from Wilders having radicalized a lot over the last years and being invisible in the campaign," said Cas Muddle, associate professor at the University of Georgia, referring to Wilders' decision to forego election debates until the final week.

"On top of that, Turkish President (Tayyip) Erdogan gave (Rutte) a beautiful gift."

Rutte got a last-minute boost from a diplomatic row with Turkey, which allowed him to take a tough line on a majority Muslim country during an election campaign in which immigration and integration have been key issues.

At 78 percent, turnout was the highest in a decade in an election that was a test of whether theDutch wanted to end decades of liberalism and choose a nationalist, anti-immigrant path by voting for Wilders and his promise to "de-Islamicise" the Netherlands and quit the EU.

FOCUS NEXT ON LE PEN

The result was a relief to mainstream parties across Europe, particularly in France and Germany, where right-wing nationalists hope to make a big impact in this year's elections, potentially posing an existential threat to the EU.

France's Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault tweeted: "Congratulations to the Dutch for stemming the rise of the far-right."

But Mabel Berezin, professor of sociology at Cornell University in the United States, said defeat for Wilders, who has been in parliament for nearly two decades, should not be considered a sign that European populism is waning.

"He does not represent a populist wave. Rather, he is part of the political landscape and how his party fares does not tell us much about European populism," she said.

"The real bellwether election will be Marine Le Pen's quest for the French presidency, starting April 23  that is where the populist action is and that is what we should be focusing upon."

The spat did not hurt the chances of Denk, a party supported by Dutch Turks, which looked set to win three seats, becoming the first ever ethnic minority party in parliament, in a possible sign of deepening ethnic division.

But, while Rutte averted what in the early stages of the campaign looked like a possible victory for Wilders, years of austerity pushed down his share of the vote. His junior partner in the outgoing coalition, Labour, suffered its worst ever result, winning just nine seats, down from 38 last time.

That means it will likely take months for Rutte to negotiate a ruling coalition, with at least three other parties needed to reach a majority in parliament.

Wilders' PVV will have a third more seats in parliament than before, but is still well below a 2010 high of 24 seats. Support for the two most pro-EU parties, the progressive D66 and GreenLeft, was way up.
Moneycontrol News

After giving tough competition to domestic consumer players, Baba Ramdev-backed Patanjali is all set to enter the South Asian market.

According to a report in the Livemint, Patanjali is planning to set up a production unit in Sahibganj, a small district in Jharkhand from where it plans to set up an export hub for neighboring countries.

The fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) company is already in talks with Nitin Gadkaris Inland Authority of India and also Jharkhand government for same.

Patanjali will be able to ship its products to countries like Myanmar, China and Bangladesh from the Jharkhand base. The company will also help save company logistics cost as well as create a place for it in the East Asian market.

A Patanjali spokesperson told Livemint that it is in talks with the Jharkhand government for industrial development of the state.

The company has also received interest from other countries like UAE and Iran to retail its products, but it hasnt done so.

Patanjali already exports its products to US, UK, Mauritius and Canada.
Arunabh Kumar: YouTube content channel The Viral Fever (TVF) was in the news in 2017, not for its videos. Founder Arunabh Kumar was accused of sexual harassment and had to resign as CEO of the company. (Image: Twitter)

The Mumbai Police have registered a complaint against Arunabh Kumar, CEO, The Viral Fever, on charges of outraging the modesty of a woman with the Mumbai Police.

Mumbai-based advocate Rizwan Siddiqui filed the complaint under IPC sections 354 and 509. His law firm Siddiqui and Associates confirmed to Moneycontrol that an FIR has been filed. "We have filed a complaint with the Mumbai Police Commissioner, Andheri Police Station as well as the Women's Commission. It will take time for it to translate it to an FIR," Siddiqui said.

TVF's media team did not reply to Moneycontrol emailed queries at the time of publishing this copy.

IIT-Kharagpur alumnus Arunabh Kumar was accused this month by multiple women on social media platforms, including past employees and a batchmate, of sexual harassment.

The incident came to light last week when one of the victims published her experience on a blog named  Indian Fowler  which seems to be inspired from 'Susan Fowler' who posted her sexual harassment story inside US-based Uber.

An anonymous Twitter handle - @CorporateKumar was instrumental in bringing the cases to light on social media by engaging with the victims.

As the blog post went viral, more ex-employees shared their stories online. One of the victims who had worked with Arunabh for a web series, shared her story on Facebook.

While these allegation went viral, TVF's current team members defended Arunabh Kumar.

TVFs Nidhi Neetu Bisht had then tweeted: Hope u trust me being sensitive about these matters. We are checking the facts internally & will revert soon. Prima facie baseless.
Kunal Bahl, CEO of India's e-commerce firm Snapdeal, poses after an interview with Reuters in Mumbai, India, February 6, 2017. REUTERS/Shailesh Andrade - RTX2ZT38

It has been a rough few weeks for Gurgaon-based Snapdeal. In the grip of perhaps its worst downturn, the SoftBank-funded e-commerce firm recently undertook a massive retrenchment exercise. Officials Moneycontrol spoke to say the move could affect around 2,000 people.

The doom report doesn't end there. More layoffs could be around the corner in subsidiaries such as FreeCharge, according to the people privy to the developments at the ecommerce retailer.

Snapdeal, which is mentioned in the same breath as Amazon and Flipkart, has pushed itself into a corner of late with poor sales and not to mention, lack of funding.

Top-level exits too have plagued it.

Senior-level exits in Snapdeal show no sign of abatement. Joining the fray of top exits from the e-commerce firm are Rohit Goel, Senior Vice President of Marketplace Health Division and Amitava Ghosh Vice President of Engineering Amitava Ghosh, according to two persons in the know.

The duo will be quitting the firm soon. It follows the exit of six senior executives in the last couple of months including Head of Mergers and Acquisitions Abhishek Kumar and Head of Partnerships and Strategic Investments Tony Navin.

In a previous communication to a query from Moneycontrol, Snapdeal stressed that several reports about job cuts present an "exaggerated estimate of impact at Snapdeal and are largely speculative in nature. They portray a distorted interpretation of our on-going efforts in pursuit of our well established goals of efficiency, experience and growth."

Meeting Goals

According to analysts, the current position of Snapdeal marks an important juncture for the overall e-commerce industry which relies heavily on funds from venture capital firms.

"The current situation is a wake-up call for every internet company which was growing primarily with money from investors. In the early days a lot of recruitment was done without much planning; significant money was spent on digital and ATL (above the line). Today, every cost including those for people, technology, marketing spends, rental is being properly evaluated," said Sreedhar Prasad, Partner, E-commerce, KPMG in India.

ly evaluated," said Sreedhar Prasad, Partner, E-commerce, KPMG in India.

According to Snapdeal, the target is to go ahead with a lean organizational structure focusing only on its core businesses. The company has decided to focus on a targeted set of customers instead of being a platform for one and all. It is looking to turn profitable in the next two years.

The question is with a lean team, reduced marketing budget and low order numbers, how will Snapdeal be able to meet its goals?

In a spot of bother

Even as the company continues to be in talks with the existing investor Softbank for another round of funding, here's a snapshot of events that have driven the company into a fix.

In an email addressed to the employees on February 22, this year, the two founders -- Kunal Bahl and Rohit Bansal -- confirmed that the company was laying off people and will now only look at profitability than a race with others to increase their GMV (gross merchandise volume).

In contrast, in August last year, the company had announced a Rs 200 crore budget for a 360-degree campaign in the run-up to the Diwali festival which is regarded as one of the busiest seasons for e-commerce firms in India. The festive season typically accounts for a third of the annual sales for any large e-tailer.

However, Diwali 2016 seemed like a last ditch effort by the company to put fuel in the fire and speed up its engine as it was struggling with a declining market share against US-based rival Amazon each quarter.

It unveiled a new logo and tagline 'Unbox Zindagi' in its bid to fight the e-commerce war against Amazon and domestic rival Flipkart. The company advertised heavily across all media -- TV screens, airports, YouTube, metro and bus stations -- and ended up burning huge cash.

Huge Salaries

All this while, fresh funding from Japan based Softbank was expected to arrive in Snapdeal's coffers by the end of the year.

"The biggest nail in the coffin and where they lost the plot is when Softbank decided against putting in fresh money at the end of last year," said one of the persons quoted above.

This resulted in the toughest decisions on part of the company: hiring freeze and mass layoffs.

The founders also announced that they will undergo 100 percent salary cuts given the difficult times. Many senior executives also said that they were requested to volunteer to have their pay docked.

The decision, however, was criticized by many who said considering the personal wealth the duo have accumulated over the years, it was a minor sacrifice.

According to a report in Mint, both Bahl and Bansal took a total compensation of around Rs 40 crore including stock sales last year.

Around November-December, the company was spending Rs 30-50 crore in marketing every month and fresh funding was expected to be announced. No news came through.

In January, the expense was reduced from Rs 50 crore to Rs 30 crore and in February it was cut down to Rs 5 crore.

Against a Diwali sales figure of around 180,000 orders, the orders too declined massively to Rs 65,000-70,000 per day.

Ominous arrival of the 'friend' Kothari

In the meantime, Jason Kothari ex-Housing executive and long time friend of Snapdeal Founder Kunal Bahl came into the picture.

Kothari had just packed up the Softbank-funded real estate start-up Housing and merged it with lesser funded rival PropTiger. Kothari was parachuted into Housing by Softbank when its cofounder CEO Rahul Yadav was fired in 2015.

Evidently, the same investors parachuted Kothari into Snapdeal.

Industry leaders predict that Snapdeal will undergo a similar exercise where after cutting out the flab, the company could be made lean enough for a merger.

According to multiple media reports, the company could likely merge with payments and e-commerce firm Paytm which is now expanding its e-commerce platform. Alibaba is a common investor on both Snapdeal and Paytm. However, Paytm has denied these rumors.

However, according to a senior company executive who spoke on the condition of anonymity, "The Housing saga copy-paste won't work here. Laying off people, cutting costs and eradicating discounts is not how e-commerce business is run."

Amazon India is currently estimated to be having nearly 6,000-7,000 people while domestic rival Flipkart says it has 10,000 people as permanent workforce. The total strength at Flipkart is over 27,000. Thus, massive restructuring could be seen at the Bangalore firm in the coming months, even as it is in talks to raise over USD 1 billion in fresh funding.

Lets come to the daily order numbers. The daily order numbers for Amazon and Flipkart stand at around 3 and 2.5 lakh, respectively.

In an email response Amazon said while the company did not share these numbers, Amazon is "way ahead" both in terms of employees and number of orders.

Flipkart said it did not comment on business numbers.

"Sustainability of a business in the long term if this kind of scaling happens is difficult because every metric has become tiny and insignificant now ... not just in terms of team but even order wise," said a senior executive of the company.

Fresh Funding Needed

The above narrative can, however, be proven wrong only if Softbank soon pumps in a life-saving dose of capital that can grease the turbine and push the company back into the race.

According to analysts, all e-commerce companies are likely to come up with multiple new business alliances with an aim to improve their revenues and reduce losses.

"With a commission of 5-20 percent, market places are finding it very difficult to run a profitable business with a single revenue stream. In the coming quarters, we will see many alliances and newer revenue streams from marketplaces. In the short-term there will be heart burn. In a way, what is happening is good for the sector as this would make the Indian unicorns have a clearer, leaner business model," Prasad said.

Interestingly, Snapdeal reported its current order number despite declining marketing activities.

Last month, Moneycontrol reported that Snapdeal was left almost with about USD 100 million in the bank.

In their letter the founders have stressed that the company is taking a "conscious departure from a me-too race to the edge of the cliff," adding that gross merchandise value is vanity while profit is sanity.

However, what will be the strategy to achieve profitability at a time when the e-commerce market is driven by cut-throat competition among rivals offering heavy cash back and discounts, is uncertain.

According to an employee, who is privy to the current strategies, employees have been told that the categories which were run on less no margin will be under scanner. Either they will have to figure out how to make it economical or else the company won't run those categories.

He also said that the company will return to the discounts game but that will be very strategic and aimed towards consumers with high returns.

Currently, the average ticket size of the order on Snapdeal is Rs 1500 on which it earns a commission of approximately Rs 200 (flexible). After this, it ends up spending close to about Rs 240 on the delivery and ancillary costs, as per sources.

"The mandate is to reach out to unit profitability as soon as possible. The target is to start earning around Rs 50 per order by April," the person quoted above said, adding that there could be plans around increasing the marketing fee.

But then why would sellers stick to Snapdeal, many of whom have already started complaining on the decline in number of orders?

"The main problem we are facing is lack of buyers. The market has gone very low in terms of buyers in the last six months," a seller on the platform said on condition of anonymity.

The company currently claims to be working with 300,000 sellers. However, according to a source the active sellers base constitute 15-20 percent of the number.

"We are trying to save funds. The restructuring is completely based on what business process the company plans to continue with and what is not required," said another person declining to share specific details.

Co-founders worked out of hotels

For a few weeks (during the retrenchment exercise) the founders as well as Kothari were known to be working remotely. According to a senior executive while Kothari was working from an apartment situated in central Delhi, Bahl was conducting important meetings in different hotels such as Hyatt Place in Gurgaon.

For a short while, it seemed like a repetition of the AskMe fiasco when founders declined to meet their victims face-to-face and thus avoid office.

For existing employees, it became scary as rumors floated around that the founders were thinking of exiting.

During the second week of March, the founders, however, addressed the retained employees through multiple town-halls in the office.

The founders have been stressing that the company is very close to breaking even and is having the best margins ever, said a source.

"Work is back to normal. The team heads are busy convincing their departments that whatever had to happen has happened and their jobs are secure now," said a manager-level employee adding that the pressure has increased multiple times with each employee now having the work load, three times the portfolio.

Snapdeal had almost doubled its losses to Rs 2,960 crore during the financial year ending March 31, 2016.

It had reported a loss of Rs 1,328 crore during the previous financial year. The revenue of the e-commerce major rose to Rs 1,457 crore from Rs 933 crore during the same period of the previous financial year.

The company stood at a distant position during the festive sales that took place around Diwali last year in terms of number of units sold.

While Snapdeal sold 11 million units during the five-day sale period, Amazon sold 15 million units and Flipkart reported a sale of 15.5 million units.

Conclusion

As part of its cost-cutting exercise, Snapdeal has also shifted its technology on to a private cloud through Cirrus. The technology team was working on this project for the last one year. Earlier, they used the cloud service of Amazon's web services.

"It is likely to reduce the technology cost by 60-70 percent. This will also increase the performance of our app and website," said the person quoted above.

For now the status quo seems to be a steady chase towards profitability and looking out for funding or a prospective buyer.

Of course, the people who joined the company hoping for a great e-commerce dream have got it all shattered. It will be some months before they can pick up those pieces and build their lives again. For the top management and founders, Snapdeal has been a financial bet.

However, if Snapdeal collapses by way of merger or a sell-off in 2017, it will be an end to a great dream to build a world class e-commerce company out of India which could be listed on the bourses.

India is expected to have almost half a billion internet users by end of this year and the number of online buyers will only grow. The only thing lacking will be a homegrown e-commerce firm that could challenge the MNC behemoths such as Amazon and Alibaba.

priyanka.sahay@nw18.com
Ashwani Gujral of ashwanigujral.com told CNBC-TV18, "JSW Steel is a buy with a stop loss of Rs 188, target of Rs 202 and Tata Steel with a stop loss of Rs 493, target of Rs 515."

Hindustan Zinc is also a buy with a stop loss of Rs 299, target of Rs 314," he said.
Prakash Gaba of prakashgaba.com told CNBC-Tv18, "I certainly like IRB Infra. The way it is trading and we have a massive upmove around Rs 260-280 zones."

"I like Hindustan Construction Company from a slightly longer-term perspective. In short-term, it can go to Rs 45 zones but Hindustan Construction should be seen from a slightly longer-term perspective, the target that I have is around Rs 55-60 zones. So it is a buy on dips stock. These are the zones I would look at," he added.
In an interview with CNBC-TV18, SP Tulsian of sptulsian.com, explains why he likes PSU Banks and Jayant Agro. He also gives his views on various other stocks like Hindustan Zinc, Reliance Capital and Manappuram Finance.

Below is the transcript of SP Tulsian's interview to Anuj Singhal and Sonia Shenoy on CNBC-TV18.

Anuj: Since today is the day of metals, I wanted to ask you a work on Hindustan Zinc because it is a company that you have tracked. We have the board meeting coming up as well on 20th. Could this be a case of the government announcing maybe hefty dividend once again and then looking to sell residual stake or am I reading too much into it?

A: That seems to be a realistic possibility because if you see, company has issued this board meeting on 20th yesterday evening at 6:30-7:00. And if you see the background, company is sitting on cash of about Rs 30,000 crore and that translates into Rs 70-75 per share. If you recall, in fact this residual stake sale of about 29.5 percent, 125 crore shares which are held by the government of India has been an agenda for last one year and that is the reason in April, 2016 exactly one year back, company has declared a special dividend of Rs 24 at the behest of the government.

Now I think that, because if you see the statement of Piyush Goyal which he has, on four occasions has confirmed that we are heading towards the residual stake sale in Hindustan Zinc. So, I am not ruling out that possibility happening. But as I said that Rs 30,000 crore and if you take 30 percent of that, government will say that we have a legitimate share on Rs 9,000 crore. So, I am expecting that yes, because company has only given interim, if you exclude this special dividend of Rs 24 having declared on April 6, 2016, if you exclude that company has just paid the interim dividend of Rs 1.90 per share.

So, I am expecting that probably on 20th, I am expecting the dividend which they are calling it as a second interim dividend has to be in double digit, maybe anywhere between Rs 10 and Rs 14 per share because if you take a call on the government holding, as I said, 125 crore, they can fetch closer to about Rs 1,250 crore directly as dividend and if you take on about 425 crore shares, about Rs 4,500-5,000 crore as pay out, government will earn Rs 1,000 crore as dividend distribution tax also. So, government will be having closer to about Rs 2,500 crore in their kitty from this dividend as well as the dividend distribution tax.

So, I am keeping my positive stance that we will be going to see the fat dividend again this time from the company and probably this is a precursor for the government to sell their residual stake and then government probably, once the share goes ex-dividend, if you see, even now in Futures, share is ruling at a discount of about Rs 8-9. But I am expecting it to happen, the interim dividend, I am expecting to be closer to about Rs 12-15 at the behest of the government on expectation of this residual stake sale by the government which is likely to happen in the next financial year.

Sonia: The other stock I wanted to discuss with you is Reliance Capital ahead of that call that will take place by the management where not only Anil Ambani, but his son will be addressing the media for the first time. Should we put too much thought into this or do you think that something relevant could come out and how are you positioned in this stock?

A: Just continuing first on the Hindustan Zinc, this is just because maybe slip of tongue by Anuj. The ex-dividend will happen on March 27 while the expiry is happening on March 30. That is the reason this share is ruling at this one so it will be four days prior to that.

Now coming specifically on the Reliance Capital. You have a lot many plants lined up in that company. Probably group may have felt that they have all along been revolving around the asset management company only. If you see, their investment division, the other non-banking finance companies (NBFC) like the broking houses, those who have plunged into the NBFCs like Edelweiss, Motilal Oswal, IIFL Holding, they have all been doing exceptionally well. The market cap of all these companies have grown above Rs 10,000 crore.

If you take any of these companies, probably group is looking to take this Reliance Capital as the flagship. But the way they have been taking the steps of bifurcating the company that means home finance is getting hived off in one business and the consumer finance is another business. I do not know what kind of plans will be laid out because there are tremendous potential for this in the NBFC space. The growth which we have been seeing for all the companies, these three are just the example.

If you add the microfinance, if you add the gold finance, if you take the other consumer finance kind of things like Bajaj Finance and all that, vehicle finance. So, I do not know that what will be the roadmap to be presented by the group because again because already they have given their mind that the housing finance companies will be hived off into a separate company with a swap ratio of 1:1. But it will be interesting to understand the roadmap with the next gen where the old guards as well as the existing promoters, existing people will all be there. But it will be an interesting conference to look into, but I do not know what will be the roadmap for discussion and presentation.

Anuj: Any thoughts on Canara Bank once the rights issue is over?

A: Having positive view on this bigger PSUs like Canara Bank, Bank of Baroda, Punjab National Bank, State Bank of India (SBI) or maybe Bank of India. Having positive view on all these from the asset quality improvement point of view and from the valuation point of view also.

Sonia: I wanted your view on Manappuram Finance. There is a story that we are picking up that promoters might be looking to sell stake. What would your thoughts be on that and as a long-term investor, if somebody has invested, how should he react?

A: Maybe the family reason may be compelling the promoters to exit from this business. I think they are holding about 35 percent stake. I do not know whether that will be the complete exit or not. But if they decide to completely exit from the company, I think there will be many suitors because if you see, I do not know the market cap is closer to about Rs 8,000 crore, the kind of growth and the performance they have, their presence, excellent financial performance and all that. There will be many suitors.

And those who wants to analyse this news, this can only be seen positive because definitely if a company is getting sold with Rs 8,000 crore market cap and I presume that 34-35 percent stake will be sold off by the promoters completely, then there will be open offer for about 26 percent. That means the acquirer will be having stake of about 60-61 percent in the company and I do not think that 7,000-7,500 is such a big amount which may not attract many of the suitors. So, I am keeping a very positive view on this news alone. If this happens, this will be seen a value accretion for the stock price.

Anuj: Since you have been so bullish on the market and you have some really aggressive targets at index level as well. Any midcaps that can still be bought at current levels?

A: There are a lot of ideas in the midcap space available because if I just pick a few stocks, maybe the sugar again because maybe tomorrow we will be having the Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA) report for first fortnight which will again be presenting a gloomy picture and I will not be surprised to see that once that report is out, you will be seeing the sugar stocks running up by about 5-8 percent just in the next couple of days or maybe on Monday because it all depends on the ISMA release.

The second stock which I am quite bullish is on Jayant Agro which I have been recommending from Rs 250 levels and now, it is ruling at Rs 634-635 because their castor seed, they are the market leader in the castor seed and the kind of run up which we have seen in their prices, castor oil and castor oil derivatives, they have two joint ventures with the largest consumer of castor oil in the world are their joint venture partners. And the castor seed production this time is lower but the promoters have a very good hold on buying these crops and all that.

The harvesting has just happened in the month of January-February and what we have gathered that they have been able to procure good quantity of castor. So, maybe once the Q4 numbers are out or maybe for the next six months or so, I am keeping a very positive stance and maybe the stock can rise by about 25 percent from here in the next six months as well.
9. Vishwaraj Sugar Industries: Listed on October 15, 2019 on the BSE and NSE, the stock has returned 33 percent so far. It had an issue size of Rs 60 crore. (Representative Image Source: Reuters)

Sugar Futures gain for the second consecutive day on Wednesday due to expectation of better summer demand from the industrial buyers and probability of lower production. The government is likely to re vise down its estimate on sugar output in 2016 - 17 (Oct - Sep) from 22.5 mt forecast earlier due to shortage of cane in Maharashtra and Karnataka. Recently, ISMA lowering the production estimate by about 10 lakh tonnes (lt) for 2016/17. Moreover, Maharashtras cane crushing season of 2016 - 17 has come to an end. This is among the short er seasons in Maharashtra after two consecutive droughts and has produced only 41. 6 lakh tonne sugar so far compared to 83.75 lt of sugar as on 30t h April 2016. Raw sugar futures on ICE closed little higher and traded in a narrow range and hovered above last week's three - month low for the third straight session. Societe Generale in a report increased its estimate for a global 2016 - 17 sugar deficit to 3.8 mt from 2.4 mt and cut its global 2017 - 18 surplus forecast to 5 mt from 5.9 mt.

Outlook

We expect sugar prices to trade higher due to lower production estimated this season and anticipation of higher sugar demand during summer from industrial buyers. Moreover, sufficient supplies in the near term as sugar mills continue to sell sugar may cap rise in prices.

For all commodities report, click here

Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by investment experts/broking houses/rating agencies on moneycontrol.com are their own, and not that of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.

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A worker of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) rides his bicycle past the party's campaign billboard featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi outside their party headquarters in New Delhi, India, February 10, 2015. The billboard reads: "One India, Best India". To match Insight INDIA-MODI/ REUTERS/Anindito Mukherjee/File Photo - RTX2E3HK

The BJP's landslide victory in state polls has "implications" for the Sino-India ties as it could further embolden Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "hard-line attitude" and pose difficulties for "compromises" in rows with countries like China, official Chinese media commented today.

"Modi recently led his Bharatiya Janata Party to a sweeping electoral victory in Uttar Pradesh, the country's most-populous state, as well as garnering vigorous support in several other major state elections," an op-ed in the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC)-run Global Times said.

In the first commentary by the Chinese state media after the polls, the article said the results, "not only increased Modi's chance to win in India's 2019 general elections, some even predict he is already set for a second term".

"Since Beijing-New Delhi ties have recently entered a subtle and delicate phase, observers soon started to pay close attention to how the bilateral relationship will develop after Modi tightens his grip on power," it said.

Describing Modi as "man of action" with "hard-line attitude", the article said India's domestic and international polices have undergone change under him.

On the international arena, he changed India's policy not to offend anyone.

"Modi's hard-line attitude is embodied in both his domestic policies, such as the ban on high-value currency notes, and in his diplomatic logic," it said.

"In the international arena, he changed India's previous attitude of trying never to offend anyone and started to take a clear stance in controversies among other nations to maximise its own interests. He enhanced New Delhi's ties with China and Moscow and applied to be a member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)."

"Yet he also upgraded defence collaboration with the US and Japan, articulated his support for the US rebalance to the Asia-Pacific strategy and Washington's stance on the South China Sea issue," it said.

"If Modi wins the next election, India's current firm and tough manner is bound to continue. It will be without question good news for the country's own development," it said.

"Nevertheless, it will likely mean more difficulties in making compromises in rows with other countries. Take the border disputes between Beijing and New Delhi. No silver lining has yet emerged and Modi demonstrated his firm stance over the issue by celebrating Diwali, India's biggest holiday, with soldiers at the Sino-India border," it said.
Anita Rastogi

The pace at which the government is moving ahead in order to ensure that GST is implemented in India soon needs to be appreciated. There was a scheduled two day meeting of the GST Council on 4th and 5th March 2017. However, the GST council wrapped up its agenda within a day.

One nation one tax phrase is being heard very often for GST in India. So will we have only one law or more than that? India under GST will have the different set of statutes. For example, Centre GST (allowing Centre to levy tax on supply of goods and or services in states). State GST (enabling state to levy tax on supply of goods and or services within a state). This will be a replica of CGST. Integrated GST (allowing Centre to levy tax on inter-state trade or commerce). Union Territory-GST (allowing Centre to levy tax in union territories without legislature). Union territories' with legislatures (Delhi and Puducherry) would be same as SGST.

In a very constructive meeting, the GST council formally approved the CGST and IGST laws on 4th March 2017. Considering that the target of the government is that the GST laws are placed before the Parliament in second budget session commencing on 9th March 2017, the laws will now be vetted from a legal wording perspective post which the same would be tabled before the cabinet for their approval. Once the laws are cleared by the cabinet, the same would be presented before the Parliament in the second half of the budget session.

Moving on the SGST law, the legal committee would be working for the next 3 days to finalise the SGST law. Thereafter, the same would be sent to the state legislatures and union territories' with legislatures (Delhi and Puducherry) for their approval. For the remaining Union Territories, UT - GST Act would be formulated (which would be same as the SGST law). Such law would be passed by the Parliament.

The GST council has already announced that the SGST and UT-GST law would be discussed on 16th March 2017 which will be the 12th GST council meet in a very short span of few months. This itself shows the urgency of the government in taking fast steps towards implementation of GST.

On the rates, the multi - tier structure for goods has already been announced. A major meeting would be held soon where fitment of rates for various goods/ services would be presented before the GST Council and approved.

Clear message to the trade and industry is that enough focus needs to be given to GST considering that now the laws are almost finalized and rate structure is in public domain.

On the compliance side, migration of the existing VAT registrations to the GSTN portal has already commenced from November 2016. Recent statistics indicate that 50% to 90% of the businesses have migrated to GSTN portal. So the State registration migration looks under control. Now the excise migration commenced early this year and service tax in February 2017. The data here is alarming as only a paltry 2.94% in central excise and 8.22% in service tax have migrated. This needs to be given a push and accordingly the Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) has urged its officers to conduct workshops and trainings for trade and industry so that due education on the migration is imparted.

To conclude, we see movements on track for successful launch on July 01, 2017 by the Government. This is one such example where government is ahead of industry in GST preparedness.

The writer is Partner  Indirect Tax of PwC

Views expressed are personal.
Auto_car_cars_vehicle

General Motors Co plans next year to rehire 500 Michigan assembly plant workers who are to be laid off in May, citing increased demand for larger vehicles, the company said on Wednesday.

GM said last week it planned to lay off 1,100 workers in May at its Lansing Delta Township assembly plant in Michigan. The company is moving production of the GMC Acadia mid-size SUV to Spring Hill, Tennessee, from the factory, which will build just two models, the Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave SUVs.

The company said that when it begins full production of the new versions of the two models in 2018, it would "bring back approximately 500 jobs to give the company flexibility to meet market demand."

Last year, pickups and SUVs accounted for 59.5 percent of U.S. auto sales, up from 55.8 percent in 2015.

GM also said it would add 220 jobs at a plant in Romulus, Michigan, that is building 10-speed automatic transmissions, and it would retain 180 jobs by shifting Lansing workers to a Flint assembly plant to support pickup truck production.

The announcement came as U.S. President Donald Trump visited Michigan to announce his administration will review fuel efficiency standards, a move that could help automakers sell more larger models.

Trump praised recent job announcements by Ford Motor Co, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV and GM.

"That's just the beginning," he said in a speech to autoworkers in Ypsilanti, Michigan, on Wednesday. "I told (the auto executives) that's peanuts, that's peanuts. We're going to have a lot more. They're going to be building new plants, expanding their plants."

Trump has discouraged the industry from investing in Mexico and urged foreign automakers on Wednesday to add U.S. production at a roundtable that included executives from Toyota Motor Corp, Volkswagen AG and others.

GM did not credit Trump with the decision to add jobs.

"We havent fundamentally changed any of our plans, but we continue to look for ways to improve our operations and find ways to help the country, grow jobs and support economic growth," GM spokesman Pat Morrissey said.

With analysts forecasting U.S. auto sales are at or near their peak, no automaker has announced plans to build a new plant despite pressure from Trump.

The Detroit automaker in recent months has announced other U.S. job cuts and new investments. GM said in January it would invest another $1 billion in its U.S. factories.

GM said in November it would cut about 2,000 jobs when it ended the third shift at its Lordstown, Ohio, and Lansing Grand River, Michigan, plants in January. In December, it said it planned to cancel the second shift and cut nearly 1,300 jobs from its Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant in March.
The logo of Apple is seen at a store in Zurich, Switzerland November 22, 2016. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann - RTSUCB7

Apple Inc, Alphabet Inc's Google and Facebook Inc are among more than 60 technology companies that appear to have backed away from the legal fight against U.S. President Donald Trump's controversial travel ban, deciding not to put their weight behind a lawsuit seeking to block the second version of his executive order.

Airbnb Inc, Dropbox Inc and Kickstarter are among the companies that did sign the brief.

A legal brief filed in federal court in Hawaii on Tuesday on behalf of Silicon Valley companies listed the support of 58 companies, less than half the 127 signatories to a similar brief filed in an appeals court last month after Trump's first executive order banning travel from a number of countries the administration said posed a security risk.

Major tech companies that signed on to the earlier effort but not this week included Microsoft Corp, eBay Inc, Intel Corp, Netflix Inc and Twitter Inc.

Trump says the ban is necessary for U.S. national security, and called Watson's order "unprecedented judicial overreach."

Tech companies, which generally rely on skilled workers from overseas more than other industries, played a large part in the legal effort to halt the first version of Trump's executive order, which was put on hold by a Seattle judge in early February.

It was not immediately clear why fewer of them signed on to the "friend-of-the-court" brief this time around.

Companies will have an opportunity to join the effort as it moves through the court system, said Robert Atkins, a New York lawyer and co-author of the brief. "We do expect the group to expand."

Ride-hailing company Uber Technologies Inc was in the process of adding its name, a spokesman said.

Box Inc, a file-sharing service, said that although it did not sign the brief, there had been no change to its position.

A Twitter spokeswoman pointed to past company statements opposing Trump's initial travel ban in January but declined to comment further. A spokeswoman for Facebook declined to comment.

Representatives of Apple, Google, eBay, Intel, Microsoft and Netflix did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
A female employee of the International Monetary Fund was injured in the face and arms on Thursday when a letter bomb posted to the world lender's Paris office blew up as she opened it, police said.

The explosion was caused by a homemade device, said the head of the French capital's police force.

"It was something that was fairly homemade," police chief Michel Cadot told reporters.

Cadot said there had been some recent telephone threats but it was not clear if these were linked to the incident at the IMF's offices.

A police source said the woman who opened the letter suffered burns on her face and arms but her life was not in danger.

Separately, at least two people were injured in a shooting at a high school in the small southern French town of Grasse, a police source said.

France, which is in the middle of a presidential campaign ahead of elections in six weeks time, has been hit by attacks by Islamist groups in the last few years that have killed scores of people and the country is still in a state of emergency with army units patrolling the streets of paris.

A militant Greek group, Conspiracy of Fire Cells, claimed responsibility for a parcel bomb mailed to German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble on Wednesday, but there was no immediate claim of responsibility for the Paris bomb.

The IMF has been involved in discussions between Greece and its international creditors on disbursing new loans to Athens under a bailout programme.

President Francois Hollande said French authorities would do all they could to find those responsible.

IMF chief Christine Lagarde condemned the explosion as "a cowardly act of violence."

"I ... reaffirm the IMF's resolve to continue our work in line with our mandate. We are working closely with the French authorities to investigate this incident and ensure the safety of our staff," she said.
U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson (L) answers questions beside Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida (R) during a joint press conference after their talks at the Iikura guest house in Tokyo, Japan March 16, 2017. REUTERS/Toru Yamanaka/Pool - RTX3192B

The escalating threat from North Korea's nuclear program shows a clear need for a "new approach," U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said on Thursday, although he did not say what the Trump administration planned.

It was the first time that Tillerson, who was speaking at a joint news conference in Tokyo after talks with Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida, had taken questions from the media since taking office in early February.

Two decades of diplomatic and other efforts, including U.S. aid for North Korea, had failed to achieve the goal of denuclearizing Pyongyang, said Tillerson, a former oil executive with no prior diplomatic experience, at the start of his first trip to Asia as secretary of state.

"So we have 20 years of failed approach," Tillerson said. "That includes a period where the United States has provided $1.35 billion in assistance to North Korea as an encouragement to take a different pathway."

"In the face of this ever-escalating threat, it is clear that a different approach is required. Part of the purpose of my visit to the region is to exchange views on a new approach," he said.

A Japanese foreign ministry official said U.S. officials had discussed potential new approaches regarding North Korea, but he declined to elaborate.

As Tillerson presses the Chinese to do more to rein in North Korea's nuclear and missile programs, he is expected to tell them the United States intends to increase missile defense in the region, despite Beijing's strong opposition, a U.S. official told Reuters in Washington.

An advanced U.S. anti-missile system is being installed in South Korea, and the official said the Trump administration wants to discuss similar improvements with Japan.

Tillerson visits South Korea and China later in the week.

Tillerson is also likely to raise the prospects for imposing "secondary sanctions" on Chinese banks and other firms doing business with North Korea, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. It is among the options being considered in a full review of North Korea policy expected to be completed by late March or early April, the official said.State Department spokesman Mark Toner said on Wednesday Tillerson will have "substantive, hard" talks on next steps in dealing with North Korea but that his visit was not likely to produce an immediate specific response.

In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying repeated Foreign Minister Wang Yi's proposal last week that North Korea should stop its nuclear and missile tests and South Korea and the United States should stop joint military drills and seek talks instead.

"We welcome all parties, including the United States, to come up with their own proposals," Hua told a daily news briefing. "As long as these proposals are conducive to ameliorating the present tense situation on the Korean peninsula and are beneficial to maintaining regional peace and stability ... China will have an open attitude."

Tillerson made it clear he expected China, North Korea's sole major ally, to do more.

"We will be having discussions with China as to further actions we believe they might consider taking that would be helpful to bringing North Korea to a different attitude about its future need for nuclear weapons," he said.

SEEKING CLUES

Tillerson's comments in Japan were eagerly watched by international observers for indications as to what they meant for the Trump administration's foreign policy.

Japan is seeking clues to Washington's policies both on North Korea and China's increasing military and economic clout while hoping to steer clear of trade rows.

Tillerson also held talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and had dinner with Kishida.

U.S. President Donald Trump made it a hallmark of his campaign to call on allies, including Japan, to pay more for hosting U.S. forces and other elements of American protection.

Tillerson issued a far gentler message at the conference, underscoring the "long-standing" U.S.-Japanese alliance.

"While the security environment in this region can be challenging, the United States is committed to strengthening our role, and we welcome an increased Japanese commitment to their roles and responsibilities in our alliance," he said.

Tillerson is the second member of Trump's cabinet to visit Japan. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis visited last month, and Vice President Mike Pence is due in April, underscoring U.S. concerns surrounding North Korea's missile and nuclear programs. Abe was the first foreign leader who met Trump after his November election win.

North Korea last week launched four ballistic missiles, the latest in a series, and is developing nuclear-tipped missiles that can reach the United States, in defiance of U.N. Security Council resolutions and sanctions.

Washington has said all options, including military, are on the table in its review of policies toward North Korea. In the final months of the Obama administration, U.S. officials warned it would blacklist Chinese companies and banks that do illicit business with North Korea if Beijing failed to enforce U.N. sanctions against Pyongyang.

The United States has begun deploying the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense missile defense system in South Korea, a move China objects to strongly because it sees the system's radar as a threat to its security.

Pak Myong Ho, a North Korean embassy official speaking in Beijing on Thursday, said the deployment "will destroy the balance in Northeast Asia and the Pacific region."

"The radar is not aimed at just us," Pak said. "It is also aiming for China and Russia."

China's assertiveness in the East China Sea, where it has a territorial row with Japan, and the South China Sea, where it has disputes with the Philippines and several other Southeast Asian nations, were also on the agenda.
Education

Montgomery County Community College will present the spring installment of the interview/talk show program Issues and Insights April 20 from 12:30 to 2 p.m. in Science Center room 214, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell. The programs will be simulcast to the Colleges West Campus in South Hall room 216, 101 College Drive, Pottstown. Dr. Kolsky will offer a humorous presentation, Carrots, Sticks and Politics: A State of the Nation and the World Message. In this speech, he will provide his interpretation of domestic and international politics and then welcome questions from the audience for discussion. Issues and Insights, is free and open to the public. For information, contact Dr. Thomas Kolsky, professor of political science, at 215-641-6380 or tkolsky@mc3.edu.

Montgomery County Community Colleges STEM Scholars Program will host a STEM Jam! open house April 25 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the Advanced Technology Center at the Colleges Central Campus, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell. The drop-in event is designed for students interested in learning more about careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Activities will include STEM program information and career advising, STEM speakers throughout the day from industry and academia, micro-helicopter and robotics competitive obstacle courses and demonstrations and static models of STEM student and faculty work. For more information about STEM Jam! or STEM programs at MCCC, contact William Brownlowe at wbrownlowe@mc3.edu or 215-641-6644, or Robin Zuhlke at 215-619-7440 or rzuhlke@mc3.edu.

Temple Ambler, located at 580 Meetinghouse Road, presents the following events:

International Club Global Bazaar April 15 from 5 to 8 p.m. The Ambler Campus International Club invites all students, faculty, staff and the community to celebrate a multitude of diverse cultures, which will be showcased at the organizations Global Bazaar. This family friendly event will highlight cultural traditions and celebrations in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, South American, North America and Africa through music, entertainment, food and informative displays developed and presented by students at the Ambler Campus. Young visitors will be provided with passports, which they may get stamped at each country they visit. Prizes will be awarded to world travelers who talk to cultural representatives, answer questions about the countries theyve visited and take part in fun-filled activities designed to help them learn about the rich diversity of cultures found throughout the world. Refreshments will be served. The event is free. For more information, call 267-468-8108 or e-mail tuc36466@temple.edu.

EarthFest 2011 April 29 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. More than 75 exhibitors, including the Philadelphia Zoo, The Franklin Institute, the Academy of Natural Sciences, the Elmwood Park Zoo and the Insectarium, will take part in EarthFest 2011. School students of all ages are invited to attend and develop displays of their own. EarthFest partner the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society also offers its Kids Grow Expo, featuring the Junior Flower Show, as part of the event. For more information, call 267-468-8108 or e-mail duffyj@temple.edu.

Annual Spring Plant Sale May 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The plant sale  an Ambler Campus tradition dating back to the early 1900s  will feature woody plants and perennials in portable sizes, hardy trees, shrubs, and vines, native plants that are attractive to wildlife, herbs, and hanging baskets. There will also be numerous special plants for sale to highlight Amblers special anniversary year. Garden books and garden tools will also be available for sale. Students, staff, and volunteers from the Department of Landscape Architecture and Horticulture and the Ambler Arboretum Advisory Committee will be available to answer questions. All proceeds from the Spring Plant Sale will support the Ambler Arboretum Fund and the Pi Alpha Xi National Honor Society. Information: 267-468-8001 or judy.shatz@temple.edu. Learn more at www.ambler.temple.edu/anniversary.

June Homecoming/Louise Bush-Brown Garden Dedication June 5 from 12:30 to 2 p.m. (June Homecoming), Bright Hall Lounge; 2 p.m. (Garden Dedication), Ambler Campus Formal Perennial Gardens. Tickets  June Homecoming: Participant  $18 per person; Sustainer  $25 per person; Benefactor  $40 per person. The 2011 June Homecoming, sponsored by the School of Environmental Design Alumni Association, will include the Alumni Association annual meeting and luncheon. June Homecoming will be followed by the formal dedication of Temple University Amblers Formal Perennial Gardens as the Louise Bush-Brown Formal Gardens. During this 100th anniversary of the campus, Temple University Ambler and the Ambler Arboretum of the Temple University is honoring Louise Bush-Browns many contributions to the history of the campus by formally dedicating the gardens in her honor. During the program, campus Executive William Parshall will welcome guests, Ambler Arboretum Director Jenny Rose Carey will speak about the Bush-Browns and the history of the garden, and an official ribbon cutting will be held for the Louise Bush-Brown Formal Garden. Following the ribbon cutting, guests are invited to take a tour of the gardens, which will wend their way to the Campus Greenhouse for the School of Environmental Designs annual Plant Auction. Information (Garden Dedication): 267-468-8001 or judy.shatz@temple.edu. Information (June Homecoming): 215-482-0722. Learn more at www.ambler.temple.edu/anniversary.

Northview Garden Tour and Fundraiser for the Ambler Arboretum June 12 from noon to 5 p.m. Call for reservations. Tickets: $15 per person or $20 at the door. In addition to the gardens of the Ambler Arboretum of Temple University, Arboretum Director Jenny Rose Carey has a garden oasis all her own right in Ambler  Northview. Visitors will have the opportunity to take self-guided tours throughout the many gardens, where garden experts will be available to answer questions about the various designs. The Ambler Keystone Chapter of the Womans National Farm and Garden Association will also provide tea and refreshments. All proceeds from the tours will support the Ambler Arboretum of Temple University. Information or to register: 267-468-8001 or judy.shatz@temple.edu. Learn more at www.ambler.temple.edu/anniversary.

The Senior Adult Activities Center of Montgomery County, 536 George Street, Norristown, will hold the following events:

SAAC Adult Day Care, an alternative to Nursing Home Care is available  for information call 610-275-1960

Volunteers are needed for Meals on Wheels Program (call the number above)

SAACs Fifth Avenue Boutique opens Monday through Friday from 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Exercise with Theresa will be held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 1 p.m.

Dance class is held every Monday at 10 a.m.

Tai Chi is held every Monday at 10 a.m.

Yoga is held every Tuesday at 10:30 a.m.

Line Dancing is held every Thursday at 10:30 a.m.

Dancing with Joan is held every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m.

Sculpture Class is held Wednesdays from 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Why Should I Learn Spanish? will be held Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.

Generations On-Line computer classes for seniors will be held Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.  4 p.m.  computers are available during those hours.

Health Living will be held every Tuesday at 1 p.m.

Boomer U will hold the following events. Boomer U is located at 45 Forest Avenue, Ambler. Registration & payment is required for all events: 215-619-8863.

Pilates Class is held Wednesdays and Fridays at 9:30 a.m. First class is free; please bring a mat. For information call 610-291-5376.

Blue Bell School of Dance, 921 Penllyn Blue Bell Pike, Blue Bell, hosts Argentine Tango Classes and a Milonga dance party every Friday evening. Lessons start at 8:30 p.m. followed by dancing at 9:30 p.m. Andrew Conway, master Argentine Tango dancer, instructor and performer and his partner Linda Chase will instruct. All levels welcome and no partner is needed. Refreshments will be served. Fee is $12 per person and includes lesson and dancing. Information: 215-634-1101 or www.amoretango.com.

The Montgomery Hospital Medical Center will offer the following classes:

Childbirth Education Class- all parents are invited to participate, including those who are delivering at

other hospitals. For more information on maternity services or classes, call 610-270-2020.

CPR and First Aid Courses are offered for beginners to experiences health care providers. Call 610-270-2313.

The Ambler SAAC (Senior Adult Activities Center), located at 45 Forest Ave in Ambler will hold the following events:

Tai Chi every Monday and Thursday at 11 a.m.

Yoga is every Tuesday at 1 p.m. and Friday at 10:30 a.m.

Strength and balance training every Wednesday at 10 a.m.

Armchair Aerobics is held every Monday at 10 a.m.

Gourmet Weight Wise every Thursday at 12:30.

Fitness Center and Pool Room open daily 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

The Diabetes Education Center will offer day and evening classes each month. Health insurance pays for diabetes education classes. Preregistration is required. Call 610-270-2301.

For Kids & Families

The Ambler Kiwanis Club will host its annual Easter Egg Hunt April 26 at 10 a.m. in Ambler Borough Park, located just off of the intersection of Hendricks Street and Valley Brook Road. Members of the Wissahickon Key Club will assist Kiwanians in hiding thousands of wrapped chocolate eggs in a designated area of the park. Also hidden will be plastic colored eggs, which are redeemed for prizes. Elementary school children are separated by age.

Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation will hold its 21st annual Storybook Egg-Stravaganza April 15 fom 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Upper Dublin Township Building. Toddlers and preschoolers love this annual event where photo opportunities with favorite friends abound! Treasures are collected from UDP&Rs assortment of lifesize cutouts of favorite cartoon characters from Disney, Sesame Street, Nickelodeon and other well-known animation. Children can have their picture taken with Bugsy OHare; bring your own camera. And dont forget a basket for goodies! $7 for UD residents; $12 for non-residents. Pre-register at 215-643-1600 ext. 3443.

Splash Week is a free week-long program that teaches children and families basic swimming skills and water safety practices. All YMCA branches will host multiple classes each day from April 11 to 15. For more information, contact the Ambler Area YMCA at 215-628-9950.

Healthy Kids Day is April 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The day is filled with fun, engaging and artistic activities that cultivate healthy living as part of the YMCAs larger efforts to help more kids and families become physically active. All activities are free and open to the community. For more information, contact the Ambler YMCA at 215-628-9950. No reservation is required.

The Ambler Area YMCA has added several new programs for area youngsters. Classes are held late afternoons or evenings on various weekdays. For more information, visit philaymca.org or call 215-628-9950.

Basic Beading: Ages: 10+. Wednesdays 7 to 7:45 p.m. This class will teach you the fundamentals of wiring and stringing along with how color can be used to create unique and vibrant beadwork design. You will create various jewelry including earrings, bracelets, charm pendants and much more! Supplies will be provided. Bringing your own jewelry pliers or tools would be a plus.

Messin with the Masters: Ages: 8-12. Thursdays 7 to 7:45 p.m. Learn about some of the worlds greatest artists. You will be inspired to create your own Starry Night with oil pastels and tempera paints, a tissue paper painted Monet garden, a Picasso head using scraps of paper, a Georgia OKeeffe clay flower bowl and a Rousseau jungle collage.

Super Scientist: Ages: 5-7. Mondays 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. Well be concocting chemistry experiments such as making slime, mixing potions and having fun with magnet magic. Your budding little scientist will enhance his/her creative thinking and motor skills and to top it off will learn that science can be serious fun.

Wacky Junk Art: Ages: 8-12. Thursdays 6 to 6:45 p.m. Why throw it away! Instead join us to make household junk into aliens from outer space, wacky specs, crazy hats, body masks or a recycled train.

Globe Trotters: Ages: 4-6. Tuesdays 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. Youre never too young to start thinking globally. Each week, we explore a new country through crafts, games, music, stories and even some taste-testing. A perfect introduction to our great big world!

Crazy about Crafts: Ages: 5-7, Thursdays 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. Let your childs creative juices flow with our fun arts and crafts projects each week. Fine motor skills and creative thinking skills will be enhanced with this crafty class.

Come out and join the Ambler Area YMCAs Teen and Junior Leaders Club. Participants are given the freedom to plan community service projects year round and truly make a difference in the lives of people in need. Those in Teen and Junior Leaders also attend leadership retreats all along the East Coast three times a year and meet other leaders who are doing the same great work in their respective areas. Dont miss out on this inspiring opportunity. Teen Leaders, ages 13-17, meet every Wednesday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Junior Leaders, ages 10-12, will begin in the spring and will meet every Monday. For more information, contact Mike Miles, Teen Director, 215- 628-9950 x 1540 or mmiles@philaymca.org.

Did you know that the new Ambler Area YMCA holds childrens birthday parties at its site for members and non members as well. The Ambler Y does all the work from start to finish and birthday parties include a personalized cake, ice cream, beverage and paper products. Parties are held on Saturday and Sunday afternoons and include two party hosts to lead activities, set-up, clean-up and assist with serving. You can have a Splash Party for children ages six to 12 in the new zero depth entry pool with water slide and spray fountains. Up to 25 children have exclusive use of the pool area with 30 minutes in the party room. Sports Parties are offered for kids ages four to 12 with age appropriate activities and games, and sports such as floor hockey, soccer, basketball or dodge ball. Children ages three to five years of age will enjoy parties in the Family Active Center with use of the Moon Bounce and organized activities, such as parachute play and songs. For information, 215-628-9950 ext. 1583.

Community Events at the Ambler Y:

-YAchievers YMCA Achievers is a developmentally based, extracurricular, educational and team mentoring program designed to help students in grades five through 12 prepare for fulfilled livelihoods in college and beyond. Participation is free and all students in this program receive a free YMCA membership. Registration for the 2009 program begins now. You do not need to be a YMCA member to utilize these special services. Call 215-628-9950 to register.

Greater Norristown Art Leagues Childrens Weeklong Summer Art Camps will be held at 800 West Germantown Pike in East Norriton, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday throughout the summer. The cost per session is $125 per student for ages 6 and up. Jo Ann Cooksey Bono teaches an introduction to basic drawing skills and techniques from 10 a.m. until the lunch break each day. In the afternoon sessions, Mary Vogel Lozinak involves the students in hands on projects such as collage, papermaking, T-shirt printing, 3D design and sculpy clay. Fridays Graduation Day includes an art show, awards ceremony and reception for parents, siblings, grandparents and friends. All supplies are included. Students provide their own lunch. A refrigerator is available and the building is air-conditioned. This is the 15th year to run this successful program. Both instructors are professional artists with State Police and Child Abuse Clearances. To register, call Jo Ann at 610-279-1008, or register on-line at www.gnal.org.

Health

Dresher Physical Therapy is hosting an interactive seminar discussing its Golf Assessment Progam April 30 from 10 a.m. to noon at Dresher Physical Therapy, 1075 Virginia Drive, Suite 200, Fort Washington. Physical therapist Chris Miller, certified through the Titleist Performance Institute, will discuss why your body may be the most important piece of golf equipment you invest in and how this can drastically improve your game. $10 in advance; $15 at the door. Call 215-619-4545 to reserve your spot.

The Chestnut Hill Center for Enrichment, Center on the Hill and Chestnut Hill Hospital will host a Senior Health and Resource Fair April 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Chestnut Hill Presbyterian Church, 8855 Germantown Ave. The event is free. For more information, call 215-248-0180 or e-mail chseniors@cavtel.net.

The Ambler Senior Adult Activities Center is hosting Help Yourself to Health, a new six-week workshop for older adults with ongoing health conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, anxiety, heart disease and others. The free workshop will take place at the Ambler Senior Adult Activities Center, 45 Forest Ave. on six Thursdays, May 12 through June 16 from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Although there is no charge to participate, registration is required. To register, call 215-619-8863.

The Ambler Senior Adult Activities Center is sponsoring an eight-week program called A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns About Falls. Presented by the Montgomery County Health Department, this workshop will be held on Tuesdays, May 3 to June 21 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Ambler Center, 45 Forest Ave. If you pre-register by April 27, the fee is only $5! Registration at the first class is $10. (Checks should be payable to SAAC and will benefit our Meals on Wheels program that serves homebound seniors.) A workbook will be provided and refreshments will be served. Call 215-619-8863 to register or for more information.

Fort Washington Wellness Center classes are ongoing. There are several offered during lunch or right after work, for your convenience: Boot Camp from noon to 1 p.m. on Monday; Zumba is MWF from 11 a.m. to noon and Friday at 4 p.m.; there are 25 cycling classes; Ashtanga and Vinyasana Yoga and Pilates; and a group Womens Strength Training class M-F from 10 to 11 a.m. Questions, call Cathy DeMarco at 215-641-1245.

Following the success of other local area programs, Impact Sports and Upper Dublin Parks and Recreation are delighted to team up again to offer a spring program for the 2011 season! Upper Dublin area children ages 3-5 years old can attend a Sports Program featuring their favorite sports games; soccer, rugby, hockey, track and field, basketball, and more. The program will start on April 27 and run through June 1. Cost for the program is $85 for the six weeks. The classes will be running 12- 1 p.m.; 1- 2 p.m.; 2- 3 p.m. For more info or to register, call Upper Dublin Township on 215 643 1600 or visit their website a http://www.upperdublin.net.

Spring Aquatic Programs  UDHS Pool:

-Summer is just around the corner  Community Aquatic Programs at the UDHS Pool can help get you into shape! Programs begin in March; preregistration is required.

 Shallow Water Aerobics  Two 5-week programs, Wednesday nights, 8-8:45 p.m., $40R/$50NR.

 Adult Swim Instructions  Two 5-week programs, Wednesday nights, 7-8 p.m., $50R/$60NR

-Open Rec Swims are fun for the whole family! Come out on Fridays from 7-9 p.m. or Saturdays from 1-4 p.m. and enjoy use of the pool and diving area. Fridays are offered through June 17; Saturdays are offered March 12-May 21.

-Join a growing group of adult lap swimmers and water walkers. Lanes are set aside evenings and weekends for use; lanes are shared. Monday  Thursday from 7:30-9:30 p.m.; Fridays from 7-9 p.m. and Saturdays (March 12-May 21) from 1-4 p.m.

-Private Swimming & Diving Lessons for ages 3-adult are offered at the UDHS Pool through a partnership with the Upper Dublin Aquatic Club (UDAC). Visit the UDAC website for more information, www.udac.us, and click the link to UDHS Private Lessons.

-Looking for local programs for US Masters Swimming (adults) or Water Polo (all ages)? UDAC and UDSD are working together to develop programs that will be offered at the UDHS Pool. Add your name to Interest Lists by emailing slohoefer@upperdublin.net. emails will be sent about clinics and program start dates.

Questions about Community Aquatic Programs at the UDHS Pool, group use of the pool or pool rental? Contact Susan Lohoefer, Facility & Community Affairs Manager at slohoefer@upperdublin.net or call 215-643-8800 x8994.

SilverSneakers Fitness Program. The Healthyways SilverSneakers Fitness Program is a result-oriented program that enables older adults to take charge of their health. The program is an innovative blend of physical activity, healthy lifestyle and socially oriented programing. Members of the program are eligible for a free YMCA membership, with use of the pool and exercise equipment, along with customized classes designed for older adults who want to improve their strength, flexibility, balance and endurance. If you are a subscriber to Independence Blue Cross (Personal Choice 65 PPO) or Keystone 65 HMO, Bravo Health, or Health Options Programs (HOP), call the Ambler Area YMCA, 215-628-9950 or Hatboro Area YMCA, 215-674-4545. You can also visit www.silversneakers.com.

Zumba Fitness offers Zumba dance/fitness classes at Academy of Dance and Music/BBAD Studio located at 1524 DeKalb Pike in Blue Bell (behind Sherwin Williams). Classes are offered three times a week: Tuesdays at 6 p.m., Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 8 a.m. For a free trial pass for your first class, email us at info@danceandmusic.biz or call 610-277-2557. For more info, visit our site at www.academyofdanceandmusic.org.

Chestnut Hill Health Systems presents the following Health Education Programs:

FITNESS CLASSES

Golden Yoga: A Breathing, Stretching and Relaxation Class. Fridays, 2:30-3:30 p.m. Lea Auditorium, Chestnut Hill Hospital, 8835 Germantown Ave. Registration for four classes at a time required. Golden Yoga is Classical Yoga, adapted by the SKY Foundation, to accommodate those who have difficulty getting up and down from the floor. The program includes postures, breathing, relaxation and meditation techniques, all performed while sitting in a chair and standing. Registration required. Call 215-247-3029. Cost: $20 for 4 classes per month.

Tai Chi: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 8:30  9:30 a.m. Springfield Residence, 8601 Stenton Ave. Classes, for the novice or beginner/intermediate student, are designed to improve balance, power, posture, coordination, flexibility and mental focus. Slow, gentle movements are modified to most everyones abilities. For more information or to sign up for a free introductory class, call 215-882-2804. Cost: $8 per class/paid monthly.

SUPPORT GROUPS

Weight Loss Surgery Support Group: Fourth Wednesday of the month, 7-8 p.m. Williams Conference Room, Chestnut Hill Hospital, 8835 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia. Join us for a monthly get-together where well share information for those interested in weight loss surgery, learn from guest speakers discussing current news on issues including lifestyle modification, nutrition and exercise and provide ongoing support for those who have completed surgery. Registration required. Call 215-753-2000.

Breast Cancer Networking Group: Fourth Tuesday of the month 5:30  7 p.m. Williams Conference Room, Chestnut Hill Hospital, 8835 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia. A free, confidential support group for women living with a diagnosis of breast cancer designed to provide a forum for sharing information, feelings and concerns associated with breast cancer. Facilitated by Tish Wakefield, LCSW, Oncology Social Worker. Registration required. To register or for more information, call 215-248-8047.

New Moms Support Groups Tuesdays 10:30 a.m.  12 p.m.; contact Jeanine ORourke, MSW or 2:30  4 p.m.; contact Susan Schack, Ph.D Volunteer Conference Room, Chestnut Hill Hospital, 8835 Germantown Ave. The Center for Postpartum Depression at Chestnut Hill Hospital is pleased to offer two new support groups to support new moms. Both groups will be run by experienced mental health professionals who really get it when it comes to new motherhood and juggling relationships, extended family, work/family balance and self-care. If you are experiencing new mom challenges that often heighten anxiety and involve hormonally driven depression, join us for an informative and supportive forum to connect with other moms. Infants are welcome. $30 per session (flexible based on need). Registration is required. Call Dr. Schack, 646-265-2484, or Ms. ORourke, 215-206-2931.

Man to Man Prostate Cancer Support Group Third Thursday of the month 8-9 a.m. Williams Conference Room, Chestnut Hill Hospital, 8835 Germantown Ave. A networking group for men diagnosed with prostate cancer designed to provide education, support and encouragement. Spouses and partners welcome. Harry M. Baer, MD, Chief, Urology Division, will host Ask the Doctor. Registration required. Call 215-248-8325.

Contact the Senior Center by phone 215-248-0180 or email (chseniors@cavtel.net) with your questions about these programs or any of our on-going activities and classes.

Holy Redeemer HomeCare and Hospice seeks compassionate and emotionally mature volunteers to provide support to local hospice patients and their families in Bucks, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties. Volunteers may also assist with pet therapy and administrative work within the hospice department and are requested to have daytime availability. Hospice patient care volunteers visit with patients in their homes or nursing facilities once a week for two to three hours. They provide emotional support and companionship to patients and family members, assist with errands or provide respite for caregivers. Bereavement volunteers support the families of hospice patients following the loss of a loved one, while administrative volunteers assist with typing, mailings and/or filing. Hospice care workers provide a great service to families and loved ones of hospice patients. Many volunteers also report a great deal of personal satisfaction as a result of their services. Patient care and bereavement volunteers complete an application and attend an 18-hour volunteer training program that covers the medical, psychological and spiritual aspects of hospice volunteering. Day and evening training programs are offered. To sign up for volunteer opportunities in Pennsylvania, contact Holy Redeemer Volunteer Coordinator Jean Francis at 215-698-3737 or email jfrancis@holyredeemer.com.

Librarytalk

Upper Dublin Public Library, 805 Loch Alsh Avenue, Ft. Washington, 215-628-8744

www.upperdublinlibrary.org

APRIL CHILDRENS PROGRAMS:

Storytimes: Please register in the library.

o Wee Ones: 0 to 23 months Thursdays and Fridays 10:30 to 10:50 a.m.

o Tiny Tots: age 2. Wednesdays 10:30 to 10:50 a.m. and Fridays 11 to 11:20 a.m.

o Jr. Book Lovers: ages 3 to 6. Tuesdays 10:30 to 11 a.m.

o Bedtime Storytimes: 7 to 7:30 p.m. April 20 and 27. Wear your jammies, bring your teddy & hear Miss Barbara read bedtime stories! For ages 3 to 6.

APRIL TEEN PROGRAMS:

North Hills Library Teens April 28 from 4 to 6 p.m. Movie Matinee

APRIL UDPL ADULT PROGRAMS:

NEW! ESL Conversation Group. Tuesdays from 7 to 8 p.m. Interested in practicing your English in a safe and caring environment? Come to our conversation group and improve your skills! Please register with Kay Klocko at 215-628-8744 or kklocko@mclinc.org.

One-on-One Computer Mentoring. Get personalized assistance from experienced computer volunteers! Sign-up for a one-hour session. Limit one session per month. Please register  contact info above.

Book Groups Please register with Kay Klocko 215-628-8744.

o Daytimers: April 21 at 1:30 p.m. Tired of book groups where you all read the same book? Read any fiction or non-fiction book on this months theme: Explorers. Please register.

Meetings:

Annual Meeting of the Friends of UDPL: April 14 at 1 p.m.

Board of Directors: April 20 at 7 p.m.

Blue Bell Library www.wvpl.org Upcoming Events: The Wissahickon Valley Public Library, 650 Skippack Pike (Route 73) in Blue Bell, is diagonally across from the Blue Bell Inn. Call 215-643-1320 or visit their website at www.wvpl.org.

For children and teens at Blue Bell:

* Story times with guitar music by Miss Michelle, the singing librarian.

* Mondays at 10:30 a.m. for all ages.

* Wednesdays at 4:30 p.m. for all ages.

* Fridays at 10:30 a.m. for all ages.

* Family Movies, new releases, second Saturdays of the month at 1:30 p.m.

* May 14  Despicable Me

* June 11  Alpha and Omega

* Special Events

* April  watch for date of spring/Easter events

* April 14 at 4:30 p.m.  Junior Lego Club for children ages 3 through 5. Parents and caregivers need to stay with children.

* April 14 at 7 p.m.  Jeopardy for ages 11 to 18. Test your book and library knowledge for prizes. Sign up to be a contestant. No sign up to be in the audience. Snacks provided.

* April 16 at 1 p.m.  Adult Mystery Book Group discussing The Beekeepers Apprentice by Laurie King.

* April 16 at 1:30 p.m.  Childrens event for One Book, Every Young Child celebration. Story and craft for book Whose Shoes?

* April 19 at 7 p.m. and April 26 at 1:30 p.m.- Adult book group discusses The Professor and the Madman by Simon Winchester. Group led by Adam Button.

* April 30 through May 3  Friends book sale with about 10,000 items for sale for children, teens and adults.

* May  sign up for Science in the Summer

* June  sign up for Enrichment Programs for Elementary-Age children

* June  sign up for Summer Reading, all ages

For adults at Blue Bell:

* Daytime Book Discussion Group  fourth Tuesday, Jan  April at 1:30 p.m.

* April 26  The Professor and the Madman by Simon Winchester

* Night-time Book Discussion Group  third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m.

o April 19  The Professor and the Madman by Simon Winchester

* Art Series with Dr. Sheldon Weintraub, docent at The Barnes and speaker at local colleges

o April 27 at 2 p.m. The Art of Looking at Art-Is She Nude or Is She Naked?

*Mystery Book Discussion Group, third Saturday of the month at 1 p.m.; new mystery theme each month; www.wvpl.org/programs

* Yoga on Mondays at 1:30 p.m. $20 for eight classes; $5 per drop-in class.

* Tai Chi on Mondays at 3 p.m. with Dr. Kurt Findeisen. $20 for eight classes; $5 per drop in class.

* Philadelphia Museum of Art presents class on their Marc Chagall exhibit, April 13 at 2 p.m.

* Giant Book Sale, April 29  May 3

o Starts with almost 10,000 items for children and adults!

o Held during library hours.

o Preview for members of the Friends of the Library, April 28 at 7 p.m.

o Join the Friends and attend the preview sale. Modest fee to join.

* Blooms at Blue Bell Gardening Series

o May 11 at 1 p.m.  Summer Bulbs by PA Horticultural Society

* Knitting group Mondays and Wednesdays at 10 a.m. Work on your project or observe and learn. The groups continue year-round in the community room.

* Socrates Cafe discussion group every Monday at 7 p.m. You pick the topic to discuss each week. No sign-up, nothing to read.

* Bridge every Friday at 12:30 p.m. New players welcome.

* Mah Jong every Wednesday at 1 p.m. New players welcome.

*Chess every Wednesday at 7p.m. for adults and teens 14 and older.

* Movie Matinee showing recent releases every Thursday at 2 p.m. April 14: Maos Last Dancer; April 21: Welcome to the Rileys; April 28: Conviction; May 5: Inception; May 12: Inside Job; May 19 The Kings Speech; May 26 The Fighter; June 2 Rabbit Hole; June 9 Black Swan; June 16 127 Hours

* Ongoing like-new, year-round book sale for adults & children during library hours

* Library opening at 10 a.m. Monday through Saturday!

Ambler Library, a branch of the Wissahickon Valley Public Library, 209 Race St., 215-646-1072. www.wvpl.org. All the following events occur at the Ambler Library.

* Story times with guitar music by Miss Michelle, the singing librarian.

* Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. for all ages.

* Thursdays at 4:30 p.m. for all ages.

* For adults:

* Beading Group meets the first and third Monday of every month at 1 p.m. Work on your own projects or come to watch and learn.

* Free Family History Lookup with Connie Briggs. Email Connie for an appointment at the Ambler Library. conniebriggs@comcast.net

* Special Events:

* April 14 at 1:30 p.m.  Book Group discusses Skeletons at the Feast by Chris Bohjalian.

* April 19 at 7 p.m.  Travel to Paris with world traveler Harry Balin. Tea and scones at 6:30 p.m.

* April 21 at 7 p.m.  Art with Sara for children in fourth through seventh grades.

*May 2 at 6:30 p.m.  Discuss the movie Lone Star with Temple Professor Lisa Hawkins. Watch the movie ahead of time.

*May 10  Robert Capucci discusses Art into Fashion. Tea and scones served at 6:30 p.m. Program at 7 p.m.

*May 12 at 1:30p.m.  Book Group discusses The Imperfectionists by Tom Rachman.

*May 17  Tour the gardens of Devon and Southwest England with Lois McMullen. Tea and Scones at 6:30 p.m. Program at 7 p.m.

*June 13 at 6:30 p.m.  Discuss the movie Blade Runner with Temple Professor Lisa Hawkins. Watch the movie ahead of time.

Meetings and Lectures

The Unisys Blue Bell Retiree Group will meet in the Church on the Mall in the Plymouth Meeting Mall April 14 at 1:30 p.m. Kathy Sacket Young, director/trainer with the North Penn YMCA, will speak on Keeping Fit in Retirement. For more information, contact Membership Committee Chairperson Jerry Feldscher at 610-275-3538 or President Al Rollin at 215-368-4833.

The next FWBA meeting will be April 28 at the Hilton Garden Inn Fort Washington. Networking begins at 11:30 a.m.; meeting from noon to 1 p.m. Leon Singletary, Principal, First Contact HR and FWBA Executive Board, will present: Social Media: How to Use It To Get More Business. Lunch is provided courtesy of the Hilton Garden Inn Fort Washington. Members are welcome to bring a guest. An RSVP is requested by return email or 215-628-0313.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Southeastern PA is hosting a information sessions over the next few weeks on how to become a Big Brother. The information sessions will take place: April 16 at noon, April 19 at 8 a.m. and April 28 at 6 p.m. All sessions will be held at the groups Norristown Office,t 530 DeKalb St., Norristown. For more information, call 610-277-2200.

The North Penn Chapter of the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) normally meets on the third Tuesday of each month from now until May. Meetings are held at the William Penn Inn on Route 202 and Sumneytown Pike, Upper Gwynedd, PA. Social hour starts at 5:30 p.m., dinner is served at 6:30 p.m., and the technical program begins at 7 p.m. Cost with reservation is $28 for members. Members without reservations and guests pay $30. Students with reservations pay $15. Reservations may be made by noon on the Monday preceding the meeting by phoning 215-371-1854 or emailing the reservation to northpennima@yahoo.com northpennima@yahoo.com. Information about the North Penn Chapter is available at http://northpenn.imanet.org/.

LeTip, a professional organization of men and women who are dedicated to the highest standards of competence and service meets every Tuesday at Cedar Brook Country Club, 180 Penllyn Pike, Blue Bell at 7 a.m. -meeting officially starts at 7:16 a.m. and ends at 8:31 a.m. Our purpose is the exchange of business tips, leads, and referrals. Each business category is represented by one member and conflicts of interest are disallowed. Guests are welcome to visit any of our breakfast meetings.

Every third Thursday of month, Sunrise Assisted Living of Blue Bell (795 Penllyn Pike, Blue Bell, PA 19422, 215-619-2777) serves as a satellite site to 148th Legislative district PA congressman Mike Gerber from 10 a.m. to noon. Stop by for help needed with things such as disability placards and license plates, vehicle registration, utilities issues, birth/death certificates,property tax/rent rebates, etc. Notary services arranged by appointment.

The Eastern Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce is an action-oriented organization dedicated to promoting its members and the economic health of eastern Montgomery county. The Chamber is committed to serving as a catalyst by uniting business, community agencies, government and education to make our county a great place to live and work. For information, call 215-887-5122 or visit www.emccc.org.

Do you have a fear of public speaking? Blue Bell Toastmasters Club can help. We meet from 7 to 9 p.m., on the second and fourth Tuesday at the Marriott Courtyard, located on Route 202, directly across from the Montgomeryville Mall. Learn how to improve communication and leadership skills in a friendly and supportive environment. Guests are welcome. Admission fee: $5. For more info, visit www.bbtoast.org.

The PennSuburban Chamber of Commerce will hold the following meetings (for reservations to any of the following, email info@PennSuburban.org)

-Breakfast News Network, 7:30-8:45 a.m. at Normandy Farm Hotel (1401 Morris Road, Blue Bell, PA 19422) $15 members, includes full buffet breakfast. Join us for a networking program at Normandy Farm Hotel every Thursday morning for breakfast, business news, informative speakers, and plenty of networking. The cost includes a full breakfast buffet. Copies of the business cards will be made available to those who would like them.

The BNI, Fort Washington Chapter meets every Monday at The Hilton Garden Inn, 520 Pennsylvania Ave., Fort Washington for a networking meeting. Meetings are from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. Visitors are welcome. The only cost to attend is the cost of your meal. For information or a reservation to attend, please call Luanne Cram at 215-947-7784, or visit our Internet site at: http://www.BNIDVR.Com and click on the menu item Find a Chapter.

For the past seven years, people have enjoyed participating in WVWAs Adopt-a-Tree program. Individuals can support the Association in its reforestation efforts by purchasing native trees to be planted. Supporters can plant their adopted tree or have WVWA volunteers will plant it. Trees cost $30 each. If you would like to volunteer or purchase a tree(s), please contact: Bob Adams at Bob@wvwa.org or call: 215-646-8866 for more information. Check www.WVWA.org for directions and maps.

Sustainable Upper Dublin, http://sustainableupperdublin.org, meets the first Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m., at the Upper Dublin Township Building, 801 Loch Alsh Avenue, Fort Washington, PA 19034. Please send any questions to suec@sustainableupperdublin.org or call 610-996-6316. To learn more about Sustainable Upper Dublin, view or join the discussion at http://googlegroups.com/group/sustainableupperdublin.

Special Events

The Mattie N. Dixon Community Cupboard will hold its first nutrition class April 19 at 10 a.m. at the Community Cupboard, 150 N. Main St., Ambler. Lynne Sinclair, a nutritionist from Abington Memorial Hospital specializing in diabetic nutrition, will conduct the class. Topics will include healthy eating, beneficial foods, recipes, making meals with every day foods, and how to use unfamiliar produce. A healthy snack will be provided.The class is is open to all residents in Montgomery County.

The Historical Society of Fort Washington presents The History of Conshohocken April 19 at 8 p.m. at the Clifton House, 473 Bethlehem Pike, Fort Washington. Jack Coll will present an illustrated program on the history of the Borough of Conshohocken. Coll is a longtime resident of Conshohocken and a member of the Conshohocken Historical Society. He is co-author with his son, Brian, of the Arcadia Then and Now Series book Conshohocken. He has also done books Conshohocken and West Conshohocken Sports and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Italian Feast. He has taken many photos for the Conshohocken Record and the Norristown Times Herald. This program is free. Refreshments will be served. For additional information, call 215-646-6065.

Taste of the White House Soiree featuring former White House Chef Walter Scheib will take place April 29 at 6 p.m. at Manufacturers Golf & Country Club in Fort Washington to celebrate HealthLinks 10th anniversary and honor its founders, the Eugene Jackson Family. The evening will heat up with a Chef Meet & Greet, followed by a specially selected presidential menu. Gala tickets are $150 per person. Proceeds benefit HealthLink, a free clinic providing compassionate, quality medical and dental care to uninsured, working adults in Bucks and Montgomery counties who fall in between the health care cracks. Go to http://tasteofthewhitehouse.charityhappenings.org to make reservations online or lend support through sponsorship. For event information, call 267-699-0124 or email jmarushak@healthlinkmedical.org.

The Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association will hold an open house at the Evans-Mumbower Mill April 17 from 1 to 4 p.m. The Mill is at the corner of Swedesford and Township Line Roads in Upper Gwynedd. The open house is free but donations are welcome. For more information, call 215-646-8866 o email info@wvwa.org.

The Eastern Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce will host Breakfast With Your County Commissioners and State Representatives April 21 from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at the Holiday Inn Fort Washington, 432 W. Pennasylvania Ave. Commissioners: James R. Matthews (Chairman), Joseph M. Hoeffel (Vice Chair), State Representatives: Todd Stephens (District 151) and Josh Shapiro (District 153). Register onlineat www.emccc.org. $10 for EMCCC member; $20 for non-members.

Upper Dublins Districtwide Allied Art Show will be held April 27 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. in the Upper Dublin High School Athletic Complex.

The Rev. Alfred Muli, chaplain at Fort Washington Estates, will be the featured speaker at the Kiwanis sponsored breakfast observing the National Day of Prayer May 5 at 7 a.m. at the William Penn Inn. The breakfast is open to the public ($15). Reservations can be made by calling 215-646-4356 or by emailing georgesaurman@Juno.com.

The Upper Dublin Shade Tree Commission invites people to participate in its spring bare root planting events, sponsored in part by Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation and Friends of Robbins Park. On April 9, zix trees will be planted at the Evelyn B. Wright Park & Community Pool, 401 Logan Ave., North Hills, at 9 a.m., followed by the planting of 10 trees at Sheeleigh Park, Loch Alsh Avenue and Douglas Street, Ambler, at 10:15 a.m. On April 29, students from Upper Dublin High School will join the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society to plant 16 trees in Robbins Park, Butler Pike and Meetinghouse Road, Ambler, to help launch the societys Million Trees campaign. This event will occur in conjunction with Temple Amblers EarthFest. Experienced tree-tenders are sought to assist the students. For more information,contact Ron Ayres at 215-653-0421 or 215-483-4348.

The Friends of the Wissahickon and the Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association are teaming up once again to clean the Wissahickon Creek from top to bottom April 30 from 9 a.m. to noon. This spring marks the 41st anniversary of Wissahickon Valley Watershed Associations annual Creek Clean Up, and the second year that FOW has teamed up with WVWA. Volunteers of all ages will clean the creek, the surrounding trails and the many tributaries of the Wissahickon Creek. Armed with bags, volunteers will be assigned to sections of the creek. Following the clean up, all volunteers are invited to WVWAs Talkin Trash picnic in Fort Washington State Park, with food provided by Whole Foods Market of North Wales. The pavilion is located on Mill Road in Flourtown. To help out in Montgomery County, all volunteers must be pre-assigned a section of the Wissahickon Creek to clean. Please contact Bob Adams, WVWA director of stewardship, at 215-646-8866 ext. 14 or bob@wvwa.org. To work with the Friends of the Wissahickon in Philadelphia, meet at the pavilion along Forbidden Drive, a short distance south of the intersection of Forbidden Drive and Northwestern Avenue. Limited parking is available along Northwestern Avenue and other nearby streets. Volunteers are encouraged to bike or carpool to the event. To participate, register at www.fow.org. Contact Kevin Groves with questions at 215-247-0417 ext. 105 or groves@fow.org.

Montgomery County Community Colleges International Club invites the community to the second annual International Festival April 20 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Central Campus, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell. The rain date is April 26. The International Club will transform the outside quad area into multicultural celebration with various performances by dancers, singers and musicians. Artists will share their artwork at various display tables. Activities include games, raffles, Easter egg decorating and henna tattoos. Students will have samples of international cuisine at tables representing different countries and will serve food from various local ethnic restaurants. Throughout the evening, volunteers will accept donations and will raffle gift baskets and prizes to raise funds for Habitat for Humanity. Donations of food, international clothes and prizes are needed. Volunteers, including artists and performers, are welcome. For more information or to sponsor an activity, contact Gillian Nel, International Club president, at gnel9277@students.mc3.edu or 267-974-0163.

The Arts and Humanities Division at Montgomery County Community College is partnering with the Philadelphia Writers Conference to host Memoirs Matter: How Life Stories (Including Yours) Can Transform Your Relationship to Literature April 23 from 1 to 3 p.m. in Advanced Technology Center room 101, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell. The event is free and open to the public. In the first part of this two-hour seminar, professor and author Robert Waxler will explain how writing his two memoirs affected his life as well as his relationship to literature. In the second part, blogger and workshop leader Jerry Waxler will present a sequence of steps to help writers find their own story. For information, contact Dana Resente at dresente@mc3.edu.

The Maple Glen Garden Club will hold its fourth annual Plant Sale on May 7 from 8 to 11 a.m. Perennials, shrubs, vegetables and native plants grown by the club members will be sold. The club uses the plant sale proceeds to fund community projects, a college scholarship and community plantings. The sale will be held in the 500 block of Coach Road, Horsham, as part of a neighborhood garage sale. Plants will be sold at bargain prices. For more information, email MapleGlenGardenClub@gmail.com.

The Relay for Life Craft Show is looking for local crafters to participate in show, which will be May 21 from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Wissahickon High School track, 521 Houston Road, Ambler. There is a $10 entry fee, and 20 percent of sales are donated to the American Cancer Society. Participants will receive a 6-foot table under a tent. For information, contact Joanne at joannescoles@comcast.net or Mindy at mcamsilver@comcast.net.

Spring House Estates is hosting its annual book fair on April 18 from 4 to 7 p.m. and April 9 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Included will be hardback and paperback used books. Spring House Estates is located at 728 Norristown Road, Lower Gwynedd.

The PennSuburban Chamber of Commerce will present the Penn Suburban/Hatfield Joint Business Card Exchange April 20 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Univest Bank Lansdale Area Financial Service Center, 120 Forty Foot Road, Hatfield. The event is free. To make reservations, visit PennSuburban.org/Events. Join Univest National Bank and Trust Co. for a spring-inspired Business Card Exchange at its newest office in the Hatfield Pointe Shopping Center. Come out and meet members of Univests executive management team while enjoying fine food and beverages.

13th Annual Community Reading Day Kick-off Breakfast Get Together April 26 from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at the North Wales Area Library, 233 Swartley St., North Wales. The event is free. To make reservations, visit PennSuburban.org/Events. For more information, contact the chamber office at 215-362-9200 or info@pennsuburban.org. Join presenting sponsor Verizon, chamber staff and fellow members for the Community Reading Day volunteer get together. The Community Reading Day program allows volunteers to read a designated book to second-grade students throughout 38 area public and private schools and present the book as a gift to each class. Even if you are not a volunteer, you are cordially invited to stop by to network, enjoy coffee and pastries.

Ambler Mennonite Church is hosting a Spring Craft Show and Flea Market May 21 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Rain date will be May 28. The community is invited to shop the great craft booths, find some gifts and deals, as well as enjoy home baked goods and tasty lunch specials. Childrens activities are planned. All vendors are encouraged to contact the church at 215-643-4876 or AmblerMennonite@verizon.net. Advertising, signage, customer parking and a shuttle to auxiliary parking at nearby lots for vendors will be provided. 10 foot by 10 foot spaces can be rented for $5 each and tables for an additional $5 each. All proceeds from space and table rentals go toward school kits for children around the world. The church is located at the corner of East Mt. Pleasant Avenue and North Spring Garden Street, Ambler.

The Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association presents The Life & Times of Aquatic Insects in the Wissahickon Creek April 16 from 1 to 3 p.m. Join WVWA for a hands-on program. RSVP required: www.wvwa.org or 215-646-8866. WVWA member fee: $5 per person / $15 per family. Non-WVWA member fee: $10 per person / $20 per family.

The photography exhibition Natures Palette by photo-artist Judy Miller will run March 18 to May 19 at the Art in the Storefront gallery, 41 E. Butler Pike, Ambler.

JPRN  Networking For People in Transition & People Who Can Help Them  Unemployment remains high. JPRN, the Jarrettown Professional Relationship Network can help. Are you trying to network your way to a new job? Do you have expertise or contacts that can help people in transition? Is your company or organization looking for people in the area? This is a free outreach program to support those seeking work, involve people with contacts and networking know how, and involve local companies. Meetings held monthly at Jarrettown United Methodist Church, Limekiln Pike.

Pennsylvanias Low-Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) grant program is now open for the 2010-11 heating season. Grants are based on income, family size, type of heating fuel and region. Additional information, such as specific income limits, and applications for LIHEAP grants are available online via the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Access to Social Services (COMPASS) website at www.compass.state.pa.us. Applications are available at most public officals district offices, county assistance offices, local utility companies and community service agencies, such as Area Agencies on Aging or community action agencies.

Begin your holiday shopping at Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation! Entertainment books for 2011, Philadelphia North, are now on sale at $30 each. Regal/United Artists movie tickets are on sale for just $7.50 each, and tickets to the Adventure Aquarium, Baltimore Aquarium, and the Philadelphia Zoo are also available. Discounted ski vouchers to area mountains will be arriving in December; call 215-643-1600 x3443 for more information. Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation office hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

RSVP of Montgomery County and the Wissahickon Valley Public Library have partnered again to offer the public their popular free mock interview sessions. The mock interviews are conducted by RSVP volunteers who are retired professionals, some of whom were in hiring positions themselves. Packets of information which include a sample employment application and interviewing tips with mock interview questions are available at the library to pick up prior to a scheduled mock interview or will be sent via email once the interview is scheduled. To schedule your interview, please contact Janis Glusman at RSVP 610-834-1040, ext. 16. The library is also offering a free resume review service. Bring in your current resume and the professional reference staff will assist you with hints and tips on capturing your work history accurately.

Registration for Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation summer playgrounds, Camp B.I.G. and Small Folks, X-Zone, and sports camps has began. Register online at www.upperdublin.net/store, or at the UDP&R office, 801 Loch Alsh Avenue, Fort Washington. Call 215-643-1600 x3443 for more information.

Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation and Danielles Espresso Cafe presents Mornings at Mondaug Bark Park April 16 and May 21 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Meet fellow dog lovers. These events include complimentary coffee, treats for people and pups and raffles/giveaways.

Upper Dublins Annual Spring Flea Market will be held June 4 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Reserve a table, or come and shop. Tables are $15 for UD residents, $20 for non-residents. This successful event occurs rain or shine. Refreshments available. Call 215-643-1600 ext. 3443 to register for a table.

Regal movie tickets available for purchase at Upper Dublin Township Parks & Recreation. Reduced rate: $7.50 per ticket. Some restrictions apply. Call 215-643-1600 x3443.

Whitpain Township Parks & Recreation movie tickets $7.50 Regal Cinemas, United Artist & Edwards Cinemas on sale throughout the year Monday  Friday from 9 a.m.  4 p.m.

Whitpain Township Parks & Recreation Camp Sign-ups for Stony Creek Day Camp  Stony Creek Tracers and Park n Tots. Register on-line at www.whitpaintownship.org OrCome to Township Building with check or Visa MasterCard Monday  Friday from 9 a.m.  4 p.m. For additional information call 610.277-2400 ext. 374

Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation offers exciting new programs for the fall:

-Returning favorites include UK Elite Petite Soccer, Tiny Dancers, Kiddie Tennis, Fun-nastics, Messy Playtime, Little Chefs, and more. Babysitters Training will be offered in November and December. Continuing Adult Fitness Classes include Cardio Circuit, Core & More, Yoga, Boxing, and Adult G.Y.M. For more information call 215-643-1600 x3443. Register for programs online at www.upperdublin.net/store.

Music and Theater

The community is invited to a Cantors Concert April 16 at 8 p.m. Congregation Beth Or, 239 Welsh Road, Maple Glen. Listen and hum-along to the Yiddish, pop tunes and classical music performed by Congregation Beth Ors own Cantor David Green and his special guest, Cantor Irvin Bell, from Temple Beth Israel in Deerfield Beach, Fla. The cantors will be accompanied by Mark Sobol and his Klezmer musicians. Tickets are $18 in advance and $25 at the door. RSVP with payment to Barb Murtha, 239 Welsh Road, Maple Glen, PA 19002, or call 215-646-5806 ext. 220.

Gwynedd Friends Coffeehouse will host the Jameson Sisters May 14. Doors open at 7:30 pm, performance at 8:00 pm. Gwynedd Friends Coffeehouse is located at the corner of Rte. 202 & Sumneytown Pike, Gwynedd. $5 suggested donation. Light refreshment available at a modest cost. For further information, call 215-393-9576 or visit gwyneddmeeting.org/coffeehouse.html.

Celebrate patriotism through song with Gwynedd-Mercy Colleges choir, the Voices of Gwynedd, as it presents Hear America Singing April 15 at 8 p.m. The choir will perform song selections from all over the country, including Georgia on My Mind, New York State of Mind, and a medley including Philadelphia Freedom and Allentown. The performance will end with When the Saints Go Marching In to acknowledge the choirs upcoming tour in New Orleans. Hear America Singing will take place in the Julia Ball Auditorium, located in St. Bernard Hall. Parking is available in lots A, C and D. Admission is free.

The Choristers will present Anton Dvoraks Stabat Mater April 16 at 7:30 p.m. at Upper Dublin Lutheran Church in Ambler. The choir will be accompanied by a 41-piece orchestra. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for senior citizens, $10 for students and children are free. Tickets will be sold in advance or at the door. For more information, call 215-542-7871 or visit TheChoristers.org

Religious News

The Staircase Gallery at Or Hadash: A Reconstructionist Congregation in Fort Washington will feature the work of Emily Ennuat-Lustine. The artist will be showing paintings and graphics inspired by her own personal spiritual journey and quest for meaning. Some of the works to be shown have been inspired by Biblical Psalms and writings. Her work has been shown at Abington Art Center, Cheltenham Arts Center and Old City Gallery of Jewish Art among others. The exhibition is open Friday evenings starting Feb. 18 after Shabbat services. Gallery hours are: Mondays through Thursdays 10-4:30, Fridays 10-3 and following Shabbat Services and Sundays 10-1. The synagogue is located at 190 Camp Hill Road in Fort Washington. For additional information contact the synagogue office at 215-283-0276.

Reunions

St. Matthews High School Conshohocken Class of 1961 is looking for classmates. For details, contact Greg Marincola at 215-646-2239, 215-740-1296 or gregcola@comcast.net.

Olney High School Class of 1971 is Lloking for classmates for a 40th reunion Oct. 28. For details, contact Judy at ohsclassof71@yahoo.com or 215-870-7572.

Abington High School Class of 1961 is seeking classmates for a 50-year reunion to be held Oct. 14-15, 2011.Visit the website, www.abington61.com, for details or call 215-947-1779.

Overbrook High School class of January 1956 is having a 55 year reunion on May 22, 2011 at the Bala Golf Club in Philadelphia. For information please contact overbrookreunion56@comcast.net

Germantown High School Class Of January 1961 is looking for classmates for 50th year reunion to take place in May of 2011. Please contact: 215-362-9148, 856-577-0659 or samdelcomo@comcast.net

The June 1961 class of Germantown High School is holding their 50th reunion on May 15, which will be a brunch. For further details please contact Linda Dorfman Alten at lindaalten@yahoo.com or call 215-441-8411.

Support

New Life Presbyterian Church in Dresher, will host GriefShare, a special seminar and support group which will run on Monday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m., from March 7 through June 6. At each meeting there will be a DVD about the grief process, discussion and reference to a grief workbook. Preregistration is required to secure a place in the group and to purchase a GriefShare notebook (for a one-time fee of $15). The notebook goes along with the 13-week schedule covering such topics as: living with grief, the effects of grief, and stuck in grief. For more information or to register, call: Sandy Elder at 215-884-5149.

PUPS (People Understanding Parkinsons) A self-help group for those adjusting to a new diagnosis or dealing with the early stages of Parkinsons Disease. Meets fourth Tuesday of the month from 1 to 2:30 p.m., at Abington Health Center, Schilling Campus, Willowood Building, 2510 Maryland Road, Suite 251, Willow Grove. For more information or to RSVP, contact Lorna at 215-542-2931.

The North Penn Visiting Nurse Associations Meals on Wheels program is looking for volunteers to pack or deliver meals to the elderly and infirmed. Meals are packed and delivered mornings, Monday through Friday. You can volunteer for as many days per week or month as you would like. Packaging meals requires approximately 2-1/2 hours of your time each day and involves making sandwiches, packaging food into individual serving containers and packing coolers with the meals. Delivering meals requires approximately 1-1/2 hours of your time each day and involves loading coolers into your car and delivering a route of approximately 10 to 15 stops. The Meals on Wheels program is also in need of emergency, winter-weather volunteers to pack and deliver meals in bad weather. North Penn VNA is located at 51 Medical Campus Drive in Lansdale and delivers meals in the Lansdale, North Wales and Blue Bell areas. For more information or to volunteer, please call Bridget, North Penn VNA Meals on Wheels coordinator at 215-855-8296.

Elkins Park Area CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) meets the first Tuesday of every month, 7- 8:30 p.m., at Einstein at Elkins Park Hospital in Elkins Park. For information on CHADD or ADHD, please see our website www.chadd.net/249 or call Claire Noyes at: 215-779-6656.

Center for Loss and Bereavement, 3847 Skippack Pike, Skippack (610-222-4110) www.bereavementcenter.org Offers professional counseling for individuals, couples, children and families dealing with issues of loss and bereavement. Six-week adult support groups: Newly forming young adult grief support group  every other Wednesday, 7  8:15 p.m. (free of charge); Monthly loss of child support  second Mondays, 7-8:15 p.m.; Six-week young loss of spouse/partner  Thursdays, 10-11:15 a.m.; Other groups scheduled as interest is shown for suicide loss support, adult loss of parent, motherless daughters, adult loss of sibling, coping with chronic illness and disability and mens loss of spouse. Nellos Corner Family Bereavement program offers peer grief support groups for ages 4 through teen and their caregivers  Every other Tuesday or Wednesday (free of charge) Local chapter of Parents of Murdered Children also meets at the Center. Registration required. Call for further information.

CHADD is a national organization for children & adults with Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder, providing education, advocacy and support for individuals and their families with AD/HD. Einstein at Elkins Park Hospital, 60 Township Line Road, Elkins Park, PA 19027, will host children & adults with Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder on the First Tuesday of each month 7  8:30 p.m. Free, no childcare provided.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphias Kehillah of Old York Road is sponsoring a free Caregiver Support Group for individuals who care for an elderly person with cognitive and/or physical impairments. The group meets at SarahCare Adult Day Care Center, 101 Washington Lane, Suite G-6, Jenkintown, Pa., on the first Wednesday of each month. Patty Rich,
Ex-choir director in Bucks County pleads no contest to molesting two students, secretly filming another
Friends In Pink is still on the radar and growing every year
March 15, 2017 Third Time's The Charm - These Neocons Want Another Sunni Insurgency (Updated) UPDATED below: When the U.S. was confronted with an insurgency in Iraq it did not find fault with own behavior but identified Syria and Iran as the culprits. It decided to attack them too. As Seymour Hersh reported in 2007: To undermine Iran, which is predominantly Shiite, the Bush Administration has decided, in effect, to reconfigure its priorities in the Middle East. In Lebanon, the Administration has cooperated with Saudi Arabias government, which is Sunni, in clandestine operations that are intended to weaken Hezbollah, the Shiite organization that is backed by Iran. The U.S. has also taken part in clandestine operations aimed at Iran and its ally Syria. A by-product of these activities has been the bolstering of Sunni extremist groups that espouse a militant vision of Islam and are hostile to America and sympathetic to Al Qaeda. Four years later the U.S. used the Sunni militants it created to first attack Libya and then Syria. With U.S. support the militants destroyed the independent Libyan state under Ghaddafi. The country is now in total chaos. In Syria the militants, with clandestine support from the U.S. and its allies, waged a six year long war to overthrow the government. Many of them joined the Islamic State and al-Qaeda, the Takfiri offsprings of the U.S. program and Saudi money that went (somewhat) rogue. These groups did not limit, as the U.S. wished, their attacks to U.S. enemies but committed several larger scale attacks against U.S. allied countries. Now the groups themselves are enemies. The project of creating a controllable "Sunni Arab force" to destroy Syria had failed. The Pentagon made another attempts, spending tens of millions of dollars, to train a new Sunni Arab force in Syria to attack the Syrian government as well as the Takfiris. As soon as these new groups entered into Syria they joined the Takfiris and handed over the weapons the U.S. army had given them. The U.S. is now engaging with Russia and local Kurdish forces in Syria to destroy the Takfiri groups on the ground. The Kurds are of various religions and denominations with a mostly secular outlook. That plan made some progress though an actual attack on Raqqa, the current center of the Islamic State, is still weeks off. The Syrian government is winning its part of the fight in the west of the country. But that is not enough for the U.S. neoconservatives. Their task is to further Zionist plans by creating more chaos in the Middle East. Their partner and money source is the Sunni-Wahhabi Saudi Arabia. Having successfully arranged the destruction of Iraq, various failed "surges" as well as the attack on Syria, they cannot condone that the Syrian government survives the war. Thus they set out to create a new (the third now) Sunni-Arab force to continue what their original war plan prescribed. Frederick and Kimberly Kagan, luminaries of the neoconservative family, initiate their new campaign on the neoconned opinion pages of the Wall Street Journal: A New Strategy Against ISIS and al Qaeda - The U.S. has been relying too heavily on Shiites and Kurds. It needs to cultivate Sunni Arab partners. The Kagan family - other well known members are Robert Kagan and Victoria Nuland - were also main instigators of the war on Iraq. Here they are in 2008 strolling (heavily guarded) through the occupied Basra, Iraq amusing themselves off the destruction they created.

bigger The op-ed is a shorter version of a "study" written by the "think tank" the Kagan family runs to collect money. It says in short: The U.S. shall shun the Kurds and not cooperate with Russian, Syrian or Iranian forces. It shall create another Sunni Arab proxy insurgency in Syria to fight ISIS and al-Qaeda and also the Syrian government. The first steps towards that are already premised on fiction: The US and acceptable partners seize and secure a base in southeastern Syria, such as Abu Kamal, and create a de facto safe zone. They then recruit, train, equip, and partner with local Sunni Arab anti-ISIS forces to conduct an offensive against ISIS. This independent Sunni Arab force forms the basis of a movement to destroy ISIS and al Qaeda in Iraq and Syria over many years. Building a Sunni Arab anti-ISIS partner must be the rate-determining step in the advance along the Euphrates River Valley (ERV). American forces must fight alongside their partners to reduce the trust deficit between the US and potential Sunni allies. Potential partners must not support Salafi-jihadists, Iranian proxies, or Kurdish separatism. The U.S. has already tried this since 2006 by clandestine means. Those forces morphed into al-Qaeda/ISIS. The Pentagon then tried the same concept by military means. That proxy force ran over to the enemy as soon as it could. Now a third try shall be made? The fictitious plot continues: Next Phases The US launches clearing operations along the Euphrates River Valley toward Raqqa, using US forces and the new Sunni Arab partner at Abu Kamal, and in Iraqs Anbar Province.

The US brokers a peace deal between Turkey and the Syrian-Kurdish Peoples Defense Forces (YPG), focused on the contact line in Aleppo Province.

The US implements a no-fly zone in Deraa Province, demonstrating US commitment to addressing the grievances of populations under jihadist control and facilitating a local cessation of hostilities with Russia and between pro-Assad and US-backed anti-Assad forces. The US must also help partner forces in Deraa destroy ISIS and al Qaeda, which would help facilitate a negotiated settlement of the Syrian war. The US should execute this step after the first phase and coincident with clearing operations in southeastern Syria.

The US should try to stitch together the new force with existing US-backed fighters to create a single partner that can secure terrain from jihadists, defend against pro-Assad attacks, and uphold a settlement against the Assad regime. These follow-on operations set conditions that favor broader US interests in Syria, but they do not achieve those interests. Subsequent phases will be necessary and will require a significant counter-Iranian component in Iraq and Syria. I cannot imagine how much Kool-aid one must drink to come up with so much nonsense. Let us start with those imaginary tribes in south-east Syria. The south-eastern desert of Syria is empty with little resources (besides some oil) and few people. These are rather small groups where the tribal leaders no longer have much say. The tribal members mostly live in the cities. They are members of the Syrian army or of its enemies. Some of the tribal members had joined ISIS, others fought it and were badly hurt with hundreds of casualties on their side. Most of these tribes lived quite well with the Syrian government and would be happy if it would return and control their area. Most of them have no sectarian grievances with Damascus. They have no inventive or wish to fight the Syrian state. The Turkish president Erdogan is currently trying to hire the very same tribes to fight the Syrian Kurds. He will fail with that too. The Kagans want their new grand force to also fight al-Qaeda. But al-Qaeda is in north-west Syria (and still supported by Turkey). The Kagans emphasize the use of local forces. How are south-eastern desert tribes "local" to the people in Idleb? The real aim of the Kagans is of course in the last parts of their plan which I highlighted. They want to use these "Sunni Arab tribes" to make another attempt of destroying the Syrian state to then attack the Iranian "bridge" to Hizbullah in Lebanon. Fortunately the Kagans are at least six month behind the realities on the ground in Syria. The Pentagon will laugh at any "Sunni Arab tribes" ideas. The U.S. military will try to take Raqqa from ISIS with the help of the Kurds and in coordination with Syrian government forces. The Syrian government forces will also destroy al-Qaeda in Idleb. The chance that Trump will pick up on these neocon plans is practically zero. But who knows? The people who pay the Kagans also spend lots of money to "lobby" (i.e. bribe) the Washington establishment. They certainly hope that there is still a chance to get their ideas wormed into the minds of the White House. UPDATE: Sam Heller has some critical comments on the Kagan nonsense. I collected his tweets on the issue here: "Bad Idea" - Sam Heller (@AbuJamajem) On The Kagan's Syria Paper. End-Update Posted by b on March 15, 2017 at 19:43 UTC | Permalink Comments next page  next page 
Regulations issued by President Donald Trump to Homeland Securitys Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) offices are chilling.

All undocumented people working and living in the U.S. are now legally deportable. This includes not only the bad guys with criminal records but millions of hard-working, taxpaying undocumented immigrants who have contributed greatly to the economy of this country.

All people in this country have constitutional rights. Trumps goal is to take away the right to a hearing in preparation for mass deportations. He has increased the budget for Homeland Security to $3 billion from our taxes. He has expanded the number of ICE agents to 25,000 on the border. Thirty percent of these are veterans of the war in Iraq who were trained to kill, not to arrest and deport.

Expedited removal is the law allowing ICE to pick up and deport without giving access to a hearing or a lawyer. Under former President Barack Obama, expedited removals were limited to those caught within two miles of the Mexican border. Now, there are no limits. All can be deported wherever they are found, and if they cannot prove they have been here for eight years (on the spot), they can be deported with no legal hearing.

Two-thirds of those detained are not able to access lawyers. Those who can afford a lawyer or have access to legal aid have seven times the opportunity to be released from detention.

The movement by city police chiefs to disassociate from any cooperation with ICE is admirable. In a raid several weeks ago in Santa Cruz, ICE agents lied to local police when they promised they had warrants. During the raid, they emptied an entire apartment building and detained law abiding, innocent people who were there. The mayor and police chief apologized to the community and said it would not happen again.

ICE has also misrepresented themselves as police officers, and thus gained access to homes where they could not enter without a warrant. They question people who do not know their rights and get them to sign them away.

The state of California is asking for regular reports on their raids and the daily publication of people detained, which ICE has refused to do. These refusals by ICE are illegal.

What can we do to help the terrified undocumented in our area? Having the police pledge not to cooperate with ICE is one step. Educating the people who are frightened about their rights is a priority. We can arrange for public Know Your Rights workshops through Siren and the Asian Law Center. We can educate ourselves to educate all the undocumented we know or meet.

Can we organize to form groups that will intercept these ICE raids? Nothing works better than bad publicity from newspapers and radio stations.

Which churches and homes in our areas will be willing to be sanctuary places for a family? Have we educated our teachers and principals about ICE coming to schools?

If we work together in true community we can bring back constitutional rights to all.

Natasha Wist is a former school psychologist and family therapist with 31 years experience. Since retiring, she has volunteered teaching immigrant women in Morgan Hill. For many years, she has been active in peace and justice movements in Morgan Hill and San Jose.
For growth investors, global stocks may offer better opportunities than the UK. According to Pieter Fourie, manager of the Sanlam Global High Quality fund, this is because there are less attractive companies available to investors in the UK.

The sad thing for us as fund managers is we see fewer and fewer good businesses in the UK  even Unilever is not immune from a takeover bid, which was quite scary for us, Fourie told Morningstar this week.

Thats why you see investors like Neil Woodford launching a fund with global focus. It is a realisation that global is a much better place to invest than UK itself.

Woodford last month confirmed the details for his new Woodford Income Focus fund, which will have an expected 5% yield at launch and a portion of global stocks. Fourie says that over the past 10 years, in dollar terms, there has been no growth in the UK stock market. In fact, in capital terms UK stock market has lost around 20% over the past decade. Because of this, Fourie only holds four UK stocks, out of 31 holdings in his fund. They are Unilever (ULVR), Diageo (DGE), Imperial Brands (IMB) and British American Tobacco (BATS). If you are looking for value in the UK stock market today, you have to take on more risk, Fourie added. Best of Both Worlds Instead, Fourie looked at stocks listed in developed markets whose revenues come from emerging markets. Pernod Ricard (RI), for example, is a French listed wines and spirits company with major businesses in emerging markets, China and India. India is a very important market for Pernod Ricard. We believe there is room for operating margin improvement as the portfolio in China and India are being rebalanced towards higher margin international brands, said Fourie. Philip Gorham, senior equity analyst with Morningstar agrees, saying despite recent headwinds in China, Pernod's cognac business in China and whisky in India positions the firm well for superior long-term volume growth in some key emerging markets. The long-term growth trajectory for the distillers is attractive, as trading up to premium spirits has barely begun in several key emerging markets, said Gorham. Fourie expects top line growth of the company to recover as organic sales growth starts to stabilise in China and returns to positive growth over the next two years. Fourie also likes Medtronic (MDT), a medical equipment company with 14% exposure in emerging markets. Emerging market is a great growth area for them, he said. Debbie Wang, senior equity analyst with Morningstar feels positive about the companys refocus on emerging market business as well. Considering Medtronic has been making a number of investments in China and India, and has identified emerging markets as a strategic source of growth, we think the companys chief executive Omar Ishrak has pushed Medtronic away from its U.S.-centric past and focused the organization more closely on the potential in emerging markets, said Wang.
A leading financial technology provider has just launched a state-of-the-art mobile-first lending platform aimed at assisting small businesses in North America.In a March 15 press release published through PRNewswire, the Toronto-based DH Corporation TSXDH (D+H) announced the inauguration of Total Lending Small Business, a digital lending solution designed to boost profitability of financial institutions and improve the lending experience for small business owners.Now, banks and credit unions can deploy an intuitive, online loan application for small businesses, enabling more application throughput than the traditional paper-based branch model, D+H said in its release.Although the platform is presently limited to small businesses in the United States, D+H is constantly seeking out areas within banking that are ripe for innovation through technology, according to D+H global lending solutions president Duncan Hannay.Total Lending Small Business empowers banks with an innovative, cloud-based platform that increases speed, boosts customer satisfaction and drives revenue. It's vitally important that banks embrace the kinds of technologies that will provide them with a competitive edge in todays era of disruption.D+H head of new lending products David Boswell noted that the current climate of [tighter regulations] and limited availability of technology has opened the market for online alternative lenders to capture significant market share from banks and credit unions. We developed D+H Total Lending Small Business with a re-imagined experience for borrowers and lenders to allow banks and credit unions to both delight their customers and compete on a level playing field.
Mount Pleasant, SC (29464)

Today

Sunny. Near record high temperatures. High 79F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Mainly clear skies. Low around 65F. Winds NNE at 10 to 15 mph.
The number of residential foreclosures is starting to normalize after it peaked in 2010 throughout the country, according to CoreLogics 10-year report on the residential foreclosure crisis.CoreLogic monitored the crisis for a decade, noting that the crisis began in some parts of the country in 2007 and hit the highest watermark with 120,000 completed foreclosures in September 2010 alone.Two incidents, according to many economists, led to the crisis  the fall of two Bear Stearns subprime funds in June 2007 and the bankruptcy of the Lehman Brothers in September 2008.Approximately 7.8 million foreclosures have been completed in the country since 2007; there were a million in 2009, in the crisis peaked in 2010 with nearly 1.2 million foreclosures.The country experienced a wild ride in the mortgage market between 2008 and 2012, with the foreclosure peak occurring in 2010, said Dr. Frank Nothaft, chief economist for CoreLogic. As we look back over 10 years of the foreclosure crisis, we cannot ignore the connection between jobs and homeownership. A healthy economy is driven by jobs coupled with consumer confidence that usually leads to homeownership.Foreclosure rates started to normalize after 2010, with a steady decline of 100,000 per year through 2016. The end of 2016 recorded 336,000 (0.9% of all homes with a mortgage) foreclosures compared with 2010, when 3.3% of all mortgaged homes fell into foreclosure.Florida had the highest percent of mortgages in the foreclosure inventory with 12.5% in June 2011.
An MPA Young Gun 2016, Ben Stoodley is a prime example of how the mortgage industry welcomes people from different educational background, as long as they have the entrepreneurial spirit  and some math skills! After completing his undergraduate and graduate studies in civil engineering, Sttodley then realized that the traditional office cubical setting was not meant for him. Real estate allowed me to build my own business completely dependent upon my actions, he says. The financial/investment side of real estate was a great fit as it compiled skills I had learned from structural/construction engineering, many hours completing complex math problems, and my natural drive to be an entrepreneur with investing.Looking back on the rough start he had when he first moved to California from Virginia a few years ago, he credits his current success to the mindset gained from that difficult experience. My decision to move to California with no plans taught me more about myself and life as a whole than all 23 years of schooling did. Without going through this, I wouldn't have the mindset necessary to get where I am now, nor the drive and knowledge to get where I am going tomorrow, Stoodley says.Today, Stoodley is a loan originator at Lantzman Lending, a San Diego-based hard money lender, and co-founder of a Fix n Flip Networking group with his partner who is a full-time investor. Combining their knowledge of investing and lending, they provide groups of current and future investors knowledge to help their real estate investing endeavors.This undertaking falls right in-line with Stoodleys passion for teaching his clients about the financial side of real estate. Being a hard money lender, we need to clearly explain the benefits of using a hard money loan for real estate investments. It's always a good feeling to see investors faces change as they start to see the big picture and better understand the benefits of hard money financing. We have a very bright team [at Lantzman Lending] and provide unparalleled service. I look forward to continue learning from these guys, spreading the knowledge, and assist my clients in growing their businesses.

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FBI Director James Comey will go before the House Intelligence Committee next week amid continued questions and growing frustration over whether there are investigations over Russia, wiretapping and other issues.

FBI director to testify before Congress on Monday

Lawmakers want updates, answers on investigations

D.C. DIGEST: Latest News | Find your Congressman | Washington D.C. Calendar

President Trump is appearing to backtrack from his controversial accusation that his predecessor wiretapped Trump Tower during the presidential election.

For 11 days, President Trump was silent on his claim that President Barack Obama wiretapped Trump Tower. But on Wednesday he walked back his accusation, expanding the definition of what a wiretap might be.

Wiretap covers a lot of different things," President Trump said. "I think you're going to find some very interesting items coming to the forefront over the next two weeks.

The Republican chairman and the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee threw cold water on Trumps accusation.

We dont have any evidence that that took place, said Rep. Devin Nunes, the House Intelligence Committee chairman.

I have seen no evidence that supports the claim that President Trump made that his predecessor had wiretapped he and his associates at Trump Tower, said Rep. Adam Schiff, D-California.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions was also asked Wednesday if he gave the president any reason to believe a wiretap actually happened.

Look... answer, no, Sessions said.

South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham also sent a letter to the FBI asking for proof of the alleged wiretapping. He said he has not heard back from them.

The two leading House Intelligence Committee lawmakers also contradicted each other when responding if theres any evidence about an issue their panel is investigating, whether there were contacts between the Trump campaign and Russian officials.

Not that Im aware of, Nunes said.

I wouldnt answer that question as categorically as my colleague," Schiff said. "I think we need to be very precise when we talk about this and I just dont think we can answer that categorically.

Another question swirling on Capitol Hill, did FBI director James Comey tell Graham and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse that he would let them know by Wednesday if the FBI is in fact investigating any links between the Trump campaign and Russia?

"So far we have no answer," Whitehouse, a Democrat from Rhode Island said.

But Graham, a Republican, said Comey never made such a promise. Still, lawmakers may be closing in on some answers.

The first House Intelligence Committee hearing on the Russia investigation is next Monday. The FBI director will be there to testify.
Originally posted: Thursday, March 16, 2017, 12:01 a.m.

Orlando Police Chief John Mina says prosecutors will not seek the death penalty for Markeith Loyd.

Mina issued a statement Wednesday night, saying he spoke with State Attorney Aramis Ayala and she confirmed that to him.

"The heinous crimes that he committed in our community are the very reason we have the death penalty as an option under the law," Mina said.

Here is a statement from @ChiefJohnMina about the State Attorney's decision regarding Markeith Loyd: pic.twitter.com/qlvFR84Kua  Orlando Police (@OrlandoPolice) March 16, 2017

Loyd is accused of the murder of ex-girlfriend Sade Dixon, their unborn child, in December, and Orlando Police Lt. Debra Clayton in January.

Loyd is accused of shooting Clayton, execution-style, after she confronted him at an Orlando Wal-Mart.

The shooting launched a nine-day manhunt throughout the city for Loyd. He was taken custody after being found in an abandoned house.

Loyd has been found competent to stand trial. He has been confrontational with judges in his hearings, and at one point tried to assert himself as a sovereign citizen.

No word from Ayala as to why she will not seek the death penalty against Loyd.
The annual Walk for Wishes in Orlando inspires hope, raises money and is an outlet for fun.

Walk for Wishes Wednesday in Orlando

Raises money for Make-A-Wish

Nearly 2,000 people took part

Goofing around with his friend, Dalen Seals, 15, definitely has the fun part down pat.

Turn up, turn up, turn up, said Seals, dancing with his friend.

Its hard to tell, but Seals is a Make-A-Wish kid. Hes battling a brain tumor connected to his optic nerve.

Its tough, it was tough, it still is. I cant do the things that I used to be able to do because of the vision loss, said Seals.

It could be easy to get down, but Dalen has found an outlet that keeps his spirits up: music and rap.

I write them, I make the beats, I do the background vocals and everything, said Seals.

He calls it his motivation booster and Wednesday night he was invited to take the stage in front of hundreds at Walk for Wishes at Lake Eola to rap a song he wrote.

The song was appropriately named Make a Wish. With a quick flow he tells the crowd via rap his experience with cancer and how Make-A-Wish helped him find hope.

The crowd grew in numbers as he sang, and stood listening as the Evans High School student poetically sang about the experience of fighting a cancerous tumor.

And while Seals was happy to see the crowd, this song was dedicated to the other Make-A-Wish kids.

I want them to feel that even though it may be tough, there is always something that can boost up your spirits. Dont let it bring you down, make it part of your daily life, said Seals.

And to end the performance, the crowd serenaded Dalen to the tune of Happy Birthday, because it's the teens 16th birthday on Saturday. Dalen plans to cash in on his big wish.

I always loved the MTV 'My Sweet Sixteen' show. And it was just like, boom, I know exactly what I want. And it is just, having a super 16 party, you know, March 18, said Seals.

To learn more about Seals go to the Team Dalen Seals website.
For Sameer Jagani, traveling to the most war-torn countries in the world in order to volunteer has become a way of life.

Sameer Jagani travels to war-torn countries and voluteers

The 22-year-old is a UCF graduate turned USF pre-med student

Raised more than $50,000 for ophans, widows



The UCF graduate-turned USF pre-med student knew that his latest trip to Syria would be a risk with the travel ban in place. But, he didn't care.

If something happened, I was saying goodbye to medical school," he said. The real difficulty was convincing my parents. I booked my ticket the day of the travel ban. Things got a little rocky, everyone was trying to convince me not to go.

In January, Jagani volunteered at a Syrian refugee camp in Greece. The 22-year-old welcomed boats filled with refugees ashore, listening to horrific stories of escape and survival.

You see so much raw emotion, people at the worst moments of their lives," he said.

Yet, he wanted to do more. He wanted to go to Syria and see the destruction firsthand.

In February, Jagani met up with a British humanitarian aid group; he used his British passport and found no trouble getting a visa for the trip. The group flew from London to Beirut, traveling the last leg of the journey to Damascus by night.



"We're driving through the mountains and I'm like, 'How do I know something's not going to happen right now?'" he said. We were getting stopped every mile or so, theyre checking paperwork."



The group hunkered down at a hotel southeast of the city and unaffected by the conflict, according to Jagani. He'd been on a pilgrimage to the Sayyeda Zainab area before. But, by the light of day, everything looked different.



On the right side of the road, everythings fine. On the left side, everything is destroyed," he recalled. The last time I was here the place was perfect, and now, theres nothing. You feel this guilt, 'Why didnt I do something about this sooner? Why did we let this happen?'"



Over the next week, Jagani saw the most dire circumstances: people living without running water or electricity; children playing in dilapidated buildings, calling to him on the street below.



One boy followed Jagani around all week, gesturing to the student's backpack.



"I was like, 'Do you want it?' He's like, 'Yeah.' That's something that I have maybe six, seven of at home. And this kid has nothing, he literally has nothing," he said.



Jagani gave him the backpack, plus colored pencils and Disney-branded books. The child "squealed in excitement."



Theres moments where you literally cry yourself to sleep. You can't deal with the emotion," he said. I think to myself that we live in a little bit of a bubble. Were isolated from all of these things that happen in different places.



Jagani started posting videos online to his Facebook page. Though Wi-Fi was spotty and unreliable, he wanted the world to see the destruction and stories were real.



Seeing a video of someone you know thats right there. I think that can be much more powerful," he said.



Jagani didn't travel empty-handed: He raised over $50,000, including pledges, for orphans and widows, through crowdfunding. While in Syria, his aid group began going door-to-door, hearing families' needs and meeting them.



After his trip, the student found no trouble getting through security and returning home to Lake Mary. But, he feels restless, unsure where he'll go next. He plans to return to Syria, or perhaps travel to Yemen. He also hopes to one day become a doctor and volunteer on a broader scale.



I plan my year out on these kinds of trips. Id like to do something long-term, build a school or an orphanage. I know the money is out there," he said. I thought to myself, no matter what the consequences are, if I can help someone, Ill do it.
WASHINGTON  U.S. Rep. Jodey Arrington on Wednesday announced he will be hosting two U.S. Service Academy Forums, open to all students who are interested in learning about attending one of the U.S. Service Academies. Academy Liaison Officers from each academy will be on hand to answer questions from students and parents about the nomination process.

The first forum will take place on Saturday, April 8, from 10 a.m. to noon at Science Spectrum in Lubbock and the second forum will take place on Saturday, April 22, from 10 a.m. to noon at Cisco College - Abilene Educational Center.
Before returning to Washington, D.C., last week after a spending a few days visiting with District 19 constituents and local officials across the South Plains, U.S. Rep. Jodey Arrington (R-Lubbock) took time for a telephone interview with the Herald. That 30-minute conversation touched on a host of topics.

One of the highlights of the trip, he noted, was the grand opening and ribbon cutting March 6 for a district office in Lubbocks depot district. That was really exciting because of the great bunch of folks who were able to attend, and we are having a role in the revitalization of Lubbocks Downtown Depot District.

Arringtons new district office is at 1312 Texas Ave. in Lubbock, near the crossroads of Marsha Sharp Freeway and Interstate 27. It will provide constituents throughout this part of District 19 with convenient access, and joins an existing district office at 500 Chestnut St. in Abilene. The Lubbock office will focus on troubleshooting and customer service; helping citizens from the district with services related to the VA, Social Security, Immigration, Medicaid, Medicare, health care and other related issues including service academy nominations. The office phone number is 806-763-1611.

During this trip to the district, Arrington didnt attend a town hall meeting hosted by Lubbock Democrats. Instead, he was represented by an empty chair. However, Arrington said he has reached out to Lubbock Countys Democratic chair.

We invited a group of 30 people, which we brought into the office, he said. It was the first formal meeting in his new district office. We had three groups with 10 to 12 people each, including the chairman. Being accessible to is part of my job, but I wanted to have a meeting with a smaller group where we could have a true dialog. Their town hall setting was not the type of venue that would have very conducive to producing the type of exchange that would have been very productive.

By meeting in a small group environment, Arrington said all concerned could be very candid while remaining respective. I was trying to prevent things becoming a distraction while promoting a healthy dialog. Thats want a majority of people there actually wanted, he said. They have concerns and want to express them, and I want to listen without a few people dominating the conversation.

Arrington admitted nobody was able to persuade the other to change their position on anything, but we found some common ground. Although we might be on opposite sides on most issues, there were a few things like the Farm Bill that we could agree on.

Looking at the Cabinet and lower-level appointments made by the new administration, Arrington said, President Trump has made several outstanding nominations. Unfortunately, he is further behind than most recent presidents, because Congress is slow in confirming them. His Supreme Court appointment (Judge Neil Gorsuch) is perhaps one of the most consequential ones in our lifetime.

Arrington thinks that Trumps nominees will ultimately be confirmed, including Gorsuch. He already has been vetted by so many folks, including (Senate Minority Leader) Charles Schumer, and he passes with flying colors.

The freshman congressman anticipates a real blood bath if additional Supreme Court seats come open during the Trump administration. One more Supreme Court seat will mean a major power shift, and a lot of culture-changing rulings impacting such issues as abortion, immigration and environmental policies. There are a number of controversial issues which would best be meted out at the local and state level.

A major shift away from the activism and progressive agenda shown by liberal federal judges will be a real game changer. It would mean not having federal policy forced upon every state and community in what he described as a top down, one-size-fits-all policy . . . A majority of Americans continue to embrace what we all know as traditional American values.

Arrington adds, States rights is a big issue for me. We talked about it a lot over the past year, and I continue to be a strong constitutionalist. I consider the Tenth Amendment (The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people) is perhaps the most trampled and overlooked part of the U.S. Constitution. Its fundamental to our rights, and pretty straightforward, reserving those things not specifically enumerated by the Constitution to the states and the people. By enforcing the Tenth Amendment, we will be able to reduce the scope and size of the federal government, and empower the states and the people. That will also mean less divisiveness in the country . . . Every state would be able to vote their conscious and the culture and values of their citizens would be respected  not some Supreme Court decision.

Shifting to agriculture, Arrington bluntly admits, It is critical that we get (former Georgia Gov.) Sonny Perdue confirmed as secretary of agriculture so that we can get those conversations started on farm policy, such as designating cotton seed oil as an other oil seed crop under the current Farm Bill. That change would best be done administratively, but its now on hold until he is confirmed.

The current battles in Washington are detracting from the pressing work ahead, including the repeal of Obamacare, he said. While he is encouraged by the market and patient-centered reforms talked about in the House, Arrington said it is imperative for the House and Senate leadership to keep their promise to the American people to repair the Affordable Care Act, and to act quickly on those reforms.

Under provisions of the Congressional Review Act, legislators continue to examine executive and regulatory policies enacted during the final 60 days of the Obama administration. If those regulations are determined to be over burdensome or overreaching, then Arrington expects them to be reversed.

That includes some of the school accountability systems and teacher performance programs, as well as new rules defining the boundary between Texas and Oklahoma along the Red River, Arrington said. And theres the infringement on seniors rights to keep and bear arms if they ask someone to help them manage their financial affairs. He sees that as a serious overreach by the federal government and has cosponsored legislation to reverse the policy.

Arrington seeks a renewed spirit in Congress to reverse the runaway growth and abuse of the federal government that has occurred over the past eight years. The overregulation of the economy and abuse of power has caused more damage than just about anything, save for activist judges, Arrington said.
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Scores of police officers descended on an intersection in South Berkeley Wednesday evening following an extended police chase after a man rammed into the police car of an officer who tried to pull him over miles away in Oakland, police said.

The chase after the white pickup truck with the male driver and a female passenger inside, which spanned several highways, ended in dramatic fashion at Ashby and College avenues in Berkeley when the driver crashed into two other cars, police said.

He then somehow got onto a roof of a nearby business, said Lt. Demetrio Lozares of the Oakland Police Department. After a lengthy negotiation with police on the ground, the man, who was not identified, came down and was arrested before 9 p.m., Lozares said.

The female passenger also fled when the crash littered bits of shattered glass and torn-off car parts across the Berkeley street, fleeing into a nearby business to try to hide, Lozares said. She was arrested inside.

Both suspects were taken into custody on suspicion of evading arrests, among other possible charges, and were taken to a nearby hospital for a precautionary evaluation, Lozares said, adding that no major injuries were reported.

It all started in Oakland when an officer tried to pull the pair over in a traffic stop in the area of 14th and Harrison streets around 6:50 p.m., Lozares said.

The driver accelerated, ramming his pickup into the officers car and took off, Lozares said, adding that the officer was treated and later released with minor injuries.

Lozares said that officers backed off and slowed as the chase entered the crowded streets of Berkeley, filled with cars and pedestrians.

A witness, Monika Clark, who lives about a block away from the crash scene, said she saw a man on a roof on College Avenue and looked on as police negotiated with him, trying to coax him down and get him to surrender.

Before police pushed onlookers back and established a perimeter, many milled about and watched the scenario unfold before them, she said.

You know, College Avenue, its so busy, Clark said. There were also lots of families pushing their little buggies and lots of people. I mean, if you have 40 cops chasing you, you are not coming down College Avenue. Why would you do that?

Stephen Parker of Piedmont said he was dining with others at nearby Trattoria La Siciliana when we saw all the lights and commotion. His car was blocked in by police as they closed off the scene, he said.

This looks like a movie set, Parker said, taking in the wreckage. Its a mess.

Michael Bodley and Filipa Ioannou are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: mbodley@sfchronicle.com and fioannou@sfchronicle.com/ Twitter: @obioannoukenobi and @michael_bodley
As the UC regents unanimously approved Carol Christ on Thursday as the first female chancellor in UC Berkeleys 149-year history, they didnt merely applaud the 72-year-old scholar.

They gave her a standing ovation.

We are very lucky, Chairwoman Monica Lozano said, turning to face Christ after the regents voted in San Francisco. We are absolutely certain that you are the right leader for UC Berkeley at a time like this.

Christ will take the helm of the renowned public university on July 1.

For UC Berkeley, its been a time of deep financial problems overshadowed, at times, by public criticism for its apparent tolerance of sexual harassment by high-profile administrators and professors. Morale problems have accompanied the difficulties.

Berkeley is a troubled campus in terms of people learning to get along with each other, Regent Dick Blum told his colleagues before the vote. We needed someone from inside the place to lead it.

Christs understanding of UC Berkeleys culture, her experience as a tireless champion of gender equality and diversity and her habit of making things better all were considerations for UC President Janet Napolitano, who chose Christ from five nominees culled from 500. She builds strong relationships, and trust, with diverse groups and diverse individuals, and then forms consensus and finds solutions, Napolitano told the regents.

Even faculty who freely criticize campus administrators expressed approval. News of Christs appointment prompted a flurry of emails among professors that included love poems and verses from Handel.

Students also applauded her accessibility.

A scholar of Victorian literature, Christ joined UC Berkeley in 1970 as an assistant professor. She has served as chair of the English department, dean of humanities, provost, dean of letters and science, and in 1994, as executive vice chancellor before returning to teaching in 2000. She left the campus in 2002 to become president of the private Smith College in Massachusetts, and returned in 2015 to head the Center for Studies in Higher Education.

Meanwhile, UC Berkeleys Chancellor Nicholas Dirks revealed in February 2016 that the campus faced a $150 million deficit. He said departments should make cuts, and that he would eliminate 500 staff jobs over two years. In May, he asked Christ to return to her jobs as provost and executive vice chancellor  second-in-command to the chancellor  in charge of campus finances.

Asked Wednesday about the difference between running a private college and a large public university, Christ cited a key difference in fiscal oversight: At Smith, attentive trustees require the campus president to update them on finances four times a year; UC campuses have no such individualized structure. She said that a previous chancellor, Robert Birgeneau, proposed such a structure, but it went nowhere.

To address the budget crisis, We must reimagine our financial model, Christ told the regents, adding: This is a difficult historical moment for our campus  one more difficult, I believe, than any since the 1960s.

She said she intends to diversify the revenue stream at UC Berkeley with more fundraising. And instead of focusing almost entirely on elevating the campus profile, as some of her predecessors have done, Christ said she believes Berkeley is as much about the community-college transfer student from Modesto or Fremont ... as it is about its Nobel Prize winners.

A top priority will be addressing the campus critical shortage of student housing, she said.

Christ will earn the same $531,939 base salary that Dirks received and will live in a university-owned house.

Nanette Asimov is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: nasimov@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @NanetteAsimov
This year, St. Patrick's Day falls on a Friday. It must be the luck of the Irish.

To celebrate, bars and restaurants across San Antonio are cashing in on the boozy holiday, offering drink specials and meal deals to green-clad patrons.
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There may soon be a new way to honor Selena in San Antonio.

Local producer and creator of the "I love tacos so much" wall Luis Munoz launched a campaign to fund the "Selena 'Amor Memorial' Project," a tribute to the beloved Tejano Queen who was killed more than 20 years ago.

RELATED: Here's why you can't find Selena commemorative cups at S.A. Stripes locations

"I have waited 22 years for someone else to do something for her here in town," Munoz told mySA.com. "She is special to me and after waiting for so long, I decided someone had to."

Munoz set his original GoFundMe campaign goal at $100,000, but thinks the memorial may actually take up to $200,000 to complete. He hopes the community will rally together, "one dollar at a time."

RELATED: Texas 6-year-old's Selena-themed birthday party is making the internet 'muy excited'

March 31 marks the 22nd anniversary of Selena's death. Her legacy has since transcended state lines, generations and cultures. Her status as an icon was solidified even further in October when she was inducted into the Texas Women's Hall of Fame. This year, she will get her star on the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame.

But it was the star with Selena's name outside San Antonio's Hard Rock Cafe that got Munoz's wheels turning for his latest project.

"A few years ago, I saw people walking all over Selena's star on the ground in front of a restaurant in downtown San Antonio," his post on the GoFundMe page reads. "Something didn't feel right, and it still doesn't."

Designs for the memorial are still in the works, but Munoz said the tribute will reflect Selena's "spirit, her energy and what she meant to her fans."

RELATED: Selena's widower Chris Perez finally watched the movie 'in its entirety' - this is what he thought

District 1 Councilman Robert C. Trevino is coordinating with Munoz to designate the right home for the non-profit art project, he said.

"I would love the Market Square area maybe," Munoz said. "I just want it to be a place where locals and tourists congregate."

Munoz said called San Antonio the Corpus Christi native's "second home."

"It's a place with maybe her largest fan base," he said. "San Antonio still loves her dearly."

mmendoza@mysa.com

Twitter: @MaddySkye
DANBURY  When the city distributes its $400,000 block grant to local social service groups, it wants to be sure that organizations get money based on merit, not lobbying.

So the city has turned over the bi-annual distribution of its block grant to the United Way of Western Connecticut, which in turn is recruiting volunteers to decide which groups receive grant money.

This takes the politics out of it, said Mayor Mark Boughton.

The United Way is looking for one dozen volunteers to sit on review boards in the spring that will score grant applications and make awards for the next two budget years.

These citizen boards are facilitated by United Way staff but the volunteers make the final decisions, said Caroline LaFleur, community impact coordinator at United Way. Not all agencies that apply necessarily receive funds, and those that do may not get what they ask for.

The United Way put out a call this week for volunteers who live in Danbury and can devote at least 15 hours in the spring to reviewing applications. Volunteers cannot have a conflict of interest with the agencies they are evaluating, LaFleur said.

If you are sitting on the board of an agency that is asking for funding, it doesnt automatically exclude you from the review team, but you would be asked to evaluate a different application, LaFleur said.

There are three teams of review boards that evaluate applications from social service agencies that work in the fields of health care, education and poverty.

Their review includes a site visit and a presentation by the CEO of the agency, Boughton said.

The practice of using citizen review boards to distribute the block grant began in 2009, after the multiple requests for City Hall meetings from lobbying agencies became cumbersome, the mayor said.

LaFleur said the citizens review boards were good for the community as well. Residents who are interested in volunteering on a review board can call LaFleur at 203-297-6307 or email her at caroline.lafleur@uwwesternct.org.

Its a great way for people to have a say in how social services are provided, she said.

rryser@newstimes.com; 203-731-3342
A top heavy majority of Americans disapprove of President Trump's handling of health care, with a similar majority opposing the president's revised ban on travel from six Muslim nations and temporary barring of Syrian refugees.

Several Fox News hosts -- notably Sean Hannity and Bill O'Reilly -- serve as nonstop cheerleaders for Trump, but the network's pollster found unpopularity out in the country.

Just 43 percent of those surveyed approve of the job being done by the 45th President, while 51 percent disapprove. The finding represents a 5 percent drop in approval. In a February poll by Fox, 48 percent approved and 47 percent disapproved.

The Republicans' health care plan appears to be dragging down the party and its president.

Only 35 percent of those surveyed approve Trump's handling of health care: 55 percent disapprove.

More than half of voters, 54 percent, oppose the Republican health care plan, approved Thursday by a narrow 19-17 vote in the House Budget Committee. Just 34 percent favor the GOP's plan. A surprising 72 percent said they are at least somewhat familiar with the Republicans' plan.

The Affordable Care Act, as known as Obamacare, has seen a surge of support as Republicans plot how to dismantle it. Fifty percent have a favorable opinion of Obamacare, up from 38 percent two years ago. Forty-seven percent have a negative opinion.

The poll found a majority of voters, 54 percent, disapprove of Trump's revised travel crackdown, dubbed the "Muslim ban" by critics. No. 2, while 34 percent believe the new Executive Order would make America safer.

The Republicans may have made a political error in taking on Planned Parenthood.

As Fox reported, more voters have a favorable opinion of Planned Parenthood (57 percent) than of Vice President Mike Pence, President Trump, House Speaker Paul Ryan, Congress' Democratic leaders Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer, and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.

A particularly discomforting finding for the conservative-leaning Fox: 61 percent have a favorable view of Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vermont, versus just 32 percent unfavorable.

The Fox News poll is based on landline and cellphone interviews with 1,008 registered voters nationwide. The poll has a margin of sampling error of plus or minus three percentage points for all registered voters.
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The Conroe Americana Music Festival already has 50 bands from across Texas and beyond conifirmed for the May 5-7 event in downtown Conroe.

The Conroe Downtown Area Association will host the inaugural event at six venues: Martin's Event Hall, The Corner Pub, The Red Brick Tavern, Conroe Sparkle Event Hall and two temporary outdoor tents to be set up on Main Street at Metcalf and Metcalf at Thompson. Since all the venues are within a two- to three-block walking distance in the downtown Conroe shopping/restaurant square, participants are able to wander throughout the area to hear a plethora of musical talent playing bluegrass, rockabilly, folk, outlaw country and Southern Texas Country. Even a little Indie, Southern Rock!

Bands confirmed include Carolyn Wonderland, Billie Joe Shaver, Dale Watson/Ray Benson, Ruthie Foster, Bruce Robison/Kelly Willis, Green River Ordinance, The Peterson Brothers, BettySoo, The Mastersons. Charlie Faye and the Fayettes, Hard Luck Revival, Band of Heathens, Folk Family Revival, Bart Crow, Uncle Lucius, The O's, Ray Bonneville, Nikki Hill, Nick Verzosa, Mike Farris, Two Tons of Steel, Dirty River Boys, The Shady Rest Band, Bottom Dollar String Dollar, The Offenders, Lost and Nameless and the Chubby Knuckles Choir. For the full line up see the website. www.ConroeAmericanaMusicFestival.com.

"As the mayor of Conroe, I'm very proud of our Downtown Area Association for creating the Conroe Americana Music Festival and welcome all to come and enjoy the hospitality," Mayor Toby Powell said.

Sponsors to date for the Conroe Americana Music Festival include the City of Conroe, the Conroe/Lake Conroe Chamber of Commerce, the Conroe Convention and Visitors Bureau, Southern Star Brewing Company, Waxtaps, Bronze Taps, and Janie & Richard Kobes. Sponsorships range from $500 to the Platinum Level of $10,000. In-kind sponsors are also needed with a complete list under Sponsorships on the web page.

Confirmed ticket holders can call the participating hoteliers to get discounted packages on their lodging. Partnering organizations include the Holiday Inn Express and Suites, Hampton Inn and Suites, Comfort Inn and Suites, La Quinta Inn and Suites, and the Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott. Festival hours are Friday, May 5, from 6 p.m. to midnight; Saturday, May 6, 10 a.m. to midnight; and Sunday, May 7, noon to 6 p.m. Tickets can be purchased for a three-day wristband with entrance to all venues for $75 or a day pass for $35 by paying online through the website.

The Conroe Downtown Area Association is a 501(c)4 nonprofit organization; and proceeds from the event will go toward wayfinding signs and beautification projects. Community Youth Outreach has been chosen as the charitable organization receiving 10 percent of all net profits. CYO is a collaboration of Angel Reach, CASA-Child Advocates of Montgomery County, and Montgomery County Youth Services, working together to end youth homelessness by harnessing the collective power of the community through active engagement and resources. Learn more about CYO and its mission at www.CommunityYouthOutreach.org

"This is going to be an amazing group of artists coming together for three days in our town. You generally have to go to the Hill Country or other regions to see a festival of this magnitude," said Rodney Pool, president of the Conroe Downtown Area Association. "Where else can you see over 50 bands in three days for $75? And the venues are small so you get up close with the bands. This will sell out."

Lawn chairs are encouraged. Parking will be available in the lots adjacent to the courthouse. Although tickets will be available on the day of the events, venues have limited capacity and some bands may sell out. The schedule will be posted soon.

Vendors, food trucks and volunteers are encouraged to fill out the forms on the site. Visit the Facebook page for updated additions at www.Facebook.com/ConroeAmericanaMusicFestival.
A controversial grading system for Texas public schools and districts, set for deployment in 2018, could dramatically change if the state's top two public education legislators have their way.

House Public Education Chairman Dan Huberty, R-Humble, and Senate Education Chairman Larry Taylor, R-Friendswood, have filed similar bills that that would condense the number of categories in which schools and districts get A-F grades and include factors other than standardized tests to grade schools.

The original proposal pitched grades for school districts and campuses in five different categories: student performance on the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) exam, student progress on STAAR, closing the achievement gap, college and career readiness, and community engagement. House Bill 22 and Senate Bill 2051 would grade just three categories total - student achievement, school progress and school climate - and include factors other than STAAR results, such as the rate of students enrolled in advanced courses.

In the 2015 session, legislators approved an accountability system that would award schools and districts letter grades between A and F, instead of the current pass/fail system. Education officials who promoted a graded system said it would allow parents and communities to more easily understand how their local schools were doing.When a preliminary set of grades came out in January, superintendents and teachers started a statewide campaign opposing the proposed system, arguing the grades were too linked to the STAAR state test scores and did not reflect actual classroom learning.

Now, members of the Legislature are working to implement a version of the system that's more in line with what educators want.

While educators are still skeptical about whether letter grades can show parents the depth and range of programs in a school, they are willing to play ball this session.

"It's not as though we are saying we're advocates for A-F systems," said Casey McCreary, assistant executive director at the Texas Association of School Administrators. "But we're appreciative that the chairs of public education on both sides of the Legislature are taking a look at what we can do to improve it."

Alief Independent School District Superintendent HD Chambers, who helped craft Huberty's bill, said most people would probably say that Texas assessment and accountability measures don't work and that the A-F system is in dire need of an overhaul.

"I think there's one last chance to keep it from going over a cliff," Chambers said.

Critics argue the proposals to change the system do not include strict enough standards to hold schools and districts accountable for their performance.

Courtney Boswell, director of advocacy group Texas Aspires, said the bills allow the commissioner excessive discretion to determine exactly how to judge schools - instead of holding them to the same tight set of standards.

"The primary thing that concerns me is the amount of permissive language that's been added to the accountability system," Boswell said. "If we allow the bar to be moved every two years or so, we always have a moving target."

She said that although music and art are important, especially for elementary students, grading schools on student participation alone does not allow for enough depth. "There's no quality assurance here," she said.

In its current form, Taylor's bill is less specific than Huberty's measure and allows the education commissioner more leeway to determine how to grade schools.

Huberty's bill would include fine arts and participation in extracurricular activities in grading a district's student achievement. It would also allow districts to use scores on locally selected exams to determine their grade, as an alternative to using the STAAR test. It would not give schools or districts an overall grade.

It would also delay the implementation of the system from 2018 to 2019 and require the Texas Education Agency to show educators two additional preliminary progress reports with unofficial grades. "That's to give the commissioner and the agency plenty of time to get this right," Chambers said. "It's not a stall tactic."

Still, some educators are not excited about any A-F system.

Dozens of rural students and parents dressed in bright red gathered in front of the south Capitol steps around Max Thompson, superintendent of Banquete Independent School District, as he railed against the A-F system Wednesday.

Rural educators are concerned that the original system will penalize their schools compared with larger urban schools for not being able to offer as many technical education courses preparing students for a wide range of careers.

"When you start looking at some of the schools that were Blue Ribbon nominees this year, you find Cs and even an F on one of those categories. The fact that schools are set up for a negative effect means that we're trying to show public schools are not doing good, and that's how the box was designed," said Thompson, a director at the Texas Rural Education Association.

"To say we need to scrap the system that we have because 6 percent are not performing well? Well, 94 percent are doing a dang fine job, and we need to be heard."

Disclosure: The Texas Association of School Administrators has been a financial supporter of The Texas Tribune. A complete list of Tribune donors and sponsors can be viewed at www.texastribune.org/support-us/donors-and-members.

The Texas Tribune is a nonpartisan, nonprofit media organization that informs Texans - and engages with them  about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues. This article can be viewed at www.texastribune.org/2017/03/16/education-committee-chairs-push-major-edits-f-ratings.
The Texas Education Agency on Thursday lifted the suspension of operations it had issued to the San Antonio School for Inquiry and Creativity, meaning students of the charter district can return to class Monday, when spring break ends.

The district, which operates schools at five campuses throughout San Antonio, was ordered to suspend activity March 8 due to concerns about food safety and compliance with requirements governing the criminal history of employees.
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A man suspected in a string of restaurant robberies is facing a new charge after Selma Police Department officers identified him as one of two people who allegedly held up an area restaurant last week.

Steven Wayne Joyner, 19, now faces another aggravated robbery charge, according to Bexar County court records.

Last week, Joyner was arrested after a 10 minute foot-chase Friday in the 3400 block of East Southcross Boulevard by officers with SAPDs Street Crimes unit and the U.S. Marshals Task Force.

RELATED: BCSO: Man retrieving belongings at jail back inside less than 24 hours from release

A San Antonio Police Department spokesman said at the time that Joyner was possibly involved in a string of restaurant robberies, including a Churchs Chicken in February off 1313 S. W.W. White.

Police now say Joyner was allegedly one of two people who was brandishing firearms and demanding money from a safe as they entered Freddys Frozen Custard, 8379 Agora Parkway in Selma on March 8, according to an arrest warrant affidavit.

In this incident, the two suspects were wearing masks that exposed their faces from the nose up, investigators said.

One suspect grabbed money from inside the safe, while the second held the remaining employees at gun point near the drive-through. The two left with $1,147.37, investigators said in the affidavit.

RELATED: S.A. man gets 41 years in federal prison for multiple bank robberies

Selma investigators said SAPD reported a robbery of another Freddys Frozen Custard 45 minutes prior with possibly the same suspects, according to the warrant.

Although Joyners TAY neck tattoo helped San Antonio police identify him during their investigation, a witness in the Agora Parkway case had a different description.

The robbery victim described the suspects eyes as pretty boy eyes, police said in the affidavit. Investigators said he immediately, without hesitation, identified Joyner from a jail booking photo.

The witness stated he would not forget those eyes, the affidavit said.

jbeltran@express-news.net

Twitter: @JBfromSA
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A San Antonio lawyer known as the DWI Dude and 420 Dude  who ran for Texas attorney general two years ago  has been charged by the FBI with conspiracy to commit money laundering and obstruction of justice in an alleged plot that scammed about $1.2 million from Colombian clients.

Jamie Balagia, who also is a former Austin police officer, was arrested last week in McKinney, near Dallas.

Hes being held without bail in a jail in Bonham pending his arraignment and bail hearing today in Shermans federal court, the San Antonio Express-News confirmed through various sources and public records.

He was arrested by the FBI out of the Dallas division, spokeswoman Lauren Hagee said, referring further questions to federal prosecutors in the Eastern District of Texas.

Balagia, 56, is accused, along with an investigator and another unnamed defendant, of trying to get up to $2 million out of the clients by allegedly telling them some of the money would be used to bribe judges and prosecutors in their drug cases, though no one apparently was bribed, according to sources with knowledge of the case.

Balagia allegedly split the money with his co-defendants, and got $600,000 out of it, the sources said.

Phone and emailed messages were left Wednesday with Balagias attorney in Dallas. An associate in Balagias San Antonio law office said were not going to have any comment on that.

The investigator, Charles N. Morgan, has been in custody since November on the same federal charges, and was indicted in December, a court summary states.

He chose to waive his bail hearing and remain in jail, the summary shows. His lawyer could not be reached for comment.

Balagia was not arrested until last Thursday on an indictment, after the FBI showed up as he arrived to interview a client in McKinney, records show.

A spokeswoman for the federal prosecution office in Beaumont declined to comment beyond whats in the closely guarded court record in the Eastern District of Texas, which borders Dallas and extends to Beaumont.

If convicted, the defendants, who also face allegations that they aided and abetted each other, face up to 20 years in federal prison.

For a few years, Balagia was named a superb lawyer by Avvo, an online forum that allows lawyers to be rated.

He has been a vocal critic of law enforcement's use of warrantless blood draws in driving while intoxicated cases and the government's use of the Patriot Act.

He also has called himself the 420 Dude  420 is code for marijuana. He has been a vocal supporter of marijuana legalization, appearing and speaking at rallies in Texas and across the U.S., records show.

Legalizing marijuana was one of his platforms in his bid, as a Libertarian, for attorney general in 2014.

Balagia hit legal woes two years ago when the State Bars disciplinary arm sued him for misconduct over allegations that he improperly kept $50,000 from a pair of clients in Amarillo.

The case ended with Balagia agreeing to professional misconduct, and to a fully probated suspension of nine months, a spokeswoman for the Office of the Chief Disciplinary Counsel said. The probation ran from December 2014 through August 2015.

He was allowed to practice during that time as long as he abided by the terms of the agreed probation, spokeswoman Claire Mock said.

Balagia also received a public reprimand from the State Bar in 2003 for his handling of a clients case in Williamson County, though the full allegations are unclear.

Respondent allowed his responsibilities to his client to become adversely limited by his own interest in his clients bond, the order in that disciplinary proceeding says.

gcontreras@express-news.net

Twitter: @gmaninfedland
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A federal grand jury has indicted two people accused in last months robbery and shooting of a mail carrier, along with a man authorities say helped them elude officers in one of the two wild police chases that followed.

Bradley AHearn, 22, and Sara Richford, 26, are alleged to have been involved in most of the mayhem that began with the Feb. 11 shooting and carjacking in Spring Branch and continued during their four days on the run, including two car chases in which shots were fired at pursuing officers.

AHearn allegedly shot the mail carrier in the legs and carjacked her pickup  which still had mail and her purse inside  fleeing in it as Richford followed him in a stolen Toyota Venza, according to court documents and testimony.

On Feb. 13, the pair were in the Venza, driving the wrong way south on a busy U.S. 281, with AHearn shooting at federal postal inspectors and police who returned fire before breaking off a miles-long pursuit, according to testimony. A day later, investigators saw them with Piper Lee, 40, at a motel on San Pedro Avenue where stolen mail was also found. With the pair in his vehicle, Lee led police on a high-speed chase and helped AHearn shoot at their pursuers, according to testimony.

The trio abandoned Lees car in a parking garage at North Star Mall and fled in another vehicle with the help of one of Richfords friends, evading a police dragnet, but the friend went to police afterward and the trio was captured the next morning, Feb. 15, at a motel south of downtown, court records show.

In a later search of Lees apartment, postal inspectors found stolen mail, a postal inspector testified at a bail hearing for Richford.

The indictment charges AHearn and Richford with five counts of aiding and abetting an assault on a federal officer, three counts of aiding and abetting the use of a firearm during a crime of violence, one count of aiding and abetting a carjacking, one count of aiding and abetting the possession of a stolen firearm, and one count of possession of stolen mail.

The indictment charges Lee with two counts of aiding and abetting the assault of a federal officer, one count of aiding and abetting the use of a firearm during a crime of violence and one count of possession of stolen mail.

AHearn and Richford could face up to life in prison.

gcontreras@express-news.net
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With a little bit of sleuthing and a lot of Texas A&M spirit, a San Antonio woman's Aggie ring was found in a local pawn shop after being lost for two and a half years.

Natalie Cervantes, who graduated from Texas A&M University in 2009, lost her coveted Aggie Ring when she took off her jewelry to wash her hands at work one day, according to the Association of Former Students of Texas A&M University. Day after day she checked to see if a ring had been turned in, but eventually gave up hope in ever finding it.

Then on March 10, 2017, a fellow Aggie living in the San Antonio-area posted a photo of a class ring for sale at a pawn shop.

RELATED: Johnny Manziel gives President Trump some advice, Twitter account disappears

"This '09 ladies size (eight) Aggie Ring is at the EZ Pawn at 3611 S Gevers here in San Antonio," said Clinton Haby in a Facebook group. "I haven't seen it personally but a police officer friend of mine said the name has been scratched off of the inside. If you know an '09 lady Ag who lost her ring maybe this is it?"

The post was liked more than 700 times and was full of comments.

Clifford Dorn, a man who graduated from the university in 1981, purchased the ring and took it to the Aggie Ring office at the university's Association of Former Students. From there, employees at the Ring Office began their search 119 rings from 2009 were reported missing to the office.

"I lost my ring for a week about two years ago and is was devastating so I knew that whoever lost this ring or had it stolen was heartbroken," Dorn told mySA.com. "Buying it back was the right thing to do."

RELATED: Texas A&M students come up with ingenious child care device

Cervantes did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

After inspecting the ring with a jeweler's loupe, employees saw the faint engraving of Cervantes' name, which had mostly been removed.

"This is the closest I'll ever feel to winning the lottery," Cervantes told the Association of Former Students of Texas A&M University about when her ring was found.

Cervantes plans to pick up her ring, which will be re-engraved, April 7 at Ring Day in College Station. She hopes to meet Dorn there and thank him. Dorn told mySA.com he plans to make the trip to deliver the ring.

"(Dorn) had absolutely no reason to do that other than, 'I'm an Aggie, you're an Aggie and I know what this means to you," she said.

kbradshaw@express-news.net

Twitter: @kbrad5
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SOUTH PADRE ISLAND  On a sunny afternoon at the start of what is shaping up to be the busiest week of the busiest Spring Break in years, the beach outside Claytons Beach Bar was the place to be.

The beach was free and the lines of rosy shoulders continued out to the streets. Several thousand scantily clad partygoers danced, or imitated something resembling a dance, while others clumsily partook in drinking games involving ping pong balls and bong funnels.

Carissa Meyer, a 21-year-old therapeutic recreation major from Wisconsin, together with a group of four other girls drove 24 hours straight to the island.

It was worth the drive, the bikini-clad Meyer said, donning heart-shaped sunglasses. This is my second time down here, and I had to come back.

Amid all the push and pull that surrounds Spring Break planning, Meyers positive experience is of the sort that business leaders on South Padre Island say can be nurtured into a lifelong affair.

Even as some residents gnash their teeth over the loud and rambunctious college students who come to unwind, others say the bigger picture is the long-term sustainability of an economy that relies heavily on tourist dollars.

In a few years these kids will get jobs, get married and have kids, and many of them will come back here, said Clayton Brashear, owner of Claytons. Think of it as free advertising for the rest of a life.

Clayton claims to be the biggest beach bar in Texas, and by the looks of it the bar might also be the busiest. Considering the thousands partying on the beach outside, which is free, relatively few spend their money at Claytons. But come nightfall, Brashears bar will be overflowing with up to 5,000 Spring Breakers.

And this year, the Ultimate Music Experience will hold its three-day electronic dance music festival in Claytons parking lot, adding several thousand concertgoers to the property.

Schlitterbahn Waterpark & Resort, which had hosted the music festival previously, has said it plans to focus on the family aspect of its family driven operation.

Of course, Claytons isnt the only party in town; plenty of other venues across the island also offer concerts, contests and other attractions for Spring Breakers.

While Meyer and her friends came for the music, James Charles, 22, is all about the beach. After three trips to South Padre Island, Charles, a nursing student from Kansas State University, might be considered a veteran Spring Breaker. He tried Colorado one year for Spring Break, but he found himself missing the beach.

His friend Nikki McCormick, 21, a Wichita State University junior, said her decision to visit the island was largely a matter of economics.

Mexico is a good time, but South Padre is budget-friendly, she said, raising an inexpensive can of beer.

The island has taken a beating in recent years after a string of accidents, including several deaths, raised concerns about the heavy drinking and drug usage that often accompanies the popular holiday. Though not all incidents were related to Spring Break events, four deaths occurred on or near South Padre in 2015, and at least one other person died last year.

The UME was particularly hit; during each of the Spring Breaks in 2015 and 2016, a UME concertgoer went missing and was later found dead; both deaths  Jordan Britten, 20, of Killeen and Justin Walker, 18, of Fair Oaks Ranch  were ruled accidental.

But the headlines have done little to dent the island's image as a preferred destination for college students looking to blow off steam. In fact, the bigger challenge to the party might be locals who want a simpler way of life on the island.

The island is busiest during Texas Week, which is going on now, sandwiched between two softer weeks. As director of the Convention and Visitors Bureau, Keith Arnold has made boosting attendance during those softer weeks a priority.

In addition to the usual advertising, this year the city contracted with an outside promoter to elevate the island as a premier Spring Break destination, broadening its advertising footprint in the Midwest and Northeast.

So far, it appears to be paying dividends. A random sample of about a dozen properties suggests that Texas Week attendance will be 20 percent higher than last year. Last March, hotel tax collection was $956,000, the third-busiest month of the year after June and July.

Weve got some preliminary feedback and it seems like what weve heard so far is a 15 to 20 percent increase over last year, Arnold said. You can tell by the traffic, and you can tell by the number of folks who lack a tan.

To prepare for the crowds, the city increases its police force and hires additional life guards, firefighters and jail staff. The biggest change has been the addition of license plate readers at the bridge, which will help authorities track vehicles in the event of a crime, no small task considering that 10,800 vehicles crossed the bridge last weekend.

I have a feeling well have a good safe Spring Break as far as the concert things are concerned, said Randy Smith, South Padre Islands chief of police. Weve really got a lot of police officers, security and medical personnel.

For now, the party is raging, and even Mayor Barry Patel was at Claytons to take in the revelry. He owns the hotel next door. Patel estimates as many as 60,000 Spring Breakers hit the beaches during the week, a number topping 100,000 by the weekend.

We dont want this to be a controversial, Patel said. Its huge for the economy. We dont want it to decline, we want it to grow.

anelsen@express-news.net

Twitter: @amnelsen
Update on July 7, 2017: The capital murder charges against a suspect involved in the death of Renard Smith have been dropped since the publication of this story. MySA has removed his name from this story to protect his identity.

A Bexar County employee allegedly tipped off a capital murder suspect about a warrant for his arrest Wednesday at the sheriffs office and detention center, the sheriff said Thursday.

Luis Manuel Saldivar Jr., 34, who has worked at the Bexar County Sheriffs Office since Aug. 6, 2012, has been charged with a third-degree felony for hindering the apprehension of a felon. If convicted, Saldivar faces up to 10 years in prison.

RELATED: BCSO: Man retrieving belongings at jail back inside less than 24 hours from release

A 22-year-old man entered the Bexar County Adult Detention Center at about 6 p.m. Wednesday to collect his property after being released from jail following a recent arrest. The man made an internal call to Saldivar, a clothing room tech, who then checked his identification information through a computer system.

Saldivar then saw an active arrest warrant for the man on a charge of capital murder and allegedly warned him of the warrant and told him to leave the building. The man left the building following the phone call, Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar said.

Saldivar then called the front desk to notify them that the warrant suspect was in or near the building. Authorities found the man outside and tried to apprehend him, but he fled on foot. He was later apprehended near Martin and Colorado, according to a previous mySA.com report.

RELATED: Bexar deputy hospitalized in Hwy. 281 crash; multiple lanes closed

The man was arrested on the capital murder charge, as well as a charge for evading arrest with a felony warrant. He was previously arrested Tuesday on a charge of evading arrest or detention, according to a previous report.

There does not appear to be a link at this time between Saldivar and the capital murder suspect, with Salazar calling the phone call the man made as a luck of the draw.

Salazar said during a news conference the scenario boggles the mind, because the BCSO employee allegedly helped out the suspect by warning him, only to call the front desk and notify authorities of his whereabouts moments later.

This employee endangered the lives of not only our deputies but the public at large, and thats something we dont tolerate, Salazar said during the news conference.

RELATED: 35-year-old man faces capital murder charges in death of pregnant girl, 15, and unborn child

He said BCSO is also looking to terminate Saldivars employment along with his criminal charge. When asked if employees are trained on how to deal with this type of scenario, the sheriff said the importance of security has been previously stressed to employees such as Saldivar regarding the warrant information and other computer systems they use.

Employees also have to periodically have to go through refresher courses for continuing information to know how to handle that information.

That information is secret, Salazar said. Its not just for anybody and its certainly not for the suspect who is wanted to have.

RELATED: SAPD: Man, 56, shot in leg during robbery at North Side steakhouse

Text "Breaking" to 48421 for breaking news alerts from mySA.com

twhite@mysa.com

Twitter: @tylerlwhite
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A Hays County grand jury issued a capital murder indictment Wednesday for a 25-year-old mother who allegedly mutilated her 5-year-old daughter during an altercation with a family member, according to the Hays County District Attorneys Office.

The grand jury also indicted Krystle Concepcion Villanueva on a second-degree felony charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon for an incident that occurred Jan. 5 in Kyle, a news release said Wednesday.

RELATED: Sheriff: Central Texas woman mutilated 5-year-old daughter during altercation with relative

The district attorney, Wes Mau, is not releasing further comment on the case, but said a decision has not been made as to whether prosecutors will seek the death penalty at this time.

Villanueva allegedly stabbed and killed her daughter, Giovanna Larae Hernandez, multiple times during or before an altercation with her father-in-law, Eustorgio Arellano-Uresti. Hays County Sheriff Gary Cutler described the girl as mutilated, according to previous reports.

Its probably the most horrific case in Hays County history, Cutler said. Our hearts are heavy here today with the loss of a beautiful 5-year-old girl.

Officers initially responded to the call from the father-in-law at about 12:51 p.m. Thursday in the 200 block of Willow Terrace in the Green Pastures subdivision. The officers then advised that due to the nature of the call, the SWAT unit should be deployed to enter the trailer, the news release said.

RELATED: Documents show Texas mother accused in 5-year-old's killing has history of drug use, mental illness

SWAT entered the home, found Hernandez dead and took Villanueva into custody, according to the release.

Villanueva was admitted in late 2015 to a facility in Buda for substance abuse, including marijuana, crack and meth.

During that time in treatment, Villanueva was also diagnosed with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), according to an arrest affidavit obtained from Hays County.

RELATED: BCSO jail employee allegedly tipped off capital murder suspect about arrest warrant

If convicted, Villanueva faces life in prison or the death penalty, according to the Texas Penal Code.

Text "Breaking" to 48421 for breaking news alerts from mySA.com

twhite@mysa.com

Twitter: @tylerlwhite
Efforts to improve school attendance in Bexar County are paying off, but fighting truancy remains a multimillion-dollar effort. In addition to school district-funded attendance personnel on each campus, the city of San Antonio employs 19 case managers to work on those campuses to divert truancy cases from court.

The programs success is reflected in the dramatic decrease in criminal truancy case filings. The city wants to build on its success and is seeking an additional $2 million in state grant funding to hire 20 more case managers. It is a good investment of public funds.

In 2015, the Texas Legislature decriminalized truancy, putting an end to the wholesale filing of courts cases against students with more than 10 unexcused absences. New state truancy regulations require school districts to provide intervention measures to address the root problems affecting the multiple no-shows. That has become the work of the case managers.

Parents can and still do end up with criminal charges and fines up to $500 when their children do not abide by negotiated agreements to improve their school attendance.

As the school year enters its third quarter, hundreds of parents and students are finding themselves on mediation dockets before truancy judges in municipal court. It is the last step before a criminal charge is filed and offers a final opportunity for students to get back on track.

The mediation dockets are eye-openers for many parents. For many, its the first glimpse of their childs attendance, disciplinary and academic records, though most of the information is available through parent portals on school district websites.

Bexar Countys success with truancy was the foundation of the states decriminalization legislation. Before intervention on campuses became the norm, it was not unusual for constables to appear at schools, handcuff students and haul them to appear before justices of the peace to answer to truancy charges.

Truancy filings in the Bexar County judicial system have gone from a high of 37,000 cases in the 2013-14 school year to only 44 last school year.

Appropriating state grant funds for more truancy case managers makes more sense than taking the cases to court and imposing fines on parents. Higher school attendance rates increase districts daily attendance funding allotment and helps boost high school completion rates.
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San Antonios historic commission on Wednesday gave the go ahead on three major construction projects that will dramatically change the downtown office market.

The Historic and Design Review Commission approved a 10-story office tower at the Pearl, a 23-story state-of-the-art new headquarters for Frost Bank and a plan to overhaul two vacant office buildings on the River Walk into a new headquarters for CPS Energy.

The three projects will create or renovate about 1.1 million square feet of office space in the downtown area  nearly a fifth of the 5.5 million square feet that exist in the district today, according to commercial real estate firm REOC San Antonio. The Pearl office development is technically two blocks outside of downtowns limits.

The $142 million Frost Tower, which still needs HDRC approval of its landscaping, will be the first new office tower downtown since the Weston Centre was built in 1989. It will include about 460,000 square feet of class A office space and will be 386 feet tall.

RELATED: How San Antonio will look in a few short years

Weston Urbans president, Randy Smith, said the buildings size was limited by office demand and Frost Banks specifications for its new headquarters. It will be part of a larger transformation Weston Urban is planning for west downtown, he said.

CPS Energy also won approval for plans to spend $122 million renovating two towers at 530 McCullough Ave. into 430,000 square feet of office space that would house 1,200 of its employees.

The towers, built around 1980, formerly served as offices for AT&T and as the headquarters for Valero Energy Corp. CPS bought them in June.

Developers of the Pearl also got the green light for a new office building, planned by local developer Silver Ventures. It will include two office towers, one of them 10 stories tall and the other six, covering nearly the entire block at the northwest corner of Broadway and Pearl Parkway. Altogether, the towers will include 344,000 square feet of office space.

RELATED: East Side to receive $150 million Pearl-like development

HDRC also granted preliminary approval on Wednesday to local developer Keller Hendersons plan to renovate a 1920s-era building on Main Plaza into 23,000 square feet of creative office space with a restaurant on the roof. The building has been vacant for seven years, said Henderson, who is also building luxury apartments on the River Walk. He will have to return to HDRC for final approval.

rwebner@express-news.net

@rwebner
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Featuring tree-covered homesites, acres of green space and outstanding amenities, Willis Ranch offers homebuyers the opportunity to live in distinctive homes by award-winning builder Imagine Homes.

Low taxes and award-winning Comal ISD schools are just some of the highlights of Willis Ranch, which also include gated entrance and amenity center with swimming pool, recreation center and playground. The community is located north of Borgfeld Road off Bulverde Road in North Central San Antonio.

Willis Ranch provides incredible family living, with every home backing up to a greenbelt, said John Friesenhahn, who established Imagine Homes 11 years ago with Jim Bastoni.

The homebuilders all-new designs are loaded with custom features and flexible spaces to suit every lifestyle. Their national award-winning high-performance home system saves money on utility bills, conserves water and provides increased comfort and enhanced indoor air quality in each of their Energy Star-certified homes.

Leading the way

Combining innovation and craftsmanship to build energy-saving and environmentally responsible homes, Imagine Homes was the first to build all homes under both the federal Energy Star program and the Build San Antonio Green program.

Imagine received the National Association of Home Builders Green Building Award five times since 2008; the 2010 Energy Value Housing Award from the NAHB Research Center; and City of San Antonio Green Building Awards for 2009 and 2010.

Every aspect of an Imagine Home is about being the best in energy efficiency and leading the way in sustainable living, emphasized Friesenhahn. From real-time energy readouts of electricity generation and home-energy usage to drought tolerant, indigenous plants and landscaping, we are taking care of the planet and our buyers.

Other energy saving features in an Imagine Home include the right-sized 16 S.E.E.R air conditioning and interior ductwork systems, blown foam insulation, one-half-inch foam sheathing and low-e windows.

By building a better home envelope, the home performs more efficiently, reducing air leakage and keeping our homeowners more comfortable in their home, said Friesenhahn. Whether its the hot, Texas summer or a cold day in January, the components used in an Imagine Home keep the home a constant temperature.

What is green building?

Many other builders say they are green, but what does that mean? A green home integrates the various systems in the home to save energy, conserve water and provide healthy air. Imagines homes feature the latest in new green building technology with open cell foam insulation, which keeps the attic within 8 degrees of the indoor temperature year-round for extreme comfort. A comfortable attic means a comfortable home and savings on utility bills. This national award-winning system delivers high performance new homes to San Antonio homebuyers that result in savings of up to 50 percent on new home heating and cooling costs, according to Friesenhahn.

With the latest changes in the Energy Star program, Imagine Homes is one of the few homebuilders in San Antonio that currently qualifies as a 100 percent certified Energy Star homebuilder, he said. This means all Imagine homes meet the Energy Star criteria, with every home tested and certified by third-party inspections.

Communities

Imagine Homes builds custom, semi-custom and production homes throughout the San Antonio area, including in such communities as Mahncke Park, Cibolo Canyons and Boerne.

No matter what location or price range youre looking for, we have something for everyone, said Friesenhahn. Our neighborhoods are designed with families in mind and incorporate the latest designs to reduce your energy costs.

Imagine Homes also has a Build Green on Your Lot division.

For more information about Imagine Homes, call (210) 877-5900 or go to ImagineHomesSA.com.

Editors Note: This content is made possible by Imagine Homes. 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 HARARE magistrate yesterday convicted human trafficking kingpin, Norest Maruma, who is believed to be part of a well-organised syndicate that lured female job seekers to Kuwait on the pretext of lucrative jobs when in actual fact they were being sold into pr0stitution and other menial jobs.

Maruma faces more than 50 years imprisonment after she was convicted on five counts of contravening sections of the Trafficking in Persons Act by magistrate Lazini Ncube, who is expected to deliver her sentence today.

Maruma is facing another three counts of trafficking in a separate case.

In passing judgment, Ncube said evidence by State witnesses indicated that Maruma was into a full-time business of trafficking as she held an office in Kuwait other than the embassy.

In aggravation, State prosecutor Francisca Mukumbiri told the court that Maruma did not show any remorse when she was advised by her victims that they were being abused by their employers.

The prosecutor further told court that Maruma was recorded on video threatening the victims not to leave their employers, saying she would deal with them if they decide to do that.

She further prayed that Maruma be given a deterrent sentence with each count carrying a minimum of 10 years imprisonment.

Mukumbiri said some of the victims were se xually abused and that it would permanently hound them.

Asked to proffer special circumstances and mitigation, Maruma pleaded for the courts mercy, saying she was also a victim of trafficking and a breadwinner looking after her two children.

The court heard that in February last year, Maruma unlawfully and intentionally recruited and transferred the complainants to work as maids in Kuwait.

As soon as the complainants got into Kuwait, their passports were confiscated.

The court further heard that the victims fell into slavery and exploitation and they would work for more than 22 hours a day without rest.

The complainants were not allowed to communicate with the outside world and suffered trauma and experienced psychological disturbances.

The victims eventually managed to flee from their employers and were repatriated back into the country by the Zimbabwean government after seeking assistance from the countrys embassy in Kuwait. NewsDay

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AN 18-year-old se x worker from Bulawayo has been arrested for allegedly squeezing sem en from a used cond om into the pri vates of her neighbours six-year-old daughter.

Nothando Ngwenya from Cowdray Park suburb on Thursday appeared before Western Commonage magistrate Mr Lungile Ncube facing one count of aggravated indecent assault.

She was not asked to plead and remanded in custody to December 13 for trial.

Ngwenya told the court that she was not sure if she committed the offence or not.

I do not know if I did it or not because I was drunk, she said.

Prosecuting, Ms Magret Takawira told the court that on Monday at around 4PM, the young girl, who cannot be named for ethical reasons, was asleep at her place of residence when Ngwenya came and called her out of the house.

The young girl went outside then Ngwenya took her to her place of residence, said Ms Takawira. On arrival Ngwenya left the girl inside her room, closed the door from outside and went out. She returned after some minutes holding a used cond om and removed the girls pa nties. The accused squeezed out se men from a used cond om into the girls pri vates.

The court also heard that when the juvenile went home, she removed her pan ties because they were irritating her which aroused suspicion from her mother who then discovered that there was sem en on the pan ties.

The matter was reported to police in Cowdray Park, which led to Ngwenyas arrest.

The girl was referred to hospital and a medical report may be used as evidence in court

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As a small operator, how do I compete against the larger convenience store chain down the street?

Visionary professionals from leading companies around the globe participate as NACS|Coca-Cola Retailing Research Council members to identify important issues and opportunities in the convenience retail business, conduct relevant research and encourage broad public dissemination of findings. While The Coca-Cola Company supports these endeavors, all research is conducted independently of the Coca-Cola system and executed under the oversight of the NCCRRC on behalf of the convenience and fuel retailing industry. There are a number of free reports from the NCCRRC that support independent operators in their quest to remain competitive with companies in and outside our channel. We especially recommend the following:

Additional resources from NCCRRC .

Building Your Brand.

If you are not currently a member of NACS, consider joining today.
Prime members in Cincinnati and Columbus, Ohio, can now add beer and wine to their order for delivery in one hour or less.

SEATTLE  Amazon Inc. announced this week that its Prime Now one- and two-hour delivery service has added wine and beer to its product offerings in Cincinnati and Columbus, Ohio. The company has added hundreds of alcohol-related products to its inventory from brands such as Chateau Ste. Michelle, Bud Light and Veuve Clicquot as well as local craft brews from Great Lakes Brewing Company, Rhinegeist and MadTree Brewing.

We are excited to continue expanding our product offerings and we know customers will love getting wine and beer delivered right to their door in one hour or less, said Stephenie Landry, vice president of Prime Now worldwide. Whether you run out of wine at your dinner party or need more chilled champagne for mimosas at a family brunch, Prime Now can save customers time with superfast delivery so they can skip a trip to the store.

Customers in Prime Now eligible neighborhoods can use the one- and two-hour delivery service to order wine and beer along with tens of thousands of other daily essentials. Customers can enter their ZIP code in the Prime Now app or on primenow.com to see if the service is available, or they can request to be notified when the service becomes available in their area.
Yves here. Can changes in ownership rules tame the bad features of capitalism? The success of Mondragon and smaller cooperatives says yes. But in the midst of a large-scale assault upon the commons, is this battle being engaged too late?

By George Monbiot, the author of the bestselling books The Age of Consent: A Manifesto for a New World Order and Captive State: The Corporate Takeover of Britain, as well as the investigative travel booksPoisoned Arrows, Amazon Watershed and No Mans Land. His latest book is Feral: Searching for Enchantment on the Frontiers of Rewilding (being published in paperback as Feral: Rewilding the Land, Sea and Human Life). Originally published at the Guardian; cross posted from Evonomics

With one breath, the friends of power told us that global capitalism was a dynamic, disruptive force, the source of constant innovation and change. With the next, they told us it had brought about the end of history: permanent stability and peace. There was no attempt to resolve this contradiction. Or any other.

We were promised unending growth on a finite planet. We were told that a vastly unequal system would remove all differences. Social peace would be delivered by a system based on competition and envy. Democracy would be secured by the power of money. The contradictions were crashingly obvious. The whole package relied on magic.

Because none of it works, there is no normal to which to return. The Keynesian measures espoused by Jeremy Corbyn and Bernie Sanders  in a world crashing into environmental limits and the mass destruction of jobs  are as irrelevant in the 21st Century as the neoliberal prescriptions that caused the financial crisis.

In his brilliant, incendiary new book Age of Anger, Pankaj Mishra explains the current crises as new manifestations of one long disruption, that has been ripping up society for 200 years or more. Our sanitised histories of Europe and America allow us to forget that bedlam and carnage, civil and international war, colonialism and overseas slaughter, racism and genocide were norms of this period, not exceptions.

Now the rest of the world is confronting the same disruptive forces, as industrial capitalism is globalised. It destroys old forms of authority while promising universal freedom, autonomy and prosperity. Those promises collide with massive disparities of power, status and property ownership. The result is the global spread of the 19th-century European diseases of humiliation, envy and a sense of impotence. Frustrated expectations, rage and self-disgust have driven support for movements as diverse as Isis, resurgent Hindu nationalism and stomping demagoguery in Britain, the US, France and Hungary.

How do we respond to these crises? Raymond Williams said to be truly radical is to make hope possible, rather than despair convincing. I know I have made despair pretty convincing over the past few weeks. So this column is the first in an occasional series whose purpose is to champion new approaches to politics, economics and social change. There is no going back, no comfort in old certainties. We must rethink the world from first principles.

There are many points at which I could begin, but it seems to me that an obvious one is this. The market alone cannot meet our needs, nor can the state. Both, by rooting out attachment, help fuel the alienation, rage and anomie that breeds extremism. Over the past 200 years, one element has been conspicuously absent from the dominant ideologies, something that is neither market nor state: the commons.

A commons is an asset over which a community has shared and equal rights. This could, in principle, include land, water, minerals, knowledge, scientific research and software. But at the moment most of these assets have been enclosed: seized by either the state or private interests and treated as any other form of capital. Through this enclosure, we have been deprived of our common wealth.

Some commons still exist. They range from community-owned forests in Nepal and Romania to lobster fisheries in Maine, pastures in East Africa and Switzerland, the Internet, Wikipedia, Linux, journals published by the Public Library of Science, the timebank in Helsinki, local currencies and open-source microscopy. But these are exceptions to the general rule of private and exclusive ownership.

In his book Land, the community organiser Martin Adams urges us to see the land as something that once belonged to everyone and no one, yet has been acquired by a minority, that excludes other people from its enjoyment. He proposes that those who use the land exclusively should pay a community land contribution as compensation. This could partly replace income and sales tax, prevent land hoarding and bring down land prices. The revenue could help to fund a universal basic income. Eventually we might move to a system in which land is owned by the local community and leased to those who use it.

Similar principles could apply to energy. The right to produce carbon by burning fossil fuels could be auctioned (a smaller pool would be available every year). The proceeds could fund public services and a transition to clean energy. Those who wish to use the wind or sunlight to generate power should be asked to pay a community contribution. Or the generators could be owned by communities  there are already plenty of examples.

Rather than allowing corporations to use intellectual property rights to create an artificial scarcity of knowledge, or (like Google and Facebook) to capture the value generated by other people, we could move towards a social knowledge economy of the kind promoted by the government of Ecuador. A share of profits could (with the help of blockchain technology) be exchanged for helping to build online platforms and providing the content they host.

The restoration of the commons has great potential not only to distribute wealth but also to change society. As the writer David Bollier points out, a commons is not just a resource (land or trees or software) but also the community of people managing and protecting it. The members of the commons develop much deeper connections with each other and their assets than we do as passive consumers of corporate products.

Managing common resources means developing rules, values and traditions. It means, in some cases, re-embedding ourselves in the places in which we live. It means reshaping government to meet the needs of communities, not corporations. In other words, reviving the commons can act as a counterweight to the atomising, alienating forces now generating a thousand forms of toxic reaction.

This is not the whole answer. My hope is that, after exploring a wide range of potential solutions, with the help of your comments and suggestions I can start to develop a synthesis: a new political, economic and social story, that might be matched to the demands of the 21st Century. Realising it is a further challenge, on which we also need to work. But first we must decide what we want. Then we decide how to get it.
Humpback whales are organizing in huge numbers, and no one knows why PopSci (Chuck L, Dan K)

Great Barrier Reef survival relies on halting warming, study warns BBC

Parched koalas seek new water sources BBC

Crashed UFO in Colombia actually belongs to Google Boing Boing (resilc)

An unconfirmed change in how Google ranks web pages is freaking some people out Washington Post. We only do the bare minimum in search engine optimization (as in putting up keywords) precisely because Google keeps changing its algos to keep ahead of SEO firms. But separately, since Google has been optimized for shopping and recency, its tended to work against smaller independent blogs and academic sites for some time. As Ive repeatedly said, there is no way I could have written ECONNED in six months, in which I relied heavily on Google for fact checking and re-finding of stuff Id read earlier, if it worked then (2009) the way it does now.

The Entrepreneur with the $100 Million Plan to Link Brains to Computers MIT Technology Review (David L)

Researchers prove the five second rule is real Aston University

Unintended Pregnancies Would Drop With Full Birth Control Options Offered TeenVogue. Dan K: TeenVogue pushing policy. Not an earth-shattering article in itself, but nice to see, the kids need to know.

Married Oklahoma GOP Senator Found in Motel Room with Underage Teen Male: WATCH https://t.co/1BkdENRuhp https://t.co/aQfUV0l3lP @rlrt. Chuck L points out that life has caught up with the famous quote by former Louisiana Gov. and felon Edwin Edwards: The only way Ill lose the election is if Im found in bed with a dead girl or a live boy.

China?

Chinas Continuing Credit Boom Big Picture (resilc)

How the CIA Sponsored Indian Magazines that Engaged the Countrys Best Writers The Wire (J-LS)

Brexit

Londons single market access will end with Brexit Financial Times. Important and wish I had had time to post on it, but I had a lot of competing demands. On the spectrum between posturing and sending a message, this is a hell of a lot closer to sending a message. Basic point is the UKs claim that hurting the City will hurt the EU is bullshit and the EU knows it. The banks will relocate activities to the rest of the EU as needed. Scotexit and Allocating the UKs Debt Credit Slips. Note that per news reports yesterday, May seems confident she can block Sturgeons second referendum gambit.

Italian debate on merits of ditching euro grows louder Financial Times

Live: Dutch Liberals Surge Damages Odds for Le Pen Bloomberg

Save the Children finds rising self-harm, depression in Greek camps Reuters (Dan K)

Syraqistan

New Cold War

Big Brother is Watching You Watch

Imperial Collapse Watch

Can China leapfrog US in scramble for worlds best aircraft carrier? South China Morning Post (J-LS). Help me. Aircraft carriers are a cross between sacred cows and white elephants. See here for details. This has been known for a long time but no one is wiling to call off such a big ticket buying program.

Trump Transition

Strangers in a Cruel LandMatt Cameron, Baffler (resilc). On deportation.

Chelsea Clinton fuels speculation of political run The Hill (J-LS). How quickly can I get a passport to anywhere else?

There is literally an opioid epidemic destroying large swaths of America right now but ignorant assholes gonna ignorant asshole. https://t.co/5J9U9AwAyB  Mike Duncan (@mikeduncan) March 15, 2017

Obaamcare

Freedom Caucus to propose amendment to GOP health bill The Hill. In case you havent figured it out, anything acceptable to the Freedom Caucus is almost certain to be a no-go for more than a couple of Republican Senators. GOPs strange new politics: Going after seniors Seattle Times

Believing in Bernie Current Affairs (dougie)

.@BernieSanders answer on what the Democratic Party stands for is something pic.twitter.com/xQatoDyvVw  Jordan (@JordanChariton) March 15, 2017

Fake News

Vista to Buy DH Corp. for $2.03 Billion, Combine With Misys Bloomberg (PED). I had put this in 3/14 Links but see it is in the autosave but not the published version. What I said: Wowsers. So Vista buys yet another bank IT dog, pretending it can fix it up and/or obtain synergies by cobbling it together with minimally related businesses at the dog it already owns, Misys, and keep given pretty looking valuations to investors? Any readers who know the business of DH Corp are encouraged to pipe up in comments.

Trump Officials Are Learning How Hard It Is to Sell $1 Billion of Assets Wall Street Journal

The Not-So-Secret Life of Terrence Malick Texas Monthly (J-LS). Subhead: The worlds most private director, Terrence Malick, turns his lens on the place where hes always been most public: Austin.

Surprising revelation: Janet Yellen reveals why the Fed is raising rates! Fabius Maximus. See our accompanying post today: February Jobs Report: Hitting on All Cylinders but Wages

Class Warfare

Antidote du jour (Robert H). A ptarmigan:

See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here.
Even though elections all have their own particular dynamics, commentators looked to the Ides of March Dutch election as an indicator of how high the nationalist and populist tide was rising in Europe.

Prime Minister Mark Ruttes Peoples Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) not only held power but lost fewer seats to insurgent Geert Wilders anti-Islam Party for Freedom (PVV) than recent polls projected. Turnout was high: 82%, compared with 75% in the last parliamentary election.

Wilders was toning down his anti-EU message going into the polling, suggesting that he read voters as hesitant to embrace radical change. Rutte appears to have cut into Wilders support by taking a harder line on immigration. And the dust-up with Turkey over Erdogans ministers seeking to campaign to Turkish expats over a Constitutional referendum also appears to have helped the establishment.

Further reports, first from Politico:

Ruttes Peoples Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) was projected to win 32 seats, nine fewer than at the last election in 2012. Wilders anti-Islam Party for Freedom (PVV) was in a race for second place with two other parties. He was predicted to end up with 19 seats, up four on last time. The other contenders for second place, the Christian Democrats and the liberal D66 party, both made gains The Labor Party (PvdA), Ruttes junior coalition partner, faced the biggest electoral loss in its history. It was forecast to win just 10 seats  down from 38 last time. The GreenLeft party posted a spectacular advance, going from four seats to 14 in the 150-member lower house of parliament. The vote was widely seen as the first major electoral test of right-wing populism since Britains Brexit referendum and U.S. President Donald Trumps election victory last year [The] result prompted sighs of relief from European governments. Large majority of Dutch voters have rejected anti European populists. Thats good news, the German Foreign Ministry declared on Twitter. We need you for a strong #Europe! Rutte last week called upon voters to stop the domino-effect of populism. However, the prime minister also sounded some populist notes in his own campaign. In an advert published in Dutch newspapers, he said people should leave the Netherlands if they rejected the countrys values.

From the Wall Street Journal:

The outcome suggests that Dutch voters have elected a highly fragmented lower house of parliament, containing numerous midsize parties but no big ones. This could mean lengthy negotiations on forming a new coalition government. To stay on as premier, Mr. Rutte may have to woo at least three other parties. His last coalition partner, the Labor Party, suffered heavy losses. The Dutch premier has portrayed the election as the quarterfinal round in Europes effort to stem a populist tide, with the French presidential elections in April and May the semifinal and the German parliamentary elections in September the finals. Polls in France suggest that anti-Islam right-wing politician Marine Le Pen will win next months first round of voting, qualifying her for a two-candidate runoff. In Germany, where the influx of more than a million refugees and migrants since 2015, has rattled the countrys political scene, the nationalist Alternative for Germany is projected to enter the national parliament for the first time. In a sign of the Netherlands growing political fragmentation, several niche or single-issue parties also made gains, including the pensioners party 50Plus and the animal-welfare movement Party for the Animals to Denk, an upstart pro-Muslim party seeking to counter Mr. Wilders. Any new coalition government is likely to enact stricter rules on migrants benefits and rights, as parties across most of the political spectrum campaigned on such promises. Although Mr. Wilderss party made only small gains, his challenge appears to have shifted much of Dutch politics to the right.

And from the Financial Times:

The projected victory was welcomed by moderates and pro-EU politicians across Europe and has calmed their fears that the continent was poised to fall under the sway of nationalists following the UKs Brexit vote and the election of President Donald Trump in the US Mr Rutte hailed the forecast result as an example of voters saying no to the wrong sort of populism While Mr Wilders PVV has had a comfortable lead in polls for much of the past year, voters blanched at the prospect of backing the party at the ballot box. Although 20 seats would be a small improvement on its performance in 2012, it would be fewer than it gained in 2010. European leaders were effusive in response to an initial exit poll that gave Mr Rutte a clear lead. Paolo Gentiloni, Italian prime minister, tweeted: No Nexit. The anti-EU right has lost the Dutch elections. Now a common commitment to change and relaunch the Union.

Id very much appreciate getting reader reactions, particularly those from France, as to whether and how much the establishment success in beating back Wilders is a precedent for other European elections this year. Current polls show Marine Le Pen having a seemingly insurmountable gap between her and Macron in a second-round faceoff. While the Dutch results may not hurt her, they certainly cant help.
Optical fingerprint can reveal pollutants in the air (Nanowerk News) More efficient sensors are needed to be able to detect environmental pollution. Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have proposed a new, sophisticated method of detecting molecules with sensors based on ultra-thin nanomaterials. The novel method could improve environmental sensing in the future. The results are published today in the scientific journal Nature Communications ("Proposal for dark exciton based chemical sensors").

Molecules are identified by activating dark electronic states in the sensor material, resulting in a new visible peak. The altered optical fingerprint of the material proves the presence of molecules. (Image: Maja Feierabend and Ermin Malic)

"This could open up new possibilities for the detection of environmental gases. Our method is more robust than conventional sensors, which rely on small changes in optical properties", says Maja Feierabend, PhD student at the Department of Physics and the main author of the article from Chalmers University of Technology and Technische Universitat Berlin.

Together with her supervisor, Associate Professor Ermin Malic, and Gunnar Berghauser, postdoctoral researcher at Chalmers, she has proposed a new type of chemical nanosensor that consists of atomically thin nanomaterials that are extremely sensitive to changes in their surroundings.

If you shine light on the sensor, you will see the optical fingerprint of the material itself. Molecules are identified by activating dark electronic states in the sensor material. If there are molecules on its surface, they will interact with these dark states and switch them on, making them visible. The result is an altered optical fingerprint, containing new features that prove the presence of the molecules.

"Our method has promising potential, paving the way for ultra-thin, fast, efficient and accurate sensors. In the future, this could hopefully lead to highly sensitive and selective sensors that can be used in environmental research", says Ermin Malic.
Biofuels reduce soot emissions from aircraft (w/video)

(Nanowerk News) A fuel blend with 50 percent biofuel reduces soot particle emissions of the aircraft by 50 to 70 percent compared to conventional fuel, according to a study published in the scientific journal Nature ("Biofuel blending reduces particle emissions from aircraft engines at cruise conditions").

The findings are based on an international flight experiment between NASA, the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum fur Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR) and the National Research Council (NRC) of Canada. The results provide important information on how the use of biofuels in aviation can contribute to making air transport more environmentally friendly  not only by reducing emissions in the vicinity of airports, but also at cruise conditions.

Impact of contrail cirrus clouds on climate

Aircraft engines emit soot particles. These serve as condensation nuclei for small droplets and ice crystals, driving the formation of contrails. The ice crystals of the contrails can remain for several hours in cold and humid conditions at altitudes of between 8 to 12 kilometres, and form high clouds known as contrail cirrus

"Contrail cirrus clouds have a similar impact on the climate than all aviation carbon dioxide emissions that have accumulated over more than 100 years in the atmosphere," says the co-author of the Nature publication Hans Schlager from the DLR Institute of Atmospheric Physics. "The soot emissions largely determine the number of ice crystals in contrails. The possibility of reducing the engine exhaust soot emissions by more than half using biofuels paves the way for reducing the climatic impact of contrails," continues Schlager.

Measurements in the exhaust plume

In May 2014, the DLR research aircraft Falcon took to the air, equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation and operated by a crew of specialists from the DLR Institute of Atmospheric Physics and DLR Flight Operations in the United States. They followed the NASA DC-8 research aircraft at close distances ranging from 30 to 150 metres to measure exhaust composition from each of the inboard engines. The DC-8's CFM56 engines were alternately powered by normal Jet A1 fuel and a 1:1 blend of Jet A1 fuel with the biofuel of hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids (HEFA). HEFA is produced from Camelina plant oil.

This video was taken from a NASA HU-25C Guardian chase plane looking toward NASA's DC-8, with a Falcon 20-E5 from the German Aerospace Agency (DLR) soon to fly into the DC-8's exhaust. The Falcon is testing how it maneuvers in the contrail and the performance of onboard instruments it'll use to sample exhaust and ice particles.

Previous measurements had only provided information on soot formation using biofuels on the ground, whereas different environmental conditions prevail in flight.

"This is the first time we have quantified the amount of soot particles emitted by jet engines while burning biofuel-blended fuel in flight," said Rich Moore, NASA scientist and lead author of the Nature article.

The tests were conducted as part of the Alternative Fuel Effects on Contrails and Cruise Emissions Study (ACCESS) at NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center in Palmdale, California. DLR was invited to participate in the research project by NASA. The DLR Falcon 20E, together with NASAs Falcon HU-25C measuring aircraft and the T-33 of the Canadian NRC, measured the emissions of the preceding DC-8.

Experienced crew and proven measuring equipment

More than a dozen instruments mounted on the trailing aircraft characterised the exhaust particles and gases emitted by the engines of the preceding DC-8.

"Measurements in the wake of aircraft require highly experienced crewmembers and proven measuring equipment, which DLR has built up over many years," says Schlager. "Since 2000, the DLR Falcon has been used in numerous measurement campaigns to investigate the emissions and contrails of commercial airliners."

Successful cooperation
Relativistic electrons uncovered with Van Allen Probes (w/video)

(Nanowerk News) Earth's radiation belts, two doughnut-shaped regions of charged particles encircling our planet, were discovered more than 50 years ago, but their behavior is still not completely understood. Now, new observations from NASA's Van Allen Probes mission show that the fastest, most energetic electrons in the inner radiation belt are not present as much of the time as previously thought.

The results are presented in a paper in the Journal of Geophysical Research ("The hidden dynamics of relativistic electrons (0.71.5 MeV) in the inner zone and slot region") and show that there typically isn't as much radiation in the inner belt as previously assumed -- good news for spacecraft flying in the region.

The 3-dimensional radiation belt model in the visualizations above was constructed by propagating electron flux measurements, corresponding to a given time and distance from Earth measured by the Van Allen Probes, along a 3-dimensional structure of magnetic dipole field lines. (Video: NASAs Goddard Space Flight Center/Tom Bridgman)

Past space missions have not been able to distinguish electrons from high-energy protons in the inner radiation belt. But by using a special instrument, the Magnetic Electron and Ion Spectrometer -- MagEIS -- on the Van Allen Probes, the scientists could look at the particles separately for the first time. What they found was surprising --there are usually none of these super-fast electrons, known as relativistic electrons, in the inner belt, contrary to what scientists expected.

"We've known for a long time that there are these really energetic protons in there, which can contaminate the measurements, but we've never had a good way to remove them from the measurements until now," said Seth Claudepierre, lead author and Van Allen Probes scientist at the Aerospace Corporation in El Segundo, California.

Of the two radiation belts, scientists have long understood the outer belt to be the rowdy one. During intense geomagnetic storms, when charged particles from the sun hurtle across the solar system, the outer radiation belt pulsates dramatically, growing and shrinking in response to the pressure of the solar particles and magnetic field. Meanwhile, the inner belt maintains a steady position above Earth's surface. The new results, however, show the composition of the inner belt isn't as constant as scientists had assumed.

Ordinarily, the inner belt is composed of high-energy protons and low-energy electrons. However, after a very strong geomagnetic storm in June 2015, relativistic electrons were pushed deep into the inner belt.

During a strong geomagnetic storm, electrons at relativistic energies, which are usually only found in the outer radiation belt, are pushed in close to Earth and populate the inner belt. While the electrons in the slot region quickly decay, the inner belt electrons can remain for many months. (Image: NASAs Goddard Space Flight Center/Mary Pat Hrybyk-Keith) (click on image to enlarge)

The findings were visible because of the way MagEIS was designed. The instrument creates its own internal magnetic field, which allows it to sort particles based on their charge and energy. By separating the electrons from the protons, the scientists could understand which particles were contributing to the population of particles in the inner belt.

"When we carefully process the data and remove the contamination, we can see things that we've never been able to see before," said Claudepierre. "These results are totally changing the way we think about the radiation belt at these energies."

Given the rarity of the storms, which can inject relativistic electrons into the inner belt, the scientists now understand there to typically be lower levels of radiation there -- a result that has implications for spacecraft flying in the region. Knowing exactly how much radiation is present may enable scientists and engineers to design lighter and cheaper satellites tailored to withstand the less intense radiation levels they'll encounter.

In addition to providing a new outlook on spacecraft design, the findings open a new realm for scientists to study next.
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.
Students from Cashel Community School have scooped a top student acting award at their first time of asking!

A group of students from the school led by a third year student Semilore Giwa priduced and submitted a short movie for the Youth 4 Decent Work Short Film Awards and attended the awards show in Dublin on March 2.

The event was sponsored by ICTU and run in conjunction with Youthconnect, a non-profit making organisation whose role involves educating young people on their rights as workers.

Students entering the competition were required to create a short film with the theme of Workers rising to the Challenge 1916  2016. Twenty films were shortlisted for awards. The film Make it Fairer by Girls that make a difference which was directed and produced by Semilore was nominated in the Best Acting award and saw off tough challenges to emerge category winners.

The film not only gives an insight to what is happening with workers in Ireland today but also a hundred years ago including the lockout of 1913. Aonghus Og McNally, the host for the afternoon, presenting the award commented that the film contains a powerful message about equality in the workplace and was a very worthy winner.

The prize for this category was a days workshop at the Gaiety school of Acting in Dublin.

Students in the group then had an opportunity to meet Oscar nominated Jim Sheridan director of acclaimed films such as The Boxer and My Left Foot.

This is the first time students from CCS have entered a film and it is a major achievement to be shortlisted to top 20 in the country and to win.

The film can be viewed at: https://youtu.be/YLX0JCdusXw
(Natural News) Venezuelas Vice President Tareck El Aissami announced new regulations for bakeries in Caracas that could force many to close their doors and cause 7,000 jobs to be at risk. And for added pressure, Aissami is adamant that any stores that do not comply will be occupied by the government.

Under the new regulations, which apply to the use of raw materials like flour by bakeries, 90% of said materials will have to be destined for the production of ordinary bread, and 10% for other products such as deserts. Bakeries also need to ensure that bread is sold no later than 7 a.m. and continually made and sold throughout the day until the bakery closes.

Bakers have been producing less bread because the price is controlled at such a rate that it prevents them from turning a profit. Many have opted to instead bake other products to survive economically. These new rules are no doubt being put into place so the government can gain back financial control.

Venezuela is weathering an impossible economic disaster, which means most of these bakeries do not have enough flour to keep up production all day. Regulated prices also mean they would be unable to pay employees to produce the bread, even if the materials were available. (RELATED: Get more news like this at Collapse.news).

Victor Maldonado, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Services of Caracas, explained that this new threat of expropriation and the tightening of controls could result in at least 7,000 jobs disappearing in Caracas. This stems from the government forcing the emptying of inventories to give away bread at a price that does not cover its production costs.

And of course, as with every dictatorship, the government will be involved in this process every step of the way. To enforce the bakeries compliance with the new regulations, a monitoring team will be established. The team will consist of the National Superintendence for the Defense of Socioeconomic Rights of Venezuela (Sundde), a Bolivarian militia group, a member of the Local Supply and Production Committees (CLAP), and members of the Bolivar-Chavez. They will supervise the bread produced and the equipment the bakeries have on hand.

This is yet another blow to a country in such dire straits that citizens have resorted to eating out of trash cans to not starve to death. Some have even turned to killing and eating exotic and endangered animals because food resources are so scarce.

Diminished currency, a corrupt government, and the financial crash of its greatest export- oil, have all attributed to what we see today. While all this has continued to transpire, Maduro is still trying to convince the rest of the world that no problem exists, even refusing to accept financial aid and resources to keep his citizens alive.

Eliminating price controls instead of establishing new ones would be the better direction for the government to go. All these new regulations will do is cause more food shortages and starvation. But the Maduro regime already knows that if you control the food, you control the people.

Sources:

Panampost.com

CNN.com

Nytimes.com
(Natural News) Aluminum phosphide, commonly known as Fumitoxin, is a cheap, freely available pesticide used to control rodents in agricultural areas. It reacts to the addition of moisture to create phosphine gas when dropped into rodent burrows. The EPA has classified it as Toxicity Category 1, a restricted use pesticide. It can only be applied by applicators certified to do so, and may not be used within 100 feet of any residential structure. And these restrictions are vitally important since aluminum phosphide is one of the most common causes of poisoning among all agricultural pesticides.

The illegal use of this pesticide led to tragedy after it was applied under a mobile home in Amarillo, Texas, earlier this year. When some of the 10 inhabitants of the home started feeling sick, one of them tried washing the poison away with water, causing the toxic phosphine gas to be instantly released. Tragically, four children between the ages of 7 and 17 died. One was declared dead at the scene, and the other three succumbed to their injuries in hospital. Though five more of the inhabitants got sick, they all survived. This is likely because children are more susceptible to poisoning than adults, simply because their little organs are not yet fully developed and are not able to effectively detoxify such chemicals.

There is no known antidote to aluminum phosphide poisoning, and supportive care is the only possible treatment. Chances of survival increase with early medical intervention and diagnosis. Doctors will perform gastric lavage using a medication called KMnO 4 , or failing that, coconut oil. Intensive monitoring and supportive therapy are also required, according to an article in the Journal of Emergencies, Trauma, and Shock. Since the heart is directly affected by the poison, cardiovascular support is also vital.

Identifying aluminum phosphide poisoning can be tricky, since the symptoms are both non-specific and instantaneous. Nonetheless, some of the common symptoms include nausea and stomach pain, restlessness and agitation, and chills. If the patient has suffered severe exposure he may experience trouble breathing, respiratory failure, a rapid pulse, plunging blood pressure, pulmonary edema (an accumulation of fluid in the tissue and air spaces of the lungs) and even death, as was the case for the kids in Amarillo.

Beyond Pesticides has long called for the banning of aluminum phosphide and other similarly toxic chemicals. They argue that there are other, less toxic ways to control rodents, including integrative pest management (IPM), which involves educating people about better sanitation, repairing structures so that they are rodent-proof, and limiting access to areas that are likely to attract rodents.

Pesticides like aluminum phosphide also add to the ever-increasing levels of toxins in our waterways. Cornell Universitys Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP) notes that the use of synthetic compounds, including pesticides, has increased dramatically over the past 40 years. They write, Traditionally, groundwater has been assumed to be a relatively pristine source of water, cleaner and better protected than surface water supplies.  Within the past decade, however, a variety of synthetic organic compounds have been discovered in the nations groundwater, often at concentrations far exceeding those in surface water supplies.

Over 700 such synthetic organic compounds have been identified in U.S. drinking water, including pesticides. PSEP explains that toxins accumulate in the environment and build up to toxic concentrations in food chains. While acute toxicity (immediate poisoning from exposure) is most often reported on by the media, a more insidious danger is chronic toxicity, in which we are slowly poisoned from prolonged exposure to a toxin. Exposure to pesticide residue in our drinking water, as well as through many of the fruits and vegetables we eat, which are routinely sprayed with these damaging chemicals, can have devastating long-term effects. Pesticides have been linked to developmental problems, lowered IQ in children, hormonal imbalances, cancer and Alzheimers, among others.

It is incredibly important to avoid chemical use, ensure you have access to clean, filtered water and buy or grow your own organic, non-GMO fruits and vegetables to protect the health of your family. Find more news about the toxic effects of metals like aluminum at Metals.news.

Sources:

NaturalHealth365.com

NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov

PSEP.CCE.Cornell.edu

NaturalNews.com
(Natural News) Mumps outbreaks have been on the rise, but not among those who are unvaccinated. In what appears to be a rather ironic twist, it seems that the majority of people affected by the disease are those who have received inoculations to protect them from mumps.

In 2016, more than 5,000 cases of mumps were reported, making it the worst year for the disease since the massive outbreak in 2006. Nineteen of the outbreaks that have occurred in the last few years have taken place on college campuses. Even the mainstream media has been forced to admit that mumps is cropping up among people in areas with high vaccination rates, and where most have had the two recommended doses of the mumps vaccine.

Typically, children are given two separate doses of the MMR vaccine, which is intended to protect against measles, mumps and rubella. But does the MMR vaccine really do what its intended to do?

Vaccines have been suspected of causing a myriad of adverse health effects, and the MMR vaccine is certainly no exception. A recent review of the MMR vaccine by the Rand Corporation even suggested that the jab was related to febrile seizures and anaphylaxis. But the MMR scandal doesnt just end with harmful after-effects; it turns out that the vaccine is not only ineffective, but it may even help spread the diseases it proclaims to prevent.

Is the mumps vaccine a total flop?

Failure of the mumps vaccine is nothing new, though it doesnt appear to be widely publicized. A 1994 study, led by Dr. William Schaffner of Vanderbilt Universitys School of Medicine, examined an outbreak that occurred in Tennessee between January and July of 1991. At the high school where the mumps outbreak predominantly occurred, 98 percent of the students had been vaccinated against the disease. Shockingly, all but one of the 68 students that contracted mumps had been inoculated against the illness  or so they thought.

In their abstracts conclusion, the researchers stated, Vaccine failure accounted for a sustained mumps outbreak in a highly vaccinated population. Most mumps cases were attributable to primary vaccine failure. It is possible that waning vaccine-induced immunity also played a role.

A more recent study, published in 2008, was inspired by the massive outbreak in 2006 that affected more than 5,700 people. The researchers, led by the CDCs Mona Marin of the Division of Viral Diseases at the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, investigated two colleges in Iowa that had experienced mumps outbreaks. They found that 90 percent of the student population between the colleges had received the recommended two rounds of vaccine. And of the 108 students affected in total, 97 of them had been given both doses. The team found that there was no notable difference in vaccine efficacy between those who had been given one or two doses of the mumps vaccine. This, of course, calls the validity and necessity of the two doses into question.

Some research has even shown that the MMR vaccine may help to spread mumps, rather than prevent it. Once vaccinated, a person begins to shed the virus they were inoculated with, essentially making them an incubator for disease. An outbreak of mumps in the Netherlands was attributed to MMR vaccine shedding.

Couple all that with the former Merck employees who have filed a complaint against the company for falsifying data on the mumps portion of the MMR vaccines efficacy, and there are many other questions to be answered. One of these is: Why is the government forcing people to vaccinate their children with a concoction that most likely doesnt even work, and may actually spread disease?

However, instead of admitting that the vaccine simply is not effective enough to be worth the risks it poses, federal officials will reportedly be investigating whether or not a third round of the MMR jab needs to be administered. Of course, this is not entirely unexpected; why make the manufacturer fix its faulty product when you can simply trick the public into buying more of it?

Sources:

USAToday.com

WashingtonPost.com

NaturalNews.com

ScienceDirect.com

Academic.OUP.com

NaturalNews.com
It's heating up all over the world and global warming comes with far-reaching consequences on life. One of the effects of rising climate is making certain animals considerably smaller -- and scientists are keeping an eye out for evidence of it happening in the coming future.

According to a report from Phys Org, the study noted two other times in the Earth's history when a naturally occurring temperature spike led to warm-blooded creatures shrinking in size.

In the wake of today's well-documented global warming, lead author and University of New Hampshire researcher Abigail D'Ambrosia cautioned that animals could be facing the same fate now. In fact, the man-induced warming could cause the animals to change size even faster than natural environmental changes did.

Read Also: This Mammal Became Venomous About 100 Million Years Before Snakes Did

It was 54 million years ago when the temperature dramatically rose and shrunk three known species including an early horse and a lemur-like animal that's the earliest known primate.

An analysis of fossil teeth from the Bighorn Basin of Wyoming estimated that horse became 14 percent smaller, going from 7.7 kilograms to 6.6 kilograms. D'Ambrosia described it from being the size of a dog to the size of a cat. Meanwhile, the primate shrunk by about 4 percent, a significant decrease in size considering the animal was usually recorded to be getting bigger over millions of years.

An earlier warming 56 million years ago also recorded a similar shrinking of animals including a different early horse ancestor.

"Dwarfing appears to be a common evolutionary response of some mammals during past global warming events, and the extent of dwarfing seems related to the magnitude of the event," D'Ambrosia explained in a report from Telegraph.

Some of the factors that led to the shrinking of the animals may have been nutrient availability, which may have been caused by rising temperatures and drought.

She added, "Drought conditions have been known to lead to smaller offspring."

The researchers published their findings in the journal Science Advances.

Read Also: Consequences of Global Warming: Ocean Temperature Higher Than Previously Thought
The northwest coastline of Tasmania is extra spectacular as the ocean glows an eerie blue to the delight of photographers and travelers who got to glimpse the strange waters.

According to a report from Reuters, the special glow was brought about by a bioluminescent algae beneath the water. Known as the sea sparkle (Noctiluca scintillans), it's a single-celled algae or plankton that's normally reddish-brown and only glows bright blue when it's disturbed. In the ocean, it appears in its regular color in the morning, but the rocky waves transform it a mesmerizing blue at night.

The stunning effect of the algae on the waters as soon as the sun sets has attracted attention to Tasmania shores. Photographers were able to snap pretty photos of the unique phenomenon.

However, there is a darker side to the sea sparkle. Gustaaf Hallegraeff of the University of Tasmania told The Australian that this particular algae gorges on other plankton, which can be detrimental to other organisms that also eat plankton such as oysters and mussels.

"This is a plankton that needs to feed on other organisms and it is a voracious feeder; it really can behave like a vacuum cleaner," he said. "So it comes in, blooms, and then the water for weeks is crystal clear because it has eaten everything. And so shell fish farmers sometimes complain that there's no food left for their shell fish to eat."

In a similar event in Tasmania last 2015, a report in New Scientist revealed that the presence of sea sparkle - which has never been seen in Tasmania until 1994 - indicates rising temperatures in the region and consequently warmer waters.

"The displays are a sign of climate change," Anthony Richardson of CSIRO, Australia's national science agency in Brisbane, said. "As the Southern Ocean warms, it will be warm enough for Noctiluca to survive."
The ship captain of MS Caledonia Sky, the British cruise ship that crashed into Indonesia's pristine coral reef in the Raja Ampat Islands, may be charged.

Indonesian authorities said Wednesday that the captain could face charges and spend time in prison, despite the company, Noble Caledonia Charitable Trust, covering the environmental damage via insurance.

"Insurance company may be willing to pay the environmental damage, but it does not absolve criminal side of the case," authorities told CNN.

On March 3, the British cruise ship crashed into Raja Ampat, damaging over 145,000 square feet (about 13,000 square miles) of pristine coral reef that's endemic to the island. According to the Papua State University, Regional Technical Implementing Unit and Conservation International Indonesia, the cost of the damage is approximately $18 million, according to a previous report.

MS Caledonia Sky weighs 4,200 tons and measures 295 feet. During the incident, there were 102 passengers on board who were bird-watching when the gigantic British cruise ship crashed into the reef due to low tide. The ship officials only used GPS and did not consult local guides.

Djoko Hartoyo, from the Information and Law Bureau of the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs, said the Raja Ampat coral reefs were naturally developed over hundreds of years. The cruise ship destroyed all of it in just one day.

"It is simply impossible to restore that part of Raja Ampat. Fish that were normally seen in that particular area were all gone," Hartoyo added.

Meanwhile, the Raja Ampat incident has resulted to a public outcry.

"I was born here, I was in tears when I saw this damage. The damage is huge and acute. It could take 10 to 100 years to repair it," Ruben Sauyai, a local diving instructor and dive center owner, told BBC.

The recent incident has been a wake-up call on the effect of cruise ships and tourism to the environment. In fact, Marine Insight revealed that cruise ships, like the MS Caledonia Sky, is a major threat to oceans and marine life. These cruise ships usually secrete their waste into oceans, resulting to damaged reefs and dwindling fish species.

To see how the British cruise ship damaged the Raja Ampat reef, check out the video below courtesy of Sauyai.
Another private spaceflight company, Lockheed Martin, unveiled its plan to help conquer Mars. Unlike SpaceX, the company plans to establish a base camp on the red planet in 2028.

The company wants to account for most questions asked regarding living and working on Mars. In order to make the mission possible, a habitable base camp should be made in the fastest, most affordable way possible.

The new Mars Base Camp is the company's vision for 2028 in order to make sending humans to the red planet possible come 2030. NASA's mission to Mars is set to send a team of highly trained astronauts to physically explore the planet for the first time ever and to perform scientific experiments on site.

The Mars Base Camp directly supports NASA's mission to Mars. The camp is designed to help aid astronauts perform their scientific duties and to maximize the potential of the mission in terms of scientific investigations.

Read Also: NASA to Receive $19.5 Billion to Explore Deep Space, Get Humans to Mars by 2033

The concepts with which the Mars Base Camp patterned after are highly depended on safety, affordability, and plausibility. According to Lockheed Martin, today's advancements in technologies influenced the Mars Base Camp concept such as the Orion spacecraft, NASA's Space Launch System (SLS), habitats in space, and the solar electric propulsion.

"They're safely shielded from radiation," Rob Chambers, Orion spacecraft production lead engineer at Lockheed Martin said in an interview with Inverse. "This is where the crew spends most of their waking hours. This is where the high integrity life support is."

However, contrary to popular belief, the base camp won't be touching the Martian ground. It will be based around the Orion capsules. It is expected to provide additional living and working space on the red planet and can hold about six astronauts at a time, according to a report.

The base camp would be integrated with two Orion capsules that won't be able to touch down due to the thin atmosphere on Mars. This means a different landing technology will be developed to help an actual Martial landing. This may also mean, that there would be no human landing on the Red Planet since the crew will remain inside the basecamp. But the camp will provide new information and it can be used to search for potential landing sites for future manned missions to Mars.

Read Also: Martian Farming: Potatoes May Grow on Mars, NASA Scientist Reveals
The San Diego County Board of Supervisors has voted to ban collectives in unincorporated parts of San Diego.

On Wednesday, the Board voted 3-2 to ban the collectives. Supervisors Greg Cox and Ron Roberts voted no.

Since Proposition 64 - which legalized recreational marijuana in California - passed, Counties and Cities have been working together to create their own regulations.

San Diego County was doing the same, until last month, when the Board voted to start the process of a complete ban in unincorporated areas.

More than 50 people applied to speak before the Board on Wednesday to voice their thoughts for and against the ban.

Those in support of the ban said marijuana has gone from helping people to simply becoming a way to make money.

"It's gone from a loose cycle of growing and sharing to help sick people, to a major money making venture," Dana Stevens, with Community Action Service and Advocacy, said. "Simply for the purpose of making money. That is not the intention of the voters."

Supporters also say this is a win because they were concerned about criminal activity and normalizing marijuana use among children.

But those who rely on pot for medical purposes say they need access and would like to be able to get their medication legally.
The shimmering blue ponds of water laid out between the San Francisco Bay and Fremonts Auto Mall Parkway looked as if theyd been permanently etched into the landscape.

Geese stepped along the edge of one pond as ducks glided across the tranquil waters of another.

But U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologist Aidona Kakouros knew better.

Shed been there plenty of times in the late spring and summer, long after the pools had evaporated, revealing some of these watery fields as cow pastures.

In fact if you come here in summer, Kakouros said, you will not recognize the landscape  its so dry.

After a winter of heavy rains, the Bay Areas systems of vernal pools are glorious  putting on an impressive display of these seasonal bodies of water that appear temporarily each year, while hosting their own eco-systems.

The Fremont pools are part of the federally protected Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Kakouros said these ephemeral pools have returned for thousands of years  minus recent years when California was gripped by a historic drought.

For one year, Kakouros said, there were no pools at all.

On a recent day, Kakouros lead a team armed with nets to scour the pools for their native wildlife. The pools are home to some of natures most tenuous creatures, including endangered Vernal pool tadpole shrimp, threatened fairy shrimp and federally threatened California tiger salamanders.

Kakouros said the continued winter deluges have most likely given a boost to the struggling species after years of choking drought.

You become nervous because many of these species, they can not breed during these years, Kakouros said.

Heavy Winter Rain a Bounty for Bay Area's Vernal Pools

Kakouros and her team waded waist-high into the pools, twisting nets into the water as one would churn butter. With each burst of frenetic spinning, they would inspect the nets for any sign of the tiny creatures. A group of nearby cows munched grass and took in the scene.

The nets emerged with tiny salamanders and tadpoles, which make their homes in the pools during the winter, and lay eggs and retreat into the land when the water dries up. Kakouros said many of the species look exactly as they did during the age of dinosaurs.

Every single species living here has adapted to live in this extreme conditions, Kakouros said, emptying a fairy shrimp into a plastic container where she measured it and then poured it back into the pool.

Kakouros said in normal years the fields are dotted with numerous independent pools. But with this year's heavy rainfall, the pools have merged, forming long strands of rippling water.

Its a good year, Kakouros said. We like this year.

Kakouros said later in the spring the spectacular pools will give way to their second act as they dry up and are filled in by wildflowers. She said that although the federal lands are restricted to visitors, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service schedules occasional public tours.

Kakouros treaded through the water  her hip-high rubber waders generating a wake as she dipped her net into the water and spun it like a propeller.

Its a unique place, she said. "Its a place you can discover things every single day.
Dr. Sam Savage is an expert in the field of uncertainty and risk. He is a Stanford Adjunct Professor who corporate managers and utility executives seek out to learn ways to make their operations smarter and safer.

It is a complex field, Dr. Savage says, but one he has discovered a new, remarkably simple, and revolutionary way to teach.

"It's like the switch from Roman to Arabic numerals," Savage said.

He says his new system of thinking about and computing probability and averages is so simple, and eight-grader could learn it.

How does he know?

He's done it.

Last fall, Savage made his first of many trips across the Bay to West Oakland Middle School and the classroom of Kennan Scott.

His goal was to prove his point. He ended up finding a partner-in-crime.

"The first time I walked into his classroom it was like we've been teaching together for years," Savage said.

Scott and Savage had an instant chemistry that made their collaboration not only successful but fun for them and Scott's students.

Captura del video

"It's like stand-up with us," Scott said. "It's unwritten. It's unscripted. It's amazing to watch (Savage) capture the room with his energy."

Scott knew his students would benefit from a visit by such an academic heavyweight. What he didn't know, in addition to how well the two of them would hit it off, was the confidence his students they would gain in the process.

"They are walking out of class saying, 'I can go to Stanford. I know a guy," Scott said.

As for Savage, he not only proved his point about the simplicity of teaching uncertainty and risk, he is enjoying teaching perhaps more than he ever has in his 40-year career.

"I don't ever want to stop doing this with Kennan," Savage said.

As for transferring what he has learned from teaching the eighth-graders, Savage is confident it will translate when talking to his professional peers.

"Corporate managers have an attention span on par with that of middle school students."
A man was in custody Wednesday night after ramming into an Oakland police car and then leading police on a wild chase through the streets of Oakland and Berkeley, police said.

The vehicle chase ended wiith a collision at College and Ashby avenues in Berkeley, but the suspect fled on foot and made his way to a nearby rooftop, prompting a standoff.

Police negotiated with the suspect for about 90 minutes before taking him into custody.

The pursuit of a white pickup began when the driver smashed into an Oakland police patrol car near Lake Merritt, Berkeley police said. At around 6:50 p.m., an officer was chasing the suspect near 14th and Harrison streets in Oakland when the suspect rammed into the officer's patrol vehicle, according to an Oakland police dispatcher.

The officer suffered minor injuries.

Ermis Regassa said his wife was driving a black Chrysler involved in the collision at College and Ashby. She told her husband the pickup driver ran a red light.

"She was freaked out," Regassa said. "She was scared."

A woman in a nearby restaurant said there was a crash, and police were suddenly everywhere.

"We saw people outside, cops outside with guns, and we ran into the back door, 20 of us in there," she said. "All the staff made sure we were OK. They locked all the doors and turn off the lights."

The chase involved several patrol cars speeding through the streets of the East Bay cities and a helicopter buzzing overhead before it turned into a standoff at the busy Berkeley intersection. The intersection remained closed for an accident investigation, police said.

NBC Bay Area's Terry McSweeney and Bay City News contributed to this report.
A Bay Area law student was the target of vandals last week, and police are investigating it as a possible hate crime.

In what is being called an act of anti-Semitism at UC Hastings College of the Law in San Francisco, someone burned the mezuzah that was hanging on the door frame outside of a dorm unit inside what is known as The Tower, police said.

A Jewish student who identified himself only as Jacob said he was the target.

"Its a lot more hurtful than they may have thought it was," he said. "After the numerous bomb threats weve received throughout the country, it wasnt so surprising that it happened."

Another student called campus police on Monday to report the crime that happened sometime during the school's spring break. Police are asking for the public's help in finding the vandals.

"Its unfortunate, terrible and hurtful when something like this happens on our campus," said Alex Shapiro, director of External Relations at UC Hastings.

On Wednesday, the university sent out a letter to students, calling the incident a cowardly act of anti-Semitism and urging anyone with information to come forward.

"When an incident is reported like this, its something we all have to take a look at, make sure we figure out what happened and hold whoever is responsible responsible," Shapiro said.

The building is accessible only to the students who live there or visit as guests, and on Wednesday, some students were disturbed to think one of their classmates could be involved.

"Really sad that were not respecting everyones religious values, especially given whats going on around the country," student Samatha Adhikari said.

The university believes it is an isolated incident, saying there hasn't been any similar crimes reported.

Jacob is hoping whoever is responsible realizes the pain they have caused.

"Its sad to see a rise in hate crimes," he said. "If you want to have a conversation, come talk to me. It's so cowardly to burn something and run away."
One day after a 16-year-old Antioch girl was killed in an officer-involved shooting in Hayward, family and friends gathered for a candlelight vigil for the teen in her hometown.

Investigators say Fremont police officers working an undercover operation Tuesday fired shots into a vehicle the girl was riding in when the driver, a robbery suspect, accelerated toward officers. One of those shots killed Elena Mondragon.

Fremont police said the stolen BMW involved had been used in four armed robberies in Fremont last week, and the suspects are wanted in connection with at least 12 robberies spanning three counties -- Alameda, Santa Clara and San Joaquin.

On Wednesday night, Mondragon's mother was sobbing during the vigil for her daughter, whom everyone called "Ebbie."

"The Ebbie I know is loving, kind and wouldn't put herself in danger," Michele Mondragon said.

While friends and family grieved, they also sought answers. Seventeen-year-old Aireanna Cabrera said she was in the car with Ebbie when an unmarked car drove up, and the doors opened.

"I thought it was a regular car; I thought someone was shooting at us," Cabrera said.

She said driver, the man police were still looking for, hit one of the doors as he tried to get around the car, and then shots rang out.

"I heard gunshots," Cabrera said. "I didn't think anyone was shot until my cousin started screaming."

Hayward police said the Fremont officers, who were not uniformed officers, fired when the driver drove his car at them. Two of the officers were injured.

Ebbie's grandmother said police made a mistake.

"They took my baby's life," she said. "They could tell the difference between that guy and her; no right to do that."

Ebbie's uncle said the girl didn't want to be in Hayward. She had called family, asking to be picked up.

"From what her sisters and friends tell me, Ebbie wanted to come home," Miguel Minjares said.

Police are still searching for the driver of the car.
After a federal judge in Hawaii blocked President Donald Trumps new travel ban from going into effect, social media erupted with a #BoycottHawaii movement driven by Trump supporters.

Inevitably, many people used their 140 characters on Twitter to poke fun at the idea of a boycott.

"Will Deplorables be boycotting vacationing in Hawaii before or after giving away tickets to soldout Hamilton?," one user quipped.

Will Deplorables be boycotting vacationing in Hawaii before or after giving away tickets to soldout Hamilton? #BoycottHawaii  Tony Posnanski (@tonyposnanski) March 16, 2017

Meanwhile another tweet about Pearl Harbor struck a more serious chord, drawing on Trump supporters' often-discussed respect for the military.

https://twitter.com/thepalebluepot/status/842370471626711040

Ed Glavin, producer for the "Ellen DeGeneres Show," was among those on Twitter asking Trump supporters to "please" #BoycottHawaii.

"It's literally the only way Hawaii gets more beautiful," he tweeted.

Please, all Trump supporters, #BoycottHawaii. It's literally the only way Hawaii gets more beautiful.  Ed Glavin (@EdGlavin) March 16, 2017

Another tweet took a jab at Trumps widely disputed claims about the size of his inauguration audience, asking how supporters would #BoycottHawaii when "you couldn't even go to your boys inauguration."

How are y'all gonna #BoycottHawaii When you couldn't even go to your boy's inauguration. pic.twitter.com/wuLIiBdXCT  Enebong Ephraim (@EnebongEphraim) March 16, 2017

But some tweets with a more serious tone could still be found among the jokes. One user tweeted asking for prayers for Trump "in these dangerous times," while another user called for "a few thousand refugees" to be sent to the state.

Hawaii isnt the first to be the subject of boycotts by Trump supporters. Other things that supporters have called for boycotts of include Starbucks, the musical "Hamilton" and Budweiser. Similarly, Democrats supporters have called for boycotts of businesses that have backed Trump, known as the "#GrabYourWallet" campaign.

The revised travel ban comes in response to Trump's original executive order on immigration being struck down by federal courts. The new order bars travelers from Iran, Syria, Libya, Somalia, Yemen and Sudan--dropping Iraq, which was part of the original executive order. People who have visas already are not blocked from entering the U.S.

A judge in Maryland also blocked the ban early Thursday morning.
The Senate backed key players of President Donald Trump's national security team on Wednesday, confirming his pick for intelligence director and clearing the way for an active-duty Army general to serve as his national security adviser.

Senators voted 85-12 to approve the nomination of former Indiana Sen. Dan Coats as director of national intelligence, making him the fifth person to hold the post created after the Sept. 11 terror attacks.

Minutes later they voted 86-10 to re-appoint H.R. McMaster as a three-star general "to a position of importance and responsibility." National security advisers aren't subject to Senate confirmation. But McMaster elected to remain in uniform rather than retire from military service, and generals of his rank need the chamber's approval when they're promoted or change assignments.

Trump selected McMaster to lead the National Security Council as controversy swirled over communications that members of Trump's campaign team had with Russian officials. McMaster's predecessor, Michael Flynn, was asked to resign after misleading senior administration officials, including Vice President Mike Pence, about the nature of his contacts during the transition period with Russia's ambassador to the United States.

One of McMaster's staunchest supporters, Republican Sen. John McCain of Arizona, said before the vote that McMaster is "experienced, talented, and he knows what it's like to be in combat with the enemy."

Trump said in a statement that "the Senate's broad, bipartisan support for General McMaster affirms that he is the right person for this job."

As the Trump administration's top intelligence official, Coats will oversee 16 intelligence agencies that have, at times, been criticized by Trump, who has disparaged them for past failures and their assessment that the Kremlin interfered in the election in the president's favor.

Coats also will be a key player in the government's ongoing investigation into Russia's interference in the 2016 election.

He faced a friendly confirmation hearing last month in front of his former Senate colleagues. He was pressed on whether he would stand up to political pressure from the Trump White House and assured lawmakers he would provide accurate and timely intelligence.

Coats, 73, has swung back and forth between government service and lobbying, the type of Washington career that Trump has mocked. Since the early 1980s, Coats either has served in government or earned money as a lobbyist and board director. His most recently available Senate financial disclosure, from 2014, shows he had a net worth of more than $12 million.
What to Know MasterCard will roll out an upgrade to its mobile payment service starting this summer

The service will allow people to manage their tabs at participating bars completely through their phone, without the use of a credit card

The service will be free to customers and will cost the same for bars and restaurants as their normal credit card processing costs

It's 1 a.m. You've had a few too many at a crowded bar and walk out without paying the tab. Your credit card and driver's license sit behind the cash register, leaving your personal info widely accessible while you sleep off those vodka tonics.

There's a new option that might lessen the pain. Not the hangover pain  for that, you'll need aspirin. But if you've ever left your credit card at a bar by mistake, or spent several minutes trying to flag down a harried bartender to close you out, there may be a new option.

An upgrade being rolled out this summer to MasterCard's mobile payments service will let people open, manage and close their tabs at participating bars and taverns completely through their phones, without having to hand over a credit card. The Open Tab feature, available in the U.S. and the U.K., will be an upgrade to MasterCard's existing Qkr mobile payment service.

"We heard from so many bars and pubs who always have a number of credit cards left at the end of the evening, and we thought, 'we know how to address this,'" said Betty DeVita, the business head of MasterCard's Qkr platform. DeVita also cited MasterCard survey data that it takes on average 12 to 15 minutes to close out a bill, time that could be used to serve more tables and customers.

The service will be free to customers and the service will cost the same for bars and restaurants as their normal credit card processing costs, DeVita said. While MasterCard is rolling out the feature, Qkr will work with any major credit card as long as the merchant accepts it.

Popular apps like Venmo, Square Cash and bank-specific versions like Chase QuickPay have already changed the dynamic in how some people are paying for things. The payment services that let people send each other money for free via their phones mean you can quickly pay a friend back for a drink or divide the dinner check instead of just hoping that someday soon the friend will take a turn.

Those have the benefit of working at any restaurant, but don't have the ability to split bills until after the fact.

The new bar tab option on Qkr is fairly straightforward. Customers can open the Qkr or the bar's app, and set up a tab, entering their credit card information if they hadn't already done so. Once the tab is ready, customers would get a table number, which they'd give to the bartender each time they order a drink.

When they're ready to go, customers can close out their tabs in the app. There are options to add other people to the tab, much like how a person can split a fare on Uber, as well as the ability to pay for individual drinks or pay for rounds of drinks. It also provides the option to automatically leave a tip.

If someone forgets to close out a tab, it's automatically closed at the end of the night. The bartender never needs to hold onto a credit card, and the bar is protected from fraud like fake cards since the MasterCard already preauthorizes the card before a tab is opened.

Seth Weinberg, the lead bartender at a restaurant at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach resort, said he could definitely see the resort integrating the service.

"Having so many options to split a bill would be great. It can take a lot of work to split a complicated bill on a point-of-sale system that's not set up correctly," he said.

But Weinberg said he worried how the service might affect tips, which often make up a substantial part of a bartender or server's salary.

"You don't get that last chance to interact with the customer," he said.

One caveat would be how widely the service is adopted by bars and restaurants that see lower volume than nightclubs and resort bars.

"I wish we had a problem of managing too many bar tabs!" said Jim Grinchis, who owns 204 Main Bar and Bistro in Sharon Springs, New York. "We just don't have the volume of people to justify this service."
Police in Wilmington, Massachusetts, are searching for a man who exposed himself to an employee at a local coffee shop.

According to police, the suspect, who's believed to be between 20-25 years old, walked into the coffee shop around 6:20 p.m. Monday night and exposed himself to an employee.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police.
A tractor-trailer hauling cheese and operated by an allegedly drunken driver rolled onto its side early Thursday morning, causing major delays and shutting down part of Interstate 93 in Milton, Massachusetts.

The crash happened in the area of Squantum Street just off of Exit 10 around 1:30 a.m. The truck was traveling southbound on I-93 and rolled over onto the exit ramp, damaging guard rails and taking down power lines.

The driver, Eri Pleitez, 43, of Lynn, Massachusetts, was charged with operating under the influence of liquor, negligent operation of a motor vehicle and marked lanes violation. He was arraigned in Quincy District Court on Friday morning and bail was set at $2,500 cash or $25,000 surety bond, which was posted. He was ordered not to drive without a license.

State police have confirmed the truck belongs to Viking Land Transportation Systems Inc., based out of New Ulm, Minnesota.

A tractor trailer rollover is creating delays on I-93 southbound in Milton, Massachusetts on Thursday morning.

Prosecutors said Pleitez told police he drank six beers at a birthday party in Chelsea around 10:30 p.m. Thursday - three hours before the crash. He failed a field sobriety test and his blood alcohol content was .11.

He said a black truck cut him off on the highway, which caused the accident.

Both northbound and southbound lanes near Exit 10 were temporarily shut down while workers worked to clear the downed wires on Friday morning.

The ramp to Exit 10 reopened just before 4 p.m. for the evening commute. The electrical pole remains downed and I-93 will be closed intermittently after midnight to allow for repairs to the downed wires. The work is expected to be completed in time for the Friday morning commute.

The tractor trailer was reportedly traveling from Chelsea, Massachusetts to Connecticut. A fire official said 38,000 pounds of cheese and other dairy products that were in the tractor trailer will have to be unloaded by hand before the vehicle can be placed upright.

The rollover knocked out power for over 180 customers, according to Eversource.

No injuries were reported.

Driver Charged with OUI After Tractor-Trailer Rolls Over in Milton, Massachusetts
Five years ago today, I sat with Rod Blagojevich at a restaurant called Freddies Steakburgers.

By all accounts he was the same old Rod. At times jovial, gladhanding the lunchtime crowd, posing for photos and signing autographs.

Except Freddies was in suburban Denver---just a few miles from the federal penitentiary. And Blagojevich was about to drive those last few miles, to begin serving a 14-year sentence.

Sometimes, inexplicably terrible things happen, calamities happen, disasters strike, Blagojevich told us during that last interview. Theres no sugar coating this. This is the hardest thing that Ive had to do, and I have a hole in my heart. Its an empty feeling.

The hole in Blagojevichs heart has only deepened during the five years since he spoke those words. He did manage to have five counts of his conviction thrown out on appeal. But when the former governor was resentenced on those counts, Judge James Zagel gave him the same 14-year sentence. And the United States Supreme Court declined to consider his case.

Hes basically in prison for aggressive campaign fundraising, says Leonard Goodman, the former governors appellate lawyer. With all the money in politics, why Blagojevich, and why 14 years?

Why indeed? Even some Blagojevich critics thought the sentence was unusually harsh for a politician who never took a dime in bribes. The five dismissed counts centered on the former governors alleged intention to sell the Barack Obama Senate seat. And now, Goodman says he will largely concentrate the second appeal on remaining counts which alleged illegal fundraising which he believes the court overlooked the first time around.

Nobody in modern history has been prosecuted solely for campaign fundraising violations, Goodman said, noting that the Supreme Court ruled in 1991 that fundraising is part of the American political decision. So the Supreme Court said that cant be a crime, because everybody does that!

In that ruling, McCormick vs. United States, the court ruled that fundraising moves into illegal territory only when there is an explicit quid pro quo, a promise of an official act in exchange for contributions.

In the Blagojevich case, there was no explicit promise, he said.

That new appeal will be argued next month before the same Seventh Circuit Court which tossed the other five counts. Goodman and federal prosecutors will not know which judges will hear the case until minutes before those arguments begin.

Everythings on the table, he said. Including of course, the 14 year sentence.

In the meantime, Blagojevich waits in Colorado. During his time there, he has moved from the main prison to the less restrictive camp, has taught classes, and mentored other inmates. His daughter Amy graduated high school. And he watched as a onetime political nemesis, Jesse Jackson Jr., was indicted for his own crimes, pled guilty, was sentenced to 30 months in prison and served his time.

Jackson admitted looting his campaign fund of $750,000. The evidence at his trials indicated Blagojevich received nothing. Yet he remains behind bars and is not scheduled to be released until 2024.

He really is focused on this new appeal and he understands this is a great opportunity for him to have his case heard, Goodman said. And a lot of people dont get that chance to get a second bite of the apple.

During his resentencing hearing last August, spectators were only able to see the now-white haired Blagojevich via a flickering closed circuit television image, his family sobbing in court after learning his sentence would not be shortened.

As he prepared to drive to the prison that day at Freddies Steakburgers, the once flamboyant governor insisted that his number one goal would be to stay strong for his family.

Like the poet said, the valleys make the mountains taller, he said. And I believe that ultimately right makes might, and the right will prevail.
The overwhelming percentage of murders taking place in Chicago can be traced to either gang members or to others who have some sort of gang tie, according to Deputy Chief of Police Kevin Ryan.

Celebrating 30 years on the force this year, Ryan, who heads Area Central, says Chicago has 59 gangs, 625 factions totaling 125,000 members. And that an estimated 75% of murders in Chicago are gang related. Using that percentage 571 of Chicagos 762 killings in 2016 are gang related.

But the street gangs of today bear little resemblance to those of the 1960s, 70s and 80s.

Gangs today are fragmented and the violence is random, fueled in part by something we almost all use on a daily basis: social media.

Its become a status symbol to have a gun and pose with it on Facebook, Ryan said in an interview at the 7th Police District in Englewood.

That is in stark contrast to what would have occurred four decades ago, he said. I might have spray painted something bad about you and your gang on a wall back then and a few hundred people see it. Now Im putting it on YouTube, Facebook and other things and thousands and thousands of people are seeing it, making fun of you and questioning your manhood or whatever.

The history of gangs in Chicago is long and complex.

In the early 1960s the Eastside Disciples battled the Blackstone Rangers for supremacy on the South Side.

It was a time when gangs, with memberships in the hundreds  if not thousands  showcased their colors and graffiti.

When leaders like Jeff Fort - whose Blackstone Rangers became the El Rukns  and Larry Hoover of the Gangster Disciples ruled the streets.

All the gang leadership really did was focus an ability to direct millions of dollars coming off illicit narcotics sales up to a very small group of people, Ryan said.

But the days of large organized street gangs are over said James Highsmith. The city of Chicago has a lot of problems, he said in an interview in his south suburban home, but one problem they do not have and that's a gang problem. There is no more gangs in the city of Chicago. The city of Chicago has a violence problem.

At the age of 66, James Highsmith speaks with the authority of time. An imposing man he went to prison three times, the last time as part of a major federal drug investigation in the 1990s.

Today the walls of his home office show off the certificates honoring his anti-violence work.

He has been on both ends of a gun, as the shooter and the victim, he said.

Most of the guys who got killed back then were the ones that whoever killed them intended to kill, Highsmith said.

And now?

Babies being killed. Women being shot, he noted, bullets flying everywhere.

According to Chicago police, gangs on the West Side exist to sell drugs, as in the recent arrest of a Vice Lord heroin ring.

But on the South Side?

The South Side has devolved into small sets basically fighting over social media, Chief Ryan said. Everything is magnified because the information flow is so much greater.

In essence social media has become home to the new graffiti, gangbangers marking their turf and continuing a cycle of violence capturing attention not only in Chicago but across the nation.

Asked if those committing the violence are encouraged by the reaction on social media, including that of President Trump, Chief Ryan replied, Absolutely, its like a badge of honor for some of them, some of them find it funny.

Even the President is tweeting about it?

Yes, he says, some of them.
Homeowners with delinquent taxes could soon lose their properties in an auction by the Cook County Treasurers office next month, but the treasurer says many homeowners have no idea their home is at risk.

The auction is part of a law that requires Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas to put delinquent taxes up for sale. The auction is happening on April 3 and if homeowners dont pay up by then, their property is at risk.

This is due or die, Pappas told NBC 5, emphasizing that the situation is urgent.

Unpaid real estate taxes on tens of thousands of properties are scheduled to hit the auction block.

You can look at the whole list, you can see if its your neighbor, you can see if its a senior citizen, you can see if its a family member, Pappas said.

In total, the Cook County Treasurer's Office said more than $186 million in delinquent taxes are due. Currently, 48,000 properties are at risk. Of those, 6,400 taxpayers are particularly vulnerable because they never received notice. Pappas said bills and seven subsequent notices to those addresses were returned by the U.S. Postal Service. Pappas said 104 vulnerable owners are senior citizens.

What's important for us is to reach the 7,000 who don't know right now that they owe money, she said.

After taxes are sold, the property owner has about two and a half years to repay taxes plus fees. After that point, according to the Treasurer's Office, the person who purchased the taxes at auction can go to court to obtain the deed.

Joyce Thomas said a tough year of personal issues caused her to fall behind on the $850 she owes.

This is the first time Ive ever been behind on my taxes, she told NBC 5.

Thomas said she plans to pay up before the action to make sure she doesnt lose her home.

Similarly, Adrian Davis, of Markham, made good on his taxes Wednesday.

Its a generation property from one family to the next, he said. Im not going to lose it.

To check and see if your house is on the list, homeowners can look up their property index number here. They can also call or visit the Cook County Treasurers office at (312) 443-5100, located at 118 North Clark St. in Chicago.
Burglars are using what police say is a stolen cable companys van to transport their ill-gotten goods from the homes of Chicagoans.

Two crimes in the citys Bucktown neighborhood occurred nearby one another in the 2200 blocks of West Mclean Avenue and North Leavitt Street Tuesday.

One of the break-ins occurred around 9:20 a.m. when a witness saw two men enter a garage and remove a bicycle and a tool box, police said. The two men were then confronted by the witness who fled to a truck that police said was stolen.

Michelle Maher was cleaning up after her young kids inside her home in the neighborhood when her neighbor caught the van on camera. Maher says the men driving it disguised themselves as workers to break into her garage.

You always feel invaded and its scary and its frustrating, she said.

She said the burglars showed up in broad daylight and forced the garage open while she was home.

A few doors down, home surveillance video captured a man waiting for the family to leave their home before breaking in.

Some residents in the area say they arent surprised by the crimewhile the Ald. Scott Waguespack says hes trying to raise awareness.

Our big push is neighbors and businesses have to be extremely aware of whats going on and share information, Waguespack said.

On top of more police patrols, hes pushing for residents to install cameras and use social media to share images and information.

I try to be cautious, but not live in fear, Lindsay Payne said.

Chicago police were able to identify the plates of the stolen van but say no one is in custody for the crimes and could not confirm if they were connected.
An immigration judge extended parole Wednesday for twice-deported Mexican activist Elvira Arellano, who famously took refuge in a Chicago church when she faced removal in 2006.

Arellanos probation for violating immigration law was set to expire Wednesday, but the legal victory will allow her and her 3-year-old Mexican-born son Emiliano to remain in the country for another year alongside her U.S.-born son, 18-year-old Saul Arellano.

"She has fought for me and now its time for me to give to her," Saul said at a news conference Wednesday. "She went against a whole government because she believed that she needed to be with her son. And now I believe I need to be with my mother here."

All three arrived for her first meeting at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement office in Chicago under President Donald Trumps administration, hoping for either relief through political asylum, or an extension of her current status. [[413942783, C]]

While she was not granted asylum, she was given a one-year reprieve from being deported, yet again, as her case continues to be reviewed.

ICE did not take action at this time because her immigration court proceedings are still pending, the immigration agency said in a statement.

Arellano, 42, was first deported to Mexico after attempting to use fraudulent documents to enter the United States on Aug. 20, 1997, but illegally reentered the country later that year.

She settled in Yakima, Washington, and she gave birth to Saul in 1999. Arellano moved to Chicago in 2000 and was arrested by ICE agents at OHare International Airport in 2002 as part of Operation Tarmac, a massive crackdown on airport employees living in the U.S. illegally.

Arellano was convicted of Social Security fraud, but granted at least three stays of deportation, according to the Chicago Tribune.

In 2006, she faced deportation once again and sought refuge at the Adalberto United Methodist Church in the citys Humboldt Park neighborhood with her U.S.-born son, making headlines around the world as she pledged to remain in America.

Arellano lived in the church for nearly a year and became a symbol for the new sanctuary movement, in which undocumented immigrants residing in the country illegally seek shelter at places of worship. [[412185383, C]]

Despite her efforts and the national attention given to her case, Arellano was deported again on Aug. 19, 2007, nearly 20 years to the day after she was first removed from the country.

Arellanos advocacy for immigrants seeking asylum continued in Mexico, where she had Emiliano. In 2014, she reentered the U.S. and was placed into removal proceedings by Customs and Border Protection and turned over to ICE.

She was paroled out of ICE custody pending her ongoing removal proceedings in federal immigration court, in which she continues to seek political asylum in the U.S. based on her outspoken criticisms of the Mexican government.
Chicago police Superintendent Eddie Johnson will meet Thursday morning with U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions to discuss how the federal government might assist Chicago in the fight against its relentless gun violence, according to a department spokesperson.

Johnson will meet with Sessions at the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. along with several other police officials from across the country, CPD spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said.

Johnson will ask for federal funding to help mentor programs for young people in Chicago, Guglielmi confirmed.

Last month, Emanuel traveled to Washington to meet with members of President Donald Trumps administration, including Sessions. The trip came on the heels of Emanuels very public back and forth with Trump, who warned local authorities in January that he would send in the Feds if they cant get a handle on the ongoing carnage in Chicago.

A readout from the Department of Justice said Emanuel and Sessions discussed what might be done to combat the shootings and murders in that city and bring back proactive community policing.

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Last week, Sessions outlined his new plan to target violent criminals in a memo to federal prosecutors across the country, noting that they should work closely with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement partners to suss out violent offenders in each district.

Turning back our nations recent rise in violent crime is a top priority for the Department of Justice, and it requires decisive action from our federal prosecutors, Sessions said in a statement. Im urging each of them to continue working closely with their counterparts at all levels, and to use every tool we have to put violent offenders behind bars and keep our citizens safe.

Sessions new initiative builds on the creation of the U.S. Department of Justice Task Force on Crime Reduction and Public Safety, which was announced last week. According to the DOJ, the task force is central to the Attorney Generals commitment to combatting illegal immigration and violent crime, such as drug trafficking, gang violence and gun crimes, and to restoring public safety to all of the nations communities."

The Justice Department issued a scathing report in January that found that the Chicago Police Department violated constitutional rights by engaging in a pattern or practice of use of excessive force.

The highly anticipated report, released just one week before President Barack Obama left office, revealed landmark findings about the Chicago Police Department, aimed at eliciting change as the city battles a cloud of distrust as well as spiking violence. The city has entered into an agreement in principle with the DOJ to begin negotiations for a formal consent decree to implement the reports findings.

However, Sessions announced last week that he would pull back on federal probes into local police departments and has failed to commit to Chicagos consent decree, according to the Tribune.
St. Paul, Minnesota police officers responding to a report of a violent domestic situation fatally shot a Chicago-area man on Wednesday, authorities said.

The Ramsey County medical examiner said Cordale Quinn Handy, 29, of Waukegan, Illinois, died of multiple gunshot wounds.

Three officers were called to an apartment building in St. Paul's Dayton's Bluff neighborhood about 2:30 a.m. because of a domestic situation that involved physical violence, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension said. Officers encountered Handy in the street and, at some point, two officers fired their guns, striking Handy, who died at the scene. No officers were hurt.

The BCA recovered a firearm outside of the apartment building and spent shell casings inside the apartment.

Three St. Paul police officers are on standard administrative leave, said the BCA, which is investigating the shooting. Their names and other details were not released.

De'Andre Gatewood, who heard the incident, said a woman screamed: "He's trying to kill me." While officers were there, Gatewood said the woman shouted that the gun wasn't loaded and she told the man to put it down, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reported.

The St. Paul chapter of the NAACP and other community groups didn't identify Handy by name, but said he was black.

Melissa Nielsen, who lives on the same floor, described Handy and his girlfriend as a quiet couple who kept to themselves.

"They've been nothing but nice to me," Nielsen said. "They're nice to all of their neighbors."

In a statement, Police Chief Todd Axtell said "no one at the St. Paul Police Department takes pleasure in having to use deadly force."
The security guard who fatally shot a would-be robber in a Rockford bank last January will not face charges, the Winnebago County States Attorney announced Wednesday.

An investigation found a Metro Enforcement security officer exchanged fire with Laurence Turner, 34, in the Alpine Bank, 2218 North Mulford Road, on Jan. 20 in his own self-defense and the defense of others, authorities said.

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Video released by the Rockford Police Department shows the guard and other Alpine employees looking lax in the bank about 4 p.m. when a man with a gun, later identified as Turner, enters and fires a round into the ceiling. The guard draws his firearm after Turner fires another round toward him and the two engage in a brief gun battle, the video shows. Turner barrel rolls through the lobby and eventually stumbles to the automatic doors of the bank where he collapses and was later pronounced dead.

No customers were in the bank at the time and no employees were injured, police said.

Police say they were able to link Turner to three other armed robberies in the Rockford area at two banks and a jewelry store in November and December of 2016.

The incident was investigated by the Rockford Police Department as a homicide and reviewed by the States Attorneys Office.The use of deadly force by the guard was justified, authorities said.
The City of New Haven announced late Wednesday afternoon that the citywide parking ban will be lifted at 6 a.m. Thursday, but the overnight freeze isnt making the cleanup any easier.

After this mid-March winter storm, New Havens Deputy Director of Emergency Operations Rick Fontana said the city has nearly used up its $750,000 snow removal budget.

Our snow budget is basically pretty much depleted at this point and weve still got some winter weather left, he said.

Fontana said that is the reality when you factor in overtime pay for public works personnel, plus the need to hire outside contracts to remove snow from 321 miles of roadway.

Theres never a question of spending the money, he said, the Board of Alders would look at that and make some money transfers.

On Wednesday morning, Yale graduate student Chris Lim needed to dig out his car on Humphrey Street to give his friend a ride.

I knew that this was going be here, Lim said, this always happens when we get walled in like this and maybe there isnt a better way.

The mix of snow, sleet and ice is adding to the challenge of clearing the roads in the Elm City.

The good news for New Haven residents is the citywide parking ban will be lifted at 6 a.m. Thursday.

We would love 12 inches of powdered snow, Fontana said. Now we have crusted mashed potatoes and the trucks are having a hard time moving it and it wreaks havoc on trucks, and breaks trucks, Fontana said.

Fontana added some budgetary relief could come because both the Governor Dannel Malloy and New Haven Mayor Toni Harp made emergency declarations for this storm.

What well hope is that we get some reimbursement from the federal government, Fontana sad, its based on each county, so I think everybody is facing the same thing we are.

West Haven Mayor Ed OBrien told NBC Connecticut his city is also hoping to get some money reimbursed because of the emergency declaration. He said West Haven is slightly over budget after this weeks storm, but the city would really feel the pinch if the shoreline gets slammed again.

On Orange Street, the tow trucks lined up for another day of parking ban enforcement around noon.

Were getting ready to go back out, said Robert Holton from Tonys Long Wharf Tow company, were just waiting for the city to come out.

Their assignment from the Department of Transportation, Traffic and Parking was to remove the cars parked in the Lincoln-Bassett school parking lot.

New Haven allowed residents to move their cars into public school lots because of the citywide parking ban that started midnight Monday. A message went out at 7 p.m. Tuesday through the citys alert system saying those cars needed to be moved by noon Wednesday.

Lilac Street resident Mary Griffin stopped them from taking her car away, but her daughter Tai wasnt so lucky.

I was trying to stop the guy when he towed it, Tai Griffin said. When I walking out of my door it was going down the street and Im trying to stop him and he just kept on going.

A message went out at 7 p.m. Tuesday through the citys alert system saying those cars needed to be moved by noon Wednesday.

After the street is cleaned, then let the people come back, said New Haven Alder Delphine Clyburn. Where can they put the vehicles? Look at Lilac, look at Butler St., where are they gonna put them?

Clyburn rushed to the neighborhood after being notified about the tow operation.

Their finances is not that much that they can just be paying for a tow, she said.

This is ridiculous, Tai Griffin said. We have nowhere to park, like look at this and we own property, we pay taxes. This is ridiculous.

Four cars were towed from the Lincoln-Bassett school parking lot, Fontana said.

For anyone who had a car towed in the Elm City, it will cost about $200 to retrieve the car and pay the citys fine.
Hartford police are investigating several robberies and carjackings targeting people looking to buy items on sites, such as OfferUp, and police are urging people to conduct transactions in the front parking lot of the Public Safety Complex at 253 High St. to stay safe.

Hartford police set up their Safe Lot program in response to Craigslist robberies, but now they are investigating eight several social media-related armed robberies and carjackings over several months in which the victims are lured though ads from the online auction site, OfferUp.

In each of the eight cases, the victims came into Hartford from other cities and towns, including Lawrence and Springfield Massachusetts, Middletown, East Hartford and New Britain, police said.

"The security of our users is our top priority and we do not tolerate criminal activity. We have a 24/7 Trust and Safety team available to respond to any issues, and are working with the Hartford Police Department on these incidents. If you have been the victim of a crime or suspect criminal activity, please reach out to your local police department and support@offerup.com immediately," OfferUp said in a statement.

CASES:

On Oct. 26, a resident of West Springfield, Massachusetts arranged to meet an online seller in the north end of Hartford and two young men robbed him at gunpoint, police said. They have not identified the man and police are investigating.

On Dec. 6, a victim from Lawrence, Massachusetts responded to an OfferUp ad for a Playstation4 and Apple iWatch and was lured into an apartment on Clark Street, where he was robbed at knifepoint, police said. Police charged 21-year-old Hakeem Ferguson with first-degree robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery in the first degree and police charged 19-year-old Ezekiel Myrie with first-degree robbery and first-degree conspiracy to commit robbery.

On Jan. 13, a victim from Middletown arranged to buy an iPad advertised on OfferUp and went with her mother and infant son to meet the seller at a recreation center lot in Hartford. When they arrived, two young men robbed them at gunpoint and fled with their purses, $200, credit cards, cellular phones and more. Police are investigating and have not made any arrests.

On Jan. 20, a victim from Springfield, Massachusetts arranged to buy a PlayStation 4 and Apple iWatch advertised on Offer Up and two young males carjacked the victim, assaulted him and robbed him at gunpoint, police said.

Police have arrested one juvenile suspect and charged him with first-degree robbery, conspiracy to commit first-degree robbery, carjacking, second-degree larceny, third-degree larceny, second-degree threatening and additional charges.

Police have not identified the other juvenile.

On Jan. 21, a Springfield Massachusetts resident was lured to the north end of Hartford under the ruse of an internet sale transaction for a Playstation4 and iPhone. Two young males robbed, assaulted, and ultimately carjacked the victim at gunpoint. The victim identified one of his assailants during the course of the investigation. The arrest will be forthcoming via warrant. The second suspect has not yet been identified.

On Feb. 2, an East Hartford resident went to buy an iPhone6 and met with two men who robbed and carjacked her at gunpoint, police said. The vehicle was found a short time later and police have a suspect for one suspect.

On Feb. 11, a New Britain resident arranged to buy a Play Station 4 advertised on Offer Up and two young men robbed him at gunpoint and knifepoint, police said. The victim was able to identify both suspects. One has been arrested.

TIPS:

Police urge anyone meeting after a social media transaction to meet at a public place, such as the Hartford Police Department, go with someone and not alone, trust your instincts and refrain from inviting strangers to your home or going to theirs.

Be cautious when buying or selling high value items, perform the transaction during daylight hours, tell a friend or family member about your intentions and meet in location where there is video surveillance or bring your own.

INVESTIGATION:

Police said they have identified four suspects, two adults and two juveniles, have two other outstanding suspects with active felony warrants and have identified a third outstanding, but a warrant is pending.

Police said they are trying to identify several other people involved.
Police are investigating after finding a woman dead and her 3-year-old daughter living alone in an apartment on Silver Lane in East Hartford, where the toddler survived by eating cereal she found on the floor, police said.

Police have identified the woman as 37-year-old Twanna Toler.

Deputy Chief Beau Thurnauer said police are investigating the case, though there was no immediate evidence that any crime took place. There were no obvious signs of criminal activity or forced entry, according to police.

A social worker went to check on the child Monday because she had missed day care and found Toler dead in bed.

Police said that the child's survival was "remarkable" and that the girl had been alone in the home for several days with nothing to eat but cereal on the floor.

The child was taken to Connecticut Children's Medical Center for evaluation. She was dehydrated but otherwise in good condition, police said.

The Department of Children and Families was called in and has custody of the child. The state is working with family members to determine who the child will live with.

Neighbors told NBC Connecticut they were shocked by what happened.

Jermain Hawkins said he knew something was wrong when he saw police Monday.

"I heard about the daughter that was in there ya know so I just thank God everything went well on that part at least," he said.

Susan Tash, who lives in the same building, knew the mother and daughter and said that the victim was a single mother. Tash said she heard some unusual noise from the apartment recently but didn't think much of it at the time.

"I started hearing that about a week ago and it was really loud and the baby would scream and cry while the TV was on and then she would stop, but the TV still would be blasting," Tash said.

Tash said she had no idea something was wrong or she would have done something.

"I was horrified - I wish I went up there when that TV was blasting," Tash told NBC Connecticut.

Police are awaiting a report from the medical examiner on the cause of Toler's death.
Parents of young kids often pour some puff cereal out of a container onto a high chair tray and let their child slowly pick them up and feed themselves.

One mom who did that said she turned her back, and when she looked again, she claims to have spotted a pill mixed in with her child's Gerber Puffs Cereal.

"I went down to reach to grab one to put it up to his mouth, and there was a white chunk sitting there," Meghan Davis said.

It looked like a pill of some sort.

"Oh, I was terrified. Bless his heart, I yanked him out of the highchair and almost scrubbed the skin off of his hands because the puffs had shared the same container," Davis said.

She went back to the jar of Puffs.

"Dumped the remainder out and found another chunk of white," Davis said.

She called Gerber, who sent someone to her home to collect the pill. Gerber tells NBC 5 Responds their tests confirm it was Tylenol Three with Codeine.

Gerber says the Puffs are made on a dedicated baby food line with no pills. Its staff wears shirts with no pockets so nothing can fall in, and Gerber says the bottles are scanned and checked for any foreign objects before they leave.

Gerber says it's unlikely the scanning wouldn't detect a pill. Still, Davis isn't the only person claiming to find pills in bottles of Puffs.

Gerber confirms a case in Canada where a pill was found in Puffs, and NBC 5 Responds obtained a police report from Illinois where a dad says he pulled a pill out of his son's mouth. That dad says it was mixed in with Puffs.

Gerber says it "fully cooperated with local law enforcement and provided them all of the information they requested. Gerber applies the strictest standards for safety at all our facilities."

These facilities produce millions of bottles of Puffs each year.

People make claims like this, and people do it all the time. When we asked Davis about her response to the fact that some people might think she did the same, she says she's never had a problem with Gerber in the past.

"We have used Gerber for 12 years. Their products have been great for our children. I mean, they promised a safe product for children, and that's what we believed," she said.

Gerber invited the Davis family to fly to Michigan to their company headquarters to take a tour of the plant where the Puffs are made.

It turns out Gerber wasn't about to get them inside the plant where Puffs are made due to a scheduling conflict, but they showed the family another plant, which the Davises said was extremely clean and safe.

They still want to see the actual plant where Puffs are made, worried that there may be a hole in the system there. Gerber is still trying to make the trip happen to give the Davises comfort.

All of this remains under investigation by Gerber. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is also looking into the complaint.

In the meantime here's what you should know:

Pouring snacks before a child and walking away is never a good idea. Many of us do it, but take the extra step to look at what you've given your child to eat. Check all packaging to make sure they're sealed.
Dallas city leaders are working to fix massive problems between their 911 call center and phone carrier T-Mobile that have caused calls to back up.

Officials said phantom calls are coming into 911 from T-Mobile phones, leading to long wait times and delays in emergency response.

According to city leaders, the problems peaked Saturday when 360 calls to 911 operators were left on hold.

Two people died during the delay.



Brandon Alex, 6 months old, died while being rushed to the hospital Saturday. His mother, Bridget Alex, was on hold with a 911 operator when he died.

I was just kissing his lips, and I was like, Brandon wake up. Brandon dont do this to mommy. Wake up. Brandon, wake up. And he would not respond, she said.

Baby Brandon died while his mother was on hold w/ 9-1-1 for almost an hour. City of Dallas cites problems w/call center & T-Mobile. @NBCDFW pic.twitter.com/FJO1OhcLfs  Courtney Gilmore (@CourtneyNBC5) March 16, 2017

Bridget Alex was at her nephew's funeral when her son passed out at home. The babysitter called 911 several times and was still on hold when Bridget arrived. She was still on hold when Bridget took him to the hospital.

Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings and City Manager T.C. Broadnax held a news conference to address the public concern. The problem, according to city leaders, is connected to resources and technical support through T-Mobile.

I talked to Mrs. Alex on the phone this afternoon. I talked to her and I said, My heart is broken for the loss of a loved one,'" Rawlings said. "Were going to get to the bottom of this. I promised her that."

I dont want to hear the excuses because this has been going on since November," Alex said. "Why did my child have to be the example?"

Another person has come forward claiming a loved one died after being on hold with 911 in Dallas, possibly due to an issue tied to T-Mobile equipment that company is now investigating.

David Taffet was also at the news conference seeking answers after his husband, Brian Cross, died Saturday. Cross stopped breathing while taking a nap. Taffet said he performed CPR and called 911.

After 20 minutes, the call dropped. I had to call back again," Taffet said. "City officials are not accepting responsibility for the death, but the mayor did offer his deepest sympathies."

Paramedics promptly arrived once his call finally got through, but Cross later died at a hospital.

The troublesome calls began in October and officials thought it had been resolved in January when they no longer saw a spike in the phantom calls, Broadnax said.

The city this week is increasing staffing levels at its 911 center and authorizing overtime shifts to ensure calls are being answered.

Rawlings said the problem means the city isn't performing one of its core functions: ensuring people's safety.

"As you can well imagine this situation is very frustrating," he said, adding, "This is the No. 1 priority we're facing right now as a city."

Neville Ray, T-Mobile's chief technology officer, said the company, which is based in Bellevue, Washington, hasn't seen a similar problem anywhere else in the country.

"Clearly we are seeing a set of circumstances in Dallas which are unique," he said.

Officials say engineers will examine how T-Mobile cellular technology and the city's 911 infrastructure interact with each other. Rawlings said one consideration is that the problem could be on the city 911 system's end.

T-Mobile says its team will remain in Dallas until the matter is resolved.

A state report released in 2014 by the Commission on State Emergency Communications notes 911 service will erode as new digital technology is introduced. The report says that's because existing 911 systems in Texas and other states are "based on wireline technologies established decades ago."

The phantom calls are happening at the same time Dallas-based AT&T experienced its own 911 problems. AT&T cellphone customers in Texas and other states were unable to call 911 for a time on March 8. The company has not explained the cause of the disruption.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, in an exclusive interview with NBC News, warned that U.S. jobs would take a hit if President Trump withdrew from NAFTA.

Trump has vowed to leave the trade agreement if he cannot renegotiate it to benefit American interests. But Trudeau said he is open to negotiation, saying the agreement has "led to a lot of great jobs for a whole lot of people on both sides of the border."

"There's always opportunities to talk about how we can make [NAFTA] better." Trudeau said. "I very much take him at his word when he talks about just making a few tweaks."

If Trump were to withdraw from NAFTA, or if he were to implement punitive tariffs, the move could lead to the loss of 31,000 U.S. jobs, according to a study published in January by the Center for Automotive Research.
An Alabama woman survived by jumping from a trunk after she told police she was forced into her own car by an armed robber.

WVTM reports that Birmingham police were investigating the incident Tuesday after an armed man kidnapped her and then drove to ATMs to steal from her banking account.

A gas station recorded surveillance, obtained by WVTM, that showed the woman leaping from the trunk and running for help into the store.

Read more at WVTM.
Former Mexican president Vicente Fox was in Miami Wednesday, where he reiterated his colorful stance against President Donald Trump and the proposed border wall.

Fox, who is in town for the 3-day World Happiness Summit, spoke with reporters at Miami International Airport. Fox was critical of President Trump and the proposed wall while speaking in Spanish, then gave a parting shot in English.

"I will never, never ever pay for that f---ing wall," he said.

Fox made similar comments while discussing the issue last year, when Trump vowed during his campaign that Mexico would pay for the wall.
Miami-Dade's school board has joined other districts in publicly declaring its grounds free from immigration enforcement.

The action approved Wednesday reiterated that Miami-Dade's school sites and events are safe areas for those living in the country illegally. It orders the superintendent to review protocols and suggest policy changes the district could make to better defend these students.

Immigrant rights advocates say Miami-Dade families need support, especially after the mayor ordered corrections officials to comply fully with immigration officials after an executive order signed by President Donald Trump.

People testified before the board that young children worry their classmates could be deported. A 10-year-old named Jasmine Lopez said she is scared her parents may be detained while she is in school.

10 year-old Jasmine asks the School Board and the community to protect families and prevent them from being separated. pic.twitter.com/KCIFheEAcJ  Miami-Dade Schools (@MDCPS) March 15, 2017

Miami-Dade is one of the largest school districts in the country.
What to Know Live coverage of the parade begins March 17 at 11 a.m. online and on air

It's the 256th St. Patrick's Day parade in the city

Limerick native Michael Dowling, president & CEO of Northwell Health, is the first hospital head to serve as Grand Marshal of the NY parade

As thousands of revelers plan to descend on New York City for the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade on Fifth Avenue Friday, the MTA wants to remind people to keep the bubbly at home -- or at least off the trains.

MTA police will enforce a ban on alcoholic beverages on Metro-North and LIRR trains on Friday through 5 a.m. Saturday, the agency said. (On the LIRR, alcohol is always banned between midnight and 5 a.m. on Saturday mornings.)

Any alcoholic beverages found by the MTA police will be confiscated.



Service changes are also in effect. See details below.



LIRR and Metro-North

The LIRR will operate six extra westbound trains on Friday morning, arriving at Penn Station between 9:27 a.m. and 11:19 a.m. Train departure times are listed in special timetables for the Babylon, Port Jefferson and Ronkonkoma branches. Visit mta.info for details. The information will also be available through the LIRR Train Time app.

The LIRR will operate 10 extra eastbound trains departing Penn Station between 1:50 p.m. and 3:49 p.m. Train departure times listed in current timetables as specials marked in black as Holiday Eve trains on the Babylon Branch (four extra trains), Port Jefferson Branch (three extra trains), Port Washington Branch (one extra train), Far Rockaway Branch (one extra train), and Ronkonkoma Branch (one extra train).

Metro-North will operate an extra train that will depart from Poughkeepsie at 7:52 a.m. and stop at New Hamburg at 8:02 a.m. and Beacon at 8:10 a.m. before running express to Harlem-125th Street and arriving at Grand Central Terminal at 9:32 a.m.

New York City Subway

From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, some staircases at the 77 St 6 line station may be designated as entry/exit only on both the uptown and downtown platforms due to crowd control.

New York City Buses

The following NYC Transit and MTA Bus routes will be detoured in the area along the parade route between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Friday: M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, M31, M42, M50, M55, M57, M66, M72, M79, BxM2, BxM3, BxM4, BxM6, BxM7, BxM8, BxM9, BxM10, BxM11, Q32 and most Staten Island Express buses.

MTA Bridges and Tunnels

MTA Bridges and Tunnels urges parade-goers to take mass transit. As always, motorists should never get behind the wheel of a car if theyve been drinking, the MTA says. Throughout the day, there will be increased vigilance at all MTA crossings to combat drunk driving.
What to Know State and federal prosecutors cleared Mayor de Blasio in parallel investigations on Thursday

State officials were looking into campaign finance violations, while federal authorities were investigating favors for donors

A recent poll showed de Blasio heavily favored to be re-elected this year despite the two probes

State and federal prosecutors cleared Mayor de Blasio Thursday in two separate, long-running probes into campaign financing and favors for donors.

Addressing the matter at a news briefing Thursday afternoon, de Blasio said the conclusions reached by investigators in both probes validate the position his administration has long maintained.



"My staff and my colleagues and I have acted in a manner that was legal and appropriate and ethical throughout," the mayor said. "This is something I feel very strongly about in public service, that we have to comport ourselves in a proper manner and we have done that and that has been confirmed by the results of this investigation."

The surprise announcements, issued just minutes apart, were a major victory for the mayor, who is up for re-election this year. Recent polls give him a commanding lead, even as they also showed deep-seated voter skepticism about whether he had done anything wrong.

The Manhattan district attorney's office said it was ending a probe into whether the mayor and associates improperly funneled campaign donations toward upstate Senate races.

A letter from District Attorney Cy Vance to the state's Board of Elections said the activities of de Blasio's associates "appear contrary to the intent and spirit of the laws that impost candidate contribution limits," but that they could not be prosecuted nonetheless.

Minutes after Vance's statement, the U.S. Attorney's Office in Manhattan said it was also ending a separate investigation into whether official favors were done for campaign donors.

"Although it is rare that we issue a public statement about the status of an investigation, we believe it appropriate in this case at this time, in order not to unduly influence the upcoming campaign and Mayoral election," Acting U.S. Attorney Joon Kim said in a statement.

De Blasio shied away from linking Kim's decision to last week's firing of the prosecutor's predecessor, Preet Bharara.
What to Know A federal judge has put a hold on President Trump's revised travel ban

Two members of Russia's intelligence agency have been charged in a recent hack of Yahoo, officials said

President Trump is unveiling a $1.15 trillion budget, a far-reaching overhaul of federal government spending

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.

Judge Blocks New Trump Travel Ban

Hours before it was to take effect, President Trump's revised travel ban was put on hold by a federal judge in Hawaii who questioned whether the administration was motivated by national security concerns. The judge also said Hawaii would suffer financially if the order blocked the flow of students and tourists, and he concluded the state was likely to succeed on a claim that the ban violates First Amendment protections against religious discrimination. Trump, at a rally in Nashville, strongly criticized the ruling, calling it "unprecedented judicial overreach."

2 Russian Agents Charged in Massive Yahoo Hack

Two members of Russia's intelligence agency are among four people charged in a recent hack of Yahoo, U.S. law enforcement officials announced. Two criminal hackers also were part of the data breach that affected at least 500 million accounts and millions of user contacts, according to an indictment. The agents are involved in work for the Russian Center for Information Security, which is the FBI's point of contact for cybercrime, said acting assistant attorney general for the Justice Department's National Security Division. Russian hackers working with Russian spies didn't crack security all at once. Instead, according to an account offered by U.S. officials, they methodically made their way deeper into Yahoo's network over the space of months  maybe years.

First Budget: Defense Spending a Priority

President Trump is unveiling a $1.15 trillion budget, a far-reaching overhaul of federal government spending that slashes a dozen departments to finance a significant increase in the military and make a down payment on a U.S.-Mexico border wall. The scheduled budget release will upend Washington with cuts to long-promised campaign targets like foreign aid and the EPA as well as strong congressional favorites such as medical research, help for homeless veterans and community development grants. The budget goes after the frequent targets of the party's staunchest conservatives, eliminating the National Endowment for the Arts, legal aid for the poor, low-income heating assistance and the AmeriCorps national service program established by former President Bill Clinton.

Trump Challenges Obama-Era Fuel Standards

President Trump announced the administration will re-examine federal requirements governing the fuel efficiency of cars and trucks, moving forcefully against Obama-era environmental regulations that Trump says are stifling economic growth. He revealed his plans during a speech after discussing the issue during a meeting at the American Center for Mobility with auto company executives and workers. The EPA under Obama had promulgated a rule for cars and trucks requiring a fleet-wide average of 36 mpg in real-world driving by 2025. Trump's decision requires the EPA to determine no later than April 2018 whether the 2022-2025 standards established are appropriate. If not, the agency will submit a new proposal.

Rachel Maddow Talks Trump's Taxes

When Rachel Maddow walked onto Jimmy Fallons Tonight Show stage Wednesday night, the MSNBC host looked comfortable in a black blazer and jeans. She was also wearing some new sneakers. They are my You Got the Presidents Tax Return sneakers, Maddow said. It was a coveted scoop, obtaining documents that Trump had yet to release himself. However, Maddow admitted that the 2005 return wasnt a huge, damning bombshell. She explained to Fallon that the return is important because it is simply the first piece in the jigsaw."

Canadian PM, Ivanka Trump Catch Broadway Musical

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau  along with first daughter Ivanka Trump as a guest  welcomed a new musical that celebrates Canadian compassion and openness to international travelers following the Sept. 11 attacks. Trudeau and Trump and some 120 ambassadors attended the show "Come From Away" at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre. The musical is set in the small Newfoundland, which opened its arms and homes to some 7,000 airline passengers diverted there when the U.S. government shut down its airspace. In remarks before the show, Trudeau got on the stage and said he was pleased, "the world gets to see what it is to lean on each other and be there for each other through the darkest times."

Prince's Ex-Wife Opens up About Death of Couples Baby

Prince's ex-wife is opening up about the couple's son, who was born with a rare genetic disorder in 1996 and died just six days later. Mayte Garcia writes in a new memoir excerpted in People magazine that baby Amiir was born with Pfeiffer syndrome type 2, a disorder that causes skeletal abnormalities. She says the baby struggled to breathe and underwent multiple procedures before his death. She told People she doesn't think Prince ever got over the baby's death. Prince died last April from an accidental overdose.

Gators Seen on Parade in Florida

A photographer was in the Big Cypress National Preserve when he captured images of alligators crossing a dirt road. He says it was just after sunrise when more than a dozen gators started making their way out of a pond across a road and into a deeper canal. Although the video appears to have been taken at close range, he says he shoots his pictures with a big wildlife lens, so hes certain not to disturb the reptiles.
What to Know Robin Rhodes of Worcester, Mass., pleaded not guilty to hate crime charges Thursday

Rhodes was on a layover at JFK when he allegedly harassed and kicked a Muslim employee, prosecutors say

The 57-year-old man allegedly told the woman inside the Delta Sky Lounge at Terminal 2, "Trump is here now. He will get rid of all of you"

A Massachusetts businessman pleaded not guilty to hate crime charges after he allegedly shouted slurs at and kicked a Muslim airline employee in the Delta Sky Lounge at Kennedy Airport in January, prosecutors say.

Robin A. Rhodes of Worcester pleaded not guilty in New York State Supreme Court Thursday.

The four-count indictment against the 57-year-old charged him with assault, menacing and unlawful imprisonment as hate crimes. He was released on bail. Neither he nor his lawyer commented outside court.

His next court date is June 12.

Queens District Attorney Richard A. Brown said hate crimes "will never be tolerated" but when they do happen, those responsible "will be brought to justice".

Rhodes landed at JFK Airport from Aruba Jan. 25, where he was to take a connecting flight back to Massachusetts, according to Brown.

As he waited inside the Delta Sky Lounge at Terminal 2, he approached an employee, 60-year-old Rabeeya Khan, in her office, according to the DA. She was wearing a hijab.

"Are you [expletive] sleeping? Are you praying? What are you doing?" Rhodes allegedly said to her before punching the door, which hit the back of the employee's chair.

When Khan asked what she'd done to Rhodes to make him angry, he allegedly responded: "You did nothing, but I am going to kick your [expletive]."

He then kicked her in the right leg, prosecutors said, and when she tried to get away from him by retreating to a corner of the office, he kicked the door, stepped into the office and blocked her from leaving.

When someone else came over to the office to try to calm Rhodes down, he moved away from the door, and Khan ran out of the office to the lounge's front desk.

But Rhodes still followed her, then got down on his knees and began to bow down, mimicking a Muslim prayer, prosecutors said, and allegedly shouted, "[Expletive] Islam, [expletive] ISIS, Trump is here now. He will get rid of all of you. You can ask Germany, Belgium and France about these kinds of people. You will see what happens."

As he was being arrested, Rhodes allegedly told police, "I guess I am going to jail for disorderly conduct. I couldn't tell if it was a man or woman because their back was to me and they had something covering their head."

Port Authority police and NYPD conducted the investigation.

Rhodes is the president of Nitrofreeze Cryogenic Solutions, a metals company based in Worcester.
Police are investigating the brutal stabbing death of a 50-year-old woman who was found slashed in the head, torso and arms in a home in Queens Thursday, law enforcement sources familiar with the case tell NBC 4 New York.



Officers responded to the home on 174th Street in Jamaica after getting a call for an evidence search shortly after 11 a.m.

They found the victim unresponsive in the home. Sources described her stabbing wounds as "severe."

The victim's husband spoke with detectives at a nearby precinct Thursday afternoon, but he hasn't been implicated in her death, the sources said.

Authorities say there is no one in custody and they have no description of a possible suspect. The investigation is ongoing.
A pup that was once rescued from Thailand's illegal dog meat trade had to be saved a second time after it ran away from its handler in Manhattan during the middle of this week's snowstorm, the shelter says.

Tiffany Lacey, executive director of the Animal Haven in SoHo, says Pandy the 4-year-old mixed-breed was being walked Tuesday afternoon when she got spooked and bolted.

Snow-dorable! Kids and Pets Playing in the Snowstorm

Volunteers at the rescue shelter gave chase but Pandy got away. The dog ran about 40 blocks to the entrance to the Lincoln Tunnel, where she was in danger of being hit by traffic. She was spotted by police officers, who grabbed the leash still attached to her collar.

The dog's microchip enabled authorities to return Pandy to the shelter.

The group said on Facebook Pandy's paws were a bit beat up from her journey, so staff was giving her some extra love, and she seemed to need some sleep. Otherwise, the adorable pup appeared to be OK.



"As we said before, she is a true miracle dog," the shelter wrote. "We'd all be pretty tired too after sprinting over 40 blocks in the snow."

Anyone interested in adopting her should visit animalhavenshelter.org.

[NATL] Unbelievable Animal Stories: Dog Befriends Abandoned Baby Giraffe
Former Vice President Joe Biden will be honored with the HELP HERO Humanitarian Award in New York City Thursday afternoon.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo will be presenting the award at the annual HELP USA 30th anniversary luncheon in recognition of Biden's advocacy work for veterans and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Some of Biden's advocacy includes sponsoring the Violence Against Women Act of 1994, creating the first White House Advisor on Violence Against Women, and speaking out against sexual assault at the 2016 Academy Awards.

HELP USA operates a shelter service for survivors of domestic violence, and provdes support programs in East New York, the neighborhood with the highest rate of domestic violence in New York City.

Cuomo helped found HELP USA nearly 30 years ago. The organization helps over 1,000 domestic violence survivors annually.

The luncheon will take place at the Plaza Hotel in Manhattan.
What to Know Caution Ice Falling signs have been placed around midtown as ice clings to buildings in the wake of the nor'easter

One man was seriously injured by falling ice and many more people have been slipping on slick sidewalks and snow mounds

Crews have been working to clear snow and ice from Fifth Avenue ahead of the St. Patrick's Day parade; an upcoming warm-up should help

The noreaster is long gone, but it has left in its wake a mine field of falling ice, slippery snow piles and glacial puddles for New Yorkers to carefully navigate.

In midtown Wednesday, a heavy chunk of ice fell seven stories from a building and struck a man in the head as he was walking down 48th Street. He was rushed to a hospital with serious injuries.

Firefighters roped off the sidewalk so no one else would get hurt, but in classic New York fashion, pedestrian simply ducked under the caution tape and continued on their way. As they scurried across the roped-off sidewalk, a giant piece of ice hung perilously from above. Soon after, the tape was simply ripped away.

The FDNY returned with a ladder truck and sent a firefighter up to hack at the ice until it came crashing to the ground below.

A pedestrian was hurt by falling ice in midtown Wednesday, fire officials say. Michael George reports

Signs that read Caution Ice Falling were scattered across midtown Wednesday. Some of them roped off areas of the sidewalk, while others simply served as a warning for pedestrians to beware of the danger from above.

Meanwhile, slick sidewalks posed a danger from below. Tourists and locals alike were slipping and sliding over snow mounds that had piled up at curbs. Some were spotted crashing to the ground on slippery patches, others, catching themselves mid-fall.

A lady just fell and hit her head, which was a bit scary, one man told NBC 4 New York near St. Patricks Cathedral.

It's a problem that also cropped up on uncleared subway platforms Wednesday.

Crews have been working clear the snow and ice from city streets, but the job has been made all the more difficult by frigid winds and high temperatures that have refused to budge from below freezing.

On Fifth Avenue, teams are working overtime to clear the streets and sidewalks for the Saint Patrick's Day parade on Friday.

Crews are working to clear the snow and ice covering streets along 5th Avenue in time for the Saint Patricks Day parade. Marc Santia reports.

Dennis Diggins, First Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Sanitation, said snow is being taken to a location at West 33rd Street, where it is being piled and melted.

"We use front end loaders, we use skid steers, we use open body dump trucks, and again we're pulling it off the sidewalks, we're pulling it out of the intersections, the feeder streets," Diggins said.

Officials seem confident the snow will be removed in time for the big parade.

Those clearing snow and ice may have the luck of the Irish on their side  its supposed to warm up below freezing Thursday and into the 40s by Friday.

People had a difficult day getting around city street and subway platforms. Andrew Siff reports.

New Yorkers Navigate Monster Piles of Midtown Slush, Muck After Nor'easter
St. Patrick's day is Friday and everyone is gearing up for the festive holiday. Whether you are heading to the St. Patrick's Day Parade or just looking to revel in the festivities at a local bar, here is a look at some great St. Patrick's Day deals in New York and New Jersey.

New York

Code Lounge Bar is hosting a St. Patrick's Day party. The nigh'st festivities include free hookah for ladies until 1 p.m., according to their Facebook page, $8 pickleback shots and $5 mixed drinks for all. The event is free admission.

Turtle Bay is offering a $15 "Green Eggs and Hammered" brunch. Admission to the event includes a traditional Irish brunch and two drinks of your choice. They are serving up $3 Guinness, $4 Jameson shots and $5 Irish car bombs. The first 100 people to inside get a free Jager shot.

Calico Jack's Cantina is also hosting an irresitable brunch special. Tickets to their "Kegs and Eggs" breakfast is $25. They will also have an open bar from 10 a.m. -1 p.m.

Monarch Rooftop will also be serving drink specials on St. Patrick's Day. Doors open at 5 p.m. Diners can expect deals on Jameson, pickleback shots and Irish car bombs. Monarch Rooftop is offering complimentary shots for ladies wearing green.

Madison Tavern is serving 2 for 1 drinks, $6 draft beers and $8 Jameson shots from 12-6 p.m. The party doesn't end until 11 p.m.

The Irish Pub has a wide range of foods to munch on from pizza and sliders to salads and Irish classics. Taste their green beer and snag their drink specials throughout the day. Click here to stay updated on their drink specials.

New Jersey

Hoboken St Patrick's Day Pub Crawl 2017 will be filled with lucky deals. Tickets to the bar crawl include drink specials, which include $3 draft beers, $4 domestic bottles $5 well drinks and more.

Wicked Wolf Tavern is the perfect place to celebrate both St. Patrick's Day and March Madness. There will be $3 Guinness, Sam Adams drafts and Coors Light, $6 Irish car bombs and 25-cent wings.

Mills has happy hour every Friday from 4-8 p.m. Specials include $2 off all drafts, $4 well drinks and $6 Stoli drinks.

Green Rock is cooking up $7 lunch specials from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. and $1 domestic mugs from 5-8 p.m.
Police are looking for a burglar who's been breaking into dozens of homes in Queens using a fire escape and getting away with as much as thousands of dollars in cash, jewelry and other valuables each time.

Police say the 31 breaks-ins stretch back to December, all within a few blocks of each other in Ridgewood.

In nearly all the cases, the man gets into the home using a fire ecape, and in several instances, he's taken several thousand dollars in cash. He's also gotten away with mementos, personal documents, electronics, jewelry and collectibles.

Mostly, the residents returned to find their homes ransacked but in a few cases, they've encountered the burglar or watched him try to get in, police say. An 8-year-old girl and a 17-year-old girl at a home near Onderdonk and 69th avenues actually watched the man try to get into their home using a window the evening of Friday, March 3. They fled and called police.

On the evening of Monday, Feb. 13, a 23-year-old woman awoke to find the man entering her bedroom with a flashlight, according to police. She screamed, scaring off the burglar. Police discovered the suspect had gotten into the home near Woodbine Street and St. Nicholas Avenue by breaking off the deadbolt lock.

In at least two cases, residents were returning from a vacation when they found their homes burglarized, police say.

The rash of brazen burglaries have neighbors terrified.

"He actually hit our neighbors across the hall and then two days later, the building next to us," said Jessica Imhoff. "Both third-floor apartments. So we're next."

Imhoff said she spoke with police, who told her they have undercover officers patrolling the neighborhood and were even on her building's roof Wednesday. But she's so frightened she and her roommate have started apartment-hunting.

Another neighbor says their building's superintendent is so worried, he broke fire code and screwed his window shut to keep the potential burglar out.

The burglaries or attempted burglaries being linked to the man include:

Friday, Dec. 30, near Grove Street and Fairview Avenue

Monday, Jan. 9, near Menahan Street and Seneca Avenue

Monday, Jan. 9, near Grove Street and Woodward Avenue

Thursday, Jan. 12, near Linden Street and Cypress Avenue

Monday, Jan. 16, near Onderdonk Avenue and 69th Avenue

Thursday, Jan. 19, near Madison Street and 64th Street

Thursday, Jan. 23, near Madison Street and 64th Street

Friday, Jan. 27, near Gates Avenue and St. Nicholas Avenue

Friday, Jan. 27, near Cypress Avenue and Madison Street

Thursday, Feb. 2, near Seneca Avenue and Menahan Street

Wednesday, Feb. 8, near Grove Street and Woodward Avenue

Wednesday, Feb. 8, near Cypress Avenue and Harman Street

Monday, Feb. 13, at two different apartments in a building near Woodbine Street and St. Nicholas Avenue

Monday, Feb. 13, near Harman Street and Seneca Avenue

Wednesday, Feb. 22, near Cypress Avenue and Menahan Street

Thursday, Feb. 23, near Seneca Avenue and Weirfield Street

Thursday, Feb. 23, near Palmetto Street and Cypress Avenue

Thursday, Feb. 23, near Seneca Avenue and Bleecker Street

Saturday, Feb. 25, at an unidentified location

Monday, Feb. 27, near 71st Avenue and 60th Street

Monday, Feb. 27, at an unidentified location

Wednesday, March 1, near Harman Street and Seneca avenue

Thursday, March 2, near 71st Avenue and 60th Street

Friday, March 3, near Onderdonk Avenue and 69th Avenue

Friday, March 3, near Cypress Avenue and Harman Street

Wednesday, March 8, near Cypress Avenue and Harman Street

Wednesday, March 8, near Madison Street and Woodward Avenue

Friday, March 10, near Himrod Street and Cypress Avenue

Monday, March 13, at two different apartments in a building near Himrod Street and Cypress Avenue

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS.
What to Know It wasn't clear how long the child was living with the body, but police said it was "definitely" more than a few days

Other than some dehydration, authorities say the little girl was in OK condition; they called her survival "remarkable"

The cause of the mother's death is pending the results of an autopsy, but police say there was no evidence of a crime

A 3-year-old girl was found living alone with her dead mother in their Connecticut apartment Wednesday, and police say she had nothing to eat for days except cereal that had spilled on the floor.

East Hartford Deputy Chief Beau Thurnauer said police are investigating, though there was no immediate evidence that any crime took place. There were no obvious signs of criminal activity or forced entry, according to police.

A social worker went to check on the child Monday because she had missed day care and found the 37-year-old woman dead in bed.

It wasn't clear how long the toddler had been living with her dead mother, but police say it was "definitely more than a couple of days." They called her survival "remarkable."

The child was taken to Connecticut Children's Medical Center for evaluation. She was dehydrated but otherwise in good condition, police said.

The Department of Children and Families was called in. It was not immediately clear who had custody of the child.

Neighbors told NBC Connecticut they were shocked by what happened.

Jermain Hawkins said he knew something was wrong when he saw police Monday.

"I heard about the daughter that was in there ya know so I just thank God everything went well on that part at least," he said.

Susan Tash, who lives in the same building, knew the mother and daughter and said that the victim was a single mother. Tash said she heard some unusual noise from the apartment recently but didn't think much of it at the time.

"I started hearing that about a week ago and it was really loud and the baby would scream and cry while the TV was on and then she would stop, but the TV still would be blasting," Tash said.

Tash said she had no idea something was wrong or she would have done something.

"I was horrified - I wish I went up there when that TV was blasting," Tash told NBC Connecticut.

Police are awaiting a report from the medical examiner on the womans cause of death.

More details were not immediately available.
U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson called on North Korea Thursday to abandon its nuclear and ballistic missile programs, saying the isolated nation "need not fear" the United States.

Tillerson made that declaration after meeting his Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida in Tokyo, where they discussed possible new approaches in dealing with Pyongyang.

He said 20 years of U.S. diplomatic and other efforts to get North Korea to denuclearize have failed, but gave no specifics about how the Trump administration, which is currently doing a policy review, would tackle the issue. Tillerson described the weapons programs as "dangerous and unlawful."

The former Exxon Mobil CEO is making his first trip to Asia as the top U.S. diplomat. Tensions are running high on the divided Korean Peninsula, and North Korea last week launched four missiles into seas off Japan and where the U.S. is currently conducting annual military drills with South Korea. Pyongyang views this as a rehearsal for invasion.

"North Korea and its people need not fear the United States or their neighbors in the region who seek only to live in peace with North Korea," the secretary of state told a news conference in Tokyo. "With this in mind, the United States calls on North Korea to abandon its nuclear and ballistic missile programs and refrain from any further provocation."

He later met separately with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

In Beijing, a North Korean diplomat said Thursday that Pyongyang must act in self-defense against the U.S.-South Korea military drills which he said have brought the region to the brink of nuclear war. He said the drills were aimed at using atomic weapons for a pre-emptive strike against North Korea. Washington says the maneuvers are routine and defensive.

"The United States holds a joint military exercise every year to push the situation on the Korean Peninsula to a serious situation, and that is the source of the super tough measures we must take," Pak Myong Ho told reporters in a rare briefing at the North Korean Embassy in the Chinese capital. He spoke through a translator.

North Korea has accelerated its weapons development in violation of multiple U.N. Security Council resolutions and despite tough sanctions levied against it. Last year, the North conducted two nuclear test explosions and 24 ballistic missile tests. Experts say it could have a nuclear-tipped missile that could reach the United States within a few years.

Citing the continued North Korean missile launches this year, Tillerson said that "in the face of this ever-escalating threat it is clear that a different approach is required." He said his trip was intended to get input from other governments. Tillerson will travel Friday to South Korea and then China on Saturday.

Both Tillerson and Kishida urged China use its economic leverage with North Korea to push it to change course.

During last year's election campaign, presidential candidate Donald Trump called into question U.S. security alliances and called for Tokyo and Seoul to contribute more for their defense. Tillerson, however, stressed that cooperation with Japan and South Korea was "critical."

Kishida said the U.S. and Japan had an "unwavering bond." In a sign of that, Tillerson reiterated that a U.S.-Japan mutual defense treaty covers Japanese-administered islands in the East China Sea also claimed by China.

Japan and South Korea both host tens of thousands of U.S. troops. Washington has been urging its two allies to step security up cooperation despite their historically strained relations. This week, the nations' three navies have conducted missile defense information-sharing drills in the region.

Kishida described the trilateral cooperation as "indispensable." But he said the Japan-South Korea relationship has been strained over failure to implement a 2015 agreement in which Japan's government consented to compensate South Korean victims of sexual slavery inflicted by the Japanese military during World War II. In return, South Korea was to stop criticizing Japan on the issue.

Earlier this year, Japan withdrew its ambassador from South Korea after activists there erected a statue outside a Japanese consulate to commemorate the wartime victims, known as "comfort women."

Tillerson said he appreciated how "painful" it was to deal with such historical issues, but urged both sides to carry out the agreement and bring the matter to a rapid conclusion. He said it was important for all three nations to maintain a strong alliance "in which there is no space between us."
Philadelphia Police released surveillance video that shows two women who they say attacked an employee at a Grays Ferry grocery store.

Police say the assault occurred at a Fresh Grocer on Grays Ferry Avenue on March 5. Investigators say two women sought out then confronted an employee who was cleaning by the checkout area. Video shows that after a few words, the pair then begins beating the woman.

Other employees broke up the fight and a security guard escorted the suspects out of the store, police said.

No arrests were made and investigation was ongoing Thursday. [[416102133, C]]




Five local police officers who survived being shot in the line of duty were among the 29 law enforcement members who were honored Wednesday night during a ceremony in Northeast Philadelphia.

Philadelphia Police Sergeant Sylvia Young, University of Pennsylvania Police Officer Ed Miller, Folcroft Police Officer Christopher Dorman, Philadelphia Police Officer Jesse Hartnett and Philadelphia Police Officer James McCullough were all honorees during ASIS Internationals Philadelphia Chapter 19th annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Night. The event started at 7:15 p.m. at FOP Lodge #5 on Caroline Road.

Sergeant Young was shot eight times while inside her patrol car in West Philadelphia during an ambush shooting back on September 16, 2016. Officer Miller was also shot in the hip and leg after he confronted the gunman who later died in a shootout with responding officers.

Officer Dorman was shot seven times in June of 2016 by an alleged drug dealer.

Officer Hartnett was shot three times while sitting in his patrol car during an ambush attack on January 7, 2016 in West Philadelphia while Officer McCullough was shot in the leg while arresting carjacking suspects on April 17, 2016.

This years tribute dinner will no doubt be one of the most emotionally charged events that ASIS International in Philadelphia has ever held, said John Russell, chairman of the event and a project manager for Allied Universal in Philadelphia. As a former Philadelphia police officer, I know the feeling of terror and desperation that grips a police officer when facing the barrel of a gun. Our hats are off to each of the officers who came through their ordeals when they put their lives on the line for all of us.

ASIS International is an organization for security professionals, with more than 38,000 members worldwide.
The widow of a corrections officer killed during an inmate uprising at Delaware's maximum security prison is refusing to meet with Gov. John Carney.

In a statement released by her attorney Wednesday, Saundra Floyd instead urged Carney to respond to demands of her family for the autopsy report on Steven Floyd and details on how he died.

"Today the governor's office called me and asked if he could stop by this Friday to see how my family is doing. But actions speak louder than words, so my answer to that is no," the statement read. "Just reply privately or publicly to my demand for the release of the autopsy of my husband. How did he die? Did he suffer greatly, or did he pass quickly? Was he tortured? Was he stabbed 100 times, as we have heard? Did he die in a great pool of blood, as is rumored?"

The statement, issued by attorney Thomas Neuberger, also indicated that the state is seeking reimbursement for what Neuberger described as thousands of dollars for Floyd's funeral expenses, paid with workers compensation funds.

"They're playing hardball," said Neuberger, who has threatened to file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of Floyd's family.

"Mr. Neuberger has already suggested he plans to sue the state, and seems intent on trying his case in the press," Carney spokesman Jonathan Starkey said. "Considering potential legal action, it would be inappropriate to address his questions publicly. The governor hoped to meet with the Floyd family to check in and offer his continued thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. He still hopes to do so."

Last month, inmates took four correctional workers hostage at Vaughn Correctional Center in Smyrna, setting off a nearly 20-hour standoff during which Floyd was killed. The siege ended when tactical teams used a backhoe to breach the building and rescue a female counselor after two other guards had been released.

Through the statement issued by Neuberger, Mrs. Floyd claimed that her husband died because state officials have failed to follow several recommendations issued by a task force in 2005 after a female counselor at the Smyrna prison was taken hostage and raped by a serial rapist, who was later shot to death by a tactical response officer.

The recommendations included providing correctional officers with better training and supervision, enhancing video surveillance and other equipment, and eliminating the heavy use of overtime because of chronic staffing shortages.

Carney said earlier this week that his fiscal 2018 budget proposal will include $2.3 million to hire 50 new guards at Vaughn Correctional Center and 25 new guards at the Baylor women's prison in New Castle. He also is proposing $1.2 million in new spending next year for equipment, and additional funding for training and recruitment.

In the meantime, administration officials are allocating about $341,000 for immediate equipment purchases and are planning to increase security sweeps at Vaughn.

Geoff Klopp, president of the Correctional Officers Association of Delaware, has said that if there had been the proper amount of staffing at the Vaughn prison, inmates would not have been able to overpower correctional officers and take control of a building.

"We are absolutely at a breaking point at that facility when it comes to staffing," Klopp said Wednesday at a meeting of the House Corrections Committee.

Klopp reiterated a list of priorities for the correctional officers union, including a complete staffing analysis of all prison facilities and a complete overhaul of the salary structure for prison guards.

The union is also calling for additional overtime and hazardous duty pay, and monthly paid training days.

Department of Correction Commissioner Perry Phelps, who has said little publicly since the uprising, said the department is already working on a staffing analysis and other issues raised by the union. He also assured committee chairman James Johnson, D-New Castle, that DOC is working to prevent a recurrence of last month's incident, but he said he could not speak about specific security measures.

"Are we where everyone would like to be? No," he said. "Are we trying to get there? Yes."

Phelps, a former prison guard himself, also pledged to do everything he can to take care of correctional officers, saying they deserve "way more respect than they get."




YOUD THINK IT WOULD BE EASY-BUT THINK AGAIN

We can measure how tall we are.

We can measure what our shoe size is.

We can measure how far it is from Philadelphia to the Jersey Shore.

We can measure how fast a runner goes from home to first base.

In weather, we can measure exactly what the temperature is.

We can measure the peak wind gust and the barometric pressure.

And we can measure just how much rain fell (as long as it wasnt so windy that it was raining sideways).

But we cant measure snow-not precisely. That doesnt seem right, does it? We just stick a ruler into the snow and see how high it goes. Even a 2nd grader can figure that out.

But how much has fallen when it has turned to sleet or rain, which compresses the snow? Well, it depends on how you measure it, when you measure it, and where you measure it.

HOW MUCH FELL DURING THE MONDAY NIGHT/TUESDAY STORM? IT DEPENDS..

The official Philadelphia snowfall was reported as 6.0. Tuesday evening, after the snow had ended, the official daily climate report had a different number: 8.3. And when I came back into work Wednesday morning, the official number was back to 6.0. Why did they change it? How did they decide how much to change it by? And might this be changed again in the future?



Why do I care? Its not because a higher number makes my forecast better. We predicted 6-10 for Philadelphia, and getting 6 was just fine. It seems every other forecast was for more.



I care because weather history is important to me. Its so important, I co-wrote a book on Philadelphia weather with Dr. Jon Nese, now a professor at Penn State.

NTV-NNN-Japan

We (mostly Jon) went through a LOT of trouble to research data going back hundreds of years, including explanations of changes in where the official Philadelphia measurements were taken. This data is what meteorologists and climate researchers will be looking at in the years, and decades, and millennia to come. How will they know that some of these snow records are basically ESTIMATES?



When I was an intern at the National Hurricane Center in Miami ages ago, I had to train at the Miami Airport with the official observers on how they did their job. (I swear this is true, word for word).We were all inside the building, when we saw heavy rain falling outside. I asked the observer: How do you know the exact time the rain starts. He replied: Someone usually comes in and tells me. Nice.

HOW IS SNOW MEASURED? (THIS IS A FUNNY ONE, TOO!)

1. Believe it or not, official snowfall in Philadelphia was measured IN NEW JERSEY for nine years (at National Park)! The Inquirer and Philly.coms Tony Wood just wrote a terrific explanation about this and other snow measurement mysteries.



2. The new observers at the airport were trained using a 14-page instruction document. Are you kidding-14 pages? Dont you just stick a ruler in the ground?



3. There are snow boards that all observers are supposed to use, taking observations every 6 hours (including one at 2 a.m.). The numbers are added up, since melting (or rain, or icing, or wind) could reduce the amount if they waited until the storm was over.



4. There was sleet and freezing rain with this storm. This made measurements very difficult. If this happens, the manual says: creativity may be needed to make a snow depth measurement. What? Creativity-in measuring something?



So, the National Weather Service looked at other measurements in Philadelphia, which were lower than the 8.3 and decided to go back to the 6.0. That was closer to the 6.8 at the nearby Office of Emergency Management. So, whos to say the OEMs creativity was done properly? And what does the observer at the airport think about having his report altered by more than 20%? And how many other places had more snow fall than they reported?

CAN WE TRUST SNOW MEASUREMENTS?

If a storm is all snow, probably yes." Amateur observers are told to measure the snow in three places and average them. They probably dont use snow boards.



But when sleet and/or freezing rain is part of the storm (which is most big winter storms in Philadelphia), there are questions. A study had to be done after the Blizzard of 96 to verify that we really did get 30.7 (the previous record was 21.3). The verdict was yes, it was right.



I realize this is all trivia to many of you. But did you realize how non-scientific this is? We move instrument locations, build new buildings near the instruments, and pave roads near the instruments. This is why many big city readings are excluded in climate research. There are plenty of other locations in the country that stay the same. Good thing they do.

Stay with the NBC10 First Alert Weather Team for the latest weather updates including alerts, maps and forecasts.

[WX blog]Bitter Cold, Wind u0026 More Snow
Giddyup yall, the 2017 San Diego County -- I mean country -- Fair hits the Del Mar Fairgrounds on June 2-July 4 (minus the first four Mondays and the first three Tuesdays). Honky tonk all-star Toby Keith, country crossover Darius Hootie Rucker and blue collar funny man Jeff Foxworthy will headline this years Toyota Summer Concert Series.

Keith, who is one of the most awarded country superstars in the world, is still riding the success of his last album, 35 mph TOWN, which featured the lead single, Drunk Americans.

While Rucker hasnt toured with Hootie & the Blowfish in some time, his Southern Style has more than made up for it. In 2009, he broke ground by becoming the first African-American to win the New Artist Award from the Country Music Association.

And Foxworthy? Well, he's just as funny as ever.

Now, you might be thinking, What the hay? San Diego aint big enough for reggae and country! Well, then you havent ventured very far into East County, because its plenty country out there. So, saddle up and get your badonkadonk to the fair this year.

Even if youre not into the whole country thing, the fairs Grandstand lineup still offers quite the spread to appeal to a variety of tastes. 60s pop stars Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons, soul queen Patti LaBelle and hometown heroes Switchfoot will round out the fairs musical festivities, and I dunno about you, but Im already excited about it.

Tickets go on sale to the general public at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 18, but since youre reading this, you can use the code CACTUS to jump ahead of the line and get the best pre-sale seats available this Thursday and Friday.

Just dont say we never did nothin for ya, partner.

Rutger Rosenborg was almost a Stanford neuroscientist before he formed Ed Ghost Tucker. He now plays in the Lulls and makes music on his own when he's not writing. Follow his updates on Facebook or contact him directly.
While many of our friends are in Austin battling crowds to discover the next big thing or catch already famous artists in small showcases, I have to say being left behind isn't so bad. Especially when we have so much good stuff going on here at home. At the Casbah, catch a showcase of our own as four SDMA-nominated bands demonstrate why they're up for awards. Meanwhile, the Observatory will be crowded as fans elbow up for Portugal. The Man, while the Cadillac Three bring rock to the House of Blues. Blonde, Holding Company, Soda Bar, and the Hideout also have pretty amazing shows tonight, but I have to say the one I'm most excited about is Teenage Fanclub at the Belly Up. When I was listening to them years ago, I was too young to ever see them live, so I'll enjoy putting this feather in my cap and finally get to see a band who helped soundtrack my angsty teen years. Just be careful, we've got a big weekend ahead so don't burn all your fuel in one night.

Thursday, March 16:

Teenage Fanclub, Britta Phillips @ Belly Up

SDMA Showcase: Mittens, Le Chateau, Ypsitucky, Grizzly Business @ Casbah

Portugal. The Man, HDBeenDope @ The Observatory North Park

Mike Wojniak, Star Halo, Justin Werner, Ian McCartor @ Soda Bar

The Cadillac Three, Quaker City Night Hawks @ House of Blues

Bikes On Tap @ Amplified Ale Works

Badabing, Chinese Rocks, Slaughter Boys, Goldettes, DJ Duck Egg @ The Hideout

Roni Lee, Eve Selis, Steph Johnson, Nina Francis @ Music Box

DJ Ikah Love @ Bar Pink

Quel Bordel @ The Holding Company 1502

Keep Safe Concert with Delma, the Liquorsmiths, Sol Orchid @ Blonde

Corey Leal, Creature and the Woods @ Sycamore Den

SIRSY, Imagery Machine, Same as Yesterday @ Bancroft

Afton Shows presents hip-hop & rock showcases @ The Merrow

Thursdaze @ U-31

Nashville Nights with Country Rockin' Rebels @ Crossroads, House of Blues (FREE)

Bayou Bros @ Humphreys Backstage Live

Karaoke With Goldilox @ Tower Bar

Sam Lachow, Dave B, Ariana DeBoo, Romaro Franceswa @ The Loft, UCSD

Open Jam Session @ Winston's (6-9 p.m.)

Jerry Duty @ Winston's

Spell, Witchstone @ Til-Two Club

No Limits with DJMysonKing @ The Office

PB&J feat. DJs Brose, Bidi @ El Dorado

DJ Harvest Karaoke @ Chico Club

Rock Out Karaoke @ Tin Roof

Night Skool @ Henry's Pub

Acid Varsity 'machines come alive' @ Kava Lounge

Mercedes Moore @ Tio Leo's

Dj dirtyKURTY @ Uptown Tavern

The Purple Haze Experience @ Boar Cross'n

Liquid Courage Karaoke @ 710 Beach Club

Rosemary Bystrak is the publicist for the Casbah and writes about the San Diego music scene, events and general musings about life in San Diego on San Diego: Dialed In. Follow her updates on Twitter or contact her directly.
More than $51,000 worth of methamphetamine were found inside a woman's vehicle as she attempted to cross a checkpoint with her 4-year-old daughter in the backseat.

According to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Border Patrol agents stooped the woman at the Highway 86 checkpoint around 8:30 a.m. Wednesday.

The 21-year-old woman had her daughter in the rear passenger seat of her car.

When a canine team alerted agents to the vehicle, they found approximately 16.05 pounds of methamphetamine in the rear passenger seat.

This is an example of the lengths criminals are willing to go through in order to blend in. They will put their kids at risk by involving them in narcotics trafficking activities," said Assistant Chief Patrol Agent David S. Kim.

CBP said the woman, a U.S. citizen, and her child were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration for further investigation.
San Diego City Attorney Mara Elliott has issued a memo clarifying her office's position on a portion of the City's Land Development Code under debate in past months: short-term vacation rentals.

In a memorandum sent to Councilmember Barbara Bry Wednesday, Elliott said the rentals are not legal in single family residential zones under the City's current codes.

"This Office appreciates that the Municipal Code, as currently written, does not allow the reasonable compromise our communities seek; a compromise respectful of those who wish to enjoy the quiet enjoyment of their homes and those who wish to take advantage of the innovation economy," Elliot wrote in the memo.

NBC 7 reached out to Councilmember Bry and her office responded, saying "her priority is protect the character and safety of our neighborhoods."

Whether the rentals are even allowed under municipal code has come under question, as the municipal code does not clearly define it either way.

According to Elliott, the City is under a "permissive zoning ordinance", meaning that any use not listed in the City's zoning ordinance is prohibited.

"Short term vacation rentals are not specifically defined, expressly permitted, or listed in any of the zone use categories, including residential or commercial," Elliott wrote in her statement.

Commercial services are "generally not allowed" in the residential-single unit zoning code, Elliott said.

In a statement to NBC 7 San Diego, Jasmine Mora, Airbnb press secretary, said the following:

"The portion of the code referenced was not written with the sharing economy in mind and underscores why we need thoughtful, sensible short term rental regulations. Thousands of San Diegans rely on home sharing to make ends meet and supplement their incomes. We want to continue working with city leaders to enact clear and common-sense regulations that ensure accountability and maintain neighborhood quality."

In a statement, Councilmember Bry said she was pleased to read the memo Elliott sent her, and said she looks forward to working to find a way forward. Bry, who represents District 1, represents coastal communities such as Carmel Valley, Del Mar, La Jolla, University City, Torrey Pines and surrounding areas.

"I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Council to determine the best way to allow property owners to participate in home sharing, while also enforcing existing City Code to protect residential communities from the proliferation of mini-hotels," Bry said in a statement.

The topic of short-term rentals has become a point of contention for many residents in the past few months. Residents in neighborhoods like Pacific Beach, Point Loma, Del Mar, La Jolla and more have mixed opinions on the issue: some say the extra income helps support them financially, while others argue the loud parties the renters throw are disruptive and noisy.

Kimberly Wise, a Mission Beach Realtor and property manager on the Mission Beach Town Council, said she agrees there should be more regulations.

"We want vacation renters to come to Mission Beach and enjoy themselves but not at our expense," said Wise. "And thats what happening."

However, she added, Mission Beach residents financially benefit from short-term rentals but she does not think homeowners are doing it the right way.

"Theyre not taking responsibility and vetting the people theyre renting to, said Wise.

She said Mission Beach has more than 2000 residential properties, and out of those owners, only about 750 live in the property year round. The zoning ordinance, in her opinion, should be modified to accommodate each community's needs.

Resident Juan Garcia, on the other hand, believes each homeowner should be able to do what they want with their property, so long as they are no disrespecting neighbors.

In the past, Elliott's predecessor Jan Goldsmith has been murky on the issue: he said the current code would have to be amended.

The memo comes a week before The City Planning Department will present draft proposals for regulating the rentals, often found on sites like Airbnb and VRBO.

However, Elliott and Bry both left the doors open for compromise after the department issues their proposals.
Less than a week after a Tierrasanta teenager was struck and killed by a car on Santo Road, San Diego police investigators have identified the woman arrested in connection with the fatal hit-and-run collision.

Jessica Medsker was arrested Sunday on Ducos Place just after 8:30 a.m., according to the San Diego Police Department (SDPD).

Medsker is suspected of crashing into 16-year-old Alex M. Funk as he was walking along Santo Road near Antigua Boulevard with a friend just before midnight on March 9.

Funk, a sophomore at Serra High School, was killed in the crash.

His family had a special message for the community.

"We want to thank the police for their due diligence as well as thanking the person that called in," said family friend Ian Kelly. "It took a lot of courage and it's nice to see that level of humanity exists out there."

Medsker's online profile and schoolmates said she graduated from Serra High School in 2014.

A former classmate who didn't want to be identified said, "I don't think she's an evil person. I'm just surprised someone would kill a person and hit and run."

According to police, Medsker was booked into La Colinas Women's Detention Facility for felony hit and run on Wednesday.

Anyone with information about the crash is asked to call SDPD or Crime Stoppers at (888)580-8477.

Funk's family is planning his funeral service at the Good Samaritan Church on Saturday, Mar. 25 at 11 a.m.
An Encinitas student, deported after President Donald Trumps first travel ban, is praising a federal judge's decision to put the administrations revised travel ban on hold.

I like what they said about the notion of targeting whole groups of people as being flawed. I think that is so important, said Sara Yarjani.

Yarjani, 35, is an Iranian national with residency status in Austria. She said she was heading to Los Angeles when the presidents first travel ban was enacted. She was detained at LAX for 23 hours before being deported back to Austria.

She called her treatment harsh.

I had everything taken away. I had my phone taken away and they said to take your jewelry off. I didnt even know why, said Yarjani.

Yarjani is in the U.S. on a multiple entry student visa. She is studying Holistic Health at the California Institute for Human Science in Encinitas.

The presidents revised travel ban would not have applied to green card holder or people holding valid visas  as is the case with Yarjani. But for Yarjani, it didnt matter.

She said she was troubled the order targeted groups of people.

There are so many people, nations of people and to think whole nations of people are a threat just because of where theyre from, for me, thats strange and it doesnt make sense, said Yarjani.

Yarjani also had this message for anyone who may be afraid or threatened by someone from another country.

I feel people are made to be scared of whole nations of people. I feel that if you dont know someone from a different country, or if you dont know a Muslim or Iranian, or someone from those countries, and you feel theyre scary, just meet one.
A beloved African elephant who lived at the San Diego Zoo was found dead inside the facility Tuesday morning, zoo officials confirmed.

The elephant  named Mila  was found unresponsive by the San Diego Zoos animal care staff. The cause of her death is unknown. The San Diego Zoo said Wednesday that the veterinary staff will perform a necropsy on Mila at the zoos Elephant Care Center to determine why and how she died.

The African elephant  one of many in the zoos herd  first came to the San Diego Zoo in November 2013, when she was 41. Before being moved to San Diego, Mila lived at the Franklin Zoo in New Zealand.

She made her mark quickly at the San Diego Zoo; staffers say she will be sorely missed by many.

According to the zoos website, African elephants typically live into their late-30s, up to even 50 years of age, in the wild and in zoos. African elephant females can weigh up to 8,000 pounds; African elephants are the largest mammals on land.

The San Diego Zoos Elephant Care Center provides care for geriatric elephants and those needing extensive medical care. It opened in 2009, and treats both Asian and African species.
A Rancho Penasquitos woman was shocked when she found out Social Security had mistakenly classified her as deceased." Proving she was alive was not as easy as you might think.

So I went in on Monday, December 5, showed my I.D. and thats when they told me I was deceased, Iris Williams said.

According to Iris, the woman at Iris Social Security office window said their records showed she was dead. Iris said she asked how that could happen and couldnt believe the answer she received.

Someone just pushed the wrong button, Iris said she was told.

Word of Iris demise spread when her health insurance and two credit cards were canceled along with two of her pensions and three other accounts. Iris husband even received a letter of condolence.

At one place I was already going into probate, at one of the banks, Iris said.

She said within a few weeks, Social Security offered an apology and contacted other federal agencies, but one problem still lingered, Iris couldnt get her Social Security check to deposit into her account.

Social Security said the check went to the bank and the bank sent it back, Iris said.

This happened for three months, Iris said and even though everyone acknowledged the mistake, Wells Fargo kept rejecting her direct deposit from Social Security.

Thats when Iris contacted NBC 7 Responds for help.

I just hope this is over soon because its consumed so much of my time, Iris said.

NBC 7 Responds reached out to Wells Fargo and a spokesperson told us the bank was already working on the problem but assured us restoring Iris account was a high priority.

Three months after Iris was miscategorized as dead and within a month after NBC 7 responds contacted Wells Fargo, the bank ironed out the problem allowing Iris to once again receive her Social Security checks.

A representative with Wells Fargo said Iris checks werent depositing due to a technical firewall-like process they have in place when people really do die.

Believe it or not, mistakes like this from the Social Security office can happen. NBC 7 Investigates looked into the issue in 2013. Click here to see that report.
Like most parents, Maria Tenery worries about the day her 5-year-old daughter Shiloh starts asking her tough questions.

Why do I look different? Why cant I do all the things my friends can do?

These are among those future difficult questions Tenery is already practicing for as a mother of three.

Now, Maria says she worries about a new question: Why cant I go to the same school as my brothers and sisters?

Shiloh has downs syndrome and her family has just learned she cant attend her home school or another school nearby where she went to preschool.

San Diego Unified School District plans to consolidate special education classes by area, instead of offering classes to students with moderate to severe learning disabilities at each school.

In a letter sent home to parents, obtained by our media partner Voice of San Diego, Superintendent Cindy Marten explains the plan saying the services provided to students with special needs wont change, only the location of where those services are provided.

A district spokesman stressed the change is not budget-driven, but meant to benefit kids with special needs. He also confirmed that 30 special education teachers have received pink slips.

What we discovered when we did a review of our special education classrooms is that we had some classes where there was just one or two children in class alone with a teacher. Best practices for special education say that children should have the opportunity to socialize with their peers the same as any child.

Late Wednesday afternoon, NBC 7 obtained this list of consolidated schools.

You are restricting these children to only a certain school because they have special needs. This is wrong, Tenery said.

Chief Public Information Officer Andrew Sharp said the change was meant to benefit students with special needs.

Its in accordance with best practices, Sharp said. We thought about what would be best for the special education population. Its a population that, frankly, we work especially hard to serve.

Tenery said she thinks the move is going to be bad not just for her daughter but all students at her former school McKinley Elementary, where Shiloh had a great preschool experience. She said it gives regular students a chance to experience and ask questions about students with special needs in a safe and informative environment.

We can tell them, you know, Theyre created different and we love them, Tenery said. We build compassion in all students and we treat the students with special needs the same despite their disabilities. So, were not just taking away from the students with special needs. Were taking away the opportunity for other students to engage with kids that are different.

NBC 7 asked the district spokesman to respond to that concern.

Sharp said: We have a lot of diversity in our schools and special needs or the special education population is one of the ways that our schools are very diverse. We also have students from 160 different countries and they speak 70 different languages, so we still have a lot of diversity in schools.

In the districts letter, the superintendent says the changes will only impact about 220 students among the 15,000 students with learning disabilities that the district serves.
In 1997, researchers from Georgia Tech linked exposure therapy with the emerging technology of virtual reality. Ten volunteers, veterans suffering from PTSD who had not responded to multiple treatments, signed up for the pioneering clinical trial dubbed Virtual Vietnam, NBC News reported.

"Think about the worst thing that ever happened to you and remember how you felt immediately afterwards," says Albert "Skip" Rizzo, a research professor at the USC Davis School of Gerontology who has worked with veterans since the mid-1980s. "Now imagine that six months later, you still feel that exact same thing with the exact same intensity. That's PTSD."

Treatment for PTSD has varied over the years, from medication to psychotherapy to simple exercise. Most now agree that exposure therapy, which seeks to relive a sufferer's trauma in a controlled, often imaginary environment, is usually the most effective prescription.
There were startling colors here just a year ago, a dazzling array of life beneath the waves. Now this Maldivian reef is dead, killed by the stress of rising ocean temperatures. What's left is a haunting expanse of gray, a scene repeated in reefs across the globe in what has fast become a full-blown ecological catastrophe.

The world has lost roughly half its coral reefs in the last 30 years. Scientists are now scrambling to ensure that at least a fraction of these unique ecosystems survives beyond the next three decades. The health of the planet depends on it: Coral reefs support a quarter of all marine species, as well as half a billion people around the world.

"This isn't something that's going to happen 100 years from now. We're losing them right now," said marine biologist Julia Baum of Canada's University of Victoria. "We're losing them really quickly, much more quickly than I think any of us ever could have imagined."

[NATL] Reefs in Ruin: Coral Bleaching Around the World

Even if the world could halt global warming now, scientists still expect that more than 90 percent of corals will die by 2050. Without drastic intervention, we risk losing them all.

"To lose coral reefs is to fundamentally undermine the health of a very large proportion of the human race," said Ruth Gates, director of the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology.

The Ocean Agency/XL Catlin Seaview Survey

Coral reefs produce some of the oxygen we breathe. Often described as underwater rainforests, they populate a tiny fraction of the ocean but provide habitats for one in four marine species. Reefs also form crucial barriers protecting coastlines from the full force of storms.

They provide billions of dollars in revenue from tourism, fishing and other commerce, and are used in medical research for cures to diseases including cancer, arthritis and bacterial or viral infections.

"Whether you're living in North America or Europe or Australia, you should be concerned," said biologist Ove Hoegh-Guldberg, director of the Global Change Institute at Australia's University of Queensland. "This is not just some distant dive destination, a holiday destination. This is the fabric of the ecosystem that supports us."

And that fabric is being torn apart.

"You couldn't be more dumb ... to erode the very thing that life depends on  the ecosystem  and hope that you'll get away with it," Hoegh-Guldberg said.

Ashley explores the southern most tip of the Florida Keys with a ferry voyage to Dry Tortugas Island for some snorkeling, followed by a turtle race at a Key West bar, Turtle Kraals, and ending her day at Key Wests most iconic bar, The Green Parrot.

Corals are invertebrates, living mostly in tropical waters. They secrete calcium carbonate to build protective skeletons that grow and take on impressive colors, thanks to a symbiotic relationship with algae that live in their tissues and provide them with energy.

But corals are sensitive to temperature fluctuations, and are suffering from rising ocean temperatures and acidification, as well as from overfishing, pollution, coastal development and agricultural runoff.

A temperature change of just 1 to 2 degrees Celsius (1.8 to 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) can force coral to expel the algae, leaving their white skeletons visible in a process known as "bleaching."

Bleached coral can recover if the water cools, but if high temperatures persist for months, the coral will die. Eventually the reef will degrade, leaving fish without habitats and coastlines less protected from storm surges.

[NATL] Top News Photos: Pope Visits Japan, and More

The first global bleaching event occurred in 1998, when 16 percent of corals died. The problem spiraled dramatically in 2015-2016 amid an extended El Nino natural weather phenomenon that warmed Pacific waters near the equator and triggered the most widespread bleaching ever documented. This third global bleaching event, as it is known, continues today even after El Nino ended.

Headlines have focused on damage to Australia's famed Great Barrier Reef, but other reefs have fared just as badly or worse across the world, from Japan to Hawaii to Florida.

Around the islands of the Maldives, an idyllic Indian Ocean tourism destination, some 73 percent of surveyed reefs suffered bleaching between March and May 2016, according to the country's Marine Research Center.

"This bleaching episode seems to have impacted the entire Maldives, but the severity of bleaching varies" between reefs, according to local conditions, said Nizam Ibrahim, the center's senior research officer.

Worst hit have been areas in the central Pacific, where the University of Victoria's Baum has been conducting research on Kiritimati, or Christmas Island, in the Republic of Kiribati. Warmer water temperatures lasted there for 10 months in 2015-2016, killing a staggering 90 percent of the reef.

Baum had never seen anything like it.

"As scientists, we were all on brand new territory," Baum said, "as were the corals in terms of the thermal stress they were subjected to."

To make matters worse, scientists are predicting another wave of elevated ocean temperatures starting next month.

"The models indicate that we will see the return of bleaching in the South Pacific soon, along with a possibility of bleaching in both the eastern and western parts of the Indian Ocean," said Mark Eakin, coral reef specialist and coordinator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Coral Reef Watch, which uses satellites to monitor environmental conditions around reefs. It may not be as bad as last year, but could further stress "reefs that are still hurting from the last two years."

The speed of the destruction is what alarms scientists and conservationists, as damaged coral might not have time to recover before it is hit again by warmer temperatures.

But some may have a chance.

Last month, Hoegh-Guldberg helped launch an initiative called 50 Reefs, aiming to identify those reefs with the best chance of survival in warming oceans and raise public awareness. His project partner is Richard Vevers, who heads the XL Catlin Seaview Survey, which has been documenting coral reefs worldwide.

"For the reefs that are least vulnerable to climate change, the key will be to protect them from all the other issues they are facing  pollution, overfishing, coastal development," said Vevers, who founded The Ocean Agency, an Australian organization seeking new technologies to help mitigate some of the ocean's greatest challenges. If the reefs remain healthy and resilient, "they can hopefully become the vital seed-centers that can repopulate surrounding reefs."

Nature itself is providing small glimmers of hope. Some of Kiritimati's corals, for example, are showing tentative signs of a comeback.

But scientists don't want to leave it to chance, and are racing ahead with experiments they hope might stave off extinction.

"We've lost 50 percent of the reefs, but that means we still have 50 percent left," said Gates, who is working in Hawaii to breed corals that can better withstand increasing temperatures. "We definitely don't want to get to the point where we don't intervene until we have 2 percent left."

Going a step further, she is also trying to "train" corals to survive rising temperatures, exposing them to sub-lethal heat stress in the hope they can "somehow fix that in their memory" and survive similar stress in the future.

"It's probably time that we start thinking outside the box," Gates said. "It's sort of a no-win game if we do nothing."

Correction: An earlier version of this story misspelled the name of the organization that documents reefs worldwide. The correct spelling is XL Catlin Seaview Survey.
Washington, D.C., could become the first city in the country to establish a green bank, a tool used to help invest public funds in clean energy projects.

Mayor Muriel Bowser will introduce legislation to create a green bank in the next few weeks, according to a statement from the mayors office.

Green banks offer traditional banking services like loans, leases and credit enhancements intended to improve funding for clean energy projects, the statement said. Unlike traditional banks, their financial capital comes from public funds.

D.C.s green bank would be intended to help fund projects like Nixon Peabodys community solar project, a collection of solar panels on three commercial rooftops in downtown D.C. that provides energy to low-income residents in Southeast and Southwest.

[A green bank] should help tremendously, said Jeff Lesk, managing partner of Nixon Peabodys D.C. office. Because the debt that we got was from a great, mission-oriented lender, but they can only have so much capacity. They can only make so many loans for this type of project.

The funding provided by green banks isnt intended to fully fund projects, but to encourage private funding by reducing risk and providing a secure government partnership, the statement said.

The D.C. green bank will pair private capital with public investment to more efficiently achieve our ambitious greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets and to further reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, said Department of Energy and Environment Director Tommy Wells in the statement.

Herb Stevens, chief innovation officer at Nixon Peabody, said he sees companies are willing to get involved in environmental projects when governments provide financial help through a green bank.

The whole idea of the green bank is to attract new private capital that wouldnt have come in if the district hadnt led the way, Stevens said.

A green bank would create jobs and be a step toward reaching sustainability goals set in Climate Ready D.C., the citys climate change readiness plan, the mayor said in the statement.

Although D.C. would be the first city with a green bank, it wouldnt be able to boast the first green bank in the region overall. Montgomery County Council voted to establish a county green bank in June 2015, which is scheduled to be funded this month.
The man convicted of killing a 16-year-old boy near the teen's high school in Northern Virginia was sentenced to 50 years in prison, but the victim's mother says that's not enough.

Vikki Wilson-Moore and a group of supporters demonstrated outside the Prince William County courthouse on Wednesday to call for prosecutors to charge four other people in the death of her son, Brenden Wilson.

Five people were a part of his murder, and only one is being held accountable," she said.

Wilson died Nov. 10, 2014, after Kawain Smalls, who then was 25, shot and killed him on a path, known as "the cut," near Woodbridge High School.

Small had never met Wilson before he decided to avenge a confrontation between Wilson and Smalls' brother, prosecutors said. Smalls' sister was accused of luring Wilson to the area, telling him she wanted to buy marijuana.

Brenden turned around to leave the cut, and all he was feeling was bullets," his mother said Wednesday.

Smalls said in a police interrogation that he began shooting because he thought Wilson was reaching for a gun.

Smalls got 50 years in prison, but Wilson's family feels the other young people involved got off easy.

They all had a part in it. They all set this up," Wilson's aunt Cheryl Biller said.

Wilson-Moore said Commonwealth's Attorney Paul Ebert would not explain why everyone who initially was arrested was not charged in connection to the killing. He did not immediately respond to inquiries.

Jeff Dion, director of the National Crime Victim Bar Association, said prosecutors often avoid going forward with some charges so as to get the prime suspect convicted.

From a victims perceptive, however, it can often leave them to feel like people are not being held accountable for their role in this crime," said Dion, who is not connected with Wilson's case.

Outside the courthouse on Thursday, Wilson-Moore comforted her 13-year-old son, who fought tears as he held a sign with his brother's photograph.
When Rachel Maddow walked onto Jimmy Fallons Tonight Show stage Wednesday night, the MSNBC host looked comfortable in a black blazer and jeans. She was also wearing some new sneakers.

They are my You Got the Presidents Tax Return sneakers, Maddow said.

It was a coveted scoop, obtaining documents that President Donald Trump had yet to release himself. But, Maddow admitted that the 2005 return wasnt a huge, damning bombshell.

Instead, the return is important because it is simply the first piece in the jigsaw," she explained.

I [still] want to know who sent them. I have no idea, Maddow said. I want to know if theres more where that came from. And I want to know why the president wont release more of them.

America may not know why Trump wont show his returns himself, but its clear hes not ashamed of the one Maddow obtained.

Its certainly not an embarrassing tax return, he said on Fox News Wednesday night.

But Maddow countered, If youre so psyched about [the 2005 return,] give us some more.

Though exclusive, the document Maddow revealed on her Tuesday night broadcast, sent to David Cay Johnston of DCReport.org in the mail, only shows that Trump made more than $150 million in 2005 and paid about $38 million in federal taxes, a roughly 25 percent tax rate.

It contradicts speculation from some of his opponents during the campaign that Trump doesnt pay federal taxes, thanks to a write-down he was eligible for, revealed in a state tax return leak published by The New York Times.

But the document doesn't say where Trump's income comes from. Maddow explained to Fallon that that is another reasons to see returns, besides finding out Trump's wealth and taxes paid. Sources of income could show ties to Russia, China or foreign banks.

If hes got any sort of financial entanglement that might  change what he does on behalf of the country so as to deal with his personal stuff, we really need to know that, Maddow said. Its a national security concern.

And if none of those things are true  then show us the tax returns so we can stop freaking out about it. Because, otherwise, were gonna continue to worry that that might secretly be whats driving him as long as he doesnt show us what every other president has shown us.

Amid the commentary and speculation, Fallon suggested that Maddow's scoop means she is the person that people say, Yeah, I want to share my information with her now.'

Maddow said that feels like a really big responsibility, one she didnt take lightly before her Tuesday night broadcast.

The anchor said she and her team worked all day Monday and all day Tuesday to make sure the documents weren't forged. She said they talked to tax experts, followed the chain of evidence and gave the White House hours to respond. The crew even produced alternate shows in case the documents proved to be false.

But, as the White House confirmed, the return is real. And Maddow said shes going to be just as diligent with the other pieces of that jigsaw puzzle.

I want to be trustworthy to my audience, the anchor said. Were gonna keep plugging away. Were gonna get this thing answered  And were gonna do it piece by piece by piece.
Boston's Franklin Park Zoo is welcoming the birth of a baby cotton-top tamarin.

The zoo announced Thursday that the baby monkey can be seen with its parents and siblings in its Tropical Forest exhibit.

The baby primate, whose sex is not yet known, was born on March 3. Officials say the baby can be frequently seen with its mother Wilma, father Federico and siblings Pebbles, Betty and Lupita.

"We are closely monitoring the mother and baby, but so far the baby is doing well and appears bright, healthy and alert," Josh Meyerchick, assistant curator of the Tropical Forest exhibit, said.

An endangered species, the cotton-top tamarin's native habitat is in the understory and canopy of Colombia's tropical forests.
A teenager has been arrested in connection with a deadly shooting in New Bedford, Massachusetts, according to authorities.

David Lima, 16, was arrested in Fall River Thursday, the Bristol district attorney's office announced.

Lima has been charged with murdering 20-year-old Jonas Trinidad Jr. He was also charged with carrying an illegal firearm and carrying a loaded illegal firearm.

Police say Trinidad was found shot late Wednesday morning near the intersection of Matthew and Bank streets. He was taken to St. Luke's Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Police told The Standard-Times that they raided the suspect's home Wednesday afternoon, but he was not there.

Investigators recovered a gun at the residence but it was not immediately clear if it was the gun used in the shooting.

No possible motive has been disclosed for the city's second homicide of the year.

Lima will be arraigned Friday; it's unclear if he has an attorney.
After days in the dark, Emergency Management Officials say theres light at the end of the tunnel: they expect all power outages in Maine to be repaired by the end of Thursday.

Tens of thousands of people lost power during Tuesdays noreaster, that reached blizzard conditions in some parts of the state.

York County received the brunt of the blizzard. According to York County EMA Assistant Director Blain Cote, more than 25,000 people were without power Wednesday. By Thursday morning, those outages were down to a little more than 1,200 customers.

Give them time. [Power crews] have a lot of damage to take care of, and theyre doing it as fast as they can, said Cote. Power crews from as far away as Michigan and Tennessee traveled to Maine to assist with the restoration efforts.

It was one of the strongest storms I have ever seen, said longtime York County resident Mary Trigge, who had a 100 foot pine tree fall on her roof.

It was pretty traumatic, she said, remembering the howling winds and the sound of the snapping tree, crashing down into her house. Branches pierced through the ceiling and fell in her bedroom, spare bedroom, and kitchen.

Luckily, she was in the hallway at the moment the tree fell, and narrowly missed injury.

It just made me realized I could have been badly injured or killed, so I just think that an angel was here, and protected me, Trigge said. The Home Economics teacher at York High School has had to miss several days of work, and doesnt think shell be able to live in her home for several months.
A special education teacher who works at a Fall River, Massachusetts school was arrested at his Rhode Island home on charges of child pornography Thursday.

Henry Tedeschi, 54, of West Warwick, is scheduled to appear in court Thursday afternoon, according to Rhode Island State Police

Tedeschi works at the Morton Middle School.

Officials received information from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children of an email address used to access child porn. That email address was determined to be accessed from the internet at Tedeschis home.

Tedeschi was identified as the owner of the account. Eight items of digital media were seized and additional charges may be pending, according to investigators.

Officials say there is no evidence between Tedeschi and any of his former or current students, but anyone with information is asked to contact the Rhode Island State Police Computer Crimes Unit/Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force at 401-921-1170.

Its not clear if Tedeschi has an attorney.
A woman who was rescued from a 2-alarm fire that broke out in a multi-unit apartment building in Mansfield, Massachusetts last week has died from her injuries.

According to the Sun Chronicle, 62-year-old Gabrielle Foley died Monday.

The fire at 21 East St. broke out in the basement of the building on March 8 around 5:45 p.m., according to the Mansfield Fire Department.

Foley was found in the basement and airlifted to Rhode Island Hospital for burns and smoke inhalation.

Officials say the fire was caused by improper disposal of smoking materials.

The exact cause of Foley's death is under investigation.
This week's mega-storm produced the most snow ever in the month of March, since record-keeping began, for the city of Burlington, Vermont.

By mid-afternoon, Burlington had tallied 29.7 inches of snow, but the flakes were still falling.

Other communities reported even greater accumulations.

The area around Jay Peak woke up to an incredible 34 inches of snow. Large, fluffy flakes kept falling there, too, throughout the day Wednesday.

All that snow is making for a difficult clean-up job in many communities, and is contributing to some problems.

In Jay, a car slid off Route 242 early Wednesday afternoon. Driver Bryce Hanrahan said he had a frantic split-second decision on the snow-covered road.

"It was either put the car into the ditch or put the car into the cars ahead of me," Hanrahan explained, noting he and a friend were uninjured in the slide-off.

Bubba LaClair, a roadside assistance provider who came to haul the vehicle out of the ditch, said he had a busy morning.

"We did probably one rollover this morning and six or seven different pull-outs," LaClair said.

In East Berkshire, Robin Wells was blazing a path through the deep snow in her driveway with a shovel.

"This is the most snow we've gotten since I've lived here," Wells sighed.

At the Jay Peak Resort, more than 40 inches of fresh powder made for a business boost from skiers and riders, according to a resort spokesman.

"As soon as word got out about the snowfall here, around 5 o'clock yesterday, our phone started ringing off the hook at the Hotel Jay," JJ Toland said. "We went from 85 percent booked to just about 99 percent right now."

And Vermont's higher elevations are not done with winter weather just yet. There is more snowfall in the forecast over the next several days.
Rising prices affect us all, and Anna Heydon urges us to spare a thought for those who will be struggling with the cost of living this winter.

Rising prices affect us all, and Anna Heydon urges us to spare a thought for those who will be struggling with the cost of living this winter.

Covid leaf memorial at Norwich church St Peter Mancroft Church Norwich Presents The Leaves of the Trees an installation by sculptor Peter Walker which provides a memorial for those who died of Covid-19 Read more

Community Chaplaincy Norfolk begins a new chapter Community Chaplaincy Norfolk (CCN) celebrated the beginning of a new chapter this week, as the new chair of trustees Chris Tomlinson led his first annual meeting. Read more

Lowestoft Christians launch on-line bible helps app The Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth branch of Good News for Everyone (GNFE), formerly the Gideons, have introduced a new mobile phone app called On-line Bible Helps. Read more

Addicts' rehabilitation centre plan for Drayton Hall Christian addiction charity Teen Challenge London is planning to turn Drayton Hall near Norwich into its headquarters and a rehabilitation centre for men, after it was gifted the freehold of the hall by its owner, the Lind Trust. Read more

The power of positive protest Philip Young encourages us to take a stand for what we believe, and has just written to Therese Coffey regarding climate change and the forthcoming COP 27. He explains why we should be prepared to protest. Read more

Norwich church celebrates with cribs and trees Rosebery Road Methodist Church in Norwich will be holding its annual Cribs and Trees Festival in December. Read more

Transforming Norwich lunch offers ministry tips Ex-Brighton vicar, Rev Phil Moon, will offer tips on how to keep going in ministry to the Transforming Norwich leaders lunch on Wednesday November 16. Read more

Quiet Waters in Bungay offers healing retreat Quiet Waters Christian Retreat in Bungay is holding a gentle day retreat exploring healing in the Kingdom of God. Read more

Latest Norfolk Christian community events Events of interest to the Norwich and Norfolk Christian community happening over the next few weeks are listed. Read more

Norfolk ministry coaching duo are guest speakers Former church leaders and now freelance ministry coaches, Jonathan and Paige Squirrell, are the guest speakers at the next dinner of Norwich FGB on Monday, November 21. Read more

Bringing light to Halloween Anna Price encourages Christians to engage positively with Halloween rather than hide away, on what many see as the darkest night of the year. Read more

First service takes place at Norwich church site SOUL Church hosted around 400 people for a special service on the site of their new building on Heartsease Lane. Read more

Dereham draws up list of warm places for winter As rising energy prices make it harder to heat homes, churches in Dereham are leading the way in creating warm spaces where people can go. Read more

South Norfolk church scoops national award A medieval Anglican church in a tiny hamlet in South Norfolk has won a national award and a 10,000 boost. Read more

Dereham churches help people to help themselves A group of churches in Dereham have launched an ambitious project which aims to meet needs in the town, including the provision of food and skills training. Read more

Halloween light in Gorleston church On Halloween this year, St Mary Magdalene Church in Gorleston will be preparing to welcome around 200 families to experience their Light on a Dark Night event. Read more

An opportunity for Norwich to pray for the nation Rev Nigel Fox, who has served as a Methodist Minister for 15 years in Norwich, shares an open invitation to pray for the nation at a crucial moment. Read more
What does Thy will be done mean?

Regular columnist John Myhill takes a closer look at our common plea to God, to see how relevant it is to modern society.



Not my will but thine be done (Luke 22:42)



Love, honour and obey: so, we the people hope to relate to our God (Ephesians 5:21-33). Only a foolish spouse marries with the object of changing the partner into a useful or comfortable object. In the happy marriage, each loves the other for what they are, although sometimes that goodness may be hidden within them.



The Norfolk countryside used to contain scattered farm workers cottages, but most have now been bought by people who want to convert them into large country mansions (Matthew 7:24). In contrast, Dragon Hall on King Street was converted into multi-occupancy flats (Luke 11:24 - The house (mind) swept clean is open to more evil spirits) before being restored to its original grandeur.



In the same way, we have seen many British businesses taken over by larger corporations, stripped of their assets and then left floundering or bankrupt (Luke 16:8 The children of this world are wiser than the children of Light). Does anyone take on these businesses and restore them to their original values? I suppose the government tried to do that with some banks!



It should not surprise us when people join a church hoping to make it fit their opinions. The Church follows eternal Truths, the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. The world follows fashion, prohibiting today what used to be allowed and accepting today what used to be condemned. Any church which attempts to keep up with the latest trends will soon become overwhelmed by those worldly values and forget to give unto God what is Gods (Mark 12:17).



The Fool in Shakespeares King Lear stays with the King through his madness. He is the only person able to speak Truth to Power. He is highly intelligent and very loyal. Matthew 5:22 says that whoever calls his brother a fool is worthy of hell fire, presumably because your brother contains the Holy Spirit and you would thus be dismissing the Holy Spirit from yourself. For the wisdom of this world is counted as foolishness with God (1 Corinthinaians 3:19)



Sunday in Norwich - the stone has been overturned (I refer to the stone on Hay Hill with the title of Sir Thomas Brownes book: Vulgar Errors inscribed upon it). Sunday in Norwich - the grave cloths are left abandoned, as the homeless man has risen into his wheel chair.



Are we ready to return to the wisdom of God? To restore our Church to the teachings of Christ, away from the convenience of current consumerism? To base our working lives on the ethical teachings of the Bible, not cheapness, marketing, cheating and spin? To restore our homes and our minds, to the function for which they were built: to house the Holy Spirit.


An auction house in May will look for the highest bidding fanboy or fangirl who'd like to get his or her hands on what it claims is just one of 8 functioning Apple I computers.

Auction Team Breker, which is based in Germany and specializes in what it calls "technical antiques", has set an auction date for the Apple I on May 20.

MORE: iPhone 8 rumor rollup

The collector's item could fetch hundreds of thousands of dollars based on sales of past such items, such as an Apple I sold by Sotheby's in 2014 for about $375K and a prototype of the Apple I that sold for $815K last year. Auction Team Breker estimates its item will go for between $190K and $320K.

The Apple I originally sold for $666.66, equal to a little over $,2800 today.

If you're eager to make a bid, check out this sales pitch from Auction Team Breker, which accepts bids via the mail and online.

"This is the sensational 1st product of today's highest-valued company (approx. 600 billion US$).  The 'Apple-1' was designed and built by hand by Steve Wozniak in the famous 'electronics heaven' of Silicon Valley, California, and was marketed in April 1976 by Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs through electronics retail chain, the 'Byte Shop', which bought the first 50 units."

Auction Team Breker cites the Apple I Registry as saying only 200 of these computers were ever made and that only 8 are supposedly still in working condition.

The auction house says the computer comes by way of an engineer from Berkeley, Calif., and includes original documents, plus notes from telephone calls with Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak.

And hey, if you can't swing the $190K or more to win the Apple I bid, you might consider going for the Rasmus Malling-Hanson "Writing Ball", the world's first commercially product typewriter from 1867. Bidding is estimated to range from $75K to $90.

(Hat tip to Ars Technica for spotting this auction item.)
Its a bad week for all things network security as Cisco spewed out 20 Security Advisories and Alerts  two critical and three high-impact  that customers should be aware of and implement patches where they can.

Cisco, like other big enterprise vendors, regularly issues security warnings but 20 in one day is an unusual amount for the networking giant. Others like Microsoft and Oracle issue tons of security bulletins monthly mostly without much fanfare  for example Microsoft for March, released 18 security bulletins split into nine critical and nine important security updates.

+More on Network World: Cisco execs foretell key 2017 enterprise networking trends+

According to Cisco however there is a reason for the uptick:

To better help our customers plan for managing their network updates in response to published advisories, we have begun to also include "medium" severity advisories as part of the more structured disclosure process. In the past, medium vulnerabilities were published as soon as the necessary information was available, but not according to a pre-determined timeline. The higher number today is due to this change in process, though not indicative of an overall increase in disclosures, Cisco told Network World. Until recently Cisco generally discloses Cisco Security Advisories for vulnerabilities with a severity rating of "high" or "critical." Indeed, in this weeks list, 15 of the 20 were considered medium.

This week the two critical warnings were concerning the Apache Struts vulnerability, which was disclosed last week, and an exposure with Ciscos Mobility Express 1800 Series Access Points.

Cisco's security team last week called the weakness in Apache Struts critical and this week published a list of vulnerable products here as it learns of them. Among them, Cisco Unified Communications Manager IM & Presence Service; Cisco Unified Communications Manager Session Management Edition; and Cisco Unified Communications Manager  all have patches available to address the problem, Cisco said.

+More on Network World: Cisco deepens enterprise network virtualization, security detection of DNA suite+

Last week Apache disclosed a vulnerability in the Jakarta multipart parser used in Apache Struts2 that could let an attacker execute commands remotely on the targeted system using whats known as a crafted Content-Type header value.

Cisco wrote in its warning: The vulnerability is due to improper handling of the Content-Type header value when performing a file upload based on the Jakarta multipart parser of the affected software. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by persuading a targeted user to upload a malicious file. Once the Jakarta multipart parser of the affected application uploads the file, the attacker could have the ability to execute arbitrary code. Any workarounds, when available, will be documented in the Cisco bugs, which are accessible through the Cisco Bug Search Tool. Cisco has released free software updates that address the vulnerability described in this advisory. Customers may only install and expect support for software versions and feature sets for which they have purchased a license.

The other critical warning came for Cisco Mobility Express. In that wireless LAN product, the vulnerability is due to improper implementation of authentication for accessing certain web pages using the GUI interface. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending a crafted HTTP request to the web interface of the affected system. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to bypass authentication and perform unauthorized configuration changes or issue control commands to the affected device. This vulnerability affects Cisco Mobility Express 1800 Series Access Points running a software version prior to 8.2.110.0, Cisco wrote in the advisory.

Cisco said it has released software updates that address this problem.

The High Alert products included:

Cisco Wireless LAN Controller:

Cisco wrote that a vulnerability in the mesh code of Cisco Wireless LAN Controller (WLC) software could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to impersonate a WLC in a meshed topology. The vulnerability is due to insufficient authentication of the parent access point in a mesh configuration. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by forcing the target system to disconnect from the correct parent access point and reconnect to a rogue access point owned by the attacker. An exploit could allow the attacker to control the traffic flowing through the impacted access point or take full control of the target system. Cisco has released software updates that address this vulnerability. Note that additional configuration is needed in addition to upgrading to a fixed release. There are no workarounds that address this vulnerability.

Cisco Workload Automation and Tidal Enterprise Scheduler Client Manager Server:

A vulnerability in the Client Manager Server of Cisco Workload Automation and Cisco Tidal Enterprise Scheduler could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to retrieve any file from the Client Manager Server. The vulnerability is due to insufficient input validation. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending a crafted URL to the Client Manager Server. An exploit could allow the attacker to retrieve any file from the Cisco Workload Automation or Cisco Tidal Enterprise Scheduler Client Manager Server. Cisco has released software updates that address this vulnerability. There are no workarounds that address this vulnerability, Cisco stated.

Cisco StarOS SSH Privilege Escalation:

A privilege escalation vulnerability in the Secure Shell (SSH) subsystem in the StarOS operating system for Cisco ASR 5000 Series, ASR 5500 Series, ASR 5700 Series devices, and Cisco Virtualized Packet Core could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to gain unrestricted, root shell access. The vulnerability is due to missing input validation of parameters passed during SSH or SFTP login. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by providing crafted user input to the SSH or SFTP command-line interface (CLI) during SSH or SFTP login. An exploit could allow an authenticated attacker to gain root privileges access on the router. Only traffic directed to the affected system can be used to exploit this vulnerability. This vulnerability can be triggered via both IPv4 and IPv6 traffic. An established TCP connection toward Port 22, the SSH default port, is needed to perform the attack. The attacker must have valid credentials to login to the system via SSH or SFTP. Cisco has released software updates that address this vulnerability, Cisco wrote.
To make our lives easier, digital experiences have become much more interconnected and the volume of personal data captured in the cloud is growing exponentially. While these trends make us more productive, they can also make security breaches much more damaging. Once a hacker gains access to one aspect of your digital life, he can easily reach across multiple applications and accounts, laying a path of destruction and heartache.

Todays mobile and digital experiences need authentication strategies that keep up with the constantly changing digital ecosystem, and simple passwords are not enough.

Authentication must be fast, easy to use

Multifactor authentication strategies are growing in popularity, but the tradeoff of usability and security is a constant balancing act. If authentication solutions are not simple, quick and easy, users will find ways around them. And if they are not secure, hackers will quickly exploit weaknesses. Sophisticated smart authentication strategies are coming to market that are less visible and easier to use than messaging-based two-factor authentication approaches or biometrics. Approaches such as behavioral biometrics and adaptive authentication are leveraging data and sophisticated algorithms to create more secure and easier-to-use experiences.

+ Also on Network World: Why you need a strong authentication platform +

Leveraging contextual data and behavioral biometrics to authenticate a user involves analyzing patterns to determine if they match behaviors exemplified by the account holder or if they correlate with known hacker activities. For example, if a device being used to access an app is in a location that is known to be a hotbed for hackers, instead of the home or office location of the account holder, access can be blocked or additional authentication could be required. Similarly, if a request to access an account does not originate from a phone connected to the registered users phone number, security can be tightened.

More sophisticated and secure authentication solutions

As with any security solution, the devil is in the details and the industry has to stay one step ahead of the villains. Hackers can spoof phone numbers, so more secure solutions will identify specific devices with the device ID instead of simply the phone number. Also, more robust solutions will use GPS coordinates to pinpoint location instead of IP addresses, which can also be faked.

Even more sophisticated behavioral biometrics solutions use more granular and historical data to authenticate users. Tracking GPS movements to identify patterns and matching them with past behaviors will provide greater assurance that the same person is carrying a device. Tracking the time of day a user typically logs on to an app or service can also flag suspicious activity if access is requested at an unusual time. Even the way a certain application is navigated by the user or the frequency features are used can be leveraged to authentic account holders.

Tracking contextual and behavioral data is a great way to increase the confidence level that a user is who he says he is, but these methods are not foolproof. A users behaviors may change, but the user remains the same personit is just that the risk of fraud is heightened.

This is where stepped-up or adaptive authentication enables improved security. If the system detects an anomaly in the users behavior or a heightened threat level is triggered, additional authenticators such as a one-time pin (OTP) delivered by SMS could be requested before access is provided. With this type of system, users have to authenticate themselves only when patterns change, improving the user experience.

The age of the customer has made customer experiences almost more important than the products and services offered. This makes a smooth authentication experience vital to maintaining valuable customer relationships. Companies need to ensure that they effectively balance usability with security when authenticating users, and smarter authentication solutions are making it easier.
If you're a company entrenched in an arms race for artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, you could do worse than tapping into a pool of thousands of data scientists to augment your digital products and services.

That's the pole position Google holds after acquiring crowdsourcing platform Kaggle last week for an undisclosed sum. Some 600,000 professional data crunchers use Kaggle to build prediction models for such heady challenges as cancer detection and heart disease diagnoses. And experts say Kaggle could help Google facilitate broader adoption of AI technologies.

"Data science and machine learning is now global and this is a validation of the idea that Google recognizes that most of the smartest people in the world work for somebody else," Neil Jacobstein, who chairs the artificial intelligence and robotics track at Singularity University, told CIO.com. "This is potentially a very positive move, I think, that could make everybody more competitive."

Kaggle's team will be integrated with Google's other AI assets, such as its developer library for TensorFlow, its open source machine learning software, said Fei-Fei Li, chief scientist of artificial intelligence and machine learning at Google Cloud, at the company's Google Cloud Next event last week.

Computing systems have become exponentially more powerful over the past decade, enabling companies to collect vast amounts of data. Despite advances in analytics software intended to sift through such data, companies require people who can identify and glean insights from the data and turn it into actionable information that provides a competitive advantage. Accordingly, data scientists, those individuals who can leverage predictive models and machine learning algorithms to arrive at those answers, are highly coveted and in short supply.

Democratizing machine learning

Fortunately for Google rivals and others looking to tap Kaggle's talent base, the community will remain open to all data scientists, companies and technologies, Kaggle CEO Anthony Goldbloom said in a blog post announcing the deal. This strategy is in line with Google's plans to democratize AI for the world by lowering the barriers of entry, and making it available to the largest possible community of developers, users and enterprises," Google's Li said.

If Googles openness pledge holds, the acquisition could help further democratize AI for a world that has yet to leverage such technologies to any appreciable effect, according to Singularity Universitys Jacobstein. He expects Google will try to foster a closer relationship with the community, helping to host the competitions and providing technology, including scalable infrastructure and the ability to store and query large data sets.

Jacobstein is optimistic Google will keep its promise, noting that Google tends to act as a "responsible and enlightened player in the AI community," open-sourcing such key technologies as the TensorFlow machine learning library. And DeepMind, the renowned AI company Google acquired in 2014, open sourced its flagship platform, DeepMind Lab, a 3D game platform tailored for AI research, last year.

Whether Google can harness these technologies to make the world a better place, a goal shared by Facebook, Microsoft, Baidu and other tech giants, remains an open question.

"The real challenge is deploying AI in everyday human affairs in a way that allows us to augment our intelligence and manage our planet intelligently," Jacobstein said. We have a huge opportunity to deploy better decision-making capabilities across the board and we are underutilizing those tools."

Necessary progression of AI

For Google, acquiring Kaggle is part of a necessary progression for AI technologies, including natural language processing, predictive analytics and machine learning tools intended to achieve breakthroughs, said Forrester Research analyst Brian Hopkins.

"Google's acquisition of Kaggle essentially enables that innovation to be exponential because instead of saying there is one set of people at Microsoft or Facebook that can do this, Google can say that we are going to crowdsource this and create a set of emerging technology innovation," Hopkins said. "Being able to crowdsource and bring the best minds in and incentivize them to do that work is the way it has to happen. There is no other way it can happen. I'm pretty sure Google sees that."

However, Hopkins said it remains to be seen whether Google can effectively commercialize anything from its AI assets. Its so-called moonshots, from self-driving cars to internet-enabling balloons, have yet to pan out.

"Google is positioned to potentially repeat what they did [for search and AdWords] in the AI space because it is a big area for them, but they have competition," Hopkins said. "They need to find the commercialization a-ha of how they're going to turn AI into something profitable just like they [turned] search into profitability," Hopkins said.

The reality is that most enterprises haven't figured out quite what to do with machine learning and associated AI tools yet, let alone how such technologies can give them a competitive edge.

Most organizations are only piloting AI and machine learning tools, including virtual assistants and robo-advisors, said Gartner analyst Whit Andrews, who tracks machine learning and AI technologies. Andrews said that a poll of 923 corporate employees with a title of vice president or higher revealed that 76 percent planned to try some form of AI or machine learning over the next 12 months.

Related video:

This story, "Google makes AI talent play with Kaggle buy" was originally published by CIO .
Legal question time with Gardner Leader

Julie Taylor, Senior Associate in the employment team at Gardner Leader

Significant employment law changes are anticipated for 2017, amid the ongoing uncertainty resulting from Brexit, together with the usual changes such as the increase to the national minimum wage. Find out below what these changes might mean for you as an employee or to your

business.

1. Gender pay gap reporting begins

Private-sector, voluntary sector and public-sector

organisations with 250 employees or more will be required to publish gender pay gap information for the first time. The final draft of the regulations was published on December 6, 2016, and is expected to come into force on April 6, 2017, subject to

Parliamentary approval. The first gender pay gap reports for large private and voluntary sector employers will be due by April 4, 2018. Separate requirements will be

introduced for public sector employers.

What does this mean?

In short, employers will be obliged to release information relating to employee pay and bonus pay, as well as

information on the number of men and women in each

quartile of the organisations pay distribution.

Acas and the Government Equalities Office have jointly published guidance on the Equality Act 2010 (Gender Pay Gap Information) Regulations 2017. The guidance sets out a step-by-step guide to

complying with the

regulations. It also encourages affected employers to go beyond the requirements of the regulations and implement an action plan that aims to reduce the gender pay gap.

2. Apprenticeship levy on large employers introduced

The apprenticeship levy will require all UK employers in both the private and public sectors that have annual wage bills of more than 3m to pay 0.5 per cent of their annual wage bill towards the cost of apprenticeship training. This replaces the current system, enabling employers to choose and pay for the apprenticeship training they want. Smaller organisations that are not required to pay the levy will also be able to receive funding for accredited apprenticeships by contributing 10 per cent towards the cost of an

apprenticeship, with the Government paying the remaining cost.

The apprenticeship levy is due to come into force in April 2017. More details are expected in due course.

3. National Minimum Wage changes

On April 1, 2017, the rates for the National Minimum Wage and the National Living Wage change as follows:

October 2016 (current rate)

25 and over  7.20

21 to 24  6.95

18 to 20  5.55

Under 18  4.00

Apprentice  3.40

April 2017

25 and over  7.50

21 to 24  7.05

18 to 20  5.60

Under 18  4.05

Apprentice  3.50

The next increase will see the National Living Wage for staff aged 25 or over rising to 7.50 per hour.

4. Changes to rules for employing foreign workers

Employers sponsoring foreign workers with a tier 2 visa will be required to pay an

immigration skills charge of 1,000 per worker (364 for small employers and charities) beginning in April. The

immigration skills charge will be in addition to current fees for visa applications.

In April, the minimum salary threshold for experienced workers applying for a tier 2 visa will also increase to 30,000. New entrants to the job market, and some health and education staff will be exempted from the salary threshold until 2019.

If you require any advice on the above or any other

employment query, please contact our employment team on (01635) 508080.

By Michelle Morgan and Julie Taylor, senior associates in the employment team at Gardner Leader solicitors in Newbury, Thatcham and Maidenhead. Follow @GardnerLeader or contact (01635) 508080 or www.gardner-leader.co.uk
Brighter Berkshire project praised in Commons by PM

A NEW mental health partnership is being launched today (Thursday).

Brighter Berkshire has joined forces with Berkshire Community Foundation.

Brighter Berkshire is a community-led initiative, launched in January, working towards making a strong, positive and lasting impact on the opportunities and support for the people of Berkshire who may have a range of mental health needs.

This includes new mothers suffering from post-natal depression, children needing increasing support around resilience and emotional development in schools, men over the age of 25, where suicide is the biggest cause of death, and those in later life suffering from mental health issues linked to loneliness, bereavement and dementia.

Brighter Berkshire evolved through conversations about the growing issues linked with mental health in Berkshire.

The organisation states it builds on the desire by many to do something proactive and which would allow absolutely anyone to get involved.

The Berkshire Community Foundation, meanwhile, raises funds for, and makes grants to, local charities and community groups addressing identified need across the county.

Some of this work, according to organisers, is beginning to cluster into themes where people from across the county are working together.

This has led to the creation of Brighter Berkshire Buddy Groups to support people.

Newbury MP Richard Benyon praised Brighter Berkshire in the House of Commons, winning a ringing endorsement of the initiative from Prime Minister Theresa May.

As well as formally launching the new partnership, this evenings event will also be used to talk about the projects work, hand out postcards and posters for circulation and to give an update on progress.

A spokeswoman for Brighter Berkshire, Alison Foster, said: This evening we hope to raise awareness and bring people together.

There will be a diverse range of people, from those who have experienced mental health issues to politicians and schools.

Brighter Berkshire was launched in Newbury and on Saturday, March 25, there will be a walk and talk for mental health in the town.

Participants will meet in town at 1pm wearing Brighter Berkshire T-shirts before engaging with as many people as possible.

The partnership launch this evening takes place from 4pm to 7pm at the Brighter Berkshire headquarters in the Stratus Room at 100 Longwater Avenue, Green Park, Reading.

For more information visit www.brighterberkshire.com
By Express News Service

BENGALURU: Six waiters of a bar, who had allegedly murdered a customer and dumped his body in a drain, were arrested by Kengeri Police on March 15. Though the murder occurred on February 28, the body was discovered from a drain near Kengeri, on March 3.

The deceased has been identified as Suresh alias Lodde (28), while the arrested are Suresh, Shivakumar, Avinash, Somashekar, N Nagaraj and Kanakarajall employees of Hamsa Bar and Restaurant.

Police said that on February 28, at around 10 pm, Suresh had come to Hamsa Bar and Restaurant and consumed alcohol. Around 11.45 pm, waiter Shivakumar had gone to Suresh, asking him to pay the bill, before any of his other orders are taken. Enraged, Suresh refused to pay the bill and threatened to kill Shiva.

Soon after, a fight broke out between the bar staff and Suresh and in a fit of rage, the bar staff strangled him to death with a wire. Later, the accused put his body in a gunny bag, took it on a two wheeler to Kengeri drainage behind Venkateshwara theatre on Vidhyapeeta Road and dumped it.

The incident came to light on March 3 when passersby noticed a body in the drainage. Based on CCTV footage, police arrested the accused.

After the incident, the accused had continued to work in the same bar, police said.

BENGALURU: Six waiters of a bar, who had allegedly murdered a customer and dumped his body in a drain, were arrested by Kengeri Police on March 15. Though the murder occurred on February 28, the body was discovered from a drain near Kengeri, on March 3. The deceased has been identified as Suresh alias Lodde (28), while the arrested are Suresh, Shivakumar, Avinash, Somashekar, N Nagaraj and Kanakarajall employees of Hamsa Bar and Restaurant. Police said that on February 28, at around 10 pm, Suresh had come to Hamsa Bar and Restaurant and consumed alcohol. Around 11.45 pm, waiter Shivakumar had gone to Suresh, asking him to pay the bill, before any of his other orders are taken. Enraged, Suresh refused to pay the bill and threatened to kill Shiva. Soon after, a fight broke out between the bar staff and Suresh and in a fit of rage, the bar staff strangled him to death with a wire. Later, the accused put his body in a gunny bag, took it on a two wheeler to Kengeri drainage behind Venkateshwara theatre on Vidhyapeeta Road and dumped it. The incident came to light on March 3 when passersby noticed a body in the drainage. Based on CCTV footage, police arrested the accused. After the incident, the accused had continued to work in the same bar, police said.
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Delhi Lt Governor Anil Baijal has turned down another proposal of AAP led Delhi government. This time Lt Governor Anil Baijal has said no to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's proposal for ballot voting and said change of mode of polling was not feasible due to time constraint.

The Lt Governor conveyed to the Delhi Government that the rules will have to be amended for shunning the EVMs and it was not possible to make the changes as little over a month is left for the polls. Earlier, Baijal refused to clear compensation announced to the family of Ram Krishen Grewal, the subedar who committed suicide during the One Rank-One Pension (OROP) protests in Delhi in November last year.

Arvind Kejriwal had raised questions over credibility of EVM machines and said that around 20 to 25 per cent of its votes may have been "transferred" to the SAD-BJP coalition, which finished third. The Election Commission has already over ruled the argument that EVM machines can be tempered. Kejriwal had even requested Baijal to call a meeting of political parties and the state election commission to explore the possibility of using ballot papers in the civic polls.

NEW DELHI: Delhi Lt Governor Anil Baijal has turned down another proposal of AAP led Delhi government. This time Lt Governor Anil Baijal has said no to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's proposal for ballot voting and said change of mode of polling was not feasible due to time constraint. The Lt Governor conveyed to the Delhi Government that the rules will have to be amended for shunning the EVMs and it was not possible to make the changes as little over a month is left for the polls. Earlier, Baijal refused to clear compensation announced to the family of Ram Krishen Grewal, the subedar who committed suicide during the One Rank-One Pension (OROP) protests in Delhi in November last year. Arvind Kejriwal had raised questions over credibility of EVM machines and said that around 20 to 25 per cent of its votes may have been "transferred" to the SAD-BJP coalition, which finished third. The Election Commission has already over ruled the argument that EVM machines can be tempered. Kejriwal had even requested Baijal to call a meeting of political parties and the state election commission to explore the possibility of using ballot papers in the civic polls.
By Express News Service

HYDERABAD: The National Green Tribunal (NGT), Southern Zone, Chennai on Wednesday stayed all further construction activities relating to Palamuru Rangareddy Lift Irrigation Scheme (PRLIS) in the reserve forest area, until further orders.

A two-member bench of Justice M S Nambiar and P S Rao granted an interim stay, while dealing with an application filed by B Harshavardhan challenging the action of the government in going ahead with first phase of PRLIS project which passes through Amrabad-Srisailam-Nagarjunasagar Tiger Reserve area without forest clearances.

But, the government claimed that the tribunal had not stayed the works. Irrigation department officials said the interim order of the NGT was just a suggestion. No works are being undertaken in the dense forest area as alleged by the petitioner, they added.

Earlier in the day, during the course of hearing, additional advocate general of Telangana J Ramachandra Rao submitted that they were not constructing anything in the reserved forest area, and had sought an adjournment of the case.

Disputing with this submission, petitioners counsel Sanjay Upadhyay, while placing geo stat coordinated photographs from the site before the bench, contended that it is an irrigation project and the entire project was designed by the irrigation department. It was floated without any clearances in the name of drinking water project, he alleged.

In fact, clearances under the Environment Impact Assessment Notification, 2006, Section 2 of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 and the Office Memorandum dated Dec 9, 2099 of the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change are mandatory for the projects which are passing through the reserve forest areas. At present, the area is being destroyed owing to the blatant illegal constructions around the buffer zone of the Tiger reserve, he pointed out.

After hearing both the sides, the bench told the AAG that the project could be completed only after obtaining environmental and forest clearances. At present, it is clearly not a drinking water project, the bench observed.

The bench, while admitting the miscellaneous application of the petitioner seeking to appoint an independent local commission, issued notices to the authorities concerned to respond to it. While adjourning the case by two weeks, the bench directed the state authorities to file an affidavit explaining that the PRLIS is a drinking water project and not an irrigation one.

HYDERABAD: The National Green Tribunal (NGT), Southern Zone, Chennai on Wednesday stayed all further construction activities relating to Palamuru Rangareddy Lift Irrigation Scheme (PRLIS) in the reserve forest area, until further orders. A two-member bench of Justice M S Nambiar and P S Rao granted an interim stay, while dealing with an application filed by B Harshavardhan challenging the action of the government in going ahead with first phase of PRLIS project which passes through Amrabad-Srisailam-Nagarjunasagar Tiger Reserve area without forest clearances. But, the government claimed that the tribunal had not stayed the works. Irrigation department officials said the interim order of the NGT was just a suggestion. No works are being undertaken in the dense forest area as alleged by the petitioner, they added. Earlier in the day, during the course of hearing, additional advocate general of Telangana J Ramachandra Rao submitted that they were not constructing anything in the reserved forest area, and had sought an adjournment of the case. Disputing with this submission, petitioners counsel Sanjay Upadhyay, while placing geo stat coordinated photographs from the site before the bench, contended that it is an irrigation project and the entire project was designed by the irrigation department. It was floated without any clearances in the name of drinking water project, he alleged. In fact, clearances under the Environment Impact Assessment Notification, 2006, Section 2 of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 and the Office Memorandum dated Dec 9, 2099 of the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change are mandatory for the projects which are passing through the reserve forest areas. At present, the area is being destroyed owing to the blatant illegal constructions around the buffer zone of the Tiger reserve, he pointed out. After hearing both the sides, the bench told the AAG that the project could be completed only after obtaining environmental and forest clearances. At present, it is clearly not a drinking water project, the bench observed. The bench, while admitting the miscellaneous application of the petitioner seeking to appoint an independent local commission, issued notices to the authorities concerned to respond to it. While adjourning the case by two weeks, the bench directed the state authorities to file an affidavit explaining that the PRLIS is a drinking water project and not an irrigation one.
By Express News Service

MUMBAI: The shooting of Deepika Padukone-starrer Padmavati had to be indefinitely suspended after unidentified people vandalised and burnt the sets of the film at Mhasai plateau near Kolhapur on Wednesday.

The incident, which is believed to have happened between 1 am and 2 am on Wednesday morning, came to light when the crew reached the spot. The fire damaged two pandals-one where the horses were kept along with the costume store room. The shooting for the film has been in progress since March 6 and was scheduled to be completed by March 20.

The police are investigating the matter, though no arrests have been made so far, minister of state for Home affairs, Deepak Kesarkar, told the New Indian Express.

We have asked the producers to lodge a formal complaint in the case. The state government has also decided to provide police protection to the crew members and the location of shooting during the night as well. They are currently being provided protection during the day, Kesarkar added.

At least 40 to 50 people armed with sticks and stones attacked the sets and damaged the cars parked around the location near Panhala Fort. The attackers also hurled petrol bombs at the set, according to the police. Most of the costumes for the extras have been reduced to ashes in the arson, said Rimple Narula, costume designer for the film. The miscreants had also hurled petrol bombs at the fodder kept for horses.

MUMBAI: The shooting of Deepika Padukone-starrer Padmavati had to be indefinitely suspended after unidentified people vandalised and burnt the sets of the film at Mhasai plateau near Kolhapur on Wednesday. The incident, which is believed to have happened between 1 am and 2 am on Wednesday morning, came to light when the crew reached the spot. The fire damaged two pandals-one where the horses were kept along with the costume store room. The shooting for the film has been in progress since March 6 and was scheduled to be completed by March 20. The police are investigating the matter, though no arrests have been made so far, minister of state for Home affairs, Deepak Kesarkar, told the New Indian Express. We have asked the producers to lodge a formal complaint in the case. The state government has also decided to provide police protection to the crew members and the location of shooting during the night as well. They are currently being provided protection during the day, Kesarkar added. At least 40 to 50 people armed with sticks and stones attacked the sets and damaged the cars parked around the location near Panhala Fort. The attackers also hurled petrol bombs at the set, according to the police. Most of the costumes for the extras have been reduced to ashes in the arson, said Rimple Narula, costume designer for the film. The miscreants had also hurled petrol bombs at the fodder kept for horses.
S Subhakeerthana By

Express News Service

A canine (Belgian Shepherd) played an important character in Sibirajs Naaigal Jaakirathai (2014). In Kattappava Kanom, that is releasing this week, a fish plays an important role. Though the actor is not superstitious, he feels whenever he works with pets the film becomes a success. Maybe, thats because only few films involve animals. Kattappa is the fish that goes missing and the plot revolves around that. After many brainstorming sessions, we decided to name the fish Kattappa, after my fathers character in Baahubali, he says.

Directed by Mani Seiyon, former assistant of Arivazhagan, Sibiraj plays the role of an IT professional. Ask him why they chose a fish, he laughs, Fishes are smarter than us and have superior brains. Mani tells CE that fishes have always fascinated him. They make wonderful pets like dogs, and when I am free I spend time observing them, he adds.

Quiz him on the challenges he faced, Mani says he bought this lucky fish and spoke to it on a daily basis before the shoot. It may sound bizzare. But eventually when I worked with the camera, things fell in place, shares Mani. Sibi adds, It is easy to work with a trained dog, but difficult to do so with a fish.

The film also has a voice-over by Vijay Sethupathi. The director felt that it would be nice if we had someone who has a unique and easily-relatable voice. Thats when we thought of Vijay Sethupathi. The film begins with his narration. Despite his busy schedule, he took some time out and did this for us, he says.

While Aishwarya Rajesh plays an urban homemaker and Chandini Tamilarasan as Sibirajs friend.

Interestingly, the names of the characters in the film are related to fish  Pandi yan, Meena, Sheela.

Sibi assures that the film has elements catering to family audience and children. Its a fantasy-comedy and will be high on romance. I was intially nervous to do some of the romantic scenes. We managed to rope in filmmaker Nalan Kumarasamy for a cameo. He plays a veterinary doctor. Hell be seen treating the fish when it consumes alcohol, he adds.

Livingston, Kaali Venkat, Mime Gopi, Saravanan, Thirumurugan, Chitra Lakshmanan, Mimicry Sethu and Yogi Babu form the supporting cast. Santhosh Dhayanidhi of Santhanams Inimey Ippadithaan (2015) fame has composed the music for the project.

Meanwhile, Sibi hints a sequel to his hit film Naaigal Jaakirathai. Yes, its definitely on cards, but not immediately. Both Shakti Soundar Rajan and I are occupied with our respective commitments. Once were done with our committments, well work on it, he says.

A canine (Belgian Shepherd) played an important character in Sibirajs Naaigal Jaakirathai (2014). In Kattappava Kanom, that is releasing this week, a fish plays an important role. Though the actor is not superstitious, he feels whenever he works with pets the film becomes a success. Maybe, thats because only few films involve animals. Kattappa is the fish that goes missing and the plot revolves around that. After many brainstorming sessions, we decided to name the fish Kattappa, after my fathers character in Baahubali, he says. Directed by Mani Seiyon, former assistant of Arivazhagan, Sibiraj plays the role of an IT professional. Ask him why they chose a fish, he laughs, Fishes are smarter than us and have superior brains. Mani tells CE that fishes have always fascinated him. They make wonderful pets like dogs, and when I am free I spend time observing them, he adds. Quiz him on the challenges he faced, Mani says he bought this lucky fish and spoke to it on a daily basis before the shoot. It may sound bizzare. But eventually when I worked with the camera, things fell in place, shares Mani. Sibi adds, It is easy to work with a trained dog, but difficult to do so with a fish. The film also has a voice-over by Vijay Sethupathi. The director felt that it would be nice if we had someone who has a unique and easily-relatable voice. Thats when we thought of Vijay Sethupathi. The film begins with his narration. Despite his busy schedule, he took some time out and did this for us, he says. While Aishwarya Rajesh plays an urban homemaker and Chandini Tamilarasan as Sibirajs friend. Interestingly, the names of the characters in the film are related to fish  Pandi yan, Meena, Sheela. Sibi assures that the film has elements catering to family audience and children. Its a fantasy-comedy and will be high on romance. I was intially nervous to do some of the romantic scenes. We managed to rope in filmmaker Nalan Kumarasamy for a cameo. He plays a veterinary doctor. Hell be seen treating the fish when it consumes alcohol, he adds. Livingston, Kaali Venkat, Mime Gopi, Saravanan, Thirumurugan, Chitra Lakshmanan, Mimicry Sethu and Yogi Babu form the supporting cast. Santhosh Dhayanidhi of Santhanams Inimey Ippadithaan (2015) fame has composed the music for the project. Meanwhile, Sibi hints a sequel to his hit film Naaigal Jaakirathai. Yes, its definitely on cards, but not immediately. Both Shakti Soundar Rajan and I are occupied with our respective commitments. Once were done with our committments, well work on it, he says.
By Express News Service

PATNA: A man has been arrested in Bihars Samastipur district for allegedly threatening to blow up the Patna Junction railway station in the state capital.

A team of railway police arrested Sushil Kumar, a resident of Kalyanpur in Samastipur district, on Tuesday evening for allegedly sending a text message to a top railway police official threatening that he would blow up Patna Junction railway station.

The man was arrested after the location of the mobile phone from which the message had come was traced. He was brought to Patna on Wednesday and he is being interrogated, said Amit Kumar, inspector general (IG) of railway police. It was on Amit Kumars official mobile phone number that the message with the threat had been sent.

The police team that arrested Sushil Kumar, however, failed to trace the mobile phone and the SIM from which the threat message had been sent. We are still investigating the matter to know how this threatening message originated. Since the mobile phone is yet to be traced, we have not yet come to any conclusion, said the IG.

Sources said the arrested man denied that he had sent any such threatening message, but he failed to intelligibly explain where his phone is.

Meanwhile, security has been stepped up in and around Patna Junction railway station. Sources said the threat message had come on Amit Kumars mobile phone on Monday. With Patna Junction witnessing severe rush due to Holi, the cops were put on alert. The threatening message led to a further intensification of security checks in and around the railway station, said officials.

There have been similar threats to blow up Patna Junction railway station earlier, too. In most cases, such threats have been found to have been issued by youngsters seeking to have fun.

PATNA: A man has been arrested in Bihars Samastipur district for allegedly threatening to blow up the Patna Junction railway station in the state capital. A team of railway police arrested Sushil Kumar, a resident of Kalyanpur in Samastipur district, on Tuesday evening for allegedly sending a text message to a top railway police official threatening that he would blow up Patna Junction railway station. The man was arrested after the location of the mobile phone from which the message had come was traced. He was brought to Patna on Wednesday and he is being interrogated, said Amit Kumar, inspector general (IG) of railway police. It was on Amit Kumars official mobile phone number that the message with the threat had been sent. The police team that arrested Sushil Kumar, however, failed to trace the mobile phone and the SIM from which the threat message had been sent. We are still investigating the matter to know how this threatening message originated. Since the mobile phone is yet to be traced, we have not yet come to any conclusion, said the IG. Sources said the arrested man denied that he had sent any such threatening message, but he failed to intelligibly explain where his phone is. Meanwhile, security has been stepped up in and around Patna Junction railway station. Sources said the threat message had come on Amit Kumars mobile phone on Monday. With Patna Junction witnessing severe rush due to Holi, the cops were put on alert. The threatening message led to a further intensification of security checks in and around the railway station, said officials. There have been similar threats to blow up Patna Junction railway station earlier, too. In most cases, such threats have been found to have been issued by youngsters seeking to have fun.
NEW DELHI:: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday lashed out at Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav for encouraging ministers like Gayatri Prajapati in Uttar Pradesh, saying that the saffron party, which is now in power in the state, will not spare goons masquerading around as politicians.



If BJP would have ruled earlier, Uttar Pradesh would have been a better state to live in, but better late than never. After Gayatri Prajapati getting arrested its time for many more leaders like him to get arrested as well, because Akhilesh Yadav encouraged all heinous crimes happily, BJP leader Sangeet Som told ANI.



Som further came down heavily on Akhilesh saying that he had tied the hands of the Uttar Pradesh police for the past five years.



All this while, Akhilesh was covering up on all his crimes but not anymore. Now we will show how active Uttar Pradesh police can get, which they were not in the last five years. It is also unfortunate that even the Congress has not said anything demanding his sacking, as they are ally of Samajwadi Party, said Som.



Former Uttar Pradesh Minister and Samajwadi party leader Gayatri Prasad Prajapati, an accused in a gang rape case, was arrested from his residence in Lucknow yesterday.



Prajapati, who was absconding, was arrested and sent to Alambagh police station for interrogation. He was produced before a court, which sent him to a 14-day judicial custody.



Based on a Supreme Court directive, an FIR was lodged against the minister and six others last month for allegedly gang-raping a woman and attempting to rape her daughter.

NEW DELHI:: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday lashed out at Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav for encouraging ministers like Gayatri Prajapati in Uttar Pradesh, saying that the saffron party, which is now in power in the state, will not spare goons masquerading around as politicians. If BJP would have ruled earlier, Uttar Pradesh would have been a better state to live in, but better late than never. After Gayatri Prajapati getting arrested its time for many more leaders like him to get arrested as well, because Akhilesh Yadav encouraged all heinous crimes happily, BJP leader Sangeet Som told ANI. Som further came down heavily on Akhilesh saying that he had tied the hands of the Uttar Pradesh police for the past five years. All this while, Akhilesh was covering up on all his crimes but not anymore. Now we will show how active Uttar Pradesh police can get, which they were not in the last five years. It is also unfortunate that even the Congress has not said anything demanding his sacking, as they are ally of Samajwadi Party, said Som. Former Uttar Pradesh Minister and Samajwadi party leader Gayatri Prasad Prajapati, an accused in a gang rape case, was arrested from his residence in Lucknow yesterday. Prajapati, who was absconding, was arrested and sent to Alambagh police station for interrogation. He was produced before a court, which sent him to a 14-day judicial custody. Based on a Supreme Court directive, an FIR was lodged against the minister and six others last month for allegedly gang-raping a woman and attempting to rape her daughter.
LUDHIANA: A wax statue of Captain Amarinder Singh, who will be sworn-in as Punjab Chief Minister today for the second time, was unveiled at Ludhiana.

Singh led the Congress to victory in the northern state after a decade.

Inducted into the Congress by Rajiv Gandhi and first elected to the Lok Sabha in 1980, Capt. Amarinder Singh had been campaigning to mark the first state-election victory for the grand old party after the 2014 Lok Sabha debacle.

Singh contested on the Patiala (Urban) seat. The assembly segment has been represented by him on three consecutive occasions, from 2002 to 2014.

Governor VP Singh Badnore will administer the oath of office and secrecy to Singh at Raj Bhawan in Chandigarh.

Navjot Sidhu, Manpreet Badal, Charanjit Channi are among the other Congress MLAs who would be taking oath as ministers today as well.

Former prime minister Manmohan Singh and party vice-president Rahul Gandhi are among those who will attend the ceremony.

The Congress secured 77 out of 117 seats in the state Assembly polls. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) won 20 seats on debut, making it the second largest party in the Punjab Assembly.

The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD)-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) alliance fared the worst with 18 seats.



LUDHIANA: A wax statue of Captain Amarinder Singh, who will be sworn-in as Punjab Chief Minister today for the second time, was unveiled at Ludhiana. Singh led the Congress to victory in the northern state after a decade. Inducted into the Congress by Rajiv Gandhi and first elected to the Lok Sabha in 1980, Capt. Amarinder Singh had been campaigning to mark the first state-election victory for the grand old party after the 2014 Lok Sabha debacle. Singh contested on the Patiala (Urban) seat. The assembly segment has been represented by him on three consecutive occasions, from 2002 to 2014. Governor VP Singh Badnore will administer the oath of office and secrecy to Singh at Raj Bhawan in Chandigarh. Navjot Sidhu, Manpreet Badal, Charanjit Channi are among the other Congress MLAs who would be taking oath as ministers today as well. Former prime minister Manmohan Singh and party vice-president Rahul Gandhi are among those who will attend the ceremony. The Congress secured 77 out of 117 seats in the state Assembly polls. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) won 20 seats on debut, making it the second largest party in the Punjab Assembly. The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD)-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) alliance fared the worst with 18 seats.
Prasanta Mazumdar By

Express News Service

GUWAHATI: Two suspected Islamic State (IS) members have been arrested by the Assam Rifles personnel in Manipur and handed over to the police.

The duo was apprehended from a Maruti van at Khudengthabi check post near the Indo-Myanmar border town of Moreh on March 14.

Based on their Aadhaar card details, they were identified as Nainamohamed (56), son of Haja Alawdeen, resident of 10/Old, No 13, Subramaniya Street, Chepauk, Triplicane, Chennai, and I Abubacker (46), son of Ibramsa, resident of 51/a/25a, Sevenwells Street, Sevenwells, Chennai.

The personnel seized 14 SIM cards, including six of foreign origin, and currencies of some countries from them. The two allegedly have contacts in a number of countries and embassies. The police registered a case against them under Sections 121, 121 (a), 511 and 34 of the IPC. They claimed they reached Moreh on March 12. They said they started their journey by train from Chennai on March 9 and reached Howrah (in West Bengal). From there, they travelled by the Kanchenjunga Express and reached Dimapur (in Nagaland) on March 11. They said they reached Moreh the next day, the Assam Rifles said in a note, a copy of which is available with New Indian Express, to the officer-in-charge of Moreh police station.

The duo told their interrogators that they visited Moreh to meet their aunt Hamida, and for some business purpose and that it was their second visit to the town since January 2016. But on inquiring with the Tamil Sangam, the personnel learnt that they were not related to anyone in Moreh and that no woman by that name lived there. Moreh has a sizeable Tamil population.

CCTV footage collected from Khudengthabi check post revealed they were travelling from Moreh to Imphal on March 9 and as such, them taking the train from Chennai on March 9 is impossible, the Assam Rifles said. The two have contacts in Dubai, Sri Lanka and Qatar as well. The Assam Rifles said they constantly changed their statements. It said some SIM cards were from Sri Lanka, Dubai and Singapore, while they had the numbers of the embassies, including the US, Bangladesh, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Thailand. They had the currency notes of Cambodia, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Kuwait and Qatar. They claimed they are very poor but the fact that they have contacts with foreign nationals is a matter of suspicion. They are constantly travelling by air which is in contrast to their claim of travelling by train. Abubacker also had a flight reservation on March 14 but he gave the journey a miss. This can be found from his mobile phone, the Assam Rifles said.

The force did not rule out the possibility of their nexus with the IS.

"Their frequent visits to Moreh for smuggling and the possibility of them working for the Islamic State for recruitment cannot be ruled out. It is clear they were here to carry out some nefarious activities," the Assam Rifles said.

GUWAHATI: Two suspected Islamic State (IS) members have been arrested by the Assam Rifles personnel in Manipur and handed over to the police. The duo was apprehended from a Maruti van at Khudengthabi check post near the Indo-Myanmar border town of Moreh on March 14. Based on their Aadhaar card details, they were identified as Nainamohamed (56), son of Haja Alawdeen, resident of 10/Old, No 13, Subramaniya Street, Chepauk, Triplicane, Chennai, and I Abubacker (46), son of Ibramsa, resident of 51/a/25a, Sevenwells Street, Sevenwells, Chennai. The personnel seized 14 SIM cards, including six of foreign origin, and currencies of some countries from them. The two allegedly have contacts in a number of countries and embassies. The police registered a case against them under Sections 121, 121 (a), 511 and 34 of the IPC. They claimed they reached Moreh on March 12. They said they started their journey by train from Chennai on March 9 and reached Howrah (in West Bengal). From there, they travelled by the Kanchenjunga Express and reached Dimapur (in Nagaland) on March 11. They said they reached Moreh the next day, the Assam Rifles said in a note, a copy of which is available with New Indian Express, to the officer-in-charge of Moreh police station. The duo told their interrogators that they visited Moreh to meet their aunt Hamida, and for some business purpose and that it was their second visit to the town since January 2016. But on inquiring with the Tamil Sangam, the personnel learnt that they were not related to anyone in Moreh and that no woman by that name lived there. Moreh has a sizeable Tamil population. CCTV footage collected from Khudengthabi check post revealed they were travelling from Moreh to Imphal on March 9 and as such, them taking the train from Chennai on March 9 is impossible, the Assam Rifles said. The two have contacts in Dubai, Sri Lanka and Qatar as well. The Assam Rifles said they constantly changed their statements. It said some SIM cards were from Sri Lanka, Dubai and Singapore, while they had the numbers of the embassies, including the US, Bangladesh, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Thailand. They had the currency notes of Cambodia, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Kuwait and Qatar. They claimed they are very poor but the fact that they have contacts with foreign nationals is a matter of suspicion. They are constantly travelling by air which is in contrast to their claim of travelling by train. Abubacker also had a flight reservation on March 14 but he gave the journey a miss. This can be found from his mobile phone, the Assam Rifles said. The force did not rule out the possibility of their nexus with the IS. "Their frequent visits to Moreh for smuggling and the possibility of them working for the Islamic State for recruitment cannot be ruled out. It is clear they were here to carry out some nefarious activities," the Assam Rifles said.
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a prosecution complaint (equivalent to a charge sheet in police parlance) against two Hizbul Mujahideeen operatives for money laundering in connection with a terror financing case relating to Jammu and Kashmir.



ED files prosecution complaint against Mubarak Ali & Inayatullah Wani associated with Hizb-ul-Mujahideen under PMLA in a terror funding case, the agency tweeted on Thursday.



The two accused persons hailing from Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir were earlier arrested by the State police for possessing 5.4 lakh cash suspected to be illegal and intended to be delivered to an actgive HM terrorist Ghulam Nabi alias Javed Qureshi.



The charge sheet was filed on Tuesday before a designated Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court in Jammu.



In its chargesheet, the agency said both Ali and Wani were "overground" workers of HM and were involved and helping in a well-planned conspiracy to increase terrorist activities in the area of Doda district by allegedly carrying the cash for Qureshi after receiving it from an "unknown terrorist in Srinagar.



"Accused Ali worked as labour contractor and Wani was a member of the Village Defence Committee of the area," the agency said in a statement.



In 2016, the ED had attached the seized cash terming it as the "proceeds of crime" of terrorist financing under PMLA.



"In the course of investigation, Ali took plea that the seized money was carried by him and his maternal cousin Wani for his (Ali's) treatment of mouth cancer but during investigation, the doctor who was treating Ali stated that he was not suffering from mouth cancer and the treatment given to him was completely free of charge as the patient was advised for treatment at government hospital," the agency said in its chargesheet.



The doctor told the ED that had the treatment been given in private clinic it would have cost him a maximum of Rs 10,000. The doctor further denied to have advised Ali that the treatment would cost around Rs 5-6 lakh, the agency said in its chargesheet.



"Thus, from the statement of the doctor it was established that the purpose of seized proceeds of crime was for militancy, as alleged in the FIR, and not for medical treatment as claimed, the agency further said in its chargesheet, adding the duo could not explain the source of the seized funds.

NEW DELHI: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a prosecution complaint (equivalent to a charge sheet in police parlance) against two Hizbul Mujahideeen operatives for money laundering in connection with a terror financing case relating to Jammu and Kashmir. ED files prosecution complaint against Mubarak Ali & Inayatullah Wani associated with Hizb-ul-Mujahideen under PMLA in a terror funding case, the agency tweeted on Thursday. The two accused persons hailing from Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir were earlier arrested by the State police for possessing 5.4 lakh cash suspected to be illegal and intended to be delivered to an actgive HM terrorist Ghulam Nabi alias Javed Qureshi. The charge sheet was filed on Tuesday before a designated Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court in Jammu. In its chargesheet, the agency said both Ali and Wani were "overground" workers of HM and were involved and helping in a well-planned conspiracy to increase terrorist activities in the area of Doda district by allegedly carrying the cash for Qureshi after receiving it from an "unknown terrorist in Srinagar. "Accused Ali worked as labour contractor and Wani was a member of the Village Defence Committee of the area," the agency said in a statement. In 2016, the ED had attached the seized cash terming it as the "proceeds of crime" of terrorist financing under PMLA. "In the course of investigation, Ali took plea that the seized money was carried by him and his maternal cousin Wani for his (Ali's) treatment of mouth cancer but during investigation, the doctor who was treating Ali stated that he was not suffering from mouth cancer and the treatment given to him was completely free of charge as the patient was advised for treatment at government hospital," the agency said in its chargesheet. The doctor told the ED that had the treatment been given in private clinic it would have cost him a maximum of Rs 10,000. The doctor further denied to have advised Ali that the treatment would cost around Rs 5-6 lakh, the agency said in its chargesheet. "Thus, from the statement of the doctor it was established that the purpose of seized proceeds of crime was for militancy, as alleged in the FIR, and not for medical treatment as claimed, the agency further said in its chargesheet, adding the duo could not explain the source of the seized funds.
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Central government accords the highest priority to promote the well-being, safety and security of Indian fishermen and have strongly conveyed to Sri Lanka that the use of force cannot be justified under any circumstances, said External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.

Making a statement in Rajya Sabha on the killing of Indian fisherman allegedly by Sri Lankan Navy in Palk Bay on March 6, Swaraj said the government through diplomatic channels, has consistently taken up issues relating to apprehension of fishermen with the Sri Lanka to ensure that Indian fishermen are treated in a humane manner.

The Sri Lankan side has, however, denied the involvement of their Navy in the firing incident. Our High Commissioner personally spoke to Sri Lankan Prime Minister and Navy Commander on this matter. The Sri Lankan Government has further reassured us that all possible action will be taken in cooperation with the relevant Indian authorities to investigate the incident, she said.

Assuring to pursue the matter with the Sri Lankan Government, the minister said that the matter is essentially humanitarian in nature, involving the livelihood and socio-economic practices of Indian fishermen community.

She said that several meetings were held in past few months to discuss the issue in a comprehensive manner.

Explaining the efforts being made, Swaraj said that an agreement was reached at the meeting to set up a Joint Working Group (JWG) on Fisheries as a bilateral institutional mechanism to help find a permanent solution to all fishermen issues.

The government, as a result of its consistent efforts, has secured release of 1045 Indian fishermen, in custody of Sri Lanka in 2014, 375 fishermen in 2015, 333 fishermen in 2016 and 51 fishermen in 2017. While 85 Indian fishermen along with 136 fishing vessels were in custody of Sri Lanka, I am glad to inform the House that all the fishermen have since been released. We are also pursuing the release of the fishing boats in Sri Lankan custody, said informed the house.

The minister further said that Centre is engaged with Sri Lanka to ensure that the rights of the detained Indian nationals are protected and that the fishermen on both sides can continue to pursue their livelihood in a safe, secure and sustainable.

NEW DELHI: Central government accords the highest priority to promote the well-being, safety and security of Indian fishermen and have strongly conveyed to Sri Lanka that the use of force cannot be justified under any circumstances, said External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. Making a statement in Rajya Sabha on the killing of Indian fisherman allegedly by Sri Lankan Navy in Palk Bay on March 6, Swaraj said the government through diplomatic channels, has consistently taken up issues relating to apprehension of fishermen with the Sri Lanka to ensure that Indian fishermen are treated in a humane manner. The Sri Lankan side has, however, denied the involvement of their Navy in the firing incident. Our High Commissioner personally spoke to Sri Lankan Prime Minister and Navy Commander on this matter. The Sri Lankan Government has further reassured us that all possible action will be taken in cooperation with the relevant Indian authorities to investigate the incident, she said. Assuring to pursue the matter with the Sri Lankan Government, the minister said that the matter is essentially humanitarian in nature, involving the livelihood and socio-economic practices of Indian fishermen community. She said that several meetings were held in past few months to discuss the issue in a comprehensive manner. Explaining the efforts being made, Swaraj said that an agreement was reached at the meeting to set up a Joint Working Group (JWG) on Fisheries as a bilateral institutional mechanism to help find a permanent solution to all fishermen issues. The government, as a result of its consistent efforts, has secured release of 1045 Indian fishermen, in custody of Sri Lanka in 2014, 375 fishermen in 2015, 333 fishermen in 2016 and 51 fishermen in 2017. While 85 Indian fishermen along with 136 fishing vessels were in custody of Sri Lanka, I am glad to inform the House that all the fishermen have since been released. We are also pursuing the release of the fishing boats in Sri Lankan custody, said informed the house. The minister further said that Centre is engaged with Sri Lanka to ensure that the rights of the detained Indian nationals are protected and that the fishermen on both sides can continue to pursue their livelihood in a safe, secure and sustainable.
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Days after Supreme Court issued a bailable warrant against the sitting Calcutta High Court Judge C S Karnan, he in an letter addressed to seven senior most judges have demanded an compensation of Rs 14 crore for disturbing his mind and normal life, failing which he would restrain the judicial and administrative work of these judges.



In a two page letter written to seven judges who were part of the special bench which had issued warrant against Justice Karnan, he said, You have constituted an unconstitutional bench after breaking the Indian constitutional law and passed a suo motu contempt order and restrained me from judicial and administrative work and that order was passed with malafide intention in order to harass a Dalit Judge (myself).



Judge means a dignified person of law who has to hear both sides of the case and pass order in accordance with law. Hence, I request you (CJI and other six judges) to cancel the unconstitutional bench and restore my normal work. The seven judges should pay compensation, a sum of Rs 14 crores since you have disturbed my mind and my normal life, besides you have insulted me in the general public consisting of a population of 120 crores in India due to lack of legal knowledge, the letter reads.



In his letter he has alleged that these senior judges have issue order to protect the 20 judges against whom he has filed a complaint for dishonesty with the Prime Minister.



All seven judges shall pay a part of the compensation within a period of seven days from the receipt of this order, failing which on the same stand (on the same footing), I will restrain judicial and administrative work of yours, the letter states.



Earlier this month, the court had issued bailable warrant against Judge C S Karnan to ensure he appears before it on March 31.



If Justice Karnan fails to appear on March 31, then the court might issue a non-bailable warrant against him.



The contempt proceedings have been initiated against Justice Karnan for writing letters to various judges including the Prime Minister, accusing several judges of corruption.



A seven judge bench headed by Chief Justice J S Khehar had directed the Director General of West Bengal Police to execute the warrants on the judge to ensure his presence on March 31 after he failed to appear even today despite being served with contempt notice.

NEW DELHI: Days after Supreme Court issued a bailable warrant against the sitting Calcutta High Court Judge C S Karnan, he in an letter addressed to seven senior most judges have demanded an compensation of Rs 14 crore for disturbing his mind and normal life, failing which he would restrain the judicial and administrative work of these judges. In a two page letter written to seven judges who were part of the special bench which had issued warrant against Justice Karnan, he said, You have constituted an unconstitutional bench after breaking the Indian constitutional law and passed a suo motu contempt order and restrained me from judicial and administrative work and that order was passed with malafide intention in order to harass a Dalit Judge (myself). Judge means a dignified person of law who has to hear both sides of the case and pass order in accordance with law. Hence, I request you (CJI and other six judges) to cancel the unconstitutional bench and restore my normal work. The seven judges should pay compensation, a sum of Rs 14 crores since you have disturbed my mind and my normal life, besides you have insulted me in the general public consisting of a population of 120 crores in India due to lack of legal knowledge, the letter reads. In his letter he has alleged that these senior judges have issue order to protect the 20 judges against whom he has filed a complaint for dishonesty with the Prime Minister. All seven judges shall pay a part of the compensation within a period of seven days from the receipt of this order, failing which on the same stand (on the same footing), I will restrain judicial and administrative work of yours, the letter states. Earlier this month, the court had issued bailable warrant against Judge C S Karnan to ensure he appears before it on March 31. If Justice Karnan fails to appear on March 31, then the court might issue a non-bailable warrant against him. The contempt proceedings have been initiated against Justice Karnan for writing letters to various judges including the Prime Minister, accusing several judges of corruption. A seven judge bench headed by Chief Justice J S Khehar had directed the Director General of West Bengal Police to execute the warrants on the judge to ensure his presence on March 31 after he failed to appear even today despite being served with contempt notice.
By IANS

The emphatic victory of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand assembly polls has brought the partys relationship with its ideological mentor, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), back in focus.

One key question for which an answer has been sought ever since Narendra Modi led the BJP to power in 2014 is whether it is Modi who dominates the RSS or vice-versa?

Some political observers have been predicting that Modi will now dominate the RSS. Others feel that with the Prime Minister and his protege Amit Shah being in full command of the BJP and leading it to one victory after the other, it is the beginning of the end of the RSS' influence on the BJP.

This is patently untrue.

The answers to these questions lie to some extent in the organisational structure of the BJP and the RSS. But before we go into this, it would be pertinent to point out that those who are raising such questions are starting this narrative on the premise that Modi and the RSS are at loggerheads with each other. The fact is that Modi and RSS have been on the same page, especially since the 2014 Lok Sabha polls.

The RSS' learning from its experience during Atal Behari Vajpayee's earlier BJP regime has ensured that it does not get involved in the micro-management of either the party or the government. The top RSS brass and the Modi-Shah duo have been communicating with each other almost every day, discussing crucial policy and organisational issues. The RSS has largely given a free hand to Modi and Shah and they have responded well by appointing people with strong RSS backgrounds in key positions within the government and the BJP.

An important example of the RSS and Modi being on the same page is the priority given to the north-east by the Prime Minister.

For the RSS, expanding its footprint and strengthening its influence in the north-east is top of its agenda. It feels that conversion of Hindus into Christianity has changed the demographics of this region, resulting in a threat to India's territorial integrity and this trend needs to be reversed. More than 4,000 RSS pracharaks (full-time workers) have been deployed in the region alone.

Modi's first official domestic visit outside Delhi as Prime Minister was to the north-east. No other Prime Minister has visited north-eastern states so many times in such a short span after assuming office as Modi has. In most of the central government ministries, projects in north-eastern states are being pushed vigorously.

Organisationally, Ram Madhav, an RSS Pracharak, has been given charge of the north-east. The results are visible. The BJP has made strong inroads into the region. It has formed governments in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam -- and now in Manipur. The party is hopeful of wresting other states in the near future.

Now, if one looks at the organisational structure of the BJP, one would realise how intrinsically the RSS and BJP are linked. Both at the national level and the state level, the second-most important post in BJP units, after the President's, is that of an "Organising Secretary".

These posts are manned exclusively by RSS Pracharaks. The Organising Secretary has the last word when it comes to organisational issues. He would sit in all crucial meetings and is part of the decision-making process at every level. In bigger state units like Uttar Pradesh, as well as at the national level, the Organising Secretary is assisted by several deputies. All of them are RSS full-timers. They generally look after the BJP affairs in states allocated to them.

To make this clearer, let us look at the case of Sunil Bansal, the Organising Secretary of the BJP's Uttar Pradesh unit. Bansal played a key role in the 2014 victory of the BJP in the state. He was the Man Friday of BJP President Amit Shah. At that time he was "Assistant Organising Secretary (Sah Sangathan Mantri)". He was elevated to the post of Organising Secretary after his stellar role in the BJP's performance in 2014. In 2017, he played a key role in delivering the state to the BJP.

In Uttarakhand, a similar role has been played by another RSS full-timer, Shiv Prakash, who is an Assistant Organising Secretary at the national level. He assists the BJP Organising Secretary Ram Lal, who is also an RSS Pracharak.

If one looks at the Modi's ministers, almost three-fourths have been committed RSS cadres. Before being drafting to the BJP, senior ministers like J.P. Nadda, Rajnath Singh, Narendra Singh Tomar, Manohar Parrikar, Nitin Gadkari and Prakash Javadekar have been part of the RSS. They were all handpicked by Modi.

The Chief Ministers picked by Modi such as Devendra Fadnavis (Maharashtra), M.L. Khattar (Haryana) and Raghubar Das (Jharkhand) have all been committed RSS workers.

Thus there is not going to be any shift in the balance of power within the Sangh Parivar as the Modi-Shah duo and the RSS top brass are not competing with each other -- they are rather complementing each other. The recent poll results are the outcome of this synergy -- and Modi, Shah and the RSS realise it well.



The emphatic victory of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand assembly polls has brought the partys relationship with its ideological mentor, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), back in focus. One key question for which an answer has been sought ever since Narendra Modi led the BJP to power in 2014 is whether it is Modi who dominates the RSS or vice-versa? Some political observers have been predicting that Modi will now dominate the RSS. Others feel that with the Prime Minister and his protege Amit Shah being in full command of the BJP and leading it to one victory after the other, it is the beginning of the end of the RSS' influence on the BJP. This is patently untrue. The answers to these questions lie to some extent in the organisational structure of the BJP and the RSS. But before we go into this, it would be pertinent to point out that those who are raising such questions are starting this narrative on the premise that Modi and the RSS are at loggerheads with each other. The fact is that Modi and RSS have been on the same page, especially since the 2014 Lok Sabha polls. The RSS' learning from its experience during Atal Behari Vajpayee's earlier BJP regime has ensured that it does not get involved in the micro-management of either the party or the government. The top RSS brass and the Modi-Shah duo have been communicating with each other almost every day, discussing crucial policy and organisational issues. The RSS has largely given a free hand to Modi and Shah and they have responded well by appointing people with strong RSS backgrounds in key positions within the government and the BJP. An important example of the RSS and Modi being on the same page is the priority given to the north-east by the Prime Minister. For the RSS, expanding its footprint and strengthening its influence in the north-east is top of its agenda. It feels that conversion of Hindus into Christianity has changed the demographics of this region, resulting in a threat to India's territorial integrity and this trend needs to be reversed. More than 4,000 RSS pracharaks (full-time workers) have been deployed in the region alone. Modi's first official domestic visit outside Delhi as Prime Minister was to the north-east. No other Prime Minister has visited north-eastern states so many times in such a short span after assuming office as Modi has. In most of the central government ministries, projects in north-eastern states are being pushed vigorously. Organisationally, Ram Madhav, an RSS Pracharak, has been given charge of the north-east. The results are visible. The BJP has made strong inroads into the region. It has formed governments in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam -- and now in Manipur. The party is hopeful of wresting other states in the near future. Now, if one looks at the organisational structure of the BJP, one would realise how intrinsically the RSS and BJP are linked. Both at the national level and the state level, the second-most important post in BJP units, after the President's, is that of an "Organising Secretary". These posts are manned exclusively by RSS Pracharaks. The Organising Secretary has the last word when it comes to organisational issues. He would sit in all crucial meetings and is part of the decision-making process at every level. In bigger state units like Uttar Pradesh, as well as at the national level, the Organising Secretary is assisted by several deputies. All of them are RSS full-timers. They generally look after the BJP affairs in states allocated to them. To make this clearer, let us look at the case of Sunil Bansal, the Organising Secretary of the BJP's Uttar Pradesh unit. Bansal played a key role in the 2014 victory of the BJP in the state. He was the Man Friday of BJP President Amit Shah. At that time he was "Assistant Organising Secretary (Sah Sangathan Mantri)". He was elevated to the post of Organising Secretary after his stellar role in the BJP's performance in 2014. In 2017, he played a key role in delivering the state to the BJP. In Uttarakhand, a similar role has been played by another RSS full-timer, Shiv Prakash, who is an Assistant Organising Secretary at the national level. He assists the BJP Organising Secretary Ram Lal, who is also an RSS Pracharak. If one looks at the Modi's ministers, almost three-fourths have been committed RSS cadres. Before being drafting to the BJP, senior ministers like J.P. Nadda, Rajnath Singh, Narendra Singh Tomar, Manohar Parrikar, Nitin Gadkari and Prakash Javadekar have been part of the RSS. They were all handpicked by Modi. The Chief Ministers picked by Modi such as Devendra Fadnavis (Maharashtra), M.L. Khattar (Haryana) and Raghubar Das (Jharkhand) have all been committed RSS workers. Thus there is not going to be any shift in the balance of power within the Sangh Parivar as the Modi-Shah duo and the RSS top brass are not competing with each other -- they are rather complementing each other. The recent poll results are the outcome of this synergy -- and Modi, Shah and the RSS realise it well.
Manish Anand By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Amidst the suspense over who would be the next chief minister of UP, Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday termed speculation about his being the front-runner for the post as faaltu baat (unnecessary and futile). With many Union ministers feigning complete ignorance about the man who would wear the crown in Lucknow, the suspense is likely to continue, as the UP legislature party meeting date has not been fixed yet.

It is completely unnecessary and futile, Rajnath told the media outside Parliament when asked about him being the front-runner for the top post in UP. BJP chief Amit Shah had met Rajnath, popularly known as Thakur of Mirzapur, on Tuesday. The meeting appeared to have fuelled speculation about Rajnath shifting base to Lucknow.

However, BJP sources said Shah had regularly met with Rajnath during electioneering, as he was also a top campaigner in UP. Rajnath and Shah addressed over 150 rallies.

Even during the run up to the UP Assembly polls, the office of the Home Minister rejected speculation of Rajnath being projected as the CM.

I honestly dont know (who will be the next CM of UP), quipped a top Cabinet minister. Another senior minister said the names doing the rounds are wild speculations.

Trust me. Nobody knows the name of the next CM of UP. Only the PM knows the answer, said a senior BJP leader.

UP BJP chief Keshav Prasad Maurya met Modi on Tuesday. However, party leaders argued that not much meaning should be drawn from this, as it was a courtesy meeting. Union minister Manoj Sinha is being seen favourably as a contender, as he was given the additional portfolio of telecommunications with independent charge in the last Cabinet reshuffle.

Another name doing the rounds is that of Lucknow mayor and BJP vice-president Dinesh Sharma, apparently close to Shah, besides being the in-charge for Gujarat.

First-time MLA from Allahabad (West) Siddharth Nath Singh, a suave TV face, also figures in the list of probables.

There will be clarity on the issue shortly, added the BJP functionary. Meanwhile, the guessing game regarding the CM continued in Uttarakhand as well. Though the BJP has four ex-CMs in its ranks, party leaders claimed none of them were in the reckoning.

While BJP State chief Ajay Bhatt was seen as the front runner for the post in the runup to the elections, his surprise loss from Ranikhet appears to have made the task difficult for the top brass.

None of the four former chief ministers  B C Khanduri, Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, Bhagat Singh Koshiyari and Vijay Bahuguna  are in the race. Trivendra Singh Rawat, close to Rajnath Singh, and Prakash Pant seem to be the contenders. BJP national secretary Anil Baluni could not contest the elections, and it may go against him, said a senior BJP functionary.

Though Satpal Maharaj is also being seen as a contender, his association with the Congress party is being seen as negative for him, sources in the BJP said.

NEW DELHI: Amidst the suspense over who would be the next chief minister of UP, Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday termed speculation about his being the front-runner for the post as faaltu baat (unnecessary and futile). With many Union ministers feigning complete ignorance about the man who would wear the crown in Lucknow, the suspense is likely to continue, as the UP legislature party meeting date has not been fixed yet. It is completely unnecessary and futile, Rajnath told the media outside Parliament when asked about him being the front-runner for the top post in UP. BJP chief Amit Shah had met Rajnath, popularly known as Thakur of Mirzapur, on Tuesday. The meeting appeared to have fuelled speculation about Rajnath shifting base to Lucknow. However, BJP sources said Shah had regularly met with Rajnath during electioneering, as he was also a top campaigner in UP. Rajnath and Shah addressed over 150 rallies. Even during the run up to the UP Assembly polls, the office of the Home Minister rejected speculation of Rajnath being projected as the CM. I honestly dont know (who will be the next CM of UP), quipped a top Cabinet minister. Another senior minister said the names doing the rounds are wild speculations. Trust me. Nobody knows the name of the next CM of UP. Only the PM knows the answer, said a senior BJP leader. UP BJP chief Keshav Prasad Maurya met Modi on Tuesday. However, party leaders argued that not much meaning should be drawn from this, as it was a courtesy meeting. Union minister Manoj Sinha is being seen favourably as a contender, as he was given the additional portfolio of telecommunications with independent charge in the last Cabinet reshuffle. Another name doing the rounds is that of Lucknow mayor and BJP vice-president Dinesh Sharma, apparently close to Shah, besides being the in-charge for Gujarat. First-time MLA from Allahabad (West) Siddharth Nath Singh, a suave TV face, also figures in the list of probables. There will be clarity on the issue shortly, added the BJP functionary. Meanwhile, the guessing game regarding the CM continued in Uttarakhand as well. Though the BJP has four ex-CMs in its ranks, party leaders claimed none of them were in the reckoning. While BJP State chief Ajay Bhatt was seen as the front runner for the post in the runup to the elections, his surprise loss from Ranikhet appears to have made the task difficult for the top brass. None of the four former chief ministers  B C Khanduri, Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, Bhagat Singh Koshiyari and Vijay Bahuguna  are in the race. Trivendra Singh Rawat, close to Rajnath Singh, and Prakash Pant seem to be the contenders. BJP national secretary Anil Baluni could not contest the elections, and it may go against him, said a senior BJP functionary. Though Satpal Maharaj is also being seen as a contender, his association with the Congress party is being seen as negative for him, sources in the BJP said.
Doel Sengupta By

UNITED NATIONS:

India ranks 148th globally in terms of representation of women in executive government and parliament, according to a report published by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and UN Women. The data published in the report, Women in Politics 2017 Map, showed that women make up only 11.8 per cent (64 MPs) of the 542-member Lok Sabha and 11 per cent (27) of the 245-mmber Rajya Sabha.

By comparison, Pakistan at 89, Bangladesh at 91, and Afghanistan at 99th rank fared better than India in the subcontinent. India's southern neighbour, Sri Lanka, was ranked lower than India at 179.

In terms of women ministers, India ranks 88 with only five ministers (18.5 per cent) in the cabinet. This level of gender representation among ministers is better than the Asian average of 11 per cent but far worse than the leader of the table, Indonesia, which gives 25.6 per cent of its ministerial positions to women.

The report stated that the number of women in executive government and in Parliament worldwide has stagnated, with only a marginal improvement since 2015. The head of UN Women, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, called for reservation for women in lawmaking bodies across the world.

Regionally, womens representation in the Americas made the most significant gains, according to the report, rising from 22.45 per cent in 2015 to 25 per cent. In Africa, the proportion of female ministers saw a decline after years of steady growth. About 19.7 per cent of the regions ministerial posts are held by women.

In Europe, the total percentage of women lawmakers stood at 22.5 per cent. A surprise came from the Nordic countries which have traditionally led the global stage in politics, but whose number of female ministers fell by more than 6 per cent to 43.5 per cent.

Among the Arab States, 9.7 per cent of senior executive posts are held by women, led by Tunisia and the United Arab Emirates, at 23.1 per cent and 26.7 per cent, respectively.

These developments show that progress in gender equality remains slow in all structures of power and types of decision-making. Power is still firmly in mens hands, and although we have witnessed some positive trends -- for example, the current record number of 53 women speakers of Parliament out of 273 posts, globally -- much remains to be done if women are to play on a level field with men, said IPU secretary-general Martin Chungong.

Equal representation in positions of power is a fundamental precondition for truly effective and accountable democracy, he added.

India has fared moderately in a global ranking of countries as per the percentage of women appointed in ministerial positions, but was at a bleak position in another list on number of women parliamentarians.

The top five countries as far as women's representation in politics goes are in Europe and Americas with Bulgaria leading the pack, followed by France, Nicaragua, Sweden and Canada.

The report was launched on the sidelines of the 61st Commission on the Status of Women, known as the largest inter-governmental forum on women's rights and gender equality. The theme this year is women's economic empowerment in the changing world of work. A common theme throughout the commission has been the gender pay gap. Women on average are paid 77 cents for every one dollar earned by a man.

UNITED NATIONS: India ranks 148th globally in terms of representation of women in executive government and parliament, according to a report published by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and UN Women. The data published in the report, Women in Politics 2017 Map, showed that women make up only 11.8 per cent (64 MPs) of the 542-member Lok Sabha and 11 per cent (27) of the 245-mmber Rajya Sabha. By comparison, Pakistan at 89, Bangladesh at 91, and Afghanistan at 99th rank fared better than India in the subcontinent. India's southern neighbour, Sri Lanka, was ranked lower than India at 179. In terms of women ministers, India ranks 88 with only five ministers (18.5 per cent) in the cabinet. This level of gender representation among ministers is better than the Asian average of 11 per cent but far worse than the leader of the table, Indonesia, which gives 25.6 per cent of its ministerial positions to women. The report stated that the number of women in executive government and in Parliament worldwide has stagnated, with only a marginal improvement since 2015. The head of UN Women, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, called for reservation for women in lawmaking bodies across the world. Regionally, womens representation in the Americas made the most significant gains, according to the report, rising from 22.45 per cent in 2015 to 25 per cent. In Africa, the proportion of female ministers saw a decline after years of steady growth. About 19.7 per cent of the regions ministerial posts are held by women. In Europe, the total percentage of women lawmakers stood at 22.5 per cent. A surprise came from the Nordic countries which have traditionally led the global stage in politics, but whose number of female ministers fell by more than 6 per cent to 43.5 per cent. Among the Arab States, 9.7 per cent of senior executive posts are held by women, led by Tunisia and the United Arab Emirates, at 23.1 per cent and 26.7 per cent, respectively. These developments show that progress in gender equality remains slow in all structures of power and types of decision-making. Power is still firmly in mens hands, and although we have witnessed some positive trends -- for example, the current record number of 53 women speakers of Parliament out of 273 posts, globally -- much remains to be done if women are to play on a level field with men, said IPU secretary-general Martin Chungong. Equal representation in positions of power is a fundamental precondition for truly effective and accountable democracy, he added. India has fared moderately in a global ranking of countries as per the percentage of women appointed in ministerial positions, but was at a bleak position in another list on number of women parliamentarians. The top five countries as far as women's representation in politics goes are in Europe and Americas with Bulgaria leading the pack, followed by France, Nicaragua, Sweden and Canada. The report was launched on the sidelines of the 61st Commission on the Status of Women, known as the largest inter-governmental forum on women's rights and gender equality. The theme this year is women's economic empowerment in the changing world of work. A common theme throughout the commission has been the gender pay gap. Women on average are paid 77 cents for every one dollar earned by a man.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: India today termed as "entirely unacceptable" any possible attempt by Pakistan to declare the Gilgit-Baltistan region, bordering disputed PoK, as the fifth province.

Reacting sharply to reports that a committee headed by Pakistan's Foreign Affairs Advisor Sartaj Aziz has proposed status of a province to Gilgit-Baltistan, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Gopal Baglay said any such step would not be able to hide the illegality of Pakistan's occupation of parts of Jammu and Kashmir which it must vacate, forthwith.

Noting that the issue pertains to the sovereignty of India, he said the government's position is very well known on the matter.

"The entire state of J&K is an integral part, has been an integral part and will be an integral part of India. No attempt or unilateral attempt or step to change that would have any legal basis, whatsoever, and it will be entirely unacceptable.

"Any such step would not be able to hide the illegality of Pakistan's occupation of parts of J&K which it must vacate, forthwith. It will also not be able to hide the tremendous, very concerning human rights violations and denial of freedom that has been going on in parts controlled by Pakistan for the last 70 years," the spokesperson said.

Gilgit-Baltistan is treated as a separate geographical entity by Pakistan. It has a regional assembly and an elected chief minister. At present, Pakistan has four provinces -- Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

It is believed that China's concerns about the unsettled status of Gilgit-Baltistan prompted Pakistan to explore change in its status.

Asked about Pakistan having expressed concern over acquittal of Assemanand in Ajmer Sharif blast case, Baglay said India completely rejects Pakistan's "efforts and intention to meddle" in the country's internal affairs, including in the Indian judicial process.

"We also totally reject the ulterior link which is sought to be established by Pakistan with any other matter under the purview of the Indian courts. A strong India democracy and justice system obviously need no self-serving sermons from anybody much less from a country like Pakistan," he asserted.

Pakistan would be well-advised to refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of India in any form and not to resort to denial from the reality of terrorism emanating from its soil which was affecting not only India but the entire neighbourhood and beyond, he said.

The spokesperson further said Pakistan should take action to dismantle the infrastructure of terrorism in its own territory or the territory under its control, and bring to justice the masterminds who still operate and continue to enjoy freedom in Pakistani territory.

Last week, Pakistan foreign office had summoned India's Deputy High Commissioner J P Singh to express its concern over Assemanand's acquittal.

NEW DELHI: India today termed as "entirely unacceptable" any possible attempt by Pakistan to declare the Gilgit-Baltistan region, bordering disputed PoK, as the fifth province. Reacting sharply to reports that a committee headed by Pakistan's Foreign Affairs Advisor Sartaj Aziz has proposed status of a province to Gilgit-Baltistan, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Gopal Baglay said any such step would not be able to hide the illegality of Pakistan's occupation of parts of Jammu and Kashmir which it must vacate, forthwith. Noting that the issue pertains to the sovereignty of India, he said the government's position is very well known on the matter. "The entire state of J&K is an integral part, has been an integral part and will be an integral part of India. No attempt or unilateral attempt or step to change that would have any legal basis, whatsoever, and it will be entirely unacceptable. "Any such step would not be able to hide the illegality of Pakistan's occupation of parts of J&K which it must vacate, forthwith. It will also not be able to hide the tremendous, very concerning human rights violations and denial of freedom that has been going on in parts controlled by Pakistan for the last 70 years," the spokesperson said. Gilgit-Baltistan is treated as a separate geographical entity by Pakistan. It has a regional assembly and an elected chief minister. At present, Pakistan has four provinces -- Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. It is believed that China's concerns about the unsettled status of Gilgit-Baltistan prompted Pakistan to explore change in its status. Asked about Pakistan having expressed concern over acquittal of Assemanand in Ajmer Sharif blast case, Baglay said India completely rejects Pakistan's "efforts and intention to meddle" in the country's internal affairs, including in the Indian judicial process. "We also totally reject the ulterior link which is sought to be established by Pakistan with any other matter under the purview of the Indian courts. A strong India democracy and justice system obviously need no self-serving sermons from anybody much less from a country like Pakistan," he asserted. Pakistan would be well-advised to refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of India in any form and not to resort to denial from the reality of terrorism emanating from its soil which was affecting not only India but the entire neighbourhood and beyond, he said. The spokesperson further said Pakistan should take action to dismantle the infrastructure of terrorism in its own territory or the territory under its control, and bring to justice the masterminds who still operate and continue to enjoy freedom in Pakistani territory. Last week, Pakistan foreign office had summoned India's Deputy High Commissioner J P Singh to express its concern over Assemanand's acquittal.
By IANS

LUCKNOW: On Tuesday, as Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi described the poll outcome in Uttar Pradesh as "a little down", he yet again seemed completely unaware of the reality on the ground, where the Grand Old Party finds itself in an existential crisis.

Forget the days of its supremacy in the state, where it ruled for over three decades, even winning 300-plus seats, like the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of today. The Congress now finds itself in a situation where there are not even supporters to hold its flag in most parts of the state.

Having yielded space to alliance partner Samajwadi Party (SP) in 298 of the 403 seats and settling for a paltry 105, "any recovery for the Congress is not just a tall order, but an almost impossible task", feel party workers.

The last time the party did well in the state was in 1985, when it won 269 seats. Since then, the march to the bottom has been relentless.

Between 1985 and 1989, the party nosedived to 94 seats. It slipped again in 1991, with just 46 seats, and further to 28 seats in 1993. In 1996, it bagged 33 seats, won 25 in 2002 and 22 in 2007, when the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) led by Mayawati romped home with 204 seats.

Despite its best efforts, the Congress failed to emerge out of the shadows of the regional parties like the SP and BSP and its tally only marginally increased to 28 when the BSP was voted out and Akhilesh Yadav embraced by the electorate in 2012.

And now it has just seven seats.

Party leaders at the Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee (UPCC) blame the central and well as the state leadership for the steady decline of the party's fortunes.

A diehard supporter, who has worked hard for the Congress, told IANS that there was no "seriousness" in its approach for India's most populous and politically crucial state.

"This time, some serious work was done when Rahul started the Kisan Yatra from Deoria to Delhi and interspersed it with the Khaat Sabhas; but it all went phutt when some wise minds suggested joining forces with the SP," he rued, while pointing out how the dismal results had shred the strategy to pieces.

A Muslim party leader is equally cut up. "When elections are managed not by leaders but by hired, so-called strategists and professionals, the results are a foregone conclusion," he said, directly blaming "master strategist" Prashant Kishor for the disastrous show.

Kishor, who masterminded Prime Minister Narendra Modi's successful 2014 Lok Sabha campaign and helped Nitish Kumar make a stunning return as Chief Minister of Bihar, was roped in by the Congress to revive its fortunes in Uttar Pradesh.

"The party in Uttar Pradesh cannot be remote-controlled by people sitting in Delhi. The need of the hour is to cultivate sincere, local leadership in Lucknow," said another ageing leader, who served as a minister in a Congress government.

Worried state leaders now say that Tuesday's appraisal by the 46-year-old Gandhi scion, making light of the drubbing handed out by the BJP, was at odds with ground realities.

"He still seems to be living in a make-belief world that we will rise from the ashes without a sound strategy and serious introspection. Sadly, it is not going to be that easy," said a restless office bearer of the Congress, who has been managing its office at Mall Avenue.

Party leaders also concede that piggybacking on SP, especially Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, proved too costly. The initial flutter -- the 'UP ko ye saath pasand hai' credo wherein two young leaders, Rahul and Akhilesh, were projected as the future of the state -- died down in the face of an aggressive campaign by 66-year-old Modi.

"There was strong anti-incumbency against the ruling SP and its Chief Minister had also failed to manage his own party well enough to give our alliance a head start," averred a senior UPCC leader not wishing to be named. He added that the internal family and party bickerings in the SP also had a negative effect on the prospects of the alliance.

Congress workers in Uttar Pradesh are in favour of the party doing some introspection and a major rejig of the organisation, as also distancing itself from the regional parties.

Akhilesh Yadav has said that his alliance with the Congress, despite the rout, was very much on. There has been no word from the Congress leadership so far. Party workers are waiting to see how and when the much-awaited introspection will start.

LUCKNOW: On Tuesday, as Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi described the poll outcome in Uttar Pradesh as "a little down", he yet again seemed completely unaware of the reality on the ground, where the Grand Old Party finds itself in an existential crisis. Forget the days of its supremacy in the state, where it ruled for over three decades, even winning 300-plus seats, like the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of today. The Congress now finds itself in a situation where there are not even supporters to hold its flag in most parts of the state. Having yielded space to alliance partner Samajwadi Party (SP) in 298 of the 403 seats and settling for a paltry 105, "any recovery for the Congress is not just a tall order, but an almost impossible task", feel party workers. The last time the party did well in the state was in 1985, when it won 269 seats. Since then, the march to the bottom has been relentless. Between 1985 and 1989, the party nosedived to 94 seats. It slipped again in 1991, with just 46 seats, and further to 28 seats in 1993. In 1996, it bagged 33 seats, won 25 in 2002 and 22 in 2007, when the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) led by Mayawati romped home with 204 seats. Despite its best efforts, the Congress failed to emerge out of the shadows of the regional parties like the SP and BSP and its tally only marginally increased to 28 when the BSP was voted out and Akhilesh Yadav embraced by the electorate in 2012. And now it has just seven seats. Party leaders at the Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee (UPCC) blame the central and well as the state leadership for the steady decline of the party's fortunes. A diehard supporter, who has worked hard for the Congress, told IANS that there was no "seriousness" in its approach for India's most populous and politically crucial state. "This time, some serious work was done when Rahul started the Kisan Yatra from Deoria to Delhi and interspersed it with the Khaat Sabhas; but it all went phutt when some wise minds suggested joining forces with the SP," he rued, while pointing out how the dismal results had shred the strategy to pieces. A Muslim party leader is equally cut up. "When elections are managed not by leaders but by hired, so-called strategists and professionals, the results are a foregone conclusion," he said, directly blaming "master strategist" Prashant Kishor for the disastrous show. Kishor, who masterminded Prime Minister Narendra Modi's successful 2014 Lok Sabha campaign and helped Nitish Kumar make a stunning return as Chief Minister of Bihar, was roped in by the Congress to revive its fortunes in Uttar Pradesh. "The party in Uttar Pradesh cannot be remote-controlled by people sitting in Delhi. The need of the hour is to cultivate sincere, local leadership in Lucknow," said another ageing leader, who served as a minister in a Congress government. Worried state leaders now say that Tuesday's appraisal by the 46-year-old Gandhi scion, making light of the drubbing handed out by the BJP, was at odds with ground realities. "He still seems to be living in a make-belief world that we will rise from the ashes without a sound strategy and serious introspection. Sadly, it is not going to be that easy," said a restless office bearer of the Congress, who has been managing its office at Mall Avenue. Party leaders also concede that piggybacking on SP, especially Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, proved too costly. The initial flutter -- the 'UP ko ye saath pasand hai' credo wherein two young leaders, Rahul and Akhilesh, were projected as the future of the state -- died down in the face of an aggressive campaign by 66-year-old Modi. "There was strong anti-incumbency against the ruling SP and its Chief Minister had also failed to manage his own party well enough to give our alliance a head start," averred a senior UPCC leader not wishing to be named. He added that the internal family and party bickerings in the SP also had a negative effect on the prospects of the alliance. Congress workers in Uttar Pradesh are in favour of the party doing some introspection and a major rejig of the organisation, as also distancing itself from the regional parties. Akhilesh Yadav has said that his alliance with the Congress, despite the rout, was very much on. There has been no word from the Congress leadership so far. Party workers are waiting to see how and when the much-awaited introspection will start.
Aishik Chanda By

Express News Service

IMPHAL: Despite the festive mood of Yaoshang, Cobain and his band mates in Yuthak Wah are busy jamming in their makeshift studio for an upcoming recording in April. They are hopeful that their first death metal audio CD will be widely received.

Yuthak Wah is one of the 40 or so bands based in Imphal where rock and metal music have deep roots. But the bands have never won recognition like the bands of Shillong, which is dubbed as the rock capital of India. In a state plagued with widespread joblessness and insurgency, rock and metal music serve as an avenue of expression for Manipurs youth but a host of factors work against the bands in Imphal.

There are no proper studios in Imphal, which is the biggest handicap for any artiste. There are no pubs or indoor auditoria where bands can perform. Then there is the onslaught of the DJ playing remixes, alongside whom rock bands cannot flourish, said Kennedy RK, founder member of Imphal-based music webzine Soundcheck.

On a sunny morning, Kennedy rides around Imphal with co-founder Lenin Nameirakpam to look for abandoned spaces where rock concerts can be held. Indoor concerts reduce our expenses by around Rs 20,000 per show, he said. Rent for these abandoned spaces is paid by fan-funding.

Manipuri youth are drawn to rock music, a new band is formed almost every day. But many go into hibernation after their first performance, Lenin said.

Though most of the bands look to Bengaluru Open Air for opportunities to perform to a wider audience, very few of them get invited mainly due to logistical problems. They look at us in Imphal, and they calculate the travel expenses and simply put us on hold and call a band from Hyderabad or Chennai instead, Lenin complained.

Manipurs rock and metal music scene had a glorious period in the late 1980s when bands such as Postmark released acclaimed albums like Stamp on You. However, things have not progressed much from there.

Though the bands of the 1980s and 1990s performed throughout India, the present generation does not get to go beyond Kolkata, Cobain said. With not many sponsors, showcasing talent in Delhi, Mumbai and down south are unfulfilled dreams for most bands.

However, social media has come in handy for the new wave of Manipur rock. Through social media, we maintain regular contacts with bands in Kohima, Shillong, Guwahati, Kolkata and Aizawl. Collaboration is essential for emerging bands in northeast India, Kennedy said.

Drawing comparisons with the Nepal rock music scene, Kennedy says that though the northern neighbour is way behind India in terms of promotion and sponsorship, the do-it-yourself (DIY) concept of giving bands an opportunity to perform in front of audiences of 200 or more helps a lot in grooming thema concept that is completely absent in India. Many bands from India go to Nepal for exposure. Not many Imphal bands get that opportunity though, he said.

IMPHAL: Despite the festive mood of Yaoshang, Cobain and his band mates in Yuthak Wah are busy jamming in their makeshift studio for an upcoming recording in April. They are hopeful that their first death metal audio CD will be widely received. Yuthak Wah is one of the 40 or so bands based in Imphal where rock and metal music have deep roots. But the bands have never won recognition like the bands of Shillong, which is dubbed as the rock capital of India. In a state plagued with widespread joblessness and insurgency, rock and metal music serve as an avenue of expression for Manipurs youth but a host of factors work against the bands in Imphal. There are no proper studios in Imphal, which is the biggest handicap for any artiste. There are no pubs or indoor auditoria where bands can perform. Then there is the onslaught of the DJ playing remixes, alongside whom rock bands cannot flourish, said Kennedy RK, founder member of Imphal-based music webzine Soundcheck. On a sunny morning, Kennedy rides around Imphal with co-founder Lenin Nameirakpam to look for abandoned spaces where rock concerts can be held. Indoor concerts reduce our expenses by around Rs 20,000 per show, he said. Rent for these abandoned spaces is paid by fan-funding. Manipuri youth are drawn to rock music, a new band is formed almost every day. But many go into hibernation after their first performance, Lenin said. Though most of the bands look to Bengaluru Open Air for opportunities to perform to a wider audience, very few of them get invited mainly due to logistical problems. They look at us in Imphal, and they calculate the travel expenses and simply put us on hold and call a band from Hyderabad or Chennai instead, Lenin complained. Manipurs rock and metal music scene had a glorious period in the late 1980s when bands such as Postmark released acclaimed albums like Stamp on You. However, things have not progressed much from there. Though the bands of the 1980s and 1990s performed throughout India, the present generation does not get to go beyond Kolkata, Cobain said. With not many sponsors, showcasing talent in Delhi, Mumbai and down south are unfulfilled dreams for most bands. However, social media has come in handy for the new wave of Manipur rock. Through social media, we maintain regular contacts with bands in Kohima, Shillong, Guwahati, Kolkata and Aizawl. Collaboration is essential for emerging bands in northeast India, Kennedy said. Drawing comparisons with the Nepal rock music scene, Kennedy says that though the northern neighbour is way behind India in terms of promotion and sponsorship, the do-it-yourself (DIY) concept of giving bands an opportunity to perform in front of audiences of 200 or more helps a lot in grooming thema concept that is completely absent in India. Many bands from India go to Nepal for exposure. Not many Imphal bands get that opportunity though, he said.
Fayaz Wani By

Express News Service

SRINAGAR: The three top separatist leaders in Kashmir were on Thursday detained by police after they tried to take out a march to protest disallowing of a joint press conference.

The three separatist leaders hardliner Syed Ali Geelani, moderate Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and pro-independence JKLF chairman Mohammad Yasin Malik -- were scheduled to meet at Geelanis Hyderpora residence and later address a joint press conference to call for boycott of bypolls to two parliamentary seats in the Valley.

The policemen deployed outside Geelanis residence did not allow Mirwaiz and Malik to enter inside and also disallowed media from covering the joint press conference.

However, Mirwaiz and Malik defied police restrictions and reached near main gate of Geelanis residence but the cops prevented them from going inside.

Instead, Geelani, who is under house arrest since a long time, defied the house arrest restrictions and came out of the house.

The three leaders tried to take out a protest march. However, policemen swung into action and detained the trio. They were bundled in a police vehicle and lodged in Police Station Humhama.

Before being arrested, the separatist leaders urged people to boycott the forthcoming bypolls to two parliamentary seats in the Valley saying it (election) provides India an opportunity to mislead world community.

Amid presence of 10 lakh forces personnel, the election drama has lost relevance and credibility, they said adding, It is not a democratic process but better to say a drama being enacted with the help of armed forces.

As media men tried to cover arrest of the separatist leaders, the policemen attempted to prevent them from covering it. During this process, a police officer assaulted two photo journalists -- Tauseef Mustafa of AFP and Mubashir Khan of Great Kashmir, a local English daily.

Some other photo and video journalists including Farooq Javed Khan (EPA), Shauib Masoodi (Indian Express) and Umar Sheikh (Times Now) were also beaten and abused by the police officer.

After the incident, the photo-journalists staged a sit-in protest at Press Enclave in city centre and demanded action against the police office.

If no action is taken against the police officer, the entire journalist community including photojournalists would participate in a protest march against the police brutality on Saturday and stop covering all police, Kashmir Press Photographers Association (KPPA) spokesman said.

He alleged that police officer assaulted Tauseef and caught hold of his throat and attempted to suffocate him.

A police driver also rushed his armoured vehicle in an attempt to overrun the photojournalists and while trying to save themselves, Mubashir had the vehicle crushing his foot, he further said adding there are clear photo and video evidences offering a clear detail of the police assault on the media men.

Kashmir Editors Guild, a body of Kashmir editors, condemned the police action against newsmen and sought intervention of the government at the highest level to ensure that states principal arm does not exhibit an abnormal growth.



SRINAGAR: The three top separatist leaders in Kashmir were on Thursday detained by police after they tried to take out a march to protest disallowing of a joint press conference. The three separatist leaders hardliner Syed Ali Geelani, moderate Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and pro-independence JKLF chairman Mohammad Yasin Malik -- were scheduled to meet at Geelanis Hyderpora residence and later address a joint press conference to call for boycott of bypolls to two parliamentary seats in the Valley. The policemen deployed outside Geelanis residence did not allow Mirwaiz and Malik to enter inside and also disallowed media from covering the joint press conference. However, Mirwaiz and Malik defied police restrictions and reached near main gate of Geelanis residence but the cops prevented them from going inside. Instead, Geelani, who is under house arrest since a long time, defied the house arrest restrictions and came out of the house. The three leaders tried to take out a protest march. However, policemen swung into action and detained the trio. They were bundled in a police vehicle and lodged in Police Station Humhama. Before being arrested, the separatist leaders urged people to boycott the forthcoming bypolls to two parliamentary seats in the Valley saying it (election) provides India an opportunity to mislead world community. Amid presence of 10 lakh forces personnel, the election drama has lost relevance and credibility, they said adding, It is not a democratic process but better to say a drama being enacted with the help of armed forces. As media men tried to cover arrest of the separatist leaders, the policemen attempted to prevent them from covering it. During this process, a police officer assaulted two photo journalists -- Tauseef Mustafa of AFP and Mubashir Khan of Great Kashmir, a local English daily. Some other photo and video journalists including Farooq Javed Khan (EPA), Shauib Masoodi (Indian Express) and Umar Sheikh (Times Now) were also beaten and abused by the police officer. After the incident, the photo-journalists staged a sit-in protest at Press Enclave in city centre and demanded action against the police office. If no action is taken against the police officer, the entire journalist community including photojournalists would participate in a protest march against the police brutality on Saturday and stop covering all police, Kashmir Press Photographers Association (KPPA) spokesman said. He alleged that police officer assaulted Tauseef and caught hold of his throat and attempted to suffocate him. A police driver also rushed his armoured vehicle in an attempt to overrun the photojournalists and while trying to save themselves, Mubashir had the vehicle crushing his foot, he further said adding there are clear photo and video evidences offering a clear detail of the police assault on the media men. Kashmir Editors Guild, a body of Kashmir editors, condemned the police action against newsmen and sought intervention of the government at the highest level to ensure that states principal arm does not exhibit an abnormal growth.
Namita Bajpai By

Express News Service

LUCKNOW: Bharatiya Janata Partys Uttar Pradesh chief Keshav Maurya was admitted to the intensive care unit of Delhis Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital after he complained of fatigue and restlessness on Thursday afternoon.



48-year-old Maurya tweeted to confirm his wellbeing saying he was completely fit. After the initial check up, doctors discharged the BJP state chief saying it was a low blood pressure behind his restlessness. He was suffering from cough and cold along with mild fever for the last seven days. He was also overworked due to his political commitments, said medical superintendent Dr AK Gadpayle.



Union Health Minister JP Nadda, also visited Maurya at the hospital, said his condition was normal. "Mauryaji was not feeling well due to the fatigue of campaigning during elections so he was rushed to the hospital," Nadda said adding that his condition was normal and he was fine.

LUCKNOW: Bharatiya Janata Partys Uttar Pradesh chief Keshav Maurya was admitted to the intensive care unit of Delhis Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital after he complained of fatigue and restlessness on Thursday afternoon. 48-year-old Maurya tweeted to confirm his wellbeing saying he was completely fit. After the initial check up, doctors discharged the BJP state chief saying it was a low blood pressure behind his restlessness. He was suffering from cough and cold along with mild fever for the last seven days. He was also overworked due to his political commitments, said medical superintendent Dr AK Gadpayle. Union Health Minister JP Nadda, also visited Maurya at the hospital, said his condition was normal. "Mauryaji was not feeling well due to the fatigue of campaigning during elections so he was rushed to the hospital," Nadda said adding that his condition was normal and he was fine.
By Express News Service

MUMBAI: More Congress MLAs in Goa are likely to follow Vishwajit Rane, who left the party blaming leadership on Thursday, if sources are to be believed.



This is not an unexpected development, a senior Congress leader from Maharashtra told the Express, while reacting to Vishwajits resignation from membership of the legislature and the party.



I have resigned as MLA. I have also resigned as a member of the Congress party. I am going back to my people for a fresh mandate, Vishwajit had said after coming out of the Assembly even before the new Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar sought and won the trust vote in the house. Congress has failed Goa, he told the media.



However, speculations are that Vishwajit resigned to vacate seat for Parrikar and he might contest from his father Pratapsingh Ranes seat on a BJP ticket. Pratapsingh Rane  who too is likely to resign soon - might be offered some plum post by the BJP, said a Congress leader in Mumbai on condition of anonymity.



Meanwhile, Union minister and senior BJP leader in-charge of Goa Nitin Gadkari hinted at a press conference in Mumbai that a few more Congress MLAs might be on their way out from the party.



Congress in Goa is riddled with several problems. I wont be able to tell you everything. But, one has resigned today (Thursday). I heard that many more are in mood to follow him, Gadkari said at the press conference.



I heard the Congress had five CM candidates and they couldnt decide their leader. Why should the party that failed even to chose its leader on time blame us, Gadkari questioned while stating that the BJP did no wrong while forming the government in Goa.



Stability and devotion towards development were two primary concerns of the people of Goa. BJP stands for both these things. Formation of government in Goa was all about communication and quick decision making. The majority has proved all allegations against us false, Gadkari said adding that all the allegations leveled by the Congress leaders are indicative of their frustration.

MUMBAI: More Congress MLAs in Goa are likely to follow Vishwajit Rane, who left the party blaming leadership on Thursday, if sources are to be believed. This is not an unexpected development, a senior Congress leader from Maharashtra told the Express, while reacting to Vishwajits resignation from membership of the legislature and the party. I have resigned as MLA. I have also resigned as a member of the Congress party. I am going back to my people for a fresh mandate, Vishwajit had said after coming out of the Assembly even before the new Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar sought and won the trust vote in the house. Congress has failed Goa, he told the media. However, speculations are that Vishwajit resigned to vacate seat for Parrikar and he might contest from his father Pratapsingh Ranes seat on a BJP ticket. Pratapsingh Rane  who too is likely to resign soon - might be offered some plum post by the BJP, said a Congress leader in Mumbai on condition of anonymity. Meanwhile, Union minister and senior BJP leader in-charge of Goa Nitin Gadkari hinted at a press conference in Mumbai that a few more Congress MLAs might be on their way out from the party. Congress in Goa is riddled with several problems. I wont be able to tell you everything. But, one has resigned today (Thursday). I heard that many more are in mood to follow him, Gadkari said at the press conference. I heard the Congress had five CM candidates and they couldnt decide their leader. Why should the party that failed even to chose its leader on time blame us, Gadkari questioned while stating that the BJP did no wrong while forming the government in Goa. Stability and devotion towards development were two primary concerns of the people of Goa. BJP stands for both these things. Formation of government in Goa was all about communication and quick decision making. The majority has proved all allegations against us false, Gadkari said adding that all the allegations leveled by the Congress leaders are indicative of their frustration.
Namita Bajpai By

Express News Service

LUCKNOW: Like most of the infamous men who have fallen from grace, the story of Gayatri Prajapati, a former Uttar Pradesh Minister who has now been arrested on rape charges, is a classic rags-to-riches one.

Coming from the Most Backward Class, Prajapati was a BPL card holder till 2002. From there, he catapulted to a man worth a whopping Rs 20 crore, according to an affidavit submitted to the Election Commission at the time of nomination for 2017 elections.

On papers, he has registered a 10-time rise in wealth during the past five years. However, his real worth could be several times higher, say people close to him. Starting off as a small-time white-wash contractor, Prajapatis rise has been stunning.

Led by his ambitions, he climbed the ladder of affluence rung by rung, consistently moving on from small-time real estate business to property dealing and finally landing up as a Cabinet Minister in the highest echelons of power. His downfall has been equally steep.

A one-time blue-eyed boy of the SP patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav, he is now cooling his heels in the jail on charges of gang-rape.

An arts graduate from Ram Manohar Lohia Awadh University, Faizabad, Prajapati made his presence acknowledged in the political circles by winning Amethi for Samajwadi Party in 2012.

Through him, the party managed to make inroads into the traditional Gandhi bastion for the first time as he trounced Rani Ameeta Sinh with a considerable margin of over 8,000 votes.

However, he lost the same seat to BJPs Garima Sinh, the first wife of senior Congress leader and Raja Amethi Dr Sanjay Sinh this time.

Even before 2012, Gayatri Prajapati was associated with the Samajwadi Partys fringe outfits and had tested the political waters in Amethi twice in 2002 and 2007 on SP ticket but lost. Despite the fall, his clout continued to grow within the SP.

After becoming an MLA in 2012, Prajapati was sworn-in as the minister of state for irrigation in February 2013. He was then elevated to cabinet rank within five months. It was in July 2015 that controversies started to erupt.

Social activist Nutan Thakur lodged a complaint against him before the Lokayukta. Although the case was junked, it triggered a row when Mulayam allegedly threatened Nutans husband and IPS officer Amitabh Thakur for running campaign against the minister.

LUCKNOW: Like most of the infamous men who have fallen from grace, the story of Gayatri Prajapati, a former Uttar Pradesh Minister who has now been arrested on rape charges, is a classic rags-to-riches one. Coming from the Most Backward Class, Prajapati was a BPL card holder till 2002. From there, he catapulted to a man worth a whopping Rs 20 crore, according to an affidavit submitted to the Election Commission at the time of nomination for 2017 elections. On papers, he has registered a 10-time rise in wealth during the past five years. However, his real worth could be several times higher, say people close to him. Starting off as a small-time white-wash contractor, Prajapatis rise has been stunning. Led by his ambitions, he climbed the ladder of affluence rung by rung, consistently moving on from small-time real estate business to property dealing and finally landing up as a Cabinet Minister in the highest echelons of power. His downfall has been equally steep. A one-time blue-eyed boy of the SP patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav, he is now cooling his heels in the jail on charges of gang-rape. An arts graduate from Ram Manohar Lohia Awadh University, Faizabad, Prajapati made his presence acknowledged in the political circles by winning Amethi for Samajwadi Party in 2012. Through him, the party managed to make inroads into the traditional Gandhi bastion for the first time as he trounced Rani Ameeta Sinh with a considerable margin of over 8,000 votes. However, he lost the same seat to BJPs Garima Sinh, the first wife of senior Congress leader and Raja Amethi Dr Sanjay Sinh this time. Even before 2012, Gayatri Prajapati was associated with the Samajwadi Partys fringe outfits and had tested the political waters in Amethi twice in 2002 and 2007 on SP ticket but lost. Despite the fall, his clout continued to grow within the SP. After becoming an MLA in 2012, Prajapati was sworn-in as the minister of state for irrigation in February 2013. He was then elevated to cabinet rank within five months. It was in July 2015 that controversies started to erupt. Social activist Nutan Thakur lodged a complaint against him before the Lokayukta. Although the case was junked, it triggered a row when Mulayam allegedly threatened Nutans husband and IPS officer Amitabh Thakur for running campaign against the minister.
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: The Central government accords the highest priority to promote the well-being, safety and security of Indian fishermen, and has strongly conveyed to Sri Lanka that the use of force cannot be justified under any circumstances, said External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.

Making a statement in Rajya Sabha on the killing of Indian fisherman allegedly by Sri Lankan Navy in Palk Bay on March 6, Swaraj said the government through diplomatic channels, has consistently taken up issues relating to the apprehension of fishermen with Sri Lanka.

The Sri Lankan side has, however, denied the involvement of their Navy in the firing incident. Our High Commissioner personally spoke to Sri Lankan Prime Minister and Navy Commander on this matter.

The Sri Lankan Government has further reassured us that all possible action will be taken in cooperation with the relevant Indian authorities to investigate the fishermen issue, Swaraj said.

Assuring to pursue the matter with the Sri Lankan government, the minister said that the matter is essentially humanitarian in nature, involving the livelihood and socio-economic practices of Indian fishermen community. She said that several meetings were held in past few months to discuss the issue in a comprehensive manner.

Swaraj said an agreement was reached at the meeting to set up a Joint Working Group (JWG) on Fisheries as a bilateral institutional mechanism to help find a permanent solution.

The government, as a result of its consistent efforts, has secured release of 1,045 Indian fishermen, in custody of Sri Lanka in 2014, 375 in 2015, 333 in 2016 and 51 in 2017.

While 85 Indian fishermen along with 136 fishing vessels were in custody of Sri Lanka, I am glad to inform the House that all the fishermen have since been released. We are also pursuing the release of the fishing boats in Sri Lankan custody, said informed the House.

NEW DELHI: The Central government accords the highest priority to promote the well-being, safety and security of Indian fishermen, and has strongly conveyed to Sri Lanka that the use of force cannot be justified under any circumstances, said External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. Making a statement in Rajya Sabha on the killing of Indian fisherman allegedly by Sri Lankan Navy in Palk Bay on March 6, Swaraj said the government through diplomatic channels, has consistently taken up issues relating to the apprehension of fishermen with Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan side has, however, denied the involvement of their Navy in the firing incident. Our High Commissioner personally spoke to Sri Lankan Prime Minister and Navy Commander on this matter. The Sri Lankan Government has further reassured us that all possible action will be taken in cooperation with the relevant Indian authorities to investigate the fishermen issue, Swaraj said. Assuring to pursue the matter with the Sri Lankan government, the minister said that the matter is essentially humanitarian in nature, involving the livelihood and socio-economic practices of Indian fishermen community. She said that several meetings were held in past few months to discuss the issue in a comprehensive manner. Swaraj said an agreement was reached at the meeting to set up a Joint Working Group (JWG) on Fisheries as a bilateral institutional mechanism to help find a permanent solution. The government, as a result of its consistent efforts, has secured release of 1,045 Indian fishermen, in custody of Sri Lanka in 2014, 375 in 2015, 333 in 2016 and 51 in 2017. While 85 Indian fishermen along with 136 fishing vessels were in custody of Sri Lanka, I am glad to inform the House that all the fishermen have since been released. We are also pursuing the release of the fishing boats in Sri Lankan custody, said informed the House.
Arun Bothra By

After a failed attempt on the life of the then British PM Margaret Thatcher, the Irish Republican Army sent her an unnerving message: You need to be lucky all the time, we need to be lucky once. Thatcher lived a full life of 87 years and the IRA is almost history now. But the spine-chilling threat conveyed through this missive still haunts security agencies across the world, albeit in a changed context. With the new phenomenon of religious terrorism armed with lone wolves, this threat holds truer in present times.

Today, terror outfits like IS or Al Qaeda need to radicalise just a few individuals. The earth-shaking events of 9/11 in the US were planned and executed by a handful of zealots. In recent times, attacks in Boston, Nice, Paris and closer home in Dhaka were carried out by a few, sometimes even by a lone fanatic. On the other hand, civil society and its security agencies need to be lucky at all times to ensure people do not get radicalised.

India has been more or less lucky to be safe in the last few years despite being high on the hate list of terror groups. These outfits have their focus elsewhere at the moment. Syria, the US and Europe are their priority. No doubt, our security agencies have put in a lot of visible and invisible effort in neutralising their local variants like Indian Mujahedeen and Al Qaeda in Indian Subcontinent (AQIS). However, our entire focus has been on apprehending and prosecuting such elements. There has not been much of an effort to counter radicalisation which draws people to these groups.

Essentially, the security apparatus can only take care of those directly indulging in unlawful activities. There are no sure-shot remedies to tackle radicalised people or those radicalising others in the name of real or perceived injustice to their religion. Radicalisation is a state of mind and no law can control minds, especially in a democratic society like ours. As seen in the case of Zakir Naik, there are only limited legal ways to control such elements.

Dealing with radicalisation is highly complex and perhaps the most difficult challenge for any society. In a free society with the fundamental right to freedom of expression, the issue gets further complicated. Recent incidents in two main universities of Delhi have again underscored that the line between freedom of expression and propagating toxic ideas is not very clear. Easy access to the internet and a free for all on social media have made the task tougher. There are ample examples of young men and women radicalised on their own by reading and watching inflammatory materials on the internet. In cases like the Dhaka attacks, even the attackers parents did not know how and when their children turned to the path of terror.

The leftist narrative of deprivation and individual injustice does not hold good anymore. Many involved in terror in the West had no personal grievances against society. They came from well-to-do families; some were highly educated. They could have led a normal life but chose to kill people. These new terrorists are not always disadvantaged or crazy. Most of them are in search of meaning to their lives and for an identity bigger than themselves. Radical religious ideas are just what they are looking for.

In spite of complexity, the state and society cannot afford to ignore the problem of radicalisation. While terror outfits go all out to win over hearts and minds, the society cannot passively wait for violence to occur. Around the world, various strategies are used to counter radicalisation. The experiences of Indonesia, Singapore, Australia and UK have shown involving the community in deradicalisation has been the most successful among such efforts.

The role of community is extremely crucial. If a young boy is radicalised in the name of a religion, it is unlikely he would listen to any counselling sponsored by the state, a perceived enemy. Trusted community leaders are the best bet against radicalisation. Firstly, they know the mood and undercurrents in a community. Secondly, they have the obvious advantage of a continuous formal or informal dialogue with their own people. Thirdly, they can show the futility and low social utility of radical ideas to individuals convincingly. Fourthly and most importantly, they can expose distortions of religious ideas by radicals for their vested interests.

It is an established fact that skewed religious interpretations are the main basis of radicalisation. Impressionable minds can easily fall prey to it due to ignorance compounded with prejudice. Most terror outfits use highly puritan Salafi teachings for indoctrination of young minds. But there are other schools of thoughts like the Sufi school which are relatively liberal. These nuances of religious discourse can be explained only by someone with authority on the subject. The experience of Indonesia shows the best person to deal with a radicalised individual is the one who can challenge him on religious premises. Police there often seek the help of religious leaders to counter world views radicalised by religion.

In India, community policing has mostly been a means to maintain law and order. The problem of radicalisation has given a totally new dimension to it. But any community can join hands with the state machinery only when there is mutual respect and trust. Experience shows interaction with community leaders takes place in advisory meetings held at higher levels of administration, which typically turn out to be a one-way dialogue. But community leaders cannot be expected to come forward only when the state needs their help. They also expect reciprocity in matters important to their community. The best way to take them along is to empower lower levels state functionaries and ensure their continuous and mutually beneficial interaction with the community which they are anyway expected to serve.

Arun bothra

A serving IPS officer

Follow him on Twitter @arunbothra

After a failed attempt on the life of the then British PM Margaret Thatcher, the Irish Republican Army sent her an unnerving message: You need to be lucky all the time, we need to be lucky once. Thatcher lived a full life of 87 years and the IRA is almost history now. But the spine-chilling threat conveyed through this missive still haunts security agencies across the world, albeit in a changed context. With the new phenomenon of religious terrorism armed with lone wolves, this threat holds truer in present times. Today, terror outfits like IS or Al Qaeda need to radicalise just a few individuals. The earth-shaking events of 9/11 in the US were planned and executed by a handful of zealots. In recent times, attacks in Boston, Nice, Paris and closer home in Dhaka were carried out by a few, sometimes even by a lone fanatic. On the other hand, civil society and its security agencies need to be lucky at all times to ensure people do not get radicalised. India has been more or less lucky to be safe in the last few years despite being high on the hate list of terror groups. These outfits have their focus elsewhere at the moment. Syria, the US and Europe are their priority. No doubt, our security agencies have put in a lot of visible and invisible effort in neutralising their local variants like Indian Mujahedeen and Al Qaeda in Indian Subcontinent (AQIS). However, our entire focus has been on apprehending and prosecuting such elements. There has not been much of an effort to counter radicalisation which draws people to these groups. Essentially, the security apparatus can only take care of those directly indulging in unlawful activities. There are no sure-shot remedies to tackle radicalised people or those radicalising others in the name of real or perceived injustice to their religion. Radicalisation is a state of mind and no law can control minds, especially in a democratic society like ours. As seen in the case of Zakir Naik, there are only limited legal ways to control such elements. Dealing with radicalisation is highly complex and perhaps the most difficult challenge for any society. In a free society with the fundamental right to freedom of expression, the issue gets further complicated. Recent incidents in two main universities of Delhi have again underscored that the line between freedom of expression and propagating toxic ideas is not very clear. Easy access to the internet and a free for all on social media have made the task tougher. There are ample examples of young men and women radicalised on their own by reading and watching inflammatory materials on the internet. In cases like the Dhaka attacks, even the attackers parents did not know how and when their children turned to the path of terror. The leftist narrative of deprivation and individual injustice does not hold good anymore. Many involved in terror in the West had no personal grievances against society. They came from well-to-do families; some were highly educated. They could have led a normal life but chose to kill people. These new terrorists are not always disadvantaged or crazy. Most of them are in search of meaning to their lives and for an identity bigger than themselves. Radical religious ideas are just what they are looking for. In spite of complexity, the state and society cannot afford to ignore the problem of radicalisation. While terror outfits go all out to win over hearts and minds, the society cannot passively wait for violence to occur. Around the world, various strategies are used to counter radicalisation. The experiences of Indonesia, Singapore, Australia and UK have shown involving the community in deradicalisation has been the most successful among such efforts. The role of community is extremely crucial. If a young boy is radicalised in the name of a religion, it is unlikely he would listen to any counselling sponsored by the state, a perceived enemy. Trusted community leaders are the best bet against radicalisation. Firstly, they know the mood and undercurrents in a community. Secondly, they have the obvious advantage of a continuous formal or informal dialogue with their own people. Thirdly, they can show the futility and low social utility of radical ideas to individuals convincingly. Fourthly and most importantly, they can expose distortions of religious ideas by radicals for their vested interests. It is an established fact that skewed religious interpretations are the main basis of radicalisation. Impressionable minds can easily fall prey to it due to ignorance compounded with prejudice. Most terror outfits use highly puritan Salafi teachings for indoctrination of young minds. But there are other schools of thoughts like the Sufi school which are relatively liberal. These nuances of religious discourse can be explained only by someone with authority on the subject. The experience of Indonesia shows the best person to deal with a radicalised individual is the one who can challenge him on religious premises. Police there often seek the help of religious leaders to counter world views radicalised by religion. In India, community policing has mostly been a means to maintain law and order. The problem of radicalisation has given a totally new dimension to it. But any community can join hands with the state machinery only when there is mutual respect and trust. Experience shows interaction with community leaders takes place in advisory meetings held at higher levels of administration, which typically turn out to be a one-way dialogue. But community leaders cannot be expected to come forward only when the state needs their help. They also expect reciprocity in matters important to their community. The best way to take them along is to empower lower levels state functionaries and ensure their continuous and mutually beneficial interaction with the community which they are anyway expected to serve. Arun bothra A serving IPS officer Follow him on Twitter @arunbothra
By Express News Service

VISAKHAPATNAM: The district administration has made elaborate arrangements for the SSC examinations which are scheduled from March 17 to April 1. As many as 57,518 students, including 27,764 girls, will write the examinations from 250 centres.

CV Renuka

Addressing newsmen in Visakhapatnam on Wednesday, district educational officer (DEO) CV Renuka said that the examination would be conducted at around 250 centres  107 in urban areas, 116 in rural and 27 in the agency areas. Among the total number of students appearing for the examination, as many as 2,088 students will be writing the supplementary examination, she said.

The DEO also noted that for the first time the examinations would be held in the new format. Every subject except the second language, will comprise two papers and for the first time 80 marks will for external and 20 for internal assessment. In aggregate one has to get 35 per cent to clear a paper, Renuka said. She also added that there would be two sets of question papers and they have already been despatched to the 78-odd storage points.

Among the total centres, 88 have been classified as A grade centres, 123 B grade and 39 C. Armed security will be provided to all the C grade centres to assist in transporting the question papers and the answer sheets. Besides, the district education department has identified 15 problematic centres, for which additional precautions are being taken.

According to Renuka, every examination centre will be manned by at least one chief superintendent and two officers. She said that all centres would have paramedic staff, emergency medicines and first aid kits. The DEO also made it clear that no student would be made to sit on the floor to write the examination, including the agency areas. Sufficient number of desks have been supplied.

VISAKHAPATNAM: The district administration has made elaborate arrangements for the SSC examinations which are scheduled from March 17 to April 1. As many as 57,518 students, including 27,764 girls, will write the examinations from 250 centres. CV RenukaAddressing newsmen in Visakhapatnam on Wednesday, district educational officer (DEO) CV Renuka said that the examination would be conducted at around 250 centres  107 in urban areas, 116 in rural and 27 in the agency areas. Among the total number of students appearing for the examination, as many as 2,088 students will be writing the supplementary examination, she said. The DEO also noted that for the first time the examinations would be held in the new format. Every subject except the second language, will comprise two papers and for the first time 80 marks will for external and 20 for internal assessment. In aggregate one has to get 35 per cent to clear a paper, Renuka said. She also added that there would be two sets of question papers and they have already been despatched to the 78-odd storage points. Among the total centres, 88 have been classified as A grade centres, 123 B grade and 39 C. Armed security will be provided to all the C grade centres to assist in transporting the question papers and the answer sheets. Besides, the district education department has identified 15 problematic centres, for which additional precautions are being taken. According to Renuka, every examination centre will be manned by at least one chief superintendent and two officers. She said that all centres would have paramedic staff, emergency medicines and first aid kits. The DEO also made it clear that no student would be made to sit on the floor to write the examination, including the agency areas. Sufficient number of desks have been supplied.
By Express News Service

BENGALURU: Taking a cue from the Goa government, the Karnataka government is planning to deport Nigerian nationals who have been charged with criminal offences, the states home minister Parameshwar said.

Parameshwar said foreign nationals involved in drug cases tend to extend their stay even after their visa expires. Hence, to facilitate deportation, the cases should be withdrawn, as done by the Goa government. "I shall get details from Goa and if needed, it can be implemented here too," Parameshwar added.

Further, the home minister said colleges in Karnataka tend not to verify the documentation of foreign students. The colleges have now been ordered to furnish details of their foreign students to police stations.

The home minster said, Since 2015, 23 cases have been registered against Nigerian nationals for involvement in the marijuana peddling in Karnataka. Besides, 31 persons have been arrested. This is an international network and is potentially dangerous.

BENGALURU: Taking a cue from the Goa government, the Karnataka government is planning to deport Nigerian nationals who have been charged with criminal offences, the states home minister Parameshwar said. Parameshwar said foreign nationals involved in drug cases tend to extend their stay even after their visa expires. Hence, to facilitate deportation, the cases should be withdrawn, as done by the Goa government. "I shall get details from Goa and if needed, it can be implemented here too," Parameshwar added. Further, the home minister said colleges in Karnataka tend not to verify the documentation of foreign students. The colleges have now been ordered to furnish details of their foreign students to police stations. The home minster said, Since 2015, 23 cases have been registered against Nigerian nationals for involvement in the marijuana peddling in Karnataka. Besides, 31 persons have been arrested. This is an international network and is potentially dangerous.
George Poikayil By

Express News Service

KASARGOD: Sujitha, 23, sits drooling on the porch secured by a wire mesh. Her paralysed hands are fisted on her lap and immobile legs rest on a low footstool.

Her mother Amalu has just left for the house of farmer Jose Augustine where she works as a domestic servant. She will return with rice gruel in the afternoon for her daughter.

Ever since the state government linked disability pension to the 12-digit unique identification number, read Aadhaar card, the duo belonging to the Mavilan Scheduled Tribe has not received the paltry amount. Last Onam, Sujitha received Rs 3,000 for July, August and September.

Since then, we have not received pension and we are forced to run around for Aadhaar,says Amalu, who is blind in the right eye with partial sight in the other.

In the morning, Amalu and Sujitha hailing from Thankathaduka in Karivedakam village of Kuttikol panchayat visited the Akshaya Centre for the fourth time. But it was in vain.

They keep sending us saying the machine cannot read her fingerprints,says Amalu, a widow.

Her case best describes the coldness of the system,says Augustine, whose family has been taking care of the girl. She is paralysed waist down and her arms are of no use. She is living with mental disability.

Yet, the doctors have certified only 70 per cent disability. When I take her to hospitals, they dont even touch her because she is drooling.

Sujithas father Balan died of kidney failure nine years ago. For years, he worked as a contractual labourer in the Plantation Corporation of Keralas cashew plantation in Periya where endosulfan was sprayed indiscriminately. The couples eldest daughter Sumitha also had similar disabilities. The 11-year-old was gored to death by a bull 13 years ago.

Augustines sons Richard and Albert had taken Sujitha to officers to include her in the list of endosulfan victims eligible for government benefits.They keep rejecting her application because she was born in Kuttikol, which is not among the 11 affected panchayats, says Amalu. The government has said those outside can also apply for benefits.

UIDAIs promise

A senior Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) officer expressed surprise at the treatment meted out to Sujitha. There is a provision in the system for such residents,says Surendra Babu, assistant director general in charge of Kerala at the UIDAIs Bengaluru regional office.

For residents without hands, Aadhaar can be generated with their photographs and iris data, he says. For others, the process is long and winding.

The Akshaya centre should first attempt to force capturefingerprint data. If it fails, the enrollment application should be forwarded to the State IT Mission and it will be sent to the regional office in Bengaluru, says Babu.

We will seek approval from the headquarters in Delhi to reprocess the application without fingerprints, he says.

Babu says the UIDAI has not given instructions to Akshaya centres to directly process such applications for fear of misuse of the provision.

KASARGOD: Sujitha, 23, sits drooling on the porch secured by a wire mesh. Her paralysed hands are fisted on her lap and immobile legs rest on a low footstool. Her mother Amalu has just left for the house of farmer Jose Augustine where she works as a domestic servant. She will return with rice gruel in the afternoon for her daughter. Ever since the state government linked disability pension to the 12-digit unique identification number, read Aadhaar card, the duo belonging to the Mavilan Scheduled Tribe has not received the paltry amount. Last Onam, Sujitha received Rs 3,000 for July, August and September. Since then, we have not received pension and we are forced to run around for Aadhaar,says Amalu, who is blind in the right eye with partial sight in the other. In the morning, Amalu and Sujitha hailing from Thankathaduka in Karivedakam village of Kuttikol panchayat visited the Akshaya Centre for the fourth time. But it was in vain. They keep sending us saying the machine cannot read her fingerprints,says Amalu, a widow. Her case best describes the coldness of the system,says Augustine, whose family has been taking care of the girl. She is paralysed waist down and her arms are of no use. She is living with mental disability. Yet, the doctors have certified only 70 per cent disability. When I take her to hospitals, they dont even touch her because she is drooling. Sujithas father Balan died of kidney failure nine years ago. For years, he worked as a contractual labourer in the Plantation Corporation of Keralas cashew plantation in Periya where endosulfan was sprayed indiscriminately. The couples eldest daughter Sumitha also had similar disabilities. The 11-year-old was gored to death by a bull 13 years ago. Augustines sons Richard and Albert had taken Sujitha to officers to include her in the list of endosulfan victims eligible for government benefits.They keep rejecting her application because she was born in Kuttikol, which is not among the 11 affected panchayats, says Amalu. The government has said those outside can also apply for benefits. UIDAIs promise A senior Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) officer expressed surprise at the treatment meted out to Sujitha. There is a provision in the system for such residents,says Surendra Babu, assistant director general in charge of Kerala at the UIDAIs Bengaluru regional office. For residents without hands, Aadhaar can be generated with their photographs and iris data, he says. For others, the process is long and winding. The Akshaya centre should first attempt to force capturefingerprint data. If it fails, the enrollment application should be forwarded to the State IT Mission and it will be sent to the regional office in Bengaluru, says Babu. We will seek approval from the headquarters in Delhi to reprocess the application without fingerprints, he says. Babu says the UIDAI has not given instructions to Akshaya centres to directly process such applications for fear of misuse of the provision.
By Express News Service

MALAPPURAM: A college lecturer was suspended on Thursday for allegedly misbehaving with girl students. The suspension follows a complaint from some students of Marthoma College Chungathara near Nilambur. The complaint stated that Ajeesh P, an associate professor in Botany, had been touching them indecently at the college.

Following this, the college management and the principal Raina John suspended him, pending inquiry. The girls said Ajeesh has been behaving inappropriately over the past few months. They accused the college principal of not initiating any action against the teacher even after reporting the incident to her earlier.

The college principal was not available for comment.

MALAPPURAM: A college lecturer was suspended on Thursday for allegedly misbehaving with girl students. The suspension follows a complaint from some students of Marthoma College Chungathara near Nilambur. The complaint stated that Ajeesh P, an associate professor in Botany, had been touching them indecently at the college. Following this, the college management and the principal Raina John suspended him, pending inquiry. The girls said Ajeesh has been behaving inappropriately over the past few months. They accused the college principal of not initiating any action against the teacher even after reporting the incident to her earlier. The college principal was not available for comment.
T Muruganandham By

Express News Service

CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu's finance minister D Jayakumar today presented a tax-free budget for the year 2017-18 with a projected fiscal deficit of Rs.41,977 crore. He candidly admitted that the budget proposals were prepared under severe resource constraints.

The uncertainty in the domestic economy continues. This government is working hard to overcome this and to reverse the economic downtrend, the finance Minister said presenting the maiden budget of the 'Edapaddi' K Palaniswami-led government in the assembly. He said the net outstanding debt at the end of March 31, 2018 would be Rs.3,14,366 crore including the debt taken over from TANGEDCO, the state-run monopoly power supplier.

However, the Debt-GSDP ratio would be 20.90 per cent which is well below the Debt-GSDP norm of 25 per cent. Just as Speaker P Dhanapal called the Finance Minister to present the budget, Leader of Opposition MK Stalin raised the issue of no confidence motion given by the DMK members against the Speaker. Responding to this, the Speaker said the notice given for no confidence motion was not in proper form.

The DMK, however, had given another notice for removal of Speaker on March 9, which could be taken only after 14 days. Dhanapal assured that he would take up the issue in the current session itself. Accepting this, Stalin resumed the seat. Referring to the O Panneerselvam-led rebellion with in the ruling party, said, Late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa has handed over the lamp of governance to us. Amidst the political turbulence created by some of our brothers, who have been misguided by some, that lamp has been protected and it is duty to keep it as an eternal lamp to continue our journey towards progress.

Referring to the poor fiscal state of the Tamil Nadu government, Jayakumar said the government will leave no stone unturned to bring the State back on the path of fiscal consolidation.

Referring to the Economic Survey which had projected the growth rate for 2017-18 between 6.5 per cent to 7.5 per cent, the finance minister said the pace of economic activity is picking up and it is expected that Gross State Domestic Product will grow at 7.94 per cent at constant prices during 2016-17. We expect that the concerted efforts of this government will further create a favourable environment for increased private and public investment in key sectors, thus boosting the economic growth to nine per cent during the year 2017-18.

Jayakumar announced that the State government would replace the State Planning Commission with the State Development Policy Council to advise the government on policy coherence and formulation of programmes to guide the development of the State.

CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu's finance minister D Jayakumar today presented a tax-free budget for the year 2017-18 with a projected fiscal deficit of Rs.41,977 crore. He candidly admitted that the budget proposals were prepared under severe resource constraints. The uncertainty in the domestic economy continues. This government is working hard to overcome this and to reverse the economic downtrend, the finance Minister said presenting the maiden budget of the 'Edapaddi' K Palaniswami-led government in the assembly. He said the net outstanding debt at the end of March 31, 2018 would be Rs.3,14,366 crore including the debt taken over from TANGEDCO, the state-run monopoly power supplier. However, the Debt-GSDP ratio would be 20.90 per cent which is well below the Debt-GSDP norm of 25 per cent. Just as Speaker P Dhanapal called the Finance Minister to present the budget, Leader of Opposition MK Stalin raised the issue of no confidence motion given by the DMK members against the Speaker. Responding to this, the Speaker said the notice given for no confidence motion was not in proper form. The DMK, however, had given another notice for removal of Speaker on March 9, which could be taken only after 14 days. Dhanapal assured that he would take up the issue in the current session itself. Accepting this, Stalin resumed the seat. Referring to the O Panneerselvam-led rebellion with in the ruling party, said, Late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa has handed over the lamp of governance to us. Amidst the political turbulence created by some of our brothers, who have been misguided by some, that lamp has been protected and it is duty to keep it as an eternal lamp to continue our journey towards progress. Referring to the poor fiscal state of the Tamil Nadu government, Jayakumar said the government will leave no stone unturned to bring the State back on the path of fiscal consolidation. Referring to the Economic Survey which had projected the growth rate for 2017-18 between 6.5 per cent to 7.5 per cent, the finance minister said the pace of economic activity is picking up and it is expected that Gross State Domestic Product will grow at 7.94 per cent at constant prices during 2016-17. We expect that the concerted efforts of this government will further create a favourable environment for increased private and public investment in key sectors, thus boosting the economic growth to nine per cent during the year 2017-18. Jayakumar announced that the State government would replace the State Planning Commission with the State Development Policy Council to advise the government on policy coherence and formulation of programmes to guide the development of the State.
By Express News Service

CHENNAI: Finance minister D Jayakumar presented his first budget in the Tamil Nadu Assembly on Thursday. Here are the highlights from the budget proposal:

1. In and around Chennai city, nine important roads inter-connecting major highways (of a total length of 141.60 km) have been identified for laning / six laning and improvements at a cost of Rs 744 crore. Out of these, works for Rs 232.20 crore will be taken up in the first phase during 2017-18.



2. The Chennai Peripheral Ring Road at a cost of Rs 13,000 crore is under the consideration of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The land acquisition for Section I of the proposed Chennai Peripheral Ring Road, i.e., Northern Port Access Road from Ennore Port to Thatchur on NH5 has commenced and Rs 951 crore has been sanctioned for this project.



3. Three Metro Rail corridors have been included in the JICA Rolling Plan.

4. Coastal Tourism Circuits in Chennai, Mahabalipuram, Rameswaram, Manapadu and Kanyakumari will be developed under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme at a cost of Rs 100 crore.



5. The Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation will soon launch a project for promoting culture and heritage tourism as a joint venture with Tamil Nadu Infrastructure Fund Management Corporation. Under this project, amenities and tourist facilities will be upgraded to attract more domestic and international tourists.



6. The Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO) in association with State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu, will establish a Plastic Industries Park in Ponneri taluk of Tiruvallur district at an investment of Rs 264 crore. The Central government has approved the Medi Park Project, to be established on 330 acres of land in Kancheepuram district at an estimated cost of Rs 130 crore. Tamil Nadu Newsprints and Papers Limited, a leading State PSU, will expand the capacity of its second unit with a total investment of Rs 2,100 crore.



7. To make medicines affordable, the use of generic drugs will be promoted and Tamil Nadu Medical Services Corporation would set up 10 sales outlets to sell generic medicines. Such generic drug selling stores will also be put up at major locations in towns and rural areas by cooperative institutions. This initiative will substantially reduce the burden of public.



8. The budget gives special focus on agriculture, fisheries and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector. Special measures to boost the MSME sector including allocations for all major schemesare already being implemented.

CHENNAI: Finance minister D Jayakumar presented his first budget in the Tamil Nadu Assembly on Thursday. Here are the highlights from the budget proposal: 1. In and around Chennai city, nine important roads inter-connecting major highways (of a total length of 141.60 km) have been identified for laning / six laning and improvements at a cost of Rs 744 crore. Out of these, works for Rs 232.20 crore will be taken up in the first phase during 2017-18. 2. The Chennai Peripheral Ring Road at a cost of Rs 13,000 crore is under the consideration of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The land acquisition for Section I of the proposed Chennai Peripheral Ring Road, i.e., Northern Port Access Road from Ennore Port to Thatchur on NH5 has commenced and Rs 951 crore has been sanctioned for this project. 3. Three Metro Rail corridors have been included in the JICA Rolling Plan. 4. Coastal Tourism Circuits in Chennai, Mahabalipuram, Rameswaram, Manapadu and Kanyakumari will be developed under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme at a cost of Rs 100 crore. 5. The Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation will soon launch a project for promoting culture and heritage tourism as a joint venture with Tamil Nadu Infrastructure Fund Management Corporation. Under this project, amenities and tourist facilities will be upgraded to attract more domestic and international tourists. 6. The Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO) in association with State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu, will establish a Plastic Industries Park in Ponneri taluk of Tiruvallur district at an investment of Rs 264 crore. The Central government has approved the Medi Park Project, to be established on 330 acres of land in Kancheepuram district at an estimated cost of Rs 130 crore. Tamil Nadu Newsprints and Papers Limited, a leading State PSU, will expand the capacity of its second unit with a total investment of Rs 2,100 crore. 7. To make medicines affordable, the use of generic drugs will be promoted and Tamil Nadu Medical Services Corporation would set up 10 sales outlets to sell generic medicines. Such generic drug selling stores will also be put up at major locations in towns and rural areas by cooperative institutions. This initiative will substantially reduce the burden of public. 8. The budget gives special focus on agriculture, fisheries and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector. Special measures to boost the MSME sector including allocations for all major schemesare already being implemented.
By Express News Service

SALEM: An unidentified person hurled a slipper at BJP Union Minister Pon Radhakrishnan when he was visiting the house of the deceased JNU Dalit scholar Muthukrishnan today to pay last tributes at Salem in Tamil Nadu.

Muthukrishnan's death in the country's premium Jawaharlal Nehru University in Delhi is now the centre of a storm of controversy with Dalit groups crying foul over what is alleged to be a suicide. Hailing from a Dalit family in Saminathapuram near Arisipalayam in Salem, Muthukrishnan, aged 30, was a PhD student at Jawaharlal Nehru University.

After the autopsy at AIIMS in Delhi, the body was airlifted to Chennai on Wednesday and reached his home today. Various political leaders were visiting the house to pay respects when a section of youth raised slogans against Pon Radhakrishnan.

When he was later addressing mediapersons, a slipper was hurled at him by an unidentified person. The slipper missed the minister and fell on TV camera mics in front of him. Police have picked up a few youth in connection with the incident, but have not revealed their identities.

SALEM: An unidentified person hurled a slipper at BJP Union Minister Pon Radhakrishnan when he was visiting the house of the deceased JNU Dalit scholar Muthukrishnan today to pay last tributes at Salem in Tamil Nadu. Muthukrishnan's death in the country's premium Jawaharlal Nehru University in Delhi is now the centre of a storm of controversy with Dalit groups crying foul over what is alleged to be a suicide. Hailing from a Dalit family in Saminathapuram near Arisipalayam in Salem, Muthukrishnan, aged 30, was a PhD student at Jawaharlal Nehru University. After the autopsy at AIIMS in Delhi, the body was airlifted to Chennai on Wednesday and reached his home today. Various political leaders were visiting the house to pay respects when a section of youth raised slogans against Pon Radhakrishnan. When he was later addressing mediapersons, a slipper was hurled at him by an unidentified person. The slipper missed the minister and fell on TV camera mics in front of him. Police have picked up a few youth in connection with the incident, but have not revealed their identities.
THE HAGUE (NETHERLANDS): Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte easily defeated a strong challenge by far-right rival Geert Wilders in key elections seen as a bellwether of populist support in Europe, partial vote counts said Thursday.

With more than 54 percent of votes counted, Rutte's Liberal VVD party was set to win 32 seats, making it the largest in the new 150-seat parliament, with Wilders and his Freedom Party (PVV) beaten into second place alongside two others on 19 seats, the Dutch news agency ANP said.

Millions of Dutch flocked to the polls in a near-record turnout, with the stakes high in an election pitting the pro-European Rutte against his anti-immigration and anti-EU rival.

Following last year's shock Brexit referendum and Donald Trump's victory in the US, the Dutch vote was being closely scrutinised as a gauge of the rise of populism on the continent ahead of crucial elections in France and Germany.

"This was the evening when The Netherlands, after Brexit and the American elections, said 'stop' to the wrong kind of populism," Rutte told cheering supporters.

"Now of course it's important to unite the country in the coming weeks and months and that we succeed in forming a stable government for the next four years," he added.

Relieved European leaders, fearing the rise of anti-EU sentiment in one of the bloc's founding members, congratulated Rutte, now headed for a third term at the head of the one the eurozone's largest economies.

A spokesman for EU Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker hailed it as a "vote against extremists" while one senior European source told AFP on condition of anonymity: "Common sense strikes back."

Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault of France, where the far-right Marine Le Pen is currently seen winning the first round of the presidential election in April, congratulated Rutte for "stopping the rise of the far-right".

Not rid of me yet

Wilders had pledged to close the borders to Muslim immigrants, shut mosques, ban sales of the Koran and leave the EU if he won the polls.

He thanked his supporters in a message on Twitter, with his party set to boost its number of MPs to 19. The PVV won 15 seats in the 2012 elections, which had slipped to 12 in the outgoing parliament.

"We won seats. The first gains are made. And Rutte is not rid of me yet," he said.

Eyeing weeks, if not months, of protracted coalition talks ahead, Wilders offered early Thursday to work with the new government.

"I would still like to co-govern as the PVV, if possible. But if that doesn't work ... we'll support the cabinet, where needed, on the issues that are important to us."

Most of the other leaders, including Rutte have vowed not to work with Wilders, denouncing his incendiary rhetoric and his go-it-alone attitude.

Turnout reached 81 percent, just shy of the record of 88 percent set in 1977.

Rutte appeared to have benefited from his firm stance in a spiralling diplomatic spat with Turkey after authorities barred Turkish ministers from rallying support in the Netherlands for a referendum.

No Trumpian force

Assuming the exit polls reflect the final result, Rutte will get the first chance to form the next coalition and could possibly turn to the Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA) and the Democracy party D66, which both matched Wilders with a predicted 19 seats.

But with the three parties' combined total of 70 seats, he would need another party to reach the 76-seat majority.

The "PVV is not such a revolutionary, Trumpian force," Leiden University expert Geerten Waling told AFP.

"People stick to responsible politicians mostly," he said, acknowledging though that the PVV's showing was "not small".

The analyst also pointed to the "disastrous" showing of the traditional Labour party, Rutte's sole partner in the outgoing coalition.

Support for the party appears to have evaporated and the partial count showed it winning just nine seats -- well down from the 38 it won in 2012.

Labour leader Lodewijk Asscher told supporters late Wednesday "the voters have spoken, difficult as it is, but that is democracy."

One of the biggest winners of the day was the young, charismatic Jesse Klaver, leader of the ecologist leftwing GroenLinks.

In a remarkable turnaround, the party is likely to win 16 seats compared to just four in the outgoing parliament.

THE HAGUE (NETHERLANDS): Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte easily defeated a strong challenge by far-right rival Geert Wilders in key elections seen as a bellwether of populist support in Europe, partial vote counts said Thursday. With more than 54 percent of votes counted, Rutte's Liberal VVD party was set to win 32 seats, making it the largest in the new 150-seat parliament, with Wilders and his Freedom Party (PVV) beaten into second place alongside two others on 19 seats, the Dutch news agency ANP said. Millions of Dutch flocked to the polls in a near-record turnout, with the stakes high in an election pitting the pro-European Rutte against his anti-immigration and anti-EU rival. Following last year's shock Brexit referendum and Donald Trump's victory in the US, the Dutch vote was being closely scrutinised as a gauge of the rise of populism on the continent ahead of crucial elections in France and Germany. "This was the evening when The Netherlands, after Brexit and the American elections, said 'stop' to the wrong kind of populism," Rutte told cheering supporters. "Now of course it's important to unite the country in the coming weeks and months and that we succeed in forming a stable government for the next four years," he added. Relieved European leaders, fearing the rise of anti-EU sentiment in one of the bloc's founding members, congratulated Rutte, now headed for a third term at the head of the one the eurozone's largest economies. A spokesman for EU Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker hailed it as a "vote against extremists" while one senior European source told AFP on condition of anonymity: "Common sense strikes back." Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault of France, where the far-right Marine Le Pen is currently seen winning the first round of the presidential election in April, congratulated Rutte for "stopping the rise of the far-right". Not rid of me yet Wilders had pledged to close the borders to Muslim immigrants, shut mosques, ban sales of the Koran and leave the EU if he won the polls. He thanked his supporters in a message on Twitter, with his party set to boost its number of MPs to 19. The PVV won 15 seats in the 2012 elections, which had slipped to 12 in the outgoing parliament. "We won seats. The first gains are made. And Rutte is not rid of me yet," he said. Eyeing weeks, if not months, of protracted coalition talks ahead, Wilders offered early Thursday to work with the new government. "I would still like to co-govern as the PVV, if possible. But if that doesn't work ... we'll support the cabinet, where needed, on the issues that are important to us." Most of the other leaders, including Rutte have vowed not to work with Wilders, denouncing his incendiary rhetoric and his go-it-alone attitude. Turnout reached 81 percent, just shy of the record of 88 percent set in 1977. Rutte appeared to have benefited from his firm stance in a spiralling diplomatic spat with Turkey after authorities barred Turkish ministers from rallying support in the Netherlands for a referendum. No Trumpian force Assuming the exit polls reflect the final result, Rutte will get the first chance to form the next coalition and could possibly turn to the Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA) and the Democracy party D66, which both matched Wilders with a predicted 19 seats. But with the three parties' combined total of 70 seats, he would need another party to reach the 76-seat majority. The "PVV is not such a revolutionary, Trumpian force," Leiden University expert Geerten Waling told AFP. "People stick to responsible politicians mostly," he said, acknowledging though that the PVV's showing was "not small". The analyst also pointed to the "disastrous" showing of the traditional Labour party, Rutte's sole partner in the outgoing coalition. Support for the party appears to have evaporated and the partial count showed it winning just nine seats -- well down from the 38 it won in 2012. Labour leader Lodewijk Asscher told supporters late Wednesday "the voters have spoken, difficult as it is, but that is democracy." One of the biggest winners of the day was the young, charismatic Jesse Klaver, leader of the ecologist leftwing GroenLinks. In a remarkable turnaround, the party is likely to win 16 seats compared to just four in the outgoing parliament.
By Associated Press

HONOLULU: Hours before it was to take effect, President Donald Trump's revised travel ban was put on hold Wednesday by a federal judge in Hawaii after hearing arguments that the executive order discriminates on the basis of nationality.

The ruling came as opponents renewed their legal challenges across the country, asking judges in three states to block the executive order that targets people from six predominantly Muslim countries.

More than half a dozen states are trying to stop the ban, and federal courts in Maryland, Washington state and Hawaii heard arguments about whether it should be put into practice early Thursday.

U.S. District Court Judge Derrick Watson decision prevents the executive order from going into effect, at least for now. Hawaii had requested a temporary restraining order.

Hawaii also argued that the ban would prevent residents from receiving visits from relatives in the six countries covered by the order. The state says the ban would harm its tourism industry and the ability to recruit foreign students and workers.

In Maryland, attorneys told a federal judge that the measure still discriminates against Muslims.

Government attorneys argued that the ban was revised substantially to address legal concerns, including the removal of an exemption for religious minorities from the affected countries.

"It doesn't say anything about religion. It doesn't draw any religious distinctions," said Jeffrey Wall, who argued for the Justice Department.

Attorneys for the ACLU and other groups said that Trump's statements on the campaign trail and statements from his advisers since he took office make clear that the intent of the ban is to ban Muslims. Trump policy adviser Stephen Miller has said the revised order was designed to have "the same basic policy outcome" as the first.

The new version of the ban details more of a national security rationale. It is narrower and eases some concerns about violating the due-process rights of travelers.

It applies only to new visas from Somalia, Iran, Syria, Sudan, Libya and Yemen and temporarily shuts down the U.S. refugee program. It does not apply to travelers who already have visas.

"Generally, courts defer on national security to the government," said U.S. District Judge Theodore Chuang. "Do I need to conclude that the national security purpose is a sham and false?"

In response, ACLU attorney Omar Jadwat pointed to Miller's statement and said the government had put out misleading and contradictory information about whether banning travel from six specific countries would make the nation safer.

The Maryland lawsuit also argues that it's against federal law for the Trump administration to reduce the number of refugees allowed into the United States this year by more than half, from 110,000 to 50,000. Attorneys argued that if that aspect of the ban takes effect, 60,000 people would be stranded in war-torn countries with nowhere else to go.

In the Hawaii case, the federal government said there was no need to issue an emergency restraining order because Hawaii officials offered only "generalized allegations" of harm.

Jeffrey Wall of the Office of the Solicitor General challenged Hawaii's claim that the order violates due-process rights of Ismail Elshikh as a U.S. citizen who wants his mother-in-law to visit his family from Syria. He says courts have not extended due-process rights outside of a spousal relationship.

Neal Katyal, a Washington, D.C., attorney representing Hawaii, called the story of Elshiskh, an Egyptian immigrant and naturalized U.S. citizen, "the story of America."

Wall told the judge that if he is inclined to issue an injunction, it should be tailored specifically to Hawaii and not nationwide.

In Washington state, U.S. District Judge James Robart  who halted the original ban last month  heard arguments in a lawsuit brought by the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project, which is making arguments similar to the ACLU's in the Maryland case.

Robart said he is most interested in two questions presented by the group's challenge to the ban: whether the ban violates federal immigration law, and whether the affected immigrants would be "irreparably harmed" should the ban go into effect.

He spent much of Wednesday afternoon's hearing grilling the lawyers about two seeming conflicting federal laws on immigration  one which gives the president the authority to keep "any class of aliens" out of the country, and another that forbids the government from discriminating on the basis of nationality when it comes to issuing immigrant visas.

Robart said he would issue a written order, but he did not say when. He is also overseeing the challenge brought by Washington state.

Attorney General Bob Ferguson argues that the new order harms residents, universities and businesses, especially tech companies such as Washington state-based Microsoft and Amazon, which rely on foreign workers. California, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York and Oregon have joined the claim.

Washington and Hawaii say the order also violates the First Amendment, which bars the government from favoring or disfavoring any religion. On that point, they say, the new ban is no different than the old. The states' First Amendment claim has not been resolved.

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals refused to reinstate the original ban but did not rule on the discrimination claim.

HONOLULU: Hours before it was to take effect, President Donald Trump's revised travel ban was put on hold Wednesday by a federal judge in Hawaii after hearing arguments that the executive order discriminates on the basis of nationality. The ruling came as opponents renewed their legal challenges across the country, asking judges in three states to block the executive order that targets people from six predominantly Muslim countries. More than half a dozen states are trying to stop the ban, and federal courts in Maryland, Washington state and Hawaii heard arguments about whether it should be put into practice early Thursday. U.S. District Court Judge Derrick Watson decision prevents the executive order from going into effect, at least for now. Hawaii had requested a temporary restraining order. Hawaii also argued that the ban would prevent residents from receiving visits from relatives in the six countries covered by the order. The state says the ban would harm its tourism industry and the ability to recruit foreign students and workers. In Maryland, attorneys told a federal judge that the measure still discriminates against Muslims. Government attorneys argued that the ban was revised substantially to address legal concerns, including the removal of an exemption for religious minorities from the affected countries. "It doesn't say anything about religion. It doesn't draw any religious distinctions," said Jeffrey Wall, who argued for the Justice Department. Attorneys for the ACLU and other groups said that Trump's statements on the campaign trail and statements from his advisers since he took office make clear that the intent of the ban is to ban Muslims. Trump policy adviser Stephen Miller has said the revised order was designed to have "the same basic policy outcome" as the first. The new version of the ban details more of a national security rationale. It is narrower and eases some concerns about violating the due-process rights of travelers. It applies only to new visas from Somalia, Iran, Syria, Sudan, Libya and Yemen and temporarily shuts down the U.S. refugee program. It does not apply to travelers who already have visas. "Generally, courts defer on national security to the government," said U.S. District Judge Theodore Chuang. "Do I need to conclude that the national security purpose is a sham and false?" In response, ACLU attorney Omar Jadwat pointed to Miller's statement and said the government had put out misleading and contradictory information about whether banning travel from six specific countries would make the nation safer. The Maryland lawsuit also argues that it's against federal law for the Trump administration to reduce the number of refugees allowed into the United States this year by more than half, from 110,000 to 50,000. Attorneys argued that if that aspect of the ban takes effect, 60,000 people would be stranded in war-torn countries with nowhere else to go. In the Hawaii case, the federal government said there was no need to issue an emergency restraining order because Hawaii officials offered only "generalized allegations" of harm. window.__ventunoplayer = window.__ventunoplayer||[]; window.__ventunoplayer.push({video_key: 'OTA3MDI2fHw4fHw2fHwxLDIsMQ==', holder_id: 'vt-video-player', player_type: 'vp', width:'100%', ratio:'4:3'}); Jeffrey Wall of the Office of the Solicitor General challenged Hawaii's claim that the order violates due-process rights of Ismail Elshikh as a U.S. citizen who wants his mother-in-law to visit his family from Syria. He says courts have not extended due-process rights outside of a spousal relationship. Neal Katyal, a Washington, D.C., attorney representing Hawaii, called the story of Elshiskh, an Egyptian immigrant and naturalized U.S. citizen, "the story of America." Wall told the judge that if he is inclined to issue an injunction, it should be tailored specifically to Hawaii and not nationwide. In Washington state, U.S. District Judge James Robart  who halted the original ban last month  heard arguments in a lawsuit brought by the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project, which is making arguments similar to the ACLU's in the Maryland case. Robart said he is most interested in two questions presented by the group's challenge to the ban: whether the ban violates federal immigration law, and whether the affected immigrants would be "irreparably harmed" should the ban go into effect. He spent much of Wednesday afternoon's hearing grilling the lawyers about two seeming conflicting federal laws on immigration  one which gives the president the authority to keep "any class of aliens" out of the country, and another that forbids the government from discriminating on the basis of nationality when it comes to issuing immigrant visas. Robart said he would issue a written order, but he did not say when. He is also overseeing the challenge brought by Washington state. Attorney General Bob Ferguson argues that the new order harms residents, universities and businesses, especially tech companies such as Washington state-based Microsoft and Amazon, which rely on foreign workers. California, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York and Oregon have joined the claim. Washington and Hawaii say the order also violates the First Amendment, which bars the government from favoring or disfavoring any religion. On that point, they say, the new ban is no different than the old. The states' First Amendment claim has not been resolved. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals refused to reinstate the original ban but did not rule on the discrimination claim.
By ANI

NEW DELHI: With Islamabad planning to declare the strategic Gilgit-Baltistan region as its fifth province, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday said such a step will not be able to hide the illegality of Pakistans occupation of the parts of Jammu and Kashmir which it must vacate forthwith.

Stating that Jammu and Kashmir is and will always remain an integral part of India, MEA spokesperson Gopal Baglay said any unilateral attempt from Pakistans side will be absolutely unacceptable.

Such a step will not be able to hide the illegality of attempt and illegality of Pakistans occupation of the parts of Jammu and Kashmir which it must vacate forthwith. It will also not be able to hide the tremendous and very concerning human rights violation and denial of freedom that has been going in those parts under Pakistans control for the last 70 years, Baglay told the media here.

The MEA spokesperson maintained that Indias position is well known in a matter, which pertains to the countrys sovereignty.

In what may come as a matter of concern for India, Pakistan is planning to declare Gilgit-Baltistan region as its fifth province.

The Gilgit-Baltistan area is Pakistan's northernmost administrative territory that borders the disputed Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

A committee headed by Adviser to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz recommended to grant the region a provincial status, reports the GeoNews.

Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and Sindh are four provinces of Pakistan.

NEW DELHI: With Islamabad planning to declare the strategic Gilgit-Baltistan region as its fifth province, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday said such a step will not be able to hide the illegality of Pakistans occupation of the parts of Jammu and Kashmir which it must vacate forthwith. Stating that Jammu and Kashmir is and will always remain an integral part of India, MEA spokesperson Gopal Baglay said any unilateral attempt from Pakistans side will be absolutely unacceptable. Such a step will not be able to hide the illegality of attempt and illegality of Pakistans occupation of the parts of Jammu and Kashmir which it must vacate forthwith. It will also not be able to hide the tremendous and very concerning human rights violation and denial of freedom that has been going in those parts under Pakistans control for the last 70 years, Baglay told the media here. The MEA spokesperson maintained that Indias position is well known in a matter, which pertains to the countrys sovereignty. In what may come as a matter of concern for India, Pakistan is planning to declare Gilgit-Baltistan region as its fifth province. The Gilgit-Baltistan area is Pakistan's northernmost administrative territory that borders the disputed Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. A committee headed by Adviser to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz recommended to grant the region a provincial status, reports the GeoNews. Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and Sindh are four provinces of Pakistan.
By AFP

JERUSALEM: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday he was in discussions with Donald Trump's administration on ways to move ahead with settlement construction ahead of fresh talks with a top adviser to the US president.

Netanyahu also reiterated he intended to build a new "community" for residents of a wildcat Jewish outpost in the occupied West Bank known as Amona, which was evacuated under court order in February.

An Israeli government-sanctioned settlement would be the first official new settlement in more than 20 years and would surely draw intense international criticism.

Construction in recent years has involved expanding existing settlements in the West Bank, with many countries warning it is gradually eating away at any chance of a two-state solution with the Palestinians.

"This afternoon I will meet again with President Trump's envoy, Jason Greenblatt," Netanyahu told ministers at the start of a cabinet meeting in remarks relayed by his office.

"We are in the midst of a process of dialogue with the White House and our intention is to reach an agreed-upon policy regarding settlement construction," Netanyahu said. "Agreed-upon for us, of course, not just for the American side.

"Naturally, this will be good for the state of Israel, since we have not been in these processes for many years," Netanyahu said.

US president Barack Obama's administration frequently criticised Israel over settlement construction.

Obama's White House also declined to veto a UN Security resolution condemning Israeli settlement building in December, deeply angering Netanyahu.

Greenblatt's visit to the region marks the Trump administration's dive into the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which the new US president said he intended to resolve.

Netanyahu and Greenblatt met in Jerusalem on Monday, where the two discussed ways to reach peace and settlement construction.

The following day, Trump's envoy met Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas in Ramallah.

On Wednesday, Greenblatt met Israeli President Reuven Rivlin before travelling to Jordan for a meeting with King Abdullah II.

The peace process has been deadlocked since April 2014 when indirect negotiations led by then US secretary of state John Kerry collapsed.

The visit comes after Trump cast uncertainty over years of international efforts to foster a two-state solution to the conflict when he met Netanyahu at the White House last month.

At that meeting, Trump broke with decades of US policy by saying he was not bound to a two-state solution to the conflict and would be open to one state if it meant peace.

The international community considers continuing settlement growth in the West Bank a major obstacle to peace as they are built on land the Palestinians see as part of their future state.

In his Thursday remarks, Netanyahu stressed his committment to build a new West Bank community for the Amona settlers.

"To the residents of Amona, I reiterate: I gave you a promise to build a new community and I will honour that commitment," he said.

Israel media said the construction of a new settlement was part of discussions on Monday between Greenblatt and Netanyahu.

JERUSALEM: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday he was in discussions with Donald Trump's administration on ways to move ahead with settlement construction ahead of fresh talks with a top adviser to the US president. Netanyahu also reiterated he intended to build a new "community" for residents of a wildcat Jewish outpost in the occupied West Bank known as Amona, which was evacuated under court order in February. An Israeli government-sanctioned settlement would be the first official new settlement in more than 20 years and would surely draw intense international criticism. Construction in recent years has involved expanding existing settlements in the West Bank, with many countries warning it is gradually eating away at any chance of a two-state solution with the Palestinians. "This afternoon I will meet again with President Trump's envoy, Jason Greenblatt," Netanyahu told ministers at the start of a cabinet meeting in remarks relayed by his office. "We are in the midst of a process of dialogue with the White House and our intention is to reach an agreed-upon policy regarding settlement construction," Netanyahu said. "Agreed-upon for us, of course, not just for the American side. "Naturally, this will be good for the state of Israel, since we have not been in these processes for many years," Netanyahu said. US president Barack Obama's administration frequently criticised Israel over settlement construction. Obama's White House also declined to veto a UN Security resolution condemning Israeli settlement building in December, deeply angering Netanyahu. Greenblatt's visit to the region marks the Trump administration's dive into the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which the new US president said he intended to resolve. Netanyahu and Greenblatt met in Jerusalem on Monday, where the two discussed ways to reach peace and settlement construction. The following day, Trump's envoy met Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas in Ramallah. On Wednesday, Greenblatt met Israeli President Reuven Rivlin before travelling to Jordan for a meeting with King Abdullah II. The peace process has been deadlocked since April 2014 when indirect negotiations led by then US secretary of state John Kerry collapsed. The visit comes after Trump cast uncertainty over years of international efforts to foster a two-state solution to the conflict when he met Netanyahu at the White House last month. At that meeting, Trump broke with decades of US policy by saying he was not bound to a two-state solution to the conflict and would be open to one state if it meant peace. The international community considers continuing settlement growth in the West Bank a major obstacle to peace as they are built on land the Palestinians see as part of their future state. In his Thursday remarks, Netanyahu stressed his committment to build a new West Bank community for the Amona settlers. "To the residents of Amona, I reiterate: I gave you a promise to build a new community and I will honour that commitment," he said. Israel media said the construction of a new settlement was part of discussions on Monday between Greenblatt and Netanyahu.
By AFP

WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump braced on Thursday for a long legal battle over his ban on travel from six mainly-Muslim countries after two federal judges ruled against the measure, saying the Republican's own comments suggested religious bias.

It was a humiliating setback for Trump, who saw his first attempt at limiting travel from the Muslim world halted by the federal courts last month after it had caused chaos at airports both in the US and abroad.

The Republican leader vowed to fight the "terrible" decision, to the Supreme Court if necessary, describing it as "unprecedented judicial overreach." He has said the measure is needed to ensure national security.

The revamped executive order had been due to take effect at midnight (0400 GMT), but a federal judge in Hawaii froze Trump's efforts to close US borders to nationals of Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen for 90 days.

The judge's ruling on Wednesday also halted a 120-day suspension of the US refugee admissions program.

A second federal judge in Maryland issued a separate, more narrow nationwide block on just the core provision concerning travel from the Muslim world, ruling it would cause "irreparable harm" were it to go into effect.

Trump, who used anti-Muslim rhetoric on the campaign trail in his successful run for the White House, will now have to account for those statements in court, with both judges saying the order raised the specter of religious bias.

In Hawaii, Acting Solicitor General Jeffrey Wall, defending the government's position, said: "This order doesn't draw any religious distinction at all."

Questioned about Trump's tweets and statements during the presidential campaign in which he promised to enact a "Muslim ban," Wall said: "There is a difference between a president and a candidate."

But District Judge Derrick Watson said "a reasonable, objective observer... would conclude that the Executive Order was issued with a purpose to disfavor a particular religion, in spite of its stated, religiously-neutral purpose."

Watson indicated that the court would not stay its decision in the event of an appeal, meaning the ban cannot go ahead as planned on Thursday regardless of any action the White House takes.

In Maryland, US District Judge Theodore Chuang echoed that thought, as he issued a partial injunction on a separate complaint filed by advocacy groups claiming that the amended order discriminates against Muslims.

"While the travel ban bears no resemblance to any response to a national security risk in recent history, it bears a clear resemblance to the precise action that President Trump described as effectuating his Muslim ban," he said.

- 'We are going to win' -

Trump, addressing supporters late on Wednesday in Nashville, assailed the Hawaii judge for blocking his measure.

"The law in the Constitution gave the president the power to suspend immigration when he deems it to be in the national interest of our country," he said.

"We are going to take our case as far as it needs to go, including all the way up to the Supreme Court. We are going to win."

The Justice Department called the Hawaii ruling "flawed both in reasoning and in scope."

The Hawaii and Maryland rulings came after a trio of hearings Wednesday on the ban.

In Seattle, Washington state's attorney general filed an emergency motion for a temporary restraining order that would last up to 14 days in order to halt the travel restrictions, also citing "irreparable injuries."

- Muslim ban? -

The revised ban signed by Trump behind closed doors on March 6 had a reduced scope, exempting Iraqis, permanent US residents and valid visa holders -- an effort by the administration to ensure the order passed legal muster.

The White House said the other six countries were targeted because their screening and information capabilities could not meet US security requirements.

But Watson rejected the White House claim that the order wasn't a Muslim ban, ruling that it was plausible "to conclude that targeting these countries likewise targets Islam" given their Muslim populations all topped 90 percent.

The judge made reference to several examples of Trump explicitly framing proposed action on immigration in religious tones, including a March 2016 interview during which the then president-elect said: "I think Islam hates us."

- Three strikes and you're out? -

Rights groups and states contesting the ban welcomed the rulings.

"The Constitution has once again put the brakes on President Trump's disgraceful and discriminatory ban," said Omar Jadwat, director of the immigrant rights project at the American Civil Liberties Union.

New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, who has joined the case in Washington state, said: "Today's order by the federal District Court of Hawaii marks yet another victory for the Constitution and the rule of law."

Cornell University Law School professor Stephen Yale-Loehr warned Trump against a protracted battle.

"President Trump and his advisors should think long and hard before trying to impose a travel ban a third time. They may strike out," he said.

WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump braced on Thursday for a long legal battle over his ban on travel from six mainly-Muslim countries after two federal judges ruled against the measure, saying the Republican's own comments suggested religious bias. It was a humiliating setback for Trump, who saw his first attempt at limiting travel from the Muslim world halted by the federal courts last month after it had caused chaos at airports both in the US and abroad. The Republican leader vowed to fight the "terrible" decision, to the Supreme Court if necessary, describing it as "unprecedented judicial overreach." He has said the measure is needed to ensure national security. The revamped executive order had been due to take effect at midnight (0400 GMT), but a federal judge in Hawaii froze Trump's efforts to close US borders to nationals of Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen for 90 days. The judge's ruling on Wednesday also halted a 120-day suspension of the US refugee admissions program. A second federal judge in Maryland issued a separate, more narrow nationwide block on just the core provision concerning travel from the Muslim world, ruling it would cause "irreparable harm" were it to go into effect. Trump, who used anti-Muslim rhetoric on the campaign trail in his successful run for the White House, will now have to account for those statements in court, with both judges saying the order raised the specter of religious bias. In Hawaii, Acting Solicitor General Jeffrey Wall, defending the government's position, said: "This order doesn't draw any religious distinction at all." Questioned about Trump's tweets and statements during the presidential campaign in which he promised to enact a "Muslim ban," Wall said: "There is a difference between a president and a candidate." But District Judge Derrick Watson said "a reasonable, objective observer... would conclude that the Executive Order was issued with a purpose to disfavor a particular religion, in spite of its stated, religiously-neutral purpose." Watson indicated that the court would not stay its decision in the event of an appeal, meaning the ban cannot go ahead as planned on Thursday regardless of any action the White House takes. In Maryland, US District Judge Theodore Chuang echoed that thought, as he issued a partial injunction on a separate complaint filed by advocacy groups claiming that the amended order discriminates against Muslims. "While the travel ban bears no resemblance to any response to a national security risk in recent history, it bears a clear resemblance to the precise action that President Trump described as effectuating his Muslim ban," he said. - 'We are going to win' - Trump, addressing supporters late on Wednesday in Nashville, assailed the Hawaii judge for blocking his measure. "The law in the Constitution gave the president the power to suspend immigration when he deems it to be in the national interest of our country," he said. "We are going to take our case as far as it needs to go, including all the way up to the Supreme Court. We are going to win." The Justice Department called the Hawaii ruling "flawed both in reasoning and in scope." The Hawaii and Maryland rulings came after a trio of hearings Wednesday on the ban. In Seattle, Washington state's attorney general filed an emergency motion for a temporary restraining order that would last up to 14 days in order to halt the travel restrictions, also citing "irreparable injuries." - Muslim ban? - The revised ban signed by Trump behind closed doors on March 6 had a reduced scope, exempting Iraqis, permanent US residents and valid visa holders -- an effort by the administration to ensure the order passed legal muster. The White House said the other six countries were targeted because their screening and information capabilities could not meet US security requirements. But Watson rejected the White House claim that the order wasn't a Muslim ban, ruling that it was plausible "to conclude that targeting these countries likewise targets Islam" given their Muslim populations all topped 90 percent. The judge made reference to several examples of Trump explicitly framing proposed action on immigration in religious tones, including a March 2016 interview during which the then president-elect said: "I think Islam hates us." - Three strikes and you're out? - Rights groups and states contesting the ban welcomed the rulings. "The Constitution has once again put the brakes on President Trump's disgraceful and discriminatory ban," said Omar Jadwat, director of the immigrant rights project at the American Civil Liberties Union. New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, who has joined the case in Washington state, said: "Today's order by the federal District Court of Hawaii marks yet another victory for the Constitution and the rule of law." Cornell University Law School professor Stephen Yale-Loehr warned Trump against a protracted battle. "President Trump and his advisors should think long and hard before trying to impose a travel ban a third time. They may strike out," he said.
By AFP

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump shelved Washington's years-long quest for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict Wednesday, saying he would back a single state if it led to peace.

The new president warmly welcomed Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the White House and hailed the "unbreakable" bond between their countries.

And while he urged Netanyahu to "hold back" from building Jewish settlements for a "little bit," Trump broke with international consensus insisting on a future that included a Palestinian state alongside Israel.

"So I'm looking at two-state and one-state, and I like the one that both parties like. I'm very happy with the one that both parties like," he said. "I can live with either one."

Trump said he had thought a two-state solution "looked like it may be the easier of the two. But honestly, if Israel and the Palestinians are happy, I'm happy with the one they like the best."

This change in the US stance was calculated to please Netanyahu and his right-wing coalition.

"I think the Palestinians have to get rid of some of that hate that they're taught from a very young age," Trump said, echoing Netanyahu's argument that the Palestinians are not ready for peace.

Netanyahu had warm words for the Israeli-US alliance, and hammered home his own prerequisites for peace.

"First, the Palestinians must recognize the Jewish state. They have to stop calling for Israel's destruction," he said.

"Second, in any peace agreement, Israel must retain the overriding security control over the entire area west of the Jordan River."

This region contains the entire West Bank area that would represent the heart of any Palestinian state as conceived in all previous international agreements.

Arab capitals

The previous US administration of Barack Obama had warned Israel that if it did not reach a two-state deal with the Palestinians, it would never reach an accommodation with the Arab world.

But Netanyahu insisted he was already developing closer security ties with his Sunni neighbors, who share Israel's concerns about Iranian subversion and "radical Islam."

And he urged Trump's administration to get on board.

"For the first time in the life of my country, Arab countries in the region do not see Israel as an enemy, but increasingly as an ally," he told Trump.

"I believe that under your leadership, this change in our region creates an unprecedented opportunity to strengthen security and advance peace."

In a joint statement, the two sides proclaimed "a new day" in US-Israel relations and that there was "no daylight" between them.

Whatever the view in Cairo and Riyadh, the shift in Washington's position, which was revealed overnight by a White House official, triggered Palestinian despair and consternation in international capitals.

The second-ranking official in the Palestine Liberation Organization, Saeb Erekat, denounced it as an attempt to "bury the two-state solution and eliminate the state of Palestine."

And he implicitly warned Israelis that any single nation that emerged would not be specifically Jewish.

"There's only one alternative," he told a news conference. "A single democratic state that guarantees the rights of all: Jews, Muslims and Christians."

Victory cry

The new US message deliberately echoed the long-standing Israeli position: no peace deal can be imposed from outside and the agenda for talks must reflect the reality on the ground.

Naftali Bennett, the right-wing leader of the hardline Jewish Home party and an opponent of any Palestinian state, cried victory.

"A new era. New ideas. No need for third Palestinian state beyond Jordan and Gaza. Big day for Israelis and reasonable Arabs," he tweeted. "Congrats."

But Trump's decision flew in the face of an international consensus that any final status agreement must be based on a return to Israel's 1967 border -- albeit with land swaps.

Just five days before Trump's January 20 inauguration, the United States was among 70 countries to endorse this vision at a peace conference in Paris.

One month before that, Obama's UN ambassador allowed a Security Council motion that criticized Israeli settlement building to pass without the usual US veto.

Addressing a US-Israeli conference in December, the then secretary of state John Kerry called settlements a "barrier" to progress.

Under Trump, that vision appears dead, and Washington has aligned itself with Netanyahu's government and its supporters in the right-wing settler movement.

After the White House talks, Netanyahu met with US congressional leaders in the US Capitol, where he addressed Trump's call to slow settlement expansion.

"I think we'll try to find a common understanding that is consistent with the pursuit of peace and security," he said.

Speaking in Cairo after talks with Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, UN chief Antonio Guterres warned that "everything must be done" to preserve the two-state solution.

France, which organized the January peace conference, was also unimpressed.

Its UN ambassador Francois Delattre told reporters "our commitment to the two-state solution is stronger than ever."

Trump has tapped son-in-law Jared Kushner and lawyer Jason Greenblatt to lead peace efforts.

Netanyahu had dinner Tuesday with Kushner -- a long-time family friend -- and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump shelved Washington's years-long quest for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict Wednesday, saying he would back a single state if it led to peace. The new president warmly welcomed Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the White House and hailed the "unbreakable" bond between their countries. And while he urged Netanyahu to "hold back" from building Jewish settlements for a "little bit," Trump broke with international consensus insisting on a future that included a Palestinian state alongside Israel. "So I'm looking at two-state and one-state, and I like the one that both parties like. I'm very happy with the one that both parties like," he said. "I can live with either one." Trump said he had thought a two-state solution "looked like it may be the easier of the two. But honestly, if Israel and the Palestinians are happy, I'm happy with the one they like the best." This change in the US stance was calculated to please Netanyahu and his right-wing coalition. "I think the Palestinians have to get rid of some of that hate that they're taught from a very young age," Trump said, echoing Netanyahu's argument that the Palestinians are not ready for peace. Netanyahu had warm words for the Israeli-US alliance, and hammered home his own prerequisites for peace. "First, the Palestinians must recognize the Jewish state. They have to stop calling for Israel's destruction," he said. "Second, in any peace agreement, Israel must retain the overriding security control over the entire area west of the Jordan River." This region contains the entire West Bank area that would represent the heart of any Palestinian state as conceived in all previous international agreements. Arab capitals The previous US administration of Barack Obama had warned Israel that if it did not reach a two-state deal with the Palestinians, it would never reach an accommodation with the Arab world. But Netanyahu insisted he was already developing closer security ties with his Sunni neighbors, who share Israel's concerns about Iranian subversion and "radical Islam." And he urged Trump's administration to get on board. "For the first time in the life of my country, Arab countries in the region do not see Israel as an enemy, but increasingly as an ally," he told Trump. "I believe that under your leadership, this change in our region creates an unprecedented opportunity to strengthen security and advance peace." In a joint statement, the two sides proclaimed "a new day" in US-Israel relations and that there was "no daylight" between them. Whatever the view in Cairo and Riyadh, the shift in Washington's position, which was revealed overnight by a White House official, triggered Palestinian despair and consternation in international capitals. The second-ranking official in the Palestine Liberation Organization, Saeb Erekat, denounced it as an attempt to "bury the two-state solution and eliminate the state of Palestine." And he implicitly warned Israelis that any single nation that emerged would not be specifically Jewish. "There's only one alternative," he told a news conference. "A single democratic state that guarantees the rights of all: Jews, Muslims and Christians." Victory cry The new US message deliberately echoed the long-standing Israeli position: no peace deal can be imposed from outside and the agenda for talks must reflect the reality on the ground. Naftali Bennett, the right-wing leader of the hardline Jewish Home party and an opponent of any Palestinian state, cried victory. "A new era. New ideas. No need for third Palestinian state beyond Jordan and Gaza. Big day for Israelis and reasonable Arabs," he tweeted. "Congrats." But Trump's decision flew in the face of an international consensus that any final status agreement must be based on a return to Israel's 1967 border -- albeit with land swaps. Just five days before Trump's January 20 inauguration, the United States was among 70 countries to endorse this vision at a peace conference in Paris. One month before that, Obama's UN ambassador allowed a Security Council motion that criticized Israeli settlement building to pass without the usual US veto. Addressing a US-Israeli conference in December, the then secretary of state John Kerry called settlements a "barrier" to progress. Under Trump, that vision appears dead, and Washington has aligned itself with Netanyahu's government and its supporters in the right-wing settler movement. After the White House talks, Netanyahu met with US congressional leaders in the US Capitol, where he addressed Trump's call to slow settlement expansion. "I think we'll try to find a common understanding that is consistent with the pursuit of peace and security," he said. Speaking in Cairo after talks with Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, UN chief Antonio Guterres warned that "everything must be done" to preserve the two-state solution. France, which organized the January peace conference, was also unimpressed. Its UN ambassador Francois Delattre told reporters "our commitment to the two-state solution is stronger than ever." Trump has tapped son-in-law Jared Kushner and lawyer Jason Greenblatt to lead peace efforts. Netanyahu had dinner Tuesday with Kushner -- a long-time family friend -- and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.
By PTI

DHAKA: Four Islamist militants, including a woman, were killed today when security forces stormed their hideout in Bangladesh's port city of Chittagong amid an intensified nationwide crackdown on extremists in the Muslim- majority country that has witnessed a spate of terror attacks.

"So far, we have found four bodies. Two of them were wearing suicide vests and died in the blast and two others died when hit by police bullets," police's Chittagong Range Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Shafiqul Islam told reporters.

He said that three policemen have been injured after grenades were lobbed from inside.

The killed militants include a woman, police said.

The operation 'Assault 16' was jointly carried out by Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime unit, Special Weapon and Tactic Team (SWAT), Rapid Action Battalion and Chittagong district police in Sitakunda, about 264 kilometers south-east of Dhaka.

The extremists, believed to be operatives of banned Neo-Jamaatul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), hurled grenades and fired gunshots on security forces.

The encounter began after a night-long police siege to the hideout of the neo-JMB.

"Explosions rocked the neighbourhood for nearly 10 minutes," a journalist told PTI.

Police said the terrorists were living at the house in the guise of tenants.

"Twenty residents of the house including female and children of seven families came out of the building as the encounter ended," Counter-terrorism unit's deputy commissioner Abdul Mannan said.

The raid was carried out after police yesterday arrested a couple in the neighbourhood.

Neo-JMB is said to be inclined to the Islamic State terror outfit which has claimed the responsibility for the deadly July 1, 2016 attack on a Dhaka cafe in which 22 people, including an Indian, were killed.

A police spokesman said the law enforcement agencies have launched countrywide "block raids" targeting presumed militant hideout since last Thursday. Eighty militants have been killed in these raids so far.

Bangladesh witnessed a spate of attacks on secular activists, foreigners and religious minorities since 2013. The country launched a massive crackdown on militants specially after the Dhaka cafe attack.

DHAKA: Four Islamist militants, including a woman, were killed today when security forces stormed their hideout in Bangladesh's port city of Chittagong amid an intensified nationwide crackdown on extremists in the Muslim- majority country that has witnessed a spate of terror attacks. "So far, we have found four bodies. Two of them were wearing suicide vests and died in the blast and two others died when hit by police bullets," police's Chittagong Range Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Shafiqul Islam told reporters. He said that three policemen have been injured after grenades were lobbed from inside. The killed militants include a woman, police said. The operation 'Assault 16' was jointly carried out by Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime unit, Special Weapon and Tactic Team (SWAT), Rapid Action Battalion and Chittagong district police in Sitakunda, about 264 kilometers south-east of Dhaka. The extremists, believed to be operatives of banned Neo-Jamaatul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), hurled grenades and fired gunshots on security forces. The encounter began after a night-long police siege to the hideout of the neo-JMB. "Explosions rocked the neighbourhood for nearly 10 minutes," a journalist told PTI. Police said the terrorists were living at the house in the guise of tenants. "Twenty residents of the house including female and children of seven families came out of the building as the encounter ended," Counter-terrorism unit's deputy commissioner Abdul Mannan said. The raid was carried out after police yesterday arrested a couple in the neighbourhood. Neo-JMB is said to be inclined to the Islamic State terror outfit which has claimed the responsibility for the deadly July 1, 2016 attack on a Dhaka cafe in which 22 people, including an Indian, were killed. A police spokesman said the law enforcement agencies have launched countrywide "block raids" targeting presumed militant hideout since last Thursday. Eighty militants have been killed in these raids so far. Bangladesh witnessed a spate of attacks on secular activists, foreigners and religious minorities since 2013. The country launched a massive crackdown on militants specially after the Dhaka cafe attack.
By AFP

BEIRUT: At least 42 people were killed and dozens more wounded on Thursday in air strikes on a village mosque in northern Syria, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

"The raids by unidentified warplanes targeted a mosque in Aleppo province during evening prayers, killing 42 people, most of them civilians," said the head of the Britain-based Observatory Rami Abdel Rahman.

"More than 100 people were wounded," he said, adding that many were still trapped under the collapsed mosque in the village of Al-Jineh, just over 30 kilometres (20 miles) west of Aleppo.

The village is held by rebel and Islamist groups, but no jihadist factions are present.

Rescue workers struggled to pull survivors from rubble, and dozens of residents were still unaccounted for, the Observatory said.

Footage published by Halab Today, an online media group focused on news in Aleppo, showed piles of rubble where the mosque allegedly stood.

More than 320,000 people have been killed in Syria since the conflict began six years ago with anti-government protests.

A cessation of hostilities was brokered by rebel backer Turkey and regime ally Russia in December, but violence has continued across much of the country.

The Observatory, which relies on a network of sources inside Syria for its information, says it determines whose planes carry out raids according to type, location, flight patterns and munitions used.

But the skies over Aleppo province are busy, with Syrian regime and Russian warplanes as well as US-led coalition aircraft carrying out air strikes.

Russia began a military intervention in Syria in September 2015, and in the past has dismissed allegations of civilian deaths in its strikes.

The US-led coalition, meanwhile, has been bombing jihadist groups in Syria since 2014.

The US-led coalition fighting IS said earlier this month that its raids in Iraq and Syria had unintentionally killed at least 220 civilians since 2014.

Critics say the real number is much higher.

BEIRUT: At least 42 people were killed and dozens more wounded on Thursday in air strikes on a village mosque in northern Syria, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. "The raids by unidentified warplanes targeted a mosque in Aleppo province during evening prayers, killing 42 people, most of them civilians," said the head of the Britain-based Observatory Rami Abdel Rahman. "More than 100 people were wounded," he said, adding that many were still trapped under the collapsed mosque in the village of Al-Jineh, just over 30 kilometres (20 miles) west of Aleppo. The village is held by rebel and Islamist groups, but no jihadist factions are present. Rescue workers struggled to pull survivors from rubble, and dozens of residents were still unaccounted for, the Observatory said. Footage published by Halab Today, an online media group focused on news in Aleppo, showed piles of rubble where the mosque allegedly stood. More than 320,000 people have been killed in Syria since the conflict began six years ago with anti-government protests. A cessation of hostilities was brokered by rebel backer Turkey and regime ally Russia in December, but violence has continued across much of the country. The Observatory, which relies on a network of sources inside Syria for its information, says it determines whose planes carry out raids according to type, location, flight patterns and munitions used. But the skies over Aleppo province are busy, with Syrian regime and Russian warplanes as well as US-led coalition aircraft carrying out air strikes. Russia began a military intervention in Syria in September 2015, and in the past has dismissed allegations of civilian deaths in its strikes. The US-led coalition, meanwhile, has been bombing jihadist groups in Syria since 2014. The US-led coalition fighting IS said earlier this month that its raids in Iraq and Syria had unintentionally killed at least 220 civilians since 2014. Critics say the real number is much higher.
President Mukherjee calls on King of Swaziland to promote Indian investments

New Delhi , Mar. 10 : India President Pranab Mukherjee on Friday called upon the King of Swaziland Mswati-III to promote Indian investments in areas of interest of his country.





(Posted on 10 March 2017, 1667829901 173O212O198O32) https://www.newkerala.com/india-news.php  (Posted on 10 March 2017, 1667829901 173O212O198O32)

President Mukherjee received King Mswati-III of Swaziland at Rashtrapati Bhavan and hosted a lunch in his honour.According to a statement from the President's House, welcoming the King, the President recalled their last meeting when the King visited India in October 2015 to participate in the India-Africa Forum Summit.The President said India and Swaziland traditionally enjoy a friendly and co-operative relationship.India appreciates the support that Swaziland has consistently extended to India in multilateral forums. India has been happy to partner Swaziland in its development through scholarships and capacity-building.President Mukherjee said he was delighted to know that the Royal Science and Technology Park is now near completion as it is a symbol of the King's progressive vision and commitment to the development of Swaziland.The President said India offers Swaziland a large market, affordable technologies and finance. He called upon the King to create conditions to attract Indian investments in areas of interest of Swaziland. The President also assured him that India would be happy to assist Swaziland achieve its developmental goals.On his part, King Mswati said India's expertise was valuable for the countries of Africa and they are grateful to New Delhi for its willingness to transfer the same.
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Infosys Chennai celebrates its 20th year anniversary

Chennai Mar 14 : Infosys Chennai Development Center (DC) that started its operations in 1996 is celebrating two decades of learning, excellence and progress with great gusto.





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From the centers first steps in the city in a two-floored office with 300+ employees, the DC has witnessed tremendous growth over the last 20 years in several respects it has expanded to two sprawling campuses at Mahindra World City and Sholinganallur, increased the employee strength to over 20,000, and houses some of the most sustainability buildings in the world.To commemorate this milestone of 20 years, Infosys Chennai orchestrated a series of engaging and interactive events at the campus.Speaking about the 20-year journey of Chennai DC, Muthuvel Gajapathi, Center Head, Infosys Chennai (Sholinganallur) said, These 20 years have been an exhilarating and at the same time, a heartening ride for all of the employees who were associated with the DC. At this significant juncture, we celebrate our successes, contemplate on the challenges we overcame, and look forward to shaping the future with greater vigor and resolve.Thothathri V, Center Head, Infosys Chennai (M City) added that, Our success story continues to progress with the unwavering support from our employees, clients, the local community, and all stakeholders who have played a central role in our transformational growth.During the celebration, several long-serving employees of the DC were facilitated for their loyalty and immense contribution towards the organization. Mahesh S, a seasoned employee of Chennai DC spoke on this occasion and said, Ive been fortunate to watch the transformational growth of Infosys, in particular at Chennai DC. It is not just the numbers and the title of being a global leader that Ive privileged to be associated with, but the formation and evolution of the very fabric of the DC the teamwork, leadership and camaraderie of the employees here that makes me proud to be part of Chennai DC.The DC has been an early adopter of corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives and has strived hard to reach out to communities in and around Chennai. SNEHAM, the CSR arm of Chennai DC, has rolled out several initiatives to empower the society, and has successfully reached out to 20,000+ beneficiaries in areas of education, community service, monetary support and rural upliftment. Some of the flagship activities include Educare, Joy of Giving Week, SNEHAM Shiksha, Note Book Drive, among others. The DC also extended relentless support for Chennai flood relief and rehabilitation activities.Chennai DC has also championed environmental stewardship by embarking global sustainability practices. Some of the key initiatives include smart buildings with Building Management System (BMS) for better monitoring control of Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), Lighting other key energy intensified systems, smart water metering and increased, focused efforts in renewable energy.
'BBC dad' speaks on infamous interview turning his family into YouTube stars

London [U.K.], Mar. 15 : After his live Skype interview with BBC on the impeachment of South Korea's president was gatecrashed by his children in the cutest manner possible, American academic Robert Kelly, whose family has now become an internet sensation, said that his error has turned his family into YouTube stars.





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Kelly was discussing the impeachment of South Korea's president on BBC World News, when his two children barged into his study in their apartment in Busan."Everybody we know seems to think it's pretty hysterical. We understand why people find it enjoyable ... It's funny," Kelly told James Menendez, the BBC presenter who conducted the original interview, reports the Guardian."We were worried actually that the BBC would never call us again. That was our first response - mortification that we had completely blown our relationship with you," Kelly added.Many people have been smitten by the amusingly brash manner by Marion, four, as she entered the room and marched up to her father's desk.Kelly said that his daughter was "in a hippity-hoppity mood" because of a school party she had earlier in the day.He said: "As soon as she opened the door I saw her image on my screen."However, Kelly valiantly attempted to guide Marion towards some toys, while hoping the broadcaster might narrow the camera angle or use some video of Park Geun-hye.However, the channel did not cut away and as Kelly responded to a question about inter-Korean relations, his eight-month-old son, James, sauntered through the open door in his baby walker on the polished wooden floor.The overwhelming response to the video, which soon went viral around the world, prompted the couple to turn off their smartphones and ignore social media for several days, unable to deal with the deluge of comments and requests to talk.However, they broke their silence on Tuesday by giving interviews about the infamous interview.
CAMTech-X: Jugaadathon convenes India's brightest minds to improve healthcare for country's urban poor

New Delhi , Mar 15 : Hundreds of global health innovators gathered in five cities across the country this past weekend for India's largest multi-city healthcare hack-a-thon, hosted by The Consortium for Affordable Medical Technologies (CAMTech) at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Global Health.





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During CAMTech-X: Jugaadathon, more than 500 engineers, clinicians, entrepreneurs, designers and public health innovators from across India, Africa and the U.S. convened on March 11-12th in New Delhi, Manipal, Bengaluru, Mumbai and Bhubaneswar to help expand healthcare access for the urban poor.Participants formed 92 teams at the five simultaneous hack-a-thon sites and pitched over 250 problem statements, targeting a broad range of challenges faced by India's urban poor, including newborn health, air pollution, access to clean water, diabetes, and decentralized healthcare systems.The event was organized in partnership with Lattice Innovations and with sponsorship support from GE Healthcare. CAMTech is a global network of clinical, academic, corporate, and implementation partners whose mission is to build entrepreneurial capacity and accelerate medical technology innovation through an open innovation platform. The distributed concept allows CAMTech to take its successful model of medtech hack-a-thons and expand its reach and impact across India."CAMTech-X: Jugaadathon was phenomenal! The energy and overall output from all five sites was fantastic," said Dr. Kris Olson, Director at CAMTech. "We are thrilled and inspired to see this distributed model work across India and to see it mobilize medtech innovation across the globe."Participants - supported by mentorship and award incentives - worked around the clock to pitch healthcare problems, form teams, prototype solutions, and develop business models before presenting their ideas to a panel of judges from the fields of medicine, public health, engineering and business, reflecting CAMTech's cross-sector approach to innovation.Below are the five winning teams from each CAMTech-X: Jugaadathon location:a New Delhi: Team Mech Tech - a solution that helps reduce both air pollution and mosquito-borne illnesses by combining an air purifier with an electric mosquito/bug zappera Bengaluru: Team Respiraid - an affordable alternative to current manual/hand-held ventilation devices that works with existing ventilation bags to ensure safer and more effective carea Manipal: Team TrackVac: a vaccination and immunization tracking for infants that sends vaccination reminders to mothers and community health workersa Bhubaneswar: Team SALUBRIOUS - a solution that helps improve micronutrient deficiency among the urban poor by blending micronutrients into commonly eaten foods, such as biscuitsa Mumbai: Team Dash - a system to improve adherence to TB medication among the urban poorEach of the winning teams will receive mentorship from CAMTech and have an opportunity to travel to New Delhi on June 17th, 2017 to present their innovations to investors, corporate partners, healthcare organizations and other stakeholders, who will award two grand prizes. In addition, all CAMTech-X: Jugaadathon teams from the five sites will have an opportunity to apply for a 100-day post-Jugaadathon award, where up to five teams will be selected to travel to New Delhi and receive USD 250 USD toward their travel to compete in the June 17th finals. The grand prize winner in New Delhi will receive 10 Lakh rupees and six months of incubation support."This was a great forum to come and express the problems of the community, because [many of these individuals] cannot come and express them," said Dr. Shashidhara Y N, who participated in Manipal and is Associate Professor at Manipal College of Nursing. "We can advocate their problems for them and propose solutions which are economical and sustainable."In early January, CAMTech and Lattice selected five CAMTech-X Ambassadors and held a two-day training session in New Delhi to prepare them for leading individual hack-a-thons in each of the five cities."I [was] impressed by two things," said Dr. BK Panda, former Director of Public Health for the Government of Odisha and who served as a mentor and judge. "First, the spirit of collaboration I saw in this room - people worked together with such ease. Second, that [everyone] respects the needs of those much less privileged than [themselves.] Don't lose that sense of mission.""With every collaboration with CAMTech we continue to admire their ability to drive large scale inclusion of the innovation community for med-tech in India," said Vikram Damodaran, Chief Product Officer for GE Healthcare's Sustainable Healthcare Solutions business. "This year's hack-a-thon was another great platform to engage with the community and work together to solve the world's toughest challenges for the underserved. We look forward to continued collaboration with this network of brilliant minds through GE's 5.8 accelerator and future events."
AIFW AW '17: Jharkhand silk rules runway on Day 1

New Delhi , Mar. 15 : From incredible sarees designed in lustrous tussar silk to kurtas woven from Kuchai, garments created from some of the best organic fabric of Jharkhand were on glorious display as internationally acclaimed designers showcased their work at the Amazon India Fashion Week today.





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Some of India's top fashion designers including Rina Dhaka, Shaina NC, Shruti Sancheti, Divya and Ambika Jain showcased their latest fashion collections designed from Jharkhand's rich fabrics and handloom at the grand fashion show put together by Jharcraft.Top models sashayed the ramp displaying the elegant collections with elan as the designers showcased their designs made of Tussar silk, Kuchai silk and other handloom fabrics of Jharkhand.Jharcraft (Jharkhand Silk Textile and Handicraft Development Corporation Ltd) conceived the fashion event with an objective to put spotlight on to the exquisite and organic fabrics handcrafted by craftspeople of the state.Union Minister for Textiles Smriti Irani also paid a visit to the Jharcraft pavilion and took a close look at the handloom collection. She also discussed the initiatives being undertaken to help artisans from the state to achieve better market access and improve their livelihood.Tussar Silk, a special silk variety produced in eastern and central India, primarily in Jharkhand, was the special focus of the collection. India is the second largest producer of Tussar silk and the exclusive producer of Indian Tussar (also known as tropical tussar). In recent years, Jharkhand state has emerged as the largest producer of Tussar silk in the country.The artisans producing the silk are largely poor tribals from Jharkhand state. In its quest to improve sources of livelihood for these artisans, Jharcraft works to promote their work and take it to national and international platforms."These silks are a deep manifestation of the tribal arts and crafts of the region and reflect the well-springs of creativity endowed with the ethnic communities of Jharkhand. Recognizing it as a source of income, the artisans of the state have in recent years further cultivated and enhanced their skills as well as variety of products. Jharkhand is today the leading producer of Tussar silk which is attracting much attention, especially among the discerning fabric lovers. By associating with such an event and showcasing Tussar silk and garments made of other handlooms of Jharkhand, our attempt is to take ours fabrics and handlooms to international markets," said K Ravi Kumar, Managing Director, Jharcraft.Tussar silk is made from silkworms. Some varieties produced in Jharkhand is also known as 'Ahimsa' silk because unlike the traditional process, this process allows silkworms to leave the cocoons before the cocoons are soaked in boiling water and reeled. The use of 100 percent natural dyes made from tree bark, vegetables, wild grasses and flowers ensure purely organic silk.
Ex-Assam CM Tarun Gogoi confesses horse trading in 2009 RS polls

Guwahati, Mar 15 : Former Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on Wednesday confessed that he had done horse trading in 2009 Rajya Sabha polls in the state.





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Targeting the BJP after forming government in Goa and Manipur by using coup politics, the former Assam Chief Minister on Wednesday said,, we did it openly, but BJP did it secretly.In the Rajya Sabha polls in 2009, two ministers Himanta Biswa Sarma and Rockybul Hussain had done horse trading and it was done on my consent, Tarun Gogoi said.We had done it openly. But why BJP, who always said Gita-Bhagawat, did it secreatly, Gogoi said.The former Assam minister said that BJP has snatched power in Manipur and Goa by using black money.While questioned about Himanta Biswa Sarma for his activities in the last Manipur assembly election, Gogoi said that, overall result of BJP in Manipur was not due to a single person, it was done by the partys poll strategy.On the other hand, Gogoi criticized the BJP led Assam government for failure of completing NRC process in the state and said that, the state government wouldnt want to complete the NRC in the state.(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)
Share challenges of local communities: Arunachal Pradesh Guv

Guwahati, Mar 15 : Continuing his effort to reach out to various communities who are rendering their valuable services in the State, Arunachal Pradesh governor PB Acharya met the representatives at Raj Bhavan in Itanagar on Tuesday.





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People from diverse communities including Assamese, Bengali, Jain, Malayalee, Marwari and Punjabi led by B Dutta, DJ Bhattacharji, Kamal Jain, C Ramesan, Kamal Bajaj and Sukhwinder Singh were present in the meeting.Chayanika Vaishast of Vivekananda Centre of Human Excellence also attended the meeting.The governor exhorted them to maintain ones distinct identity, culture and traditions and also concomitantly intermingle with the local communities.He urged the representatives to strengthen oneself so as to strengthen the society where the communities are rendering their service.If we dream to make our country strong, we have to respect the peoples diversity as they are with equity. Share the challenges of the local communities, Acharya said.The governor said that, representatives should advise the people coming from other States to learn few basic words of local dialects in order to attach themselves more closely to the indigenous communities. This also helps in respecting their languages and traditions.Acharya said that some benefit of their enrichment should go back to the local communities under Citizen Social Responsibilities (CSR).One needs to have the spirit to serve the Arunachali society and for this, any of the societies can adopt a Government School, orphanage or a hospital and if possible sponsor few underprivileged people and facilitate the illiterate to avail benefits under various schemes of State and Central Governments.The governor urged upon the social leaders to be nodal agents of Central Government programmes and schemes, such as Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, Atal Pension Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana so that the benefits reaches to every needy person.He exhorted them to work towards Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and against drug addiction.Sharing the New India vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the governor exhorted the organizations to join in pledging for New India and express their commitment to take India to new heights of equality, development and prosperity by 2022, the 75th anniversary of Indias Independence.He called upon each and every member to provide opportunities to the poor and reduce the burden of middle class to enable all to excel to their potential and aspiration.The society representatives, while appreciating the Governor for his goodwill gesture, requested him for his initiative for the train service to South India, cultural exchange programmes and promotion of Yoga in bigger way.(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)
UN reports slow women's political parity; launches latest 'Women in Politics' map

New York, Mar 16 : Women's voices are still missing from the executive branches of governments and parliaments worldwide, slowing achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the United Nations agency tasked with supporting gender equality on Wednesday said at the launch of a visual representation of women's political empowerment.





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The number of women Heads of State or Heads of Government fell from 19 to 17 since 2015, and progress in the number of women in parliament continues to be slow, according to the Women in Politics Map launched on Wednesday by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and UN Women.What is democracy? Is it people for the people, or men for the people, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Executive Director of UN Women, told journalists in New York. She spoke alongside Martin Chungong, Secretary-General of the IPU.The Union, established in 1889, is the focal point for world-wide parliamentary dialogue and works for peace and co-operation among peoples and for the firm establishment of representative democracy. The IPU supports the efforts of and works in close cooperation with the UN on relevant objectives.IPU data shows that the global average of women in national parliaments increased just slightly from 22.6 per cent in 2015 to 23.3 per cent in 2016. The number of female Speakers of the House, however, is up to the highest so far, with 53 out of 273 posts.Political campaigns are expensive, said Mlambo-Ngcuka identifying some of the challenges facing women who run for office. Political parties are male dominated. When there isnt a specific measure in place, women fall off the ground. Men tend to choose those who are made in their own image.She noted that some women also experience pushback from men, including physical violence, taunting and bullying; while the media sometimes focuses too much on womens physical attributes rather than their experiences and political platforms.In 2016, we saw confirmation of a trend we had been seeing, when it comes to representation of women in parliament, there is progress but the progress is excruciatingly slow. At this rate, it will take 50 years to reach 50-50 parity, Chungong told the press. This is a warning signal; we have to do something about this.Regional snapshot of womens political powerRegionally, womens representation in the Americas made the most significant gains, according to a press release from UN Women.Womens participation in parliaments rose to 25 per cent from 22.4 per cent in 2015, even as the region saw a drop in Heads of State with the Presidents of Brazil and Argentina leaving office.Female ministers in Africa saw a decline in numbers, after years of steady growth. About 19.7 per cent of the regions ministerial posts are held by women.In Asia, women hold 11 per cent of ministerial posts, led by Indonesia whose Government is comprised of 25.7 per cent women.Among the Arab States, 9.7 per cent of senior executive posts are held by women, led by Tunisia and the United Arab Emirates, at 23.1 per cent and 26.7 per cent, respectively.In Europe, the total percentage stood at 22.5 per cent. A surprise came from the Nordic countries which have traditionally led the global stage in politics, but whose number of female ministers fell by more than six per cent to 43.5 per cent.Regional snapshot of womens political powerOn Wednesdays report was launched on the sidelines of the 61st Commission on the Status of Women, known as the largest inter-governmental forum on womens rights and gender equality. The theme this year is on womens economic empowerment in the changing world of work.A common theme throughout the Commission has been the gender pay gap. Women on average are paid 77 cents for every one dollar earned by a man.To highlight the 23 per cent disparity, the Commission is expected on Wednesday to pause at 4:10pm, when there is 23 per cent of the work-day left. Symbolically, coffee and tea will be served, as a sign of relaxation and to mark the end of the work day in coffee cups with the following slogan on their sleeves: EQUAL PAY NOW #CSW61.Yesterday, the UN launched the Equal Pay Platform of Champions with support from actress Patricia Arquette and athlete Abby Wambach, among others.UN Women has also launched the #StopTheRobbery campaign, which blacks out 23 per cent of characters from twitter messages in support of income equality.UN Photo/Omar AbdisalanSource: www.justearthnews.com
Indian Wells: Kyrgios shocks world No. 2 Novak Djokovic

London [U.K.], Mar. 16 : Australia's Nick Kyrgios thumped World No. 2 Novak Djokovic to reach the quarter-finals at Indian Wells.





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The 21-year-old won 6-4, 7-6 (7-3) within 110 minutes, with his serve again coming to the fore, as it did in Acapulco 12 days earlier, reports Guardian."It feels good. I knew what I had to do today. It was always going to be tough; he is a great champion," Kyrgios said after his victory.Kyrgios hit 25 winners past Djokovic, the three-times defending champion at Indian Wells, who was unable to bring up a single break point chance against the Australian.Djokovic, had previously been unbeaten in 20 matches in the Californian desert over a period spanning four years, but he seemed frustrated against Kyrgios giving out free points.Now the Australian faces another high-profile match-up, against the winner of Rafael Nadal's clash with the Australian Open champion, Roger Federer."Roger is one of my favourite players of all time, but I don't mind who I play.They are both great champions. It's just another match for me. I have to get ready for tomorrow. I am serving really well. That is creating chances for me to put pressure on their service games. My mentality is improving and I am trying really hard to fight for every point and just compete," Kyrgios said.
BJP Parliamentary meeting today; first after assembly polls

New Delhi , Mar. 16 : After winning people's mandate in the recently-concluded Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand Assembly elections and establishing majority in Manipur and Goa assemblies, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will have its first Parliamentary meeting today morning.





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The meeting is reportedly held to decide the probable names for the chief ministerial candidate of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, where the saffron party won with a comfortable majority.Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party chief Amit Shah are expected to be felicitated in the meeting.Despite his rhetoric silence on the matter, Home Minister Rajnath Singh remains the foremost contender for the post of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister.Meanwhile, BJP leader Nongthombam Biren Singh yesterday took charge as the Chief Minister of Manipur. Governor Najma Heptullah administered the oath of office to Singh.The BJP-led government in Goa, headed by Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, will face the crucial floor test today, as a special Assembly session has been convened for the purpose.Parrikar, who stepped down as Defence Minister, was sworn-in as the Chief Minister of the coastal state for the fourth time on Tuesday evening, along with nine ministers.Shah and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari attended Parrikar's swearing-in ceremony.
AIFW AW '17 brings glimpse of Indonesia on stage, courtesy Novita Yunus

New Delhi , Mar. 16 : The national capital, yesterday, saw a small glimpse of the Indonesian Fashion at the Amazon India Fashion Week Autumn-Winter 2017, courtsey designer Novita Yunus.





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NY, by Yunus, is a premium brand of Batik Chic, created under the framework of 2013 Indonesia Fashion Forward program of Jakarta Fashion Week 2014.Her collection, titled 'Bumi-Langit,' prepared for Amazon India Fashion Week 2017, is inspired by the idea of balancing colour palettes of the autumn leaves and cold winter sky.Speaking on the same to the media here, Novita said, "My concept is Bumi-Langit. It's an Indonesian language, meaning the sky and the Earth. Sky symbolizes the sun and the earth symbolises the eco-print I use, using the leaf material from Indonesia."The collection has various materials and techniques, such as eco-print process, Batik Remakan, Gurut Handwoven and embroidered clothes.The earth and sky colours are expressed in varieties of kaftans, palazzos, traditional embroidered kebayas and other fashion items, combining ochre, dark chocolate, light brown, olive green for earth tone with dark blue and silver for sky shade.With the dresses, the models carried some matching accessories to add on to the collection and they were: clutches, fringed tote bags, Surya Majapahit inspired gold plated necklaces, brooches and buckled belts. Their looks were completed with Kalimantan rattan sandals.
I am a compulsive chaos seeker: Novoneel Chakraborty

A bestselling author, with seven romantic thrillers to his credit among other things, Novoneel Chakraborty in an exclusive conversation with IBNS correspondent Aninnya Sarkar, discusses his writing style, upcoming works, literary issues and the need for women empowerment.





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Getting the tag of best-seller is not easy. How do you work on your plots to impress your readers?When I start writing a story, I dont actually work in that way, to impress my readers or to get myself included in the best selling list. Its just that I am excited enough to perceive how my readers are so interested about the plots and characters of my story. People, most of the time, come and tell me that your story lines and plot lines are quite different from other authors, this attracts me and gives me a tremendous pleasure.You are one of the few writers in India who is wholly into the thriller genre. Do you have any plans to alter that style and experiment with something new this year or in the future?Yeah, I am working on something different from the thriller genre. But I would like to keep it a surprise. Most probably, it will be coming up by next year. And going back to your question, whether I have plans of experimenting something new in the future, then yes, I want to work on childrens literature. Because I think writing for the kids is really difficult, so I want to try that.{image_1}Since you write romantic thrillers, the term romance has various interpretations in the world of literature. How will author Novoneel Chakraborty define the term romance in the 21st century?Romance cannot have a very generalized definition. The concept varies from individual to individual and I personally respect everyones point of view.So, what new book/s are we getting from you in 2017?I havent locked a name yet, but it will be a romantic thriller.Tell us a bit about the plot of the book.The story features an eighteen year old girl, who goes to Bangalore to attend University and meets a man there, who is double her age. The plot is all about the chemistry and the intensity between them, whether they can stay in a relationship or they cannot. If not, then why not?Last time, in an interview with us you said that your book The Stranger Trilogy will be adapted into a film. At what stage is it right now?Last time when I spoke about translating the book into a film, things were working at that time. But later when the producer, director and I sat together and discussed elaborately about it, we realized that things arent working comfortably. To adapt the entire three series into one particular movie might make the film quite long, so it became a bit difficult.Among all the books that you have written till date which one is your favourite?How about a SIN tonight? is my favourite because I think in this novel, for the first time, I have been able to hear my voice, my weakness, my inner strength, which has helped me to explore myself as a writer.Hows your experience working as a screenplay writer in the television series?Television series is a different ball game, altogether. The medium is completely different. I really dont enjoy working in it but since there is a lot of money involved in it, I cannot let it go either.There is this constant battle going on with gender based differences or women demanding for equal rights with men. In this situation how will you portray your women characters?All the eight books that I have written till now, my protagonists have always been female. And I have never portrayed them as weak characters, all of them are bold, aggressive and inherently strong.We should always realize that whether it is a woman, a man or a third gender, all of us should work together as every creation is special and should be respected.{image_2}We all know that you want to be a film-maker. Has the making already began or about to begin?Its about to begin. I have done a short film though, on women empowerment, which will be coming out in April or May.If you are aware, few days back there has been a report from Bangladesh that some works of Rabindranath Tagore and Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay have been deleted from the school syllabus. What are your thoughts?Literature should never be banned, it showcases society, shows us where we stand. Rather literature is a guide for the society and helps us to recognize that there are better directions or options to avail. It has its own power and that power should be used in a positive way rather than in a destructive way.If you are to describe Novoneel Chakraborty in a sentence...I am a compulsive chaos seeker and wherever there is an emotional disturbance, I love to be in that situation as it gives me a lot to think about.(Images By Avishek Mitra and Subhodeep Sardar/IBNS )
President of India greets the Irish people on the eve of St. Patrick's Day

New Delhi, Mar 16 : President of India Pranab Mukherjee, on Thursday, extended his greetings and felicitations to the Government and people of Ireland on the eve of St. Patrick's Day (March 17, 2017).





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In a message to the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, the Indian President said, On behalf of the Government, the people of India and on my own behalf, I extend warm greetings and felicitations to you and to the friendly people of Ireland on the occasion of St. Patricks Day.India and Ireland enjoy warm and friendly ties that are deeply rooted in history. We have together built a multifaceted partnership based on mutual trust and friendship. I am confident that our co-operation-bilateral and in the multilateral arena will continue to expand and deepen in the years to come.I take this opportunity to convey my best wishes for Your Excellencys good health and well-being, and for the progress and prosperity of the people of Ireland.Saint Patricks Day, or the Feast of Saint Patrick traditionally marks the day saint Saint Patrick (c. AD 385461), the foremost patron saint of Ireland, passed away.
'Quantico' season 2 to end filming soon

New Delhi , Mar.16 : The second season of 'Quantico' is coming to an end.





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Priyanka Chopra, currently busy in shooting the hit-TV series, took to her twitter and confirmed the news of ending of season two's filming.She wrote, "Last 2 episodes before we finish shooting for the rest of #quantico season 2! So many mixed emotions..it's been a long haul..."The show enjoyed a massive following in its first season and cemented PeeCee's place in Hollywood.Recently, the 'Bajirao Mastani' star visited 'The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon' to promote 'Quantico' and played Holi with the host, Jimmy Fallon.On a related note, Priyanka Chopra will be making her Hollywood movie debut with Seth Gordon's directorial 'Baywatch,' alongside Dwayne Johnson and Zac Efron.
KASHISH Festival Director Rangayan to talk on Indian LGBTQ films at BHI Flare, London

London, Mar 16 : BFI Flare, London, one of the world's oldest LGBTQ film festivals, will have a special focus on South Asia's biggest LGBTQ film festival KASHISH this year.





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Festival Director Sridhar Rangayan will be at BFI Flare to talk about contemporary Indian LGBTQ films.It is an absolute honour that BFI Flare, one of the oldest and best LGBTQ film festivals in the world is doing a focus on our Indian LGBTQ film festival KASHISH, said Sridhar Rangayan.He said, It is recognition of the festivals continued growth and success amidst a challenging environment in India where LGBTQ rights are far from being granted. It is also a testament to the festivals outreach worldwide, and its rigour in promoting Indian LGBTQ films.Apart from the talk, Rangayan will also be participating in a programmers meet that brings together curators from around the world.This event is part of the year-long celebration of cultural exchange, India/UK 2017.Sridhar Rangayans visit to the UK is being facilitated by British Council, which had last year facilitated the visit of acclaimed Hollywood actor Sir Ian Mckellens visit to KASHISH 2016.On March 20, 2017, BFI Head Curator Robin Baker and Sridhar Rangayan will explore the climate for making, showcasing and accessing LGBTQ film in India, and the effect that these films are having on the national debate around 377.Rangayans National Award winning documentary Breaking Free will be screened at the BFI Flares Digital Viewing Library. The other film with Indian LGBTQ content to screen at BFI Flare this year is Dead Dad.KASHISH Mumbai International Queer Film Festival since 2010 has worked to bring together LGBT communities and build understanding and empathy in the wider culture. Indian filmmakers have also been committed to telling LGBT stories with recent examples, Aligargh, Margarita with a Straw, Loev screening in BFIs Festivals and around the world, and the excellent Dear Dad featuring in this years BFI Flare. We are honoured to welcome Sridhar Rangayan, the director of KASHISH to BFI Flare, BFI Flare said on its website.Founded in 2010, KASHISH Mumbai International Queer Film Festival (KASHISH) is held over five days at two venues.The eighth edition of KASHISH will be held from May 24-28, 2017, in Mumbai, where the country in focus is Untied Kingdom.Film Director Rangayan believes BFI Flare, London, will be a good opportunity to source British films that can be screened at the Indian festival.The festival this year will be held at Liberty Cinema and Alliance Francaise in South Mumbai. It is the first Indian LGBT festival to be held with approval by the Information Broadcasting Ministry, Government of India.The theme for KASHISH 2017 is Diverse, One, where it will explore the diversity of the LGBTQ community and how shared values help the community to fight for an equal society, basic human rights and against laws that criminalize and discriminate.Image: QGraphy
Himachal Govt. launches digital payment services in luxury buses

Dharamshala (Himachal Pradesh) , Mar.16 : Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) here has launched digital payment services in public transport like luxury buses on Thursday.





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The state government has tied up with HDFC bank in introducing digital transaction in luxury buses and ration depots.Transport Minister of the state Gurmukh Singh Bali in conversation with ANI told, "We have taken a step ahead towards digital society. There is no restriction on cash payments. It's an alternative mode of payment to overcome dearth of currency notes caused due to demonetisation."HRTC and HDFC entered into a contract whereby the bank would provide swipe machines to all luxury buses.Government has already installed swipe machines at 119 ration depots under Civil Supply department. Further 180 depots are yet to be covered for installation of the same.
Champaign, IL (61820)

Today

Sunshine to start, then a few afternoon clouds. High 58F. Winds NE at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

A few clouds. Low 38F. Winds ENE at 10 to 15 mph.
Columnist

Tom Kacich is a columnist and the author of Tom's Mailbag at The News-Gazette. His column appears Sundays. His email is tkacich@news-gazette.com, and you can follow him on Twitter (@tkacich).
Reporter

Noelle McGee is a Danville-based reporter at The News-Gazette. Her email is nmcgee@news-gazette.com, and you can follow her on Twitter (@n_mcgee).
Employed Americans are quitting their jobs like crazy in another sign that under President Donald Trump, confidence across the U.S. economy is rising.

In January, the number of Americans quitting their jobs rose to a seasonally-adjusted total of 3.22 million, the highest number since February 2001. The quits rate rose in January to 2.2%.

People quitting their jobs in droves is seen as a sign of confidence among workers, as folks are unlikely to quit a job unless they are confident they can get another one.

The number of job quitters in the U.S. is at its highest level in 16 years. (Source: FRED)

A new high in job quitters comes amid a flurry of data in the past week showing confidence in the U.S. economy continues to be strong.

Earlier this week, both major U.S. CEOs and American small businesses indicated that confidence remains elevated.

On Tuesday, the Business Roundtables CEO Economic Outlook Index jumped 19.1 points to 93.3, the biggest jump since the end of 2009. This index measures expectations for sales, investment, and employment. As with many economic surveys, any reading over 50 indicates expected economic expansion.

JPMorgan (JPM) CEO Jamie Dimon, who is chairman of the Business Roundtable, said, I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to enact a meaningful pro-growth agenda that will benefit all Americans. As these results confirm, business confidence and optimism have increased dramatically.

JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon.

Also on Tuesday, the National Federation of Independent Business released its February reading on small business optimism, which came in at 105.3, slightly down from Januarys 105.9, but still near its best levels in a decade. A major highlight in this report was a drop in the number of businesses citing government red tape as their biggest problem.

The NFIBs report did, however, caution that we havent seen a huge translation from this confidence into action. Optimism has not faded, but the enthusiasm has yet to be translated into an equally impressive increase in spending and hiring, the NFIB said in its report. This will require progress on the agenda that business owners voted for.

Story continues

Labor participation rising

These survey data also follow last weeks jobs report, which showed that participation in the workforce continues to improve, another sign of growing confidence in the U.S. economy.

In February, the employment-to-population ratio rose to 60%, the highest since February 2009 and an indication that one of the most discouraging labor market trends of the last decade is starting to turn. Among prime-age workers  those between 25 and 54  participation rose to 81.7% in February, the highest since 2011. At the height of the last cycle, prime age participation topped out at 83.4%.

The quits rate was released in the latest job openings and labor turnover survey  known as the JOLTS report  which showed that in January there were 5.63 million jobs available in the U.S.

In recent years, a steadily increasing number of job openings has come alongside increased hiring, but hiring that remains below the rate of openings. This has highlighted, among other things, the skills gap that so many employers and economists discuss as a major factor holding back the U.S. economy.



Myles Udland is a writer at Yahoo Finance. Follow him on Twitter @MylesUdland

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Reporter/Columnist

Julie Wurth is a reporter covering the University of Illinois at The News-Gazette. Her email is jwurth@news-gazette.com, and you can follow her on Twitter (@jawurth).
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Debra Pressey is a reporter covering health care at The News-Gazette. Her email is dpressey@news-gazette.com, and you can follow her on Twitter (@DLPressey).
Whether you're younger than 65 or older than 75, age may not be a discernible factor in the success of shoulder replacement surgery, according to a Henry Ford Hospital study.

In a small prospective study of 365 patients, researchers made a surprising finding: While younger patients had better function and range of motion before surgery, it was the older cohort that saw greater improvement from pre-operative levels after surgery. Younger patients also had a higher complication rate.

Researchers theorize that the older patients had greater improvement simply because they had worse shoulder function before surgery.

The study is being presented at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons annual meeting in San Diego.

"Much like we saw with hip and knee replacements, we are seeing an increased trend in shoulder replacement surgery," says Kelechi Okoroha, M.D., a fifth-year resident in Henry Ford's Department of Orthopedic Surgery and the study's lead author. "Our study suggests that age is not have a noticeable factor on the final outcome of surgery. However, older patients see more improvement in their shoulder function than what they had prior to surgery."

An estimated 53,000 people undergo shoulder replacement surgery each year due in large part to the "wear and tear" type of arthritis called osteoarthritis. People who have surgery experience an improved quality of life including less pain, improved motion and strength, and function.

Researchers at Henry Ford in Detroit analyzed data and shoulder function scores from two patient cohorts with osteoarthritis who had surgery: 262 patients under 65 and 103 patients older than 75. Patients older than 75 showed greater improvement in shoulder function scores after surgery.
In response to rising concern that many published scientific results may be false, the Reproducibility Project: Cancer Biology set out to replicate findings from the 50 most cited cancer studies from 2010-2012. A perspective in AACC's Clinical Chemistry journal discusses the project's preliminary results and suggests changes the research community can make to prevent reproducibility issues from inhibiting cancer care.

The translation of cancer research into real-world treatments is strikingly inefficient, with only 5% of potential cancer drugs making it from the research lab through phase III clinical testing, compared with the 20% of cardiovascular therapies that pass phase III testing. One potential explanation for this high failure rate is that very few cancer research findings are confirmed by independent studies. Recently, the major pharmaceutical company Amgen was only able to validate 6 out of 53or 11% oflandmark cancer papers, but did not release the list of studies checked due to confidentiality issues. The Reproducibility Project: Cancer Biology was launched in an effort to build on this investigation in a more transparent manner.

In January, the Reproducibility Project released the results of its first five replication studies, one of which failed outright, while the other four yielded inconclusive or moderately successful results. In this perspective, John P.A. Ioannidis, MD, DSc, of Stanford University in Stanford, Californiaan expert on reproducibilitydiscusses how the failed replication study underscores the limitations of conceptual replication, which is the current standard for confirming biomedical research results.

Prior to the Reproducibility Projectwhich used exact replicationat least 10 other labs had seemingly validated the unreplicated paper's findings that a particular peptide can enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy drugs. However, Ioannidis notes that these validation studies were conceptual replications instead of exact, which means their experimental conditions differed from those in the original study. For example, the validating labs looked at different cancer types or different anti-tumor peptides. Additionally, it is unknown whether these other labs tried multiple variants on the original study before finding one that yielded the desired results, since this information isn't documented with conceptual replications.

Unfortunately, it is very difficult for researchers to publish exact replication studies because they aren't novel, which is why conceptual replications proliferate. As this example from the Reproducibility Project shows though, encouraging and funding exact replication is essential to confirming cancer research results and accelerating the development of cancer treatments that will benefit patients.

"For those who question how much we can spend on replication, the answer is probably a thousand-fold more, easily," said Ioannidis. "The entire [Reproducibility Project: Cancer Biology] costs $2 million. Waste in biomedical research is estimated to be tens, perhaps even hundreds of billions, annually. To do better, insights on reproducibility will be crucial. It is not about shaming and tarnishing reputations. It is about whether our observations are solid and eventually can have practical value."

Source: https://www.aacc.org/
Putting patients at the centre of clinical trial research is perhaps something that goes without saying. At the Clinical Innovation and Partnering World congress in London last week, this was much discussed, along with the need to increase efforts into engaging patients to take part in clinical trials, and the fact that patients are sometimes suspicious of research because it is not explained enough and patient engagement is poor.

The issue of poor patient engagement in clinical trials was introduced by Jonathan Sheffield, Chief Executive Officer, National Institute for Health Research, who mentioned the difficulty in finding and subtyping patients for trials. This is an unnecessary challenge, as patients can do a lot of phenotyping themselves, they just need to be asked. However, where the problem lies, is finding a way to engage them.

Hilde Vanaken, Director R&D Operations Innovation, Janssen continued with the idea that there is poor support for patients in clinical trials. Janssen provides a solution to this through a smart technology program called eMeds, which aims to transform clinical trial medication and data management, and enable personalized engagement and support for patients.

The concept of innovation in the hospital in order to put the patients needs at the heart of all delivery was demonstrated by Joana Claverol, Clinical Research Unit Manager at Sant Joan de Deu Barcelona Childrens hospital. Here they have made adjustments to equipment and procedures in order to improve comfort and reduce anxiety for children in hospital. One example of this is a low cost Google CardBoard VR system which is used to distract children from the fear and pain caused by hospital procedures.

Guy Yeoman, VP Patient Centricity, Global Medical Affairs, from AstraZeneca asked the thought-provoking question:

What happens when you stop just thinking about the patient, and starting working WITH the patient?

Here he introduced the PaCe portal, which puts patients first. With this system, by working with patients, it will be possible to deliver research that patients want to participate in and medicines that they want to receive.

Guy was then joined by a panel including Bert Hartog (Director Clinical R and D, R&D Operations  Innovation leader, Johnson and Johnson), who stated that:

Patients shouldnt feel like they have missed out on treatment because they didnt know trials were running

Bert also adds that it would be a disservice to patients to not fully inform them of clinical trial opportunities, and even suggests the provision of a trial community. These statements reiterate the importance of informing and engaging relevant patients about current trials that they would be suitable for and may benefit from.

Lab Diagnostics & Automation eBook Compilation of the top interviews, articles, and news in the last year. Download a copy today

Simon Ridley, Director of Research from Myeloma UK also supported this point in the panel discussion, and later in his talk highlighted that the focus should be on trials that are the most important in terms of patient benefit rather than academic achievement.

The afternoon was occupied with talks on developing a successful outsourcing strategy. This included a presentation from Renaud Burrer, R&D Manager at Histalim, who discussed the importance of choosing the right central lab for improvement and innovation of clinical trials.

Histalim are a histology service provider and specialists in immunohistochemistry and image analysis. By integrating new methods concerning histology and re-designing them so that they produce high quality results, Histalim can help research objectives of clinical trials to be met.

The day drew to a close with some final statements from Adama Ibrahim Senior Clinical Operations Lead at Biogen Idec:

We need to continue to collaborate We need to advocate patient engagement

With this in mind, it is clear that patient centricity in clinical trials is essential and moving forward this should be at the core of all clinical research.

By making the most out of digital technologies, working with the patient and listening to their needs, it will be possible to engage and recruit patients that will gain the most benefit by taking part in the trials.
Researchers studying a deal in which Google's artificial intelligence subsidiary, DeepMind, acquired access to millions of sensitive NHS patient records have warned that more must be done to regulate data transfers from public bodies to private firms.

The academic study says that "inexcusable" mistakes were made when, in 2015, the Royal Free NHS Foundation Trust in London signed an agreement with Google DeepMind. This allowed the British AI firm to access sensitive information about 1.6 million patients who use the Trust's hospitals each year.

The access was used to create monitoring software for mobile devices, called Streams, which promises to improve clinicians' ability to support patients with Acute Kidney Injury (AKI). But according to the study's authors, the purposes stated in the agreement were far less specific, and made more open-ended references to using data to improve services.

More than seven months after the deal was put in place, an investigation by New Scientist then revealed that DeepMind had gained access to a huge number of identifiable patient records and that it was not possible to track how these were being used. They included information about people who were HIV-positive, details about drug overdoses and abortions, and records of routine hospital visits.

As of November 2016, DeepMind and the Trust have replaced the old agreement with a new one. The original deal is being investigated by the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), which has yet to report any findings publicly. The National Data Guardian (NDG) is also continuing to look into the arrangement. DeepMind retained access to the data that it had been given even after the ICO and NDG became involved, and the app is being deployed.

The new study reviews the original agreement in depth, with a systematic synthesis of publicly available documentation, statements, and other details obtained by Freedom of Information requests. It was carried out by Dr Julia Powles, a Research Associate in law and computer science at St John's College, University of Cambridge, and Hal Hodson, who broke the New Scientist story and is now Technology Correspondent for The Economist.

Both authors say that it is unlikely that DeepMind's access ever represented a data security risk, but that the terms were nonetheless highly questionable, in particular because they lacked transparency and suffered from an inadequate legal and ethical basis for Trust-wide data access.

They say the case should be a "cautionary tale" for the NHS and other public institutions, which are increasingly seeking tech companies' help to improve services, but could, in the process, surrender substantial amounts of sensitive information, creating "significant power asymmetries between citizens and corporations".

"Data mining and machine learning offer huge promise in improving healthcare and clearly digital technology companies will have a major role to play," Powles said. "Nevertheless, we think that there were inadequacies in the case of this particular deal."

"The deal betrays a level of naivety regarding how public sector organisations set up data-sharing arrangements with private firms, and it demonstrates a major challenge for the public and public institutions. It is worth noting, for example, that in this case DeepMind, a machine learning company, had to make the bizarre promise that it would not yet use machine learning, in order to engender trust."

Powles and Hodson argue that the transfer of data to DeepMind did not proceed as it should have, questioning in particular its invocation of a principle known as "direct care". This assumes that an "identified individual" has given implied consent for their information to be shared for uses that involve the prevention, investigation, or treatment of illness.

No patient whose data was shared with DeepMind was ever asked for their consent. Although direct care would clearly apply to those monitored for AKI, the records that DeepMind received covered every other patient who used the Trust's hospitals. These extended to people who had never been tested or treated for kidney injuries, people who had left the catchment area, and even some who had died.

In fact, the authors note that, according to the Royal Free and DeepMind's own announcements, only one in six of the records DeepMind accessed would have involved AKI patients. For a substantial number of patients, therefore, the relationship was indirect. As a result, special permissions should have been sought from the Government, and agencies such as the ICO and NDG should have been consulted. This did not happen.

Such applications of "direct care" have been queried before. In December 2016, Dr Alan Hassey of the NDG, which provides national guidance on the use of confidential information wrote that: "an erroneous belief has taken hold in some parts of the health and care system that if you believe what you are doing is direct care, you can automatically share information on a basis of implied consent". Dr Hassey noted that direct care is not "of itself a catch-all... The crucial thing is that information sharing must be in line with the reasonable expectations of the individual concerned".

The researchers' survey also criticises the lack of transparency in the agreement, pointing out that neither party made clear the volume of data involved, nor that it involved so many identifiable records. How that data has been, and is being, used, has never been independently scrutinised. Last week, DeepMind announced plans to develop a new data-tracking system, to make such processes more transparent, at an unspecified future stage.

The authors liken the relationship overall to a one-way mirror. "Once our data makes its way onto Google-controlled servers, our ability to track it - to understand how and why decisions are made about us - is at an end," they write.

The paper says that an obvious lesson is that no such deal should be launched without full disclosure of the framework of documents and approvals which underpins it. In light of the 2013 Caldicott review of sharing of patient information, they write that: "The failure of both sides to engage in any conversation with patients and citizens is inexcusable."

They also suggest that private companies should have to account for their use of public data to properly-resourced and independent bodies. Without this, they argue that tech companies could gradually gain an unregulated monopoly over health analytics.

"The reality is that the exact nature and extent of Google's interests in NHS patient data remain ambiguous," the authors add. Powles notes that while Google has no stated plans to exploit the data for advertising and other commercial uses, its unparalleled access to such information, without any meaningful oversight, does not rule out the possibility in future.

"I personally think that because data like this can get out there, we are almost becoming resigned to the idea," Powles added. "This case stresses that we shouldn't be. Before public institutions give away longitudinal data sets of our most sensitive details, they should have to account to a comprehensive, forward-thinking and creative regulatory system."
The sun is just beginning to rise in the sky as about 25 first- and second-year medical students file into a classroom in Evans Hall.

Peter Bidey, DO, assistant professor, family medicine, stands in front of them at a white board (not unlike TV's House) and begins to relay to the group the case of a patient who was recently treated for diabetes-related complications through one of the College's healthcare centers.

Dr. Bidey presents the facts of the case, tying in aspects from the second-year students' lectures on the endocrine system, and the first-years' lectures on biochemistry. The students, sipping the coffee and eating donuts he has provided, then create a list of questions they would ask the patient, and a diagnosis, which they then present to Dr. Bidey.

These early-morning sessions, dubbed "Coffee and Cases," occur once a month, and are meant to be very informal. Led by Dr. Bidey and a resident from the PCOM/Suburban Community Hospital Family Medicine residency, the sessions are hosted by the Student Association of the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians (SAACOFP) but are open to all DO students.

Other programs hold similar morning reports, including CRIBS (Clinical Reasoning in Basic Science), which introduces clinical problem-solving while second-year students are still learning about basic science concepts, has long been a part of the PCOM curriculum.

However, Morgan McCoy, a second-year osteopathic medicine student, says that Coffee and Cases differs in that it is a far less stringent environment and focuses its clinical concepts mainly on primary care. The seminars grew out of a desire within SAACOFP to use its monthly meetings as educational opportunities that first- and second-year students could benefit from, she added.

"We came up with Coffee and Cases as a way to introduce clinical concepts to students learning basic science. We do similar things in class, but this is a way to do it in a smaller, non-intimidating group. It helps encourage more participation," said McCoy.

Dr. Bidey, who serves as faculty advisor to SAACOFP, said the focus on primary care may help spark interest among students and increase their desire to enter that field. A 2016 report by the Association of American Medical Colleges estimates a shortage of up to 35,600 primary care physicians by 2025.

"Some students, early on, might not realize what the range is of primary care," said Dr. Bidey. "We're qualified to see people from birth to death, inside and outside the hospital. You can care for one family over generations, and become part of their family. Our term is 'family medicine;' 'family' is part of that."
Concern about sexual activity is declining as a reason parents do not get their daughters the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, according to a research study presented today at the Society of Gynecologic Oncologys 2017 Annual Meeting on Womens Cancer.

Instead, according to a study presented by lead researcher Anna Beavis, MD, MPH, an SGO member and gynecologic oncologist fellow at Johns Hopkins University, parents continue to not see the vaccine as a necessity and are concerned about side effects and safety. The HPV vaccine, introduced in 2006, is used to prevent adolescents from contracting the HPV virus, which causes almost all cases of cervical cancer in women, as well as several other cancers.

With the new nine-valent vaccine, almost 90 percent of all cervical cancer could be prevented if all adolescents were vaccinated, Beavis said. Yet unfortunately, vaccination rates in the U.S have lagged considerably behind those of other Westernized nations.

The data presented compared the National Immunization Survey, or NIS-Teen, data, from 2010-2014, which reported on U.S. parents responses to a question about why they did not vaccinate their daughters against HPV and did not intend to in the next 12 months.

From 2010-2014, the top two reasons were the concerns regarding safety and side effects and the belief the vaccine is not necessary. Yet, the third most common reason, adolescents lack of sexual activity, dropped as a reason for parents not vaccinating. According to the data, in 2010, 18 percent of parents reported adolescents lack of sexual activity a reason, but in 2014 it dropped to 9 percent.

Prior literature has shown that physicians often delay or do not discuss HPV vaccination with parents because they feel they would also have to address sexual activity, Beavis said. Yet, the data shows that parents need to understand the necessity and safety as well as the benefits of cancer prevention.

Additionally, the vaccine produces a stronger immune response in younger children, and thus only two shots instead of three are recommended if the vaccine is given to children under the age of 15.

Physicians should not be afraid to discuss the HPV vaccine with parents, Beavis said. Our focus should be on cancer prevention.

Source: https://www.sgo.org/newsroom/news-releases/parental-concerns-about-sexual-activity-declining-as-reason-not-vaccinating-children-against-hpv/
Jaipur: A special court is likely to pronounce the quantum of sentence in the 2007 Ajmer dargah bomb blast case on March 18.



The special CBI court on Thursday heard the arguments on the sentencing and posted the matter for Saturday.



During the hearing, the defence counsel argued that the case should not be linked with religion after the prosecution submitted that it was the "first case where it is proved that the members of the community to which the convicts belong are involved in terror activities".



The defence counsel also said the court should consider one section for conspiracy instead of two sections for deciding the quantum of sentence.



The court had on March 8 convicted Bhavesh Patel, Devendra Gupta and Sunil Joshi while acquitting others including Swami Aseemanand. Joshi has already died.



The conviction was made under charges of criminal conspiracy, malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings and related offences and relevant sections of the Explosives Substances Act.



The defence counsel, Jagdish Rana, argued that both the sections of 120-B of IPC and 18 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) deal with conspiracy, so only the latter should only be considered to fix the quantum of punishment.



Before this, Public Prosecutor Ashwini Kumar said the court should consider that the bomb blast killed three persons and left 15 injured.



He said the bomb was planted at the place of Sufi saint. and cited that the Supreme Court has also said that Hinduism is not a religion but a way of life. Indian culture follows the theory of live and let live, he added.



The defence counsel objected, saying this should not be linked with religion.



Theblaston October 11, 2007 in the dargah of Khawaja Moinuddin Chisti at the time of Roza Iftaar, had left three pilgrims dead and 15 injured.



The case was handed over to ATS Rajasthan and later transferred to NIA which re-registered the case with the agency's police station in New Delhi on April 6, 2011.



There were as many as 149 witnesses in the case and 451 documents were examined and the NIA filed three supplementary charge sheet in the case.
The two continue to be in shock, even 48 hours after Kaniza (7) was killed near the scene of a fierce encounter between security forces and militants in the mountain-ringed village.

Their sad eyes and pale faces relive the horror of spending hours with the tiny lifeless body of their little sister.The tragic images of little Kaniza, bleeding to a painful death from a bullet injury to her chest, and their brother Faisal winching in pain will stay with Aslam and Zaffar for a long time.A bullet also hit Faisal (6), the youngest of five children of the Chechi family. Doctors at a Srinagar hospital say he is out of danger.Three Pakistani militants of the Lashkar-e-Taiba were gunned down and a policeman wounded in Wednesday's eight-hour gun-battle.Recounting the tragic incident, which has left the family in grief, Aslam said heavy firing woke them up early in the morning.Firing started near the house, but we could not tell where because it was too early, he said. "We were all sleeping in one room; Zaffar and I at the back and others in the front.He said a bullet hit Kaniza in the chest while she was asleep. She kept crying in pain. We could see her writhing till she died, the eldest of the Chechi siblings recalled.Otherwise a family of seven, Aslam and his 10-year-old brother Zaffar are the ones at home today. While their only sister was killed during the encounter, their parents and two younger siblings are off to a Srinagar hospital to attend to injured Faisal.In their modest house, relatives and neighbours are finding it difficult to console the two.They are quiet. It will take them time to return to normalcy, said Haneefa, their aunt, serving meals to them.The boys have not eaten since yesterday morning. There is no one at home to cook for them. I could come only today because we were not allowed to visit them yesterday, she said.My sister and her husband had buried Kaniza in the village and immediately had to leave for Srinagar. Who will give Faisal his medicines? she asked.A single shot had pierced Kaniza's chest and another shattered Faisals hip during the encounter in the small valley of two dozen wood-and-mud houses on Wednesday.I hid at the back of the room. I could see my brother Faisals leg bleeding. My father tried to take him out, but each time was asked to go back. Zaffar said. And when the encounter was over, police rushed him to the hospital in Srinagar, he added.Kaniza was not that lucky though.Villagers said three vehicles carrying police in plain clothes were the first to arrive in Kuland, an hour before the light faded out on Tuesday.Soldiers in jeeps and trucks followed. They fanned out and soon circled the three houses below one of the mountain ridges. Soldiers in olive green and police from the crack unit of Special Operation Group (SOG) took positions and waited for the three militants to make the first move.The village spent a tense night. At the crack of dawn, the lull was broken by a volley of gunfire. Heavy firing erupted from different directions  the mountain tops, behind the deodar trees, from the nullahs, behind the dozen odd village houses targeting the house from where militants fired at the soldiers.The firing continued for hours before the target house was brought down by a hail of gunfire. It continued to burn even on Thursday.As per the security precautions that we take during encounters, we did ask the villagers living close by to move out to safety. The family was perhaps unable to move out, said Shamsher Hussain, Kupwara district senior superintendent of police.It is unfortunate that the girl was killed. Otherwise, the operation was very clean, he said.Javeed Geelani, IGP, Kashmir told News 18 that the girl was killed due to a stray bullet. She was at a distance of 100 metres from the encounter scene, he said.Villagers took the News18 team to the front of Chechi familys house and showed the holes made by the two bullets that hit the children.This is unlucky. But why did the police not insist that the family get out of harms way? Why do small kids have to die? a villager asked. There were no protests in the area. No one tried to hamper a security operation, he added.
New Delhi: After Ministry of Home Affairs banned Islamic preacher Zakir Naiks controversial Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) and ordered its freezing of accounts, Naik had moved the Delhi High Court to challenge the ban, but in a setback to Naik, the Delhi High Court on Thursday dismissed his plea stating that the Ministry of Home Affairs had enough evidence.



Naik had challenged the November 17, 2016, notification of the MHA which had imposed an immediate ban on the organisation under UAPA, in January at the Delhi HC, where he contended that the ban was imposed without any application of mind on the part of the Government authorities." It also said that ban notification did not disclose any grounds or conclusion to establish that the government could arrive at such a decision.



But on Thursday, while delivering the order, the HC observed that MHA had sufficient material to impose the ban. Immediate action appears to have been taken in interest of integrity and public order maintenance, the HC observed.



Naiks appeal also questioned Sections 3 and 4 of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, seeking clarity on whether it provided excess powers at the hands of the government and hence created unreasonable restrictions on the rights guaranteed under Article 19(1) C of the Constitution of India." The IRF had also alleged that the act of banning was a calculated move made by the Centre, which was evident since media houses were informed about the developments in advance.



However, the Additional Solicitor General, said that the ban was an urgent step to prevent the youth of India from being radicalized by the statements and speeches made by IRF. The government had also expressed concern that such speeches can motivate more youth to join terror organisations like the Islamic State.



The foundation had first come under the scanner after the terrorist responsible for Dhaka attack earlier this year, in an online post had said, that he was inspired by Naik's speeches. Bangladeshi newspaper Daily Star had reported that one of the perpetrators of the July 1, 2016 terror attack in Dhaka, Rohan Imtiaz, was sharing posts on a social media site quoting Naik.




New Delhi: His party recently lost the Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh. But that hasnt stopped Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan from throwing his weight around.



The outgoing minister has been caught on tape threatening an Election Commission official when he had gone to the poll panels office in Rampur to collect his election victory certificate.



Khan was reportedly upset as he had to walk to the election office through a muddy track. He is areas sitting MLA and returned to power on March 11.



In the video, Khan is seen threatening an official, saying he was a minister till a new government takes over and that it was he who got the official transferred to Rampur.



I am still the minister and will remain one till the new government comes in. I still have the right to take action against you. This is very disappointing. Is this the reason why we brought you here? You cried to me to get to this place and this is how you act now? How could you ask me to walk through that road, he is seen saying to the official.



This is not the first time Khan has waded into controversy. He was recently criticised for comparing Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Ravana during campaigning for the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. Last year, he was pulled up by the Supreme Court for saying that the rape of a woman and her daughter near a highway in Bulandshahr could be a "political conspiracy" to defame the Samajwadi Party government.



Reacting to the latest controversy, expelled SP leader Amar Singh said Khan should be taken to a mental hospital. I am very happy that I am not in the Samajwadi Party if it has got people like Azam Kham. I am not shocked by his behavior. Azam Khan needs to be taken to a mental hospital, Singh told CNN-News18. He went on to target outgoing chief minister Akhilesh Yadav, saying he took no action against rape accused minister Gayatri Prajapati even after receiving a letter from the Governor.



BJP leader Vijay Bahadur Pathak said the SP leaders seem to not have realised that they are no longer in power.



Trying to control the damage, SP spokesperson Deepak Mishra said should not have used such words. The SP is in this state of affairs because of leaders like Azam Khan, he told CNN-News18.



WATCH THE VIDEO HERE




The rankings of all 193 UN member countries released here on Wednesday by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and UN Women showed that women made up 11.8 per cent of the Lok Sabha where 64 were elected to the 542-member house and 11 per cent of the Rajya Sabha with 27 of the 245 members.

At the current rate of progress, it would take 50 years for the number of women to equal that of men in legislative bodies, he said.

A constitutional amendment bill to reserve 33 per cent of Lok Sabha and State Assembly seats for women was first proposed in 1996 but has failed in the last 20 years to make headway.

Rwanda ranked first in the number of women parliamentarians with 61.3 per cent in the lower house, followed by Bolivia with 53.1 per cent and Cuba 48.9 per cent.

Releasing a world ranking of the number of women parliamentarians that that placed India 148, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, the head of UN Women, has called for reservations for women.India ranked 88 in the number of women ministers with five or 18.5 per cent in the cabinet.ALSO READ | Record 40 Women Make it to 403-Member Uttar Pradesh Assembly However, women hold important positions: Sumitra Mahajan is the Speaker and Sushma Swaraj is the External Affairs Minister.Speaking to reporters, IPU Secretary-General Martin Chungong backed up the call for reservations for women suggesting that quotas for them could speed up the process for achieving gender equality.The percentage of women in parliaments worldwide barely ticked up from 22.6 per cent in 2015 to 23.3 per cent in 2016. India's percentage is about half the world tally.Mlambo-Ngcuka, the Executive Director of UN Women, the international organisation's arm for empowering women, said that the most progress in increasing their ranks in parliament was achieved in countries with quotas.In the latest attempt, it passed the Rajya Sabha in 2010 but lapsed when the last Lok Sabha ended its term in 2014 without taking it up.The Rashtriya Janata Dal, the Janata Dal (United) and Samajwadi Party have been leading the opposition to the constitutional amendment.Chungong said a positive development was a move away from shunting women to "soft" ministries like women's affairs and instead placing them in important ministries.In addition to Swaraj, who has the important External Affairs portfolio, Uma Bharti is the Water Resources Minister and Nirmala Sitharaman has independent charge of Commerce and Industry.Mlambo-Ngcuka said that women politicians were held back by a number of problems, including the lack of finance for campaigns and stereotyping.They also faced bullying online and physically, harassment and hostile treatment by the media, she added.In South Asia, Nepal ranked 48 with 29.6 per cent of the lower house seats held by women; Pakistan ranked 89 with 20.6 per cent (but with no ministers); Bangladesh was 91st with 20.3 per cent, and Sri Lanka lagged at 179th place with 5.8 per cent.Bulgaria, France and Nicaragua tied for the first rank for the number of women ministers with 52.9 per cent each.
Total MLAs: 40

Majority mark: 21

BJP+ 13 (BJP) 3 (MGP) + 3 (GFP) + 1 (NCP) 3 (Independent) 23 Congress+ 16 (Congress) (1 abstained) - 16

Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar won trust vote on the floor of the Goa Legislative Assembly on Thursday, putting an end to the political crisis in the coastal state for now. The vote of confidence was ordered by the Supreme Court on Tuesday. This was after the Congress requested the apex court to stay the swearing in of Parrikar and his cabinet, which the SC rejected.Parrikar was finally sworn in as CM on Wednesday. The state of Goa voted for a hung assembly on February 4, when it went to polls. As the results started coming in on Saturday, it was clear that the BJP had lost majority it had won in 2012. The BJP was reduced to second place with 13 MLAs. The outcome was so bad for the BJP that six out of eight cabinet ministers, including Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar, lost their own seats. The Congress was the single-largest party with 17 MLAs, though it came up four short of a majority. The Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) and Goa Forward Party (GFP) won three seats each, one Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MLA won his own seat and debutant Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) drew a blank. Three independent MLAs completed the tally in the 40-member Assembly.Just when it looked like the Congress was tantalizingly close to the magic mark of 21 MLAs, the BJP moved swiftly. Manohar Parrikar, its tallest leader in Goa, was flown into Panaji to meet with the MLAs and the Governor. The Goa unit of the BJP moved a resolution demanding Parrikar as CM, a demand that Prime Minister Narendra Modi honored. Parrikar resigned as Defence Minister and was sworn in as Goa CM. Soon, both the MGP and GFP, along with two independent MLAs, threw their support behind BJP on the condition that Parrikar be made CM. The Congress, with support from 1 NCP MLA and 1 independent, was still short of a majority. By Thursday, the one independent MLA had also shifted into Parrikars column. Even NCP MLA Churchill Alemao voted for the BJP government. Parrikar, with 23 MLAs supporting him, got more than the required number.With the trust vote secured, the Goa CM now has an uphill task ahead of him. While portfolios have not been allotted yet, only two of the nine cabinet ministers sworn in are from the BJP. Three ministers are from the GFP, two from the MGP and two independents.Speaking to CNN-News18 after winning the trust vote, he said, "Challenges makes a man more capable and all the challanges will be tackled.... No one wanted to go with the Congress. That is the truth. They kept luring MLAs. We did not promise anyone anything and yet MLAs came to us. Digvijaya Singh's neck is on the line so he is making excuses."
New Delhi: Head priest of New Delhis Sufi shrine Nizamuddin Dargah Asif Ali Nizami has gone missing in Pakistan.



The 80-year old was last seen in Lahore airport on Wednesday and has been untraceable since.



Nizami had gone to Pakistan on March 6th on a Pakistan International Airlines flight.



According to reports, he was staying at his sister's place in Karachi. He travelled to Lahore on 13th and offered chhadar at Sufi saint Baba Farids shrine and went to another Sufi Shrine on 14th March.







He was scheduled to travel back to Karachi from Lahore. He was last seen in the airport in Lahore after which he disappeared. His phone has been switched off since 4:25 PM on Wednesday.







His family has approached the Pakistan High Commissioner in India for help. The Indian High Commission in Islamabad has also been contacted by the family. Nizami was scheduled to travel back to India on 20th March.


New Delhi: The Election Commission on Thursday unequivocally denied that electronic voting machines (EVMs) could be tampered with.



"So far, no one could demonstrate that EVMs used by us can be tampered with or manipulated," said the Commission in a statement.



Smarting from the drubbing at the hustings, BSP chief Mayawati on Wednesday decided to move court against the alleged tampering of EVMs and observe a black day every month against the murder of democracy by the BJP.



The BSP leader, who had alleged large-scale tampering in the EVMs soon after results were announced on March 11, said that to hide its dishonest victory, the BJP has now taken refuge in saying that had that been the case they would have done the same in Punjab, Goa and Manipur.



The Commission was quick to deny such claims and said: "There is no merit in claims that EVMs can be tampered with, such allegations are wild and baseless."



Arvind Kejriwal too was quick to blame the EVMs for the party's poor showing in Goa and Punjab elections.



Kejriwal, on Wednesday, said that AAP's poor tally of 20 seats in Punjab is "beyond understanding" and raises a "big question mark" on the reliability of electronic voting machines (EVMs) as political pundits across the spectrum had "predicted a landslide" for the party, he told a press conference in New Delhi.



Kejriwal also demanded that the upcoming Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) election be held via a paper ballot instead of EVMs.



The Delhi Election Commissioner though has rejected the demand of AAP to conduct the polls through ballot paper.
New Delhi: Opposition parties in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday raised the issue of transaction surcharge on credit card payments for fuel purchase at petrol pumps as well as new charges being introduced on ATM withdrawals.



Raising the issue through a Zero Hour mention, Naresh Agrawal (SP) said despite the promise that no fuel surcharge will be levied on purchase of petrol and diesel through credit and debit cards, customers are being levied a charge of up to two per cent.



Banks have also introduced levies on more than four ATM withdrawals, he said. Charges are also being imposed for not maintaining minimum balance in saving bank accounts.



Banks, he said, have not agreed to the government's advise to reconsider the levies.



Alleging government's patronage to Paytm, Agrawal said in the name of Digital India, the government has promoted business interest of Chinese-backed digital wallet Paytm, whose valuation has jumped from USD 3 billion to USD 5 billion after the high denomination currency notes were demonetised and use of digital modes for payment were stressed.



Sitaram Yechury (CPI-M) said he was charged Rs 144 as ATM charges on his saving bank account with State Bank of India (SBI) despite not using the ATM. "This is happening without any announcement (of levy of such charge)," he said.



Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said the allegation for patronage to Paytm were wrong.



Deputy Chairman P J Kurien asked him to convey to the Finance Minister the personal complaint of Yechury on charges being levied on ATM without prior intimation.



Md Nadimul Haque (TMC) raised the issue of private hospitals charging exorbitant rates for treatment in a "non-transparent" manner.



He suggested that the Centre should also enact a legislation on the lines of the one done in West Bengal to provide for penalties for over-charging and compensation in case of deaths caused by medical negligence.
Yogen Shah

Yogen Shah

Yogen Shah

Yes it is out! The much-awaited trailer of Baahubali: The Conclusion has officially been released by the makers. And yes, it is as impactful as we had expected it to be. While the makers had earlier declared that they would release the trailer at a grand event, it was unfortunately leaked online on Thursday morning hours before its official launch.Hence, the production house Global United Media decided to release the trailer on YouTube at 9 am on Thursday. The trailer, as expected, has a mind-blowing cinematography and is indeed a visual treat for the audience. The action scenes in Baahubali: The Conclusion have been made in such a way that you will forget the first installment.Amazingly shot, the film looks absolutely mind blowing. Watch it and youll be blown away by the characters.The trailer begins with a quick recap of what happened in the first part and goes on to introduce us to Amarendra Baahubali, played by Prabhas, who solemnly swears to even sacrifice his life for the people of his kingdom. There are quick shots of Anushka and her blossoming romance with Prabhas. There is plenty of rip-roaring action, setting ample anticipation for the film's release on April 28. The face-off between Prabhas and Rana Daggubati in the last shot of the trailer is surely a treat to the fans of the franchise.To sum it up, Baahubali 2 trailer is bigger and even better than anyone would have imagined.Baahubali 2 Telugu trailer of which lasts for over 2 minutes was officially launched on the big screen in Hyderabad in house full cinema hall. It was welcomed with a huge round of applause, cheers, whistles.The trailer gives an insight into the kingdom of Baahubali and magnificent visual effects and war scenes. But why Katappa killed Baahubali still remains the mystery.Addressing media SS Rajamouli said, "In the first part, characters were introduced. Now you will experience drama between them in the Conclusion."He added that trailer leak was unfortunate. "We had planned many thing for the day, I feel its good news for all fans, rather than bad."Slated for release on April 28, Baahubali: The Conclusion stars Prabhas, Rana Daggubati, Anushka Shetty, Tamannaah Bhatia, Ramya Krishnan and Sathyaraj.(With inputs from IANS)
A day after Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Padmavati set was torched in Kolhapur, Maharashtra by fringe activists, Rajasthans social justice minister has justified protests around the film by stating that filmmakers do not have the right to distort history and if they do, people have the right to protest.



Arun Chaturvedi, while speaking to CNN News 18, said that Rajasthan government had not given any assurance to Karni Sena, when they put forth certain demands around the film at a meeting that was held with ministers of Rajasthan government. They had demanded a ban on the films shooting but the government has not given them any assurance over it.



Chaturvedi personally though feels, that history should not be tampered. Whenever facts are tampered, there will be strong reactions from people.



While Chaturvedi did mention that the government has not given Karni Sena any support or assurance over their demands, it is also important to note that no arrests have been made two months after Sanjay Leela Bhansali was assaulted on the sets of Padmavati in Jaipur. The sets were vandalized over an objection over a scene which was to feature Allaudin Khilji and Rani Padmini in a romantic dream sequence. The Karni Sena was later assured by Bhansali Productions that no such scene would be shot and that a screening of the film would be arranged for them prior to the films release.







Meanwhile, a spokesperson of Rajasthan Karni Sena has threated bigger protests if the film is not according to their liking. Soon after the attack in Jaipur, Padmavati crew left Rajasthan and shifted their location to Kolhapur where fringe activists torched the film.



Deepika Padukone, who plays the lead role in the film, strongly condemned the act while speaking to CNN News18s Rajeev Masand. Calling the protests childish and baseless, Deepika questioned the origin of the news. The protests were based on a news in a tabloid. People should have spoken to concerned team and verified facts before protesting.


Mumbai: Actor Shahid Kapoor says it is unfortunate that the set of his upcoming film Padmavati was

vandalised in Kolhapur district.



The set of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's film, which also stars Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone, was vandalised by unidentified persons at Mhasai Pathar in Kolhapur. Around 20 unidentified people torched the costumes and the animal feed kept there for the horses featuring in the period drama, the police said.



"I am aware there has been some disruption that happened, I am aware that a certain amount of costumes got burnt, I am aware everybody is safe and nobody got harmed. The shooting has wrapped up and the team is coming back," Shahid told reporters at an event here last night.



"What I am not aware of is who has done it. It is unfortunate that something like this has happened for the second time. As soon as there is some more clarity, the production house will respond to it. But no principal actors were there (when the incident happened)," he says.



Following the incident, the film's crew was provided police protection, Maharashtra's Minister of State for Home Deepak Kesarkar said yesterday.



In January this year, some members of Karni Sena, a Rajput community group, had attacked Bhansali and stalled the film's shooting at Jaigarh fort in Jaipur. Deepika Padukone too condemned the attack and rooted for director Bhansali and his vision.







In an interview given to CNN-News18, Deepika said, "Sanjay Leela Bhansali is someone who lives for cinema and I've never met anyone more passionate. I know for a fact that he will take everything in a positive way and pour it back into the movie. He's here to tell a story through his film and glorify Padmavati"



Deepika further added that the people protesting have no idea about the script of the film and thus their complaints are baseless.



"These complaints are attacks are childish and based on some tabloid news. Media should be mindful of these things. It's gossipy for them but look at the end result! People could've died."



Deepika will be essaying the role of Rani Padmini in Padmavati while Shahid will be seen has her husband Raja Ratan Singh. Ranveer Singh is playing the role of Alauddin Khilji, a Turkish ruler in falls for Padmini and wages war on Mewar to claim her.







(With Inputs from PTI)


Shah Rukh Khan's car ran over a photographer's foot on Wednesday night as the actor was making his way through a storm of paparazzi to attend Alia Bhatt's birthday party. Shah Rukh was entering Bhatt's residence when the unfortunate accident occurred.



According to media report, SRK was sitting in his car when a photographer came really close to the car to get his picture, and accidently his foot came under the car. Immediately, Shah Rukh asked his bodyguard to take the injured photographer to Nanavati Hospital and himself consoled him to not worry.



An eyewitness was quoted saying, "Shah Rukh was extremely polite and asked the photographers not be scared as he will take care of the entire incident. The photographer who got injured is the new guy and he extremely got excited seeing the actor . He tried his level best to capture Shah Rukh in his favor and didnt realise that he will hurt himself as the car was moving in full speed. But thankfully nothing major happened and the situation is now under control"



Well, the incident once again bring to light the increasing paparazzi culture in India, where sometimes the actor gets hurdled by a storm of camera, or a cameraperson gets injured to get a 'perfect-shot'.
One of the strongest regional satraps of the Congress, Amarinder Singh put the party back in the saddle in Punjab after the "father of all battles" that decimated the SAD and crushed the AAP's dream of expanding its footprint beyond Delhi.Amarinder Singh, 75, a widely respected and popular leader, steered the Congress to a landslide victory winning 77 seats in the 117 member Assembly to occupy the chief minister's post for the second time.The maharaja's win in Punjab after 10 years has also rekindled the hopes for the revival of the grand old party. Belonging to a very rare breed of politicians who have seen action in the Indo-Pak war, Singh this time tasted success after Akali Dal supremo Parkash Singh Badal foiled his previous attempts to become chief minister in 2007 and 2012. Once a leader of the Akali Dal, the 'scion of Patiala' fought in the 1965 war after he rejoined the army a few months after his resignation. He again resigned from the Services as a decorated soldier at the conclusion of the war.ALSO READ | Amarinder Singh Takes Oath as Punjab CM, Navjot Sidhu Gets Cabinet Berth The Punjab Congress chief and husband of Patiala MP Preneet Kaur was born to late Maharaja Yadavindra Singh of Patiala.After his initial schooling at Lawrence School, Sanawar and Doon School in Dehradun, he joined the National Defence Academy, Kharagwasla July 1959 and graduated from there in December 1963.Commissioned in the Indian Army in 1963, he was posted in 2nd Bn. Sikh Regiment (both his father and grandfather had served the battalion), served in Field Area - Indo Tibetan border for two years and was appointed Aide-de-Camp to Lt Gen Harbaksh Singh, GOC-in-C Western Command.His army career was shortlived as he resigned in early 1965 after his father was appointed Ambassador to Italy and his services were required at home. But he joined the army again immediately after hostilities broke out with Pakistan and took part in operations in the war only to resign again in early 1966 after the war was over.His political career began in January 1980 when he was elected MP. But he resigned from the Congress and the Lok Sabha in protest against the entry of the army into the Golden Temple during "Operation Blue Star" in 1984.After joining the Akali Dal in August 1985, Singh got elected to the Punjab Assembly on an Akali Dal (Longowal) ticket in the 1995 elections. He was Agriculture Minister in the Surjit Singh Barnala government.However, Singh resigned from the cabinet in protest against the entry of paramilitary forces into the Golden Temple on May 5, 1986. He then floated the Panthic Akali Dal, which later merged with the Congress in 1997.Singh unsuccessfully fought the parliamentary elections on a Congress ticket from Patiala in 1998. He then served as Punjab Congress chief from 1999-2002 before becoming the chief minister in 2002 and continuing till 2007.In September 2008, he was expelled by a state assembly panel on allegations of irregularities in a land transfer case. In 2010, Singh got relief from the Supreme Court which held his expulsion unconstitutional. He then went on to head the state Congress again till 2013.Singh, a permanent invitee to the Congress Working Committee since 2013, fought the 2014 Lok Sabha elections from Amritsar and defeated senior BJP leader Arun Jaitley by a margin of more than one lakh votes. He then resigned in November as MP after the Supreme Court termed Punjab's 2004 Act terminating the Satluj-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal agreement as unconstitutional.A few days later, he was appointed president of the Punjab Congress again in the run-up to the polls. A widely travelled person, Singh has penned several books including his memoirs of the 1965 Indo-Pak war.
The first BJP Parliamentary Party meeting after the announcement of the assembly polls results was an occasion for celebration, thanksgiving and mapping out the path ahead for the party.

Modi asked party leaders to work during the week to give a boost to the use of BHIM app, a digital payment application, by educating the masses about it and helping them download it, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar told reporters after the meeting.

Noting that the five-state elections were cited as the BJP's biggest electoral challenge following 2014 Lok Sabha polls victory, he asserted that the next parliamentary elections in 2019 is the next big challenge and asked the party leaders to make preparation for it.

The BJP top brass set the tone for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls at its Parliamentary Party meeting on Thursday with Prime Minister Narendra Modi asking party leaders to reach out to youths.BJP chief Amit Shah said the parliamentary elections are the next big challenge for the party following its win in the recently concluded state polls.Keeping up with its outreach to Dalits, a substantial chunk of whom is believed to have voted for the BJP in the Uttar Pradesh polls, it has decided to launch various week-long events from Bhim Rao Ambedkar's birth anniversary on April 14.The party will observe the week-long exercise in every panchayat and ward. It will also celebrate its foundation day on April 6 during which its leaders and workers will take part in 'swachh Bharat' campaign.They were also asked to publicise Ambedkar's works and contributions.The Prime Minister said youths should be made "ambassadors" of the Union government's public welfare works and good governance.Modi said youngsters depend on mobile phones more than on newspapers and TV channels to get information and stressed on the need to use this medium of communication to tap them. He also asked the party leaders to contact them while they are in Class XII.Shah said the party's win in the recently concluded assembly polls was an outcome of people's vote against casteism, family rule and corruption and in favour of Modi's leadership under which public welfare and good governance is the agenda.The BJP's win underlined people's support for the welfare schemes launched by the Central government and a brave decision like demonetisation, Shah claimed.The BJP Parliamentary Party also passed a resolution thanking voters for their support and also party's workers for their efforts under the leadership of Modi and Shah.It also expressed hope that the BJP governments in these states will provide good governance and run public welfare programmes.Home Minister Rajnath Singh proposed the resolution and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley supported it, which was passed unanimously, Kumar said.The party leaders were also distributed 'prasad' of the Tirupati temple.
God helps those who help themselves, Muslim women went by this adage in the recent Uttar Pradesh Assembly Elections and took a revolutionary step towards lead a dignified life. By voting in large numbers for BJP, something that their community leaders told them expressly not to do, they aligned themselves with the national mainstream. By doing so, they snubbed the fundamentalists, the clerics and those community leaders who in reality are communal leaders.



Now, Muslims voting for BJP is something that many people cannot digest. But facts are there for all to see. The scale of the saffron victory in Indias most politically significant state could not have been possible without Muslims voting in large numbers for BJP. All other so-called secular parties  mainly like Samajwadi Party, Bahujan Samaj Party and Congress  have traditionally used the Muslim voter to stop BJP in its tracks. The tactic they have always deployed is to create a Hindutva-phobia among Muslims. But today, Muslims, especially Muslim women, are aware of this scare tactics and have come to know the true colour of this secular brigade.



So why did we Muslim women vote for BJP in the Assembly polls defying the clerics and the scare-mongers? Because BJP was the only party to come forward with a bold stand on the abominable practice of triple talaq. BJP was the only party that promised protection to Muslim women against discrimination in the name of religion or traditional practices.



In primetime TV debates, some self-declared community leaders such as Maulana Ansar Raza and Sajid Rashidi issued threatened by using comments like Tum triple talaq ke liye kuch karke to dekho, Hum dilli ki gaddi par rehna bhula denge (Try banning triple talaq, we ensure you are unseated from New Delhi). The clerics tried their best to demoralise us for our fight against the Un-Quranic practice of Talaq-e-Biddat, yet we broke the politics of fear. We gave a better reply to those political parties who always did politics of appeasement and never tried to promote the Muslims especially Muslim women. In this triple talaq battle the secular parties never adopted any stand against injustice, discrimination and violation of the rights of a Muslim woman. But they have never shied away from supporting fundamentalists and clerics.



They tried to push Muslim women into the ring of clerics or self-declared representatives of the community in the name of religion by saying, It is the internal matter of Muslim community. No one should interfere in it. On the other hand, BJP came forward with a strong affidavit filed before the Supreme Court.



Of course, much has been said about the fact that BJP did not give a single ticket to Muslim candidates in UP whereas BSP, SP and Congress alliance gave tickets to hundreds to Muslims. But we also knew this fact that no one other than BJP supported us  the Muslim women  in our battle. In every past election the so-called secular parties promised but did not deliver. Thats why we gave BJP a chance to do something for us.



I was born and brought up in a religious atmosphere as my father was a Hafiz-Quran. My maternal uncle was Umar Khayyam, Saharanpuri, a Hindi film script writer. They both fought against unwarranted practices throughout their life. Umar mamu wrote four movie scripts based on personal laws: There was Nikah which was based on triple talaq, another one was Bewafa Se Wafa that talked about the challenges of succession and inheritance, in Deedar-e-yaar he brought out the story of how consent of nikah is gained by fraud. And Jodha Akbar was based on the rights of women who marry into another community or religion.



I have also done hifz of some chapters of Quran attended meetings of Jamat-e-Islami and understand the position of woman there. Through my work I am trying to present the real and true message of Islam before the society. My father tolerated this disgusting society when he sent my sister to Agra for B.Ed training in 1988.



Here, I would like to share that I filled the nomination for the seat of Chairperson of Nagar Palika Parishad, Saharanpur, in Local Bodies Election of 2000 but couldnt contest due to the heavy opposition and pressure on my father by the so-called community leaders. As my father was a Hafiz-Quran this act was considered Un-Islamic and was expected to not cross the boundaries. After that I always tried to break the nexus of these so-called religious leaders in the name of religion. If BJP won the Deoband assembly seat  garh of fundamentalist  along with other densely Muslim populated area seats like Meerut, Bijnor etc it is clear indication that the time has come to stop the so-called community leaders from influencing our lives so that we can lead our life in our own way not as dictated by fundamentalists. Im not the only sufferer of fundamentalists, every second or third Muslim woman is victimized by these religious leaders.



Farha Faiz is an advocate and president of Rashtrawadi Muslim Mahila Sangh, an RSS-affiliated organisation. All views are personal.
* UK minister refers Fox bid for Sky to regulator

* Regulator to look at media influence, standards

* Fox confident of approval despite political opposition (Adds opposition lawmaker's quote, background on James Murdoch)

By Paul Sandle

LONDON, March 16 (Reuters) - The British government has referred Rupert Murdoch's planned 11.7 billion pound ($14.4 billion) takeover of European pay-TV group Sky to regulators to decide if the deal is in the public interest.

Media Secretary Karen Bradley told parliament it was important to seek advice from the regulator Ofcom on whether the deal would give Murdoch and his companies too much control of Britain's media, and whether the new owner would be committed to broadcasting standards.

Murdoch's U.S. TV business Twenty-First Century Fox already owns 39 percent of Sky. Murdoch and his family have long coveted full control of Sky, despite the damaging failure of a previous attempt in 2011 when their British newspaper business became embroiled in a phone-hacking scandal.

Bradley has given Ofcom a 40-day timetable to investigate, and expects to receive its report by May 16.

She said Ofcom, as an independent regulator, would assess in the same time frame whether Murdoch's company was a "fit and proper" holder of a broadcasting licence.

Twenty-First Century Fox said it was looking forward to working with British authorities in their reviews of the deal, and it believed it would be approved.

"We are confident that a thorough review of our track record over 30 years will underscore our commitment to upholding high broadcast standards, and will demonstrate that the transaction will not result in there being insufficient plurality in the UK," the company said on Thursday.

POLITICAL OPPOSITION

Some opposition lawmakers oppose the deal, saying Murdoch, the owner of The Times and The Sun newspapers, would wield too much influence if he had full control of a pay-TV group present in more than 12 million British and Irish homes.

Story continues

"Many of us believe if you look at the conduct of the Murdochs and the untrammelled power they already have it is not in the public interest for them to take over Sky and have full control," Ed Miliband, former leader of the opposition Labour Party, said on Thursday.

Miliband was a prominent critic of the deal the last time it was proposed.

Murdoch's son James, who is chief executive of Fox and chairman of Sky, was criticised by Ofcom in 2012 over his handling of the phone hacking scandal.

The regulator said his management of the group's UK newspapers at the time "repeatedly fell well short of the conduct to be expected of as a chief executive and chairman", although it said Sky remained a fit and proper owner of broadcast licenses.

Twenty-First Century Fox, which owns cable, film and pay-TV assets around the world, said the media market had changed dramatically in recent years as broadcasters face new challenges from streaming services.

The Murdoch family's newspaper businesses have been split from its television and film assets in a move that helped pave the way for another tilt at Sky.

Sky has also combined its businesses in Britain, Germany and Italy since the previous bid.

James Murdoch has sought industry backing for the deal by recently praising the quality and creativity of British television and the positive contribution made by Sky.

He said a Fox-owned Sky would spend at least 700 million pounds a year on original British production.

Shares in Sky were largely unaffected by the decision, which had been widely expected after Bradley said earlier this month she was minded to intervene.

They were trading up 0.4 percent at 9.89 pounds. The buyout offer is priced at 10.75 pounds. ($1 = 0.8100 pounds) (Editing by Kate Holton/Keith Weir)
New Delhi: As the suspense over who will succeed Akhilesh Yadav as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh continues, all eyes will be on the BJP Legislative Party meeting in Lucknow.



All of the 324 MLAs of the party will meet at 5 pm on Saturday to pick the next Chief Minister of the state.



Senior party leaders Venkaiah Naidu and Bhupendra Yadav will be flown in as special observers for the meeting. The BJP won a thumping majority in the 403-member UP Vidhan Sabha, dislodging the ruling Samajwadi Party from power. After the landslide victory, the party is looking towards government formation in Lucknow.



Several names, including those of Union Telecom Minister Manoj Sinha, Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Lucknow Mayor Dinesh Sharma, have been doing the rounds. UP BJP Chief Keshav Prasad Maurya was effectively out of the race on Thursday after party president Amit Shah said Maurya had been charged with selecting the name of the next CM.



Asked who would be the next UP CM, Shah said, Keshav jiska naam tay karenge, uspe mohar laga denge (We will give our stamp of approval to anyone whos name Keshav decides on).



Speaking to reporters later, Maurya himself ruled out his chances of becoming CM. Mere paas toh naam tay karne ka zimma hai. Apna naam koi kaise tay karega? (My responsibility is to zero in on the next name. How can anyone pick their own name?).



The name being tossed around the most is that of Home Minister Rajnath Singh. Rumors of Singh being given the top job in Lucknow gained currency on Thursday after reports emerged that his security team had visited 5, Kalidas Marg, the official residence of the UP Chief Minister.


Hyderabad: Opposition BJP on voiced strong opposition to the TRS Telangana government's proposal to provide 12 percent reservation to Muslims in jobs and education.



"Chief Minister KCR (K Chandrasekhar Rao) statement that they would achieve 12 per cent reservation for Muslims by moving heaven and earth shows he does not have respect for Constitution and courts," Telangana BJP president K Laxman said in a statement here.



Courts in undivided Andhra Pradesh had said quota for Muslims was untenable. The proposal amounts to "cheating Muslims and betraying backward classes", he said.



Laxman was responding to the comments of Rao on proposed quota to the minority community in government jobs and educational institutes.



The government proposes to pass two bills for providing quota to Muslims and STs and then urge the Centre to include the matter in the 9th schedule of Constitution as done in the case of Tamil Nadu, Rao had earlier said in the Legislative Council.



Laws put in the 9th schedule are insulated from judicial scrutiny.



The quota is proposed to be provided to Muslims on the basis of their socio-economic backwardness and as per the Backward Classes Commission's report, and not on religious basis, the Chief Minister had said.
Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar has won the trust vote in the 40-member Assembly with 23 MLAs backing him. One Congress MLA walked out right before the vote, bringing down the required majority mark to 20.

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Bengaluru: The recent Karnataka budget tabled by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has drawn flak by the opposition, the BJP.



They are critical of the budget increasing remuneration for Pesh Imams (Muslim priests) from Rs 3100 to Rs 4000 and for Muezzins from Rs 2500 to Rs 3000.



BJP was quick to blame the Congress government of minority appeasement as the state elections are just a year away. With large number of temples and Hindu priests in Karnataka, BJP feels that the government neglected the community.



This discrimination may lead to unrest among the people. The government should consider everyone as one. The money should have been given to every community, which has not happened. Our party will definitely raise the issue on the floor of the house, said Leader of the Opposition, Jagadish Shettar.



Congress, on the other hand, has criticised that BJP is raking up the Hindutva card as the state goes to polls in 2018. In 2015, the remuneration for Hindu priests was increased from Rs 24,000 to Rs 36,000 per annum, they said.



Karnataka Congress Working President, Dinesh Gundurao, said, The BJP doesnt have any issue to criticise the congress budget. We will give a befitting reply to BJP on the floor of the House. Our government increased the remuneration for Hindu priests just a year back, but the Muslim community or leaders didnt protest then. It is only the BJP who are politicising the issue.



Earlier, Siddaramaiah met several Hindu priests and promised to further increase the remuneration in the coming days.


New Delhi: Keshav Prasad Maurya, the president of the BJPs UP unit, was on Thursday admitted to the hospital. Maurya was admitted to Delhis Ramanohar Lohia Hospital after his blood pressure dropped beyond normal levels, news agency ANI reported. According to ANI, the Phoolpur MP will remain under observation for a day and released on Friday.



Meanwhile, BJP leader and Union Minister JP Nadda informed that condition of Keshav Prasad Maurya is normal and he is fine.



"Doctor is looking after him. Medical bulletin will be issued soon," he added.



Maurya, who was considered one of the frontrunners for the post of Chief Minister, may now be out of the running. The partys national president Amit Shah on Thursday said he had given Maurya the responsibility of selecting the next Chief Minister.



Asked who would be the next UP CM, Shah said, Keshav jiska naam tay karenge, uspe mohar laga denge. (We will give our stamp of approval to anyone whos name Keshav decides on)



Speaking to reporters later, Maurya himself ruled out his chances of becoming CM. Mere paas toh naam tay karne ka zimma hai. Apna naam koi kaise tay karega? (My responsibility is to zero in on the next name. How can anyone pick their own name?)



With Maurya effectively out of the race, the spotlight now shifts to other contenders  including Union Telecom Minister Manoj Sinha and Lucknow mayor Dinesh Sharma. The most being discussed the most, however, is that of Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh. The home ministers name was tossed around amidsts reports that his security team had visited 5, Kalidas Marg, the official residence of the UP Chief Minister in Lucknow.
Chennai: The K Palaniswami government on Thursday presented its maiden budget in the assembly where a reference to AIADMK General Secretary V K Sasikala by Finance Minister D Jayakumar invited strong protests from the opposition DMK.



The DMK, which demanded that the remarks be expunged, also tried to raise the issue of a no confidence motion proposed by it against Speaker P Dhanapal.



But the Speaker said he would stick to the day's agenda of presentation of the budget and possibly take up the matter later during this session.



Soon after commencing his budget speech, Jayakumar paid tributes to late chief Minister Jayalalithaa and later thanked "honourable Chinnamma' (Sasikala).



At this point, Leader of the Opposition M K Stalin sprang to his feet and questioned how the name of a person convicted by the court could be raised in the Assembly. He was supported by party MLAs who were seen making loud protests.



In the meantime, the Speaker asked the Finance Minister to pause his budget speech for a while and allowed Stalin to speak.



Questioning mention of Sasikala's name, Stalin said the Speaker does not even allow sub-judice matters to be raised.



Countering him, Leader of the House and School Education Minister K A Sengottaiyan said it was the usual practise for ministers and MLAs to greet, laud and thank their party leader while speaking in the Assembly.



There was "nothing wrong" in Jayakumar taking the name of Sasikala, he said.



Stalin reiterated how a convicted person's name could be taken in the House and wanted the Speaker to expunge the remarks by the Finance Minister.

Sengottaiyan remarked Sasikala was AIADMK General Secretary and it was not wrong to mention her name. Later, the Finance Minister continued with his budget speech uninterrupted.



Prior to presenting the budget, Jayakumar paid respects at the memorial of late Jayalalithaa at the Marina Beach here, placing the suitcase containing the budget papers at the site. Meanwhile, AIADMK MLAs owing allegiance to Sasikala welcomed Chief Minister Palaniswami by thumping of the desks when he entered the house.



He had won a floor test on February 18.




A day before, a social media viral thread triggered speculation over Navjot Sidhu being made Deputy Chief Minister. Sources pointed out that the viral content was geared at putting pressure on the leadership to actually consider Sidhu for the deputy chief minister post.

In late August 2016, Sidhus wife, Navjot Kaur Sidhu had said Capt Amarinder Singh is power hungry. "Capt Amarinder spoke positively about Sidhu when he felt the latter was joining the Congress only to speak negatively when he felt Sidhu was not likely to join," said Sidhu's wife.

With a list of senior Congress leaders vying for important portfolios and posts in the state including Brahm Mohindra, Tript Bajwa, Manpreet Badal and Rana Gurjit Singh, giving Sidhu any post perceived as more important than theirs would have been stirring a hornet's nest in a Congress that had been facing flak for being faction ridden.

Much is being read into Navjot Singh Sidhu walking past Capt Amarinder Singh just after being sworn in as a Minister in the cabinet, only to pause when Amarinder Singh waved to him, turn around and then touch the newly minted Punjab Chief Ministers feet.Was Sidhu annoyed that he had been given a relatively unimportant portfolio comprising local government, tourism, cultural affairs, museums and archives? Even if Sidhu was content with what he got, his disappearing act and not addressing the media after the swearing in, unlike what other new ministers and leaders did, only added to the controversy.Navjot Sidhu has, however, all along denied that there was ever a demand for the deputy chief minister post. The Congress also clarified neither was there a demand from Sidhu, nor was there an offer from the Congress to make him the deputy chief minister. In any case the relationship between Navjot Sidhu and Capt Amarinder Singh has not been a cosy one.She had also said Congress is not an option for Sidhu since its leader Amarinder Singh is not someone who can do anything for Punjab as he has many allegations against him. She also questioned his moral authority to lead the Congress.However, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal went on record to say that Sidhu decided to ignore the AAP offer of being made Deputy Chief Minister since he was offered Chief Ministership of Punjab by the Congress in December before Amarinder Singhs name was officially announced by Rahul Gandhi in January.Shiromani Akali Dal deputy chief minister Sukhbir Badal also joined the chorus when he said Sidhu is a mercenary who has been offered the post of Deputy Chief Minister by the Congress. Finally, Navjot Sidhu at a rally in Jalandhar said he had been offered the post of Deputy chief minister by the AAP and was also given to believe that Arvind Kejriwal will be the chief minister of Punjab for one year and that Sidhu will thereafter takeover as the Punjab chief minister.Amarinder Singh speaking to News18 also said Kejriwal would have surely taken over as Punjab CM had the party won in the state. However, dashing Sidhus deputy chief minister plans Amarinder Singh said the post is not specified in the constitution and the Congress government in Punjab will not open this option. Amarinder Singh said the two previous Deputy CM appointments of Sukhbir Badal by the SAD Government and Rajinder Kaur Bhattal by the Congress were anomalies that did not have to be repeated as there was no point in creating alternate power centres in the state.Punjab Congress in-charge Asha Kumari on Thursday said the whole Sidhu controversy is a media creation and there is nothing to it. Sidhu is a congress worker and will work for the interests of Punjab without worrying about posts, she said.Elected to Parliament thrice and to the state legislature with a victory margin that is second only to Capt Amarinder Singh, Navjot Sidhu might have expected more. However, a new entrant to the party he will have to remain content with what he has been offered especially because his constant shifting from one party to another and burning his bridges left him with very few options.
Unlike what rumours suggested, the new OnePlus 3T is out and it is not blue. Yes. The Chinese smartphone maker OnePlus has released the OnePlus 3T Colette edition and sadly, this is not the new colour version for the OnePlus 3T, which you can choose when you place an order through the OnePlus website. Also, you can not buy this one online.Read more: OnePlus 3T Review: A Worthy Successor to The OnePlus 3 This limited edition OnePlus 3T is all-black and comes with an engraved Colette logo on the rear to mark the brand's 20th anniversary. Apart from the colour, OnePlus 3T Colette edition is identical to its Gunmetal and Soft Gold siblings in terms of specifications. There will be only 250 OnePlus 3T Colette phones available.Also read: OnePlus 5 to Launch in April: All You Need to Know of the Waterproof Phone The Colette edition OnePlus 3T smartphone is priced at $510 and will start retailing at the Colette store in Paris starting March 21. There has been no confirmation whether this limited edition OnePlus 3T will be available in India or not.The OnePlus 3T is perhaps the most-loved mid-range Android smartphone. In terms of specifications, when compared to the older OnePlus 3 (64GB) which costs Rs 27,999, the new OnePlus 3T packs in a lot for just Rs 2,000 more. While the dimensions and looks are same, the new variant offers a 5.5-inch Full HD AMOLED display with Corning Gorilla Glass 4 protection.It is powered by a newer 64-bit 2.35GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 processor with 6GB RAM and UFS 2.0 internal storage (64GB or 128GB).There is a 16MP rear camera featuring a Sony IMX 298 sensor with Sapphire glass protection for the lens. The front camera has been improved from 8MP to 16MP.On the battery front, the OnePlus 3T offers a bigger 3,400mAh battery and also supports Dash Charge. The company claims one-day battery life from 30 minutes of charge.It also has a USB Type-C port along with a 3.5mm headphone jack. It is a dual SIM phone and doesnt support microSD cards.
The island nation of Taiwan has something of interest for everyone -- scenic, lush-green mountains, lakes, hot springs, culture, cable cars, high-speed trains, museums, malls, amusement parks, beaches and a world class aquarium.



Taiwan, with a population of around 23 million, is not just an industrialised region churning out electronic and other products for global brands but a fusion of multi-cultural traditions and modernity.



The presence of different classes of lodging options in Taiwan and the newly-floated Scoot Airlines grabbing travellers with low fares, Taiwan can also be added to travel destinations for Indians.



It should however be mentioned that language is one issue to be managed here, as English is not widely understood. Also, vegetarians will find Taiwan a bit of a challenge, though hotels do offer vegetarian food. There are also some Indian restaurants.



Around 1.20 a.m. the yellow-painted aircraft took to the skies from Chennai towards Singapore -- the Lion City. Scoot offers different kinds of classes, including a baby-free class, so that travellers are not disturbed by crying babies. But one is helpless if the person next to you starts his/her roaring snore!



It was a new experience to have the piping hot, spicy and tasty Nasi Lemak Malay fragrant rice dish cooked in coconut milk at an unearthly hour of 2.30 a.m. several thousand feet above the earth.



Travel tip: Better carry a small bottle of water as the airline does not provide even a cup of water free.



We (a group of journalists and I) reached Taipei and were received by Francis Wu, an experienced tour guide assigned to us by the Taiwan Tourism Bureau.



The next morning we boarded the high-speed train (HST) to Zuoying, around 340 km from Taipei. The plan was to travel back over the next couple of days soaking in Taiwan's natural beauty and culture.



The train ride was smooth, sans noise and jerks even while changing tracks at over 230 kmph. The green mountains and farm fields that rushed past were a pleasant sight.



From Zuoying station we reached the YoHo Beach Resort at Pingtung for lunch where the Taiwanese food was good. Beach bummers can go to the popular Baisha Bay for a spectacular sunset, setting the mood for much more fun at the resort.



The other popular spot nearby is the Fu An, the God of Earth temple at Che Cheng. The big temple is built in a royal style and the Earth God is said to be very benevolent in acceding to your prayers.



One of the not-to-be-missed tourist spots in Pingtung is the National Museum of Marine Biology & Aquarium where one can watch dolphins and sharks, among others, gliding elegantly inside the overhead glass enclosures.



Walking through the glass tunnel, tourists can see coral reefs and hundreds of fish and also the manual feeding of stingrays by the aquarium's divers.



The stingray's underside looks like one of the ghosts in the "Casper the Ghost" comic and its wide mouth like the smiley emoticon!



At the Yunlin County en route to Tainan city, daredevils can try out the "Diving Machine G5", a high-speed 65-metre vertical fall at the Janfusun Fancy World, a major amusement park. There is also the "Sky Jet" that offers a high-speed 65-metre ascent and a free fall at the park.



The artistically inclined would find the private Chimei Museum housing sculptures and musical instruments interesting.



Yet another picturesque spot in Taiwan is the Sun Moon Lake located 748 metres above sea level that powers several hydel power plants.



From there, via a cable car ride enjoying the green valley below, one can reach the Formosan Aboriginal Cultural Village that narrates the story about the ancient tribes or Austronesans and also hosts cultural shows.



After flying sky lanterns and enjoying the waterfall at the Shifen village it was time to reach Taipei to enjoy the city by night from the 89th floor of the 101-storied Taipei 101 building.



And then it was time to scoot back to Chennai, of course with much reluctance.
In a series of black-and-white, vintage-style photographs included in its IPO filing, parka-maker Canada Goose used words like heritage, craftsmanship, timeless, and adventure to describe its brand.

But its brand could be the very thing that hurts Canada Goose after it goes public.

The 60-year-old, Toronto-based company is set to hit the New York Stock Exchange and Toronto Stock Exchange on Thursday under the ticker GOOS. On Wednesday, it priced its shares at C$17 (about $12.77 USD). But under risks related to our business in its Feb. 15 F-1 filing, Canada Goose cautioned: Our business depends on a strong brand, and if we are not able to maintain and enhance our brand we may be unable to sell our products.

That may sound like a run-of-the-mill, pro forma caveat for any apparel brand to include, but in Canada Gooses case, recent news shows a real risk to the companys brand.

Protestors call out Canada Goose over coyote fur (Getty Images)

In November, Canada Goose opened its first New York City retail store, in Manhattans SoHo neighborhood. Protesters from PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) crashed the grand opening.

Since that time, protests and marches have continued, and signs have popped up around New York that slam the companys use of coyote fur to line its parka hoods. (Fur trim kills.) And PETA intends to buy $4,000 worth of shares in the company when it hits the marketthe minimum number needed to attend Canada Goose shareholder meetings.

PETA has done the same, in the past, with brands like Louis Vuitton, Hermes, The North Face, and even Tesla. Once PETA is a Canada Goose shareholder, it will aim to use its voice to change the companys fur-trapping methods.

A sign in Brooklyn protesting Canada Goose

Its preposterous to claim coyotes whose legs are ensnared in steel traps for up to 72 hours are being treated humanely, PETA campaigns director Ashley Byrne told Yahoo Style. Cruelty is found in every stitch of those jackets.

If a large volume of consumers decide that they agree with PETA, they may move away from the trendy $900 coats. And that would be a problem for Canada Goose salesand its shares.

Story continues

As Canada Goose acknowledges in its risks section, Our brand may also be adversely affected if our public image or reputation is tarnished by negative publicity.

Images from Canada Gooses F-1 filing

When you think of popular parkas, you might think of The North Face, Patagonia, or Columbia, but Canada Gooses price point makes it more high-end than those brandsa more direct competitor is Moncler.

The premium brand image of Canada Goose, in the words of its IPO filing, is integral to the growth of our business. But as it grows, and opens more stores (and becomes a public corporation), that premium image may fade, a separate problem from the backlash over fur.

As we penetrate these new markets and our brand becomes more widely available, it could potentially detract from the appeal stemming from the scarcity of our brand, the company warned in its filing. (A spokesperson did not reply to requests for comment for this story.)

For now, the protests are most concentrated in New York. Canada Goose is a 60-year-old brand and lately its popularity has been spurred by Hollywood celebrities wearing the parkas. There is a strong chance the protests dont harm the company in the long run.

But in the short term, as animal-rights folks continue to bash the brand, its certainly sparking some of the negative publicity that the company knows could be a real problem for its public offering.



Daniel Roberts is a writer at Yahoo Finance, covering sports business and technology. Follow him on Twitter at @readDanwrite.

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Moscow: Germany's Angela Merkel will visit Moscow for talks on May 2, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday, the chancellor's first trip to Russia in nearly two years.



The agenda of Merkel's visit has yet to be made public, but talks are likely to focus on the Ukraine crisis, EU sanctions imposed on Moscow, trade ties, and German concerns that Russia may try to meddle in a parliamentary election in September.



Putin and Merkel last met face-to-face in Berlin in October last year at multi-lateral talks on Ukraine. The German politician, who has said EU sanctions must stay in force until Russia alters its behaviour, last visited Moscow in May 2015 to take part in celebrations marking the end of World War Two.



"Give my best wishes to the federal chancellor," Putin told Horst Seehofer, Bavaria's prime minister, who was in Moscow for talks on Thursday. "We are waiting for her to visit on May 2." Seehofer confirmed Merkel was planning to visit that day.



Merkel has played a pivotal role in keeping European Union states united behind the sanctions against Russia. They were imposed over Moscow's annexation of Ukraine's Crimea Peninsula, and its support for separatists in eastern Ukraine.



But Merkel's government has also come under pressure from powerful industrial lobbies in Germany who say that their businesses have suffered as a result of the sanctions.
Tokyo: US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said on Thursday that the escalating threat from North Korea's nuclear program showed a clear need for a "new approach," although he stopped short of detailing what steps the Trump administration will pursue.



Tillerson was speaking at a news conference following talks with Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida in Tokyo, the start of his first trip to Asia as secretary of state. It was the first time Tillerson has taken questions from the media since he took office in early February.



Two decades of diplomatic and other efforts, including aid given to North Korea by the United States, had failed to achieve the goal of denuclearising Pyongyang, Tillerson said.

"So we have 20 years of failed approach," Tillerson said. "That includes a period where the United States has provided $1.35 billion in assistance to North Korea as an encouragement to take a different pathway."



He added: "In the face of this ever-escalating threat, it is clear that a different approach is required. Part of the purpose of my visit to the region is to exchange views on a new approach."

Japan is seeking clues to Washington's policies on a volatile North Korea and a rising China while hoping to steer clear of trade rows during Tillerson's visit.



US President Donald Trump made it a hallmark of his presidential campaign to call on US allies, including Japan, to pay more for hosting US forces and other elements of U.S. protection.



During the joint news conference with Kishida, Tillerson said that the United States welcomes an increased Japanese commitment to its "roles and responsibilities" within its alliance with the United States.



"A NEW STAGE"

Tillerson, a former oil executive with no prior diplomatic experience, will travel to South Korea and China later in the week. On this trip, he needs to reassure Tokyo and Seoul about countering North Korea's growing nuclear prowess, and press China to do more on one of the most serious security threats facing Trump.



"We look to China to fulfil its obligations and fully implement the sanctions called for" in United Nations resolutions, Tillerson said in response to a question about how it will get China on the same page as the United States when it comes to North Korea.



North Korea last week launched four more ballistic missiles and is working to develop nuclear-tipped missiles that can reach the United States.



Washington has previously said all options, including military, are on the table in its review of policies toward North Korea and Japanese officials are keen to know more details. In the final months of the Obama administration, US officials warned China it would blacklist Chinese companies and banks that do illicit business with North Korea, if Beijing failed to enforce United Nations sanctions against Pyongyang.



Japan has a pacifist constitution but influential lawmakers have been pushing for the country to develop the ability to counter Pyongyang's military advances.



Tokyo is also considering beefing up its ballistic missile defences with a US Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) anti-missile system or Aegis Ashore, a land-based version of the missile defence system used at sea.



China's assertiveness in the East China Sea, where it has a territorial row with Japan, and the South China Sea, where it has disputes with the Philippines and several other Southeast Asian nations, will also be on the agenda during Tillerson's visit as will trade.



Trump administration trade adviser Peter Navarro cited Japan on Monday for non-tariff trade barriers and said Washington must use its leverage as the world's largest market to boost U.S. exports.



Some Japanese officials, though, say trade will take a back seat to security. "We have more key issues of common concern, like North Korea," one official said, declining to be identified because he was not authorised to speak to media.



"Japan recognises threats from North Korea's provocations have entered a new stage," Kishida said at the news conference. "We need to continue working with the United States and other countries concerned to demand North Korea refrain from provocations and observe U.N. Security Council resolutions."
Cape Town: South African President Jacob Zuma said on Thursday there was no "crisis" as doubts mount over the government's ability to make welfare payments on April 1 to 17 million needy people because of a service-provider dispute.



Dominated by more than 11 million child support grants, the welfare system is a lifeline for South Africa's most vulnerable. Each month long queues form at pay points across the country as people wait for the money that is often the difference between going to bed hungry or not.



Zuma told parliament his government was "doing everything possible" to ensure welfare payments are distributed.



"There is no crisis," Zuma said in response to a question from the opposition in parliament, while defending Social Development Minister Bathabile Dlamini over the saga.



"Why punish somebody before anything happens? That's a funny democracy, a funny legal system that a person before committing a crime, must then be charged and then be punished," Zuma said in response to calls by opposition lawmakers for Dlamini to be fired from cabinet.



South Africa's Constitutional Court on Wednesday blamed Dlamini for the saga, which it described as a crisis.



The court was hearing a case brought by applicants urging it to take oversight of a new contract between the government and a service provider.



The court in 2014 ruled that the tender won by Cash Paymaster Services (CPS), a unit of technology company Net1 unit, was unlawful. The government had until April 1 of this year to take responsibility for social service payments or find a new provider, but failed to do so.



Officials at the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) have said privately that the agency has opted to negotiate a new deal with Cash Paymaster Services (CPS) despite the court order. There has been no public confirmation.



An inter-ministerial task team, including Treasury, has said any negotiations for a new deal between SASSA and CPS were void, a cabinet minister said at a briefing on Thursday.



CPS has said the new deal must be settled before Thursday to ensure April's welfare payments are made on time.
Washington: President Donald Trump asked the U.S. Congress on Thursday to approve a 2018 budget that would bolster military programs and begin building a wall on the southern border with Mexico while drastically cutting many federal agencies.



Trump's plan, showcasing his administration's priorities, is just the first volley in what will likely be an intense battle over spending in coming months. Although both the Senate and House of Representatives are controlled by Trump's fellow Republicans, Congress holds the federal purse strings and seldom approves presidents' budget plans.



Trump's plan took a big swipe at some federal institutions, envisaging a more than 31 percent cut, or $2.6 billion, for the Environmental Protection Agency and a 28 percent reduction, or $10.9 billion, for the State Department and other international programs.



In a message with his budget submitted to Congress, Trump said he aimed to advance "the safety and security of the American people," adding he would do so with $54 billion in added military spending next year and putting more money into deporting illegal immigrants.



Predictably, Democrats denounced the proposed steep cuts to spending on domestic programs. But some prominent Republicans were also quick to criticize the budget.



Protecting national interests requires a comprehensive approach, "including not just military engagement but also the full and responsible use of all diplomatic tools at our disposal," said Republican Representative Hal Rogers, who chairs a panel that oversees State Department and foreign aid spending.



Under Trump's plan, funding would disappear altogether for 19 independent bodies that count on federal money for public broadcasting, the arts and regional programs from Alaska to Appalachia.



Moderate Republicans expressed unease with potential cuts to popular domestic programs such as home-heating subsidies, clean-water projects and job training.



Trump's budget outline covered just "discretionary" spending, or programs that must be renewed annually by Congress, for the 2018 fiscal year starting on Oct. 1.



It did not address mandatory "entitlement" programs, such as Social Security retirement benefits and federally-backed healthcare for the elderly, poor and disabled, that make up most of the federal budget. For years, conservatives have been clamoring for reforms to these programs to save money.



Trump also asked for $25 billion more for core Defense Department programs for the current fiscal year, as well as $5 billion more for combat operations. A detailed copy of this request seen by Reuters showed some of the added funds would be for procurement of technology such as F-35 fighter aircraft and drone systems.



About $13.5 billion of the supplemental request was earmarked for aircraft, missiles and ships. It included THAAD missiles, Blackhawk helicopters and F-35s made by Lockheed Martin Corp, as well as F/A-18 warplanes and Apache helicopters manufactured by Boeing Co.



Also for this fiscal year, Trump requested $3 billion more for the Department of Homeland Security, with some of that money intended for planning and construction of the border wall that he made a major part of his 2016 election campaign.



Congress will likely consider the supplemental request by April 28, when regular funding expires for most federal agencies.



OPEN FOR DISCUSSION



On the 2018 budget, Trump is willing to discuss priorities with Congress, said White House budget director Mick Mulvaney, a former South Carolina congressman who made a name for himself as a spending hawk before he was picked to join Trump's Cabinet.



House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi blasted the plan, saying, "Throwing billions at defense while ransacking Americas investments in jobs, education, clean energy and lifesaving medical research will leave our nation weakened."



Moderate Republicans expressed unease with potential cuts to popular domestic programs such as home-heating subsidies, clean-water projects and job training.



For years, conservatives have sought many of these proposals, only to see them defeated amid opposition from Democrats and some moderate Republicans. It was unclear whether Trump will have more success.



The budget outline does not incorporate Trump's plan for sparking $1 trillion in investments to build roads, bridges, airports and other infrastructure projects. The White House has said the infrastructure plan is still to come.



The planned defense increases are matched by cuts to other programs so as to not increase the $488 billion federal deficit.



Mulvaney acknowledged the proposal would likely result in significant cuts to the federal workforce, saying, "You cant drain the swamp and leave all the people in it."



Reflecting Trump's repeated election campaign pledge to reduce illegal immigration, the Department of Homeland Security would get a 6.8 percent increase, with more money for extra staff needed to catch, detain and deport illegal immigrants.



WALL MONEY



Trump wants Congress to approve $1.5 billion for the border wall in the current fiscal year - enough for pilot projects to determine the best way to build it - and a further $2.6 billion in fiscal 2018, Mulvaney said.



The estimate for the total cost of the wall will be included in the full budget. That more detailed document is expected in mid-May and will project spending and revenues over 10 years.



Trump has repeatedly said that Mexico will pay for the wall, and Mexico has adamantly said it will not. Since Trump took office in January, the White House has said funding would be kick-started in the United States.



The full budget plan will include economic forecasts and the president's views on "mandatory entitlements" like Social Security and Medicare, which Trump vowed to protect while he was on the campaign trail.



Despite the proposed big cuts to the EPA and the State Department, Mulvaney said their "core functions" would be preserved. Hit hard would be foreign aid, grants to multilateral development agencies like the World Bank and climate change programs at the United Nations.



Trump wants to get rid of more than 50 EPA programs, end funding for former Democratic President Barack Obama's signature Clean Power Plan aimed at reducing carbon dioxide emissions, and cut research programs on renewable energy at the Energy Department.



Other reductions and cuts included community development grants at the Housing Department, which have been around since 1974, more than 20 Education Department programs, anti-poverty grants and a program that helps poor people pay their energy bills.



Trump's rural base did not escape cuts. The White House proposed a 21 percent reduction to the Agriculture Department, including reducing staff in county offices and ending a popular program that helps farmers donate crops for overseas food aid.
Its official name is the Revenue Stabilization Fund, but everyone in Richmond knows it simply as the states rainy day fund. But in recent years, politicians in the capital  both Democrats and Republicans  have come to view it as Virginias piggy bank, to be tapped when a budget gap needs to be filled rather than being forced to deal with underlying fiscal problems.

Coming into the 2017 session, members of the General Assembly were facing a shortfall of close to $1.5 billion in the final year of the states two-year budget cycle. Once again, the states flow of tax revenues wasnt as robust as forecasts had projected, and the governor and legislators were forced to re-examine each line of the budget for savings.

Raises planned for state employees, which were to have gone into effect in November 2016, were put off until July. The states share of a 2 percent raise for K-12 teachers and staff was postponed to February 2018. The lottery and literary fund pots were dipped into as well, effectively cutting the money available for public school building needs by $110 million.

But the biggest raid legislators pulled off was on the Revenue Stabilization Fund, siphoning off more than $567 million from the commonwealths reserves, built up by squirreling away dollars from previous budgets when either the revenue stream was stronger or spending was less.

And this is the disturbing thing about that massive draw on the reserve fund: In July, when the new fiscal year begins, the rainy day fund will be down to a mere $280 million, 75 percent lower than it was in July 2007 when the state had more than $1 billion socked away for emergencies.

Govs. Tim Kaine and Bob McDonnell were forced to draw on the reserves during the worst of the Great Recession and the years of federal budget sequestration. Thats understandable; indeed, thats what the fund was established in its current form 25 years ago, after a sharp economic downturn in the early 1990s.

But is what the General Assembly and Gov. McAuliffe did to close this most recent gap good budgeting or just good politics? We would contend that its just good politics ... and horrible budgeting.

Public schools and teachers took a real hit, as did support for the states public colleges and universities. Higher transfers  that is profits  from the ABC stores operated by the Department of Alcohol Beverage Control also factored in. So to did a sales tax trick retailers hate because it forces them to prepay  yes, prepay  sales taxes.

Dipping into the rainy day fund is becoming almost routine in Richmond, as both Republicans and Democrats prefer to take the easy way out of a problem, rather than dealing with the underlying issues causing that problem.

Whats needed? Better forecasting, obviously, but also tax reforms. Close loopholes, the effectiveness of which are dubious at best. And also address the regressiveness of the states tax structure. As the Richmond Times-Dispatch recently noted, the lowest-income Virginians pay a greater share of their income (8.9 percent) in state and local taxes than does the highest 1 percent (5.1 percent).

We expect our elected officials to do their jobs: Make the best decision to balance a budget based on good judgment and reason, rather than taking the easy way out and dipping into reserves every time. Thats just not good stewardship.
By Ben Blanchard BEIJING (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia's King Salman oversaw the signing of deals worth as much as $65 billion (53 billion pounds) on the first day of a visit to Beijing on Thursday, as the world's largest oil exporter looks to cement ties with the world's second-largest economy. The deals included a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between giant state oil firm Saudi Aramco and China North Industries Group Corp (Norinco), to look into building refining and chemical plants in China. Saudi Basic Industries Corp <2010.SE> (SABIC) and Sinopec, which already jointly run a chemical complex in Tinajin, also agreed to develop petrochemical projects in both China and Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia's octogenarian monarch, who has overseen the launch of an ambitious economic reform plan since his accession two years ago, is on a month-long Asian tour. The visits to countries that are some of world's fastest growing importers of Saudi oil aim to promote investment opportunities in the kingdom, including the sale of a stake in Aramco. Saudi Arabia has sought to boost oil sales to China, the world's second-largest oil market, after losing market share to Russia last year, by working mostly with China's top three state oil firms. In Beijing's cavernous Great Hall of the People, President Xi Jinping told Salman that China was a reliable and stable oil export market and the two countries should deepen cooperation. "For a long time, China and Islamic countries have respected each other and had win-win cooperation, and have created a model of the peaceful coexistence of different cultures," Xi said, according to China's Foreign Ministry. Salman told Xi he hoped China could play an even greater role in Middle East affairs, the ministry added. "Saudi Arabia is willing to work hard with China to promote global and regional peace, security and prosperity," Salman said. 'OLD FRIENDS' Deputy Chinese Foreign Minister Zhang Ming said the memorandums of understanding and letters of intent were potentially worth about $65 billion, involving everything from energy to space. "President Xi Jinping and King Salman are old friends," Zhang said. "Practical cooperation between China and Saudi Arabia has already made major achievements, and has huge potential." A statement later posted on Saudi state news agency SPA said the documents included an MoU for the kingdom to participate in China's Chang E-4 moon mission and a partnership agreement for manufacturing drones. Besides the MoUs agreed between the two governments, Saudi and Chinese companies signed 21 deals, ranging from exploring investments in oil and petrochemical plants to ecommerce and co-operating in renewable energy markets. For Saudi Aramco, the potential investments fit with its strategy to expand its refining and chemicals portfolio in its bid to diversify assets and secure long-term agreements for its oil. Beijing, for its part, has recently loosened its grip on a sector long dominated by the country's top three energy giants in an effort to boost private investment as the economy cools.The Norinco deal could involve exploring the possibility of a greenfield refinery and chemical plant in Panjin, Liaoning province, while also upgrading an existing refinery and petrochemical facility in the same location, an industry source said. "This MoU shows Aramco is determined to expand its market share in the Far East by looking beyond oil majors and working closely with new independent clients within its biggest market," said Sadad al-Husseini, an energy consultant and former senior Aramco executive. Aramco said in written statements the MoU was for the development of refinery and chemical facilities. The state oil giant also signed an MoU with Aerosun Corp for the manufacture of reinforced thermoplastic pipes and components. 'HONEST BROKER China has traditionally played little role in Middle East conflicts or diplomacy, despite its reliance on the region for oil. But it has been trying to get more involved in efforts to end Syria's six-year-old civil war, where Riyadh supports rebels battling President Bashar al-Assad. Last year China also offered support for Yemen's government, which is backed by a Saudi-led Gulf Arab coalition in a war against the Iranian-aligned Houthi movement that controls much of the country. Zhang said both the Yemen and Syria crises were discussed by Salman and Xi, and both leaders agreed that these issues must be resolved politically via talks. China has had to tread a careful line, though, as it also has close relations with Iran. Xi visited both Saudi Arabia and Iran in January last year. Next week Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visits China. One Beijing-based diplomat from a Muslim-majority country told Reuters that China was trying to play the role of "honest broker" in the Middle East, as it lacks the historical baggage of the Americans or the Europeans. "China does not take sides and that is appreciated," said the diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity. (This version of the story corrects 18th paragraph to read "...clients within its biggest market.." instead of "...clients with its biggest market...") (Additional reporting by Reem Shamseddine in KHOBAR, Katie Paul in RIYADH and Meng Meng and Chen Aizhu in BEIJING; Editing by Clarence Fernandez, Greg Mahlich)
New residential construction was stronger than expected in February, according to the Commerce Department.

On Wednesday, the National Association of Homebuilders said in a monthly report that its members' confidence in the housing market was the strongest in 12 years.

"Builders are buoyed by President Trumps actions on regulatory reform, particularly his recent executive order to rescind or revise the waters of the U.S. rule that impacts permitting," said NAHB Chairman Granger MacDonald.

Housing starts rose 3% at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.288 million, while building permits fell 6.2% a rate of 1.213 million.

Economists had forecast that starts rose 1.4% at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.264 million, according to Bloomberg. They had estimated that building permits dropped 1.9% at a rate of 1.268 million.

Housing-market data like these tend to be volatile and subject to revisions on a month-to-month basis.

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Alcazar calls for push to exports

He said his passion for manufacturing will also help him to bring the right people together to make things happen and I think that that is desperately what we need both as an organisation and as companies and as a Government and as a country. He said he thought this was the single most important thing he could bring to the organisation.

Alcazar said he also wanted to engage the countrys youth and do something for primary and secondary school students to convert them into the next set of innovators, entrepreneurs and manufacturers.

He said that the last eighteen months had seen the countrys manufacturers put their foot on the gas in terms of the push to exports. He noted that local demand might be softening a little but the factories need to keep going and that a lot of the inputs in the manufacturing process are imported.

We need that foreign exchange to be able to get the inputs and keep the factories going and the single best way to do that is obviously to generate your own through exports, he said. I think that we have seen that (manufacturers) have shifted some resources, some focus onto the export markets and generating their own foreign exchange.

On whether local manufacturers would be able to incorporate local raw materials into their manufacturing process, he said sometimes things come out of necessity. He recalled that in the 1980s there was situation similar to what the country is facing now and there was a call for the manufacturers to come out and begin exporting.

I think (that situation) did pull us out a little bit in those times when energy prices had crashed as well. Were getting to a time here where it is a very similar situation, the call is out there for the manufacturers to come to the forefront and start exporting more, generating more foreign exchange and being a changing factor in terms of the diversification of the economy and keeping us going forward in the right direction.

Alcazar continued, Yes, we do have a lot of foreign inputs but there are some local inputs and there is definitely the possibility of having additional (ones) through agriculture and some of the other avenues that the Government is looking at. So, I think that necessity is really what is going to push us into diversification of some of these things and I think there are some short-term wins but we are really going to have to get the old talk out of the way and make some of these changes if we are going to look at long term and mid-to-long term achievement.

He said that through diversification, manufacturers can make an impact on earning foreign exchange, adding that this has been proven and what is necessary is to grow that sector. He said about half or less than half of the countrys manufacturers are currently exporters and the TTMA can look at getting some of the small manufacturers into CARICOM to get some experience and get them to grow. The organisations is also looking at the big manufacturers which are very dominant in CARICOM and getting them into export markets outside of CARICOM such as the Latin American markets where this country already has trade agreements with such countries as Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, and Panama. He said some manufacturers are already involved in these markets and this is what is going to earn more foreign exchange for the country.

He said while the country is currently suffering low energy prices, there is an opportunity to get the government to prioritise the allocation of foreign exchange to manufacturers, and the TTMA will seek priority either through the Export Import Bank of Trinidad and Tobago or through the Central Bank so that manufacturers can settle their bills for raw materials. He said this concession is important for the continuation of manufacturing.

Alcazar said productivity was also a big issue in the manufacturing sector. On the labour shortages which manufacturers have been complaining about for years, Alcazar said there are a lot of shortages and businesses are calling for people all through the spectrum.

He said the TTMA has started the TTMA Careers website which tries to match available workers with the vacancies in the sector. He said that when companies announce retrenchment there is a direct engagement with the companies to see if workers can be paired with member companies that have vacancies. I think that if we continue to look for the silver lining and the opportunities that with the energy sector downsizing slightly it is an opportunity for the manufacturing sector to get skilled labour, to get people that have a strong work ethic as our energy sector has really been driven by this over the years and to really benefit from some of that more than people going home and being unemployed.
First Citizens rolls out APO

Sitting with Business Day on Tuesday, Darbasie said stock for this offering was being made available from the Governments 78 per cent holding in the bank in a bid to raise funds.

The Minister of Finance announced in the Budget that he was going to be putting on sale an additional block of First Citizens as part of his budgetary measures for fiscal 2016/17. This is part of his financing mechanism for the budgetary financing of this current year, she said.

Out of governments 78 per cent, a further 20 per cent will be made available for purchase, reducing governments holdings in First Citizens to 58 per cent.

Darbasie saw the move as an opportunity for the small investor and average members of the public to make a good investment with a higher than average return. She said that the share price of $32 compared favourably to that of stock for other financial institutions on the market, while its dividends were at the higher end of what was currently available.

This is an affordable share from that perspective. In addition, this gives the opportunity to participate in investing in a bank that is strong. We have the best capital ratio in the market. We are profitable. The bank has shown very consistent growth. The return that an investor will get is 4.16 per cent, said the Group CEO.

When you look at comparable opportunities for investment, if you put your money on a deposit rate or even a mutual fund, rates on mutual funds are just above 1 per cent. If you are going to try to achieve 4.16 per cent as a return for funds that you are placing on an investment, you are really looking at a government bond somewhere between a nine to ten-year horizon.

Darbasie noted that governments intention was to have the widest possible participation in the APO, which is why 55 per cent of the offered shares, or the majority, were open for the general publics purchase.

And, to make sure that those shares end up in the individual small investors hands, the Group CEO said the Bank has learned lessons from the IPO and has applied them here.

On its own investigation of the events surrounding the controversial IPO, Darbasie told Business Day that it has a list of employees who cannot take part in the APO.

For every transaction that the bank undertakes, Compliance, in conjunction with Risk looks at all the employees who may be participating from the banks side. In arranging the transaction, they determine a list of employees who may seem to have information that the general public wouldnt or those who control or have oversight of the process. These employees are put in a particular category called restricted employees and they are prevented from investing in their personal capacity.

Darbasie said this restricted list includes herself, the two deputy CEOs, as well as executives at the entities handling the APO, First Citizens Investment Services and First Citizens Brokerage and Advisory Services.

Apart from that, she said, the government has not provided an employee bucket in the allocation strategy. Employees must subscribe along with everybody else in the public. During the IPO, employees were allowed to subscribe at a discounted rate. Now, there is no discount rate applicable to employees, employees apply as members of the public.

She told Business Day that the Securities Exchange Commission has not yet provided the bank with a copy of its investigation into the IPO affair, even though the bank understands that there is a report.

The Group CEO expressed her personal view that if the SEC had misgivings about the bank having another public offering, however, that it would not have allowed the APO.

Regarding criticisms of the value of First Citizens shares as overvalued, Darbasie responded:

Value is determined by the investors who trade in the stock. How do you determine value? The return, 4.16 percent is a very good return on the investment and that is among the highest in the stock market for dividend yields, not just in the financial sector, but across the stock market as a whole.

The other mechanism that you benchmark value for the stock is the Price Earnings Ratio, and the PE Ratio at the $32 price is around 12.6 per cent. The higher the PE ratio, the higher the price relative to the earning potential. At 12.6, we are at the middle of the market. I dont think the stock is overvalued. At $32, one could argue that given that the stock has traded between $34 and $35 that there is an upside to be given. It is not the upside that was there at the IPO. Twenty-two dollars was a very big upside. But this is not an upside that one should discard. The PE ratio also suggests, for an institution with steady earning potential, and weve not had volatility on our earnings, that the share price is potentially on the low side and could go up.

Darbasie said the APO has attracted the attention of some regional institutional bodies. She also said nationals abroad who already had brokerage accounts were able to purchase shares.

If you have foreign investors coming in, that will bring foreign exchange into the country as well. Thats a positive, if it in fact develops, she said.

The closing date for applications is Friday, March 24.
Focus on Tobago

As part of our twin-island state, Tobago is indeed vastly different from Trinidad  culturally, socially and environmentally. While Trinidad could reasonably be described as the more developed of the two islands, Tobago is uniquely poised to be a beacon of sustainable development for the region.

Because of its strategic geographical location, there were numerous attempts from different quarters to colonise Tobago; from the British, French, Dutch and Courlanders. Today, the island that is speculated to have been the home of castaway Robinson Crusoe, harbours riches of built heritage, culture, archaeology and ecology.

Few would disagree that Tobago has much to offer as a tourist destination.

As outlined in the Comprehensive Economic Development Plan 2013-2017, there is a stated goal  To transform and diversify the Tobago economy such that it is better able to adjust to rapid changes in the national and international economy by producing goods and services in which it can retain a competitive edge. The facts are clear; Tobago has found itself with a declining economy in 2017. Falling international tourist arrivals, reduced investment, inadequate infrastructure, poor environmental protection, and a rising crime rate are some of the main challenges facing the island. Tobago urgently needs a boost.

There have been commitments from Government to implement projects which  if indeed started within the fiscal year  hold some promise for the island. The upgrade of the terminal of the Arthur NR Robinson airport must be pursued, as along with improvements to both the inter-island ferry and air services. Additionally, the interest of the renowned Sandals Resorts chain is likely to breathe new life into the island, once terms and conditions of the partnership are negotiated for mutual advantage, and for the benefit of the people of Tobago and Trinidad.

Public-private partnerships remain an open doorway for growth of the floundering Tobago economy.

The new dispensation at the Tobago House of Assembly is now charged with ensuring that impediments to investment are minimised. Similarly, established institutions should examine whether their policies serve to encourage or inhibit entrepreneurial business activity.

In the process, we must preserve the very things that make the island attractive to tourists, whether foreign or domestic. We must be mindful of protecting the delicate and much sought after ecological treasures and heritage sites. In fact, beyond preservation, far more attention must be given to development of new areas of interest to visitors and travellers seeking adventure. These will involve longer-term planning fuelled by trends and travel patterns; public education campaigns and sensitisation of local residents of all spheres of life.

The TT Chamber remains hopeful that all stakeholders will continue to work harmoniously for the greater development of Tobagos unique gifts.
The Barbados downgrade

Barbados has suffered 17 previous downgrades  mostly by the international credit ratings agencies Moodys and Standard & Poors. The latter downgraded Barbados ten times since 2009, moving the countrys credit rating form BBB+ to B-, which is in junk territory, while the former downgraded Barbados seven times since 2009, from B3 to Caa1.

The latest downgrade appears to reflect a lack of proactive decision-taking, a high level of central bank financing and policy inaction. In providing details of the rationale for their decision, S&P notes that, The high level of central bank financing underscores the challenges associated with timely corrective fiscal policy actions. The government plans to present the 2017-2018 Budget in the coming month. While it seemingly aims to rely on increased recourse to asset sales to fund the deficit, in our view, the prospects for deeper expenditure or revenue adjustment are uncertain, underscored by the poor track record of execution. This comes as the country moves into an electoral cycle, with parliamentary elections due by February 2018. Furthermore, one-off revenues from the sale of the Barbados National Terminal Company are still pending after initially expected to materialise a year ago. This demonstrates policy inaction and prospects for slow progress on asset sales. The streamlining of state-owned enterprise finances is behind schedule, and their management continues to weigh on Barbados fiscal profile.

It has to be noted that, from April to December 2016 (the first nine months of fiscal 2016-2017) the Central Bank of Barbados, and, to a lesser degree, the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) in effect wholly financed the governments borrowing needs. Private domestic financial institutions reduced their exposure to government securities, and the government paid down external debt.

It can be argued that the downgrade of Barbados ratings and the negative outlook assigned are driven by concerns over the continued high fiscal deficit and increasing debt burden, which is being financed by the printing of money, creating a challenge for maintaining the fixed exchange rate, and by the delay in several tourism-related foreign direct investments (FDI) projects. One wonders if the warning by the previous Governor of the Central Bank of Barbados was not what was needed. The decision to get rid of him raises real concerns about the motivation of the Government of Barbados. Was their action a reflection of an attempt to silence voices concerned with the decisions taken by the Government?

The Barbados Prime Minister has been dismissive of the views of the rating agency. Such an approach is very unwise. Even if there is no intention about going to international market to raise capital, there are loans taken out with regional institutions and bonds issued on the local market. Certainly, local investors and regional creditors would take notice and minimise their exposure to a country that has been downgraded 17 times.

We need to ask about our financial institutions exposure to Barbados. When was the last time stress tests were conducted to test the exposure to Barbados? Our Government needs to pay attention from several perspectives to what is happening to Barbados and not make similar mistakes, adopt unproductive attitudes, or fail to protect our financial system. We do not want another bailout as was the case with CL Financial and Hindu Credit Union.
Watching those oil slides

Against this backdrop, OPEC tried to engage shale producers in dialogue. During the CERAWeek Conference in Houston, despite openly trying to drive oil prices down and inflict mortal wounds on the shale producers, OPEC officials attempted to address their differences with Shale producers to cut down on market volatility. It is reported that OPECs Secretary- General had meetings with shale executives, and met with investment banks to better understand OPEC actions on the market. One can only wonder if any consensus was arrived at between these previously warring competitors.

In an obvious effort to exert some market discipline the Saudi energy minister Khalid al-Falih issued a warning to shale companies that they should think carefully and not move too quickly. Again, one has to wonder what the thinking is since shale producers could begin production from within nine days of a full shut down. What does move too quickly mean in this context? Of course, the argument presented is that OPEC would not bail out the shale industry if it makes unjustifiable investments. A shale executive told Reuters that Khalid al-Falih said we and other shale producers should not automatically assume OPEC will extend the cuts. The statement is so relevant given the fall in oil prices that are set against fears of oversupply.

Such developments have placed considerable weight as well as speculation on OPECs production cuts. There is the question whether the cartel will consider extending their deal through the end of 2017. To this, OPEC officials responded that they would delay any action until May when an examination of US inventory levels will be undertaken and then the appropriate response will be adopted.

However, oil prices are already falling; if there is no extension of the cuts this will imply losses soon. Analyst such as Tamas Varga at London-based PVM brokerage have argued that If OPEC doesnt extend the deal, that would be price suicide, plain and simple.

We need to assess the ability of OPECs members to ensure compliance with the deal in which OPEC and 11 non-members in December 2016 decided to trim supply by as much as 1.8 million barrels a day. OPECs total output remains 550,000 barrels a day above the target set out in the November 30 deal. That means the group as a whole is only about 60 percent of the way toward the production level it deems necessary to eliminate a global oversupply and boost prices.

Certainly, our readers would have heard about the role of speculators and the effects of their actions on oil prices and the oil market. As returns on investment fell globally, commodities proved to be a great avenue to improve on the rate of return investors received, at least those who were willing to take the risks. One thing is certain - there are several speculators who have made large investments in crude oil. This includes both hedge funds and institutional investors. Such record positions are under review and it is expected that that the changes that have taken place in market sentiments would lead to these so called speculators looking to get out of the oil market.

There are those who think that the speed at which these speculators leave the oil market could determine the nature of the price changes that will take place. John Kilduff, founding partner at hedge fund Again Capital, suggested that a steep decline in the price of oil could see oil fall to $42 per barrel by the end of April. The liquidation of their positions ends a rally which began possibly in October and/ or November 2016 and ended on February 1, 2017.

Going forward we need to monitor the actions of speculators on the international price of crude oil as well as gas. The rapid unwinding of their positions could have a serious dampening effect on oil prices. This will effect governments revenues, foreign exchange earnings, and business sentiment.

More importantly the anticipated recovery in the energy sector was predicated, not only on an increase in gas production from new fields, but also some firming up of prices tending toward US$60 a barrel. The end of the 100 percent write-off in capital investment in the first year, while welcomed, will be inadequate to counter a dramatic fall in oil and gas prices. Such a possibility we have to plan for.
Strategic plan or political play behind TDC decision?

The strategy announced to do so however, raised more questions than answers, when the Tourism Minister announced the plan to dissolve the Tourism Development Company (TDC) and create two separate entities. The 150 employees will be asked to reapply for jobs in these new entities; this is the part that raised more questions than answers.

Now keep in mind, that in an ongoing entity, the company has a duty to pay laid off workers, severance and other benefits. A dissolving entity may not necessarily have to pay such benefits to employees unless there is something like a successor agreement. These workers can therefore be out of jobs with little or no buffer or support.

I read the claims of the President of the representing Communications Workers Union (CWU), that this was a decision made after startling revelations. I personally think that the claims reported were a bit far-fetched, that such a huge decision would be purely based on the single item of award of contract at the Maracas Bay Project. Until evidence is provided, I intend to treat that idea as mere speculation and press ahead.

The decision to abruptly but not immediately dissolve TDC as they are sorting out the legal arrangements makes me consider the following:

 As an HR/IR Consultant the first pressing question and concern would be people issues. Would government use the same approach as with the TIDCO decision, where the TDC was considered its successor Company and employees were able to their carry over benefits? Would the current TDC staff be allowed to do the same? How would they treat with workers with ten years plus industry skills though they have been on a revolving employment contract?

 Given that no further explanation has been forthcoming about the reason, it begs to question the abruptness of such a decision with deep and far-reaching implications to economic and social consequences. The point was made by the Minister that this was necessary to give the THA autonomy to market its destination. If this is a move to grant the THA the much-desired autonomy, then why not just set up a separate or new entity for Tobago or just simply change the current structure internally to achieve that end?

 An assumption may be that after auditing the company it was revealed that its current business model, and talent needs are obsolete? Was there ever an evaluation to ensure skills match roles and responsibilities in line with industry norms? Were there not occurrences of constant adaptation within the company? Even if the company has become obsolete why not embark on restructuring, as the employees are contracted, giving the company a little more flexibility to reorganise itself.

 This leaves me to wonder if this is the most efficient strategic decision, for tax money to be spent? Even considering whatever point TDC is at in its current stage of its business lifecycle, is dissolution more effective than restructuring? What are the political risks involved? If it appears that the Ministry is appointing its own people without having to pay severance or other benefits without full accountability to the people, there can be a political price to pay.

 What will happen to those unsuitable candidates? Will they be given the opportunity to be absolved in other State companies vacant and suitable positions, or the public service? Will the Government be responsible for callously changing the variation of our productive work-force, when people are sent home and especially when they cannot receive benefits? To think that they can easily or will find another job in this time is not being realistic as we know our current realities. While there is a flow of people moving around the job market, it may not necessarily be new entrants but industry cycle. It is possible that employees are moving from company to company without many new entrants filling positons.

I now look on intently to see how government treat this situation as this affects 150 families, (not persons), their standard of living and psychological circumstances.
Coke valued $13.4M bound for TT seized in Jamaica

The cocaine is believed to have originated in Venezuela and then moved to Jamaica for transport via a container to Trinidad.

Yesterday, Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Crime Irwin Hackshaw told Newsday that he had not yet been officially informed of the drug bust but added that once the information reaches Interpol in this country and he is officially informed then an investigation will be mounted by the Organised Narcotics and Firearms Bureau (OCNFB) to ascertain to whom the container was consigned.

He said police now will be working closely with authorities in Jamaica to assist in this investigation so that closure could be made and those culpable for the offence detained and brought to justice.

According to Hackshaw, Trinidad and Tobago shares extremely good relations with other Caricom countries in partnering in the fight against crime including the illegal transhipment of drugs and arms and ammunition.

Newsday also contacted Senior Customs officials who also indicated that they were not officially informed of the drug find but will be making contact with their counterparts in Jamaica to render any assistance needed in this latest probe.

Authorities in Jamaica said yesterday that due to the sensitive nature of the investigation they are still in the process of gathering information and putting together documents before they make official contact with TT authorities for assistance in this investigation.

Newsday understands documents from Jamaica are to be sent to this country to be scrutinised so that suspects could be questioned locally based on the paper trail derived from documents at the Port in Jamaica.

According to a report in The Gleaner The Narcotics Police have made a second multimillion-dollar cocaine seizure in the last 72 hours.

In the latest incident, the Narcotics Police report that 11.25 kilogrammes of cocaine, valued at $13.4 million, was found inside a container at Port Bustamante, in Kingston last night.

Law enforcement sources revealed that the container arrived in the island from Venezuela on Saturday.

According to one source, the container, stocked with empty glass bottles, was destined for Trinidad and Tobago.

However, its reported that detectives from the Narcotics Police division, along with members of the Customs Enforcement Team, were conducting operations at Kingston Freeport Terminal when they detected anomalies with the seal on the container.

The container was searched and the police say ten rectangular parcels were found with white powdery substance believed to be cocaine.

Last Friday, members of the Narcotics Police division arrested a 46-year-old businessman and another man in Manchester after 15 kilogrammes of cocaine valued at over $21 million was allegedly found in a car in which they were travelling.
ANCHOR AROUND NECK

Josephs killer went to great lengths to try and conceal her murder and had it not been for Adrian Ramjattan and his uncle deciding to fish in that particular area of the sea, her body may never have been found. Speaking with Newsday yesterday, Ramjattan said as he looked into the water to see if shrimp were taking his bait, he saw a human leg still wearing a white slipper protruding from the bag which rested on the seabed.

The 24-year-old woman, who joined the TT Police Service last November, had her hands tied behind her back and a stone secured in the knot; had two large stones and a steel anchor secured around her neck via a length of rope and had the right side of her face bashed in.

The killers hope was that the stones and anchor would have kept her weighed down on the seabed in the crocus bag. To make doubly sure, the killer also tied three concrete foundation blocks around the crocus bag with rope.

On seeing the leg underwater, Ramjattan and his uncle Indar Jaggernath alerted the owner of the boat who in turn contacted the police. Coast Guard divers freed Josephs body from the bag and took the corpse to the Tobago Ferry Terminal where it was viewed by a District Medical Officer (DMO) and ordered removed to the Forensic Sciences Centre in St James.

GODS WILL BODY FOUND Ramjattan told Newsday that at 11.15 am, he was trawling for shrimp when the trawling bait board hooked something underwater.

As he looked down, Ramjattan saw a foot protruding from a bag. Ramjattan said that after the police were alerted he was contacted by other police officers who asked him about his location and advised him to remain in the area until their arrival.

If this is the woman police officer, it is truly a sad day to see how a human being could be dumped like an animal, Ramjattan said. He added that it was Gods will to compel him to choose that area of the sea to trawl for shrimp and for the bait board to come into contact with the crocus bag.

When Newsday contacted Josephs mother Paula Guy, she confirmed when her daughter left home last week Thursday she was wearing a black t-shirt, a pair of jeans and white slippers on her feet.

Tell me, did they find her body? I want to know now so I can prepare myself for when the police come to me with the official news, Guy said.

Guy said she was told that police had found a body but they were not sure who it was. Sounding as if she was close to tears, Guy asked if Newsday could call back later. Speaking with Newsday an hour later, Guy confirmed she was contacted by police but she added, I not going to view any body..so long they looking for my daughter and they never find her. And now they want me to go and look at my childs body? Not me, I not doing that, the clearly traumatised woman said.

Telling her mother she was leaving to attend to police business, PC Joseph left her Morvant home last Thursday. She never returned.

A 39-year-old Sea Lots man who was romantically linked to the mother of one, was detained hours after a missing person report was made. Joseph was last posted at Morvant Police Station.

Prior to the body being found, police mounted a major exercise in the Sea Lots area and arrested a 34-year-old man from the area in connection with PC Josephs death. Five others were held on outstanding warrants while in an empty lot at Production Drive officers seized 60 rounds of 7.62 ammunition.

OFFICERS IN TEARS At the Morvant police station, when news broke that Josephs body was found, some officers wept while others held hands and said a prayer for her.

An officer told Newsday, This is a wake-up call for young women in society to be extremely careful who they associate with. Police are working on a theory that Joseph was killed somewhere in Sea Lots and her body dumped at sea.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Irwin Hackshaw who was accompanied by a team of officers led by ASP Ajith Persad to the Tobago Ferry Terminal where Josephs body was brought to shore, told Newsday: the Acting Police Commissioner (Stephen Williams) as well as the Executive were officially informed that the body of WPC Joseph had been found at sea. ACP Hackshaw said the TTPS Victims and Support Unit will provide counselling for relatives of Joseph and her colleagues.

President of the Police Social Welfare Association (PSWA) Insp Michael Seales said, From the look of things, it appears our worst fears have been realised. While all standard protocols have not been met, all preliminary findings suggest it is her. The Association has been deeply wounded and our heart goes out to the relatives of this young woman and her friends.

The Association has now to shoulder the responsibility of reaching out to the members at Morvant Station and by extension the North Eastern Division to assist in providing some measure of counselling to mitigate and alleviate the emotions that have been stirred up by this loss of our colleague.

The Association will spare no effort in trying to provide the necessary support to members of that division and more importantly the father of our lost colleague.
Brits body to be flown back to the UK

A police report stated that at about 11 am on Tuesday, Morris, a civil engineer was at Lutchmeesinghs asphalt plant at M1 Ring Road, when the fatal freak accident occurred.

A distraught Lutchmeesingh told Newsday: John is a very close friend of mine and was almost like family. It is a very unfortunate incident and I am very very sorry. Lutchmeesingh said Morris stayed at his home whenever he was in Trinidad. While he was not a worker, he would visit the plant once he was in the country.

He said: He is not a worker, but he loves to go on the plant. He knows about asphalt because he has been doing that all his life.  Lutchmeesingh said Morris has his family back in England and he has been in contact with them since the tragedy.

He said: I have been talking to them (family) and they took the news very hard. The body will be flown back home, it is the most I can do for him at this time. An autopsy will be performed today at the Forensic Science Centre, St James. Officers of the Princes Town Police Station are investigating.
Petition to remove Pan Trinbago executive

CPL is seeking to get 60 percent delegates that represent the membership of the pan fraternity to sign the petition by next week.

Attached to the petition is a document outlining the issues which has led to them having no confidence in the Pan Trinbago executive.

Spokesperson for CPL Dane Gulston told Newsday, The meeting, post Carnival 2017, was not about Panorama but rather a group of individuals who came together for the love of pan. Among the attendees were three former executives of Pan Trinbago, Aquil Arrindell (education officer), Cindy Rosemin (assistant secretary) and Bryon Serrette (vice-president), two sitting regional chairmen Gerard Mendez and Carlon Harewood, Keith Simpson (Tripolians), Michael Marcano (bp Renegades) and Gulston (Massy All Stars).

A series of regional meetings have been planned for next week, at which time there will be discussions on Panorama 2017 and other issues as well as the presentation of the petition for signatures.

According to the constitution of Pan Trinbago, the term of the present executive will come to an end on October 2018. However Gulston said there is a provision which members can use for the removal of the executive.

Gulston said once the petition is signed by 60 percent of the delegates, they with then call a general membership meeting to inform pannists of the next step.
It May Not Be the Time

You Think It Is
Samuel Adams beer

Samuel Adams is once again the No. 1 beer this St. Patrick's Day  but it may not be able to keep that title for long.

The Boston-based beer brand was the top-perceived beer in the weeks leading up to St. Patrick's Day for the fourth year in a row, according to data from YouGov BrandIndex.

However, the brand is losing its buzz, according to a measure that YouGov issues by asking consumers: "If you've heard anything about the brand in the last two weeks, through advertising, news or word of mouth, was it positive or negative?

Out of a possible score of between -100 and 100, Samuel Adams' buzz ranked 10.6 in 2017, down from 13.4 in 2016. And, the beer didn't top YouGov's list of buzziest beers for women, falling short of No. 1 Budweiser and No. 2 Corona.

"Samuel Adams is not a big loss, but it is significant enough to sense they are maturing as a brand," YouGov spokesperson Drew Kerr told Business Insider. "It is common with many top brands that they hit maturity and don't make the same gains like they used to."

A potential contender for the top spot next year is Corona, which ranked second on YouGov's 2017 list. While eight out of 10 beers on the list lost popularity, Corona's buzz rose 0.9 points, allowing it to beat out Budweiser for the No. 2 spot.

NOW WATCH: We tried a breakfast beer made with coffee, syrup, and scrapple  heres what it was like





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Taking ibuprofen to ease a headache may seem like no big deal, but Danish researchers caution against overdoing it. A study in the European Heart Journal suggests that ibuprofen, one of America's most popular painkillers, raises a person's risk of cardiac arrest by 31%. Other types of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, also were linked to an increased risk of heart trouble, per a news release. The finding is based on data from 29,000 people who suffered a cardiac arrest in Denmark between 2001 and 2010. Of those, about 3,400 had taken a NSAID in the 30 days preceding it. The biggest increase in risk, at 50%, was seen with the NSAID diclofenac, reports the Guardian.

The findings are a stark reminder that NSAIDs are not harmless," says study author Gunnar Gislason of the University of Copenhagen, who thinks the drugs are too easily available as over-the-counter treatments. The researchers say people should not take more than 1,200mg of ibuprofen per day, reports Live Science, which amounts to six 200mg-pills. The FDA has previously warned that people with heart disease or high blood pressure should consult their doctors before taking NSAIDS, because of earlier research that also raised heart concerns. (Read more ibuprofen stories.)
When Gregory Watson first described his theory on how the 27th Amendment to the US Constitutionproposed in 1789 but still unratified in 1982might finally be passed in a 1982 course paper, both his teaching assistant and professor at the University of Texas were unimpressed. "I didn't see anything that was particularly outstanding about it," says then-government professor Sharon Waite, who approved the C- grade on the paper, leaving Watson with a C grade in the class, per KUT. But Watson found that the amendmentproposed by James Madison and stating pay raises members of Congress granted themselves could only go into effect after the next electionhad been approved by nine states. Believing the necessary 29 more states could be persuaded to approve the amendment, too, Watson vowed to "get that thing ratified."

And he did, in 1992, after sending numerous letters to state lawmakers. However, some of his disappointment over his university grade remainedup until March 4. During what Watson, 54, believed was to be a talk about his role in ratifying the amendment, a UT professor presented him with an envelope containing a request to update his course grade to an A+. It was signed by Waite, who cited Watson's "heroic efforts to prove the professor and TA wrong" as the reason for the change. Waite tells the American-Statesman that she initially thought Watson's C- grade was appropriate because she viewed his theory as far-fetched. Now she enjoys knowing she made a mark on the Constitution simply "by making this fellow a grade he didn't like." (Read more uplifting news stories.)
After a 10-year legal fight over her mother's will, Heather Ilott lost this week. The UK woman became estranged from her mother in 1978 when Ilott, at 17, went to live with her boyfriend, who ultimately became her husband. In 2002, Ilott's mother, Melita Jackson, made her last will, specifically noting that Ilott had been disinherited and instructing executors to fight any claim Ilott might attempt to make on the estate. Jackson died in 2004, leaving the majority of her $600,000 estate to animal charities. In 2007, Ilott challenged the will under the Inheritance Act, which allows a child to sue if a parent's will does not reasonably provide for their maintenance, per the Evening Standard. She argued she had been "unreasonably" excluded and that she, now a mother of five herself, was living on state benefits because she had no pension. A district judge awarded her about $60,000 of the estate.

Quite a bit of back-and-forth followed, per the BBC: Ilott then tried to get more of the money, leading a High Court judge to reverse the district judge's decision, awarding Ilott nothing. In 2011, the Court of Appeal ruled she should get some of the money, but in 2014, again battling to get more of the money, the High Court denied her. The following year, however, she won a challenge at the Court of Appeal, which heard testimony that she couldn't even afford clothes for her children, and was awarded about $200,000. But three of the animal charities that were named in Jackson's will then challenged that increase, and now the Supreme Court has ruled in their favor. It's the first time a suit under the Inheritance Act has made it to the highest court, the Telegraph reports. Ilott will still get the original $60,000 she was awarded. (This $20 million inheritance came with quite a few rules.)
With large-scale commercial trips to the moon still a ways off, what's a well-heeled traveler seeking adventure to do? A London outfit is proposing the bottom of the sea. Blue Marble Private will begin expeditions to the resting place of the Titanic in May 2018. Groups of nine people can sign up for a visit to the grave of the world's most famous shipwreck 12,500 feet below the North Atlantic, Business Insider reports. From a titanium and carbon fiber submersible that can descend to depths of 13,100 feet, divers will be taken for a swim over the liner's deck and the famous grand staircase. The Telegraph reports that the eye-popping price tag of $105,129 per person is the equivalent in today's dollars to the $4,350 a first-class passenger would have paid for a berth on Titanic's maidenand onlyvoyage in April 1912 from Southampton to New York.

Participants can expect Titanic-level luxury during the eight-day trip. A helicopter or seaplane ride will take them from St. John's, Newfoundland, to a yacht above the site where the ship hit an iceberg and sank. Weather permitting, the little sub can take up to three people down to the wreck, day and night, accompanied by a pilot and deep ocean expert. The trips will mark the first time since 2005 civilians have been permitted to visit the exclusive site, which the Telegraph notes has seen fewer visitors than have traveled to space or Mount Everest. The timing may be right: Scientists think the wreckage will disappear in a matter of decades thanks to bacteria now reducing it to rust, reports the BBC. (Was the Titanic doomed before it hit the iceberg?)
A dying woman in Ohio gave police information that helped them rescue her stepmother and 10-month-old sonand catch the ex-boyfriend who allegedly shot her. Police say that when they arrived at the Delta home of 23-year-old Mandi Mangas early Tuesday, she had suffered a gunshot wound to her chest that would prove fatal but was still able to ask about the whereabouts of baby son"Where's Winston?"and to give the name of his father, James Ramey, People reports. After an Amber Alert was issued and officers in three states launched a manhunt, Ramey was arrested around a three hours' drive away in Indiana, WTOL reports. Authorities say they rescued Winston and the kidnapped stepmother and charged Ramey with aggravated murder.

"She spoke with the sergeant that arrived on scene and her first thought was her 10-month-old child, which led us to believe that the child was not there," says Delta Chief of Police Nathan Hartsock. The Toledo Blade reports that Mangas secured a protection order, which extended to the baby, against Ramey after he held a knife to her throat in August. She told police the "suspect is a violent drunk, and he has hit and threatened her in the past," an incident report states. He received a suspended 180-day term after pleading no contest to aggravated menacing. Earlier this month, he was charged with violating the order and a court date was set for March 23. People reports that the day before the murder, Mangas posted on Facebook that she was in a new relationship. (Read more Ohio stories.)
A glitch that has been plaguing Dallas T-Mobile customers who call 911 since November may have contributed to the death of a 6-month-old boy Saturday, WFAA reports. For an unknown reason, when a T-Mobile customer calls 911 the system creates multiple "ghost calls" to 911 that register as hangups. Actual callers get put on hold while 911 operators play catch-up attempting to call back all the hangups. The glitch has apparently gotten worse in recent weeks. According to CBS DFW, Dallas wants its 911 operators to respond to calls within 10 seconds. On Saturday night, 442 911 callers were put on hold for an average of 38 minutes each. While 911 operators were frantically dealing with ghost calls, 6-month-old Brandon fell off a bed and wouldn't wake up.

"This hurts so bad," Brandon's mother tells WFAA. Bridget Alex left Brandon with a babysitter while she went to her nephew's funeral. After Brandon fell, the babysitterwho the Dallas Morning News reports didn't have a cartried CPR and called 911. She waited on hold for 55 seconds and hung up. She still couldn't get through to an operator on the second try. On the third 911 call, the babysitter waited on hold for more than 30 minutes. Alex sped home and took Brandon to the hospital; he was pronounced dead nearly two hours after the first 911 call. Alex blames the city and T-Mobile for not getting the issue fixed back in November, but the city says there's no evidence the ghost calls contributed to Brandon's death. T-Mobile engineers arrived in Dallas Wednesday morning to try to fix the problem. (Read more 911 call stories.)
If a company plans to help customers showcase their "local pride," said company should probably have some basic local knowledge. That might not have been the case with Target, whose series of flawed, Boston-themed T-shirts came under attack this week. A Twitter user was among the first to draw attention to numerous misspellings (Jamaica Plain is Jamaca Plain, for instance) on one shirt displaying a map of Boston neighborhoods, but that was just the beginning. The shirt also omitted the Mission Hill neighborhood and replaced Chinatown, Downtown, and a few other neighborhoods with a single non-existent one dubbed "Central," reports Boston.com. Perhaps worst of all, it spelled Southie as Southy, notes Boston.com.

Misspellings were also found on two other Boston neighborhood shirts in Target's "Local Pride" line. One even mentions Cambridge, which is its own city across the Charles River from Boston, reports the Boston Globe. A rep for Target says all of the "incorrect Boston items" will now be removed from Target stores and its website. "We apologize for any disappointment that this may have caused," the rep says, adding, "We love to be able to carry products that are reflective of the local community." This isn't Target's first misstep with Bostonians. In 2015, it drew flak for asking a New York artist to design Boston-themed shirts, per the Globe, which found that one of the shirts that came out of that partnership has, yes, a typo on it. (Under Armour yanked a shirt that drew on the famous Iwo Jima image.)
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte on Wednesday claimed a dominating parliamentary election victory over anti-Islam lawmaker Geert Wilders, who failed the year's first litmus test for populism in Europe. The main exit poll suggested Rutte's party won 31 seats in the 150-member legislature, 12 more than Wilders' party, which shared second place with two other parties, the AP reports. Following Britain's vote to leave the European Union and Donald Trump's election as US president, "the Netherlands said, 'Whoa! Stop!' to the wrong kind of populism," said Rutte, who is now poised for a third term as prime minister. "We want to stick to the course we havesafe and stable and prosperous," he added.

Wilders had insisted that whatever the result of the election, the kind of populist politics he and others in Europe represent aren't going away. "Rutte has not seen the back of me!!" Wilders tweeted after the exit poll results had sunk in. Both France and Germany have elections this year in which far-right candidates and parties are hoping to make an impact. "Wilders could not win the election," German socialist leader Martin Schulz tweeted. "I am relieved, but we need to continue to fight for an open and free Europe." In a subplot of the elections, the Green Left party scored a historic victory, turning it into the largest party on the left wing of Dutch politics for the first time. (Rutte may have been helped by the hard line he took in a dispute with Turkey.)
President Trump held a campaign-style rally in Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday night, and a federal judge's blocking of his new travel ban hours earlier was one of his chief topics. The president slammed the Hawaii judge's decision as "unprecedented judicial overreach" and accused the court of acting for "political reasons," ABC News reports. The order blocked "was a watered-down version of the first order that was also blocked by another judge and should have never been blocked to start with," Trump told the raucous crowd, adding: "This ruling makes us look weak, which we no longer are." He vowed to fight the "terrible rule" all the way up to the Supreme Court if necessary, to "keep our citizens safe."

At the rally, which followed a day of events marking Andrew Jackson's 250th birthday, Trump praised the controversial leader as one of America's great presidents, and one who opposed the "arrogant elite," WHNT reports. "Does that sound familiar?" he asked the crowd. During his 40-minute speech, Trump also praised his administration's accomplishments so far and repeated his promise to repeal ObamaCare, which he said is now in a "catastrophic situation," the Tennessean reports. "It's time for us to embrace our glorious national destiny," he said at the end of his remarks. Several protesters were removed during his speech, including a woman with a "Medicare for all" sign. (Read more Trump travel ban stories.)
Men posing as animal control officers are stealing dogs in southern Illinois, authorities say, leading officials to warn dog owners not to leave their pets unattended. Perry County Sheriff Steve Bareis says two men seen driving a white pick-up truck with "Animal Control" written on the side are suspected of nabbing five dogs in Perry, Randolph, and Washington Counties, per WGN and KMOV. Police believe they were also involved in two dog-snatching attempts, but were scared away by dog owners.

The men appear to be targeting purebreds, which can be worth thousands of dollars. "They're basically patrolling during the day for them, and they seem to be coming back at night" or when owners are away, Bareis says, noting some dogs have been taken from fenced yards. Authorities say the dogs stolen so far have likely been sold, meaning there's little hope of recovering them. "It's scary, but I always tell people you cannot leave your dog unattended," an employee at a local humane society tells WCMH. (Read more Illinois stories.)
For instilling in us a love of language, we offer a shout-out to our English teachers, William Safire and Mary Norris. In that sentence, we're trying to thank our teachers plus those two grammar gurus. If you didn't read it that way, witness the importance of the Oxford comma. It's the punctuation mark used after the second-to-last item in a list of three or more items, and it would render the previous sentence as "our English teachers, William Safire, and Mary Norris" ... and it's often more important than people give it credit for. Among those who recently found this out, per Mashable: dairy drivers in Maine who won an appeal because of a missing Oxford comma. In the suit over overtime pay against Oakhurst Dairy, first filed in 2014, drivers complained that a list of tasks not eligible for overtime did not make it clear whether "distribution" counted, mainly because of the lack of comma.

To wit, not eligible for overtime are "the canning, processing, preserving, freezing, drying, marketing, storing, packing for shipment or distribution of" various food products. Because there was no comma after "shipment," the drivers argued that packing for shipment and distribution (a single entity revolving around packing) wasn't overtime-eligible, but that distribution without packing (what the drivers do) was. Oakhurst argued that Maine's legislation style guide nixes Oxford commas, and that "distribution" was meant to be separate, but the drivers pointed out all other separate items on the list were gerunds ending in "ing," so "distribution" didn't fit the pattern, Quartz notes. On Monday, per CNN, an appeals court decided the drivers were eligible for overtime and the suit can head back to a lower court, as labor laws are designed to benefit workersperiod. (More "comma drama.")
If this sounds like nothing you've ever heard before, that's because it is indeed a first: A river in New Zealand has been granted the same legal rights as a human being. The move ends a 140-year effort (called the longest-running litigation in Kiwi history) on the part of a Maori tribe who claim the Whanganui River as an ancestor. The settlement, passed into law by Parliament on Wednesday, means that harming the river on the North Island is equivalent to harming a person. "We consider the river an ancestor and always have," Whanganui tribal negotiator Gerrard Albert tells the Guardian. He says the fight was over finding a legal means of treating the river, the country's third-longest, "as a living entity" instead "treating it from a perspective of ownership and management."

The "Whanganui Treaty settlement" includes $80 million in redress and another $30 million to ensure the river's health, per the BBC. Two guardians will be named, one from the tribe and another from the crown, who would represent the waterway in court proceedings. Legislator Adrian Rurawhe explains the concept is normal to the Maori and best captured in the tribal saying, "I am the river and the river is me." He tells the New Zealand Herald that maybe the rest of the world is finally catching up with the Maori and "seeing things the way that we see them." Still think it's, well, bizarre? New Zealand's treaty negotiations minister provides another way to look at it: "It's no stranger than family trusts, or companies or incorporated societies." (Americans are racing to get New Zealand citizenship since Trump's election.)
After 32 years behind bars, Andrew Wilson had his murder conviction thrown out Wednesday by a Los Angeles County judge. His first plan as a newly free man? Fly to St. Louis to visit his 96-year-old mother, who never doubted his innocence. Wilson, now 62, was convicted in 1986 of stabbing a man sleeping in a truck in Los Angeles, KABC reports. According to the Los Angeles Times, the victim had a disorder that kept his blood from clotting. For the past three decades, Wilson has maintained that he didn't do it. And while his actual innocence is still up in the air, it's now official that he didn't receive a fair trial.

The DA's office has admitted that "cumulative errors" added up to an unfair trial for Wilson. Those errors include allegedly withholding evidence that the victim's girlfriendthe only witness to the crimehad previously filed a false police report regarding kidnapping and rape. Also allegedly withheld: evidence that an LAPD detective directed the girlfriend to a photo of Wilson and that a friend suspected the victim's girlfriend, as she had stabbed the victim in the past. The prosecutor in the murder case denies withholding evidence, and the DA's office maintains that Wilson murdered the victim (though it doesn't plan to retry him). CBS Los Angeles reports a separate hearing will be held to determine if Wilson is factually innocent. (Read more wrongful conviction stories.)
A high school principal and two others were shot by a 17-year-old student in France Thursday, the AP reports. The shootings took place at the Alexis de Tocqueville school in the southern French town of Grasse. A police official says in addition to the three wounded in the shooting, five other people are being treated for shock. None of the injuries are life-threatening and all other students are now safe. The shooter has been arrested for possessing weapons.

The official said there did not appear to be any other suspects, although police are working to "remove all doubt." The official, from the national police, was not authorized to be publicly named. Interior Ministry spokesman Pierre-Henry Brandet said it is too early to know the motives for the attack. School shootings are rare in France, which remains under a state of emergency after deadly attacks in Paris in 2015 and an attack last year in Nice. (Read more school shooting stories.)
On Wednesday, Oklahoma state Sen. Ralph Shortey was suspended for "disorderly behavior." On Thursday, more details emerged as Shortey was charged with three felonies involving child prostitution, the Oklahoman reports. The charges came out of a police bust on March 9, when cops say they found Shortey at a Super 8 motel in Moore with a 17-year-old boy in a room stinking of pot. An investigation was kicked off after the boy's girlfriend called his dad, who in turn contacted the authorities, per the Tulsa World. Police say they came across a text on one of the teen's devices that indicated the boy was looking to make money for spring break, to which they believe Shortey, using a screen name, responded, "Would you be interested in 'sexual' stuff?"

Cops say they also found an open pack of condoms with Shortey's belongings; the teen told them he'd known the senator for a year or so and that they'd hooked up through a Craigslist personal ad, per the court affidavit. A judge has set bail for the 35-year-old Shortey, who's married with children, at $100,000, though he hasn't yet turned himself in. (Cleveland County prosecutors say he'll be arrested if he doesn't.) Shortey has been charged with engaging in child prostitution, engaging in prostitution within 1,000 feet of a church, and transporting a minor for prostitution. Meanwhile, Oklahoma Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb is asking for the GOP senator's resignation, noting that "Oklahomans deserve to be represented by those above reproach." (Some think child prostitutes are the ones who should be arrested.)
Infighting! We got GOP infighting here! Yahoo News reports senators Rand Paul and John McCain are having a bit of a tiff this week after McCain called Paul out on the floor of the Senate on Wednesday. McCain was seeking a vote on a Senate billexpected to be widely supportedin favor of Montenegro's efforts to join NATO. According to Politico, 23 of 28 NATO member nations have already voted in favor of Montenegro joiningbut Russia is strenuously opposed to it. McCain claimed anyone who didn't support the bill would be "carrying out the desires and ambitions of Vladimir Putin." After Paul blocked a vote on the bill and left the Senate, McCain went further, accusing Paul directly of "working for Vladimir Putin."

Paul responded to McCain's comments Thursday, and he didn't pull any punches. "I think maybe he's gotten a little bit unhinged," Paul said, adding that McCain "makes a really, really strong case for term limits." And he accused McCain of possibly being "past his prime." Paul justified his opposition to the Montenegro bill by saying that the US military has enough on its plate without possibly having to support the small country, the Hill reports. He also claimed NATO membership isn't supported by a majority of Montenegro citizens. Paul said being called a traitor for opposing the bill might be "a little over the top." Paul and McCain have clashed on foreign policy before, with Paul accusing McCain of wanting "war everywhere." (Read more John McCain stories.)
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* Bond yields rise as ECB comes back into frame

* Safe-haven bonds dented after Dutch election test

* France sells over 8 billion euros of bonds, pushing yields up

* Fed displays caution despite delivering first hike of 2017

* Euro zone periphery govt bond yields http://tmsnrt.rs/2ii2Bqr (Updates prices, adds quote, move in UK yields)

By Abhinav Ramnarayan and Dhara Ranasinghe

LONDON, March 16 (Reuters) - Euro zone government bond yields rose on Thursday, reversing early falls, as a reduction in political risks following a Dutch election allowed investors to look ahead to the potential implications for monetary policy.

Heavy supply also weighed on bond prices, pushing yields up.

France sold over 8 billion euros of nominal bonds while Spain sold 4.8 billion euros of debt.

Most euro zone bond yields fell in early trade and the French yield spread over German benchmarks narrowed sharply as weaker-than-expected results for populist Geert Wilders in Wednesday's Dutch election eased concerns about a victory for the far right in French presidential elections in April and May.

However, the spread widened back to where it started, partly because French bonds were caught up in a broader sell-off in euro zone government bonds.

Focus also snapped back to other factors - not least expectations that the European Central Bank will move away from its ultra-loose monetary policy stance if political hurdles are navigated successfully.

"If these elections go by without any shocks, it means the potential next step for the ECB is likely to be less stimulus rather than more because as (ECB President Mario) Draghi has acknowledged, the European economy has been strong," said Gilles Pradere, senior fixed income manager at RAM Active Investments.

Euro zone government bond yields were up 4-7 basis points higher on the day, while the spread between French and German government bond yields was a touch wider on the day at 64 basis points.

VOLATILE TRADE

Earlier, the French/Germany yield spread hit its narrowest in two weeks after results overnight showed Dutch centre-right Prime Minister Mark Rutte's VVD party taking 33 seats in the parliamentary election to 20 for Wilders' PVV.

Story continues

In another day of volatile trade, Germany's 10-year Bund yield was up 4 bps at 0.45 percent, having fallen as low as 0.36 percent earlier.

"At the end of the day, we are seeing a risk-on move in global markets," said Philip Shaw, chief economist at Investec.

French government bonds were seen as vulnerable if the PVV had emerged as the biggest party, with French far-right leader Marine Le Pen expected to make it to a final round run-off.

The latest opinion poll suggests Le Pen will win the first round with 26.5 percent of the vote but centrist Emmanuel Macron is seen winning the second round comfortably.

The upward move in bond yields also came after the U.S. Federal Reserve delivered its first rate hike of the year on Wednesday, albeit having prepared the market well in the days before.

However, U.S. policymakers did not flag any plan to accelerate the pace of monetary tightening, prompting some analysts to brand it a "dovish hike".

Markets are pricing in two more rate hikes this year and three in 2018, analysts said.

There was also some pressure from selling in the UK bond market following a Bank of England meeting.

British 10-year gilt yields hit a one-month high at 1.29 percent following news that a BoE England policy maker unexpectedly voted to raise rates.

(Editing by Alison Williams)
New Delhi:

State-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) is set to acquire India's third-biggest fuel retailer HPCL in an about Rs 44,000 crore (USD 6.6 billion) deal as part of the government's plan to create an integrated oil giant.

Following up on Finance Minister Arun Jaitley's Budget announcement of creating an integrated oil company, India's biggest oil and gas producer ONGC may buy all of the government's 51.11 per cent stake in Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL).

This will have to be followed by an open offer to acquire additional 26 per cent from other shareholders of HPCL.

"The government is looking at creating an integrated oil company and the idea is to merge an oil producer with a refiner," a top source said.

There are only six major companies in the sector - ONGC and Oil India Ltd being the oil producers, Indian Oil Corp (IOC), HPCL and Bharat Petroleum Corp Ltd (BPCL) in refinery business and GAIL in midstream gas transportation business.

The rest such as ONGC Videsh, Chennai Petroleum Corp (CPCL), Numaligarh Refinery Ltd and Mangalore Refinery (MRPL) are already subsidiaries of one of these six PSUs.

"So, the options are very limited. One option is to merge refiners HPCL and BPCL with ONGC and merge IOC and OIL. Now this would create two large vertically integrated oil companies. But this would also mean limiting the choice for consumers to just two companies for buying fuel," he said.

The possible way out is to merge HPCL with ONGC while keeping BPCL separate. BPCL already has a flourishing upstream arm in Bharat PetroResources Ltd which can be strengthened further.

"This way consumers will continue to have three fuel retailers in IOC, ONGC-HPCL combine and BPCL," he said.

HPCL will add 23.8 million tonnes of annual oil refining capacity to ONGC's portfolio, making it the third-largest refiner in the country after IOC and Reliance Industries.

ONGC already is majority owner of MRPL, which has a 15-mt refinery. The source said ONGC buying HPCL will require two sets of Cabinet approval - one where the government approves sale of its all or part of its 51.11 per cent stake to ONGC, and he other for allowing ONGC to spend the money on stake buy.

Considering today's trading price of Rs 561, ONGC will have to pay the government Rs 29,128 crore for 51.11 per cent stake. It will then have to buy another 26 per cent from the open market for Rs 14,817 crore, taking the total acquisition price to about Rs 44,000 crore.

The merger will help the world's third-largest oil consumer better compete with global majors in acquiring foreign assets.

More than 12 years after a proposal to merge oil PSUs was first mooted by the then oil minister Mani Shankar Aiyar, Jaitley in his Budget for 2017-18 proposed to "create an integrated public sector 'oil major' which will be able to match the performance of international and domestic private sector oil and gas companies".

The behemoth so created will not just compete globally, but withstand oil price volatility by using profits the refining business make in low oil prices to make up for losses in upstream and vice versa.
Ghaziabad:

Protectionism is on the rise in advanced economies but the trend can be reversed by the opportunities offered by emerging markets like India, Bharti Enterprises Chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal said on Wednesday.



Those voices that were urging India to open up its economy to foreign direct investments, to trade, to bringing in products in finished form in this country, have succeeded to some extent in getting our countries open...



However, the same countries, who are advanced economies, US and Europe and many other pockets of the world, are suddenly turning around and talking about protectionism, Mittal said at the convocation ceremony of Institute of Management Technology in Ghaziabad.



He said at the World Economic Forum, after opposing global trade for a decade, first time a Chinese leader, President Xi Jinping, asked the Western world to open their economies for more trade, which indicates that China has been hit by the slowdown.



Then you move to the issue around the election of President (Donald) Trump, issues around Brexit....they all suggest xenophobia is on the rise, anti-immigration is on the rise. These dont hold good promise for young Indians who are passing out today, Mittal said.



He said that leaders in India will have to create support at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to ensure movement of people is not restricted and the country does does not become a dumping ground for global products.



India made a proposal to WTO on TFA (trade facilitation agreement) for services, which is counterpoint to TFA in goods and products. (It) has been now endorsed by required majority in the world and is now likely to become law under WTO, Mittal said.



I believe the world will have to alter the discourse of talking against immigration. There is wave against immigration today but I have no doubt given the size and scale of market that we offer in return for their goods, they will have to relent on services as well, Mittal said.Mittal said global growth has slowed down and there is a dynamic shift in the polity and economics of the world.



For the last five years, the world has seen a growth rate of less than 3 per cent...This is a record low over several decades. If I look at 1920 downturn which melted the whole globe, after that probably we are witnessing very lean period in global growth, Mittal said.



He said that India needs to stay ahead in services so that many young people who graduate from here and skilled people from villages have the right to work across the globe.



Mittal, who is also the Chairman of International Chamber of Commerce, said that he is personally leading the issue of TFA for services not only on behalf of India but for all those regions which have younger population like the Middle East, Africa, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Indonesia.



He said there is too much turbulence in global economy but students in India are coming out of a nation that has immense opportunities and is very safe and equally vibrant territory.



Mittal said that while growth of economies around the globe, including US and China, have slowed down, India stands tall with nearly 7 per cent growth rate.



He said that India has lot of consumption demand left in its economy and offers tremendous opportunities.



India, which has lot of growth still left in its economy, which has to build massive amounts of infrastructure, right from the basic to most innovative infrastructure, offers tremendous opportunities, Mittal said.

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Chennai:

Madras High Court on Thursday made some critical observations on Tamil Nadu governments opposition to National Eligibility cum Entrance Test.

Are we not ashamed of opposing the NEET. Do you underestimate the ability of our students and the standard of education in Tamil Nadu?

Do you feel that our students will not do better than students of other states? When all other states have not objected what is the reason for (TN) opposing it? Justice N Kirubakaran asked.

The observations were made during the hearing of a batch of petitions seeking allotment of 50 per cent of the PG seats in private colleges to government quota.

He posed the questions when counsel for state health department brought to the notice of the court that on NEET, the Tamil Nadu Assembly had passed a bill to exempt the state and it was pending assent from the President.

Later, passing interim orders, the Judge directed the Medical Council of India to file an affidavit on the number of seats approved in post-graduate degree and diploma courses in the colleges in Tamil Nadu and how they were filled in the last academic year.

He also sought to know the steps taken by MCI to see that the seats were filled up as per merits and regulations and quota fixed by the MCI. The affidavit should also state the procedure to be followed for 2017-18 by the colleges.

The petitioners sought a direction to the Tamil Nadu Health Secretary to appropriate 50 per cent of seats in recognised PG and diploma courses in respect of each speciality from all private medical colleges.

During the hearing, the Judge also pulled up MCI for its inaction as he posed a series of questions.

Being the approving authority, what was the role being played by MCI in controlling the institutions which are running like business firms? he asked.

The judge asked what MCI was doing when the institutions did not follow the guidelines.

When the institutions collect huge amounts is it not your duty to monitor the institutions being an authority of giving approval to the institutions, he said.

Expressing anguish over the cost incurred in medical education where a student had to pay near about Rs 1.5 crore for specially offered courses, the Judge asked How we can expect these people to serve to the public at large.

Referring to a submission that the government was spending Rs 20 lakh on each medical student, he said the government ought to have made them to work for the public (in government hospitals) at least ten years.

The Judge directed the MCI to state as to how much had been spent for a medical student in graduate and PG courses separately as per the budgetary allocation in this regard.

MCI was also directed to state whether it had computerised data base in connection with the faculties in each institution.

Impleading the Union Ministry of Health and family affairs as the respondent, the Judge adjourned the matter to April 3 for further hearing.
New Delhi:

Shahid Kapoor, who is busy with Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Padmavati', has condemned the recent attack on the sets of the movie and called it an unfortunate incident.

Reportedly, a group of 40-50 people had attacked the Padmavati sets in Kolhapur on Tuesday night. They not just fought off with the guards, but also vandalised the sets and set it on fire.

While the incident has left the entire 'Padmavati' team horrified, no one was injured on the sets.

Talking about the same Shahid Kapoor told a leading daily, I am aware that there has been some disruption that has happened. I am aware that a certain amount of costumes got burnt. I am aware everybody is safe and nobody got harmed. The shooting has wrapped up and the team is coming back. What I am not aware of is who has done it. It is unfortunate that something like this has happened for the second time. As soon as there is some clarity, the production house will respond to it. No principal actors were there.

Also Read: Watch video | 'Padmavati': Bhansali's period drama in trouble again; sets attacked, set ablaze

Notably, this is the second time 'Padmavati' sets have been attacked. Earlier, the incident took place in Jaipur after a group of Rajput Karni Sena assaulted Bhansali for allegedly distorting the facts in the movie.

While the reason behind the attack is still not known, the makers have filed a complaint against the culprits and the police is investigating the matter.

Talking about 'Padmavati', the movie happens to be a periodic drama based on Rajput princess 'Padmavati'.

The movie stars Deepika Padukone in the titular role, while Shahid Kapoor will play Padmavati's husband Raja Rawal Ratan Sing. Besides, Deepika's rumoured beau Ranveer Singh will essay the role of lead antagonist Alauddin Khilji.

'Padmavati' is slated to release in November this year.

For all the Latest Entertainment News, Bollywood News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
New Delhi:

BJPs brainstorming over the names of chief ministers for UP and Uttarakhand is afoot. The time taken for deliberations over the names for two states reflects how crucial these are when it comes to choosing the name for elected head of the state.

The 61-year-old Manohar Parrikar, who stepped down as Defence Minister and made a home-coming as the Goa Chief Minister for the fourth time is to face floor test on Thursday.

Parrikar was sworn-in last evening and he has the support of 22 legislators, two more than the halfway mark of 20 in the 40-member Assembly.

Uttarakhand

In Uttarakhand lobbying for chief ministers post has already intensified with names of former ministers Prakash Pant and Trivendra Singh Rawat being said to be frontrunners.

ALSO READ | Suspense continues as BJP still not clear on CM's name in UP, Uttarakhand; party forms govts in Manipur and Goa

Uttar Pradesh

The crucial March 16 meet is likely to finalise the name for UP CM. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh is also said to be among frontrunners for the coveted post, but later he had dismissed any such possibilities by calling them futile and unnecessary outside the Parliament House. Singh has vast administrative experience, including as UP chief minister in 2000-02. Among others, Manoj Sinha from Poorvanchal belt is also one of the probable names for the post. Names of Shrikant Sharma and Sidharth Nath Singh also fall for the post. Firebrand five-term Lok Sabha member Yogi Adityanath, 44, is the choice of the more vocal among the party workers.

Manipur

BJP's N Biren Singh on Wednesday took oath as the Chief Minister of Manipur. The oath was administered by Manipur Governor Najma Heptullah at the Raj Bhawan. NPP's T Joykumar sworn in as Deputy Chief Minister of the state. The possibility emerged after the four Naga Peoples Front (NPF) MLAs had met Manipur Governor Najma Heptulla and extended their support to the BJP for the formation of the new government in the state.

Punjab

Amarinder Singh, who led the Congress to victory in Punjab after a gap of 10 years, will take oath as the states 26th Chief Minister in Chandigarh on Thursday morning in a simple ceremony. Vice-President Rahul Gandhi and Dr Manmhan Singh are also expected to attend.

ALSO READ | Punjab Assembly: Captain Amarinder Singhs wax statue made in Ludhiana before swearing-in ceremony today

Goa

Parrikars party has 13 MLAs who had staked claim to form the government in Goa mustering the support of the GFP and MGP besides two Independents, which together took the tally of the combine to 21.Another Independent MLA had extended his support to the coalition yesterday, raising its number to 22.

As per the Supreme Court direction, the floor test will be held on Thursday. After being sworn-in as the Chief Minister, Parrikar exuded confidence that his government would be stable and run the full five-year term.

This comes amid many speculations over the names of CMs for UP and Uttarakhand. The contemplation over the names has not been so public and no big leader of BJP has come forward to clear the clouds of speculation over the names.

With Agency Inputs

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New Delhi:

Delhi High Court on Thursday dismissed NRI televangelist Zakir Naiks plea against immediate ban and freezing of accounts. While delivering its order, Delhi HC said, MHA has sufficient material for imposing the ban.

Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) had challenged November 17, 2016, notification of the MHA which had imposed an immediate ban on the organisation under UAPA.

However, IRF maintains that the notification gave no reason and cites no material for taking such a step as was required by the law laid down by Supreme Court.

Earlier, Enforcement Directorate (ED) had issued fresh summons to controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik in connection with its money laundering probe case against him and others.

ALSO READ | ED issues fresh summons to Zakir Naik in connection with money laundering case

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New Delhi:

Dismissing claims of BSP supremo Mayawati and Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal who had raised questions on the reliability of electronic voting machines (EVMs), the Election Commission said on Thursday that the devices are fully temper-proof as ever. In a strongly-worded statement, the commission said "baseless, speculative and wild allegations are being made which deserve to be rejected".



The poll panel said it did not receive specific complaints or concrete material from political parties and candidates about alleged tampering of EVMs during recently held election process.



It said the BSP's representation on EVM tampering was without any specific allegation and it had rejected the claim of the party.

Read | Congress urges Election Commission to probe EVM tampering row



"Such concerns about alleged tamperability of ECI-EVM have been raised earlier also since their introduction including before high court and the Supreme Court. "These allegations have been dismissed. ECI unequivocally reiterates that given effective technical and administrative safeguards, EVMs are not tamperable and integrity of electoral process is preserved," it said.



The EC's rebuttal came a day after Mayawati said she will move court against the alleged tampering of EVMs. Kejriwal too had alleged that EVMs may have been tampered with in Punjab, adding "it is about the credibility of the Election Commission and the faith of people in the electoral system. We have strong prima facie evidence of foul play."

The Commission today said that so far, no one has been able to actually demonstrate that EVMs used by the Election Commission can be tampered with or manipulated. It said "what has been demonstrated or claimed to have been demonstrated is on a privately assembled look-alike of ECI-EVMs and not the actual ECI-EVMs." Electronics Corporation of India Ltd and Bharat Electronics Ltd are the two PSUs which manufacture the EVMs for EC.

Here are the key points cited by the Election Commission:



# The machine is electronically protected to prevent any tampering/manipulation. The programme (software) used in these machines is burnt into a One Time Programmable (OTP)/Masked chip so that it cannot be altered or tampered with. Further these machines are not networked either by wire or by wireless to any other machine or system. Therefore, there is no possibility of its data corruption.



# The software is so designed that it allows a voter to cast the vote only once. The vote can be recorded by an elector from the ballot unit only after the Presiding Officer enables the ballot on the Control Unit. The machine does not receive any signal from outside at any time. The next vote can be recorded only after the Presiding Officer enables the ballot on the Control Unit. In between, the machine becomes dead to any signal from outside (except from the Control Unit).

Read | EVM tampering row: Samajwadi Party MLAs join chorus, demand use of paper ballots in future elections



# Some political parties have stated that some foreign countries have stopped using EVMs. The Commission has come across comparisons between ECI-EVM and EVMs used by foreign countries. Such comparisons are both misplaced and misguided. ECI EVMs are stand-alone-machines. Therefore, ECI-EVMs cannot be compared with machines of other countries.

Check the EC's reply in full here



# The issue of possible tampering of EVM has been raised before various High Courts since 2001 as mentioned below:-(a) Madras High Court-2001(b) Delhi High Court-2004(c) Karnataka High Court- 2004(d) Kerala High Court-2002(e) Bombay High Court (Nagpur Bench)-2004



All the above High Courts after going into all aspects of the technological soundness and the administrative measures involved in the use of EVMs at elections in India, have held that the EVMs in India are credible, reliable and totally tamperproof. In some of these cases, even Supreme Court has dismissed appeals filed by some petitioners against High Court orders.



# Some activists then showed on TV channel a machine which they claimed can be manipulated. ECI countered allegation that the machine was stolen from EVM warehouse in Mumbai, subjected to changes by activists and thus it was no longer the machine used by ECI.



# Some activists approached Supreme Court in 2009 which advised them to go to ECI. It was then these activists opened dialogue and ECI threw open challenge to anyone to demonstrate how machine owned by ECI can be tempered. However, in spite of opportunities given by ECI, machines opened and internal components shown, no one could demonstrate any tempering with the machine in ECI HQ. There proceedings were videographed.

(With inputs from PTI)

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Lucknow:

Newly-elected Samajwadi Party MLAs joined the chorus on "EVM tampering" allegations levelled by BSP chief Mayawati and AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday and demanded that future elections be held using paper ballots.



At the first meeting in Lucknow of the new SP MLAs, the consensus was to go back to the traditional paper ballots in future to rule out possibility of any tampering of the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), party spokesperson Rajendra Chowdhury said.



The MLAs felt that the party's drubbing at the hands of the BJP was because of EVM tampering and suggested all relevant proof should be collected to substantiate their charge, he said.



The SP, which ruled in Uttar Pradesh for five years after winning 224 of the 403 assembly seats in 2012, had to be content with only 47 seats in its kitty this time, while the score of BSP plunged from 80 to just 19 seats now, as BJP and its allies notched up 325 seats.



An angry Mayawati had on Wednesday decided to move court over alleged tampering of EVMs in the recent polls, an issue which led the Delhi chief minister to cry conspiracy.



Kejriwal also said that before 2014 Lok Sabha polls even some BJP leaders like LK Advani were not in favour of the EVMs. As the leaders of BSP and AAP raised their pitch in questioning the reliability of the EVMs, the refrain of the newly elected SP MLAs too was similar at Thursday's meet.



SP National President Akhilesh Yadav had said on March 11, the day results were declared, "If questions have been raised by the Bahujan Samaj Party on EVMs, government should probe it. I will also look at it on my level," he had told reporters.



The SP legislators at today's meeting authorised Akhilesh to decide the name of the Leader of the SP Legislature Party, who in turn would become the Leader of the Opposition automatically as SP is the largest party in the opposition bloc.

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New Delhi:

Goa Congress MLA Vishwajit Rane on Thursday resigned from Congress party and assembly after he took on Congress party high command for lackadaisical approach over government formation in the state.

Rane did not cast his vote during floor test in the assembly on Thursday. Goa Chief Minister won the trust vote with support of 22 MLAs.

Rane submitted his resignation to protem speaker Sidharth Kuncalienkar and said that he would contest again from the Valpoi seat. After submitting his resignation, Rane said that he has submitted his resignation as member of Congress party with heavy heart, and it made him sad.

"With heavy heart today I have submitted my resignation as member of Congress party. It makes me sad," Rane said.

With heavy heart today I have submitted my resignation as member of Congress party. It makes me sad :MLA Vishvajeet Rane pic.twitter.com/PkkvK5a9P5  ANI (@ANI_news) March 16, 2017

The protem speaker asked Rane to reconsider his decision of resignation.

Rane said that leaders like him will start leaving Congress all across country when the observers became unable to assess the situation.

Also Read: Congress MLAs blame party managers for Goa fiasco; to meet Rahul

When asked about his letter to Rahul Gandhi, Rane said that he has not received any reply from him as he has no hope for the same. Rane further added that he does not want to comment on him.

Have not got any reply from him, have no hopes for the same. Don't want to comment on him: Vishvajeet Rane on Rahul Gandhi pic.twitter.com/Hy9XjekEaq  ANI (@ANI_news) March 16, 2017

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Imphal:

Himanta Biswa Sarma has arguably become the go-to-man for the BJP in the northeast after its stunning performance in the Manipur assembly elections. But it was only in August 2015, when he switched his loyalties to the saffron outfit after an equally impressive stint with the Congress.

Sarma began his political career at a very tender age.

It was during the Assam movement, when Sarma, at the age of around 10, started mingling with leaders of All Assam Student Union (AASU). At that time he was often seen at the AASU office, serving refreshments to the AASU leaders including Prafulla Kumar Mahanta and Late Bhrigu Kumar Phukan, who went on to become chief minister and state home minister, respectively.

But, his stint with the AASU ended in the early 90s, when he ditched then AASU president Sarbananda Sonowal and general secretary Dr Samujjal Kumar Bhattacharya. Sarma joined hands with then Assam chief minister Late Hiteswar Saikia, a Congress stalwart.

Sarmas association with Saikia formally announced his advent into the mainstream politics.

Read | N Biren Singh takes oath as Chief Minister of Manipur in Imphal; BJP president Amit Shah extends wishes

On Congress ticket, Sarma was fielded in Jalukbari seat in 1996 against influential Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) leader late Bhrigu Kumar Phukan who was a famous orator in the state.

The gritty young leader accepted the challenge but lost the contest against the leader he used to admire.

On May 15, 1996, Hiteswar Saikia passed away the same day when the AGP formed the government in the state for the second time.

Many Congress leaders termed Saikias demise as the dead end for Sarmas political career. But Sarma had other plans. From 1996 to 2001, Sarma practiced law at the Gauhati high court.

In 2001, Sarma again contested against Phukan but this time, the young leader had the last laugh. After that, there was no turning back for Sarma.

In 2002, one year after being elected as an MLA, Sarma was inducted as minister of state in the Tarun Gogoi cabinet and was given key finance portfolio. People still remember his first state budget speech at the Assam legislative assembly.

Subsequently, Sarma's proximity with chief minister Tarun Gogoi gradually increased and as a result, he was assigned some more important portfolios.

Sarma introduced many innovative welfare schemes during his tenure as the minister for planning and development. Sarma was then elevated as the health minister of the state.

Read | Manipur Election Results: Fractured mandate in Manipur as Congress wins 28 seats, BJP 21

When the Congress came back to power in 2006 for the second time, Sarma too had a role to play in the government.

It was then when the leader started drawing attention from the state media through his work. He is credited with bringing several important changes in the health sector. He used to inspect government hospital and primary health centres in the state and even punished employees accused of dereliction of duty.

By 2011, Sarma had become the most influential leader in the state. He became Tarun Gogois most trusted lieutenant due to his political acumen. This time around, Sarma played an important role in Congress third consecutive victory in the assembly elections.

This kind of success gradually increased Sarmas expectations too. This time, Sarma wanted finance and home portfolios. Some even say that he wanted to become the deputy chief minister. However, his expectations fell flat after he was assigned low-key ministries like health, education, Assam Accord etc.

Even this could not deter Sarmas loyalty towards Tarun Gogoi whom he considered a father figure. But the entry of Gogois son Gaurab Gogoi into the state politics in 2013 changed everything. After that, the terms between Sarma and senior Gogoi began to turn sour.

It is believed Sarma didn't liked the way Gaurab was inducted into the party and was given Lok Sabha ticket from Kaliabor constituency in 2014. Finally, Sarma resigned from all the portfolios on on July 21, but continued to work as an MLA till he joined the BJP on August 23.

Soon after his induction into the saffron party, Sarma started grabbing all the limelight within the party. Even, Siddhartha Bhattacharya, the then BJP president, who brought Sarma into the party was seen struggling to get attention.

Read | Decoded: Why voters of Manipur rejected their Iron Lady Irom Sharmila?

It was the onset of state assembly elections again. Sarbananda Sonowal was made the state BJP president and also the chief ministerial candidate. Many thought that Sonowal and Sarma will find it difficult to forge a partnership. But putting aside all the differences, both the leaders led from the front.

During the 2016 assembly election, Sarbananda Sonowal became the face of the party while Sarma enjoyed the reputation of being the voice of the outfit. Known for his oratory skills, Sarma addressed more than 300 rallies during the election campaign.

Ask anyone from Assam, and he will credit Himanta Biswa Sarma for BJPs victory.

The party high command in Delhi was aware of Sarmas contribution in BJPs resounding victory in Assam. This brought rewards for the young leader. Sarma was assigned to handle 15 key portfolios including finance, health, education and tourism. He was also made the convenor of the Northeast Democratic Alliance (NEDA), NDAs northeast wing comprising key regional parties.

NEDA is entrusted with the task of preventing Congress possible alliance with these small political groups.

Soon after taking charge of NEDA, Sarma became the most influential face in the northeast politics. His efforts resulted in BJPs success in forming government in Arunachal Pradesh.

His influence grew in Manipur too where he became the stare campaigner in the assembly elections.

Now, Sarma enjoys the reputation of a super chief minister of all the BJP-ruled states in the region.

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New Delhi:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's helping gesture towards Pakistan via sharing of waterways could be witness a complete U-turn after the diplomatic relations between the South Asian neighbours fell to an all-time low courtesy Pakistan-based militant outfits carrying out a series of heinous terror attacks on Indian Army and Paramilitary troops in the Kashmir valley last year.

The major hydropower projects in Kashmir which have been awaiting clearances for over a decade have been swiftly approved. The approvals for projects worth Rs 1,500 crores have been fast-tracked by the Indian govt as a tactical move to cripple Pakistan of the Indus waters which flow through the region.

Ignoring the warnings from Pakistani government, who claimed that power stations on rivers flowing through Pakistan will disrupt water supply. This is a serious concern for Pakistan as water supply to the nation has been fluctuating due to an increase in population, and, traditional farming practices.

As reported by Reuters, a top-ranked official in power ministry, Pradeep Kumar Pujari said that, I say the way you look at these projects, it is not purely a hydro project. Broaden it to a strategic water management, border management problem, and then you put in money. The projects that have won technical approvals in recent months are Sawalkote, Kwar, Pakal Dul, Bursar and Kirthai I and II.

Pakistan earlier had opposed to some of these projects saying that India will violate World Bank treaty on sharing of Indus river.

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New Delhi:

Delhi Lt Governor Anil Baijal on Thursday rejected Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwals demand for paper ballot instead of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in the Municipal Corporation elections which are scheduled in April this year.



The CMs demand to use ballot paper in place of EVMs are not feasible due to time constraint, said Baijal on Thursday.



Earlier, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal had directed state chief secretary MM Kutty to write to the state election commission, asking it to hold the upcoming municipal elections through ballot papers.



The direction came hours before the poll panel announced municipal elections on April 22.



Earlier on the day Election Commission also strongly rejected the EVM tempering charges by the political parties and said the devices are 100% credible.



Losing parties should not blame their loss on the EVMs, several former Chief Election Commissioners also said after questions were raised by some politicians about the reliability of the voting machine.



Former CECs M S Gill, V S Sampath and H S Brahma said that the machines are reliable and tamper-proof and political parties should not question its reliability if they lose elections.

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New Delhi :

The NIA on Thursday got the custody of three persons arrested in connection with the blast in a passenger train at Shajapur in Madhya Pradesh last week to ascertain their role and the group they were working for.

The probe agency had swung into action immediately after reports about the train blast came in the morning of March 7 as anti-terror squads of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh police started a probe after getting leads in the case.



Three persons Atif Muzaffar, Mohammad Danish and Syed Mir Hussain were arrested jointly by the two police forces, whileUttar Pradesh police killed Saifullah after a 12-hour-long gun-battle at Thakurhunj area of densely populated old Lucknow.

The NIA took over their custody at a special court in Bhopal for 11 days so that they could be interrogated at length, an official spokesperson said.

Ten people were injured, three of them seriously, in an explosion on Bhopal-Ujjain passenger train near Jabdi station on March 7.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan had claimed that the blast was the handiwork of the ISIS as some of the accused had uploaded pictures of the blast on social networking site.

However, the police teams engaged in the probe said there was no direct evidence linking the three arrested persons as well as Saifullah to the ISIS.

Also Read | Bhopal-Ujjain train blast probe: Three suspect sent to ATS custody till Mar 23

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New Delhi/Chandigarh:

A wax statue of Punjabs next chief minister Amarinder Singh has been created by artists in Ludhiana to commemorate his swearing-in ceremony on Thursday.



Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh will assume the office of chief minister for the second time, the first term in the office was between 2002 and 2007.



Captain has reportedly decided to go in for a simple swearing-in ceremony as an austerity measure. There will be nothing ostentatious about the oath-taking programme at the Raj Bhavan on Thursday morning when Punjab Governor V P Singh Badnore will administer the oath of office to Amarinder Singh as the new chief minister of the state, a Punjab Congress release had quoted Amarinder as saying earlier.



75-year-old Amarinder, CLP leader and Punjab Congress Committee president, will be sworn in along with a few members of his cabinet. He has made it clear that in the light of the states fiscal situation, he did not want any unnecessary or wasteful expenditure to be incurred on the swearing-in ceremony.



Government was committed to getting the state out of the financial doldrums into which it had been plunged by the previous dispensation. Each small step will count towards ensuring that every possible rupee is saved at this critical juncture, he added.



The PPCC president requested all the newly elected MLAs to also keep their personal invitations to the bare minimum to keep the ceremony simple. He urged them to ensure that their supporters also show similar restraint, and not clog the roads of Chandigarh and cause hardship to the people of the city.

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New Delhi/Chandigarh:

Captain Amarinder Singh put Congress back in Punjab after he took oath as the states chief minister on Thursday.



Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Singh on taking over as Punjab Chief Minister and wished him the best in working for the states development.



Congratulations @capt_amarinder on taking oath as CM. Wishing you the very best in working for Punjabs development, Modi tweeted.



The tweet came soon after Amarinder, who led Congress to a resounding victory in the Assembly polls, was sworn in as the Chief Minister.



Return of Punjabs Captain



One of the strongest regional satraps of the Congress, Amarinder Singh put the party back in the saddle in Punjab after the father of all battles that decimated the SAD and crushed the AAPs dream of expanding its footprint beyond Delhi.



75-year-old Amarinder, a widely respected and popular leader, steered the Congress to a landslide victory winning 77 seats in the 117 member Assembly to occupy the chief ministers post for the second time.

Video | Punjab govt swearing-in ceremony: Amarinder Singh takes oath as CM, Sidhu and Manpreet as cabinet ministers



The maharajas win in Punjab after 10 years has also rekindled the hopes for the revival of the grand old party.



Belonging to a very rare breed of politicians who have seen action in the Indo-Pak war, Singh this time tasted success after Akali Dal supremo Parkash Singh Badal foiled his previous attempts to become chief minister in 2007 and 2012.



Once a leader of the Akali Dal, the scion of Patiala fought in the 1965 war after he rejoined the army a few months after his resignation. He again resigned from the Services as a decorated soldier at the conclusion of the war.



The Punjab Congress chief and husband of Patiala MP Preneet Kaur was born to late Maharaja Yadavindra Singh of Patiala.



After his initial schooling at Lawrence School, Sanawar and Doon School in Dehradun, he joined the National Defence Academy, Kharagwasla July 1959 and graduated from there in December 1963.



Commissioned in the Indian Army in 1963, he was posted in 2nd Bn. Sikh Regiment (both his father and grandfather had served the battalion), served in Field Area - Indo Tibetan border for two years and was appointed Aide-de-Camp to Lt Gen Harbaksh Singh, GOC-in-C Western Command.

Read | Navjot Singh Sidhu ready to leave everything for post in Punjab Govt



His army career was shortlived as he resigned in early 1965 after his father was appointed Ambassador to Italy and his services were required at home.



But he joined the army again immediately after hostilities broke out with Pakistan and took part in operations in the war only to resign again in early 1966 after the war was over.



His political career began in January 1980 when he was elected MP. But he resigned from the Congress and the Lok Sabha in protest against the entry of the army into the Golden Temple during Operation Blue Star in 1984.



After joining the Akali Dal in August 1985, Singh got elected to the Punjab Assembly on an Akali Dal (Longowal) ticket in the 1995 elections. He was Agriculture Minister in the Surjit Singh Barnala government.



However, Singh resigned from the cabinet in protest against the entry of paramilitary forces into the Golden Temple on May 5, 1986. He then floated the Panthic Akali Dal, which later merged with the Congress in 1997.



Singh unsuccessfully fought the parliamentary elections on a Congress ticket from Patiala in 1998.

Read | Captain Amarinder Singhs wax statue made in Ludhiana before swearing-in ceremony



He then served as Punjab Congress chief from 1999-2002 before becoming the chief minister in 2002 and continuing till 2007.



In September 2008, he was expelled by a state assembly panel on allegations of irregularities in a land transfer case. In 2010, Singh got relief from the Supreme Court which held his expulsion unconstitutional.



He then went on to head the state Congress again till 2013.



Singh, a permanent invitee to the Congress Working Committee since 2013, fought the 2014 Lok Sabha elections from Amritsar and defeated senior BJP leader Arun Jaitley by a margin of more than one lakh votes.



He then resigned in November as MP after the Supreme Court termed Punjabs 2004 Act terminating the Satluj-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal agreement as unconstitutional.



A few days later, he was appointed president of the Punjab Congress again in the run-up to the polls.



A widely travelled person, Singh has penned several books including his memoirs of the 1965 Indo-Pak war.

(With Inputs from PTI)

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New Delhi:

Shivraj Singh-led Madhya Pradesh cabinet on Wednesday passed a landmark bill proposing to assure housing for each and every citizen in the state. The proposed law guarantees house or a piece of land for the landless families.



Briefing the media on the one of its kind bill in India, Minister for Public Relations Narottam Mishra said, At todays meeting, chaired by the Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the cabinet has given its nod to the proposal of enactment of a law that would guarantee house or a piece of residential land to the poor sections of the society.



The bill is in keeping with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's mission for housing for all by 2022, and will be presented in the assembly during the second phase of the Budget session beginning March 20. With 18 months to go for the assembly polls, it could have a significant impact on the ground.



Prime Minister Narendra Modis flagship housing scheme Pradhan Mantri Gramin Awas Yojna aims to provide affordable houses to all those living below the poverty line by the year 2022.



At the launch, Modi said that his government is dedicated to poor people and all its scheme is for them. We launched Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojna so that people can open bank account. Today I launched Pradhan Mantri Gramin Awas Yojna so that poor people can have a house, said Modi.

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A unit of General Electric Company GE  GE Transportation  recently signed an agreement with DB Cargo to digitalize 250 locomotives in Germany, U.K., France and Poland over the next five years. This deal marks GE Transportations first European digital contract.

DB Cargo is Europes largest rail freight operator which provides customized industry solutions for areas such as chemicals, mineral oil, disposal, paper, metals and coal and automotive industries.

This partnership marks a major milestone for General Electric toward the creation of self-aware locomotives and digitization of the entire rail operation value chain. This is also the first-time that non-General Electric locomotives have gained access to the companys digital solutions.

Per the deal, GE Transportations Rail Connect 360 Asset Performance Management Solution will be installed in the locomotives  a connected suite of solutions which provide data-driven insights to achieve strategic business outcomes for rail industry customers and offer a configurable systems-level solution to address complex needs. These solutions will help increase efficiency and reduce service failures by about 25%.

The companys Asset Performance Management application is built on its Predix Industrial Internet platform, which will help DB Cargo gain complete visibility on its equipment, enabling operators make better decisions and improve the performance of its assets.

Per a research report by Markets and Markets, the Transportation Industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 15.6% from 2015 to 2020. This deal will help General Electric fortify its operations in Europe, which in turn will help boost revenues.

Despite its string of contract wins, General Electric underperformed the Zacks categorized Diversified Operations industry over the last 30 days, with an average loss of 2% compared with 0.1% loss of the latter.

Headquartered in Chicago, IL, GE Transportation has approximately 10,000 employees worldwide. The company provides technology solutions for customers in a variety of industries, such as railroad, marine, drilling, wind and mining.

Story continues

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Chennai:

The K Palanisamy government on Thursday presented its maiden budget in the assembly where a reference to AIADMK General Secretary VK Sasikala by Finance Minister D Jayakumar invited strong protests from the opposition DMK.



DMK, which demanded that the remarks be expunged, also tried to raise the issue of a no-confidence motion proposed by it against Speaker P Dhanapal.



But the Speaker said he would stick to the days agenda of presentation of the budget and possibly take up the matter later during this session. Soon after commencing his budget speech, Jayakumar paid tributes to late chief Minister Jayalalithaa and later thanked honourable Chinnamma (Sasikala).



At this point, Leader of the Opposition MK Stalin sprang to his feet and questioned how the name of a person convicted by the court could be raised in the Assembly. He was supported by party MLAs who were seen making loud protests.



In the meantime, the Speaker asked the Finance Minister to pause his budget speech for a while and allowed Stalin to speak.



Questioning mention of Sasikalas name, Stalin said the Speaker does not even allow sub-judice matters to be raised.



Countering him, Leader of the House and School Education Minister K A Sengottaiyan said it was the usual practise for ministers and MLAs to greet, laud and thank their party leader while speaking in the Assembly.



There was nothing wrong in Jayakumar taking the name of Sasikala, he said.



Stalin reiterated how a convicted persons name could be taken in the House and wanted the Speaker to expunge the remarks by the Finance Minister.



Sengottaiyan remarked Sasikala was AIADMK General Secretary and it was not wrong to mention her name.



Later, the Finance Minister continued with his budget speech uninterrupted.



Prior to presenting the budget, Jayakumar paid respects at the memorial of late Jayalalithaa at the Marina Beach in Chennai, placing the suitcase containing the budget papers at the site.



Meanwhile, AIADMK MLAs owing allegiance to Sasikala welcomed Chief Minister Palaniswami by thumping of the desks when he entered the house.He had won a floor test on February 18.

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New Delhi:

The BJP surpassed every hurdle in Goa floor test as newly-appointed Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on Thursday proved his government's majority in state assembly with 22 MLAs voting in favour of him.



According to reports, NCPs Churchill Alemao, three from MGP, three from Goa Forward and two Independents also supported Parrikar government. The Congress' own MLA Vishwajit Rane abstained from voting brought the party's number to just 16 in the house of 40 MLAs.

Two days before the floor test in Goa, the Central government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi managed to pass the Enemy Property (Amendment and Validation) Bill, 2016, which amends the Enemy Property Act 1968, in Lok Sabha on Tuesday.

The new act denies inheritance rights to heirs of individuals who left the country for Pakistan and China, completing the process after Rajya Sabha gave its assent to the long-pending legislation last week.



Earlier on March 10, Rajya Sabha passed the bill to amend a 49-year-old law to guard against claims of succession or transfer of properties left by people who migrated to Pakistan and China, amid a walkout by the entire Opposition.

Read | Manohar Parrikar takes oath as Goa CM



The Enemy Property (Amendment and Validation) Bill, 2016 was passed by voice vote in the Rajya Sabha despite the opposition demanding deferring of the debate on the draft legislation for a threadbare deliberation next week.



The measure was passed by the Lok Sabha in March 2015. After this, the Rajya Sabha had sent it to a select committee, following whose recommendations, the government had moved a number of amendments to it.



After the amended bill was passed by a voice vote by the Rajya Sabha on March 10, it was returned to the Lok Sabha for final passage just before it was adjourned for the day.



Now, the successors of those who migrated to Pakistan and China during partition will have no claim over the properties left behind in India.



Is there any link between BJP's urgency to form the government in Goa at any cost and to get the Enemy Property (Amendment and Validation) Bill 2016 passed from both Houses of Parliament in Budget Session? Let's have a look at the details -



263 enemy properties worth Rs 100cr in Goa



According to a Times of India Report, the home ministry has identified 263 enemy properties worth over Rs 100 crore in Goa that belong to Goans who have acquired Pakistani nationality.



These properties assume significance as the Modi government is likely to take them over as the amendment bill has been passed by both Houses of Parliament.



Enemy properties are those whose survey numbers are registered in the names of Goans who migrated to Pakistan decades ago. After these Goans accepted Pakistani citizenship and India declared Pakistan an enemy state around 1965, their properties were declared enemy properties.



The TOI report says that most such properties are located in the talukas of Bardez and Salcete, while a few lie in Tiswadi, Bicholim and other parts of the state.



The home ministry has reportedly forwarded a list of enemy properties to both district collectors and has directed them to collect the lease rent from their occupants. Later, several people approached courts, staking claim to these properties.



The number of properties with the Custodian of Enemy Property has risen to about 16,000 from 2,100 a few years ago - nearly all taken from Muslim families - and are estimated at more than Rs 1 trillion.



Why Modi Govt is in hurry?



Explaining the rationale for urgency to get the bill passed, Finance Minister and Leader of the House Arun Jaitley had said the ordinance effecting the amendments in the Act would lapse on March 14, 2017 and this was a security issue also.



Elaborating on the measure, he said it was a principle that government should not allow commercial interests or properties of an enemy country or its citizens.



Jaitley said the right of the enemy property should vest in the Government of India and not in the heirs of the citizens of the enemy countries.



Despite repeated requests by opposition members, the government took up the bill, which was passed after a brief discussion in the absence of any opposition member.



The government was so determined to pass the bill on March 10 that over half dozen ministers were present in the House to ensure its smooth sail.



Home Minister Rajnath Singh Minister, who was supposed to reply to the debate on the bill, did not say much observing that the Leader of the House has already explained about it in detail and there was no need for his explanation.



Union ministers present in the House during the passage of the bill were Manohar Parrikar, JP Nadda, M Venkaiah Naidu, Suresh Prabhu, Piyush Goyal, Prakash Javadekar, Ananth Kumar and Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi.



What are the amendments?



The amendments proposed include that once an enemy property is vested in the Custodian, it shall continue to be vested in him as enemy property irrespective of whether the enemy, enemy subject or enemy firm has ceased to be an enemy due to reasons such as death.



The new Bill ensures that the law of succession does not apply to enemy property; that there cannot be transfer of any property vested in the Custodian by an enemy or enemy subject or enemy firm and that the Custodian shall preserve the enemy property till it is disposed of in accordance with the Act.



The amendments are aimed at plugging the loopholes in the Act to ensure that the enemy properties that have been vested in the Custodian remain so and do not revert to the enemy subject or firm.



The Bill also prohibits civil courts and other authorities from entertaining disputes related to enemy property.



The Bill, once passed by Parliament, will replace the ordinance promulgated by the government after it failed to amend the Enemy Property Act, which guards against claims of succession or transfer of properties left by people who migrated to Pakistan and China after wars.



The Enemy Property (Amendment and Validation) Fifth Ordinance, 2016 was promulgated on December 22, 2016. It was promulgated four times in the past.



After the Indo-Pakistan War of 1965, the Enemy Property Act was enacted in 1968, which regulates such properties and lists the Custodian's powers.



The amendments are aimed at plugging the loopholes in the Act to ensure that the enemy properties that have been vested in the Custodian remain so and do not revert to the enemy subject or enemy firm.



About the act



The Enemy Property Act of 1968, enacted after the India-Pakistan War three years earlier, gave the government the right to seize assets of citizens who had moved to Pakistan or China following wars with the two countries.



Those who left India for Pakistan were Muslims, and relations between the two countries remain fraught after numerous conflicts. Pakistan enacted a similar law at the time and seized properties of those who left for India.



The amended law, which would apply retrospectively, extends the definition of "enemy" to include legal heirs of declared enemies, even when the heir is an Indian citizen, or of a country not deemed to be an enemy.



However, the government has said the amendments are in the "larger public interest" and will plug "loopholes to ensure that enemy properties worth thousands of crores (millions) of rupees do not revert to the enemy or enemy firm".



What did the court say?



The Supreme Court ruled in 2005 that legal heirs who are Indian citizens can reclaim so-called enemy property, following decades of petitioning by the family of the erstwhile Raja of Mahmudabad, who left India after partition in 1947.



But the amendment - also barring civil courts from hearing disputes related to enemy property - was passed late on Friday by the Rajya Sabha, despite a walkout by opposition members.



Why the amendments were needed?



The Enemy Property (Amendment and Validation) Fifth Ordinance, 2016 was promulgated on December 22, 2016. It was promulgated four times in the past.



After the Indo-Pakistan War of 1965, the Enemy Property Act was enacted in 1968, which regulates such properties and lists the Custodian's powers.



The amendments were aimed at plugging the loopholes in the Act to ensure that the enemy properties that have been vested in the Custodian remain so and do not revert to the enemy subject or enemy firm.



Enemy properties are spread across many states in the country.



The Enemy Property ordinance was for the first time promulgated on January 7, 2016. It was passed by Lok Sabha on March 9 that year but was subsequently referred to Select Committee of Rajya Sabha.



It was re-promulgated for the second time on April 2, 2016 and a third time incorporating the amendments suggested by the Rajya Sabha Select Committee on May 31, 2016.



Since its validity was to expire on August 28, 2016, the President promulgated the fourth ordinance on the subject a day before that.

An ordinance is promulgated again when Parliament is not in session and a bill to replace it is not passed.



An ordinance lapses after 42 days from the day a session begins unless a bill to replace it is approved by Parliament.



Analysts' views



A controversial bill that amends a five-decade-old law to deny families of those who moved to China and Pakistan the right to reclaim "enemy properties" seized by the state unfairly targets Muslims, analysts say.



"When the families are citizens of the country, how can the government consider them to be enemies and take away their right of succession?" said Rajya Sabha MP Husain Dalwai.



"It is against the constitution and it targets Muslims unfairly," he told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.



Is the Central government serious to take action against enemy properties across the country? Will the Central government start its action from Goa? The further steps and future course of action by the central government will give the answers of all these questions.



(With inputs from PTI, Agencies)

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Kuala Lumpur:

Interpol has issued an international arrest warrant for four North Koreans wanted by Malaysian investigators in connection with the assassination of Kim Jong-Nam, the country's police chief said on Thursday.

The estranged half-brother of North Korea's leader Kim Jong-Un was poisoned with the lethal nerve agent VX in a brazen Cold War-style killing on February 13 at Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

Two women -- one Vietnamese and one Indonesian  have been arrested and charged with the murder. Airport CCTV footage shows them approaching the victim and apparently smearing his face with a piece of cloth.

Investigators are also seeking seven North Korean suspects, four of whom left Malaysia on the day of the murder.

The police chief has said he believes they fled to Pyongyang while the other three are hiding in North Korea's embassy in Kuala Lumpur.

"We have... obtained a red notice for the four North Korean nationals who were at the airport on the day of the incident and who have since left," police chief Khalid Abu Bakar told reporters.

"We... are hoping to get them through Interpol."

The red notice alerts police in Interpol member countries to share any information on the suspects with a view to potentially arresting and extraditing them to face justice.

North Korea is not part of that network.

The Interpol notice posted online shows four North Korean men aged between 32 to 56 years old. They are named as Hong Song Hak, Ri Ji Hyon, O Jong Gil and Ri Jae Nam.

Pyongyang has denounced the Malaysian investigation as an attempt to smear the secretive regime, insisting that the 45-year-old most likely died of a heart attack.

Seoul has blamed Pyongyang for his death, but the North has rejected those claims and has never confirmed the identity of the victim, who was carrying a passport bearing the name of Kim Chol when he was attacked.

Malaysia officially confirmed his identity on Friday, later revealing that authorities used his fingerprints and a DNA sample from one of his children to do so.

The killing has triggered a bitter row between Malaysia and North Korea, which have expelled each other's ambassadors.

Three Malaysian embassy staff and six family members are stranded in Pyongyang after North Korea barred Malaysians from leaving the country last week, prompting a tit-for-tat move by Kuala Lumpur.

Kim's wife and children, who were living in exile in the Chinese territory of Macau, went into hiding after the murder.

There are fears his 21-year-old son, Kim Han-Sol, could be targeted next.

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New Delhi:

Several people were injured in a shooting at a high school in the southern French town of Grasse on Thursday, sources close to the investigation said. An intruder burst into the Tocqueville high school and opened fire, one of the sources said.

According to media reports, at least two people have been injured in the shooting. However, the authorities have confirmed the incident is not terrorism-related.

The shooting is connected to an incident between two students, and is not terrorist-related, Grasse Town Hall said.

Media reports said that one person has been arrested following the shooting, and there is a special police unit at the scene.

The detained person is a high school student aged 17. The student was allegedly carrying a rifle, two handguns and two grenades.

The shooting came just hours after a letter bomb explosion left one IMF employee in Paris.

France has been on high alert following a spate of high-profile terrorist attacks in its major cities in the past two years.

Read | Letter bomb explodes at IMF's Paris office, one injured



(With inputs from PTI, more details awaited)

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LIMA, March 15 (Reuters) - The government of Germany is interested in financing a proposed railway from Bolivia to a port in southern Peru that could cost $15 billion, Peru's transportation minister said on Wednesday.

Martin Vizcarra said Peru and Bolivia are still in the preliminary stages of studying the feasibility of the railway, which landlocked Bolivia proposed to cut the cost of exporting its goods to Asia.

"German authorities are the most interested in financing this project," Vizcarra told a news conference. "We're analyzing how the project would benefit Peru."

Vizcarra said he will discuss the proposal with his German and Bolivian counterparts further in a meeting in La Paz on March 22. German officials will likely visit Lima later this month, he added.

The potential project is the latest transnational railway proposed for South America. China and Peru once studied the possibility of building a 3,000-mile(4828-km)-long railway to link Peru's ports with Brazil, but the $60 billion pricetag dampened Peru's interest in it.

(Reporting by Mitra Taj; Editing by Sandra Maler)
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / March 16, 2017 / Goldbelt Empires Limited (GBE.V) (the "Company" or "Goldbelt Empires") is pleased to announce the appointment of engineer and mining executive Ian R. Harris to the Company's Board of Directors.

"Goldbelt Empires is extremely pleased to add Mr. Harris to our Board, contributing his invaluable perspective on the discovery-to-mining endgame, on monetizing successful exploration projects, and his impressive international experience, to our Board" said Jim Varanese, Chairman of Goldbelt Empires. "Ian will be an excellent source of advice as the Company advances its gold exploration program in West Africa, and examines opportunities in the West African Birimian shield and its Pangean analog in the South American Guyana shield."

Mr. Harris is a senior mining engineer with over 20 years of experience in the mining industry including 10+ years working in South America with companies such as Asarco LLC, Corriente Resources, and Washington Group International. He has management experience in over 20 countries with a wide range of mining methods, commodities, project phases and sizes. He is bilingual in Spanish and English.

Currently Mr. Harris serves as President of Para Resources Inc., a gold mining company with active projects in Colombia and Brazil, as an independent director of Strikepoint Gold, and as a technical adviser to Viscount Mining.

Mr. Harris successfully led a campaign to reactivate Corriente Resources mining operations in Ecuador, navigating both the country's legal-political legal landscape as well as the mining-technical challenges, which contributed to the sale of Corriente to Tongling Nonferrous Metals Group Holding Co., Ltd. for $690M. Mr. Harris also headed AMAK Mining as CEO, which was the first operating private mining company in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

About Goldbelt Empires

Goldbelt Empires is a gold explorer focused on the West African Goldbelt, and listed its shares on the TSX Venture Exchange in October 2015. Its flagship property is the South Morila gold concession in the Republic of Mali. The South Morila concession covers an area approximately 150 km2 in size, and is located in the southern part of Mali approximately 250 km southeast of the capital of Bamako. The Company has previously announced a planned 6,000 meter drilling campaign over multiple high potential targets in the South Morila concession. www.goldbeltempires.com

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Additional Information on Goldbelt Empires Ltd.

For more information on the business and property of the Company, readers are referred to the Company's Final Prospectus dated September 22, 2015, available at the Company's SEDAR profile at www.SEDAR.com.

The foregoing contains forward-looking information relating to the future performance of the Company including information relating to Mr. Harris' future contributions to the Company in his new role as a director. Forward looking information is 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.

Such risks and other factors include, among others, obtaining the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange in respect of Mr. Harris' appointment, the actual results of development activities, changes in world commodity markets or equity markets, the risks of the mining industry including, without limitation, those associated with the environment, delays in obtaining governmental approvals, permits or financing or in the completion of development or exploration activities, title disputes, change in government and changes to regulations affecting the mineral industry, and other risks and uncertainties detailed from time to time in the Company's Final Prospectus and other filings with Canadian securities regulatory authorities (available at www.SEDAR.com). Forward-looking statements are made based on various assumptions and on management's beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date the statements are made. Although the expectations reflected in this forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in the forward-looking information contained herein. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these assumptions, beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by applicable law.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Goldbelt Empires Limited

Jonathan Challis

Chief Executive Officer and Director

United Kingdom

Telephone: +44 (78) 4120-2386

Goldbelt Empires Limited

Victor Dusik

Chief Financial Officer and Director

Executive Corporate Secretary

Canada

Telephone: +1 (604) 818-4100

THIS PRESS RELEASE IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO THE UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

SOURCE: Goldbelt Empires Limited
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DANBURY  For 30 years, Myril Axelrod Bennett would leave New York City and spend her weekends at a historic colonial on Ball Pond Road.

Bennett, the mother of David Axelrod, President Barack Obamas chief strategist during his presidential campaigns, was a journalist in the 1940s. It was a time when there were few women reporters who covered issues outside of the society beat. She later became one of the first female executives at the top advertising agency, Young & Rubicam. While in the advertising field in the 1960s, Bennett developed qualitative research departments at two firms.

This was her country getaway, said David Fuller, the current owner of 65 Ball Pond Road. She had really decked it out in antiques.

Bennetts obituary from 2014 describes how she and her second husband, Abner Bennett, restored a quirky 18th-century weekend home in Danbury, filling it with antiques from across the decades, Shaker rocking chairs, Victorian lamps, someone elses ancestral oil painting (and) an icebox served as a liquor cabinet.

Fuller recalls speaking with Bennett about her years in the house  from the 1980s to 2002  and the stories she shared about dancing up the old stairs.

She just lit up, Fuller said. She really loved this house. You could tell that from everything she did with it.

Like Bennett, Fuller was drawn to the houses history.

A fire destroyed the houses records in 1790, but the type and location of the fireplace and absence of the ridge pole suggest it was built in 1770, according to a document on the houses history.

Fuller said the house was built by the Wilkes, one of the citys original farming families, for one of their two daughters. Another house was built next door for their other daughter and both are still standing.

The house came with an old Danbury map from the 1800s that has little squares where the houses are, said Brian Fuller, the owner of 65 Ball Pond Road. They dont have numbers, but instead have family names and the Wilkes name is all over it.

The nearly 1,800-square-foot home is vintage and cozy, Fuller said. It was the rich history and old-timey quirks, such as slanting floors, that drew him to the house 15 years ago.

Its an antique that has a lot of character, he said.

He said the two working fireplaces, exposed beams and wide floor boards add to the cozy atmosphere. There is also a lot of natural light and interesting construction. The historic post-and-beam technique is visible throughout.

Pam Blecker, the listing agent for the $215,000 house, said the floor boards and mantlepieces are the first things that stand out when you enter the house. She said its also unique in that the living space is on the main level, not the ground level where you enter the house. The main level has the kitchen, living room and a spare bedroom. There are two more bedrooms on the upper level.

Its got a coziness and a charm to it, she said.

She said she understands the attraction of the house, which has interesting old doors.

Theyre living in a piece of history, Blecker said. People like continuing and preserving history.

Both Blecker and Fuller said the houses age and good condition set it apart from other houses.

Fuller did a lot of work on the house, including repairing the flat roof, installing new windows, upgrading the electrical and water systems, and redoing the lower level, which included exposing the houses stone foundation.

Its like taking a step back in time. Blecker said.

kkoerting@newstimes.com; 203-731-3345
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DANBURY - A prosecutor showed a jury on Thursday the black-handled Smith and Wesson .38 special revolver that police believe was used to kill Bridgeport resident Jeiel Kingston after a brawl at a downtown night club three years ago.

Police officers testified in Superior Court that they found the gun, which later yielded traces of DNA, in a clump of bushes along White Street after surveillance video showed a man prosecutors say was Garfield Sanderson stashing something at the spot.

Sanderson, also of Bridgeport, is charged with murder in the shooting of Kingston on May 2, 2014, after a fight broke out near the Mambo Cafe. At least one eyewitness in the trial, a woman who went to high school with him, has already identified Sanderson as the shooter.

The video was recorded by security cameras put into place by a White Street retailer. The footage shows someone in a gray sweatshirt near the bushes before running from the area. Assistant States Attorney Jason Germain noted, outside of the presence of the jury, that DNA on the gun matched Sandersons.

It was one in seven billion, he said.

A former State Police forensic expert also testified that the bullet removed from Kingstons body after the shooting matched a bullet that was test-fired from the revolver recovered near the scene of the crime.

I concluded that the submitted bullet was fired by the submitted firearm, the forensic expert, Caleb Worley, said on the witness stand.

Worley went into great detail about the testing performed on the gun, including the comparison microscope used to match markings left on the bullets by the gun barrel.

The gun was found with three spent casings in the chamber and one live round that had yet to be fired, police testified. The expert also noted that markings on the base of the spent casings also matched the firing pin of the weapon.

Witnesses have testified that they heard three to five shots fired that night before they saw Kingston fall to the ground.

During his cross-examination, defense attorney Michael Courtney questioned whether investigators looked for other bullet casings at the scene and whether anyone at the scene told them there might be a second gun involved.

No, replied Officer David Antedomenico.

Courtney also suggested during his cross-examination that the crime scene might have been contaminated before the gun was recovered.

Were you aware that before your arrival there were people walking around the crime scene? Courtney asked.

I dont know, the officer replied.

Testimony in the trial is expected to continue Friday.

dperrefort@newstimes.com
TORONTO, ON--(Marketwired - March 16, 2017) - Golden Leaf Holdings Ltd. ("GLH" or the "Company") (CSE:GLH) (GLDFF), a leading cannabis oil solutions company built around recognized brands, is pleased to announce that the Company has signed a binding Letter of Intent (LOI) to acquire the assets and business of JuJu Joints (http://www.jujujoints.com/home) (the "Transaction").

JuJu Joints is a leading disposable cannabis oil vape e-joint product that utilizes proprietary vape technology and has established strong brand equity and market penetration in Washington state, Oregon, Nevada, California and Canada.

Don Robinson, CEO of Golden Leaf Holdings, commented, "The JuJu Joint brand complements and expands the GLH brand portfolio and provides GLH with expanded access to distribution and markets in Nevada, California and Canada. The legal cannabis market is a target rich environment for a company like Golden Leaf that has a management team and board of directors with years of experience building businesses organically and through acquisition. While we will be deliberate in pursuing strategic acquisition opportunities, we do believe that such a strategy is in the best interests of Golden Leaf and our shareholders."

Pursuant to the Transaction, JJ 206, LLC ("JuJu Co") will receive cash consideration of US$2.25 million and, subject to adjustment in certain circumstances, an aggregate of US$2.25 million of common shares of GLH on the closing date of the Transaction.

The Transaction is subject to certain conditions, including CSE and regulatory approval.

Golden Leaf's Competitive Strategy

The attached chart illustrates Golden Leaf's strategy to build a market leader in branded cannabis products that is backed by real science and a commitment to lowest cost manufacturing.

While GLH is currently executing this strategy on an organic basis, the Company and its board of directors believes that it can accelerate growth and market positioning through a strategic, targeted acquisition strategy. Among the acquisition targets that the Company will focus on are existing production/processing/distribution licenses in other states, proprietary oil extraction technologies, and existing leading brands. The strategic acquisition program is intended to drive financial and shareholder value by seeking acquisitions that build GLH's brand portfolio, expand its regional presence and/or add technology and intellectual property.

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About Golden Leaf Holdings:

Golden Leaf Holdings Ltd. is one of the largest cannabis oil and solution providers in North America. It's a leading cannabis products company in Oregon built around recognized brands. GLH leverages a strong management team with cannabis and food industry experience to complement its expertise in extracting, refining and selling cannabis oil.

Disclaimer: This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the Company's future business operations and acquisitions, expectations of the benefits of the Transaction, the opinions or beliefs of management, and future business goals. Generally, forward looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology 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 state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". 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 the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to general business, economic and competitive uncertainties, regulatory risks including risks related to the expected timing of the Company's participation in the Adult Use market, market risks, risks inherent in manufacturing operations and other risks of the cannabis industry. Although the Company 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. 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 statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward looking information. Forward-looking information is provided herein for the purpose of presenting information about management's current expectations relating to the future and readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purpose. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2017/3/15/11G133247/Images/GLH_Competitive_Strategy-33aaaee1c670a33f894c30e9edfd98f8.jpg


HENNEPIN  A kidnapping victim found in Kendall County brought the Illinois State Police, Illinois Valley Special Response Team and the Putnam County Sheriff to a residence on 10th Street in Hennepin Wednesday morning.

A press release by the PCSO today gave little information, but assured the safety of the communty.

The press release from the county read:

The Putnam County Sheriffs Office along with Illinois State Police are currently investigating an alleged kidnapping that occurred from a residence on 10th street in Hennepin in the early morning hours of Sunday, March 12.

The victim was discovered along a roadway in Kendall County on March 12 and is currently in the hospital for non-life threatening injuries sustained during the ordeal.

Persons of interest were developed during the course of the investigation and on March 15 a search warrant was executed at a resident on Tenth Street in Hennepin with assistance by the Illinois Valley Special Response Team.

During the execution of the search warrant a firearm was recovered.

No one is in custody at this time as the investigation continues.

If anyone has any information concerning the event that occurred in the early morning hours of March 12, they are encouraged to call the Putnam County Sheriffs Office.

It should be noted that this situation is an isolated domestic incident and the public is not considered to be in danger.

Due to the close proximity to the elementary school in Hennepin it was determined that the school should be put into a soft lockdown. At no time was there any threat in or near school grounds during this situation.

This investigation continues.

Two persons of interest have been questioned, but as of now, none have been taken into custody, according to the sheriffs office.

The initial action started at 10:55 a.m. Wednesday at the duplex on Tenth Street in Hennepin, with Putnam County Sheriffs Office, ISP and the IVSRT entering the left side unit in the course of the investigation.

Building owner Bill Shafer provided the NewsTribune on Wednesday with the name of renter, as well as the renters girlfriend and three young children, who had been living there for the past two weeks. The renter has not been named as a person of interest by the sheriffs office or police as of 9:45 a.m. Thursday.

Putnam County sheriff Kevin Doyle said late Wednesday afternoon the investigation was still ongoing, and, as of 4 p.m. that day, a Sheriffs deputy was still stationed outside the duplex.

Jennifer Spratt can be reached at (815) 879-5200 Ext. 12, fax (815) 828-0627 or ntprinceton@newstrib.com. Follow her on Twitter @NT_Princeton.
Gary Cohn, Goldmans former president and COO, is now the director of the National Economic Council for the Trump administration.

Goldman Sachs (GS) has seen many of its alums take government positions, including Cabinet positions under the president of the United States.

We have been criticized for the fact that some of our colleagues, after long careers at the firm, have moved to work in the public sector, CEO Lloyd Blankfein said in its 2016 annual report. The charge is that Goldman Sachs is able to extract certain advantages that others cannot. In fact, the opposite is true. Those in government bend over backward to avoid any perception of favoritism. We are proud of our tradition of leadership and public service and believe it is a core part of our culture. That is why we will continue to encourage our people to contribute to government service if they are fortunate enough to be asked.

Goldman has been nicknamed Government Sachs because of the long list of former bankers whove moved into public service.

In December, then-President-elect Donald J. Trump asked Gary Cohn, then-Goldmans president and chief operating officer, to join his administration as director of the National Economic Council.

Gary was responsible for developing and leading many of the firms most important initiatives, and demonstrated a deep commitment to our clients, our people and the culture of Goldman Sachs, Blankfein said. We thank him for having served as a trusted advisor, dedicated colleague and friend to so many at the firm, and wish him well.

A number of other Goldman alums have been tapped for the Trump administration including Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, White House chief strategist Stephen Bannon, economic assistant Dina Powell, and deputy Treasury secretary-designate Jim Donovan.

Lloyd Blankfein, chairman and CEO of The Goldman Sachs Group

Heres the excerpt from the annual report:

Gary was not the first person from Goldman Sachs to join the government, and we hope and expect that he will not be the last. Five of my most recent predecessors went into government service, and that has not been by happenstance. One ethic that has long pervaded Goldman Sachs is a commitment to public service if one is given the opportunity to serve. And that has been true over time and in many of the geographies in which we operate.

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We recruit people who are oriented to the larger world, and their jobs require them to be both outwardly and inwardly facing. In the process, they develop the skills to make a contribution in large, complex organizations and the expertise to help drive economic progress and job creation.

We have been criticized for the fact that some of our colleagues, after long careers at the firm, have moved to work in the public sector. The charge is that Goldman Sachs is able to extract certain advantages that others cannot. In fact, the opposite is true. Those in government bend over backward to avoid any perception of favoritism. We are proud of our tradition of leadership and public service and believe it is a core part of our culture. That is why we will continue to encourage our people to contribute to government service if they are fortunate enough to be asked.

We also have contributed our expertise and knowledge to broader public policy issues, such as fiscal policy. And, when certain issues impact our people, we have not hesitated to speak up on their behalf. In the past, we have commented on marriage equality, and more recently, immigration policy, because they both affect our ability to hire and retain people from the broadest pool of talent. We will continue to express our views on policies that affect our people, our business and the long-term interests of economic growth.



Julia La Roche is a finance reporter at Yahoo Finance.

Read more:
TORONTO, March 16, 2017 /CNW/ - OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas has sent the following letter to Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne:

Hon. Kathleen Wynne, Premier

Main Legislative Building, Room 281, Queen's Park

Toronto, Ontario

M7A 1A1

Subject: Humanitarian crisis in Thunder Bay

Dear Premier Wynne:

I am writing to ask you to intervene personally in a humanitarian crisis currently unfolding in Thunder Bay.

Shelter House, an emergency shelter there, has announced that, effective April 1, it will suspend its Street Outreach Service (SOS) program. The program is a mobile service that helps people who lack housing, are publicly intoxicated, or living in encampments, providing them with food, shelter, transportation, and addictions counseling.

In 2016, Shelter House provided shelter to 928 individuals for a total of 20,352 bed stays. The SOS program provided 4,923 transports, and gave out 21,696 amenities such as blankets, coats, food, and water to homeless people in need. And make no mistake: this program saves lives .

All of this work will end for want of $200,000 a year.

There is no question that the SOS program saves money for the province by intervening in the lives of our most desperate citizens before they need medical care or require the attention of police. However, money is not the issue here. This is truly a humanitarian crisis in the making. In the name of treating all Ontarians with the dignity and respect they deserve, please intervene and make arrangements to keep the SOS program in operation.

My union represents some 60 workers at Shelter House, members of our Local 738. They do the work they do because they care deeply about the well-being of their fellow citizens. Please support them in this invaluable work.

I strongly encourage you to invest 2 minutes and 57 seconds of your time learning about this issue by watching Shelter House's video about the SOS program, available at www.shelterhouse.on.ca.

Thank you very much. I look forward to your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

Warren (Smokey) Thomas

President, Ontario Public Service Employees Union

c. Patrick Brown, Leader, Official Opposition

Andrea Horwath, Leader, New Democratic Party of Ontario

Joe Everett, Unit Steward, OPSEU Local 738, Shelter House

Silvana Cacciatore, President, OPSEU Local 738

OPSEU Executive Board

SOURCE Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU)

Related Links

http://www.opseu.org


PHOENIX, March 16, 2017 /CNW/ -- U-Haul is pleased to announce it has surpassed $300,000 in customer contributions to Tree Canada, a non-profit organization dedicated to planting trees in Canada.

Since 1945, U-Haul has been committed to conducting business in a socially responsible manner to protect the environment. This commitment is reflected in providing customers the option of contributing to Tree Canada's Grow Clean Air program to offset their carbon emissions at the time of moving equipment rental.

More than 140,000 customers at U-Haul locations across Canada have contributed approximately $305,000 since the partnership began in December 2011, helping to plant 38,031 trees to date. These trees will absorb nearly 42,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide through their lives, providing cleaner air to breathe. Every cent of contributions collected go to Tree Canada for the planting and care of native trees, which will provide habitats for wildlife and preserve natural ecosystems.

"The partnership and alignment of values between Tree Canada and U-Haul Canada are strong indicators of our commitment to the Canadian citizens," said Jake Spelic, U-Haul Area District Vice President based in Ontario. "An optional donation to Tree Canada at checkout offers our customers an opportunity to offset their self-move carbon footprint and give back in the form of tree planting, forest restoration and protection of existing trees from devastating pests through immunizations. Overwhelmingly, our customers get this and embrace the opportunity."

The first planting for the U-Haul-Tree Canada partnership occurred October 2014 with 5,000 seedlings in Sudbury. In 2015, U-Haul customer contributions provided 20,000 trees to reforest Kamloops in an area severely devastated by mountain pine beetles and wildfires. Thanks to U-Haul customers, Tree Canada has protected and/or repopulated the tree supply in Peterborough (2015), Coquitlam (2016), Calgary (2016) and Niagara Falls (2016).

This spring, U-Haul customer contributions will help sponsor Tree Canada's #OperationReLeaf Fort McMurray to reforest the areas ravaged by the fires in 2016.

"Being a responsible corporate citizen in Canada is our Company's mandate," said Jennifer Anstett, U-Haul Area District Vice President based in British Columbia. "We have helped to plant trees in a variety of locations to support local communities and reforest areas so future generations may enjoy them. I am truly looking forward to our new initiative in which we will plant trees in Fort McMurray. The most recent fires devastated the community and the forests surrounding it."

Michael Rosen, President of Tree Canada, noted that he is extremely pleased to be partnering with U-Haul for the Grow Clean Air program.

"U-Haul has clearly demonstrated its commitment to improving the environment while continuing to provide excellent service to its customers," Rosen said. "We look forward to continue working with U-Haul on all their future greening initiatives."

Learn more about what U-Haul is doing in your community by visiting myuhaulstory.com.

About U-Haul

U-Haul was founded by a Navy veteran who grew up during the Great Depression. Tires and gas were still rationed or in short supply during the late 1940s when U-Haul began serving U.S. customers. Today, that background is central to the U-Haul Sustainability Program: "Serving the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." Our commitment to reduce, reuse and recycle includes fuel-efficient moving vans, neighborhood proximity, moving box reuse, moving pads made from discarded material and packing peanuts that are 100 percent biodegradable. Learn more about these facts and others at uhaul.com/sustainability.

About Tree Canada

Tree Canada is a non-profit charity dedicated to improving the lives of Canadians by planting and nurturing trees. Since 1992, we've planted more than 80 million trees, greened more than 550 schoolyards, helped restore places hit by natural disasters and brought together urban forestry experts greening cities all across Canada. Get involved or learn more about us at treecanada.ca.

Contact:

Jeff Lockridge

Sebastien Reyes

E-mail: [email protected]

Phone: 602-760-4941

Website: uhaul.com

SOURCE U-Haul
Kalashnikov, famous small arms weapon maker, will create a tank-like robot weighing 20 tons. Kalashnikovs BAS-01G Soratnik is a seven ton unmanned vehicle that can carry a machine gun and quartet of antitank missiles, but they want one three times bigger. It would be about the same size as a U.S. Army M1126 Stryker ICV.

The 2S25 Sprut-SD is a self-propelled russian tank destroyer or light tank developed. It weighs 20 tons and has a 125 mm smoothbore gun. Its main armament, the Sprut anti-tank gun, is capable of firing APFSDS, HE-Frag, HEAT and ATGM ammunition. This allows the 2S25 to be as powerful as a main battle tank and as maneuverable and amphibious as airborne infantry combat vehicles. The 2S25 can be used by units of ground forces and naval infantry as a light amphibious tank. Currently, the only operators of the 2S25 are the Russian airborne troops with 24 of these vehicles in service.

The 7 ton robotic armored vehicle

Russias 20 ton tank with a 125 mm gun

A modern autoloader for a 120125 mm caliber weapon in good condition can achieve about 1012 rounds per minute. This rating may or may not include the time required to bring the gun to the appropriate loading angle (if required) and then bringing it back up to firing angle after loading. This is fast, but not quite as fast as a human loader, for which claims of 15 rounds per minute (at least for a short time) are made. On the other hand, the very newest autoloaders claim to match this rate of fire. Furthermore, it is considered atypical to engage more than a few targets per minute in a tank. The autoloader may also have an advantage while travelling over rough terrain that may jar a human loader enough to disrupt his loading cycle.

For weapons above 127 mm, the increased weight of the round pushes this issue decisively in favor of the autoloader. For self-propelled artillery with calibers of around 155mm, for example, autoloaders can typically achieve 812 rounds per minute, while a human loader(s) can typically achieve 4 rounds per minute.

Part of the fictional bolo history

This will be the realization of Keith Laumers science fiction Bolo tank series.

MARK I BOLO (2000):

The Mark I Bolo was an early twenty-first century update of current Abrams technology armed with a single turreted main gun (150mm; 1,722 mps muzzle velocity) capable of defeating any existing vehicles armor (including its own) firing DSFSLRP (discarding sabot, fin-stabilized, long-rod penetrator) rounds. The Mark I carried secondary-turreted point defense/anti-personnel gatlings with on-mount radar and computerized fire control packages, required a conventional four-man crew, and relied upon a pair of high-efficiency, fossil-fueled turbines for power. Combat radius was 1,000 kilometers with a battle weight of 150 metric tons. Maximum speed was approximately 80 kph (road). The Mark I was replaced in production fairly quickly by the Mark II under the pressure the new arms race exerted on R&D as the traditional world order slipped towards general collapse.

MARK II BOLO (2015):

The Mark II was an updated Mark I, with greatly improved onboard computers and the same main armament, but with the first light lateral infinite repeater armament (four railguns in two two-gun batteries). Fitted with gatling and counter-missile point defense. First durachrome armor (10 millimeter) capable of defeating any weapon short of the Bolos own DSFSLRP round. Electronics were designed to allow a single crewman to assimilate data and operate the entire system, and weight rose to 194 metric tons. The Mark IIs fossil fuel power plant drove electric generators rather than powering its drive train directly, and the vehicle had a limited (12-hour) backup power supply of ionic batteries. The Mark II could also operate on electrical power from a secondary source (such as local civilian generator capacity) to maintain long-term readiness in the area defense role. Maximum speed was approximately 80 kph (road) to 30 kph (cross-country in average terrain). The Mark II was the last Bolo with only two tread systems; all later marks were designed with wide track treadsthat is, with multiple track systems across the full width of the vehicle to reduce ground pressure to the lowest possible value.

MARK III BOLO (2018):

A near contemporary of Mark II, the Mark III was actually designed as a heavy (300 metric tons) companion vehicle. The Mark IIIs single 150mm main gun (which was not turreted and had only a 20 degree traverse) was backed by an 8-gun infinite repeater battery, a heavy indirect fire support capability (four 155mm howitzers and a light VLS missile system), and an upgraded anti-missile armament. Unlike the Mark II, the Mark III carried only a single fossil-fueled power plant, strictly for backup use; power was normally drawn from heavy banks of ionic batteries, and the Mark III was the first Bolo designed from the outset to use solar film recharging. The vehicle also carried a marginally better sensor suite and a thicker durachrome hull (20 millimeter) which could be pierced at pointblank range (250 meters or less) by a 90 degree hit with the 140mm or 150mm DSFSLRP round; otherwise, it was effectively immune to anything short of a contact nuclear explosion. The Mark III was designed for a two-man crew with the second crewman serving as electronics officer (EW, sensors, etc.), but could be crewed by a single experienced operator in a pinch. The last Pre-Collapse Bolo, it was the first Bolo with multiple tread systemsinner and outerwith an independent power train for the inner pair, but maximum speed fell to 50 kph (road), 25 kph (cross-country).
By GMM 16 March 2017 - 07:34





The promoter of Azerbaijans grand prix has hit back hard at the chief executive of F1s new owner Liberty Media.

Forbes this week quoted Liberty CEO Greg Maffei as strongly criticising Bernie Ecclestones former approach to signing up race hosts.

He said Azerbaijan, for instance, pays "a big race fee" but does "nothing to build the long-term brand and health of the business".

Now, Azerbaijan GP chief Arif Rahimov has told the local sport news agency Azerisport that Maffeis comments are disappointing.

"Last year we put on a great show that almost everyone recognised," he said.

"It was an unpleasant shock to see Greg Maffeis comments. This man only recently took up his post and was not at the race in Baku. He has been here not more than 6 months and weve been working on F1 for three years.

"Additionally, this attitude is harmful to the legacy of formula one.

"Meanwhile, we can review the contract with Liberty Media," Rahimov added.
TORONTO, ON--(Marketwired - March 16, 2017) - Gran Colombia Gold Corp. (GCM.TO) announced today that it has signed an option agreement with IAMGOLD Corp. (IMG.TO) for the exploration and potential purchase of an interest in the Company's Zancudo Project.

The Zancudo Project is located in the Titiribi mining district of Antioquia, about 27 km south of Medellin, and comprises a historical gold mine, the Independencia Mine, in the Middle Cauca Gold Belt that had produced about 130,000 ounces of gold with recovered grades of 14.6 g/t Au and 108.4 g/t Ag. The Independencia Mine exploited an epithermal to mesothermal, intermediate sulphidation type vein system that was exploited over 3.5 km with known depths of over 900m. Gran Colombia had completed a 14,000m drilling program at the Zancudo Project in 2011 and 2012 that focused on defining new potential resources by following the strike and shallow dip extensions of the Santa Catalina and Manto Antiguo structures that represent the extension to the south of what was mined in the historical Independencia Mine. Following the gold price collapse in 2013, the Company halted further exploration at the project to focus on the expansion and modernization of its high-grade producing Segovia Operations.

Under the agreement, IAMGOLD has been granted an option to acquire an initial undivided 65% interest (the "First Option") in the Zancudo Project by incurring an aggregate of US$10 million of mineral exploration expenditures over a six-year period, subject to meeting specified annual work commitments during the First Option period, of which the first US$1 million to be incurred within the first year is a firm commitment and IAMGOLD has the right to cease its obligations at any time thereafter.

IAMGOLD has also been granted an additional option (the "Second Option") to acquire a further 5% undivided interest for an aggregate 70% undivided interest in the Zancudo Project by completing a feasibility study within three years after exercising the First Option.

Upon exercise of the First Option or the Second Option, as the case may be, the parties will form a joint venture to hold the Zancudo Project, to advance the exploration and, if feasible, to advance the development and mining of any commercially exploitable ore body.

About Gran Colombia Gold Corp.

Gran Colombia is a Canadian-based gold and silver exploration, development and production company with its primary focus in Colombia. Gran Colombia is currently the largest underground gold and silver producer in Colombia with several underground mines in operation at its Segovia and Marmato Operations. Gran Colombia is in the midst of an expansion and modernization project at its Segovia Operations.

Additional information on Gran Colombia can be found on its website at www.grancolombiagold.com and by reviewing its profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information:

This news release contains "forward-looking information". Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Gran Colombia to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements are described under the caption "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Information Form dated as of March 30, 2016, which is available for view on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this press release and Gran Colombia disclaims, other than as required by law, any obligation to update any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, results, future events, circumstances, or if management's estimates or opinions should change, or otherwise. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.
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Bethany Smith, 18, has died after falling off the mast of a luxury yacht while it was berthed near Portland, Jamaica. The young lady had been working on the yacht for over a year as a junior deckhand until that fatefulwhen she had an unfortunate accident and died in hospital as a result of her injuries. The teenager is originally from Glyn-Dyfrdwy, Denbighshire, North Wales, UK but she left a decade ago to sail around the world with her family on their yacht. More than a year ago, she fell in love with a Germania Nova yacht in Trinidad and decided to join in. She was enthusiastic about working on the yacht and blogged about her experience seeing the world on the Germania Nova. Her blog's motto was "Live life for today, you never know whatwill bring".The news of her death was confirmed by Niall Robinson, partner at Hill Robinson Yacht Management which charters the Germania Nova. He said: "We are desperately sad to confirm that a tragic accident has occurred on Germania Nova leading to the fatality of a crew member. The crew members next of kin have been informed and our thoughts are with the family, friends and fellow crew members at this very difficult time. Hill Robinson and the owners are doing everything possible to support the family and friends and of course an immediate investigation is already under way"Bethany's family are all in different parts of the world. Her mother, Sarah, is in Trinidad, her father, Dave, is in the Netherlands and her brother, Bryn, is in Antigua. A GoFundMe page has been set up to raise more than 9,000 to help alleviate part of the financial stress so that they wouldn't have to worry about the cost of coming together for Bethany's burial.She has been described as "a generous person and a ray of sunshine who brought laughter and music into the lives of those she met".
Immigration police on Wednesday, March 15th, arrested 26 Nigerians in Chom Chao, near Phnom Penh's Por Senchey district for living and working in Cambodia without valid visas and/ or passports.

Major General Ouk Heisela, director of inspection at the Interior Ministrys General Department of Immigration, said the group was taken for questioning after their arrest.Officers found only 10 had passports, while 16 had no travel documents at all. The 10 with passports but no work permits will be fined and released. The rest will be deported back to Nigeria"
The logo of Swedish fashion retail group H&M is seen at a building in Dietlikon, Switzerland October 11, 2016. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann

STOCKHOLM (Reuters) - H&M (HMb.ST), the world's second largest clothing retailer, posted a surprise drop in sales last month, the first such decline in four years sending its shares 4.5 percent lower.

The Swedish budget fashion firm said on Wednesday local-currency sales fell 1 percent year-on-year in February, against a forecast in a Reuters poll of analysts for a 6 percent rise.

That was in stark contrast to bigger rival Inditex (ITX.MC) the owner of Zara, which reported earlier on Wednesday a 13 percent increase in sales from Feb. 1 to March 12.

The total apparel market in H&M's biggest market Germany shrank 9 percent in February, according to a survey of retailers conducted by Textilwirtschaft and published on March 8.

Spain's Inditex is less exposed to northern Europe than H&M and has a larger share of sales from brands other than its flagship Zara brand. It also has a larger share of sales in emerging markets.

H&M's shares were down 4.5 percent at 0925 GMT to leave the stock down 17 percent over the past year.

"I think market conditions are the main driver of the weak February number," UBS analyst Adam Cochrane said, adding investors also fear H&M is losing market share.

H&M, which saw sales growth slow and profits fall last year, is branching out into more brands to reach more customers and investing to improve its online services in response to tougher competition in its budget segment and from online-only players.

It said a negative calendar effect of 4 percentage points weighed on sales in February, which is the final month of the group's fiscal first quarter.

Fiscal first-quarter sales were 47.0 billion crowns (4.2 billion pounds), up from a year-ago 43.7 billion but below a 48.1 billion mean forecast in Reuters' poll of analysts.

H&M, which did not comment further on the sales figures, is due to publish its full fiscal first-quarter report on March 30.

The company in January launched a target for annual local-currency sales growth of 10-15 percent and said it expects to be within that range from this year on.

($1 = 8.9528 Swedish crowns)

(Reporting by Anna Ringstrom, additional reporting by Helena Soderpalm; Editing by Keith Weir)
Justice Lateefa Okunnu of the Lagos High Court has convicted Rowaye Jubril and his company, Brila Energy Ltd, on 13 counts of fuel subsidy...

Justice Lateefa Okunnu of the Lagos High Court has convicted Rowaye Jubril and his company, Brila Energy Ltd, on 13 counts of fuel subsidy fraud.He sentenced Jibril to 10 years in prison, and also gave an order of restitution to his company directing that N963.7 million be refunded to the federal government.The defendants were first arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in November 2012 alleging their involvement in fuel subsidy scam under the past administrationIt can be recalled that the judge had early convicted Walter Wagbatsoma, Adaoha Ugo-Ngadi, and their company, Ontario Oil and Gas, for fuel subsidy fraud.
Sani Usman, a brigadier and director army public relations, has said Wednesday evenings attack on Magumeri, Borno state, was carried out ...

Sani Usman, a brigadier and director army public relations, has said Wednesday evenings attack on Magumeri, Borno state, was carried out by terrorists who are well known to the towns residents.It was reported that the attack forced hundreds of civilians to flee into Maiduguri while some sought safety in the bush.Confirming the attack in a statement on Thursday, Usman said there seems to be an unholy alliance between the terrorists and the villagers.He said the terrorists came from the same community, adding that Magumeri was never attacked during the period of insurgency.According to Usman, troops of 8 task force division successfully prevented the mishap and have neutralised quite a number of the attackers while those that escaped with gunshot wounds are being pursued.The terrorists who came with some vehicles at about 6.00pm attempted to set the town ablaze and kill the residents but the timely intervention of the troops prevented that mishap.So far, the troops have recovered 3 vehicles and large quantity of arms and ammunition, he said.While troops are still consolidating and mopping up, it is imperative to state that preliminary investigation shows that the attackers of Magumeri came from the same community. The terrorists that attack the village are well known to the people.It should also be noted that the village was never attacked throughout the period of the insurgency for some inexplicable reasons. The terrorists and their collaborators hibernating in the area were never exposed. There seems to be unholy alliance between the terrorists and the villagers.Consequently, we are constrained to state that its now high time for the people to take up the fight themselves and help the Nigerian military and other security agencies to protect them. It is a grievous mistake and criminal offence to continue to shield or harbour any known Boko Haram terrorist in their midst.The terrorists must be exposed and their movements promptly reported to the security agencies. The terrorists are inhuman and barbaric, therefore cannot be trusted to spare anyone in perpetuating their inhuman acts.It is imperative that all communities in the North East especially Borno State, should fully cooperate with the military and the Security agencies by exposing Boko Haram terrorists in their respective towns and villages.
President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday made a sudden appearance at the ongoing National Economic Council, NEC holding at the presidential ...

President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday made a sudden appearance at the ongoing National Economic Council, NEC holding at the presidential Villa, Abuja. This would be the first time ever the president would be appearing at the NEC meeting constitutionally chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.Members of NEC included state governors; the Central Bank governor; Ministers of Justice, Finance, and FCT.At exactly 12:30 pm, the president walked into the Council chamber, venue of the meeting, went round and shook hands with all NEC members before taking his seat.It was learnt that NEC had earlier resolved to go and pay homage to the president in his office but later, the President offered to come down and meet them.At the point the Chairman of the Governors Forum and Zamfara State Governor, Abdulahi Yari was called by the Vice President to make some remarks, Journalists were asked to excuse the meeting.Recall that Buhari left the shores of Nigeria for the United Kingdom on January 19 where he spent about 50 days on medical vacation.He returned to the country last week Friday, appealing to Nigerians to allow him get some rest.He however resumed his official duties on Monday.Details later
The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered that Ex-NNPC boss, Andrew Yakubu, be remanded in Kuje prison pending the determination...





The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered that Ex-NNPC boss, Andrew Yakubu, be remanded in Kuje prison pending the determination of his bail application on March 21.Yakubu was, on Thursday, arraigned on a six-count charge of fraud before Justice Ahmed Mohammed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after he admitted owning over $9.8 million cash found in a house that also belongs to him in Kaduna State.He pleaded not guilty to the charge filed by the EFCC.The defendant had through his lawyer, Mr. Ahmed Raji, SAN, begged the court to rather remand him in EFCC custody pending the ruling, a result that was turned down by Justice Mohammed.It will be recalled that following a tip-off from a whistle-blower, the EFCC, raided Yakubus guest house situated at Sabon Tasha, Kaduna State, where it recovered the alleged loot which was in foreign currencies.The anti-agency said it discovered the sum of $9.7million and 74,000 that Yakubu hid in a fireproof safe inside the house. The defendant earlier asked the high court to order the commission to return the seized money to him, insisting it was part of monetary gifts he received on various occasions.
The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, on Thursday, asked the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja to sack the lawmaker representing Akwa Ibo...

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, on Thursday, asked the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja to sack the lawmaker representing Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Chief Nelson Asuquo Effiong, following his defection to the All Progressive Congress, APC.Asuquo Effiong In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/05/61/2017, PDP, alongside 15 chieftains of the party in Akwa Ibom state, asked the court to declare that Effiong has lost his membership with effect from January 19, 2017, pursuant to section 68(1)(g) of the Constitution, having now become a member of APC before the expiration of the period for which he was elected into the Senate on the platform of PDP.In the Originating Summons, the plaintiffs cited the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki as the 2nd defendant in the matter.They want the court to declare that the seat for Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District in the National Assembly is vacant pursuant to section 68(1)(g) of the 1999 constitution, same having been vacated by the operation of law by the 1st defendant by reason of his becoming member of APC before the expiration of the period for which he was elected into the Senate on the platform of PDP.They further want an order directing the Senate President to declare the seat of Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District in the National Assembly vacant pursuant to Section 68(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution same having been vacated by the operation of law by the 1st defendant by reason of his becoming member of APC before the expiration of the period for which he was elected into the Senate on the platform of PDP.An order of interlocutory injunction restraining the first defendant from parading himself as the Senator representing Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District in the National Assembly. As well as an interlocutory injunction restraining the 2nd defendant from further recognising the 1st defendant as the Senator representing Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District in the National Assembly.More so, the plaintiffs asked the court to determine whether the 1st defendant has not lost his membership with effect from January 19, 2017 as the Senator representing Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District in the National Assembly pursuant pursuant to Section 68(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution same having been vacated by the operation of law by the 1st defendant by reason of his becoming member of APC before the expiration of the period for which he was elected into the Senate on the platform of PDP.Meantime, Justice Tsoho Tsoho has fixed May 11 to begin hearing on the suit.
Doctors in Ogun State, under the aegis of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), yesterday marched on Governor Ibikunle Amosuns office to...

Doctors in Ogun State, under the aegis of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), yesterday marched on Governor Ibikunle Amosuns office to protest the decay in the health sector.They demanded regular payment of their salaries and dues, recruitment of more personnel, procurement of adequate and modern equipment as well as improved infrastructure.The doctors, clad in their lab coats, were addressed by the Secretary to the State Government, Taiwo Adeoluwa.They also visited the House of Assembly.They sang solidarity songs and carried placards.Speaking at the Governors Office, NMA Chairman Abayomi Olajide admitted the governor has been doing a lot but he is doing nothing in the health sector.Olajide said the number of health workers in the state is abysmally poor and infrastructure is nothing to write home about.He explained that the union decided not to go on strike in order not to worsen the deplorable state of the health sector.Adeoluwa admitted the health sector is facing challenges, but said :It is uncharitable to say the government has not done nothing in the health sector.The SSG recalled that the Amosun-led administration inherited a bad sector in 2011, but has made improvements.Adeoluwa blamed the challenges on paucity of funds, assuring the union the governor will soon address the challenges.He said: Most of what you have said are true. We are not the government that derives joy in telling lies.It is not as if we have done nothing, please. We are not where we should be, I admit. More should be done, we admit.But it is entirely uncharitable, please pardon me, to say the government has done nothing.We have more than doubled the number of health workers we met on ground in 2011. We want to do more.At the House of Assembly, the Clerk, Bisiriyu Lanre, collected the NMAs letter and promised that the Assembly would intervene.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Wednesday urged President Muhammadu Buhari and other African leaders to ensure that there is no hidi...

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Wednesday urged President Muhammadu Buhari and other African leaders to ensure that there is no hiding place for treasury looters.Obasanjo made the call while speaking during the opening ceremony of a five-day biennial international conference organised by the Faculty of Arts, University of Ibadan, Oyo state.There should be no respite, there should be no hiding place for treasury looters. And good people with ideas must come forward to be counted, get elected or supported by good people to grow the economy and provide solid infrastructure.African citizens on their part will have to create the popular pressures that will put African leaders to address the challenges of leadership, fiscal and economic, managerial, infrastructure, industrial and technological deficits,'' Obasanjo said,
The Edo Government has declared Friday public holiday in honour of the late Samuel Ogbemudia, former governor of the defunct Mid-West Regi...

The Edo Government has declared Friday public holiday in honour of the late Samuel Ogbemudia, former governor of the defunct Mid-West Region and Bendel.John Mayaki, the Chief Press Secretary to Gov. Godwin Obaseki, said this in a statement he issued on Wednesday in Benin.He said the holiday was to enable the people of the state mourn and pay their last respects to the deceased.According to him, pupils and students are expected to queue up in their uniforms at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium by 9 a.m. on Friday for the state burial ceremony for the former leader.The governors aide urged civil servants to be seated at the stadium by 10 a.m. for an inter-denominational church service for Mr. Ogbemudia.Mr. Ogbemudia, 84, died in the early hours of March 9 in Lagos.
A recent report claimed that Ibrahim Magu was rejected by the Nigerian senate because he insisted on probing them of N19bn fraud.

A recent report claimed that Ibrahim Magu was rejected by the Nigerian senate because he insisted on probing them of N19bn fraud.The report from The Nation said the governors were angry with Magu over the ongoing probe of the alleged diversion of N19 billion from the London-Paris Club loan refund.Seven governors have been implicated in the scandal.A source reportedly said: All attempts to prevail on Magu to halt the investigation failed and the governors have no choice than to engage in lobbying to truncate the confirmation.Although a governor from the Northeast did his best to persuade his colleagues to spare Magu, some of the governors vowed not to take the risk.At a point, the governors sent emissaries to the Acting EFCC chairman, including some government officials, but he did not shift ground.The position of the governors was that the Presidency was in the picture of the deductions from the loan refunds but the EFCCs probe was seen as an embarrassment to them.Before Magu goes after them, they decided to cut him to size. These governors found willing partners in some National Assembly leaders who were implicated in the loan refund.In addition to this, some senators who are on trial were supported by their allies in the Red Chamber to reject Magu.
Some consumer advocacy groups in the country have threatened to institute a class-action suit against the Nigerian Bottling Company if it ...

Some consumer advocacy groups in the country have threatened to institute a class-action suit against the Nigerian Bottling Company if it is established that an infraction has been committed against consumers of its beverage products, Fanta and Sprite.A class-action lawsuit is one in which a group of people with the same or similar injuries caused by the same product or action sue the defendant as a group.The President and Founder, Consumer Advocacy Foundation of Nigeria, Ms. Sola Salako, disclosed this to one of our correspondents in Lagos on Wednesday.She, however, said that the first step would be to consult the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control and find out how it arrived at the level of benzoic and ascorbic acids to be used in producing soft drinks for consumption in Nigeria and why the global standard was different from that applicable in the country.Salako said, First, we have to ascertain from NAFDAC how they arrived at a different standard limit of benzoic acid for soft drinks meant for consumption in Nigeria. What is the condition of the laboratories that the tests were carried out to determine this standard? In the last 10 years, how many studies have been carried out to determine the changes in the lifestyle of consumers?The standard limit of benzoic acid in the United Kingdom is 150mg per kilogramme, while the standard level for Nigeria is 250mg/kg. That is too high!She also suggested that it was possible that when the 250mg/kg standard was set, people were not consuming as much soft drinks as they were currently consuming, adding that there might be a need to review the standard.Salako faulted the reaction of the NBC that because NAFDAC had approved the standard, it was not bothered.They should be concerned about the health of their consumers. I would have expected them to say that in the light of the current concerns, they would consider reducing the level of the acids, because there have been a lot of health concerns with the consumption of soft drinks and sugar these days, she stated.The President, Consumer Awareness Organisation, Dr. Felicia Monye, said that although a class action had been part of the law, the attitude of consumers to such a suit was not encouraging to consumer advocacy groups.She said, Consumers and citizens generally do not opt for that for reasons best known to them. You will see that if 50 people agree to come together, after one or two meetings, the number will just reduce.This lukewarm attitude of consumers is responsible for the problem of consumer protection in Nigeria. They may believe that they have a right, but when it comes to the enforcement of that right, they will not show interest, she said.Meanwhile, NAFDAC and the NBC have appealed the judgment of the Lagos High Court, which directed the bottler to put a warning on Fanta and Sprite bottles that taking the products with Vitamin C was poisonous.The Director-General, NAFDAC, Mrs. Yetunde Oni; and counsel for NBC, Mr. Olatunde Busari (SAN), stated this on Wednesday.The NAFDAC boss said this just as the Nigerian Medical Association urged the agency and the Federal Ministry of Health to ensure the enforcement of the judgment.The NMA held that NAFDAC failed Nigerians by declaring as fit for human consumption, drinks discovered through tests in the United Kingdom as being poisonous when mixed with Vitamin C.The court had awarded a cost of N2m against NAFDAC. The judgment was on a suit filed by a Lagos-based businessman, Dr. Emmanuel Fijabi Adebo, and his company, Fijabi Adebo Holdings Limited, against NBC Plc and NAFDAC.Adebo, had in the suit, asked the court to declare that NBC was negligent to its consumers by bottling Fanta and Sprite with excessive levels of benzoic acid and sunset additives.He also urged the court to order NAFDAC to carry out routine laboratory tests on all the soft drinks and related products that NBC was bottling to ascertain their safety for consumption.But the director-general of NAFDAC said that the agencys lawyer had filed an appeal against the judgment and a motion to stay its execution.NAFDAC is a national regulatory authority and will react both scientifically and legally to the matter. Our lawyer has filed an appeal and a motion to stay execution of action of the judgment also filed, Oni stated.Busari also stated that the NBC had appealed the judgment, with the beverage company adding in a statement that both drinks were produced in compliance with national and international food quality and safety standards in the country.The statement read in part, In the judgement delivered on February 15, 2017, the Lagos High Court dismissed all claims against the NBC and held that the company had not breached its duty of care to consumers and that there was no proven case of negligence against it.In the same judgement, the court directed NAFDAC to mandate the NBC to include a warning on its bottles of Fanta and Sprite that its contents cannot be taken with Vitamin C as it could be poisonous. This order was premised on the fact that the products contain the preservative, benzoic acid. The NBC has since appealed this order.According to the company, the levels of benzoic and ascorbic acid in the drinks are approved by the regulatory agencies in the country.It stated, In the subject case, which dates back to 2007, the UK authorities confiscated a consignment of our products shipped to that country by the plaintiff, because their benzoic acid levels were not within the UK national level although well within the levels approved by both the national regulators for Nigeria and the international levels set by CODEX, the joint intergovernmental body responsible for harmonising food standards globally.The UK limits benzoic acid in soft drinks to a maximum of 150mg/kg. Both Fanta and Sprite have benzoic levels of 200mg/kg, which is lower than the Nigerian regulatory limit of 250mg/kg when combined with ascorbic acid, and 300mg/kg without ascorbic acid, and also lower than the 600mg/kg international limit set by CODEX.Both benzoic acid and ascorbic acid, also known as Vitamin C, are ingredients approved by international food safety regulators and used in many food and beverage products around the world.These two ingredients are also used in combination in some of these products within levels, which may differ from one country to another as approved by the respective national food and drug regulators, and in line with the range prescribed by CODEX.It added, The permissible ingredient levels set by countries for their food and beverage products are influenced by a number of factors such as climate, an example being the UK, a temperate region, requiring lower preservative levels unlike tropical countries.Given the fact that the benzoic and ascorbic acid levels in Fanta as well as the benzoic acid level in Sprite produced and sold by the NBC in Nigeria are in compliance with the levels approved by all relevant national regulators and the international level set by CODEX, there is no truth in the report that these products would become poisonous if consumed alongside Vitamin C.A nutrition officer with Federal Medical Centre, Idiaba, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Mr. Oladimeji Okunlola, advised the NBC to embark on a campaign to sensitise Nigerians to the dangers of some of the preservatives used in its products.Okunlola also said that aside benzoic acid, Nigerians should be concerned about the sodium level in soft drinks and other consumables.He said, Benzoic acid is a preservative used in foods and drinks. There are other preservatives like alpha tens, a sweetener. It is a class of protein that is harmful to people living with kidney failure. There are drinks, which have alpha ten specific warnings on their labels and I think the NBC should do the same.Vitamin C is a common drug and when you take it with soft drinks, a gas is released and it can affect the kidney and the liver. I think NBC should come out with a better defence. The story that the benzoic acid in the drink is still within acceptable limits does not fly. Who determines the acceptable levels? Is it the Nigeria Medical Association or NAFDAC?
Geopolitical tensions in East Asia have escalated in the last year as China uses its considerable soft power to push its neighbors when it feels national interests are threatened.

Well, those countries are coming to the conclusion that enough is enough, and they're heading to places like Southeast and South Asia to turn their fortunes around, according to analysts.

" South Korean multinationals may decide to diversify their manufacturing supply chain and also production facilities to other Asian locations, in order to reduce their vulnerability to future Chinese economic measures," said Rajiv Biswas, IHS Markit's Asia Pacific chief economist.

Currently, South Korea's decision to allow the U.S. to deploy an advanced missile defence system on the peninsula has culminated in a series of retaliatory measures from Beijing , including closing Lotte stores in China, limiting South Korean pop cultural imports and curbing tour groups to its neighbor.

South Korean firms have already started investing in the fast-growing Southeast Asia region as its spat with Beijing simmered for a few years.

In Vietnam , South Korea has invested heavily in establishing electronics production facilities, and that trend is likely to accelerate following the recent Chinese economic measures against the country, said IHS' Biswas.

Since 2014, the country's share of outbound direct investment (ODI) into countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations has exceeded investment into China and that's likely to accelerate as Korean firms aim to reduce their dependency on their influential neighbor, Natixis' senior economist Trinh Nguyen wrote in a report released last week.

"China will continue to be an important market for South Korea. That said, dependency comes at a great cost," she added.

According to IHS, South Korean exports to Vietnam soared in the first two months of 2017, jumping 40 percent from a year ago, reflecting strong linkages between the electronics supply chain between the two countries. India is another potential market where South Korean presence will grow, according to Biswas.

Story continues

South Korea's foray beyond the shadow of China will follow in the footsteps of Taiwan and Japan , both of whom have incurred Beijing's ire.

Like South Korea, Taiwan's ODI into emerging Southeast Asian nations has more than doubled from 2011 to 2015 . Now, some 15 percent of all Taiwanese ODI goes to Southeast Asia, up from 6 percent in 2006 to 2010, while 51 percent of the territory's ODI went to Chinadown from 84 percent in 2010, according to calculations by Singapore's DBS Bank released late last year.

Meanwhile, foreign direct investment of Japanese multinationals has veered toward Southeast and South Asia following anti-Japanese protests in China in 2012 due to territorial disputes, IHS' Biswas told CNBC.



Changing tracks on tourism

Even the tourism industry in South Korea is changing its itinerary as the country aims to lure non-Chinese visitors.

In January, the Korea Tourism Organization said it is aiming to draw 3.6 million tourists from Southeast Asia this year, drawing on the popularity of its pop cultural exports, Yonhap news agency reported. According to the organization, it welcomed over 2 million tourists from the ASEAN countries last year.

Taiwan has already walked the same path as it sought to attract visitors form Southeast Asia after Beijing started limiting group tours to the island after Tsai Ing-wen from the independence-leaning Democratic Progressive Party won the presidential election last year.

Tourist numbers to Taiwan rose to a record 10.7 million in 2016 even despite a sharp fall in mainland tourist arrivals. That was due in part to strong growth from the Southeast Asian markets.

Meanwhile, Thailand is eyeing the possibility of more Chinese tourists, who may now travel further amid the curbs.

On Tuesday, Ronnarong Chewinsiriamnuai, president of the Thai-Chinese Tourism Alliance Association, said the Chinese-Korean tensions could boost tourist arrivals to the Land of Smiles, Reuters reported.

"That's an opportunity for Thailand to see its tourism active again as more Chinese visitors are coming," Ronnarong said.

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Fire incident at internally displaced persons camp in Borno State, Northeast Nigeria has claimed three lives and left six other persons injured, the National Emergency Management Authority has revealed.The agency in a statement by its Information Officer, in the North-East zonal office, Maiduguri, Mallam AbdulKadir Ibrahim, revealed that the fire incident started from the kitchen section of the camp.Ibrahim said the incident was at the College of Business Administration, Konduga which presently houses 6,213 displaced persons.He said the fire which gutted part of the camp started at about 10:40 am on Thursday.
The Kaduna State House of Assembly has debunked speculations going on in the social media of plans to impeach the state Governor, Nasir El...

The Kaduna State House of Assembly has debunked speculations going on in the social media of plans to impeach the state Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.A statement signed by the chairman, House committee on Information, Nuhu Goro Shadalafiya described the report as false, malicious and fabricated lies.According to the statement, The message is to the effect that some members of the Kaduna House of Assembly met over the weekend on the possible impeachment of Governor El-rural over what the lawmakers termed as impeachment offences.It emphasised that there had never been a time when the house commenced any process of impeaching the Governor.While warning perpetrators to desist from further acts or face the wrath of the law, the House stressed that, The Kaduna state House of Assembly has totally disassociated itself from the speculation.
Several people have been feared dead as terrorist Boko Haram sect have again attacked a village in Borno.

Several people have been feared dead as terrorist Boko Haram sect have again attacked a village in Borno.This is coming barely twenty four hours after five persons were reported to have been killed by four suspected suicide bombers at the wee hours of Wednesday. According to a source, many people were killed while many houses were set ablaze.Most part of the town have been torched, while smoke was seen billowing over the area where the police station is, I cant give the number of casualty, but many must have been killed by the terrorists, the source said.A senior military officer also confirmed to newsmen that security personnel foiled an attack on Auno in Konduga local government area of the state. However, the Borno Police Command on Wednesday confirmed the killing of five persons, including four suspected suicide bombers, after an early morning attack in Usmanti village near Muna Garage in Maiduguri. Mr Damian Chukwu, the state Commissioner of Police, confirmed the incident in an interview with pressmen in Maiduguri. Chukwu said about eight villagers were also injured during the attack.He said the teenage bombers had invaded the village in the odd hours of the day. Four teenage girls, suspected to be suicide bombers, invaded the village in the odd hours of the day.The villagers gathered and tried to stop them but three of the bombers detonated explosives wrapped around their bodies. All the bombers died on the spot.A popular villager called Auwalu also died in the incident, he said The Police Anti Bomb Unit has visited the area and rendered it safe, said the Borno police commissioner. However, an official of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) put the casualty figure at six. NEMA North East Information Officer, Malam Abdul-Kadir Ibrahim, said in a statement in Maiduguri that four suspected bombers and two villagers died in the incident.Four teenage female suspected suicide bombers and two villagers died when the bombers detonated their explosives at Usmanti village along Muna Garage in the early hours of Wednesday. 16 people who got injured were administered with first aid by rescue workers before being evacuated for medical attention, Ibrahim said. He said that some of the victims were transported to the Specialist Hospital, while others were taken to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital for treatment.
President Muhammadu Buhari On Thursday attended an expanded National Economic Council (NEC) meeting, with the state governors in attendanc...

President Muhammadu Buhari On Thursday attended an expanded National Economic Council (NEC) meeting, with the state governors in attendance.The meeting is usually presided over by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo.Before taking his seat in the Council Chamber, Buhari took his time to shake hands with all the Governors present.Chairman, Nigerian Governors' Forum and Governor of Zamfara State, Abdulaziz Yari, presented a Card to the President on behalf of the other governors.Osinbajo had explained that the NEC was abridged in order to receive the President.
Chairman of the caretaker committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ahmed Makarfi has accused national chairman Ali Modu S...

Chairman of the caretaker committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ahmed Makarfi has accused national chairman Ali Modu Sheriff of frustrating the peace process.Makarfi, who made the accusation in Abuja yesterday while meeting some Northern leaders of the PDP, said Sheriff reneged on a proposal by former President Goodluck Jonathan.He told the gathering that Sheriff refused to abide by an arrangement where both of them would resign their positions. He also blamed the Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson for presenting a convention report to Sheriff without consultation.When Dickson came to meet me on his committees report, I told him, you are one of the governors that met with former President Goodluck Jonathan and he spelt out the proposal of peace plan which he communicated to the National Assembly caucus, communicated to us (caretaker committee) and other organs of the party.And I asked him, are you now removing yourself from that? Why didnt you table what you have before your colleagues? I also asked him whether he had taken pains to read the Port Harcourt Appeal Court judgment and he said no.That judgement is based on two premises which we did not accept. The first premise, which we did not accept in our appeal to the Supreme Court, that the tenure of three members of the NWC will expire in august this year and 18 will expire in July 2018.If you now propose to hold convention in June, what are you going to achieve? How will the June convention is different from last years in Portharcourt and he said he didnt think about that.The proposal on the way forward is to revert to the status quo as pronounced by the court of appeal. This is what I told Dickson, that he should go back to his colleague governors and other organs of the party to clear the issue. As far as we are concerned, the caretaker committee has no position other than what the organs of the party.Again, having reverted to the status quo, everybody will now formally resign. If everybody will resign, then the solicitors of the organs of the party will now sit down and look at all the legal issues involved and then draw up an MoU that will serve as settlement of parties. This will be deposited at the Supreme Court as the settlement of the crisis.Even if this is not provided in the constitution of the party, INEC is going to accept it and no one is going to rubbish PDP on that.In response, I told the former president that the caretaker committee has nothing against his proposal but that it will be presented before the organs and if accepted, the caretaker committee will stand by it.Former President Jonathan said he told Sheriff to go and consult and after his reply, he will get back to him. Uptill now he has not gotten back to him. What it means is that perhaps, he did not get positive response from Sheriff.Some of those present at the meeting were chairman former minister of police affairs, Adamu Maina Waziri; former minister of information, Prof Jerry gana; Aminu Wali; former PDP youth leader, Abdullahi Maibasira; Sen Saidu Kumo; Sen Aruwa; chairman of former ministers, Kabiru Turaki; former governor of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Bala Mohammed; former governor of Adamawa Boni Haruna.Former governor of Kano State Ibrahim Shekarau; Hon Tukur; Gen. David Jeribewon; former governor of Sokoto State, Attahiru Bafarawa; former governor of Niger State, Dr Babangida Aliyu; former deputy national publicity secretary of PDP, Abdullahi Jalo; former deputy governor of Sokoto, Murtahr Shagari; former women minister, Hajiya Inua Ciroma; former governor of Plateau, Sen Jonah Jang; Sen Abubakar Gada; Sen. Solomon Ewuga among others.
EkitiGovernor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State has fingered an unnamed cabal in the presidency as being responsible for the adultery alleg...

EkitiGovernor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State has fingered an unnamed cabal in the presidency as being responsible for the adultery allegation against Apostle Johnson Suleiman of the Omega Power Ministry by one Miss Stephanie Otobo.Fayose described the attack on Suleiman as high level conspiracy meant to destroy the integrity of the pastor and silence his critical and principled voice of truth and dissent in a nation fast becoming a one-party state.He said; This was the same way they tried to drag the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christians Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye in the mud. The whole world was aghast at how they insulted and ridiculed the highly-revered RCCG General Overseer. But for the outcry from all over the world, they almost bundled out Pastor Adeboye from his position as RCCG General Overseer and could have even arrested the General Overseer of Winners Chapel, David Oyedepo.In a statement issued yesterday in Ado-Ekiti by his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, the governor declared unequivocally that;  I stand by Apostle Suleiman and other men of God being directly or indirectly persecuted by the All Progressives Congress (APC) cabal. The governor said; Their evil plan is to destroy the Church so as to silence every perceivable strong voice of opposition. And their mode of operation is to take on every vocal, principled, and popular man of God one after the other.Should it not interest Nigerians and the international community that up till today, none of those herdsmen that killed thousands of Nigerians in Benue, Enugu, Delta, Ogun, Plateau and Kaduna States have been arrested? Even those arrested in connection with the murder of an Abuja-based female pastor, Eunice Elisha have been released.
Hundreds of protesters have stormed the entrance of National Assembly complex in Abuja.

Hundreds of protesters have stormed the entrance of National Assembly complex in Abuja.They are protesting the continuous killing of indigenes of Benue State by herdsmen.About 10 persons were killed by suspected herdsmen in the state last weekend.The incident saw Governor Samuel Orton issue a 48-hour ultimatum on Fulani herdsmen to leave Tombo-Mbalagh in Buruku Local Government Area.Governor Ortom gave the order on Monday in Tombo-Mbalagh after assessing the damage inflicted on the community.No official of the federal legislator was out to address the protesters as at 11:30am.Meanwhile, more police officers have been drafted to the NASS gate to maintain law and order.
President Donald Trump proposed drastic cuts in spending on the arts, science, foreign aid and environmental protection Thursday, in a sec...

President Donald Trump proposed drastic cuts in spending on the arts, science, foreign aid and environmental protection Thursday, in a security-focused budget blueprint that could struggle to pass Congress.Translating hardline campaign promises into dollar-and-cent commitments, the Republican leader proposed scrapping dozens of programs like public broadcasting and climate funding, while boosting Pentagon spending by $52 billion.Trump, in the preface to the spending proposal, described it as a budget that puts America first, and that makes safety and security the number one priority  because without safety, there can be no prosperity.The State Department and the Environmental Protection Agency would be the biggest losers, seeing their funding reduced by around a third.That could be a harbinger of steep reductions in foreign aid and funding to UN agencies, with knock-on effects around the world.The national endowments for the arts and humanities would be scraped and funding for the National Institutes of Health  a biomedical research facility  would be cut by almost $6 billion.This is a hard-power budget, it is not a soft-power budget said White House budget chief Mick Mulvaney.The former congressman said he trawled through Trumps campaign speeches for inspiration.The Pentagon would be the major winner if Trumps proposed spending priorities go through, with a nearly 10 percent boost  which would create a defense budget already bigger than that of the next seven nations combined.Separately, around $4 billion will be earmarked this year and next to start building a wall along Americas border with Mexico.Trump has repeatedly claimed that Mexico will pay for the wall  which will cost at least $15 billion, according to estimates by Bernstein Research, a consulting firm.Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, speaking in Tokyo, said he would willingly accept Trumps challenge to tighten the budget.Clearly the level of spending that the State Department has been undertaking is unsustainable, Tillerson said.We are going to be able to do a lot with fewer dollars, he said.Trumps broad-brush proposal covers only a small fraction of the $3.8 trillion federal budget  which is dominated by healthcare, pension and other baked-in costs.The text will be heavily revised and fleshed out by Congress, before a full budget is released around May.In that sense, the plan is as much a political statement as a fiscal outline, a fact not lost on the White House. Playing to the base The budget is a signal to Trumps supporters that he is a man of action and not a typical politician.Trump is looking to rally his base amid multiple controversies including his Twitter outbursts, Russian meddling in the election that brought him to power and a simmering rift with Congressional Republicans over healthcare reform.According to Gallup, Trump has approval ratings of 40 percent, a low for any modern president weeks into his tenure.But security has been a major vote winner. An Economist/YouGov poll found that 51 percent of Republicans believe the United States will be safer from terrorism at the end of his term.The budget may also be seen as a signal to the world that Trumps United States will be less engaged internationally and will put America first.Diplomats and some former defense officials have already warned that less spending on areas like democracy promotion and humanitarian aid will spell more trouble, and military spending, down the road.More than 120 retired generals and admirals recently signed a letter warning that many of the crises our nation faces do not have military solutions alone.They cited Jim Mattis, now defense secretary, as once saying that if you dont fully fund the State Department, then I need to buy more ammunition. Drastic cuts The Environmental Protection Agency, which helps monitor air, water and other standards, would also see significant cuts.That is in keeping with Trumps promise to gut regulation.We believe that the core functions (of the EPA) can be satisfied with this budget, Mulvaney said.On Wednesday, Trump traveled to Detroit, the home of the American auto industry, and announced that he would freeze targets to limit future vehicle emissions.Trumps top advisor Steve Bannon has promised a broader deconstruction of the administrative state.But Trumps plan is already coming under fire from Democratic lawmakers.It will prescribe drastic cuts in many of the programs and agencies that keep America safe, whether its environmental programs, whether it is food safety, drug safety, said Kentucky representative John Yarmuth.The ranking member on the House budget committee said the proposal could be a negotiating position, an opening salvo in Trumps art of the deal.If they want to negotiate with the health and safety and future of the American people, then thats pretty cynical, he said.
Canada-based Nigerian, Miss Stephanie Otobo has filed a petition against Apostle Sulieman Jonhson just as she dared the police to probe al...





Canada-based Nigerian, Miss Stephanie Otobo has filed a petition against Apostle Sulieman Jonhson just as she dared the police to probe all the allegation concerning her raunchy relationship with the General Overseer of Omega Fire Ministry Worldwide.In her petition titled Petition Against Apostle Johnson Suleman For Illegal Procurement Of Abortion, Threat To Life And Attempted Murder Otobo enjoined the police to probe him considering all text messages from the networks and do forensic analysis of all the nude pictures they both shared and ascertain if photo-shopped.She further enjoined the police to use her and his international passports to confirm the dates and times of their travels, the hostels they slept both in and out of Nigeria and bank accounts to confirm the transfers of funds.More so she said sometime in June 2015, Apostle Suleman Johnson and her started an amorous relationship in Canada and that relationship was nurtured by Apostle Suleman who inundated her with cast gifts and pleasure trips all over Europe.She also said that in 2015 she was invited by Apostle Suleman to join him for his journey to Napoli in Italy during one of his crusade but while he preached and do miracle in the day time at night he took much needed rest in her bosom and that after the Napoli experience, she discovered that she was pregnant for Apostle Suleman.She further said that she called him to inform him of the pregnancy but he was not particularly excited about the news rather he requested that she should come to Nigeria.Otobo while speaking in TV Continental on Wednesday said I think things didnt go according to his plan because God is God. Nobody can be God. When there is God. The day I was talking to him recently, he was like, Did I put a gun on my forehead to sleep with me?I am just fighting for my right because he did it, He must have done this to women and gotten away with it. He needs to ask for his own mercy because he did it. If he keeps denying it, God will expose him and I know that. I want a public apology for all this humiliation. she said.Otobo had once said If I was a cheap prostitute, how much do you send a cheap prostitute in Canada all the way from Nigeria. Im based in Canada Im sure there are a lot of women that needs money here in Nigeria, how many women or cheap prostitutes has he sent money here in Nigeria?We are petitioning the police on that. And also the issue of photoshopping pictures, in between the photoshopped pictures there should be an original copy if the pictures were photoshopped, it must be photoshopped from something, he should provide that. Because I have the cell phones that I used to take the pictures, I still have every original pictures.Also, the police should check my passport, when he took me to Napoli, he had a programme there, a conference for three days. The police should check his passport, the period it was stamped to Napoli and check my passport, the period I was stamped to Napoli if it was the same stamp. He should wake up and face the truth.I want the police to check on the issue when he gave me substance to drink and that almost cost me my life, this was one of the main reasons that really caused all of this.Also, her lawyer Mr Festus Keyamo through his chambers said that they have nothing personal against the pastor, describing his allegation of conspiracy as a nonsensical smokescreen. The chambers said that Apostle Sulieman Jonhson paid millions into Otobos account and that they have nude pictures of him and her.We make bold to say that when criminal investigations commence, all these text messages and pictures would be subjected to serious forensic analysis, and the truth would be established, said a statement released by the firm.The hotels they slept in and the evidence of their meetings in and out of this country would be revealed. The pitiable excuse of photoshop has become a convenient escape route for all culprits caught on tape these days. they said.The petition reads thus:Monday, March 13, 2017The Commissioner of Police,The Nigeria Police Force, Lagos State Police Command, Ikeja, LagosState.Dear Sir, PETITION AGAINST APOSTLE JOHNSON SULEMAN FOR ILLEGAL PROCUREMENT OF ABORTION, THREAT TO LIFE AND ATTEMPTED MURDER Sir, my name is Miss Stephanie Otobo, and I wish to bring a formal complaint to you against one Apostle Johnson Suleman as follows: That sometime in June 2015, Apostle Suleman Johnson and I started an amorous relationship in far away Canada. The relationship was nurtured by Apostle Suleman who inundated me with cast gifts and pleasure trips all over Europe.In particular, I was invited by Apostle Suleman to join him for his crusade that was held in 2015 at Napoli, Italy, the full expenses for the trip was paid for by the gentleman. While in Napoli, Apostle Suleman would preach and do miraclein the day time and take the much needed rest in my bosom at night.Napoli was our love nest for three (3) good days and after the crusade Apostle Suleman left Napoli and I also returned to Canada. Shortly after the Napoli experience, I discovered that I was pregnant for Apostle Suleman. I called my lover to inform him of the pregnancy but Apostle Suleman was not particularly excited about the news rather he requested that I should come to Nigeria.Unfortunately Apostle Suleman did not stop at procuring abortion for me without my consent but also in a desperate bid to keep the amorous relationship between him and I a secret not known to his teeming followers, Apostle Suleman invented various devices to bully and threaten my life.It is against this backdrop that I urge you to use your good offices to call for a thorough and dispassionate investigation into the above allegations. I plead with you, in the course of your investigation, to confirm the exchange of all our text messages from the networks, forensic analysis of all the nude pictures we bot sent to ourselves (and whether they are, indeed, photo-shopped or authentic), our international passports to confirm the dates and times of our travels, investigation concerning the hostels we slept together both in and out of Nigeria and bank accounts to confirm the transfers of funds.Thank you.Yours faithfully,MISS. STEPHANIE OTOBO
Shares of Illinois Tool Works Inc. ITW reached a new 52-week high of $135.93 during its trading session on Mar 15. This apex marks an increase from the last 52-week high of $135.24 on Mar 1.

Post the release of fourth-quarter 2016 results on Jan 25, shares of the company yielded 5.36% return, outperforming the gain of 1.18% seen by the Zacks categorized Machinery General Industrial industry.

On Mar 15, Illinois Tool Works closed its trading session at $135.46, yielding year-to-date return of roughly 10.6%. The trading volume for the session was 0.99 million shares. Positive earnings estimate revisions for 2017 and 2018, along with an expected earnings growth rate of 7.5% for the next five years, indicate the stocks potential for further price appreciation.



Growth Drivers



Illinois Tool Works financial performance has been impressive over the last four quarters, as evident from an average positive earnings surprise of 2.20%. In the recently reported fourth-quarter results, the companys earnings of $1.39 per share surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.37 by 1.46%.



For 2017, Illinois Tool Works anticipates earnings to be within $6.00$6.20 per share range, up 9% year over year at mid point. Organic revenue will grow 1.53.5% while total revenue will likely be $13.8$14.1 billion. Margin profile will strengthen further on the back of benefits from enterprise initiatives. Also, the company remains committed toward making bolt-on acquisitions for development of its core segments as well as creation of new platforms for expanding its growth opportunities.



In addition, the growth policies of the newly elected U.S. President are likely to work in favor of industrial stocks. Also, a steady month-over-month rise in the U.S. ISM Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) points toward a healthy demand and supply environment, and strong business conditions.



Estimate Revisions Show Potency



Over the last 60 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for Illinois Tool Works increased 0.7% to $6.18 for 2017 and 1.8% to $6.90 for 2018. Earnings estimates represent year-over-year growth of 9.5% for 2017 and 11.7% for 2018.

Illinois Tool Works Inc. Price and Consensus

Illinois Tool Works Inc. Price and Consensus | Illinois Tool Works Inc. Quote

With a market capitalization of $46.9 billion, Illinois Tool Works currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Some better-ranked stocks in the machinery industry include Parker-Hannifin Corporation PH, Roper Technologies, Inc. ROP and Altra Industrial Motion Corp. AIMC. While both Parker-Hannifin Corporation and Roper Technologies sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), Altra Industrial Motion carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.



Parker-Hannifin Corporations earnings estimates for fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2018 have been revised upward over the last 60 days. Also, the company has an average positive earnings surprise of 12.44%.



Roper Technologies, Inc. reported better-than-expected results in the last quarter, with a positive earnings surprise of 2.20%. Also, bottom-line expectations for 2017 and 2018 have improved over the last 60 days.



Altra Industrial Motion Corp. reported better-than-expected results in the last four quarters, with an average positive earnings surprise of 12.49%. Also, its earnings estimates for 2017 and 2018 improved in the last 60 days.



More Stock News: 8 Companies Verge on Apple-Like Run



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To read this article on Zacks.com click here.



Zacks Investment Research
Nigerian Senate on Thursday quizzed the Customs Comptroller General, Hameed Ali for not wearing customs uniform to the Chamber.

Nigerian Senate on Thursday quizzed the Customs Comptroller General, Hameed Ali for not wearing customs uniform to the Chamber.









Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu thanked the Customs Comptroller General for honouring Senate's invitation and asked why he is not wearing the Customs uniform.





"Please oblige us if you have any reason for not wearing the Customs uniform", he asked.





"No law against me for not wearing Uniform", Hameed Ali told the senators.





Bala Ibn NaAllah, senator representing Kebbi south, said the letter sent to the senate by Ali on not wearing his uniform is derogatory.

NaAllah cites sections seven, eight and 10 of the Customs Act which states that the Customs shares same privileges with police and other institutions, which includes wearing uniforms.
Justice Adeniyi Ademola, who is facing corruption charges, yesterday, adduced reasons he should not be compelled to file his defence to ...

Justice Adeniyi Ademola, who is facing corruption charges, yesterday, adduced reasons he should not be compelled to file his defence to any of the allegations the Federal Government levelled against him.Ademola, who is answering to an18-count corruption charge alongside his wife, Olabowale, and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr. Joe Agi, insisted that the Federal Government failed to establish that he committed any offence known to law. Consequently, he urged trial Justice Jude Okeke of the Federal Capital Territory High Court at Maitama not only to quash the entire charge but also discharge and acquit him, his wife, and the 3rd defendant, Agi.The embattled judge entered the prayer on a day all the defendants, through their respective lawyers, made a no-case-submission before the trial court. The defendants contended that the Federal Government failed to establish a prima-facie criminal case capable of warranting them to enter their defence to the charge.Meanwhile, making the no-case-submission, yesterday, Ademolas lawyer, Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, maintained that his client was exonerated of any wrongdoing by some of the prosecution witnesses. Similarly, counsel to both Mrs. Ademola and Agi, Chief Robert Clarke, SAN, and Jeph Njikonye, respectively, equally applied to be discharged. In his response, the prosecution counsel, Mr. Segun Jegede, argued that the Supreme Court had earlier held that prima facie case must be differentiated from actual prove of guilt. After listening to all the parties, Justice Okeke adjourned the case till April 5 for ruling.FG had Imin the charge, alleged that Ademola had in the course of his official duty, collected bribe from the senior lawyer through a Guarantee Trust Bank, GTB, account number 201/110160/1/1/0, operated by his wife who as at then was the Head of Service in Lagos State.The court earlier admitted into evidence, bags of cash, both foreign and local currencies which were allegedly recovered from the official residence of the Judge. FG brought the cash totalling about N39.5m in three Ghana-Must-Go bags and tendered it in evidence through an exhibit keeper at the DSS, Mr. Umar Ahmed, who testified as the 11th prosecution witness
(Recasts, adds details)

CALGARY, Alberta/NEW DELHI, March 16 (Reuters) - Indian Oil Corp became India's first refiner to buy light sweet Hibernia crude from Canada's largest oil company, doing the deal after the opening of the arbitrage for Canadian oil to flow to Asia.

A decision by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to cut output strengthened Middle East benchmark Dubai against other regional markers, allowing oil from the Americas and Europe to be shipped to Asia at competitive prices.

Production in North America, led by U.S. shale output, is increasing after supply cuts by OPEC and non-OPEC countries pushed oil prices to above $50 a barrel.

This was also the first time that Suncor Energy has sold a cargo of offshore Canadian crude to IOC, a Suncor spokeswoman Sneh Seetal said on Wednesday.

Seetal declined to say how big the cargo was or when it would load, but confirmed Canada's biggest oil company had won an Indian Oil Corp tender.

"We do market our offshore crude production globally on an opportunistic basis," she said.

Trade sources said Suncor sold the 1 million barrel cargo of Hibernia crude to IOC on a free on board basis. Separately, IOC has also bought its first Russian Urals crude cargo in about a year in another tender.

IOC previously bought a cargo of Canadian White Rose oil in November 2013. State-refiners like IOC were last year given the freedom to draw up the crude import strategies that would allow them to make swift gains from changing market dynamics.

News of the Suncor cargo comes after market sources this week said two other vessels carrying Atlantic Canadian crude are on their way to China.

The Stena Suede and the Jag Lalit, both Suezmaxes, loaded at Whiffen Head terminal, Newfoundland, according to Reuters ship tracking data. At least one of them was sold by Husky Energy to buyer PetroChina, two sources said.

Husky had said in February it sold its first one-million-barrel cargo of offshore Atlantic Canada crude bound for China from its White Rose field.

At the time a Husky spokesman said low shipping rates helped make the transaction worthwhile.

(Reporting by Nia Williams in CALGARY and Nidhi Verma in NEW DELHI; Editing by Leslie Adler, Sandra Maler and Tom Hogue)
What will Louisiana see from Exxon's $20 billion 'Growing the Gulf' investment?
jeff sessions

Sessions wants to crack down on drug offenders

Says violent crime is rising nationwide

Experts say Sessions wants to take us back to '80s and '90s style punishments

His comments about marijuana may be the most impactful

Attorney General Jeff Sessions vowed on Wednesday to ramp up enforcement of drug crimes to combat what he says is a nationwide increase in violent crime, a move some experts say channels the "drug war" era of the 1980s.

Sessions delivered a speech to law enforcement officers in Richmond, Virginia, where he touted the effectiveness of Project Exile, a two-decade old program that enforced mandatory minimum sentences on felons caught carrying firearms.

"All of us who work in law enforcement want to keep people safe," Sessions said, according to prepared remarks. "That is the heart of our jobs; it is what drives us every day. So we are all disturbed to learn that violent crime is on the rise in America, especially in our cities."

While Sessions admitted that crime rates in the US were at "historic" lows, he pointed out that, according to the FBI, incidents of violent crime rose by more than 3% between 2014 and 2015. Sessions tied this increase in violence to the "unprecedented epidemic" of heroin and opioid abuse.

"My fear is that this surge in violent crime is not a 'blip,' but the start of a dangerous new trend," Sessions said. "I worry that we risk losing the hard-won gains that have made America a safer and more prosperous place."

Sessions outlined three main ways to fight the "scourge" of drugs: criminal enforcement, treatment, and prevention. He highlighted prevention campaigns  including Nancy Reagan's "Just say No" efforts  as effective tools for bringing down rates of drug use.

The results of "Just Say No," and similar abstinence-oriented prevention campaigns like D.A.R.E, are mixed. A 2007 study from the University of Missouri, St. Louis found that the programs are mostly over-funded and ineffective.

Story continues

However, a 2011 study, cited by Scientific American, from the University of Texas School of Public Health found that certain abstinence programs can be effective, provided they reinforce the lessons over a multi-year time period.

Taking it back to the '80's

DEA drug raid

Criminal justice and drug policy experts say that Sessions' focus on cracking down on drug offenders is an unwise strategy borne out of the "War on Drugs" era of the '80s and '90s.

Michael Collins, the deputy director of the Drug Policy Alliance, called Sessions' emphasis on sentencing and enforcement as a response to the opioid epidemic "deeply disconcerting."

"He appears intent on taking us back to the 1980's with his drug war rhetoric," Collins told Business Insider. "Locking up more people exacerbates the problem."

Marc Schindler, the executive director of the Justice Policy Institute, criticized Sessions support of Project Exile, which he called "political will" to remove black and brown people from communities. The program heavily penalizes gun offenders, according to Schindler, but does nothing to stem the flow of guns into cities and neighborhoods.

"The approach to addressing violence in our communities being put forth by AG Sessions is not based on research, and lacks the context that should be considered to inform sound policy decisions," Schindler told Business Insider in an email.

The research on Project Exile is far from clear. FiveThirtyEight has the rundown: A 2003 study found that in Richmond, Virginia  where Sessions gave his speech  the city would have experienced a similar reduction in homicide rates with or without Exile.

But, a 2009 study found evidence supporting Exile's efficacy. Among the sample group, cities with high levels of federal prosecution for federal gun crimes experienced a 13% decrease in violent crimes, compared to an 8% increase in cities that didn't, even when controlling for other factors like incarceration rates and poverty.

However, "none of this stuff is as neat as even the peer-reviewed publications put it," John Klofas, a professor of criminal justice at the Rochester Institute of Technology told FiveThirtyEight.

John Pfaff, a law professor at Fordham University in New York who recently published a book on the causes of mass incarceration, told Business Insider in an email that Sessions is probably not trying to specifically revive the "War on Drugs," but rather looking to justify "harsh punitive responses to crime more broadly." Incarceration would be an easy sell politically for Sessions and the Trump Administration, even if its an inefficient way of controlling crime, he added.

"Sessions' insistence that the recent uptick in violent crime is not just a blip but the start of a longer trend (which, to be fair, could be the case  but also may not be so at all) seems to be part of a rhetorical push to make non-prison reforms riskier to adopt," Pfaff said.

A variety of medicinal marijuana buds in jars are pictured at Los Angeles Patients & Caregivers Group dispensary in West Hollywood, California U.S., October 18, 2016. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni/File Photo

Sessions vs. marijuana

Sessions honed in on his opposition to legalizing marijuana on Wednesday, saying that he "realizes this may be unfashionable in a time of growing tolerance of drug use."

Pfaff suggested that Session's comment on marijuana may have "the biggest short-run impact."

Sessions railed against medical marijuana, and the notion that increasing access to the drug can be a tool to help counter opioid and heroin addiction. Research has shown that in states that have legalized medical marijuana, addiction and opioid overdose rates have dropped, reports Business Insider Kevin Loria.

Though he's opposed to marijuana legalization, Sessions did tell reporters after his remarks that he may keep the Obama-era Cole Memo  which directs the Justice Department to place a low priority on prosecuting legal marijuana businesses that comply with state laws  though with some modifications, reports MassRoots' Tom Angell.

Sessions indicated that the federal government may not have the ability to enforce federal marijuana laws in states that have legalized.

Mason Tvert, the communications director for the Marijuana Policy Project, told Business Insider in an email that Sessions' comments do not seem like a "call to shut down" licensed and regulated marijuana businesses.

"It sounds more like a call to go after unregulated marijuana producers and dealers who are operating in the illicit market," Tvert said.

NOW WATCH: People on Twitter are mocking Trump's claim that his administration is a 'fined-tuned machine'





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Inmates, their faces blurred for privacy reasons, watch television in their housing pod May 2, 2016, inside the Orleans Justice Center.(Ken Daley)
In this Oct. 28, 2014 file photo, Rev. Russell Moore, left, director of the Southern Baptist's Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, leads a discussion during the group's national conference in Nashville, Tenn. Moore is one of several white leaders calling for multiethnic congregations in the wake of the unrest spurred by the killings of black men by white police officers in Ferguson, Missouri, and New York City. (AP Photo / Mark Humphrey)
Experience in public office or the need for change. Voters in District 9 are being asked at Tuesdays election to judge what they value more when it comes to who will represent them on the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board.
Omahas Eppley Airfield will add another nonstop route to the West Coast, this time to San Diego International Airport.

Alaska Airlines will begin the service on Aug. 28. It will fly the route with an Embraer E-175 aircraft that seats 76 people.

The daily flight from Omaha will leave at 3:05 p.m. and arrive in San Diego at 5:05 p.m. It will leave San Diego at 8:50 a.m. and arrive in Omaha at 2:25 p.m.

Alaska also provides service to Portland, Oregon, and Seattle.

Flights are available for purchase immediately.

The addition of the flight comes a week after Eppley announced another new nonstop route  that one to Miami International Airport on American Airlines.

The flight brings the number of nonstop destinations travelers can reach from Omaha to 28. On the West Coast, aside from San Diego, Portland and Seattle on Alaska Airlines, other airlines offer nonstop service from Omaha to San Francisco; Oakland, California; and Los Angeles.
A Council Bluffs man who reportedly told police he witnessed a burglary at a memory loss assistance facility was arrested after video evidence showed him breaking in, according to authorities.

Dakota Koehrsen, 23, is charged with second degree burglary  a Class C felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison if convicted  and trespassing.

On March 2, Council Bluffs police responded to the Hansen House, 2331 Nash Blvd. at 6:30 a.m. for a burglary report.

According to the companys website, its an assisted living center for those with memory loss.

Police met with an employee of the center who told them the window to the office had been forcibly opened. Computer towers and monitors had been dismantled and stacked on a chair. She also said a trash can had been filled with office supplies normally kept in cabinets.

The woman told police that as she arrived to the facility she was greeted by a man who told her he witnessed someone breaking into the office. The man, later identified as Koehrsen, accompanied police to the Criminal Investigation Division.

During Koehrsens interview, he told officers he had seen a man climb into the office window. Koehrsen went to the lobby and waited for the man to come out of the office, he said.

This detective asked him why he did not call the police when he saw this individual climb into the office, the report stated. Koehrsen stated that his phone was not working.

Later in the interview, Koehrsen admitted to taking illegal drugs and feels that there is nothing wrong with people braking into houses to feed their drug habits, he said, according to the report.

Police noted Koehrsen at times contradicted himself or failed to make any sense.

Some time later, police obtained video surveillance footage from security cameras at the facility, which showed a suspect matching Koehrsens clothes and appearance climb through the window. Police issued an arrest warrant for Koehrsen, which was served on Tuesday.

Koehrsen is being held on $10,000 bond at the Pottawattamie County Jail. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 24. He has not been assigned a public defender, according to court records.
The Council Bluffs Community School District will present its budget at the next school board meeting, with a public hearing and vote then set for April 11.

School budgets are typically due to the state by April 15 each year.

No teacher layoffs are expected as part of the districts proposal, said Diane Ostrowski, the districts chief communications officer.

Ostrowski said the district is looking at a 30 cent increase per $1,000 in taxable valuation, which would raise the property levy from $16.85 to $17.15 per $1,000 in taxable valuation. The district is seeking to balance its revenues with its expenditures next fiscal year.

 Reporter Krystal Sidzyik can be reached at 712-325-5742. Assistant Managing Editor Scott Stewart contributed to this report.
Lexy Mayo, Zoe Herren and Liam Merk are budding artists.

The College View Elementary fifth-graders were among a throng of students who attended Wednesdays unveiling of a mural at the Google data center on Bunge Avenue.

The event also featured the announcement of a partnership between Google and the Council Bluffs Community School District on a virtual technology art program.

I have a passion for art, Merk said. Its amazing to see this mural, to think about the effort put in to this.

The work by Cedar Falls artist Gary Kelley stands 80-feet high and 300-feet wide on an outer wall at the data center that faces Interstate 29 and depicts the evolution of information sharing in Council Bluffs.

Moving from right to left, the mural depicts explorers Merriwether Lewis and William Clark conferring with a member of the Otoe Native American tribe, a man using a telegraph, a land surveyor and Google employees working in the data center. The background features a locomotive with boxcars, bison and a Native American.

The project took about one year from concept to completion.

I love the narrative of making pictures, Kelley said in a video played during the ceremony. I like to do people and I like to tell stories.

The event featured words from Mayor Matt Walsh, Gov. Terry Branstad, data center operations manager Chris Russell and Eric Schmidt, executive chairman of Googles parent company Alphabet and the former CEO of Google. During the ceremony, Google announced a $50,000 grant to the Council Bluffs school district for arts education.

Superintendent Martha Bruckner explained that Google approached the district to come up with a project that would integrate technology and art. Michaela Hill, an art teacher at Longfellow Elementary and the district visual arts specialist, developed a virtual reality art component into the districts art program.

With the grant funding, the district will buy a Google Tilt Brush, which will allow students to create virtual works of art. Hill said the district will work with virtual artists  either in person or in a Google Hangout setting  to help the students.

Art is always evolving. And were always looking for opportunities to create new art and reach new audiences, Hill said. This is an opportunity to teach students about a whole new world.

There are at least three students that are excited about the prospect. When they were asked if they like art class, Herren responded, With all my heart.

Its the highlight of my week, she said. Art is a way to escape. If youre angry, sad or just bored, its a way to express yourself.

A crowd of about 125 people gathered at the event. Schmidt said the grant funding was part of an effort to be a good neighbor and promotes science, technology, engineering and math education.

Art for arts sake and art for technologys sake, said Schmidt, a billionaire software engineer who served as CEO of Google for the majority of the 2000s. We want to empower STEM and art work with students.

This country will do better with better education systems, Schmidt continued. Corporations dont do enough, and we can always do more. And you should expect more (from us).

The mural is part of the installation of large murals at four Google data centers  Council Bluffs, Mayes County, Oklahoma; St. Ghislain, Belgium; and Dublin, Ireland. The company is using the mural project as a way to promote its data centers and the people inside who make so much of modern life possible.

Although people around the world rely on it every day, few people actually know that requests they send to the cloud go through physical locations like the data center in Council Bluffs, the company said in a release.

The website for the mural project  datacentermurals.withgoogle.com  includes short snippets about employees at the Council Bluffs facilities.

Branstad touted the companys economic impact, which includes employing 300 people and providing work for thousands of construction workers.

Google first broke ground in Council Bluffs in 2007 and has grown since then, with facilities on Veterans Memorial Highway and Bunge Avenue south of the city. The company has invested about $2.5 billion in the area. Schmidt said its the largest Google data center in the world.

Our commitment in Iowa is strong, Schmidt said.
The Iowa West Foundation will offer $20,000 in challenge funds to participants in this years Pottawattamie Gives.

The 24-hour online fund drive for charities and nonprofit organizations that serve Pottawattamie County will be held on May 24 in conjunction with Omaha Gives through a collaboration between the Pottawattamie County Community Foundation and the Omaha Community Foundation.

Our board of directors feels this is a great opportunity to encourage our community nonprofits to maximize and leverage the funds they receive from donors on this day, said Pete Tulipana, president and CEO of the Iowa West Foundation.

Challenge Funds are awarded based on each nonprofit organizations percentage of the total amount raised. Only charities that serve Pottawattamie County full time are eligible.

Jerry Mathiasen, president and CEO of the Pottawattamie County Community Foundation, was pleased by the announcement.

Great news that the Iowa West Foundation is providing incentives for Pottawattamie Gives, because it provides an opportunity for charities to generate contributions and increase their donations to help meet the needs in the community, he said. The announcement of the grant from the Iowa West Foundation is good timing, too, because PCCF is currently holding training for nonprofits that are planning to participate. At this point, since the community foundation initiated Pottawattamie Gives, were anticipating a record number of charities, and this will give them a boost of excitement learning about the $20,000 that the Iowa West Foundation is providing as an incentive.

A total of 89 nonprofit organizations have registered for Pottawattamie Gives, but actual participation may vary, Mathiasen said.

Since we started this in cooperation with Omaha Gives, the participation has grown dramatically, he said.

Before Pottawattamie Gives, only 30 Pottawattamie County charities participated, raising more than $100,000, Mathiasen said.

Last year, there were over 70 nonprofits getting almost $750,000, he said.

To access Pottawattamie County organizations, go online to pottawattamiegives.org and click on the PG flag at the top of the page.
An Atlantic man was arrested Wednesday on charges from a car crash where authorities said he drove with alcohol in his system before seriously injuring himself and his two passengers.

Jacob Johnson, 20, is charged with two counts of serious injury by vehicle  both Class D felonies  punishable by up to five years in prison each if convicted.

According to the Pottawattamie County Sheriffs Office, Walnut and Avoca Rescue crews responded to the scene of the crash near 510th Street and Sumac Road on Sept. 15, 2016, at 12:22 a.m.

According to the police report, Johnson was found semi-conscience in the drivers seat while another male was found barely moving on the ground near Johnsons pickup truck.

Johnson was unable to speak while the second man complained of severe leg pain, authorities said. A deputy noted the odor of alcohol coming from the vehicle. The man on the ground told investigators he had consumed alcohol earlier, the report stated.

A third man was later identified as a passenger who had run from the accident to a nearby residence to get help while bleeding heavily from the face, deputies said.

All three men were taken to Cass County Memorial Hospital in Atlantic, then flown to the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha by LifeNet for trauma treatment.

Deputies later met with Johnson at the hospital to find out if he had been intoxicated while driving, but he was unable to speak because he was still unconscious, they said.

Johnsons two passengers told authorities they had damaged memories of the night of the crash. One remembered little except that Johnson was driving and lost control on a curve, he said.

The man who was found on the ground suffered brain bleeding, a broken femur, broken arm and a fractured vertebrae. The man who ran for help suffered lacerations to the face and a severed nerve. Both suffered prolonged memory loss from their injuries, the report reads.

Johnson was eventually interviewed by investigators. He told them he had no memory from four days before the collision to weeks after it, the report reads.

According to calculations done by authorities at the scene, it was found Johnson was traveling 59 mph when he lost control on the S curve, they said. The speed limit for the road is 55 mph but the suggested speed for the curve is 35 mph, investigators said.

Johnson has since posted $5,000 bond. His next court date is scheduled for March 22.

He has not been assigned a public defender according to online court records.
SIOUX CITY -- Though attendees of Thursday's rally for former President Donald Trump at the Sioux Gateway Airport came from a variety of cities and states, his supporters all had very similar answers when asked whether or not they would back a 2024 run by him.
Joshua Roberts | Reuters. The musical features a number of absurd things about the notorious provocateur Shkreli, many of which happen to be true.

Like a rare disease that you can't afford to treat because it would require a ridiculously expensive pill, Martin Shkreli the Musical is baaaaaaaaaaaaack  and it's got a brand-new name.

The satirical play based on the drug company executive-turned-national troll is returning to New York this spring for an Off-Broadway run  set to end right before the start of Shkreli's real-life criminal trial on securities fraud charges.

The scathing portrayal of the flippant pharma bro' premiered last summer for a limited, Off-Off-Broadway run as part of a Manhattan film festival.

The show played six performances to sold-out, albeit small, audiences, which included some unamused friends of Shkreli.

The musical at the time was entitled, somewhat laboriously, "Martin Shkreli's Game: How Bill Murray Joined the Wu-Tang Clan."

The new iteration's title gets to the point quicker: "Pharma Bro: An American Douchical!"

But the show, set to run from May 11 to June 18 at the Players Theater in Greenwich Village, still features a bizarre imagining of an internet rumor that spread about Shkreli, as well as references to the many bizarre things about the online provocateur that happen to be true.

The rumor claimed that the actor Bill Murray was somehow legally empowered to steal back for the hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan a single-copy album, "Once Upon a Time in Shaolin," that they had sold to Shkreli for $2 million, only to have second thoughts about doing so.

When the musical was announced last year, and after it premiered, "it got so much attention that it seemed viable for a larger run," said Lauren Gundrum, who wrote the show's book and lyrics.

"I think we were kind of surprised that it picked up so much steam in the first place," Gundrum said.

Fueling that attention was widespread media coverage about Shkreli's raising the price of an AIDS drug from $13.50 per pill to $750  as well as of his indictment on charges of ripping off a drug company he founded out of millions of dollars to pay off investors he was accused of defrauding at his hedge fund.

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When the Players Theater offered a chance for the show to return during a block of dates that would lead up to Shkreli's trial in late June, "we jumped on it," said Joel Esher, who wrote music and some of the lyrics for the show.

Reprising his depiction of a gleefully spiteful and maniacal Shkreli will be the actor Patrick Swailes Caldwell, whose memorable lines include "I'm filthy f----- rich, and I do whatever the f--- I want to do!"

"We thought he did an amazing job of capturing the essence of Shkreli, and bringing it to the stage in a very comic-book, over-the-top way," Esher said of Caldwell.

Caldwell's research for the role included eyeballing Shkreli in person at a court hearing last year.

"Also, he can ride a hoverboard, which is pretty cool," Esher said. Caldwell uses the device to glide around onstage.

Some other cast members from the prior run will also return.

The show will add a new element to act as "sort of like a Greek chorus" for the story, a group of news reporters who will "very intentionally inject things that aren't part of the real-life narrative," Esher said.

That might please Shkreli, 33, who has a deep disdain for the media.

Shkreli, who has pleaded not guilty to the criminal charges and claims he committed no wrongdoing, passed on offers to attend the show last summer.

But he used his then-favorite social media tool Twitter to send Gundrum a message on the night of the premiere.

"Heard the play sucked. Sorry that you are liberal and poor," Shkreli wrote her.

CNBC can't link to that actual tweet because Shkreli's Twitter account was suspended earlier this year for his harassment of a female journalist in a series of tweets.

Asked if the offer still stood for Shkreli to attend one of the upcoming 28 performances, Gundrum laughed and said, "Oh yeah, always."

"We'll comp him and a guest," Esher said.

"Many guests," Gundrum added.





More From CNBC


During a ceremony Wednesday morning at its Bunge Avenue data center, Google announced a $50,000 grant to the Council Bluffs school district for arts education.

Superintendent Martha Bruckner explained that Google approached the district to come up with a project that would integrate technology and art. Michaela Hill, an art teacher at Longfellow Elementary and the district visual arts specialist, developed a virtual reality art component into the districts art program.

With the grant funding, the district will buy a Google Tilt Brush, which will allow students to create virtual works of art. Hill said the district will work with virtual artists  either in person or in a Google Hangout setting  to help the students.

Art is always evolving. And were always looking for opportunities to create new art and reach new audiences, Hill said. This is an opportunity to teach students about a whole new world.

This is a partnership that will help expose students to technology that likely wouldve been unavailable without Googles contribution. Its also a chance for students that love art to expand their work on an emerging medium.

Its the highlight of my week, College View Elementary fifth-grader Zoe Herren said of art class. Art is a way to escape. If youre angry, sad or just bored, its a way to express yourself.

Herren was among a handful of students at the Google event, which also unveiled a 80- by 300-foot mural depicting evolution of information sharing in Council Bluffs.

A crowd of about 125 people gathered at the event. Schmidt said the grant funding was part of an effort to be a good neighbor.

Art for arts sake and art for technologys sake, said Eric Schmidt, executive chairman of Googles parent company Alphabet and the former CEO of Google. We want to empower STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) and art work with students.

This country will do better with better education systems, Schmidt continued. Corporations dont do enough and we can always do more. And you should expect more (from us).

Googles latest contribution will help Council Bluffs students do more. As Superintendent Martha Bruckner noted, the chance to work with virtual art opens up a world of opportunities for students in the area.
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Mar 16, 2017) - Maxtech Ventures Inc. (CSE:MVT)(MVT.CN)(OTC PINK:MTEHF)(FRANKFURT:M1N), ("Maxtech" or the "Company") has signed a Letter of Intent ("LOI") to form a joint venture to develop the Buriturama Mine in the State of Bahia, Brazil with Plantiminas Empreendimentos Rurais Ltda.

The Buriturama Mine is located in the northern portion of the State of Bahia, 862 km from Porto de Aratu with access to railroad, port facilities and infrastructure. The intent of the joint venture is to put the asset into commercial production up to 10,000 tonnes per month with focus on the export market.

The project has significant historical mining records as well as a current Gia (trial mining license) which authorizes mining and processing of up to 6,000 metric tonnes of manganese mineralization. Small scale mining has been undertaken on the project and there are manganese outcrops located throughout the project area as well as mining pits. An application has been submitted to Departmento Nacional de Proucao Mineral ("DNPM") for a Lavra licence which provides for unlimited mining. The company will do both technical and legal due diligence on the asset prior to signing a definitive agreement.

Approximately 100km's north of the Buriturama Mine in Bahia is Vale's Mina do Azul Mine, which is responsible for 80% of Vale's manganese output. Vale SA is the largest manganese producer in Brazil, accounting for roughly 70% of the country's market. Mina do Azul is recognized internationally for the excellent quality of its ore, which contains high concentrations of manganese and a high manganese-iron ratio. Its ore is at least 40% pure manganese which is similar in grade to the Buriturama Mines historical records which are not National Instrument 43-101 compliant but which the company believes to be reliable.

The markets for manganese ore and ferroalloys are highly competitive. High-grade manganese ore competes on a global seaborne basis while low-grade ore competes on a regional basis. The ferroalloy market is characterized by a large number of participants who compete primarily on the basis of price. The competitive factors affecting this market are the costs of manganese ore, electricity, logistics, and reductants.

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Peter Wilson, Maxtech CEO, said, "We will begin the due diligence process immediately. The Plantiminas Empreendimentos Rurais Ltda. strategic partnership in the Buriturama Mine will enable Maxtech to build vertical manganese operation in Brazil."

The Company also announces that pursuant to its stock option plan it will issue 1,000,000 options to certain officers, directors and consultants at a price of $0.57 cents per share. The options granted are exercisable up to five years from the issue date.

About Maxtech Ventures Inc.

Maxtech Ventures Inc. is a Canadian based diversified industries corporation with gold and manganese mineral properties. Its focus is on mining and the products that are derived therefrom.

For additional information see the Company's web site at http://www.maxtech-ventures.com.

Further information about the Company is available on www.SEDAR.com under the Company's profile.

Certain statements contained in this release may constitute "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" (collectively "forward-looking information") as those terms are used in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and similar Canadian laws. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words "could", "intend", "expect", "believe", "will", "projected", "estimated", "anticipates" and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Company's current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. Actual future results may differ materially. In particular, this release contains forward-looking information relating to the business of the Company, the Property, financing and certain corporate changes. The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof and the Company is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Because of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The foregoing statements expressly qualify any forward-looking information contained herein.
(Adds updated McDonald's statement)

By Lisa Baertlein

LOS ANGELES, March 16 (Reuters) - McDonald's Corp quickly deleted a tweet sent from the company's handle slamming U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday and said its official Twitter account had been compromised.

The tweet, which was copied and shared widely before being deleted, came a day after the Twitter accounts of a number of major news organizations, chief executives, government agencies and other high-profile users were hijacked.

"Based on our investigation, we have determined that our Twitter account was hacked by an external source. We took swift action to secure it, and we apologize this tweet was sent through our corporate McDonald's account," McDonald's spokeswoman Terri Hickey said in a statement.

Corporate accounts are attractive targets due to their large followings and the media attention that errant tweets can attract. Twitter Inc allows for two-factor authentication, a security feature that would deter many attempts to seize an account.

Twitter declined comment on Thursday citing "privacy and security reasons".

The tweet sent from @McDonaldsCorp on Thursday morning read: "@realdonaldtrump You are actually a disgusting excuse of a President and we would love to have @BarackObama back, also you have tiny hands."

Trump did not respond to the incident on Twitter.

High-profile Twitter accounts were hijacked on Wednesday to send anti-Nazi messages in Turkish in the midst of a diplomatic spat between Turkey, the Netherlands and Germany. Twitter said on Wednesday that the source of that attack was a third-party app, whose permissions have since been removed.

Trump, one of the more fast-food friendly presidents in recent years, had tweeted pictures of himself eating food from McDonald's and other chains during the U.S. election campaign. A 2002 ad campaign featured Trump and the chain's Grimace mascot promoting an "amazing" $1 deal for McDonald's since-discontinued Big N' Tasty burger.

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The incident came as McDonald's is bolstering its digital capabilities with mobile and kiosk ordering to help modernize the 60-year-old chain.

Analysts said the hack raised questions about security at Twitter, but was unlikely to do much damage to the restaurant chain's brand.

"As long as Trump doesn't tweet at them directly, which could be pretty disastrous, this will be a short-term thing for them," said Mike Froggatt, director of intelligence at L2, which monitors the digital performance of brands.

"Twitter trending topics last for maybe 6 hours, a backlash for 10 to 12 hours and then it goes and the herd moves on," said Froggatt.

The message from the account of the world's largest restaurant chain caused a sensation on Twitter, where users shared copies of the deleted tweet and offered jokes and comments.

Vanessa Veasley and other users speculated that Trump supporters could attempt to launch a boycott of the chain, as they threatened to do when Starbucks Corp Chief Executive Howard Schultz vowed to hire 10,000 refugees after Trump's first executive order temporarily banning refugees from certain countries.

"McDonald's already deleted the tweet? lol Well at least Trump supporters can finally boycott something they can actually afford," Veasley (@VanessaVeasley) wrote.

Other users praised the fast-food chain, which has been fighting to reverse two straight years of customer traffic declines.

"Suddenly I want a Big Mac, well done @McDonalds," tweeted Shay Steward Bouley (@blackgirlinmain).

Some Trump supporters said McDonald's had not done enough to atone for the tweet and advocated for a boycott.

"Hey @McDonaldsCorp YOU can't just undo a tweet!!! Since you don't support America, Americans will not support YOU!!! #BoycottMcDonalds," wrote Deborah Brewer (@Debbie92083).

McDonald's is not the only high-profile company to be compromised with fake tweets over the years. Brands including Burger King, Jeep and Sony Music also have been hit.

(Reporting Lisa Baertlein in Los Angeles, David Ingram in San Francisco, Gina Cherelus and Angela Moon in New York, Dustin Volz in Washington, D.C., Nandita Bose in Chicago and Sweta Singh and Aishwarya Venugopal in Bengaluru; Editing by Saumyadeb Chakrabarty and Meredith Mazzilli)
Endless possibilities for North Plattes downtown

Downtown North Platte continues to make strides toward the future as new businesses open around the anchor of longtime shops.

Hirschfelds Clothing is celebrating 100 years downtown, while Mallorys will celebrate its grand opening on Friday.

Whitetail Screen Print recently purchased Cycle Sport and has added the business to its location at 507 N. Jeffers St.

The former Depot Restaurant will reopen later this year under a new name, The Switch Yard Pub and Grill. The buildings renovation will add to the improved appearance of Jeffers after the reconstruction of Highway 83.

The downtown is important to many in town, a North Platte Area Chamber and Development official said.

When I first got here a year and a half ago, no matter who I talked to, across the board, all ages, all demographics, everything, the one thing everybody could agree upon was weve got to do something about downtown, said Megan McGown, the chambers vice president of economic development and director of communications and marketing. Because downtowns are the heart of your community and you always have a special place in your heart and vision of what it used to be.

McGown said across America downtowns are struggling, so it is not unique to North Platte, but she sees great possibilities here.

The potential, I think, is just so great in North Platte, McGown said. Just the fact that wide demographic of people that says we have to do something with downtown, just that support means our potential is going to turn into something, because the people want it.

A year ago, McGown presented the Facade Design Planning Project to the downtown businesses and the City Council. Businesses in the general area between Jeffers and Chestnut and Fourth to Sixth streets can apply for funds. Adjacent buildings will also be included.

The project offers funds to help downtown business and property owners to give their buildings a facelift. The Nebraska Department of Economic Development approved a grant of $30,000 in July with a local match of $7,500 required, of which the Downtown Association contributed $500, Mid-Nebraska Community Foundation $4,000 and the chamber $3,000 in-kind.

Were nearing the end of that project, McGown said. The consultant is coming back on March 21 and hes going to present to the City Council in a work session. Hell do an unveiling, showing some of the drawings he created.

Scott Day, a consultant with Urban Development Services of San Antonio, Texas, will do the presentation. Day met with downtown property owners last July.

One of the things we asked him to draft was a full block rendering so we could kind of get a picture of what would a block look like if we had some of the building owners take the suggestions and redo their facade, McGown said. What would it look like if we left the canopies up, what would it look like if we didnt.

She said the point is to give people a vision of what it could be, she said.

Were not saying we have to do anything, she said, but this is what it could look like.

McGown said there is hope that property owners will be awed by the potential.

I think that generates excitement too, McGown said. Im hoping for that anyway and hoping when we unveil those drawings people will say, Wow, we went from that to that.

No decisions have been made about the canopy. Discussions continue, she said, with most businesses in favor of removal and others not so much.

The City Council work session begins at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday in the council chambers at City Hall, 211 W. Third St. The councils regular meeting follows at 7:30 p.m.
Beware of documents that appear to be bills

Businesses that advertise in The Telegraph may receive what appears to be an invoice from a company called Employment Publishing. The Telegraph is not affiliated with this company.

Some advertisers who post their employment openings in the Telegraph have reported receiving a document from Employment Publishing, which is located in Wayne, Pennsylvania.

The Telegraph obtained a copy of a document sent to a local business that includes information about an employment listing as well as the statement, Your advertisement to be listed as follows with your approval, and a total amount of more than $948. At first glance, the document looks like a typical invoice; however, bold print on the bottom states: THIS IS NOT A BILL THIS IS A SOLICITATION.

Employment Publishing calls itself an independent classified employment service. According to the Better Business Bureau, the company may also go by Employement911 and EPI.

The company has 21 complaints listed on the Better Business Bureaus website, on which the company has a B- rating. Most complaints were classified as advertising/sales issues.

One complaint states that a company received what appeared to be a bill from Employment Publishing on four occasions and ended up paying nearly $1,400. Another organization filed a complaint after placing a job listing in a local paper and receiving what it believed was an invoice from Employment Publishing. That organization paid $790.

The company has responded to the complaints, saying that Employment Publishing is not a scam and that we feel we are operating ethically and in full compliance with the law.

The Telegraphs publisher, Terrie Baker, advises advertisers to keep an eye out for communications that may look like invoices.

If you advertise with us, you will get an invoice from The North Platte Telegraph, Baker said. Telegraph invoices will include the Telegraphs North Platte address.

Advertisers with questions related to billing should call the Telegraph at 308-532-6000.
All eyes will be on North Queensland's back three on Saturday night when they clash with the Manly Sea Eagles after Antonio Winterstein and Lachlan Coote sustained injuries in Round 2.

Kalyn Ponga and Javid Bowen will move into the fullback and wing roles respectively, with Bowen playing in the NRL for the second time in 2017.

Much of the focus will be on Ponga as he plays in the No.1 jersey for the first time on Saturday night, after his debut in week 2 of the finals last year.



Match Draw Widget

[2017] Telstra Premiership - Round 3: Cowboys vs Sea Eagles

Winger Kyle Feldt believes both players will be up to the challenge.

"Kalyn Ponga is a good confident player, he's always been around the team, and he was all pre-season. Javid has been there before, so it's always good to know who you're going to have on the outside," Feldt said.

Five-eighth Michael Morgan is confident that Ponga can take up the tough position of fullback, having seen him train in the pre-season and play in the Holden Cup.

"It is a big job defensively, but we've got enough experience on our edges now that we can help him out," Morgan said.

"The hardest part about defending at fullback is when the play-the-ball is between the posts and the 20 metre line and how you sort your numbers out."

"As edges we can help him it's no one person's job to come in and make a difference to the team, it's about us helping each other and getting through it together and that's one way we can help Kalyn."

Ponga trained with the Cowboys during the pre-season, which should help his combinations with the rest of the team on Saturday night.

"When we have two teams against each other he was always the other fullback. He's played there for a long time and I've got full confidence in him that he'll get the job done," Morgan said.



Ponga gets his chance to shine

Cowboys v Sea Eagles: Schick Preview

Cowboys aim up to replace Scott and Taumalolo


The Ready for the Round panel of Brad Fittler, Adrian Lam and Renee Gartner are back again, discussing the big issues of the week in rugby league.

This week the panel ask if a North Sydney Bears bid to take over the Gold Coast Titans is a good move. Should we bring back the Bears?

Is Melbourne Storm's Billy Slater the best fullback ever? Freddy and Lammy make their call.

And were the North Queensland Cowboys right to challenge Jason Taumalolo's shoulder charge case at the judiciary?

Find out who has nailed it and who has failed it this week.
Joyce Russell Porter County Reporter Joyce has been a reporter for nearly 40 years, including 23 years with The Times. She's a native of Merrillville, but has lived in Portage for 39 years. She covers municipal and school government in Porter County. Follow Joyce Russell Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today

If there is one thing I've learned while studying my family's history, it is that you never stop learning about genealogy.

There is always something new in this growing field of hobby. There seem to be new sites available nearly daily to reach out to for resources. There are also more and more organizations offering classes and more and more people who are writing about genealogy and offering tips.

Here are some of the upcoming continuing education opportunities available to those veteran and budding genealogists.

Porter County Public Library is offering several classes this spring  all free of charge. Check out pcpls.org for details. Here are a few upcoming classes:

April 24, 6 p.m., at South Haven, beginner genealogy presented by staff member Linda Novotony. A workshop introducing participants to genealogy resources and tools available at the library.

April 29, 10 a.m., at Valparaiso, DNA in Genealogy, learn tips and tricks using DNA in genealogy research.

May 4, 6 p.m., At Portage, Find a Grave, explores the free website and its use in genealogy research.

The Lake County Public Library also sponsors periodic courses involving genealogy. Visit its website at lcplin.org for details.

One class coming up at its Munster branch from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., April 4, is a basic genealogy program presented by the Nordikfolk Lodge #761 of the Vasa Order of America and the library staff. Registration is required.

I also have to give credit to both libraries, along with the Hammond Public Library and Westchester Public Library in Chesterton, as great places to research your family tree.

Another upcoming event is being sponsored by the Indiana Genealogical Society. It will be held at the Indianapolis Public Library on Saturday, April 8. It is the group's annual meeting and conference, but non-members are also welcomed to register for the daylong workshop.

The workshop will feature internationally-known genealogist Tony Burroughs. He also recently appeared at the Hammond Public Library. His topics will range from digital research of African Americans to creating order out of chaos. There will be other presenters as well.

Check out the IGS website at indgensoc.org for more information or to register.

Lastly, there seems to be more and more blogs tackling genealogy popping up. You can simply google genealogy blogs to find the latest or visit geneabloggers.com for a variety of blogs on a number of topics.

In genealogy, no matter how much we may think we know, there's always something else to learn.

Tell me your favorite site, either locally or on the blogosphere, you turn to to further your education. Drop me a line at joyce.russell@nwi.com with your suggestions and stories.
When Judy Jacobi talks about the art at Purdue University Northwest, enthusiasm and joy light up her face, just as the art around the Westville and Hammond campuses captures the imagination.

Part of the transition that combined Purdue Calumet and Purdue North Central into Purdue University Northwest is a more pronounced art presence on the Hammond campus, which includes outdoor sculptures and indoor paintings.

The new focus on art at Hammond follows the lead of the art presence that has characterized the Westville campus for years. There will be a tour on March 25 of the new works of art at the Hammond campus, and some of the artists will be there.

The person behind the art is Jacobi, who is assistant vice chancellor of the University Art Collections and Special Programs.

Nineteen years ago, the Westville campus was one of Jacobi's clients. She owned an advertising agency.

"The campus is 240-some acres of land that looks like a bundle of jewels and is beautifully colored with landscape and plants," she said, talking with her hands and waving them in the air to emphasize her point.

Jacobi said she talked with then-Chancellor Dale Alspaugh about bringing art to the Westville campus in a program where it would be rented or leased from artists.

Today, there are 50 or so pieces on both campuses, the majority at Westville. Purdue Northwest owns six pieces of the fine art, which is valued at about $3 million. The loaned art is not counted in that estimate.

Jacobi said with the exception of some 100 pieces of abstract sculpture and painter George Sugarmans work, which the university received as part of a massive gift about nine years ago, all the art at the Hammond campus has been newly acquired through recent gifts.

"Hammond had some art from previous gifts, but nowhere near what we have installed since June 2016," she said.

"We have some art on loan such as our seven new sculptures. Large sculptures are less likely to be available as gifts, because artists have invested thousands of dollars into their materials.

"We have focused our effort to transform the Hammond campus and continue to maintain the very high level of collections at the Westville campus. We will be moving pieces from one campus to the other for maximum exposure," she said.

Interacting with campus art

Jacobi can walk through the grounds and buildings of both campuses and describe the art and artist. For example, there's John Adduci's "Odysseus," at the Westville campus, in the middle of the Bard's Pond. The aluminum sculpture represents Homers legend, The Odyssey, which means journey. The hero, Odysseus, navigates his raft through uncertain waters on his way home from the Trojan War.

And there is "Boundless," by Boyan Marinov, one of several sculptures on display at the Hammond campus. The sculpture depicts a man made of chains.

PNW freshman Christopher Willey, 21, said "Boundless" is one of his favorite pieces in Hammond. Willey said he's also been to the Westville campus, which he said has "beautiful and amazing" pieces of art.

Jacobi said art, unlike politics, doesn't usually raise hackles or make people angry.

"Art encourages exchange and conversation, and sometimes disagreement but all in the spirit of knowledge," she said.

"Art doesn't exist in a vacuum. Art is (a) portal or doorway to learning about everything. Art reflects and dovetails with every academic discipline I can think of. It talks about physics, socio-economic issues, politics and gender issues."

Using art with other disciplines

Some of the professors at both campuses have found a way to incorporate art into the curriculum, and students from across Northwest Indiana have taken tours of the Westville campus.

Retired Hammond campus associate professor of English Zenobia Mistri said she often used art in her Introduction to the Liberal Arts class.

"I wanted my students to understand how impressionists used light," she said.

"I would send my students on a small exercise to go over to the White Lodging Center. I'd ask them to look at something that interests them and write about it. Look at it at different times and talk about how their impression shifted and changed depending on the light."

Professor Karen Church, a limited lecturer in communication and creative arts at the Westville campus, said for the first semester in Communication 114, she asks students to select one of the sculptures and research the artist and work.

"They present a speech in front of the sculpture to the entire class as we travel around the campus viewing and discussing the sculptor, and his influences on creating the sculpture and the meaning/significance of each work," she said.

Pine Elementary School art teacher Holly Beadles said Michigan City Area Schools began a partnership with then-Purdue North Central when the elementary school became a Magnet School for the Visual and Performing Arts.

"At that time they worked with us and installed 'Festival,' by George Sugarman, in our library, which is a large sculpture that fills an entire wall of our library," she said.

"Since that time, the university has loaned us many works in their collection for our students to enjoy. I'll often catch conversations that students are having about the pieces of work we have on display where they are theorizing on the artists' intent or discussing the use of colors."

She said every year, the school takes the fifth-grade class to the Westville campus to look at the sculptures that are scattered throughout the campus.

"The favorite of most students is "Haints and History," by Preston Jackson. It's relevant to them, because they study the Civil War and the underground railroad in fourth grade, and for them it's like history comes alive," she said.

"Students are always surprised to find out there is a piece of the World Trade Towers in the lounge in the LSF (Library Student Faculty) building and are quite moved by seeing it, and the work of Jason Poteet that surrounds it," Beadles said.
Walking into Tortillas Nuevo Leon's 50,000-square-foot production center, the smell of fresh flour tortillas is enough to bring back memories of grandma's kitchen for those who grew up with traditional Mexican cuisine like Jesus Martinez did.

"People always say how good it smells when they walk in here," Martinez said. "I have been working here so long I don't even smell it anymore."

Martinez is vice president of operations at Tortillas Nuevo Leon on Hoffman Street in Hammond, which supplies corn tortillas, flour tortillas, nacho chips and tostada shells to retail, food service and restaurant chains all over the country.

"It brings a smile to your face," he said. "When you can walk into a grocery store in another state and see your product on their shelves."

The company has been serving the Region and Chicago since 1975, when his parents, Oscar and Maria Martinez, built Nuevo Leon from the ground up in East Chicago, after immigrating to the Region from Monterey, Mexico.

The family tradition persisted as their three children, Jesus, Olga and Jaime Martinez, joined the company in 1990 and expanded the product line and distribution networks outside of the area to the rest of the nation. However, they have kept the same recipes their parents started out with.

"When my dad started the business, growing up as a kid when I saw our products in the store, it was hard for me to comprehend that that was our family's business," Olga Martinez said. "I remember when he was delivering to schools, I felt so proud."

In 2008, Nuevo Leon moved into a new 100,000-square-foot facility in Hammond and updated equipment to keep up with customer demand.

They went from producing 400,000 tortillas each day at the East Chicago facility to making 1 million tortillas per day with the help of automated systems.

"When they first started, everything was manually done," Martinez said. "Everything was bagged and boxed by hand, the dough was made by hand. ... Every year something new comes out, there's always something to keep up with in technology."

Flour and corn tortilla dough, or mesa, is mixed in vats and portioned by machines that take the tortillas through a conveyor belt into the shaping, pressing and cooking process. From there, automated packaging makes creating millions of tortilla every week a cinch. The factory has four colossal tortilla production lines, in addition to its fried tortilla chips and tostada shell production lines, which are very similar but include a fryer. Jesus Martinez said each line only needs about six people for production.

He said Tortillas Nuevo Leon products are distributed among 28 states, with 12 distribution centers throughout the country. He remembers working as a teen in the East Chicago plant, mopping floors, cleaning equipment and going on delivery routes.

"My brother and sister and I would work during the summertime when we were out of school," he said. "My dad taught us that you need to start from the bottom up."

He said he has seen steady growth over the years  the Region and Chicago still being one of the company's strongest markets.

"The market is huge in this area," Jesus Martinez said. "About 60 percent still goes to the Northwest Indiana, Chicago area, and 40 percent is distributed out of state."

Culturally, their customer demographic spans far beyond Hispanic families and restaurants.

"Every year tortilla sales grow," he said. "It's a big industry and its not just a Latin product; it's universal with everybody. You can put peanut butter and jelly on a tortilla, you can put a hot dog and toppings in it, there's a lot of ways to enjoy them."

Martinez said that through quality and customer service, the company has built strong relationships with customers in the Region. Olga Martinez said the feedback she gets is a testimony to her family's impact.

"I have had a lot of people and friends say they grew up on our products," she said. "Or I get calls from people from other states that tell us that our tortillas are just like their grandmas made. ... My dad had a vision, a dream, and he went for it. When my parents went for their first loan, it was scary, but they did it, and succeeded."
PORTAGE  The budget blueprint issued Thursday by President Donald Trump's administration calls for substantial cuts in federal spending, including cuts to the Department of Transportation that would eliminate the program that would provide significant funds for the South Shore Line's West Lake Corridor and Double Track NWI projects.

The proposal limits funding in the Federal Transit Administration's Capital Investment Grant program to projects that already have full funding grant agreements. Neither South Shore project has reached that level.

West Lake would require more than $300 million in federal funds, and Double Track about $145 million, according to recent cost estimates. The budget proposal states: "Future investments in new transit projects would be funded by the localities that use and benefit from these localized projects."

Visclosky argues for funding

Reaction from members of Congress on Thursday generally ranged from cautious to hostile, with many Republicans joining Democrats in opposing elements of Trump's plan.

U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky, D-Merrillville, anticipating the threat to the Capital Investment Grant program, has testified before House committees twice in recent weeks to argue that the transportation grants should be maintained.

Visclosky testified before the House Budget Committee on March 2, and the Appropriations Committee on March 9. He noted ongoing efforts in the Indiana General Assembly to fund the South Shore projects.

"I strongly support the initiative in the Indiana General Assembly," he told the Appropriations Committee. "But it will all be for naught if the Capital Investment Grant program is not adequately funded."

"Reducing funding for this critical program would be counterproductive to our goal as federal representatives to support jobs and economic development."

Other proposed cuts

Proposed Department of Transportation cuts would total $2.4 billion, or 13 percent of the department's discretionary funds. Among them would be eliminating the TIGER, or Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery, grant program.

The proposal says that TIGER-eligible projects "are generally eligible for funding under existing surface transportation formula programs."

The South Shore, in conjunction with Michigan City, had received an $800,000 TIGER planning grant in 2010. In their recently issued five-year capital plan, South Shore officials include the possibility of applying for TIGER funding for assistance in realigning the railroad in South Bend.

The budget proposal also would end federal funding for Amtrak's long-distance lines, which "would allow Amtrak to focus on better managing its state-supported and Northeast Corridor train services," according to the president's proposed budget.

And, the proposal would shift air traffic control "to an independent, non-governmental organization," and would eliminate a subsidy program for commercial air service at rural airports.

Region officials studying proposal

Hours after the Trump administration issued its budget proposal, Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission officials said at their Thursday meeting they will thoroughly evaluate the proposal, with the intention of developing a response to share with members of Congress.

"This is in some ways a first salvo," NIRPC Executive Director Ty Warner noted. "Obviously the Congress approves the budget."

Other programs across the government also would be affected  Warner noted the proposal's elimination of support for National Heritage Areas. A feasibility study proposing creating a Calumet National Heritage Area was published earlier this year.

Gary Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson said the budget proposal includes "something that impacts every community in this group."

"If the budget is passed as proposed  and we know it won't be, but even if it's close  we all stand to lose quite a bit."
For the last six years, would-be entrepreneurs  ranging from those who have long dreamed of starting a business to those who just had a good idea germinating  have taken the stage at The Big Sell to make a pitch in front of hundreds of spectators.

Purdue University Northwest professor Dushan Nikolovski started the annual entrepreneurship competition in 2011 "to offer people with big dreams a great opportunity to put those ideas into action."

Over the past six years, the contest blossomed into a glitzy national event thats helped launch companies like Loopy Cases, Brace 2 Play, Pool Python and Girlease, which now sells bra liners on the QVC shopping channel. The Centipede Sawhorse, which finished fifth in the general category in 2014, is now being sold all over at Home Depot and Lowe's.

Thousands of inventors and entrepreneurs from across the United States submitted ideas to the Big Sell, which offered its slate of winners  four to six a year  a share of $100,000 in cash and technical assistance, such as help with marketing and patents.

Many contestants later ran out of steam or never got off the ground. But others have gone on to sell products in India, have been written up in national magazines and appeared on Dr. Oz. Cloud 9 Griptape in Dyer, another competitor in the 2014 contest, is selling tape for skateboards through Zumiez, a retailer with more than 650 stores, including one in the Southlake Mall.

Lorri Feldt, the regional director of the Northwest Indiana Small Business Development Center, said the Big Sell has helped promote innovation and a culture of entrepreneurship in Northwest Indiana. Innovators get a chance to test their ideas, and finalists get the vote of confidence they need to move forward.

Its been great helping develop a culture on entrepreneurship and bringing innovation, startups and small businesses to the forefront, Feldt said. In the Region, we have very large industrial companies. This is part of how we diversify our economy, and introduce new businesses. Its an activity that brings more visibility and audience participation.

But its now a period of transition for the Big Sell, which is under new management and is being moved to a smaller venue, at least for the time being. The contest had taken place in the grand ballroom in the Radisson at Star Plaza, but White Lodging is tearing the old hotel down to make way for a ritzy new one that wont open until 2018.

This year, the Big Sell will again take place on April 29 but is getting moved to the Commercialization and Manufacturing Excellence Center at 7150 Indianapolis Blvd. in Hammond and spearheaded by CMEC Associate Director Mont Handley.

Handleys looking at other potential venues in the future, including at the Purdue University Northwest Westville campus, but the event will have to be scaled back this year because there just isnt as much space.

Its a much smaller venue, he said.

The number of entrepreneurs pitching on stage will be winnowed from the 40 to 50 seen in past years to about 10 to 12 this year. For the first time, everyone will be required to submit a video pitch in advance so the contestant list can narrow it down.

Also for the first time, the competition will be live-streamed because not as many people will be able to attend in person.

Going forward, were going to make sure all the presenters are of the finest quality, Handley said. Theyll be competing for cash prizes. Were still fine-tuning it but we think it will be in the range of $4,000 and $5,000 for the winner.

A benefit to having the Big Sell at the Commercialization and Manufacturing Excellence Center is that it will be able to offer winners technical assistance in its industrial labs, such as manufacturing analysis or prototyping for pitches that are still in the ideation phase. They will also get help from volunteering professionals like free legal advice on protecting their intellectual property, or tips on public speaking from Toastmasters International.

Kim Macchiaella, of Hammond, was runner-up in the most recent Big Sell for her One Shot Mc Shot engine application that keeps debris from entering the engine and provides fluid to an engines cylinder.

It was validation to me that I had a good product, she said. "It told me it was something I should move forward with. It was certainly a privilege to do well.

Macchiaella hopes to eventually get her product distributed through engine companies and eventual retailers like Auto Zone. Shes now working on getting the product designed, financed and manufactured.

It takes time, she said. The biggest struggles are that companies that are already existing dont want to help, that finances have to be lined up and that we have to wear all kinds of hats.

Schererville-based Loopy Cases won the contest in 2013 and is now selling its iPhone cases with a finger loop to prevent drops online to customers across the nation. It raised funding through a successful Kickstarter campaign, and has been featured in magazines like Inc. and Entrepreneur.

Overall it was very important to us, company founder JT Wangercyn said.

As a Purdue University Calumet student, he watched the contest in its first year, then went back as a competitor to win it. Loopy Cases also won a similar entrepreneur contest from Indiana University Bloomington.

Its fantastic, he said. It creates a deadline, which forces you to do what you need to do. It gives you that little push you need. Youre afraid, but it gives you a vast audience to try your product out before so many.

Valparaiso resident Robin Bisseker, whos originally from South Africa, didnt enter last years Big Sell expecting to win it, as he ended up doing. It inspired him to pursue his idea for the Pool Python automated pool skimmer that uses water pressure to remove floating insects and debris. He came up with the idea when he was cleaning a gutter with a hose and thinks it has many advantages such as saving water and energy.

Hes now setting up the business and looking for a manufacturer in the United States, and likely in Northwest Indiana, to start making the pool skimmer. He hopes to sell the product online worldwide.

It was tremendous validation from the audience, he said. As an entrepreneur, you have to know if its worth investing money and resources, if its something theres a market for.

Nikolovski wanted to give local entrepreneurs exactly that type of encouragement with the Big Sell. He felt it was especially important to offer money since business owners burn through cash fast when starting out.

I look at the people who came out of there, from the simplest ideas to the most complicated products, and saw them getting the motivation to get their idea out of the garage and present their dream, he said. It gave them an opportunity to move their product forward. To me the greatest thing was that it put Northwest Indiana on the map for entrepreneurship.
(Adds U.S. official's comments)

By Elaine Lies and Kiyoshi Takenaka

TOKYO, March 16 (Reuters) - The escalating threat from North Korea's nuclear program shows a clear need for a "new approach," U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said on Thursday, although he did not say what the Trump administration planned.

It was the first time that Tillerson, who was speaking at a joint news conference in Tokyo after talks with Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida, had taken questions from the media since taking office in early February.

Two decades of diplomatic and other efforts, including U.S. aid for North Korea, had failed to achieve the goal of denuclearizing Pyongyang, said Tillerson, a former oil executive with no prior diplomatic experience, at the start of his first trip to Asia as secretary of state.

"So we have 20 years of failed approach," Tillerson said. "That includes a period where the United States has provided $1.35 billion in assistance to North Korea as an encouragement to take a different pathway."

"In the face of this ever-escalating threat, it is clear that a different approach is required. Part of the purpose of my visit to the region is to exchange views on a new approach," he said.

A Japanese foreign ministry official said U.S. officials had discussed potential new approaches regarding North Korea, but he declined to elaborate.

As Tillerson presses the Chinese to do more to rein in North Korea's nuclear and missile programs, he is expected to tell them the United States intends to increase missile defense in the region, despite Beijing's strong opposition, a U.S. official told Reuters in Washington.

An advanced U.S. anti-missile system is being installed in South Korea, and the official said the Trump administration wants to discuss similar improvements with Japan.

Tillerson visits South Korea and China later in the week.

Tillerson is also likely to raise the prospects for imposing "secondary sanctions" on Chinese banks and other firms doing business with North Korea, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. It is among the options being considered in a full review of North Korea policy expected to be completed by late March or early April, the official said.

Story continues

State Department spokesman Mark Toner said on Wednesday Tillerson will have "substantive, hard" talks on next steps in dealing with North Korea but that his visit was not likely to produce an immediate specific response.

In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying repeated Foreign Minister Wang Yi's proposal last week that North Korea should stop its nuclear and missile tests and South Korea and the United States should stop joint military drills and seek talks instead.

"We welcome all parties, including the United States, to come up with their own proposals," Hua told a daily news briefing. "As long as these proposals are conducive to ameliorating the present tense situation on the Korean peninsula and are beneficial to maintaining regional peace and stability ... China will have an open attitude."

Tillerson made it clear he expected China, North Korea's sole major ally, to do more.

"We will be having discussions with China as to further actions we believe they might consider taking that would be helpful to bringing North Korea to a different attitude about its future need for nuclear weapons," he said.

SEEKING CLUES

Tillerson's comments in Japan were eagerly watched by international observers for indications as to what they meant for the Trump administration's foreign policy.

Japan is seeking clues to Washington's policies both on North Korea and China's increasing military and economic clout while hoping to steer clear of trade rows.

Tillerson also held talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and had dinner with Kishida.

U.S. President Donald Trump made it a hallmark of his campaign to call on allies, including Japan, to pay more for hosting U.S. forces and other elements of American protection.

Tillerson issued a far gentler message at the conference, underscoring the "long-standing" U.S.-Japanese alliance.

"While the security environment in this region can be challenging, the United States is committed to strengthening our role, and we welcome an increased Japanese commitment to their roles and responsibilities in our alliance," he said.

Tillerson is the second member of Trump's cabinet to visit Japan. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis visited last month, and Vice President Mike Pence is due in April, underscoring U.S. concerns surrounding North Korea's missile and nuclear programs. Abe was the first foreign leader who met Trump after his November election win.

North Korea last week launched four ballistic missiles, the latest in a series, and is developing nuclear-tipped missiles that can reach the United States, in defiance of U.N. Security Council resolutions and sanctions.

Washington has said all options, including military, are on the table in its review of policies toward North Korea. In the final months of the Obama administration, U.S. officials warned it would blacklist Chinese companies and banks that do illicit business with North Korea if Beijing failed to enforce U.N. sanctions against Pyongyang.

The United States has begun deploying the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense missile defense system in South Korea, a move China objects to strongly because it sees the system's radar as a threat to its security.

Pak Myong Ho, a North Korean embassy official speaking in Beijing on Thursday, said the deployment "will destroy the balance in Northeast Asia and the Pacific region."

"The radar is not aimed at just us," Pak said. "It is also aiming for China and Russia."

China's assertiveness in the East China Sea, where it has a territorial row with Japan, and the South China Sea, where it has disputes with the Philippines and several other Southeast Asian nations, were also on the agenda.

(Additional reporting by Christine Kim in Seoul, Matt Spetalnick and David Brunnstrom in Washington and Ben Blanchard in Beijing; Writing by Yeganeh Torbati; Editing by Nick Macfie and James Dalgleish)
he Times heard from a few more people about favorite fish fries. So, we've included them in our listing.

 Bishop Noll will host fish fry dinners this month. They will take place from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Fridays, March 17 and 24 in the school cafeteria, 1519 Hoffman St. in Hammond. Seafood dinners include salad bar, entree, dessert and drink. Cost is $8 for pollock, $9 for ocean perch, $11 for shrimp and $11 for a mixed platter. Kids' meals are available for $5. Call (219) 932-9058 for more information.

 American Legion Post 369, 1401 West Chicago Avenue, East Chicago, will have fish fries every Friday through Good Friday. Today, there will be a chicken dinner or corned beef and cabbage dinner in honor of St. Patrick's Day.

Food fans looking for other area fish fries will find a variety of local ones to check out. Here's a sample of other places to enjoy seafood during Lent.

 American Legion Post 260 Fish Fry, 4 to 8 p.m. on Fridays at American Legion Post 260, 5675 Mulberry Ave., Portage. Call (219) 762-3541 for more information. On March 17, in honor of St. Patrick's Day, there will be a corned beef and cabbage dinner from noon to 7:30 p.m.

 Descent Of the Holy Spirit Fish Fry Fridays, 3 to 7 p.m. Fridays through April 14 at Descent of the Holy Spirit Orthodox Church, 545 E. 77th Ave., Schererville. Visit holyspiritschererville.com and click on fish fry Fridays for menu and pricing. Phone orders accepted. Credit cards and debit cards accepted. Call (219) 864-1529. Among dinners are fish, shrimp, tilapia, catfish, fish and chips, lake perch and more.

 Fish and Shrimp Fry, 4 to 7:30 p.m. every Friday at St. Michael the Archangel Church, 6629 W. 133rd Ave., Cedar Lake. All-you-can-eat fish is available. Other dishes include shrimp; fish and shrimp combo; chicken fingers; pierogi and weekly specials. Call for prices and more information. Call (219) 374-7626.

 Hammond Mohawks Lenten Fish Fry, 4 to 7 p.m. Fridays at Hammond Mohawks, 4040 Calumet Ave., Hammond. Lenten Fish Fry features various items including pollock, walleye, perch, shrimp, frog legs and more. Call (219) 933-9823 for prices and more information.

 Knights of Columbus Fish Fry, 4 to 7 p.m. Fridays during Lent at Knights of Columbus Hall, 1104 Knights of Columbus Drive, East Chicago. Lake perch, ocean perch, shrimp and tilapia are among features as well as an all-you-can-eat salad bar. A kids menu is also featured. Call for prices and more information. Call (219) 398-6700. Fish fry is not held on Good Friday.

 St. Andrew's Fish Fry & Pierogi Dinner, 4 to 6:30 p.m. Fridays during Lent at St. Andrew's Ameling Hall, 801 W. 73rd Ave., Merrillville. All you can eat fish fry and pierogi dinner includes fried and baked fish or pierogi (potato or sauerkraut), choice of baked potato or French fries, tossed salad or homemade coleslaw, bread and butter, and ice cream. Pop, water and baked items for sale. Adults, $10; 12 & younger, $6; preschool aged childre are free. Not available on Good Friday. Call (219) 769-8534.

 St. Maria Goretti Church Fish Fries, 4 to 7 p.m. Fridays during Lent at Casa Maria Banquet Hall, 500 Northgate Drive, Dyer. Cost is $13 for adults; $6 for children 6 to 12 and free for kids under 6 years old. Call (219) 865-5482 for menu and more information.

 Slovak Club Fish Fry, noon to 7 p.m. at Slovak Club, 6920 Broadway, Merrillville. The fish fry, which runs from noon to 7 p.m. through the Lenten season, features shrimp, catfish, periogi, ocean perch and more. The event takes place in the lounge and dining room (hall). After the Lenten season, Fish Fries take place from 3 to 7 p.m. Call (219) 756-5101.

Cooking Show in Munster

Journalist and cookbook author Phil Potempa will host a feast of fun and surprises as he recreates the charm and traditions of the family farm kitchen at 2:30 p.m. April 2 at The Center for Visual and Performing Arts in Munster. He'll prepare seven courses of favorite recipes with time to spare for prizes and giveaways. Tickets for the From the Farm Cooking Show with Phil Potempa are $25. Call (219) 836-3255 or visit TheatreAtTheCenter.com.
CROWN POINT  A 60-year-old Gary man is charged for a second time in Lake Criminal Court with sexual battery on allegations he groped a nursing home employee.

Bartholomew Eubanks is accused of groping a certified nursing assistant earlier this month while he was admitted as a patient at Lincolnshire Healthcare Center, 8380 Virginia St., in Merrillville, according to a probable cause affidavit.

The nurse told Merrillville police Eubanks grabbed one of her breasts and her groin March 4 while she assisted the patient onto a toilet, the affidavit states.

The woman reported the abuse to superiors, who then required that Eubanks be assisted at all times by two staff members, according to the affidavit.

Eubanks allegedly grabbed the woman's buttocks again March 5 while she and two other assistants helped him use a toilet, the affidavit states.

Eubanks was charged Wednesday with two counts of sexual battery and two counts of misdemeanor battery.

Eubanks was previously charged with sexual battery and misdemeanor battery in April on allegations he slapped the buttocks of a staff member at Sebo's Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, 4410 W. 49th Ave., in Hobart, according to The Times archives.

An employee there told police Eubanks had made sexual comments and inappropriately touched several staff members at the nursing home, the archives states.

A criminal warrant was issued April 20 for Eubanks, but the warrant has not been served, according to court records.

Eubanks also has an active warrant for a June 2015 charge of cocaine possession.

Both Lincolnshire and Sebo's are owned by Major Hospital, or Major Health Partners, a health care provider in Shelbyville.

The company did not respond Wednesday to a request for comment.
CROWN POINT  The 49-year-old Gary man accused earlier this month of slashing a woman's throat pleaded not guilty Thursday to attempted murder, among other offenses.

Vincent E. Banks appeared in court Thursday with defense attorney Susan M. Severtson on charges of attempted murder, three counts of felony battery, auto theft and felony theft.

Banks is accused of slashing a female relative's throat Feb. 21 outside his residence in the 500 block of Van Buren Street in Gary, according to a probable cause affidavit.

The woman received 17 staples to close the wound, which doctors said was nearly fatal, the affidavit states.

Banks was arrested March 8, according to court records.

Banks last appeared in court Feb. 16 to be sentenced for battery resulting in serious bodily injury in connection to an unrelated incident from September 2014, according to court records.

Banks was sentenced to four years prison for that offense, which was suspended for probation.

On Thursday, the state filed a notice of intent to charge Banks as a habitual offender and requested Banks' probation be revoked.

A new court hearing is scheduled for May 4.
VALPARAISO  Area law enforcement and prosecutors are making a radical shift in hopes of better addressing Porter County's drug problem that has taken on new dynamics as a result of increased problems with heroin.

Porter County Prosecutor Brian Gensel announced Thursday morning that after 23 years of his office running the county's undercover drug unit, the team is being transferred to the control of the county sheriff's department.

"Due to the recent disturbing trends in drug abuse, new strategies are being employed by local law enforcement," Gensel said in a prepared statement.

Data is now being collected through the Heroin Overdose Response Team to better enable police to identify dealers, he said. Numerous federal initiatives have also been brought in to aid the effort.

"Because the Sheriff's department has taken an expanded role in battling the drug problem in Porter County, it is an appropriate time to combine all the local efforts, including the undercover task force within that department," Gensel said.

Porter County Sheriff Dave Reynolds said the change was mutually agreed upon by Gensel and the heads of the departments committing officers to the unit, which include the sheriff's department and Portage, Valparaiso and Chesterton.

Reynolds, who has served as part of the drug unit twice and ran it three times during his law enforcement career, voiced confidence in the change.

"We think it could be more effective if we give it back to police and let prosecutors prosecute," he said.

Reynolds said he plans a more hands-on approach and close cooperation with other drug units in the area.

"Everyone knows, it's not a secret, that heroin is coming from Chicago, it's coming from Gary," he said.

Laurie Jolley, who took over the drug unit at the start of 2016 after retiring from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, is out as a result of the change, Reynolds said.

The change comes on the heels of a report from Porter County Coroner Chuck Harris that fatal heroin overdoses hit a record high of 20 last year in the county, which was nearly double each of the two years prior.

The increase pushed the total number of drug-related deaths to a record high of 47 for the year and opioid overdoses tied the record of 36, he said.

The surge in drug-related deaths startled members of the Porter County Council, who met recently with law enforcement officials to map out a new plan of attack. The council has a powerful voice in the matter with control over the $260,000 in casino revenue that is dedicated annually to the drug eradication effort.

"The numbers of drug related deaths were rising to the extent that it shocks the conscience," said councilman Dan Whitten, D-at-large, who served undercover with the Lake County drug unit during his 16 years as a police officer before becoming an attorney.

"A change in direction was needed," he said.

A group of recovering addicts and supporters recently rallied outside the Porter County courthouse in Valparaiso to call for a better response to the local drug problem.
CROWN POINT  Two men were arrested Wednesday on allegations they murdered Thaddeus Rodriguez Jr., a 25-year-old Hammond man police claim was in the cross hairs of an East Chicago street gang.

Angel Garcia-Berrios, 23, and Rolando M. Leal Jr., 27, were each charged March 9 with murder, battery by means of a deadly weapon and criminal gang activity.

The cases were sealed until the men were served with warrants, according to court records.

East Chicago police were dispatched during the early morning hours on Jan. 25, 2016, to the area of West 148th Street and Olcott Avenue in East Chicago after receiving reports of a shooting, according to a probable cause affidavit.

Rodriguez was found dead outside a residence with gunshot wounds to the neck and head, the affidavit states. Shell casings and spent bullets were recovered at the scene.

The man's girlfriend told police she watched Rodriguez leave the apartment north on Olcott Avenue when he was approached by two persons, the affidavit states.

She said she heard one of them shout, Merry Christmas, and then the sound of gunfire, according to the affidavit.

Police learned later a second man shot in the leg was transported by a friend to St. Catherine Hospital, the affidavit states.

He told police he was leaving a friend's apartment when he was pushed to the ground by two Hispanic men, one of whom wore glasses and the other dressed in a hooded sweatshirt, according to the affidavit.

He said he then heard several gunshots and the men fled the scene, the affidavit states.

Two confidential informants later identified Garcia-Berrios and Leal as the shooters, the affidavit states.

One informant provided police a 9-millimeter handgun he said was given to him by Leal, according to the affidavit. The gun was linked by forensic testing to bullets and shell casings found at the scene of the killing.

The second informant told police Rodriguez, a member of the Dark Side Two-Six street gang, was on the gang's hit list, and members were told to shoot him on sight, according to the affidavit.

The informant said Leal was a member of the Imperial Gangsters street gang and Garcia-Berrios was a member of Dark Side Two-Six, the affidavit states.

The informant met with Leal in June and recorded a conversation for police in which Leal made incriminating statements, according to the affidavit.

Garcia-Berrios denied involvement in the murder in a statement to police, the affidavit states. Leal declined to answer questions about it.

Garcia-Berrios and Leal were both charged in June in federal court with gun possession by a felon, but the federal government dismissed the charges Monday in favor of state prosecution.

Garcia-Berrios was previously charged with murder in April 2011 on allegations he fatally shot a 39-year-old man during a fight at the man's home in Gary, according to The Times archives. Garcia-Berrios pleaded guilty to reckless homicide and was sentenced to 8 years in prison.

Leal was charged in June 2013 with a hit-and-run offense on allegations he struck and killed a 47-year-old man with his vehicle while fleeing a shooting in East Chicago, the archives state. He pleaded guilty to failure to stop after an accident resulting in death and was sentenced to four years in the Lake County Community Correction Kimbrough Work Program followed by two years prison.
INDIANAPOLIS  The minimum number of voters in Lake County election precincts is likely to be set by state lawmakers, instead of local officials.

The Republican-controlled House Elections Committee is expected to approve later this month Senate Bill 220  requiring consolidation of Lake precincts with fewer than 600 active voters.

State Rep. Milo Smith, R-Columbus, the committee chairman, said during a hearing on the measure Wednesday that he doesn't necessarily want to impose a consolidation mandate on the county, which has more "small" precincts than any other.

But he believes it may be necessary after the Democratic-controlled Lake County Board of Elections and Voter Registration recently voted 3-2 along party lines to only consider merging precincts with fewer than 500 active voters.

"If we've got a state average of 1,200, I think we ought to consider if 600 is the right amount," Smith said.

Last month, Smith scuttled the similar House Bill 1147 to give Lake election officials time to reach a bipartisan consensus on minimum precinct size and to devise a consolidation plan.

Lake elections director Michelle Fajman, a Democrat, said she's reviewed the 184 precincts with fewer than 500 active voters and found 91 can be consolidated.

"We agree we need some cuts. We're willing to make those cuts. We simply ask that you put that in our hands," Fajman said.

Lake County currently has 523 election precincts. About 54 percent, or 283 precincts, have fewer than 600 active voters.

Dan Dumezich, of Schererville, the Indiana Republican Party treasurer, said if the minimum is not set at 600 then the county will continue wasting thousands of dollars to fully staff polling sites that see few voters on Election Day.

In addition, he said northern Lake County cities  where most of the small precincts are located  will get to keep exercising undue influence relative to their populations when precinct committeemen are tapped to fill vacancies in elected offices.

"It's a very sad day when the voters of Lake County have to put up with these sorts of abuses," he said.

The sponsor of the proposal, state Rep. Hal Slager, R-Schererville, said he would prefer a bipartisan compromise on minimum precinct size be worked out by Lake officials.

"But that's not happening because they (the Democrats) don't want to do it. That's why the bill is necessary," he said.
CROWN POINT  Some 23 towing truck operators converged on the Lake County Government Center on Wednesday in hopes of hauling away lucrative work contracts.

The Lake County Board of Commissioners received their applications and now are reviewing which are the most qualified for government concessions to be rewarded this spring. The winner will work with county police to remove vehicles from public streets and highways.

County government's reputation for integrity was totaled late last year when a federal grand jury indicted Sheriff John Buncich on bribery and fraud charges alleging he gave towing firms work based on how much they paid him personally.

Buncich is pleading not guilty and awaiting trial.

Two towing businesses that aren't in the running for new county contracts are CSA Towing of Lake Station or Samson Towing of Merrillville.

William Szarmach, CSA's owner, is awaiting trial on allegations he paid Buncich bribes. He is pleading not guilty.

Scott Jurgensen, Samsons Towing's owner, has been identified as a cooperative federal witness who paid the sheriff for towing work. Jurgensen isn't charged with any wrongdoing.

Commissioner President Mike Repay, D-Hammond, said Wednesday that no firms that did business under Buncich were excluded from bidding on future work.

Repay said at least five of the 23 applicants were previously selected by the sheriff and currently do towing for county police under the old rules until the commissioners make their final choices.

The written standards, established before invitations went out, do require applicants to be "reputable."

The Lake County Council voted in January to reform the county's towing business by taking authority to award contracts away from the sheriff and giving it to the commissioners.

Commissioners said last month they would model their towing vendor qualifications on those used by the Indiana State Police.

The firms responding to this invitation include those headquartered in Cedar Lake, Crown Point, East Chicago, Gary, Griffith, Hammond, Hobart, Lake Station, Merrillville, Schererville and Whiting.

Repay said the county will create a new map of districts where an undetermined number of winning firms will operate.

There are currently nine districts that were drawn up by the sheriff.

Repay said commissioners will draw new district boundaries to ensure the towing work is apportioned equally to avoid creating districts that generate more profits for some vendors.
HOBART  A drainage problem is on the city's radar, but it isn't yet known when work would take place to address it.

A resident told the Sanitary/Stormwater District Board excessive flooding occurs on Illinois Street during rain events, and he would like to see improvements to prevent stormwater from collecting on properties along the road.

He said the drainage issues are significant enough that they attract ducks to the flooded areas.

City Engineer Phil Gralik said Hobart's past stormwater master plan didn't identify a project to correct the flooding problems there, but the city sought feedback from residents when it started the process of updating the master plan.

Through that work, residents provided information about flooding on Illinois Street, Gralik said.

He said the Illinois Street area is being examined for solutions during the master plan update.

They're going to propose some way to fix it, Gralik said of Robinson Engineering, which was hired to complete the new master plan.

Gralik also explained there are several others areas of the city being reviewed during the update. Projects proposed in the document will be prioritized.

He said he hopes the Sanitary/Stormwater District will have a better idea by the summer of when future work will take place to address issues identified in the plan.

We'll do everything we can, Gralik said.

The Illinois Street resident asked if adding a storm drain would solve the flooding.

Board President Bob Fulton explained tackling stormwater problems isn't always a simple task.

The process requires examining how to fix a drainage issue without creating a flooding problem in another location, Fulton said.
U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky, D-Ind., believes Merrillvilles decision to significantly reduce its investment in the South Shore Line's West Lake Corridor project will ultimately be overturned in court.

The Merrillville Town Council on Tuesday cited financial reasons for the decision to reduce Merrillville's annual pledge to the project from 22 percent to 8 percent. The towns contribution comes from its County Economic Development Income Tax or CEDIT.

All communities in Northwest Indiana face financial challenges. These challenges have occurred primarily because we have lost 10 percent of our population since 1970, including the loss of 74,120 school-aged children, Visclosky said.

If we do not now make transformational investments, we will continue to lose young talent, new businesses and new tax revenue, he said.

During Tuesdays meeting, Council President Richard Hardaway said councilmen received a legal opinion they were well within our rights to reduce the CEDIT contribution. Councilman Shawn Pettit abstained from voting on the reduction, and the remainder of the council supported it.

Clerk-Treasurer Eugene Guernsey didn't immediately have the amount of the funding change Tuesday night.

When this issue was discussed in February, Visclosky said an interlocal agreement Merrillville approved for its 22 percent investment is binding and can't be legally changed. At that time, he said there has to be certainty for the project to gain all necessary approvals.

On Wednesday, Visclosky said in his statement its unfortunate that the board acted in a fashion that disallowed the ability of the public, regardless of their opinion, to have their voices heard."

I remain committed to working in an open and transparent manner to bring communities together to support a return of over $300 million of our federal taxes and advance this transformational investment that will retain and attract talent and create jobs, he said.

Addressing financial concerns, Visclosky said the South Shores West Lake Corridor project will grow the economy of Merrillville, Schneider, New Chicago and all of Northwest Indiana. In turn, it will generate an exponential growth of financial resources for all our local communities.

During Tuesdays meeting, Councilwoman Chrissy Barron said the councils action wasnt meant to be disrespectful to Visclosky or the South Shore line extension.

We have to live within our means, this is not living within the town of Merrillvilles means, Barron said of the annual 22 percent investment.

Making an annual contribution for 30 years was another concern for some councilmen, who indicated they were uncomfortable making a commitment beyond their terms in office.

Merrillville officials said they plan to use the towns CEDIT funding for infrastructure work, but specific projects werent discussed Tuesday.

Guernsey said some residents had expressed objections to the 22 percent pledge Merrillville initially approved.

Hardaway didnt go as far as to say constituents have told him they opposed that amount, but he indicated he had conversations with residents about the issue.

We have to do what we think is best for the residents, Hardaway said.
CHICAGO  Chicago's price tag for legal and consulting fees related to the federal civil rights probe of the city's police force has climbed to $4.5 million  and the cost isn't done climbing.

It's not known how much the final bill will be to deal with the investigation that found years of civil rights violations and excessive force by Chicago police. Still to be added are expenses since the first of the year.

Despite the U.S. Attorney General's recent suggestion that he won't press for policing reforms in Chicago, a city law department spokesman tells the Chicago Sun-Times (http://bit.ly/2mESZFO ) the work continues.

The investigation was launched after the 2015 release of a video of a white police officer fatally shooting black teen Laquan McDonald 16 times in 2014.
Department spokesman Anthony Guglielmi says Johnson made the pitch Thursday, during a meeting in Washington, D.C. he and other police chiefs had with Sessions. The attorney general has declined to commit to a federal consent decree with Chicago that would allow for court enforcement of suggested reforms of the Police Department. Suggested changes were outlined in a scathing Justice Department report of the department released shortly before President Donald Trump took office. Guglielmi says the issue didn't come up during the meeting.
July 9, 1946 - March 1, 2017 Dr. Cortez Lawrence died suddenly on Wednesday, March 1, 2017 at the Gettysburg Hospital. Dr. Lawrence leaves behind his wife Peggy Trujillo-Lawrence, his daughters Lisa Rowe, Leslie Spradlin, Allyson Hahn Martin, his sister LaJuan (Lawrence) Hayes, and 8 grandchildren. Dr. Cortez Lawrence was born July 9, 1946 at Ft. Benning, Georgia, the son of the late Lester and Hazel Lawrence. He was a dedicated member of the Eagle Scouts where he received the Order of the Arrow and the God for Country distinction. Dr. Lawrence served in both the United States Marine Corps and the United States Army. He served as a Lieutenant and platoon leader during the Vietnam War with the 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division. He was awarded the Bronze Star, the Combat Infantryman's Badge, and was twice awarded the Purple Heart, along with many other meritorious and campaign medals. His rank upon retirement was Major. Dr. Lawrence was a graduate of North Georgia College, where he received a BA in Military History; JD in law from John Marshall Law School, Atlanta, Georgia; MPA and PhD in Public Administration and Policy from Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama; and was a graduate of the Harvard University Kennedy School of Government's Fellows Program for State and Local Government Executives. Dr. Lawrence began his fire career in Hall County, Georgia in 1972 and proceeded to rise through the ranks serving as an officer, fire marshal, division commander and chief. He helped found the first Georgia Smoke Diver program. He spent several years working as a fire marshal for the U.S. Department of State in Washington, DC, and at assignments worldwide. Dr. Lawrence served as Deputy Director of the Public Safety Department for the City of Auburn, Alabama. While there, he was instrumental in developing the Student Firefighter Program. He was also an adjunct professor of Political Science and Public Administration at Auburn University. Dr. Lawrence started his career in the Federal Emergency Management Agency on Sept. 10, 2001. While there he served in many capacities: Division Director at the United States Fire Administration; Superintendent of the Emergency Management Institute; and Superintendent of the Center for Domestic Preparedness. Most recently he was appointed as an Assistant to the U.S. Fire Administrator. During Hurricane Katrina, he served as the emergency services branch chief in the field offices in Baton Rouge and New Orleans, Louisiana. Dr. Lawrence was an accomplished artist in the medium of watercolors and oil, and was featured in galleries throughout Pennsylvania and Alabama. Interment with full military honors will be in Arlington National Cemetery on Tuesday, July 25, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. Memorials can be made to the Purple Heart Foundation, Annandale, VA 22003. Online obituary and condolences available at monahanfuneralhome.com.
The Dutch establishment held strong under a growing wave of populism as center-right Prime Minister Mark Rutte looks on course for victory following the country's biggest election in a generation.

Dutch voters turned out en masse Wednesday to elect their new government following a tumultuous campaign in which anti-Islam and anti-EU Geert Wilders' Freedom Party appeared to make significant gains, prompting concerns over a continued rise of populist sentiment across Europe.

However, current indicators suggest that incumbent Rutte's party will secure the biggest share of the vote and sit at the helm of the country's new government.

"It appears that the VVD will be the biggest party in the Netherlands for the third time in a row," a beaming Rutte told cheering supporters at a postelection party in The Hague. "Tonight we'll celebrate a little."

At current count, Rutte's VVD party will take 33 of the 150 available parliamentary seats . Wilders' PVV is set for 20 seats, the Christian Democratic Appeal and the centrist Democrats 66 look on track to secure 19, while the Socialist Party is expected to take 14. The Labour Party appears to have suffered significant loses since joining a coalition with the VVD in the last election, and is likely to secure nine seats.

The Dutch parliament requires a majority of 76 seats to form a government, so Rutte will need to strike a coalition deal with at least three other parties. Given that he has ruled out working with Wilders, it is likely that this could include the CDA and the D66 and one or more smaller parties.

The Dutch Green Party could be one among these, having seen significant gains Wednesday and securing 14 seats. However, leader Jesse Klaver told CNBC: " I don't want to go into government with the VVD ," adding that he blamed Rutte's government for the rise of Wilders.



Despite coming in second place, Wilders is unlikely to hold any sway in the future government due to the fragmented parliamentary system. He lost momentum in recent days as Rutte made gains after drawing a hard line on foreign pressures from the Turkish government .

Story continues

Nevertheless, Wednesday's result sees Wilders' party shift up from third place in the previous election. Wilders heralded the result a major gain for the party, tweeting "We won seats. The first gains are made."

"Rutte has not seen the back of me!!"



A risky coalition

The most significant loss in Wednesday's election, however, is likely to be for the Labour party, VVD's former coalition ally.

As the junior party in the coalition, the Labour party had to accede to a number of austerity measures, which saw it lose much of its popularity while in power. The party went from securing 38 seats in 2012 to just nine.

"In the Netherlands - particularly over the last 15 years - governing means losing votes," explained Hans Vollaard, professor at Leiden University.

As leading parties enter discussions to form a new government over the coming weeks and months, Vollaard warned potential bedfellows of the VVD to beware of what this could mean for the political futures of their respective parties.

"The most important message for governing parties is; include at least one of your main competitors in government," he said, suggesting that the Christian Democrats might be the VVD's next target.

"For the fiscal conservative VVD Party, led by the incumbent Prime Minister Mark Rutte, it means at least get the Christian Democrats into government and for the D66 Party it will mean that they should get the GreenLeft party in it."

A landmark vote

The result was a significant one for Dutch democracy: 82 percent of the electorate turned out to the polls on Wednesday, the highest number in 30 years.

The outcome was also seen as a win for opinions polls, whose reputations had taken a battering in recent months following their drastic failure to predict Donald Trump's election and the Brexit vote last year. While not precisely accurate, the most recent polls did predict a win for Rutte and second place for Wilders.

Europe reacts

Wednesday's election was seen by Europe watchers as a litmus test for other upcoming elections across the continent, specifically in France and Germany.

Politicians from both countries were quick to congratulate the Netherlands for staving off populist policies that overturned the U.S. election and the U.K.'s EU referendum.

"Congratulations to the Dutch for stemming the rise of the far right," France Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault wrote on Twitter. "Desire to work for a stronger Europe."

The head of German Chancellor Angela Merkel's office, Peter Altmaier, described the exit poll result as "terrific".

"Netherlands oh Netherlands you are a champion," he tweeted. "Congratulations on this terrific result."

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As the resettlement process of persons that lived near the oil refinery site drags on, there is not just confusion on who was promised a house or not, but also conflicts brewing among the displaced people and pastoralists, writes ALON MWESIGWA.



Three words  regret, misery, and hopelessness  can best describe families affected by the oil refinery project as they accuse government of not keeping true to its promises as the resettlement process drags on.

Some people accuse government of building houses for only 46 households out of the 93 that opted for resettlement. They also accuse government of not respecting the timelines it set of when the affected people would be resettled in a new place.

More than 90 families opted for resettlement in 2012, rejecting cash payments to pave way for the construction of a refinery in Kabaale, Hoima district. Most of those who opted for cash were paid but the future looks increasingly bleak for those who chose to be resettled.

Elderly woman Joyce Kaikara is one of the people facing an uncertain future over resettlement. At a village meeting at Nyehayo primary school in Kabaale with reporters and the NGO African Institute for Energy Governance (Afiego), Kaikara said she had opted for cash compensation but she was told she was vulnerable and could not be allowed to handle money. She was told government would give her land and then construct a house for her.

Kaikara, who now lives at her sisters home, says she was recently told she would only be given land and would not receive a house since the land that government took did not have property on it.



I am not happy with what is going on, Kaikara said.

Persons that were displaced to make way for the refinery at a village meeting last week

Government is finishing the construction of the 46 houses but those who will not get a house are running out of patience. Last month, they set up huts adjacent to where government is constructing. The huts were burnt at night but residents say they will construct new ones again.

Margaret Nankya, another affected person, said they had met with area members of parliament but havent been helped. In 2012, government stopped the affected persons from growing crops that take long to mature, such as coffee, cassava and trees pending resettlement. They were told they could only grow seasonal crops like maize and beans.

Five years later, they have not been taken to the new places. Government had promised that the affected persons would enter their houses at the start of this year. They are still not sure when they will be resettled.

According to governments resettlement action plan, a total of 7,118 people were affected by the project. Some 2,708 had property and 2,615 of these opted for cash compensation while 93 asked to be resettled.

Government acquired at least 533.6 acres in Kabaale for resettlement. In the budget framework paper for 2017/18 financial year, government said it would focus on the implementation of the refinery development activities including the development of the oil pipelines, aerodrone, and the implementation of the oil and gas policy.

The government says it will allocate at least Shs 114.2bn for the refinery land and other related corridors for other infrastructure such as the pipeline in the upcoming national budget for 2017/2018.

The accusations that project- affected persons are throwing at the state have become fodder for non-governmental organisations, who see the situation as a complete disregard by government of basic human rights.



ENTER PASTORALISTS

Meanwhile, a conflict between the affected persons and the pastoralists is brewing. The refinery-affected people say pastoralists have since invaded the plots where they are living temporarily. They say the pastoralists come from Kyankwanzi and other western Uganda districts searching for pastures.

Abel Tugarukayo, who is waiting for resettlement, says he now hires people to guard his maize from pastoralists cows. Tugarukayo said the pastoralists were arrogant and intentionally graze animals on peoples crops.

Our situation is worse than refugees, he said.

Dickens Kamugisha, the executive director of Afiego, said the affected persons represent a community that is completely stuck.

They were promised to be relocated six years ago but up to now they havent, he said. Their children are not going to school, no health centre, they cant grow crops. Most of the families are broken.

Innocent Tumwebaze, the leader of the oil refinery residents association, said government delays were making us regret the choices we made.

Governments refinery project is expected to stand on 29 square kilometres of land and would process at least 60,000 barrels of oil daily, although governments target is to start with 30,000 barrels per day.

Last year, the project suffered a setback when the lead investor RT Global Resources, a Russian firm, pulled out of the deal, saying Ugandan government was dragging its feet. Government is looking for a new investor.

amwesigwa@observer.ug
Many of the 2.5 million Southern California residents insured by Obamacare could lose coverage under the Republican replacement plan, local health experts say.

The uninsured rate in California has reached a record low of 7 percent since the passage of the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare. In Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties, about 674,025 people receive subsidized plans through Covered California, the state exchange, and 1.8 million through expanded Medi-Cal, known nationally as Medicaid.

The Congressional Budget Office this week released estimates that 24 million nationally could lose insurance coverage by 2026 through reduced subsidies and cuts to Medicaid, the insurance program for the poor. That projection has not been extrapolated regionally, but health policy experts say that coverage would be in jeopardy for many of the roughly 5 million Californians whose plans are funded by the ACA.

We are confident, sadly, that it would be millions, said Peter Lee, executive director of Covered California. Exactly how many, and where, is going to take further analysis.

Comparing subsidies

According to the states exchange, last year 1,484,537 Californians received $4.2 billion in tax subsidies to help pay for their coverage. The GOP proposal would offer a flat tax credit based on age, while the Affordable Care Act also considers income, family size and local insurance costs when calculating the amount of assistance.

Taylor Reichelt, 28, of Costa Mesa earns about $24,000 a year working full-time at the drug rehab center where he kicked his own addiction. He pays $114 a month for his Covered California plan and receives a subsidy of $293 a month. With the replacement legislation, he would receive an annual tax credit of $2,000, or about $1,500 less than what he gets now.

I wouldnt be able to afford health insurance at all, Reichelt said. I like having health insurance. I dont go to the doctor super often, but there are times when I need to.

Reichelt went eight stressful months last year without coverage before enrolling in a Molina Healthcare plan for 2017. During that time, he ran up an $800 emergency room bill and turned down friends offers to go snowboarding because he couldnt risk an injury.

I think were all entitled to the rights of health insurance, Reichelt said. I dont think we should be penalized if we dont have it. Being one of those people getting help from the government at the moment, I guess Im kind of biased.

For the four-county region, younger adults and higher earners would fare best under the Republican tax credit proposal.

A 25-year-old earning $75,000 would not qualify for a subsidy under Obamacare but would receive $2,000 a year in tax credits from the GOP plan. A 60-year-old making $75,000 would get a $4,000 tax credit but nothing under the ACA.

The toughest squeeze would be on older, low-wage earners. Under the Republican plan, a 60-year-old making $20,000 a year would receive a $4,000 tax credit. But the ACA subsidies are much larger, ranging from $6,800 in Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties to $7,080 in Riverside County and $8,030 in Orange County, according to a Kaiser Family Foundation analysis.

Lee said the GOPs proposed tax credits, available for single incomes up to $75,000, fail to take into account the wide regional variations in the price of coverage. He noted that insurance costs are 30 to 40 percent higher in Northern California than the Los Angeles area, but that the tax credits would be the same.

Those changes would greatly affect the ability of California consumers to afford their coverage and care, especially those at the lowest end of the economic ladder, Lee said.

He added that even the privately insured would suffer because more uninsured residents will show up in hospital ERs, unable to pay.

Those costs are borne by employers and all Americans, Lee said.

Dr. J. Mario Molina, CEO of Long Beach-based Molina Healthcare, which offers Covered California plans in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties, said without adequate subsidies, most of his members wont be able to afford coverage.

Before the ACA passed, the biggest reason for personal bankruptcies was medical bills, Molina said. Thats almost died. After this bill is passed, its going to come right back.

Molina said medical expenditures increased in December, which appears to be a result of patients worried about losing coverage in the new year.

Theyre saying, Whatever needs to be done, lets do it now because I may not have insurance coverage in the future, Molina said.

Expanded Medi-Cal access

With Californias expansion of Medi-Cal through Obamacare, single residents qualify if they earn $16,395 a year or less. The coverage is free.

Cassondra Sells of Irvine lost insurance last year when she was laid off from her job. Shes now working several part-time jobs and qualifies for expanded Medi-Cal.

Sells, 27, said the coverage has allowed her to remain on anti-depressants that she said are vital to living a normal, productive life. She quickly saw a doctor and received a prescription that was fully covered at the pharmacy.

That was a peace of mind, Sells said. Im honestly relying on it. If its cut and I dont qualify, Im going to have to do the health insurance application again and see how much its going to cost. It would be an added stress if I were to lose it.

But while Sells says Obamacare has been good to her, as a Republican she supports giving the proposed replacement law a chance.

Its going to create new solutions, Sells said. Who knows it if will help where Obamacare was lacking.

Dr. Ilan Shapiro, medical director for health education and wellness for Alta Med, a chain of nonprofit clinics in Los Angeles and Orange counties, treats a large number of Medi-Cal patients. He said hes seen how families have benefited from expanded Medi-Cal, especially those with chronic conditions such as diabetes and asthma.

Its way cheaper and better for everybody to prevent problems or manage problems instead of waiting and going to the hospital, said Shapiro, who also works as a pediatrician at an Alta Med clinic in East Los Angeles. Im worried if you take out insurance for people that need services, it will be a ticking time bomb.

At Riverside University Health System, Dr. Geoffrey Leung, chief medical officer for federally qualified clinical services, said deteriorating health strains all parts of peoples lives, including work, self-confidence, family and other relationships.

Weve seen many cases in the past where, if you can help someone with their physical health, then other parts of their life start to get better as well, Leung said.

Staff writer Suzanne Hurt contributed to this report.

Contact the writer: cperkes@scng.com 714-796-3686
There were many reasons to drive dance fans giggly with excitement over American Ballet Theatres Whipped Cream, which was introduced to the world on Wednesday night at Segerstrom Hall.

Orange County was hosting a world premiere of the full-length ballet by the companys celebrated choreographer, Alexei Ratmansky. ABT favorite David Hallberg was appearing in a major role after being sidelined by an injury for 2 1/2 years. And the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, one of Americas greatest dance presenters since it opened its doors in 1986, helped underwrite Whipped Cream, shouldering part of its reported $3 million price tag.

But the man who stole the show on Wednesday wasnt a dancer or choreographer. When the ecstatic ovations washed over the performers and creators as they took their bows, set and costume designer Mark Ryden got the biggest whoops and whistles.

The adulation was both well deserved and remarkable: Whipped Cream is Rydens first theatrical credit.

Ryden is well known in the art world for his iconoclastic and haunting work, which combines the totems of childhood  bunnies and other cuddly creatures, often colored pink or blue  with more disturbing and confounding things: images of Lincoln and Colonel Sanders, bees, misshapen people, animalistic trees and flowers.

A sense of the fantastical and a touch of the sinister are crucial to Whipped Cream. The music is by Richard Strauss, composed for Schlagobers, one of only two scores he wrote for ballet. Choreographed by little-known Heinrich Kroller, it bombed at its June 1924 premiere at the Vienna State Opera, where Strauss was co-director.

Ratmansky used the originals playful story about a boy who becomes ill at a candy shop and ends up in a creepy hospital. But he deliberately avoided researching the details of the 1924 version. Instead, he worked closely with Ryden, who was clearly given free rein to explore the storys possibilities.

The result is astounding. Ryden has concocted a Dr. Seuss-meets-Salvador Dali world full of delight and wonder, humor and mystery, with an occasional whiff of weirdness and menace.

Whipped Cream begins with a spectacular visual display  one of many gasp-inducing tableaus. A horse-drawn wagon waits outside a church, where a group of children take their first communion. The pink horse is a cartoonish, endearing creation animated by hidden performers. The adults, here and throughout the story, are portrayed by dancers who wear gigantic false heads, making them seem authoritative yet remote. The children are dressed in white, the color of innocence.

At the sweet shop, one rambunctious boy (Daniil Simkin, a master of youthful roles) overindulges in his favorite food, whipped cream. Felled by a tummy ache, he is carted away to a hospital.

After the kids leave, the empty shop plays host to an army of Fellini-esque creatures who display some sharp parade-square moves: marzipan archers, sugarplums with spears, delicious-looking gingerbread men. Then the soloists pop out of their appropriate boxes on the confectioners shelf: Princess Tea Flower (Stella Abrera), Prince Coffee (Hallberg), Prince Cocoa (delightfully hammy Joseph Gorak) and Don Zucchero (Blaine Hoven). They vie for her affection, and Coffee prevails. Hallberg and Abrera dance a delicate, deceptively challenging pas de deux.

Meanwhile, the boy wakes in his hospital bed, where hes attended by a foreboding-looking old doctor (Alexei Agoudine) and an army of nurses carrying huge needles. A gigantic, disembodied eye hovers over the scene. After a terrifying bout of injections, the doctor and his entourage indulge in a round or two of drinks, passing out and allowing the boy to escape. He is whisked away by Princess Praline to her kingdom, where a menagerie of creatures great and small is partying. Above the hoedown, Lincoln and a bouncing bee watch impassively.

The story ends with bravura solo displays, a coronation, a snake-person, some huge, cuddly creatures with sweet yet strangely unsettling faces  really, all powers of description fail at this point. You have to see Whipped Cream yourself to appreciate the giddy, grandiose weirdness of it all.

This slight ballet wont appeal to those who demand seriousness and memorable dancing from their ballets. Ratmanskys choreography and the performances dutifully serve the mood and look of the whole. As with Christopher Wheeldons Alices Adventure in Wonderland, you have to surrender to whimsy and artifice and be childlike again.

If you can submit to those terms, youll love what has been created. And youll come away hoping that Whipped Cream is just the beginning of Rydens relationship with ABT and the world of dance.
Orange County desperately needs a Justice Fund to ensure that all who face possible deportation can be represented by an attorney, and it is time for local elected officials to exercise leadership by committing public monies to such an effort. Indeed, universal representation is crucial to ensuring that everyone who faces deportation is treated fairly and in accord with the Constitution and federal laws.

Before we allow any person to stand trial for a criminal offense, our system appoints counsel for anyone who cannot afford to hire an attorney. Deportation can be just as, if not more, catastrophic for a person than criminal incarceration. Yet there is not a right to appointed counsel for most immigrants in removal proceedings.

Immigration law and procedures are highly complex, yet the vast majority of individuals facing deportation must deal with them without legal assistance. The government, on the other hand, always is represented by an attorney.

Not surprisingly, providing counsel to indigent immigrants makes a huge difference in ensuring fair proceedings. Detained immigrants are among the most vulnerable in the immigration system and the least likely to be represented. However, when detained immigrants are able to obtain a lawyer, they succeed in obtaining relief from deportation more than five times as often as those who are not represented. Detained immigrants who have legal representation are also able to succeed in securing their release from detention at a bond hearing four times more often than those who are unrepresented. Release permits immigrants to return home while they are fighting their cases, allowing them to earn money and gather the evidence they need to prove their claims.

Free legal assistance should be provided to those who face deportation so long as they have the economic need for such help. All whose income does not exceed 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines should be eligible for assistance. This is similar to how criminal defendants are determined to be eligible for an attorney at government expense.

No one should be denied help because of a prior criminal record. Everyone facing deportation  with or without a criminal record  deserves a fair proceeding, which requires the assistance of a trained advocate. Under the Trump administrations approach, even very old or minor criminal charges can render longtime residents vulnerable to deportation. Moreover, recent studies have documented that there is no benefit in decreasing crime by deporting residents with criminal records. Those who are unlawfully present and who pose a danger, of course, should be deported. But a criminal record, especially when it is for minor or long ago offenses, does not in and of itself provide a basis for deeming a person dangerous.

It is particularly important that universal representation be provided in Orange County, which is home to approximately 313,000 undocumented immigrants and three immigration detention facilities. The Trump administration has been emphatic in its desire to increase immigration enforcement and deportations. The response must be to ensure that those at risk have legal representation.

Providing universal representation ultimately can save the government significant money. A study in New York concluded that a publicly funded representation system for all indigent detained New Yorkers in removal proceedings would ultimately save money for the state. When the familys wage earner is detained, the family may no longer be able to pay for food or shelter or medical care. Children, including U.S. citizen children, face serious harms when a parent is detained or deported. Eighty-nine percent of Santa Ana children  and 59 percent of Orange County children  have at least one immigrant parent.

The solution is to provide universal representation, starting with detained immigrants. Late last month, the Santa Ana City Council directed its staff and the City Attorneys Office to work with other stakeholders to launch a universal representation pilot program for immigrants facing deportation. With seed funding for an OC Justice Fund from Santa Ana, proponents hope to raise additional funds from other public entities, foundations, bar associations, and private donors. The UC Irvine Immigrant Rights Clinic and Western State College of Law Immigration Clinic will be available to offer mentorship and guidance to the attorneys providing deportation defense.

Such a pilot program for universal representation then can grow into a more permanent effort to ensure that all who face deportation have legal representation. Cities across the country are embarking on universal representation and Orange County should be a leader in this regard.

Some object to the government providing money to represent those who are alleged to be undocumented. But every person  citizen and non-citizen, documented and undocumented  deserves fair and just proceedings when facing something as serious as deportation. The government never should be able to deport a person just because he or she was unable to afford a lawyer.

Erwin Chemerinsky is dean of the UC Irvine School of Law.
Branagans Irish Pub

One of downtown Fullertons friendliest pubs is serving a green pancake and Lucky Charms breakfast Friday, from its 6 a.m. opening until 10 a.m., and a limited menu after that: corned beef and cabbage, bangers and mash, shepherds pie and fish and chips. You can wash down all that goodness with one of 29 beers on tap. A Catholic priest will give a blessing at some point, though his arrival time hasnt been determined yet. In the afternoon, the Los Angeles Police Emerald Society Pipes & Drums Band will bust in and play. Closes at 2 a.m. 213 N. Harbor Blvd., Fullerton; 714-447-3544, branagans.com

Dublin 4 Gastropub

Owners Jean and Darren Coyle are celebrating their restaurant/bars fourth anniversary on St. Patricks Day. (Its a family business: Ali, their daughter, is a sommelier next door at WineWorks for Everyone, a sister restaurant, and son Drew is the mixologist at Dublin 4.) Therell be three beers on draft: Guinness, Harp and Smithwicks. The featured dishes of the day will be corned beef (cured in-house) and a short-rib Guinness stew. Music will include bagpiper Colin Armstrong and Chase Boyle playing traditional music. The full regular menu is available. 11:00 a.m.-midnight. 26342 Oso Parkway, Suite 102, Mission Viejo; 949-582-0026, dublin4gastropub.com

The Harp Inn

This O.C. institution has always attracted first-rate musicians, but they pull out the stops on March 17. Well have two great bands that day, said owner John Lyons. Cillians Bridge plays noon-4 p.m., then Swagger performs 5 p.m. until closing at 2 a.m. Irish breakfast, served until 11 a.m., includes many products imported from the old country, including sausage, bacon and black-and-white pudding (You dont want to know whats in it, the bartender once warned me), as well as eggs, potatoes, beans and toast. Another menu is available all day: bangers and mash, fish and chips, corned beef and cabbage, corned beef sandwiches. Therell be green beer, although we hate to do that to a perfectly good beer, Lyons said. For more serious quaffers: Guinness, Harp, Smithwicks and Angry Orchard Cider. For the snobs, theres Sculpin IPA on tap. 130 E. 17th St., Costa Mesa; 949-646-8855, harpinn.com

Macallans Public House

A full day of festivities at this classy, cozy Brea restaurant includes performances by bands, a strolling bagpiper and Irish-inspired food and spirits. The special dining menu will highlight traditional Irish favorites with a Macallans twist. Featured entrees include corned beef and cabbage, fish and chips, bangers and mash and shepherds pie, pub pretzels and the Macallans burger. Beverage specials include 22 Irish whiskeys, Macallans signature Irish coffee, and four Irish beers on tap. Four specialty craft cocktails. Macallans will extend the party to Sky Lounge, an open-air venue adjacent to the restaurant. Three bands will perform. A DJ will also spin tunes. Access to the upstairs area, bands and DJ is $25 (includes unlimited Irish buffet and choice of specialty cocktail or beer). Hours: restaurant 10 a.m.-1 a.m., Sky Lounge noon-1 a.m. 330 W. Birch St., Brea; 714-529-1224, macallanspubbrea.com

Muldoons Irish Pub

At this snug and comfortable spot below street level near Fashion Island, youll always feel like youre on the other side of the Atlantic. The food can be a bit pricier than in most Irish pubs, but the soda bread alone is worth the trek. Doors open at 9 a.m. and the party doesnt end until 1 a.m. Breakfast will be served until 11 a.m. The regular menu (served all day) includes Irish stew, fish and chips, house-made corned beef and cabbage, St. Paddy burger, bangers and mash, shepherds pie and Irish soda bread. Two bands will play: Van Diemans Band from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and the Droppers from 5 until closing. No cover. 202 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949-640-4110, muldoonspub.com

OMalleys on Main

This downtown Seal Beach favorite will open at 7 a.m. for breakfast; lunch, dinner and general celebrating will commence at 11 a.m. and run until 1 a.m. Limited menus are in play for the day, co-owner David Copley said. Hes proud of his bars whiskey collection and promises his bartenders know how to pour the perfect pint of Guinness, Harp, Smithwicks and Kilkenny. No cover. 140 Main St., Seal Beach; 562-430-0631, omalleyssealbeach.com

The Shamrock Bar & Grill

Falling on a Friday and all, itll be a madhouse this year, said Christina Duncan, who has owned this popular Newport pub with her husband, Frank, for 25 years. Along with Irish breakfast, the specials will be a Reuben sandwich, corned beef and cabbage, fish and chips and Guinness Irish stew. Theyll pour old country beers (Guinness, Harp and Smithwicks), Magners Irish Cider and Irish coffee. Hours are 8 a.m.-2 a.m., but the food will finish when we cant walk around anymore, Christina said. Jim Rice and crew perform Irish music starting at 3 p.m., then Brian McGilly, more of a rocker, gets going around 9. 2633 W. Coast Highway, Newport Beach; 949-631-5633. The Shamrock on Facebook.
Nigeria's economy is still a mess. Unfortunately, it may be a while before things right themselves.

Like many energy-rich countries, Nigeria's economy got hit hard when oil prices plunged to $26 a barrel in February last year. To put the size of the move in perspective, oil was trading at more than $100 in mid-2014.

Unfortunately, the rebound in crude prices hasn't helped Nigeria much -- the list of problems for the country's economy is so long it is hard to know where to start.

"Last year was quite a mess," says Nicolas Jaquier, an economist for emerging market debt at Standard Life Investments in London. "It was a perfect storm."

[See: The Best Energy Stocks to Buy for 2017.]

In addition to the low oil prices, he points to lost production in the oil fields and a lack of an appropriate action by the country's central bank. The result was that the country fell into recession last year, shrinking an estimated 1.5 percent. That's been a rare thing for Nigeria. For the last two decades, the country saw continuous economic growth right up until 2016 when things changed, according to World Bank data.

Currency policy. Other countries that rely on petrodollars to grow haven't had the same problems, in large part because they adopted a different currency policy.

For instance, Russia which is heavily dependent on oil revenue for its budget, let its currency, the ruble, slide. That devaluation helped offset economic losses from weak energy prices by making non-energy exporters more competitive on the world market. The weaker ruble made the goods cheaper when looked at in terms of dollars.

Nigeria's central bank did not follow such a plan with its currency, the naira. "The central bank is under the control of the government and decided to keep the currency high," says Robert Marshall-Lee, head of emerging markets and Asian equities at Newton Investment Management.

The official rate, around 315 naira per dollar, isn't even close to the black market rates of around 500. It's a sign that the central bank picked the wrong exchange rate.

Story continues

The result has been a stunning shortage of dollars in Nigeria, and that makes repatriating profits from the country close to impossible. Why invest if you can't get your winnings back home? Instead, investors are sitting on the sidelines.

Investors are "waiting for the currency to reach market levels," Marshall-Lee says.

War. On top of the policy mess, terrorism is costing money and lives.

"Militant groups continue to bomb oil pipelines," analysts say in recent report from Brown Brothers Harriman, a New York-based financial services firm. "Oil Minister [Emmanuel Ibe] Kachikwu estimated that Nigeria lost as much as $100 [billion] in oil income from supply disruptions last year."

[See: The 25 Best Blue-Chip Stocks to Buy for 2017.]

In addition, there are mass kidnappings, and the response by the security services hasn't always been appropriate. "The army killed over 100 people [last] month when it mistakenly bombed a refugee camp that it mistook for [Islamist extremist group] Boko Haram," BBH says in its report.

Unrealized potential. All that bad news may have you wondering why anyone would consider Nigeria as a suitable place to invest. The truth is that the country has the potential to do well.

The latent opportunity isn't being realized because the economy has been hampered by excessive regulations and bureaucracy. Lifting the regulations and eliminating the bureaucracy would lead to substantially higher GDP, according to a recently published report.

"There is a strong, positive relationship between [ease of doing business] scores and prosperity," states a March-dated research paper by Steve Hanke, professor of applied economics at The Johns Hopkins University, Teja Polisetty and Jason Yin, both students at the same university.

The problem is that Nigeria scores exceptionally badly on the ease of doing business metric. "The government is larded with corruption and incompetence," Hanke told U.S. News & World Report. "It's just one damn thing after another."

How hard is it to operate in Nigeria? Getting electricity, trading across borders, registering property and paying taxes all place at 180 or worse out of a total of 189 countries in the ranking, the authors say in the report.

"Although Nigeria is on the bottom of the pack [...], there is great potential for prosperity by slashing regulations," they say.

If Nigeria could just make doing business a bit easier, then the economy would be richer.

What needs to change? Nigeria is burdened by inappropriate monetary policy, incompetence, corruption,and the presence of terrorists wreaking havoc on pipelines.

Corruption and government incompetence aren't new for Nigeria or indeed many other countries. So, while those things may hamper real economic growth going forward, what is keeping investors on the sideline now is the central bank's currency policy.

[See: Oil ETFs: 8 Ways to Invest in Black Gold.]

Until that changes, it makes sense for investors to stay away.





More From US News & World Report


IRVINE  The city will begin reviewing a proposed project that includes 1,960 apartment units along Sand Canyon Avenue near Interstate 5, an area some residents say is already congested with traffic.

The City Council on March 14 voted 3-2 in favor of starting to process developer Irvine Co.s application, which is expected to return to the council for voting in early 2018.

Councilwomen Christina Shea and Melissa Fox opposed it, saying they worried about the impacts of increased population on traffic and schools.

This is just an application, Councilman Jeff Lalloway said. This is not approval. This will come back to us next year, and if we dont like what (Irvine Co. has) come up with and we dont like the way these impacts have been mitigated, its in our discretion  to say no.

The Irvine Co.s proposal consists of three separate developments:

 Up to 1,710 apartments, a 25,000-square-foot shopping center and a five-acre park on the former Traveland USA site off the I-5 freeway across Sand Canyon Avenue from La Quinta Inn & Suites. The site is currently designated for research and industrial uses.

 Up to 250 apartments, a 1.7-acre park and a 10,000-square-foot child care center on a vacant land at Sand Canyon Avenue and Great Park Boulevard. The site was previously anticipated as a 205,000-square-foot commercial center.

 Up to 530,000 square feet of nonresidential uses, potentially a mini-warehouse, on vacant land near the State Route 133 and I-5 interchange.

To develop these sites, the Irvine Co. needs to convince the city to amend the General Plan, which defines the citys long-term plan for development, and change zoning. These changes would result in 1,343 more housing units than whats currently allowed in the General Plan while decreasing non-residential uses by 1.52 million square feet.

The new apartments would provide housing for those who work in the Spectrum area, Irvine Co. senior vice president Michael Le Blanc told the council. There are 57,000 people working within two miles of the proposed sites, and these units target those making between $48,000 and $66,000, about 25 percent of that workforce, he said.

What could complicate the matter is the countys plan to build 2,103 housing units, as well as 220,000 square feet of commercial space and a 242-room hotel, on its narrow strip of land adjacent the Orange County Great Park. That site is just across the freeways from where the Irvine Co. wants to build 1,710 apartments.

The countys development itself could jam I-5, the Sand Canyon Avenue freeway ramps and nearby intersections, according to the Orange County Transportation Authority and Caltrans.

During Tuesdays public hearing, city staff asked the council whether they should start evaluating the Irvine Co. project by looking into traffic, environmental, fiscal and other potential impacts.

Five residents spoke against the project, saying it would add a few thousand cars to Sand Canyon during commute times.

Irvine resident Mark Newgent told the council his son has been on a waiting list for three years to go to Woodbury Elementary School closest to their house.

Why would this city approve more rental units when we cant handle a number of students we currently have in our schools? Newgent said. I think we need to plan better.

Courtney Santos, a UC Irvine employee who ran for City Council last year, supported the project. The area needs more rental housing to meet the demand of the Millennials and seniors on a fixed income, she said.

I am very sad that my own grandmother cannot afford to live here, where I can help to care for her, Santos said. Instead she must live in the desert where housing costs are lower.

Councilwoman Shea said the Irvine Co. should consider making affordable some of the thousands of luxury apartments in the Spectrum area, such as Los Olivos, The Village and The Park.

People are really mad, Shea said. They are mad about a lot of apartments being built. They are mad about excessive housing. We need to have more of a global conversation about affordable housing, how we are going to do that.

Councilwoman Fox said the project came at a bad time. The city is in the midst of updating the General Plan and reinstating a Transportation Commission to fight traffic congestion, while there are dozens of other development projects in the pipeline.

We are ahead of ourselves, she said. Please consider putting this over for just a couple more months until we have in place a more robust system to understand how we are going to deal with these great challenges of our city.

Mayor Don Wagner said he is not afraid to stop the project if its impacts are insurmountable. It would be an abuse of government power to not give chance to a property owner to resolve issues, he added.

If approved, the project would be built in phases over five to seven years, according to a city staff report. People wouldnt move into the new apartments until at least 2020, Le Blanc said.

Staff Writer Jordan Graham contributed to this report.

Contact the writer: tshimura@scng.com
Editors note: While Dr. Thomas Sowell has retired from his syndicated column, he chose to offer his thoughts on the recent incident at Middlebury College.

Many people seem shocked at the recent savagery of a mob of students at Middlebury College, who rioted to prevent Charles Murray from addressing a student group who had invited him to speak. They also inflicted injuries requiring hospitalization on a woman from the faculty who was with him.

Where have all these shocked people been all these years? What happened at Middlebury College has been happening for decades, all across the country, from Berkeley to Harvard. Moreover, even critics of the Middlebury College rioters betray some of the same irresponsible mindset as that of the young rioters.

The moral dry rot in academia  and beyond  goes far deeper than student storm troopers at one college.

Frank Bruni of the New York Times, for example, while criticizing the rioters, lent credence to the claim that Charles Murray was a white nationalist. Similar  and worse  things have been said, in supposedly reputable publications, by people who could not cite one statement from any of Dr. Murrays books that bears any resemblance to their smears.

Academia, however, is ground zero in the war against people whose ideas go against the current political correctness. The virtual monopoly of the political left, on campuses across the country, allows all sorts of things to be attributed to people the left disagrees with, irrespective of whether those people have ever said anything resembling what they are alleged to have said.

The professors dont usually riot against people whose ideas they disagree with, because they can just dismiss those ideas, with some characterization that there is no one on hand to challenge.

Professor William Julius Wilson of Harvard, for example, said of Justice Clarence Thomas, Hell say he pulled himself up by his own bootstraps. I say I was in the right place at the right time.

Just where did Justice Thomas say that he pulled himself up by his own bootstraps? The central theme of his autobiography, titled My Grandfathers Son, credits the wisdom of the grandfather who raised him as what saved him.

Nuns who taught him in school were brought to Washington, at his expense, to be present to see him sworn in as a justice of the Supreme Court, to see that their dedicated efforts on his behalf had not been in vain.

But has anyone ever asked Professor Wilson on just what he based his claim about Justice Thomas? The central tragedy of academia today is that you dont have to have anything on which to base dismissals of people and ideas you disagree with.

This attitude is not unique to William Julius Wilson or to Harvard. On the west coast, Professor Lanny Ebenstein of the University of California at Santa Barbara has included economists Stephen Moore and Walter Williams, as well as television host John Stossel, among those committed to the welfare of the top few.

Professor Ebenstein has every right to disagree with these individuals on economic or other issues. But that is very different from attributing to them a commitment to the welfare of the top few.

It so happens that I have read books by all three, without finding any preoccupation with the welfare of the affluent or the rich. I have known Walter Williams for more than 40 years. When we both lived on the East Coast, we and our wives often met socially.

In all that time, neither in public nor in private did I ever hear Walter Williams express the slightest concern for the welfare of the affluent or the rich. Innumerable times I heard him focus his concern on the well-being of people like himself, from a poverty background. That concern was also expressed in deeds as well as words.

But who is going to ask Professor Ebenstein to cite the basis for his claim?

Why should we expect students to welcome debate about differences of opinion, when so many of their professors seem to think cheap shot dismissals are all you need? Lacking their professors verbal dexterity or aura of authority, students use cruder methods of dismissing things they disagree with.

So long as academia talks demographic diversity and practices groupthink when it comes to ideas, we have little reason to expect better of student mobs that riot with impunity.

Thomas Sowell is a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University.
Fake news

The New York Times article on page one above the fold of todays Register says Trump wrote off $100M in 2005 [News, March 15]. It should have read Trump paid $38M in taxes in 2005 because many people only read the headline. That headline is intentionally disingenuous to try to show some nefarious tax dodge by the president. Im sure the New York Times has written off millions in taxes as well. Its legal under the current tax code. This is another example of why people consider the New York Times fake news.

 Marvin Tuomala, Westminster

Wrong headline

Really Register? Your headline today is Trump wrote off $100M in 2005? It could have easily have read he paid $38 million in taxes that same year. His write-offs are what anyone including the Register would do. Write-offs are legal and part of the tax law.

To say his tax returns were a central issue is also overdoing it a bit. I could not care less. My central issue was getting control of our country back from the leftists.

You need to go back to your roots  and back to honest reporting.

 Frank Roberts, Mission Viejo

Everyone does it

Arent we lucky to know that Democrats dont take any tax deductions when they file their federal tax returns. Is that why we have the surplus we have? Or at least thats what were supposed to think in reading that Trump only paid $38 million on $150 million in gross income. Clue to Democrats: As a business owner you are supposed to try to find every legal deduction you can to increase your net profits thus allowing greater income to stock holders and/or family. I bet even their beloved loser Hillary took deductions; but then why kick her when shes down.

 Paul Herzbrun, Laguna Niguel

Blame Obama

Trump complains about the mess left to him. Funny that when Obama pointed out the mess left to him ($10.6 trillion debt, two unfunded wars, etc.) the chant was blame Bush!

Trumps own party is mostly to blame for the immigration mess with the 1986 amnesty and Newt Gingrichs baby, NAFTA. He now blames Obamas generals for his own attack on Yemen which caused an unnecessary death.

 Phil Silverman, Laguna Woods
A widow has filed a wrongful-death lawsuit against the Orange and Los Angeles dioceses, alleging that her husband killed himself in 2015 because of depression over having been molested by a notorious pedophile priest years before while attending St. Joseph Catholic Church in Placentia.

Attorneys for the wife filed the lawsuit this week in Los Angeles Superior Court, alleging that her husband was haunted by the abuse he allegedly suffered at the hands of the Rev. Eleuterio Ramos from 1975 through 1978.

The horror and betrayal associated with years of sexual abuse drove (him) into severe depression, he became suicidal, attorney Raymond Boucher wrote in the complaint. Though he fought valiantly for years to overcome the sense of betrayal and mistrust, he ultimately succumbed to the depression and sense of worthlessness.

Officials with the Los Angeles Diocese said they have not received a copy of the lawsuit and could not comment. The Diocese of Orange acknowledges in a statement that it has settled several cases related to the abhorrent conduct of Ramos. 

The Diocese of Orange continues to work to promote healing and reconciliation with past victims and their families and remains vigilant in ensuring the events of the past (are) not repeated, it says.

Court records have painted Ramos as one of Orange Countys most notorious predators. Church documents released in 2005 as part of a $100 million settlement between the Orange Diocese and 90 alleged molestation victims said that Ramos had admitted to molesting at least two dozen boys.

Ramos was moved to St. Joseph Church in 1975 after undergoing psychological treatment. Over the ensuing years he was accused of molesting numerous other boys, and was moved to the Diocese of Tijuana in 1985. He died in 2004.

The latest lawsuit alleges that when he was moved to Orange County, diocese leaders knew that Ramos had already admitted to molesting boys, yet allowed him to be around minors unattended.

The boy was 10 years old when he met Ramos, and his father had just suffered a major heart attack, leading Ramos to set his sights on the boys youthful vulnerability, the lawsuit alleges.

The lawsuit seeks damages on behalf of the wife and four children, as well as funeral and burial expenses.
Out with numbers. In with colors.

California parents and educators now have at their fingertips a new online, color-coded system to rate the performances of a school or district.

Unveiled Wednesday, the California School Dashboard system lets anyone search for particular schools and find an equity report that includes topics such as student performance on standardized English and math tests; the progress of English-language learners; and absence, suspension and graduation rates.

The new system that judges public campuses up through high school does not give a single numerical rating that can be compared to other schools, like the old grading system. Instead, some district officials say, it better compares their own progress to past years.

Its a positive step in helping schools understand the impact theyre having on the schools improvement, said David Haglund, a Santa Ana Unified deputy superintendent.

Its helping us see the areas where we can improve, he said. Before, it was about crossing a particular bar.

The bar he was referring to was the old Academic Performance Index score. For 14 years, California public schools were given a single number  200 to 1,000  that labeled their success. The goal was an 800 or higher.

Referencing a high number was easy for people, such as real estate agents to make a house more appealing to parents looking for good neighborhood schools. And it was easy for parents to evaluate a schools performance on this one number.

But many argued the API score was based largely on standardized testing, rather than including other factors like student attendance, English proficiency and drop-out rates.

The API score was suspended in March 2015, and the color-based plan was approved last year by the states Board of Education as part of an overhaul in educational accountability.

With the roll out of the new system, the scores in each category on the dashboard arent numbers but colors. Scores are shown in pie charts with five pieces being the best.

Changing scores are reflected with percentages. A topic that shows improvement gets a better color; a decline warrants a lesser color grade. Red is the worst, blue is best  orange, yellow and green are in between.

Local educators are optimistic.

Each district is unique in some ways, with demographics and socioeconomic levels, said Ryan Burris, spokesman for the Capistrano Unified School District. There are a lot of things that make up a classroom, and this system shows more of that.

Burris said parents and teachers in focus groups have reacted positively to the new report card.

In general, over the past couple of years, our board has invested a lot of work into bringing in transparency to the work we do, he said. We appreciate that its available for everyone.

Shanin Ziemer, a parent in the Anaheim Union High School District and a leader in the county PTA, sat through several presentations in Sacramento during the creation of the new system. She thinks it gives parents more information than what standardized testing previously did.

If we see areas that are falling behind, then it will allow us as parents to promote those things, Zeimer said. The testing will be in there, but it wont be the end-all, be-all.

Michael Kirst, the state Board of Educations president, said the new score card is a work in progress.

It will be a far more valuable tool one year from now and three years from now than it is today as more indicators come online, as feedback is incorporated, and as improvements are made, he said in a statement.

Haglund, the Santa Ana Unified deputy superintendent, said the new system gives a more-detailed story of each districts students and the factors they bring with them to school. He thought the past API score didnt factor in the resources, or lack of them, in each community.

Many of Santa Ana Unifieds students are from poor families whose first language is not English. Both of those categories are accounted for in the new system.

Its not a perfect system yet, but I think its better than what it was and itll improve with time, he said.

The states website is caschooldashboard.org.
A film that explores the latent longings and regrets of a cranky, self-absorbed septuagenarian might sound like a tough sell. But when were dealing with a performance as effortlessly nuanced as that given here by the wonderful Jim Broadbent  with a supporting cast featuring such luminaries as Charlotte Rampling and Harriet Walter  well, the equation shifts.

In The Sense of an Ending, directed by Ritresh Batra (The Lunchbox) and based on the Julian Barnes novel, the real drama takes place in flashbacks about a half-century earlier. The other half of the film examines the reverberations of that drama  and, in a much broader sense, how we all remember (or rather, creatively mis-remember) the past.

Who among us doesnt recall a moment long ago when we acted in a way that wed much rather forget? For Tony Webster (Broadbent), a British pensioner who lives alone and runs a vintage camera shop, that memory has indeed been forgotten, or long buried. It will be awakened by a chain of events that begins with a letter informing him of an unexpected inheritance.

The deceased, it turns out, is the mother of a former flame, Veronica, from Tonys college years. Shes left him a bit of money and an object that is supposed to be enclosed, though it isnt. Tony soon learns the object is the diary of a late, former schoolmate, Adrian, who also had a relationship with Veronica.

Told by an attorney that Veronica wont surrender the diary, Tony embarks on a mission to obtain it. Its a mission that both exasperates and fascinates his ex-wife, Margaret (Walter), who points out that in all their years together, he never bothered to tell her about either Veronica or Adrian, the other two sides of a painful triangle. Clearly, this failure is one sign of what led these two to divorce in the first place. (Completing the family unit is their very pregnant, single, lesbian daughter, Susie, played by Michelle Dockery of Downton Abbey fame.)

Tonys persistence leads him to contact Veronica (Rampling), who meets him one morning for coffee and gives him not the diary but a letter that he himself wrote years ago, an angry missive responding to news of a relationship between Veronica and Adrian. This letter  a plot point that we wouldnt ordinarily mention here, but is prominently revealed in the films trailer  clearly had ramifications, but what, exactly? Tony feels the need to find out, and Veronica  in an exquisitely prickly performance by Rampling  has no interest in explaining anything. Tonys curiosity leads him to practically stalk Veronica, in hopes of finding out more.

During all of this, of course, were watching the events in question slowly unspool in flashback. The young Tony (an appealing Billy Howle) is handsome but shy and inexperienced, and utterly enthralled by the tantalizing, flirty Veronica (Freya Mavor). Visiting her family for the weekend, he has an awkward encounter with her attractive, flighty and yes, also flirty mother, Sarah (Emily Mortimer). We also meet young Adrian (Joe Alwyn), who cuts a mysterious figure with his affinity for Dylan Thomas poetry and bold declarations in history class that historians know nothing at all.

Gradually, we witness the puzzles pieces falling into place. But not TOO neatly, thankfully. Rather than teaching us a lesson about how mistakes of our past might come back to haunt us, the film (adapted by Nick Payne) seems more interested in getting us to simply think about how we remember that past, and how much we edit along the way. Maybe, it suggests, to paraphrase Tony, the lives we remember are really just stories we tell  to others, but especially to ourselves.
Proposing with a diamond ring is nice, but its been done millions of times, so, in a n effort to be more original, a Chinese man decided to pop the big question to his sweetheart with a different kind of rock  a 33-tonne meteorite.

Liu Fei, a young man from Urumqi, China, recently made national headlines after proposing to his girlfriend with a large boulder that he claimed was a 33-tonne meteorite. On March 14, Liu took his beloved to a public square, where he got down on one knee in a heart made of rose petals and asked her to marry him. As soon as she answered yes, a couple of the mans friends unveiled a strange boulder strategically placed in the middle of the square. Apparently, this wasnt just any rock, but a meteorite that Liu had bought for 1 million yuan ($145,000), money he had originally saved for a new apartment.

But one doesnt just spend a small fortune on a meteorite for a marriage proposal on a whim. Liu Fei had been planning this for a year, ever since he and his future wife saw the meteorite for the first time. Last year, Liu and his girlfriend traveled to the ancient city of Kashgar, where they learned that a local collector was in the possession of an impressive 33-tonne meteorite. His girlfriend wasnt particularly excited by the idea of seeing the space rock first hand, but she went with him anyway.

As soon as Liu saw the rock, he fell in love with it, and when he asked his girlfriend if she liked it too, she said yes. He made a mental note of that, and a few months later, he contacted the owner of the alleged meteorite and bought it for 1 million yuan. He then had it shipped to Urumqi and placed in the square where he planned to propose, two days before the big event.

Asked why he opted for a meteorite, Liu Fei said that the space rock symbolized a stable and enduring marriage. As for how impressed his girlfriend was with his gesture, that remains a mystery, as is her reaction to the news that he squandered his savings for an apartment on a giant rock.

News of Liu Feis unconventional wedding proposal went viral on Chinese social media, but while most people were impressed with his gesture, they were also skeptical of the meteorite. For one thing, according to Space.com, the two largest meteorites found in China so far weighed between 28 tonnes and 25 tonnes, so this would make Lius the largest one in history. Then there is the price he paid for it. While 1 million yuan ($145,000) may seem like a lot of money, its pretty cheap for a giant meteorite.

One million yuan for a 33-tonne meteorite? What a bargain  You could cut it into small pieces and sell each for the price of a diamond  Girl, hes a keeper! one person commented on Sina Weibo, Chinas version of Twitter.

The expression dumb as a rock comes to mind, another person wrote.

Other social media users wondered if the couple werent worried about the radiation, and if they had space in their home for the unusual engagement gift.

Photos: China News

via SCMP
Many people have one or two really old mobile phones from before the smartphone revolution happened, but 26-year old Stefan Polgari has a collection of over 3,500 of them, made up of 1,231 different models.

Polgari, from the small Slovakian town of Dobsina, has always been kind of a tech-head, and at 15-years-old, he started doing online reviews of new mobile phones. Before long, he had already amassed a small collection of Nokia, Alcatel, Sagem, Ericsson and other brands that were available in Slovakia at the time. But it was 2 years ago that Stefans collection really took off, after he bought someones collection of 1,000 old phones for a few thousands of euros. He has been hunting for missing models to add to his already impressive collection ever since, and today he is the proud owner of 3,500 ancient mobile phones, about half of which still work.

Stefan says that he has always been fascinated by how much technology has evolved in the last two decades of so, especially in the field of mobile phones, and his collection is a testament to that. From the legendary Nokia 3310 basic handheld, to the brick-like keyboard devices that were once popular with businessmen and early touchscreen phones, his massive collection shows how far technology has come in a relatively short period of time.

To make this window into the history of mobile phones accessible to everyone, Stefan Polgari has turned the attic of his home in Dobsina into the Museum of Mobile Phones, where all the items of his collection are carefully arranged on wooden shelves, based primarily on their design. Anyone can schedule a visit on the museum website.

Stefan recently made national headlines, after the Slovakian Book of Records recently recognized his collection of phones as the largest in the country, and even awarded him with a certificate for his achievement.

With 1,231 different mobile phone models in his possession, Stefan Polgari is still trailing behind the owner of the worlds largest mobile phone collection, a German man named Carsten Tews. In 2010, Guinness Book of Records reported that he had 1,563 different mobile phones in his collection. However, its worth mentioning that Polgari is solely interested in vintage mobile phones.

The Slovakians collection features mobile phones of 14 different brands: Alcatel, Sagem, Siemens, ZTE, Ericsson, Samsung, Trium, Nokia, Panasonic, Motorola, Mitsubishi, Bosh, Sony-Ericsson and Philips. You wont find upstarts like HTC or Blackberry at his museum.

For more information of Stefan Polgari and his impressive Museum of Mobile Phones, check out his official website.

Photos: Facebook

via Roznava24
16/03/2017  In September 2014, Hong Kong indicated its support for implementing automatic exchange of financial account information (AEOI) on a reciprocal basis with appropriate partners with a view to commencing the first exchanges by the end of 2018. In order to exchange financial account information with a jurisdiction, Hong Kong (China) needs to have or enter into a double tax convention or tax information exchange agreement that allows for AEOI and to sign a competent authority agreement (CAA) with that jurisdiction. Today, six treaty partners of Hong Kong (China) signed a competent authority agreement with Hong Kong (China) bringing the total number of CAAs to nine. Jurisdictions included Belgium, Canada, Guernsey, the Netherlands, Italy and Mexico (joining Japan, Korea and the United Kingdom). More agreements are expected in the coming months so that Hong Kong (China) will be able to exchange data with all interested and appropriate partners. The Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes is monitoring the implementation of tax transparency standards to ensure the effective and timely delivery of the commitments made, the confidentiality of information exchanged and to identify areas where support is needed. It is also assisting its developing country members to ensure that they can also receive the benefits of the ongoing global move to automatic exchange of financial account information.

Belgium, Canada, Guernsey, the Netherlands, Italy and Mexico sign competent authority agreement with Hong Kong (China).

OECD Headquarters, Paris, 16 March 2017

Photo: Andrew Wheeler/OECD
Agricultural News

Fires in Northwest Oklahoma Now 83 Percent Contained

The latest Northwest Oklahoma Fire Complex Update has been released- showing that the fires in northwest Oklahoma are considered 83 percent contained. The full report, including a look back at the start of the fire on March 6 follows:





High winds, warm temperatures and dry conditions on Monday, March 6 combined to start fires in Beaver, Harper, and Woodward Counties in Northwestern Oklahoma. The firestorm of four large wildfires make up the Northwest Oklahoma Complex, which includes the Starbuck (burned in both Kansas and Oklahoma), 283, Selman, and Beaver fires. These fires burned rapidly through rural areas of Oklahoma and Kansas. There have been two confirmed civilian fatalities to date, one in Oklahoma and one in Kansas. Local, county and state firefighters joined forces to stop the fires. Vast acreage of rangeland was destroyed, killing thousands of livestock, and destroying at least eight Oklahoma homes. Kansas officials confirmed the loss of 34 homes. In Clark County, Kansas, six additional homes were damaged, 108 outbuildings were lost with an additional 13 damaged. The Kansas portion of Starbuck Fire, which also includes Meade and Comanche counties, is 95 percent contained.







Yesterday, minimal smoldering was observed from the fires. The Gate Volunteer Fire Department responded to a new fire northwest of Knowles. Later in the day, firefighters on patrol discovered and suppressed a small grass fire caused by a powerline in Woodward County on the 208 Road west of OK Highway 50.







Today's Actions



Firefighters will continue to patrol all fires, mop-up hot spots, and improve containment lines. Crews will be on-call to respond to new fires and to support local fire suppression agencies, as needed.







NW Oklahoma Fire Complex Total Acres: 782,333 Containment 83 percent:







Starbuck Fire, 2 miles west of Gate, Oklahoma



Size: 662,687 acres(Approx. 472,000 acres or 71% of the Starbuck fire is in Kansas)



Start Date: March 6, 2017





Beaver Fire, between the towns of Beaver and Elmwood along Highway 273



Size: 2,962 acres



Start Date: March 6, 2017





283 Fire, 1 mile west of Laverne, Oklahoma



Size: 69,395 acres



Start Date: March 6, 2017





Selman Fire, 10 miles east of Fort Supply, Oklahoma



Size: 47,289 acres



Start Date: March 6, 2017







Incident Resources



Today, we have 21 engines, 12 bulldozers, and air support from helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft: total 181 personnel





Weather and Fire Behavior



Highs today 78-82 degrees with 15-20 percent relative humidity and partly cloudy skies. Winds will be out of the south/southeast 13 to 21 mph, with gusts up to 31 mph later in the day.





Source - Oklahoma Forestry Service













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Agricultural News

OSU Finds Success at Recruiting Prospective Students by Fostering Relationships Early On







The Oklahoma Youth Expo put on another successful OSU Day at the show this past Wednesday, showcasing what all Oklahoma State University's College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources has to offer. Radio Oklahoma Ag Network Associate Farm Director Carson Horn spoke with the event's organizer, Kristi Bishop, CASNR's coordinator of prospective students. Listen in on their conversation about OSU's involvement with OYE to recruit their target students, by clicking or tapping the LISTEN BAR below at the bottom of this story.





"These students at the Oklahoma Youth Expo have that strong work ethic, the dedication and the love for agriculture," she said. "So, this is our opportunity for us to come together and celebrate that joint love with CASNR and the Oklahoma Youth Expo."





Bishop highlights that this opportunity allows CASNR faculty and students to interact with a younger group of prospective students than they normally get to meet.





"We think that's great," Bishop exclaimed. "We can reach them at a young age and show them that we at OSU think that what they're doing here at the Oklahoma Youth Expo is cool."





Events such as this have proven to be a very effective tool for the university, hoping to attract hard working students like those exhibiting at OYE.





"It's cool to watch them kind of grow up through these FFA and 4-H programs," she said, "and then have them enroll at OSU and we've had a relationship with them for a few years at that point."





Our Coverage of the 2017 Oklahoma Youth Expo is a service of ITC Great Plains, Your Energy Superhighway- learn more about this high voltage, transmission only utility and their commitment to the communities they serve which is the cornerstone of their business- click here for their website. We also salute the title sponsor of the 2017 OYE, McDonalds- click here for more information about how McDonalds sources USDA inspected beef from US ranchers- as well as the other responsibly grown food you enjoy under the Golden Arches.







Reports will be heard daily on great radio stations that cover Oklahoma and that are a part of the Radio Oklahoma Ag Network- on the internet- our reports of the 2017 OYE can be found on the Blue Green Gazette page- available here. We will be adding pictures daily to our official 2017 OYE Album of Photos on FLICKR, found here.









For more information about the Oklahoma Youth Expo, click here for the home page of the OYE website.







Click here for the complete schedule of all of the events at the 2016 Oklahoma Youth Expo.





















Listen to Carson Horn speak with CASNR's Kristi Bishop about OSU's involvement with the OYE

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Jessica Kennedys route to her new job as executive director for the Omaha Academy of Ballet was much like an intricate dance move  it had lots of twists and turns.

She has two degrees in art history, a teaching degree and a law degree. She has been a middle-school teacher, a museum educator and curator and a law clerk, among other things.

When her current position came open, she knew she had a lot to offer with her experience in arts education, management and development, even though theres no dance on her resume.

Im always up for a challenge, she said. I consider myself a lifelong learner. Its an opportunity to immerse myself in a different arts endeavor.

She has been on the job for about six weeks. As executive director, she is responsible for operations at the nonprofit school  housed in a 10,000-square-foot building near 72nd and Cass Streets  and its Omaha Dance Project. The academy has about 20 staffers, including instructors, and about 330 students. The operating budget was $358,000 in the last fiscal year, with $260,000 of that coming from tuition.

Kennedy, 39, grew up in modest circumstances in Fort Myers, Florida, and didnt have access to the arts as a child. She sees arts education as a social justice issue.

Every child deserves to be introduced to as many art forms as possible and given the opportunity to cultivate them, she said. Our jobs as nonprofits is to make sure that happens.

Expanding the academys community outreach is one of her major priorities. The Omaha academy works with Collaborative for Youth to offer after-school dance programs at Liberty Elementary and Skinner Magnet Schools, and Kennedy hopes to add Indian Hills Elementary soon.

In addition, she wants to provide more financial aid for academy students. She inherited a $2.5 million capital campaign, and part of it is earmarked to fund scholarships. About $800,000 still must be raised in the campaign, which began last year. School leaders hope to wrap it up by September.

Outside of that, she didnt want to share too many specific plans for the school because shes still in a learning phase.

I want to be very deliberate in establishing a vision thats forward-thinking, yet sustainable, she said.

Shes not a total stranger to dance. As a graduate student, her focus was on the art of the 1960s and 70s. Through that, she studied how minimalist visual art and dance collided, she said. She has attended dance performances throughout her adult life and will be on hand for Ballet Nebraskas Momentum concert next month.

Im beginning to be part of the ballet community, she said.

She also plans to study beginning ballet in one of the academys adult classes this summer.

Her visual arts background aside, shes thrilled to be at the Omaha Academy of Ballet. People at the school couldnt have been more welcoming, she said.

Their warmth  and dedication to the art form  just blew me away.

Jessica Kennedy

Age: 39

Hometown: Fort Benning, Georgia. Moved to Omaha about a year and a half ago.

Family: Two sons, Rainer, 4, and Theo, 2. Labradoodle named Kona.

Occupation: Executive director, Omaha Academy of Ballet.

Education: Bachelors degree in art history, University of Florida; masters degree in modern art history, theory and criticism, School of the Art Institute of Chicago; doctor of law, Lewis and Clark College Law School; masters degree in secondary education, Lewis and Clark College.

Hobbies: Photography, running, yoga, listening to indie music, watching films.
Theres good and bad parts about pan-Asian style restaurants. The good part is that if youre in the mood for Thai and your spouse wants Chinese and your friend wants Vietnamese, youre in business. The bad part? Its unlikely that any of the dishes youre served will be as good as theyd be at a restaurant that simply specialized in one Asian cuisine.

Thats the experience I had at Pan Asian Terrace near 157th and Pacific Streets, where the eight-page menu offers many dishes from many areas of the world. While the kitchen did a very good bowl of Vietnamese noodle pho and a serviceable pad thai, it didnt really excel anywhere.

Co-owner Peter Choi, who opened the restaurant last October with business partner Jim Rogers, said my take on the restaurant, as one that aims to please a lot of different diners, is the whole idea.

We made it not just Chinese, but also Thai, Vietnamese, Choi said. To give people more choices to sit down and dine.

The variety, he said, has so far been popular with customers.

Heres what I liked most: The delicate-with-depth spiced broth in a huge bowl of noodle pho, which I had with big chunks of beef, sliced meatballs, tripe, rice noodles and all the usual fixings, including jalapenos, basil and a blend of hoisin and Sriracha for dipping the proteins.

Choi said the process to make the pho broth takes about 12 hours, including simmering knuckle bones and adding seasonings that include herbs, ginger and onions.

It takes a lot of love to do it, he said.

House-made fried gyoza was stuffed to the brim with a flavorful, just-spicy pork filling. Choi said that because many Asian restaurants order pre-made, frozen gyoza, he set out to do a larger, hand-stuffed and more flavorful variety.

A plate of combination pad thai with shrimp and big pieces of chicken and beef had a mild, sweet sauce. I liked it well enough, though I wished for more of the sour, salty and spicy notes that Thai cooking is known for.

Spice, in fact, became an issue during our three visits.

The menu lists mapo tofu, a classic Chinese pork and tofu dish, under light fare, though its not a particularly light dish and the portion we got was extra large. When we ordered, the server asked us if we wanted pork in the dish, noting that some diners thought it was vegetarian. We asked for the traditional pork, which we got, but we also asked for the dish to be spicy, which it was not.

That dish is labeled on the menu with a red pepper, noting that its spicy, as were two other dishes we tried: amazing shrimp and tofu with hot garlic sauce. All arrived more sweet than anything. All three times, we asked for the dishes to be spicy. Something got lost in translation.

Choi said that though the menu does feature dishes labeled spicy, the kitchen aims for them to be more middle of the road because thats what the restaurants customers prefer. He also said the chilis the kitchen uses can vary widely in their actual spice, and the chili peppers in the dishes we had could have simply been milder.

He did say that if a diner asks for a dish to be spicy, the staff can deliver chili oil to the table so they can spice up the food on their own; for what its worth, we werent offered chili oil.

Despite the lack of spice, the amazing shrimp had a lot of large seafood and plenty of vegetables, including broccoli, baby corn, water chestnuts and crisp pea pods. The tofu with garlic sauce had big triangles of fried tofu with plenty of vegetables.

If you want to try mapo tofu, I suggest doing it elsewhere in town; my favorite is off 72nd Street at Blue and Fly Asian Kitchen.

I was excited to try the green mussels on the appetizer menu, and though I liked their colorful presentation and the lightly sweet sauce atop the seafood, their texture was too chewy. That dish, Choi said, is an original creation of the kitchen.

Another day, we tried a vermicelli noodle bowl, served cold and composed mostly of noodles and less of toppings, though we did like a crispy egg roll on the side. I also liked one of the restaurants curry soups; I tried a chicken variety with tender meat and an orange-hued broth with the bold flavor of coconut milk.

Choi suggested that I try some dishes I hadnt on my three visits, including a surprise favorite of many diners, the flounder with black bean sauce.

Inside, Pan Asian Terrace is more upscale than most strip mall Asian restaurants. Choi said that, too, is by design. The restaurant is meant to feel like more of a fine dining establishment and less of a fast casual spot, he said. In the dining room, front and center, is a large chandelier. A full bar takes up one corner, and diners can eat there; we saw more than one couple grab dinner at the high seats. Asian music fills the space.

The prices are higher than most strip mall Asian spots, too: Most of the dishes on the specialty menu sit around $15. Pho is $11 and pad Thai is $14. Choi said though some diners have commented on the higher prices, he said he thinks the large portions make up for the few dollars more diners can plan to spend.

I dont want people to walk out still hungry, he said. Thats very important.

The restaurant has a full bar, with a selection of house wines, including a fume blanc by the glass I enjoyed, and a wide variety of Asian beers and sweet, fruity martinis.

After Pan Asian Terrace opened, I got a few calls from readers encouraging me to visit and praising the cuisine. I hesitated after looking at the menu and seeing both its size and its variety. Heres why: Its hard to get that many dishes right, no matter what the cuisine. And when its a menu covering as much ground as this one tries to, that becomes especially challenging.

Pan Asian Terrace

Address: 1201 S. 157th Plaza

Phone: 402-502-0518

Hours: Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday noon to 9 p.m.

Hits: The broth in a giant bowl of pho had layered, nuanced spice and depth.

Misses: An order of mussels arrived a bit chewy. Fried gyoza were nothing special.

Drinks: Asian beer, wine, a big list of martinis, hot tea and soft drinks.

Prices: A bit more than your neighborhood take-out spot: most entrees are $13 or more.

Other things to know: Asian music playing in the dining room can be a bit loud. The eight-page menu includes Chinese, Vietnamese and Thai selections.
WASHINGTON  House Republican leaders were retreating from their previous take-it-or-leave-it approach to health care legislation Wednesday night, prompted in no small part by expert analysis highlighting the proposals negative effects  including the financial toll on older, low-income residents of rural areas.

The GOP bill would have a substantial impact on places like Nebraska, with sparsely-settled areas that have little health care competition and higher costs, analysts say. For older people, that could mean higher health insurance rates and fewer with coverage.

Older people in Nebraska who are lower income would certainly be among the most affected in the country, said Cynthia Cox, associate director of health reform and private insurance at the Kaiser Family Foundation.

Such an impact is one reason that the Republican health care bill is having trouble. Even as conservatives ramp up their opposition to the bill for being too similar to the current Affordable Care Act, moderate Republicans are threatening to peel away from their partys proposal because it could hurt too many of their constituents.

Vice President Mike Pence visited Capitol Hill on Wednesday in an attempt to shore up support, but Speaker Paul Ryan emerged from a Republican meeting Wednesday evening acknowledging that changes would have to be made to win passage.

And senators have been wary of throwing their support behind the proposal.

Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb., for example, has declined to offer an assessment before the House votes.

Well see what comes out and what comes over to the Senate, Fischer said.

Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, said hes been told by House leaders that they are looking at adjustments specifically for those ages 55 to 64.

They are very cognizant of what they do in the House has to be done with the idea that theyve got to get 51 votes in the United States Senate, he said.

The bill went into last weekend with some momentum, having passed though two committees, including the House Ways and Means Committee.

Rep. Adrian Smith, R-Neb., who represents the states sprawling and largely rural 3rd District, is on the panel.

Smith was standing by his support for the legislation in an interview with The World-Herald on Wednesday afternoon, before the GOP conference.

Asked about the studies showing a hit to the elderly poor in rural areas, Smith said lawmakers must be mindful of how legislation affects everyone.

But he also said that its important to understand that many Americans are being harmed right now by the Affordable Care Act, often known as Obamacare, and are asking for relief. He cited the case of one constituent who has lost her coverage four times under the law.

He also said that the Republican bill represents a first step and that additional measures can be expected down the road. The current priority, he said, is to scrap the current law.

Its such a disaster now we ought not to try to get too caught up with the fact that were not going to do everything in one vote, he said.

The nonpartisan bean counters at the Congressional Budget Office released their report Monday. Kaiser and other groups have done their own studies highlighting the impact on particular areas and states.

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities published a report based on data available for the 39 states using the HealthCare.gov enrollment platform and found that Nebraskas marketplace consumers would see a $4,224 decline in the average tax credit in 2020. Only four other states would see bigger declines, according to the study.

Whats driving this is just that the underlying cost of care in Nebraska is much higher than in some other parts of the country, Cox said.

The Congressional Budget Office noted that the GOP bills looser restrictions on insurance rates are likely to produce lower premiums for younger people and higher premiums for those who are older.

At the same time, the Republican plan would shift from tax credits based on income, age and the cost of insurance to those based solely on age, with the credits phased out for individuals who make more than $75,000 a year. The combined effect of those changes would hurt many older people.

In 2026, for example, a 21-year-old who would pay an average estimated premium of $5,100 under the current law would see that drop to $3,900 under the GOP proposal, according to the initial CBO analysis. At an income level of $26,500, that 21-year-old also would receive a smaller tax credit than the current law would provide, but the net savings would be $250.

In contrast, a 64-year-old would expect to see premiums rise  from an average of $15,300 under the current law to $19,500 under the Republican proposal. But if that person had an income of $26,500, the tax credit would be dramatically smaller than under current law, resulting in a net financial hit of about $13,000.

The expected result of those changes? Older people would either ratchet down to a skimpier coverage plan with higher deductibles or do without insurance altogether.

The CBO said that ultimately would help bring down overall premiums, as the pool of those covered by insurance would trend toward younger and healthier people. But it also would put a strain on providers because of uncompensated care, particularly in rural areas.

Smith said he didnt want to be dismissive of the CBOs work but noted that the agencys analyses have been off at times in the past.

He also said that the latest analysis does not take into account the power of having more options and innovations at the state level.

Smith pointed to a stability fund included in the Republican plan intended to help states use high-risk pools and other tools to address uninsured and uncompensated care.

He said the complaint from many people now is that insurers have bailed on the market, leaving little or no choice.

That frustrates consumers, that builds skepticism and does not ultimately solve the issue, Smith said.
A Nebraska native whose combat experience in Vietnam propelled him to a career as a psychologist in California will return to his home state Saturday to lead a seminar on post-traumatic stress disorder.

Dr. Edward J. Ryan will headline the event, which is scheduled from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Casey's Building at the Boone County Fairgrounds in Albion. The seminar will cover both the effects of PTSD on the person who experiences the trauma, and the second-order effects on family and loved ones, said Bev Schuele, the event organizer.

Schuele chose Albion, a town of about 1,600 people 64 miles north of Grand Island, over one of Nebraskas larger cities to emphasize the need for services in rural areas.

The need is so great, she said.

The event is being co-sponsored by the Vietnam Veterans of America, the Associates of Vietnam Veterans of America (made up of family and friends who support veterans), and the Betsey Hager Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

I am almost in shock at the amount of deep-seated pain that is still present in Vietnam veterans, said Schuele, who is a life member of the Associates group and regent of the Hager Chapter. When youve been subjected to these kinds of memories, they never go away.

Although veterans groups are the primary sponsors, the event  which is free  is open to anyone. Schuele said she has reached out to members of police, emergency and fire-rescue units in the region, too, because they often experience trauma in their work.

Organizers also are inviting people who have lived through bullying, domestic violence, physical and sexual abuse.

All are encouraged to bring their families.

Ryan grew up on a farm near Greeley, Nebraska. He spent several years attending seminary and a Catholic university in Colorado before enlisting in the Army in the mid-1960s.

After spending time in Europe guarding an embassy and a prison that held convicted Nazi war criminal Rudolf Hess, Ryan was sent to Vietnam in October 1967 to join the 9th Infantry Division in the Mekong Delta. He lived through the Tet Offensive and was severely wounded in June 1968. His awards include the Silver Star and Bronze Star.

After he left the military the following year, Ryans experience with combat stress spurred him to earn multiple degrees in psychology. He later taught at the University of California-Irvine and now has a clinical practice in Riverside, California, where he specializes in the treatment of trauma.

Ryan has worked with the Vietnam Veterans of America since 1992, serving on the groups national PTSD committee and presenting seminars all over the country.
The University of Nebraska Medical Center has received a five-year renewal of an agreement to confer masters degrees on military physician assistants through what officials called a unique collaboration and training program.

Its the fifth-consecutive renewal and, at $2.8 million, the largest in program history.

The renewal extends a partnership between UNMCs College of Allied Health Professions and the U.S. Department of Defense on whats known as the Interservice Physician Assistant Program. UNMC has held the contract continuously since 1996. Under the latest contract, the college will provide additional and improved services to the military.

More than 2,300 military physician assistants have become UNMC alumni through the program. UNMC has had a similar agreement with the Canadian Forces Medical Service School since 2009.

UNMC next week will co-sponsor and host its second annual conference on improving rural health care through the use of physician assistants.

The conference, the second in an ongoing series launched in 2014, is intended to bring together various members of the health care team to explore policies and practices that will bring effective health care to patients in rural areas.
Taxpayers and tax collectors both can be scammed.

Over the past 3 years, 90 people in Nebraska and Iowa lost $790,000 to scammers who impersonated IRS agents on the telephone and demanded payments.

And two Omahans face prison after pleading guilty to defrauding the Internal Revenue Service out of $154,000.

The thread running through such cases is money, the IRSs stock in trade.

Whether its tricking taxpayers into giving up cash or defrauding the government, the goal of tax criminals is to divert money for their own use. Such scams can take place any time of year, not just during tax-filing season.

Its the job of IRS criminal investigators to ferret out both sorts of crooks, including tax preparers and taxpayers who cross the line between making mistakes on a tax return and intentionally violating the tax code.

There has to be some sort of affirmative act of evasion to elevate it to a criminal case, for us to recommend prosecution, said Karl Stiften of St. Louis, special agent in charge of criminal investigations for the region that includes Nebraska and Iowa.

This month, Lisa R. Holmes of Omaha was sentenced to 18 months in prison and ordered to pay $48,833 in restitution for filling out fraudulent tax forms that illegally reduced clients tax bills. Holmes attorney, federal public defender Michael Hansen, didnt return a call for comment.

On May 27, Jesus Rivera Cruz of Omaha is to be sentenced after pleading guilty to under-reporting three years of income at his business, Riveras Mexican Food, reducing his taxes by $105,029. Stiften said Cruz failed to declare income from the restaurants lunch business. Cruz declined to comment.

While the IRS brings charges and collects fines and restitution in such cases, Stiften said, its the average taxpayer who is harmed because everyone elses tax bill must make up for money stolen in such frauds.

He said the Internet has created new online theft opportunities involving taxes and identity theft, making the IRS investigators much busier over the past decade.

One of the latest Internet-related scams targets businesses for identity theft, said Stiften and John Nunez, a special agent in the IRSs Omaha office.

Internet hackers latch onto an executives email account, send a forged message to the companys payroll department asking for information on employees and get away with valuable data such as Social Security numbers.

A simple phone call to the executive, asking whether the email is correct, is enough to thwart such a crime, Stiften said, but people just dont talk to each other as much as they used to.

Electronic money transfers make it easier to steal money and tougher to catch thieves. For example, many of the aggressive IRS impersonators make their calls from foreign countries.

Since Oct. 1, 2013, such phone scams have cost 38 Nebraskans $456,219 and 52 Iowans $234,072. Nationally, more than 10,000 people have paid more than $54 million in such phone tax scams, the Treasury Department said.

People can prevent such crimes by realizing that the IRS does not call on the phone or send emails to demand payments, sometimes threatening to sue, to deport, to arrest or even to revoke a drivers license.

The callers are good at bullying people into following their instructors, with phony caller ID information, job titles and fake badge numbers that appear legitimate. They may cite the victims personal information to make the call sound official.

Were never going to email you and say, Give us $1,000 on an iTunes card,  Stiften said. You wont be called and told that you need to put money on a store card to pay off your tax debt. Its not going to be a message left on the phone demanding payment.

If we think youve committed a crime, were going to knock on your door and identify ourselves and be professional about it.

If an agent does appear, people can call the IRS to verify the agents credentials. The criminal investigators are sworn law enforcement officers with police authority, including the power to arrest.

The person who just makes a mistake, youre not going to hear from us, Stiften said. We try to remind everybody to be a little skeptical and not to be afraid to call the IRS to see if what youre hearing and receiving is legitimate.

IRS auditors are adept at spotting suspicious returns and turning them over to the criminal investigators. Acquaintances may turn in tips about frauds they suspect. And taxpayers sometimes look at the copies of the tax returns they signed and see something wrong.

We get information all the time from people who realize that their tax return doesnt look right, or someone whos aware of some other type of tax crime, Stiften said. We would encourage the public to report those kinds of things.

Most tax preparers do good work, but a few abuse their access to peoples financial records, he said. Unfortunately, its very common.

Over the past three years, 589 tax preparers have been sent to prison for terms averaging nearly 26 months.

Because people are legally responsible for their tax returns even if someone else prepares or helps prepare it, its important to know the person or the company preparing your return, he said.

Preparers should never promise you a bigger refund than another tax preparer and should not base their fees on the size of your refund.

Those are all red flags, Stiften said.

The IRS, state tax agencies and the tax preparer industry work together to build safeguards into the system. In 2016, the number of taxpayers reporting stolen identities on federal tax returns dropped by more than half to about 275,000 victims.

One of the most basic ways people can avoid becoming fraud victims is to safeguard their personal and financial information, including Social Security numbers, bank account numbers and dates of birth. Having strong computer passwords helps.

Treat such information like cash, Stiften said. Otherwise, youre providing a lot of personal information that can be used for nefarious purposes.

Tips for avoiding scams

 If someone offers a deal that seems too good to be true, guess what? If you go along with a scheme that falsely bumps up your tax exemptions, generates doubtful deductions and inflates your refunds, you can lose your life savings and be imprisoned.

 Most tax preparers are honest and file your tax return properly, but unscrupulous preparers can defraud you and the IRS. At IRS.gov, you can search for preparer to find a directory of certified tax professionals and other tips for picking a preparer.

 Even if someone else helps fill out your return, you are responsible for its accuracy and truthfulness.

 When selecting a tax preparer, deal with a known company and, if youre uncertain, check the persons credentials and training.

 The IRS will not call you unexpectedly and threaten to arrest or deport you, revoke your drivers license or take other actions.

 IRS fraud investigators are law enforcement officers who carry photo identification cards and badges. Their identities can be verified by contacting the IRS. They may knock on your door as part of an investigation.

 Dont enter domestic or foreign tax trust arrangements, which may involve debit or credit cards or fictitious loans and scam corporations or entities.

 Despite some claims that income taxes are voluntary or illegal, courts have upheld tax responsibility laws and imposed penalties for not filing tax returns.

 Participating in tax schemes can result in imprisonment and fines, even if someone else carries out the scheme.

Helpful websites

Choose a tax preparer: irs.gov/tax-professionals/choosing-a-tax-professional

See if you qualify for free online tax filing: irs.gov/uac/Free-File:-Do-Your-Federal-Taxes-for-Free

Find IRS-trained and certified volunteer tax preparers: irs.gov/Individuals/Free-Tax-Return-Preparation-for-You-by-Volunteers

Find the nearest AARP tax-aide site: secure.aarp.org/applications/VMISLocator/searchTaxAideLocations.action

Check tax preparers credentials: irs.treasury.gov/rpo/rpo.jsf

IRS dirty dozen tax scams: www.irs.gov/dirtydozen

Report a tax scam:

To the IRS: irs.gov/individuals/how-do-you-report-suspected-tax-fraud-activity

To the Federal Trade Commission: ftccomplaintassistant.gov

Tax scam alerts: irs.gov/uac/Tax-Scams-Consumer-Alerts

Types of fraud investigations: irs.gov/uac/program-and-emphasis-areas-for-irs-criminal-investigation
In a press conference on the steps of the Orange County Courthouse Thursday, March 16, 2017, Orange-Osceola State Attorney Aramis Ayala announces that her office will no longer pursue the death penalty as a sentence in any case brought before the 9th Judicial Circuit of Florida. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel via AP)

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) -- Florida's governor took a case involving the killing of a police officer out of the hands of its prosecutor Thursday, hours after she announced that her office would no longer seek the death penalty in any cases.

The unusual and firm stance against capital punishment by State Attorney Aramis Ayala in Orlando surprised and angered many law enforcement officials, including the city's police chief, who believed suspect Markeith Loyd should face the possibility of execution. Civil liberties groups, though, praised Ayala's position.

Sending a clear signal that he wanted Loyd prosecuted in a capital case, Gov. Rick Scott signed an order to transfer Loyd's first-degree murder to State Attorney Brad King in a neighboring district northwest of Orlando.

Loyd is charged with killing his pregnant ex-girlfriend and Orlando Police Lt. Debra Clayton.

Ayala said she would follow the governor's order.

Ayala said she made the decision after conducting a review and concluding that there is no evidence to show that imposing the death penalty improves public safety for citizens or law enforcement. She added that such cases are costly and drag on for years.

Ayala was elected last fall in a judicial district that has grown from being moderately conservative to liberal over the past two decades.

"I have given this issue extensive, painstaking thought and consideration," Ayala said at a news conference. "What has become abundantly clear through this process is that while I do have discretion to pursue death sentences, I have determined that doing so is not in the best interests of this community or in the best interests of justice."

Buddy Jacobs, who has been general counsel for the Florida Prosecuting Attorneys Association for more than four decades, said no other prosecutor in recent memory has opted out of seeking the death penalty.

After Ayala announced her decision, Scott asked her to recuse herself from the case, but she refused. The reassignment applies only to Loyd's case and not Ayala's other duties since under Florida law, a governor can only suspend an elected official for "malfeasance, misfeasance, neglect of duty, habitual drunkenness, incompetence, or permanent inability to perform official duties."

Story continues

Florida law allows a governor to reassign a case for "good and sufficient" reasons.

"She has made it clear that she will not fight for justice and that is why I am using my executive authority to immediately reassign the case," Scott said in a statement.

Ayala's decision ignited condemnation from some law enforcement leaders.

Orlando Police Chief John Mina said in a statement that he was "extremely upset."

"The heinous crimes that he (Loyd) committed in our community are the very reason that we have the death penalty as an option under the law," Mina said.

Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi called the decision "a blatant neglect of duty," saying it sends a dangerous message to residents and visitors.

But Adora Obi Nweze of the Florida state conference of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, said it was a step in the right direction.

"Ending use of the death penalty in Orange County is a step toward restoring a measure of trust and integrity in our criminal justice system," she said.

A spokeswoman for the Association of Prosecuting Attorneys, Tasha Jamerson, said the national association doesn't keep track of prosecutors who opt out of seeking the death penalty.

Ayala's decision comes just days after Scott signed a bill requiring a unanimous jury recommendation before the death penalty can be imposed.

The legislation was aimed at restarting death penalty cases, after questions about Florida's death penalty law during the past year brought executions to a halt.

The U.S. Supreme Court in January 2016 declared the state's death penalty sentencing law unconstitutional because it gave too much power to judges to make the ultimate decision.

The Legislature responded by overhauling the law to let the death penalty be imposed by at least a 10-2 jury vote.

In October, however, the state Supreme Court voted 5-2 to strike down the new law and require unanimous jury decisions for capital punishment.

___

AP writers Gary Fineout and Curt Anderson contributed to this report.
KEARNEY, Neb.  Would you pay more for a steak if you knew it came from Nebraska?

State ag officials believe consumers will, potentially boosting the value of cattle for ranchers and feedlots here.

Theyre close to launching a marketing program that will promote certified beef from Nebraska  meat from cattle born and raised in the state.

A new logo with that slogan could appear on beef packages at supermarkets as well as on restaurant menus in the U.S. and overseas.

Nebraska Department of Agriculture Director Greg Ibach told an audience Wednesday at the annual Governors Ag Conference that the new marketing effort comes under a U.S. Department of Agriculture program.

The Process Verified Program allows producers to show consumers that their product meets certain claims, whether its cage-free eggs, or meat thats traceable to certain farms or that has never been treated with antibiotics.

Ibachs office is opening conversations with meatpacking plants in Nebraska, Kansas and Colorado that process Nebraska beef about using the label. The first customers they would try to sell on the program would be companies that import and distribute Nebraska beef overseas, he said.

Marketing efforts in the last decade have increased Nebraskas share of U.S. beef exports.
Federal law enforcement authorities last week arrested 32 people in Nebraska and 23 in Iowa during an operation that targeted criminal immigrants, those who have re-entered the country illegally and immigration fugitives.

The arrests in those states were among 86 foreign nationals that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrested last week in the Midwest, the agency said. Beyond Nebraska and Iowa, the arrests were made in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota during a three-day targeted operation. The operation ended March 9, and ICE announced the arrests on Wednesday.

Among those arrested in Omaha was a 35-year-old Mexican national who was convicted as an illegal immigrant possessing a firearm and a 33-year-old Salvadoran national who had been convicted of assault and battery, disorderly conduct, carrying a concealed weapon and possessing marijuana.

Of the 86 people ICE arrested in the Midwest, 52 had prior criminal convictions in addition to their illegal immigration status, the agency said. Another 10 were lawful permanent residents with criminal convictions.

Of the total, 23 previously had been removed from the United States and later illegally re-entered.
The Museum of Danish America  an Elk Horn, Iowa, institution celebrating Danish roots and American dreams  toasted a milestone Wednesday.

Museum staff, volunteers and interns lifted glasses in a skal salute during a Facebook video announcement of the institution achieving accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums.

Only 3 percent of the nations estimated 33,000 museums are accredited. In Omaha, for example, only the Joslyn Art Museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.

This is an important milestone but its not the end-all, said Rasmus Thgersen of Omaha, executive director.

Accredited museums are a community of institutions that have chosen to hold themselves publicly accountable to excellence, said Laura Lott, president and chief executive of the American Alliance of Museums.

Accreditation is clearly a significant achievement, of which both the institutions and the communities they serve can be extremely proud.

The Museum of Danish America was organized in 1983 as the Danish Immigrant Museum. The new name was adopted in 2013. The museums half-timbered building opened in 1994 as a national center for the Danish-American community. It houses more than 35,000 artifacts.

The museum staff develops exhibitions that tour the nation, operates a genealogy center and hosts an internship program for Danish and American graduate students. The 35-acre museum grounds have been transformed into the Jens Jensen Prairie Landscape Park, named for the Danish immigrant and colleague of Frank Lloyd Wright. The museum opened the 8,000-square-foot Christensen Curatorial Center in 2014.

Thgersen credited his predecessor, John Mark Nielsen of Blair, with leading the museum to accreditation. Nielsen retired in January.

A two-person team of peers from the American Alliance of Museums said its site visit at the museum last fall found an institution deeply embedded in its local and national communities and garnering respect that is a model for similar museums.

In addition to Joslyn, other accredited museums in Nebraska: Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park near Royal, Hastings Museum of Natural and Cultural History in Hastings, International Quilt Study Center & Museum in Lincoln, Nebraska History Museum in Lincoln, Sheldon Museum of Art at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer in Grand Island, Trailside Museum of Natural History near Crawford and the University of Nebraska State Museum in Lincoln.

The Elk Horn museum joins four Sioux City institutions  Sioux City Art Center, Sioux City Public Museum, Loren D. Callendar Gallery and Sergeant Floyd River Museum  as the only accredited museums in western Iowa. Elk Horn is 60 miles east of Omaha.
LINCOLN  Douglas Countys overburdened juvenile court remains on track to get some help, just not as much.

The Nebraska Legislature on Thursday gave second-round approval to a bill that would create a new juvenile judge position in Douglas County. But senators first amended Legislative Bill 10 to reduce the number of new judges from two to one.

State Sen. Bob Krist of Omaha initially wrote the bill to create one new judgeship, but a second judge was added under a committee amendment offered by Sen. Ernie Chambers of Omaha.

To add one judge, Douglas County officials estimated it would cost $1.4 million to build one new courtroom and chamber space, and to cover the costs of additional support staff, prosecutors and public defenders. They expressed concerns about having adequate space and money to add two new judges, Krist said.

A fiscal analysis estimated it would cost the state about $580,000 annually for salaries for two judges and two court reporters.

Krist said given the $288 million budget shortfall the state is facing, it was more prudent to fund one new judge for now.

In terms of dollars, one judge is a necessity, two is not, he said Thursday.

Douglas Countys five juvenile court judges handled 473 cases each in 2016, which represented the highest caseload in the state among dedicated juvenile courts.

A bill must pass three rounds of approval and receive the governors approval to become law.
A well-deserved warming trend, accompanied by stiff winds, will move into the region this afternoon, leaving the Omaha area with a nice change in the weather.

Forecasters said a low pressure system out of the northern Rockies was to push into the Midwest this afternoon. Southerly winds ahead of the system will pump warm air northward, creating a mild but breezy day across most of the region.

High temperatures today should range from the 80s in southwest Nebraska to the 60s and 70s for rest of the state, the National Weather Service office in Valley said. Highs were likely to remain in the 50s across most of Iowa.

Today in the Omaha area, conditions will be mostly sunny with a high in the lower 60s and south-southeast winds gusting as high as 25 mph. The low tonight will dip to around 40.

The big warm-up does come as we head into this afternoon, said Ryan McPike, a KMTV meteorologist. Were going for 65 today, but that may be a little optimistic.

McPike said today could be the start of a few days of high temperatures in the 60s to around 70.

Well put together several warm days as the week moves along, he said.

Friday also looks to be mostly sunny, forecasters said, with a high in the lower 60s and north-northwest winds gusting as high as 25 mph. Friday nights low will be in the upper 20s.

Saturdays high will reach the mid- to upper 50s and Sundays high will climb into the lower to mid-70s under mostly sunny skies.

The rest of the Omaha-area forecast, according to the weather service:

Monday (spring begins) Partly sunny with a high in the upper 50s.

Monday night  Mostly cloudy with a low in the lower to mid-30s.

Tuesday  A slight chance of rain and snow with a high around 50.

Tuesday night  Mostly cloudy with a low around 30.

Wednesday  A slight chance of rain and snow with a high around 50.
When firefighters arrived at a trench collapse in west Omaha on Tuesday morning, they faced a situation that not only could have killed the worker trapped below, it could have killed them, too.

Among other risks, the rescue of Drew Johnson, 23, required that some firefighters be lowered headfirst into the narrow trench, raising the possibility that additional cave-ins could smother them.

It was just a very, very, challenging and very, very, dangerous trench to be in, Capt. Terry Barney, the on-scene rescue supervisor, said at an Omaha Fire Department press conference Thursday afternoon.

Make no mistake that every person entering that trench was risking their life to get him out, Barney said. I have been doing this for 22 years. This is one of the most dangerous ... rescue incidents Ive ever been on.

The unusually narrow trench required precarious work to excavate Johnson, trapped that day for about 6 hours, firefighters said.

Instability of the heavy clay soil around the trench added risk. After firefighters freed up much of Johnsons left leg and switched to his right leg, another collapse buried Johnsons left leg even deeper.

The trench itself was very unstable. You could see the cracks in the dirt from a distance away, said Battalion Chief Kathy Bossman, the incident commander. At one point, Mr. Johnson indicated he could feel the walls getting closer to his shoulders. That tells us the dirt is moving, its shifting.

When the collapse occurred, three small shovels that were in the trench with Johnson fell on his feet and were buried in the dirt, making it more difficult to get him out.

Where his feet were, we had to methodically move dirt around. Mind you, this is 12 foot down, and you can only go so far and reach before you have to flip over and do this upside down, headfirst, Omaha Firefighter Kevin Meschede said after the press conference.

Johnson became stuck knee-deep in the roughly 12-foot-deep trench about 9:45 a.m. Tuesday outside a home at 13019 Hawthorne Court. One side of the trench had collapsed on his legs. It was 4:15 p.m. by the time he was rescued.

About 30 Omaha firefighters responded. An ambulance took Johnson to the Nebraska Medical Center with foot pain. He was listed in fair condition Wednesday; his condition was not available Thursday.

Some aspects of the rescue had to be improvised. Firefighters taped a neighbors garden trowel to a pole to excavate some of the dirt in the narrow trench, officials said.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating the collapse. Utility Trenching, which has operated in Omaha for 15 years, has four previous OSHA violations. Fines can climb as high as $160,000 per violation, but in reality tend to be substantially lower. The companys previous four violations, which have occurred over the past nine years, have totaled $7,850 in fines.

Scott Allen, an OSHA spokesman, has said the department will work quickly to investigate. He said the investigation must be finished in six months.

This is the third trench rescue for the Omaha Fire Department in the past two decades.

On Dec. 11, 1997, Shane Rodriguez, 18, died when a second cave-in occurred as rescuers were trying to save him from the collapse of a 12- to 14-foot deep trench. Two Omaha firefighters were injured. One was completely buried and had to be provided oxygen while rescuers worked to free him. Like Johnson, Rodriguez had been working on a sewer line.

The deadly collapse led to better training in the technical aspects of trench rescue, officials said.

Before that we had very minimal training, said acting Battalion Chief Steve Thornburg, a Fire Department spokesman. It was very basic.

On Sept. 16, 2011, Jeff Schnider, then 41, was trapped for nearly four hours in a 15-foot ditch following a cave-in. He suffered a shoulder injury. He had been laying pipe to connect to a new home.
U.S. Labor Department officials have opened an investigation into the trenching company that was involved in Tuesdays trench collapse that trapped a worker for about 6 hours.

Utility Trenching, which has operated in Omaha for 15 years and has four previous OSHA violations, will be investigated by officials with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Violations can result in fines up to $160,000 a piece, though actual fines tend to be substantially lower.

An employee of Utility Trenching declined to comment Wednesday.

Drew Johnson, 23, became stuck knee-deep in soil in a roughly 12-foot-deep trench about 9:45 a.m. Tuesday outside a home at 13019 Hawthorne Court. One side of the trench had collapsed on his legs.

About 30 Omaha firefighters responded and used equipment from Metropolitan Utilities District to loosen the soil and free Johnson. He was taken to Nebraska Medical Center with foot pain and was listed in fair condition Wednesday.

His mother, Joan Johnson, asked an acquaintance, Wendy Keeler, to release a statement Wednesday.

Andrew is resting in ICU, the statement said, adding: The family appreciates your respect for their privacy at this time.

Joan Johnson also thanked workers for the lengthy effort to rescue her son.

Joan wants to thank all the fire and rescue personnel who stepped up to save her son and she understands the time involved in his rescue was due to the danger of compartment syndrome (damaging pressure on tissue) and further trench collapse, the statement said. The time involved in his rescue was very reasonable. Rescue staff was only concerned with Drews health and welfare, along with their own safety.

Scott Allen, an OSHA spokesman, said the department will work quickly to investigate the incident. He said it must be finished in six months.

These types of incidents are completely preventable, Allen said. Its the responsibility of the company doing the work to ensure that they have the proper shoring or trench boxes to protect the worker from cave-ins.

The companys previous four violations have occurred over the past nine years, adding up to $7,850 in fines.

OSHA found three serious violations in 2008  two citing excavation violations and a third citing general protective systems. OSHA fined the company $750 for each of the three violations.

The two trenching protocols that were violated involved having a safe exit in excavations that are more than 4 feet deep and having daily inspections to look for conditions that could lead to cave-ins.

The company then had one repeat violation in 2012 that had to do with the regulation requiring a safe exit from the trench  a stairway, ladder, ramp or other means.

Trenching work is considered a hazardous operation because cave-ins can be fatal. Two methods  sloping soil on each side or putting a protective box or shield to protect an employee  are the most common ways to prevent cave-ins, according to an OSHA safety publication.
President Donald Trump had a message about his stumbles Wednesday night: We shouldve done it my way.

At a rally in Nashville, Trump explained new setbacks on his travel ban and Obamacare replacement by suggesting that he was convinced or forced to do things differently from what he would have preferred.

Trump said shortly after a district judge in Hawaii halted the second version of his travel ban that it was merely a watered-down version of the original. He added that he had wanted to fight the first ban in court rather than issue a second one.

This is a watered-down version of the first one, Trump said. And let me tell you something: I think we ought to go back to the first one and go all the way, which is what I wanted to do in the first place.

In the same speech, Trump also seemed to briefly lament the fact that, for his first big legislative fight, he is burning time and political capital on health-care reform. Thats an effort that isnt exactly going swimmingly, with many Republicans balking. He suggested he would have liked to do tax cuts first instead.

I want to get to taxes. I want to cut the hell out of taxes, Trump said. But before I can do that  I would have loved to have put it first. Ill be very honest  theres one very important thing that we have to do, and we are going to repeal and replace Obamacare.

This isnt totally new territory for Trump. He has pointed the finger elsewhere when things looked bad before, including directly at staff members. During a press conference last month, NBCs Peter Alexander confronted Trump about his blatantly inaccurate claim that his 2016 election win was the biggest electoral college win since Ronald Reagan.

Trump explained that his staff members had given him bad facts.

Well, I dont know, Trump said, I was given that information.

Trump has also, a time or two, pointed to something staff members did that he didnt particularly agree with. When White House press secretary Sean Spicer reportedly brought in staff members to check their phones and find out who was leaking news to the media, Trump said he wouldnt have done that.

Sean Spicer is a fine human being. Hes a fine person. I would have done it differently, Trump said. I would have gone one-on-one with different people, and we dont have a major leak process here. We have a major leak process in government. But I would have handled it differently than Sean. But Sean handles it his way, and Im OK with it.

These could be excused as offhand comments from Trump. But the subtext is pretty clear: Hes not afraid to subtly distance himself from his staff members when things go south. Hes not necessarily saying they did things wrong  just that he would have done it differently and that perhaps hes not really to blame.

If Trump truly wanted to push tax cuts before Obamacare repeal, he could have made that push and tried to persuade House Speaker Paul Ryan to go along with it. And Trump was the one who signed that second travel ban executive order  not his staff members.

It may be somewhat disheartening to his staff members to see the president publicly suggest they made the wrong call  and to House Speaker Paul Ryan, whose health-care effort Trump seems to suggest wasnt really his first priority.

Ryan may need buy-in from Trump to pass the bill, and Trump suggesting he would have rather done taxes first suggests hes not terribly gung-ho about seeing this process through.
A fire Wednesday morning at a Lincoln apartment building that sent two people to a hospital probably could have turned out much worse.

But an off-duty, sharp-eyed Lancaster County Sheriffs Office deputy helped save the day.

Eleven others escaped unharmed from the 7:30 a.m. blaze at 904 D St., southwest of the Capitol, fire officials said.

The two adults who were taken to a Lincoln hospital were treated for smoke inhalation.

The deputy, Barry Barnett, some neighbors and later two more deputies armed with fire extinguishers helped residents flee from the fire, firefighters said.

Barnett said he had just completed his shift and was heading home in his cruiser when he could see and smell smoke, then spotted flames coming from a stairwell at the apartment building.

He said he radioed in the fire report, called for assistance from any deputies in the area and grabbed an extinguisher from his cruiser.

Barnett said he then made sure all residents were safely out of the building.

A fire inspector said that the fire could have spread very quickly, he said.

Barnett credited neighbors and the other deputies with providing key assistance.

It was amazing to see so many people come together, he said. Its nice to have a happy ending once in a while.

Firefighters said the fire was caused by a cigarette that was not properly discarded.

The blaze was confined mostly to the outside of the building, officials said.
Cuming County residents are working together to turn a plot of land on West Points Main Street into a park memorializing veterans.

American Veterans Park would be built in stages as funding is available, said Lisa Hunke, who is on the planning committee.

On March 26, the group will have a fundraising dinner at which theyll unveil the parks design.

Tickets are $75 per person and $125 for two. The dinner will be at the Nielsen Community Center.

For tickets, visit any bank in West Point or email americanveteranspark@gmail.com.
LINCOLN  The four beer stores in Whiteclay are asking a judge to block any action by the state liquor board to take away the stores licenses.

In court filings Wednesday, the attorney for the beer-only outlets maintained that the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission has exceeded its powers in forcing the stores to reapply for their licenses.

Scottsbluff attorney Andrew Snyder cited state law and three Nebraska Supreme Court rulings in arguing that a licensee is entitled to an automatic renewal of a license as long as the store owner is still qualified, and as long as the premises are the same and the premises remain suitable for the sale of alcohol.

The Nebraska State Patrol, Snyder wrote, has stated in its recommendation that the beer stores met those requirements.

The liquor commission has no discretion under state law or court rulings to do anything other than renew the (beer store) licenses, according to the beer stores attorney.

Snyder said Thursday that every liquor license holder in Nebraska should be concerned about the liquor commission running roughshod over the Whiteclay stores.

We only want the commission to follow the law, he said. If (the commission is) successful, it means the constitutional rights of a licensee are only enforceable if you are on the right side of the shifting political winds.

He asked Lancaster County District Judge Robert Otte to order the liquor commission to renew the stores licenses and to halt any further action against the outlets.

The four stores face a hearing April 6-7 to determine whether adequate law enforcement exists in the unincorporated town of Whiteclay to allow liquor sales to continue. The stores face another hearing, probably in May, over allegations that they have been illegally selling to bootleggers and operating after hours.

The beer stores, in filings Tuesday to the liquor commission, made similar arguments about deserving an automatic renewal. The newest arguments are the first made to a court.

As of Thursday morning, the judge had not set a hearing on the stores court filings.

A spokeswoman for the Nebraska Attorney Generals Office, which is handling the case for the liquor commission, said that the filings are being reviewed.

Beer sales in Whiteclay have generated controversy for years. The four stores sell the equivalent of 3.5 million cans of beer a year, and almost all sales are to residents of South Dakotas Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, where alcohol possession and sales are officially banned.

Activists blame Whiteclays beer sales for exacerbating the high rates of alcoholism and alcohol-related problems on the reservation, which is one of the poorest areas in the country.

Defenders of the beer stores say they are legal businesses and that closing them will not reduce alcoholism, just change where the alcohol is purchased, increasing drunken driving and crashes.
Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb., held a a town hall at Elkhorn South High School. Follow World-Herald reporter Mara Klecker for updates, and check back with Omaha.com for more coverage following the town hall.

*****

WASHINGTON  Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb., is holding a town hall this morning at Elkhorn South High School.

Before the town hall was set to begin at 8 a.m., a crowd had lined up outside.

Lawmakers across the country, particularly Republicans, have been facing intense crowds at their town halls as President Donald Trump begins implementing his agenda.

Constituents with questions on everything from health care to Trumps ties to Russia have been packing auditoriums to share a piece of their mind.

Sasses choice of timing quickly drew criticism on social media, with questions about hosting a town hall so early on a weekday  and with less than 24 hours' public notice.

Sasse spokesman James Wegmann noted that the senator has a full schedule Friday that also includes visiting students at Waverly High School, a talk with the Lincoln South Rotary Club and another town hall in Aurora at 3 p.m.

He plans to end the day with a fish fry in Grand Island and the St. Patricks Day festival in ONeill.

Indivisible Nebraskans will meet privately with Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at his office, 13906 Gold Circle. The group opposes the health care changes proposed by the Republicans.
Omaha residents who want a say in this springs city elections are running out of time if theyre not yet registered to vote.

Friday is the deadline for voters to mail their voter registrations, to register online or to register at a DMV office. Those who want to register in person at the Douglas County Election Commission office  225 N. 115th St.  have one more week, until March 24.

For those who are registered, voting begins on Monday. Starting then, voters will be able to cast their ballot for the April 4 primary at the Election Commission Office or by requesting an early ballot.
Two guys nursing beers and munching on fried shrimp in a grease-filled church basement in South Omaha laughed a little too mischievously when asked about the Omaha mayoral race.

It was apparent that Adam Ramirez and Tim Charnquist had already engaged in a little friendly banter over Democratic challenger Heath Mello and Republican incumbent Jean Stothert.

And why not? The two were at the Holy Ghost Catholic Church fish fry. In Omaha, fish frys and politics go together like beer kegs and plastic cups.

They are places where voters get a chance to buttonhole politicians as they troll for votes amid long lines of hungry parishioners biding their time with pitchers of beer.

On this night, Mello was busy clearing a nearby table when Ramirez and Charnquist launched into their differing views on the merits of each candidate. At about the same time, Stothert was in west Omaha chatting with the fish-fry faithful at Mary Our Queen Church.

Ramirez, 31, is a Democrat who said he does not appreciate Stotherts sometimes-tough negotiating tactics with the unions that represent the citys police officers, firefighters and civilian employees.

I think Heath will do a much better job interacting with the unions and negotiating with them, said Ramirez, who works for a company that recruits nurses. Hes very personable, and hes not Jean Stothert.

Charnquist smiled politely as his Democratic friend talked. But when his turn came to answer, the Republican made it clear that he backed Stothert. In part, he said, thats because she has put more police officers on the street and because of the tough stance she has often taken in negotiating with the citys public unions.

We live in north Omaha and, since shes been in office, weve seen more patrol cars, said Charnquist, a supervisor at a local scrap yard. (Mello) is with the unions. Hes going to give them everything they want.

Stothert and Mello have a little over seven weeks left  and countless fish frys to go  before the May 9 election when city voters choose one of the two as their next mayor. (The two are expected to advance easily in the April 4 primary.)

Stothert appears to be the front-runner, if interviews with about two dozen voters at two recent fish frys are any indication. In both South Omaha and west Omaha, people said they knew or recognized the mayor while they were still learning about Mello, a former state lawmaker.

However, Mello has the financial ability to improve his name recognition.

Stothert has raised twice as much money as Mello  $1.6 million for Stothert, $800,000 for Mello. Still, Mello has enough money to mount a credible advertising campaign. Mello had socked away $519,000 in the bank, while Stothert had $707,000 in cash in the latest financial reports, which cover the first two months of the year.

Stotherts widespread name recognition in Omaha comes after four years as mayor and four years on the City Council. She was greeted as a near-celebrity about two weeks ago as she worked a fish fry at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. The west Omaha venue, with its strong Republican base, was clearly friendly turf.

Women shouted We love you as Stothert traveled from table to table, chatting with voters about their concern with street repairs or neighborhood projects.

Young girls and young women would often dart in through a crowd gathered around Stothert to ask if the mayor would pose for a picture.

Shes classy. Shes smart. And she stands up for what she thinks is right, said Tammy Biggs, 48, a Republican who voted for Democrat Hillary Clinton in the recent presidential election.

Several others said they saw no reason to turn Stothert out of office, saying she has made few  if any  mistakes over the past four years. They also dismissed critics who say she has taken credit for the citys financial health even though she campaigned against the restaurant tax that has helped fill the citys coffers.

There are not a lot of people who think the restaurant tax is a big issue, said Ed Ganey, 68.

Mello had his own style of campaigning at fish frys. He donned an apron over his crisp blue shirt and actually worked, almost appearing to eschew talking politics with those in attendance at Holy Ghost Church.

Instead, Mello weaved through the church basement, clearing tables of greasy plates and empty cups. He cheerfully cleared away pull-tab gambling tickets, while directing others to the restrooms.

For Mello, fish-fry season is a time for community service. The Democrat said he was more interested in helping the church than wooing voters on this Friday night.

Several voters at Holy Ghost said they didnt know or recognize Mello as a mayoral candidate. Some said they only vaguely knew Mello as a former state senator, while others stopped to clap him on the back and wish him luck.

Kelly Gardner, 50, who said she was in corporate communications, said she knew of Mello but would have to do more research on him before making up her mind.

I would have to have a good reason not to vote for (Stothert), said Gardner, who identified herself as independent. But it helps to see him out in the community and know hes a part of the community.

Cathy Hansen, 54, was another Omaha voter who was happy to see Mello cleaning tables. The Republican from Millard said she was still undecided in the race, although she said she was troubled by how Stothert engages with city employees.

I like to do my research, but Im leaning toward him. What Im seeing, Im liking more and more, she said, as Mello cruised by with a tub of dirty paper plates.

One man who was with a group of bicyclists attending the South Omaha fish fry said he questioned whether Stothert was progressive enough or committed to making Omaha a more bike-friendly city. But Paul Lichter, 52, said he remained undecided in the race, saying he needed to learn more about both candidates before making a final decision.

Ive heard of him (Mello). I know him a little bit but not too much, said Lichter, a software engineer. I like this guy so far.
WASHINGTON  Tensions between congressional Republicans and the Trump administration are rising over Russia, as lawmakers probing alleged ties between the president's team and the Kremlin accuse officials of trying to stymie their efforts.

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, whose committee is one of several whose investigations are now fully underway, accused Justice Department officials Wednesday of lying outright when they promised to share information about ongoing department probes with lawmakers conducting oversight.

"Every time they come up here for their nomination hearing ... I ask them: 'Are you going to answer phone calls and our letters, and are you going to give us the documents we want?' And every time we get a real positive 'yes!' And then they end up being liars!" Grassley said, screaming into the phone during an interview with The Washington Post. "It's not if they're treating us differently than another committee. It's if they're responding at all."

Grassley, who spoke as he awaited a meeting with FBI Director James Comey to determine whether the bureau is investigating alleged Russia interference in last year's presidential elections, threatened this week to block the nomination of Rod J. Rosenstein as the No. 2 man at the Justice Department until his full committee received an FBI briefing.

And he is not alone in voicing frustrations at how the administration is interacting with members trying to investigate allegations of links between the Trump team and Russia.

In the House, Intelligence Committee leaders Devin Nunes, R-Calif., and Adam Schiff, D-Calif., said Wednesday they are prepared to subpoena the Justice Department for evidence to back up President Donald Trump's recent claim that the Obama administration wiretapped his phones, if the administration does not meet a Monday deadline to hand over those materials. The House Intelligence Committee is holding an open hearing Monday on various issues related to the Russia-focused probe, at which Comey and the National Security Agency director, Adm. Mike Rogers, are expected to testify.

Nunes, the committee chairman, who served on Trump's transition team, declared flatly there was no evidence that Trump Tower was wiretapped while Trump was a candidate, as the president claimed earlier this month.

"I don't think there was an actual tap of Trump Tower," Nunes said. He added that if you are taking Trump's tweets literally  which he advised people not to do  then "clearly the president was wrong."

But Trump is defending his assertions, arguing during an interview with Fox News on Wednesday that the term "'wiretap' covers a lot of different things."

"I think you're going to find some very interesting items coming to the forefront over the next two weeks," Trump said, according to a partial transcript of the interview.

Trump's wiretapping claims, first made on Twitter, were a pivotal episode for many Republican lawmakers now losing patience with the president and his administration as they await proof that few believe exists.

Sens. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., and Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., leaders of the Judiciary Committee's panel on crime and terrorism, also sent Justice Department officials a letter last week asking for evidence of any wiretapping warrants or applications. On Wednesday, Graham threatened to subpoena that information imminently - until he heard in the afternoon that Comey would soon brief them behind closed doors on the matter. It is not clear when that briefing may happen - or if it will satisfy senators threatening to block Rosenstein's nomination until they receive more information.

Delaying Rosenstein from starting his job could end up hurting those looking to get to the bottom of allegations about Russia. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, a close Trump ally who served as a campaign adviser, has recused himself from investigating anything related to the president  meaning it would fall to the deputy attorney general to take charge of such inquiries and determine whether to appoint a special prosecutor for the case.

And as lawmakers on both sides of the Capitol ramp up their investigations of alleged links between the Trump team and the Kremlin, more points of friction with the administration are emerging.

Nunes and Schiff complained Wednesday that their investigation was being slowed down by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, which has not yet supplied committee members and staffers with a computer to use while they review documents - forcing them to take notes by hand.

"This has become a bit of a stumbling block for our investigators to actually be able to compile and get through the information," Nunes said.

"We feel a real sense of urgency about conducting this investigation, not only thoroughly but as swiftly as possible," Schiff said. "So anything that slows us down is a problem."

A spokesman for ODNI said the intelligence community was working "to address the logistical challenges inherent in protecting the security of sensitive intelligence sources and methods."

Nunes and Schiff also sent Comey, Rogers and CIA Director Mike Pompeo a letter Wednesday demanding a complete list of people whose names have been "unmasked" after popping up in other surveillance  the way, they noted, authorities discovered that former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn had contacts with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak. If that information isn't provided by Friday, Nunes said he would likely subpoena those records.

Nunes added that it was a possibility that Trump's name could appear on such a list. He maintained, however, that he has seen no evidence of improper contact between the president or his affiliates and Russian officials  a conclusion that Schiff declined to endorse.

In the course of their investigation, Nunes and Schiff have had fairly regular access to Comey as members of the Gang of Eight, the group of party and intelligence committee leaders who receive the highest-level intelligence briefings. House Intelligence Committee members were recently cleared to receive access to the same intelligence as the Gang of Eight; the Senate Intelligence Committee has received briefings from Comey as well.

But in the Judiciary Committee, Comey's attention has been late in coming  and promises of briefings materialized only after Grassley and Graham threatened to hold up Rosenstein's nomination.

"That seems to have gotten their attention," Grassley said during his Wednesday interview.

Grassley and Graham stress that there are pragmatic reasons for them to be resorting to such measures to get a briefing, lest they inadvertently bump heads with the Justice Department.

"If there is a criminal investigation regarding the Trump campaign and ties to Russia, I want to know about it because we're doing congressional investigations of all things Russia," Graham said in an interview. "I don't want to run into a criminal investigation not knowing it's out there."

Grassley said he was told by staffers Wednesday morning that he would be receiving "a positive answer" from Comey at some point that day, but as of midafternoon, none had arrived.

The Senate Judiciary Committee has asked the FBI for additional information and briefings on matters involving allegations of links between the Trump administration and the Kremlin for several weeks, reiterating the request when Flynn resigned and when Trump made his wiretapping allegations. Grassley said Comey has told him he was awaiting "clearance" to update the Judiciary Committee, even as he made trips to the Capitol to huddle with Intelligence Committee members.

Grassley said he's unsure how Republican colleagues feel about Comey's reluctance to explain the FBI's ongoing investigations, but he added: "I imagine a lot of them are much more frustrated than I've just demonstrated to you."
Innovative thinking is making a positive difference in Nebraskas rural communities.

Here are three encouraging examples of creative problem-solving and forward thinking in rural Nebraska:

 National entrepreneurship competition. Two Nebraska entries were among the four finalist teams competing for the Entrepreneur of the Year award in January when the American Farm Bureau Federation held its Rural Entrepreneurship Challenge. Each team received $10,000.

Although the winner was a project from Alaska, a team from Seward, Nebraska, won the competitions Peoples Choice award and an additional $10,000 in prize money. The entry was the Levrack, a movable shelf unit created by entrepreneurs A.J. Stauffer and Ryan Stauffer (no relation).

The other Nebraska-based finalist was farmer-inventor Martin Bremmer of Venango. He developed the GrainGoat, a hand-held harvester that collects samples from small-grain crops such as wheat or milo and checks the moisture level within minutes. That information allows improved efficiency in deciding when to harvest.

 International student competition. College students from around the globe attended an international conference in Switzerland last year exploring innovative ways to boost global food production. Among the 10 finalists was a student team from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln that developed FarmAfield, an online marketplace enabling farmers and ranchers to buy and sell production contracts in any size.

The FarmAfield team: Brennan Costello, from Gothenburg; Matt Foley, from Lincoln; and Andrew Minarick, from North Bend. They worked with Andrews brother, Mitch Minarick, an research assistant professor at UNLs Department of Biological Engineering.

The National Science Foundation subsequently awarded the FarmAfield team a small business innovation research grant. The project is just one example of how UNLs Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program is helping students develop high-level business skills.

 Education initiative for youths. Nebraska Extension is coordinating with schools, 4-H Clubs and a host of other organizations to provide entrepreneurship education for Nebraska youths ages 10 to 19. The curriculum for EntrepreneurShip Investigator has even been adopted in some countries abroad.

Its a continuum of curriculum all the way through to help these young people grow their skills as they go through high school, says Nancy Eberle, who oversees the curriculum for Nebraska Extension. Through this effort, she says, students actually have 10 or 15 years of study that they can help to build their business and build their ideas.

Educators in countries including France, Canada and Argentina, she says, are using the curriculum, which arose through the Community Vitality Initiative formed by Nebraska organizations to develop rural growth strategies.

In all these ways, rural Nebraska has terrific examples of innovative thinking. Thats the right spirit to build a stronger community and state.
After passengers SOS tweet, railways delivers milk to 5-month-old

India

oi-Shubir

By Shubir Rishi

Over the last few years, the functioning of the Indian railways have changed, and how! It has become much passenger friendly, than it used to be, and some credit must go the Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu and his team.

There have been many cases when passengers in need have tweeted to the railways, and surprisingly, the railways have been swift to respond.

On March 11, a passenger tweeted that a couple, who was travelling with their 5-month-old baby on the Hapa-Tirunelveli Express, had run out of milk. Apparently, the couple had bought milk from the previous station, but it had curdled. The pantry car had also run out of milk, so the hungry toddler had started crying.

A co-passenger started tweeting about this to her friend, and one of the friends, in turn, tweeted to the Konkan Railways, informing them of the situation.

This baby needs milk, baby traveling with her parents in @KonkanRailway ,'s Happa express , please contact Sneha Bapat traveling with them pic.twitter.com/ktkJq3VwFB  Anagha Nikam- Magdum (@meanagha) March 12, 2017

To which, the Konkan Railways responded:

And they got a quick response:

And voila!

And finally...

@KonkanRailway Thank you so much all of you people, baby got milk from your officer at kolad station. @sureshpprabhu sir ur team is superb  Anagha Nikam- Magdum (@meanagha) March 12, 2017

And a few hours later, the passenger tweeted a picture of the now happy baby, and expressed her gratitude.

Kartiki is so lucky, she got milk in running Happa express, Thank you @KonkanRailway @sureshpprabhu pic.twitter.com/YC1x1BM77L  Anagha Nikam- Magdum (@meanagha) March 12, 2017

And this is not the first time the railways have come to the rescue of a passenger like this. Last year, the railway minister had sent a doctor and milk to the couple who was traveling in Marudhar Express from Varanasi to Gotan, near Jodhpur, Rajasthan.

HERE
BJPs Vijay Divas to mark its grand re-entry into Uttar Pradesh

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia Staff Writer

Lucknow, March 16: The Bharatiya Janata Party is making its comeback in Uttar Pradesh after a gap of 15 years. The saffron party is all set to govern India's largest state after it won the recently concluded UP Assembly elections with a huge mandate. In the 403-member UP Assembly, the BJP won 325 seats.

In order to celebrate its massive win, the party is all set to host Vijay Divas (Victory Day) across the state on March 18. Reports say top BJP leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, party president Amit Shah and home minister Rajnath Singh, to name a few, are likely to take part in the celebrations. However, voters of the state are wondering when the BJP will announce the name of the chief ministerial candidate to head the government.

It has been five days since the election results were announced, however, the BJP is yet to finalise on the name of the CM candidate. Several top leaders are in fray to grab the plum job. Some of the top contenders for the CM post in the saffron party are home minister Singh and UP BJP president Keshav Prasad Maurya, to name a few.

Party insiders say the decision to select the CM candidate rests on PM Modi and Shah. Many also say that a young face with strong connection with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh is likely to be the next UP CM. Till the BJP announces the name of its CM candidate, all the guessing game will continue. Since both PM Modi and Shah played the pivotal role in helping the BJP come to power in the state, all eyes are now fixed on these two top leaders to make the announcement of BJP's CM name soon.

OneIndia News

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Thursday, March 16, 2017, 8:19 [IST]
Congress appoints observers ahead of Delhi civic polls

India

pti-PTI

New Delhi, Mar 15: The Congress party on Wednesday appointed observers for 13 districts of the national capital which is heading for municipal polls on April 22. Kuldeep Bishnoi, an MLA from Mandi Adampur in Hisar district of Haryana and an ex-MP, has been appointed as observer for Kirari district while Jitu Patwari, an MLA from Rau constituency in Madhya Pradesh has been appointed as the observer for New Delhi and Karol Bagh districts.

Dr MD Jawad, an MLA from Bihar, Dr Akhilesh Singh, a former MP and MLA from Bihar, Ramlal Jat, an MLA from Rajasthan and K N Tripathi, a former minister from Jharkhand have been chosen as observers for Chandni Chowk, Karawal Nagar, Mehrauli and Rohini respectively along with many others.

[Also read: Hazare laments Kejriwal for questioning EVMs]

Delhi Congress chief Ajay Maken on Tuesday had written to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and the State Election Commission, seeking use of ballot papers in the MCD polls. He also said that he has written to the city police commissioner, seeking filing of FIR against the then mayors of three municipal corporations alleging "carelessness and corruption" on part of the civic bodies that led to death of 409 people from dengue in 2015.

PTI
The crimes of Zakir Naik: Extolling every Muslim to be a terrorist, paid Rs 50k per Islamic conversion

Prosecutions story may be attractive but should be backed by evidence

Delhi HC rejects plea against ban on Zakir Naik's IRF

India

ians-IANS

By Ians English

New Delhi, March 16: The Delhi High Court on Thursday dismissed a plea filed by NRI televangelist Zakir Naik against a ban on his NGO Islamic Research Foundation, saying the home ministry has "sufficient material for immediate ban". Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva dismissing Naik's plea, said: "Immediate action appears to have been taken in interest of sovereignty, integrity and maintenance of public order."

Naik had challenged the November 17, 2016 notification imposing an immediate ban on the IRF for five years under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

The Ministry of Home Affairs had earlier showed confidential documents to the court on the basis of which a decision to ban the foundation was taken. The government had said that the IRF was banned as there was fear that youths could be "radicalised or motivated" to join terror groups.

Challenging the ban, the IRF had told the court that the notification did not give sufficient reasons and materials for taking such a step and that the ban was imposed without giving any showcause notice.

IANS
Digvijaya's number claim debunked, says Parrikar after Goa floor test

India

oi-Anusha

"The Congress never had the numbers from the beginning. Digvijaya Singh's claims of having the numbers have been debunked," Manohar Parrikar said after winning the floor test in Goa with 22 votes out. Lashing out at the Congress for making 'wild allegations', Parrikar claimed that every vote was cast voluntarily.

"None of them were kept in a hotel room or in a secluded common place like the opposition has. Wild allegations are being made by those with coloured glasses," he claimed while maintaining that the government in Goa was that of a coalition and all partners in the coalition will take a decision on the post of deputy chief minister.

Parrikar alleged that Singh was hyping the Congress' claim of numbers to desist demand for him to step down from the All India Congress Committee general secretary post.

"We have proved before the people of India that we had the support of 23 legislators and we proved it on the floor of the house," Parrikar said.

OneIndia News
EVM row: Chaiwala talks about Digital India; IITian wants Ballot Parchi

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia Staff Writer

New Delhi, March 16: Currently, the entire nation is debating over the 'authenticity' of electronic voting machines. The controversy started after Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati alleged that the EVMs were tampered to give a favourable result to the Bharatiya Janata Party in the recently concluded Uttar Pradesh assembly elections. The BSP won just 19 seats and the BJP along with its alliance partners won 325 seats in the 403-seat UP polls, the results of which were declared on Saturday.

After making the allegations, Mayawati is planning to go to the court to 'prove her point'. It is not just Mayawati, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also made similar allegations against tampering of EVMs during the Punjab assembly polls. Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party contested elections in both Punjab and Goa. While in Goa the party failed to win a single seat, in Punjab the AAP won 20 seats in 117-member Punjab assembly elections. The Election Commission denied the charges saying that the EVMs can't be tampered.

Many say that Kejriwal and Mayawati are crying foul over EVMs as they faced a humiliating defeat in the elections. BJP leaders have suggested that both Kejriwal and Mayawati should accept the verdict gracefully.

Kejriwal, who has asked the EC to switch over to ballot papers for the upcoming Delhi municipal polls, scheduled in April, has received severe backlash on social media. The entire debate over EVMs has now turned into a Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Kejriwal prestige issue.

A tweet by @bhaiyyajispeaks sums up the entire PM Modi and Kejriwal fight over EVMs. "India is a country where a Chaiwala is talking about Digital India, Cashless transactions etc & an IITian wants 'Ballot-Parchi' system back."

India is a country where a Chaiwala is talking about Digital India, Cashless transactions etc & an IITian wants 'Ballot-Parchi' system back.  Bhaiyyaji (@bhaiyyajispeaks) March 15, 2017

PM Modi is also addressed as chaiwala (tea seller) as he used to sell tea as a child to support his family. Kejriwal is an alumnus of Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, West Bengal. Although PM Modi is yet to speak on the issue, his fans have dragged him into the debate to counter Kejriwal's allegations.

OneIndia News
In UP, these candidates are trying their luck from jail

Will Akhilesh make unlikely moves to keep BJP out of UP?

EVMs: Mayawati wants to go to court, BJP wants her to see a doctor

India

oi-Anusha

While former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mayawati and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal have been alleging tampering of EVMs leading to their loss in assembly polls, the Bahujan Samaj Party Supremo went one step further to state that she would move court. Unfazed by her allegations, the BJP wants Mayawati to visit a hospital instead.

"While I don't care if Mayawati goes to court, but before that she should visit a hospital to get herself treated well, she needs a break," said K P Maurya of the BJP in response to the BSP mulling moving court alleging rigging in elections.

Apart from moving court, the BSP supremo also said that the party would observe a black day every month against the 'murder of democracy' by the BJP. She was addressing supporters after paying tributes to party founder Kanshi Ram on his birth anniversary. Meanwhile, Kejriwal too sought the Election Commission's intervention to probe the alleged EVM tampering.

OneIndia News
Goa: Man arrested for recording video of girl in hostel bathroom in Panaji

Goa: Two held for stabbing cab driver, his father over parking row

Great tolerance, the CBI is sitting idle in Goa says its SP

Goa floor test: Parrikar wins trust vote 22-16

India

oi-Anusha

Goa Chief Ministers Manohar Parrikar emerged victorious winning 22 votes in floor test in Goa assembly on Thursday. The Congress received a mere 16 votes, one vote less than what they originally won in the assembly polls. Parrikar won 22 votes including those of BJP MLAs, legislators of the Goa Forward party, 3 independent MLAs and 3 MLAs from the MGP.

The Congress saw rebellion within its ranks after it failed to consolidate support to form the government with MLAs such as Vishwajit Rane seeking Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi's intervention. The rebellion seems to have affected the Congress during the trust vote with Rane being absent from his seat when the voting was underway. The BJP managed to secure 22 votes, one vote more than required to prove majority while the Congress lost 1 vote with 16 legislators supporting the party.

The BJP walked into the assembly with the confidence of winning the floor test and managed to secure ever single vote that was promised to them by their allies. The Congress had almost given up on the floor test admitting that they were unable to breach the BJP ranks. The floor test was ordered by the Supreme Court after the Congress sought a stay on Parrikar's swearing-in as the chief minister.

How the drama unfolded:

March 16, 2017

12:44 pm: Digvijaya's claims that they have numbers, debunked. Right from the beginning they didnt have numbers: Manohar Parrikar, Goa CM

12:35 pm: 3 GFP, 3 MGP, 1 NCP and 2 Independents support Parrikar

12:34 pm: 16 MLAs opposed, 22 supported and one was absent during the Goa floor test

12:32 pm: Parrikar wins floor test as 22 MLAs support him in Goa assembly

12:00 pm: Congress' allegations of BJP snatching power in Goa and Manipur are baseless: Venkaiah Naidu

11:56 am: Floor test to begin soon after MLAs take oath in assembly

11:33 am: Floor test begins in Goa assembly

11:32 am: Manohar Parrikar in assembly ahead of floor test

#WATCH Live from Goa assembly: BJP led Govt in Goa headed by CM Manohar Parrikar faces floor test https://t.co/3mo97GEPcV pic.twitter.com/tK5QkqPj6d  ANI (@ANI_news) March 16, 2017

11:25 am: "Nothing less than Rs 1,000 crore have been spent by the BJP to lure and buy MLAs over to their side,"Girish Chodankar, Secretary, AICC

11:24 am: "We have got the Defence Minister of India to resign, how can we back-stab him?" says Vijay Sardesai, Goa Forward Party, ahead of floor test

11:22 am: BJP has used money in Goa and Manipur. Mandate has been stolen: Rahul Gandhi in Chandigarh

11:19 am: BJP has used money in Goa and Manipur. Mandate has been stolen: Rahul Gandhi in Chandigarh

11:16 am: BJP gave Goa due importance. They were faster than the Congress. Many within the Congress are vying for power: Vijay Sardesai, Goa forward party.

11:13 am: MLAs take oath, assembly session to begin at 11.30 AM

11:03 am: BJP claims to have support of 22 MLAs, 1 more than magic number 21 to continue in the government

10:58 am: Congress should perform its role of an able opposition:Venkaiah Naidu ahead of Goa floor test

10:41 am: "As of now,I am with Congress party. I am going to vote for Congress," Vishwajeet Rane, MLA Congress

9.30 am: Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar reaches state assembly, ahead of the floor test at the special session today.

March 14, 2017

5.12 pm: Manohar Parrikar arrives at Raj Bhavan for swearing-in ceremony

3.45pm: All allegations of BJP using financial power in Goa and Manipur are baseless: Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Rahul Gandhi

3.40 pm: "In J&K 2002, the National Conference won 28 MLAs but the Governor invited the PDP & Congress Combination of 15 + 21 MLAs to form the Government," Jaitley added.

"In 2013 the BJP won 31 seats in Delhi, but the AAP with 28 MLAs with the support of Congress was invited to form the Government. There are other precedents on the same lines available in 1952 (Madras), 1967 (Rajasthan) and 1982 (Haryana)," Jaitley said in his post.

3.38 pm: Arun Jaitley listed out previous instances where post-poll alliances were allowed to form the government after proving majority. "In 2005, BJP won 30 out of 81 seats in Jharkhand. The JMM leader Shri Shibu Soren with a support of 17 MLAs of his Party plus others was invited to form the Government," he said.

3.36 pm: Reminding the congress that the poll results throw up a hung assembly, Jaitley said the Congress had the support of only 17 MLAs but protested against the Governor's decision to invite Manohar Parrikar to form the Government with the support of 21 out of 40 MLAs deeming it 'a murder of democracy'.

3.34 pm: Union Minister for Finance and in-charge minister of defence Arun Jaitley took to his social media page to react to Rahul Gandhi's accusations against the BJP.

In a post on Facebook, Jaitley said," The Congress Party complains a bit too much. It accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of 'stealing' the mandate in Goa."

1:59 pm: Digvijaya Singh along with Goa Congress MLAs reaches Raj Bhavan

1:25 pm: Congress reacts to Supreme Court order on floor test in Goa assembly. "This is a great victory for us," Congress leader Digvijay Singh

12:38 pm: 2 independent MLAs, 2 Goa Forward Party MLAs, 2 MGP MLAs and 2 BJP MLAs to be sworn in as ministers with Manohar Parrikar

12.32 pm: The fact that governor hasn't consulted the single largest party is a violation of the constitution: Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Congress

12.28 pm: BJP dismisses allegations of horse trading in Goa. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari accuses Congress of failing to choose leader.

"The Congress was not able to choose a leader due to their internal tussle and they are blaming us for it. There was no horse-trading in Goa. We had discussion with non-BJP MLAs and they had a few conditions but the support was unanimous: Union Mininster Nitin Gadkari

11:48 am: BJP has clearly shown strength in Goa: Union Minister RS Prasad

11:47 am: Floor test to be conducted on March 16 at 11 am.

11:38 am: SC orders floor test in Goa

11:34 am: Do you have proof to question Parrikar's claim that he does not have support of 21 MLAs, SC asks

11:32 am: What is the harm in holding the floor test tomorrow. Why has Parrikar been given 15 days, petitioner asks

11:28 am: Where are the affidavits with letters of support asks SC. You have not come with any numbers, SC tells petitioner

It is constitutionally and legally wrong says petitioner

It is constitutionally and legally wrong says petitioner

Follow healthy practise, not just convention of calling single largest party.

11:22 am: It is bounden duty of Governor to ascertain who has majority, says CJI

11:20 am: The practise was unconstitutional, petitioner alleges while challenging invitation to BJP to form government in Goa.

11:07 am: It is about Constitutional impropriety not the numbers.

What can be worse than forming a government and then losing majority in the assembly, CJI points out.

11:05 am: Justice Tarun Gogoi on the special bench along with the CJI asks Singvi if he had the numbers to form the government.

CJI says when no party has majority, Governor can take a call on ascertain who has majority.

11:03 am: Congress is the single largest party in Goa says Abhishek Manu Singhvi arguing in Supreme Court. Congress has challenged the invitation given to BJP to form government in Goa.

Harish Salve says that the governor was right in exercising his power under Section 164(1) of the Constitution.

Chief Justice J S Khehar points out that in Arunachal Pradesh judgment court had held that in few conditions Governor can take a call.

Salve hands out list saying Parrikar has the majority on the floor of the house.

Singvi says Governor should have at least called the Congress just for satisfaction.

10.16 am: Additional Solicitor General Maninder Singh to appear in the case challenging appointment of Manohar Parrikar as Goa CM in Supreme Court

10.01 am: Failure on part of Cong leadership, cannot identify individual but there was a failure. Despite having 17 seats couldn't form government, our decision making was slow. There were lapses in decision making: Vishwajit Rane, Cong MLA on government formation in Goa

9.15 am: The Governor has to work under the constitution, under the established convention. Majority can be proved on the floor of the house and we want that opportunity to prove majority: Digvijay Singh.

8.45 am: Congress gives adjournment motion notice in Lok Sabha over issue of government formation in Goa & Manipur.

7:45 am: Congress legislative party to meet at Congress house in Panjim. Congress MLAs along with Digvijay Singh to call on Governor after meet.

7:43 am: Panjim: Congress Legislative Party to meet at Congress House. All Congress MLAs along with Digvijaya Singh will meet Governor after the CLP meet, reports ANI.

Panjim: Congress Legislative Party to meet at Congress House. All Congress MLAs along with Digvijaya Singh will meet Guv post CLP meet #Goa pic.twitter.com/csWQDIXIeP  ANI (@ANI_news) March 14, 2017

6:25 am: Will Manohar Parrikar take oath as the new CM of Goa? SC will hear a petition challenging Governor's invite to BJP to form next government.

Meanwhile, Congress is speaking to smaller allies in a bid to get the numbers to form the government.

March 13, 2017

5:45 pm: Cabinet size in Goa is being worked out says Manohar Parrikar. Will inform the media once we decide, he said.

5:30 pm: Congress'MLA Jeniffer Monserratte, who represents the Taleigao constituency, said, "Our party leaders are to be blamed for the failure to form the government."

4.28 pm: Meeting of MLAs to discuss government formation underway

3.15 pm: President accepts Manohar Parrikar's resignation as defence minister

2.57 pm: Congress legislator Vishwajit Rane announces decision to quit Congress Goa unit, says Congress MLAs are disgusted

2.14 pm:All three Goa Forward Party MLAs expected to be made ministers.

MGP is also likely to get two cabinet positions.

2.13 pm: "People had given us the mandate but party leaders failed to respect it. It is entirely their fault," Jeniffer Monserrate Congress MLA from Taleigao constituency

2:09 pm: Gross mismanagement by party leaders and the delay in choosing the Congress Legislature Party leader hurt us: Vishwajit Rane

2:05 pm: "I am very upset with the way our party leaders handled the situation after the results, which gave us the first right - as the single largest party - to form the government. I feel let down at the functioning of the party leaders who could not take a decision at the right time," Vishwajit Rane, Congress MLA from Valpoi constituency

2:00 pm: Rebellion in Goa Congress. MLAs are rebelling against the top leadership of the party

1:56 pm: Development is the only issue: Prasad S. Gaonkar, Independent MLA from Sanguem constituency on his support to BJP

1:50 pm: Entire nation is celebrating Holi in the colours of Modi ji. I will take oath as Goa's Chief Minister tomorrow at 5 PM: Manohar Parrikar

1:42 pm: Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, Amit Shah to attend Parrikar's swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday.

1:37 pm: Manohar Parrikar resigns as Defence Minister. To take oath as Goa CM on Tuesday at 5 pm

Parrikar will contest the elections from Mapusa.

Goa's Deputy CM will be Nitin Dhavilikar

OneIndia News
Held guilty in FERA case, can TTV Dinakaran contest the RK Nagar by-poll?

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

T T V Dinakaran is the AIADMK's candidate to contest the R K Nagar by-elections. Dinakaran who is convicted AIADMK interim general secretary Sasikala Natarajan's nephew will contest the seat that was held by former chief minister J Jayalalithaa and it may be recalled that he was recently asked to pay up a penalty of Rs 25 crore in connection with a Foreign Exchange Regulation Act violation case.

A bare reading of the Madras high court order suggests that this order amounts to a conviction. The penalty was levied by the FERA Appellate Board in 2000. The case related to large amounts of cash in his bank account held outside India and his failure to repatriate the same to India. The original penalty was Rs 31 crore, but was reduced to 28 crore following an appeal.

If the Madras high court has confirmed the penalty that would mean he is guilty of the offence. Will the Representation of Peoples' Act apply to Dinakaran? The RP act says that a person convicted will not be entitled to contest an election for six years. The other question is does an offence under FERA apply in the RP act?

In this context let us understand the RP act in which there is a subchapter titled Disqualification on Conviction for certain offences. The chapter lists out the various offences under which a person is convicted which would bar a person from contesting an election.Sub clause e of the chapter says that a person convicted of an offence punishable under Foreign Exchange Regulation Act, 26 of 1973 will be barred from contesting an election.

The other question is will the imposing of only a fine bar a person from contesting the elections. The act states that a person who has been slapped with a fine shall be barred from contesting the election from the date of the order of conviction.

It may be recalled that the Supreme Court had convicted Sasikala and others in the disproportionate assets case. She was sentenced to undergo imprisonment for 4 years. This means that from the date of her finishing her sentence she will not be able to contest an election for the next six years.

OneIndia News
In 4 years, over 100 hoax calls about bomb threats in flights, airports received

India

pti-PTI

New Delhi, Mar 16: More than a hundred hoax calls about bomb threats in flights and airports in the country were received in the last four years, the government said on Thursday.

Nearly half of these calls were made in 2016 alone, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha told the Lok Sabha on Thursday. There were 14 hoax calls in 2014. This figure grew to 34 in 2015. The number of hoax calls in 2016 stood at 54. This year, so far, there have been three such calls, he said.

The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security has been seeking stricter punishment, like life imprisonment, for such callers under Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against Safety of Civil Aviation Act.

Under this law, life imprisonment can be awarded for communicating "such information which he knows to be false so as to endanger the safety of an aircraft in flight" and for disrupting "any service at the airport, endangering or threatening to endanger safety at that airport".

PTI
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"This partnership is an extension of our new shareholder relations and corporate communications program designed to provide the investment community a clear, concise message of Player's Network and the exciting endeavors we have on deck," says Player's Network CEO, Mark Bradley. "This brand-building partnership is perfectly aligned with our plan to enhance shareholder communication and increase market visibility as we fulfill other areas of growth in the media and marijuana markets."

As part of the Client-Partner relationship with Player's Network, NNW will leverage its investor-based Brand Network of partners, various newsletters, social media channels, blogs, and other outreach tools to generate greater brand awareness for the Company.

"Clear communication is vital to any public company, and we look forward to applying our capabilities to help Player's Network relay its message to current and potential shareholders," states Sherri Franklin, Director of Content Marketing for NNW. "We are honored to partner in the company's momentum and make sure the investment community has full and timely access to its progress."

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Player's Network, Inc. is a diversified holding company operating in media and marijuana. PNTV owns approximately 86% of Green Leaf Farms Holdings, LLC (Green Leaf Farms), which has Nevada state issued cultivation and production license(s). The cultivation license enables Green Leaf Farms to grow marijuana and the production license enables them to create extracts which are used for cartridges, oils and edibles. WeedTV.com is a wholly owned subsidiary which is developing the ultimate resource for the marijuana lifestyle.

Story continues

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SOURCE: Player's Network, Inc.
Why is the DMK continuing to oppose the imposition of Hindi? - 50 years of struggle and the truth!

In Tamil Nadu, NIA is looking for these Islamic State operatives

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

A team of the National Investigation Agency has been on the lookout for a key operative called Haja Fakkruddin, a Tamil Nadu-based Islamic State operative who has been off the radar since 2014. In addition to this Haja who hails from Cuddalore, the NIA is also on the lookout for five others also from Tamil Nadu.

Shakul Hameed, Ansar Meeran and Mohammad Tabreze from Chennai, Abu Thahir from Karur, Khaj Moideen from Cuddalore and Sadiq Basha from Nagapattinam also are on the NIA's list.

NIA sources say that Haja was in fact the first known operative of the IS from India. He had moved out of Tamil Nadu in the early part of 2014. Investigations show that he had gone to Singapore on a work permit and from there may have reached Syria. He has not been on the radar of the Intelligence agencies for almost two years now and could be out of the country, the officer also said.

The NIA has now launched a massive manhunt for the rest of the members. The NIA also has on its radar Nauman Jaleel a resident of Telangana. A civil engineer by profession, Jaleel was picked up and released after being counseled.

The NIA has registered a first information report and in it the agency states that these members are trying to further the cause of the IS in India. These persons had hatched a conspiracy in Chennai to set up camps, raise funds and also carry out strikes, the NIA had alleged.

OneIndia News
Modi's Guru Dakshina: Is Advani BJP's choice for President of India?

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

The BJP after its big win in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand is in a position to appoint its own candidate as President of India. With support from the AIADMK and the BJD, the BJP can go about choosing its own candidate as it is close to the magic number in the electoral college. The new President will be elected after Pranab Mukherjee retires in July. The question is will the BJP appoint L K Advani as the President of India.

While no decision has been taken yet, it is said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had proposed Advani's name at a meeting, held in Somnath, Gujarat, in which party president Amit Shah was also present.

Sources, however, say that no final decision has been taken. There are many names that are doing the rounds. Advani's name too had cropped up several times. However, a final decision to this effect would be taken in June as the Presidential elections get closer the source also said.

With the big victories, the BJP and its allies have a vote value of 5.32 lakh in the electoral college. This is short by 17.500 of the half way mark. If the BJP gets the support of the BJD and the AIADMK, then the vote value would go up to 6,28,195. The vote value of 5,49,442 is enough to elect the President in the electoral college. The electoral college comprises 4,896 legislators. This includes the 776 Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha members and 4,120 MLAs. The nominated members and the MLCs are not eligible to vote.

The vote value of each LS and RS member is 708. The vote value of the MLA depends on the population of the state. The vote value of an MLA is equivalent to the population of the state divided by the number of elected legislators divided, yet again, by 1,000. In UP the vote value of an MLA is the highest. It is at 209. The lowest vote value is from Sikkim at 7.

Currently, the BJP and its allies have a vote value of 5,31,954. The BJP would need

17,488 and it would depend on the BJD and AIADMK for the same. The vote value of 134 AIADMK MLAs is 23,584. The vote value of 50 AIADMK MPs is 35,400. The BJD MLAs have a vote value of 17,433 while its 28 MLAs have a vote value of 19,824.

OneIndia News
Tamil Nadu exports register an overall growth of 49% in Quarterly result

JNU scholar Muthukrishnan's body brought to Salem

India

pti-PTI

Salem (TN), Mar 16: The body of Dalit JNU scholar Muthukrishnan, who allegedly committed suicide at a friend's residence in Delhi, was today brought to his home town in Salem.

The body was brought this morning from Chennai and kept at his house for people to pay homage. Muthukrishnan, a resident of Tamil Nadu's Salem district, completed his MPhil from the University of Hyderabad in 2015 before joining JNU for his PhD.

The student, who was staying at JNU's Jhelum hostel, was found hanging from the ceiling fan at a friend's residence in South Delhi's Munirka area on March 13. Muthukrishnan, said to be at the forefront of a students' movement following research scholar Rohith Vemula's death, had severely criticised the varsity's admission policy in a Facebook post days before taking the extreme step.

In his post, which has gone viral, the 28-year-old student had also slammed the recent prohibitory order by JNU authorities banning protests at the administration block.

PTI
Lack of development in J&K for decades was one of the reasons behind rise of terrorism: Rajnath Singh

Nepal Deputy PM meets Rajnath, discusses border situation

India

pti-PTI

New Delhi, Mar 16: Deputy Prime Minister of Nepal Bimalendra Nidhi on Thursday met Home Minister Rajnath Singh and discussed the situation along the Indo-Nepal border which witnessed clashes recently.

Singh expressed grief over the death of a Nepalese national at the Indo-Nepal border in Lakhimpur Kheri district of Uttar Pradesh. He said India will carry out a fair and impartial inquiry into the incident and include the Nepalese counterparts in the effort to arrive at the truth.

The Home Minister said any incident that takes place, even unknowingly, should be settled through joint inspection and investigation by the representatives of the two sides. Singh also sought regular meetings between border guarding force Sashastra Seema Bal and its Nepalese counterpart Armed Police Force.

The Home Minister told Nidhi, who is also Nepal's Home Minister, that the two countries enjoy a friendly and familial relationship in all areas including security and border cooperation. Union Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi, Ambassador of Nepal in India Deep Kumar Upadhyaya along with senior officers of ministries of Home Affairs and External Affairs were present in the meeting.

A Nepalese man was killed on March 9 when the Indian border guards allegedly opened fire following a dispute over construction of a culvert on Sano Khola river along the frontier in Uttar Pradesh. The Indian embassy in Kathmandu had denied any firing by SSB personnel deployed on the Indian side of the border.

PTI
Who is the next UP CM? The suspense continues

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

There are a lot of factors that are under consideration for the BJP which is in the process of appointing a chief minister in the mighty state of Uttar Pradesh. Several names have been doing the rounds at all MLAs of the party have been camping at the Uttar Pradesh Bhavan in Delhi.

The BJP had tentatively announced that the swearing in ceremony would be held on March 17. There is, however, likely to be a delay and the top brass of the party may want to focus entirely on UP after the floor tests in Goa and Manipur are complete. This would mean that the decision to appoint a UP CM may be delayed by another week, sources indicate.

Both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party president Amit Shah are very particular that the UP CM must rise above expectations. UP is extremely crucial for the BJP as it needs to win big again in 2019 in order to return to power.

Many in the BJP are in favour of appointing Home Minister Rajnath Singh as the UP CM. Although he has denied it, his name continues to do the rounds. The BJP also is thinking of appointing two deputy CMs in the state. One would be from the backward castes and the other from the upper castes, sources tell OneIndia.

OneIndia News
Nigerians involved in drugs cases may be deported: K'taka HM

India

pti-PTI

Bengaluru, Mar 16: The Karnataka government is mulling deportation of Nigerian nationals involved in drugs cases, state Home Minister G Parameshwara said on Thursday.

"We are planning to deport the Nigerian nationals involved in drugs cases from various parts of Karnataka to their country," he said in the state Legislative Council.

"The Nigerian nationals extend their stay even after the expiry of their visas, because of cases pending against them. Therefore, we are planning to facilitate their deportation," Parameshwara said while replying to BJP's V Somanna.

He also said the government has sent circulars to colleges giving admissions to foreign nationals asking them to verify their credentials.

"We have directed the colleges to furnish the details of the students to the respective police stations and verify their credentials before admitting them," he added.

The Home Minister said 23 drugs-related cases have been filed against Nigerian nationals in the state since 2015, while 31 persons have been arrested.

PTI
No good or bad terrorists, their aim is to cause damage: V K Singh

India

pti-PTI

New Delhi, Mar 16: There are 'no good or bad terrorists' but just terrorists, Union minister V K Singh has said, while warning that well-qualified people globally are falling for radicalisation which is a matter for worry.

"So far as India's stand is concerned, we have been very clear. There are no good or bad terrorists but only terrorists. And that is why we say, terrorists have no caste, religion or colour," he said.

"They just have one philosophy, to cause damage, create panic, how to get publicity for themselves and attain what their ideology says," Singh said, in a veiled reference to Hizbul Mujahideen militant Burhan Wani who was killed by security forces in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir in July last year.

Addressing a gathering late on Wednesday evening at an ongoing three-day counter-terrorism conference in the national capital, the former Army chief also said lessons drawn from previous terror attacks in India and abroad, can be used to devise a more robust response system.

"Israel has learnt from its experiences of terror attacks to come up with a robust response system. We in India too have had our experience, including the infamous Mumbai attack and it is said that it serves as a lot of 'inspiration' for various terror groups to replicate it anywhere else around the world. So, we need to be vigilant," he said.

"And, we can draw lessons from response mechanism of countries not just in the Middle East but also other ones, which have had such situations and dealt with it," he said.

Flagging the issue of radicalisation, Singh said, "Well-to-do and well-qualified people were also falling into the ideological trap of terror groups like the Islamic State." "These ideologies have crept not just into the Middle East but also into many countries all over the world. Therefore, we need a great deal of efforts to deradicalise people to stop them from getting to terrorists or aiding them," he said.

The Minister of State for External Affairs said India has proposed a counter-terrorism framework in the UN, which 'some countries have supported, and a few others have differed on'.

"We hope that we can reach a common understanding so that we can combat this threat which affects all of us," he said.

Singh also urged people to become the 'extended arms' of the response system by staying vigilant round-the-clock. He also underscored the challenges posed by terror networks which operate without the slightest compunction, irrespective of the countries they are based in.

"We also need a robust and multi-layered intelligence system and extreme vigilance on part of our response systems to ideally nip in the bud any plans of attack, or tackle any attack promptly," Singh said.

"We need to devise our own response, otherwise we will be just moving from one incident to another," he added.

PTI
Rahul Ji, do you want to survive? Get rid of coterie, sycophancy

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia Staff Writer

New Delhi, March 16: As the Congress is staring at a 'bleak' future, several senior leaders of the grand old party are airing their discontentment against the party's top leadership. After the newly-elected Congress MLAs from Goa protested against the party's national leadership for failing to form the government in the coastal state, senior leaders of the Congress in Delhi are continuously voicing their angst against the ills afflicting the party.

There are also reports that many in the Congress want their vice president Rahul Gandhi to resign from the top post and make way for someone who has experience in 'grassroot-level politics'. Two former union ministers from the Congress said that if Gandhi has to survive in the party he has to get rid of coterie and sycophancy--the two biggest problems the Congress suffer from.

In an interview to Indian Express, former tribal affairs and panchayati raj minister Kishore Chandra Deo said that Gandhi has to get rid of 'a dozen people' around him to 'survive'.

Former law minister Ashwani Kumar told Indian Express, "All that the Congress needs to do is to put into motion a process which will be able to throw up leadership at various levels. When you confuse sycophancy for loyalty, you don't create leaders. When intellect is at a discount, you can't make a great party."

A rebellion is brewing in the Congress after the party suffered a humiliating defeat in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand elections. Moreover, the morale of the party workers plunged to a new low after the Congress failed to form governments in Manipur and Goa even after winning the maximum seats in the assembly elections of both the states.

Two days ago, senior leaders of the Congress including Renuka Chowdhury had raised questions over the party's top leadership in handling elections and results. Even son of former Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit, Sandeep, had suggested change in the party leadership. On Tuesday, an angry Chowdhury called Goa loss 'stupid' and demanded sacking of Digvijaya Singh from the Congress.

OneIndia News
Court holds writ by Hindu petitioners in Gyanvapi case maintainable: What does this mean

On camera: Varanasi folks in panic as 'ghost in white' goes for a walk on rooftops

Varanasi to light up for Deep Deepavali, a festival of lights that is not Diwali

Sonia to return after treatment, Rahul to accompany her

India

oi-Lisa

New Delhi, March 16: Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala informed media that Congress president Sonia Gandhi is travelling abroad for health check-up. He also added that Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi shall travel there and he will accompany her on the return journey.

Sonia Gandhi did not take part in the five state election campaign after she feel ill in August 2016 when she had gone to Varanasi to kick start the Congress' election campaign in the state. She was flown out of Varanasi and admitted to hospital in Delhi.

In August 2016, the Congress party did not make public the illness Sonia was suffering from. The local media however, said she was suffering from viral fever and dehydration.

Sonia was not present in the country when the assembly election results were announced on March 11 as she had already left for abroad for her health check-up.

OneIndia News
They killed terrorists, says Guj govt while defending officers in Ishrat Jahan case

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

"The case against the officers are that of killing terrorists, and hence their re-appointment is not arbitrary and shocking," This was the submission made by the Gujarat government in the high court which is hearing a petition challenging the appointment of two officers who accused in the Ishrat Jahan encounter case.

The appointment of Superintendent of Police N K Amin and Deputy Superintendent of Police Tarun Barot was challenged in the Gujarat high court. In October 2016, the home ministry of Gujarat appointed Barot as DySP, Headquarters, Western Railway, Vadodara, on a one-year contract. He was appointed almost two years after his retirement. Amin's service, on the other hand, was extended by a year on a contractual basis as SP Mahisagar district.

The government argued that the two officers had an outstanding record. Amin was discharged in the Sohrabbuddin Sheikh encounter case. Officers who reviewed the appointment termed them as outstanding officers. The government also submitted that the state had never granted sanction to prosecute the two officers.

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WB: BJP prepares strategy for Panchayat, LS 2019 polls

India

oi-PTI

Kolkata, March 16: Aiming to recreate the BJP's stellar UP show in Bengal rural polls next year and 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP in the state is taking tips from their counterparts in Uttar Pradesh and has prepared a three-pronged strategy to emerge as the main contender of the ruling TMC.

"After our massive victory in the UP, our focus will be on Bengal where the appeasement policy of the corrupt Mamata Banerjee government has reached its apogee. People are fed up with this government and are looking for a change. Law and order has completely failed in 10 districts and Bengal has become a hub of anti-nationals," BJP general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya said.

He said BJP is synonymous with good governance and Modi's agenda of development has been accepted by all.

According to BJP sources, the party is planning to revamp the organistion in districts and frontal organisations in the next few months.

Vijayvargiya's views were endorsed by the BJP state Mahila Morcha president and MP, Roopa Ganguly, who felt that Bengal was desperatly looking for a political force to counter TMC.

"We may have organisational lacunae but wherever there is an incident or issue, it is the BJP which first hit the streets. Bengal is desperatly looking for a political force to counter TMC," Ganguly told PTI.

BJP national secretary Rahul Sinha said since the results of UP have come out, leaders from various political parties are in touch with BJP and have expressed their wish to join the party.

"For last two days we have received calls from various parties expressing a desire to join the party. The surge in UP will definitely have its ripples in Bengal," Sinha felt.

Sinha, however, says that whoever wants to join BJP has to pass through the special screening committee of the party.

The party has also decided to rope in intellectuals and popular faces in an attempt to build a good image of the party in the state.

The party will create an army of trained workers and whole timers who could propagate about the achievements of the Narendra Modi government in every district of the state and expose the misrule of the TMC government.

PTI

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Story first published: Thursday, March 16, 2017, 12:00 [IST]
We are with Japan against missile threat from North Korea: US Envoy

International

pti-PTI

Tokyo, Mar 16: The United States' top diplomat is in Tokyo on Thursday to reassure allies that Washington stands with them in the face of the accelerating missile threat from North Korea. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson began his first Asian tour in Japan's capital and was to hold talks with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida.

He brings with him greetings from President Donald Trump, who caused consternation during his White House campaign by suggesting US allies need to do more to defend themselves.

But Tillerson, the former oilman Trump chose to head his diplomatic team, is expected to reaffirm support for Japan and South Korea, where he journeys Friday, before heading to China on Saturday. There, he will urge his hosts to pressure Kim Jong-Un's regime to halt Pyongyang's nuclear and ballistic missile programs before committing to eventual peace talks.

[Also read: N-Korea warns of merciless attacks against US, South Korea]

It is Tillerson's first major foray into crisis diplomacy, after brief trips to Bonn and Mexico City, but he has not managed to leave Washington controversy behind him. A small group of American expats protested outside the US embassy in Tokyo, demanding the former ExxonMobil chief executive respect the Paris climate change accord. And, back home, arguments raged over his decision to break with 50 years of tradition by refusing to allow the Washington diplomatic press corps to fly on his plane.

Some 20 US-based reporters flew commercially to Japan to follow the visit, but only one, a hand-picked writer from a small conservative outlet, was allowed on his jet. Back home, Trump is expected to unveil his budget blueprint later Thursday. Former top diplomats have denounced the plan, expected to call for slashing State Department spending, as a hammer blow to US influence.

Tillerson, while keeping a low public profile, appears, however, ready to cautiously support deep cuts. State Department officials insist that the focus of the trip will be North Korea and efforts to rebalance commerce without provoking a trade war with the Chinese giant.

Acting spokesman Mark Toner told reporters this week that efforts to convince China to pressure North Korea were the "looming challenge" in trans-Pacific relations. "He's going to have an opportunity at every stop to talk about next steps or what we do now, with respect to North Korea," he said.

AFP
NPF, an ally of BJP: Will Manipur CM be able to lift economic blockade?

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia Staff Writer

Imphal, March 16: First, the assembly elections in Manipur were conducted under the shadow of economic blockade on March 4 and March 8. To everyone's relief (especially of the Election Commission), the polls were conducted almost 'smoothly' with incidents of a couple of bomb blasts that rocked the state before and during the elections.

On Wednesday, the Bharatiya Janata Party formed the government in the state for the first time, again under the shadow of economic blockade that has brought life to a standstill in the hill state.

On Thursday, Manipur entered the 135th day of the economic blockade. Since November 1, the United Naga Council-- an umbrella organisation of Naga civil society organisations-- has imposed a blockade on NH-2 (Imphal-Dimapur) and NH-37 (Imphal-Jiribam) highways that serve as lifelines for the landlocked Manipur.

The new chief minister of Manipur, N Biren Singh, just ahead of his swearing-in ceremony hosted at Raj Bhavan, Imphal, during a victory rally of the BJP said that lifting the economic blockade will be his government's first priority.

However, lifting the blockade immediately seems difficult as the BJP government in the state is in alliance with the Naga People's Front. "The NPF shares close-ties with the UNC. Thus it would require a lot of negotiations on the part of the BJP to end the blockade," said a local journalist from Imphal.

The blockade was imposed by the UNC to protest against the creation of the seven new districts by the last Congress government in Manipur. While the Naga groups claim they were not consulted before the announcement, the then government said it was done for administrative ease.

Even during an election rally in Imphal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised the voters to lift the economic blockade, once the BJP comes to power in the state. The Congress accused the Centre of siding with the UNC by not lifting the blockade. Because of the blockade, prices of essential commodities and fuels have increased massively as there is a shortage of supply.

In the current Manipur Assembly, the BJP government has the support of 31 MLAs. While 21 are BJP MLAs, four are from the National Peoples Party, four Naga People's Front, one Lok Janashakti Party legislator and the defected Congress MLA Shyamkumar Singh.

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Story first published: Thursday, March 16, 2017, 14:03 [IST]
With Rahul refusing to intervene in Goa, Rane resigns from post and party

India

oi-Anusha

Disappointed with the Congress party's handling of the post-poll scenario in Goa, MLA Vishwajith Rane submitted his resignation to the post of MLA as well as the primary membership of the Congress party. Rane who had openly criticised the Congress party for not making efforts to consolidate support in Goa had demanded that Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi intervenes in the issue. He cited 'mismanagement by leadership' as the reason for his decision.

Speaking to the media on Thursday morning before the trust vote, Rane had alleged that senior leaders of the Congress had mismanaged the situation in Goa and Rahul should have intervened.

"It took two days for the Congress to choose our legislature party leader. Those in charge indulged in mismanagement. The Supreme Court also observed so. They are experienced people, but they did not know what to do, what steps to take to form the government. Parrikar came from Delhi and swiftly spoke to everyone concerned, got the numbers and formed the government," Rane had said. He had also stated that he and like-minded legislators would be forced to re-think their decision to continue in the Congress.

Just as he had stated, Rane refused to vote in support of his party in Thursday's floor test. He chose to be absent from the house when the trust vote was underway. Despite winning 17 seats in the Goa assembly polls, the Congress managed to get only 16 of its legislators to vote against Parrikar.

OneIndia News
No one has guts...: Junior defence minister's reply to China question

Twitter down as several users report login issues on website

Talented, driven and great potential: President Putin is all praise for India and Indians

India an important business partner of US says US treasury secretary

International

pti-PTI

Washington, March 16: India is an important economic partner for the US, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin has told Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and expressed keenness to continue the robust bilateral financial dialogue.

Mnuchin spoke with Jaitley over phone on Tuesday, the US Treasury said in a statement on Wednesday. "Mnuchin underscored India's importance as an economic partner of the United States," it said.

"The Secretary and Finance Minister expressed a desire to continue the robust bilateral dialogue between Treasury and the Ministry of Finance in the year ahead," the statement said.

Jaitley is scheduled to travel to the US next month to attend the annual spring meeting of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. The two leaders are expected to meet here.

PTI
Ukraine grain deal: UN says shipments are still going out

India stands 148th in women parliamentarian ranking, UN asks for quota

International

ians-IANS

By Ians English

New York, March 16: Releasing a world ranking of the number of women parliamentarians that that placed India 148, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, the head of UN Women, has called for reservations for women.

The rankings of all 193 UN member countries released here on Wednesday by the Inter-Parliamentary Union and UN Women showed that women made up 11.8 per cent of the Lok Sabha where 64 were elected to the 542-member house and 11 per cent of the Rajya Sabha with 27 of the 245 members.

India ranked 88 in the number of women ministers with five or 18.5 per cent in the cabinet.

However, women hold important positions: Sumitra Mahajan is the Speaker and Sushma Swaraj is the External Affairs Minister.

Speaking to reporters, IPU Secretary-General Martin Chungong backed up the call for reservations for women suggesting that quotas for them could speed up the process for achieving gender equality.

At the current rate of progress, it would take 50 years for the number of women to equal that of men in legislative bodies, he said.

The percentage of women in parliaments worldwide barely ticked up from 22.6 per cent in 2015 to 23.3 per cent in 2016. India's percentage is about half the world tally.

Mlambo-Ngcuka, the Executive Director of UN Women, the international organisation's arm for empowering women, said that the most progress in increasing their ranks in parliament was achieved in countries with quotas.

A constitutional amendment bill to reserve 33 per cent of Lok Sabha and State Assembly seats for women was first proposed in 1996 but has failed in the last 20 years to make headway.

In the latest attempt, it passed the Rajya Sabha in 2010 but lapsed when the last Lok Sabha ended its term in 2014 without taking it up.

The Rashtriya Janata Dal, the Janata Dal (United) and Samajwadi Party have been leading the opposition to the constitutional amendment.

Chungong said a positive development was a move away from shunting women to "soft" ministries like women's affairs and instead placing them in important ministries.

In addition to Swaraj, who has the important External Affairs portfolio, Uma Bharti is the Water Resources Minister and Nirmala Sitharaman has independent charge of Commerce and Industry.

Mlambo-Ngcuka said that women politicians were held back by a number of problems, including the lack of finance for campaigns and stereotyping.

They also faced bullying online and physically, harassment and hostile treatment by the media, she added.

Rwanda ranked first in the number of women parliamentarians with 61.3 per cent in the lower house, followed by Bolivia with 53.1 per cent and Cuba 48.9 per cent.

In South Asia, Nepal ranked 48 with 29.6 per cent of the lower house seats held by women; Pakistan ranked 89 with 20.6 per cent (but with no ministers); Bangladesh was 91st with 20.3 per cent, and Sri Lanka lagged at 179th place with 5.8 per cent.

Bulgaria, France and Nicaragua tied for the first rank for the number of women ministers with 52.9 per cent each.

IANS
India overtakes UK to become 5th largest economy in the world

One hurt in letter bomb attack at IMF's Paris office

International

oi-Madhuri

One person has been injured in a letter bomb attack at the International Monetary Fund's Paris office.

Anti-terror police and bomb disposal experts rushed to the scene after the envelope sent to the building exploded.

The IMF is currently headed by Christine Lagarde, a former finance minister in France, who is based in the United States. France remains under a state of emergency, following a series of Islamist terrorist attacks across the country.

OneIndia News
'I was hit by 4 bullets': Imran Khan on assassination bid

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

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Pakistan test-fires surface-to-sea missile

International

ians-IANS

By Ians English

Islamabad, March 16: The Pakistan Navy on Thursday 'successfully' test-fired surface-to-sea missile, said an official announcement.

The missile, equipped with avionics and modern technology, 'accurately' hit its target in the sea, a navy spokesperson said in a statement.

The induction of the missile, the spokesperson added, would help strengthen defence and operational capabilities of the navy.

On January 24, Pakistan test-fired 2,200-km range indigenously-developed surface-to-surface nuclear-capable missile Ababeel. The missile is capable of delivering multiple warheads, using Multiple Independent Re-entry Vehicle technology.

The Ababeel test flight was aimed at validating various design and technical parameters of the weapon system.

Some days earlier in January before Ababeel test, submarine-launched cruise missile Babur-III was successfully test-fired.

Babur weapons system incorporates advanced aerodynamics and avionics that can strike targets both at land and sea with high accuracy at a range of 700 km.

Babur-III is a low flying, terrain hugging missile, which carries certain stealth features and is capable of carrying various types of warheads.

IANS
35,000 kilometers above the earth

SpaceX, founded and led by billionaire Elon Musk, is emerging as leader of the modern commercial space industry after becoming the first to send a private cargo carrier to the International Space Station in 2010.

All images, courtesy, SpaceX

Two costly disasters in the past two years

The California-based company has endured two costly disasters in the past two years -- a launchpad blast that destroyed a rocket and its satellite payload in September, and a June 2015 explosion after lift-off that obliterated a Dragon cargo ship packed with provisions bound for the space station.

Liftoff!

The mission took off from NASA's historic launchpad 39A, the origin of the pioneering US spaceflights that took astronauts to the Moon in the 1960s and 1970s, as well as the space shuttle missions that ran from 1981 to 2011.

To the moon and back

SpaceX is planning to fly a pair of civilians around the moon and back to Earth in 2018, the company has announced. SpaceX was approached by two individuals who expressed interest in the mission, which is expected to skim the moon and carry them into deep space on the company's Dragon Capsule.

Humans to return to deep space?

"We are excited to announce that SpaceX has been approached to fly two private citizens on a trip around the moon late next year," said a statement by CEO Elon Musk.

"This presents an opportunity for humans to return to deep space for the first time in 45 years and they will travel faster and further into the solar system than any before them." The tourists, who were not named, "have already paid a significant deposit," Musk's statement added.
To be represented in court proceedings

The river is a sacred and revered waterway to New Zealand's Maori Iwi people and its interests will now be represented by an Indigenous group.

Among other things, the river could now be represented in court proceedings, Treaty Negotiations Minister Chris Finlayson said.

All photographs: Wikimedia Commons

Pretty strange? Apparently not!

"I know the initial inclination of some people will say it's pretty strange to give a natural resource a legal personality.

"But it's no stranger than family trusts, or companies or incorporated societies," The New Zealand Herald quoted Finlayson as saying.

Country's longest navigable river

Long revered by New Zealand's Maori people, the river's interests will now be represented by two people.

With a length of 290 kilometres, the Whanganui is the country's third-longest river. Much of the land to either side of the river's upper reaches is part of the Whanganui National Park, though the river itself is not part of the park.

A mostly difficult river

The Whanganui River Deed of Settlement was signed in 2014 and legislation was introduced in 2016.The Whanganui River has always been an important communication route to the central North Island, both for Maori and for settlers.

It is, however, also a difficult river, with many stretches of white water and over 200 rapids. Despite this,for many years, it was the principal route to the interior.
The logo of of Rocket Internet, a German venture capital group is pictured in this September 24, 2014 illustration photo. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/File Photo

By Emma Thomasson

BERLIN (Reuters) - Qatar's sovereign wealth fund took a stake in Rocket Internet's loss-making recipe and ingredients business HelloFresh in a December fundraising, the German company said on Thursday.

Founded in Berlin in 2007, Rocket has built up dozens of businesses from fashion e-commerce to food delivery, but many investors have become concerned about heavy losses and falling valuations for its key start-ups.

Rocket's shares, which dropped last month after major investor Kinnevik sold half its stake in the company, were up 2.3 percent at 1351 GMT.

Rocket said in December that HelloFresh had raised 85 million euros ($91 million) from an unidentified leading global investor and existing shareholder Baillie Gifford, at a 2 billion euro valuation, down from a previous 2.6 billion euros.

On Thursday, German magazine WirtschaftsWoche cited HelloFresh Chief Executive Dominik Richter as saying that Qatar had been part of the fundraising.

A spokeswoman for HelloFresh confirmed the report, saying it was very happy to welcome Qatar as a long-term investor, noting the fund usually only invests in big corporations and listed companies.

Founded in 2011, HelloFresh has been investing heavily in marketing and logistics, expanding from its base in Europe to the United States, Canada and Australia.

HelloFresh made a loss before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation of 66.3 million euros for the first nine months of 2016 on revenues of 438 million euros. Rocket Internet reports full-year results on April 27.

Rocket's stake in HelloFresh now stands at 53 percent. HelloFresh is one of its biggest holdings and is viewed as a potential candidate for an initial public offering, though a previous attempt to list the business stalled in 2015.

HelloFresh confirmed a report in WirtschaftsWoche that it agreed a 50 million euro credit line from Rocket in April, which a spokeswoman said would "be used towards expanding our business."

Story continues

Meanwhile, online takeaway firm Delivery Hero, which is Rocket's other major investment, is set to report a loss of 117 million euros for 2016, WirtschaftsWoche reported.

A Delivery Hero spokesman declined to comment on the figure, but said the group's marketplace business had turned profitable by last summer, while the Foodpanda business it bought from Rocket in December was still loss-making, although growing fast.

($1 = 0.9324 euros)

(Editing by David Goodman and Mark Potter)
Trump to go to SC to overturn new immigration ban

International

ians-IANS

By Ians English

Washington, March 16: US President Donald Trump has said he will go to the Supreme Court to overturn a ruling by a federal judge that blocks his new immigration ban order, a media report said.

"We're going to fight this terrible ruling. We're going to take this as far as we need to, right up to the Supreme Court. We're going to win and we're going to keep our citizens safe," Trump said at a rally in Nashville, Tennessee on Wednesday.

Trump lashed out at the ruling by US District Judge Derrick Watson, based in Honolulu, Hawaii, who on Wednesday blocked Trump's revised travel ban, which bars the entry into the US of immigrants from six Muslim-majority countries and all refugees.

The President labelled Watson's ruling "an unprecedented judicial overreach" and reiterated that the constitution gives him powers to suspend immigration for national security, Efe news reported.

Trump warned that he would take this legal battle to the Supreme Court.

"I think we ought to go back to the first one and go all the way (to the Supreme Court), which is what I wanted to do in the first place," Trump said, referring to his first immigration ban order that was blocked in early February and which was followed by his brief but unsuccessful legal battle.

On March 6, Trump presented a "watered-down" version of his immigration order, which introduced changes like cutting Iraq from the list of banned countries.

The new ban suspended the refugee program for 120 days and banned citizens from Iran, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Yemen and Libya from entering the country for 90 days.

The second order also amended a provision on Syrian refugees, who will be banned from entering the country for 120 days and not indefinitely, as the original order had established.

IANS
Trump's new travel ban blocked by court

International

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

A federal judge in Hawaii has blocked US president Donald Trump's new travel ban. The order came up hours before the ban was set to go into effect. The judge in the 43-page ruling said that in no uncertain terms can the new executive order failed to pass legal muster at this stage and the state had established "a strong likelihood of success" on their claims of religious discrimination, CNN reported.

Trump was quick to react and called it bad and sad news. The order he blocked was a watered down version of the first one, Trump also said.

As a result of this ruling which is applicable in the entire nation travellers from six Muslim-majority countries -- Iran, Libya, Somalina, Sudan, Syria and Yemen who will be able to travel to the US.

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Back in September 2015, Google was hit with a lawsuit accusing it of secretly intercepting, reading, and analyzing emails of non-Gmail users in order to create targeted ads.

Google reached a settlement in the case this past December. That deal hit a snag this week, though: Judge Lucy Koh, whos known for handling high-profile tech cases, rejected a preliminary motion to approve the settlement  forcing the litigation to drag on.

Judges frequently grant preliminary approval of class action settlements because judges usually favor settlements over protracted litigation, Santa Clara Law Professor Eric Goldman told Yahoo Finance. However, judges are required to review a class action settlement to ensure its a good deal for class members.

$0 in cash damages for consumers

In this particular case, those class members would get exactly $0 in cash damages  while the plaintiffs attorneys would pocket $2.2 million. This is hardly unusual, and is at the heart of an ongoing debate over the purpose of class actions that generate little cash for consumers but millions in attorneys fees. According to Goldman, judges have increasingly wielded their power to reject proposed settlements when those deals result in no cash for the consumer.

Increasingly, judges are more carefully scrutinizing settlement deals in privacy class action lawsuits where the class gets no money, Goldman said. Judges are concerned that such settlements may be a form of collusion between the defendants, who just want to get a green light to continue their practices, and the class action counsel, who are eager to get paid even if they dont provide great remedies for the class.

Congress has also been scrutinizing class actions. Last month, U.S. Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) introduced the Class Action Fairness Act of 2017, which would introduce a number of restrictions on class actions including tying attorneys fees to the amount of money class members receive.

Story continues

The bill has sparked a wave of criticism because it would effectively curb the number of class actions in America. Proponents of class actions argue that they are a way to force consumer-facing corporations to comply with the law. Indeed, even when consumers receive no cash, corporations often agree to change their practices as part of class-action settlements.

In this particular case, the class (aka, non-Gmail users) would have received an assurance that Google would not scan their incoming email for the sole purpose of collecting advertising data. But the deal kept the door open for Google to scan incoming email for the dual purpose of detecting malware and getting information that it would use at a later time for advertising.

Google may still be violating privacy laws: Judge

In rejecting the deal, Koh said it wasnt clear the settlement put Google into compliance with the laws it was accused of violating, the Wiretap Act and the California Invasion of Privacy Act.

Plaintiffs motion for preliminary approval provides no authority as to whether or why the injunctions dual purpose interception, scanning, and analysis of in transit emails brings Google into compliance with the Wiretap Act or CIPA, Koh noted.

For his part, Michael Sabol, an attorney for the plaintiffs with Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, said, At this point, we will press on with the litigation while still exploring opportunities for resolution that are consistent with the courts directions.

He also pointed out that the plaintiffs only sought injunctive relief in this case (i.e., getting Google to change its practices). The hopes of getting a class-wide recovery for damages under these circumstances is very remote, Sabol said.

Still, Jay Edelson, a plaintiffs lawyer dubbed techs least friended man by The New York Times, told Yahoo Finance hes concerned that so-called injunctive-only class actions are being overused.

We believe that injunctive-only privacy settlements where significant damages were originally being sought should be the exception, rather than the norm, Edelson noted. We remain concerned that they are being over utilized, which will lead to criticism that the settlements benefit the attorneys more than their clients.

In the case of Google, Koh may end up satisfied if Google reins in its behavior, in which case the plaintiffs lawyers will ultimately get their payday.

Google declined to comment on Kohs motion.

Erin Fuchs is deputy managing editor of Yahoo Finance.
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The logo of German car producer Audi is photographed behind a red light prior to the annual press conference in Ingolstadt, Germany, Wednesday, March 15, 2017. German media report that authorities are searching offices of Audi in connection with an investigation into the luxury automaker's parent company Volkswagen's cheating on diesel emissions tests. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)

BERLIN (AP)  German authorities searched the offices of luxury automaker Audi on Wednesday in connection with the scandal over cheating on diesel emissions by its parent company, Volkswagen.

The raids were part of a fraud investigation into Ingolstadt-based Audi, launched by prosecutors in Munich several weeks ago.

Volkswagen and Audi brand vehicles with diesel engines make up the bulk of the vehicles caught up in Volkswagen's emissions cheating scandal.

Munich prosecutors' spokesman Ken Heidenreich said the current investigation focuses on who was behind the use of the software in 80,000 Audis sold in the U.S. between 2009 and 2015 with 3.0-liter six-cylinder diesel engines.

No specific individuals are named in the investigation, he said.

"The execution of the search warrants is meant to clarify which persons were involved in the use of the relevant technology and, where applicable, were involved in providing inaccurate information to third parties," Heidenreich said in a statement.

Audi spokesman Moritz Drechsel said that the raids were focused on the company headquarters in the Bavarian city of Ingolstadt and at its plant in Neckarsulm in the neighboring state of Baden-Wuerttemberg.

"Audi is fully cooperating with authorities as we have the highest interest in clarifying matters," Drechsel said, adding that he could not comment further due to the ongoing investigation.

Volkswagen has admitted it equipped diesel engines with software that detected when the vehicle was being tested and turned the emissions controls off during everyday driving. The result was cars that emitted some 40 times the U.S. limits of nitrogen oxides, a pollutant that can harm people's health. Millions of cars worldwide had the deceptive software.

On Friday, Volkswagen pleaded guilty in the U.S. to a scheme to get around American pollution rules. If a judge agrees to the Justice Department's sentencing recommendation, the scandal will cost the company more than $20 billion in the U.S. alone.

In addition to the Munich investigation of Audi, prosecutors in the city of Braunschweig are also investigating Volkswagen itself for possible criminal misconduct.
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Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Peter ONeill will join with the leaders of other Pacific Island nations to advance regional interests ensuring the sustainable use of oceans and marine resources.The Pacific Regional Preparatory High-Level Meeting for the United Nations Conference on Oceans will begin in Suva, Fiji.The Prime Minister said the aim of the meeting is to strengthen support for the Implementation of UN Sustainable Development Goal 14, which is to conserve and sustainably use oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.The livelihoods and economic development of our people in the Pacific depend on maintaining sustainable and healthy marine resources, the Prime Minister said.Leaders from the Pacific will meet in Suva to discuss issues relating to the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 70/303.This calls for all UN members, including Papua New Guinea, to undertake measures for the sustainable use of oceans and seas so that we will have healthy marine environments for generations to come.The High-Level Meeting in Suva is to enable Pacific nations to discuss and reach consensus on a draft resolution and Call for Action to be considered at the UN Conference of Oceans to be held later this year.As the largest Pacific Island state, Papua New Guinea stands with our neighbours, especially Small Island States, to have our voices heard when all UN members meet on oceans issues.Pacific nations have shown strong global leadership and played a leading advocacy role on oceans issues at the United Nations.Through the SAMOA Pathway, and other initiatives such as the Pacific Oceanscape, including the Framework of Pacific Regionalism, and we continue to maintain momentum.This High-Level Meeting is yet another opportunity to ensure that Pacific Island views on the sustainable use of oceans is high on the agenda leading up to the UN Oceans Conference later this year.
Papua New Guinea has installed one of the most modern magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner, which will help in the detection of cancer, at Port Moresby General Hospital.The MRI scanner can give better images of a patients brain, spine, bones, joints and muscles to detect the disease, whereas a standard CT scanner is more suitable for the chest, heart, lymph nodes and blood vessels.It was put into operation yesterday in what chief radiologist Dr Dora Leutrut described as a dream come true for the public health system and for the hospital."THIS advanced diagnostic tool can give extremely clear images of the inside of the human body," Dr Leutrut said.The K5 million project was funded by the National Fisheries Authority and the Sir Theo Foundation supported the funding of getting MRI expert Dr Parveen Gulati and MRI technician Mr Harbansh Bhatia from India to train PNG doctors and technicians. She said that 51 patients have been scanned during the training this year.Dr Leutrut says the General Electric 1.5 Tesla MRI Scanner is one of the most advanced MRI scanner in its class in the world. She said one important use of the MRI was in cancer patients where precise visualisation of cancer inside the body could help the doctors in surgical planning or prevent an unnecessary surgery in an advanced cancer patient."Because the MRI uses a powerful magnet, patients with any metal implants and any metal objects cannot enter the MRI room."We cannot take .any metal equipment like stretchers, oxygen cylinders or ventilators inside the room as they will get immediately attracted to the MRI and can damage the machine irreparably," she said. "PMGH Radiology Department now has also has a 128 Slice Ultrafast CT Scanner, Digital Mammography and full-fledged Digital Radiography with a IT system that enables the doctors to see the images immediately right at the bedside or in clinics."A MRI uses powerful magnetic forces to obtain internal organ images. This is safer that a CT scanner that uses radiation (X-rays) to obtain images of the internal organs," she said.Hospital chief executive officer Dr Umesh Gupta said evidence-based medicine needs very advanced diagnostic tools and the hospital was on this much needed path of modernisation.He said the hospital had not finalised how much to charge patients but it would be about K2500 to K3000. Health Minister Michael Malabag said the MRI was a significant advancement in health care."I am particularly pleased with fact that our own PNG technicians have been trained to operate the MRI rather than getting an overseas technician," he said. Post Courier/ONE PNG
Whether we like to admit it or not, the history of the U.S. is in great degree a history of genocide and racist terror. As Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz has demonstrated in An Indigenous Peoples History of the United States, the phrase Manifest Destinywhich we generally associate with the second half of the 19th centuryaccurately describes the nations ethos since well before its founding. The idea that the entire continent belonged by right of Providence to a highly specific group of European settlers is what we often hear spoken of now of as white nationalism, an ideology that has been as violent and bloody as certain other nationalisms, and in many ways much more so.

Somehow, writes Dunbar-Ortiz, even genocide seems an inadequate description for what happened to the Native American nations. Martin Luther King, Jr. recognized this history as inseparable from the struggles of African-Americans and other groups, writing in 1963s Why We Cant Wait, our nation was born in genocide when it embraced the doctrine that the original American, the Indian, was an inferior race. Even before there were large numbers of Negroes on our shores, the scar of racial hatred had already disfigured colonial society. From the sixteenth century forward, blood flowed in battles of racial supremacy.









One striking commonalityor rather continuityin the histories Dunbar-Ortiz and King tell is that a huge number of violent attacks on Native and Black people, slave and free, were carried out by ordinary settlers and citizens, unofficially deputized by the state as irregular enforcers of white supremacy. Especially in the century after the Civil War, white nationalism took the form of lynchings: brutal vigilante hangings, burnings, and mutilations meant to terrorize communities of color and enact the kind of frontier justice pioneered on the actual frontier. Most of the recorded victims were African-American, but Native Americans, as well as Mexican, Chinese, and Italian workers were brutalized and murdered as well, writes Laura Bliss at Citylab, and although the rural South was by far the bloodiest region nationally, no area was really safe.

Now, a new interactive mapnamed Monroe Work Today after the early 20th century historian (Monroe Nathan Work) who gathered much of the dataaims to be the most comprehensive catalogue of proven lynchings that took place in the United States from 1835 to 1964. The site calls its impressive map a rebirth of one piece of Monroe Works legacy, expanded to include many more sources and the post WWII period. In the century after the Civil War, write the maps creators, as many as 5000 people of color were executednot by courts, but by mobs on the street who believed the cause of white supremacy.

Lynchings became widespread in the early 1800s, as a form of self-appointed justice in local communities when townspeople made grave accusations first, but never bothered to gather proof. In the postbellum U.S., such killings became more exclusively racialized in very real crusades to change the United States to a place only for whites. Local leaders encouraged people to carry that idea onto the streets. As you can see in the screenshots here from particularly violent periods in history, most, but by no means all of these extrajudicial killings took place in the South against African Americans.

In other areas of density in the Southwest, Far West, and Left Coast (as the project refers to these areas) the victims tended to be Latino/a, Chinese, or Native American. In New Orleans, a deep pool of blue marks the many Sicilian victims of lynching in the late 19th century.

For a number of reasons discussed on the site, the maps creators caution against using their tool to decide that some places suffered more racism than others. Many other forms of racist violence, from intimidation to rape, redlining, criminalization, and job discrimination have been widespread around the country and are not shown on the map. In anticipation of accusations of bias, Monroe Work Today encourages users to evaluate the source for themselves. (You should always do this with anything you read online.) A good place to start would be their extensive bibliography. As you scroll through the site, youll find other questions answered as well.

Writing at The Smithsonian, Danny Lewis calls the map an important endeavor to help mark these dark parts of American history and make it more visible and accessible for all. But Monroe Work Today is more than a research tool. The site bears witness to a continuing story. The threat of violence for Americans of color is alive and real, writes Bliss, This is a good time to revisit its history.

via The Smithsonian

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Josh Jones is a writer and musician based in Durham, NC. Follow him at @jdmagness
MHealth App Market Sizing 2015 - 2020

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Despite the hype around mHealth apps, the global mHealth app market is a niche market today. This will change over the course of the next five years as mHealth app publishers will more and more concentrate on business models that uses mHealth apps to sell connected devices and services. Traditional apps store revenue sources like paid downloads, in-app purchase and in-app advertisement will not be big enough to support the growing number of mHealth app publishers.mHealth app users will remain the main driver for the next years allowing monetization strategies based on B2C business models. B2B models will become more important with health plans and HCPs integrating mHealth apps into the traditional healthcare market.The report has five main parts:Current market size: Provides current sizing of the mHealth market in terms of app numbers, app downloads and app store revenues for all mHealth apps or by app category. It identifies key application segments according to their current reach.Download Sample Copy Of This Report:Country mHealth markets: The report looks into the mHealth app market of 56 countries. It profiles 10 countries which currently offer the best market potential for mHealth app publishers. It provides information about the country mHealth app market characteristics, such as which platform leads in the country and required download numbers to enter a top 5 ranking position.17 mHealth business models: Describes performance of mHealth app publishers and their different monetization strategies. It identifies the most commonly used business models for mHealth apps and provides overview and best practice examples.Top mHealth app publishers: Publishers background and performance differ significantly for the Health&Fitness and Medical app section. The report list and describes current most successful Health&Fitness and Medical app publishers. It analyzes their product portfolio and its performance.Browse More Semiconductors Market Research Reports:mHealth market forecast: Estimates market size and market revenue until 2020. The market forecast provides a detailed outlook on demand and supply side of the mHealth app market in the next five years. It forecasts the number of mHealth app users, their platform preference and the number of downloads. The mHealth market revenue is provided for the main revenue sources.MarketResearchReports.biz supports your business intelligence needs with over 100,000 market research reports, company profiles, data books, and regional market data sheets in its repository. Our document database is updated by the hour, which means that you always have access to fresh data spanning over 300 industries and their sub-segments.State Tower90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948(USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Website Builders Global Market Size, Status and Forecast 2022

Website Builders Market

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Website Builders Market 2017Wiseguyreports.Com Adds Website Builders -Market Demand, Growth, Opportunities, Manufacturers, Analysis of Top Key Players and Forecast to 2022 To Its Research Database.This report studies the global Website Builders market, analyzes and researches the Website Builders development status and forecast in United States, EU, Japan, China, India and Southeast Asia. This report focuses on the top players in global market, likeWeeblySquarespaceWixDudaoneYolaJimdoYahooGodaddyHomesteadIbuiltDudamobileGomobiOnbileMofuseQfuseActivemobiTappinnRequest for Sample report @Market segment by Regions/Countries, this report coversUnited StatesEUJapanChinaIndiaSoutheast AsiaMarket segment by Type, Website Builders can be split intoPc Website BuildersMobile Website BuildersMarket segment by Application, Website Builders can be split intoPersonal WebsiteSchool Or College WebsitesBusiness WebsiteOtherTo get complete report visit@Key Points in Table of Content:Global Website Builders Market Size, Status and Forecast 20221 Industry Overview of Website Builders1.1 Website Builders Market Overview1.1.1 Website Builders Product Scope1.1.2 Market Status and Outlook1.2 Global Website Builders Market Size and Analysis by Regions1.2.1 United States1.2.2 EU1.2.3 Japan1.2.4 China1.2.5 India1.2.6 Southeast Asia1.3 Website Builders Market by Type1.3.1 Pc Website Builders1.3.2 Mobile Website Builders1.4 Website Builders Market by End Users/Application1.4.1 Personal Website1.4.2 School Or College Websites1.4.3 Business Website1.4.4 Other3 Company (Top Players) Profiles3.1 Weebly3.1.1 Company Profile3.1.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.1.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.1.4 Website Builders Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.1.5 Recent Developments3.2 Squarespace3.2.1 Company Profile3.2.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.2.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.2.4 Website Builders Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.2.5 Recent Developments3.3 Wix3.3.1 Company Profile3.3.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.3.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.3.4 Website Builders Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.3.5 Recent Developments3.4 Dudaone3.4.1 Company Profile3.4.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.4.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.4.4 Website Builders Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.4.5 Recent Developments3.5 Yola3.5.1 Company Profile3.5.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.5.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.5.4 Website Builders Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.5.5 Recent Developments3.6 Jimdo3.6.1 Company Profile3.6.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.6.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.6.4 Website Builders Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.6.5 Recent Developments3.7 Yahoo3.7.1 Company Profile3.7.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.7.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.7.4 Website Builders Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.7.5 Recent Developments3.8 Godaddy3.8.1 Company Profile3.8.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.8.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.8.4 Website Builders Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.8.5 Recent Developments3.9 Homestead3.9.1 Company Profile3.9.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.9.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.9.4 Website Builders Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.9.5 Recent Developments3.10 Ibuilt3.10.1 Company Profile3.10.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.10.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.10.4 Website Builders Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.10.5 Recent Developments3.11 Dudamobile3.12 Gomobi3.13 Onbile3.14 Mofuse3.15 Qfuse3.16 Activemobi3.17 Tappinn.Continued...Buy this report @Contact Us:NORAH TRENTSales@Wiseguyreports.ComPh: +1-646-845-9349 (US)Ph: +44 208 133 9349 (UK)Follow on LinkedIn @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
Water and Wastewater Treatment Chemicals 2017 Production,Analysis,Trends and Industry Overview Market Report Forecast to 2022

Water and Wastewater Treatment Chemicals

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Water and Wastewater Treatment ChemicalsReport Details:Global Water and Wastewater Treatment Chemicals market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, and revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer; the top players includingBASFDowDuPontGE Water&Process TechnologiesEvonikBayerAries ChemicalAcceptaChemTreatVeolia Water Solutions & TechnologiesNalcoKroffProchemServyecoKemiraClick here for sample report @Geographically, this report is segmented into several key Regions, with production, consumption, revenue (million USD), market share and growth rate of Water and Wastewater Treatment Chemicals in these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), coveringNorth AmericaEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaOn the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoAlgaecidesAntifoamsBiocidesBoiler Water ChemicalsCoagulantsCorrosion InhibitorsOtherOn 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 Water and Wastewater Treatment Chemicals for each application, includingLiving Water TreatmentIndustrial Water Treatment......Some Major Points from Table of content:Global Water and Wastewater Treatment Chemicals Market Research Report 20171 Water and Wastewater Treatment Chemicals Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Water and Wastewater Treatment Chemicals1.2 Water and Wastewater Treatment Chemicals Segment by Type (Product Category)1.2.1 Global Water and Wastewater Treatment Chemicals Production and CAGR (%) Comparison by Type (Product Category) (2012-2022)1.2.2 Global Water and Wastewater Treatment Chemicals Production Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20161.2.3 Algaecides1.2.4 Antifoams1.2.5 Biocides1.2.6 Boiler Water Chemicals1.2.7 Coagulants1.2.8 Corrosion Inhibitors1.2.9 Other1.3 Global Water and Wastewater Treatment Chemicals Segment by Application1.3.1 Water and Wastewater Treatment Chemicals Consumption (Sales) Comparison by Application (2012-2022)1.3.2 Living Water Treatment1.3.3 Industrial Water Treatment1.4 Global Water and Wastewater Treatment Chemicals Market by Region (2012-2022)1.4.1 Global Water and Wastewater Treatment Chemicals Market Size (Value) and CAGR (%) Comparison by Region (2012-2022)1.4.2 North America Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.3 Europe 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 Southeast Asia Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.7 India Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.5 Global Market Size (Value) of Water and Wastewater Treatment Chemicals (2012-2022)1.5.1 Global Water and Wastewater Treatment Chemicals Revenue Status and Outlook (2012-2022)1.5.2 Global Water and Wastewater Treatment Chemicals Capacity, Production Status and Outlook (2012-2022)For Detailed Reading Please visit @7 Global Water and Wastewater Treatment Chemicals Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis7.1 BASF7.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.1.2 Water and Wastewater Treatment Chemicals Product Category, Application and Specification7.1.2.1 Product A7.1.2.2 Product B7.1.3 BASF Water and Wastewater Treatment Chemicals Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.1.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.2 Dow7.2.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.2.2 Water and Wastewater Treatment Chemicals Product Category, Application and Specification7.2.2.1 Product A7.2.2.2 Product B7.2.3 Dow Water and Wastewater Treatment Chemicals Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.2.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.3 DuPont7.3.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.3.2 Water and Wastewater Treatment Chemicals Product Category, Application and Specification7.3.2.1 Product A7.3.2.2 Product B7.3.3 DuPont Water and Wastewater Treatment Chemicals Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.3.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.4 GE Water&Process Technologies7.4.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.4.2 Water and Wastewater Treatment Chemicals Product Category, Application and Specification7.4.2.1 Product A7.4.2.2 Product B7.4.3 GE Water&Process Technologies Water and Wastewater Treatment Chemicals Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.4.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.5 Evonik7.5.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.5.2 Water and Wastewater Treatment Chemicals Product Category, Application and Specification7.5.2.1 Product A7.5.2.2 Product B7.5.3 Evonik Water and Wastewater Treatment Chemicals Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.5.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.6 Bayer7.6.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.6.2 Water and Wastewater Treatment Chemicals Product Category, Application and Specification7.6.2.1 Product A7.6.2.2 Product B7.6.3 Bayer Water and Wastewater Treatment Chemicals Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.6.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.7 Aries Chemical7.7.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.7.2 Water and Wastewater Treatment Chemicals Product Category, Application and Specification7.7.2.1 Product A7.7.2.2 Product B7.7.3 Aries Chemical Water and Wastewater Treatment Chemicals Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.7.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.8 Accepta7.8.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.8.2 Water and Wastewater Treatment Chemicals Product Category, Application and Specification7.8.2.1 Product A7.8.2.2 Product B7.8.3 Accepta Water and Wastewater Treatment Chemicals Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.8.4 Main Business/Business Overview...ContinuedBuy now @Contact Us:NORAH TRENTPartner Relations & Marketing Managersales@wiseguyreports.comPh: +1-646-845-9349 (US)Ph: +44 208 133 9349 (UK)ABOUT 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.WISE GUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, HadapsarPune - 411028Maharashtra, IndiaPh: +91 841 198 5042info@wiseguyreports.com
LinkOptimizer for Adobe InDesign Improves JPEG Conversion

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Toronto (ON), Canada -- Zevrix Solutions today announces LinkOptimizer 5.0.15, a maintenance update to its workflow automation solution for Adobe InDesign (). Awarded 4 out of 5 stars by Computer Arts magazine, LinkOptimizer automates complex image manipulation tasks and allows to significantly reduce the size of InDesign links, save processing time and reduce production costs.The new version addresses an issue in which user defined image quality settings weren't applied when converting InDesign links to JPEG. The update also fine-tunes the processing progress reporting and ensures that Photoshop errors are correctly presented on international versions of macOS."LinkOptimizer is the one product no creative studio can live without," says Wayne Guy from Edge Graphics studio in Lake Balboa, California. "It saves hours of time, tediously replacing linked images, resizing, batch processing... If you're a designer or production artist, you need this."LinkOptimizer works automatically with Photoshop to eliminate the excess image data of InDesign links, perform essential image adjustments and convert image formats. For example, with just a click of a button users can:-scale and crop images to match their dimensions in InDesign,-change resolution to 300 dpi,-convert RGB images to CMYK with specific ICC profile,-resave JPEG images as PSD,-run a Photoshop Action on each image.As a result, users can save gigabytes of disk space, accelerate document output, reduce job turnaround and cut costs through faster processing.Pricing and Availability:LinkOptimizer can be purchased from Zevrix website for US$259.95 (Light version: $179.95) as well as from Adobe Exchange and authorized resellers. Trial is also available for download. The update is free for LinkOptimizer 5.x users and $130 to upgrade from previous versions. LinkOptimizer requires Mac OS X 10.7-10.12 and Adobe InDesign / Photoshop CS5-CC 2017.About Zevrix SolutionsLocated in Toronto, Canada, Zevrix Solutions provides productivity solutions for Adobe Creative Suite and Creative Cloud software, PDF and graphic file diagnostics, as well as Microsoft Office on Mac OS. Zevrix Solutions is dedicated to helping professionals increase their profits through automating their everyday tasks, producing error-free documents, saving disk space and cutting production costs. For more information, visitContact:Leo RevzinOwnerZevrix Solutions105 McCAUL St, Suite 301Toronto Ontario M5T 2X4 Canada858-206-0607media@zevrix.com
Sterling Trader Pro 10.4 Update

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The Sterling Trader Pro 10.4 update includes a full redesign of the user interface, advanced additional chart studies, new high performance charting package, time based filters and tabbed charts.A detailed list of updates:Charts:New indicator added: VWAPNew line study added: HorizontalValue of line displayed when hovered over or moving linePass-thru alerts can be added to horizontal lines by selecting the line and choosing Add/Edit Alert via the right-click menuUse up/down colors for linear graphs setting added to the Settings dialog. Allows indicators to color ascending/descending sectionsScroll with new bars setting added to the Chart Settings. Scrolls to the right as new bars are added, maintaining the number of entries displayedUse up/down colors for linear graphs setting added to the Settings dialog. Allows indicators to color ascending/descending sectionsThe zoom level is now preserved when switching symbolsOptions OE:Support for exchange MPRL addedMPRL filter added to the Options OE Settings (Level II page)Scanner:Support for filtering by symbol lists addedEnable multiple symbols setting added to the Scanner SettingsSymbol List added to the View menuImbalance Monitor:Support for symbol lists addedStock watch:Maximum number of entries increased from 100 to 250Avg Vol column addedCur Imb column added (Current Imbalance, as seen in Imbalance Monitor)The latest version of Sterling Trader Pro () trading platform is now available for download from Alaric Traders website.Alaric Trader (), part of Alaric Securities group, is an EU licensed broker-dealer that provides prime electronic brokerage services and direct markets access to all major exchanges and dark pools for professional traders around the world. Company is announcing a new 10.4 update for Sterling Trader Pro - an advanced electronic trading platform for high-frequency day traders, that provides perfect performance and excellent functionality.Alaric Securities2 Pozitano Sq., 1000, Sofia, Bulgaria+359 243 981 61info@alarictrader.com
Direct Response combines delivery and technology expertise to form The Yonder Digital Group

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The Yonder Digital Group provides clients with full control of CX15 March 2017- Today, Direct Response unveils its new identity: The Yonder Digital Group, the result of acquisitions of CallScripter, Ansaback and GoResponse. The Group leverages the acquired companies extensive experience in customer experience delivery and technological innovation to service clients across a range of industries with its omni-channel, multi-modal service rooted in expert analysis of customer behaviour. Building on the solid basis of over 100 years experience at senior level alone, cutting-edge technology and a market-leading agent engagement platform, The Yonder Digital Group transforms customer experience management into a proactive, business-generative process.In a multi-channel world, where customer interactions take many interdependent routes across telephone, email, social media and instant messaging to just name a few, Yonder are committed to delivering a 24/7/365, omni-channel service. The Group are not, however, limited to automation of the customer contact process and champion the use of highly trained live agents where appropriate fully leveraging the breadth of delivery centre experience and the technology of the new acquisitions. The Groups approach begins with in-depth analysis of customer behaviours and journeys in order to put customer experience management strategies in place that provably affect business outcomes, customer value and hard commercial results. The Yonder Digital Group already has a footprint in the following sectors: utilities, charities, retail and insurance.The company can also boast a solid presence and key customer experience dating back to the year 2000, with 1000+ seat contact centres-of-excellence across three major UK sites powered by cutting edge technology, data analytics, tools and insight. The business also places great focus on developing intelligent, engaged staff and takes a holistic approach to talent retention and people development ensuring that resources are trained and motivated to deliver the best service to customers in your business. Each Yonder client receives a service tailored to their particular needs and to the specific profiles of their customers.Chris Robinson, Yonder Digital Group, comments: With this rebrand we confirm our commitment to provide optimum client solutions, powered by an omni-channel single view of the customer allowing clients to fully understand the customer journey across channels that leads to real business results. With our combination of extensive delivery centre experience and new technology we are able to provide the right intelligence for clients to balance risk and experience leveraging cross-selling and up-selling opportunities and delivering rapid problem resolution. This also allows us to robustly measure and analyse performance and quality data across multiple touch points and maximise ROI on customer engagement for our customers.Yonder Digital Group is an established UK outsourced customer management provider since 2000. With 1000+ seat technology enabled omnichannel contact centres-of-excellence across 3 sites, Yonder provides customer experience services all year round. For more information, please visitThe Yonder Digital Group735 Guillat AvenueKent Science Park,Sittingbourne, KentME9 8GU
FLOR/KORs Summit Connects Miami and Korean Business Leaders

Florida-Korea Economic Cooperation Committee (FLORKOR) annual summit program to connect business, government and economic development leaders with the Korean business, government and economic development leaders interested in expanding ties with the state and the host city of Miami will be held Friday, March 17 at PortMiamis Cruise Terminal E from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.Chang Kyu Kim, Minister Counselor for Trade, Industry and Energy at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the U.S. will provide keynote remarks and PortMiamis director, Juan Kuryla, will provide welcoming remarks. Koreas Honorary Consul General in Miami, Burton Landy, and the director general of the Korea Trade Center Miami (KOTRA) Mr. Myongsoo Kim have been confirmed to attend, while senior state/local officials have been invited to participate.Korea offers excellent opportunities for Florida companies to do business. Indeed, Korea now offers a very wide range of opportunities for Florida businesses looking for export or other business opportunities there or for Florida organizations and companies seeking inbound investment and import trade opportunities with the country. Korea has some great opportunities for Florida businesses. We are truly excited about holding the event here in Miami with PortMiami as the host this year. PortMiami has a sister port relationship with Busan Port in Korea and Royal Caribbean is active there as well, commented FLOR/KOR Executive Director, Dave Woodward of Miami.FLOR/KOR is presenting this years summit in partnership with PortMiami, which is hosting the event, and with additional support from KOTRA, Enterprise Florida, The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, the Korea International Trade Association (KITA), the Florida Chamber and the World Trade Center Miami. This important statewide gathering offers unique networking opportunities for those interested in Florida-Korea linkages.Korea is the worlds fifteenth largest economy and the third largest in East Asia. It is also one of Floridas largest trading partners - with over $2.22 billion in bilateral trade in 2015. Some 35 key Korean companies and organizations have chosen to invest in Floridas economy statewide, and Miami has a Korea Trade Center and an Honorary Korean Consulate General. In recent years, Korea has substantially reformed its economy and its private and government sectors. The country has now implemented the Korea-US Free Trade Agreements (KORUS FTA), and is actively investing abroad.Florida/Korea Economic Cooperation Committee, Inc. (FLOR/KOR) is a statewide public-private partnership created in 1982 dedicated to promoting trade, investment, education, tourism and friendship ties between Florida and Korea.Francesca RosarioNMG Consulting8181 NW 36 StDoral, FL 33166305.470.4680nmgteam@nmgconsulting.com
Breath Analyzers Market 2015-2025 Shares, Trend and Growth Report

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Breath analyzers are the devices which are used to identify the presence of various compounds in the breath sample of individuals. Breathe analyzer devices are mostly used to measure blood alcohol content (BAC) through an exhaled breath. Breath analyzers are considered as fundamental tool for the detection of drugs, alcohol, tuberculosis, asthma and other diseases. Globally large number of road accident cases are noticed owing to the over consumption of alcohol during driving, breath analyzers are recognized as major equipment in enforcing drink and drive laws. Breath analyzers play an important role in the conviction of DUI offenders. By technology, breath analyzer devices market is segmented into fuel cell technology, semiconductor oxide sensor technology, and infrared absorption technology, fuel cell technology being the dominating segment globally. The development in fuel cell technology has been enhanced by number of factors such as accuracy, portability and reliability of the devices. Fuel cell technology followed by infrared absorption technology which is commonly used for desktop machines for evidential breath analyzers. Breath analyzers can be used by personals as well as by professionals to restrict the drunken individuals from entering in the company premises and other social places.Breath Analyzers Market: Drivers & RestraintsThe primary factor for the growth of global breath analyzers market is growing awareness and enforcing strict rules by the government for drink and drive cases. The growth of breath analyzer devices market is primarily attributed to increase in consumption of alcohol, drug abuse and growth in the incidences of diseases like tuberculosis, asthma and other diseases. Over consumption of alcohol has led to the boost in the requirement for blood alcohol content level testing devices such as Breathalyzers. Governments in specific countries have set some legal limit for BAC test and also increased field breath testing activities. Growing use of breath analyzers in medical applications is one of key factor that would increase the demand for breath analyzers market globally. Some factors that restrain the global market of breath analyzers are unhygienic conditions for use and lower accuracy of the devices.Request For Report Sample@Breath Analyzers Market: SegmentationBreath analyzers market is classified on the basis of technology, application, end users and geography.Based on technology, the global breath analyzers market is segmented into the following:Semiconductor Oxide technologyFuel cell technologyInfrared absorption technologyBased on application, the global breath analyzers market is segmented into the following:Alcohol detectionDrug abuse detectionAsthma detectionpylori infection detectionTuberculosis detectionOthersBased on end users, the global breath analyzers market is segmented into following:Law Enforcement AgenciesEnterprisesIndividualsBreath Analyzers Market: OverviewBreath analyzer devices do not estimate blood alcohol concentration or content directly, as it requires blood sample analysis. Although, they measure blood alcohol concentration indirectly by estimating the amount of alcohol in ones exhaled breath. The blood alcohol concentration test is based on the relationship between alcohol in the blood and alcohol in the breath circulation through the lungs. The rapid advancement in technology, multiple applications and increased portability of breath analyzer devices are some of the key factors to drive the growth of breath analysers market globally during the forecast period. Law enforcement agencies on the basis of end users and alcohol testing by application held the largest market share in global breath analyzers market. The global breath analyzers market is expected to expand at healthy CAGR during the forecast period.Breath Analyzers Market: Region-wise OutlookDepending on geographic region, global breath analyzer market is segmented into seven key regions: North America, South America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific, Japan, and Middle East & Africa. North America held largest share in the global market of breath analyzers market followed by Europe, Japan and Asia Pacific owing to high occurrence of several diseases and increasing number of road accidents, great advancement in field of breath analyzer devices and developed healthcare infrastructure. The developing nations in Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa hold huge potential for growth in the global breath analyzers market, due to its affordable prices and strict rules enforcing by the government entities.Visit For TOC@Breath Analyzers Market: Key PlayersSome of the key participating global players in breath analyzers global market are Dragerwerk AG & Co. KGaA, EnviteC-Wismar GmbH, Lifeloc Technologies, BACtrack, Inc., Quest Products, Inc., Akers Biosciences, Inc., Intoximeter, Inc., AK GlobalTech Corporation, Alcohol Countermeasure Systems Corporation. The breath analyzers market is fragmented with few global players and numerous small, domestic players particularly in Europe and Asia Pacific.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:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Precision Medicine Market 2024; Emerging niche segments and regional markets

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Precision medicine is an upcoming disease treatment approach which is devised based on individual variability in genes, environment, and lifestyle for each person. Often the term is used interchangeably with personalized medicine, however, precision medicine is not the same as simple individualized medicine, but rather a medicine mode which combines standardization with individualization. The benefit rendered by such a treatment approach is the accurate prediction of the treatment and prevention strategies for a particular disease will work in particular groups of people. The standard medicines available in the market, often present the limitation of a one-size fits-all approach, which may not be suitable for every individual due to genetic differences. Precision medicine is an answer to this limitation. Precision medicine is a completely new concept and technology which has been gaining momentum in the past few years, and by doing so, has become a promising domain for business investment for major pharmaceutical companies. Precision medicine makes possible the diagnosis and treatment of diseases by relying on genomics and specific biomarker techniques. A precision based approach to formulating medicine could lead to new insights into disease biology and occurrence whose applications may be population wide. By doing so it is likely to be easier for doctors to select the right drugs, optimal dose and time for medicine usage along with the least side effect. The enhancement in popularity of precision medicine in the recent past can be gauged by the increase in research pertaining to precision medicine during the past few years. For instance, in 2015, there were 1737 papers with the term precision medicine on Pubmed versus just a single paper mentioning precision medicine in 2005. Moreover, rising awareness regarding the benefits of adapting to precision medicine as promoted by the Precision Medicine Initiative by President Obama in January 2015. The overall market for precision medicine shall be driven by increase in research, coupled with unmet needs in several diseases, especially oncology. The market growth shall be bolstered by favorable government regulations and support, especially in developed countries. However, the high cost of these therapies is anticipated to restrain market growth.Obtain Report Details:The market for precision medicine has been segmented on the basis of type of technology, application and geography. Based on type of technology, the market has been segmented into drug discovery, companion diagnostics, sequencing, bio-informatics and big data analytics. The companion diagnostics and drug discovery segments are anticipated to lead the market in terms of revenue share owing to a greater utilization rate of these technologies in congruence with precision medicine. For instance, in 2012, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a new cystic fibrosis medication called Kalydeco (ivacaftor). The approval of Kalydeco was noteworthy since it was a precision medicine based approach which targeted one of the causal genetic mutations of the disease rather than a more traditional approach focused on symptom relief.Based on application, the market has been segmented into oncology, hematology, Infectious disease, cardiology, neurology, endocrinology and others. The others segment includes ophthalmology, nephrology, rare diseases and pulmonary diseases). The oncology segment is anticipated to witness high revenue share owing to the rise in cancer incidence, prevalence and suitability of precision medicine for the same. Patients with several forms of cancer, such as breast, lung, and colorectal cancers, as well as leukemias and melanomas, regularly undergo molecular testing as part of patient care and treatment regime, and this enables physicians to select treatments that increase chances of survival at the same time reducing exposure to adverse side effects.Based on geography, the market has been segmented into the following regions: North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia Pacific, Latin America and Middle East and Africa. North America is expected to be the leading markets in the precision medicine market, owing to greater adoption to leading edge technologies coupled with a favorable legal environment created through grants and initiatives by the government. For instance, in January 2015, the President of the U.S., Mr. Barrack Obama launched the Precision medicine initiative which included an increased funding request of US$ 215 million in the 2016 federal budget. Moreover, initiatives for precision medicine research and its implementation are already underway at major centers in the U.S., which shall fuel the market growth in the region. For instance, the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Brigham and Womens Hospital, Boston Childrens Hospital, and the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard formed the Joint Center for Precision Cancer Medicine. This collaboration aims to create precision medicine pathways for patients with advanced cancers, thus enabling the fast development of personalized therapies.Fill the form for an exclusive sample of this report:The major players operating in the precision medicine market include F-Hoffmann La Roche, Pfizer, Inc., Teva Pharmaceuticals, Novartis AG, Qiagen, Inc., Medtronic, Illumina, Inc. and Quest Diagnostics.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:
Neuroendocrine Carcinoma Market Shares, Strategies and Forecast Worldwide, 2016 to 2026

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Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are malignant tumors that originate in endocrine cells and targets digestive tract that misbalances hormonal release. Neuroendocrine tumors are three types which include Pheochromocytoma, Merkel cell cancer, and neuroendocrine carcinoma. Neuroendocrine cells also present in the neuroendocrine system that includes pituitary gland, pineal gland, thyroid gland, parathyroid and adrenal glands. Physiological changes in the neuroendocrine cells may cause formation of two types of tumorsfunctional and nonfunctional tumors. Functional tumors develop another endocrine cells and nonfunctional tumors may cause physiological changes and based on the cause it treated. Neuroendocrine carcinoma are classified in two categories namely carcinoids and pancreatic endocrine tumors.Carcinoid tumors, originating in the neuroendocrine system, usually appear in the digestive system i.e. in stomach and appendix. Besides, some carcinoid tumors develop in other organs such as lungs, thymus and ovaries. Due to their gradual growth, the symptoms of neuroendocrine carcinoma are not visible at early stages and are discovered only during undergoing an unrelated surgery. Tumors originating in the pancreas are named depending on the type of hormone released. For example, a tumor called gastrinoma is a tumor that release gastrin which results in excessive secretion of gastric acid.Surgery is the first line therapy for removing affected neuroendocrine cells, thereafter, medication is used for treating neuroendocrine carcinoma. Sunitinib and Afinitor drugs are commonly used drugs for treatment of neuroendocrine carcinoma treatment.Request For Report Sample@Immune system suppression and exposure to arsenic are the major risk factors for neuroendocrine carcinoma.Neuroendocrine Carcinoma Market: Drivers and RestraintsSignificant increase in funding for treatment of cancer by various international organizations such as American Cancer Academy and world Health Organization is expected to boost overall neuroendocrine carcinoma treatment market. Furthermore, significant increase in healthcare spending along with high prevalence rate of neuroendocrine carcinoma in developing region is expected to boost overall neuroendocrine carcinoma market. Though market is expected to witness healthy growth, lack of skilled healthcare professional and lower adoption of advanced treatment technologies in the developing economies are key restrains for neuroendocrine carcinoma market.Neuroendocrine Carcinoma Market: SegmentationNeuroendocrine Carcinoma market further segmented into followingtype.By TreatmentSurgeryMedicationAnti-metabolitePlatinum derivativesTopoisomerase inhibitorAnthracycline antibioticBy End UserHospitalClinicsDrug storePharmaciesNeuroendocrine Carcinoma Market: OverviewNeuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are malignant tumors that originate in endocrine cells and targets digestive tract that misbalances hormonal release. The market is expected to witness healthy CAGR during the forecast period.Neuroendocrine Carcinoma Market: Region- wise OutlookThe global Neuroendocrine Carcinoma Market is expected to register a impressive CAGR over the forecast period. Depending on geographic regions, global neuroendocrine carcinoma market is segmented into seven key regions: North America, South America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific excluding Japan, Japan and Middle East & AfricaNorth America dominates the global neuroendocrine carcinoma market owing to presence of modern healthcare amenities along with significant healthcare expenditure in these regions. Europe occupies second place in this market with its new regulations in the major economies. Asia also shows a healthy growth rate in this market.Visit For TOC@Neuroendocrine Carcinoma Market: Key PlayersSome of the key players in this market includeNovartis AGF. Hoffman La RocheCallisto PharmaceuticalsEli Lilly & CompanyIpsen,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:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Impact of Existing and Emerging Heat Stabilisers Market Trends 2016-2026

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Heat stabilisers play a key role as an additive in the processing of PVC polymer, and the global market of heat stabilisers is largely dependent on the status of PVC market. While heat stabilisers play a key role in prevention of the decomposition chain reaction in PVC processing, there are several other reasons they are predominantly used in the PVC industry. Stabilisers are one of the decisive factors influencing the physical properties and quality of PVC, as well as their formulation costs. Moreover, they impart enhanced resistance against heat ageing, weathering, daylight effects, and other environmental conditions.Although these advantages and a wide range of commercial applications of heat stabilisers support their demand in the market, FMIs research indicates moderate growth of the global heat stabilisers market over the forecast period 2016-2026. The report focuses on assessment of various drivers and restraints impacting the market outlook, regional analysis, extensive segmentation, and major players participating in the market growth.Request For Report Sample@Heat Stabilisers Market: DriversIntrinsic Properties of Heat StabilisersCompared to other stabilisers, which are used as additives in the PVC industry, heat stabilisers have a strong hold in the market owing to their advantages, high compatibility and lasting heat stability to mention the top two. Due to this competitive edge, the demand for heat stabilisers is higher.Widespread Applications of PVCBurgeoning demand for PVC for vital applications in construction, electronics, electrical, fashion, medical and healthcare, automotive, furniture, packaging, and commercial and consumer products industries, is a key driver bolstering the demand for heat stabilisers as additives.Growing Consumption of PlasticWith increasing population and urbanisation worldwide, the need for plastic products is also elevating. The growth of plastic industry is estimated to drive demand for heat stabilisers in the near future.Key RestraintsStern regulatory processes associated with the approval of heat stabilisers are estimated to pose a challenge to the market growth in the near future, especially in case of lead-based stabilisers. The approval processes differ with each country, restricting the international market from thriving. Other limiting factors include volatile prices of raw materials and poor SCM capabilities.Global Heat Stabilisers Market: SegmentationFMIs research on the global heat stabilisers market provides a 10-year forecast, segmenting the market, based on the type of stabiliser.Tin stabiliserLead stabiliserMixed metals stabiliserOrganic stabiliserOthers (calcium stabiliser, barium stabiliser)The choice of heat stabilisers for specific applications depends on multiple factors such as the PVC products technical requirements, formulation costs, and regulatory approval processes. This influences the demand for a particular stabiliser in the market. Out of the most prevalent stabilisers available globally, the lead heat stabilisers segment currently has the largest market share but is expected to witness decline in the near future owing to various health, regulatory, and environmental monitoring processes. However, the organic stabilisers segment is estimated to exhibit rapid uplift during the forecast period.Regional Outlook: Global Heat Stabilisers MarketOn the basis of geography, the market of heat stabilisers is segmented into North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Japan, Asia Pacific, and Middle East and Africa. While Europe and Asia Pacific collectively account for more than 80% of the profit share in the global market revenues for lead heat stabilisers, the tin heat stabilisers segment is led by North America. China is foreseen as the strongest and most lucrative market for heat stabilisers, over the forecast period. Asia Pacific is particularly anticipated to have high untapped potential of market growth.Visit For TOC@Key Players in the MarketSome of the important players competing in the market include Akcros Chemicals Ltd., Albemarle Corporation, Arkema Group, Cytec Industries Inc., Baerlocher GmbH, Ferro Corporation, and BASF SE.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:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Global IoT in Healthcare Market by Solution, Services, Application and End-user is projected to reach US$ 135.87 billion by 2025 |The Insight Partners

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The Internet of Things (IoT) in Healthcare comprises of solutions and services such as mobile applications, wearable devices, software etc. to benefit the patients and healthcare professionals in reduction of costs as well as increasing efficiency. Microsoft, Philips and GE Healthcare are among the major players operating in this market. North America, being a technologically advanced region along with the rising incidences of chronic diseases such as obesity, has witnessed highest adoptions of IoT in Healthcare services and solutions. Europe is the second largest adopter of IoT in Healthcare, while APAC region with increasing adoption of smart devices and need for better and efficient healthcare technologies is growing at a faster rate. Global IoT in Healthcare market is expected to grow from US$ 20.15 billion in 2015 to US$ 135.87 billion by 2025 at a CAGR of 21.2% between 2015 and 2025.Browse market data tables and in-depth TOC of the IoT Healthcare Market to 2025 @The report focuses on an in-depth segmentation of this market based by solution, services, application, and end-user industry. The geographic segmentation of the report covers five major regions including; North Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific (APAC), Middle East & Africa (MEA) and South America (SA). The regional market has been further bifurcated by respective countries. By end-user vertical, hospitals & healthcare institutes accounted for the largest share of the IoT in Healthcare market in 2015; whereas, North America region is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period.The report aims to provide an overview of global IoT in Healthcare market with detailed market segmentation. Also, it analyzes the current IoT in Healthcare market scenario and forecasts the market till 2025. The report covers market dynamics effecting the market during the forecast period. Furthermore, the report analyzes the competitive scenario, geographic trends, and opportunities in the markets with respect to all geographic regions. The report includes the detailed company profiles of the key players in the market. The report also provide PEST analysis for all regions and SWOT analysis for all company profiled in the report.Request Sample Copy @North America is one of the prominent regions in IoT in Healthcare market which is anticipated to contribute highest revenue globally due to government support and considerable implementation of IoT in healthcare technology. Whereas, Europe is the second highest contributor of the total market share of IoT in Healthcare with the constantly increasing elderly population in the region demanding for enhanced medical facilities. The major industry players in the IoT in Healthcare market include GE Healthcare, IBM Corp., Koninklijke Philips N.V., Medtronic plc. Microsoft Corporation, Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Qualcomm Life, Inc., Siemens Healthcare GmbH, STANLEY Healthcare, Verily Life Sciences LLC among others.Inquire about discount on this report @The report segments the global IoT in Healthcare market as follows:Global IoT in Healthcare Market  By Solution Medical Systems & Deviceso On-Body Wellnesso On-Body Healthcareo Implanted Software Solutions & Toolso Data Analytics Tools & Solutionso Network Management Solutionso Security SolutionsGlobal IoT in Healthcare Market  By Services Professional Services Integration ServicesGlobal IoT in Healthcare Market  By Application Medication Management Patient Monitoring Fitness & Wellness Measurement Clinical Workflow Management OthersGlobal IoT in Healthcare Market  By End-User Patients and Individuals Diagnostic & Research Centers and Labs Hospital & Healthcare Institutes Government AuthorityGlobal IoT in Healthcare Market  By Geography North America Europe Asia Pacific (APAC) Middle East & Africa (MEA) South America (SAM)Procure Full Report @About The Insight Partners:The Insight Partners is a one stop industry research provider of actionable intelligence. We help our clients in getting solutions to their research requirements through our syndicated and consulting research services. We are a specialist in Technology, Media, and Telecommunication industries.Contact Us:Call: +1-646-491-9876Email: sales@theinsightpartners.comThe Insight Partners is a one stop industry research provider of actionable intelligence. We help our clients in getting solutions to their research requirements through our syndicated and consulting research services. We are a specialist in Technology, Media, and Telecommunication industries.505, 6th floor, Amanora Township,Amanora Chambers, East Block,Kharadi Road, Hadapsar, Pune-411028
Global Concentrated Photovoltaic Market is expected to reach $2.35 billion by 2022

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Global Concentrated Photovoltaic Market is accounted for $0.89 billion in 2015 and is expected to reach $2.35 billion by 2022 growing at a CAGR of 14.7% during the forecast period. Financial incentives, technology cost reductions and government renewable targets are some of the factors fostering the market growth. With around 90% of the total share, HCPV segment commanded the global market. It is anticipated to observe a robust growth owing to the improved dedicated approach on the part of the industry for enhanced efficiency output. Commercial segment is anticipated to grow at a faster pace owing to rising power demand from residential buildings particularly in developing economies such as India, China, South Korea, and Vietnam. Asia Pacific is anticipated to witness the fastest growth over the forecast period owing to rapid industrialization.Request a sample copy of Report @Some of the key players in the market include Solar Junction, Zytech Solar, Isofoton S.A., Semprius Inc, Amonix, Sunpower Corporation, Ravano Green Powers, Solarsystem, Magpower, Suncore Photovoltaic Technology Co. Ltd. and Soitec.Concentrated Levels Covered:7Low Concentrated PhotovoltaicHigh Concentrated PhotovoltaicMedium Concentrated PhotovoltaicTechnologies Covered:RefractorLuminescent ConcentratorsFresnel LensReflectorParabolic MirrorBrowse Full Report with TOC@Components Covered:ModulesTrackersCellsOpticsApplications Covered:CommercialUtility-ScaleOther ApplicationsRegions Covered:North AmericaUSCanadaMexicoEuropeGermanyFranceItalyUKSpainRest of EuropeAsia PacificJapanChinaIndiaAustraliaNew ZealandRest of Asia PacificRest of the WorldMiddle EastBrazilArgentinaSouth AfricaEgyptEnquiry Before buying Report@About Us:Orbis Research (orbisresearch.com) is a single point aid for all your market research requirements. We have vast database of reports from the leading publishers and authors across the globe. We specialize in delivering customised reports as per the requirements of our clients. We have complete information about our publishers and hence are sure about the accuracy of the industries and verticals of their specialisation. This helps our clients to map their needs and we produce the perfect required market research study for our clients.Contact Us:Hector CostelloSenior Manager  Client Engagements4144N Central Expressway,Suite 600, Dallas,Texas  75204, U.S.A.Phone No.: +1 (214) 884-6817; +912064101019Email ID: sales@orbisresearch.com
BEIJING (AP)  Saudi Arabia's King Salman began a visit to Beijing on Thursday that highlights growing ties underpinned by China's thirst for Saudi oil and the kingdom's status as a key link in Beijing's bid to connect China to Europe through infrastructure development.

Salman went immediately into talks with President Xi Jinping following a formal welcoming ceremony at the Great Hall of the People, the seat of China's legislature. The 81-year-old monarch's visit is part of a monthlong swing through Asia in a push to develop a less oil dependent growth strategy.

During Salman's visit to Tokyo earlier this week, the Saudi sovereign wealth fund announced a new $25 billion technology fund with Japanese telecom giant Softbank.

Beijing for its part is rolling out a trade and investment initiative across Central Asia and the Middle East called "One Belt, One Road," and sees the desert kingdom as a regional linchpin.

In opening remarks at their meeting, Xi said he looked forward to discussing projects under development, and said results so far "have surpassed our expectations."

Security ties between the two have also grown significantly, with the Saudi air force deploying Chinese unmanned attack drones and the two militaries holding joint counter-terrorism exercises in western China. Chinese navy vessels have also visited the Saudi port of Jeddah as part of increasingly active maneuvers in the Gulf of Aden.

Chinese officials say their overriding security interest in the Middle East is to prevent ethnic Uighur fighters who have left western China and joined militant groups in Syria and Iraq from returning to strike at China.

"China's Uighur ethnic minority is a key if sometimes under-appreciated factor in Beijing's Middle East strategy," said Andrew Scobell, a political scientist at the RAND Corporation.

Xi has signaled his desire to play a bigger role in the region as part of China's quest for resources, markets and increased global influence on a par with its economic heft. In a major speech before the Arab League in Cairo last year, Xi indirectly alluded to how the U.S. presence had waned and how China hoped to present an alternative.

Story continues

"Instead of looking for a proxy in the Middle East, we promote peace talks," Xi said. "Instead of attempting to fill the vacuum, we build a cooperative partnership network for win-win outcomes."

A relative newcomer to the Middle East's complicated politics, China has tried to maintain friendly ties with all sides, despite sometimes conflicting geopolitical interests.

Beijing has backed President Bashar al-Assad in the Syrian conflict, while Saudi Arabia has insisted on Assad's ouster and has supported the Syrian opposition, including Islamic militant groups unfriendly to China over Beijing's sometimes harsh treatment of its Muslim minority.

China has also maintained close ties to Saudi Arabia's bitter enemy Iran.

Salman, who is traveling with a 1,500-strong company of businessmen, princes and support staff in close to a dozen aircraft, is next due to visit the Indian Ocean island nation of the Maldives. Along with Japan, he earlier visited Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei.
Global Aerospace Sealants Market 2017 By Top Players - PPG Industries, Henkel, Permatex, 3M, Flamemaster

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The recent report on Aerospace Sealants market offers insightful information about the present scenario of the market across the globe. The report, titled Aerospace Sealants 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 Aerospace Sealants market and assesses the valuation and size of the market in the coming years.Download Sample Report @The report talks about the distinct traits of the Aerospace Sealants market and provides in-depth study of the various segments of the market. The report especially focusses on the development of the Aerospace Sealants 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 Aerospace Sealants 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 Aerospace Sealants 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 Aerospace Sealants market.Several analytical tools such as market attractiveness analysis, investment feasibility analysis, and investment return analysis are employed to study the global Aerospace Sealants market, whereas SWOT analysis and Porters five forces analysis are utilized to evaluate the major players in the Aerospace Sealants market in this report.Access Full Report @This report not only provides a complete picture of the overall condition of the Aerospace Sealants 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:
Lithium Hydroxide Global Market 2017-2022 by Manufacturers - Rockwood, Simbol, Tianqi Lithium, Jiangxi Ganfeng Lithium

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The Lithium Hydroxide market research report distils the most essential aspects of the market and presents them in the form of a comprehensive and cohesive document. The findings of this report have been obtained via a balanced mix of both primary and secondary research. Interviews of C-level executives in the Lithium Hydroxide market form a chunk of the qualitative analysis contained in this report.Download Sample Report @To begin with, the report defines the Lithium Hydroxide market and segments it based on the most important dynamics, such as applications, geographical/regional markets, and competitive scenario. Macroeconomic and microeconomic factors environments that currently prevail and also those that are projected to emerge are covered in this report.With a view to deepen the scope of the analysis, the report also tracks milestone developments and regulations that have shaped the Lithium Hydroxide market thus far. To help readers effectively plan their future strategies, the report provides a set of expert recommendations. The analysts working on the report have successfully identified expected policy changes, industry news and developments, and trends and opportunities  this information can be harnessed by companies to strengthen their market presence.Access Full Report With TOC @Other important aspects that have been meticulously studied in the Lithium Hydroxide market report are: Demand and supply dynamics, import and export scenario, industry processes and cost structures, and major R&D initiatives.Based on all of this information, the report provides recommendations and strategies to the following market participants: New players, investors, marketing departments, regulatory authorities and suppliers/manufacturers. The Lithium Hydroxide market research study has been composed using key inputs from industry experts. Furthermore, the extensive primary and secondary research data with which the report has been composed helps deliver the key statistical forecasts, in terms of both revenue and volume. In addition to this, the trends and revenue analysis of the global Lithium Hydroxide market has been mentioned in this report. This will give a clear perspective to the readers how the Lithium Hydroxide market will fare worldwideFior 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:
Global Crop Protection Chemicals market is expected to reach $85 billion by 2022 growing at a CAGR of 7.21% from 2015 to 2022

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Global Crop Protection Chemicals market is estimated at $52.21 billion in 2015 and is expected to reach $85 billion by 2022 growing at a CAGR of 7.21% from 2015 to 2022. Due to the expanding population globally the demand for food is rising which in turn is fueling several market sectors in the agriculture industry. That type of market is crop protection chemicals, which consists of different crop chemicals to increase agricultural yield. Rising demand per hectare yield and increasing demand for food that is free from harmful organisms is boosting the global crop protection chemicals market. Some of the major challenges which the Crop Protection Chemicals market will face are increasing resistance of pests to crop chemicals, the ban imposed by market regulators, unfavourable effects of these chemicals on peoples health, extinction of rare beneficial species due to the use of crop chemicals, etc.Request a sample copy of Report @Herbicides are most widely used and are expected to be the fastest-growing types in the coming couple of years. This is mainly due to the high usage of herbicides for removing out various herbs and useless weeds to reduce the crop loss. The oilseeds & cereals segment is projected to be the fastest growing market in the upcoming years. Increasing demand for cereals & oilseeds and high crop loss mainly due to unsafe herbs and weeds are forcing the market for crop protection chemicals used on cereals & oilseeds.Some of the key players in the market are The DOW Chemical Company, E.I. Dupont De Nemours and Company, Bayer Cropscience AG, Syngenta AG, Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd, FMC Corporation, BASF SE, Nufarm Limited, Monsanto Company, ADAMA Agricultural Solutions Ltd., Agrium, DuPont, Arysta LifeScience, Novozymes, Valent BioSciences, Nufarm and Cheminova.Types Covered:InsecticidesChlorpyrifosCarbarylPyrethrins and PyrethroidsMalathionOther InsecticidesFungicidesMetalaxylMancozebChlorothalonilStrobilurinOther FungicidesHerbicidesGlyphosateAcetochlor2,4-DinitrophenylhydrazineOther HerbicidesOther TypesApplications Covered:Soil TreatmentFoliar SpraySeed TreatmentOther ApplicationsBrowse Full Report with TOC@Forms Covered:SolidLiquidOrigins Covered:BiopesticidesSyntheticCrop Types Covered:Fruits & VegetablesCereals and grainsWheatRiceCornOilseeds and pulsesSugarcaneSoya beanCottonSunflowerRapeseedOther Crops SegmentsRegions Covered:North AmericaUSCanadaMexicoEuropeGermanyFranceItalyUKSpainRest of EuropeAsia PacificJapanChinaIndiaAustraliaNew ZealandRest of Asia PacificRest of the WorldMiddle EastBrazilArgentinaSouth AfricaEgyptEnquiry Before buying Report@About Us:Orbis Research (orbisresearch.com) is a single point aid for all your market research requirements. We have vast database of reports from the leading publishers and authors across the globe. We specialize in delivering customised reports as per the requirements of our clients. We have complete information about our publishers and hence are sure about the accuracy of the industries and verticals of their specialisation. This helps our clients to map their needs and we produce the perfect required market research study for our clients.Contact Us:Hector CostelloSenior Manager  Client Engagements4144N Central Expressway,Suite 600, Dallas,Texas  75204, U.S.A.Phone No.: +1 (214) 884-6817; +912064101019Email ID: sales@orbisresearch.comFollow Us on Linkedin:
Bone Marrow Transplant Market Segments and Key Trends 2016-2026

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Bone marrow transplantation, also referred as hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is the process of replacing diseased or damaged bone marrow or bone marrow stem cells with healthy tissue. Bone marrow is a soft vascular tissue present in the interior of long bones, which is primarily responsible for hematopoiesis (formation of blood cells), production of lymphocytes, and storage of a fat. Bone marrow transplantation procedure is recommended to treat severe stages of leukemia, Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphomas, multiple myeloma, aplastic and sickle cell anemia, thalassemia etc. In 2015, more than 75,000 bone marrow transplants were performed globally and the count is expected to increase by approximately 25% by the end of 2020. Depending on the source of bone marrow or stem cells, bone marrow transplant procedures are classified as peripheral stem cell transplant (PSCT) or conventional bone marrow transplant. The high potential of the bone marrow transplants and the ongoing researches in the field to reduce the risks and side effects of the procedure will take the market to a new high and provide better healthcare to millions of people in the world.Bone Marrow Transplant Market: Drivers and RestraintsIncreasing worldwide prevalence of cancers and anemia is the major driver for the growth of global bone marrow transplant market. Moreover, advances in technology, improving healthcare infrastructure, emerging indications of bone marrow transplant for heart and neuronal disorders, growing investment in logistic services, increasing per capita healthcare expenditure are some other factors expected to flourish the global bone marrow transplantation market. However, tremendous cost of the treatment, scarcity of bone marrow donors and uncertainty of reimbursement in several countries are some major restraints for the growth of global bone marrow transplantation market,Request For Report Sample@Bone Marrow Transplant Market: SegmentationThe global bone marrow transplant market has been classified on the basis of transplant type, disease indication, end user and geography.Based on transplant type, the global bone marrow transplant market is divided into following:Autologous Bone Marrow TransplantAllogeneic Bone marrow TransplantBased on the disease indication, the global bone marrow transplant market is divided into following:LeukemiaLymphomaMyelomaOthers (anemia, thalassemia etc.)Based on the end user type, the global bone marrow transplant market is divided into following:HospitalsMultispecialty ClinicsAmbulatory Surgical CentersBone Marrow Transplant Market: OverviewAutologous bone marrow transplant segment of transplant type is expected to hold the major share in the global bone marrow transplant market owing to low treatment cost and high success rate. Leukemia being the most potential disease eligible for bone marrow transplant, is anticipated to contribute highest share in the global bone marrow transplant market. Hospital end user segment contributes major market share in global bone marrow transplant market owing to the requirement for advanced healthcare infrastructure for the procedure. Commercialization of stem cell therapies and expansion of them for clinical use is anticipated to cause surge in global bone marrow transplant market over the forecast period of 2025-2026.Bone Marrow Transplant Market: Region wise OverviewGeographically, global bone marrow transplant market is classified into regions namely, North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific, Japan, Middle East and Africa.Europe will continue to lead the global bone marrow transplant market due to high density of bone marrow transplant centers and expanding bone marrow registries. Latin America is anticipated to witness rapid increase in volume of bone marrow transplant market owing to high number of potential candidates for the procedure. Increasing number of bone marrow transplant teams in North America is foreseen to boost the bone marrow transplant market in the region.Visit For TOC@Bone Marrow Transplant Market: Key PlayersSome of the key players in global bone marrow transplant market are Lonza Group Ltd., Merck Millipore Corporation, Sanofi-Aventis LLC., AllCells LLC., STEMCELL Technologies, ATCC Inc., Hemacare Corporation, Cellular Dynamics International, ReachBio LLC., Conversant Bio, abm Inc., PromoCell GmbH, Cruline Human biospecime PRO, Lifeline Cell Technology, Mesoblast Ltd. 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:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Dental Services Market Value Share, Analysis and Segments 2016-2026

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Dental services is one of the fastest growing market in the healthcare industry. Dental services include diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases of oral cavity. Dental services include dental implants, root canal  endodontic, cosmetic dentistry, oral surgery, laser dentistry, dentures and smile makeover.General oral cavity diseases include, dental caries also known as tooth decay and pyorrhea are expected to boost the Dental services market. Dental services treatments include, extraction or surgical removal of teeth, restoration of teeth, scaling and root planning and endodontic root canal treatment.Request For Report Sample@In the U.S. around 90% of young population have dental caries, while out of all dentate adults almost 94% have evidence of coronal caries. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report 47.2% of the total population in the U.S. who are above 30 years suffers from periodontal disease.Dental Services Market: Drivers and RestraintsRising number of people suffering from periodontal disease, growing private health insurance coverageis and escalating demand for cosmetic and elective dentistry are factors driving the growth of dental services market.Factors contributing in the growth of dental services market are increased proportion of sugar based medication and existing life style factors. Additionally, the increasing population in the Asia Pacific region is also the major factor to drive the growth of global dental services market. However, according to WHO, it was observed that the cases with dental caries are declining due to the number of public health measures and improved self-care practices in the developed countries. These are the major restraints for the dental services market.Dental Services Market: SegmentationDental services market is segmented into following typesBy ServiceDental ImplantsOrthodonticsPeriodonticsRoot Canal  EndodonticsCosmetic DentistryLaser DentistryDenturesOral and Maxillofacial SurgerySmile MakeoverEnd UserHospitalsDental ClinicsDental Services Market: OverviewIncreasing healthcare awareness among mass population along with rise in prevalence rate of oral cavity diseases expected to propel the overall demand for dental services worldwide. Increased focus on personal appearance and improvements in technology, materials, and methods are spurring demand for cosmetic and elective dental services. The market is expected to witness a healthy growth over the forecast period (2016-2026)Dental Services Market: Region- wise OutlookDepending on geographic regions, the global Dental services Market is segmented into seven key regions: North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific excluding Japan, Japan and Middle East & Africa.North America dominates the global market for dental services market due to high prevalence rate of dental caries, followed by Europe. According to WHO, 90% people are diagnosed with dental caries in North America. Asia & pacific regions is expected to record a healthy growth rate in a CAGR due to people adopting to smile makeover treatment.Visit For TOC@Dental Services Market: Key PlayersSome of the key players in this market areApollo White DentalDental Services GroupPacific Dental ServicesGreat Expressions Dental CentersGentle Dentistry, LLCCoast Dental Services, LLCABOUT 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:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Stent Graft Balloon Catheter Market 2016-2026 Shares, Trend and Growth Report

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Stent graft balloon catheter, is a soft catheter with an inflatable "balloon" used during a catheterization procedure to enlarge a narrow opening in the coronary artery. These catheters are generally used for expanding vascular prosthesis or during temporary occlusion of large vessels thus used in many endovascular treatment of abdominal and thoracic aortic diseases. Generally the balloon stents are used in bypass graft surgery and balloon angioplasty. These stents prevent the risk of abrupt artery closure and re-narrowing that occurred in many patients operated for angioplasty.The stent graft balloon catheter market has evolved gradually from simple stents to modified balloon stent catheters. This market comprises of balloon catheters used for stent grafting during angioplasty.Request For Report Sample@Stent Graft Balloon Catheter Market: Drivers & RestraintsThe primary factor for the growth of global stent graft balloon catheter market is the increasing number of hospital admissions attributed to rising incidence of atherosclerosis patients, and rising prevalence of CAD (Coronary Artery Disease) worldwide. Secondly growing healthcare expenditure levels and the introduction of advanced technologiesin balloon catheter drives the market growth for stent graft balloon catheter over the forecast period. However high cost of angioplasty procedures are the factors restraining the market growth of stent graft balloon catheter market over the forecast period.Stent Graft Balloon Catheter Market: SegmentationThis market is segmented on the basis of product type and end userSegmentation based by product typeNon Complaint Balloon Stents CatheterComplaint Balloon Stents CatheterSegmentation based by end userHospitalsCardiac CentersASCsStent Graft Balloon Catheter market is mainly dominated by trends such as introduction of drug eluting balloons. Also increasing inclination to opt for balloons with drug delivery, which can deliver the medication at the local site, are effective alternatives for administering the drug intravenously. However there are several types of balloon catheters available in the market, which helps in curing coronary artery diseases and many such trends expected to dominate the market over the forecast period.Stent Graft Balloon Catheter Market: OverviewDepending on geographic region, the stent graft balloon catheter market is segmented into seven key regions: North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific, Japan, and Middle East & Africa.Globally, stent graft balloon catheter market is expected to witness healthy growth in the near future due to increasing prevalence of coronary artery disease and the rise in per capita expenditure on healthcare in the developing nations. Stent graft balloon catheter market is anticipated to show highest share is of North America followed by Europe owing to technological advancement, sophisticated healthcare infrastructure and increasing awareness regarding angioplasty procedures available in the market. Also it has been analyzed that balloon catheter stenting for coronary applications has been widely adopted in clinical practice and is associated with improved health outcomes in Europe. Asia-Pacific market is expected to register fastest growth owing to the rise in geriatric population and increasing obesity, which ultimately gives rise to the number of patients suffering for coronary artery diseases over the forecast period.Visit For TOC@Stent Graft Balloon Catheter Market: Key PlayersSome of the key market players in stent graft balloon catheter market includes Medtronic, Boston Scientific, Abbott Laboratories, Cordis, Atrium Medical, W. L. Gore & Associates Inc., JOTEC GmbH, QXMedical, LLC etc. these players are entering into mergers & acquisitions, strategic collaborations, and product portfolio expansions, distribution agreements which are their key sustainability strategies. Secondly many local players have started entering in this lucrative 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:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
United States Automotive Current Sensor Market Research Report Forecast 2017-2021

Automotive Current Sensor Market

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In depth analysis of Automotive Current Sensor Market is a professional research report.The review has been based on the report titled, " Automotive Current Sensor Market 2017 - 2021."Read Complete Report @To begin with, the report elaborates the Automotive Current Sensor Market Various definitions and classification of the industry, applications of the industry and chain structure are given. Present day status of the Automotive Current Sensor Market in key regions is stated and industry policies and news are analysed.After the Automotive Current Sensor Market analysis report speaks about the manufacturing process and cost structures.The process is analysed thoroughly Upstream raw materials, equipment and downstream consumers, various manufacturing associated costs (material cost, labour cost, etc.) and the actual process.Global Automotive Current Sensor Market : Major playersGeneral Electric Company (US)Hamamatsu Photonics KK (Japan)Hamlin Electronics (US)Omron Corporation (Japan)Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd. (Japan)Infineon Technologies AG (Germany)Kistler Group (Germany)Melexis Microelectronic Integrated Systems (Belgium)Micralyne, Inc. (US)Global Automotive Current Sensor Market : Regional Segment AnalysisNorth AmericaEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaTo provide information on competitive landscape, this report includes detailed profiles of Automotive Current Sensor Market key players. For each player, product details, capacity, price, cost, gross and revenue numbers are given.Request for Sample Report @In this report analysis, traders and distributors analysis is given along with contact details. For material and equipment suppliers also, contact details are given. New investment feasibility analysis and Market growth is included in the report.About Us:MarketResearchStore is a single destination for all the industry, company and country reports. We feature large repository of latest industry reports, leading and niche company profiles, and market statistics released by reputed private publishers and public organizations.Contact UsJoel JohnTel: +1-386-310-3803GMT Tel: +49-322 210 92714USA/Canada Toll Free No. 1-855-465-4651Email: sales@marketresearchstore.com
Global Engine Oil Sensor Market Research Report Forecast 2017-2021

Engine Oil Sensor Market

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In depth analysis of Engine Oil Sensor Market is a professional research report.The review has been based on the report titled, " Engine Oil Sensor Market 2017 - 2021."Read Complete Report @To begin with, the report elaborates the Engine Oil Sensor Market Various definitions and classification of the industry, applications of the industry and chain structure are given. Present day status of the Engine Oil Sensor Market in key regions is stated and industry policies and news are analysed.After the Engine Oil Sensor Market analysis report speaks about the manufacturing process and cost structures.The process is analysed thoroughly Upstream raw materials, equipment and downstream consumers, various manufacturing associated costs (material cost, labour cost, etc.) and the actual process.Global Engine Oil Sensor Market : Major playersGeneral Electric Company (US)Hamamatsu Photonics KK (Japan)Hamlin Electronics (US)Omron Corporation (Japan)Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd. (Japan)Infineon Technologies AG (Germany)Kistler Group (Germany)Melexis Microelectronic Integrated Systems (Belgium)Micralyne, Inc. (US)Global Engine Oil Sensor Market : Regional Segment AnalysisNorth AmericaEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaTo provide information on competitive landscape, this report includes detailed profiles of Engine Oil Sensor Market key players. For each player, product details, capacity, price, cost, gross and revenue numbers are given.Request for Sample Report @In this report analysis, traders and distributors analysis is given along with contact details. For material and equipment suppliers also, contact details are given. New investment feasibility analysis and Market growth is included in the report.9D Research Group 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.3422 SW 15 Street,Suit #8138,Deerfield Beach,Florida 33442, USA
Global Varicose Vein Treatment Market Analysis  2024

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Global Varicose Vein Treatment Market: Overview and ScopeThe global varicose vein treatment market is primarily driven by the rising incidence of varicose veins. This condition of enlarged, gnarled veins, appearing mostly in the feet and legs, is caused by several factors including pregnancy, hormonal changes, genetic disorders, obesity, sleep disorders, high blood pressure levels, and lifestyle-associated factors such as prolonged standing and increased stress levels.Make an Enquiry @Some of the latest advances in varicose vein treatment technology are laser ablation systems, intense-pulsed-light therapy, incorporation of closure systems, radiofrequency systems, and ultrasound guided systems. These technologies and devices present a host of benefits such as fewer incisions, faster recovery rates, higher success rates, less patient trauma, low adverse side effects, improved efficacy, and fewer post-operative complications. Key varicose vein treatment products include ultrasound guided sclerotherapy devices, endovenous ablation devices, and surgical stripping devices.The research publication examines the global varicose vein treatment market by segmenting it on the basis of key parameters such as product and technology type and geography. Each segment and sub-segment has been evaluated in depth to give readers a clear understanding of the structure and scope of the market. Various market dynamics such as drivers, opportunities, and restraints have also been studied in the report. A detailed assessment of the vendor landscape makes for an interesting read and gives clients sharp insights on their competitors.Global Varicose Vein Treatment Market: Key Drivers and ChallengesThe global market for varicose vein treatment is fueled by factors such as reduced trauma, greater exposure to the site of application, high operative success rates, and faster blood flow restoration.Demand for endovenous ablation treatment devices is anticipated to expand at a rapid pace in the next few years due to factors such as short treatment time, improved blood circulation, minimal invasion, and complete closure of the treated area. Ultrasound sclerotherapy devices have also been witnessing strong demand owing to benefits such as time and cost efficiency, reduced risk of collateral damage to surrounding tissues, painless procedure, increased penetration, no requirement of anesthesia, fewer post-operative complications, less scarring, and minimal need for incisions during the procedure.In contrast, the market for varicose vein treatment faces a few challenges in the developed regions of Europe and North America. Factors such as the high cost of varicose vein treatment procedures, lack of training for vascular surgeons, implementation of health care reforms, immensely competitive market leading to difficulty in maintaining sustainability, and inconsistent reimbursement scenario pose a threat to the development of the global varicose vein treatment market.Global Varicose Vein Treatment Market: Region-wise Outlook and Vendor Landscape EvaluationThe global market for varicose vein treatment covers four key segments: Europe, North America, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World. North America is the clear leader in the overall varicose vein treatment market. The rapid growth in this market can be attributed to a number of factors including advanced health care infrastructure, continuous lifestyle-associated changes, growing health care awareness, increasing government spending, rising prevalence of varicose veins, high disposable income, and growing significance of esthetics. In addition, favorable reimbursement policies, especially in the U.S., have significantly boosted the market for varicose vein treatment in North America.The Asia Pacific varicose vein treatment market is anticipated to witness impressive growth in the near future owing to factors such as surge in disposable income, improvement in health care infrastructure, and increase in patient awareness about the advantage of seeking early treatment.Browse Market Research Report @Some of the prominent players competing in the global varicose vein treatment market are VNUS Medical Technologies, Astra Tech, Covidien PLC, Kreussler Pharma, InaVein, B.Braun Melsungen, Vascular Solutions, Dornier MedTech, and AngioDynamics. Most of these players have been adopting various strategies to gain market share. Key strategies adopted by leading companies include mergers and acquisitions, product line and geographic expansion, R&D investments, and competitive pricing policies.Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Global Smart Watch Display Market Research Report Forecast 2017-2021

Smart Watch Display Market

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In depth analysis of Smart Watch Display Market is a professional research report.The review has been based on the report titled, " Smart Watch Display Market 2017 - 2021."Read Complete Report @To begin with, the report elaborates the Smart Watch Display Market Various definitions and classification of the industry, applications of the industry and chain structure are given. Present day status of the Smart Watch Display Market in key regions is stated and industry policies and news are analysed.After the Smart Watch Display Market analysis report speaks about the manufacturing process and cost structures.The process is analysed thoroughly Upstream raw materials, equipment and downstream consumers, various manufacturing associated costs (material cost, labour cost, etc.) and the actual process.Global Smart Watch Display Market : Major playersLGFutabaSharpSamsungJapan DisplaySonyAmerAU Optronics Corp.HSDGlobal Smart Watch Display Market : Regional Segment AnalysisNorth AmericaEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaTo provide information on competitive landscape, this report includes detailed profiles of Smart Watch Display Market key players. For each player, product details, capacity, price, cost, gross and revenue numbers are given.Request for Sample Report @In this report analysis, traders and distributors analysis is given along with contact details. For material and equipment suppliers also, contact details are given. New investment feasibility analysis and Market growth is included in the report.About Us:MarketResearchStore is a single destination for all the industry, company and country reports. We feature large repository of latest industry reports, leading and niche company profiles, and market statistics released by reputed private publishers and public organizations.Contact UsJoel JohnTel: +1-386-310-3803GMT Tel: +49-322 210 92714USA/Canada Toll Free No. 1-855-465-4651Email: sales@marketresearchstore.com
By Marja Novak

LJUBLJANA, March 16 (Reuters) - Car parts maker Magna International has submitted a plan to potentially invest up to 1.24 billion euros ($1.3 billion) in Slovenia and create around 6,000 jobs, the government said on Thursday.

"The final goal is the establishment of an entirely functional car plant in Slovenia with capacity of 100,000 to 200,000 vehicles per year," the government said in a statement.

It said the proposed investment would be in four phases, without giving a timeframe or any indication of when a final investment decision might be made.

Magna said in January it would build a new paint shop in Slovenia, creating around 400 jobs. A spokesman told Reuters on Thursday that investment had been confirmed, but did not comment on the rest of the plan.

The Canadian firm, which makes parts for most of the world's auto makers and also assembles vehicles under contract, said in December it was considering building a new plant in Europe as its Austrian factory runs out of capacity.

Slovenia's centre-left government is eager to attract more foreign investment to reduce unemployment and boost growth.

Data on Thursday showed Slovenia's jobless rate rose to 11.2 percent in January from 10.8 percent the month before.

The government said on Thursday it would provide a total of around 25 million euros of financial support to three industry investment projects, including Magna's.

It awarded 18.6 million euros to Magna and 5.7 million euros to Japanese electrical equipment firm Yaskawa, which is building a new robot factory in the country.

It also announced 580,000 euros for a Slovenian unit of British engineer GKN for a new production line of car parts for Mercedes and Volvo cars.

($1 = 0.9321 euros) (Reporting by Marja Novak; Editing by Mark Potter)
Europe Graphics Display Development Kits Market Research Report Forecast 2017-2021

Graphics Display Development Kits Market

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In depth analysis of Graphics Display Development Kits Market is a professional research report.The review has been based on the report titled, " Graphics Display Development Kits Market 2017 - 2021."Read Complete Report @To begin with, the report elaborates the Graphics Display Development Kits Market Various definitions and classification of the industry, applications of the industry and chain structure are given. Present day status of the Graphics Display Development Kits Market in key regions is stated and industry policies and news are analysed.After the Graphics Display Development Kits Market analysis report speaks about the manufacturing process and cost structures.The process is analysed thoroughly Upstream raw materials, equipment and downstream consumers, various manufacturing associated costs (material cost, labour cost, etc.) and the actual process.Global Graphics Display Development Kits Market : Major playersFTDI Chip4D SystemsTexas InstrumentsMidasMicrochipDisplaytechMatrix Technology SolutionsIntelligent Display SolutionsElectronic AssemblyGlobal Graphics Display Development Kits Market : Regional Segment AnalysisNorth AmericaEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaTo provide information on competitive landscape, this report includes detailed profiles of Graphics Display Development Kits Market key players. For each player, product details, capacity, price, cost, gross and revenue numbers are given.Request for Sample Report @In this report analysis, traders and distributors analysis is given along with contact details. For material and equipment suppliers also, contact details are given. New investment feasibility analysis and Market growth is included in the report.About Us:MarketResearchStore is a single destination for all the industry, company and country reports. We feature large repository of latest industry reports, leading and niche company profiles, and market statistics released by reputed private publishers and public organizations.Contact UsJoel JohnTel: +1-386-310-3803GMT Tel: +49-322 210 92714USA/Canada Toll Free No. 1-855-465-4651Email: sales@marketresearchstore.com
Global Touch Screen Sensors Market Research Report Forecast 2017-2021

Touch Screen Sensors Market

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In depth analysis of Touch Screen Sensors Market is a professional research report.The review has been based on the report titled, " Touch Screen Sensors Market 2017 - 2021."Read Complete Report @To begin with, the report elaborates the Touch Screen Sensors Market Various definitions and classification of the industry, applications of the industry and chain structure are given. Present day status of the Touch Screen Sensors Market in key regions is stated and industry policies and news are analysed.After the Touch Screen Sensors Market analysis report speaks about the manufacturing process and cost structures.The process is analysed thoroughly Upstream raw materials, equipment and downstream consumers, various manufacturing associated costs (material cost, labour cost, etc.) and the actual process.Global Touch Screen Sensors Market : Major playersTE ConnectivityBanner EngineeringPanasonicOmron AutomationEaton / Control AutomationMicrochip Technology Inc.JUMO Process Control IncNKK SwitchesIDEC CorporationGlobal Touch Screen Sensors Market : Regional Segment AnalysisNorth AmericaEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaTo provide information on competitive landscape, this report includes detailed profiles of Touch Screen Sensors Market key players. For each player, product details, capacity, price, cost, gross and revenue numbers are given.Request for Sample Report @In this report analysis, traders and distributors analysis is given along with contact details. For material and equipment suppliers also, contact details are given. New investment feasibility analysis and Market growth is included in the report.About Us:MarketResearchStore is a single destination for all the industry, company and country reports. We feature large repository of latest industry reports, leading and niche company profiles, and market statistics released by reputed private publishers and public organizations.Contact UsJoel JohnTel: +1-386-310-3803GMT Tel: +49-322 210 92714USA/Canada Toll Free No. 1-855-465-4651Email: sales@marketresearchstore.com
Predictions for 2023: Behavioral Therapy Market

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Behavioral Therapy Market: OverviewBehavior therapy, also known as behavior analytical and psychotherapy, is a term that broadly refers to the treatment that helps alter self-destructing behaviors in a patient. It is sometimes also termed as cognitive behavioral therapy or behavioral modification. Those patients who practice behavior therapy usually learn behaviors and are more specific. Medical professionals perform behavior therapy to substitute bad habits with good ones. In addition, behavior therapy also helps to manage difficult situations. This type of therapy is mostly performed to treat patients suffering from anxiety disorders. Behavior therapy is also performed to treat various mood disorders such as post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social phobia, schizophrenia, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and bipolar disorder.Make an Enquiry @Behavior therapy is also used to treat patients suffering from eating disorders, autism, substance abuse and personality disorders. Behavior therapy can be classified into three disciplines namely social learning theory, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), applied behavior analysis (ABA). Applied behavior analysis entails operant conditioning by undertaking such measures as positive reinforcement to bring about the desired changes in behavior; this is done after a thorough functional behavior assessment of the patient. Cognitive behavior therapy focuses mainly on the feelings and thought process behind the mental health condition. Social learning therapy treats patient through complete observation and instruction.Therapists usually produce certain treatment plans tailored to individual medical conditions. Some exercises that a therapist may perform on patient include role playing, modifications in fear, pain and responses to anger, breathing and relaxation methods, social skills training, positive reinforcement, journal writing, activities to promote focus and discussions about coping mechanisms. Behavior therapy results in increasing quality of life of patients suffering from aforementioned medical condition. This also reduces incidence rate of self-harm, improved emotional expressions, better pain management, less outburst, improved social skills and raises the ability to recognize the urgency of various medical help.Behavioral Therapy Market: DriversThe market for behavior therapy is anticipated to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period 2014 to 2020. Rising incidences of obsessive compulsive disorder is primarily fueling the growth of behavior therapy market. According to a reputed U.S. journal, nearly 1 in 100 children and 1 in 40 adults suffer from obsessive compulsive disorder every year. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), obsessive compulsive disorder is amongst top 20 causes of illness-related disability across the globe.Likewise, increasing cases of depression will further accentuate the growth of behavior therapy market. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has projected that around 1 in 10 adults report depression in the U.S. Moreover, changing lifestyle in terms of working culture is also expected to boost the growth of behavior therapy market throughout the forecast period.Behavioral Therapy Market: Region-wise OutlookIn 2013, North America and Europe collectively accounted for the largest share of global behavior therapy market. This is due to the presence of large patient population in the regions. Also, heavy work conditions that results in various mental medical conditions has also contributed heavily in sharing large revenue share of the global behavioral market. Asia-Pacific is expected to see highest growth rate during the forecast period owing to aging population. Aged people usually suffer from various mental disorders. In addition, increasing disposable income of the patient population enhance the affordability for receiving such medical services. All the aforementioned parameters would propel the growth of behavior therapy market in Asia-Pacific region from 2014 to 2020.Browse Market Research Report @The research report presents a comprehensive assessment of the market and contains thoughtful insights, facts, historical data, and statistically supported and industry-validated market data. It also contains projections using a suitable set of assumptions and methodologies. The research report provides analysis and information according to categories such as market segments, geographies, types and applications.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:
Tele-intensive Care Services Market: Industry Insights with Key Companys Profiles - Forecast to 2024

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As per an article in the Permanente Journal  a journal of medical science, social science in medicine, and medical humanities, the cost of treating critically ill patients crosses US$67 bn per year in the U.S. alone. The mortality rate is around 10% and even reaches up to 28% in ICU settings. In order to limit ICU deaths, healthcare professionals and hospital managers are actively exploring tele-intensive care services. This keen interest by healthcare professionals in tele-intensive care services is owing to the number of benefits these services can offer to providers and receivers of critical care. Tele-intensive care units have helped patients in keeping medication errors in check and have decreased the length of stay (LOS) in ICUs. This is driving the global tele-intensive care services market.Make an Enquiry @The report on global tele-intensive care services market is enriched with fruitful information, statistics, and data, which holds the potential to benefit readers. It provides a basic overview of the tele-intensive care services market including definition, classifications, applications, and industry chain structure.For the purpose of giving a clearer picture to the readers, the growth and decline of each of the segments have been given in the report along with the underlying reason behind the state of the segment. The leading segment and sub-segment and also the fastest growing segment are given.Overview of the Tele-intensive Care Services MarketThe demand for tele-intensive care services is driven by the rapid adoption of telemedicine among people across the globe. The rising number of patients requiring intensive care is burdening hospitals and as such, the adoption of tele-intensive care services is an ideal solution. Moreover, there is an increased interest and confidence among healthcare professionals in remote patient monitoring. This is fueling the growth of the market globally. Additionally, the cost and time savings associated with the ability to make quick decisions by the adoption of these services will further boost their demand.The centralization of the massive amount of patient data will aid the interest of healthcare professionals in tele-intensive care services. The decreased hospital stay and the reduced risk of hospital acquired infections (HAIs) are some of the other factors encouraging the adoption of tele-intensive care services. The adoption of tele-intensive care services helps medical practitioners to monitor any important signs in patients and also receive alerts in case of deviations in the set health parameters of a patient. Moreover, the implementation of tele-intensive care services prevents hospital-setting related issues from occurring.According to TMR, tele-intensive care services will be centered on IoT and various smart medical devices in the future. An increasing number of hospitals are realizing that the adoption of these services can be very profitable after the initial cost of investment has been recovered. This is further expected to encourage other hospitals to adopt these services, thus driving the global tele-intensive care services market.The global tele-intensive care services market is segmented on the basis of type, component, and geography. By product, the market is segmented into hardware and software. Hardware components are further categorized into therapeutic devices, communication lines, computer systems, physiological monitors, display panels, and video feeds. By type, the market is segmented into intensivist, open, co-managed, open with consultants. By geography, the market can be segmented into Europe, North America, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World.Browse Market Research Report @Companies Mentioned in the ReportThe report studies key players operating in the global tele-intensive care services market. These include: Advanced ICU care, inTouch health, UPMC Italy, INTELEICU, iMDsoft, INOVA, and Philips. The business and financial overview, recent products and developments, and the strategies implemented by each of the companies are given in the report.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:
B2B Middleware Market Industry Analysis, Trend and Growth, 2017-2027

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B2B middleware is a Business to Business software that resides above the network and below the business-aware application software. In simple words B2B, is an e-commerce gateway, which is responsible for the transaction of goods & services between the businesses or it can be between the business & individual customer or between the enterprises and trading partners. E-commerce is the buying and selling of goods, products or services through the internet. With the help of B2B concept, an enterprise can expand its business over the internet to different trading partners without any regional restrictions. Which requires a trustworthy business process platform, transparency and end to end tracking process and service governance & centralized security.Middleware is the platform which is needed to make e-commerce more efficient. Middleware is a set of common business services which enable the business processes and end users to interact directly with each other across the network, for example: an end user can track his/her product himself with the help of software instead of contacting enterprise. B2B middleware market is still an emerging market and having the fair growth chances in the forecasting period.Request Report Sample@Global Business to Business middleware Market: Market DynamicsThe key trend responsible for the growth of global Business to Business middleware market is increasing use of APIs among the enterprises to connect with their trading partners. The key drivers which are driving the global B2B middleware market are; Continuous investment made by different enterprises in modernizing B2B infrastructure with software or middleware in order to stay competitive in this digital economy, The flexibility, scalability and cost-efficiency promised by cloud computing has been increasing the adoption rate of cloud based B2B middleware by various enterprises around the globe, emergence of mobile business user workforce, which is responsible to drive the market of mobile middleware market & also the lower deployment cost and increased visibility in the processes, which supports in attracting enterprises to adopt B2B middleware. On the flip side the key restraint which is acting as a hurdle in the growth of global B2B middleware market is security concern in integrating and deploying B2B middleware on cloud.Global Business to Business middleware Market: SegmentationSegmentation of global Business to Business middleware market is done on the basis of deployment type, organization size, verticals & Geography. On the basis of deployment type, global B2B middleware market is segmented into the following segments; Cloud based, Web based & hybrid type (which has the mix of on cloud, on premises & Business to business integration).On the basis of organizations size, global B2B middleware market is segmented as; SMB (Small & Medium Businesses) & Large Enterprises.Segmentation of global B2B middleware market on the basis of verticals is given as; Banking sector, Financial Service, and Insurance (BFSI), healthcare sector, government enterprises, telecom, retail enterprises, energy and utilities, travel & hospitality, education, manufacturing, aerospace and defense & others.On the basis of Geography, global Business to Business middleware market is segmented into seven reason which are given below; North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific (excluding Japan), Japan as a separate region and Middle East & Africa. Presently among all the regions, APAC is having the maximum market share of global Business to Business middleware market.Request For TOC@Global Business to Business middleware Market: Key PlayersThe key players of global Business to Business middleware market are Microsoft, Information Builders, Oracle Corporation, SAP SE, FUJITSU, Unisys Global Technologies, TIBCO Software Inc., Unisys, Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P, OpenText Corp., Software AG & 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 trends616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.compress@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
BYOD Security Market size and forecast, 2017-2027

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BYOD is the abbreviation used for Bring Your Own Device. Today employees want to use their personal mobile gadgets like Smart phones, Tablets, PCs at workplace to complete their work through. In the current working environment, every company wants their employees to be more productive as well as healthier network with the safety of their corporate data. Usage of personal devices at the workplace can increase the productivity of the employees simultaneously raises the risk of data leaking.BYOD eloquently effects the traditional security system of protecting the IT data to be restricted inside the premises by blurring definition in term of physical location with the use of personal mobile devices. Now, these personal devices being used to access e-mails, applications, corporate data because of which ambiguous situation arises for the organizations that how to define the model which can balance both the employees need & security concern as well. This model is named as a BYOD security, many corporations which allow their employees to use their device, implement BYOD security model in their networks. BYOD security model takes care of corporations security protocols that it should not get compromised by employees while using their personal devices at work place. With the introduction of BYOD security software, security risks are getting reduced as a result the market share of Global BYOD security goes on hike.Request Report Sample@Global BYOD Security Market: Market Drivers and RestraintsThe key trends responsible for the growth of global BYOD security market are the changing role of IT & ending of legacy apps. The key drivers which are driving the global BYOD security market are; the ease of accessibility of corporate data over smart phones, increasing adoption of BYOD concept among different corporations in order to increase the productivity, increase in cloud storage adoption by different organizations, reduction of the hardware cost by applying BYOD concept in the organization & also the popularity of BYOD concept across different corporations are some of the key driver for global BYOD security market. On the flip side the key restraints which are acting as hurdles in the growth of global BYOD security market are, low awareness of the tools concern with the security, growing network security threats & others.Global BYOD Security Market: SegmentationSegmentation of global BYOD security market is done on the basis of device type, solution type, software type, end user & Geography. On the basis of device type, global BYOD security market is segmented into following segments; laptop, tablet & smartphone. By solution types, global BYOD security market is segmented as; Mobile Device Management (MDM), Mobile Application Management (MAM), Mobile Content Management (MCM) & Mobile Identity Management (MIM). Among all the above segments Mobile Device Management (MDM) has been covering more than 90 percent of the total market share of global BYOD security solution market.Segmentation of global BYOD market on the basis of software type is given as; mobile data security, mobile device security & network security.By the end user type, the global BYOD market is segmented into three segments which are large enterprises, small & medium enterprises (SMEs) & the third one is government enterprise.Request For TOC@On the basis of Geography, global BYOD security market is segmented into seven reason which are given below; North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia  Pacific (excluding Japan), Japan as a separate region and Middle East & Africa. Among all the regions, North America is having the maximum market share of global BYOD security market followed by Middle East & Africa.Global BYOD Security Market: Key PlayersThe key players of global BYOD market are Bluebox., ForeScout Technologies Inc., Good Technology, Fiber-Link Communications LLC (recently acquired by IBM) & 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 trends616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.compress@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Remote Patient Monitoring Devices Market Expected to Be Biggest Emerging Market by 2020

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Remote patient monitoring is an emerging healthcare solution that enables monitoring of patients who are away from hospital settings. Remote patient monitoring offers several advantages such as reduction in hospital visits, data recording for prolong period, quick and accurate results, reduced cost for patients and assistance to medical practitioner with historic patient data. In addition, remote patient monitoring also reduces the waiting time in hospitals and enables medical practitioners to access the patient records from multiple places. Furthermore, growing demand for electronic health record (EHR) is fueling the demand for remote patient monitoring devices since these devices offer integration with cloud data bases for data storage and access. Growing patient population, rising awareness of lifestyle disorders and technological developments in medical devices have accentuated the growth of remote patient monitoring devices market.Make an Enquiry @Heart monitors, breath monitors, physical activity monitors, hematology monitors, body temperature monitors, multi-sign monitors and others are some of the remote monitoring devices that are widely used. Rising incidences of chronic diseases that require continuous monitoring such as diabetes, blood pressure and cardiovascular conditions, propels the demand for medical devices. In 2013, heart rate monitors segment dominated the global remote patient monitoring devices owing to high demand for these devices mainly due to rising prevalence of cardiac diseases. Furthermore, rising geriatric population propels the prevalence of cardiac diseases globally. Thus, owing to increasing number of patients diagnosed with cardiac diseases accentuates the uptake the heart rate monitors.In 2013, ambulatory care centers segment accounted for the largest share in the global remote patient monitoring devices market. Growing geriatric population is primarily driving the demand for ambulatory care centers, as elderly people are at a higher risk of acquiring diseases and infections. However, rise in demand for home-based treatment as more number of patients opts for diagnosis and treatment of diseases at home boosts the home healthcare segment during the forecast period from 2014 to 2020.Geographically, North America contributed the largest share in the global remote patient monitoring devices market. Increasing incidences of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases coupled with rising preference to reduce hospital readmissions. Under the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program created by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, government of the U.S. has imposed penalty to hospitals. As a penalty government has announced reduction up to 1% in the Medicare payment per patient for hospital readmission within 30 days in 2013. Thus, to reduce the hospital readmissions, medical professionals are promoting remote patient monitoring in the region.Browse Market Research Report @The global remote patient monitoring devices market is a fragmented market with many local players competing with global players. In addition, presence of all the necessary resources is enabling easy entry of medical device manufacturers into the remote patient monitoring devices market. Thus, major players in the market are strategically collaborating with local players to offer innovative technologies and thereby sustain in the competition. In November 2014, LifeWatch AG partnered with Vital Connect, Inc., a health care company based in Silicon Valley. This collaboration enables LifeWatch to utilize Vital Connects HealthPatch MD as 1-lead ECG device in LifeWatchs cardiac monitoring business. LifeWatch aims to expand its cardiac monitoring devices business by adding patch technology to its product offerings. Similarly, in December 2014, Omron Healthcare Inc. collaborated with AliveCor, Inc., a California-based company that provides mobile technology for heart health. The two companies aim to improve access to remote patient monitoring products through retail and online channels, especially for heart patients.Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Taurine Market Dynamics, Segments and Supply Demand 2017-2027

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Taurine also known as 2-aminoethanesulfonic acid is an amino acid present in most of the mammalian tissues and cells having high concentrations in tissues. Taurine is an organic compound having properties like antioxidant, detoxifier, bile acids and membrane stabilizer. Taurine is named after bull/ ox as it was isolated from ox bile first. Taurine is useful in cardiovascular function, development of skeletal muscle, cranial nervous system and retina. Taurine is derived from amino acid with thiol group known as cysteine. Taurine is obtained naturally from meat and fish. Daily intake of taurine is restricted to 500-2000mg to avoid the complications such as rise in blood pressure to strokes and seizures to heart disease. Taurine have different applications in industries like cosmetic industry, healthcare industry and food industryMarket Segmentation:Taurine market is segmented on the basis of application in different industries such as food industry, cosmetic industry etc. Taurine is mainly used in energy drinks like Red Bull which in turn supports neurological development and helps regulation of water and mineral levels in the body. Taurine combined with caffeine is helpful in improving mental performance. In cosmetic industry taurine can be used in products like shampoo and skin care products for anti-aging and reduce fine lines, wrinkles etc. Taurine can be used in toothpaste and mouthwash to give consumers an energy boost. Taurine also be used as supplement in bodybuilding as it increases alertness, strengthens heart, reduces blood pressure and helps prevent dehydration.Request Report Sample@Taurine market is further segmented on the basis of regions as North America, Middle East and Africa, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Latin America, Asia Pacific Excluding Japan and Japan.Market Regional Outlook:On the basis of regions, the Taurine market has been segmented into North America, Middle East and Africa, Latin America, Western and Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific region and Japan. China is a leading manufacturer of taurine with more than 40 manufacturers in the country contributing to the maximum production of taurine globally. Countries like China, India and Brazil etc. are creating more opportunities for the Taurine market due to fast growing chemical industries.Market Drivers and Trends:The trends towards energy drinks is increasing globally which is driving global energy drinks market. Taurine is used in energy drinks to boost the physical activity, body building etc. Consumption of Energy drinks such as Red Bull which contains taurine is increasing trend in many developed as well as developing countries which is driving taurine market. Cosmetic industry is also rising due to awareness of healthy skin, taurine is used in some of the cosmetic products which helps in energizing the skin and reduce wrinkles and fine lines. As a result of health awareness trend of body building and fitness is also increasing, which is also driving the taurine market as it is also used in different health supplements. Use of taurine in in health benefits such as cardiovascular health, hydration etc. helps in driving the taurine global market due to demand of taurine in different food as well as pharmaceutical market.Request For TOC@Taurine Market Key Players:Some of the key players in the Taurine market include Qianjiang Yongan Pharmaceutical Co. ltd., The Honjo Chemical Corporation, Fuchi Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Jiangyin Huachang Food Additive Co. Ltd., Jiangsu Yuanyang Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Qingdao Aufeng International Company Limited, Hangzhou FST pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Shandong Fangming Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd., Shayang Tianyi Medicine Industry Co. Ltd., Tycoon (China) Company Limited etc. are among these.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 Laboratories Market is Anticipated to Show the Robust Growth by 2024

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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.Make an Enquiry @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.Europe is likely to be the largest market for dental laboratories in terms of revenue during the forecast period. However, Asia Pacific is anticipated to outperform Europe from 2015 to 2023. A report titled The State of Oral Health in Europe published in 2012 indicated that over 50% of the population of Europe was suffering from some form of periodontal diseases, which were relatively higher among people aged 60 years and above. The British dental technician trade has declined sharply in the past few years as many practices outsource their lab work to overseas laboratories. Over 12,000 qualified dental technicians operated in the U.K. a decade ago. Currently, this figure is approximately 5,000 and is decreasing by 200 qualified technicians every year. Despite favorable government regulations, increasing geriatric population, and adequate reimbursement provisions, the number of dental laboratories has fallen due to high cost of dental products and demand fulfillment from Asia. According to Odontotecnici.net, a dental laboratory technician group in Italy illustrated that in 2013, there were about 12,800 dental laboratories in Italy. From a legislative point of view, the work performed by dental laboratory technicians has undergone important changes primarily due to the emanation of several European Directives such as 93/42 (relative to medical devices), 85/374 (relative to the reasonability for damage by defective products), and 2001/95 (relative to general product safety), which enhanced and boosted dental laboratory based services in Italy.Growth of the dental laboratories market in Asia Pacific is driven by emergence of dental tourism, and high number of laboratories established in the past five years. Moreover, advances in dental health care, increase in geriatric population, and rise in oral health awareness have increased demand for dental restoration. This has driven demand for dental implants in the past few years. Additionally, rise in disposable income is attributed to the total share of spending in health care services. People willingly spend a significant proportion of their income on dental hygiene in emerging countries. Asia Pacific has been assessed to be the fastest growing market for dental products in the next few years. This will drive performance and revenue outcome from laboratories. According to the Third National Oral Health Epidemic Investigation Report published in 2008, tooth loss in China affected every third person aged between 35 years and 44 years and around one in ten people aged between 65 years and 74 years. The number of people wearing partial and full denture is increasing at a substantial rate every year, depicting growing need of dental laboratories in the near future.Rest of the World (RoW) comprises Latin America and Middle East & Africa. Health care provision in Africa is challenged by the burden of poverty and underdevelopment, with 80% of the population falling into the lowest socioeconomic category. Lack of financial and technical resources, shortage of health personnel, and insufficient primary health care delivery make it hard for most of the population of Africa to access basic health service.Browse Market Research Report @Key players operating and profiled in this market include 3M Health Care, Danaher Corporation, Dentcare Dental Lab, Henry Schein, Inc., Institut Straumann AG, Keating Dental Arts, Modern Dental Laboratory Co., Ltd., National Dentex Corporation, Patterson Companies, Inc., Shofu, Inc., Sirona Dental Systems, and Yenadent Ltd. Sti.Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Global Fuel Cell Market for CHP Applications 2016-2020 - Market Size, Shares, Growth, Survey and Forecast Report

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Albany, NY, March 16, 2017: A CHP system involves the simultaneous production of electricity and usable heat from a power plant or heat engine in a single, highly efficient process. It captures the energy produced during power generation and puts it to use for commercial and residential heat production. CHP technology is both cost-effective and environment-friendly. A commercial facility can use CHP to provide both heat and power through a single energy-efficient step, instead of purchasing electricity from utilities and separately producing thermal energy from onsite furnaces. CHP technology helps in preventing power losses during transmission and distribution of electricity through national grids or local distribution networks.The global fuel cell market for CHP applications to grow at a CAGR of 24.96% during the period 2016-2020. The report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global fuel cell market for CHP applications for 2016-2020. To calculate the market size, the report considers the revenue generated from the sale of the FC-CHP products in the market.The market is divided into the following segments based on geography:- Americas- APAC- EMEAGet a Sample Research PDF with TOC:Technavio's report, Global Fuel Cell Market for CHP Applications 2016-2020, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.Key vendors- ACAL Energy- Bloom Energy- FuelCell Energy- ViessmannOther prominent vendors- Aisin Seiki- Baxi (BDR Thermea)- Ceres Power- Doosan Fuel Cell- Elcore- ENEOS Celltech (JX Nippon Oil & Energy)- EnerFuel- Haldor Topse- HEXIS- Kyocera- Panasonic- SOLIDpower- Toshiba- VaillantEnquiry at:Key questions answered in this report- What will the market size be in 2020 and what will the growth rate be?- What are the key market trends?- What is driving this market?- What are the challenges to market growth?- Who are the key vendors in this market space?- What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key vendors?- What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors?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:
Exit has become a key word in the European political scenario. In June 2016, Britain decided on leaving the European Union by a referendum and got a new prime minister Theresa May (read: UK Votes for Brexit: ETFs Winners & Losers).

This year, the Euro zone is scheduled to see several elections in the Netherlands, Germany, France and possibly in Italy. Talks are also rife that a Nexit (Netheralnds out of Euro zone) or Frexit (France leaving Euro zone) are in the cards. If this was not enough, Scotland also intends to exit Britain.

Scotlands independence referendum took place in September 2014 wherein the majority went against the agenda of the countrys independence. About 55.3% of voters among the 84.6% turnout wanted Scotland within the boundary of the U.K.

However, Scotlands first minister Nicola Sturgeon indicated recently that she plans to begin the legal process for a new referendum on Scottish independence to be held by the spring of 2019, as per Bloomberg.

The decision came in the wake of U.K.s preparation to be free from the European Union. Scotlands semi-autonomous government opposed Brexit as the nation is in favor of staying in the EU. As many as 62% Scottish voters had opposed a British exit in last years referendum. In short, Scotland wants to have access to the EUs single market or whole membership (read: 3 Reasons to Buy Eurozone ETFs Now).

Nicola Sturgeon also made it clear why spring 2019 has been chosen as the ultimate time for the second independence referendum. By that time, the terms of Brexit would likely be public and thus Scottish voters will be able to make an informed choice.

Nicola Sturgeon will seek the approval of the Scottish Parliament to open discussions with the UK Government on the details of a Section 30 order - the procedure that will enable the Scottish Parliament to legislate for an independence referendum. British prime minister Theresa May is however readying to reject the demand for Scottish Independence.

Story continues

What Do Polls Say?

Though polls often do not come correct, we still take a look at it when a situation like this comes up. A survey published last week showed Scots were evenly split, while one newspaper hinted that 52% are in favor of remaining in the U.K. and 48% want an exit, as per Bloomberg.

Impact on Pound

British pound dived as soon as Nicola Sturgeon called for a second independence referendum but managed to stay calm after the timetable for the referendum was disclosed which is too late to leave an immediate impact on pound. CurrencyShares British Pound Sterling ETF FXB was up about 0.5% on March 13 (read: How Hard will Brexit be on UK and Pound ETFs).

Impact on British Economy

Investors should note that if Scotland breaks free from the U.K., Brexit will be less helpful for British. For example, as per the source, Englands manufacturers are not being able to capitalize on a lower pound as expected previously. It would help them enter EUs single market.

If Scotland cut ties with the U.K., those manufacturers may migrate to an independent Scotland and can do business with the Euro zone freely. And if that happens, the economy of England will likely be hurt to quite an extent.

Investors should also note that Edinburgh is the U.K.s second largest financial center after London and home to a cluster of asset management companies. So, the banking industry of England may be under pressure. This would putiShares MSCI Europe Financials EUFN in high focus (read: ETF Winners and Losers on ECB's Hawkish Tone).

If this is not enough, about 90% of U.K. oil  which is the largest in the EU  is generated from Scotland. Though oil prices plunged in the last two years, the British economy will lose a major source of an important commodity if Scots decide to walk out.

Moreover, the odds are high for Northern Ireland joining Ireland. So, Britains falling to pieces will not bode well for the economy and may spoil the whole purpose of Brexit.

Bottom Line

We do not expect any decision to be taken any time soon. Also, as per reports, if at all an independent Scotland is formed, the country may have to pay Britain as much as 150 billion. With oil running low and the economy faltering, Scotland may not afford to pay such a high debt and thus choose to remain in the British territory.

As of now, we see less threats for British funds like iShares MSCI United Kingdom EWU. The fund gained over 1% on March 13. The currency-hedged British fund iShares Currency Hedged MSCI UK HEWU also added about 0.7% on March 13, the day talks of the second referendum were triggered.

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computer keyboards market is expected to register a CAGR of 2.3% from 2015 to 2025

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An ergonomic keyboard is designed to minimize muscle strain and other related problems resulting from extended usage. Ergonomic keyboards allow the wrists and hands to rest and move naturally while keyboarding. Despite the fact that ergonomic keyboards do not necessarily eliminate complex cases of repetitive stress injuries (RSIs) and carpal tunnel syndrome, they do however offer some degree of relief to people with moderate levels of such problems.There is no specific definition or a precise design for an ergonomic keyboard. Usually, these keyboards either have contoured designs, adjustable slopes, or are split in half allowing the user to type at a different angle than the typical straight keyboard. Other keyboards in this category come with a rounded base or a uniquely designed wrist rest.Request Report Sample@Computer Keyboards Market DynamicsErgonomic computer keyboards are becoming popular with consumers who use them for significant amounts of data entry or other tasks involving keyboarding such as gaming. Typing for long periods causes wrist pain and other muscular stress related problems that can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome if not managed immediately.Increasing demand for improved devices for performing repetitive tasks at workplaces is driving growth of the ergonomic computer keyboards market. Several large enterprises provide ergonomic devices and furniture to their workers (office chairs, desks, monitor stands, keyboards, and other items) to build a healthy workplace and enhance productivity.Computer Keyboards Market Value and ForecastThe global computer keyboards market was valued at US$ 4,780.5 Mn in 2014 and is expected to expand at a CAGR of 2.3% during the forecast period (20152025). Emergence of high quality products at low price points is a major factor propelling market growth.Computer Keyboards Market Analysis, by TypeThe global computer keyboards market is classified on the basis of type as basic and ergonomic keyboards. The ergonomic keyboards segment was valued US$ 493.1 Mn in 2014 and is anticipated to register a CAGR of 10.5% during the forecast period. Presently, the basic keyboards segment dominates the global computer keyboards market. However, with growing popularity of ergonomic keyboards, the basic segment is expected to lose significant market share during the forecast period.Computer Keyboards Market Analysis, by RegionNorth America leads the market for ergonomic keyboards in terms of value, however, in terms of unit shipment Asia Pacific excluding Japan accounts for the largest share of the total computer keyboards market. Around five million people suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome in the U.S. each year, as per research conducted by the U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration. In order to curb such cases, North America is adopting ergonomic keyboards to facilitate improved muscular support and movement. In order to leverage this opportunity, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in this region offer ergonomic keyboards in various shapes and sizes, further propelling market growth. Asia Pacific (excluding Japan) is anticipated to register substantial growth during the forecast period. This is primarily due to increase in the number of multinational companies such as Tata Group, Intel Corporation, Global Sources, Induchem AG, and HubSpot, Inc. establishing offices and in Asia Pacific. In addition, decreasing prices of ergonomic keyboards owing to robust competition from regional manufactures is further contributing to market growth in this region.Send An Enquiry@Computer Keyboards Market Key PlayersKey players of the computer keyboards market include Microsoft Corporation, Logitech International SA, Kinesis Corporation, Gold Touch Enterprises Inc., Adesso Inc., Fellowes Inc., Posturite Ltd., Datadesk Technologies, Fentek Industries, Inc., and Shenzhen V4 Electronics Co. Ltd.About Us  Future Market Insights is the premier provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in London, the global financial capital, and has delivery centers in the U.S. and India.Contact Us:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way,Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage,New York 10989,United StatesTel: +1-347-918-3531Fax: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Global Nail Polish Market 2017 - Loreal, Skinfood, Cosmetic Industries, Revlon, LVMH, UNT, Za-cosmetics, Anna Sui

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Global Nail Polish Market 2017, presents a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the Nail Polish market globally, providing basic overview of Nail Polish market including definitions, classifications, applications and industry chain structure, Nail Polish Market report provides development policies and plans are discussed as well as manufacturing processes and cost structures. Nail Polish market size, share and end users are analyzed as well as segment markets by types, applications and companies.Get Free Report Sample @The Nail Polish report is offers a clear picture of the current and future trends, developments and opportunities. The report, prepared by a highly seasoned team of analysts and data experts, carries an array of tables and graphs besides qualitative analyses. Starting with a discussion on the current state of the Nail Polish market, the report goes on to discuss the dynamics affecting each segment within it. The report segments the market to up to three levels and studies each of these in great detail. The result is a set of sharp insights and recommendations that will help companies stay ahead of the next new trend in the Nail Polish industry.A basic overview of the Nail Polish market is offered to readers through the use of market definition, segmentation, applications, and value chain analysis. The analysis for the Nail Polish market is not limited only to traditional or emerging markets. It also covers regions that have been hitherto unexplored but have white space that could be lucratively tapped. In order to do this, however, a clear understanding of ones competitors is imperative. The report provides just that through a section dedicated to key company profiles and news. Equipped with this vital information, players in the Nail Polish market will be in a better position to foresee opportunities and threats alike and make informed decisions.The regulatory environment, being such an intrinsic part of the Nail Polish market, does need special focus. The report collates information relating to current and future policies and regulations that could directly or indirectly affect business operations. The report is an invaluable business intelligence repository for new and existing players in the Nail Polish market.Browse Full Report @For technical data and manufacturing plants analysis, the report analyzes Nail Polish leading suppliers on capacity, commercial production date, manufacturing plants distribution, R&D Status, technology sources, and raw materials sources.This report also presents product specification, manufacturing process, and product cost structure etc. Production is separated by regions, technology and applications. Analysis also covers upstream raw materials, equipment, downstream client survey, marketing channels, industry development trend and proposals. In the end, the report includes Nail Polish new project SWOT analysis, investment feasibility analysis, investment return analysis, and development trend analysis. In conclusion, it is a deep research report on Global Nail Polish industry.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.Contact UsMark StoneSales ManagerPhone: (201) 465-4211Email: sales@fiormarkets.comWeb:
Injectables Contribute Largest Revenue to the Global Medical Aesthetics Market

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The global medical aesthetics market is projected to reach $19,419.7 million by 2023, growing at a CAGR of 12.2% during 2017 - 2023.Global medical aesthetics market worth $8,629.9 million in 2016According to the study, the global medical aesthetics market is likely to grow from $8.6 billion in 2016 to $19.4 billion by 2023. Advancement in laser technology, growing awareness among consumers, and health benefits of medical aesthetics procedures have been driving the global medical aesthetics market. The market is further expected to gain revenue due to shift in the preference from surgical to non-surgical procedures. There has been a significant growth in non-surgical medical spa procedures in the recent years, resulting from better technologies, such as intense pulsed light and advanced laser based aesthetics equipment.Access Report Overview:Insights on market segmentsAs per the findings of research, injectables held the largest share in the global market in 2016, primarily due to high sales of botulinum toxin. Topicals, the second largest medical aesthetics product segment, witnessed the highest growth during 2013  2016. The highest growth of topicals is attributed to their ability to treat several skin conditions without any usage of uncomfortable procedures. Beauty clinics and centers was the largest end user of the global medical aesthetics market in 2016., followed by spas and salons.Browse Report Sample at:Advancement in laser technology expected to have high impact on the medical aesthetics marketThere have been many technological innovations and advancements taking place in the medical aesthetics market. The latest advancements in the laser technology have led to an increased number of its applications in medical aesthetics. These advancements in laser provide benefits such as, small incisions, decrease in the intensity of pain and fast recovery after the procedure. There has been a notable increase in the application of laser technology for various aesthetic treatments, such as hair removal, skin rejuvenation and body contouring, which is bolstering the global medical aesthetics market.Browse Other Related Report at:Key players in the medical aesthetics market actively seeking acquisitionsThe medical aesthetics market has witnessed number of mergers and acquisitions and strategic alliances recently. In December 2016, Allergan Plc. acquired LifeCell, a medicine company of Acelity L.P. Inc., for a cash consideration of $2.9 billion. The acquisition is expected to combine LifeCells business of regenerative medicines with Allergans medical aesthetics business. Allergan aims to strengthen its presence in regenerative medicine business with this acquisition. In April 2016, the company also acquired Topokine Therapeutics, a private company developing topical medicines for fat reduction, for a total consideration of $85.0 million. Topokine Therapeutics XAF5 is in late-stage development for the treatment of steatoblepharon.Some of the other key players in the market include Allergan Plc, Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc., ZELTIQ Aesthetics, Inc., Johnson & Johnson, Cutera Inc., Alma Lasers Ltd., Merz GmbH & Co. KGaA, Galderma S.A., Syneron Medical Ltd., Cynosure, Inc., Photomedex, Inc. and Lumenis Ltd.About P&S Market ResearchP&S Market Research is a market research company, which offers market research and consulting services for various geographies around the globe. We provide market research reports, industry forecasting reports, business intelligence, and research based consulting services across different industry/business verticals.As one of the top growing market research agency, were keen upon providing market landscape and accurate forecasting. Our analysts and consultants are proficient with business intelligence and market analysis, through their interaction with leading companies of the concerned domain. We help our clients with B2B market research and assist them in identifying various windows of opportunity, and framing informed and customized business expansion strategies in different regions.Contact:AbhishekExecutive  Client Partner347, 5th Ave. #1402New York City, NY - 10016Toll-Free: +1-888-778-7886 (USA/Canada)Email: enquiry@psmarketresearch.comWeb:347, 5th Ave. #1402New York City, NY - 10016
Peripheral Embolization Device Market Analysis, Segments, Growth and Value Chain 2016-2026

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Embolization is a process through which embolus is placed into the blood vessel to block the blood flow to a particular area of the body. The embolus is usually a blood clot formed due to clotting of blood cells. However, the artificial embolus is used to close off blood vessels to prevent the blood from reaching a particular part of the body to eliminate abnormal conditions in the body like a renal aneurysm, arteriovenous fistula, hypogastric artery embolization, endoleak embolization, GI bleeding and treatment of tumors. Peripheral embolization is usually used to shrink tumors by blocking the blood flow to it. Peripheral embolization devices often use embolus made up of various drugs which along with blocking the blood flow also are targeted towards the treatment of a tumor. Embolization is efficient and less invasive as compared to open surgery and therefore poses a little risk to the patient.Peripheral Embolization Device Market: Drivers and RestraintsThe global peripheral embolization device market is driven by the rising incidence of cancer and cardiovascular diseases. According to CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) by 2025, 19.3 million cases of cancer cases are expected to be diagnosed each year, which in turn is expected to increase demand for peripheral embolization devices for early treatment of malignant tumors. The increasing mortality rate due to cardiovascular diseases is expected to boost demand for peripheral embolization devices. Increasing cardiovascular patients owing rising global geriatric population is expected to provide high growth opportunities for the peripheral embolization devices manufacturers over the forecast period. Moreover, technological developments in new peripheral embolization devices aimed to increase safety among patients and ease of use for physicians is expected to provide significant growth opportunities for the peripheral embolization devices manufacturers. However, the high cost of peripheral embolization devices and complications like coil migration, perforations, and spasms among patients is expected to hamper market growth over the forecast period.Request Report Sample@Peripheral Embolization Device Market: SegmentationThe global peripheral embolization device market are segmented into product type and end userSegmentation based on product typeEmbolization GuidewiresMicrocathetersOcclusion SystemsOcclusion BalloonsPlatinum CoilsSegmentation based on end userHospitalsAmbulatory surgical centersSpecialty clinicsPeripheral Embolization Device Market: Region  wise OutlookThe peripheral embolization device market is expected to witness healthy growth throughout the forecast period with North America expected to be the leading market. High demand for peripheral embolization devices from cancer patients is expected to boost the market growth over the forecast period. Favorable reimbursement policies and up gradation in the compensation for the patients is North America is projected to drive demand for peripheral embolization devices in North America over the forecast period. Moreover, several global manufacturers in this region are expected to promote the use of peripheral embolization devices and in turn is supposed to increase the adoption rate of the devices. Western Europe is expected to be second largest market followed by North America owing to high awareness related to the use of peripheral embolization devices for treatment of cardiovascular and bleeding disorders. APEJ (Asia-Pacific excluding Japan) and Japan are expected to follow next after Western Europe owing to high population and increasing the incidence of cardiovascular diseases in these regions along with growing per capita healthcare expenditure in countries like India and China. Eastern Europe and the Middle East and Africa (MEA) is expected to increase significantly owing to the rise in cancer incidence rate and manufacturers focusing on expansion strategies in this regions.Visit For TOC@Peripheral Embolization Device Market: Key PlayersSome key players in peripheral embolization market are Boston Scientific Corporation, Medtronic, Inc., Cook Medical, St. Jude Medical, Inc., Penumbra, Inc., Metactive Medical, Inc., Terumo Corporation and others. The companies are focused on development of new peripheral embolization devices with increased safety and ease of use.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:
North America to Contribute Over 43% to the Global Wearable Injectors Market by 2024

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The global wearable injectors market is projected to reach $13,015.9 million by 2024, growing at a CAGR of 23.0% during 2016 - 2024.Global wearable injectors market worth $2,162.1 million in 2015As per the research, the global wearable injectors market is likely to grow from $2,162.1 million in 2015 to $13.0 billion by 2024. With the explosive growth of bolus injectors and increasing interest of pharmaceutical companies in collaborating with device manufacturers for drug device combination, the market for wearable injectors is expected to show dramatic rise. The launch of bolus injector expands the usage of wearable injectors from diabetes to other disease segments, as the wearable injectors currently available in market are majorly insulin pumps. The growing need for continuous and subcutaneous drug delivery has developed the demand for wearable injectors among the patients.Access Report Overview:Insights on market segmentsAs per the findings of the research, cancer is expected to be the largest application area of wearable injectors. According to the analyst, cancer and autoimmune disease are expected to be the major application areas for wearable injectors in the near future. The other key applications of wearable injectors include infectious disease, cardiovascular disease and blood disorders. Also, homecare is expected to be the largest end user of wearable injectors.Explore Report Sample at:North America emerges as largest wearable injectors marketGeographically, North America has been the largest market for wearable injectors, where the U.S. has been the largest contributor to the regional market during 2013 - 2015. The North American wearable injectors market is growing significantly due to increasing demand for self-injection system and rising prevalence of chronic and lifestyle-associated diseases. According to the CDC, approximately 117 million people in the U.S., i.e. about half of its adult population, experienced one or more chronic health conditions in 2012. Japan has been the major market in Asia-Pacific; whereas in Europe, Germany has been the highest revenue generator in 2015.Top three players constitute the major market shareThe research states that the global wearable injectors market had a consolidated structure in 2015, where the top three competitors accounted for the major share in the global wearable injectors market. Some of the key players operating in the global market are Becton, Dickinson and Company, Medtronic plc, Johnson & Johnson, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Insulet Corporation, Unilife Corporation, CeQur SA, Enable Injections, ScPharmaceuticals, Inc., SteadyMed Ltd., Ypsomed Group, West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. and Cane S.p.A.Browse Other Related Report at:Different companies are collaborating to provide new solutions in the global wearable injectors market. For instance, Ypsomed collaborated with Novo Nordisk in June 2016, where the two companies were expected to provide new solutions in insulin pump therapy. The companys YpsoPump was compatible with NovoRapid PumpCart by Novo Nordisk. NovoRapid is a prefilled pump cartridge with an insulin analogue that has been especially designed for insulin pumps. The collaboration aimed to simplify the use of insulin for the diabetes patients.About P&S Market ResearchP&S Market Research is a market research company, which offers market research and consulting services for various geographies around the globe. We provide market research reports, industry forecasting reports, business intelligence, and research based consulting services across different industry/business verticals.As one of the top growing market research agency, were keen upon providing market landscape and accurate forecasting. Our analysts and consultants are proficient with business intelligence and market analysis, through their interaction with leading companies of the concerned domain. We help our clients with B2B market research and assist them in identifying various windows of opportunity, and framing informed and customized business expansion strategies in different regions.Contact:AbhishekExecutive  Client Partner347, 5th Ave. #1402New York City, NY - 10016Toll-free: +1-888-778-7886 (USA/Canada)Email: enquiry@psmarketresearch.comWeb:347, 5th Ave. #1402New York City, NY - 10016Toll-free: +1-888-778-7886 (USA/Canada)
Molecular Cytogenetics Market Revenue, Opportunity, Forecast and Value Chain 2016-2026

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Molecular cytogenetics comprises of molecular biology and cytogenetics. Cytogenetics refers to the study of chromosomes and molecular cytogenetics further involves the analysis of genetic variations or alterations through in-situ hybridization techniques. Molecular cytogenetics finds crucial applications in the fields of biology and medicine. Molecular cytogenetics studies the structural and functional organization of the chromosomes and its nucleus, genomic variations, expression and evolution, chromosomal abnormalities, particularly in medicinal and cancer-related genetics. In molecular cytogenetics, techniques such as fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) are conducted wherein DNA probes are labeled with different colored fluorescent tags to visualize the whole genome or the most specific regions of the genome. Also, the virtual karyotyping technique is done in molecular cytogenetics to assess entire genome for the changes in the number of copies of the genome. FISH & GISH are one of the most reliable techniques for analyzing chromosomes.Global Molecular Cytogenetics Market: Drivers and RestraintsMolecular cytogenetics provides a scan and analysis of the whole genome organization, its structure and behavior at high resolutions and also the visualization of single peculiar genomic loci which is a major growth driver for the global molecular cytogenetics market. The recent advances in the fields of molecular biology and cytogenetics have brought about several key developments in the research of mitosis and meiosis processes, chromosome structures and its subsequent manipulation, gene expression and its regulation, and gene silencing techniques. Molecular cytogenetics is primarily driven by cancer diagnostics which offers techniques for imaging in genetics, epigenetics, and cytology and can be utilized for chromosomal modifications. The increasing prevalence of cancer and subsequent requirement for accurate diagnosis is expected to boost the growth of the global molecular cytogenetics market during 2016-2026.Request Report Sample@Global Molecular CytogeneticsMarket: SegmentationThe global molecular cytogenetics market can be segmented as follows:Global Molecular CytogeneticsMarket, by Technique TypeGenomic In Situ Hybridization (GISH)Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH)Multicolour Fluorescence In Situ HybridizationMultiplex Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (M-FISH)Spectral Karyotyping (SKY)Comparative Genomic Hybridization (CGH)Array Comparative Genomic HybridizationOther Molecular Cytogenetic TechniquesGlobal Molecular CytogeneticsMarket, by Product TypeInstrumentsReagents & KitsGlobal Molecular CytogeneticsMarket, by End UserPharmaceutical & Biotechnology CompaniesClinical Research LaboratoriesResearch & Academic InstitutesHospitalsDiagnostic CentersGlobal Molecular CytogeneticsMarket: Regional OutlookGeographically, the global molecular cytogenetics market is segmented into seven regions, namely North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific Excluding Japan (APEJ), Japan and the Middle East and Africa (MEA). North America & Western Europe are market leaders regarding revenue in the global molecular cytogenetics market owing to the presence of large number of clinical research laboratories and research & academic institutes. Japan is the third major contributor to the global molecular cytogenetics market mainly due to the well-established collaborations between the manufacturers and research laboratories. Also, the role of personalized medicine in treatment of genetic or other disorders is gaining pace in the developed countries and this factor is anticipated to unfold novel opportunities for the key players during the forecast period. APEJ is anticipated to register healthy CAGR in the global molecular cytogenetics market due to a surge in the number of scientific researches being undertaken in this region. Middle East and Africa and Latin America are at nascent stages in the global molecular cytogenetics market and are projected to register steady growth rates during the forecast period.Visit For TOC@Global Molecular CytogeneticsMarket: Key PlayersThe key players in the global molecular cytogenetics marketare:Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.GeneDxCytoTest Inc.Empire GenomicsAbbott LaboratoriesAgilent TechnologiesBiological IndustriesPerkinElmer Inc.Globally, the manufacturers of molecular cytogenetics are expanding the research & development activities through collaborations with scientific & clinical research institutes.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:
Elevators And Escalators Market Segments, Opportunity, Growth and Forecast By End-use Industry 2016-2026

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Elevators and Escalators are the two unavoidable parts of everyday life of humans. Multifarious malls and skyscrapers make elevators and escalators the must-haves in every building. Busy time schedules and increased number of ageing population necessitate the facility of escalators and elevators in residential apartments across the globe. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the ageing population (above 65 years) held 8.5% share of the total population worldwide during the year 2015 and is projected to increase its share to 12.0% by 2030. Moreover, factors like rapid urbanization, changing demographics and increasing constructional activities around the world is expected to drive the growth of the global elevators and escalators market rapidly. Safety is considered as the prominent factor in selection of elevators and escalators service providers.Elevator systems consist of hydraulic elevators, geared elevators, non-geared elevators and machine room less elevators (MRLs). Nowadays, MRLS are preferred over conventional geared elevators as they are technologically advanced, save space and consume less energy. Based on services, new installation service dominates the global elevators and escalators market due to increasing demand from the developing countries like China. However, maintenance and repair service is projected to grow at a significant rate over the forecast period. The manufacturers are focusing on improving the efficiency of the elevators and escalators coupled with the focus on neat and clean environment.Request Report Sample@Elevators and Escalators Market: DriversOne of the major factors driving the growth of the elevators and escalators market is the increasing demand from the end use sectors like residential, commercial, hospitals, etc. Additionally, increasing focus of government towards high rise infrastructures coupled with increasing need of rapid transit are expected to fuel the growth of global elevators and escalators market. Moreover, continuous investment for the improvement of infrastructure at public places like railway station, airports, shopping malls, etc. is further expected to upsurge the demand for elevators and escalators during the forecast period. Tourism is another sector which encourages the demand for elevators and escalators in places of importance for the ease and convenience of the tourists visiting the respective countries.Elevators and Escalators Market: RestraintsA key factor affecting the growth of the elevators and escalators market negatively is its high initial cost of installation. Moreover, lack of skilled labour for the after sales maintenance is expected to hamper the growth of elevators and escalators market. Furthermore, escalation in consumption of energy and power by elevators and escalators is anticipated to retard the growth of the market during the forecast period.Elevators and Escalators Market: SegmentationThe global elevators and escalators market can be viewed as two separate niches too, namely elevators market and escalators market. Elevators, on the basis of its capacity are segmented into 450 kg  1150 kg, 1150 kg  1500 kg and 1500 kg  2000 kg. On the other hand, escalators are further segmented into moving walkway and moving stairs escalators.Visit For TOC@Global elevators and escalators market can be segmented on the basis of carriage type, application and region. On the basis of carriage type, the elevators and escalators market is segmented into passenger and freight. On the basis of application, the market is segmented into commercial, residential, hotels, transportation, parking and hospital. On the basis of regions, the global elevators and escalators market is segmented into North America, Asia Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ), Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Japan and Middle East & Africa (MEA).Elevators and Escalators Market: Region-wise OutlookBased on regions, Asia Pacific led by China and India, holds about 65% share in total ageing population of the world and is expected to be the most prominent revenue generation region in the global elevators and escalators market. Europe followed by North America is expected to witness positive growth during the forecast period.Elevators and Escalators Market: PlayersSome of the examples of the players identified in the global elevators and escalators market are as follows:Otis Elevator CompanyKone CorporationSchindler GroupThyssenkrupp AGFujitecHitachi, Ltd.Mitsubishi Electric CorporationToshiba Elevators and Building Systems CorporationHyundai Elevator Co., Ltd.SJEC CorporationABOUT 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:
Europe To Contribute over 50% To The Global Start-Stop Technology Market By 2022

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The global start stop technology market is projected to reach $7,058.0 million by 2022, growing at a CAGR of 18.8% during 2016 - 2022.Global start-stop technology market worth $2,100.2 million in 2015The study suggests that the global start-stop technology market is likely to grow from $2,100.2 million in 2015 to $7,058.0 million by 2022. Stringent emission control norms, increasing need for fuel efficient vehicles and increasing adoption of hybrid vehicles are that factors that are expected to drive the demand for start-stop technology over the forecast period.Browse the Report Summary at:Insights on market segmentsAs per the findings of research, the enhanced starter was the largest contributor to the global start-stop technology market in 2015, in terms of volume and value; however, the integrated starter generator is expected to witness the highest growth, during the forecast period in terms of volume and value.Enhanced starter and integrated starter generator-based start-stop systems are expected to dominate the market in future, and are expected to be used widely in passenger cars. Enhanced starter and integrated starter generator are more cost-effective and fuel efficient clean energy technologies as compared to direct starter and belt-driven alternator starter technologies.Browse report Sample at:Increasing need for fuel efficient vehicles bolsters market growthThe factors driving the growth of the market include increasing need for fuel efficient vehicles and stringent emission control norms globally. In North America, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) introduced emission standards for cars and light trucks. According to the target set by EPA, the permissible emission from a passenger car should not exceed 225 grams per mile (g/mi) in 2016. The planned permissible emission limits for passenger cars is 143 g/mi for 2025 in North America. Additionally, the permissible combined fuel economy for cars and trucks was 35.5 miles per gallon (mpg) for 2016, which is expected to increase up to 54.5 mpg by 2025 in North America. According to the government regulation in Europe, the average emission level from new cars reduced by 160 grams per kilometer (g/km) during 2006 - 2012. The regulation requires reducing the emission levels from new cars to 95 g/km by 2020. Such stringent regulations have resulted in increasing use of start-stop technology by automobile manufacturers.Additionally, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) imposed new regulations on its members and restricted the production and export of crude oil. Such initiative has a negative impact on the crude supply to the developing countries including India, Brazil and China which mainly rely on crude imports. These imports could be reduced by increasing fuel efficiency in vehicles through the use of start-stop technology, which leads to its increased demand.Browse Other Related report at:The key trend observed in the global start-stop technology market is the adoption of clean energy across the globe. Start-stop technology provides the advantage of reduced emissions over other technologies.About P&S Market ResearchP&S Market Research is a market research company, which offers market research and consulting services for various geographies around the globe. We provide market research reports, industry forecasting reports, business intelligence, and research based consulting services across different industry/business verticals.As one of the top growing market research agency, were keen upon providing market landscape and accurate forecasting. Our analysts and consultants are proficient with business intelligence and market analysis, through their interaction with leading companies of the concerned domain. We help our clients with B2B market research and assist them in identifying various windows of opportunity, and framing informed and customized business expansion strategies in different regions.Contact:AbhishekExecutive  Client Partner347, 5th Ave. #1402New York City, NY - 10016Toll-Free: +1-888-778-7886 (USA/Canada)Email: enquiry@psmarketresearch.comWeb:347, 5th Ave. #1402New York City, NY - 10016Toll-Free: +1-888-778-7886 (USA/Canada)
Global Wireless Hearing Aid Sales Market 2017 - Key Players are Sonova Holding Ag, William Demant Holding A/S, GN Store Nord A/S, Cochlear and More

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This report studies sales (consumption) of Wireless Hearing Aid in Global market, especially in United States, China, Europe and Japan, focuses on top players in these regions/countries, with sales, price, revenue and market share for each player in these regions, coveringSonova Holding AgWilliam Demant Holding A/SGN Store Nord A/SCochlearSivantos PteStarkey Hearing TechnologiesWidexMed-ElZounds HearingSebotek Hearing SystemsView Full Report atMarket Segment by Regions, this report splits Global into several key Regions, with sales (consumption), revenue, market share and growth rate of Wireless Hearing Aid in these regions, from 2011 to 2021 (forecast), likeUnited StatesChinaEuropeJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaSplit by product Types, with sales, revenue, price and gross margin, market share and growth rate of each type, can be divided intoReceiver-In-The-EarBehind-The-EarIn-The-EarBone Anchored SystemsSplit by applications, this report focuses on sales, market share and growth rate of Wireless Hearing Aid in each application, can be divided intoAdultsPediatricsDownload Sample Copy of Report atTable of ContentsGlobal Wireless Hearing Aid Sales Market Report 20171 Wireless Hearing Aid Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Wireless Hearing Aid1.2 Classification of Wireless Hearing Aid1.2.1 Receiver-In-The-Ear1.2.2 Behind-The-Ear1.2.3 In-The-Ear1.2.4 Bone Anchored Systems1.3 Application of Wireless Hearing Aid1.3.1 Adults1.3.2 Pediatrics1.4 Wireless Hearing Aid Market by Regions1.4.1 United States Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.2 China Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.3 Europe Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.4 Japan Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.5 Southeast Asia Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.6 India Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.5 Global Market Size (Value and Volume) of Wireless Hearing Aid (2012-2022)1.5.1 Global Wireless Hearing Aid Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2022)1.5.2 Global Wireless Hearing Aid Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2022)2 Global Wireless Hearing Aid Competition by Manufacturers, Type and Application2.1 Global Wireless Hearing Aid Market Competition by Manufacturers2.1.1 Global Wireless Hearing Aid Sales and Market Share of Key Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.1.2 Global Wireless Hearing Aid Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.2 Global Wireless Hearing Aid (Volume and Value) by Type2.2.1 Global Wireless Hearing Aid Sales and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)2.2.2 Global Wireless Hearing Aid Revenue and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)2.3 Global Wireless Hearing Aid (Volume and Value) by Regions2.3.1 Global Wireless Hearing Aid Sales and Market Share by Regions (2012-2017)2.3.2 Global Wireless Hearing Aid Revenue and Market Share by Regions (2012-2017)2.4 Global Wireless Hearing Aid (Volume) by ApplicationMarketResearchReports.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
Microscopy Devices market is expected to grow with CAGR of 7.8% by 2022

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Market HighlightsIt has been noted that global microscopy devices market is growing at rapid pace and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.8%. Globally, there is huge demand for Microscopy Devices in various regions. The market for microscopy devices has been on rise over the past many years. Even though microscopy devices are used in life science and medical research for centuries, the amount of invention has not declined. Currently, there is wide range of microscopy products available in the market. The rapid advances in electronics and sensors, information technology and telecommunications has led to the advancement of microscopy devices. The technologies that are enabling innovations today have created opportunities for growth of these devices in coming future. microscopy devices market to grow over USD 10.5 billion in 2022 after 2015 since the market is massively growing due to increasing advancement in product development.Additionally, there are certain other factors such as expansion of the semiconductor industries in most of the emerging nations and rising research and development activities initiated by schools, governments, universities, and research institutions across the developing regions has fueled the growth of the global microscopy devices market. But the large capital investments, complexities in the maintenance of these devices and premium pricing has hampered the growth of microscopy devices market.Request a Sample Copy @Key Players for Microscopy Devices Market: FEI Meiji Techno Nikon Metrology NV Woodley Equipment Company Ltd Radical Scientific Equipments Pvt Ltd Bruker Mauna Kea Technologies SA Icon Analytical Equipment Pvt. Ltd Olympus Corporation NIDEK Inc. Sonix, Inc. Konan Medical USA Inc. Carl Zeiss Leica Microsystems Others.SegmentationOn the basis of types: optical microscopes, electron microscope, scanning probe microscope (SPM), others.On the basis of applications: life science, material science, pathology, nanotechnology and others.On the basis of end users: hospitals & clinics, academic & research institutes, diagnostics centers and others.Asia-Pacific holds the largest share of more than 40% of microscopy devices market and is expected to be the leading market during 2016-2022. Asia-Pacific market for microscopy devices is growing due to increasing investment in the research and development in these region by the governments.Browse full report with TOC @Table of Content1. Introduction1.1 Definition1.2 Scope Of Study1.3 Research Objective1.4 Assumptions & Limitations1.5 Market Structure2 Research Methodology2.1 Research Process2.2 Primary Research2.3 Secondary Research3 Market Dynamics3.1 Drivers3.2 Restraints3.3 Opportunities3.4 Challenges3.5 Macroeconomic Indicators4 Market Factor Analysis4.1 Porters Five Forces Model4.1.1 Bargaining Power Of Suppliers4.1.2 Bargaining Power Of Customer4.1.3 Intensity Of Competitors4.1.4 Threat Of New Entrants5 Global Microscopy Devices Market, By TypeContinueLife Science segment has the largest market share in global microscopy devices by application for the forecasted period from 2016 lasting till 2022. The market for microscopy devices is mainly growing because of the increasing use of microscopy devices in the field of life sciences.Related ReportCardiac rehabilitation devices market information, by type (recumbent cross trainer, treadmill, elliptical, stationary bicycle, training balls, heart rate monitors, blood flow monitors, and others), by end users (hospitals, clinic, cardiac care centers, rehab centers, and others) - Forecast to 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.com
Written by Ophir Gottlieb

PREFACE

While the market has become toppy, which we discuss in our Pro dossier Is the Market Going to Crash?, Aristas rise has been more than just a momentum move.

Here is a glance at the companys revenue (TTM) and net income (TTM) trends, through time:

Arista Networks Inc is making progress at a pace that even we did not see coming so quickly, and a recent bit of news that was under reported has pushed our bullish thesis yet further.

STORY

Arista Networks Inc is forever linked to Cisco Systems Inc (CSCO)  the two are head to head in many categories and they also have a contentious lawsuit that is still within the realm of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Here is a quick snapshot of Arista Networks Incs progress against Cisco Systems Inc in the high-speed data center switching market:

On March 7th, 2017, Arista announced Containerized EOS (containerized Extensible Operating System) to support alternate models of procuring, packaging and deploying Aristas EOS across cloud, enterprises and service providers.

First, heres a snippet from that press release, and well follow that up with actual English:

Arista cEOS introduces the containerized packaging of EOS software and its agents for deployment in cloud infrastructure with the same proven EOS software image that runs on all Arista products.

These flexible deployment options empower cloud network operators that are customizing their operating environments to provide a uniform workflow for development, testing and deployment of differentiated services.

It enables the provisioning of a robust and proven network operating system across production and development platforms with a uniform EOS distribution and single-image consistency.

Now for the translation

WHAT THIS MEANS AND WHY IT MATTERS

These containers make up a part of virtual machines, which in this part of the tech world has been a buzz word for several years. The containers partition applications when they run on servers in a nimbler fashion than traditional virtual machine software (Alex Henderson of & Co, via Tiernan Ray on BARRONS).

Story continues

In the press release Arista Networks Inc (ANET) announced that its networking switch equipment, which it refers to as EOS in the press release, now runs in a container on a broad range of hardware and cloud operating platforms (our emphasis added). The company even wrote (NEW) next to this bullet point in the release to highlight it.

But, Arista Networks Inc (and Cisco Systems Inc (CSCO)) do function in a world that is way over the head of most analysts in technology, so we turn to Alex Henderson for some commentary with our emphasis added:

[The Street] generally didnt know what to make of the technology. We think its a big deal.

This really matters to the Web 2.0 customers. The ability to include Arista technology in the DevOps process is likely to make Arista the de-facto standard in the industry and result in accelerating share gains.

Source: BARRONS written by Tiernan Ray.

Henderson went on to address the elephant in the room rather bluntly when he said Cisco cant match it. We are very careful when we recommend outside sources for information which are critical but often times overrun with click bait, but Tiernan Ray is a must follow on Twitter or in the news. He is exceptional.

Needhams Henderson finished his analysis with this bit, after his rather transparent opinion about Aristas strong position over Cisco with our emphasis added, again.

Arista Networks Inc is the only switch vendor that has a single binary code operating system across its entire product line.

Cisco cannot, in our opinion and that of Arista, create a singular image of its operating code independent of the hardware to put into the container and therefore is excluded from the DevOp process and therefore is less automated.

This is critically important to the Scaled Out players. The DevOp process is core to that cost containment program.

OK, now lets take a step back from this news to the larger picture.

BIGGER PICTURE

Arista Networks Inc is quickly becoming a leader in the guts of the cloud  that is, the network switches and routers that drive the progress forward. When we did our own research on the complexity and amount of data that is coming online in the next few years, what we found was staggering. Here is a snippet from our Top Pick dossier on the cloud and Arista Networks Inc:

In 2012 the Library of Congress estimated that all printed, audio, and video material came in at 3 to 20 petabytes. That means that one exabyte could hold a hundred thousand times the printed, audio and video material, or 500 to 3000 times all content of the Library of Congress.

By 2021, global traffic alone will generate 49 exabytes per month.

The cloud is, generally speaking, just a cluster of computers and hardware sharing resources to power the Internet, apps, video, IoT and anything else that is connected and has data. But the requirements of the cloud from the end users are going to leap in complexity.

First, here is a chart of the worldwide public cloud market:

The complex functionality that will be required from the cloud has made room for Arista Networks Inc to challenge the incumbent Cisco Systems Inc (CSCO). It has also given rise to an opportunity for Alphabet Inc (GOOGL) within the cloud realm.

We recently penned our dossier Googles Upside Is Absolutely Enormous and Unaccounted For. In that dossier we take time to focus on the four key drivers for Alphabet Inc (GOOGL), but one of them falls in line with Arista:

There is too much data and too many connected devices even today, not to speak of the absurdity that is to come, to not have a machine learning driven technology to balance the needs of every website, every app, all the data in complete harmony.

Google has an advantage over both of the incumbents  there simply is no company that has made more progress in the world of end-to-end machine learning and artificial intelligence than Google.

Well leave the details of that analysis to that dossier, but suffice it to say that the cloud and the growing complexity of requirements needed from those that own the data are a huge tailwind to this theme  one of the themes we feel most bullish about.

Arista is at an all-time high  and it deserves it.

RISK

There is still an ongoing FTC court case between Arista Networks Inc (ANET) and Cisco Systems Inc (CSCO) and its quite contentious. We discuss it at length in the Top Pick dossier, but for now lets just note that when a ruling comes (again) there is some gap risk here in the stock.

For a long-term stock investors this can be nothing more than a blip, but for you option traders, please be aware of the risk in being short puts or selling covered calls against Arista  a day of reckoning is coming and the stock could gap.

WHY THIS MATTERS

If this is the kind of research that sparks your interest, then what we offer may be up your alley: Our research sits side-by-side with Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Barclays, JP Morgan, and the rest on professional terminals as a part of the famed Thomson First Call group.

We aim to find the companies that will be the next Apple, or the next Google by diving deep into the trends that will shape the future and finding the lesser known companies that will power them. Arista is one of those companies.

Each company in our Top Picks portfolio is the winner in an exploding thematic shift like self-driving cars, mobile data and connectivity, health care tech, artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, drones, biotech and more. For a limited-time we are offering CML Pro for $19/mo. with a lifetime guaranteed rate and you cancel at any time with no notice. Get the most advanced premium research along with access to visual tools and data that until now has only been made available to the top 1%.

Thanks for reading, friends.



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Precision Medicine Market: Industry Analysis, Future Growth, Business Prospects and Global Forecast to 2027

Precision Medicine Market

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Market Scenario:In this modern world with progress of modern technology patients are showing more interest in their personal health care and fitness. The precision medicine services deal with infectious diseases, cancer and CVD and simplify their treatment along with precise diagnosis tests and prevention methods. The software and hardware are the influencing the market of precision medicine. Life style of people has changed in the recent years. Change in eating habits, the ambience of the workplace, adoption of indoor games and increasing westernization of lifestyle are the main reason for the emergence of diseases such as diabetes , obesity, hypertension, blood pressure and many more chronic diseases. Precision medicine has played a big beneficial tool as a solution for these problems.Request a Sample Copy @Key Players for Precision Medicine Market: GE Healthcare (U.K), IBM (U.S), Intel (U.S), Novartis (Switzerland), Pfizer Inc. (U.S), Roche (Switzerland), Abbott (U.S), GSK (U.K), J&J (U.S), Teva pharmaceuticals (Israel)Segments:The market for Precision medicine is segmented in mainly three parts i.e. by ecosystem, by sub markets, and by therapeutics and its various sub-segments; by ecosystem include Pharmaceuticals and biotechnology companies, diagnostic companies, healthcare IT specialist/ big data companies, clinical laboratories. Whereas by sub markets include Companion diagnostic, biomarker based test, targeted therapeutics, pharmacogenomics, molecular diagnostics. The segments by therapeutics include Cancer/oncology, cardiovascular disease (CVD), central nervous system, infectious diseases.Study Objectives of Precision Medicine: To provide detailed analysis of the market structure along with forecast for the next 10 years of the various segments and sub-segments of the global Precision medicine market To provide insights about factors affecting the market growth To Analyze the Precision Medicine 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 ecosystem, by sub markets, and by therapeutics and its sub-segments. To provide strategic profiling of key players in the market, comprehensively analyzing their core competencies, and drawing a competitive landscape for the market To track and analyze competitive developments such as joint ventures, strategic alliances, mergers and acquisitions, new product developments, and research and developments in the global Precision medicine marketBrowse Full Report @About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.Contact:Akash AnandMarket Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
Clinical Laboratory Services Market to grow at 6.4% CAGR from 2016 to 2024

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Clinical Laboratory Services Market size is driven by growing importance of early diagnosis of chronic diseases related to oncology, gynaecology and endocrinology. Moreover, introduction of technologically advanced products rendering accurate and rapid results should spur industry growth over the forecast years. Clinical Laboratory Services Market size is estimated to reach USD 342.3 billion by 2024; as per a new research report by Global Market Insights, Inc.Increased adoption of laboratory automations and robot assisted laboratory techniques such as TECAN liquid handling robotics will spur growth. For instance, over 30% of laboratories in North America, Europe and Japan have implemented a significant degree of laboratory automation. Additionally, growing use of healthcare IT systems have enabled implementation of technologically advanced processes.Request for a sample of this research report -Introduction of innovative solutions that allows implementation of informatics and data management systems to perform rapid and seamless operations with accurate clinical results with higher efficiency will accelerate industry growth.Chemistry segment held the largest clinical laboratory services market share with revenue slated to exceed USD 152 billion by 2024. Increasing prevalence of cardiovascular, diabetes, liver & kidney disorders coupled with growing awareness for early diagnosis will spur industry growth.Browse key industry insights spread across 110 pages with 33 market data tables & 10 figures & charts from the report, Clinical Laboratory Services Market Size By Test (Human & Tumor Genetics, Clinical Chemistry, Medical Microbiology & Cytology, Other Esoteric Test), By Service Provider (Hospitals, Stand-Alone Laboratories, Clinics), Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook (U.S., Canada, Germany, UK, Japan, China, Brazil, Mexico, South Africa), Application Potential, Price Trends, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2016  2024 in detail along with the table of contents:U.S. held the largest share owing to high patient awareness and presence of large test volumes. APAC and LATAM will provide lucrative growth opportunities to industry players with introduction of regulatory standards to encourage the use of clinical laboratory services in these regions. Accounting for over one third of the global population, India and China are eyed upon as potential business hubs for clinical laboratory testing service providers.The key industry players include Quest Diagnostics, Sonic Healthcare, LabCorp, Genoptix Medical Laboratory, Healthscope, Labco, Charles River Laboratories and Bio-Reference Laboratories, Abbott Laboratories. The key strategies of mergers and acquisitions and strategic collaborations will enable industry players to strengthen their regional presence.Make an inquiry for purchasing this report @Key insights from the report include: Global clinical laboratory services market is estimated reach USD 342.3 billion by 2024, from 196.9 billion in 2015, at an estimated CAGR of 6.4% from 2016 to 2024. Clinical chemistry segment dominated the industry with revenue share of 47% in 2015 and anticipated to exceed USD 152 billion by 2024. Hospital-based laboratories were the largest service provider segment with revenue of over USD 113 billion in 2015. Stand-alone laboratories segment with over USD 73 billion in 2015, is slated to witness highest CAGR of 7% during forecast frame, attributed to extensive range of tests offered by these labs, and ability to handle large test volumes. Europe clinical laboratory services market size was dominated by Germany and UK collectively accounting for 27% of the revenue share of Europe market in 2015. Industry rivalry is expected to be moderately high during forecast period due to number of large players operating in the market via extensive product portfolio, wide geographical presence, and long term contract with healthcare establishments. Also, the presence of local manufacturers marketing products at relatively low prices is expected to intensify the rivalry.Browse Related Reports: (CTMS) Clinical Trial Management System Market Size By Component (Software, Hardware, Services), By Product (Enterprise Based, Site Based), By Delivery Mode (Web, Cloud, On Premise), By End Use (Pharmaceutical & Biopharmaceutical Companies, Clinical Research Organizations, Healthcare Providers), Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook (U.S., Canada, Germany, UK, France, Poland, Russia, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Brazil, Mexico, South Africa), Growth Potential, Price Trends, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2016  2024Global Market Insights, Inc., headquartered in Delaware, U.S., is a global market research and consulting service provider; offering syndicated and custom research reports along with growth consulting services. Our business intelligence and industry research reports offer clients with penetrative insights and actionable market data specially designed and presented to aid strategic decision making. These exhaustive reports are designed via a proprietary research methodology and are available for key industries such as chemicals, advanced materials, technology, renewable energy and biotechnology.Arun HegdeCorporate Sales, USAGlobal Market Insights, Inc.Phone: 1-302-846-7766Toll Free: 1-888-689-0688Email: sales@gminsights.comWeb:Blog:
Organic Oilseeds Market Pegged for Robust Expansion by 2026

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The key drivers of organic oilseed market are the demand of organic food products in food industry where consumers are preferring healthy snacks, food and healthy lifestyle due to increase in health problems. This driver has thrust the companies to offer organic product which satisfies the needs and preferences of consumers in best possible manner. On the other side the key trend which is influencing the demand of organic oilseeds in market is increase in consumption of ethnic cuisines as consumers always seeks for cuisines which have new flavor, natural quality or have some different taste. Another trend which is stimulating the growth of organic oil seed market is technology and innovation which are used by the manufacturers to extract oil from seeds. Companies implementing advanced technological equipment and methods to extract the large quantity of oil in quicker manner. There is also one of the factor which may restraint the organic oilseed market in future and it is due to uncertain changes in global climatic conditions which make direct impact on agriculture business.On the other side in terms of market share in perspective to market segment as organic oilseeds has primary demand in terms of food consumption where extracted oil is used for cooking in household and in preparing dishes by restaurants and hotels. Organic oil is used for cooking varieties of dishes, food recipes and also helps to enhance the taste, color, flavor and natural quality of food. In addition to this the demand of organic oilseeds will also be from the side of health care sector followed by food consumption. Organic oilseeds such as sunflower, sesame, soybean etc. helps in healthy digestion, control of blood level, cholesterol and for many other problems related to health.Organic oilseeds are grown by following the standards of organic farming and ensures that its natural quality remains same. These oilseeds are rich in nutrients, vitamins and minerals such as calcium, fiber, iron, magnesium and folate and in many other nutrients. Sunflower seeds, soybeans, palm kernel, sesame, rapeseeds etc. are some organic oilseeds which are used to extract edible oil which is used for cooking and for industrial usage. In last few decades, it was observed that food market has become highly dynamic as it has influenced from many factors such as continuous development in food products, ethnic food, taste, content of oil etc. Increasing awareness among the consumers towards health and wellness has leads to increase in demand of organic edible oil. These factors have made positive impact on demand of organic food in market.Market of organic oilseeds is segmented on three different aspects, first is on the basis of types ,second segment is in context to application of organic oilseeds and thirdly on the basis of product type. As per the market segment of organic oilseeds it is categorized into different types such as sunflower seeds, rapeseeds, soybean, copra, sesame, cottonseed and palm kernel are among the different types of oilseeds available in market. Similarly in context to market segment of organic oilseeds by application, it is divided into two parts as a food products and biofuel products. Further the market segment of food products in context to application insight, it is sub-segmented into further part. It is segmented as per the use of organic oilseeds in food consumption, animal feed and health care. From the above segment, majority of the market share in terms of market segment will be occupied in terms of application insight as mainly these seeds are used for consumption purpose only. On the basis of product type, the organic oilseeds market is segmented as oil, meal, hulls and other products. Out of these segments oil sub-segment I accounted for a major revenue contributor over the other segments. The meal sub-segment includes protein rich meal, defatted meal/oil pressed meal. Meal is majorly used as animal feed and other industrial applications.In most of the developing regions, it is observed that there is increase in disposal income of consumers and which has ultimately leads to increase in spending power of customers. Owing to this the results of forecasted period has estimated higher growth in demand of organic oilseeds market. Moreover, it will also develop its market from the side of health care sector as organic oilseeds are rich in nutrients, vitamins and minerals which mainly attract the consumers suffering health problems related to digestion, cholesterol and blood pressure.Request to view table of content @In terms of regional market segment, it will be divided into seven different regions of the world. These are North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, and Asia-Pacific region, Japan, Middle East and Africa. In terms of production of organic oilseeds, United States and Brazil acquires majority of proportion in terms of production. On the other side countries such as Japan, China, Russia and countries of European Union are some of the major importers of organic oilseeds.A sample of this report is available upon request @There are some of the key market players which are offering organic oilseeds in market. These are Oilseeds International Ltd., Cargill Incorporated, Bungee, Hattifood, Cootamundra Oilseeds, Burrus Seed, JDG Seed Company, Fediol, Archer Daniels Midland and Louis Dreyfus is some of the key market players which operate in the business of organic oilseeds.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.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA  Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Car Security System Market - Geographical and Competitive Dynamics, Report Overview

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The global car security system market has largely benefitted from the technological advancements over the past few years. Security system manufacturers are likely to capitalize on the proliferation of smart devices such as smartphones and smartwatches. They are offering security features in consumer mobile phones that will help them to track the car in case of theft. Moreover, with the growing adoption of the internet, companies are increasingly focusing on global positioning systems (GPS) and internet connectivity systems that are capable of providing advanced security.Fill the form for an exclusive sample of this report @The increasing cases of car theft worldwide are also escalating the growth of the global car security system market. Several governments are making it compulsory for automakers to install immobilizers as a standard feature in every new car. A case in point is the Western Australia Department of Transport that mandates the use of immobilizers before licensing and transferring a vehicle in a territory.This research report offers a detailed analysis of the various aspects of the global car security systems market. These aspects include market dynamics, trends, geographical segmentation, market size, and competitive landscape. Information from several sources such as press releases, paid databases, presentations, white papers, and journals was taken into account to compile this study on the global car security systems market and its affiliated industries. The report profiles prominent players in the market along with their business strategies, latest developments, and market share.The increasing sales of cars worldwide is a key factor driving the global car security systems market. Automakers are installing security systems in new vehicles in order to stand out in the competition. Moreover, the growing trend of telematics across the globe is providing comfort to car owners and easy car monitoring techniques, which is resulting in enhancement in car security. This is, therefore, working in favor of the growth of the market. Furthermore, the robust growth of aftermarket worldwide is providing a fillip to the market.Browse Market Research Report @On the other hand, the growth of the global car security system market is restrained by the high cost of production and installation. Automobile manufacturers are providing advanced car security systems only in premium variants of cars, which is negatively influencing the growth of the market. However, the increasing establishment of car production plants in emerging economies such as Mexico, India, and China is creating new growth opportunities for the market.The key regional markets analyzed in this research report are Europe, Asia Pacific, North America, and Rest of the World. Asia Pacific is anticipated to command a large share of the overall market revenue owing to the flourishing growth of the automotive sector. The increasing vehicle production capacity, rising exports of automobiles, and the expanding aftermarket are collectively fuelling the growth of the region. The rising trend of installing safety features in vehicles is another factor bolstering the growth of the region.North America and Europe are expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period. The presence of a wide base of affluent customers is propelling the demand for vehicles in these regions, which in turn is working in favor of the car security systems market. In addition, North America, particularly the U.S., is a home to various car manufacturing giants such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Fiat-Chrysler Automotive. This provides a significant boost to the growth of the North America region. In Europe, Germany, the U.K., Italy, and France will be the major contributors.The global market for car security systems is highly fragmented. Companies in the market are increasingly focusing on those regions where car OEMs are establishing their new production plants. Some of the prominent players in the global market are Strattec Security Corporation, Omron Automotive Electronics Co. Ltd, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Denso Corporation, Delphi Automotive LLP, Honda Lock Mfg. Co Ltd, Witte Automotive, Aisin Seiki Co. Ltd, Continental AG, Kiekert AG, Tokai Rika Co Ltd, Robert Bosch Gmbh, Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. KG, U-Shin Ltd, Shiroki Corporation, Lear Corporation, Mitsui Kinzoku Act Corporation, and Hulsbeck & Furst GmbH & Co. KG.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:
Alginate Market Pegged for Robust Expansion by 2024

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Alginates market are type of hydrocolloids which are extracted from brown seaweed. It has different functional properties such as thickening agent, ability to form gel and its usage to form films of sodium and calcium. Alginate has varieties of application in food, textile, printing, dyeing, pharmaceutical and in cosmetic industry. Apart from this, it also has application as binding agent for welding rods and in preparing animal feed. Europe and Asia Pacific dominates the alginate market over the forecast period in terms of volume.Key market drivers which influence the demand of alginate in market is from the food and beverage manufacturers due to its functional properties such as thickening agent, gelling agent, stabilizer, emulsifier and film-forming property. Reason behind its increasing demand in food industry is due to its extraction from natural seaweeds, one of safest food additive in food industry and also certified by FAO/WHO. Food and beverage manufacturers primarily used alginate as thickening agent and texture-improver. On the other side, it is also gaining its demand from textile industry as it is primarily used for printing, designing and dyeing on cotton and jute fabrics.Market of Alginate is segmented in two different basis including on the basis of form and on the basis of application. As per the market segment by form, it is segmented in three different form of alginate which are sodium alginate, calcium alginate and potassium alginate. Sodium alginate has varieties of application in food and textile printing industry and due to which it is expected that it fuels the market growth of alginate over the forecast period. Further, market segment of alginate is segmented on the basis of its application which includes food and beverage, paper, textile, pharmaceutical and other (welding, pet food and cosmetic). Primary demand of alginate in global market accounts from food and beverage, paper and textile industry. In food and beverage industry, demand of alginate is increasing due its higher demand in preparing products such as ice cream, jellies, salads, alcoholic drinks, lactic drinks etc. and in many other products. Key reason behind the increasing demand of alginate in food and beverage industry is also due to its multifunctional properties as it plays significant role as thickening and gelling agent, emulsifier, stabilizer and used to enhance the texture of food recipes. In context to its demand in paper and textile industry, it is used for dying and printing purpose and to control the viscosity in processing of final product. Further, alginate is also gaining its demand form pharmaceutical industry where it has application in manufacturing of tablets, liquid medicines and for making dental impression materials. On the basis of market share, results of alginate market on pie chart shows that, food and beverage industry and textile industry dominates the alginate market over the forecast period.Request to view table of content @On the basis of regional segment, market of alginate is segmented into five regions namely: North America, Latin America, Europe and Middle East and Africa. As per the alginate production, major producing regions are Europe and Asia Pacific and contributes majority of market share in global level market. In terms of value, it is expected that Europe and North America accounted to major share in terms of value and also as a lucrative market in near future.A sample of this report is available upon request @Some of the key players which are operating in alginate market are: DuPont, KIMICA Corporation, Qingdao Rongde Seaweed Co., Ltd., Prestige Brands, Inc., Cargill, Incorporated, Qingdao Liyang Seaweed Industrial Co.,Ltd, Shandong Jiejing Group Corporation, Prinova Europe Limited, Compania Espanola de Algas Marinas S.A. and A2 Trading GmbH.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.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA  Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Global Hydraulic Cylinder Industry Will Grow Steadily At A CAGR Of 4.39% During The Period 2016-2020

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Global Hydraulic Cylinder Market 2016-2020" to its huge collection of research reports.The hydraulic cylinder industry will see a steady growth during the forecast period due to a continuous demand from the agriculture, construction equipment, mining equipment, material handling equipment, industrial equipment, aerospace, and defense sectors.Technavios analysts forecast the global hydraulic cylinder market to grow at a CAGR of 4.39% during the period 2016-2020.Covered in this reportThe report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global hydraulic cylinder market for 2016-2020. To calculate the market size, the report discusses major drivers that are influencing market growth and challenges faced by vendors and the market as a whole.The market is divided into the following segments based on geography:AmericasAPACEMEATo Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Technavio's report, Global Hydraulic Cylinder Market 2016-2020, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.Key vendorsBosch RexrothEatonHYDACParker HannifinWEBER-HYDRAULIKOther prominent vendorsBengbu Yeli MachineryCaterpillarDongyang MechatronicsEnergy ManufacturingEnerpacHunger HydraulikHydratech IndustriesHyvaKCCKomatsuKYBLigon IndustriesPacomaPrecision HydraulicSMCTexas HydraulicsWrenWipro Infrastructure EngineeringYukenMarket driverRising demand for food and fiber to drive agricultural industry.For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challengeLimitations in repair and servicing of hydraulic cylinders.For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket trendRising popularity of integrated solution and servicing.For a full, detailed list, view our reportKey questions answered in this reportWhat will the market size be in 2020 and what will the growth rate be?What are the key market trends?What is driving this market?What are the challenges to market growth?Who are the key vendors in this market space?What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key vendors?What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors?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 Nucleic Acid Testing Industry Will Grow Steadily At A CAGR Of 9.96% During The Period 2016-2020

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Global Nucleic Acid Testing Market 2016-2020" to its huge collection of research reports.Nucleic acid testing (NAT) is the process involved in the detection of viral DNAs and RNAs in blood samples of individuals. NAT or nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) is one of the fastest growing segments in the in-vitro diagnostics market (IVD). There are different types of NAT techniques such as Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Strand displacement amplification (SDA), Ligase chain reaction (LCR), Transcription-mediated amplification (TMA), Nucleic acid sequence based amplification (NASBA) and whole genome sequencing.Technavios analysts forecast the global nucleic acid testing market to grow at a CAGR of 9.96% during the period 2016-2020.Covered in this reportThe report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global nucleic acid testing market for 2016-2020. To calculate the market size, the report presents the vendor landscape and a corresponding detailed analysis of the top vendors operating in the market.The market is divided into the following segments based on geography:AmericasAPACEMEATo Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Technavio's report, Global Nucleic Acid Testing Market 2016-2020, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.Key vendorsAbbott LaboratoriesRoche Molecular SystemsSiemens HealthineersHologicQiagenOther prominent vendorsAccriva DiagnosticsAcon LaboratoriesAffymetrixAhram BiosystemAsuragenBiocartisBio-Rad LaboratoriesCepheidDiagCorEKF DiagnosticsErba DiagnosticsRandox LaboratoriesMarket driverHigher adoption rate of molecular point-of-care (POC) testing.For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challengeRisks associated with molecular diagnosis.For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket trendAdvances in precision and personalized medicine.For a full, detailed list, view our reportKey questions answered in this reportWhat will the market size be in 2020 and what will the growth rate be?What are the key market trends?What is driving this market?What are the challenges to market growth?Who are the key vendors in this market space?What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key vendors?What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors?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 @
Contrast Media Injectors Market is expected to demonstrate a CAGR of 5.6% during 2015-2025

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Contrast media injectors are devices used for insertion of contrast media prior to diagnostics imaging procedures such as CT and MRI scans for enhancement of the quality of images obtained. Contrast media injectors provide features such as pre-loaded protocols and safety features to avoid extravasations to assist physicians while contrast media insertion. Contrast media injectors minimize the chances of ill-effects such as air emboli formation that can be caused due to improper insertion of contrast media. Contrast media injectors are being implemented significantly as it reduces wastage of contrast media volume.Global contrast media injectors market is expected to be valued at US$ 1,773.4 Mn by the end of 2025, owing to increasing application in drug discovery segment for drug-cell interaction analysis.Drivers and TrendsIncreasing prevalence of chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease, increasing incidence of trauma cases and rising ageing population across the globe are expected to fuel revenue growth of the global contrast media injectors market over the forecast period, owing to increasing demand for early diagnosis of chronic disease to minimize the economic burden incurred on a nation for treatment. Emergence of alternative techniques such as usage of biomarkers for detection of cancer, high costs of contrast media injectors are some of the factors expected to hamper growth of the global contrast media injectors market to a certain extent. Major trends in the contrast media injectors market include increased adoption of automated contrast media injectors especially in hospitals to couple the injectors with hospital information systems (HIS). HIS is a database where medical records of patients are stored. Contrast media injectors can automatically access the patients data once it is coupled with HIS, and can adjust the dose accordingly, minimizing the chances of human error.Request For Sample@Analysis by RegionNorth America is expected to dominate the global contrast media injectors market and is projected to register a CAGR of 6.2% in terms of value over the forecast period. The market in the U.S is expected to dominate the North America contrast media injectors market throughout the forecast period. North America contrast media injectors market accounted for 33.5% revenue share in 2014. Japan market is projected to witness a healthy CAGR of 5.8% during the forecast period. APEJ market is estimated to account for 10.7% revenue share in the global contrast media injectors market in 2015.Analysis by ProductIn terms of volume, CT injectors segment is expected to account for the maximum share in the global contrast media injectors market over the forecast period. MRI injectors segment is expected to register highest CAGR over the forecast period, in terms of volume. CT injectors segment is expected to dominate the global contrast media injectors market, in terms of revenue, owing to high installed base of CT scanners in hospitals across the globe as compared to other diagnostics imaging devices. In terms of volume and value, cardiology injectors segment is expected to register lowest CAGR over the forecast period.Analysis by End UserOn the basis of end user, contrast media injectors market is segmented into hospitals, ambulatory surgical centres and diagnostics centres. In terms of value and volume, diagnostics centres segment is expected to register lowest CAGR by over the forecast period. Hospitals segment revenue growth is majorly driven by increasing installations of imaging modalities in hospitals. Increasing adoption of contrast media injectors among physicians for early diagnosis of chronic disease, especially in the field of oncology and cardiology is fueling revenue growth of the contrast media injectors market.Send An Enquiry@Competitive LandscapeKey market players covered in this report are Mallinckrodt, Guerbet SA, Bayer AG, Bracco Imaging S.p.A., Ulrich GmbH & Co. KG., Medtron AG and Nemoto Kyorindo Co. Ltd. Major players in contrast media injectors market focus on enhancing their global and regional presence through introduction of novel products and strategic operational expansion. Medrad Inc. (Bayer AG) was the market leader in the global contrast media injectors market in 2014, owing to a broad product portfolio.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:
Middle East Residential Water Treatment Devices Market to Reach US$ 855 Mn by 2025

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Residential water treatment devices help eradicate undesirable chemicals, gases, suspended solids or biological contaminants from water, thus making it safe to consume. The residential water treatment devices market has been experiencing stable growth over the years due to: improved availability of purification and filtration devices, wide product choice, and growth in population, with the last factor having resulted in increased contamination of fresh water sources and rise in construction of new residential buildings.Drivers, Restraints & TrendsTotal population of the Middle East & Africa stood at approximately 346 million in 2015 and is expected to grow at a rate of 2% per annum. The Middle East & Africa market is also witnessing mass migration of people to urban centers, leading to increased demand for water purifiers in these centers. Economies of North Africa, on the other hand, have also been expanding at a healthy growth rates in the last few years, a factor which in turn is expected to further fuel growth of the overall residential water treatment devices market in the MEA region. GCC region is witnessing entry of globally established water purifier brands, which has resulted into increased competition in the market. Increased competition, in turn, ensures marginal decline in price of residential water treatment devices in the retail market. Around 44% of the Middle East & Africa population still lives in rural area and is not aware about the necessity and techniques of purifying and filtering water. Penetrating these markets may be a challenging task for the concerned market participants, as most of the vendors will have to begin by creating awareness regarding water purifiers and filters and the importance of these products. The combination water purification system is a new emerging trend that is likely to gain ground in the coming years. These combination system employs two different treatment technologies in one system. Players such as AquaPro and Kent have started offering RO+UV-based combination water purifiers in the GCC and Levant countries.Request Free Report Sample@Analysis, by RegionRegion-wise, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia dominated the GCC residential water treatment devices market in terms of value in 2014, accounting for more than one-third value share of the residential water treatment devices market in the region. On the other hand, Turkey dominated the Levant residential water treatment devices market in 2014, accounting for more than 40% value share of the overall market in the region. Furthermore, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is foreseen to expand at a relatively high CAGR during the forecast period and is expected to maintain its revenue share dominance in the GCC residential water treatment devices market till the end of 2025. The governments in the Levant and GCC regions are increasingly investing and opening up to Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) and promoting industrialization, thereby leading to increase in per capita income of the residing population in countries such as Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Countries such as the UAE, Qatar, Egypt and Jordan are expected to register significant Y-o-Y growth during the forecast period. Besides, these countries are expected to bestow more focus on growth of their non-oil and manufacturing sectors in the coming years, which in turn is expected to encourage the water purifier and water filter manufacturers in these countries to go in for domestic production and enhance their sales. Countries such as Bahrain, Iraq, Palestine and Syria are currently witnessing moderate growth in demand for residential water treatment devices, and the trend is expected to continue during the forecast period as well.middle-east-residential-water-treatment-devices-marketAnalysis, by Segment:On the basis of filtration devices, the filtration faucet segment dominated the GCC & Levant residential water treatment devices market in 2014 in terms of revenue, and is foreseen to expand at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. In terms of volume, the water tap faucet segment dominated the GCC & Levant residential water treatment devices market in 2014, accounting for more than half volume share of the overall market.Send An Enquiry@On the basis of purification devices, the reverse osmosis segment dominated the GCC & Levant residential water treatment devices market in 2014 in terms of revenue, and is foreseen to expand at a relatively high CAGR during the forecast period. In terms of volume, the gravity segment purification devices dominated the GCC & Levant residential water treatment devices market in 2014, accounting for more than 40% volume share of the overall market.Key Players:Key players considered in the global automotive wiring harness market are KENT RO Systems Ltd., Eureka Forbes, Britannic Water Treatment Company W.L.L., Panasonic Corporation, LG Electronics, Pure It LLC, Waterlife, Coolpex Pure Water System, Ultra Tec Water Treatment LLC and AQUA PRO UAE.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:Future Market Insights616 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:
Advertisement Blockers Market - Forecast, Demand, Outlook And Market Research Report

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Online advertising is method of marketing through the use of Internet to convey promotional messages to users and it is done in such a way that is diverts the Internet users attention. Online advertisements comes in a variety of forms including banner ads, text ads, sponsored links, sponsored stories, pictures and animations, and sometimes in the form of pop-up windows employing an auto-play of audio or video. Most of the time these advertisements are disturbing, thus annoying the end users. Moreover, these advertisements also compel user to watch full screen video, while the user is browsing to read an article. Furthermore, these ads cost users money in terms of data usage. To ensure safety and sidestep such incidences consumers are now using ad blockers.Fill the form for an exclusive sample of this report @Advertisement blocking is also referred as advertisement filtering. It is the removal of any undesirable advertising content in a webpage by installing an appropriate web extension/plugin. Suitable extensions are available on all key web browsers, besides they are fast and easy to install. Some of these extensions are available open-source, while rest are available in the form of commercial projects. In early days these advertisement blockers were only compatible with desktop browsers; however, with the recent rise in the use of mobile device advertisement blockers have made their way to smartphones.One of the major factors driving advertisement blockers market includes need for privacy, these advertisements are programmed to monitor users browsing activity. Most of the Internet users are not comfortable in sharing their browsing data to these anonymous publishers and hence to safeguard their privacy and to preserve user identity the advertisement blockers are becoming rapidly popular which is likely to support expansion of the market. Furthermore, a lot of irrelevant content appears through these advertisements, which users find annoying and hence it is another factor boosting the growth of this market. Additionally, to ensure security from criminal activities, advertisement blockers are in great demand. Criminals have a huge reach and through malicious software that encrypts data, they can demand for monetary returns, hence this is one of the key factors driving the market.Browse Market Research Report @Though advertisement blockers benefits users by reducing page load time it also results into broken links and disturbs the web browsers settings, thus affecting the entire user experience. This is one of the factors hindering the growth of ad blockers market.Advertisement blockers are threats for the online marketing companies, as advertising is the only source of revenue for them and blocking of advertisement badly affects the companys earning and often leads to loss in terms of money.The key players the advertisement blocker market include Eyeo GmbH, Ghostery, Inc., Adguard and uBlock Origin, and Privacy Badger (Developed by Electronic Frontier Foundation). In coming years with rising impact of machine learning technology and analytics the ad blocking quality is expected to improve.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:
North America UV Cure Printing Inks Market Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast Research Report 2016 - 2024

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "UV Cure Printing Inks Market - North America Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2016 - 2024" to its huge collection of research reports.Ultraviolet curing (UV curing) is a photochemical process wherein high intensity UV light is used to cure or dry inks, adhesives or coatings. UV cure inks speed up the printing process by reducing the drying time while facilitating superior bonding. UV cure inks do not employ the use of environmentally harmful solvents, additionally; they do not cause loss of coating thickness and volume loss in final prints.The report provides in-depth analysis and forecast of the UV Cure Printing Inks Market in North America. It includes forecast for the period from 2016 to 2024 in terms of volume (Kilo Tons) and revenue (US$ Mn). Quantitative data has been derived through extensive secondary research of the UV Cure Printing Inks Market in North America. Secondary sources typically include company websites, relevant magazines, government documents, and press releases. The top-down approach has been adopted to derive the revenue and volume figures for the UV Cure Printing Inks Market in North America.Furthermore, the bottom-up approach has been employed to derive data for various application segments based on demand for UV cure printing inks. A combination of top-down and bottom-up approaches helps validate the quantitative data. The data was further validated with the help of primary research with industry experts to ensure accuracy of derived numbers.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @North America UV Cure Printing Inks Market: Scope of the StudyDetailed analysis of various factors driving the UV Cure Printing Inks Market in North America has been included for astute decision making. Impact of these drivers has been analyzed with data to substantiate research findings. Furthermore, factors restraining market growth have been included for better understanding of the market. Impact of these restraints has been analyzed over the course of the forecast period. The report also comprises various opportunities available for market growth during the next eight years. Opportunities entail untapped or recently explored factors that are anticipated to drive the UV Cure Printing Inks Market in North America during the forecast period.The report includes value chain analysis to help understand the industry thoroughly. Value chain analysis comprises detailed evaluation of the roles of various entities involved in the printing inks industry, from raw material suppliers to end-users. Various processes employed in the manufacture of printing inks have been included in the value chain analysis. Porters Five Forces model has been employed to determine the degree of competition in the market during the forecast period.Company market share analysis has been included for better understanding of the competitive landscape. Company market share analysis comprises the market share of dominant players in 2015, based on their production capacities. Furthermore, market attractiveness analysis has been conducted to analyze product segments that are expected to be lucrative during the forecast period. This is based on various factors such as market size, growth rate, profitability, raw material procurement, and competition in each product segment.North America UV Cure Printing Inks Market: SegmentationThe report comprises detailed analysis of all the segments in the UV Cure Printing Inks Market in North America and forecast based on current and future trends in the industry in terms of volume (tons) and revenue (US$ Mn). These inks can be classified into liquid and paste. Liquid inks are employed in gravure and flexographic printing processes, while paste inks are used in offset printing process. Pigments are extensively used in printing inks as colorants (except in flexographic printing process). Invisible or fluorescent printing dye stuff is used as colorants in flexographic printing process and some other special applications such as heat transfer printing.Based on application, the UV Cure Printing Inks Market in North America has been segmented into screen printing inks, flexographic printing inks, gravure printing inks, offset printing inks, digital printing inks, and specialty inks.In terms of end-user, the market has been segmented into publication & commercial printing, packaging, and others (textile, decorative inks, etc.). Demand for printing inks in each of its application segments has been analyzed and forecast for the period of eight years.Companies mentioned in this research reportThe report also comprises profiles of leading companies in the UV Cure Printing Inks Market in North America. These include Sun Chemical Corporation, Flint Group, Siegwerk Druckfarben AG & Co. KGaA, E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, Electronics For Imaging, Inc, FUJIFILM Corporation, Marabu North America, Huber Group, Toyo Ink America, LLC, INX International Ink Co, Nazdar, and Wikoff Color Corporation. Various attributes of these companies such as company overview, business strategies, and recent developments form the core of the company profiles section.This report segments the UV Cure Printing Inks Market in North America as follows:UV Cure Printing Inks Market  Product Analysis- Arc Curing- LED CuringUV Cure Printing Inks Market  Application Analysis- Flexographic Printing Inks- Gravure Printing Inks- Offset Printing Inks- Digital Printing Inks- Screen Printing InksUV Cure Printing Inks Market  End-user Analysis- Publication & Commercial Printing- Packaging- Others (Textile, Decorative inks, 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 @
Europe Industrial Gear Industry Analysis and Forecast 2016 - 2024 | New Release

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Industrial Gear Market - Europe Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2016 - 2024" to its huge collection of research reports.This report provides strategic analysis of the Europe industrial gearmarket, and the market growth forecast for the period 2016 to 2024. The scope of the report includes competitive analysis of various market segments based on the types, end use industries of the industrial gear market.Spur gears are the simplest type of gears that have straight teeth and are mounted on parallel shafts. These gears are used in material handling equipment, power plants, steel mills among others. Demand of these gears are high as they are easy to install and are compact, reliable and can transmit huge amount of power.Due to easy installation and reliability of these gears, spur gears is acting as one of the key trend in the industrial gears market in the region of Europe. Another major advantage of these gears is that it offers constant velocity ratio.Europe industrial gear market is mostly privatized and the industry comprises both international and local companies. Considering the new technologies introduced in the industrial gear market, the market provides attractive opportunities for the manufacturers of industrial gears. As a result of which, the market is experiencing an important level of competition.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Industrial gears help in reducing the mechanical works in industries as it performs tasks by implementing less effort. It helps in operating various machines and carry out heavy works easily. These gears are used in heavy industries which help in changing direction of rotational force from one axis to other.The Europe industrial gear market is restrained by the huge cost of maintenance. One of the major concern for the manufacturing industries is the maintenance of the gears. Moreover, the cost of the spares are high and would incur huge cost.Advancement in technology is an important opportunity in the Europe industrial gear market.Companies are focused on redesigning gears that are likely to produce less noise, heat and will increase the life cycle of the gears.Europe Industrial Gear Market: SegmentationOn the basis of end use industries the industrial gear market is bifurcated into oil and gas, steel and manufacturing, material handling, machine tools, pulp and paper, automotive, mining, plastic, cement and others. Material handling accounted for the highest market revenue in 2015. It is one of the major part of industry practice and the material handling methods result in improved productivity and less cycle time. The material handling industry is primarily categorized as cranes and hoisting technologies. In this industry, gears are used in tower cranes, gantry crane, drilling rigs, offshore cranes among others. This segment accounted for the highest revenue share in 2015.Based on gear types the market is bifurcated into helical gears, bevel gears, worm gears, spur gears, herringbone gears, hypoid gears, crown gears, skew gears, spiral gears, non-circular gears, epicyclic gears, harmonic gears, magnetic gears and others. The helical gears accounted for the highest revenue share in 2015. Helical gears are the cylindrical gears having a slanted tooth trace. As the gear is curved, the angling makes the tooth shape a segment of a helix. These gears are engaged in heavy load applications and is used to transmit the power and motion between two parallel shaft and non-parallel shaft as well. The major constraints of this gear is that it requires more maintenance like proper lubrications, because of the greater sliding movement between the mating gear teeth. The helical gears are used in various applications like steel, fertilizers, plastic, food industries and many others. This gear accounted for highest revenue share in 2015.Moreover, the market is also segmented based on country that includes the U.K., Germany, Italy, France and Rest of Europe.Europe Industrial Gear Market: Competitive DynamicsSome of the leading players in the market are Siemens AG (Germany), Klingelnberg GmbH (Switzerland), Precipart Corporation (U.S.), RenoldPlc (U.K.), BonfiglioliRiduttori S.P.A. (Italy), BMT International S.A. (Luxembourg), Rossi SpA (Italy), Getriebebau NORD GmbH & Co. KG (Germany), NGC (China), Sumitomo Heavy Industries Ltd. (Japan) among others.The market has been segmented as follows:Europe Industrial Gear market, by type:- Helical Gears- Bevel Gears- Worm Gears- Spur Gears- Herringbone Gears- Hypoid Gears- Crown Gears- Skew Gears- Spiral Gears- Non-circular Gears- Epicyclic Gears- Harmonic Gears- Magnetic Gears- OthersEurope Industrial Gear market, by End Use Industries:- Oil and Gas- Steel and manufacturing- Material Handling- Machine Tools- Pulp and Paper- Automotive- Mining- Plastic- Cement- OthersEurope Industrial Gear market, by Country:- U.K.- Germany- France- Italy- Rest of EuropeMake 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 @
Deep Packet Inspection and Processing Market - Opportunities, Regional Outlook, Competitive Insight And Market Overview

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Deep packet inspection (DPI) is a technology which allow network owner to analyze data packets in real-time. In DPI process, the network operator can investigate data packets beyond the basic header i.e. sender and receiver address. That means, unlike Internet protocol (IP), DPI can access the payload of the IP packets which allows network operators to control and classify, internet traffic based on the content, subscribers and applications. Thus, DPI, intelligently determines the content of a packet and retrieves information for statistical and analytical purpose. The improving internet security standards globally, is the one of the key trends influencing the growth of DPI and processing market.Fill the form for an exclusive sample of this report @DPI and processing market is widely segmented on the basis of component type, applications and end-use verticals. On the basis of component type, DPI and processing market is further classified as intrusion detection and prevention system, network improvement, data prevention & management and services. Services segment further include, system installation and training, maintenance, and consulting. With millions of internet connectivity achieved throughout the world, DPI and processing market is widely adopted in many applications. In terms applications, DPI and processing market is categorized as network security, network management (content optimization, billing and metering applications, load balancing and network and subscriber analysis), monitoring and interception, targeted advertising, copyright enforcement, and content regulation. Based on end-use verticals, DPI and processing market is further segmented into, telecom and IT, government, military and defense, healthcare, transport & logistics, manufacturing & retail, banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI) and others (education and energy).Browse Market Research Report @Augmenting demand for improved internet security is the key market driver in DPI and processing market. The increasing threats in the form of spam, worm and virus has resulted in strong demand of improved cyber security especially among data-sensitive institutions. According to Internet Security Threat Report published by Symantec Corporation based in Mountain View, California, the U.S. in April 2016, 430 Million new malware were diagnosed in 2015 which is 36% more than 2014. This information reveals that, malware threat is the growing significantly, which in turn is likely to proliferate the growth of deep packet inspection and processing market. Additionally, strong demand to improve network performance and reduce the capital expenses (CapEx) and operation expenses (OpEx), is further fuelling the adoption of latest DPI systems among all the business segments. DPI and processing requires robust hardware to process and retrieve information at real time processing speed. This hardware is often highly priced which make its adoption challenging in small and medium enterprises. This factor is likely to restrain the growth of DPI and processing market. Alongside this, lack of awareness of DPI and processing technology especially in economies such as China, India, Indonesia, and Brazil is expected to curb its market growth. Moreover, concerns over data privacy in the critical IP packets especially in government and defense organization is likely to suppress the market growth of DPI and processing market. With, trending internet of things for connected digital ecosystem and dramatic increase in internet service adoption through smartphones and laptops, projects a significant market opportunity for DPI and processing manufacturers/players.Globally, North America region is the likely to dominate in terms of adoption of DPI and processing technology. The early development and strict government reforms to ensure security of online data are the key factors driving the DPI and processing market in the region. However, with rising use internet services among commercial and public organizations and increasing data security threats in Asia Pacific region, this region is expected to show strong market growth in near term.Some of the key players operating in DPI and processing market are Cisco Systems, Inc., IBM Corporation, Symantec Corporation, Intel Corporation, H-P Enterprise Company Radisys Corporation and Palo Alto Networks, Inc.About Us :Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.TMRs data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With extensive research and analysis capabilities, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques to develop distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.Contact Us :-Transparency Market ResearchState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Global Emulsion Paints for Decorative Purposes Industry Analysis 2017 | Now Available at Researchmoz.us

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Global Emulsion Paints for Decorative Purposes Industry 2017, Trends and Forecast Report" to its huge collection of research reports.Emulsion Paints for Decorative Purposes Report by Material, Application, and Geography Global Forecast to 2021 is a professional and in-depth research report on the world's major regional market conditions, focusing on the main regions (North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific) and the main countries (United States, Germany, united Kingdom, Japan, South Korea and China).The report firstly introduced the Emulsion Paints for Decorative Purposes basics: definitions, classifications, applications and market overview; product specifications; manufacturing processes; cost structures, raw materials and so on. Then it analyzed the world's main region market conditions, including the product price, profit, capacity, production, supply, demand and market growth rate and forecast etc. In the end, the report introduced new project SWOT analysis, investment feasibility analysis, and investment return analysis.The report includes six parts, dealing with:1.) basic information;2.) the Asia Emulsion Paints for Decorative Purposes Market;3.) the North American Emulsion Paints for Decorative Purposes Market;4.) the European Emulsion Paints for Decorative Purposes Market;5.) market entry and investment feasibility;6.) the report conclusion.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Table of ContentsPart I Emulsion Paints for Decorative Purposes Industry OverviewChapter One Emulsion Paints for Decorative Purposes Industry Overview1.1 Emulsion Paints for Decorative Purposes Definition1.2 Emulsion Paints for Decorative Purposes Classification Analysis1.2.1 Emulsion Paints for Decorative Purposes Main Classification Analysis1.2.2 Emulsion Paints for Decorative Purposes Main Classification Share Analysis1.3 Emulsion Paints for Decorative Purposes Application Analysis1.3.1 Emulsion Paints for Decorative Purposes Main Application Analysis1.3.2 Emulsion Paints for Decorative Purposes Main Application Share Analysis1.4 Emulsion Paints for Decorative Purposes Industry Chain Structure Analysis1.5 Emulsion Paints for Decorative Purposes Industry Development Overview1.5.1 Emulsion Paints for Decorative Purposes Product History Development Overview1.5.1 Emulsion Paints for Decorative Purposes Product Market Development Overview1.6 Emulsion Paints for Decorative Purposes Global Market Comparison Analysis1.6.1 Emulsion Paints for Decorative Purposes Global Import Market Analysis1.6.2 Emulsion Paints for Decorative Purposes Global Export Market Analysis1.6.3 Emulsion Paints for Decorative Purposes Global Main Region Market Analysis1.6.4 Emulsion Paints for Decorative Purposes Global Market Comparison Analysis1.6.5 Emulsion Paints for Decorative Purposes Global Market Development Trend AnalysisChapter Two Emulsion Paints for Decorative Purposes Up and Down Stream Industry Analysis2.1 Upstream Raw Materials Analysis2.1.1 Upstream Raw Materials Price Analysis2.1.2 Upstream Raw Materials Market Analysis2.1.3 Upstream Raw Materials Market Trend2.2 Down Stream Market Analysis2.1.1 Down Stream Market Analysis2.2.2 Down Stream Demand Analysis2.2.3 Down Stream Market Trend AnalysisPart II Asia Emulsion Paints for Decorative Purposes Industry (The Report Company Including the Below Listed But Not All)Chapter Three Asia Emulsion Paints for Decorative Purposes Market Analysis3.1 Asia Emulsion Paints for Decorative Purposes Product Development History3.2 Asia Emulsion Paints for Decorative Purposes Competitive Landscape Analysis3.3 Asia Emulsion Paints for Decorative Purposes Market Development TrendChapter Four 2012-2017 Asia Emulsion Paints for Decorative Purposes Productions Supply Sales Demand Market Status and Forecast4.1 2012-2017 Emulsion Paints for Decorative Purposes Capacity Production Overview4.2 2012-2017 Emulsion Paints for Decorative Purposes Production Market Share Analysis4.3 2012-2017 Emulsion Paints for Decorative Purposes Demand Overview4.4 2012-2017 Emulsion Paints for Decorative Purposes Supply Demand and Shortage4.5 2012-2017 Emulsion Paints for Decorative Purposes Import Export Consumption4.6 2012-2017 Emulsion Paints for Decorative Purposes Cost Price Production Value Gross MarginChapter Five Asia Emulsion Paints for Decorative Purposes Key Manufacturers Analysis5.1 Company A5.1.1 Company Profile5.1.2 Product Picture and Specification5.1.3 Product Application Analysis5.1.4 Capacity Production Price Cost Production Value5.1.5 Contact Information5.2 Company B5.2.1 Company Profile5.2.2 Product Picture and Specification5.2.3 Product Application Analysis5.2.4 Capacity Production Price Cost Production Value5.2.5 Contact Information5.3 Company C5.3.1 Company Profile5.3.2 Product Picture and Specification5.3.3 Product Application Analysis5.3.4 Capacity Production Price Cost Production Value5.3.5 Contact Information5.4 Company D5.4.1 Company Profile5.4.2 Product Picture and Specification5.4.3 Product Application Analysis5.4.4 Capacity Production Price Cost Production Value5.4.5 Contact Information......Chapter Six Asia Emulsion Paints for Decorative Purposes Industry Development Trend6.1 2017-2021 Emulsion Paints for Decorative Purposes Capacity Production Overview6.2 2017-2021 Emulsion Paints for Decorative Purposes Production Market Share Analysis6.3 2017-2021 Emulsion Paints for Decorative Purposes Demand Overview6.4 2017-2021 Emulsion Paints for Decorative Purposes Supply Demand and Shortage6.5 2017-2021 Emulsion Paints for Decorative Purposes Import Export Consumption6.6 2017-2021 Emulsion Paints for Decorative Purposes Cost Price Production Value Gross MarginMake 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 Microbial Biosurfactants Consumption Market Research Report 2016 | Now Available at Researchmoz.us

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Global Microbial Biosurfactants Consumption 2016 Market Research Report" to its huge collection of research reports.The Global Microbial Biosurfactants Consumption 2016 Market Research Report is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the Microbial Biosurfactants market.First, the report provides a basic overview of the Microbial Biosurfactants industry including definitions, classifications, applications and industry chain structure. And development policies and plans are discussed as well as manufacturing processes and cost structures.Secondly, the report states the global Microbial Biosurfactants market size (volume and value), and the segment markets by regions, types, applications and companies are also discussed.Third, the Microbial Biosurfactants market analysis is provided for major regions including USA, Europe, China and Japan, and other regions can be added. For each region, market size and end users are analyzed as well as segment markets by types, applications and companies.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Then, the report focuses on global major leading industry players with information such as company profiles, product picture and specifications, sales, market share and contact information. Whats more, the Microbial Biosurfactants industry development trends and marketing channels are analyzed.Finally, the feasibility of new investment projects is assessed, and overall research conclusions are offered.In a word, the report provides major statistics on the state of the industry and is a valuable source of guidance and direction for companies and individuals interested in the market.Table of Contents1 Industry Overview of Microbial Biosurfactants1.1 Definition and Specifications of Microbial Biosurfactants1.1.1 Definition of Microbial Biosurfactants1.1.2 Specifications of Microbial Biosurfactants1.2 Classification of Microbial Biosurfactants1.3 Applications of Microbial Biosurfactants1.4 Industry Chain Structure of Microbial Biosurfactants1.5 Industry Overview and Major Regions Status of Microbial Biosurfactants1.5.1 Industry Overview of Microbial Biosurfactants1.5.2 Global Major Regions Status of Microbial Biosurfactants1.6 Industry Policy Analysis of Microbial Biosurfactants1.7 Industry News Analysis of Microbial Biosurfactants2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Microbial Biosurfactants2.1 Raw Material Suppliers and Price Analysis of Microbial Biosurfactants2.2 Equipment Suppliers and Price Analysis of Microbial Biosurfactants2.3 Labor Cost Analysis of Microbial Biosurfactants2.4 Other Costs Analysis of Microbial Biosurfactants2.5 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Microbial Biosurfactants2.6 Manufacturing Process Analysis of Microbial Biosurfactants3 Global Market Size (Volume and Value), Sales and Sale Price Analysis of Microbial Biosurfactants3.1 Global Market Size (Volume and Value) and Growth Rate of Microbial Biosurfactants 2011-20163.2 Global Market Size (Volume and Value) of Microbial Biosurfactants by Regions 2011-20163.3 Global Market Size (Volume and Value) of Microbial Biosurfactants by Types 2011-20163.4 Global Market Size (Volume and Value) of Microbial Biosurfactants by Applications 2011-20163.5 Global Sales Volume and Sales Revenue of Microbial Biosurfactants by Companies 2011-20163.6 Global Sale Price of Microbial Biosurfactants by Regions 2011-20163.7 Global Sale Price of Microbial Biosurfactants by Types 2011-20163.8 Global Sale Price of Microbial Biosurfactants by Applications 2011-20163.9 Global Sale Price of Microbial Biosurfactants by Companies 2011-20164 USA Market Size (Volume and Value), Sales, Sale Price and End Users Analysis of Microbial Biosurfactants4.1 USA Market Size (Volume and Value) and Growth Rate of Microbial Biosurfactants 2011-20164.2 USA Market Size (Volume and Value) of Microbial Biosurfactants by Types 2011-20164.3 USA Market Size (Volume and Value) of Microbial Biosurfactants by Applications 2011-20164.4 USA Sales Volume and Sales Revenue of Microbial Biosurfactants by Companies 2011-20164.5 USA Sale Price of Microbial Biosurfactants by Types 2011-20164.6 USA Sale Price of Microbial Biosurfactants by Applications 2011-20164.7 USA Sale Price of Microbial Biosurfactants by Companies 2011-20164.8 USA Regional Supply, Import, Export and Consumption of Microbial Biosurfactants 2011-20164.9 USA End Users with Contact Information and Consumption Volume of Microbial Biosurfactants by Applications5 Europe Market Size (Volume and Value), Sales, Sale Price and End Users Analysis of Microbial Biosurfactants5.1 Europe Market Size (Volume and Value) and Growth Rate of Microbial Biosurfactants 2011-20165.2 Europe Market Size (Volume and Value) of Microbial Biosurfactants by Types 2011-20165.3 Europe Market Size (Volume and Value) of Microbial Biosurfactants by Applications 2011-20165.4 Europe Sales Volume and Sales Revenue of Microbial Biosurfactants by Companies 2011-20165.5 Europe Sale Price of Microbial Biosurfactants by Types 2011-20165.6 Europe Sale Price of Microbial Biosurfactants by Applications 2011-20165.7 Europe Sale Price of Microbial Biosurfactants by Companies 2011-20165.8 Europe Regional Supply, Import, Export and Consumption of Microbial Biosurfactants 2011-20165.9 Europe End Users with Contact Information and Consumption Volume of Microbial Biosurfactants by Applications6 China Market Size (Volume and Value), Sales, Sale Price and End Users Analysis of Microbial Biosurfactants6.1 China Market Size (Volume and Value) and Growth Rate of Microbial Biosurfactants 2011-20166.2 China Market Size (Volume and Value) of Microbial Biosurfactants by Types 2011-20166.3 China Market Size (Volume and Value) of Microbial Biosurfactants by Applications 2011-20166.4 China Sales Volume and Sales Revenue of Microbial Biosurfactants by Companies 2011-20166.5 China Sale Price of Microbial Biosurfactants by Types 2011-20166.6 China Sale Price of Microbial Biosurfactants by Applications 2011-20166.7 China Sale Price of Microbial Biosurfactants by Companies 2011-20166.8 China Regional Supply, Import, Export and Consumption of Microbial Biosurfactants 2011-20166.9 China End Users with Contact Information and Consumption Volume of Microbial Biosurfactants 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 @
Global Heat Exchangers Market 2016 - Alfa Laval AB, Kelvion Holdings GmbH , Danfoss A/S , Xylem Inc.

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Global Heat Exchangers Market Research Report is a deep market research report in this market.This report focused on global and regional market, major manufacturers, as well as the segment market details on different classifications and applications.First, this report analyzed the basic scope of this industry like definition, specification, classification, application, industry policy and news.Browse Full ReportSecond, the analysis on industry chain is provided including the up and down stream industry also with the major market players. And the analysis on manufacturing including process, cost structure and major plants distribution is conducted.Then the global and regional market is analyzed.this report analyzed major market data like capacity, production, capacity utilization rate, price, revenue, cost, gross, gross margin, supply, import, export, consumption, market share, growth rate and etc. For regional market, this report analyzed major regions like Europe, North America, South America, Asia (Excluding China), China and ROW.The global Heat Exchangers Market : Top Manufactures,Alfa Laval ABKelvion Holdings GmbHDanfoss A/SXylem Inc.Api Heat Transfer Inc.Guntner AG & Co. KgHamon & CIE International SAHindustan Dorr-Oliver LimitedHisaka Works LimitedHrs Heat Exchangers Ltd.Modine Manufacturing CompanySierra S.P.ASondex Holdings A/SSwep International ABFor sample request click onThis report is a valuable source of guidance for manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, customers, investors and individuals who have interest in this market.Then this report analyzed the market forecast from 2017 to 2022 for global and regional market and the new project investment feasibility analysis on Heat Exchangers Market.About Market Research Store:Market Research Store is a single destination for all the industry, company and country reports. We feature large repository of latest industry reports, leading and niche company profiles, and market statistics released by reputed private publishers and public organizations. Market Research Store is the comprehensive collection of market intelligence products and services available on air. We have market research reports from number of leading publishers and update our collection daily to provide our clients with the instant online access to our database. With access to this database, our clients will be able to benefit from expert insights on global industries, products, and market trends.Tuoda ResearchUnited States
Next Generation Data Storage Technologies Market - Shares And Strategies Of Key Players

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Next generation data storage technology includes technologically advanced data storage products and solutions to deal with increasing file sizes and huge amount of unstructured data. The next generation data storage technology manages large data securely and enables reliable, secure and fast recovery of data in a cost-efficient manner. It has enabled scalable storage and handling of large data generated by big enterprises.Fill the form for an exclusive sample of this report @The factors favoring the growth of the next generation storage technologies market include ubiquity of input and output devices in every sector and the ever-increasing need for managing, analyzing and storing huge amount of data. Consequently, the demand for next generation data technologies is expected to increase at a quick rate over the forecast period. This growth is expected to be backed by the growing demand for advanced time saving technologies including automated systems, smart technologies, online shopping, and internet of things etc. which require handling of large data generated by the enterprises.There are various challenges restraining the growth of the next generation data storages technologies market. This includes technological complexity, repair and restore issues, lack of security etc. Furthermore, high level of data consistency is required in the data storage. Future growth in the market is projected to come from emerging need for data storage in small and medium enterprises.Browse Market Research Report @The next generation data storage technologies market is segmented on the basis of technology and application. By technology, the market is classified as into all-flash storage arrays, hybrid array, cloud based disaster recovery, holographic data storage and heat assisted magnetic recording. Of these, hybrid array is a form of hierarchical storage management contains solid state drives and hard disk drives for input and output speed improvements. Holographic data storage is the high capacity data storage technology whereas hybrid array and all flash array are standard data storage techniques.By application, next generation data storage technologies market is divided into the enterprise data storage, big data storage and cloud based storage.North America is the dominating the next generation data storage technologies market. The Asian Pacific countries including China, Japan and India are expected to grow at a significant rate as compared to other regions. The presence of a large number of IT industries in the Asia Pacific region is one of the key factor driving growth of the next generation data storage technologies market in the region. Asia Pacific countries are speculated to make huge investments in the data storage sector to provide their existing infrastructures with new data storage technologies and solutions to improve the production process. Japan, which is one of the technology advanced nations, is anticipated to be a big market for next generation data storage technologies. The country is already using these data storage technology across its various industry verticalsSome of the key players in the next generation data technology market are Dell Inc., Avago Technologies, EMC Corporation, Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P., HGST, Inc., - Hitachi Data Systems, IBM Corporation, NetApp, Inc., Avago Technologies, Drobo, Inc. and Micron Technology Corporation.About Us :Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.TMRs data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With extensive research and analysis capabilities, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques to develop distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.Contact Us :-Transparency Market ResearchState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Research Offers 10-Year Forecast on Military Vehicles and Aircraft Simulations Market

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Military vehicles and aircraft simulation have now become critically important due to high safety and security reasons in every part of the world. Growing need to cut down the cost of pilot training, technological developments, and introduction of new generation aircrafts is escalating the growth in the global military vehicles and aircraft simulation. Additionally, increased environmental impacts, cost of fuel and real wear and tear on weapon system, is anticipated to be the major target market in near future. The simulation technology (imitation of the operation of a real-world process or system over time) allows both commercial and military trainees to learn faster and master to advance on and off road operations along with handling hazardous and dangerous situations without risk to machine and man. However, simulation of technology is used in many contexts such as safety engineering, education, training, testing, performance optimization, video games and others. It is also used in computer experiments to study simulation models.The military vehicles and aircraft simulation continues to gain importance in the aerospace, defence and military industry. With reduced financial resources, governments are taking initiatives to cut down on training budgets. Owing to this, currently militaries are focusing on attaining cheaper and more effective solutions for their training requirements. Owing to this, flight simulations has evolved to become an essential part of civil aviation operations and military capability. It is a device that artificially creates the environment for flight (where it flies) for pilot training and other purposes. Flight simulator may vary from one model to another and is widely used in commercial and military applications. As a result, training in a fight simulator is more operative than training in aircraft, also it has made a major contribution towards the aviation industry.Request Report Sample@Military Vehicles and Aircraft Simulations Market: Drivers & RestraintsTo accommodate new generation aircrafts, mission rehearsal and simulation technologies are moving forward along with embed in a variety of military systems to carry out training in reality at reasonable cost. Commercialization of unmanned aerial vehicles is the emerging trend and will give new opportunities to this market. A fundamental growth driver to the market is growing awareness over the benefits of virtual pilot training. Additionally, demand for trained pilots and crew members, technological advancements, rising demand for air transportation which has further resulted in growing needs for safety and security concerns along with cost advantages are the drivers identified in the military vehicles and aircraft simulations market. Safety regulations and push from the government side is also helping in increasing the degree of awareness among the users. However, high implementation cost, lack of reliable communication and complexity in system are the major setback for military vehicles and aircraft simulations market.Military Vehicles and Aircraft SimulationsMarket: SegmentationOn the basis of types global military vehicles and aircraft simulations can be broadly into: Virtual, Live, and Constructive and others. On the basis of application global military vehicle and aircraft simulation market is segmented into: Platform, System and Maintenance. On the basis of system, global military vehicles and aircraft simulations can be further segmented into: Flight simulation and Non-Flight Simulation.Request For TOC@Military Vehicles and Aircraft SimulationsMarket: Region-wise OutlookThe global military vehicles and aircraft simulation market is expected to register CAGR of 6.27 percent over the forecasted period 2015-2025. Depending on geographic regions, global military vehicles and aircraft simulation market is segmented into seven key regions: North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia-Pacific, Japan, and Middle East & Africa. In terms of regions, Europe accounts for the largest market share followed by North America. Asia Pacific market is projected to register a significant CAGR during the forecast period. Increasing demand for training of pilots and rising demand for air transportation along with technological updates is fuelling the growth of global military vehicles and aircraft simulations market in Asia Pacific. Eastern Europe and Latin America are also forecast to register a significant growth in the global military vehicles and aircraft simulations market, as growing awareness over the pilot training is expected to grow in these regions as well.Military Vehicles and Aircraft SimulationMarket: Key PlayersSome of the players identified in the aircraft simulation are FLIGHTRiX (Command Sims Pvt. Ltd.), Presagis (formed through the acquisition of three industry leading companies includes Engenuity Technologies, MultiGen-Paradigm, and TERREX.), Rheinmetall Defence, Alsim, Atlantis System Corp., CAE Inc., Bae Systems PLC, FlightSafety International Inc., Moog Inc., Simteq B.V., Lockheed Martin Corporation, Thales Group, Rockwell Collins, PMDG, Israel Aerospace industries, ATC Flight Simulator, Mechtronix Inc., L-3 Communications Holdings Ltd., among many 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:
Thermoplastic Prepreg Market 2022: by top Key Manufacturers covering Teijin, Tencate, Cytec, Lanxess, Polystrand, Barrday, Chomarat, Vector Systems

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Thermoplastic Prepreg Market Research Report 2022 (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa) is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the Thermoplastic Prepreg market.This report studies Thermoplastic Prepreg in Global market, especially in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa.Thermoplastic Prepreg market of 128 pages having tables and figures is available for purchase atFocuses on the top 5 Thermoplastic Prepreg Players in each region, with sales, price, revenue and market share for top 5 manufacturer, covering Teijin, Tencate, Cytec, Lanxess, Polystrand, Barrday, Chomarat, Vector Systems, FibrtecThermoplastic Prepreg Market Segment by Countries, this report splits Global into several key Countries, with sales, revenue, market share of top 5 players in these Countries, from 2012 to 2017 (forecast), like North America (United States, Canada and Mexico), Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Southeast Asia, India and Korea), Europe (Germany, UK, France, Italy and Russia etc., South America (Brazil, Chile, Peru and Argentina), Middle East and Africa (Egypt, South Africa, S audi Arabia)Split by Product Types, with sales, revenue, price, market share of each type, can be divided Reinforced Glass Fiber Thermoplastic Prepreg, Reinforced Carbon Fiber Thermoplastic Prepreg, Reinforced Aramid Fiber Thermoplastic PrepregRequest a sample copy of Thermoplastic Prepreg Market Research Report @Table of Contents in Thermoplastic Prepreg Market Research Report:2 Global Thermoplastic Prepreg Sales, Revenue (value) and Market Share by Players2.1 Global Thermoplastic Prepreg Sales and Market Share in 2015 and 2016 by Players2.2 Global Thermoplastic Prepreg Revenue and Market Share by Players in 2015 and 20162.3 Global Thermoplastic Prepreg Average Price by Players in 2015 and 20162.4 Global Thermoplastic Prepreg Manufacturing Base Distribution, Sales Area, Product Types by Players2.5 Thermoplastic Prepreg Market Competitive Situation and Trends2.5.1 Thermoplastic Prepreg Market Concentration Rate2.5.2 Thermoplastic Prepreg Market Share of Top 3 and Top 5 Players2.5.3 Mergers & Acquisitions, Expansion3 Global Thermoplastic Prepreg Sales, Revenue (Value) by Regions, Type and Application (2012-2017)3.1 Global Thermoplastic Prepreg Sales, Revenue and Market Share by Regions (2012-2017)3.1.1 Global Thermoplastic Prepreg Sales and Market Share by Regions (2012-2017)3.1.2 Global Thermoplastic Prepreg Revenue and Market Share by Regions (2012-2017)3.2 Global Thermoplastic Prepreg Sales, Revenue, Market Share and Price by Type (2012-2017)3.2.1 Global Thermoplastic Prepreg Sales and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)3.2.2 Global Thermoplastic Prepreg Revenue and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)3.2.3 Global Thermoplastic Prepreg Price by Type (2012-2017)3.3 Global Thermoplastic Prepreg Sales and Market Share by Application (2012-2017)3.4 Global Thermoplastic Prepreg Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)4 North America Top 5 Players Thermoplastic Prepreg Sales, Revenue and Price4.1 North America Top 5 Players Thermoplastic Prepreg Sales, Revenue and Market Share in 2015 and 20164.1.1 North America Top 5 Players Thermoplastic Prepreg Sales and Market Share in 2015 and 20164.1.2 North America Top 5 Players Thermoplastic Prepreg Revenue and Market Share in 2015 and 20164.2 North America Thermoplastic Prepreg Sales, Revenue, Market Share and Price by Type (2012-2017)4.2.1 North America Thermoplastic Prepreg Sales and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)4.2.2 North America Thermoplastic Prepreg Revenue and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)4.2.3 North America Thermoplastic Prepreg Price by Type (2012-2017)4.3 North America Thermoplastic Prepreg Sales and Market Share by Application (2012-2017)4.4 North America Thermoplastic Prepreg Sales and Market Share by Country (US, Canada and Mexico) (2012-2017)4.5 North America Thermoplastic Prepreg Import & Export (2012-2017)The listed pricing for this Thermoplastic Prepreg Market report starts at $ 4960. Request Discount for Thermoplastic Prepreg Market Research Report @Split by applications, this report focuses on sales, market share and growth rate of Thermoplastic Prepreg in each application, can be divided into Aerospace and Defense, Automotive, OthersBrowse full table of contents and data tables For Thermoplastic Prepreg Market Report @Related Reports: -Global and Chinese Potassium Amyl Xanthate(PAX) Industry, 2017 Market Research ReportGlobal and Chinese Potassium Amyl Xanthate(PAX) Industry, 2012-2022 Market Research Report' is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the global Potassium Amyl Xanthate(PAX) industry with a focus on the Chinese market. The report provides key statistics on the market status of the Potassium Amyl Xanthate(PAX) manufacturers and is a valuable source of guidance and direction for companies and individuals interested in the industry.MarketSizeForecasters.com, a Skyline Market Research LLP brand, is an online aggregator of market research reports. MarketSizeForecasters.com offers a comprehensive collection of full length reports on global and regional markets in 100+ industry verticals. We have partnered with some of the leading business and market research publishing houses and regularly update our online library to offer wide range of reports to our customers.Market size forecastersThe Green Suite #4594,Dover, DE 19901United StatesPhone: 1-201-355-0868US Toll Free: 1-866-764-2150Email: sales@marketsizeforecasters.comWebsite:
Advance Wound Dressing Market Globally Expected to Drive through 2025

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Advancement in Wound Dressing Market begins years before when the film and hydrocolloids introduced. Advanced Wound Dressing accelerates the healing process by keeping moist environment around the wound along with medicines like antibiotic and painkillers.Advanced Wound Dressing used to heal acute and chronic wounds especially in chronic wounds. Advanced wound dressing has shown very significant results in diabetic patients as well in chronic wounds that takes a long time or cannot be healed by traditional wound dressings.Advance Wound Dressing Market: Drivers and RestraintsAdvanced Wound Dressing market is growing as the number of diabetic and chronic patients increasing rapidly worldwide. Major drivers for the Advanced Wound Dressing Market is ageing population, increase in incident of accidents, increase in adoption rate of Advanced Wound Dressings like hydrocolloids and wound contact layers, continuously advance improvement in dressing like combination of antibiotics and painkillers with dressings. However, high price and lack of adequate reimbursement policies in developing countries are the main hindrance of the market growth.Request Report Sample@Advance Wound Dressing Market: SegmentationAdvance Wound Dressings global market is segmented into following types:HydrocolloidsNon-Antimicrobial Hydrocolloid DressingsAntimicrobial Hydrocolloid DressingsHydrofibersNon-Antimicrobial Hydrofiber DressingsAntimicrobial Hydrofiber DressingsAlginatesNon-Antimicrobial Alginate DressingsAntimicrobial Alginate DressingsHydrogelsNon-Antimicrobial Hydrogel DressingsAntimicrobial Hydrogel DressingsCollagensNon-Antimicrobial Collagen DressingsAntimicrobial Collagen DressingsFoamsNon-Antimicrobial Foam DressingsAntimicrobial Foam DressingsFilmsNon-Antimicrobial Film DressingsAntimicrobial Film DressingsWound Contact LayersNon-Antimicrobial Wound Contact LayersAntimicrobial Wound Contact LayersRequest For TOC@Advance Wound Dressing Market: OverviewAdvance Wound Dressing Market is growing with a significant CAGR because of its high adoption rate in treatment of chronic wounds. Developing countries is growing with a higher CAGR compared to other parts of the world.Advance Wound Dressing Market: Region-wise OutlookDepending on geographic region, global Advanced Wound Dressing market is segmented into seven key regions: North America, South America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific, Japan, and Middle East & Africa.North America contributes maximum in global Wound dressing Market Share. European countries showing a good growth as the adoption rate for Advance Wound Dressing is increasing for diabetic patients, burns, and chronic wounds. Asia Pacific is growing with a significant CAGR for Advance Wound Dressing market due to increase in healthcare awareness. Amongst the Asian countries, India and china are more promising due to large population pool and increased number of hospitals.Advance Wound Dressing Market: Key PlayersKey players of Advance Wound Dressing market includes Smith & Nephew, Molnlycke Health Care, Paul Hartmann, Covidien, ConvaTec, B. Braun Melsungen, BSN medical, 3M Health Care, Systagenix Wound Management, Derma Sciences, Coloplast, Laboratoires Urgo, Johnson & Johnson, Kinetic Concepts, Inc and Others. Local Players also have a significant presence in Advance Wound Dressing Market.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:
U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, left, and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, right, shake hands during their meeting at the prime minister's office in Tokyo, Thursday, March 16, 2017. Tillerson said Thursday cooperation with allies Japan and South Korea is "critical" to addressing the threat from North Korea's nuclear and missile programs.(AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko, Pool) U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, left, and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, right, shake hands during their meeting at the prime minister's office in Tokyo, Thursday, March 16, 2017. Tillerson said Thursday cooperation with allies Japan and South Korea is "critical" to addressing the threat from North Korea's nuclear and missile programs.(AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko, Pool)

TOKYO (AP)  U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson called on North Korea on Thursday to abandon its nuclear and ballistic missile programs, saying the isolated nation "need not fear" the United States.

Tillerson made that declaration after meeting Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida in Tokyo, where they discussed possible new approaches in dealing with Pyongyang.

He said 20 years of U.S. diplomatic and other efforts to get North Korea to denuclearize have failed, but gave no specifics about how the Trump administration, which is currently doing a policy review, would tackle the issue. Tillerson described the weapons programs as "dangerous and unlawful."

The former Exxon Mobil CEO is making his first trip to Asia as the top U.S. diplomat. Tensions are running high on the divided Korean Peninsula, and North Korea last week launched four missiles into seas off Japan and where the U.S. is currently conducting annual military drills with South Korea. Pyongyang views this as a rehearsal for invasion.

"North Korea and its people need not fear the United States or their neighbors in the region who seek only to live in peace with North Korea," the secretary of state told a news conference in Tokyo. "With this in mind, the United States calls on North Korea to abandon its nuclear and ballistic missile programs and refrain from any further provocation."

He later met separately with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

In Beijing, a North Korean diplomat said Thursday that Pyongyang must act in self-defense against the U.S.-South Korea military drills, which he said have brought the region to the brink of nuclear war. He said the drills were aimed at using atomic weapons for a pre-emptive strike against North Korea. Washington says the maneuvers are routine and defensive.

"The United States holds a joint military exercise every year to push the situation on the Korean Peninsula to a serious situation, and that is the source of the super tough measures we must take," Pak Myong Ho told reporters in a rare briefing at the North Korean Embassy in the Chinese capital. He spoke through a translator.

Story continues

North Korea has accelerated its weapons development in violation of multiple U.N. Security Council resolutions and despite tough sanctions levied against it. Last year, the North conducted two nuclear test explosions and 24 ballistic missile tests. Experts say it could have a nuclear-tipped missile that could reach the United States within a few years.

Citing the continued North Korean missile launches this year, Tillerson said that "in the face of this ever-escalating threat it is clear that a different approach is required." He said his trip was intended to get input from other governments. Tillerson, who is traveling without the usual contingent of journalists who normally cover the secretary of state, will be in South Korea on Friday and then China on Saturday.

Both Tillerson and Kishida urged China to use its economic leverage with North Korea to push it to change course.

During last year's election campaign, presidential candidate Donald Trump called into question U.S. security alliances and called for Tokyo and Seoul to contribute more for their defense. Tillerson, however, stressed that cooperation with Japan and South Korea was "critical."

Kishida said the U.S. and Japan had an "unwavering bond." In a sign of that, Tillerson reiterated that a U.S.-Japan mutual defense treaty covers Japanese-administered islands in the East China Sea also claimed by China.

Japan and South Korea both host tens of thousands of U.S. troops. Washington has been urging its two allies to step up security cooperation despite their historically strained relations. This week, the three nations' navies have conducted missile defense information-sharing drills in the region.

Kishida described the trilateral cooperation as "indispensable." But he said the Japan-South Korea relationship has been strained over failure to implement a 2015 agreement in which Japan's government consented to compensate South Korean victims of sexual slavery inflicted by the Japanese military during World War II. In return, South Korea was to stop criticizing Japan on the issue.

Earlier this year, Japan withdrew its ambassador from South Korea after activists there erected a statue outside a Japanese consulate to commemorate the wartime victims, known as "comfort women."

Tillerson said he appreciated how "painful" it was to deal with such historical issues, but urged both sides to carry out the agreement and bring the matter to a rapid conclusion. He said it was important for all three nations to maintain a strong alliance "in which there is no space between us."

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Associated Press writer Gillian Wong in Beijing contributed to this report.
Vision Care Products Market Size, Analysis, and Forecast Report 2015-2025

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The eye is the most amazing and complex structure in the body. The two eyes provide about half the total sensory input from entire body into the brain. Eyes are sensitive to trauma, infection or inflammation that may end up in blindness.The vision care products market is driven by the increase in the number of patients suffering from eye disorders like myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism and presbyopia. Myopia is the most common disorders and it affects 1.6 billion people around the globe, whereas presbyopia is found in about one billion people globally. The prevalence of hyperopia increase in the elderly. Around 50% of people aged above 65 years in the US have hyperopic conditions.Request Report Sample@Vision Care Products Market: Drivers and RestraintsPresently, vision care products global market is driven by the aging population, rising incidence and prevalence of eye disorders like myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism and presbyopia, technological advancement in healthcare industry.With the increase in the disposable income levels and health consciousness among general population, vision care products are being widely adopted. Also, lifestyle side effects emerging from increased usage of computer, television viewing have contributed towards the growth of vision care products at a global level. Various promotional campaign by the key players to capture the market share in the emerging countries.However, availability of counterfeit products in the market and large number of local players in this market act as a barriers for the growth of this market.Request For TOC@Vision Care Products Market: SegmentationVision care products global market is segmented into following segmentation:Spectacle lensesSingle Vision Spectacle LensesDigital lensesProgressive LensesContact lensesSoft contact lensesRigid gas permeable lensesDisposable contact lensesCleaning and disinfecting solutionsVision Care Products Market: OverviewWith rapid technological advancement, aging population, and increase in the prevalence of eye disorders around the globe, the vision care products market is expected to grow at a healthy CAGR in the forecasted period (2015-2025).Vision Care Products Market: Region-wise OutlookDepending on geographic region, global vision care products market is segmented into seven key regions: North America, South America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific, Japan, and Middle East & Africa.Asia Pacific is emerging as dominating markets for vision care products market due to their high healthcare awareness and augmented disposable income. Amongst the Asian countries, India and china are more promising due to large population pool and increased number of hospitals.Vision Care Products Market: Key playersSome of the key participating players in global vision care products market are Alcon, Inc., SEIKO OPTICAL PRODUCTS CO., LTD., Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Essilor International, CIBA Vision Corporation, Bausch & Lomb Incorporated, CooperVision, Inc., ZEISS Group, HOYA CORPORATION 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:
Global Plow Bolts Market 2016: Focuses on top manufacturers Big Bolt Corp, KD Fasteners, Oshwin, AJAX Fasteners, Auto Bolt

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The Plow Bolts research report by QY Research represents an inclusive evaluation of the Global Plow Bolts 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 Plow Bolts market and its corresponding segments that are based on technology, geography, and applications.The examination on value chain of Plow Bolts 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 Plow Bolts 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 Plow Bolts 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 Plow Bolts 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 Plow Bolts 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 Plow Bolts 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, coveringBig Bolt CorpKD FastenersOshwinAJAX FastenersAuto BoltSplit by Product Types, with production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, can be divided intoCarbon steelStainless steelMetal alloysSplit by applications, this report focuses on consumption, market share and growth rate of Plow Bolts in each application, can be divided intoHeavy construction equipmentAbout 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
Global Biologics Market is Expected to Rise to a Valuation of US$479, 752 mn by 2024

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The global market for biologics features a fragmented competitive landscape with stakeholders being some of the worlds most influential pharmaceutical companies and several domestic companies, which are vying for a share in the highly profitable market, observes Transparency Market Research (TMR) in a recent report. A popular trend in the market is strategic mergers and acquisitions, with big companies wanting to expand their services and manufacturing units globally and enhancing product portfolios by co-development activities and licensing deals, states a TMR analyst.Obtain Report Details @Pharmaceutical giants such as Eli Lilly and Co., Bristol-Myers Squibb, Novartis, AstraZenca, and GlaxoSmithKline Plc. have invested billions of dollars in the field of biologics, which have translated into capacity expansion and focused research and development. With an aim of gaining a quick hold on the vast growth opportunities, established players are entering into strategic collaborations and investing in local manufacturers in emerging economies for product developments and manufacturing activities.Point in case is the investment of US$500 mn by Novartis for building cell-culture based manufacturing facility in Asia in collaboration with its Asia Pacific HQ in Singapore. In the near future, the global market for biologics is expected to witness considerable traction and tread along a healthy growth path.Monoclonal Antibodies to Emerge as Leading Product SegmentTransparency Market Research states that the global biologics market will expand at a healthy 10.9% CAGR from 2016 to 2024. If the number holds true, the market, which is expected to value at US$209, 779 mn in 2016, is expected to rise to US$479, 752 mn by 2024. In terms of product variety, the segment of monoclonal antibodies is expected to dominate the market, with an annual share of 43% in 2016 and a CAGR of 11.9% from 2016 through 2024. Geographically, the global biologics market will be led by North America, which is expected to account for a 44.89% share in the global market in 2016 and expand at a 9.6% CAGR from 2016 through 2024.Promise of Profitable Returns to Drive More Investments in MarketThe vast funds directed by pharmaceutical companies towards research and development activities, manufacturing, and the process of trial and approval of new product varieties often reflect on the high costs of products upon approval. It has been observed that drug companies charge premium prices for innovative biologics, with profit margins as high as 20-40%. Biologics have been noted to provide effective treatment for many complex diseases, which have mostly lacked notable treatment options so far. As a result, despite the high prices, demand for biologics usually witnesses an upward trend.According to a pharmacy management service provider Express Scripts, only about 2% of people in the U.S. used biologic drugs. Regardless of this, biologics account for as much as 40% of prescription drug spending in the country. In general, biologics treatment costs about 22 times more in comparison to small molecule drugs. Owing to such profitable returns, the market has witnessed a vast influx of investment from notable pharmaceutical companies in the past few years. The trend is expected to remain strong in the next few years as well, making highly profitable returns one of the key factors bringing in more investments and driving the overall development of the market.Fill the Form for an Exclusive Sample of this Report @High Initial Capital Requirement and Complex Regulatory Approval Process to Hinder Market GrowthBiologics have demonstrated a relatively higher success rate of approval compared to traditional drugs. However, the total time required for clinical trials and approvals is much longer owing to stringent manufacturing processes, regulatory pathways, and a variety of product parameters. This leads to a significant increase in the cost of capital required for R&D and marketing of biologics as compared to traditional drugs. The scenario has deterred many small vendors from venturing into the global biologics market and is considered a key restraint for the markets overall development.This review of the market is based on a recent report published by TMR, titled Biologics Market (Product - Monoclonal Antibodies, Vaccines, Cell Therapy, Recombinant Hormones/Proteins, and Gene Therapy; Applications - Infectious Diseases, Oncology, Immunology, and Autoimmune Diseases) - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2016 - 2024.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Contact UsTransparency Market ResearchState Tower,90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Communications Processor Market - Opportunities, Regional Outlook, Competitive Insight And Market Overview

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Communication processors are devices in communication systems that carry out operations on data such as processing or modifying the data or transferring data to different parts of the system. These processors are specifically optimized to support communication systems. The optimizations are built inside the processors software and/or hardware which enables it to perform its tasks in an efficient manner. Communications processors interface peripheral devices such as tape units, disk units, printers, terminals, and different networks with the host computer. Data transfer between the communications processor and the host computer is achieved through a high speed parallel interface, while the processor interacts with peripheral devices through serial interfaces and communications networks.Fill the form for an exclusive sample of this report @Communications processors manage computer communications such as error check and correction, network control, protocol processing, data buffering and routing, and data format conversion. Thus, the use of such processors off-loads the host computer from tasks such as, transmitting/receiving messages and managing peripheral devices. A fundamental responsibility of these processors is traffic management which includes establishing and controlling communications between data terminal equipment, switching devices, intranet, and a host computer. Continuous research and development has resulted in the development of advanced communications processors with utilities for monitoring response time, event logging, diagnostic testing, system administration, and terminal status indication. Depending on the configuration, vendor, and the environment, communications processors are referred to as gateway switches, communications servers, hubs, front-end processors (FEPs), and controllers.Communications processors are classified on the basis of their flexibility, features, and capabilities. These include the type of terminal equipment supported, aggregate bandwidth, and the host interfaces and protocols supported. To create a required configuration, the communications processor application software is customized, and this process is referred to as system generation.Browse Market Research Report @The growing need for multi-functionality on devices is the primary factor driving the communications processor market. Rising demand for wireless communication and the rapid growth of the global consumer electronics market is further fueling the demand of communications processors. The emergence of cloud computing and virtualization is further likely to boost the communications processor market. Multicore communications processors enable better network visibility, scalability, and manageability in supporting software defined networking (SDN) and the adoption of network functions virtualization (NFV) by telecom operators, cloud and web service providers. Such multicore processors are expected to further drive the global communications processor market.The communications processor market can be segmented on the basis of communications systems, layer in the communication system, applications, and regions. On the basis of communications systems, the market can be further categorized into wired and wireless. Furthermore, on the basis layer in the communication, the market can be segmented into the physical layer, the control layer, and the network layer. Also, on the basis of applications, the market can be further sub-segmented into communications network infrastructure, consumer electronics, computer hardware, automotive, medical/healthcare, and industrial control and automation systems. Geographically, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and South America.The major players in the communications processor market include Avago Technologies, A Broadcom Limited Company, Cavium, NXP Semiconductors N.V., Intel Corporation, IXYS Corporation, Marvell Technology Group, Ltd., Microsemi Corporation, Qualcomm Inc., Texas Instruments, Inc., and Motorola, Inc.About Us :Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.TMRs data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With extensive research and analysis capabilities, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques to develop distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.Contact Us :-Transparency Market ResearchState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Multifunctional Food Ingredients Market Expected to Expand at a Steady CAGR through 2025

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Food ingredients are used in food manufacturing industry to get desired product quality. Multifunctional food ingredients is defined as, ingredients which are used to replace gums, gluten, fats and other expensive ingredients. These ingredients ensures food safety and enhances shelf life, increases product yield, maintains taste, texture and appearance. In meat and poultry industry, multifunctional ingredients are used to provide safety of production during storage, to increase firmness of products, and also provide optimum indicators of rheological and thermodynamic characteristics, it helps to achieve the improved consistence and moisture holding ability of finished goods. Oat derived multifunctional ingredients are used in bakery products to extend shelf life as it hinders the moisture migration. It also helps to improves volume and yield, enhances texture and improves nutritional value of finished products. Multifunctional food ingredient are also derived from food grade yeast and it is used to improve the flavour of fat reduced salad dressings which are pourable and this addition reduces the acid bite of added vinegar. The addition yeast extract results in a smoother and balanced flavour. Addition of multifunctional ingredient does not increases viscosity.Multifunctional Food Ingredients Market: SegmentationMultifunctional food ingredients are segmented on the basis of ingredient type, applications and region. On the basis of ingredient type, multifunctional food ingredients market is segmented as flavours and emulsions, yeast extracts, oat extracts, bulking agents, fibers, hydrocolloids, and others (dairy powders). Among these segments hydrocolloids is expected to grow during forecast period. Multifunctional fibers are made from fruits and vegetable peal and pulp are used to replace expensive ingredients such as eggs, oil and pectin. With increasing application of bulking agents, this segment is expected to show fastest growth in near future. Multifunctional food ingredients market is segmented on the basis of application type, includes dairy product, bakery and confectionery products, meat and poultry, dessert and toppings, and processed food products. Among these segments meat and poultry represents the mature market and expected to be dominant during forecast period. Multifunctional food ingredients are used in confectionery products to increase flavor intensity and taste enhancement and it ensures product stability during shelf life. Multifunctional flaxseed ingredients are used as gum replacer in cereal products such as tortillas, gluten-free products, pizza crusts, sheeted dough, batters and breads.Request Report Sample@Multifunctional Food Ingredients Market: Region-wise OutlookMultifunctional food ingredients market is segmented on the basis of region includes North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific excluding Japan, Japan and Middle East and Africa. North America and Europe are established markets for multifunctional food ingredients. With increasing demands for processed food and ready-to-eat products, multifunctional food ingredients market is expected to register healthy CAGR during forecast period.Multifunctional Food Ingredients Market: DriversConsumers demand for clean label products and natural ingredients are major drivers for multifunctional food ingredient market. As companies are launching new ingredient blends with all natural ingredients which can be used to improve product quality without processing loss. In early 2015, Corbian launched new range of multifunctional food ingredients for meat and poultry products. Many companies are launching new products to fulfill the different gender specific requirements. For instance, in 2015 NutraGenesis LLC launched functional ingredient called Sensara which can be used in foods and beverages and it provides wellness benefits to nourish and protect a womans mind and body. Marine sources are used as a raw material for multifunctional food ingredients, algae is most commonly used because of its oil content, fiber content and the small particle size. Algal flour acts as multifunctional food ingredients and it can be used in bakery products such as breads, dough products, dressing, sauces and nutritional beverages.Request For TOC@Multifunctional Food Ingredients Market: Key PlayersThe key international players operating in multifunctional food ingredients market includes AlgaVia, Arla Foods Ingredients, Ashland Inc., Butter Buds Inc., E & R Food Ingredients B.V., Florida Food, Inc., Fiberstar, Inc., Z Trim Holdings, Inc., NutraGenesis LLC., Glanbia Nutritionals, Solazyme and many 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:
Household Refrigerator Market - Research Report, Drivers and Restraints, Regional Overview

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Household refrigerator is a household appliance primarily used for food storage with protecting it from getting contaminated. It consists of thermally insulated compartment(s) and a heat pump that transfers heat from the inside of the appliance to its external environment maintaining the refrigerator temperature below the ambient room temperature. This reduces the reproduction rate of bacteria and reduces the rate of food spoilage. Recent technological advancements in household refrigerator technology has led to changing ecosystem of household appliances. For instance, filtered hot water on demand and integration of smart phone to check whats inside the fridge, by selecting icons from a panel with the assistance of voice-recognition technology.Fill the form for an exclusive sample of this report @The upgraded models of household refrigerators are meticulously designed with integrated technologies for enhancing utility of appliance and storage of food in specially controlled conditions. Emerging technologies such as wireless communication and Internet of Things (IoT) along with their high adoption rate has led to integration of these technologies in household appliances. Similar trend is expected to transform the household refrigerator market. For instance, refrigerators with Wi-Fi-enabled touchscreen and embedded apps for cooking, messaging and music such as Epicurious for recipes and Evernote for note-taking are supporting additional activities along with food storage, leading to growth in household refrigerator market.Household refrigerator market has been experiencing sustainable growth in recent years due to increasing demand for consumer goods, rapid economic growth, increasing demand for refrigerated food products, easy consumer finance, growth in urbanization and import and export activities in food and beverage sector. The other additional factor contributing to the growth of household refrigerator market is emerging commercialization and changing lifestyles of human in line with adoption of smart technologies. However, low rural penetration and inadequate infrastructure is hindering the household refrigerator market growth. The trends towards smaller families and seasonality in demand is expected to provide opportunities for growth of household refrigerator market during the forecast period.Browse Market Research Report @The global Household refrigerator market is segmented on the basis of cooling technology, deployment type, storage capacity, type of model, and geography. Based on cooling technology, the global household refrigerator market is segmented as compressor refrigerators, absorption refrigerators, solar refrigerators, acoustic refrigerators, magnetic refrigerators, and thermal mass refrigerators. In terms of deployment type, the global household refrigerator market is segmented into free-standing refrigerators and built into a kitchen refrigerators. On the basis of storage capacity, the global household refrigerator market is segmented into small storage capacity refrigerators (300L). Additionally, based on type of model, the global household refrigerator market is segmented into single compressor based model and dual compressor based model. Moreover, based on geography the global household refrigerator market is segmented into North America, Europe, South America, Asia Pacific and Middle East and Africa. North America is leading the household refrigerator market due to increased manufacturing of energy efficient household refrigerator in the region. Moreover, Asia Pacific is expected to show significant growth in household refrigerator market due to advancements in the regional home appliance sector and high demand for smart household refrigerators in this region during the forecasted period.Some of the key players operating in household refrigerator market with most significant developments are Godrej Appliances Ltd, Frigidaire, GE Appliances, Whirlpool Corporation, Electrolux AB, Videocon International Ltd., BPL Refrigeration, LG Electronics Inc., Samsung Electronics Limited, Haier Group and Sears Holdings Management Corporation.About Us :Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.TMRs data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With extensive research and analysis capabilities, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques to develop distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.Contact Us :-Transparency Market ResearchState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Laminated Labels Market - Booming E-commerce Industry to Generate Lucrative Opportunities for Players in Global

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The global market for laminated labels is expected to witness healthy growth rate in the next few years. The growing demand from a wide range of industries and the increasing focus on attractive and safe packaging and labeling are anticipated to encourage the growth of the overall market in the next few years. According to a research study by Transparency Market Research, in 2015, the global market for laminated labels was worth US$20,022.4 mn and is likely to reach a value of US$ 30,979 mn by the end of 2024. The market is anticipated to register a healthy 5.105 CAGR between 2016 and 2024.Several concerns related to the development and growth of the laminated labels market across the globe has been discussed at length in the scope of this blog. Some of the questions have been addressed below:Make A Enquiry to Know More Information about Research, Download Brochure@How is the competitive landscape of the global laminated labels market in the coming years?The global market for laminated labels is highly competitive in nature with a presence of a large number of players operating in it. Some of the prominent players operating in the market are Hub Labels, CCL industries Inc, Coveris Holdings, Avery Dennison Corporation, Langley Labels, and Cenveo. These players are expected to dominate the overall market in the next few years. The increasing number of mergers and acquisition is predicted to encourage the growth of the market in the near future. In addition, the rising focus of these players on advancements in technology and new product development are anticipated to fuel the growth of the market in the coming years.Which regional segment is projected to grow at a progressive growth rate in the near future?According to the research study, Asia Pacific is anticipated to lead the global laminated labels market in the next few years and register a healthy 5.30% CAGR between 2016 and 2024. The high growth of this region can be attributed to the increasing pace of industrialization across Asia Pacific. Moreover, the increasing focus on innovations is estimated to fuel the growth of the Asia Pacific laminated labels market in the coming years. Furthermore, North America and Europe are expected to witness progressive growth in the next few years.Which growth factors are anticipated to supplement the growth of the global laminated labels market?A substantial rise in the demand for laminated labels from diverse industries, such as consumer durables, food and beverages, logistics, and pharmaceuticals is anticipated to encourage the growth of the global laminated labels market in the coming years. In addition, the growing popularity of the e-commerce market across the globe and the growing disposable income are predicted to accelerate the growth of the overall market in the next few years. Furthermore, the introduction of bio-based labelling materials is likely to generate lucrative opportunities for key players in the global laminated labels market in the near future.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
PVC Paste Industry Worldwide Market Research Report 2017

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In our aim to provide our erudite clients with the best research material with absolute in-depth information of the market, our new report on Global PVC Paste Market is confident in meeting their needs and expectations. The 2017 market research report on Global PVC Paste Market is an in-depth study and analysis of the market by our industry experts with unparalleled domain knowledge. The report will shed light on many critical points and trends of the industry which are useful for our esteemed clients. The report covers a vast expanse of information including an overview, comprehensive analysis, definitions and classifications, applications, and expert opinions, among others. With the extent of information filled in the report, the presentation and style of the Global PVC Paste Market report is a noteworthy.Request a sample of this report @The Global PVC Paste Industry report provides key information about the industry, including invaluable facts and figures, expert opinions, and the latest developments across the globe. Not only does the report cover a holistic view of the industry from a global standpoint, but it also covers individual regions and their development. The Global PVC Paste Industry market report showcases the latest trends in the global and regional markets on all critical parameters which include technology, supplies, capacity, production, profit, price, and competition. The key players covered in the report provide a detailed analysis of the competition and their developments in the Global PVC Paste Industry. Accurate forecasts and expert opinion from credible sources, and the recent R&D development in the industry is also a mainstay of the PVC Paste Market report.The report also focuses on the significance of industry chain analysis and all variables, both upstream and downstream. These include equipment and raw materials, client surveys, marketing channels, and industry trends and proposals. Other significant information covering consumption, key regions and distributors, and raw material suppliers are also a covered in this report.Browse the complete report @For more information contact sales@orbisresearch.comFinally, the PVC Paste Market report ends with a detailed SWOT analysis of the market, investment feasibility and returns, and development trends and forecasts. As with every report on Orbis Research, the PVC Paste Industry is the holy grail of information which serious knowledge seekers can benefit from. The report which is the result of ultimate dedication of pedigree professionals has a wealth of information which can benefit anyone, irrespective of their commercial or academic interest.Some Points From List Of Tables:Chapter One: PVC Paste Market OverviewChapter Two: Global PVC Paste Market Competition by ManufacturersChapter Three: Global PVC Paste Capacity, Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2012-2017)Chapter Four: Global PVC Paste Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Region (2012-2017)Chapter Five: Global PVC Paste Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by TypeChapter Six: Global PVC Paste Market Analysis by ApplicationChapter Seven: Global PVC Paste Manufacturers Profiles/AnalysisChapter Eight: PVC Paste Manufacturing Cost AnalysisChapter Nine: Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream BuyersChapter Ten: Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/TradersChapter Eleven: Market Effect Factors AnalysisChapter Twelve: Global PVC Paste Market Forecast (2017-2022)Chapter Thirteen: Research Findings and ConclusionChapter Fourteen: AppendixIf you have any enquiry before buying a copy of 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; +912064101019Follow Us on LinkedIn:Follow us on Twitter:Like us on Facebook:
Two Line Transmitter Industry Report Comprises Main Regions and Markets

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Market Research Hub (MRH) has recently announced the addition of a fresh report, titled Global Two Line Transmitter Industry 2017, Trends and Forecast Report to its report offerings. Two Line Transmitter Report by Material, Application, and Geography Global Forecast to 2021 is a professional and in-depth research report on the world's major regional market conditions, focusing on the main regions (North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific) and the main countries (United States, Germany, united Kingdom, Japan, South Korea and China).Request for Sample Report:The report firstly introduced the Two Line Transmitter basics: definitions, classifications, applications and market overview; product specifications; manufacturing processes; cost structures, raw materials and so on. Then it analyzed the world's main region market conditions, including the product price, profit, capacity, production, supply, demand and market growth rate and forecast etc. In the end, the report introduced new project SWOT analysis, investment feasibility analysis, and investment return analysis.The report includes six parts, dealing with:1.) basic information;2.) the Asia Two Line Transmitter Market;3.) the North American Two Line Transmitter Market;4.) the European Two Line Transmitter Market;5.) market entry and investment feasibility;6.) the report conclusion.Table of ContentsChapter One Two Line Transmitter Industry Overview1.1 Two Line Transmitter Definition1.2 Two Line Transmitter Classification AnalysisChapter Two Two Line Transmitter Up and Down Stream Industry Analysis2.1 Upstream Raw Materials Analysis2.1.1 Upstream Raw Materials Price AnalysisChapter Three Asia Two Line Transmitter Market Analysis3.1 Asia Two Line Transmitter Product Development History3.2 Asia Two Line Transmitter Competitive Landscape AnalysisChapter Four 2012-2017 Asia Two Line Transmitter Productions Supply Sales Demand Market Status and Forecast4.1 2012-2017 Two Line Transmitter Capacity Production Overview4.2 2012-2017 Two Line Transmitter Production Market Share AnalysisChapter Five Asia Two Line Transmitter Key Manufacturers Analysis5.1 Company A5.1.1 Company ProfileChapter Six Asia Two Line Transmitter Industry Development Trend6.1 2017-2021 Two Line Transmitter Capacity Production Overview6.2 2017-2021 Two Line Transmitter Production Market Share AnalysisChapter Seven North American Two Line Transmitter Market Analysis7.1 North American Two Line Transmitter Product Development HistoryRead Full Report with TOC:About Market Research Hub:Market 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:
3D Tool Designing Trend with Strong Skillset - STAMOD Engineering

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Chicago, IL - STAMOD Engineering, a product design and engineering solutions company based on Chicago, IL has announced the successful implementation of 3D tool designing trend in their Chicago, IL office, Indian wing, and various offshore units.STAMOD Engineering is a product designing and development company and a portfolio company of ALCOR Fund. STAMOD is a leader in product engineering and design solutions, specializing in product engineering services, integrated prototype solutions and R&D services. The company offers easy customization options for various engineering solutions including 3D tool designing. Their core team of highly experienced engineers strives to gain higher productivity in 3D tool designing and manufacturing solutions.STAMOD Engineering Offers 3D Tool Designing Services:STAMOD Engineering provides world-class tool designing solutions and full system solutions. The company applies superior manufacturing standards and engineering skills to gain the required productivity and quality. The company uses advanced 3D tooling software programs that help them attain this goal and also stay ahead of the competition.Get a quote of Service:The most popular tool designing software programs used by STAMOD Engineering include CATIA, Cimatron, SOLIDWORKS, Unigraphics, Pro-E, and such others. Utilization of these tools along with the in-depth analysis, construction, planning, and procedures assist STAMOD Engineering to gain strong experience in tool designing.Along with using the advanced productive tools and 3D tool designing software, STAMOD has also chosen the best team of engineers with a strong tooling experience that are knowledgeable in the requirements the tooling manufacturing cycle. The STAMOD team of experts is considered as the driving factor for the excellent productivity of the company as they are always striving to achieve excellent results in the least amount of time. These factors assist STAMOD Engineering to shorten the production cycle.Know The More Services of Stamod:About STAMOD:STAMOD Engineering is a niche engineering and technology solutions provider serving global corporations in their pursuit for faster innovation and technological excellence. STAMOD Engineering provides Product Engineering Services, R&D Services with integrated prototype solutions customized to specific needs of every individual customer. The high-quality engineers, proactive support, professionalism, and flexible business models are the hallmarks of our solutions.Contact:Stamod Engineering Solutions Inc.8770, West Bryn Mawr, Suite 1300,Chicago, Illinois 60631Email: services@stamod.comTel: +1 800 507 4489/773 896 1531Fax: +1 512 605 3795
Connected Agriculture Market - Forecasts from 2017 to 2022

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Knowledge Sourcing Intelligence announces its new report titled Connected Agriculture Market - Forecasts from 2017 to 2022.The report segments the connected agriculture market based on solution (Tendering, Bartering, and Trading), service (Mobile Information, Mobile Payment, Micro-Lending, and Micro-Insurance), and geographical region (North America, South America, Europe Middle East and Africa, and Asia Pacific). Global Connected Agriculture Market is projected to witness a compound annual growth rate of 20.15% over the forecast period to reach a total market size of US$2.686 billion by 2022.Major growth drivers of global connected agriculture market include high investments in rural infrastructure and increasing public-private partnership (PPP) projects in the agriculture sector. Rising demand for agri-mobile driven solutions to raise farm productivity is further fuelling the demand for connected agriculture solutions. Rising disposable income, and increasing penetration of smartphone have boosted the number of monetary transactions that take place, thereby escalating the demand for mobile payment services in the agriculture sector across the world.Some of the major global connected agriculture companies covered as part of the report are Vodafone, SAP AG, Trimble Navigation, SAGE, Orange, and Syspro among others.Sample request or complete report can be purchased through the link below:This 98 pages report contains a wide range of figures and data tables for the forecasted period based on the segmentations listed above.Brief TOC is as below: Market Dynamics Segmentationo By Solution Tendering Bartering Tradingo By Service Mobile Information Mobile Payment Micro-Lending Micro-Insuranceo By Geography Americas North America South America Europe Middle East and Africa Europe Middle East and Africa Asia Pacific Competitive Intelligence Profiles of key companiesAbout Knowledge Sourcing IntelligenceKnowledge Sourcing Intelligence is a market research and consulting firm based out of India. Driven by industry experts, the company provides syndicated reports, custom research, and consulting services. Our proprietary data analytics model blended with quality primary and secondary research data assists in generating quality reports providing crucial insights to managers and decision makers. The services offered by us help companies to gain required competitive edge. Our expertise across 10 industries such as ICT, Chemicals, Semiconductors, Healthcare among others caters to diverse client needsKnowledge Sourcing IntelligenceAscent Business CenterH-38, Sector 63NOIDA, IndiaContact: +1-866-714-4587
Growth Analysis of Global Combined Heat and Power Market Presented in New Report

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"The Report Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Market -Market Size, Segmentation, Regulations and Key Country Analysis to 2025 provides information on pricing, market analysis, shares, forecast, and company profiles for key industry participants. - MarketResearchReports.biz"MarketReseachReports.biz has featured a new market study, titled Combined Heat And Power (CHP) Market -Market Size, Segmentation, Regulations And Key Country Analysis To 2025, to its expanding repository. The research report is a top-level analysis for an in-depth understanding of growth trends, opportunities, and technological advancements that will come to the fore in the global combined heat and power market until 2025. The report on the combined heat and power market is presented at a global level with a focus on some key countries that includes the U.S., Mexico, Canada, Brazil, Germany, Russia, the U.K., India, Japan, China, and the Netherlands.Combined heat and power (CHP) involves the use of a power station or heat engine to produce electricity and useful heat concurrently. This is in contrast with conventional means of generating electricity wherein huge volumes of heat is simply wasted. In particular, in todays gas and coal fired power stations, as much as two thirds of the total energy produced is lost, which is often seen as a balloon of steam ascending from cooling towers. With the ever-increasing demand for energy and conventional sources of energy nearing exhaustion, the prudent use of energy has become imperative.The report examines key market parameters with respect to the CHP sector and provides information on installed capacity by fuel type, capacity range, prime mover, and end-user for top CHP enterprises worldwide. A glance into prime moves of top-notch CHP enterprises and key regulations they need to adhere to, which is based on their country of operation, are also included herein. For instance, in the U.S., CHP enterprises are governed by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Power Plant Improvement Initiative, Clean Energy Standard Act, Energy Policy, and Clean Coal Power Initiative.Get Sample Copy Of This Report @Like-wise, in India, the CHP sector is governed by stipulations that are in interest of the energy needs of the country and keeps up with environmental considerations as well. These are Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana, Renewable Energy Certificates, Integrated Energy Poolicy, Tariff Policy, India-Brazil South African Declaration on Clean Energy, and National Electricity Policy.The report is valuable for its many offerings. The analysis of the report facilitates decision making for the various stakeholders in the CHP sector by providing projections based on historical data. Thus, the analysis presented in the report can be used to develop business strategies for sustainable growth in the CHP market. Not only this, key players can respond to competitors business strategies, structure, and prospects and plan moves accordingly. This also helps key players to identify partners for business-development avenues.View Press Release @The introductory part of the report outlines terms and terminologies, industry classifications, and applications that are relevant in context of the CHP market. The report also features industry statutes and industry policies that govern the overall CHP industry at a global level.About usMarketResearchReports.biz is the most comprehensive collection of market research reports. MarketResearchReports.Biz services are specially designed to save time and money for our clients. We are a one stop solution for all your research needs, our main offerings are syndicated research reports, custom research, subscription access and consulting services. We serve all sizes and types of companies spanning across various industries.ContactMr. NachiketState Tower90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074Website:E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
OLG Dresden: Representation or accompaniment at general meeting of shareholders

www.grprainer.com/en/

www.grprainer.com/en

GmbH shareholders can be represented by a proxy at the general meeting of the shareholders. In addition, it may be permissible according to a ruling of the Oberlandesgericht (OLG) Dresden [Higher Regional Court of Dresden] for them to bring an adviser along to the meeting.GRP Rainer Lawyers and Tax Advisors in Cologne, Berlin, Bonn, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Munich, Stuttgart and London conclude: The general meeting of the shareholders is the main decision-making body within a GmbH. Thus, the right to participate in this meeting represents one of the core rights of membership accorded to shareholders. This right can only be restricted under strict conditions. Furthermore, shareholders generally also have the right to be represented by proxy at the general meeting of the shareholders, unless otherwise stated in the articles of association.This can, however, often give rise to disputes among the shareholders, particularly when resolutions to the detriment of a shareholder are prepared. The Oberlandesgericht Dresden had to rule on whether it is acceptable for a minority shareholder to be represented by his lawyer and whether he can bring him along as an advisor to the general meeting of the shareholders (Az.: 8 U 347/16).In the instant case, the shareholders of a GmbH wished to arrive at a decision regarding the redemption of a minority shareholders shares as well as the latters exclusion. The OLG ruled that whether a shareholder has the right to vote or, as in the present case, is not entitled to vote, this does not affect his right to participate. It held that the right to participate guarantees him the right to be heard and comment on proposed resolutions. Additionally, it ensures that the shareholder is informed about the progress and content of the decision-making process. The Court went on to say that unless the articles of association provide otherwise, the shareholder can be represented by a proxy at the meeting and must issue his representative with a power of attorney for this to happen. Restrictions on the admission of a representative were said to be only permissible in the case of special circumstances or an important, objective justification.The Court stated that if a shareholder personally attends the meeting, he is, as a matter of principle, not entitled to bring along an advisor, unless this stems from fiduciary duties in relation to the remaining shareholders. This might be the case if serious decisions need to be made and the shareholder lacks the relevant expertise or the shareholders legal status is directly concerned, e.g. due to his shares being redeemed.Having said all of that, it is possible for important arrangements to be agreed in the shareholder agreement or articles of association. Lawyers who are experienced in the field of company law can advise accordingly.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
Updated Useful iOS System Recovery in Toolkit

iTunes/iCloud is always powerful and useful. However, sometimes there are shortcomings still need other software or program to cover up. Take iPad stuck in recovery mode as an example. If the user directly force iPad into factory reset, and it works, the user will lose all of his data and precious videos in iPad. Only find it to set up the iPad as a new one. Or worse, if the factory reset does not work, that's even much sadder.Therefore, a firmware iOS System Recovery is updated, as it is hopeful to solve iOS device system problems instead of forcing users to buy a new device. It can fix several iOS system problems, such as Recovery Mode, stuck on Apple logo, black screen, loop on start issue, etc.Besides, more useful and reliable components also can be found in Toolkit, like iOS Data Backup & Restore, iOS WhatsApp Transfer & Backup & Restore, iOS Viber and LINE Backup & Restore, iOS Kik Backup & Restore, Backup and Restore iPhone without Passcode. Lots of users got great help from these parts.iPhone Data Recovery and Toolkit can help iOS User restore treasure files back easily as well as restore iOS system, back up and restore app data effectively.RecoveryiPhone offers iPhone Data Recovery Software and Phone Transfer Program to help users enjoy more fun while using iPhone, iPad, iPod, Android, such iOS Data Recovery, iPhone to Android Transfer.RecoveryiPhone Inc.Baiyun District Meigang Road No. 10 Building RM 207Guangzhou, ChinaContactMiya Chowsupport@recoveryiphone.net
Anti - Neoplastic Agents Market is Expected to Grow at a CAGR of 8% by 2022

Anti-Neoplastic Agents Market

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https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/anti-neoplastic-agents-market-2314

Market research future published a half-cooked research report on global anti-neoplastic agents market. The global anti-neoplastic agents market is expected to grow at a CAGR of ~8.0% during the period 2016 to 2022.Test the market data and market information presented through more than 60 market data tables and figures spread over 85 numbers of pages of the project report. Avail the in-depth table of content (TOC) & market synopsis on Anti - Neoplastic Agents Market Research Report - Global Forecast to 2022.Market Highlights:There is continues rise in the cancer population every year which will reach around 3.6 million new cancer cases worldwide by 2030 according to Cancer Research UK. As per National Cancer Institute, it has been estimated that 1,685,210 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in the United States and 595,690 people will die from the disease in year 2016. The increasing number of cancer cases surged the demand for anti-neoplastic agents due to rising need for the treatment of malignant neoplasms. These anti-neoplastic agents has become first line of therapy for the treatment of cancer. These agents prevents the maturing and multiplication of neoplasms in the body. They travel into the human body and destroys the cells which are cancerous in nature. These drugs/agents are used for different cancers and are used in conjunction with surgery, chemotherapy or immunotherapy for many solid tumors. These agents restrict the replication of new DNA by hindering the genetic material or by damaging the DNA with the alteration in the genetic arrangement of the DNA.The market for anti-neoplastic agents is growing steadily. This is attributed to the factors such as; increasing prevalence of cancer. Moreover, introduction of personalized medicines has fueled the growth of the global anti-neoplastic agents market. However apart from the factors leading to the growth of this market, there are some restraints hampering the market growth such as diverse nature of cancer and high cost incur for the development neoplastic agents.Request a Sample Copy @Key Players of Anti-Neoplastic Agents Market: Amgen Inc. Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd Bayer AG Aspen Holdings Pfizer Inc. Bristol-Myers Squibb Company Baxter Healthcare Corporation Teva pharmaceutical Industries Ltd Genentech Inc., AbbVie Inc.Anti-Neoplastic Agents Market Analysis:The global anti-neoplastic agents market has been evaluated as a growing market and it is expected that the market will touch high growth figures in future. The global anti-neoplastic agents market is expected to grow with CAGR of ~8.0% during the forecasted period. As many prominent players in this market are investing money for research and development to find the effective treatments for various types of cancers which has derived the growth of the market. Also, increasing government fundings to develop advanced drugs and therapies is further expected to impel the growth.Segmentation:Global Anti-neoplastic agents market has been segmented on the basis of type which comprises alkylating and alkylating-like agents, antimetabolites, antitumor antibiotics, plant alkaloids, hormonal agents, and miscellaneous agents. On the basis of end users; market is segmented into hospitals, clinics, research institutes, cancer rehabilitation centers and others.Brief TOC for Anti-Neoplastic Agents:1 Introduction1.1 Definition1.2 Scope of Study1.3 Research Objective1.4 Assumptions & Limitations1.5 Market Structure:2 Research Methodology2.1 Research Process2.2 Primary Research2.3 Secondary Research3 Market Dynamics3.1 Drivers3.2 Restraints3.3 Opportunities3.4 Challenges3.5 Macroeconomic Indicators4 Market Factor Analysis4.1 Porters five forces model4.1.1 Bargaining Power of suppliers4.1.2 Bargaining Power of Customer4.1.3 Intensity of Competitors4.1.4 Threat of New Entrants5 Global Anti-Neoplastic Agents Market, by Type5.1 Introduction5.1.1 Alkylating and Alkylating-like Agents5.1.2 Antimetabolites5.1.3 Antitumor Antibiotics5.1.4 Plant Alkaloids5.1.5 Hormonal Agents5.1.6 Miscellaneous AgentsContinueRegional Analysis:Depending on geographic region, anti-neoplastic agents market is segmented into four key regions: Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Middle East & Africa. Globally, Americas is the largest market for anti-neoplastic agents due to increasing technological advancement such as personalized medicines to treat the different types of cancers has projected high growth of anti-neoplastic agents market in this region. Europe is the second-largest market for anti-neoplastic agents. Asia pacific region is expected to be fastest growing region in anti-neoplastic agents market due to increasing investments for the development of drugs and therapies to cure different types of cancers.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.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.Contact:Akash AnandMarket Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
Provecs Medical closes immuno-oncology collaboration with Medac

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- Joint development of Immunalon in urinary bladder cancerHamburg (16 03 2017) - Provecs Medical GmbH, a cancer immunotherapy company developing novel treatments to modulate the tumor microenvironment, today announced the closing of a partnership with oncology pharma company Medac Gesellschaft fur klinische Spezialpraparate mbH. The partners aim to develop, manufacture and market Provecs cancer immunotherapy lead product Immunalon for the treatment of urinary bladder cancer. Immunalon is being developed for the treatment of a wide range of solid cancers, including urinary bladder cancer. Financial details were not disclosed.The collaboration combines Medacs marketing expertise in oncology and hematology with Provecs development know-how, which is based on its proprietary ENVIRO technology platform for innovative immunotherapeutics.ENVIRO is a unique, patented adenoviral platform for the targeted delivery of up to four biologicals combined in one product to the tumor site. This multivalent approach is designed to reprogram the barriers between the immune system and cancer by addressing up to four immune checkpoints simultaneously. Immunalon is Provecs Medicals lead compound based on ENVIRO.It is known today that the activation and inhibition of immune cells is regulated by a wealth of molecules called checkpoint molecules, said Dr. Frank Schnieders, CEO of Provecs Medical. Tumors establish control over checkpoints to deactivate immune cells directed against the cancer. We also know that blocking these inhibitory checkpoint molecules partially restores the immune systems ability to control and sometimes eliminate cancer cells. Existing treatments are directed against single checkpoints only and therefore show limited efficacy. We are convinced that addressing up to four checkpoints with our ENVIRO approach makes it much more difficult for tumor cells to escape elimination.Provecs achieved ex-vivo proof-of-concept for Immunalon using its EXVIRO platform, a unique primary cancer tissue platform for ex-vivo therapy simulation as well as pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics studies. This 3D tissue culture system uses patient-derived human cancer tissues to study the tumor microenvironment in its spatial context without disrupting the cellular relationships. Provecs is now developing a first-in-man study concept for Immunalon in a second indication.We are seeking partners for the development of Immunalon in other solid cancer indications with high medical need and a lack of standard therapies, Schnieders added.###Media Inquiries:akampionDr. Ludger Wess or Ines-Regina ButhTel.: +49 (0)40 88 16 59 64 / +49 (0)30 2363 2768info(at)akampion.comAbout Provecs Medical GmbHProvecs Medical is a private biopharmaceutical company, based in Hamburg (Germany) and specialized in immune-oncology. Based on its multivalent adenoviral ENVIRO technology platform, the company has developed unique solutions to re-program the immunologic barriers in the tumor microenvironment. Provecs has established a comprehensive proof-of-concept platform, named EXVIRO, for ex-vivo therapy simulation in primary human cancer tissues. Immune processes are monitored by big data transcriptome profiling, bioinformatics, and tissue immune imaging technologies. Provecs lead product Immunalon is being developed for the treatment of solid cancers with a focus on urinary bladder cancer.Contact:Dr. Frank Schnieders, CEOProvecs Medical GmbHMartinistr. 6420251 HamburgGermanyTel. +49 (0)40 4 12 63 26 83schnieders(at)provecs.com
Barcode Printers Market share to grow at 8.6% CAGR from 2015 to 2022

Global Market Insights, Inc.

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The report Barcode Printers Market Size By Technology (Laser, Ink-Jet, Impact, Direct Thermal, Thermal Transfer), By Product (Desktop, Mobile, Tabletop/Industrial), By Application (Retail, Manufacturing, Shipping, Government, Healthcare), Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook, Application Potential, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2015  2022, Global Barcode Printers Market to exceed USD 4.51 billion by 2022; as per a new research report by Global Market Insights, Inc.Thermal technology will continue dominating revenue prospects in the coming years. Direct thermal barcode printers market share is set to grow with 9.7% CAGR estimations from 2015 to 2022. Lower number of moving parts, high speed, and more durable images are forecast to positively impact demand across the sector. Thermal transfer barcode printers market size is poised to exceed USD 1.7 billion by 2022, making it the largest technology segment in the industry.Request for a sample of this research report @Growing need for tracking in the healthcare sector is projected to be a key growth driver. Major benefits include access to reliable and accurate patient information along with other activities such as specimen collection, surgical procedure, point-of-care medication administration, etc. Barcode printers market share in these applications is estimated to witness growth and surpass USD 800 million by 2022. Other use cases include personal identification such as barcode wristbands that help in authentication for sporting events among other activities.Product and shelf labeling, POS terminals market growth and mobile checkout options will drive the retail sector at 10.2% CAGR from 2015 to 2022. Portable devices have been gaining traction across organizations for helping issue invoices and conduct business more efficiently, regardless of the location.Rising popularity of RFID technology, since it does not require line-of-sight and contains a memory module, will pose a strong threat of substitution. The implanted circuitry also facilitates additional functionality such as pressure, humidity, and temperature monitoring. Asset tracking helps companies identify and control inventory levels and has witnessed growing adoption, which will further propel RFID demand.Browse key industry insights spread across 119 pages with 44 market data tables & 37 figures & charts from the report, Barcode Printers Market detail along with the table of contents:Key insights from the report include: Industrial barcode printers market size will continue leading revenue, with revenue expected to exceed USD 2.8 billion by 2022. Laser, impact, and inkjet technologies are forecast to grow slower than the global average in the coming years. This can mainly be attributed to considerable growth prospects across thermal products, which are characterized by the capability to perform in mission critical applications, accompanied by superior image durability. Increasing demand from short-shelf life applications such as receipts as well as shipping labels will also spur growth. Manufacturing applications represent a sizable application area, and accounted for more than 35% of the barcode printers market share in 2014. These products are widely used to label cartons or retail items with European Article Numbers (EANs) or Universal Product Codes (UPCs) before shipment. Asia Pacific barcode printers market size will grow at the fastest rate from 2015 to 2022, mainly on account of growing demand across end-use areas. Major players are Zebra Corporation, Canon Inc., HP, and Honeywell. Growing number of mergers and acquisitions will lead to consolidation over the long term.Make an inquiry for purchasing this report @Global Market Insights has segmented the barcode printers market on the basis of technology, product, application, and region: Barcode Printers Application Analysis (Revenue, USD Million, 2012  2022)o Healthcareo Manufacturingo Retailo Shippingo Government Barcode Printers Technology Analysis (Revenue, USD Million, 2012  2022)o Thermal Transfero Direct Thermalo Lasero Impacto Inkjet Barcode Printers Product Analysis (Revenue, USD Million, 2012  2022)o Desktopo Mobileo Industrial Barcode Printers Regional Analysis (Revenue, USD Million, 2012 - 2022)o North Americao EMEAo Asia Pacifico Latin AmericaBrowse Related Reports: Roll-to-Roll Printing Market Size, Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook, Application Development Potential, Price Trends, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2016  2024About Global Market InsightsGlobal Market Insights, Inc., headquartered in Delaware, U.S., is a global market research and consulting service provider; offering syndicated and custom research reports along with growth consulting services. Our business intelligence and industry research reports offer clients with penetrative insights and actionable market data specially designed and presented to aid strategic decision making. These exhaustive reports are designed via a proprietary research methodology and are available for key industries such as chemicals, advanced materials, technology, renewable energy and biotechnology.Contact Us:Arun HegdeCorporate Sales, USAGlobal Market Insights, Inc.Phone: 1-302-846-7766Toll Free: 1-888-689-0688Email: sales@gminsights.comWeb:Blog:
Travel Vaccines Market to Record an Exponential CAGR by 2021

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Health related complications are greater in developing countries and rural areas because of dissimilarities in sanitary conditions, available food and water bases. The immunization Practices Advisory Committee of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) mentions that travelers should be up-to-date on routine immunizations, irrespective of travel plans. The target population for the travel vaccines market include outbound travelers. The travel vaccines for the prevention of hepatitis A, hepatitis B, yellow fever, tetanus, poliomyelitis, meningococcal disease, typhoid fever are manufactured by leading market players namely Sanofi Pasteur, Merck, Novartis and GlaxoSmithKline. Among these aforementioned companies, Sanofi Pasteur and GSK are the notable players in the travel vaccines market that accounts for approximately 85% of total market. Recently in March 2014, Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccines segment of Sanofi announced its long term strategic collaboration with SK Chemicals Company to develop pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV).A sample of this report is available upon request @The driving factors for the growth of this market include increase in awareness about vaccine preventable diseases and rise in global travel traffic. Moreover, innovation of novel vaccine technologies and technological advancements towards molecular genetics is further boosting the growth of market in coming years. However, requirement of expertise for the production of vaccines and unfavorable healthcare funding towards vaccination could pose a challenge for the growth this market.Geographically, North America will be the leading market for global travel vaccines market, followed by Europe and Asia-Pacific. The major contributing factors for North America to lead the market include involvement of large number of companies in the production of vaccines and introduction of superior range of vaccines in the market. However, Asia-Pacific market is forecast to grow at a significant growth rate in coming years.To view TOC of this report is available upon request @The leading players of this market include GlaxoSmithKline, Sanofi Pasteur, Merck, Novartis, and Pfizer. Other key participants of this market include ALK  Abello A/S, Bavarian Nordic A/S, Crucell N.V., CSL Ltd. Medimmune Inc. and Vaxin Inc.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.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA - Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
PARIS AG and Toposens GmbH agree on strategic partner-ship for cognitive 4.0 solutions

www.paris-ag.com

www.datango.com

www.toposens.com

Global producer of smart 3D ultrasound sensors joins PARIS Innovation LabBerlin/Munich, 16th March 2017  PARIS Innovation Lab, a network of technology providers in the fields of Industry 4.0, digital transformation and process optimisation, is partnering with start-up Toposens, developer of the worlds first 3D ultrasound sensor. The new strategic partnership aims to develop cognitive solutions for improved business, learning and work processes with-in organisations.Toposens specialises in mapping surroundings by means of its patented 3D ultrasound sensor system. The system can map people and objects and even gestures, thanks to high-frequency sound signals  similar to the echolocation method used by bats. The main advantages towards traditional camera-based methods are the anonymity of the mapped people and the robustness of the system compared with sensitive lenses, which only work in certain light conditions.PARIS AG develops technologies for process navigation and optimisation, automation, documentation and training. Its main focus is on digital knowledge transfer using artificial intelligence. The companys portfolio includes the PARIS Automation Suite, an automation platform that uses bots to offer employees process-integrated support.The joint solutions planned by Toposens and PARIS can be used in a wide range of applications. For instance, the 3D sensors from Toposens could recognise certain gestures or movements on a production line, while a bot from PARIS AG could identify process weak points and suggest and guide improvements, leading to more efficient business processes, more transparent automation potential and lower in-house costs.3D ultrasound sensors meet automation solutionsThe partnership will open up new markets for Toposens. The company currently offers its 3D ultrasound sensors as an evaluation kit. A range of different industries have shown an interest in the sensor system, especially the automotive, consumer electronics and people-tracking sectors, explains Tobias Bahnemann, Managing Director of Toposens. With our evaluation kit, interested companies get the chance to test the sensors and get a feel for the innovative technology. Toposens has entered into the partnership with PARIS in order to strengthen its activities in the areas of smart buildings and smart factories. There are synergies, Tobias Bahnemann says, such as combining people tracking with intelligent training and support systems, or using the sensors for automatic heating, lighting and ventilation controls.Our innovation partnership with Toposens allows us to design novel knowledgemanagement and automation solutions, says Sebastian Grodzietzki, Chief Growth Officer of PARIS AG, who is responsible for the companys product vision, marketing and PARIS Innovation Lab. When it comes to executing service and production processes in particular, the bridge between best practice and a companys actual situation often presents a considerable problem. Improving processes and integrating them with talent management solutions also poses a challenge. Here, digital transformation offers huge advantages, for instance, in terms of preparing and communicating relevant knowledge  which can sometimes change quickly over time  and creating smart, uncomplicated interfaces to IT processes and systems. In future it will be possible to communicate required training materials and recommended courses of action in real time, as an integral component of the work process, leading to direct efficiency gains.Sebastian Grodzietzki adds: The transition to smart processes  to workflows that record metadata or context about themselves, share it with people or other systems and have the ability to improve themselves  will be a significant aspect of our partnership. We will enhance our complementary solutions  from software to hardware and cognitive brainware  to create solution systems for specific industries that are easy to integrate, enabling our customers to benefit from the advantages of digital transformation as soon as possible.PARIS AG at a glance:PARIS AG  Process Automation Robotics Intelligence Systems  provides leading technologies for process navigation and optimisation, automation, documentation and e-learning. The solutions from PARIS AG and its datango division support customers by providing targeted process guidance, staff training, faster rollouts and smooth operation of enterprise applications. The solutions feature a context-sensitive navigation aid at the point of need and facilitate automatic generation of documentation, training materials, software simulations and e-learning environments in the live system. As a result, PARIS enables businesses to reduce input errors and support costs, while increasing user acceptance. Features supported by the datango performance suite are an integral component of business processes and applications in companies of varying sizes in a range of different sectors.Toposens GmbH at a glance:Toposens developed the worlds first 3D ultrasound sensor. Based on the echolocation principle used by bats, the sensor can determine the 3D positions of objects and people in real time. Its areas of use range from autonomous driving (short-range collision avoidance for cars and robots) to gesture recognition for controlling consumer electronic devices (e.g. televisions and smartphones) and people tracking (automatic light and heating controls for buildings, analysing customer flow in retail stores). The advantages of the 3D ultrasound sensor are its small dimensions, low energy consumption, robustness and privacy protection (people are not identified). Toposens GmbH was established in 2014 in Munich.Further information:PARIS AGdatango - a division of PARIS AGDaimlerstrasse 8a41564 KaarstGermanyContact person:Sebastian GrodzietzkiChief Growth OfficerTel.: +49 (0)2131 762010Email: s.grodzietzki@paris-ag.comToposens GmbHBlutenstrasse 1580799 MunichGermanyContact person:Tobias BahnemannManaging DirectorTel.: +49 (0)89 2375 1540Email: bahnemann@toposens.de
Digitalisation empowering growth in the oil and gas sector

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 Maersk, Fluor, Baker Hughes, Statoil Saras, and Accenture to showcase real case studies at the IIoT and Digital Solutions for oil and gas event Oil and gas companies consider digitalisation the key to success regarding cost optimisation, health and safety, and predictive maintenance of assetsIn 2017, the World Economic Forum included the oil and gas sector in the Digital Transformation of Industries project. Top leaders of the industry are focusing their companies strategies on the digital transformation of their operations.For this reason, on 7th -8th June in Amsterdam, supermajors and technology providers (Statoil, Shell, Maersk Drilling, Saras Refinery, Fluor, Osi Soft) will attend the IIoT and Digital Solutions Conference for oil and gas to share their experience of using sensors, automation, software and advanced data analytics for their upstream and downstream operations.GBC, the organiser, has listened to the industrys feedback regarding the importance of having an event dedicated to real examples from upstream and downstream, and has included in the programme interactive workshops and technical demos to showcase the latest technologies on the market.The event is a must for C- level executives, CIOs, CDOs and Operational Managers interested in hearing from the experts:- Fausto Torri, Energy Director at Accenture will deliver a joint presentation with Saras Refinery in Italy on energy management solutions- Paul Vickery, CEO, Silicon Microgravity Limited will present new sensor technology which was developed in collaboration with BP, improving yields of conventional reservoirs by 2%- Asger Klindt, Head of Digital, Analytics and Offshore from Maersk Drilling will explain how the company managed to reduce costs by 20% thanks to IoT solutions and data analytics- Hatem Ouslati, Manager at Baker Hughes will showcase how to use downhole data and analytics to improve performance and save costs- Statoil & Shell will present the digitalisation roadmap of their companiesDigitalisation will involve real-time data generated from massive deployment of sensors and will increase control, enhance resilience, reduce cost and open new opportunities for the implementation of energy efficiency in a wide range of sector Remi Eriksen, CEO, DNV GL.Companies interested in joining the IIoT and Digital Solutions for oil and gas event can register here:OFFICIAL WEBSITE:ORGANISERS: GLOBAL BUSINESS CLUBCONTACT:Elmira GabidullinaMarketing ManagerGlobal Business Club LtdT: +44 (0) 845 868 8234E: e.gabidullina@globuc.comGBC is an international company run by professionals with more than 20 years experience and a passion for organising highly successful international oil & gas events.Office 301, 22 Highbury Grove, N5 2ER UK
Global Urinary Catheters Market is Expected to Witness Significant Growth of US$ 1,755.0 Million by 2021

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According to a new market report published by Persistence Market Research titled "Global Market Study on Urinary Catheters: Intermittent Catheters Segment to Witness Highest Growth by 2021, the urinary catheters market is expected to be valued at US$1,377.5 Mn by the end of 2015. It is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of4.1% from 2015 to 2021, to reach US$1,755.0Mn by 2021.Presently, the urinary catheter market is mainly driven by factors such as growing ageing population, favorable reimbursement policies and increasing demand for advanced urinary catheters. However, factors such as growing incidence of urinary tract infections and the threat from substitutes are expected to hamper market growth. The urinary catheter market is segmented on the basis of product type and application.The global catheter market was valued at around US$ 25,895.6Mn 2014. The urinary catheter market accounted for 5.1% of global catheter market in 2014 and was valued at US$ 1,326.0 million. Revenue contribution by urinary catheter market to the global catheter market is expected to increase to US$ 1,755.0 by the end of 2021, expanding at a CAGR of 4.1% between 2015 and 2021. The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases and growing ageing population are factors expected to positively affect the growth of the urinary catheter market across the globe.By region, North America dominated the market with over 30% market share and is expected to remain dominant throughout the forecast period. The urinary catheter market in Asia and Latin America are expected to expand at a CAGRs of 4.7% and 4.6% respectively during the forecast period.A sample of this report is available upon request @Key players covered in this report include B. Braun Melsungen AG, Coloplast A/S., CR Bard Inc., Teleflex Incorporation, Boston Scientific Corporation, Covidien Plc, Hollister Incorporated, and Cook Medical.To Buy Full Report for a Single User @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.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA - Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Europe Bio Composites Market, 2017-2021 - Industry Trends, Market Size, Segments, Growth Prospects: Market Research Globe

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For Requesting a Enquiry of This Report, Please Visit:Notes:Sales, means the sales volume of Bio CompositesRevenue, means the sales value of Bio CompositesThis report studies sales (consumption) of Bio Composites in Europe market, especially in Germany, France, UK, Russia, Italy, Spain and Benelux, focuses on top players in these countries, with sales, price, revenue and market share for each player in these Countries, coveringFlexform TechnologiesTechnaro GmbH, ProcotexGreengran...Market Segment by Countries, this report splits Europe into several key Countries, with sales (consumption), revenue, market share and growth rate of Bio Composites in these countries, from 2011 to 2021 (forecast), likeGermanyFranceUKRussiaItalySpainBeneluxClick here to Download Sample :Split by product type, with sales, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, can be divided intoBiodegradableNot DegradableSplit by application, this report focuses on sales, market share and growth rate of Bio Composites in each application, can be divided intoAutomotiveConstructionOthersTable of Content:Europe Bio Composites Market Report 20171 Bio Composites Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Bio Composites1.2 Classification of Bio Composites1.2.1 Biodegradable1.2.2 Not Degradable1.3 Application of Bio Composites1.3.1 Automotive1.3.2 Construction1.3.3 Others1.4 Bio Composites Market by Countries1.4.1 Germany Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.2 France Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.3 UK Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.4 Russia Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.5 Italy Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.6 Spain Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.7 Benelux Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.5 Europe Market Size (Value and Volume) of Bio Composites (2012-2022)1.5.1 Europe Bio Composites Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2022)1.5.2 Europe Bio Composites Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2022)2 Europe Bio Composites by Manufacturers, Type and Application2.1 Europe Bio Composites Market Competition by Manufacturers2.1.1 Europe Bio Composites Sales and Market Share of Key Manufacturers (2015 and 2016)2.1.2 Europe Bio Composites Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2015 and 2016)2.2 Europe Bio Composites (Volume and Value) by Type2.2.1 Europe Bio Composites Sales and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)2.2.2 Europe Bio Composites Revenue and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)2.3 Europe Bio Composites (Volume and Value) by Countries2.3.1 Europe Bio Composites Sales and Market Share by Countries (2012-2017)2.3.2 Europe Bio Composites Revenue and Market Share by Countries (2012-2017)2.4 Europe Bio Composites (Volume) by ApplicationTo Get Related Reports, Click Here:1. United States Bio Composites Market Report 20172. Global Bio Composites Sales Market Report 20173. Global Bio Composites Market Research Report 2017Market Research Globe is a competent consulting company in the field of Global Market Research. We provide our clients a wide range of customized Marketing and Business Research Solutions to choose from, with the help of our ingenious database developed by experts. We help our clients understand the strengths of diverse markets and how to exploit opportunities. Covering a diverse range of business scopes from Digital products to Food industry, we are your one- stop solution right from data collection to investment advices.We provide qualitative analysis of the current market scenario, latest market trends, price and cost changes, product growth rate and market share of the competitors through our exclusive syndicated research. Our comprehensive syndicated reports penetrate deep into micro levels of each target segment of the referred industry. We begin our journey into market research for every project through extensive primary data driven researches, from key suppliers in the industry.Liberty Society,Koregaon Park, Pune- 411001,Maharashtra, India.
Global Hospital Beds Market is Projected for a Healthy Growth Rate During 2016 to 2024

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Beds are among the most essential equipment required in a hospital, as patients are generally not in mobile condition to receive the treatment, and rest is often necessary for them. For the critical conditions that patients are admitted into the hospital, beds are required to be designed in such a manner that provides ideal support and comfort. With growing prevalence of several diseases, the healthcare industry is at an all-time peak and consequently, the global hospital beds market is projected for a healthy growth rate during the forecast period of 2016 to 2024.Obtain Report Details @This report on global market for hospital beds is an in-depth examination of all the factors that are expected to impact the growth rate in the near future, and presents estimations on the future state of the market until 2024. The report is a summation of interviews and discussions with a wide range of key industry participants and opinion leaders. Some of the key players have also been profiled in the report, exploring their market share, product range, regional presence, and recent strategic developments such as mergers, collaborations, acquisitions, and other announcements.The global hospital beds can be segmented on the basis of type, treatment, power, and geography. By type, the market can be divided into general beds, pediatric beds, pressure relief beds, bariatric beds, and birthing beds. By treatment, the market can be categorized into acute care beds, long term care beds, and critical care beds. By power, the market can be segmented into electric beds, manual beds, and semi-electric beds. Geographically, the report studies the opportunities available in the regions of North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and Rest of the World.Rising geriatric population is one of the prominent factors of this market, as the people aged over 65 generally suffer from several diseases such as arthritis, heart disease, respiratory diseases, Alzheimers diseases, osteoporosis, and diabetes. According to the National Institute on Aging, global geriatric population will rise to 1.5 billion, which makes for a strong demand for hospital beds. Increasing number of hospitalization cases and technological advancements in the field, and improving healthcare infrastructure in emerging economies are other important factors positively influencing the market.Fill the Form for an Exclusive Sample of this Report @According to the report, rising demand for advanced and selective features of hospital beds is a trend that urges investment in research and development of advanced beds. Conversely, high cost of these beds is seen as the primary restraint over the growth rate of the global hospitals beds market.Europe is expected to remain most lucrative regional market during the forecast period, which is a reflection of increasing expenditure in Europes medical industry and healthcare organizations. North America forms the second most profitable region due to robust healthcare infrastructure, whereas Asia Pacific is projected for most robust growth rate, which is a result of vast population base and improving healthcare infrastructure in the emerging economies such as India, China, Japan, Australia, and South Korea.Paramount Bed Co. Ltd., Getinge Group, LINET spol. s r.o., ArjoHuntleigh, Stryker, Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc., Invacare Corporation, and Medline Industries, Inc. are some of the key players currently operational in the global hospital beds market. Most of these companies have sub-divisional production units in order to meet the demand coming from medical establishments that are replacing their outdated hospital beds with the advanced ones.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Contact UsTransparency Market ResearchState Tower,90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
According to a recent report by Portland based Market Research Globe, Global Organic Pet Food Market is expected to reach $6.4 Billion By the end of, 2017-2022

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For Requesting a Enquiry of This Report, Please Visit:In this report, the global Organic Pet Food market is valued at USD XX million in 2016 and is expected to reach USD XX million by the end of 2022, growing at a CAGR of XX% between 2016 and 2022.Geographically, this report is segmented into several key Regions, with production, consumption, revenue (million USD), market share and growth rate of Organic Pet Food in these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), coveringNorth AmericaEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaGlobal Organic Pet Food market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer; the top players includingNestleMarsRoyal CaninHill'sNavarchCargillPetGuardORganixNewman's OwnParty AnimalLilys KitchenNatural Planet Pet FoodsHarrison's Bird FoodsDr. Geoff's Real Food for PetsEvanger'sNYOSClick here to Download Sample :Avian OrganicsBIOpetOrganic Pet BoutiqueOxbow Animal HealthOn the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoWet Organic Pet FoodDry Organic Pet FoodOn 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 Organic Pet Food for each application, includingDogCatBirdFishOtherTable of Content:3 Global Organic Pet Food Capacity, Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2012-2017)3.1 Global Organic Pet Food Capacity and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3.2 Global Organic Pet Food Production and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3.3 Global Organic Pet Food Revenue (Value) and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3.4 Global Organic Pet Food Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.5 North America Organic Pet Food Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.6 Europe Organic Pet Food Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.7 China Organic Pet Food Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.8 Japan Organic Pet Food Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.9 Southeast Asia Organic Pet Food Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.10 India Organic Pet Food Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)4 Global Organic Pet Food Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Region (2012-2017)4.1 Global Organic Pet Food Consumption by Region (2012-2017)4.2 North America Organic Pet Food Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.3 Europe Organic Pet Food Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.4 China Organic Pet Food Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.5 Japan Organic Pet Food Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.6 Southeast Asia Organic Pet Food Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.7 India Organic Pet Food Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)Market Research Globe is a competent consulting company in the field of Global Market Research. We provide our clients a wide range of customized Marketing and Business Research Solutions to choose from, with the help of our ingenious database developed by experts. We help our clients understand the strengths of diverse markets and how to exploit opportunities. Covering a diverse range of business scopes from Digital products to Food industry, we are your one- stop solution right from data collection to investment advices.We provide qualitative analysis of the current market scenario, latest market trends, price and cost changes, product growth rate and market share of the competitors through our exclusive syndicated research. Our comprehensive syndicated reports penetrate deep into micro levels of each target segment of the referred industry. We begin our journey into market research for every project through extensive primary data driven researches, from key suppliers in the industry.Liberty Society,Koregaon Park, Pune- 411001,Maharashtra, India.
Global Thoracic Surgery Market 2016 Industry, Analysis, Research, Share, Growth, Sales, Trends, Supply, Forecast to 2021

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The Global Thoracic Surgery Industry 2016 Market Research Report is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the Thoracic Surgery industry.The report provides a basic overview of the industry including definitions and classifications. The Thoracic Surgery market analysis is provided for the international markets including development trends, competitive landscape analysis, and key regions development status.Request for Sample of Premium Research Report @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 focuses on global major leading industry players providing information such as company profiles, product specification, price, cost, revenue and contact information.With 139 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.Browse report summary with TOC @Table of Contents1 Industry Overview1.1 Basic Information of Thoracic Surgery1.1.1 Definition of Thoracic Surgery1.1.2 Classifications of Thoracic Surgery1.1.2.1 CABG1.1.2.2 Heart valve repair1.1.2.3 TAVR1.1.2.4 LAA closure1.1.2.5 TEVAR1.1.3 Applications of Thoracic Surgery1.1.4 Characteristics of Thoracic Surgery1.2 Development Overview of Thoracic Surgery1.3 Enter Barriers Analysis of Thoracic Surgery2 Thoracic Surgery International and China Market Analysis2.1 Thoracic Surgery Industry International Market Analysis2.1.1 Thoracic Surgery International Market Development History2.1.2 Thoracic Surgery Competitive Landscape Analysis2.1.3 Thoracic Surgery International Main Countries Development Status2.1.4 Thoracic Surgery International Market Development Trend2.2 Thoracic Surgery Industry China Market Analysis2.2.1 Thoracic Surgery China Market Development History2.2.2 Thoracic Surgery Competitive Landscape Analysis2.2.3 Thoracic Surgery China Main Regions Development Status2.2.4 Thoracic Surgery China Market Development Trend2.3 Thoracic Surgery International and China Market Comparison Analysis3 Environment Analysis of Thoracic Surgery3.1 International Economy Analysis3.2 China Economy Analysis3.3 Policy Analysis of Thoracic Surgery3.4 News Analysis of Thoracic Surgery4 Analysis of Revenue by Classifications4.1 Global Revenue of Thoracic Surgery by Classifications 2011-20164.2 Global Revenue Growth Rate of Thoracic Surgery by Classifications 2011-20164.3 Thoracic Surgery Revenue by Classifications5 Analysis of Revenue by Regions and Applications5.1 Global Revenue of Thoracic Surgery by Regions 2011-20165.2 2011-2016 USA Revenue and Revenue Growth Rate of Thoracic Surgery5.3 2011-2016 Europe Revenue and Revenue Growth Rate of Thoracic Surgery5.4 2011-2016 Japan Revenue and Revenue Growth Rate of Thoracic Surgery5.5 2011-2016 China Revenue and Revenue Growth Rate of Thoracic Surgery6 Analysis of Thoracic Surgery Revenue Market Status 2011-20166.1 Revenue of Thoracic Surgery 2011-20166.2 Revenue Market Share Analysis of Thoracic Surgery 2011-20166.3 Revenue Overview of Thoracic Surgery 2011-20166.4 Gross Margin of Thoracic Surgery 2011-20167 Analysis of Thoracic Surgery Industry Key Manufacturers7.1 Boston Scientific7.1.1 Company Profile7.1.2 Revenue and Gross Margin7.1.3 Boston Scientific SWOT AnalysisQYResearchReports.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.QYResearchReportsContact Us1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Web:Email: sales@qyresearchreports.comFollow us on Linkedin @
Global Phototherapy Equipment Market Analysis, Size, Share, Development and Demand Forecast to 2022

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The global phototherapy equipment market is witnessing considerable growth due to the increasing incidence of neonatal jaundice and increasing prevalence of skin problems including psoriasis, eczema and vitiligo. Moreover, the increasing adoption of LED-based phototherapy equipment and launch of technologically advanced products are further supporting the growth of the market. Among the various equipment types, the conventional phototherapy equipment segment lead the market in terms of size. The phototherapy equipment for treating skin diseases contributed largest revenue to the global market in 2015 and it is expected to grow at the fastest rate during the forecast period. Hospitals are the largest end user of these equipment as most of these treatments are performed in hospitals for increased patient safety.Explore report at:Phototherapy is a light therapy, which involves exposing skin to ultraviolet light for a regular duration under the medical supervision for treating neonatal jaundice and treating psoriasis, and eczema globally. Phototherapy helps in reducing itching, increases vitamin D production, and calms inflammation.The growing health care industry in emerging economies, development of low cost phototherapy equipment and increasing adoption of at home phototherapy treatment is creating ample revenue generation opportunities for the manufacturers of phototherapy equipment. However, high cost of these equipments and procedures and dearth of skilled professionals are the key factors hampering the growth of the global phototherapy equipment market.Request For Table of Content at:Geographically, North America has been the largest market for phototherapy equipment. The major factors fueling the growth of the North American market are increasing prevalence of skin diseases, technological advancements and high healthcare expenditure in the region. The U.S. contributed largest revenue to the North American as well as global phototherapy equipment market.Browse Other Related Report at:The key players operating in the global phototherapy equipment market are Philips Lighting Holding B.V., GE Healthcare, Natus Medical Incorporated, Phoenix Medical Systems Pvt. Ltd., Atom Medical Corporation, National Biological Corporation, Solarc Systems Inc., The Daavlin Company, and Nice Neotech Medical Systems Pvt. Ltd.About P&S Market ResearchP&S Market Research is a market research company, which offers market research and consulting services for various geographies around the globe. We provide market research reports, industry forecasting reports, business intelligence, and research based consulting services across different industry/business verticals.As one of the top growing market research agency, were keen upon providing market landscape and accurate forecasting. Our analysts and consultants are proficient with business intelligence and market analysis, through their interaction with leading companies of the concerned domain. We help our clients with B2B market research and assist them in identifying various windows of opportunity, and framing informed and customized business expansion strategies in different regions.Contact:AbhishekExecutive  Client Partner347, 5th Ave. #1402New York City, NY - 10016Toll-free: +1-888-778-7886 (USA/Canada)Email: enquiry@psmarketresearch.comWeb:347, 5th Ave. #1402New York City, NY - 10016
California Prop 65 Settlement Agreement Reached for BPA in Polycarbonate Dishware

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A California Proposition 65 (Prop 65) settlement agreement has been reached concerning the reformulation of bisphenol A (BPA) in polycarbonate dishware. The agreement involves several consumer products, including polycarbonate wine glasses, which must now contain BPA to a level of less than or equal to 1000ppm. The settlement also allows for a Prop 65 warning to be used as an alternative.This agreement was achieved in February 2017 and it follows the relisting of BPA on the Prop 65 list of chemicals known to cause female reproductive toxicity in May 2015. The relisting of BPA placed two important requirements upon companies doing business in California: They had until May 11, 2016 to provide a clear and reasonable warning before knowingly and intentionally exposing anyone to BPA They had until January 11, 2017 to prohibit the discharge of BPA into sources of drinking waterCalifornia Proposition 65 is the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, a unique consumer right-to-know law which was passed by Californian residents in November 1986. The law requires the state of California to maintain a list of chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects and other reproductive harm. Currently, the list contains around 800 substances and has consistently targeted consumer products containing flame retardants, lead and phthalates.The Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986 has led to numerous lawsuits, resulting in a reduction in exposure to toxic chemicals, by requiring reformulation and/or labeling. The law states that, unless exempted, a business must not expose individuals to the chemicals on the list without giving a Prop 65 warning. In addition, companies must also refrain from discharging listed chemicals into sources of drinking water.Businesses with less than 10 employees and government agencies are exempt from these two provisions, as are businesses where exposure creates no significant risk of cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.Businesses not named in specific Prop 65 settlement are not legally bound by that agreement. However, due to the unique nature of Prop 65, companies are advised to use settlement reformulation limits as a reference, in order to avoid possible future litigation.SGS Prop 65 ServicesProp 65 services offer your organization comprehensive testing, product assessments and consultancy services related to California Proposition 65. They can assist the risk management in your supply chain for consumer goods such as DIYs, electrical and electronics, hardgoods products, juvenile products, and textile & toy products. Learn more about SGSs Prop 65 Services (SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full California Prop 65 Reformulation of BPA in Polycarbonate Dishware SafeGuardS. (Subscribe here,, to receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox.For further information contact:Hing Wo TsangGlobal Hardlines Information and Innovation ManagerTel:(+852) 2774 7420Email: cts.media@sgs.comWebsite:About SGSSGS is the worlds leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. SGS is recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With more than 90,000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 2,000 offices and laboratories around the world.1, Mons CalpeChitcombe RoadBroad OakRyeEast SussexTN31 6EU
Global Behenyl Alcohol Market Worth 54,200.9 Metric Tons by 2021

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Behenyl alcohol (CAS: 661-19-8), often referred to as docosanol, is a saturated fatty alcohol used to thicken and stabilise formulations. It is categorised on the basis of purity level. Behenyl alcohol with the purity level of 70% is most commonly used. However, behenyl alcohol with purity over 80% is very rarely used. Behenyl alcohol accounted for a mere 1.4% share of the overall fatty alcohols market, and for 14% share of the overall C16+ fatty alcohols market in 2014.A sample of this report is available upon request:According to the latest market report published by Persistence Market Research titled  Global Market Study on Behenyl Alcohol: Asia Pacific to Witness Highest Growth by 2021, the global behenyl alcohol market to expand at a CAGR of 4.5% during the forecast period, 2015  2021.Global behenyl alcohol market is projected to account for 54,200.9 metric tons by the end of 2021. In terms of value, the global behenyl alcohol market accounted for US$ 119.4 Mn in 2014. It is projected to witness the increase in volume due to rising demand from end-use segments.The report analyses the global behenyl alcohol market in terms of market value (US$ Mn) and market volume (metric tons), by end-use segment, region and application; and provides information regarding market dynamics, value chain, competitive landscape, current trends, market estimations and forecast.Globally, Asia-Pacific is expected to dominate the market throughout the forecast period and is projected to witness a 1.4X increase in its volume production by the end of 2021. While Japan and India are two major exporters of behenyl alcohol chemicals globally, South Korea is one of the key importers of behenyl alcohol in Asia Pacific. In Asia Pacific, India is the largest producer of rapeseed and behenyl alcohol. A large number of companies based in the country export rapeseed to North America, Europe and other parts of Asia. Sun care products are widely used in Asia Pacific. It accounted for nearly US$ 2.2 Bn in 2014. The increase in demand for sun care products, in turn, is expected to boost overall demand for behenyl alcohol globally. Though the market is gaining traction in Asia-Pacific, low presence of Chinese players in the behenyl alcohol market has significantly reduced price competitiveness among the companies based in Japan, India and Europe. As a result, manufacturers are expected to generate high-profit margins in the Asia Pacific region. Europe is the next lucrative destination for behenyl alcohol manufacturers.Among the end-use segments, behenyl alcohol finds the largest application in the cosmetics industry, followed by pharmaceuticals and others. The pharmaceuticals end-use segment is expected to gain traction in the near future due to increasing demand for behenyl alcohol in ointments. Increasing demand for high-quality cosmetic products is influencing manufacturers to opt for high-quality ingredients such as behenyl alcohol, which has a relatively non-sticky property as compared to other ingredients.Request to view Table of Content:...Globally, per capita consumption of cosmetics is increasing at a rate of 3.4% per year. Per capita consumption of cosmetics is expected to grow exponentially in the near future due to a significant rise in geriatric population, especially in Japan and China.To Buy Full Report for a Single User: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
Styrene Acrylic Market to Register Unwavering Growth During 2016-2026

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Styrene Acrylic is a kind of coating which is used for building and construction to provide concrete and roofing applications to improve or provide flexibility, heat sealability, salt stability, and water resistance. Chemically styrene acrylic is nothing but modified acrylic polymer to increase weathering resistance of the polymer. Coating of styrene acrylic increases the longevity of roofs and other building materials which are at direct expose to the outer atmosphere. With the rise in global warming houses and building coated with styrene acrylic are on trend. Over the forecast period, it can be anticipated that the styrene acrylic market will increase with the rise in demand of weather proof coating.A sample of this report is available upon request @The growth of global styrene acrylic market is driven by growing construction industry. The macroeconomic factors responsible for the growth of global styrene acrylic market is the rapid rate of urbanization, rising disposable income which results into high demand for weather proof houses and apartments. Consumers now look for living spaces which can meet their demands and require least of maintenance. Such demand push the constructor and builders to utilize those goods and raw material s which are treated with styrene acrylic. Even automobile manufacturers are working on modified styrene acrylic to incorporate into coating of automobile outer body in order to make the vehicle less weather prone and in the process making car interior least affected by outer temperature.Owing to its strong chemical composition, industry and industry workers manufacturing styrene acrylic are prone to myriad health issues. And since styrene acrylic is made with natural gas and crude oil. Recent price fluctuations of crude oil in the international market has deterred the profit of styrene acrylic market. Such factors can act as a restraint for styrene acrylic market growth.Global Styrene acrylic Market Segmentation:Global styrene acrylic market is segmented by application, end-user, and region. By application global styrene acrylic market is segmented as coating, paint. Among the application segment, painting contributes for the significant revenue share over the forecast period in global styrene acrylic market, owing to increasing demand for styrene acrylic paint in various segments. By end-user, the global styrene acrylic market is segmented as the construction industry, chemical industry.Based on the geographies, the global styrene acrylic market is fragmented into seven key regions -- North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific except Japan, Japan, and the Middle East & Africa. Among the aforementioned regions, North America accounts for a significant share of global styrene acrylic market, owing to relatively high-value share of the region in the global construction industry. Western Europe is followed by North America region in the global styrene acrylic market, owing to the substantial growth of automobile industry in the region. The Asia-Pacific except Japan region accounts for significantly high volume share in the global styrene acrylic market, owing to the substantial growth in the construction industry in the region. Eastern Europe and Japan also accounts for significant value share in the global styrene acrylic market over the forecast period. The developing economy such as Middle East Africa and Latin America have been exhibiting moderate opportunity in the global styrene acrylic market, owing to the moderate growth rate in the construction industry and growing population. Overall, the outlook for the global styrene acrylic market will have a positive growth over the forecast period, owing to the increasing demand for the pharmaceuticals as an anti-counterfeiting measure.Request to view Table of content @Few players in the global styrene acrylic market include BASF, The Lubrizol Corporation, Arkema, Wacker Chemie AG, DIC Corporation, Trinseo, Momentive Performance Materials Holdings LLC, Omnova Solutions Inc., Nuplex Industries Ltd, The DOW Chemical Company.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
Redispersible Latex Powder Market to Record Ascending Growth by 2026

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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.A sample of this report is available upon request @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.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
Jim Donovan lectures to UVA law students in 2013.

Longtime Goldman Sachs banker James Jim H. Donovan was asked by President Donald J. Trump to be deputy Treasury secretary.

Donovan, 50, is the latest Goldman alum tapped for the Trump administration. Others with ties to the investment bank include Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, White House chief strategist Stephen Bannon, economic assistant Dina Powell, and chief economic advisor Gary Cohn, the banks former president and COO.

As No. 2 at the Treasury Department, Donovan will assist Mnuchin in carrying out the administrations economic policies.

A Goldman Sachs archetype

Donovan graduated with his bachelors in chemical engineering from MIT. He received his MBA from MIT Sloan and his J.D. from Harvard Law School.

A former varsity rower at MIT, Donovan now runs 30 to 40 minutes per day, regardless of the weather outside or how little hes slept the night before.

Donovan has a resume made for Goldman. He joined the firm in 1993 and spent his entire career there, becoming a partner in 2000.

I like to say I was lucky enough to get a job at Goldman Sachs and smart enough to take it, he told University of Virginia law students in a lecture he gave in 2013.

At Goldman, he worked in investment banking, investment management, and corporate strategy. Hes best known for advising CEOs of large, multinational companies.

How Donovan locks down long-lasting relationships

His edge appears to be his ability to build and maintain lasting relationships with executives.

During that lecture at UVA, he shared a common mistake most bankers make when dealing with clients.

If youre a merger banker  youll be working with the CEO for six months or a year, very intensely, he said. You will spend all-nighters with the CEO. Youll be sequestered in conference rooms. Youll be on the phone or in person at all times, sharing their most intimate secrets about the firm. You get very close to that CEO in that process. And the typical good banker does that  they get very close to the CEO and do their best work.

Story continues

The transaction gets consummated, they have a dinner  its called a closing dinner  and celebrate and some toasts are made. And the deal gets done, and the banker goes away go away until the next merger mandate, which might be six years later or 10 years later or maybe never.

According to Donovan, the problem is during that time away the relationship between the banker and the CEO deteriorates. Sometimes a new CEO takes the helm, and the relationship is toast. That banker will have to get in line with 10 other firms competing in a bake-off for the next merger mandate. Instead, Donovan emphasized the importance of serving as a strategic adviser to the CEO since the company will be doing all sorts of financial transactions beyond M&A.

Instead, Donovan emphasized the importance of serving as a strategic adviser to the CEO since the company will be doing all sorts of financial transactions beyond just M&A.

So, what I did was with my clients  when I started as a young associate at the firm  I did the best work I could on whatever mandate was in front of me; lets say it was a merger mandate. But in those meetings, in those all-nighters, I started to engage the CEO other topics. I read in the paper your competitors are doing this. How do you feel about that?I noticed that you just purchased a company in Japan, are you interested in hedging your Japanese yen exposure? If so, I can help you put together a team to do that. In fact, I can put together a team and lead a team and help you do anything in the financial world. As the merger was going on, I was working on other things for the CEO. [After] the merger was completed, I kept working on other things. And so when there was a merger mandate that came up in six years, it wasnt a matter of any bake-off occurring. It was, Im going to call Jim because I just got finished talking to him about something else.

Becoming a generalist and strategic adviser is what allowed Donovan to box out the competition. He added that its not innate, but it can be learned.

Donovans been involved in Republican politics

One of his clients was private equity firm Bain Capital, which was co-founded by Mitt Romney. Romney has been a friend of Donovans for more than 15 years.

A Republican, Donovan was an adviser and fundraiser for Romneys presidential campaign. More recently, he helped raise money for Jeb Bushs campaign during the Republican primaries.

Outside of work, Donovan focuses his philanthropic efforts on cancer-related causes. He serves on the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health Board of Directors and the Board of Trustees of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Hes also a member of The Lank Center for Genitourinary Oncology. He and wife started the Christy and Jim Donovan Fund for Prostate Cancer Research at DFCI.

Donovan has been an adjunct professor at UVAs law school.

Jim Donovan has been teaching courses in our Law & Business Program for eight years, and during that time he has given our students unique and invaluable instruction in corporate strategy and client relations. We are fortunate to have him as a member of the UVA Law community and hope to have him back when he concludes his public service, Lisa Goluboff, the dean of UVAs law school, told Yahoo Finance in an emailed statement.

Donovan resides in Virginia with his wife, Christy, and their four children.

A spokesperson for Goldman didnt respond to a request for comment.



Julia La Roche is a finance reporter at Yahoo Finance.

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Cellulosic Thickeners Market Estimated to Record Highest CAGR by 2024

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Global Cellulosic Thickeners Market: DynamicsThe 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.A sample of this report is available upon request @Global Cellulosic Thickeners Market: SegmentationThe 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.Global Cellulosic Thickeners Market: Regional OverviewThe 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 @Global Cellulosic Thickeners Market: Key PlayersThe 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.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
Law enforcement robots are mobile automated process platforms that are responsive to homeland security needs

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"The Report Law Enforcement Robots: Market Shares, Market Strategies, and Market Forecasts, 2016 to 2022 provides information on pricing, market analysis, shares, forecast, and company profiles for key industry participants. - MarketResearchReports.biz"Next generation law enforcement robots are being implemented as platforms. Platforms are useful for accepting a range of components quickly to repurpose units on the fly. Law enforcement robots leverage better materials, more sophisticated designs, software technology, and tablet remote controls. They are communication devices that support high quality data gathering. Communications are implemented in difficult situations. The study has 649 pages and 327 tables and figures.Law enforcement robotics are slated to increase in value to cities and local communities providing low cost protection and high value capabilities. With the active threat of terrorists attacking civilian populations in every country, law enforcement has become the new military. As terrorists operate outside nationalistic borders and infiltrate into the community, robot systems are needed by local police forces, not just the military. The national priority in every country is to increase the budgets for regional and local law enforcement robotic response.View Report @Response to emergency situations with robots include response to natural disasters, hostage taking, barricaded law breakers, and terrorists. These situations have not been a problem inside local communities, previously dealt with by national authorities.With the rise of international terrorism, experienced through the news media in most local communities and cities, the threat of local terrorism is becoming more real and unfortunately more common. The robots offer al level of protection to the human by letting the police officers do some of their job remotely.Law enforcement robots are mobile automated process platforms that are responsive to homeland security needs. They are emerging in the context of globalization and smart phone devices that provide connectedness in every aspect of people and things worldwide. Law enforcement robots are evolving in the context of the smart phone apps that support the systems of engagement. This global aspect of the law enforcement robots means that the devices have a presence in every part of the world.Law enforcement robots are inherently local, they are used locally, they are needed by security personnel in particularly dangerous local situations. Systems of engagement apps are evolving as specially designed ground robot networks used to address terrorism and local law enforcement and fire department needs to support community and cities safety patrol.Bomb squads need robots, they need robot technology, more flexibility, better maneuverability. The robots can be tuned to the specific activity in which they are being used. Modular systems represent platform technology of choice for robots. Modules can be highly targeted to specific situations. Robots make police organizations more functional. Robots improve performance, they work remotely.Get Sample Copy of this Report @Robots for law enforcement rely on maneuverability. Security technology is becoming mobile, changing the old security camera approach to allowing a more proactive approach to security. The robot can go out and look around.The aim of using law enforcement robots is to secure the safety of the officers in the field. Robots are pretty good at this as it turns out. Police are forced to function in dangerous situations. Law enforcement robots make a manned police force able to function more effectively. Robots can carry video cameras. Video facilitates communicating with a dangerous criminal.Law enforcement robots have become more affordable. Market growth comes from economies of scale that bring the lower costs for more functionality.Law enforcement robot markets at $1 billion in 2015 are anticipated to reach $5.7 billion by 2022. Market growth comes as every law enforcement agency faces the prospect of dealing with terrorists. With technology maturity and economies of scale, price points decline rapidly and affordability continues to drive significant market growth. The companies that have achieved measurable market share early in the evolution of the market are likely to maintain a strong presence in markets.Companies ProfiledMarket LeadersNorthrop GrummanGeneralGeneral DynamicsEndeavour RoboticsKongsbergQinetiQ Energid / MitsubishiReconRoboticsSDRTelerob LockheedMartinMarket ParticipantsCorowareDJIKairos AutonamiGoogleGoProKairos AutonamiKawada IndustriesKukaLithos RoboticsLockheed MartinMesa RoboticsMitsubishi Next-GenerationRobot for Nuclear Power PlantHeat Exchanger Tube InspectionNorthrop GrummanPedscoPower Hawk TechnologiesRoboticsRobosoftRobotexTechnoRobotTranscend RoboticsYamahaKey TopicsLaw Enforcement RobotsHomeland Security RobotsFirst Responder RobotsBorder Patrol RobotsGround RobotsBomb Detection RobotsNetworks of Military RobotsUnmanned Logistics VehiclesRobots Market SharesUnmanned VehiclesRobots Market ForecastsManeuverable Military RobotsMilitary Embedded SoftwareSensor NetworksSearch And RescueRobot NavigationBattery for RobotsRobots Drive ControlRobots ElectronicsRobots Market SegmentsLow Power RobotsGuns Mounted on RobotsMilitary RobotsAuto Assault-12 (AA-2)Remote-Controlled WeaponsNeural RoboticsRobotexFolding Transport MilitaryRobotsRoboticsRobotCommon Operator ControlUnitRadio Control ModulesSecurityAppsAbout usMarketResearchReports.biz is the most comprehensive collection of market research reports. MarketResearchReports.Biz services are specially designed to save time and money for our clients. We are a one stop solution for all your research needs, our main offerings are syndicated research reports, custom research, subscription access and consulting services. We serve all sizes and types of companies spanning across various industries.ContactMr. NachiketState Tower90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074USA: Canada Toll Free: 866-997-4948Website:E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Adult Malignant Glioma Therapeutics Market: Growth in Asian Market is Fueled by the Presence of Untapped Market Opportunities due to Increasing and Expanding Healthcare Infrastructure

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Glioma is a type of tumor that occurs in brain or spine. It is a group of brain tumor that includes oligodendrogliomas and astrocytomas. Gliomas include all types of brain tumors arising from supportive tissue of the brain. Malignant glioma is the most common type of brain tumor observed in adults globally. Collectively they contribute around 40% of the total cases diagnosed with brain tumor. In the last decade, there has been a consistent rise in the number of people diagnosed with malignant glioma.The American Brain Tumor Association has estimated around 69,720 new cases of brain tumor in 2013. Thus, rising number of people diagnosed with malignant glioma supports the growth of the global adult malignant glioma therapeutics market. Headache, physical weakness, memory loss and seizures are some of the common symptoms of malignant glioma. Thus, with symptoms getting worse size of tumor increases that destroys brain cells, creates swelling in the brain and increases the pressure on skull.Browse Market Research Report @Cancer Research U.K. estimated that around 45% of the total primary brain tumor cases are gliomas. There are majorly four types of gliomas such as astrocytoma, oligodendroglioma, ependymoma and unspecified glioma. Astrocytoms is the most common type of glioma diagnosed globally, more than 30% of the total cases diagnosed with brain tumors are astrocytomas. These types of tumors are not curable as they spread easily through normal brain tissue. Astrocytomas are primarily classified on the basis of grades from one to four as per the speed of their growth in brain cells. American Brain Tumor Association have analyzed that around 7% of all the primary brain tumors represent astrocytomas.Hence, a rising number of people diagnosed with astrocytomas accentuates the uptake of therapeutics for the treatment of the same. Currently, majority of the therapeutics for the treatment of malignant glioma is under clinical trials, key players are engaged in research and development activities.Geographically, North America and Europe accounted for the largest share in the global adult malignant glioma therapeutics market. This dominance was mainly attributed to key players domiciled in these regions coupled with increasing incidences of brain tumor. Brain tumor is the third most common type of cancer in adults in North America.According to North America Brain Tumor Coalition over 44,500 people in the U.S. were diagnosed with primary tumor in the brain in 2014. Thus, rising incidences of primary brain tumor supports the growth of malignant glioma therapeutics market in North America. In addition, increasing healthcare awareness also supported the growth of malignant glioma therapeutics market in North America and European market.For more information on this report, fill the form @Similarly, Asia Pacific is considered as the most lucrative market for the growth of malignant glioma therapeutics. The growth in Asian market is fueled by the presence of untapped market opportunities due to increasing and expanding healthcare infrastructure in this region. Asia Pacific is considered as an emerging market owing to growing market penetration coupled with increasing number of manufacturers expanding their geographic presence in this region. Thus, all the mentioned factors collectively propel the growth of malignant glioma therapeutics market during the forecast period from 2014 to 2020.Major players and universities engaged in the development of therapeutics for the treatment of malignant glioma include Eli Lilly and Company, Insys Therapeutics, Inc., GlaxoSmithKline plc, Amgen, Inc., Duke University, Shinshu University, Medical Research Council, Osaka University and others.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Contact UsTransparency Market ResearchState Tower,90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
GLOBAL CANCER TREATMENT DRUGS MARKET BY MANUFACTURERS, COUNTRIES, TYPE AND APPLICATION, FORECAST TO 2022

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Cancer Treatment Drugs are used to treat malignancies, or cancerous growths. Depending on the technology it cans classification into Chemotherapy, Targeted Therapy, Immunotherapy (Biologic Therapy), Hormonal Therapy and Others.Get report sample at@Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the Cancer Treatment Drugs 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 coversRocheNovartisCelgeneAmgenJohnson & JohnsonBristol-Myers SquibbTakedaEli LillyPfizerAstraZenecaAstellasSanofiBayerMerck & Co.Biogen IdecKyowa Hakko KirinOtsukaTevaEisaiMerck KGaAIpsenAbbVieGilead SciencesMarket 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, coversChemotherapyTargeted TherapyImmunotherapy (Biologic Therapy)Hormonal TherapyOthersMarket Segment by Applications, can be divided intoBlood CancerBreast CancerGastrointestinal CancerProstate CancerRespiratory/Lung CancerOther CancersThere are 15 Chapters to deeply display the global Cancer Treatment Drugs market.Chapter 1, to describe Cancer Treatment Drugs Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the top manufacturers of Cancer Treatment Drugs, with sales, revenue, and price of Cancer Treatment Drugs, 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 Cancer Treatment Drugs, 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, Cancer Treatment Drugs market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2017 to 2022;Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe Cancer Treatment Drugs sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data sourceResearch Trades has team of experts who works on providing exhaustive analysis pertaining to market research on a global basis. This comprehensive analysis is obtained by a thorough research and study of the ongoing trends and provides predictive data regarding the future estimations, which can be utilized by various organizations for growth purposes.We distribute customized reports that focus on meeting the clients specific requirement. Our database consists of a large collection of high-quality reports obtained using a customer-centric approach, thus providing valuable research insights.The research encompasses information gathered and examined by subject-matter experts, laying down growth opportunities and developmental strategies for enterprises. These reports not only furnish latest market trends across various domains and industry verticals across all geographical regions, but also provide competitive intelligence, future estimations, and industry advancements.Qualitative as well as quantitative data presented in the reports spans sectors such as food & beverages, chemicals, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, electronics, and so on.Our services aim at offering ethical reports at an economical rate to enable the customers growth and thus develop a healthy relationship with the clientele. In addition, our goal is to offer impeccable data solutions and continuous support to business organizations.Flat No.10, Wing C,S. No.245/4/2+245/5/1, Baner, Pune-411045
Global Bulldoze Market 2016 Caterpillar, Komatsu, XCMG, ZOOMLION, PENGPU, LiuGong, SHANTUI, HBIS

Global Bulldoze Market 2016

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The latest report Bulldoze Market by QY Research added to it's database and brings to light the comprehensive study and factual information of global market. The report also provides the global market segmentation based on applications, end-users, technology, and geography. 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 Bulldoze market.To Request Sample Copy Of This Report @The report includes rigorous data, in-depth analysis in two ways, namely, quantitative and qualitative, industry professionals inputs and data given by the industry members and industry analysts involved in the complete value cycle. The report features thorough study of important market and their current trends, coupled with respective market segments. Information about the numerous factors and their influence on the global market and its segments is also mentioned in the Bulldoze report.The study report evaluates the range of factors of the Bulldoze industry, such as definition, demands, share, analysis, supply, sales, size, specification, forecast trends, production, classification, industry policy, news, and application. The global Bulldoze market report will provide significant and reliable information on the market clearly in structured format. The report will offers you a key manufacturer of the products, applications, DROS and others.The Bulldoze report covers the precisely studied and evaluated data of the global market players and their scope in the market using a number of analytical tools.Browse Complete report With TOC available @Moreover, the report assessed key market features, including price, revenue, capacity utilization rate, growth rate, capacity, production, gross, supply, consumption, cost, market share, demand, import, gross margin, export, and much more.The Bulldoze report is a useful documentation that aids distributors, manufacturers, suppliers, customers, investors & individuals who are interested in this market.Highlights of the report:A complete backdrop analysis, which includes an assessment of the parent market.Important changes in market dynamics.Market segmentation up to the second or third level.Historical, current, and projected size of the market from the standpoint of both value and volume.Reporting and evaluation of recent industry developments.Market shares and strategies of key players.Emerging niche segments and regional markets.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.Joel John3422 SW 15 Street,Suit #8138Deerfield Beach,Florida 33442United StatesToll Free : +1-855-465-4651 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-386-310-3803Email: sales@mrsresearchgroup.com
Global Artificial Intelligence Market in Media and Advertising: Size, Share, Development, Growth and Demand Forecast to 2023

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Over the last few years, artificial intelligence (AI) has shifted from being a branch of computer science to an everyday technology that majority of consumers carry in their pocket daily, such as an Apple smartphone with voice input Siri. The artificial intelligence technologies has been gaining significant interest in the media and advertising industry in the recent years. Although the applications for artificial intelligence in the media and advertising business are still in infancy stage, there is huge potential for the technology to shape the next generation media and advertising sector. Machine learning already has a significant impact on the advertising ecosystem. The best example for this is real time bidding (RTB), which is buying or selling advertising space online in real time. Through artificial intelligence, self-learning algorithms are used for running online campaigns that enable advertisers to critically identify the most potential shoppers. This further helps in deploying personalized advertisements to each shopper and in taking the desired action.To Browse Full Report Visit Here:The demand for artificial intelligence in media and advertising industry has been increasing due to greater demand for rich digital customer experience, worldwide. Media and advertising companies are focusing on optimization of email and website communications by continuous learning from user behaviour and actions. In addition, programmatic advertising is also fueling the growth of the global artificial intelligence market in this industry. Automated process of buying and selling advertisement inventory through artificial intelligence is effectively connecting advertisers to publishers.The trend toward effective voice based search technologies has also added value to the market growth. Businesses are trying to bring next generation input method in their product and services through artificial intelligence. The widespread adoption of smartphones has let media companies to include artificial intelligence technologies as a crucial part of their product development lifecycle. Artificial intelligence provides a new competitive edge to the media companies through contextual relevancy for connecting right people to the right content at the right time and in the right way. Therefore, the global artificial intelligence market in media and advertising has a huge scope for rapid growth. Through advanced algorithms and detailed reporting, artificial intelligence can give advertisers a more precise picture of campaign performance by establishing both, viewing ability and interaction metrics.Browse For Related Research Visit Here:Globally, North America and Europe witness greater demand for artificial intelligence solutions in the media and advertising sector, due to robust technology and information technology (IT) infrastructure. The market in Asia-Pacific is expected to witness the fastest growth rate during the forecast period, owing to huge growth opportunities in media industry and emergence and rapid adoption of predictive technologies by major media and advertising companies in the regional market.A major challenge faced by the media and advertising companies in the adoption of artificial intelligence at a vast scale is identification of decision making patterns due to lack of technical expertise. Though, artificial intelligence allows big media and advertising agencies to serve cognitive ads and integrate voice based assistance in their campaigns, there is still scope for small and medium agencies to fully adopt artificial intelligence as their prime functional and operational business element.About P&S Market ResearchP&S Market Research is a market research company, which offers market research and consulting services for various geographies around the globe. We provide market research reports, industry forecasting reports, business intelligence, and research based consulting services across different industry/business verticals.As one of the top growing market research agency, were keen upon providing market landscape and accurate forecasting. Our analysts and consultants are proficient with business intelligence and market analysis, through their interaction with leading companies of the concerned domain. We help our clients with B2B market research and assist them in identifying various windows of opportunity, and framing informed and customized business expansion strategies in different regions.Contact:AbhishekExecutive  Client Partner347, 5th Ave. #1402New York City, NY - 10016Toll-free: +1-888-778-7886 (USA/Canada)Email: enquiry@psmarketresearch.comWeb:
Edible Packaging Market: Demand from Food and Beverage Manufacturing to Impel Markets Growth

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The presence of only a few players, namely, MonoSol, LLC, WikiCell Designs Inc., JRF Technology LLC, and Tate and Lyle Plc., in the global market for edible packaging reveals its consolidated structure, states a new report by Transparency Market Research (TMR). The market is highly competitive at present and is anticipated to remain so over the next few years.As per the research report, the global edible packaging market, which offered an opportunity worth US$0.77 bn in 2016, is expected to rise at a CAGR of 6.90% during the period from 2016 to 2024, attaining a value of US$1.3 bn by the end of the forecast period. The food and beverage manufacturing segment has acquired the leading position in this market and is anticipated to remain highly attractive throughout the period of forecast.For More Information, Download Research Brochure@Market for Edible Packaging to Remain Strong in North AmericaAccording to the report, North America, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East and Africa are the prime geographical segments of the worldwide edible packaging market. It further present a regional analysis of this market on the basis of its performance in each of these regions. Among these, North America has emerged as the leading regional market for edible packaging, thanks to the U.S. being both, a prominent producer and consumer of edible packaging, across the world. The North America market for edible packaging held a share of more than 36% in 2016. The regional market is projected to remain on the top of the global market by the end of the forecast period, although with a slight decline in its share, which is attributed to its maturing state.On the other hand, Asia Pacific is anticipated to offer a highly lucrative market to players in the near future, thanks to the rising awareness level of consumers regarding the benefits of edible packaging and the increase in their disposable income, which is impacting positively on their standard of living, fueling the demand for edible packaging in this region.Urbanization and Changing Standard of Living to Have Great Influence on Demand for Edible PackagingThe rising consumption of processed products, increasing household income, and the growing preference for hygienic and durable products among consumers have surfaced as the main driving force behind the growth of the global edible packaging market, says an analyst at TMR. The upswing in urbanization in emerging economies is another important factor that is pushing this market to grow steadily.In addition to this, the rising awareness among consumers about the attributes of edible packaging, such as the easy handling of products despite maintaining their quality and the shelf life is likely to propel this market substantially in the near future. However, the high cost associated with the packaging machines and quality films utilized in edible packaging may hamper the smooth sailing of this market, in the years to come. Apart from this, the escalating usage of modified atmosphere packaging may also limit the markets growth to some extent in the near future, notes the study.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
Global Monitor Current Voltage Output Market 2017 :ETA, Red Lion, Omron, CR Magnetics, Crouzet, LEM USA

Monitor Current Voltage Output

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Monitor Current Voltage OutputA market study based on the " Monitor Current Voltage Output Market " across the globe, recently added to the repository of Market Research, is titled Global Monitor Current Voltage Output Market 2017. The research report analyses the historical as well as present performance of the worldwide Monitor Current Voltage Output industry, and makes predictions on the future status of Monitor Current Voltage Output market on the basis of this analysis.Get Free Sample Copy of Report Here :Top Manufacturers Analysis Of This Research Report-Red Lion-Omron-CR Magnetics-Crouzet USA-Phoenix Contact-Weidmuller-ETA-LEM USA Inc.The report studies the industry for Monitor Current Voltage Output across the globe taking the existing industry chain, the import and export statistics in Monitor Current Voltage Output market & dynamics of demand and supply of Monitor Current Voltage Output into consideration. The ' Monitor Current Voltage Output ' research study covers each and every aspect of the Monitor Current Voltage Output market globally, which starts from the definition of the Monitor Current Voltage Output industry and develops towards Monitor Current Voltage Output market segmentations. Further, every segment of the Monitor Current Voltage Output market is classified and analysed on the basis of product types, application, and the end-use industries of the Monitor Current Voltage Output market. The geographical segmentation of the Monitor Current Voltage Output industry has also been covered at length in this report.The competitive landscape of the worldwide market for Monitor Current Voltage Output is determined by evaluating the various industry participants, production capacity, Monitor Current Voltage Output market's production chain, and the revenue generated by each manufacturer in the Monitor Current Voltage Output market worldwide.Enquire Here :The global Monitor Current Voltage Output market 2017 is also analysed on the basis of product pricing, Monitor Current Voltage Output production volume, data regarding demand and Monitor Current Voltage Output 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 Monitor Current Voltage Output across the globe.About Us :Market and Research are a trusted brand in the research industry with capability of commissioning complex projects within a short span of time with high level of accuracy. At Market and Research, we believe in building long term relations with our clients. Our services cover a broad spectrum of industries including Energy, Chemicals and Materials, Automotive and Aerospace.Contact Us :Market and ResearchUnited States
Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) Systems are anticipated to reach $53.7 billion by 2020

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"The Report Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) Systems: Market Shares, Strategies, and Forecasts, Worldwide, 2014 to 2020 provides information on pricing, market analysis, shares, forecast, and company profiles for key industry participants. - MarketResearchReports.biz"WinterGreen Research announces that it has published a new study Concentrated Solar Power (CSP): Market Shares, Strategy, and Forecasts, Worldwide, 2014 to 2020. The 2014 study has 436 pages, 190 tables and figures. Worldwide markets are poised to achieve significant growth as the Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) integrates molten salt storage technologies and leverages the existing steam electrical power generating capacity.The concentrated solar power market is set to explode despite environmental objections to the technology. The latest CSP launch, Ivanpah solar electric generating system is an engineering marvel that delivers on the full promise of solar energy. Ivanpah has 347,000 garage door-sized mirrors distributed across 173,500 heliostats. The heliostats track with the sun so that the mirrors can efficiently reflect its rays up to boilers that sit on top of the facility's three towers. The system uses solar field integration software and a solar receiver steam generator.View Report @Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) solar energy is the most promising and sustainable renewable energy; rolling out CSP systems offers both performance and competitive energy prices. CSP Solar provides a crucial energy solution that is utility scale and works 24 x 7 in combination with back-up stationary fuel cells.Concentrating solar power is one of several preferred methods of solar electricity production. In most places it has achieved 'grid-parity' when considering ROI over 35 years. The mainstream cost of electricity from the grid can be complemented by solar systems. The solar industry in China is funded by the government. This unrelenting investment in energy efficiency has thrust the Chinese companies into the forefront of the industry.Other countries rely on tax incentives and special tariffs to sustain further investment in solar electricity generation. This has enabled the industry to develop and provides very attractive investment opportunities, and is expected to do so for some time to come.There is a move in the solar industry to achieve grid-parity. Once this is secure, the solar market can expand very rapidly achieving penetration growth calculations that exceed any growth rate per se. A step-change in system costs is being achieved, putting the industry on the cusp of a major growth spurt.Concentrating solar technology uses traditional electricity steam generators to make power fueled by solar heat.Get Sample Copy of this Report @The decrease in the costs of implementing CSP solar energy will continue. The competitiveness of concentrated solar power (CSP) will increase. Ultimately the ability to run a utility scale system that provides 24 x 7 electricity, is able to store energy and use it during the night when the sum is down provides competitive advantage to the CSP.Concentrated Solar power markets at $1.3 billion in 2013 are anticipated to reach $53.7 billion by 2020 because the systems are able to be built at utility scale and to provide 24 x 7 solar renewable energy power. Campus stationary fuel cell power is mature and available to act as a backup power source for CSP, creating greater capabilities and a better story for justifying the build out of CSP.Companies ProfiledMarket LeadersAbengoaAccionaBrightSource EnergySolar Millennium AGSolFocusUnited Technologies / SolarReserveMarket ParticipantsAmonixAORAAreva / AusraEntech SolareSolarNextEra EnergySoitecSolarReserveTooele Army DepotUS SilicaCheck Out These Key TopicsHeliostatsConcentrating Solar PowerSolar Utility PowerUtility Peak PowerResidential SolarConsumer SolarConcentrated SolarSmart GridSolar Panel TechnologiesConversion Efficiency Confirmation From NRELNanosolarHelioVoltSolar ApplicationsSunlight IntensityMicromorph ModulesSolar Regional MarketConcentrated Solar ThermalConcentrated Solar Power CSPPhotovoltaic Conversion Of Sun LightAbout usMarketResearchReports.biz is the most comprehensive collection of market research reports. MarketResearchReports.Biz services are specially designed to save time and money for our clients. We are a one stop solution for all your research needs, our main offerings are syndicated research reports, custom research, subscription access and consulting services. We serve all sizes and types of companies spanning across various industries.Mr. NachiketState Tower90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074USA: Canada Toll Free: 866-997-4948Website:E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Transformer Monitoring System Market is Expected to Grow at a CAGR of 12% by 2022

Transformer Monitoring System Market

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Market research future published a half cooked research report on Global Transformer monitoring system market. The Transformer monitoring system market is expected to grow over the CAGR of around 12% during the period 2016 to 2022.Market Highlights:The global transformer monitoring system market is growing due to its enhanced features such as improving safety and providing reduction in cost. Transformer monitoring systems provide real time monitoring of the transformer functioning, which further contributes to the growth of the market. Huge investments into digitization and smart grids are expected to further drive the demand for transformer monitoring systems. The ability of transformer monitoring systems to provide early intimation in case of malfunctioning of the transformers, also contributes to the growth of the market. The abilities of transformer monitoring systems to lower the risk in case of expensive power outages, to reduce on-site inspection, and to improve the life of the transformers help in improving preventive maintenance and faster reaction in times of failures.Request a Sample Copy @Key Players of Transformer Monitoring System Market: ABB automation company (Switzerland,) General Electric Company (U.S.) Schneider Electric SE (France) Siemens AG (Germany) Advanced Power AG (Switzerland) BPL Global LLC (U.S.) Crompton Greaves Ltd. (India) Dynamic Ratings (U.S.) Eaton Corporation Plc. (Republic of Ireland) Echelon Corporation (U.S.) Elster Group SE (Germany) Hyosung Corporation (South Korea)Market Research Analysis:Among all applications, the power transformer segment in the transformer monitoring system market is expected to grow, owing to the strict government regulations for control of transmission networks and monitoring. Among all services, oil and gas monitoring is the most widely used monitoring services for transformers. The rising applications of transformer monitoring system in the oil and gas industry is driving the demand for transformer monitoring systems.The Asia Pacific region is expected to dominate the global transformer monitoring solutions market during the forecast period, owing to rapid pace of power utilities and increasing incorporation of monitoring solutions into their existing transformers. Developing nations such as India and China are expected to foster the need for efficient electric power supply, which is expected to result in market growth during the forecast period.Scope of the Report:This study provides an overview of the Global Transformer monitoring system market, tracking three 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 (APAC) and Rest of the World (ROW). 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 Transformer monitoring system market by its type, service, application and region.By Type Hardware Solutions Software SolutionsBy Service Oil/Gas Monitoring Bushing Monitoring OthersBy Application Distribution Transformers Power Transformers OthersBy Region North America Asia Pacific Europe Rest of the WorldBrief TOC for Transformer Monitoring System Market:1 Executive Summary2 Research Methodology2.1 Scope of the Study2.1.1 Definition2.1.2 Research Objective2.1.3 Assumptions2.1.4 Limitations2.2 Research Process2.2.1 Primary Research2.2.2 Secondary Research2.3 Market size Estimation2.4 Forecast Model3 Market Dynamics3.1 Market Drivers3.2 Market Inhibitors3.3 Supply/Value Chain Analysis3.4 Porters Five Forces Analysis4 Global Transformer Monitoring System Market, By Type4.1 Hardware Solutions4.2 Software Solutions5 Global Transformer Monitoring System Market, By Service5.1 Oil/Gas Monitoring5.2 Bushing Monitoring5.3 OthersContinueAccess 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.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.Contact:Akash AnandMarket Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
YPSILANTI, Mich. (AP)  President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that his administration will re-examine federal requirements governing the fuel efficiency of cars and trucks, moving forcefully against Obama-era environmental regulations that Trump says are stifling economic growth.

Trump revealed his plans during a speech at an automotive testing center near Detroit, where he also met with auto company executives and workers.

"This is going to be a new era for American jobs and job creation," Trump said at a round-table meeting.

The EPA under Obama had promulgated a rule for cars and trucks requiring a fleet-wide average of 36 mpg in real-world driving by 2025.

Trump's decision, while having no immediate effect, requires the Environmental Protection Agency to determine no later than April 2018 whether the 2022-2025 standards established are appropriate. If the EPA determines they are not appropriate, the agency will submit a new proposal next year.

"My administration will work tirelessly to eliminate the industry-killing regulations, to lower the job-crushing taxes and to ensure a level playing field for all American companies and workers," Trump said at the American Center for Mobility, which produced B-24 bombers during World War II and is being converted into an automotive testing and product development facility.

Trump's announcement is expected to set the stage for weaker fuel efficiency standards as well as drawn-out legal battles with environmental groups and states such as California that adopted their own tough tailpipe standards for drivers.

"These standards are costly for automakers and the American people," said EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt. He promised a "thorough review" that will "help ensure this national program is good for consumers and good for the environment

California Gov. Jerry Brown accused Trump and Pruitt of trying to weaken auto-emission standards in what he called "an unconscionable gift to polluters."

Story continues

Brown and New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced their states are intervening in a lawsuit challenging the EPA rule. New York is among more than a dozen, mostly Northeastern states that have adopted California standards.

The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers  which represents a dozen major car manufacturers including General Motors, Ford, Fiat Chrysler and Toyota  praised Trump's action. It said he was creating an opportunity for federal and state officials to "reach a thoughtful and coordinated outcome predicated on the best and most current data."

Environmental groups said Trump and his team appeared intent on easing gas-mileage requirements set by Obama.

"If they succeed we'll pay more at the pump, depend more on oil from bad countries, drive up the trade deficit and pollute our kids' atmosphere," said Dan Becker, director of the Safe Climate Campaign.

As a practical matter, Trump's announcement will target the Obama administration's January decision to lock in strict gas mileage requirements for cars and light trucks, ending a review process before the Democrat left office.

Back in 2012, the Obama administration set fuel-economy regulations for model years 2017-2025 and agreed to complete a midterm evaluation by 2018. But seven days before Obama left office, the EPA decided to keep the stringent requirements it had set in place for model years 2022 to 2025. The industry balked at the decision, insisting it was rushed through to beat the change in administrations.

Trump said he's putting that midterm review back on track, so officials can spend another year studying the issue before setting new standards in 2018.

In Michigan, Trump delivered a campaign-style speech in which he railed against big trade agreements, specifically NAFTA and the recent Trans-Pacific Partnership, laying out in stark terms his view of how the pacts had hurt the U.S. auto industry and its workers.

Trump said he had kept his promise to withdraw the U.S. from the TPP, an agreement that former President Barack Obama pursued with 11 other Pacific Rim nations. Trump also wants to renegotiate NAFTA, which includes Canada and Mexico, but he did not mention those plans in Wednesday's remarks.

"The assault on the American auto industry is over," he declared.

While the administration has not said explicitly it wants to weaken the standards, a senior White House official said the Obama-era EPA had ignored reams of data cited by the automotive industry. The official spoke on condition of anonymity at a White House briefing in order to outline the action, despite the president's criticism of the use of unnamed sources.

The auto alliance last month urged Pruitt to relax the standards, saying they will drive up car costs, price customers out of the market and depress the industry. Obama's EPA had argued the costs to consumers were mitigated by gas savings and that the rules would decrease greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming.

Trump told the auto executives that while he's attuned to concerns about the environment, he doesn't want to stifle jobs.

"We want you to make great cars. And if it takes an extra thimble full of fuel, we don't want that to stop making it," he said.

After the speech, Trump flew to Nashville, Tennessee, where he laid a wreath at Andrew Jackson's tomb to mark the 250th anniversary of the former president's birth, and toured the Hermitage, Jackson's home. Trump has drawn comparisons between himself and Jackson, a fellow populist outsider.

At a raucous rally with hundreds of supporters waving placards, Trump touched on everything from a federal court's ruling Wednesday against his revised travel ban to the joint effort with House Republicans to replace the Obama-era health care law to how much he wants to cut taxes.

"We're keeping our promises," said Trump, noting that he's more than halfway through the 100-day measure by which new presidents are judged. "And we have just gotten started. Wait till you see what's coming, folks."

On the flight back to Washington, he said he hoped to hold rallies "every two weeks. I mean, these are great people."

___

Associated Press writers Tom Krisher in Detroit and Matthew Daly and Darlene Superville in Washington contributed to this report.

___

Follow Jill Colvin: https://twitter.com/colvinj
Green & Bio-Solvents Market Trends, Business strategy and Opportunities with Key Players Analysis 2021-Acute Market Reports

http://www.acutemarketreports.com/report/green-and-bio-solvents-market

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The green & bio-solvents market is estimated to be a high growth market with CAGR of 8% between 2014 and 2021. The green solvent are organic solvent that are produced from agriculture resources like sugarcane, bio Succinic acid, sugarcane, vegetable oils, lactic acids, glycerin etc. High adoption rate is one of the key driver of green solvent and bio solvent market among end- user increases the demand of bio- solvent paints, printing inks, coatings etc. high cost involvement in producing bio solvent is key challenge of the market, the techniques used in producing solvent incurred high cost. Due to easy availability, comparatively improved quality and low price ester solvents segment has high demand. On the other hand methyl solvent is fastest growing market in bio solvent and green solvents because of high availability and high demand in the market. D-limonene and lactate esters are also high growth markets. On the application segment cosmetics, paints, pharmaceutical are having high growth prospect in future for green & bio-solvents.The biggest market of bio-solvents is North America, followed by Europe. The high market growth is due to strong regulations and policies for bio-solvents and green solvents. The high demand in developed countries is due to high industrialization as compare to developing countries. The government policies for bio and green solvent are supportive but it depends on each countries. The demand of green solvent and bio solvent also varies due to crude oil prices. Due to high fluctuation in oil prices the production cost of bio solvent also varies which varies the demand in the market. In developing countries the market of bio-solvent and green solvent varies due to the policies of developed countries as the domestic demand has to be fulfilled. the market restraints for bio and green solvent is lack of supply of feedstock, low availability and reliability. Another restraints is high cost involvement in new technologies.Companies profiled include1. BASF2. Archer Daniels Midland company3. Bio-amber inc4. Huntsman corporation5. Dupont6. DOW chemicals7. Vertec bio solvents Inc8. Cargill Inc9. Florida Chemicals company Inc10. Cremer Oleo Gmbh & co11. Myriant Corporation12. Gevo Inc.Browse For Full Report:13. LyondellBasell14. Solvay S.A15. Akzo nobel16. CSM17. Sucrogen Bioethanol PTY LTD18. Pinova Holdings INC19. Shenzhen Esun Industrial Co. LTD20. Genomatica INC21. Finasucre S.A.22. PPG chemicals23. Royal DSM24. Pinova Holdings Inc25. Diacel Chemical Industries Ltd26. Exxon Mobil Corporation27. PetroleoBrasileiroS.A28. Circa Group29. Ashland30. SasolThis Occams Research Report covers1. Historical data2. Revenue forecasts, growth rates and CAGR up to 20213. Industry Analysis4. Competitive Analysis5. geographic growth data1. Introduction1.1. Executive summary1.2. Estimation methodology2. Market overview2.1. Market definition and scope2.2. Key findings2.3. Parametric analysis2.3.1. Raw material supplier2.3.2. Production geographically2.3.3. Adoption across various industries2.4. Key market insights2.4.1. Top 3 emerging countries2.4.2. Top 3 revenue generating segments2.4.3. Top growing markets and emerging trends2.4.4. Top 3 geography2.5. Competitive Landscape2.5.1. Market share analysis2.5.2. Top winning strategies2.5.3. Case studies: Top competitive Moves2.6. Porters Five Force Model2.6.1. Threat of New Entrants2.6.2. Threat of Substitute Products or Services2.6.3. Bargaining Power of Buyer2.6.4. Bargaining Power of Supplier2.6.5. Intensity of Competitive Rivalry2.7. Key buying criteria2.8. Strategic recommendation2.9. Strategic conclusions3. Market determinants3.1. Market drivers3.1.1. Favorable government regulatory3.1.2. Bio solvent high usage and adoption in industries3.1.3. High competition for petrochemicals solvents3.1.4. High fluctuation in oil prices3.1.5. High growth in developed countries3.2. Market restraintsBrowse For Same Category:3.2.1. Lack of supply chain model in raw material and feedstock3.3. Market opportunities3.3.1. Increase application usage3.4. Market challenges3.4.1. High cost in adopting new technology3.5. Parent Market3.6. Competitors Market3.7. Alternative Market4. Market Segmentation4.1. By Applications4.1.1. Global Green Solvents & Bio Solvents PAINTS & COATINGS market,2014-2021,($millions)4.1.2. Global Green Solvents & Bio Solvents INDUSTRIAL & DOMESTIC CLEANERS market,2014-2021,($millions)4.1.3. Global Green Solvents & Bio Solvents PRINTING INKS market,2014-2021,($millions)4.1.4. Global Green Solvents & Bio Solvents Pharmaceuticals market,2014-2021,($millions)4.1.5. Global Green Solvents & Bio Solvents cosmetics market,2014-2021,($millions)4.1.6. Global Green Solvents & Bio Solvents Personal care market,2014-2021,($millions)4.1.7. Global Green Solvents & Bio Solvents OTHERS market,2014-2021,($millions)4.2. BY TYPESRequest For The Sample:About  Acute Market Reports:Acute Market Reports is the most sufficient collection of market intelligence services online. It is your only source that can fulfill all your market research requirements. We provide online reports from over 100 best publishers and upgrade our collection regularly to offer you direct online access to the worlds most comprehensive and recent database with expert perceptions on worldwide industries, products, establishments and trends.Our team consists of highly motivated market research professionals and they are accountable for creating the groundbreaking technology that we utilize in our search engine operations to easily recognize the most current market research reports online.Name: Chris PaulACUTE MARKET REPORTSDesignation: Global Sales ManagerToll Free(US/CANADA): +1-855-455-8662Email: sales@acutemarketreports.comWebsite:Postal Address: Acute Market ReportsOffice No 01, 1st Floor,Aditi Mall, Baner, Pune,MH, 411045 India
Global Elderly Care Services Industry Key Trends, Size, Growth, Shares And Forecast Research Report (2016-2020)

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Global Elderly Care Services Market: Trends and Opportunities (2016-2020)" to its huge collection of research reports.The report titled Global Elderly Care Services Market: Trends and Opportunities (2016 - 2020) provides a detailed analysis of the elder care services market with description of market sizing and growth, segmentation of market by products & services and major markets, top market players etc. The report recapitulates the factors that will be responsible for the growth in the market in the forecasted period.The market size and forecast in terms of value for the market has been provided for the period 2016 to 2020, considering 2014 as the base year and the estimated value for 2015 has also been provided in the report. The report also provides the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for the forecast period 2016 to 2020. In the forecasted period global elder care services market is expected to achieve a double-digit growth.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @The report provides major market trends, growth drivers and challenges of the global elder care services market. The major market trends of elder care services market are rise of technology-enhanced senior care, booming healthcare industry, federal health care reforms and regulations regarding Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement etc. Rising number of ageing population, increased life expectancy, chronic illness among aged population and increase in health expenditure by senior citizens are the major growth drivers of the market. But the market also has to face lot of challenges in the coming years that will create interruption in the growth of the market. Some of the challenges are lack of qualified employees, less supply more demand and cost affordability etc.The report also provides country analysis of the US, Canada, Europe and India in terms of market sizing and growth. The US and Canada (in North America) are the market leaders followed by European countries. Among Asia-Pacific countries, India has been emerged as the market leader in elder care services. In coming years, Asia-Pacific will be the key market player as the growth of ageing population is more than other nations worldwide.Furthermore, the report also profiles key market players such as Extendicare Inc., Brookdale senior Living Inc., Kindred Healthcare Inc. and Genesis Healthcare Inc. on the basis of attributes such as company overview, recent developments, strategies adopted by the market leaders to ensure growth, sustainability, financial overview and recent developments.Country Coverage- The US- Canada- Europe- IndiaCompany Coverage- Extendicare Inc.- Brookdale Senior Living Inc.- Kindred Healthcare Inc.- Genesis Healthcare Inc.Executive SummarySenior citizens need assistance with daily activities as well as healthcare requirements who needs a quality life. Due to all these requirements there emerged a market known as elder care services market which is specifically came into existence to serve the ageing population worldwide. Elder care services market has divided into various segments. Elderly care business includes in home care, assisted living, nursing home facilities by skilled professionals, hospital care and pharmaceuticals. Among these, in-home care, assisted living and home healthcare segment are getting popular day by day and provide quality life to senior citizens. Adult day care centres are designed for older adults who are no longer managing independently or who are isolated or lonely. Home care services are provided by family members and close relatives.Global elder care market has shown positive trends over the past few years. The primary reasons behind the growth of the market are increased ageing population worldwide, increasing demand for quality life by senior citizens, positive government regulation in healthcare segment to provide cost-effective medical treatment to the aged population, technological advancement, and chronic illness among old age population etc. the market is expected to achieve a moderate growth in the forecasted period. Global elder care services market continued to expand at a swift pace in 2015.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 @
Printing Inks Market : To Show Continued Growth Rate thanks to Consumer Preference, Research By 2024

Printing Inks Market

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This research study analyzes the market for North America printing inks in terms of revenue (US$ Mn) and volume (Kilo Tons). The North America printing inks market has been segmented on the basis of product, application, end-use, and country. The report features a detailed segmentation with market growth forecasts from 2016 to 2024. 2015 has been considered the base year and 2016 the estimated year, while all forecasts have been given for the period from 2016 to 2024. Market data for all the segments has been provided at the submarkets and country-specific levels from 2016 to 2024.North America Printing Inks Market: ScopeThe report provides a broad competitive analysis of companies engaged in the production and distribution of printing inks in North America. The report also includes key market dynamics such as drivers, restraints, and opportunities affecting the North America printing inks market. These are analyzed in detail and illustrated in the report with supporting graphs and tables. The report also provides a comprehensive analysis of the market with the help of the Porters Five Forces Analysis model, which helps in understanding the factors that affect the structure and profitability of the North America printing inks market. These are the bargaining power of buyers, bargaining power of suppliers, threat of new entrants, threat of substitutes, and degree of competition.Browse Market Research Report @North America Printing Inks Market: Drivers and TrendsThe report provides detailed insights into the North America printing inks business. Currently, numerous factors drive the North America printing inks market. The most prominent drivers include growth of renewable energy, volatility in crude oil prices, bio-based raw materials, oil & gas industry outlook, North America printing ink production facilities, growth rate of end-user industries, and others. Market attractiveness analysis was carried out for the North America printing inks market on the basis of product, application, end-use, and country. Market attractiveness was estimated on the basis of common parameters that directly impact the market.Flexographic and gravure printing inks are primarily used with solvents as base materials. Flexographic and gravure printing methods are widely employed in flexible packaging, especially in food and beverages industries. Solvent-based inks consist of inorganic solvents and toxic metals such as cadmium, hexavalent chromium, lead, and mercury. These lead to various health hazards if they come in direct contact with edibles. The number of safety regulations in North America has been increased in order to avoid adverse health consequences resulting from intake of toxic substances. This is likely to hamper the printing inks market in the next few years. In North America, demand for VOC-free printing inks is gaining momentum. Increased environmental regulations regarding usage of VOC inks are driving the market for UV-cured printing inks.Packaging is considered one of the highly important marketing aspects that influence the consumers purchasing decision. In North America, the packaging industry is one of the major consumers of printing inks. Expansion of the food & beverages industry along with increased demand for flexible packaging from the health care sector is expected to boost the demand for printing inks in the next few years.Make an Enquiry @North America Printing Inks Market: SegmentationThe North America printing inks market has been segmented into four categories: product, application, end-use and country. In terms of product, the North America printing inks market has been classified into solvent-based, water-based, oil-based, and UV-cured. In terms of application, the North America printing inks market has been classified into flexographic printing, gravure printing, offset printing, digital printing, screen printing, and specialty printing. In terms of end-use, the North America printing inks market has been classified into publication & commercial printing, packaging, textiles, metal cans, and others (decorative printing etc.). In terms of country, the North America printing inks market has been segmented into the U.S. and Canada.Key Players Mentioned in the Report are:Major players operating in the North America printing inks market include Sun Chemical Corporation, Flint Group, Wikoff Color Corporation, Siegwerk Druckfarben AG & Co. KgaA, Toyo Ink America, LLC, American Ink and Coatings, INX International Ink Co., and others. The North America printing inks market has been segmented as follows:North America Printing Inks Market: By Product Solvent-based Water-based Oil-based UV-CuredNorth America Printing Inks Market: By Application Flexographic Printing Gravure Printing Offset Printing Digital Printing Screen Printing Specialty PrintingNorth America Printing Inks Market: By End-Use Publication & Commercial Printing Packaging Textiles Metal Cans Others (Decorative Printing, etc.)North America Printing Inks Market: By Country The U.S. CanadaAbout 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 UsTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:Visit Blog:
Global Antibacterial Drugs Market Analysis, Size, Application Analysis, Regional Outlook, Competitive Strategies and Forecasts, 2017 To 2022

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Global Antibacterial Drugs Market to 2022 - Vaccines Retain Market Prominence While Pipeline Offers Innovative Approaches to Tackling Antimicrobial ResistanceThe antibacterial drug market covers the drugs used in the prophylaxis and treatment of bacterial infections. With a growing global concern over antimicrobial resistance and its progressive growth, there is a pronounced need for innovation within this market. This report considers the key developments in this market, with particular focus on drugs indicated for use in pneumonia, methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), sepsis and tuberculosis.Request a sample copy @Drugs for the prevention of bacterial infections are typically vaccines, which help to train the bodys immune system to fight off specific infections, and can therefore help to prevent infections of certain bacterial strains. However, several prophylactic monoclonal antibodies are also currently in development.Drugs for the treatment of bacterial infections are slightly more varied. Most common are beta-lactam antibiotics, which include the very widely prescribed penicillin. However, bacteria have developed resistance to penicillin by producing beta-lactamase enzymes that break open the beta-lactam ring found in these antibiotics, rendering them ineffective. As a result modern beta-lactams are frequently combination drugs of a beta-lactam and a beta-lactamase inhibitor.Global Antibacterial Drugs Market of 177 pages having tables and figures is available for purchase atIn addition to beta-lactams there are several other classes of drugs used to treat bacterial infections. These include fluoroquinolones, which inhibit DNA gyrase and/or topoisomerase IV; and protein synthesis inhibitors, which have applications within the treatment of bacteria that are resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics. However, bacterial resistance has also developed against these drugs, and as such there is a gap in the market for a new generation of drugs that are effective against drug-resistant bacteria.Browse full table of contents and data tables @Major Points Covers in Table of Contents1 Table of Contents2 Introduction3 Key Marketed Products4 Pipeline Landscape Assessment5 Multi-Scenario Market Forecast to 20226 Company Analysis and Positioning7 Strategic ConsolidationsThe listed pricing for this Global Antibacterial Drugs Market report starts at $ 4995. Request Discount for Global Antibacterial Drugs Market Research Report @Related Reports: -2017-2022 Global Top Countries Drugs for Schistosomiasis Market ReportThis report studies Drugs for Schistosomiasis in Global market, especially in United States, Canada, Mexico, Germany, France, UK, Italy, Russia, China, Japan, India, Korea, Southeast Asia, Australia, Brazil, Middle East and Africa,focuses on the top Manufacturers in each country, covering - Shin Poong, Merck, Bayer, EIPICOCentralize Market Research Purchases Across Your Entire Organization In One Place Marketsizeforecasters.Com Allows You To Manage And Control All Corporate Research Purchases To Consolidate Billing And Vendor Management. You Can Eliminate Duplicate Purchases And Customize Your Content And License Management.Market Size ForecastersThe Green Suite #4594,Dover, DE 19901United StatesPhone: 1-201-355-0868US Toll Free: 1-866-764-2150Email: Sales@Marketsizeforecasters.ComWebsite:Connect With Us: Linkedin | Twitter
Waterproofing Chemicals Market - Virtue of the water-resistance and flexibility of Products, Research By 2024

Waterproofing chemicals Market

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Waterproofing Chemicals are a class of fine/specialty chemicals which arrest or inhibit permeability of water or moisture to interior or exterior surfaces of wide range of materials e.g. cement/ concrete walls, fabrics, leather articles, paper, electronic goods etc. It is applied mainly in form of sheet membranes, cementitious coating, liquid coating membranes, sprays and coatings etc. The major product types include bitumen, EPDM, TPO, PVC, PTFE and silicone, while the end use applications include Construction, Infrastructure, Automotive, Textile & Leather and others.Global Waterproofing Chemicals Market: Scope of the ReportThe report estimates and forecasts the waterproofing chemicals market on the global, regional, and country levels. The study provides forecast between 2016 and 2024 based on volume (Kilo Tons) and revenue (US$ Mn) with 2015 as the base year. The report comprises an exhaustive value chain analysis for each of the product, technology and end use segments highlighting the process and the key participants involved. Value chain analysis also offers detailed information about value addition and profit margins earned at each stage.Browse Market Research Report @The study includes market dynamics i.e. drivers, restraints, opportunities and trends for the waterproofing chemicals market along with their impact on demand during the forecast period. The study also provides key market indicators affecting the growth of the market. The report analyzes opportunities in the waterproofing chemicals market on the global and regional level. Drivers, restraints, and opportunities mentioned in the report are justified through quantitative and qualitative data. These have been verified through primary and secondary resources. Furthermore, the report includes waterproofing chemicals global average price trend analysis and regional market trend analysis as well.The report includes Porters Five Forces Model to determine the degree of competition in the waterproofing chemicals market. The report comprises a qualitative write-up on market attractiveness analysis, wherein end-users and countries have been analyzed based on attractiveness for each region. Growth rate, market size, profit margin, impact strength, technology, competition, end use applications and other factors (such as environmental and legal) have been evaluated in order to derive the general attractiveness of the market. The report comprises price trend analysis for waterproofing chemicals between 2016 and 2024.Global Waterproofing Chemicals Market: SegmentationThe study provides a comprehensive view of the waterproofing chemicals market by dividing it into product, technology, end-user and geography segments. The waterproofing chemicals market has been segmented into bitumen, TPO, EPDM, PVC, Silicone and PTFE based on product. Application segment have been analyzed based on historic, present, and future trends.Regional segmentation includes the current and forecast demand for waterproofing chemicals in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa (MEA). Additionally, the report comprises country-level market sizing in terms of volume and revenue under each respective region. Key countries such as the U.S., Germany, the U.K., Spain, GCC, India, China, South Africa, Mexico, Brazil, etc. have been included in the study. Market segmentation includes demand for individual applications in all the regions and countries.Enter your information below to receive a sample copy of this report @Global Waterproofing Chemicals Market: Competitive DynamicsThe report covers detailed competitive outlook that includes market share and profiles of key players operating in the global market. The companies included in this reports are major global/regional players which are catering to all types of end use markets such as Construction, Automotive, Leather, Textile, Electronics etc. such as Archroma Management LLC in textiles and Liquipel LLC in electronicsKey players profiled in the report include The Dow Chemical Company, BASF SE, E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, Akzo Nobel NV, Evonik Industries, Wacker Chemie GmbH, W.R. Grace and Company and Other major market players. Prominent regional company profiles have also been mentioned such as Pidilite Industries Limited, MUHU (China) Construction Materials, RPM International Inc. etc. The Company profiles include attributes such as company overview, number of employees, brand overview, key competitors, business overview, business strategies, recent/key developments, acquisitions, and financial overview (wherever applicable). Competitive Analysis as well as SWOT analysis of top companies have been provided in this report.Global Waterproofing Chemicals Market: Research MethodologySecondary research sources that were typically referred to include, but were not limited to company websites, financial reports, annual reports, investor presentations, broker reports, and SEC filings. Other sources such as internal and external proprietary databases, statistical databases and market reports, news articles, national government documents, and webcasts specific to companies operating in the market have also been referred for the report.The primary research sources consists of key officials from the companies mentioned in competition landscape, other mid-small size company representatives, industry experts, volunteers from industrial associations etc. In-depth interviews and discussions with a wide range of key opinion leaders and industry participants were conducted to compile this research report. Primary research represents the bulk of research efforts, supplemented by extensive secondary research. Key players product literature, annual reports, press releases, and relevant documents were reviewed for competitive analysis and market understanding. This helped in validating and strengthening secondary research findings. Primary research further helped in developing the analysis teams expertise and market understanding.The global waterproofing chemicals market has been segmented as follows:Waterproofing chemicals Market  Product Analysis Bitumen TPO EPDM PVC PTFE SiliconeWaterproofing chemicals Market  Technology Analysis Sheet Membrane Liquid Coated Membrane Cementitious Waterproofing OthersWaterproofing chemicals Market  End Use Analysis Construction Infrastructure Automotive Textile and Leather OthersAbout 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 UsTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:Visit Blog:
Multicopter Motor Market 2017 - 3D Robotics, Saab AB, Ehang, HobbyKing, Horizon Hobby, FUGRO, Boston Engineering, Lockheed Martin

Multicopter Motor Market

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A market study based on the "Multicopter Motor Market" across the globe, recently added to the repository of Market Research, is titled Global Multicopter Motor Market 2017. The research report analyses the historical as well as present performance of the worldwide Multicopter Motor industry, and makes predictions on the future status of Multicopter Motor market on the basis of this analysis.Get Free Sample Copy of Report Here :Top Manufacturers Analysis Of This Report3D RoboticsEhangHobbyKingHorizon HobbyFUGROBoston EngineeringLockheed MartinAtlas Elektronik GmbhGeneral Dynamics Mission SystemsSaab ABThe report studies the industry for Multicopter Motor across the globe taking the existing industry chain, the import and export statistics in Multicopter Motor market & dynamics of demand and supply of Multicopter Motor into consideration. The 'Multicopter Motor' research study covers each and every aspect of the Multicopter Motor market globally, which starts from the definition of the Multicopter Motor industry and develops towards Multicopter Motor market segmentations. Further, every segment of the Multicopter Motor market is classified and analyzed on the basis of product types, application, and the end-use industries of the Multicopter Motor market. The geographical segmentation of the Multicopter Motor industry has also been covered at length in this report.The competitive landscape of the worldwide market for Multicopter Motor is determined by evaluating the various industry participants, production capacity, Multicopter Motor market's production chain, and the revenue generated by each manufacturer in the Multicopter Motor market worldwide.Enquire Here :The global Multicopter Motor market 2017 is also analyzed on the basis of product pricing, Multicopter Motor production volume, data regarding demand and Multicopter Motor 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 Multicopter Motor 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
Multifuel Engine Market 2017 - ETH Zurich, EADS, GSE, ENFICA, General Dynamics Mission Systems, Gossamer Penguin, Green Pioneer China

Multifuel Engine Market

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A market study based on the "Multifuel Engine Market" across the globe, recently added to the repository of Market Research, is titled Global Multifuel Engine Market 2017. The research report analyses the historical as well as present performance of the worldwide Multifuel Engine industry, and makes predictions on the future status of Multifuel Engine market on the basis of this analysis.Get Free Sample Copy of Report Here :Top Manufacturers Analysis Of This ReportGeneral Dynamics Mission SystemsGossamer PenguinENFICAGreen Pioneer ChinaETH ZurichEADSGSEThe report studies the industry for Multifuel Engine across the globe taking the existing industry chain, the import and export statistics in Multifuel Engine market & dynamics of demand and supply of Multifuel Engine into consideration. The 'Multifuel Engine' research study covers each and every aspect of the Multifuel Engine market globally, which starts from the definition of the Multifuel Engine industry and develops towards Multifuel Engine market segmentations. Further, every segment of the Multifuel Engine market is classified and analyzed on the basis of product types, application, and the end-use industries of the Multifuel Engine market. The geographical segmentation of the Multifuel Engine industry has also been covered at length in this report.The competitive landscape of the worldwide market for Multifuel Engine is determined by evaluating the various industry participants, production capacity, Multifuel Engine market's production chain, and the revenue generated by each manufacturer in the Multifuel Engine market worldwide.Enquire Here :The global Multifuel Engine market 2017 is also analyzed on the basis of product pricing, Multifuel Engine production volume, data regarding demand and Multifuel Engine 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 Multifuel Engine 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
Middle East and Africa Cyber Security Market is Projected to Reach Value of USD 41.22 Billion by 2022

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The Middle East and Africa Cyber Security Market was estimated at USD 17.83 billion in 2016 and is projected to reach USD 41.22 billion by 2022, at a CAGR of 14.99% during the forecast period 2017-2022. Many of the critical infrastructure components are completely dependent on IT systems as it provides the foundation for information exchange for sectors like voice, data, video, and internet connectivity. As such, IT systems are a part of other key security and emergency preparedness resources and are an important component of the overall national critical infrastructure. Cyber-infrastructure protection and security are impending matters in the international security environment.Enquire about Cyber Security Market@Market DynamicsWith technological advancements exponentially rising in the IT industry, new security challenges are required to be addressed. After Edward Snowden exposed the snooping activities of global communication channels, many nations were jolted over their security situation and raised concerns over the USA's act of massive surveillance. Information warfare, which is the competitive use of information in survival contests, has been a pervasive feature of conflict since the beginning of recorded history.The advent of digital technologies for collection, storage, analysis, and distribution of information has created a world of insecurity, providing numerous new opportunities in the Middle East and Africaan cyber security market. According to recent white paper reports, data breaches significantly impact consumer confidence. In the case of one major breach, for example, most of the cloud-based companies saw a 46% drop in profit in the quarter after the breach occurred. Cyber threat has become a major challenge for startups and e-commerce companies, which are completely based on cloud systems. Heavy reliance on IT infrastructure and lack of contingency and mitigation of cyber policies in place are the major drawbacks of this market.Browse Full Report with TOC:Market SegmentationThe Middle East and Africa cyber security market is segmented by security type (network, cloud, end-point, application, wireless network, etc.); by industry (aerospace, defense, intelligence, banking, financial services and insurance sector, healthcare, retail, manufacturing, etc.); by solution (IAM, DLP, SVM, IPS, UTM, enterprise risk and compliance, managed security services, etc.) and regionally (United Kingdom, France, Germany, Russia and others).Competitive EnvironmentThe report includes competitive assessment of market players, profiles, products and services, business strategies, recent developments and innovation, market landscape, future trends and forecasts, and mergers & acquisitions.Place Purchase Order for this Report@The major companies dominating this market for their products, services, andcontinuous product developments are: IBM Cisco Systems Inc. Dell Root 9B Herjavec Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. Palo Alto Networks Symantec Corp Trend Micro Inc. Fortinet Inc. FireEye Inc. Proofpoint Imperva Inc. CyberArk Software Ltd. AVG TechnologiesKey Deliverables in the Study Market analysis for the Middle East and Africa cyber security market, with region specific assessments and competition analysis on global and regional scales. Market definition along with the identification of key drivers and restraints. Identification of factors instrumental in changing the market scenarios, rising prospective opportunities, and identification of key companies that can influence this market on a global and regional scale. Extensively researched competitive landscape section with profiles of major companies along with their market shares. Identification and analysis of the macro and micro factors that affect the Middle East and Africa cyber security market on both global and regional scales. A comprehensive list of key market players along with the analysis of their current strategic interests and key financial information. A wide-ranging knowledge and insight into the major players in this industry and the key strategies adopted by them to sustain and grow in the studied market. Insights into the major countries/regions in which this industry is growing and identifying the regions which are still untapped.Table of Content:1. Introduction2. Executive Summary3. Market Dynamics4. Middle East and Africa Cyber Security Market Segmentation5. Middle East and Africa Cyber Security Market6. Competitive Intelligence - Company Profiles7. Investment Analysis8. Future of Middle East and Africa Cyber Security MarketOrbis Research is a single point aid for all your Market research requirements. We have vast database of reports from the leading publishers and authors across the globe. We specialize in delivering customised reports as per the requirements of our clients. We have complete information about our publishers and hence are sure about the accuracy of the industries and verticals of their specialisation. This helps our clients to map their needs and we produce the perfect required Market research study for our clients.Hector CostelloSenior Manager  Client Engagements4144N Central Expressway,Suite 600, Dallas,Texas - 75204, U.S.A.Phone No.: +1 (214) 884-6817; +912064101019Email ID: sales@orbisresearch.com
Asia-Pacific Air Filtration Market revenue in Industrial sector growing at 9.5% CAGR from 2017 to 2023: Global Market Insights Inc

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The research report Asia Pacific Air Filtration Market Size By Product (Industrial [Dust Collectors, Mist Collectors, HEPA Filters, Baghouse Filters, Cartridge Collectors & Filters], Automotive [Intake Filters, Cabin Filters], Residential), By Application (Power, Food, Metals, Cement, Pharmaceuticals), Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook (China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia), Growth Potential, Price Trends, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2016  2023  Asia Pacific Air Filtration Market size is expected to reach USD 6.65 billion by 2023; according to a new research report by Global Market Insights, Inc.Positive outlook on automotive production coupled with favorable regulatory norms are expected to drive Asia pacific air filtration market share. Consumer shift towards adoption of electric vehicles on account of minimum maintenance cost, offers credible threat of substitution for automotive intake air filters. Technological advancements and the development of cost-effective solutions will favorably impact industry growth over the forecast timeframe.Request for a sample of this research report @Increasing R&D investments along with new product development will drive Asia Pacific air filtration market size. Surging demand across diverse range of industrial applications may surge growth. Manufacturers emphasize on developing energy efficient products and vertical integration as a part of their growth strategy. Presence of associations such as Car Care Council (CCC) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has helped raise awareness regarding automotive emission hazards, giving impetus to the automotive segment.Changing demographics, resource scarcity, rising environmental awareness and rapid urbanization will catapult demand from 2016 to 2023. Development of innovative filter media to meet energy efficiency requirement has given rise to new raw materials such as small fibers, which is further expected to provide avenues for business growth over the next seven years.APAC air filtration market size is poised for growth owing to surging demand across numerous industries including cement, metal, pharmaceutical and power. The power sector is expected to witness substantial gains owing to growth in nuclear industry which plays a key role in defense power and power generation.Make an inquiry for purchasing this report @Browse key industry insights spread across 177 pages with 70 market data tables & 52 figures & charts from the report, Asia Pacific Air Filtration Market Size By Product (Industrial [Dust Collectors, Mist Collectors, HEPA Filters, Baghouse Filters, Cartridge Collectors & Filters], Automotive [Intake Filters, Cabin Filters], Residential), By Application (Power, Food, Metals, Cement, Pharmaceuticals), Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook (China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia), Growth Potential, Price Trends, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2016  2023 in detail along with the table of contents:Key insights from the report include:Industrial sector accounted for more than 27% of the Asia Pacific air filtration market share in 2015 and is estimated to grow at 9.5% CAGR owing to rising adoption in healthcare and laboratories facilities in order to control microbes and allergens.Mist collectors are set to witness growth due to increasing application across the food & beverage and metal processing industry.The benefits derived HEPA filtration technology include maintenance of high initial power output, greater machine availability and reliability, improved efficiency, zero production downtime, increased component life, and lower emissions. These products are ideal for situations that require high collection efficiency of submicron particulate matter, and are used in applications involving biological, chemical and radioactive particulate matter.Consumer shift towards replacement of automotive filters in order to minimize the emission of harmful gases will drive revenue.China air filtration market size will continue to represent the dominant regional segment in the coming years. This can be primarily attributed to the considerable automotive sector and presence of numerous industries across the region.APAC air filtration market share is characterized by intense competition with key players focusing on mergers & acquisitions to increase their revenue, which will result in consolidation. Major participants are Mann+Hummel, Cummins, Mahle, Camfil, Donaldson, and Clarcor. Mergers & acquisitions along with expansion of manufacturing activities form a part of manufacturers key growth strategies.About Global Market Insights:Global Market Insights, Inc., headquartered in Delaware, U.S., is a global market research and consulting service provider; offering syndicated and custom research reports along with growth consulting services. Our business intelligence and industry research reports offer clients with penetrative insights and actionable market data specially designed and presented to aid strategic decision making. These exhaustive reports are designed via a proprietary research methodology and are available for key industries such as chemicals, advanced materials, technology, renewable energy and biotechnology.Contact Us:Arun HegdeCorporate Sales, USAGlobal Market Insights, Inc.Phone: 1-302-846-7766Toll Free: 1-888-689-0688Email: sales@gminsights.comWeb:Blog:Connect with us: Facebook | Google+ | LinkedIn | Twitter
Booming Consumer Electronics Industry to Play a Vital Role in the Growth of Stainless Steel Control Valves Market

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With the existence of a large number of producers of stainless steel control valves, the global stainless steel control valves market is highly fragmented, reports Transparency Market Research in a new study. As a result of this, the competitive rivalry among the players operating in the global stainless steel control valves market is anticipated to stay high in the coming years. Although the number of established players is relatively small, the large companies with better price structure are likely to benefit more from the present market scenario. The top four players in the global stainless steel control valves market, Pentair Plc., Flowserve Corporation, Emerson Electric Co., and General Electric, Co., held a share of approximately 7.4% in 2014.The leading producers of stainless steel control valves are focusing on implementing diverse strategies to provide better services to end-users in various geographies. Such diversifications will enable companies to handle economic fluctuations along with business expansion. Many companies are streamlining their businesses by consolidating their divisions.Growing Chemical Industry in Asia Pacific to Boost Sales of Stainless Steel Control ValvesAccording to a TMR analyst, The chemical industry in Asia Pacific is growing steadily due to the decreasing prices of crude oil. As the raw materials used in the chemical industry are derived from crude oil, the manufacturing process in the chemical industry has taken a surge. Due to the growth of the chemical industry in Asia Pacific, there is an upsurge in the demand for stainless steel control valves in the region. For instance, the chemical industry in India is rising as it aims to become self-sufficient in the production of polyethylene. The increasing chemical production activities across Asia Pacific is likely to boost the sales of stainless steel control valves as they form a crucial part of the manufacturing unit.Browse The Report :The rapid growth in the semiconductor and electronics manufacturing industry is also expected to positively impact the sales of stainless steel control valves.Increasing Application of Polyvinylidene Fluoride Control Valves to Hinder Sales of Stainless Steel Control ValvesIndustry verticals such as semiconductor manufacturing, food packaging, and pharmaceutical industries are shifting their focus towards the application of polyvinylidene fluoride control valves. As PVDF can withstand a temperature variation between -40C and 100c, it is considered to be more cost effective than stainless steel control valves. PVDF is also chemically more inert. As a result of this, the PVDF control valves are expected to hinder the sales of stainless steel control valves. However, it is expected that PVDF will not completely replace stainless steel control valves as numerous industry verticals are still opting for the latter over PVDF control valves.Growing Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Systems Industry to Provide Manufacturers with Lucrative OpportunitiesWith the increasing popularity of HVAC systems across the globe, the manufacturers of stainless steel control valves are likely to gain lucrative opportunities from the increasing application of stainless steel control valves in this industry. Control valves are used in HVAC systems for the regulation of fluid during the control process. Stainless steel control valves are used for preparing the plug, stem, and seat. Thus, the growth of the HVAC systems is expected to provide future growth prospects to the manufacturers of stainless steel control valves.Get PDF Sample for this Research Report @The global stainless steel market is thus projected to expand at a 5.0% CAGR between 2014 and 2023. In 2014 the market was worth US$240.0 mn and is likely to touch a valuation of US$371.6 mn by 2023. Asia Pacific is anticipated to emerge as the largest region in terms of consumption with a market value of US$161.6 mn in 2023. The power generation industry is projected to reach a market worth US$72.6 mn by 2023 emerging as the largest end-use industry.The review is based on the findings of a TMR report titled, Stainless Steel Control Valves Market - Global Forecast, Market Share, Size, Growth and Industry Analysis, 2015 - 2023.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
GSM Module Market to Record Sturdy Growth by 2021

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GSM, a global system for mobile communication is a standard developed to illustrate protocols for second generation (2G) mobile phones enabled with digital cellular networks. GSM standards were launched as a substitute for the first generation (1G) analog cellular network. This was upgraded over time in order to include data communication such as circuit-switched transport and then packet data transport via GPRS (General Packet Radio Services) and EDGE (Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution).GSM is broadly used in wireless technology in the world. It has various applications such as jamming detection, DTMF Decoder and several network protocols. Its ultra compact size and very low power consuming property decreases the overall cost of the GSM module.Sample of this report is available upon request @GSM module is an easy to add plug-in module which allows the system to link over GSM network for programming, control and reporting. It also holds its applications in primary communication or as back-up support for the IP or PSTN communication In case of communication failure, events may be reported to monitoring system over voice, SMS or GPRS with the help of the RISCO IP receiver. GSM module also holds the application of two-way voice communication which allows two way communications with users at the time of emergency.The major advantage of GSM module is that subscriber identity module (SIM) can be moved from on station to another. GSM cellular phone containing SIM stores International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) in order to identify and verify the customer on mobile telephony device. Depending on the size, the GSM SIM can be classified as full size, mini SIM, micro SIM, nano SIM, and embedded SIM.With the help of GSM module, it is possible for the end users to get control over the system using DTMF or SMS. Moreover, it makes more convenient for the end user who receives SMS, voice massages and email alerts in real time. The GSM module work on three different carrier frequencies: the 900 MHz band which was earlier used by original GSM system, 1800MHz band which supported the swelling number of customer and the 1900 MHz band which is mostly used in the U.S.Due to its clear voice quality, GSM is seen as an alternative of wireline telephony for consumers and businesses. GSM services are available in more than 219 countries owing to its international roaming facility. Therefore, user enjoys the convenience of being reachable with their GSM device and mobile phones even if they are in roaming. Moreover consumers can have access over some of its features such as massaging and other services which they enjoy in their home markets. In addition, GSM module provide user with tight security including protection from hacking thus emerging as an attractive alternate to analog cellular and Wi-Fi. These are some of the major factors driving the growth of GSM module market.Data support facility such as SMS and web browsing and subscriber Identity module card allowing customer to purchase an additional phone is some of the major growth opportunities of the GSM module market. Besides, it holds its application in the research and development sector which due to its wide spread customers worldwide.However, lower data security compare to Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), complicated soft hand-off support and less number of consumers operating per channel compare to some of the other module such as CDMA are some of the factors restraining the growth of global module market. Also GSM offers a slower data bandwidth for wireless data connection than CDMA.With the rising population and improving purchasing power of the consumer due to rising income level, Asia is the leading market of GSM module followed by Europe. With less population, North America is lagging behind in the GSM module market.TOC of this report is available upon request @Some of the key players engaged in manufacturing of GSM module include Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd., Siemens AG, Sagem and Telit Communications PLC.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
Smart Motors Market Size, Share, Analysis, Report and Forecast to 2022

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According to Stratistics MRC, the global smart motors market is accounted for $1.03 billion in 2015 and is expected to reach $1.69 billion by 2022 growing at a CAGR of 7.21% from 2015 to 2022. The smart motors market has been witnessing remarkable growth, mainly driven by its energy efficient nature. Cost reduction of equipment along with increasing effectiveness, increasing demand for smart motors in various speed adjustable applications and requirement of less onsite and wiring space are the key factors driving the market growth.On the other hand, low implementation rate and huge capital investment are restraining the market. Increasing smart motors in industrial applications and integration of internet of things in industrial processes offer great investment opportunities for players in the market.Industrial sector leads the market globally with the largest market share and is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. North America accounted for the largest market share strongly driven by the advanced infrastructure. The U.S. is likely to remain as the key market for smart motors throughout the forecast period driven by its high adoption rate and development. The Asia Pacific smart motors market is anticipated to grow at the highest CAGR amongst all regions due to rapid industrialization in emerging nations such as China and India.Some of the major players in the global market include, Schneider Electric SE, General Electric Co., Siemens AG, Teknatool International Ltd, ABB Ltd., Rockwell Automation, Inc., Moog Animatics, Lenze Group, Technosoft SA, Robotshop, Inc., Fuji Electric Co. Ltd., ebm - papst Group, MDC Vacuum Products LLC. and Roboteq, Inc.For More, Please Visit:Component Types Covered: Motor Variable Speed Drive Intelligent Motor Control CenterApplications Covered: Automotive Aerospace & Defense Commercial Consumer Electronics Industrial Residential Other ApplicationsRegions Covered: North Americao USo Canadao Mexico Europeo Germanyo Franceo Italyo UKo Spaino Rest of Europe Asia Pacifico Japano Chinao Indiao Australiao New Zealando Rest of Asia Pacific Rest of the Worldo Middle Easto Brazilo Argentinao South Africao EgyptWhat our report offers:- Market share assessments for the regional and country level segments- Market share analysis of the top industry players- Strategic recommendations for the new entrants- Market forecasts for a minimum of 7 years of all the mentioned segments, sub segments and the regional markets- Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)- Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations- Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends- Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments- Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancementFor More, Please Visit:We offer wide spectrum of research and consulting services with in-depth knowledge of different industries. We are known for customized research services, consulting services and Full Time Equivalent (FTE) services in the research world. We explore the market trends and draw our insights with valid assessments and analytical views. We use advanced techniques and tools among the quantitative and qualitative methodologies to identify the market trends. Our research reports and publications are routed to help our clients to design their business models and enhance their business growth in the competitive market scenario. We have a strong team with hand-picked consultants including project managers, implementers, industry experts, researchers, research evaluators and analysts with years of experience in delivering the complex projects.STRATISTICS MRC17049 King James Way, Gaithersburg,MD, 20877, USA
Insulated Concrete Form Market revenue in residential applications to approach USD 500 million by 2024 : Global Market Insights Inc

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The research report Insulated Concrete Form Market Size By Application (Commercial, Industrial, Infrastructure, Residential), By Material (Polystyrene Foam, Polyurethane Foam, Cement-Bonded Wood Fiber, Cement Bonded Polystyrene Beads, Cellular Concrete), Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook (U.S., Canada, Germany, UK, France, Italy, Spain, Poland, Russia, China, India, Japan, Australia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, South Africa, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Egypt), Application Potential, Price Trends, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2016 - 2024  Insulated Concrete Form Market size to exceed USD 970 million by 2024; according to a new research report by Global Market Insights, Inc.Rising consumer preference for energy effective buildings accompanied by the need to reduce operating e will be a key global insulation concrete form market share trend. Policies such as energy saving program by U.S., Net Zero in Canada, and new building codes by EU will fuel insulated concrete forms industry growth.Request for a sample of this research report @Initially, the industry faced issues with product acceptance, due to low-awareness, lack of regulatory clarity and an unorganized sector, offering varying ICF grades. However, the situation has been significantly salvaged, as clear regulations and product guidelines have been put in place.U.S. insulated concrete form market share dominates regional demand, with residential applications alone valued at over USD 100 million in 2015. Demand is primarily driven by the need to sustainable construction to save energy.Increasing infrastructure expenditure in Asia Pacific and MEA, along with government regulations relating to demand for energy efficiency, safety and need to reduce construction time is anticipated to stimulate industry growth.Close to 80% of ICFs are used in below-grade applications for residential applications, with revenue poised to approach USD 500 million by 2024. Industrial and infrastructure applications should see more than 7% growth. Key ICF market features include technology access, cost reduction, energy conservation and strong insulation performance.Make an inquiry for purchasing this report @Polystyrene foam was the leading product segment with more than 60% of total insulated concrete form market revenue in 2015. Fire & thermal resistance and durability are expected to drive the polystyrene foam demand.Browse key industry insights spread across 170 pages with 85 market data tables & 29 figures & charts from the report, Insulated Concrete Form Market Size By Application (Commercial, Industrial, Infrastructure, Residential), By Material (Polystyrene Foam, Polyurethane Foam, Cement-Bonded Wood Fiber, Cement Bonded Polystyrene Beads, Cellular Concrete), Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook (U.S., Canada, Germany, UK, France, Italy, Spain, Poland, Russia, China, India, Japan, Australia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, South Africa, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Egypt), Application Potential, Price Trends, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2016 - 2024 in detail along with the table of contents:Key insights from the report include:Residential insulated concrete form market share may exceed 150 million square feet by 2024, with the industry anticipating significant penetration across APAC & MEA.Industrial applications should see growth in excess of 10%, driven by favorable infrastructure and commercial construction spending trends.Asia Pacific, backed by strong domestic demand from China, Australia, Japan and India insulated concrete form market, generated more than USD 15 million in revenue for PU foam based ICF for 2015.North America, through U.S., is the largest ICF market due to consumer preference towards energy efficient buildings and willingness to use innovative technologies.In revenue terms, polystyrene foams dominate the industry and were valued at over USD 300 million in 2015. Cement-bonded polystyrene beads in Asia Pacific may grow significantly and surpass 2 million square feet by 2024.Global insulated concrete forms market share is highly competitive due to presence of multinationational players. Some of the major competitors for ICF market share include Airlite (Fox Blocks), BuildBlocks, Amvic, Logix, Quad-Lock and IntegraSpec were the key companies.About Global Market Insights:Global Market Insights, Inc., headquartered in Delaware, U.S., is a global market research and consulting service provider; offering syndicated and custom research reports along with growth consulting services. Our business intelligence and industry research reports offer clients with penetrative insights and actionable market data specially designed and presented to aid strategic decision making. These exhaustive reports are designed via a proprietary research methodology and are available for key industries such as chemicals, advanced materials, technology, renewable energy and biotechnology.Contact Us:Arun HegdeCorporate Sales, USAGlobal Market Insights, Inc.Phone: 1-302-846-7766Toll Free: 1-888-689-0688Email: sales@gminsights.comWeb:Blog:Connect with us: Facebook | Google+ | LinkedIn | Twitter
Global Ophthalmic Diagnostic Equipment Market 2017 : Bioptigen, Aeon Imaging, Ziemer, BioFormatix, Boston

Ophthalmic Diagnostic Equipment

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Ophthalmic Diagnostic EquipmentA market study based on the " Ophthalmic Diagnostic Equipment Market " across the globe, recently added to the repository of Market Research, is titled Global Ophthalmic Diagnostic Equipment Market 2017. The research report analyses the historical as well as present performance of the worldwide Ophthalmic Diagnostic Equipment industry, and makes predictions on the future status of Ophthalmic Diagnostic Equipment market on the basis of this analysis.Get Free Sample Copy of Report Here :Top Manufacturers Analysis Of This Research Report-Avedro-Bioptigen-Aeon Imaging-Canon-Ziemer-BioFormatix-Boston-CeeMax Ophthalmics-AcuMEMS-ChromoLogic-Colandpharma-DigitalVisionThe report studies the industry for Ophthalmic Diagnostic Equipment across the globe taking the existing industry chain, the import and export statistics in Ophthalmic Diagnostic Equipment market & dynamics of demand and supply of Ophthalmic Diagnostic Equipment into consideration. The ' Ophthalmic Diagnostic Equipment ' research study covers each and every aspect of the Ophthalmic Diagnostic Equipment market globally, which starts from the definition of the Ophthalmic Diagnostic Equipment industry and develops towards Ophthalmic Diagnostic Equipment market segmentations. Further, every segment of the Ophthalmic Diagnostic Equipment market is classified and analysed on the basis of product types, application, and the end-use industries of the Ophthalmic Diagnostic Equipment market. The geographical segmentation of the Ophthalmic Diagnostic Equipment industry has also been covered at length in this report.The competitive landscape of the worldwide market for Ophthalmic Diagnostic Equipment is determined by evaluating the various industry participants, production capacity, Ophthalmic Diagnostic Equipment market's production chain, and the revenue generated by each manufacturer in the Ophthalmic Diagnostic Equipment market worldwide.Enquire Here :The global Ophthalmic Diagnostic Equipment market 2017 is also analysed on the basis of product pricing, Ophthalmic Diagnostic Equipment production volume, data regarding demand and Ophthalmic Diagnostic Equipment 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 Ophthalmic Diagnostic Equipment across the globe.About Us :Market and Research are a trusted brand in the research industry with capability of commissioning complex projects within a short span of time with high level of accuracy. At Market and Research, we believe in building long term relations with our clients. Our services cover a broad spectrum of industries including Energy, Chemicals and Materials, Automotive and Aerospace.Contact Us :Market and ResearchUnited States
North America 3D Telepresence Market By Solution Type, Trends, Analysis, Growth and Forecast 2017-2022

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The North America 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. The hectic schedules of executives and the Pan-American nature of businesses have made it extremely difficult for businessmen to reach out to their colleagues and customers. This is driving the market for telepresence as it offers a feasible alternative for users to reach out to their customers and offer them a personal experience from their own office spaces.Enquire about 3D Telepresence Market@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.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.Browse Full Report with TOC: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 Purchase Order for this Report@DRIVERS The 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.RESTRAINTS The 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 OFFERS North America 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.Table of Content:1. Introduction2. Key Findings of the Study3. Executive Summary4. Market Overview4.1 Market Segmentation4.2 Overview4.3 Industry Value-Chain Analysis4.4 Industry Attractiveness - Porter's Five Force Analysis4.5 Industry Policies5. Market Dynamics5.1 Introduction5.2 Drivers5.2.1 Enhanced User Experience5.2.2 Save Time and Cost5.3 Restraints5.3.1 High Price of the 3D Telepresence Systems5.3.2 Technology Yet to be Fully Commercialized6. Technology Overview6.1 Technology Snapshot6.2 Ongoing Research and Development6.3 Applications of 3D Telepresence Technology in Different Industry Sectors7. 3D Telepresence Market by Solution Type7.1 Hardware7.1.1 Market Share and Forecast7.2 Software7.2.1 Market Share and Forecast8. North America 3D Telepresence Market8.1 North America8.1.1 Market Share and Forecast8.1.2 Analyst View9. Competitive Intelligence - Company Profiles9.1 TelePresence Tech9.1.1 Overview9.1.2 Financials9.1.3 Products9.1.4 Recent Developments9.2 Cisco9.2.1 Overview9.2.2 Financials9.2.3 Products9.2.4 Recent Developments9.3 Sony9.3.1 Overview9.3.2 Financials9.3.3 Products9.3.4 Recent Developments9.4 Microsoft9.4.1 Overview9.4.2 Financials9.4.3 Products9.4.4 Recent Developments9.5 Teliris9.5.1 Overview9.5.2 Financials9.5.3 Products9.5.4 Recent Developments9.6 Dreamworks9.6.1 Overview9.6.2 Financials9.6.3 Products9.6.4 Recent Developments9.7 Digital Video Enterprises9.7.1 Overview9.7.2 Financials9.7.3 Products10. Investment Analysis10.1 Recent Mergers and Acquisitions10.2 Role of Business Accelerators10.3 Investment Outlook11. Future of 3D Telepresence MarketOrbis Research is a single point aid for all your Market research requirements. We have vast database of reports from the leading publishers and authors across the globe. We specialize in delivering customised reports as per the requirements of our clients. We have complete information about our publishers and hence are sure about the accuracy of the industries and verticals of their specialisation. This helps our clients to map their needs and we produce the perfect required Market research study for our clients.Hector CostelloSenior Manager  Client Engagements4144N Central Expressway,Suite 600, Dallas,Texas - 75204, U.S.A.Phone No.: +1 (214) 884-6817; +912064101019Email ID: sales@orbisresearch.com
Global Total Station Theodolites Market 2017 : Beijing DQY, Topcon, Trimble, FOIF, Boif, Dadi, TJOP

Total Station Theodolites

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Total Station TheodolitesA market study based on the " Total Station Theodolites Market " across the globe, recently added to the repository of Market Research, is titled Global Total Station Theodolites Market 2017. The research report analyses the historical as well as present performance of the worldwide Total Station Theodolites industry, and makes predictions on the future status of Total Station Theodolites market on the basis of this analysis.Get Free Sample Copy of Report Here :Top Manufacturers Analysis Of This Research Report-Topcon-Trimble-Hangzhou Environmental Group-Beijing DQY-CST/berger-South Group-Boif-Dadi-TJOPThe report studies the industry for Total Station Theodolites across the globe taking the existing industry chain, the import and export statistics in Total Station Theodolites market & dynamics of demand and supply of Total Station Theodolites into consideration. The ' Total Station Theodolites ' research study covers each and every aspect of the Total Station Theodolites market globally, which starts from the definition of the Total Station Theodolites industry and develops towards Total Station Theodolites market segmentations. Further, every segment of the Total Station Theodolites market is classified and analysed on the basis of product types, application, and the end-use industries of the Total Station Theodolites market. The geographical segmentation of the Total Station Theodolites industry has also been covered at length in this report.The competitive landscape of the worldwide market for Total Station Theodolites is determined by evaluating the various industry participants, production capacity, Total Station Theodolites market's production chain, and the revenue generated by each manufacturer in the Total Station Theodolites market worldwide.Enquire Here :The global Total Station Theodolites market 2017 is also analysed on the basis of product pricing, Total Station Theodolites production volume, data regarding demand and Total Station Theodolites 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 Total Station Theodolites across the globe.About Us :Market and Research are a trusted brand in the research industry with capability of commissioning complex projects within a short span of time with high level of accuracy. At Market and Research, we believe in building long term relations with our clients. Our services cover a broad spectrum of industries including Energy, Chemicals and Materials, Automotive and Aerospace.Contact Us :Market and ResearchUnited States
United States Spare Parts Logistics Market 2016 Industry Analysis, Research, Services, Growth, Applications, Trends, Solutions, Forecast to 2021

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The United States Spare Parts Logistics Industry 2016 Market Research Report is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the Spare Parts Logistics industry.The report provides a basic overview of the industry including definitions, classifications, applications and industry chain structure. The Spare Parts Logistics market analysis is provided for the United States markets including development trends, competitive landscape analysis, and key regions development status.Development policies and plans are discussed as well as manufacturing processes and Bill of Materials cost structures are also analyzed. This report also states import/export consumption, supply and demand Figures, cost, price, revenue and gross margins.The report focuses on United States major leading industry players providing information such as company profiles, product picture and specification, capacity, production, price, cost, revenue and contact information. Upstream raw materials and equipment and downstream demand analysis is also carried out. The Spare Parts Logistics industry development trends and marketing channels are analyzed. Finally the feasibility of new investment projects are assessed and overall research conclusions offered.With 152 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.Request a Free Sample Copy of the Report @QYresearchreports.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.QYResearchReports1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-618-1030Web:Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com
Global Internet of Things in Healthcare Market to grow at a Grand CAGR of 56.0% by 2021

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SummaryOrbis Research Presents Global Internet of Things in Healthcare Market-Growth, Trends and Forecasts (2016-2021) has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts.DescriptionThe Global Internet of Things in Healthcare Market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 56.0% during the forecast period from 2016 to 2021.Internet-of-Things (IoT) envisions a world of heterogeneous things that have identities as well as physical & virtual attributes and that are seamlessly and securely integrated into the Internet infrastructure using standard communication protocols. One can witness objects and devices that are a part of ones daily life by being connected to the Internet through sensors. IoT represents a tremendous opportunity for various types of companies, including IoT application & service providers, IoT platform providers, integrators, telecom operators, and software vendors.Get a PDF Sample of Global Internet of Things in Healthcare Market Report at:It is expected that of all the industries, healthcare will be the most beneficial and impactful, when it comes to adopting the concept of IoT. As the technology continues to evolve, Internet of Things in healthcare will grow at an impressive rate, as it could be highly useful in improving the current healthcare setup.A great number of healthcare expenditure reduction and quality care will be assured thanks to the usage of Internet of Things adoption. IoT will also be instrumental in ensuring the reduction of Hospital re-admissions.Interconnected devices have been introduced to patients in various forms. The recent emergence of variety of wireless monitoring devices is a strong indication of the potential ramifications of IoT in the healthcare setup.Currently, developed economies account for the major share of this market, globally. It is expected that nearly 86.0% of the markets contribution is obtained from developed economies. However, the trend is estimated to change in the future, where the developing nations are expected to witness higher adoption rates. IoT is also expected to have the largest impact on the developing nations. The concept of smart cities is one of the entry strategies of the IoT adoption in developing economies.The Global Internet of Things in Healthcare Market has been on the basis of technology setup (communication, networks, and others), application (patient monitoring, mobile health, and others), component (hardware, software, services, and others), end user (hospitals, home healthcare, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and others), and geography (North America, Europe,Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World).Currently the market is highly driven by factors, such as the increasing rate of ageing population, technological advancements, increased adoption rates of remote patient monitoring systems, rise of the home healthcare market, growing need to reduce hospital re-admissions, improved quality care of life, and need to reduce the global healthcare expenditure.However, privacy & confidentiality issues, security concerns, regulatory framework concerns are the major barriers that are faced by this market.The major market players include Cisco, Intel, Ericsson, Freescale & Arm, GE, Proteus Digital Health, and IBM among others.Place a Purchase Order for Global Internet of Things in Healthcare Market Report at:Key Deliverables in the StudyMarket analysis for the Global Internet of Things in Healthcare Market, with region specific assessments and competition analysis on global and regional scalesMarket definition along with the identification of key drivers and restraintsIdentification of factors instrumental in changing the market scenarios, rising prospective opportunities, and identification of key companies that can influence this market on a global and regional scaleExtensively researched competitive landscape section with profiles of major companies along with their market sharesIdentification and analysis of the macro and micro factors that affect the global Internet of things in healthcare market on both global and regional scalesA comprehensive list of key market players along with the analysis of their current strategic interests and key financial informationA wide-ranging knowledge and insights about the major players in this industry and the key strategies adopted by them to sustain and grow in the studied marketInsights on the major countries/regions in which this industry is blooming and to also identify the regions that are still untappedKey Points Covered in Global Internet of Things in Healthcare Market Report: Introduction Research Methodology Executive Summary Key Inferences Market Overview & Industry Trends Drivers, Restraints, Opportunities & Challenges Analysis (DROC) Global E-Health Market Segmentation Global E-Health Market by Geography - Regional shares and forecast Competitive Landscape Key Vendors Analyst outlook for Investment Opportunities Future outlook of the marketOrbis 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 Industrial Ventilation Fan Market 2017 : Sodeca, Yilida, Halifax, Axair Fans, PennBarry

Industrial Ventilation Fan

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Scope of Industrial Ventilation Fan Market :A market study based on the "Industrial Ventilation Fan Market" across the globe, recently added to the repository of Market Research, is titled Global Industrial Ventilation Fan Market 2017. The research report analyses the historical as well as present performance of the worldwide Industrial Ventilation Fan industry, and makes predictions on the future status of Industrial Ventilation Fan market on the basis of this analysis.Get Free Sample Copy of Report Here :Top Manufacturers Analysis Of This Industrial Ventilation Fan Research ReportSodecaYilidaHalifaxAxair FansPennBarryAerotech FansVENTMECA FANSAirco FSSSouthern Magnetics PrivateNYBFantechThe report studies the industry for Industrial Ventilation Fan across the globe taking the existing industry chain, the import and export statistics in Industrial Ventilation Fan market & dynamics of demand and supply of Industrial Ventilation Fan into consideration. The 'Industrial Ventilation Fan' research study covers each and every aspect of the Industrial Ventilation Fan market globally, which starts from the definition of the Industrial Ventilation Fan industry and develops towards Industrial Ventilation Fan market segmentations. Further, every segment of the Industrial Ventilation Fan market is classified and analyzed on the basis of product types, application, and the end-use industries of the Industrial Ventilation Fan market. The geographical segmentation of the Industrial Ventilation Fan industry has also been covered at length in this report.Enquire Here Before Purchase:The competitive landscape of the worldwide market for Industrial Ventilation Fan is determined by evaluating the various industry participants, production capacity, Industrial Ventilation Fan market's production chain, and the revenue generated by each manufacturer in the Industrial Ventilation Fan market worldwide.The global Industrial Ventilation Fan market 2017 is also analyzed on the basis of product pricing, Industrial Ventilation Fan production volume, data regarding demand and Industrial Ventilation Fan 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 Industrial Ventilation Fan across the globe.About Us :Business Worldwide are a trusted brand in the research industry with capability of commissioning complex projects within a short span of time with high level of accuracy. At Business Worldwide, we believe in building long term relations with our clients. Our services cover a broad spectrum of industries such as Automotive and Aerospace, Medical Devices, Technology, Machinery & Manufacturing.Contact Us :Business WorldwideUnited States
Waterproofing chemicals Market in Global Industry  Product Analysis (Bitumen, TPO, EPDM, PVC, PTFE & Silicone ) 2017-2024

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ALBANY, NY, March 16, 2017 : ResearchMoz presents professional and in-depth study of "Waterproofing Chemicals Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2016 - 2024".Waterproofing Chemicals are a class of fine/specialty chemicals which arrest or inhibit permeability of water or moisture to interior or exterior surfaces of wide range of materials e.g. cement/ concrete walls, fabrics, leather articles, paper, electronic goods etc. It is applied mainly in form of sheet membranes, cementitious coating, liquid coating membranes, sprays and coatings etc. The major product types include bitumen, EPDM, TPO, PVC, PTFE and silicone, while the end use applications include Construction, Infrastructure, Automotive, Textile & Leather and others.Get PDF for more Professional and Technical insights @Global Waterproofing Chemicals Market: Scope of the ReportThe report estimates and forecasts the waterproofing chemicals market on the global, regional, and country levels. The study provides forecast between 2016 and 2024 based on volume (Kilo Tons) and revenue (US$ Mn) with 2015 as the base year. The report comprises an exhaustive value chain analysis for each of the product, technology and end use segments highlighting the process and the key participants involved. Value chain analysis also offers detailed information about value addition and profit margins earned at each stage. The study includes market dynamics i.e. drivers, restraints, opportunities and trends for the waterproofing chemicals market along with their impact on demand during the forecast period. The study also provides key market indicators affecting the growth of the market. The report analyzes opportunities in the waterproofing chemicals market on the global and regional level. Drivers, restraints, and opportunities mentioned in the report are justified through quantitative and qualitative data. These have been verified through primary and secondary resources. Furthermore, the report includes waterproofing chemicals global average price trend analysis and regional market trend analysis as well.The report includes Porters Five Forces Model to determine the degree of competition in the waterproofing chemicals market. The report comprises a qualitative write-up on market attractiveness analysis, wherein end-users and countries have been analyzed based on attractiveness for each region. Growth rate, market size, profit margin, impact strength, technology, competition, end use applications and other factors (such as environmental and legal) have been evaluated in order to derive the general attractiveness of the market. The report comprises price trend analysis for waterproofing chemicals between 2016 and 2024.Global Waterproofing Chemicals Market: SegmentationThe study provides a comprehensive view of the waterproofing chemicals market by dividing it into product, technology, end-user and geography segments. The waterproofing chemicals market has been segmented into bitumen, TPO, EPDM, PVC, Silicone and PTFE based on product. Application segment have been analyzed based on historic, present, and future trends.Regional segmentation includes the current and forecast demand for waterproofing chemicals in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa (MEA). Additionally, the report comprises country-level market sizing in terms of volume and revenue under each respective region. Key countries such as the U.S., Germany, the U.K., Spain, GCC, India, China, South Africa, Mexico, Brazil, etc. have been included in the study. Market segmentation includes demand for individual applications in all the regions and countries.Global Waterproofing Chemicals Market: Competitive DynamicsThe report covers detailed competitive outlook that includes market share and profiles of key players operating in the global market. The companies included in this reports are major global/regional players which are catering to all types of end use markets such as Construction, Automotive, Leather, Textile, Electronics etc. such as Archroma Management LLC in textiles and Liquipel LLC in electronics .Key players profiled in the report include The Dow Chemical Company, BASF SE, E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, Akzo Nobel NV, Evonik Industries, Wacker Chemie GmbH, W.R. Grace and Company and Other major market players. Prominent regional company profiles have also been mentioned such as Pidilite Industries Limited, MUHU (China) Construction Materials, RPM International Inc. etc. The Company profiles include attributes such as company overview, number of employees, brand overview, key competitors, business overview, business strategies, recent/key developments, acquisitions, and financial overview (wherever applicable). Competitive Analysis as well as SWOT analysis of top companies have been provided in this report.Global Waterproofing Chemicals Market: Research MethodologySecondary research sources that were typically referred to include, but were not limited to company websites, financial reports, annual reports, investor presentations, broker reports, and SEC filings. Other sources such as internal and external proprietary databases, statistical databases and market reports, news articles, national government documents, and webcasts specific to companies operating in the market have also been referred for the report.The primary research sources consists of key officials from the companies mentioned in competition landscape, other mid-small size company representatives, industry experts, volunteers from industrial associations etc. In-depth interviews and discussions with a wide range of key opinion leaders and industry participants were conducted to compile this research report. Primary research represents the bulk of research efforts, supplemented by extensive secondary research. Key players product literature, annual reports, press releases, and relevant documents were reviewed for competitive analysis and market understanding. This helped in validating and strengthening secondary research findings. Primary research further helped in developing the analysis teams expertise and market understanding.The global waterproofing chemicals market has been segmented as follows:Waterproofing chemicals Market  Product AnalysisBitumenTPOEPDMPVCPTFESiliconeMake an Enquiry of this report @Waterproofing chemicals Market  Technology AnalysisSheet MembraneLiquid Coated MembraneCementitious WaterproofingOthersWaterproofing chemicals Market  End Use AnalysisConstructionInfrastructureAutomotiveTextile and LeatherOthersResearchMoz 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.ResearchMoz90 State Street,Albany, NY 12207,United States
ZURICH, SWITZERLAND / ACCESSWIRE / March 16, 2017 / Yesterday, Voltaic Minerals Corp. (VLT.V) announced the closing of a non-brokered financing and reported details on the start of phase-1 testing of the "Lithium Selective Extraction Process" on the Green Energy Project in Utah, USA. The proceeds ($909,040 CAD) will be used for the development of the extraction process, the re-entry of wellbores and general working capital. The technology-provider and Voltaic have agreed to sign a 90 day Exclusive Extension Agreement, during which time both companies will solidify the Definitive Agreement. Simultaneously, Voltaics partner will begin process work directly related to Phase-1 as outlined in the Draft Definitive Agreement.

Phase-1: Available data from historic oil and gas production wells around the Green Energy Property in Utah are taken in order to re-produce such brines with the exact same compositions. These representative synthetic mixtures will be used to determine preliminary costs to selectively extract the lithium from such brines. The stated objective is an operating cost comparable to other lithium carbonate brine projects. Simultaneous to this work, Voltaic targets a brine bulk sampling program from existing wells in order to test the Selective Lithium Extraction Process with actual, recent brine samples around the Green Energy Property.

The full report can be accessed with the following links:

English: http://rockstone-research.com/index.php/en/research-reports/2709-Voltaic-and-Partner-Agree-to-Exclusive-Extension-and-Begin-Phase-1

German: http://rockstone-research.com/index.php/de/research-reports/2710-Voltaic-und-Partner-einigen-sich-auf-exklusive-Verlaengerung-und-starten-Phase-1

Disclaimer: Please read the full disclaimer within the full research report as a PDF as fundamental risks and conflicts of interest exist.

SOURCE: Rockstone Research
Surface Mount Switch In Global Market Is Expected To Expand During The Forecast Period 2017 - 2024

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ResearchMoz presents this most up-to-date research on "Surface Mount Switch In Global Market Is Expected To Expand During The Forecast Period 2017 - 2024".Global Surface Mount Switch Market: OverviewSurface mount switch is an electrical component that is used in electronics devices. Surface mount switches have wide application in the areas of industrial automation, healthcare, aerospace & defense, security, telecommunication, audio & broadcast, power (including renewable energy) among others. Surface mount switches are used in medical and industrial devices, power equipment among others. It has extensive applications in oil and gas industries thus promoting its demand in oil dependent economies such as U.S., Iran, Iraq, U.A.E among others. Primarily, there are two types of surface mount switches such as surface mount pushbutton switches and surface mount toggle switches. Surface mount toggle switches acquired larger market share in 2015 and it is expected to maintain its leading position during the forecast period as well. With in-depth analysis, the global surface mount switch market is likely to follow growth trends over the forecast period.Global Surface Mount Switch Market: Growth DynamicsConsumer electronics market is expected to expand during the forecast period and this would expand surface mount switch market globally. Advent of miniaturization technology boosts growth prospect of surface mount switches. Surface mount technology has come up with unique characteristic of miniature sized components that enhances component density over the printed circuit board (PCBs) and improves components performance as well. Moreover, larger group of economies such as Japan, China, India, US, Germany, UK, Colombia, and Brazil among others are witnessing rapid internet penetration and telecommunication investment. Rising consumer base and growing trends towards digitalization enhance market prospect for surface mount switches.This acts as the major driver of surface mount switch market. Developing economies such as India, Indonesia, Iran, and Argentina among others stress on industrialization based economy where there is larger contribution of electronic manufacturing activity. These factors tend to promote higher demand for surface mount switches in the coming years and that is expected to expand the market as well.Surface mount switches are relatively expensive as compared to through-hole switches thus making surface mount switches unattractive to consumers. Higher price is likely to depress the future growth prospect of surface mount market. Moreover, the East Asian economies such as China, Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea among others experience frequent currency volatility. As Asia Pacific is the leading market for surface mount switches, currency volatility is likely to volatile price of surface mount switches in international market thus weakening surface mount switch market. European economies is in stagnant growth process. Moreover, Brexit is likely to have adverse impact on European markets and this would restrain the growth process of surface mount switch market.Make an Enquiry of this report @Global Surface Mount Switch Market: Scope of the ReportThis report analyzes future prospect of global surface mount switch market during the forecast period 2016 -2024 along with a synopsis of current market scenario. This report highlights different demand and supply factors that would impact on surface mount switch market globally. Apart from this, current industry structure, key players with their market share and strategic overview have also been analyzed here.In order to have in-depth analysis, global surface mount switch market is segmented on the basis of two types such as ultra-miniature surface mount pushbutton switch and ultra-miniature surface mount toggle switch. Surface mount switches have four broad group of application segments s namely industrial control, medical, aerospace & defense and others (power, marine, audio & broadcast, security among others). This report incorporates segmentation on the basis of geography such as North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America and Middle East & Africa (MEA).Some of the leading market players in surface mount switch industry are C&K components (U.S), Honeywell International Inc. (U.S), Hokuriku Electric Industry Co. Ltd. (Japan), Omron Corporation (Japan), and Grayhill Inc. (U.S) among others.Global surface mount switch market is segmented as follows;-Global Surface Mount Switch Market, By TypeUltra-Miniature Surface Mount Pushbutton SwitchUltra-Miniature Surface Mount Toggle SwitchGlobal Surface Mount Switch Market, By ApplicationIndustrial ControlMedicalAerospace and DefenseOthersGlobal Surface Mount Switch Market, By GeographyNorth AmericaThe U.S.CanadaMexicoEuropeThe U.K.ItalyGermanyFranceRest of EuropeTo 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 @
Global Air Cargo Security and Screening Systems Market Will Flourish by 2016  2024

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Zion Market Research, the market research group announced the analysis report titled "Air Cargo Security and Screening Systems Market: Industry Perspective, Comprehensive Analysis and Forecast, 2015  2021"Security check of cargo consignments was previously done manually by the appointed security guards at the airport. It was carried to confirm the cargo is not carrying any hazardous thing or anything which is not allowed by global air cargo laws. When the number of cargos on the airport was less, things could be done manually.Request Free Sample Report @But due to globalization, entry of the larger number of air service providers, air traffic got increased and the flow of cargo consignments on the airport started growing. To handle the rising flow and to scrutinize the cargo consignment efficiently, accurately, and quicker, the airport started installing Air Cargo Security and Screening Systems at airports. With the help of these systems, cargos can be scanned without any mistakes and size of the cargo is no more a constraint. Major systems presently used screenings based on X-rays, ETD, and EDS technologies.Earlier, when the lifestyle and speed of day-to-day business transactions were comparatively slow, advanced and computer-based technology to scan cargos was not needed. But now, life has become faster, businesses have no time to waste, everything is demanded in as much lesser time as possible. In addition, the world is constantly in the threat of security breaches, attacks from the anti-social elements; in such situations, airports are demanding more efficient machinery to scan cargos. Advanced functions with accurate and faster scanning process, with cost-effective prices, are qualities every airport security is demanding for. These are the factors boosting the growth of the global air cargo security and screening systems market. However, lack of invention in this market is creating a disturbance in its long-term growth.Request Report TOC (Table of Contents) @The global air cargo security and screening systems market are segmented on the basis of types of technologies used and regions. On the basis of types, the market is divided into X-rays, ETD, and EDS technologies. X-ray based screening creates high penetration to detect products. Its range varies from detection of metals, paper, fish, and liquid. ETD is the most popular and widely used screening technology in the aviation industry. EDS technology is costlier than other but it is highly automated and hence save unnecessary consumption of manual efforts.North America is dominating the global air cargo security and screening systems market owing to its developed economy and worldwide business spread. This trend is followed by Asia Pacific and is anticipated to witness high growth owing to rising trade activities and industrialization in this region.The key companies operating in air cargo security and screening systems market include L-3 Security Detection Systems, American Science and Engineering, Rapiscan Systems, 3DX-RAY. Other key players dominating the global market are Armstrong Monitoring, AUTOCLEAR, CEIA, Morpho Detection Rockwell Collins, Gilardoni, Nuctech, Astrophysics, and Smiths Detection.Browse detail report @Air Cargo Security And Screening Systems Market: Regional Segment AnalysisNorth AmericaU.S.EuropeUKFranceGermanyAsia PacificChinaJapanIndiaLatin AmericaBrazilMiddle East and AfricaAsk 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:
Snack Products Market Review  Factors Driving Growth Post 2016

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The market for snack products in Qatar and other GCC countries features a vast set of growth opportunities as busy lifestyles of the urban populace compel consumers to look for ready to eat food varieties on a large scale. Trends such as rising numbers of nuclear families and an increasing contribution of women in the regions workforce are also driving the market for snack products in the region. Concerns regarding the rising population of obese people, however, has brought about a significant change in markets dynamics, with healthy, low-fat products witnessing increased demand as compared to popular high-fat product varieties.For more information on this report, fill the form @Transparency Market Research estimates that the market will witness expansion at a remarkable pace in the next few years, rising at a 9.6% CAGR in terms of revenue and a 9% CAGR in terms of volume over the period between 2016 and 2024. Rising at this pace, the market, with a revenue-wise valuation of US$1103.6 mn in 2015, is expected to reach US$2682.3 mn by 2024.Potato Specialty Snack Products to Retain DominanceIn the report, the Qatar and GCC snack products market is segmented on the basis of product variety into potato specialty products, ready to eat products, nachos, and pellet fries. Of these, the segment of potato specialty products dominated the market, occupying a 46.5% share in the Qatar market and nearly 60% share in the rest of GCC market in 2015. The rising demand for potato-based snack products as an easy and filling substitute to traditional meals is predicted to trigger the demand of potato specialty products across various regions of GCC in the coming years.Obtain Report Details @Among the different varieties of potato specialty products available in the market, the segment of potato chips leads in terms of both revenue and volume. The market for potato chips is also expected to retain its top position in the Qatar and GCC potato-based snack products market in the near future, outpacing other segments over the period between 2016 and 2024.However, the overall volume- and revenue-wise growth of the segment of ready to eat products is expected to either fare equally well or see a marginal rise in demand as compared to the segment of potato specialty products from 2016 to 2024. Busy lifestyles, rapidly changing eating preferences, and rising trend of nuclear families will work in favor of the ready to eat products market over the said period.Retail Package Segment Dominates Qatar and GCC Snack Products MarketOn the basis of package, the report analyzes the Qatar and GCC snack products market for retail and bulk package. Demand of snack products from sales outlets such as supermarkets, hyper markets, and convenience stores are included within the retail package segment. Whereas, sales across the HORECA (Hotel/Restaurant/Cafe) sector are considered for analyzing the bulk package sector for the Qatar and GCC snack products market.Of these, the segment of retail package dominates the market and is expected to command the leading position in terms of both volume and revenue from 2016 to 2024 as well. Growth of this segment can be attributed to the increasing inclination of consumers towards purchasing snacks from retail outlets such as hypermarkets, specialty stores, and super market.The Qatar and GCC snack products market features a highly fragmented marketplace with an excellent mix of multinational companies and domestic vendors vying to achieve a bigger role and a larger share in overall sales. The company Saudi Snack Foods Co. had the dominant 25% share in the overall market in 2015. Other chief vendors in the market are National Biscuits & Confectionery Co. Ltd., Al-Rifai Roasteries Est, Kellogg, and Mondelez.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Streebo Inc Speaking at Amplify 2017

Houston, TX  March 16, 2017: Streebo Inc., an IBM Gold Business Partner, today announced its participation at the upcoming IBM Amplify 2017 conference to be held in Las Vegas, Nevada during 20-22 March.Amplify 2017 is a Cognitive Conference hosted by IBM for Marketing, Commerce and Supply Chain Professionals where over 250 Marketing, Commerce and Supply Chain tracks, trends, directions and Innovation Talks would be heard about from real life IBM customers who have implemented cognitive solutions and who will share their success stories using the latest Watson Customer Engagement solutions.Streebo is excited to be speaking at Amplify held at MGM Grand where their Digital Experience Consultant, Mr. Sameer Gottipati, and Application Development Manager at PSCU, Mr. Stephen Wagler, would be presenting Streebos breakthrough Omni-channel banking solution with its cognitive capabilities along with their unique Mobile Forms technology with the power of IBM Digital Experience Manager.Visit Amplify to learn about their award-winning suite of adaptive, cognitive solutions built for multiple industries ranging from Banking, Insurance, Healthcare, Telecom to domain-specific solutions.Streebo, headquartered in Houston, Texas, is an IBM Business Partner and a global provider of automated solutions. Streebo partners with its clients to streamline complex business processes and applies software automation techniques to rapidly assemble business solutions. Using our automated solutions our clients achieve efficiencies to scale and this allows them to rapidly respond to their ever changing business needs.Streebo Inc6666 Harwin Drive, Ste 500,Houston, Texas 77036Phone: +1-206-619-2252
Global Security and Vulnerability Management Market to show Impressive Growth Rate between 2016  2024

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Zion Market Research, the market research group announced the analysis report titled "Security and Vulnerability Management Market: Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecasts 20162024"Global Security and Vulnerability Management Market: OverviewProtecting different types of information and confidential data is the security of that data, in terms of information technology. For this purpose, different technologies, training, and processes are used. If a software program allows an unauthorized user to access sensitive data without permission, then it is a drawback, which is known as the vulnerability. The practice of overcoming this drawback from the computerized digital technology is known as vulnerability management. The companies that are facing various vulnerabilities from different cyber threats to their network infrastructure are concerned about their security. The global cyber security market promises an encouraging trend in the security and vulnerability management market owing to the high investments.Request Free Sample Report @Global Security and Vulnerability Management Market: SegmentationThe global security and vulnerability management market are segmented into its verticals, end user, the solutions offered and the regions. On the basis of the verticals, the global security and vulnerability management market are categorized into retail, banking and financial services, energy utilities, IT and telecom, government and healthcare. Based on the end-user, the global market for security and vulnerability management market is segregated into two parts small and medium enterprises and business. The solutions offered by the security and vulnerability management are device vulnerability, forensics investigation, policy and compliance, application vulnerability and the security information and event management. Region-wise, the security, and vulnerability management market is diversified into Asia Pacific, North America, Europe and the Rest of the World.Global Security and Vulnerability Management Market: Growth FactorsThe security and vulnerability management market are growing due to the fact that the rate at which the cyber threats and cyber crimes are increasing the risk related with it is also increasing. Thus, the organizations are implementing the security and vulnerability management in order to improve their security operations, threat intelligence, and their risk management. The market is making advancements as the IT organizations need to improve their security as they are using the third platform which consists of four pillars which include mobile, big data, social and cloud. In the recent years, the organizations are at a high risk of security breaches; hence, the use of automated vulnerability solution is increasing. The important two factors that have given rise to the demand of vulnerability management is the flaws in the designs of the network and the government imposed regulations, which have become mandatory. The other drivers for the security and vulnerability management market growth are the mobile device, software security vulnerability assessment, big data analytics and the cloud computing.Request Report TOC (Table of Contents) @Global Security and Vulnerability Management Market: Regional AnalysisThe regions where the security and vulnerability market is diversified are Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, North America and the Middle East and Africa. North America is the dominating region in the security and vulnerability management market owing to a large number of end-users present in this region. The government imposed regulations and policies have forced the organizations to extensively implement the security and vulnerability management. China and India are the major revenue generating countries in the Asia Pacific region.Global Security and Vulnerability Management Market: Competitive PlayersThe major market players in the security and vulnerability management market include Core Security, McAfee, Rapid7, Tripwire EMC, Tenable Network Security, Microsoft, Qualys, NetIQ, IBM, Alien Vault, Skybox Security, and Symantec.Browse detail report @Global Security and Vulnerability Management 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.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:
Global Limestone Market 2017 : Schaefer Kalk, Sumitomo Osaka Cement, Todaka Mining, Carmeuse, Eurocement

Limestone Market

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A market study based on the "Limestone Market" across the globe, recently added to the repository of Market Research, is titled Global Limestone Market 2017. The research report analyses the historical as well as present performance of the worldwide Limestone industry, and makes predictions on the future status of Limestone market on the basis of this analysis.Get Free Sample Copy of Report Here :Top Manufacturers Analysis Of This Research ReportLafargeHolcim,Cemex,Graymont,Nittetsu Mining,HeidelbergCement,Italcementi Group,Schaefer Kalk,Sumitomo Osaka Cement,NALC,Independent Limestone Company,Todaka Mining,Carmeuse,Lhoist,Eurocement,Mitsubishi Materials,Indiana Limestone Company,Atlantic Minerals Limited,Elliott Stone CompanyThe report studies the industry for Limestone across the globe taking the existing industry chain, the import and export statistics in Limestone market & dynamics of demand and supply of Limestone into consideration. The 'Limestone' research study covers each and every aspect of the Limestone market globally, which starts from the definition of the Limestone industry and develops towards Limestone market segmentations. Further, every segment of the Limestone market is classified and analyzed on the basis of product types, application, and the end-use industries of the Limestone market. The geographical segmentation of the Limestone industry has also been covered at length in this report.The competitive landscape of the worldwide market for Limestone is determined by evaluating the various industry participants, production capacity, Limestone market's production chain, and the revenue generated by each manufacturer in the Limestone market worldwide.Enquire Here :Global Limestone Market: Regional Segment Analysis1. North America (USA, Mexico and Canada)2. Europe (UK, Russia, Italy, Germany and France)3. Asia-Pacific (India, China, Japan, Korea and South-east Asia)4. South America, Middle East5. AfricaThe global Limestone market 2017 is also analyzed on the basis of product pricing, Limestone production volume, data regarding demand and Limestone 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 Limestone across the globe.About Us:Business Worldwide 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.Contact US:Business Worldwide, United States
Global Security as a Service (SaaS) Market to witness Impressive Growth by 2016  2024

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Zion Market Research, the market research group announced the analysis report titled "Security as a Service (SaaS) Market: Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecasts 20162024"Global Security as a Service (SaaS) Market: OverviewThe security as a service (SaaS) market is growing rapidly across the globe. One of the major factors responsible for this growth is the rise of new and sophisticated threats affecting important data of the companies. This has stimulated organizations to set out could-based security solutions to protect their networks, endpoints, and cloud against potential cyber-attacks. In order to protect critical assets from potential threats, the companies are shifting from traditional security to advanced security through the SaaS market. The SaaS suppliers are constantly innovating and upgrading their security systems in order to provide efficient security services. It has become pragmatic to adopt the business model of SaaS to integrate security with the business infrastructure of the companies.Request Free Sample Report @Global Security as a Service (SaaS) Market: SegmentationThe global security as a service (SaaS) market is segmented into its solution, service, application, organization size, end-user, and geography. On the basis of the solution, the market is divided into email encryption, SIEM, endpoint protection, identity and access management (IAM), intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS), DLP and others. Based on service, the segregation is seen as consulting and training, and education. On the basis of organization size, the division is seen into the small size and medium size enterprises and large enterprises. Based on application, the segmentation of the global security as a service (SaaS) market is seen as web security, network security, database cloud security, email security and others. On the basis of end-user, the segregation is IT and telecom, retail, BFSI, government and defense, oil and gas and healthcare. The security as a service (SaaS) market is diversified into regions such as Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East and Africa.Global Security as a Service (SaaS) Market: Growth FactorsRise in the sophistication of threats, increasing BYOD trend among organization, advancement in technology, increasing awareness about securing important data and declining prices of security products are the factors due to which there is growth in the security as a service (SaaS) market. Recent attacks targeted on the healthcare vertical are the major reason due to which there is an increasing deployment of SaaS in the healthcare vertical. Easy and safe usage of enterprise applications in the cloud is another important reason for the growth of deployment of SaaS in industry verticals.Request Report TOC (Table of Contents) @Global Security as a Service (SaaS) Market: Regional AnalysisNorth America is anticipated to have the largest market share and will continue to dominate the security as a service (SaaS) market in the coming future owing to the presence of large number of SaaS suppliers in this region. The U.S. has always been a major contributor to the market as it has been a major adopter of new security technologies. Countries in Asia Pacific are heavily investing to increase the development of data loss prevention, endpoint security solutions and intrusion detection systems. As a result, the potential for growth in Asia Pacific is increasing for the SaaS market. Growth in North America and Asia Pacific is followed by regions such as Latin America, Europe and the Middle East and Africa.Global Security as a Service (SaaS) Market: Competitive PlayersSome of the major companies in the security as a service (SaaS) market are ADT, ALL-TAG Security Americas, A2 Systems, Anixter, Advanced Technology Video, Assa Abloy, iDefigo, Gallagher, AxxonSoft, Genetec, DvTel, Intergraph, Hikvision Digital, Ketec, MOBOTIX, Lenel Systems, Nedap, Moonblink, NetVersant, S2 Security, NortekSecuritym, Samsung Techwin, Salient Systems, Security Station, Schneider Electric, Siemens, and Watchdog Security, VideoNEXT, Axis Communications, Cisco Systems, Panasonic, Bosch Security Systems, and Honeywell Security.Browse detail report @Global Security as a Service (SaaS) 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.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:
Cyber Security Market Research Report 2016-2027 with Key Vendors, Market Share Analysis, Trends and Forecast

Cyber Security Market

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Synopsis of Global Cyber Security MarketMarket HighlightsCyber security is one of the most important concerns for all the countries around the globe. As the technology is growing and new applications are coming into picture, hackers are finding the new loopholes and by that they are stealing the important and confidential datas from the servers and selling it to the other countries or in black market. The report on Global Cyber security market shows that total market size for the cyber security has been increase to billions and currently growing with the good CAGR.Market Segmentation:For the better understanding of the report, the market for Global Cyber security has been segmented by solutions, services and by application verticals. On the basis of Solutions include Network Security, Endpoint Security, Content Security, Application Security, Industrial Control System Security and Cloud Security. On the basis of Services which include- Design Services, Consulting Services, Risk Assessment Services, Training Services and Others. On the basis of Application Verticals, the market has been segmented as Telecommunication, BFSI, Manufacturing, Aerospace and Defense, Healthcare and OthersRequest a Sample Copy of Report @Key Players in Global Cyber Security MarketThe key players in the market of cyber security are- Cisco Corporation Mcafee Corporation Fortinet Inc Trend Micro Inc Cassidian Cybersecurity Company Computer Science Corporation Booz Allen Hamilton Corporation Kaspersky Lab Fireeye inc Symantec CorporationRegional AnalysisNorth America is leading in the market of Cyber Security. Countries like the US and Canada are well developed in the field of technology and also some of the major players who provide cyber security options are located in the North America. Europe is accounted for the second largest market share in the Cyber Security.The main reason behind this is some countries of Europe have good command over the technology and most of the company in Europe region update their cyber security model periodically. Asia Pacific and MEA are fastest growing market for the cyber security.Access the market data and information presented through data tables and figures spread 145 pages of the project report Global Cyber Security MarketAccess Report Details @Brief Table of Contents (TOC) for Global Cyber Security Market1. Report Prologue2. Introduction2.1 Definition2.2 Scope of the Study2.3 Market Structure2.4. Market Segmentation3. Research Methodology3.1 Research Process3.2 Primary Research3.3 Secondary Research4. Market Dynamics4.1 Drivers4.2 Restraints4.3 Opportunities5. Market Factor Analysis5.1 Value Chain Analysis5.2 PORTERS Five Forces5.3 Demand & Supply: Gap Analysis5.5 Investment Opportunity Analysis6. Global Cyber Security Market by Solutions7. Global Cyber Security Market by Services7. Global Cyber Security Market by Application VerticalsCONTINUEDGet In-depth Table of Contents (TOC), List of Figures and Tables @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.Contact:Akash Anand,Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
Global Security Information and Event Management Market Growth, Size or Share Estimated to increase by 2016  2024

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Zion Market Research, the market research group announced the analysis report titled "Security Information and Event Management Market: Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecasts 20162024"Global Security Information and Event Management Market: OverviewThere is an increasing number of data breach and security threat against which the data needs to be protected. For this, security information and event management market are helpful. The security information and event management market is a combination of security event management (SEM) and security information management (SIM). Security information and event management checks and monitors flow of data and identify abnormalities in the companys data system. The core job of security information and event management is log collection and event correlation, which is done through a collection of logs from the information technology infrastructure. It is mainly used in healthcare, government and IT and telecom industries to secure confidential data against breach or threat. The security providers are constantly innovating, remodeling and upgrading their existing architecture in order to increase the efficiency of the security system. There is a rapid growth in the security information and event management market due to the increasing persistent threats and cyber attacks. Security information and event management provide better threat intelligence, better analytics, and behavior profiling which in turn helps to detect the breaches early and take necessary preventive actions.Request Free Sample Report @Global Security Information and Event Management Market: SegmentationThe global security information and event management market are segmented into its solution, services, organization size, end-users, and geography. On the basis of the solution, the market is divided into firewall security management, log and event management, patch management and others. Based on services, the global security information and event management market is segregated into consulting, support and integration. On the basis of organization size, the division is seen into small and medium-sized enterprises and large enterprise. On the basis of end-user, the global security information and event management market is divided into BFSI, healthcare, government, IT and telecom, retail and hospitality, energy and utility, education and others. The security information and event management market are diversified into regions such as Latin America, North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East and Africa.Global Security Information and Event Management Market: Growth FactorsThe increasing level of complexity of the cyber crimes is a major reason due to which there is a rapid growth in the security information and event management market. Other factors influencing the growth are growing compliance, regulatory mandates, advancements made in technology and increasing security awareness among the industries. However, there are also some restraining factors for the market that include scalability issues and deployment cost issues.Request Report TOC (Table of Contents) @Global Security Information and Event Management Market: Regional AnalysisNorth America is anticipated to have the largest market share in the security information and event management market. This growth is due to the advancements made in technology and rapid developments in this region. Growth in North American region will be followed by regions such as Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Europe and the Middle East and Africa. Asia Pacific is also having ample contribution in the global the security information and event management market share.Global Security Information and Event Management Market: Competitive PlayersSome of the major companies in the security information and event management market are LogRhythm, McAfee Inc., SolarWinds, TIBCO Software, Sumo Logic, KEYW, Hewlett-Packard Company, Dell, ArcSight, RSA, Alert Logic, Tripwire, Sensage, International Business Machines Corporation, Splunk Inc., Trustwave Holdings and EMC Corporation.Browse detail report @Global Security Information and Event Management 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.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:
Document Imaging Scanner Market Adopts Innovation to Stay Competitive, 2015  2021

Document Imaging Scanner Market

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Document imaging or electronic imaging is a technology that allows users to scan hard copy documents into computer system. Scanned documents are stored digitally in a system called digital version of document. Microfilm, printers, copiers, facsimile machines, document scanners, multifunction printers, archive writers and computer output microfilm (COM) are some forms of document imaging systems. Due to growing standardization of imaging from the business point of view, document imaging scanner modernizes various business processes. Additionally, improved effectiveness also generates competitive advantage and better customer satisfaction of document imaging scanner.The advancement in technology coupled with adoption of compliance initiatives and the need for minimization in operating cost are the key factors associated with development of document imaging scanner market. The increasing demand of network scanners has affected the growth of document imaging scanner market positively. Document imaging scanners are referred as a larger infrastructure strategy. Document imaging scanner increases the sales potential for the resellers, especially when it is considered as a standalone solution.Get Sample Research Report at :The report covers forecast and analysis for the document imaging scanner market on a global and regional level. The study provides historic data of 2015 along with a forecast from 2016 to 2021 based on revenue (USD Million). The report also offers detailed competitive landscape of the global document imaging scanner market. It includes company market share analysis, product portfolio of the major industry participants. The report provides detailed segmentation of the document imaging scanner market based on application segment and region. Home, corporation, public office, retail store, medical institution, bank, educational institute, insurance and others are application segment of document imaging scanner market.Major regional segments analyzed in this study include North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East and Africa. This report also provides further bifurcation of region on the country level. Major countries analyzed in this reports are U.S., Germany, France, UK, China, Japan, India, and Brazil.Browse the full report at: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 Newgen Software, Inc., Epson America, Inc., Fujitsu Technology Solutions, Canon, Inc., Hewlett Packard Company and Eastman Kodak Company.The report segments the global document imaging scanner market into:Global Document Imaging Scanner: Application Segment AnalysisHomeCorporationPublic OfficeRetail StoreMedical InstitutionBankEducational InstituteInsuranceOthersGlobal Document Imaging Scanner: Regional Segment AnalysisNorth AmericaU.S.EuropeUKFranceGermanyAsia PacificChinaJapanIndiaLatin AmericaBrazilMiddle East & AfricaAbout UsSyndicate Market Research provides a range of marketing and business research solutions designed for our clients specific needs based on our expert resources. The business scopes of Syndicate Market Research cover more than 30 industries includsing energy, new materials, transportation, daily consumer goods, chemicals, etc. We provide our clients with one-stop solution for all the research requirements.Contact US:Joel John3422 SW 15 Street,Suit #8138Deerfield Beach,Florida 33442United StatesToll Free: +1-855-465-4651 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-386-310-3803Email: sales@syndicatemarketresearch.comWebsite:
(Adds comment from nuclear industry group, details)

By Timothy Gardner

WASHINGTON, March 16 (Reuters) - The White House's 2018 budget plan for the U.S. Department of Energy includes $120 million for nuclear waste programs including the restart of licensing for Nevada's Yucca Mountain, a project stalled for years by lawsuits and local opposition.

The move signals that President Donald Trump may consider that nuclear waste solutions could extend the lives of existing U.S. nuclear power plants and speed up innovations in next- generation nuclear plants that backers say are safer than previous reactors.

Congress will debate the budget and it is uncertain whether funds for waste will remain in the plan.

While Yucca Mountain would store waste on a practically permanent basis, the budget money would also support programs for storing waste at interim sites before Yucca opens.

"These investments would accelerate progress on fulfilling the federal government's obligations to address nuclear waste, enhance national security, and reduce future taxpayer burden," according to a summary of the budget.

Yucca has been studied by the U.S. government since the 1970s as a potential repository for the nation's radioactive waste and billions of dollars have been spent on it.

But Yucca has never opened because of legal challenges and widespread opposition from local politicians, environmentalists and Native American groups.

In 2010, then-President Barack Obama withdrew the license to store waste at Yucca amid opposition from then-Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, a fellow Democrat from Nevada.

Maria Korsnick, the head of the Nuclear Energy Institute industry group, said the industry was encouraged by the plan for waste projects but that nuclear energy innovators were "nervous" about cuts to programs that have supported public-private partnerships to bring new nuclear technologies to market.

The budget eliminates funding for the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Energy and an innovative technology loan guarantee program that have been popular with both Democrats and many Republicans.

Story continues

Trump's energy secretary, Rick Perry, told lawmakers at his confirmation hearing that restarting the Yucca Mountain project could not be ruled out, but that he would collaborate with states.

"I am very aware that this is an issue this country has been flummoxed by for 30 years. We have spent billions of dollars on this issue," Perry told the hearing in January. "Ill work closely with you and the members of this committee to find the answers to this issue."

The White House proposal for the Department of Energy budget calls for an overall cut of 5.6 percent.

(Editing by Richard Valdmanis and Peter Cooney)
Hand Dryers Market: Top Players, Trends, Future, Forecast 2023

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Product innovation and differentiation are looked upon by enterprises as the most popular strategies to win competitive edge in the global hand dryers market. As per Transparency Market Research (TMR), companies in general are working to mitigate issues of high noise level in hand dryers and integrate features to prevent microbial growth in washrooms. For instance, American Dryer patented its cold pharma clean technology in November 2014. This not only helped the company achieve an edge over peers, but also sealed its innovation against privacy.Consumers around the world mostly prefer hand dryers that make less noise. Prominent companies such as World Dryer Corporation and Excel Dryer, Inc. are incorporating high-efficiency HEPA filters across their product lines, for providing cleaner and filtered purified air for drying hands.Due to the presence of many established players across the value chain, hand dryers are often offered to buyers at competitive prices. Because the degree of competition is high in the market, price wars are among common key players, finds TMR. For new players to make entry into the market, strong distribution network is a pre-requisite, as told by a lead analyst at TMR. Nevertheless, the fragmented vendor landscape of the market provides ample opportunities for the entry of new players, he added.Obtain Report Details @Hand Dryers Sales Boosted by Rising Concerns Related to Wastage of WaterInstallation of hand dryers across schools, institutions, organizations, restaurants, malls, and corporates has notably reduced the wastage of water. Because these machines operate on electricity, they evidently contribute in reducing the usage of oil and gasoline. The market is also considerably gaining from the rapid expansion of the hospitality industry. Since, growth of the hospitality industry and the corporate sector has been rapid in emerging economies such as India, China, Brazil, and South Africa; Asia Pacific and Rest of the World will provide attractive opportunities for the markets growth.High Installation Cost Creates Bottlenecks in Widespread Installation of Hand DryersDespite witnessing robust growth opportunities, the high installation cost of hand dryers inhibits their installation to an extent. The noise pollution created by earlier models of hand dryers also limits their widespread adoption. Nevertheless, the opportunities exhibited by the emerging economies will boost sales of hand dryers in the near future. With a majority of market players eyeing to capitalize on the latest technological advancements, the future of the global hand dryers market seems thriving, revealed author of the report.Fill the form for an exclusive sample of this report @Surging Demand from Europe to Boost Sales of Hand DryersRegionally, however, Europe holds the largest share in the global hand dryers market. As per TMR analysis, Europe accounted for a share of 37.1% in the global market in 2014. The rising demand for cost-effective, eco-friendly, and hassle-free devices is boosting the hand dryers sales in the region. Countries such as Italy, France, Germany, Spain, and the U.K. have emerged as the most lucrative markets for hand dryers. TMR projects this regional market to surge at a CAGR of 11.9% between 2015 and 2023. In terms of application, the food processing and food services segment is expected to exhibit the highest demand for hand dryers, followed by the hotel segment.Based on in-depth research, Transparency Market Research has pegged the overall value of the global hand dryers market at US$497.4 mn in 2014. Surging at a healthy CAGR of 12.3% between 2015 and 2023, the market is projected to reach US$1385.7 mn by the end of 2023. The market is projected to gain significantly from the rapid proliferation of smart washrooms across the corporate sector and the hospitality industry.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
The global female condom market is expected to grow at a CAGR of approx. 15.8% during the forecast period 20172022

Global Female Condom Market - Strategic Assessment and Forecast 2017-2022

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Female Condom  Report InsightA female condom is a contraceptive method for women. It is a barrier-type contraceptive, which is designed to give more control to women in the family planning. It is usually made of polyurethane or nitrile and is pre-lubricated on the outside. The introduction of female condom has created a new segment in the global condom market. Although the adoption of these condoms is still in the nascent stage, the market offers a significant scope for the growth.Scope of ReportThe report Global Female Condom Market  Strategic Assessment and Forecast 2017-2022, considers the present scenario of the global female condom market and its strategic assessment for the period 20172022. It also includes a detailed study of growth drivers, trends, and restraints. The report also includes the leading five vendors in the market and other key vendors.The report provides the analysis of the key segments of the female condom market by material type, distribution channel, geography, country, and vendors. The report provides a detailed analysis of revenue from each segment:VolumeValueBy Material TypeLatexNon-latexPolyurethaneNitrileBy Distribution ChannelConsumerDrug StoresSupermarkets and hypermarketsOther StoresOnlineInstitutionalBy GeographyAPACEMEALatin AmericaNorth AmericaBy CountryBrazilCanadaChinaIndiaJapanUSFemale Condom Market  Market Size and DynamicsThe global female condom market is expected to post a CAGR of 16.5% and 15.8% in terms of shipment and revenue, respectively during the forecast period 20172022. Female condom is perceived to be health-friendly among the female population as they do not have any influence on natural hormones and have no side-effects on health, unlike pills and injection shots.The global female condom market is witnessing a rapid growth across the globe. The non-latex condoms segment constituted majority of the global market both in terms of volume and value in 2016. The rise in non-latex female condom offerings is primarily driven by the need for non-allergic contraceptives that can potentially offer better performance than latex ones.Increase in the demand for B2B female condom is expected to decrease the per unit cost. However, as vendors will expand their presence in the retail market, the ASP per piece will increase post 2019. Analysts at Beige Market Intelligence expect some vendors to launch premium female condom with sophisticated packaging and design catering to the luxury segment of the society.Female Condom Market  Trends, Drivers, and ChallengesIncreasing HIV cases is a global issue; therefore, governments, organizations, and institutions worldwide are working to reduce the prevalence of this disease by creating awareness among people. As the awareness about HIV is increasing, the demand for female condom is expected to rise during the forecast period.The report outlines the major drivers that are expected to drive the growth of the market. Increasing effectiveness of family planning mandates and birth control measures and implementing comprehensive sex education for active demographic segment such as teenagers are among the major market drivers discussed in the report.The adoption of female condom is on the higher side as the volume of sale is likely to grow at a CAGR of 15.8% during the period 20162022. Therefore, increased popularity of female condoms is one of the emerging trends in the global female condom market. Another major factor that is expected to play a vital role in the adoption of female condom is innovation. With vendors increasingly focusing on launching products that are aesthetically appealing, affordable, and pleasurable, analysts at Beige Market Intelligence expect some innovative products in the global female condom market. However, limited popularity, availability, and affordability of female condom is one of the major challenges of the market. The report also provides the Porters five forces analysis along with a description of each of the forces and its impact on the market.Female Condom Market  Geographical AnalysisThe report includes the market analysis of different regions such as North America, Latin America, APAC, and EMEA. It outlines the major market share holders and the market size analysis across the regions.In 2016, EMEA was the largest contributor to the global female condom market. The penetration of female condom in EMEA countries such as South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Egypt, and Congo is increasing rapidly. It is expected that EMEA will continue to dominate the market both in terms of revenue and volume in 2022 due to the rising popularity of female condom and a decline in per unit price of these products. Further, the urbanization in APAC is expected to bolster demand for female condom as people will become aware about these products and will have easy access in retail stores or chemist shops. North America represents a favorable retail environment for female condom where the largest manufacturer, The Female Health Company, is attempting to build a strong retail presence.The report also provides the revenue forecast of each region featuring the key countries.Female Condom Market  Market Share and Key VendorsThis report profiles the major companies in the global female condom market and also provides the competitive landscape and market share of the key players. It covers the entire market outlook about the value chain operating in the market.The key vendors included in the report are as following:Veru Healthcare/The Female Health CompanyCupidShanghai Dahua Medical ApparatusTianjin Condombao Medical Polyurethane Tech. Co.Other vendors include HBM, HLL Lifecare, Innova Quality, IXu, Reckitt Benckiser, Shandong Ming Yuan Latex, Silk Parasol, StaySafe, and ORIGAMI Condoms.Order a free sample report:Check out our exclusive report on Global Condom Market  Strategic Assessment and Forecast Till 2021:Why should you buy the report?The report provides answers to the following questions related to the female condom market.What are the current changes witnessed by the market and how are they likely to impact the market landscape in the coming years?What are the various factors that can affect the market over the next few years?What are the major emerging trends and challenges for the market over the next five years?What is the market size and market forecast for each product segment?What is the market size and market forecast for each end-user type?Which region is going to have the largest market share and what are the factors driving the market growth in that region?What is the sale growth rate in key geographies?Which are the key countries in terms of market size and market forecast?Which are the key vendors in the market?What are the key strategies implemented by the leading vendors to increase growth opportunities?Which are the key emerging vendors in the market?Source:About Beige Market IntelligenceBeige Market Intelligence is a new-age provider of competitive business intelligence, working across various industry verticals. Our expertise and knowledge ensures that the market analysis Beige provides is comprehensive, detailed and complete. The analysis helps our client organizations become aware and make educated decisions, as far as investing or devising a marketing strategy is concerned. The actionable insights delivered through our market research provide a comprehensive market analysis for every level of market segmentation in an industry. Beige Market Intelligence is a quality driven high end Market Research organization. Our team of experts ensure the analysis you receive is not just analyzed and smartly presented, but is completely customized based on the clients requirement. Our deliverables guarantee our current global client base does not look beyond Beige when it comes to any kind of industry and market analysis.Beige Market IntelligenceChinnapanahalli Main Road, Bangalore 560037Email:info@beigemarketintelligence.comUS: 001 347 903 9949UK: 0044 20 323 99499APAC: +91 99 012 75473
Global Photovoltaic (PV) Cable Market 2017 :LUMBERG, Multi-Contact, PHOENIX CONTACT, ReneSola, Taiyo Cable

Photovoltaic (PV) Cable Market

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A market study based on the "Photovoltaic (PV) Cable Market" across the globe, recently added to the repository of Market Research, is titled Global Photovoltaic (PV) Cable Market 2017. The research report analyses the historical as well as present performance of the worldwide Photovoltaic (PV) Cable industry, and makes predictions on the future status of Photovoltaic (PV) Cable market on the basis of this analysis.Get Free Sample Copy of Report Here :Top Manufacturers Analysis Of This Research ReportLUMBERGMulti-ContactPHOENIX CONTACTAmphenol Industrial Products GroupNingbo Pntech New EnergyRam Ratna GroupTBEAReneSolaTaiyo CableAtkoreLAPP GROUPAllied Wire & CableGeneral CableEldraHUBER+SUHNER AGKBE ELEKTROTECHNIK GMBHThe report studies the industry for Photovoltaic (PV) Cable across the globe taking the existing industry chain, the import and export statistics in Photovoltaic (PV) Cable market & dynamics of demand and supply of Photovoltaic (PV) Cable into consideration. The 'Photovoltaic (PV) Cable' research study covers each and every aspect of the Photovoltaic (PV) Cable market globally, which starts from the definition of the Photovoltaic (PV) Cable industry and develops towards Photovoltaic (PV) Cable market segmentations. Further, every segment of the Photovoltaic (PV) Cable market is classified and analyzed on the basis of product types, application, and the end-use industries of the Photovoltaic (PV) Cable market. The geographical segmentation of the Photovoltaic (PV) Cable industry has also been covered at length in this report.The competitive landscape of the worldwide market for Photovoltaic (PV) Cable is determined by evaluating the various industry participants, production capacity, Photovoltaic (PV) Cable market's production chain, and the revenue generated by each manufacturer in the Photovoltaic (PV) Cable market worldwide.Enquire Here :Global Photovoltaic (PV) Cable Market: Regional Segment Analysis1. North America (USA, Mexico and Canada)2. Europe (UK, Russia, Italy, Germany and France)3. Asia-Pacific (India, China, Japan, Korea and South-east Asia)4. South America, Middle East5. AfricaThe global Photovoltaic (PV) Cable market 2017 is also analyzed on the basis of product pricing, Photovoltaic (PV) Cable production volume, data regarding demand and Photovoltaic (PV) Cable 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 Photovoltaic (PV) Cable across the globe.About Us:Business Worldwide 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.Contact US:Business Worldwide, United States
The global headphone market to grow at a CAGR of 7.8% during the forecast period 2017-2022.

Global Headphone Market - Strategic Assessment and Forecast 2017-2022

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Headphone Market  Report InsightsHeadphone has undergone a number of advancement from the era when they were being used by telephone operators. Now, headphone has become stylish in performance and better in sound quality. Technological evolution and the growth of the music industry have revolutionized the way people listen to music. Currently, there are many ways to listen to music including smartphones; handheld portable mobile devices such as iPods, MP3, and MP4 players; and online music sites. Music enthusiasts are investing in quality headphone that is compatible with portable devices for high-quality sound and enhanced audio experience.Scope of the reportThe report Global Headphone Market  Strategic Assessment and Forecast 2022 considers the present scenario of the market and strategic assessment for the period 20162022. The report also includes a detailed study of growth drivers, trends, and restraints. Lastly, it studies the competitive landscape and includes the leading five vendors in the headphone market.The report provides the analysis of the key segments of the market by type/product, technology, feature, geography, country and vendors. It provides a detailed analysis of market size and forecast in terms of:RevenueShipmentThe report provides the detailed market revenue and unit shipment of each segment such asBy Type / ProductIn-earOn-earOver-earBy TechnologyWiredWirelessBy FeatureNon-smartSmartBy GeographyNorth AmericaEMEAAPACLatin AmericaThe report provides the market size and forecast by type and technology for each regionBy CountryChinaUSHeadphone Market  Market Size and DynamicsAnalysts at Beige Market Intelligence forecast the global headphone market to grow at a CAGR of 7.8% in terms of revenue by 2022. The market is estimated to grow between 2016 and 2020, primarily on account of technological advancements such as active noise cancellation, wireless connectivity, compatibility with smartphones and tablets, and booming VR and gaming industries. In terms of shipment, the global headphone market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.21% by 2022.The global in-ear headphone market is going to contribute the maximum revenue and will continue to be a dominating market segment till 2022. The shipment of in-ear headphone is expected to reach approximately 250 million units by 2022.The wired headphone segment has dominated the global headphone market for a long period. However, since 2010, the segment has been losing its dominance due to the growing adoption of wireless headphone. However, the wired segment is extremely popular in emerging countries in APAC where wired headphones do not have a price premium.The global smart headphone market is going to witness an exponential growth over the forecast period driven by the increasing adoption of wireless headphone. The demand for wireless headphone has grown as an increasing number of consumers focus on aesthetics of a product. However, the global non-smart headphone market is expected to have a slow growth as the segment is experiencing stagnation, globally. The segment is expected to exhibit a decline after 2020 because of the availability of technologically advanced headphone.Headphone Market  Trends, Drivers and ChallengesProduct miniaturization, changing consumer preferences, and technological advancements are the major drivers in the coming years. Headphone miniaturization has run parallel to the progressive miniaturization of the audio players themselves and hence is the emerging trend in the global headphone market. The report outlines the major trends of the global headphone market which is going to drive the sales and revenue. The rise in in-ear and over-ear product offerings, rapid growth of active noise control technology and wireless connectivity are among the major trends discussed in the report.High interoperability of headphone with smartphones and tablets, increased partnerships with mobile device manufacturers, and short replacement cycle of headphone are the key factors driving the market growth. The report provides a detailed analysis of the challenges for the market. It also provides the Porters five forces analysis along with a description of each of the forces and its impact on the market.Headphone Market  Geographical SegmentationThe report includes the market analysis of different regions such as North America, Latin America, APAC, and EMEA. It outlines the major market share holders and the market size analysis of all the regions. Europe is the largest market in terms of both, volume (shipments) and value (revenue) and is strongly influenced by the popularity of music in Western Europe and Scandinavian countries. The penetration of smart headphone is high in these countries as they are technologically advanced. North America is the second largest market, following Europe, in terms of both, volume (shipments) and value (revenue), which is heavily influenced by technology adoption in the US. The market in APAC region is driven by the high population and rising disposable income of the middle-class population, which is prominent in developing countries in the region. Developed countries such as Japan and South Korea are considered as the innovators in the market. The headphone market in Latin America region is expected to grow faster than the overall global market in terms of shipments, which is closely linked to device adoption growth.Headphone Market  Key Vendors and Market ShareThe global headphone market is fragmented, with the presence of many local and global vendors. Innovation in technology by leading vendors is a major factor influencing the growth of the market, which is characterized by intense competition. The report includes the market analysis of different regions such as North America, Latin America, APAC, and EMEA. It outlines the major market share holder and the market size analysis of all the regions.The global headphone market is dominated by five major players:Beats Electronics LLCBoseSonySennheiserSkullcandyOther prominent vendors included in the report are AIAIAI, AKG, Apple, Audio-Technica, Beyerdynamic, Creative, Denon, Grado Labs, The House of Marley, JAYS, JBL, JVCKenwood, Logitech, Molami, Monster Inc., Panasonic, Parrot, Pioneer, Shure, SMS Audio, Sol Republic, Urbanears, and Westone.Order a Free Sample Here:Why should you buy the report?The report provides answers to the following questions related to the global headphone market.What are the current changes witnessed by the market and how are they likely to impact the market landscape in the coming years?What are the various factors that can affect the market over the next few years?What are the major emerging trends and challenges for the market over the next five years?What is the market size and market forecast for each product segment?What is the market size and market forecast for each end-user type?Which region is going to have the largest market share and what are the factors driving the market growth in that region?What is the sale growth rate in key geographies?Which are the key countries in terms of market size and market forecast?Which are the key vendors in the market?What are the key strategies implemented by the leading vendors to increase growth opportunities?Which are the key emerging vendors in the market?Source Link:About Beige Market IntelligenceBeige Market Intelligence is a provider of competitive business intelligence, working across various industry verticals. Our expertise and knowledge ensures that the market analysis Beige provides is comprehensive, detailed and complete. The analysis helps our client organizations become aware and to make educated decisions, as far as investing or devising a marketing strategy is concerned. The actionable insights delivered through our market research provide a comprehensive market analysis for every level of market segmentation in an industry.Our team of experts ensure the analysis you receive is not just analyzed and presented, but can also be customized based on the clients requirement. Our deliverables guarantee our current global client base to not look beyond Beige when it comes to competitive intelligence.Beige has an employee base present across the globe. Our analysts come with numerous years of industry experience, which ensures we not only understand our clients but deliver high quality reports as well.Beige Market IntelligenceChinnapanahalli Main Road, Bangalore - 560037Mail: info@beigemarketintelligence.comUS: +1 347 903 9949UK: +44 20 323 99499APAC: +91 99 012 75473
Global Battery Fuel Gauge Market 2017 :Linear Technology, Cadex Electronics, DigiKey, Farnell, Dallas Semiconductor

Battery Fuel Gauge Market

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A market study based on the "Battery Fuel Gauge Market" across the globe, recently added to the repository of Market Research, is titled Global Battery Fuel Gauge Market 2017. The research report analyses the historical as well as present performance of the worldwide Battery Fuel Gauge industry, and makes predictions on the future status of Battery Fuel Gauge market on the basis of this analysis.Get Free Sample Copy of Report Here :Top Manufacturers Analysis Of This Research ReportSilicon Standard Corp..STMicroelectronicsLinear TechnologyCadex ElectronicsDigiKeyFarnellTexas InstrumentsDallas SemiconductorMaxim Integrated ProductsThe report studies the industry for Battery Fuel Gauge across the globe taking the existing industry chain, the import and export statistics in Battery Fuel Gauge market & dynamics of demand and supply of Battery Fuel Gauge into consideration. The 'Battery Fuel Gauge' research study covers each and every aspect of the Battery Fuel Gauge market globally, which starts from the definition of the Battery Fuel Gauge industry and develops towards Battery Fuel Gauge market segmentations. Further, every segment of the Battery Fuel Gauge market is classified and analyzed on the basis of product types, application, and the end-use industries of the Battery Fuel Gauge market. The geographical segmentation of the Battery Fuel Gauge industry has also been covered at length in this report.The competitive landscape of the worldwide market for Battery Fuel Gauge is determined by evaluating the various industry participants, production capacity, Battery Fuel Gauge market's production chain, and the revenue generated by each manufacturer in the Battery Fuel Gauge market worldwide.Enquire Here :Global Battery Fuel Gauge Market: Regional Segment Analysis1. North America (USA, Mexico and Canada)2. Europe (UK, Russia, Italy, Germany and France)3. Asia-Pacific (India, China, Japan, Korea and South-east Asia)4. South America, Middle East5. AfricaThe global Battery Fuel Gauge market 2017 is also analyzed on the basis of product pricing, Battery Fuel Gauge production volume, data regarding demand and Battery Fuel Gauge 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 Battery Fuel Gauge across the globe.About Us:Business Worldwide 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.Contact US:Business Worldwide, United States
Global Advertising Signs Film Market 2017-2022 Industries Economic Impact Examined in new Market Research Report

Advertising Signs Film Market

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The Global Advertising Signs Film Market 2017-2022 industry, Starting with a broad overview, the report by Prof Research narrows down to offer an overview of the Advertising Signs Film Industry globally as well as with a specific focus on Manufactures in global market. By conducting a check of the current status of the Advertising Signs Film in Globe 2017-2022 Industry, the research report is focuses various factures in-depth which are directly and indirectly impact in the Industry.Check Free Sample Research Report @The Research report explores the global Advertising Signs Film market size (volume and value), and the segment markets by regions, types, applications and companies are also discussed. Global Advertising Signs Film Market 2017-2022 Forecast industry statistics, valuable source of guidance and direction for companies and individuals interested in the market 2016-2022Given the ever-shifting and ever-evolving nature of the technologies that enable the products and services contributing to the growth of the Advertising Signs Film in global Industry, the report conducts a detailed analysis of the technological trends, Market Size, Market Share and Market developments. Global Advertising Signs Film Market 2017 Research report moves ahead to focus on the various global players in the Advertising Signs Film Industries in 2011-2016. In order to obtain specific information about the global Industry participants, the report focuses on the following key aspects: Company Profiles, product/services information, contact information, as well as production/revenues, Market Share, Market Opportunity.Send us your Query Related to Research Report @Global Advertising Signs Film Industry Segments are based on the analysis of both qualitative and quantitative data. For this, specific data has been gleaned from journals, trade magazines, revenues of leading Industry participants, as well as news reports. The impact of the economic condition prevailing in Globe is assessed in the context of the Advertising Signs Film in Global 2017-2022 Industry. Both macroeconomic and microeconomic outlooks have been taken into consideration for this purpose. The report then goes on to offer countermeasures to mitigate any adverse impacts of unfavorable economic conditions. The report ends with definitive and authoritative conclusions about the Advertising Signs Film in Global 2017-2022 Industry.MRS Research Group provides a range of marketing and business research solutions designed for our clients specific needs based on our expert resources. The business scopes of Prof Research cover more than 30 industries including energy, new materials, transportation, daily consumer goods, chemicals, etc. We provide our clients with one-stop solution for all the research requirements.Joel John3422 SW 15 Street,Suit #8138Deerfield Beach,Florida 33442United StatesToll Free : +1-855-465-4651 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-386-310-3803Email: sales@mrsresearchgroup.com
North America Ventricular Assist Device Market is Expected to Grow With a Healthy CAGR of 9.20% Between 2016 and 2024

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ResearchMoz added Latest Research Report titled " Ventricular Assist Device Market - North America Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2016 - 2024 " to it's Large Report database.North America Ventricular Assist Device Market: OverviewAdvance Heart Failure is characterized as weakening of the heart caused due to failure of the left ventricle, due to which the heart is unable to pump blood to different parts of the body. According to the AHA (American Heart Association), 5.7 Mn people in the U.S suffer from heart failure and 300,000 die each year of heart failure. Moreover, the AHA predicts that advance heart failure will become the most common cause of death globally. However, these statistics have already materialized in the U.S. and Canada, where advance heart failure is currently said to be the leading cause of mortality. In Canada, the figures are rising day by day. In Canada nearly 600,000 of the total is affected by heart failure. A large proportion of these population can be saved with proper treatment and care. Thus, the existence of an unmet medical need is clearly evident and is anticipated to augment the ventricular assist device market.Request for Sample PDF of Premium Research Report with TOC:North America Ventricular Assist Device Market: Scope of the StudyThis report on the ventricular assist device market in the North America 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. Detailed qualitative analysis of factors responsible for driving and restraining market growth and opportunities has been provided in the market overview section. Market revenue in terms of US$ Mn for the period between 2014 and 2024 along with the compound annual growth rate (CAGR %) from 2014 to 2024 are provided for all the segments, considering 2015 as the base year.Market related factors such as technological developments, patent expiry, recent approvals, investment in clinical studies and acquisitions by leading players in the market, and historical year-on-year growth have been taken into consideration while estimating the market size. Growth rates for each segment within the North America ventricular assist device market have been determined after a thorough analysis of past trends, demographics, future trends, technological developments, drug development life cycle, and regulatory requirements. These factors would help the market players to take strategic decisions in order to strengthen their positions and expand their share in the ventricular assist device market in North America.Read All Medical Equipments Market Research Reports @Table of ContentChapter 1. Preface1.1. Market Definition and Scope1.2. Market Segmentation1.3. Key Research Objectives1.4. Research HighlightsChapter 2. Assumptions and Research MethodologyChapter 3. Executive Summary: North America Ventricular Assist Device MarketChapter 4. Market Overview4.1. Introduction4.2. Key Industry Developments4.3. Market Dynamics4.3.1. Drivers4.3.2. Restraints4.3.3. Opportunity4.4. Porters Five Forces AnalysisChapter 5. North America Ventricular Assist Device Market Analysis and Forecast, By Product Type5.1. Key Findings5.2. Introduction5.3. Market Size (US$ Mn) Forecast, by Product Type5.3.1. Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD)5.3.2. Right Ventricular Assist Device (RVAD)5.3.3. Biventricular Assist Device (Bi-VAD)5.3.4. Total Artificial Heart (TAH)5.4. Market Attractiveness Analysis, by Product Type, 20155.5. Key TrendsAbout 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 Gesture Recognition in Automotive Industry 2017, Market Trends, Opportunities and Forecast Research Report

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ResearchMoz added Latest Research Report titled " Global Gesture Recognition in Automotive Industry 2017, Trends and Forecast Report " to it's Large Report database.Gesture Recognition in Automotive Report by Material, Application, and Geography Global Forecast to 2021 is a professional and in-depth research report on the world's major regional market conditions, focusing on the main regions (North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific) and the main countries (United States, Germany, united Kingdom, Japan, South Korea and China).The report firstly introduced the Gesture Recognition in Automotive basics: definitions, classifications, applications and market overview; product specifications; manufacturing processes; cost structures, raw materials and so on. Then it analyzed the world's main region market conditions, including the product price, profit, capacity, production, supply, demand and market growth rate and forecast etc. In the end, the report introduced new project SWOT analysis, investment feasibility analysis, and investment return analysis.Request for Sample PDF of Premium Research Report with TOC:The report includes six parts, dealing with:1.) basic information;2.) the Asia Gesture Recognition in Automotive Market;3.) the North American Gesture Recognition in Automotive Market;4.) the European Gesture Recognition in Automotive Market;5.) market entry and investment feasibility;6.) the report conclusion.Read All Equipment Market Research Reports @Table of ContentsPart I Gesture Recognition in Automotive Industry OverviewChapter One Gesture Recognition in Automotive Industry Overview1.1 Gesture Recognition in Automotive Definition1.2 Gesture Recognition in Automotive Classification Analysis1.2.1 Gesture Recognition in Automotive Main Classification Analysis1.2.2 Gesture Recognition in Automotive Main Classification Share Analysis1.3 Gesture Recognition in Automotive Application Analysis1.3.1 Gesture Recognition in Automotive Main Application Analysis1.3.2 Gesture Recognition in Automotive Main Application Share Analysis1.4 Gesture Recognition in Automotive Industry Chain Structure Analysis1.5 Gesture Recognition in Automotive Industry Development Overview1.5.1 Gesture Recognition in Automotive Product History Development Overview1.5.1 Gesture Recognition in Automotive Product Market Development Overview1.6 Gesture Recognition in Automotive Global Market Comparison Analysis1.6.1 Gesture Recognition in Automotive Global Import Market Analysis1.6.2 Gesture Recognition in Automotive Global Export Market Analysis1.6.3 Gesture Recognition in Automotive Global Main Region Market Analysis1.6.4 Gesture Recognition in Automotive Global Market Comparison Analysis1.6.5 Gesture Recognition in Automotive Global Market Development Trend AnalysisChapter Two Gesture Recognition in Automotive Up and Down Stream Industry Analysis2.1 Upstream Raw Materials Analysis2.1.1 Upstream Raw Materials Price Analysis2.1.2 Upstream Raw Materials Market Analysis2.1.3 Upstream Raw Materials Market TrendAbout 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 Electro-Active Polymer Sensor Consumption 2016 Market Research Report is a professional and in-depth study on the current state

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ResearchMoz added Latest Research Report titled " Global Electro-Active Polymer Sensor Consumption 2016 Market Research Report " to it's Large Report database.The Global Electro-Active Polymer Sensor Consumption 2016 Market Research Report is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the Electro-Active Polymer Sensor market.First, the report provides a basic overview of the Electro-Active Polymer Sensor industry including definitions, classifications, applications and industry chain structure. And development policies and plans are discussed as well as manufacturing processes and cost structures.Secondly, the report states the global Electro-Active Polymer Sensor market size (volume and value), and the segment markets by regions, types, applications and companies are also discussed.Third, the Electro-Active Polymer Sensor market analysis is provided for major regions including USA, Europe, China and Japan, and other regions can be added. For each region, market size and end users are analyzed as well as segment markets by types, applications and companies.Request for Sample PDF of Premium Research Report with TOC:Then, the report focuses on global major leading industry players with information such as company profiles, product picture and specifications, sales, market share and contact information. Whats more, the Electro-Active Polymer Sensor industry development trends and marketing channels are analyzed.Finally, the feasibility of new investment projects is assessed, and overall research conclusions are offered.In a word, the report provides major statistics on the state of the industry and is a valuable source of guidance and direction for companies and individuals interested in the market.Read All Chemicals Market Research Reports @Table of Contents1 Industry Overview of Electro-Active Polymer Sensor1.1 Definition and Specifications of Electro-Active Polymer Sensor1.1.1 Definition of Electro-Active Polymer Sensor1.1.2 Specifications of Electro-Active Polymer Sensor1.2 Classification of Electro-Active Polymer Sensor1.3 Applications of Electro-Active Polymer Sensor1.4 Industry Chain Structure of Electro-Active Polymer Sensor1.5 Industry Overview and Major Regions Status of Electro-Active Polymer Sensor1.5.1 Industry Overview of Electro-Active Polymer Sensor1.5.2 Global Major Regions Status of Electro-Active Polymer Sensor1.6 Industry Policy Analysis of Electro-Active Polymer Sensor1.7 Industry News Analysis of Electro-Active Polymer Sensor2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Electro-Active Polymer Sensor2.1 Raw Material Suppliers and Price Analysis of Electro-Active Polymer Sensor2.2 Equipment Suppliers and Price Analysis of Electro-Active Polymer Sensor2.3 Labor Cost Analysis of Electro-Active Polymer Sensor2.4 Other Costs Analysis of Electro-Active Polymer Sensor2.5 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Electro-Active Polymer Sensor2.6 Manufacturing Process Analysis of Electro-Active Polymer Sensor3 3 Global Market Size (Volume and Value), Sales and Sale Price Analysis of Electro-Active Polymer Sensor3.1 Global Market Size (Volume and Value) and Growth Rate of Electro-Active Polymer Sensor 2011-20163.2 Global Market Size (Volume and Value) of Electro-Active Polymer Sensor by Regions 2011-20163.3 Global Market Size (Volume and Value) of Electro-Active Polymer Sensor by Types 2011-20163.4 Global Market Size (Volume and Value) of Electro-Active Polymer Sensor by Applications 2011-2016About 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:
High Pressure Bladder Accumulators Global Market 2017 Focuses on Top Manufacturers QHP, Eaton, Nippon Accumulator, Parker Hannifin, Bosch Rexroth, Technetics

High Pressure Bladder Accumulators Market

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The Global High Pressure Bladder Accumulators Market 2017-2022 industry, Starting with a broad overview, the report by Qy Research narrows down to offer an overview of the High Pressure Bladder Accumulators Industry globally as well as with a specific focus on Manufactures in global market. By conducting a check of the current status of the High Pressure Bladder Accumulators in Globe 2017-2022 Industry, the research report is focuses various factures in-depth which are directly and indirectly impact in the Industry.The Research report explores the global High Pressure Bladder Accumulators market size (volume and value), and the segment markets by regions, types, applications and companies are also discussed. Global High Pressure Bladder Accumulators Market 2017-2022 Forecast industry statistics, valuable source of guidance and direction for companies and individuals interested in the market 2016-2022Check Free Sample Research Report @This report studies High Pressure Bladder Accumulators 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, coveringEatonNippon AccumulatorParker HannifinBosch RexrothTechneticsHydac International GmbHTobul AccumulatorHannon HydraulicsBolenz & Schafer GmbHQHPGlobal High Pressure Bladder Accumulators Industry Segments are based on the analysis of both qualitative and quantitative data. For this, specific data has been gleaned from journals, trade magazines, revenues of leading Industry participants, as well as news reports. The impact of the economic condition prevailing in Globe is assessed in the context of the High Pressure Bladder Accumulators in Global 2017-2022 Industry. Both macroeconomic and microeconomic outlooks have been taken into consideration for this purpose. The report then goes on to offer countermeasures to mitigate any adverse impacts of unfavorable economic conditions. The report ends with definitive and authoritative conclusions about the High Pressure Bladder Accumulators in Global 2017-2022 Industry.Send us your Query Related to Research Report @MRS Research Group provides a range of marketing and business research solutions designed for our clients specific needs based on our expert resources. The business scopes of Prof Research cover more than 30 industries including energy, new materials, transportation, daily consumer goods, chemicals, etc. We provide our clients with one-stop solution for all the research requirements.Joel John3422 SW 15 Street,Suit #8138Deerfield Beach,Florida 33442United StatesToll Free : +1-855-465-4651 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-386-310-3803Email: sales@mrsresearchgroup.com
Global Cardiovascular Monitoring & Diagnostic Device Consumption 2016 Market Research Report Advanced Level Technology Outlook

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ResearchMoz added Latest Research Report titled " Global Cardiovascular Monitoring & Diagnostic Device Consumption 2016 Market Research Report " to it's Large Report database.The Global Cardiovascular Monitoring & Diagnostic Device Consumption 2016 Market Research Report is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the Cardiovascular Monitoring & Diagnostic Device market.First, the report provides a basic overview of the Cardiovascular Monitoring & Diagnostic Device industry including definitions, classifications, applications and industry chain structure. And development policies and plans are discussed as well as manufacturing processes and cost structures.Secondly, the report states the global Cardiovascular Monitoring & Diagnostic Device market size (volume and value), and the segment markets by regions, types, applications and companies are also discussed.Request for Sample PDF of Premium Research Report with TOC:Third, the Cardiovascular Monitoring & Diagnostic Device market analysis is provided for major regions including USA, Europe, China and Japan, and other regions can be added. For each region, market size and end users are analyzed as well as segment markets by types, applications and companies.Then, the report focuses on global major leading industry players with information such as company profiles, product picture and specifications, sales, market share and contact information. Whats more, the Cardiovascular Monitoring & Diagnostic Device industry development trends and marketing channels are analyzed.Finally, the feasibility of new investment projects is assessed, and overall research conclusions are offered.In a word, the report provides major statistics on the state of the industry and is a valuable source of guidance and direction for companies and individuals interested in the market.Read All Pharmaceutical Market Research Reports @Table of Contents1 Industry Overview of Cardiovascular Monitoring & Diagnostic Device1.1 Definition and Specifications of Cardiovascular Monitoring & Diagnostic Device1.1.1 Definition of Cardiovascular Monitoring & Diagnostic Device1.1.2 Specifications of Cardiovascular Monitoring & Diagnostic Device1.2 Classification of Cardiovascular Monitoring & Diagnostic Device1.3 Applications of Cardiovascular Monitoring & Diagnostic Device1.4 Industry Chain Structure of Cardiovascular Monitoring & Diagnostic Device1.5 Industry Overview and Major Regions Status of Cardiovascular Monitoring & Diagnostic Device1.5.1 Industry Overview of Cardiovascular Monitoring & Diagnostic Device1.5.2 Global Major Regions Status of Cardiovascular Monitoring & Diagnostic Device1.6 Industry Policy Analysis of Cardiovascular Monitoring & Diagnostic Device1.7 Industry News Analysis of Cardiovascular Monitoring & Diagnostic Device2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Cardiovascular Monitoring & Diagnostic Device2.1 Raw Material Suppliers and Price Analysis of Cardiovascular Monitoring & Diagnostic Device2.2 Equipment Suppliers and Price Analysis of Cardiovascular Monitoring & Diagnostic Device2.3 Labor Cost Analysis of Cardiovascular Monitoring & Diagnostic Device2.4 Other Costs Analysis of Cardiovascular Monitoring & Diagnostic Device2.5 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Cardiovascular Monitoring & Diagnostic Device2.6 Manufacturing Process Analysis of Cardiovascular Monitoring & Diagnostic Device3 3 Global Market Size (Volume and Value), Sales and Sale Price Analysis of Cardiovascular Monitoring & Diagnostic Device3.1 Global Market Size (Volume and Value) and Growth Rate of Cardiovascular Monitoring & Diagnostic Device 2011-20163.2 Global Market Size (Volume and Value) of Cardiovascular Monitoring & Diagnostic Device by Regions 2011-20163.3 Global Market Size (Volume and Value) of Cardiovascular Monitoring & Diagnostic Device by Types 2011-20163.4 Global Market Size (Volume and Value) of Cardiovascular Monitoring & Diagnostic Device by Applications 2011-2016About 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:
Magneto Resistive RAM (MRAM) Market - Everspin Technologies Inc. Alone Occupied A Share Of More Than 64% In The Overall Market

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Global Magneto Resistive RAM (MRAM) Market: OverviewMRAM or Magneto-resistive random-access memory technology has been under development since the 1990s. MRAM is a non-volatile random access memory technology that utilizes magnetic charges for storing data instead of electric charges as in the case of DRAM (dynamic random access memory) and SRAM (static random access memory) technologies. Unlike DRAM and SRAM technologies, that requires constant flow of electricity to maintain data integrity, MRAM retains data even if power is turned off and requires very less amount of electricity in order to store data bits in it.MRAM, by combining the inherent advantages of both DRAM in terms of density and SRAM in term of read and write speed has the potential of becoming a universal memory in the coming years. The global MRAM market is predicted to have tremendous growth opportunity in the coming years as a nonvolatile solid state memory in order to replace other electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) and flash memory where high write endurance is required.Browse Market Research Report @Surge in the demand of flexible and wearable electronics market is the primary factor predicted to boost the demand of MRAM during the forecast period from 2016 to 2024. Currently rapid technological advancements is taking place in the field to flexible and wearable consumer electronics. Flexible magnetic memories forms an integral part of the flexile and wearable consumer electronic devices for storing and processing data.Moreover, the major challenge of fabricating high performing memory chips on soft flexible substrates without reducing the performance is also eliminated by technologically advanced MRAM technology. MRAM outperforms the traditional NAND memory used in wearable and flexible electronics in terms of data retention capacity after power cut off, low power consumption along with increased processing speed. In addition, MRAM has the capability of operating in extreme temperature condition and can resist very high radiation. Thus, MRAM is also predicted to witness huge demand from various aerospace and military applications in the coming years.Global Magneto Resistive RAM (MRAM) Market: SegmentationFor the purpose of providing detailed study of the market, the global MRAM market has been segmented on the basis of product type, application and geography. MRAM is available in two different product types including toggle MRAM and second generation MRAM (STT-MRAM). In order to track the market accurately, the third generation MRAM that is predicted to get commercialized by the beginning of 2019, has also been considered within the scope of research. MRAM also finds its application across different product segments such as consumer electronics, robotics, automotive, enterprise storage, aerospace and defense and others. The others segment includes application of MRAM in sensing devices, medical devices and smart meters.Geographically, the market has been segmented into Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, Latin America and Middle-East and Africa (MEA). In terms of revenue and growth, the Asia Pacific region is anticipated to drive the market of MRAM in the coming years due to rapid growth in computationally intensive applications and rising demand for highly scalable memory solutions. Global MRAM market report provides an in-depth study of the current market trend and future forecast during the period from 2016 to 2024 in terms of revenue (USD Million).Global Magneto Resistive RAM (MRAM) Market: Competitive LandscapeThis report also provides an exhaustive study of the global MRAM market including the key strategies adopted by leading players, market attractiveness analysis by product type, value chain analysis, industry evolution and comparative advantage of MRAM over other memory solutions.For more information on this report, fill the form @Moreover, the penetration rate of MRAM across various industry verticals during the period from 2014 to 2018 is also highlighted in this report. In addition, detailed analysis of the drivers, restraints and opportunities that are predicted to affect the market in the coming years is provided in this report. Some of the major players operating in the global MRAM market includes Everspin Technologies Inc. (U.S), Avalanche Technologies (U.S) and Spin Transfer Technologies (U.S) among others.Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Transparency Market Research90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Global Sandalwood Oil Market 2017 - TFS Corporation(AU), Santanol Group(AU), RK-Essential Oils Company(IN), Meena Perfumery(IN)

Sandalwood Oil Market

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The report Global Sandalwood Oil Market provides an in-depth analysis of the global Sandalwood Oil market, along with a study of top Sandalwood Oil 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 TFS Corporation(AU), Santanol Group(AU), RK-Essential Oils Company(IN), Meena Perfumery(IN), Naresh International(IN), Essentially Australia(AU), Katyani Exports(IN). All these companies have been profiled in the present report highlighting their key financials and business strategies for growth.Do Enquiry For Sample Report @Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the Sandalwood Oil in Global market, especially in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa. This report categorizes the market based on manufacturers, regions, type and application.Market Segment by Manufacturers, this report covers TFS Corporation(AU) Santanol Group(AU) RK-Essential Oils Company(IN) Meena Perfumery(IN) Naresh International(IN) Essentially Australia(AU) Katyani Exports(IN) New Mountain Merchants(AU) Dru Era(LK) A.G. Industries(IN) Blue Bell Fragrances(IN)Market Segment by Regions, regional analysis covers North America (USA, Canada and Mexico) Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy) Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia) Latin America, Middle East and AfricaMarket Segment by Type, covers Indian Sandalwood Oil Australian Sandalwood Oil OtherDo Enquiry Before Purchasing Report @Market Segment by Applications, can be divided into Personal care Aromatherapy Pharmaceutical OthersThere are 13 Chapters to deeply display the global Sandalwood Oil market.Chapter 1, to describe Sandalwood Oil Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the top manufacturers of Sandalwood Oil, with sales, revenue, and price of Sandalwood Oil, in 2015 and 2016;Chapter 3, to display the competitive situation among the top manufacturers, with sales, revenue and market share in 2015 and 2016;Chapter 4, to show the global market by regions, with sales, revenue and market share of Sandalwood Oil, for each region, from 2011 to 2016;Chapter 5, 6, 7 and 8, to analyze the key regions, with sales, revenue and market share by key countries in these regions;Chapter 9 and 10, to show the market by type and application, with sales market share and growth rate by type, application, from 2011 to 2016;Chapter 11, Sandalwood Oil market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2016 to 2021;Chapter 12 and 13, to describe Sandalwood Oil sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, appendix and data source.About US:Big Market Research uniqueness lies in its highly ethical reports at economical rates because we value your relationship and growth more than money. Your growth is our aim. With the arsenal of different search reports, we help you here to look and buy research reports that will be helpful to you and your organization. Our research reports have the capability and authenticity to support your organization for growth and consistency.Contact US:Dhananjay Potle5933 NE Win Sivers Drive,#205, Portland, OR 97220United StatesDirect :+ 1-503-894-6022Toll Free : + 1-800-910-6452Email: help@bigmarketresearch.comWeb:
Loadmate  Total Solutions of Lifting Equipments

eot double girder crane

http://www.loadmate.in/

Loadmate : We are one of the leading manufacturer and exporters of electric chain hoist , electric chain hoist, electrical wire rope hoist , eot cranes, hot cranes in southern Gujarat. We have dedicated ourselves to achieve the ultimate excellence in our products and services. We are in this industries since 1991 and an ISO 9001:2000 certified company.We are manufacturing manual chain hoist as per IS-3832, electrical chain hoist as per IS-6547, wire rope hoist as per IS 807,1377, 3938 AND 4137 standards which assure the quality of products. We are in a position to manufacture various type of hoists , EOT cranes, hot cranes & elevators as per customers requirements. We have large number installations, which include different type of industries like textile industries, food industries, power plants, furnaces, rolling mills, sugar mills, pipe mills, paper mills and allied industries.Our design department is equipped with solid works office premium for the best designing.Every product undergoes strict & intense quality test. We ensure that they meet all our customer requirements. It enhances smooth & quite operation, easy installation, minimum maintenance and long lasting life. We are committed to manufacture & supply the products as per customer`s requirements and satisfaction. We have a long list of satisfied clients through 29 states in india.Loadmate is leading manufacturer of EOT Cranes, Electric Chain hoist, Electric Wire Rope Hoist, Goliath Crane and other lifting equipment in India since 1991.RMS IndustriesN1 to N6, Sayan Industrial Park, Nr. RJD Textile Park, Icchapore, Pal  Hazira Road, Surat, Gujarat - 394510, IndiaContact Number: +91-9687614356Website:
Military Embedded Systems Market: Rising Investments in Military and Defense Sectors to Encourage Growth

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A new market research study by Transparency Market Research offers a detailed analysis of the global military embedded systems market. The study, titled Military Embedded Systems Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2016  2024, throws light on the market dynamics that are estimated to influence the growth of the overall market in the coming years. In addition, the growth factors, barriers, applications, and limitations in the market have been discussed in the scope of the study. A thorough analysis of the competitive landscape has been included in the study. As per the research study, the global market for military embedded systems is estimated to exhibit a progressive growth rate in the forecast period.Know More Information About Research, Fill the Form@The rising implementation of the wireless technologies and multicore processor in order to enhance system efficiency and performance is expected to fuel the growth of the global military embedded systems market in the near future. Furthermore, the emergence of modern warfare systems, including electronic warfare and network-centric warfare is projected to supplement the growth of the overall market in the forecast period. The increasing research and development activities in this field and the rising demand for unmanned applications are likely to fuel the growth of the market.On the other hand, the rising complexity of the designs with several technological advancements is expected to restrict the growth of the global military embedded systems market in the coming years. In addition, the stringent rules and regulations concerning the system design certification is estimated to hamper the growth of the overall market in the near future.From a geographical perspective, the North America market for military embedded systems is predicted to grow at a robust rate throughout the forecast period. This region is expected to account for a key share of the global market and maintain its leading position throughout the forecast period. A substantial contribution from Canada and the U.S. is expected to encourage the growth of the North America market in the coming years. In addition, the rising investments in the warfare capabilities are likely to accelerate markets growth in the near future. On the other hand, Asia Pacific is anticipated to register a healthy growth in the next few years, thanks to the increasing investments by governments, especially in developing economies.Some of the leading players operating in the military embedded systems market across the globe are Curtiss-Wright Corporation, Microsemi Corporation, Kontron AG, and Xilinx Inc. In order to create a niche in the global market, these players are emphasizing on new product development and offer innovative and new military embedded systems for new applications. In addition, the expansion of the product portfolio and the increasing applications are anticipated to assist the leading players in attaining high profits in the global market throughout the forecast period.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
Acousto Optic Devices Market - Huge Growth Opportunities For Laser Market Is Expected To Help In The Growth Of This Market In Coming Years.

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Optics is a particular branch of science that studies and takes into account both the behavior and properties of light. It also includes science that deals with interactions between matter and instruments that are used for detection of light. Optic involves the behavior of ultraviolet, infrared and visible lights. Acousto optics is that particular branch of science that analyzes the interactions between sound and light waves. Acousto optic waves are formed on the basis of changes in the refractive index of a particular medium because of the sound waves present in the medium. Acousto optic devices can deflect as well as modulate laser. The performance of these devices is achieved by making high-quality single crystal. The global market for acousto optic devices has been segmented on the basis of type, application, end use industry and geography. The various types of acousto optic devices that are considered includes modulators, optical filters, mode lockers and deflectors among others. Material processing, micro processing and laser processing form the different application areas on the basis of which the global acousto optic devices market has been segmented by application. Various end use industries that are considered in the global acousto optic devices market includes aerospace and defense, medical, telecom, industrial, oil & gas and semiconductor and electronics among others.Global acousto optic devices market on the basis of geography has been segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa.Enter your information below to receive a sample copy of this report @The rise in demand for laser applications especially to be used in the field of life science and research vertical is a major driver contributing to the growing demand for acousto optic devices globally. Moreover, the high demand for modulators is expected to help increase the demand for acousto optic devices and in turn helping the overall market to grow globally. Use of modulators across different industry verticals has enhanced because of the capability for controlling frequency, direction and power of laser beam with electric signal. Acousto optic devices are used across different industry verticals especially in semiconductors industry where it is needed in laser equipment for electronic control of laser beam. These all factors together makes for some important drivers for the growth of global acousto optic devices market. With all these drivers that is increasing the demand for acousto optic devices, still there are certain restraints that negatively impacts the growth of this market. High cost initially associated with implementation of acousto optic devices has been a major restraint that negatively impacts the demand for acousto optic devices. Other than this, the high research and development expenses involved with usage of acousto optic devices has been another major restraint for the acousto optic devices globally. The huge growth opportunities for laser market is expected to help in the growth of this market in coming years.Geographically, it is Asia Pacific region that forms one of the major regions that contributes to the growth of this market with China, Japan and India being some of the major players in this market. Huge growth in semiconductor industry along with rising applications of acousto optic devices has been some of the major reasons contributing to the growth of overall market. In addition to this, it is the rapid industrialization in this region that has contributed to the growth of this market globally. After Asia Pacific it is, North America and Europe forms some other major markets for the acousto optic devices market globally. High industrial presence along with growing research and development facilities has been some major factors contributing to the growth of this market in this region.Some of the major players operating in the acousto optic devices market include Isomet Corporation (U.S.), Harris Corporation (U.S.), Coherent, Inc. (U.S.), IntraAction Corp. (U.S.), Gooch & Housego PLC (U.K.), Brimrose Corporation of America (U.S.), AMS Technologies AG (Germany), Lightcomm Technology Co., Ltd. (China) and AA Opto Electronic (France) among others.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.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:
Womens Day Celebrations 2017

http://www.algoworks.com

On the occasion of International Womens Day, Algoworks celebrated this special time with joy and delight by expressing gratitude towards the women of their workplace, and made them feel special and loved. The entire day was dedicated to all the women employees of Algoworks and their valuable presence in the team was celebrated with glee.The entire premises were adorned with balloons and flowers. Women employees were dressed up in their best attires, glorifying the workplace with their charm. They were welcomed with pretty, little greeting cards, chocolates, and roses. Special Womens Day cards were placed on their desks as well. After some time, everyone assembled in the activity area to begin the function. Mr. Ajeet Singh, co-founder, and director of Algoworks, shared a few words on women empowerment and supporting female rights. He said in his speech, Women play a crucial role in building our Algoworks team. Their constant support and zeal to take this company forward is phenomenal, and we respect and value their position in our company, as their contribution is very much required in achieving our goals. They are not assets that also exist here. They are the assets that throttle us forward towards ambitions that we could not think of, assets that are beyond equalling the men here, assets that inspire us. I would like to thank each and every one of you for believing in us.The speech was followed by acknowledging some influential women of Algoworks, who have been a part of the team from a long time, supporting and taking the company ahead with their hard work. They were presented with flower bouquets, and a group photo-shoot followed further. Later, a wonderful buffet was set up for everyone to relish. The delicious food and good music ended the amazing day.About Algoworks: Algoworks operates chiefly in the United States from their California Office besides having a good hold on the European and Asian markets. Headquartered in India, the decade old B2B IT service firm has expertise in key areas of Mobility, Salesforce, Business Intelligence, and ECM including Software Product Engineering. For more information visitAlgoworksA 61/B 4, Spring Meadows Business Park,Sector 63, Noida 201307
Global Bio-Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Industry 2015 Market Research Report

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Qyresearchreports include new market research report Global Bio-Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Industry 2015 Market Research Report to its huge collection of research reports.The Bio-Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) has been descriptively examined in this report which follows a plan that begins with an exhaustive and analytical summary of the market. The report also scrutinizes the top aspects of the market, including its key segments, factors of influence, and regulatory policies that have an effect on the overall the growth rate of the market as well as its competitive landscape.For more information on this report, fill the form @All users of this report are offered a holistic 360-degree outlook of the Bio-Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) from the inside-out, beginning with the fundamental definitions of the elements of the industry. The report then proceeds to analyze the data generated from the multiple aspects of the market and industry, including the role of the industry chain structure, the various primary classifications, an overview of the industry, regulatory guidelines, market claims, and recent developments. Qualitative and quantitative analytics of information have been run for generating key market segments on the individual regions and the global front have been provided in the report. The material provided in the report has been gathered with the help of primary and secondary methodologies of research.The report also provides a vivid overview of the Bio-Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) and its top trends, drivers, and the restraints that currently have an impact on its growth, in addition to an in-depth analysis of the influential factors on the markets overall development over the given forecast period. Most importantly, the report also includes a full analysis of the markets competitive landscape, which comprises business profiles of key players in high detail, a SWOT analysis of all market leaders, and additional essential facts on some of the major vendors in the market are included.Table of Contents1 Industry Overview1.1 Definition of Bio-Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)1.2 Classification of Bio-Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)1.2.1 LPG Steel Cylinders1.2.2 LPG Composite Cylinders1.2.3 Others1.3 Applications of Bio-Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)1.3.1 Kitchen and Domestic Use1.3.2 Automotive Use1.3.3 Others1.4 Industry Chain Structure of Bio-Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)1.5 Industry Overview of Bio-Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)1.6 Industry Policy Analysis of Bio-Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)1.7 Industry News Analysis of Bio-Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)Browse Press Release of this Research Report:2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Bio-Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)2.1 Materials of Bio-Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)2.2 Raw Material Supplier and Price Analysis of Bio-Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)2.3 Labor Cost Analysis of Bio-Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)2.3.1 USA Labor Costs Analysis2.3.2 EU Labor Costs Analysis2.3.3 China Labor Costs Analysis2.4 Other Costs Analysis of Bio-Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)2.4.1 USA Other Cost Analysis2.4.2 EU Other Cost Analysis2.4.3 China Other Cost Analysis2.5 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Bio-Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)2.6 Manufacturing Process Analysis of Bio-Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)3 Global Bio-Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Sales, Sales Price and Market Size (Volume and Value) 2011-2016 Analysis3.1 Global 2011-2016 Bio-Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Market Size Analysis3.2 Global 2011-2016 Bio-Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Sales Price Analysis3.3 Global 2011-2016 Bio-Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Sales by Companies3.4 Global 2011-2016 Bio-Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Sales by Product Type3.5 Global 2011-2016 Bio-Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Sales by Applications3.6 Global 2011-2016 Bio-Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Sales by Region4 North America Bio-Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Sales, Sales Price, Market Size (Volume and Value) and End Users Analysis4.1 North America 2011-2016 Bio-Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Market Size Analysis4.2 North America 2011-2016 Bio-Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Sales Price Analysis4.3 North America 2011-2016 Bio-Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Sales by Companies4.4 North America 2011-2016 Bio-Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Sales by Product Type4.5 North America 2011-2016 Bio-Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Sales by Applications4.6 North America 2011-2016 Bio-Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Regional Import Export Analysis4.7 North America End Users with Contact Information of Bio-Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) by Applications5 Europe Bio-Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Sales, Sales Price, Market Size (Volume and Value) and End Users Analysis5.1 Europe 2011-2016 Bio-Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Market Size Analysis5.2 Europe 2011-2016 Bio-Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Sales Price Analysis5.3 Europe 2011-2016 Bio-Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Sales by Companies5.4 Europe 2011-2016 Bio-Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Sales by Product Type5.5 Europe 2011-2016 Bio-Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Sales by Applications5.6 Europe 2011-2016 Bio-Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Regional Import Export Analysis5.7 Europe End Users with Contact Information of Bio-Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) by ApplicationsRead More @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
North America Cannabis Market is expected to expand at a CAGR over 33% & USD 3.5 billion by 2015 to 2021

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Market Synopsis of Cannabis MarketMarket ScenarioThe report on North America cannabis market focuses primarily on the major markets in the region such as the U.S. Canada and Mexico. The market size of cannabis stood over USD 3.5 billion in 2015. It is expected to expand at a CAGR over 33% over the period of 2016 to 2021.Market SegmentsNorth America Cannabis Market can be segmented as follows: Segmentation by Derivatives: Marijuana/Flowers And Industrial Hemp, Other Concentrates/Products which include keif, hash, hash oil etc. Segmentation by Applications type: on the basis of applications the market is segmented aso Applications of marijuana Medicinal applications Recreational applications Otherso Applications of hemp. Food and baby care Clothing and textile OthersRequest a Sample Report @Objective Study of Cannabis Market: To provide detailed analysis of the cannabis market along with historic data from 2011 and forecast for the next 5 years of the various segments and sub-segments of the North America cannabis market To provide insights into the factors affecting global market growth. To analyze the cannabis market on the basis of factors such as price analysis, supply chain analysis, and Porters five force analysis. To provide country level analysis of the market with respect to the current market size and prospective by 2021 To provide country level analysis of the market for segments by derivatives, applications of cannabis. 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 North America Cannabis marketBrowse Report Details @Key PlayersSome of the major players in North America Cannabis Market include: Canadian Cannabis Corporation Plandai Biotechnology. Tweed Marijuana Inc. Affinor Growers Cannabis Sativa Inc. Cannavest Canna Brands Inc. Omnicanna Health Solutions Privateer Holdings, Inc., Arena Pharmaceuticals Inc.Key Findings: Among the derivatives marijuana accounts for the largest market share. The revenue of this segment stood more than USD 2.5 billion in 2015. The U.S. being the largest market in the region accounted for over 95% of the market size of the North America cannabis market. Rapid growth of cannabis and its applications in medicinal purposes has driven the growth in this market.Request Table of Contents for this Report @Regional Coverage North America US Rest of North AmericaAbout 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.Contact:Akash Anand,Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
Solenoid Valve market growing rapidly from last few years at CAGR of more than 4%

Solenoid valve Market

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Market Synopsis of Security Robots marketMarket ScenarioGlobal Solenoid valve market has been growing rapidly from last couple of years and registered the CAGR of more than 4%. Currently this market has been valued at more than US $4 billion which is growing rapidly as demand from industries like oil and gas, water and wastewaters, chemical and petrochemical among others are increasing. Solenoid valve are becoming more popular these days as it can be controlled electronically and gives more effective and efficient result.Market SegmentationThe Global Solenoid Valve market has been segmented on the basis of type, body material, operating type and end user industries. By type the market has been segmented as 2-way, 3-way, 4-way, and 5-way Solenoid Valves. On the basis of body material, the markets are- Brass Body, Stainless Steel, Aluminum Body and Plastic Body material. Operating type includes- Direct, Indirect and semi-direct. The end user industries for the solenoid valve are- Chemical & Petrochemical, Oil & Gas, Food & Beverages, Water & Wastewater, Power Generation, Automotive, Pharmaceutical, Medical and others.Request Sample Report as per your Requirement @Key playersThe key players in the market of Solenoid valve are Curtiss-Wright Corporation , Asco Valve, Inc. Christian Burkert GmbH & Co. Kg GSR Ventiltechnik GmbH & Co. Kg Danfoss A/S Parker Hannifin Corporation IMI PLC, Rotex Controls B.V. The Lee Company SMC Corporation among others.Browse Report @Study Objective of Solenoid Valve market To provide detailed analysis of the market structure along with forecast of the various segments and sub-segments of the global Solenoid valve market To provide insights about factors affecting the market growth To analyze the Solenoid valve market based on various factors- price analysis, supply chain analysis, porters five force analysis etc. To provide historical and forecast revenue of the market segments and sub-segments with respect to four main geographies and their countries- North America, Europe, Asia, and Rest of the World (ROW) To provide country level analysis of the market with respect to the current market size and future prospective To provide country level analysis of the market for segment by type, by body material, by operating type and sub-segments. To provide strategic profiling of key players in the market, comprehensively analyzing their core competencies, and drawing a competitive landscape for the market To track and analyze competitive developments such as joint ventures, strategic alliances, mergers and acquisitions, new product developments, and research and developments in the global Solenoid valve marketMake Request a Report Table of Content @Regional AnalysisIn the year 2015 the largest markets for Solenoid valve were North America followed by Europe region. The main factor which is driving the market is increase in the demand for solenoid valve in various industries. North America holds more market share followed by Europe which accounts for market share. Asia Pacific has emerged as fastest growing market share and growing with the CAGR rate.The reports also covers brief analysis of Geographical Region includes: AmericasNorth America US Canada EuropeWestern Europe Germany France Italy Spain U.K Rest of Western EuropeEastern Europe Asia PacificAsia China India Japan South Korea Rest of AsiaPacific The Middle East& AfricaThe report for Global Solenoid valve 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.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.Contact:Akash Anand,Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+16468459312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
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Explosive Growth Predicted foR Nano Films Market - Insights 2023

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Nano film is a fabrication of quantum dot layers with a built-in gradient of nanoparticle size, composition or density. The unique characteristics of nano films are finding its applications in energy storage devices and design of solar cells. Nano films are generally used for surface modification process in the technological world. Surface modification improves the performance of new and existing products. Techniques used for surface modification process include surface treatments, where the composition of mechanical properties is changed or the deposition of thin films or coatings is altered and a different material is deposited to create a new surface.Obtain Report Details @Nano films have extensive applications in microelectronics industry, storage industry, solar energy and optics industry. The commercial method of manufacturing nano films is a challenge. Traditional methods of building nanostructured materials cant form nanostructures while more effective methods like langmuir-blodget microchemical method or atomic layer deposition are expensive. The cost-efficient alternative for manufacturing nano films is flying particles method. Nano films are used for photovoltaic applications to enhance transport of electrons and improve internal quantum efficiency and photocurrent. Magnetic nano films have unique properties and are used in medical industry for biomedical applications. Magnetic nano films are used as a solution for closing surgical wounds and as nanoplasters for localized drug release.The growth in end-use industries is expected to increase consumption of nano films. The growth of microelectronics, storage and solar industry is expected to boost demand for nano films for surface modification applications. In addition, rising consumption of electronics in emerging economies of Latin America and Asia Pacific is set to drive nano films market. Furthermore, nanotechnology?based thin films for biomedical applications are expected to provide new opportunities for market growth. However, availability of substitutes and volatile raw material prices could hamper the growth of this market.Get more information from Research Report Press Release:The Asia Pacific market is projected to be the fastest growing market for nano films due to increasing demand for electronics and solar energy. The BRIC (Brasil, Russia, India, China) countries are a major market for microelectronics industry. Most of the major international microelectronic manufacturers are focusing on expanding their base in BRIC. Rise in disposable income, large population and rapid economic development is expected to contribute to the growth of microelectronics in emerging economies such as China and India. The growth of microelectronic industry is expected to drive the growth of the nano films market. Mexico, Argentina, Thailand and Turkey are other potential markets for nano film industry. Europe and North America are mature markets and expected to experience moderate to high growth.The nano film industry is highly fragmented and dominated by small and medium enterprises. Companies are investing in research and development to develop different grades of nano films to compete in the market. In addition, companies are using strategic acquisitions and aggressive marketing to capture market share. Furthermore, companies are expanding their presence in emerging economies due to growing demand from end-use industries. Some of the key players operating in this market are Nanofilm( U.S.) , Nanofilm Technologies (U.S.) Nano Foam Technology Private Limited (India), Nano Therapeutics Pvt. Ltd (India), Nano Lab India (India), Cosmo Films Limited (India), Smart Source Technologies (India), NanoGram Corporation (U.S.), MAT-VAC Technology (U.S), LOT-Oriel (United Kingdom), Maxtek Technology (Taiwan) , MicroChem (U.S.) , MetaTechnica (U.S.) and Advanced Thin Film (U.S.) among others.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Global RTA Furniture Consumption Market 2016-2021: Business Development Analysis

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Global RTA (Ready-to-assemble) Furniture Consumption 2016 Market Research Report Purchase This Report by calling ResearchnReports.com at +1-888-631-6977.The Global RTA (Ready-to-assemble) Furniture Consumption 2016 Market Research Report is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the RTA (Ready-to-assemble) Furniture market. First, the report provides a basic overview of the RTA (Ready-to-assemble) Furniture industry including definitions, classifications, applications and industry chain structure.And development policies and plans are discussed as well as manufacturing processes and cost structures. Secondly, the report states the global RTA (Ready-to-assemble) Furniture market size (volume and value), and the segment markets by regions, types, applications and companies are also discussed. Third, the RTA (Ready-to-assemble) Furniture market analysis is provided for major regions including USA, Europe, China and Japan, and other regions can be added.Get Sample Copy of This Report:For each region, market size and end users are analyzed as well as segment markets by types, applications and companies. Then, the report focuses on global major leading industry players with information such as company profiles, product picture and specifications, sales, market share and contact information. Whats more, the RTA (Ready-to-assemble) Furniture industry development trends and marketing channels are analyzed.Finally, the feasibility of new investment projects is assessed, and overall research conclusions are offered. In a word, the report provides major statistics on the state of the industry and is a valuable source of guidance and direction for companies and individuals interested in the market.Ask for Discount This Report Visit at:Table of Contents1 Industry Overview of RTA (Ready-to-assemble) Furniture1.1 Definition and Specifications of RTA (Ready-to-assemble) Furniture1.2 Classification of RTA (Ready-to-assemble) Furniture1.3 Applications of RTA (Ready-to-assemble) Furniture1.4 Industry Chain Structure of RTA (Ready-to-assemble) Furniture1.5 Industry Overview and Major Regions Status of RTA (Ready-to-assemble) Furniture2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of RTA (Ready-to-assemble) Furniture2.1 Raw Material Suppliers and Price Analysis of RTA (Ready-to-assemble) Furniture3 Global Market Size (Volume and Value), Sales and Sale Price Analysis of RTA (Ready-to-assemble) Furniture4 USA Market Size (Volume and Value), Sales, Sale Price and End Users Analysis of RTA (Ready-to-assemble) Furniture5 Europe Market Size (Volume and Value), Sales, Sale Price and End Users Analysis of RTA (Ready-to-assemble) Furniture6 China Market Size (Volume and Value), Sales, Sale Price and End Users Analysis of RTA (Ready-to-assemble) Furniture7 Japan Market Size (Volume and Value), Sales, Sale Price and End Users Analysis of RTA (Ready-to-assemble) Furniture8 Major Manufacturers Analysis of RTA (Ready-to-assemble) Furniture8.1 Target8.2 Bush Industries8.3 Dorel Industries8.4 Sauder Woodworking8.5 IKEA9 Global Production Analysis of RTA (Ready-to-assemble) Furniture by Regions10 Global and Major Regions Market Size (Volume and Value) Forecast of RTA (Ready-to-assemble) FurnitureFor more details on this report:About Research n Reports:Research N Reports is a new age market research firm where we focus on providing information that can be effectively applied. Today being a consumer driven market, companies require information to deal with the complex and dynamic world of choices. Where relying on a sound board firm for your decisions becomes crucial. Research N Reports specializes in industry analysis, market forecasts and as a result getting quality reports covering all verticals, whether be it gaining perspective on current market conditions or being ahead in the cut throat global competition. Since we excel at business research to help businesses grow, we also offer consulting as an extended arm to our services which only helps us gain more insight into current trends and problems. Consequently we keep evolving as an all rounder provider of viable information under one roof.Contact us:Mr. Sunny DenisContact No. +1-888-631-6977sales@researchnreports.com(ResearchnReports)
Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging Devices Market Assessment

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The report presents a global analysis of veterinary diagnostic imaging devices market in terms of modalities, animal segment, end-users and geography. The veterinary diagnostic imaging devices market is young and budding to grow. The technology in itself has been present since decades and used for monitoring human health, however low emphasis on the veterinary field and low returns has kept it from developing into a fully-fledged application for animal care. Increasing pet populations (currently 75 million U.S. homes own pets), along with a burgeoning pet insurance industry, and the consistent growth of the overall animal-related care industry, the veterinary market is all set to grow steadily. The global veterinary diagnostic imaging devices market was valued at US$ 1,037.0 million in 2014 and expected to grow to US$ 1,409.5 million by 2019 at a CAGR of 6.3% from 2015 to 2019.This report covers the market analysis for five different imaging modalities that comprise the complete veterinary diagnostic imaging market. These include veterinary ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, X-ray and endoscopy. It also presents the current market and forecast of veterinary diagnostic imaging equipment purchased by different end-users such as veterinary hospitals, veterinary clinics and emergency/point-of-care veterinary services. Finally, The geographical analysis of the veterinary diagnostic imaging devices is segregated into six regions of North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle-East and Africa.Request Free Report Sample@Conventionally the concept of pets and companion animals among people in emerging countries were associated only with appropriate feeding and did not extend to intensive care of health, appetite and regular diagnostics. However, in recent times this has changed and people are now adopting pure breeds that showcase several medical problems. The growing per capita income and increasing awareness of pets is expected to pave the way for a considerable veterinary market in coming years. Meat and dairy consumption are projected to rise substantially over the next twenty years. By the middle of the 21st century global meat consumption is expected to be three-quarters higher than it was just 10 years ago, and dairy consumption is expected to rise by two-thirds over the same period. Meat and dairy animals that are a part of farm and livestock require considerable amount of diagnostics to prevent low quality meat and dairy production. This has in turn increased the usage of portable and on-field medical imaging modalities such as ultrasound and x-ray. The expected rise of demand for meat and dairy products is an important sign of anticipating demand for veterinary diagnostic imaging devices in the near future.Miniaturized ultrasound and X-ray devices are observed to be in great demand by veterinary clinics, hospitals and visiting veterinary practitioners across the world. Introduction of specialized emergency services for companion animals is expected to drive the market for diagnostic imaging in veterinary sector in coming years. In North America and Europe, there has been an increase of over 5,000 new pet emergency services in the past decade. All services require vehicles equipped with diagnostic imaging modalities such as ultrasound and X-ray. There are approximately 30,000 veterinary clinics and hospitals in North America. This represents a significant target market for all imaging modalities.More Report Description@Greater awareness and care for animal health has ensured the leadership of North America in the global market. Emerging regions are expected to show a strong growth for more affordable modalities of imaging such as ultrasound and X-ray accompanied by growing per capita income and purchase power. North America led the market with a share of 34.3% in 2014, which is expected to get eroded as emerging economies such as Brazil, India, China, Middle-East and parts of South-East Asia increase their stakes in the market. The emerging economies have observed a healthy growth in the veterinary care sector and it is expected that Asia-Pacific region which currently accounts for a share of 19.0% will grow with the fastest CAGR of 6.8% till 2019.About UsSpearhead Acuity Business Research & Consulting Private Limited (SA-BRC) is a premium Life Science business intelligence and data analytics firm. SA-BRC team offers a wide range of business intelligence services to multiple stakeholders such as Medical Device Manufacturers, Service Providers (Hospitals, Payers, etc.), Suppliers, Group Purchase Organizations, Distributors and all other individuals in the entire value chain of healthcare industry. Our research and consulting capabilities extend across several sub-domains within the sphere of Life Sciences such as Biotechnology, Healthcare IT, Medical Devices, Veterinary Sciences, Wellness Products and Pharmaceuticals.Contact UsJohn Whitmore10685-B Hazelhurst Drive,Suite 17411Houston, Texas 77043,United StatesPhone: +1(832)-426-3701Email: sales@sa-brc.comWebsite:
wearable healthcare electronic devices market is expected to grow to US$ 15,254.6 million by 2019

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The report presents a global analysis of human wearable healthcare electronics and devices market in terms of product types and geography. The wearable medical devices and healthcare electronics market is remarkably new, dynamic and has the ability to bring great successes. A large portion of the wearable medical devices is occupied by fitness monitors, trackers and heart rate monitors that are considered as consumer products and thus unregulated by most healthcare authorities across the world. Recently, the U.S. FDA issued draft guidance for low risk devices that are concerned with improving health habits and monitor routines. Most fitness monitors have a large error margin as compared to medical devices that are employed for same function in clinics and hospitals such as heart rate monitors and blood pressure monitors. The global wearable healthcare electronic devices market was valued at US$ 5,793.9 million in 2014 and expected to grow to US$ 15,254.6 million by 2019 at a CAGR of 18.4% from 2015 to 2019.The wearable medical devices and healthcare electronics market is remarkably new, dynamic and has the ability to bring great successes. A large portion of the wearable medical devices is occupied by fitness monitors, trackers and heart rate monitors that are considered as consumer products and thus unregulated by most healthcare authorities across the world. Recently, the U.S. FDA issued draft guidance for low risk devices that are concerned with improving health habits and monitor routines. Most fitness monitors have a large error margin as compared to medical devices that are employed for same function in clinics and hospitals such as heart rate monitors and blood pressure monitors. The draft states that the products categorized under these low risk devices have "an intended use that relates to maintaining or encouraging a general state of health or a healthy activity," such as a device that helps "log, track, or trend exercise activity." The devices may also have "an intended use claim that associates the role of healthy lifestyle with helping to reduce the risk or impact of certain chronic diseases or conditions" when the science clearly shows a healthy lifestyle can have an impact. Wearable medical electronics also encompass significant crucial electronic devices such as blood pressure monitors, blood glucose monitors, ECG, infusion pumps, pulse oximeters, temperature sensors among other devices.Request Free Report Sample@One of the major drivers of this market is the growing trend of mixing fashion with healthcare. New trendy devices combine a style statement of keeping up to date with technological advances. Due to a strong purchase power in economically developed regions, over 75% of people may have a wearable healthcare electronic device by 2020. Due to rising incidence in chronic pain, the demand for wearable therapeutic devices such as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and electromagnetic stimulation (PEMF) among several others has increased significantly. Echelon a company that manufactures PEMF devices recently launched a device for pain relief called Chiropractor of the Future. Other innovative devices such as CUR (cure) and Quell although clinically unproven have been built on soundly on existing therapy techniques and promise more freedom of movement to patients having chronic pain.New entrants who have introduced disruptive technologies such as Medtronic, Abbott and Johnson & Johnson with wearable glucose/insulin pumps and monitors are poised to capitalize the explosion in diabetic population in Asia in coming years. Competing with them are companies such as Pancreum with its highly acclaimed Genesis artificial pancreas. The primary advances in technology through the years has been wireless connectivity, increased data collection of health parameters and miniaturization of hardware components. Pediatric and fetal monitoring devices such as MIMO, Sproutling and Owlet are in a strong position to capitalize a market where parents cannot spare time personally to constantly check on their children and can continue juggling with other chores. The global market for wearable healthcare electronic devices is anticipated to grow very quickly in coming years with increased adoption expected from emerging economies of Asia, Latin America and Middle-East. The analysis shows the potential of Asia-Pacific to become the largest adopter of wearable health tech in coming years. Rising number of Asian consumer electronic companies such as Samsung, LG, Micromax and Xiaomi entering this market clearly illustrates their understanding of how profitable the association of wearables market is with mobile communications technologies. Micromax and Xiaomi are directly competing with other majors such as Apple and Samsung in this highly profitable and preferably unregulated healthcare electronics domain.More Report Description@About UsSpearhead Acuity Business Research & Consulting Private Limited (SA-BRC) is a premium Life Science business intelligence and data analytics firm. SA-BRC team offers a wide range of business intelligence services to multiple stakeholders such as Medical Device Manufacturers, Service Providers (Hospitals, Payers, etc.), Suppliers, Group Purchase Organizations, Distributors and all other individuals in the entire value chain of healthcare industry. Our research and consulting capabilities extend across several sub-domains within the sphere of Life Sciences such as Biotechnology, Healthcare IT, Medical Devices, Veterinary Sciences, Wellness Products and Pharmaceuticals.Contact UsJohn Whitmore10685-B Hazelhurst Drive,Suite 17411Houston, Texas 77043,United StatesPhone: +1(832)-426-3701Email: sales@sa-brc.comWebsite:
Governments Play Invaluable Role in Uptake of Hybrid Cars Market with Incentives and Subsidies 2024

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Despite being a relatively niche market in a thriving automotive industry, the hybrid cars market presents astounding potential. And this can be seen in the way auto bigwigs such as Volkswagen, General Motors, Nissan, Hyundai, BMW, Ford, Honda, and Toyota have jumped on the hybrid bandwagon.According to findings by a report published by Transparency Market Research, the global hybrid cars market is anticipated to expand from a value of US$102.88 bn in 2015 to US$398.90 bn by 2024. If these values hold true, the market is poised to register an impressive CAGR of 16.50% over the course of the forecast period.Browse Market Research Report @What is the main reason behind the introduction of hybrid cars and what continues to drive their adoption?For over a decade now, countries around the world have raised serious concerns regarding the alarming rise in air pollution levels and a surge in carbon emissions, mainly emitted by vehicles. This has resulted in a growing interest in ways of curbing these emissions and governments in various countries have begun encouraging people to turn to environment-friendly ways of commuting. This led to the introduction of hybrid cars. These eco-friendly vehicles are powered by electricity, enabling them to emerge as the perfect solution to solving air pollution on a global scale.Governments around the world continue to play a major role in the expansion of the hybrid cars market as they have not only mandated the adherence of stringent emission norms and regulations but have also been offering various subsidies and incentives to get more and more people to opt of hybrid cars. This factor presently accounts for a major part in the development of the market and is slated to reflect positively in terms of sales in the coming years.How did Asia Pacific emerge as the leading market for hybrid cars?China and Japan have been exhibiting a high level of consumer awareness when it comes to carbon emissions and adopting environment-friendly vehicles. The innumerable benefits offered by hybrid cars are not lost on consumers in these countries and an increasing number of people have been switching from conventional to unconventional means of transportation. This can also be supplemented by immense support shown by the governments in Japan and China. Various initiatives to encourage as well as promote the uptake of hybrid cars has boded well for these countries.Fill the form for an exclusive sample of this report @It is, therefore, no surprise that Asia Pacific dominates the global market for hybrid cars and in 2015, accounted for a massive 70.0% share. If ongoing trends continue to impact this regional market the way they have in the past, the APAC hybrid market is poised to exhibit a strong cumulative average growth rate over the course of the next seven years.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.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.Contact Us :US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Gas Turbine Services Market to be driven by Existing and Aging Gas Turbines in North America 2024

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Albany, New York, March 6, 2017: A recent market research report by Transparency Market Research states that the rising global demand for power and lower power generation costs of gas turbine systems as compared to other power generation technologies will lead the global gas turbine market on a steady growth path in the near future. The report, titled Gas Turbine Services Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2016  2024, gives a detailed overview of the present state of the market and forecasts its growth trajectory over the period between 2016 and 2024.Browse Market Research Report @The report states that the rising number of gas turbine installations across a number of regions will lead to an additional need for services such as gas turbine inspection, maintenance, repair, overhaul, and monitoring. Of these, maintenance services will contribute the dominant share in global markets revenue in the near future.In terms of type of gas turbine, the market is segmented into aero derivative gas turbine and heavy duty gas turbine. Of these, the segment of heavy duty turbines presently accounts for the leading share in the global gas turbine services market. The key applications of gas turbines are found in industries such as oil and gas and power generation.From a geographical perspective, the report examines the market for gas turbine services across regions such as Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, and Middle East and Africa. Of these, the market for gas turbine services has witness significant traction across Asia Pacific, chiefly owing to the high speed of urbanization and technological advancements in the region.Nevertheless, developed regions such as North America and Europe are presently at the leading positions in terms of installations of gas turbines and are hence the leading contributor of revenue to the gas turbine services market. North America is the leading regional market for gas turbines owing to the vast number of existing and aging gas turbine installations in countries such as the U.S. and Canada. The region also boasts of a large number of long-term service agreements for gas turbine service companies.Fill the form for an exclusive sample of this report @Europe has also become a region with immense growth potential and opportunities owing to the steady pace of urbanization and industrialization across eastern and central Europe. In developing countries across Middle East and Africa and Latin America, the rising consumption of electricity is expected to drive the market for gas turbines, consequently propelling the services business.Some of the leading players operating in the global gas turbine market are Centrax Ltd, Rolls-Royce plc, Ansaldo Energia s.p.a, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, Centrax Ltd, Hitachi Ltd, and Siemens 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. 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.Contact Us :US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
2-shot Injection Molding Market- Global Industry Analysis,Trends and Forecast 2024

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Transparency Market Research observes that the global 2-shot injection molding market is highly fragmented due to the strong presence of a large number of players present in the market. As each player holds a small share, the market is witnessing stiff competition. Some of the leading players in the global 2-shot injection molding market are Rogan Corporation, Nyloncraft, Inc., Paragon Rapid Technologies Limited, and Gemini Group, Inc. These players are expected to focus on reducing the lead time to remain competitive in the market and increasing the production volume to remain relevant to the market, states the lead author of this research report.Browse Market Research Report @The research report states that the global 2-shot injection molding market is was worth US$6.6 bn by the end of 2015 and is projected to reach US$11.5 bn by the end of 2024. During the forecast years of 2016 and 2024, the global market is projected is rise at a CAGR of 6.5%.Europe to Dominate Global Market as OEMs Focus on Reducing Production CostsGeographically, the global 2-shot injection molding market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa. Of these, Europe is expected to show indomitable dominance in the global market in the coming years. Despite a minor slip, the region is poised to acquire a share of 33.9% by the end of 2024. The emerging trend of large scale adoption of 2-shot injection molding process to reduce the cost of production and labor costs across Europe has kept the region in the lead.On the basis of applications, the global 2-shot injection molding market is segmented into automotive, medical, consumer goods, electrical and electronics, packaging, and industrial. Of these, the medical segment held the dominant share in the overall market in 2015. The report estimates that this segment will acquire a share of 25.8% by the end of 2024.Fill the form for an exclusive sample of this report @Precision in Production to Drive Global Market2-shot injection molding ensures production of exceptionally precise parts with accurate repeatability with just a single tool. This advantage has encouraged OEMs to develop and design increasing more of products by using 2-shot injection molding, thereby increasing the adoption of this process and products across the globe. The considerable cost reduction by using 2-shot injection molding process, as it enables the production of two component parts in a single operation has also boosted the growth of this market.The report also suggests that the global market is being driven by the increasing pressure from the governments to recycle plastics. Stringent governmental regulations compelling industries to recycle materials has played a significant role in convincing OEMs to adopt 2-shot injection molding processes. The key advantage of using 2-shot injection molding process is that the core of any two-component parts is derived from the recycled plastic, without changing its look or property. Thus the increasing uptake of recycled plastics is expected to have a positive impact on the global market.High Initial Investment Estimated to Hamper Market GrowthThe high cost of tooling and equipment of 2-shot injection molding as compared to traditional molding is the chief restraint in the global market. The significantly higher initial investment costs has discouraged manufacturers from opting for 2-shot injection molding for their production processes.Get Request For Discount On This Report @The market is also being stymied by the limited choice of material pairs that can be used for 2-shot injection molding. Furthermore, the long lead time of 2-shot molding machines is also estimated to hamper the growth of the market in the coming years.This review is based on Transparency Market Researchs report, titled 2-shot Injection Molding Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2016 - 2024.The global 2-shot injection molding market has been segmented as follows:2-shot Injection Molding Market - Product AnalysisPolypropylenePolycarbonateAcrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)PolystyreneOther Plastics (Nylons, PBT etc.)SiliconesStyrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR)Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPE)Other Elastomers (Nitrile Rubber, Natural Rubber etc.)2-shot Injection Molding Market - Application AnalysisMedicalAutomotiveConsumer GoodsElectrical & ElectronicsIndustrialPackagingOthersAbout 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:
Power Plant Boiler Market: Increasing Demand for Energy Witnessed Worldwide to Bolster Sales Opportunities 2024

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Albany, New York, March 07, 2017: The demand for power plant boilers has considerably increased in the last few years in response to the rapid urbanization and industrialization witnessed across emerging nations. In a report, titled Power Plant Boiler Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2016  2024, Transparency Market Research (TMR) provide key insights into various factors supporting the expansion of the global power plant boilers market. It predicts the markets trajectory between 2016 and 2024, besides discussing the factors potentially affecting the market.Browse Market Research Report @The report provides refined outlook for the global power plant boiler market between 2016 and 2024. To support its estimations, the report includes exhaustive information obtained from trusted industrial sources via proven methodologies. Information thus sourced it presented in a coherent chapter-wise format, logically interspersed with supportive graphs, tables, statistics, and infographs.The market is primarily gaining from the persistently rising energy demand worldwide. The increasing population is pushing the demand for energy, in response to rising urbanization and industrialization. With the phenomenon less likely to change anytime soon, the demand for power plant boilers is forecast to scale higher in the coming years. To cater to the rising energy demand, governments are allotting increased funds to the construction of new power plants and upgrading the existing ones.In the U.S., Netherlands, the U.K., and other countries, governments offer lucrative subsidies for authorities focusing on cleaner and alternative fuel sources such as natural gas, biogas, and biomass. All these trickles down in favor of the global power plant boiler market, creating lucrative opportunities to gain from in the near future. Considering this, the market will thus emerge gainer with the shale gas boon witnessed in the U.S.A power plant boiler is installed to produce stream by exposing water to heat energy. Boilers are typically used in industries requiring steam for diverse operations. The size and design of boilers to be installed is determined on the basis of their purpose of application. For instance, boilers installed for industrial applications are usually large in size and are connected to point-of-use piping.Regionally, the market players are witnessing lucrative opportunities in Asia Pacific. The rising demand in India and China have led to the birthing of many coal-based power plant projects. This in turn has propelled growth witnessed in the pulverized fuel boiler segment. In terms of technology, the demand for supercritical boilers is considerably high as they demonstrate better efficiency and ensure lesser carbon emission than subcritical boilers. Facilitated by the recent technological advancements the demand in the supercritical boilers segment is forecast to increase further in the coming years.Besides this, the ultra-supercritical boilers segment is projected to witness high demand in the coming years. The segment is likely to gain from the latest innovations and the greater performance of ultra-supercritical boilers in terms of efficiency and lower emissions.Fill the form for an exclusive sample of this report @Some of the most prominent enterprises operating in the global power plant boilers market are Siemens AG, Babcock & Wilcox, and AMEC Foster Wheeler.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.TMRs data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With extensive research and analysis capabilities, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques to develop distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.ContactTransparency Market ResearchState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesUSA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Potassium Lactate Market: Latest Trends,Analysis & Insights 2024

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A new research report by Transparency Market Research offers a comprehensive evaluation of the global Potassium Lactate Market. The study, titled Potassium Lactate Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2016 - 2024, is available for sale on the firms website.Potassium lactate is a colorless, odorless liquid obtained by neutralizing lactic acid with a potassium compound. It acts as a substitute of salt for low sodium application due to similar functionalities (such as excellent moisturizing and syneresis prevention) as that of salt. It does not have any off-flavors typically associated with other potassium products. Potassium lactate has been widely used in various end-user industries, such as food & beverages, health care, personal care, and cleaner & detergents, as preservative, humectant, antioxidant, and flavoring agent. It is also used to adjust the pH level. Furthermore, potassium lactate is used as an extinguishing agent in the first alert tundra fire extinguishers.Browse Market Research Report @The concentration level of potassium lactate is 60%; therefore, it is added directly to the cutter or the curing pickle.The global potassium lactate market can be segmented based on function, end-use, and region. In terms of function, the potassium lactate market can be divided into food additives, preservatives, emulsifiers, PH & acidity regulators, bulking agents, and others. Based on end-use, the potassium lactate market can be segregated into food production, cosmetics, clinical nutrition, personal care, and animal feed.The global potassium lactate market is expected to expand significantly during the forecast period. Rise in demand for potassium lactate in the food industry is one the major factors driving the market for potassium lactate. Addition of potassium lactate in food products can prevent the growth of pathogens, due to its ability to reduce pH. Potassium lactate is used to improve the quality of food due to its excellent moisturizing effects. However, potassium lactate has not been authorized for usage in infant foods or infant formulas. It is primarily employed in meat and poultry products in order to increase food safety and shelf life. Due to its high moisturizing properties as well as buffering capacity, it is used in a wide range of personal care products such as hair care, oral care, skin care, and soap & bath products. Growth in the personal care industry is anticipated to drive the market for potassium lactate. Rise in demand for potassium lactate in the health care industry is also anticipated to boost the market for potassium lactate during the forecast period. Increase in demand for beverage products is another factor fueling market growth. Potassium lactate is preferred in the detergent industry due to its excellent moisturizing properties.Fill the form for an exclusive sample of this report @In terms of region, the potassium lactate market can be divided into Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America North America primarily dominates the global potassium lactate market. The region is anticipated to maintain its dominance during the forecast period as potassium lactate is permitted in the U.S as flavoring agent in meat, poultry, and food products with no limitation other than current good manufacturing practice. The patent approval for potassium lactate for usage as additive in various food products in Europe is estimated to augment the market for potassium lactate in the region in the near future. Increasing demand for potassium lactate in pharmaceuticals and food & beverages industries in Asia Pacific and Middle East & Africa is projected to boost the market for potassium lactate during the forecast period.Key players operating in the global potassium lactate market include FBC Industries, Inc., Qingdao Baotai Refining Chemical Co., Ltd., American Elements, Henan Jindan Lacitc Acid Technology Co. Ltd., Lab M, Jungbunzlauer, and Chongqing Bofei Biochemical products, Ltd.Get Request For Discount On This Report @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.The study is a source of reliable data on:Market segments and sub-segmentsMarket trends and dynamicsSupply and demandMarket sizeCurrent trends/opportunities/challengesCompetitive landscapeTechnological breakthroughsValue chain and stakeholder analysisThe regional analysis covers:North America (U.S. and Canada)Latin America (Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Chile, and others)Western Europe (Germany, U.K., France, Spain, Italy, Nordic countries, Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg)Eastern Europe (Poland and Russia)Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, ASEAN, Australia, and New Zealand)Middle East and Africa (GCC, Southern Africa, and North Africa)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 UsTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:Visit :
Molded Plastics Industry Trends and key Insights by 2024

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This research study analyzes the market for molded plastics in terms of revenue (US$ Bn). The molded plastics market has been segmented on the basis of material, molding technology, end use applications, and geography. The geographical segmentation includes regions which are further divided into 20countries in the global molded plastics market. The report features a detailed regional segmentation with market growth forecasts for the 20162024 period. For the research, 2015 has been considered as the base year and 2016 is estimated year, while all forecasts have been given for the period from 2016 to 2024. Market data for all the segments has been provided at the regional and country-specific levelsfrom2016 to 2024.Browse Market Research Report @The report provides a broad competitive analysis of companies engaged in the development of molded plastics technologies for the molded plastics business. The report also includes key market dynamics such as the drivers, restraints, and opportunities affecting the global molded plastics market. These market dynamics are analyzed in detail and are illustrated in the report with the help of supporting graphs and tables. The report also provides a comprehensive analysis of the market with the help of the Porters Five Forces Analysis model, which helps in understanding the five major forces that affect the structure and profitability of the global molded plastics market. The forces analyzed are the bargaining power of buyers, the bargaining power of suppliers, the threat of new entrants, the threat of substitutes, and the degree of competition.The high-level analysis in the report provides detailed insights into the molded plastics business globally. There are currently numerous drivers for the market. The most prominent drivers include rapid growth in the packaging industry, decrease in oil prices along with technological advancements in plastic molding technologies. Lower oil prices help petrochemical companies improve margins, and it is becoming apparent that the profit margins of many of the petrochemical companies have improved quite considerably due to low oil prices boosting the demand for molded plastics. Market attractiveness analysis was carried out for the molded plasticsmarket on the basis of material, technology, application, region, and country. Market attractiveness was estimated on the basis of common parameters that directly impact the market.On the basis of material, the market has been segmented into polypropylene, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate (preforms), polyethylene terephthalate (others), and others. By molding technology the market has been segmented into injection molding, blow molding, thermoforming, and others (rotomolding andcasting).Fill the form for an exclusive sample of this report @Furthermore, the molded plastics market has been segmented by various end-use applications, including packaging, consumables& electronics, automotive & transportation, building & construction, and other applications. Growth in PET preform volume is due to high demand in the packaging of food &beverage. The market value for PET preforms is expected to expand at a CAGR of 8.6% between 2016 and 2024.The two major polymers, polypropylene and polyethylene terephthalate, are expected to constitute over 50% of the total molded plastics market share.In terms of geography, the market has been segmented into five regions: North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America. China is expected to remain the dominant market in the molded plastics with demand for molded plastic reaching 85,496 kilo tons by 2024. A zero tax agreement between ASEAN and China have created a stable position for ASEAN, which is expected to expand at a CAGR of 7.5% between2016 and 2024India is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. Favorable government regulations and emergence of medium and small enterprises in India have contributed significantly to the molded plastics market.Get Request For Discount On This Report @Key players in the molded plasticsmarket areBASF SE, Eastman Chemical Company, SABIC, Huntsman Corporation, LyondellBasell Industries N.V., INEOS Group AG, Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LLC, Reliance Industries Limited, Harwal Group, Al Watania Plastics, Obeikan Investment Group (OIG), and Takween Advanced Industries. The report provides an overview of these companies, followed by their financial details, business strategies, and recent developments.Molded Plastics Market: By MaterialPolypropylenePolyethylenePolyvinyl ChloridePolystyrenePolyethylene Terephthalate (PET)OthersMolded Plastics Market: By TechnologyInjection MoldingBlow MoldingThermoformingOthersMolded Plastics Market: By ApplicationPackagingConsumable & ElectronicsAutomotive & TransportationBuilding & ConstructionOther ApplicationsAbout 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:Visit :
Veterinary Radiography Systems Market Research Report by Application, Types, End-User, Regional Analysis and Forecast upto 2024

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North America Veterinary Radiography Systems Market: OverviewVisualization of the internal parts of the body using X-ray techniques is known as radiography. Radiography is a technique for recording and generating an X-ray pattern to provide image after exposure of radiation. There are two major type of radiography systems, direct X-ray and Analog X-ray. Digital X-ray systems use digital radiography technology that captures the image directly into the flat panel detector without the use of cassette. Analog X-ray systems include devices that use film or CR cassette based technology for medical imaging. It is the oldest technology in the veterinary radiography system market which has been replaced by digital X-ray. This report analyzes the current and future prospects of the veterinary radiography system market based on type of product, technology, application, end user and geography.North America Veterinary Radiography Systems Market: Research MethodologiesThe research is a combination of primary and secondary research, conducted for understanding and arriving at trends, used to forecast the expected revenue of the major radiography techniques in the near future. Primary research formed the bulk of our research efforts with information collected from in-depth interviews and discussions with a number of key industry experts and opinion leaders. Secondary research involved study of company websites, annual reports, press releases, investor presentations, analyst presentation and various international and national databases. The report provides estimated market size in terms of US$ Mn for each Product type, application, end user and geography for the period 2014 to 2024, considering the macro and micro environmental factors. The revenue generated from each product was calculated by considering number of products used in the procedures and their market demand as per their use, number of product launched, average cost of products of each sub segment, trends in industry, end user trend and adoption rate across all the geographies. The revenue generated for applications was calculated on the basis of prevalence of diseases in animals.Browse full report on Veterinary Radiography Systems Market -North America Veterinary Radiography Systems Market: ScopeThe market report comprises an elaborated executive summary, which includes market snapshot that provides information about various segments of the market. It also provides information and data analysis of the market with respect to market segments based on type of product, application, end user and geography. The market overview section of the report analyzes market dynamics such as drivers, restraints and opportunities that influence the veterinary radiography system market in the current and future scenario. The report also provides value chain analysis of the market that describes the sequence of activities involved from manufacturing to their final reach to the end users.North America Veterinary Radiography Systems Market: Competitive LandscapeMarket share analysis among the market players is analyzed to signify percentage share of the major players operating in the market. All these factors will help the market players to decide about the business strategies and plans to strengthen their positions in the global market. Based on geography, the market has been analyzed for countries of North America, U.S. and Canada.The report also profiles the major players in the market and provides various attributes such as company overview, financial overview, product portfolio, business strategies, and recent developments. Major companies profiled in the veterinary radiography system market report areSound-Eklin- VCA Company, Idexx Laboratories, Canon, Inc., Fuji Medical Systems, Carestream Health, Cuattro Veterinary, iM3/Durr Medical, Sedecal, and Vetel Diagnostics and some other players who are involved in the veterinary radiography system market.North America Veterinary Radiography Systems Market has been segmented as follows:North America Veterinary Radiography System Market, by ProductDigital X-rayDirectIndirectAnalog X-rayNorth America Veterinary Radiography System Market, by TechnologyComputed RadiographyDigital RadiographyFilm Screen RadiographyNorth America Veterinary Radiography System Market, by ApplicationOrthopedic and RheumatologyCardiologyOncologyNephrologyOthersNorth America Veterinary Radiography System Market, by End UserHospitalClinicsDiagnostic CentreResearch CentreRequest 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:
Smart Elevators and Escalators Market Rapid Urbanization & Several Infrastructure Development

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The global market by application is segmented into eight types: commercial, hotels, retail, residential, transportation, hospital, parking building and others. The smart escalators and elevators market is dominated by the transportation segment, followed by residential application.This increasing demand of smart escalators and elevators in the transportation segment is driven by large expenditure on airport development, ports and rail transport.The smart escalator and elevator market held a revenue of USD 96.63 billion in 2014 and expected to reach USD 162.56 billion, expanding at a CAGR of 6.3% during the forecast period.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.Register here for exclusive sample of this report: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.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.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:
Temperature Probe Market Research Report : Emerging Market Trends, Size, Share and Growth Analysis

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Temperature probes are used to measure the amount of coldness and heat energy, generated by a system. These sensors help in detecting physical change to the temperature producing digital output. Furthermore, temperature sensors are mainly used in sectors including healthcare, food & beverage, automotive and consumer electronics, defense industry. They have proved to be essential in serving the growing demand for advance automation in theTemperature sensors are used in various industrial applications, which need process control with high accuracy. These probes are mainly used for sensitive processes, which need controlled process environments for example in chemical mixing, monitoring. Industrial processes which frequently requires to test and measure equipments temperature and volume, also use temperature probes on large scale. For example, clinical research processes have highly controlled manufacturing environments.These probes play important role in manufacturing, handling, storing of medical equipment and drugs, as they maintain basic overall performance by monitoring temperature. The current developments in healthcare sensing probes are responsible for increase in the trend of continuous patient monitoring. As a result it can reduce overall healthcare costs and help to improve treatment outcomes. These medical sensors are capable of monitoring of vital signs, for example patients temperature and blood pressure that are directly recorded in the electronic format. It also reduces sloppy management of patient records and providing the user with the latest information. Currently consumer healthcare is amongst the major fields which holds a promising future for sensors with a fastest growth rate than all other applications.The escalating burden of chronic disorders as well as, the worldwide, surging population count has consequently propelled the demand for these equipments. Chronically ill patients and the large elderly population subset form the target population for the sensor-based devices as it is imperative for them to undergo routine checkups; thus, facilitating remote and point-of-care patient monitoring.Besides this, increased adoption rate of surveillance and checkup devices are further driving the temperature sensors market. In addition, factors such as strict government guidelines to ensure environmental safety and ongoing demand for electronic products and computing peripherals have kept the prospects of the market high.The raw material used for manufacturing plays a crucial role in sensor efficiency and durability. Use of new raw materials such as lithium-niobate and langasite has increased the measurement ranges of temperature sensors. However, silicon based sensors are primarily used owing to their availability and low cost as they are produced in bulk. Multisensors are increasingly used for mass applications owing to their stability which, is expected to drive overall temperature sensors market growth.Browse full report on Temperature Probe Market -Technical developments and advent of Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) are likely to create greater opportunities.The home healthcare category such as pregnancy kits and glucose monitoring kits is anticipated to witness lucrative growth over the years. The cost of diagnosis in hospitals and other healthcare units is high; hence, the preference of home healthcare equipments, such as diagnostic kits, over hospitals is observed to be rising. The high-unmet needs of the huge target population are expected to further open avenues for the market players in the industry.However, dominance of legacy technologies and awareness of end-users have hampered the market growth. Quality, accuracy of temperature probes and raw material used for manufacturing has hampered the market.The Global Market of Temperature Probe is segmented on basis of product type, application, end user, and geography. The market by product type includes fiber optic, temperature sensors IC, bimetallic, resistance temperature detector, IR temperature sensor, thermistor, and thermocouple. Based on applications, the market is segmented as surgical, diagnostic, therapeutic and monitoring. The end user of temperature probes include hospitals, physician offices, nursing homes, home healthcare facilities and others.Geographically, the market is segmented into six major regions: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Rest of the World (RoW). In terms of geography, North America followed by Europe account for the largest market share for because of availability of sophisticated primary, secondary, and tertiary-care healthcare settings supported the market. Moreover, the well-established reimbursement network, suitable government funding, and the increasing health awareness further facilitates the incorporation of the sensors in the medical devices.The Asia Pacific region is anticipated to witness a remunerative growth over the next few years. This can be attributed to the heightened number of individuals suffering from chronic disorders, such as diabetes, hypertension, and respiratory problems.The key market players active in the temperature sensor market are Analog Devices Inc., Maxim Integrated, Measurement Specialties Inc., Microchip Technology Inc., Honeywell International Inc., NXP Semiconductors, STMicroelectronics, Panasonic Corporation, Texas Instruments and Siemens AG.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.The study is a source of reliable data on:Market segments and sub-segmentsMarket trends and dynamicsSupply and demandMarket sizeCurrent trends/opportunities/challengesCompetitive landscapeTechnological breakthroughsValue chain and stakeholder analysisThe regional analysis covers:North America (U.S. and Canada)Latin America (Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Chile, and others)Western Europe (Germany, U.K., France, Spain, Italy, Nordic countries, Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg)Eastern Europe (Poland and Russia)Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, ASEAN, Australia, and New Zealand)Middle East and Africa (GCC, Southern Africa, and North Africa)Request for brochure of this report -About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector  such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Diallyl Phthalate (Cas 131-17-9) Market 2017 - DAISO,RASCHIG, Sumitomo Bakelite North America, Cosmic Plastics Inc

Diallyl Phthalate (Cas 131-17-9)

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Diallyl Phthalate (Cas 131-17-9) Market 2017 -A market study based on the "Diallyl Phthalate (Cas 131-17-9) Market" across the globe, recently added to the repository of Market Research, is titled Global Diallyl Phthalate (Cas 131-17-9) Market 2017. The research report analyses the historical as well as present performance of the worldwide Diallyl Phthalate (Cas 131-17-9) industry, and makes predictions on the future status of Diallyl Phthalate (Cas 131-17-9) market on the basis of this analysis.Get Free Sample Copy of Report Here :Top Manufacturers Analysis Of This ReportDAISORASCHIGSumitomo Bakelite North AmericaCosmic Plastics IncHallStarTangpu ChemicalThe report studies the industry for Diallyl Phthalate (Cas 131-17-9) across the globe taking the existing industry chain, the import and export statistics in Diallyl Phthalate (Cas 131-17-9) market & dynamics of demand and supply of Diallyl Phthalate (Cas 131-17-9) into consideration. The 'Diallyl Phthalate (Cas 131-17-9)' research study covers each and every aspect of the Diallyl Phthalate (Cas 131-17-9) market globally, which starts from the definition of the Diallyl Phthalate (Cas 131-17-9) industry and develops towards Diallyl Phthalate (Cas 131-17-9) market segmentations. Further, every segment of the Diallyl Phthalate (Cas 131-17-9) market is classified and analyzed on the basis of product types, application, and the end-use industries of the Diallyl Phthalate (Cas 131-17-9) market. The geographical segmentation of the Diallyl Phthalate (Cas 131-17-9) industry has also been covered at length in this report.The competitive landscape of the worldwide market for Diallyl Phthalate (Cas 131-17-9) is determined by evaluating the various industry participants, production capacity, Diallyl Phthalate (Cas 131-17-9) market's production chain, and the revenue generated by each manufacturer in the Diallyl Phthalate (Cas 131-17-9) market worldwide.Enquire Here :The global Diallyl Phthalate (Cas 131-17-9) market 2017 is also analyzed on the basis of product pricing, Diallyl Phthalate (Cas 131-17-9) production volume, data regarding demand and Diallyl Phthalate (Cas 131-17-9) 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 Diallyl Phthalate (Cas 131-17-9) across the globe.About UsQY Market offer latest market research reports 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 Chemica1l 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 HeadQY Market,155 North Wacker Drive,Suite 4250Chicago, IL 60606USA+17739042683sales@qymarket.biz
Global Dental Consumables Market: Dental Tourism in Developing Countries Promises Continued Growth, says TMR

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The leading players operating in the global dental consumables market held a share of 62% in the overall market. Danaher Corporation, Dentsply Sirona, Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc., and Henry Schein Inc. have been leading the market due to their low pricing strategy and excellent brand recognition, states Transparency Market Research. These players are expected to focus on mergers and acquisitions to improve their presence in the global market.According to Transparency Market Research, the global dental consumables market is expected to be worth US$33.4 bn by the end of 2024 as compared to US$19.6 bn in 2015. During the forecast years of 2016 and 2024, the global market is expected to surge at a CAGR of 6.1%.Download Exclusive Brochure of This Report :Europe to Acquire a Share of 41.1% by 2024The various products available in the global market are crowns and bridges, dental implants, orthodontics, retail dental care essentials, periodontics, endodontics, and dental biomaterials among others. Amongst all of these products, the crowns and bridges segment is expected to show remarkable progress in the coming years. This segment alone is expected to rise at a CAGR of 7.2% between 2016 and 2024.Geographically, this market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and Latin America. Europe is anticipated to lead the global market in the coming years due to improving oral health care facilities across countries such as Norway, Greece, Spain, and the U.K. By the end of 2024, Europe is projected to acquire a share of 41.1% in the global dental consumables market by 2024.Improvements in Dental Implants Assure UptakeThe emergence of services such as dental tourism in developing countries of India, Turkey, and Hungary have triggered a massive demand for dental consumables over the past few years. The low cost of oral health care services provided in these emerging economies has lured in several consumers over the past few years for treatment. The low labor cost, effective treatment methods, and minimum government intervention pertaining to healthcare industries in developing countries are expected to boost dental tourism, which in turn is expected to have a positive reflection on the demand for dental consumables.The improving success rates of dental implants, especially for the upper jaw is also likely to play a crucial role in the development of the global market. This has led to increased uptake of several procedures that use dental implants. The market is also thriving due to the growing incidence of dental diseases such as tooth decay, gum diseases, tooth erosion, and mouth sores. Furthermore, high prevalence of periodontal diseases have also fueled the growth of the global dental consumables market. The rising disposable incomes in emerging economies and changing lifestyles, which have inclined patients toward improved oral health care, are expected to drive the demand for dental consumables.High Cost of Treatment and Poor Reimbursement Policies Restrain Market GrowthThe increasing expenditure on the research and development of dental consumables has spiked the prices of products. Thus, the high cost of products has also made the treatment costlier, which is likely to have a negative impact on the sales. The poor reimbursement policies of in developed countries of France, the U.S., Germany, Spain, Italy, Australia, and Japan is also hampering the growth of the overall market as it is coaxing patients to migrate to cheaper places to seek treatment.This review is based on Transparency Market Researchs report, titled Dental Consumables Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2016 - 2024.Browse Global Strategic Business Report:The global dental consumables market has been segmented as follows:Global Dental Consumables Market, by ProductDental implantsDental Crowns and BridgesDental BiomaterialsOrthodonticsEndodonticsPeriodonticsRetail Dental Care EssentialsOther Dental ConsumablesGlobal Dental Consumables 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:
Spending on Corporate Wellness in APAC to Reach US$7.4 bn by 2024 as MNCs Encourage Fitness among Employees, finds TMR

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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.Download Exclusive Brochure of This 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.Browse Global Strategic Business 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:
Global Dicalcium Phosphate Market Size, Share, Statistics, Trends, Strategy, Segmentation Analysis and Forecast to 2021

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Market Synopsis of Dicalcium Phosphate MarketThe global dicalcium phosphate market has seen a positive growth over the past few years and it has been experienced that the demand for dicalcium phosphate will escalate during the forecast period. Dicalcium phosphate is majorly used in food supplement as a source of calcium and is very much helpful in keeping the food items fresh for a longer period of time. Additionally, dicalcium phosphate is used in animal feeding. The growing demand of dicalcium phosphate in application industries such as food production, beverage, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, animal feed and others have escalated the growth of dicalcium phosphate market. Owing to this, the manufacturers have an ample opportunity to cover the market by increasing the production capacity.Request TOC @SegmentationAs per MRFR analysis, the global dicalcium phosphate market has been segmented into:By Production Methods: phosphoric acid route and hydrochloric acid route.By Applications: food production, beverage, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, animal feed and others.Regional Analysis of Dicalcium Phosphate MarketThe global dicalcium phosphate market is poised to reach $XX million in 2015 from $XX million in 2021, with a CAGR of XX% during the forecasted period.Key PlayersThe leading market players in the global dicalcium phosphate market include Kemapco - Arab Fertlizers And Chemicals Ind., Shreeji Sales Corporation, Cap Biomaterials, Llc, Aliphos, Nutricorn Co. Ltd, Guangxi Mingli Chemicals Co., Ltd, Hebei Global Feed Additive Co.,Ltd, Guizhou Zerophos Chemical Co., Ltd., Tosoh Finechem Corporation, Aarti Group, Hindustan Phosphates Pvt. Ltd and others.Study ObjectivesTo provide detailed analysis of the market structure along with forecast for the next 5 years of various segments and sub-segments of the Global Dicalcium Phosphate Market To provide insights about factors affecting the market growth To analyze the Global Dicalcium Phosphate 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 application and production methods. 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 Dicalcium Phosphate MarketAccess Report Details @The report for Global Dicalcium Phosphate 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.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. 524/528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, HadapsarPune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
Market Research Hub (MRH) has recently announced the addition of a fresh report, titled Reinsurance in the US, Key Trends and Opportunities to 2020 to its report offerings. The report analyses information pertaining to the competitive landscape in the country, gives a comprehensive overview of the US economy and demographics, and provides detailed analysis of natural hazards and their impact on the US insurance industry. Request Free Sample Report: http://www.marketresearchhub.com/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=1067983 Synopsis Timetrics 'Reinsurance 
The Republican alternative to the Affordable Care Act could result in 465,000 fewer Oregonians with health insurance and would blow a $2.6 billion hole in the state's budget, according to a new state analysis.

The study forecasts that the ranks of Oregon's uninsured could balloon by 170,000 in 2019. The number could increase to 465,000 by 2026 -- triple the current number -- after the Medicaid expansion is rolled back.

"By all accounts, the Affordable Care Act has been a huge success for Oregon," said Gov. Kate Brown, who asked for the analysis of its potential replacement legislation. The analysis found "that for every step forward, this new proposal would take Oregon three steps back."

The analysis offers a preliminary look at the impact of the American Health Care Act, unveiled early this month to an avalanche of criticism from across the political spectrum. The state look was cobbled together by the Oregon Health Authority and the Department of Consumer and Business Services in just days.

By the time the Republican bill is fully implemented, it will be almost as if the Affordable Care Act never happened. The uninsured rate in Oregon plummeted under Obamacare from 17 percent to 5 percent. The state now predicts if the Republican bill is enacted, the rate will climb back to 15 percent.

Brown said thousands of health care jobs -- 23,300 to be exact, -- are at risk as well. Hospitals and coordinated care organizations, which serve the 1 million low-income Oregonians covered by Medicaid, have staffed up significantly to handle increased patient volume associated with the Affordable Care Act.

Brown said she will travel to the Capitol to lobby against the Republican bill. "I'll be going to Washington DC so that Congress will know exactly how their political games are affecting the people of Oregon," she said.

The Republican bill faces an uncertain future. It drew a withering response from both the left and right after its unveiling last week. This week the Congressional Budget Office offered a devastating review that said 14 million Americans will lose their coverage in 2018 -- 24 million by 2026 -- if the bill takes effect.

President Donald Trump made the repeal of the Affordable Care Act a centerpiece of his successful campaign. The act led to several tumultuous years in the insurance business as companies lost billions of dollars and some struggled to survive. Ratepayers faced repeated double-digit rate hikes.

Trump supports the bill championed by Speaker of the House Paul Ryan and Oregon Congressman Greg Walden. The President has not publicly distanced himself from the effort, even after the Congressional Budget Office report, despite his repeated campaign promises that no one would lose coverage under his alternative.

Pleasing both the left and right will be impossible. Moderates and progressives object to the plan for its tax breaks to the rich, the loss of insurance coverage for millions and its impact on the poor and elderly. Tea Party Republicans consider the Ryan plan an unacceptable, slimmed-down version of Obamacare.

Walden and Ryan have repeatedly told conservatives that the bill represents the kind of sweeping "entitlement reform" Republicans have long dreamed about. But by Wednesday, Ryan had backed off his earlier refusals to tweak the bill, telling his Republican colleagues that he was willing to consider changes.

"This bill is not about health care," Gov. Brown said. "It's about giving tax breaks to the wealthy."

The proposed legislation would roll back the 2014 Medicaid expansion that added 400,000 Oregonians to the federal system's rolls. Though Walden, a key proponent of the bill, vowed "not to pull the rug out" from any Medicaid member, the legislation would slash the federal government's contribution to the cost of insuring Oregon's poor after 2020.

Until this year, the federal government was contributing 100 percent of the cost of the expanded coverage in Oregon -- more than $2 billion a year. The funding formula for the expansion population changed slightly this year, with the federal government's share declining slightly to 90percent. The state is struggling to find the $350 million it needs just to meet its 10 percent share.

And it's not just ending the Medicaid expansion that figures to impact Oregon. The Republican bill would also fundamentally change how the federal government funds Medicaid at the state level, granting states a fixed, per-capita sum rather than just covering the program's expenses.

The state analysis figures the resulting hit to state coffers would reach $2.6 billion by 2023. This year, the state is already struggling with a $1.7 billion budget gap.

The state analysis cited a number of other changes called for by the Republican bill:

It would eliminate federal matching funds that pay for $150 million per year in Oregon for home- and community-based long-term care for the disabled. The program covers about 65,000 Oregonians, including 7,500 children and 18,000 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

It would restrict provider options and threaten access to family planning for more than 51,000 women who use Planned Parenthood.

The state predicts the Republican bill will be particularly tough on older adults and those with chronic illnesses. The bill allows insurers to set individual market insurance premiums for adults 50-64 five times higher than younger adults. The Affordable Care Act restricted the price multiple to three times as much.

The bill also would eliminate cost-sharing reductions that helped reduce premium costs and deductibles for the chronically ill, the state said.

Brandy Banner and her two-year-old daughter Luna, from Lincoln City, listened to the Governor's defiant remarks along with a crowd of other health care officials and supporters of the current system. Her daughter has cystic fibrosis, a chronic lung condition. Her daughter's medications alone cost $55,000 a year, double Luna's father's annual wage.

The Affordable Care Act has helped the young family pay those immense bills, Banner said.

-- Jeff Manning

503-294-7606, jmanning@oregonian.com
Melanie Segard is 21 years old, with a bright smile, a love of parties and restaurants, and a job at a packaging company.

And, oh yes: She also happens to have Down syndrome.

"I'm different," the French woman states on her official Facebook page, "but I want to show everyone that I can do a lot of things."

But there was one thing she had always wanted to do that had eluded her: to present the weather on television.

It seemed an improbable dream for someone with Down syndrome. Segard couldn't read or write, according to Le Parisien, and had no broadcast training.

But her lifelong wish was picked up by Unapei, a French nonprofit that advocates for "an inclusive and supportive society." It asked: Why couldn't a woman with Down syndrome present the weather on TV?

"These are people who, despite their disabilities, have abilities," Unapei's president, Luc Gateau, told the French news site La Croix, according to the Independent. And they "only ask to express them on condition that we take the time to welcome them in a universe able to adapt to their handicap."

In late February, the group launched a Facebook campaign in French titled "Melanie peut le faire" - "Melanie can do it" - that outlined her goal in the simplest terms.

"Hi everyone, my name is Melanie," the group wrote on Segard's behalf on Feb. 27. "And my dream is to present the weather."

She wanted to get 100,000 supporters, she said, and challenged a television station to allow her on a newscast if she succeeded.

The response was swift and overwhelming. Within a few hours, the campaign received more than 20,000 likes. Within days, it exceeded 200,000 supporters.

Hundreds of thousands of people wished her well in the comments. Catherine Laborde, a longtime French weather broadcaster, offered to be Segard's godmother.

"It would be a great honor for me," Laborde said in a video.

Not one, but two, television networks invited Segard to do the weather. She went with the national public network France 2, and trained for four days with the station's weather team. One presenter, Chloe Nabedian, gave her tips on how to present in front of a green screen.

Finally, Segard was ready for her television debut: a March 14 evening broadcast. That morning, she asked for people's encouragement on Facebook.

"Today is a big day for me," she said, alongside a video of her brushing her hair. Thousands replied.

"Go Melanie!" one Facebook user wrote. "Don't just give us the weather but also your smile and all the love of your heart. Bravo!"

Her older brother Cyril, who had followed her throughout her training, had just one piece of advice for his sister, according to the BBC: "Imagine you're alone at home doing the weather. Have fun."

On Tuesday night, Segard strode onto the set with the air - and the bright magenta top - of someone who had been on television news many times before.

Behind her, the usual presenter, Anais Baydemir, stood back and smiled as Segard took over the weather report:

For Saturday, there are clouds in the north and rain. . ..

On Sunday, clouds in three-quarters of the country. . .. Rain. Sun in Marseille. It's going to be very cool.

She broke out into a wide smile as the segment wrapped up. Baydemir grasped her hand and gave her a hug. Off the set, Segard flashed an enthusiastic thumbs-up as she was showered with hugs.

Her appearance had lasted only 30 seconds. However, France 2 later said Segard's presentation drew a record-breaking 5.3 million viewers, according to the Associated Press.

"I did it," Segard said on Facebook afterward. "I'm finally a weather girl."

--The Washington Post
The showdown over gillnets on the Columbia River may just be getting started again - and at the governor's request.

Two months after the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission narrowly voted to keep gillnets on the river in the summer and fall, Gov. Kate Brown has taken the unusual step of asking the volunteer panel to take another vote when it meets Friday in Corvallis.

For more than a century, Oregon and Washington have largely agreed on how to balance recreational fishing against commercial interests on the river, but earlier this year the states' wildlife commissions went in different directions.

Washington largely supports a management plan both states adopted in 2013, a package of reforms that helped defuse a ballot measure that would've eliminated gillnets altogether in favor of phasing out the practice over five years. The reforms, set in motion by then-Gov. John Kitzhaber and adopted by both state legislatures, would've moved gillnets to side channels and applied from the mouth of the river in Astoria to the Bonneville Dam. The reforms don't apply to tribal fisheries.

But in late January, Oregon's commission voted 4-3 to keep gillnets in certain seasons. Then Brown weighed in. In a Feb. 9 letter to Chair Michael Finley, she demanded the board revisit the issue and either adopt Washington's policies or a separate plan endorsed by Oregon's fish and wildlife staff.

The status quo is "not acceptable," Brown wrote. "It will make enforcement complicated, confusing and untenable," she wrote, "and put at risk ongoing funding and bi-state cooperation necessary for fishery reforms."

In a letter to his Washington counterparts last week, Finley asked for "common ground" and suggested another policy that would have that state move toward Oregon's policy.

Late Wednesday, Washington's commission responded and said the state "remains committed" to finding an agreement.

Commercial groups contend that Oregonians who don't fish depend on the gillnet industry to provide retailers with fresh salmon. They say gillnets are the only viable fishing tools that can be used to safely harvest salmon in bulk. Opponents say gillnets are indiscriminate killing tools that should not be used on the river. Recreational anglers also are angry they pay a fee to fish the Columbia, a pot of money that's been used to improve some off-channel areas for commercial fishing. Some 160,000 people paid the river fee in 2016, bringing in $1.29 million.

The Legislature separately approved a $1 million transition fund to help commercial fisherman who claim lost work as a result of the reforms. That pot of money hasn't been tapped yet.

What the commission will do is anybody's guess, but the battle lines are already being drawn.

Some sport fishermen said they would stop fishing in Oregon waters and buy Washington licenses if the commission doesn't change its position. "I think everyone who funded this scam should be refunded," Greg Spanos, a Hood River native, wrote to the commissioners Feb. 4.

On March 2, a coalition of Oregon Coast legislators encouraged the commission to "hold strong to your decision."

"The leadership you have shown is commendable," the lawmakers wrote.

A commercial fishing and crabbing Facebook page encouraged concerned fishermen to show up to the meeting.

On the other side, state Sen. Fred Girod, R-Stayton, predicted "significant pushback" from the sport industry if the commission doesn't change its vote. Girod, one of the backers of the 2012 ballot measure to ban gillnets, has said previously he would consider taking the issue to voters if the commission didn't reconsider its January decision.

Other longtime observers, such as Trout Unlimited Executive Director Tom Wolf, said they have no idea how the commission will respond to the governor's directive.

"I don't know how they're going to react," Wolf said, "But I'm going to bring a lot of popcorn [to the meeting]."

Wolf said he believes Brown shifted from a stay on the sidelines approach on the issue to intervention because of pressure from angling groups.

"I think she didn't realize how powerful the sportfishing community is," Wolf said.

The Association of Northwest Steelheaders started a petition urging Oregon to "live up to its bargain" and adopt the bi-state solution. The group also called on Brown to remove Bruce Buckmaster, whom they view as pro-gillnetting, from the board. The governor has the authority to remove commissioners.

Bryan Hockaday, Brown's spokesman, declined comment on why the governor pulled back from supporting the seven-member commission's process to calling for a revote. He also declined to say whether the governor had considered removing a commissioner.

"It is important to Governor Brown that the ODFW Commission work collaboratively to implement the Columbia River reforms," he wrote. "These new rules are pivotal to ensure sustainable fishing practices, while balancing the needs of Oregon's fishing communities."

UPDATE: An earlier version of this story conflated a Columbia River endorsement fee paid by anglers with a separate legislative-created transition fund for commercial fishermen..



-- Andrew Theen

atheen@oregonian.com

503-294-4026

@andrewtheen
E. coli O157:H7

A virulent form of E. coli -- O157:H7 -- is involved in an outbreak of soy nut butter.

(Janice Carr/CDC)

An E. coli outbreak at a Northeast Portland school has now sickened seven people, health officials said Wednesday.

Six of the sick people are children, and one is an adult, according to Multnomah County Health officials. They said all of the cases happened in a single classroom at Montessori of Alameda.

Multnomah County Health officials said Tuesday the cases are part of a nationwide outbreak of E. coli linked to a soy nut butter. The county announced the school outbreak last week, saying four people were sick and that two others were being tested.

Results show that four of the seven have the same O157:H7 E. coli strain found in the soy nut butter, said Dr. Jennifer Vines, Multnomah County deputy health officer. The three others have evidence of shiga-toxin producing E. coli.

Health officials are still waiting on lab results for those three people, among others, Vines said.

"We are working closely with families, staff, and school administrators to stop the spread of this infection and understand how this outbreak happened," she said in a statement.

Vines declined to provide additional information about the sick adult -- whether he or she is an administrator, teacher, volunteer or was in the classroom in a different capacity. She said one of the seven sick people has been hospitalized.

The school did not serve soy nut butter, but its owner told The Oregonian/OregonLive that one family had it at home.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said last week that nine states were affected by the outbreak with 16 sick, including two in Oregon.

Now it appears Oregon has nine cases, the most of any state. The other two are siblings in Clackamas County.

E. coli O157:H7 is a particularly virulent strain, causing kidney failure and even death. Anyone who has the recalled products should throw them away or return them to the store where they were purchased. The manufacturer SoyNut Butter Co. has issued a nationwide recall.

-- Jim Ryan and Lynne Terry
Portland police are seeking a former defense attorney they suspect played a role with a client in an alleged scam using stolen credit applications to make fake Oregon driver's licenses and open new accounts at Target and other stores.

Jeffrey Milstein, who resigned from the Oregon State Bar in November, was indicted Tuesday on charges of identity theft and second-degree theft.

He is accused with Brock Kelland, his one-time client, of using someone else's credit information to steal more than $100 in merchandise from a Target in Portland on March 5, the indictment said.

Kelland and Dominic Ray Grant George, another suspect, have since been arrested. Police are still looking for Milstein.

Milstein, 47, resigned from the bar while facing disciplinary action for ethics violations, said spokeswoman Kateri Walsh.

He had been an Oregon bar member since 2008. As of last spring, he had seven complaints against him. The bar upheld five of the complaints, including one from a former client who said Milstein kept his $18,170 divorce settlement check despite previously agreeing his fee was $2,500.

Last May, Milstein and Kelland were indicted on heroin and methamphetamine possession charges after Lincoln City police said they found the two and a woman parked at Chinook Winds Casino with drugs in the car. A jury acquitted Milstein last month in the case. Kelland admitted to possessing methamphetamine and was sentenced to 43 days in jail.

In the latest case, a Portland police detective saw George was selling a Fitbit wrist band and a GPS unit online on March 6 and discovered he had an outstanding warrant for his arrest, according to a probable cause affidavit. The detective responded to the ad and arranged to meet George, 25, at a Fred Meyer parking lot the next day to buy the Fitbit for $100.

Police arrested George on the warrant. They found that he was carrying two driver's licenses - each had his picture but a different name, the affidavit said.

They found a third fake license in George's car, along with heroin, methamphetamine and credit applications from an auto dealership, the court documents said. The names on the credit applications were the names on the fake licenses, the affidavit said.

George told police that he had the applications to open instant credit accounts at retail stores, buy items and sell them online for cash, according to the court papers.

He claimed he opened at least three instant credit accounts in Portland stores -- Target on March 5 and Macy's and Sears on March 6, the affidavit said.

Kelland and Milstein were at the Target on March 5 and bought items, the indictment alleges.

Were you affected in this case?

Police ask customers who have visited All Car Auto Sales at 20105 S.E. Mcloughlin St. in Gladstone and given them personal information to contact all three major credit bureaus to see if they've been victims of identity theft. For more information, visit

George is now accused of first-degree theft, identity theft, computer crime, unlawful possession of heroin and unlawful possession of methamphetamine.

Authorities arrested Kelland, 29, on March 10 after serving a search warrant at a Milwaukie home.

Investigators found more than 100 credit reports in the home that had been stolen from All Car Auto Sales in Gladstone, Portland police said. Kelland appeared to be using the credit reports to make fake licenses, said police spokesman Sgt. Pete Simpson.

Kelland faces charges in Multnomah County of first-degree theft, identity theft, second-degree theft and computer crime in the credit case, court records show. He also faces aggravated identity theft and other charges in Clackamas County.

A Portland detective went to the Gladstone dealership after Kelland's arrest and saw credit reports stored in boxes kept in a bathroom, Simpson said.

Chris Faraed, the dealership owner, said he doesn't know how the credit reports were stolen, but believes it happened sometime over the last few months. He believes most of the reports were filed last year.

"I'm still just shocked that this happened," Faraed said Wednesday. "I'm still trying to figure out how this happened and trying my best to let everyone know about it."

-- Everton Bailey Jr.

ebailey@oregonian.com

503-221-8343; @EvertonBailey
OregonSupremeCourt.jpg

The Oregon Supreme Court is considering whether the state's architectural board overreached when it fined an Oregon man $30,000 for selling pictures he'd drawn without a license.

(Oregon Judicial Department)

Anastasia Boden

In 2007, David Hansen was a recent college graduate with an architect's degree trying to make some money. He and his business partner, who was a licensed architect in Washington, started an architectural firm there. At the time, the economy was still sluggish and there was not a lot of construction. So, to earn some extra cash and to get the business going, they agreed to do marketing work for a property development company in Oregon.

Cognizant that they weren't licensed architects in Oregon, they limited their work to creating drawings of potential developments for the sole purpose of attracting investors. The drawings were not architectural "blueprints" or "plans," and could not be used for construction. In fact, if the development moved forward, the development company planned to hire Oregon-licensed architects to make the actual plans. David's task was essentially to draw pretty pictures for marketing purposes. David and his partner were shocked, then, when the Oregon Board of Architect Examiners slapped them with a $30,000 dollar fine for practicing "architecture" without a license.

David's story is just one example in a trend of licensing bodies interpreting their authority broadly to prevent people from competing with licensees. Both ends of the political spectrum are increasingly recognizing that occupational licensing has simply run amok. Advocates justify licensing laws in terms of public health and safety. But time and time again, studies have shown that in reality, these laws are often nothing more than entrenched business interests erecting barriers to competition. The result is to burden people who need economic opportunity, stifle innovation, and drive up prices for consumers. Worse, occupational licensing laws have a disproportionate effect on minorities and politically powerless groups, who do not have the clout to protect themselves from abusive legislation.

In some cases, licensing has become outright absurd. In California, for example, more training hours are required to become a cosmetologist (1,600 hours) than to become an EMT (160 hours). In Louisiana, you need to sit for an exam to get a license to be a florist. Of course, licensing boards have broad authority to impose requirements related to protecting public health or safety. But regulatory bodies often overreach their statutory authority for anti-competitive reasons that have no relationship to public welfare.

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Submit your essay of 500 words or less to commentary@oregonlive.com. Please include your email and phone number for verification.

Under the Constitution, government can't use its licensing powers just to dish out favors to entrenched business interests. David therefore challenged the Board of Architect Examiners' fine and won at the Oregon Court of Appeals. Not content with losing, the Board appealed the case to the Supreme Court, who heard argument in the case in January. Now the Court is slated to decide whether drawing pretty pictures without a license can lead to $30,000 worth of fines. As David argued before the Court, such reasoning is not only absurd, it's unconstitutional.

David wasn't trying to skirt the law, he was trying to earn a living. He's hopeful the Oregon Supreme Court will start reversing the trend of occupational licensing abuse.

Anastasia Boden is an attorney for the nonprofit Pacific Legal Foundation, which represented Hansen free of charge before the Oregon Supreme Court.
1walden.JPG

U.S. President Donald Trump (L) meets with House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Greg Walden (R-WA) and other committee chairs to discuss the American Health Care Act in the Roosevelt Room at the White House March 10, 2017 in Washington, DC.

(Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

A letter to Rep. Walden: The Republican American Health Care Act leaves 24 million Americans uninsured? The bill is a non-solution and a non-starter. It utterly fails the first rule of governance - to provide a degree of security for your constituents. You, Rep. Walden, standing next to Paul Ryan, are the embodiment of a death panel. You must do better than this or resign now.

Doug Hills, Southwest Portland

Dropping health care for millions: As a fourth-year medical student at OHSU, I would like to invite Rep. Greg Walden to our "Match Day" ceremony on this Friday, March 17. Across the nation at exactly the same time, 20,000 medical students open a sealed envelope and learn where we will be training as residents for the next three to seven years. Waiting for that result is stressful. Far more stressful than this uncertainty is the certainty that, thanks to Rep. Walden, more than 20 million people will lose access to health care coverage by the time we finish our training.

Anushka Shenoy, Northwest Portland
A federal judge Wednesday dismissed all criminal charges pending against Marcus Mumford, Ammon Bundy's lawyer, at the prosecution's request.

In a three-sentence order, U.S. District John C. Coughenour granted prosecutors' motion to dismiss two charges against Mumford without prejudice, meaning the government could bring them back in the future.

Judge's order dismissing criminal charges against Marcus Mumford

Mumford's lawyer, Michael Levine, had argued repeatedly that the deputy U.S. marshals engaged in "outrageous'' misconduct and lacked authority to wrestle Mumford to the ground and stun him with a Taser gun while he was arguing on behalf of Bundy in a federal courtroom last fall.

The scuffle occurred after Bundy was acquitted of all charges on Oct. 27 at the end of a five-week trial over the armed takeover of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge last winter.

Mumford was charged with failing to comply with official signs that prohibit the disruption of federal officers' official work and failing to comply with a federal officer's direction to stop resisting and to place his hands behind his back. A trial had been set for April 13.

Special federal prosecutors assigned to the criminal case against Mumford had filed a motion Monday to dismiss all the charges. It came on the first business day after a federal jury in Portland found four remaining defendants guilty on a variety of charges stemming from the occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge.

Acting U.S. Attorney John Harrington of the Eastern District of Washington declined to explain why his prosecutors chose to dismiss the charges now.

Specially assigned Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Ohms last month defended the criminal allegations, contending Mumford was blocking marshals from taking Bundy back into custody at the end of trial. When Mumford resisted arrest, he was stunned with the Taser, Ohms said.

Coughenour, a judge from the federal Western District of Washington, had been assigned to preside over the case. U.S. District Judge Anna J. Brown, who presided over the Bundy trial, and local prosecutors were recused from it. Brown, her courtroom deputy, law clerk and court reporter could have been called as witnesses at trial, Levine told the court last month.

Coughenour last month ordered prosecutors to turn over to Mumford's lawyer any text messages between marshals, federal protective service officers or court security on their government-issued cellphones that revealed "hostility'' toward Mumford "or in any way casts doubt on their credibility.'' The government also was ordered to turn over information that cast doubt on a witness' credibility, as required by law.

Mumford Monday night told The Oregonian/OregonLive that the prosecutors' move to dismiss the charges was "completely unexpected'' but welcome.

"On the one hand, I want to commend them for doing the right thing,'' Mumford said. "On the other hand, it makes me wonder why they did it. There's more unanswered questions.''

Mumford said he and his lawyer were waiting to receive discovery from the government that the court had ordered prosecutors to turn over and instead they saw the motion to dismiss the charges.

"I'm very pleased you know,'' Mumford added. "It allows me to take care of my own clients.''

-- Maxine Bernstein
Update at 5:30 p.m.: West Burnside is expected to remain closed through Tuesday, March 21, Portland Bureau of Transportation officials said. The hillside above the road is still susceptible to more landslides, spokesman Dylan Rivera said.

The closure may last longer depending on the weather, Rivera said. Weekend rain increases the risk of future slides, and the water from the landslide has damaged the road, he said.

The road is closed to anyone biking, walking or driving between Northwest Skyline Boulevard and Southwest Barnes Road, Rivera said.

***

The rain may have taken a break Thursday, but the Portland area had no such luck with landslides, as at least two new ones blocked area roads Thursday and another closed a Salem road.

And West Burnside Road remained closed as Portland Bureau of Transportation crews cleaned up debris from a slide that partially buried a car with three men inside Wednesday.

The Historic Columbia River Highway will be closed until at least Friday between Multnomah Falls and Angel's Rest because of recurring slides, the Oregon Department of Transportation said Thursday. The road was closed Wednesday after a slide blocked the road, but remained closed Thursday after another slide early this morning, spokesman Don Hamilton said.

The slopes above the highway have become saturated from rain, causing frequent slides that block the road, the department said. There have been five slides in the past four days, Hamilton said. The highway will reopen when it is safe enough for crews to remove debris, the department said.

Elsewhere, eastbound lanes of Northwest Newberry Road were closed by a landslide between Northwest Skyline Boulevard and Saint Helens Road.

Another slide blocked two northbound lanes of Interstate 5 north of Woodland, Washington on Thursday morning, the Washington State Department of Transportation said on Twitter.

Here's a look at the slide on NB I-5 north of Woodland from earlier. Still 2 lanes blocked, we're on-scene at this time. pic.twitter.com/EgEY8phgGU  WSDOT - Southwest (@wsdot_sw) March 16, 2017

In Salem, a landslide closed River Road South west of Owens Street early Thursday morning. The road is closed between Fairmount Avenue and the entrance to Minto Island Park. Officials gave no estimated time for it to reopen.

On Burnside, crews continued to work Thursday to clear the road, but it will remain closed through Thursday and Friday morning, Portland Bureau of Transportation spokesman Dylan Rivera said. The earliest it will reopen is Friday, but that is uncertain, Rivera said.

"We're not really prepared to speculate on when we might be able to reopen it," Rivera said.

Crews had worked to clear the slide all day Wednesday as well, Rivera said. They removed 744 cubic yards of debris Wednesday and had removed 240 cubic yards mid-Thursday morning, he said. They hope to remove another 200 to 400 cubic yards by the end of the day, Rivera said.

But the road will not reopen even after the lanes are clear because of the risk of continued slides, Rivera said. City engineers will reassess the risk Thursday afternoon. The landslide left a 120-foot crack in the hillside about 45 feet above Burnside, putting the area at further risk of a slide, Rivera said.

"The roadway may look clear, but the hillside next to the road could come crashing down at any minute, any hour," Rivera said. "So that's why it remains closed."

-- Samantha Matsumoto

503-294-4001; @SMatsumoto55
SALEM -- Oregon Secretary of State Dennis Richardson met with Education Secretary Betsy DeVos and Energy Secretary Rick Perry while in Washington, D.C. this week, drawing fire for aligning with the controversial education secretary and for potentially overstepping his bounds as the state's second-ranking official.

In describing this week's meetings, Richardson, a Republican, cast himself as a favored liaison to the White House.

Richardson wrote in a March 16 email to constituents that he is "not a policymaker" but is visiting the capital to better understand the Trump administration. Richardson said his goal is to secure funds for state programs and "promote Oregon's interests by building relationships with those who hold the keys of power in the White House."

"Although many Oregonians wish otherwise, Donald Trump is the president," said Richardson, who personally pens his constituent newsletters. "It is in Oregon's best interest to develop good relationships with his cabinet."

He was visiting the White House as a participant in an annual conference of lieutenant governors. Kate Brown also attended the gatherings when she was secretary of state. She declined to comment through a spokesman and would not take questions at an event Thursday.

Oregon does not have a lieutenant governor, and Richardson is first-in-line to the governorship should Kate Brown leave the office. But Richardson also has no duties beyond those of secretary of state. His office is charged with auditing state agencies, managing elections, keeping a registry of business and maintaining the state archives.

Richardson's positioning as a quasi-second-in-command and his meeting with DeVos drew ire from the Oregon Education Association, the state teachers union.

Union president Hanna Vaandering said it's "anybody's guess" what Richardson believes to be his role in education, "but resurrecting his failed plans for spending public tax dollars on private schools is bad for Oregon students and public education."

While a legislator, Richardson supported education voucher programs, according to the Portland Tribune. Voucher programs, which DeVos supports, allow government funding to follow a student to a school chosen by their parents -- at times funding private school tuition or reimbursing parents for homeschooling.

In his newsletter, Richardson described DeVos as an "activist" and supporter of "parental choice in education." Her support of voucher systems prompted cantankerous debate in the U.S. Senate over whether she should head the nation's public school systems.

Richardson said DeVos this week reiterated her support for granting parents greater latitude in choosing schools. She said students, parents and teachers can compromise on how to "customize learning," according to Richardson.

In the meeting with Perry, Richardson said the former Texas governor "recommended that states should come to him if they are having difficulty with energy projects due to federal bureaucracy." That's despite the Energy Secretary's limited powers to intervene on behalf of individual energy projects.

This week's trip to D.C. follows Richardson's travel to the capital in February for the annual conference of the National Association of Secretaries of State.

-- Gordon R. Friedman

GFriedman@Oregonian.com; 503-221-8209
After successes enacting paid sick leave and raising minimum wage during the last two legislative sessions, Oregon Democrats are looking to capitalize on the momentum to expand workers' protections once more.



To that end, they've introduced more than a dozen measures this year, from big-issue bills that ensure pay equity to more technical bills aimed at preventing wage theft and protecting on-call workers.

A proposal that would require employers to pay workers during family and medical leave is attracting the most attention.



While Democrats say this is a necessary step toward bringing supports for workers up to speed with those in other developed countries, Republicans could be in a position to block the bill as they try to limit new mandates.



Paid leave



House Bill 3087 is sponsored by House Democratic Leader Jennifer Williamson and Rep. Diego Hernandez, both Portland Democrats, along with Rep. Teresa Alonso Leon, D-Woodburn, and would set up a statewide family and medical leave insurance fund.



This fund would give employees up to 12 weeks of paid leave to care for themselves or a family member, plus an additional six weeks upon the birth or adoption of a child. Employees would be paid about 90 percent of their wages while on leave.



The program is essentially a payroll tax: Half a percent of every worker's pay would be routed to the fund, and employers would match the amount. A worker making $60,000 would bring home $25 less per month.

It also would prohibit employers from retaliating against employees who use the program.

Andrea Paluso, executive director of Family Forward Oregon, said the bill is critical for low-income people who can't afford to take time off to care for sick family members or their own health.



Some low-income mothers, she said, return to work within two weeks of giving birth.



"People are going back to work when they're still sick," she said. "They're feeling like they have to choose between their family member and their job."



Currently, most Oregon employers are required to give workers one week of paid sick leave. And while the 1993 national Family and Medical Leave Act gives most full-time workers 12 weeks off to care for themselves, a newborn or a family member, it doesn't require they be paid and most aren't.



A 2015 report by the U.S. Department of Labor showed that only 12 percent of private-sector employees had access to paid family leave.



Advocates for the program say it's long overdue. The U.S. is one of a handful of United Nations countries that don't have some type of national paid parental leave law.



But that could change: The demand for such programs is growing as global tech companies offer benefits packages with lengthy paid leave stints, and Ivanka Trump has pushed a proposal for six weeks of paid maternity leave.



Only three states -- California, New Jersey, and Rhode Island -- require paid family and medical leave. New York is on track to join them next year, and Oregon could follow.



Because HB 3087 raises new revenue, it faces additional hurdles: After passing out of its current committee, it goes to the House Revenue Committee, then to the House floor for a vote.

There, it needs a "yes" vote from three-fifths of the chamber to continue to the Senate. But because House Democrats are one member short of a supermajority, the bill may die there.



Betsy Earls, lobbyist for Associated Oregon Industries, said her group is willing to work with advocates on the bill and, while not keen on new taxes, would likely support a pared-down version.



Earls said employers in her coalition would like to see the number of weeks reduced as well as the qualifying conditions - at least this time around.



"Employers have absorbed a lot over the last couple years," she said, between new paid sick leave laws and higher minimum wage. "It's getting tough. It's been expensive. People are just now absorbing the costs."

But Williamson says there's no time to lose.



"These are bills that disproportionately impact low-income workers, women, people of color, and so for those working Oregonians, I don't think we can move fast enough to help support them."

Savings account

Meanwhile, House Republicans have their own answer to paid medical and family leave: a pre-tax savings account.

House Bill 3336, sponsored by Reps. Jodi Hack, of Salem, and Knute Buehler, of Bend, would function like a health savings account: employees and employers would have the option to contribute. The worker could then draw money from the account to cover costs during leave.

Rep. Jodi Hack, R-Salem, speaks against one bill's approach to raising the minimum wage Feb. 18, 2016. This year, Hack is pushing a bill that would establish a pre-tax savings account for family and medical leave.

Hack says her bill enables workers to plan for both unexpected illnesses and expected time off after pregnancy or planned surgery. And those who don't make much could still contribute a little bit, which could add up over time with an employer match, she said.

"There's an opportunity for everybody," she said.

As for those who don't expect to need money for medical leave then do, Hack acknowledged that it's difficult to plan for everything.

"But at the same time, I think we have a responsibility to try to plan ahead as best we can, no different than any type of insurance," she said.

Williamson, though, said it would take a worker years to save up enough to cover the time needed to care for a sick parent or a newborn.

"You can't plan for a loved one's medical emergency," she said in a statement. "By contrast, (our bill) is simple to use, is equitable, and would be available for every worker paying into the system when they need it."

Other measures

Pay equity is another bill that's gotten a lot of attention. House Bill 2005, sponsored by more than a dozen Democrats, would prohibit employers from basing a worker's salary on previous salaries. Instead, they would need to base salaries on those of employees doing "substantially similar" work.

Paluso said the primary goal is to raise wages for women, who are more likely to take pay cuts when returning to the workforce after having a baby or caring for family members.

The Senate is hearing a companion bill, Senate Bill 752.

Two other bills would expand workers' rights in more targeted ways. House Bill 2193 would protect on-call workers by forcing employers to pay their workers at least four hours' wages if the employer cancels or curtails a shift, and House Bill 3008 would make it illegal for an employer to falsify timecards.

Rep. Paul Holvey, D-Eugene, who chairs the House Labor Committee, said he hopes to pass bills that help workers and businesses alike. The successes in previous years doesn't mean Democrats should slow down on workers' rights bills, he said.

"I don't take issues off the table because we've accomplished something else," he said. "I'm always looking to improve Oregon for the people who live here. ... I think workers that are successful and can make a decent living are a huge bonus to our economy, and we should do everything we can to have that kind of economy."

-- Anna Marum

amarum@oregonian.com

503-294-5911

@annamarum
A judge in Hawaii on Wednesday blocked President Donald Trump's revised ban on immigration and travel from six majority Muslim nations. And much of the internet is lobbing "I told you so" tweets directly at senior White House policy adviser Stephen Miller.

That's because of an interview Miller gave to Fox News where he said of the new order: "Fundamentally, you're still going to have the same basic policy outcome for the country, but you're going to be responsive to a lot of very technical issues that were brought up by the court, and those will be addressed."

That quote was presented by the State of Hawaii in U.S. District Court as evidence against the new travel ban. The court cited Miller's statement, in addition to remarks made by former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani and Trump himself, in its decision to temporarily block the order.

Federal judge says Trump's own "Muslim ban" statements + Rudy/Stephen Miller comments "betray the Executive Orders stated secular purpose" pic.twitter.com/ObZmIpw2qH  Bradd Jaffy (@BraddJaffy) March 15, 2017

The internet immediately kicked into overdrive.

Everyone pause to give a slow clap for Stephen Miller, strategic genius, giving court reason to strike down White House travel ban. pic.twitter.com/1woJLFWjyf  pourmecoffee (@pourmecoffee) March 15, 2017

seemed like this was inevitable the moment Miller said it https://t.co/tk2XlOhblp  Matt Pearce  (@mattdpearce) March 15, 2017

tfw youre still going to have the same basic policy outcome pic.twitter.com/MoeherJ3rX  Ashley Feinberg (@ashleyfeinberg) March 15, 2017

It's almost like the Stephen Miller wing doesn't know what it's doing.  Noah Rothman (@NoahCRothman) March 15, 2017

Folks weren't too kind to Giuliani, either.

@Popehat Between Giuliani and Miller who has helped the ACLU more?  Murphy's 2nd Law (@MurphysicalLaw) March 15, 2017

The president hasn't made a public statement on the most recent court decision. The latest tweet on his timeline is a video of crowds waiting for Trump to speak in Nashville, Tennessee.

In Nashville, Tennessee! Lets MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! pic.twitter.com/m5UR4vv6UH  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 16, 2017

Trump will appear on Fox News' "Tucker Carlson Tonight" at 6 p.m.

--Eder Campuzano | 503.221.4344

@edercampuzano

ecampuzano@oregonian.com
(Loretta Niedbala (spent her first six years in Hamtramck where her mom and dad, Michael and Josephine Niedbala, had settled after traveling to America on a freighter. Hamtramck was the center of Polish life and culture at the time.

Josephine Niedbala worked in a cigar factory in a four square mile area in Detroit where five cigar factories employed young Polish immigrants, mostly women. The tobacco companies bought their product from nearby Ontario. Michael stayed home and took care of their first daughter Genevieve, born in 1929.

In 1934 a second daughter they named Loretta was born in Hamtramck and spent her early years there surrounded by the only culture that she knew and loved. By 1940 when the Niedbalas third daughter Gladys was born, Michael had purchased 40 acres of farmland in Gladwin County, built a house and moved his family there.

At 14, Loretta moved to Midland and worked for Delores Cassidy so she could attend Midland Senior High School on Rodd Street. She left the first job she had with Delores Cassidy to work for Roberta and Robert Good until she graduated from high school. She worked first for J. C. Penney and then for Dr. George Stanford. In 1956 Loretta Niedbala met her future husband Richard Miller who would make his mark in the Real Estate business.)

Richard Miller was an only child, born to Cora and Earl Miller on September 2, 1932 in East Detroit. The Millers owned a bar and restaurant in East Detroit and when Dick was five years old he was sent to the Barbour Hall Junior Military Boarding School in Kalamazoo, graduating from there when he completed the eighth grade.

Cora and Earl Miller owned a cottage on Wixom Lake where Earls dad Fred lived. Dick decided to live with his grandfather and attend high school in Beaverton. The extraordinary work ethic that Dick inherited showed itself even when he was in high school. He had a dry-cleaning route around Wixom Lake which earned him spending money.

Having worked in the bar and restaurant that his dad and mom owned in East Detroit, Dick decided to take up hotel restaurant management at Michigan State University. After two years, he decided that he wanted to be a chef and dropped out of Hotel Restaurant Management to finish his degree, graduating as a chef.

By now the Korean Conflict was in full force and Dick was drafted into the Army. Because of his cooking skills, he became a chef in the Officers Club. Returning to civilian life after his tour of duty, he continued pursuing his career as a chef in many major restaurants including his folks tavern in East Detroit.

In 1953 he returned to the Midland area and began working for The Dow Chemical Co. while pursuing real estate sales.

In 1956 Dick met a young woman named Loretta Niedbala at the Argonaut in Houghton Lake, Michigan and the next year they were married on Sept. 14, 1957.

Dick and his dad Earl opened Strout Realty, just one of the2,000 offices that Strout Realty had across the country. Then Dick and Earl joined Ketels Realty but that closed after the unexpected death of the owner.

By now it was 1960. Dick and Loretta had one little girl and Loretta was expecting their second child. Dick decided to take the plunge and go into business with Vern and Gwen Christensen.

Loretta said, We were living on Lancaster Street. Dick quit Dow. I was pregnant for Christi. Natalie was two years old. We lived on $3,000 the year Dick opened Miller-Christensen.

But selling real estate was Dicks field of expertise. Extremely likeable, he was born to be a salesman. Miller-Christensen expanded, opening offices not just in Midland but in Beaverton, Sanford, Grayling, Auburn and Mount Pleasant. In 1983 Miller-Christensen merged with Coldwell Banker. In 1990 mergers again took place and the business became Coldwell Banker Alliance Group.

Loretta remembers the many trips they took traveling to real estate conventions in San Francisco, Phoenix, Hawaii, New Orleans and Florida to name a few convention sites. But in 2012 Dick Miller was eighty years old and had spent over half a century in the real estate business. He decided to retire.

Their four children are married and established in their own careers. Natalie lives in Grand Rapids and works for Atlas EPS. She and her husband have one son and one daughter. Christi lives in Dearborn, has two sons and works for the Acosta Company. Greg lives in Southfield, has followed his dads footsteps into real estate and has one son. Mark lives in California and too, has followed his dad into real estate. During his career he has scouted out sites for companies like McDonalds, BoRics (80 sites), CBS and Panda Express.

Life has been full for the little girl who grew up in Hamtramck, part of the Polish culture of her parents, Josephine and Michael Niedbala. She remembers growing up on a farm and the hard work it meant. She remembers working for her room and board in private residences in Midland so she could attend high school. She remembers the years after graduation and sharing an apartment on Jerome Street with Norma Wasmuth, a former classmate. She remembers meeting her future husband Dick Miller at the Argonaut Ballroom in Houghton Lake and her marriage in 1957. She remembers the early years when Dick was getting established in the real estate business and she remembers how suddenly it ended.

Lorettas life, like a book, has been divided into chapters. Chapter one was her childhood in Hamtramck. The next chapter was her life on a farm in Gladwin County. Chapter three were the teen years, graduation from high school and living on her own. The next chapter saw her married and becoming a mother. Then the years filled with traveling as she and her husband Dick Miller attended real estate conventions from California to Hawaii. Books are sometimes filled with sadness and Loretta watched her husband pass away on Fathers Day, 2015 after a brief illness.

Now her story continues. Henry Ward Beecher perhaps said it best: What the heart has once owned and had, it shall never lose.
The possibility of a wind park in Ingersoll Township has some residents concerned. But, DTE spokesperson Scotty Kehoe said the company is still in the exploration stage of determining where wind conditions and land would be appropriate for wind turbines.

Were so early in the process and are now just evaluating what areas might be a possibility, said Kehoe, DTE Energy regional manager for corporate and government affairs. Were meeting with land owners to discuss interest before we even begin to design a wind park.

Kehoe was not able to be reached by the Daily News for an earlier story on the possible wind park because he had been in the field helping to restore customers power after the recent strong wind storms hit Michigan.

It was all hands on deck. I am just now getting back to my desk. Kehoe said on Wednesday.

DTE is in the exploration stage of determining whether three Midland townships  Ingersoll, Mount Haley and Porter  would be an appropriate setting for a wind park.

Were also exploring areas throughout the entire state (of Michigan), Kehoe said.

Area residents will be able to meet with Kehoe on Wednesday, March 22, when he will be available to answer questions at Ingersoll Township Hall, 3026 S. Sasse Road. The town hall meeting will begin at 7 p.m.

It is very important at DTE that we are very courteous and respectful, Kehoe said. We want to share information, inform people what is going on and hear feedback. I know it is a cliche, but we want to be a good neighbor.

The southern part of Ingersoll Township has plenty of open, farm lands that could be suitable for a wind park.

Ingersoll Township Supervisor Chuck Tabb has already received opinions on both sides of the issue.

There are some residents of the county who have been approached and are in favor. Theyve given me some input. But, we do have some strong anti-wind turbine (stances) from farmers who own lots of land, said Tabb in an earlier Daily News article.

Kehoe realizes that the March 22 meeting might be filled with emotion on both sides.

There will be some resistance and that is OK, he said.
BLOOMINGTON  Fresh Thyme Farmers Market is expected to open in May at the former Cub Foods location in Bloomington.

Fresh Thyme will occupy roughly half of the building at 403 N. Veterans Parkway, said store director Eric Snow. The other half is home to The Great Escape, a regional leisure and recreation chain.

Fresh Thyme is a place for healthy eating on a budget, said Snow.

The grocery store will sell produce, including locally grown fare, and natural living items like vitamins and body care, said Snow. According to the website, most of the produce will be organic with a large selection of fruit and vegetables.

The store will also include a deli, pizzeria, meat department, wine and beer selection, fresh-squeezed juice bar, olive bar and salad bar.

The Fresh Thyme website describes the store as simple and easy to navigate without tall aisles or glitzy fixtures. Its labeled as a mix of a weekend farmers market and neighborhood grocery store.

It will be a smaller environment (than most grocery stores) where its more convenient to shop for fresh items, said Snow, adding the store will be around 30,000 square feet in size.

Snow said the store is in the process of hiring about 100 employees with doors opening in early May. The grocery store will be open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
Fast relief

One of 40-plus such events around the U.S. and Canada, the Illinois edition of the Mennonite Relief Sale returns for a 59th weekend at its berth of recent times, the Interstate Center in Bloomington. Proceeds from the sale go to the needy stateside and in 60-plus countries around the globe. The sale starts at 4:30 p.m. Friday and 6 a.m. Saturday, and features food, auctions, markets, booths, live music and on and on. Admission and parking are both free.

Laughing matters

For those needing some relief above and beyond what the Mennonites are offering else this weekend, laughter's still the best medicine as someone once prescribed. At The Chateau Hotel in Bloomington, it's Tickle for the Troops at 8:30 p.m. Saturday, featuring comedians Sonya D., B. Cole, Chastity Washington and D-Rock in a show being taped for DVD release to U.S. military bases around the globe ($20). And, at the Normal Theater, the Normal's Top Comic contest continues with its second installment, featuring another preliminary round, at 8 p.m. Monday.

Back home again

Welcome home, IWU Collegiate Choir, back where they belong after their annual spring concert tour, a 10-concert odyssey that took them in an easterly direction, Indiana to Ohio to Pennsylvania to New York to Connecticut. You can sample what easterners heard in the 48-voice choir's traditional homecoming concert, at 8 p.m. Tuesday in downtown Bloomington's Second Presbyterian Church. The eclectic concert bill includes something for everyone, from Brahms to Bach, Aaron Copland and Ralph Vaughan Williams.
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BLOOMINGTON  An ordinance that would prohibit local police from working with federal immigration officers was formally presented Thursday by advocates who believe immigrants face a greater chance of deportation under the Trump administration.

Standing behind a banner of "Keep Families Together," 16 supporters of the proposed "Welcoming City" ordinance, including leaders of the local faith community, explained why they think the new policy is needed in McLean County.

Clarissa Kastner, a former teacher who moved back to the U.S. with her husband from Mexico, said her family is fearful that he could be detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers as he completes the citizenship process.

"We know if he's suspected of commiting a crime  even a traffic violation  he could be deported," said Kastner at a news conference held at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Bloomington.

Kastner said she's heard from parents seeking advice on how to talk to children about the fear of removal by federal agents. Children are living with "toxic shock," said Kastner.

Sonny Garcia, a board member of Illinois People's Action, the group sponsoring the ordinance, said a proposal by the Bloomington and Normal city councils to adopt a statement that supports immigrants  rather than a formal ordinance  doesn't go far enough.

"A statement is not policy. What we need desperately is a policy that guarantees that law enforcement won't work with immigration," said Garcia, who vowed that supporters are "here for the long haul."

On Thursday, Normal Mayor Chris Koos stood by his earlier opposition to the proposed ban on cooperation between local police and federal agents. The council has not had a chance to address the ordinance, said Koos.

But council members who provided feedback to the mayor "had no interest" in pursuing the ordinance, said Koos.

In February, Bloomington Mayor Tari Renner said a proclamation of support for immigrants is more likely to receive council support than a document that could put police at odds with federal agents.

Bloomington Police Chief Brendan Heffner and Normal Police Chief Rick Bleichner also withheld support for the measure, citing possible limitations officers could face in situations involving immigrants.

The chiefs and McLean County Sheriff Jon Sandage said they have no plans for their officers to become sworn ICE agents  a practice some police agencies have adopted since Trump took office in January.

The current policy in McLean County is for a person's immigration status to be determined after his or her fingerprints are submitted to the FBI when they are booked into the jail. If a federal detainer is issued, the jail notifies ICE before the person's release.

Charlotte Alvarez, staff attorney with The Immigration Project, said her agency has been receiving more calls on the issue.

"We're seeing a lot of fear  both founded and unfounded," said Alvarez, adding that federal policy has left many illegal immigrants now afraid of police. "It makes every interaction high stakes," she said.

Both city councils can expect a request soon from the IPA to discuss the proposal. The McLean County Board also is on the IPA list.
SAYBROOK  Saybrook American Legion member Joe Hale is glad the McLean County town of about 700 people is doing what other towns have done to honor their veterans.

When you drive through southern Illinois, you will see that almost every town, no matter how big or how small, has a nice memorial to honor the veterans, said the post adjutant for American Legion Post 427. Saybrook needs the same thing.

The Legion is developing the monument in partnership with the Saybrook Sons of the American Legion on an empty lot the Legion owns in downtown Saybrook. It features a concrete square with a center field to be filled with engraved bricks and three flagpoles, but more work is planned.

We dedicated it last year during our Fourth of July celebration, he said. Its an ongoing project and we are doing it in phases.

The concrete work was donated by Butler Construction of Saybrook.

Donors can pay for the bricks, which will be engraved with the names of veterans. The bricks are available in four sizes, in prices ranging from $100 to $2,000, Hale said, depending on how much text the buyer wants engraved on it.

Hale, a Vietnam veteran, is purchasing one that will have names from four generations of his family on it: his grandfather, who was in World War I, his father, who was in World War II; his own; and his son, who was in the Persian Gulf War.

We have room for about 700 bricks and we are trying to get the word out, Hale said, noting the difficulty is finding ways to reach out beyond the core group of community residents. Its chicken fry season, and our problem is that once you get the word out to that crowd, you dont have a lot of new people (beyond that crowd) to touch base with."

Hale said the group hopes to raise about $50,000 for the project.

We would really like to make this nice and have something that Saybrook and our veterans can be proud of.

In LeRoy, volunteers are building a wall displaying the names of local veterans dating back to World War I.

Anyone wishing to donate or wanting more information on the Saybrook project can call Hale at 309-475-8150 or Jim Quinn, Legion treasurer, at 309-475-2601.
In a Feb. 28 story, mayoral candidate Ian Bayne blamed his loss in the recent primary on "liberal Republican(s who)  aligned with the Democrat(s)." He presumably meant to criticize any Republican foolish enough to be considered a liberal. I would take a different view.

Liberal is not a term of derision but respect. Liberals work to protect individual freedom and equality. Liberals uphold equal justice under the law for all persons; they deem the free exercise of religion a fundamental right; celebrate opportunities for moral development; and bravely face inconvenient facts and new ideas. Their stance is honorable.

It is a far cry from the bias of the 45th president, who mocks the disabled and repeatedly judges people not by their actions, but by their religion or ethnicity.

Many local Republicans emphasize their connection to Abraham Lincoln, a founder of the Republican Party. They should remember that Lincoln was a liberal who resisted an aggressive war against Mexico and condemned anti-Catholic bigots in his own party.

Central Illinois liberals will be watching those who today claim to be proud members of Lincolns party. Will they demonstrate a moral character like the man they claim to honor?

Jim Simeone, Bloomington
Photograph by Jamie Morgan



Grace Wales Bonner's ascent in the men's fashion world has been electrifying. In only six seasons, the British designer has established a clear vision for her namesake label Wales Bonner, one that thoughtfully examines questions of identity, race and gender, particularly as it applies to men of color. Her interpretations of these interrelated ideas are often inspired by distinct historical figures, ranging from 20th Century Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie to Malik Ambar, a 16th Century Ethiopian slave who became a ruler in India. Many of her designs embark on fresh ways to consider masculinity and menswear, featuring detailed embroidery and embellishment as well as tailoring that blends masculine with feminine and European with African and South Asian silhouettes. Her work has not gone unnoticed; one year after graduating from Central Saint Martins, she took home the Emerging Menswear Designer award at the 2015 British Fashion Council awards, following that up a year later with the prestigious LVMH Prize. She recently collaborated with Dover Street Market on a curated space within their London Haymarket store, and here she talks more about that experience, her relationship to DSM's Adrian Joffe and Rei Kawakubo and what her own retail space may one day look like.

What was it like working with Dover Street Market to create a space of your own?



It was great to create a space with them and find a way for me to represent the collection physically. The space was an attempt to give a broader insight into my inspirations and references, like the writers that had inspired me -- I included quotes on the wall by Amiri Baraka and Sun Ra. I was thinking about arranging the clothes as if they were in a contemporary gallery space, trying to create a balance between craft and minimalism. The main inspiration for the design was Four Decades, the David Hammons show at Mnuchin Gallery I had seen earlier in the year.

What did the experience teach you about what you may (or may not) want to do if/when you open your own store?

It is interesting to think about how you can tell your story to the customer, and I feel like there is a lot to learn through testing things out in the space. DSM feels like a very open environment for experimentation, which will help me to fine-tune how I would like to present Wales Bonner. I always love the feeling of discovery in the store, and with my own projects I feel like it's important to be able to communicate the depth of the story in the space, so people can engage with it on different levels.

Looks from Wales Bonner's Spring/Summer 2017 collection; photos by Mitchell Sams



Can you share more about your relationship to DSM and also to Adrian Joffe, Rei Kawakubo and Comme des Garcons?



I met Adrian and Rei after my second collection when they came to the showroom in Paris, which was quite a surreal moment for me. Dover Street Market have been incredibly supportive since then. It is a ground-breaking store, so it is an honor to be part of it. I feel they are very nurturing and understanding of new talent and are willing to take risks. They have also built a visionary team. Adrian has also been personally very supportive -- he is very low-key and accepting, but also very precise and considered. He really understands positioning and how you can connect to your customer in a very authentic way.

When was the first time you remember coming across their work? To what extent have they influenced/impacted you while coming up in fashion?

While at Central Saint Martins, our teachers would always encourage us to visit DSM as much as possible. I would often visit the store and obsess over the finishings. The space became a great source of inspiration and gave me confidence that there could be an audience for what I was doing. Comme des Garcons is a brand that shows me how far you can go, and how conceptual you can be with fashion. I am also interested in the way they balance creativity and commerce in a way that doesn't compromise their values and identity. It is essential for me to have that example in mind when I am developing collections.




The ninth season of RuPaul's Drag Race doesn't air for another week but RuPaul still wants to give us a completely unexpected special announcement. While interviewing with Hollywood Today Live, the Drag Race creator and host revealed that he had married his partner of 23 years back in January.



RuPaul's hubby is one George LeBar, an artist who lives on the border of South Dakota and Wyoming (which RuPaul described as "boring and the most isolated place on earth"), who, according to RuPaul, "doesn't care about show business at all." Instead, George spends the majority of his time at homegranted, it's a home that sits on a 60,000 acre ranch. Apparently, whenever RuPaul visits, he "dresses up in the most gorgeous western wear outfits, but nobody cares."

The Emmy Award winner has been dating George long distance for the majority of their relationship, but the two of them are able to see each other every couple of months. When they do, RuPaul said that "we want to go to somewhere fabulous," frequenting hot vacation spots like Maui and New York.

But the announcement we all wanted (but had no idea that we did) came when host Ross Matthews, after acknowledging that the couple had been together for 23 years (and, let's face it, 23 years is a long time), asked RuPaul if he had any plans to ever get married. RuPaul calmly spilled the tea, saying, "I've never said this on television before, but we are married." He followed up by recalling that the two first met each other "on the dancefloor at [iconic New York City gay nightclub] Limelight in 1994 on [George's] birthday" and then revealed that the happy couple decided to tie the knot on the 23rd anniversary of that meeting.

Give me a second to stop tearing up. It's just all so romantic!

Splash photo via Instagram


It's that time of year again: the world's best and brightest musical sensations descend on Austin to shake up the city at SXSW. We spoke to a few PAPER darlings to hear what's up down South and discover their darkest secrets.

Is it your first time in Austinif yes, what are you most excited for? If no, what non-music thing about the town do you love the most?

I think Austin is my favourite city and I've only been here a few hours. Some cool things are the building that is an owl from certain angles, the bats and the bike racks on the front of the buses.

Tell us about a set other than you're own you're looking forward to.

Marika Hackman!

Can you tell us an artist you love but would rather die than be caught listening to?

Ourselves.

What's the most embarrassing lengths you've gone to to look cool on social media?

We know there's no hope of us looking cool on social media so we don't even try.

What's the last DM you've received from/sent a stranger?

"R U LIKE 12 OR WUT?"

Who are your five music faves right now?

ABBA, The Internet, Steely DanDan, Lorde, TLC

Send us a selfie.



Let's Eat Grandma are the multi-instrumentalist "sludge-pop" duo straight out of Norwich, United Kingdom. Jenny and Rosa have roots in both classical and jazz and what's emerged is a style that's so diverse one could almost label it an amalgam of almost every genre in music. It's mutually sweet and spooky, heavy and buoyant. Catch the coolest girls on the bill at Blackheart, 1am tomorrow night.
A study by experts at the Vanderbilt University showed that women stopped drinking alcohol once they knew they were pregnant. Of the 5,000 women surveyed, only 6 percent failed to stop drinking alcohol. Those who continued drinking, however, lessened the quantity of their alcohol intake.

Institute for Medicine and Public Health at Vanderbilt deputy director Dr. Katherine Hartmann said the study was not about the safety of alcohol intake during pregnancy. Hartmann was the senior author of the study entitled "Pregnancy Intention and Maternal Alcohol Consumption," as published in Obstetrics & Gynecology.

"We wanted to see what actual women were currently doing. And we were pleasantly surprised about how promptly people changed their alcohol use," Hartmann said. "Women were already self-regulating their alcohol use. Our findings suggested that promoting early pregnancy awareness could prove to be more effective than promoting abstinence from alcohol among all who could conceive."

The study result showed the present message that discouraged fertile women from alcohol intake was unrealistic, according to Parenting. Most women already knew they were pregnant when they missed their period. They should instead be given better access to pregnancy testing at the early stage of pregnancy.

Alcohol consumption among pregnant women can lead to fetal alcohol syndrome. This can produce babies with hearing and vision loss, organ damage, learning difficulties and poor growth, as per Telegraph.

Alcohol-related problems among pregnant women have increased by 37 percent in just three years, from 2010 to 2013. Chief Medical Officer Dame Sally Davies has issued a new guideline that indicated the absence of a safe level of alcohol intake for pregnant women.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported binge drinking among 3.1 percent of pregnant women in the United States, according to New York Daily News. The authorities reminded pregnant women about the possibility of birth defects and disabilities among babies who suffered from fetal alcohol syndrome.
Since Brexit and the assumption of President Donald Trump into office, students have been looking at alternatives for higher learning or higher education. With the changing and uncertain political climate in the United States and the United Kingdom, which other best colleges can students and their parents consider if they want to study abroad?

Madhura Srinivasan, a 22-year-old Economics student, said she panicked in the beginning but she found an opportunity in Netherlands at the Utrecht University. Srinivasan told Hindustan Times that studying in a Netherland school was far more affordable than U.S. or U.K. and she still attended a top-ranking university in the worldwide ranking.

German universities are also drawing interests from students even as U.S. and U.K. schools remain popular choices. In fact, the German Academic Exchange Service saw a 33 percent increase in student applications since, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Also fast becoming alternative higher education choices are countries like Canada, Australia, Japan and South Korea. For Indian students with an inclination for science, math and technology, Ireland is also becoming a popular alternative choice, especially when the atmosphere in the U.S. for STEM students is shifting under Trump.

"There are many attractive job opportunities in Ireland," economist Rory Power said, as per Economic Times. "The Irish government is of the view that many bright Indian students will now find a compelling option to gain post study work experience and join the diverse workforce in Ireland in sectors such as software, biopharma, engineering, ICT and finance."

Educator RSS Mani advised students looking into alternatives not to put more focus on the school's location so as not to restrict their opportunities. He said students must also consider the school's credibility, courses and "whether the political situation in the country is stable and whether they will adjust well culturally."
Angelina Jolie finally gave her first lecture to college master's students. The Hollywood actress did her initial duties as a visiting professor of the London School of Economics (LSE) Tuesday. She admitted she was nervous about teaching and had butterflies in her stomach.

The college's Center for Women, Peace and Security tapped 41-year-old to lecture on women's issues in May 2016. Last Tuesday was just a preview as her actual unpaid teaching gig will begin this coming September.

"I'm a little nervous, feeling butterflies," the actress said, according to the Evening Standard. "I hope I do well," she added, saying this new role was "very important" to her.

During her first lecture, Jolie spoke about the plight of women's refugees who experienced "displacement and statelessness" in the camps, as per People. She also talked about sexual violence, crimes against the women and her own experience working as an ambassadress for the United Nations.

Jolie and her students also tackled government policies in helping the women at refugee camps. After the lecture, the students commended the actress and said she did a wonderful job.

"It was really amazing having her on campus," one LSE student told E! Online. Some students initially thought Jolie would back out of her teaching duties for personal reasons as she's going through a divorce with Brad Pitt. The campus, on the other hand, was in a frenzy after learning that the "Maleficent" star was in the building.

Despite her personal struggles and Hollywood commitments, Jolie will still be a visiting teacher for LSE's postgraduate students. The course will run for nine months from September 2017 to May 2018. "The program will make use of empirical material and case studies that are national and transnational in scope, and will incorporate interdisciplinary texts and perspectives from theory, policy, and practice," LSE cited in its course outline on its official site.
President Donald Trump's first wife, Ivana Trump, announced she will write a memoir about her family. The book will focus on how she raised their three children namely Ivanka, Eric, and Donald Jr.

The mother-of-three cleared her memoir is not political and will be out later this year. Gallery Books will publish the memoir this Sept. 12.

Gallery Books echoed Ivana's statement that the book is not at all political as it is a tale of motherhood, strength, and resilience. The memoir will also touch on the subject of Ivana's childhood under the communist Czechoslovakia, how she escaped, how she found love and how she became a successful businesswoman, Cosmopolitan shared.

Another statement about the book titled "Raising Trump" said, as the president takes his place as the 45th leader of the United States, their children "have also been thrust into the media spotlight - but it is Ivana who raised them and proudly instilled in them what she believes to be the most important life lessons: loyalty, honesty, integrity and drive." Ivanka moved to Washington with her husband, senior adviser Jared Kushner in the Trump administration, while Donald Jr. and Eric took over their family businesses to avoid conflict of interest.

Ivana also said in a statement when she announced about the memoir that she was a tough but loving mother who taught her children the value of a dollar. She told them never to lie, cheat or steal and they should respect others, Politico reported.

This is not the first time news surfaced about Ivana's memoir. During the campaign of the president, Ivanka, Donald Jr., and Eric all expressed their excitement over the book noting their mother is an amazing mom.

Donald and Ivana divorced in 1992 after 15 years of marriage due to infidelity reports. Donald reportedly had an affair with Marla Maples. Later, Maples became the president's second wife. Maples and Donald divorced in 1999 and in 2005, he married Melania Knauss.

This is not the first book of Ivana as she already wrote books with titles, "The Best Is Yet to Come: Coping With Divorce and Enjoying Life Again" as well as "For Love Alone." President Trump's ex-wife Ivana is also a former model.
An Oklahoma senator could face possible charges on top of the Senate's order to sanction him. Authorities found the senator, Ralph Shortey, and the teenage boy at the motel last week after the latter's family called the cops on them.

Shortey and the teen exchanged messages via text and the family read those messages. However, the police did not reveal the details about the messages but they said the family of the teen called police immediately after they read the exchange between the two.

Authorities did not also reveal what they saw when they went to the motel room where the senator and the teen stayed. It remained unknown what Shortey told authorities upon the discovery as well as what the teen told them.

The incident took place in the Oklahoma City suburb of Moore. Authorities continued to investigate the matter and there were no charges filed yet. However, the Senate voted 43-0 to punish Shortey for disorderly behavior. The Senate removed Shortey from membership and leadership of various Senate committees and barred him from occupying his office at the Capitol.

The Senate also blocked his expense allowances and authorship of bills and revoked his right to have an executive assistant. The Senate did not strip his right to receive his annual salary as a senator and his right to vote, Chron said.

Oklahoma Senate President Pro Tem Mike Schulz released a statement saying they have full faith that the judicial system will bring a lawful conclusion to the matter. Schulz added their aforementioned moves is a preparation to pursue further action if more information surfaces, The Washington Post reported.

Pam Pollard, the chair of the Oklahoma Republican Party, said no person should be subjected to sex crimes. She added they believe everyone deserves their day in court but Shortey's actions are not in line with the Oklahoma Republican Party.
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PEOPLE IN AMERICA: Once a US Soldier, Iranian Immigrant Now Serves Veterans

03/16/17

By Marsha James, VOA



Assal Ravandi



Assal Ravandi knows service. First, as a soldier in the United States Army in Afghanistan. Now, as a soldier for soldiers at the organization she founded: Academy of United States Veterans.

But Ravandi insists that her service has not been selfless.

"Serving has always made me feel good and therefore, I consider it to be a self-serving act in a way, while it's still helping others. So, service was something that I thought I would end up doing one way or another."

Ravandi was born in Tehran, Iran. She came with her family to the United States at age 13. She thinks her decision, years later, to join the United States Army was partly inspired by the life she left.

"I come from a place where people get killed, prosecuted, imprisoned for every ounce of freedom that they want in life and at the end, when all the blood is shed, and all the people that are imprisoned - you still don't have it."



VIDEO: Interview with Assal Ravandi



Ravandi was 29 when she entered the military. Basic training is always difficult. Ravandi found it especially hard. She was surrounded by enlistees years younger than she. But she says, the experience taught her a lot, especially about herself.

"The system was incredibly comprehensive and it taught me a lot physically, emotionally, mentally. My favorite part in the basic training experience that I had was marksmanship. I loved shooting my weapon, and I soon learned that I was physically more capable than I thought I was."

But marksmanship did not turn out to be Ravandi's most important skill during her deployment in Afghanistan. She says, there, her native language, Farsi, proved a more powerful weapon in the effort to serve and protect. Farsi is very similar to Dari, the most common language spoken in Afghanistan.



Assal Ravandi teaching Farsi

"I was asked to teach infantry soldiers the Farsi language. The Farsi that I taught was to build relationships. So, the first thing that I would teach them, it was in Dari dialect, which is the primary language of Afghanistan, and I would say, after you meet someone tell them 'Beysar khosh shodam,' which means it is nice to meet you. And I think that kindness and that notion, that gesture, can bring people together."

Assal Ravandi was recognized for her work in teaching Farsi to infantry soldiers. Her battalion commander presented her with a medal.

Ravandi's duty in Afghanistan and the Army had a major impact on her. After she left military service she found that nothing else measured up to the work she did as a soldier.



VIDEO: Assal Ravandi Receives Challenge Coin



"I felt so privileged, so honored to serve in the United States military. I think until I actually got there, I didn't know it was everything that I ever wanted and to be honest with you, I don't remember who I was before I was a soldier."

Returning to civilian life was not easy for Ravandi.

"I kind of lost myself after my military service. I didn't know what I was going to do. I was just going through the motions, just going through life and I started to suffer from post-traumatic stress."

However, Ravandi did know what she wanted back from Army life.

"The one thing that I missed the most, that could make me feel better was the community and comradery in the United States military."

So, she recreated it outside of the military by founding the Academy of United States Veterans. The group provides public and media relations support to veteran service organizations, veterans programs and veteran-owned businesses.

Its motto? "We serve those, who serve those, who served!"

Assal Ravandi says she does not think her story would have been possible in any other country in the world. She still expresses wonder that, in her words, "freedom is something that is just given to you" in the United States.

"I take a lot of joy in this incredible life. This opportunity that's been given to me and to wake up every day and to know that I have put all the effort, all the thought, all the energy into something and in the end it was worthwhile."



About:

Voice Of America's Marsha James wrote this story for Learning English. Caty Weaver was the editor.

Visit VOA Learning Engligh's Facebook page to share your thoughts.
In Letter from Evin Prison, Dual National Speaks of Yearning for Family and Disillusionment with Iran

03/16/17

Source: Center for Human Rights in Iran

Iranian-British citizen Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, imprisoned in Iran since April 2016, has written a letter to her UK-based husband about the pain of being separated from their infant daughter, Gabriella "Gisoo" Ratcliffe, and disillusionment with her birth country of Iran.





Nazanin Zaghari Ratcliffe with her husband Richard Ratcliffe and daughter Gabriella





"I turned 38 without you by my side and you turned 42 without me, while our dear Gisoo turned two-years-old without both of us," she wrote in a letter from Evin Prison in Tehran, published on March 10, 2017 by the Defenders of Human Rights Center.

"When you're only two-years-old, it's very hard to bear the weight of such a difficult and significant experience that life puts on your small shoulders," she added.

"The country we were once proud of (Iran) has robbed us both of seeing the golden years of our daughter's life and accused me of committing (a crime) I have not done and shockingly condemned me to five years in prison, which I have to spend away from you and our dear Gisoo," she wrote.

"Do you remember how I used to boast in detail to your friends and family about my country?" she added. "I'm still proud of the civilization and culture, but with all the pain and suffering I'm going through, I'm not sure when I will return after I leave one day."

Zaghari-Ratcliffe also said that the nine months she was forced to spend in solitary confinement before being transferred to the Women's Ward in Evin Prison were worse than the excruciating physical pain of childbirth.

"The night before our Gisoo was born, I had so much pain that I thought I would die and never see our little girl," she wrote. "I thought there's no pain worse than giving birth until there came a moment in solitary confinement when I felt a level of pain I have never experienced before, a pain a thousand times more painful, excruciating and longer than childbirth. And of course, in the end, it did not bring joy."

The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) detained Zaghari-Ratcliffe, a project coordinator for the Thomson Reuters Foundation in London, at Tehran's Imam Khomeini Airport on April 3, 2016 as she was on her way back home following a brief holiday with family. Her daughter, whom she had brought along for the trip, was taken from her and sent to live with her grandparents in Tehran.

In September 2016, after prolonged periods of interrogation, Zaghari-Ratcliffe was sentenced to five years imprisonment for unspecified "national security charges" in a trial egregiously lacking in due process.

Zaghari-Ratcliffe and her family have repeatedly denied the charge and the authorities have not publicized any evidence to prove the accusation.

Abolqasem Salavati, a judge who is notorious for issuing harsh sentences in politicized cases, issued the sentence.

In interviews with the Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI), several lawyers have criticized Salavati for ignoring arguments by the defense in court and bowing to the demands of the prosecution, especially in cases in which the arresting authority was the IRGC's Intelligence Organization.

The Appeals Court upheld the lower court's sentence against Zaghari-Ratcliffe in January 2017.

"Our Gisoo has grown taller. She now understands very well that her father and mother are not together," wrote Zaghari-Ratcliffe. "Father is in London and mother is far away living in a room where we have been visiting each other all this time."

"She has completely forgotten your language, but on the other hand, her Persian is so sweet," she added. "Sometimes I wonder what language you communicate with each other."

"The most painful part of this whole affair is that neither of us have witnessed our daughter grow up," she wrote. "Neither of us."

At least nine other women who are mothers to young children are currently imprisoned in Iran after being tried in politically motivated cases without due process, including prominent human rights defender Narges Mohammadi, Baha'i rights leaders Mahvash Shahriari Sabet, Fariba Kamalabadi and Fatemeh Mosanna, Baha'i teacher Azita Rafizadeh, Fahimeh A'raf, a follower of imprisoned spiritual leader Mohammad Ali Taheri, political prisoners Maryam Akbar Monfared and Sedigheh Moradi, and Elham Farahani, a citizen of Iran and Cyprus who was arrested in August 2012 on charges of "espionage" for the UK.

The judiciary's ongoing imprisonment of dual nationals, usually arrested by the Revolutionary Guards' Intelligence Organization or the Intelligence Ministry, contradicts President Hassan Rouhani's repeated calls for expatriates to return to Iran.

The growing number of arrests also reflects hardliners' efforts to prevent the engagement with the West that the Rouhani administration has sought to encourage.

Iranian-American dual citizen Robin (Reza) Shahini, sentenced to 18 years in prison in October 2016, has been held since April 2016; Iranian-American businessman Siamak Namazi, held since October 15, 2015 and his Iranian-American father, 80-year-old Bagher Namazi, held since February 2016, have both been sentenced to ten years in prison; British-Iranian dual national Roya Saberi Nobakht, held since October 2013, has been sentenced to seven years in prison; and Iranian-Austrian dual citizen Kamran Ghaderi, held since January 2016, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Iranian-American Karan Vafadari, held since July 2016, and Iranian-born Swedish resident Ahmadreza Jalili, held since April 2016, have not been sentenced yet.
03/16/17

By Eli Clifton (source: LobeLog)

The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) has been noticeably quiet about the Trump administration's slowness to denounce the spike in anti-Semitic attacks and bomb threats, its nomination of an ambassador to Israel who described J Street as "worse than kapos," and its ties to ethno-nationalists like White House chief strategist Stephen K. Bannon and senior adviser Stephen Miller. But AIPAC has done more than just tolerate the U.S. tilt toward extreme and often xenophobic views. Newly released tax filings show that the country's biggest pro-Israel group financially contributed to the Center for Security Policy, the think-tank that played a pivotal role in engineering the Trump administration's efforts to impose a ban on Muslim immigration.



CSP is headed by the anti-Muslim conspiracy theorist Frank Gaffney



In 2015, AIPAC launched a 501c4 advocacy group, Citizens for a Nuclear Free Iran (CFNI). Expected to spend $20 million in July and August 2015, the group was "formed with the sole mission of educating the public 'about the dangers of the proposed Iran deal,'" spokesman Patrick Dorton told The New York Times. The Times reported that the $20 million budget would go to ad buys in as many as 40 states as well as other advocacy.

Indeed, the group's filing (viewable here) show that the AIPAC spin-off paid $18 million for "media related expenses," $8.35 million for "phone program expenses," and $58,200 for "survey expenses."

Shortly after the group launched, my colleague Ali Gharib and I noticed that the group's website featured two items promoting an exiled, ex-terrorist Iranian opposition group, the Mojahedin-e Khalq (MEK). CFNI even used b-roll footage from a press conference held by the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), which the State Department deemed the MEK's "political wing" (earning it a corresponding terrorist designation until the MEK was delisted as a terrorist organization in 2012).

After we reached out for comment, AIPAC's anti-Iran deal advocacy group scrubbed their website of the MEK related materials, seemingly acknowledging a PR misstep. But the b-roll footage remained in their television commercials and on YouTube.

AIPAC's flirtation with extreme groups appears to have gone even further than borrowing footage from the MEK.

Tax disclosures reveal that CFNI contributed $60,000 to "Secure Freedom," a donation to a group with the tax-id number 52-1601976. That tax-id number belongs to Center for Security Policy, a hawkish think tank largely devoted to advocating for greater defense spending (it received funding from Boeing, General Dynamics, Lockheed Martin, Northrup Grumman, Raytheon, and General Electric) and pushing completely unsubstantiated conspiracy theories about American Muslim and Muslim Brotherhood infiltration of the U.S. government.

The contact address for the contribution was a residential address in New Orleans belonging to Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs (JINSA) staffer Marsha Halteman. Halteman did not respond to questions about why her address appeared beneath the donation.

CSP is headed up by anti-Muslim conspiracy theorist Frank Gaffney who baselessly claimed that Hillary Clinton aide Huma Abedin, anti-tax activist Grover Norquist, and former George W. Bush appointee Suhail Khan were part of a Muslim Brotherhood plot to infiltrate the U.S. government. He also asserted that the Missile Defense Agency logo "appears ominously to reflect a morphing of the Islamic crescent and star with the Obama campaign logo" and helped launch an interfaith group to support Trump's anti-Muslim agenda.

Gaffney and Trump aide Kellyanne Conway played a pivotal role in bringing about the administration's efforts to ban immigration from seven (and now six) Muslim-majority countries.

In 2015, Gaffney commissioned Conway's firm to produce a poll about Muslim attitudes. Released in June 2015, the poll found that 51% of Muslims agreed that "Muslims in America should have the choice to being governed according to Shariah," among other findings. But the poll's methodology was deeply flawed, relying on an opt-in online survey which industry experts consider unreliable. Conway's own firm later admitted the data was not "statistically representative of the entire U.S. Muslim population."

None of that stopped Trump from citing the poll as his justification for a "total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States until our country's representatives can figure out what is going on," on December 7, 2015.

It's possible that the funds went to support CSP's advocacy opposing the Iran nuclear agreement. Nonetheless, AIPAC's willingness to partner with an organization whose president, Frank Gaffney, was denounced by the Anti-Defamation League, the Southern Poverty Law Center and the American Conservative Union (which briefly banned him from their events after he accused political opponents of being part of a Muslim Brotherhood conspiracy) raises serious questions about AIPAC's commitment to fighting bigotry, discrimination, and, in particular, Islamophobia.

Neither AIPAC nor CSP responded to requests for comment.




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U.S. FCC Chairman Ajit Pai has pledged his agency will respond more quickly to new technology proposals, a move that might influence the direction of 5G development around the world.

Pai was appointed by President Donald Trump in January. In his first major policy address on Wednesday, Pai directed Federal Communications Commission staff to follow a little-known section of U.S. communications law that says the agency should decide within a year whether a new technology or service is in the public interest.

Going forward, if a petition or application is filed with the FCC proposing a new technology or service, well supply an answer within a year, Pai said in his speech at Carnegie-Mellon University in Pittsburgh.

With carriers and equipment vendors racing to test and deploy new 5G mobile technologies over the next few years, regulators are under pressure to act quickly. Europe, China, the U.S., Japan and South Korea each want to lead the next generation of mobile, and the regulators in these leading countries often follow each others leads, said analyst Roger Entner of Recon Analytics. A commitment to quick decisions can only help the U.S. in that race, he said.

The FCC has already opened nearly 11GHz of spectrum in high-frequency millimeter-wave bands for use in 5G mobile services, and has signed off on a number of 5G trials, Pai said. He thinks faster FCC decision-making could help to make even higher frequencies above 95GHz available for new uses. He favors opening up those bands to experimentation by letting companies try out new ideas.

Spectrum above 95GHz may be useful for high-speed backhaul connections in places where its expensive to lay fiber, or as an emergency backup in case fiber gets cut by natural disasters like earthquakes, said Michael Marcus, an independent spectrum technology and policy consultant and former FCC official. Some companies that want to use it have waited years for the FCC to review their applications, he said. Marcus hopes that Pais pledge is the start of a major shift at the agency. But the impact remains to be seen.

Its too early to say its a sea change, analyst Entner said. Like everything in Washington, there are intentions and then there is the reality of what actually happens.

In the speech, Pai also called for efforts to bring broadband to underserved communities, through both federal programs like the Universal Service Fund and streamlined regulation of private carriers. He tied that goal, one hes frequently promoted since joining the agency he now leads in 2012, to Trumps call for investment in national infrastructure like roads and bridges.

If Congress moves forward with a major infrastructure package, broadband should be included, Pai said.
In case you missed it, 2016 Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein stopped by Riverside City College on Wednesday, March 15 to deliver a message of activism and progressive politics.

I had an opportunity to meet with Stein shortly before her speech. Heres what the physician had to say.

How are things going under President Donald Trump? Is it the same, better or worse than you expected?

I think its as bad as one could have imagined and in many ways, weve gone from the frying pan into the fire. The terrible things that are happening are not entirely new. Theyre just more, theyre more vicious. They are more devastating and theyre happening much faster.

I think a lot of people didnt expect Trump was going to win. So people were not thinking real concretely about what would happen. But I think now that its happened, people have to think really hard and long about what kind of government we want. And many people I think are realizing that Donald Trumps votes were not so much for him  they were against the legacy of the Clintons and the Democratic Party, which sent our jobs overseas, which oppressed workers, which was conducting a war on immigrants even then, which was wasting half of our discretionary dollars on wars for oil that were only increasing, whether it was Democrats or Republicans.

Students locked in debt, the crisis of gentrification and homelessness. These are have proceeded at a pace under Democrats and Republicans and I think add to that the climate emergency, which is getting worse now, but it was also getting worse under Obama because all of the above turned out to be worse than drill baby drill. And when while the Paris accords were being signed, you had the ban on fossil fuel exports being lifted.

So we were in trouble no matter what. That trouble has accelerated and people are realizing we need a system change and we need a new kind of politics thats for the people, not for the big money.

Where does the Green Party fit into the resistance to the Trump agenda? Can you work with the Democrats to resist Donald Trump?

Well I think we very much are working together out there on the street  that the resistance is about resisting not just Trump, but this whole system ruled by the economic elite, by the predatory banks and the fossil fuel giants and the war profiteers.

Where Greens and Democrats part ways is whether were going to be controlled by corporate money. And what we saw at the DNC elections  not only was the reform candidate rejected, Keith Ellison, but the proposal to ban corporate money was also rejected.

So those who really claim to be opposing Trumpism have to pull the weed up by the roots. Its not enough to just pull up the stalk. Youve got to get to the roots. Weve got to take back democracy. Were not taking back democracy if corporate money is still ruling the day.

Thats why so many from the Bernie movement have come over. And again, since the DNC rejected the principles of political integrity, more people are coming over. So the Green Party is going like gangbusters. In my mind, its not the label that matters. Its whether or not you are being dictated to by corporate money in the back room. Thats the critical question.

Are you considering running for the Green Party presidential nomination in 2020?

I am certainly going to be fighting to the fullest of my ability. And whether that is running for president, running for some other office, or helping other people run, I describe myself as a mother on fire. We dont forget that we have a world thats going down in flames and that we have a generation locked into debt that cant get out of it and a climate thats going down the tubes rather rapidly.

So my every waking moment is spent trying to create a world that will work for all of us, because its slipping through our fingers rather quickly.
Undocumented immigrants with old crimes and deportation orders may still be able to remain in the United States. They just need to seek the right kind of help, immigrant rights attorneys say.

This is not the time to be on your own, said Jorge-Mario Cabrera, a spokesman for the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, a Los Angeles-based organization that provides services across Southern California.

Receiving legal consultation, though it may be costly, is necessary, Cabrera added.

Unauthorized immigrants with deportation orders could qualify for some sort of immigration relief, and those with prior crimes may be able to have a criminal conviction vacated to avoid immigration consequences.

And attorneys can help navigate these scenarios.

Hadley Bajramovic, an immigration attorney serving the Mexican and Guatemalan consulates in San Bernardino, said her office has been dealing with immigrants under these circumstances.

A California law that took effect January could help undocumented immigrants with previous crimes, Bajramovic noted.

In immigration cases, it allows people who are no longer in jail or prison to file a motion to vacate their criminal convictions.

For example, a conviction or sentence can be legally invalid if, due to poor legal representation, a defendant did not fully understand the immigration consequences of accepting a guilty plea, according to the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, a national nonprofit agency that co-sponsored this law.

A conviction also can be vacated if new evidence emerges that proves a persons innocence.

Bajramovic said her office filed a motion about three weeks ago and found the judge was not yet familiar with this new law.

It is very, very new and its going to develop quickly, given that more people are going to go into removal proceedings, she said.

Recently released Department of Homeland Security memos spell out that any immigrant living in the U.S. illegally who has been charged or convicted of any crime, or even suspected of committing a crime, is now an enforcement priority.

This could include people arrested for shoplifting or minor traffic offenses.

Anti-illegal-immigration activists are applauding the Trump administrations new guidelines on enforcing immigration laws. The way they see it, if immigrants came to the U.S. illegally, that is reason enough to be deported.

In cities across the U.S., an Immigration and Customs Enforcement operation recently led to the arrests of criminal aliens, who were convicted of crimes including homicide, sex abuse, drug trafficking, assault, driving under the influence and weapons charges, the agency said.

However, Angelica Salas, the executive director of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles, has said there are likely many people arrested in the raids who committed non-violent crimes years ago, already paid their time in jail and have re-established their lives.

High-profile immigration cases, such as the deportation of an Arizona woman who had regularly checked in with U.S. immigration officials, are also causing alarm among undocumented immigrants under supervision orders.

Unauthorized immigrants are typically under supervision orders while awaiting a court hearing or final deportation order. Its a way for ICE to keep tabs on them. During this time, immigrants must check in with the federal immigration agency.

Some immigrants worry that showing up to their scheduled appointment is just too risky.

Bajramovic, however, advises immigrants to continue with their scheduled meetings with ICE.

Once an individual stops cooperating with ICE, then it gets very difficult to help that individual, Bajramovic said.

If for some reason, an immigration official decides the person should be deported, then he or she has the right to ask to speak with the consulate. An attorney can negotiate with the agency to allow an immigrant to stay in the U.S. a bit longer, Bajramovic said.

For immigrants with removal orders, Bajramovic said there are possibilities to reopen their cases. Attorneys can make a case for asylum, for example.

If they dont cooperate, if they dont show up to their scheduled appointment, then ICE is going to go into the field and find them, she added.

Community organizers also say they are ready to support immigrants checking in with federal immigration officials.

Javier Hernandez, director for the Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice, said members are keeping in touch with families checking in with the federal agency.

In New Jersey, for example, a number of faith leaders recently rallied outside a federal building in support a Mexican immigrant checking in with immigration officials. He was temporarily spared deportation and was told to report back late May, according to news reports.

We are willing and ready to activate community support for families that may face deportation or detention when checking in with ICE, Hernandez said.
I have always felt that we poets are both blessed and cursed by the nature of our art in that we can pull from so many different places.

We write as if we are composing music  every line, every word placed just so. We write poems that personify individuals vastly different than ourselves, or poems that are intensely intimate, secrets spilled forth in the dark. It is not just the subject of the words that concerns us. It is the sound of the communication itself, the brutality and beauty of every experience. And we tell stories in our poems. Stories that need to be heard.

One of the first books of poetry I read from cover to cover was a book called Leadbelly, by Tyehimba Jess. In this book, we are taken on a journey through the incredible life of Huddie William Ledbetter, a blues guitarist of the 1930s and 40s. We get letters from his family. We get to hear the songs he heard in prison. We get to step into his life. When I first read the book, I felt as if Ledbetters voice and his experiences were branded into my head, as if it were a part of myself, as if I were truly there.

In the 1930s the NAACP, and other civil rights leaders such as Walter White, A. Philip Randolph and the African-American newspaper Pittsburgh Courier put pressure on the U.S. Military to accept African Americans into aviator training. The response by the U.S. Military was to create a segregated all-black unit for training at Tuskegee Institute and later an all-black unit, the 99th Pursuit Squadron.

When the squadron was activated 1941, training was difficult due to segregation. Black officers were not given command slots, because as General Henry Hap Arnold said, Negro pilots cannot be used in our present Air Corps units since this would result in Negro officers serving over white enlisted men creating an impossible social situation. These difficulties extended to other situations in which black officers were refused service off based, classified as trainees, and refused entry to Officers clubs.

These difficulties extended to other situations in which black officers were refused service off base, classified as trainees and refused entry to officers clubs. Later the black men of theTuskegeee Experiment (as it was called then, as it was expected to fail) would go on to experience regular success in combat. So much so that they becamelegend in black communities, proving without a doubt the equality of the races.

Audre Lordes word: biomythography, is defined as work that has the elements of biography and history of myth in the book, Black Women Writers at Work edited by Claudia Tate.

I think about this aspect of writing as I think about writing from history. All of the past stories that we hear are myths, tales passed down to us from the voices of the time before. These stories are desperate to be told and heard because they are reflections of our own lives. For this is the complex experience we must use as writers. Where we have come from, how it shapes us, how it makes good or bad, whole.

When I think of the Tuskegee airmen, I wonder how they could have served, how they could have fought so bravely for a country that treated them so cruelly. They were men, too. Men with lives and hopes and wants, men who must have felt the double evils of racism and war. But then I remember this present life. The political war we are truly in right now, the bravery we must have to work toward unity and hope in this present darkness of disregard for those in society who need it most.

On Saturday, March 18, Inlandia Institute and the Riverside African- American Historic Society will host a panel titled Red Tails: Legacies of the Tuskegee Airmen from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Center for Social Justice and Civil Liberties, 3855 Market Street in downtown Riverside.

Panelists include Sandra Blackman, professor of history at San Bernardino Valley College, Master Sgt. Buford A. Johnson, Tuskegee Airman, and Lt. Colonel Harlan Q. Leonard, Jr., Tuskegee Airman.

These legacies, these lives, are our lives. Marilyn Nelson, the daughter of a Tuskegee airmen, has a few lines that best sums these ideas up. An excerpt below:

 My tent-mate was a guy named Starks.

The funny thing about me and Starks

was that my air mattress leaked,

and Starks didnt.

Every time we went up,

I gave my mattress to Starks

and put his on my cot.

One day we were strafing a train.

Strafings bad news:

you have to fly so low and slow

youre a pretty clear target.

My other wing-man and I

exhausted our ammunition and got out.

I recognized starks

by his red tail

and his rudders trim-tabs.

He couldnt pull up his nose.

He dived into the train

and bought the farm.

I found his chocolate,

three eggs, and a full fifth

of his hoarded-up whiskey.

I used his mattress

for the rest of my tour.

It still bothers me, sometimes:

I was sleeping

on his breath.

San Bernardino poet and teacher Nikia Chaney is Literary Laureate of Inlandia Institute.
A man who allegedly burglarized two Palm Springs homes and was later caught wearing a stolen pair of a victims Gucci slippers was charged Wednesday, March 15 with burglary, vehicle theft and receiving stolen property.

Joshua Ramey, 28, of the San Bernardino County community of Landers, is accused of burglarizing one house twice in December and then burglarizing a second home last month.

Hes scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon on three counts of burglary and one count each of vehicle theft and receiving stolen property.

Ramey allegedly burglarized a home in the 1600 block of Calle Marcus on Dec. 19, taking several items from inside the residence, along with a 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. He allegedly returned to the home three days later in the homeowners stolen car and took more items.

On Feb. 27, police allege Ramey burglarized a home in the 1100 block of Cactus Drive, and was captured on video surveillance footage taking items, including a pair of Gucci slippers.

Police said Ramey was wearing those same slippers Friday when he was arrested at a Palm Springs business.

Ramey has no prior felony convictions in Riverside County, but does have a 2015 assault with a deadly weapon conviction out of San Bernardino County, according to the criminal complaint.
A Riverside Poly High student stayed home from school Wednesday, March 15, after posting a photo on Snapchat that was construed as threatening, authorities say.

The post  which was reported to police by a concerned student and their parent about 9:30 p.m. Tuesday night  contained a photo of a pellet gun accompanied with threatening comments, said Riverside Police Department spokesman Ryan Railsback. Railsback said though the comments werent criminal threats, they were still concerning.

No one was ever in any danger, Railsback said.

Riverside Unified School District spokesman Justin Grayson said via email that the post didnt specifically mention Poly High or RUSD.

Police responded Tuesday night to the home of the student and parent who reported the post. Since Snapchat posts disappear after a short amount of time, the reporting student took a screenshot of it and showed it police. From the screenshot, the officers were able to track down the student who first posted it.

When police made contact with the student who made the post, the student told them that it was meant as a joke. The officers did not arrest the student, and advised the students parents to keep the student home from school in the interest of both the students safety and the safety of other Poly High students and faculty. Officers confiscated the pellet gun.

Poly High parents were notified of the ordeal in an email from the school district Wednesday morning.

The individual who posted the message has been identified and is under investigation by the police, the email to parents said. Please know that the safety and security of students and staff is a top priority of the Riverside Unified School District and Poly High School.

Before the post was reported to police, it had been shared several times by other students, Railsback said. Though Police Department officials are thankful that the student and parent who reported the post did what they did, they would have preferred if the first people who saw it would have reported it rather than or before they shared it.

Especially in a case like this where [the threat] was unfounded, the more you put it out there and the more you share it before telling police, the more worry and concern you can cause for other students and parents, Railsback said.
Hundreds in Temecula lost power for most of the day Thursday when a man suspected of driving under the influence crashed into a power pole.

The 26-year-old was driving a red sedan west on Temecula Parkway near Meadows Parkway when he veered to the right onto the grass belt, according to a preliminary investigation cited by a news release from the Riverside County Sheriffs Department. After driving about 300 feet on the grass belt, the car crashed into a power pole, breaking it in half and leaving wires hanging low to the ground.

Lights went out at a nearby intersection and the Southern California Edison outage map showed about 740 customers without power in the area.

Edisons website moved back the time that power was expected to be back on several times. As of 8:00 p.m., 383 customers remained without power and the estimated restoration time was 8:30 p.m.

The power was fully restored for everyone about 9 p.m.

The man, who isnt identified in the news release, suffered moderate injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital.

Deputies found evidence in the car that suggested the driver had consumed alcohol or drugs before the crash, according to the release. The Sheriffs Department will seek criminal charges against him.

Anyone with information about the crash may call the Temecula sheriffs station at 951-696-3000.
Donald Wakefield remembers the first time he got a close look at one of his sculptures displayed by a prominent if controversial Newport Beach developer.

It was 2008, and he hadnt seen the work he created in collaboration with a colleague in 1992  unceremoniously titled Untitled  in 16 years. Originally given as a gift to the colleagues son in Illinois, Wakefield thought to himself, maybe the recipient had sold it, or passed away.

There it was, in Newport Beach, 50 miles from Wakefields hometown of Rancho Cucamonga, 2,000 miles from Chicago.

Fast forward a couple of years, and the local friend who alerted him to the Newport Beach sighting spotted the piece again  this time in Irvine.

Again, Wakefield made the drive southwest, only to discover not one but two renditions of Untitled. Wakefield only made one.

A third on display wasnt quite identical to his, but it was close. It was too close in his opinion, to his original  a 7-by-4-foot, undulating contemporary piece made of granite. The third version added a giant teardrop.

Thus began a journey of uncovering copies of not only his work, but work by other artists, all over Orange County at office and housing projects developed by billionaire Igor Olenicoffs Olen Properties Corp. Some have Chinese names attached to them, others go uncredited. Several have been identified in court as knockoffs.

Olenicoff did not return calls for comment. Olenicoffs attorney said his client maintains at the time he purchased the sculptures from a Chinese artist, he was unaware of the similarities with Wakefields pieces.

This is the first time Olenicoff has faces formal allegations of this kind. However, he pleaded guilty in December 2007 to federal tax evasion. Facing up to six months in prison, he remained free after paying a $52 million fine and agreeing to repatriate his holdings. He also was ordered to present the U.S. District Court in Santa Ana with a list of all his assets.

Wakefield, whose authentic artwork can be seen in Chino and Rancho Cucamonga, eventually found eight unauthorized copies of his sculptures at Olen projects, although he believes there are at least two more. At first, he didnt know what to do. An email exchange with someone at Olen Properties led nowhere.

We couldnt call the local police on copyright infringement, he said.

Violations of copyright are federal offenses, so Wakefield contacted the FBI. Agents there were only interested in major cases, they told him, with at least $1 million in losses. His damages were just under the threshold.

So he went to federal court.

A jury sided with Wakefield, awarding him $450,000, or $75,000 for the six known sculptures included in the lawsuit. A federal judge tossed the award in March 2015  but ordered Olenicoff to destroy the copies.

Wakefield appealed to get the money; Olenicoff cross-appealed to keep the art.

He clearly likes my work. He just doesnt want to pay for it, the artist said.

THE CHINESE CONNECTION

Before trial, as his lawyers prepared the case, Wakefield found the name and contact information for the art broker he believed supplied the duplicate art. He contacted the Arcadia man, posing as a buyer with a request for sculptures that could work in public spaces. He received an email with photos of about a dozen pieces for sale. Including some of his own.

I think they were all duplicates, Wakefield said. I asked, What about copyright? He said, We dont have any. We just do what the customer wants.

Wakefield tried to subpoena the broker, but he disappeared, he said. He now believes the broker was the go-between for Olenicoff and a Chinese manufacturer.

In legal proceedings, Olenicoff said he had no prior knowledge of Untitled or Wakefield. It was a trip to the Beijing Olympics in 2008 that inspired the purchases.

But Wakefield testified that in 2004, he reached out to a number of Orange County developers, including Olen Properties, courting their business. In the solicitation was his website address, where photos of his work were posted, among them Untitled.

ONE LAWSUIT SPAWNS MORE

Wakefields lawsuit sparked another by an East Coast artist, John Raimondi, who was awarded $640,000 for four abstract metal works Olenicoff displayed at Century Centre in Irvine and elsewhere. The judge also ordered placards on each of the sculptures, explaining theyre unauthorized copies of Raimondis originals.

That case was appealed, but the parties settled, according to St. Louis-based attorney Gene Brockland, who is also representing Wakefield.

The plaques on Raimondis four knockoffs now say something vanilla, like they were inspired by Raimondis originals, Brockland said, declining to say more because the settlement is confidential.

Unlike Raimondi, Wakefield wants his money and the art, so he can destroy them.

A TRIP TO COURT OF APPEALS

Last month, attorneys for Wakefield and Olenicoff presented their arguments before three federal judges in Pasadena, and earlier this month, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals panel found in favor of Wakefield, giving him the $450,000 the jury awarded and keeping in tact the order to destroy the art.

In the very near future, all of those (fake sculptures) will have to be removed, he said.

Eric Schiffer, Olenicoffs attorney, said not so fast.

We are assessing our options at this point, but our work is far from complete, he said in an email.

The next step in the appeals process would be the U.S. Supreme Court.

Much of the debate during oral arguments last month centered around determining the fair market value of the copies, with Brockland saying Wakefield would charge $160,000 if he were commissioned to make a duplicate  a job he would decline because he prefers his pieces to be one of a kind.

Schiffer argued the jury got it wrong. Its not the cost to reproduce the art that matters, its the use of the design that determines the value, similar to licensing an image for a T-shirt, for example, or mass-reproducing Untitled as a paper weight.

Judge Susan Graber told Schiffer the thief doesnt get to quarrel with the value of what was stolen.

Its hard to wrap your head around a copyright case for a unique item, Brockland acknowledged in a phone interview from his office in St. Louis. Even though he asked for more money, Brockland said he was pleased with the jurys decision and the appellate courts upholding of that decision.

Schiffer found the ruling not surprising, he said, given the courts usual predisposition to defer to juries and jury verdicts as a way to build public confidence in our jury system.

THE BREA CONNECTION

Wakefield was at first overwhelmed at the task ahead. Olen Properties had developed hundreds of properties across the U.S. He decided to start alphabetically. Luckily, Brea was nearby and administers an aggressive art in public places program.

He found two more versions of Untitled.

In speaking with the then-coordinator of the citys program, Wakefield realized public documents on file with the city would likely shed more light. He made a request for them and found the paper trail that led to the Arcadia art broker, he said.

On Breas website, it lists all the art placed at city direction as part of project approvals. For the seven pieces at Olen Point I and Olen Point II apartment and office complexes, three different names are listed as the artists.

Wakefield said the city doesnt list all of the art, and his duplications have been removed from the list. He also suspects Olen Properties has added art not on the citys list.

At one point, advertising for the Brea complexes touted a sculpture garden as part of their amenities, according to court testimony. The verbiage has since been removed from the centers websites.

Reached for comment, Jenn Colacion, Brea community services specialist, said current staffers have no direct knowledge of Wakefields case and were unable to comment.

At least one of the Brea sculptures is fake, Brockland said. He represented artist Bill Bedford, creator of the original work, in a claim with Olen Properties that resulted in a confidential settlement.

And Wakefield is convinced other art pieces displayed at Olen Properties projects may be knockoffs. Many have plaques with no attribution  a red flag for sure, he said  or a Chinese name.

There arent too many artists in China doing contemporary art, Wakefield said.

At least one of the imitation versions of Untitled features a plaque calling it Human Natures Many Faces.

The original Untitled did change locations, though its still in the greater Chicago area, Wakefield added. Meanwhile, the sculptor plans to share the judgment award with his co-creator, Joseph Chick Glickman, now 98 and living in La Jolla.

Wakefield has another legal path to tread. The sculptor, who these days splits his time between the Alta Loma portion of Rancho Cucamonga and Detroit, where his mom lives, said with his ruling and Raimondis, he now has proof that Olenicoffs copyright violations have caused more than $1 million in losses. He hopes to convince the FBI to open a criminal case.

Ill do whatever it takes to protect artists rights.

Staff writer Jackie Moe contributed to this report.

Contact the writer: parevalo@scng.com, @PennyArevalo on Twitter
Acting General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), John Boadu, has been appointed as a Board member of the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), in what is largely seen as a compensation package from Akufo-Addo, for those who he could not make ministers or heads of key state institutions.



The Minister of Energy, Boakye Agyarko, has since sworn the NPP scribe and others into office.



The ceremony took place on Monday, at the Ministrys conference room in Accra.



The other members of the board include, the Managing Director of TOR, Isaac Osei, Kofi Brako; the incumbent Member of Parliament (MP) for the Tema Central Constituency, Dr William Abayaawiea Atuilik, Edith Sapara-Grant, Seth Achamfour-Yeboah, Kendon Appenteng and Nene Abayaateye Amegatcher.



After administering the Oath of Office and Oath of Secrecy to the members, the Energy Minister, congratulated and expressed gratitude to the members for their decision to serve the nation.



The Minister, further assured the Board of his unflinching support and urged them to set strategic directions, collaborate with management, operate with maximum efficiency, discharge their duties professionally and encouraged them to ensure the success of TOR.



Mr. Tongeaan Kugbilsong Nanlebegtang, Chairman of the Board, expressed his appreciation to the President, Nana Akufo-Addo, for the opportunity, and assured the Energy Minister of the Boards commitment to work assiduously to revamp TOR.



Dignitaries present were; Prof. Thomas MbaAkabzaa, Chief Director of the Energy Ministry, Directors from the Energy Ministry and General Managers of the Tema Oil Refinery, a statement signed by King A. Wellington; Communications Officer of the Energy Ministry, said.

Source: The Herald









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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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.
Suicidal behaviour is a complex one and maybe difficult to explain why someone engages I the act. Research into this behaviour in Ghana, however continues to show various psychosocial factors and in some cases mental illnesses which are strongly associated with these behaviours (especially among the youth). These include, neglect, use of illicit drugs, conflictual relationships with parents, romantic crisis, academic/education stress, bullying in schools, financial difficulties, sexual and physical abuse, depression, etc.



We appreciate the readiness of the Ghanaian media in publicising suicide stories and seeking professional commentaries on these behaviours anytime such incident occurs. The intentions and motivations may be noble in seeking to educate the public about these behaviours. However, the manner in which these stories are published may create further problems for all of us. Particularly, mentally distressed persons in society may simply copy the behavior of troubled people in the suicide stories. There may be several psychosocial conditions prevailing now which are making people suicidal. Uncensored published stories of how some people planned, and killed themselves (and perhaps the note some might leave behind) may simply help those on the verge of suicide, to consider ending their lives as well. This is called copycat suicides. The medias role in suicide prevention is thus crucial and should be carefully guided by professionals working in this area of mental health, such as the Ghana Psychological Association.



We are thus calling on the various media houses in Ghana to be circumspect with suicide stories they publish. They should be guided by the following:



1. They should limit the amount of coverage of suicide stories. This might include avoiding publishing pictures of the victim (dead or alive), full details of the story such as house, job, name, town etc



2. Avoid sensational headings and words such as man butchers his wife and kills himself, student chops off his head to die fast, man kills himself on New Years Eve. Any word that appears to heighten the gory nature of the incident should be avoided.



3. Avoid publishing anything on the method that was used and how it was used. This is dangerous and could be providing clues to those who are already going through crisis to know exactly how to kill themselves.



4. Avoid glamourizing and highlighting any positive aspects of the victim. For example, if the person is a celebrity, do not report how much he /shes worth, number of cars, houses, etc. The danger is that if such a person who is perceived to have all it takes to make life worth living engages in the act, then what should those struggling to make ends meet do? They may justify their reasons for suicidal behaviour.



Suicide prevention is often not an activity for a privileged group such as mental health professionals (although they have a key role to play). Everyone close to someone who is experiencing some forms of crises can be useful and helpful. In this regard, we call on every one to be empathic and avoid being judgmental to persons who are hurting, rather engage and infuse hope in them, and lead them to professionals who can help.



The Ghana Psychological Association continues to call on government to consider expunging the law that criminalizes attempted suicide in Ghana and rather put in place a national policy that will provide the framework for suicide prevention in the country. To anybody who is presently experiencing crisis in any area of life and contemplating suicide, we advise that you desist and rather seek support and help from qualified mental health practitioners such as psychologists, psychiatrists and counsellors. These may be found at all the teaching hospitals, counselling centres in universities and the psychiatric hospitals. Church Counsellors are also helpful in times of crises.



You can also call the numbers below for help.



For further information, contact 0207373222/0244296435









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The deity former President John Dramani Mahama serves is going to curse the administration of Nana Akufo-Addo and cause him to fail, an NDC sympathiser has said.



Editor of the Al Hajj Newspaper, Alhaji Iddrissu Bature speaking on Adom TV Tuesday said this is what would happen to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) within the four years that they have to govern.



According to Alhaji Bature, the God of John Mahama will curse Nana Addo and his administration for being overly unfair to the former first gentleman while in opposition.



The God of John Mahama would curse this government because in spite of all these wonderful things he did, they got the media, the Civil Society, the clergy and others to back themI swear, Mahamas God will curse this government and you will see the disgrace that would follow them when they are leaving power, Alhaji Bature sworn on the show.



The editor of the pro-National Democratic Congress (NDC) Newspaper said this while reacting to statement by the Senior Minister, Yaw Osafo Maafo that the Nana Addos administration has a four year mandate and hence cant fulfill all promises in just one budget. The senior minister had called on Ghanaians to be patient with the administration since the contents of the 2017 budget indicate the preparedness of the government to fulfill its campaign promises.



This statement, Alhaji Bature said really surprises him especially as the NPP never gave President Mahama a breathing space to execute his plans and policies.



I heard Osafo Marfo talking about the fact that the NPP has a four year mandate and hence have four budgets to present, I am surprised by that and that is leading me to conclude that perhaps present Mahama never had an appealing personality to all the folks in NPPam shocked because President Mahama after promising to build 50 SHSs was held by the neck a day after the promise and now you say you have a four year mandate, did President Mahama have a one-day mandate?, he quizzed.



Alhaji Bature further said that the NPP in its efforts to get rid of John Mahama and his administration deliberately tagged him as incompetent adding that what is more incompetent than Nana Addo seemingly going back on his promises?



Nana Addo is now going back on his promises and instead throwing dust into the public eyeGod will curse this people, they are very wicked and I am telling you, before they leave power, you will see what would happen to them.



The Al Hajj editor further said that the only time when the NPP government and President Akufo-Addo can be forgiven and perhaps have the curse reversed is when they openly come out and admit their errors and possibly apologise to the former President.



You will see, they were totally unfair to Mahama and the God of Mahama would curse this governmentif they dont go and apologise to John Mahama, God will punish them, he added.



These threats of casting a spell on the Akufo-Addo-led government so they fail, NPP Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong said would never materialize as according to him, John Mahama is not God to decide the future of this country and that is Nana Addo.

Source: adomonline.com









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The former Chief Executive of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), Nana Akwasi Agyeman, has declared his unflinching support for Mr. Osei Assibey Antwi who has recently been nominated by the President as the incoming Mayor of Kumasi.



The former Mayor said he is prepared to support the incoming Chief Executive and the government of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to achieve its aims and objectives of developing Ghana through massive industrialization.



Nana Agyeman declared his support when Mr. Assibey Antwi in the company of some Assembly Members paid a courtesy call on him as part of efforts to shore up support and goodwill ahead of an emergency meeting of Assembly Members of the KMA to confirm the latters nomination on Friday.



He is respectful and mindful of his actions and for that reason he will discharge his duties creditably to the benefit of Kumasi he said of the new Mayor, whiles urging Ghanaians to also support the government to deliver on its promises.



He also described Mr. Assibey Antwi as an incorruptible gentleman who will not mismanage the Assembly and he is an open-minded and hard working individual who can lead the KMA to deliver on quality services to the citizens of Kumasi.



Nana Agyeman who was affectionately called Okum-kom by residents of Kumasi advised Mr. Assibey Antwi to work hard to help the government to make Ghana a better place for all and also maintain the peace the nation is noted for over the past years.



He expressed gratitude to the incoming Mayor and his entourage for the honour done him by the visit and he prayed for Gods blessings on Mr. Assibey Antwi as he prepares to assume the very important KMA seat.



According to Nana Agyeman, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has kick-started his administration on a good note, which indicates that better times are ahead for the nation and with unity of purpose and peace the nation will attain its development.



Nana Agyeman said Ghanaians prayed hard for Nana Akuffo-Addo to be elected to the highest office of the land and the support shown to the president during the elections should continue to help the government to rule creditably.

Source: Bruce Misbahu Bulmuo (Hellofm)









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It has emerged that the various Ministries Departments and Agencies(MDAs) do not have Asset registers to properly document and track government properties.



The absence of this compelling tool will be difficult for incoming governments to ascertain the true records of the assets the outgoing government is leaving behind.



Speaking at the review of the 2017 Presidential Transition Review Forum, Senior Minister, Yaw Osafo Maafo pushed for a law to compel the Ministries to have Asset registers.



We have a major weakness when people talk about Assets to the nation. No ministry in Ghana has Assets register. So when you dont have asset register, how do you take over the assets of the country. Any company that runs any where, one of the importance documents of the company is your Assets register. The Assets register will detail out the assets of the company. And therefore, if you go to any Ministry in this country, there should be an asset register, you cant blame any government but we dont have it, which details out all the assets of that Ministry. It could be your photocopiers, everything should be there, but we dont have it. So when people are talking about you taking over, what Assets are you taking over? What is the basis of your reference? When the Ministries dont have assets register; we dont and its within the Financial Management Regulations to have Assets register, except that it is not being implemented.



The Auditor General if you look at his report, always talk about Assets register. We need law to enforce it, or otherwise it is going to be very difficult for anybody to talk about taking over the Assets of the country.

Source: kasapafmonline.com









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General Secretary of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia has described as unreasonable justification from the Nana-Addo led administration that the previous government left behind a bad economy; hence the need for a bigger team.



The argument that the economy is so destroyed so they need a bigger team to do the work; it doesnt make sense (excuse my language). Are they saying that when you have a weak economy which does not have the capacity to spend on a bigger overhead, is that the time you appoint more ministers that will require a lot more money to be paying them? When you are talking about competence; are they telling us that when you have an incompetent person doing one job, you need three competent people to be doing that same job? Is that what they want to imply? he queried.



General Mosquito as he is popular called, told TV3, Wednesday that a government that is complaining of the economy, should not appoint a lot of people since those appointed would have to be paid and catered for.



Their salaries and overheads will just make the cost of doing business more expensiveIf they dont know how to calculate value for money tell them that a ministry which is headed by one person; if it takes a decision, you can calculate the cost of that decision as supposed to a ministry which is headed by four ministers. Each of them have to be paid, housed, transported around on free fuel, land cruisers, saloon cars and all thatwhat is the point in not being able to recruit nurses and pay them and u rather choose to employ more ministers and pay them with the money. It comes to priority; wrong priority setting he added.



Asiedu Nketias comment comes on the back of President Akufo Addos appointment of 50 deputy ministers and 4 new ministers.



President Akufo Addo presented a list of 54 ministers on Wednesday, making the total number of appointees in his administration 110.



This has generated a lot of controversies as some critics thinks the number of ministers will put a stress on the public purse. Others have also described it as 'job for the boys'.



However, Mustapha Hamid says the number will rather help the President in achieving most of his promises as well as lift the economy back on its feet.



We never promised a lean government. Nowhere did we promise a lean government, because in our view it is not the leanness or bigness of a government that determines its output and its ultimate performance. We have had, in the history of this country, governments that are smaller that have landed this country in bigger debt and bigger mess than governments that have had bigger ministers. For example, the Kufuor government, apart from this Akufo-Addo government, would have been the government that had the biggest number of ministers and deputy ministers. But everybody knows President Kufuors record in this country. Everybody knows what we did for this nation at the end of President Kufours government. Those who came subsequently after that and created all the financial mess that we have on our hands which we are still dealing with had a smaller government. So I can purport to run a government with 10 ministers and still create an avenue to loot our nation if that is what the Ghanaian people want or to have a government that is bigger than that but which has people of integrity, honesty who are on the job and doing the things that ought to be done the Minister of Information said.



But General Mosquito insists that to come and say that we didnt promise a lean government so we are at liberty to do whatever we want, I think that it is rather rubbing pepper in the wound. It is not correct at all



He queried: what work will the ministers be doing themselves? Ministers are there to take decisions for people to work; so they shouldnt let it appear as if the ministers themselves are the ones going to do the workThat argument is falsehood. Then they should proceed to appoint one district one minister so that each minister will be responsible for one district so they can finish the work quickly.

Source: Rebecca Addo Tetteh/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.

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A lecturer at the University of Ghana, Prof. Ransford Gyampo has questioned the size of President Nana Akufo-Addos government.



According to him, the government is too large for a small country such as Ghana.



President Nana Akufo-Addo has appointed 110 ministers in total, making his government the biggest in the Fourth Republic. The previous NPP government led by former President John Kufuor had 88 ministers while the Mills administration that succeeded it had 69 ministerial appointees. The Mahama administration, however, had 78 ministerial appointments.



The appointments have been met with mixed reaction from the public. Whereas some believe the size does not matter but results is what is most important, others are of the view that the appointees will be a drain on state coffers.



Speaking to Kasapa News, Prof. Gyampo said the fact that someone campaigned or helped a political party in diverse ways to win an election, does not necessarily mean the person must be rewarded by being appointed to a political office.



If we dont take care well end up appointing majority of Ghanaians as ministers because those who worked and voted for the NPP to win the last elections are many. The number of appointees are to much, this is the biggest government in the history of Ghanas Fourth Republic.



He added: Why cant we run the country like the private sector running a business. Private sector is always competent and efficient but uses few people to do the job which produces a lot of successes, but the situation changes when it comes to government. I heard the Information Minister providing an incompetent explanation and justification for the large number of ministers, I was so dissapointed. for ithe saying NPP never promised a lean government, but wants a big government? All over the world countries that want to develop, work with a lean government made up of people who are competent.



Prof. Gyampo noted that Civil servants who are the administrative machinery of the state are the ones who do the real work and not ministers, adding that if civil servant were to deliver on their mandate there may not be the need for the appointment of ministers.

Source: kasapafmonline.com









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The founding President of IMANI Africa, Franklin Cudjoe, has expressed disappointment at the number of ministers appointed by President Akufo-Addo.



According to him, the president has appointed too many ministers to serve in government, arguing this will have negative implications on the public purse.



President Akufo-Addo on Wednesday made new ministerial appointments, bringing the number appointed so far to 110.



Reacting to the news, Franklin Cudjoe told Richard Sky on Eyewitness News



that the size of the current government does not reflect the pledge by Nana Akufo-Addo to protect the public purse.



You would have thought that the words used by the president himself in the run-up to the 2016 elections that he will protect the public purse will be minded at least so when I hear the minister for information saying the economy is a weak economy, and so you need a strong army of people, well then you may as well add militia people.



Franklin Cudjoe said although the President had the constitutional right to appoint ministers of a number of his choice, it is not prudent to appoint too many of them.



He described the appointment as a legal plunder in the face of the countrys weak economy.



The second justification for this which tells me that weve completely lost the plot is this whole business that because the constitution allows it, there is an open-ended opportunity, in my description of prudence, that falls under legal plunder. The fact that the law says that you can go and on does not mean that the very weak fundamentals of the economy that you said you met should be plundered in this manner he said.



An output based governance is based on some serious policy. You take education, for instance, the major deliverable is Free SHS, have you seen any major policy document guiding how this will be deployed? Have you seen a policy called planting for food and jobs? To see that we have a minister of state for Agriculture at the presidency and at the same time we have two deputy ministers for Agriculture, what will they be doing? he quizzed.



Ghana can do with 30 ministers



Meanwhile, Franklin Cudjoe has suggested that the country needs just bout 30 ministers to serve in the various ministries.



According to him, some countries with larger economies have fewer ministries or ministers than Ghana.



This country can do with about 30 ministers and that is set. Ive been to Australia and the UK, and their institutions and ministries that are being collapsed into desks for agency heads. That is a country that is vast like a continent in itself. I think 30 ministers can do for this country, he said.

Source: citifmonline.com









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Minister of Information, Mustapha Hamid, says the tall list of people appointed as ministers in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government is part of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addos agenda to bring Ghana on the path of economic progress.



He explained that the current government is determined to break bounds and achieve its stated goals.



If we do it as business as usual, we cannot get the results we are all looking for. The president has said he wants to do things differently and lets allow him to work and deliver. He is mindful of excessive spending. He is soliciting everybodys support to make things happen for us all, the minister averred.



He stated these at a news conference in Accra yesterday in reaction to criticisms that a total of 110 ministers, comprising 60 substantive ministers and 50 deputies, have been appointed by the president and parried claims that his move is counter-productive.



As Minister of Information, I have the honour to update the media on the formation of the new government. The president has submitted a list of 54 ministers comprising four ministers of state and 50 deputy ministers to the Speaker of Parliament for the consideration of the Appointments Committee of Parliament, he pointed out.



Mr Hamid said 46 substantive ministers, including 10 regional ministers, have already been cleared to work.



Admitting that the huge number of ministers would have a toll on the budget of the government, the minister said that President Akufo-Addo had made it clear that he requires what he called strong and competent hands to fix the broken economy left behind by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government.



Mr Mustapha Hamid asserted that President Akufo-Addo is being guided by competence and experience in the selection of his appointees.



According to him, the NPP never promised a lean government as being claimed and said, It is not the leanness or bigness that determines output and overall performance.



He said when President Kufuor was in office, he had what he called a bigger number of ministers but performed far better than the NDC government which he said had less number of ministers.



I can decide to have only 10 ministers but they will end up looting the treasury and still have a tall list of ministers who will protect the public purse, he noted.



The minister noted, for instance, that President Akufo-Addo has penciled Sarah Adwoa Safo, a deputy majority leader in parliament, as a Minister of State in-charge of Procurement to check the excess waste in the system, saying, Procurement has been the biggest source of looting the national purse.



He stated that what the president is doing today is out of the ordinary. You will see it as unpopular but in the end Ghanaians will live to believe that the decisions have not been in vain. Leadership is about choices and President Akufo-Addo has to take this path.



The minister lamented how the Ministry of Information building with other important equipment and materials had been left to rot by the NDC government, saying, Precious materials which have national value have been lost due to neglect.

Source: Daily Guide









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Ghana at the moment is saddled with serious challenges bequeathed by the previous National Democratic Congress (NDC) government hence the number of ministers in the New Patriotic Party-led government will help eradicate those problems, George Ayisi Boateng, a leading member of the NPP in the Ashanti Region, has said.



According to him, the size of Mr Akufo-Addos government, which has become a topic for discussion in the Ghanaian media, is an indication that all hands are on deck to fix those challenges affecting the lives of Ghanaians, for which the John Mahama-led government was voted out of office in last years elections, paving the way for the NPP to fix those issues.



Mr Akufo-Addo has appointed a record 110 ministers to help him govern the country for the next four years. His critics, mainly from the NDC, have said the size of the government is too huge and will affect the countrys finances.



But speaking in an interview with Chief Jerry Forson, host of Ghana Yensom, on Accra100.5FM on Thursday 16 March, Mr Ayisi Boateng said: The country is bedevilled with several challenges left behind by the previous government and so let us be patient with President Akufo-Addo and his vice president so they fix these issues for us. The size of the government means all hands on deck to fix these challenges. The president acknowledges the challenges facing the country and so he is tackling every single challenge with his appointment and very soon we will all feel the benefits of his government.



People are talking of the cost implications of the size of his government, but we have lived in Ghana under a particular government that paid huge sums of money in questionable judgment debts to Alfred Woyome, Isofoton, and several others, and now a different president has come in and is forming his government to deal with all the challenges facing Ghanaians and we are complaining of the size of the government? A year from now we will be singing new songs in praising the president and his ministers for the work they have done, and so let us be patient and see what will happen.

Source: Classfmonline









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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The Miss Ghana and Mr Ghana ambassadors, Afua Asieduwaa Akrofie and Archibald Acquaye, have asked Ghanaians to be proud of Ghanas kente, a national treasure that ought to be cherished by all.



The two personalities have endorsed the fabric which is one of the countrys oldest heritages.



Kente remains a colourful Ghanaian traditional fabric worn mostly on important occasions and celebrations.



According to Afua, Kente is one of Ghanas best cultural brands to the world and Im always proud to be associated with it as a Ghanaian.



The two pageant personalities were among several others who attended an exhibition of some of the countrys finest and oldest kente fabrics at the Peduase Valley Resort at Aburi in the Eastern Region on March 4.



Fabrics exhibited were by Amadu Baba, a Ghanaian artifact collector who has been gathering the materials for over four decades.



Most of the kente cloths exhibited were over 100 years old, some of which had been used by famous traditional leaders of the Volta and Ashanti Regions.



The event, dubbed Weaved With Love & Pride, was aimed at celebrating Ghanas rich culture as part of Ghanas 60th anniversary celebration.



The Managing Director of Peduase Valley Resort, Hussein Fakhry, said Ghana must identify key elements of its culture, including the kente and capitalise on them to promote the Ghana brand.



Today, branding Ghana should be the mission and vision of every one of us, of every entrepreneur, businessman, parent, teacher, doctor, artiste and farmer. This branding can only happen by identifying our strength, then building on through it, he said.



Other dignitaries at the ceremony were Prof Audrey Gadzekpo; Dean of the School of Information and Communications Studies at the University of Ghana, and CEO of Exclusive Events, organisers of Miss Ghana pageant, Inna Patty.









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Robert E. Kelly, a professor at South Koreas Pusan University, has been asked a fair few questions by the media over the past week. The first was relatively innocuous: what did he make of the nations leadership turmoil?

Then well.

After his children interrupted his answer during his now-infamous interview with the BBC, the questions changed: Can you clarify the identity of the woman who was seen scrambling to grab the kids? Why was the door left unlocked? Were you wearing pants?



Thankfully, Kelly has been granted the chance to answer up the final remaining qs regarding the instantly viral BBC Dad interview. After a press conference held at his workplace, a nice lil interview with the New York Times, and a post to his own blog, we now have answers.

Most importantly: yes, he was wearing pants. There was speculation he didnt shoo lil Marion out of the room due to his breeze-feelin ways, but Kelly writes yes, I was wearing pants.

I choose not to stand, because I was trying to salvage the interview.

Fair enough, we reckon. Also: the map is real and not a prop. He uses it to learn Korean place names. Similarly, that is a bed behind him, which he keeps around cause the kids like to play on it. Really.

As for his decision to gently push Marion out of view of the camera, Kelly reckons I was trying to slide Marion behind the chair because we have toys and books in the room that she might be distracted by.

As for the cavalcade of hot takes to have emerged from the incident, Kelly says he and wife Kim Jung-A are definitely not interested in politicizing this or having this provoke a backlash, and theyre not really keen on this becoming the subject of some aspiring sociologists dissertation.

Despite the fact theyve spoken to the media about the seriously funny clip on their own terms, Kelly has also admitted it may be time to give it a rest. He says we have been buried in phone calls, and we are doing the best we can to handle enquiries.

Some have asked for interviews in our home. At this point, we are unready for that. We are hoping to return to normality in the next few days. Perhaps next week if there is still interest.

There you go  just a normal dude, with a normal family, whos reacting normally to such a bizarre situation.

And he was wearing normal trousers, thank you very much.

Source: New York Times / Asian Security Blog.

Photo: BBC News / YouTube.
Kendal Jenner has reportedly been the victim of a burglary, with AU$263,000 worth of jewellery being stolen from her Hollywood Hills home while she was out of the house.

According to TMZ, Jenner left her residence around noon and returned about eight hours later. At some point, she noticed that some of the jewellery in her bedroom was missing, and called the police. When police arrived at the premises, they did not see any signs of forced entry or any evidence of suspicious trespassers on the premises.

This comes only five months after Jenners sister Kim Kardashian was robbed at gunpoint in Paris.

Sources told TMZ that Jenner contacted the police upon hearing noises in the home, leading her to believe that the alleged intruder was still on the premises.

There are currently no suspects, and police are reportedly investigating.

Source: News.com.au.

Photo: Getty Images.
If youre Australian and you were in school or university during the noughties, theres a pretty high chance you read or at least encountered Rusty Youngs 2003 book Marching Powder, purely by virtue of the fact that it was about cocaine. It really doesnt take much to encourage Aussies to read about cocaine.

But for Young, a University of New South Wales law graduate, Marching Powder was about one of the most fortuitous events of his life. He was backpacking in South America when he encountered the story about Thomas McFadden, an English drug trafficker who was incarcerated in the notorious San Pedro prison in La Paz, Bolivia. San Pedro is a unique setup for a prison  it operates more like a miniature city, with inmates buying and renting their accommodation within the complex, a drug-based economy flourishing, and elected leaders maintaining a remote semblance of law and order. Usually through stabbings.

Young bribed guards to allow him to stay within the prisons walls for three months, with McFadden, and Marching Powder was the result. More than a decade later, a unique project gave him the opportunity to return to La Paz and explore more deeply the drug trade he first experienced in Bolivia.

McFadden and Young in San Pedro

That project is the documentary Wildlands, released in conjunction with the recently launched tactical shooter Tom Clancys Ghost Recon Wildlands, an Ubisoft game set in a speculative near-future Bolivia which has been turned into a narco-state by a drug cartel.

The doco, hosted by Young, was an opportunity to reconnect with McFadden and the world he documented in Marching Powder, and also to gain a broader understanding of the supply chain of illegal drugs.

McFadden and Young, returned to La Paz

Along the way he spoke to a number of people, from DEA agents to cartel hitmen and even legendary American cocaine smuggler George Jung  the man best known to contemporary audiences via Johnny Depps performance in Blow. Of all of them, his favourite moment was reconnecting with his friend McFadden.

Being with Thomas in San Pedro was definitely a highlight, Rusty told PEDESTRIAN.TV. After all these years it was still very friendly and casual. You know  like Hey Rusty! Hey Thomas! That kinda thing.

He was also the most pleasant interview, too, of course.

He says the least pleasant was John Popeye Velasquez  a former hitman for legendary cartel kingpin Pablo Escobar. Whereas Rusty expected to run into people whose perspectives on the drug trade he couldnt relate to and might not agree with, the sheer ruthlessness with which Popeye recounted his many murders  including women  was a little hard to swallow.

Yeah, he was clearly a pretty bad dude. Perhaps a slightly understatement for a guy who has admitted to killing 300 people and is suspected of being responsible for up to 3,000 more.

John Popeye Velasquez at Pablo Escobars grave

By revisiting Bolivia, Rusty says hes fleshed out his perspective on the drug war through Wildlands. Even speaking to retired DEA agents Mike McManus and Mike Vigill  who he assumed he was going to virulently disagree with when it came to US policy in Central and South America  was eye-opening.

I mostly had a perspective from being in Bolivia so much, Rusty tells me. In Bolivia, the problems that the DEA are concerned with  cocaine, drugs, all that  are considered a Western problem, not a problem for Bolivians. So theres obviously some animosity there.

But speaking to Mike McManus and Mike Vigill changed my perspective a little bit  I met two guys who were just doing their bit and genuinely wanted to make things better, which I didnt necessarily expect. You know, it wasnt a politics thing so much.

The one question that kept coming up at the Q&A screening of Wildlands from the audience was a simple one: how do we solve the problems presented by the drug war and cartels? Is it legalisation? But Young says that it is a complex question with a number of influences and considerings  and not something that the documentary set out to answer.

I wanted to come in with no prejudices and no preconceptions, and just explore the different personal perspectives and experiences on this thing  obviously centred on Bolivia. Views are always skewed and theres always stuff we dont know  I wanted to just meet these people who are on the ground and basically amongst it all.

We didnt really set out to find solutions, we just wanted to see the drug war as it is.

The Wildlands doco is coming soon. Ghost Recon Wildlands is available for Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and Windows PC.

Photo: Rusty Young.
Its not a shock, but its still the most brutal US federal budget in many, many decades. Donald Trumps budget, which hell hand over to Congress today, takes a chainsaw to the countrys social programs, with every federal department receiving some kind of deep cut, except for those related to national security  which are getting a big ol boost.

It is not expected that this first budget will make it past Congress. Democrats are obviously going to oppose it, but its expected that many Republicans will not allow it through without amendments, believing that many of Trumps cuts are too indiscriminate and rushed. There is also the fact that many Republicans will likely defend spending on areas within their own jurisdiction  in what could be a pretty drawn-out negotiation process.

The New York Times gives a rundown on some of the areas which will feel the burn most:

The budget would cut the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) by 31 per cent, the State Department by 28 per cent and Health and Human Services by 17.9 per cent. Funding to several smaller government agencies that have long been targets of conservatives  like the Legal Services Corporation, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the National Endowment for the Humanities and the National Endowment for the Arts  would be axed entirely.

Despite the claims from many that Trump would be a non-interventionist president more interested in building infrastructure and border defence than waging war  including many PEDESTRIAN.TV commenters  Trumps budget director Mike Mulvaney laid out the fact that money is being pumped into the Department of Defence, Homeland Security and Veteranss Affairs, and that this was explicitly a hard power budget:

OMB Director Mulvaney: Trump administration aims to change course from a soft power budget to a hard power budget https://t.co/DvgxHl92vR  MSNBC (@MSNBC) March 16, 2017

Judging by the mere fact the US is still working with Saudi Arabia to pummel Yemen under Trump, I dont think were gonna see a big reduction in Americas warring across the planet.

In a move that should surprise no one but should annoy anyone who isnt a crotchety geriatric wholl die before 2030, Trump is ripping all money out of climate change research and prevention. Mulvaney made it very clear that the administration considers such efforts a waste of money.

OMB Director Mulvaney: Trump administration aims to change course from a soft power budget to a hard power budget https://t.co/DvgxHl92vR  MSNBC (@MSNBC) March 16, 2017

Also unsurprisingly, money is being pulled from the United Nations and UN-associated foreign aid programs. Trump always promised to do that.

Programs like the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Homeless, as well as federal funding for programs like Meals On Wheels  which provides food for low-income seniors  will be cut. The money saved from clearly useless things like poverty reduction and feeding the hungry will go to building a big fuckoff border wall.

Hey, the most materially deprived people in the United States of America, many of whom saw hope in Trump, are probably going to starve  but at least therell be a huge wall for them to look at. Must be nice.

Lets see how Congress takes it.

Source: CNN.

Photo: Getty Images.
A federal judge has blocked the Donald Trump administrations second crack at the travel ban just hours before it was scheduled to be implemented.

The new executive order  which was issued after the first one failed in front of the courts following a chaotic implementation  was reasonably similar but more carefully worded, and knocked Iraq off the list of proscribed countries. The ban would block travel from six Muslim-majority nations: Iran, Libya, Syria, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen.

Hawaiis US district judge Derrick Watson was one of several judges hearing arguments on the new ban. Hawaii challenged the second version of the travel ban on the basis that it was unconstitutional, and that it would inflict needless damage on the states economy and local educational institutions.

Excerpts from the judges ruling make it pretty clear that the roundabout targeting of Muslims was why it was blocked:

Because a reasonable, objective observer  enlightened by the specific historical context, contemporaneous public statements, and specific sequence of events leading to its issuance  would conclude that the Executive Order was issued with a purpose to disfavor a particular religion, in spite of its stated, religiously-neutral purpose, the Court finds that Plaintiffs, and Dr. Elshikh in particular, are likely to succeed on the merits of their Establishment Clause claim.

The Dr Elshikh mentioned here is a Hawaiian Muslim named as a plaintiff in this case. Further to the above excerpt:

The illogic of the Governments contentions is palpable. The notion that one can demonstrate animus toward any group of people only by targeting all of them at once is fundamentally flawed.

The block is a temporary restraining order  meaning that it halts implementation of the ban across the country, but doesnt permanently stop it. Its very likely this move will invite an immediate reaction from the Justice Department.

Trump hasnt tweeted about this yet. Presumably he will do so.

Source: The Guardian.

Photo: Getty Images.
We dont know how to tell you this, but Sydney is embroiled in a full-blown burger war right now.

Much like William Shakespeares classic tale of teenagers being dolts, there are two fair houses here, both alike in disgustingly good burgs.

One is Bar Luca, established CBD joint famed for its maple glazed bacon Blame Canada burger. The other is Burgers By Josh (BBJ), cult burger fave transitioning to mainstream stalwart.

Their creations came in at #1 and #3 respectively, in the 2016 ranking of Sydneys best burgers by the 75,000 person-strong Facebook group for burger nerds, Fatties Burger Appreciation Society (FBAS).

Both burger joints frequently mix it up, creating mouthwatering one-off specials to appeal to the quickly distracted millennial market.

Yet according to long-term members of the FABS, Bar Luca and Burgers By Josh have a long-history of beef, and today, it came to a head.



Burgers By Josh posted a new creation  the Blame Josh  consisting of double wagyu, poutine, crispy AF bacon, maple aioli, and a signature potato bun.

Screenshot: P.TV.

Sound familiar? Bar Lucas most famous creation, the Blame Canada, consists of BL beef patty, maple glazed streaky bacon, American cheese & poutine.

There was a fair bit of blowback on Burgers By Joshs Facebook post. The eponymous Josh told PEDESTRIAN.TV that it was done as a tribute burger, but it was taken the wrong way; the post has since been removed.



Bar Luca, however, was having none of it.



Dont be fooled by weak ass imitations, it posted on Facebook, alongside a high-def video of the Blame Canadas beautiful creation and a number of salty hashtags. Sydneys only burger with poutine that contains actual cheese curds imported from Canada.



The punters were divided.

So youre saying you have never had a special that was inspired or a replica of another burger? wrote one Facebook user. And he called it the Blame Josh.. Not exactly stealing if he is recognising where it came from. Plus wouldnt this just boost the popularity of BL and the Blame Canada? Theres much more to this story than just a rip off of our burger, replied Sarah Robbins, who co-owns Bar Luca with her husband James. We have no issue with tributes but when no credit was given and personal direct messages sent with digs at us and my family then yeah, Im going to fire up.

She had plenty of support in the comments section, with one FB user even calling Josh the Trump of Sydney burgers.

And loads were just happy to see a full-blown burger war erupt before their very eyes. (Except for a few who thought this was nothing more than a run-of-the-mill Facebook self-promotion. Lol, peasants.)

Bar Luca declined to comment further on the situation, but one FBAS member told PEDESTRIAN.TV that the great burger beef started in January this year, when Bar Luca unveiled its weekly special, the Buffalo Dill, and a couple hours later, Burgers By Josh posted the very similar Buffalo Bill.

Who wants the Buffalo Bill back? Josh wrote.

LR: the Buffalo Dill by Bar Luca; the Buffalo Bill by Burgers By Josh.

When people began pointing out the similarities, the FBAS member told P.TV that they were simply blocked from the Facebook page.

I did the Buffalo Bill for the first time ever back at Dannos [Cafe in Dee Why] over 2.5 years ago and they claimed to do it first to me, though its more [out] of respect in [the] industry when people are inspired by other chefs dishes, thats why I never mind when mine are copied, Josh told P.TV. In regards to Facebook exchanges, I never said bad words to her, but I will not disclose what she said to me.



TBQH, right now we could mothafukken smash a burg of any origin.

Photo: Wordtography.
There are two types of people in this world: people who love camping, and people who loathe it.

If youre the latter, a new glamping experience thats popping up in Victorias v. picturesque Grampians National Park might be just the thing to change your mind about that whole pissing-in-a-pot thing. Mostly because its about as luxurious a vacay as one can get while getting intimate with Mother Nature.

For five weeks from March 31, one of Australias oldest olive groves will open as a pop-up glamping hotel run by Under Sky, who supply luxury bell tents to a bunch of Aussie festivals.

Just 14 tents will be pitched for maximum exclusivity, each one kitted out with a queen-size bed dressed in dreamy linen by Melbourne brand Hunting for George, woven rugs, wooden furnishings and toiletries, as well as an Esky to keep your booze youll drink to toast spectacular mountain sunsets / sunrises nice and chilled.

If you want to incorporate elements of the traditional camping experience, theres a communal fire pit and dining area where you can cook for yourself with organic meat, milk, eggs, bread, olives etc. etc available at the cute on-site general store.

If not, you can pre-order a dope breakfast hamper from the Mount Zero cafe, which will serve up hot breakfasts and lunch for the duration of the pop-up.

Worried youll get bored? Not in the Grampians. You can day trip til your hearts content, rock climbing, hiking (Under Sky will even pack you lunch-to-go) and visiting local wineries.

Its a money-cant-buy experience given the campsite is set on private property owned by the local family the Seymours, who may not feel as generous next year.

You can reserve a tent HERE (prices start at a v. reasonable $190 per night, per tent) and start envisioning yourself star-gazing a million miles away from city lyf.

Photos: Charlie Kinross.
Kanye Wests career has reached a weird point where hoaxes in his name are difficult to rule out, so a new, cryptic website bearing his moniker is mighty intriguing  even if it has been shot down by his own representatives.

Today, MTVs office received a package containing a VHS tape with the label E Pluribus Unum, a rock in a small plastic case, and a bank card bearing the text NASA, Project-10, Kanye West, 8/10, and 772233688.

A post shared by Hilary Hughes (@hilmonstah) on Mar 15, 2017 at 2:56pm PDT

The rock didnt do much of anything, outside of being a rock. The tape played two hours of meaningless static. However, that longer number did lead to a website containing a video of more static, and the date March 20. In case you dont have a calendar handy and are unaware of todays date, March 20 is this Monday.

After news of the weird package broke, a Twitter user shared another oddity  an ad bearing Yeezys name and the same weird numbers on the Atlanta subway.

Some dude in Atlanta just saw this on the subway too. pic.twitter.com/7sPMC5AExG  Stephen Donaldson (@Sir_Narwhal) March 15, 2017

MTV posited that, based on the evidence, it could actually be related to Young Thugs track Kanye West. A postmark found on the parcel traced it back to Atlanta, Thuggers stomping ground, and there hasnt been a video for the tune. Yet.

Def Jam have responded to MTV regarding this one, and they say its got absolutely nothin to do with Team Ye, but that only confirms the man himself isnt involved. So many questions remain: whod put all that effort in? Why stump up the funds for a subway ad? Whats all this for?

Hilary Hughes, the MTV journo tasked with writing the yarn up, has also asked the same Qs.

Seriously, if Kanye didnt send me a space rock who DID send me a space rock and a prop from The Ring: Election Year https://t.co/AeJLsbdyGb  Hilary Hughes (@hilmonstah) March 15, 2017

As for where that leaves us: come Monday, were either going to be treated to absolutely nothing, a new Young Thug clip, a double-surprise new Yeezy record, or were going to watch a livestream of him being shot to the moon.

Source: MTV.

Photo: /u/tbhmusic / Reddit.
Good Thursday Morning, Fellow Seekers.

If you thought that the passage of a few weeks meant that Pennsylvania black leaders had forgotten about a state lawmaker's controversial remarks about the academic performance of some minority students, think again.

A week before a scheduled March 22 sit-down with Senate Education Committee Chairman John Eichelberger, the leader of the Pennsylvania State Conference of the NAACP wasn't mincing words about the effect an uneven playing field has on the lives of minority students across the state.

And in a letter sent to Editorial Page editors across the state, NAACP President Joan Duvall Flynn said it's plain to her that the term "'inner-city youth' has become code for 'poor children of color," and that "Young people bearing this label frequently find it more difficult to achieve their aspirations."

"Because they have suffered the economic violence of underfunded schools, they often have to pay for remedial college courses at the college level," she wrote. "College costs more and takes longer for them to complete than for students properly funded during their basic education."

Eichelberger, R-Blair, touched off a minor firestorm last month in the wake of his published remarks apparently suggesting that state money was misspent pushing minority students from large cities into college instead of vocational programs.

Eichelberger tried to walk back the remarks, first published by the Sentinel newspaper of Carlisle, saying he believed the state needed to do better by all students - regardless of their skin color.

"They're pushing them toward college and they're dropping out," Eichelberger said, according to the newspaper's published account. "They fall back and don't succeed, whereas if there was a less intensive track, they would."

In an interview with PennLive's Jan Murphy, Eichelberger said his remarks had been taken out of context in the published report.

He told Murphy that the only reason "minorities" came up during a 90-minute town hall meeting in Cumberland County was because "the neighborhoods that have the worst schools are the minority neighborhoods."

"So if I was representing those kids, I would be a champion for those kids and get those kids out of a bad environment at that school," he told Murphy. "That's what I'm trying to do. That's what the education committee is looking at."

In a brief interview on Thursday morning, Duvall Flynn said black leaders want to "understand [Eichelberger's] philosophy and intentions as [Education] chair."

"We could not understand why he would introduce those students into the conversation, when he represents a district where none of them live," she said.

In that letter to Editorial page editors, Duvall Flynn said it's the NAACP's official position that "schools do not underperform, children do," and "many of Pennsylvania's children score low on state mandated tests [underperform] because the Pennsylvania legislature does not provide sufficient funds," for such essential needs as libraries, guidance counselors and other "curricula offerings."

"Schools that 'under-serve' students are forced into these situations of despair by our senators and state representatives through the budgets they pass and how state funds are distributed across the school districts," she wrote.

The NAACP also "holds firm that minority children are victims of the demonstrated institutional racism prevalent in education funding in Pennsylvania," Duvall Flynn wrote. "The students do their best with wha
A western Pennsylvania mother already facing charges after her two young sons overdosed at school allegedly picked the wrong place to have contact with her boys -- right before a court hearing on the original charges in the case.

As a result, the mom is now in more trouble.

As WPXI reports, Samantha Brown, 27, of East McKeesport, Pa., allegedly approached one of her children in a lobby before a court hearing Wednesday -- a violation of a no-contact order issued in wake of the two boys' overdose on Klonopin, a drug used to treat epilepsy and panic disorders.

As a result, a judge revoked Brown's bond and ordered her back to jail.

According to KDKA, Brown was now back in Allegheny County Jail, where she charges of endangering the welfare of children, reckless endangerment, aggravated assault and other counts stemming from her sons' overdoses in early March.

But the mother did not go quietly on Wednesday, telling WPXI:

"My child ran and jumped on my lap and gave me a kiss, and he'd been calling me from school and everything," Brown said after Wednesday's hearing. "My children love me. They want to be with their mother."

Background from WPXI:

Brown's sons, who are 8 and 9 years old, were found on the floor at their elementary school earlier this month. The boys allegedly told investigators that their mother gave them the pills they took, later determined to be Klonopin.

The two sons are expected to testify when Brown's preliminary hearing, postponed by her pre-court contact with one of the boys, is held next week.

Meanwhile, Brown is blasting a police assertion that she said after her original arrest she "didn't want the kids anyway."

Brown told WPXI this was a lie:

"This is completely untrue, untrue. Nothing but lies and I just pray that the light of God is just shown because I really love my children. I would do anything for my children."
VERDICT IN: Pa. mom accused of drowning 2 young sons in bathtub learns her fate

Today is judgment day for a western Pennsylvania mother accused of drowning her two young sons in a bathtub back in 2014, later saying "crazy voices" made her do it, raising questions about her mental health that delayed her trial.

But now, 43-year-old Laurel Schlemmer of McCandless, Pa., will finally learn her fate.

According to WPXI, Allegheny County Judge Jeffrey Manning says he'll deliver his verdict Thursday afternoon after hearing days of testimony and attorney argument in her non-jury bench trial.

Schlemmer is accused of drowning her 6-year-old son, Daniel, and his 3-year-old brother, Luke, in a bathtub inside their McCandless, Pa., home on April 1, 2014.

Initially, Schlemmer claimed the dual drowning was an accident, which she said occurred while she was using another bathroom and returned to find both boys unconscious in the tub. An older son, Joshua, was in school at the time.

Later Schlemmer told police, "These crazy voices were prompting me to act irrationally, and I changed clothes and got in there with them and held them under water," KDKA reported.

This statement triggered questions about Schlemmer's mental health, forcing her trial to be delayed several times.

The most explosive testimony in the trial surrounded what prosecutors and witnesses described as Schlemmer's previous attempts to kill her sons, as reported by KDKA:

In September 2009, Schlemmer plead guilty after leaving one son inside what police say was a 112 degree car in a mall parking lot.

In April of 2013, officials say Schlemmer backed into Daniel and Luke in the driveway of her parents' home, an incident later ruled accidental.

Pa. couple sought by FBI in double drug murder

During the trial, Schlemmer's attorney argued that her diminished mental capacity kept her from forming a specific intent to kill her sons and is calling for her acquittal in the case, WPXI reports.

But prosecutors are seeking first-degree murder convictions and life in prison, citing among other things Schlemmer's alleged statement to police that she killed the boys so she could be a better mother to their oldest brother, who was 7 at the time, WPXI writes.
State Museum of Pennsyvlania exterior.jpg

President Donald Trump is proposing the elimination of four key cultural agencies, which would cut arts endowments to thousands of groups nationwide. Pictured is the State Museum of Pennsyvlania.

(File photo )

Arts groups in Pennsylvania say they are mobilizing to maintain federal endowments, in light of President Donald Trump's proposed budget.

"We've been talking now for about a month about our messages, and now they are urgent," said Rusty Baker, executive director of PA Museums, the state's museum association, in Harrisburg.

Trump's budget plan was unveiled today by the administration and calls for vast reductions to federal programs, some of the most sweeping since the downturn of World War II.

In the arts, Trump has proposed the elimination of four cultural agencies -- the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

Those agencies provide billions of dollars nationwide in support of organizations, from museums and arts groups to Public Broadcasting. It is speculated thousands of programs across the country would be gutted.

Here in Pennsylvania, the arts landscape could dramatically change.

According to the American Alliance of Museums, Pennsylvania museums received $6.3 million in grants from the NEH, $883,000 from NEA and $5.1 million from IMLS in 2014-16. In addition, the NEA also provided $2.7 million to the Pennsylvania Council of the Arts.

"There is a lot of speculation here. You eliminate the NEA, and a lot of other things go by the wayside," said Jenny Hershour, managing director of the Citizens for the Arts in Pennsylvania, a non-profit group dedicated to advocacy in the arts.

Without funding, many groups would be forced to slash staffing and eliminate programs such as free public symphony concerts frequently underwritten by grants, she said.

Last year, the Pennsylvania Council of Arts received about $950,000 in federal grants used toward administrative fees, that if were cut, would reduce the agency's staff in half, Hershour said.

The same agency, she added, processed 1,500 state grants last year, something it would not be able to accomplish with fewer staff members.

Other programs such as one that brings artists into schools to help teach topics such as geometry, could be severely limited, Hershour added.

Baker said without funding, matching grants and private donations to some organizations would be in jeopardy.

"It might signal to private donors that it's less important. We need to maintain this funding, not only from an operational standpoint, but also for its impact on communities in education, in tourism and in economic development," he said.

"We are all talking about this today and trying to figure out the next step. We did have some fair warning this was coming," he added.

Arts advocacy groups plan to fight the proposed budget with visits to Washington, D.C., as well as through letter writing and phone calls to members of Congress.

On March 21 on National Arts Advocacy Day, a delegation of about 50 representatives of the arts community will visit at least 15 congressional offices as well meet with U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa., Hershour said.

"I feel great hope because once constituents reach out to their congressman and they see there is support for the NEA, I believe funding will ultimately be kept," she added.
dickinson.jpg

(Daniel Zampogna | dzampogna@pennlive.com)

The budget plan released on March 15 by President Trump would entirely eliminate several items from federal funding, including the National Endowment for the Humanities.

That agency, along with the National Endowment for the Arts, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, distributes federal funds to state and local organizations across the nation, including many in Pennsylvania.

Here are all of the Pennsylvania organizations included on a list of awards and offers released in November 2016 from the National Endowment for the Humanities:

Carlisle

Dickinson College

Fellowships for University Teachers

Outright Grant: $50,400

Project Director: Gregory Steirer

Project Title: Intellectual Property Law and the History of the Narrative-Based Franchise

Indiana

Indiana University of Pennsylvania Research Institute

Preservation Assistance Grants

Outright Grant: $6,000

Project Director: Harrison Wick

Project Title: Preserve the Humanities Collections in the IUP Special Collections and University Archives

Lincoln University

Lincoln University, Pennsylvania

Common Heritage

Outright Grant: $12,000

Project Director: Sophia Sottilleo

Project Title: Preserving the History of Lincoln University Village

Malvern

Historic Sugartown Inc.

Preservation Assistance Grants

Outright Grant: $6,000

Project Director: Heather Reiffer

Project Title: Emergency Preparedness & Response Plan Development for Historic Sugartown

Philadelphia

Conservation Center for Art and Historic Artifacts

Preservation Education and Training

Outright Grant: $393,965

Project Director: Dyani Feige

Project Title: Preservation Services for the Mid-Atlantic Region and Underserved Regions of the United States

Conservation Center for Art and Historic Artifacts

Research and Development

Outright Grant: $48,967

Project Director: Rachel Wetzel

Project Title: Robert Cornelius and Early Pioneering Daguerreotypists Database Project

University of Pennsylvania

Fellowships for University Teachers

Outright Grant: $50,400

Project Director: John Tresch

Project Title: Poet Edgar Allan Poe and the Forging of American Science

Pittsburgh

Carnegie Institute

Digital Projects for the Public: Discovery Grants

Outright Grant: $19,967

Matching Grant: $9,995

Project Director: Erin Peters

Project Title: Evaluating Digital Platforms for an Immersive Ancient Egyptian Experience

Chatham University

Humanities Access Grants

Matching Grant: $50,000

Project Director: Sheryl St. Germain

Project Title: Words Without Walls

City of Asylum Pittsburgh

Humanities Access Grants

Matching Grant: $100,000

Project Director: Ralph Reese

Project Title: Thinking Out Loud @ Alphabet City

Slippery Rock

Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania

Humanities Access Grants

Matching Grant: $100,000

Project Director: Aaron Cowan

Project Title: The Humanities Ladder Program

Stroudsburg

East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania

Preservation Assistance Grants

Outright Grant: $5,900

Project Director: Kelly Smith

Project Title: General Preservation Assessment of the Special Collections at East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania

University Park
A crash along Interstate 83 south at Exit 46-I-283 south in Swatara Township has been cleared.

The incident had shut down all southbound lanes near the scene.

For more traffic information, follow live traffic updates, accident reports and road closures below from PennDOT, Total Traffic Network and other Twitter sources.

Get a look at conditions on local roads -- via PennDOT traffic cameras -- anytime here on PennLive. For Pennsylvania Turnpike updates and possible travel delays visit the Turnpike website here.

Tweet us at @pennlive with any incidents you see on your commute or send a submission to submissions@pennlive.com.
Rob McCord

Rob McCord resigned with two years left in his second term as state treasurer before pleading guilty in February 2015 to two counts of attempted extortion.

(PennLive archives)

HARRISBURG -- Rob McCord was at home in Montgomery County one day in November 2014 when an FBI agent and a state trooper came to the house to deliver news: He was a target of a federal investigation.

Within days, McCord, then Pennsylvania's state treasurer, met with federal investigators and agreed to become a secret cooperating witness for them. And within weeks, he let them begin recording his conversations with businessman and campaign contributor Richard Ireland.

"I wanted to cooperate completely, make amends and do my best," McCord told jurors Thursday.

The explanation came during his second day as the star government witness at the federal trial for Ireland, an 80-year-old Chester County resident accused of trying to bribe McCord in return for state contracts. McCord's turn late Wednesday on the witness stand marked his first public comments since his own guilty plea to extortion charges two years ago.

Ireland linked to two former state treasurers facing charges

Much of Thursday morning's proceeding in federal court in Harrisburg was devoted to help fortifying for jurors the connection between the two men.

Prosecutors and McCord went over campaign contributions they said had been directed by Ireland. Before breaking for lunch, jurors listened to portions of one of the taped conversations between the men.

Ireland is accused of trying to secretly funnel $500,000 in contributions to McCord, then seeking the Democratic nomination for governor. His lawyer has promised a vigorous cross-examination of McCord, portraying the former two-term state treasurer as desperate "to stay out of jail."

McCord, 58, pleaded guilty in early 2015 to attempting to shake down potential donors for campaign contributions - threatening them with the loss of their state contracts -- during his failed run for governor.

Four ex-Pa. treasurers could be called to testify during federal bribery trial

On Wednesday, he told jurors that one of those donors was William Sasso, the politically connected chair of the Philadelphia-based firm of Stradley Ronon. (Federal authorities had not identified the donors in court documents when they charged McCord.)

In an interview Thursday morning, Sasso was adamant that he was never threatened by McCord or any of his intermediaries - and that if he had been, he would have been more than happy to tell them "where to put those contracts."

"No one ever threatened me," Sasso told the Inquirer.

McCord has said that he relayed the threat to a lawyer at Sasso's firm, but Sasso said neither that lawyer or anyone else ever relayed McCord's message to him.

"If they had, they'd be out on their ass," Sasso said.
ADIgraphicsSTUFF

Hundreds of businesses are vying to get some of the precious few permits to operate medical marijuana growing/processing facilities and dispensaries that will be allocated to different regions of the state.

(PennLive illustration)

Pennsylvania's legalization of medical marijuana last year created a green rush of sorts, drawing hundreds of entrepreneurs to the state to compete for a stake in the burgeoning industry.

While Act 16 set out guidelines for how the system would be regulated, it left many gatekeeping decisions to the state Department of Health.

April Hutcheson, a department spokeswoman, said it expects to receive about 900 applications from businesses by the March 20 deadline.

Those applicants will compete for 27 dispensary and 12 grower/processor permits spread across six regions. Each region will see two grower/processors while the number of dispensaries varies based on population and the anticipated demand for medicine.

After the deadline, Hutcheson said, a group of experts from assorted fields will judge the applications and issue a score. For example, staffers from the departments of Agriculture and Environmental Protection will be pulled in to scrutinize an applicant's pesticide and waste disposal plans.

"The applicants know exactly what they'll be scored on," she said, "and how much each section is worth."

The actual composition of this panel of judges has not yet been publicly released. Hutcheson said the names will remain confidential "to ensure that this remains a level playing field."

More broadly, this is the rubric for how permit applications will be scored:

Background checks

Diversity plan (100 points):

Operation plan

Ownership, capital and tax status

Community impact

Some of the requirements -- such as the background checks -- are laid out in Act 16. Most, however, were developed through the Department of Health, a process that Hutcheson said will continue as the new law is fully implemented.

During this step, applicants for a grower/processor permit also submitted a nonrefundable $10,000 application fee along with a $200,000 permit fee that's refundable if they aren't awarded a permit. For prospective dispensaries, the application fee was $5,000 with a permit fee ranging between $30,000 and $90,000.

That range of fees for dispensaries is a result of how the permit is structured. Applicants have the option to submit for one primary and up to two additional satellite locations. The only caveat is that all of the locations must be in the same region and the satellite branches must be in separate counties within that region.

For example, a primary dispensary may be located in Dauphin County with satellite locations in Franklin and York counties. All three would fall within the southcentral region, which has four dispensary permits up for grabs. (Lancaster County, it should be noted, is considered part of the southeast region, which has 10 dispensary permits. Lebanon County is part of the southcentral region.)

Hutcheson said the agency plans to eventually release the applications publicly, although it remains unclear whether that will happen before or after the applications are scored and permits are issued.

The department expects to process the applications in about 90 days, she said. That timetable is based on receiving 900 applications.

"Obviously, it's going to depend on what the final volume is," she said, "whether it's 200 or 12,000."
Hundreds of businesses in Pennsylvania are vying for one of a precious few operating permits that will allow them entry into the state's nascent medical marijuana industry in a type of modern medical gold rush.

Geoff Whaling wants to grow marijuana in an underground bunker that was built to survive nuclear attacks.

It's not because he is concerned the DEA might break through the door. The bunker provides a number of other benefits: it is secure, the temperature is steady and the humidity and other environmental factors can be easily regulated.

Whaling is one of several hundred hopefuls who are seeking to grow medical marijuana legally in Pennsylvania starting next year.

"We decided we would form an exploratory group to look for facilities," he said. "And what better facility could there possibly be than a former bunker that was formed out of the Cold War? This is so uniquely positioned and located, in the middle of a medical complex right in downtown Pottstown."

Across Pennsylvania, would-be medical marijuana companies are out pounding the pavement, trying to lock down locations and approvals in the hopes that they may be granted one of the state's few coveted operating permits.

The odds are long. Really long. The state expects around 900 applicants to apply in the first round of permitting. Their potential prizes: One of 12 grower/processor permits and/or one of 27 dispensary permits.

But hope springs eternal -- and from the first few scattered seeds could grow a new industry in Pennsylvania.

In warehouses and industrial parks, in Cold War-era underground bunkers and in the shadow of power plants, entrepreneurs and medical professionals alike are investing time and energy in the hopes of winning the chance to be an early player in what could be a modern medical gold rush.

The state's medical marijuana program works like this: Pennsylvania has been carved into six regions, or clusters of counties. Each region has been assigned two permits for operations related to growing and processing marijuana into medicine.

Based on population and other factors, each region also has a number of dispensary permits -- or stores where patients can access and buy medical marijuana products.

Dispensaries won't sell dried marijuana to customers. Rather, they will sell marijuana that has been processed into pills, oils, topical creams or gels and liquids to patients who suffer from any of 17 serious medical conditions as certified by a physician. They include, but are not limited to; cancer, epilepsy, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, PTSD and severe or chronic pain.

Because of the way the permitting process is designed, organizations have to pay hefty fees just to apply: $10,000 fees for growers and $5,000 for dispensaries, as well as additional permit fees should they be chosen for a license; $200,000 for growers and $30,000 for dispensaries.

They also have to demonstrate that they have a location and that the location is zoned and permitted for a medical marijuana operation. That is, in part, why there has been a flurry of would-be operators appearing over the last several months at townships and boroughs across the state.

In Pennsylvania's southwestern corner, the company AgriMed is pursing both permits for a growing operation and for a dispensary.

"We'll be going into the process with a shovel-ready project," said Sterling Crockett, AgriMed's chairman. "Our funding and financing is in place. We think we have the personnel ... and I think we may have some advantages in our opportunities to bring community impact."

Both Crockett and the company's CEO, Bruce Goldman, met during the application process for medical marijuana in Maryland. Maryland took a similar approach to Pennsylvania in designing its program, although, mired in political wrangling, the state's program has yet to get off the ground.

Neither Crockett nor Goldman were able to secure licenses in Maryland, but the two decided to pool their resources when Pennsylvania announced its program.

"It was through that process and the lessons learned that we felt we would be a stronger competitor if we joined forces," Crockett said. "Bruce was monitoring what was going on in Pennsylvania, and we kinda agreed that the conditions existed to make it worth the risk. We like the aspects; of no flower being sold, or no edibles ... because we see this as a real push toward professional- and pharmaceutical-grade product."

If there's one word that keeps coming up when talking to people involved in the industry, it's "professional." These are not, to be sure, Johnny-on-the-corner-selling-pot type endeavors. The leadership team of AGRiMED alone, Goldman said, has close to a century of experience in the medical field.

That's in part, proponents say, because of the stigma associated with medical marijuana. When people hear that a medical marijuana facility wants to locate in their town, they picture a shop selling plant parts for smoking, or cookies and brownies made with pot to get high.

But that's not Pennsylvania's system, which forbids the selling of unprocessed plant parts and edibles. And, interestingly, those in the medical marijuana field are not quick to throw their support behind legalizing recreational marijuana.

Philip Goldberg, the CEO of Green Leaf Medical, a Maryland-based organization seeking a permit in Bedford County hasn't supported recreational use. In fact, as a member of the Maryland Cannabis Industry Association, he's lobbied against it.

"We lobby against recreational use because we think it de-legitimizes medical use," he said. 'We want to be a profitable company but we want to have our morals and ethics first. ... Some of our investors, they wanted to know early on, is this a ruse for recreational? But no, it's not.'

Green Leaf is looking to leverage its experience with Maryland's system. Although Maryland has yet to get up and running, Green Leaf was one of a handful of companies in that state that was awarded a growing and processing license and is currently finishing construction of its facility. So it knows what to expect as the industry moves through its infancy in Pennsylvania.

One of the questions surrounding medical marijuana -- at least from a business's standpoint -- which banks will serve industry companies and organizations. While most operations are being capitalized by investors, those entering the industry will still need a bank to issue checks for payroll and other expenses.

in Maryland, Goldberg said his company faced a similar problem. Because marijuana remains illegal, some banks don't want to risk running afoul of federal law.

"Most banks said 'no, we can't do that, it's illegal,'" he said with a chuckle. "So I just made a list of all the banks in Maryland and started calling them. I started with the smaller banks because I figured the biggest ones would be the most risk-adverse."

Goldberg found his bank and, after a lengthy due diligence process, has his company up and running.

That's likely to hold true in Pennsylvania as well. Both PNC and First National Bank, two of the largest banks in Pennsylvania, said they would not be doing business with medical marijuana companies. But Goldberg said that if he is successful in obtaining a permit, he is optimistic about finding a bank.

"I'm assuming there are going to be small banks in PA that recognize this as a tremendous opportunity for growth," he said.

In Bedford County Green Leaf is looking to locate its operation in Saxton, an old coal town which, like many of the towns that were dependent on that industry, has been in decline for more than sixty years.

"They're struggling there economically," Goldberg said, who, like most would-be medical marijuana operators, frames his proposal as an opportunity for the local community. "We want to make money, don't get me wrong, but what could be better than helping this community and getting people back to work?"

In addition to the direct jobs provided by those projects which receive approvals, the implementation of the state's medical marijuana program will ripple outward -- and will include construction, design and engineering firms across the state.

One of those companies is the Nutec Group in York, which specializes in engineering for food and beverage systems, as well as pharmaceutical applications.

"Our skill set and expertise fit well in this application," said Andrew Shakley, Nutec president.

Shakley said whether or not to enter into the medical marijuana field was something of a debate within the company -- but the decision to move forward is one that he felt was right after seeing and hearing how other programs had transformed patients' lives.

Nutec got involved in Maryland's program and is helping to develop and build two facilities, one in Townsend and Frederick.

Pennsylvania's "aggressive" approach to medical marijuana -- its relatively quick application and screening process, as well as the program's goal to have sites operational by early 2018 -- means would-be operators have to hit the ground running, Shakley said.

Nutec's experience in Maryland, he hopes, can help the company in Pennsylvania, and in turn help those companies or organizations seeking permits to round out their plans. While every project is different -- and medical marijuana seems to attract one-of-a-kind proposals -- the basic systems for providing water, nutrients and other necessities are the same. So too are the processing laboratories, where plants will be broken down and converted to medical-grade supplements.

One of those unique projects is located near Shamokin, where Power Plant Medical in Marion Heights is proposing to locate a marijuana growing operation next to a sister-company's existing power plant.

"It's going to work directly in conjunction with the plant," said Meghan Milo, the vice president of development with Ken Pollock Enterprises, which owns both the power plant and the proposed medical marijuana subsidiary. The growing operation, in addition to using the power generated by the plant, would also re-use water, steam and CO2 generated by the plant, she said.

Like most operations envisioned in Pennsylvania, the Power Plant Medical's growing operation would initially begin with outside expertise -- experts with experience growing marijuana for medical purposes in Colorado or other states. (Almost every organization PennLive spoke to is importing -- at least initially -- outside expertise.)

Those professionals in turn will train Power Plant's local workforce, Milo said. The company said it plans to hire for entry level positions -- sweeping, trimming, and taking care of the grow room or watering plants -- as well as more specialized positions that would require employees to have horticulture or chemistry backgrounds.

"You have to think of it as agriculture just on a much larger scale," Milo said. "It's farming 2.0 really."

On the distribution side -- at the dispensaries -- jobs include entry coordinators, product experts, nurses, and either a doctor or a pharmacist, she said.

"Anyone who thinks growing pot is easy has another thing coming," Milo said. "It's a science ... and you don't necessarily want the person who has been growing pot in their basement for 20 years.

"A lot of the people in the industry are professionals who were doing something completely different before they got involved."

Marijuana clones grow at the Compassionate Sciences medical marijuana dispensary. 10/1/15 Bellmawr, NJ (John Munson | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)

One person who wasn't doing something completely different -- to some degree -- is Thomas Trite, the CEO of PA Options for Wellness Inc., a group looking to open a growing and processing operation in Penn Township, Perry County.

Trite is the former CEO and president of Continuing Care RX, a Harrisburg-area pharmacy provider for long-term care facilities, a company he built from the ground up.

At a town meeting where he presented his plan, people from the community had several concerns -- most surrounding how he would secure his marijuana growing and processing operation, and what he would do to prevent plants from inside the facility from getting out. They were anxieties that Trite was quick to try and assuage.

Like all facilities that would grow medical marijuana Trite's would be indoors. There is not, he said, going to be fields of marijuana growing in the township's business park. Access to the facility would be limited and Trite said he was planning to contract with a firm for 24-hour security, including guards. Internally, operations would be observed by cameras, with compliance checks carried out regularly.

"It's always being watched, it's all accounted for," Trite said. "It's controlled from seed to sale."

In Pottstown, Geoff Whaling can guarantee his proposed medical marijuana growing facility will be secure -- it's 25 feet underground in a Cold War-era bunker built next to the Pottstown hospital.

"So one thing we can absolutely guarantee is, this secure," said Whaling, with Bunker Botanicals, the company looking to develop the bunker.

Built in the 1960s to house and protect telecommunications equipment in the event of a nuclear attack, Whaling and his group are proposing a renovation of the now-empty bunker into an up-to 50,000 square foot growing and processing facility.

"So the community will benefit because we're taking this piece of property that didn't make much of a contribution to the real estate or tax base and now it certainly will," Whaling said.

"People just had these ideas that these are people just growing marijuana in their basement," he continued. "But this will be a medical-grade facility ... this isn't going to be any different than a medical research facility in Montgomery County."

Whaling said his company is founded on advocacy -- he was an proponent of medical marijuana in Pennsylvania, and said that advocacy will be part of the company's core mission, "to grow the purest product to serve Pennsylvania patients at the lowest cost."

That's a key point -- making the medicine affordable for patients, even as operators recoup their investments in infrastructure, employees and permit costs.

Pennsylvania's medical marijuana law doesn't include price controls, Whaling said, but does allow the state to step in if prices get "out of control," he said.

"I suspect that ... if there are going to be 65,000 to 125,000 patients, certainly the market will dictate the prices," he said. "I think initially the prices will be higher, but as the state opens up round two [of permitting] those prices will drop.

"It is of great concern to me," Whaling continued. "We need to remember we are doing this to provide medicine, therapy to those who need it."
Charles McCullough.png

Police are searching for Charles McCullough, 86, who left his home in York Township at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday and has not been heard or seen from since.

(York Area Regional Police Department)

Police in York County are searching for a missing elderly man.

Charles McCullough, 86, left his home in York Township at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday and has not been heard or seen from since, police said.

When he left his house, McCullough was heading to a veterinarian office along the Susquehanna Trail in Manchester Township in a white 1997 Buick Lesabre, police said.

McCullough is 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighs about 180 pounds. He has gray hair and blue eyes. Anyone who has information on the whereabouts of McCullough is asked to dial 911 and ask for the Regional Police Department.
The Pennsylvania Attorney General's office on Thursday expressed "concerns" over the proposed transaction that would join PinnacleHealth System with Pittsburgh-based UPMC, the state's largest hospital system.



The statement says, "The Office of Attorney General is aware of the pending affiliation by UPMC of PinnacleHealth. Attorney General [Josh] Shapiro is concerned about the effect on consumers in the region and ensuring access to affordable and quality health care. We will scrutinize this transaction closely with that in mind."



Although it's not mentioned in the statement, Joe Grace, a spokesman for the attorney general's office, said Shapiro's concern also extends to PinnacleHealth's proposed acquisition of four local hospitals: Carlisle Regional Medical Center; Lancaster Regional Medical Center; Heart of Lancaster Regional Medical Center; and Memorial Hospital in York.





PinnacleHealth has said it will first buy the four hospitals, then finalize an as yet undefined "affiliation" with UPMC.



The transaction will dramatically alter the hospital landscape in central Pennsylvania, and raise the stakes for Penn State Milton Hershey Center in an increasingly competitive industry in which hospitals say they need to grow or affiliate with others to thrive. Beyond that, studies have found that health care consolidation often results in higher prices for consumers. Penn State Hershey had tried to merge with PinnacleHealth, but the two dropped the proposal last year in the face of objections from the Federal Trade Commission and the state attorney general's office, which typically join together to review such transactions.



Grace on Thursday said he couldn't answer questions such as whether the attorney general's office has received any formal applications regarding the PinnacleHealth-related transactions, or whether it has consulted with the FTC.



Both transactions are expected to a trigger a review from the FTC and the attorney general, which can decide to oppose them in court, or negotiate modifications. Or the the two agencies might decide to take no action.



Experts on mergers are uncertain whether one or both of the transactions will trigger opposition from the FTC and the AG's office, which also opposed the proposed PinnacleHealth-Hershey merger. That proposal was opposed on the grounds it would result in a monopoly in PinnacleHealth's and Hershey's service area.



Some experts feel the FTC will respond more favorably to a system from outside the region joining with a local system that doesn't reduce the number or hospital choices.



But they also believe PinnacleHealth's acquisitions of the four hospitals could result, in some counties, in a market share the FTC would deem unacceptably high.



FTC opposition to hospital mergers and acquisitions typically hinges in whether the resulting entity will be so big that, if it raises prices and or lowers quality, health insurers will be forced to contract with them because of a lack of viable alternatives.
WILLIAMSPORT -- A federal judge says "quite certainly" state Deputy Attorney General Keli M. Neary and her colleagues have not attempted to defraud the court as claimed by two former Bloomsburg University professors in their civil rights suit.

U.S. Middle District Judge Matthew W. Brann said that Thursday when he denied a motion for sanctions sought by Harisadhan Patra and Petula Vaz.

Patra and Vaz sued the State System of Higher Education, Chancellor Frank T. Brogan, Bloomsburg University and four administrators or professors in 2014 claiming discrimination because of their Indian origin and failure to fulfill contractual obligations regarding benefits.

Vaz also contends she was denied the opportunity to teach courses within her area of expertise, was subjected to racially motivated language and not paid for "overload" work.

Patra claims his teaching assignments were altered and student evaluations were concocted against him.

The two were members of the audiology and speech pathology department at Bloomsburg from August 2010 until terminated in May 2014.

They accused Neary and other defense attorneys of creating false documents and providing them with irrelevant documents during discovery that remains ongoing.

Patra and Vaz wanted Brann to impose sanctions and order a criminal investigation of the defendants and their attorneys for fraud upon the court.

Brann called "meritless" their allegation that Neary had violated the Model Rules of Professional Conduct. He called their allegations of impropriety regarding discovery wholly innocuous or best left for trial.

"This is not an ordinary case with ordinary parties," he wrote.

Patra and Vaz have fired two sets of attorneys since filing their original complaint in 2014 and now claim they are "uniquely positioned" to prosecute their own case, he pointed out.

In his order refusing to impose sanctions, Brann suggests they again retain counsel.

Patra and Vaz claim this is a "unique" case, but the defendants counter it is primarily about employment terminations that adhered to the collective bargaining agreement.
This report was updated at 7:15 p.m. Thursday to reflect a statement from U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta, R-11th District.

President Donald Trump's budget proposal - staying true to its over-arching goal of changing the arc of federal spending - doesn't shy away from some certain political fights.

'Exhibit A' lies in the proposed budget for the Secretary Ben Carson's Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The Trump plan proposes to zero out funding for the longstanding and popular Community Development Block Grant program, a federal revenue sharing plan that, for decades, has provided aid to cities and town centers across America to eradicate blight, seed revitalization projects and improve public safety.

Trump's HUD budget also proposes elimination of several housing funding streams that have helped encourage home ownership in low-income neighborhoods, or help qualifying homeowners make needed repairs and upgrades.

These will likely be hard sells, since dollars from these programs flow to cities and towns in literally every Congressional district, and they are an example of the kind of "pork" that residents like to eat.

For example, in Harrisburg, Police Chief Tom Carter is using $250,000 in CDBG funds to cover overtime costs and to support a 24-hour police precinct in the city's Allison Hill district.

In Carlisle, a portion of CDBG funding was used to secure an $877,000 loan that was a key funding piece in the conversion of a 40-year vacant property right off the Square into a downtown hotel.

Shippensburg is using $100,000 in CDBG funds to help pay for clean-up of an old industrial property, so that it can, in the future, be brought back to active use and create jobs.

In communities across the state, curb cuts that have made downtown streets and sidewalks accessible to those in wheelchairs have been funded by the federal grants.

Take these things away, proponents say, and sure, total federal discretionary spending gets reduced by less than three-tenths of a percent. But in the process life gets little harder for the poor, a little less mobile for the disabled, and community turn-around projects took longer to do.

If they are do-able at all.

"The ramifications would be quick and immediate," predicts Tim Whelan, executive director of the Cumberland County Housing and Redevelopment Authorities, which manages the $1.1 million CDBG budget there.

The federal Office of Management and Budget's "blueprint" for 2018 puts HUD's funding at $40.7 billion, down from $46.9 billion in 2017, representing a cut of 13.2 percent.

The CDBG line - currently at $3 billion - would be eliminated.

In Pennsylvania, that would cost a collective $169 million: $132 million to 34 cities and towns and 16 counties that receive direct allocations; and an additional $37 million to apportion to other communities that, because of population and other thresholds, don't qualify for their own grants.

Trump's Fiscal 2018 budget blueprint contends the cuts are part of his larger goal of letting local needs and priorities get handled locally.

And the overall plan was received warmly by some members of Pennsylvania's delegation.

"After years of overspending, I am encouraged that the President has proposed actual spending cuts and has committed to maintaining the overall cap on discretionary spending," Sen. Pat Toomey said in a statement. "I look forward to carefully examining each of the proposed reductions in this budget proposal."

But Jackie Parker, Harrisburg's director of Community and Economic Development, said she would like to note for the president and Toomey that the CDBG program is actually a great, working example of federal resources being put to use by local officials in the areas where they get the greatest bang for the buck.

"These funds have already been diminishing for years, but the cities rely on them for funding things that the taxpayers can't afford," Parker said.

Some supporters said there are ways the programs can be improved.

Christopher Gulotta, an Easton-based community development consultant who in prior positions helped oversee major makeovers of downtown Carlisle and adjacent residential neighborhoods through CDBG and HOME Investment Partnership funds, said by relaxing some of the regulatory requirements that go with the programs, costs could be cut up to 25 percent with no difference in end results.

But if they simply go away, Parker and others predicted, the wish lists of community improvements will likely have to be dramatically scaled back - especially in smaller and poorer communities.

And that, to borrow a phrase, does not make America great again.

Some are already mobilizing for the fight ahead.

George Connor, director of Dauphin County's economic development office, has asked commissioners and municipal officials there to pepper Pennsylvania's Congressional delegation with calls to support the program.

Connor said he's already heard from one Trump supporter, Rep. Lou Barletta, who told him he wants to save the CDBG program. Reached by PennLive later Thursday, Barletta confirmed this is a priority for him.

The president has certainly made his point with a budget plan that cuts discretionary spending across a variety of agencies and adds funds primarily for defense and homeland security.

But on the CDBG front, don't be surprised if a bipartisan mix of Congressmen comes together to throw a fiscal life raft.
The head of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reiterated her plans to fully investigate the death of two young girls that came after a Harrisburg home allegedly caught fire from a hoverboard.

Acting Chairwoman Ann Marie Buerkle said the commission is conducting a priority investigation into the March 11 fire that resulted in the death of 10-year-old Savannah Dominick and 2-year-old Ashanti Hughes. Other girls injured in the fire - Emoni Jackson, 3 and Raelynn Billups, 4 - have been released from the hospital.

The Harrisburg Bureau of Fire has said the fire was started by an self-balancing hoverboard. The commission have not yet made that determination.

"A CPSC field investigator is working closely with officials from the fire department, she wrote in a statement. "We very much appreciate their cooperation."

Buerkle said an important part of their investigation is determining the make and model of the hoverboard. They want to know whether the hoverboard was a previously recalled model or a different model that would need further analysis by CPSC technical staff.

In July 2016, the commission announced the recall of more than 500,000 hoverboards because their batteries were a fire concern. The recall -- which involved 11 different companies -- offered customers refunds or replacement batteries.

The commission conducted more than 60 hoverboard fire investigations across the United States.

Because of these incidents, the commission recommends checking to make sure the self-balancing scooters meet the UL 2272 fire prevention safety standard. A sticker on the board denotes if it meets the standard.

"The standard aims to prevent the battery and electrical components in a hoverboard from overheating and catching fire," Buerkle said.

Buerkle urged hoverboard owners to not charge them overnight, not charge them in an area of the home that is unattended and have working smoke alarms and a fire extinguisher nearby.

Read her full statement here:

"My thoughts and prayers are with the two children, Ashanti and Savannah, who were lost in this tragic fire as well their families. Another child is still in the hospital and I hope she is able to recover from her injuries.

CPSC staff is conducting a priority investigation into this tragedy. Our investigators are actively working to follow up on the report that the fire, as indicated by the Harrisburg Fire Department, was started by a self-balancing scooter/hoverboard. A CPSC field investigator is working closely with officials from the fire department. We very much appreciate their cooperation.

An important part of our investigation is determining the make and model of the hoverboard. We want to know whether the hoverboard was a previously recalled model or a different model that would need further analysis by CPSC technical staff.

I urge consumers who own a hoverboard to check to see if it has been recalled. Consumers should know that last year's recall of more than 500,000 hoverboards by 11 different companies is still active. It is not too late for consumers to receive a refund or replacement battery, depending upon the hoverboard company.

If a consumer is looking to buy a hoverboard today, whether online or in a store, they should look for a mark or other indication that the product meets the Underwriters Laboratories standard UL 2272. The standard aims to prevent the battery and electrical components in a hoverboard from overheating and catching fire. CPSC has been very engaged with UL, battery manufacturers and other stakeholders since the start of our product-wide investigation in the fall of 2015. Since 2015, CPSC staff has investigated more than 60 fires and tested dozens of self-balancing boards in our laboratory.

Please follow the safety tips CPSC has for all consumers who own a hoverboard: (1) do not charge them overnight, (2) do not charge them in an area of the home that is unattended, and (3) have working smoke alarms and a fire extinguisher nearby."
Lancaster County aerial photos

Lancaster Airport in Manheim Township, Lancaster County, February 25, 2016, aerial photo. Dan Gleiter, PennLive.com

(Dan Gleiter | dgleiter@pennlive.)

President Donald Trump's budget proposal calls for trimming some $2.4 billion from the federal Department of Transportation's $18.6 billion budget.

How those cuts would trickle down and affect travelers in Pennsylvania remains to be seen, but an initial review shows cuts will affect smaller regional airports, long distance train travel and infrastructure grant funding. It would also outsource the air traffic controller system to a non-governmental organization.

What would directly affect some Pennsylvanians would be the elimination of the Essential Air Service Program -- a controversial program which critics have long maintained is wasteful and inefficient.

In Pennsylvania that would mean cutting subsidies to six airports: Altoona, Bradford, Dubois, Oil City, Johnstown, and Lancaster. In total, those six airports received $13.8 million in federal subsidies in 2016.

Trump's budget proposal would also eliminate the federal TIGER grant program, which is used to fund infrastructure projects.

In 2016, the TIGER grant program provided funding for two projects in Pennsylvania -- $5 million for the Carlisle Road Connectivity Project, and $19 million for an urban connector project in Pittsburgh. Other projects that have been funded in the past include $15 million for the Rutherford train yard expansion and $10 million for another rail project in Williamsport.

Amtrak would also see a federal funding cut, by eliminating federal support for the train service's long distance lines. While that wouldn't directly impact Pennsylvanians traveling within the state (or to New York), it could impact travel to the west by eliminating funding for the Cardinal and Capitol Limited long distance lines, or to the south via the Silver Star and Silver Meteor, or other lines.

Trump's plan would also limit funding for transit capital investment programs administered by the Federal Transit Administration, requiring that future transit projects be funded by the local areas that would benefit from them. It's hard to quantify what that might mean for transit systems in Pennsylvania, since it appears that none of the state's systems are currently enrolled in the program.
The budget proposal that President Donald Trump delivered to Congress Thursday includes massive increases to defense, homeland security and veterans programs, even as it lays waste to vast swaths of the federal government.

From the Department of State and the Environmental Protection Agency to the Department of Education and Housing & Urban Development, the Republican's inaugural spending plan is the biggest reimagining of the role of the federal government since the Reagan administration.

But, in at least five important ways, the Trump budget breaks some of the key promises that real estate mogul made to the very people who sent him to Washington during his Jan. 20 inauguration speech.

Here's how:

1. The Speech: "The forgotten men and women of our country will be forgotten no longer."

The Budget: As a candidate, Trump made grand promises to working- and blue-collar voters that included restoring manufacturing jobs; reviving coal mining and reinvigorating the vast, rural middle of the country.

For starters, the healthcare reform plan currently being bickered over by Trump and Republicans on Capitol Hill guts Medicaid, which benefits poorer Americans, to underwrite a massive tax break for the wealthy. The healthcare plan would also allow insurance companies to charge older Americans, who are among Trump's biggest supporters, up to three times the premium they charge younger Americans.

During an interview with Fox News' Tucker Carlson, Trump appeared aware of the havoc the plan wreaks on his base and summarily threw House Speaker Paul Ryan, et.al under the nearest bus:

This literally happened...

Tucker Carlson: "The counties who voted for you will do far worse under your plan"

Donald Trump: "Oh, I know..." pic.twitter.com/tsG96kybxe  William LeGate (@williamlegate) March 16, 2017

Trump's budget also cuts funding to the Departments of Labor and Agriculture by 21 percent.

According to a Washington Post analysis, the Trump budget cuts the Women, Infants and Children nutrition assistance program from $6.4 billion to $6.2 billion; cuts $95 million from the Rural Business and Cooperative Service, which encourages economic development in rural areas, and eliminates the $500 million Water and Wastewater loan and grant program, which does pretty much what it sounds like.

At the Labor Department, which sees its budget trimmed by $2.6 billion, Trump's budget would eliminate a program that helps low-income seniors find work and eliminate grants that help nonprofit groups and public agencies pay for safety and health training, the Post analysis found.

2. The Speech: Trump promised to "to free the earth from the miseries of disease."

The Budget: The administration's proposed spending plan cuts the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services by 18 percent, from $84.1 billion to $69 billion.

Specifically, the administration cuts $5.8 billion from The National Institutes of Health, which largely does the work of trying to find ways to free the earth from the miseries of disease. NIH would see its funding cut from $31.7 billion to $25.9 billion.

3. The Speech: Trump promised to help "Mothers and children trapped in poverty in our inner cities."

The Budget: The administration's spending plan cuts the Department of Housing and Urban Development by 13 percent, from $47 billion to $40.7 billion.

The administration's spending plan eliminates the $3 billion Community Development Block Grant program that cities have relied upon for years to improve life for all residents by encouraging new economic development.

It also eliminates the HOME Investment Partnerships Program, the Choice Neighborhoods program and the Self-help Homeownership Opportunity Program. And it eliminates $35 million in funding for Section 4 Community Development and Affordable Housing, according to The Post's analysis.

On the upside, Trump's budget increases lead hazard reduction funding from $110 million to $130 million. So at least the children he'll continue to trap in poverty can do it relatively free of lead poisoning.

4. The Speech: Trump complained during his speech that the country has "spent trillions and trillions of dollars overseas while America's infrastructure has fallen into disrepair and decay."

The Budget: Yes, it's true that Trump has called for a $1 trillion infrastructure plan, with funding leveraged from both private and public sources. But in a Capitol that spent years arguing over reauthorization of the federal highway bill, it's not clear how he'll reach consensus or how he'll pay for such a plan.

The administration's budget also cuts the U.S. Dept. of Transportation by 13 percent, from $18.6 billion to $16.2 billion.

Among the programs on the chopping block: The administration's budget "eliminates funding for many new transit projects and support for long-distance Amtrak trains; eliminates $175 million in subsidies for commercial flights to rural airports andcuts $499 million from the TIGER grant program, which has funded dozens of road, transit and other projects," The Post analysis found.

5. The Speech: "From this day forward, it's going to be only America first -- America first."

The Budget: In this, Trump is at least correct, though it has serious ramifications for the nation's global prestige and its impact on international affairs. It is effectively a retreat from those responsibilities, reshaping nearly 70 years of geopolitics.

Trump's budget slashes the State Department's budget by 29 percent.

Here's what that means.

According to The Post: "The basic budget for the State Department and USAID, which houses many U.S. development and economic aid programs around the world, will shrink from $36.7 billion to $25.6 billion. The Trump budget also calls for $1.5 billion for Treasury International Programs, a 35 percent reduction from the previous year, a figure the White House included in its discussion of State's budget. The administration also proposes $12 billion for operations in war-torn areas such as Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan, down from more than $20 billion this year. Overall, the budget would shrink from $52.8 billion to $37.6 billion."
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The Pennsylvania state Capitol dome in Harrisburg, Pa. (PennLive file)

(PennLive file photo)

By Craig J. Staudenmaier and Joshua D. Bonn

The Sunshine Act requires government agencies in Pennsylvania to conduct official business at public meetings where a quorum of the agency's members are present.

Craig J. Staudenmaier (Nauman, Smith photo)

Any official action by an agency must be made by a publicly cast vote of the members of the governing body.

Deliberations preceding the vote must also occur in public. Official action taken in violation of the Sunshine Act is void. A public official who intentionally violates the act may be found guilty of a summary offense.

The General Assembly has found that open meetings are vital to the functioning of the democratic process and that secrecy in public affairs undermines the public's faith in government.

The Sunshine Act insures the right of all citizens to have notice of and to attend agency meetings. A number of provisions of the Sunshine Act accomplish these goals.

Joshua D. Bonn (Nauman, Smith photo)

Agencies must publish notice of meetings unless there is an emergency involving danger to life or property.

Citizens have the right to attend meetings, make public comments, and make audio or video recordings of meetings. There is a private cause of action available to citizens to challenge actions taken if they believe those actions occurred in violation of the Sunshine Act.

The current system designed to punish violations after the fact has not produced consistent administration of the open meeting requirements. Violations are notoriously difficult to prove.

Ordinarily, no one will know that agency officials deliberated agency business in secret unless one of the participants in the wrongful conduct publicly discloses what happened. This exposes the participant to summary conviction.

Furthermore, district attorneys with limited resources to investigate have shown a reluctance to prosecute violations.

Magisterial district judges, who would normally hear such cases, may not have familiarity with the nuances of the open meeting requirements.

In more cases than not, violations result from misunderstandings of the Sunshine Act rather than intentional acts.

The most frequent causes of confusion under the Sunshine Act are the exceptions to the general rule of openness.

Governing bodies of agencies may meet in executive session to deliberate a number of topics, such as personnel matters, collective bargaining, real estate, pending litigation, and internal investigations.

Although the law permits the governing body to discuss these matters outside public view, final deliberation and voting must be taken in public.

The governing body must also publicly disclose the reason it is meeting in executive session including the specific matter to be deliberated.

A recent area of confusion under the Sunshine Act occurs when agencies hold closed meetings to gather facts only and not to deliberate agency business.

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has held such pure fact gathering meetings do not violate the Act.

This decision is consistent with precedent that allows agencies to convene ad hoc committees for the purpose of furnishing information and making non-binding recommendations to the governing body.

Decriminalization of penalties would allow members of governing bodies to focus on compliance rather than avoiding summary convictions. The General Assembly also should give the Office of Open Records jurisdiction to review Sunshine Act complaints.

The Office of Open Records could provide education and resolve Sunshine Act questions in administrative proceedings, similar to its role to adjudicate open records disputes under the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law.

This would relieve District Attorneys and Magisterial District Judges of their role in policing and adjudicating Sunshine Act violations.

The central role of the Office of Open Records would produce more consistent administration of open meeting and open records requirements on a statewide level.

As we celebrate National Sunshine Week to promote greater transparency in our government and its officials and employees, we recall the words of Justice Brandeis who said "sunlight is said to be the best of disinfectants."

The laws of our Commonwealth require it, and its citizens, deserve it.

Craig J. Staudenmaier and Joshua D. Bonn are attorneys with Nauman, Smith, Shissler & Hall, a Harrisburg law firm. Staudenmaier represents PennLive in local matters and open records disputes.
Paul Ryan,Greg Walden,Kevin McCarthy

House Speaker Paul Ryan of Wisconsin, center, standing with Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Greg Walden, R-Ore., right, and House Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., left, speaks during a news conference on the American Health Care Act on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, March 7, 2017. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

(Susan Walsh)

By Nick Field

Two thousand and five hundred and forty-one days.

Nick Field (PennLive file)

That's how much time has elapsed between the 2010 signing of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (aka Obamacare) and the introduction of the American Health Care Act (aka the GOP effort to repeal Obamacare).

For seven years, Republicans deferred the official unveiling of their alternative of the Obama White House-authored healthcare reform law that they so despised.

All the while, the GOP promised to repeal Obamacare and come up with a vastly superior replacement.

"Repeal and replace with something terrific," Donald Trump pledged back in 2015.

Only two months ago, Trump went even further in an interview with the Washington Post:

"We're going to have insurance for everybody," he declared. "There was a philosophy in some circles that if you can't pay for it, you don't get it. That's not going to happen with us."

I don't want to shock anyone, so if you're eating or drinking while reading this I'd advise you to pause for a moment, but Donald Trump was lying.

By his own admission, Trump was blindsided by the complexity of the American health care system. So U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wisc., eagerly stepped into the void.

The result?

The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) concluded that the GOP bill, now called TrumpCare would cost 24 million Americans their insurance over the next 10 years.

In fact, the White House itself is projecting an even worse toll, predicting 26 million people will lose coverage.

It may seem strange that Ryan would develop a plan that would throw millions off their health insurance. If you knew anything about the man, however, it wouldn't be.

The day before the CBO's score was released Ryan was explicitly asked how many Americans would lose their insurance.

"I can't answer that question. It's up to people," he responded. "Here's the premise of your question. Are you going to stop mandating people buy health insurance? People are going to do what they want to do with their lives because we believe in individual freedom in this country."

Freedom from insurance isn't an appealing bumper sticker but it's an accurate summation of Ryan's goals.

Ryan, a noted Ayn Rand disciple has effectively crafted a massive tax cut that will cripple Medicaid.

And he's selling it as an expansion of personal freedom.

During a radio interview with conservative talk show host Hugh Hewitt, Ryan tipped his hand on his intentions, by proudly pointing to the proposed Medicaid cuas the largest ever rollback of an entitlement.

"We are de-federalizing an entitlement, block granting it back to the states, and capping its growth rate," he bragged. "That's never been done before."

Ryan's made a career of targeting entitlements.

In addition to Medicaid, his infamous budget proposed voucherizing Medicare. Before that, he was a proponent of privatizing Social Security.

Which leads to the ultimate question: How will Pennsylvania's Republican Congressional delegation going to sell this to their constituents?

Sure many of them will be safe thanks to a favorable district lines.

But still, five Democratic seats flipped in 2010 after the passage of Obamacare. Its repeal may take a few more incumbents away as well.

The three Republicans in Southeastern Pennsylvania, U.S. Reps. Ryan Costello, 6th-District; Pat Meehan, 7th District, and Brian Fitzpatrick, 8th District, stand out above the rest.

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has targeted those districts for years. And voters in Costello's and Meehan's respective districts actually supported Hillary Clinton last November. Fitzpatrick's Bucks County-based seat went narrowly red.

All three lawmakers have been hesitant to go on the record concerning the legislation. Although Costello and Meehan each voted to advance it in their roles on the Energy and Commerce and Ways and Means Committees respectively.

Ryan can only afford 24 defectors in order to secure a majority and pass the bill. The question now is if the three vulnerable suburban incumbents can afford to join him.

Nick Field, the former managing editor of PoliticsPa, is a frequent PennLive Opinion contributor.
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By Ryan Alexander

Millions of dollars of taxpayer-owned natural resources are currently going up in flames every year.

Ryan Alexander (Taxpayers for Common Sense photo)

And Congress could soon lock in the waste of natural gas from production on federal lands for decades to come.

The United States has the good fortune of having valuable reserves of natural gas located on our public lands.

These resources are owned by us all, and we deserve to have our federal government manage these resources so that they financially benefit every US taxpayer.

Yet instead of trying to fix the problem, Congress seems prepared to let our resources waste away, at the behest of oil and gas companies, all while taxpayers like you and me lose out.

The Bureau of Land Management is tasked with ensuring that public lands are used in a responsible way that benefits both the American people and our nation's industries.

That duty includes accounting for all natural gas vented, flared, or leaked from production operations on our public lands.

With new technologies like hydraulic fracturing, natural gas extraction has increased substantially in the last decade.

The amount and value of natural gas wasted on BLM-managed lands has also increased to the tune of $444 million a year, which is worth $56 million in royalties back to taxpayers and Indian tribes.

The amount of wasted gas has increased in large part because the current rules regarding methane waste were crafted in 1979, long before modern drilling techniques like "fracking" even existed.

Faced with the current problem, the BLM began to update its policies to better fit the modern realities of the natural gas industry in 2011.

The BLM held four forums in 2014 in Colorado, New Mexico, North Dakota, and Washington, D.C, and received more than 300,000 comments on its proposed waste rule in 2016.

While not perfect, the rule is a start to getting us on the right track. But now Congress wants to repeal the entire rule with an obscure law known as the Congressional Review Act (CRA).

If it does, it will prevent the BLM from doing anything on the issue of wasted gas in the future, without another act of Congress.

Because of the gridlock and slow machinery of lawmaking, it could take years to pass a new law regulating methane waste on public lands - this translates to hundreds of millions of taxpayers' dollars being flushed down the drain. Taxpayers deserve better.

The BLM methane rule is not perfect - no rules are - but there are many avenues Congress can take to fix it instead of using the blunt axe of the Congressional Review Act.

The government has a chance to get more natural gas to the market and increase revenue for federal and state governments.

We hope that U.S. Sens. Pat Toomey (Republican) and Bob Casey (Democrat) stand up for taxpayers and oppose this effort to turn back clock on the methane waste.

Ryan Alexander is president of Taxpayers for Common Sense, a Washington D.C.-based advocacy group.
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Carlisle residents and elected officials see PinnacleHealth's planned acquisition of their local hospital, now the for-profit Carlisle Regional Medical Center, as mostly a positive development for the community.

(File photo/PennLive.com)

To say former longtime Carlisle Mayor Kirk Wilson is not a fan of Carlisle Regional Medical Center is putting it mildly. Ever since it was first sold to a for-profit out-of-state company in 2001, Wilson, like some others in the Carlisle community, found its quality of care to be, as he said, "disappointing is probably the best way to put it."

But news of PinnacleHealth System's intent to buy the 11-year-old, $68 million facility, along with three other hospitals, and later pursue an affiliation with Pittsburgh-based UPMC health system, could make Wilson consider using his local hospital again for future health care needs, he said.

"If PinnacleHealth is able to acquire the facility, they will do what's right for the area. They've done what's right for me," he said.

Wilson, who has been very satisfied with care he has received at PinnacleHealth hospitals over the years, said his beef with Carlisle Regional was not as much with the doctors, nurses and staff there, but "the overall operation of being part of big business."

Not everyone in the Carlisle community shares those misgivings about their local hospital which has been among the most profitable in the state since becoming for profit. In 2013, the current owner was one of few hospitals to emerge from a three-day inspection by the state Department of Health with no "deficiencies."

But some just can't shake from their memory the facility's run of bad publicity in the preceding years for its high charges, its long emergency room wait times, incidents of people leaving without treatment, and its fine for mishandling three cases of possible sexual assaults involving children.

Marring its reputation further was its inclusion in a "60 Minutes" report on inappropriate admissions by its first for-profit owner Florida-based Health Management Associates.

No matter which view the people interviewed for this story take of the hospital located in South Middleton Township that has been owned since 2014 by Tennessee-based Community Health Systems, most are looking at the proposed acquisition as mostly positive.

"No matter what you say, to have in the community a health system that meets the needs of the community and is easily accessible within a few minutes is an asset," said Michelle Crowley, president and CEO of the Carlisle Area Chamber of Commerce.

While personally satisfied with services that she and her husband have received from Carlisle Regional, Crowley said she is hoping that becoming part of the PinnacleHealth fold will continue to strengthen the quality of care for the region as a whole.

Current Carlisle Mayor Tim Scott said for the borough, the hospital is more than a health care provider that serves its residents. It's a corporate partner and as much an institution as the Army War College, Dickinson College, and the Dickinson School of Law.

"They do a lot to give back and support events we have in the region," Scott said.

He is encouraged that officials have expressed a desire to maintain a solid relationship with the borough moving forward. Scott also is hopeful PinnacleHealth does more than stand by its commitment to rehire Carlisle Regional employees in good standing.

"I hope it adds more jobs," he said.

PinnacleHealth confirmed Carlisle Regional will become a non-profit hospital when the sale is finalized, which won't be until sometime this summer or later. That will deal a blow to Cumberland County and South Middleton School District's tax base, which was the most definitive negative aspect anyone shared about the hospitals' sale.

Vince DiFilippo, chairman of the Cumberland County commissioners, estimates it will mean a loss of $180,000 in property tax revenue for the county. For the school district, which was closed on Wednesday due to the snow, he estimates it could represent a loss of four times that amount.

"Certainly we are concerned about how this will impact us," said South Middleton School Board President Mike Berk. "In fact, the board's finance committee will be discussing this on the agenda on Monday night. We obviously need to be prepared for any impact this might have."

Berk was unfamiliar with how much tax revenue the for-profit hospital generates for the school district. However, he said given the constraints of Act 1 - which limits the size of real estate tax increases a school board can impose without going to a voter referendum for approval, "anytime one of your major employers undergoes a takeover or any kind of change, it's always a concern to the district."

Less concerned about the tax impact is South Middleton Township Supervisor Tom Faley since the township has no real estate tax but does have a small fire service tax. He is unsure what that will mean for the fire services.

But on a more positive note, he said the realty transfer tax would produce a one-time windfall for the township and school district.

He noted the hospital property has an assessed value of $71.5 million. He estimates PinnacleHealth will buy it for about $75 million. With the 1 percent realty transfer tax revenue split evenly between the municipality and school district, that would mean a one-time injection of $375,000 for each.

On a personal note, Faley said he is elated over PinnacleHealth's planned acquisition of Carlisle hospital and believes it will expand the breadth of services it provides. Like others interviewed, he had high praise for care he received in the past at PinnacleHealth's Harrisburg Hospital.

"I see this in a good light," Faley said. "I have no heartburn with Carlisle. Being in my 70s, I used Carlisle. Their services are good too. But this should raise the ability within Pinnacle to serve you here in the local area, the central Pennsylvania area, with greater ease with more medical assets."

Others remain a bit skeptical about what this acquisition will mean, indicating only time will answer the questions they have.

"When it comes down to it, I hope this acquisition will improve the quality of health care, improve access to health care, and also provide more choice for people," DiFilippo said "Will this big acquisition really improve the quality of health care or will it possibly create a monopoly? We don't know."

But DiFilippo, who also had a favorable health care experience with PinnacleHealth, said his gut feeling tells him this acquisition is a good thing.

An official at Carlisle Health Care Alternatives, a physician network organization affiliated with Carlisle Regional, also is left with questions. Its executive director Larry Fosselman wonders whether CHCA, as it is known, and its network of 105 doctors will continue to have privileges at that hospital when it becomes part of PinnacleHealth.

"We don't know the answer to any questions but we're going to pursue them and meet with Pinnacle and talk this through," Fosselman said. "I think it'll work out."

Fosselman, the former vice president for planning for Carlisle Hospital when it was still a nonprofit, said based on the way hospital acquisitions have worked in Central Pennsylvania and other parts of the nation, he doesn't expect any immediate changes.

Still rumors are running rampant, some said, suggesting PinnacleHealth plans to narrow the focus of Carlisle Regional to handle outpatient surgeries or urgent care or become an osteopathic hospital. Some also worry Pinnacle might even shut it down since it just opened the West Shore Hospital in 2014.

Fosselman said his educated guess is that nothing will change for quite a while until PinnacleHealth figures out the lay of the land.

"Anything could happen but I seriously doubt in the next several years that Carlisle Hospital will be closed," he said. "I expect it will be business as usual. I could be totally wrong but that would really amaze me."
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Where does Sen. John DiSanto stand on President Donald Trump's health care plans? That's what a group of ralliers hope to find out Friday.

(Gerald Herbert, Associated Press file photo)

Where does Sen. John DiSanto stand on President Donald Trump's health care plans? That's what a group of ralliers hope to find out Thursday.

The Service Employees International Union Healthcare Pennsylvania will hold a rally Thursday afternoon at DiSanto's New Bloomfield office. The rally is being held in conjunction with a number of events that seek to pressure local legislators into pressuring federal lawmakers on health care.

SEIU Healthcare Pennsylvania, the state's largest union of nurses and health care workers, wants lawmakers to oppose the Republican president's controversial plan.

"We want to ask the senator what side is he on," said Matt Yarnell, SEIU Healthcare Pennsylvania president. "Is he on the side of working men and women in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or is he on the side of big corporations, [U.S. Speaker of the House] Paul Ryan and Donald Trump?"

Chuck Erdman, DiSanto's chief of staff, said the ralliers are welcome to have their event at the New Bloomfield office. However, he said, the senator will not be at there.

Trump has proposed, and Ryan has been busy pitching, repealing much of President Barack Obama's Affordable Care Act and replacing it with the new American Health Care Act.

The bill would enfeeble Obama's individual mandate -- the requirement that Americans buy coverage -- by abolishing the tax fine on violators. It would end subsidies that help low-income people with high insurance premiums the most and replace them with tax credits that are bigger for older people.

It would cut Medicaid, repeal the law's tax increases on higher earning Americans and allow 30 percent higher premiums for consumers who let coverage lapse.

The plan would also be to provide a fixed amount of federal money for each state to provide health care to low income residents on Medicaid. They would be provided as block grants.

"It's going to delete healthcare for 24 millions Americans, 1.1 million of them in Pennsylvania," he said.

Yarnell said the the events aim to highlight the responsibility local legislators have to reach out to federal lawmakers to denounce the plan for their constituents.
PITTSBURGH -- A preliminary hearing that began with Darrelle Revis facing two charges of aggravated assault, a first-degree felony robbery charge and one each of being an accomplice to a criminal conspiracy and making terroristic threats ended with Revis' defense attorney clarifying that he didn't want to accuse the prosecution's principal witnesses of perjury.

In a closing argument to Hon. Kevin Cooper Jr., Robert Del Greco Jr., Revis' attorney, called the claims against his client "innuendoes, assumptions, mischaracterizations and falsehoods" a few minutes before Cooper dismissed all charges against Revis in Pittsburgh Municipal Court.

Revis and Del Greco won in court as the most one-time damning portions of Dallas Cousins', Zacheriah Jarvis' and Nathan Watt's statements to reporting officer Anthony Burke from the affidavit of probable cause against Revis didn't survive cross examination.

Details of the initial incident report

Del Greco said in February that the TMZ video - which Bolton shot - would help Revis' case

None of them had directly accused Revis in the police report of hitting anyone. All stood by this statement or gave testimony that cast doubt on the idea that he had in court.

Rashawn Bolton, Revis' friend and a previously unidentified man, said he knocked out Dallas Cousins and Zacheriah Jarvis in defense of Revis when he saw them draped over Revis' waist and back. He knocked them out without any instruction from Revis to do so, he said.

Bolton did describe three phone calls with Revis.

1. Revis calling him to tell him he thought he was being jumped.

2. Bolton calling Revis to tell ask where he was. Revis told him he was by the Birmingham Bridge.

3. Bolton calling Revis to ask where the Birmingham Bridge was.

A pair of local defense attorneys with no attachment to the case who spoke to PennLive prior to the hearing said the prosecution would likely struggle to prove criminal conspiracy, but that Burke had carried out a thorough investigation supporting an argument over the rest of the charges.

"My whole problem with this prosecution had nothing to do with Officer Burke," Del Greco said after the hearing.

Yet none of the charges made it past 3 p.m. Wednesday. Here's, in part, why -- in terms of what changed from the police report and what did not:

Dallas Cousins

In the police report

:

Asked Revis if he was Revis, said "no you're not" when Revis said he was Revis.

Said Revis became irate and waved his fans in Cousins' face, telling him to get out of his face.

Told Officer Burke that Revis took the phone from him and threw it into East Carson Street.

After arguing with Revis, said he next remembers talking to police.

In court

:

Noted he was joking when he questioned if Revis was Revis.

Dropped his phone after Revis nudged him, began recording after he picked up the phone and saw it was cracked.

When asked if he could look Revis and Cooper in the eye and say that Revis assaulted him said: "I cannot."

Said he assumed the person who knocked him out was "the person I had an issue with."

When asked why he told Officer Burke that Revis assaulted him, said he had an indication it was Revis. He later testified that a friend, Ross Byrne, told him days later that Revis hit him, claiming to have seen the incident.

The prosecution played a video, recorded by Cousins, in which Cousins follows Revis - who is on his phone - claims Revis had taken the phone from him twice already and said he was recording a man who "calls himself Darrelle Revis," and that "he's acting cool" because he knew he was being recorded. At that point in the video Revis says "Why are you following me?" then appears to knock the phone out of Cousins' hands, then the recording ends.

Said he initially engaged with Revis in the confrontation that ultimately led to his being knocked out and didn't know if he grabbed Revis.

After arguing with Revis, said he next remembers talking to police.

Cousins also said on cross examination that he had "several I.C. Lights" between 7 p.m. on Feb. 11 and 2 a.m. on Feb. 12 and that he didn't plan on driving home as he was under the influence.

Zacheriah Jarvis

In the police report:

Confirmed Cousins' story and said he was also trying to get the phone back from Revis before Revis threw it into the street.

Got punched, remembers coming to to speak to police.

Told Officer Burke the afternoon following the incident that he couldn't remember anything further because he was knocked out.

In court:

Didn't know where Revis was when he and the group of six men, including himself, were initially walking down the street.

Cousins was 25 yards in front of him recording Revis.

Said he was also trying to grab Cousins' phone back from Revis when Revis threw it into the street.

"I'm not sure," he said, when asked if Revis assaulted him.

Didn't recall saying that he had.

"He was the last person I saw," he said, when asked why he told Officer Burke Revis assaulted him.

Was drunk "to a certain degree," he said on cross examination. He also said he had fewer than 10 beers while drinking from 7:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. and was unable to drive.

Nathan Watt

In the police report

:

Claimed Revis approached him aggressively after Cousins and Jarvis were knocked out and said "I got more guys coming" and "Do you want to be next?"

Didn't know who knocked out Cousins and Jarvis.

In court

:

Didn't know who knocked out Cousins and Jarvis.

"I don't remember most of what he said," he said, of Revis, when Revis was walking away from Cousins.

Retrieved Cousins' phone after Revis threw it into the street and as he was walking back to the sidewalk, saw another man matching Bolton's description.

Note: Bolton wasn't in the room when Watt said so -Del Greco said he sequestered Bolton so Bolton he couldn't be accused of being influenced by the prosecution's witnesses' testimony - but he described Bolton as a 5-foot-11 to 6-foot African-American man. Bolton appeared to be an approximately 5-foot-11 African-American man.

Saw Cousins and Jarvis run around in front of Revis as Revis was walking away from them.

Said both Revis and the then-unidentified man stepped toward him after Cousins and Jarvis were knocked out.

Identified himself as the man to the left of the

Answered on cross examination - twice - that the man who asked "Do you want to be next?" was the same person on

Bolton said he was that man and that he walked away with Revis after the knockouts. Two of Cousins' and Jarvis' friends came up to them afterward, he said.

One of the friends, Bolton said, said "I have black friends. Why would you hit my friends like that?" Bolton clarified that there was nothing racial about the incident.

The other friend who approached him and Revis, Bolton said, apologized for their friends' behavior.

Said Bolton: "He went from being angry to trying to be friendly like 'Darrelle Revis, I'm a fan of yours.'"

Want more news from in, around Pittsburgh? Check out PennLive's Pittsburgh coverage.
U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, left, looks on South Korean Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se during a press conference in Seoul Friday, March 17, 2017. Tillerson visited the world's most heavily armed border, greeting U.S. soldiers on guard near the tense buffer zone between rivals North and South Korea.(Jung Yeon-Je/Pool Photo via AP)
U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, left, and Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida, right, shake hands prior to their bilateral meeting at the Foreign Ministry's Iikura Guesthouse in Tokyo, Thursday, March 16, 2017. Tillerson is in Tokyo for the first leg of the trip to Asia, which is occurring amid escalating tensions with North Korea.(AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)
Colette Peters, 26, has been named Fleet Manager/Quality Assurance Manager at the Petersburg Trident Plant. She fills the position vacated by Nick Ohmer who is now managing the Trident Plant in Wrangell.

Peters grew up in Ketchikan and is a 2009 graduate of Ketchikan High School. She graduated from the University of Puget Sound with a degree in Political Economics.

She has worked for Trident in Seattle for 3-1/2 years monitoring environmental compliance at all Trident Plants. She visited each of the Trident plants in Alaska during that time.

Petersburg Plant Manager Dave Ohmer said Peters w...
JUNEAU  The Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (ADOT&PF) is selling the M/V Taku through a sealed bid sale. The minimum bid price is $1.5 million and interested bidders must have a bid bond of $5,000. The complete bid package is available on the state's Online Public Notice website.

ADOT&PF is selling the vessel "As Is/Where Is" to the highest bidder. The sale process involved getting Federal Highway Administration approval since federal funding was used to maintain the vessel over its lifespan.

Last month, ADOT&PF initiated proceedings to transfer ownership of...
Here, there, everywhere  why car washes seem to be on every corner
Ship master confirmed pirates demand ransom for tanker seized off Somalia

NAIROBI

Petroleumworld.com 03 16 2017

Armed pirates off the coast of Somalia who hijacked an oil tanker with eight Sri Lankan crew on board are demanding a ransom for the release of the vessel, the EU Naval Force said.

The pirates seized the Comoros-flagged Aris 13 tanker on Monday, the first such hijacking in the region since 2012.

"The EU Naval Force ... has received positive confirmation from the master of ... Aris 13, that his ship and crew are currently being held captive by a number of suspected armed pirates in an anchorage off the north coast of Puntland, close to Alula," the force said in a statement late on Tuesday.

Puntland is a semi-autonomous northern region of Somalia. Alula is a port town there where pirates have taken the tanker.

EU Navfor said as soon as it received an alert on the ship's seizure, it sent patrol aircraft from its Djibouti base to try to make radio contact with the ship, and only late on Tuesday did its headquarters in London reach the vessel's master by phone.

"The master confirmed that armed men were on board his ship and they were demanding a ransom for the ship's release. The EU Naval Force has now passed the information regarding the incident to the ship's owners," EU Navfor said.

The 1,800 deadweight tonne Aris 13 is owned by Panama company Armi Shipping and managed by Aurora Ship Management in the United Arab Emirates, according to the Equasis shipping data website, managed by the French transport ministry.

In their prime in 2011, Somali pirates launched 237 attacks off Somalia's coast, data from the International Maritime Bureau showed, and held hundreds of hostages.

That year, aid group Oceans Beyond Piracy estimated the global cost of piracy at about $7 billion. The shipping industry bore roughly 80 percent of those costs, the group's analysis showed.

However attacks fell off sharply after ship owners tightened security and vessels stayed farther away from the Somali coast.




EPA to review fuel efficiency standards, will not apply to California's rules

WASHINGTON

Petroleumworld.com 03 16 2017

President Donald Trump will announce the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will revive a review of the feasibility of strict fuel efficiency standards through 2025, but will not seek to withdraw California's authority to set its own vehicle rules, a White House official said late on Tuesday.

Reuters reported on Monday the administration planned to announce the review on Wednesday as Trump heads to Michigan, home of the U.S. auto industry.

A White House official briefing reporters said the Trump administration will spend the next year working on the review to determine if the 2022-2025 model-year rules are feasible. The administration has made no decisions on how or if the standards should be revised.

But the Trump administration is not picking an immediate fight with California, which has long drawn the ire of automakers for setting more aggressive environmental vehicle rules, including requiring zero emission cars.

In 2012, California, the most populous U.S. state, agreed to harmonize its vehicle emissions rules with Obama administration rules that were aimed at doubling average fleetwide fuel efficiency to 54.5 mpg by 2025. Thirteen other states have adopted California rules that account for about 40 percent of U.S. vehicle sales.

California has a waiver under the Clean Air Act to set its own vehicle rules and has said it would vigorously fight any effort to revoke it. The administration official did not rule out a potential effort to restrict California's authority at a future date but said the White House hoped to work collaboratively with the state on the review.

Securing America's Energy Future (SAFE), a non-partisan group of energy advocates and retired military leaders, urged the federal government, California and others to work together.

"There's no reason for environmentalists, automakers and conservatives to risk a nuclear war over these rules, which will result in zero progress for all sides, said SAFE's chief executive, Robbie Diamond.

In Michigan, Trump will meet with chief executives from General Motors Co, Ford Motor Co and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV and top U.S. executives from Toyota Motor Corp, Daimler AG and others, and speak to autoworkers.

EPA had had until April 2018 to decide whether the standards were feasible under a "midterm review," but moved up its decision to a week before President Barack Obama left office in January.

Automakers argue the vehicle emissions rules will impose significant costs and are out of step with consumer preferences. They say they need more flexibility to meet the rules amid low gas prices.

Environmentalists say the rules reduce fuel costs and greenhouse gases, and they have vowed to sue if the Trump administration weakens them.


Oil stockpiles in U.S. decline after nine-week rising streak - EIA

NEW YORK

Petroleumworld.com 03 16 2017

U.S. crude stocks fell last week, dropping after nine consecutive increases, while gasoline and distillate inventories declined more than expected, the Energy Information Administration said on Wednesday.

Crude inventories fell by 237,000 barrels in the last week, compared with analysts' expectations for an increase of 3.7 million barrels.

Crude stocks at the Cushing, Oklahoma, delivery hub rose by 2.13 million barrels, EIA said.

The stockpiles have been closely watched by oil traders eager to determine whether a November agreement to cut output from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries is reducing a global supply glut.

Gasoline stocks fell by 3.1 million barrels, compared with analysts' expectations in a Reuters poll for a 2 million-barrel drop.

Distillate stockpiles, which include diesel and heating oil, fell by 4.2 million barrels, versus expectations for a 1.7 million-barrel drop, the EIA data showed.

Refinery crude runs fell by 20,000 barrels per day, EIA data showed. Refinery utilization rates fell by 0.8 percentage points.

U.S. crude imports fell last week by 565,000 barrels per day .


Petrobras to restart asset sales on orders of audit court BRASILIA

Petroleumworld.com 03 16 2017 Brazil's federal audit court TCU on Wednesday allowed state-run oil company Petroleo Brasileiro SA to proceed with its divestment program, but required the company to restart the process except for two projects. Petrobras had been prevented from signing any new asset sales while TCU reviewed its procedures. The two assets that Petrobras will be able to sell without restarting the process from scratch were not disclosed by court.

Reporting by Leonardo Goy; Writing by Silvio Cascione; Editing by Sandra Maler from Reuters . reuters.com 03 15 2017



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Venezuela signed an agreement with Trinidad's NGC and Shell on exporting gas from Dragon field

CARACAS

Petroleumworld.com 03 1=6 2017

Venezuela's state-owned PdV today signed a preliminary agreement with Shell and Trinidad and Tobago's state-owned National Gas Company (NGC) to export Venezuelan offshore gas to the nearby country.

The gas supply agreement signed today in Caracas includes Shell as a signatory for the first time. A state-to-state agreement signed in December 2016 laid the groundwork for the deal.

If the project comes to fruition, Shell would be the key actor across the supply chain  from the wellhead in Venezuela's shallow-water Dragon field, to the company's Hibiscus platform off Trinidad, and to LNG loadings from Trinidad's underutilized 14.8mn t/yr Atlantic liquefaction complex, in which Shell is the main shareholder.

The European major has a long history in Venezuela and Trinidad, and recently started talks with PdV to tackle extensive gas flaring.

Shell could not be immediately reached for comment, but the firm has previously confirmed it was studying the project.

For Trinidad, Venezuelan gas is seen as critical to offsetting fast-declining domestic production, which has sparked deepening supply curtailments to the LNG, methanol and ammonia industries.

For Venezuela, a major oil exporter, the project would mark the country's first-ever gas exports and bring in much-needed hard currency.

The agreement signed today includes a project to build, operate and maintain a 17km (10.6mi) flowline to transport gas from Dragon to Shell's Hibiscus platform off the northwestern coast of Trinidad.

"The initial idea is to start producing between 200mn cf/d and 300mn cf/d from the Dragon field for Trinidad within two to three years," Venezuelan energy minister Nelson Martinez said at the signing ceremony at PdV's headquarters.

"The Dragon field is the closest to Trinidad and Tobago and has very important prospects because it can produce gas for local consumption and for export, which is of particular interest," Martinez said, adding that commercial negotiations should now advance quickly.

PdV chief executive Eulogio Del Pino, NGC chairman Gerry Brooks and Luis Prado, who heads Shell's regional division including Venezuela and the English-speaking Caribbean, signed the agreement.

"Today is a historic day.... (marking) a new milestone that will bring mutual benefits to Venezuela and Trinidad and Tobago. We will be able to monetize the gas reserves you have here," said Stuart Young, minister in the office of Trinidad's prime minister.

"I would like to welcome formally to the table Shell, which has shown itself to be a willing partner both in Trinidad and in Venezuela. I hope we can make this happen as quickly as possible with the active support from both governments," Young said.

Martinez said the new agreement will facilitate the export of Dragon gas to Trinidad because offshore gas pipeline and processing infrastructure already exists in Trinidadian waters.

"Shell has the experience and infrastructure needed to take the gas from the Paria Peninsula (in Sucre state) to Hibiscus," Martinez said. "This is a project of important dimensions and is a win-win for everyone in an agreement where all parties have a clearly identified benefit."

Dragon forms part of Venezuela's 14.7 trillion ft (416bn m) Mariscal Sucre complex that includes the Patao, Mejillones and Rio Caribe fields.

Shell has played a key role in Venezuela's gas export ambitions for more than three decades. The company in the early 1990s partnered with ExxonMobil, Japan's Mitsubishi and PdV in the ill-fated Cristobal Colon LNG project, the original iteration of Mariscal Sucre.


White House's top trade adviser quietly seeks to re-negociated an alliance with Mexico



U.S. wants to boost growth, manufacturing jobs: Navarro



WASHINGTON/MEXICO CITY

Petroleumworld 03 16 2017

President Donald Trump's top trade adviser is quietly working to forge an alliance with Mexico, even as U.S. plans to build a border wall and threats to withdraw from Nafta continue to inflame tensions with its third-largest trading partner.

Peter Navarro, who as head of the White House National Trade Council will play a leading role in the effort to re-negotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement, said in an interview the U.S. wants Mexico and Canada to unite in a regional manufacturing powerhouse that will keep out parts from other countries.

The Trump administration is re-examining a critical component of the free trade pact: the rules of origin, which dictate what percentage of a product must be manufactured in North America, Navarro said.

We have a tremendous opportunity, with Mexico in particular, to use higher rules of origin to develop a mutually beneficial regional powerhouse where workers and manufacturers on both sides of the border will benefit enormously, said Navarro, 67. It's just as much in their interests as it is in our interests to increase the rules of origin.

For example, under the current agreement , 62.5 percent of the total value of cars sold in North America must originate in the U.S., Canada or Mexico to avoid import tariffs. The U.S. wants to raise that threshold, making it harder for parts from other countries to enter the supply chain.

Big Boxes

Navarro's comments hint at the strategy the U.S. may use to negotiate a successor to the 23-year-old trade deal. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross has said serious talks with Mexico and Canada should begin in the latter part of this year. First, the administration needs to consult Congress for 90 days, a process that Ross has said will start this month.

It's too soon to say whether Navarro's views will become policy and Trump's trade team is still coming together. The nominee to be U.S. trade representative, Robert Lighthizer, said at his Senate confirmation hearing on Tuesday that there's a general consensus that Nafta is outdated and he believes re-negotiating the agreement can generate benefits for the bloc.

Ross, also expected to play a leading role on trade, has only been in the job for two weeks. Gary Cohn, director of the White House's National Economic Council, and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin have shown little sign thus far that they want to shake up the global economic order the way Navarro has advocated in the past.

One of the most important things we need to do as a country through the bilateral negotiation process is increase the rules of origin, which specify how much of a product has to be made in the U.S.A., Navarro said. The problem we've identified is the existence of the big boxes with the multinational logos on them, and you wind up assembling products with a lot of foreign components, he said, referring to assembly plants.

Nothing' Left

The Mexican and Canadian currencies rallied after Navarro's comments were published. The peso extended gains, up 0.9 percent to 19.48 against the U.S. dollar at 11:06 a.m. in New York. Canada's dollar climbed 0.2 percent to C$1.3466.

What this shows us is a softening of tone, said Viraj Patel, a foreign-exchange strategist in London for ING Bank NV. It's basically a continuation of the status quo.

However, the general discount on the peso and the Canadian dollar from uncertainty about Nafta is unlikely to lift until more details emerge about how a renegotiated deal will look, he said.

The Trump administration also wants to tighten the complex set of rules under which goods can be deemed to originate from the continent, said Navarro, an economics professor at University of California, Irvine, who has argued that cutting America's $500 billion trade deficit is key to boosting growth and restoring manufacturing jobs.

Without closing the gap, foreigners will eventually own so much of America that there will be nothing left to trade, he said in a speech this month. The U.S wants to reclaim the parts of the global supply chain it has lost to foreign competitors because of unfair trading practices.

He has been especially critical of China, calling it the biggest trade cheater in the world in a paper co-authored with Ross during the election campaign.

Economists including Olivier Blanchard, formerly at the IMF, have argued America has a trade deficit because it spends more than it saves, making it pointless to try to reduce the deficit with individual countries.

Trump's threat to pull out of Nafta and build a border wall to keep out illegal immigrants has stoked tensions with Mexico, which has said it won't agree to a deal that isn't in the country's own interests. In an interview Tuesday, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, the radical outsider who's the early frontrunner in an election next year in Mexico, blasted Trump's campaign of hatred against Mexican immigrants and said he can't wait to renegotiate Nafta himself.

Mexico's foreign relations ministry and presidency didn't immediately comment. However, one lawmaker reacted positively to Navarro's comments.

These are encouraging words, Marcela Guerra, a senator from President Enrique Pena Nieto's Institutional Revolutionary Party who heads the chamber's committee on North American relations. It is the right path toward effective competitiveness.

The U.S. had a trade deficit of $96 billion with Mexico in 2015, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. But Mexico actually had a trade deficit with the world that year, including a $64 billion shortfall with China.

While Navarro invoked the notion of a North American free-trade zone, he almost suggested the Trump administration would like to see that vision take shape through bilateral trade deals with Canada and Mexico, rather than the current three-nation framework.

The North American area can be a tremendous powerhouse in the global economy under the right set of bilateral trade agreements, he said.








Turning Point' on US-Saudi warmer relations - Deputy Crown Prince bin Salman



The meeting was dubbed a reset moment in US-Saudi relations after eight years clouded with differences under the Obama administration over its handling of the Arab Spring, the Iran nuclear deal, arms sales and the war in Syria. -Arab News

WASHINGTON/ RIYADH

Petroleumworld 03 16 2017

Saudi Arabia, seeking to breathe life into its decades-old alliance with the U.S., claimed a historic turning point in bilateral relations after President Donald Trump welcomed Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the White House.

Relations had undergone a period of difference of opinion, a senior adviser to the crown prince said in a statement after Tuesday's meeting. However, today's meeting has put things on the right track, and marked a significant shift in relations, across all political, military, security and economic fields.

Sunni Arab leaders are embracing Trump with praise the president isn't finding from other U.S. allies in the world, reflecting an eagerness to reset ties after feeling shunned by President Barack Obama, who crafted the 2015 nuclear deal with their Shiite rival Iran. The Saudi statement said Trump had a great understanding of the bilateral relationship. The president and the prince share the same views on the gravity of the Iranian expansionist moves in the region, the adviser said.

In a statement Wednesday, the White House said that Trump and the prince directed their teams to explore additional steps across a broad range of political, military, security, economic, cultural, and social dimensions to further strengthen and elevate the United States-Saudi strategic relationship and to confront Iran's destabilizing regional activities.



Only Rhetoric?

But while Trump has signaled his plans for a more aggressive policy against the Islamic Republic, political analysts say it's unlikely he'd seek an open confrontation with Iran or deepen the U.S. role in Iraq, Syria and Yemen, which are serving as proxy battlegrounds between the regional rivals.

The administration will give the Saudis the rhetoric they want on Iran -- more confrontational, emphasize the threat, said Gregory Gause, a professor of international affairs at Texas A&M University and a Saudi specialist. But in terms of specifics, I do not think that the Trump administration wants to get more deeply involved in Iraq, Syria or other places where the Saudis would want help in turning back Iranian influence.

Saudi Arabia and its closest regional ally, the United Arab Emirates, are bogged down in a two-year war in Yemen against Shiite rebels they say are armed by Iran. Its leaders have openly complained about the rising Iranian influence in Iraq. In Syria, the Sunni rebels they have backed are losing ground against President Bashar al-Assad and Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed Shiite militant group.

Lunch Guest

At home, the kingdom is grappling with the impact of low oil prices. Economic growth is forecast to slow to 0.9 percent in 2017, according to a Bloomberg survey, compared with 10 percent in 2011 when crude prices topped $100 a barrel.

The U.S. and the Al Saud monarchy have been strategic partners since King Abdul-Aziz Al Saud, Prince Mohammed's grandfather and the founder of modern Saudi Arabia, met President Franklin D. Roosevelt aboard the USS Quincy in 1945. Oil for security has underpinned the relationship between the countries.

Prince Mohammed, the 31-year-old son of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and his country's defense minister, is leading efforts to overhaul the economy and reduce its reliance on oil. The prince's visit follows a trip he made to Washington in June after unveiling his post-oil blueprint, which includes a plan to create the world's largest sovereign wealth fund and selling a stake in Saudi Arabian Oil Co., known as Aramco. Saudi officials have said they're considering New York as a potential venue for a global listing.

Trump offered his support on Tuesday for developing a new U.S.-Saudi program in energy, industry, infrastructure and technology that could be valued at more than $200 billion in direct and indirect investments within the next four years, according to the White House statement.

The prince had lunch with Trump and aides at the White House on Tuesday. That's a higher-profile meeting than an initially planned photo opportunity, according to Simon Henderson, a fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy and director of the institute's Gulf and Energy Policy Program.

The new administration sees Saudi Arabia as a crucial part of the Middle East and an important country to have a positive relationship with -- even if there are irritants in the relationship, said Henderson. This is at odds with the Obama administration, so they want to make that clear distinction.

Positive Anticipation'

In return, Saudi Arabia and the other Sunni-led Gulf Arab states have had positive anticipation toward the Trump administration, especially when it comes to containing what they see as Shiite Iran's malign influence in the region, according to Kristin Smith Diwan, senior resident scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington. In February, the Trump administration said it was putting the Islamic Republic on notice after it carried out a missile test days earlier.

Providing a talking point likely to be welcomed by Trump's administration, the Saudi statement said Saudi Arabia doesn't believe that the U.S. president's restriction on travel from six mostly Sunni nations is targeting Muslim countries or the religion of Islam and is aimed at preventing terrorists from entering the U.S.

In a further sign of outreach to the Gulf allies, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson met at the State Department Tuesday with the foreign minister of the U.A.E., Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed.

After the frustrations with Obama, Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states are now responding to Trump's more personalized foreign policy, including his son-in-law Jared Kushner playing a prominent role with Gulf Arab allies, Diwan said during a speech in Washington.

Prince Mohammed's visit is a sign that Gulf countries are jumping on early in the boat to try to build those close ties that they think will serve them well, Diwan said.








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
States with the highest voter turnout in 2016 offered same-day registration or were targeted battlegrounds in the tight presidential election, according to an analysis released Thursday by Nonprofit VOTE and the U.S. Elections Project.

The six highest-ranking states have rules that allow eligible voters to register at the polls or update their information there before casting a ballot. In order, they were: Minnesota (74.8 percent), Maine (72.8 percent), New Hampshire (72.5 percent), Colorado (72.1 percent), Wisconsin (70.5 percent), and Iowa (69 percent).

All but Minnesota, the leader for the second presidential election in a row, also were targeted by the presidential candidates.

This was the first report on 2016 turnout to be based on certified election returns.

Last year's laggards were: Hawaii (43 percent), West Virginia (50.8 percent), Texas (51.6 percent), Tennessee (52 percent), and Arkansas (53.1 percent). These five states were at the bottom of the rankings for the third consecutive presidential election. None was a toss-up in the presidential race, and all cut off registration three weeks to a month before Election Day.

Nationally, 60.2 percent of eligible voters cast ballots, up from the 58.6 percent who voted in 2012, the report concluded.

Turnout in states with same-day registration increased by an average of 7 percentage points compared with states that did not offer the convenience, the report found. Fourteen states and the District of Columbia allow voter registration at polling stations.

"We continue to see higher voter participation in states with same-day registration," said Michael McDonald, a University of Florida political scientist who directs the U.S. Elections Project, a national repository of voter statistics. "The data show clearly [it] is one of the most effective strategies states can implement to increase turnout."

The report, "America Goes to the Polls 2016," was based on recently certified election returns from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Nonprofit VOTE, based near Boston, works to help 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations organize nonpartisan projects to encourage voting. This is the researchers' sixth election report.

Pennsylvania ranked 20th in voter turnout in 2016, with 64 percent of those eligible casting ballots. While the state has more restrictive registration rules, it was a swing state, with both Democrat Hillary Clinton and Republican Donald Trump targeting it. Trump carried the state, the first GOP nominee to do so since 1988.

Voter turnout in contested states has ranged from 5 to 8 percentage points higher than in non-battleground states in each of the last five presidential elections, the report said. There were 14 competitive states last year.

In 2016, four of those battleground states  Florida, North Carolina, Ohio, and Pennsylvania  alone absorbed 71 percent of campaign ad spending and 57 percent of candidate appearances. Only 1 percent of ad spending and 5 percent of campaign visits happened in states where the results were preordained by partisan voting history, the report said.

Yet only 35 percent of eligible voters lived in a battleground state. The rest, about 147 million voters, lived in 36 states and the District of Columbia that were not contested, and thus were mostly bypassed by the major party campaigns.

The report urges more states to adopt same-day voter registration, automatic and online voter registration, and policies to increase electoral competition, such as Electoral College changes.

"Voter participation is at the core of active citizenship and a healthy democracy," said Brian Miller, executive director of Nonprofit VOTE.
If you love picking through old junk in search of new treasures, you'll find some of the country's best antique malls and shops within an hour's drive from Philadelphia.

The city's Mid-Century Furniture Warehouse (1701 N. Second St., 267-934-4218, www.midcenturyfurniturewarehouse.com) and seasonal, traveling markets  like the Franklin Flea, Clover Market, and the Philly Flea  are excellent places to score amazing old and repurposed furniture, clothes, housewares, art, tools, collectibles, toys, records, ephemera, and random oddities you never knew you always wanted.

But the prices  especially for the increasingly popular mid-century-modern (MCM) pieces everyone is going gaga for these days  are often significantly friendlier when you hop in the car and escape the city. Plus, road trips are the best.

You can spend days picking dusty gems in nearby places like Adamstown and New Hope (and Lamberville, its New Jersey neighbor across the Delaware River). With so many options, it's hard to know where to start. So here are a few antique malls a short hike outside of Philly that you should check out.

First, a warning: You may want to rent a van because there's nothing more humiliating than lugging that perfect Lane coffee table out to the parking lot and discovering it doesn't fit in your compact car.

About 30 miles past West Philly, you'll hit the Pennsbury-Chadds Ford Antique Mall (640 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, 610-388-1620, pcfantiquemall.com), a huge two-floor compound that has been around since 1975 and contains more than 100 vendors. A strong selection of Oriental rugs, vintage signs, MCM furniture, and original art you won't see on anyone else's walls.

The last two times I visited the Quaker Antique Mall (70 Tollgate Rd., Quakertown, 215-538-9445, quakertownantiques.com), there were free cookies and snacks on the counter. More important, there are tons of peculiar toys, fascinating kitchenware, and some reasonably priced furniture hiding out in the huge backroom.

Antiques abound in Lancaster County, and the Cackleberry Farm Antique Mall (3371 Lincoln Highway East, Paradise, 717-442-8805, cackleberryfarmantiquemall.com) is the place to be. With more than 120 dealers (plus a general store and a small dining area), look out for primitives, pottery, signage, trains, strange tools, bizarre art, beautiful small furniture pieces, and a million more mysteries.

With more than 150 vendors, be prepared to spend a couple of hours at the sprawling Weil Antique Center (2200 31st St., Allentown, 610-791-7910, weilantiquecenter.com). There are a ton of clocks and affordable MCM lamps and rare kitchenware. On a recent trip, I bought an $8 brass lamp that only needed some Brasso and a new shade to pop, and an immaculate slab of reclaimed wood for $5 that can be easily flipped into a table.

There are plenty of traditional antique stores in New Hope, and the Creeper Gallery (7 W. Bridge St., New Hope, thecreepergallery.com) is not one of them. If you scare easily, stay far, far away. This small shop specializes in gothic art and haunting antiques  macabre taxidermy, life-size witches, dolls with vampire rabbit heads, and other spooky items you might see on an episode of American Horror Story.

Hop the river from New Hope to Lambertville, and hit the People's Store Antiques Center (28 N. Union St., Lambertville, 609-397-9808, peoplesstore.net). Back in 1838, it was a home-goods store, and for the last 60 years, it has been a shared antiques destination and artist studio space. Four floors are packed with curious finds, including original art and unique primitive, repurposed, and industrial pieces. (Back in Pa., the same folks run the New Hope Antiques Center.)

You can easily spend a week cruising the main drag of Adamstown, one of the country's most cherished antiquing towns. Among the countless shops is the 15,000-square-foot Mad Hatter Antique Mall (61 Willow St., Adamstown, madhatterantiquemall.com), containing an awesome collection of odd scientifica, vintage clothes, Pyrex pieces, branding signs, and '70s sci-fi furniture and lighting that'll make you feel like you're in an especially psychedelic episode of The Jetsons.
When it comes to receiving payments from drug companies or medical-device makers, the top 10 physicians in Philadelphia are in elite territory.

Each got more than $400,000 in 2015, with the top three pulling in more than $1 million apiece  compared with a national median of less than $200.

Eight of the 10 work at the same place: the Rothman Institute.

The companies are required to report these funds to the federal Open Payments database so that consumers can identify potential conflicts of interest  if, say, pharmaceutical firm X flies doctors to Florida to share the latest news about a drug, or buys them lunch to promote some new research.

But this category of payments also includes royalties and consulting fees, which is where the top recipients in Philadelphia make their mark.

Nine of them invented or helped to develop a new joint replacement, and one, Thomas Jefferson University's Demetrius Bagley, developed endoscopes for use in urology.

In an interview, Rothman said the payments were for a hip implant he designed, called the Accolade. He said he welcomed the requirement for disclosure of the payments.

"This scorecard just reflects the creativity and energy and talents of our faculty," he said.

There are several different models through which physicians are compensated for their intellectual property. In the case of royalties, physician-inventors typically earn 1 percent to 3 percent of the price per device that is implanted by others, Rothman said. They do not earn anything for devices they use in their own patients to avoid a conflict of interest, he said.

That arrangement still does not satisfy Michael A. Carome, director of the Health Research Group at Public Citizen, a Washington-based consumer advocacy group.

"All of these financial payments can influence physician behavior," he said.

Rothman acknowledged that some might worry about a conflict, but he said patients overwhelmingly are impressed to be getting an implant that their surgeon designed.

"Almost uniformly, they're thrilled that they're seeing one of my partners or me who are creating new implants that are safer and more effective and more durable," he said. "It gives them comfort. It doesn't raise their eyebrows. Patient reaction, you always wonder, but it always has been in my experience very positive."

Rothman said he had worked on two generations of the Accolade, always striving for a simple design.

"We want anybody to be able to use these implants and get good results," he said.

Though $1 million in industry payments is a lot by Philadelphia standards, the top earners nationally were well above that in 2015. Five physicians cleared more than $10 million each.

Richard Rothman ranked 103rd in the nation for his payment total in 2015. Colleagues Peter Sharkey and William J. Hozack, who developed other orthopedic devices, ranked 75 and 95.
For many folks, the phrase Kentucky Space may come as a surprise.

After all, the state lies in the heart of Appalachia, a region of the United States known better for mountains, music and coal mining than science and technology.

Actually, Kentucky has a storied sci-tech history. I know the state as a place where settlers built kilns and furnaces, and chemists used an ample resource, corn, to develop a new whiskey called bourbon. Nineteenth Century masons labored over ancient sea beds in the center of the state to pry limestone from the ground, and laid hundreds of miles of stone fences held together solely by gravity.

Today in the Commonwealth, some very driven people are writing their own chapter of space exploration based on vision, entrepreneurial risk, and scientific and engineering know-how. Let me share with you their stories and a secret.

Kentucky Space: one tiny spacecraft and a big idea

The non-profit Kentucky Space was created in 2006 after an encounter between Bob Twiggs, head of the Space Systems Development Lab at Stanford University, and Kris Kimel, president of the Lexington-based Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation. Kimel was attracted to the idea that a CubeSat, a four-by-four-inch spacecraft, could be a relatively inexpensive way to get to space while expanding STEM opportunities and building a new industry. Space, he rightly observed, was no longer the sole domain of nations.

Space exploration is a highly interdisciplinary project. Embedded software and radio choices must be made and harmonized into a self-reporting device traveling at roughly 17,500 miles per hour. Good systems engineering is crucial, as are professional relationships and people skills.

Kentucky Space soon developed a single-unit (one four-by-four-inch module) CubeSat named KySat, pieces of which, sadly, lie somewhere at the bottom of the South Pacific Ocean because of the failure of a launch vehicle faring to separate.

Crucially, the organization negotiated a non-reimbursable Space Act Agreement with NASA, which meant that Kentucky Space could be included on the manifest of any NASA partner going to orbit. That foresight has proven useful.

It also lured Bob Twiggs to teach at Kentuckys Morehead State University, where he has instructed studentspredominantly drawn from Kentuckyin the science of spaceflight.

Space Tango: ISS research as a service

Speaking at a meeting hosted by Kentucky Space several years ago, Julie Robinson, NASAs program scientist for the International Space Station, said that for the first time in history, experimenters could control for gravity.

We know that human cells and genes behave and express themselves differently in zero-G. Providing fast, iterative, reasonably priced research aboard the ISS National Laboratory might offer scientists new insights into disease pathologies on Earth. That was the idea behind Space Tango, a for-profit spin-off of Kentucky Space now working to offer real-time, secure, browser-based data for investigators. Think of it a space-as-a-service.

Space Tango CEO Twyman Clements, a University of Kentucky mechanical engineering graduate, was incidentally one of the first two Kentucky Space hires and guided work on KySat-2, which flew successfully in 2013. Clements and the Space Tango team recently returned from the Kennedy Space Center and the companys Florida office in the Space Life Science Lab, having attended the historic SpaceX launch from pad 39A. Space Tangos work was aboard that ISS commercial resupply mission, or CRS-10.

Flatworms and a blood glucose experiment to test sensor technology are scheduled for CRS-11. And on CRS-12, there will be a wide variety of experiments, including cell culture and pilot manufacturing on orbit, as well as TangoLab, which will feature improved airflow and networking. The immediate goal is to identify use cases that can scale. The company, according to Clements, is looking toward a post-ISS future.

To complement frequent trips to low-Earth orbit and back, the Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation has created the Exomedicine Institute, which has carried out an extensive study of the available literature on microgravity and human health.

Could the next breakthrough in human health happen in space?
Orlando Police Chief John Mina said he's "furious" with the decision not to seek the death penalty for Markeith Loyd, the man accused of murdering his pregnant ex-girlfriend and an Orlando police officer who tried to arrest him, reports the Orlando Sentinel.

Reached by phone Thursday morning, Mina said he plans to meet with Orange-Osceola State Attorney Aramis Ayala about her decision when he returns from Dubai, where he's attending a law enforcement conference.

"If there was any case for the death penalty, this is the case," Mina said. "I've seen the video, so I know the state attorney has seen the video of (Loyd) standing over defenseless and helpless Lt. Debra Clayton and executing her."

Loyd is accused of shooting Sade Dixon, his pregnant ex-girlfriend, outside her home on Dec. 13. He allegedly injured her brother and shot at other family members before fleeing.

On Jan. 9, a passer-by spotted him at a Walmart and alerted Orlando Police Lt. Debra Clayton, who was patrolling the area. Clayton approached and tried to arrest him. Loyd allegedly started shooting, hitting Clayton's thigh.

She shot back and then retreated. Loyd followed her, police said, shooting and killing her while she was on the ground. He then escaped. Loyd was arrested about a week later after a region-wide manhunt.

Mina said he is "extremely upset and disappointed" and "can imagine" his officers are as well. He said he's spoken with his senior officers and will be reaching out to the department's legal team to see if there is any way to change the decision.

Related:

FL Gov. Asks State Atty to 'Recuse Herself' After Decision Not to Seek Death Penalty Cases
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Donald Trump escaped to deep red Tennessee on Wednesday to drum up support after his first two months in office, which have been nothing but a barrage of scandal, controversy, and incompetence.

But when he arrived in the state, he was met with huge crowds of protesters voicing their opposition to his visit to Nashville and, more broadly, his dangerous agenda.

Pictures:

Huge turn out in Nashville to protest Trumps visit! | #TNresist pic.twitter.com/Vaai2dSuNB  agitator in chief (@soit_goes) March 15, 2017

The large crowd carried a wide range of signs, some in support of Planned Parenthood and others criticizing the administration for its clear ties to Russia and Vladimir Putin. They also participated in chants voicing their opposition to the presidents proposed border wall.

Video:

No wall, no fence, no Trump, no Pence, the enthusiastic crowd shouted.

Certainly, the president will see a sizable number of supporters turn out for his campaign event in a conservative state like Tennessee, which he won last fall by more than 26 percentage points. But large demonstrations in the blood red state should worry the White House.

With this level of opposition, its no surprise that Donald Trump is hitting the campaign trail just two months after taking office.

Pictures: Twitter
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In what is another email scandal touching yet another Trump administration player, Vladimir Putins good friend and United States Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is facing what Samantha Page remarked is poised to cause problems for Tillerson. It is fitting that after Republicans spent millions of taxpayer dollars investigating former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton over email, their gross hypocrisy is coming back in spades. Earlier this year it was revealed that preaching-liar Mike Pence used a personal AOL email account to discuss sensitive information while he was governor of Indiana; Pences AOL account was hacked.

Now, an investigation has discovered that Rex Tillerson used an alias email account belonging to Wayne Tracker that he utilized from at least 2008 to 2015 to discuss climate change. The revelation came courtesy of a court filing on Monday from New York Attorney General Eric Schneidermans office.

The phony Wayne Tracker email account was only discovered during the course of the investigation known as the Exxon Knew case. That case involves New York AG Schneiderman, Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey, and the Securities and Exchange Commission. Those three entities are currently in the midst of an investigation into whether Exxon defrauded the public [and shareholders] by engaging in a campaign to discredit climate science for the express purpose of propping up the value of its oil and gas reserves; including during Rex Tillersons tenure as Exxon CEO.

According to Greenpeaces Naomi Ages, the organizations lead on the climate liability project, this revelation that Tillerson was using an email account alias is:

A significant development in Schneidermans investigation into what Exxon knew about climate change, when it knew it, and what the company did to conceal it. Was Rex Tillerson that worried about climate risks for Exxon? Or was he more worried about the risk of revealing them to his shareholders and to the public? Or was it both?

The reason Tillersons email alias is a significant development is because it is illegal for a company to withhold liability risks from its shareholders. It is because shareholders were likely misled that the Securities and Exchange Commission is heavily involved with the Exxon Knew case being pursued by the New York and Massachusetts attorneys general and the Securities and Exchange Commission.

A spokesman for Exxon, Alan Jeffers, related to Bloomberg that Vladimir Putins friend Tillerson had to create a secret alias account because his general inbox was overloaded. And that the alias account was only used for secure and expedited communications between select senior company officials and the former chairman for a broad range of business-related topics. No doubt within that broad range of topics was whom to pay off, and how best spend hundreds-of-millions downplaying and denying the dangers of climate change to mislead Exxon shareholders and protect the corporations profits.

New York Attorney General Schneiderman is not impressed with the overloaded inbox excuse and his office said that Exxon not only failed to disclose who the alias email account belonged to, the oil giant has also failed to produce thousands of documents responsive to the states subpoena. In fact, back in October, 2016 the N.Y. State Supreme Court ordered Exxon to comply with the subpoena. A Massachusetts court has also upheld the investigation.

As a reminder, there were documents uncovered less than two years ago revealing that as far back as the 1970s, Exxons own scientists, like the Koch brothers own scientists, knew without question that burning fossil fuels was the primary contributor to global climate change. And, Exxon also knew, including Rex Tillerson, the Koch brothers and entire fossil fuel industry that the dire warnings from climate scientists, NASA, and environmentalists that mankind has to rapidly transition away from burning fossil fuels to prevent catastrophic climate change were completely true and demanded immediate action.

Still, despite knowing the danger to humanity, Exxon under Tillerson, the Koch brothers, and their fossil fuel industry cohorts spent hundreds-of-millions of dollars funding oil industry and Republican efforts to discredit scientists and agencies reporting the dangers of global climate change. The very last thing either Tillerson or his Koch-related cabal could comport was the public or Exxon shareholders learning that global climate change was real and caused by burning fossil fuels.

It is possible that because two of the highly-interested parties, New York and Massachusetts attorneys general, are actively investigating Exxon and Tillerson, there may be some trouble for the Exxon and Putins secretary of state. However, it is also entirely possible, and likely probable, that the Security and Exchange Commissions (SEC) part in the investigation into Exxon and Tillerson will go nowhere; and not because it wont have evidence against Tillerson. Remember, Trump is on a tear to dismantle any and all regulatory agencies and that includes the SEC because he will fire anyone to protect his Wall Street cabinet members and agency heads.

There have been more than a few pundits and commentators stating that this Trump administration is the epitome of corruption, and of course they are understating the extent of double-dealing and fraud around and including Trump. But that is exactly what the people wanted to run the government; a bunch of corporate thugs and Wall Street criminals who will go to any length to rape and pillage the population for personal enrichment. Tragically, there is precious little the federal government can or will do to stop them and its why it may be left to state law enforcement officials to hold them accountable; but no-one should hold their breath.
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After two months of scandal and incompetence, Donald Trump and the Republican-dominated Congress are the most unpopular people in Washington, D.C.

According to a new Fox News poll released on Wednesday, the presidents approval rating is under water by eight points, with a majority  51 percent  of the country expressing disapproval with the job hes done so far. Only 43 percent give him positive marks.

Since Foxs last poll measuring Trumps support, the president has seen his rating drop by five points.

This should come as no surprise as the Trump has spent the first weeks of his presidency doing very little work, instead choosing to sign unconstitutional executive orders, tweet unfounded accusations about President Obama, and try to cover up his administrations obvious ties to Russia.

On health care, which has dominated the political discourse over the past several weeks, Trumps numbers are even worse, with just 35 percent of the country saying they approve of his handling of the issue.

Another reason Trump wont want to belabor healthcare: polling is brutal. 35% approve/55% disapprove his handling of hc, per new Fox poll  Jonathan Martin (@jmartNYT) March 15, 2017

Overall, just 34 percent of the country supports Trumpcare, which means it will be political suicide for the president and his Republican allies if they continue trying to ram it through Congress.

All of this is doing major damage to the partys brand, with a dismal 29 percent of the country saying they approve of Republican lawmakers.

But the GOP shouldnt just be afraid of how negatively the American people view them. They should also worry about the things (and people) the respondents said they do like.

According to the survey, Bernie Sanders (61 percent positive rating), Planned Parenthood (57 percent), and the Affordable Care Act (50 percent) are the most favorably viewed items on a list of more than a dozen that Fox listed.

Ultimately, that the American people are siding with Democrats as they stand united against the efforts of Trump and Republicans to roll back the progress of President Barack Obamas two terms in office.

As Trump doubles down on defending a disastrous heath care bill, all while peddling paranoid conspiracy theories and covering up his connections to Russia, these numbers arent likely to improve anytime soon.

Its no wonder he held a campaign rally in Tennessee on Wednesday.
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Donald Trump was dealt yet another legal blow on Wednesday as a U.S. District Court Judge Derrick Watson of Hawaii has blocked the most recent version of his travel ban, which clearly targets Muslims and refugees.

The news via Politico:

The ban was set to take effect on Thursday at midnight  just hours from now  but once again the Trump administration was blocked in court. The halt is effective nationwide.

No matter how the president tries to package the executive order, he and his team cannot escape his campaign rhetoric saying he wanted to ban Muslims from entering the United States. Even after Trump took office, former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani admitted that the executive order was crafted in a way to legally ban Muslims from entering the country.

Trump and his team are finding out that there is no legal way to discriminate based on a persons religion.

While the Republican-dominated Congress has turned a blind eye to Trumps attempts at abusing his power, the courts are doing their best to keep him in check.
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Donald Trump went to deep red Tennessee on Wednesday to salvage his already crumbling presidency with a campaign-style rally at Nashville Municipal Auditorium. He was likely sorely disappointed, though, as sections and sections of seats stood empty as he took the stage.

Video via local reporter Bridget Chapman:

While Trump and his supporters are blaming the crowd shortage on tight security measures, forcing many to remain outside the arena during his speech, the rows of empty seats behind the president were hard to miss.

To make matters worse, the venue Trump spoke at was small relative to some of his past campaign events, with a maximum capacity of just 9,700. In the past, he bragged about filling larger stadiums  as president, he cant even fill much smaller locations.

When it comes to the substance of Trumps speech, there wasnt much. It was essentially indistinguishable from those he delivered during the campaign, but unlike many of his rambling campaign speeches, he was able to stick largely to the same, boring script given to him by his handlers.

He reaffirmed his pledge to build a wasteful wall on the southern border, attacked the media as fake, and, more broadly, pretended that he was still a candidate instead of the leader of the free world.

It was so much like the campaign that the crowd even started chanting lock her up! when the president complained about the latest ruling that blocks his second version of the Muslim ban.

Video:

Trump: when he deems  or she  fortunately, it will not be HILLARY-she Crowd: LOCK HER UP! LOCK HER UP! Election was 127 days ago. pic.twitter.com/Akive7e3S8  Bradd Jaffy (@BraddJaffy) March 16, 2017

Trump said, [The judges decision] is, in the opinion of many, an unprecedented judicial overreach. The law and the constitution give the president the power to suspend immigration, when he or she  fortunately, it will not be Hillary she.

At that point the crowd started chanting lock her up! and the president seemed to relish in the moment, strutting around the stage. But as former Obama speechwriter Jon Favreau noted, the election was four months ago.

Trump takes a shot at Hillary during Nashville rally. Crowd chants lock her up. Trump says nothing. The election was over 4 months ago.  Jon Favreau (@jonfavs) March 16, 2017

The goal is Trumps visit to such friendly territory was obviously to gin up enthusiasm among the minority of people that still support him. Those who showed up were certainly motivated and still living in campaign mode, but the empty seats show that the Trump train is losing steam.

Picture: Twitter
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While discussing the court blocking of the Trump administrations second attempt at a Muslim ban, Rep. Jim Himes (D-CT) called White House, the gang that couldnt shoot straight.

Video:

Himes said, Well, you know I am not surprised that the court in Hawaii put a restraining order on the order. On this topic, this is the gang that cant shoot straight. Im glad they cant shoot straight, because the travel ban is a terrible idea, and dont take it from me. Take it from the Department of Homeland Security that says that your origin is not a good predictor of the likelihood that you commit terrorism. The gang that couldnt shoot straight has taken every opportunity to say this is just like the other executive order. You know, the president is on record as saying were going to a Muslim ban. You know, facts matter, perhaps not in the Oval Office, but facts do matter to judges.

For all of their tough talk, bluster, and threats, the one characteristic that has defined the Trump administration is incompetence. Their Muslim ban has been rejected twice by the courts. The administrations first piece of major legislation is going down in flames due to a lack of leadership from the White House.

Republicans had fantasies of hitting the ground running, but thanks in large part to White House incompetence, they have face planted on the pavement.

The Trump administration may have bad intentions for a majority of Americans, but when it comes to being able to get things done, Donald Trump has been an incompetent president.
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The official McDonalds Twitter account was used to tweet a form of political protest on Thursday as someone tweeted to President Trump that he was a disgusting excuse for a president and that McDonalds wanted Barack Obama back.

The since-deleted tweet as it was screen captured:

The tweet managed to also insult Donald Trumps hand size, so major points for the creativity to the hacker/rogue McDonalds tweeter who made this happen. As far as acts of mischief are concerned, hacks of social media accounts are not cool, but if an employee or outside individual was so disgusted by Trump that they felt compelled to engage in this act of political protest, it is understandable.

The general suspicion is that someone with access to McDonalds Twitter account went rogue on their last day with the company, and made their feelings known about this president. If this is the case, soon to be former McDonalds employee, you are not alone.

Hundreds of millions of Americans agree with you, and your tweet may be the best thing to happen to McDonalds since the McRib.
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Donald Trump must apologize to former President Barack Obama after the bipartisan leaders of the Senate Intelligence Committee debunked Trumps claim that Obama wiretapped Trump Tower during the 2016 election.

Here is the statement from the Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman and Ranking Member:

The leaders of the Senate Intelligence Committee found no evidence to back up Trumps wiretap claims. In other words, the current President Of The United States baselessly accused the former President Of The United States of a felony.

How much longer will the media and the American people continue to tolerate Trumps smears and baseless attacks?

It needs to stop now. Donald Trump must publicly apologize to Barack Obama for smearing the former president with an allegation that was never true.

Since Trump never apologized for smearing Obama with a birther conspiracy, the American people shouldnt hold their collective breath waiting for this president to grow a conscience and show a shred of integrity by apologizing to Obama.

The finding by the Senate Intelligence Committee is proof that Donald Trump is literally making things up.

The nonsense must stop, which is why the American people must demand an apology from Donald Trump.
Pizza has been a constant in Brian Kesslers life, from the time he got a job in a pizzeria as a teenager until the day he met his wife in a pizza joint. Read moreIggy's Pizza Shop is now open in Mount Pleasant
Watchdog and Public Service reporter

Thad Moore is a reporter on The Post and Couriers Watchdog and Public Service team and a graduate of the University of South Carolina. To share tips securely, reach Moore via ProtonMail at thadmoore@protonmail.com or on Signal at 843-214-6576.
The massive amount is unusual for a local school board race  and thousands more than any of the other 31 candidates have managed to raise. Read moreA CCSD board candidate has raised almost $100K in campaign funds
Tours this month of the Joseph Manigault House will focus on the home's history as a Red Cross training facility and USO post.
Adam Parker has covered many beats and topics for The Post and Courier, including race and history, religion, and the arts. He is the author of "Outside Agitator: The Civil Rights Struggle of Cleveland Sellers Jr.," published by Hub City Press.
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
As Laffittes case has moved toward trial, it has helped shed new light on Alex Murdaughs alleged financial crimes. His trial is poised to unpack them in the finest detail yet. Read moreEx-SC banker Russell Laffitte set to face trial in first Murdaugh case to be heard by jury
The oft-told story of a frog perishing in a pot as the water slowly warms and then cooks him is not actually based in fact; the metaphor persists because it describes something that is true: We are less aware of change that occurs gradually than when it happens all at once. Read moreEditorial: Referendums based on slow evolution: Berkeley, Dorchester aren't so rural anymore
The Post and Courier provides a forum for our readers to share their opinions, and to hold up a mirror to our community. Publication does not imply endorsement by the newspaper; the editorial staff attempts to select a representative sample of letters because we believe its important to let our readers see the range of opinions their neighbors submit for publication.
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
Last week I described how stars are born in very large groups. All stars, which are essentially big balls of hydrogen gas, gravitationally coalesce out of loose clouds of hydrogen referred to as nebulae. Gravity is the tool that makes this happen. The more mass any object has, the more of a gravitational pull it has.

Stars come out of the celestial womb when these balls of gas become massive enough to fire up their nuclear fusion furnaces. When that happens, incredible amounts of light and radiation are produced and a proto star becomes a star and lives out its celestial life.

What nuclear fusion is and how it operates inside of a star's core is the subject of this column. First of all, gravity plays a key role. As I told you last week, gravitational compression builds the heat up tremendously inside of a star. In the case of our sun, an average-sized star in our Milky Way, it has the mass of 2 with 30 zeros after it in kilograms. That kind of mass results in a tremendous gravitational force and a colossal amount of gravitational pressure in the core of the sun, to the tune of over 500 billion pounds per square inch.

With that kind of pressure, the temperature at the core of the sun exceeds 27 million degrees. There's even more gravitational pressure and even higher temperatures in more massive stars.

Because of this tremendous heat, hydrogen atoms in the inner core of stars are zipping along at incredible speeds and slamming into each other with incredible violence.

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By their very nature, hydrogen atoms tend to be electrically repulsive to each other. They don't even like to be close! But because the force of these collisions totally overwhelms their atomic independence, they not only bash into each other, they actually fuse together. This is the process of nuclear fusion. It's like slamming your hands together with such force that they merge, or fuse into one big hand.

Inside the cores of stars, hydrogen atoms are fusing together to form heavier helium atoms. It takes four hydrogen atoms fusing together to form one heavier helium atom, and in the process energy is produced. That's the tricky and extremely complicated part of nuclear fusion. It all has to do with Albert Einstein's famous assertion that energy and mass can be interchanged if you have the right conditions, and those conditions are met in the violent cores of stars.

The collective radiation from all of these hydrogen atom collisions, in the form of light, heat, gamma rays, and x-rays, slowly makes its way to the outer layer of a star. From there, the radiation travels in all directions from the star at the speed of light, over 186,000 miles per second.

Essentially, hydrogen is the fuel of a star, helium is the ash, and energy is a byproduct. In just one second, our sun converts almost 700 million tons of hydrogen to helium and energy. In spite of that incredible rate of consumption, our sun won't run out of hydrogen for about another 5 billion years!

Since our sun is an average star in terms of its size and mass, the supply of hydrogen atoms in its core will hold out a lot longer than more massive stars. The really big stellar guys can run through their supply of hydrogen in just a few billion years, while a smaller sun has an active lifetime of well over 10 billion years.

Eventually though, all stars, including our beloved sun, will run out of hydrogen atoms in their collective cores and the death process will kick in. Stellar death is the subject of next week's column, and believe me when I tell you stars don't die quietly. Some really go out with a bang!

Celestial Hugging this Week: Early Monday morning in the low eastern pre-twilight sky, about an hour before sunrise, the last quarter half moon will have a close conjunction with the planet Saturn. The moon will be just above and slightly to the left of Saturn. On Tuesday morning, the moon will have shifted to the east and will be a little farther away from Saturn, to the left of the ringed wonder of our solar system. Even with a small telescope you can see Saturn's rings. They may seem a little fuzzy since Saturn is fairly close to the horizon, where Earth's blurring atmosphere is a little thicker.

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MANTORVILLE  An area man faces several felonies after authorities say he physically assaulted a woman, attempted to sexually assault her, then asked if she wanted him to kill her.

Dallas Russell Bennerotte, 33, of Dodge Center, has been charged with one count each of first-degree attempted criminal sexual conduct, second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon, terroristic threats and domestic assault by strangulation.

He's pleaded not guilty to all counts, and remains in custody in lieu of $50,000 conditional bond. He's due back in Dodge County District Court on Monday.

The case began Feb. 11, when Dodge County Sheriff's deputies responded to a rural address for a report of a domestic assault. The caller said there'd been a physical altercation and Bennerotte was outside the home with a gun, threatening to kill himself and promising to provoke responding law enforcement officers to shoot him, the complaint says.

Bennerotte sped away in his truck when the first officer arrived; the pickup was found soon after, parked in Wasioja Cemetery with its headlights off. When told to get out of the truck, Bennerotte started the truck and drove to the front gate of the cemetery, where other squad cars were waiting.

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He was taken into custody there; a 45-caliber handgun was found on the passenger seat. The gun had a full magazine, with a round in the chamber.

The victim said she was asleep on the couch when Bennerotte grabbed her by the hair and got on top of her, the complaint says, then ripped her shirt and bra. He allegedly strangled her and told her he'd make her pass out, then sexually assault her.

The woman struggled with Bennerotte, at one point kicking him in the groin in an attempt to make him let her go. He hit her across the face several times, court documents say, then got her onto the floor, ripped her underwear and tried to get her pants off.

The victim said Bennerotte eventually just gave up, got the gun and went outside. While holding the gun, he reportedly asked if she wanted him to shoot her first.
Educators like Silver Ajal know that students who are new  not only to a school, but to the country  often take a little more effort to connect with.

And that's where Ajal, 57, who speaks seven languages, has found something as simple as greeting a student in their native language can put a student at ease.

"It opens the door to other things," he said. "The more languages I can speak, the more people I can reach."

Bridging cultural differences for those students is also key to their success here. And with those children who've had traumatic life experiences, Ajal can relate, as he was a Ugandan refugee who arrived in the U.S in 2004.

Since 2008 he's been a paraprofessional in the Rochester School District, currently assigned to Kellogg Middle School, but now he's going to school to become a teacher through a "grow your own" program in Rochester  an effort to get more teachers of color into the district to better reflect the student population.

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It's well-known that there's little diversity in Minnesota's struggling teacher workforce.

Last month, a state report revealed that not only do districts struggle to recruit teachers, they also have trouble retaining the ones they have  and its even more difficult when it comes to teachers of color.

Statewide, just 4.2 percent of Minnesota's teacher workforce is non-white.

So last week, legislators introduced a bill they hope will offer some relief, and get more teachers like Ajal into Minnesota schools, by providing the "tools" local school districts need to recruit and retain more teachers, including those of color. Sen. Carla Nelson, R-Rochester authored the bill, which would provide funding for five main efforts, including mentorship programs, teacher loan forgiveness and expanding "grow your own" programs.

The bill would also fund an expansion of the Urban Educators of color program to include Greater Minnesota and make adjustments to the teacher pay system to include incentive pay for teachers who show strong results closing achievement gaps.

"We cannot continue to just talk about it," Nelson said at the E-12 Finance Committee hearing for the bill last week. "It's time that we take some concrete steps to actually lower that achievement gap."

Role models

With the state's achievement gap  one of the worst in the country  and a growing population of non-white students, Nelson said it's time to diversify the teacher workforce so that it better resembles the student population.

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It's important for students of color to have role models in school who look like them and that they can relate to, said many of the representatives from the state's diversity councils who testified at the hearing.

"It's kind of the perfect storm here," Nelson said on Tuesday. "So it's time we do this."

The bill aims to double the number of teachers of color American Indian by 2020, so that they make up 8 percent of the teacher workforce. The other major goal: ensure 20 percent of candidates in pathways to becoming a teacher are of color or American Indian.

In the past, districts, including Rochester and Austin, have tried out-of-state recruiting, but, for the most part, efforts fell flat .

'Grow your own'

The thought: Instead of working so hard to find talent elsewhere, why not develop what's already in your own community?

In Southeast Minnesota, "grow your own" efforts  which are attempts to train non-licensed educators or classroom aides who are already employed with districts to become teachers  are already underway in school districts such as Austin and Rochester.

Both districts are struggling with an increasingly diverse student population that isn't reflected when it comes to their teachers.

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In Rochester, just 2.9 percent of teachers are teachers of color, according to district data  far from resembling the 37 percent of the student population that identifies as non-white.

In Austin, there are just four non-white teachers among the district's 396, according to Austin's human resources director Mark Raymond, while students of color account for a growing 45 percent of the population .

Both districts are partnering with Winona State University. Participants are mainly people of color who worked for the two school districts as paraprofessionals, and now they're finishing up a a two-year program to become teachers  set to graduate 12 students in Rochester and 26 in Austin this spring.

Students, who are currently paraprofessionals in the district, enter the two-year program and come out with an undergraduate degree.

Night school

In Rochester, the district has tried to make it easier for the paras to go to school and continue working by ensuring the courses are offered at night and on weekends. The district also added contract language two contract negotiations ago to continue paying former paras at their para salary, while they're student teaching in the district.

"We know they can't drop their income while they're going through student teaching," Rochester Superintendent Michael Munoz said.

The Rochester school district also plans to offer an introductory career course next fall about teacher, to expose students to the profession.

WSU's Tarrell Portman, dean of the College of Edcuation, said she's excited about the bill because of the "grow your own" and loan forgiveness portions. Both are effective methods of recruiting students in small communities.

"It's about that community and having roots in the community  and that, to me, is one of the best ways to diversify," Portman said.

Both districts said they plan to continue their programs year after year, in hopes of adding teachers and diversity to the districts.

"We're just very excited. No.1 that we're giving our students the opportunity, but also the quality of the students that are going through the program is just phenomenal," said Austin Superintendent Dave Krenz. "It's really going to benefit everyone."

No vote was taken on the bill last week. It is being considered for inclusion in a larger education bill.
Rochester Economic Development Inc.kept busy in 2016.

RAEDI delivered its annual report to a sold-out crowd at the Rochester International Events Center onWednesday.

"2016 was another good year," RAEDI President Gary Smithtold the audience of area business leaders.

In addition to reporting on the previous year, Smith said that RAEDI is ready to launch a new $1 million angel investment fund called the Southeast Minnesota Investment Fund. The fund will be used to assist eight to 10 local start-up businesses.

RAEDI's existing development fund has helped fund 11 businesses to date with $1.35 million. That in turn spurred the creation of 57 local jobs.

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The businesses that were funded included - Ambient Clinical Analytics, Geneticure, HB Healthcare Safety, Hunhu Healthcare, Imanis Life Sciences, LAgen Laboratories, ReGen Theranostics, Sonex Health, Xcede Technologies, GoRout and LiquidCool Solutions.

Overall, Smith reported that RAEDI helped facilitate an estimated $50 million of local investment plus the creation of 150 new local jobs in 2016.

It also assisted local firms in lining up 15 U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loans totaling $8.1 million in 2016. Those SBA loans, in turn, are projected to create 66 new local jobs.

Smith also gave an update on the Mayo Clinic Business Accelerator. The business accelerator, based in the Minnesota Biobusiness Center, is a joint project between RAEDI, the City of Rochester and Mayo Clinic. The accelerator, which opened in 2013, is designed to help young start-up businesses.

The facility has 23 tenants plus seven corporate and venture capital partners. RAEDI says accelerator businesses have created 60 jobs to date.
Mayo Clinic is under fire after comments by its CEO telling employees to give patients with private insurance preferential treatment over ones covered by Medicare or Medicaid.

Dr. John Noseworthy was quoted as saying, "We're asking  if the patient has commercial insurance, or they're Medicaid or Medicare patients and they're equal, that we prioritize the commercial insured patients enough so  we can be financially strong at the end of the year to continue to advance, advance our mission."

The directive in question came from a transcript of a three-minute video message made by Noseworthy in late 2016. The Star Tribune newspaper printed an article about the video Wednesday morning.

Minnesota Department of Human Services Commissioner Emily Piper , who oversees the agency that manages the state's MinnesotaCare and Medicaid programs, said she was surprised and disturbed to read the comments that Noseworthy made in an internal message to employees.

"Fundamentally, it's our expectation at DHS that Mayo Clinic will serve our enrollees in public programs on an equal standing with any other Minnesotan that walks in their door," she said Wednesday afternoon. "We have a lot of questions for Mayo Clinic about how and if and through what process this directive from Dr. Noseworthy is being implemented across their health system."

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Noseworthy was also quoted as telling employees that the Affordable Health Care Act-driven increase in MinnesotaCare and Medicaid  which is called Medical Assistance in Minnesota  patients was a "tipping point."

"If we don't grow the commercially insured patients, we won't have income at the end of the year to pay our staff, pay the pensions, and so on," he reportedly said on the video message. "So we're looking for a really mild or modest change of a couple percentage points to shift that balance."

The Star Tribune reported that Mayo Clinic confirmed that the transcript was accurate.

'Complex issues'

When asked who the Noseworthy message was sent to and why it was sent, Mayo Clinic spokeswoman Kelley Luckstein responded, "The video was created to educate colleagues on complex issues."

Mayo Clinic did release a statement about the issue.

"Mayo Clinic has always been committed to serving patients who need us the most, regardless of insurance coverage. Across Mayo, beneficiaries of government programs, including Medicare and Medicaid, make up about 50 percent of the total services we provide," it stated. "Balancing payer mix is complex and isn't unique to Mayo Clinic. It affects much of the industry, but it's often not talked about. That's why we feel it is important to talk transparently about these complex issues with our staff."

Piper, who contracts many services directly with Mayo Clinic through the DHS, is looking for a much more detailed response. Her office is preparing an in-depth list of questions for Mayo Clinic.

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"We are a really significant payer of health care in the state of Minnesota, so when health systems determine that they are going to take risks that put in jeopardy that continued relationship, I think that is a challenge not only for the state, but it's also a challenge for the providers themselves," she said.

Common attitude?

Some within the health care industry have suggested that Noseworthy's directive is a common, if unspoken, attitude at hospitals. Piper didn't agree with that.

"I would hope that wouldn't be the case. I would hope that they would align their treatment of patients with the value system and mission of the organization, particularly for our nonprofit providers across the state," she said.

Dr. Gerard Anderson , the director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Hospital Finance and Management who writes many national papers about health care funding, said Noseworthy's directive was like something from a Third World country.

"This is what happens in many low-income countries. The health system is organized to give the most affluent preference in receiving health care. It does not happen in most affluent counties," he wrote in response to the Star Tribune article. "Hospitals spend nearly all the money they get. If private insurers pay less than public insurers, then it will appear that public payers are paying less than costs. However, what is really happening is that hospitals are spending all the money they receive and those that pay less are accused of not paying the full cost."

Positive trend

Wendy Burt, spokeswoman for the Minnesota Hospital Association , said the increase in patients on Medicaid, as part of the state's expansion of the program in conjunction with the Affordable Care Act, has been a positive trend for hospitals. The association has 142 members, including Mayo Clinic.

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"As a result of the Medicaid expansion that Minnesota implemented, we very strongly prefer to have patients on Medicaid or public programs. Because that is preferable to having patients uninsured," she said. "Nearly all of our hospitals are nonprofits, as such, it is our mission is to care for patients regardless of their ability to pay."

In Mayo Clinic's recent financial report, it reported revenue of $10.99 billion for 2016, up from $10.3 billion in 2015. The report included that the unreimbursed cost of providing services related to Medicaid was $545 million in 2016, up from $476 million in 2015.

The same report also included this statement: "Future changes in the Medicare program and reduction of funding levels could have an adverse effect on the Clinic. Net medical service revenue under the Medicare program represented approximately 25 percent and 26 percent of total net medical service revenue for 2016 and 2015, respectively. At Dec. 31, 2016 and 2015, approximately 12 percent and 15 percent, respectively, of accounts receivable for medical services were due from the Medicare program."

Noseworthy's comments about treating patients insured by Medicaid and Medicare could spur negative reactions beyond Minnesota's borders. Anderson, of Johns Hopkins, pointed out that it could make difference when U.S. News and World Report issues its next top hospitals list.

"Mayo Clinic is in danger of losing its No. 1 U.S. News ranking, if it discriminates against people on Medicare and Medicaid," he said.

Johns Hopkins was ranked No. 4 in the most recent list.
ST. PAUL  Supporters of a Rochester program that helps train low-income students for careers in healthcare warned lawmakers on Wednesday that without state support, the program may need to close.

"Without (the money), to be honest, we will need to take this program apart come July 1 and the best program we've got in the state may not exist," said Randy Johnson, executive director of Workforce Development, Inc.

The request for help centers around a program called "Bridges to Healthcare." It is a collaboration of Hawthorne Education Center, Rochester Community and Technical College and Workforce Development, Inc. Approximately 250 people participate in the program in a year and there is a waiting list to get in. Of those who enroll, more than two-thirds are people of color. A majority of those in the program are also first-generation college students.

Sen. Dave Senjem, R-Rochester, and Rep. Duane Sauke, DFL-Rochester, have each introduced bills seeking $720,000 in state funding over two years for the program. Both bills received a hearing on Wednesday  one before a Senate committee and the other in a House committee.

Nadine Holthaus, program manager at Hawthorne Education Center, said the Bridges to Healthcare Program offers a wide range of support to help students meet their goals. It begins with assessing whether students have the basic reading, writing and math skills needed for the program. If not, they can sign up for adult basic education classes at the center. Most students start by getting their nursing assistant certification. That allows them to work and continue taking classes. They can then take Rochester Community and Technical College developmental reading and writing classes for free at the center.

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"This allows them to try college courses, work out life barriers, figure out how to balance life, school and work in a supportive environment without incurring financial debt," Holthaus said.

Students can transfer up to 15 credits to RCTC earned from classes taken at the center. Students can pursue several career paths including advanced hospital nursing assistant, licensed practical nurse and administrative clinical assistant. Advisors and navigators work with students once they enroll at RCTC or Mayo School of Health Science to help them succeed in college. The program has an 85 percent graduation rate.

The major challenge has been finding money to fund the program. Johnson said his agency has to piece together funding from several sources. That has included relying on federal and state grants, along with funding from Rochester Public Schools, RCTC and Mayo Clinic. But Johnson said the problem with the competitive grant programs is they tend to favor new programs. That puts Bridges to Healthcare at a disadvantage.

"It needs sustainable to move forward. It's doing tremendous work in southeast Minnesota," Johnson told members of the Senate Jobs and Economic Growth Committee.

He delivered a similar message in testimony to the House Job Growth and Energy Affordability Committee. No votes were taken on the bills in either committee. Instead, they are being considered for inclusion in workforce development funding bills.

Sen. Dave Senjem, R-Rochester, urged his colleagues to support funding the program.

He added, "It's important to our city from the standpoint of giving our new immigrant population a pathway to a career and a good career."

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MINNEAPOLIS  Authorities in Poland moved quickly to issue an arrest warrant for a Minnesota man accused of participating in a World War II massacre, just two days after determining they had enough evidence to charge him.

But many steps remain before 98-year-old Michael Karkoc would ever face charges overseas. His family has said he has dementia, but legal experts say health problems aren't a defense against extradition under U.S. law.

Here's a look at what's next in the case:

THE BACKGROUND

Karkoc is accused of commanding a unit in the Nazi SS-led Ukrainian Self Defense Legion that raided the eastern Poland village of Chlaniow in July 1944, killing 44 people, including women and children.

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Polish prosecutors' decision to seek his extradition came four years after The Associated Press published a story establishing he commanded the unit, based on wartime documents, testimony from other members of the unit and his own Ukrainian-language memoir. The story also established he lied to American immigration officials to get into the U.S. a few years after the war. A second report uncovered evidence that Karkoc himself ordered his men to attack the village.

His family consistently has said he was innocent of any war crimes, challenging the validity of the evidence against him and depicting him as a Ukrainian freedom fighter who fought against the Germans.

HOW EXTRADITIONS WORK

Polish prosecutors are expected to ask their foreign ministry to forward their extradition request to the U.S. State Department, which would relay it to the federal prosecutor's office in Minneapolis to begin court proceedings. Karkoc then would be brought before a federal magistrate judge, where he could seek bail. The magistrate would set a date for a hearing when he could present any defenses he might have against extradition.

But according to legal experts, his defenses are few.

"In order to secure extradition, the government of Poland is going to have to provide probable cause that this individual committed the crimes charged. That will be the battleground in an extradition case," said Jacques Semmelman, a New York attorney and former federal prosecutor who specializes in extradition law.

Age and health are not defenses against extradition under U.S. law, and Karkoc does not appear to have any other defenses, Semmelman said.

"I have every expectation that this man is going to be found extraditable," he said.

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Before that happens, Karkoc's attorneys could argue his health counts as a special circumstance that provides grounds for bail, said Karen Snell, a San Francisco attorney who works in extradition defense. But it's much harder to get bail in an extradition proceeding than a criminal case, she said.

Karkoc could appeal if the magistrate rules he should be sent to Poland. Semmelman said he knows of cases where that process has taken up to two years.

HIS HEALTH

Karkoc is 98. His son, Andriy Karkoc, refused to disclose details about his father's health to the AP except to say he's not competent. He told the Minneapolis Star Tribune on Monday that his father lives in an assisted-living facility while his mother is in an attached memory care unit. The family previously has said he has Alzheimer's disease.

German prosecutors shelved their own war crimes investigation of Karkoc in 2015 after concluding he was not fit for trial.

Karkoc's attorney refused to allow a medical expert from Germany to assess his ability to be questioned and stand trial, according to Munich prosecutors, but instead provided documentation from his American doctors. Munich prosecutors called the assessment "comprehensive."

GERMANY'S DECISION

The German probe began after AP's story in 2013. The evidence was assessed by Germany's special federal prosecutors' unit that investigates Nazi-era crimes, which concluded there was enough for Munich state prosecutors to pursue murder charges against Karkoc.

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In 2014, the Federal Court of Justice said Karkoc's service in the SS-led unit made him the "holder of a German office." That gave Germany the legal right to prosecute him even though he is not German, his alleged crimes were against non-Germans and they were not committed on German soil. Someone in that role "served the purposes of the Nazi state's world view," the court said.
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Derrick Watson, a Democratic Party activist who was appointed to the federal bench in Hawaii by President Obama in 2012, has issued a purported injunction barring implementation of President Trumps travel order. I have not yet read Watsons opinion, and will comment on it in detail when I have done so. But I have read Trumps order, and the idea that it somehow can be blocked by a federal judge is ridiculous. The order is absolutely within the presidents constitutional discretion.

What we are seeing here is a coup: a coup by the New Class; by the Democratic Party; by far leftists embedded in the bureaucracy and the federal judiciary. Our duly elected president has issued an order that is plainly within his constitutional powers, and leftists have conspired to abuse legal processes to block it. They are doing so in order to serve the interests of the Democratic Party and the far-left movement. This is the most fundamental challenge to democracy in our lifetimes.

The battle lines are clearly drawn. What Watson has done has nothing to do with the law. It is a partisan coup, and must be resisted.
In a great opening beatdown on his FOX News show last night, Tucker Carlson compared and contrasted the interference of NBC in the 2016 presidential election with the alleged interference of the Russians (video below).

Quotable quote:

Complaints from NBC about election meddling? Given that companys conduct over the past six months that is a bit rich. Consider the infamous Access Hollywood tape. Now, if you are living in America last fall, you certainly remember it. The shocking and vulgar remarks. The immediate and disastrous effect that tape had on the candidate Trumps poll numbers. It was a political bomb detonated in the final days of the most intense political race of our lifetimes. The fallout was so overwhelming that few paused to consider where that tape came from.

So, lets consider that now. That tape belonged to NBC, it was shot by NBC cameramen for an NBC show on NBC property. So, how did it wind up in the hands of The Washington Post which broke the story? How, in other words, did valuable intellectual property from one news organization end up benefitting a competitor.

Intentionally. That is the short answer.

According to sources at NBC, The Access Hollywood tape was leaked to the Washington Post with the full knowledge of NBC brass. That would include news edition head Andrew Lack. NBCs motive? To derail the Trump campaign two days before a presidential debate. Now, keep in mind that the Access Hollywood tape had been sitting in an archive since it was shot 11 years before. NBC executives had known about its existence at least last summer  months before it aired. Concerned about being accused of partisanships and perhaps worried about Californias strict wiretapping law, which prohibits the recording of subjects without their knowledge, the network sat on it.

But as November approached, the temptation to shut down the Trump campaign became too much. And so NBC rose to the defense of Hillary Clinton and leaked that tape. And then they lied about it.
As Paul noted last night, MSNBCs lefty host Rachel Maddow came up with a scoop: she obtained a portion of Donald Trumps 2005 federal income tax return. On her show, she relentlessly hyped the coming revelation, which presumably helped her ratings. Unfortunately, the revelation helped only Trump: he paid $38 million in federal income taxes on an income of $153 million.

Everything about this is good for Trump. He is very successful, as he has claimed, and he pays plenty of taxes25%, and $38 million is an enormous contribution to the federal coffers. Maddows fellow leftists were annoyed with her for helping Trump, to the point where I wonder whether the source of the leak may have been Trump himself. If it wasnt, it should have been.

Trumps gargantuan $38 million tax bill raises a longstanding question: can anyone ever pay enough taxes to satisfy a liberal? The answer is no. The New York Times, which speculated back in October that Trump may have paid no income taxes at all for twenty years, was unabashed. Speculation dashed on the rock of reality? No problem!

The Times hilariously headlines Trump Wrote Off $100 Million in Losses in 2005, Leaked Forms Show. Gosh, imagine how much he would have paid if his accountant hadnt taken credit for the deductions allowed by the tax code! The Times is so twisted by hate that it is no longer capable of reporting a story straight. Sophisticated tax lawyers tell me that the Timess analysis of the alternative minimum tax is wrong too. The reporters probably were just quoting talking points served up to them by the Democratic Party.

The Times is, at least, predictable. But I cant explain why the Democratic Party sent out an email a little while ago, demanding to see Trumps tax returns. Are they gluttons for punishment? Here is the email:









I dunno. I would guess that the Democrats have seen about all the Trump tax returns they want to. Why would they send this email to their faithful (and others like me) in the wake of the Maddow fiasco? Maybe they, like other MSNBC viewers, were convinced by Maddows promotion that a big revelation was in store, and scheduled this email to go out before her show aired. And then forgot to cancel it when her scoop fizzled.

In any event, most Americans are not reacting to the news that Trump paid $38 million in federal income taxes in a single year the way the Times and the Democratic Party (at risk of redundancy) did. I suspect the most common reaction was: Huh. The Democrats are wrong again.
Internationally acclaimed South African artist, Zwelethu Mthethwa, was on Thursday found guilty of murdering a sex worker in the city of Cape Town in April 2013.

The Western Cape High Court convicted Mthethwa, whose paintings and photographs have been shown in over 50 solo exhibitions around the world of murder.

The conviction was based on footage from a surveillance camera and a car tracking device, a media report said.

It said that the video footage showed the 57-year-old artist parking his Porsche, crossing the road and striking down a woman on a sidewalk.

He then repeatedly and forcefully kicked and hit the womans head and body and drove off in his car.

The 23-year-old sex workers dead body was found by a security guard about an hour after the incident, the media report noted.

Judge Patricia Goliath said the camera footage acted as a silent witness.

However, Mthethwa did not testify or hand in a plea. (dpa/NAN)

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Former South African main opposition leader Helen Zille will face a disciplinary process by her Democratic Alliance (DA) party after saying on Twitter on Thursday that the legacy of colonialism was not all negative.

The incident caused a public outcry, with critics saying Zilles comments risked fanning the racial tensions that endure more than two decades after the end of apartheid rule.

The ruling ruling African National Congress (ANC) denounced her words as reckless.

Zille, a white South African, said on Twitter: For those claiming legacy of colonialism was ONLY negative, think of our independent judiciary, transport infrastructure, piped water etc.

Would we have had a transition into specialised health care and medication without colonial influence? Just be honest, please.

South Africa was colonised by the Dutch and the British for about 300 years.

The country then experienced white minority rule under apartheid.

Zille, who is the premier of the Western Cape province, has apologised but her party leader condemned her comments.

Mmusi Maimane told 702 Talk Radio: She should face a disciplinary process in the party.

Her actions, her statement was completely unacceptable and indefensible.

Maimane took the reins as the DAs first black national leader in 2015.

In 2016, she led the party to strong gains in a local election, taking the capital Pretoria and commercial hub Johannesburg from the ANC

The DA has a strong following among white South Africans.

The ANC urged Maimane and his party to remove Zille from her position immediately over her reckless and ignorant claims on colonialism.

The DA in 2016 revoked the membership of Penny Sparrow after a Facebook post in which she referred to black people as monkeys went viral.

A court later ordered Sparrow to pay 150,000 rand ($11,780) to charity after she was found guilty of hate speech.

Standard Bank economist Chris Hart resigned last year after he tweeted in January that black people had a sense of entitlement and hatred towards minorities.

White senior judge Mabel Jansen was publicly criticised over racist comments about black culture and rape.(Reuters/NAN)

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Interpol has issued a red notice, the closest to an international arrest warrant, for four North Koreans wanted in connection with the murder of Kim Jong Nam, Malaysias Police Chief said on Thursday.

The estranged half-brother of North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un, was murdered on February 13, when Malaysian police said two women smeared super toxic VX nerve agent on his face at Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

The two women, one Vietnamese and another Indonesian, were charged with murder earlier this month, but police are looking for seven North Korean suspects in connection with the killing, including four who are believed to have made their way back to Pyongyang.

Police requested Interpols help to apprehend the suspects last month.

We have obtained a red notice for the four North Korean nationals who were at the airport on the day of the incident and who have since left.

We are hoping to get them through Interpol, police chief Khalid Abu Bakar told reporters.

An Interpol red notice is a request to find and provisionally arrest someone pending extradition.

The murder has resulted in a diplomatic meltdown between two countries with once strong ties.

North Korea has questioned the Malaysian investigation into the murder and refused to acknowledge that the man murdered is Kim Jong Nam.

Speaking at the North Korean embassy in Beijing at an unusual and hastily arranged news conference, diplomat Pak Myong Ho blamed the United States and South Korea.

The recent incident that occurred in Malaysia was clearly a political scheme by the U.S. and South Korea aimed at hurting the DPRKs reputation and overthrowing the DPRK regime, Pak said, using the Norths formal name, the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea.

The only parties that will benefit from this incident are the enemy countries, Pak told a hand-picked audience of reporters in a small, sparsely decorated room inside the embassy.

At the time of the killing, Kim was carrying a diplomatic passport bearing another name, but Malaysian authorities said on Wednesday Kim Jong Nams identity had been confirmed using DNA samples taken from one of his children.

Malaysia has also refused demands by the North Korean government for Kim Jong Nams body to be released, saying that the remains can only be handed over to the next-of-kin under local laws. No family member has come forward to claim the body.

State news agency Bernama, quoting Malaysian deputy police chief Noor Rashid Ibrahim, said the family had given consent for Malaysia to manage Kim Jong Nams remains. Noor Rashid did not say when or where the consent was given.

Kim Jong Nam had been living in the Chinese territory of Macau under Beijings protection after the family went into exile several years ago.

He had been known to speak out publicly against his familys dynastic control of North Korea.

A man claiming to be the son of Kim Jong Nam appeared in video footage last week, saying he was lying low with his mother and sister.

An official at South Koreas National Intelligence Service confirmed the man in the video was Kim Han Sol, the 21-year-old son of Kim Jong Nam.

Malaysia is one of the few countries outside China that has for decades maintained ties with North Korea.

But as relations soured, Malaysia recalled its envoy from Pyongyang and expelled the North Korean ambassador.

North Korea then barred nine Malaysians  three diplomats and their six family members  from leaving the country, prompting Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak to describe the action as hostage taking.

The Southeast Asian country followed with a tit-for-tat action stopping North Koreans from leaving.

Najib told reporters Malaysia will begin formal negotiations with North Korea when the time is right, clarifying previous reports saying that talks between the two countries had begun on Monday.

(Reuters/NAN)

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The Federal Government says it has deployed epidemiologists and vaccines to arrest the outbreak of a new a strain of Cerebro Spinal Meningitis, CSM, in parts of the country.

The Minister of Health, Isaac Adewole, told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, on Thursday in Abuja that the new strain, which is not common in Nigeria, was imported from Niger Republic.

Mr. Adewole said that the new strain requires a different type of vaccine and a team of epidemiologists have been deployed to address the challenge.

He described the outbreak of meningitis in Sokoto and Zamfara states as an unfortunate incidence, stressing that the ministry is working hard to contain the situation.

It has become an annual ritual under this administration; we would want to put an end to annual outbreak of meningitis in some of the northern states.

I have just spoken with the commissioner for health in Zamfara who is appreciative of what the Federal Ministry of Health has been doing through the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.

We have sent field epidemiologists; they are actually called disease detectives, to support them at the state level, Mr. Adewole said.

The minister said that government have provided vaccines and would continue to do more in terms of whatever was needed with respect to material and technical support to overcome the outbreak.

What we know in public health is that there is always an outbreak, but what is uncertain is where and the type.

We want to be ready at any time, he said.

Mr. Adewole said he has scheduled a meeting with the commissioners of health from the Northern states to plan a resilient and strong strategy to put an end to meningitis outbreak in the country.

He said all the states in northwest region are prone to the disease and the states would be treated equally when confronted by outbreaks such as this.

While calling for more vigilance, the minister appealed to Nigerians to report all cases of unusual fevers to health facilities and avoid overcrowding.

When people are coughing let them be referred to facilities, open windows and ensure that we do not get infected easily.

Children are more susceptible and when they have unusual fever they should also be referred to the hospital, Mr. Adewole said.

According to him, many ailments like Lassa fever, meningitis and other diseases usually occur during the dry season and we expect many health challenges.

Global warming had changed many things; as far as we are concern we would be ready for many things, he said.

NAN recalls that an outbreak of CSM has claimed five lives in Gada and Wauru towns of Gada Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

The state Commissioner for Health, Balarabe Kakale, said that the victims died at the Gada General Hospital and Wauru Primary Health Centre.

He said: Three of the deaths were recorded at the Gada General hospital, while two were recorded at the Wauru PHC.

A similar report outbreak was also reported from Zamfara on Tuesday.

(NAN)

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Two weeks after it was signed into law by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, the Lagos States law on the environment is still inaccessible to the public, PREMIUM TIMES can report.

The law titled: Consolidated Laws on the Management, Protection and Sustainable Development on the Environment in Lagos State and Connected Purposes, was signed by Mr. Ambode on March 1 after a contentious public hearing organised by the Lagos House Committee on the Environment on February 9 and its subsequent passage by the House on February 20.

Last week, Tunde Braimoh, a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, told PREMIUM TIMES the clean copy of the new law was with the Executive arm.

Its an executive thing, after they sign it they will send it to the Printing Corporation for printing, I dont know how far they have gone about that, said Mr. Braimoh (APC, Kosofe II), Chairman, House Committee on Information, Strategy, and Security. Others are Africa Women Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Network (AWWASHNET)

If you go to Ministry of Justice, they will have it, because they are the people that will send it to the (Corporation).

What I have is the one that was worked on but if you want to get the gazetted one, you have to go to the Ministry of Justice.

At the Ministry of Justice, last week, an official said the gazetted law could be available after one week.

However, the official said the document isnt yet ready.

Just keep checking, well make it available as soon as its ready, he added.

Environmental activists in Lagos say they could also not access the new law.

On Wednesday, civil societies and grassroots stakeholders demanded that Mr. Ambode make the new law public.

The groups insisted that the inaccessibility of the document from the relevant ministries of the Lagos State government two weeks after it was signed has fuelled suspicion that its provisions are anti-people as they had alerted immediately the Lagos House of Assembly passed it.

During the public hearing, civil society groups had faulted the process on the premise that the 190-page draft bill was only made available to the invitees a day before the legislative exercise.

In addition, a few civil society organisations were invited and allowed to present memorandum.

In a statement issued by the groups in Lagos, they faulted sections of the law which they describe as corporate buy-over of Lagos in the guise of providing services.

The groups that signed the statement include: Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN), Peace and Development Project (PEDEP), Joint Action Front (JAF), Friends of the Environment, Climate-aid, and Committee for Defence of Human Rights, the Justice Development and Peace Commission (JDPC) of the Catholic Church andOthers Africa Women Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Network (AWWASHNET).

Akinbode Oluwafemi, Deputy Executive Director of ERA/FoEN, said the haste with which lawmakers organised the public hearing and passed the bill, and the equal speed with which the governor assented to the document is questionable in the face of a near total lack of public input.

We are shocked that more than two weeks after the governor signed a law as far-reaching as the new environment law, no one has set eyes on the document or can say what it contains outside what we saw as a draft by the House of Assembly, Mr. Oluwafemi said.

We have suddenly realised that the greatest threat to our people is when a supposed-democratic government now exists only for big business. We are miffed.

Francis Abayomi, Executive Director of PEDEP, described the alleged secrecy surrounding Mr. Ambodes assent to the law as controversial and antithetical to the citizens of Lagos as very disturbing.

We are particularly worried that the governor will sign a law that practically wills our right to a free gift of nature which water represents; to private interests whose sole concern is profits. Personally I am shell-shocked, he said.

Veronica Nwanya, chairperson of AWWASHNET, said access to water is a human right that cannot be taken away from the people.

This law, not only violates that right, she said. If allowed unchallenged, it will add to the burden that lack of sustained investment in the water sector has unleashed, and worsen the poverty the people suffer. Women and children and even generations yet born will suffer. It is unacceptable.

The bill passed by the state House of Assembly on February 20 was not made public.

However, the draft at the Public Hearing gave too much power to the Lagos Commissioner for Environment, criminalizes sinking of boreholes, and imposes fines and sets prison terms for any Lagos citizen that sells or transports water, among others.

Mr. Braimoh had told PREMIUM TIMES in February that the sections of the bill that criminalised sinking of boreholes in residential areas were removed from the one passed into law.

But the activists called on Mr. Ambode to end the regime of speculations on the law by making it public without further delay.

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The Nigerian Army has accused residents of Magumeri village in Borno State of conniving with Boko Haram insurgents who tried to attack the village on Wednesday night before they were repelled by soldiers

Soldiers had, Wednesday night, repelled what could have turned out a massacre when dozens of Boko Haram fighters attacked Magumeri, a village 52 kilometres from Maiduguri, the state capital.

Magumeri village had never been attacked since the Boko Haram insurgency began.

The Wednesday attack came days after Boko Haram released a video showing armed men in hoods executing three men who were labelled government informants.

The attackers mission, according to the spokesperson of the Nigeria Army, Sani Usman, was to kill everyone in the community and then the village ablaze. But soldiers deployed in the area fought off the insurgents who stormed the village at about 6 p.m.

Mr. Usman, a brigadier general, said the army gathered intelligence that some residents of the village largely helped those that attacked Magumeri.

He said troops were in pursuit of the attackers, most of whom had escaped with gunshot wounds.

He said the attack on Magumeri could not have been possible without the help of residents of the community.

He said most of the killed Boko Haram fighters were faces known to many members of the agrarian community.

While troops are still consolidating and mopping up, it is imperative to state that preliminary investigation shows that the attackers of Magumeri came from the same community, he said.

The terrorists that attack the village are well known to the people.

It should also be noted that the village was never attacked throughout the period of the insurgency for some inexplicable reasons. The terrorists and their collaborators hibernating in the area were never exposed. There seems to be unholy alliance between the terrorists and the villagers.

Consequently, we are constrained to state that its now high time for the people to take up the fight themselves and help the Nigerian military and other security agencies to protect them. It is a grievous mistake and criminal offence to continue to shield or harbour any known Boko Haram terrorist in their midst.

The terrorists must be exposed and their movements promptly reported to the security agencies. The terrorists are inhuman and barbaric, therefore cannot be trusted to spare anyone in perpetuating their inhuman acts.

It is imperative that all communities in the North East especially Borno State, should fully cooperate with the military and the Security agencies by exposing Boko Haram terrorists in their respective towns and villages.

The Nigeria military had in December 2016 announced the fall of Sambisa forest after the capture of Camp Zairo, the supposed strong hold of Boko Haram, where its leader, Abubakar Shekau, is believed to have been hiding.

Since the celebrated fall of Sambisa forest, the Nigeria troops had continued with what it called mop up operation of remnants of the terrorists whom the military authorities insist are now in disarray.

The insurgents have sustained periodic attacks on soft targets that have so far claimed many lives including those of troops. Most of the attacks were suicide bombings carried out by teenage girls.

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A former Group Managing Director of the state oil firm, NNPC, Andrew Yakubu, was on Thursday arraigned on a six-count charge of fraud at the Federal High Court, Abuja.

The former oil chief was charged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission after he admitted owning over $9.8 million cash found in a house that also belongs to him in Kaduna State.

On Thursday, he pleaded not guilty to the charge filed by the EFCC.

Justice Ahmed Mohammed then ordered he be remanded in Kuje prison pending the determination of his bail application on March 21.

Delivering the short ruling, Justice Ahmed Mohammed said Mr. Yakubu, having pleaded not guilty to the charges, was fully under the custody of the court.

Mr. Yakubus lawyer, Ahmed Raji, had urged the court to grant his client bail on very liberal conditions, saying the former NNPC chief had no criminal records and that the allegations against him were bail-able.

Mr. Raji argued that his client had made the investigation and other matters relating to the trial easy be returning to Nigeria, upon invitation, and presenting himself for questioning.

Mr. Raji also told the court that his client was sick and required permission to travel abroad for medical treatment.

The EFCC opposed the application.

Its lawyer, Ben Ikani, told the court that the commission and the Federal capital Territory had facilities to ensure the proper treatment of Mr. Yakubu.

He added that the medical condition of the defendant had been constantly reported to him on a daily basis, since the defendant was arrested by the EFCC.

Mr. Ikani opposed the application for release of Mr. Yakubus international passport.

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President Muhammadu Buhari has directed the Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, and the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, to act with dispatch in releasing the second tranche of the London-Paris Club refunds to the states in order to ease their financial hardships.

The president, who addressed the meeting of the National Economic Council made up of state governors and chaired by the Vice-President on Thursday in Abuja, however, made a strong case for settlement of unpaid salaries and pension liabilities of workers.

I will not rest until I address those issues that affect our people. One of these basic things is the issue of salaries. It is most important that workers are able to feed their families, pay rent and school fees, then other things can follow, he said, according to a statement by his spokesperson, Garba Shehu.

President Buhari, who went round the council chambers to greet the governors one after another, praised the unity of the Forum of State Governors. He thanked them for their display of love and respect to him.

The president said he was overwhelmed by his recent experience in which states, irrespective of political differences charged their citizens to pray in mosques and churches for his well-being, and apologised to governors for barring them from visits to him while he rested in London.

I didnt want government to move to London. I wanted it to remain here and I am glad it did, he said.

After narrating what he went through while on that vacation, President Buhari noted the suggestion by the governors for him to add more rest, but insisted that he would remain relentless in the pursuit of the interest of the Nigerian people at all times.

This, according to him, was the only way to show his gratitude to the people who, he said, had given so much to me. I was overwhelmed by the celebration of my return all across the country.

The chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum, Abdul-Aziz Yari of Zamfara State, assured the president, on behalf of his colleagues, that they will continue to support his policies and actions which they had adjudged as being in the nations best interest.

The governors of Imo, Akwa-Ibom, Osun and Abia States thanked President Buhari for saving the day for states through the first tranche of the London-Paris Club refunds while calling for the immediate release of the second one.

They also commended the trust the president reposed in the Vice-President, Yemi Osinbajo, whom they said did not disappoint when he acted as president.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-qTYxfzgRA&w=560&h=315]

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The Minister of Health, Isaac Adewole, has weighed in on the controversy surrounding the health implications of Fanta and Sprite drinks produced in Nigeria.

Mr. Adewole directed the National Agency for Food Drugs Administration and Control, NAFDAC, to collaborate with the Standard Organisation of Nigeria, SON in addressing Nigerians on the safety of Coca Cola products.

He also called for an urgent meeting with SON on Friday, saying the issue goes beyond the legal aspects of a court verdict.

It is about morality; Nigerians can trust us to put their safety first. God bless, he said.

The directive comes three days after a Lagos High Court ruled that NAFDAC should give the Nigeria Bottling Company, NBC, 90 days to include on all bottles of Fanta and Sprite that the content cannot be taken with Vitamin C.

The judgment was on a suit filed by a Lagos-based businessman, Emmanuel Adebo, and his company, Fijabi Adebo Holdings Limited, against NBC Plc and NAFDAC.

In his suit, Mr Adebo urged the court to declare that NBC was negligent to its consumers by bottling Fanta and Sprite with excessive levels of benzoic acid and sunset additives. He had tried to export Nigeria-produced Fanta and Sprite to the UK, where they were described as poisonous by authorities there and destroyed.

Benzoic acid is a white, crystalline powder with a faint, non-offensive odour.

Though it serves as preservative, if used excessively causes cancer and has been linked to asthma problems and increased levels of hyperactivity in children.

Benzoic acid is also used in the manufacture a wide variety of products such as perfumes, dyes, topical medications and insect repellents.

Sunset yellow is a dye that can be found in foods like orange juice, ice cream, canned fish, cheese, jellies, soft drinks and many medicines.

It can also be dangerous for human health as it causes urticaria, rhinitis, allergies, hyperactivity, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting in some individuals.

NAFDAC on Thursday said it has filed an appeal and a motion to stay execution of action on the judgement.

The NBC, bottlers of coca cola products in Nigeria, has also said it is appealing the judgement.

In its statement released on Wednesday, the NBC said there were different approved levels of benzoic acid between Nigeria and UK, but both were within the internationally accepted standard.

The UK standards limit benzoic acid in soft drinks to a maximum of 150 mg/kg. Both Fanta and Sprite have benzoic levels of 200 mg/kg which is lower than the Nigerian regulatory limit of 250 mg/kg when combined with ascorbic acid and 300 mg/kg without ascorbic acid and also lower than the 600 mg/kg international limit set by CODEX.

CODEX is the joint intergovernmental body responsible for harmonizing food standards globally.

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The Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, has proposed the signing of a bilateral educational agreement between Nigeria and Norway, which he said could east Nigerian youths access to education.

Mr. Adamu made the proposal when the Ambassador of Norway to Nigeria, Jens-Petter Kjemprud, paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja on Thursday.

He said, I think what we should focus on is to see to it that the bilateral educational agreement is signed so as to curb crisis in conflict areas.

The minister, therefore, commended the Norwegian Government for its support toward ensuring that education was brought to every part of the country, especially the conflict area of the north-east.

The government is very happy with your donation of about N3.6 billion and we have made judicious use of it.

We also know what you are doing in the Lake Chad region.

You have contributed to reduce the crisis but what I find not very easy is that we have not signed the bilateral educational agreement.

And I think that is what we should focus on, he said.

Earlier, Mr. Kjemprud said the government of Norway had helped Nigeria develop education in conflict areas.

He said that recently during the Oslo humanitarian conference for Nigeria and Lake Chad, the country committed about $2.8 million to provide education for Nigerians.

He said that an additional $9.5 million was also committed to the education of young Nigerians affected by insurgency in the North Eastern part of the country.

According to the envoy, Norway focuses on assisting Nigeria to boost education to prevent further crisis in the North-east.

We made a commitment during the conference to stay with Nigeria through the northeast crisis, and through a whole long term engagement in the education sector, he said.

He, however, said that the Norwegian Government had offered scholarships to Nigerian students to pursue post-graduate studies in Norway.

He added that about 39 students are currently studying for their master programmes in oil engineering in a Norwegian school.

He further promised the Nigerian Government that Norway would continue to sustain the implementation of the programme to enable Nigerian youth have quality education.

The News Agency of Nigeria recalls that the Norwegian Government in 2006 established an Education Trust Fund to support sub-Saharan African countries develop strategies and programmes for secondary education.

In 2014, as a result of the abducted Chibok girls, the Norwegian Government also offered grant of N270 million to Nigerian Government to promote girl education in northern Nigeria.

Also in 2014, they signed an agreement with UNICEF regarding the use of fund to support the nation`s safe school initiative.

(NAN)

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